A Quick Guide to Qatar by Black Tomato

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Intro With rolling sand dunes on one side and the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf on the other; Qatar is a destination that oozes beauty and heritage. It’s a destination that has proven itself to be so much more than a stopover destination. Bursting with culture, stunning beaches and some of the world’s best hotels - we’ve got a few ideas on how to spend your days, not mere hours, here. So flip through, and discover more…

Qatar’s Unmissable Experiences In a destination where cosmopolitan city meets serene golden shores and proud heritage fits seamlessly with modern glamour, you can rest assured that the experiences on offer will be both unique and exciting. From intrepid desert adventure to relaxing dhow cruise – This is Black Tomato’s top five in Qatar.

Desert Discoveries The sand dunes are an irresistible allure when in Qatar, so let us ensure you’re all booked in for a spot of ‘dune bashing’ before you arrive in this exotic destination. A short drive out of the city and the world will morph from glitzy buildings to rolling sands before your very eyes. Fly across the dunes in your four wheel drive and stop off at the otherworldly Inland Sea before moving on for some lunch and a swim along the Arabian Gulf. For the ultimate desert experience, why not spend the night beneath the stars at a local Bedouin camp? Back in Doha, you’ll wonder if it was all a beautiful dream.

Market Wanderings The markets of Doha are a colourful and energetic place to spend a few hours, and few can beat the famed Souq Waqif. The city’s largest and most vibrant souq; here you’ll find local spices, handicrafts, gold and textiles – so it’s an ideal spot to pick up some souvenirs before your flight home. There are even local horse stables and an intriguing falcon hospital (yes, a place where they treat the injured birds) to be explored to make your time here that much more memorable. Surrounded by all of this and an array of authentic restaurants- you’ll feel like a true Qatari in no time at all.

Dhow Cruising Perhaps you’ve spent the day on the sand dunes or out at the markets shopping, either way you’ll be ready for a little indulgence, and what could be more romantic and relaxing than a private dinner cruise upon a traditional Dhow? On board, you’ll dine on delicious cuisine as you look out across the waters to the beautiful cityscape and marvel at the beauty of the sun setting on a day you’ll always remember.

Looking Back

Artistic Beauty

Strip away the glitz, glamour and coastal beauty of Qatar and you’re left with a destination brimming with cultural allures, and the UNESCO site of Al Zubarah Fort, with its sandprotected ruins, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local history and culture. For a quiet and reflective morning or afternoon, we urge you not to miss the opportunity to learn all you can about the history of such a fascinating destination. Al Zubarah is also well-known for once being a thriving pearl diving and fishing port – a little nugget of information to bring this historic site to life for you…

Doha boasts some wonderful museums and galleries, but the one that we just couldn’t get enough of was the Museum of Islamic Art. Home to a huge collection of ancient and modern art that spans 14 centuries, with exhibitions dedicated to a variety of Islamic art forms that include anything from metalwork to jewellery to ceramics. A great educational place to escape the heat of the midday sun; you could (and should) easily spend a whole afternoon wandering the cool rooms of this museum.

The Food Edit We’ve had the very difficult task of highlighting just a handful of our favourite restaurants in Qatar. A destination renowned for glamour and a high-level of service and luxury; we’re sure you can appreciate that this was no mean feat. But we’ve done it, and here it is – our favourite spots to grab a bite in Qatar. Enjoy…

Market by Jean-Georges A favourite amongst the locals and travellers alike, Market by Jean-Georges in located in the stunning W Hotel Doha and offers some of the finest cuisine we’ve tasted. Refined without being stuffy, we’d recommend opting for the slow-cooked salmon with black truffle emulsion, or lots and lots of incredible, fresh sushi.

Al Sufra Al Sufra (translated from Arabic this literally means ‘the dining room’) is another highend yet traditional restaurant within the Marsa Malaz Hotel. The interiors successfully incorporate middle-eastern design and emanate a warm ambience, making this an opulent setting to enjoy a lavish meal. We loved the Chicken Makloubeh (their signature dish) and the assortment of backlawa on the dessert menu will ensure you enjoy a sweet end to your evening.

Hakkasan Perhaps this is an obvious choice, but it’s always nice to know you’ve got an institution like Hakkasan available to offer you the promise of culinary greatness. Stunning interiors and an addictive ambience will greet you as you walk in to this restaurant in the stunning St Regis property; whilst the flavours of the crispy duck salad and stir fried Chilean seabass will be something you’ll never forget.

The Trip… Spontaneous, original, exclusive and developing at an impressive pace; no longer is Qatar simply a stop-over destination. No, Qatar is now one of the world’s most exciting places, and it deserves the time to be truly discovered – which is exactly what this six night itinerary will allow you to do. From private dhow cruise to sand dune adventures – this is a side to Qatar you never saw coming…

Fly And Flop Landing in Doha, you’ll be transported to your luxury digs where you can spend the rest of the afternoon resting up in preparation for the days ahead. It’s a day of rest you’ll thank us for the next morning as you head out for hours of intense and exhilarating ‘dune bashing’ and desert exploration. The ultimate in desert safaris, we’ll have you skimming across the sands at top speeds before stopping at the truly stunning Inland Sea for some epic photos and, later, a swim along the Arabian Gulf. Back in the city, culture is calling at the iconic Souq Waqif. A traditional souq located in the heart of Doha, here you’ll find traders selling traditional garments, spices and local wares, as well as an array of restaurants. Having wandered the stalls, bartering as you go, and stopped for some local food, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for another night of relaxation in luxury.

Cultural Immersion Having ticked off the essential adrenalineinducing desert experience; today will be all about immersing yourself in local culture, starting with the UNESCO protected historic site of Zubarah. The desert sands have managed to preserve the ruins of Zubarah’s Fort, so wandering through here will give you a great idea of what an early Qatari settlement looked like. A magical place that’ll have you dreaming of the desert explorers of long ago; an afternoon at

Zubarah is an afternoon well spent. On to the cultural village of Katara, where you’ll discover a world dedicated to the celebration of art in all its forms. Depending on when you visit, there could be any number of exhibitions, workshops, markets or festivals occurring – making this a must on your itinerary.

Dhow Cruising Travelling can be hard work, which is why we’ll be sure you’ve got some time pencilled in to recuperate, and when you’re in Qatar, one of the best ways to do this is on-board a private dhow. Enjoying an evening watching the sun set with a dinner, this experience will allow you to witness the beauty of Qatar from a totally different perspective.

Final Forays Back on dry land, you’ll end your Qatari exploration with one last look into the region’s past (and present) at the Museum of Islamic Art. It’s an institution that’s brimming with art of all forms, including ceramic, textile and metal work. In capturing the essence of Islamic art through collections that span 1400 years, the Museum of Islamic Art is an important ode to a very special and spiritual history. Wander through halls that contain intricately decorated war masks from Iran, marvel at the beauty of pearls and quietly appreciate the artistry of woven carpets and delicate cookware from hundreds of years ago. If there’s one thing we can be certain of – you’ll be bidding farewell to this wonderful destination enriched, invigorated, and a little sun-kissed.

Where To Stay The Marsa Malaz A new opening for the Kempinski group; The Marsa Malaz property is a hotel of beauty and fantastic design. The building itself is a nod to some of Europe’s best architecture, whilst the hotel’s location, just a little off the coastline, positions the Marsa Malaz as one of the hottest places to stay in Doha in 2016.

Location That’s right; the Marsa Malaz is situated on its own island just a stone’s throw from Porto Arabia and all of the entertainment and dining options that can be found there. Since it’s only a 30 minute transfer from the airport, you’ll not have to worry about a long onward journey, and if you’re keen to explore the attractions of West Bay, you’ll be pleased to know you’re just 10 minutes from that district, too.

Your Room In the words of the hotel itself, Marsa Malaz offers the perfect blend of European luxury with Arabian hospitality – and we’d have to agree. Whether you’re staying in a standard Deluxe Room or a Royal Suite, you’ll enjoy the most attentive service from the hotel’s staff (24-hour butler service, FYI). And the rooms themselves? Interior design at its very best. Warm colours and ambient lighting, hints of Arabic influence, large comfortable beds and beautiful bathrooms; the rooms at the Marsa Malaz ooze refinement.

Why We Like It Marsa Malaz has succeeded in its mission to combine the best of both worlds with its mix of Arabic and European influences that are palpable throughout the hotel. So visually, this hotel is incredibly appealing. Add to this the private beach and sun-soaked pool areas and you’ve got your own little slice of paradise. Who wouldn’t want a taste of that?

Where To Stay The W Hotel The W Hotels are renowned around the world for their signature style and high-level of accommodation, and it’s no different at their property in Doha. A hotel that’s centrally located and finished to perfection; this is the sort of place you come to when seeking the chic and the effortless.

Location Sitting pretty on the West Bay of Doha and overlooking the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf, the W Hotel Doha is a mere 20 minute drive from the airport, meaning you can be off your flight and sat by the pool within the hour (if you’re really quick, anyway). The famous Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village are both nearby, so you’ll be able to tick off some of Doha’s major attractions without having to venture too far from your beautiful lodgings at the W.

Your Room Quirky, original and boasting great views of the city and coastline; the rooms at The W Hotel Doha are hard to beat. Opt for the ‘Marvellous Room’ and you’ll be gazing down upon West Bay through floor-to-ceiling windows and resting up in a huge double bed. Complimentary Wi-Fi and beautiful interiors will make your stay even more special. Feeling indulgent? Then the ’W Suite’ might be the better choice for you. With an added lounge area and separate work space, as well as a spectacular marble bathroom, you’ll begin to question why you should ever leave at all…

Why We Like It We love a property with a bit of character, and The W Doha has this in abundance. In an exclusive destination with its fair share of ultra-luxury hotels, the W refuses to get lost in the furore, instead making its presence known with stunning interiors, unbeatable views and some of the most spacious and comfortable rooms in the region.

Plan Your Trip Around One Of These Events… Qatar’s vibrant culture and proud heritage ensures the country has many an exciting and colourful event brightening its calendar throughout the year. As we’re sure you’ll understand, we couldn’t pick just one, so here are four of our favourites…

Souq Waqif Spring Festival – January Spread over around a two week period and a range of different locations, this spring time celebration brings an invigorating energy to Doha. It’s an especially good time for families to visit, as the events include spectacles like dazzling light shows, acrobatics, stilt walkers and circus performers, to name just a few. It’s always an incredibly impressive line-up, and a great way for you to wear out the kids if they’re suffering with a little jet lag.

Qatar International Equestrian Festival – February You don’t need to be a horse-rider to appreciate this festival that brings people from all over the world to the city of Doha. The purest bred Arabians and thoroughbreds will be the focus of the Qatar’s attention throughout this eight day event held at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and you can believe us when we say you’ll not have seen horses like this before. Appreciate the beauty of these creatures and get swept up in the excitement of the races themselves as Doha becomes the most energetic city in the middle-east.

Qatar Motorcycle Grand Prix – March The Losail International Circuit lies on the outskirts of Doha and is one of the most impressive in the world, each year hosting one of the biggest events in the motorcycle calendar. Take to the stands to watch the best in the business do laps here in the heart of Qatar’s parched landscapes. The scenery, the noise and the atmosphere is truly something to behold, whether you’re a petrol head or not.

Katara International Kite Festival – November Visit Qatar in November and you could be stepping out of the airport beneath a sky filled with colourful kites. People descend upon Doha from far and wide to participate in or simply watch the beauty of this annual spectacle, and the markets and seafronts will be buzzing with the transactions between kite buyers and sellers. When you’re not looking up at the sky, wander the food stalls and marvel at the intricacy of some of the kite patterns and designs that surround you at ground level, all the while absorbing the excitement that’s palpable in the air. You could even give it a go if you’re feeling brave enough amongst the experts…

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