The Travel Channel Guide to Qatar
Presenter(s): Kate Silverton
The Gulf State of Qatar is relatively unknown as a tourist destination. Kate Silverton explores the country finding out what it offers visitors. With five star hotels, spas and watersports, the capital Doha is the hub of the country’s activity but its highlights are the desert and the inland lake Khor Al Udaid -long to a true Antiguan tradition; the Sunday night steel band and barbecue at Shirley Heights historic site.
TOURIST BOARD INFORMATION
Qatar Tourism Authority
P.O. Box 24624
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 441 1555
Fax: +974 437 2993
Email: info@experienceqatar.com
Website: www.experienceqatar.com
LOCAL TOUR COMPANIES
Arabian Adventures
Can arrange permission to visit Al Maha Sanctuary, and runs
morning tours to Al Shaqab Stud. Organizes tours to Weaponry
Museum.
Tel: +974 436 1461
Fax: +974 436 1471
Email: arabvent@qatar.net.qa
Website:
www.visitqatar.com
Gulf Adventures
Can arrange permission to visit Al Maha Sanctuary, and runs
morning tours to Al Shaqab Stud. Also organizes day trips, overnight
camping and dune bashing in the Desert and Khor Al Udaid. Organizes
tours to Weaponry Museum.
PO Box 18180
Doha
State of Qatar
Tel: +974 431 5555
Fax: +974 431 5161
Mobile: +974 5881760/5857044
E-mail: info@gulf-adventures.com
Website: www.gulf-adventures.com
DESTINATIONS
DOHA
Weaponry Museum
Visiting only permitted through organized tours. We suggest
Arabian Adventures and Gulf Adventures (listed above).
Dhow Trip
Evening dhow trips around the bay leave from the harbor on the
Corniche.
Fee: QR10 Adults/QR5 Children for 15 min
Al Maha Sanctuary - Al Shaqab Stud
Gulf Adventures and Arabian Adventures (listed above) can arrange
permission to visit Al Maha Sanctuary. Both run morning tours
to Al Shaqab Stud.
THE DESERT & KHOR AL UDAID
The Desert – Khor Al Udaid
The desert and Khor Al Udaid (The Inland Lake) are the most
beautiful places in Qatar and should be experienced. Gulf Adventures
(listed above) organize day trips and overnight camping and
dune bashing.
AL ZUBARAH
Al Zubarah Fort
Hours: Open daily
Fee: Free
AL KHOR
Al Khor Museum
Tel: +974 472 1866
ACCOMMODATION
DOHA
Ritz-Carlton
PO Box 23400
Doha
Qatar
Tel: +974 484 8000
Fax: +974 484 8484
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/doha/
Doha Marriott Gulf Hotel
Ras Abu Aboud St.
PO Box 1911
Doha
Qatar
Tel: +974 429 8888
Fax: +974 441 8784
Email: marriott@qatar.net.qa
Website: http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage/DOHMC
Sheraton Doha Hotel & Resort
Al Corniche St.
PO Box 6000
Doha
Qatar
Tel: +974 485 4444
Fax: +974 483 2323
Email: sheraton.doha@qnhc.com
Website: www.sherton-doha.com
Al Saad Merweb Hotel
PO Box 22201
Doha
Qatar
Tel: +974 447 1111
Fax: +974 447 1117
Website: www.mermeb-hotel.com
MESAIEED
Sealine Beach Resort
PO Box 58255
Mesaieed
Qatar
Tel: +974 477 2722
Fax: +974 477 2733
Email: sbr@qatar.net.qa
Website: www.qnhc.com/sealine.html
ACTIVITIES
SHOPPING
City Center
Doha
Hours: 10:00 - 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
13:00 - 22:00 Friday
Tel: +974 483 0582
Landmark Shopping Mall
Doha
Hours: 09:00 - 22:00 Saturday to Thursday
15:00 – 22:00 Friday
Tel: +974 487 5222
E-Mail: landmark@qatar.net.qa
GOLF
Qatar Golf Association
www.qgagolf.com
Contact: Mr. Abdullah Al Kowari, General Secretary
Tel: +974 483 7809/7815
Doha Golf Club
Contact Ms. Chantelle Baymen: Business Development Executive
Tel: +974 483 2338
Fax: +974 483 4790
E-Mail: info@dohagolfclub.com
Website: www.dohagolfclub.com
TENNIS
For more information on Qatar tennis events contact the Qatar Tennis Federation.
Qatar Tennis Federation
Contact: Mr. Tarek Al Sediqe, Secretary General
Tel: +974 440 9666
Fax: +974 48432990
E-Mail: qatartennis@qatartennis.org
Website: www.qatartennis.org
FOOTBALL
For more information on football contact the Qatar Football Association.
Qatar Football Association
Contact: Mr. Saud Al Mohanade, General secretary
Tel: +974 44488
Fax: +974 4944414
E-mail: football@qatarolympic.org
Website: www.qatar-football.com/en
ATHLETICS
For more information of athletics events in Qatar contact the Qatar Athletic Federation.
Qatar Athletic Federation
Tel: +974 4944245
Fax: +974 494 4503
2006 Asian Games
website: www.dohasiangames.org
VISAS
The State of Qatar Ministry of Interior issues all visas.
To apply for a tourist visa, visitors must have accommodation booked at one of Qatar’s recognized hotels.
All visa information can be obtained at the Ministry of Interior website pages: https://www.e.gov.qa/eGovPortal/visaservice/visaservicedetails.jsp
Tourist visas are valid for 2 weeks and cost 50 QR, plus an additional 20 QR per companion. Two-week extensions can be issued. Tourist visas are issued within 24 hours from the passport section at Doha airport.
GETTING THERE
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the national carrier of the Arabian Gulf State
of Qatar.
All flight information can be found on their website:
http://www.qatarairways.com/