Qatar
Qatar
Capital city description
The capital city of Qatar is Doha city. It is situated in the central-eastern part of Qatar along the Persian Gulf. Doha is a source of pride for locals with its magnificent modern buildings, great shopping malls, interesting international sports events, and rapid economic expansion. The capital is famous for its splendid state-of-the-art skyscrapers inspired by prehistoric Islamic culture and design. Doha's notable tourist attractions are the Corniche, the Heritage Village, and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Climate
The climate in Qatar is characterized by mild winters and sweltering summers, reaching over 40 degrees Celsius or 104 Fahrenheit. The very hottest months are June, July, and August. July and August are also the most humid, with sometimes over 80 percent humidity.
- Spring: March to May
- Summer: June to August
- Autumn: September to November
- Winter: December to February
Languages spoken
Arabic is the official language in Qatar, with a majority of the population using Arabic as a mother tongue. The Arabic spoken in Qatar is of two distinct and mutually intelligible dialects: standard Arabic and native Gulf Arabic. Some of the languages spoken in Qatar include English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Malaysian, Nepali, and Baluchi.
Fun/Fascinating Facts
- The Hamad International Airport is the ninth biggest in the world. It can handle around fifty million passengers each year.
- Qatar has a giant lamp teddy bear at the airport. Created by the Swiss artist Urs Fischer – The Lamp Bear sits right in the middle of Hamad International Airport. It costs 6.8 million dollars.
- 99% population of the country lives in the capital of Doha.
- Qatar has no hills or anything high (except the skyscrapers). The average elevation is just 28 meters making it the second most flat country globally.
- Men outnumber women in Doha. Qatar has the highest male-to-female ratio globally, with the average worldwide male/female ratio standing 1.01.
Unique Customs/Traditions
- There are two traditional types of women’s clothing in Qatar: one for locals, the other for expatriates. Outside the home, most Arab women dress according to religious custom, covering most of the body, from head to foot. The traditional black overgarment ( abaya) is ankle length with long sleeves and a high neckline, and the hair is covered. On the other hand, Arab men wear the thobe, a loose, ankle-length robe made from fine white cotton (or heavier woolen material in winter).
- In Qatar, the right hand is used for drinking and eating, as the left hand is regarded as unclean as it’s used for ‘toilet purposes; when accepting drinks, use the right hand only. Similarly, avoid showing the soles of your shoes or feet, which signifies that you think the other person is ‘dirt,’ which is highly offensive.
- Majlis is the reception room for visitors; you should always remove your footwear unless the host indicates otherwise. At this point, women are usually asked to join the women. You will almost certainly be offered something to drink and perhaps eat; accept the offer.
Popular universities
Name | Description | |
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Qatar University (QU) | Qatar University (QU) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of Doha, Ad-Dawhah. It was established in 1977. Qatar University (QU) has continued to serve as Qatar’s primary institution of higher education. Qatar University (QU) is committed to providing high-quality education in areas of national priority. Qatar University (QU) offers the broadest range of academic programs -- 48 Bachelors, 32 Masters, nine Ph.D. programs, four Diplomas, and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)-- in Qatar, tailoring them to meet the needs of Qatari society. | |
Hamad Bin Khalifa University | Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a non-profit public higher education institution in Doha, Ad-Dawhah. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to fulfill QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. Hamad Bin Khalifa University is a homegrown research and graduate studies university that acts as a catalyst for positive transformation in Qatar and the region while having a global impact. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. | |
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar | Established in 2001 as a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar is part of Cornell University in Ithaca and shares the tripartite mission of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York: A dedication to excellence in education, patient care, and research. The first medical school in Qatar and a pioneer of coeducation at the university level, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar offers an integrated pre-medical and medical studies program leading to the Cornell University MD degree. | |
Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar | Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar is a private higher education institution located in Doha, Ad-Dawhah. Established in 1998 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) is a coeducational Qatari higher education institution. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. | |
College of the North Atlantic - Qatar | Founded in 2002, College of the North Atlantic - Qatar is a private higher education institution located in Doha, Ad-Dawhah. College of the North Atlantic - Qatar offers a unique, multicultural environment and world-class facilities in a campus located in the Duhail area of Doha. College of the North Atlantic - Qatar provides courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. | |
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar | Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is a private higher education institution located in Doha, Ad-Dawhah. Founded in 2004 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) is a tiny coeducational Qatari higher education institution. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. | |
Texas A&M University at Qatar | Texas A&M University at Qatar is a private higher education institution located in Doha, Ad-Dawhah. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar is a tiny coeducational Qatari higher education institution. Texas A&M University at Qatar offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. | |
Northwestern University in Qatar | Northwestern University in Qatar is a private higher education institution located in Doha, Ad-Dawhah. Founded in 2008 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) is a coeducational Qatari higher education institution. Northwestern's Qatar campus offers bachelor's degrees in journalism and communication, a master's program, as well as an executive education series for media professionals. A major pillar of the school's mission, research, and creative scholarship at Northwestern's Qatar are advancing knowledge in many areas. | |
Georgetown University in Qatar | Georgetown University in Qatar is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Doha, Ad-Dawhah. This institution also has a branch campus in Washington DC. Established in 2005 and officially recognized by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is a small coeducational Qatari higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. | |
Doha Institute for Graduate Studies | Doha Institute for Graduate Studies is a private higher education institution located in Doha, Ad-Dawhah. Established in 2014 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies is a coeducational Qatari higher education institution. Doha Institute for Graduate Studies offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. |
Festivals & Events
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Aspire International Kite Festival
Date: March
The Aspire International Kite Festival is one of Qatar's most thrilling tourist attractions. The festival is held in March when families worldwide come together and enjoy the spectacle of colorful kites swooping through the air, handled by skilled kite flyers from around the world for three days.
During this time, there are various events, from family workshops about kite making to parades and other competitions that visitors can enjoy. Most kites you see flying in the sky are crafted in fabulous designs.

Qatar International Art Festival
Date: Late October
The Qatar International Art Festival in Doha offers artists worldwide an exhibit and creative exchange during late October or early November; the festival only lasts for six days. About 200 artists participate in the festival, with live painting displays, workshops, panel discussions, a fashion show, and an exhibition.
The festival takes place at Katara Cultural Village. Artists who wish to join the event can apply in advance, while the exhibition and live paintings are free for the public.

November - February
Date: Camel racing
Camel racing, traditionally known as the sport of the sheiks in Qatar, has developed through the centuries into a fiercely competitive sport with millions of dollars on the line. Remote-controlled 'jockeys' riding the camels show the sport's unique blend of tradition and modern technology.
Al-Shahaniya racing track, an hour's drive into the gleaming desert outside north of downtown Doha, holds domestic and international tournaments on Fridays from November to February, while the main competitions happen in March and April. Visitors are fascinated with an exceptional prospect to view Qatar's fiercely competitive and one of the most expensive sporting events.

Doha Cultural Festival
Date: February or March
The Doha Cultural Festival is an important event in Qatar that highlights local traditions and arts diversity. The culture and creativity of the region are expressed through musical performances, dance, photography, art exhibitions, and more.
The main attraction of the events at the Doha Cultural Festival are singing and poetry reading performances that remind Qatar's old storytelling tradition. HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prince of Qatar, presides over the event in February or March each year.

Qatar International Food Festival
Date: Late November until early December
The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is a Qatar Tourism initiative that celebrates the country's diverse food, beverage, and hospitality offerings. This food festival invites all food enthusiasts to enjoy exceptional culinary experiences at scenic outdoor locations. The festival highlights events like live cooking shows by professional chefs, food workshops for visitors, organized farmer's markets, and farm-to-table experiences.
There are cultural performances based on a particular theme that varies every year. Also, the venue keeps on changing every year, so you not only get to see the iconic venues, but you can also enjoy what the festival has to offer.
Qatar Marine Festival
Date: March
The Qatar Marine Festival is held every year at the famous Katara Cultural Village along the Doha seafront. Travelers can witness programs like cultural, environmental, sport, education, and much more, which are all related to marine.
Also, the festival offers various activities and shows like musical performances, seal shows, aquatic animal displays, and many other enjoyable activities such as papermaking, painting, ceramics, other arts and crafts, etc., that families can experience.

Eid al-Fitr
Date: August or September
Eid al-Fitr is the most sacred festival in Qatar; this festival is celebrated for three days after month-long fasting, prayer, and reflection period. Doha offers a more festive atmosphere. Feasts, dancing, and performances were held during the event, and the country was decorated with lights and other things.
Visitors during this time can expect to witness a lot of night fireworks, great meals, and so much more.

Katara Traditional Dhow Festival
Date: December
One of the best Qatar attractions for tourists is the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival. Qatar celebrates this magnificent sailing vessel in its Traditional Dhow Festival at Katara Cultural Village in Doha. The festival usually takes place in December.
Some 70 boats of varying sizes and traditional designs are displayed, and visitors can also enjoy the art exhibitions and a marine-themed firework show. A conventional market on-site has marine products, handicrafts, and food for sale.
Attractions / Top Sights

FANAR: Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha
When to visit: Between November and March
The Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha, also well-known as FANAR, is one of the most widely known landmarks in Doha. The spiral-shaped Fanar building is located near Souq Waqif, and the Museum of Islamic Art is situated in the spiral mosque close to Souq Waqif.
Fanar, once the largest mosque in the country, acts as a gratuitous organization dedicated to helping non-Muslims realize and be more aware of Islam and its culture through different activities such as displays, journeys of the center, and even Arabic courses.

Museum of Islamic Art
When to visit: Between November and March
When to visit: https://www.mia.org.qa/en/about
The Museum of Islamic Art is on one end of the seven-kilometer-long (4.3 mi) Corniche in Doha, Qatar. The Museum of Islamic Art houses a collection of artistic objects gathered from around the Islamic world with a mission to serve our visitors' cultural, creative, and social needs.
The Museum of Islamic Art is not a religious institution; however, the museum has prayer rooms and ablution facilities inside the museum building for all Muslim visitors. The white tower has acute, boxed endings and remains alone on the water. The museum appears to dazzle with glow in the sunlight, and its compelling atmosphere is expanded.

Pearl Qatar
When to visit: December to January or March to April
When to visit: https://thepearlqatar.com/
The Pearl Qatar is an artificial island situated offshore in Doha's West Bay Lagoon area. The Pearl is a famous visitor attraction by its charm, inviting descriptions such as the 'Arabian Riviera.'
The area also offers a deluxe shopping experience with premium designer boutiques and showrooms featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas, and hotels. The Island is also home to trendy dining places - from refreshing ice creams to five-star culinary experiences.

Doha Desert
When to visit: December - February
Doha Desert offers a variety of tours that allow you to see and explore Qatar’s inland sea. It gives you the best travel experience. The beauty of the desert sights will leave you feeling tiny and in awe of the immensity of this strange landscape. The sand is compact, the dunes are revolving, and this fantastic desert landscape can be tasted on any desert safari day.

National Museum of Qatar
When to visit: Between November to March
When to visit: https://www.nmoq.org.qa/the-museum
The National Museum of Qatar is situated on Museum Park Street across from the Corniche in Doha, Qatar. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar.
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is dedicated to bringing Qatar's novel story and people to life. It actively voices the nation's rich heritage and culture and demonstrates a vast network of ties with other countries and people worldwide. Designed as a vibrant and immersive space, diverse communities can come together and experience Qatar's past, present, and future.

Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche is an oceanfront promenade that renewed Doha's shoreline in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is one of the greatest favorite sites among walkers, cyclists, and joggers. While it is a famous place for exercising in the dawn, it attracts various people seeking remarkable sights of the city's skyline.
It is lined with luxury hotels, clubs, and apartments; different fine, essential government buildings; lovely open, manicured parks with family facilities; and public buildings such as museums and a library. During the day, you can appreciate the unbelievable colors of Doha's bay; in the evening, you can enjoy a stunning view of a fantastic sunset; and at night, you will be able to behold the beautiful colors of the city's lights gleaming off the tranquil water.
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Souq Waqif
When to visit: November-March
Souq Waqif is a fantastic marketplace in Doha, Qatar. The Souq Waqif is situated only a few minutes away from the Corniche. Famous as the social heart of Doha, Souq Waqif is an excellent place to shop, wander, eat delicious foods, or pass the time idly in one of the charming local cafes. It’s also a famous site to shop for unique souvenirs for the people back home.