Wondering what to wear in Qatar as a woman? Packing for the Middle East can be confusing, especially for females. You want to stay comfortable and cool but respect the local culture as well. Luckily, this women’s packing list for Qatar will set you up for success! Here is exactly what to wear in Qatar as a woman.
Pin Me for Later!
Qatar is a hidden Middle Eastern gem.
Not many people plan to visit here as a standalone destination. More often than not, a trip here is part of a quick Doha stopover or on the way to somewhere else.
But, Qatar has a lot to offer! From sightseeing in Doha to adventuring into the desert, Qatar makes for an excellent place for travel.
One of the biggest hurdles for females is often what to wear in Qatar that won’t attract unwanted attention and will respect the local customs and style. That is exactly why I created this women’s packing list.
Everything listed here is exactly what I wore throughout the country, while actively meeting locals and exploring Qatar solo. Let’s dive into exactly what to wear in Qatar as a woman traveler.
Doha Quick Links
- The Best Hotel in Doha: Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel
- Reserve the Best Doha City Tour here for covering many sites listed below.
- Book your private airport transfer from Hamad International Airport here.
- Book a Rental Car in Doha if you have more time in Qatar.
- Have less than 24 hours? Book this Doha transit tour (to and from the airport)to get a great taste of the city on limited time.
- 5 Doha Travel Essentials: a lightweight scarf for entering mosques; a long flowy kimono; a wide brim hat; a reusable water bottle; a plug converter.
- Qatar visa information: Qatar offers visa-free entry for citizens of over 80 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia and more. Check your eligibility here.
What To Wear in Qatar: A Packing List for Women
I’m sure you are aware, Middle Eastern countries tend to dress more conservatively than in the west. Qatar has deep Muslim roots, and I always choose to respect the local customs and norms, even in terms of dress. After all, you are a guest in their country!
Below are the clothing items that I personally recommend and travel with myself. These are the tried and true pieces that I find to be the perfect balance between comfort and modesty. In fact, most of these items have traveled with me to Dubai, Oman, Egypt, and more.
Whether you’re wondering what to wear in Doha or what to wear in Qatar as a whole, this women’s packing list will set you up for comfort, style, and cultural respect.
You May Also Like: A One Day in Doha Itinerary
1. Layered Tank Top and Kimono
It can definitely get hot in Qatar, especially in the summer, so loose and breathable clothing is a must.
One thing I wear in every single Middle Eastern country is a flowy kimono layered over a tank top. Qatar was no different. This was my most essential clothing on my Qatar packing list, hands down. It will keep you modestly dressed but cool and comfortable.
A Full Length Kimono
In most of the photos here, I chose to wear a full length kimono that looked modest yet stylish, in my opinion.
I love long kimonos, since they cover your hips and waist in loose fabric. This is ideal in Muslim countries. Simultaneously, it will keep you cool and comfortable. Get yours here!
A Casual Kimono
If you prefer a more casual look, this kimono, is a great option! It has loose, opaque fabric yet still keeps you covered.
Bonus, you can also use this kimono as a bathing suit cover up if you plan to swim in the hotel pool. Get yours here!
A Plain Tank Top
A tank top like this simple option has a not-too-low neckline and is loose enough to breathe – even in the summer heat.
Bonus, it comes in loads of colors to choose from! Get yours here.
2. Long Pants
For anyone wondering what to wear in Qatar, I highly recommend long pants. Yes, year round!
I personally wear or bring three pairs of long pants, typically. One for on the plane, to be washed and reused, and two fresh pairs for arrival. The perfect trifecta consists of comfy sweats, fitted leggings, and flowy pants, as shown below.
You May Also Like: Long Haul Flight Essentials
Comfy Sweats
Plan to wear comfy sweats on your flight, particularly if you have a more than 15 hour trek like me. It can get very cold up in the sky, and sweats keep you warm and comfortable.
You will thank me later! Get yours here.
Fitted Leggings
The second pair pants that I would add to any Qatar packing list is a pair of thick black leggings. These leggings are soft yet sturdy, with a nice high waistband and opaque fabric.
My rule of thumb for wearing tight leggings in any conservative country: pair them with a long and loose top. Reuse them for hotel gym workouts, too. Get yours here!
Loose Palazzo Pants
The third and last pair of pants I recommend are long and flowy palazzo pants. These are great for hot and sweaty summer days, or for walking the town and entering mosques.
You can choose everything from bold bright colors to muted tones. Get yours here!
3. Long Maxi Skirt
Another item that women might pack for Qatar is a long flowy maxi skirt. Once again, the idea here is to balance comfort and modesty. (Locals will treat you with respect rather than with stares.)
Flowy Maxi Skirt
Skirts like this one are perfect for exploring mosques and museums, or for walking around outdoors. The long loose fabric will keep you cool and covered.
It’s a perfect option for Qatar. Get yours here.
4. Loose Short Sleeve T-Shirts
It is typically not a great ideal to show off your shoulders in Middle Eastern countries. Because of that, I always add a couple of casual short sleeve shirts to my Qatar packing list.
Cute Colorblocks
A simple patterned t-shirt like this one is a great option. Both casual and comfortable, this shirt is a little bit more exciting than a plain shirt.
It is intentionally loose but something that you could easily wear back home, too. Get yours here!
Simple Basics
Alternately, I always pack at least one shirt like this that is a solid color to wear under the kimono or with printed pants.
The solid color won’t contrast with your patterned clothing and they make mixing and matching easy. Get yours here!
5. Lightweight Long Sleeve Options
I always pack some long sleeve tops, even in the summer. Though it may seem counterintuitive, oftentimes long sleeves help to keep you cooler due to physically blocking the sun from your skin.
A Lightweight Blouse
A loose long sleeve blouse like this one is perfect for exploring the mosques and museums of Doha. The longer sleeves are ideal for air-conditioned spaces.
In fall and winter, it is even a great option for walking outdoors. Get yours here!
A Loose Cardigan
Definitely add a loose cardigan to your Qatar packing list, especially if you happen to be visiting in the cooler months.
It’s also great to have on hand for air-conditioned spaces. Get yours here.
You May Also Like: Is Qatar Safe for Women? Solo Female Travel Tips
6. Several Scarves and Shawls
Scarves are a true staple in my wardrobe, and that goes for both home and abroad. A good scarf can add warmth, or modesty, or a pop of color to any outfit. In Qatar, scarves are so useful! Don’t skip this item.
A Sheer Scarf
I personally prefer these sheer lightweight scarves for the Middle East, as they are more breathable than most. Always have one on hand for entering mosques.
I have this exact scarf in several different colors and love it! Get yours here.
A Heavier Scarf
If you are visiting Qatar in the winter months, you should also add a heavier scarf to your Qatar packing list.
Nights can be chilly, and this one comes in several different colors. Get yours here!
I usually bring two scarves for my trips, so that I can add a pop of color to my outfits and photos. Any woman wondering what to wear in Qatar should not skip this essential item.
You May Also Like: The Best Places to Visit in Doha, Qatar
7. A Bathing Suit
Although Qatar is definitively conservative, the country is surrounded by quite a bit of water! The Persian Gulf borders much of Qatar, so you can easily have a beach day if you choose.
Not to mention, many of the hotels in Doha have swimming pools that are a true respite from the summer heat. In my opinion, a bathing suit is a must for your Qatar packing list.
A Cute One Piece
In hotel swimming pools, bikinis are fairly common. But on public beaches, you may be more comfortable in a one-piece bathing suit.
This is the best way to cut down on unwanted stares and frankly it just feels more comfortable this way. Get yours here!
8. Flip Flops and Sandals
Here are my top sandal suggestions and exactly why you might need each one in Qatar. They are both super lightweight and both always make it into my precious luggage space.
Flip Flop Style
I always have a pair of flip flops on hand for the flights. I also like to have them for the pool or beach, if I am planning to visit them.
And, if your accommodation has a shared bathroom, you may want these for the shower, too. These ones are very comfy. Get yours here!
Strappy Flats
I love comfortable strappy sandals because they can be bot casual or dressy. You can pair them with a t-shirt and leggings or with a skirt and blouse.
Versatility is the name of the game! Get yours here.
9. Closed Toe Shoes
You should also consider adding a pair of closed toe shoes to your packing list, but the type may differ from person to person. For example, I may suggest tennis shoes if you are likely to work out or hike while traveling Qatar, or perhaps you’d prefer ankle booties for stylish nights.
Ankle Booties
These ankle boots are very cute for Doha, if you want to shop the malls and souks or hit the clubs.
Shoes like this are great for fashion and style, but I would not recommend them for hot summer nights. Get yours here!
Casual Walking Sneakers
A pair of casual sneakers is a must-pack for anyone who plans to walk around Doha at length, or for someone who prefers a more casual look.
Bonus, they are made from one of my favorite high quality brands. Get yours here!
sign up to GET a FREE downloadable MIDDLE EAST PACKING LIST below!
10. Sun Protective Wear
In Qatar, the sun shines bright most days of the year. And, if you are fair-skinned, you should probably opt for a hat and sunglasses at all times.
A Wide Brim Fedora
I have this exact hat and it is incredibly cute and stylish. I pack it primarily for trips that don’t involve beaches or sand.
It is super sturdy and is a fax wool type of texture, s it’s great for winter, too! Get your here.
Foldable Panama Hat
I also own this hat and it is hands-down my go-to hat for any trip. It protects your eyes and face from the harsh sun and is foldable for crushable.
It is also size adjustable so you can find your perfect fit. Get yours here!
Stylish Sunglasses
If you don’t already have your own go-to sunglasses, you might, consider these cute options.
I love sunglasses that have plastic rims like this, as I find them much more comfortable than the aviator style. Get yours here!
What To Pack for Women in Qatar: Accessories and Extras
While these accessories and extras are not clothing-related, they are absolute essentials to make your trip run smoothly. Keep on scrolling for the reasons why.
Here are some additional items that you might want to consider packing for your trip. These are accessories and extras that will make your trip a breeze!
- Carry an external battery pack for recharging phones and cameras on the go. This is very useful both in Qatar and on your flights!
- A foldable day pack will make carrying cameras and scarves a breeze.
- Sunscreen is a must in the Middle East – just say no to sunburn and skin cancer.
- Noise canceling headphones can change your life on a plane full of loud passengers, crying babies, and jet engines.
- An RFID blocking passport holder will help you keep things safe and organized.
- Cucumber face wipes are my fave, both for long flights and for hot sunny days.
- A great camera is a must for me!
- Pack a tiny first aid kit, especially if you will hike or be out in the remote desert.
- A universal plug adapter is essential, because Qatar’s outlets do not match what we have in the USA.
***
And there you have it! These are my top items for women wondering what to wear in Qatar. Each of these items are hand picked to help you feel comfortable, prepared, and culturally aware.
After countless trips to Doha and the Middle East in general, I can confidently say that these items are essential.
Need More Qatar Travel Resources?
- A One Day in Doha Itinerary
- What To Wear in Qatar: A Women’s Packing List
- Is Qatar Safe for Women? Solo Female Travel Tips
- 31 Places To Visit in Doha, Qatar
- The Best Doha Tours and Day Trips
- A Complete Doha Stopover and Layover Guide
- Doha vs. Dubai: Which Is Better?
- Things To Do in Katara Cultural Village, Doha
- All About the Pigeon Towers in Doha
- A Qatar Travel Guide
Pin Me for Later!
Leave a Reply