Doha is ready to welcome visitors from around the globe at the 2022 World Cup. Over the last few years, we’ve made numerous visits to Doha to make sure things are absolutely perfect for our World Cup guests. In the time we’ve spent exploring this fascinating destination, we’ve discovered some surprising things about this World Cup host city. See below for some of our best surprises and interesting facts about Doha in advance of the upcoming World Cup.
It’s Going to be Cool in Doha — Expect Comfortable Temperatures During the World Cup
Cocktails, Anyone? — Alcohol Policy
Attention Museum Buffs — Incredible Museums
Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) was designed by I.M. Pei and has been called “one of the most beautiful museums in the world.” The architecture alone is worth a visit and inside you’ll find 1,400 years’ worth of Islamic Art.
The National Museum of Qatar opened in 2019 and like the MIA, is visually stunning. This unique museum, designed by Jean Nouvel, provides an immersive journey into “Qatar’s past, present, and future.”
Expats, Expats, Expats Equals English Everywhere
As you travel around Doha, you may be surprised how easy it is to get around, even if you speak only English. Though it is not an official language, English is widely spoken in Doha, and also found on signs throughout the city.
A Culture of Hospitality — Five-Star Luxury Hotels
One of our favorites is the St. Regis Doha, perched on the spectacular coastline of the Arabian Gulf. Offering a luxe resort-style experience without sacrificing the convenience of the city, the St. Regis is one of the most in-demand properties for the World Cup. The accommodations are elegant, the amenity list is long, and its restaurants are extraordinary. We also recommend taking advantage of the St. Regis’ sublime Remède Spa.
Bikinis at the Beach (ONLY!) — Clothing Expectations for Visitors
Visitors are not expected to dress in the same manner as the locals. So yes, you can pack your favorite swimsuit. Beachwear is acceptable at hotel pools or private beaches. Elsewhere, it is recommended that travelers are sensitive to the culture by wearing clothing covering the shoulders, knees, and everything in between.
Chefs from London, Las Vegas, New York — An Impressive Culinary Scene
A Shopper’s Paradise — The Variety of Shopping Options
Those who love to shop will be in paradise in Doha! There are so many options, ranging from local specialty markets to upscale mega-malls. Some highlights include:
Souq Waqif – Doha’s largest market is the perfect place to find almost everything including traditional clothing, food, art, and souvenirs.
City Center Mall – One of the city’s largest malls, complete with an amusement park, ice-skating rink, and bowling alley.
Villaggio Mall – Designed after Venice with an indoor canal and gondolas.
Mall of Qatar – The largest mall in the country.
The Pearl – A man-made island brimming with everything luxury including designer boutiques, high-end malls, and luxury car showrooms.
Torba Farmer’s Market – Familiar, yet exotic, it’s a fun place to wander around.
We go into depth about shopping in Doha in our Doha Travel Guide; check it out for more information and shopping tips.
Welcome to Qatar — Welcoming and Friendly Locals
Safety First — Very Safe Destination
We think our guests will feel very comfortable traveling around Doha. As we mentioned above, the locals are warm and welcoming and crime is rare. In fact, Doha was recently named the second safest city in the world. Our lead event planner, Sam Buffie, has traveled to Doha multiple times on her own and has felt “completely safe and welcomed” on each visit.
Doha is full of wonderful surprises and we’re excited for our World Cup guests to discover some of their own. To learn more about Doha in advance of the World Cup, download our Doha Travel Guide for our best tips and recommendations.
If you want to see Doha for yourself, we still have limited space available for the 2022 World Cup. Get in touch with one of our Sports Travel Specialists for more information.