Doha

The new two-berth terminal is capable of handling 6.000 guests simultaneously from big ships. Luxury marinas nearby are a good fit for smaller ships. Long-term plans include building a dedicated facility for smaller luxury ships.

The Grand Terminal building is divided into two terminals and a central area with departure and arrival halls, taxi and bus stands, specially-designed waiting areas for guests and staff, along with other tourist information services. The building facade honors the traditional Arab architecture with 1154 arches. Guests will experience a unique trip through the aquarium located between the two terminals at the centre of the building.

Tourists are transported to the city center by shuttle buses. They can be paid or free of charge depending on your cruise line.

Shuttle buses deliver tourists to Souq Waqif Square where a traditional oriental bazaar can be found, a 20 minute trip. At night, due to heavy traffic the trip might be longer

Doha (population 370,000) is the capital of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf. Major industries are oil and fishing. Located near Doha is Education City, an area devoted to research and education.

Just like other cities in the Persian Gulf Region, Doha is an intriguing a mixture of old and new. You will find fine modern architecture next to traditional Arabic Souqs (bazaars) and more than 260 mosques (the multiple-domed Grande Mosque is, in fact, the largest). The harbor is still a thriving international port well equipped for modern commerce. The traditional Dhow harbor is a favored attraction. The western style nightlife in Doha is centralized only in the international hotels. Here we find state of the art bars and discotheques. Local nightlife is found in traditional shi-sha places and coffee houses. The shi-sha is the Arabian water…

Al-Corniche The highlight of Doha is unquestionably the Corniche. Doha Bay was carefully constructed with landfill to make an attractive crescent, along which runs a charming area of shaded footpaths, cycling tracks, the Al-Bandar restaurant complex, the famous Pearl Monument, moored dhows, a park and enchanting views. Heritage House Formerly an ethnographic museum, this restored Heritage Museum, was built in 1935 and offers the best view of the badghir (wind tower). It is no longer officially open to the public, however, the friendly Qatari employees of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture who now occupy the building are sure to…

A popular excursion is to take the small boat ride from the Corniche (near the Sheraton) to Palm Tree Island in Doha Bay. It has been left as a nature reserve and is completely bare except for 2 trees (not palms).

Cruise ship passengers are now eligible for free 96-hour transit visas.

The thing to do, unless you have done it before, is to hire a jeep to drive you around the desert, riding the dunes. This will cost you several hundred Qatari rials, and may require a minimum of four persons to join in the fun. At international hotels, the receptionists will advise you, and hire a driver for you.

Doha is full of wonderful shopping opportunities. While there are not many locally produced crafts, Doha is full of souqs and shopping malls for your delight. One of the joys of shopping in Doha's traditional souqs is that the shopkeepers generally take the time to mingle with their customers, whether purchasing or just browsing. Despite some crowds, the souqs are a safe place to visit and bargaining is expected. The souqs are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. One of the largest of the Middle East's shopping palaces is the City Center Shopping Mall. With 350 shops, tented architecture, marble flooring and glass…

The national currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR). The riyal is pegged to the dollar at the rate of QR 3.65 to US $1. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted.

Arabic is the official language, particularly the Gulf dialect. English is the most common second language.

Shopping hours Generally Sat-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1600-1900 or later, with the malls open until 2100 or 2200. Some shops close on Friday.