Cheap holidays to Doha

Doha is the capital of Qatar, a country jutting out into the beautiful Persian Gulf and enjoying a mix of culture and luxury in its hotels, shops and restaurants. Walk among ancient forts and glittering skyscrapers in a city that offers something truly different for holidaymakers.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is only a 15-minute cab ride from the centre of Doha. There are often deals on flights from London and Manchester to Doha. As a UK citizen, you can get a 30-day visa waiver for free upon entering the country. The currency is the Qatari riyal, and the time is three hours ahead of the UK's. The official language in the country is Arabic, although you’ll find that, as Doha is such a globally renowned city, many locals speak English.

The city enjoys a hot climate, and from May to September, temperatures are frequently around 30°C. Some visitors may find this a bit too warm for their liking and instead opt to escape winter in Britain to experience pleasant temperatures in the Qatari capital. Even in January, the thermometer sits around the mid-to-high teens. Keep in mind that the ‘colder’ months tend to be busier.

Enjoy Doha city breaks in August or September to see how the city celebrates Eid, with amazing festival performances and feasts to savour. Alternatively, visit just before that to take advantage of the nighttime Ramadan festivities. There are many cultural celebrations throughout the year, including the Doha Tribeca Film Festival in October and the Qatar Marine Festival in March. Doha weekends are an ideal way to experience Middle Eastern culture.

There are plenty of different activities you can look forward to with Doha flight and hotel deals:

• Go for a day tour by car through the surrounding desert.
• Experience a camel ride across the dunes.
• Stroll among the elegant shops of Villaggio Mall.
• Relax on the beach and soak up the endless sunshine.
• Enjoy a luxurious spa treatment in chic surroundings.

Doha boasts a wealth of great sights, both old and new, which are fantastic for photo opportunities:

• The Ottoman-era Al Koot Fort, from the 19th century.
• The magnificent Heritage Library, containing many important Arabic texts.
• The Corniche quarter, straddling the coast and offering the best views of the modern skyline.
• The Pearl-Qatar, an area home to the city’s super wealthy and great for spotting sports cars and luxury yachts.
• Doha Zoo, which houses several unique animals, including the oryx.

What to eat in Doha

Doha city breaks are an ideal time to experience delicious and exotic cuisine. Typical Middle Eastern dishes to try include machboos, made of meat, rice and vegetables; balaleet, a sweet noodle dish; and roast lamb, a favourite in the city. Caffeine addicts on Doha package holidays shouldn't miss the chance to try Arabic coffee, often served with a side of dates to balance the intense taste.

That said, Doha is a thoroughly international city, and the flavours of India, China, Italy and the USA are also commonly represented in its restaurants. The sizeable Indian population offers excellent opportunities to enjoy familiar curries in Doha. It’s also possible to drink alcohol in Qatar, and you’ll find hotel bars may be among the best places to have a drink out on the town during Doha weekends.

What can you bring home from Doha?

With your Doha flight and hotel deal booked, you can think about doing some shopping. Qatar holidays are a once-in-a-lifetime experience – put some thought into finding gifts or souvenirs that represent your time here. Elegant coffee and tea sets with gilded pots and cups are a fantastic way to bring a little class to your morning routine back home. Glassware, especially Arabic-style lamps, are commonly found in the city’s markets and come in dazzling colours and shapes.

Head to the Al Souq district, which contains most of Doha’s souqs (markets) – you'll find that it's easy to lose track of time here as you browse the amazing offerings. If packing and transporting a whole lamp sounds tricky, opt for smaller glass gifts such as coasters or jewellery. Rugs, another top choice, give a touch of exotic beauty to your home.