WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Qatar

Location

Climate

Qatar is a destination that is attracting more and more travelers thanks to its sunny climate, major cultural events and modern infrastructure.

Tourist seasons in Qatar

There are three tourist seasons in Qatar: the low seasonthe middle season and the high season. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we'll describe in detail below.

• Low season : extends from April to October and is the hottest time of the year. During this period, temperatures can reach up to 45°C. Accommodation prices are generally lower at this time, but it can be hard to bear the heat.
• Mid-season : is between November and March, with a more pleasant climate and temperatures between 20 and 30°C. Accommodation prices are slightly higher than in low season, but the weather conditions are ideal for visiting the country.
• High season : corresponds to school vacation periods and certain major cultural events. During this period, accommodation and flight prices can be higher, and tourist attractions are often very busy.

When to go, according to your preferences

To determine the best time to go to Qatar according to your preferences, here are a few tips:

• If you'd like to enjoy a pleasant climateThe best time to visit is during the mid-season, between November and March.
• If you're looking for better prices on accommodation and flights, you can opt for a stay during the low season, bearing in mind that temperatures will be very high.
• If you are interested in cultural events in Qatar, we recommend that you find out the exact dates of these events and plan your stay accordingly.

Major cultural events in Qatar

Every year, Qatar hosts a number of major cultural events that attract visitors from all over the world. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main events not to be missed:

• Doha Film Festival: This event, which usually takes place in November, showcases international cinema with screenings of films in competition and masterclasses led by industry professionals.
• Qatar International Food Festival: held in March, this culinary festival offers the opportunity to discover local specialties as well as international dishes proposed by guest chefs. Events and culinary workshops are also planned to satisfy the curious and the gourmet.
• Doha Fashion Week: held in April, brings together local and international designers for fashion shows, exhibitions and conferences.
• Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: This prestigious horse race is held in October and brings together the world's best horses and jockeys. Spectators can watch the races and take advantage of the many on-site attractions.

Public holidays in Qatar

When planning your trip to Qatar, it's important to take into account public holidays, which can affect the opening times of shops, museums and tourist attractions. Here is a list of the main public holidays in Qatar:

• Independence Day: September 3, which celebrates Qatar's independence from the United Kingdom in 1971.
• Eid el-Fitr: A Muslim festival marking the end of fasting in the month of Ramadan, it takes place on a date that varies according to the lunar calendar. The festivities generally last three days, during which locals visit each other and share family meals.
• Eid al-Adha: This religious holiday is celebrated about two months after Eid el-Fitr, and commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham. Families gather to share a meal, and numerous activities are organized throughout the country.
• National holiday: It takes place on December 18 and celebrates the founding of the State of Qatar in 1878. Parades, fireworks and shows are organized on this occasion to pay tribute to the nation.

Statistics on immigration to Qatar: a steady rise

Recent data show a significant increase in the number of expatriates and immigrant workers in Qatar. According to official statisticsIn recent years, the Qatari population has grown at an average annual rate of 7.5%, largely due to the massive influx of foreign workers.

Nationalities most represented among immigrants

In terms of geography, the majority of expatriates and foreign workers in Qatar come from South Asia, notably :

• India : Around 650,000 Indian nationals currently live in Qatar, representing almost 22% of the country's total population.
• Nepal : With over 350,000 Nepalese workers, this nationality also makes up a significant proportion of immigrants to Qatar.
• Bangladesh : some 280,000 Bangladeshis live and work in the country.

However, it's important to note that other nationalities are also present in significant numbers, such as Filipinos, Egyptians and Pakistanis.

The most popular visas in Qatar: changing migration policies

To encourage the arrival of foreign workers and tourists, the Qatari government has introduced various measures to make it easier to obtain visas. Among the most popular types of visa in Qatar are :

Work visa

Widely sought after by expatriates wishing to settle in the country to work, the work visa is issued on the basis of an employment contract. Employers are generally responsible for the entire visa application process for their foreign employees.

Family visit visa

Many foreign workers wish to be joined by their families during their stay in Qatar. The family visit visa allows family members to stay in the country for up to six months.

Tourist visa

Tourist visas are available for people wishing to visit Qatar for tourism purposes. These visas can be obtained on arrival or by prior application to the diplomatic representation office Qatari.

Transit visa

Travelers in transit through Qatar can benefit from a free transit visa lasting up to 96 hours, subject to certain conditions (booking of a connecting flight via Qatar Airways, compliance with transit times, etc.).

International tourism figures for Qatar: a booming destination

Qatar is gradually establishing itself as a popular tourist destination in the Gulf region. International tourism figures show steady growth in this sector:

Number of foreign tourist arrivals

According to official dataThe number of international tourist arrivals to Qatar has risen significantly in recent years, from 1.4 million in 2010 to over 2.8 million in 2017.

Tourism's contribution to national GDP

Tourism is an important part of the Qatari economy. In 2017, it was estimated that this sector contributed 4.9% of the national GDP, with revenues generated mainly by foreign visitors.

Investments in tourism development

To support the growth of the tourism sector, the Qatari government is investing massively in various projects, such as :

• The construction of new hotels and tourist facilities.
• The development of new tourist attractions, such as the Msheireb Downtown Doha cultural park and the creation of artificial islands.
• Improving transport services, notably with the extension of the Doha metro and the modernization of Hamad International Airport.

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