Saturday, December 13, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Arabic words&phrases related to the sea
بحر (baḥr) – sea
موج (mawj) – wave
شاطئ (shāṭi’) – beach / shore
رمال (ramāl) – sand
قارب (qārib) – boat
مرجان (marjān) – coral
صدف (ṣadaf) – shell
سمك (samak) – fish
سفينة (safīna) – ship
أمواج (amwāj) – waves (plural)
Pearl – لؤلؤ (lu’lu’)
Shell – صدف (ṣadaf)
Fisherman – صياد (ṣayyād)
Sailor – بحّار (baḥḥār)
بحر هادئ اليوم 🌊☀️ – Baḥr hādi’ al-yawm – A calm sea today
أمواج تتراقص على الشاطئ 🌊💃 – Amwāj tataraqas ‘alā al-shāṭi’ – Waves dancing on the shore
لؤلؤة من الأعماق 🐚✨ – Lu’lu’a min al-a‘māq – A pearl from the depths
رحلة الصياد صباحاً 🎣⛵ – Riḥlat al-ṣayyād ṣabāḥan – The fisherman’s morning trip
نسيم البحار ينعش الروح 🌬️🌊 – Nasīm al-biḥār yun‘ish al-rūḥ – The sea breeze refreshes the soul
سفينة تبحر نحو الأفق ⛵🌅 – Safīna tabḥar naḥwa al-ufuq – A ship sailing toward the horizon
صدف على الرمال 🐚🏖️ – Ṣadaf ‘alā al-ramāl – Shells on the sand
أمواج البحر تحمل الأحلام 🌊💭 – Amwāj al-baḥr taḥmil al-aḥlām – The sea waves carry dreams
بحّار يبحث عن مغامرة 🌊⚓ – Baḥḥār yabḥath ‘an mughāmara – A sailor seeking adventure
شاطئ وغروب الشمس 🌅🏖️ – Shāṭi’ wa ghurūb al-shams – Beach and sunset
Photos from the Dhow festival -2025 - Katara
It was a wonderful afternoon and evening at the Katara Dhow Festival. I’ve visited many festivals here over the years, but this one has always been my favorite. Perhaps it’s because I’m drawn to the past—the nostalgic atmosphere, the traditional crafts, and the timeless rhythm of the sea. Together, they create a charm that feels both soothing and unforgettable.
You can walk out onto the temporary wooden pier stretching into the sea and admire the beautifully restored traditional vessels up close. I decided to buy a hot drink and linger there, watching the sunset while the modern skyline shimmered in the distance. That contrast—tradition and modernity side by side—always captivates me.
Grab a latte and stay dreamy so close to the sea !
This Saudi vendor is showcasing his handmade clay water dispenser — an eco-friendly, traditional way to keep water naturally cool, which truly amazed me. He’s a skilled potter, and besides the dispenser, he also offered beautifully crafted lamps that reflected his artistry and heritage.
As the sun began to set, more and more people arrived. I watched folk dancers from Oman and Qatar performing in their traditional attire, while nearby a large cauldron simmered with a traditional dish prepared by an experienced cook. Fishermen worked patiently on their nets or tried their luck catching fish the old-fashioned way — scenes that brought the festival’s heritage beautifully to life.
I came across many beautiful pieces of jewelry made from pearls and shells. What surprised me most was the price — a pearl necklace was only 370 QAR, roughly 100 USD. Curious, I asked the vendor about the origin of the pearls, and she explained that they were cultivated river pearls from Singapore. She also mentioned that genuine sea-harvested pearls are much more expensive, costing around 1,000 QAR (about 300 USD) per piece.
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The Omani folk dance group, with their powerful bagpipes, rhythmic drums, and energetic songs, created an unforgettable atmosphere. Their performance was full of life and tradition, leaving a truly memorable impression.
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The traditional model boats on display are beautifully handcrafted in India. The smallest ones are priced at 120 rials, while the larger, more detailed pieces go for around 500 rials. They make wonderful traditional home décor items and carry a charming sense of maritime heritage.
At the Zanzibar stand, this little wooden sign made me smile — it simply read “Hakuna Matata.”
“No worries” — this could easily be the festival’s slogan! Come and unwind at the Katara Dhow Festival, open until December 18. Sit by the sea, sip a hot drink, browse for souvenirs, and taste some homemade local dishes. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and seaside charm.
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Thursday, December 11, 2025
🦒 Rock paintings in the Sahara-MENA Visuals
🦒 Rock paintings in the Sahara, approximately 10,000 years old. pic.twitter.com/gJm3mzYw3J
— MENA Visuals (@menavisualss) December 11, 2025
How to get to the Village festival Fan Zone by metro
Reach The Village Festival – Doha Festival City with us! Watch Arab Cup matches live on massive outdoor screens, and attend celebrations with DJ Aseel (11 Dec) and Rahma Riad (18 Dec)! Get there with the mall’s free direct bus shuttle operating every hour from Qatar University… pic.twitter.com/94qbslIanF
— Doha Metro & Lusail Tram (@metrotram_qa) December 9, 2025
Flood in Jeddah - video
Jeddah Education gives holiday due to heavy rain, meanwhile students... 🇸🇦🤣 pic.twitter.com/gcv1OHZifm
— Saudi-Expatriates.com (@saudiexpat) December 10, 2025
When the desert meets the sea, storms write their own story. 🌧️ Jeddah’s December downpour brought 135 mm of rain and turned the city into a river overnight.
The last major flood in Jeddah was in November 2022, when an exceptionally intense rainstorm hit the city on November 24, 2022. During that event, the **National Center for Meteorology recorded around 179 mm of rain in just a few hours
Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF) 2025 -Last Day
📸 صور من مهرجان قطر الدولي للفنون QIAF 2025، حيث تتنوّع العروض الفنية وتتواصل الأنشطة الإبداعية بالتعاون مع MAPS International WLL، وسط تفاعل جميل في قاعة كتارا – مبنى 12.
— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) December 11, 2025
🗓️ مستمر حتى 12 ديسمبر
⏰ من 10 صباحًا إلى 10 مساءً#كتارا_تجمعنا_في_كأس_العرب#Arab_Cup_2025#Katara… pic.twitter.com/36Ly1iT2lJ
Photos from the Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF) 2025, showcasing a rich variety of artistic performances and creative activities held in partnership with MAPS International WLL, all taking place in the vibrant atmosphere of Katara Hall – Building 12.
🗓️ Running through December 12
⏰ Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM
Monday, December 08, 2025
✨ Star Party #30: Geminids Festival – A Night of Shooting Stars! ✨in Qatar
Get ready to witness one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year! The Geminids Meteor Shower is back, and the Geminids Festival promises a magical night under the stars. 🌠
Join Everester Observatory on 13 December 2025, from 8 PM to 4 AM at the Meteor Shower Viewing Spot in Al Kharrara. With up to 60 shooting stars per hour, it’s the perfect opportunity to gather your family, friends, and a sense of wonder for an unforgettable night of stargazing.
Event Highlights:
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Free registration with detailed event guidelines
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Telescopes available for enhanced viewing
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WC facilities on site
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Moon at 33% illumination (Moonrise at 1:12 AM)
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Cold and windy weather – dress warmly!
Don’t miss the chance to experience the King of Meteor Showers in all its glory. 🌌
Saturday, December 06, 2025
Moments from the Coffee Festival - Doha 2025
There are some big names present at the festival, like Hyatt and Cerutti, but most of the places were lesser-known ones.
There is no shortage of chocolate fountains, with strawberries and marshmallows offered in a cup—25 QAR at most places. I saw at least five different stands
The Hive Cake Shop offers Russian honey cake, among many other treats—this specialty makes them unique in Doha. They have a small shop, but most of their orders are for delivery, they said.”
Santa Nata is a Portuguese cake shop and café—another unique place in Doha. The name means ‘Holy Cream’ in Portuguese, referring to the traditional Portuguese custard tarts they specialize in.
Anat Berries is a small home business, but they offer sweets with a very professional look.
This Egyptian basbosa seller is very confident—he sells only in bulk. You must buy his sweets by the box (50 QAR). The good side: it’s creamy and tasty, and you can even try them for free .
I missed the Japanese cake shops, including the matcha pancakes and lattes. The left side of the festival was almost entirely Filipino stands, offering cookies, ube mochis, and skewers. I also found a chimney cake stand—it was supposed to be the famous Hungarian Kürtőskalács, but I learned it was a Georgian version. I wasn’t very sure if it was the same, so I skipped it .
I didn’t find a single stand offering sugar-free cakes—in a country with such a high rate of diabetes .
Although there was a stage, I didn’t witness any live entertainment—only music from the speakers
There are lots of seating areas, and some spots even have those comfy, stylish chairs. My verdict: go to the festival—most stands open after sunset. Try something you’ve never had before and enjoy Qatar’s mild December weather.
Thursday, December 04, 2025
Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Festival 2025 – Doha
☕ Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Festival 2025 – Doha
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When: December 4–13, 2025
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Where: Al Bidda Park, Doha
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What: A family‑friendly festival celebrating coffee, tea, and chocolate. Enjoy tastings, desserts, sweets, and live entertainment in a festive outdoor atmosphere. Perfect for both adults and kids!
Travel to the Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Festival with the#DohaMetro! AlBidda station (Exit 3) gets you to Al Bidda Park. pic.twitter.com/x6VUYyj5a7
— Doha Metro & Lusail Tram (@metrotram_qa) December 3, 2025
Big Prizes Announced for Katara Dhow Festival Photography Competition 2025
The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival in Doha isn’t just a celebration of Qatar’s maritime heritage — it’s also a fantastic opportunity for photographers! Each year, the festival hosts a photography competition, inviting both amateurs and professionals to capture the beauty, energy, and cultural richness of the event. Participants can showcase their skills, compete for exciting prizes, and get their work seen by a wider audience. Whether you’re fascinated by traditional dhows, festival scenes, or the vibrant atmosphere of Katara Cultural Village, this competition offers a creative platform to tell your story through the lens. Keep an eye on the festival’s official channels for the latest announcements and submission deadlines — your perfect shot could be next!
Sumerian birth certificate
Sumerian birth certificate. A clay tablet found at the Sumerian city of Nippur in southern Iraq.
— MENA Visuals (@menavisualss) December 3, 2025
Estimated to be around 2000-1600 BC. Contains a birth announcement, its gender, the names of its parents, and a footprint of the newborn. pic.twitter.com/Qgy7D8Wdhe
Monday, December 01, 2025
Beyond the Matches: Lusail’s Free ‘Unity in Passion’ Festival
Lusail Stadium welcomes the final and other headline games, adding to the city’s impressive sports story. And if you’re looking for atmosphere beyond the matches, Lusail Boulevard’s “Unity in Passion” (Dec 1–18) offers free evenings filled with music, food trucks, cultural corners, and family-friendly fun. With Doha’s gentle December weather around 22–25°C, it’s the perfect time to enjoy it all outdoors.
استمتعوا بتجربة كأس العرب FIFA قطر ™️ 2025 في درب لوسيل، حيث تلتقي كرة القدم بالثقافة. من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر، من الخامسة مساءً وحتى منتصف الليل، عشوا لحظات لا تُنسى من المتعة والمرح!
— VisitLusail (@Visit_Lusail) November 22, 2025
A Million Cheers. One Boulevard.
Experience the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025M at Lusail Boulevard! Join… pic.twitter.com/dKwXMpZL1B
Doha Welcomes the FIFA Arab Cup 2025
The temperature is finally dropping in Doha, and being outdoors feels good again. Sports teams and delegations are now arriving — and for a good reason. Three years after the FIFA World Cup, the region’s top football teams are gathering once more to perform in the very same stadiums where the world’s best players competed.
Sixteen Arab nations will face each other to see who will rise to the top. Here’s what you need to know:
📅 Dates: 1–18 December 2025
⏰ Match times: Afternoon and evening kick-offs (ideal for the cooler weather)
🎉 Extra fun: Fan zones, cultural events, food stalls, music, family-friendly activities, and the festive football atmosphere Qatar is famous for.
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