Qatar Flag
Why visit Qatar?
Ideal for the affluent traveler seeking to enjoy beaches, camel racing, camping, culture, diving, fishing, museums, shopping and snorkeling.
Photo Credit: elcri/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Coffee pots, essential oil, incense burners, lamps, oud, pashminas, scarf, shawls, shisha pipes, spices, weaving, and wood boxes.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Balaleet (pasta dish). Ghuzi (roasted lamb). Harees (porridge). Kousa Mahshi (stuffed zucchini). Luqaimat (dessert). Machboos (chicken dish). Madhruba (porridge). Margoog (lamb dish).
Saloona (stew). Thareed (stew). - Local Drink to Try: BE (smoothie). Coffee. Karak (tea). Karak Chai (black tea). Shaketastic (smoothie). Sun Top (juice).
Photo Credit: Bea Amaya/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- First Muslim country to 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Almost uniformly flat.
- Women have far more freedom compared to the previous regime.
- Women may now refuse a marriage proposal.
- Polygyny is permitted.
- First in any Gulf state for Women to vote.
- Only has one liquor store.
- Pregnant women must present a Marriage Certificate to receive prenatal care at medical facilities.
- Multibillion-dollar Doha Expressway and the Qatar Bahrain Causeway, is to connect Qatar to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
- Largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world.
- Highest point is Qurayn Abu al Bawl (338 ft).
- Considered one of the richest countries in the world.
- Flogging and stoning are considered a legal form of punishment.
- Men and women eat and entertain separately.
- Soccer is the most popular sport.
- Largest art market by value in the world.
- Practices a mixture of Civil and Sharia Law.
- Has no income tax.
- Annually hosts a cycling race, Tour of Qatar.
- Arab businessmen are known to hold hands, symbolic of friendship.
- Qatar Airways (QTR) is one of the largest airlines in the world.
Photo Credit: ekrem/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Doha International Book Fair, Open Tennis Tournament, (February) Halal Hal Qatar Festival, (March) Doha Cultural Festival, Garangao Children Festival, International Food Festival, Kite Festival, Marine Festival, Masters Golf Tournament, (May) IAAF Diamond League, (September) Losail International Circuit, (October) Ajyal Film Festival, Doha International Trade Fair, Doha Tribeca Film Festival, (November) Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, (December) Art Festival, and Souq Waqif Spring Festival.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, National Sports Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and National Day.
Pearl Monument, Doha, Qatar. Photo Credit: walsarabi/Pixabay
Good to Know
- USA citizens obtain a free VISA upon arrival.
- Attendees to the FIFA Men’s World Cup (November - December) require a Hayya Card as your entry VISA.
- Official language is Qatari Arabic. English is often spoken as a second language.
- Former residents are required to carry a "no objection letter" issued by their Sponsor.
- Becoming a tourist destination.
- Use of drones and photography equipment to include telescopic lenses is not permitted.
- Dress modestly; men should not wear shorts, women should have arms and knees covered.
- During Ramadan (holy month) avoid drinking and eating in public before sunset.
- Importing duty free alcohol, laser pointers, and pork products are not permitted.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and inspections do not commonly occur.
- Sweater required year rounding during the evenings.
- Tent should face the south.
- Prone to very hot and humid summers with mild winters.
- Traffic violations are easily captured by cameras. Fines are costly.
- Until a case is abandoned or resolved which could be months to years, one may not exit the country.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- It's against the Law to photograph government buildings, firemen, military, and/or police.
- Minimum driving age is 18.
- Leggings must be covered with a dress or long shirt.
- Foreign Drivers Licenses are acceptable for up to 1 week.
- Avoid political conversations.
- Be vigilant at ATM'S.
- Khor and Jebel Fuwairet offers the most popular beaches.
- Dust Season is March - August.
- Avoid religious conversations.
- Journalists require specific VISA's.
- Do not photograph locals!
- Air quality is poor.
- Unmarried persons engaging in sexual relations is illegal.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and two blank pages for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Required Vaccination from select countries.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.
Photo Credit: ilfioredellavita/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: November - March
- Coolest Months: December - March
- Hottest Months: July - September
- Peak Season: December - February & June - August
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Khor Al-Adaid Natural Reserve
Doha, Qatar. Photo Credit: LAGRANDEENTREPRISE/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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