FAQ

Qatar is often considered an expensive destination, mainly due to its status as an oil-rich country and its rapid development in areas such as luxury real estate, high-end hotels and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Doha, the capital, is particularly renowned for its impressive skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls and 5-star hotels, which can represent a significant cost for travelers.

However, the cost of a trip to Qatar can vary widely depending on travel style, accommodation choices, dining options and activities. There are more affordable options for those looking to explore the country without breaking the bank, such as mid-range hotels, restaurants offering local cuisine at reasonable prices, and free or low-cost activities such as visiting the Waqif souk or strolling along the Corniche.

It’s also important to note that Qatar is striving to attract more tourists by diversifying its offerings, including developing more accessible options for different budgets. Major international events, such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have also led to infrastructure improvements that can benefit travellers in the long term.

In short, although Qatar can be considered an expensive destination, especially if you opt for luxury, it also offers alternatives for those wishing to explore the country on a more limited budget. The key is to plan ahead and look for the best options within your means.

Yes, summer is extremely hot in Qatar. During the summer months, from late May to September, temperatures in Qatar can rise considerably, often reaching peaks of over 40°C, and in some areas as high as 50°C. High humidity, especially along the coast, adds to the feeling of heat, making the climate particularly stifling.

The Qatari government has also adapted its infrastructure and buildings to cope with the high temperatures, including efficient air-conditioning systems in almost all enclosed spaces. Despite this, Qatar’s summer heat remains a major challenge, and visitors are advised to prepare well and stay hydrated if they choose to travel during this period.

But going to Qatar during the summer months offers a number of advantages despite the high temperatures. Here are some of the main benefits to consider:

1. Fewer tourists: Summer heat attracts fewer visitors, which means tourist attractions are less crowded. This can offer a more tranquil and personal experience, whether you’re visiting museums, cultural sites or even shopping in luxury malls.
2. Reduced rates: Hotels and airlines tend to lower their prices during the summer to attract visitors. This may represent an opportunity for those looking to enjoy Qatari luxury and hospitality at a fraction of the usual cost. Discounts can be extended to tourist activities and services such as spas and restaurants.
3. Discover culture indoors: Qatar offers a rich selection of air-conditioned museums and cultural spaces, such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the Qatar National Museum, and the Katara cultural district. Visiting these sites in summer allows you to take full advantage of the country’s cultural offerings, sheltered from the heat.
4. Nightlife and evening activities: Summer encourages nightlife. Temperatures become more bearable once the sun goes down, which livens up the nightlife. Night markets, strolls along the Doha Corniche, or al fresco dining are just some of the activities on offer.
5. Unique desert experiences: Although the days are too hot for many outdoor activities, nights in the desert can offer milder temperatures, ideal for nocturnal safaris, stargazing, or even a night in a Bedouin camp.
6. Swimming pools and water parks: Luxury hotels and water parks offer cool oases for relaxation and fun in the heat, with plenty of options for adults and children.

In short, traveling to Qatar during the summer can be advantageous for those looking for more affordable rates, fewer crowds, and who appreciate indoor cultural activities or unique nightlife experiences. However, it’s crucial to prepare for the heat by taking frequent breaks to cool down and staying hydrated.

For travel to Qatar, the use of a national identity card in place of a passport is not generally accepted for international visitors. Qatar requires all international travelers to have a valid passport to enter the country. This passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Qatar.

The time difference between your location and Qatar may vary depending on where you live and the fact that Qatar does not apply the seasonal time change (summer time/winter time). Qatar is in the same time zone as Arabia (UTC+3) all year round.

• For travelers from Western Europe (e.g. France, Germany, Spain): The time difference is generally +2 hours in winter and +1 hour in summer compared with Central European Time (CET).
• From the UK: Qatar is +3 hours in winter and +2 hours in summer compared with UK time (GMT).
• For North American travelers:
  • From the U.S. East Coast (Eastern Time, ET), the time difference is +8 hours in winter and +7 hours in summer.
  • From the US West Coast (Pacific Time, PT), the time difference is +11 hours in winter and +10 hours in summer.
• From Asia:
  • For travelers from China or Singapore, Qatar is generally -5 hours.
  • From India, the time difference is -2.5 hours.

To travel to Qatar, vaccination requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the specifics of your trip. However, there are some general recommendations to consider:

1. Routine vaccinations: It is advisable to update your routine vaccinations before traveling to any destination. This includes vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, varicella and polio.
2. Hepatitis A: The hepatitis A vaccine is often recommended for travelers to Qatar, as it can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, even in luxury hotels and restaurants.
3. Hepatitis B: The hepatitis B vaccine may be recommended for certain travellers, depending on their length of stay, activities and level of exposure to blood or other body fluids.
4. Typhoid fever: For travelers planning to visit rural areas or frequently consume food and beverages outside standardized establishments, the typhoid fever vaccine may be advisable.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional or travel vaccination center well in advance of your departure to discuss your travel plans and determine which vaccines are necessary or recommended.

In Qatar, the use of WhatsApp, as in many other countries, is very popular for text messaging, voice calls and video calls. However, it is important to note that access to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, including voice and video calls via WhatsApp, may sometimes be restricted or blocked by local internet service providers due to government regulations or licensing policies.

Although the messaging application itself is generally accessible for sending text messages, sharing images and videos, calling features may not always be available. These restrictions are not specific to WhatsApp; they also apply to other VoIP services such as Skype, Facetime and Viber.

Visitors and residents in Qatar often use VPNs (virtual private networks) to bypass these restrictions and access VoIP call services. Nevertheless, using VPNs to access blocked services can fall into a gray area in terms of legality, and it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with local laws regarding VPN use.

To stay connected in Qatar, consider using legal alternatives offered by local operators or other forms of communication for international calls, while taking advantage of WhatsApp’s other features for text messaging and media sharing.

In Qatar, the plug system and standard voltage are as follows:

• Socket type: G-type sockets are commonly used. These are the same three-pin rectangular plugs found in the UK, Singapore and other countries that have adopted this standard.
• Voltage and frequency: Standard voltage is 240 volts and frequency is 50 Hz.

If you are traveling to Qatar with electrical appliances that do not match this type of outlet or voltage, you will need :

1. A plug adapter: for connecting devices with different plug types. The adapter does not change the voltage, it simply allows the plug to physically adapt to the wall socket.
2. A voltage converter or transformer (if your appliances are not designed to operate at 240 volts) : Some modern electronic devices (such as laptops, phone chargers, and some electric toothbrushes) are designed to operate on a wide range of voltages (typically 100 to 240 volts). Check the specifications of your devices to determine whether you need a voltage converter.

It’s always a good idea to prepare these accessories before you travel, to avoid any inconvenience once you arrive at your destination.

Qatar, with its capital Doha, offers a fascinating blend of architectural modernity and traditional cultural richness. Here are some of the main sights not to be missed on a visit to Qatar:

1. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA): Located on Doha’s Corniche waterfront, this museum designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Islamic art, with pieces spanning 14 centuries of history.
2. Souq Waqif: This traditional market offers an authentic experience with stalls selling spices, textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to sample traditional Qatari cuisine and observe local life.
3. The Pearl-Qatar: A luxury artificial island offering high-end residences, marinas, private beaches and a range of designer boutiques and international restaurants.
4. Katara Cultural Village: An area dedicated to culture and entertainment, with theaters, galleries, concert halls and exhibition spaces. Katara regularly hosts festivals, performances and exhibitions.
5. Doha Corniche: A long promenade along Doha Bay offering spectacular views of the city skyline. Ideal for an evening stroll, it links the business district with the traditional Souq Waqif district.
6. Aspire Park: Doha’s largest park, located near the Aspire Zone sports complex. It’s a relaxing place for families, with lakes, well-kept gardens and children’s play areas.
7. Qatar National Museum: Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, this museum tells the story of Qatar through immersive, interactive exhibits, in a building inspired by the sand rose.
8. Banana Island: A luxury resort island accessible by ferry, offering beaches, spas, water activities and restaurants.
9. Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid): A unique inland sea in south-east Qatar, accessible only by 4×4 through the desert. This exceptional natural site is also a nature reserve.
10. Al Zubarah Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic fort and the surrounding abandoned town offer a glimpse of life in Qatar before the discovery of oil and gas.

These sites offer a glimpse of Qatar’s diversity, from cultural and historical treasures to modern marvels and luxury experiences, making the country a fascinating destination for all types of travelers.

Yes, Qatar is renowned for its excellent shopping options, from traditional souks to ultra-modern malls. Shopping in Qatar offers a varied experience that satisfies lovers of luxury and international brands as well as those looking for local handicrafts and traditional items. Here are some of the best places to shop in Qatar:

1. Souq Waqif: Located in Doha, this is one of the most authentic and lively souks in the Middle East. You’ll find a variety of products, from spices, fabrics, perfumes and traditional jewelry to works of art and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to discover the local cuisine.
2. Villaggio Mall: Inspired by Venice, with interior canals and painted skies, this mall offers a unique shopping experience. It is home to numerous international brands, luxury boutiques, leisure facilities and an ice rink.
3. The Pearl-Qatar: An artificial island that is a mecca for luxury shopping in Qatar, with a multitude of high-end boutiques, luxury car showrooms, designer furniture stores and gourmet restaurants.
4. City Centre Doha: One of Qatar’s largest shopping malls, it offers a wide range of stores, from international fashion brands to electronics, plus a leisure area and ice rink.
5. Katara Cultural Village: Although more focused on culture than shopping per se, Katara offers art galleries, craft stores and occasional markets where you can find unique items.
6. Mall of Qatar: Near Doha, this is one of the country’s largest shopping malls, offering a complete shopping experience with international brands, a cinema complex, and a wide range of dining options.
7. Doha Festival City: With over 400 stores, this is one of Doha’s newest and biggest shopping destinations, including luxury brands, mass-market stores, an Angry Birds theme park, and a VOX cinema complex.
8. Lagoona Mall: Located in the chic West Bay Lagoon district, this mall offers a more tranquil shopping experience with luxury brands and fashion boutiques, as well as restaurants overlooking the water.

Shopping in Qatar is tax-free for tourists on many luxury items, which can offer significant savings. What’s more, the country regularly hosts shopping festivals offering discounts, entertainment and prize draws, making the experience even more appealing.