Holidays in Qatar are full of magical moments and unmissable experiences.

Uplifting activities and exhilarating attractions await at every turn, with new adventures to be had each day of your stay in this Persian Gulf paradise. You’ll discover inspiring and enriching leisure opportunities wherever you go with options for fun and excitement on land, at sea, in the city and in the sky. Families, friends, couples and solo travellers are all catered in a destination that delivers vast desert dunes, thriving mangrove forests, wondrous wildlife, a futuristic cityscape and unbelievable theme and water parks. Year-round sunshine means your plans are unlikely to be affected by the weather and with impeccable hospitality to be expected, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome wherever you go. To ensure you make the most of your holiday in this realm of mystique and modernity, we’ve put together our list of must dos in Qatar. Take a look at the delights on offer and start dreaming of what’s coming your way.

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Splashing Fun

For a fun-filled family day out during your holiday in Qatar, make a beeline for the spectacular Meryal Waterpark. Located on Qetaifan Island North, it’s the largest attraction of its kind in Qatar. It boasts 53 slides and 69 attractions, and is home to The RIG 1938, featuring Icon Tower, the highest waterpark tower in the world with the tallest slide in the world, Vertigo, with a height of 76.35m. Other delights include drop slides, tube slides and mat racers, as well as a wave pool, lazy river and children’s water play areas. It even has its own beach where you can relax on the soft sand, a choice of enticing dining destinations and shops selling gifts, toys and souvenirs. If that’s not enough aquapark fun for you, you could also pay a visit to Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, where you’ll find more than 50 slides, chutes and attractions.

Desert Adventures

If adventure is on your Qatar holiday agenda, then the desert is the place to go. From adrenaline pumping thrill rides to invigorating sightseeing trips in the sky, there’s activities and experiences for every mood and energy level. Explore the terracotta sands on a 4x4 safari, taking in the breathtaking scenery as you navigate the undulating dunes. Take the opportunity to camp Bedouin-style, enjoying the sunset over the desert before sleeping underneath the stars. Alternatively, glamping might be more your preference with Wi-Fi, ‘room’ service and air conditioning among the luxuries to enjoy. Quad biking and sandboarding are other thrilling activities on offer, or you could choose to take to the sky to experience the desert from a different perspective. The chance to take off on a hot air balloon ride or paragliding trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is sure to provide awe-inspiring views of the stunning scenery.

Spectacular Sea

For a natural spectacle that you will struggle to find anywhere else in the world, a visit to Khor Al Adaid is a must. Known as the Inland Sea, this UNESCO-recognised nature reserve is an inlet of the Persian Gulf and one of the few places on Earth where the desert meets the sea. Accessible by 4x4 vehicle, it’s an enchanting spot for a day at the beach, with the chance to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water, as well as kayak and fish. Animal lovers will also be in their element, with plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for. Dugongs, flamingos, Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle, turtles, stingray and desert fox are among the wonderful creatures that inhabit Khor Al Adaid, and can be discovered in and around the water. To complete your experience you can sit back and on the beach and enjoy the mesmerising sunset.

Mangrove Mission

Another must-visit haven of natural treasures, exotic wonders and leisure options is the mesmerising shores of Bin Ghannam Island, located close to Al Khor city. Known as Purple Island due to once being the site of an industry that made dye from murex sea snails, it is now a tranquil habitat of lush mangroves and shallow lagoons. Brimming with wildlife, it’s an idyllic spot to reconnect with nature. Watch out for fish, crabs and a multitude of birds as you kayak across the serene waterways. If you’re visiting during April and November be on the lookout for migrating flamingos. The location is also a perfect spot for family picnics or hiking, and you’ll find a wooden bridge that provides access to Purple Island Beach. Here you can relax in complete serenity and soak up the beautiful scenery all around.

Theme Park Thrills

No family holiday is complete without an action-packed theme park visit, and in Qatar, Doha Quest will provide exactly that. Pulsating rides, virtual reality thrills, simulators and much, much more await at this spectacular indoor entertainment destination. Highlights include the EpiQ Coaster, the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster, and Magma Blast, the world’s tallest indoor drop tower. Other rides to delight young visitors include Oryx Express, Time Travel and Spike’s Astro Tower. You’ll also find a 3D flying theatre, a gravity wheel, a two-level play area and an assortment of retail and dining venues, including a movie-themed Planet Hollywood restaurant. Other options for family fun include Gondolania, featuring gondola boat rides, mini golf, ice skating and go-karting, the Museum of Illusions Doha, gaming theme park Virtuocity, Circus Land and indoor trampoline park BOUNCE Doha.

Best Time To Visit

With a desert climate and sunshine and warm weather all year round, you can discover Qatar’s unmissable attractions, activities and experiences whenever you choose. If you’re planning activities in the water, the best time to visit may be in the summer. At this time of year, the weather is at its hottest, with temperatures rising to around 40℃. If you would prefer it to be cooler, the winter period from November to February may be more to your liking and ideal for outdoor activities. Temperatures ranging from around 22°C and 25°C can still be enjoyed, while January, the coldest month of the year, still sees average daily temperatures of 17 to 20℃. Rainfall is scarce in Qatar, but there can be heavy downpours in winter months. You also don’t need to worry about the heat if you’re planning activities inside, as you’ll find almost all of the indoor attractions are air-conditioned to ensure you stay cool while having fun.

“Qatar is a superb destination for anyone on the lookout for unmissable experiences, once-in-a-lifetime activities and unforgettable adventures.

“There are endless things for families, couples, friends and solo travellers to do, with all bases covered and all ages catered for.

“Visits to theme parks and waterparks will delight children, while there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in the desert.

“The Inland Sea is a must-visit natural gem and anyone with a love of nature should definitely pay a visit to Purple Island to explore the mangrove forests.

“Of course, this isn’t all Qatar has to offer. There’s an abundance of other exhilarating activities, attractions and cultural delights to discover, and lifelong memories to be made.”

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha

Experience a taste of the good life on Arabian shores at this palatial island haven that oozes opulence. Sophisticated dining experiences, elegant living spaces and impressive leisure features, including an indulgent spa, state-of-the-art fitness areas, pools, tennis courts, and a children’s playroom, ensure your stay is everything you dreamt of and more. Add in impeccable service and ultimate comfort, and you can be sure of a heavenly escape under Qatari sunshine.

Check out the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha

Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha

Restore your equilibrium on soft sun-kissed sands with a stay at this 5-star luxury oasis in Doha. A private beachfront setting, glistening pools, a children’s water park, surf pool, state-of-the-art wellness facilities and clubs for kids and teens are just some of the delights to be expected. Top-tier dining options ensure that absolutely every palate is pleased, while you can rest easy in your immaculate room or sumptuous suite.

Check out the Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

Immerse yourself in elevated sophistication during a 5-star holiday to exceed all expectations at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Enjoy precious moments of relaxation on the private beach, take a dip in the spectacular free-form pool or reinvigorate your body and mind in the world-class spa. Other features include a fitness centre, tennis courts and a children’s pool, while you can feast on international flavours in the elegant restaurants and rest easy in the sumptuous surroundings of your exquisite room or suite.

Check out The Ritz-Carlton, Doha