The Middle Eastern country of Qatar may not be a top tourist destination, but it has some interesting places to visit if you happen to be here on a transit stop or short visit. One of these highlights is the Museum of Islamic Art, which has some incredible swords, jewelry, and other artifacts from past centuries.
Climate
The climate of Qatar is arid, so it’s hot and dry year round. The coolest months are from December to February, and this is probably the best time to visit. It can get extremely hot here in the summer. Temperatures average 110 F (43 C) in June-August, and don’t count on having any trees for shade!
Safety
Qatar is a very safe place to travel. It’s probably the safest country in the Middle East, with a very low violent crime rate of only 0.4 per 100k inhabitants (94% lower than the global average). It’s a Muslim country, but terrorism is not an issue and tourists are welcomed. The only thing to note is that Qatari culture is conservative, so clothing in public should be modest.
Budget
Qatar is a bit harder to visit on a budget, but it can be done. Hostels are available from $15 and private hotels start from $45. Meals are about $15 to $20 depending on location. Transportation in Qatar is generally by car, and these can be rented, but hiring a driver is often preferable. Transportation apps like Uber and Careem are good for short distance trips.
Quick Tips
- Language: Arabic; ‘Thank you’ is ‘shoukran’
- Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR)
- Capital: Doha
- Visa: Visa free access for 85+ countries
- Climate: Arid; hot and dry year round. Coolest months are Dec – Feb
- Apps: Uber, Careem
Posts
My latest blog posts about Qatar
Qatar Museum Of Islamic Art In Doha: Review + Photos
I found the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art in Doha to be pretty interesting. Despite the name, it’s not a religious institution, and you don’t have to be… Read More