Where and when: Doha, Qatar, January 2026
I have taken many flights with middle eastern carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad, but I have never taken the opportunity to have a long transit and take in a city tour.
So when I had the chance to do this with Qatar Airways on my way back from Sri Lanka to the UK, I decided to take the opportunity. I booked the flight directly with the Qatar Airways. Then if your transit has sufficient time (6hrs+) you can book a city tour via their website. I picked the 3 hour city tour option. You need to leave enough time to get from the plane to the tour desk and then when the tour is finished they ask you to leave at least 90 minutes to go back through for your onward flight.
From Colombo to Doha… and Straight Out Again
After landing from Colombo, I made my way to the transit desk inside the terminal about 90 minutes before the tour departure. Everything felt surprisingly seamless. The staff had arrival cards ready for us, and before long, we were being guided as a group through immigration —far less daunting than I had imagined.
Once through, there was a short wait, but right on schedule, our small group set off into the city in a comfortable coach. There was an English speaking tour guide with us.
First Glimpse: Dhow Harbour
Our first stop was a brief one at Dhow Harbour. Traditional wooden boats bobbed gently against a backdrop of Doha’s ever-growing skyline.
Next to the water stood the Museum of Islamic Art—striking and serene—but sadly, there wasn’t enough time to step inside.
Katara Cultural Village
Next came Katara Cultural Village. Katara is essentially a purpose-built cultural hub designed to reflect traditional Qatari architecture while housing modern attractions.
We passed by:
- The Katara Mosque, intricate and colourful
- The gleaming Gold Mosque
- A grand amphitheatre that felt almost cinematic in scale
- Lined streets filled with cafés, galleries, and quiet corners
There was so much more—beaches, hills, even a planetarium—but with limited time, it was more of a tasting menu than a full experience.
Along the Corniche
Back on the bus, we cruised along the Doha Corniche—a sweeping, crescent-shaped waterfront stretching for about 7 kilometres. On one side: Doha Bay. On the other: the striking, glass-and-steel skyline of West Bay.
Souq Waqif: The Heartbeat of Doha
The highlight of the tour was, without question, Souq Waqif.
This bustling traditional market is over a century old and absolutely brimming with life. Unlike the polished feel of Katara, the souq felt vibrant, and real.
Winding alleys led us past:
- Shops overflowing with spices and textiles
- The deep, lingering scent of oud in the air
- Handmade crafts and souvenirs
- Locals and visitors mingling in equal measure
We had enough time here to wander properly, soak it all in, and even stumble across what appeared to be an annual honey exhibition—an unexpected but delightful surprise.
Back to the Airport
Before long, it was time to head back. What stood out most was how well-organised everything was—the guide didn’t just drop us off but stayed with us until we were safely through immigration and security again.
If you ever find yourself with a few hours to spare in Doha, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s a perfect snapshot of the city—just enough to leave you curious, not overwhelmed.
