For decades, most Indians traveled to the Middle Eastern or the Gulf region for better work prospects, for a better life. But over the last few years, many Indians have added these Middle Eastern destinations in their travel itinerary. Dubai and Qatar are usually on the top of this list. While Dubai is an emirate of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar is a country next to the UAE. Dubai and Qatar have a lot of similarities, one being that both have a large Indian expat community. But you are in a dilemma about Dubai vs. Qatar, it could be a tough choice. Here we compare different parameters of Dubai and Qatar to know which would be the best holiday destination for Indian tourists.
Best Time to Visit from India
As both Dubai and Qatar are in Middle East Asia, they have similar climates, and the best period to visit either of them is almost the same.
Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai from India is between November and March, which is winter in the city. The temperature in Dubai during these months is somewhere between 15-degree C to 25-degree C. As the weather is pleasant, you can spend maximum time exploring the outdoor attractions, which is almost impossible during the summer months. Moreover, several seasonal attractions open in Dubai during the winter months.
Qatar
November to early April is winter in Qatar and the best time to visit the place. The temperature during this month fluctuates between 17-degree C to 25-degree C. Day time weather in Qatar during these months is agreeable, making exploring and sightseeing a delight. Qatar also has interesting events and festivals during this time of the year, ensuring that it is an ideal time to visit the country.
Visa Process for Indian Citizens
Indian tourists need a visa to visit both Qatar and Dubai (UAE). Here is the visa process for each one of them.
Dubai
Indian passport holders are eligible for Dubai evisa. This means that the entire process is done online. You need to submit soft copies of your passport (minimum six months validity) and other supporting documents to get this visa. With this evisa, you can stay in Dubai for 30 days or 90 days. Once you submit your application, you will get your Dubai visa in your email within 3-4 business days.
Qatar
Qatar offers a free visa-on-arrival to Indian tourists. Indians do not have to apply for this visa in advance. Indian nationals must produce their passport with a minimum six months’ validity, confirmed return tickets, confirmed hotel reservations, and travel insurance to be eligible for visa on arrival. With this visa, you can explore the country for 30 days.
Food Options for Indian Travelers
As an Indian tourist, neither Dubai nor Qatar would disappoint you in terms of food. Both places give you the chance to enjoy Indian cuisine along with local and global delicacies.
Dubai
Dubai is a city that celebrates global cuisine. You will find restaurants from all over the world here. Indian restaurants are at the forefront here. There are both fine dining and casual dining Indian restaurants in Dubai. Some of the high-end Indian restaurants in Dubai are Indego by Vineet, Rang Mahal, Gharana, etc. Apart from these, you will also find budget-friendly Indian eateries at places like Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai, and Karama areas of the city. South Indian restaurants are highly popular here.
The best part is that Dubai has a wide variety of vegetarian eateries as well. Moreover, there is also the Emirati food to try. Some of the Emirati delicacies you must try here are Al Harees, Madrouba, Al Machboos, Luqaimat, Khameer Bread, Balaleet, Refad Bread, Thareed, etc. Shawarma is something you must definitely try in Dubai.
Qatar
You will find Qatar’s food scene to be more local and traditional as compared to Dubai. Most of the traditional dishes are similar to Emirati and other cuisines of the Gulf region. Shawarma, Saloona, Harees, Machboos, Falafel, Balaleet, Kunafa, Luqaimat, Khubz, etc., are some of the Qatari dishes that you must try. There are several fusion restaurants in Qatar that offer a modern twist to the local delicacies. Apart from fusion restaurants, the cafe scene is also growing in Dubai.
Indian restaurants are also available in Qatar. Jamavar Doha, Kailash Parbat, Asha’s Bikanerwala Restaurant and Sweets, and Sarhad Premium Restaurant, The Curry House, and Rasa Doha are a few of the options. Vegetarian restaurants are also available in Qatar, although there are not too many as compared to Dubai. Also, the vegetarian restaurants are not easily accessible outside the city of Doha.
Tourist Attractions: What You Will See?
There are plenty of tourist attractions in Dubai and Qatar. While Dubai’s attractions are more inclined towards fun and entertainment, Qatar is known more for its cultural attractions like museums.
Dubai
Dubai is a paradise for tourists, as there is so much to see and do here. Apart from exploring architectural marvels, Dubai also has numerous entertainment avenues like amusement parks and shopping malls. There are several Dubai tour packages that you can choose as per the places you want to see.
-  Burj Khalifa: A visit to Dubai is your chance to see the world’s tallest building. The observation decks here will give you an uninterrupted, panoramic view of the whole city.
- Â Dubai Mall: The largest mall in the UAE is not just about shopping. It has some of the best attractions in the city, including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania Dubai, Play DXB Dubai, and more.
- Â IMG Worlds of Adventures: This is the biggest indoor theme park in the world. Consisting of six different zones, the IMG Worlds offers thrilling rides, dynamic zones, and an array of dining and retail options.
- Â Desert Safari: The ultimate tourist experience, the desert safari is all about adventures and entertainment. You get to enjoy dune bashing and camel riding as well as amazing shows and performances here.
- Â Dhow Cruise: Get the chance to dine on a traditional dhow that has been turned into a gourmet restaurant as you sail on the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. The dhow cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy a relaxing and entertaining evening.
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Featured Qatar
The major tourist attraction in Qatar is its capital Doha. The city has a beautiful mix of cultural and modern attractions.
- National Museum of Qatar: Learn about the history and evolution of Qatar, right from the pre-historic times to the modern era. This interactive museum is home to numerous archeological and historic exhibits.
- Â Katara Cultural Village: A cultural and commercial complex in Doha, Katara Cultural Village houses an open amphitheater and multi-purpose halls that hold cultural events, exhibitions, festivals, and more.
-  The Pearl-Qatar: To glimpse into the modern side of the country, a visit to The Pearl-Qatar is a must. It is Qatar’s first artificial island that is filled with classy skyscrapers, high-end retail stores, beautiful boardwalk, and luxury yachts.
-  Al Zubarah: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah is the largest archeological site in Qatar. It is an ancient village that gives you an insight into the country’s pearl diving history. Here you will get to see the Zubarah Fort, old residential palaces, mosques, and markets.
- Â Museum of Islamic Art: The Museum of Islamic Art will give you the chance to know about Islam through its art that has been collected over 1400 years. While the exhibits inside the museum are interesting, the building itself is no less than an architectural masterpiece.
Shopping Experiences: Dubai vs. Qatar
No holiday would be complete without a shopping trip, and neither Dubai nor Qatar would disappoint you in this regard.
Dubai
Dubai is known to be one of the best shopping destinations in the world. After all, it is the city that hosts the biggest shopping festival every year – the Dubai Shopping Festival. In Dubai, you can enjoy different types of shopping experiences. On the one hand, there are larger-than-life shopping malls, where you can buy stuff from all the known international brands. Then there are the souks or the traditional markets where you can shop for gold jewelry, spices, perfumes, textiles, and souvenirs. There are also shopping areas that bring together the comfort of the shopping mall and the vibe of the souks. Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Gold Souk, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Outlet Mall, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and Global Village Dubai are some of the best shopping places in the city.
Qatar
Just like Dubai, Qatar has a good shopping scene as well. Here too you will find a combination of modern shopping malls and traditional markets or souks. Souq Waqif is one of the most important marketplaces in Qatar. The place will give you a glimpse into the heritage of Qatar. This is the best place to buy local handicrafts, traditional garments, souvenirs, and spices. If you want to enjoy a luxurious shopping experience with a traditional vibe, Al-Hazm is the place for you. In case you want to explore the shopping malls of Qatar, Lagoona Mall, Villaggio Mall, Mirqab Mall, Gulf Mall, and Mall of Qatar are some of the choices you have.
It can be said that both expensive, luxury products and inexpensive products are available in both Dubai and Qatar.
Entertainment and Nightlife
When it comes to entertainment and nightlife, Dubai is a clear winner. But it does not mean that Qatar is far behind. There are different entertainment and nightlife avenues in Dubai and Qatar.
Dubai
Dubai has a vibrant nightlife, with an array of nightclubs, beach bars, and lounges available for your entertainment. The city hosts some of the most celebrated DJs from around the world, mostly during special events. Some of the best bars and nightclubs here are Bliss Lounge, Bla Bla Dubai, Bling, O Dubai, Club One Dubai, and more. For cultural performances, there is the Dubai Opera, which hosts Broadway shows and musicals regularly.
Qatar
The nightlife in Qatar may not be as happening as Dubai’s but it is not non-existent. Some of the nightclubs in Doha are Cavalli Club, Krossroads Club, Maharlika Night Club, Kyra Club & Lounge, and more. Most of these nightclubs are inside luxury hotels. But what Qatar lacks in nightlife entertainment, it compensates with cultural entertainment. Live music nights at Souq Waqif are a common occurrence. Moreover, Katara Cultural Village hosts incredible performances and shows regularly.
Culture, Dress Code, and Safety
Before visiting any city or country, it is important to know everything about its culture, safety protocols, and restrictions. Dubai and Qatar may seem similar in certain aspects, while there some things that set them apart.
Culture: Dubai is a modern city that still holds some traditional values and heritage. Still, the culture here is more cosmopolitan, while Qatar is more traditional. One thing that is common in both Dubai and Qatar is the set rules against public display of affection. PDA is completely banned in both places.
Dress Code: The dress code is quite lenient in Dubai. Women are allowed to wear western outfits like pants, dresses, skirts, tops, and more. But there is a need to wear modest clothing or cover your arms and legs in mosques and the old part of Dubai. Swimwear is acceptable on the beaches and pool areas of the resort. On the other hand, Qatar is more conservative in terms of dress code. Both men and women should wear outfits that always cover their arms and legs. Swimwear can be only worn on private beaches and swimming pool areas in resorts and hotels.
Safety: Both Dubai and Qatar are safe places, even for solo female travelers. Public transportation is also safe in both places. While Dubai has women-only taxis and seperate cabins in metros, Qatar has women-only areas in public events and even malls.
Conclusion
The answer to the question Qatar or Dubai: which is better, there is no clear winner. The place you want to visit for your holiday would entirely depend on your likes, dislikes, preferences, interests, and budget. Whichever place you choose to visit, you will get to enjoy luxury, adventure, and Arabic hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
