Language
Arabic
Arabic is the official language of Qatar although the majority of residents do not speak it. Expatriate workers from other parts of Asia and Africa far outnumber Qatari citizens, particularly in Doha.
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Asia · Western AsiaOutline guideCountry in West Asia
Photo: Ceslou, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Qatar (Arabic: قطر; pronounced kut-ar or cutter) is a rich Arab state occupying a small peninsula extending into the Persian Gulf to the north of Saudi Arabia. Many come to the Middle East seeking the mystic, traditional life of the Bedouins, wandering the desert with their life's belongings on a camel's back. Although tradition is still an important part of the Qatari ethos, the country has well and truly moved into the twenty-first century with the piercing glass skyscrapers of Doha, a booming trade sector and a new-found place in international diplomacy. Qatar offers a unique blend of cultural authenticity and modern luxury, making it a major tourism hub in the region.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Qatar.
Arabic
Arabic is the official language of Qatar although the majority of residents do not speak it. Expatriate workers from other parts of Asia and Africa far outnumber Qatari citizens, particularly in Doha.
You can get by for a few days without a SIM card.
Tap water is potable, but most residents choose to drink bottled water just in case.
The quality of Qatari hospitals is generally on par with Western standards.
Qataris share a common culture with Arabs in North Africa and other Middle Eastern countries; therefore, what is considered good manners in the rest of the Arab world is applicable to Qatar.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
capital and main economic hub. We also cover the neighbouring cities of Al Rayyan and Lusail as part of Doha as they are effectively part of the urban area of Doha.
northern city with a population of some 36,000, close to Ras Laffan LNG (liquified natural gas) terminal
this article covers the wider area of the northern municipality of Madinat ash Shamal
Al Shahaniyah (alternatively Al Sheehaniya) is a town in central Qatar, out to the west of Doha, in the Al Rayyan municipality. The majority of activity associated with camel racing and oryx breeding in Qatar take place within the municipality.
Al-Wakrah is a city in eastern Qatar, just south of Doha. The town has a history independent from that of the capital, but it has developed into a bedroom community of Doha.
Dukhan is an industrial city in the western reaches of Qatar. Dukhan was founded when oil was first discovered in the region, and its purpose has not changed since.
industrial town south of Doha, and 25 km south of Wakra, with recreational activities on the coast, including the sand dunes of Khor Al Udeid (the Inland Sea)
Umm Salal Muhammad is a town in Qatar in the Umm Salal municipality, about 15 km north of Doha. An easy and pleasant morning or afternoon trip out of Doha, it is a short drive from the northern outskirts of Doha on the North Road to Al-Ruweis.
Places in Qatar on the World Heritage List.
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Comprises the capital Doha, the Industrial Area, an exclave surrounded by Al Rayyan municipality, and the Wholesale Market Area, another exclave bound by Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah municipalities
Al Rayyan City is effectively a suburb of Doha, and covered as part of that article
Lusail is effectively a suburb of Doha and covered as part of that article
Public transport and paid services in Qatar.
By bus
The bus service began in October 2005. Ticketing is handled using a Karwa Smartcard, which comes in three types:
By metro
A metro opened in 2019 serving Doha and its suburbs. You can travel from point A to B for QR2 per person per trip or buy a day pass for QR6.
By taxi or limousine
The government-owned Mowasalat also runs the taxi and limousine service. The taxis are easily spotted due to their uniform light blue colour with a maroon top.80 anywhere outside the capital.
By car
You can hire a car for about US$20 per day with local car rental companies. Plenty of them are located at the airport and Doha city centre, or else ask your hotel for some advice.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Qatar.
Finding apps for Qatar…
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Doha · International · DOH
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Doha
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 22° | 24° | 28° | 33° | 39° | 41° | 43° | 42° | 40° | 36° | 29° | 24° |
| Avg. low | 13° | 14° | 17° | 21° | 25° | 28° | 30° | 30° | 28° | 25° | 21° | 16° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 9 |
| Humidity | 63% | 62% | 53% | 46% | 39% | 39% | 43% | 47% | 49% | 52% | 57% | 64% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$75
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$200
Per person, per day
Luxury
$525
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $110 | $305 |
| Food and drink | $20 | $45 | $105 |
| Local transport | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Activities | $10 | $25 | $70 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2024). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 3 of 4Reconsider travel
Reconsider travelto Qatar due to risk of armed conflict. U.S. government employee travel restrictions As of August 28, 2026, family members may join U.S. government employees who work in Qatar. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar. This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region. The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Regional tensions The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 17 June in relation to the conflict in the Middle East, however the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable. Since 8 July there have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Qatar, against US military and civilian infrastructure. There is a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the region. Before the ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions, and should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis” sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts follow advice from the local authorities monitor local and international media for the latest information, including updates relating to airports and airspace which could close at short notice stay away from areas around security or military facilities keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date if advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Qatar.
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Travel tipsAirfares can be cheaper when booked from the European capital that has a strong colonial link to your destination, which typically means from Brussels, Lisbon, London, and Paris.
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Culture & historyThis article discusses watching an event. For the article about participating, see Horse riding.
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