Qatar Travel Guide

Located in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar is a gulf country bordering the Persian Gulf. The country, which is composed of 7 separate regions including Al Rayyan, Al Khor, Al Daayen, Al Shamal, Umm Salal and Al Wakrah, with the capital Doha, has western and southern borders with Saudi Arabia. It also has land borders with Iran to the north and the United Arab Emirates to the east. Qatar, which has been ruled by the Al Thani family for over 100 years, is located in a geography where the desert climate prevails, and therefore green areas are limited. While the south of the country is covered with vast desert areas, there are short pastures in the north. In the south, small gulfs and coral reefs are striking.

Qatar is a country rich in natural gas reserves and has one of the highest per capita national incomes in the world. The capital, Doha, stands out with its modern infrastructure and advanced standard of living. Qatar is a country where many immigrants of different nationalities live together; people from countries such as the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Algeria, Palestine, Egypt and Lebanon live in Qatar.

In Qatar, where temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees in the summer months, the winter months are the most suitable time to cool off. The air temperature is quite mild during the winter and it is also possible to swim in the sea during this period. You can enjoy the sea especially between February and November. In the summer months, air conditioners, which are widely used in closed areas to avoid being affected by the high temperatures, provide great comfort. If you want to avoid the heat, you can plan your trip to Qatar during the winter months and have a seaside holiday in the middle of winter. Places to Visit in Qatar  You can find a lot of information about Qatar by reading our article.

Qatar Culture

Qatar stands out with its cultural diversity and modernization as one of the most remarkable countries of the Arabian Peninsula. This small Gulf country, where people from different nations live together, preserves its traditional Arab and Islamic culture while also being open to global influences. Traces of Ottoman architecture and Islamic culture can be seen especially in the capital city of Doha, while the rich flavors of world cuisines also show themselves in local menus.

Although Qatar has a more relaxed dress code than some other Muslim countries, respect for local culture is expected in public spaces. Women in particular are generally discouraged from wearing tank tops or short pants. Therefore, it is generally recommended that travelers to Qatar dress in traditional and respectful attire.

Qatar Economy

Qatar is a country with great underground wealth worldwide and is known for its oil and natural gas reserves. Qatar, one of the countries with the highest level of prosperity in the Middle East, has a strong economic structure thanks to these natural resources. Although the abundance of oil fields limits the development of some other sectors, traditional economic activities such as fishing and pearl hunting are still carried out.

The country also has significant economic potential with its natural gas reserves, and these resources have made Qatar one of the world leaders in the field of energy. Qatar's economic structure is largely dependent on foreign sources and many products, such as consumer goods, are imported. Thanks to these rich natural resources, Qatar has an influential economic profile worldwide.

When to Go to Qatar?

The best time to travel to Qatar is during the winter months. Since temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees in the summer, choosing cooler weather conditions will provide a more comfortable travel experience. If you are not on a business trip or have an emergency, it may be more enjoyable to visit Qatar during the winter months. Since air conditioning is widely used in the country, it is possible to stay cool in indoor areas during the summer months. However, in the winter season, the temperature does not drop too much, and the weather is milder compared to the high temperatures of summer. In addition, it is possible to swim in the sea from February to November, when the temperature becomes even more pleasant. If you want to avoid the heat, you can plan your Qatar trip during the winter months and enjoy the sea at the same time.

How to Get to Qatar?

İstanbul and you can easily reach Doha from Ankara with direct flights. Since Qatar is in the same time zone as Turkey, you can reach Doha Airport with a flight from Istanbul in approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. In addition to direct flights, the travel time may be longer with connecting flights. There are flights from Istanbul and Ankara at different times every day, so you can plan your trip according to the date you want.

Qatar Nightlife

Doha, the capital of Qatar, offers a wide range of options in terms of nightlife. The bars and nightclubs in the city host guests from all over the world. These venues, mostly located in hotels, provide their guests with entertaining moments with various types of music. World-famous artists are also among the popular visitors of these venues. Although the sale of alcoholic beverages in markets is prohibited in Qatar, alcohol can only be consumed in hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, which adds a unique atmosphere to the nightlife.

Shopping in Qatar

Doha offers a wide range of options for shoppers with its modern shopping malls and open-air concepts. In these centers, where products from world-famous brands are available, there are many alternatives for both luxury and daily needs. When shopping in Qatar, you can choose jewelry or traditional handmade products as gifts for your loved ones. Silk and cotton fabrics are quite popular and such products can be easily found in various shops in the city. In addition, toys and miniature camels, dates, jewelry or specially designed perfume bottles are among the original souvenirs you can buy from Qatar.

Qatar Festivals and Events

In addition to its desert activities, Qatar also draws attention with the events it organizes in its luxury shopping venues. Offering unforgettable experiences to its foreign guests with various festivals and fairs throughout the year, important events held at different times in Qatar can be listed as follows:

These events in Qatar are held at different times each year and offer an attractive experience for tourists. These festivals and fairs offer many different cultural and sporting options for visitors to Qatar.

Holidays and Important Days

The major holidays and special days celebrated in Qatar reflect the country's cultural makeup and traditions. Here are the major holidays and special days in Qatar:

These holidays are important cultural moments for the people of Qatar, each with its own distinct traditions and celebrations. Special occasions such as National Day and Sports Day are among the events celebrated enthusiastically by the country, while religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are times when social solidarity is reinforced.

Things To Consider

There are some important things to consider when traveling to Qatar to ensure a comfortable visit experience, both culturally and in terms of local laws. Here are some things to consider when visiting Qatar:

• Alcoholic Beverage Ban: Alcoholic beverages are not allowed into Qatar. Alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in hotels and restaurants.
• Price Comparison: Although living standards are high in Qatar, it can be useful to compare prices when shopping, as some items can be quite expensive.
• Month of RamadanDuring Ramadan, restaurants and cafes are usually closed during the day, so it's helpful to be prepared in advance.
• Prayer Time: In Qatar, shops may close according to prayer times. It is necessary to pay attention to these hours when shopping.
• Beach and Pool WearQatar has a conservative culture, so avoid overly revealing clothing at the beach or pool.
• Falconry: In Qatar, falcon feeding is a very common tradition. Some falcons can be bought at very high prices. If you come across a falcon bargain, be aware that prices can be around 50 thousand.
• House Rents: Although the modern buildings and landscaping in Qatar make the country look quite stylish, house rents can be high.
• Be Careful When Taking Photos: When taking photos in Qatar, be careful not to take photos of locals without their permission. Such behavior may be unwelcome, especially by women.
• Weekend BreakWeekends in Qatar fall on Saturdays and Sundays, so it's worth planning your local business calendar accordingly.

These key points will make your time in Qatar more comfortable and hassle-free.

Transportation

After landing at Hamad International Airport in Doha, there are several transportation options available to reach the city center. The most common methods of transportation in the city include the metro, taxis, and car rental. Women can also work as taxi drivers in Qatar, and taxis that cater specifically to women can often be more expensive than standard taxis.

In addition, car rental stands out as a very popular transportation alternative. International taxi applications are widely used in Qatar and you can travel comfortably with these applications. Apart from this, local alternative transportation companies also offer services. Public transportation is not very common in Qatar, so the demand for private vehicles is high. It is also noteworthy that luxury vehicles such as limousines are often found in the city. This variety makes transportation in Doha quite flexible and comfortable.

How to Get a Qatar Visa?

Qatar is a country that offers great convenience to Turkish citizens in visa procedures. By applying online, visa free It is possible to enter Qatar in any way. During the application process, you will be guided step by step by providing all the necessary information online. The Qatari government grants citizens of countries with which it has an agreement with the electronic travel permit (eVisa) application the right to stay without a visa for up to 90 days. After completing the first stage by registering online for the application, the final steps can be taken through the consulate for the necessary procedures.

Representative Offices in Türkiye

Embassy in Doha

Trade Counselor