Countries That Start With Q | Places To Visit In Qatar For Free | Qatar Tourism Guide 

The letter “Q” is quite uncommon when it comes to country names. Qatar is the only name on the list of countries that start with Q.

Located on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, this Southwestern country is a tourism hub. The economy of the country is majorly reliant on the production of crude petroleum and natural gas. In fact, Qatar is one of the topmost countries in terms of per capita income.

However, tourism is another force to reckon with in the country for economic diversification. The number of footfalls in the country reached 5,076,640 in 2024. It is a whopping 25% growth from the number of visitors to the country in 2023.  

Moreover, the Qatar Government has acknowledged that tourism is a key pillar of the country’s economy and a crucial contributor to the “National Vision 2030.” 

Now, with the government identifying tourism as an integral part of the country’s economy and the private sector joining hands, Qatar is more happening as a tourism destination. 

For example, you must have heard the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has joined hands with Qatar Tourism. This is a brilliant move to present Qatar as the go-to destination for sports and tourism. 

So, are you eager to visit this country anytime soon? This Dream and Travel guide will give you a brief overview of the only country that features on the list of countries that start with Q. Also, it’s time to break the myth that traveling to Qatar is very expensive. 

The cost is “average” when you consider the expenses of traveling to the USA or Europe. In addition, there are a lot of free places to visit in Qatar and I have enlisted them in this guide.

Countries That Start With Q | Qatar At A Glance

• Area: 11,610 Square Kilometers
• Capital: Doha
• Official Language: Arabic and English
• Qatar Population (2024): 3,087,668
• Continent: Asia
• Currency:  Qatari Riyal
• Year of Independence: 1971
• Religions: Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism

How To Reach Qatar

Did you know that Qatar Tourism has set a goal of attracting 6 million visitors in 2030? It is a part of the National Vision 2030. 

The accessibility of Qatar or its connectivity to the world is a catalyst in the growth of tourism in Qatar. 

Fly To Qatar

Qatar has Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport. Qatar Airways, Air India, British Airways, American Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines offer their airline services to and from Qatar.

Hamad International Airport is the main gateway to Qatar. It connects the country to 190 destinations in the world. Moreover, it can welcome  58 million passengers in a year. 

Moreover, you can contact the Hamad International Airport at (+974) 4010 6666 for airline-related queries. 

Reach Qatar By Road 

Tourists in the Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC can travel to Qatar by road. Along with Qatar, other countries that are part of the GCC are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman – the only country that starts with “O.” 

The table below shows the travel time and distance between Qatar and other GCC countries.

Best Time To Visit Qatar | Countries That Start With Q

November to May is the best time to visit Qatar. These months have pleasant weather conditions. The highest temperature in these months ranges between 22-27 degrees Celsius. During the same period, the lowest temperature hovers around 14-16 degrees Celsius. 

Further, Qatar hosts a lot of festivals during these months. 

June to August is the tourist off-season in Qatar. The days are warm, with the mercury shooting up to 42-43 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature remains around 30-32 degrees Celsius during these months. 

Furthermore, at the beginning of the summer, it is dry in Qatar. However, as the summer season advances (August-September), the weather starts getting more humid and suffocating.

Places To Visit In Qatar For Free

The price of Qatar tourism packages ranges between $1500-1600 (flight+accommodation). The expenses are a little higher, considering you can travel to the cheapest islands in the world within $700-800. 

However, Qatar Airways keeps offering discounts and deals. For example, there is a 40% discount offer and more offers with every package of Qatar Airways until 31st October 2025. 

Furthermore, Qatar has some budget-friendly accommodation options like Al Aseel Hotel and Central Inn Souq Waqif, Doha. In addition, with rich cultural experiences, parks, and museums, Qatar offers many free attractions. 

Here, I will introduce those free places to visit in Qatar. 

1. Museum Of Islamic Art

Hours Open: Friday: 1:30-7 PM, Thursday: 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday – Tuesday: 9 AM to 7 PM, Wednesday: Closed

Designed by I.M. Pei, the Museum Of Islamic Art, or MIA, is a symbol of pride in Doha. The architecture of this building is a grand mix of Islamic motifs and modern architecture. 

Further, the calligraphy, artifacts, and artwork in the museum tell the tales of Islamic heritage and evolution through the centuries.

While entry to the museum is not free, this museum often hosts free events, workshops, and exhibitions. These will introduce you to Islamic culture and art.

2. The Corniche

The Corniche or the 8 Km long seafront stretch of Abu Dhabi stands out with its crescent shape. It expands between the Museum of Islamic Art and the Doha West Bay business district.

As you take a stroll in The Corniche, you will enjoy the most amazing views of the city landscape. Furthermore, The Corniche is the best spot to see the happenings on National Sports Day.

The upcoming date of National Sports Day in Qatar is 11th February 2025.

3. MIA Park

Hours Open: 24/7

One of the best free places to visit in Qatar, Mia Park is home to the Museum of Islamic Art. Further, the park has Arabian Gulf’s blue water in the backdrop. 

Here, you can relax under the shade of palm trees or walk along the winding pathways. Moreover, it has Richard Serra’s iconic “7” structure. So, it is a popular spot to take photos during your trip to Qatar.

4. Souq Waqif

The labyrinth of Souq Waqif, or the Standing Market, is one of the free places to visit in Qatar, the only name on the list of countries that start with Q. 

Further, the mud-coated stone walls of Souq Waqif tell the tales of the past. The shops here are filled with diamonds, art collectibles, clothes, gemstones, spices, and whatnot! 

You can browse through the local shops here to shop for the most unique pieces, and the traditional cuisines served at the local restaurants and cafes offer sheer gastronomic delight. 

5. Katara Cultural Village

Located between the half-moon towers of Pearl Qatar and West Bay, Katara Cultural Village is the place that offers you a unique cultural experience. Further, it is a place that inspires cultural enthusiasts and art connoisseurs. 

The village looks beautiful with Katara Hills and the stretches of Katara Beach. Moreover, the public art installations here tell the tales of Qatar’s evolution as a country.

Free Things To Do In Katara Cultural Village

A walk along the Katara Hills or 21 High Street and beach activities are some of the best free things to do in Katara Village. 

Further, Al Thuraya Planetarium, with its interactive Arabic and English exhibits, presents the universe through the eyes of modern scientists. 

Moreover, don’t miss to visit the Qatar Museum Gallery and Katara Art Center (KAC).