Academyati

Ahmad Bin Ali

Stadium

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is the home of local football team, Al Rayyan Sports Club. The stadium officially opened on 18 December 2020, hosting the final of The Amir Cup, becoming the fourth operational FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ venue. The arena is capable of hosting 40,000 fans. The stadium incorporates features of Qatari culture in its magnificent façade, one of the most striking aspects of the stadium. The glowing façade’s patterns characterise different aspects of the country: the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, the native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. The façade surrounds a compact seating structure, giving a sense of feeling much closer to all of the action on the pitch. A lightweight canopy and advanced cooling systems protect fans from the elements, providing maximum comfort. Traditional design elements continue on the surrounding buildings, with dune-shaped hospitality areas and retail outlets. Thanks to its lighting system, the entire area will be spectacular at nighttime as the buildings softly glow. The stadium complex has used more than 80% of construction materials from the former venue on the site (with the same name) – in fact, any trees that needed to be moved have been replanted! Any new materials have been chosed for environmental qualities. The stadium received a 4-star Global Sustainability Assessment System certification in October 2018. The stadium’s carbon footprint has been reduced thanks to energy and water efficiency measures, and its close connection to the metro. Post-tournament, the seating capacity will be reduced to 20,000 with the other 20,000 donated to football development projects overseas. In legacy mode, there will be six football training pitches and a multitude of other sporting facilities.

Stadium

Al Thumama Stadium in the southern suburbs of Doha is named after a native tree that grows in the region. Its intricate design depicts the traditional woven cap gahfiya – a symbol of dignity and independence, and worn by boys through to adulthood. The stadium’s design also represents the country becoming a major force in the world’s sports scene and the heritage that has shaped its path to success. Qatari architectural and engineering firm Arab Engineering Bureau created the concept and schematic design, led by chief architect, Ibrahim M Jaidah, one of the region’s most renowned architects. The venue’s distinctive design won the prestigious MIPIM/ The Architectural Review Future Project Award in 2018. Fans will first see the impressive stadium from the adjacent Hamad International Airport, as they admire the circular design and outstanding roof from the skies. Al Thumama Stadium is the location for revolutionary prototype stadium the Showcase, a demonstration to FIFA of how Qatar is committed to innovation and sustainability, both in the tournament and in legacy mode. The Showcase will remain in place until 2022, showing such technologies as the solar-powered cooling systems. Looking to achieve Global Sustainability Assessment System 4-star certification, the design saves up to 40% more water than a conventional stadium. Recycled water will be used for the 50,000 sq m of park area, with native vegetation and 400 trees across 84% of the green areas. The stadium was inaugurated on 22 October 2021 for The Amir’s Cup final. In legacy mode, the stadium’s seating capacity will be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000 to meet local needs, with the remaining infrastructure donated. Aspetar will have a clinic at the stadium, while the surrounding precinct will provide sports facilities alongside running and cycling tracks. A boutique hotel inside the stadium, a mosque, and retail units will complete the services offered to the community.

974

Stadium 974, previously Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, is one of the most innovative and radical to be built for a FIFA World Cup™ tournament – or any sporting event! The 40,000-seat venue, situated looking across Doha’s Al Dafna/West Bay skyline and the Arabian Gulf, has been built in such a way that it can be completely dismantled and reused for other sporting projects after the competition, setting a new standard in sustainability and how to reuse stadiums in legacy mode. Due to the temporary nature of the stadium and the clever modular design, using fewer building materials than seen in traditional stadium buildings has reduced construction costs. The project has a lower carbon footprint due to its dockside location as natural sea breezes lessen the requirements on the stadium’s cooling system. The design is the brainchild of Fenwick Iribarren Architects. It has been constructed using shipping containers, removable seats and other modular building blocks, a unique and colourful design in keeping with the nearby port. Most of the stadium’s major requirements – for example, seating, bathroom facilities and food stalls – operate within the shipping containers. These have been arranged in an elegant curved square which give the venue its iconic aesthetic. The dismantling of the stadium is a first for a FIFA World Cup™ venue. Just about everything will be repurposed – the 40,000 seats, the containers and the roof – and donated to projects elsewhere. This means the entire stadium may be built in another location, or the elements split up and used on a number of sporting and non-sporting venues. Once the stadium has been removed, a new waterfront development will include a large public park with retail space. The stadium was inaugurated on 30 November 2021 for the FIFA Arab Cup™ and renamed Stadium 974 to reflect the number of shipping containers used, as well as Qatar’s international dialling code.

Lusail

Lusail Stadium is in Qatar’s city of the future, Lusail City, and will be the venue for the final match of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, closing the tournament in opulent style. Fans can travel to the stadium from anywhere in the country quickly and easily, thanks to the Doha Metro and the upcoming Lusail Tram. There are also excellent commuter links via the upgraded road network, shuttle buses from the nearby park and ride system, and even the new walking and cycle paths! The stadium’s design has been inspired by light and shadow, characteristics of the fanar (lantern), with its shape and façade replicating the intricate decorative motifs on bowls and art pieces seen across the Middle East. Architects Foster + Partners have created a sleek, modern and bold shape with an impressive sloping roof. The chic, muted gold exterior will over time offer an evocative image of aged metal handicrafts, while the intricate detailing on the stadium bowl will feature a graceful, undulating trim. This will be literally topped off with a roof that showcases the best engineering and construction techniques, using materials to provide shade yet still admitting the right amount of sunlight to nourish the playing surface. When the daylight fades, an advanced lighting system will switch on with light pouring through the openings in the façade, similar to a lantern, offering a welcoming glow for fans. Once inside the stadium, a wall of colour will be joined by a wall of sound – the roof and curved sides will form a cauldron effect, with noise reverberating around the arena. During construction, sustainable building practices will be employed and construction waste recycled whenever possible. Recycled water will irrigate the abundance of local plants surrounding the stadium. Efficient water fixtures and leak detection systems throughout the stadium complex will conserve 40% more fresh water than in conventional stadiums. These measures will steer Lusail Stadium towards achieving 4-star Global Sustainability Assessment System certification. Current plans for Lusail Stadium after the tournament suggest it will transform into a community space with schools, shops, sporting facilities and health clinics within the original exterior of the stadium and under the original roof. Most of the stadium’s 80,000 seats will be removed and donated to projects elsewhere.

Stadium

1 The maximum number of hours that will be spent travelling between venues during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, making it possible to watch more than one match a day. 1st title Qatar will compete as the reigning champions of Asia after winning the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in January 2019. 8 Number of stadiums being used during the tournament. 15 – 24°C Average temperatures in Qatar in November and December. 50 Number of nationalities working for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to deliver a tournament that unites the world. 55 km The longest distance required to see matches, between Al Bayt Stadium to Al Janoub Stadium. 1981 When Qatar reached the final of the FIFA World Youth Championships (now the FIFA U-20 World Cup), defeating Brazil and England on the way. 1992 Qatar reached the quarter-finals of the 1992 Summer Olympic Games’ football tournament and won its first ever Gulf Cup. 9,520 Number of athletes in 424 events across 39 sports during the 15th Asian Games (XV Asiad) in Doha in 2006, widely regarded as the most successful to date – just one of many international sporting events Qatar has successfully hosted. 40,000 Seating capacity of Stadium 974 (previously Ras Abu Aboud Stadium), the first fully demountable tournament venue in FIFA World Cup™ history. 1,500,000 Number of fans expected to visit Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. 53,000,000 The annual capacity of Hamad International Airport in 2022. These facts are courtesy of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy – for more information, visit qatar2022.qa

The Team Base Camp line-up shows the uniquely compact nature of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

The 31 teams travelling to Qatar will have a Team Base Camp (TBC) to call home at the most compact FIFA World Cup™ since the first instalment in 1930. No domestic flights are required during the tournament, enabling teams to use the same top-class facilities throughout the competition. Official training sessions the day before matches will also be held at the team’s training sites. Teams will check in at their Team Base Camp Hotels (TBCHs) at least five days before their first match, with players hoping to extend their stay from the guaranteed 15 days to 33, an achievement reserved only for the finalists.

One of the unique features of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ means that 24 out of the 32 teams will stay within a 10 km radius of each other. This provides a thrilling atmosphere in and around Doha for local and international fans to enjoy, as they watch their favourite teams train. A TBC is the headquarters of a participating team during the competition period, combining a dedicated Team Base Camp Training Site (TBCTS) with a hotel or other form of accommodation (TBCH). There are three types of training site on offer: local clubs, cluster training facilities, and stadium training sites. Many have been built from scratch or renovated, an important part of the tournament’s legacy for grassroots football in Qatar. The TBCHs range from four and five-star hotels to villas, resorts and non-hotel accommodation, including sports academy residences and school/university housing. Facilities available include treatment rooms and dedicated common areas to safeguard teams’ privacy, complying with all relevant security protocols.

Hayya, Welcome to Qatar!

By Sarah Palmer

Fans visiting the country for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM in November will need to apply for a Hayya Card. The digital card is the only way that visitors will be able to enter the country during the competition period. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) have stated that a digital Hayya Card will be issued on the purchase of a ticket, and that this applies to all local and international fans attending matches. International fans must book their accommodation after purchasing their tickets to enter Qatar and attend matches in the stadiums, while citizens and residents need to enter the match ticket number, ID number and date of birth to obtain the card. International fans making a matchday visit to Qatar do not need to arrange accommodation, but will still need to register their travel details in order to receive final approval on the Hayya card application. For the Match Day Pass, fans need a valid FIFA Match ticket and a valid passport. Once approved, the digital version of the fan ID will be available in the Hayya app, as well as in a physical form from designated collection points. As well as allowing entry into stadiums, cardholders will be eligible for free public transportation – which will include the extensive metro, bus and taxi networks – and to attend the activities being held during the competition. Accommodation options such as apartments, villas, apartment complexes, floating hotels, fan villages and holiday homes are offered through the official platform at qatar2022.qa/book Visitors can alternatively stay with a friend or relative in Qatar. Each person residing here can receive 10 people (relatives and friends) by registering their data on the residence platform. Each guest must also add the host’s information on the Hayya digital platform. m

Stay ahead of the game and apply for your Hayya Card prior to travelling to Qatar or attending matches.

More information can be obtained from: • The official app available to download via Google Play or the App Store • hayya.qatar2022.qa/web/hayya, the fan application portal • qatar2022.qa, for details about the tournament, stadiums and more • marhaba.qa, for our free e-guide about the competition

MetroRail network

AL Riffa-Mall of Qatar Al Bayt Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

Location of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM Stadiums and Accessibility by Doha Metro

Pink Line Purple Line Orange Line

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

A l Sh amal R oad Lusail Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

Lusail

Doha Festival

City Qetaifan Island

Lusail City

The Pearl Island

Dukhan Road Mall of Qatar

Al Riffa - Mall of Qatar Education City Katara

Khalifa Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM DECC

Stadium 974 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

Education City Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

Villaggio Mall

Al Aziziyah Sport City

Salwa Road

Doha Metro Network

Red line Lusail QNB - HIA T1 - Al Wakra

Al Thumama Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

Green line Al Riffa Mall of Qatar - Al Mansoura Gold line Al Aziziyah - Ras Bu Abboud Metro Stations

Al Janoub Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM Msheireb Downtown Doha

Ras Bu Abboud

Al Mansoura Hamad Int’l Airport

HIA T1 Banana Island

Al Wakra

Al WakraDoha E x press H igh wa y

Events August – November

See the key at the end of the calendar for contact details of various venues. Events are subject to a change of dates/cancellation due to COVID-19. See daily updates at marhaba.qa and follow the advice of the Ministry of Public Health.

August 2022

Ongoing The Year of Culture Qatar–MENASA 2022 This is the 10th Year of Culture, and to celebrate, Qatar Museums is partnering with an entire region – MENASA – with the participation of 26 embassies representing countries from across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. This will be a year of specially curated museum and art exhibitions, films, music and food festivals, and other cultural exchanges. See news and events at yearsofculture.qa and marhaba.qa Ongoing QNL Heritage Library permanent exhibition More than 400 books, manuscripts, historical photographs, maps, globes and travellers' instruments, depicting the interaction between Arabs and the West over the last few centuries, along with the history of science, literature, writing and travel. qnl.qa Until 31 Aug Zwara Second Edition: Doha Dreams Pop‑Up Exhibition Zwara fosters creativity and collaboration in Qatar’s creative landscape. The event invites artists to explore exhibitions, archives and collections and respond to a design brief. In this edition, seven local designers explored the recent 'Christian Dior Designer of Dreams' exhibition before presenting their designs and creations. m7.org.qa M7, Msheireb Downtown Doha Until 10 Sept Road to Makkah Exhibition Artworks by three alumni of VCUarts Qatar are on display at Eiwan Al Gassar Gallery at The St. Regis Doha. In total, 30 artists from 12 countries – Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Sudan, Tunisia, and the UK – are participating. Until 24 Sept Abeer Al Tamimi: Beyond the Rules (right) Exhibition by Qatari artist Abeer Al Tamimi featuring her signature experimental works regarding today's social issues. Abstraction: Subverting Reality A group exhibition exploring the sixth sense, asking visitors to make their own mind up about what they see in the artwork. qm.org.qa Fire Station: Artist in Residence

September

16 Sept – Majaz: Contemporary Art Qatar Exhibition celebrating five years of the Artist in 25 Feb 2023 Residence programme at the Fire Station and the flourishing art scene in Qatar. Part of Qatar–MENASA 2022 Year of Culture. qm.org.qa Fire Station: Artist in Residence 27 IDC Qatar CIO Summit Research by IDC has shown that businesses in the Middle East are reviewing digital infrastructure models and strategies. This year the summit will examine the increasing pace of innovation and the region's evolving technology landscape, with keynote speeches, panel debates, and networking opportunities. idc.com/mea/events Grand Hyatt Doha Hotels and Villas

What's on at National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) Until Pipilotti Rist: Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You NMoQ presents a new large-scale 14 Jan 2023 installation by internationally renowned Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist, her first immersive video installation in the Middle East. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery through a multisensory experience that symbolises humanity’s collective unconscious and the power of the mind. A prominent part of the installation is the 'pixels', 12,000 LED lights strung on cables throughout the gallery representing neurons firing and communicating with each other. The bulbs have been programmed in choreography with sound and video featuring abstract footage of Qatar’s landscapes. The exhibition is best experienced if personal devices are switched off in order to shift focus towards activating different senses. Until On the Move Exploring the lives of nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists across three distinct regions – Central Sahara, Qatar and Mongolia – and how these groups created and maintained rich and meaningful social lives while producing complex and beautiful cultural forms in challenging environments. It features a selection of objects, historical images and archival footage from the collections of the NMoQ and Qatar Museums, along with loans from international museums such as the National Museum of Mongolia, Musée du Quai Branly and the Weltmuseum Vienna. Until A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum The exhibition features three amazing cars in the Mawater Gallery. The new Qatar Auto Museum will explore the past, present and future of the automobile and is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 to support the cultural, educational and tourism sectors, the strong investments in the automotive industry, and Qatar's role as a host for global automotive events such as the Qatar Geneva International Motor Show and Formula 1. Opening times: Galleries and shops: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm. Jiwan Restaurant: Monday to Thursday, Saturday 12:30 pm – 8 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 8 pm. Admission: Adult residents of Qatar, children and resident students: Free. Non-resident adults: QAR50. Non-resident students: QAR25. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors to the Desert Rose Café, Jiwan Restaurant and the gift shops do not need to purchase an entry ticket. Visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa C4

14 Jan 2023 20 Jan 2023 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Photo: Ali Al Anssari, courtesy of Qatar Museums ©2022

Earthna: Center for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation, is proud to announce the continuation of Qatar Sustainability Week which will take place 8 – 15 October 2022. Qatar Sustainability Week 2022 (QSW 2022), a national campaign, has attracted more than 200,000 people over the last six years, with the participation of more than 500 partners. It aims to further engage the community in a wide range of sustainability-oriented activities and is a unique platform to promote the nation’s sustainability vision as well as community engagement with relevant stakeholders.

For more information on how your organisation can be involved, contact outreach@eathna.qa, visit qatarsustainabilityweek.com

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and QM Gallery Al Riwaq 26 Oct – 25 Feb 2023 Baghdad: Eye's Delight The museum's first exhibition in its new galleries, celebrating Baghdad as the most important and influential city ever created in the Islamic world. It will show Baghdad’s outstanding heritage as the capital of the great Abbasid caliphs (750–1258 CE) and also of the 20th century when the city once again experienced a renewed period of prosperity with the discovery of oil. The exhibition features objects on loan from 22 institutions such as the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Benaki Museum, the Vatican, and the Barjeel Foundation. The museum's galleries, IDAM restaurant, MIA Café and the gift shop are closed until the museum reopens in October 2022. The Education Centre remains open – MIA Library opening hours are Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm. There is a free interactive 3D guide to the museum available while it is closed, and visitors can access MIA Park for sport activities in accordance with government guidelines. The Mathaf bus is a free shuttle service between Mathaf and the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Fire Station: Artist in Residence. 4422 4444, mia.org.qa C4

October

1 World of Football A celebration of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Like a football match, the exhibition is displayed in two halves: the first half -- Football for All, All for Football – examines the universal and global appeal of football, while the second half – The Road to Doha – follows the long journey to Qatar 2022, from the first FIFA World Cup™ matches in Uruguay in 1930 to the final match of this year's tournament at Lusail Stadium. The final FIFA Making Memories section will grow during the exhibition, as objects are added to celebrate and record historic milestones as teams make new World Cup history. The exhibition is supported by FIFA Museum, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, National Football Museum (UK), Musée National du Sport (France), and Qatar Football Association. 321qosm.org.qa 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 1 Forever Valentino Exhibition Maison Valentino pays homage to its founder with its largest show to date and its first in the Middle East. M7, Msheireb Downtown Doha 4 – 6 WISH 2022 At the time of going to press, preparations were still underway for the next summit. Previous summits have brought together more than 1,000 global leaders, healthcare experts, ministers of health, and representatives from the UN, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the European Union. wish.org.qa/summits Oct/Nov 10th Ajyal Film Festival – 2022 Special Edition The festival is the Doha Film Institute’s tribute to the country in this historic year. The Jury experience is 1 – 8 October, inviting nearly 500 Ajyal Jury members aged 8 to 25 to watch and analyse films from around the world. The Public Programme, 22 November – 16 December, allows residents and visitors to experience cinema screenings across a number of locations in the country. Part of the Year of Culture – Qatar MENASA 2022. dohafilminstitute.com 9 Teaching and Learning Forum 2022 This one-day event held by the Education Development Institute at Qatar Foundation invites educators to share their experiences with service learning with a view to building a suitable framework. qf.org.qa Awsaj Academy, Education City

What's on at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Ongoing Mathaf Collection, Summary Part 2 A selection of the museum's most iconic pieces. The new display features 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art by artists from the Arab World, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, all historically connected to Qatar and the Arab Peninsula. Until Dadu's Light Atelier Different installations 11 Sept allow children to discover concepts about light and shadow, colour mixing, reflections and more, with the chance to play, explore and experiment. The installation is a temporary exhibition at Mathaf by Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar. 16 Sept – Sophia Al Maria: INVISIBLE LABORS 21 Jan 2023 daydream therapy The first large-scale museum exhibition in the Middle East by QatariAmerican artist Sophia Al Maria, and an invitation to all to discuss histories, dreaming, futures, and the Gulf’s relation to surrounding regions, with installations, videos and soundscapes. Part of the Qatar – MENASA 2022 Year of Culture. 16 Sept – Taysir Batniji: No Condition is Permanent A reflective space with productions and 21 Jan 2023 reproductions of the artist's work created between 1997 and 2022. While the exhibition’s title refers to a single artwork, on display are a mixture of photography, drawing, video, installation and performance. Part of Qatar–MENASA 2022 Year of Culture. Grp 1 (3–5 yrs) Paint Palette: Abstract Art for Children Inspired by the works of Samia Halaby, an 14 Sept/16 Nov abstract painter and a scholar of Palestinian art, Paint Palette encourages young Grp 2 (5–7 yrs) children to explore colour, learn art vocabulary and identify shapes while producing 21 Sept/23 Nov their own vibrant, abstract works on canvas. Opening times Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm. Admission: Adult residents of Qatar, children and resident students: Free. Non-resident adults: QAR50. Non-resident students: QAR25. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors to the Desert Rose Café, Jiwan Restaurant and the gift shops do not need to purchase an entry ticket. There is a free shuttle service between Mathaf and the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Fire Station: Artist in Residence. The Mathaf stop on the Education City public tram service is approximately 3 minutes away from the museum. Visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. 4402 8855, mathaf.org.qa C2

12 Oct –28 Jan 2023 Labour of Love: Embroidering Palestinian History Visitors can take a journey of discovery of tatreez embroidery through different historical periods in Palestinian society, via gender, labour, commodification, and class. Part of the Qatar – MENASA 2022 Year of Culture. ^QM Gallery, Katara Cultural Village

19 Oct – Experience Al Jazeera Discover how the Al Mar 2023 Jazeera Media Network has grown over the past 25 years, from a single pioneering TV channel in Qatar to a global media phenomenon. There are interactive exhibits, such as a Studio Experience, where visitors can experience the Al Jazeera studio setting first-hand, and an Al Jazeera Immersive section, which explores the use of virtual and augmented reality storytelling techniques in broadcasting. Fire Station: Artist in Residence

24 Oct – Art Mill Museum 2030 A presentation of the 30 Mar 2023 vision of the upcoming new museum. Reflecting the site's transformation, artists have created films and photographs showing parallels between the former flour mill and the future museum. The exhibition is in two locations: 'From Flour to Art' at Qatar Flour Mills Warehouse, and 'The Museum’s Garden' at Al Najada Heritage House #15. Reservations are required via qm.org.qa 24 Oct Lusail Museum: Tales of a Connected World onwards Introducing the new museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron under development in Lusail City. On display are Orientalist art, archaeological artefacts and media from prehistoric times to the 21st century, creating a new, enlightened and constructive way of looking at the world. qm.org.qa 25 – 30 Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) One of the largest art festivals in Qatar, where hundreds of local and international artists can showcase their works. There are different events each day, including exhibitions, live painting symposiums, fashion shows, masterclasses and cultural tours. qiaf.net Katara Cultural Village

November

16 – 21 Generation Amazing Festival Young leaders from around the world join together in festival activities, a football tournament, and educational workshops, covering aspects such as active citizenship through football and project management and social development initiatives. The Football for Good tournament sees young people apply their new skills with an awards ceremony to close the festival. qf.org.qa Education City 22 Nov – Education City Fan Experience Members of the Qatar Foundation (QF) community will 9 Dec introduce visitors to Arab culture, with fun activities and insights about Education City and the QF mission. The Education City Fan Experience will take place on certain match days – see the online schedule. qf.org.qa Education City

Upcoming events

11 – 17 Dec D’reesha Performing Arts Festival Theatre, poetry, research, education and technology will explore performing arts to engage a new generation of artists, culminating in an annual festival that transforms Education City into an open stage. qf.org.qa 16 Dec Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway Qatar Creates brings more than 100 brands from five continents alongside a concert featuring international artists. Stadium 974 March 2023 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) LDC5 is being held in two parts: the first was in New York in March 2022 at which the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) was adopted – commitments between the least developed countries and development partners, such as the private sector and governments. The second part in Doha sees world leaders form plans and partnerships to ensure the delivery of DPoA over the next 10 years. un.org/ldc5 Venues to be announced Oct 2023 – Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar Under the theme 'Green Desert, Better Environment', The International Horticultural Expo will bring together the world to unite in the fight against desertification – one third of the world’s land surface is threatened by this global problem, increasing by 12 mn hectares per annum. There are four sub-themes: Modern Agriculture, Technology and Innovation, Environmental Awareness, and Sustainability. This is the first horticultural exhibition to be held in a region with a desert climate and supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. dohaexpo2023.gov.qa Al Bidda Park

Throughout the Year

Lectures, exhibitions and workshops • Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Dean’s Lecture Series. 4454 8400, qatar.cmu.edu C2 • Embrace Doha Workshops and events aimed at enriching the cultural experience of expats and visitors. embracedoha.net • Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar Faculty Lectures. 4457 8100, qatar.georgetown.edu C2 • Katara Exhibitions, cultural and music events, and workshops. Call Centre: 182, katara.net B4 • Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Exhibitions, workshops and artist encounters. 4402 8855, mathaf.org.qa C2 • Museum of Islamic Art Workshops and educational programmes. 4422 4444, mia.org.qa D4 • National Museum of Qatar Online tours, workshops, lectures, and activities for schoolchildren. 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa C4 • Qatar Foundation Convocations, summits, and lifestyle and business-related workshops. 4454 0000, qf.org.qa C2 • Qatar National Library Workshops, educational and academic programmes, reading events and chess club. qnl.qa C2 • Virginia Commonwealth University of Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) Gallery lectures, exhibitions, and community classes in art, design and crafts. 4402 0555, qatar.vcu C2 Music, drama and more • Doha Film Institute Film screenings and festivals, workshops and educational programmes. dohafilminstitute.com • Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Regular performances of Western and Arabic music. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org • Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha Pub Quiz at Shehrazad on the last Monday of each month. 4428 1555, radissonblu.com D3/4 • The Doha Players An amateur dramatic society that presents a range of shows and open mic nights throughout the year. See their Facebook page • The Doha Singers Qatar's largest and oldest amateur choir. dohasingers.com

Events are subject to a change of dates/cancellation. The Sports Events Calendar can be found in the Sports section. To be included in our listings, email marhaba@marhaba.com.qa m

Keep up to date with all that is happening in Qatar by connecting with Marhaba: marhaba.qa, marhaba.qa/eguides

MarhabaGuideQatar

MarhabaQatar

MarhabaGuideQatar marhabainformationguide

Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Qatar Foundation C2 4470 7000, qncc.qa Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) C4 4033 1111, decc.qa Katara Cultural Village Lusail Street B4 182, katara.net Qatar Tourism visitqatar.qa

Marhaba updates this information for every issue; however, details may change after going to press. Please check with the organisation concerned. If your organisation is listed in these pages, email any changes to us at marhaba@qatar.net.qa. Many of the locations for the following listings can be found using the map pages in this guide. Marhaba pocket maps can be purchased at bookshops and stores around town. ✔ Indicates either an activity for children or an activity in which children can participate.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts Center B3 A vibrant centre in Al Duhail South, offering art classes and workshops for all ages. Caters to events, birthdays, schools and universities. 4486 5201, artsandcrafts.qa ✔ IAID Performing Arts (IAID) D4 Offers progressive courses from beginner to advanced covering colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, visual art perception and portraits. 4432 0974, 4441 1234, iaidonline.org ✔ International Artists of Doha (IAD) Group for professional artists living in Qatar who get together and exhibit on a regular basis. 6699 0122, see their Facebook page for more details. Fire Station C3 A contemporary art space committed to supporting artists, curators and the wider public through their residencies and public programmes. 4422 4222, firestation.org.qa Katara Art Center (KAC) at Building 5 at Katara B4 Courses and workshops in photography, printmaking, design, drawing, painting, ceramics and more. 4408 0244, dohakac.com ✔ Paint The Town Qatar Multiple locations A division of Trinity Talent Qatar. A leisurely event, where participants are taught how to paint. Each session consists of a different painting taught by an artist. 7759 1219, paintqatar.com Qatar Art Center (QAC) C3 Art residency and art hub, founded in 1993 by HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani. 4487 7488, qatar-art-center.business.site Qatar Fine Arts Association at Building 13 at Katara B4 Aims to raise the level of scientific and technical artists, and maintain their production. 4408 1469, see their Facebook page for more details. ✔ VCUarts Qatar Community Education C2 Courses in jewellery design, fashion design, dressmaking, drawing, Photoshop, Illustrator, watercolours and more. 4402 0555, qatar.vcu.edu Visual Art Center at Katara B4 Acts under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, offers services in all aspects of visual art. It covers basic drawing techniques, painting, printmaking, graphic design and illustration, photography, ceramics, basic design and computer graphics. katara.net

Boat and Fishing Trips, and Watersports

Many tour companies offer half- and full-day dhow trips and fishing trips, which often include lunch. Trips to Safliya Island are popular and watersports are available at an extra cost. See Sightseeing in the Discovering Qatar section for tour companies and Sports Activities in this section for watersports. AquaSports (Previously Paddle Qatar) B4/C4 Runs a range of tours, camping activities, school, educational and team building trips, beach barbecue and kayaking tours at The Pearl Island and the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). 3319 4445, aquasportsq.com ✔ Blue Pearl Experience Multiple locations Organises outdoor adventure, camps and watersports activities at The Pearl Island, Doha Golf Club, Fuwairit, Zekreet and Sealine. 6660 2830, bluepearlexperience.com ✔ Fishing and parasailing trips Call Bassel on 5551 8100 National Cruise Organises cruises and tours on the sea including dinner cruises, city tours, corporate cruises, birthdays and other special occasions as well as fishing and beach trips. 6600 0926, 7799 9666, nationalcruise.com ✔

Qatar Sea Angling Association Founded in 1987 to encourage anglers to meet up regularly to share knowledge, bait and tackle tips, and a little adventure fishing around Qatar as well as support local research. qsaa.net Regatta Sailing Academy B4 Windsurfing instruction offered for all ages. 5550 3484, regattasailingacademy.com Ronautica Middle East B4 Yacht charters, day boat charters and fishing trips. Contact the Harbour Master at The Pearl Island. 6674 1577, 4409 5279, ronauticame.com

Cinemas

Asian Town Cinema F3 Offers four cinemas with 500 seating capacity each. 4499 9013 Cineco 3, Al Khor Mall A 3-screen cineplex. 4029 6503/4453 3445 Cineco, Gulf Mall C3 A 13-screen multiplex. 4031 0600 Cineco, Villaggio Mall D2 Offers 13 cinemas including one IMAX 3D. 4451 7001 Cinema Land, Landmark Mall C3 Offers three screens. 4487 5222 Flik Cinemas, Lagoona Mall B4 Platinum and Gold Class multiplex offering four screens. 4443 2757 Flik Cinemas, Mirqab Mall D3 Offers eight screens. 4434 0737 Mall Cinema, The Mall D4 Offers three cinemas. 4467 8666 Novo Cinema Call Centre 4031 5803, novocinemas.com/qatar • Novo Cinema, 01 Mall E3 Five-screen cinema. • Novo Cinema, Doha Oasis D4 19-screen cinema. • Novo Cinema, Mall of Qatar C1 19-screen cinema, IMAX, and MX4D. • Novo Cinema, Souq Waqif D4 Four standard theatres and a VIP 7-star screen. • Novo Cinema, The Pearl Island B4 10 screens including IMAX and VIP. Qatar Bahrain Cinema, City Center-Doha C4 A 14-screen multiplex. 6503 6086, 4493 3355 Roxy Cinemas, B. Square Mall E4 Five screens with VIP screen. 4017 1614 The Cinema Palace, The Royal Plaza D3 Offers three screens. 4432 0938 VOX Cinemas, Doha Festival City B2 A 19-screen cinema multiplex including one 4DX. 4435 4444

Novo Cinema, The Pearl-Qatar

Clubs and Hobbies

Doha Stitches A ladies only sewing and crafting non-profit charity group where members use their sewing and crafting skills to give back. Join their private Facebook group for more details. Doha Writers' Workshop A community of teachers, students, and professionals interested in writing, reading, and the art of sharing experiences through words. Join their private Facebook group for more details. Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) C3 Raising environmental awareness and conservation. 4487 4125/7301, fec.qa (Arabic) ✔ Friends of Nature (FON) in Ezdan Mall C3 A non-profit organisation, which organises environmental awareness programmes and activities. 7002 0543 (Arabic) ✔ HOG Qatar Chapter D3 (Harley Owners Group®) Aims to increase the level of enthusiasm toward Harley Davidson motorcycles. 4463 2429/28, harley-davidsondoha.com Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation (QBSF) D4 Founded in 1991 to establish a base of players who are able to lead the sport of billiards, pool and snooker. qbsf@qbsf.qa, qbsf.qa Qatar Chess Association D4 Chess training and tournaments for children. 4494 4290/91/92, 4469 4349 (girls), 4465 9791 (boys), qatarchess.com ✔ Qatar Duners Connect with other bikers, and take on the dunes. Join their private Facebook group for details. Qatar Flying Club A private flying company in Al Khor Airport, offering pilot training, gyro-copter training and weight shift, discovery flights from above, and private pilot’s licence. 4457 1491, qatarflyingclub.net

Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) The federation organises motor and motorcycling rallies, and accepts volunteers interested in marshalling at the rallies. 4437 9885, qmmf.com Qatar Natural History Group (QNHG) Share a broad range of interests including archaeology, geology, botany, marine life, conservation and the natural world. qnhg.org ✔ Qatar Photography Center at Building 18 at Katara B4 Established in 2021 by the Ministry of Culture as Akkas Photography Center, it offers courses and workshops with the aim of improving and enriching the local photography scene. 5583 3807 Qatar Poetry Center (Diwan Al Arab) Operating under the Ministry of Culture, the centre works to promote poetry and literature, taking into account the Qatar's literary heritage, and be the right platform for Qatari poets to develop and succeed. 4405 5736/38, diwanalarab.qa Qatar Quilt Guild A guild of ladies meet for sewing and technique workshops and contests. See their Facebook page for details. Qatar Reads C2 Previously known as the National Reading Campaign (NRC), Qatar Reads is a programme by Qatar Foundation (QF) that hosts a variety of outreach initiatives to communicate the importance of reading and create interest in reading among all residents. qatarreads.qa ✔ Qatar Scientific Club E3 Over 4,000 members attend classes and seminars including scuba diving, remote-control aero modelling, astronomy and electronics. Children aged 9 – 12 can join the Children’s Club. 4469 6200, qsc.org.qa (Arabic) ✔ SustainableQatar An independent, volunteer-based organisation addressing environmental issues relevant to Qatar. sustainableqatar.com The Official Elvis Presley Fan Club of Qatar Officially recognised by Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Join events, activities and outings. qatarelvisfans.qa Youth Hobbies Center at Katara D4 Photography programmes for teens. Basic skills required. 4408 1812, youthobbies.org ✔

Clubs – Recreational

A few of the social clubs in and outside of Doha provide a wide range of facilities for sport and leisure activities. Many membership options are available and cater for singles, couples and families. Al Jasrah Cultural and Social Club D4 A government club at Souq Waqif established by the Ministry of Sports and Youth in 1960. One of the

Qatar Natural History Group (QNHG)

oldest literary clubs in the Arab world, the club hosts many writers and intellectuals from the Arab world and offers many free training courses in various creative areas such as writing, theater and music. 4427 3124, 3318 1359, moc.gov.qa Al Khor Community A housing complex, offering excellent facilities to employees of Qatargas and Al Khor International School (AKIS) with three clubs, including Al Dhakira Club, Al Nakheel Club, and Al Waha Club. 4473 4555, akcommunity.org Al Khor Cultural Center A cultural and social centre of the Ministry of Sports and Youth established in 1981 for men with specialised cultural activities, recreational and scientific programmes. It was expanded in 2006 to include a ladies section with social and cultural programmes. 4472 2015 (men's section), 4472 0362 (women's section) Al Khor Girls Center Established by the Ministry of Sports and Youth in 2012 as a youth centre to empower women and young girls and highlight their abilities in commitment to Islamic customs and values by organising various activities and initiatives. 4472 0600, 7747 0887, kgc.org.qa Deema Community Center A fun, interactive environment where families gather to develop new skills while fostering a love of learning. 5593 1053, see their Facebook page for details. ✔ Dukhan Recreation Club (DRC) One of the oldest clubs managed by QatarEnergy and open to its staff only with several fitness and entertainment facilities. 4014 1879 Dukhan Water Sports Club A sailing club for QatarEnergy employees only. 4014 1894 Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) D3 Formally inaugurated in 1992, the centre is a meeting of prominent Indian community members. 4468 6607, iccqatar.com Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO) Clubs Al Banush Club 4409 1777 (for employees only) See Sports Activities in this section for a comprehensive list of sports clubs.

Culinary

Leaders Cooking Academy D4 A cooking and barista academy and cafe as well as a hospitality and food consultancy. 3330 6677, see their Instagram page. Qatar Culinary Professionals (QCP) D3 An association representing professional chefs in the food service industry in Qatar. 4418 0654, qatarcp.org The Cooking Academy C3 A local culinary start-up providing cooking classes for professionals and food lovers. 4039 0497, cookingacademy.qa

Cultural and Language Courses

See Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures and Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses in the Education section.

Dance

B/Attitude Spa at Beverly Hills Tower B4 Offers zumba, salsa, latino fitness and more. 4412 2046, battitudespadoha.com ✔ Bailamos Salsa Multiple locations Teaches salsa, bachata, tango, hip hop and more at all levels. 7040 4143, bailamos-salsa-doha.business.site Brava Studio at 22 La Croisette, The Pearl Island B4 Offers a wide variety of dance, dance fitness and aerial arts classes to all ages. 4002 2000, bravastudio.co ✔ Cabana Club at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D4 Holds ballet, hip hop, salsa, bachata and more for adults and children – various levels. 4428 1428 ✔ Fitness First at City Centre-Doha C4 Offers a wide variety of dance including Irish, Bollywood, Modern and more. 4411 5999, qatar.fitnessfirstme.com IAID Performing Arts (IAID) D4 Classical and contemporary dances of India, jazz, classical ballet; contemporary, dance and hip hop for teens and kids. 4432 0974, 4441 1234, iaidonline.org ✔ InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Offers salsation, zumba and other dance classes. 4484 4444, doha.intercontinental.com International Centre for Music (ICMQatar) Multiple locations One of the pioneers in Qatar to offer courses to learn the solos and variations in the classical as well as contemporary ballet. 4467 1354, 4490 7878, icmqatar.com ✔ Salsa n Candela C3 Founded by Candela Entertainment, Salsa n Candela provides salsa, Cha-Cha, bachata, Brazilian Zouk, kizomba, tango and other latin dance classes, as well as organises events and provides entertainment services. candelaentertainment.com Skills Development Centre (SDC) D3 A centre for fine arts and performing arts, and is one of the leading institutes in Qatar offering Indian classical dance, modern dance, classical music, fine arts, karate, yoga and personality development. 4441 3955, sdcqatar.org Swasthi Academy D3 Provides training in classical and contemporary dance forms, classical and instrumental music genres, martial arts as well as wellness programmes. 5077 0025, swasthiacademy.com The Ritz-Carlton, Doha B4 Offers jazz, zumba and hip hop classes. 4484 8000, ritzcarlton.com ✔

Debating and Public Speaking

Al-Banush Club Toastmasters Online meetings on the first and third Tuesday every month at 6:30 pm. 3354 6316, toastmasters.org Al Khor Toastmasters Club Meetings on the second and fourth Monday every month at 7 pm on Zoom. 5563 8213, 6678 2272, toastmasters.org Birla Gavel Club at Birla Public School D4 Fee: first year QAR225 and annual QAR100. 7727 9583 ✔ Doha Toastmasters Club D4 Meetings on first and third Saturday from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm on Zoom. 5516 9399, doha.toastmastersclubs.org Doha Gavels Club D4 Toastmaster club for children. Part of Doha Toastmasters Club. 5572 0680 ✔ QatarDebate Center C2 A member of Qatar Foundation (QF) and the national debating organisation for Qatar. qatardebate.org Qatar Toastmasters Club D4 Meetings on the first and third Sunday every month at 7 pm - 9:30 pm on Zoom. 7400 6238, toastmasters.org

Drama

Doha Film Institute (DFI) B4 Offers programmes, workshops and labs in acting, screenwriting and other aspects of filmmaking. dohafilminstitute.com Doha Players Theatre C2 An amateur dramatic society that produces plays and musicals on weekdays between 8 am and 1 pm only. thedohaplayers.com ✔ Film and Theater Academy Multiple locations Acting classes, workshops and courses for adults and children. actingclassesdoha@gmail.com, 7751 9168 ✔ Mockingbird Academy C2 Delivers a high-quality performing arts programme and classes with several fundamental abilities, including self-esteem, confidence, creative thinking, acting skills, public speaking skills, as well as leadership and teamwork skills. 4407 6851, mockingbirdacademy.com ✔

Groups and Associations

1st Doha Scout Group, British Scouting Overseas (BSO) Delivers an active programme of indoor and outdoor activities for English-speaking children aged 6 – 18 years from all backgrounds. 1st-doha-scout-group.org ✔ American Women's Association Active women's group for all nationalities, providing a variety of ongoing activities and events. awaqatar.com British Guides in Foreign Countries (BGIFC) For girls only, aged 5 – 14 years. To register your daughter visit bgifc.org.uk, dess.org ✔ Canadians in Qatar Bringing Canadians of Qatar together through social events by holding monthly social events. Join their private group on Facebook. Doha Mums Group of over 1,000 mums from 90 countries, offering more than 80 events a month, including New Arrivals Coffees; playgroups and holiday parties; support groups; children with special needs; children's library. dohamums.com ✔ Dutch Speaking Association of Qatar (DSA) Welcomes those who speak Dutch. dsaqatar.org ExpatWoman Qatar Join the forum and get to know other expatriate women; organises activities, meetups and gatherings. expatwoman.com/qatar How Women Work (HWW) A community group empowering women to succeed through workshops, conferences, and professional events. hwwglobal.com Indian Women's Association, Qatar (IWA Qatar) Exchange expertise in various cultural social fields. iwaqatar.com

Tuesday Ladies Group (TLG)

Lebanese Community in Qatar (LCIQ) A community group for Lebanese in Qatar with more than 4,000 members to get to know each other, and organise events. Join their private group on Facebook. Qatar Expat Women Helps women with the transition from their homeland to Qatar. See their Facebook page for more details. Qatar Irish Society Organises social, sporting and cultural events throughout the year in order to promote closer relations in the Irish community in Qatar. Join their private group on Facebook. Qatar Professional Women's Network (QPWN) An informal networking group for any woman regardless of nationality, profession, age or educational background. qpwn.org Scots in Qatar Holds regular functions throughout the year including St Andrew's Night Ball, Burns Supper and summer ceilidhs. scotsinqatar.com Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (previously known as Fanar) D4 Hosts numerous events for people of all nationalities and beliefs. 4444 7444, binzaid.gov.qa Sudanese Professional Association and Sudanese Women's Association (SWA) in Qatar A formal association of Sudanese professionals that organises professional, business, social and cultural events throughout the year for the Sudanese community in Qatar. See their Facebook page for more details. Swedish Association of Qatar (SAQ) Regular gatherings and social events for children and adults. saq.nu ✔ The Cambridge Society of Qatar Cambridge University alumni in Qatar who meet regularly to socialise, listen to eminent speakers and to discuss ways of promoting links between Qatar and Cambridge University. alumni.cam.ac.uk Tuesday Ladies Group (TLG) D4 Support group for expatriate women. Meets at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha for tea, coffee and cakes every other Tuesday. tuesdayladiesgroup.com

Women's Circle By Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and life coach Anahi, hosting women's events, bringing women together to share, discuss and witness each other's journeys in a safe and enriching way. See their group on LinkedIn.

Groups Seeking Volunteers

2nd Chance Rescue – Qatar A branch of Park View Pet Centre provides fostering, adoption and dog walking services. 5540 6254, see their Facebook page for details. Animal Resources Department D4 The government vet has a trap-neuter-return (TNR) team and offers free treatments, neutering, spaying, vaccinating and microchipping. 184/4426 1656 BarkinQ – Volunteers for Dogs Run by a dog-loving couple, rescuing stray or abandoned dogs to rehome abroad – not a shelter. 5573 2144, see their Facebook page for details. Cat Assistance Team of Qatar (CAT) Volunteer-based cat rescue group that fundraises to support cat rescue in Qatar. All proceeds go to TNR (trap-neuter-return), cat care and rescue. See their Facebook page for more details. Doha Environmental Actions Project (Deap) A team of volunteers seeking to restore the natural beauty of the beach and sand dunes in Qatar and raise awareness on the importance of preserving the environment. See their Facebook or Instagram pages for more details. ✔ Paws Rescue Qatar A group of individuals who rescue and rehome dogs and cats. pawsrescueqatar.org Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) A non-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals in Qatar. Funded purely by public donations along with offers of support from volunteers, it is home to over 200 animals. 5539 6074, qaws.org ✔ Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS) Multiple locations Qatar's first volunteering charitable organisation, QRCS works to help and empower vulnerable individuals and communities in Qatar and across the MENA region. QRCS is an active member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. qrcs.org.qa Qatar Volunteers A volunteer group that participates in fundraising events, blood donation, beach cleanups, and disaster response. See their Facebook page for details. Qatar Voluntary B3 One of the youth centres of the Ministry of Sports and Youth. It strives to spread a volunteering culture to all members of the Qatari society through organising activities, programmes and events. 4467 4888, voluntary.qa Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) Volunteer Club ROTA supports neighbouring countries as they overcome developmental difficulties. To volunteer, call 4454 1603, reachouttoasia.org Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) (Qatar 2022) Join over 271,000 volunteers from around the globe – and make history with SC as they prepare for the Middle East's first FIFA World Cup™. qatar2022.qa TNR Qatar A volunteer organisation promoting trap-neuter-return (TNR), the humane solution to the cat overpopulation problem, saving cats lives. See their Facebook page for details.

Health and Fitness

See Sports Activities and Health and Wellness in this section for comprehensive listings of activities and classes.

Libraries

British Council Qatar D3 Information Centre has books, magazines, videos, DVDs and internet access. 800 5501, britishcouncil.qa ✔ Institut Français du Qatar B3 Provides information about different aspects of French and Frenchspeaking culture and civilisation: literary, artistic, social, scientific and technical. 4493 0862, institutfrancais-qatar.com ✔ Qatar National Library (QNL) C2 Gives residents access to nearly one million books, periodicals, and special collections. QNL members can pick up a membership card, while those not yet registered can do so by presenting their Qatar ID. Register at library.qnl.qa/selfreg. For more information, visit qnl.qa or call 4454 0100 ✔ VCUQatar Library C2 The public may join the library for a small deposit and borrow art, design, architecture and innovative media books, ebooks, research, articles, images, videos and more. qatar.vcu.edu/library ✔

Music Groups and Choirs

Doha Chamber Choir A cappella choir has vacancies for all voice parts, especially tenor. Rehearses weekly from September to June. Varied repertoire. Performs for booked events only (weddings, parties, etc). 7011 8887, qatarconcertchoir.com Doha Community Music Ensembles A full size symphony orchestra and wind symphony for amateur musicians. Open to new members of all ages and nationalities. 3385 7784, dcmeqatar.com ✔ Doha Jazz Performs several genres of jazz and other styles such as blues, Arabic and classical music. 5571 0746, dohajazz.com Drumming Qatar Teaching African djembe drumming and rhythm. Open to all. Contact Patrick Dilley on 3384 2330, drummingqatar.com ✔ IAID Performing Arts (IAID) D4 Music courses include piano, keyboard, guitar and vocals in Western notations, following the London College of Music (LCM) syllabus. Examinations are held every six months by LCM examiners. 4432 0974, 4441 1234, iaidonline.org ✔ International Centre for Music (ICMQatar) Multiple locations Offers classes in piano, keyboard, violin, guitar and music theory, as well as voice lessons. 4490 7878, icmqatar.com ✔ Music Affairs Centre D3 Established in 2016 under the Ministry of Sports and Youth, it aims to raise awareness of music culture and its importance in society. 4478 9356, qmusic.qa Qatar Concert Choir A not-for-profit audition choir performing a wide range of classical and contemporary choral music. qatarconcertchoir.com Qatar Little Voices Led by the director of Qatar Youth and Junior Choirs, Little Voices is a lively once-weekly music appreciation programme and a pre-choir entry class for young children. Class size is limited. 4036 3139, hub@sisq.qa ✔ Qatar Music Academy (QMA) at Katara Cultural Village B4 Member of Qatar Foundation (QF) and Qatar's leading academy of music. It offers a comprehensive music education programme, which draws on practice, music theory and incorporates both Arab and Western classical music curriculum. 4454 8191, qatarmusicacademy.com.qa Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) C2 A member of QF, founded in 2007 by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. It consists of more than 100 musicians chosen by a jury of international music professionals. They perform western and Arabic music in local and international settings. 4454 8185, qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO)

Qatar Youth and Junior Choirs Qatar Youth Choir, for singers aged 14 – 18, is an ambitious youth choir, singing from the great classical and contemporary choral repertoires. Qatar Junior Choir is for younger boys and girls aged 8 – 13 years and is the feeder choir to the more senior Qatar Youth Choir. qyj-choir.com, qatarconcertchoir.com ✔ Siwar Choir Qatar's leading Arabic youth choir established by JeemTV, formerly known as Al Jazeera Children's Channel (JCC), bringing together Arabic traditions with fresh and exciting music. jeemtv.net ✔ The Doha Singers A choral group that presents several concerts every year. dohasingers.com

Water Parks and Play Zones

Adventure Rooms Qatar D4 Qatar's first 60-minute real life escape room game, where you need to solve puzzles, find keys, and beat the clock to escape. It is an exciting recreational activity for friends, families, students and coworkers. Suitable for ages 7 and above. 7050 0139, adventureroomsqa.com ✔ Baladna Park Located in Umm Al Hawaya, Baladna Park is an outdoor family entertainment park, which includes a restaurant, farm, zoo, lake, carnival area and outdoor activities and entertainment such as pedal car racing, cow chariot, trampoline, zip lining, bumper boats, obstacle course and more. Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 10 am – 7 pm; Friday noon – 8 pm; Saturday 10 am – 8 pm. Admission: Free. Prices range for the outdoor amusement and theme park activities. 4424 6000, baladnapark.com ✔ Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park Features 18 attractions with 56 rides and slides at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas. Opening times: Daily 10 am – 6 pm. Admission: Juniors (Below 1.2 m in height) QAR195, Adults QAR255. Pre-booking is required and tickets can be purchased on Q-Tickets. Access to adventure attractions such as canyoning, diving, go karting and laser tag are not included in the general admission ticket and can be purchased separately on site. 4423 6666, salwabeachresort.qa ✔

Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park

Doha Quest D4 An area of 27,500 sq m with more than 30 rides and attractions, which include the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster and tallest indoor drop tower. The theme park is split into three different time-dimensions: Oryxville is a portal of the ancient Arabian past; the City of Imagination focuses on the present day; and Gravity offers a gateway into a futuristic space age. Opening times: Monday to Saturday 2 pm – 10 pm. Admission: Junior Ticket (4 – 12 years old): QAR150, Adult Ticket (13 years old and above): QAR225, children 4 and below enter for free. 4410 3444, dohaquest.com ✔ Farah Multiple Locations A full indoor theme park that combines the typical Family Entertainment Center (FEC) environment with Various Activity Rooms (VAR) designed to encourage imaginative play, social and pretend play opportunities, skill development and other open-ended play opportunities. Opening times: Daily 1 pm – 10 pm. Admission: Playing card with QAR100 minimum charge. Top-up avaliable. 4427 2807/4017 8934, farahqatar.com ✔ Funderdome Multiple Locations An indoor family entertainment centre, which focuses on fun, healthy exercise and creative activities. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 10 am – 11 pm, Friday 1 pm – 11 pm. Admission: Prices vary per location. 4443 9740, funderdomedoha.com ✔ KidZania Doha D2 In Aspire Zone, children can explore a 5,500 sq m child-sized city, and perform real-life tasks with more than 60 handson activities designed for children aged 1 – 14. Opening times: Monday to Wednesday 2 pm – 8 pm, Thursday and Friday 2 pm – 9:30 pm, Saturday 11 am – 8 pm, closed on Sunday. Admission: QAR95 for children aged 2 – 3, QAR160 for children aged 4 – 16, QAR50 for adults 17 and above, and free for children below 1. 4482 6222, kidzania.qa ✔ Megapolis Entertainment Center B4 An indoor entertainment destination in Medina Centrale at The Pearl Island, offering an array of games and activities such as escape rooms, virtual reality simulators, bowling, darts, billiards, karaoke and more. Opening times: Saturday to Wednesday 2 pm – midnight, Thursday and Friday 2 pm – 1 am. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game/activity. 4437 8444/84, megapolisqatar.com ✔ Qatar Bowling Center (QBC) D4 The 2,000 sq m bowling facility is operated and managed by the Qatar Bowling Federation (QBF), and is the official training ground of Qatar National Bowling Team. The centre includes a 32 bowling lanes, billiards, snooker, table tennis and mini football as well as ProShop, offering a variety of branded bowling equipment. Opening times: Sunday – Saturday 2 pm – midnight, Friday 6 pm – midnight, Saturday noon – midnight. Admission: QAR35 per hour; QAR8 per game from 2 pm – 4 pm; QAR12 per game from 4 pm onwards. Shoe rental free of charge and QAR3 for bowling socks. 4435 3054/3336 2722, qatarbowlingcenter.net ✔

City Center-Doha C4

Fun City Rides, activities and video games for the whole family. Opening times: Saturday – Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am – 11:45 pm. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game. 4483 9501, citycenterdoha.com ✔

Doha Festival City B2

Angry Birds World The world's first Angry Birds World, featuring over 20 rides and attractions for all ages. Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday 1 pm – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 2 pm – midnight; Saturday 11 am – 9 pm. Admission: QAR100 individual card, QAR250 family card with minimum QAR50 top-up value. 4042 0444, angrybirdsworld.qa ✔ Snow Dunes A snow park at -4˚C all year round, themed around a fantastical Arabian town, complete with an Arabian-style castle. Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday 1 pm – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 2 pm – midnight, Saturday 11 am – 9 pm. Admission: Silver Package QAR180, Gold Package QAR240, Platinum Package QAR420. 4035 4444, snowdunes.qa ✔ Virtuocity A digital gaming hub equipped with full motion racing simulators, escape rooms and a multipurpose eSports arena. Opening times: Saturday to Wednesday 1 pm – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 3 pm – midnight. Admission: Sunday to Wednesday Day Pass QAR150, Thursday to Saturday Day Pass QAR200. PC and Console Gaming Arenas: QAR50 – QAR150 (per hour). 4042 0499, virtuocity.qa ✔

Ezdan Mall C3

Fun Ville A play area for kids between 1 – 12 years of age. Opening times: Daily 2 pm – 10 pm. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game/activity. 4479 6754, ezdanmall.qa ✔

Gulf Mall C3

GOFUN Qatar An indoor facility, providing a variety of play areas and game machines. Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 1 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 11 am – 10 pm. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game/activity. 4031 0651, gulfmalldoha.com ✔

Hyatt Plaza D2

Jungle Zone This indoor jungle-themed playground has rides for different age groups and a video arcade area. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday noon – 10 pm, Friday 1 pm – 11 pm. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game/activity. 4499 9699, hyattplaza.com ✔

Landmark Mall C3

Circusland Has rides, games, trampolines and a large activity zone suitable for the whole family. Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday 1 pm – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 1 pm – 11 pm, Saturday 9 am – 10 pm. Admission: Tokens per game/activity. 4487 6111/333, landmarkdoha.com ✔

Mall of Qatar C1

KidzMondo Doha More than 70 scaled-down businesses including a central plaza, fire station, clock tower, police station and hospital theatre. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 10 am – 10 pm, Friday 1 pm – 10 pm. Admission: QAR90 for children aged 1 – 3 and adults above 18, QAR135 for children aged 4 – 14, QAR85 special needs, and free for children below 1. 4028 5888, kidzmondodoha.com ✔ Rush Action Par Attractions include trampolines, a zipline, motorised ninja course, a net course and a football cage arena. Gaming, interactive activities and a scoreboard system suitable for children aged four to 14. Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 2 pm – 10 pm, Friday 1 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 10 am – 10 pm. Admission: QAR100 per hour. 4028 5990, mallofqatar.com.qa ✔ Xtremeland A multi-entertainment centre with 7D Theater, Drop and Twist Tower, Giant Slide and Clip N Climb, and more for children of all ages. Teenagers will enjoy motion fun at Trampoline Park while TagaJ and soft play will provide rotating inflatable fun and activities for toddlers and kids. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 10 am – 11 pm, Friday noon – midnight. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game/activity. 4486 5473, mallofqatar.com.qa ✔

Mirqab Mall D3

Funderdome An indoor family entertainment centre. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 10 am – 11 pm, Friday 1 pm – 11 pm. Admission: Toddler Play Area QAR50 per child (up to 100 cm), Active Play Area QAR80 per child. 4443 9740, funderdomedoha.com ✔ Hangout A gaming hub with an extensive range of games from consoles and cars, and flight simulators, through to an Escape Room, VR and arcade games. Opening times: Daily 10 am – 11 pm. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game/activity. 4476 1127, hangoutqatar.com ✔ Jump Trampolines, soft play and plenty of physical activity. Opening times: Daily 10 am – 10 pm. Admission: QAR60 to QAR90. 4447 9313 ✔

Royal Plaza D3

Ray's Reef A play area for children between the ages of six months and 14 years, offering arts and crafts, mini movie theatre, water play zone and more. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 11:30 am – 10 pm, Friday 3:30 pm – 11 pm. Admission: QAR40 for entry. Tokens for video, redemption games and spin art can be purchased as an extra. 4413 1122, royalplazadoha.com ✔

Tawar Mall C3

BOUNCEinc Qatar An indoor trampoline park with more than 100 interconnected trampolines. Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday 2 pm – 10 pm, Thursday to Saturday 10 am – 10 pm. Admission: Prices range from QAR80 – QAR110 per hour. 4408 6500, bounce.qa ✔

The Mall D4

Fun Day An indoor children's theme park. Opening times: Saturday to Thursday noon – 8:30 pm, Friday 3:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Admission: QAR30 per child. 4465 7969, themalldoha.com ✔

Villaggio Mall D2

Gondolania Theme Park and Ice Arena The indoor theme park includes a 4D cinema, bowling, laser wars, go-karting, ice arena and more. Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday noon – 9 pm, Thursday and Saturday 9 am – 10 pm, Friday 1 pm – 10 pm. Admission: Playing card with a minimum of QAR50 with top-up value per game/activity. 4403 9800, gondolania.com ✔ m

Parks, Parks & More Parks

By Ola Diab

Qatar is becoming greener with the opening of new parks such as Rawdat Al Khail Park, Al Gharrafa Park and Umm Al Saneem Parks. And yet, there is more to come!

A A ccording to Public Works Authority (Ashghal), there is an increasing need for more public parks and a pressure on the existing public park network due to the population growth in Qatar. This has necessitated Ashghal to implement three parks in wider lands at Al Gharrafa and Umm Al Seneem, in addition to developing the Rawdat Al Khail Park. All three parks were originally expected to open in 2021; however, only Al Gharrafa Park opened in 2021 (fourth quarter), Rawdat Al Khail Park opened in 2022 (first quarter), and Umm Al Seneem Park is expected to open in the third quarter of this year. Located at Umm Al Zuber Street, Al Gharrafa Park officially opened in December 2021 as Qatar's first ever air-conditioned park. Ashghal has provided an integrated cooling and air conditioning system for walking and jogging tracks throughout the park, ensuring temperatures between 26°C and 28°C. This innovative cooling and air conditioning system reduces the operational cost by more than 50%. The environmentally-friendly cooling and air conditioning system uses solar panels and the tracks are designed to automatically reduce the temperature. In addition, the 50,000 sq m park features a green area of 36,000 sq m, over 300 trees, 650 m long pedestrian and bicycle tracks, and 208 car parking spaces. There are also shaded seating and activity areas, four food kiosks, bicycle rental kiosk, drinking water basins, and more. Once known as Al Muntazah Park, Rawdat Al Khail Park is located in the Rawdat Al Khail area on C Ring Road. One of the oldest parks in Qatar, the park closed for renovations and recently reopened in April 2022. Spread across 140,000 sq m, the park has expanded with more to offer with facilities for visitors of all ages such as exercise equipment, chidren's play areas, food kiosks, barbecue stations and more. In addition, the park features a green area of 105,000 sq m with 1,250 trees, 1,300 m long pedestrian and bicycle tracks, and 401 car parking spaces.

The proposed Umm Al Seneem Park is located at Hayr Al Zahra Street and Waab Lebarg Street in an area of about 130,000 sq m, with many facilities for visitors of all ages. Like Al Gharrafa Park, Umm Al Seneem Park is expected to have air-conditioned walking, running and cycling tracks. The park's features include a 102,000 sq m green arena, 740 trees, 1,200 m pedestrian and bicycle tracks, and 378 car parking spaces. The new, renovated parks will ensure social, environmental and recreational benefits. The three parks will have thousands of trees, including local species Ghaff, Samar and Sidra, and plants across vast green areas along with facilities for visitors. The trees will serve as wind breaks and help in reducing dust and lowering heat. In addition to restaurants, fitness equipment, and jogging and cycling tracks, each park will include two children’s play areas with new designs to enhance the physical and mental well-being of children for two different age groups – 2–5 years

About Parks in Qatar At present, there are a total of 95 parks in Qatar. There are 38 parks in Doha, followed by Al Rayyan with 29 parks, Umm Salal with 5, and Al Sheehaniya with 3. In recent years, Ashghal, along with the Ministry of Municipality, has opened new parks, including 5/6 Park in June 2020 and Al Bayt Stadium Park in February 2020. In addition, the renovated Al Khor Family Park reopened in February 2020. For more information about green spaces in Qatar, see Parks and Recreation Areas in Sightseeing in the Discovering Qatar section. and 6–12 years – as well as children with special needs. Local companies will have kiosks to offer food and drinks, and other products and services to visitors. Al Rayyan Parks Al Rayyan Municipality has joined hands with Ashghal to set up new parks in Al Rayyan within two years. In addition to Umm Al Seneem and Al Gharrafa parks, three other parks will open in Al Rayyan. The parks will have thousands of trees and plants amid vast green areas along with facilities for visitors such as restaurants, fitness equipment for adults, children’s play areas including those for children with special needs, and jogging and cycling lanes. There is also a plan in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport to develop pedestrian and cycle paths within various areas of the municipality in order to encourage healthier lifestyles. m

m

Qatar Olympic Committee

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) was established in 1979 to oversee sports events and subsequently became members of the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Council of Asia, and the Arab Sports Games Federation. QOC merged some national federations in December 2016, and in January 2017 Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani was re-elected President of the QOC. Doha successfully won the bid to host the 21st Asian Games 2030 in December 2020, the second time the event will be held in Qatar, and the fourth city to host the games twice. QOC runs several campaigns to engage residents in keeping fit and healthy, including National Sport Day on the second Tuesday of February each year – one of only a few countries to hold such a public holiday – as well as events for schoolchildren and the promotion of women in sport. olympic.qa Sports Federations, Associations and Committees

• Air Sports • Athletics • Basketball • Billiards and Snooker • Bowling • Boxing and Wrestling • Chess • Cricket • Cycling and Triathlon • Equestrian • Fencing and Weightlifting • Football • Golf • Gymnastics • Handball

• Karate, Judo and Taekwondo • Motor and Motorcycle • Paralympic • Rugby, Cricket and Hockey • Sailing and Marine Sport • Shooting and Archery • Sports for All • Women's Sports • Swimming • Table Tennis • Tennis, Squash and Badminton • Volleyball Sports Facilities Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) D3 Activities, sports medicine, research and education. Facilities include Aspire Dome, Aspire Park, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Khalifa Stadium, the Ladies Sports Hall and Ladies Club, tracks and playing fields. AZF runs the community sports initiatives Aspire Active, Step Into Health and Namat. 4413 8188, aspirezone.qa Aspire Academy Applied sports science support to student-athletes; hosts international sports stars using the facilities. 4413 6570, aspire.qa Aspetar The first specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital in the Gulf region, offering treatment for injuries. 4413 2000, aspetar.com Other sports faciities include: • Asian Town Cricket Stadium • Doha Golf Club • Doha Sports Park • Education City Golf Club • Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex • Losail International Racing Circuit • Lusail Olympic Shooting Range • Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club

Previous international sporting events include • Tour of Qatar (men's and women's cycling) • 15th Asian Games (2006) • AFC Asian Cup (2010) • 12th Pan Arab Games (2011) • FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) (2014) • Men’s Handball World Championship (2015) • AIBA World Boxing Championships (2015) • UCI Road World Championships (2016) • FIG Artistic World Gymnastics Championships (2018) • 2019 IAAF World Championships Annual international events • Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar (MotoGP) • Commercial Bank Qatar Masters (golf) • IAAF Diamond League (athletics) • Longines Global Champions Tour (equestrian) • Qatar Classic Squash Tournament • Qatar ExxonMobil Open (ATP tennis) • Qatar Ladies Open (WTA tennis) • Qatar Table Tennis Open Coming up • World Padel Championship 2022 • FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM • 2024 FINA World Aquatics Championships • 2030 Asian Games

Get Involved! Also in this section: Sports Activities has a list of clubs and associations to join, while the Sports Calendar has an overview of events. Make sure you keep up to date with all the latest news – visit marhaba.qa, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media. m

This is just a selection of sports events – to have yours listed, email marhaba@qatar.net.qa Events are subject to a change of dates/cancellation due to COVID-19. See daily updates at marhaba.qa and follow the advice of the Ministry of Public Health.

August 2022

11 Inauguration of Lusail Stadium The iconic Lusail Stadium, one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, will be inaugurated for the QNB Stars League match between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan at 7:40 pm. The Qatar Stars League, also known as the QNB Stars League for sponsorship reasons, is the premier football league in Qatar; games continue until mid-2023. For ticket information for the inauguration and all other matches, visit qsl.qa

September

4 – 10 QTerminals Qatar Classic 2022 The world's best squash players once again thrash it out at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. qatarsquash.com 9 Lusail Super Cup Lusail Stadium will stage the Lusail Super Cup between the Saudi Pro League champions and Egyptian Premier League winners, followed by a concert from a famous singer. Ticket details for the event to be announced. qatar2022.qa 26 Sept – Play to Par September Program Enrol your child in the Junior Golf Development course, for 23 Oct any level. Included is all necessary equipment for the classes and instructional sessions. At Education City Golf Club. ecgolf.com

October

Until Equestrian sport: A new season of race meetings, every Wednesday and Thursday May 2023 afternoon at Al Rayyan Park and Al Uqda Racing Complex in Al Khor. qrec.gov.qa

5 – 15 Street Child World Cup Doha 2022 (SCWC 2022) Young people from across the world will come together to take part in a football tournament and a festival of arts, while advocating for their rights and protection at a child-focused Congress and General Assembly. Street Child United is a group of international organisations, volunteers, corporate partners and sponsors, influencers and experts, football clubs, media and artists, schools and clubs, giving the most vulnerable children the chance to represent their countries and tell the world ‘I am somebody’. In partnership with Qatar Foundation, held at Education City. streetchildunited.org/our-sports-events/street-childworld-cup-doha-2022

20 FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Pre-Qualifiers A basketball competition being played from June 2022 to February 2025 to determine the FIBA Asia-Oceania nations who will qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025. At Al Gharrafa Club Hall.

31 Oct – IPF Padel World Championships 5 Nov The Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation will host the XVI World Padel Championship by National Teams, after successfully hosting the event last year – the first time it has been held in the Middle East and Asia. The men's event will bring together 38 teams, including Qatar as the host country, while the women's event has 34 teams. At Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. padelfip.com, qatartennis.org

November

21 Nov – 18 Dec FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ The wait is almost over, as one of the world's most prolific sporting events is finally coming to Qatar! As well as the football tournament itself, there are a number of associated activities taking place around town, including exhibitions at Qatar National Library and Qatar Foundation, and picnic brunch at Doha Golf Club. Read more about the event in our special section in this edition, also available as a free e-guide at marhaba.qa, or visit fifa.com and qatar2022.qa

10 – 12, FEI Jumping World Cup The international governing body of equestrian sports, Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), brings its prestigious world-class event to Qatar. At Al Shaqab in Education City. fei.org

24 – 26

Upcoming Events

Feb 2023 ATP Qatar Open (Qatar ExxonMobil Open) Men's hard court ATP 250 tennis tournament and WTA Qatar TotalEnergies Open Women's hard court WTA 1000 tennis tournament. See many of the world's top players in action at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. qatartennis.org

2023 GKA Kite World Tour 2023 Qatar Tourism (QT) is an Official Tourism Partner of the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) Kite World Tour in a three-year deal. Qatar Airways is the Kite World Tour’s Title Partner and Official Airline, with QT acting as title sponsor for events held in Qatar, at the upcoming new kite beach resort opening soon in Fuwairit. Schedule to be announced. gkakiteworldtour.com

2023 World Championships Senior Individual and Teams 2023 The International Judo Federation brings their flagship event to Doha for the first time, as part of a partnership to support the promotion and development of judo in Qatar. ijf.org

2024 20th FINA World Championships Originally scheduled for November 2023, and now taking place in January 2024, this is the leading competition for aquatic sports, like swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming, artistic swimming, and water polo. fina.org m

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Marhaba updates this section every issue, but as information may change, check with the organisation concerned for up to date details. If your organisation is listed on these pages and you need to amend your entry, or if you would like to be included in future issues, let us know by emailing marhaba@qatar.net.qa. Locations can be found on the map of Doha at the front of the guide. Also see: • Leisure Activities in this section for dance classes, fishing, and motor sports clubs • Health and Wellness in this section for wellness, Pilates and yoga • Hospitality in Qatar for a complete list of hotels and their fitness facilities 3 An activity for children or one that children can participate in – check first for any age restrictions

Archery

Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations For adults and children aged 3+. 4407 6772, evosportsqatar.com 3

Aviation

Qatar Flying Club Al Khor. For newcomers or for those who already hold a licence, also sightseeing tours. 4457 1491, qatarflyingclub.net

Badminton

Dynamic Sports Multiple locations For adults and children. 7744 3124, dynamicsportsqa.com 3 Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D3/4 Floodlit court. 4428 1621, radissonblu.com/en/hotel-doha 3

Basketball

Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations For children aged 3+. 4407 6772, evosportsqatar.com 3 Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D3/4 Floodlit court. 4428 1621, radissonblu.com/en/hotel-doha 3 SFQ Sports Academy Multiple locations For children aged 3+. 6622 2962, sfqsportsacademy.com.qa 3

Bowling

Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 8-lane bowling alley with authentic American diner. Open daily 10 am – 10 pm. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Gondolania Bowling Center Villaggio D2 12-lane bowling alley. Open Saturday to Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm, Thursday 10 am – 11 pm, Friday 1 pm – 11 pm. 4403 9800, gondolania.com 3 Qatar Bowling Center D4 32-lane bowling alley. Open Sunday to Thursday 2 pm – midnight, Friday 8 am – 6 pm leagues/6 pm – midnight open to all, Saturday 10 am – midnight. 4432 9178, qatarbowlingcenter.net 3

Clay Shooting

Al Ramii Shooting Club Near Losail International Circuit Target ranges are open Saturday to Wednesday 4 pm – 8 pm. 4495 3114, qsaa.qa

Cricket

Qatar Cricket Association QOC Building, Al Dafna C4 Training, development, facilities and practice nets. 4494 4941, qatarcricketassociation.org 3 Stallions Cricket Academy Multiple locations Coaching and events for adults and children. 3140 8994, see their Facebook page for details 3

Cycling

Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 Explore the island by bike or Segway. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Qatar Chain Reaction Multiple locations Volunteer branch of the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation open to all road and mountain bike riders. Friday morning rides, track nights at Losail International Circuit and more. qatarchainreaction.com Qatar Cycling Federation Near College of the North Atlantic‑Qatar B3 Events and development of the sport. 4447 5522, qatarcycling.org 3

Darts

Doha Darts League Shamrock Tavern, Magnum Hotel B4 The league runs from October to March. Join the Facebook group for details

Fencing

Clement Fencing Academy Lycee Voltaire Al Waab D3 and Al Dafna B4 Training for ages 4 to adults, after school activities and French language sessions (French is the official language of fencing). Classes are available for those in wheelchairs using specially adapted chairs, under the Definitely Able initiative run by Sasol. 7751 2469, clementfencing.com 3 Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations For adults and children aged 3+. 4407 6772, evosportsqatar.com 3

Fitness Classes and Gyms

For dance and Zumba see Leisure Activities; for Pilates and yoga see Health and Wellness, both in this section Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha E4 Outdoor bootcamp, personal training and jogging tracks. 4445 0000, marriott.com Altitude Elite Lusail City A4 Personalised training for peak performance. 5085 5825, altitude.qa Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery D4 Personal training and TechnoShape body slimming sessions at M|Fit gym, for hotel guests. 4009 9999, alwadihoteldoha.com Anytime Fitness Multiple locations Daily fitness and yoga classes. 4414 4999 (Al Muftah Plaza), 4469 7215 (Al Wakra, ladies), 4411 1999 (Al Wakra, men), 4411 4999 (Mall of Qatar), anytimefitness.qa Aspire Active Aspire Zone D2 Hundreds of classes for men, women, and children aged 6 months+. Registration form and schedule are available online. aspireactiveqa.com 3 Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 TRX and personal trainer on request. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha Banyan Tree Doha D4 Fitness classes and exercise rooms. 4410 3333, banyantree.com 3 Bounce Fitness Multiple locations Bootcamp, martial arts, yoga and gymnastics for adults and children. 5061 1266, bouncefitness.com.qa 3 Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha B4 Fitness centre and studio, HIIT and Tabata core, kids club and two swimming pools. 4009 5555, centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cwq 3 CrossFit Oryx Doha College D3 Classes and open gym. 5080 5705, crossfitoryx.com Dana Club C4 Aquarobics, aerobics and HIIT including ladies‑only classes and Jump Gym for kids. 4496 0600, danaclub.com.qa 3 Dynamik QA The Pearl Island B4 Mansoura D4 Fitness, yoga/pilates and martial arts, separate gyms, juice bar, spa and salon. See their Instagram page for details Education City Golf Club C2 Use the gym to improve fitness, or consult a PGA golf professional for coaching on golf swing, and stretching and core stability exercises. ecgolf.com 3 Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations Daily EvoFit classes: boxercise, bootcamp, teenfit, Metafit/HIIT and more. Must be aged 16+. 7783 9559, evosportsqatar.com Evolve Multiple locations Fitness classes at several hotels, personal training and nutritional advice. See the online schedule. 5040 3234, evolvemindbodysoul.com 3 Fit20 West Bay Al Bidda Street C4 One 20‑minute training session per week. 5057 0350, fit20.qa First Fit Training Multiple locations Martial arts, tennis, gymnastics, football and more for adults and children aged 3+. 3300 0779, fftsports.com 3 Fitness First City Center Doha C4 Fitness classes and separate male/female gyms. 4411 5999, qatar.fitnessfirstme.com

Four Seasons Hotel Doha C4 Classes in conjunction with Evolve. 4485 8888, fourseasons.com/doha Golden Tulip Doha D4 Personal training, daily classes. 4419 8888, doha.goldentulip.com Grand Hyatt Doha B4 CrossFit, aqua gym, Tae Bo and core. 4448 1060, doha.grand.hyatt.com 3 Hilton Doha C4 Personal training and daily classes including body combat and aquarobics. For club members only. 4423 3333, hilton.com 3 Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Hotel guests can use the gym and sport centre, with a football pitch, and tennis and basketball courts, and beach volleyball. 4423 6666, salwabeachresort.qa 3 InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Daily circuit training, Tabata, bootcamp, cardio boxing, CrossFit and Burn. See the online schedule. 4484 4828, doha.intercontinental.com InterContinental Doha – The City B4 Bodypump, Latino Cardio and EMS (Electro Muscular Stimulation). Schedule changes weekly, call first. 4015 8888, intercontinental.com/dohathecity Mandarin Oriental, Doha D4 TRX, FunXtion experience, Octagon multi-functional training. 4008 8888, mandarinoriental.com/doha Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – Doha A4 Daily group and one-to-one classes, two fitness areas (one ladies/men, one ladies only). 4035 5555, kempinski.com/marsamalaz Mondrian Doha A4 Open 24/7, complimentary Diet or Fitness DNA Test with membership. 4045 5555, sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/doha OxFitness Lab The Gate Mall C4 The Pearl Island B4 Six studios: The Street (CrossFit box), Ride Tribe (indoor cycling), Beat Box, Encore Pilates, Niya Yoga, and Raise the Barre. 4020 6430, oxfitnesslab.com Park Hyatt Doha D4 Separate female/male gyms. 4009 1234, parkhyattdoha.com Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D3/4 Personal training and aquacise. Free daily stretching classes for club members and hotel guests. 4428 1621, radissonblu.com/en/hotel-doha 3 SFQ Sports Academy Multiple locations Mixed, ladies only and children's classes. See the online calendar for up to date schedule. 6622 2962, sfqsportsacademy.com.qa 3 Sharq Village & Spa D4 Fitness, spinning, yoga, Tai chi. 4425 6185, ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage

Mondrian Doha

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Open 24/7, fitness training and assessment, yoga and spinning studios. See the online monthly schedule for classes. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com 3 Strongbox Qatar Doha Sports Club B4 CrossFit, conditioning and personal training. 5050 2954, strongboxqatar.com The Diplomatic Club B4 Unisex and ladies-only gyms, fitness classes and recreation facilities. 4484 7450, thediplomaticclub.com 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Doha A4 Core conditioning and toning, low impact, power walking, spinning and more. 4484 8173, ritzcarlton.com/doha 3 The St. Regis Doha B4 Free classes and personal training for guests and members. 4446 0304, stregisdoha.com 3 Warrior Fit Lagoona Mall A4 Integrated training model offering metabolic conditioning, strength training and yoga. 6655 8308, warriorfit.com The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa D4 WestinWORKOUT offers circuits, stretching, abs, HIIT and personal training. 4492 1600, marriott.com W Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Fully equipped FIT gym with punchbags and boxing gloves. 4453 5555, marriott.com

Football

Aspire Zone Foundation D2 Five-a-side pitch with FIFA quality artificial turf and foam shock pad underlay. Open daily 4 pm – 11 pm. Book online at booking.aspirelogistics.qa, lifeinaspire.qa 3 Ability Friendly/Inclusive Sports Qatar Foundation Multaqa C2 Sunday – Thursday, small group sessions available for anybody with a disability or special need, ages 5+. 4454 0772, abilityfriendly@qf.org.qa 3

Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations Coaching programmes for children aged 3+. 4407 6772, evosportsqatar.com 3 Garvey's European Family Club Off Salwa Road E3 Grass 5-a-side football pitch. 5583 0475 Lusail Football Academy Doha Sports Park B4 Qatar’s first QFA-approved private football academy for children aged 3+, with league games for adults. 3067 7463, lfa.qa 3 SFQ Sports Academy Multiple locations For children aged 3+. 6622 2962, sfqsportsacademy.com.qa 3

Frisbee

Qatar Ultimate Frisbee Games Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. See their Facebook page for details 3

Gaelic Football

Qatar GAA Multiple locations Male, female and children's teams, playing 9-a-side games with 12 players. Games are seven minutes long, with 10 minute finals, as per the Middle East GAA County Board Rules. There are also hurling teams. qatargaa.qa 3

Golf

Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 9-hole putting course; Starting New At Golf is suitable for all ages. Open daily 8 am – 6:30 pm. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Doha Golf Club B3 18-hole championship course, 9-hole floodlit academy course, putting and chipping greens and world-class practice facilities. Coaching available with PGA professionals from the Qatar Golf Academy. The New Golfer Membership offers everything needed to get started. Open daily 6 am – 9 pm. 4496 0715, dohagolfclub.com 3 Education City Golf Club C2 Designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, the course offers an 18-hole Championship course, 6-hole Championship course and 9-hole par 3 course. The Centre of Excellence is a golf development facility along with a driving range installed with Power Tee automated teeing system and TrackMan technology. Golf lessons available with PGA professionals. The 9 hole par 3 course is floodlit for night golf. Open daily 6 am – 8 pm. ecgolf.com 3

Gymnastics and Trampolining

Bounce Inc Tawar Mall C3 Indoor trampoline park, plus training classes, free jumping, dodgeball and more, for adults and children aged 3+. 4408 6500, bounce.qa 3 SFQ Sports Academy Multiple locations Gymnastics classes for children aged 2+. 6622 2962, sfqsportsacademy.com.qa 3 The Gymnastics Academy Multiple locations For gymnasts of different abilities, aged 3+. Follows the British Gymnastics floor and vault syllabus but also trains on bars, beams and trampolines. gymacademydoha.com 3

Hockey

Doha Hockey Club Multiple locations Welcomes players of all levels keen to play social hockey. Join the Facebook group for details Wanderers Hockey Qatar Field hockey in Qatar since the 1970s. bosco_menezes@hotmail.com

Horse Riding Lessons and Camel Rides

Al Samriya Riding School Al Samriya Estate, next to Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani's farm near Al Sheehaniya. Lessons for adults and children, pony club, trails and events; café; shop with equestrian items. 7797 3397, alsamriyariding.com 3 Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort Enjoy a leisurely horse or camel ride along the beach. 4476 5299, sealinebeachqatar.com 3

Ice Hockey and Ice-Skating

Gondolania Ice Arena Villaggio D2 Olympic size rink. See online for information about public sessions. 4450 7873, gondolaniaicearena.com 3 Qatar International Ice Hockey League Villaggio D2 A fun, recreational league with organised games. qhockey.com

Kids Clubs

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha E4 Little Explorers' Kids Club has a mini gym with kid-friendly equipment, a large outdoor playground, cinema, and an edu-training lab. 4445 0000, marriott.com 3 Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 Kids and Teens' Clubs offering a safe environment with fun and games, movies and books. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations Training camps offering football, swimming, rugby and basketball. For ages 2+. 4407 6772, evosportsqatar.com 3 InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Tennis competitions, sports days and much more – an extensive range of activities and seasonal events. 4484 4828, doha.intercontinental.com 3

Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – Doha A4 The Titan Tikes Kids' Playroom offers games, toys, arts and crafts. For ages 4 –12. 4035 5555, kempinski.com/marsamalaz 3 SFQ Sports Academy Multiple locations Football, gymnastics, basketball, Zumba, martial arts. For ages 3+. 6622 2962, sfqsportsacademy.com.qa 3 Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Weekdays 8 am – 1 pm, for ages 5 –12. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com 3

Martial Arts and Boxing

Evolve Multiple locations Boxing and Muay Thai workouts. 4407 6772, evolvemindbodysoul.com 3 InterContinental Doha The City C4 Kickboxing, boxing, taekwondo, karate for kids. Schedule changes weekly, call first. 4015 8888, intercontinental.com/dohathecity 3 Mandarin Oriental, Doha D4 Thai Chi, Muay Thai, kickboxing, boxing. 4008 8888, mandarinoriental.com/doha Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Aikido for adults. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com SFQ Sports Academy Multiple locations Kickboxing, karate and taekwondo for adults and children. 6622 2962, sfqsportsacademy.com.qa 3 Sharq Village & Spa C4 Tai chi. Call ahead for schedule. 4425 6185, ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage The Korea Taekwondo Centre Al Muthana Complex, Salwa Rd D3 Daily from 3 pm (except Friday). For adults and children aged 5+. 5556 3305, see the Facebook group for details 3

Mandarin Oriental, Doha Multipurpose and Family Clubs

Aspire Zone Foundation D2 Public fields open daily 8 am – 9 pm. Football fields and basketball and volleyball courts are free to use on a first come, first serve basis. Also paddle boats, cycling tent and mini pitches. lifeinaspire.qa 3 Dana Club C4 Basketball, mini-football, table tennis and volleyball facilities for members and their guests. 4496 0600, danaclub.com.qa 3 Doha College Al Waab D3 and West Bay C3 Facilities for hire include multipurpose sports halls, 3G pitches, external basketball court and swimming pools. 4407 6777, dohacollege.com 3 Garvey's European Family Club Off Salwa Road E3 Gym/fitness rooms, squash court, swimming pool, and more. 4450 5176 3

Netball

Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations For ladies and girls aged 8+. 4407 6772, evosportsqatar.com 3

Padel, Squash and Tennis

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha E4 Outdoor tennis and padel courts. 4445 0000, almessiladoha.com Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 Synthetic grass tennis court. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Dana Club C4 Two indoor tennis courts, individual coaching. 4496 0656, danaclub.com.qa 3 First Fit Training Multiple locations For adults and children age 4+ of all abilities. 3300 0779, fftsports.com 3 Four Seasons Hotel Doha C4 Complimentary racquets and balls for use on the outdoor Rebound Ace courts. 4485 8888, fourseasons.com/doha 3 InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Tennis and squash lessons, tennis socials Sunday and Friday 6 pm. Outdoor padel court. 4484 4828, doha.intercontinental.com 3 Padel Garden Doha Katara Cultural Village B4 Seven outdoor courts in Katara Hills. 4032 5528, see their Instagram page 3 Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex C4 Courts available for hire by the hour; advance booking required. The tennis school offers training for children aged 5+. 4440 9666, qatartennis.org 3

Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – Doha

Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – Doha A4 Two padel courts, one tennis court. Kids’ tennis lessons Saturday/Thursday by appointment. 4035 5555, kempinski.com/marsamalaz 3 Padel In Multiple locations Qatar’s first indoor padel club. Court hire can be booked online. thepadelin.com 3 Padel Qatar Qatar Sports Club C4 Court hire can be booked online. 3381 2201, padelqatar.com 3 Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D3/4 Tennis training for groups and individuals; tennis and squash courts available for hire by the hour. 4428 1621, radissonblu.com/en/hotel-doha 3 Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort Floodlit tennis court. 4476 5299, sealinebeachqatar.com 3 SFQ Sports Academy Multiple locations Tennis classes for adults and children aged 2+. 6622 2962, sfqsportsacademy.com.qa 3 Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Indoor tennis and squash courts, outdoor padel court. Private and group lessons for adults and children, tennis socials. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Doha A4 Tennis and squash courts, lessons available. 4484 8173, ritzcarlton.com/middleeast 3 The St. Regis Doha B4 Tennis and padel court hire, lessons for adults and children aged 12+. 4446 0304, stregisdoha.com 3 The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa D4 Two squash courts for hire. 4492 1600, marriott.com 3

Rock Climbing

EsQalar Sports Aspire Zone D2 Qatar's first company dedicated to rock climbing sports, for adults and children aged 4+. Thursday to Tuesday 2 pm – 10 pm. 5553 7177, esqalar.qa 3 Rugby

Doha Rugby Football Centre Doha Sports Park B4 Mens' first/second/third/vets teams, ladies team, and minis/youth for children. doharfc.com 3

Running, Athletics and Triathlon

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha C3 Running/jogging tracks, fitness trail and nature trail. 4445 0000, marriott.com Doha Athletic Club Multiple Locations Founded by Liz McColgan Nuttall, former middle- and longdistance track champion. The Adult Run Club holds indoor circuits and outdoor running sessions. The Junior Group is for ages 9 – 17, the Mini Group for under 9s. 6605 1263, dohaathleticclub.com 3 Doha Bay Running Club Multiple locations Informal group, meeting weekend mornings and weekday evenings. Open to beginners and experienced runners alike. Join the Facebook group for details Katara Cultural Village B4 More than 2 km of walking/running track in Katara Hills. Please observe the dress code when visiting. 5544 9862, katara.net 3 Qatar Triathlon Federation Near College of the North Atlantic-Qatar B3 Events and development of the sport. 4447 5522, qatartriathlon.org 3 TriClub Doha Multiple Locations Training, events and socialising for local triathletes of all levels and ages. The season begins each September. triclubdoha.com 3

Sailing

Regatta Sailing Academy InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Royal Yachting Association and International Award training centre. Sailing and powerboating certification courses for adults and juniors. School programmes, corporate activities and yacht charters upon request. 5550 3484, regattasailingacademy.com 3

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 Scuba diving and diving courses, also RAID certification and snorkelling. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Doha Sub Aqua Club (DSAC) Between Doha Marriott and Sharq Village & Spa hotels D4 Qatar's British Sub Aqua Club. Diving trips, training and social events. Meets every Tuesday at 7 pm. See their Facebook page for details

Pearl Divers–Qatar Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street D3 PADI training, tuition, equipment rental and tank filling. 4444 9553, pearl-divers.com Poseidon Dive Center Hilton Doha C4 PADI courses, professional dive training, Rebreather programmes. 6608 4040, pdcqatar.com 3 Qatar Marine Go Sport, City Center-Doha B3 Courses, diving excursions and specialist services. 5531 9507, qatarmarine.net

Spinning

Fitness First City Center-Doha C4 Separate classes for men and women. 4411 5106, qatar.fitnessfirstme.com Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Classes every Friday/Saturday/Sunday. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com The Ritz-Carlton, Doha A4 Daily classes; booking is essential. 4484 8173, ritzcarlton.com/doha

Swimming

Aleph Doha Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton C4 Al Dafna's highest indoor pool on the 52nd floor; ladies only days available. 4004 7000, alephdoharesidences.curiocollection.com 3 Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha E4 Outdoor Grand Pool set in an oasis of indigenous trees, plus an indoor recreational pool. 4445 0000, marriott.com Aspire Active Aspire Zone D2 Classes for men, women and children. Registration form and schedule are available online. 4413 6219, aspireactiveqa.com 3 Ability Friendly/Inclusive Sports Qatar Foundation Recreation Center C2 and Al Khor Recreation Center. Sunday – Thursday, 1:1 classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Available for anybody with a disability or special needs, aged 4+. 4454 0772, abilityfriendly@qf.org.qa 3 Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 100m long pool, water slides, and a surf pool with lessons available. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Dana Club C4 SwimSafe academy for adults and children. 4496 0600, danaclub.com.qa 3 Evolution Sports Qatar Multiple locations Extensive coaching programmes for children. 4407 6772, evosportsqatar.com 3 Four Seasons Hotel Doha C4 Grotto pools and family-friendly pools with water slides, for spa members. 4485 8888, fourseasons.com/doha 3 Freestyle Aquatics at Aspire Aspire Dome Swimming Pool D2 Swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving for people with special needs and disabilities. For more information and to register, contact programme founder Kathleen Bates at tryfreestyle@aspirelogistics.qa, facebook.com/freestyleaquatics2012 3 Grand Hyatt Doha B4 Three outdoor pools, two children's pools, one indoor pool for adults. 4448 1060, doha.grand.hyatt.com 3 H2O Swim Club Multiple locations Competitive and leisure programmes, for adults and children aged 8 months+. 5564 1475, h2oswimclub.com 3 Mandarin Oriental, Doha D4 Two rooftop pools with private cabanas; Learn to Swim programme available. 4008 8888, mandarinoriental.com/doha Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl – Doha A4 Eight outdoor pools, including a large whirlpool bath and a pool for children. 4035 5555, kempinski.com/marsamalaz 3 Mondrian Doha A4 On the 26th floor, the pool shares the space with the gym. 4045 5555, sbe.com/hotels/mondrian/doha 3 Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha C4 Classes in a chlorine free indoor pool; booking required. 4496 6410, movenpick.com/west-bay-doha 3 Oryx Rotana Hotel D4 Courses and lessons for children of all levels and abilities. 4402 3485, rotana.com/oryxrotana 3 Park Hyatt Doha D4 Semi-covered pool on the 6th floor. 4009 1234, parkhyattdoha.com Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D3/4 Aquacise classes, private swimming lessons. 4428 1621, radissonblu.com/en/hotel-doha 3 Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Lessons for children. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com 3 The Diplomatic Club B4 Classes for adults and children. 4484 7450, thediplomaticclub.com 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Doha A4 Indoor Junior Olympic pool, outdoor freeform pool. Classes for all ages. Call first for availability of instructors. 4484 8173, ritzcarlton.com/middleeast 3 The St. Regis Doha B4 Olympic-sized pool and children's pool for use by guests and members only. 4446 0304, stregisdoha.com 3 The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa D4 Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, outdoor wave pool and outdoor children’s pool. Lessons for adults and children. 4492 1600, marriott.com 3

Volleyball

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D3/4 Floodlit court. 4428 1621, radissonblu.com/en/hotel-doha 3

Water Sports

For fishing see Leisure Activities in this section Angry Dragons Qatar Katara Beach B4 The Pearl‑Qatar B4 New and seasoned paddlers always welcome. See their Facebook page for details AquaSports Qatar Multiple locations Kayaking in Al Thakira mangroves and other locations, stand up paddle boarding and kiteboarding. Events and private parties. aquasportsq.com 3 Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 Stand up paddle boarding, banana/donut rides, surf pool, water bicycles, kayaking, and the HamacLand Floating Lounge. 4040 5050, anantara.com/en/banana-island-doha 3 Discover Arabia Adventure tours at Al Thakira nature reserve, educational programmes for schools, mangrove planting and environmental clean‑ups. Also kayaking, snorkelling and overnight camps. 3023 3207, discoverarabia.today 3 Discover Qatar The destination management division of Qatar Airways and partner of Qatar National Tourism Council offers tours and excursions with sun, sea and sand. 4423 7999, discoverqatar.qa 3 Doha Dragons Qatar Katara Beach B4 Paddling sessions according to the weather. Equipment is provided. See their Facebook page for details 3

Four Seasons Doha Hotel Flokiteschool Multiple locations Kitesurfing lessons for adults and schoolchildren. 3315 5628, flokiteschool.com 3 Grand Hyatt Doha B4 Banana boat rides, jet skis, kayaking, pedal boats and stand up paddle boarding. 4448 1060, doha.grand.hyatt.com 3 Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park, one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East with 18 attractions and 56 rides and slides. Open Saturday to Wednesday 10 am – 5 pm, Thursday/Friday 10 am – 6 pm. 4423 6666, salwabeachresort.qa 3 InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Jetskis, tubes, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding and a water trampoline in the lagoon. 4484 4828, doha.intercontinental.com 3 Katara Beach B4 Waterskiing, kneeboarding, parasailing, jetskis, boat/gondola rides, sailing and kayaking. Wearing a life jacket is compulsory. The beach is open daily 3:30 pm – 11 pm; swimming is not permitted after sunset. Please observe the dress code when visiting. 5544 9862, katara.net 3 Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl–Qatar A4 Knee boarding, wakeboarding, kayaking, boat rides, pedal boat, hydrobike and stand up paddle boarding. 4035 5555, kempinski.com/doha 3 Qatar Dragon Boat The Pearl–Qatar A4 Dragon boat team building, festivals and youth programmes. New members of all levels are welcome. 5505 2204, qatardragonboat.com 3 Q-Explorer Multiple locations Mangrove kayaking, jet ski tours of Doha's Corniche, scuba diving, and dhow and yacht cruises. Events for schools and corporates, also private parties. 4472 5146, q-explorer.com 3 Regatta Sailing Academy InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences B4 A Royal Yachting Association training centre offering numerous activities, available for corporate events and parties. 5550 3484, regattasailingacademy.com 3 Sealine Beach, A Murwab Resort Day visitors can use the pool areas and beach; activities include jet skis and boat rides. 4476 5299, sealinebeachqatar.com 3 Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Banana/donut rides, wakeboard, water skiing, kayaks, jet skis, stand up paddle boarding, water bikes, cruises and fishing. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com 3 The St. Regis Doha B4 Jet skis and waterskiing. 4446 0304, stregisdoha.com 3 m

Marhaba updates this section every issue, but as information may change after going to press, check with the organisation concerned for up to date details. If your organisation is listed on these pages and you need to amend your entry, or if you would like to be included in future issues, let us know: email marhaba@qatar.net.qa. Locations can be found on the map of Doha at the front of the guide. Also see: • Leisure Activities for dance classes, fishing, and motor sports clubs, and Sports Activities for fitness classes, gyms, clubs and associations – both are in the Events & Activities section • Places to Stay in the Hospitality in Qatar section for a complete list of hotels and fitness facilities 3 An activity for children or one that children can participate in – check first for any age restrictions

Holistic Wellness

Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha E4 Ladies-only wellness retreat with hydrothermal facilities and 'The Worlds' hydro-wellness areas (Oriental, Mystic, Mineral and Floral); yoga also available. 4445 0000, almessiladoha.com Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 Holistic advice, alternative therapies and life coaching. 4040 5050, anantara.com Four Seasons Hotel Doha B4 The hotel offers 'Thrive' in conjunction with Evolve, a customised wellness programme with one-to-one consultations. 4494 8888, fourseasons.com/doha The Ritz-Carlton, Doha A4 The country's first cryosauna; sessions last 90 seconds to 3 minutes, with temperatures dropping to –180˚ C. 4484 8183, ritzcarlton.com/doha

Pilates

Encore Pilates The Gate Mall C4 The Pearl Island B4 Qatar's first dedicated studio for Reformer Pilates. 4020 6430, oxfitnesslab.com Four Seasons Hotel Doha C4 Call first for monthly schedule. 4485 8888, fourseasons.com/doha InterContinental Doha The City B4 Schedule changes weekly, call first. 4015 8888, intercontinental.com/dohathecity Mandarin Oriental, Doha D4 Mat Pilates, Reformer, posture assessment with a certified physio. 4008 8888, mandarinoriental.com/doha Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Pilates Reformer available upon request. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com The St. Regis Doha B4 Gender-specific Yoga, Pilates, and Power Plate classes. 4446 0304, stregisdoha.com Yama Yoga Studios Asas Twin Towers, Al Dafna C4 Usually courses, drop-in also available: intro, mixed level, dynamic, advanced, and core. 6617 5802, yamayogastudios.com Yoga

Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara C5 Ashtanga, Hatha, yoga stretch and meditation. Booking essential, call first for up to date schedule. 4040 5050, doha.anantara.com Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha B4 Hatha and Vinyasa. 4009 5555, centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cwq Four Seasons Hotel Doha C4 Vinyasa yoga. Call first for monthly schedule. 4494 8888, fourseasons.com/doha InterContinental Doha The City C4 Swasthi and body balance. Schedule changes weekly, call first. 4015 8888, intercontinental.com/dohathecity Mandarin Oriental, Doha D4 Classes, yoga therapy. 4008 8888, mandarinoriental.com/doha Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha D3/4 Power yoga sessions and monthly full moon. 4428 1621, radissonblu.com/hotel‑doha Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel C4 Hatha, power and detox. See the online monthly schedule. 4485 4600, fitness.sheratongranddoha.com W Doha Hotel & Residences B4 Yoga/pilates – call first for availability. 4453 5555, marriott.com Yama Yoga Studios Asas Twin Towers, Al Dafna C4 All levels including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and vin/yin; see the online monthly schedule. Teacher training and retreats at centres in Koh Phangan, Thailand and Veliko Tarnovoa, Bulgaria. 6617 5802, yamayogastudios.com m

Qatar's Cycling Tracks

By Sarah Palmer and Ola Diab Qatar is becoming cycling-friendly with more and more cycling paths being laid out. Getting on your bike and cycling around Qatar has never been easier! Olympic Cycling Track

One of the objectives of the Ministry of Sports and Youth is to create an active sport movement in the country. To obtain this objective, the ministry's strategy focuses on creating an environment whereby all members of society are able to practise sports and physical activity, making available to the public the necessary facilities and working towards making exercising more attractive. The ministry oversees the hosting of numerous regional and international sports events, and wants the public to enjoy both competitive and recreational sports all year round. The authorities in Qatar have been busy beautifying public spaces for everyone's enjoyment, including the ongoing construction of walking and cycle paths, in conjunction with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). There are several paths dotted around the country, for example along Lusail Street and between Doha Corniche and Hamad International Airport. Further afield, and for longer rides, try the route close to Al Sheehaniya camel race track and the Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve, approximately 30 km of cycling. Ashghal recently developed a 40 km long cycling path on the Southern part of Doha Expressway. The cycling path has one bike bridge, 2,390 street lamps, 17 bike parks, 1,930 trees, 24 tunnels, and 17 seats with shades. Not all of the paths are fully connected as yet, however they are landscaped and have street lamps for use after dark. New cycle paths continue to appear all over Qatar! There is now a 'superpath' available for cyclists to enjoy even longer rides in safety. In fact, Qatar is now the proud owner of more Guinness World Records, being home to the world’s longest continuous cycle path, and the longest piece of asphalt concrete laid continuously. Both of these records were achieved within the Al Khor Road project and the Olympic Cycling Track. Danny Hickson, the Official Adjudicator at the Guinness World Records, confirmed the final figure for the longest piece of asphalt concrete laid continuously to be 25.275 km and the longest continuous cycle path to be 32.869 km, setting new world records for Qatar. The 33 km Olympic Cycling Track connects Doha to Al Bayt stadium and is 7 m wide, with 29 underpasses and five bridges to enable non-stop riding, and is situated well away from the main road. It has been designed to allow speeds of up to 50 km an hour, making it a perfect destination for upcoming international competitions, and opened on 11 February 2020, National Sport Day. There are also 80 bicycle stands, 100 benches and 20 rest areas along the route for use by the cyclists.

Eng Abdulla Ahin, Designs Department Manager at Ashghal, holds the Guiness World Record for the Olympic Cycling Track.

Al Khor Road

Abdulrahman Musallam Al Dossari, adviser to HE the Minister of Sports and Youth and President of Qatar Sports Federation for All, has highlighted the importance of implementing an infrastructure that serves sports activities, praising the safety and security of the Olympic Cycling Track in being away from traffic. Qatar Sports Federation for All will be using the track to encourage walking and cycling by holding activities and competitions in the future. The Supervisory Committee for Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar (part of Ashghal) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Cyclists Centre at the Ministry of Culture and Sports to provide services for the Olympic Cycling Track. These services include electric bike parking spaces, first aid, and the use of motorcycles to provide emergency assistance, among others. The MoU's scope also includes organising events in cooperation with Ashghal, safety campaigns, first aid training for emergencies, and awareness sessions to educate riders on safe riding methods along cycle tracks. The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar works in coordination with ministries and other entities, such as the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Communications and IT, Ministry of Sports and Youth, Ministry of Culture, Qatar Museums, Qatar Rail and the Private Engineering Office. It is responsible for five major tasks: construction of central public parks; provision of dedicated tracks for pedestrians and bicycles; development of Doha Corniche; development of Central Doha; and increasing afforestation and green areas. In May 2021, Ashghal opened the shared pedestrian and cycling tracks on the eastern side of Al Khor Road, integrating with the Olympic Cycling Track on the western side of the highway, giving more opportunities for hobbyists to practice cycling and jogging, ensuring complete safety. The track is 38 km long and 6 m wide, passing through 18 underpasses, to provide a smooth and uninterrupted movement. In order to facilitate better use of the tracks along the road, 80 cycle-parking points, 100 benches and 20 resting areas are provided. There are five car parking areas along the path – near Qatar University, Lusail metro station, Losail International Circuit, Semaisma Interchange, and Al Bayt Stadium – and 1,450 streetlamps to encourage cycling at night.' Ashghal is set to open a new bicycle and pedestrian path along the Central Market Street as part of the ongoing beautification works. The 13 km bicycle path is part of Ashghal's efforts to provide residents with space to engage in physical activties and encourage a healthy lifestyle. A total of 39 bicycle parking spaces will be provided, in addition to 33 seats for users to rest on, surrounded by a green area of more than 40,000 sq m, in addition more than 330 trees. Ashghal is creating infrastructure that contributes to enhancing a culture of sports among all segments of society through the provision of facilities, and the authority will construct a network of cycling and pedestrian paths across 2,650 km by 2022. m

The Amir HH Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani cycling on National Sport Day 2018

Want to join up with likeminded cyclists? See Sports Activities in this section for listings of groups and clubs. Qatar Cycling Federation is the national governing body and has a lot of useful information about taking up the sport, as well as events and support for elite athletes. qatarcycling.org