Doha Holidays

There’s no shortage of things to do in Doha. For the chance to take in the capital’s impressive skyline from afar, as well as experience a slice of Qatar’s seafaring heritage, you can hop on a dhow cruise from Doha Corniche. There are regular sailings around the bay, but it’s best to go at dusk when the golden light creates a magical skyline.

Pearl-Qatar is another must-see attraction. Nicknamed the ‘Arabian Riviera’, this manmade island is filled with Mediterranean-style architecture, gourmet restaurants and glittering superyachts. Wander around the Italian-inspired Qanat Quartier, and see the made-to-measure replica of Venice’s Rialto Bridge.

Or browse Souq Waqif – a bustling warren of streets filled with stalls and cafes – which has been restored to look like a traditional 19^th-century market. It’s a great place for sipping coffee and people watching, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Believe it or not, Doha is a wonderful city for families and has gone to great lengths to cater for all ages. Children’s pools, safe play areas, babysitting and other services are available across all major hotels and shopping malls.

There are also lots of family-friendly activities, from supervised water sports at Katara Beach to thrills at the renowned Aqua Park. Doha Corniche is car-free, too, making it the ideal spot for a family stroll or cycle.

For an educational day out, you may wish to visit the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), where children can learn about the Mughal and Safavid periods through an imaginative collection of paintings, glassworks, ceramics and textiles.

Katara Cultural Village is another popular spot. And, in November, families can enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor film screenings there, at the Doha Film Institute’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival.

Although many of Qatar’s finest attractions are located in Doha, there’s plenty more to see just outside the capital, if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

Qatar is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including glowing caves, sweeping deserts and lunar-like limestone formations. You can enjoy a daytrip where you can race across the dunes, try your hand at sandboarding and ride camels. And, if you opt for an overnight trip, you can spend the night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp.

For a more relaxing excursion, take a ride through the city and jump on a water taxi and admire the city skyline from afar. Or while away an afternoon at Pearl-Qatar, where you can enjoy a quiet stroll along the promenade before settling down to sip sweet Arabian coffee.

The best time to visit Doha is between November and March, when temperatures hover in the high twenties. Humidity is also at its lowest, so you’ll have perfect conditions for exploring, sightseeing and relaxing by the pool. And, during this time of year, sports events and national holidays abound, as people take advantage of the milder temperatures. The Emir’s Cup – the best camel racing event in the country – takes place in April, and makes a great day out for families in particular.

In the summer, Doha’s subtropical desert climate can be a little overwhelming. Sightseeing can be very uncomfortable as temperatures soar above 40°C, and you may not want to venture beyond your air-conditioned hotel.

Before you book your Doha holiday, it’s also worth checking the dates of Ramadan. During spring, this holy month often sees restaurants and attractions shorten their opening hours, as residents observe the tradition of fasting.