A Visit to Qatar – A Tourist’s Checklist

chillibreeze writer — Binu Vakkachen

About Qatar

Qatar is one of the smallest Arab States in the Gulf region. Despite its small size, visitors will find Qatar a truly fascinating place with its sparkling blue waters, beautiful Corniche, sandy deserts, sophisticated shopping malls, traditional markets, natural beaches and historical museums

General Information

If you are planning a visit to Qatar, here are some general information that will be of use.

Qatar is a peninsula in the Gulf with Saudi Arabia and UAE as its neighbours. Entry into Qatar is by air through Doha International airport. The best time to visit Qatar is in December, when the weather is very pleasant. The climate is characterized by hot summers and cool winters. The local time is GMT+3 hours. Arabic is the official language. The currency in use is Qatari Riyal (QAR) and its exchange rate is fixed at 1USD = QAR 3.65.

Accomodation facilities in Qatar range from low-priced budget hotels to five star hotels. Visitors can choose according to their budget. Qatar's public transport company operates a large fleet of air-conditioned buses and taxis at reasonable fares. They can be waved down on the streets or can be booked in advance. Standard and VIP limousines are also available. There are also many car rental companies, if you choose to drive by yourself. But note that huge penalties are charged for traffic violations. Some basic rules for a new driver are: always carry your license, drive on the right hand side of the road, wear seatbelts, don't put children under 10 in the front seat and watch for speed limits

Qatar being an Islamic country, there are some codes of conduct. Visitors are supposed to dress modestly. Ladies should avoid wearing very short skirts and men should not walk around town bare-chested. Swimsuits are acceptable only on beaches. Drugs are not allowed. Drinking is permitted only on licensed premises.

Embassies, banks and government departments work from 7am to 2pm, Sunday to Thursday, and remain closed on Friday and Saturday. Most shopping malls are open throughout the week but will strictly close on Friday afternoons for mid-day prayers. Shopping in Qatar offers great value for money mainly because there is no purchase tax. There are the traditional markets (Souqs) and the modern shopping malls. Generally, Souqs offer cheaper goods at negotiable prices wheras malls provide quality goods at fixed prices. Some typical Qatari items are pearls, spices, dried dates, antiques etc.

Qatar also offers a wide range of sporting opportunities. Though most parts of Qatar is safe to explore on your own, if you are venturing out into the desert, it is better to go with experienced desert drivers. An inexperienced driver can easily get stuck in the sand. If you are an adventurous type, don't forget to make the 'Desert Safari'. This trip will give you the feel of a roller-coaster ride, propelling you up and down the sand dunes , some of which rise to around 40 meters height. Local Tour Operators offer various tour packages including desert safaris, boat cruises, city tours, overnight camps, barbecues, folk entertainments, camel rides, sand skiing etc.

Some Tourist Spots

• Corniche
This is a landscaped walkway running through the entire length of the harbor. Walking along the Corniche, you can enjoy the beauty of the sparkling blue bay waters, traditional sculptures, fountains, parks and fishing harbors .

• Aladdin's Kingdom
This is an amusement park in the West Bay area with lots of rides to suit all ages. It also includes an artificial lagoon, a theatre and a cafeteria.

• Palm Tree Island
This island is only a 10 minutes boat ride from Corniche and offers lots of entertainment opportunities. It has a seafood restaurant, swimming pool, camel rides, quad bike tracks, and cafeteria.

• Sealine Beach Resort
This is a luxurious resort offering waterfront villas, chalets and suites. It is beautifully designed with landscaped gardens, swimming pools, gymnasium, tennis courts, and restaurants.

• Doha Zoo
The Zoo shelters many animals and birds native to Qatar and also from other parts of the world. It also has a children's play area and a cafeteria.

• Oryx Farm
Oryx is Qatar's national animal. They are cream in colour and have 2 long horns and black and white markings on its face. The farm shelters these beautiful species, once threatened by extinction.

• Souqs
These are the traditional markets in Qatar. The range of goods available is enormous and the prices are competitive. There are separate sections for different commodities making shopping easier. Bargaining is a way of life here, so don't hesitate.

• Central Market
Here you can experience the hustle and bustle of market life. There is a vast variety of fish, fruits and vegetables, both local and imported.

• Al Rumailah Park
Ideally located along the Corniche, this park is a hot spot for spending the evenings. It has a big children's play area, landscaped lawns, an open air theatre, skating ramp, cafeterias and shopping facilities. There is also a cultural village adjacent to it which gives a glimpse of the old Qatari lifestyle.

• Qatar National Museum
The displays include antiques, traditional jewellery, wedding costumes etc. There is also a maritime museum and a small lagoon where traditional wooden boats are anchored.

• Weaponry Museum
Here you can see rare collections of swords, daggers, pistols, rifles, cannons etc., some of which date back to the 16th century.

• Al Khor Museum
Al Khor town was earlier known for its fishing and pearl diving centres. This museum highlights these aspects of early Al Khor life.

• Al Wakra Museum
This museum displays the traditional architectural features like using mangrove poles for the roof, gypsum for decoration, tiny windows for letting the hot air out etc.

• Ethnograhic Museum or The Wind-Tower House
The museum building is one of the last remaining examples of the old traditional architecture. Long back when there was no electricity, the buildings were constructed using this traditional 'Badjeer' (wind tower) for ventilation and cooling.

• Doha Fort
Also known as Al Koot Fort, this is one of the remaining military forts in Doha.

• Al Jassassiyah Carvings
Jassassiyah is one of the most extensive sites in Qatar for spectacular rock carvings. It is in the northeastern coast and the journey requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Tour operators can give you a guided tour.

• Khor Al Adaid Beach
This beach, also known as 'Inland Sea', is Qatar's best natural attraction. It is characterized by its sand dunes, some of which are as high as 40 meters. Only a 4-wheel drive vehicle can take you there. Also don't take this trip with just one vehicle. Make sure you go in a convoy and with experienced drivers.

Some Do's and Don'ts

Do keep in mind that visitors should conform to the local customs and be modest in their dressing.

Do ask permission from people, especially ladies and older people, before taking their photographs.

Do bargain with shopkeepers in the Souqs.

Do hire an experienced driver and a guide when you venture out into the desert.

Don't give or accept things with left hand.

Don't walk along the sealine barefoot. If you tread on a Stonefish, they inject poison.

Don't drink liquor in public. Liquor is a sensitive subject.

Don't gamble, it is forbidden.

Don't eat, drink or smoke in public during the fasting hours in the month of Ramadan. It is prohibited.

Wish you an interesting, engaging and rewarding journey with lots of beautiful memories to take back home.

Bon Voyage.

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—About our writer:

Binu says, "I am currently settled in Doha, Qatar with my husband and two kids. I did my post graduation in Economics and then took a diploma in Interior Designing. I love travel and enjoy trying out new recipes at home."

A Visit to Qatar – A Tourist’s Checklist

About Qatar

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