From KL to Jeddah — With a Refreshing Stop in Doha

 

       

     

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🕌 From KL to Jeddah — With a Refreshing Stop in Doha

A Qatar Airways Stopover Story, Inspired by Hj Abdul Rahman’s DIY Umrah Trip

I haven’t flown with Qatar Airways yet — my travels have mostly been with Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, and Royal Brunei. But when my dear friend Hj Abdul Rahman and his wife told me about their Doha stopover experience on the way to Jeddah, it caught my attention.

They were heading for Umrah, and instead of a long, tiring direct flight, they booked with Qatar Airways and enjoyed a 2-night break in Doha before continuing to Saudi Arabia.

“Best decision we made,” he told me.

Naturally, I had to dig deeper — and now I believe more travelers should consider this option too.

✨ What is the Qatar Stopover?

When flying with Qatar Airways, your journey often passes through Doha — their hub.

If your layover is longer than 12 hours, you can extend it into a proper stopover holiday, with hotel stays starting at just USD 14/night, arranged via their official platform Discover Qatar.

Here’s how Hj Abdul Rahman did it:

1. Booked flight: KUL → DOH → JED
2. Chose a 2-night stopover via Discover Qatar
3. Stayed in a premium hotel at a very affordable rate
4. Took it easy before continuing on to perform Umrah

🕌 Why It's Especially Ideal for Umrah Travelers

I know many of us — especially Malaysians and Indonesians — prefer smooth, spiritual journeys when performing Umrah.

Breaking the trip into two parts lets you:

• Rest, reset, and prepare spiritually before entering the Holy Land
• Pray at a local mosque
• Enjoy halal local food and Arabic hospitality
• Visit peaceful places like Souq Waqif and Museum of Islamic Art
• Walk along the serene Corniche
• Avoid rushing straight into intense travel routines
• You can even take a desert tour if you have a longer stay!

For elderly travelers or those going as a couple, this small break can make a big difference.

🛂 Visa Requirements: Easy for Most

For Malaysians like us, no visa is required to enter Qatar — you’ll get visa-free access for up to 30 days.

That’s exactly what Hj Abdul Rahman and his wife experienced. Immigration was fast and efficient.

(You can check your own visa eligibility here.)

✈️ Don’t Forget the Avios!

Qatar Airways runs a loyalty program called Privilege Club, where you collect Avios points each time you fly — or even when you spend via partner hotels and credit cards.

In fact, they now offer a Privilege Club Pro subscription (starting at USD 50/month), where you can earn points monthly even if you're not flying.

Hj Abdul Rahman also earned Avios on his return flights, which he can use for future discounts, upgrades, or even gifting a flight to his children.

(You can read more on Qatar Airways' Privilege Club (Avios) here.)

💡 What Makes the Stopover Worth It?

Here’s what I’ve learned from my research (and my friend’s story):

✅ Great value: Flights + hotel in one booking
✅ Loyalty points earned on both legs
✅ Visa-free for Malaysians
✅ Cultural experience before reaching Saudi Arabia
✅ More comfort for older travelers

It’s not always about saving money — sometimes it's about saving energy, enriching your journey, and traveling smarter.

📝 Sample Itinerary: Umrah with a Qatar Stopover

Day 1: Depart from Kuala Lumpur
Day 2–3: Explore Doha (hotel via Discover Qatar)

Some highlights:

• Visit the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) – iconic architecture + priceless exhibits
• Explore Souq Waqif – a traditional market for spices, perfumes, souvenirs and try Arabic coffee here.
• Visit Katara Cultural Village
• Walk the Corniche – a scenic waterfront with city skyline views
• Take a desert safari – half-day dune-bashing experiences are available
• Try fine dining or local Qatari cuisine
• Rest in a 5-star hotel

Day 4: Fly from Doha to Jeddah
Day 5 onward: Begin Umrah journey in Makkah or Madinah

🌐 Ready to Try It?

You don’t have to book right away — but I encourage you to sign up for the Privilege Club now (it’s free!) so you can start collecting Avios and get future welcome bonuses.

🔗 Join Qatar Airways Privilege Club
🔗 Explore Qatar Stopover
🔗 More tips & journeys at AaraStories

💡 My Tips for DIY Travelers & Families

• Break the journey to avoid fatigue
• Join Privilege Club before booking — points add up!
• Watch for promos (sometimes Avios redemptions are cheaper)
• Use Discover Qatar to secure stopover packages
• Pack light for easier transit
• Stay hydrated – Doha is beautiful but hot!

❤️ Final Thoughts

I believe travel should be meaningful, not just efficient. Listening to Hj Abdul Rahman’s journey made me realise that taking a bit more time — even for a short stopover — can refresh both body and soul.

If you’re planning Umrah, a trip to London, or even a long-haul journey to Europe, consider Doha not just as a transit city — but as a destination of its own.

Let every stop count.