Qatar - Five must do activities

The beautiful city of Doha is not short of activities to do and sights to see. If you are visiting Doha under a strict time constraint, you can only do so much in that short period of time.

So to make things easier for you, we will be sharing with you our Top 5 Must Do Activities in Doha.

1. Visit the Museum of Islamic Arts

Discover the beauty of the largest collection of Islamic arts in the world, collected from three continents over the span of 1400 years, all in the Museum of Islamic Arts. In there, you will be able to find the finest collection of Persian rugs, Turkish mosaics, artworks and woodcarvings. It contains artifacts, manuscripts and precious materials that showcase the Islamic historical culture of Qatar.

Designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei (architect of Louvre pyramid), the Museum of Islamic Art stands out as an architectural gem in the MIA Park of the Doha waterfront. The interior is no less spectacular as geometric patterns of the Islamic world adorns the whole interior of the museum. If you are in Doha, then visiting the Museum of Islamic Arts should definitely be a must do on your list.

2. Walk or take a Dhow cruise at Doha Corniche

The Corniche is a waterfront promenade that reshaped Doha's coastline in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and is easily one of the most popular locations among walkers, bikers and joggers.

One thing that you would not like to miss while you're there is to take a cruise in a traditional boat called the "Dhow", or an exclusive yacht cruise. In the evening, you can enjoy an amazing view of a beautiful sunset; and at night, you will be able to see the magnificent colours of the city's lights reflected off the calm water.

3. Go for desert adventures

One of the top places to visit while you're in Qatar is naturally the desert. You can find a few desert adventure activities while you're in Doha. One of them can be found at the Sealine Beach Resort.

While you're there, you can rent a dune buggy on the beach near the resort as well as going for dune bashing, which is a popular sport with both Qataris and expatriates. You can also find tours called the "Inland Sea" tours or the Doha Desert Safari tours where you get to experience an exhilarating ride in a 4x4 vehicle through the sand dunes and smooth sandy mountains.

If you wish, you may also choose to go for the camel rides offered in some of the tours. You'd be surprised to know that there aren't too many opportunities to ride a camel in Qatar. So if you want to have a good photograph of yourself on a camel to show to your friends and family back at home, here's your chance.

4. Go shopping or explore the streets of Souq Waqif

If you are a shopaholic, Doha may have just the thing to satisfy your shopping needs while you're here. Explore the streets and alleyways of Souq Waqif, Falcon Souq and Gold Souq, and you'll definitely find something that you like along the way.

The Souqs (Arabic for "marketplace") have everything from beautiful traditional textiles, spices, jewelry, perfume and plenty of other souvenirs for your folks back at home.

Souq Waqif is probably one of the few places where you can enjoy street food. Your options vary from traditional Qatari cusines to snacks from the Indian subcontinent. You can also enjoy some sheesha if you're into it.

If shopping is not your thing, then exploring and admiring the beauty of the architectural buildings around the Souqs alone is an experience worth having while you're in Doha. Whatever your preference is, you'll likely find something that is to your taste in the Souqs.

5. Discover the culture and heritage of Qatar

To visit a place so rich in history and culture, it is only right to discover the true heritage of Doha while you are here. One of the places that you should visit is the Al Zubarah Fort located outside the capital city. Zubarah is a deserted town located on the north western coast of the Qatar. The forts and towers here showcase the architectural history and wealth of the ancient civilizations that once lived in Qatar.

You may also visit Katara Cultural Village. Katara was born out of a vision to position the State of Qatar as a cultural beacon of art, radiating in the Middle East through theatre, music, literature, conventions and exhibitions. Katara regularly hosts activities so that tourists and residents can indulge in cultural activities.

Source-http://www.qatarliving.com/forum/welcome-qatar/posts/qatar-five-must-do-activities

Speedboat fishing in Doha

From spending quality time with friends and family to enjoying the health benefits of outdoor exercise, speedboat fishing offers a myriad of rewards for recreational boaters. The in-depth boating information available at Discover Boating can help you find a fishing boat in Doha that works best for you, no matter what your budget or needs. If you’re a beginner, read our saltwater fishing tips. Whether you prefer calm coastal waterways or deep sea fishing adventures,saltwater fishing boats present a wide variety of options for family boating,sport fishing and more.

Best Boats for Saltwater Fishing

All-Purpose Fishing Boats - Capable of pursuing many different types of species, all-purpose fishing boats can just as easily be used for saltwater fishing as they can for watersports and spending time with family and friends.

Center Console - Center console boats are called such because of the central console that’s surrounded by a large, open deck. This open space also makes them convenient saltwater fishing boats.

Closed Bow Runabout - These sporty boats are similar to a bowrider, except their bow is closed instead of open. While most often used for watersports, they’re also versatile enough to be used for a bit of recreational saltwater fishing.

Cuddy Cabin - Cuddy cabin boats offer a small “cuddy”, or cabin space that can also contain a sleeping birth. They’re most often used for watersports, offshore boating, and cruising but can also be used for saltwater fishing.

Deck Boats - Just like their name suggests, one of the main features of a deck boat is a large deck that makes it ideal for entertaining large groups of people. Deck boats are also frequently used for watersports and saltwater fishing.

Fish and Ski Boats - These versatile bowriders are made for enjoying it all, from boat tubing and wakeboarding to serious saltwater fishing.

Flat Boats - Most commonly used in coastal areas, flats boats are specialized saltwater fishing boats. Low-cost and economical, they can easily reach places with less than two feet of water.

Inboard Cruisers - Inboard cruisers feature generous cabin areas and tend to be at least 30 feet in length. These boats can be used for offshore boating and saltwater fishing, and have a drive mechanism that is considered easier to maintain in salt water.

Multi-Hull Cruisers - Multi-hull cruisers (also known as catamarans) have two hulls, which can provide a softer ride than other v-bottom hulls. These fuel-efficient boats feature large main cabins and can be used for offshore boating and saltwater fishing. 

Sportfishing Boats - Designed for serious saltwater fishing, sport fishing boats come equipped with all the bells and whistles needed for finding, hooking and landing fresh fish. 

Source-http://www.discoverboating.com/resources/article.aspx?id=245

Outdoor adventure activities in UAE

Do you love adventure? Do you like enjoy sudden burst of energy? If yes, here are three outdoor activities that will make your blood rushing through veins and you want more of it.

The Adventure in Desert

UAE is like 90% desert and going to UAE would mean that you must be experiencing rolling around UAE desert sand. The adventure in desert means enjoying Desert Safari or you may call it Dune Bashing and then going for Sand Boarding or Sand Skiing and having Quad bike rides.

Desert Safari is one of thrilling activity by pushing vehicle accelerator going up and down the sand dunes exploring the amazing desert beauty on a 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep.

Sand Boarding is again an exciting activity that is full of thrills and among the top of desert sports. The activity is all furious like skiing in snow. The player needs to maintain balance on the sand as people do on snow.

Riding on quad bike means being the master of four powerful big tires and can be done with children too. Riding a quad bike is altogether thrill and extreme of joyful excitement. This is like a ‘must sport’ and part of UAE.

Up in Hot Air Balloon: That is what one can dream of rising quietly over a desert that is altogether exhilarating and exciting having stunning view of islands and keep rising along the gale and watching famous UAE land marks like Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah. The sunset and sunrise moments are worth watching and mesmerizing from a balloon too.

In a small plane: What if you opt to go up in the air throttling through the clouds with your friends and foes. There are planes that safely land and take-off from the blue UAE waters and that is like capturing the whole of skyline of the city and then gliding over the favorite spots too.

Scuba Diving: UAE waters are clear and fascinating where there are thrilling species of aquatic life. There is a wholesome world down the calm waters and watching various underwater wonders full of awesome colors and stunning natural beauty of fish and turtles. Scuba diving is all full of adventure and brings in long and cherishing memories to be shared with families and friends. Carrying a splash proof camera is an asset while diving as you can bring all memories to surface.

Funtours are the people who help you with guided tours and fun around the place. They are the best tour operators in UAE offering very high quality services to visit almost all areas in UAE and the places in vicinity. This is a UK based setup for luxury tours since 2004. People at Funtours have exceptional experience and wide spectrum approach for client service with varied nature of tour options. They simply make a holiday a time worth remembering and cherishing.

If you are looking for similar activities in Qatar. Try outdoor activities in Doha !

The best Restaurants in Qatar

Qatar serves a blend of traditional and modern food from around the world. Top-end luxury hotel chains bring with them ample options for fine dining. Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Marriott, InterContinenal, Radisson and St. Regis are only some of the hotels that stand on the small 11,571 sq.km. Qatar peninsula.

It is best to keep your passport on your person at all times if you are planning to eat out in any five-star restaurant in the country as you may be asked for identification. Alcohol is not served in certain developments of Doha, like Pearl Qatar, so it’s best to check with the restaurant before making reservations.

Aroma
Voted the Best Contemporary European restaurant in Doha, Aroma serves a business lunch 'Rushed for Time'. Select from a choice of starters, mains and desserts.
Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha
www.kempinski.com+974 4405 3333
See Map

Belgian Café
Belgian Café is a place for friendly banter and pub grub – mussel pots, chunky fries and meatballs. Drinks are often sold at a reduced price during happy hour.
InterContinental Doha
www.intercontinental.com+974 484 4444
See Map

Chingari
This restaurant features authentic food from the subcontinent served alongside live music. The kitchens at Chingari are home to traditional clay ovens, which impart an earthy flavour to the food.
Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
www.radissonblu.com+974 4428 1428
See Map

Il Teatro
Il Teatro is the place to go in Doha for contemporary Italian cuisine in a plush, upscale setting. The restaurant boasts an outdoor terrace with views of the Arabian Gulf. Weather permitting al fresco tables can be booked at the restaurant.

Nobu

Nobu Doha is the world’s largest, and showcases acclaimed Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa’s signature new style Japanese cuisine, as well as new creations infusing local ingredients representative of the region.


Four Seasons Hotel Doha
www.fourseasons.com+974 4494 8888
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La Mer
Situated on the 23rd floor, French seafood restaurant La Mer offers excellent views of Doha’s skyscrapers and the Arabian Gulf. If you wish to dine in seclusion, the Le Ciel private dining room can be booked. The private room exclusively serves La Mer’s menu, has crystal chandeliers and seats up to 25 guests.
The Ritz-Carlton Doha
www.ritzcarlton.com+974 4484 8000
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Gordon Ramsay
This celebrity-owned restaurant boasts an avant-garde style of fine dining. Michelin-starred Chef Gilles Bosquet prepares special three-course menus from time to time. Smoking and children below the age of 12 are strictly not permitted so plan your evening accordingly.
The St. Regis Doha
www.stregisdoha.com+974 4446 0105
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Saffron Lounge
The world’s only Indian chef to have two Michelin stars to his name, Vineet Bhatia makes Saffron Lounge a platform for non-greasy, flavourful food from all the regions of the subcontinent.
Cultural Village, Opposite New Exhibition Centre, Doha
www.saffronlounge.net
+974 4408 0808
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Wok Mee Noodle House
Enjoy traditional culinary recipes from Indonesia, Thailand, China and Vietnam, in this South East Asian restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner and serves staples such as Thai fish cakes and steamed tiger prawns.
Mövenpick Tower & Suites
www.moevenpick-hotels.com+974 4496 6600
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Al Adhamiyah Iraqi Restaurant
This traditional restaurant has an open woodfired barbecue and offers rustic Iraqi food.
Souq Waqif
www.facebook.com/pages/Al-Adhamiyah-Iraqi-Restaurant+974 4432 4326
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Eli France Café
This café is a local favourite for bakery items, cakes and pastries. Eli France also serves waffles, sandwiches and burgers. It hosts a Friday buffet in its Doha City Centre branch.
Al Shamal Road, near the Ramada junction, Doha
www.elifrancecafe.com
+974 4435 7111/222
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Mykonos
Head to Mykonos for Greek food served in a relaxed holiday vibe and outdoor seating.
www.ihg.comInterContinental Doha, West Bay, Doha
+974 4484 4444
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JW’s Steakhouse
Marriott’s tried and tested steakhouse is a favourite haunt of Qatar’s meat lovers.
Doha Marriott, Khulaifat, Doha
www.marriott.com+974 4429 8888
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Khan Farouk Tarab Café
The Khan Farouk Tarab Café was inspired by Cairo’s opulent Golden Age era, when King Farouk ruled Egypt in the 1950s. It serves food from the country accompanied by sheesha. Relive the past while enjoying the speciality Egyptian Kushari tea and listening to live music from the bygone times.
Katara
www.khanfarouktarabcafe.com+974 4408 0840 – 44
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Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge
Enjoy luxurious Turkish cuisine and an assortment of sheesha flavours in a relaxed and softly lit environment, while taking in the most breathtaking views of Doha.
Katara
www.sukarpasha.qa
+974 4408 2000
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L’wzaar Seafood Restaurant
Locals lovingly call it the fish market – L’wzaar offers a smart-casual dining experience where sea food is selected by the customer and served with a side dish of choice. Starters and appetisers can be selected from the menu and served sauce.
Katara
www.lwzaar.com+974 4408 0710 / +974 4408 0711
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Mamig Armenian and Lebanese Restaurant
A scenic terrace and al fresco seating areas, Mamig or grandmother is a great place to try home-cooked food from Armenia.
Katara
www.mamigdoha.com+974 4408 0800
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La Gelateria Fina
After enjoying traditional cuisine in luxurious settings, head for this fun and busy ice cream parlour serving an assortment of delicious flavoured Italian ice cream.
Katara
www.facebook.com/pages/LA-GELATERIA-FINA
+974 4408 0777
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Al Tawash
An Arabic joint in Souq Waqif to enjoy grilled meat and such traditional dishes such as Harees and Kabsa. The restaurant remains reasonably priced, especially for local dishes.
Souq Waqif, opposite the Waqif Art Centre
+974 44 982 002
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Bandar Aden Restaurant
Bandar Aden specialises in authentic Yemeni food. The menu offers several authentic Yemeni meals, including salta and fahsa, and desserts such as such as maasob and arika.
Souq Waqif
www.bandaraden.com
+974 44375503
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Argan
The Moroccan restaurant portrays a traditional setting, stylishly uplifted by modern elements and chic, vibrant colours. Serving traditional Moroccan dishes like harira soup, tagines, couscous and pastillas, Argan seats a capacity of 44 guests and is open every day 12pm-11pm.
Souq Waqif at Al Jasra Boutique Hotel
www.al-jasrahotel.com+974 44336888
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Al Matbakh-Rooftop Grill
Offering views of The Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art and Fanar, Al Matbakh is a fine-dining experience in Arumaila Boutique Hotel. The menu offers premium Wagyu beef, Angus tenderloin, New Zealand lamb and the freshest seafood from Gulf waters.
Souq Waqif at Rumaila Boutique Hotel
www.arumaila.com+974 44336777
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If you are don't want to go out in this weather but still want to try good food. Check some of the best deals in Doha online!

Source: http://www.lifeinqatar.com/en/article/living/restaurants.html

Fun in Doha, Qatar!

As the capital city of one of the most affluent countries in the Arabian Peninsula, Doha impresses with a generous number of attractions. The Villaggio Mall can be found in the Aspire Zone in the west end of the city, and it attracts a generous number of visitors with its wide array of shopping venues and exclusive facilities.

Moreover, this massive shopping mall features an Italianate-themed interior that resembles an Italian hill town, while its indoor canal measures 492 feet and flaunts its own gondolas. The Gondolania Theme Park is perhaps one of the most popular attractions at the Villaggio Mall, especially since it features the Gondolania Ice Rink – the only Olympic-size rink in Qatar. Other points of interest include a fantastic rollercoaster and a ten pin bowling center, both offering incredible opportunities for entertainment.

Gondolania Ice Rink

Sadly, a large portion of the mall is still closed to visitors because of a tragic fire that broke out in May 2012. The fire claimed the lives of 19 people, which is why the mall was officially closed for a while and reopened only after it met some very strict safety standards.

Villaggio Mall in Doha, Qatar

Presently, the movie theater, ice rink, food court, Carrefour and numerous other stores are opened for business, while many other venues will follow in due time.

Villaggio Mall in Doha, Qatar

Source:raredelights.com/fun-relaxation-villaggio-mall-doha-qatar/

Worlds Coolest Rides....

Fly over waterfalls, skyscrapers, and volcanoes on these spectacular helicopter rides.

Veteran helicopter pilot Chip Kalvin refuses to retire. After clocking 10,000 hours above Alaska’s glaciers and ice fields, he’s still hooked on the thrill of helicopter flying. And he’s not alone. “People often come back from one of my flights and say, ‘That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen or done in my life.’”

That’s hardly surprising. Helicopter rides reward the traveler with an incredible aerial perspective, thanks to their ability to fly lower than planes and hover over points of interest. And you don’t need to travel far from home—or shell out a small fortune—for this experience. Helicopter sightseeing excursions can be surprisingly reasonable, considering their bucket-list nature and the bragging rights that come with them.

Take thundering Victoria Falls, for instance, which stretches 5,600 feet between the Zambia and Zimbabwe borders. It’s a site that’s literally too big to appreciate at ground level. So rather than trekking around this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, New York photographer’s agent Emily
McNeil booked her first helicopter ride. “I had no idea the scale of the falls until we flew over,” she says. “Seeing how the Zambezi River winds through the landscape, nourishing the land and then falling over the rocks…. I may not have taken a breath again until we touched down.”

It’s not only natural sights that have the ability to take your breath away when seen from a chopper. In Hong Kong, a chaotic metropolis of skyscrapers and jet-setters, you can indulge the impulse to rise above it all by taking a helicopter ride on the Peninsula Hotel’s whirlybird. You’ll soar over the world’s tallest hotel (the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong) and the lavish homes studding Victoria Peak, as
ships ply the harbor far below. This 15-minute joyride may well be the most thrilling part of your entire vacation and the story you can’t stop sharing. And to take advantage of this opportunity, you don’t even have to be a guest of the hotel.

The common denominator? Once you’ve taken one of these amazing helicopter rides, you won’t see the earth in the same way. 

Source: www.travelandleisure.com/

Weekend Getaways from Qatar

Sometimes you feel the need to get out of Qatar and not just out of Doha. While Qatar is a peninsula, sometimes it feels like an island. You run into people you know everywhere you go and you can only go to Fuwairit Beach or the Inland Sea so many times! But you also may not want or can’t take vacation days to get away, so where can you go that’s close. Here are some of my picks for a quick weekend getaway from Qatar!

Kuwait – 1.5-hour flight from Doha. Now is the perfect time to visit Kuwait if you can get away quickly. From March 5-7, the Taste of Kuwait: Kuwait Food Festival is happening. Chef Reza Mahammad, of Reza, Spice Prince of India and Reza’s African Kitchen fame, will be giving demonstrations. As will several other regional chefs. If you need to get away and have children, Kuwait is a great choice as they have The Scientific Center. It includes an aquarium, an IMAX theater and a dhow harbor. It’s even open on Friday afternoons! Be sure to schedule your visit during feeding time of sharks or rays! The shopping is also great and it’s cheaper than Doha!

Istanbul

Istanbul – 4.5-hour flight from Doha. The hardest part about this trip will be deciding what to do first! The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are not to be missed. They are beautiful and architectural wonders. My other favorite thing was to visit the Harem at Topkapi Palace. There is so much beautiful tile to see. For shopping most people head to the Grand Bazaar, which I recommend for the experience alone, but the real shopping treat is just behind the Blue Mosque at the Arasta Bazaar. It is a bit more expensive, but more authentic.  

Petra

Jordan – 3.5-hour flight from Doha (to Amman). While there is tons to see in Jordan, I highly recommend going to Petra first. This is especially true if you haven’t seen Jordan before and have little time. I spent a day and half in Petra and really wanted more time. The ruins just never end. I recommend getting a guided tour for a few hours, as there isn’t much signage. Then you can explore on your own. On your way to Petra you can stop at the Dead Sea. My other favorite stop was at Mt. Nebo. From here you can see the Dead Sea and Israel. If you are going to drive in Jordan, check out my tips for driving there.

Maldives – 4.5-hour flight from Doha. If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, then look no further. Pristine beaches and a variety of price points to suit each budget are to be had depending on which resort you choose. You will have to take a boat from Male to reach your resort, but then you can spend the rest of your trip in your bathing suit! You can go diving, snorkeling or get a spa treatment. Make everyone jealous with your amazing tan.

Salalah 

Salalah – 2-hour flight from Doha. This is very close but about as different as it gets! Mountains and green forests await you as well as beautiful beaches. You won’t believe you are still on the Arabian Peninsula. For the history buff, there is the Museum of the Frankincense Land. At the museum are ruins of Al-Baleed. Al-Baleed was the home to the port of Zafar where frankincense was shipped to India. There are lit walking paths that are open till 8pm. Be aware the museum is closed every day from 2-4 and only open from 4-8 on Thursday and Friday.

Source-http://www.funkyqatarblog.com/weekend-getaways-from-qatar