What were your expectations before visiting Qatar?

That I’d feel safe and respected there – and honestly, it surpassed my expectations. I’ve travelled enough in the GCC region to know that it’s very safe for women, but I didn’t know that Qatari hospitality would be quite so generous. One morning I accidentally left my laptop at a café; not only did the waiter run down the street to return it, but he also offered me a free bottle of water because it was hot outside. That’s the level of hospitality and security we’re talking here. Where else in the world would you get that?

I’d been to Qatar before, most recently on some 24-hour stopover trips with my husband. We’d visited Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art – both of which I highly recommend – but my most recent trip was much longer, and solo.

I thought it’d just be a nice sunny escape, a chance to hit the beach and laze poolside – but I hadn’t expected there’d be so many other things to do. I learned about local history in the National Museum of Qatar, took a moonlit boat trip along the Corniche, and much more.

What were your first impressions of Qatar?

That I wish every airport was like Doha’s! So clean, efficient, welcoming – the perfect intro. I landed at night, so felt a little trepidation about whether the taxi ride to my hotel would be uncomfortable as a solo female, but I needn’t have worried. Every taxi and Uber ride I took on my trip was a breeze, with no hassle or weird moments whatsoever. Another thing that the rest of the world can learn from.

In daylight the next morning, the city looked futuristic, bold, awesome. I was staying in West Bay, which is famous for its skyscrapers – what an incredible view!

What did you enjoy most about your trip to Qatar?

The extraordinary architecture, the fabulous hotels, the energy and optimism of a nation in ascendance. But it also has a softer side, one that appreciates art, history and heritage. I relished the super-sized sculptures of Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East in the desert, and how Souq Waqif is still the traditional heart of the city – where locals buy bags of rice and bottles of cooking oil, alongside tourists haggling for pearls.

For me, Qatar also felt like a utopia of how it should be to travel as a woman. I dined alone, I explored solo, and found myself relaxing into life untroubled by personal safety concerns.

Did anything surprise you during your trip?

Gulf cities tend to change at lightning speed, so I thought Doha would feel like a whole new place since my last trip three years ago. Not so! Yes, there are new skyscrapers – including Katara Towers, a magnificent crescent-shaped tower in the up-and-coming district of Lusail – but admirably, the city is preserving its past just as fervently as it’s forging its future. I loved the four heritage-focused Msheireb museums, and the art galleries of Katara Cultural Village.

Did you face any barriers when travelling in Qatar as a woman?

None whatsoever – in fact, I found it liberating. I felt supported at all times, and free to explore. The whole experience made me realise how much I adjust my behaviour when I travel in other countries – or even just at home in the UK – such as worrying about my phone being snatched, being wary of strangers, or feeling unsafe after dark. They’re simply not issues in Qatar, and as a solo female traveller that’s a revelation.

What should other female travellers know before planning their own trip to Qatar?

You don’t need to cover your head, nor cover up. I wore exactly the same clothes as I do at home! Anything tight-fitting or skimpy should be avoided when you’re exploring the city, but trousers and t-shirts are fine – as is swimwear at the pool/beach.

Qatari people are so welcoming. They are respectful and courteous, and not ostentatious; very private, but proud of their country and customs.

Prices are akin to London, if not cheaper. Expect to pay around £10 for a taxi from the airport to West Bay, £15 for a nice breakfast, £4 for a takeaway coffee. It’s so easy to get around. Taxis are very cheap and safe, as is the Metro.

The shopping is fantastic. Head to a mall (there are lots, you can’t go wrong) to find brands from all over the world – and I think the fabric and designs are superior to those in the UK. Sure you can splash out, but from one shop I bought four tops and a dress for just £96.

What would you recommend solo female travellers see and do when they visit Qatar?

Everything! There’s no need to hold back. But also revel in its women-led experiences, like the Moroccan hammam at Al Jasra Boutique Hotel in Souq Waqif, and Doha’s lavish female-only spas and gyms – such as Ned's Club Spa at The Ned Doha.

Linger over breakfast at Shay Al Shomous, a café in Souq Waqif founded by a charismatic Qatari woman, who serves deliciously strong, cardamom-infused karak tea. And if you’re heading out for dinner, dig out those glamorous outfits hiding at the back of your wardrobe (or treat yourself to a new one) – the style stakes are high here!

Was there anything that made your trip unique because you were a women travelling alone?

Yes, it unlocked conversations with women from all walks of life, which likely wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t solo. One time, I met two Qatari ladies in a hotel lift, and emerged 20 floors later with restaurant recommendations and two new Instagram friends. In Souq Waqif, I met countless other solo women on stopovers, mostly flying to or from Australia. We swapped tips and stories – and yes, Instagram handles too!

Most strikingly, it opened my eyes to how refreshing it is when somewhere is genuinely safe and welcoming to solo women travellers. That’s a real holiday, and so liberating – I’m already planning my return.