Qatar was recently ranked the safest country globally, and its capital city, Doha, is the second safest city in the world by Numbeo Index 2022, making it an ideal holiday destination for female travellers in search of a solo holiday destination trip abroad.

Qatar is an incredibly safe country for female travellers and offers unforgettable tours with friendly guides, some beautiful, walkable neighbourhoods, relaxing hotel pools and an array of delicious dining options. For this guide, the country’s official tourism office has shared with us some of the experiences that await female travellers who are planning a visit in 2022.

Guided tours & excursions
There are plenty of tours available on sand, sea, and land for solo travellers in Qatar. Discover Qatar is a popular local tour operator which offers everything from neighbourhood tours and water sports excursions to airport transfers and theme park entry.

One of the best tours for discovering the capital’s unique neighbourhoods is Discover Doha, a four-hour tour with an expert tour guide that takes in Downtown Doha, Souq Waqif, The Pearl-Qatar and Katara Cultural Village. All of Discover Qatar’s expert guides are licensed and English-speaking.

Wellness retreats
Qatar is the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether you’re booking an individual spa treatment or a multi-day wellness retreat. Recently opened wellness destination, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, is a fully immersive resort located in the northern part of the country, with retreat programmes available from three to 14 nights.

The resort has an emphasis on improving diet and nutrition, promoting physical activity and stress resistance and enhancing sleep quality. Solo travellers should also try out the exclusive Banana Island Resort by Anantara (above), which is set on a private island surrounded by turquoise lagoons. In addition, a visit to Sharq Village & Spa, one of the biggest and most luxurious spas in the country with 23 treatment rooms and four spa areas, should also be on the itinerary.

Walkable neighbourhoods
The country has a number of pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods that are perfect for solo travellers to explore. The Venetian-inspired streets of Qanat Quartier in The Pearl-Qatar are an Instagram haven, with pastel-coloured buildings, scenic canals and a wide choice of boutique shops and restaurants.

Nearby, Katara Cultural Village is home to exceptional museums and art galleries, intriguing architecture, as well as a scenic public beach with sun loungers and watersports. As well as on foot, visitors can hop on a free cart that can transport them around the village.

Dining options
Whether dining in the comfort of your hotel or enjoying the local cuisine at the bustling Souq Waqif, there are myriad dining options for solo travellers to explore. The diversity of the country’s population is showcased through its culinary offering, from budget street food to high-end dining.

Those looking to meet other female travellers, or meet up with a group of friends, can enjoy Doha’s unforgettable ladies’ nights, which are hosted across numerous hotels in the city. The Ritz-Carlton Doha has a wide range of dining options; visitors can choose between steak at STK Doha, French-inspired dishes at Sel & Miel, or Asian fusion cuisine at B-Lounge.

Shopping excursions
Travellers can spend hours wandering around Doha with its spectacular shopping malls that offer everything from theme parks to famous retail stores.

To save you looking it up o the internet, a luxurious shopping destination, Villaggio Mall, on the outskirts of Doha and is one of the capital’s most Instagram-friendly malls, with an indoor canal complete with gondolas, as well as high-end boutiques, world-class retail and an incredible selection of dining options.

Qatar is also set to welcome Place Vendome this spring, a luxury shopping mall inspired by Parisian architecture which will be home to some of the most prestigious international brands.

TOP TRAVEL TIPS:

  • Dress code: Qatar is relatively relaxed around dress, although it’s recommended that both men and women cover their shoulders and knees when out and about in public places. Many hotels offer a more relaxed dress code in and around the hotel and the pool area.
  • Getting around: There are several modes of transport in Qatar that make it easy for solo travellers to get around. The recently opened Metro system is a cost-effective way of getting around Doha, with a women-only carriage during peak hours and a dedicated family zone.

For more information on Qatar, head to www.visitqatar.qa.

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