Qatar
Arabian Riviera
Qatar (officially the State of Qatar) is located on a small peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian peninsula, surrounded by the Persian Gulf, sharing a border with Saudi Arabia to the south. The capital is the city of Doha, a rich, bustling city with dense skyscrapers, many shopping malls, and majestic historical museums.
With diverse natural landscapes from the sea to the desert, the most modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and mysterious Arabian culture, Qatar have everything that any tourist would want to experience.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Qatar is from mid-November to mid-March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for all kinds of activities.
Climate:
Qatar has a desert climate where the country experiences long summers from May to September with temperatures rising above 45°C. Winter temperatures are mild but can fall below 5°C.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Language:
The official language is Arabic, but English, Persian and Urdu are also spoken here.
Currency:
The Qatari riyal (QAR) is the currency of Qatar.
Banks & ATMs:
The leading banks in Qatar are:
Commercial Bank of Qatar, Qatar National Bank, Al Rayan and Qatar Islamic Bank (to name a few).
Plugs and Sockets:
The associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Qatar operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Consider carrying a universal adapter.
Local Culture:
The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture. Like most Arab nations, the culture of Qatar is closely related to Islamic principles and tenets.
During the summer, Muslims observe Ramadan, where fasting is calculated according to the local calendar and appointed in its time every year. Please make sure to respect their culture and dress conservatively.
Safety:
Qatar is a very safe country to visit as its crime rates are low and violent crimes are extremely rare, especially towards foreigners.
Be vigilant, as tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public places are usually where pickpocketing can occur.
Qatar Airways is the national airline, but many International airlines also fly here.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Royal Jordanian, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, and Qatar Airways (just to name a few).
Check Skyscanner for great airfares.
