What to do in Qatar with children: Practical guide

A destination of choice for families looking for a change of scenery, Qatar offers a wide range of cultural, culinary and spiritual discoveries.

The advantages of Qatar for children and families in general during the holidays

Qatar is the destination of choice for families looking for an unforgettable holiday with their children. This small Gulf country offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, with a multitude of activities and attractions to suit all ages. Thanks to its warm, sunny climate all year round, Qatar is an ideal destination for a wide range of outdoor activities. One of Qatar’s greatest assets is its warm welcome and legendary hospitality. Qataris are renowned for their generosity and respect for families. Many hotels and resorts are specially designed to cater for families, with dedicated children’s facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds and kids’ clubs.

 

Activities for children and services for families in Qatar

Qatar is packed with exciting activities for children, from theme parks and interactive museums to water sports and desert excursions.

Here are just a few of the top must-see attractions:

• Qatar Water Park: Located in Doha, this giant water park offers waterslides, wave pools and many other attractions to cool off and have fun.
• Children’s Museum: This interactive and educational museum offers fun exhibitions and hands-on workshops to stimulate children’s curiosity.
• Souk Waqif: This traditional market is a maze of bustling alleyways, offering a unique cultural experience with its shops, restaurants and street performances.
• Water sports: Qatar has many idyllic beaches where families can enjoy activities such as diving, sailing and kayaking.
• Desert excursions: Sand dune safaris, camel treks and nights under the stars in Bedouin camps are all great ways to explore the natural beauty of the Qatari desert.

 

Highlights of a trip to Qatar with children

When visiting Qatar with children, there are a few must-see activities and sites that should not be missed under any circumstances:

• The Doha Corniche: This long seafront promenade offers playgrounds, dancing fountains and a breathtaking view of the city’s skyscrapers.
• Katara Cultural Village: This cultural complex offers shows, exhibitions and craft workshops that immerse visitors in the rich culture of Qatar.
• Qatar National Museum: Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, this museum traces Qatar’s fascinating history through interactive and immersive exhibitions.
• The dunes of Khor Al Adaid: Known as the « Inner Dunes », these impressive sand formations offer a postcard landscape that is unique in the world.

 

Qatar’s gastronomy

Qatar is a true gastronomic destination, offering a rich palette of local and international flavours. Families will be spoilt for choice at the many family-run restaurants and cafés in the capital Doha. Traditional Qatari cuisine is strongly influenced by Bedouin traditions and Persian, Indian and Levantine influences.

Popular dishes such as machbous (rice with spices and meat), balalith (a sweet vermicelli-based dessert) and ghuzi (lamb stew) will delight the taste buds of young and old alike.

Fans of international cuisine will not be left out, with a wide range of restaurants offering specialities from all over the world, from Italian and Japanese to Indian and Lebanese dishes.

 

Safety in Qatar for families on holiday

Qatar is considered one of the safest countries in the world, offering a safe and welcoming environment for families on holiday. The crime rate is extremely low, and the Qatari authorities attach great importance to the safety of visitors. Numerous measures are in place to ensure the safety of families, including regular police patrols in tourist areas, surveillance systems and modern, well-maintained infrastructure. In addition, hotels and resorts have enhanced security systems to ensure parents’ peace of mind.

 

Why is Qatar a better destination than Dubai for families?

Although Dubai is often considered a destination of choice for families, Qatar offers a number of advantages that make it a more attractive option for some travellers:

• A more authentic cultural experience: Unlike Dubai, which focuses mainly on luxury and modernity, Qatar offers a deeper immersion in traditional Arab culture thanks to its souqs, museums and cultural events.
• More affordable prices: Although Qatar is a high-end destination, the costs of accommodation, food and activities are generally more reasonable than in Dubai.
• Less crowded attractions: Because Qatar is a less crowded destination than Dubai, families can enjoy attractions and sights in a quieter, less crowded environment.
• A wider range of outdoor activities: With its beaches, sand dunes and natural sites, Qatar offers a wide range of family-friendly outdoor activities, such as water sports and desert excursions.

In short, Qatar is a destination of choice for families looking for a unique experience that combines tradition and modernity, safety and comfort, while offering a multitude of activities for children. Whether it’s discovering the rich local culture, indulging in water sports or simply relaxing on the heavenly beaches, Qatar is sure to meet the expectations of young and old alike.

 

Why is Qatar a better destination than Abu Dhabi for families?

Here are some reasons why Qatar can be considered a better destination than Abu Dhabi for family holidays:

More affordable costs: Although Abu Dhabi and Qatar are both high-end destinations, the cost of living is generally higher in Abu Dhabi. Families will find more reasonable prices in Qatar for accommodation, dining and some activities.

Richer cultural offering: Qatar places greater emphasis on preserving and promoting its rich Arab cultural heritage. Families will find it easier to immerse themselves in local traditions through souks, museums and cultural events. Abu Dhabi is more oriented towards modernity and luxury.

Best family-friendly facilities: Many hotels, resorts and theme parks in Qatar have excellent facilities especially designed for families with children, such as swimming pools, playgrounds, kids’ clubs and more.

Greater variety of outdoor activities: With its long sandy beaches, desert dunes and natural parks, Qatar offers a greater variety of family-friendly outdoor activities, such as water sports, desert camping and hiking.

Quieter, less crowded environment: Compared to Abu Dhabi, Qatar’s tourist attractions and sites are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed and peaceful experience for families.

Stronger cultural identity: Qatar cultivates a strong and authentic cultural identity, reflected in its traditional architecture, handicrafts and local cuisine. This allows families to truly immerse themselves in the essence of Arabian culture.

Abu Dhabi remains an excellent family destination, but Qatar seems to offer a more attractive balance between tradition and modernity, entertainment and authenticity, for a successful family holiday.

 

Our hotel in Qatar

The Zulal Wellness Resort offers the perfect blend of wellbeing and family fun in the heart of a vast, unspoilt natural estate. This luxury hotel is home to Kids Trident, an area entirely dedicated to young holidaymakers with first-class facilities. Children can play freely in the safe indoor and outdoor play areas, or let off steam in the children’s pool with its giant slide. A varied programme of fun and educational activities is organised by a team of experienced activity leaders: creative workshops, games, treasure hunts, nature discovery, etc. For teenagers, there’s a video games room and pool table where you can meet up with friends. The resort also offers a wide range of family activities such as horse riding, kayaking and tennis. Thanks to these high-quality, dedicated facilities, the Zulal Wellness Resort is the ideal place for a relaxing, fun-filled family holiday.