Evening activities in Doha?

[Poisson]

SWMBO and I will be transiting through Doha on Qatar next March. Arrive 18:55, depart 01:25, which gives us 6.5 hours on the ground. Can somebody suggest a bit of quick sightseeing that could be accomplished in that time? Recommended operators or guides? Or would we be better to just veg out in the lounge?

Thanks
P

 

[browski]

Lounge would be the pick.

 

[MTAB]

I'd suggest a negotiated taxi cost for a couple of hours around Doha with some stop-offs to take in the night lights (some fantastic buildings), all along the Corniche (particularly look for the Emiri Diwan and the Museum of Islamic Art -- world class architecture and it would really be worth a visit if open [probably not])). Even a stop at one or two of the impressive shopping centres (eg the skating rink at City Centre or the faux Venetian interior at Villagio) would be interesting. West Bay has some beautiful locations. Take in the Souq Waqif for a great range of goods, coffee shops, hookahs (no not hookers), falcons etc -- although the modernised version has ruined some of the original feel. Many of the roundabouts have good public pieces. The Aspire zone (site of the 2006 Asian Games) is worth a look. I’m sure the taxi driver would think of some additional interesting places.

There is a mob who do 'city tours' but I don't know if they offer them at night. It's generally a pretty basic tour. I can’t remember whether it is Qatar International Tours or Qatar Adventures Tours.

I don't think much of the Business Class lounges - they're not really that great but the First Class Qatar Airways one is excellent.
There’s not an awful lot to see but it is certainly worth a fleeting visit .I spent about five years there and then FIFO for another couple of years subsequently; with my last visit two years ago so some of my ideas and info may be outdated.

 

[Poisson]

Thanks MTAB, I'll definitely follow up on that. Supplementary question - do taxi drivers generally speak English, or will I need to seek one out?

 

[MTAB]

It would be good to search for one with good English. Lots of taxis outside the terminal. Most have a smattering -- much better than teh earlier dyas of the yellow taxis when any old car would do and very few of the drivers spoke any English. I think they would take US$ (which is fixed at $1 = 3.65 Qataro Riyal), but if not there are plenty of plcaes to change currency at reasonable rates.

It would also pay to check out Qatar Adventure Tours (www.qataradventure.com) and Qatar International Tours (www.qittour.com) to see if either might do a tailored Airport pick-up city night tour for a reasonable price (and possible pre payment by credit card).

 

[zbender]

Careful with taxis - don't use the red top ones ("Al Million Taxis") as they don't know where *anything* is. Trust me, I live here. Then again, by March, there could be Über service, who knows!

With a standard "Mowasalat" taxi, make sure the meter is *on*, and state that you are getting out if it's not on. And make sure it is set to the "1" tariff, not the "0" tariff - a typical trick used to overcharge unsuspecting people.

From the airport, you will also get hit with a QR25 surcharge.

In 6.5 hours, with no luggage/bags, at that time, you could just get a taxi along the Corniche to the Museum of Islamic Art (an amazing I M PEI building) or Souk Waqif.
Then maybe go to the Four Seasons in West Bay, have a refreshment by/on the beach.
Go to dinner at Market by Jean Georges at the W Hotel (a few blocks away, a 10/15 minute walk if you are so inclined), then Arabic/Lebanese coffee and cake at Al Mourjan on the waterfront on the Corniche.

Now that you have seen something, and eaten and drunk your fill, roll back to the airport (make sure you find a good taxi, again, and tell them airport **departures area**) and sit in the lounge.

Perhaps, for ethical reasons, you might choose not to go to Villagio Mall. After the devastating fire in May that killed many children at a day-care centre, some residents have decided to boycott until justice is served.

 

[zbender]

Oh yeah - the visa-on-arrival will likely cost you each QR100, unless "same day transit visa" exists. I've never tried myself.

 

[clifford]

Perhaps you might like to visit the old offices of retired General Abizaid.

I once sat next to his 2-IC on a long flight in business class in 2002, and we had a great time, drinking all kinds of good alcohol. He was flying to DOH, of course.

And he was very forthcoming about what his job entailed. He didn't need to be and I didn't press him. It was a very interesting flight.