Discovering Qatar: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This comprehensive Qatar travel guide is designed to help visitors discover all Qatar has to offer, from its sparkling coastline and towering dunes to its world-class museums and vibrant and expensive cities top of the world.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive travel guide is your ultimate resource for discovering all the wonders of Qatar.

Qatar travel guidelines for the first-time visitors

Qatari Arts & Culture: Essential part of having an enjoyable trip

Qatar is a vibrant and culturally rich country situated on the Arabian Peninsula. The capital city of Doha is home to more than half of the nation's residents. As a first-time visitor, you are in for an incredible experience exploring Qatar's unique culture and arts scene. This guide aims to provide insights into the rich heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions that make Qatar a fascinating destination. Prepare to be captivated by the blend of old and new as Qatar seamlessly combines its ancient past with its aspirations for the future.

Culture of Hospitality

Qatari culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality and welcoming guests. Visitors to Qatar can expect to be offered food and drink when visiting someone's home, and it's considered impolite to refuse. Qatari hosts often go to great lengths to make their guests feel comfortable and welcome, and visitors should be prepared to reciprocate this hospitality if invited to someone's home.

Religious culture

Islam is the dominant religion in Qatar and plays an essential role in daily life. Visitors to Qatar should be aware of the importance of Islamic customs and practices, such as prayer times and dress codes. It's also important to respect religious traditions and customs when visiting mosques and other religious sites.

The Bedouin people are nomadic herders who have lived in the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. Bedouin culture has significantly influenced Qatari culture, particularly in hospitality, poetry, and storytelling. Visitors to Qatar can learn more about Bedouin culture by visiting cultural sites like the Sheikh Faisal Museum and the Al Zubarah Fort.

Islam - the official religion of Qatar

Traditional Clothing

Qatari traditional clothing is known for its elegance and simplicity. Men typically wear the thobe, an ankle-length robe made of lightweight cotton or wool, while women wear the abaya, a long, loose black robe. Women are expected to dress modestly in public, covering their shoulders, arms, and legs. Men are expected to dress conservatively as well, wearing long pants and shirts with sleeves. 

Language 

Arabic is the official language of Qatar, but English is widely spoken in many areas, especially in tourist areas. Visitors can learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as greetings and common expressions, to make their trip more enjoyable.

Cultural Etiquette

Ramadan: If your visit coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, be mindful of the customs and traditions associated with fasting. Refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daytime hours is polite out of respect for those observing the fast.

Visitors to Qatar should also be aware of other customs and etiquette, such as the importance of removing shoes before entering someone's home and the use of the right hand for eating and greeting. Visitors should also respect local customs and traditions, particularly when it comes to dress and behavior in public.

What to do when you arrive in Qatar? Find out our travel guides here

Having a great dinner at the world’s most expensive fine-dining restaurant in Qatar

Qatar's dining culture has gone a long way from its modest origins. In a country that takes great pride in its cuisine and the hospitality that goes along with it, you can now discover world-class restaurants, fusion cuisine, and innovative concepts that will blow your mind.

Let's look at some of Qatar's most opulent eateries following our travel guidelines Qatar, which have blended in with the city's palm palms and massive structures:

The Nobu Doha brand is linked with extravagance, luxury, and lifestyle, and it should come as no surprise that Doha is home to the largest Nobu in the world. The enormous oyster-shaped restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel Doha honors Qatar's history of pearl diving. It is situated on a private beach. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, a well-known celebrity restaurateur, is the creator.

This 26,000-square-foot restaurant in Doha has a visually attractive design with its warm caramel, brown interior, and wood accents. Its rooftop bar and lounge offer a fantastic view of the city and the Gulf. 

You may access Nobu Doha through the Four Seasons and will be taken there in a golf cart, but you must make a reservation.

The Nobu Doha restaurant in Qatar - is one of the most luxurious restaurants in the world

Opal by Gordon Ramsay is a high-end restaurant in Qatar that offers a luxurious dining experience. The restaurant features an elegant and modern design, with a spacious dining area and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Opal by Gordon Ramsay is a must-visit restaurant in Qatar for those who want to experience the best of fine dining in Qatar. The restaurant's commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service make it a standout destination for foodies and luxury travelers alike.

Explore more: Qatar traditional food - A voyage through the authentic flavors

What activities should you participate in when coming to Qatar? Follow our Qatar travel guide

Explore the Souq Waqif market in Doha

Souq Waqif is a traditional market located in the heart of Doha, Qatar. The market has been restored to its former glory, with mud-rendered shops, exposed timber beams, and narrow alleyways that give visitors a glimpse into Qatar's past. 

Shopping: Souq Waqif is a shopper's paradise, with various shops selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. You can find traditional Qatari products such as oud perfumes, prayer beads, and hand-woven carpets. Bargaining is expected, so feel free to haggle with the shopkeepers.

The Souq Waqif market - a local traditional market in Qatar

Cultural Experience: Souq Waqif is a great place to experience Qatari culture and history. You can visit the Falcon Souq, where you can see and learn about the majestic birds of prey that have been an essential part of Qatari culture for centuries. You can also visit the Souq Waqif Art Center, which showcases the work of local artists and hosts workshops and exhibitions.

Entertainment: Souq Waqif is a lively place, with street performers, musicians, and artists adding to the atmosphere. You can also watch a traditional Qatari show, such as the Ardah dance, which features men in traditional dress performing a synchronized sword dance.

Visiting the Pearl-Qatar: The symbol of the country 

The Pearl-Qatar is an artificial island off the coast of Doha, Qatar. The island is a luxurious destination with high-end residences, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists, offering a unique and upscale experience.

Shopping: The Pearl-Qatar has several shopping centers, including Porto Arabia, Medina Centrale, and Qanat Quartier. These shopping centers offer a variety of high-end stores, such as local designer boutiques, luxury brands stores, and specialty shops. You can also find various restaurants and cafes offering everything from fine dining to casual street food.

Luxury Residences: The Pearl-Qatar is home to some of the most luxurious residential buildings in the region. The buildings offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and are designed to provide residents with a premium lifestyle. The architecture is a blend of modern and traditional styles, with a focus on quality and attention to detail.

Entertainment: The Pearl-Qatar offers a range of entertainment options, including cinemas, bowling alleys, and arcades. You can also enjoy water sports in Qatar, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, or take a boat tour around the island.

The Pearl-Qatar - the artificial island biggest in the world

Get a tourist Qatar e-visa to enjoy this moment now 

With all the beauty of nature, people as well as the lavish lifestyle of Qatar. We can somewhat imagine that Qatar is definitely an interesting destination for tourists around the world.

Now, begin making travel arrangements to Qatar so that you may acquaint yourself with its unique tapestry of customs, traditions, and history. You're guaranteed to make lifelong experiences that are unforgettable since there is so much to explore and learn.

It's crucial to keep in mind that a visa is necessary to enter if you want to enjoy the distinctiveness of Qatar's culture and hospitality. Fortunately, the Qatar Immigration Services has made it simpler than ever to apply for a Qatar e-visa. We urge you to go to our website to find out more about applying for an e-visa for Qatar and to make use of our quick and simple online services.