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The pleasant weather and a bustling 2022/23 cruise season in Qatar provide residents and visitors an opportunity to revisit one of Qatar’s favourite attractions – the Box Park – which served as a venue for live match screenings throughout the FIFA World Cup 2022 last year.Located at the Old Doha Port, the Box Park’s upper deck offers a panoramic view of the Mina District, the mega cruise ships and luxury yachts at the Grand Terminal, and a number of Doha’s landmarks and popular destinations.The Museum of Islamic Art and its park, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, Al Fanar, and the National Museum of Qatar, as well as the residential towers at The Pearl-Qatar can also be seen from afar.After a brisk walk or jogging at the park just beside the Flag Plaza, a lot of visitors find the Box Park an ideal stop to rest and have breakfast or dinner before heading to the Mina District for another stroll.The Box Park, which hosts a number of cafes and eateries, as well as food trucks, also offers air-conditioned rooms for customers who buy meals for a minimum of QR20.“It’s good to have all these places – the Box Park and another nearby park, the Mina District and the Grand Terminal – in one area, and it’s nice to see the hot air balloons here too especially at night for the nightglow,” said Filipino expatriate Edgar B, who frequents the place after the World Cup.“I also hope to see more activities and festivals here in the coming weeks before the summer sets in. I think it’s one of the best places in Qatar to take photos and videos for social media posts,” he said, adding that “there is a lot more to do and enjoy at the Box Park apart from gazing its colourful repurposed shipping containers”.Restaurants, retail outlets and an array of shops, and a welcoming atmosphere attract many residents to spend their free time and the weekend outdoors, particularly at the Old Doha Port, it is learnt.

Aspiring actors in Qatar will have the chance to be part of one of the country’s most significant feature film projects produced by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) to date, with 200 secondary and 30 major roles. “We are proud to be producing one of the largest and most prominent feature film projects in the history of Qatar, and it will be shot at several locations across the country,” DFI posted on its social media pages. DFI noted that it is now looking for actors and actresses from “our diverse creative community” to take part in the film. Auditions, it added, are open to all valid QID-holders of any age, gender, nationality and acting experience. “Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, as there are over 200 background roles and 30 feature roles available,” DFI stressed. DFI said it is keen to be meeting both aspiring and established actors who are interested in being considered for roles in projects produced through its Qatari Film Fund. DFI’s previous projects such as short films by emerging Qatari filmmakers have brought together various talents in Qatar. The institute also organises workshops for aspiring professional film actors and directors, and “trains participants in the art of filming great performances”.

The Embassy of Georgia in Doha, in co-operation with Katara – Cultural Village, has jointly organised an exhibition by Georgian artist Mikheil Eristavi, marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Georgia.The ‘The Divine Horses’ exhibition, which runs until January 28 at Katara building 47 – Gallery 1, showcases 20 paintings and graphics. It includes rare pieces mostly presented from private collections and some specially created for the show.Georgian ambassador Nikoloz Revazishvili and Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti led the inauguration of the exhibition. Ambassadors of various countries and representatives of the diplomatic corps, academia and art groups, as well as Georgian citizens residing in Qatar were present.In a press statement, the embassy noted that the exhibition puts a spotlight on ‘the power and beauty of Arabian horses’ – one of the core symbols of the Arabian Peninsula – representing the main leading theme of Eristavi’s works.

Following the recent launch of the Qatar Balloon Festival, the country is set to host a series of exciting and crowd-puller events this winter, such as Qatar Live 2023, Disney Princess – The Concert, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, the Qatar International Food Festival, and Shop Qatar, among others.Qatar Tourism (QT), together with Qatar Airways, recently launched the “Feel Winter in Qatar” campaign, unveiling a series of events and festivals, starting with the third edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival.Scheduled from January 26 and lasting through the season, the newest edition of Qatar Live will feature live performances from renowned local, regional and international artistes, according to the QT.The highly successful event was also held throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, witnessing performances by world-renowned names such as Black Eyed Peas, Robbie Williams, Jason Derulo, Armin Van Buuren, Tiesto, Major Lazer Soundsystem, and Paul Van Dyk.“We look forward to attracting additional world-class performances following the hugely successful Qatar Live during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – with 18 major events taking place that attracted record crowds of more than 100,000,” Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker said at a recently held press conference. “Qatar Live is now firmly established as a strong brand for leading performances in Qatar."The QT and Qatar Airways, in partnership with Disney Concerts and Broadway Entertainment Group, will present an exciting production of the world-renowned *Disney Princess – The Concert, starting on January 26 at the Katara Amphitheatre.The QT noted that some of Broadway and the West End’s most celebrated artistes will perform live for three nights, along with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra until January 28.“February will see the return of the 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, which will run from February 20-25,” HE al-Baker said.“During this highly anticipated event, attendees can see rare and priceless pieces up close from over 500 brands, meet some of the region’s most respected designers, participate in interactive workshops, and much more,” he added. “We are expecting to see a great attendance with 30,000 visitors from over 175 countries.”One of the most-awaited events, the 12th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is set to take place from March 1-11 at the Hotel Park.Previous editions of the QIFF featured special culinary experiences at scenic outdoor locations, a host of globally renowned chefs, live cooking shows, cooking competitions, masterclasses and other activities.Other upcoming major events include the Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 from January 31 to February 4 at Fuwairit Kite Beach, Qatar TotalEnergies Open (tennis) from February 13-18 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Qatar ExxonMobil Open (tennis) from February 20-25 (also at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex), Al Shaqab events from February 23-25 at the Longines Outdoor Arena and Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab, Shop Qatar from March 1-18, and Ramadan Bazaar.Shop Qatar celebrates the country's wide range of retail, beauty and entertainment options and unfolds around popular Doha shopping malls."As we continue to achieve our long-term goal of welcoming 6mn visitors a year by 2030, we look forward to the year ahead and the new and exciting chapter for tourism,” HE al-Baker said.He noted that the introduction of a variety of new openings, including hotels, shopping malls and public beaches, among others, in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 strengthened and diversified the country’s hospitality, leisure and tourism landscapes."Our country captured the attention of the world and is now one of the most desirable destinations in the global tourism industry," he added.

Qatar’s tourism sector is witnessing a further boost from the busy 2022/23 cruise season as mega cruise ships and cruise liners make maiden and return visits to Doha Port, it is learnt.The arrival of cruise ships and luxury yachts has been bringing thousands of international visitors to the country, significantly contributing to domestic tourism and other sectors.Italian cruise ship 'Costa Toscana' – one of Costa Cruises’ most innovative and environmentally advanced ships – made its second voyage to the country Sunday, carrying 3,798 passengers and 1,441 crew members, Mwani Qatar said.The 337m-long and 42m-wide cruise ship can accommodate around 6,500 passengers and hosts a waterpark, 13 swimming pools and hot tubs, 13 restaurants and 19 entertainment lounges.The 2022/23 cruise season also saw German cruise ship 'AIDAcosma’ make it maiden call to Qatar and is expected to visit Doha again Monday, in addition to 11 scheduled voyages.'MSC World Europa', which served as a floating hotel during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year; and French cruise ship 'Le Bougainville' will return to Doha Port on January 26, according to Qatar Tourism.Managed by the Swiss-based MSC Cruises, 'MSC World Europa' sails under the flag of Malta and is the most innovative and environmentally sustainable vessel in the company’s fleet, featuring the latest technologies that reduce emissions and rationalise energy use.The 131m-long and 18m-wide 'Le Bougainville', which was launched in 2019 and is operated by French cruise line Ponant Cruises, features innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, and spacious suites spread over five guest decks, according to Mwani Qatar.'Costa Toscana' and 'AidaCosma' will return to Qatar on January 29 and 30, respectively. Mega cruise ship 'Mein Schiff 6' and luxury ship 'Ocean Odyssey' are also scheduled to make calls to Doha Port this season, which will conclude in April.Doha Port also welcomed the maiden voyage of the superyacht 'Emerald Azzurra', which sails under the flag of the Bahamas, as well as cruise ship 'Artania', this month.Apart from the colourful buildings and green scenery at Doha Port’s Mina District, cruise ships have also become one of the main attractions at Qatar’s latest tourism destination.The area near Doha Port’s newly renovated Grand Terminal currently is also hosting an array of activities as part of the third Qatar Balloon Festival, including the much-anticipated Night Glow.Some of the festival’s side activities include entertainment shows such as live stage and dance performances, roving mascots, kite-flying and children’s games, among others.

Hot air balloons became colourful and gigantic light bulbs last night at Doha Port's Grand Terminal, drawing large crowds at the Qatar Balloon Festival 2023.Spectators had the opportunity to see illuminated balloons stacked next to each other as they glowed in the dark, in tune with the festival's music.The annual event will see more than 50 hot air balloons, from 17 different countries, taking to the skies of Doha from morning to evening until January 28.The Night Glow is one of the festival's many unique and popular activities - providing a picturesque view and Instagramable moments for people to enjoy.Prior to the activity, festival-goers also had the chance to witness an array of entertainment shows at the venue such as live stage performances, dance shows, roving mascots, and kite-flying activities."It's good to have such an event after the World Cup. My family is so happy to be here at the Grand Terminal because they are really enjoying the shows particularly this Night Glow. The balloons are amazing and I hope I could bring them here every night," said Sachin, an Indian expatriate who was taking videos for his social media channels.He lauded the organisers for providing residents and visitors with what he described as "a lovely and dazzling festival that fascinate us all."The 3rd edition of Qatar Balloon Festival forms part of the ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign, launched by Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways on Thursday at the Mina District.Qatar Tourism has also lined up several other events as part of its campaign, aimed at attracting more visitors and making the country as among the favourite places to explore.

Qatar Tourism (QT), together with Qatar Airways, launched on Thursday (January 19) the ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign, the third edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival and revealed a series of events and festivals.“This (Feel Winter in Qatar) is a seasonal extension of our central ‘Feel More in Qatar’ brand platform, which seeks to solidify the country’s position as the Middle East’s top destination for families," Qatar Tourism chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker told a press conference."Our cool weather, abundant natural beauty, and unrivalled leisure and entertainment offerings make us the perfect choice for an extended holiday, a short getaway, and, of course, a winter break,” he stated.Joined by QT’s Shared Services Department director Omar al-Jaber and marketing head Sheikha Hessa al-Thani on the stage, al-Baker announced QT’s new ambassador – renowned Qatari rally driver Nasser al-Attiyah – who later joined the panel.With the conclusion of the ‘greatest FIFA World Cup tournament’, al-Baker said QT and Qatar Airways look forward “to maintaining the same rhythm of excitement for 2023 to continue working towards our 2030 goal”.He noted that January alone has a packed schedule in store for visitors, including the Qatar Balloon Festival, which will witness more than 50 hot air balloons from 17 different countries soaring across the skies of Doha from morning to evening until January 28.The 10-day festival will feature mesmerising sunrise balloon launches, the ‘Night Glow’, Tethered Lights, live entertainment and an array of mouth-watering cuisines at various kiosks and food trucks. All hot air balloon rides will launch during sunrise, giving the riders a spectacular view of Doha.Visitors attending in the evenings will get to experience the fascinating ‘Night Glow’, where all 50 balloons lighting up the night sky with their vibrant designs. The festival also includes a variety of performances from DJs, singers and music bands, dancers, magic shows, violinists and much more.However, due to windy weather, the balloons could not be launched yesterday. It has been announced that the balloons will be launched when weather allows.Following the successful programme during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, QT’s ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign will see a dynamic line-up of live performances from acclaimed local, regional, and international artists through the flagship activation, Qatar Live starting January 26 and lasting through the season."From January 26 to 28, the Katara Amphitheatre will come alive with a production of Disney Princess – The Concert. For the first time, the performance will be supported by a live score from our very own Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO),” al-Baker said.Some of Broadway and the West End’s most celebrated artists will perform this unique tribute to Disney Princesses, alongside a live orchestral performance by QPO. QT and Qatar Airways are bringing an exciting production in partnership with Disney Concerts and Broadway Entertainment Group.QT and Qatar Airways are bringing a water-sport world cup to Doha. Fuwairit Kite Beach will house the Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 from January 31 to February 4.The professional women’s tennis tournament, Qatar TotalEnergies Open is back for its 21st edition which will take place in the outdoor hard courts of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex from February 13 to 18.The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition will take place from February 20 to 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. This year’s edition will feature luxury watches, necklaces, rings, earrings, diamonds, gold and silverware. It will host 500 brands and 30,000 visitors from more than 175 countries.The Qatar ExxonMobil Open will take place from February 20 to 25 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The first edition was held in 1993, and has since become an event regularly attended by some of the sport's top-ranking players.Al Shaqab is starting Qatar’s 2023 calendar with breathtaking equestrian events, which started with the ‘Hayaakum at Shaqab’ event and will continue with the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab, presented by Longines 2023. This will take place from February 23 to 25 at the Longines Outdoor Arena and Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab, with Commercial Bank as the title sponsor, Longines the presenting partner and and ExxonMobil the main sponsor.The 12th edition of Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is set to take place from March 1 to 11 at the Hotel Park. Previous editions of QIFF featured special culinary experiences at scenic outdoor locations, a host of globally renowned chefs, live cooking shows, cooking competitions, masterclasses and other activities for both families and friends.Shop Qatar, which celebrates the country's wide range of retail, beauty and entertainment options and unfolds around popular Doha shopping malls, will be held from February 23 to March 18.Residents and visitors can celebrate the most important time of the year with QT’s Ramadan Bazaar, which features family-friendly activities around Qatar. Tourists will have the chance to learn about the wonderful traditions and festivities this period brings to the country and its people.“Lastly, this year in October, we will be inviting car lovers from across the world to witness the latest innovations in the automotive industry as the Geneva International Motor Show comes to Qatar for the very first time in its history," al-Baker said."As you can see, we have an exciting and varied calendar of events, for both residents and tourists, that makes Qatar one of the best places to live and visit," he added.

Cruise ship 'MSC World Europa', which served as a floating hotel during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, returned for its fourth visit to the country during the 2022/23 cruise season.In a post on its social media pages, Mwani Qatar noted that the mega cruise ship – which had its naming ceremony in Doha last year – was carrying 5,310 tourists and 2,070 crew members.Managed by the Swiss-based MSC Cruises, 'MSC World Europa' sails under the flag of Malta and is the most innovative and environmentally sustainable vessel in the company’s fleet, featuring the latest technologies that reduce emissions and rationalise energy use.Built in Saint-Nazaire, France, the 22-deck ship has a length of 333m, width of 47m, public space of more than 40,000sqm, as well as 2,633 staterooms, accommodating 6,700 passengers, in addition to 13 restaurants and six swimming pools. The 'MSC World Europa' is an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea offering a veritable world of different experiences, while setting a new standard for the cruise industry.MSC Cruises’ newest flagship and the most innovative vessel is dubbed as the world’s largest environmentally focused cruise passenger ship. Along with 'MSC Poesia' and 'MSC Opera', 'MSC World Europa' provided football fans with a unique hospitality experience during the prestigious tournament in Qatar.The three vessels have a total passenger capacity of more than 12,000 combined, according to MSC Cruises.On top of groundbreaking advances in terms of reduction of emissions and energy efficiency, the LNG-powered ship paves the way towards the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.

The Mina District’s charm resides in its welcoming ambiance, coupled with a variety of retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, and its vividly-painted buildings, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination beyond the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Dubbed as one of Qatar’s newest tourism spots located at the Old Doha Port, the District continues to attract a growing number of visitors due to its unique offerings and breathtaking views.During the prestigious tournament, this one-of-its-kind destination provided visitors a place to relax and stroll around, where docked cruise ships can be viewed from afar. Three ships – 'MSC World Europa', 'MSC Opera' and 'MSC Poesia' – served as floating hotels throughout the football event in Qatar.A number of shops and boutiques feature a wide range of products, including apparel, flowers, perfume, carpets, jewellery, antique collections and gift items, in addition to pharmacies, pet shops, supermarkets and other stores.One of the popular shops in the District, owned by pottery artist Talal al-Qasemei, has been attracting visitors as it displays an array of locally-made pottery and ceramic products that reflect the rich heritage of Qatar and the Gulf region.Several restaurants and coffee shops set up both indoor and outdoor dining areas, making it more appealing to customers who want to enjoy the atmosphere that suit them.“I like going to work because I love to see this beautiful place, the atmosphere is so relaxing because of the colourful buildings and the park, and I also feel excited to see the cruise ships arriving,” an employee of a leading coffee chain told Gulf Times.German cruise ship ‘AIDAcosma’ arrived at Doha Port Monday, carrying 3,624 passengers and 1,385 crew members, while Italian cruise ship ‘Costa Toscana' came on Sunday on its maiden tour of the Arabian Gulf, according to Mwani Qatar.What makes the District more appealing is due to its accessibility to other popular destinations such as the Museum of Islamic Art (and its park), Box Park and Flag Plaza, the Doha Corniche, and Souq Waqif, among others.Like MIA Park, the District also has a good location where visitors can park easily, as well as view and take pictures of the Doha skyline.

German cruise ship ‘AIDAcosma’ arrived at Doha Port Monday, carrying 3,624 passengers and 1,385 crew members, according to Mwani Qatar.On its social media pages, Mwani Qatar said the ship's maiden call to the port is one of 13 scheduled voyages during the 2022/23 cruise season, which started in December last year and continues until April.The 345m-long and 54m-wide ship became a popular backdrop for social media posts by Qatar residents and visitors at the Mina District Monday.'AIDAcosma' is operated by AIDA Cruises and has 20 passenger decks and 2,700 staterooms. It is one of the largest cruise ships within the AIDA fleet with a capacity of more than 6,600 passengers and 1,636 crew members. It was built in 2021 and launched in early 2022.Mwani Qatar noted that 'AIDAcosma' “is one of the new class of ships that is dual-fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and traditional fuel oil, which is intended to make them more environmentally friendly”.The arrival of 'AIDAcosma' and other major cruise ships is expected to boost Qatar’s tourism sector, attracting an increasing number of foreign visitors, particularly during the cruise season.For 2022/23, Doha Port will witness a total of 58 world-class cruise ships and four cruise liner maiden calls, in addition to welcoming around 200,000 visitors until the end of April.The Doha Port received Italian cruise ship ‘Costa Toscana’ – the flagship vessel of Costa Cruises, which can accommodate around 6,500 passengers – on Sunday during its maiden tour of the Arabian Gulf.According to Qatar Tourism, the 24,000sqm Doha Port has become a turnaround hub and it is rapidly “emerging as a prominent luxury cruise destination in the winter cruise season”.From the port, cruise passengers can visit Qatar’s popular tourist spots such as the Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, Doha Corniche, National Museum of Qatar, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and the newly built Mina District.Located at Doha Port, the Mina District offers a wide range of retail and food and beverage offerings and a relaxing atmosphere due to colourful architecture, scenic views, and other attractions.

Qatar’s tourism sector reached new heights during a year which had the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the crowning glory. The mega sporting event which attracted more than 1.4mn football fans from across the world, has now been announced as the best World Cup of this century, in a BBC Sports poll.Apart from the attending matches of the 29-day, 32-nation tournament, foreign visitors also had the opportunity to explore Qatar’s various tourism offerings, ranging from iconic landmarks and attractions to the country’s culinary scene, arts and culture, festivals, and major events, among other experiences.In the lead-up to the prestigious tournament, Qatar has already welcomed more than one million visitors from the start of 2022 to August – seen as a remarkable recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.Qatar Tourism (QT) logged 729,000 international arrivals in the first half of this year, which is 19% higher compared to 2021’s (full year) 611,000 visitors to the country. June 2022 alone witnessed 149,000 visitors coming to Qatar – recorded as “the highest visitation to Qatar in the summer month in the last five years.”According to QT, 34% of the total number of visitors entered by land (51,000); 6% by sea (10,000), and 59% by air (88,000) via the Hamad International Airport - voted as the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax for the second year in a row.According to QT, Qatar concluded the winter cruise season (from December 2021 to June 2022) with 101,000 cruise passengers with 34 cruise ship calls. This figure is approximately 12% of the total arrivals during the same period of last year.As the FIFA World Cup approached, football fever gripped Qatar with the arrival of nearly 180,000 visitors in October – a six-year high – with the hosting of a sea of events and new launches. The country featured family-friendly attractions and entertainment, as well as unique exhibitions and festivals.Visitors also witnessed the opening of different world-leading luxury hotels and resorts, including Fuwairit Kite Beach, Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha, and The Outpost Al Barari; various attractions; luxury malls (Printemps); the reopening of the Museum of Islamic Art; the inauguration of Darb Lusail Festival and the pedestrianised Lusail Boulevard – dubbed as “the country’s latest open-air shopping and dining destination”; and the opening of Al Maha Island and a number of public beaches at West Bay area; in addition to the events organised as part of Qatar - Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) Year of Culture.Multi-awarded and World’s Best Airline by Skytrax, Qatar Airways, played a key role in further boosting the country’s tourism sector, operating nearly 14,000 flights during the World Cup. The national carrier was the Official Airline Partner of FIFA.During 2022, QT launched a number of campaigns to promote Qatar as a tourism destination such as the “No Football. No Worries.”, featuring legendary Italian footballer Andrea Pirlo who highlights Qatar’s world-class and curated offerings.“In a series of humorous advertisements,” Pirlo is seen “enjoying various adventures in Qatar, from sandboarding down the desert dunes of the Inland Sea and soaking up the culture in the Museum of Islamic Art to kitesurfing at the country’s new resort, Fuwairit Kite Beach.”QT also launched an initiative titled ‘Posts of Qatar’, which showcased “10 distinct goalpost art installations that frame some of the most iconic landmarks and Insta-worthy spots across the country”.QT noted that “the initiative represents the ultimate fusion of the country’s love for football, appreciation for art, and talent for creating striking destinations.”

The popularity of Thobe, ghutra and igal as fashion fan trend during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has shifted to a traditional Arab cloak called ‘bisht’, making it the most-sought after item in Doha after the award ceremony of mega sporting event. Argentina's captain Lionel Messi received the bisht from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, in a gesture widely viewed as a symbol of respect and great honour for the legendary footballer. Bala, a seller of traditional Arab dresses at Souq Waqif, told Gulf Times that he witnessed a demand surge of bisht right after the closing ceremony of the tournament. "Thankfully, we had enough stock," he said. A large number of Argentinian supporters, as well as Brazilian football fans, rushed to Souq Waqif shops and bought the traditional cloak (bisht). Prizes range between QR70 and QR1,500, depending on the quality, design and material, while the high-end items could reach $2,500 or even more, according to Bala. He noted that the machine-made designs are cheaper compared to the handmade ones, which are mostly made in India. “We have different colours of bisht but fans only want the black, similar to the one worn by Messi on stage. They wear it right away and many requested me to take a picture of them,” Bala said, adding that some customers bought more than one piece. “An Argentinian told me that he will be giving the bishts, besides other traditional Arab wearables such as the thobe, ghutra and igal, to his family, relatives, and friends as gifts and souvenirs,” Bala said. Wearing of traditional Arab clothes, in addition to jerseys, large flags, and other World Cup-themed wearables, became immensely popular during the tournament. Such a trend continued throughout the World Cup and until the finals until the bisht burst on to the centrestage. This was echoed by Sabith, also a seller of different Arab dresses and items at Souq Waqif, saying that he continues to receive many inquiries about bisht from foreign visitors who stayed longer in the country. “Many football fans purchased bisht but before that, it’s the thobe, along with ghutra, and igal, which were really in high demand, especially for those heading to the stadiums,” he added.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 finals won by Argentina, spectacular fireworks, a winner's parade and cultural pageantry at Lusail Boulevard, a scintillating air show and a host of live performances by renowned international artists were among the highlights of the Qatar National Day Sunday.The Lusail Boulevard brought together a large number of football fans who patiently waited past midnight for the convoy and the winning team to arrive in an open bus while chanting "Messi, Messi Messi" and waiving both the Qatari and Argentinian flags.Thousands of supporters followed the float to get a glimpse of team members, especially Messi who led Argentina to victory against France. The parade also featured cultural performers, bands, and entertainers clad in colourful costumes, including football-themed attractions."How I feel now is really indescribable not only because of the result of the World Cup finals but also the sport event hosted by Qatar, I think, was successful, everybody is safe and happy, and many football fans like me are still here to witness the Qatar National Day," said Argentinian supporter Enrico who was joined by his compatriots coming from the Lusail stadium.The huge crowd stayed to revel and witness the entire parade, which continued with several other World Cup and National Day-themed shows and music.Many residents also roamed around the venue before the start of the finals until past midnight, holding a placard saying, Thank you Qatar for a successful World Cup".The annual festivity also witnessed numerous activations at Darb Al Saai at Umm Salal Area, as well as other parts of the country, featuring falconry activities, Qatari folk dances, horse riding, handicrafts, and food and beverage offerings, among others.A number of malls and shopping centres also hosted QND-related activities and shows such as musical performances, stage presentations, special contests for shoppers, roving displays, and arts and crafts.Greetings from various embassies in Doha also poured in, congratulating Qatar for its National Day and the successful hosting of the World Cup, which began on November 20 and concluded Sunday.

The Japanese embassy in Doha is expecting to see a rise in the number of visa applications from Qatar after the FIFA World Cup 2022, especially in the spring, Japan’s ambassador to Qatar Satoshi Maeda has said.“Now that visiting Japan in spring has become possible for the first time in three years after the (coronavirus/Covid-19) pandemic, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is currently strengthening information dissemination through social media and other means to promote such seasonal visits to Japan,” he told Gulf Times.Maeda noted that the number of visitors from the Middle East normally peaks in spring during the season for cherry blossoms, and the Japanese government’s drastic easing of border measures would further boost its tourism sector.He said that Japan’s charm lies not only in its numerous interesting and stunning tourist attractions regardless of the seasons.“Actually, in addition to cherry blossoms in the spring, visitors can enjoy a variety of tourist attractions unique to Japan that will always keep them entertained all year long, such as the outdoor activities in Japan’s green nature in the summer, the colourful autumn leaves, and the seasonal foods in the autumn, the high-quality powder snow and hot springs in the winter,” the envoy said.“Furthermore, Japan is one of the world’s safest destinations,” Maeda pointed out. “We are confident that a one-time visit to Japan is not enough to experience all it has to offer.”Aiming to encourage more people to visit and get interested in Japan as a travel destination, the ambassador said that the JNTO established its first overseas office in the Middle East last year in Dubai.This, he pointed out, forms part of the Japanese government’s efforts to achieve the government’s target of welcoming 60mn international visitors by 2030 and to attract more tourists from the wider region.As such, the envoy said that the JNTO announced plans to introduce touristic attractions such as Japanese food, nature, culture and history while focusing on the main destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.Maeda cited a considerable decrease in the number of visitors to Japan from Qatar compared to pre-Covid-19 pandemic figures due to the border restrictions imposed by the Japanese government for more than two years.Japan, he noted, fully reopened only in October this year, a month before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2022, and the embassy has yet to see a significant increase in the number of visitors from Qatar.“I believe the reason for that is simply because most Qataris opted not to travel during the World Cup, as did most of the residents, in order to witness this special event firsthand in Qatar,” the envoy stated. “I think we all would agree that it’s a great opportunity that no one wants to miss.”Maeda said that the recognition of Japan as a travel destination is growing among the people of Qatar, noting that it was not as popular as other travel destinations, such as Europe or the US.“Japan is undoubtedly known to everyone and loved as a country and a culture, thanks to the influence of anime/manga and the popularity of the Japanese cars and high tech for instance,” he said. “Nonetheless, many people still have misconceptions about Japan when it comes to travelling; for example, that Japan is unaffordable or far away or such, so the influx of tourists from this region is still low compared to other parts of the world.”“However, we are seeing a positive change in that regard before the pandemic partly due to the Japanese government’s efforts to attract more visitors from the region,” Maeda added. “I expect that such trend will continue and hopefully we will see a major increase of visitors from the Middle East in the coming years.”

Big screens, buffet offerings and cosy atmosphere at hotels and restaurants in Doha have attracted many football fans during the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022’s semi-final matches and the trend is expected to continue for the two remaining matches.“I wanted to experience a less crowded place to witness the semifinal matches, and this time with plenty of food and beverage within reach so I and my wife decided to go to a hotel,” said Indian expatriate Sachin M, an Argentina fan.He said he enjoyed spending the night at the hotel, which installed small and big screens for guests, and offered a buffet dinner. While the environment at hotel restaurants is less ecstatic compared to the stadium and the fan zones, Sachin said he and his family feel “more comfortable, relaxed and pampered”.A hotel restaurant’s QR250 buffet for a free match screening has been appealing to many especially for couples, families and small groups while some fans opted just for a few beverages. Filipino expatriate Alfie N, who watched the Argentina vs Croatia match with his friends, said he finds the hotel setting “very much appealing to us who like to eat a lot while watching sports matches whether it is basketball or football.”Since getting a match ticket is nearly impossible now, he said watching the finals between the two remaining teams at a hotel with a small group would be the best option, other than going to a fan zone. Communications officer of a five-star hotel told Gulf Times that their restaurants were at full capacity during the recent semifinal matches, including hotel guests and walk-ins.“A lot of people prefer to spend their QR100, QR150, QR200 or more for food and drinks, and other hotel amenities at this stage and we are very happy to welcome and provide them the best hospitality possible for watching a World Cup match,” she added. She said they expect more football fans to come to the hotel in the third-place play-off between Morocco and Croatia (Saturday at 6pm) and the finals between Argentina and France Sunday (6pm).

Portraits of football superstars – painted live by Doha-based artists – at the Souq Waqif Art Centre cannot be left unnoticed, especially during this period when fans from various countries are frequenting Qatar’s popular tourist destination.From Argentina’s Lionel Messi to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazil’s Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, among other renowned footballers, the paintings serve as one of the main attractions at Souq Waqif and put a spotlight on Qatar’s burgeoning art scene.Egyptian artist Wafa Elsebaie told Gulf Times that she did a series of paintings of football players from the participating teams in the FIFA World Cup 2022, currently displayed at the centre.“This took me around four months to finish which I enjoyed a lot. Also, I got a lot of appreciation from all the visitors, which was very encouraging. My favourite team is Argentina (Messi),” Wafa told Gulf Times.“I am very much thankful to Qatar for this amazing experience and exposure to the world, and I am very happy to be part of this event,” she said.The artist, a member of the Souq Waqif Art Centre and participant in a number of previously held exhibitions in Qatar, lauded the country for the exceptional hosting and organising of the tournament, describing it as “beyond imagination and expectation.”Wafa said the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 provided her and other artists the opportunity to showcase their talent, as well as meet, interact, exchange thoughts, and share cultures with nationals from different countries around the world,For the artist, the event in Qatar is art in itself: from the beautification of the venues to the installation of stunning sculptures across Qatar – all done smoothly and professionally.Algerian artist Ismail Bousba’s various artworks – particularly his Messi portrait – have also captured the interest of many football fans who have frequented Souq Waqif during the tournament.Eduardo from Argentina who passed by Souq Waqif and Msheireb Downtown Doha ahead of the France vs Morocco match on Wednesday, said he was extremely attracted to the paintings of Wafa and Bousba, as both captured the exact details of Messi’s face.While taking videos and pictures of the artworks at the centre, he said: “I find this place very inviting especially for a tourist like me who come from Latin America. I like the installations and these extraordinary works of art, they truly reflect Qatari and Arabic culture and heritage.“After visiting this centre, I realised I should extend my stay in Qatar and also explore Souq Al Wakra and other cultural centres such as Katara (cultural village) and the National Museum of Qatar.”The Souq Waqif Art Centre organises different art activities and workshops for both artists and enthusiasts, serving as a platform to enhance their skills.

Besides the energetic and high-spirited cheering by Mexican football fans during the tournament’s group stage, the football-loving nation has also left some cultural and artistic pieces of legacy in Doha.Two unique sculptures, ‘Oryx’ and ‘Humpback Whale’ by Mexican Artist Rodrigo Solorzano were installed at Katara – Cultural Village and represent Qatar and Mexico as they symbolise the endemic animals native to each region.“We are working to build an enduring bridge between Mexico and Qatar, through sports, cooperation, culture and art; the two sculptures created by Rodrigo Solorzano constitute yet another symbol of the positive dialogue and understanding between the two nations; a genuine act of public diplomacy,” Mexican ambassador to Qatar Guillermo Ordorica Robles told Gulf Times.The envoy joined Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, Katara general manager Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al- Sulaiti, and Katara’s Public Diplomacy Centre CEO engineer Darwish Ahmed al-Shaibani at the unveiling of the installations in November.The sculptures were donated to Katara in time for the FIFA World Cup 2022, underlining the friendship, excellent relations, and further cultural exchanges between the two nations.‘Oryx’ and ‘Humpback Whale’ also form part of Solorzano’s latest project, ‘Bestiario’. A reinterpretation of paper toys, this collection consists of a range of steel and aluminium sculptures inspired by the ancient art of origami.Through an exploration of fold and form, his traditional figures are transformed into creatures of our century. This collection invites us to rethink the distinctions between the functional and the artistic, between design and play.Described as a ‘compendium of beasts’, bestiario or bestiary – a fictional place – originates in the ancient world and these medieval books highlight all the animals that people can imagine: from the common to “legendary creatures that no one has managed to document yet.”This product series combines creatures from various families and regions like ancient bestiaries. Animal figures take new forms from new materials. This collection is not limited to combining the contemporary with the traditional; as a continuation of Solorzano’s past works, he invites people to rethink the distinctions between the functional and the artistic, between design and play.Bestiario was digitally created from the start and prepared to be electronically manufactured using mostly computer-aided machines. The result is a series of industrial sculptures born from the union of technological efficiency with the poetic inspiration of art.The works of Solórzano – an industrial designer who often ventures into the art world – found solace in various countries globally such as the London Parliament, catwalks in Japan, and a luxury hotel in Morocco.The artist’s numerous collaborations led him to explore the world of fashion and robotics, manufacturing health allies, and enriching childhood landscapes. His work is a meditation on the limits between aesthetics and practicality, in which the contradiction between utility and beauty disappears.

Qatar and the UK are keen to develop partnerships in net zero technologies and biotechnology, British ambassador Jon Wilks has said, in addition to strengthening other areas of co-operation.Speaking at a recent media tour to The Garden of GREAT near the Museum of Islamic Art Park, he noted that the two countries agreed – during His Highness the Amir's visit to the UK in May – to develop investments for the benefit of both economies: from creative sector partnership to clean growth and renewable energy, biotechnology, and the healthcare sector in general.“But really, you can imagine in the economy of the 21st century, we need to be building partnerships using technology across all sectors,” the envoy said, as he underlined the need to be looking at technologies in agriculture, education, finance, and medicine.“And we have a lot to offer, and Qatar is ambitious to develop this in the years to come,” Wilks said. “So all those things are going to be part of the legacy.”With many Qataris seeing UK as a second home and given the huge presence of British nationals in Qatar, the ambassador underlined the importance of strengthening the relationship among the young generation – a renewal of the human bridge between the two countries.He noted that the strategic investment partnership between the two countries is expected to boost their creative sector collaboration, ranging from films and entertainment to gaming using technology.Ranked 6th biggest globally and 2nd largest in Europe, the UK embassy noted that the UK video game industry is world-leading, offering a robust ecosystem for development and innovation.The UK is also the second largest music exporter in the world after the US, and it is the third largest music market in the world (source: BPI).“We wanted this to happen in Qatar and in the UK, and so we've had many artists and experts who've been here with us, and we've been arranging meetings with Qatar officials who are working in this area, and we hope to build on that in the years to come,” Wilks said.About celebrating creativity and diversity at the FIFA World Cup 2022, he said that such themes reflect the common objectives that Qatar and the UK share.About the number of British nationals at the tournament, Wilks said tens of thousands of England and Wales football fans came from the UK and British communities in Gulf States and the region.“Wales, of course, represents the Celtic side of the identities of the UK, and England represents the Anglo-Saxon side,” he said. “So you have there the ancient diversity represented by the two teams.”“But we also have the modern diversity of the UK, and that comes from the communities that have migrated since the Second World War in the last 70 years, mainly from the subcontinent – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh – but also from the Afro-Caribbean Islands, and more recently from Africa and the Commonwealth countries,” he added.