Qatar Emirates & the Gulf Doha
Port of call and embarkation port on Doha Bay. Ships dock at the Grand Cruise Terminal, on a pier off the middle of the Corniche.
Ships dock at the Grand Cruise Terminal on the Corniche. Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art are a short taxi ride away.
Doha, the capital of Qatar, lies on a wide bay of the Arabian Gulf. Cruise ships dock at the Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port, on a pier off the middle of the Corniche, the city's waterfront promenade. Some lines also start and end their cruises here; Hamad International Airport is about 20 minutes away by taxi. Souq Waqif is about 4.6 km (3 miles) away, 10 to 15 minutes by Karwa taxi or Uber, and shuttle buses run to the city centre on ship days. The walk along the Corniche takes about an hour, past the Museum of Islamic Art. The nearest metro stations, National Museum and Souq Waqif, are on the Gold Line.
Souq Waqif is the restored market quarter, with spice, textile and falcon shops and cafés open until late. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I. M. Pei, stands on its own island next to the Corniche. The National Museum of Qatar, by Jean Nouvel, is built around the old palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. Further north are Katara Cultural Village and the artificial island of The Pearl, about 15 and 19 km (9 and 12 miles) from the port by road. Common excursions include city tours, dhow trips on the bay and desert safaris in the dunes south of the city.
From the ship to the centre
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On foot along the CornicheFrom the terminal through the Mina District and Flag Plaza to the Museum of Islamic Art (3.5 km) and Souq Waqif (4.6 km). Little shade.45-60 minFree
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Shuttle to the city centreShuttle buses link the terminal with the city centre on ship days. Ask on board where they stop and whether they are free.10-15 minCheck on board
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Karwa taxi or UberTurquoise Karwa taxis use the meter and can be booked in the Karwa app. Uber is widely used. About 5 km to Souq Waqif.10-15 minMetered
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Doha Metro, Gold LineThe nearest stations are National Museum and Souq Waqif. Lines meet at Msheireb; the Red Line runs to Katara and the airport.Every 6 minQAR 2; QAR 6 a day
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Taxi to Katara and The PearlKatara Cultural Village is about 15 km north of the terminal by road and The Pearl about 19 km.20-25 minMetered
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From Hamad International AirportFor cruises that start in Doha: the airport is about 12.5 km from the terminal by road. Karwa taxis wait outside arrivals.20-25 minMetered
Map of Doha
What to see in Doha
Climate
Average daily temperatureHot and dry. Average temperatures of 18-20°C from December to February, 25-26°C in November and April and 36°C in July and August. Little rain, mostly in winter. Cruise season: November to April.
Tips for your call
- Season changesBecause of the conflict in the region since 2026, MSC, Costa and AIDA cancelled their 2026-27 winter cruises in the Gulf. Check your line's plans and official travel advice.
- VisaCitizens of about 100 countries can enter Qatar without a visa. Others need a Hayya eVisa. Ask your cruise line how entry works for your passport.
- Dress codeAvoid revealing clothes in public. Men and women are advised to cover shoulders and knees, also in museums and the souq.
- Fridays and museum daysShops close for Friday prayers (about 10:00-12:00) and museums open at 13:30. The Museum of Islamic Art closes on Wednesdays, the National Museum on Tuesdays.
- Ramadan and alcoholDuring Ramadan do not eat, drink or smoke in public in daylight. Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel bars and restaurants.
- PhotosAsk before photographing people, especially women. Do not film or photograph military or government sites.
Accessibility
Ships dock at the pier, so no tender is needed. The walk to Souq Waqif is long (4.6 km) and sunny, so a taxi is easier. Visit Qatar recommends the Accessible Qatar app for venue information. For a wheelchair, ask the ship's team before the call.
In pictures
