What do layovers and Goldilocks have in common? That endless search for the perfect fit. You want enough time to break up the journey, but not so much that it throws off your itinerary. Just a window to rest, explore, reset. And one tiny nation has nailed it: Qatar, the sweet spot of the stopover world. Not too long, not too short, just right.
Anyone who's flown its national carrier knows that when Qatar decides to do something, it pulls out all the stops. In this blog, we’ll look at how Qatar has developed the perfect playbook for a stopover, and how you can make the most of it.
What Is Stopover Tourism?
First, stop thinking of a stopover as just a pause between flights; think of it as a holiday within your holiday, a chance to turn your layover into a mini holiday. Lasting anything between 4 and 96 hours or more on international routes, a stopover lets you leave the airport behind and explore the city you're passing through.
Airlines and tourism boards join forces to transform that spare day into a curated experience, complete with discounted hotels, cultural excursions, and special deals. It's the perfect setup for travellers short on time but big on curiosity: no need to extend your trip or blow the budget. Just land, linger a little longer, and get a taste of somewhere unexpected along the way.
What is the Qatar Stopover Programme?
The Qatar Stopover Programme is run by Discover Qatar (the destination management division of Qatar Airways Group) in partnership with Qatar Airways. It allows travellers to book discounted hotel stays, curated tours, and cultural experiences during layovers in Doha for a small additional fee as long as their stopover is between 12 and 96 hours.
Fuelled by a surge in interest and record-breaking visitor numbers, the Qatar Stopover Programme has turned airport layovers into immersive mini-holidays. And the programme’s growth shows it’s working. In January 2025, it welcomed over 10,500 travellers, up from 6,651 during the same month in 2024. There was a 165% growth from March 2024 to January 2025, the highest since the programme was reintroduced in August 2021.
The surge in stopover bookings has also driven an uptick in hotel stays. Over 100,000 room nights were booked in the first month of 2025 alone, double the total from January the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays has played a major role in this growth by handling over a third of all stopover reservations thanks to the airline's extensive marketing presence in key global markets.
Loyalty programme members are also joining in. Around 20% of stopover bookings are now made using British Airways Avios, Qatar Airways' frequent flyer currency. A mix of other factors is driving this momentum as well. Visit Qatar's widespread promotion, combined with focused global campaigns led by Qatar Airways, has resulted in high interest from key source markets, including the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. Major contributions have also come from travel partners in South Africa, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Iran, and Australia. Qatar is clearly attracting a growing share of international travellers with offers that appeal to both leisure and business travellers. Adding to its appeal is Hamad International Airport, recently named World's Best Airport by Skytrax in 2024.
Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Discover Qatar, said,
"The Qatar Stopover Programme is at the heart of our efforts to position Qatar as a top-tier global destination, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. With the backing of Qatar Airways' global network of more than 170 destinations and our commitment to exceptional travel experiences, we've built a stopover programme that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the country's culture, luxury, and hospitality."
What to Do on a Stopover in Doha
Now that we've convinced you to make a stopover in Doha, let's sweeten the deal by laying out a guide map of sorts where you can stay, what to eat, and how to spend those precious few days. Let's start off with some must-do activities:
Soak Up the Culture: Start your Intro to culture 101 by diving into the riches at the Museum of Islamic Art, a striking architectural gem perched on its own island. Inside, you'll find centuries of Islamic art and artefacts that tell the story of a civilisation's creative evolution. Just a few minutes away, the National Museum of Qatar gives visitors a bold take on the country's past, present, and future, set inside a building shaped like a desert rose. If you want something more hands-on, try a falconry experience (it's still a revered sport here) or head out into the dunes on a desert safari. Go for the dune bashing, stay for the sunset views, and a campfire dinner under the stars.
Wander Through Souq Waqif: Lose yourself in the winding alleyways of Souq Waqif. It's a sensory overload in the best way possible: think fragrant piles of saffron and cardamom, handwoven fabrics, gold jewellery shops, and stalls sizzling with kebabs and fresh bread. Stop for a sweet mint tea and people-watch as the souq hums with life. It's an unmissable slice of old-world Qatar.
Luxe Out at The Pearl and Katara: Craving glitz and glamour? Say no more, the Pearl-Qatar delivers with its palm-lined promenades, designer boutiques, and breezy marina cafés. Then there’s Katara Cultural Village for a more artistic twist, where open-air amphitheatres, art galleries, and international restaurants create a hub of creativity and culture. Don't be surprised if you stumble upon a live performance or a pop-up exhibition. Katarara always has something going on.
Chill by the Corniche: Spend the evening at the Doha Corniche, a sweeping seven-kilometre waterfront promenade that curves along the bay. Walk beneath the swaying palm trees as the city skyline lights up at dusk, or hop on a traditional wooden dhow for a gentle cruise across the harbour. It's one of the best ways to take in the city's modern-meets-traditional charm.
What Are the Best Places to Stay in Doha?
With stays starting from just $14, travellers can choose from over 100 Doha hotels ranging from budget-friendly to five-star luxury, all bundled with exclusive offers. You can book a Qatar stopover package at properties like:
- Banana Island Resort by Anantara: A lush private island escape just a short boat ride from the city. Think overwater villas, serene beaches, and sunrise yoga with the sea at your feet.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Doha: Can you ever go wrong with the Ritz-Carlton? Polished and timeless, with grand interiors, impeccable service, and sweeping views over the marina. A top pick for those craving five-star comfort with understated elegance.
- Mondrian Doha: Dramatic, daring, and perfect for that Instagram post, this design-forward hotel is all eclectic luxury. It has a rooftop bar with skyline views and some of Doha's best nightlife vibes.
- Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels: A collection of heritage-rich stays nestled within the historic souq. Each property showcases traditional Qatari architecture but comes with all the comforts of a modern hotel, making it a perfect place to stay for travellers wanting charm, culture, and location all in one.
Packages often include airport transfers and early check-in/late checkout.
Dining Options in Doha
Nothing says great holiday like delicious local food, and it's no surprise that Doha also excels in that department. From Michelin-starred restaurants to street-side shawarma, Doha's food scene is diverse and deeply satisfying. Here are a few options that we recommend:
- Saffron Lounge: Upscale Indian dining with flair. Expect rich curries, delicate biryanis, and perfectly spiced tandoori served in a sleek, waterside setting. This is a go-to for elegant ambience.
- Yee Hwa: A local favourite for Korean BBQ and sushi. Grill tender meats tableside or tuck into fresh sashimi rolls making it ideal for a fun, flavour-packed meal with friends or solo.
- Al Mourjan (Corniche): Classic Lebanese cuisine with panoramic views of Doha's skyline. Expect mezze platters, grilled meats, and warm hospitality, all with the sea breeze as your backdrop.
- Souq Waqif Street Stalls: Nothing makes you fall in love with a place faster than the street food. The stalls at Souq Waqif are the heart and soul of Qatari street food. Wander through the market and dig into dishes like machboos (fragrant spiced rice and meat) and harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge), served hot and fresh from family-run stalls.
Getting There with British Airways Avios
Flying from London Heathrow to Doha with British Airways is easy, with multiple daily departures and solid Avios flight redemption options, especially in Premium Economy. You can use the BA reward flight Search tool to check availability. However, Business and First Class are in high demand, so it's worth setting a Reward Flight Finder (RFF) alert. If you're using Avios, you can expect off-peak return flights from 95,000 Avios plus £355 in Premium Economy, 180,000 Avios plus £475 in Business Class, or from 160,000 Avios and between £600–£800 in First Class.
Curious about how to book stopover flights? Just use your Avios to book Qatar Airways flights on the BA website, then head to Discover Qatar to add your hotel stopover and extras.
