Suburbs To Live In Qatar: The Best Localities In The Country

Qatar is home to 2,940,592 residents (as of 2021 data) with 80-90% of the population. Living in Qatar opens up great opportunities to work and stay in a safer country, blessed with friendly neighbors and a safe environment. Being a small country, Qatar has a limited land area, but the high-tech infrastructure and exclusive skyscrapers have added more value to its impressive architecture, offering perfect space for rentals. There are many suburbs to live in Qatar, offering quality accommodation and friendly neighbors for a healthy living in the country.

8 Best Areas In Qatar For Expats to Reside

If you are planning to move to Qatar, the country has some notable localities offering every facility for your convenience. While there are cities that are still developing, some are far from any human approach and there are localities on the verge of being developed. Check out these areas in the country to choose your neighborhood.

1. Al Jasra, Doha

Al Jasra in Qatar is popular for its historic sites, rich heritage, and vintage aura. Perched far from the skyscrapers, the modern architecture, malls, and fancy living, Al Jasra is the best locality in Doha Qatar for staying close to the culture.

The district is famous among the tourists as it houses attractions, defining every nitty-gritty of Qatar's history and tradition. The attractions like Souq Waqif, Falcon Hospital, the Souq Waqif Horse Stables, Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre, Waqif Art Centre, Al Koot Fort, and Pearl Monument are located at a walking distance. Souq Waqif is one of the most popular attractions in Qatar, one can visit for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. There is a sense of solitude and calmness in the ambiance, which makes it an excellent suburban area in Qatar for tourists and expats. There are traditional restaurants and fancy cafes too, where you can relish the diverse taste.

Distance from International Airport: 16 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Argan, The Drawing Room, Al Jasra Restaurant, Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge

Best Hotels: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel, The Curve Hotel

2. West Bay, Doha

West Bay is among the most elite localities in Qatar, known for its diplomat buildings, towers, and impressive architecture. This district in Doha is famous among the expats for business meets and official trips. The population here includes the majority of diplomats and families belonging to a higher status. The skyscraper of West Bay is an integral part of the Doha skyline, magnifying the aesthetic beauty of the city. There is quality designing planned for the construction of foreign embassies, government headquarters, and ministries.

The waterfront region of West Bay lagoon is perfect for leisure walks and admiring the beauty of Corniche. There are parks, restaurants and a number of luxury hotels. One can also find rental apartments and villas to stay in Qatar at the West Bay. This Doha district offers the best entertainment and luxury to all, which makes it one of the best suburbs to live in Qatar.

Distance from International Airport: 24 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Hakkasan, Belgian Cafe, Outback Steakhouse, Isaan, Wagamama

Best Hotels: Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas, St. Regis, InterContinental Doha

Suggested Read: West Bay Qatar: An Insight Into The Most Popular Spot In Doha

3. The Pearl Qatar

With its Mediterranean look and design, there are residential societies with spacious accommodating units, facilities for convenient living, and luxury to meet every leisure demand. The Pearl Qatar is one of the most luxurious artificial islands and a pristine area to stay in Qatar. The island boasts of 5-star hotels and resorts, rental apartments, and waterfront villas, offering a lavish neighborhood to reside in. The island has a staggering 25,000 residential units for the natives and foreign nationals to purchase.

There are classic dining restaurants, cafes, shopping complexes, and entertainment centers to boost tourism and offer a perfect leisure spot for a staycation in Qatar. Nightlife here is quite impressive, so if you are a party person, the Pearl Qatar is the best district to stay in Qatar. The Porto Arabia, Costa Malza, Abraj Quartier, Giardino Village, Isola Dana, Perlita Gardens, Medina Centrale, VIVA Bahriya, and Qanat Quartier are some popular localities for living in Doha, where you can get adopt a lavish lifestyle.

Distance from International Airport: 34 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Ginger Club, The Yellow Chili, The Drawing Room Café, Volume Café, Nandos

Best Hotels: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Hilton Doha, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

4. Al Thumama, Al Wakra

Al Thumama in Al Wakra has gained much popularity for the Amir Cup Final 2021. This district in the Al Wakra city is still undergoing much development to be prepared for the upcoming FIFA 2022. This is also one of the five sites that were sponsored by the government for a reservoir in Qatar.

The history states that Al Thumma is one of the primarily residential districts to stay in Qatar, where the majority population belongs to Qatar and Arab expatriates. The district is also well connected with other cities via road, opening every possibility to commute to and from.

For now, the Al Thumama Stadium is a primary attraction, which is a proposed venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The stadium is designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Jaidah, holding space for 40,000 spectators. More hotels will be built along the venue to accommodate more than thousands of tourists.

Distance from International Airport: 14 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Naanaa Restaurant, Crack Café, AMP Coffee, Nujoom Layali Istanbul Restaurant

Best Hotels: Time Rako Hotel, Addar Hotel, Strato Hotel by Warwick Doha

5. The Lusail City, Doha

The futuristic city in Qatar, the Lusail city, is one of the best suburban areas in Doha Qatar, to spend a luxurious life. The city is undergoing a futuristic development that will enhance the lifestyle of people. While the project is dedicated to making Lusail a host town for FIFA 2022, it holds a longer vision to boost tourism and offer luxury living to the expats. This futuristic city will have the best hotels, malls, and entertainment centers for visitants.

The entertainment city in Lusail is one of the best regions since it got ready to welcome the visitors. The project includes the plan of having multiple venues like retail, hotels, office space, and more. Even the housing space will have spacious villas and apartments to rent or buy. Qetaifan Island is another highlight of this Suburb to live in Qatar. The island will offer you the best accommodation unit featuring the best amenities.

Distance from International Airport: 36 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Lusail Marina Food Cart, My Apple Restaurant Lusail, Tawle Lebanese Eatery

Best Hotels: Cielo Hotel Lusail, Mondrian Doha, Grand Hyatt Hotel

Suggested Read: Lusail Marina Promenade: Explore This Innovative Initiative By Qatari Diar

6. Msheireb Downtown Doha

A prominent commercial hub in Doha, Msheireb Downtown is one sustainable development project that has transformed living in Qatar. The city exhibits an architectural pattern with modern technology, spacious accommodation, and facilities like retail centers, shops, restaurants, and more.

The Downtown was established in 2010, since then, the development of the city is continuing with more than 100 residential buildings featuring 3 to 30 storeys. There are famous and iconic landmarks like Msheireb Museums where you can experience vintage beauty and history.

Staying in the Downtown region in Doha, Qatar, can be the most luxuriating experience as there are the best hotels featuring every comfort. From restaurants to pools, spacious and well-equipped rooms, and the hotels here have listed facilities you need to make it a leisurely stay in Doha. Moreover, there is a TRAMS facility that makes commuting easy in the area.

Distance from International Airport: 20 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Le Colonial, Infinity Rooftop Lounge, Baraha Lounge, Saasna Restaurant, Cacao 70

Best Hotels: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Park Hyatt Doha, Musherib Hotel, The Town Hotel Doha

7. Al Rayyan

Housing several attractions in Doha, Al Rayyan is the most popular city and suburb to live in Qatar. The area houses a majority of the population and has listed top facilities to offer convenient living. This is a part of the Metropolitan Doha area and occupies the entire eastern region of Doha, Qatar. This is probably one of the largest municipalities in the country. Al Rayyan is bordered by five municipalities: Umm Salal to the northeast, Al-Shahaniya to the west, Doha to the east, and Al Wakrah to the southeast.

Tourists or expats living in Doha can wander around to find the best shopping spots, rental apartments, hotels, and restaurants. The close distance to neighboring prominent districts in Qatar makes it a place to settle in the country. Attractions like the National Museum of Qatar and Education City are located in the region.

Distance from International Airport: 29 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Biryani Express, Al Bait Al Kuwaiti, Afghan Brothers Restaurant, Indian Hyderabadi Spices

Best Hotels: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, Millennium Plaza Doha, Strato Hotel by Warwick, Kingsgate Hotel Doha

Suggested Read: Al Rayyan Stadium Qatar: A FIFA World Cup Venue In The Cultural Hamlet Of The Country

8. Al Khor

Located in Al Khor city, the Al Khor Municipality is located on the northeast coast of Qatar. Al Khor is one of the most famous attractions in Qatar that is around 50 kilometers from Doha. Lying on the peninsula, it was once the pearl and fishing hub in Qatar, but today, this is a developed city offering you a quiet and elegant place to stay in Qatar.

There isn't as much fame and luxury as Doha, but Al Khor o has the beauty of Qatari history and tradition. There are malls and entertainment centers that attract travelers to discover the rich and diverse culture. Hotels are limited to the region, but you can surely plan a weekend break for a luxury stay. For home rentals and buying property, there are many projects under construction, adding more space to this suburb in Qatar.

Distance from International Airport: 57 minutes from Hamad International Airport

Best dining spots: Panoor Restaurant, Rotana restaurant, a Turkish restaurant, Papa John's, Vasanta Bhavan

Best Hotels: Al Sultan Beach Resort, Al Khor Villas, Simaisma a Murwab Resort

Qatar opens every possibility for expats to settle in Qatar and stay at the best locality. Choose from the best suburbs to live in Qatar where there is luxury, leisure, and facilities. These regions have malls, shopping markets, rental apartments, and other features that can make your stay comfortable and convenient. Qatar has gained much popularity among tourists due to its culture and architecture, history, and enriching tradition. There are flights to Qatar available from every major country in the world to Hamad International airport. So, without a delay get your visa and fly off to this culturally rich land in the Middle East.  

FAQs