Qatar was originally known for its oil, but gas is now the driving force behind the country's economy. The country controls over 14% of the world's natural gas reserves and shares the world's largest field with Iran. The world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments depart from Ras Laffan, north of Doha, for global markets.
Nonetheless, Qatar is a very family-friendly country and a fantastic place for family vacations. Family is such a vital element of life here, and you can discover restaurants and shopping malls that cater to the entire family.
Most visitors can enter Qatar with a free visa on arrival. These days, more than 80 countries are eligible for Visa on arrival, and 34 countries are eligible for a 180-day waiver, allowing up to 90 days in the nation – the most lenient tourist visa of any Middle Eastern country.
Despite the fact that Qatar is best known for its dazzling modern high buildings, it still boasts many fantastic cultural activities, an abundance of green parks, and a historic Bedouin past that most families will love.
Before visiting Qatar, you should be aware that it is a dry, desert country that experiences extremely hot temperatures. Summers can be oppressively hot, reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day, but the winter months are mostly pleasant, and it is best to visit this country between November and April. Winter rain is also possible, but it is unpredictable and irregular. While women are not forced to wear full coverage in public, it is preferable to dress modestly in public, and most private resorts and beach clubs have separate dress requirements.
This man-made island, which resembles a string of pearls, was built as a self-sustaining, opulent residential region with a capacity of 30,000 people. It has a wide range of residential and recreational facilities, including beaches, apartments, vast villas, commercial centres, hotels, private and public mooring sites for boats, inland canals and waterways, and several good restaurants, among other things.
If you feel like visiting a historical marketplace, Souq Waqif in Doha is the place to go! Souq Waqif is an important heritage market in Qatar as well as a notable tourism site, dating back roughly 250 years, according to historians. It was known as "Souq Waqif" because the vendors used to set up shop at the entrances, displaying their items such as clothing, wood, fish, cumin, and other spices.
This park is one of the top tourist attractions in Qatar, thanks to its beautiful green area and a broad choice of activities. Spend the day with your family at MIA Park - the most popular public attraction in the middle of Doha. This is one of the best places to spend a free day in the park, and it overlooks stunning waterfront views. Along with cafes, entertainment and kiosks, the park has listed several unique things to enjoy with your children.
Khor Al Udeid Beach is located on the Persian Gulf, where an entrance lagoon connects to a tidal sea. The lagoon, which is approximately 6 miles (10 kilometres) long, is the section that separates Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The geology of this region is quite unique, with sabkha flats composed of hard, crystalline salt deposits.
The sand dunes next to the ocean, rather than the water itself, are what make Khor Al Udeid Beach so appealing for tourists. Massive dunes that rise up to 130 feet (40 meters) are both gorgeous to look at and exhilarating to drive across. You can swim near the sandy eastern beach at Khor Al Udeid Beach or if you prefer, simply sit on a dune near the coast and watch the sea waves brush against the dune's base during high tide.
All the travel guides will tell you that Qatar is a great place to visit, but are you thinking if you should go with your children? Yes! This is one of those times when incorporating a trip to a history or art museum will undoubtedly be beneficial to the children.
If the beautiful Doha skyline and incredible displays aren't enough, they can always go to the kid's gallery, where they have a monthly storytelling session (in English and Arabic) and Saturday walk-in workshops.
Qatar is highly recommended for families looking for an adrenaline rush, as the country provides an array of fun and adventurous activities like water sports, flyboarding, desert safaris, and other film city tours.
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