48+Hours+2nd+Edition Web

7/31/2019 48+Hours+2nd+Edition Web

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frequent visitors to qatar are often surprisedat the pace the country evolves and grows in all

multitudes. a nation that is rich in oil and gas,

qatar is a thriving economy that is bringing in

massive amount of business travellers while the

development of doha as a cultural hub has seen

an influx of global visitors for cultural events

and exhibitions. this marks an exciting phase for

qatar, bringing the best of both worlds, business

as well as cultural tourism, for the first time in

the country.

48 hours in qatar provides you bitesize information

to get the best out of your trip, whether you are a

business traveler or a visitor on transit. the guide

details all the different experiences that you can

have to truly immerse yourself in the different

facets of qatar, from the soulful journeys of

the desert to the glamorous lifestyles of the

modern city.

edit note

disclaimer:

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in 48 hrs is as up-to-date as possible. Some details, however,such as telephone numbers, opening hours and website addresses are liable to change. Recommendations and traveltips contained are suggestions only and should not be solely relied upon in making, or refraining from making, any deci-sion. 48 hrs does not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, in relation to the contents.Your comments, views and suggestions are welcome and should be sent to [email protected]

coming soon


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6/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 26

on

ten

ts

24 hours or more

katara valley of cultures

museum of islamic art

mathaf

souq waqif

tips & guides27

restaurents30

the pearl41

shopping44

other pointsof interest49

This is a 48 Hrs presentation, published by Oryx Advertising Co. WLL in the State of Qatar. The contents of thispublication are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher and/or

license holder. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any advertising contents carried in this publication.

Contact @ [email protected], www.omsqatar.com

c : +974 44550983, 44672139, 44671178, 44667584 f: +974 44550982

24

37

06

14

19

If you are spending 24 hours or more inQatar, take the opportunity to explorethe natural beauty of the desert bytaking trips out of Doha.

Katara is Dohas cultural village, acollection of restaurants, galleries as wellas artistic and creative societies.

An outstanding piece of architecture designed byrenowned Chinese-American architect IM Pei, theMuseum of Islamic Art is the jewel of Doha.

Mathaf, which means museum inArab, is a modern and cozy spacethat plays host to the works of Arabartists and exhibitions that offer anArab perspective on internationalmodern and contemporary art.

This shopping destination isrenowned for selling traditionalgarments, spices, handicrafts,and souvenirs.


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9/5694 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

1 singing sand dunes, dune

Bashing and desert safari

D i ne f e few e in e wld

wee e dee dne pdce deep

nd enn mming nd ened

i e nicknme f singing snd Dne. ti

i nl penmenn eling fm e

friction of a thin layer of sand owing down

e ide f nd dne. te ficin nd i

amplied by the crescent shape of the dunes

and can be heard up to 10km away. The exact

lcin f e singing snd Dne i GPscdine: 25.0388811, 51.4060266

alng wi viiing e singing snd Dne, e

vel pe will lly pln e dy ip

together with an experience of Dune Bashing.

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as you

take on the desert dunes in big 4x4 wheels!

If y p f fll dy fi, e iiney

will lly inclde eing p cmp e

inlnd e f e nig wee y will ge

experience a taste of Bedouin lifestyle. Enjoy

e illne f e dee nig kie nd wkeup to the beautiful sunrise over the sand.

GPS25.0388811,51.4060266


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Al Zubara town is

cc c

in Doha. It was originally the centre

of power for Qatar and the town

was established as

p p p

c P g 18

C. The site is currently being

excavated to gain better insight into theglorious times of the trading port. The Al

Zubara fort was built in 1938 during the

reign of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al

Thani and was erected beside the ruins

of the original fort from the 18th century.

It was used as a coastguard station up

till the mid 1980s.

2 al Jassasiyeh stone Carvingsal huwailah, northern Qatar

These rocky hills close to the north-eastern coast of Qatar between thetwo villages of Al Huwailah and Fuwairit,c 900 pc

carvings depicting dierent types b b. Spread over alarge area, the carvings may be dicult

to spot, so it is b p .

3 al ZuBara fortand al ZuBara townal ZuBara,northern Qatar

GPS25.9770111,51.0454156


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4 umm salal mohammed fortand BarZan towerumm salal, north of doha

Umm Salal is home to the Umm Salal

Mohammed Fort and the BarzanTower, both a historical attraction to

this area. The fort was built during

the late nineteeth and twentieth

centuries as a residential fort and

features thick high walls and an

impressive facade. The fort was also

q c

cc . The

Barzan Tower was originally built as

a watch tower and has a T shaped

architectural style. It has three levels

and an external staircase.

GPS25.40541,51.44134

Qatar international

adventures

If you have 24 hours or more to spare

in Doha, be sure to check out the

adventures and desert experiencewith a tour operator. Managed by

professionals and trained ground

handlers, Qatar International

Adventure (QIA) is one of the most

reliable and sought-after tour

operators in the country. They oer

unique desert adventures, tours and

safaris, and their designated desertcampsite is uniquely located, just

steps away from the inland sea. You

can choose from a variety of packages

oered or tailor your own experience

to match your perferences. QIA is well-

acclaimed by visitors and residents

for their reliability and excellent safety

procedures to make sure you have the

best experience with a peace of mind.

QIA also has a counter at Sealine

Resort, for impromptu bookings of

sand duning adventures.


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5 Khor al udeid the inland seasouth east Qatar

Khor Al Udeid is

b

Q c b c

4wd. The backdrop of towering sand

dunes surrounded by the inland sea is

a breathtaking view especially during

sunrise and sunset. The sea mergesinto a narrow channel dividing Qatar

and Saudi Arabia and curves into a

shallow tidal lake. This place is home

to a number of wildlife including

resident and migratory bird species. It is

b p

which will include

k and camel riding in this area.

6 oryx farmal shahaniya, west of doha

The oryx is the national animal of Qatarand this farm is home to a protected herd

of Arabian oryx which were once on thebrink of extinction. The farm is an excellentopportunity for visitors to come up-closewith the animals. ip q pc p

w dp, b

j pc p

p.


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touroPerators

Q it

+974 4455 [email protected]

wwww.qittour.com

ab a+974 4436 1461

[email protected]

Q ia

+974 4455 3954qia-qatar@qia-qatar.

comwww.qia-qatar.com

rc t &t

+974 4434 4444tours@regencyholidays.

comwww.regencyholidays.

com

g a+974 4431 5555

info@gulf-adventures.

comwww.gulf-adventures.com


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KataraKatara is Dohas cultural village, a collective of restaurants,galleries as well as artistic and creative societies.

GPS25.36008,51.52614

lc : Lusail Street, West Bayop h : Various opening times for the various

establishmentsCc : +974 4411 0003

wb : http://www.katara.net t sp : Half day or full day depending on points

of interest to visit


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a saffron lounge

(Building 26)

Modern Indian Cuisine and the menu

was designed with the consultation of

Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia.Opening hours: 12.30 to 3pm, 7pm to

10.30pm

Phone: +974 3325 8919

B Khan farouK taraB Cafe

(Building 7)

Traditional Egyptian Cuisine with shisha

and live musicOpening hours: 12noon to midnight

Phone: +974 4408 0840

C suKar Pasha (Building 31)

Turkish and Arabic cuisine with beautiful

Ottoman inspired lounge for private

parties and dining

Opening hours: 6.30pm to midnight

Phone: +974 4408 2000

d lwZaar seafood restaurant

(Building 27)Modern Seafood with a fresh seafood

counter where you can take your pick

on the choices and have it cooked to

your liking

Opening hours: 12 to 3pm,

7pm to 11pm

Phone: +974 4408 0710

e red velvet CuPCaKes (Building

24)

A cute and chic cafe from the United

States specializing in cupcakes and

coee

Opening hours: 7am to 12 midnight

Phone: +974 4408-0700

restaurants

estimated drivingDuration to the Airport

40 minutes

Spend the afternoonrelaxing at the beach, ortake a tour around the

museum and exhibitionsaround the village and end

the day with

a meal at one of therestaurants while enjoying

a variety of seasonalentertainment including live

music and cultural shows.

Wear comfortable walking

shoes as Katara is designedwith cobblestone landscape

Take advantage of the freebuggy services availablewhen going to dierent

locations of Katara

Call ahead to makereservations at the

restaurants that you wouldlike to dine in especially

during the weekends

tiPsand

adviCe


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The project, which is essentially a cultural

village foundation, aims to serve as a

platform for cultural exchange through

interactions in the community. The

name Katara was derived from the oldest

reference designated for the Qatar

Peninsula in geographic and historicalmaps.

With an emphasis on diversity of

cultures and human development,

Katara is the largest and the most

multidimensional cultural project of

Qatar where communities come together

to experience the cultures of the world.

With beautiful theatres, concert halls,

exhibition galleries and cutting-edge

facilities, Katara aims to become a world

leader for multi-cultural activities. Just

as Qatar is a melting pot of cultures and

people, Katara hopes to share the wealth

of their vibrant cultures and to embracedierences that make our world unique.

Programs

doha film institute

Katara is home to the fast-developing

Doha Film Institute that plays a vital role

in developing lm-making and building

community-based lm projects in theregion. Every year, Katara plays host to

the biggest lm festival in the region, the

Doha Tribeca Film Festival which draws

lmmakers and industry top guns from

around the world.

Katara art Center

visual arts CenterThe arts division of Katara is becoming

one of the top venues for artists

and creative people in the region to

showcase their works. The exhibitions

are often focused on regional issues

and social fabrics, which helps give a

better understanding of the lives and

communities of the Middle East.

sPeCial exhiBition

Between struCturalism and

gestal

Runs until 9th June 2012

Katara Gallery, Building 19

The exhibition is a collection of paintingsby Iraqi Armenian artist, Shetha Faraj

Abbo Al Numan, exploring the relevance

between Gestalt and structuralism in

structuring the art composition. Her

fascination with human art productions

such as Gestalt and the Structuralism,

which are contradicting theories, led her

to the production of this exhibition.

KataraThe unique concept of Katara is not only a

pioneering eort in the region but also an

initiative that is new in global promotional

eorts of culture and arts.


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museum of

islamiC art

GPS25.29526,51.53914

lc : Al-Corniche Streetop h

s, m & w : 10.30 am to 5.30pmt s : 12 noon to 8pmf : 2pm to 8pm

Closed on Tuesdays.Cc : P.O. Box 2777, Doha, Qatar.

Tel: +974 4422 4444wb : http://www.mia.org.qa


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An outstanding piece of architecture

designed by renowned Chinese-American

architect IM Pei, the Museum of Islamic

Art is the jewel of Doha. It is home to a

magnicient Islamic art collection from

the 7th to the 19th century including

manuscripts, ceramics, metals, glass, textiles,

woods and stones from around the world.

The museum also hosts various temporary

exhibitions throughout the year.

highlights

1 The museum galleries are located on

level 2 and 3 which are accessible via stairs

or lifts. Level 2 galleries are divided by

themes designed to introduce visitors to

the language of Islamic art. Level 3 galleries

focus on the journey of Islamic Art

through dierent periods starting from the7th to the 18th century.

2 Exhibits to look for include the silk wall-

hanging from the Al-Hambra Palace, a jade

pendant belonging to Shah Jahan, the 10th

century bronze Andalusian fountainhead in

the form of a doe with a heart-shaped mouth

and an ornate spherical brass plate from

Mesopotamia used to measure the position

of the stars.

3 MIA also plays host to an extensive

Education and Research Centre which

focuses on the development of the

community to encourage understanding

estimated driving

Duration to the Airport

20 minutes

time to sPend:

Two hours for the full tour

of the museum


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and appreciation of Islamic art and cultural

heritage.

The center hosts educational programs and

workshops throughout the year. Registration

for workshops are available on the website.

4 The MIA Library maintains a vast

collection of books, periodicals and journals

consisting of specialized books on Islamic

art, art reference books, museum collection

and exhibition catalogues, scholarly

periodical on art as well as auction-house

catalogues.

The library is located on the rst oor and

appointment to visit is required via phone

or online.

5 The MIA Park consists of lush greenery

surrounding the museum and is open to thepublic with activities all year round including

lm screenings, sports events, storytelling

programs and art workshops.

It has one of the best views of the city right

at the water bay and is also home to the

iconic sculpture 7 by world renowned artist

Richard Serra.


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sPeCial exhiBition :

Gifts of the Sultan: The Arts of Giving

at the Islamic Courts focuses on a practice

shared by all cultures, gift exchange, and

the delight in receiving gifts and satisfaction

in performing acts of generosity. Bringingtogether over 200 objects associated with

the great Islamic courts from Spain to India,

this exhibition is the rst systematic analysis

on the impact of gift giving from diplomatic

to personal to pious purposes, on the

development of Islamic art. Made of rare and

precious materials and commissioned from

the best artists and carftsmen of the day,

these gifts tell stories including narratives

of intricate making, thoughtful sharing and

extensive traveling.

1 talK:

Early Qurans: Context and Codex

Speaker: Leslee Katrina Michelsen - Curator

of Ceramics, Museum of Islamic Art

Date: June 13th

Time: 6.30pmLocation: 2nd oor Classroom

2 talK:

Telling Tales: Narrative Discourse and Minai

Pottery

Speaker: Marcus Fraser - Manuscript

Specialist

Date: May 16thTime: 6.30pm

Location: 2nd oor Classroom


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mathaf

GPS25.31074,51.41979

lc : Education City, o Al-Luqta Streetop h : Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday

and Thursday: 11am to 6pmf : 3pm to 9 pm

Closed on Monday(please call ahead for changes in timing as Mathaf conducts year long eventswhich aects opening hours)

Cc : Call +974 4487.6662wb : htttp://www.mathaf.org.qa


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Mathaf, which means museum in Arab, is a

modern and cozy space that plays host to

the works of Arab artists and exhibitions that

oer an Arab perspective on international

modern and contemporary art. Mathafs

growing collection of exhibits aims to

connect this regions rich cultural heritage

with fast developing contemporary art

around the world.


45 minutes

time to sPend:An hour

highlights

1 Mathaf is home to an unmatched

collection of Arab art - over six thousand

pieces, representing every decade since

the mid-19th century in every style and

production trend in the region. The earliest

modern works are from the 1840s up to

today.

2

A big part of the works came from H.E.Sheikh Hassan Al Thanis personal collection

in his mission to build a collection that would

highlight the signicance of Arab art and

eventually become a public resource.

He also collected books and periodicals and

began an artists residency program which

has created an extensive archive of materials

documenting Arab artists and their works.

3 Mathaf is located in a unique building

space, formerly a school, which has been

re-designed by the French architect Jean-

Franois Bodin to house Mathafs collection,

gallery space and a variety of facilities

4 Manara is the museums academic and

family programs which has dierent events

happening throughout the year. Checktheir website for on-going programs and

workshops

5 Maktaba is the museums research library

open to both academics and the public. It has

a comprehensive digital and print collection

on subjects including general art history and

criticism with a focus on the Arab art world.


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tiPs and adviCe:a Admission is QR 25 for adults. Tickets

are free for students and children under 16

years old.

B The location of the museum is o the

beaten track so it will be useful to engage a

driver who is familiar with the location.

C Look out for a big art grati work with the

name MATHAF on the wall of the museum

when trying to locate the building space.

d If you are a visitor attending a conference

in the Education City, this should be your

rst point of visit before you hop on to other

attractions.

e Remember to check out Mahal, the

museums unique legendary shop which

houses interesting products from designers

in the region after the tour of Mathaf.

It is a great place to pick up some souvenirs

and items of local interest.

general info

sPeCial exhiBition:1 Black Ceremony explosion project by

renowned Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang, the

exhibition is the artists rst solo exhibition

in the Middle East and will feature more than

50 works, including newly commissioned

pieces, recent artworks and documentary

materials that illustrates the artists creative

work process. The highlight of the exhibition

is his gun powder drawings

The exhibition will run until 26 May 2012

2

talKs & worKshoPsArtist Encounter with Talal Al Qasemi

Date: 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 23 of May 2012

Description: Join ceramicist and Qatari artist

Talal Al Qaemi in a six-day workshop that

explores clay techniques. Get red up for

a great time and learn more about Talals

artistic process.

Using the artwork Fragile from the Cai Guo-

Qiang: Saraab exhibition as the basis of your

inspiration, you will get to experiment with

clay and create dierent forms and gures.

For booking: [email protected]


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tiPs &guide


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1 getting arounda The best way to get around the city

is to z p

that you are staying in. Most

hotels will provide limo service for hire

by the hour or by the destination thatyou intend to visit. mk kp

c

b c c

b pck

p. Cab services are available but it

is always advisable to

p c as cabs

might not be available at all spots inthe city. For longer trips, you may opt

to rent a car.

B The best way to navigate around

the city is to k

c

to. In this guide, you will nd more

c cp

. Providing this information

will be more helpful to your driver as

street addresses are not commonly

used for navigation.

2

dressinga Qatar is a Muslim country so

b pc in

accordance with the local culture.

Generally, k b k

p

c . It

is also a c

c, which can be wrapped

around the shoulders, especially if you

are visiting communal places like the

souq or the park. Tops with plunging

necklines and spaghetti strap tank

tops should be avoided. Men should

avoid wearing sleeveless t-shirts or

shorts. Swimwear including bikinis are

allowed at the hotel pools but makesure you are covered once you move

away from the those areas.

3 soCial etiQuettea As with all cultures, traveling to a new

country means that you may need to

learn a slightly dierent set of social

etiquette. In Qatar, be mindful when

fraser suites

Fraser Suites

Doha has the

perfect location

on Doha Corniche- a magnicent

waterfront cluster

of towering

skyscrapers and glittering coastline.

Just a ve-minute drive away from the

business district of West Bay, Fraser

Suites is close to major corporate

and government oces and within

walking distance of the Museum of

Islamic Art as well as the lively Souq

Waqif with its restaurants and cafs.

Fraser Suites boasts a unique rooftop

spa that oers luxurious pampering.


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you are meeting locals of the opposite

sex. a

their hands rst for a handshake

as some may not feel comfortable

touching a stranger of the opposite

sex.B Pbc p c b

b so be mindful of your

social behavior especially with the

opposite sex when in communal

places.

C Alcohol is served in licensed

restaurants and bars but you

k pbc. dk b pbc

.

d Traveling to new places can be

wonderful photography opportunities

but it is advisable to k

p b

pp p . You might

get into trouble with the law if caught

taking photos without consent.

4 getting the Best out

of 48 hours

a If you have a full day to spend, werecommend that you

m, have an c

pp t P,

drop by K c

p, spend your

m ic a, and

sq wqwith a

local Arabic dinner before heading o

to the airport. Souq Waqif as well as

the museums and forts surrounding it

are c p

p.

B If you have more than 24 hours,

be sure to book your trips out of

Doha with the many tour operators

available. It is b

p c even

before you arrive in Doha.

C If you are arriving in the cooler

months of the year, take advantage

of the weather to cpc t

P where you get the view of the

marina.

d Always c to places and

restaurants that you would like to visit

to make sure they are not booked or

closed for special events.


32/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 232

restaurants

dining

Dining in Doha can be quite an experience with the extensive variety ofcuisines available. The choices reect the -c and -ccomposition of the residents in the city. You can explore the best of eachcuisine at dierent meal times of the day and a large number of restaurants are

clustered together in areas such as r Pz,t P and sq wq.Be sure to call ahead to make reservations because some restaurants can befully booked especially during the weekend. Licensed restaurants means thatalcohol is available in the establishment. In the cooler months, take advantageof the outdoor seating provided by most restaurants to enjoy the weather.


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1 al mourJan leBanese

+974 4483 4423

Al Corniche Street, West Bay

Sat to Weds: 12.30pm to 12.30am

Thurs to Friday: 12.30pm to 1am

The only restaurant that is situated on the

Corniche, you get excellent views plus theexperience of dining by the water. This

award winning restaurant is one of the

best Middle Eastern eateries in the world.

Take your time to enjoy the sea breeze as

you take in the delicious food.

Good for entertaining guests.

2 BurJ al hammam leBanese

+974 4495 3876 ext 1291

Porto Arabia, The Pearl

Daily 10am to 10pm

Impressive selection of Lebanese food

in a very posh environment, this can be

considered Lebanesene dining. Outdoor dining available.

Licensed.


3 leBanese shawarma leBanese

+974 4466 2616

Between D Ring and E Ring Road, O

Airport Road

Daily noon to 2am

Shawarma and Falafel Sandwich snack

place. On The Go.

4 PamPano mexiCan

+974 4495 3876 ext 1221

Al Istiqlal Street, The Pearl

Daily: 6pm to 1am

An excellent Mexican seafood restaurant

with outdoor seating facing the marina.

A dierent take than the usual Mex-Tex

fare. Licensed.

5 la mer international

+974 4484 8000

The Ritz Carlton Doha, West Bay

Sun to Fri: 6.30pm to 11.30pm

On the 23rd oor with specatcular view,

this is a great restaurant to take in great

seafood and enjoy the skyline of Doha.

Licensed. Good for meetings.

6 Bread & Bagels - ameriCan

Cafe

+974 4411 0041Beach Tower, Diplomatic Street

Sun to Thurs: 7am to 10pm

Fri: 9am to 10pm

A great coee and sandwich place

serving the best bagel in town. Take your

pick from the variety of bagel available.


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7 roCCa italian

+974 4448 1270

Grand Hyatt Doha, West Bay Lagoon

Daily: 10am to midnight

This is a great place to dine especially

during the cooler months in Doha as you

take advantage of the pool side setting to

enjoy your Italian fare. Licensed.

8 asia live! - asian

+974 4429 8888

Doha Marriott, Khulaifat

Daily: 6.30pm to 11.30pm

One of the most famous South East

Asian food establishments in Doha and

can get quite busy during the weekends.

Licensed.

9 woK mee asian

+974 4496 6600Movenpick Tower & Suites, West Bay

Daily: noon to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm

Satisfy your cravings for a hearty bowl of

soupy noodles and other Asian treats like

Vietnamese spring rolls and sh cakes.

Intimate setting and a separate area can

be booked for parties or small meetings.

10 al dana seafood

+974 4425 6666

Sharq Village & Spa, Khulaifat

Mon to Sat: 7am to 11pm

An understated ambience and delicious

fresh seafood oerings. Licensed.Good for entertaining guests.

11 al Batross araBiC

+974 4432 8888

Al Bustan Hotel, Mirqab

Daily: noon to 3pm,

7pm to 11pm

dining

grand hyatt, doha

Located on the shoreline of the new

West Bay Lagoon district, Grand Hyatt

Doha features balconies or terraces

in most of its suites & rooms that

showcases breath-taking views of

the Persian Gulf. It is home to one of

the best Asian restaurants in Doha,

Isaan, serving delectable Thai cuisine

in tapas style. Isaan features an open

kitchen concept where you can watch

your dishes being prepared from the

dierent cooking stations.


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36/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 236

A popular place with the locals with

a large selection of dishes including

Lebanese staples of mixed grill and

kebabs.

12 istanBul sultan dining

restaurant araBiC

+974 4468 5089

Next to the Abu Hamour petrol

station

Daily: 6.30am to 1.30am

Large selection of shawarma, sandwiches

and falafel. Perfect for the quick bite atlunch.

On the Go.

13 layali araBiC

+974 4431 0005

Souk Najd, Nasr

Daily: noon to midnight

Fantastic Arabic food and famous for

its appetizers including kibbeh and

tabbouleh.

Good for meetings.14 liZa leBanese

+974 4495 3876 ext 1721

Porto Arabia, The PearlSat to Weds:

noon to 11.30pm

Thurs to Friday:

11.30am to 12.30am

A contemporary take on Lebanese

cuisine giving the traditional usual fare a

new modern twist.


15

ruBy wus Chinese+974 4428 1428

Ramada Plaza, Rawdat Al Khail

Daily: 6pm to 11pm

If you are craving the standard Chinese

fare, this is the place to be with your usual

kung pao chicken and fortune cookie.

Licensed.

dining

ritZ Carlton, doha

Discover a hidden gem of Doha,

Ritz-Carlton, an exclusive island

resort, nestled on the shores of thesparkling blue waters. It is one of the

select resorts that features a 235-slip

marina with club house for boats

and 8 slip marina for jet-ski. Take

advantage of the tness center for a

quick break from your busy schedule

with a calming yoga class or an

invigorating aerobics session.


37/56374 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

16 marKet By Jean georges

euroPean

+974 4453 5353

W Doha, West BayDaily: 7am to 1am, noon to

4pm 6pm to 11.30pm

Michelin chef Jean Georges signature

restaurant nds its home in W Doha

serving up delicious and fuss-free food.

Licensed.


17 BomBay Balti indian

+974 4464 1401

Ramada Plaza, Rawdat Al Khail

Daily: 6pm to 11pm

Specialized in the Balti Curry, cooked in

an iron pot. Licensed.

18 neo JaPanese

+974 4432 2508

Souk Najd, Nasr

Daily: noon to 4pm, 7pm to midnight

One of the best sushi place in town andthe location oers great convenience for

a quick lunch. On the Go.

19 myKonos greeK

+974 4484 4444

InterContinental Doha Hotel, West

Bay

Daily: noon to 4pm, 6.30pm to 11pm

Great Greek food accompanied with an

excellent ambience with both inside and

outside seating. Outdoor setting is by

the pool and oers great view of the city.Licensed.


20 BiCe ristorante italian

+974 4495 3876 ext 1441


Daily: 12.30 to 3.30pm, 7 to 11pm

Be sure to visit this restaurant during the

cooler months to take advantage of the

beautiful outdoor setting paired with

classy Italian food. Licensed.


21 CinQue sensi italian

+974 4443 2999

Souq Waqif

Daily: noon to midnight


38/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 238

With the hustle and bustle of the souq,

come in for a quiet reprieve in this

intimately set restaurant with rustic

Italian dishes.

22 la dolCe vita italian

+974 5573 4809

Al Souk Street, Jasra

Daily: 12.30 to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm

Serving a range of pizzas and snacks, this

place is great for its stellar homemade

gelato. On the Go.

23 alison nelsons ChoColate

Bar Cafe

+974 4495 3878 ext 1311


Daily 10am to 10pm

Variety of chocolate inspired items on

the menu. Be sure to try the desserts and

specialty coee and chocolate drinks.

On the Go.

24 w Cafe Cafe

+974 4453 5353W Doha, West Bay

Daily: 6am to 11pm

Delicious cupcakes and pastries with a

fun and eclectic setting.

25 gourmet house Cafe

+974 4405 3333

Kempinski Residences & Suites,

West Bay

Daily: 9am to 10pm

Deli counter with cold cuts and cheese.

Good for meetings.

26 il teatro italian

+974 4494 8888

Four Seasons Hotel & Residences

Daily: noon to 3pm, 7 to 11.30 pm

Classy restaurant with an old-world

charm, the food is impeccable with

excellent service. Oers private rooms for

dining and private parties. Licensed. Goodfor meetings.

dining

oryx rotana

Oryx Rotanas location right next to

the Doha International Airport makes

it the perfect hotel for businesstravellers who are hopping in and

out of Doha for meetings and quick

stops. The hotel boasts a modern

architecture and design making it

one of the most distinctive structures

in Doha. Treat yourself to a excellent

South East Asian cuisine at ChiZen, or

unwind and relax with some soothingmusic at the Jazz Club.


39/56394 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

souQ waQif

GPS25.28874,51.53317

lc : Between Musherib street andAl Rayyan Road

op h : Most shops open by 10am to 1pmand reopen from 4pm to 10pm


40/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 240

This shopping destination is renowned

for selling traditional garments, spices,

handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is also home

to dozens of restaurants serving cuisines

from all over the world, as well as Shisha

lounges. Although this market dates

back at least a hundred years, it has been

recently restored back to its original glory.

It is now considered one of the top tourist

destinations within Doha.


20 minutes

time to sPend:An hour or two depending

on points of interest

1 Souq Waqif, which means standing

market in Arabic, is a wonderful destination

for shopping and to immerse yourself in the

local culture. This market is a central point

for locals in the region to purchase traditional

goods such as wool, carpets, traditional

thobes and abaya, jewelry and perfume.

It is surrounded by a collection of smaller

souqs which specializes in dierent typesof goods; Gold Souk, Souk Al Ahmed, Souk

Al Dira, Souk Al Asiery, and Souk Haraj. For

detailed information on these souks, refer to

the Shopping section.

2 Souq Waqif is also surrounded by the last

few standing old architecture of old Doha,

including forts and castles which faces the

Corniche. For detailed information and visiting

times on these structures, refer to the Other

Points of Interest section.

3 In the evening, there are special guards in

uniform who will patrol the souq on horses

that are in full traditional livery. Visitors can

take this opportunity to take pictures with

the guards.

4 There is also a camel pen in the parking

space of the Souq where visitors can come

up-close with this iconic animal of the desert.

5 Souq Waqif has also become a hotspot for

art galleries and workshops, hosting several

art galleries, events and public performances.

highlights


41/56414 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

the galleries situated in souQ

waQif inClude;1 al hosh al Qatari lil funoon

gallery

This quaint little gallery in one of the old

houses in the souq often features Qatariartists that you cannot nd anywhere else.

Open: Saturday to Thursday, 9am to

noon, 4pm to 10pm. Friday, 4pm to 10pm

Phone: +974 4441 1305

2 al marKhiya art gallery

Features emerging and established

talent from all around the world through

permanent and temporary exhibitions

Open: Saturday to Thursday, 10am to

noon, 4pm to 10pm. Friday,4pm to 10pm

Phone: +974 4442 8007

www.almarkhiyagallery.com

3 Qatar islamiC Cultural Centre

Right across the street from Souq Waqif, this

unmistakable building in the shape of a spiral

hosts regular exhibitions and workshops in

painting, drawing, design and ceramic with

Islamic themes.

Opening times vary for dierent

exhibitions and workshops all year long.

Phone: +974 4425 0250http://www.fanar.gov.qa/

4 souQ waQif art Centre

The Souq Waqif Art Centre is located in the

restaurant area of the Old Souq, opposite

Le Gourmet and close to the Bandar Fish

Market.

The Centre combines a selection of small& artistic shops with a number of exhibition

rooms laid out around a long narrow

courtyard.

Exhibitions have included The Islamic

Arts exhibition, with displays of ancient

calligraphy, some dating back centuries, and

displays of carpets and photography.

restaurants1 al tawash

One of the biggest restaurants in Souq Waqif

that serves a selection of Arabic cuisine

including authentic Qatari dishes.

Opening hours: 12 noon to 12 midnight

Phone: +974 4494 2002

2 umm alhania

One of the lesser known restaurants in the

souq, this is an Arabic seafood restaurantthat features private rooms for ladies to

dine in.

Opening hours: 1pm to 2am

Phone: +974 4498 4980

3 taJine

This Moroccan outlet serves one of the best

tajines in town with a fantastic ambienceespecially for people watching because of its


42/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 242

central location

Open 24 hours

Phone: +974 4437 3330

4 KhaZana By sanJeev KaPoor

A beautiful Indian restaurant that has great

vegetarian options and is perfect in the

cooler months where you get to sit and dine

in the garden courtyard.

Opening hours: 12 noon to 3.30pm, 7pm

to 12 midnight

Phone: +974 4434 1700

For more listings on restaurants in SouqWaqif, please refer to the Dining section.

tiPs and adviCe1 If you can, hit the souqs in the early

morning for a great look into the local Qatari

life where you get to see locals in actions at

the markets

2 Be sure to not arrive at the souqs in

the mid-afternoon because most shops

will be closed and you will miss out on the

attractions

3 Call ahead to make reservations at the

restaurants that you would like to dine in

especially during the weekends

4 The Souq is the closest to the airport so

you may want to leave it as the last stop of

your short visit. If your ight is in the evening

or at night, try to squeeze in an authentic

Arabic meal at the souq before leaving.

5 Do dress respectfully in the souq

6 When shopping, bargaining is an art and

considered part of the buying and selling

process, so have some fun haggling with

the vendors!


43/56434 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

the Pearl Porto araBia

GPS25.3700088,

51.5439245

lc : The Pearl, Qatar.op h : Various opening times for the

various establishmentsCc : +974 4495 3876wb : http://www.thepearlqatar.com


44/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 244

The Pearl is a new development on a man-

made island of West Bay and is a collective

of residential, retail and lifestyle properties.

The Pearl is home to most international

designer brands including supercars like

Ferrari, home furnishings like Armani Casa

and fashion like Hermes and Balenciaga.

This will be your stop for high-end shopping

and ne dining.


35-45 minutes

time to sPend:Half day or full day

depending on points ofinterest to visit

highlights

1 Porto Arabia, the retail part of the

development is surrounded by the sea and

also serves as a harbour for private yachts,

boats and water taxis. Yachts and boats

are available for charter for events and sea

cruise.

1 Water taxis are available at a fee to travel

from one part of the The Pearl to another.website: http://www.ronauticame.com/

Phone: +974 495 3894

restaurants1 CarluCCios

A fun Italian establishment that does the

standard Italian fare with a bakery as well as

grocer section.Opening hours: 10am to midnight

Phone: +974 4495 3876 ext 354

2 dalloyau

A French tea room with selections of

pastries, macaroons and dessert with

specialty coees

Opening hours: 12noon to midnight

Phone: +974 4495 3851


45/56


46/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 246

shoPPing

The shopping scene in Doha is growing rapidly as more and more new brandsenter the market. Just like dining, you can nd a variety of shopping to suit your

taste, budget and preference here. For local merchandise, hit the souks to nd

interesting gems like carpets, pottery and crafts while the malls will oer all

the international brands you can think of. For a more chic style, visit the fewindependent boutiques where you can nd unique pieces from all around the

world.


47/56474 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

1 villaggio shoPPing mall

+974 44135 222

Aspire Zone, Al Aziziyah

Opening hours:

Carrefour, 8am to 10pm

Starbucks, 8.30am to 10pm

Other Stores, 10am to 10pm

Designed as an Italian village with

gondola rides and visions of blue skies

on the ceilings, Villagio is a one stopentertainment spot for the family. Other

than shops of established brands like Zara,

Mango, H&M and the likes, there is also

an ice hockey rink and a cinema. The new

extension of the mall is home to its luxury

brand tenants including Marc Jacobs,

Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana.

GPS25.26028,51.44273

2 landmarK shoPPing mall

+974 4487 5222

Madinat Khalifa

Opening hours:

Carrefour, 8am to 10pmStarbucks, 8.30am to 10pm


With Marks and Spencer and BHS as its

anchor tenants, Landmark is a favourite

for fashion lovers with brands including

Victorias Secret and Kurt Geiger.

GPS25.33344,51.46498


48/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 248

shoPPing

3 City Centre shoPPing mall

+974 4483 9990Diplomatic District

GPS: 25.32535, 51.53131

Opening hours:

Carrefour, 8am to 10pm

Starbucks, 8.30am to 10pm


This is the biggest mall in Doha with a

variety of stores selling both international

and local products.

There is a big food court as well as

various other restaurants. The mall also

features an ice-rink, bowling alley and a

childrens entertainment centre, spa,

salons, a gym and a cinema.

4 Blue salon dePartment store

+974 4446 6111

C Ring Road, Fareej Bin Mahmood

South

GPS: 25.28341,51.50674

Daily: 10am to 10pm

One of the leading departmental stores in

Doha carrying a wide range of high-endbrands including Armani, Valentino and

Aigner.

5 Zai BoutiQue

+974 44092600

Salwa Road (near Decoration

Roundabout)

GPS: 25.25659,51.48247

Sat Thu: 10am to 10pm

Fri: 4pm to 10pm

Zai is a standalone boutique carrying a

collective of the worlds most renowned

designers and couture collections

including Lanvin, Elie Saab, Marchesa,

Rolland Mouret and BodyAmr.

GPS25.26028,51.44273

GPS25.26028,51.44273


49/56494 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

6 fifty one east dePartment

store

+ 974 4425 7777

Lagoona Mall, West BayGPS:25.37430,51.52408

Saturday till Thursday from 10:00am to

10:00pm

Friday from 2:00pm to 10:00pm

A Qatar based department store that

carries brands like Balmain, Bally, Amore

& Baci, Derek Lam, Chanel, Givenchy, Jil

Sander, and Zac Posen.

7 salam PlaZa dePartment

store

+974 4483 2050

Diplomatic District

GPS: 25.32277, 51.52713Daily: 10am to 10pm

A familiar name in this region, Salam

carries a wide range of upmarket and

high-end goods including clothes,

cosmetics, perfumes, cameras,

household goods and shoes.

8 moda Key BoutiQue

+974 44850585

Al Jazeera Street, Fareej Bin Mahmood

South

GPS: 25.28589, 51.50676

Sun to Thurs: 9am to 8pmSat: 9am to 5pm

Closed on Fridays

An independent boutique with an

eclectic mix of merchandise sourced

from the Middle East and Asian region.

Also carries local Qatar-based designers.

the torCh

The Torch Doha is located right in

the heart of Aspire Zone and is one

of the crown jewels of Doha as it is

currently the tallest building in the

city. The Torch was originally built asthe game torch for the 2006 Asian

Games and have now been converted

into a state-of-the-art hotel oering

the most modern and luxurious

facilities. Be sure to check out the

one and only revolving restaurant in

Doha, Three Sixty where you can get a

complete view of Doha while enjoyingyour dinner.


50/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 250

shoPPing

9 imPressions BoutiQue

+974 38763204

Parcel 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl

Sun to Thurs: 10am to 10pmFri: 4pm to 10pm

An independent boutique carrying cult

and unique designers from all around

the world including New York, Dubai and

Qatar. Good for amazing accessories

and shoes.

10 dados BoutiQue BoutiQue

+974 5455051

Parcel 2, Porto Arabia, The Pearl

Sun to Thurs: 10am to 10pm

Fri: 4pm to 10pm

An independent boutique carrying

designers from Europe and the Middle

East region with a focus on feminine and

evening wear.

11 gold souK souK

O Ali bin Abdullah Street

Surrounding Souq WaqifMost stores open Sat Thu: 10am to

1pm, 4pm to 10pm and Friday, 4pm

to 10pm

An interesting mix of elaborate Indian and

Arabic gold jewellery to simple designs

all in 18 or 22 carat. The purity of gold is

regulated by law.

12 souK al ahmed, souK al dira,

souK al asiery

Souk Al Ahmed Street, Surrounding

Souq WaqifMost stores open Sat Thu: 10am to

1pm, 4pm to 10pm and Friday, 4pm

to 10pm

These three souks are located close to

each other along the same street and is

home to an assortment of fabrics and

accoutrements for you to produce your

own fashion creations. You can nd

products from factories of Japan and

the UK which are famous for producing

quality fabrics.

13 souK haraJ souK

Al Mansoura Street, SurroundingSouq Waqif

Most stores open Sat Thu: 10am to

1pm, 4pm to 10pm Friday: 4pm to

10pm

A great place to get local merchandise at

great prices including furniture, curtains,

carpets, jewellery, crockery and tools.


51/56514 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

other Pointsof interest


52/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 252

1 doha ethnograPhiC museumoff grand hamad & ali Bin aBdulla st+974 4443 6008sunday to thursday, 9am to 12noon, 3Pm to6Pm. friday, 3Pm to 6PmClosed on saturdaystime to sPend: 30 minutesestimated driving duration to airPort: 20

minutes

t b

cc k d

p

c d. It houses a

traditional wind tower which funnels breeze

into traditional homes. These wind towers

were regular features of traditional homes in

Qatar. Excellent museum to learn about the

history and people of Qatar.

GPS25.28874,51.53317

2 fahd Bin ali PalaCeal-rayyan road, Behind the emiri diwan(Presidential PalaCe)+974 4493 2438daily: 9am to 12Pm, 4Pm to 7Pmadmission is freetime to sPend: 30 minutes

estimated driving duration to airPort: 30minutes

The palace has a permanent exhibition of

Islamic coins and old snapshots of Doha

and its people. t pp

p

d bck 1940. It also hosts

various temporary exhibitions all year long.

ab c b cck

b p .

sharQ village & sPa

A luxury meets tradition experience, Sharq Village

and Spa features fourteen individual courtyard

that covers 350 meters of private coastlinearound the ancient Arabic bazaar to form the

resort. The 174-room hotel, which features a

2,099 meters Royal Villa, is situated in an area

known as Sharq, meaning Orient. The resort

perfectly blends traditional architecture and

design with the latest modern comforts and amenities. The Six Senses Spa is world-

class, and is the perfect opportunity for you to try some Arab-inspired treatments

including the hammam and the heated marble bed.


53/56534 8 h o u r s q at a r I 2 0 1 2

3 al Koot fortal-asmaKh street, Jasra+974 4442 4143viewing By aPPointment (via Phone)

time to sPend: 30 minutesestimated driving duration to airPort: 30minutes

This fort was built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdullah

bin Qassim Al-Thani, who governed Qatar

between 1913 and 1949. The fort was

created to protect the nearby Souq Waqif

from thieves. t c q

, :

. sc q

b p, p b

modied so guards could keep a watchful

, p. Despite

the lack of physical structure, the mehrab

still faces the Kaaba in Mecca.

GPS25.28874,51.53317

4 sheiKh faisal Bin Qassimal thani museumal-shahaniyah+974 4486 1444

httP://www.fBQmuseum.Comviewing By aPPointment(via the weBsite or Phone)admission is freetime to sPend: an hourestimated driving duration to airPort: 1 hour

15 minutes

The museum has been established to

preserve and display the dierent collections

of arts and artifacts accumulated by Sheikh

Faisal over the years from around the world.

t b c m e

and Islamic history and culture, reecting

Q pp

c ;

c pp b sk

f.

The museum contains some of the nest

and most important examples of Arabic

manuscripts, ne arts and militaria. It

serves as an excellent resource for anyone

who seeks a further understanding and

knowledge of Islamic civilization and Qatari

Heritage.

GPS25.35349,51.25388


54/564 8 h o u r s q a t a r I 2 0 1 254

5 msheireB enriChment Centresheraton roundaBout, al-CorniChe road+974 3319 7482httP://meC.msheireB.Commonday to thursday : 9.00 am to 8.30 Pm,saturday : 3.30 Pm to 6.30 PmClosed on sundays and fridaystime to sPend: 30 minutesestimated driving duration to airPort: 45minutes

Measuring 91 metres long and 24 metres

wide, the oating Msheireb Enrichment

C bz b ,

B

p

shing, which together form the core of

Qatari and regional history. Discover the

history of Qatars traditions, culture and

heritage at this centre.

GPS25.31693,51.53378

6 doha Zooal waaB street, aZiZiyah+974 4468 2610httP://dohaZoo.netmonday to thursday: 8am to 11am, 2.30Pm to7Pmfriday and saturday: 2.30Pm to 7Pm.

Closed on sundaystime to sPend: 2 hoursestimated driving duration to airPort: 45minutes

Get a glimpse of the famous oryx, a national

symbol of Qatar along with other wildlife

of the desert. An interesting collection of

reptiles and insects. tk

z. During special

occassions like National Day, special animal

shows are held. Minimal entrance fee applies.

GPS25.24518,51.43374


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