Qatar as a destination has the perfect mix of indoor entertainment along with the outdoor sun, sea, and sand activities making it an excellent fit for every travel interest. There are a lot of jaw-dropping places to visit in Qatar in summer, which would ensure an enjoyable vacation to the fullest. Being a major tourist destination, this country has the most interesting things to offer at any time of the year. One can make the most of the 14-hour day light from May to August, the summer season in Qatar. A mesmerizing coastline, breath-taking cultural attractions, and modern architecture at its finest, travellers are in for an incredibly amazing time during the summers.
Here is a list of activities to enjoy in Qatar in the summers.
Shopping Indulgence
The destination offers an interesting variety of high-end and premium brands from all over the world, as well as a huge selection of leisure facilities. The country is home to Place Vendôme in the Middle East, the largest shopping centre with 580 upscale stores carrying all the top fashion labels. The Villaggio Mall, where visitors may navigate from one wing to another by an interior canal complete with gondolas, is another illustration of extravagance with stunning Venetian-inspired decor. A high-end luxury mall with the most popular luxury brand names can be found at the shopping centre.
Housed in Villaggio Mall, Gondolania is the largest family entertainment destination in Doha! it boasts of an Olympic size ice skating rink, perfect to cool off in the summer.
Those looking out for a local shopping experience can head to the Souq which offers Middle Eastern merchandise from dates, honey, spices and seasonal delicacies to perfumes, jewellery, textiles, clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, and a lot more.
Galeries Lafayette, nestled in Katara Cultural Village, is a Parisian shopping experience in the heart of Doha featuring more than 400 designer brands from all over the world with an emphasis on leather goods, fine jewellery, watches, and prêt-à-porter fashion. Qatar promises a world-class shopping experience that includes everything from luxury brands to local markets.
Relax & Rejuvenate at the Spas
In Qatar, spas redefine luxury. Experience exclusive treatments at top-notch, opulent spas to give your body respite from the humdrum of everyday life. Visit Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the first completely immersive resort in the Middle East that provides treatments based on the wellness principles of traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine. It is the largest spa retreat in Qatar. For those who are always on the go and glued to their screens the Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers a Digital Wellness Escape to ease stresses and strains resulting from the frequent use of digital devices. One can experience a world beyond and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in Qatar: “Under the Stars” curated by the Saray Spa at the Marriott Marquis Doha – on their 50th floor helipad!
Art & Culture Exploration
Katara Cultural Village has a stunning beach promenade, an impressive open-air amphitheatre and network of exhibition galleries and cutting-edge facilities. Souq Waqif is the country’s bustling traditional marketplace, offering souvenirs, spices, and numerous budget-friendly food options. The newly developed Msheireb and Education City districts each provide a free tram service to tour the wonderous avant-garde architecture for a dose of how the past meets the present in Qatari design and culture. The latter also houses the Qatar National Library with its intriguing paper plane design, while Msheireb has museums that celebrate the history of four heritage houses.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, NMoQ draws attention to its desert rose inspired architecture resembling the naturally occurring crystal formations found in the desert. The museum is built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace. Spread across 430,500 square feet, it speaks volumes about Qatar’s heritage while celebrating its future.
Qatar’s unique museums and public art installations are architectural masterpieces in themselves. They recite a story of the country’s pride in its art form. The vibrant past and present of Qatar comes to life at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), where interactive audio-visual experiences ensure people of all ages will be immersed in the story of the country from more than 700 million years ago to the present day. The Museum of Islamic Arts also referred to as the crown jewel of Qatar museums is another architectural wonder. Designed by another Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei, the museum is a reflection of the history and culture of Islam.
When exploring Qatar, visitors will come across a number of public art installations. Some of the famous ones to look out for are The Force of Nature II, a large bronze sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn depicting Mother Nature as a woman hurling the planet in circles. The Miraculous Journey at Sidra Medical and Research Centre illustrates the beauty of the extraordinary process of the development of a foetus. One of several impressive sculptures at the Hamad International Airport, the Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer is centrally located in the duty-free area. The plush 23-foot yellow teddy bear sculpted from bronze sits under a lamp. Both humorous and comforting, the piece reminds travellers of childhood or precious objects from home.
Sun, Sand & Sea
Public Beaches
Fuwairit Beach, which is 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of Doha, is worth visiting for its fine, white sand and clean waters. A Hawksbill Sea Turtle hatchery may be found at Fuwairit Beach, which is popular with kitesurfers. Sealine Beach, located in the southern desert dunes, and Katara Beach, located in Doha itself, are both clean, pristine and worth a relaxing visit.
B12 Beach Club
B12 Beach Club, Doha, is a new family-friendly beach club with lots of ways to keep everyone entertained, from water sports to lively tunes by the resident DJ, all-day dining, and the B12 Floating Water Park, at 70m the largest floating park in Doha.
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha is the first luxury beach resort in Qatar to pioneer the all-inclusive lifestyle concept. Families can discover international cuisine, energetic entertainment, and fun-filled activities.
Waldorf Astoria Lusail
This sprawling resort in the heart of Lusail City boasts a pristine private sand beach. The hotel opened in October 2022, offering a selection of fun activities for both adults and children, from water slides to surfing. The hotel has 461 rooms, a fitness centre and the only ‘ESPA Life’ spa in the Middle East.
Outdoor AC Parks
Fortunately, Doha has a few parks and shopping areas with outdoor air conditioning, so people can enjoy the outdoors and stay cool at the same time!
Parks like Al Gharrafa has jogging and walking tracks built with a cooling vent with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 28°C; oxygen park is popular for Its lush ambience and air conditioned pathways; the Umm Al Seneem Park is currently the Guinness World Record title holder for the Largest AC Outdoor Path of 1.143 km; The newly opened West Walk in Al Waab has a stunning courtyard with outdoor air-conditioning that keeps visitors cool all day and night.
Qatar is blessed to have year-round pleasant weather for all kinds of activities. Its strategic location allows it to be a good stop-over destination as well. Qatar has free visa-on-arrival for all Indians making it an easy getaway.
