English below
こんにちは！普段は通訳案内士として、また起業家・母として、年間100日くらい旅をしています。
今回は1月半ばからドバイ、UAE、そして1月末から2月頭にかけて、夫と2人（４歳・2歳）の娘と一緒にカタールのドーハへ家族旅してきました。
ドーハ旅、最初から最後まで「とにかく楽」の連続。
子連れにも、大人旅にも、一人旅にも、こんなに楽な場所があったんだ！っていう驚きの連続でした。 ドバイとアブダビで2週間以上過ごした後に、最後にドーハで1週間滞在して帰ってきたんだけど、その魅力を語らせてください。
人口の9割が外国人！英語が完璧に通じる安心感
カタールは人口300万人ちょっとで、そのうち外国人が9割という国の成り立ちもある。だからどこに行っても必ず英語表記があるし、全員英語がとても上手。
アラブの言葉がもちろんメインではあるんだけど、みんなの英語が聞き取りやすくて喋りやすいので、旅行者としてはすごく助かるなと思いました。
気候が最高、ドライな気候
まず気候が最高。私たちがいた時期は、低くて11℃、高くて28℃くらい。日本でいう5月ぐらいのからっとした感じで、乾燥した空気がとても過ごしやすいドライです。暑くなっても別にベタベタしなくて汗もかかないので不快感がない。プールに入って、水着やタオルをバルコニーで干してたらすぐ乾きます。喉もよく乾くので水分補給大事！
「並ばない」という日本人に嬉しい驚き
で、どこもものすごい、びっくりするぐらい空いている。観光地もどこも並ばない。不思議です。でもそのおかげでも並んで待ってるとかそういうのが全くないので、予約も何もいらないし、その場で当日決めていけばいい。スケジュールに縛られないから、子連れには本当に楽でした。
物価の話。ドバイよりお得感がある！
あと、ドーハはドバイよりも何でも安いかな。もちろん「日本と比べて激安！」とかではないですよ。例えばレストランで一皿1,800円とか、これだけ聞くと安くないかもしれないけど、盛り付けがすごいしっかりしてて何人かで分けられる量が出てくるから、全然高くはないよね。 なんでも高いアメリカとかUAEの価格感に慣れてるからか、むしろお得に感じる。
タクシーも例えば5分乗った時で400円くらいで、なんと地下鉄は乗り放題1日280円！（1.6ドル）！交通費は特に安かった。
地下鉄の旅で感じた「自分で動ける」自由
ドーハのいいところは地下鉄が発達してて、路線は3本なんだけど、すっごい綺麗で待たなくていいし、トイレもきれい。ファミリー専用の車両がある！電車も空いてて、通勤時間でも必ず座れるのが本当によかった。
何より、車移動ばかりの街と違って、「自分の足で好きな時に好きな場所へ行ける」っていう自由があるのが、私にはすごく大事なんだなと再確認しました。運転しない東京住まいには、自分の意志で動けている感覚が心地いい。
英語と、現地ママに聞いた「住む大変さ」
ただ、実際住むのは結構大変らしい。冬の時期、12月から2月ぐらいまでは最高だけど、3月以降からもう40度、それ以降50度まで上がるから本当に車でしか移動できないそう。近くの駅まで歩くとかも無理、という感じになってしまうらしくて。
たまたま公園で出会った日本人ママとお話したんだけど、「冬のカタールは最高だけれど夏が長くて大変すぎて、少しでも外を歩ける日本の夏がありがたく感じる」「今回2度目の駐在で、またこちらに来るのは悩んだが子供の教育のために帯同した」と言ってました。それぐらい、ベストシーズン以外の環境は過酷みたいです。
タクシーの運転手さんに聞いた、カタールの「強さ」の秘密
今回の旅で面白かったのが、行きに乗ったタクシーの運転手さんとのおしゃべり。そこから夫婦で色々調べたり美術館や資料館などに行って、中東の中でのカタールの立ち位置がよく分かってすごく勉強になりました。
実はカタールって、2017年から数年間、サウジアラビアやUAEなどの周辺国から「経済封鎖（ブロケージ）」を受けていた時期があったんですよね。国境を閉じられて、物資が入らなくなるっていう絶体絶命のピンチ。
でも、それをきっかけにカタールは「自分たちの力で生きていく！」って自立心がさらに強まったみたい。食料の自給率を上げたり、独自の外交を強化したり。今では周辺国との関係も回復しているけれど、その「何があっても折れない強さ」が今のピカピカで余裕のある国づくりに繋がっているんだなと感じました。
ドバイのような華やかな観光地としての顔だけじゃなくて、中東の中でも独自のポジションを築いているのが面白い。アルジャジーラという強烈な広報機関ももち、単に中東の小国で収まらない感じがしました。
＜カタールの歴史＞
オスマン帝国とイギリスの時代： もともとは、今のサウジアラビア周辺を支配していたオスマン帝国の影響下にあったんだけど、1916年にイギリスの保護領になったんです。だから、今の完璧に通じる「英語」の土台は、このイギリスとの長い関係からきているんだなと納得。
「真珠」で生きていた時代： 実は石油が見つかる前のカタールは、「真珠」が唯一の輸出品という、すごくつつましい国だったんです。でも、1930年代に日本の御木本真珠（ミキモト）が養殖真珠を広めたことで、カタールの天然真珠は大打撃を受けて、国がものすごい貧乏になっちゃった時期があるんだって。日本との意外な接点にびっくり！
1971年の独立と、奇跡の資源発見： そこから1971年にイギリスから独立。その前後に石油や、世界最大級の天然ガス田が見つかって、そこから一気に今の「超リッチな国」へ駆け上がったというわけ。
ワールドカップが変えた街の景色： 記憶に新しい2022年の「FIFAワールドカップ カタール大会」。これに合わせて、地下鉄（メトロ）や最新のスタジアム、道路などのインフラが一気に、しかも完璧に整備されたんです。だからどこに行っても新しくて綺麗だし、地下鉄が3路線しかないのにあんなに機能的なのも、この大きなイベントがあったからこそ。
＜旅のヒント：アクセスと滞在スタイル＞
日本からは直行便で約12時間、アメリカ（東海岸）からも約12〜13時間と、決して近いわけではないけれど、ヨーロッパに行く時の乗り換え地点としても有名な場所です。
街がコンパクトなので、3〜4日でサクッとまとめるのも日本人には向いてるし、もちろん私たちみたいに1週間ゆっくり過ごすのも全然アリ！
乗り継ぎ空港だけで素通りするのはもったいない、ポテンシャルの高い都市でした。
Why this “hidden gem” is the easiest destination for families, solo travelers, and everyone in between.
Hi everyone! I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Tokyo, an entrepreneur, and a mother who travels about 100 days a year.
From mid-January, we spent time in Dubai and the UAE, and from late January to early February, I went on a family trip to Doha, Qatar, with my husband and two daughters.
And let me tell you—from start to finish, the theme of this Doha trip was “Total Ease.” I was constantly surprised by how incredibly easy it was for kids, for adults, and even for solo travelers. We spent over two weeks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi first, followed by a week in Doha before heading home, and I really want to share why this city is so amazing.
90% Expats! The comfort of English everywhere
Qatar has a population of just over 3 million, and 90% of them are expats. Because of how the country is built, you’ll find English signage absolutely everywhere, and everyone speaks English so well. While Arabic is the main language, everyone’s English is clear and easy to understand. As a traveler, it was a huge relief and made communication so smooth.
The Weather: Perfect and Dry
First off, the climate is fantastic. During our stay, it was between 11°C and 28°C. It felt like May in Japan—crisp, dry, and very comfortable. Even when it gets warm, it’s not sticky at all. You don’t sweat, so there’s zero discomfort. If you go for a swim and hang your swimsuit or towels on the balcony, they dry in no time! You do get thirsty though, so staying hydrated is key.
The “No Queues” Surprise: A traveler’s Dream
This was the biggest shock—everywhere was incredibly, surprisingly empty! No matter where we went, there were no lines. It’s mysterious, really. But thanks to that, there’s no stress of waiting. You don’t need reservations for anything; you can just decide what to do on the day. Not being tied down to a strict schedule made it so easy with kids. In Tokyo, you need to book everywhere, so it was so easy compared to that!
Let’s talk budget: Better value than Dubai!
Also, I felt like everything in Doha was cheaper than in Dubai. Of course, I wouldn’t say it’s “dirt cheap” compared to Japan, but for example, a dish at a restaurant might be 12 USD (1,800 JPY). That might not sound cheap at first, but the portions are so generous and beautifully plated that you can easily share. Coming from the price points of the US or the UAE where everything is expensive, it actually feels like a great deal. Taxis were only about 400 JPY for a 5-minute ride, and get this—the Metro is only 280 JPY ($1.60) for a day pass! Transportation costs were especially low.
The Freedom of the Metro: The Joy of “Moving on your own feet”
One of the best things about Doha is the developed Metro system. There are only three lines, but they are spotless, you never have to wait, and even the bathrooms are clean! They even have “Family Only” carriages. The trains aren’t crowded, so you can always find a seat, even during rush hour. More than anything, unlike cities where you have to move by car, I loved the freedom of being able to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, on my own feet. As someone who lives in Tokyo and doesn’t drive, that feeling of moving by my own will was so refreshing.
Living there vs. Visiting: Insights from a Local Mom
However, actually living there seems to be a different story. The winter (December to February) is paradise, but from March onwards, it hits 40°C and eventually 50°C. I heard that you literally cannot move without a car. Even walking to the nearby station becomes impossible. I happened to meet a Japanese mom at a park and we chatted for a bit. She said, “Winter in Qatar is the best, but the summer is so long and brutal that I actually find myself missing the Japanese summer, where you can at least walk outside.” She also mentioned that this was her second time being stationed here; she hesitated to come back, but chose to for her children’s education. It seems the environment is quite intense outside of the best season.
The Secret of Qatar’s “Strength” (The Taxi Driver’s Story)
One interesting part of this trip was chatting with the taxi driver on our way from the airport. From there, my husband and I did some research and visited museums to learn about Qatar’s position in the Middle East. It was so educational. Actually, for several years starting in 2017, Qatar was under an “Economic Blockade” by neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Their borders were closed, and they were in a desperate pinch with supplies cut off. But that became the trigger for Qatar to say, “We will survive on our own!” Their sense of independence grew even stronger. They increased their food self-sufficiency and strengthened their own diplomacy. Relations have recovered now, but I felt that this “unbreakable strength” is what leads to the polished, confident nation-building we see today. It’s not just a flashy tourist spot like Dubai; it has a unique position in the Middle East. With a powerful media outlet like Al Jazeera, they really don’t feel like just a “small Middle Eastern country.”
<A Quick History of Qatar>
Hi everyone! I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, an entrepreneur, and a mother who travels about 100 days a year.
From mid-January, we spent time in Dubai and the UAE, and from late January to early February, I went on a family trip to Doha, Qatar, with my husband and two daughters.
And let me tell you—from start to finish, the theme of this Doha trip was “Total Ease.” I was constantly surprised by how incredibly easy it was for kids, for adults, and even for solo travelers. We spent over two weeks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi first, followed by a week in Doha before heading home, and I really want to share why this city is so amazing.
90% Expats! The comfort of English everywhere
Qatar has a population of just over 3 million, and 90% of them are expats. Because of how the country is built, you’ll find English signage absolutely everywhere, and everyone speaks English so well. While Arabic is the main language, everyone’s English is clear and easy to understand. As a traveler, it was a huge relief and made communication so smooth.
The Weather: Perfect and Dry
First off, the climate is fantastic. During our stay, it was between 11°C and 28°C. It felt like May in Japan—crisp, dry, and very comfortable. Even when it gets warm, it’s not sticky at all. You don’t sweat, so there’s zero discomfort. If you go for a swim and hang your swimsuit or towels on the balcony, they dry in no time! You do get thirsty though, so staying hydrated is key.
The “No Queues” Surprise: A Japanese Traveler’s Dream
This was the biggest shock—everywhere was incredibly, surprisingly empty! No matter where we went, there were no lines. It’s mysterious, really. But thanks to that, there’s no stress of waiting. You don’t need reservations for anything; you can just decide what to do on the day. Not being tied down to a strict schedule made it so easy with kids.
Let’s talk budget: Better value than Dubai!
Also, I felt like everything in Doha was cheaper than in Dubai. Of course, I wouldn’t say it’s “dirt cheap” compared to Japan, but for example, a dish at a restaurant might be 1,800 JPY. That might not sound cheap at first, but the portions are so generous and beautifully plated that you can easily share. Coming from the price points of the US or the UAE where everything is expensive, it actually feels like a great deal. Taxis were only about 400 JPY for a 5-minute ride, and get this—the Metro is only 280 JPY ($1.60) for a day pass! Transportation costs were especially low.
The Freedom of the Metro: The Joy of “Moving on your own feet”
One of the best things about Doha is the developed Metro system. There are only three lines, but they are spotless, you never have to wait, and even the bathrooms are clean! They even have “Family Only” carriages. The trains aren’t crowded, so you can always find a seat, even during rush hour. More than anything, unlike cities where you have to move by car, I loved the freedom of being able to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, on my own feet. As someone who lives in Tokyo and doesn’t drive, that feeling of moving by my own will was so refreshing.
Living there vs. Visiting: Insights from a Local Mom
However, actually living there seems to be a different story. The winter (December to February) is paradise, but from March onwards, it hits 40°C and eventually 50°C. I heard that you literally cannot move without a car. Even walking to the nearby station becomes impossible. I happened to meet a Japanese mom at a park and we chatted for a bit. She said, “Winter in Qatar is the best, but the summer is so long and brutal that I actually find myself missing the Japanese summer where you can at least walk outside.” She also mentioned that this was her second time being stationed here; she hesitated to come back, but chose to for her children’s education. It seems the environment is quite intense outside of the best season.
The Secret of Qatar’s “Strength” (The Taxi Driver’s Story)
One interesting part of this trip was chatting with the taxi driver on our way from the airport. From there, my husband and I did some research and visited museums to learn about Qatar’s position in the Middle East. It was so educational. Actually, for several years starting in 2017, Qatar was under an “Economic Blockade” by neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Their borders were closed, and they were in a desperate pinch with supplies cut off. But that became the trigger for Qatar to say, “We will survive on our own!” Their sense of independence grew even stronger. They increased their food self-sufficiency and strengthened their own diplomacy. Relations have recovered now, but I felt that this “unbreakable strength” is what leads to the polished, confident nation-building we see today. It’s not just a flashy tourist spot like Dubai; it has a unique position in the Middle East. With a powerful media outlet like Al Jazeera, they really don’t feel like just a “small Middle Eastern country.”
<A Quick History of Qatar>
- The Ottoman and British Era: Originally under the influence of the Ottoman Empire, it became a British protectorate in 1916. I now understand why the foundation of their perfect English comes from this long history with the UK.
- The Era of Pearls: Before oil was discovered, Qatar was a very modest country whose only export was pearls. But in the 1930s, when Mikimoto in Japan popularized cultured pearls, Qatar’s natural pearl industry was hit hard, and the country went through a very poor period. I was surprised by this unexpected connection to Japan!
- 1971 Independence and the Miracle of Resources: They gained independence from Britain in 1971. Around that time, oil and the world’s largest natural gas fields were found, and the country skyrocketed into the “ultra-rich nation” it is today.
- The World Cup Transformation: The 2022 FIFA World Cup is still fresh in our memories. To prepare for this, the infrastructure—the Metro, the latest stadiums, the roads—was all perfectly completed at once. The reason everything is so new, clean, and functional is thanks to this massive event.
<Travel Tips: Access & Stay Style>
From Japan, it’s about 12 hours direct. From the US East Coast, it’s also about 12-13 hours. It’s not exactly “close,” but it’s famous as a stopover point on the way to Europe. Since the city is compact, it’s perfect for a 3-4 day trip for Japanese travelers, but spending a week slowly like we did is also a great option! It’s such a high-potential city—it’s a waste to just pass through the airport.
