Is Qatar the new Dubai?
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE? Like Dubai, from November to April you can expect highs of between 22°c and 30°c, with an average rainfall of less than one inch per month across the winter period, as well as plenty of sunshine. As such, it’s a great place to escape the UK’s winter weather.
The coldest month is January, but even then, you can expect temperatures to reach as much as 22°c - a pleasant change to the UK’s January average of between 1°c and 7°c
HOW DO I GET AROUND? Although travelling by car is the main way to get around for most locals, Qatar's public transportation has seen a vast improvement in recent years, largely due to the expansion of its bus and metro services. And it’s a lot less expensive than London’s public transport with prices being less than a third of London’s Public Transport network
Moreover, Qatar boasts some of the fastest driverless trains in the world. The Doha Metro rapid transit system has three lines: Red, Green and Gold, with 37 stations across 76 km which converge at the centrally located Msheireb Station, close to Doha's main cultural attractions.
WHAT ARE THE HOTELS LIKE? In recent years, Qatar has seen a flurry of new hotels added to its accommodation offering. Hotel standards are extremely high, with an extensive collection of luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels that pave the way for an extraordinary and unforgettable stay. From opulent accommodations to impeccable facilities.
The cost of accommodation is a lot more pocket-friendly than Dubai hotels, which, with Dubai’s continued popularity, have become increasingly expensive. Many Qatari hotels are ‘wet’ hotels (which can serve alcohol), and although there are a few ‘dry hotels’, the Qatari Government has looked to attract 'Westerners' by dramatically increasing the number of premises licensed to sell alcohol. However, it should be noted that alcohol can only be consumed in licensed hotel restaurants and bars.
The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and establishments serving alcohol will ask for an original photo ID upon entry. Drinking in the street is strictly prohibited.
WHAT CAN I DO IN QATAR? From discovering local culture, world-class shopping and fine dining to thrilling desert adventures, this Arabian Gulf peninsula has rapidly evolved from a stopover location to a major tourist destination in its own right.
You can visit the family-friendly Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, go Kayaking in the mangroves, pick up bargains at Souq Waqif, and visit 'The Pearl Qatar', a fascinating man-made island that sits on four million sqm of reclaimed land. This area is known for its hotels, variety of charming cafes and restaurants, iconic marina and luxury boutiques. It is a popular residential area, with a lavish community lifestyle.
New attractions for 2023 – include the purpose-built Fuwairit Kite Beach, the Outpost Al Barari resort of tented villas and nature experiences, Qetaifan Island North with its floating hotels, beach clubs and water park, and the West Bay North Beach Project. There’s also an immersive 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and Quest Doha theme park with the world's tallest indoor rollercoaster.
Or you can set sail and watch whale sharks – Qatar has one the largest congregations of these magnificent animals on earth.
HOW SAFE IS QATAR? Qatar has earned the number one rank for “Safest Country in the World” on the Numbeo Crime Index, for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. Looking to take a winter sun break in Qatar? Then give me a call at 01234 581066 or e-mail me at marco.williams@travelcounsellors.com
Want to learn more about what Qatar has to offer? Go to: https://visitqatar.com/