Top 10 Fun Activities in Qatar, know Everything

Qatar is a small country located in the Middle East, on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia borders it to the south and the Persian Gulf to the north, east, and west. Qatar is known for its oil and natural gas reserves and is considered one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The official language is Arabic and the currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR).

Doha is the capital and largest city of Qatar. It is a modern and rapidly developing city with a mix of traditional and contemporary architecture. The city’s prominent landmarks include the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and The Pearl Qatar. It is also known for its desert landscape and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a desert safari, go sand boarding, or take a hot air balloon ride to experience the unique desert scenery. Qatar also offers a variety of water activities, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing.

Qatar’s diverse population comprises Qatari citizens, expatriates, and migrant workers. The country has a good infrastructure and a high standard of living, with a focus on education and healthcare.

In recent years, Qatar has attracted international attention as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with several state-of-the-art stadiums and infrastructure built to accommodate the tournament.

Things to know when you travel to Qatar

To travel to Qatar, you will need a valid passport, a visa (if required), and a confirmed booking at a hotel or other accommodation.

Visas: Depending on your country of origin and the length of your stay, you may need access to Qatar. Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, while others must apply for a visa in advance. Before travelling, it is best to check the visa requirements for your specific country.

Flights: Qatar has one main international airport, Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, which is well-connected to destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways is the national carrier and offers direct flights to destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Getting around: Taxis are widely available in Qatar, and renting a car is possible. Public transportation in Qatar is limited, but a metro system is currently under construction and set to be completed by 2026.

Currency: The currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in Qatar, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

Climate: Qatar has a hot desert climate with high temperatures and low humidity. The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cooler.

Some popular places to visit in Qatar include:

• The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, which houses a collection of Islamic art from around the world
• The Souq Waqif in Doha is a traditional marketplace with shops selling traditional goods such as spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
• The Katara Cultural Village features a variety of cultural and artistic events and exhibitions.
• The Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an example of traditional Qatari architecture
• The Aspire Tower, also known as “The Torch Doha”, is the tallest building in Doha which offers excellent views of the city.
• The desert landscape of Khor Al Adair, also known as the Inland Sea, is a UNESCO-listed natural reserve in southern Qatar.
• The Pearl Qatar is an artificial island featuring luxury shopping, dining, and waterfront living.
• The Banana Island, a beautiful island located just 20 minutes away from the coast of Doha, offers a range of luxurious resorts, water activities, and beaches.

Fun Activities in Qatar

1. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha – This museum is home to a vast collection of Islamic art from around the world, including ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts.
2. Explore Souq Waqif – This traditional marketplace in Doha offers a unique shopping experience, with vendors selling traditional goods such as spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
3. Take a desert safari – Qatar’s desert landscape offers a range of outdoor activities, including dune bashing, sand boarding, and camel rides.
4. Visit the Katara Cultural Village – This village features various cultural and artistic events, including concerts, plays, and exhibitions.
5. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride – Experience Qatar’s desert landscape with a hot air balloon ride from a different perspective.
6. Dive or snorkel in Qatar’s waters – Qatar has a variety of diving and snorkelling spots, such as the Al Shouna diving site, offering visitors the opportunity to explore marine life and coral reefs.
7. Visit Al Zubarah Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage site; this traditional Qatari fort offers a glimpse into the country’s history and architecture.
8. Take a trip to The Pearl Qatar – This artificial island is a luxury destination, offering a range of shopping, dining, and waterfront living options.
9. Visit the Aspire Tower – Also known as “The Torch Doha”, this is the tallest building in Doha which offers excellent views of the city and surroundings.
10. Visit Banana Island – a beautiful island located just 20 minutes away from the coast of Doha, which offers a range of luxurious resorts, water activities, and beaches.

Passport Renewal Requirements For the Philippines

To renew the passport of the Philippines, the following documents are typically required:

1. Somebody can obtain a duly accomplished application form from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) website or a DFA office.
2.  Somebody must submit the current passport for cancellation.
3. A photocopy of the data page of the current passport.
4. A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background was taken within the last six months.
5. A valid ID and its photocopy (such as a driver’s license, SSS/GSIS ID, or PRC ID)
6. If your name has been changed, you must submit supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate.

Renewal Fees and Other Expenses

The cost of renewing a passport in the Philippines varies depending on the type of passport and the processing time. As of 2021, the prices for standard processing (20 working days) are:

• Regular (36-page) passport: P950
• Jumbo (60-page) passport: P1200
• Express processing (7 working days): additional P1,200