While traveling to India with my family, we decided to take advantage of the Qatar Airways Stopover Program and spend four days exploring the vibrant city of Doha. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Qatar was full of surprises, culture, and modern charm, all wrapped up in a luxury travel experience!
What is the Qatar Airways Stopover Program?
The Qatar Airways Stopover Program is an incredible way to explore Qatar if you’re flying with Qatar Airways and have a long layover. You can add a stay in Doha for a few days , ranging from 1 to 4 nights at luxury hotels for a fraction of the price. It’s perfect for travelers looking to break up a long trip or just experience a new destination without extra planning hassle.
You don’t have to pay anything extra if you’re okay with the hotel they assign but in our case, we chose to upgrade to a better hotel and paid just $14 per ticket to stay at Abesq Doha Hotel & Residences. It was well worth the small upgrade fee for the comfort and amenities we received!
Visa Process for Qatar – Quick & Hassle-Free!
One of the best parts about our stopover in Qatar was how easy the visa process was. As an Indian passport holder, I was eligible for a visa on arrival, and so were my kids who are US citizens. We didn’t have to do anything extra before our trip, no forms, no prior applications. Upon arrival in Doha, the immigration process was quick, smooth, and completely stress-free. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and you have a return or onward ticket. That’s it !
What to Do with Luggage During the Stopover?
You might be wondering what about the luggage? Well, that was the only major task we had to plan ahead for, especially since we carry a lot of bags when traveling to India. You do need to collect your checked luggage at the Qatar airport once you land and take it with you to the hotel. To make things easier, I packed our four carry-ons with all the clothes and essentials we needed for our time in Doha. That way, we didn’t have to open our large suitcases at all and this worked out perfectly for us!
June Weather in Qatar – Know Before You Go
Let’s talk weather, June in Qatar is Extremely Hot & Humid. Daytime temperatures can soar well above 110°F (43°C). To make the most of our trip while avoiding the midday heat, we adjusted our daily routine:
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Started our day at 5:00 AM : when the weather was still manageable.
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Returned to the hotel around 10:00 AM : for rest and naps.
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Did indoor activities in the afternoon : perfect to escape the heat.
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Went out again around sunset, when it was more pleasant.
Evenings were still warm, but much more manageable. This schedule really worked for us and helped keep the kids comfortable and happy!
Pearl
Dress Code in Qatar – What to Wear
Qatar is a modern and welcoming country, but it’s important to be respectful of the local culture when it comes to clothing especially in public areas. Modest dressing is recommended for both men and women, which means covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding tight or revealing outfits. While tourists aren’t expected to wear traditional attire, dressing conservatively shows respect for local customs. At hotels, pools, and private beaches, swimwear and casual clothes are totally acceptable.
If you’re planning to visit mosques or other religious sites, women may be asked to cover their heads with a scarf and wear long-sleeved, full-length clothing. We packed lightweight, breathable fabrics that kept us cool while still following the local dress norms and that worked perfectly for our entire trip!
Getting Around Doha – Easy & Convenient with Uber
Getting around Doha was incredibly easy and convenient, especially as a family. We used Uber throughout our entire stay, including our airport-to-hotel transfer and all city travel. The best part? We were able to use the same Uber app we use in the US, and everything was charged in US dollars directly through the app, so there was no need to worry about currency exchange or cash payments. The cars were clean, drivers were polite, and wait times were minimal. It made exploring the city stress-free and super efficient, especially in the heat!
Currency Exchange & Spending in Qatar
While most places in Doha accept international credit cards, including our US-based card (VISA), we still exchanged a few hundred dollars at the airport just to be on the safe side. This came in handy, especially when shopping at local markets and smaller stores in Souq Waqif, where cash is often preferred. For restaurants, activities, and larger stores, we used our US credit card without any issues. Having a bit of local currency gave us the flexibility to shop freely, and we ended up picking up some great souvenirs and gifts from the traditional markets!
Our 3-Day Qatar Itinerary with Kids
Day 1: Exploring Doha’s Cultural Gems
Katara Cultural Village
5:30 AM – Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque
We kicked off our trip with a visit to the stunning Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque. Open all day, this mosque is an architectural masterpiece and an ideal spot for a peaceful early morning experience. Women are required to cover their heads and wear modest clothing that covers their arms and legs (no tight clothes), while men should wear full pants.
Katara Cultural Village
Next, we explored the vast Katara Cultural Village, home to several free museums that showcase Qatar’s history and culture. One of the unique features of Katara is its world’s only street with air conditioning, which made it a cool and comfortable place to explore, especially during the heat. We wandered around the village first, then explored the museums as the day heated up. There are several restaurants open 24/7 here, where we enjoyed both breakfast and lunch.
Rest and Relax at the Hotel
After a busy morning, we returned to our hotel for a few hours of rest before heading out again.
6:00 PM – Qanat Quartier & Mina District
In the evening, we visited the Qanat Quartier, a beautiful area known for its picturesque canals and colorful buildings, reminiscent of Venice. We also checked out the Mina District, where we had dinner and took advantage of the free buggy rides around the district to avoid walking in the heat.
Day 2: A Day of Markets, Museums, and Delicious Dining
Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque
5:30 AM – The Pearl Marina
We started our day early again, heading to The Pearl, where we enjoyed a peaceful morning stroll while taking in the stunning views of Doha’s skyline.
Souq Waqif
From there, we went to Souq Waqif, one of Doha’s most iconic landmarks. We had breakfast at one of the local restaurants and explored the shops, which were open even in the early morning. We were amazed at how safe the city felt, with stores left open overnight and no locks in sight.
National Museum of Qatar
Next, we visited the National Museum of Qatar, where we had lunch at their onsite restaurant. The museum was a highlight of our trip, offering deep insights into Qatar’s culture and history.
Rest and Relax at the Hotel
After our museum visit, we headed back to the hotel for a restful afternoon.
Evening Dinner at Yasmine Palace
For dinner, we went to Yasmine Palace, a gorgeous restaurant with an exquisite atmosphere and delicious food, a perfect ending to our second day in Doha. If you are celebrating, then this is the place.
Day 3: Iconic Views, Cultural Sites, and Last-Minute Shopping
Royal Tea Experience at Raffles
Tea at Raffles Doha
Our final day started with a luxurious royal high tea experience at Malaki Raffles Lounge at the Raffles Doha, an iconic hotel. We enjoyed their beautifully presented tea set, accompanied by live music, while soaking in the gorgeous views. After tea, we were free to explore the hotel, so we headed to the pool area upstairs, where we were treated to stunning views of the Doha skyline.
Museum of Islamic Art
After tea, we made our way to the Museum of Islamic Art, an architectural gem showcasing Islamic culture and art. We spent a few hours exploring the exhibits before having lunch at the museum’s restaurant.
Last-Minute Shopping at Souq Waqif
In the evening, we returned to Souq Waqif for some last-minute shopping. This market is perfect for picking up souvenirs and experiencing the local charm one final time. It looks even more gorgeous at night, with the lights and ambiance giving it the perfect Arabian shopping experience and vibe.
Back to the Hotel
We returned to our hotel to relax and reflect on the amazing experiences we had in Qatar.
Day 4: Departure to India
On our final day, we flew to India, our next destination. If you’re flying back to the US, this same itinerary can be a fantastic way to break up the trip and explore a new city & culture
Katara Cultural Village
Tips for Families Visiting Doha in the Summer
Keep sun protection in mind: Make sure to apply sunscreen and bring hats or caps to shield your face from the sun, especially for little ones.
Plan everything early: Book activities and restaurant reservations ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles in the heat.
Carry water bottles everywhere: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the summer heat. Always have water with you when you’re out exploring.
Use Uber : To avoid walking in the intense heat for transportation—they’re affordable, convenient, and climate-controlled.
Dress modestly and wear breathable fabrics: Dress in loose, breathable fabrics like cotton to stay cool. Don’t forget to cover your arms and legs if visiting religious or cultural sites.
Make the most of indoor attractions: Doha has many air-conditioned indoor attractions like museums, malls, and entertainment centers perfect for escaping the heat while still enjoying the sights.
Start early in the morning: The temperature is at its coolest in the early morning, so make sure to start your sightseeing around sunrise.
Take afternoon breaks: The midday sun can be intense, so plan for a rest or nap during the hottest hours (usually from 11 AM to 3 PM).
Look for family-friendly activities: Many places, like Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif, offer free entertainment, children’s activities, and family-friendly restaurants.
Final Thoughts
The Qatar Airways Stopover Program made our long journey to India exciting and memorable. From world-class hospitality to rich cultural experiences, Qatar truly impressed us. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, this stopover is a golden opportunity to explore a beautiful country that blends tradition with modernity.
I’ve explained everything in detail, but just in case you have any questions, do comment below!
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