by Andy Khong

Qatar is a small country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and is situated in the Persian Gulf, sharing maritime borders with Bahrain, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar is known for its wealth, largely due to its vast reserves of natural gas, making it one of the richest countries in the world per capita. Its capital city is Doha, which is also the largest city in the country and home to most of its population.

Qatar has a hot, arid desert climate with little rainfall, and temperatures can soar above 40°C in the summer months. Despite its small size, Qatar has a diverse population, with the majority of its inhabitants being expatriates who have come to work in the country. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken as well.

Qatar has made significant investments in its infrastructure and is home to several world-class institutions, including the Qatar Foundation and Education City. It has also invested heavily in sports, hosting major international events such as the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Despite its economic success, Qatar has faced criticism over its treatment of migrant workers, who make up a large portion of its population. The country has been working to improve the rights and conditions of these workers in recent years.

Museum of Islamic Art.
Doha, the capital city of Qatar, offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and leisure activities for visitors. Some popular things to see and do around Doha are:

1. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art: This world-class museum showcases Islamic art and artifacts from all over the world and features collections spanning 1,400 years.
2. Explore Souq Waqif: This traditional marketplace is a great place to shop for souvenirs and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Qatar’s culture.
3. Take a stroll along the Corniche: The Doha Corniche is a 7-kilometer waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
4. Visit Katara Cultural Village: This cultural complex features an amphitheater, art galleries, a traditional market, and restaurants. It is a great place to experience Qatar’s heritage and cultural activities.
5. Discover the Pearl-Qatar: This man-made island features luxury residences, upscale shopping, and dining options. It is a great place to take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the views of the marina.
6. Visit the National Museum of Qatar: This museum showcases Qatar’s history, culture, and development, and features interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
7. Take a desert safari: Experience the thrill of driving over sand dunes, try camel riding, and enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style dinner in the desert.
8. Enjoy a day at the beach: Qatar has several public and private beaches where you can relax, swim, and enjoy water sports.
9. Visit the Sheikh Faisal Museum: This private museum features one of the largest collections of rare and unique artifacts, including vintage cars, antique furniture, and Islamic art.

Visitors can also explore the city’s modern architecture, indulge in fine dining and shopping, and attend cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Pearl & Oyster Fountain in Corniche.

Souq Waqif.

Al Janoub Stadium – one of the stadiums used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Go to Qatar to experience the perfect blend of modernity and tradition in the heart of Doha, where the warmth of the culture meets the sophistication of the city.

YPT does not have a tour to Qatar at the moment, but Doha is easy to navigate using the Metro, metered taxis, and Uber. It is a country you could stop over for your tours to Middle East, Africa, or the Caucasus region.