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.

No area better exemplifies the capital’s growth and confidence than this area west of downtown Doha. Discover Al Rayyan’s famous buildings, from the desert tent–inspired Ahmad bin Ali Stadium to the Olympic torch–shaped Aspire Tower. Explore luxurious shopping malls with Venetian vibes one day, then tour vast sand dunes and desert landscapes the next. Whether you’re visiting for a soccer match or staying a while, this Al Rayyan travel guide is your introduction to the best of what this area offers.

Where to stay in Al Rayyan

If you’re wondering where to stay in Al Rayyan, the upscale AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton is a great choice. Perfectly located for shoppers and soccer fans, it’s close to the Mall of Qatar and a short drive from Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The Aspire Zone also features top hotels like The Torch Doha.

Top attractions in Al Rayyan

The sprawling campuses of Education City, Qatar Mall and the green spaces of Aspire Park are must-sees in Al Rayyan. Visit the impressive Qatar National Library, and browse the 15,000 artifacts of Islamic art and Qatari heritage at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum.

When to visit Al Rayyan

The best time to visit Al Rayyan is during the cooler months, from November to March. The weather is pleasant, with an average daily high of 78°F (25°C), ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Getting around Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan is around 8 miles from downtown Doha. Take the Doha Metro’s Green or Gold Line to Al Riffa station to visit Al Rayyan. Mowasalat also operates bus services in the area

Things to do in Al Rayyan

  • You’ll find plenty of things to do in Al Rayyan. Love sports? Tour the sites that hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup soccer competition, such as Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium and Khalifa International Stadium. Higher learning more your thing? Education City, a destination in itself, is home to world-renowned educational and research institutes. Discover the extraordinary architecture of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies and the curved minarets of Education City Mosque. Outside Sidra Medicine, be wowed by The Miraculous Journey, 14 monumental bronze sculptures documenting the path to human birth. Shopping in Al Rayyan is a dream too. Hit the Mall of Qatar; with more than 500 shops, it’s the country’s largest. Or head to the Italian-themed Villagio Mall, which has a replica Venetian canal complete with gondola rides.
  • Qatar is blessed with hundreds of miles of unspoiled coastline and fabulous beaches. Doha's Katara Beach is easy to get to and perfect for families. Further afield, Sealine Beach is the place for camel rides at sunset, while Umm Bab's clusters of Instagram-worthy palm trees are perfect for escaping the midday heat.
  • Kayak through the pristine Al Thakira Mangroves and glide past flamingos and herons. Hike the rocky landscapes of Ras Abrouq and maybe spot exotic wildlife. Or saddle up for a guided camel safari to Khor Al Adaid, an inland sea straight from the pages of a TinTin adventure.
  • Qatari cuisine is influenced by Indian, Persian and North African flavors and techniques, but like the peninsula's landscapes, it's forever evolving. Wherever you roam, you'll find local favorites like machboos and saloona prepared with passion and served with pride. In Doha, these delectable flavors are exquisitely complimented by menus that span the entire globe, posing an unforgettable culinary experience to every kind of foodie.
  • From kitesurfing along its coastline to sandboarding in the interior to teeing off on emerald golf greens, Qatar is a place to challenge your personal best. It's also a destination to be inspired by the world's best. A mecca for football lovers awaits with eight breathtaking state-of-the-art stadiums that hosted some of the world's greatest football players for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. From the Qatar Grand Prix to international athletics championships, the state is a go-to arena for prestigious sporting events of every kind imaginable.
  • Shopping in Qatar weaves together the traditional, modern, handmade and high-tech. Lose yourself amid the spice, textile and bric-a-brac stalls at Souq Waqif, and be dazzled by the couture creations at Villaggio and Al Hazm Mall. For keepsakes and gifts, pick up intricate Arabic pottery, pashmina shawls, locally crafted perfumes and sugary dates.

Where to stay in Al Rayyan

Qatar National Library

Education City

If you're spending time in Education City, check out sights like Al Shaqab Equestrian Center or Qatar National Library 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 Al Shaqab Equestrian Center and Aspire Park.

Al Wajba
Oryx Airport Hotel
Oryx Airport Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
$300 nightly
The price is $300 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$300 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,151 reviews)
"Liked the room, stay, staff. The tariff could be a little more cheaper by 15 to 20%."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Oryx Airport Hotel
Fairmont Doha
Fairmont Doha
5 out of 5
6th Street Marina District Lusail City, Doha, Al Daayen
$210 nightly
The price is $210 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$210 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
"This property was one of the most awesome properties that I have every stayed in. The property and staff were beyond excellent. I recommend this property!"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Fairmont Doha
Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
5 out of 5
Salwa Road and C Ring Road, Bin Mahmoud Area, Doha
$79 nightly
The price is $79 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$79 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Exceptional as Always
"Once again the Raddison blu Hotel in Doha was a wonderful experience. Exceptional service given by all especially the following people....Sumon, De Silva, Ratish, Dian, Nandana, Udaya, Arif. A mention for the security manager Mr Omar who leads a great team. Also a mention to Hiba and her colleagues ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel 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! (82 reviews)
"We stayed in the residence side and the room were sooo modern and had every white goods needed for a comfterable space. Highly recommned this hotel. The pool, food, staff memebers alll soo professional and very very nice. Location is close to the main attractions can walk to sm destinations or taxi ..."

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Steigenberger Residence Doha
the continent residence
the continent residence
4.5 out of 5
Al kinana street, 82, Doha, Doha
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Souq Waqif and Doha Corniche are ...
"Very clean property and very safe and that's actually the case in all hotels in Qatar very safe ."

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2024

the continent residence
Somerset Al Mansoura Doha
Somerset Al Mansoura Doha
4 out of 5
Ibn Ammar Street no: 982, Zone 25, , Building 16, Doha
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Doha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Souq Waqif and Doha Corniche are located ...
"Very good"

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2025

Somerset Al Mansoura 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Al Rayyan

3.4
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 43%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Not much there for now More to come I’m sure

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Noisy hotel You can hear you naibor crying baby's You will hear noises from a construction out AC was turning from Cold to Extreamly hot in the same time all the time. The bed is as hard as your floor covered with a nilon bed sheet.

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