Qatar

About
Climate
Getting there
Getting around
Accomodation
Things to do
Food
National Holidays

Qatar

Situated halfway along the West Coast of the Arabian Gulf and east of the Arabian Peninsula is the beautiful State of Qatar full of rich history, beauty and culture. Combining old world hospitality with cosmopolitan sophistication, Qatar allows you to enjoy rich cultural tapestry, new experiences and adventures. Visit Doha Corniche, which offers spectacular views of the city or take a stroll down Souq Waqif and experience an authentic taste of traditional architecture, culture and food.

language

Language

Arabic

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Current Time

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Current Weather

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Currency

Riyal

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Electricity Plugs

TBA

Visa

Australian passport holders can apply for a 30-day visa upon arrival in Qatar. The current cost is QR 55 which is approx. A$20. Recently new free Transit Visa has been introduced for travellers flying Qatar to allow passengers to experience Qatar for a short stopover (between 5 and 96 hours).

Tipping

Tipping within Qatar is similar to those done elsewhere in the Western World. Generally, a 10% service fee is included onto the bill; if not however, the same amount is considered adequate. Drivers and guides usually appreciate tips.

Climate

Qatar has a desert climate of hot summer and relatively warm winter. Rainfall in winter is minimal and on average does not exceed 75.2 mm per year. Light cotton clothing along with hats and sunglasses are recommended. Qatar is very hot in summer months between May and September where temperatures often reach 40 degree.

Getting there

By Air: Qatar Airlines have daily flights from Australia direct, while other airlines have regular flights via Bangkok, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Getting around

Visitors (men as well as women) should show respect for local culture and customs in public places by avoiding excessively revealing clothing. Bikinis and beachwear are acceptable by the hotel pool but not in public places in the city. Most visitors rely on taxis to get around town, as it is measured on a kilometre basis. Chauffeured limousine hire is ideal for seamless travel and can be hired by the hour or on a daily basis. Buses are not widely used by tourists, however there is a reasonable service throughout most of Doha and across the country.

Accomodation

Qatar has a range of accommodation styles to suit all needs. There is an increasing number of luxury hotels, but smaller boutique style hotels can also be found. Prices vary depending on the season.

Things to do

With a pleasant mix of desert and cosmopolitan, Qatar has something to offer for everyone. Take a panoramic tour around the city or go for a heart- stopping roller coaster ride over the steep dunes on a 4x4 off-road safari tour. Experience the country’s seafaring heritage by cruising aboard a traditional wooden dhow. Engage in old traditional past times watching sports such as camel racing, falconry and horse racing. For a more relaxing time in Qatar, listen to traditional music or visit the Museum of Islamic Art. Explore the immaculately restored Al Zubarah Fort, the most extensive and best-preserved examples of an 18th-19th century settlement in the region.

Food

The tradition of sharing food and drink is deeply ingrained in Qatari culture and the serving of Arabic coffee and dates to welcome visitors remains a symbolic expression of this hospitality. Qatar has a remarkable variety of dining possibilities. Options range from fine dining to relaxed fast food outlets and coffee shops. Many top restaurants are located in Qatar’s hotels. Restaurants can also be discovered in The Pearl-Qatar, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village, amongst numerous other culinary corners of the city. Over the years, many local dishes have been influenced by the cuisine of the Indian Subcontinent, Iran, the Levant and North Africa.

National Holidays

11 Feb – National Sport Day

24 May – Start of Ramadan

24 Jun – End of Ramadan 30 Jul – Arafat (Haj) Day

30 Jul-3 Aug – Eid AL Adha

20 Aug – Al Hijira (Islamic New Year)

29 Oct – The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

18 Dec – Qatar National Day

Weekends: Friday-Saturday during Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan Muslim abstain from eating and drinking during daytime. Tourists travelling during this time are generally not affected.

Featured Tours

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