Doha – Skyline of Splendour
Doha Airport Directory (DOH)
Baggage Allowance
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Not just the Gulf, but the entire world now has its eyes on Qatar’s capital city, Doha. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the region, it also hosted of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, and an emerging custodian of arts and culture.
Doha is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Its skyline is adorned with striking skyscrapers, while its streets are lined with bustling markets and serene waterfront promenades. The city also boasts world-class sporting venues, including the renowned Khalifa International Stadium. With its thriving economy, warm hospitality, and a thriving arts and culinary scene, Doha captivates visitors with its unique charm and cosmopolitan allure.
Best time to visit: November to April is the perfect time to visit Doha.
How to reach
By Air: Hamad International Airport is located at a distance of 13.5km (30minutes drive) away from the city. IndiGo operates non-stop daily flights between Doha and Mumbai, Kochi, Kozhikode, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai.
Getting around: There is a vast network of buses covering all routes in Doha. Alternately you can also hire taxis known as ‘karwa’ for moving around the city.
Baggage Allowance
20
7Kg
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Places to visit in Doha
- Doha Corniche: Start your trip with a walk down the seven-kilometre long, vehicle-free Doha Corniche. This waterfront promenade offers spectacular views of the city’s futuristic skyline, while the traditional wooden dhows lining the bay echo tales of Qatar’s rich seafaring past.
- Museum of Islamic Art: One landmark which stands out in the cityscape is the Museum of Islamic Art, which allows you to discover 14 centuries of great art in a couple of hours. From the evolution of ceramic design through the ages to a collection of over 800 manuscripts from the Qur’an, the diverse exhibits at this cultural institution leave you inspired.
- Al Zubarah Fort and Khor Al Adaid: The two UNESCO-recognised locations are also a must-visit in Doha. On Qatar’s north-west coast lies the first, comprising the beautifully restored Al Zubarah Fort, a historical Qatari military fortress which offers you a glimpse into the centuries-old remains of the walled coastal town of Zubarah. The second, situated 60km from Doha in the country’s south-eastern corner, is the inland sea of Khor Al Adaid. A creek surrounded by sand dunes, the region is only accessible through a four-wheel drive vehicle. Here, adventure junkies can revel in sand skiing and quad biking, while picnicking and camping is on the cards, too.
- Pearl-Qatar: At Pearl-Qatar, peek into Doha’s most sought-after lifestyle destination. This man-made island off the West Bay coast features yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, luxury villas and hotels. Its seaside promenade also houses a range of cafes and restaurants, in addition to international boutiques and showrooms.
Places to eat in Doha
MAMIG Armenian & Lebanese Restaurant
For authentic Lebanese and Armenian cuisine in Doha, head to fine-dining restaurant MAMIG, located in the Katara Cultural Centre. Try their speciality dish, fishne kebab (grilled kebabs with caramelised cherries), or opt for a hot/cold appetiser platter, paired with a round of cocktails and shisha.
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Idam
French-Mediterranean meets the Persian Gulf at the stylish Idam, the brainchild of acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse. The restaurant is situated on the fifth floor of the Museum of Islamic Art and offers stunning views of Doha’s sparkling skyline and bay. Pick between camel with foie gras, which takes six days to prepare, and the squab prepared with dates and turmeric.
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Orient Pearl
Three different menus—Syrian, Lebanese and Italian—come together at this restaurant, which is located right at the Corniche. Go here with your family or friends when you can’t settle on one cuisine, and try a host of flavours you otherwise wouldn’t. The live Arabic music and outdoor fountain show in the evenings add to the charm of the setting.
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Opal by Gordon Ramsay
At the St. Regis Hotel in Doha, make a reservation for a meal at the elegant Opal. The restaurant hosts themed meals through the week; expect a three-course Opal Power Lunch on weekdays, à la carte and Bloody Mary brunch on the weekends, Burger and Pint nights, Chili Dog Tuesdays, and more.
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La Gelateria Fina
Mark your ice cream date at this little parlour, situated across the Katara Beach. Try their flavours for free—from fruity sorbets to creamy scoops—before you pick your favourite from the twenty on offer. Also, skip the indoor and outdoor seating and walk down the breezy promenade for views as sweet as this treat.
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Shopping in Doha
A mix of traditional souqs and modern malls jazz up your shopping experience in Doha. Here are a few places to go to for your loot:
Souq Waqif: A hot favourite among locals and travellers alike, this century-old souq still retains the Qatari charm of the good old days. Head here to buy traditional garments, spices, handicrafts and antiques. Most of the shops are not open between noon and 4 pm, so grab some hummus and pita and relax with some shisha at a café while you wait.
City Centre Mall Doha: Over 300 national and international brands, an ice-skating rink, bowling alleys and many more entertainment options come under one roof at the City Centre Mall, located near West Bay.
Villaggio: At this Venetian-themed mall, you can take a gondola ride, watch an IMAX movie or spend some time at the indoor theme park. For shopping, the mall houses the biggest names in the retail world— Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci, and the likes.
Nightlife in Doha
The Pearl Lounge: The only club in town, this two storey club feature a large dance floor and three bars. It’s a member only club, but each member can bring two male guests.
Irish Harp: Set inside the Sheraton Hotel, this place boasts of great ambience, live music, karaoke along with great food at moderate prices. The food tastes delicious with a wide range of menu.
Illusions: This is the place where you can find Doha’s socialites. Visit the 1933 Grand Dome or rooftop garden at level 6 to experience lavish interiors, acrobatic performances and house music.
StrEAT Culture: A happening sports bar where you will find a Filipino band playing every single night. The place has ample space to watch games on the nearby televisions.
Where to stay in Doha
W Doha Hotel and Residences The signature youthful vibe of the W abounds at this hotel, known in the city for its diverse culinary fare—from the Asian ‘Spice Market’ to the modern European ‘Market by Jean-Georges’. To shake things up, make your way to ‘Crystal Lounge’ which spins the hottest DJ sets, or lounge under a cabana with a shisha at the ‘Wahm Lounge’.
Four Seasons Hotel The illustrious, 17-storeyed Four Seasons boasts its private beach, along with nine restaurants and lounges including the world’s largest ‘Nobu’ outpost and a wellness centre spread across three floors. Its 232 guest rooms and 57 suites, most of which come with step-out balconies, offer panoramic views of the city and the West Bay.
Ritz-Carlton Whether it’s the 2,300 Swarovski crystals adorning the most massive chandelier in the Middle East or the luxe Tuscan marble used in your bathroom, every little element at The Ritz-Carlton spells opulence. Dining options are plenty, including the poolside snack bar ‘Flamingo’, which features its waterfall, and the Italian speciality ‘Porcini’, fit for a romantic dinner for two.
St. Regis Doha Located next to Pearl Island, the 336 butler-serviced rooms and suites at the St. Regis come with breathtaking views of the sea. It houses the renowned ‘Remède Spa’ which offers tailor-made therapies in their 22 private treatment rooms, in addition to an Olympic-size pool and water-sporting activities—snorkelling, kayaking, speed boating, and more.
Marriott Marquis Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop swimming pool and easy access to City Centre Mall, Marriott Marquis is a centrally-located hotel suited for both business and leisure travellers. The rooms come with all modern amenities expected from a world-class hotel—plush bedding, high-speed wifi and of course, a spa.
More reasons to visit Doha
Katara Cultural Village: Another marvellous space for culture enthusiasts is the Katara Cultural Village, home to an open amphitheatre, an opera house, a multi-purpose cinema, and other venues which host year-round programmes of performance shows and exhibitions.
Visa and Immigration
If you are an Indian passport holder travelling to Qatar, then you are eligible for ‘Visa On Arrival’ on presenting a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months, a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking confirmation and a valid credit or debit card in the name of the applicant. The duration of the visit should not be extended beyond 30 days.
To ensure a hassle-free and seamless travel, here is a detailed information about the Qatar visa – www.goindigo.in/information/visa-information/qatar-qa-visa.html
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