Luxury Travel Qatar

Luxury Travel Qatar | Qatar is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Middle East” and offers luxury travellers an unparalleled experience.

With spectacular hotels, private yacht charters and first-class cultural experiences, Qatar impressively demonstrates that luxury travel is about far more than mere opulence – it is about exquisite service and unforgettable experiences in a fascinating region.

Your Benefits:

Unique & fascinating destinations • First-class service with experienced 24-hour support • Personally tailored travel for you

Luxury Holiday in Qatar

Qatar – an emirate situated on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula – is governed by a monarchy, which presumably explains the large number of royal hotels. In this country, centuries-old oriental traditions meet modern influences in the realms of culture, politics and tourism. As the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is experiencing a rapid and dynamic development process.

The capital Doha is a place of contrasts, where luxurious hotels and modern skyscrapers stand alongside traditional wooden vessels known as dhows in the harbour, which are still used for transporting goods today.

A highlight both architecturally and culturally is the Museum of Islamic Art. The impressive cubist building houses a valuable collection of artefacts, ceramics, books and textiles, and is situated on a small island in Doha’s harbour. The turquoise sea invites you to dive, while the desert dunes are ideal for adventurous jeep tours that can conveniently be booked at the hotels. On the vibrant souks, there are exotic spices, fabrics and much more to discover.

General Information

In Qatar you will encounter a fascinating yet familiar culture, making culture shock unlikely. The locals are accustomed to international guests, value their visitors and offer Western comforts that they themselves know well. Nevertheless, there are a few things worth knowing before your trip in order to make the most of the experience. To ensure you can enjoy your journey without a care, we have compiled the most important information for you.

Entry & Visa

For entry into Qatar, travellers require a machine-readable, regular passport that is still valid for at least six months upon arrival. A provisional passport additionally requires a visa, while an identity card is not sufficient. Children must also possess their own passport. German tourists require a visa for entry, which can either be obtained directly upon arrival at Doha airport (“on arrival”) or applied for in advance at the relevant diplomatic mission. Alternatively, there is the so-called visa waiver, which is valid for 180 days from the date of entry, permits multiple entries and allows a stay of up to 90 days within this period.

Vaccinations

In principle, there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry from Germany. However, it is recommended to follow the standard vaccination schedule and to check or supplement protection against measles. Medical care in Qatar is good; many doctors speak fluent English, and pharmacies offer a similar range of products to those in Europe. Given the high temperatures and humidity, you should ensure you drink sufficient water and fortify yourself with light meals. It is also advisable to always have sunscreen with a high SPF to hand and to apply it regularly.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

If you are planning a trip to Qatar, you should prepare for the extreme desert climate. Temperatures are very high year-round, ranging from around 22 degrees Celsius in January to an extreme 50 degrees in the summer months. These hot summer months are less suitable for travellers. More pleasant conditions prevail in spring, autumn and also in winter, when temperatures hover around 20 degrees. The period from November to early March is particularly ideal for a visit, as daytime temperatures remain below 30 degrees and the evenings are pleasantly cool.

Time Difference

The time difference between Germany and Qatar is plus two hours. Except during Central European Summer Time, when the time difference is reduced to plus one hour (12:00 noon in Germany = 1:00 PM in Qatar).

Religion & Culture

The state religion of Qatar is Islam, with the native population consisting mainly of Wahhabis and Shias. Sharia serves as the primary source of legislation. Due to the large number of foreign nationals and guest workers, there are also followers of other religions such as Hinduism, Christianity and Judaism. Despite an overall relatively liberal attitude, homosexuality is prohibited in Qatar. Culturally, the country has much to offer: it is a melting pot of different nations, and you will quickly encounter people from Asia, Europe and the Arab world.

In Qatar, there is no obligation for female tourists to wear a veil. Nevertheless, out of respect for the local culture, it is recommended to dress modestly and to avoid exposing too much skin. The following are considered inappropriate:

• crop tops,
• tops with straps or off-the-shoulder tops,
• short or very tight trousers, skirts and dresses,
• low necklines.

Instead, loose, airy clothing and longer skirts or trousers that cover the shoulders and knees should be preferred. In beach resorts and hotels, swimwear and Western clothing are generally tolerated; outside these areas, however, local etiquette should be observed.

Money & Currency

The currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is issued in coins (Dirham) and banknotes. One Qatari Riyal is equivalent to approximately 25 cents. You can check the exact exchange rate at any time using a currency converter. Currency exchange is possible without difficulty at local banks and at the airport, and common credit cards are widely accepted. Nevertheless, it is advisable to always carry some cash for visits to souks and markets.