It is one of the fastest growing and safest cities in the world. In 2022, sports fans and the best soccer players of the planet gathered here to be part of the long-awaited Mundial. A former desert, whose population survived by pearl mining, has been transformed into a true pearl of the Persian Gulf. Recognize the city from the description? We have compiled a guide to Doha and tell you what this city has to offer.
Tips before traveling
- The weather in Doha depends on the season. If you're not afraid of high temperatures, book your trip for the summer period. From April to October, the air outside the window heats up to +45-50°C. From November to March, the situation improves and the temperature drops to +25°C.
- The national currency is the Qatari riyal (1 QAR = 0.27 USD). You can exchange currency at the airport, bank or private points, where you will find the most favorable rate.
- Forget about jetlag: there is no time difference with Minsk and Moscow.
- Hotels have D and G outlets with three-prong plugs, so take care of the adapter in advance.
- You can communicate with Qataris in English, and the staff of some popular hotels has even mastered Russian.
- Head to the Souq Waqif market for the best souvenirs. Choose from Oriental lamps, carpets, dishes, sweets, coffee pots, jewelry, pearl ornaments and oil perfumes. By the way, don't forget to bargain.
- It is illegal to import or export alcoholic beverages from the country, so don't plan a global purchase at duty free.
What kind of food to try?
Warak enab
Let's start with the appetizers. Ordering this dish, you will see in front of you grape leaves stuffed with rice, beef and spices. Be sure to sprinkle the rolls with a slice of lemon. This light and flavorful dish can be eaten at any time of the day.
Balalit
If you want sweet, spicy and salty at the same time for breakfast, pay attention to balalit. The first component of this dish is vermicelli fried in a syrup with saffron and cardamom. The second is a spicy omelet. Before serving, the two elements are combined on a plate, sprinkled with nuts and garnished with vegetables.
Mahbus
Mahbous can easily vie for the title of the most famous dish in Qatari cuisine. In Qatar, this relative of pilaf is as famous as paella in Spain, smørrebrød in Norway or pizza in Italy. Local chefs prepare mahbous based on chicken and lamb, while modern versions do not exclude camel, fish or goat meat. A bouquet of spices from cloves, cardamom, saffron, nutmeg and thyme gives a special flavor and texture. You can try makhbus in an establishment of any price category.
Umm Ali
It's time to move on to desserts. This Arabic bread pudding is made of puff pastry, dried fruits, raisins and nuts. The mixture is poured with milk or cream and baked until golden crust. Before serving, the pudding is sprinkled with cinnamon and served with a cup of tea.
Makhalyabia
We conclude the story about the national cuisine on a sweet note. Mahalabiya consists of starch, which is mixed with milk and then rose water, cinnamon and pistachios are added. The result is a dessert that is very reminiscent of milk pudding. Order it with oriental coffee or tea to tone down the sweetness of the treat.
How do you get around the city?
Bus
Doha has an excellent bus service. The fare ranges from $0.7 to $2.5 and depends on the length of the route. You do not need to pay the conductor or driver. For this purpose, always carry a Karwa Smartcard costing $8.25 ($2.75 is used to pay for the card and another $5.5 is left on your balance for future trips).
Metro
The unmanned trains are equipped with the latest technology and reach speeds of up to 100 km/h on the road. The cars are divided into three classes. A fare in the lowest segment costs $0.55, in the most expensive segment - $2.75.
Cab
Many tourists prefer to travel around Qatar by cab. For them it is not a luxury, but the most affordable means of transportation. The route of cabs does not depend on the weather and time of day, they are visible from afar due to the bright and eye-catching design, and their cost is not frightening at all.
The minimum price for the trip starts at $2.75, and for each next kilometer of travel in Doha you have to pay about $0.5 extra.
What to do?
Take a walk along the Corniche Promenade.
It is one of the most popular locations in Doha with modern fashionable hotels and numerous skyscrapers. An evening stroll along the waterfront overlooking the high-rises is a mast-head of a Qatar vacation. Afterwards, make sure that the nightlife in Qatar never stops.
The promenade stretches for 7.5 kilometers, and during the walk you can admire not only hotels and skyscrapers, but also the fish market, parks and squares, the Museum of Islamic Art. By the way, especially for tourists in Doha there is a Hop-on Hop-off bus, which stops at the waterfront. A great opportunity to walk here after a transportation excursion.
Watch the Formula 1 race
In 2021, Qatar hosted stages of the Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time, and in the next 10 years these competitions will be held here regularly.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix is not just about racing cars. It is a whole spectacle and exciting battle on the Lusail Autodrome, where the sound of engines and intense struggle are accompanied by a colorful show in an atmosphere of luxury. The first event in Qatar was won by the famous Lewis Hamilton. You can see the denouement of the competition of the main racers of the planet in person during a trip to Qatar.
Touch history at Al Wajba Fort
It is the oldest fortress in Qatar and was built in the late 18th and early 19th century. It is located 30 minutes from Doha and is open to the public. In 1893, Ottoman Empire forces attacked Al Wajba, but local soldiers repelled the attack and defended the area. This fortress had an equally important role: at different periods it served as the residence of Qatari sheikhs.
Get to know the country at the Qatar National Museum
Everyone who is interested in the history of the country or simply likes unusual buildings should visit this place. In 2019, the museum opened its doors to visitors from all over the world, and the French architect Jean Nouvel worked on its design. Before becoming a museum, the building served as the residence of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed.
What is there to see in the museum? Everything you need to know about Qatar. Pay attention to clothes, household and interior items, utensils, weapons. Come to the two-tiered exposition with the inhabitants of the sea depths and be sure to stop at the handicrafts, look into one of the immersive galleries. According to the creators' idea, the exposition includes photos, sounds, videos and even smells.
Spend the day at Katara Cultural Village
Set aside a day for the authentic Katara Cultural Village area. Don't think we're suggesting you go to a remote village and forget civilization for a day. It's an entire cultural complex with a place for history and modernity within.
With a total area of 99 hectares, the Katara Cultural Village is a multicultural experience. Inside the complex, you can spend time in the art gallery, find hidden meanings in the works of artisans, see the creations of local craftsmen, and check out theaters, restaurants and cultural spaces. In hot weather, you can take shelter from the sun in the shade of the gardens.
Katara Cultural Village is the cradle of local culture, a collection of local history and traditions, a source of pride and national identity.
