DohaCapital
Qatar · Country profile
Doha is Qatar’s gleaming capital, a futuristic Gulf city on the Arabian shore where ultramodern towers rise beside the historic Souq Waqif and the crescent-shaped Museum of Islamic Art by the waterfront. It blends rapid contemporary growth with Bedouin tradition — camel rides in the desert at day’s edge, pearl diving at Katara, and glitzy malls and gourmet dining at night. The city is clean, safe and compact, with a growing metro, and its beaches and the desert dunes of the interior are easy to reach. Doha is a polished, air-conditioned start or stopover for exploring the wider Gulf and beyond.
About Doha
Doha is the capital of Qatar. The city's documented population is around 1,186,023 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR) and Arabic is spoken; the dialling code is +974. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Hamad International Airport.
Gleaming Towers Stand Beside an Ancient Souq
Doha is Qatar’s gleaming, modern capital on the Arabian Gulf — a fast-growing city of striking towers beside a historic souk and a world-class waterfront museum quarter. Much of its character is polished and international, built around malls, hotels and major events, but the old Souq Waqif and the desert beyond preserve a traditional Gulf feel. It is clean, safe and compact, with an efficient metro, and the desert dunes and beaches are easy to reach. Doha works beautifully as a stopover or a short, comfortable base for exploring Qatar and the wider Gulf.
Plan Around the Heat and Book the Desert Early
The heat is the great constraint — the summer months are extreme, so the cooler months from late autumn to spring are the easy, outdoor-friendly window. Dress modestly in public, especially away from the beaches and resorts. The metro is modern and covers the main sights, so a transport card is a good first buy. The Museum of Islamic Art and the Souq Waqif are the standouts, and the desert tours are best booked in advance through a reputable operator. Cards are near-universal, and the city is very safe. Check the current etiquette and customs to fit in comfortably.
A Fast Metro, Waterfront Culture and the Dunes Beyond
The metro is clean, quick and the sensible way to move around the modern city, reaching the waterfront, the airport and the major districts. The Souq Waqif is the old, atmospheric heart, best visited in the evening when it comes alive — a welcome contrast to the gleaming towers nearby. The Museum of Islamic Art and the atmospheric Katara cultural district are highlights. The desert dunes, just outside the city, offer a dramatic break — book a tour for the classic dune-bashing and sunset. The city is safe and its people are hospitable. Tipping is modest.
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- Country
- Qatar
- Population
- 1,186,023
- Coordinates
- 25.2731, 51.6081
- Capital
- Doha
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- Qatari Riyal (QAR)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +974
- Country code
- QA
Entry requirements for Qatar
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Qatar for tourism.
Getting to Doha
Airports we list for Doha:
Frequently asked questions
Is Doha the capital of Qatar?
Yes — Doha is the capital of Qatar.
What currency do I need in Doha?
The local currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Languages spoken in Qatar include Arabic.
What is the dialling code for Qatar?
The international dialling code for Qatar is +974.
Which airport should I fly into for Doha?
Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the airport we list for Doha.
Do I need a visa to visit Qatar?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Australia (visa on arrival), Canada (visa on arrival), India (e-visa), Japan (visa on arrival) and Morocco (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Doha? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.