Greetings from Marhaba Information Guide! The warmer weather is on its way, but there is still a lot to see and do around town. Take a look at our events calendars, both in the guide and on marhaba.qa. There are plenty of indoor events to keep you busy and entertained thorugh the summer. In this 68th edition of Marhaba we are proud to bring you a number of informative and insightful articles. For the Special Features section we’ve ventured out to explore Qatar’s food industries, from salmon being processed locally in 'Expertly Smoked in Qatar' to home-grown produce in 'Your Food, Made in Qatar'. We hope you find the guide informative and useful. For easy navigation around town pick up a copy of the Marhaba Pocket Map – perfect for taking with you while you discover the sights of Doha. As I sign off, I wish you Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak. We will see you again in the autumn.
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Hilary Bainbridge Managing Editor
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MARHABA PUBLICATIONS Marhaba Information Guide Marhaba Dining Guide Marhaba Shopping Guide Marhaba Pocket Map of Doha Marhaba Kaleidoscope Marhaba Calendars Qatar Image eBooks
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AVAILABLE AT • Abu Karbal Bookshop • Bakemart • Carrefour (Dar Al Salam, City Center-Doha, Ezdan Mall, Lagoona Mall, Landmark, Mall of Qatar, Villaggio) • Family Food Centre (Airport Street) • Jarir Bookstore (Airport Street, Al Rayyan Al Jadeed Street, Salwa Road) • JG Sandwich Cellar • Lulu Hypermarket (Al Gharrafa, Al Khor, Al Messila, D Ring Road) • Lulu Barwa City • Lulu Centre • Lulu Express • Mega Mart (The Centre) • Mega Mart Xpress (Al Messila Petrol Station) • Naaz Stores • Spinney's (The Mall, The Pearl-Qatar) • Virgin Megastore (Landmark, Mall of Qatar, Villaggio) • WH Smith (Hyatt Plaza, Nuaija, Ezdan Mall) • WOQOD Petrol Stations
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In this issue… Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge
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Editorial Sarah Palmer Sarah Mascarenhas Terry Sutcliffe Gina Coleman Shahmim Ahmed Online Content Lubuna Jeffin Digital Media Andrea Buenafe Ayen Molina Advertising Havovi Rabadi Howard Bainbridge Retail Sales Sandra Alexander Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo Mar Principe Arnel Ramos Dana Design Studio
Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the magazine accepts no liability in the case of unintentional errors.
Discovering Qatar Emergency Numbers 9 Qatar at a Glance 13 Events in Qatar 19 Qatar Online 28 Arabic Phrases 30 Do’s and Don’ts 31 Main Urban Centres 32 Getting Around Qatar 43 Foreign Embassies in Qatar 48 Traveller Information 51 Hamad International Airport 53 Sightseeing 59 Leisure Activities 83 Day to Day Qatar 91 Living in Qatar 95
113
The Pearl-Qatar
125
Infrastructure
Where to Shop The Pearl-Qatar Overview Dining Listings
Infrastructure in Qatar Keeping a Cool Head
112 115 120
126 133
© 2017 Marhaba Information Guide All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.
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Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 5533 4465 0083 Fax (+974) 4465 5588 General Information marhaba@qatar.net.qa Retail Sales retailsales@marhaba-qatar.com
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Shopping
153
Hospitality, Hotels and Dining
Where to Shop Shopping in Qatar Qatar’s Liquid Gold
136 139 150
Tourism in Qatar Places to Stay What’s On at Hotels Dining in Qatar Dining Guide Listings The Keys of Gold
155 156 165 179 181 203
231
Sports
Special Features Sports in Qatar 232 Sports Events Calendar 233 Samsung Diamond League Doha 2017 236 AquaSports 237 Sports Activities 238
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Education Useful Numbers Education in Qatar Education Courses/Lectures Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses Engaging the Community Through Art
309
249 255 303 304 305
208 212 216 220 223 227
Health and Beauty Useful Numbers Healthcare in Qatar Turkish Hospital Health and Wellness Spas and Beauty Centres
341
207 Celebrating Ramadan Native Flora and Fauna Preserving the Past to Develop the Future Kayaking to Save the Mangroves Your Food, Made in Qatar Expertly Smoked in Qatar
312 316 330 333 336
Maps
Banking and Commerce Banking and Finance 343 Economy 348 Commerce 349 Investment and Trade 350 The Digitisation of Qatar 356
359
Motoring
391
Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals
Cars Tested This Issue Main Car Showrooms Useful Numbers Motoring Essentials Traffic Violations – Point System Child Passenger Safety Qatar Motor Show 2017 Service Centres
The Global Perspective Qatar’s Oil Industry Qatar’s Gas Industry Qatar’s Petrochemical Industry OGP 101 Company Activities
See our additional Features throughout the sections
392 393 395 397 398 400
360 362 363 364 369 370 386 387
Qatar 6 Northeast Coast 33 Al Khor 34 Al Dafna/West Bay Area 35 Doha City 36–38 Doha Central Area 39 Al Wakra 40 Mesaieed 41 Southeast Coast 42 The Pearl‑Qatar 122 Infrastructure Projects 124 Souq Area 149 Education City 307 Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City 317 Small Industries Zone/Ind’l Area 388
Next issue
August 2017 Printed in Qatar by Doha Modern Printing Press
State of
Map prepared by
Qatar
Al Ruwais Al Mafjar
Madinat Al Shamal
in cooperation with
CGIS
Khidaj Fort
Al Ghariya
Al Jemail Fort
QATAR
Al Rekayat Fort
Fuwairit
Al Thaghab Fort Ras Eshairiq
Al Zubara Fort Al Zubara Umrair Fort
Jabal Al Jassasiya
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ras Girtas
Lehwaila RL Support Services Area
Lisha
Ain Al Numan
Madinat Al Kaaban Leghwairiya Rawdat Al Faras
Al Reem Biosphere Reserve
Ras Laffan Industrial City
77 Simsima Umm Birka
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1
Al Suwaihliya
Al Thakhira
amal
Al Sh
Al Qaaiya New Orbital Highway
Lijmailiya
Ras Abrouq
Road
Berak Al Soudan
Umm Qarn
Al Daayen Municipality
Al Nafayid
Simaisma
Umm Al Amad Al Dosari Game Reserve
Bir Zekreet
Dukhan
Umm Slal Mohammed 1 New Barzan Orbital Tower Highway
Dukhan R oad
3
1A IKEA
Relie
Al Nasraniya
f Roa
Al Sabbana Dukhan
Losail Circuit
Umm Slal Ali
Al Otouriya
Al Shaihaniya
Education City
Sheikh Faisal Farm & Museum
Ain Al Zaghain
Lusail City The Pearl Qatar
Umm Bab
Doha
Al Wajba
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Al Ruwaidat
Banana Island
Al Rayyan
Hamad International Airport
Al Sailiya Rawdat Rashed
Al Shabhana
Barwa Barwa Industrial City Village Area
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Qeezan Al Kharaej Taas Al Karaana
Baidaa Al Qaa
Al Karaana
Qawz Al Kharaej
Al
Taas Al Darb
arr Kh
Al Kharrara
aiee
Earth Satellite 'Singing Sand Dunes’ Station
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Naqa Abu Birka
Dohat Salwa
Hamad Port
Mesaieed
ar
Shalla Naqa Abu Dulou Naqa Felaiha
Riyad Al Marrkh
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Naqa Al Minshatah
Umm Hawta Hajar Al Eraiq
Al Wakra
dR
Al Wukair
Mes
a lw Sa
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Aqua Park
ad Ro
oad
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a Roa d
Qaryat Al Muhanna
Sealine Beach Resort
Naqa Umm Salama
Zubarat Al Masszhabiya Bu Samra
Naqa Tuwair Al Hameer Zubarat Al Eraiq
Naqa Zuwayyid
Qeezan Al Eraiq
SAUDI ARABIA
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Golf Club
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Al Salamiya
Al Khor
Al Khor Airfield
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Sand Dunes
Khor Al Adaid 5 Non-stop Superhighway 39 Upgraded Highway 7 Dual Carriageway Highway Single Carriageway Highway Qatar Heritage Site Population Centre Vegetation
Premier Inn, Premier you! We’re the UK’s largest hotel chain for good reasons: Great value. Great service.
Great locations – like Doha! premierinn.qa
Doha Education City
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Emergency and Important Numbers Foreign Embassies See Foreign Embassies in this section.
Health Enquiries Nesma'ak (Hamad General Hospital) 16060 Hayyak (Primary Health Care Corporation) 107
Emergency and Important Numbers
Government Ministries iParks 4406 9955 Baladiya 184 Metrash2 and MOI eServices 234 2000 Ministry of Development, Labor and Social Affairs 4028 8888 Ministry of Foreign Affairs 4011 1111 Ministry Of Interior 236 7111 Hukoomi 109 Post Office 104 Qatar National Human Rights Committee 6662 6663 Telecom and Communications Directory Assistance 180 International Calls Inquiry 150 Ooredoo 111 Vodafone 110, 800 7110
Emergency Services Police, Fire and Ambulance Worldwide emergency Emergency Services for the Deaf Traffic Patrol Police Department
999 112 992 3080 5060
Pediatric Emergency Centres Airport (Matar Qadeem) Al Daayen (Al Khor Road) Al Rayyan (Al Fourousiya Street) Al Sadd (Suhaim Bin Hamad Street) Al Shamal (Al Ruwais)
4465 4423 4480 4439 4473
2832 3811 0812 6059 0116
Traffic and Minor Accidents General Directorate of Traffic 234 4444 Madina Khalifa Traffic & Investigation 4489 0666, 234 4499 Utilities Kahramaa (electricity and water)
991
Taxi and Limousines See Getting Around Qatar in this section. m
Checked & Updated February 2017
Roadside and Break Down Assistance Qatar Assist 5545 5252
Important Numbers General Information Qatar Meteorology Department Local Time
4448 0444 140
Airport Hamad International Airport Airport Security Airport Fire and Medical Emergency
4010 6666 4010 9555 4010 9222
For more on travel and airport information see Traveller Information and Hamad International Airport in this section.
Animals In the event of a pet emergency, see Pets in this section. Š
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Qatar offers visitors and residents numerous areas to explore – from the beauty of the desert landscape, to beaches around the country and the unique Bir Zekreet, Inland Sea and Purple Island. If you prefer exploring with a guide, local tour operators offer city sightseeing trips, as well as tailormade tours around the country. For more information, see Sightseeing in the Discovering Qatar section. Pictured: Richard Serra's East-West/West-East at Bir Zekreet 10
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Discovering Qatar Map of Qatar
19 28 30 31 32 35 43
Events April – July 2017
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Leisure Activities
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Day to Day Qatar
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Living in Qatar
Emergency Numbers Qatar at a Glance • • • • •
Geography • History • Climate Language and Religion • The Ruling Family The Qatari Flag • Government • Economy International Relations • Demography Transport and Communications
Qatar Online Arabic Phrases Do’s and Don’ts Main Urban Centres Doha City and other maps
48 51
Foreign Embassies
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Hamad International Airport
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Sightseeing
Government Online Useful Documents/Processing The Qatar Labour Law Register at Your Embassy Residence/Work Permits Renew a Residence Permit Exit Permits • Identity Cards Health Related Services
104
Utilities and Services
109
Pets
• Visas • eCash Cards • Entry Visas • eGate Cards • Car Rental, Taxis and Limousines • Airlines • Travel Agencies
Parking • Arrivals/Departures Lounges • Connectivity Medical Emergencies Travelling with Animals • Duty Free Food and Beverage • The Airport Hotel Medical Emergencies
• • • • • • • •
Housing
Traveller Information
• • • • • •
• Common Courtesies • Accidents and Medical Emergencies • Newspapers • Telephone • Public Wireless Internet • Television and Radio • Places of Worship
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Getting Around Qatar • Lusail City Taking Shape • Major Road Developments • Karwa Taxis • Karwa Limousines
Clubs, Societies and Activities, from Arts and Crafts to Parks and Play Zones
• To Rent • Estate/Letting Agents • To Buy • Lawyers and Legal • Relocation Services/Removal Firms • Other Housing Considerations
• • • • • • •
Water and Electricity Gas Telephone and Internet Postal Services and Mail Courier Services Birth, Marriage and Death Liquor Permit
Discovering Qatar
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• Pets • Exporting a Pet • Microchipping • Private Veterinary Clinics and Services
Things to see and do in Qatar, from Art and Photography to Organised Tours
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Qatar at a Glance Geography • Qatar is a peninsula of 11,521 sq km located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. • The territory encompasses several islands including Halul, Sheraouh, Al Beshairiya, Al Safliya (which is a marine protected area) and Al Aaliya.
• The coastline covers 563 km with shallow coastal waters in most areas and many coves and inlets.
Qatar at a Glance
• The terrain is flat and rocky, covered with sand flats and sand dunes. There are some exceptional low-rising limestone outcrops in the north and the west. • The country is centrally placed among the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which groups it with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.
History
• One of the world’s earliest maps, The Map of Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE, shows the word 'Catara' at the head of the bay.
• Qatar played an important role in the Islamic civilisation when its inhabitants participated in the formation and provision of the first naval fleet. • Archaeological discoveries, inscriptions and artefacts prove that Qatar was populated as early as 10,000 – 8,000 BCE. • In the middle of the 1st century CE, Pliny the Elder referred to the nomads of the area as the 'Catharrei' – an apparent reference to their constant search for water.
• During the 16th century, the Qataris aligned with the Turks to drive out the Portuguese. Subsequently, along with the entire Arabian Peninsula, they fell under the nominal rule of the Ottoman Empire for four successive centuries – with the real power and control remaining in the hands of the sheikhs and princes of local Arab tribes.
Climate
Language and Religion
• The country has a moderate desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Winter nights can be cool, but temperatures rarely drop below 7°C.
• The official language of the country is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood.
• Humidity levels can be very high on the coast during the summer months.
• All official documents (such as visa and resident permit applications) must be completed in Arabic.
• Rainfall is scarce (average 70 mm per year), falling on isolated days mainly between October and March.
• Islam is the official religion of the country, and Shari’a (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation.
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The Ruling Family
Qatar at a Glance
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of the State of Qatar
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Father Emir
• The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, assumed power on 25 June 2013. • The ruling Al Thani family was among a tribal group who had settled at the 'Gibrin' oasis in southern Najd, before their arrival in Qatar during the early 18th century. Initially, they settled in Zubara in northern Qatar, moving to Doha in the mid-19th century. The family is a branch of the ancient Arab tribe, the Bani Tameem, whose descent can be traced back to Mudar bin Nizar. • The name Al Thani is derived from that of the family’s ancestor Thani bin Mohamad bin Thani, who was the first sheikh to rule modern Qatar.
The Qatari Flag • The national flag is maroon with a broad vertical white stripe at the pole, the two colours being separated with a nine-point serrated line which indicates Qatar as the ninth member of the 'reconciled Emirates' of the Gulf, after the 1916 Qatar-British Treaty.
His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
• White signifies the internationally recognised symbol of peace. Maroon symbolises the blood shed during the several wars that Qatar has undergone, particularly in the second half of the 19th century.
Government • The Emir is the ruler of Qatar. Rule is hereditary, with power transferred from father to son. If no son is available, power is transferred to the person whom the Emir chooses within the Al Thani family. • The Emir is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive powers. The Emir appoints the prime minister and ministers. • The Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the supreme executive authority in the country, assists in implementing the general policies of the State. • A 35-member Advisory Council debates economic, political and administrative matters referred to it by the Cabinet. • The constitutional development of Qatar has kept pace with the rapid development and economic growth of the country. 14
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• The first provisional constitution was issued in 1970, and amended in 1972 upon independence. In April 2003, an overwhelming 96.6% of Qatari voters said 'yes' to a draft permanent constitution which became effective on 8 June 2005, transforming Qatar into a democracy. • In 1999, free elections were held to form a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC) for the first time in Qatar’s history. Women were allowed to vote and run as candidates. The constitution was amended in 2003 to allow for the direct election of 30 members of the Advisory Council. Held every four years, the Fifth Central Municipal Council Election was held in May 2015. The number of listed voters reached 21,735. Voting was conducted in 26 constituencies after three candidates won by acclamation. Voter turnout in constituencies was 69.8%.
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THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN QATAR Embrace Doha offers a diverse range of workshops, tours, and events aimed at enriching the cultural experiences of expats and visitors. We assist companies, ministries, educational entities and the public as a whole in developing the cultural know-how and sensitivities of their valued employees as well as providing entertainment and excursions for their guests. Our team of Qataris and locals have in-depth knowledge of the Arabian Gulf region in general, and Qatar in particular. They will walk your employees and guests through the region’s unique lifestyle with the ability to communicate in multiple languages, including English, French, and Arabic.
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Please do not hesitate to contact us at the following: www.embracedoha.com contact@embracedoha.com +97477771636
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Economy • Qatar, with proved gas reserves of nearly 900 trillion standard cubic feet in its North Field, and oil reserves of over 25.2 billion barrels, has one of the fastest growing economies and the highest per capita income in the world.
placed on private-sector industrial development, education, health, sport and tourism.
• In just decades, Qatar has developed into a major global supplier of energy and is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a world leader in gas-to-liquids (GTL) production.
Qatar at a Glance
• While developing its huge hydrocarbon reserves, Qatar has also diversified its economy, and emphasis is being
International Relations • Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strives to establish and develop close direct ties with all peace-loving countries and peoples of the world. It is keen to participate actively in efforts to deal with the concerns and challenges that the Gulf region encounters.
• Together with Qatari partners, who hold a 51% interest, foreigners can invest in most other sectors subject to approval. See the Banking and Commerce section for more information. Qatar is a member of: • The United Nations (UN) and its subsidiary global organisations. • The Asian Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council. • The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
• Qatar was actively involved in the discussions leading to the foundation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has hosted a number of their Supreme Council Summit Meetings.
• The Organisation of Arab Oil Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
• As at 4 February 2017, Qatar maintains 100 embassies abroad as well as 11 consulates and 2 other representations. The Qatari capital Doha hosts 99 embassies, and in addition there is 1 consulate and other representations in Qatar.
• The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Demography • Qatar's population as at 31 January 2017 was 2,576,181 according to figures released by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics. • Males made up 1,971,536 (mostly expatriate single men); women account for 604,645. • Other population centres, apart from Doha, include Dukhan on the west coast, Mesaieed City and Al Wakra in the south, and Ras Laffan and Al Khor in the north. Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC) is creating a population expansion in Al Khor and the adjoining areas. Projects are underway to provide new housing and amenities in the area. 16
• Investment laws allow for up to 100% foreign investment in many sectors including agriculture, industry, leisure, tourism, health, education and the exploitation of natural resources, energy and mining – subject to dispensation from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
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• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. • The World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). • The Arab League. • The UNESCO World Heritage Committee.
Transport and Communication • The country is served by Hamad International Airport (for more information on Airports see Traveller Information and Hamad International Airport in this section). • Metered taxis and limousines are easy to find and there is a comprehensive public transport system. • Qatar has a modern road system linking it with other GCC countries. • An integrated rail and metro network is expected to be largely complete by 2022. See more in the Infrastructure section. • The telecommunications system is currently being upgraded to an entirely fibre-optic network. m
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The Doha Metro will serve both Doha and the suburbs with all major locations within easy and convenient reach. The metro system will be built in two phases: the first will see the construction of three out of the four lines (Red, Gold, and Green) and 37 stations. These lines are expected to be open to the public by 2020. For more information see the Infrastructure section. qr.com.qa
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TOGETHER TOWARDS AN ACCESSIBLE QATAR
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�مـركــز قـطــر اﻹجـتمــاعي والثقــافـي للــمكفوفــ Qatar Social & Cultural Center For Blind
�مـركــز قـطــر اﻹجـتمــاعي والثقــافـي للــمكفوفــ Qatar Social & Cultural Center For Blind
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Events April – July Significant Dates and Public Holidays • 27 May – Beginning of Ramadan (subject to change) • 26 June – Eid Al Fitr (subject to change) See the key at the end of the Calendar for contact details of various venues
April 2017 Until end of December 2017
The two countries have long established strong ties and work closely in many different areas. In partnership with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region and the German Embassy Doha, the year of culture will celebrate and explore common values, breaking down barriers and opening minds and involves a number of organisations in Qatar including the Qatar National Library, Doha Film Institute, Katara, and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Volkswagen AG and Deutsche Bank AG are holding two exhibitions in conjunction with Qatar Museums – Volkswagen AG is presenting an exhibition on German design from 1950 to the present and future, while Deutsche Bank will show masterpieces from its collection that gives an overview of the development of German art from the 1960s up to the present day.
Events April – July
Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture
Look out for news and updates on our website at marhaba.qa, also follow Deutsche Saison QG17 at facebook.com/deutschesaison.qatargermany2017/
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra concerts this month: 8
Mahler’s Fourth Symphony – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Linz Symphony No. 36 in C Major, K. 425; Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G Major. At +QNCC, tickets required.
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Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Music of Qatar and Germany – Qatar Germany Year of Culture 2017. No tickets or reservations are required.
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Brahms’ First Symphony – Arabic overture to be determined; Friedrich Gulda: Concerto for cello and wind orchestra; Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68. At +QNCC, tickets required.
Visit qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org for more details and to purchase tickets.
Until Picasso-Giacometti The first exhibition dedicated showing more than 120 works of two of the most 21 May important artists of the 20th century – Pablo Picasso 2017 (1881–1973), and Alberto Giacometti (1901–1966). The exhibition took two years to research and is organised in six sections, showing different aspects of each artist's production, and covering paintings, sculptures, sketches, photographs and interviews with the artists. Also, in a first for Qatar Museums, the show includes four replicas of Giacometti’s works for visually impaired visitors to interact with and enjoy. There is an accompanying series of lectures, an education programme and a handbook for visitors.
Free entry, daily except Monday. At the Fire Station Artist in Residence. firestation.org.qa, qm.org.qa ©
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Self Portrait, 1901, Picasso
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What's on at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Al Riwaq
Events April – July
Until Dia Al Azzawi Retrospective 16 April 2017
Until 4 November 2017
A monograph of one of the most renowned modern artists of the Arab world: Dia Al Azzawi. The exhibition showcases over 500 works across 50 years and a range of media, and is organised into two parts, with each one tracing a trajectory of the artist’s practice: one charting the relation between image and text in Azzawi’s work, and the other following the artist’s engagement with the key moments in the political history of modern Iraq and the Arab world. This part of the exhibition profiles the relation between art and politics that emerged in his work after 1968. Also at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.
Imperial Threads: Motifs and artisans from Turkey, Iran and India This exhibition shows the connection between the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal dynasties, who marked the start of the early modern period in Islamic art. The main focus are MIA's masterpiece carpets from Turkey, Iran and India; manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and other objects are also featured.
23 – 27 April Practical Sadu weaving A chance to learn about the traditional weaving of the Gulf region, and then design your own artwork. 26 April
Majlis Book Club In English, in the MIA library. Contact sleavy@qm.org.qa for confirmation of the next book to be discussed, which all link to Islamic art, museums or Arabic history. If you want to participate in the Arabic Book Club, contact MIA with a suggested date and book for discussion.
Until end of The MIA Park Bazaar Around 150 stalls featuring handmade jewellery, arts, crafts, April clothing, books and souvenirs. Every Friday 3 pm –10 pm and Saturday noon – 7 pm. Note: The MIA Park is now open 24/7 – amenities include the Park Café overlooking Al Dafna, children's play areas, large lawned areas for picnics, and a walking path which passes Richard Serra's art installation '7'. Check the website for up to date opening hours in Ramadan and Eid. Admission is free to both the museum and the park; visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. MIA offer a range of events and activities for young people and adults including art workshops related to the exhibitions, calligraphy groups, museum tours and school programmes. 4422 4444, mia.org.qa C4 20
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