Discover Qatar’s desertscapes and coastal charms
Book flights to Qatar for an adventure through the natural wonders of the Middle East. Explore Qatar’s coastal cities that line the Arabian Gulf, or delve deeper into the desert for dune bashing, camel rides and dinner under the stars.
If you’re a fan of water sports, you’re in luck. Qatar offers more than 560km of coastline to explore. Take to the crystal waters in a kayak, canoe or jet ski, or stick to the sandy shores of the Doha Corniche for sunbathing, fishing and sunset strolls.
Foodies are also spoilt for choice. Qatari cuisine is well-known for its fusion of flavours and international influences. Sample the national dish – Machboos – at one of the local markets, or treat yourself to an upscale dinner in The Pearl-Qatar island.
The tournament will kick off on 21 November, with the final in Lusail on 18 December. You can watch the football in five cities within Qatar, including Doha, Al Khor, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah and Lusail.
Matches are set to take place across eight stadiums:
• Al Bayt Stadium
• Khalifa International Stadium
• Stadium 974
• Al Thumama Stadium
• Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
• Lusail Stadium
• Education City Stadium
• Al Janoub Stadium
Flying to Qatar with Etihad
Fly to Doha
Nestled along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Hamad International Airport is the most popular airport to fly to in Qatar. It offers direct access to the capital, Doha, where you can make the most of the 2022 football excitement. Take advantage of the short one-hour flight time to Doha from Abu Dhabi to see the tournament action in person.
Reasons to visit Qatar
Visit world-class museums in Doha
Beyond Doha’s ultra-modern skyline is a rich assortment of museums and galleries, which document Qatar’s captivating heritage.
Head to the Museum of Islamic Art to discover the world’s largest collection of Islamic artwork. The museum itself is located on its own island off the Corniche. Enter through the palm-lined walkway to admire the impressive exhibition of textiles, ceramics, glass sculptures and more.
Next stop is the National Museum of Qatar, which celebrates the history of the city. Take in the building’s desert rose-inspired architecture – designed by architect Jean Nouvel – before heading inside to explore the 1.5km galleries filled with enchanting artifacts.
Kayak through the mangroves
Just over an hour’s drive north of Hamad Airport (DOH), you’ll find one of Qatar’s oldest and largest mangrove forests – Al Thakira Mangrove Forest. This natural oasis is filled with towering trees and winding pencil roots, which can reach lengths of up to 33 feet (10 metres). Kayaking is the main form of transport through the forest, so take to the waters and start exploring.
Purple Island is another popular spot for a nature retreat. Here, you can enjoy the serenity of the mangroves, as you hike through trees and spot local wildlife – including the sea snails that inspired the island’s name.
Venture into the desert
Flights to Qatar transport you straight into the heart of the desert, where you can embark on your own safari. Meet the local camels that roam the desert, go dune bashing in a 4×4 or try your hand at surfing down the sandy terrain. Then head back to basecamp for a delicious Qatari-inspired barbecue under the stars.
Qatar’s desertscape is home to historic landmarks too. Step back in time at Al Zubarah Fort – a 20th-century Arab fort that once protected the city from invasion. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing traditional Arab architecture and artefacts from Qatar’s pearl diving era.
Flying to Qatar: FAQs
Where should I fly to in Qatar?
If you’re looking to fly to Qatar, Hamad International Airport (DOH) is the main airport. From here, you can easily access the Qatar capital – Doha – and the surrounding area, as well as coastal cities further afield.
Do I need to carry my passport in Qatar?
While it’s not a legal requirement, it’s highly recommended that you carry your passport with you when travelling in Qatar. You’ll need to show your passport – and visa, if applicable – at the airport upon arrival in the country and before departing.
How many days are enough for Qatar?
We recommend spending up to a week in Qatar – it’s a relatively small country, but with many sights to see. You can split your stay between Doha and the desert, and venture to the western coastline for a change of scenery. This should give you enough time to explore the local sights and still have time to rest and recharge.