A solo traveller’s favourite in The Middle East

Touchdown in The Middle East

There’s something exciting about arriving in a new country late at night. It’s quiet, the air feels different, and you’re stepping into the unknown. Flying from Paris to Doha was smooth and comfortable, and even arriving close to midnight, the airport experience was effortless. Hamad International Airport is modern, easy to navigate, and incredibly efficient. Within no time, I was on my way to the hotel via transfer, watching the city lights glide past the window – my first glimpse of Doha’s sleek skyline.

As a solo traveller, that first night matters. I want to know the city feels safe. I want to know getting from A to B is easy. Doha ticked every box.

Staying in the Heart of It: Central Inn Souq Waqif

I checked into the Central Inn Souq Waqif, and honestly, the location is what makes it. Staying near Souq Waqif means you’re in walking distance to one of Doha’s most iconic cultural precincts – full of life, lantern-lit alleyways, and the scent of spices and shisha drifting through the air.

The best part? Even though it’s bustling, it never feels chaotic. It feels curated, safe, and welcoming – especially for someone travelling alone.

An Afternoon of Magic: Half-Day Desert Safari

You can’t come to Qatar without seeing the desert, and my half-day desert safari was a highlight.

One minute you’re leaving the city behind, and the next you’re surrounded by rolling golden dunes that stretch forever. The dune bashing is thrilling and then it slows down into moments of complete stillness, where the desert feels almost silent. I was able to quad bike through the desert which was a highlight. I highly recommend planning your desert safari for the afternoon and seeing the sun set over the golden desert dunes.

It’s adventure, culture, and scenery all in one… and it’s the perfect short experience if you don’t have a full day to spare.

Doha City Tour: Where Old Meets Ultra-Modern

Back in Doha, I joined a city tour to get my bearings (and I always recommend this if it’s your first time in a destination to get the lay of the land).

Doha has this fascinating contrast, and something I haven’t seen before – traditional cultural spaces alongside futuristic architecture. One moment you’re wandering heritage-style streets, and the next you’re driving past gleaming skyscrapers that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. A perfect balance of old and new.

There’s so much to appreciate in Doha – it’s clean, organised, and beautifully designed. You can feel that it’s a city that’s proud of what it is and where it’s headed.

The Food Alone Is Worth the Trip

Now let’s talk about the part I secretly plan entire itineraries around… the food. I truly believe you have to experience authentic local food to really understand the countries culture.

Doha is a dream if you love Middle Eastern flavours. Every meal felt rich and comforting, with warm spices and beautiful presentation. I ate plenty of:

• hummus and fresh bread (dangerously addictive)

• grilled meats and kebabs

• spiced rice dishes

• sweet baklava and cardamom coffee

Even dining solo felt easy – service is warm, restaurants are welcoming, and it’s common to see people dining casually on their own, especially in Souq Waqif.

Shopping in Souq Waqif: Sensory Overload in the Best Way

If you love shopping (or just browsing), Souq Waqif is everything you want it to be- it’s atmospheric, authentic, and full of character.

You can wander for hours through narrow laneways filled with:

• spices and dried fruit

• perfumes and oils

• jewellery and textiles

• handmade souvenirs and crafts

It’s one of those places where you walk in for “just a quick look” and walk out two hours later with a bag full of treasures and a new appreciation for how fun shopping can be when it feels cultural.

Solo Travel in Doha: Safe, Secure, and Comfortable

I’ll be honest – a lot of my clients ask about safety when it comes to the Middle East, especially solo travellers. And after experiencing Doha firsthand, I can confidently say: Doha is one of the safest cities I’ve visited.

The streets are well-lit, public areas feel secure, locals are respectful, and the overall environment is calm. Even walking around Souq Waqif at night felt comfortable – not once did I feel uneasy or out of place. And that’s something I don’t say lightly.

Doha is one of those destinations that surprises you. It’s not just a stopover city – it’s a place worth travelling for. With a blend of culture, desert landscapes, incredible food, and high-end shopping, it’s ideal for:

• solo travellers wanting a safe cultural escape

• couples looking for something different

• anyone needing a short, fascinating add-on to Europe.

If you’re flying to or from Europe, it’s a brilliant short escape that feels completely different to anything nearby – and yet incredibly accessible.