Explore Places To Visit Near Qatar That Offer Culture, Nature, And A Change Of Scenery

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, an iconic ancient places to visit near Qatar for history.

Qatar is ideally situated in the heart of the Middle East, making it easy to take a short flight and visit nearby countries. There truly are endless possibilities when it comes to places to visit near Qatar, offering everything from cultural and heritage experiences to natural beauty and modern attractions. Just a short flight away, you could be wandering the ancient ruins of an incredible heritage site, enjoying the endless stretches of unimagined pristine beaches, or dining and shopping in some of the most amazing cities in the world.

10 Places To Visit Near Qatar

Places to visit near Qatar include a variety of cultural, historical, and scenic destinations due to the great diversity that is only one short flight away.

1. United Arab Emirates

Yas Island with beautiful sandy beaches, one of the relaxing places to visit near Qatar.

Photo: Amein Shareef77 / Unsplash

One of the most available and lively destinations close to Qatar is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a combination of modern futuristic experiences and ancient traditions. Dubai is known as the city of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah, as well as desert safari, dhow ride, and international food. Abu Dhabi is counterbalanced by the glorious Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World in Yas Island. To have a more cultural visit, Sharjah has museums and heritage, whereas Ras Al Khaimah is an excellent place to visit mountains and beach resorts.

Visa: Visa-free for Qatari citizens
Top Attractions: Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island

2. Oman

Rocky river gorge with turquoise water pools surrounded by lush green palm trees.

Photo: Richard Bartz / Wikimedia Commons

Oman is a beautiful and calm destination that is among the best places to see near Qatar and is ideal when one wants to embrace nature and explore heritage, and adventure. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House and the Mutrah Souq in Muscat to get the first impression of Omani culture. There is nothing like the emerald seawater pools and canyoning exploration at Wadi Shab or the fantastic mountain views and refreshingly cool climate available at Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams to see the mountains of ants as dreamed of by a nature lover.

Visa: eVisa available
Top Attractions: Wadi Shab, Muscat, Jebel Akhdar, Salalah

3. Bahrain

Manama Bahrain with waterfront city views, one of the scenic places to visit near Qatar.

Photo: Abdelrahman Ismail / Unsplash

Bahrain is one of the most culturally rich tourist attractions near Qatar. It is also small in size and thus easily navigated on a short trip. The Bahrain National Museum is one of the tourist attractions in Manama, where visitors can view the 5000-year-old history of the island. Visit the UNESCO-recognised Bahrain Fort, have a walk along its Manama Corniche, or visit its bustling Bab Al Bahrain souq. To get a touch of modernity, go to the upscale restaurants and entertainment in The Avenues Bahrain or Amwaj Islands. Motorsport enthusiasts in the Gulf also come to see the Bahrain Grand Prix annually.

Visa: Visa on arrival/eVisa
Top Attractions: Bahrain Fort, Manama Souq, Amwaj Islands

4. Saudi Arabia

Traditional mud-brick village with narrow alleys, wooden doors, and historic architecture.

Photo: Abdulrhman Alkhnaifer / Unsplash

Saudi Arabia is fast becoming quite an interesting tourist destination, with the ability to visit the place enabling tourists to have a unique experience of old countryside, rich culture, and contemporary change. Visit Kingdom Centre Tower and National Museum Riyadh, or spend a day trip at the Edge of the World. Jeddah is a city of history and coastline that can boast the old city of Al-Balad and the Red Sea Corniche. To really have an iconic experience, visit AlUla to see the breathtaking rock-cut tombs of Hegra that house the first Saudi Arabian UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visa: eVisa available
Top Attractions: AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah, Edge of the World

5. Kuwait

Sheikh Jaber Bridge with rocky shore in foreground, one of the iconic places to visit near Qatar.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

As one of the places to visit near Qatar, Kuwait is a more traditional Gulf region that provides its visitors with a quieter and calmer experience. The panoramic views of the coast can be observed in the city of Kuwait from the Kuwait Towers. Visit the Tareq Rajab Museum, as Islamic art and pieces are hard to find, or walk through the Grand Mosque, the most beautiful one nearby. The promenade at the waterfront of Arabian Gulf Street is ideal for enjoying a walk, and Souq Al-Mubarakiya will enable you to see a vivid assortment of spices, sweets, and handicrafts.

Visa: eVisa for most nationalities
Top Attractions: Kuwait Towers, Grand Mosque, Souq Al-Mubarakiya

6. Jordan

Vast desert landscape of Wadi Rum, Jordan, with towering sandstone rock formations.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Another remarkable destination to visit near Qatar is Jordan because it is a country that combines historical surprises and scenery. The rose-red city of Petra was built out of rock; it is the jewel of the country and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Soar above the mineral-laden waters of the Dead Sea or pitch camp under the star-filled deserts of Wadi Rum. Its capital, Amman, has a mixture of contemporary lifestyle coupled with the Roman ruins, colourful souks, and traditional cuisine. Do not miss such attractions as the Greco-Roman city, very well preserved in Jerash or Mount Nebo, which are associated with biblical history.

Visa: Visa on arrival/eVisa
Top Attractions: Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Amman

7. Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza with desert sands and clear skies, stunning places to visit near Qatar.

Photo: Ricardo Liberto / Wikimedia Commons

If you are near Qatar, Egypt is one of the most culturally rich and visually stunning destinations to visit. Focusing your attention on ancient civilisations in Egypt and the visual experiences found with nature, you can enjoy a wide array of activities. In Cairo, you can see the Great Pyramids of Giza and tour the Egyptian Museum, filled with thousands of attractions. You can cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and visit impressive temples such as Karnak and Philae. If your focus is on going to the beach, you can visit the Red Sea resorts at Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada, filled with stunning blue waters, coral reefs, and exquisite resorts.

Visa: eVisa for most nationalities
Top Attractions: Pyramids of Giza, Nile Cruise, Sharm El Sheikh, Egyptian Museum

8. Turkey

Ortahisar Castle in Cappadocia, Turkey, is carved into a tall, rugged rock formation.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most diverse, culturally rich destinations to visit because it combines the East and the West through continents-spanning landscapes and sceneries, Turkey stands out as one of the most diverse places to visit near Qatar. Begin at Istanbul where the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar bear the testimony of Ottoman and Byzantine history of centuries. Visit Cappadocia, with its hot air ballooning over its otherworldly hoodoo-like land masses, or lie on the blue waters of the Antalya and Bodrum beaches. Archaeologically amazing and natural sites include Ephesus and Pamukkale.

Visa: eVisa for many nationalities
Top Attractions: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Antalya

9. Georgia

Jvari Monastery on a rocky hilltop with mountain views, amongst the historic places to visit near Qatar.

Photo: Alexxx1979 / Wikimedia Commons

The multilateral combination of picturesque scenery, medieval history, and cosy hospitality makes Georgia one of the most popular destinations among attractions near Qatar. The capital, Tbilisi, is an attractive city that mingles cobblestoned streets, sulfur baths and diverse architecture. Go to the wine region of Kakheti, where you can visit vineyards and get wine-tasting done, or visit Kazbegi to hike and admire the beautiful scenery of Mount Kazbek. Georgia is very old, with the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe and UNESCO registration of the town of Mtskheta.

Visa: Visa-free for GCC residents
Top Attractions: Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Kakheti, Mtskheta

10. Armenia

Lori Berd fortress in Armenia sits on a grassy plateau, surrounded by ancient stone ruins.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Armenia is a well-kept secret and an eligible destination on the trip to the neighbouring countries near Qatar, as it is one of the most cultured and spiritual destinations, capable of offering extraordinary natural mountainous scenery. The capital of Armenia is Yerevan, which incorporates the Soviet charm into the richness and vibrancy of the capital with interesting cafes, art galleries, and historic sites such as the Cascade Complex and the Republic Square. On the outskirts of the city, you can see the pagan Temple of Garni and the Monastery of Geghard in a precipitous position, one of the UNESCO monuments of the world heritage sites. Lake Sevan provides a gentle getaway with turquoise-toned waters and medieval churches.

Visa: Visa-free or eVisa for many
Top Attractions: Yerevan, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lake Sevan

Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, luxury, or culture, the places to visit near Qatar offer something for every traveller. From spontaneous weekend getaways to family holidays, options abound. Many destinations offer visas on arrival or eVisas, and some are just an hour’s flight away. From Oman’s rugged mountains to Jordan’s ancient wonders, your journey begins here. Explore beyond Qatar with TripXL for unforgettable travel memories.

Cover Photo: Joshua Michaels / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

The nature admirer will find Oman’s amazing wadis and mountains, Jordan’s Wadi Rum and Dead Sea, and hiking trails in Kazbegi showcase plenty of breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor activities can provide many visits all in no more than a few hours' flights with Qatar as home.
Egypt and Jordan have a wealth of history and culture to experience. Visit landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, Petra and archaeological sites, while vibrant markets and traditional foods reveal centuries’ worth of culture.
Yes, countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Jordan offer good, cheap options. You can find cheaper accommodations, local food, and cheap attractions to visit, making them great options for travellers with little money to spend on their travels.
Yes, Qatar Airways and other airlines provide direct flights to most regional destinations. Countries like UAE, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Georgia, whether or not you are leaving Qatar for business or pleasure, are just a flight away. Most flights range from 1 to 4 hours.
The UAE's Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Egypt's Red Sea resorts in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are great options for those looking to get some sun, chill by the beach, and enjoy clear water, luxury resorts and water sports.

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