Doha, Qatar
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One of the most ambitious cities in the world — Doha has transformed itself in a generation from a modest Gulf trading port into a gleaming metropolis of world-class infrastructure, extraordinary cultural investment, and rapidly growing significance as a hub for international finance, diplomacy, and professional development.
WHY DOHA
The Gulf's rising global city
Doha has positioned itself as one of the most significant cities in the Middle East — home to Al Jazeera, the Qatar Investment Authority, and a rapidly expanding portfolio of world-class universities, research institutions, and cultural facilities in Education City. As a training destination, Doha offers professionals from around the world, supremely well-equipped, and strategically important environment in which to develop their skills alongside peers from across the global energy, finance, and public sector landscape.
Major GCC financial centre
Home to the Qatar Financial Centre, the Qatar Investment Authority, and the regional headquarters of major international banks and professional services firms operating across the Gulf.
Outstanding connectivity
Hamad International Airport (DOH) — consistently rated among the world's best — offers direct flights from Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Entebbe, Dubai, London, and every major city across Africa and beyond via Qatar Airways.
Education City
A 1,000-acre campus housing branch campuses of Georgetown, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, and other world-leading universities — one of the most remarkable concentrations of academic excellence in the Gulf.
Safe and well-regulated
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world. An exceptionally orderly, well-governed, and welcoming environment for international professionals and first-time Gulf visitors.
CULTURE & ATTRACTIONS
Beyond the classroom
Doha offers delegates a rich and surprising range of cultural experiences — from world-class museums and galleries to a beautifully preserved historic quarter and the dramatic desert landscapes of the Qatari interior, all within easy reach of any training venue.
Attraction
What to expect
Museum of Islamic Art
(MIA)
One of the most important museums of Islamic art in the world, designed by I.M. Pei and situated on its own island in Doha Bay. Houses over 14 centuries of Islamic art from three continents — a profound and visually magnificent experience.
Souq Waqif
Doha's beautifully restored traditional market — a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with spice stalls, art galleries, falconry shops, and atmospheric cafes. One of the most authentic and vibrant traditional souqs in the Gulf.
The Pearl-Qatar
A stunning artificial island development of Mediterranean-inspired architecture, upscale promenades, and waterfront dining. One of Doha's most distinctive and photographed modern landmarks.
National Museum of Qatar
An extraordinary building designed by Jean Nouvel, inspired by the desert rose crystal formation. The museum tells the story of Qatar from its ancient geological origins to the present day through immersive galleries.
Katara Cultural Village
A dedicated cultural district on the Doha waterfront hosting theatres, galleries, an amphitheatre, and regular festivals celebrating Arab and international culture — one of Doha's most rewarding evening destinations.
Al Thakira Mangroves
A tranquil mangrove forest approximately 60 kilometres north of Doha, accessible by kayak. One of Qatar's finest natural landscapes and an excellent half-day excursion for delegates seeking a natural escape.
Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)
A UNESCO-recognised natural reserve where the desert meets the sea at Qatar's southern tip. Desert safari excursions — dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional camp experiences — are available from Doha.
Mathaf Arab Museum of
Modern Art
One of the world's most significant collections of modern and contemporary Arab art — over 9,000 works housed in Education City, offering a compelling insight into Arab artistic expression across the twentieth century.
WEATHER
What to expect throughout the year
Doha has a hot desert climate with year-round sunshine. The cooler months from October to April are the most comfortable and are the peak training season. Summer months are extremely hot, but all indoor venues are comprehensively air-conditioned, and the city operates fully year-round.
Season
Temperature
Notes
Notes
Winter (Nov–Mar)
15°C – 24°C
Ideal conditions. Warm, sunny, and pleasant. The peak season for training, outdoor exploration, and events.
Spring (Apr–May)
22°C – 35°C
Warming quickly. Still comfortable in the mornings and evenings. Outdoor activity best planned early.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
33°C – 43°C
Very hot and humid. All venues fully air-conditioned. Outdoor activity is limited to early morning and evening hours.
Autumn (Oct)
26°C – 37°C
Cooling gradually. Very pleasant conditions return by late October. A good transitional period for training visits.
Dress Code Guidance
Recommended Attire
Context
Training sessions
Smart business or casual attire. Venues are strongly air-conditioned — a light jacket or layer is advisable for indoor sessions, particularly during summer.
Outdoor exploration
Light, breathable clothing recommended outside of the cooler winter months. Modest dress is respectful in public areas, souqs, and cultural sites. Comfortable footwear essential for exploring the Souq Waqif and Corniche.
GETTING AROUND
Navigating the city
Doha has a modern and rapidly expanding public transport network. The Doha Metro connects the main districts efficiently and comfortably. Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most widely used option for delegates navigating between hotels, training venues, and attractions.
Mode
Deatils
Doha Metro
Three lines — Red Line (Coastal), Gold Line (Education City), and Green Line (city centre) — connect Hamad International Airport, West Bay, Education City, Souq Waqif, and key business districts. Runs approximately 06:00 to midnight. A Hayya card or contactless payment accepted at all stations. Fully air-conditioned and immaculately maintained.
Airport connections
Hamad International Airport (DOH) is connected directly to the city centre by the Doha Metro Red Line — approximately 25-30 minutes to West Bay. Taxis, Uber, and Careem are also widely available at the arrivals hall for delegates with heavy luggage or arriving at late hours.
Taxis & ride-hailing
Uber and Careem are the most widely used transport options for delegates in Doha. Metered taxis are available at major hotels, the airport, and key attractions. Ride-hailing is strongly recommended for convenience and ease of navigation, particularly for venues not directly served by the Metro.
Bus network
A network of air-conditioned Mowasalat buses serves routes across Doha not covered by the Metro. Accepts the Hayya card. For most international visitors, the Metro and ride-hailing services offer the most convenient day-to-day transport.
Walking
The Doha Corniche, Souq Waqif, and the MIA area are pleasant to walk during the cooler months of October through April. During summer months, outdoor walking during daytime hours is not advisable given the extreme heat — the Metro and taxis are recommended for all journeys from May through September.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before you arrive
Key practical details to help delegates from across Africa, Asia, and beyond prepare for a comfortable and productive visit to Doha.
Topic
Information
Currency
Qatari Riyal (QAR). Contactless and card payments are widely accepted at hotels, shopping centres, and most restaurants. Carrying a modest amount of cash is advisable for markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are available at Hamad Airport, major malls, and throughout the city centre.
Time Zone
AST (UTC+3) year-round — Qatar does not observe daylight saving time. Doha is on the same time as Riyadh and Nairobi. It is 1 hour behind Dubai, and 3 hours ahead of London in winter.
Electricity
Type G plug (three rectangular pins — same as the United Kingdom), 240V / 50Hz. Delegates from the UK will find their plugs fully compatible. Most African and Asian delegates will require a UK-style adaptor. Available at Hamad Airport and throughout the city.
Halal Dining
As a Muslim-majority city, halal food is the standard across virtually all of Doha's restaurants. The city's culinary scene spans traditional Qatari, Arabic, South Asian, and international options — all halal-certified as the default. Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village offer particularly wide and authentic choices.
Places of Worship
Mosques are found throughout Doha — the State Grand Mosque is the city's principal place of Muslim worship. A Qibla direction indicator is available on request at most international hotels. Muslim delegates are advised that the Muslim Pro app provides accurate prayer times and Qibla direction worldwide. Christian delegates are well accommodated — Qatar has officially designated places of Christian worship, including St Mary's Catholic Church and the interdenominational Gulf English Speaking Church, both in the Mesaimeer area.
Cultural
Considerations
Doha is welcoming and cosmopolitan. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours should be avoided out of respect. Modest dress is appreciated in public areas and cultural sites. Friday is the official day of rest; many venues operate reduced hours on Friday mornings
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