Qatar is known for its Arabian hospitality, the highest level of security, and impressive sights. The warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and an average temperature of 26°C even in winter make the country an ideal destination for travelers.
Most tourists prefer to vacation in Doha. That’s no surprise. The city has the largest selection of hotels with clean beaches and good infrastructure. Doha is also the capital of Qatar, its largest city, and among the safest places in the world.
The hot, endless desert has been overgrown with glass and concrete, transforming the once pearly village into a luxurious metropolis on the Persian Gulf coast.
As the country prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we have selected the best things to do in Doha. You will certainly appreciate a winter vacation in this country!
The Pearl of Qatar
When visiting the city, don’t miss the Pearl of Qatar. The luxurious residential area is where fine buildings, luxury boutiques, trendy restaurants, and limousine and yacht salons coexist.
Although on weekdays it seems deserted, the neighborhood comes alive on weekends. It is the perfect place to experience true luxury.
The area was designed to resemble the shape of a pearl. This exclusive neighborhood, constructed in 2004, is home to more than 40,000 people. It ranges from Renaissance villas to skyscrapers that are a prelude to futuristic evolution.
Here, villas have exclusive pools and private access to the beach. Clubs and restaurants allow you to enjoy international menus – each better than the one before.
The island’s heart is the Central Medina, full of exclusive stores and restaurants. You can also relax while watching a movie in the state-of-the-art, nearly 2,000-seat theater.
FIFA World Cup 2022
The country is actively preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup finals, which will take place from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
An event of this scale is the first experience not only for Qatar but also for the entire Middle East region. Its peculiarity lies in its timing. For the first time in the Northern Hemisphere, it will be held in the winter season. As you may know, Qatar experiences incredible heat in the summer.
The scale of the preparations looks impressive even for the wealthiest state:
- New subway stations are being built
- Hotels and entertainment centers are designed
- Roads and sports complexes are specifically designed for the event
In fact, more than 200 million dollars are planned to be invested in preparations for the championship. It may become the most expensive in all of its history!
While enjoying the World Cup, you’ll get to soak in the pleasant weather. In December, the air and water temperature is quite comfortable for swimming. The air is heated to 26 ° C and the water – to 21 ° C.
Museum of Islamic Art
Another great attraction in Doha is the Museum of Islamic Art. The first thing that catches the eye is its ultra-modern architecture, almost suspended above the sea. The building was designed by Leo Ming Pei. Impressively, he is the same architect who created the glass and steel pyramid in front of the Louvre in Paris.
The Museum of Islamic Art, located along the Corniche, offers a diverse collection of artifacts and works. For this reason, it is among the most visited and photographed attractions in Doha.
Manuscripts, metal objects, textiles, ceramics, works of Arabic calligraphy, and Islamic works of art dating back to the 1400s are on display. Here you can also admire up close and personal some contemporary elements.
The building is divided into several sections. Islamic art, Qatari cultural heritage, coins, and currencies. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Than commissioned the museum to spread the country’s history by collecting more than 15,000 pieces.
Monthly chamber music concerts are organized in the museum’s atrium. Tours are available in English and Arabic. There are also numerous restaurants in the structure.
Desert Dunes
The desert will be one of the highlights of your vacation. It will be an indescribable experience in a magical mix of light, shade, and sensation.
You can walk to Khor Al-Adaid, a special UNESCO heritage nature reserve. There, the sea creeps into the heart of the desert. The landscape is unforgettable!
In the desert, you can also admire the work of the North American sculptor Richard Serra. It is home to four steel structures over 14 meters high and placed side by side, forming a straight line across the desert for over a kilometer.
A work of excellent formal efficiency that fits perfectly into the natural context!
Where to stay in Doha
Most hotels in Doha are close to shopping malls and restaurants. Qatar has hotel complexes of all kinds and categories. Whether you need family hotels, city, beach, and national-style hotels, you’ll easily find something for your budget.
Travelers are attracted by the high level of service and well-mannered staff. Large companies or families will be more comfortable staying in villas or bungalows. We recommend you pay attention to the following hotels!
Mandarin Oriental Doha
Our pick for the best hotels in Qatar is the Mandarin Oriental, Doha. A cozy and stylish urban resort – this is how you can best describe it. The accommodation is in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, the modern cultural center of Qatar’s capital city.
Combining chic, contemporary design with elements of Qatari heritage, the hotel takes luxury to a new level. Here, where Middle Eastern charm meets legendary Mandarin Oriental hospitality, a warm atmosphere awaits you with the highest quality of service.
Benefits of booking your stay as a PrivateUpgrades member:
- Upgrade to a single room, subject to availability at check-in
- Full daily breakfast for two persons
- $100 food and beverage credit or spa service credit
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Prices per night start at USD 633.55.
Banyan Tree Doha
To soak in the authentic atmosphere of Doha, stay at Banyan Tree Doha. The property offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western hospitality. It is where you will experience timeless elegance that goes beyond comfortable and stylish rooms.
Exquisitely designed by renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia, this hotel is known for its extravagant accommodation options. Not to mention the exceptional architectural design!
Located in the heart of Mushayreb, the hotel is nearby the main cultural attractions of Doha, nightclubs, vibrant shopping malls, and entertainment venues.
PrivateUpgrades member benefits:
- Update on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast
- $100 hotel credit to be used during the stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Prices start at USD 573.54 per night
End notes
In just 40 years, the Qataris have done incredible things. They have created streets not inferior to the New York avenues. Furthermore, the artificial island resembling Venice is worth the visit itself.
At the same time, the city continues to preserve the traditions and features of Muslim lands. No traveler remains indifferent to this contrast of architectural wonders. If you are planning to see the World Cup, don’t forget to book a comfortable and stylish hotel. At PrivateUpgrades, you will find plenty of options. So choose wisely!
