Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is renowned for its efficiency and luxury. Whether you have a quick layover or hours to spare, HIA offers a seamless transfer experience with its integrated facilities and rich amenities. Here’s how to make the most of your time at this world-class hub.

Navigating the Airport

 

• Transfer Halls: Upon exiting your aircraft, head directly to the Transfer Halls located at concourses A, B, C, and D. These areas are well-signposted, but if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask at an information desk or use the airport map available on digital screens or printed copies.

• Integrated Facility: HIA operates as a single integrated facility, allowing you to arrive, transfer, and depart from the same terminal building. This eliminates the need to change terminals, making your transit process much simpler.

Assistance and Services

 

• Transfer Desks: If you need help with boarding passes, re-scheduling flights, or have general queries, visit one of the transfer desks. These desks are equipped to assist with re-booking missed connections, upgrading travel classes, and more. They can also provide information on visa requirements if you plan to exit the airport.

• Special Assistance: Special assistance travelers, Al Maha customers, and unaccompanied minors receive priority processing and are met at the aircraft or aerobridge upon arrival. This ensures that they receive the support they need throughout their journey.

Exiting the Airport

 

• Exploring Qatar: If you have an extended stopover and wish to explore Qatar, the transfer desks can assist with exit procedures. Ensure you confirm visa and immigration requirements beforehand. Note that a transit visa is not required if you stay within the airport. However, if you plan to leave the airport, check if you need a visa based on your nationality.

• Transit Tours: Discover Qatar offers exclusive transit tours for those with six hours or more of transit time. These tours allow you to explore Doha’s iconic sites like the Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, and Souq Waqif, or experience unique desert tours where the Arabian desert meets the sea.

Security Check

 

• Baggage Screening: Your hand baggage will undergo security screening for prohibited items. Dedicated security lanes are available for First Class and Business Class passengers, ensuring a quicker and more convenient process.

• Prohibited Items: Ensure your baggage does not contain prohibited items, as these will be confiscated. Check the airport’s Security & Customs page for more information on what items are allowed and what are not.

Things to Avoid

 

• Avoiding Delays: Do not follow the signs to ‘Arrivals’ unless you intend to exit the airport. Approach the transfer desks for assistance instead, as they can guide you through the correct procedures.

• Punctuality: Be punctual for your onward flight, as boarding gates close 20 minutes before departure. Plan your time wisely to avoid missing your connection.

Relaxation and Activities

 

• Airport Hotel: The Airport Hotel offers four-star hospitality for short stays, including massages, swimming, and gym facilities. This is ideal for those who want to relax and rejuvenate during their transit.

• Transit Tours: As mentioned, Discover Qatar offers a range of transit tours:

  • Discover Doha: A three-hour coach city tour that takes you around Doha’s key attractions.

  • Discover the Desert and Inland Sea: A four-hour private tour to Khor al Adaid.

  • Shuttle Bus Service: Visit the Qatar National Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, or Doha Beach Club with a hassle-free shuttle service.

  • Discover Doha by Air: A 45-minute flight over Doha’s iconic sites.

  • Discover Doha Your Way: Explore Doha with a private vehicle and chauffeur.

• Airport Facilities: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, and access internet kiosks and Mac computers for browsing.

• Dining Options: Choose from more than 30 restaurants and cafes offering a wide variety of global cuisine.

• Lounge Access: You may be entitled to complimentary lounge access depending on your ticket or privilege club membership, or you can pay for lounge access. Relax in one of the quiet rooms that offer recliners and soft lighting.

• Cultural Experiences: HIA is renowned for its art installations. Experience an innovative and immersive visual experience by exploring the airport’s permanent and temporary exhibitions.

• Family-Friendly: There are five activity nodes designed for children of all ages, offering play areas, televisions, internet points, retail stores, and food and beverage options. Parents’ rooms and family toilets are also available for added convenience.

• Duty-Free Shopping: Qatar Duty-Free offers an extensive selection of designer labels, electronics, gourmet foods, and more across 70 retail outlets. Express stores are available if you are in a hurry.

Overall, Hamad International Airport provides a comprehensive and enjoyable transit experience, ensuring that your journey is both efficient and memorable.

In light of recent tragic events involving Emirati tourists in Turkey, the UAE Embassy in Ankara has issued comprehensive travel safety recommendations for Emirati citizens planning visits to the country. These guidelines aim to ensure travelers enjoy a secure and hassle-free experience during their trips.

The embassy strongly urges all Emirati travelers to register themselves and accompanying family members with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Twajudi” service and to verify that their passports have at least six months’ validity remaining. Financial preparations are also emphasized: travelers should check Turkey’s local transaction preferences whether bank cards or cash are favored and confirm that their payment cards are activated for international use with their respective banks.

Travelers are advised to consult country-specific travel advisories available via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and mobile app. Special attention should be paid well in advance to visa requirements, particularly for domestic workers accompanying travelers. The embassy also recommends keeping copies of all identification documents and strictly observing local traffic laws to promote personal and public safety.

Additional safety measures include verifying that vehicle ownership documents correspond exactly with the traveler’s passport name, fulfilling any health requirements mandated by Turkish authorities, and reviewing procedures for recognizing or exchanging Emirati driver’s licenses—all detailed through the ministry’s travel advisory platforms.

These precautions follow a fatal accident on August 8 near Balık Lake in the Çaykara district of Trabzon, northern Turkey, when a tourist bus carrying Emirati family members veered off the road and overturned. According to Turkey’s IHA news agency, emergency responders swiftly arrived following calls from local residents and other tourists. Rescue teams worked extensively to extract the trapped passengers.

Tragically, two family members, 18-year-old Maryam Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim and 32-year-old Abdul Majid Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, were confirmed dead. Three others—15-year-old Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, 53-year-old Samira Mohammed Abdul Rahman, and 60-year-old Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim sustained injuries and were hospitalized for treatment.

The UAE Embassy’s advisory stresses that rigorous preparation and adherence to safety protocols are vital for Emirati citizens traveling to Turkey, aiming to prevent incidents like this and safeguard the wellbeing of all travelers.

This announcement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of thorough travel planning amid ongoing tourism exchanges between the UAE and Turkey.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe in 2025, selecting the right country for your Schengen visa application is more important than ever, as approval rates vary widely across the 29 Schengen member states. Recent data shows that while the average Schengen visa approval rate dropped to just 52.2% in 2024, some countries remain far more welcoming to applicants than others.

Schengen Countries With the Highest Visa Approval Rates (2024–2025)

Here’s a list of Schengen countries, ranked by their approval rates based on the latest available data:

Other countries noted for favorable acceptance rates (though not always in the top ten for 2025) include Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Bulgaria, and Finland.

Complete List of Schengen States in 2025

The Schengen Area comprises 29 countries49:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

Key Insights & Application Tips

• Iceland, Slovakia, and Italy are currently among the most favorable for visa applicants, thanks to their high approval rates and generally efficient processing times.
• Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen Zone in January 2025, so they now offer the same unified visa policy.
• Larger countries like France, Spain, and Germany tend to have much higher rates of rejection—often due to overwhelming application volumes and stricter scrutiny. For example, France’s rejection rate is around 16.6%, while countries like Malta and Belgium often deny more than a quarter of applications.
• Always apply for a visa from the country that is your main destination or where you will spend the most time, as “visa shopping” is against Schengen rules and can cause application problems.

To increase your chances of success, double-check all documents, provide clear travel and financial plans, and consider applying through countries with the best approval records, especially if you face a tight travel deadline or come from a country with historically higher rejection rates.

By strategically choosing Iceland, Slovakia, Italy, or similar countries with high acceptance rates, travelers can enjoy a smoother visa experience and maximize their chances of exploring Europe in 2025.

The prime time to explore Qatar is between November and April. During these cooler months, temperatures typically range from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F), creating a lovely atmosphere for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The winter months—December through February—are particularly delightful, with average highs hovering between 20°C and 25°C. This milder climate is perfect for wandering through vibrant souqs, admiring desert landscapes, and enjoying Qatar's beautiful waterfront attractions.

In contrast, the summer months from May to September can be challenging due to extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and high humidity, especially in July and August. This is known as the off-season, which brings lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. However, outdoor activities are limited, leading most visitors to seek refuge in air-conditioned indoor attractions.

Festivals & Events

Qatar's cultural calendar is especially vibrant from November to March, aligning with the peak tourist season. Notable events for 2025 include:

January:

• Qatar Kite Festival at Old Doha Port (Jan 16–18)
• Shop Qatar shopping festival (Jan 1–Feb 1)
• Doha Marathon (Jan 17)
• Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Jan 1–Feb 1)
• Qatar International Art Festival (dates vary)

February:

• Qatar International Food Festival (dates vary)
• Doha International Book Fair (dates vary)
• Qatar Tennis Open (ATP and WTA events)

March:

• Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (dates vary)
• Qatar International Film Festival (dates vary)

Spring:

• Qatar National Sports Day (second Tuesday of February)

Autumn:

• Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix (end of November)
• FIFA Arab Cup (December)
• Doha Film Institute Screenings (ongoing events)

Summer:

• Qatar Summer Festival (June to August), featuring sales and family-friendly activities.
• Art and Culture Exhibitions at museums and galleries.

Even in summer, Qatar offers unique indoor activities, including art exhibitions and special programs at museums and malls.

Must-See Tourist Attractions

1. The Museum of Islamic Art: A stunning architectural masterpiece housing a vast collection of Islamic artifacts from around the world, set against the backdrop of the Doha Corniche.
2. Souq Waqif: A traditional market where you can find spices, textiles, handicrafts, and local cuisine. It's a vibrant place for shopping and dining.
3. Katara Cultural Village: A cultural hub featuring theaters, galleries, and restaurants, celebrating arts and culture with various events throughout the year.
4. The Pearl-Qatar: An artificial island known for luxury shopping, dining, and waterfront living, offering beautiful marina views.
5. Qatar National Museum: An architectural marvel that tells Qatar's history and heritage through immersive exhibits and installations.
6. Khor Al Adaid: Also known as the Inland Sea, this UNESCO recognized area features stunning sand dunes and is perfect for desert adventures like dune bashing and camel rides.
7. Aspire Park: A large urban park ideal for picnics, jogging, and enjoying outdoor activities, complete with a lake and beautiful landscaping.
8. Doha Corniche: A picturesque waterfront promenade perfect for walks, cycling, and enjoying views of the Doha skyline.
9. Villaggio Mall: A unique shopping experience with a Venetian theme, complete with canals and gondolas, featuring a variety of shops and restaurants.

• Al Zubara Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic fort offers insight into Qatar's past and is a great day trip from Doha.

Weather by Month

Essential Travel Tips

• Dress Code: Modesty is important—women should cover shoulders and knees, while men should avoid shorts in public, especially near religious sites.

• Cultural Respect: As a conservative Muslim country, it’s crucial to respect local customs, particularly during Ramadan when eating, drinking, or smoking in public is prohibited during daylight hours.

• Transport: Getting around is easy with taxis, rideshares, and the Doha Metro system. The Corniche is perfect for evening strolls or bike rides.

• Accommodation: Options range from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Booking in advance is highly recommended during peak season.

Quick Tips for Every Season

• Winter (Nov–Mar): Ideal for sightseeing, festivals, outdoor adventures, and camping.

• Shoulder Months (Apr, May, Oct): Generally enjoyable, but be prepared for occasional heat and sandstorms.

• Summer (Jun–Sep): Best for indoor attractions and bargains, but avoid outdoor activities during midday.

In summary, visiting Qatar from November to April offers the best weather and a rich array of festivals and events. With a unique blend of modern attractions and deep cultural traditions, there is something for every traveler year-round. Planning your visit around the weather will ensure you make the most of your trip!

Are you dreaming of a memorable vacation without the hassle of visa applications?

Qatar Airways invites you to embark on a journey to some of the world’s most stunning destinations that welcome Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals and residents without requiring prior travel visas. From European coastlines to idyllic Indian Ocean islands, unforgettable adventures await.

Armenia: Museums, Mountains, and Lakes

Travel through time amid the serene landscapes of Armenia in the heart of the South Caucasus. Start in Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities, where wide boulevards and elegant Republic Square come alive at night with musical fountain shows.

Explore the fusion of Soviet and classical architecture, including the iconic pink volcanic stone buildings, and don’t miss the Matenadaran Museum with its priceless ancient manuscripts. GCC nationals and residents can enter Armenia visa-free from July 1 to December 31, 2025.

Indonesia: Natural Beauty and Warm Hospitality

Indonesia’s charm lies in its diverse cultures and the radiant smiles of its people. In Bali, bask in turquoise beaches and lush rice terraces, enjoy family-friendly surfing lessons, or go on a safari adventure.

Yogyakarta offers a deep dive into Javanese heritage with its historic temples, while the tranquil Gili Islands provide the ultimate escape. Don’t forget to taste the iconic chicken satay with peanut sauce! GCC nationals, among 169 eligible countries, can get a 30-day visa on arrival.

Morocco: Desert Adventures and Coastal Wonders

Explore Morocco’s varied climate and exciting landscapes, from the Mediterranean-Atlantic charm of Tangier to the ancient tanneries of Fez. Wander Marrakech’s lively souks and venture to Merzouga, your gateway to the Sahara.

Travel between cities by train and experience Morocco’s rich cuisine, featuring dishes like tagine and couscous. GCC nationals can visit visa-free, while many residents are eligible for an easy e-visa.

Maldives: Luxury at Your Fingertips

Seeking serenity and luxury? The Maldives offers overwater villas, pristine white-sand beaches, and captivating coral reefs. Adventurers can enjoy diving, kayaking, or marine life tours in glass-bottom boats. All nationalities receive a visa on arrival in this island paradise.

Turkey: Where East Meets West

Turkey perfectly blends Europe and Asia, making it ideal for families and couples alike. Discover Ottoman mosques, palaces, and bustling bazaars before a peaceful evening by Istanbul’s Bosphorus.

Soar over Cappadocia’s ancient landscapes by hot air balloon, or unwind in the lush Black Sea region of Trabzon and Uzungöl. GCC nationals can travel visa-free to Turkey.

Before You Go

Be sure to check the latest travel requirements before booking. Some countries may require specific professions or minimum residency validity for visa-free entry. Always consult official government sources to stay updated on the latest travel rules and guidelines.

Your next unforgettable adventure is just a flight away — and no visa is needed!

You can verify your eligibility before traveling by visiting this link (CLICK HERE)

Thailand continues to attract international tourists with its unique blend of ancient temples, vibrant street markets, stunning beaches, and a rich culinary scene. The country’s northern regions, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, are especially popular during this season for their cooler temperatures, scenic mountain landscapes, and cultural festivals. Visitors can explore historic sites, participate in traditional Thai festivals, and enjoy world-renowned Thai cuisine.

For Pakistani travelers, Thailand remains a top destination due to its affordability, diverse attractions, and welcoming atmosphere. The introduction of the e-visa facility has made the travel process more convenient. Pakistani citizens no longer need to visit the embassy in person; instead, they can complete the entire application process online.

To apply for a Thai visa, Pakistani nationals must prepare several documents, including a valid passport, recent photographs, confirmed hotel bookings, and a return air ticket. A crucial requirement is a bank statement showing a minimum balance of Rs350,000 per person maintained over the previous six months. This financial proof ensures that applicants can support themselves during their stay.

The official Thai e-visa website (https://www.thaievisa.go.th/) is the designated platform for submitting applications. After filling out the online form and uploading the necessary documents, applicants pay the visa fee online. The fee varies: Rs27,900 is charged if applying without a confirmed ticket, while the rate drops to Rs19,500 for a one-month visit visa with a booked ticket.

Once the application is approved, travelers receive a confirmation email. This document must be printed and presented to both airline staff at departure and Thai immigration officials upon arrival. It is important for travelers to ensure all documents are in order to avoid any issues during their journey.

Thailand offers a wide range of experiences, from bustling city life in Bangkok to tranquil beach resorts in Phuket and Krabi. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, trekking, and exploring national parks. For those interested in shopping, Thailand’s markets and malls offer everything from local handicrafts to international brands.

Travelers are also advised to check the latest travel advisories and health requirements, including any vaccination or health insurance mandates, before departure. With its streamlined visa process and diverse attractions, Thailand remains an accessible and exciting destination for Pakistani tourists in 2025.