Hi there Dubai Nomad fans. Today, I will be sharing why Qatar is a must-visit destination. My wife and I traveled to Doha for her birthday and it was spectacular. Let’s find out more…
While Dubai often grabs the spotlight, Qatar should be on your radar. Here’s why my recent trip there blew away my expectations.
Hassle-Free Visa
Let’s start with the good news: visiting Qatar is quite easy. Unlike some destinations (especially in Europe), getting a visa is a smooth and easy process. You can do it yourself online for a very reasonable price – around $27 (Ksh 4,000). I really enjoyed how easy it was. I applied, got the notification to pay the next day, and in another day, the visa had been shared to my email.
Related: UAE Visa Information For Kenyans – The Dubai Nomad
Peacefully Uncrowded
One of the things that surprised me most about Qatar was how uncrowded it felt. This is especially true compared to Dubai. Doha, the capital city, and the surrounding towns have a relaxed atmosphere. Malls were spacious and not crowded, which made for a much more enjoyable shopping experience.
Another place that was not overcrowded was the metro. Taking the train from one area to another was quite nice. There are no lines or ‘fighting’ to get space in the train. In Dubai, especially during rush hour, it is almost impossible to get seating space unless you pay for the Gold Class.
Qatar is Beautiful
When I say Qatar is beautiful, I mean it!
Towns like Lusail and Doha are visually stunning. In Lusail, we visited an area called the Pearl. See the images below.
It’s the perfect place to unwind but at the same time have fun.
Modern architecture mingled with traditional buildings makes for a fascinating streetscape. Everywhere you turn, there is something interesting to see.
Comfort on a Budget
Finding comfortable and affordable accommodation wasn’t a problem in Qatar. We stayed at the Hampton by Hilton in the old town, and it was fantastic. It was clean, and spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The breakfast could have been a bit better.
Related: Dubai on a Budget: A Review of Ibis Styles Hotel in Deira, Dubai
We paid about Ksh 35,000 ($200) for 4 nights, including breakfast. We however visited during the off-peak season, in March.
Related: The Cheapest Time To Visit Dubai – Plan Your Dubai Trip In These Months
A Somewhat Smooth Journey
So, our experience using Qatar Airways was quite mixed. The planes are nice, the food, is not that bad, the service in-flight was okay, and most importantly, the price was great.
However, we missed one of our connecting flights and the way they treated us was nothing short of pathetic. No care as to how you will get to your next destination. We opted to use Fly Dubai from Dubai to Doha (We were first staying in Dubai and Doha was our next destination).
We did this as booking a one-way Qatar Airways flight from Dubai to Doha was more than our entire multi-city trip. This turned out to be a not-so-good idea because if you break the sequence of your multi-city ticket, the rest of the flight becomes void.
Read the article below to get the whole story. It’s quite juicy.
Related: Dubai, Doha, and Disaster: A Mixed Bag with Qatar Airways
Warm Hospitality
The people of Qatar were some of the friendliest I’ve met on my travels. Everyone, from locals to immigrants, was welcoming and helpful. Whether you need directions or just a friendly chat, the people there were very welcoming.
Malls Made for Royalty
The malls in Qatar are breathtaking. Spacious, grand, and majestic are a few adjectives I can use.
Another thing I like about the malls is that they are family-friendly. We saw families eating out and having fun with their kids, something that was present in Dubai but it was more in Doha.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and beautiful travel destination with a relaxed atmosphere, Qatar should be at the top of your list. From its friendly people to its stunning scenery, Qatar offers an unforgettable travel experience. I would highly recommend Qatar as a destination.
