Put Qatar on Your Travel Radar

Don’t wait until the 2022 FIFA World Cup to begin planning a visit to Qatar.

Qatar is making a major push to diversify its tourism portfolio, and you will want to be able to say you were there while it was still off the beaten path. Throughout 2017, the destination took steps to improve, enhance and promote the visitor experience.

Doha is a modern and sophisticated capital city with a rich history. Peak travel to the country is October through March when the weather's warm and dry and not terribly hot.

Finding things to do will not be a problem, as everything from high-end shopping, gourmet dining and adventurous excursions await.

Visitors will quickly find that Qatar always has something festive going on. There are events that celebrate everything from pearl diving and kite-flying to books and film.

One of the most popular festivals is the Qatar International Food Festival, which takes place in March. The gastronomic event draws cuisine from around the world and is centered on Doha’s Corniche.

For those who love to shop, souqs and malls abound. Souqs are still a part of modern daily life in Qatar, and there is one devoted to every type of retail item, including food, fabric, jewelry and spices. Souq Waqif is Doha’s central market. Visitors can spend hours wandering through its maze of alleyways in search of carpets, textiles, coffee pots, antique silver and more.

Qatar’s malls are also legendary. They are entertainment hubs that offer department stores, banks, supermarkets, dining establishments, cinemas and just about everything else.

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The Villagio Mall is worth a visit. Not only is it home to top luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Valentino, the mall has a network of canals on which guests can enjoy gondola rides. There is also an ice skating rink, a theme park, an IMAX movie theater and more.

On the cultural side of things, there is a host of museums in Qatar, most located in Doha. Two that are of the most interest to visitors are the Museum of Islamic Art overlooking Doha bay and the Msheireb Museum, located in four downtown Doha historic heritage houses that feature exhibits on the slave trade, the petroleum industry and Qatari family life.

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A stop to see the Pearl Qatar, a manmade island off the West Bay coast, is also a must while visiting. It is home to marinas, villas, hotels, luxury shopping and is a popular dining spot. It's often described as the Arabian Riviera and is a popular attraction for visitors.

Exploring beyond the city is essential: There are many exciting adventures to be had, taking in the country’s natural wonders. Travelers can head out for safari to Qatar’s famous dunes, ride in a dune buggy, go sandboarding, marvel at the unique Ras Abrouq Rock Formations, go for a camel ride or camp in Bedouin-style tents—the desert is theirs to discover.