Leisure Activities

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 ✔

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

Heenat Salma Farm The eco-farm and camp offers courses and workshops in botanical art, architectural sketching, colouring and more.

4441 1195, 5096 0007, heenatsalma.earth ✔

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.

Katara Art Center (KAC) at Building 5 at Katara Cultural Village 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 Cultural Village 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 D2 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. 4408 1388/1471

Boat and Fishing Trips, and Water Sports

Many tour companies offer half- and full-day dhow trips and fishing trips, which often include lunch. Trips to Al Safliya Island are popular and water sports are available at an extra cost. See Sightseeing in the Discovering Qatar section for tour companies and Sports Activities in this section for water sports.

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 water sports 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

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

Katara Cinema, Building 49 B4 Luxurious cinema with four VIP theatres. 5028 5994

Mall Cinema, The Mall D4 Offers three cinemas. 4467 8666

Novo Cinema Call Centre 4031 5803, novocinemas.com/qatar

• Novo Cinema, 01 Mall E3 A 5-screen cinema.

• Novo Cinema, Doha Oasis D4 A 19-screen cinema.

• Novo Cinema, Mall of Qatar C1 A 19-screen cinema, IMAX and MX4D.

• Novo Cinema, Msheireb Galleria D4 A 6-screen cinema, including VIP 7-star screens.

• Novo Cinema, Souq Waqif D4 A four standard theatres and a VIP 7-star screen.

• Novo Cinemas, Tawar Mall C3 A 9-screen cinema with Dolby Atmos sound.

• Novo Cinema, The Pearl Island B4 A 10-screen cinema, 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 A 5-screen cinema with a VIP screen. 4017 1614

The Cinema Palace, The Royal Plaza D3 A 3-screen cinema. 4432 0938

VOX Cinemas, Doha Festival City B2 A 19-screen cinema multiplex including one 4DX. 4435 4444

VOX Cinemas, Doha Oasis D4 A 19-screen cinema multiplex including one 4DX. 4410 4100

Clubs and Hobbies

Doha Skaters A community of professional and amateur skaters or roller bladers led by Coach Ahmed Alghorab, commonly found on Lusail Marina. Hosts events and training. 7701 3335, see their Instagram and Facebook pages.

Doha Stitches A ladies only sewing and crafting 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 4725/4731, 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) ✔

Heenat Salma Farm The eco-farm and camp offers courses and workshops in multi-shafting weaving, palm weaving, silk painting, sadu weaving, handbuilding clay, pottery and more. 4441 1195, 5096 0007, heenatsalma.earth ✔

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) in Lusail International Circuit A3 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 Cultural Village 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) C4 Operating under the Ministry of Culture, the centre works to promote poetry and literature, taking into account Qatar's literary heritage, and be the right platform for Qatari poets to develop and succeed. 4405 5738, 6656 4777, 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) ✔

Stand Up Comedy Qatar (SUCQ) Qatar’s own stand-up comedy club. It promotes local comedians and hosts occasional stand-up comedy shows. 3370 3012, see their Facebook and Instagram pages.

SustainableQatar An independent, volunteerbased 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

Words & Strings The first spoken word society in Qatar that aims to create a bilingual outlet for poets, spoken word artists, and musicians. Holds monthly open poetry and music nights. wordsandstrings.xyz

Youth Hobbies Center at Katara Cultural Village D4 Photography programmes for teens. Basic skills required. 4408 1812, see Instagram @yhg.qa ✔

Clubs – Recreational

Al Jasrah Cultural and Social Club in Souq Waqif D4 Established by the Ministry of Sports and Youth in 1960, the club is one of the oldest literary clubs in the Arab world and hosts many writers and intellectuals from the Arab world, offering many free training courses in various creative areas such as writing, theatre 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: 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 ✔

Dana Club D3 A private members club, offering families a place to relax, dine, exercise and play with a range of recreation facilities, restaurants, lounges, children’s activities and meeting rooms. Membership options are available and cater for singles, couples and families. 4496 0600/666, danaclub.com.qa ✔

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

Caramel Sweet Arts D3 A one-stop shop for home bakers and cake decorating enthusiasts, offering a variety of cake decorating and baking classes as well as a retail area with a large range of products and equipment for the cake decorating enthusiast. 4029 7509, 7047 3565, carameldoha.com

Heenat Salma Farm The eco-farm and camp offers culinary classes in its artisanal kitchen with a 'farm to table' concept' every Monday and Tuesday from 5 pm to 7 pm at QAR150 per person. 4441 1195, 5096 0007, heenatsalma.earth ✔

Leaders Cooking Academy D4 A cooking and barista academy and café 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 (TCA) 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 ✔

International Centre for Music (ICM Qatar)

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 ✔

Yamativo Mambo Qatar Multiple locations A latin dance group and school that offers salsa, bachata, styling, shines and rueda classes for all levels. 5554 0533, yamativosalsaqatar.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 ✔

Doha Debates C2 Doha Debates is a Qatar Foundation (QF) initiative founded on focusing on reaching solutions through live debates, videos, blogs and podcasts 4454 2844, dohadebates.com

QatarDebate Center C2 A member of 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. 7751 9168, see their Facebook page for more details. ✔

Mockingbird Academy C2 Delivers a high-quality performing arts programme and classes with several fundamental abilities, including selfesteem, confidence, creative thinking, acting skills, public speaking skills, as well as leadership and teamwork skills. 4407 6851, mockingbirdacademy.com ✔

Theater Affairs Center D3 Established by the Ministry of Culture in 2016, the centre aims to develop and educate theatre talents with professional theatre skills, and to provide the local theatre community with new, experienced and technically educated cadres. 4405 5720

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

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, hosts women's events, bringing women together to share, discuss and witness each other's journeys in a safe and enriching platform. See their group on LinkedIn.

Groups Seeking Volunteers

2nd Chance Rescue – Qatar A branch of Park View Pet Centre, working on rehabilitating and rehoming animals, and relies on contributions and volunteers. See their Instagram or Facebook pages 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 Society (QRCS) Multiple locations Qatar's first volunteering charitable organisation, QRCS is an active member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. QRCS works to help and empower vulnerable individuals and communities in Qatar and across the MENA region. 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. 4454 1603, reachouttoasia.org

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

Academic Libraries can be found at the following universities, which are accessible to the general public, but with restrictions:

• GU-Q Library in Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) C2 4457 8280, library.qatar.georgetown.edu

• HBKU Library in Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) C2 4454 6644, hbku.edu.qa/en/hbku-library

• Health Sciences Library in Weill Cornell Medicine

- Qatar (WCM-Q) C2 4492 8100, qatar-weill.cornell.edu/health-sciences-library

• Library at Carnegie Mellon University Qatar (CMU-Q) C2 4454 8683, library.cmu.edu/qatar

• TAMUQ Library in Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) C2 442 30040, library.tamu.edu/QATAR_ LIBRARY/index.php

• The Library in Qatar University (QU) C3 4403 6338/4097, qu.edu.qa/library/

• NU-Q Library in Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) C2 4454 5090, qatar.northwestern.edu

• VCUQatar Library in Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) C2 4402 0587, qatar.vcu.edu/library

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 ✔

Maktaba Qatar C3 As the first public children's library, it is a space where imagination comes to life through books, play and programming for children of all ages. 4427 8810, maktabaqatar.org ✔

Mathaf Library in Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art C2 A research library specialising in modern and contemporary Arab art from the region with one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of books and publications on art history and modern art worldwide. Publications are in English, Arabic and other languages. 4402 8830, mathaf.org.qa

MIA Library in Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) D4 Consists of specialist books on Islamic art, art reference books, museum collection and exhibition catalogues and monographs, scholarly periodicals on art and related areas including auction house catalogues. Publications are in English, Arabic and other languages. 4422 4444, mia.org.qa

National Museum of Qatar Library D4 Comprises over 30,000 books with four collections: Rare Books, Special Qatari Heritage Collection, Antique Gastronomy Collection and Object Handling, in addition to the reading room. 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa

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. 4454 0100, qnl.qa ✔

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 (ICM Qatar) 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, offering comprehensive music education programme, which draws on practice and music theory, and incorporates both Arab and Western classical music curriculum. 4454 8191, qatarmusicacademy.com.qa ✔

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) C2 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 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

Theme 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. Suitable for ages 7 and above.

7050 0139, adventureroomsqa.com ✔

Baladna Park Located in Umm Al Hawaya near Al Khor, 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: QAR35 for adults aged 13 and above; QAR55 for children aged 3 – 12. 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 QAR250, family of four QAR500. 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 ✔

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 11 am – 10 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 2 pm – 11 pm. Admission: Junior Ticket (4 – 12 years old): QAR160, Adult Ticket (13 years old and above): QAR235, 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: Saturday to Thursday 11 am –10 pm, Friday 1 pm – 10 pm, closed on Sunday. Admission: QAR95 for adults aged 17 and above, and children aged 2 – 3, QAR160 for children aged 4 – 16, and free for children 1 and below. 4482 6222, kidzania.qa ✔

North Sedra Farm Located in Ghashamiyya, in the north of Qatar, the family-friendly educational and entertaining agritourism farm is where visitors can pick strawberries, harvest vegetables, feed animals, play fun and outdoor activities, take a stroll around the lush greenery, learn about Qatari heritage and more. Opening times: Operates only in the winter season from October to April on Friday and Saturday 12:30 pm – 8 pm. Admission: QAR20 per person; free for children under the age of two. 6665 0388, northsedra.qa ✔

OliOli® Doha B4 The gift box-shaped recreation centre in Katara Cultural Village is an experiential children’s play museum, and a spacious indoor sanctuary with hands-on activities to inspire positive play where children are free to wander, wonder and discover in six spaces – Kinetic Gallery,

Water Gallery, Fitness Gallery, teamLab Future Park, Creative Lab, and WonderSphere – designed to foster their creativity, curiosity and imagination. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 1 pm – 9 pm; closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission: QAR135 for children 2 – 16 years of age, QAR67 for children 12 to 13 months, two hours access with one free adult included, QAR45 for extra adult above the age of 16 4408 1266, olioli.qa ✔

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 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 to Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am –midnight. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game. 4483 9501, citycenterdoha.com ✔

Inflata Park Qatar’s first indoor inflatable park attraction inside a mall, a custom-designed inflatable park of approximately 1,000 sq m designed to cater for up to 150 visitors per hour. The park is suitable for adults and kids over the age of three

Opening times: Saturday to Wednesday 10 am –11 pm, Thursday 10 am – 11 pm, Friday 12:30 pm – midnight. Admission: Single Pass QAR35 for 25 minutes and QAR65 for 50 minutes; Family Pass (two adults and two children under 12 years of age) QAR120 for 25 minutes and QAR225 for 50 minutes; Nanny Pass QAR25 for 25 minutes and QAR40 for 50 minutes. 3325 5817, 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: Indoor: Saturday to Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm, Thursday 10 am –midnight, Friday 1 pm – midnight; Outdoor: Saturday to Wednesday 6 pm – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 6 pm – midnight. 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: Saturday to Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm, Thursday 10 am –midnight, Friday 1 pm – midnight. Admission: Silver Package QAR180, Gold Package QAR240, Platinum Package QAR450. 4035 4444, snowdunes.qa ✔

Spark Sense and Play Early childhood centre with fun, educational workshops specifically designed for children. Opening times: Saturday to Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am – 11 pm (closed during Friday prayers).

Admission: QAR80 per child and extra fee for workshops. 5049 5607, thesparkplay.com ✔

Virtuocity A digital gaming hub equipped with full motion racing simulators, escape rooms and a multipurpose eSports arena. Opening times: Saturday to Wednesday 10 am – 10 pm, Thursday: 10 am – midnight, Friday 1 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, Friday 1 pm – 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 ✔

Lusail City A3

Al Maha Island Dubbed as Qatar's Entertainment City, the 120,000 sq m island is located across Lusail Marina promenade and linked to the mainland via a causeway. The latest entertainment destination in Qatar aims to promote tourism and create a high-tech entertainment zone for tourists.

With the aim of attracting over 1.5 mn visitors per year, the island features Al Maha Drive, Lusail Winter Wonderland, Nammos Beach Club, and a high-end dining district. It is set to be an international music fest venue and more. Admission: Reservation to any of the island's venues is required for entry. Entry to the island costs QAR150 per car (redeemable). 4429 2978, almaha-island.com

Al Maha Drive is reserved only for supercars and classic cars. Al Maha Drive Membership: QAR12,000 per year with free entrance to the island from the VIP gate, exclusive access to Al Maha Drive, valet parking in the VIP parking area, and priority booking for Al Maha Island restaurants.

Lusail Winter Wonderland Jam-packed with festive fun, over 50 rides and attractions, food and drinks, and live entertainment presented by Qatar Airways. Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday 4 pm –11 pm (last entry 10 pm), Thursday to Saturday 4 pm – 1 am (last entry is at midnight). Admission: Closed during the summer season and opens in winter. Adult entry (above the age of 12) QAR65 – QAR85 per adult depending on day, child entry (2 to 12 years of age) QAR45 – QAR65 per child depending on day, children under the age of 2 enter for free, VIP and fast track entry QAR260 –QAR320 per person depending on day. Purchase of the entry wristband is required in advance online. Top-up of wristbands is available online and at the entry gate. lusailwinterwonderland.com ✔

Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha is a popular destination for its pool and private beach as well as a Water Park, which features water fountains and slides, and an adventure trail; Aloha Surf Pool; and Kunuz Kids and Teens Club, which has a variety of creative activities for children, ranging from imaginative arts and crafts to cultural engagement. Opening times: Water Park 11 am –7 pm daily; Aloha Surf Pool 11 pm – 8 pm daily; and Kunuz 10 am – 7 pm daily and Kunuz Teens 12 pm – 9 pm weekends. Admission: weekdays

QAR200 per adult, QAR100 per child, QAR400 per family (two adults and two children); weekends

QAR350 per adult, QAR175 per child, QAR700 per family (two adults and two children) 4456 5656, waldorfastorialusaildoha.com ✔

WOW Park Also known as the World of Wonders, the indoor leisure and entertainment centre in Lusail Boulevard offers a vast variety of exciting attractions and games suitable for families and individuals of all ages. From high-flying thrills, such as the gravity-fuelled Zip Coaster and the GCC’s highest indoor climbing wall, to immersive experiences such as the Exploration Caves and Laser Tag, the indoor family entertainment park also features a dedicated toddler zone, Doha’s first and only mini-bowling, and the newest release of state-of-the-art arcade games. Opening times: Daily noon – midnight, Friday 2 pm – midnight. Admission: Entry is free with charges per game, activity or experience. 4000 1109, wowpark.qa ✔

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 14), QAR135 for children aged 4 – 14, QAR85 special needs, and free for children below 1. 4028 5888, kidzmondodoha.com ✔

Rush Action Park 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 4 – 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. 3007 6888, 4447 9313, jumpqatar.com ✔

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 – QAR120 per hour. 4408 6500, bounce.qa ✔

The Pearl Island B4

Beach Centrale A new family-friendly destination with three climate-controlled pools – a main pool for adults with an artificial sandy beach, a second swimming pool and a waterpark for children. There are also changing rooms, lockers, and food and beverage kiosks. Opening times: Daily 6 am – 6 pm. Admission: Residents QAR50, visitors QAR100, children under the age of 2 enter for free. 800 6222 ✔

Duck Lake Adjacent to Beach Centrale, the new Duck Lake features a large duck pond where the whole family can enjoy feeding the ducks and riding pedal boats, in addition to delighting in vast green areas, two cycling and walking tracks, and a beautiful 15 m water fountain. ✔

Megapolis Entertainment Center B4 An indoor entertainment destination in Medina Centrale, offering an array of games and activities such as escape rooms, virtual reality simulators, bowling, darts, billiards, karaoke and more. Opening times: Monday to Wednesday 10 am – 2 am, Thursday 10 am onwards, Friday (closed for Friday prayers 11 am – 1 pm) and Saturday open 24 hours, closed on Sunday. Admission: Playing card with top-up value per game/activity. 4437 8444/84, megapolisqatar.com ✔

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 ✔