Discover the exciting sights, sounds, and tastes of Qatar with the Qatar Stopover program in Doha

Whether travelling for business or leisure, Qatar boasts attractive facilities and activities for leisure and business travellers. If your destination is somewhere else on the Qatar Airways world-wide network, it makes sense to add a couple of days and nights in the capitol city of Doha to explore the city and experience some truly unique tours, such as a jeep safari and BBQ at a Desert Camp on the shore of the Inland Sea.

There are also choices of a shopping excursion, museum visit, or round of golf on the 18-hole championship course. Doha has outstanding selection of hotels in 5, 4 and 3 Star categories. Familiar brands such as Marriott, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Hilton, Intercontinental, Sheraton, Ritz Carlton and Wyndham Grand are all in the 5 Star selection; with Best Western and Ramada in the 4 Star category. A complete list and pricing is included on the Qatar web site: www.qatarairways.com

Attractions

The Four Seasons Hotel Doha is one of many kuxury hotels in the Stopover program

Originally a pearling and fishing settlement, Qatar has a long history as an important trade hub in the region. Today it is a dramatic mix of traditional and contemporary culture as seen along the Corniche where traditional dhow boats coast along Gulf waters amid a backdrop of dazzling modern skyscrapers.

Approximately an hour outside of Doha, the Inland Sea, or Khor Al Udaid, is a naturally formed inlet of the Gulf. This remarkable landscape is home to awe-inspiring 40-metre high sand dunes and an abundance of terrestrial and marine plants and animals. Schedule a desert safari or dune bashing trip to traverse this untouched part of Qatar. Adventurers will also appreciate the many water and beach sports available at various resorts and hotels throughout Doha.

Sports enthusiasts will also enjoy a chance to golf on Doha’s championship course or take in a soccer match or horse race. For a taste of local sporting traditions, attend a camel race held during the late fall through late winter.

Dining

Doha has an abundance of world cuisines, 5-star restaurants, and award-winning chefs. Food and drink are an integral part of Qatari culture and hospitality. In keeping with this tradition, Doha offers a multitude of cuisines to satisfy your palate including Arabic, British, Italian, French, American, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, and many others.

La Mer Restaurant Ritz Doha

Shopping Doha has numerous malls, shopping complexes, and souqs. Traditionally in Arabian towns, shops were grouped according to goods they sold. In Doha, this custom is still found among the city’s many souqs. The Gold Souq is the best place to browse beautiful gold and silver jewellery or order a specially handcrafted piece. Souq Waqif, built in the style of these historical marketplaces, is the place to go for Arabian souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, incense, and perfumes.

Here is a sampling of some of the Stopover Tours available through Qatar Airways.

Doha Bus Hop on Hop off City Tour – $45 US per person The Doha Bus fleet of open-top buses offers the perfect vantage point to see this beautiful city.

Dunes Discovery Tour (no meals) $70 US per person – minimum 2 adults.

A comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicle will take you from Doha, south along the coastal route to the Sealine Beach Resort, where your vehicle will be prepared for the exciting desert journey ahead. Your desert adventure over the soft sand of the magnificent dunes is as memorable, as is exciting. If you have limited time this tour gives you the opportunity to get a taste of the desert and a chance to enjoy and experience the unique scenery of an Arabian desert. Times: 9 am to 1pm or 2pm to 6pm Daily

Inland Sea Safari (with Dinner): $110 US per person – minimum 2 adults Khor Al Udeid (The Inland Sea) is considered the desert marvel of Qatar. Located in the most south-easterly part of the country, Qatar’s most impressive sand dunes rise 40 meters in height. Day break brings the tide inland forming this unique inland sea transforming the area magically to resemble a resort by the shores of a lake. This afternoon and evening tour in comfortable 4-wheel drive vehicles, takes guests 75km across the southern Qatari desert. At the Desert Camp, travelers relax Bedouin-style, complete with tent, carpets and cushions, and enjoy famous Arabic hospitality. Take a swim in the tranquil Gulf waters or scramble up the sand dunes on foot. The sunset is spectacular and the sand dunes glitter in a wonderful array of colours. Settle down to a traditional BBQ dinner before returning back to your hotel by late evening. Times – 10am to 6pm or 2:30pm to 10pm. Daily

Arabian Night Safari (Overnight safari with dinner) $150 US per person, minimum two guests. This is the ultimate and unforgettable Arabian adventure. Experience the excitement and thrill of driving over shifting sand. From the luxury of a four-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll race up and over sun-glittering dunes.
At the campsite, enjoy swimming in the sparkling waters of the Gulf or relaxing on the warm white sands of the shoreline. After dark, delight in a sumptuous Middle Eastern meal around the campfire while the intoxicating beat of traditional Arabian music fills the air.

The next morning, wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise before breakfast. Finally, take a walk along the shore, go for a swim, or try sand-boarding before heading back to your hotel. Time: 2pm to 9am next day. Daily

Qatar and its capitol city of Doha are one of the best examples of Western and Middle Eastern cultures melding into a unique travel experience. Doha is the connecting hub for the majority of intercontinental flights for Qatar Airways, providing an excellent opportunity for travellers to enjoy a couple of nights and days to experience Qatari culture and cuisine, and to find out first-hand why so many international hotel operators have recognized the tourism potential in this burgeoning city. Bon Voyage!