Top 10 Facts about Doha that Every Traveller Should Know - Ten Aspects Doha All Tourists Should Be Aware Of

Although most travellers are aware of the extreme weather conditions prevalent in countries such as Qatar, the temperatures during the summer months will make a holiday nearly impossible for those hailing from colder climates. With temperatures reaching up to 50°C, summer is the worst time to visit Doha while the winter months are deemed ideal for travel and tourism.

While Doha is a highly cosmopolitan city, it is necessary to dress conservatively during a getaway in the city. This is especially true when visiting religious or cultural attractions. So leave those shorts and skinnies behind and opt for more covered clothing items for your outings in Doha. Swimwear and resort wear is permissible within the confines of the hotel.

Those who love their wine and beer will be disappointed to find out that one cannot bring alcohol into Qatar, let alone Doha and that most restaurants and bars will not serve alcoholic beverages. Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara and a number of Doha hotels will serve alcohol in their restaurants and bars but the cost of indulging is quite high in the city.

Tourists who head to Doha during the holy month of Ramadan will find out that most businesses and restaurants are closed during the day and that eating and drinking in public are strictly prohibited. This is due to the fact that most of the city will be fasting for a month to celebrate the religious festival. Travelling during this time of year is actually ill-advised.

Doha is a shopper's dream come true. Some of the mega malls dotting the landscapes of the city include the Landmark Shopping Mall, the Villaggio Mall, the Mall of Qatar, Doha Festival City and the Lagoona Mall.

Unlike most tourist hotspots, taking the MRT or bus is not an option here in Doha where travelling by rental car and taxi are the best ways to get around. Air-conditioned vehicles are available for rent from local rental companies while taxi fares are also reasonable when compared with the high cost of cabs elsewhere.

Doha is practically deserted during the day. This is because hardly anything can be accomplished in the harsh weather conditions during the daylight hours. It is when evening comes that residents and ex-pats head outside of their homes and the city truly comes alive.

Doha is also renowned for the many flight and hotel combo deals on offer during specific times of the day. Tourist can take advantage of these promotional offers and enjoy a cheaper holiday.

Oil wealth and the many international companies in the city make Doha a highly affluent municipality. The large number of immigrants living and working in the country also makes it a melting pot of cultures.

New hotel developments, parks and malls are propping up with each passing month and visitors should not be surprised at the rate at which Doha is growing.