Al Rayyan

Travel Guide

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Photo provided by Shutterstock
Al Rayyan
Al Rayyan
Al Rayyan

Once a separate city, this area west of Downtown Doha is now a vital part of Qatar’s cultural and economic expansion efforts.

Al Rayyan’s modern development glitters next to arid desert surroundings. While the municipality extends to Qatar’s western coast, most of its attractions are near Doha. Arrange accommodations here or simply visit to enjoy Al Rayyan’s many educational, cultural, recreational and shopping sites.

Visit Education City where you’ll find beautiful campuses for the Qatar satellites of Virginia Commonwealth, Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M, Northwestern, UCL and Weill Cornell Medicine universities as well as Qatar’s Hamid Bin Khalifa. Look for the extraordinary architecture of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies and the tall curved minarets of the Education City Mosque.

Additional modern architecture is on display at the Qatar National Library and Qatar National Convention Centre. Outside Sidra Medicine, study the Miraculous Journey, 14 sculptures documenting the path to human birth. Find more artwork inside this hospital for women and children. Head west to browse among 15,000 artifacts of Islamic art and Qatar heritage at the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum.

The area has excellent recreational facilities, including sites built for the FIFA 2022 World Cup soccer competition. Look for the impressive Al Rayyan Stadium, Education City Stadium and Khalifa International Stadium, which show Qatar’s dedication to promoting sports.

Aspire Tower, now a five-star hotel, resembles an Olympic torch and held the flame for the 2006 Asian Games.

Aspire Park, Oxygen Park, Education City Golf Club and Al Shaqab Equestrian Center support varied recreational pursuits.

Al Rayyan’s shopping opportunities offer wide choices, not only for boutique, international and luxury retail brands, but also for entertainment. Shop at the Italian-themed Villagio and take a break for a gondola canal ride. Doha Festival City has great shopping as well as wintry play at the Snow Dunes activity area. KidzMondo theme park at Mall of Qatar offers hours of edutainment play for kids while parents enjoy retail delights at the mall.

Travel to Al Rayyan by car in about 20 minutes from Downtown Doha or 30 minutes from the airport. Buses also serve the area.

Where to stay in Al Rayyan

Qatar National Library

Education City

If you're spending time in Education City, check out sights like Qatar National Library or Al Shaqab Equestrian Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at Qatar Academy - East Tram Stop or Ceremonial Gate Tram Stop.

Education City
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Al Wajba

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Al Wajba and surrounding area, you can visit Aspire Park and Aspire Zone.

Al Wajba
Oryx Airport Hotel

Oryx Airport Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
$306 nightly
The price is $306 total per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
$306 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 16 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,183 reviews)
"Very nice property for my two short says while in Doha Qatar."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Oryx Airport Hotel
Steigenberger Hotel Doha

Steigenberger Hotel Doha

5 out of 5
Al Matar Street, Plot. No. 9, Street No. 850, Area No. 26, Doha
$91 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
$91 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (412 reviews)
"I decided to give this hotel another chance and my expectations were exceeded. The service was excellent and staff were very attentive. The complimentary room upgrade with the city view was also a very nice touch. There were very short wait time when I had made a request from the front desk and they ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Steigenberger Hotel Doha
Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha

5 out of 5
Al Matar Street, Doha
$100 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$100 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Comfortabe and professionally managed."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Steigenberger Residence Doha

Steigenberger Residence Doha

5 out of 5
Ibn Muawiya St, Doha
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Doha. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (87 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel and service"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Steigenberger Residence Doha
Retaj Baywalk Residence

Retaj Baywalk Residence

4.5 out of 5
Street 140, Doha, Ad Dawah
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury residence in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Katara Beach and City Centre Shopping ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Beautiful neighbourhood with beach, sea, dining places. Very welcoming and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Retaj Baywalk Residence
Fraser Suites Doha

Fraser Suites Doha

5 out of 5
Ali Bin Amur Al Attiya Street, Corniche Road, P.O Box: 29444, Doha
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Doha Corniche and Souq Waqif are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (138 reviews)
"Very comfortable and clean. The city felt safe and the breakfast was unmissable"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Fraser Suites Doha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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