In a meaningful collaboration and a huge show of solidarity with Gaza, Wim Hof, known worldwide as The Iceman for his extraordinary ability to endure extreme cold, is bringing his transformative techniques of breathwork and cold exposure to Qatar for the first time. Hof, alongside a distinguished group of musicians, healers, and human rights advocates, will host a series of events to raise funds for reputable charity programs in Gaza and to support Palestinian families and children who fled Gaza in search of safety, medical attention and refuge in Doha.
The events, taking place on December 2nd and 3rd, will bring together a collective of healers, artists, and advocates, united by a mission to raise funds and support the emotional and physical healing of Palestinians affected by trauma.
Wim Hof has pioneered the popularisation of breathwork, ice baths, and cold exposure, offering new pathways for personal growth, emotional regulation, and physical resilience. With an astounding 18 Guinness World Records under his belt, including the fastest half marathon barefoot on ice and snow, completed in just 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 34 seconds, Wim’s presence will offer a glimpse into his life, pushing the limits of human endurance and redefining what’s possible. His Wim Hof Method, a combination of breathing techniques and cold therapy, has been shown to positively affect neuroplasticity, reduce stress, and help individuals process trauma. While in Doha, Wim will share his techniques with the community and meet directly with those who have been impacted by the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
Joining Wim is Tahir Burhan, an award-winning Chinese Uyghur musician and composer who blends Middle Eastern musical traditions with contemporary styles. Known for his contributions to blockbuster films like Aladdin and Mission: Impossible, Tahir will be performing a special concert to open each event. His music, combined with Hof's healing techniques, is designed to create a holistic healing experience for both the mind and body. Together, they will perform co-written healing-based songs from their joint album '"Freedom into the depth'.
Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian trauma healer specializing in somatic and expressive arts therapies, will also play a central role in the initiative. Ashira, who has dedicated her life to healing individuals who have experienced trauma, will lead discussions on the impact of generational trauma, using culturally sensitive methods to help individuals process their experiences. She is known for her work with children and adults in Palestine, where she helps individuals release pain that is stored in the body, drawing upon her own personal journey of healing following Israeli imprisonment and full-body paralysis with a severed spinal cord in 2012.
Also lending her expertise to the event is Dr. Myriam Francois, an award-winning filmmaker, Al Jazeera presenter, and scholar. With a background in Middle Eastern studies, Myriam is supporting Wim Hof’s efforts to raise awareness and together, they are raising funds for future film collaborations around related themes. Myriam will be hosting the events and moderating some of the conversations.
The series of events will include:
- Monday, December 2nd- Visit to Palestinian Families in Qatar
- Wim Hof, Ashira Darwish. Dr. Myriam Francois and Tahir Burhan will visit the Palestinian refugee community in Doha, offering their time and talents to bring comfort and healing through breathwork, therapy, music and shared conversation.
- Monday, December 2nd, 6:30pm – 9:30pm Charity Event: Healing Gaza featuring Wim Hof hosted by Honour Wholeness at St Regis Marsa Arabia
- A special ticketed event featuring a live concert by Tahir Burhan, song and whirling meditation by Ashira Darwish and a 1-hour talk by Wim on his breathwork techniques at the renowned St Regis Marsa Arabia hotel. The event is an opportunity for local healers, athletes, and practitioners in Qatar to connect and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
- Tuesday, December 3rd, 6:00pm-9:00pm- Charity Event: Healing and Resilience Talk at Heenat Salma Farm
- The event will open by Ashira Darwish, sharing a guided meditation and song and a concert by award-winning musician Tahir Burhan. Wim will then lead a 1-hour talk dedicated to supporting Palestinian children, demonstrating how his practices can help individuals overcome emotional and physical challenges. This talk, taking place within the serene and apt environment of Heenat Salma Farm, will resonate deeply with a region familiar with resilience and perseverance, offering practical tools to cultivate mental clarity and peace amidst challenging circumstances.
100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales for these events will be donated to an accredited charity with projects in Gaza.
“We’re bringing together a diverse and passionate group of people from across the globe to support the healing process of those who have endured unimaginable hardship,” said Wim Hof. “Together with Tahir, Ashira, Myriam, and all of the amazing individuals joining us, we aim to create a space of healing, connection, and hope.”
For event tickets and more information:
Healing Gaza featuring Wim Hof by Honour Wholeness at St Regis Marsa Arabia
Monday 2nd December: 6:30pm
- Event only: 600QAR
- Event + Dinner: 900QAR
- For tickets: Contact +974 5096 0007
Healing Gaza featuring Wim Hof by Heenat Salma
Tuesday 3rd December: 6:00pm
- Event only: 400QAR
- Event + Dinner: 700QAR
- For tickets: Contact +974 5572 2829 or go to www.heenatsalma.earth
