Travel Tips for Qatar

Language

The official language of the country is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. Islam is the official religion of the country and Shari’a (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation.

Currency

The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR), which is divided into 100 Dirhams. The exchange parity has been set at a fixed rate of US$1 = QR3.64.

Hours of Business

The working week in Qatar runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday being days off. Government ministries’ working hours are from 7am – 2pm, Sunday to Thursday; similar to the oil, gas and petrochemicals companies.

Shop times vary, but are generally 8.30am – 12.30pm and 4pm – 9pm although shopping malls tend to be open all day between the hours of 10am and 10pm. Some shops do not open at all on Fridays, while others open for a few hours early in the morning and re-open in the late afternoon, most malls and shopping centres only open around 4pm on this day.

Do’s and Don’ts

Please dress modestly when out in public as a show of respect towards the culture and tradition of Qatar. Visitors and expatriates (both men and women) should dress conservatively avoiding exposure of the knees, shoulders, cleavage and stomach. Likewise, avoid tight, revealing clothing.

There are many photographic opportunities in Qatar, but exercise discretion when photographing local residents, even from a distance. It is wise to ask their permission first. If you are a man, kindly approach another man for directions or advice.

There are stiff fines for consuming alcohol other than on licensed premises. Alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated and there is zero tolerance for drink driving or rowdy behaviour.

Climate

Local Time

3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) with no summer-time saving

Map of Doha

Click here to download a web-optimised version of the map [147Kb]

Click here to download a high-resolution version of the map [4.76Mb]

(Map Courtesy of QNCC)

Electrical Current

240 Volts + 6% with frequency 50 hertz

Internet Connections

Most hotels offer internet connections. You can also access Qtel Hotspots at selected locations through pre-paid Hotspot cards. Locations include Souq Waqif, various hotels, cafes and the Diplomatic Club. Access cards valid for one year can be purchased at Hotspot locations and cost from QR30, QR50 or QR70.
Free wireless internet access is offered at public parks, including Doha’s Sheraton Park, Al Rumaila Park and Dahl Al Hamam Park.

Newspapers

There are local English daily newspapers published in Qatar: Gulf Times, The Peninsula, and Qatar Tribune plus the International Herald Tribune. Other English dailies published in the Gulf include Khaleej Times and Gulf News and are available on the day of publication. Other international titles arrive a little later.