We were supposed to catch our connecting flight to Sri Lanka, but as the title suggests, we missed it and had a layover. Here’s what we did on our 7-hour stopover in Doha, Qatar.
1) Sleeping in Doha
We stayed at Warwick Doha. The hotel lies outside the city but looks magnificent! The hotel had everything it should have, and the bed was just amazing! So we slept through most of our stopover because we arrived at 2 AM. After our good but short sleep, we drove back to Hamad Airport. During our ride, we had a quick sightseeing stop!
2) Amiri Diwan
The Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar is the official workplace of the Emir of Qatar (monarch & head of state). It is also the office of the Deputy Emir and the Prime Minister. The Amiri Diwan was first the Al Bidda Fort, built in the 18th century. Later on, it was transformed into a military fort.
3) Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
The Museum of Islamic Art is a museum on an artificial island. The building was built in Islamic architecture, but with a modern twist. It’s the first museum in the Arab States of the Persian Gulf that features over 14 centuries of Islamic art.
Entrance: Free
Fun Fact: The architect also built the Pyramids of the Louvre: I.M. Pei
4) Abdullah Bin Zid Almahmud Cultural And Islamic Centre
Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is a cultural organization. The mosque has a unique minaret. The cultural center is the tallest mosque in Qatar.
5) National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar is shaped like a desert rose. In this museum, you can learn more about the history, culture, and traditions of Qatar.
6) Hamad International Airport Emiri Terminal,
When walking through the airport, you’ll see a giant bronze statue of a teddy bear with its head in a lamp. It’s 7 meters high and weighs 20 tons.
Fun Fact: Hamad was voted the Best Airport in the Middle East, Best Airport Staff in the Middle East and Best Airport: 30-40 million passengers in 2020.
7) West Mound-Skyline Viewpoint
The West Mound-Skyline viewpoint offers you an amazing view of the West Bay. I didn’t see this for myself, but I did enjoy quite the viewpoint from the airplane!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Qatar
🕒 What is the best time to visit Qatar?
Qatar has warm weather all year round. The best time to visit Qatar is between November and April with pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, desert safaris, and city exploration.
👚What to wear when visiting Qatar?
Please wear light but modest clothing when traveling in Qatar to respect local culture (shoulders and knees covered). Swimwear is appropriate only at private beaches and hotel pools.
💲Is Qatar budget-friendly?
Qatar is not budget-friendly, but you can soothe your costs by not being too luxurious on your trip. Flight tickets will take a huge part of your budget.
🧳 What to pack for Qatar?
Use my ultimate packing list to make packing for Qatar easy!
🛟Is Qatar safe to visit?
Qatar is a safe country to explore and wander. It’s considered one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Same with other big cities, please always take care of your belongings and beware of pick-pockets.
🛌Where to stay in Doha?
We stayed at Warwick Doha for one night. The hotel lies outside the city but looks magnificent!
Life of a Passion – Travel Blog