🇶🇦 Qatar Essential Guide: Metro, Shopping, Dining & Attractions 🛍️🍴

Your comprehensive, up-to-date guide to navigating, finding the best bargains, and exploring the culture of Doha and Lusail.

🚇 Transportation: Doha Metro & Lusail Tram

🕒 Operating Hours & Frequency

Day	Operating Hours	Frequency (Peak)	Frequency (Off-Peak)
Sunday to Wednesday	6:00 AM – 11:00 PM	Every 3 to 5 minutes	Every 7 to 10 minutes
Thursday and Friday	6:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
Saturday	6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Peak Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM & 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Late Night frequency is approximately every 15 minutes.

🟥 Red Line (North to South)

**Lusail** 📍 Lusail City, Lusail Marina, Lusail Stadium
**QNB Lusail** 📍 Doha Festival City, Grand Masjed Lusail, Lusail Boulevard
**Legtaifiya** 📍 Pearl Qatar, Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriya, Connects to Lusail Tram
**Katara** 📍 Katara Cultural Village, Katara Beach, Amphitheatre
**Al Qassar** 📍 Residential towers, Close to Katara
**DECC** 📍 Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, City Center Mall
**West Bay Qatar Energy** 📍 Qatar Energy HQ, Sheraton Hotel, Diplomatic Area
**Corniche** 📍 Doha Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art
**Al Bidda** 📍 Al Bidda Park, Connects to Green Line
**Msheireb** 📍 Msheireb Downtown Doha, Souq Waqif, Connects to Green + Gold Line
**Al Doha Al Jadeda** 📍 Old Doha neighborhoods
**Umm Ghuwailina** 📍 Traditional markets, Residential areas
**Al Matar Al Qadeem** 📍 Old Airport Area
**Oqba Ibn Nafie** 📍 Local shops, Neighborhoods
**Free Zone** 📍 Barwa City, Schools and clinics
**Ras Bu Fontas** 📍 Barwa Village, Nearby schools and housing
**Al Wakra** 📍 Souq Al Wakra, Al Wakra Beach, Wakra Hospital
**Hamad Intl. Airport T1** 📍 Airport Terminal, Hotels nearby

🟩 Green Line (East to West)

**Al Mansoura** 📍 Residential blocks, Schools and clinics
**Joaan** 📍 Parks, Local cafés
**Al Sadd** 📍 Al Sadd Stadium, Shopping and restaurants
**Al Messila** 📍 English Modern School, Lulu Messila
**Hamad Hospital** 📍 Hamad General Hospital, Medical City
**The White Palace** 📍 Amiri Diwan, Government buildings
**Al Rayyan Al Qadeem** 📍 U.S. Embassy, Al Luqta Area
**Al Shaqab** 📍 Al Shaqab Equestrian Center
**Education City** 📍 Sidra Hospital, Qatar Foundation, CMU, Georgetown, HBKU
**Qatar National Library** 📍 QNL Building, Education City zone
**Al Riffa (Mall of Qatar)** 📍 Mall of Qatar, Amiri Guard HQ, Al Reem Garden

🟨 Gold Line (East to West)

**Ras Bu Abboud** 📍 Airport cargo zone, Qatar Duty-Free Warehouses
**National Museum** 📍 National Museum of Qatar, Near Corniche
**Souq Waqif** 📍 Souq Waqif Market, Falcon Souq, Cultural Village
**Msheireb** 📍 Msheireb Downtown, Museum of Illusions
**Bin Mahmoud** 📍 Residential zone, Cafés and grocery shops
**Al Sadd** 📍 Al Sadd Sports Club, Shopping and dining
**Joaan** 📍 Al Nasr area, Schools and mini parks
**Al Sudan** 📍 Residential area, Grocery stores
**Sport City** 📍 Khalifa Stadium, Villaggio Mall, Aspire Park
**Al Waab** 📍 Residential villas, Local markets
**Al Aziziyah** 📍 Fereej Al Murra, Al Aziziyah Park

🚌 Metrolink Routes (Metro Feeder Buses) - Detailed Connections

Key Metrolink (M-Routes) connecting to the metro stations for "last-mile" access:

🟥 Red Line Metrolink Routes:

**Lusail QNB:** M145 (Doha Festival City), M146 (Al Kheesa)
**Qatar University:** M147 (Lusail Marina), M148 (USDT), M149 (Wadi Al Banat)
**Legtaifiya:** M109 (Viva Bahriya), M110 (Porto Arabia, Perlita Gardens), M152 (Abraj Quartier), M153 (Giardino Village, Floresta Garden)
**DECC:** M105 (Al Dafna)
**West Bay Qatar Energy:** M106 (Onaiza), M107 (Lejbailat)
**Corniche:** M143 (Al Jazeera Network, Al Ahli Hospital, Hamad Medical City, Civil Defence)
**Al Bidda:** M108 (Msheireb)
**Msheireb:** M111 (Rawdat Al Khail), M108 (Msheireb loop), M138 (Souq Waqif, Corniche, Bank Street), M101 (Medical Commission, Al Maamoura)
**Al Doha Al Jadeda:** M112 (Al Doha Al Jadeeda), M113 (Old Al Ghanim), M114 (Umm Ghuwailina), M115 (Najma, Fereej Bin Derhem)
**Umm Ghuwailina:** M116 (Umm Ghuwailina), M117 (Najma, Al Mansoura), M118 (Al Mansoura, Najma), M139 (Al Hilal, Nuaija)
**Al Matar Al Qadeem:** M120 (Al Hilal, New Slata), M121 (Old Airport via Health Centre), M122 (Old Airport via Qatar Charity)
**Oqba Ibn Nafie:** M123 (Old Airport, Nuaija), M124 (Old Airport), M125 (Al Thumama East)
**Free Zone:** M140 (Barwa City), M141 (Religious Complex, Schools, Workers Health Centre)
**Ras Bu Fontas:** M126 (Barwa Village), M129 (Barwa Madinatna)
**Al Wakra:** M127 (Souq Al Wakra), M128 (Al Wakra South), M130 (Ezdan), M131 (Ezdan 3, 8–11), M132 (Al Wukair South), M133 (Ezdan Mall, Wakra Hospital, Ezdan 18, 21–24), M134 (Al Wakra South, Wakra Hospital)

🟩 Green Line Metrolink Routes:

**Al Mansoura:** M115 (Najma, Fereej Bin Derhem)
**Hamad Hospital:** M210 (Al Sadd Zone 38)
**Al Messila:** M207 (Al Messila, Messila Resort, EMS, Lulu), M208 (Madinat Khalifa South), M209 (New Al Hitmi, Fereej Bin Omran)
**Al Rayyan Al Qadeem:** M206 (Al Luqta, U.S. Embassy)
**Al Shaqab:** M205 (Al Gharrafa)
**Education City:** M202 (Gharrafat Al Rayyan West, Gharrafa Sports Club), M203 (Al Gharrafa West)
**Al Riffa (Mall of Qatar):** M212 (Amiri Guard, Al Reem Garden)

🟨 Gold Line Metrolink Routes:

**Al Sadd:** M210 (Al Sadd Zone 38), M302 (Fereej Bin Mahmoud)
**Bin Mahmoud:** M302 (Fereej Bin Mahmoud), M303 (Rawdat Al Khail)
**Al Aziziyah:** M313 (Muaither), M312 (Al Aziziyah, Fereej Al Murra)
**Al Sudan:** M306 (Fereej Al Soudan)
**Sport City:** M311 (Muraikh), M317 (Bu Sidra)
**National Museum:** M315 (Al Mirqab, Slata)
**Joaan:** M314 (Al Nasr, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed)
**Ras Bu Abboud:** M316 (Qatar Duty-Free, Maintenance Hangars, Cargo Terminal, QROC, QACC, Airport Passport Dept)

🚊 Lusail Tram Stations + Nearby Landmarks

The Lusail Tram connects key districts and complements the Doha Metro Red Line at Legtaifiya and Lusail QNB.

🟠 Orange Line (Main Tourist/Residential)

Key Stations: Legtaifiya (🔁 Metro, near Pearl Qatar), Marina – South/Central/North, Yacht Club, Downtown Lusail (Grand Mosque, Boulevard), Lusail Stadium (🏟️), Al Khayl Street, Fox Hills – South/North, Crescent Park – North, Rawdat Lusail, Erkiyah, Al Wessil, Naifa, Tarfat – South.

🟣 Pink Line (West Residential)

Key Stations: Shares many stations with Orange Line, continuing to Tarfat – North, Wadi, Seef Lusail – South/North (Residential complexes).

🔵 Turquoise Line (Shopping/Stadium Access)

Key Stations: Lusail QNB (🏬 Doha Festival City, IKEA), Al Yasmeen, Fox Hills – South/North, Downtown Lusail, Al Khayl Street, Crescent Park – North, Rawdat Lusail, Erkiyah, Lusail Stadium.

🚧 Purple Line (Under Construction)

Planned to connect Lusail Station (🔁 Metro Red Line), Grand Masjed Station, Lusail Boulevard Station, Downtown Lusail, and Al Sadd Plaza.

💡 Smart City Overview: Lusail and Doha

Technology has become the backbone of modern urban development, helping cities evolve into **“smart cities”** that prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life. Lusail and Doha are prime examples of how technology can reshape urban living by integrating innovation into every aspect of city life.

Lusail City, planned as a smart city from its inception, incorporates cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors throughout its infrastructure. These devices monitor and manage traffic flow, energy consumption, and water usage in real time. **Smart street lighting systems** adjust brightness dynamically, and **sensor-equipped bins** minimize environmental pollution and optimize collection routes.

Doha is upgrading its urban systems with similar technologies. The city has introduced **digital government platforms** for residents to access services online. **Traffic management systems** powered by data analytics optimize signal timings, and the Doha Metro leverages real-time tracking data to improve punctuality. Both cities prioritize **sustainability** through energy-efficient buildings, smart irrigation, and green infrastructure, ensuring they remain at the forefront of smart urban development for decades to come.

🛍️ Cheap & Best Stores in Qatar (2025 Budget Guide)

🛒 Value Stores & Bargain Shops (Low-Priced Essentials)

**Dollar Plus / Daiso Japan:** Home goods, toys, party items, most things under QR 10.
**Day To Day:** One of the cheapest stores in Doha for clothes, food, and general items.
**Minoli Trading / Lulu Lot:** Great for budget home items, clothing, and school supplies.
**Brands For Less / Outlet Qatar:** Discounted branded clothing and shoes.
**Ramez Hypermarket:** Big store with discounts on all categories.
**Al Rawnaq / Al Shaheen Trading:** Cheap school supplies, toys, and electronics.
**Ansar Gallery / Saving Square:** Discount clothes, electronics, and houseware.

🧺 Traditional Markets & Souqs (Culture & Bargains)

**Souq Waqif:** Spices, souvenirs, textiles, and perfumes.
**Omani Souq:** Plants, pottery, incense, and baskets.
**Mobile Souq (Gharafa):** Cheapest place for mobile items/accessories.
**Thursday & Friday Market:** Secondhand furniture, carpets, and tools.
**Souq Al Wakrah:** Handmade gifts and snacks by the sea.

🏬 Budget Supermarkets & Hypermarkets (Groceries & Essentials)

**Lulu Hypermarket / Carrefour:** Well-known for good deals and affordability.
**Al Meera / Family Food Centre / Safari Hypermarket:** Reliable groceries and essentials across Qatar.
**Grand Mall / Tawar Mall Value Stores:** General budget shopping options.

🍴 Top Budget Eats in Qatar (Quick & Affordable, QR 2–30)

🍛 Quick Bites & Street Food (Under QR 15)

**Chapati & Karak / Karak Mqanes:** Flavorful chapati rolls and masaledar tea (most items **under QR 10**).
**Ali Al Naama Café (Souq Waqif):** Chapati sandwiches and Karak (**QR 2–4**).
**Bombay Chowpatty / Dosa House:** Indian street food and dosas (from **QR 5–6**).
**Koshari Station / Falafel Al Akawi:** Hearty Egyptian koshari bowls, 15 falafels for **QR 5**.
**Tea Time:** 24/7 snacks, sandwiches, donuts (**QR 4–13**).

🥙 Shawarma & Grill Spots (Local Favorites)

**Turkey Central / Bursa Istanbul:** Turkish shawarma & mixed grills (**QR 5–25**).
**Jabal Lebanon / Shawarma House / Arouba:** Consistent, budget-friendly shawarma (**QR 6–10**).

🥘 Budget Restaurants & Meals (Around QR 15–30)

**Afghan Brothers / Bandar Aden:** Mandi, kabsa, and Yemeni stews.
**MRA Bakery / Asiana Curry House:** Affordable Indian curries and buffets.
**Shujaa Restaurant / Kebab El Tayeb:** Kebab platters and meat skewers.
**Al Akeel (Al Khaleej St):** Egyptian classics at great prices.

🗺️ Key Attractions & Destinations

1. Souq Waqif 🕌 (Metro: Msheireb or Souq Waqif)

The beating heart of Doha, a maze of narrow lanes filled with spices, textiles, and oud perfumes. Shop for handicrafts, admire falcons, and enjoy authentic Qatari dining. Best visited in the evening.

2. The Pearl-Qatar 🛥️ (Metro: Legtaifiya + Tram/Metrolink)

A luxury man-made island featuring yacht-lined marinas (Porto Arabia), high-end boutiques, and waterfront cafés. Strolling through the area blends Mediterranean vibes with Arabian luxury.

3. Katara Cultural Village 🎭 (Metro: Katara)

Qatar's creative soul, featuring an open-air amphitheater, stunning art galleries, and Katara Beach. It's a cultural hub hosting film screenings, performances, and international festivals year-round.

4. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) 🖼️ (Metro: Corniche)

An architectural masterpiece by I.M. Pei, housing one of the world's greatest collections of Islamic treasures spanning 1,400 years. The surrounding MIA Park is perfect for picnics and skyline views.

5. National Museum of Qatar 🌹 (Metro: National Museum)

A modern masterpiece shaped like a desert rose. It narrates Qatar’s journey from ancient Bedouin life and pearl diving to its modern growth through immersive and interactive exhibits.

6. Doha Corniche 🚶‍♀️ (Metro: Corniche or West Bay Qatar Energy)

The iconic 7-km waterfront promenade, ideal for jogging, cycling, or enjoying panoramic views of Doha’s glittering West Bay skyline. Dhow boat cruises are popular here.

7. Villaggio Mall 🛶 (Metro: Sport City)

Doha's unique Venice-themed shopping destination, complete with indoor canals, gondola rides, luxury brands, and the Gondolania indoor theme park.

8. Education City 🎓 (Metro: Education City or Qatar National Library)

A hub of learning home to global university branch campuses, the striking Education City Mosque, and the Qatar National Library. A great spot for architecture and knowledge seekers.

9. Msheireb Downtown Doha 🏙️ (Metro: Msheireb)

Doha’s ultra-modern, smart, and sustainable downtown district. It blends restored heritage houses with stylish cafés, museums, and cutting-edge urban technology.

10. Aspire Park 🌳 (Metro: Sport City)

Doha’s largest green space, offering a serene escape with lakes, jogging tracks, and playgrounds. It is overlooked by The Torch Tower, a stunning 300m landmark.