Summary
- Qatar is a wealthy Gulf country worth visiting as an alternative to Dubai, with attractions like The Pearl, historic sites, museums, and more.
- The Pearl Island in Qatar is an artificial island under construction, offering luxurious districts like Qanat Quartier, Porto Arabia, and Medina Centrale.
- Visitors to Qatar should be aware of the conservative customs and rules, such as restrictions on public alcohol consumption and certain products, but it is a safe and visitor-friendly country.
Qatar is a small Gulf Arab country occupying the Qatar peninsula. Qatar is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors like the United Arab Emirates (and in particular the Emirate of Dubai). Qatar is a wealthy country and one that is worth visiting for those looking for a regional alternative to Dubai.
One of the main destinations is The Pearl area of the capital, Doha. Doha is also home to the Doha Hamad airport — the world’s top-ranked airport—that is home to Qatar Airlines (often the top-ranked airline in the world). Qatar is a welcoming luxury Gulf destination with plenty to see and explore for a weekend.
What To Know About Qatar: A Small But Luxurious Gulf State
The Pearl Island in Qatar at sunset
Qatar is set on the Qatar Peninsula in the Persian Gulf and shares a land border with Saudi Arabia. The capital city, Doha, is home to over 80% of the population of the country and the country is ruled by a hereditary monarchy.
Qatar’s land is mostly low-lying and flat desert (offering a number of desert-based activities), and the country is highly developed and wealthy thanks to being one of the greatest exporters of liquefied natural gas.
- Population: Approximately 2.8 million (Of Which 313,000 are Qatari Citizens)
Qatar was ruled by the Ottomans and was later a British protectorate between 1916 and 1971. Like other Gulf states, Qatar has a massive migrant worker population.
Qatar has a number of attractions for people to explore, but The Pearl is one of the latest and greatest attractions. Other attractions include the historic Al Zubarah Fort, plenty of museums exploring the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula, the historic Barzan Towers, the Qatar National Library, the Al Zubarah Archeological site, and more.
The Pearl Island – The Luxurious ‘Arabian Riviera’
Doha, Qatar
Dubai may be famous for its large artificial island and resort projects like the Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), but Qatar has its own counterparts. The Pearl Island is a large artificial island and is the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership for foreigners.
Pearl Island is still under construction as of September 2023, and when it is fully completed, it will add another 32 kilometers or 20 miles of new coastline to the country. The island incorporates various national and international themes blending aspects of Arabic, Mediterranean, and European cultures.
The three main areas of The Pearl are:
- Qanat Quartier: A Venice-inspired Neighborhood With Canals, Bridges, Alleys, and colorful Buildings
- Porto Arabia: A Mediterranean-inspired District with Luxury Yachts
- Medina Centrale: An Area with Gardens, Play Areas, Plazas, Cafes, and more
Pearl Island has 12 districts and each has its own distinct architectural style. The island has Mediterranean-style marinas filled with luxury yachts, luxury villas, boutique hotels, and large residential towers. Unsurprisingly, the island has a suite of luxurious shopping opportunities and plenty of modern dining establishments.
The Pearl is now a popular visitor destination noted for its elegance and luxury; it has been called the ‘Arabian Riviera.’ It is famous for its many hotels, its restaurants, its boutiques, and charming cafes. Qatar and Dubai are great destinations for luxurious shopping.
Qanat Quartier luxury apartment in Pearl, Qatar
For more information about visiting The Pearl, refer to the Visit Qatar website and about the other attractions and things to do in the country.
What To Know About Visiting The Pearl Island Of Qatar
The Pearl is located near the prestigious West Bay District of Doha. One of the popular ways to get around Doha is by taking Uber (although Karwa, Careem, and regular taxis are also optional). It takes between 30 and 40 minutes to drive from the Doha International Airport to The Pearl.
Those who would like to take public transportation can take the Red Line to the Legtaifiya station. From there take the M110 Metrolink bus to The Pearl.
Qatar is a safe and visitor-friendly country to visit. Visas are not required for Americans and other Western passport holders.
West Bay on the corniche, Doha, Qatar
Visitors should be aware that Qatar is a conservative country and there are certain rules visitors should be aware of and to be respectful of the customs and norms of the country. It is prohibited to drink alcohol in public, but it is permitted in private as long as they do not get intoxicated and create a public nuisance.
There are also some restrictions on pork products, non-Islamic religious materials, and other things.
Qatar is a luxury destination and Qatar offers a selection of excellent beaches for visitors to enjoy. While Qatar may not be a top destination in itself, it does offer a great side trip for those visiting neighboring Dubai.
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