Qatar is one of the richest countries in the Middle East. Find out from the reviews whether it is worth going on vacation to Qatar in 2021. What they write about the beaches, the sea and the weather, and how hotels and excursions are rated.
The small state is located in the east of the Arabian Peninsula. Like the UAE, Qatar has grown rich from oil and natural gas. Tourists come to this country for beach activities, diving and interesting excursions in the desert. And Qatar is also good at prices that are much lower than those in Dubai.
Pros and cons of staying in Qatar
The Arab state lives a modern life and delights guests with futuristic skyscrapers and excellent service. Many people liked the rest in the country of luxury and pleasure. The main disadvantage for Russian tourists is high prices. Holidays in Turkey, Southeast Asia or Cyprus are cheaper.
pros holidays in Qatar in 2021, according to tourists:
- Russians get a visa right at the airport.
- Warm tropical climate.
- Magnificent sandy beaches.
- Excellent diving conditions.
- Hospitable residents.
- High level of security.
- Interesting sights.
- Good shopping.
shubinan: "Doha is remembered as a very bright city. Blue sky, sun, green, red, blue flowers, a very beautiful sea, buildings of the most inconceivable forms."
Minuses:
- High prices.
- A large number of construction sites.
- Few historical sites.
- Religious restrictions on clothing and alcohol.
Masha Marusya: "Muslim prohibitions restrict personal freedom. Rest with an eye on unfamiliar laws, all the time to control the correctness of behavior and clothing, well, what kind of rest it is."
Reviews about the beaches and the sea in Qatar
Many resort hotels have their own beaches - guests can swim there for free. There are public sandy beaches on the coast of the Persian Gulf, but in Doha there is only one free municipal beach - in the ethnographic village of Qatar. It is forbidden to bring food and drinks to it.
Almost everywhere the entrance to the water is shallow. The seabed is clean and soft. Sunbathing and swimming with small children is a pleasure! On most beaches, women are forbidden to swim in open and closed swimsuits - only in burkini, a bathing suit for Muslim women.
Tourists who like outdoor activities are offered wakeboarding, windsurfing, water skiing, scooters and boats. Near the beaches of Mesaid - Sealine Beach and Golden Beach - are the famous "singing" dunes.
The water in the Persian Gulf is clear. In July and August near the coast, it warms up to a maximum temperature of +32 ... + 33 ° С.
The best beaches in Qatar, according to tourists:
- Al-ghariya
- Fuwairite
- Dukhan
- Umm Bab
- Simaisma
- Al Khor
- Zekriit (Ras Abruk).
Serginios: "We stayed at a hotel with the longest beach strip in Doha - Intercontinental beach 5 *. The beach is about 1 km - impeccable, smoothed sand every morning, a sunbed to a sunbed."
Reviews of the best hotels in Qatar
Most resorts are located in Doha, but there are good accommodations in Mesaid, El Wakrah and El Hawur. In addition to luxury 4-5 * hotels, there are also budget 2-3 * hotels in the capital of the country. According to tourists, hotels in Qatar are popular, which are on the first line from the sea and have their own equipped beaches. Look for profitable tours to Qatar on the websites of Travelata and Level.Travel.
Intercontinental Doha 5 *. This luxury hotel is located in the West Bay area. From the hotel to the sea only 50 m! There are 2 bars, cafes and 5 restaurants on site. There are outdoor pools for adults and children, a playground and a children's room.
Mondrian Doha 5 *. According to tourists, this VIP-level hotel in Doha is ideal for a holiday in Qatar. There is a public beach nearby.
Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas 5 *. In a prestigious hotel on the first line from the sea, you can live in a family villa or in a cozy room. Guests love the high level of service and the clean sandy beach with free sun loungers.
The Curve 4 *. This comfortable hotel is located 250 meters from the sandy Hilton Beach. Tourists have appreciated the comfortable family rooms, outdoor pool, spa and wellness center. Minus - you will have to pay extra for sun loungers and sun umbrellas.
Reviews about the weather in Qatar
The Arab country is located in the continental tropical climate zone. Most of it is desert, so rain is rare here. Only 80 mm of precipitation falls per year. Vacationers write that sandstorms are possible in December and early spring.
Summers in Qatar are very hot. The air temperature rises to +40 ... + 50 ° С, while the air humidity on the coast reaches 90%. Such heat is difficult for small children, elderly tourists and everyone who suffers from heart and vascular diseases.
According to tourists, the best weather for a holiday in Qatar is from September to May. During these months, the average air temperature is +20 ... + 30 ° С. Comfortable in winter, but the sea water is cool. We advise you to come to Qatar for a beach holiday in spring and autumn.
Sohara: "For a trip to Qatar in January, we stocked up on warm clothes. In fact, in the afternoon in the sun it was + 30 ° C, and in the evening + 18 ° C. The water temperature in the Persian Gulf is not higher than + 18 ° C. We could hardly spend 5 minutes there. "
Reviews of excursions in Qatar
There are few historical sights in Qatar; there are interesting bus and active tours around the country. Day trip prices start at $ 55.
According to tourists, excursions in Doha, desert jeep safaris and camel tours are popular in Qatar. Vacationers enjoy dhow boat cruises, sandboarding activities and trips to the north of Qatar.
If you want to see Arab architecture and traditions, go to the Souq Waqif market, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar and the Katara Cultural Village. Walk along the promenade and admire the original Pearl Fountain Monument.
Alex Norman: "I advise you to visit Souq Waqif early in the morning or in the evening, after 4 pm. Evening is preferable: the heat begins to subside, the townspeople pour out into the street, cafes fill up, and trade revives."
Travel tips for Qatar
The working week in Qatar runs from Sunday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday are days off. Some establishments have shorter working hours on Thursday.
Doha is a large city, so the distances between tourist attractions are large. You can't reach it on foot! Taxi prices in Qatar are comparable to those in Moscow. In order not to overpay, tourists are advised to download the Uber application on their smartphone in advance. Write your name in Latin - taxi drivers will ask for it. If you link a bank card to your data, payment will go from it, and you will not need cash.
In many shops you can pay by card. In the markets - only in cash, and it is better to have a lot of small denominations. Be sure to bargain with sellers! In the East, this is part of local traditions.
SlyBlackFox: "The exchange rate in Doha is the same everywhere. You can safely change money at the airport. Bringing dollars is better."
Almost all locals understand English. With basic knowledge of the language, there are no problems in communication.
There is no strict dress code for foreigners. However, it is worth considering the traditions of Islam - walk down the street in clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
To save money, tourists recommend choosing tours with breakfast and dinner at the hotel. If you want to try national cuisine, go to the Souq Waqif market in Doha. You will be pleasantly surprised by the prices, oriental flavor, smells of spices and aromatic coffee.
For a self-guided tour of Doha, take the Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus, which stops at museums and major attractions in the city. For adults, a ticket for 24 hours costs 190 QAR, and for children from 5 to 15 years old - 90 QAR.
