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Sun, sea, sand – and an ideal blend of ease and adventure

Why Qatar should be your next family holiday destination

Best time to go
Oct - May
Average high
25°C
Time difference
UTC +2
Nearest airport
DOH
Currency
Qatari Riyal (ر. ق)

Until recently, Qatar was considered an “emerging” destination. That all changed when the country hosted the 2022 World Cup, bringing it into the global spotlight. Tourist numbers surpassed five million for the first time in 2024, up 25% on the year before.

It’s easy to see why. Qatar has everything families could want: Year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, dedicated holiday resorts with plenty of activities for kids – and unforgettable landscapes in which to enjoy safe and convenient experiences that leave travelers wanting to come back time and again.

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ALL-INCLUSIVE
Lusail and its islands could easily fill a family holiday by themselves
1.

Beachfronts and water parks

Beaches fringe much of Qatar’s 560km coastline, including along the waterfront of Doha, the capital city. The golden sand is a paradise for lazing in the sun, before taking a dip in the warm sea.

For something more exciting, kite surfing, wind surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and even jet skiing are all popular watersports available around Qatar’s beaches and marinas, in Doha and beyond.

Away from the beaches, there’s even more outdoor fun to be had on Qetaifan Islands, a collection of four artificial islands housing exclusive residential areas, luxury shopping, and entertainment districts in Lusail city. Meryal Waterpark, one of the standout attractions on the North island’s five-acre family resort, provides fun for the whole family. And just 20-minutes from Doha, it’s an easily accessible day out.

The resort is a playground of 69 different attractions. There are 53 different waterslides to try out as well as corkscrew tunnels and themed rides, from relaxing river rafting to the world’s tallest waterslide.

Lusail and its islands could easily fill a family holiday by themselves, with Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North Hotel serving as the ultimate, multi-inclusive base from which to experience it all.. But for a different kind of experience by the water, head a little further north, to Al Thakira, and embrace the great outdoors.

Away from the beaches, there’s even more outdoor fun to be had on Qetaifan Islands, a collection of four artificial islands housing exclusive residential areas, luxury shopping, and entertainment districts in Lusail city. Meryal Waterpark, one of the standout attractions on the North island’s five-acre family resort, provides fun for the whole family. And just 20-minutes from Doha, it’s an easily accessible day out.

The resort is a playground of 69 different attractions. There are 53 different waterslides to try out as well as corkscrew tunnels and themed rides, from relaxing river rafting to the world’s tallest waterslide.

Lusail and its islands could easily fill a family holiday by themselves, with Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North Hotel serving as the ultimate, multi-inclusive base from which to experience it all.. But for a different kind of experience by the water, head a little further north, to Al Thakira, and embrace the great outdoors.

2.
2.

Mangroves and nature reserves

Mangroves and nature reserves

Al Thakira Mangroves lies just 40-minutes north of Doha. While it also possesses a beautiful beach and marina, it’s the nearby nature reserve that tourists flock to the area for.

Close to the town is one Qatar’s largest and oldest mangrove forests, a spectacular wetland ecosystem teeming with crabs and fish, herons, and flamingos.

ADVENTURE
Where lush forests tempt hikes, picnics, and camping

Al Thakira Mangroves lies just 40-minutes north of Doha. While it also possesses a beautiful beach and marina, it’s the nearby nature reserve that tourists flock to the area for.

Close to the town is one Qatar’s largest and oldest mangrove forests, a spectacular wetland ecosystem teeming with crabs and fish, herons, and flamingos.

The most popular way to explore the secret paths of the mangroves is to hire a kayak or paddle board and follow a trusted tour guide through the waterways. A fantastic way to maximize your trip is to package your kayak tour with a camping expedition, for a night of crystal-clear stargazing in an area uninterrupted by light pollution.

A little further south is Bin Ghannam Island, popularly known as Purple Island, where lush forests tempt hikes, picnics, and camping. Visitors should be aware that due to the secluded nature of island, there are no facilities available, so plan your day accordingly with plenty of water and provisions for the day.

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INDULGE
The luxury Sealine Beach Resort is arguably the best base for combining desert exploration with a relaxing stay.
3.

Unforgettable desert experiences

The luxury Sealine Beach Resort is arguably the best base for combining desert exploration with a relaxing stay.

There is a multitude of kid-friendly restaurants on-site, alongside a dedicated playground and family swimming pool. For the adults, there are luxurious spa facilities and a well-stocked gym.

3.

Unforgettable desert experiences

The luxury Sealine Beach Resort is arguably the best base for combining desert exploration with a relaxing stay.

There is a multitude of kid-friendly restaurants on-site, alongside a dedicated playground and family swimming pool. For the adults, there are luxurious spa facilities and a well-stocked gym.

But best of all, is the resort’s proximity to the desert. Local tour operators offer desert safaris by camel, quad bike, or even dune bashing – taking the sand dunes at thrillingly high speed in a 4x4.

Desert glamping is also popular, especially at the spectacular Khor Al Adaid, a breathtaking inland sea recognized by UNESCO as utterly unique.

The morning tide swells towards the dunes – bringing turtles, dugongs, and osprey with it – to create a lake in the desert. As the evening tide recedes, it becomes a tranquil beach, surveyed by wandering oryxes.

4.

Getting to and around Qatar

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Flight times to Doha are around six hours from London and 13 from Beijing. Travel is visa-free from 102 countries, including the UK, EU, and US.

Public transport in Doha is fast, safe, and reliable and only costs around $1.65 a day – under-5s travel free – with free shuttle buses to metro stations and cost-effective Ubers available 24/7.

TRANSPORTATION
Public transport in Doha is fast, safe, and reliable.

Taxis are bookable with the Karwa app (Karwa also runs the buses) and rental cars are available from all the usual providers.

To make the most of Qatar’s outdoors, its best to travel between October and May when temperatures are cooler.

TRANSPORTATION
Public transport in Doha is fast, safe, and reliable.

Flight times to Doha are around six hours from London and 13 from Beijing. Travel is visa-free from 102 countries, including the UK, EU, and US.

Public transport in Doha is fast, safe, and reliable and only costs around $1.65 a day – under-5s travel free – with free shuttle buses to metro stations and cost-effective Ubers available 24/7.

Taxis are bookable with the Karwa app (Karwa also runs the buses) and rental cars are available from all the usual providers.

To make the most of Qatar’s outdoors, its best to travel between October and May when temperatures are cooler.

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