Qatar: the Middle Eastern destination rising in popularity

Qatar found itself firmly in the international spotlight in 2022 when it hosted the FIFA World Cup.

Buoyed by the success of that tournament, this small but ambitious country is fast becoming one of the most popular places to visit in the Middle East.

Occupying its own peninsula in the Persian Gulf, Qatar is no bigger than a large English county. But it’s packed with attractions for all ages, from dazzling museums and mosques to theme parks, desert safaris and traditional dhow cruises.

If you’re just in port for a day, you’ll be spoiled for choice – and the shopping, needless to say, is world-class.

If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll probably choose to spend the day in the country’s capital, Doha, but second-timers and outdoor types should head for the beaches or the desert in search of sandy adventures.

Qatar welcomes cruise passengers from all over the world, and the recently opened Grand Cruise Terminal puts on a show straight away with its underwater escalators (you’ll stay nice and dry, but don’t forget to wave at the fish).

Better still, the terminal is located in central Doha, where many of the main sights are also within walking distance, so it couldn’t be easier to explore on foot or by rental bike.

A free shuttle bus from the port will take you to the Mina district, with its ice cream-coloured buildings, cafes, restaurants and shops selling everything from cashmere clothing to traditional fragrances. Foodies will love the fresh fish market, where the restaurant does an excellent lunch.

At the historic Souq Waqif, a spice-scented bazaar situated in a maze of alleyways, you’ll find everything from rugs to lanterns.

Don’t be afraid to haggle – it’s expected here – and don’t miss the chance to grab a selfie at the giant thumb sculpture, which commemorates the achievements of the Qatari football team.

Doha is also noted for its superb cultural institutions. The Museum of Islamic Art houses one of the best collections of its kind in the world, featuring everything from ancient pottery to contemporary photography.

Then there’s the National Museum of Qatar, whose iconic architecture is inspired by the desert rose – a crystal structure caused by the effect of drying desert winds.

Inside, more than 8,000 exhibits explore the natural history of Qatar and trace the country’s evolution from Bedouin culture to the modern state of today.

Like its near neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Doha is also known as a luxury shopping destination, and you’ll find a dazzling array of high-end designer goods at the Pearl-Qatar – an artificial island studded with world-class shops and great dining spots, from upscale restaurants to cool sushi bars and fun ice-cream parlours.

You can also shop till you drop at Galeries Lafayette and Place Vendôme, but if you’ve got a hankering to see more of Qatar, you should head out of Doha and into the desert.

Book an excursion that takes in the spectacular sand dunes of southeast Qatar and the Inland Sea, a lagoon recognised by UNESCO for its exceptional natural beauty.

If time allows, combine a four-by-four safari with some R&R on Sealine Beach, a wide expanse of soft white sand with a sprinkling of enticing bars and restaurants.

If you’re traveling to Qatar with kids in tow, don’t miss the chance to visit the popular Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park. Just over 90 minutes’ drive from downtown Doha, it’s one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East.

There are 56 rides for visitors to enjoy, ranging from lazy rivers and wave pools to adrenaline-pumping canyoning experiences.

So whether you’re a culture vulture or an adventure-seeker, a trip to Qatar is not to be missed.

Why you should go

Winter sunshine

In January and February, daily temperatures in Qatar average a balmy 22°C, making it a great destination for some much-needed winter warmth.

Culinary delights

Qatar prides itself on offering visitors amazing cuisine from all round the world. Naturally, there are five-star restaurants in the country’s top hotels, but you can dine just as well at friendly neighbourhood cafes. Try the local dishes – and if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the Qatari take on baklava.

Incredible architecture

Qatar may be tiny, but it boasts some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the 781ft Doha Tower.

Natural wonders

Qatar is home to stunning desert landscapes as well as plenty of white-sand beaches where you can swim all year round in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf.

Qatar is fast becoming a popular port call on Middle East cruises, and these days, you’ll find a wide choice of lines to suit all tastes and budgets. If you’re planning a family holiday, there are some great wallet-friendly options from the likes of MSC, Costa, NCL and Royal Caribbean. For a touch more opulence, have a look at the itineraries offered by Cunard, Oceania, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. And if it’s ultra-luxury you’re after, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers some fabulous trips that include port stops at Doha.

Get on board

MSC Cruises’ seven-night ‘Emirates’ cruise aboard MSC Virtuosa, departs February 25, 2024. Prices start from £779 and include a round trip from Doha via Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Book here

Windstar’s 10-night ‘Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf’ cruise aboard Star Legend, departs January 12, 2024. Prices start from £4,041 and include flights.
Book here