Falcons, folklore and pearl-hunting meet stratospheric skyscrapers, five-star motels and blazing commerce in dynamic Qatar.
Qatar is visa-free for South Africans (and residents of greater than 80 different international locations). You don’t should pay or apply for a visa. As a substitute, South Africans might be issued a 30-day visa waiver at their port of entry into Qatar. This waiver permits the holder to spend as much as 30 days in Qatar, both on a single journey or on a number of journeys. It’s also possible to apply to have it prolonged for an extra 30 days.
What you’ll want:
- a sound passport with a minimal validity of six months
- a confirmed onward or return ticket
Good to know
Hamad Worldwide Airport is the World’s Greatest Airport for the second yr in a row on the SkyTrax Airport Awards 2022, making this a superb journey hub in your technique to virtually wherever in Europe, America or Asia.
However given the visa waiver, you’d be loopy to not take a couple of days to discover this dynamic metropolis, stuffed with all the things you count on and extra.
Discover wonderful flights to Doha right here
When is the perfect time to go to?
Summer season (June to September) is high-season and temperatures hover round 40°C, typically spiking to an eye-watering 50°C! Air-conditioning comes normal, however spring (March to Could) is a superb time to go to with temperatures a bit of milder. Winters (December to February) are gentle with temperatures averaging round 23°C through the day.
Don’t have sufficient time?
When travelling by means of Qatar, longer transit occasions are a breath of contemporary air. In case your transit is 8 hours or extra, you may flip your cease into an prolonged vacation by becoming a member of a metropolis tour of Doha, or a desert journey taking within the unimaginable Inland Sea. For transit of three hours and fewer, go for excursions and actions inside Hamad Worldwide Airport.
The tour contains an English talking information. Arabic is the official language in Qatar however with so many expats you’ll discover English extensively spoken.
Wonderful issues to see and do in Doha
Take an insta-pic underneath the arches on the lovely Museum of Islamic Artwork
Quickly closed
The museum has free admission and is dwelling to a group spanning 1400 years. Taking a stroll across the adjoining MIA park can be a should because it boasts the perfect views of the skyline within the metropolis. The museum is at present internet hosting an exhibition showcasing motifs and artisans from Turkey, Iran and India.
Closed on Tuesdays. Free Wifi and no admission charge.
Discover the heartbeat of the town at Souq Waqif
Picture courtesy of @hinnaqazi by way of Instagram
There was a souq on this spot longer than anybody can bear in mind, its present incarnation is a sequence of fantastically recreated and restored conventional Qatari buildings. This can be a great spot for a wander, discover the market stalls and seize a chew to eat. The Falcon souq is a must-visit, particularly on Thursday evenings if you’ll catch a glimpse of Qatari tradition with Qatari patrons and shopkeepers discussing the birds. When you ask properly chances are you’ll be allowed to take a peek on the specialised falcon hospital. Souq Waqif is the right technique to get to know this dynamic metropolis. Souq Al Wakrah-Qatar by the ocean is one other great place to go to.
Expertise the historic Qatari tradition at Katara Cultural Village
Picture courtesy of @wanderlust_travelling_3/ by way of Instagram
The village showcases historically-accurate Qatari structure and is a enterprise centre and cultural area with an amphitheater. Katara seashore provides enjoyable summer time promotions like specials on jet-ski rides.
Picture courtesy of @kataraqatar by way of Instagram
Take a dip within the large blue Persian Gulf
Picture courtesy of @visitqatar by way of Instagram
563 km of shoreline means there are lots of seashores to get pleasure from. Picnic, swim or jet-ski, simply bear in mind to respect the modest gown code particularly through the holy month of Ramadan.
Picture courtesy of @buenaphotos by way of @visitqatar by way of Instagram
Get to know Doha’s hip espresso tradition
Picture courtesy of @flatwhite.qa by way of Instagram
Aptly named Flat White, this cool espresso spot is run by two caffeine fans aiming to take specialty espresso in Qatar to a different degree.
Opening Hours: Sat-Wed 7 am -11 pm Thu-Fri 7 am – 11:30 pm
Unit 346, 27 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl, Qatar
(+974) 4029 1965
Picture courtesy of @flatwhite.qa by way of Instagram
Splurge on a spa and pool day on the 5-star lodge the Torch, Doha
Picture courtesy of @thetorchdoha by way of Instagram
Also called Aspire Tower this 300 metre tall skyscraper lodge has a implausible Saturday particular the place you may verify in to your personal Deluxe Room, get pleasure from full entry to the sky-high swimming pool, sauna and steam room for R1636 (450 Qatari Rial). The particular additionally entitles you to getting a 25% low cost of their eating places.
The various 5-star motels that grace Doha’s skyline are a monument to Qatar’s latest historical past and stratospheric financial rise. Qatar boasts the very best per capita earnings on the world and correspondingly is a playground to rich elites with many elaborate procuring malls. Look a bit nearer and also you’ll be entranced by Qatar’s contradictions.
Seize a cold-pressed juice at Qatar’s 100% vegan café Evergreen Organics
Picture courtesy of @flatwhite.qa by way of Instagram
For conventional middle-eastern meals there are quite a few eating places at Souq Waqif providing up a plethora of dishes from the area and elsewhere however dynamic Doha additionally has thrilling restaurant developments such because the recently-opened Evergreen Organics. The café focuses on well being and diet and is a stunning oasis within the metropolis.
Trendy meets historical on this middle-eastern hub. We’d love to listen to your ideas on dynamic Doha within the feedback under.
This text was initially printed on 19 August 2017