Steeped in tradition but firmly focussed on the future, Qatar defies all the stereotypes associated with the Middle East.
It is the perfect amalgamation of tradition and modernity. While the country has a firm eye on the future and is fully poised to take its position as a regional superpower, its people are rooted in age-old traditions.
Qatar is a place where you will find world-class museums vying for attention with dazzling malls, the beauty of nature complementing the towering skyscrapers, and traditional desert sports coexisting with state-of-the-art international sporting venues.
As this breathtakingly beautiful West Asian nation prepares for this year’s World Cup, here’s a look at everything you need to know if you are planning to visit.
The Essentials
Surrounded by the azure waters of the Persian Gulf on three sides, Qatar shares its sole land border with Saudi Arabia. The country’s population of 2.5 million people may seem minuscule compared to many of its neighbours, but Qatar is nonetheless a vibrant melting pot of cultures as more than 85 nationalities inhabit this country.
The capital Doha is a political and economic powerhouse with most of the country’s population choosing to live within its metropolitan area. While Arabic is the primary language, English too is widely spoken. Qatari Riyal is the official currency, and one Riyal exchanges for 20 Indian Rupees.
For those planning a trip from India, Qatar Airways is a good option. This national carrier of Qatar is known not only for its world-class service but also for the strictest Covid-safety protocols, thereby earning the airline laurels from international bodies.
It has won a 5-star Covid-safety rating from Skytrax and the Airline of the Year Award (2021) from Airlineratings.com. Qatar Airways operates flights to 11 Indian cities and more than 150 international destinations from its hub in Doha. Apart from Qatar Airways, other airlines like Indigo, Vistara, and Air India also operate regular flights from various Indian cities. Hamad International Airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre.
Qatar Means Business
For global businesses, the country provides unique opportunities. From easy accessibility to wide-ranging hospitality options, from state-of-the-art venues to thriving sectors of economic growth, Qatar is your one-stop destination for hosting your MICE events. Being strategically located between the East and the West, Qatar is only 6-7 hours away from most European destinations and only 3-4 hours away from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Visa-free travel is yet another feature that places the country high on the list of business travellers. Valid passport holders from more than 80 countries and territories can enter Qatar.
The country’s conference and exhibition venues offer PCOs (professional conference organisers) and event organisers state-of-the-art facilities and great flexibility to tailor the venue of their choice to their needs and save on set-up costs.
Some of the most important business venues are the 4,000-seater Qatar National Convention Centre, and the 29,000-square-metre, pillar-free Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre. In addition, Qatar also boasts 13 hotel ballrooms, each with 1,000 square metres of space. Affordable accommodation options, a growing hospitality sector, and the presence of community centres and cultural sites make Qatar an attractive place to host your business summits and MICE events.
The country hosts more than 150 local, regional and international events – all of which stand as a testimony to the business-friendliness of the country. The Qatar Tourism team is fully prepared to assist you in your MICE-related needs. From providing relevant guidance and support to connecting event organizers with private and government entities, Team Qatar leaves no stone unturned to make your business event successful and help your brand leave a lasting legacy.
Something for Everybody
From adventure sports to beach holidays, from city breaks to romantic getaways, there’s something for everybody in Qatar.
Beach Holidays: Soak up the sun, sand, and sea at some of the most popular beaches in the country. Enjoy camel-riding and safari tours with family at Sealine Beach in Mesaieed, or take a day off to admire the UNESCO-recognized Inland Sea. Watch the Hawksbill Sea turtles at Fuwairit Beach or enjoy water sports at Katara Beach. Other equally alluring destinations are Umm Bab Beach and Simaisma Beach.
Adventure and Sports: Thrill-seekers, adrenaline-chasers, and sport-lovers will adore Qatar for all the adventures it has to offer. Water sports like kitesurfing have become incredibly popular in recent times. Fuwairit beach, which boasts powdery-white sand and open waters is ideal for this sport.
The gentle dunes of the country present a playground for all those who dig endless stretches of sand. The annual winter camping season or Al Enna is the perfect way for locals to return to nature. Other popular sporting activities include enjoying the landscape from high up in the sky in special helicopter tours or hot air balloons.
City Breaks: With most of the local population living in Doha, a city break in Qatar provides you with an opportunity to soak up the local culture. From shopping at swanky malls to getting lost in the labyrinthine souks, from visiting world-class museums filled with priceless relics of the past to dining at award-winning restaurants, Doha offers an unforgettable experience for all travellers.
Shop for traditional handicraft items at Souq Waqif or get a taste of the traditional Qatari life at the Katara Cultural Village. Don’t forget to check out the gargantuan Mall of Qatar (the largest retail and entertainment destination) and admire the exquisite Islamic art at IDAM.
Romantic Getaway: Honeymooners and couples seeking an intimate experience rejoice as Qatar offers many hidden gems you can enjoy with your special someone. From navigating the dunes to star-gazing in the desert, from watching the sunset together to enjoying fine dining at a Michelin-star restaurant, Qatar has no dearth of intimate experiences.
Enjoy the lush green landscaped hills at the Katara Cultural Village or take that special someone to the 47th floor of the city’s landmark hotel, The Torch Doha. Spend the day at the luxurious Banana Island Resort, where you’ll be greeted by blue waters and benchmark-setting Arabian hospitality. Finally, spend a romantic evening in Arabian-style tents at the Sealine Regency Beach Camp, gazing at the stars and enjoying the turquoise waters of Sealine Regency Beach Camp.
World-class cuisines
The food scene in Qatar is reflective of its multi-cultural heritage. Qatari cuisine has evolved over the years, drawing inspirations from Persian, South Asian, Lebanese, and North African cuisines. From the bustling street-food stalls of Doha to fine-dining restaurants and upscale cafes, the gastronomic choices for the hungry souls are endless.
Sample world-class cuisines from master chefs like Alain Ducasse and Nobuyuki at restaurants like IDAM and Nobu, or indulge in delicious street delights like Shawarma, Falafel, Ragag (crepes), and Samboosa (Samosa) at the street food vendor. Those who want budget-friendly options can try out popular local establishments like Kailash Parbat (north Indian street food), Al Bisana (middle eastern cuisine), and Turkey Central (barbeque).
Accommodation
From over-the-top luxury to intimate homestays, from boutique establishments to large hotels, from seaside resorts to city retreats, Qatar can accommodate all your needs. For spending your Arabian nights amid a luxury oasis, Al Melissa Resort & Spa is perhaps the best option.
Mandarin Oriental, Doha, is swanky, stylish, and located at the heart of the Barahat Msheireb neighbourhood. Banana Island Resort offers Qatar’s only overwater villas, while Ritz-Carlton Spa reimagines age-old Qatari hospitality with a modern-day twist.
How to get a Visa
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival, valid for 90 days. There are no charges for Indian travellers. The only requirements are the following:
Indian travellers must possess a valid passport with more than six months to expiry.
They also must have a valid return ticket or an onward journey ticket.
Best Time to Visit
Hot summers and mild winters are the norms in Qatar. However, despite the scorching heat between May and October, many of Qatar’s tourist attractions are air-conditioned or fitted with proprietary cooling technology. Visitors can discover Doha through a variety of means. There’s a robust public transport system, while customised tours by helicopters and dhow boats are also available.
Despite the successive waves of the Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar is now fully ready to welcome tourists with open arms.
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