THE-ICE 17th IPoE Forum 2024
7th – 9th November 2024
proudly hosted by Al Rayyan International University College (ARIU)
in partnership with University of Derby
Al Jazi Tower, Zone: 60, Street: 850, Building: 20, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Qatar Travel Tips
Attire
There is no specific dress code for visitors of Qatar, however it is expected that tourists show respect for the local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public. It is generally recommended for everyone to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.
Currency
The Qatari Riyal (QR) is the only currency used in the country and can be obtained through ATMs which are widely available in malls, hotels and around Doha. The QR is pegged against the US Dollar at QAR 3.65. You can check the current exchange rate online before you arrive.
Language
Home to over 160 nationalities, Qatar is a melting pot of cultures with numerous languages being spoken. Being an Arab country, the official language is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken at all public places.
Religion
Qatar is a Muslim country and Islam plays an integral role in daily life. Prayers take place five times per day: at dawn, around midday, in mid-afternoon, at sunset, and about two hours after sunset. The exact timing varies each day according to the sun’s position.
The working week in Qatar is Sunday to Thursday, with the weekend on Friday and Saturday.
Weather
Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, extreme temperatures during summer and mild winters. Average monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 36°C in July, sometimes reaching highs of 40°C+ during the summer months.
Safety & Security
World Ranking
Qatar ensures the well-being of its citizens, residents, and visitors through its world-class public infrastructure and public safety. Qatar has earned the number one rank for “Safest Country in the World” on the Numbeo Crime Index, for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. The country’s capital, Doha, is also ranked the second-safest global city in 2022. These achievements are a testament to the successful policies implemented by the country’s leadership to safeguard a stable and high quality of life in Qatar. As a result, visitors can experience Qatar’s tourist attractions and sites with a strong sense of security.
A vision for safety and security
One of the four pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, Social Development, highlights the creation of a “safe, secure and stable society based on effective institutions.” The vision for safety is deeply embedded in the development of the country, and Qatar seeks to promote tolerance, openness, and constructive socio-cultural dialogues within the context of its Arab and Islamic roots.
Cleanliness
Visitors to Qatar can enjoy worry-free travel knowing that all hotels in Qatar are “Qatar Clean” certified. Qatar Tourism initiated the ‘Qatar Clean’ programme during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, to implement best practices in hygiene and cleanliness. Protocols across the hospitality sector have since been extended to all tourism establishments across the country.
Accessibility & Transportation
Strategically located at the crossroads of East and West, Qatar is an average of 6-7 hours away from major international hubs. Qatar Airways connects over 150 destinations worldwide to Doha.
Visa restrictions
Citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar, and for those who need a visa, in most cases, applying for one is easy. More information is available here.
Disabled access
The State of Qatar is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons and is working to ensure that Qatari laws and codes comply with the Convention. Many public places such as shopping malls have wheelchair accessible entrances. All 37 metro stations are fully wheelchair accessible.
The Accessible Qatar smartphone app provides information about accessibility and facilities at different public and touristic venues across the country. Through a combination of expertly-audited accessibility data and user-submitted reviews and ratings, the disabled community and tourists will be able to move about more confidently knowing which locations are easily accessible.
Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator – Ooredoo, has also partnered with Wheel the World to offer accessible and unique tourist experiences to visitors with disability.
Public Transportation
Doha Metro
The easiest way to get around is via the new state-of-the-art Doha Metro -it’s safe, inexpensive, and clean. Boasting some of the fastest driverless trains in the world, the Doha Metro rapid transit system has three lines: Red, Green, and Gold, with 37 stations, which are all fully wheelchair accessible, across 76 km which converge at the centrally located Msheireb Station, close to Doha’s main cultural attractions. Most stations offer free feeder services. There is a station conveniently located at Hamad International Airport, with about a 15-minute travel time to the forum venue and recommended hotels.
Bus Services
All buses are operated by the state-owned Mowasalat Karwa, which also operates the taxis. They have a wide transport network of almost 50 routes operating throughout Doha. Buses are air-conditioned and operate daily, mostly starting from 4:00am with last buses to depart around 11:00pm.
The bus network connects Hamad International Airport (HIA) to various destinations across the city, offering a convenient transport option. Bus fares can only be paid with a Karwa Smartcard, available at vending machines at HIA, Doha Bus Station, The Pearl Qatar, and many partner merchants around the city.
Taxis
Karwa taxis can be easily distinguished with their turquoise colour. They are metered and operate 24/7. They can be pre-booked via the Karwa Taxi app or by calling (+974) 800 8294 toll-free. Payment can be made by cash, bank card, or mobile payment.
Karwa taxis can also accommodate people with disabilities and/or limited mobility. To book, call Mowasalat directly on (+974) 4458 8888, providing as much advance notice as possible.
Ridesharing services like Uber are also very common and affordable in Doha.
Alternate Transportation
Car Rental & Driving
There are many local and international car hire firms operating in Qatar, including several with branches at Hamad International Airport, such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. Beyond Doha, renting a car is a practical way to travel around the country. Fuel prices are very affordable, and the roads are excellent.
Limousine Hire
Limousine hire is common in Doha, and there are plenty of companies that offer such services, including the government-run Mowasalat. You can hire a stretch or a Hummer-limousine, but the most common are the comfortable, clean, air-conditioned sedans or SUVs. Limousines can be booked by the hour or by the day.
Walking
During winter (November to March), it is perfectly feasible to walk around Doha. A walk along the Corniche, one of Doha’s most iconic attractions, is one of the best ways to see the bay, the city’s museums, and Souq Waqif. All the many beautiful parks and The Pearl are fantastic to walk in and around.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are now available, please email elise@the-ice.org for details.
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