We are pleased to be returning to Doha for the Tenth Biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art and we hope that you enjoy your visit to this fabulous city if you are coming from abroad. There is much to see in the city, including the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the National Museum of Qatar, and outside of the city, the Sheikh Faisal Museum and Richard Serra’s recent art installation, East-West.
Traveling to and within Doha
Hamad International Airport is served by a number of international carriers; Qatar Airways flies from over 140 different destinations, so please check out their website as you plan your travel. You may either arrange a car service through your hotel for airport transfers or take a taxi or an Uber from the airport into Doha, which will take approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic and cost 40-80 Qatari Riyals ($10-$20). There is an ATM in the arrivals hall of the airport, and Uber is used widely in Doha.
Visas
Citizens of 95+ countries, including the US and the UK, may obtain a free single-entry visa to Qatar upon arrival at the airport as long as your passport is valid for six months past your entry date. This visa is valid for at least a one-month stay. Please visit this page for more information. Citizens who are from countries that are not eligible for the visa upon arrival program should check this page for guidelines on how to apply for a visa.
Please note that all Symposium attendees are responsible for obtaining their own visas for entry into Qatar.
Lodging and Things to Do in Doha
The Symposium will be held on the campus of VCUarts Qatar in Education City.
Nearby lodging options include:
- Premier Inn Doha, Education City (3 stars), 10 minutes by taxi from VCUarts Qatar.
- Ezdan Palace Hotel (5 stars), 15 minutes by taxi from VCUarts Qatar.
- Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (5 stars), 15 minutes by taxi from VCUarts Qatar.
There are plentiful lodging options in Doha neighborhoods in the heart of the city such as West Bay, and the historic Al Jasra neighborhood that includes the Souq Waqif.
Time Out Doha has information about restaurants, cultural events, and things to do in the city.
