Thursday, December 04, 2025

Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Festival 2025 – Doha

 


☕ Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Festival 2025 – Doha

  • When: December 4–13, 2025

  • Where: Al Bidda Park, Doha

  • 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!




How to get there ?

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

 

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.

Match schedules - FIFA Arab Cup 2025 - Qatar

 


  You can  download   the large   pdf  version  of this  filee   HERE .

You  can buy   tickets HERE

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.





Sunday, November 30, 2025

Unserious Survey: Reactions to November Phone Alerts 🔊📱

 When the unexpected security drill in November made mobiles scream, here’s what people really thought:

• 20% – “It must be a fire at the office/university!” 🔥
• 20% – “Nuclear catastrophe?!” ☢️
• 5% – “Nothing… just felt like my heart stopped throbbing.” ❤️‍🩹
• 20% – “My phone is overreacting… probably low battery.” 🔋
• 15% – “Who is calling me at this volume?!” 📞
• 10% – “Did I accidentally press some weird setting?” ⚙️
• 10% – “Uff, Qatar finally found a new way to wake us up.” ⏰

Conclusion:
Phones were ready. Hearts… slightly less so. 😄

The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival 2025

 The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is now underway at Katara Beach, running from late November to mid-December. Visitors can explore beautifully restored wooden dhows, watch sailing and rowing competitions, and enjoy cultural shows, crafts, and family activities. Entry is free, and events usually take place from afternoon until late evening. A great chance to experience Qatar’s maritime heritage.




🌊 Quick Facts About Qatar’s Maritime History

1. Qatar was once one of the world’s major pearl-diving centers.
Before oil, pearls were the country’s economic backbone, traded across India, Persia, and Europe.

2. Qatari dhows sailed as far as East Africa and India.
Merchants used large wooden dhows for long-distance voyages carrying pearls, dates, and textiles.

3. Traditional navigation relied on stars and coastal landmarks.
Before modern tools, Qatari captains (nakhudas) memorized star paths for nighttime sea travel.

4. Pearl divers worked in extremely harsh conditions.
They held their breath for up to a minute, using nose clips and finger guards, often diving 30–40 times per hour.

5. The diving season was called the ghaws.
It lasted from June to September and involved entire crews living at sea for months.

6. Dhows were built without nails in early times.
Builders used ropes, wooden pegs, and coconut fibers soaked in oil to bind the planks.

7. Families depended on the sea for generations.
Fishing, trading, and pearling shaped social roles, songs, traditions, and coastal settlements.

8. The “boom-and-bust” of pearls changed the region.
Natural pearls declined after the 1930s with the arrival of Japanese cultured pearls, impacting the Gulf economy.

9. Qatar’s coastal forts protected maritime routes.
Al Zubarah, Al Khor, and Ruwais regions were key for trade and sea defense.

10. Many maritime words in Qatari Arabic are unique.
Terms like badoor (diving rope), dallah (anchor stone), and nakhuda (captain) reflect centuries of sea culture.



Hello December – A Look at Qatar’s Weather Extremes

 

How to get to the Swan Lake - Pearl Island Qatar

 

Friday, November 28, 2025

From Gadgets to Getaways: Doha’s Best White Friday Deals 2025

 White Friday has quickly become one of Qatar’s most exciting shopping events, bringing massive discounts, exclusive online offers, and limited-time deals across the country. From electronics and fashion to home essentials and beauty, shoppers can find real savings if they know where to look. As the big weekend approaches, here’s how to make the most of Qatar’s White Friday rush.


BEST  DEALS  

Qatar  Airways Holidays 


The deals you’ve been waiting for are finally live:

✨ Enjoy 25% off Flight + Hotel packages to any destination
✨ Get 55% off cruises departing from Doha
✨ Extra rewards exclusively for Privilege Club members

Hurry—these offers are available for six days only!
Book now and grab the savings:

🌐 qatarairwaysholidays.com
📞 +974 4144 5544
📧 holidays@qatarairways.com.qa




  FNAC offers deals from November 27–29, 2025, with amazing discounts on TVs and soundbars, personal appliances, and smaller gadgets. In Doha, you can find FNAC at Doha Festival City, Lagoona Mall, and Place Vendôme.


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Celebrate White Friday with massive savings—up to 80% off selected devices and accessories! Purchase any device and receive 1000 bonus Nojoom Points. Offer available from 27 Nov to 6 Dec, both in-store and online. T&Cs apply.






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VODAFONE  QATAR

core big on the latest smartphones and accessories with exclusive limited-time discounts! The year’s top bargains run from 26 November to 2 December 2025.
Learn more: https://vodafone.qa/sale
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Reflections After the Dubai Airshow Tragedy

 When I watched the video of the Indian aircraft crashing at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, a strange mix of thoughts rushed through me. People go to these events for excitement, for beauty, for precision in the sky — and instead they end up witnessing a tragedy unfold right in front of them.

My mind immediately went back to the airshow accident in Qatar years ago, when a Hungarian pilot lost his life during a stunt that went terribly wrong. And then to another sorrowful story — the British royal who wished to marry a Hungarian woman and dreamed of serving the Royal House, but whose life ended at an airshow as well. Their story never made it into The Crown, but it lived on in the memories of those who knew it.

So many thoughts… but above all, I just felt deep sympathy. For the pilot, whose last moments were part of a performance meant to bring joy. And for the audience, who came for entertainment and instead witnessed something they will never forget.

Friday, November 21, 2025

Roast Trukey Deals in Doha - 2025


6-7kg Roasted Turkey Packages for Takeaway at Shaza Hotel


 starting  from  QR399Traditional Roast Turkey

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IKEA  Family price     -  Whole  Roast   Turkey 

Original price: QR 449
Special IKEA Family price: QR 349

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Heading to Lusail Marina? Take the Lusail Tram!

 

Rainy Weather Expected This Sunday and Monday

 


 Recent weather reports suggest that rain clouds could develop on Sunday, November 23, 2025 — with a chance of occasional thunderstorms. Scattered showers are also expected to continue on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Free Planetarium screenings at Katara

 

Flashback After the Emergency Alert

 After the alert on my phone on November 19, 2025, I suddenly had a flashback. I remembered a quiet, early summer morning somewhere in Europe — South Hungary, not far from the country’s only nuclear power station.

Every month, the siren drills happened around lunchtime, but that morning the solemn, eerie sound filled the air. My first thought was: “Just a mistake.” But it didn’t stop. It went on far too long to be just a mistake.

Panic set in. The South Slav war… had they attacked Hungary? Did they bomb the power station? I did what we were always told in case of a siren: I turned on the radio and listened carefully.

Meanwhile, my mother — who always loved a bit of drama — pulled my child out of bed, shouting: “You must get dressed — we have to flee!”

Flee? I thought. Where to? The silence from the radio about the situation was grim. Surely something serious had happened… would we all be sick and dying from radiation-induced cancer soon? Would there be enough painkillers for everyone, or only for the privileged?

After about half an hour, finally there was a public announcement: no emergency — it was just a mistake.

Even so, it was hard to believe they could not switch off the siren for so long. That day stayed with me. And now, hearing the alert in 2025, all those old fears came rushing back — a vivid reminder of how suddenly life can feel out of control.

That Creepy Emergency Alert…

 

live From Qatar: 

I was just preparing to make my afternoon tea when suddenly my phone started blasting loud alarm sounds!
For a moment I honestly thought it was warning me about a dying battery — but no. When I checked the screen, I saw that it was an emergency alert informing me that a Watan military exercise was taking place in Qatar and that no action was required from the public.

Still, it felt creepy. After the two bombings that happened earlier this year, hearing that siren-type alert again instantly brought back that cold, uneasy feeling. Even if it’s “just a drill,” your nerves react as if something real is happening.

So what can we expect during these national war-games-style exercises?

Possible things the public might notice:

  • More emergency alerts on phones testing the notification system

  • Visible movement of military and police vehicles in certain areas

  • Helicopters or aircraft practicing maneuvers

  • Road closures or diversions during specific scenarios

  • Sirens or loudspeaker announcements as part of emergency simulations

  • Smoke, controlled explosions, or fire-training scenes used for realism

  • Increased presence of Civil Defense units around public facilities

  • Practice evacuations in selected institutions (schools, malls, or offices)

  • Media coverage showing coordinated response teams in action

These drills are meant to test how well the country can respond to crises — but for everyday residents, they can still feel quite unsettling.




Illustration by   Alma  Wad  the human designer (  aka me )   and Canva   AI 


Thursday, November 13, 2025

A Magical Night with AMG Quartet at the Katara European Jazz Festival 2025

 


 A glimpse into the French concert by AMG Quartet at the #Katara_European_Jazz_Festival 2025, where the band’s dynamic energy and artistic harmony captivated the audience, in collaboration with the Embassy of #France in #Qatar.



 

🚇 How to Reach Beach Centrale by Metro – The Pearl Qatar 🌴

 

✈️ Qatar Airways Shines at the 2025 Verified Air Travel Awards 🌟

 

Saturday, November 08, 2025

Turtles & the Qatar Marina Ecosystem - guided tour

 


🐢 Guided Tours at the National Museum of Qatar 🌊

Join  the guided tours in English and Arabic to explore marine life in Qatar, with a special focus on the  beloved sea turtles. 🐢💙

Discover fascinating stories about Qatar’s coastal environment and the efforts to protect these gentle creatures.

📅 Check the dates and times above and don’t miss this educational and inspiring experience!






🌙 Night Studies at QNL — A Dream Come True for Night Owls

 


Have you ever felt frustrated that the Qatar National Library closes at 8 p.m.?
Do you find your mind comes alive only after sunset — when the world is quiet, and your thoughts finally flow?
Or maybe you just need more peaceful time to focus on your studies, away from the noise of the day?

Good news! ✨
QNL has announced a new “Night Studies” service, allowing registered users to book a study space after regular hours.
Now you can enjoy the inspiring atmosphere of the library — the calm, the creativity, and that unique “QNL vibe” — even at night.

📚 Opening Hours:
🗓️ Friday – Wednesday: 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM (next day)
🕘 Thursday: 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM (Friday morning)
🔸 Available for QNL members aged 18 and above.

Whether you’re preparing for exams, writing a paper, or simply seeking a tranquil place to think, this new service is designed for you.
Because sometimes, the best ideas come after dark. 🌌

Book  your  space   here !

2025–2026 cruise season begins - Doha

 






Set sail for new adventures 🌊✨ as the 2025–2026 #cruise season begins at #OldDohaPort! From November 9 to May 2026, over 70 luxurious cruise ships will dock at #TheTerminal, offering unforgettable journeys and exceptional experiences. ⚓️🇶🇦 #MwaniQatar #Qatar #الموسم_السياحي_2025_2026

Tuesday, November 04, 2025

The Grand Egyptian Museum opened near Giza Pyramid

 

Desert Fox in the Merzouga Region, Morocco

 

Al Jazeera Network Studio Building by Veech X Veech

 

Thursday, October 30, 2025

QM Gallery Katara - light art exhibition

 

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

❤️ Red Heart Emoji Etiquette in the Middle East




The red heart emoji is one of the most universal symbols of love and warmth — but in the Middle East, it carries a bit more cultural weight. While Western users freely sprinkle ❤️ in friendly messages, people in Arab and Muslim-majority countries use it with more care, mindful of social and cultural context.

Within families, sending a red heart to a mother, sister, daughter, or aunt is completely natural and seen as a gesture of affection and respect. It’s a warm reminder of family ties — and perfectly acceptable in Islamic culture.

However, when the ❤️ appears between non-related men and women, it may be interpreted as romantic or intimate, which can cause embarrassment or misunderstanding. That’s why many users prefer neutral colors — such as the 🤍 white heart (purity and sincerity), 💛 yellow heart (friendship), or 💚 green heart (peace and faith).

In short, the key is intent and relationship. In the Middle East, a red heart is still powerful — just best reserved for family and close loved ones.



Simple weather symbols - Boys Bella+Canvas Tri-blend Long Sleeve Shirt

 


This Boys’ Long Sleeve Tri-Blend T-Shirt features simple weather symbols — sun, clouds, rain, snow, and thunderstorm — printed on a sleek black shirt. Soft, durable, and designed for everyday comfort, it’s perfect for curious kids who love meteorology and nature .








Weather forecast for Thursday - end of October 2025

 


 It’s still real beach weather here ☀️🏖️ My friends in Hungary 🇭🇺 are starting to get jealous because of the sunshine 😎 The tables have turned — especially now that it gets dark so early back home after the clock change! 🌇

Monday, October 27, 2025

Al Wakra Port Fire Octobber 22 2025 - MOI Qatar Press Release

 

Sunday, October 26, 2025

chamber music selections from both Argentina and Chile - QNL Oct 29

 

In celebration of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, Qatar National Library invites you on a captivating musical journey showcasing the rhythms, melodies, and cultural heritage of Argentina.

Musicians:

Lorena Manescu – Violin

Dimitri Torchinsky – Violin

Andrea Mereuta – Viola

Christoph Schmitz – Cello

Program:

The evening will feature chamber music selections from both Argentina and Chile

Astor Piazzola: “Tango Ballet” - String Quartet

Astor Piazzola: “Four for Tango - String Quartet 

Alberto Ginastera: String Quartet No. 2

Date: 29 October 2025

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Target Audience: Public



Friday, October 24, 2025

Numbers & Qatar Charity

 



 Translated from Arabic

"We in Qatar Charity are proud to be part of a major humanitarian cooperation between the State of Qatar and the sister Arab Republic of Egypt, which embodies the depth of fraternal relations and our shared commitment to supporting our brothers in times of crisis."


Qatar Charity Expands Relief Operations in Gaza

DOHA – Qatar Charity (QC) has intensified its humanitarian aid in Gaza, delivering 1,000 hot meals daily to displaced families returning to northern areas. An additional 315 meals are provided every day to patients with special needs at Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics.

So far, QC has distributed 4,700 food parcels to families facing severe shortages, with a goal of reaching 24,700 parcels in total. The organization also plans to supply 2.4 million litres of clean drinking water and support education by distributing 4,500 school bags and rehabilitating 60 classrooms damaged by the conflict.

These efforts are part of Qatar’s ongoing humanitarian response to the Gaza crisis, aimed at restoring essential services and easing food insecurity for thousands of civilians.


source https://reliefweb.int/node/4181250


Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Fun Run - Family event on Lusail Boulevard = December 10-13 2025

 

Emotional Oud Music – Arabic Meditative Music - Video

 

Common Arabic words related to soccer

  — with transliteration, English meaning, and a few emojis to make it fun and easy to remember:


Basic Words

Arabic Transliteration English Meaning Emoji
كرة القدم kurat al-qadam football / soccer
مباراة mubārāh match / game 🏟️
فريق farīq team 👥
لاعب lāʿib player 🧍‍♂️
حكم ḥakam referee 🧑‍⚖️
مدرب mudarrib coach 🎓
جمهور jumhūr crowd / fans 🙌
منتخب muntakhab national team 🇶🇦🇪🇬🇸🇦 etc.

🥅 On the Field

Arabic Transliteration English Meaning Emoji
مرمى marmā goal / net 🥅
حارس المرمى ḥāris al-marmā goalkeeper 🧤
دفاع difāʿ defense 🛡️
هجوم hujūm attack ⚔️
تمريرة tamrīrah pass 🔁
تسديدة tasdīdah shot / kick 👟
هدف hadaf goal (scored) 🎯
ضربة جزاء ḍarbah jazā’ penalty kick
ركلة ركنية raklah rukniyyah corner kick 🚩
تسلل tasallul offside 🚫

🕐 Match & Score

Arabic Transliteration English Meaning Emoji
الشوط الأول ash-shawṭ al-awwal first half 1️⃣
الشوط الثاني ash-shawṭ ath-thānī second half 2️⃣
تعادل taʿādul draw / tie 🤝
فوز fawz win 🏆
خسارة khasārah loss / defeat 😞
نتيجة natījah score / result 📊
وقت إضافي waqt iḍāfī extra time ⏱️
ركلات الترجيح raklāt at-tarjīḥ penalty shootout 🎯⚽

💬 Expressions You Might Hear

Arabic Transliteration English Meaning Emoji
هدف رائع! hadaf rā’iʿ! What a great goal! 🌟⚽
هيا بنا! hayyā binā! Let’s go! 💪
العب بسرعة! ilʿab bisurʿah! Play faster!
دفاع قوي! difāʿ qawī! Strong defense! 🛡️
مبروك الفوز! mabrūk al-fawz! Congratulations on the win! 🎉🏆
حظ أوفر! ḥaẓẓ awfar! Better luck next time! 🤍


Saturday, October 18, 2025

Karwa taxi company donation to Gaza

 

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Victory Waves in Newport: Team Qatar Conquers Elite16 Beach Volleyball

 

🌍 FIFA World Cup 2026 Update! ⚽️

 

So far, 28 countries have officially qualified for the tournament — and among them, 7 are Arab nations ! 🌟

The excitement is building as the world gets ready for the first-ever 48-team World Cup, promising more diversity, passion, and unforgettable moments on the global stage! 🏆🔥





 

Diwali specials and deals in Qatar - 2025

 


QR 64 (instead of QR 129)

All New Indian Night Buffet at DoubleTree by Hilton Al Sadd

What to expect?
✨ A warm and festive atmosphere filled with glowing lights, vibrant colors, and the joyful spirit of Diwali.
🍛 A grand feast featuring rich flavors, aromatic spices, and a perfect blend of tradition and celebration.
🎉 A beautifully curated buffet where every dish reflects the essence of the Festival of Lights — ideal for sharing joyful moments with family, friends, or colleagues.

🪔 Price: QR 64 (Qgrabs deal, regular price QR 129)
📅 When: 20 October 2025
📍 Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, Al Sadd, Doha


  You   can buy  the   voucher   here  : https://qgrabs.com/deals/flavors-diwali-dinner-buffet-doubletree-hilton-al-sadd-qatar-qd00020617


It is  a deal only  for ONE DAY !

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 Set  Menu   - Shaza Hotel (via Qgrabs)


🍴 The Grand Trunk Road – Diwali Feast

Options:

  • 👧 Lunch (Child): QR 42 (~was QR 85)

  • 👨 Lunch (Adult): QR 79 (~was QR 170)

  • 🌙 Dinner with Live Flute – Child: QR 42 (~was QR 85)

  • 🌙 Dinner with Live Flute – Adult: QR 79 (~was QR 170)

What to expect:
✨ A lavish Indian lunch or dinner set menu full of rich, traditional flavors.
🍢 Starters like Zaitooni Paneer Tikka, Potato & Chickpea Tikki Choley, and Namak Mandi Lamb Chops.
🔥 Grilled favorites — Tandoori Saffron Chicken and Gilafi Seekh Kebabs with fresh tandoori breads.
🍛 Hearty mains — Butter Chicken, Dal Makhni, Purani Delhi Chicken Biryani, and a Seafood Parcel wrapped in banana leaf.
🍬 Desserts — Gulab Jamun, Shahi Tukra, Kala Gajjar Halwa, plus a refreshing Precious Cooler welcome drink.
🎶 Dinner guests enjoy a live flute performance adding to the festive Diwali mood.

📍 Location: The Grand Trunk Road, Shaza Hotel, Doha


  You   can buy  the  voucher   here : https://qgrabs.com/deals/celebrate-diwali-feast-the-grand-trunk-road-qatar-qd00020599


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 QR  55       -   call  the number  for reservations 


🌟 Spice Route – Diwali Buffet

What to expect:
✨ A cheerful, festive evening filled with vibrant Diwali vibes and authentic Indian flavors.
🍛 A rich buffet of traditional dishes served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
💃 Perfect for families and friends looking for an affordable yet joyful celebration.

📅 20 October 2025 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📍 Spice Route, The Grand Lux Hotel, Doha

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🪔 Indigrill – Diwali Special Buffet

What to expect:
🍽️ Unlimited buffet packed with festive Indian flavors.
🎆 Lively Diwali vibes and warm hospitality.
🥳 A relaxed, family-friendly celebration perfect for groups of friends or families.

💰 Price: QR 89 per person

📍 Locations: Al Sadd & The Pearl (Giardino Mall)
📞 +974 3339 5254 | +974 4483 3855
🌐 www.indigrill.qa

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Diwali in Lulu   -Thali Offer  -prebooked


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Diwali  at IKEA  restaurant  -  Special  Indian  menu 











Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Hong Kong-Emergency Landing

 

expat Qatar