Community

Nestled against the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean Sea in Western Asia, Qatar, the port country is stooped in history having undergone several changes over the decades, but the key remains the same, still rich with Arabic heritage. Visitors can enjoy a stroll through the pastel-hued buildings of the Pearl while the old town Souq is always abuzz with activity. The most recent Qatar tourism statistics show an increase in international tourists to the country. Qatar has recently taken over as one of the popular tourist destinations for visitors from all over the world. With picturesque offerings such as the National Museum of Qatar, Katara, Souq Waqif, The Pearl and Sea Line, where desert touches the ocean, to name just a few, it is obvious why tourists flock to the heritage rich country. Wasn’t it only a few months ago when the entire world was looking up to the opening of National Museum of Qatar that was in-spades with Arabic heritage and modernised elements? According to the statement of the Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, HE Akbar al-Baker, in May, Qatar received 588,000 visitors during the first quarter of this year, an increase of 10 percent compared to the Q1 last year. Similarly, The World Tourism Organisation, or UNWTO, released their 2019 Tourism Highlights (January Edition), which examines data from 2018-2019. In it, they highlight that Qatar’s visa facilitation improvements including allowing nationals of 88 countries to enter visa-free and free-of-charge, has made Qatar the most open country in the Middle East. Where Summer in Qatar has just concluded with helluva family activities around Qatar, Qatar-India Year of Culture is still underway with regal events planned for the entire year — attracting tourists and cultural enthusiasts worldwide. Well, desert has a long-connected history with the Arab world, embedded in the roots, and many people worldwide travel to the desert to truly understand the reserve. Not that just that, but dune bashing and recreational activities in the desert are one of the most popular ‘to do list’ things for the people visiting Middle East.  Amidst the poetical dunes of the Arabian Desert kissed by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, at Sea Line Mesaieed lies the Sealine Beach, A Murwab resort. An unmatched resort destination for sun seekers and adventure lovers, that offers an eco-friendly destination that is as exhilarating as it is tranquil and relaxing. The recreational experience that it offers to the tourists or locals encompasses an energy haven spa, watersports, desert safaris, camel and horseback riding, banana boat rides, dune bashing and more. The recreational facilities also include football, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts and cricket fields.  Community recently sat with Tarek Nour, General Manager at Sealine Beach Resort, to talk about the ever-increasing tourism in Qatar, how they accommodate them at Murwab Resort and how he brings his seasoned experience of hospitality sector to Qatar. As tourism to Qatar continues to grow, it may prove the most effective tool in changing cultural bias to dispel any misperceptions, if any. You simply must find out for yourself. The journey may surprise you! For how long have you been working  in the Hospitality industry? I come from Egypt. I have been in the hospitality industry for the past 14 years. I’ve been groomed throughout my career with well-crafted hotels and organisations, I think where I am right definitely also accredits to the well competent teams I’ve been working and surrounded with throughout. I’ve not been a stranger to Qatar and have managed to successfully open Simaisma resort, where we cater luxury villas and elite brand of services. Before Qatar, I was with Four Seasons Company for good about 13 years, travelling throughout the Middle East, Europe and North America. What is the role of tourism in the growth of cultural experience in Qatar? and how do you think Sealine plays a part in it as a whole?  With the current expansion of visa for several nationalities and now that many nationalities can apply it online has definitely helped expanding the horizon of cultural diversity in Qatar. Many people come in, carrying their heritage and traditions with them. Sealine at this stage caters multiple guests. Basically the huge space we have, including several types of rooms, suites and villas, meshed perfectly with recreational activities like a couple of pools, beach front, spa, basketball and football fields; really helps a lot to expand the leisure of guests that’ll be coming to Qatar. So, in that way where many people are coming in Qatar, we’re accommodating them and bringing them together at one place. Many people from different nationalities come to Sea Line and there’s quite an exchange of cultural elements. We have Sealine that is modern, yet touches the heritage roots. Summer in Qatar means scorching heat, in this case – do you really think people make it to the resorts, especially when its so hot outside? You know, you avoid the sun from 11am till 3pm, nobody’s really a big fan to be outside during this time, during their vacay on resorts, either way in Qatar. They either enjoy in the morning time uptill 10 and evening post 4pm. People nap during those afternoon hours of heat mostly, so it doesn’t really matter, What is that one facility that resort can make its USP (Unique Selling Point)? Because spa and open air is what every resort in the world offers? It has to be a perfect balance and mix of each element. Where we have a focus on food and beverages, offering Pizzas and buffets, we also make sure that our recreational activities are top of the line, including some water activities. So, it has to be that perfect balance where people can just come in and feel that they have everything available. Family swimming pools are also very important to cater the kids. For over an year or two – there’s quite a boost in tourism in Qatar. Has it also affected positively for Sealine? For sure it has. Although there are very few resorts here at Sea Line, I think it won’t be erroneous to say that we’re one of the resorts offering the best sea front in Sea Line. We always have a good demand especially during the summer-time. Locals mostly, instead going anywhere else in the world, just comes over here to unwind. Even corporate companies now instead of going anywhere else come here for recreational activities and purposes. Because of good relations with Kuwait and Oman, we see many people coming from there even to enjoy the wind and beach here.  People opt for resorts to unwind and meditate, What treatments would you recommend to all such people who want to take a break from their busy life? People can simply book a room or suite or however they like at the resort and go for the top-notch spa treatments that we have to offer. Special yoga sessions give an edge. I’ve not tried yoga here in Qatar, but I have before and I strongly believe, if you work on your senses and rituals and try to control in and vent out with different yoga positions; you get mentally relaxed and ready for the next week or month or so.  Has resort culture in Qatar been affected by the popular heritage? It has, because now we have shifted our focus quite much toward the local heritage. We have embedded the local heritage with the leisure modern elements to create a balance. All the amenities here and the menus we have at restaurants are perfectly aligned with the local cultural elements.  Where do you see the tourism of Qatar in the next five years? It is on the rise and will be that way. Current structure of the country, including ministries and then collaborations between the hotels definitely will have an impact with an increasing rate, just the way it is going on right now. How would you draw a parallel between hospitality industry worldwide and in Qatar? You can’t really compare apples with oranges. But one thing I feel is that, in Qatar, we welcome the guests much much more warmly – which is very different. The quality is same around the world but because of the influence of Arabic culture here and it’s warmth, it gives an edge to hospitality industry in Qatar. Desert has been a part of cultural heritage of Qatar since forever, where and how do you think resort blends in with it at large? Very rarely you’ll find an area like Sea Line, where you’ll find the dunes of sands clashing with the sea. Very big cinema productions love coming over towards this side and shoot. So, I think we have nothing to do with it, but the blending has come in just naturally.

By Shefa Ali One of my favourite things about yoga is that’s its wisdom offers guidelines for living a beautiful, meaningful and purposeful life. Aparigraha ? which is kind of like one of the moral vows of Yoga literally translates to ‘non-hoarding.’ It teaches us not to take or use more than you need in any area of your life. The peace activist and change maker Mahatma Gandhi was quoted as saying beautifully, “There is more than enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for any man’s greed.” He was sharing the idea of living a simple life. Over the last few years I have disciplined myself to use only that which is necessary. I buy only that which is essential. It doesn’t mean that I live like a monk, but it means that I have cultivated a sense of moderation and simplicity. Regardless of our financial means, we don’t need to live over extravagantly or surround ourselves with so many unnecessary possessions, which results in consumerism that ultimately has a negative impact on the environment. If you went on a weekend break and took ten suitcases full of different fancy clothes, and outfits for every activity you did during the day, as well as lots of other unnecessary items, you would have had a headache at the airport. You could get charged for all the excess baggage, and you could possibly hurt your back from carrying all that stuff! It would take extra time to get your baggage from the belt, then from the car to the hotel and so on. Your room would be cluttered with so many suitcases and you would never be able to find what you were looking for! On the other hand, if you came with just one bag with the necessities – clean clothes for each day, your toiletries, a good book to read – everything would be so much easier. You will never be weighed down, slowed down or inconvenienced. I use this analogy and apply it to my life. The more I used to accumulate or try to accumulate, the more I acquired, the more I got bogged down and the more difficulties I used to face. So, I decided to travel light in life and I found that my life became easier, calmer and more peaceful. Expectations about life can weigh us down too. Expectations can lead to a lot of frustration; acceptance on the other hand brings a sense of peace and joy. If we live without expectations, we will always be in peace. * The author is a consultant and coach. Instagram handle: @miss_shefa,  Website: missshefa.com

Well, a few times in your life someone will tell you something so right, so deeply true that it changes you forever. In my experience this wisdom, perhaps without knowing it, that I have longed to hear about was the perfection trap, the price you pay when you become ensnared in it, and the key to setting yourself free I believe that when your success looks good to the world but doesn’t feel good in your heart, it isn’t success at all. Embracing imperfection has nothing to do with lower standards; rather it’s about accepting yourself the way you just are and embracing your unique qualities.  Accept yourself completely, knowing you possess a combination of qualities. Instead of bringing attention to your weaknesses, view them as gifts to transform into the wholeness of your being. Its pointless striving to become you’re not. To maintain a façade overtime is exhausting and strips you off your authentic self. But at the same time, growth and change is also very important. Where these imperfections make you unique in every choice you make, you can definitely take steps for good to change that imperfection for better, not for somebody else but own self, if you’re obsessing over it for bad.  It’s never too late to ask yourself, ‘Am I ready to change the life I’m living? For good? For myself? Am I ready to change within?’ Even if a single day in your life is the same as the day before, it’s a pity. At every moment and with each new breath, one should be renewed and renewed again. There’s only a one way to be born into a new life, embracing your uniqueness and your imperfections. In this world, it is not similarities or regularities that take us a step forward, but blunt opposites. And all the opposites in the universe are present within each and every one of us.  Therefore, the believer needs to meet the unbeliever residing with it. And the unbeliever in us should get to know the silent good one in us. So does your evil schemer self makes you imperfect, or your choices of kindness? I don’t think any of them do. Imperfection is a perfection of a sort depending on how you nurture it. I’m wandering in the open, exploring the air and myself – finding myself, today and always. Are you up for it? Do you have what it takes? Bisou Bisou!  — Text by Muhammad Asad Ullah, @asadullahgt;  Photos by Syed Hasan Iqbal Zaidi @hasan.xaidi

Amidst the tall structures that stand there as an ant. Hair flying in the air, wind on your face, such a gorgeous view. The joy of seeing changing colours of the building in the night is spectacular.  The glass and mirror on the building dazzle at night in the reflecting light. The whole view is so colourful, filled with hues of orange and red. The adjacent water body reflects the skyscrapers, increasing its grandeur to another level.  Just seeing it is not enough, you would want to freeze the moment. So I have captured it through my lens in a way that everybody can experience it.  — Text by Keerthana Kandarajam, photos by Santhiya Kandaraja (santhiya.09)

The odds that you would happen to see a female limousine driver in Doha are slim. Still, Qatar is not just any other country; women are free to do whatever they like. Well, mostly. And if you commit the error of thinking they could not drive any better than their male counterparts, try getting your right of way with a woman in Doha traffic. There are probably as many women as there are men on Doha roads. Women at the wheel of public transport or limousine services are not as many. It is not the norm. So even as there are many of them driving all sorts of vehicles in their private capacity, from those with little engines to the SUVs, it is still a novelty to find female chauffeurs.  Mina Thapa Chhetri, a mother of nine-year-old, the first female chauffeur from Nepal in Qatar, is breaking that stereotype. From the modest beginning as a cleaner, Mina has come a long way. She came to Qatar in 2013 as a school cleaner and later after an year and half went on to learn driving and acquire a driving licence. After the expiry of her initial contract, she managed to join a limousine company in Qatar, disregarding the narrative that women cannot be chauffeurs, to support her family.  Before coming to Doha, Mina had worked in Malaysia to help with the bags for a solar company. Talking about family and life back home in Nepal, Mina said, “I have a big family. We’re five sisters and three brothers. I’m the youngest one. But, to support my family, I had to look for a job when I was merely thirteen years old. I worked as a tourist guide and as an assistant teacher in Nepal although I never attended a formal school as a kid.” As she drives her limo in Qatar, she talks about the stereotypes she faces in her daily life. “I have broken the stereotype with my own patience. I come from a very conservative society but my family has always been very supportive of whatever I do and go for. They’re my real strength in what I am today,” she says.  Talking about driving around in Doha, Mina says, “It is difficult to be a driver in a foreign country, at least, psychologically. Many of my passengers don’t believe that I am a Nepali. They think I am an East Asian, an Indonesia or a Malaysian. I love talking to my passengers when I’m driving them to destinations. I know Arabic quite well. I want to know more about them, for what they do and the kind of life they’re living around.” Chhetri finds her passengers happy to see a woman behind the wheel. “I think women are much more careful drivers than men. The percentage of female accidents is very low. Children and seniors alike really like to ride with female chauffeurs. Back in Nepal even, we have very few female cab drivers. Last year I met one, and she was quite a bold woman. I was proud to see my reflection in her,” she says.  Drawing parallel between female chauffeurs in Nepal and Qatar, Chetri says, “It’s a matter of security for a woman driver in Nepal. However, in Qatar it’s totally different. We feel so secure here.” An independent woman, Chhetri is an inspiration to Nepali rural women. She is the sole breadwinner of her family, including son, husband and in-laws. “They [family] live in Chitwan, which is quite expensive. But my job pays me enough,” she tells.  Recently, Chhetri also opened a small shop selling plumbing items in Chitwan for her home-bound husband and in-laws.  Chhetri wants to continue driving in Qatar. “My plan is to own vehicles in Nepal to ferry female passengers.” She feels confident that a driver’s job is more than enough to survive.

Face your fears and the rewards can be profound. You can discover the true depth of a relationship. Or what you’re capable of withstanding. Some stories open the door for something more.  And then there are fairytale endings. And endings that turn you introspective about your own life and your place in the world. And then there’s the ending that you saw coming a mile away, and yet somehow still takes you by surprise. But don’t worry, where the story ends, there’s always a start of a brand new chapter. The problem is, the more you gain, the more you stand to lose. Are you ready to find out what you’re made of? Because to survive in this glossy world, that is all about heights, you better be fearless. You can choose to go on the offensive and come out swinging. Or you can pack your bags and admit defeat. Or you can drink yourself into oblivion and hope it’ll all just go away.  Whatever you choose to do, one thing is certain – that it is not the end, because try as you might to fight it, you cannot ignore the power of skyline and lights that shine in your eyes and spirits. Bisou Bisou! – Text by Muhammad Asad Ullah,  @asadullahgt;  Photos by Syed Hasan Iqbal Zaidi  @hasan.xaidi

Katara Cultural Village, also known as Valley of cultures, is a centre to explore traditions, theatre, art and architecture. It is open to everyone, located between the Pearl-Qatar and West Bay.  It was opened in 2010, and conceptualised to replicate Qatari culture through conventional architecture.  The facilities include heritage centres, opera house, libraries, amphitheatre, art galleries, academic facilities, cafes, restaurants, museum and outdoor greenery spaces. Katara is divided into different regions and the visitors can stroll around.  The paths around the centres depict a feeling of narrow walkways and alleys, shaded by ribbons of cloth. The amphitheatre overlooks the radiant blue sea. The Katara amphitheatre is an architectural beauty and created as a fusion of the Islamic design and classical Greek theatre concept. It has a seating capacity 5,000 persons. There is a public beach that adorns the Katara as well. This is one of the most beautiful natural beaches of Qatar and covers nearly 2km. There are many adventurous beach activities, water sports and games for both children and adults. Sport activities include sailing, water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, boat rides and banana rides. It is a place to enjoy at night time, for a stroll along the promenade, with its expansive views of Doha’s skyline, as well as a rich array of seaside food stalls and markets. — Text by Keerthana Kandaraja, photos  by Santhiya Kandaraja (@santhiya.09) 

Qatar always has something to offer to every keen explorer. Almost every part of this great state is unique in the sense that there is an aspect of culture, religion and even government. It never cease to amaze me that the blending together of all these aspects converge to bring out a Qatar that is not only conducive for all expats working here but also to be a destination for functions and events that put and sustain it in the global scale. 2022 FIFA World Cup set to be held here is a classic example, and a proof beyond reasonable doubt, that Qatar is a coveted idol of many other nations.  When it comes to works of architecture, many people view them through the lens of height and maybe the design in terms of the idea behind it. For me, what catches my attention most when I’m moving around this great state is the shape, uniformity and colours that buildings take. With regard to shape, it is not uncommon to come across an architectural work that resembles, say for example, a torch, while others will make you speculate about the original architect’s idea and motivation behind the structure’s shape.  Buildings’ uniformity is another aspect of architecture that will catch you by surprise while on daily errands. Besides this uniformity, some may even take a linear formation along a street, making it so easy for a visitor to lose track of their way if not so keen. For those that occupy both sides of the street with this uniformity, they may make someone feel so tiny walking between them. On the other hand, such a walk becomes a manifestation of magnitude of human intelligence in the midst of modern day architectural and technological advancement. Finally, colour is another aspect of Qatar’s architectural work. It is not a wonder to be bewildered by conspicuousness of a building whose colours are mixed with utmost expertise, making it stand out from others and thus striking dominance even in the presence of other taller buildings. Many times, colours may communicate a hidden message, or just serve aesthetic purposes.  – Text by Polycarp Maina, photos by Jayan Orma

Finishing nearly 5,000 metres above sea level after hundreds of kilometres winding past blackened glaciers and snow-capped peaks: a new Pakistani race presents a world-class challenge for cyclists — climbing towards the “Roof of the World”. The Tour de Khunjerab — its name a homage to its more famous French counterpart, which began on Saturday — is still many years away from being another Big Loop, but with a solid claim to being the highest cycling race in the world, it has a lot to offer a certain type of athlete. In the last week of June, some 88 cyclists, including two teams from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka as well as solo participants from Spain and Switzerland, took part in its second edition. Less than half completed it within the allotted time. The four stages — three ranging from 68 to 94 kilometres (42 to 58 miles) plus a shorter time trial — are much shorter than many other cycling events. But there is one fundamental difference: the Pakistani Tour starts at 1,500 metres above sea level, and never stops climbing. The final day of this year’s event sums up the challenge. Starting at 2,800 metres — higher than the Iseran Pass, the summit of the Tour de France — it ends at 4,700 metres, just over 100 metres short of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. The Khunjerab Tour must become “an attraction... for the most daring and adventurous cyclists in the world”, said Usman Ahmed, the top official for the northern Gilgit region, home to some of the planet’s tallest peaks and where the race was held. The cyclists’ tyres swallow up the asphalt of the Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world. Named after the Karakoram mountain range — just one of the ranges in Gilgit — the road passes through an extraordinary landscape. Soaring, jagged peaks contrast with vertiginous ravines, glaciers driving a chill wind, and tumbling aquamarine rivers. Landslides are common. Guardrails are a flimsy suggestion of protection from steep falls of hundreds of feet. “There is no place in the world that offers all these things,” said Ahmed. “No doubt it is the toughest cycle race in the world. We are aiming to make it our trademark,” said Haroon General, president of the Pakistan Cycling Federation. “The most difficult part of the race is the final stage where cyclists face shortage of oxygen and there is risk of heart issues... At such an altitude a person falls down (faints) after running for 200 metres, but our cyclists travelled for almost 59 kilometres,” he said. Five ambulances were on standby in case of emergencies in the final stage, he said, adding: “A majority of the cyclists made it but the support staff needed ambulances.” Breathless The winner of the event, Najeeb Ullah — a Pakistani from a hilltop village in the southwestern province of Balochistan who won three of the four stages — told AFP that breathing was a “problem” for him in the final climb. “I had to face a lot of difficulties while reaching the finishing line,” located at the Khunjerab Pass, the border between Pakistan and China, he said. Especially since altitude was not the only obstacle: On the final day, fierce winds drove snowflakes into the cyclists’ faces, forcing some already struggling to catch their breath to dismount. “Our entire training is reduced to nothing when we reach the final stage,” lamented Abdullah Aslam, a participant who could not finish the race. “I could barely pedal and was feeling breathless,” he admitted. Aslam, a runner from Islamabad, had already had to dismount and walk to the finish on the second day. “The road was so steep that a majority of the cyclists had to get off their cycles because even a normal vehicle (two-wheel drive) faces issues,” he recalled. Organisers said in some sections the competitors faced a gradient of 20 percent, an angle rarely seen in such competitions around the world. At each stage organisers wearing construction helmets scrutinised the surrounding mountains, peering closely for any sign of the rockfalls that periodically smash on to the road — a potential peril to the cyclists below. The threat of danger was in stark contrast with the joyful welcome the cyclists received in villages along the route, with residents playing traditional instruments to cheer them on. “On each mountain, each town, there were welcome signs,” said Ramon Antelo, a Spanish diplomat based in Pakistan, who called the race his “best cycling experience” and now hopes to pull together a team to compete next year. He added: “A race like this is not in any other place. In Europe, Mont Blanc — you cannot ride it by bike.” — AFP

The Corniche is not just the most popular running route in the country; it has also been one of the most ideal spots for families in Qatar for many years now. The beautiful view of the sea and the lush green grass attracts many young and old visitors alike.  Families especially visit Corniche on the weekends as an ideal picnic spot and bring along their lunch or evening snacks, together with camping chairs and board or card games. Whether it’s for a few hours or an overnight stay, quality time spent with near and dear ones at an outdoor setting provides ideal opportunity to relax and discuss issues that you perhaps find difficult to disclose in the setting of a house.  When you have a household where everyone is busy doing their own thing, it can be difficult to find time where everyone disconnects from their responsibilities to focus solely on one thing: listen intently to what members of your family are going through. And what better way to do it than stepping out of the confines of your house! Add on to that the fact that a picnic on a sunny day also aids in vitamin D and calcium absorption, which is something many people in Qatar need! We can go on and on about the benefits of picnics, but perhaps the best is that it’s what you need for maintaining healhty relationships with some of the most important people in your life. — Text by Azmat Haroon @azmatharoon,  photos by Chito S. Almacen @chitos_peak

Qatar’s State Mosque, also known as Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, is an amalgamation of contemporary design and traditional architecture. It is one of the largest mosques in Qatar which is enormous and spacious. The mosque is built on a large hill and is visible from a long distance. At night, the whole mosque is lit up in a grandeur manner and the view is breath-taking. The mosque is made up of three levels- basement, ground floor and mezzanine.  There are 93 domes on the mosque, 65 make the outer quadrangle and 28 make the central hall. The mosque has 20 entrances - three main and 17 on the sides. The doors are engraved with Islamic geometric patterns. The centre of the Mosque has a large courtyard area. The facade has many elegant arches which is made up of sand stone. The interior is decorated with large beautiful chandeliers. Due to the tiled floors the building projects reflection, which adds to the grandeur of the mosque. It is a great place for worshippers, but keen photographers will find solace in capturing the brilliance of its architecture through their lens as well.  — Text by Keerthana Kandaraja @through.my.kitchen, photos Santhiya Kandaraja

The much awaited Doha Metro is now nearly two months old with almost all the city dwellers akin to the Red line that was put into operation on May 8. The Launch of the Doha Metro literally not just brought places closer but even commuters and communities alike. It was heartening to see a Qatari family sit beside a Sri Lankan family in the gold class and a young Qatari kid clench the Doha metro information pamphlet as well as a young kid use the self-help service at the ticketing counter with the assistance of his father. There were over 40,000 people who took the metro in the first week of its operations. It takes approximately 30 minutes from the Wakrah Metro Depot to the last (presently operating) stop on the red line which is the Qassar Depot; the last stop is actually the Lusal Depot but was not in operation on May 8. When fully operational, it will also connect to the Hamad International Airport. The feeder buses were also put in to operation from day one whereby commuters could use this transport facility to get closer to their final destination– be it their home or the place they are visiting. The red line of Doha Metro runs for approximately 40 kms in its entirety from Wakrah to Lusail and has 18 metro stops the major ones being Katara, West Bay and Qatar University. The Msheireb Metro Stop, which is also named as the Souq Waqif stop, will be the hub as it will connect with the other two lines, Green and Gold, in the near future.On my journey I was pleasantly surprised to meet the German Ambassador to Qatar Hans-Udo Muzel who proudly showed me his ticket that he purchased and was doing a recce to showcase how the football fans will use the metro during Qatar 2022.   — Text and photos by Bosco Menezes @bigbfotografi

Apart from offering people a chance to relax and connect with family and friends during a fishing trip, such activities are also exciting because Qatar waters offer exciting fishing for the novice and professional angler alike.  There are many places, including beaches, where you can go fishing in Qatar, and an exciting and varied number of species can be caught here easily. Studies suggest that more than 150 species of fish can be found at Qatar’s coastline.  Perhaps the most popular fishing spot among enthusiasts is at the northeast coast of Qatar. Common species of fish found in and around Qatar include King Mackerel, Barracuda, Queen Fish, Kobia, Sheri and Snapper among others. With the beginning of summers in Qatar, be careful of the sun when planning your next fishing venture. The hot summer weather conditions have a reputation for adversely affecting the activities of Qatar’s fishermen. — Text by Azmat Haroon @azmatharoon,  photos by Mohamed Samad Imran M @imran_ismarbaan  

Here is an interesting trivia for you. You may have noticed that sunsets usually appear in colours of yellow, orange, and red. The colour red particularly stands and that’s because red has the longest wavelength of any visible light – the sun is red when it’s on the horizon, where it’s extremely long path through the atmosphere blocks all other colours. But it’s not merely the science of colours that makes sunsets so peculiar, especially those in the desert lands. The emotions evoked by a sunset often depend on the place and time of your life – literally as well as figuratively. That is because the setting sun represents many things, and one of them is the passing of time. It could symbolise the end of a day, completion of a journey or perhaps even the concluding moments of a lifetime. In that respect, sunsets push us to think deeply and reflect on our lives.  Sunsets in Qatar can be fierce, bold, mesmerising, or even tranquil. The setting sun on a given day may appear differently to different people, depending upon their location. But we strongly recommend that the next time witness a sunset in Qatar, take a break from whatever you are doing and take a few moments to revel in its beauty and colours. The experience will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenating.  — Text by Azmat Haroon @azmatharoon,  photos by Mohamed Samad Imran M  @imran_ismarbaan 

One of the things that people in Qatar love the most about the country is the quality and variety of food they get here – be it Karak or Majbous. But if you were to ask one thing that bewilders them the most every other day, many will tell you that it’s the awe-inspiring structures. It’s no secret that Qatar is an architectural gem, with a number of iconic buildings and structures spread across the country.  From towering skyscrapers to beautifully designed museums, here are my top picks for the most iconic buildings in the country. Abdullah Bin Zid Almahmud Cultural and Islamic Center: Located close to the Doha Corniche, this mosque is a famous landmark in Doha. The most unique feature of the mosque would be the spiral shape of the minaret. The mosque itself is simple yet the interior is so calm and peaceful. The minaret rises confidently amidst the other surrounding constructions. No stay in Qatar will be complete without a visit to this unique place. Aspire Tower: This building is 300ft tall tower which was completed in November 2007. Another landmark of Doha, this tower consists of the immensely popular 360° revolving restaurant. When the tower is all lit up at night, it becomes a spectacular sight to see. — Text and photos by Mohamed Samad Imran M @imran_ismarbaan

Katara Cultural Village, also called the Valley of Cultures, is a unique place to visit for everyone, especially those fascinated by traditions, theatre, art and architecture. The cultural village was constructed on reclaimed coastal land on the eastern coast between the Pearl-Qatar and West Bay to the north of Doha. The soft-opening took place in 2010 on the occasion of the Doha Cultural Capital of the Arab World year. The valley is conceptualised to replicate Qatari culture through conventional architecture and contains many activities. This project includes heritage centres, opera house, libraries, an amphitheatre, art galleries and other academic facilities – not to mention cafes, museum, business establishments, green areas and information centres. The entire Katara complex is built with a fusion of oriental architectural and retro-romantic style, which is very different from most of Doha’s charming new cultural buildings.  Other than being a forum for scholars and artistes, Katara aims in acknowledging and promoting cultural awareness in Qatar and raising the artistic energies through the administration of different organisations, societies and facilities. Build to epitomise Qatari traditional architecture and heritage, Katara’s landscape makes it a exquisite environment for cultural, creative, intellectual and artistic activities through carnivals, social events, symposiums, exhibitions, concerts and all other kinds of artistic ventures. — Text and photos by Mohamed Samad Imran M

“Travelling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller,” said Ibn Battuta, a famous Muslim traveller of medieval times. The case of a noted young Qatar traveller Ali bin Towar al-Kuwari is no different. He is a keen traveller, travel writer and television presenter. Qatar National Library (QNL) recently hosted a travel adventure lecture with Ali, who shared his amazing experiences and lessons with the audience at the auditorium of QNL. The well-attended event was a forum for the host of the popular Arabic travel series, Khota El Rahala, to present interesting aspects of his global explorations and experiences. Al-Kuwari shared his adventures in countries, including Brazil and China and his compelling personal observations about the diverse cultures and people he has encountered in the style of story-telling. In his over an hour-long talk, the traveller mostly spoke about his adventures in American continent, particularly South America, and in Antarctica. Throughout his talk, Ali stressed the significance of travelling and from his experience how diverse the world is and how beautiful diversity is. His talk was so engaging that a gathering of diverse people remained unmoved for almost all the time listening to his experiences and later his answers to different questions. He talked about his travel through Mexico, Columbia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina and the diversity he saw. “There is a lot of diversity out there. There is diversity of colour and there is diversity of language.  Talking about these countries, he spoke about his different experiences. He shared the stories of how simple people live and still how content they are. “During my travel, I met a lot of different people. One woman, working at a tea stall, was not ready to accept extra money from me. She thought the extra money would make her idle.” Ali also shared the fact that the Arab names are very common in South American countries despite the fact these countries are not Muslim countries. “I found many names similar to the names we have in the Arab world. For example, the name Saeeda is very common in Cuba.” He found people in many South American countries to be very content despite modest earnings. “I met a woman who told me that she earns $13. When I asked the money is for one day work, she said no. When I asked the money is for one week, she said no. She said that she gets the money as her monthly salary. She was content. When I asked how she is happy with such a meagre earning, she said that she did not need much. She said she had everything — house, food, and clothes. From her story, I came to realise that money is not everything. It is a means and not the end.” Explaining certain distinguished features of each South American country, Ali said: “Ecuador is the jewel of South America. Bolivia is known for its deserts and Amazon River. Brazil is called the melting pot of South America. You will see very beautiful kids in Brazil.” The traveller became particularly excited when he spoke about his travel to and the hurdles he faced during his voyage to Antarctica. “It was very fascinating to be out there. It was so beautiful that I did not take photos. No photo can explain the feelings I had when I was in Antarctica.” At the end of his talk, the audience asked him multiple questions and in response he further shared his experiences. About the question of different war zones in the world, he said: “These are man-made problems and sufferings. The natural diversity of humankind is very beautiful. Imagine, if God had made all the world similar, it would not have been so beautiful. We should travel to appreciate the diversity and the beauty.” Responding to a query about how many countries he had so far travelled, Ali said that he has been to 73 countries. “I will continue my travel and soon set out for my next expedition.”  About a question on globalisaiton, he said: “Globalisation is a part and parcel of our lives. It has actually made travelling easier. The new technologies are also very helpful for travelling.” When asked what has so far been his biggest challenge, he said: “I faced the biggest challenge when I was imprisoned in Mexico and Columbia for certain travel-related issues. However, every challenge has made my love for travelling stronger.” In the end, he appreciated QNL for regularly hosting events to recognise Qatar’s outstanding youth and individuals and to offer a platform for educating the wider community. Al-Kuwari said: “Qatar National Library took our research to a different level by giving us access to its rich learning material. We used the library’s resources for a research about China for one of our programmes, which has thirty episodes, and covers a variety of topics. We relied on the library, and its staff members to guide us through its physical and online collections. “The resources available at QNL’s collections are organised in a unique way and it is very easy to find the books you want to use. The atmosphere here is great, and I often come here to read books.” Mohammed Zaidan, an enthusiast who attended the event, said: “The lecture was very interesting, and I learned a lot today. Travel is one of the most useful ways for people to learn about world cultures and expand their horizons.” “Those who do not get the opportunity to travel the world can read about other countries, and the library is an ideal place to do so. It offers some of the best travel books,” he concluded.

During my first visit to the Education City Mosque located in the Education City, I found the whole space breathtaking. This is the first truly modern structure for worshippers in the region and it is already an inspiration for many. The interior juxtaposes light and shadow. The uniqueness of the building is that the rays of light penetrate through the holes of different shapes and sizes.  The peculiar features of the mosque are the two minarets, similar to ribbons which strive for the sky. The mosque rests on five large columns with each featuring a verse from the Quran. Prayer lines are calligraphed over the facade of the building. Four streams of water flow from the surrounding garden into the building. The mosque has a main prayer hall - a hall for men and a hall for women, and classroom spread across the floor.  This is a must visit place for people in Qatar, especially since everybody is welcome to visit. It is also a place to go and click some stunning pictures, get enlightened about religion and spend some quiet time. It is an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling city. — Text by Keerthana Kandaraja, photos by Santhiya Kandaraja

This summer, hundreds of thousands of us will travel. For most of us, catching a flight is a normal part of life, and often the prospect of taking flight means we’ll be arriving at a new destination soon, often with new horizons, culture and food. However, we know that flying pollutes the Earth with harmful carbon emissions, and so it’s something that should be of a concern to all of us. I’m an eco-entrepreneur, with an ethical approach to my businesses that range from vegan cafés, to sustainable packaging solutions, and vegan skincare — however, wherever I can I want to ensure that I am also an ethical consumer. When travelling, I do this by ensuring I bring my own bottle of water in a (reusable bottle). I also bring my own headphones and amenities so that I am able to reduce the amount of waste onboard, and of course — I bring my vegan food to consume when airborne to ensure I’m staying healthy and nourished with quality ingredients which are especially necessary when in a closed environment like a pressurised airplane cabin However, the one thing I have discovered recently is that I can offset the carbon for my journey which helps reduce the impact I have had while airborne. If you’ve never heard of carbon offsetting before, you’re not alone. It seems it’s not popular here in the Middle East yet, but it’s widely used almost everywhere else. Carbon offset schemes allow passengers to invest in environmental projects around the world in order to balance out their carbon footprint that will be created as a result of taking a flight. How do I do this? I pay around $10 to a reputable carbon offset journey who calculate the air miles I will be travelling from A to B. My $10 then goes towards reforestation (the planting of more trees), conservation projects in developing countries, and more. In simple terms, it’s the company promising me that the action they will take will ‘cancel out’ my emissions. Will the aircraft still be polluting the sky? Yes — but carbon offsetting is a way in which we can travel more ethically for now, until a more sustainable solution to flying is available. One thing I discovered is that major airlines, including British Airways, Delta, United and Qantas all offer Carbon Offsetting as part of the flight booking process. However, it’s not currently an option given to passengers of Qatar Airways here in Doha, which is something I think we need as soon as possible. We all have a role to play in ensuring we are ‘doing our bit’ to help save the planet — and so carbon offsetting is a better way to fly — hopefully it will be encouraged by our national airline soon so that we can have a more ethical consumer-approach to flying. Do you carbon offset your flights? Are you aware of other ways in which we can travel more sustainably? Feel free to reach out to me on social media to share your experience! * The author is an expert in vegan wellbeing and health. Instagram handle: @Ghanim92

One in every eight Turkish Lira is now generated by the nation’s travel and tourism sector. According to World Travel and Tourism Council’s City Travel and Tourism Impact Report, the travel sector contributed TL461.3 billion (USD95.6 billion) to the country’s economy in 2018, with the sector now representing a 12.1% share of the Turkish economy. Growth in the Turkey’s tourism sector has in fact outpaced the global growth rate: the nation’s travel and tourism economy grew by 15% in 2018, significantly higher than the global growth rate of 3.9%. ‘The travel and tourism sector plays a crucial role as a driver of economic growth, job creation and social inclusion. Repeat visits from tourists from the GCC countries in particular help fuel the growth of this sector. We expect tourist spending in Turkey to continue undeterred through to the end of this year as the number of visitors bound for Turkish cities rises,’ noted Salih Ozer, Attaché of Culture and Information Turkey, in a statement. According to the research, Istanbul is also considered eighth in the world for international spend, accruing USD16.3 billion in visitor exports, ahead even of other popular European destinations, including London, Paris, Barcelona and Amsterdam. A large slice of this spend has been attributed to Turkey’s growing popularity as a shopping destination.  A significant spike has been reported in the number of international tourists — particularly tourists from neighbouring Arab Countries — travelling into Turkey to shop, especially for high-end designer and luxury brands.  Given its status as a bustling metropolis straddling the boundary separating Europe from Asia, and its cultural connections to the ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, its range of tourist hotspots and its architectural marvels, there is no shortage of ways to spend your time in Istanbul. You could hit up postcard-worthy sites such as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, or you could soak up some incredible history with a visit to the Underground Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace or the Theodosian Walls.  Are you also headed to Istanbul or Turkey for that matter for some summer retreat? Is it your first visit or a repeated one? Here we list down the top eight ideas rather than just shopping to get off the beaten path in Istanbul and get a real Turkish ethnic experience beyond the typical sights and sounds. Go rowing on the Golden Horn A visit to Istanbul’s legendary Golden Horn — Turkey’s iconic waterway — is a must, but why not experience it from a different perspective? Rowing on the Golden Horn has been a staple on the waters of the Bosphorus since the late Ottoman period, and there are now a number of sports clubs that offer novice and professional visitors rowing trips down the waterway. Explore street art on the Asian Side Mural Istanbul — a street art festival that ships in artists from around the world each year to paint murals on the façades of local buildings — has turned the Yelde?irmeni neighbourhood of Kad?köy into one large open air art gallery. The festival has already attracted the likes of Pixel Pancho, INTI, JAZ, Dome, Tabone, Ares Badsector and CHU to cover the sides of entire buildings with art. Experience hamam This one’s a bit of a no-brainer: if you’re in Istanbul, you have to try out one of the local hamams (Turkish baths). Once frequented by viziers and sultans to clean up and socialise, Istanbul’s hamams now serve up steamy scrubs and massages to tourists and nostalgic locals within marble walls and under lofty domes. It’s a chance to relax and take in a little history, blended together in one unique experience. Go mushroom hunting You might think mushrooms can’t exactly thrive in a busy metropolis, but there are over 12,000 varieties of mushrooms to be found in Turkey. Forests north of Istanbul — perfect destinations for nature enthusiasts — are flush with a plethora of mushrooms. Several tour operators host scavenger hunts to spot specific varieties and taste them, as well as host picnics in the forest. Have dinner with a local family To experience Turkish hospitality at its finest, you have to experience a home-cooked meal at the hands of a Turkish family. Obviously, the most authentic way to experience this would involve getting invited to a local’s house. However, if this isn’t quite possible, you could simply book the experience and enjoy a home-cooked feast with a local family in the historic neighbourhood of Sultanahmet, gaining a deeper insight into the Turkish culture. Watch the Whirling Dervishes The Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order are the best-known practitioners of ‘Sama’, which refers to a form of meditating by focusing on melodies and dancing. In 2008, Unesco confirmed the ‘Mevlevi Sama Ceremony’ of Turkey as one of the ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. The spiritual rituals of these Whirling Dervishes can be seen as performances organised at various locations across Istanbul.  Climb aboard Istanbul’s ferries Spanned by two mammoth bridges, the Bosphorus is traversed on a daily basis by thousands of cars, ferries and fishing boats. Travelling in the famous public excursion ferry alongside massive tankers and cargo ships making their way from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea certainly makes a memorable day trip. Climb aboard a ferry at sunset, when the grandiose silhouette of the Old City is thrown into relief against an orange-red or dusky pink sky. Dine in two continents on the same day One last fun thing you can try in Istanbul: have breakfast in Europe with a view of Asia and have lunch in Asia with a view of Europe on the same day. This unique experience is one not many cities can offer. Or you could even dine on an island between the two continents.