Nightlife in Qatar may not appear very fascinating as in the western world as far as tourists are concerned. There are restrictions and regulations during night in Qatar too, just as in other Arabian nations. Moreover, religious inclination is another reason for lack of vibrancy in nightlife in Qatar. Majority of residents here follow Islam, and are therefore forbidden from consuming alcohol. Therefore, except for a few posh hotels, alcohol is usually off-limits in Doha.
But, there are some particular locations where tourists can enjoy clubbing or dancing with dear ones at night time. With a large domestic population and significant tourism industry, there are several hotel bars for visitors to the region. Nightlife centres around the hotels in the city, each of which, can give you a different bar experience.
Apart from tourists, residents and expatriates too enjoy nightlife in Qatar. People frequent pubs, nightclubs, bars and discos scattered across the city, as they consider it the right place for relaxing after a tiring day at work. It is here that they relax and dance to the latest dance hits played by resident DJs in nightclubs.
Luxury hotels add their share to nightlife in the country, as they have in-house clubs that attract locals and tourists alike.
At present Doha’s nightlife has grown into giving you a generous offering of live music venues, bars and clubs, although, most of it is concentrated around the international hotels. So, if you going to a venue that is outside of the hotel that you stay make sure you carry along with you your ID, and check whether it is a membership-only venue. There are several bars and nightclubs in Doha, which makes it the hub of activity, fun, and frolic for youngsters.
Bars in Doha:
The Pearl
The Pearl is the only club that is officially known in town. It is a two-storey location, with three bars and a large dance floor. It is considered as the prime hotspot among Lebanese and European partygoers. The main drawback is that it is a member’s only club, but, every member is allowed to bring in two male guests.
Sports Bars
Located on the top floor of the Rydges Plaza Hotel is the Aussie Legends Sports Bar. The TV here shows plenty of matches. Wednesday is reserved as Ladies Night, when ladies get free cocktails from between 7 and 10 in the evening. At other times, drinks are priced at the same rate as anywhere else in Doha. ‘Street Noyz’ is a Filipino band that entertains people with acoustic music every night at the Sports Bar.
Irish Harp
If you are looking out for a traditional Victorian-style Irish bar in Doha, look no further. Tucked inside the Sheraton Hotel, this venue ticks is a typical Irish pub box, with live music, burgers, TV screens showing latest sports, and a good range of beer.
Address: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort, Al Corniche Street
Tel: +974 44853000
Website: www.irishharpdoha.com
Nobu
Located upon its own island peninsula, next to the Four Seasons Hotel, Nobu Doha, is among the most ambitious venues to enjoy nightlife in Doha. You may head to the rooftop on a warm evening to enjoy sake infused cocktails, and relaxed house music, while enjoying sublime views of the city.
Address: Four Seasons Hotel, Diplomatic St
Tel: +974 44948500
Website: www.noburestaurants.com/doha
Trader Vic's
This is a worldwide restaurant and cocktail bar chain with Polynesian-inspired interiors and grass skirts at the Hilton Hotel, West Bay. Despite its gimmicky exterior, the hotel is worth a visit, given its live bands and tasty Mai Tais, one of the list of 200 cocktails here.
Address: West Bay, Hilton Hotel, Diplomatic Street
Tel: +974 442433118, +974 44233117
Website: www.tradervicsdoha.com
Clubs in Doha
Crystal at W Doha
Crystal is the hippest club and champagne bar in the city that adds a touch of Manhattan bling to Doha, with a dimly lit purple and gold interior, and hip hop and dance beats until 2am. This “sassy and swanky nightclub” features Ladies nights, Arabesque Nights and occasional visits from international DJs.
Address: West Bay, Doha
Telephone: +974 445335135
Website: www.crystaldoha.com
Iris Doha
This is the latest brand new open-air lounge at the Sharq, Doha. The place is excellent and always packed to the brim. Although not too large in area, this place may be the ideal and best deal for ladies’ night out, as from 8pm to 11pm, ladies get unlimited select beverages, and there is a choice between three beef sliders and a bowl of goat’s cheese salad, all for free. While the regular beverage menu is expensive, there is a special sundowners section with each drink offered for QR90. The DJ is excellent, and there are live bands here too.
Address: Sharq Village & Spa Hotel
Telephone: +974 7479 4444
Illusions
Illusion is the right place for Doha’s socialites to go, located in Marsa Malaz Kempinski, one of the most prestigious destinations in the city. You can head to the 1933 Grand Dome or rooftop garden on Level 6, and enjoy the house music, opulent interiors, DJs, and the dizzying acrobatic performances on select nights.
Address: The Pearl, Marsa Malaz Kempinski
Telephone: +974 4035 5555
Website: www.kempinski.com.
Qube
Being one of Doha’s adventurous and busiest nightclubs, Qube is part of Radisson Blue Hotel. It is very spacious, and the DJs pull out a choice selection of house, Indian tunes, and hip hop, and overall the place feels lively. Qube features several live bands too.
Address: Al Muntazah, Radisson Blu Hotel, Salwa Road
Telephone: +974 44281428, +974 44281555
Website: www.radissonblu.com
Live music in Doha
Paloma
It is one of Doha’s oldest night spots. With the passing years, the crowds have only increased, the food has gotten better and drinks finishing faster. Paloma is one of the places to be experienced if you are looking for a low-key night out with live music. Paloma’s resident bands keep changing, but, there is nothing to complain about, with Music Vending Machine being the resident band now. The music can range from alternative rock and classics to hits from 90s and latest pop tunes. Further, there is the delicious Tex-Menu to make the best of each time you visit, apart from the standard beverage menu, which is a little expensive when compared to its counterparts in other hotels. Ladies nights are also quieter here, than most other places in town.
Address: Upper Ground Floor, Hotel InterContinental Doha, Al Isteqlal Road, Westbay
Tel: 4494 4919
Jazz Club at Oryx Rotana
The first jazz club in the city plays live music all six nights a week. Even if you are not a foodie, you can simply sit at the bar and sip a cocktail. The house band is the 4TheMysic, a five-piece act that specializes in traditional jazz. Often, there are guest performers and tribute nights too.
Address: Oryx Rotana, Al Nahda School Street, Airport Road
Tel: +974 44023333
Website: www.rotana.com
The Club at St. Regis
The most popular Ritz-Carlton’s Admirail’s Club, has for you the classically shaken New York cocktails and 'Piano Bites' menu, which creates the perfect setting for a spot of Jazz. This laid back venue features twice-monthly Irish bands, the 90s themed Late Night Shows and other quality acts, that offers top-notch views of the Arabian Gulf.
Address: Doha West Bay, The Club at The St. Regis Doha
Tel: +974 33870925
Web: www.theclubdoha.com
