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Gewan Island

Qatar's new island of calm

Best time to visit
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency
QAR
Time zone
UTC+3
Country
Qatar

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

Gewan Island is a new mixed-use island just off Doha's West Bay coast, next to The Pearl-Qatar, with residences, hotels, a 9-hole golf course and the Crystal Walkway, billed as the world's longest air-conditioned commercial promenade and lined with shops and restaurants. Visitors come for the modern architecture, waterfront dining and easy access to Doha's attractions.

Largest cities
  • Doha
  • Al Rayyan
  • Al Wakrah
  • Al Khor
  • Lusail

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country
Qatar
Capital
Doha
City population
1.2M
Population of Qatar
2.6M
Country area
11,437 km²
Official language
Arabic
Currency
Qatari Riyal (QAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.64 QAR
Time zone
UTC+3
Calling code
+974
Drives on the
Right
Elevation
7 m
Plugs
D / G · 240V
Emergency numbers
999
Best time to visit
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High23°24°28°33°38°42°42°41°39°36°31°25°
Low15°15°18°22°27°29°31°31°29°26°22°17°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

  • ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$75
  • HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$175
  • LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$435
Plan a trip to Gewan Island

Top things to do

  1. Free

    Crystal Walkway

    Walk the Crystal Walkway, billed as the world's longest air-conditioned commercial promenade, with around 100 shops and restaurants across five themed zones (Desert, Ice, Forest, Sea and Machines) and crystal lighting that reacts to movement and sound.

    • Half day
    • Gewan Island
    • Good for kids
    • Good in the evening
  2. ≈ $25

    Gewan Island Beach Club

    Relax at a beach club with pools and sea access; book ahead on weekends and bring sun protection.

    • Half day
    • Gewan Island
    • Good for kids
  3. Free

    Doha Corniche

    Walk or cycle the waterfront promenade for skyline views; go at sunset for cooler weather and photos.

    • Half day
    • West Bay
    • Good for kids
    • Good in the evening
  4. Free

    Museum of Islamic Art

    Explore Islamic art and artefacts in a landmark building; free entry, closed on Fridays.

    • Half day
    • West Bay
    • Good for kids
    • Indoors
    • Closed: Friday
  5. Free

    Souq Waqif

    Wander the traditional market for spices, textiles, and cafés; liveliest in the evening when temperatures drop.

    • Half day
    • Souq Waqif
    • Good for kids
    • Good in the evening
  6. Free

    Katara Cultural Village

    Visit galleries, theatres, and the beach at this cultural hub; check for events and dine at waterfront restaurants.

    • Half day
    • The Pearl-Qatar
    • Good for kids
    • Good in the evening
  7. Free

    The Pearl-Qatar

    Explore the marina, shops, and restaurants on this artificial island; a good spot for an evening stroll.

    • Half day
    • The Pearl-Qatar
    • Good for kids
    • Good in the evening
  8. ≈ $70

    Desert Safari and Inland Sea

    Take a day trip for dune bashing and visit the Inland Sea; tours usually include hotel pickup and last half a day.

    • Full day
    • Gewan Island
    • Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Indian and Latin American passport holders, can get a free visa waiver or visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days; other nationalities need to apply in advance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, and travellers staying more than 30 days must buy local health insurance. Check the latest rules on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Most travellers arrive via Hamad International Airport (DOH), about 15–20 minutes by taxi or metro to central Doha and Gewan Island. The Doha Metro Red Line connects the airport to the city, with further taxi or ride-hailing options to the island.

Getting around

Use taxis, ride-hailing apps, or the Doha Metro for getting around; on the island, walking and short taxi rides are practical.

Local tips

  • Dress modestly in public areas; swimwear is fine at pools and beaches.
  • Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants, but public drinking is not allowed.
  • Carry small change for taxis and markets; cards are widely accepted in malls and hotels.
  • Summers are extremely hot; plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening from May to September.

Areas worth knowing

  • Msheireb
  • West Bay
  • Gewan Island
  • Souq Waqif
  • The Pearl-Qatar
Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on August 19, 2026.

Read the advice on GOV.UK

More cities in Qatar

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Sources: visitqatar.com · Wikipedia: Doha · Wikivoyage: Doha