18 Nov 31 Things To Know Before Traveling To Qatar
Look out Dubai, there’s a new shiny penny in the proverbial town, and it boasts just as much glam and desert deluxe. Let us introduce you to Qatar.
During a recent visit to the hand-palm-shaped country in the Persian Gulf, we explored like little puppies who’ve just been let out onto grass for the first time (you know how much we love doing that). We ventured north, south, east, and west (also saw the art piece East-West/West-East whilst there), and we have a jam- (and pic-) packed post for you, so that you’re well prepared for Qatar, whether you’re heading there for the World Cup in 2022, or sooner.
31 Things To Know Before Traveling To Qatar
1. If you’re from one of the chosen 80 nations, you may be able to visit Qatar visa-free
Qatar has made it very easy to plan a long stopover during one of your flights through Doha (because you will at some point fly through – it’s one of the biggest hubs in the world). Visa-free entry is granted from 30-90 days so check the list of countries here, and start making plans.
2. It’s a small country, so it’s very possible to see it all in three days
Ok, when we say “all” we mean it’s possible to visit the most northern, southern, western, and eastern points of the country (because it’s only 11,571 kilometres squared), but as more and more malls, camps, and other recreational constructions get built, you will need a little more time to explore in detail (but it’s still very possible to see the highlights in those three days).
3. The best view of the city skyline can be seen from the Museum of Islamic Arts
We’ll let the picture do the work here.
4. Almost everyone speaks English
Although it is an Arab country, and Arabic is the main language of the Qatari people, with the global commercial focus of the country (and the huge percentage of expats living there) you can certainly get by (almost) anywhere with English.
5. …But if you’d like to learn some Arabic, you can do so at the Al Fanar Mosque (which sits pretty right next to the Souq Waqif)
The Al Fanar Mosque also functions as a cultural center, where Arabic classes and Islamic teaching are offered. Upon arrival at the Mosque, you’ll be welcomed by a tour guide who will invite you to sit in a traditional living room to discuss the Arabic culture over a cup of Arabic coffee or tea. He’ll give a basic introduction into the Islamic religion, invite you to visit the Mosque (men and women on separate sides), and offer you a book about the Mosque as a gift (in your language of choice). If you’re curious to learn more (and to learn the Arabic language), they offer a 3-month course for 300 QR (approximately 28 USD per month) – the cheapest language classes available in Qatar.
6. Traffic during rush hour on the Corniche can get crazy
As the 7 kilometre waterfront promenade has some of the most iconic landmarks in Doha, getting from one side to the next can sometimes take half an hour (if not more, during peak hour traffic).
7. They also use a “smart traffic light system” leaving some people standing still for up to 10 minutes
We didn’t quite understand the smarts behind it. If you go, and you do, please let us know.
8. For the freshest food, head to Baladna
Baladna is a Qatari agricultural company raising livestock, producing dairy products, and growing its own fresh produce. They have a restaurant on the grounds and lunching there means getting some of the freshest food in the country. The most impressive thing? It’s essentially an oasis in the desert, covering 2.4 kilometres squared of farmland.
9. You can visit the first 5 star resort in the Middle East
The almost-pyramid-shape-like Sheraton stands proud at the end of the Corniche, and you can’t miss it. There’s even an intersection named after it.
10. 80% of the male population will, at some point in their lives, own a Falcon
Owning a Falcon is a rite of passage for Qatari men, so don’t be surprised if you hear stories of men booking seats on flights for their Falcons (because it does happen).
11. There’s a Falcon market and even a Falcon hospital
When so many people own Falcons, it’s really no surprise that there is a dedicated shopping experience (complete with actual Falcons, and all the accessories you might need for owning one), as well as a hospital dedicated to keeping your bird healthy. As a tourist, you can visit both the market and hospital inside the Souq Waqif in Doha…and stare in amazement.
12. Camel racing is so big it even has its own TV channel
One of the most popular sports in Qatar is camel racing. The camels are trained daily at the camel race track just outside of Doha, and during the big races (which happen more often than you’d think) you can tune into the Al Rayyan tv channel, dedicated only to this sport.
13. You can also buy a camel for around $4000
If you happen to find yourself wanting a camel for yourself (because, why not?!), you can visit the market next to the race track and pick out one of these robust, single-humped mammals for 14,500 QR (approximately 4000 USD), which is around the same price as an average 4×4 in Qatar.
14. Cars and fuel are extremely affordable (for obvious reasons)
Qatar ranks as one of the richest countries in the world per capita, and this is thanks to it having the world’s third largest proven natural gas reserve, and being the second-largest exporter of natural gas. It is no wonder then that road-trip juice comes cheap.
15. Expect to see art in the middle of the desert
What Qatar lacks in relics, it definitely makes up for in its love and passion for the arts, spending around 1 Billion USD on art, per year. One such commissioned piece can be found in the middle of the Qatari desert (so make sure you have that 4×4 handy) created by American sculptor, Richard Serra. It’s called East-West/West-East.
16. There is a UNESCO-protected nature reserve in the desert, a.k.a The Inland Sea
It’s called “Khor Al Adaid” and is situated around 60 kilometres from Doha. UNESCO themselves have called it “a remarkable landscape” and the fact that it is a large body of water (surrounded by nothing but desert), home to an array of rare and threatened species, it makes our list of ‘places to see when in Qatar’, too (even if it means you have to endure a VERY bumpy ride over the desert dunes to get there).
17. Waters of the Persian Gulf are warmer down south
Just incase you’re planning on hopping into the waters to tick that off the ol’ Bucket List – the waters in the north are definitely cooler, so if it’s bath-like swimming you’re after, head south.
18. Souq Waqif is actually a modern rebuild of old Arabia
Back in 2003 there was a bad fire that burned most of Qatar’s oldest and largest traditional market, but with an aim to preserve Qatar’s cultural and architectural heritage, the labyrinth Souq was rebuilt to look like the historic centre the locals have shopped and eaten at for over 150 years. It’s probably the best place in the country to experience Qatari culture and food, so make sure to pop past. And on the bright side…
19. You won’t get heckled at Souq Waqif
The locals tend to only give away samples of their foods and produce as a selling technique. Unlike other Souqs in the Middle East and Northern Africa, it almost feels like the modern shopping mall mentality has been applied here, so you can browse and shop to your heart’s content – no “no thank you’s” necessary.
20. There is a place where horses swim, run on treadmills, (and even enjoy the Jacuzzi) in a horseshoe-shaped equestrian centre
Al Shaqab is an Arabian horse breeding farm, covering nearly 1 Million metres squared, aiming to preserve and celebrate this studly breed of horse. Although you need to book an appointment to visit the grounds, there are many shows and events that take place throughput the year, so try get yourself to one of them – you won’t be disappointed.
21. Glamping is the best way to experience Qatari holiday vibes
When the holidays come knocking in the Winter time (when the weather is a pleasant 25-35 degrees Celsius) most of the locals head for the desert to camp (and glamp) in Bedouin tents and camper vans. If you’re looking for a way to holiday like the locals, this is it.
22. Most hotels have helipads
With the shiny skyscrapers along the Corniche, expect to see many celebs and VIPs pulling up on their private helicopters.
23. Although more are being built every year, at the moment there are 24 mammoth shopping malls in Doha
…with one even having a mini-Venice inside. On Fridays (the most religious day of the week) the locals combine mosque attendance with shopping sprees, spending their mornings in the Mosques and their afternoons browsing Western labels in the malls.
24. For award-winning Lebanese food, sunset sheesha, and views of the city skyline, book yourself a table at Al Mourjan on the Corniche
Once again, we’ll let the picture do the convincing (we took this pic right before we took a seat at our table at Al Mourjan – approximately 100 metres from this staircase).
25. Doha is home to the world’s best Persian restaurant
Seriously. The food, the decor, the hospitality, the glitzy glam…did we mention the food?! Don’t miss out and book yourself a table at Parisa.
26. Qatar is modern like Dubai, but definitely more conservative
Just something to take note of when planning outfits. You can wear your short shorts and T’s, but when visiting the Museums, Souqs, and Mosques, keep those shoulders and knees covered, girls and guys.
27. Expect to have your goods transported in a wheelbarrow
Yes, just incase you choose to buy more than an average amount of dates from Souq Waqif (they’re that good), you can have one of the marroon-waistcoated porters assist you in carrying your dates to your car.
If you’re visiting Qatar for the 2022 World Cup…
28. The World Cup in 2022 will, for the first time ever, be hosted in November/December, as taking the usual Northern Hemisphere Summer slot of June/July would mean (dangerous) temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (or more).
29. A lot of firsts, as the World Cup in Qatar will also be the first time the Middle East will host this celebrated event
30. Due to the size of the country, and the proximity of the various stadiums, (if you want) you could watch two games in one day
31. The final will be played at Al Khalifa Stadium, right next to the Torch hotel
CC
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may want to follow our journey on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, browse our online photography shop, or get yourself a copy of our TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD eBook.
No Comments