As the sticky hot weather returns to Doha, I have been reflecting on the past few weekends and all of the activities I could do as the weather has been so lovely. From November to April, the weather in Qatar is beautiful- meaning that the people who live here can enjoy life outdoors before the blanket of humid, hot air engulfs the little country in its entirety.
Attend the Qatar Tennis Open
An open roof stadium in the desert? In the summer time, a venue like this would be tortuous! However, in January/February this event is one of my favorites every year. Some of the top tennis players attend and it’s great to get to see them play, meters in front of you! The tickets aren’t too expensive and can be purchased online or in some of the shopping centers. I bought mine in Villagio Mall. In the last two years, I’ve gone to the final and the atmosphere and “show” put on by the organizers was brilliant!
On the outskirts of the courts, there are numerous stalls and activities, showcasing both tennis and the Qatari culture. There are opportunities to buy Arabic food and drinks, as well as listen to and watch live performances on stage. At one point, there were circus performers entertaining the tennis spectators while they waited to go to their seats. I’m a sucker for memorabilia and left the Qatar Tennis Open with a smile on my face and a large tennis ball in my hand! Definitely an event I’d attend again. Point to note: each year it’s been FREEZING sitting in the stands watching the tennis so wrap up warm!
Exploring the different beaches
The Spring time is the absolute best time of year to pack up the car and head to the beach. It reminds me of Spain in the summer at this time of year. The water is warm and blue and the weather is that perfect balance between warm and hot- I just love it!
*Point to note: it’s definitely too cold to go to the beach in January and February! But yet I make that mistake every year and always go that week too early- brrr!
This Spring we travelled from Doha to Al Wakrah, which as you can tell from the map, is relatively close! It’s a 30-40 minute drive from the city and the drive through Wakrah itself is a treat. It’s a new city and will be home to one of the World Cup stadiums, which opens in a few short weeks actually. Anyway, it has one of the most beautiful beaches. We spent the day there relaxing, swimming and enjoying the view. I have heard from colleagues in work, that this beach is “anti-western” swimwear, meaning no bikinis, ladies! However, we hadn’t heard this prior to our visit and had no problems whatsoever for our entire day.
Other (public) beaches that I’d recommend are:
- Sealine Beach (which is in the desert)
- Fuwairit Beach (up North).
I’ve yet to head west and explore Durkhan, that’s my next weekend plan!
Attending the International Food Festival
This festival was the highlight of the month of March for me to be honest. Little things in life, aye? The festival took place in Oxygen Park and companies and small businesses all over Qatar came and set up stalls, selling food from all over the world. We tried the most random cuisines, from eating BBQ Jackfruit Sliders to drinking an almond milk cappuccino in a cone. It really was a brilliant festival. The atmosphere was electric with a live band in one section and live cooking demonstrations in another. It’d be high on my list of recommendations for things to attend in Qatar.
It seemed like all those random looking foods you see on Facebook made an appearance at this festival! There were burger buns in an array of colours, rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches, rolled Icecream and that Japanese Cheesecake that just keeps on jiggling! A truely great evening out and an inexpensive one at that (providing how much you eat).
Keep an eye out for events in Aspire Park
Aspire Park have hosted numerous events this year, all outdoor, and they’ve truly been fantastic! The Wonderland Light festival was spectacular and I’m assuming took inspiration from the light gardens in Dubai. Anyways, it was lovely to walk around and look at the pretty characters in lights in the evening time. Again, as the weather is so mild at this time of year, it makes events like this just lovely!
In March, Aspire Park also host a kite festival. It’s so beautiful to see adults and children in awe at so many spectacular kites. I loved heading there after school with a coffee in hand, sunglasses on and lying on the grass looking up at these sites!
With each year that passes, there seems to be more and more “things to do” in Doha. Having the World Cup come to Qatar in 2022 has seen a surge in quality of life for expats and locals.
Marathon Madness
If entering marathons are you scene, there’s an abundance of marathons you can take part in on a serious and on a fun level. If you’re fan of participating in a colour run, or fun five k, then living in Doha won’t make you miss out!
Hundreds of people of all ages laced up their running shoes for the Oreedo Marathon this year. It was a great day out for all the family! Even if you’re not a runner, you can go and support or even walk it. Anything to get out and enjoy that nice weather, while you can!
Qatar Golf Masters
Similar to the Tennis open, the masters is loved by the people of Doha also. It’s a real family day out with lots to do for the children too. Personally, I’m not that into golf but this is a day out even I’d enjoy! If you haven’t picked it up, I just love being outside!
If you’re new to Doha or thinking of moving over here, don’t be worried about having things to do. With each passing year, there seems to be more and more events, festivals and activities popping up! It’s an exciting place to be in the run up to the World Cup and I’m glad I’ve have the chance to experience it!
