Qatar
Visa: Visa-free for EU, US, UK, and many others for up to 90 days. Free Visa Check
Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used as the de facto business language.
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR). Credit cards widely accepted in hotels, malls, and restaurants. Carry cash for Souq Waqif and taxis.
Transportation:
Metro: Doha's metro is modern, clean, and cheap. Three lines cover the city. Get a standard travel card from any station machine.
Taxi: Uber and Karwa taxis are available throughout Doha. Fares are reasonable.
Bus: Karwa buses are the public option. Most visitors use Uber or the metro instead.
Airport: Hamad International Airport (DOH) is consistently rated one of the best in the world. Qatar Airways offers stopover packages starting at USD 14 per night.
What To Expect
Qatar has spent the last two decades transforming itself from a quiet Gulf peninsula into one of the most ambitious destinations in the Middle East. The skyline of Doha tells the story: the futuristic towers of West Bay, the monumental Museum of Islamic Art designed by I.M. Pei sitting on its own island, and the newly developed Msheireb Downtown where traditional Qatari architecture meets contemporary design.
Beyond the city, the desert is the real draw. The Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) is a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve where sand dunes meet the sea, accessible only by 4x4. The drive across the singing sand dunes is an experience in itself. Souq Waqif, back in Doha, is the heart of old Qatar. Winding alleyways, the smell of shisha and spices, falcon shops, and restaurants serving authentic Qatari food. Go at sunset when the heat breaks and the souq comes alive.
Qatar is expensive and conservative by Western standards. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees), avoid public displays of affection, and note that alcohol is only available in licensed hotel bars and restaurants. The country rewards travelers who come with curiosity and respect for local customs.