doha city tour by discover qatar

Doha City Tour With Discover Qatar: An Honest Review

Would you like to learn more about the Doha City Tour with Discover Qatar? Then you have come to the right place!

If you travel east, chances are that you will use the Doha airport for your connecting flight. You might have a long layover in Doha , with plenty of time to kill before hopping on your next flight.

What better way to spend that time than by getting out of the airport to explore a new city that you wouldn’t visit otherwise?

Discover Qatar offers a 3-hour long city tour of Doha which will take you to the city’s main attractions. I took this tour to check out if it was worth it and the answer is YES !

Although Doha might not be a city that attracts many tourists, it does have some beautiful sights. I really enjoyed gazing at the skyscrapers one moment and visiting the traditional souqs the next.

You will find my experience, along with some useful information in case you want to do the Doha Transit Tour in this post.

Doha city tour with Discover Qatar

The places you will see.

After booking the tour and leaving the airport, I boarded the air-conditioned bus with a small group of people who had booked the same tour.

We met our guide, who told us about the country and explained we’d make four stops. These were the following:

The harbour

After about 15 minutes on the bus, we made our first stop at the Doha harbour, which is right next to the Museum of Islamic Art.

You won’t be able to really check this museum out though, as the bus only makes a 10-minute stop in order for you to snap some pictures of the panoramic skyline , which is the harbour’s highlight.

Katara Cultural Village

My favourite stop was the next one: Katara Cultural Village, which aims to promote cultural awareness in Qatar.

Although everything was closed due to Ramadan, the stunning Arabic-inspired architecture literally made my jaw drop. From its amphitheatre to the beautiful Katara Masjid mosque , the cultural village is definitely worth a visit!

We had some time to walk around and take some pictures here, but I wished we could have stayed a little longer. It’s a very beautiful and photogenic place that I would love to visit again one day.

Stop number three was The Pearl: an artificial island situated off the coast of Doha. It’s full of yachts and luxurious apartments, restaurants and hotels.

The name “The Pearl” was chosen because it was built on one of Qatar’s previous pearl diving sites. Before the oil boom, the country was one of the main pearl traders in Asia .

We walked around The Pearl for about 20 minutes, which was just enough for me. Then, we hopped on the bus to drive to our final stop.

Our last stop was the Soup Waqif, where we had an hour to explore the market. Unlike the souqs I have visited in North Africa, the vendors didn’t aggressively try to get you into their shops and sell you stuff, which was a very nice, refreshing experience.

They sell all kinds of things at Souq Waqif, from souvenirs to clothes, spices and even small animals.

The souq dates back at least a hundred years but it was renovated in 2006 after most of it was destroyed by a fire a few years before.

Here, we had the choice to either take the bus back to the airport or stay in the city and return by ourselves later. I didn’t have that much time left before catching my flight so this is when the Doha city tour stopped for me.

How to book Discover Qatar’s city tour of Doha

You can book the tour in advance on the Discover Qatar website or go to their counter at the Doha airport.

Follow the A gate and take the first flat escalator (I’m not sure what those things are called in English?). You will find the desk on the left side. This is also the place where the tour leaves.

The 3-hour tour of Doha that I took cost 99 QAR but there are other tours to choose from, depending on the time you have and your budget.

I didn’t have to pay a visa fee, but it depends on your citizenship. You can check if your country belongs to the visa-free countries here .

Tips for the Qatar City Tour

• Bring water and sunscreen.
• Always take your valuables with you when you leave the bus.
• Ask for your tour operator’s contact number if you’re taking the bus back after the last stop. You never know what might happen and the bus doesn’t wait in case you get delayed.

Discover Qatar City Tour: Final thoughts

All in all, I had a great time on the Discover Qatar City Tour!

It takes you to Doha’s highlights and gives you an idea of what the city is like. There were places where I would have loved to stay longer but I know this wasn’t possible due to the limited time you have on a layover.

I would recommend this tour and would do it again in a heartbeat! It’s a great way to make the most of your layover and see a little bit of Doha.

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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I will have an 8-hour layover in Doha next month and am considering this tour. Is there a place to store one’s carry-on bag at the airport? Or do you bring it on the tour with you?

Hi Nadia, I think there must probably be a place to store your carry-on somewhere at the airport, but I took it with me so I’m not sure. Enjoy Doha!

Hi… I have a long layover in Doha. Want to leave the airport. I have some questions about you leaving the airport.

Did you have to get recovid tested? Do you need a Qatar SIM card or does the airport Wi-Fi have a strong enough connection for the health app?

Hi Mark, I did this before Covid, so I don’t know about the test. The wifi at the airport was good though!

Hi Laura, would just like to ask if the Pokefi 5g lte will work on an iPhone 8 and a laptop or does it only work on the latest devices?

Hi Ami, I think it would work because you just need to connect the wifi to start using it. But I would ask the Pokefi client service if you want to be sure. 😉

Hi Laura. I took the city tour from Qatar Airways 2 weeks ago while my transit in Rwanda. The tour was great but unfortunately it ended with one of the worst experiences in my life. The last station was the market and the tour operator gave us 20 minutes to go around. I lost my way back and I delayed 8 minutes to reach the meeting point. After waiting for 15 minutes, I realized that they left without me with my bag in the bus and without any contact to communicate. All my things (passport, money, credit cards, laptop) were in the bus and with just 8 minutes delay they left without me, in the middle of nowhere. After 1 hour of stress trying to find someone to talk, to find my bag and get back to the airport, I realized that they don’t care about their customers safety and there are no ways to be justified. Moreover, the taxi driver instead of 7 usd, he charged me 20 usd to take me back to the airport. I was charged 100 usd for the calls to find my bag and my way back to the airport.

Hi Nicos, I’m so sorry for what has happened to you, I can imagine that must have been a horrible experience! 🙁 It’s true that there should be a way to contact them in case something like this happens. I know it’s not much, and it certainly doesn’t make anything better, but I’ve added some tips at the end of this post that will hopefully prevent things like this from happening again.

Hi Nicola, did you have to get COVID tested or download any app in order to travel on the transit tour?

Hi Laura, thank you for sharing your experience and great information. I have a 12 hour layover at night in DOHA, do I need a transit to do the Discover Doha tour?

Hi Mari, I’m happy it’s helpful! 🙂 I’m not sure I understand what you mean with a transit. If you have a 12-hour layover, you are in transit, so it should be fine (I hope this helps). Also, it depends on the tours, but I see that you’re arriving at night, and for this one, the last one leaves at 9:30 pm. Hope your flight will be there in time!

after reading your review i also want to book this tour. My flight will arrive at 14:40. How long does it take to get to the Discover Qatar desk? Do i have to go through some security checks first? Do you think, taking flight delays into consideration, i can catch the tour starting from 16:00?

Please let me know – Thank you in advance

Sorry, i meant the tour starting from 18:00 because nowadays they want you to show up 2h prior

Hi Thomas, I didn’t have to go through any checkpoints when I landed in Doha and got to the Discover Qatar desk pretty fast! So I think you will definitely have enough time to catch that tour. Enjoy! 🙂

I’ve been staying in Doha for sometime for now. I guess you need at least one full day to view major sights of Doha city,

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Embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating city of Doha with Murex Activities and Tours, Qatar’s premier inbound tour agency. Our meticulously crafted Doha City tour promises an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and modern marvels.

As you explore this vibrant metropolis, our expert guides will lead you through an array of iconic landmarks. Marvel at the architectural brilliance of the stunningly modern Doha skyline, including the awe-inspiring skyscrapers of West Bay. Witness the iconic Museum of Islamic Art, a treasure trove of Islamic artifacts spanning centuries.

Delve into the vibrant soul of Doha at the bustling Souq Waqif, where aromatic spices, handcrafted textiles, and traditional Qatari treasures abound. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island adorned with luxurious residences, upscale shopping, and picturesque marinas.

No visit to Doha is complete without a visit to the Katara Cultural Village, a hub of artistic expression, showcasing local talents, art galleries, and world-class theaters.

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Transit City Tour is a Must-Do! - Discover Qatar

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We took the Doha city tour. The people at the front desk, the tour guide, and bus driver were all... read more

My 6-hour layover was no match for Discover Qatar's "Transit Exclusive - Discover Doha" tour. In a... read more

Transit City Tour is a Must-Do!

If you're transiting through Doha and have a layover of more than 5 hours, then I highly suggest booking seats on the transit city tour! For a very reasonable price per person, Discover Qatar will take you on a bus tour throughout Doha and stop at the main spots to see, like Souq Waqif and The Pearl Qatar. The tour lasts 3 hours and the company ensures you leave and get back on time in order to make your onward connections. Overall, it was a great way to break up our journey with Qatar Airways.

Booked the two person private chauffeur from discover qatar with the hope that we could have an arrangement of place to visit instead of the standard museum, culture village and souq waqif. However, when we exit from the immigration, then I had realized that the actual chauffeur was a small group tour (around 4 to 6), which immediately I felt very disappointed. When I did survey on each attraction in Doha, I found that the Museum of Islamic Art is the most worth to visit (indeed, it is). Which is the reason that I book the discover qatar private chauffeur with the hope that we could spend 2 to 3 hours in the museum. However, we only have 45 minutes to do a quick tour in the museum since it become 4 person group tour. The Syria artifact exhibition could took at least 1hours+. Then, we are touring around the Pearl, which is pretty boring as it just another thing for rich foreigner stuff. Souq waqif was not bad, but again we don't have a lot of time to walk around and my wife was just pregnant so we tried to avoid the pet selling area. Therefore, we could not say it good or bad. So in overall, I would not recommend the chauffer service. It is better to take the bus or monster tour as it is much cheaper and won't be disappointed as you already expect it is a group tour but not private tour. I gave two star instead of one because the tour guide is kind enough to drop us off in our hotel instead of airport :D

I am very impressed by this bus tour of Doha. It’s reasonably priced, USD 12 only. Visa was free as well if applied through Qatar Airways. This tour provided a time to go out and see the city and the culture, food and shops. Simply amazing! The guide was awesome!

I really recommend doing this tour especially if you are only staying a short time. Our driver Mohammed was very knowledgeable and helpful especially when we stopped to look at certain stop.

We hâd a 12 hours stopover în Doha, Qatar! With Discover Qatar ofer we where able to take the City tour for a very reasonable price(40 QAD per person), a tour for almost 3 hours. Then we used the free room at Oryx Rotan Doha hotel again via this programm.So we where able to sleep a couple of hours and took a lovely dinner at the hotel restaurant for a good price. The hotel provided free shuttle bus to the airport. It is the best advertising of Doha City for the upcoming 2022 World Football Cup and for a city that îs developing fast and amazing. Well done! Great services!

So happy that this was available - I was keen to make the most of my 10 hour layover in Doha to get at least a little glimpse of the city. The guide gave some interesting facts about the city and was very upbeat and friendly. On board the bus we were given some water and biscuits, which was a nice touch. The tour took us around the key sights, and I found them all interesting. And the price of around 11 USD is excellent value for money. Actually the only reason I gave it four rather than five stars was that I would have liked more time in pretty much all the locations - especially the souq, where there were lots of restaurants and shops, but with only 30 minutes there, there was no time for a meal. Obviously they want this tour to be accessible for as many people as possible, so they keep it short at 2 hours 45 minutes - but perhaps they might offer a slightly longer city tour for people with a bit more time. Until next time! :-)

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Doha City Tour – discover the best of Qatar

After Marti shared her experience on the subject of should we bother to visit Doha , we knew we had to give the city a chance (at least a little one). As the hub airport for Qatar Airways, it’s easy to get to Doha and have a few hours between flights for the Doha City Tour.

So on our way to Seychelles, we had an 8-hour layover in Doha and we would be there to catch the last Doha City tour, starting at 8 p.m. and exploring Doha during the evening. We booked the tour in advance and were looking forward to setting foot in one of the richest countries in the world.

Here is an overview of the tour, our experience, and all the things that impressed us about Qatar and Doha. Our opinion is that if you have a couple of hours to spend, you should take the Doha City Tour.

As soon as we hopped on the bus, our guide – a lady from Singapore – started painting the picture of Qatar and Doha for us. We wonder where the Qatari people are – everybody we’ve met so far working in the airport premises, also for this tour – seems to be non-Qatari. Maybe Qataris do only high-end jobs and duty-free shops, sanitizing toilets, and leading tours are not such jobs.

The perfectly illuminated and huge highway took us from the airport terminal to the city of Doha. We passed the private terminal for the royal family, just in time to learn from our guide that Qatar claims to be the richest country in the world. No kidding.

We love the vibes of the harbor. As it was in the evening and not so hot, there were plenty of people chatting and observing the skyline of Doha. Some would just chill in their parked cars, others would have a bite, overlooking the incoming and outgoing traffic of yachts and boats of different size and illumination.

We were thinking – OK, there are still some simple pleasures in the richest country in the world. But then we continued with the tour…

The Katara Cultural Village

This will be the fanciest village we’ve ever set foot in. It’s a complex of different buildings in Arabic and international style. Most of the buildings are used to host different artistic or cultural events and activities. There is a huge plaza with fountains and just a few people passing by.

It would be wonderful if we could visit an exhibition or performance, but maybe next time. It was getting late and maybe Katara Cultural Village was out of working hours so it was almost empty and looked a bit ghosty to me.

After taking too many selfies with the fountains and illuminated buildings, we continued to our next stop, which looked even fancier. On our way, we were passing the masterpieces of splendor like the Presidential Palace Qatar and beautiful statues of oryxes – oryx is the national animal of Qatar. We couldn’t miss the big posters and billboards with the face of the Emir of Qatar. Our guide told us this was the way to show him the support from the public.

As fancy as it gets – The Pearl. An artificial island of huge size, with at least one private harbor and many foreigners allowed to buy property in it. So if you really wanna show off with your money – don’t. Just show us your condo in The Pearl.

We started with stopping by at Ferrari – just to check if they have a discount or free rides for travel bloggers. They didn’t have so we tried the competition across the street – the Rolls Royce showroom. It didn’t work there, too. So we had to cheer up with a couple of selfies with the bridge and on the stairs, overlooking a fancy restaurant (we didn’t try it for bloggers’ discounts).

We were passing areas with skyscrapers and embassies, photos and video not allowed. One could see how many hundreds of billions of money are there, in this fancy artificial futuristic city. What a waste of money, we thought, looking with our necks stiff, and being happy to have spent only 11 dollars each to see billions of dollars in buildings.

The open-air market

It was time we saw another side of Qatar and Doha – the place where people who can’t afford Maserati would go. And that’s how we got to an open-air market. It might be another attraction as well, but we loved its vibes!

So this place is bustling with shops, stalls, cafes, shisha, families, people on a walk, people shopping, people selling anything you might need. Our bus of people just spilled itself somewhere in between the amusement park for kids, the shishas overlooking the corridor of passing people, the shops with spices, candies, or fabrics.

We heard birds singing and headed to a “bird” section of the market. They kept different birds in cages for sale as pets. There were also cats, right next to the birds, so it was a crazy “party”. We could smell the aroma of hundreds of spices, some dried fruits, tea.

Grabbing a bite was getting essential – and we saw this typical fast food place – a doner kebab place. We thought they gave us a good rate for our wraps but after we learned the official dollar-riyal rate, we were at least happy the food was delicious… This was the most successful attempt to experience the vibes, the sound, the aroma and the taste of Doha. Our favorite stop from Doha City Tour.

Practicalities

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You don’t need a visa for the Doha City Tour , but check before you buy it if you’re eligible to enter the country without a visa. The tour starts with filling out a form to pass the immigration, and this thing, for a group of 50 and more people, takes some time. Be patient!

By the time of writing this (June 2018), the price of the tour was 11 USD per person. The good thing is that includes a bottle of water, and water is so expensive in Qatar. And you need a lot of water to hydrate yourself in the desert.

If you want to buy souvenirs, some food or drink, it’s nice to have some Qatari riyals but it’s not obligatory. We did fine with American dollars.

Take a light jacket because it might be chilly on the bus and in any air-conditioned spaces. Otherwise outside it’s always hot, even in the evening.

You can book the tour online here , and then just show up one hour before the start time to check in.

We actually enjoyed Doha City Tour so much as it was perfectly organized and cheap, and it gave us a nice intro to Doha and Qatar. We recommend it to anyone who has a longer layover at Doha International Airport.

On the other hand, do we want to return to Doha and stay for longer? Maybe not – it’s too shiny, overpriced, artificial, and bankrupt-enabling. Here’s a cool guide if you decide to spend 1,2 or 3 days in Doha . However, we also want to explore Qatar outside Doha and we’re looking forward to renting a car  and getting lost in typical towns and hospitable villages, or in the desert dunes…

Have you been to Doha? What are your impressions? Which places to visit in Qatar would you recommend?

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Qatar Transit Tour: Doha City

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Qatar is a tiny peninsular Arab nation in the Arabian Gulf bordering Saudi Arabia. Most of the country resides in the capital city of Doha. The economy is nearly 75% based on petrol and natural gas, making this small country the world’s richest nation (GDP per capita).

Over two million people call Qatar home, yet only 20% of the population are Qataris, with a huge population of foreign workers. Qatar has been selected to host the 2022 World Cup, the first in the Arab world. This has resulted in construction projects throughout Doha.

New Doha, known for exotic skyscrapers that rival Dubai, is an extremely modern city built entirely on reclaimed land in 2000. Doha is a regional hub and a common layover with Qatar Airlines. There is an excellent city tour available for those passing through offered by Discover Qatar. Read on to learn more about the Doha city tour.

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Important Things to Know When Visiting Doha

Visa to qatar.

Visa on arrival is available for countries in the E.U., the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and South Korea. All other countries are required to get a visa before arrival. See more visa information  here .

Best Time to Visit Doha

Visiting Qatar is best in the winter months between November and February. Days can still get hot with cool evenings, but the weather is very manageable. Temperatures in the summer average over 100° F (+40°C), making visits during this time very unpleasant.

The Qatari Riyal is the national currency in Qatar. It is pegged to the USD at $1 = 3.64 QR. ATMs are widely available at the airport and around Doha.

Doha City Tour

Are you flying with Qatar Airlines and have at least a six-hour layover in Doha? Take their Doha city tour! The tour lasts just under three hours and stops at the four below locations. There is a free one-day visa and the tour is first come, first serve, but you can also book your tour online up to 48 hours before your arrival time. There are six tours each day that leave at 8am, 10:30 am, 3pm, 6 pm, 8pm, and 9:30 pm.

Check-in starts two hours before the scheduled tour. The check-in location is at the Discover Qatar Transit Tours desk in Concourse A towards Gate A4. The city tour is on a 46-passenger bus and has short stops for a quick visit to Doha. At the time of writing, the Doha city tour was offered for free to promote Doha tourism. Nowadays, the tour costs 75 QR ($21 USD).

1. Museum of Islāmic Art

The first stop is next to the Museum of Islāmic Art. This building is an iconic building on the Doha corniche designed by the famous architect I. M. Pei. While there is not enough time to visit the museum, there is a photo opportunity of the building as well as a panoramic view of New Doha. This stop is for five minutes.

2. Katara Cultural Village

Opened in 2010, most cultural attractions for the city, such as open-air concerts, theatre, opera, or other events, occur in Katara. While this part of the city is becoming more popular, it is still mostly under construction until 2018. This stop is for 20 minutes.

3. The Pearl

The Pearl of Doha is a mini-Dubai-like pearl-shaped island with high-end shops, restaurants, and a marina. This is also the first place in Qatar that allows foreigners to own property. This stop is for 15 minutes.

4. Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif, the largest in Qatar, is a traditional market that is predominately a tourist destination. While it is not used by Qataris today, there remains an authentic feel and look to this market that is over 100 years old. This stop is for 45 minutes.

Tour Details

• A small bottle of water for each person
• Stops include an opportunity for a restroom breaks
• Timelines are strict to get everyone back to the airport
• English-speaking guides led the tour and offer historical context as well as information while riding on the bus between stops

That’s it – we hope you enjoy exploring the beautiful city of Doha!

About the author:.

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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3 thoughts on “Qatar Transit Tour: Doha City”

Do I really need to be there 2 hours early to check in? My flight lands at 5 and I would like to do the 6pm tour. What are your thoughts?

Did you need a COVID test to exit for transit tour

Hi do you need a covid test to enter for transit tour?

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Our Doha City Tours offer a range of options for exploring the city, including a 4-hour tour, a 6-hour tour, a tour that includes a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art, a tour that includes a Dhow Boat ride, a 4-hour tour with a meal and transfer included, and a tour specifically designed for transit travelers arriving at the Doha Airport. Falcon Tours offers the best city tours in Qatar

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DOHA: Qatar Airways’ Destination Management Company, Discover Qatar (DQ), has re-introduced B12 Beach Club as ‘Doha Beach Club’, and The Bistro by B12 as ‘Beach House’ as the two venues were re-branded on April 1, 2024.

Beach House and Doha Beach Club will host Qatar’s first-ever Premier League Watch Party in partnership with beIN SPORTS and sponsored by Qatar Airways.

The action kicks-off on Saturday April 27 at 2:30pm with West Ham vs Liverpool. Beach House will then show three more League games on the large screen including Manchester United vs Burnley starting at 5:00pm, Everton vs Brentford at 7:30pm, ending with Aston Villa vs Chelsea at 10:00pm.

The family-friendly beach club on West Bay’s coastline now offers complimentary entry for children up to 15 years old, the entrance charge for visitors 16 years old and above, on weekdays is QR75, and QR100 over the weekend. It also provides a combination beach and lunch deal on weekdays for QR 120 and brunch on weekends starting from QR280.

Doha Beach Club also introduces an exclusive Ladies-only area that represents an unparalleled offering in the heart of Doha. This exclusive oasis caters to women seeking privacy and relaxation, showcasing the venue’s commitment to providing a refined and luxurious experience. The designated area features dedicated showers, changing rooms, and an all-female staff. Additionally, every Tuesday is Ladies Day at Doha Beach Club with complimentary entry for women.

Beach House bistro remains free to enter and welcomes everyone, serving excellent food with all meals made fresh on-site, and serves some of the cheapest beverages in Doha. The outdoor mega-screen, which was successful during the AFC Asian Cup, will remain in place until the end May, broadcasting the exciting conclusion of the English Premier League, Champions League, F1 races from Miami, Italy and Monaco and much more.

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of Discover Qatar, Steven Reynolds, said: “As the operator of the Doha Beach Club, Discover Qatar is excited to lead this new chapter of this beachfront venue. Doha Beach Club and Beach House have been successfully established as the home for unmatched experiences, live match viewings, and family-friendly outdoor activities. We have greatly enhanced the Beach Club experience in order to provide our customers with the best service and experience possible. We look forward to curating new offerings to meet and exceed their expectations.”

Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. Every Tuesday, the Beach House is offering a Pizza Night from 6pm to 8pm for QR 99 for adults, and QR 50 for children aged 7 to 15 years old.

Through Qatar Airways Privilege Club, the airline’s loyalty programme, members can now collect and spend their Avios at Doha Beach Club and Beach House by using the debit or credit cards linked to their membership account through the “Card-Linked Offers” platform.

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Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024

Watch as your favourite F1 stars compete for a podium finish at the spectacular Lusail International Circuit – taking place on the weekend of 29 November to 1 December 2024. See you there!

Race tickets

Nothing beats being trackside at the most famous motorsport event in the world. Book your place at the Lusail International Circuit for all the thrills and excitement from the world’s most elite drivers.

Ultimate F1 Fan Package

Create your dream package with Qatar Airways, complete with flights, accommodation and, of course, those all-importance race tickets.

Hospitality package

Choose your F1 experience, with guaranteed incredible racing views, access to exclusive trackside activities, entertainment and all-inclusive hospitality with gourmet dining.

Lusail International Circuit

Lusail International Circuit was completely revamped in 2023, and will welcome up to 40,000 F1 fans in the grandstands this year. Five-star VIP zones, extensive landscaping and 50 pit boxes have been introduced – making the circuit home to the largest number of pit boxes of all participating F1 circuits. This year, plenty of hair-raising action will play out during the 57 laps of the race, particularly on its dramatic main straight of 1.068 km. 

Passion for F1 in Qatar

Qatar has been a proud hub of Formula One action since first hosting the racing event in 2021, and then in 2023. This year will be the penultimate race in the series, before the final race takes place in Abu Dhabi. The country will once again show its passion for sport, with race fans joined by dignitaries, royalty and VIPs.

Schedule – what’s happening when

Plan your weekend around the adrenaline-filled racing on the track. After each session, Lusail and our nearby capital Doha offer plenty of incredible sights, flavours and events to enjoy.

Local time 16:30 - 17:30

Sprint Qualifying

Local time 20:30 - 21:14

Local time 16:00 - 17:00

Local time 20:00 - 21:00

Local time 20:00

Winners to watch out for in 2024 

Belgian-Dutch racing driver Vax Verstappen clinched victory for Red Bull Racing in 2023, securing a decisive win in the final round of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi. He also won the Qatar race on 08 October to the delight of roaring crowds, joined on the podium by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris of McLaren Mercedes.

Hotels and city sights to experience during your stay in Qatar

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar saw the launch of several luxurious 5-star hotels, positioned ideally among some of the country’s must-see attractions.

Cielo Lusail Hotel

Waldorf Astoria Lusail

Mondrian Doha

Lusail Winter Wonderland

Al Maha Island

Place Vendôme Mall

Find more ideas to add to your adventure.

10 things to do in Lusail

Qatar Moto GP

Sports in Qatar

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Getting around

From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar.

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Discover Doha by Sea

Timing: 09:00 | 13:00 |  16:00 (December  –  J anuary)  | 16:30 | 20:00 (October – May)

17:00 | 20:00 (June – September)

Frequency: Daily | Duration: 2 hours

Embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Qatar's history as you explore the enchanting city of Doha. This modern metropolis, nestled along the azure coastline of the Arabian Gulf, seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with the innovation of the present day. As you sail through Doha, you'll be transported to a world where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.

This guided tour will include panoramic views of the city’s remarkable skyline as the boat cruises past the Museum of Islamic Arts, West Bay and Katara, and continues towards the man-made island of the Pearl, passing Al Safliya Island on its return. 

This tour’s meeting point is located at  Marina Gate 27, Porto Arabia, The Pearl , with the closest parking area located at Porto Arabia Tower 30.

What to Expect

• Guided cruise trip around the Museum of Islamic Arts, West Bay, Katara and The Pearl
• Return trip past Al Safliya Island 
• Insight on Qatar’s pearl-diving heritage and discovery of oil 
• A cruise trip with an English-speaking guide
• Soft drinks and beverages
• Travel insurance
• Anything else that is not expressly mentioned in the inclusions section

Please be present 10 minutes before your tour start time at the tour meeting point -  Marina Gate 27, Porto Arabia, The Pearl

• This is a shared tour and operates with a minimum of 2 people.
• Infant seats unavailable - Infants must sit on laps of accompanying adults.
• This tour is not stroller-accessible.
• We encourage all guests to take sea sickness tablets 30 to 60 minutes prior to the tour departure time as the vessel with not return to shore until the scheduled time.

Cancellation due to weather:

• Excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Should a scheduled departure not go ahead as planned, guests will be informed at least 24 hours prior to the departure date.
• Guests will be notified of any cancellations via the email address provided at the time of booking.
• Guests will be offered an alternative date or a full refund if a departure is cancelled due to bad weather.

What do I need to bring?

• Sunscreen and hat
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

Accessibility:

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair-bound guests or guests with mobility issues who cannot embark or disembark independently from the boat. If you have any specific questions, please contact us for more information.

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