Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Travel

Black Travel Vibes: Embrace The Traditional Vibes Of Qatar

ESSENCE's exclusive guide on how to see, taste and experience the hottest destinations in Black travel.
Black Travel Vibes: Embrace The Traditional Vibes Of Qatar
Photo Credit: @whatsnextnish
By Danielle Pointdujour · Updated December 6, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

While neighboring hotspots like Dubai are known for their glitz and glamour, countries like Qatar still manage to hold on to their traditional vibes, even as they push forward towards the future. The country is the perfect place to visit if you want a glimpse into what the region was like before record-breaking feats became a thing.

From learning about falconry and watching camels race across the desert to traditional souqs and a burgeoning arts scene that could rival anything you could find in Europe, Qatar is a multi-layered gem waiting to be uncovered. Travelista Tanisha (@whatsnextnish) recently went on a quick escape to the Middle Eastern nation, and the adventure turned out to be everything she’s dreamed of and more. In fact, she can’t wait to get back!

If you’re like us and looking for a new desert playground to explore in 2020, check out these photos from Tanisha’s solo jaunt, then grab a few tips from our exclusive guide and be inspired to embrace a more traditional side to the Middle East.

01
Welcome to Qatar
Located along the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a Middle Eastern nation steeped in tradition. The best time to visit is from November to early April, to avoid the insane heat of the summer months. Much like neighboring hotspots, Qatar is relatively budget-friendly, with 1 Qatari Riyal equaling 0.274725 USD, so budget accordingly.
Black Travel Vibes: Embrace The Traditional Vibes Of Qatar
Photo Credit: @whatsnextnish
02
Tea Time
In Arab culture, tea time is a social event and is a way for locals to show hospitality to their guests. Don’t leave the country without indulging in a little high tea at one of the local hotels.
Black Travel Vibes: Embrace The Traditional Vibes Of Qatar
Getty Images
03
Urban Oasis
If you’re looking for accommodations that are near the action, but far enough removed that you feel like you’re in another world, then the Anantara Banana Island Resort is for you. The island resort, decked out in luxurious overwater villas, is an oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis, making it the best of both worlds.
Black Travel Vibes: Embrace The Traditional Vibes Of Qatar
Photo Credit: Anantara Banana Island Resort
04
Desert Rider
While these days riding camels is seen as a fun bucket list check-off, during more traditional times, camels were used as a source of transportation and food for the nomadic people in the region.
Black Travel Vibes: Embrace The Traditional Vibes Of Qatar
Photo Credit: @whatsnextnish
TOPICS:  Black Travel Moment of the Day coinage Qatar travel travel guide