Qatar or Dubai: know the difference

Looking for a vacation in the middle east? And wondering if Qatar or Dubai? Read this quick blog to know about these two amazing places, things to do there, best places to stay and much more.

Dubai

Dubai has two airports which are Dubai Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum Airport (ALM) (DWC). Dubai Airport is the city’s principal international airport and the world’s busiest airport in international passenger traffic. Al Maktoum Airport is another international airport servicing Dubai; it is part of the Dubai World Central complex, which is still under construction. And it primarily handles seasonal flights, domestic flights, and occasional international flights. The Dubai airport is enormous, with numerous terminals. The inside is beautiful, with greenery and water creating a balance between nature and man. 

Also Read: A Complete Guide To Downtown Area in Dubai

Top Hotels in Dubai

Burj Al-Arab

The Burj Al-Arab in Dubai is one of the most expensive luxury hotels in Dubai. The absolute uniqueness of this hotel is evident from the minute you first see it since it is built in the shape of a massive sail soaring over a thousand feet in the sky. 

Atlantis, The Palm

Right in the heart of the Palm, Atlantis is famous enough to be a tourist destination in and of itself. As the name implies, the hotel theme is like the mythical lost underwater city, and as such, the primary color palette of the hotel comprises cool blues and sea greens. The Royal Bridge Suite, one of the most sought-after suites in Dubai, connects the two towers.

FIVE Palm Jumeirah

FIVE has been named the trendiest hotel in Palm Jumeirah. The FIVE  Palm Jumeirah is a unique hotel that encapsulates Dubai’s grandeur and atmosphere. This lifestyle hotel has 470 magnificent rooms and suites with ocean or city views, set against a stunning background of the beach and Dubai Marina cityscape.

Also Read: The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Dubai that won’t burn a hole in your

Top things to do in Dubai:

Stand high at the Burj Khalifa.

Visiting the Burj Khalifa is a must-do in Dubai; this is the world’s tallest building, also known as the vertical city. 

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark offers a world of thrill that will make you feel different in more ways than one in the water. Get your heart rate up with 30 slides and attractions, giggle your way down Dubai’s longest Lazy River, and unwind on 500m of private beach.

Enjoy the Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain choreographed to music, sprays water as high as 500 feet — the height of a 50-story skyscraper. Dubai Fountain Performances, designed by the same people who created the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, regularly occur on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake.

Experience the world at Global Village

Global Village is the region’s first family destination for culture, entertainment, and shopping. It is a one-of-a-kind and integrated destination where guests can enjoy the world’s most outstanding shopping, eating, and entertainment experiences, as well as the region’s largest and most diverse variety of events, performances, and activities. In addition, it provides a variety of enjoyable surprises to millions of visitors in the open air.

Also Read: The Best Things To See and Do in Dubai’s Old Quarter!

Qatar

Qatar has a total of 3 airports, and only one of them is international. This airport is a tourist attraction in and of itself, with low-cost flights available for both international and domestic travel.

The Hamad International Airport has built for travelers’ convenience, with large check-in aisles, many service counters, and various amenities available to both regional and international visitors.

Top Hotels in Qatar

InterContinental Doha

The InterContinental Doha is a well-known landmark in the heart of the city. Set in beautiful gardens and has 500 meters of sandy beach. It has 14 restaurants and bars, including the modern Peruvian Restaurant La Mar Doha by renowned chef Gastón Acurio, a variety of recreational amenities, and a free swimming pool.

The St. Regis Doha

The St. Regis Doha, located on the shores of Doha’s dazzling West Bay, has 336 guest rooms and is a five-star luxury hotel, including 70 irresistible suites, striving to create new standards of luxury service and quality with the distinctive St. Regis Butler Service. In addition, the hotel features ten unique restaurants and bars, as well as substantial recreational amenities, including the world-renowned Remède Spa. 

W Doha

Located in the city’s famous West Bay district, the Qatari capital’s heart, W Doha, The multi-story structure of the building boasts panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. As the city’s first lifestyle design hotel, this hotel brings a new dimension to the metropolis. The hotel sets the bar for modern luxury accommodation in the town, providing inhabitants with all of the advantages and conveniences that come with being connected.

Also Read: Tourist Attractions in Qatar: Discover Culture And History Of This Region

Top things to do in Qatar:

Souq Waqif

The famous souq is a maze of stores filled with fabric, spices, candies, home products (think massive pots), souvenirs, and art. You’ll not only watch woodcarvers and tailors at work, but you’ll also learn how the traditional agals Qatari men wear to keep their headdress in place.

Museum of Islamic Art

Looking as if floating on the water, the Museum of Islamic Art has an extensive collection that includes calligraphy, Islamic designs, jewelry, and textiles from three continents, with some artifacts spanning from the 7th to the 19th centuries. Year-round, the museum hosts high-profile rotating exhibits. In addition, it gives you a scenic view of Doha from the terrace.

Ride the Dunes 

If you only have time in Qatar for one activity, make it a trip to the desert. The dunes are as tall as they are steep, making the journey over the desert to the sea an unforgettable experience. You can spend the night in elegant Arabian tents or pitch your own, taste traditional Arabian cuisine, and sleep under the stars.

Also Read: Qatar offers free visa to citizens of 80 countries including India

Food:

In both Doha and Dubai, you can find Arabian cuisine and the Emirati diet in the food cultures. Pork is not used in meals since both are exceptional Muslim worlds. In both, you can taste the delectable combination of fish, spices, and herbs. Their primary foods include beef, lamb, chicken, and rice.

In an overall view, In comparison to Doha, Dubai is a far more tolerant emirate. It attracts international guests, and the laws are relaxed. It moderately applies Islamic teachings. It is more open to different cultures and more accepting of them. Even during Ramadan, foreigners can purchase alcohol, eat, and drink. Despite loose rules, crime rates are meager.

Doha has a more robust cultural bent. Doha has a plethora of museums. Jazz in the Lincoln Center can be a regional jazz hub. Live music is familiar in Doha.

Doha is a better option if you want a less expensive and more affordable holiday destination and Dubai has world-class hotels and 5-star accommodation options. 

Have you decided yet? Let Pickyourtrail’s vacation experts guide you and customize an itinerary, perfect just for you and also feel free to look at these Dubai packages!