Food & Dining Vocabulary during Ramadan

 Tamr (تمر) 🌴✨ – Dates, traditionally eaten to gently break the fast

Shorba (شوربة) 🍲 – A warm soup, often the first savory dish at iftar

Sambousek (سمبوسك) 🥟 – Crispy savory pastries stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables

Harees (هريس) 🥣🍖 – Slow-cooked wheat and meat dish, creamy and comforting

Lamb Ouzi (أوزي) 🍖🍚 – Fragrant spiced rice topped with tender slow-cooked lamb, nuts, and raisins

Qatayef (قطايف) 🥞🍯 – Ramadan dessert pancakes filled with cream or nuts and drizzled with syrup

Kunafa (كنافة) 🧀🍰 – Sweet pastry layered with cheese or cream and soaked in syrup

Luqaimat (لقيمات) 🍩🍯 – Crispy golden doughnut balls drizzled with date syrup or honey

Take-away iftar meal from the IKEA - Qatar

Check out  the details  of this traditional  lamb  meal  and order in advance

 

10 Arabic words related to the fasting month

 1. **Ramadan (رمضان)** 🌙 – The holy month of fasting

2. **Sawm (صوم)** 🤲 – Fasting

3. **Iftar (إفطار)** 🌅🍽️ – The meal to break the fast at sunset

4. **Suhoor (سحور)** 🌄🥣 – The pre-dawn meal before fasting begins

5. **Maghrib (مغرب)** 🌇🕌 – Sunset prayer, when the fast is broken

6. **Fajr (فجر)** 🌄🙏 – Dawn prayer, when fasting begins

7. **Taraweeh (تراويح)** 🌙🕌 – Special nightly prayers during Ramadan

8. **Zakat (زكاة)** 💝 – Obligatory charity

9. **Zakat al-Fitr (زكاة الفطر)** 🌾🤝 – Charity given before Eid prayer

10. **Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر)** 🎉🌙 – The festival marking the end of Ramadan

Iftar deals in Qatar - dinning out with vouchers

 When browsing Qgrabs’ Ramadan deals this year, I was genuinely surprised by the variety — more than 30 venues are offering special meal promotions, including generous iftar and sohour buffet packages across Doha.

The most luxurious options combine fine dining with a desert staycation. As Ramadan falls during one of the most pleasant weather periods of the year, a night away feels especially tempting. A sohour set menu for two at Regency Sealine Camp starts from QR499 — a five-star desert experience that truly sounds like a memorable treat.

Among deal seekers, the most popular voucher at the moment appears to be the iftar buffet at Velero Hotel. Their QR85 voucher has attracted significant attention. Children aged 6 and under dine free, while children aged 7–12 pay directly at the hotel.

Another highly sought-after option comes from Gloria Hotel & Suites**,** offering an exquisite iftar buffet featuring Turkish and Egyptian specialties for only QR29. Children under six dine free; older children require a voucher. This is the lowest price I found this season — incredibly affordable.

If you are looking for something a bit different in Doha, consider the Balkan iftar set menu at Dukat Restaurant. While not a budget option, vouchers start from QR85 per person and promise a distinctive culinary experience.

For those who prefer takeaway, The Avenue Hotel offers convenient iftar boxes starting from QR39.

From sky-dining experiences to resort escapes, Qgrabs’ Ramadan collection feels wider than ever this year. If you are planning to book, act quickly — many of these offers are already nearing expiration.

Doha Metro & Lusail Tram service hours during Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem ✨🌙
Starting the first day of Ramadan, Doha Metro & Lusail Tram service hours will be adjusted to better serve you during this holy month. #DohaMetro #LusailTram #RamadanKareem pic.twitter.com/G6zF7JbECR

— Doha Metro & Lusail Tram (@metrotram_qa) February 17, 2026

Ramadan Canon at Katara - sunset - open to the public

 

مدفع الإفطار في #كتارا، يوميًا عند أذان المغرب في الجهة الجنوبية طوال شهر #رمضان المبارك.
الدعوة عامة.

The Ramadan Cannon at #Katara, daily at Maghrib prayer time in the Southern Area.
Open to the public.#Qatar #Katara#KataraCultural#رمضان_في_كتارا_أحلى#قطر… pic.twitter.com/SSjxT7cQ4X

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) February 17, 2026

Events during Ramadan at QNL

 

This Ramadan, join us at the Library for moments of reflection, learning, and togetherness. 🌙
Explore our curated program of events throughout the holy month.https://t.co/hTGr7BDrBx pic.twitter.com/xgVoH03dSv

— مكتبة قطر الوطنية | Qatar National Library (QNL) (@QNLib) February 18, 2026

Ramadan Kareem - postcard

 

Ramadan Kareem - painting with lampards
by almawad

Fasting & Cell Regeneration: Nobel Prize–Winning Science

 

In 2016, Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering how autophagy works — the body’s natural “self-cleaning” system.

Autophagy is the process by which our cells break down and recycle damaged components, turning waste into energy and fresh building blocks. It’s activated during periods of stress, such as fasting, helping cells repair and renew themselves.

This discovery reshaped how we think about aging and disease prevention. By clearing cellular debris, autophagy supports resilience and may play a protective role against cancer and neurodegenerative conditions.

Sometimes, giving the body a pause from constant intake isn’t deprivation — it’s an opportunity for renewal.

In 2016, Japanese biologist Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking research into autophagy, a term derived from the Greek words for self-eating.

This extraordinary biological repair mechanism acts as the body's internal… pic.twitter.com/43RoUtImJ5

— GP Q (@argosaki) February 14, 2026

Katara in the Details: Snapshots and Simple Thoughts

 

As I was walking through the narrow alleyways of the Katara district, I caught sight of this large prickly pear cactus tree. I was so excited to see it.

When I was a child, we had one too — of course, much smaller. It was one of the first words I learned in the “houseplant” category. I was surprised at how different its name is in English compared to Hungarian.

medvetalp =

• medve = bear

• talp = sole (of the foot)

“bear’s sole” vagy “bear paw”.

The English name refers to the fruit — “prickly pear” — while the Hungarian name focuses on the plant’s shape: the flat, oval pads resemble the sole of a bear’s paw.

Isn’t it beautiful?
Two different cultures — two completely different images of the same plant.

One emphasizes what it gives.
The other emphasizes what it looks like.

The same plant — yet two different perspectives. And that’s what makes the world richer.

The other thing I captured through the lens was a beautiful nostalgic-style drinking fountain. In this climate, public water sources are often private initiatives. Providing water to passersby is not just a simple public service; it is often a religious, charitable act.

Old villas were built so that a stone bench  and a drinking fountain would be located next to them on the street.

In Europe, wealthy individuals often erect a stone cross by the roadside; here, charity takes a much more practical form.

1 April 974 stadium - Shakira concert

 

TICKETS ARE ON!
Grab your seats now!

1 April
974 Stadium
Tickets via link in bio pic.twitter.com/5OxUxkY2t0

— Qatar Calendar (@QatarCalendar) February 10, 2026

 You  can buy  tickets  here . 

MessFest - messy festival at Katara

 

  When : From 8th – 14th of February

 What  Time :Session  times  start  at  2 :30     last  session start  at 6 

  sessions can be 1  hour or 3  hours 

 🌈 What to Expect:

Get ready for exciting outdoor activities where kids are encouraged to explore, create, and yes — get wonderfully messy! 😄 Bring a change of clothes and don’t forget socks.

🫧 Giant bubbles
🌋 Muddy volcanoes
🌈 Rainbow fountains
🎨 Paint Palooza
🤎 Mud Madness
💦 Splash Mania
🏖️ Sand, water, and paint sensory play

It’s all about hands-on fun, creativity, and carefree childhood moments!

 Tickets :From QR115 (one adult + one child)

 book  here

 Age  group : perfect for our youngest guests

National Sports Day in Qatar -2026

 Qatar National Sport Day (held annually on the second Tuesday of February) turns the whole country into a giant fitness zone, with ministries, parks, and sports clubs hosting free activities for the public.

 Where  to   go  ? 

Some ideas  :Aspire Zone (10 February 2026) is a morning event designed to promote healthy, active lifestyles for all ages in a safe and inclusive setting. Activities will take place mainly on pitches 10 and 11, with additional Aspire Academy programs on pitches 4, 5, and 12, running from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The program features a wide variety of sports and fitness options, including a walk around Aspire Park Lake, fitness classes, spinning, football, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, shooting, hockey, chess, padel, skydiving demonstrations, youth activities (Shabab 22), Sports Corner events, and Aspetar activities

https://aspirezone.qa/en/events/national-sport-day-2026

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Education City Run: Color Edition

Join the Education City Run: Color Edition — a lively National Sport Day event filled with music, colorful powder bursts, and a festive community spirit. With distances from an 800m kids’ dash to a 10K race, everyone can participate at their own pace. Awards will be given across multiple age categories, and part of the proceeds supports Education Above All. Remember to wear sports-appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees, with closed-toe shoes.

Registration  is needed online

Event Time: Tuesday, 10 February 2026, from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM. Open to participants aged 3 to 50.

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 Lusail Boulevard half-marathon

اكتمل العدد 🏁
شكراً لحماسكم وتفاعلكم

نلتقي في درب لوسيل

All slots are filled 🏁
Thank you for the amazing response.

See you at Lusail Boulevard. pic.twitter.com/DcFfSiQVDO

— Team Qatar 🇶🇦 (@qatar_olympic) February 8, 2026

Romantic Dinner Deals in Doha -2026

 Looking for the perfect romantic dinner for two? 💕

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate set menu, a lavish buffet, or something exotic like volcano sushi and heart-shaped desserts, I’ve rounded up some irresistible deals on Qgrabs.

Read my latest posts and discover how to turn an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience!

Dinner Buffet at The Grand Lux

Celebrate love with a romantic dinner buffet for two — now just QR159 instead of QR320. Enjoy everything from creamy mushroom soup and fresh salads to hot mezza, flavorful mains like butter chicken, lamb stew, sweet and sour fish, and a delicious mixed grill. Finish the evening with irresistible desserts, including red velvet cake, chocolate cake, and strawberry mousse.

  grab  the voucher  here 

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Romantic Dinner Buffet at Midan Restaurant - 

Shaza Doha Hotel

Enjoy a romantic dinner buffet at Midan Restaurant in Shaza Hotel for just QR90 instead of QR180. Delight in a rich selection of international and Arabic dishes, from tasty starters to indulgent mains and tempting desserts — all served in an elegant, softly lit setting perfect for date nights or special celebrations.

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Romantic Valentine’s dinner buffet for two at The Avenue Hotel — now QR165 instead of QR340. Enjoy international favorites and indulgent desserts in a warm, intimate setting made for unforgettable moments.

 buy  the  voucher here

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Romantic Japanese Koibito set menu for two at Yoto Sushi Bar, The Grand Lux Hotel — now QR239 instead of QR480. Enjoy tempura, miso soup, premium sushi, teriyaki salmon, tori katsudon, and a heart-shaped cake for a truly memorable evening.

 grab   the   deal  here 

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Valentine’s deals are valid for Feb 14 — but if you miss the date, don’t worry! You can still enjoy a luxurious Afternoon High Tea at Shalimar.

Pay QR149 instead of QR298 for two, or QR189 instead of QR372 for five. Indulge in an elegant spread of sweet and savory bites, decadent desserts, and unlimited coffee and tea — perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a special get-together with friends.

 Grab  the  voucher  here 

Building Bridges - scupltures by Lorenzo Quinn - Katara

Walking through Katara’s elegant district near Galeries Lafayette, I recently encountered something unexpected — a tunnel formed by monumental, intertwined hands. For a moment, the noise of the world seemed to quiet down. The sculpture invites you not just to pass through it, but to reflect on connection, trust, and the invisible bridges that hold humanity together.

The installation is the work of Italian sculptor Lorenzo Quinn, an artist renowned for transforming the simple image of a hand into a universal language. In his vision, hands are capable of building as much as they are of destroying — which is precisely why he chooses them to symbolize cooperation, hope, and shared responsibility.

In a time when public spaces are often marked by tension or memories of conflict, encountering a work that speaks so clearly about unity feels refreshing. Rather than glorifying struggle, these hands suggest that our greatest strength lies in reaching toward one another.

Art does not always need to shock to be powerful. Sometimes, it simply needs to remind us that we belong to the same human story.

 

International Festival of Arabian Horses 2026 - Katara -exhibition of Ali Al-Ammar

 

Photos from the opening of Ali Al-Ammar’s exhibition, Symphony of Origin – The Sound of the Earth, part of the #Katara_International_Festival_Arabian_Horses 2026. The exhibition is held in Building 47, Hall 2 at #Katara.
📅 Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. until February 13, 2026.

 MORE  ABOUT  THIS  FESTIVAL