Qatar is a hidden gem in the Middle East, it really is a world beyond. With incredible architecture, centuries-old traditions, UNESCO sites, world-class shopping, incredible cuisine and luxury hotels, Qatar is your new favourite stopover destination en route to Europe or the UK.
1: Qatar’s landscape is just desert
False
Contrary to popular belief Qatar has many diverse landscapes.
Along with spectacular desert-scapes, there is around 600km of beautiful coastline and private beaches as well as the UNESCO heritage listed Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea), one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches into the desert offering some extraordinary experiences for explorers. You can discover the Al Thakira mangrove forest, a green oasis where you can take a kayak and explore this natural wonder where each year the flamingos migrate. Just off the coast of Qatar is one of the world’s largest whale shark breeding grounds, where hundreds gather between April and September each year.
2: Qatar has very little culture or history
False
Qatar is very proud of its rich history and traditions, offering a wide range of cultural experiences for visitors, which stands Qatar apart as one of the most interesting in the region. Travellers can explore world class museums, UNESCO archaeological sites, the Katara cultural village, or cruise on a local Dhow – just to name a few. Although no visit is complete without spending a couple of hours wandering through the alley ways of the Souq Waqif, where traders have been peddling for centuries, providing travellers with a real sensory experience and a touch of local life.
3: Qatar is a haven for adventure seekers
True
Qatar offers a huge range of exciting options and is perfect for sport fans and adventure seekers alike. Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, utilising 8 of the countries eye catching football stadiums.
Then there is hot-air ballooning, world class scuba diving, paragliding, kite surfing, sandboarding and 4WD dune bashing. The options for adrenaline packed activities are endless. Qatar is also fast becoming a golfer’s paradise!
4: You can’t enjoy an alcoholic drink in Qatar
False
For travellers, there are many options to enjoy a cold beer or your favourite style of wine. Whilst this is not a part of normal life for locals, many restaurants and hotels offer travellers an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing drink. One of our favourite times is enjoying a cocktail whilst watching the sunset over Doha harbour. With a huge variety of restaurants and cafes, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out.
5: Qatar is a paradise for families
True
Family travel is one of the largest segments visiting Qatar and is the perfect stopover when travelling with children and adults alike! With hotel resorts featuring kids clubs and beach clubs; shopping malls complete with roller coasters, rock climbing and ice skating through to the Desert Falls water and adventure park, the largest water park in the Middle East!
6: A stopover in Qatar is from as little as $19*!
True
A perfect option for travellers to enjoy an unforgettable stopover experience when flying Qatar Airways to a further destination. A stopover can be enjoyed in either, or both, directions and is also a perfect location to meet up and reunite with overseas family or friends.
With a stay from as low as $19pp*, a Qatar stopover will turn one holiday into two.
- Standard stays in a 4-star hotel starting from only A$19pp per night
- Premium stays in a 5-star hotel from A$28pp per night
- Luxury stays in a 5-star+ hotel including breakfast from A$106pp per night
To access these exclusive stopover rates for your clients – register today for the Discover Qatar trade booking portal to be booking ready!
Register at: www.discoverqatar.qa/trade-partners/
Book the special stopover rates at: partner.discoverqatar.qa
*More information on these incredible value stopovers, visit www.qatarairways.com/tradeportal
