Doha, Qatar
Booming Doha
Doha is the proud capital of the oil and gas-rich emirate of Qatar, a 100-mile peninsula linking Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Its strategic location is not lost on its inhabitants who now enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Arab world – with a fast-developing tourist and cultural economy to match.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Arabic | |
| Currency: | Riyal | |
| Time zone: | GMT +3 hours | |
| Flight Time: | 7 hours 30 | |
| Holiday type: | Beach | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 32.7°C Rainfall: 81.2mm a year |
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Must see:
The newly opened (and fabulously appointed) Museum of Islamic Arts, just off the Corniche, is a glorious temple to some of the greatest art from the region. It even has its own moat.
Must eat at:
For a taste of traditional Qatari fayre with a modern twist, make tracks for Balhambar on the Corniche for seafood specialities... and a view.
Must be there for:
The end of Ramadan bursts into life with the marking of Eid – and the locals know just what to do... with sheep and goats fattened in advance for the traditional breaking of the Ramadan fast.
Well-travelled tips:
If you’re not vegetarian, take a trip to the legendary Animal and Bird Market, a traditional bazaar, for a view of how animals used to be traded.
Look up and you won’t miss the Dubai Towers, a strange name for Doha’s tallest building which will reach a dizzying 437 metres on completion around 2010.
Visa:
British citizens can visit Doha for a period of up to two weeks using a Visitors’ Visa which will be issued on arrival. Conditions apply, more information
