Qatar, A Curated Adventure
By Lubaina Sheerazi, Co-founder & CEO, BRANDit for Windmill Holidays
There are not one, but endless reasons why Qatar must be on a traveler’s wish list. A Modern Society Rooted in Tradition
An Inspired Life Begins in Qatar
It might sound like an oxymoron, but the phrase fits right for Qatar. My business trips to Qatar have given me a bird’s eye view of what an intriguing melting pot it is, yet how well it preserves its heritage. For expats from various nationalities who call it their home, Qatar offers modern amenities, a flawless city transport system, and business hotspots without diluting its legacy. I always get a sense of space as I visit its grand museums and art galleries juxtaposed with shining skyscrapers. If I could, I would spend hours at the National Museum of Qatar, not just for its impressive interactive display of Qatar’s transformation as a country over the ages – but to admire the sheer grandeur and uniqueness of its architecture, which is inspired by the natural crystal formations known as desert rose. I might need many revisits to explore all its nooks, spread over an area of 430,500 square feet! I have always managed to dive deep into the history of Qatar at its heritage sites and forts to take back pearls of stories.
Dear Doha
Doha has a special place in my heart. Each time I visit it, it exceeds my expectation. On one recent visit, I was impressed by the massive indoor garden area that was unveiled at the Hamad International Airport just before the FIFA World Cup. The Pearl, a world of its own, lights up in the evenings. Restaurants, designer boutiques, plazas, yacht-lined marinas…whoever called it the Arabian Riviera is a genius. Being associated with Qatar Tourism, I have the privilege to experience this country layer by layer. How would I define Doha? Cosmopolitan, mesmerizing, humble, culturally rich, and welcoming… it’s a global city with a heart of gold.
Cultural Magnificence
If there is something I equally enjoy in Doha, it is the Katara Cultural Village. The multitude of art galleries, vibrant cafes and the enormous Galaries Lafayette all lead to the spectacular Katara open-air amphitheatre that can form to be an ideal backdrop for viewing some mesmerising sunsets. And not to miss are the many public art installations and murals that adorn the walls of this cultural hub of the country that is often the launchpad for many a new artist. I love shopping like a local at the souqs,
especially at the Souq Waqif or Souq Al Wakrah. Walking around the labyrinthine alleys, I see families enjoying a good meal across the many restaurants, friends enjoying sheesha as heady fragrances of bakhoor wafts through the air. Happy families and enthusiastic travellers living in the moment even in the middle of the night are a sight to behold. I almost always go overboard buying souvenirs – Arabic dates, honey, spices, perfumes, jewellery, clothing, and handicrafts. The souqs feel like pages out of
the Arabian Nights storybook.
Where the sand meets the sea
Nothing could have prepared me for my first desert expedition in Qatar. I got to witness a rare phenomenon of dunes meeting the sea at Khor Al Adaid, also called the Inland Sea. I embarked on a journey to the south of Doha that’s accessible only by 4×4 vehicles. Much like the Bedouin tribes, I camped (with all the mod-cons) amid undulating dunes. Minutes turned into hours in a blink of an eye, or so it seemed, as I sat in silence looking at the waves crashing on the soft desert sand. I tried other activities like a camel ride over the soft dunes, sandboarding, and a dune buggy ride but that Monster Bus experience over the dunes was perhaps the most exhilarating. Those looking to get the real feel of the Qatari culture should plan a winter camping season. Witness locals with camps as elaborate as mansions, try adrenaline-pumping dune-bashing or parasailing, and spot turtles, flamingos, dugongs, and the elusive Arabian oryx.
Of Tourism & Warm Hospitality
Qatar strives to ensure everyone has an excellent time, from family, groups of friends, or couples. Just 3.5 hours away, it is a Middle Eastern gem that is waiting to be explored and what could make it easier than having visa on arrival for free. Hassle-free and lightning fast, I must say. What has caught my attention lately is how Qatar has upped its hospitality game. Global hotel chains with localized flair and the Middle Eastern hospitality celebrate the synergy of cultures and aesthetics. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, purpose-built venues and a bent for hosting mammoth events, Qatar is fast becoming the MICE hub offering the perfect set-up for business, leisure, and celebrations. I recently
had the chance to be a part of the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress held in Doha, wherein the wedding industry stakeholders from across the globe witnessed what Qatar can offer to the wedding and MICE segment of every scale. No wonder then that just in the first quarter of 2023, the country played host to three extravagant Indian weddings that were the talk of the town.
The Emerging Global Education Hub
A country’s commitment to safeguarding and encouraging its future reflects in how it lays the ground for students. Qatar offers edutainment in the real sense of the word with attractions like the 3-2-1 Olympic & Sports Museum where students can not only admire esteemed boxing legend Mohammed Ali’s gloves and our own cricketing God Sachin Tendulkar’s bat as also experience the extensive activity zone where you can indulge in these AV games and test your stamina. And if you are considering overseas education, Qatar is focused on offering endless opportunities for students not just its own, but anyone from across the globe who wishes to study here. There are world-class business schools, the finest journalism courses, top STEM education, and prestigious medical qualifications to choose from. Along with these, students can avail of scholarships and funding. My recent visit to the Education City in Doha was a revelation… branch campuses of some of the world’s leading educational institutes, a homegrown research university, start-up incubators, technology parks, and cultural institutions. I saw a beeline of students hunched over books in the
comfort of grand city libraries. If only I had the time to browse through over a million books!
Exciting Time for Sports Tourism
Having hosted one of the most popular sports events – the FIFA World Cup 2022 – Qatar has proved that it is an ultimate sports destination in the region offering an unparalleled sporting experience. I remember the huge influx of football fans to Qatar from all over the world and how flawlessly the country handled it all. The stadiums need a special mention here. With a capacity to seat thousands of fans, each of them is a modern interpretation of ancient tradition. I was in awe of the designs that were modelled on the sails of traditional dhow boats or Bedouin tents. Having played at its world-class golf courses and witnessed high-octane equestrian events, I can safely call Qatar a sporting enthusiast haven. Qatar packs a punch when it comes to attractions and experiences. It is a multi-hyphenated nation offering diversity that can be forever etched in traveler’s memory.
The article was first published on Qatar – A Curated Adventure – Windmill Holidays