Why visit
Doha is the capital of Qatar. A practical starting point for museums, food, and onward routes into the country.
Doha at a glance
City population
640k
Metro: 2.4 million
Elevation
10 m
33 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Asia/Qatar
Airport
DOH
Hamad International
Founded
1820
Getting around
Doha Metro (3 lines, driverless), buses, Karwa taxis
Signature dish
Machbous, harees, madrouba, luqaimat, karak chai
Neighborhoods for travelers
West BayThe PearlSouq WaqifKataraMsheireb
Qatar at a glance
Country center
25.5°, 51.3°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
11,586 km²
4,473 mi²
Country population
2.7 million
235/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Qatari riyal (ر.ق)
QAR
Dial
+974
Language
Arabic
Demonym
Qatari
Internet
.qa
UN
Member state
ISO code
QA / QAT
Where in the world
25.5° · 51.3°
Qatar
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Doha's Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, holds the world's finest collection of Islamic art from three continents.
- The city hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup: the first in an Arab country and the first in winter.
- Doha is home to the world's tallest indoor sand dune (at Mall of Qatar, naturally).
- Qatar has the highest GDP per capita in the world: fueled by natural gas reserves.
- The country has zero rivers: all drinking water comes from desalination plants.
Bordering Qatar
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Doha
What currency is used in Doha?
Doha uses the Qatari riyal (ر.ق), ISO code QAR.
What languages are spoken in Qatar?
The primary language is Arabic.
What is the international calling code for Qatar?
The calling code is +974.
What airport serves Doha?
Hamad International (IATA: DOH).
Other Asia destinations
Cambodia
Cambodia is a destination in Asia layered with historical sites and heritage routes. Plan an itinerary around ruins, old quarters, monuments, and museums.
China
China is continent-sized travel. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, Chengdu pandas, Guilin karst rivers, and Shanghai's skyline. With high-speed rail linking most of it.
Cyprus
Cyprus is a destination in Asia with coastlines and warm-water travel at its core. Plan around season, swim conditions, and regional island or coastal routes.
Georgia
Georgia (the country) is Caucasus travel. Tbilisi's old town, Kazbegi mountains, Kakheti's 8,000-year wine tradition, and a food scene that stands alongside any in the region.
India
India is as much a rite of passage as a destination. Taj Mahal and Jaipur palaces, Varanasi ghats, Kerala backwaters, Goa beaches, Himalayan Ladakh. One trip can only sample one region.
Indonesia
Indonesia is 17,000 islands. Bali for beaches and temples, Java for Borobudur and volcanoes, Komodo for dragons and pink-sand beaches, Sulawesi for diving. Pick two islands; don't try to see them all.