Doha during Ramadan

[dvt]

Just realised that I land into Doha on the second day of Ramadan. It's my first visit and will only be there for 3 days. Staying at the Alwadi Hotel MGallery. I don't plan on cancelling this part of my trip but just wanted to know of any personal experiences on how Ramadan positively or negatively impacted your trip. I have a feeling that I wont be able to visit the beach clubs for brunch like I wanted, but the Iftar dinners do sound great. Am I also correct in believing that alcohol will be served on Qatar and in lounges? What about hotels?

thanks

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[Austman]

I've been there during Ramadan.

On board Qatar alcohol is a yes, but it's not displayed.

In the Qatar air-side lounges at Doha airport I believe it's now also a yes from a year ago. It was for sure was a no when I was there. But all food and other beverages were available. If departing, you could buy alcohol duty free, via the airport DF store's curtained off entrance door with all windows obscured.

You cannot take alcohol into Qatar.

In the hotels, there's a different offering. Those that have club lounges and bars do not serve alcohol during Ramadan. The bars are likely closed entirely. Even my in-room minibar had it removed but the price list was still there.

Eating during the daytime is allowed in hotel restaurants (you might have to be a registered guest?) but under almost camouflaged conditions. Again a curtained off entrance door with all windows from the restaurant obscured.

It's interesting in Doha during the day. Restaurants, cafes except in the major hotels all closed. At night it's a very different story!

And you can go to the supermarkets during the day. Just don't consume any purchases in public during the fasting hours.

 

[collcars]

Stayed their in 2019 during Ramadan, i found most Tourist things did not operate, Hotel was fine and i was able to use the Pool, The Qatar lounge didn’t serve Alcohol.

 

[Pushka]

We were at the airport lounge during Ramadan. Flight from Oz was not impacted. The AM lounge provided limited food. No alcohol. This was pre Covid.

We also stayed in Dubai during Ramadan and the impact was very clear. Even tourist places would not serve alcohol and food. The hotel lounge only provided alcohol after 7pm. I wouldn’t go during Ramadan again.

If you do decide, select a Western style hotel who are more lenient to travellers. Our hotel provided a screen where we had to eat and drink (soft) during fasting. Of course after 7.30 pm it's pretty much back to normal.