Qatar Moto GP (Motorcycles!!!)

This is for all you two wheel petrol heads. The MotoGP is held at the Lusail Circuit and seems to be in April each year. I have visited the website below to try and get some more information but this does not seem to be updated since 2010, however maybe there are some detials there that are of use to you:

Qatar MotoGP website

Here is the website for tickets and the event for this year (2012) will be 13 to 15 April 2012:

MotoGP Tickets

Also here is the official MotoGP website for a list of all the events in the championship, not just in Qatar, tickets can be purchased from here too:

MotoGP Website

Exhibition Centre in Doha

This is a pretty big facility that is clearly visible on the right hand side of the road on your journey from West Bay out to the Pearl area. They often hold conferences and exhibitions there as well as shopping opportunities.

We have been there a couple of times but been a bit disappointed. The car park is not big enough for popular events so that you find yourself parked on rough ground if you are not early.

We visited the Book Fair but this was mainly Arabic books and the few English books were not really of much interest to me. Also, Shop the World was a bit of a disappointment too, the world seemed to mean the Middle East and China. And I did not want to buy any honey.

Has a nice Costa Coffee though, worth popping in when there is no event on as parking is very easy and it is not too crowded either.

Best to make one visit and make up your own mind.

Events Calendar at Qatar Expo

Desert Safari

When in Qatar you need to do the desert safari and you need to do this while the weather is OK and not in the heat of summer (when they probably don't run either).

We went with Qatar International Tours and the driver picked us up on time from our compound in his 4x4 and took us out to the Inland Sea. They let the tyre pressure down and then head out like maniacs across the dunes taking all sorts of risks. It is not for the feint hearted and you maybe need to take an extra pair of underpants :-)

On the way to the safari we stopped somewhere to have our pictures taken with camels and falcons (for a price) and then after having been frightened witless we went to a compound on the Inland Sea where we were able to chill out with some soft drinks. The guys then did a barbecue for us that was OK too.

The day out that you must do.

To contact Qatar International Tours ring 4455 1141 or 4452 2242 or visit their website

Katara Cultural Village

This is situated between the Exhibition Centre and the entrance to the Pearl islands. It is an area set off for exhibitions, shows as well as having some restaurants as well. It was "soft opened" in 2010 and at the time of writing (end of 2011) it appears to now be going full tilt.

This year (2011) it held the Tribeca Film Festival and we have visited there a couple of times. It seems quite big on exhibitions of photographs and you need to keep an eye out in the local press for these. Also in the centre there is a big ampitheatre that will probably have outdoor shows and events.

Here are some details about Katara:

Official Website

A movie on You Tube

Aspire Tower

The Aspire Tower is the big tower between Villaggio Mall and the Khalifa Stadium. During the day it is quite an impressive structure and is a good sighting landmark when you are negotiating your way around Doha as you can see it from miles away.

However, at night it is really impressive with a multitude of computer controlled lights and some big TV screens (adverts?) in the side.

There is a hotel inside the Aspire Tower now that is called the Torch. There is also a revolving restaurant too.

Some details about the Torch Hotel at Booking.com

Happy New Year

The Arab Museum of Modern Art

The Arab Museum of Modern Art (MATHAF) is located in a converted school building on the edge of Education City off Al-Luqta Street. I must confess I have not been there yet, I have only had a quick glance at the website.

It does not appear to be open all the time and at the time of writing (2 November 2011), it will be reopening on 05 December 2011.

However, the website looks good and you can get all the information that you need there I am sure.

The spa at the Four Seasons Hotel

We have been to quite a few spas in Dubai, Doha and other countries. However one afternoon we had a tour round the Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel. It looked to me to be the best I have seen. The staff were very nice and showed us around nicely.

The decor and lighting were sumptous and there was a full range of treatments and massage. You can also use the fitness centre and the private beach too. They recommend that you book to ensure that there is space for you.

It is a tad on the expensive side but would be great for a birthday treat!!!!

Four Seasons Website.

Ice Skating in Doha

Doha hasn't built a ski slope like Dubai yet but it does have a couple of ice skating rinks if that is what takes your fancy. I usually end up sitting on the ice or clinging on to the rail so I am just an observer!

One of the rinks is in City Centre Mall that is out in West Bay. This to me generally seems just for the public to use and you can hire skates there and skate to your heart's content.

The other rink is in the Food Court of Villaggio Mall. When I have been here (to the Food Court!) it often seems to be used by ice hockey teams so you will need to check out with them there if you want to go individual or family skating. However, it is nice to watch from the sidelines while you have a coffee.

Middle East Hub about ice skating

Weekend Away to Dubai

Sometimes you need to get away from Doha and visit other places around the area. Dubai is less than one hour's flight away from Doha, and it does have more choice to shop and spend.

We lived in Dubai for two years and there are many places to visit (the souks, the Creek, Burj al Arab and other hotels) and hotels to stay in. They have a choice for all pockets with accommodation.

Getting around is easy as the taxis are plentiful, you can hire a car and there is also the Metro too.

Shopping is bigger and more varied than Doha so you can top up a bit there. The best malls for me are Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, although the latter has no where to sit!!!

Eating out too can be for people on a budget or top class restaurants. There are food courts in most of the shopping malls and some swanky restaurants in most hotels.

Tribeca Film Festival in Doha October 25 to 29 in 2011

We saw this advertised last year but unfortunately the films we wanted to see had already been shown or were too late for me. I need my beauty sleep.

The website for the Tribeca Film Festival is here. The Festival this year is on between 25 and 29 October 2011 and is held at most of the Doha cinemas. You need to check the website or cinemas for the times of the films and what is on.

This year I will be making an effort to go and be in plenty of time for this event this year. At the time of writing (August 2011) it does not seem to have any films on the website yet!

A Trip Away from Doha - Muscat in Oman

Oman is not too far away flying time from Doha and getting a flight will not be a problem. It is nice to get away for a few days and chill out.

My wife and I went to Muscat in Oman when we were staying in Dubai. However we drove there and the journey was a bit long (6 hours) and getting across the border was not much fun at all.

However, we did stay a quite a nice hotel called the Chedi Muscat. Here are some reviews of the hotel at Trip Advisor.

We had a very nice relaxing stay at the hotel and we enjoyed the spa, pools and the restaurants. The bedrooms for me were more style than substance. They look good but practically they are a pain. Must confess that we did not leave the hotel much or explore around the area. However most people seem to like Oman so it is worth checking out for a long weekend away from Doha.

Alfardan Tower 39th floor Spa Chakra

There are two nearly identical towers about two streets away from City Center (the opposite side from the W Hotel/Kempinski Hotel) and on the 39th floor of one there is a spa.

I took my wife there for her birthday and we both were made very welcome and were given a nice spa treatment together. The views were spectacular and we had a nice time.

However, there were one or two matters that we did not think were up to scratch, some maintenance items (broken door etc) needed attention in the changing area. Also there were not many freebies of soap etc to be had, the spa charges high prices so we had expected something for us.

My wife and I then went to use the pool but I was not allowed in due to local women using the pool. However we were not told of this before we got changed. My wife was in the pool area enjoying herself, and I was sitting in the male changing room just waiting around getting bored.

We had quite a nice time on the day, but it was too expensive for what we got and the communication about the swimming pool was very poor and was a bit of a blot on things.

The Doha Sailing Club

We went to a birthday celebration down at the Doha Sailing Club that is down near the Marriott Hotel off the Corniche. The club very conveniently has a waterfront view :-)

The birthday celebration was nice and there were quite a few club members at this. They made us very welcome and there is a big mixture of nationalities. If you are interested in sailing or would just like a few hours out on a boat I am sure that you will be made most welcome.

I get sea sick on a boating lake but if you are interested in more details, the Doha Sailing Club has a website and a Facebook page too.

Fancy a walk try Aspire Park

Aspire Park is an oasis of green behind Villaggio and Hyatt Shopping Malls. There is ample parking nearby. It is the place in Doha (along with the Corniche) to go for a walk or let your children off the leash for a while and hopefully burn off some excess energy.

It has a walking track, childrens play area, restaurant, cafe, as well as football fields. In the right weather it is the place to go.

Aspire Park is also a place to go to after sunset as well as some of it is illuminated.

I have only been there once and it was good to get some exercise, however the numerous security guards around and police in golf carts was not great for me but maybe others will see this as comforting.

Aspire Park also has its own Facebook Page

A Long Weekend Trip to Abu Dhabi

While you are in Qatar it is nice to explore the area, and Abu Dhabi is an ideal location for a long weekend as the flight is less than an hour from Doha.

When we went we stayed at the Rotana Beach Hotel that was great, nice place with good service. Tell them it is your wedding anniversary or birthday and they will lay on special service for you (it genuinely was our wedding anniversary when we went). Attached to the hotel is a shopping mall.

Abu Dhabi is laid out in a grid and is quite easy to get around, there are also lots of taxis.

Places to visit while you are there: the big mosque on the outskirts of town (this is only open in the mornings for visitors I think); the Abu Dhabi Palace Hotel that is on the waterfront of the Corniche, as well as the Yas Marina Motor Racing Circuit (that has a Ferrarri world place attached now, it was not finished when we were there).

Rotana Beach Hotel Website

Zig Zag Buildings near the Pearl entrance

These are two residential blocks that are on the short road to the Hyatt Hotel and the Ritz Carlton Hotel. This is the area generally near the entrance to the Pearl man made island.

We looked at one of the apartments in 2010 but decided that there were not enough nearby shops for us, however the apartment was very nice (unfurnished). There is a pool there and parking seems OK too.

From  inside on the upper floors you get a nice view out across the waters surrounding the area.

From a distance the buildings are a great design, they look as if they are about to to tumble over and you need to take your camera to take some pictures if you are in the area.

Film Nights in Doha

This is nothing formal, we were just invited to go to someone's house one evening for some buffet food and to watch two old Fred MacMurray films. Could not remember the actor but the films were very watchable and we had a great evening watching old comfort movies in company.

We returned the favour watching Yes Man and the Bucket List. We did the buffet/serve yourself food and we enjoyed being hosts too.

It just made a change, so how about organising an evening like this yourself sometime? Put on some comfort films and some comfort food. A nice change for an evening.

The Pearl in Doha

The Pearl is an artificial island that is similar to the Palms that have been constructed in Dubai. At the time of writing the Pearl is still under construction although there are some residents and shops there, together with some nice restaurants. These include Carluccio's and the Mango Tree, often these restaurants are licensed to sell alcohol. The Pearl is beyond West Bay and near the Ritz Carlton and Grand Hyatt Hotels.

 

In addition to visiting the shops and restaurants, it is nice to walk around the Pearl to get some exercise and look at the boats moored next to the promenade. If the weather is too hot then you can walk inside the shopping malls/walkways that have AC. The shops tend to be upmarket but you can always window shop!

Islamic Arts Museum

This is a nice building, calm and light and well designed. We went here in 2010 and had a look at a pearl exhibition that has now finished. We found the exhbition informative and entertaining. We did not get the chance to look round the rest of the building but friends have told me that it is well worth spending a hald day looking round.

Beware of the toilets, the doors are so badly labelled you might go in the wrong one!!!

This is the Islamic Arts Museum website

Care for a stroll in Doha? Must do the Corniche

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I love the word "Corniche", seems very fanciful to me. This is one of the main features of Doha, the pathway (no cars) that runs around the bay of Doha. During pleasant weather, nothing could be nicer than strolling around here. At one end there is the Sheraton where you can stop for a drink and snack and walk back again.

We parked on the Corniche (where there is free car parking) at the Islamic Arts Museum and strolled around on New Years Day 2011. Lovely.

You can walk the Corniche, jog it or run it. Make a day of it and have a meal out too, well worth doing.