Luxury Desert escape - Qgrabs Deal

 

Walking through the Amber Exhibition 2026 – Katara

 

I would rather call it an international amber fair.
Sellers from many countries filled Katara Hall with their stalls for three days.
This was already the sixth year the fair has been held, and its international character was clearly felt.

I expected to see a lot of jewelry, women, and luxury items. There were a few, but they were not the focus.
The real stars of the event were the amber rosaries.

The buyers were mostly men — locals and visitors from the Gulf. The rosaries were not expensive, priced between 12 and 55 QAR. People took their time choosing them: watching, touching, feeling the amber carefully before making a selection.

Amber stones comes in many different colors and shapes.
They were  displayed, and some of them were also for sale.

The antique pieces were my favorites. I saw Art Deco clocks  embedded in amber or decorated with amber intarsia. Everyday objects were also seen— key chains, mini chess boards, and other small items, all enriched with amber details.

I also saw necklaces made of large amber beads in different colors. They looked especially striking — probably best suited to tall women. There were also small cufflinks, made of silver and amber, crafted in Poland. I even noticed a few signet rings  set with amber.

Horses, camels, and dhow (sail) boats sculpted in amber were also on display. However, the falcon — a powerful regional symbol — was by far the most common and popular amber decorative object at the fair.

It was a truly interesting experience. Amber is a mysterious kind of “stone,” and it is clearly appreciated and collected by many people in this region.

Qatar Kite Festival 2026

 

The Qatar Kite Festival 2026 returns this January, bringing colour, creativity, and outdoor fun. 🤩
🎟️ Free Entry
📍 Location: Old Doha Port
📅 When: 15 - 24 January 2026
⏰3pm to 10pm Weekdays
⏰10am to 10pm Weekends pic.twitter.com/QfkfmHxgQV

— KidsLoveQatar (@KidsLoveQatarQA) January 15, 2026

Old Doha Port at night Poster

Old Doha Port at night
by almawad

This stunning square photo poster captured by Alma Wad showcases the beautifully reconstructed Old Doha Port as it stands in the year 2024. The intricate details of traditional architecture are highlighted against a backdrop adorned with a mesmerizing string of lights, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Perfect for enthusiasts of Middle Eastern architecture, those who appreciate the charm of traditional lifestyles, and anyone longing for the enchanting allure of Arabian nights.

 

How to get to the international Food Festival 2026 - by Doha metro

 

Heading to the Qatar International Food Festival?
Hop on #DohaMetro! Ride to Ras Abu Aboud Station and enjoy a short stroll to the iconic 974 Stadium.

Doha Metro is your ticket to flavour! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/atLeNNxbJW

— Doha Metro & Lusail Tram (@metrotram_qa) January 14, 2026

Statement by the Ministry of Interior - Qatar

 

Statement by the Ministry of Interior in the light of regional developments.#MOIQatar pic.twitter.com/K2Iab7gUcW

— Ministry of Interior - Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) January 14, 2026

Qatar's Ministry of Interior issued a press release on January 14, 2026, affirming ongoing precautionary measures for public safety amid unspecified regional developments, emphasizing coordination with authorities and reliance on official information sources.

 

Beethoven’s piano concertos in the hands Rudolf Buchbinder,29 January -Katara Opera house

 

Experience Beethoven’s piano concertos in the hands Rudolf Buchbinder, one of today’s foremost Beethoven interpreters, joins the Qatar Philharmonic to perform three towering works, the sparkling Concerto No. 2, the poetic Concerto No. 4, and the dramatic Concerto No. 3. pic.twitter.com/DUhxi0aFE7

— Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (@qatar_phil) January 13, 2026

New Era of private tutoring in Qatar

  For years, private tuition was illegal in Qatar. I don’t remember exactly when or how it all started, but it is now permitted again.

Private tuition had thrived in the past because there were no regulations. Not everyone was qualified to teach, and there were some issues, but then it was suddenly outlawed, which came as a real surprise.

Now, years later, private tutors can openly apply to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) in Qatar for a license.

The exact prerequisites are not entirely clear, but applicants must demonstrate academic knowledge, good conduct, and hold a valid residence visa.

Still, this feels far better than a complete ban.

 check out the licence  here 

Qatar MoPH Cracks Down on Unlicensed Cosmetic Practitioners

 The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced that two foreign nationals were arrested for offering cosmetic medical services without proper licenses. They were identified through monitoring social media advertisements and are now facing legal action, including deportation and a ban from reentering Qatar. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to public safety by ensuring that all healthcare services are provided by licensed practitioners in accredited facilities. Members of the public were urged not to be misled by unverified social media promotions and to always check practitioners’ credentials. MoPH also highlighted that healthcare licenses can be verified through its official service, and any unlicensed practices should be reported via email.

Qatar Public Health Alert: Certain Nestlé Baby Formula Recalled

 The Ministry of Public Health has warned consumers about specific batches of Nestlé infant formula due to suspected contamination with a harmful toxin. Parents are urged to return or dispose of the affected products immediately to protect their children. The Ministry acted quickly by recalling the products, seizing remaining stock, and coordinating with retailers, pharmacies, and inspection teams. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and market checks are ongoing to ensure all affected items are removed. No illnesses have been reported so far, and updates will be announced as soon as new information becomes available.

 see the list here 

Antique auction at Katara

 Did you know there’s a weekly antique auction at Katara?

Antique Square, near Building 47, hosts the Katara Antiques and Collectibles Auction every Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, offering a truly distinctive heritage atmosphere.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1261805815769901&set=pcb.1261805912436558

Numbers in Qatar -250 thousand people

 More than 250,000 spectators gathered along Lusail Boulevard to witness Qatar’s largest fireworks show.Lusail Boulevard hosted a major event to mark the end of the year.

Lusail Boulevard - spectacular night

 

Lusail hosted a spectacular night adorned with dazzling fireworks and drone show at Lusail Boulevard

استضافت لوسيل ليلة رائعة زينت بعرض مدهش للألعاب النارية و الدرون في درب لوسيل#Lusail #Thatsmyaddress pic.twitter.com/PTVVFxng6E

— VisitLusail (@Visit_Lusail) January 5, 2026

Amber exhibition at Katara - Kahraman

Amber is not a gemstone; rather, it is fossilized tree resin that dates back millions of years.
When ancient trees secreted this resin, it sometimes trapped insects or small plants. Over time, the resin was buried and gradually hardened, which is why some pieces of amber contain… 

 

Qatar is famous for heat — but it also has cold records.

The lowest temperature ever recorded in Qatar dropped to about 1.5°C during a rare winter cold spell.It was  in   in February 2017  This happened inland, away from the coast, where desert nights cool very fast.

.8 °C — 1964: The previous historic low recorded in Mesaieed before the 2017 record.

4 °C — 2025: A very cold winter morning in Abu Samra, one of the lowest that season. 

6 °C — 2026: Mesaieed logged a chilly low at the start of January. 

On some winter mornings, temperatures can fall to 5–8°C, which feels cold in a country built for heat. Shops suddenly sell coats, socks, heaters, and blankets, and people change their daily habits.

These cold days don’t last long, but they surprise everyone.
Even in the desert, Qatar can get cold — just quietly.

When Qatar Gets Cold - Lifestyle in winter

 Qatar is often described as “too hot to live in,” but that impression usually comes from looking only at summer. The reality is far more balanced — and for many residents, surprisingly pleasant.

From mid-November until the end of March, Qatar enjoys its best weather. Daytime temperatures are typically well below 30 °C, often sitting comfortably in the low- to mid-20s. Evenings are mild, outdoor seating is full, and walking along the Corniche or through parks becomes part of everyday life again.

This five-month stretch is not an exception — it is a reliable seasonal pattern. Winter mornings can be cool, sometimes even chilly by local standards, while afternoons remain bright and comfortable. Humidity is low, skies are clear, and rain, when it comes, is brief and refreshing rather than disruptive.

This is also when life in Qatar truly opens up. Outdoor cafés, beaches, markets, festivals, and sports events fill the calendar. Residents spend more time outside, children play longer in parks, and the city feels calmer and more human. For many expats and locals alike, this is when Qatar is at its most enjoyable.

Yes, summers are intense — no one denies that. But reducing Qatar’s climate to summer heat alone creates a false and incomplete picture. Nearly half the year offers weather that many cities around the world would consider ideal.

The truth is simple: Qatar is not hot all year. For months at a time, it is sunny, mild, and genuinely comfortable — a season that defines daily life far more than outsiders realize.