Female Solo Traveller in Doha Qatar
FEMALE SOLO TRAVELLER IN DOHA QATAR
I finally got to experience the world’s no.1 airline, Qatar Airways, the no.1 airline worldwide. This is the official airline of Qatar, my Comments!? ( see my review of the service and overall experience on Qatar Airways here). Note to Caribbean Airlines, the official airlines of Trinidad and Tobago. You are still the no.1 airlines when it comes to legroom space in the economy seating. I must admit…very spacious and comfortable, perfect for tall travellers. This is a short synopsis of what to expect and what I observed/experienced as a female solo traveller in Doha, Qatar.
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A little ABOUT QATAR
Qatar is a Middle-Eastern country, Doha is capital and is located in the Persian Gulf. Qatar has almost 2 million people, and only 15 % are Qatari citizens. It is currently the holder of the AFC (Asian Football Cup) championship, after defeating Japan, the four-time champions, in February this year. Qatar will be the first Arab nation to host the FIFA World cup tournament in 2022.
ARRIVAL AT HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DOHA - QATAR
Entry into Doha was a breeze, the immigration process was smooth, I presented my copy visa (emailed to me) and passport and I was in. The immigration officer was very “cut and dry” with no smiles, no pleasantries, just a stamp, and move along. To obtain a visa, apply online through Qatar Airways, (if your ticket was bought from Qatar Airways) or the Qatar embassy. Complete the online application form, and email scanned copies of passport and other relevant documents, approval takes about a week and it’s that easy. The airport is huge and beautiful, the airport T.S.A and Customs staff were quite pleasant and friendly. Almost all are from various countries, most from African countries.
OVERVIEW OF DOHA
On exiting the airport, it was still quite hot even though it’s the cooler month of the year. Everyone says it’s cool, but when you are from a tropical country, it’s still considered very hot in Doha, so, therefore, you should imagine how hot it gets here during the summer months. It seems everyone drives in Doha, hardly one can be seen walking, the streets except for a few of the immigrant workers (you can tell by dress code).
Doha entices me, the architectures are really beautiful and modern, the dress code, for both men and women, it is rather nice to see women fully covered, I have always admired this. For the females entering Doha conservative dress code is advised because this is an Islamic country. It is not mandatory, but it is advised to keep the shoulders covered and dress length to the knees and below.
MY LOVE FOR THE MIDDLE-EAST AND THE GARBS
I think I have a love affair with the Middle-Eastern countries. I love the United Arab Emirates and currently enjoying Doha, Qatar. Something about these countries entices me, maybe it’s the robes worn by the men, called Thobe or Thawb. I also love the headwear, called Keffiyeh or Guthra, especially the red and white ones, who say sexyyy!! Haha. I have met women who love the garb and others say it’s a man in a dress, for me, it’s distinguished and sexy.
There may be many reasons one may want to visit Doha Qatar, but one thing that stands out with middle-eastern countries they are safe for a female solo traveller and generally anyone. Qatar is also one of the top 20 safest countries in the world.
WHAT YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT DOHA
- Avoid public affection, kissing in public and making out in public can cause you some problems, it must also be noted that extramarital relationships are illegal. Unless you are married, (with marriage certificate to show), couples cannot share the same hotel room must book 2 separate rooms. Do some checking with your hotel before booking, I am told not all hotels stick to this rule.
- Protect yourself from the sun, be sure to have your travel umbrella, sunglasses and sunscreen on, it’s still very hot, even though it’s the cooler month.
- Walk with bathroom tissue, like some bathrooms found in some Islamic countries, where the toilet is Turkish style (sunken in the ground and you need to squat low to use) some may have “wash offs” I have seen these in countries like Malaysia and Turkey but there were also options with regular style toilet, but there was always a line to use them.
- Friday is a holy day, as in most Islamic countries, Friday and Saturday are the weekends, businesses are closed or open at shorter hours. It’s like Jerusalem on a Saturday, it’s like a ghost town) first working day of the week is Sunday.
- Credit card is accepted here.
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- You cannot buy alcohol, since the Sharia Law, there are no liquor shops, you cannot buy it at supermarkets nor at duty-free and sneak it in, I am told its only available at 5-star hotels at a steep price and you must produce your passport to be able to partake of it.
- Food is plentiful and reasonably priced.
- Qatar is a tax-free country, this is one of the few countries that does not have a VAT or even income tax for that matter, so this keeps prices down for the visitor who enjoys shopping in Doha.
- Do not take photos of the local Qatari women, it’s not illegal but its frown upon.
- Expect to attract lots of attention as an unveiled female solo traveller. Men will stare at you wherever you go, those driving by will honk their horns as they pass by and others simply whistle.. this may be mainly the immigrant males. Think nothing of it men will be men. in any country, you visit.
MUST-VISIT SITES IN DOHA
- Souq Waqif, the biggest market place for shoppers and foodies. Get all your souvenirs here, many restaurants. Gosh, I love the big delicious dates found in the Middle-Eastern countries. Everything you need, can be found at Souq Waqif.. haggle your way to the best price, they, give one price you go half of it and compromise from there.
- Museums, Visit the museums in Doha because they are all free to enter. I recommend the Museum of Islamic Arts and the National Museum of Qatar, even if you do not go inside, check out its unusual design from the outside.
- Dunes-bashing, for those how may have visited U.A.E. and have done this, you can skip this one or even try it again, but this is the coolest thing I have ever done, so book a tour, and head to the desert and enjoy, I promise you will not regret it.
- The Pearl-Qatar, if you can’t afford to live in such an upscale area, it can’t hurt to take a look at its magnificence. The lovely area by the aquamarine sea with boats and yachts of all shapes and sizes. This area is made from reclaimed land in the shape of pearls. Impressive area.
- The Corniche, this bay area gives a beautiful view of the modern skyscraper buildings in Doha, in this bay area. This area is a beautiful waterfront area with lovely dhow boat float can be seen. Perfect for photos, relax and take in some fresh air or just running or casual long asks. This area reminds me a bit of the Hong Kong Skyline
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Basic Arabic Phrases
Simple phrases you may want to learn are: This is not necessary but every people in every country love to hear a visitor say something in their language, they do admire and appreciate this.
- Salaam alaykum – Hello
- Sabah al khair – Good morning,
- Masaa al-khar – Good Evening
- Shukran – Thank you
- Masalama – Goodbye
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MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products, information and suggested uses.
For MUST-READ BOOKS (#ad) Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. (#ad) How to win friends and Influence people another self improvement and and social skills development read. (#ad) The Art of Travelling Alone For those who wish to learn how to save, plan, and travel alone on a budget. All offer an excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
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DO I RECOMMEND DOHA - QATAR!?
In conclusion, I will recommend Doha, for a female solo traveller or anyone else wishing to visit. The FIFA World cup tournament soon approaches in 2022, so therefore, start saving for your vacation in Doha. Regarding the food in Doha, as previously mentioned, its reasonably priced, I didn’t get to partake of any Qatari foods, maybe because of the proliferation of persons from almost every country worldwide, living and working in Doha, so many different foods and cultures are mixed here. For the foodies, you are more than likely to find foods/restaurants from your country available here in Doha, esp. Turkish foods/restaurants.
So, take it from a female solo traveller in Doha, Qatar. Keep an open mind and plan a trip to Doha today, book with Qatar Airways and enjoy. I am sure you will enjoy it.
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