Sunny In Qatar

Hello World, I hope you all are having a great week! I visited Qatar last month and I love every moment minus the extreme heat.

Qatar was so much more diverse than I expected and I’m super stoked to share my experience with you all.

HISTORY

From National Museum Of Qatar

Qatar’s story begins more than 700 million years ago. Across vast spans of time, powerful geological forces have shaped the peninsula. As Earth’s continents broke apart and reformed, and seas opened up and disappeared, the land of Qatar has gradually moved to its present location. During some periods it was land-locked, at others it was submerged under water. The coastline of the peninsula as we know it today was defined just a few thousand years ago. Qatar’s changing position influenced its climate, environments and wildlife. Qatar was once home to strange, now-extinct forms of sea creatures and land animals. Today, the fossils of these species help us to understand what the peninsula was like millions of years ago.

BEFORE TRAVELING TO QATAR

Visa: Qatar is one of the world’s most welcoming countries for visitors. Chances are, you probably don ‘t need a visa. Nationalities from 100 countries can enter visa-free, and all others can apply for an e-visa using the Hayya platform online.

Languange:Home to around a hundred nationalities, Qatar is a melting pot of cultures with numerous languages being spoken. Being an Arab country, the official language is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken at all public places.

Weather: Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine. The hottest months are May through September with an average temperatures above 99 °F.

Religion: Qatar is a Muslim country and Islam plays an integral role in daily life. Prayers take place five times per day: at dawn (Fajr), around midday (Duhr), in mid-afternoon (A’asr), at sunset (Maghrib) and about two hours after sunset (‘Esha). The exact timing varies each day according to the sun’s position.

Ramadan: During the Islamic month of Ramadan, visitors are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours out of respect to those who are fasting.  Hotels continue to cater to guests by opening restaurants that are out of the public’s view.

Public Display of Affection: As in all Middle Eastern countries, showing overt affection and intimacy in public is frowned upon.

Friday Timings: All business and commercial activity shuts down during Friday prayers in the morning (around 10am -12pm).  Several shops remain closed on Fridays while malls open in the afternoon on Fridays.

Greetings: Qatari ladies will not shake hands with men, and many men will not shake a lady’s hand as a gesture of respect.

I flew in from Dulles (IAD) to Doha (DIA)

I stayed at The Ritz Carlton Doha and the hotel lives up to the brand’s reputation as an upscale and luxurious place to stay if you find yourself in the Qatari capital.

I’ve stayed at Ritz properties around the world and this one is easily among the best! The hospitality from the staffs is unmatched. Special shoutout to Linette, I’m forever grateful to the exceptional service and birthday treatments I received. There are several restaurants I will highly recommend on site: B-Longe, STK and Sel & Miel.

The only restaurant I tried outside the restaurants on the property of Ritz Carlton is the Tropicana 360 has the highest terrance in Doha. I will highly recommend this restaurant for city view and delicious Peruvian food.

Souq Waqif, which translates to “standing market,” is Doha’s oldest souq and a major attraction in Qatar.The best time to explore Qatar’s Sourq is at night due to the extreme heat. Stores are open until midnight. Best place to shops for souvenirs, gold and try local food.

National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) tells the story of Qatar and its people from earliest times to today, bringing to life the peninsula’s natural history, giving voice to Qatar’s rich heritage, culture, and expressing a vibrant community’s aspirations for the future. There are lots of interesting artifacts. This is a must see while in Doha! 

Every traveler to Doha should visit the Islamic Museum! Set in the MIA Park on the Doha waterfront, the museum building stands out as an architectural gem. Once inside, you will see masterpieces of Islamic art, including metalwork, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, textiles and glass, collected from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 19th century. 

From Visit Qatar: In days gone by, Bedouin tribes would move across the desert, setting up camp while grazing their animals and engaging in trade.  Today, this tradition remains embedded in Qatari culture, with the annual winter camping season or Al Enna, whereby locals venture to the desert in elaborate camps, returning to the land.  The desert is an integral part of local culture, and boasts a surprising array of activities.  From relaxing tent side to dune-bashing or parasailing, the desert is anything but beige. The impressive ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO recognized site, lies to the south of the city, and is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches into the desert.

Qatar is a gem on its own. When you travel to Qatar, you will experience what is it about this country that entice tourists from all over the world. Warm Arabian hospitality, immersive experiences and breathtaking landscapes. This country is growing rapidly and it’s truly a sight to see! I hope this post helps inspires you all to visit Qatar

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