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MCI (P) 096/05/2018
A ROLLICKING TIME! The coasts of Qatar are teeming with hidden beauty: beneath the surface of the calm gulf waters, a very diverse marine life lives in its nutrient-rich waters. Snorkelling enthusiasts can feast their eyes on rays, sharks coral fish, nudibranchs, and other macrolife. Go further into sea and you might spot whale sharks that feed on plankton – a photo opportunity of a lifetime if you have an underwater camera ready! Qatar’s seas are also home to the world’s second largest populations of dugongs, gentle giants who feed on algae and seaweed.
WET & WILD When in Qatar, there are various aquatic activities to take part in. For keen anglers, there is a diverse range of fish able to be caught, including Snapper, Queen Fish, Barracuda and many more. Qatar’s waters also cater to people who prefer a bit more adrenaline activities. Kitesurfing is one of the popular activities, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional or a beginner, there is the opportunity to give it a go. Other activities that will get your blood pumping include, banana boating, parasailing and kayaking.
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HALAT UMM AL KHAYFAN East of Al Wakrah, it resides in the area of Ruqq Quraynayn and the charming Rubble Tower is a lighthouse present in the centre of Halat Umm al Khayfan. In these shallows, there are plenty of ideal fishing spots to discover.
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AL AALIYA ISLAND AND AL SAFLIYA ISLAND You can discover many fishing spots between these two islands which are situated to the east of Doha. Many anglers cite catching high-quality fish weighing as much as 10kg!
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DOHA MAIN NAVIGATION CHANNEL Take care when fishing here are many large vessels ply the often-crowded navigation channel. You can spot many recreational anglers who come to fish here on a daily basis.
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DOHA SSE TO DOHA BUOY CHANNEL Its deep waters, around 12 metres, can steadily dip further to 25 to 30 metres at this marked channel which is located by passing Banana island by heading southeast and moving towards AL Wakrah. There is a good concentration of fish that swim in this channel so it’s good to stick to the edge to get a good angling spot.
DESERT CAMPING Dune bashing aboard 4x4 vehicles is a popular activity to take part when you’re visiting the desert. To get to the dunes, visitors are taken in 4x4 vehicles along the tarmac highway up to Mesaeed, where the trained and certified drivers will deflate the tyres before going off road. Once in the desert, the drivers charge down giant dunes for a thrilling ride which is often likened to being on a rollercoaster through nature. There are many scenic views to be enjoyed along the desert journey which leads to the Inland Sea. Once there, there are breath-taking views of the desert dunes caressing the sea on one side, and on the other, the coast of Saudi Arabia stuns your eyes with its mountainous landscape.
TIPS WHEN GOING ON A DESERT TRIP • Wear light clothes, comfortable shoes and be sure to carry a sunhat and sunscreen. • If you plan to go to a beach while at the desert, wear something you wouldn’t mind getting wet in and bring a change of clean clothes for after you’re done. • Go with your novelty-seeking spirit, your camera and a smile.
DESERT STAY
For a quick city escape, visitors can head out to Qatar’s majestic desert which regularly attracts campers from all over the world. While seemingly plain landscapes, they are very much alive and host a wide array of flora and fauna. Campers are welcome to enjoy the vast vistas so long as they remain respectful of the fragile natural environment. There are options to explore the amazing sand dunes at the Inland Sea. For a heart-stopping ride over the rolling dunes, try a 4x4 off-road safari. Or have a go at camel riding, sand boarding or driving a dune buggy. Daytime, evening and overnight camping trips can all be arranged. Several tour operators have Bedouin-style camps in the desert where campers can enjoy activities such as sand boarding, camel riding, lighting up a bonfire, moonlit barbeques and star gaze in the cloudless night skies. As these are environments with extreme temperature, many desert regions get very hot during the day and very cold at night, so it is advisable to dress and pack accordingly. Visitors who wish to enjoy the great outdoors with comforts of modern life can opt to stay at the desert glamps (luxury camps) which come fully decked out with the modern comforts of wi-fi, comfy beds, toilets and sun loungers.
SALOONA Many locals eat it with rice but Saloona is a simple and spicy meat and/or vegetable broth that contains carrots, potatoes, eggplants and tomatoes. MACHBOOS A popular and common dish in Qatar, Machboos is rice cooked in fragrant spices and any kind of meat such as lamb, chicken, camel, fish or shrimps. MADHRUBA Called “beaten porridge”, this combination of rice, butter, milk, and cardamom is cooked till it becomes mush and some even add meat and mashed beans.
FOOD – FEED YOUR SOUL A trip to Qatar incomplete without sampling its diverse cuisine. While there are influences from across the Arab world and beyond, at the heart of Qatari cuisine are traditional dishes which primarily consist of rice, meats, and vegetables. And, thanks to it’s extensive shorelines and desert landscapes, Qataris cuisine also include seafood and dates which is featured prominently in the national diet.
A DATE WITH ME A day without dates in their diet might be odd for Qataris. Dates are aplenty in many Arab nations. Truth be told, there are even contests where the quality of dates are rated and winners can walk away with large cash prizes! The coveted, widelyeaten date is revered not just by Qataris but also many people across the Middle East. Not many fruits have reached such an esteemed status. The fruit is widely used in many religious ceremonies, while its cultural use, historical background and rich heritage goes back many thousands of years in the Islamic world. So, if you’re visiting Qatar and the friendly locals offer you dates as a snack, don’t pass it up because you’re eating a bit of their history and they only want to share the good stuff with the rest of the world. Today, the date’s beloved sweet flesh is incorporated in many modern dishes of Qatari cuisine such as desserts, cakes, smoothies and even mains.
THINGS TO NOTE • Qataris take pride in hospitality, it is considered rude to refuse food or drink when offered. • In Ramadan, one should never eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day. • As a predominantly Muslim nation, pork is not served in Qatar. • Coffee is the first thing offered when visiting someone’s home. • Alcohol is not illegal in Qatar and thus can be found in licensed hotels and restaurants. • It is illegal to bring alcohol into the country; all luggage will be screened.
GETTING FAMILIAR A trip to Qatar is very much about eating whole foods - yoghurt, olives, cheese, coffee, lamb, chicken, nuts, dates, to name a few. Whether to fuel up for a desert trekking trip or to tuck into delicious grub like a true-blue foodie, here are some must-have dishes to try when you’re visiting Qatar:
LUQAIMAT Mostly eaten during the Muslim fasting period called Ramadan, this sweet dish is composed of butter, milk, flour, saffron, sugar, and cardamom. These delicious dumplings are then deep fried and dipped into honey or sugar syrup. The resulting dish is one that is crunchy on the outside while the syrup tantalises the taste buds. GHUZI To tuck into more hearty fare, Ghuzi is the answer for meat lovers everywhere. This whole roasted lamb is served on a sumptuous bed of scented rice, vegetables, and crunchy nuts that make it a party in your mouth with every bite! THAREED Another dish eaten during Ramadan, this layered stew is dubbed the “Arabic lasagna” where bread is placed at the bottom of the dish and layered with carrots, beans, onions, potatoes, chicken, lamb, tomato sauce and spices. Super yummy! BALALEET A sweet pasta, perhaps? Well, to Qataris this vermicelli topped with saffron omelette is a union of textures and flavours: sweet, savoury, soft, crunchy. It is popularly eaten as a breakfast item in Qatar but it can also be served as a dessert. HAREES is a porridge-like dish where ground wheat is mixed with meat and boiled together. Due to its soft consistency, it is a popular dish when breaking the fast at Iftar during Ramadan.
DESERT EXPLORATIONS Deserts to Qataris are like ice to Eskimos. Stretching across the country from north to south, Qatar’s desert scape is diverse and intriguing. In parts there are rolling sand dunes and in others, visitors will find unique geological formations. But not all is barren desert in Qatar, there are also pockets of dense vegetation and wildlife giving nature-lovers much to feast their eyes on. The largest desert area in Qatar is situated southwest of Doha and the sight of sand dunes attracted many sand boarders and dune bashers. As the wind is strong, the scenery constantly changes, and the dunes’ shape of sinuous curves and peaks unfold before you. If you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the “Singing Sand Dunes” where you can hear the low humming sound created when the wind blows over sand dunes. Gypsum is a soft mineral naturally found in Qatar which gives rise to geological phenomena such as ‘desert roses’, cliffs and sinkholes. Most notable of these is the 100m deep Dahl Al Misfir underground cave. For some above-the-ground exploration, visitors can head to Zekreet situated along the West coast
which is characterised by its striking and unusual natural rock formations which look like mushrooms and have been slowly formed by centuries of wind erosion. In Zekreet, adventure-seekers are known to make a beeline for activities such as biking, climbing, camping and kite surfing in this area. Nature lovers will be happy to know there are many animals in the wild such as ostriches - and if they’re lucky, they can catch a glimpse of the rare reem, a type of Arabian gazelle! For views of majestic sand dunes encircling a lagoon, visitors have to visit Khor Al Adaid which is located 80 kilometres south of Doha. Most commonly known as the “Inland Sea”, this must-visit attraction, it is not accessible by road so a 4x4 desert safari is in order – be prepared for an exhilarating ride! For a splash of greenery, the Al Thakira mangroves near Al Khor to the northeast offers scenic mangrove swamps where a large variety of migratory birds such as terns, spoonbills and flamingos can be appreciated in the wild. The best way to enjoy these natural spoils is by kayak allowing visitors to get up close to the rich diversity of flora and fauna found at every turn.
FOR HISTORY BUFFS History buffs will be pleased to catch glimpses of the country’s past carefully preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Al Zubarah archaeological site and fort on the north-west coast. The 18th century town and settlement which was once a bustling pearling town and trading port with trade links to as far as the Indian Ocean provides glimpses into urban life in the Gulf before the discovery of gas and oil in the 20th century. First built in 1838, the fort was restored in the 1980s and in 2016, volunteers from around the world carried out conservation work to honour and respect this unique heritage site.
ART IS ALL AROUND The jewel in the crown among Qatar’s museums is the internationally-renowned Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). The MIA showcases Islamic art and artefacts from
around the world, spanning 14 centuries of history. Standing alone on reclaimed land, and designed by I.M.Pei, the architectural masterpiece sits perched on the Gulf waters and is surrounded by the MIA Park’s extensive green spaces. Another noteworthy private museum in Qatar is the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. One of the world’s largest private museums, it needs about three hours to explore and take in the art works and exhibits. Covering some 5,000 square feet of floor space and housing over 15,000 artefacts sourced from four continents dating back to the Jurassic age to present day, visitors can ogle at the vast array of fossils, ancient figurines, Qatar heritage pieces, Islamic art and a huge cache of militaria pieces.
PUBLIC ART Qatar is a destination that is proud to showcase modern and contemporary art in public spaces. From the moment
visitors arrive at Hamad international airport, they are bound to be welcomed by the gigantic yellow Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer located at the main space of the retail gallery. It is just one of many stunning art pieces scattered across the airport such as While Oryxes by Tom Claassen, a Dutch. Even in the heart of the desert, there are the impressive East-West/West-East sculptures by Richard Serra. Composed of four 14m-high steel plates spread over a 1km stretch, the rustic plates that rise perpendicular to the ground to blend perfectly well with the unique rock formations that jut out in the expansive desert scape. A stroll through Katara Cultural Village or along the Doha corniche will also entertain with their unique sculptures that are equal parts amusing and interesting material for unique snaps.
TIPS WHEN VISTING QATAR FOR THE FIRST TIME • The attitude to dress in Qatar is quite relaxed, but visitors are expected to show respect for local culture and customs in public places by avoiding excessively revealing clothing. It is generally recommended for men and women to cover up from their shoulders to knees. • Photography is generally allowed except at some historical, military or religious landmarks which are clearly signposted as prohibited for photography. Please show respect while taking selfies or group photos. Taking photos of women without their knowledge is discouraged. Always ask for their consent. • Not all Arab men and women will shake hands with those of the opposite sex, so it’s advisable to wait for them to extend a hand first.. • While couples enjoy sightseeing or visiting public places, they need to be mindful not to engage in any public display of affection as it’s considered offensive and frowned upon.
THINGS TO NOTE: The mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, but welcomes visitors of all faiths to take in the beauty of the building and snap photographs of the courtyard only outside of prayer times. Visitors are advised to wear modest clothing when visiting mosques, particularly during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
CULTURE AWAITS The culture of the Arabian peninsula is very nuanced and each country enjoys its unique characteristics and charms. Head to Qatar to see men and women proudly clad in their traditional dress (the white thobe for men and black abaya for women) or sample their contemporary takes on traditional design
beguiling experience for first-time visitors. For a sweet treat, the spiced kahwa is always served with fresh dates! Greetings in Qatar are also unique: not all men and women will shake hands with members of the opposite sex, so it’s important to wait for them to extend their hand first. Men bringing their noses to touch twice is also a common traditional greeting used among close friends and relatives.
palates. You’ll also find a wide and well-maintained public beach offering plenty of water sports activities to satisfy adrenaline-junkies. For a slower pace, visitors can take in the sights and sounds along the promenade and the best time to do so is at night. You can appreciate the expansive skyline that Doha offers, and also tuck into market stalls selling scrumptious food and snacks.
KARATA CULTURAL VILLAGE This is a behemoth venue that houses the region’s architectural heritage, theatres, galleries and performance venues for staging shows and events. As it offers a year-round programme of concerts, exhibitions, and shows, it is jam-packed with many activities to attract a wide-
through the city’s impressive skyline and unique architectural features. And, our favourite: catching glimpses of the country’s Bedouin and seafaring past when you watch the traditional dance ardah performed by men to the beats of tambourines, cymbals and large traditional drums known as al-ras, stringed instruments such as the oud and rababa, and the flute-like nay. Culture aside, visitors to Qatar are sure to be treated with famed Arabian hospitality. It begins with the age-old custom of offering delicious coffee kahwa brewed with cardamom and saffron and served in tiny cups is a
STATE MOSQUE
range of visitors and participants. Not to be missed is the Doha Film Institute’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival, which takes place every November. For movie buffs, the institute also showcases a variety of indoor and outdoor film screenings throughout the year. Aside from these attractions, there are world-class restaurants serving international cuisines to tantalise various
The largest mosque in Qatar, the State Mosque sits on a hill overlooking the rest of the city and the bay beyond. The mosque’s imposing architecture melds a fascinating mix of traditional Arabic and modern elements: sparkling half-moons, a striking minaret and expansive outdoor atriums and crisp aesthetics while sporting traditional Islamic architectural elements with a signature 93 dome roof. With a total floor area of 175,000 sqm the mosque can accommodate up to 30,000 worshippers at a time.
HELPFUL TIPS • If it’s a formal greeting, you can shake hands with a Qatari (always the right). • If you know the person very well, you can go for cheek to cheek kisses (three kisses on the right cheek). • Qatari men sometimes greet by touching noses twice. • Ma’a as-salaama – This is a way of expressing farewell or “goodbye”. • Assalamualaikum /Assalam o alaikum / As-salaam ‘alaykum – This is an Islamic greeting that means “Peace be upon you” in Arabic. It is a humble and polite way to greet somebody and it is regarded as a formal manner of greeting. • Walaikum assalam / Wa ‘alaykum salaam – This is the response to the phrase above, which means, “And peace be to you too”. • Ahlan means “Hello” in Arabic • Sabaah al-khayr means “Good Morning” in Arabic. • Masaa’ al-khayr means “Good Evening” in Arabic.