Embassy of Qatar - TOURISM

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TOURISM

The State cares a lot for tourism and provides all facilities and incentives so that this vital sector can cope with the pace at which other sectors are developing. This patronage stems from the firm policy adopted by HH the Emir, HH the Heir Apparent and the government to open up to the outside world. The General Authority for Tourism was established in line with this policy, with the aim to promote Qatar locally, regionally and internationally, and support activities relating to the general trends of the Qatari policy.

Qatar National Hotel Company (QNHC) has gone a long way in the field of tourist achievements and has established several tourist attractions and first class hotels.

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Point of Entry

• Land: through the two main border points at Abu Samra and Sauda Nathil.

• Air: through Doha International Airport.

• Sea: through the ports of Doha and Mesaieed.

Visitors are charged some taxes by the Customs General authority for some goods at the points of entry. Entry of alcoholic drinks is forbidden.

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Entry Regulations

Qatar grants tourist and visit visas at border points for the nationals of more than 33 countries including USA, Canada, Iceland, West European countries, some East European countries, Japan. Singapore, Malaysia. Hong Kong, South Korea, Brunei, Australia and New Zealand, besides the nationals and residents of the GCC countries and their companions. Entry visas for businessmen coming from places other than the countries mentioned above need to be arranged beforehand.

Visitors on tourist visas are required to use Qatar Airways to enter the country. With the exception of travel documents holders, all nationalities whose next of kind of the first category are living in Qatar are eligible to have tourist visas. They are not required to have valid residence permit in one the GCC countries. Tourist visas are issued in 24 hours from the passport section at Doha airport. The visa is valid for 2 weeks and renewable.
This visa policy goes in line with the trend of openness currently prevailing in the country in various fields.
For more information please refer to the website of the Ministry of Interior at www.moi.gov.ga

General Authority for Tourism

In July 2000 H.H. the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, issued a law ordering the establishment of the General Authority for tourism as a public authority with an artificial personality and autonomous budget, to be affiliated to the Council of Ministers and based in Doha.

The authority aims to draw up the State's general tourist policy, organize and develop tourism, promote Qatar as a destination locally and abroad and undertake supervision and control over all tourist activities in the country.

Doha

Doha is the capital city and seat of Government. It includes the country’s main sea port and international airport. It is Qatar’s cultural, commercial and financial centre, with a population of 338,760 in 2004.

Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan is located 10 kilometers north of Doha. It is the largest residential area outside of Doha, with an estimated population of 272,583 in 2004. It is the home of the Qatar Equestrian Federation which organizes numerous races and an annual Arabian horse show.

Al Wakrah

Is a small town situated halfway between Doha and Mesaieed. It is the center for a booming commercial fishing industry and has an old fishing port, which is still in use to date. The town is famous for its fine mosques and many houses reflecting the old Islamic architecture style. There is also a museum displaying among other things traditional Arabic style doors.

Alkhor

Al Khor is a coastal city 57 kilometers north of Doha with a port for small ships and fishing boats.
The Al Khor Municipality includes the emergent Ras Laffan Industrial City and the 2004 census puts the total population at 31,611. Al Khor has been developing rapidly over the past few years and the trend is likely to continue with the onslaught of various industrial projects, mainly gas based

Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC)

Strategically located on the north shore of the Qatari Peninsula and at the centre of the Arabian Gulf, Ras Laffan Industrial City represents one of the world’s most significant and accessible emergent industrial export locations.
The ambitious vision of the State to exploit its vast natural gas resource led to the initiation of LNG projects: Qatargas and RasGas. Expansion of LNG facilities at Ras Laffan has been proceeding rapidly and is expected to reach 20.2 million tons per annum (mtpa) by year-end 2004. Further natural gas utilization plans led to the Dolphin project and to various Gas to Liquids (GTL) projects, which are currently under-way.

Mesaieed
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Mesaieed is a major industrial city in Qatar, located 45 kilometers south of Doha. The city’s industrial area houses basic industries and it has a large sea port as well as the principal terminal for the export of oil. Major industrial projects such QAFCO, QAPCO, QAFAC, QVC, QPR, Q-Chem etc. are located in Mesaieed, along with upcoming projects such as Q-Chem II, Qatofin, and LAB among others. The beaches and sand dunes at Mesaieed with their fine sand are major tourist attractions in the State of Qatar and is also the location of the Movenpick Sealine Beach Resort.

Madinat Al-Shamal

Is a modern town functioning as an administrative center for a number of coastal villages north of the country.

Dukhan

Dukhan is Qatar’s main onshore oil production centre and is situated halfway along the western coastline of the Qatari Peninsula. It has developed as the oil nerve center since the exploitation of the country’s oil reserves commenced in 1949.

Shahaniya

Is situated 60km west of Doha and has a purpose-built camel racetrack. It is famous for camel races.

Sealine Beach Resort

Situated 55 km from the capital, the resort offers a large variety of rooms, villas and chalets, all with a sea view. The resort also has many sports and recreational activities and a number of restaurants, alongside with meeting and conference facilities.

The Palm Tree Island

The Palm Tree Island is 10- minute boat ride off Doha Corniche. The Island has children and family amenities, a restaurant offering seafood and barbecue meals and a cafe serving snacks and refreshments. There is also a jetty for traditional Dhow boats close to Doha Sheraton Hotel on the Corniche waterfront.

Entertainment City (the Kingdom of Aladdin)

The Kingdom of Aladdin lies in the West Bay area. It has more than 18 game features to suit all age groups. It also has a rest house, an artificial lagoon, a theater and a cafeteria

The Zoo

The zoo lies 20 km from Doha on Salwa Road. It has a varied collection of animals, reptiles and birds as well as a small amusement park for children.

Al Bida Park

This park lies on Doha Corniche. It has grass areas, children rides, a popular market and restaurants. It opens around the clock and entrance is free of charge.

There are other parks on different locations in the capital, besides Al Wakrah and Al Khor parks. Entrance is either free of charge or at nominal rates.

Khor Al Udaid Beach

This beach lies on the southeastern most part of the country, 78 km from Doha. This beautiful beach is distinguished by its fine sand dunes that can be as high as 40 meters in some locations. Other fine beaches include Fuwairit, Dukhan and others.

Al Jassasiya

Al Jassasiya are a range of rocky hills overlooking the northeastern coast of the country between the two villages of Al Huwailah and Fuwairit. They are famous for their numerous stone carvings and engravings, some of which date back to prehistoric times.

Almaha Sanctuary

Almaha (oryx) farm has been established to protect this species of endangered desert deer. Almaha is the national symbol of the State of Qatar.

Doha

Which 5-star hotels in Doha would you recommend?

We recommends you more than 11 luxury options to stay in Doha. Ezdan Palace Hotel with rating 7.6/10 is ready to offer an outdoor swimming pool, free shuttle service and concierge service, as well as an in-room safe, a balcony and a fireplace in en suite, air-conditioned and comfortable rooms. 5-star hotels in Doha, Qatar

Which hotels in Doha are good for families?

According to our travel data, there are 13 child-friendly deals to choose from. Wyndham Doha West Bay (rating: 8.2/10) featuring 24-hour room service, free shuttle service and a Jacuzzi is the top option for 190US$ per night. It’s set a 5-minute walk from Decc station. Customers can enjoy European and Italian meals in Eatopia restaurant nearby. Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay, Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Plaza Inn Doha all received 1140 reviews from families travelling in Doha. All Doha family hotels here

What are the best Doha hotels near Doha airport?

Located 0.5 km from the airport, Oryx Airport Hotel -Transit Only costs 349US$ per night and provides a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a work desk and air conditioner in the rooms. All hotels near Doha

What are the best boutique hotels in Doha?

For those searching for a stylish accommodation in Doha, you have 5 boutique deals to choose from. One of the finest boutique hotels is Musheireb - Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels - Swbh rated 9.2/10 at the cost of 201US$ per night. See all boutique hotels in Doha, Qatar

What are the top cheap hotels in Doha?

There are more than 12 top budget properties in Doha. Chairmen Hotel with rating 7.4/10 is great for your stay, as it offers concierge service, newspaper service and a Jacuzzi along with shuttle service, valet parking service and 24-hour front desk on site. Intercontinental Hotel Doha rated 7.8/10 is one more great hotel, offering concierge service, grocery delivery service and massage treatments, as well as prices from 69US$ per one night. Check other top budget hotels: La Villa Hotel, Asherij Hotel and Rawdat Al Khail Hotel. All cheap hotels in Doha, Qatar

What are the most popular hotels in The Pearl district?

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl has a rating 8.0/10, as well as meeting facilities and a business centre on site. Located 30 minutes' walk from Katara Beach, it offers air-conditioned, non-smoking and luxurious rooms with first-class service. The Pearl hotels here

What are the best accommodations with easy access to Souq Waqif?

According to 5828 customers' reviews, Mandarin Oriental Doha (rating: 8.0/10) is one of the best Doha options set a 10-minute walk from Souq Waqif. Each air-conditioned and soundproof room has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a balcony and a coffeemaker. You may also book Ritz Carlton Doha with a rating 7.6/10 for about 119US$ per night. It's set 0.7 km from the attraction and offers 24-hour room service, concierge service and wedding services. More hotels in Doha near Souq Waqif