Flights to Qatar
A small peninsula in the Persian Gulf with a single land border, to the south with Saudi Arabia, Qatar was the first country in the Middle East to host a FIFA World Cup, in 2022. Most of its roughly 3.2 million residents live in and around Doha, and the great majority of them are expatriates. An ultramodern skyline, desert landscapes, a UNESCO-listed pearling town and major international sporting events have made it one of the Gulf's must-visit destinations and hubs. Here's what to know before you go.
Qatar at a glance
Capital
Doha
Population
3.21 M
Currency
Qatari riyal (QAR)
Language
Arabic
International visitors
5.08 M
Continent
Asia
Time zone
UTC+3
Airport covered
1
Why visit Qatar
A modern hub at the heart of the Gulf
Ultramodern architecture
The Corniche skyline and the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I. M. Pei and opened in 2008, make Doha an architectural showcase of the Gulf. The National Museum of Qatar, by Jean Nouvel and opened on 28 March 2019, is shaped like a desert rose.
Desert & excursions
Dune bashing and desert safaris are among the most popular excursions near Doha. Khor Al Adaid, the Inland Sea, lies about 78 km south of the capital on the Saudi border and can only be reached by 4x4 with a professional driver. In the north-west, the ruined pearling town of Al Zubarah has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.
Luxury shopping
Traditional souks and modern shopping malls coexist within a single shopping experience. Souq Waqif has its falcon souq, gold souq and spices, while The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island built on reclaimed land, adds marinas and luxury boutiques.
Major international sporting events
The 2022 World Cup, Formula 1 and numerous major tournaments have put Qatar on the world sporting map. The legacy includes the stadiums, the Doha Metro and the Corniche promenade, and Doha will also host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Flying to Qatar
Doha's airport covered by SniperAir
Hamad International Airport
The country's only airport, a modern international hub that replaced the old Doha International in 2014. It lies about 15 km south-east of the city centre and the Metro Red Line reaches the centre in roughly 20 minutes. It was voted World's Best Airport by Skytrax in 2021 and 2022.
Qatar has only one national airport, already fully covered by SniperAir.
SniperAir destinations in Qatar
Explore our destination page
Other destinations will progressively join this list.
Good to know
Qatar, also a handy stopover
Hamad International Airport is the hub of Qatar Airways between Europe, Asia and Oceania: many flights connect through Doha, which sometimes lets you discover the city during a long layover, through the free transit programme the airline offers on some tickets. Doha is compact: the driverless Doha Metro, opened in 2019, links the airport with the centre in about 20 minutes.
| District | Mood |
|---|---|
| West Bay & Corniche | Skyscrapers, waterfront, business district |
| Souk Waqif | Restored traditional market, restaurants and crafts |
| The Pearl-Qatar | Artificial island, marinas and upscale shopping |
| Msheireb Downtown | Regenerated district, contemporary architecture inspired by local heritage |
Winter, from November to February, is the best season, with 15 to 20 degrees and plenty of sun. From May to September the heat is extreme and visitors move indoors to museums and malls; plan any sightseeing for early morning or evening. Friday is the weekly rest day, so some venues open later. Dress modestly in public places and museums, and note that alcohol is served only in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Qatar
What's Qatar's airport?
Qatar has only one national airport: Hamad International Airport (DOH), in Doha.
What's the best time of year to visit Qatar?
Winter remains the best season, with mild temperatures. Summer brings extreme heat that's best avoided.
Is Qatar more than just Doha?
Doha is home to most of the country's population and tourist activity; it's also where Qatar's only airport is located.
Can I visit Doha on a stopover?
Yes. Hamad International Airport is the hub of Qatar Airways between Europe, Asia and Oceania, so many travelers connecting through Doha spend a few hours or a day in the city. With the Metro Red Line taking about 20 minutes to reach the centre, Souq Waqif, the Corniche and the museums are easy to reach.
What is there to see in Qatar outside Doha?
The main excursions are Khor Al Adaid, the Inland Sea, about 78 km south of Doha, with dunes, camel rides and sandboarding on a 4x4 tour, and Al Zubarah in the north-west, a ruined pearling town on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2013. Al-Shahaniya also hosts camel races from October to February.
Do I need a visa to visit Qatar?
It depends on your nationality. Many travelers are eligible for visa-free entry for a short stay, and the Hayya platform handles tourist visas for the others; it's best to check the current entry requirements and your government's travel advice with the relevant authorities before booking.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Qatar drops below my budget?
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