Qatar Holidays – The Complete Guide for UK Travellers

Thinking about unforgettable Qatar holidays from the UK? Whether you’re planning a luxury beach escape, a city break in Doha, a desert adventure or a short stopover on the way to somewhere else, holidays to Qatar offer a mix of culture, sunshine and five-star comfort that’s hard to beat.

At QatarHolidays.co.uk, we specialise in tailor-made trips for UK travellers, combining hand-picked hotels with flexible flights and experiences so you can discover Qatar your way.

Why Choose Qatar for Your Next Holiday?

Qatar combines glittering skyscrapers and chic waterfront districts with traditional souqs, museums, desert landscapes and calm Arabian Gulf beaches. In Doha you can stroll the Corniche, shop and dine at Souq Waqif, explore world-class museums, then head into the dunes for a sunset desert safari the same day.

• Year-round sunshine: Warm winter temperatures make Qatar perfect for a short-haul winter sun break.
• Compact and easy to explore: Most visitors base themselves in Doha and can reach beaches, desert and cultural sites in under an hour.
• Luxury for less: You’ll find five-star hotels and resorts at prices that often compare favourably with Dubai and other Gulf destinations.
• Excellent flight connections: Direct flights from London and regional UK airports to Doha make it an easy choice for a 3–7 night escape.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, group of friends or solo, Qatar works as both a standalone destination and as part of a multi-centre holiday.

Best Time to Visit Qatar from the UK

Qatar has a hot, dry desert climate with very warm winters and extremely hot summers. For most UK holidaymakers, the most comfortable time to visit is during the cooler months.

November to March – Peak Season & Ideal Weather

From late autumn through to early spring, daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, evenings are cooler and humidity is lower. This is the best time for sightseeing, walking around Doha, desert safaris and al fresco dining. Many major events and sporting fixtures also take place during these months.

April, May & October – Warm Shoulder Months

Temperatures climb in April and May and again in October, but many UK visitors still find these months manageable, especially if you plan more time by the pool and in air-conditioned malls and attractions. Prices can be excellent compared with peak season.

June to September – Hottest Months

Summer in Qatar is extremely hot and humid, with strong sun in the middle of the day. If you do travel in these months, focus on resort-based stays with excellent pools, and plan sightseeing early in the morning or later in the evening.

How to Get to Qatar from the UK

Most UK travellers fly into Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.

• Direct flight time: Around 6.5–7 hours from London to Doha, with similar flight times from Manchester, Birmingham and other major UK airports.
• Airlines: Qatar Airways, British Airways and other carriers offer direct and connecting services.
• Time difference: Qatar is typically 2–3 hours ahead of UK time, depending on the time of year.

Many guests also turn a long-haul trip into a Qatar stopover holiday, spending 2–3 nights in Doha to break the journey to destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand or South Africa.

Tip: Our team can package flights, hotels, transfers and excursions together, so you only need one ATOL-protected booking for your Qatar holiday.

Where to Stay on a Qatar Holiday

Most holidays to Qatar are based in or around Doha. Here are some of the key areas to consider:

• West Bay & Corniche: Doha’s modern skyline, close to business districts, major malls and the waterfront promenade.
• The Pearl-Qatar & Lusail: Stylish man-made islands and new waterfront developments with marinas, restaurants, shops and beach clubs.
• Airport / Old Doha: Convenient for short breaks and stopovers, with easy access to Souq Waqif and museums.
• Beach resorts outside the city: Relaxed family-friendly resorts with private beaches and extensive pools and facilities.

We work with a hand-picked selection of Qatar hotels in Doha and beyond, from boutique city properties to all-inclusive beachfront resorts. Our specialists can recommend the right area and hotel based on how long you’re staying and what you want from your trip.

Types of Qatar Holidays We Offer

Doha City Breaks

Perfect for a long weekend or 3–4 night stay, Doha city breaks put you close to the Corniche, Souq Waqif, museums and waterfront dining. Add a desert safari, dhow cruise or evening food tour to make the most of your time.

Luxury Beach Holidays

If you’re dreaming of sunshine and pool days, opt for a luxury resort with a private beach, spa and kids’ facilities. Many properties offer half-board or all-inclusive options, making budgeting straightforward.

Family Holidays to Qatar

Qatar is very family-friendly, with safe, clean streets, family rooms, kids’ clubs and plenty of indoor attractions such as malls, aquariums and museums. Choose a resort with children’s pools and activities to keep everyone happy.

Qatar Stopover Holidays

Turn a simple transit into an adventure. Spend a couple of nights exploring Doha’s highlights – Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar and a desert dunes experience – before continuing on to your onward destination.

Twin-Centre & Multi-Centre Holidays

Combine Qatar holidays with another destination to create a unique itinerary. Popular pairings include:

• Qatar + Maldives
• Qatar + Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• Qatar + Sri Lanka or Thailand

Ask our team to create a tailor-made itinerary with all flights and transfers included.

Top Things to Do on a Holiday to Qatar

There’s far more to Qatar than its skyline. Here are some of the experiences you shouldn’t miss.

• Souq Waqif: Wander through one of Doha’s most atmospheric areas, packed with traditional shops, cafés and restaurants.
• Corniche & Doha skyline: Take an evening stroll or dhow cruise along the waterfront for superb views of the illuminated city.
• Museum of Islamic Art (MIA): An iconic museum showcasing Islamic art from across the world.
• National Museum of Qatar: A striking building inspired by the desert rose, telling the story of Qatar’s past and rapid modern development.
• Desert safari: Head out of the city for 4×4 dune-bashing, sandboarding and visits to the Inland Sea.
• Katara Cultural Village: A hub of galleries, performance spaces and restaurants, often hosting festivals and events.
• Beaches & beach clubs: Relax at public beaches or book a day pass to one of Doha’s exclusive beach clubs.

Our latest Qatar holiday offers often include excursions and experiences – ask us what’s available when you enquire.

Practical Information for UK Visitors to Qatar

Visas & Entry Requirements

For many British passport holders, short holidays to Qatar are visa-free or eligible for a visa waiver on arrival, subject to conditions including passport validity and length of stay. Rules can change, so always check the latest guidance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and official Qatar visa resources before you travel.

We’ll talk you through the current requirements when you book and can point you to the most up-to-date official advice.

Money & Language

• Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR).
• Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas.

Dress Code, Culture & Alcohol

Qatar is a modern but conservative Muslim country. Visitors are expected to dress modestly in public places (especially malls and traditional areas like Souq Waqif). Swimwear is accepted at hotel pools and private beaches but not in city streets or public areas. During Ramadan there are additional considerations around eating, drinking and nightlife.

Alcohol is available in many international hotels, bars and some restaurants, but public drunkenness and drinking outside licensed venues are offences. Always check and follow local laws and customs.

Safety & Travel Advice

Most UK visitors enjoy trouble-free holidays to Qatar, but it’s important to read the latest FCDO travel advice on safety, local laws and any regional developments before you go, and to ensure you have suitable travel insurance.

Why Book Your Qatar Holiday with QatarHolidays.co.uk?

Qatar Holidays is part of the UK-based Ickenham Travel Group, giving you the reassurance of booking with an established British travel company.

• UK experts in Qatar: Our specialists know Qatar and can match you with the right hotel, room type and board basis.
• Tailor-made packages: We package flights, hotels, transfers and excursions to create a trip that fits your budget and wishlist.
• Financial protection: Your holiday is protected under UK travel regulations, so you can book with confidence.
• Personal service: Speak to real people by phone or email for advice before, during and after your trip.

From city breaks and beach escapes to multi-centre adventures, our team will design a Qatar holiday from the UK that works perfectly for you.

Qatar Holidays FAQs

How long is the flight from the UK to Qatar?

Direct flights from London to Doha typically take around 6.5–7 hours, with similar flight times from other major UK airports.

Do I need a visa for a holiday to Qatar?

Many British citizens can enter Qatar visa-free for short stays or obtain a visa waiver on arrival, but entry rules can change. Always check the latest FCDO advice and official Qatar visa information before you travel.

Is Qatar suitable for a family holiday?

Yes. Qatar is known for being safe and family-friendly, with many hotels offering kids’ clubs, children’s pools and family rooms, plus a wide range of indoor attractions such as malls, cinemas and museums.

What’s the best month to visit Qatar?

For most UK travellers, the most comfortable months are November to March, when daytime temperatures are warm rather than extremely hot and humidity is lower. These months are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Can I include Qatar as a stopover on the way to another destination?

Absolutely. Many travellers choose to add a 2–3 night stopover in Doha on the way to destinations such as the Maldives, Sri Lanka or Thailand. Our specialists can build a tailor-made itinerary with flights, hotel, transfers and excursions included.

Start Planning Your Qatar Holiday

Ready to start planning your holiday to Qatar from the UK?

• Browse our latest Qatar holiday deals
• Explore our hand-picked Qatar hotels and resorts
• Request a tailor-made quote from our UK team

Tell us the dates you’d like to travel, your preferred departure airport and the type of Qatar holiday you have in mind, and we’ll do the rest.