Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Red Beach - Hormuz Island - wonderful geology

 - @sciencegirl's post features video of Red Beach on Iran's Hormuz Island, where high iron oxide in the soil produces its signature deep red color, heightened by rainfall washing sediments to the shore.

- The vivid hue comes from hematite in ancient volcanic rocks and salt dome formations, a natural process that also tints nearby seawater crimson.

- Hormuz, known as Rainbow Island for its multicolored mineral landscape, exports the iron-rich "golak" soil for pigments, cosmetics, and local cuisine.



The Pearl Food Festival 2026 from NOV 11 -Porto Arabia

 

Food lovers, rejoice! The highly anticipated Pearl Food Festival is officially returning to Doha. From November 11 to November 21, 2026, the stunning waterfront of Porto Arabia (La Croisette 18–22) will transform into a vibrant culinary paradise.
Whether you are looking for a casual family outing or a late-night bite with friends, here is everything you need to know about this year’s must-visit event:
  • Admission: Completely free entry for all visitors.
  • The Food: Over 40 food booths showcasing an incredible mix of local flavors and international cuisines.
  • The Atmosphere: Spectacular festive lighting along the marina, paired with lively street entertainment, stilt walkers, and ribbon dancers.
  • Weekdays (Sat–Wed): Open from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • Weekends (Thu–Fri): Extended hours from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM (with some zones open 3:00 PM to midnight).
Spanning 11 flavor-packed days, this expanded edition promises the perfect blend of great food, family-friendly activities, and beautiful waterfront views. Grab your appetite and head down to The Pearl Island to experience the very best of Doha's global food scene!

illustration by  gemini  AI


 


Friday, November 06, 2026

Hungarian band at the Katara European Jazz Festival 2026

 - Katara Cultural Village's post highlights Hungarian trio NOÉMO's performance blending jazz, pop, and folk music at the 10th Katara European Jazz Festival 2026.

- The November 6 show, part of Hungary's slot alongside Italy and Finland, was organized with the Hungarian Embassy in Qatar at the free evening event on the Katara Esplanade.

- The attached video captures the band's live set, showcasing cultural exchange at Qatar's premier venue hosting nine European countries from November 4-7.



Tuesday, November 03, 2026

🎆 Qatar Boat Show 2026: Fireworks & Drone Show rimes

 🎆 Qatar Boat Show 2026: Fireworks & Drone Shows

Four evenings of spectacular displays at Old Doha Port!

Show schedule

DateShowtimes
Wed, Nov 47:30 PM
Thu, Nov 56 PM & 8 PM
Fri, Nov 66 PM & 8 PM
Sat, Nov 77:30 PM

No boat show ticket? You can still enjoy the fireworks from the Doha Corniche, including the area facing the National Museum of Qatar. 🌊

Full schedule and details

Qatar Boat Show 2026: Yachts, Fireworks and Waterfront Fun 🚤✨

Watan Military Exercises 2026 - NOv 2 -3 Doha

A Military Exercise in Doha 🚨

There was a military exercise going on in Doha, and I soon started receiving messages from some acquaintances who were frightened and worried. Not everyone seemed to know what was happening, and I could understand their concerns.

These kinds of exercises have become quite common in Qatar in recent years. They are meant to test how well the country can respond to different emergencies, including security threats, cyberattacks, natural disasters, and situations requiring evacuations. 🛡️

Some metro stations, including Al Bidda, were temporarily closed, and there were also activities at Hamad International Airport. 🚇✈️

The Doha Metro's official X account had posted warnings about the temporary closures and other disruptions.

Living in Doha for so many years, I have become familiar with these exercises. Still, I can understand why people who are not aware of them might feel frightened when they suddenly see unusual activity or find their usual routes disrupted.

I think a little information can make a big difference. Sometimes, simply knowing what is happening is enough to make us feel safer and more prepared. 💙


Sunday, November 01, 2026

Trees in Al Bida park - Doha

 





safety reminder for metro users by MOI Qatar

 


  • Qatar's Ministry of Interior posted this safety reminder urging metro users to follow guidelines for safer journeys for everyone.
  • The attached poster lists key rules: avoid running on escalators, supervise children, maintain distance from doors, secure belongings, and seek help in emergencies.
  • The message promotes awareness via the #MOIQatar hashtag, tied to Qatar's modern Doha Metro system with its distinctive architecture.


 

Chefchaouen, Morocco - Wana visuals

 So there's this X post from @wana_visualss with three really cool pics of Chefchaouen, Morocco—the "Blue City." You've got these fancy blue doorways with plants, street cats hanging out against bright blue walls, and a big hillside shot of the whole blue medina.


Chefchaouen's up in the Rif Mountains, and the whole place is painted in shades of blue. Word is the tradition might've started with Jewish refugees back in the 15th century—either for spiritual reasons or just to keep bugs away. Either way, it's a huge tourist draw now.


The photos are by a photographer called awonderseeker, and they really show off how photogenic the city's alleys and buildings are—which makes sense since the account focuses on West Asian and North African culture and visuals.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Rare Pink Dolphins Spotted Off Oman Coast

 A viral photo shows rare bright pink dolphins swimming with a darker one near Qantab Beach in Muscat, Oman. The dolphins are likely endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, and their pink color comes from blood vessels showing through pale skin—not albinism. The close-to-shore sighting highlights Oman's marine biodiversity.



Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Gaza's Young Storyteller Goes Global

 Nisreen Skaik, a young Palestinian girl from Gaza, is a top-8 finalist in the youth category of the 2026 Digital Content Creators Awards for her videos documenting daily life amid conflict and displacement. Her content—covering children's experiences such as destroyed schools, supply shortages, winter hardships in tents, and calls for aid—has reached millions on social media. Family videos captured her emotional celebration at learning of the finalist status, with the awards ceremony set for December in Doha, Qatar.


Nagoya Asian Para Games - 2026 - Shaheen wins bronze in the men’s 400m freestyle

 

Thursday, October 15, 2026

International Day of RuralWomen

 


When I see this post by the United Nations for International Rural Women's Day, my heart turns with profound respect to my grandmother in the village—a woman whose quiet strength and tireless devotion shaped my fondest memories.

Her hands, weathered by decades of labor, prepared feasts that made our holidays truly unforgettable: homemade jams, rich syrups, savory sausages, delicate duck livers, and golden dripping—each bite a testament to her love and craftsmanship.

Her discipline was unwavering, her work ethic boundless. She labored with grace until the final week of her life, departing this world at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and self-sacrifice.

To her, and to the countless rural women around the world who toil unseen and give without measure—I offer my deepest admiration and gratitude. You are the quiet pillars upon which generations are built.

 

expat Qatar