Spending Vacations in Doha,Qatar!

Qatar is of course, a small country, part of Arabian world towards east of the Arabian Peninsula. The country, though small but it stands out rich because of its oil and natural gas reserves. Doha, the capital city of Qatar is the center of power and has lot many things to enjoy. Doha is concentrating on tourism and investing in the industry too by developing beaches, luxury hotels and properties, huge shopping malls and lot of entertainment. The beaches are on Persian Gulf side are a source of attraction for those who love seaside and the depth of waters.

Doha International Airport has direct daily flights from New York City served by national carrier Qatar Airways. Other US locations offer conveniently connecting service via major European air hubs like Amsterdam and London too. Flight to and from New York takes 14 hours and U.S. citizens need not have visa requirement before their arrival in Qatar. This is conveniently done at arrival time for a visa for less than 30 days. Many of big hotels offer free shuttle service from Doha International Airport. Interestingly Qatar Airways passengers get free pickup from airport to hotel as part of the package.

Weather

Doha is amid typical Arabian Desert area and thus has scorching hot weather in summers. Humidity is also of part of Doha being on sea side but November to March are cool months having low humidity attracting lot of tourists. Most of the hotels and large buildings in Doha are fully air-conditioned and well equipped for environment management. Many hotels have arrangement along the coast and also have their swimming pools to fight heat of deserts.

Attractions

Doha is not as planned or equipped like Dubai but sufficiently it holds lot many tourist attractions for general entertainment. Locals and foreigners equally avail these places to spend time to have fun. The city has Museum of Islamic Art that keeps a fairly large collection of art pertaining to Islam from  throughout the world. The museum building is a piece of superb architecture situated on a man-made island close to the mainland in the Persian Gulf. The Souq Waqif is one of the old and favorite market area on Doha Port having plenty of local artifacts, handicrafts and traditional jewelry.

Cultural Things to Remember

Unlike Saudi Arabia Qatar does not require foreign visiting ladies to wear full body covering called abayahs, or have veils or even head scarves. But it is recommended that Western women need to respect local culture and dress up conservatively covering their shoulders and legs avoiding miniskirts and camisoles etc. US government has also advised the visitors that bath-suits may be used within hotel pool areas and private beach sites only. Import of alcohol by passengers is not permitted but most of the big hotels do serve this and it is illegal to have this elsewhere. Western couple culture like kissing and holding hands is also not permitted.