Doha, Qatar

• Doha has modern skyscrapers next to traditional souqs. The city ranks very high on safety indices - crime against tourists is rare. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, which makes getting around easier than in some other Middle Eastern cities.
• You need to cover shoulders and knees in public - malls, streets, souqs. Hotel beaches and pools are exceptions where you can wear normal swimwear. The culture is conservative but you won't get harassed on the street like in many countries. People are generally respectful and keep their distance.
• May through September is brutally hot - 40-45°C (104-113°F) with high humidity. Being outside feels oppressive, so most activities shift to air-conditioned spaces. The metro system is clean and connects major areas. Taxis and ride-sharing work fine, though Doha is spread out so you'll use them frequently.
• Alcohol exists only in hotel bars and restaurants - nowhere else. You need to be 21+. During Ramadan, restaurants close during daylight hours or serve behind screens. You can't eat or drink in public during the day. The emergency number (999) has English operators.

Arabic is official, but English is common in hotels, restaurants, tourist areas, and among service staff. Emergency services (999) and tourism hotline (106) have operators in English, Arabic, Urdu, French, and Chinese. You'll be fine with English.

• Cover shoulders and knees in public - malls, souqs, streets. Hotel pools and beaches are the exception where regular swimwear is fine, though public beaches need more coverage. Light, loose clothing helps with both heat and dress code.
• Public displays of affection are illegal. Even holding hands can get you noticed. Keep any romantic gestures private. International hotels generally don't care if unmarried couples share rooms, but check ahead for smaller places.
• Alcohol only exists in licensed hotel bars and restaurants. Drinking in public or being visibly drunk can get you arrested - fines up to QR3,000 or 6 months jail time. Drinking and driving has zero tolerance.
• During Ramadan, you can't eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight. Restaurants are closed or have screened areas. Hotel room service still works, and everything opens after sunset.
• Don't photograph government buildings, military sites, or local women without asking. Ask before taking photos of people generally. Museums and cultural sites are fine for photography.
• Friday is the main prayer day - many businesses close or open late, usually after prayers around 2-3pm. Malls stay open but might have reduced morning hours.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro has three lines (Red, Green, Gold). Trains are driverless and air-conditioned. Standard fare is QR2 per ride, capped at QR6 daily. Gold Class costs QR10 if you want the premium carriages. Kids under 5 are free.
• Taxis are metered and safe. Uber and other ride-sharing apps work here too. Only use official taxis - they're turquoise and cream colored. Don't get in unmarked cars. Some apps let you request female drivers, though availability varies.
• Free Metrolink buses connect areas within 2-5km of metro stations - useful for reaching The Pearl, Doha Festival City, and Lusail Marina. The Lusail Tram connects to the metro with the same travel card.
• Walking works in cooler months (November-April) in places like Msheireb Downtown, The Pearl, and the Corniche. In summer, forget it - the heat makes walking miserable. Stick to air-conditioned transport.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Doha with local guides and curated experiences.