Do you know the existence of this country~ Qatar?
Yes, it is a small country yet it is the top-ranked richest country in the world.According to FORTUNE:
“The small Middle Eastern country often ranks as one of the richest countries in the world per capita. Qatar’s population is approximately 2.27 million, giving it a total GDP of approximately $124,930 per person and making it the richest country in world as of 2017, according to the IMF. The country has grown despite facing lower prices for hydrocarbon, a major revenue source for Qatar, which is used for fuel. Qatar’s GDP growth is expected to continue through 2017.”
As you can see on the map, it is a small (but strong) country as compared to middle east countries.
I got the chance to transit and stopover at Doha, Qatar when I was travelling to Madrid, Spain.
It was a great flight deal from Qatar Airways with the 5 stars service where the flight ticket that time only costs me around MYR 2200 for return tickets from Malaysia.
And I have a half day to go out and explored the city.
Do you need Visa to enter Qatar?
If you are the citizen of these countries, you are now entitled to take advantage of visa-free entry into Qatar.
Qatar Waives Entry Visa Requirements for Citizens of 80 Countries ,09 August 2017 : click here to check
Where to visit in Qatar?
The Pearl – Qatar :
The man-made island, modern housing development.High rise buildings with nice shopping malls.Good landscaping.Mostly expat area.
Image credit: here
Katara Cultural Village:
Reviews from travellers:
- Katara Cultural Village is one of the grand and unique cultural projects worldwide.
- Many cafes and restaurants, the open amphitheatre, culture centres and museums over there.
- A good place to visit.
Image credit: here
Museum of Islamic Art:
Reviews from travellers:
- Excellent museum with an extensive collection of Islamic art and artefacts.
-
Spectacular Museum, This museum is amazing because of not only the pieces inside but because of the architecture and views.
- Go on the weekend so you can enjoy the flea market outside as well!
Image credit: here
Souq Waqif:
A traditional Arabian market, where you will find garments, jewellery, spices and handicrafts.
Reviews from travellers:
- Packed with all kind of restaurants, activities, shops, cafes, and there are also few hotels at the heart of this area.
- As a Doha base, I recommend this place if it’s your first time in here .this is an Arabic traditional market. you’ll find everything here from cafe’s restaurants boutique hotels, selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts souvenirs and it is almost close to every landmark in the city.
Image credit: here
Below are the pictures I took when I stopover at Doha back in the year 2011. I believed it has changed a lot?!
My Qatar True Story:
Back in 2011, I still remembered that was a national day of Qatar. And all the citizens were celebrating on the street.
Crowded with people and I was walking alone in a totally strange and new country for me. In fact, this was my first ever solo travel in overseas.
And because it was a national public holiday, the road was blocked for National Day celebration. I have no choice but to walk back to the hotel I’ve booked (which was closed to Doha old airport those time).
It was a bit scary for me as the sky became dark around 5 pm. It was not near at all to go back to the hotel because I was taking the cab to come to the town earlier. In the halfway, I saw a Qatar Airway centre. Hence, I went in to ask for some help as this is the only place I am familiar with (I booked my visa and hotel package with them).
Ended up, that was one of the Syed offered me to give me a ride back to the hotel. I know it’s dangerous to go a stranger car but I trusted my 6th sense that time, and I got into his car…
Luckily enough, the Syed was a nice old man and he really dropped me back at my hotel. Fuiyyy..nothing happened.. 🙂
I know sometimes I am a bit crazy and I don’t know where I got all those guts to do something insane even till now in year 2018. But yeah that’s just me. 🙂
Is this pearl still exist in Doha?
This is one of my favourite hotels which I have booked via Qatar Airways (inclusive the visa process fee, back in 2011). It was really a great deal and good service.
Having Transit to Qatar and want less hassle to visit the town?
Check out the website of Discover Qatar, which is the Destination Management Division of Qatar Airways, with a mission to advance the development of Qatar as a premium tourist destination.
DISCOVER QATAR TRANSIT TOURS
Turn your transit at Hamad International Airport into an incredible experience in Qatar by signing up for one of our daily excursions.Discover Qatar, in association with Qatar Tourism Authority, hosts a tours desk in the transit zone for booking on arrival at the desk.If your transit is more than 5 hours, you can join a city tour or desert adventure, and enjoy a fantastic Doha excursion before connecting to your final destination.
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wonderful
Good to hear. Hope to help you as well in finding places through this directories