Desert Safari
Ride the dunes south of Doha in a 4x4 with an experienced driver, then try sandboarding and a camel ride as the sun sets over the desert.
Qatar is a small peninsula on the north-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Gulf. Its capital, Doha, has grown from a pearl-diving and fishing town into one of the Middle East's most striking cities, with a glittering skyline rising across the bay from traditional wooden dhows.
Within easy reach of Doha you can explore restored souqs, world-class museums and the man-made island of The Pearl, then head out to the golden dunes of Khor Al Adaid, the mangroves of Al Khor and the UNESCO-listed ruins of Al Zubarah. Compact, welcoming and only a short flight from India, Qatar is ideal for a quick getaway, a family holiday or a stopover.
See 1,400 years of Islamic art at I. M. Pei's Museum of Islamic Art and discover the story of the nation at the National Museum of Qatar, inspired by the desert rose.
Ride the dunes by 4x4, try sandboarding and watch the sun set over Khor Al Adaid, where the desert meets the sea.
Browse spices, perfumes, textiles and falcons in Souq Waqif, then shop at Doha's elegant malls and waterfront boulevards.
Enjoy Arabic coffee and dates, traditional Qatari dishes and a warm welcome, with plenty of Indian and vegetarian food too.
Doha is only a few hours from major Indian cities, making Qatar perfect for a long weekend, a family break or a stopover.
Doha's seven-kilometre waterfront promenade curves around Doha Bay from the Museum of Islamic Art to the towers of West Bay. Stroll or cycle past traditional dhows, relax in MIA Park and stay on to see the skyline light up after dark.
*The Corniche is at its best on winter evenings from November to March, when families come out to walk, jog and picnic by the water.
The Pearl is a man-made island of yacht-lined marinas, waterfront cafés and the colourful, Venice-inspired canals of Qanat Quartier. Next door, the new city of Lusail is home to the crescent-shaped Katara Towers, Lusail Boulevard and Lusail Stadium, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
In Qatar's far south-east, on the border with Saudi Arabia, the Inland Sea of Khor Al Adaid is one of the few places in the world where the sea reaches deep into the desert. Cross the high dunes by 4x4, swim in the calm lagoon and watch the sun set over the sand.
*Khor Al Adaid can only be reached by 4x4 across the dunes, so always travel with an experienced desert driver.
Ride the dunes south of Doha in a 4x4 with an experienced driver, then try sandboarding and a camel ride as the sun sets over the desert.
Sail around Doha Bay on a traditional wooden dhow for close-up views of the Corniche and the West Bay skyline, especially at sunset.
Watch racing camels train and compete at the Al Shahaniya track, west of Doha, during the cooler racing season, when remote-controlled robot jockeys ride in races.
Walk the wooden bridges of Purple Island near Al Khor and kayak through the quiet mangroves of Al Thakira, rich in herons and other birdlife.
Head to the west coast to see Richard Serra's giant steel sculpture East-West/West-East and wind-carved limestone rock formations.
Shop and dine beneath a painted sky at Villaggio, the Venetian-style mall in Aspire Zone with its own indoor canal.
Spend an evening at the restored seaside souq of Al Wakrah, south of Doha, with its stone lanes, restaurants and beach.
*Qatar packs desert, sea, heritage and modern city life into one compact country — perfect for families, couples and short breaks.
Qatari culture is rooted in Bedouin and seafaring traditions. Visit the Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif, where prized falcons are bought, sold and cared for, sip Arabic coffee with dates in a traditional majlis, and see wooden dhows at Katara's traditional dhow festival. On Qatar National Day, 18 December, the country celebrates with parades, camel riders, traditional dances and fireworks.
The best time to visit Qatar is from November to March, when days are warm and sunny and evenings are cool — ideal for the Corniche, desert safaris and outdoor events. April and October are warm, while summer (May to September) is very hot and humid and best suited to museums, malls and resort stays.
Qatar has a hot desert climate. From December to February daytime temperatures are usually in the low to mid 20s °C, with cooler nights and only occasional rain; November and March are a little warmer. In summer, temperatures often rise above 40°C, with high humidity along the coast.
Peak Season: November to March, including the winter holidays and Qatar National Day on 18 December.
Off-Peak Season: May to September, when the summer heat brings fewer visitors and better hotel offers.
Qatari cuisine blends Bedouin, Persian and Indian influences. Try machboos, the national dish of spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish; harees, slow-cooked wheat and meat; and balaleet, sweet saffron vermicelli served with an omelette. Finish with luqaimat, golden dumplings drizzled with date syrup, and a cup of karak chai. Doha also has a wide choice of Indian and vegetarian restaurants.
Qatar is one of the easiest international destinations to reach from India. Flights land at Hamad International Airport in Doha, and most attractions are within an hour or two of the city by road.
Non-stop flights link Doha's Hamad International Airport with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and other Indian cities, with flying times of roughly 3.5 to 5 hours.
Indian passport holders can currently get entry on arrival with a hotel booked through Discover Qatar, or apply online in advance through the Hayya portal. Rules change, so check current requirements before you travel; we assist with visas.
The Doha Metro's Red, Green and Gold lines link the airport with the Corniche, Souq Waqif, Katara and Lusail. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and private cars with drivers are the easiest way to reach the desert and the north.
November to March is the best time, with warm sunny days and cool evenings that are ideal for sightseeing, desert safaris and outdoor events. Summer (May to September) is very hot and humid.
Indian passport holders can currently get entry on arrival when their hotel is booked through Discover Qatar, or apply online in advance through the Hayya portal. Requirements change, so check the latest rules before you travel; our team can assist with your visa.
Non-stop flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi to Doha take roughly 3.5 to 5 hours.
Two days are enough for a Doha stopover covering the Corniche, Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art. With 4 to 6 days you can add a desert safari to Khor Al Adaid, The Pearl and Lusail, and a trip to Al Zubarah and Al Khor in the north.
Yes. Qatar has a large Indian community, and Doha has many Indian restaurants serving North and South Indian dishes, along with plenty of vegetarian options.
Visitors are asked to dress modestly in public places such as souqs, malls and museums, with shoulders and knees covered. Women should carry a scarf when visiting mosques. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches.
Qatar uses the Qatari riyal (QAR). Cards are widely accepted, and ATMs and money exchanges are easy to find in Doha.
Yes. Doha is a popular stopover on flights to Europe, Africa and the Americas, and even a short stay lets you see the Corniche, Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art.
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