Why is Qatar worth choosing for a holiday?
Qatar is a country of surprises and fascinating facts. It is one of the safest and wealthiest countries in the world. Around 2.5 million people live here, of whom only 12% are Qataris. The rest of the population consists of Arabs, Iranians, Pakistanis, Indians and other migrants. This has created a mix of ethnic cultures, languages and even flavours.
Qatar, and especially its capital, Doha, is a city created with great ambition and modernity. It dazzles with luxury and wealth, yet allows visitors to feel at ease. Tourists arriving in Qatar marvel at its beauty and exoticism, enjoy its traditions and make the most of its modern solutions.
Doha: what to see in Qatar’s capital?
Already at Hamad Airport in Doha, visitors are greeted by a giant yellow teddy bear. It is impossible to miss: it weighs nearly 20 tonnes and is so large that people look like dwarfs beside it. It is the first object photographed by tourists arriving in Doha.
Hamad Airport itself also makes an impressive impression. It is considered the best in the Middle East and the third-best in the world. If you are going to take off, this is the place; if you are going to land, it should be here. Great emphasis is placed on streamlining travel and providing entertainment for waiting passengers.
Falcon Souk, in other words, a bazaar where falcons are sold, is another place that must be seen. Falconry has a very long tradition in Qatar, and the birds themselves were used to hunt migratory birds. Today, there is no need to hunt to obtain food, yet the falcon remains Qatar’s avian symbol. Tourists, however, are most attracted by the opportunity to take a souvenir photo with a falcon perched on their arm.
The observation tower in Doha is an attraction not only for tourists. From here, you can admire the panorama of the city, which impresses with its scale and majesty at different times of day. However, it is best viewed late in the evening, when the skyscrapers are illuminated by neon lights. A little earlier, you can enjoy a view of the city bathed in the rays of the setting sun.
The Doha Tower itself has 46 floors and an original structure without a central core. It is certainly one of the more interesting buildings in Doha, including from the outside.
When should you plan a holiday in Doha?
Qatar lies in a dry tropical climate zone, which means that it is warm and… dry all year round. Most rainfall occurs from December to February, although “more” in this case means short but intense downpours.
The lowest air temperatures occur at the beginning of the year and reach around 23°C. At night, they fall to 18°C. Sea temperatures, meanwhile, are 20°C. For a Pole accustomed to the Baltic Sea, these conditions may be quite appealing. During the rest of the year, it is considerably warmer, and in summer it is positively hot. From May to September, daytime temperatures hover around 40°C, falling by just 10 degrees at night. Fortunately, people in Doha know all about air conditioning.
It is worth knowing that Ramadan lasts in Qatar from the end of February to the end of March, and some attractions for tourists may be unavailable or operate on a limited basis. This also applies to alcohol sales.
A holiday in Doha: is it worth it? Definitely. Not only because of the local attractions, but also the affordable prices. A break in this wealthy country will not ruin your budget. You can see for yourself by browsing ITAKA’s trips to Qatar.