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Qatar residents and visitors who want to explore a number of popular places in Doha 'can do so much in one day with QR100' this summer or even beyond, Visit Qatar suggests. The official social media tourism account of Qatar Tourism posted a video of a resident who shared her experience, spending less than QR100 to visit and enjoy a number of destinations in the city. The trip started by purchasing a QR6 day-pass of the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, taking her to different metro-accessible locations and cultural centres. Enjoying the gondola ride First stop is the Al Thuraya Planetarium at the Katara – the Cultural Village via the Katara or Al Qassar metro stations. It has become a major attraction at Katara, providing visitors with a unique ‘edutainment’ experience. Katara noted that the 2,240sqm and full-dome digital system facility features a 22m screen – equipped with state-of-the-art digital projectors showing 2D and 3D tutorial shows. “The Planetarium features information on Earth Science which contains more than 200 unique data sets in five categories: astronomy, atmosphere, geology, and the oceans. This includes more than 25 terrestrial weather data, solar data sets, and a number of awareness presentations by professional trainers,” Katara said on its website. “The planetarium takes visitors on a journey around the galaxies of the universe in a simplified manner that fits children and adults in two languages, English and Arabic.” A QR6 day-pass of the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram can lead passengers to many destinations in the city. Katara, dubbed as “the largest and the most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar”, is also home to an array of exhibition galleries, concert halls, theatres, mosques, and state-of-the-art facilities, in addition to eateries and restaurants, including Chapati and Karak café – where anyone can have a meal for QR10. From Katara, the trip moves to the Villaggio mall via the Doha Metro’s Red and Gold Line. Visitors can enjoy a gondola boat ride for QR20 and lunch at its food court, which offers an array of tasty but affordable dishes such as a QR5 meal at Tea Time. A wide range of spices on offer at Souq Waqif. With a day-pass ticket, metro passengers can visit other malls such as Mall of Qatar (Green Line), Place Vendome (Red Line), and City Center Doha (Red Line) while Doha Festival City can be accessed via Metrolink No 145 at the Lusail metro station. The journey continued to Souq Waqif for other activities such as feeding the birds and buying some spices and souvenirs. Visitors can also buy a box of fresh dates for QR5 at the Local Dates Festival, which concludes on August 10. The planetarium takes visitors on a journey around the galaxies of the universe in a simplified manner. She had dinner at some eateries and outlets, spending less than QR10 for a kebab sandwich before buying some spices for QR14 and concluding her experience at the Doha Corniche to see the city’s scenic skyline and the dhows. For visitors who plan to take a similar tour to the traditional market, many residents suggest going to the Souq Waqif Art Centre, which has become a popular hangout for artists and enthusiasts. It also displays the work of local and visiting artists, in addition to hosting art workshops and classes or simply watching artists create their pieces. Visitors get to see cultural performances, parades, and exhibitions during festivals and other celebrations at Souq Waqif, held mostly in the cold months. Souq Waqif Art Centre has become a popular hangout for artists and enthusiasts.  PICTURES: Visit Qatar

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced the return of its Qatari Film Fund, an initiative designed to support short and feature filmmaking by Qataris. In a recent tweet, DFI noted that applications will be accepted until September 1. The Qatari Film Fund, offers support for the furtherance of the skills and accomplishments of Qatari filmmakers. “The fund is committed to the development of up to four feature films, and the development, production and post-production of up to eight short films annually. “Feature films developed through the fund are eligible for financial support for production, and one film will be selected for production funding in the following year. Projects are selected through two funding cycles per year,” DFI said. Short films are eligible for funding valued at up to QR182,500, that includes development, production and post-production funds, mentorship, equipment and production support from DFI which will be working closely with successful applicants throughout these stages. It will also work with each filmmaker to develop and finalise scripts, establish budgets and schedules, secure creative and technical teams and provide mentorship opportunities with industry specialists as required. Feature film treatments and screenplays at any level of progress are also eligible for development funding valued at up to QR182,500, including development services, mentorship, equipment and other support from the Institute. DFI will also work with each filmmaker to provide bespoke development services, including research, script notes and feedback, script editors, writers’ fees, legal services, location scouting, budgeting, scheduling and casting, among others. “Further, the Institute will continue to provide creative and technical training and mentoring through its Learning Initiatives. Qatari screenwriters, writer-directors and producers are encouraged to approach the Institute with film ideas currently in the early stages of development. “The Institute will assist with the development, production, and post-production of projects through filmmaking workshops and in-house development, and help prepare applications for funding from the Qatari Fund as appropriate,” DFI noted. The Institute also issued some general guidelines, as well as the requirements to be submitted, for Short and Feature film funding on its website: https://www.dohafilminstitute.com.

Innovation has pushed the demand for dates and its products, significantly helping businesses grow and boosting the country’s food and beverage sector, it is learnt. Apart from fresh, dried and preserved soft dates offered at the ongoing 7th Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif, a wide variety of dates products such as cakes, milkshakes, tarts, jams, ice cream and pickles, have also become appealing to a large number of visitors. Speaking to Gulf times on the sidelines of the event, Memos Factory operations manager Faisal Mohamed said they witnessed a huge demand for dates products since day one of the event, which opened on July 27 and runs until August 10. Memos Factory operations manager Faisal Mohamed showcases some of their dates products at the event. PICTURE Joey Aguilar Besides walk-ins at their stores, he said they also saw a demand surge for online orders of various products across Doha and beyond, further enhancing their overall sales. According to Mohamed, several dates products have also become increasingly popular not only among citizens and residents but also visitors from other GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. A wide variety of dates offered at the festival. PICTURE: Thajudheen Such demand, he said, also drives a company like Memos – owned and managed by Qatari entrepreneur Lolwa al-Mansouri – to expand and open new stores in other location in Qatar and overseas in the future. With innovation, creativity and passion for healthy foods, Mohamed pointed out that an array of high-quality products can be produced from dates – and offered at reasonable prices. The festival at Souq Waqif continues to attract a large number of shoppers.  PICTURE: Thajudeen He lauded the Local Dates Festival for supporting local farmers, as well as local companies, saying the event serves as an excellent platform to promote and market their products. The event, organised by the Ministry of Municipality in association with Souq Waqif management, has brought together more than 80 local farms that offer an array of fresh dates, as well as dates products at affordable prices. The event serves as an excellent platform for local farms to promote and market their produce.  PICTURE: Thajudeen The festival has been attracting a large number of residents and visitors, including those from outside Doha, and abroad. With the success of this year’s edition, organisers are planning to hold a separate event showcasing dried and preserved soft dates in the future. Participating farmers received some 100 dates drying rooms, which could be used to improve the quality of dried dates for the upcoming festivals and events. The festival’s organising committee highlighted the importance of following preventive and precautionary Covid-19 measures at the event aimed at keeping everyone safe.

Indoor sports and recreational activities in Qatar have become increasingly popular among residents as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the country draws near, according to Bench Perlas men’s volleyball team founder Jonar R Paz. While indoor sports can be played year-round, Paz told Gulf Times that the football fever - due to hosting such a prestigious tournament this year - has enticed many enthusiasts to become active. He said an increasing number of nationals from various expatriate communities have engaged in indoor physical activities such as volleyball, sepak takraw, badminton, basketball, bowling, and table tennis. “We witnessed many residents participating in various local competitions in Doha and we hope to see more tournaments taking place in the lead-up to the World Cup and beyond,” Paz said, as he lauded the country’s state-of-the-art facilities such as the Qatar Sports Club, Aspire Zone, and the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena, among other locations. The group was established in 2018 to build camaraderie among members while raising awareness on the importance of sports in achieving work-life balance. Bench Perlas is now one of the most active teams in the Filipino volleyball community in Doha, attracting other nationalities to participate as well. With the growing popularity of indoor sports in Qatar, Paz expressed optimism that more inter-community competitions in Qatar will be organised in the near future. This, he added, will further attract more people to join and be physically fit, in addition to inspiring others to live a healthy lifestyle. He said these sports events and tournaments bring together enthusiasts in the country every weekend, allowing them to play with compatriots and other nationalities. According to Paz, the recently concluded Season 13 of Pinoy Volleyball of Qatar witnessed more than 40 teams (men and women) participating. He looks forward to seeing more teams in Season 14, set to start on August 12. Like volleyball, it is learnt that venues of other indoor sports across Qatar have become busy with the influx of players, particularly in the afternoon and the weekends. According to Pinoy Basketball of Qatar, it is witnessing a surge in the number of players and enthusiasts who want to join the leagues not only since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions but also due to the hosting of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

E-Sports players are set to converge from August 5 to 26 for the third edition of AAMeghessib's Back-2-Back – dubbed as “a unique e-Sport platform for FIFA 22 on PlayStation 5 in Qatar.” The competition – an initiative and named after Ahmed al-Meghessib, known as one of the region’s top e-sport FIFA players – has become a major event in the country and has been attracting a huge number of participants. AAMeghessib's Back-2-Back is an initiative and named after Ahmed al-Meghessib, known as one of the region’s top e-sport FIFA players. PICTURE: Red Bull The tournament’s format creates a team of two players who compete in offline qualifiers leading to the national final. The sportive angle is that teams need to score two consecutive goals to win in 11v11 Kick Off Mode. The first place winner will get QR45,000, provided by Qatar Tourism in redeemable vouchers from Virgin Megastores, and QR30,000 will be given to the second placer. The third-place winner will receive QR15,000. Paintings on display at the Abstraction: Subverting Reality at the Doha Fire Station. PICTURE: Thajudheen Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, several other events, exhibitions, workshops, and summer camps are being held across Qatar this month and beyond. These include the Local Dates Festival, which concludes on August 10 at Souq Waqif; Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You by internationally renowned Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist at the National Museum of Qatar; A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum, also at NMoQ; Doha Dreams Inspired by Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition at Msheireb Downtown Doha’s M7; Al Shaqab’s Summer Equestrian Programme at Al Shaqab; Abeer Al-Tamimi: Beyond the Rules and Abstraction: Subverting Reality at the Doha Fire Station; Creative Space Summer Camp at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Paint Palette: Abstract Art for Children at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, among others. Visit Qatar, the official social media tourism account of Qatar Tourism, posted a schedule of sports competitions, festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions, and conferences set to take place in Qatar before the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The Aspire Zone Summer Camp 2022’s recent visit to the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) provided participants the opportunity to learn more about “the world’s most sophisticated museum dedicated to sport”. In a post on its Facebook page, 3-2-1 noted that the students enjoyed exploring the different galleries, particularly the Activation Zone (Gallery 7) as they engage in a series of fun interactive challenges. Students taking part of Aspire Zone Summer Camp 2022 at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. The museum notes that the Activation Zone promotes physical activity and healthy living as it features inspirational stories of residents who decided to adopt such a lifestyle. A digital installation that reflects parks, markets, desert, beaches, and the Khalifa Arena allows visitors to immerse themselves in Qatar’s environment. “Our galleries reveal the cultural impact of sports through multiple perspectives: the history and contemporary significance of the Olympic Games, the inspiring journeys of global sports heroes, and the development of sports in Qatar. “Interactive experiences in our Activation Zone promote healthy and active lifestyles. 3-2-1 comprises seven gallery spaces housing objects from around the globe, from the origins of sports to the present day,” 3-2-1 stated. 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is “the world’s most sophisticated museum dedicated to sport”. PICTURES: 3-2-1 QOSM It is learnt that 3-2-1’s fun games and recreational activities, which form part of its education programmes designed to enhance understanding and awareness of the history of sport, have enticed many students to visit the museum even during the summer season. The museum’s guided tours for schools both in English and Arabic, which are available during the academic year, allow participants to discover its seven galleries and “can be tailoured to schools’ needs, based on specific subjects or desired learning outcomes”. According to 3-2-1, its programmes offer educational and sports activities from pre-K to grade 12 for all Qatar-based government and international schools: in line with the standards of the physical education curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Students enjoying the interactive games at 3-2-1 QOSM. The museum noted that it also collaborates with local and international universities to develop educational programmes – aimed at raising students’ awareness of Olympic and sports culture. Besides school programmes, 3-2-1 offers “family-focused activities that encourage participants to learn about different sports through age-appropriate physical, cultural and art events.” According to 3-2-1, its Library is also the first public library in the region dedicated to sports and houses more than 5,000 books and scientific research journals specialising in sports and Olympic history, sports law, health and nutrition, physical fitness and other sports-related subjects. These also include modern training and teaching methods for physical education in both Arabic and English. It is open from Sunday to Thursday between 9am and 7pm, and from 1.30pm to 7pm on Fridays. In addition to 3-2-1’s extensive catalogue, the museum also provides spaces for student activities. It plans to invite writers, authors and specialists from inside and outside Qatar for a number of educational activities such as symposia, lectures and forums, as well as study days on modern sports.

Discover Qatar whale sharks excursions have been extended until the end of August, giving marine and wildlife enthusiasts a month more to see these magnificent sea creatures in the northern coasts, Visit Qatar has posted on Twitter. “Get up close to explore these majestic sea-dwellers in a comfortable cruise with all-inclusive amenities, food, beverages and great views,” the official social media tourism account of Qatar Tourism said. Wooden dhows were used for pearl diving and deep sea fishing in the past. Discover Qatar’s ‘Daily Explorer’ and ‘Private Charter’ itineraries, which allow guests to view the whale sharks for 2.5 hours from the vessel or via kayaks, offer an unforgettable experience without disrupting their natural habitat. Discover Qatar stressed, however, that these tours “are subject to favourable weather conditions” but guests are usually notified 48 hours before departure. A dhow boat ride offers a unique experience for visitors who want to “find the best views of Doha's iconic skyline.” The itinerary for ‘Private Charter’ starts at 5pm from the hotel and drives the guest to Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort. Yacht boarding is at 6.30am for a captain’s welcome, along with an overview of the yacht and its facilities before having breakfast.  What you can expect on your trip to Qatar •    Blue water beaches & golden sand dunes •    Exciting city breaks •    Decadent dining options •    Inclusive shopping malls •    Contemporary architecture •    Five-star hospitality According to Discover Qatar, sailing takes about 2.5 hours to reach the Whale Shark’s location. At 8.15am, guests will also be briefed about whale sharks via a presentation before the actual experience. “Regardless of the riveting moniker, whale sharks impose no threat to humans, whether spectators or divers. They meander in warm and shallow sea waters of the Northern coasts of Qatar, located about 145 kilometres afar the shores of the capital city, Doha. Whale sharks appear in schools of over 100-150 fishes at a time,” VisitQatar noted. Apart from the whale sharks excursions and other marine activities, Qatar also offers stopover packages for visitors who want to experience the country’s ‘golden desert’. These include desert safaris, camel riding, dune-bashing, camping at night with the family, and a visit to the inland sea and the rock formations at Zekreet, among other destinations and heritage sites. Desert activities and tours have become increasingly popular for stopover visitors, which further boosts the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, it is learnt. For those who want to explore the city, VisitQatar suggests a dhow boat ride in order to “find the best views of Doha's iconic skyline.” Picturesque view of the dhows from Qatar's landmarks.  PICTURES VisitQatar “Historically used for pearl diving and deep sea fishing, wooden dhows are now enjoyed by locals and visitors as a popular tourist attraction. This is definitely a must-visit activity when in Doha - you can book a dhow ride from Corniche and also indulge in a delicious traditional dinner to catch the skyline's sparkling lights,” VisitQatar noted.

Visit Qatar, the official social media tourism account of Qatar Tourism, puts a spotlight on a number of underrated yet exquisite destinations outside Doha perfect for a summer getaway. “A pristine natural treasure close to Al Maroona, Fuwairit beach is a stunning location. Located two hours from Doha; with powdery white sand and crystal clear blue waters – it is ideal for a relaxing escape,” VisitQatar posted on its social media pages. Al Maroona beach. PICTURE: Regency Holidays Apart from swimming, Fuwairit also offers other exciting activities such as kitesurfing and beach volleyball, in addition to relaxing and enjoying the ambience with families and friends. The beach, which is about an hour and a half drive, serves as a hatching site for Hawksbill sea turtles from April to July, according to VisitQatar. Umm Bab is a great camping destination. PICTURE: VisitQatar Close to Fuwairit is the Al Maroona beach, dubbed as one of Qatar’s most visited places due to its golden sand and clear waters. It is about an hour and 10 minutes away from Doha by car. Regency Holidays describes Al Maroona beach as “a small cozy place, with a touch of wildness and serenity”. For those who love camping, the Umm Bab beach, located on the western coast of the country, is an ideal destination and has been highly recommended by many. Al Jassasiya is a heritage site featuring 874 carvings known as ‘petroglyphs’. PICTURE: VisitQatar “Umm Bab, also known as the "Palm Tree Beach", has taken its name from the small clusters of palm trees scattered around the sand by the beach…it is a great camping destination to enjoy a day swimming and a night stargazing.” Just 40km from Doha is the Simaisma beach, described as “a serene paradise,” featuring “soft sand and shallow waters” and offering “a safe environment for families with children to enjoy leisure time by the water”. Many beachgoers visit this pristine beach for long walks and relaxation. However, VisitQatar noted that many of Qatar's public beaches undergo renovation but can be accessed by visitors, who are advised to bring along necessities such as beach parasols or cold water. Off-road vehicles should be used in going to some of these beaches. VisitQatar also highlighted the Al Thakira Mangrove Forest – known as one of ‘Qatar’s natural wonders’ and ‘a favourite resting spot for migratory birds – to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26. The place, located on the North-Eastern coast of Qatar, receives many visitors year-round, offering activities like kayaking, sunbathing, and picnicking. Besides the beaches, another must-visit place in the North-East of the country is the Al Jassasiya Rock Carving Site – discovered around 1957. It is described as “the most impressive of Qatar’s dozen rock-carving sites, stretching across an area 700m wide. According to VisitQatar, Al Jassasiya is a heritage site featuring 874 carvings known as ‘petroglyphs’ – the earliest ones are thought to date from Neolithic times. “What may appear to be a deserted sandstone quarry is a heritage site packed with mystery… The Al Jassasiya rock carvings feature various shapes, including rosettes, fish, ostriches, and cup marks. Carvings of dhow boats, which remain in use to this day, offer a direct link to a long-ago past. “The cup marks are believed to represent vessels used to store pearls or play ancient board games known as Al Haloosa or Al Huwaila”.

Qatar Museums' Fire Station has provided artists an exceptional exposure overseas with its Paris and New York international residency programmes, helping them broaden their horizon and perspective, exhibitions co-ordinator Amal Zeyad Ali has said. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the opening of ‘Abeer Al-Tamimi: Beyond the Rules’ and ‘Abstraction: Subverting Reality’ exhibitions recently, she said these two residency programmes help put artists in cross-cultural experiences and strengthen them both as a person and as an artist. Abstraction: Subverting Reality exhibition displays more than 25 works of 11 multidisciplinary contemporary artists. “The beauty of Qatar is it’s a melting pot but it’s very small so once you travel abroad (for the Paris and New York residency) there’s a lot more exposure and you can't help but be influenced by that so it adds a bit more flavour to the artist's work,” said Ali, who is also the curator of ‘Abstraction: Subverting Reality’ exhibition. The Paris and New York initiatives form part of the Fire Station’s ‘Artist in Residence programme, which provides an opportunity for participants to develop their art practice. It offers participating artists and curators not only a working studio space but also creative exchange and advancement, and cultural enrichment. In presenting the Abstraction: Subverting Reality exhibition, the Fire Station aims to create an experience for audiences. In 2017, Fire Station started sponsoring Qatari artists to take part in an international residency programme at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, France – one of the most dynamic international residency programmes. Al-Tamimi, a multidisciplinary artist who introduces unconventional materials and elements into her work seeking new forms of expression, was selected for the residency in Paris. Her solo exhibition at Fire Station’s Gallery 3 is the outcome of that exhibition, showcasing a series of paintings, experimental videos, and new media. 'Abeer Al-Tamimi: Beyond the Rules' features a series of paintings, experimental videos and new media at Gallery 3.  PICTURES: Thajudheen In her latest show, al-Tamimi finds it fascinating “to explore how diverse cultures have different ways of interpreting behaviours and emotions – and that we can all agree to one basic ideology of co-existence.” Other artists who took part in the Paris residency include Ebtissam al-Saffar, Nasser al-Attiyah, Abdulla al-Kuwari, Ghada al-Khater, Ahmed al-Jufairi, Ahmed Nooh, Asma al-Mannai, Meriem Mesraoua, Haifa al-Khuzaei, Rashed al-Mohannadi, and Ibrahim al-Baker.  Paris art residency The programme allows the resident to pursue their art practice during their stay while engaging with what the city has to offer from museums, galleries, and other art spaces. The residents will have the opportunity to network with international artists, the public and other arts professionals in an open studio event. New York art residency The New York Residency occurs at the International Studio and Curatorial Programme in Brooklyn, NY. ISCP is New York's most comprehensive international visual arts residency programme, supporting the creative advancement of contemporary artists and curators, and promoting cultural exchange. Qatari artists also get the chance to participate in the New York Residency at the International Studio and Curatorial Programme, dubbed “New York’s most comprehensive international visual arts residency programme”. Artists who participated in this residency include Fatima MohammedSara al-Obaidly, Mohammed Faraj al-Suwaidi, Alya al-Khalifa, Mohammed Al-Atiq, Yousef Bahzad, Mubarak al-Thani, and Hana al-Saadi. Regarding plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ali said they will be showcasing one of their upcoming exhibitions with all of the AIR alumni that are based in Qatar. “That’s an exhibition that will showcase the local art scene in Qatar but also there are many opportunities across Qatar Museums such as public art and other museums to exhibit work and I think people coming to Qatar will get a sense of both international art but also local home-brewed art as well,” she added.

Leading retailers of premium and luxury watches in Qatar are witnessing a strong recovery of the industry with their sales surging in the past three months, it is learnt. Speaking to Gulf Times, an employee of a leading watch distributor in the country said the months of May, June and July recorded a big demand for high-end timepieces. He said one of their stores in Doha did sales of more than QR900,000 in a month, nearly the same amount during the pre-pandemic period. “We got QR150,000 in four days, so the appeal of luxury items is always there, and with most countries opening their borders again, people want to travel and wear new watches,” he said, expressing optimism that such a trend will continue in the coming months. According to the employee, many customers also take advantage of various promotions and special offers, in addition to the regular discounts given by salespersons. He noted that a discount of 10 to 15% remains attractive for clients and giving as much as 20% makes it more appealing for buyers of luxury pieces. Some shops offer up to 25% discount on selected items. As the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 approaches, the employee said they expect total sales (all outlets) to break pre pandemic levels in the coming months. “The increasing number of visitors from neighbouring GCC countries is a big factor because these are all ‘quality buyers’, meaning they really spend a lot on luxury items, and we have seen that in the past two months, and up to the third week of July,” he said. This view was echoed by an employee of another distributor of popular watch brands, which also operates several stores across the country. Despite the growing interest for smartwatches, he said premium and high-end timepieces have retained their allure to many customers, including young professionals. He said luxury brands found a way “to recapture customers’ interest in their products once again” amid the Covid-19 pandemic, many of which have tapped the internet and social media for their marketing and promotions. Like gold and other types of jewellery, the employee said people are also particularly looking for timepieces that hold value over time. “Almost all our branches saw record sales for high-end watches in the past two Eid holidays, whatever the luxury brand is.” “We hope to receive more delivery soon to meet the continuously growing demand and our customers’ expectations,” he stressed.

Qatar Museums (QM) has opened two unique exhibitions Wednesday at the Fire Station, featuring the works of a group of established and emerging Doha-based artists. Gallery 3 hosts 'Abeer Al-Tamimi: Beyond the Rules ’, a solo exhibition by the artist that focuses on her interest in human interaction and behaviour while ‘Abstraction: Subverting Reality’ at Gallery 4 showcases more than 25 art pieces of 11 multidisciplinary contemporary artists: Noor Abuissa, Amna al-Baker, Shaikha al-Hardan, May al-Mannai, Hassan al-Mulla, Ebtisam al-Saffar, Ryan Browning, Sarah Jayyousi, Jesse Payne, Michael Perrone, and Twiggy Shmeissany. Amal Zeyad Ali is the curator of the ‘Abstraction: Subverting Reality’ and organiser of ‘Abeer Al-Tamimi: Beyond the Rules’. “Abeer al-Tamimi did her residency in Paris as part of one of the Fire Station's programmes and this is the outcome of that exhibition so it's a series of paintings as well as experimental videos and more new media so it's both of those,” Fire Station’s exhibitions co-ordinator Amal Zeyad Ali told Gulf Times. “She is very interested in interactions between human beings and different cultures and how that resonates and what we can learn from that,” she said. “During her residency, that's what she spent time surveying and interviewing other people to get a sense of that.” For ‘Abstraction: Subverting Reality’, curator Ali noted that they reached out to a group of artists whose works delve into abstract while some have other kinds of work but also do abstract. Michael Perrone's work on display at Gallery 4 for the ‘Abstraction: Subverting Reality’ exhibition. In curating the exhibition, Ali said they wanted to create an experience for audiences where they can have a different take away: their own feelings, memories, and emotions. “It's not about telling audiences what to think or what to do and that's the beauty of abstraction, it is very open to interpretation so everyone can look at a different painting and say I see a landscape, but no I see a dinosaur it could be anything. “It is working with so many different perspectives and the fact that abstraction is so broad that it can really amount to very different kinds of works and that's what we wanted to do,” said Ali. Many of the participating artists of the two exhibitions, she noted, were former Fire Station resident artists and others form part of their alumni programme while some are new like Shmeissany who is taking part for the first time at the Fire Station. Ali, who is also the curator of the ‘Abstraction: Subverting Reality’ and organiser of ‘Abeer Al-Tamimi: Beyond the Rules’, said they wanted to reach out to more artists, broaden up their horisons, and include more Doha-based artists. “Some of them are up-and-coming, some are emerging, some are more established like al-Mula, here he’s been doing this for a very long time and I think it shows, and then we have artists that are also professors, so some of the artists have their whole career rooted in art and some of them work other things as well,” she added.

  The Creative Space Summer Camp is set to kick off on July 31, providing students the opportunity to explore and learn various technological skills. The two-week programme by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) offers “an innovative computing learning experience to primary and middle school students”. The QCRI said on its website that the camp, which will run until August 11 at its Creative Space Lab at the HBKU Research Complex in Education City, will engage participants in a variety of interactive sessions such as robotics, programming, web design, and other areas of computational thinking. The activities are geared towards teaching coding, electronics, and computational thinking, and foster creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork. For Web design, the focus will be on its fundamentals and allows students in grades 7-10 to create several webpages using HTML (hypertext markup language) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). “These webpages will be hosted on an educational platform so that they can keep a running portfolio of their creative projects, and easily share their work with the world,” the QCRI noted. Part of the programme includes teaching students from grade 3-5 on the basics of robotics building and programming using Lego’s WeDo 2.0. Participants will “discover how engineering and programming work together to make exciting creations”. Other topics are the basics of 3D designing and how to use TinkerCAD, machine learning, filmmaking (using mobile devices), and programming using the BBC micro:bit, the QCRI added. The institute provides “students with an environment that empowers them to develop their talents in the fields of computer science and engineering and enables them to create and implement their creative projects”. The QCRI noted that the Creative Space, which was formed in 2017, serves as its education centre and “a platform that provides K-12 students with knowledge, space, tools and mentorship to foster creativity, innovation and teamwork”. “Through a combination of interactive lessons, collaboration, and independent project work, the Summer Camp will instill the skills that students need to pursue future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),” QCRI noted. “QCRI faculty will be on hand to mentor students while teaching the most in-demand computing skills, bringing the collaborative, innovative Creative Space learning culture to life.” Previous editions of the Summer Camp also offered similar courses such as the basics of programming in the Python language, 3D designing, how to use SolidWorks Apps for kids, and machine learning.

    As the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 draws near, Qatar Museums (QM) is presenting a number of exhibitions, workshops and tours for both residents and visitors to explore. Eleven artists – Noor Abuissa, Amna al-Baker, Shaikha al-Hardan, May al-Mannai, Hassan al-Mulla, Ebtisam al-Saffar, Ryan Browning, Sarah Jayyousi, Jess Payne, Michael Perrone and Twiggy Shmeissany – will be presenting their works in a unique group exhibition titled Abstraction: Subverting Reality at Doha Fire Station’s Gallery 4 from July 28 to September 24. Abstraction: Subverting Reality exhibition at Doha Fire Station’s Gallery 4 from July 28 to September 24. It is curated by Doha Fire Station’s Exhibitions co-ordinator Amal Zeyad Ali. “For the artist, there is not necessarily a need for a clear message, and the focus is on the experience of compositing and creating in a harmonious or inharmonious fashion,” the QM said on its website. “We encourage you as a visitor to be empowered to see what you want in each piece based on your life experience and identity.” The QM announced the opening of Qatari artist Abeer al-Tamimi’s solo exhibition, titled Beyond the Rules, on July 28. Abeer al-Tamimi's The Reveal, 2022, oil on canvas It will run until September 24 at the Doha Fire Station’s Gallery 3. The artist’s show focuses on her interest in human interaction and behaviour. During her residency at Cité International des arts in Paris, the QM said that al-Tamimi “wanted to interact with as many people as possible to answer questions such as why we behave the way we do? And can we control our behaviours and emotions?” “What al-Tamimi discovered was that people are entitled and live in a bubble that invokes negative behavior,” the QM added. “While we are programmed to follow and respect the cultural rules, traditions, and way of life we were born into or are accustomed to, we do not often see other realities, which diminishes our growth in all aspects.” A multi-disciplinary and experimental artist who introduces unconventional materials and elements into her work seeking new forms of expression, al-Tamimi finds interest in exploring cultural diversity, which has various methods “of interpreting behaviours and emotions – and that we can all agree to one basic ideology of coexistence”. Besides exhibitions, the QM is hosting several workshops, including the Youth Summer Programme: Acrylic Painting Techniques with Hazim al-Hussain from July 31 to August 4 at the Doha Fire Station’s Education Studio. It will explore the different painting methods and techniques using acrylic paint. An interactive one-day workshop focusing on the human brain on August 6 will be held at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)’s Learning Studio. “In this beginner hand-building workshop, participants will explore clay and learn how to build a simple human brain using a coil technique,” the QM said. “The workshop will also include more traditional learning elements as we uncover some fun facts about the human brain.” The same venue will also house a two-day “Interactive Sound Art” workshop on August 12-13 between 4pm-6pm, engaging participants in a deep listening session inspired by the Pipilotti Rist: Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You exhibition. An ‘Interactive Sound Art’ workshop will engage participants in a deep listening session inspired by the Pipilotti Rist: Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You exhibition. “Deep listening is a practice of attentiveness to time and space,” the QM said. “By recording and listening back to our environment, we build a better understanding of ourselves, our surroundings, and their meanings. In this interactive session, participants will explore their environment by listening, recording, editing, and placing sounds into a multi-channel installation.” The QM is also organising a guided tour on The Discovery of Black Gold and Transformation in Qatar on August 15 and 22 for Arabic, and on August 17 and 24 for English at the NMoQ’s “Coming of Oil” gallery.

Following the successful staging of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp’ cirque shows in Doha, ‘The Smurfs – Live on Stage’ is all set to entertain the crowd at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall (former Lusail Handball Stadium) from July 28 to 30. The event, organised by Alchemy Project Entertainment in cooperation with Qatar Tourism (QT), Qatar Airways and Ooredoo, forms part of the ‘Summer in Qatar’ campaign aimed at   Smurfs series: 272 episodes, 40 languages Created in 1958 by Pierre Culliford, fondly known as Peyo, The Smurfs have become some of the most loved cartoon characters all over the world, especially after the launch of their animated cartoon series in 1980. Produced by Hanna Barbera, the Smurfs series spanned 272 episodes, which were dubbed into 40 languages, and has enjoyed top rating in more than 100 countries. Millions of Smurfs DVDs continue to be sold in huge volumes internationally. Recently, a new milestone was achieved with the creation and release of the Smurfs 3D movies; the first 3D movie came out in 2011 and sequels followed in 2013 and 2017. Smurfs once again are endearing themselves to new audiences with all new CGI Animated TV series now released globally. With all this on the cards for the Smurfs, audiences in Qatar will have the chance to watch their favorite Smurfs up close and to be a part of their adventures. Ticket rates: Silver 1 and 4 (QR145), Silver 2 and 3 (QR195), Gold 1 and 4 (QR245), Gold 2 and 3 (QR295), Platinum 1 (QR345), and Royal 1 (QR545). Note: Children below two do not require tickets offering residents and visitors in the country an array of indoor entertainment and family-friendly shows throughout the season. In a press statement, Alchemy Project said the internationally-renowned animated, blue and bubbly Smurfs cartoon characters, will “come to life and perform live on stage” in Doha for three days. According to the organisers, eight Smurfs characters, including Papa Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, Brainy Smurf and the adorable Smurfette, as well as ‘the evil wizard Gargamel and the puppeteers’ will be coming to Doha to present a one-of-its-kind show. Presenting what it described as “a magical musical for children of all ages”, Alchemy Project said: “The Smurfs Live on Stage is a tale of magical adventure that will see the Smurfs battle Gargamel and save Mother Nature while promoting family values and the power of a true team spirit amongst children. “The story is set in Spring – Smurfs’ favourite time of the year when the characters are busy preparing for the much-awaited annual Spring Parade” – a time for merry-making, singing and dancing – but the main antagonist wants to wreak havoc on this highly-celebrated festivity. Organisers noted that Smurfs is a story based on the classic Smurf comic books and animations, but puts a spotlight on the importance of protecting the environment. In 2021, the United Nations partnered with the European Union and The Smurfs to raise environmental awareness and encourage people “to clean beaches and riverbanks across the world”. Themed “Together to protect marine life,” the initiative also aims to support Sustainable Development Goal 14: ‘Life below water’. Alchemy Project noted that the show in Doha will feature “life-sized Smurfs in their mushroom-shaped forest houses, vibrant backdrops and wonderful sing-along music”. The first show on July 28 will take place at 5pm while two shows (2pm and 7pm) are scheduled on July 29. The third day (July 30) will also see two shows (1pm and 5pm) on stage.

The summer season provides an opportunity for Qatar residents and visitors to discover “one of the world’s last undiscovered gems” in an educational tour to the country’s northern coasts. The coastal waters of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of whale sharks that gather to feed close to the surface. “Qatar is constant to the largest aggregations of hundreds of whale sharks in the country's northeast coast every year, creating a fascinating sight to behold,” VisitQatar says. “Qatar is home to one of the largest whale shark aggregations in the entire world.” Although whale sharks share a lot of similarities with whales, it belongs to the shark family. Wildlife enthusiasts get to see a huge number of whale sharks without disrupting their environment with Discover Qatar’s ‘Daily Explorer’ and ‘Private Charter’ itineraries. The tours allow people to view these magnificent sea creatures for 2.5 hours from the vessel or via kayaks but swimming with, as well as touching and feeding, them is strictly prohibited. A professional photographer is also assigned to take pictures (free of charge) throughout the tour. Pose no threat to humans With its appearance and the confusing name, it often is puzzling whether these endangered gentle giants are a breed of whales or sharks. Although whale sharks share a lot of similarities with whales, it belongs to the shark family. Let's dive into a few fascinating facts: • Scientifically identified as 'Rhincodon Typus', the whale sharks can grow up to 20 meters in length, parallel to the stretch of a large city bus. • While the fish matures like a whale and expels water through its gills, it also exhibits a few characteristics of sharks, such as their skeleton system being made of cartilages (not bones), • The female species grow larger than the male species. • Whale sharks are known for their distinctly dotted patterns and camouflaging appearances, making the migratory phenomenon a must-witness marine activity when in Qatar. Regardless of the riveting moniker, whale sharks impose no threat to humans, whether spectators or divers. They meander in warm and shallow sea waters of the Northern coasts of Qatar, located about 145 kilometres afar the shores of the capital city, Doha. Whale sharks appear in schools of over 100-150 fishes at a time. (source: Visit Qatar website) According to Discover Qatar, these kinds of excursions offer guests a unique and unforgettable experience “no one else ever has before” and “the chance to explore an environment so remote that nature and wildlife flourish, to go somewhere unlike anywhere else in the world and to do so in the utmost luxury. “The coastal waters of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of whale sharks that gather to feed close to the surface.” Guests will also learn more about the whale sharks about “their habits, feeding, and an overview of the research being carried out in Qatar” through a presentation. However, according to Discover Qatar, these whale sharks tours “are subject to favourable weather conditions” but guests are usually notified 48 hours before the departure date.

The ‘Aladdin and the magic lamp’ cirque show kicked off Thursday, enthralling a huge number of spectators at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall (former Lusail Handball Stadium). The live performance, organised by Alchemy Project Entertainment in cooperation with Qatar Tourism (QT), Qatar Airways and Ooredoo and running until tomorrow (July 23) is part of the ‘Summer in Qatar’ campaign. The award-winning show from ‘A Thousand and One Nights’, a collection of Middle Eastern folktales, featured a colourful and breathtaking performance by a team of about 35 performers and artists who mesmerised the audience with their impressive acts and acrobatics, and music on stage. The staging of ‘Aladdin and the magic lamp’ also highlights the efforts of QT in positioning the country as a favourite family destination in the region by presenting one-of-its-kind shows year-round. In a press statement, QT COO Berthold Trenkel said: “In keeping with our strategy, bringing family-friendly entertainment is a hallmark of our work to drive domestic tourism which in turn acts as a key contributor to the growth of our sector. “Both residents and visitors can enjoy the multiple shows that will be on offer this season, while also exploring the additional summer features that are highlighted in our monthly calendar.” “This is one of the first times after two years of pandemic that we are seeing exciting and quality shows happen back to back in a great city like Doha, with full of potential. We have three top-quality shows and ever green titles that are perfect for all members of the family and a brand new state-of-the-art venue to explore,” Alchemy Project CEO Mac.s.Far said. Summer in Qatar brings three exciting, family-friendly cirque shows, including “Alice in Wonderland”, held from July 14 to 16; ‘Aladdin and the magic lamp’; and ‘Smurfs Musical Live on Stage’ from July 28 to 30 – all in the same venue. Tickets start at QR145 and can be purchased via Tixbox.com, Virgin Megastore and QTickets.com. ‘Alice in Wonderland’, according to organisers, attracted a huge number of families and children in the country, as well as from neighbouring GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The show featured a combination of musical theatre and modern ballet, in addition to a spectacular circus and acrobatic performances. Moza Khalid al-Muhannadi, director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sponsorship and Media, at Ooredoo, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring these three exciting shows. We have a firm commitment to supporting our local communities as part of our CSR strategy, and are always pleased to support events that promote community cohesion. We look forward to seeing everyone get together to enjoy this family entertainment.” ‘Aladdin and the magic lamp’ will have two shows today (July 22) at 3pm and 7pm, while tomorrow, shows will take place at 1pm and 5pm at Lusail Multipurpose Hall. It is learnt that QT's live performances not only helped boost the tourism industry but also the country's retail and hospitality sectors. Malls and shopping centres witnessed a rise in footfall while many hotels recorded a continuous increase in bookings both from local and international visitors during this period. The three-day 'The Smurfs – Live on Stage’, set from July 28 to 30, is also expected to be an exceptional and crowd-puller show.

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp – cirque show is set to enthrall Qatar residents and visitors for three days from Thursday at Lusail Multipurpose Hall, as part of Qatar Tourism’s ‘Summer in Qatar’ campaign in collaboration with Qatar Airways and Ooredoo. A team of about 35 performers will bring to the renowned and award-winning show from ‘A Thousand and One Nights’, a collection of Middle Eastern folktales, and wowed audiences around the world. Thursday's show is at 5pm. Friday's shows are at 3pm and 7pm. On Saturday, the performances will be at 1pm and 5pm. The popular show tells the adventures of Aladdin, a kindhearted poor person who found a magical lamp and wished to become a prince in order for him to meet and marry Princess Jasmine. Renowned artist and stage designer Lev Bakst took part in Aladdin’s first stage performance, held in Paris 100 years back. The show is expected to attract a huge number of local and international spectators, including those from neighbouring GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Aladdin follows the first Summer in Qatar cirque show, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, which enthralled audiences for three consecutive days with a combination of musical theatre and modern ballet, in addition to a spectacular circus and acrobatic performances. According to the organisers, children below two can enter the show for free. Doors to the reception area will be open around 60 minutes before the show starts. The venue (former Lusail Handball Stadium) can accommodate some 1,390 guests. Wearing of face masks will be mandatory. As part of the Summer in Qatar campaign, hotels across the country are offering promotional packages, which include stays with dining, spa, and other selections while tour operators provide a diverse range of activities for guests such as scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking, among other unique and curated experiences. According to Qatar Tourism, its latest campaign in the summer will feature 15 popular shows and packages.

Qatar Museums (QM) offers an array of activities and initiatives, as well as exhibitions, for different age groups in the country to explore during the ongoing summer season. Designers and enthusiasts will be fascinated with the “the reimagined designs and creation” of seven local creatives at the second edition of Zwara: Doha Dreams pop-up exhibition. The show, which kicked off on June 8 at M7 Msheireb and running until August 31, displays the works of Mashael al-Naimi, Layla al-Ansari, Haytham Sharrouf, Maryam al-Majid, Aliya al-Obaidly, Nada al-Sulaiti, and Muna Saad. NMoQ's Mawater Gallery features iconic cars from QM’s collection. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar According to QM, these designers were inspired by the recent Christian Dior’s first retrospective exhibition, Designer of Dreams, held at M7 from November 6, 2021 to April 2. The one-of-its-kind show displays a selection of pieces that have never been shown before, including ensembles from the private collection of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. “Zwara is a fluid programme that seeks to spark creativity and collaboration against the backdrop of Qatar’s creative landscape. Held yearly, it’s an invitation for creatives to explore exhibitions, archives and collections and then respond to a design brief, showcasing the importance of storytelling and experimentation in design. The second edition of Zwara: Doha Dreams pop-up exhibition features “the reimagined designs and creation” of seven local creatives". PICTURE: Qatar Museums “For this second edition, the participating designers were invited to explore the themes, culture and moments featured in the recent exhibition Christian Dior Designer of Dreams. Each designer was then tasked with reimagining the luxury and aesthetics reflected in Dior’s work through their own lens,” QM said on its website. Qatar residents and visitors can also visit National Museum of Qatar’s (NMoQ) Mawater Gallery for “A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum Project”, which will run until January 20, 2023. It serves as an introduction to a “new museum that will bring Qatar’s car community under one roof and one mission”. The exhibition explores the significance of automotive design in the 20th century and the impact of automobiles on culture, previewing the content of the new museum. Presented both inside and outside the museum, it features three iconic cars from QM’s collection and approximately 20 unique cars on loan from members of the Qatar Auto Museum advisory board and Qatar’s community of automobile enthusiasts. The Qatar Auto Museum, designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, led by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Rem Koolhaas, will be located along the Lusail Expressway between the 5/6 Park and Katara – the Cultural Village, in the former exhibition centre building that hosted the first Qatar Motor Show in 2011. Artists can still participate in QM’s three open calls: 5/6 Initiative, Jedariart Initiative, and Student Initiative. The deadline for submitting of application is on August 5. According to QM, 5/6 requires artists to propose a permanent public artwork that speaks to the local community while Jedariart aims to activate urban areas and promote artistic intervention in designated districts. The Student Initiative, meanwhile, “invites students and alumni to propose a permanent or temporary public artwork”. This year’s edition urges student participants “to think about the dialogue they want to spark through their work”. The selected artist will be commissioned to create their proposal with the support of the Public Art team. QM noted that a number of workshops and other activities (online and face-to-face) are being organised at a number of museums and cultural centres in Qatar.