What is acceptable to wear for a female walking around Doha?

[Usernamen]

Hi everyone,

I’ve got a long layover in Doha (almost 12 hours, during the day) and I was planning to leave the airport and explore a little.

What are the do’s and don’ts? In terms of what to wear, where to go (as a solo female), whether taxis are safe, and any other tips 😊

The other question I have is, what does one wear to the gym in Doha? I am planning to do an exercise class at a studio (so not an open gym) and I was wondering whether I can wear short sleeves/a vest for this? Would shorts be acceptable or should I stick to leggings?

Thanks in advance!

Do taxi drivers accept US dollars/take cards, or should I bring some local currency with me?

I've passed through Doha airport many times but never left the airport. TBH as a woman the place gives me the creeps and I'd be extremely reluctant to do anything other than pass through as quickly as possible. When landing and taking off - even very early morning - they always mention the temperature and it's invariably c40c! And all you can see is flat desolate looking desert. Doesn't appeal to me at all.

Based on what I've seen locals wearing in the airport I'd suggest very modest clothing and covering your head will be mandatory. Where is the exercise class happening?

Can't help with much else other than taxis only take local currency and when I last visited it was cash only. You should be able to change some at the airport, I think tipping a small amount for the driver is also customary.

I'd stay in the airport if in a place where you need to ask 'what's acceptable for a woman to walk around in..'

Are you sure covering your head is mandatory in Doha?

I know there is a growing expat community there - do all the women really wear headscarves etc.?

The gym class is in an exercise studio in central Doha. Classes are mixed, and judging from the reviews, it’s mainly aimed at the expat community.

Surely there are lots of places where one might need to consider local customs around how to dress? For example, when I went to Cairo, I didn’t wear short shorts, which is what I would wear at home in 40 degree heat.

It's not Egypt which in reality isn't much better. Qatar is a nation where women live under male guardianship and have few rights, if any. Recent endorsements and ad campaigns have obviously worked. Qatar Preventive Security Department forces can arrest and imprison gay or suspected gay people and women are not valued, foreign women treated differently but personally I would not leave the airport! Hopefully it is safe for you.

You don’t need to cover your head 😂 keep your shoulders and knees covered - linen trousers and a cool top - and enjoy your layover. Most places take cards, but check the machine’s working before you get into a cab. No idea about gym wear (I’m an unfit fatty 😂) but I’m sure whatever you would wear at home will be fine.

I’m muslim and don’t cover my hair. Been to Doha a lot. The only place I covered my hair was at the mosque. I’d say it’s more conservative than Dubai so definitely have full leg and arm coverage and no low cleavage. Having said that I was sat in a mall once and saw a woman come out of the car park and go to the gym wearing short shorts and a sports bra.

Money wise you’d definitely need Qatari money.

Highly recommend their Islamic Arts museum.

Thanks for clarifying that I don’t need to cover my head!

In terms of being covered - are western clothes okay to wear? Like jeans and a top? Or does it need to be more like the flowy dress things that locals wear?

I just wore wide leg trousers (because it was hot and they were cooler) and a bum covering top. Going to the airport I wore skinny jeans, and a long sleeved shirt.

I’ve stayed in Doha for a couple of weeks and it was fine. There is a weird atmosphere imo but it feels very safe. You definitely don’t have to cover your hair! 😂

I caught taxis alone and felt safe and protected as a lone woman. Everything is very clean. They want Doha to be seen as a world class city, not somewhere that westerners should be afraid of. The museum was nice, mostly Persian art which is beautiful.

I never visited a gym but I would go for leggings over shorts. In general you should cover your shoulders and I wore knee length or below skirts or cropped trousers. Short sleeves is fine. Jeans and a top is fine. You really don’t have to overthink it, just don’t wear anything revealing.

Get some lightweight, loose fitting full length trousers. You will boil in jeans! M&S, monsoon, white stuff will have some like this.

On top, a linen shirt is a good idea. 40C is hot, but air con is cold, so make sure you have a cardigan to hand!

If the gym is mixed and geared towards expats then wear ordinary gym wear. Unless your usual wear is a thong and bikini top you'll be fine.
Do not wear jeans outside, it will be far too hot! I'd cover to elbows and below knee out of respect. It's a very safe country, install uber on your phone and use that for extra peace of mind.

To be respectful you should cover your shoulders and knees. Today I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt but have only been to the mall. It would be too hot to walk around outside wearing jeans. I tend to wear short sleeve, just below knee length dresses or leggings during the day if I'll be outside. Definitely no need to cover your hair. No idea about gym attire though as I've never been to a class.

It probably depends exactly on the time of day you will be here and also the month. If it's during the day anytime soon, it's still very hot and you probably won't want to spend much time outside in which case The national museum is nice. The Museum of Islamic Arts is also a lovely building and has great views.

Msheireb has nice coffee shops and is a nice area to walk around. Same goes for Katara although that's slightly further away so depends where your gym class is and how much travelling around you want to do.

In the afternoon when it's a little bit cooler you could walk around the Souq.

You can use Uber to travel around so that you don't need to use cash.

Thank you all so much for the tips!

I will definitely use Uber where I can.

Exercise studio is opposite the Marriott city centre hotel on Omar Al Mukhtar street, if annoying is familiar with the area? It looks like there are cafes and restaurants around for me to grab some food.

I will be in Doha for approx. 12 hours from 6am to 6pm - I think it makes sense to try to see some of it.

There’s an Irish pub called ‘Shamrock Tavern’ around the corner with decent reviews so I may camp there for a bit if it’s too hot to walk around!

Or just take embarrassingly short Uber trips around / hire a driver.

A lot of hotels in the area have day rates, so you could pay their day fee, get a room, have a shower, use their pool and hotel food facilities etc. Many, for a flat fee, will also include airport transfers too.

I just wore a maxi dress with capped sleeves. Also had a thin scarf to cover my shoulders/tops of arms. Definitely don't need to cover your head. There were tourists walking around in shorts/strappy tops when I was there, but I personally wouldn't feel comfortable like that. Don't know about the gym but I would go for the more modest approach... or just get some exercise by walking that day.