Traveling between countries since the pandemic has become more challenging. But now, travel restrictions are easing up a bit in many countries worldwide, including Qatar.
Although considered one of the most underrated destinations in the Middle East, Doha remains a popular destination for travelers seeking kids’ entertainment and genuine family fun.
If you’re planning a trip to the city anytime soon, equip yourself with up-to-date knowledge about travel restrictions and other things that could make your travels easier.
This article summarizes everything you need to know when traveling from Dubai to Doha and vice versa.
From Dubai to Doha: The Travel Situation
Did you know that health concerns weren’t the only cause of travel blockages between the UAE and Qatar? There had been some issues between the two governments involving measures that included a three-year-long boycott.
But that is all in the past. As the rest of the world is gradually going back to previous travel trends today, the two nations have officially opened their doors to one another, as marked by Qatar’s reintegration to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the 41st Gulf Summit.
So, what does this mean for travelers? Here’s a quick summary of the current travel situation between the UAE and Qatar:
Allowed travelers from UAE to Qatar
Following the summit, Qatar now allows specific traveler categories from the UAE to enter the country, namely:
- Emirati nationals and their immediate family (i.e., spouses and children).
- Domestic workers in the UAE.
- Qatar permanent residence permit holders.
- Qatar residence permit holders who have received their Exceptional Entry Permit.
- Holders of Diplomatic ID from Qatar’s MOFA.
- Children and spouses of Qatari nationals.
- Domestic workers of Qatari nationals.
Requirements related to health restrictions
Aside from the usual travel documents, Qatar also posted additional requirements for travelers from the UAE in relation to recent global health concerns:
- UAE visitors who have yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccine must provide negative RT-PCR test results and undergo quarantine upon entering Qatar.
- Those who have completed vaccination may enter Qatar provided they have a negative RT-PCR test result.
Take note that the negative RT-PCR (NAAT) test required must be conducted 72 hours before departure to Qatar. All travelers are also asked to have a negative RT-PCR test result from an accredited testing center.
The quarantine period can also be cut short if the traveler gets a negative COVID-19 test result on the sixth day of the isolation.
Proof of vaccination for Qatari residents traveling back to the country must also show that they have received the second dose of the shot 14 days before their departure. On the other hand, travelers who recovered from the disease must show lab results released within six months as proof.
Travel authorization
Travel authorization must also be documented before the trip. UAE travelers can download the Ehteraz app to register and complete the travel authorization form from the Qatar government portal.
Other Useful Information When Traveling to Doha
Whether you’re planning to go shopping in Qatar or you wish to visit the popular spots in the country’s capital with your family, you’ll find the following information quite helpful:
Closed down for prayer every Friday morning
As much as possible, time your trip to Doha and other places in Qatar outside of the prayer time in the country every Friday morning.
Every Salat Al-Jumu’ah, the entire country closes down for prayer, which means the place might feel like a ghost town since everyone is headed to or already in the mosque.
Cafes, restaurants, and museums also don’t open until 1 or 2 p.m. during these days. This includes two of the most popular cultural attraction in Doha:
- The Museum of Islamic Art
- Souq Waqif
The Doha Metro also doesn’t run until 2 p.m. on Fridays, so you may not be able to get around as much.
A strict set of rules for couples
If you’re headed to Doha with your significant other, you should know that there are certain laws and social customs you must heed, like avoiding public displays of affection. This includes but is not limited to holding hands in public.
Though it may seem like the rules on unmarried couples being prohibited from sharing a hotel room have eased, it’s best to avoid anything that could potentially lead to a misunderstanding.
If, for example, you’re headed there for your honeymoon while still bearing different surnames on your passports, you might want to stick to international hotel chains. It also helps to inform your accommodation about the situation ahead of your arrival.
Best weather for the trip
Qatar is a desert country with scorching summers and comfortably warm winters. That said, make sure you time your trip between November and March, as this is when the average daily temperature in the country is at its best.
During these months, you can expect morning temperatures to play around 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Evenings can get pleasantly nippy between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius.
You can still visit Doha during other months of the year but be sure to prepare for scorching heat that can reach higher than 40 degrees Celsius.
The lay of the land
If you’re headed to downtown Doha, expect that plenty is going on. This means if you’re restricted to a single afternoon in Qatar, consider prioritizing a stroll along The Doha Corniche.
A walk down the seaside promenade is more than just relaxing – it can also take your breath away with the amazing vistas of the Qatari skyline.
If you have more time, you can also ride a dhow – a wooden sailing boat in Qatar – and bear witness to the sun as it starts to set, painting the horizon with beautiful colors of the overlapping morning and night.
On your second day, you can head over to the Souq Waqif for that authentic Middle Eastern marketplace experience. The souk has vendors selling various products, including handicrafts, perfumes, spices, and souvenirs.
Transportation for tourists
Unless you’re part of a tour group, consider using Uber to get around Doha. There are also taxis called “karwa” that usually wait for passengers outside malls and other tourist spots, but Uber works out cheaper in most cases.
Also, people don’t usually walk around unless they’re in a promenade or park, so you might look out of place if you do so on the main street. Don’t be surprised if cars stop and ask if you need assistance because walking really is a rare sight in Doha.
And of course, there’s the weather to consider. Nobody risks heat stroke just to try walking around Doha on a sunny day.
Between Dubai and Doha
Although they’re not exactly neighboring cities, traveling between Dubai and Doha is not uncommon among tourists. After all, the two cities offer quite a collection of destinations and attractions oozing with rich culture and tradition. Use this article to make your trip from Dubai to Doha much easier.
