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THE POWER OF CULTURE GUIDE 2022 A pocket guide to Qatar
AD DAHIRAH
MADINAT
AL KAABAN
ABU SIDRAH
AL JUMAYLIYAH AL KHOR
pp44–45
SIMAISMA
DUKHAN ASH SHAHANIYAH Turn the
page for an
enlarged
DOHA
mapof Doha
AL RAYYAN
UMM BAB
ABU NAKHLAH AL WAKRAH
pp42–43
AL KIRANAH
MESAIEED
ASH SHAQRA
1. Al Ruwais
2. Al Zubarah SAWDA
NATHEEL
3. Al Jassasiya
4. Murwab
5. Al Thakira mangroves
6. Ras Abrouq rock formations
7. Zekreet (Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East)
8. Sheikh Faisel Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
9. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
10. Sealine Beach
LUSAIL
Lusail Stadium
(2km); Al Bayt
Doha Festival Stadium (40km) THE PEARL
City Mall
pp32–33
QATAR
Ara
UNIVERSITY LEGTAIFIYA
b Le
agu
Do
e St
ha
ree
Exp
t
res
was
KATARA
y
CULTURAL pp30–31
JELAIAH VILLAGE
eet
fji Str
Kha
pp26–29
AL MARKHIYA
Landmark Street
Khalifa
Mall WEST BAY
MADINAT
KHALIFA
EDUCATION
CITY
pp24–25
AL BIDDA
Ahmad Bin Ali
PARK
Stadium (8km) Education DOHA
City Stadium PALM TREE PORT
AL MESSILA ISLAND
pp34-37
MIA PARK AND
pp20–23 THE NATIONAL
e t
Al Rayy
an Road MUSEUM
re
AL RAYYAN St RAS ABU ABOUD
y a
u si
ro MSHEIREB AND pp12–15 974 Stadium
Fu AL SADD
MURAIKH SOUQ WAQIF
Do
ha
pp16–19
Ex
pr
es
sw
Al
ay
M
at
ar
THE ASPIRE AL DOHA
St
re
e HAMAD
FAREEJ t
ZONE AL JADEEDA INTERNATIONAL
AL SOUDAN
AIRPORT
Aspire Al Khalifa
Park Stadium AL MANSOURA
D Ring Road
pp38–40
Me
sa
im
ee
AL HILLAL
rR
oa
d
Al Janoub Stadium
(14km) Al Thumama
Stadium
CONTENTS
4 FIFA World Cup 2022™ Stadiums
9 Fan Facilities
12 MIA Park and the National Museum
16 Msheireb and Souq Waqif
20 Al Bidda Park
24 West Bay
26 Katara Cultural Village
30 The Pearl
32 Lusail
34 Education City
38 The Aspire Zone
41 Al Rayyan
42 Al Wakrah
44 Al Khor
46 The North and West Coasts
50 Cultural Events Calendar
55 A to Z Guide
Published on behalf of al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani Project Editor Copy-Editor
and #QatarCreates by Cultureshock. Andrew Humphreys Olivia McCrea-Hedley
© al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani 2022 Head of Creative Illustrator
Tess Savina Olivier Kugler
Cultureshock
27b Tradescant Road, London SW8 1XD Production Editor Managing Director
www.cultureshockmedia.co.uk Claire Sibbick Patrick Kelly
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, Designers Publisher and CEO
copied or transmitted in any form without permission from the author. Vici MacDonald Phil Allison
Ieva Misiukonyte
ISBN 978-0-9954546-8-2 Printer
Production Manager Pureprint, UK
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that facts and sources Nicola Vanstone
are correct at the time of going to print and that all necessary rights have Qatar and Doha maps
been cleared. All text is understood to be correct at time of going to print. Originals courtesy
Any inaccuracies or omissions will be corrected in future editions. of Qatar Tourism
FIFA WORLD CUP 2022™ STADIUMS
LUSAIL STADIUM
Location: Lusail (pp32–33)
Capacity: 80,000
Lusail, the largest of Qatar’s
FIFA World Cup 2022™ stadiums,
will host the tournament’s final,
as well as nine games in the
run-up. Built in and named after
Qatar’s newest city, the stadium’s
muted gold exterior and sloping
roof are based upon bowls,
vessels and art pieces used
across the Middle East for
centuries. It was created by
British architects Foster +
Partners, using an interplay
of light and shadows to evoke
the glow of a traditional fanar
lantern. The curved sides and
sloping roof will also create
reverberating acoustics to
maximize the atmosphere during
games. Once the competition
is over, it will be transformed into
a community hub to include
schools, shops, cafes, and sports
facilities all under one roof.
EDUCATION CITY STADIUM
Location: Education City
(pp34–37)
Capacity: 40,000
Based in the Education City
development, the stadium sits in
an area that is home to a number
of Qatari and branch American
and European university
campuses. It was conceptualized
by Spanish practice Fenwick
Iribarren Architects and the
design draws on the rich history
of Islamic architecture. The
facade is made up of interlocking
diamonds to form complex
geometrical patterns, which
seem to change color as the sun
crosses the sky above. These
historical references are blended
with a sleek, contemporary
MUSTAFA ABUMUNES VIA GETTY IMAGES
silhouette to create a striking
exterior. Inside, there is space for
40,000 fans, who will reach the
stadium via shaded, tree-lined
paths, passing a golf course,
shops, and training pitches.
Eight games will be played here
in total, beginning with a group
stage match between Denmark
and Tunisia and finishing with Lusail Stadium
one of the quarter-finals.
4 STADIUMS
STADIUMS 5
FIFA WORLD CUP 2022™ STADIUMS
KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL
STADIUM
Location: Aspire Zone (pp38–40)
Capacity: 40,000
Built as the flagship venue for
the 1976 Arabian Gulf Cup, this is
Qatar’s oldest stadium. Thanks to
a full refurbishment for the FIFA
World Cup 2022™ by Lebanese
architecture and engineering firm
Dar, it now has revamped seating,
new hospitality venues and a
state-of-the-art roof membrane
that covers 70% of the interior,
keeping the stands cool while
letting in sufficient sunlight to
maintain a healthy turf. The
stadium’s distinctive twin arches
have been retained and upgraded
to pay homage to its history as
Qatar’s most well-known
sporting venue — it has hosted
the Asian Games, the Arabian
Gulf Cup, and the AFC Asian Cup
in the past. In 2022, eight matches
will be played here, culminating
in the third place play-off on Khalifa International Stadium
Saturday, December 17.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
AHMAD BIN ALI Its facade is a reimagining of the native flora and fauna, while
STADIUM traditional Qatari decoration a shield symbolizes the strength
Location: Al-Rayyan (p41) called Naqsh, and is adorned with and unity of the proud desert
geometric patterns that evoke city of Al-Rayyan. A lightweight
Capacity: 40,000
classical Islamic architecture canopy and specialized
Home to Qatar’s popular — their impressive intricacy temperature-control system
football team, Al-Rayyan reflecting the exquisite will keep fans inside cool for
Sports Club, this arena was handicrafts produced in Qatar. the duration of the seven
built on the edge of the desert, Designed by UK architecture matches held here. Dune-shaped
just outside Doha, and follows studio Pattern Design, it also hospitality areas, merchandise
a similar design rationale includes references to the beauty stalls, and a soft neon glow at
to Education City Stadium. of its desert surroundings and night all add to the ambiance.
6 STADIUMS
NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES; DAVID RAMOS/GETTY IMAGES
Al Janoub Stadium
AL JANOUB STADIUM the construction pay homage to plenty to do in and around the
Location: Al Wakrah (pp42–43) Al Wakrah’s heritage — inspired stadium between matches. Take
by the traditional dhow boats that a stroll through parkland and
Capacity: 40,000
weave through the currents of along the waterfront, or explore a
Located in the southern city of the Gulf, which were used for nearby souq for traditional Qatari
Al Wakrah, Al Janoub Stadium pearl diving and fishing in the crafts. After the tournament, a
was designed by British-Iraqi area for centuries. This is one of school, plus cycling, horse riding
architect Zaha Hadid. Its graceful Qatar’s oldest continuously and running tracks, will be added
lines, flowing curves and use of inhabited areas. Seven games to the development, contributing
timber and natural materials in will be played here, but there is to the revitalization of the area.
AL BAYT STADIUM
Location: Al Khor (pp44–45)
Capacity: 60,000
Lebanese practice Dar also
designed Al Bayt Stadium,
in the coastal city of Al Khor,
which has been newly built for
the FIFA World Cup 2022™. The
arena’s exterior is inspired by
the black stripes of the bayt al
sha’ar (tents) of Qatar’s nomadic
desert people, whose heritage
stretches back thousands of
years, along with Bedouin sadu
patterns on the interior. The
huge tent structure sustainably
cools the area underneath,
with a retractable roof for
temperature regulation. The
arena will host the tournament’s
opening match, plus a further
eight games, and in keeping
with the stadium’s nomadic
design, it has modular elements
that can be removed. Following
the FIFA World Cup 2022™, the
upper tier of seating will be taken
out and donated to developing
nations that need sporting
infrastructure, enhancing the Al Bayt Stadium
legacy of Qatar 2022.
STADIUMS 7
FIFA WORLD CUP 2022™ STADIUMS
Al Thumama Stadium
AL THUMAMA STADIUM design references traditional as a major sporting destination.
Location: Al Thumama Qatari culture — it is based on the The stadium was launched in
gahfiya woven cap worn by Arab October 2021 for the final match
Capacity: 40,000
boys and men across the world. of the country’s Amir Cup. Now, it
Set in Doha’s residential Al Conceived by Qatari architect will be the venue for eight games
Thumama district, the lace-like Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the exterior during the FIFA World Cup™, and
exterior of this circular stadium is is a tribute to Qatar’s youth, the surrounding playing fields
visible as you descend into to symbolize the country’s and parkland will leave a local
Hamad International Airport. The emergence on the world stage legacy beyond the tournament.
Stadium 974
STADIUM 974 used to transport building Fenwick Iribarren Architects,
Location: Ras Abu Aboud materials to the site, and it with the name 974 taken from the
is the first fully demountable number of shipping containers
Capacity: 40,000
tournament venue in FIFA World used for its construction — as well
This stadium represents modern, Cup™ history. The materials and as being Qatar’s international
environmentally conscious Qatar design capture the spirit and dialing code. Thanks to its
— it is constructed from shipping maritime history of the local area; proximity to the sea, the stadium
containers in an easy-to- the stadium is close to Doha’s will not need to be cooled
disassemble modular system, port. It also represents Qatar’s artificially: its shape and the gaps
ready to be rebuilt elsewhere. position as a center for Middle between the seats create natural
Housed inside a steel frame, Eastern trade. Stadium 974 was ventilation, pulling in cool air
many of the containers were designed by Spanish studio from the surrounding area.
8 STADIUMS
FAN FACILITIES
DAVID RAMOS/GETTY IMAGES; EURASIA SPORT IMAGES/GETTY
IMAGES; LEONID ANDRONOV/ALAMY; OLGA VOLODINA/ALAMY
The Pearl Monument on the Corniche
Al Bidda Park public from 10am to midnight, will be bringing its fire-breathing
however some activities will 50-tonne spider straight from
The main FIFA Fan Festival™ require admission tickets. Glastonbury 2022 to Qatar.
site, with a capacity for 40,000 Access is from the Souq Waqif, Arcadia will be supported by
visitors, is at Al Bidda Park Corniche, West Bay Qatar Energy internationally known artists
in the Wadi Al Sail area. and DECC metro stations. and DJs. Admission tickets
There, screens will show every will be required for the event,
match live and feature stage which will take place at Ras Bu
performances, with 100 hours of Lusail Boulevard Fontas in Al Wakrah — the
live music by international and Lusail’s main thoroughfare will nearest metro station is Ras
regional artists. Food and be lit up by street entertainment Bu Fontas on the Red Line.
beverage outlets will offer local and parades, concerts and other
and global cuisine, and there performances. The attraction
will be children and family- is open to the public from 10am MDLBeast
friendly entertainment activities. to midnight, however some Presents ARAVIA
The site will be open from 10am activities will require admission Step onto the dance floor as this
to 2am during the group stage tickets. Access is from the Lusail concept from MDLBeast mixes
(Nov 20–28); 3pm to 2am during metro station and Lusail tram. rave music with Middle Eastern
the knockout stage (Nov 29– flair. More than 160 hours of
Dec 18); and 5pm to 2am on 974 Beach Club performance from 55+ dazzling
Dec 7–8, 11–12, 15–16. The site can acts will be complemented by
be accessed from the Corniche South of the city center, close by
a world-class VIP experience
and Al Bidda metro stations. the 974 Stadium, the 974 Beach
and top-tier catering. Admission
Club will offer 1.2km of sandy
tickets are needed to access
beach, restaurants, water sports,
Corniche retail outlets, and VIP areas, plus
the site, which is next to the
Al Wakrah metro station.
Doha will have a carnival a program of live music and
atmosphere all along the 6km entertainment. Event admission
route of its iconic Corniche. tickets will be required. Access
Between the Museum of Islamic is from Ras Abu Aboud metro
Art Park up to West Bay, the station (shuttle buses will
waterfront promenade will operate to and from the stadium).
feature more than 150 food
outlets, four live stages, daily Arcadia Spectacular
water and light shows, family
and child-friendly entertainment, The performance art collective
plus retail outlets selling official known as Arcadia, which
FIFA merchandise. More than combines sculpture, architecture,
120,000 people will be able to recycling, pyrotechnics, lighting,
visit the Corniche at peak time. circus, and music into large-scale
performance and dance spaces, The 974 Beach Club
The attraction is open to the
FAN FACILITIES 9Souq Waqif
PRISMA BY DUKAS PRESSEAGENTUR GMBH/ALAMYNEIGHBOR HOODS
MIA PARK AND THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
site of the new port
future art and cruise
mill museum terminal
museum of
2.
islamic art richard
serra’s 7
1.
mia
old park
dhow al riwaq
pearl harbor
monument
FAN corniche co
rn
�ONE ich national
e museum
of qatar
SOUq waqif (NMOQ)
MIA (Museum of Islamic Art)
Park is just north of Souq Waqif
on the far side of the Corniche, the magnificent, geometric national museum
Doha’s seafront highway. It is a Museum of Islamic Art. Across
beautiful green space beside the the park and over the Corniche
water, with terrific views across is the similarly architecturally Also within the park is Al
to West Bay. It offers year- breathtaking National Museum Riwaq, a major exhibition venue.
round attractions, including film of Qatar (NMoQ). Both offer During the FIFA World Cup 2022™
screenings, sports events, cafes, exceptional visitor experiences. there will be ongoing exhibitions
art workshops, markets and Currently under construction, in MIA Park, at Al Riwaq and
open-air exhibitions. just north of the park, is what at the site of the future Art Mill
It is also at the heart of the will become the Art Mill Museum Museum — these are all detailed
city’s cultural scene. Within of modern contemporary art in the Cultural Events Calendar in
the park, on its own island, is when it opens in 2030. this guide (pp50–55).
National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
12 NEIGHBORHOODSIWAN BAAN; COURTESY QATAR MUSEUMS
Highlights
Richard Serra’s 7
Highlights a whale shark. There are galleries
on the archaeology of Qatar, and
Uniquely, it embraces the restored
Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin
National Museum of Qatar the nomadic peoples on the Jassim Al Thani (1880–1957),
peninsula who moved between a former Amir of Qatar. This
Opened in 2019 and housed land and sea; herding and historic compound, parts of
within a stunning building hunting, pearling and trading. which date back as far as 1880,
designed by French architect A highlight is the fabulous includes a distinctive two-story
Jean Nouvel, the National Baroda Carpet, decorated with Inner Majlis (a majlis is a meeting
Museum tells the story of Qatar, more than 1.5 million marine chamber), which at the time of its
both chronologically and pearls, as well as emeralds, construction would have been
thematically. The narrative sapphires, rubies, and diamonds. the tallest building in Doha.
begins more than 700 million Later sections focus on Qatar in Other attractions include
years ago, as powerful geological the modern era, and the rapid two gift shops, plenty of
forces shaped the peninsula. growth of the country following children’s activities (including
The story progresses through the oil wealth that flowed into the three playgrounds), a restaurant
displays that investigate the country in the 1970s. and cafes, two shops, several
region’s developing natural As well as objects, the public art installations, and
history and include models of museum uses oral histories, films, temporary exhibition spaces—
animals native to Qatar, from the and digital installations in the see the Cultural Events Calendar
smallest gerbil up to the oryx and telling of Qatar’s national story. (pp50–55) for current shows.
NEIGHBORHOODS 13MIA PARK AND THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Museum of Islamic Art reminder that this is the region which is a series of “head-in-the-
that is home to the world’s hole” panels, each of which
Recently reopened following a largest Muslim population. features a work from the MIA
major reimagining of its galleries, The museum’s stunning collections. There is also
the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) interiors are inspired by historic Enchanted East by Iraqi artist Dia
was the last major project by the architecture from around the Al Azzawi, which is a carousel
renowned Chinese-American Islamic world. There is a fantastic with 40 animal “seats” inspired
architect I.M. Pei, who is best cafe and restaurant, and a by the MIA collections, and
known for his glass pyramid at well-stocked gift store. The Saloua Raouda Choucair’s Bench.
the Louvre in Paris. museum also hosts excellent Another sculptural bench at
MIA showcases Islamic art temporary exhibitions — see the the center of the Flag Plaza is
and culture from three continents, Calendar (pp50–55) for what’s Us, her, him, created by French-
spanning 1,400 years. Through an on during the FIFA World Cup™. Lebanese artist Najla El Zein — it
unrivaled collection of artifacts, is actually a series of benches
it explores the origins and spread Public Art made from more than 270 meters
of Islam, with galleries devoted of hand-sculpted limestone.
to the Qur’an and its history, the Standing at the end of the MIA
ummah (Muslim community), Park pier is 7, an almost 24m-high Flag Plaza
learning and science, and the steel artwork by American
rapid political expansion of Islam sculptor Richard Serra. Recently inaugurated, just in time
across the globe. Constructed from seven steel for the FIFA World Cup™, this
It takes visitors through the plates arranged in a heptagonal newly created public plaza in MIA
Islamic world, from the shape, the work celebrates the Park flies the flags of all the
Mediterranean in the west to scientific and spiritual nations with embassies in Qatar.
the Indian Ocean in the east, significance of the number seven Football fans from around the
and beyond. There are galleries in Islamic culture. world visiting to watch the
on Islamic manuscripts, arms, Other pieces of public art in tournament will be made to feel
and armor, and on Southeast the park include Liam Gillick’s welcome, even if their own
Asia — the latter serves as a Folded Extracted Personified, country is not participating.
MIA atrium NMoQ
Bench by Saloua Raouda Choucair
14 NEIGHBORHOODSIAN DAGNALL/ALAMY; PETER ADAMS/GETTY
IMAGES; COURTESY OF QATAR MUSEUMS
One of NMoQ’s playgrounds
Family Attractions labels designed by a host of Thalatheen, run by Ghanim
international artists. Also at the Al-Sulaiti, serves vegan cuisine.
MIA Park has a playground National Museum is WADHA, MIA also has a Ducasse
with three separate spaces a boutique operated by Wadha restaurant, IDAM, which serves
for children of different ages Al Hajri, one of Qatar’s most French Mediterranean cuisine
(2–5, 5–12, and 12–16 year olds). celebrated fashion designers. with an Arabic twist, and an
There are bungee trampolines atrium cafe with a beautiful
and bicycle rentals, while Places to Eat waterfront terrace.
independent operators offer For more casual dining,
kayak tours of the old dhow On the fourth floor of the National a regularly changing rota of
harbor and stand-up Museum, Jiwan is an Alain street food trucks [1] serving
paddleboard training. The park Ducasse restaurant that marries burgers, coffee, and desserts
is a fine place for alfresco dining spectacular design by architect lines the route around the bay in
and visitors can buy ready- Koichi Takada with elevated MIA Park. MIA Park coffee shop
assembled picnic hampers. Qatari cuisine. On the ground [2] has lounge chairs — or take
The National Museum has floor, the Desert Rose cafe is your coffee and climb the hill, lay
no fewer than three children’s operated by Nouf Al Marri, one of on the grass, and enjoy one of the
playgrounds. One represents Qatar’s top chefs. A second cafe, best views in Doha.
the shipwreck of Erahmah Bin
Jaber, a famous Arab ruler and
‘pirate’ whose story is told in the
museum’s galleries; another is a
cave for children to play in, while
the third, and newest, is the
Energy Playground, which
educates children and families
about the development of
Qatar’s energy industry.
Shopping
The Qatar Museum stores at the
National Museum and at MIA are
excellent places to find unique
gifts. Many of the items in the
stores have been specially
commissioned by local artists
and designers. During the FIFA
World Cup™, this includes MIA Park coffee shop
special-edition water bottles with
NEIGHBORHOODS 15MSHEIREB AND SOUQ WAQIF
M7 Fashion, Design,
and technology
center
Le Pouce
by César
Baldaccini
souq 7. 12.
grand hammad st
al rayyan road
waqif 8.
msheireb
museums al koot 10.
msheireb fort 13.
abd
4. l watani st 11. souq
9.
ull
waqif
barahat a
ah
ali bin abdullah street
1. msheireb 5.
bin
2. abdul a�iz
than
al khail street et nasser theater
3. tre
bs
al diwan
i st
ire al najada
mshe Adjacent to Msheireb,
adi
6. w Souq Waqif is a centuries-old
st
liwan market that was extensively
and sensitively renovated in
msheireb al asmakh recent times. With its mud-
daubed buildings, it feels like
an anachronism against the
backdrop of Doha’s dramatic
and technology center, and the modernist skyline but it
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Alwadi remains a vibrant hub of
Hotel and Park Hyatt Hotel. activity for shopping, dining,
These two districts are the heart The entire area is compact and entertainment.
of Downtown Doha. Msheireb and walkable (many of the streets The souq’s labyrinthine
is the world’s first purpose- have shaded, pedestrian-friendly alleys and covered passageways
built smart and sustainable city colonnades), but it’s also served are full of small stores, selling
district. Constructed between by a hop on/hop off, free-to-ride, everything from gold, spices, and
2010–2021, it blends the best of 2km tram loop. scented oils to pets and falcons.
Qatar’s architectural heritage The area is also home to a wide
with modern design. The central range of restaurants and cafes
plaza, Barahat Msheireb, has offering a diverse variety of local
a retractable roof to shade it and international flavors.
from the sun, as well as an Traditional architecture
innovative cooling system. includes an old fort and wind
The district’s graceful, modern, towers, and visitors can check
white-stone Msheireb Mosque is in to one of nine boutique
the very first LEED Gold certified hotels in heritage buildings.
mosque in the world. The souq is particularly busy
Msheireb is also one of the in the evenings, when there is
coolest of neighborhoods in often entertainment in the form
terms of style, with numerous of musicians and dancers. Souq
hip cafes, eateries, galleries, and Waqif is one of the most culturally
boutique shops. It is home to Souq Waqif rich places in Doha and an
Msheireb Museums, M7 design important piece of Qatari history.
16 NEIGHBORHOODSROBERT HARDING/ALAMY; MOHAMED ABDELRAZEK/
ALAMY; COURTESY OF QATAR MUSEUMS
Barahat Msheireb
Highlights Msheireb Museums
M7 These are four recently
renovated classic Arab courtyard
Opened in late 2021, M7 is houses, each dedicated to a
a creative hub for design, fashion, different aspect of history: Bin
and tech. Its upper floors host Jelmood House reflects on the
co-working spaces, meeting story of slavery in the Indian
rooms, a materials library, and Ocean; Company House explores
valuable infrastructure, such as the history of oil; Mohammed
3D-printing facilities. The ground Bin Jassim House surveys
floor is more public-facing, Msheireb itself; and Radwani
hosting major fashion and design House looks at family life in
exhibitions (see pp50–55 for Doha through the decades.
details of shows during the FIFA All the exhibits are excellent,
World Cup™), as well as regular and there are regular temporary
pop-ups, and the excellent exhibitions, but it is worth visiting
Profiles cafe and restaurant, as the museums just to experience
well as concept design store M7 what Qatari houses in this
Studio 7 (see Shopping on p19). neighborhood were once like.
NEIGHBORHOODS 17MSHEIREB AND SOUQ WAQIF
Turquoise City by
Mark Handforth Radwani House
During the FIFA World Cup™, heritage houses have already head-to-toe gowns worn by
Company House will host several been completed, including House Qatari women), thobes (the
events in collaboration with the #15, which is currently hosting an men’s robe), embroidered
Qatari national team. exhibition on the landscaping and garments, shisha pipes, incense,
gardens of the forthcoming Art and pottery. There is a large gold
Public Art Mill Museum (see p53). Also in souq where you will find stunning
the area is the Al Najada Doha jewelry — the bridal sets are
Souq Waqif has the highly Hotel by Tivoli and Liwan, which especially spectacular.
Instagrammable Le Pouce, is a Qatar Museums incubator There are dedicated areas
a giant golden thumb by French for creative entrepreneurs and for the sale of animals —
artist César Baldaccini. Msheireb ventures in a former girls’ school. including a camel pen and horse
has pieces by two American stables, and a market filled with
artists: the giant bent straw that Shopping in Souq Waqif an overwhelming number of
is Turquoise City by Mark caged birds of all kinds. There are
Handforth and Untitled (Trench, Special items to look out for also traders in falcons, some of
Shafts, Pit, Tunnel, and Chamber) in the souq include Bedouin whom are happy to allow visitors
by Bruce Nauman. Inside M7 are textiles, carpets, abayas (the to be photographed with the
Indian artist Subodh Gupta’s national bird of Qatar perched
Spooning (two giant teaspoons, on their arms.
one nestled inside the other)
and German artist Isa Genzken’s Al Koot Fort
Rose III, an eight-meter-tall flower
that rises through the building’s Built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdullah
atrium. Msheireb metro station bin Qassim Al Thani, who
also has two pieces of public art, governed Qatar between 1913
including a much-loved piece of and 1949, the fort was created
street art: A Family Reunion by to provide protection for the
Qatari artist Abdulaziz Yousef. traders at Souq Waqif. It has
a square courtyard surrounded
Al Asmakh and Al Najada on all sides by a high wall. There
are circular towers on three
On the south side of Wadi corners and a rectangular tower
Msheireb Street, these are two on the fourth. The fort is currently
heritage areas currently Falcon Souq closed to visitors but you can
undergoing renovation. Several walk around the exterior.
18 NEIGHBORHOODSFamily Attractions
A few minutes’ walk west of
Msheireb, Doha Quest [1] is an
indoor theme park. It is home to
the world’s tallest indoor
rollercoaster, known as the EpiQ
Coaster, and also the world’s
tallest indoor shot and drop
tower, the Magma Blast.
Shopping
Obviously, there is Souq Waqif,
which is one large market
area, but there’s also Msheireb Parisa
Galleria [2], which is home
to 30 stores, plus eateries.
London’s landmark sneakers fashion label, and Profiles [4] Of the many eateries,
and streetwear store, at M7. Souq Waqif has several stand-outs include mosaic-tiled
Presentedby [3], has a boutique more traditional coffee and tea Iranian restaurant Parisa [10],
across from the Mandarin venues, including Shay Al which feels like it’s from a fairy
Oriental. The store itself is a work Shoomos [7], which is the first tale and serves equally fantastic
of art. Concept store Studio 7 at cafe owned and operated by a food. Damasca One [11] serves
M7 [4] sells fashion, jewelry, and Qatari woman, and Ras Abu some of the city’s best Arabic
home accessories from local Abbud [8], a classic Qatar cafe, food, while Shujaa [12] is a tiny
and regional designers. serving shisha in clay pipes venue serving great kebabs.
and shots of milky tea — this Al Nema Cafe [13] is run by a
place has been standing as long Yemeni who has lived in Qatar for
Places to Eat as Souq Waqif has existed. Abu decades and serves sublime
Msheireb has a host of very good Shaker had a juice stall in filled chapatis (with meat, veg,
cafes, including the exceedingly Damascus; when the war broke or even Nutella). There’s often
pink and glamorous EL&N [5], out he relocated to Doha and his a long line as Qataris know that
Café Kitsuné [6], an offshoot of juice stall [9] in Souq Waqif offers this hole-in-the-wall serves some
the French-Japanese music and every fruit imaginable. of the best food in the Souq.
ALAMY; LEONID ANDRONOV/ALAMY; RJT PHOTOGRAPHY/
EDMUND SUMNER-VIEW/ALAMY; SNAPTPHOTOGRAPHY/
ALAMY; IWAN BAAN, COURTESY OF QATAR MUSEUMS
Al Koot Fort
NEIGHBORHOODS 19AL BIDDA PARK
kha
lifa
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wadi al sail et
dadu,
children’s corniche
museum 2.
fire station and garden FAN
�ONE national
theater
i St
1. ed bin
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arched
amm monument
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al rumailah
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park
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the promise
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flag
Kh
al
Stretching between Downtown
e
t
ej
and West Bay, just inland of the
S
Corniche, Al Bidda Park provides
a great swathe of greenery in
the heart of Doha. The park is
made up of three separate areas,
the edge of the
park are some of al bidda amiri
diwan
each with its own character: the city’s landmark
secluded lawns with naturalistic institutions, including
landscaping in Al Bidda; wide, the Amiri Diwan, which is
open spaces in Wadi Al Sail the Qatari government’s al bidda
(which includes a protected seat of power, the post al rayyan ro
ad
reserve); and formal gardens in office, Qatar National
Al Rumailah. Spread over its Theatre, and Fire Station msheireb
three parts, the park offers arts and cultural center. The
nature, heritage, and public art, park is also the location for the which are already a venue for
as well as ample sports, play and forthcoming Dadu, Children’s a great deal of activity during
recreation opportunities. Around Museum of Qatar, the gardens of the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
Fire Station
20 NEIGHBORHOODSArched Monument at the
VIKAS KAUSHIK/GETTY IMAGES; COURTESY OF QATAR MUSEUMS entrance to Al Rumailah Park
Highlights the park. In the meantime, the
museum gardens are already
giant hand-shaped seats,
benches, and arches by UK artist
Fire Station open to the public and they are Faye Toogood. On the Corniche,
hosting a series of family-friendly not far from the theater, is a new
Until 2012, this was a working events throughout the FIFA installation by American artist
fire station. Then it was handed World Cup 2022™. Jeff Koons. It is one of his
over to Qatar Museums, who The Dadu Garden is also trademark mirror-finish,
kept the building’s honeycomb where you’ll find the newly large-scale sculptures — in this
facade intact but converted the installed towering artwork case depicting the dugong, a rare
five floors of the interior into THE PROMISE by American and endangered sea mammal
studio spaces and began an artist and designer KAWS, found in the waters off Qatar.
artists-in-residency program. which symbolically depicts an
Fire Station has since become adult figure handing over the Amiri Diwan
the leading contemporary art Earth to a smaller figure.
space in town. For visitors, Just east of the park is the seat
there is the Fire Station Cinema, Public Art of government of Qatar. This
Café #999 Italian bistro, a supply summer, the Qasr Al-Hukm
shop, and gallery spaces that In addition to THE PROMISE, (Justice Palace), which is part of
have recently hosted high-profile Al Bidda Park also has several the Diwan, was inaugurated as
shows by the likes of Ai Weiwei, sculptures that used to sit at the a semi-public space for visitors
KAWS, and Virgil Abloh. center of roundabouts and which to learn about the history of
were recently relocated here. Qatar’s rulers and the nation’s
Dadu Childrens’s On the fringes of the park, a work cultural diplomacy. The building
in neon by local artist Ghada Al itself has been beautifully
Museum and Garden Khater, entitled A Blessing in restored and is a celebration of
It won’t be ready until 2026, but Disguise, has been installed on Islamic culture and design. Visits
planning is already far advanced the facade of the Fire Station. must be booked in advance and
on the forthcoming Dadu, The nearby National Theatre numbers are limited. For more
Children’s Museum of Qatar, on a has several pieces of public art information, see the Amiri Diwan
site in the Wadi Al Sail section of around its grounds, including website: www.diwan.gov.qa.
NEIGHBORHOODS 21AL BIDDA PARK
Family Attractions artificial grass football pitch. Station has a kitchen overseen
If you would like to participate in by Alain Ducasse and a dining
The entire park is one giant organized sporting and wellness space designed by artists and
play area for children. There are activities, check out our Calendar creatives. The menu is a
two mazes to explore in Al of events and activities to see compendium of classic Italian
Rumailah, close to the National what is taking place on a monthly dishes, including crowd-pleasers
Flag. Elsewhere, an extensive basis (pp50–55). such as pizza. Floor-to-ceiling
network of cycle lanes can be Purpose-built barbecue windows mean that it is a light,
used for cycling, rollerblading, stations and gazebos are located bright space with views of the
and skateboarding. throughout the three park zones. bay in the distance.
There are eight well-equipped These are all available for use Al Mourjan [2] is the only
playgrounds across Al Bidda Park during park opening hours on restaurant along this part
(www.albiddapark.com), with a reservation basis using the Al of the Corniche to have a fully
everything from sandpits and Bidda Park website or mobile app. waterside location. It is one of
climbing frames to swings and the best Lebanese restaurants
zip lines. A variety of sports can be Places to Eat in town. Otherwise, some of the
played, such as tennis, volleyball, finest dining in Doha is to be
and basketball, with an excellent Merging the world of food and found in West Bay, just a short
range of facilities, including an art, Café #999 [1] at the Fire car ride from Al Bidda.
Al Bidda Park
IWAN BAAN; PAUL COWAN/ALAMY
22 NEIGHBORHOODSTHE PROMISE by KAWS,
on view in the the Dadu Garden
NEIGHBORHOODS 23WEST BAY
2. 3. north beach
om
ar
al
mu dafna st
kh
ta
daf
rs
4.
na
t
st
city center
doha mall
the gate
mall doha exhibition 1.
decc
6. and convention
sheraton
center (Decc)
grand doha
al fu
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st
t
o nS 5.
aaw doha
alT
jlis tower al dafna
ma
park
FAN
West Bay �ONE
Qatar Energy
West Bay is Doha’s high-rise
business and diplomatic district.
so-called Tornado Tower, which
tapers inward in the middle
Highlights
It is home to one of the city’s before flaring out again at the top. Museum of Illusions
first shopping malls and its first West Bay is a prime dining
international hotel, the ziggurat- and nightlife area because of This is not so much a museum
like Sheraton Grand Doha. When its many hotels — alcohol is as a visual playground featuring
the Sheraton was built in 1982, it only served in five-star hotels. holograms, and optical art
was the first structure completed Another draw is the Corniche installations. Along with the
in West Bay. As well as being a itself, great for leisurely strolls games, there are lessons in
hotel, the building was also an beside the Arabian Gulf. science, maths, and the workings
important venue for conferences of the human brain. Situated in
and international seminars, a role the Gate Mall, it is an intriguing
that has recently been taken on Doha Tower and fun experience for all ages,
by the huge Doha Exhibition and ideal for family and group visits,
Convention Centre (DECC), which with multilingual guides on hand
is another West Bay landmark. to help show visitors around.
However, the most striking
are the clusters of skyscrapers Public Art
along the Corniche. Chief among
these is the Doha Tower, also Outside the DECC is the giant
known as the Burj Qatar, by geometric sculpture Smoke by
French architect Jean Nouvel American artist Tony Smith,
(also responsible for the National inspired by the morphology of
Museum of Qatar). It is designed organic shapes, such as crystals
to look like a super-sized version and honeycombs. The facade of
of the traditional Qatari pigeon one of the halls at the Sheraton
towers. The outer skin of the carries the reassuring message
building is a brise-soleil that “Everything is Going to Be
shields the interior from the sun Alright” in large neon lettering;
while invoking the traditional a work called 1361 by UK artist
wooden mashribiya screens Martin Creed. Inside the hotel
of the region. There is also the is Hahn, a giant fiberglass blue
24 NEIGHBORHOODSHASAN ZAIDI/ALAMY; IWAN BAAN
Smoke by Tony Smith
cockerel by German artist floors. It also has a putting green, on its own pier. For world-class
Katharina Fritsch. North Beach children’s play area, and Chinese, there’s Hakkasan Doha
has Zephyr by Kuwaiti artist 14-screen cinema complex. [2] at The St. Regis Doha, which is
Monira Al Qadiri, a large-scale A short distance away, the Gate just across the bay to the north.
sculpture inspired by ancient Mall has some interesting Chef Gastón Acurio serves up
marine fossils. specialist outlets, including inspired Peruvian food at the
Qatar’s first PC gaming store, waterfront La Mar [3], based in
Family Attractions the home-grown Botany Lab the InterContinental Doha Beach
spa for men and women, and hotel, close to The St. Regis.
The Museum of Illusions (see an upmarket butcher selling The lively and popular Spice
Highlights, p24) is a big hit with marbled Wagyu beef imported Market [4], which offers flavors
children of all ages. West Bay from Australia and Japan. from South East Asia, has won
has an excellent public beach multiple awards since it opened a
(at North Beach), as well as many Places to Eat decade ago; it’s at the W Doha
beaches accessible for a fee, Hotel (where you will also find
where plenty of watersports are Some of Qatar’s finest dining is Market by Jean-Georges for
available. Along the Corniche, found in the five-star hotels of top-class Mediterranean dishes).
dhow boat operators offer rides West Bay, including the world’s Meat-eaters might want to check
around the harbor. Dafna Park largest Nobu [1], housed in a out Nusr-Et [5], the Turkish
offers a welcome slice of freestanding shell-like building steakhouse run by Internet
greenery, plus a children’s play celebrity chef Nusret Gökçe (AKA
area, and great views of the West Salt Bae), at the Sheraton Grand.
Bay skyline. Nobu For more relaxed dining, or
just a coffee, there is Gastronomy
Shopping [6]: a vibrant West Bay cafe
serving great lunch dishes and
The long-established City Center specialty coffee in a minimalist,
Mall, across the street from the industrial-chic space. Or, if you
Doha Exhibition and Convention are happy with coffee from an
Center, boasts over 200 international chain, the branch
international and regional retail of Costa at Al Dafna Park has an
brands and services over five unbeatable waterfront setting.
NEIGHBORHOODS 25KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE
katara pigeon
towers
9.
north hills
Park
st
Shakespeare
y
10.
a
essw
katara
expr
1.
21 High st katara
lusail
4. cultural 6. 8.
al m
oas
ses
st
village golden
mosque
opera house and katara beach
drama theater
2.
katara mosque 5.
3.
Katara (an ancient name for arab postal 7.
Qatar) is a purpose-built cultural stamps museum
village that opened in 2010. It’s
set between landscaped hills and Amphitheater
overlooks a beautiful arc of sandy
beach, as well as offering culture
and leisure activities, and is one al thuraya
of Doha’s go-to destinations for planetarium
dining and high-end shopping.
The village’s design takes
its cue from traditional Qatari There are several major galleries, are covered with small golden
architecture, with narrow, notably the Qatar Museums chips that glitter under the sun;
shaded alleys, courtyards, and Gallery, showcasing local and and the Katara Mosque, inspired
windcatchers to channel cooling international artists, and the by the tiled majesty of the
breezes. The centerpiece is the independently run Katara Art Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul,
large, circular Amphitheater, Center (KAC), dedicated to and which was designed by
while around it are numerous contemporary art. renowned female Turkish
cultural institutions, including Other spectacular buildings architect Zeynep Fadillioglu.
the Drama Theatre and the Opera include the Golden Mosque, For more information,
House, which is home to the so named because the building including what’s on, visit
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. and its free-standing minaret www.katara.net.
VONWYLI/ALAMY; GRANT ROONEY PREMIUM/ALAMY;
COURTESY OF AL THURAYA PLANETARIUM
Katara Amphitheater
26 NEIGHBORHOODSOryx Going Ahead
by Martín Ron
Al Thuraya Planetarium Golden Mosque
Highlights Qatar, others that have been
imported from all over the world.
certain nights of the week.
There is also a museum within
Katara Amphitheater Together they present a the Planetarium with models of
gorgeous tapestry of colors and the solar system in various sizes,
The heart of the cultural village fragrances, while representing plus models of space shuttles
is the Katara Amphitheater, the fusion of civilizations and and astronauts’ suits.
a modern, open-air auditorium cultures at the heart of Katara.
that was inspired by the ancient Public Art
theaters of Greece. Completed Arab Postal Stamp
in 2008 and officially opened in Just outside the Amphitheater,
December 2011, it has around Museum Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by
30 rows of seats, accommodating Founded in 2010, the Stamp Indian artist Subodh Gupta
5,000 people, all facing a large Museum holds a multi-themed tackles themes of war and
circular stage with a sea-view stamp collection that covers 22 peace. It’s a three-part sculpture
backdrop. When there are no Arab countries, all in a single hall. consisting of three heads: one
events taking place, visitors As well as paying homage to the in a gas mask, one a soldier
are welcome to explore the intricate designs and artistry of and the other in a terrorist hood.
Amphitheater free of charge. stamps, the collection offers an Together, they recall Gandhi’s
insight into Arabian culture, famous metaphor of the three
Gardens history, and civilization. wise monkeys that “see no evil,
hear no evil, speak no evil”.
The cultural village is surrounded Al Thuraya Planetarium Between the Amphitheater
by green spaces, including and the beach is The Force of
hills to the immediate north The small planetarium offers Nature II by Italian artist Lorenzo
and south. The gardens include a full-dome digital 2D and 3D Quinn, which depicts Mother
a diverse array of ornamental experience, during which Nature with a sling in which she
lawns, plants, flowers, and visitors learn about the cosmos is whirling the planet Earth. There
trees arranged in fantastic and the contributions of historic is also the striking Oryx Going
geometric shapes. In total there Arab astrologers. Shows take Ahead by Martín Ron, a giant
are some 225 types of flora, place in English and Arabic, painted mural of an oryx bursting
some of which are native to and there are free shows on from the wall of Building 40.
NEIGHBORHOODS 27KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE
SHAKEEL SAFEEK/ALAMY; BOAZ ROTTEM/ALAMY
The Children’s Mall
Family Attractions three floors‚ including Cartier, are replicas of those in
Chanel‚ Tom Ford‚ Hermès‚ Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque.
Katara has a beautiful, 1.5km-long Givenchy‚ Dior, Joseph, and Beachfront Mamig [6] is
sandy beach, which can be Van Cleef & Arpels. The complex the place to go for Armenian
enjoyed for a small entry fee (but also includes numerous food — a tribute to the millions
note: no tight Speedos or bikinis restaurants and cafes, and the of Armenian refugees that live
are allowed on the beach). There sumptuous SNAN Food Hall, throughout the Levant. Standout
is a children’s playground, plus which offers gourmet foods dishes include the mante
beach equipment rentals and from around the globe. (Armenian dumplings) with
services include speed boat rides, spinach and the lamb kebabs
parasailing, and water skiing. Places to Eat with cherry sauce.
North and south of the At L’wzaar [7], diners pick out
cultural village are Katara’s hills, Karak is the Gulf’s take on masala seafood from the four-meter-long
which are lushly landscaped, chai: a super-sweet tea made display and then have it freshly
with water features and walking with evaporated milk and prepared by the chefs. Boho
tracks. The hills offer excellent cardamon that is practically the Social [8] is a chic spot housed
views of the village and sea, national drink of Qatar. Pair with a in a circular structure on top of
especially at sunset. There is chapati for a perfect Qatari Katara Beach club. It serves
a dedicated Children’s Mall [1], snack. Chapati & Karak [3] does breakfast, brunch, lunch, and
with an exterior designed to look possibly the best karak in Doha dinner with a menu that includes
like a gift box, which marries and is equally popular with Asian, South American, and
children’s shops (clothes, toys, Qataris, Western expats, and Middle Eastern flavors, vegan
candy stores, school supplies) Asian workers. Find good coffee options—from eggs Benedict to
with fun and educational games. at Juan Valdez [4], one of the cinnamon-braised lamb shank.
Katara Art Studios [2] (building world’s few grower-owned On top of the green North Hill,
No.19) organizes regular art coffee shops; find it at 21 High St. Bayt El Talleh [9] serves fixed
workshops for children — see Ard Canaan [5] is a Palestinian menus of authentic Levantine
www.katara.net for details. restaurant with chandeliers that cuisine. Go for breakfast, lunch or
dinner — the menus may be set
Shopping but there’s a huge amount of
Tasty Street variety. Dine outdoors for a
Anchored by a branch of the stunning view over the parkland,
upmarket French department bay and towers of The Pearl.
store Galeries Lafayette, Diners don’t even have to
21 High St is a high-end retail leave their cars at Tasty Street
complex next door to the [10], a drive-through area with
Cultural Village. Housed within parking slots in front of around 40
bespoke Haussmann-inspired wooden cabins, each offering a
architecture, complete with different dining experience, from
climate-controlled plaza and burgers to seafood to donuts
Murano-glass ceilings, are and Persian ice-cream. It’s open
hundreds of top brands over from 3pm–midnight every day.
28 NEIGHBORHOODSKatara Beach NEIGHBORHOODS 29
THE PEARL
The Pearl is an archipelago of
linked artificial islands totaling
nearly 4 sq km of reclaimed
land. It sits in the sea just off the
shore of Katara, and between
the prestigious West Bay
district and new city of Lusail.
COURTESY OF ST REGIS MARSA ARABIA ISLAND
IAN DAGNALL/ALAMY; HASAN ZAIDI/ALAMY;
It has been created by the
United Development Company
(UDC), a leading Qatari public
shareholding company with
a mission to identify and invest in
long-term projects contributing
to the growth of the State of
Qatar. The Pearl is UDC’s flagship
project and one of the largest
mixed-use developments in
the Middle East. The Pearl
Made up of 13 islands,
The Pearl is divided into 10
architecturally distinct precincts, facilities, including cinemas, Medina Centrale has plazas and
all inspired by Mediterranean children’s fun parks, and beaches. gardens, and plenty of luxurious
living. All are largely residential, There are three main areas shopping at premium designer
with a mix of luxury apartment to explore: the Qanat Quartier boutiques. There are also
blocks and villas. As the first is a Venetian-inspired bountiful restaurants and cafes.
land in Qatar to be available for neighborhood, full of pastel-
freehold ownership by foreign colored buildings, pedestrian-
nationals, The Pearl is home friendly plazas, canals, and
to a number of expats. bridges — including one modeled
While there are no specific on the Ponte Vecchio. Porto
tourist sites as such, The Pearl Arabia aims for a Riviera look,
has three five-star hotels with Mediterranean-style yacht
and more than 2 sq km of marinas and quay-side dining.
international retail, restaurants,
cafes, and entertainment
lusail
3. marsa
malaz qanat
lagoona kempinski quartier
mall
7. 4.
porto
giardino
abraj
quartier
2. arabia village
medina
legtaifiya
centrale 10. viva isola
5. 1.9. bahraya dana
way
8. 6.
ress
perlita
gardens
exp
lusail
floresta
katara gardens
west bay
30 NEIGHBORHOODSFamily Attractions
Megapolis [1] is an entertainment
center in Medina Centrale that
offers arcade games, car racing
simulators, bowling, billiards,
darts, an escape room, and
karaoke. In Porto Arabia,
Yippyland Entertainment City [2]
welcomes children aged two to
14, with more than 45 video and Qanat Quartier
table games and a variety of rides.
Of the various beaches on
The Pearl, Lido Venezia Beach [3], Adsani creates easy-to-wear, For hearty Qatari food,
in the Qanat Quartier, is versatile abayas, which have try Basta [8], which serves
particularly family friendly. It is a been worn by renowned designer things like lamb shank on rice
private beach but you can buy a Diane von Furstenberg, among or grilled local hamour fish,
day pass at the Taliamare beach others. For a different kind of as well as biryanis. There is
club and enjoy sunshades, treat, Chocolataria Ecuador [5] also Baladna [9], which is a
towels, light food, cool drinks, imports some of the finest well-known dairy farming
and soft, white sand. chocolate from around the world. company in Qatar (see p45);
its restaurant serves all manner
Shopping Places to Eat of mezze and a variety of
manakeesh (dough topped with
The Pearl is home to numerous Founded by two Qataris who thyme, cheese, or ground meat
high-end international brands, wanted to share their love of — similar to a pizza). You can
from Ferrari, Porsche, and coffee, Flat White [6] was one of also order Baladna trays that
Bentley to fashion houses Qatar’s first specialty coffee combine small portions of a
including Elie Saab, Hermès, houses. It remains one of the best variety of dishes from the menu.
Missoni, and Versace. Also and has several branches across Alternatively, for good
worth a look is Harlienz [4], the city. Evergreen Organics [7] is Mediterranean food —
a contemporary fashion brand the first and only totally vegan appropriate given its Qanat
founded by Qatari designer Haya cafe in Qatar. It offers an all-day Quartier setting — there is
Al Adsani. Harlienz was the first menu, including salads and La Casa Twenty Eight [10],
Qatari label to feature at New sandwiches, plus vegan desserts which does very good pasta,
York Fashion Week (in 2019). — find it in the Qanat Quartier. pizza, risotto, and paellas.
NEIGHBORHOODS 31
The PearlLUSAIL lusail
international
circuit
2.
qetaifan
al Sa’aD Island
Plaza
rd
ouleva
lusail b
lusail
crescent place
park vend�me
mall
lusail stadium al maha katara towers
Island
lusa
Lusail is a new city, built almost
6.
il
entirely from scratch on the
marina
sands north of Doha. The city expr 4. promenade
was originally conceived in 2005
but development truly took off in
essw
3.
doha
ay
2010, when Qatar was announced
as the host of the FIFA World golf club 1. 5.
Cup 2022™. While still a work in
progress, Lusail already stands
as a showpiece for sustainable
development. It has a range of
eco-friendly features, from water- The instantly recognizable stunning suspension bridges
sensitive landscaping plans to twin-horned Katara Towers with circular central pylons,
sophisticated cooling systems are an architectural translation appearing like a pair of giant
designed to save millions of tons of Qatar’s national seal, bicycle wheels hovering over
of CO2 a year. representing traditional scimitar the water. Coming soon is
Lusail has its own identity, swords. The Marina Twin a quartet of aluminum-clad
reinforced by a series of Towers look like colorful Lego skyscrapers, designed by the
unique landmark structures. blocks and there are two UK’s Foster + Partners. They will
stand at Al Sa’ad Plaza, at the end
of the grand Lusail Boulevard,
Katara Towers which will run from the waterfront
to the nearby football stadium
(also by Foster + Partners).
As well as the incredible
buildings, visitors can enjoy the
3km palm-tree-lined Marine
Promenade with views across
the water to The Pearl. Popular
with evening strollers, cyclists,
joggers, and skateboarders,
there is a marina, shopping malls,
and a sizable park. Everything
is linked by Lusail’s own tram
system, which connects with
the greater Doha Metro.
Lusail’s attractions are
currently being expanded with
several artificial islands. One, Al
Maha Island, will be home to the
Lusail Museum (opening 2029),
which will house the world’s
largest collection of Oriental art.
32 NEIGHBORHOODSSculpture by Iraqi artist Ahmad Al Bahrani
outside the Lusail Multipurpose Hall
Family Attractions
Crescent Park [1] is a lush green
space with themed playgrounds,
water features, shade structures,
bike paths, plazas, seating
areas, tree zones, play lawns,
sunken gardens, and a wide
range of sports facilities,
including a football pitch, three
basketball courts, two volleyball
courts, three tennis courts, four
bocce areas, a lawn bowling
green, and bike trails. Lusail
has a Drive-in Cinema [1], with
weekend screenings — check
www.dohafilminstitute.com
for schedules. Over on Qetaifan
Island North is Meryal [2],
a water park with 36 rides,
including the highest water
tower in the world.
Shopping nightly 3D laser shows. For only is the coffee excellent,
Opened in 2022, Lusail’s Place something more local and more the cafe is a relaxing and
Vendôme is one of the most boutique, there’s the My Space architecturally interesting place
ostentatious malls in Qatar. Café & Concept Store [3], which to spend some time unwinding.
Behind its super-sized Versailles- stocks items ranging from Tea Time [5] is a local chain
like facade are approximately clothing to skincare. It’s at the specializing in karak (see p28),
600 stores over four floors, Staybridge Suites on Marine Qatar’s national drink; find it
ranging from Urban Outfitters Promenade Road. on the Marine Promenade.
and Levi’s to Manolo Blahnik, One of the most enjoyable places
Bvlgari, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Tom Places to Eat to eat is the Lusail Marina Food
Ford, and the biggest Louis Arena [6], with nearly 70 food
Vuitton in the Middle East. At the southern end of Lusail, on trucks selling everything from
A canal runs through the open-air Street No.315, Calm Street [4] is a coffee and cake to burgers,
plaza at the center of the cafe founded by a world- Japanese savory soufflés,
complex, where there are also champion barista who used to kebabs, mezze, and noodles.
dancing water fountains and work at Flat White (see p31). Not It is open 2pm–4am every day.
GETTY IMAGES; MATTHEW ASHTON/AMA/GETTY IMAGES
ALAMY; IOANNIS MANTAS/ALAMY; KARIM JAAAFAR/AFP/
Place Vendôme Marina Food Arena
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