Al Wakrah, Qatar 🇶🇦
#1088
25.156662, 51.601321
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Al Wakrah is a coastal city located in the southern part of Qatar, serving as a significant maritime hub. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 36,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 QAR ≈ 0.27 USD; several international banks operate including Qatar National Bank and Doha Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Ooredoo and Vodafone are the leading mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely; local banks like QNB offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, hotels, and rental homes on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms such as Airbnb and Stay Qatari offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Oryx Rotana and affordable guesthouses are available in the area. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Al Waha Coworking Space offers amenities like high-speed internet and private meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 999 and Starbucks are popular work-friendly cafes in Al Wakrah. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events frequently hosted by the Qatar-based Businesswomen’s Association. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups organized through Facebook groups like 'Qatar Expats'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is popular for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; however, bikes are available for rent from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Wakrah Beach is the most accessible beach, located just 5 minutes from central Al Wakrah. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Qatar Airways is the national carrier with excellent regional connectivity. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways provides flights to numerous global destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E-rings and Salwa Road provide good access to the city and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Al Wakrah does not have a train station but is accessible via public buses. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is provided by Mowasalat with options for single and multiple journey passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Al Wakrah with Doha and other parts of Qatar frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al Wakrah Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Qatar Fitness offers yoga and fitness classes tailored for expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Al Wakrah Health Club are popular gym options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | 24-hour laundries are available throughout the city, such as Al Wakrah Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are the leading food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Machboos (spiced rice with meat and vegetables) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Salad Boutique offers a diverse range of healthy plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolate Bar and Sugar & Spice are popular for sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Central Market in Al Wakrah offers various food items at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now part of Amazon) is a popular online shopping platform in Qatar. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Monoprix and Lulu Hypermarket provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | While Al Wakrah is quieter, local hotels have bars with occasional events. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is largely served in licensed venues; beer can be found in some hotels. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; wine is available primarily through hotel bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the Al Wakrah Souq for local street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many international restaurants, including fast food options, can be found throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Al Wakrah Heritage Village showcases traditional Qatari architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The nearby Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is highly recommended. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Al Wakrah Fort offers a glimpse into the region's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al Wakrah Mosque is notable for its unique design and community importance. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Qatar International Boat Show and various cultural festivals are held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the Al Wakrah Souq for local crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Katara Cultural Village in nearby Doha holds various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Al Wakrah Souq is a bustling market featuring traditional goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Limited live music; check hotel venues for occasional performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Modern art can be found throughout the city, particularly in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cultural cooking classes available through local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries within Doha, such as the Fire Station. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The city's traditional buildings are a part of its charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional maritime culture still influences local customs and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wakrah Coastal Park provides recreational opportunities by the sea. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Reem Nature Reserve is about an hour’s drive from Al Wakrah. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Al Wakrah Corniche are suitable for walking and jogging. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Beautiful views can be found along the waterfront promenade. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mangroves in the Al Wakrah area attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Al Wakrah Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex offer reliable delivery services in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Quick Tech provides mobile and electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers and gyms often have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Educational Centre in Al Wakrah offers language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available in nearby Doha. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Al Wakrah Sports Club hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; some cafes offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not permitted in Qatar. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. QAR 9,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = QAR 360,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. QAR 7,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = QAR 280,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. QAR 8,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = QAR 480,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. QAR 6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = QAR 390,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. QAR 7,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = QAR 600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. QAR 6,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = QAR 480,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% on profits for companies in Qatar. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for qualifying foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax in Qatar. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | N/A as there is no income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT applies to goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable in Qatar. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax; however, service charges apply in some areas. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2-5% of the property value. |