The prime time to explore Qatar is between November and April. During these cooler months, temperatures typically range from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F), creating a lovely atmosphere for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The winter months—December through February—are particularly delightful, with average highs hovering between 20°C and 25°C. This milder climate is perfect for wandering through vibrant souqs, admiring desert landscapes, and enjoying Qatar's beautiful waterfront attractions.

In contrast, the summer months from May to September can be challenging due to extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and high humidity, especially in July and August. This is known as the off-season, which brings lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. However, outdoor activities are limited, leading most visitors to seek refuge in air-conditioned indoor attractions.

Festivals & Events

Qatar's cultural calendar is especially vibrant from November to March, aligning with the peak tourist season. Notable events for 2025 include:

January:

• Qatar Kite Festival at Old Doha Port (Jan 16–18)
• Shop Qatar shopping festival (Jan 1–Feb 1)
• Doha Marathon (Jan 17)
• Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Jan 1–Feb 1)
• Qatar International Art Festival (dates vary)

February:

• Qatar International Food Festival (dates vary)
• Doha International Book Fair (dates vary)
• Qatar Tennis Open (ATP and WTA events)

March:

• Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (dates vary)
• Qatar International Film Festival (dates vary)

Spring:

• Qatar National Sports Day (second Tuesday of February)

Autumn:

• Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix (end of November)
• FIFA Arab Cup (December)
• Doha Film Institute Screenings (ongoing events)

Summer:

• Qatar Summer Festival (June to August), featuring sales and family-friendly activities.
• Art and Culture Exhibitions at museums and galleries.

Even in summer, Qatar offers unique indoor activities, including art exhibitions and special programs at museums and malls.

Must-See Tourist Attractions

1. The Museum of Islamic Art: A stunning architectural masterpiece housing a vast collection of Islamic artifacts from around the world, set against the backdrop of the Doha Corniche.
2. Souq Waqif: A traditional market where you can find spices, textiles, handicrafts, and local cuisine. It's a vibrant place for shopping and dining.
3. Katara Cultural Village: A cultural hub featuring theaters, galleries, and restaurants, celebrating arts and culture with various events throughout the year.
4. The Pearl-Qatar: An artificial island known for luxury shopping, dining, and waterfront living, offering beautiful marina views.
5. Qatar National Museum: An architectural marvel that tells Qatar's history and heritage through immersive exhibits and installations.
6. Khor Al Adaid: Also known as the Inland Sea, this UNESCO recognized area features stunning sand dunes and is perfect for desert adventures like dune bashing and camel rides.
7. Aspire Park: A large urban park ideal for picnics, jogging, and enjoying outdoor activities, complete with a lake and beautiful landscaping.
8. Doha Corniche: A picturesque waterfront promenade perfect for walks, cycling, and enjoying views of the Doha skyline.
9. Villaggio Mall: A unique shopping experience with a Venetian theme, complete with canals and gondolas, featuring a variety of shops and restaurants.

• Al Zubara Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic fort offers insight into Qatar's past and is a great day trip from Doha.

Weather by Month

Essential Travel Tips

• Dress Code: Modesty is important—women should cover shoulders and knees, while men should avoid shorts in public, especially near religious sites.

• Cultural Respect: As a conservative Muslim country, it’s crucial to respect local customs, particularly during Ramadan when eating, drinking, or smoking in public is prohibited during daylight hours.

• Transport: Getting around is easy with taxis, rideshares, and the Doha Metro system. The Corniche is perfect for evening strolls or bike rides.

• Accommodation: Options range from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Booking in advance is highly recommended during peak season.

Quick Tips for Every Season

• Winter (Nov–Mar): Ideal for sightseeing, festivals, outdoor adventures, and camping.

• Shoulder Months (Apr, May, Oct): Generally enjoyable, but be prepared for occasional heat and sandstorms.

• Summer (Jun–Sep): Best for indoor attractions and bargains, but avoid outdoor activities during midday.

In summary, visiting Qatar from November to April offers the best weather and a rich array of festivals and events. With a unique blend of modern attractions and deep cultural traditions, there is something for every traveler year-round. Planning your visit around the weather will ensure you make the most of your trip!

Since its launch in 2013, Greece’s Golden Visa Program has emerged as one of Europe’s most affordable and attractive residence-by-investment schemes. Designed to draw foreign investors and their families, the program offers permanent residence permits in Greece in exchange for qualifying investments. Beyond securing a foothold in this picturesque Mediterranean country, holders enjoy visa-free access to the broader Schengen Area, unlocking opportunities for travel, education, and long-term settlement throughout much of Europe.

At its core, the Golden Visa grants investors the right to live in Greece without requiring them to reside there permanently. While the investment must be maintained to renew the residence permit every five years, applicants can pursue Greek citizenship after seven years of continuous residence—a compelling prospect for those seeking deeper ties to Europe.

One of the program’s key attractions is its family inclusion provision, allowing the primary applicant to include their spouse, dependent children under 21, and dependent parents from both sides, offering a pathway for entire families to benefit from the residence permit.

The program’s investment thresholds vary according to the type and location of assets. The most accessible option starts at €250,000, specifically for specialized real estate projects like restoration of listed buildings or conversion of commercial properties. For broader real estate purchases, a minimum investment of €400,000 is required for a single property of at least 120 sqm, with prime locations such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and the larger Greek islands commanding a higher threshold of €800,000.

Beyond property, the scheme includes other qualifying routes. Investors can opt for long-term lease agreements for hotels or furnished tourist residences, generally valued between €400,000 and €800,000 based on location. Financial investments are also accepted, including a €500,000 deposit in Greek credit institutions, capital contributions of the same amount in Greek companies or mutual funds, or the purchase of government bonds maturing in at least three years. Additionally, investments in listed shares, corporate bonds, or mutual funds linked to Greece range from €350,000 to €800,000.

For global investors, the program offers a wealth of benefits. Apart from visa-free travel across the Schengen zone, holders can live in Greece without mandatory minimum stays. Investment properties may be rented out, while shares in Greek companies can yield dividends, providing financial flexibility. As long as the investment is maintained, the residence permit has no expiry limit and can be renewed every five years.

Furthermore, residents gain access to Greece’s reputable education and healthcare systems, enhancing its appeal for families seeking stability and quality of life in Europe.

The application process typically involves four key steps. Prospective investors first visit Greece to select their preferred investment. They then complete their property purchase or financial transaction before submitting the application accompanied by essential documents such as passports, proof of investment, health insurance, and clean criminal records. After undergoing final verification, the residence permit is issued. Processing times can vary, with many applicants engaging legal and advisory firms to ensure compliance with all documentation requirements.

Greece’s Golden Visa Program stands out not only because of its affordability but also due to the country’s stable legal system, quality healthcare, and solid education network. Its strategic geographic location facilitates easy connections to Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a gateway for global mobility.

Today, the Greece Golden Visa remains a top choice for investors seeking residency security and enhanced mobility within Europe. With its adaptable investment options, family inclusiveness, and an inviting lifestyle, the program continues to attract applicants from around the world eager to make Greece their new home.

Starting September 1, travelers to Bali, including Kiwis, must adapt to a new customs and immigration process with the introduction of the All Indonesia declaration card. This streamlined declaration form merges the existing customs and immigration processes into one, simplifying entry procedures at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Travelers are required to complete the All Indonesia declaration online no more than 72 hours before their flight, which then generates a QR code to be presented upon arrival for immigration clearance. While the form integrates multiple procedures, it does not replace visa requirements, which must still be obtained separately.

Currently, this digital declaration system is being rolled out exclusively in Bali, with plans to extend it across all Indonesian international airports by October 1. The introduction of the All Indonesia system follows earlier changes this year, including a $15.50 (150,000 IDR) tourist levy implemented by the Bali Provincial Government to fund initiatives focused on preserving the island’s culture and natural environment.

This new approach aims to create a faster, more efficient, and user-friendly entry experience for travelers entering Bali while maintaining compliance with Indonesia’s immigration, customs, and health requirements.

Abu Dhabi is home to Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline and one of the world's top carriers, offering a travel experience that goes far beyond simply getting from point A to B. Travelers can enjoy unique perks such as a free two-night stay at luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi when booking long-haul flights with stopovers, allowing for a mini-vacation within their journey.

The stopover experience is further enhanced with a Stopover Pass that provides 15 percent discounts on major attractions and Yas Island theme parks, along with a complimentary local SIM card loaded with 10GB data for seamless connectivity.

Passengers who booked Economy tickets can bid for upgrades to Business or First Class up to four hours before departure, gaining access to fully reclining seats and gourmet meals. Loyalty members enjoy an additional bonus on miles for successful bids. The Etihad Guest loyalty program rewards travelers who reach Silver status with free access to the luxurious Etihad Lounge at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, featuring vast buffets, bars, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Staying connected in-flight is made easy with free messaging on popular apps for all loyalty members, while First Class and Platinum members enjoy complimentary full Wi-Fi. For sports fans, Etihad streams live major sporting events on longer flights, ensuring passengers don’t miss crucial matches. Lastly, the airline offers the exceptional A380 multi-room private Residence suite on select routes, featuring a bedroom with a double bed, an ensuite bathroom with a shower, a plush living room, personalized dining, and even a spa treatment at the airport.

These features, along with attentive service and innovative amenities such as pre-order shopping and the Flying Nanny childcare service, make Etihad Airways a standout choice for travelers seeking comfort, luxury, and unique experiences from their flight.

Singapore Changi Airport is widely recognized as a premier dining destination, celebrated for its extensive range of food offerings catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Unlike typical airports known for overpriced and mediocre meals, Changi has curated a compelling food experience that attracts not only travelers but also many locals who regularly visit for casual dining and family outings.

The airport features over 300 dining establishments across its terminals and the Jewel Changi Airport complex, including casual eateries, food courts replicating Singapore’s famous hawker centers, and upscale restaurants. Its culinary variety ranges from local favorites like laksa, chicken rice, and roti prata to international cuisines such as Korean bibimbap and Indian specialties, tailored to the predominant flows of travelers in each terminal. Family-friendly options like Crown Prince Kitchenette are especially popular with locals.

Changi Airport Group maintains hands-on involvement in planning food and beverage outlets, focusing on passenger flow, seating comfort, and pricing equity with popular city locales like Orchard Road. Affordable prices, such as $2 coffees, are deliberately offered alongside premium dining experiences. Jewel Changi adds a unique dimension with spacious dining venues showcasing both global brands and local favorites, fostering a vibrant gastronomic hub.

Several new restaurants have launched recently, including Claypot Daddy and Gwangjang Gaon, blending affordable meals with authentic regional flavors. Innovative concepts such as a guided food trail game enhance engagement for both visitors and locals. Airport dining also adapts to operational constraints like kitchen exhaust limitations, ensuring quality and convenience with curated menus.

With ongoing expansion plans for Terminal 5, Changi aims to further broaden its dining portfolio with larger restaurants and more diverse offerings, securing its place as a world-leading airport culinary destination that celebrates Singapore’s rich food culture while meeting the needs of global travelers.

Dubai  Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has unveiled a 60-day grace period allowing visitors with expired visit visas to leave the country legally without facing penalties. The initiative, which took effect on July 26, 2025 (1 Safar 1447 AH), applies to all categories of visit visas, including tourist, family, business, Umrah, and transit visas that have expired.

This window offers a final opportunity for eligible visitors to extend their visas solely for the purpose of a lawful exit from the Kingdom. Visitors are urged to settle any outstanding fines or fees through official channels using the “Sadad” payment system before completing the visa extension and departure process.

The move reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to providing flexible, humanitarian, and administrative solutions to residency violations, aiming to facilitate smooth and compliant departures for overstaying visitors without imposing additional burdens. Authorities called on affected individuals to act promptly within the 60-day timeframe to avoid legal repercussions and regularize their status through organized procedures.

This significant extension builds upon an earlier 30-day grace period initiated in June 2025, reinforcing the Kingdom’s efforts to streamline residency compliance amid growing travel demands. Visitors must use the Ministry of Interior’s “Absher” platform to apply for the extension and finalize their exit arrangements within the designated period. Failure to comply may result in fines or legal consequences.

This updated grace period is expected to alleviate pressure on both visitors and authorities, promoting orderly exits and maintaining Saudi Arabia’s image as a visitor-friendly destination.