Qatar is a great holiday choice for Indian tourists. Almost 25% of Qatar’s expat population comprises Indians. As a result, a wide range of Indian restaurants are available to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Though Arabic is the national language, English and Hindi are widely spoken. Doha, the capital, is connected through direct flights from all major Indian cities. Qatar’s world-class infrastructure includes man-made islands, luxurious resorts, marinas, hotels, malls and entertainment complexes. Well-preserved historical sites, traditional souks and state of the art museums add to the charm of this affluent country. Qatar’s coastlines and inland areas offer opportunities for adventure tourism and eco-travel. Qatar offers Indian tourists a chance to experience the best of what the Gulf offers all within a short flight from home. Check out our Qatar tour packages if you want a short vacation packed with luxurious experiences and exciting activities.
Qatar is a great holiday choice for Indian tourists. Almost 25% of Qatar’s expat population comprises Indians. As a result, a wide range of Indian restaurants are available to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Though Arabic is the national language, English and Hindi are widely spoken. Doha, the capital, is connected through direct flights from all major Indian cities. Qatar’s world-class infrastructure includes man-made islands, luxurious resorts, marinas, hotels, malls and entertainment complexes. Well-preserved historical sites, traditional souks and state of the art museums add to the charm of this affluent country. Qatar’s coastlines and inland areas offer opportunities for adventure tourism and eco-travel. Qatar offers Indian tourists a chance to experience the best of what the Gulf offers all within a short flight from home. Check out our Qatar tour packages if you want a short vacation packed with luxurious experiences and exciting activities.
Qatar is a small peninsula located in the Middle East, extending out into the Persian Gulf. It covers an area of around 11,500 square km. The country shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia and shares maritime (in the Persian Gulf) borders with UAE and Iran to the east. Qatar is divided into 8 municipalities- Al Shamal, Al Khor, Al-Shahaniya, Umm Salal, Al Daayen, Doha, Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah. Doha, the capital and largest city, is located on the northeastern coast of the peninsula. It is the political, economic and cultural centre of Qatar.
It is home to most of the country’s population, government institutions and businesses. Other parts of the country are home to major industrial and energy production facilities and some agricultural areas. With no rivers and very little rainfall, this desert country meets its freshwater needs by converting seawater into drinking water through desalination plants.
Qatar has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Arab, Islamic, and Persian traditions. Qatar is a monarchy ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century. The Emir of Qatar is the supreme ruler and exercises full executive authority. The current Emir is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who assumed power in 2013. The position of Emir is passed down within the Al Thani royal family, with the Crown Prince being the heir apparent. The current Crown Prince is Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the eldest son of Emir Tamim.
Qatar has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world, primarily driven by its vast natural gas and oil reserves. Qatar is a global leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production but also invests in sustainable energy sources. The country has set a goal to generate 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Qatar is making considerable investments in infrastructure, diversifying its economy and developing finance, tourism and technology industries. To plan your vacation in this beautiful country, check out our Qatar tour packages.
The Qatar-India relationship has deepened recently, driven by mutual economic interests, political cooperation, and people to people ties. India is one of Qatar’s largest trading partners, with significant investments and trade in energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors. Qatar is a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India, one of the largest consumers of Qatari LNG. There are also growing Indian investments in Qatar and vice-versa, particularly in the real estate and hospitality sectors.
| Qatar Tour Packages | Duration | Highlights |
| Explore A Glimpse of Qatar | 3 Nights 4 Days | Doha City Tour, Dhow cruise, Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, Desert Safari |
| Exploring Doha | 3 Nights 4 Days | Doha Corniche, Pearl Qatar, Katara Cultural Village |
| Category | Details |
| Country | The State of Qatar |
| Capital | Doha |
| Language(s) | Arabic (official), English, Hindi, Tagalog |
| Currency | Qatari Riyal |
| Calling Code | +974 |
| Driving Side | Right |
| Flight Time | An average of 4 hours from the major cities in India |
| IATA City Code | DIA (Doha International Airport) |
| Qatar Airways Airline Code | QR |
| High Season | November to April |
| Iconic Attractions | Doha Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, National Library |
| Visa | 30-day Visa on Arrival/Visa Waiver |
| National Animal | Arabian oryx |
| National Flower | Qataf |
| National Food | Machboos |
Qatar’s diverse attractions and activities ensure something to captivate every visitor.
Qatar is renowned for its lavish and opulent accommodations and has some of the most prestigious hotels in the world. You can indulge in unparalleled luxury at properties like the Ritz-Carlton Doha, which commands a prime waterfront location and offers spacious suites with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. For the ultimate personalized service, the St. Regis Doha assigns you a private butler to ensure your every need is met with the utmost care and attention. Most hotels adhere to high customer service standards, ensuring a memorable stay.
Doha offers an array of enticing options for things to do and how you do them. You can go on a private desert safari in a chauffeured Rolls-Royce, complete with a gourmet picnic under the stars, cruise over Doha in a helicopter or ride the waves to view the sunset in a traditional dhow, hire a yacht to go island hopping with family and friends or indulge in one of the many luxurious spas.
Doha’s skyline has evolved from a small coastal town to a global metropolis, showcasing a stunning blend of traditional Arabic architecture and cutting-edge modern design. Towering skyscrapers with sleek, geometric facades stand alongside ornate, domed structures that evoke the region’s long history.
For example, the iconic Museum of Islamic Art perfectly represents this architectural fusion. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum’s exterior features clean, angular lines and expansive glass surfaces. Yet, it also incorporates traditional Islamic design elements, like pointed arches and intricate patterns, paying homage to the country’s cultural roots.
Similarly, the Katara Cultural Village blends old and new. This sprawling complex features buildings with classic Arabic architectural features, such as courtyards and ornamental details. These structures house modern amenities like art galleries, performance venues and upscale restaurants.
Qatar’s new buildings, such as the Burj Doha, the Qatar National Convention Centre, Education City, Pearl Island, Lusail Stadium, etc., also showcase the country’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The Oxygen Park, for instance, is a vast green space that incorporates renewable energy sources, like solar panels and wind turbines. As Doha continues to evolve and grow, its skyline will undoubtedly become even more captivating.
Doha, the capital of Qatar, has emerged as a premier shopping destination. Its sprawling malls and traditional souks offer a wide range of products without VAT or sales tax. It caters to both high-end and regular shoppers. For example, the iconic Villaggio Mall features luxurious brands such as Chanel, Dior and Hermès. These stores offer an exclusive, personalized shopping experience. The massive Mall of Qatar has innumerable shops where you can shop for the latest electronics, home goods, clothing, shoes, make-up, perfumes, jewellery, bags, and toys all in one place. If you want to experience shopping like in the olden days, visiting Souq Waqif is a must. Its narrow alleys are filled with stores that sell traditional handicrafts, clothes, spices and food. The country hosts an annual shopping festival. During this time, the city’s malls, souks and marketplaces offer incredible deals, raffles, discounts and promotions. This is the best time to go shopping and find amazing deals.
Qatar’s diverse landscape is a true marvel to behold. From the shimmering desert dunes to the pristine beaches and turquoise waters, there is a lot for nature lovers to explore. The interiors of Qatar are covered with golden dunes shaped by the winds blowing across the country. Within this landscape, you will experience a sense of solitude and peace.
Tucked away in the heart of Qatar’s rugged desert landscape, the Dahl Al Misfir is an expansive cave system with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites that hang from the ceilings and rise from the cave floors. It is a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports a range of unique plant and animal life. The cave system is home to a variety of bat species and a host of other small mammals, insects and even rare plant species that have adapted to the dark, humid environment.
Oases of lush greenery and serene waterholes provide a refreshing contrast amidst the desert. The Al Thakira Mangroves, for instance, are a unique natural wonder where you can explore a thriving ecosystem and observe a diverse array of birdlife, including graceful flamingos.
Another must-visit destination is Khor Al Adaid or the “Inland Sea.” This natural wonder is a UNESCO recognized site where the desert meets the sea, creating a stunning landscape of towering dunes that stretch right up to the coastline.
The country’s coastline, which stretches for over 500 kilometres, has some of the most unspoiled beaches in the region. The crystal-clear waters of the Persian Gulf lap against white sand shores, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Popular beach destinations include Corniche Beach, Katara Beach, Sealine Beach, Al Wakrah Beach and Simaisma Beach, among others.
Qatar offers many adrenaline rising experiences for tourists seeking an extra dose of excitement. Whether you’re craving an off-road excursion, a high-altitude challenge, or an aquatic adventure, Qatar has something for you.
One of the quintessential must-do experiences for adventure seekers is dune bashing. This exhilarating activity involves tearing through the rolling dunes in specially modified four wheel drive vehicles and navigating steep inclines and sharp turns with the skilled guidance of experienced drivers.
The country’s hot air balloon experiences offer a truly unforgettable adventure. Guests can float gently above the undulating dunes, marvelling at the serene beauty of the landscape and catching glimpses of wildlife as the sun rises or sets over the horizon.
Qatar’s coastal regions also offer thrilling water-based activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and parasailing. For a more adrenaline-fueled aquatic experience, Qatar’s scuba diving and snorkelling sites are teeming with diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
Qatar also has amusement parks such as Gondolania Theme Park, Doha Quest, Angry Birds Park, Doha Oasis, Snow Dunes Park and Meryal Waterpark. These places offer a range of exhilarating roller coasters, rides and virtual reality experiences.
Qatar has invested heavily in developing world-class sporting infrastructure, including building several new stadiums and facilities, such as Lusail Iconic Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium and Al Thumama Stadium for the 2022 World Cup. These venues will continue to host top international competitions, such as the 2024 FINA World Swimming Championships, the 2025 World Badminton Championships, the 2026 AIBA World Boxing Championships, and the 2030 Asian Games.
Qatar has become a new destination for Formula 1 racing in recent years. The Losail International Circuit hosted the 2021 and 2022 Qatar Grand Prix, and Qatar has signed a 10 year deal to host the Qatar Grand Prix starting in 2023.
To plan your vacation in Qatar, check our Qatar tour packages.
Qatar enjoys clear skies and sunshine all year round. The climate is hot and dry, with low annual rainfall. The weather in Qatar can be broadly grouped into two categories:
Summers are characterized by intense heat and low humidity, with temperatures often reaching over 40°C. During this time, the sun shines relentlessly, and the arid desert landscape can be overwhelming for the unprepared. However, the summer season also presents an opportunity to indulge in various indoor activities, such as:
As the summer heat wears off, average temperatures range from a high of 35°C in November, February, March and April to a low of 12°C in December and January. This is the best time to visit Qatar as you can enjoy the best of both indoor and outdoor activities, such as:
One of Qatar’s most significant celebrations is National Day, held annually on December 18th. This patriotic event commemorates the country’s unification and independence. Festivities include parades, cultural performances, fireworks displays and community gatherings that showcase Qatar’s national pride and identity.
Another highlight of the cool season is the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, a prestigious event that attracts luxury brands and discerning buyers from around the world. Held in January or February, this exhibition offers a glimpse of Qatari culture’s extravagant side and a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship of high-end jewellery and timepieces.
Foodies will delight in the Qatar International Food Festival, typically held in February or March. This celebration of culinary excellence features an array of local and international cuisines, cooking demonstrations and cultural performances, providing a tantalizing taste of Qatar’s diverse gastronomic landscape.
For car enthusiasts, the Qatar Motor Show is a must-attend event during the cool season, usually in January or February. This showcase of the latest automotive innovations and technologies allows you to explore the latest models, attend live demonstrations and immerse yourselves in the world of luxury and performance vehicles.
Qatar offers a unique and enriching travel experience for visitors of all kinds. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway, a romantic escape or an exhilarating solo adventure, this desert oasis has something to captivate every type of traveller.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top tourist attractions in Qatar:
To plan your vacation, check our Qatar tour packages.
Qatar has become a premier shopping destination, offering visitors a diverse array of products and experiences. From traditional souks to modern malls, the country provides ample opportunities for window shopping and serious retail therapy.
Qatari Cuisine and Delicacies: Explore the local food scene and bring home traditional Qatari sweets such as Baklava and Khanfaroush and savouries such as roasted nuts, halloumi cheese and chocolates.
From traditional Qatari dishes rooted in the region’s Bedouin heritage to an impressive array of international cuisines, the country’s food scene truly reflects its multicultural identity.
Traditional Qatari dishes, such as Machboos, a fragrant rice dish made with slow-cooked meat, vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices, are deeply connected to the country’s nomadic past. Warak Enab is a sour snack made with vine leaves stuffed with minced beef or lamb and rice. Rogag is another popular snack inspired by the Indian dosa. It can be stuffed with cheese, meat or vegetables.
Shakshouka is a popular breakfast dish with poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Balaleet is another breakfast staple and is made of vermicelli flavoured with sugar, saffron, and rose water and is served with an omelette.
Qatari cuisine also features an array of grilled meats, hearty stews, salads and delectable sweets. The traditional Madrooba is a creamy rice pudding infused with saffron and cardamom. Luqaimat resembles a gulab jamun but is a lighter dumpling served hot with dates, syrup or honey. Umm Ali is a bread pudding made with milk and nuts.
Qatari cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, but vegetarians can binge on salads such as Tabbouleh and Fattoush, dips such as Hummus and Moutabal, and freshly baked bread called Khubz.
The capital city of Doha, in particular, has become a hub for high-end dining, featuring renowned chefs and award-winning restaurants that offer a taste of the world.
One such establishment is the acclaimed IDAM by Alain Ducasse, located within the iconic Museum of Islamic Art. This French fine-dining restaurant showcases the intersection of Qatari heritage and French culinary excellence, offering a gastronomic journey that celebrates the country’s cultural diversity.
Another popular destination is Nobu, the renowned Japanese restaurant helmed by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, Nobu Doha offers a unique fusion of traditional Japanese flavours and locally sourced Qatari ingredients, creating a truly remarkable dining experience.
For those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean, restaurants like Morimoto and Eauzone, both located within the luxurious Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel, provide a delectable selection of Italian, Greek and Spanish inspired dishes, showcasing the diversity of Qatar’s culinary landscape.
Qatar also has a vibrant array of local and international casual eateries, street food vendors, and global fast-food chains catering to the diverse tastes of residents and visitors alike. Must-try savouries include the humble shawarma with chicken or beef, falafels (dal vadas) and crepes.
It’s a good idea to use a food delivery app such as Talabat to review restaurants and their food options.
Beneath the gleaming skyscrapers and state of the art infrastructure lies a tapestry of traditions, art forms and creative expressions that have been woven into the fabric of Qatari society for generations.
The country’s deep-rooted connection to Bedouin roots lies at the heart of this cultural mosaic. The nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin people has inspired a diverse array of traditional crafts and artistry, from intricate textile weaving to the creation of distinctive pottery and metalwork. One shining example is the art of Sadu weaving, which involves the creation of beautifully patterned textiles using handlooms and techniques passed down through the centuries. These vibrant, handwoven fabrics serve functional purposes and hold immense cultural significance, often used to adorn tents and other aspects of Bedouin life.
Qatar’s artistic heritage also extends to the realm of visual arts, with a rich calligraphy and Islamic geometric design tradition. The country’s mosques and public spaces are adorned with exquisite examples of these art forms, showcasing the mastery of Qatari artists in seamlessly blending the spiritual and the aesthetic.
Music and dance are cherished in Qatari culture. The traditional Ardha dance is a captivating performance featuring swords, rhythmic chanting, and synchronized movements. Qatari musical tradition is characterized by the haunting melodies of the oud, a lute like instrument.
Qatar has also emerged as a hub for contemporary art, seamlessly blending its cultural legacy with innovative, cutting-edge installations and exhibitions. One of the most iconic examples is the “7” sculpture by the acclaimed artist Richard Serra, located in the heart of Doha’s Torqued Ellipse. This towering, 24 meter tall steel sculpture is a striking visual landmark and invites visitors to engage with the work through a series of winding labyrinthine paths.
The country’s art scene extends beyond the confines of traditional exhibition spaces, with public art installations and murals adorning the streets and public spaces of Doha. For instance, the bustling Msheireb Downtown district features a series of vibrant, site specific murals that celebrate the area’s rich history and cultural identity.
To plan your vacation, check our Qatar tour packages.
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