Major Changes in Doha coming this Winter

Doha’s got a lot of things going on during the winter season.
And while we’re all looking forward to Doha’s line-up of epic concerts and sports events. Here are some of the must-know changes in Doha that are coming this winter.
Some of our favourite al fresco hangouts are making a comeback, and of course, plenty of new places are waiting to be discovered.
Now here’s our full breakdown of the big changes that have been announced until now, and we can expect even more to be rolled out soon.
Driverless taxis will begin on road testingCredit: Ministry of Transportation
Mowasalat (Karwa), in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, will soon be introducing driverless taxis to Doha. It might just be one of the most futuristic changes in Doha this season.
The taxi will be testing on selected roads of Qatar, covering both tourist and service routes. Trials will run until early next year, starting with a phase without passengers monitored by a specialised team, followed by a phase with passengers but no driver.
Winter working hours changed for outdoor service
Qatar has lifted the midday work ban for outdoor workers as of Monday September 15, 2025. During the ban, outdoor work was prohibited between 10am and 3.30pm.
Now with the colder weather returning, this is among the seasonal changes in Doha with outdoor services returning back to business as usual.
Old Doha Port will finish outdoor air conditioned marina
Old Doha Port has announced a 530-metre open-air cooling system along the Mina District promenade, set to be completed by November ahead of the Qatar Boat Show.
4) The Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers will be openingThe new Swissôtel hotel to open in Doha’s West Bay.
One of the most anticipated openings in Doha is happening this winter with the Swissôtel hotel set to open in October.
The 44-storey property will include 223 guest rooms, including 34 suites, as well as 119 serviced apartments comprising studios, one and two-bedroom units ranging in size from 40 sqm to 143 sqm and branded residences with a total of 121 units as one, two, three & four bedrooms.
It will also include six restaurants, two signature restaurants, 750 sqm of meeting space, Pürovel Spa & Sport, an outdoor swimming pool and a kids’ club.
Lusail Winter Wonderland is set to return in OctoberWinter Wonderland is located on Al Maha Island, Lusail. (Credit: Visit Qatar)
One of the most magical changes in Doha each year has to be the rushing to Lusail Winter Wonderland.
Torba Market is coming back this winter
Whether it’s Instagrammable place for coffee, a quick tasty bite, places to buy fresh produce finds, or simply a cosy hangout with your crew, when winter rolls around, Torba Market is the place to be.
All the vintage items are at the Good Finds Market
Another market that pops up in the winter is the Good Finds Market at Doha Fire Station. With its retro vibes and cool art work around, it’s a fun hangout spot for the winter season. There’s also cool things to do like ceramics painting.
Between browsing stalls and grabbing a bite at Café#999, and checking out the latest art exhibitions, there’s loads to keep you busy in this artsy hub.
National day will be celebrated on December 18
Doha will be set for a big celebration to mark Qatar’s 54th National Day on Thursday December 18, 2025.
As per Qatar’s new guidelines, Qatar National Day will be a public holiday for all citizens and residents.
In the days leading up to it, you can expect to see changes in Doha with flags and decorations to mark the occasion. On the day itself, the streets will be packed as people head out in their cars to join the celebrations.
Last year, restrictions were enforced to stop passengers from sitting or climbing out of vehicles during the festivities, along with rules on decorating cars and public spaces safely. We can expect similar guidelines to be announced this year as the big day gets closer.
School exam schedule changes for students
The first semester runs from August to December and includes one of the country’s major holidays — Qatar National Day. MOEHE has shifted the exams to take place before Qatar National Day. Students can now actively take part in the national celebrations that promote identity and a sense of belonging.
Qatar Airways has a new winter season schedule
Travelling out of Doha to see some snow? Qatar Airways has introduced a new flight schedule for this year’s winter season.
These changes in Doha’s airspace are to accommodate the influx of passengers during the festive season. It includes increased flights to key locations like Abu Dhabi, Dublin, London Heathrow, Maldives, Tokyo Narita and many more.
Camping season is making a comebackSarab campground in Qatar.
One of the most awaited changes in Doha each winter is the shift in things to do—from the city to the desert.

Saturday, 27 September 2025