Options for desert transportation

Options for desert transportation metal photo print
by almawad
Desert scene with two camels and one rider . A woman is riding a sand buggy . This photo shows the traditional and modern aspects of this country with humor . Original sepia photo by Alma Wad .Great for the desert lovers !It was taken in Messaid area , Qatar .

Desert Scene with Camels Metal Photo Print
by almawad

Volunteer registration for Ajyal Film Festival

Volunteer registration for #ajyal16 is NOW OPEN! Gain amazing experience and a certificate from @dohafilm!https://t.co/MmdxnF9JeW#Qatar pic.twitter.com/ZFIgbKKTcd

— Ajyal Film Festival (@AjyalFilm) October 10, 2016

‘Politics in Modern Arab Art - Lecture at VCUQ

Join us on Wednesday for ‘Politics in Modern Arab Art’, a Crossing
Boundaries Lecture with Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi at 6pm @VCUQatar’s
Atrium pic.twitter.com/JwSnwCqH8E

— VCUQatar (@VCUQatar) October 10, 2016

Katinka Hosszu Swam in Doha

It was a very nice event . We went  on Saturday night to support Katinka Hosszu and other Hungarian swimmers .
The Hamad Aquatic Center was nearly full . The South African , the Hungarian and the Japanese fans were waiving their flags most often .
I really do not understand where were the German fans - they had some champions who needed support !
It was a very exciting and at times uplifting . Especially when at the victory ceremony I saw two of my compatriots at the same time !Hosszu and Jakabos ! May the Hungarian swimming success story last long  and survive the storms of politics .
  We have to be thankful to our champions , for their efforts ! That is very simple . I see no other ways !

Union Cycliste Internationale Doha 2016 - Road World Championships

For the first time in the region, the best cyclists in the world compete for the coveted rainbow jersey in Qatar! Learn more: @UCIDoha2016 pic.twitter.com/F8aWTcu9C0

— Visit Qatar (@VisitQatar) October 9, 2016

 When : 9-16 October 2016
Where :surroundings of the Arabian Gulf, Katara Cultural Village and The Pearl-Qatar.
 What to expect : 1000 racers from 75 countries and more than 5700 participants from national federations, delegations, technicians and journalists in addition to around 30,000 fans

 Qatar is the first Middle Eastern country to stage it and the second Asian country after being hosted by Japan in 1990

RWC is an annual event, which the UCI has been organizing since 1921

 WIN A QATARAIRWAYS return ticket  - just look for the mascot of UCI and send it to  twitter or instagram !

 The event may interfere with your daily routine . People working in the area were sent home earlier . Study the map to learn about the roads that are closed in the city while the cyclists are racing .

Traffic closure on the @UCIDoha2016 race track extending from @QF to the @ThePearlQatar from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. #QATraffic #MoI_Qatar pic.twitter.com/ud4CgoPRHj

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) October 15, 2016

It's so much fun here @UCIDoha2016 fan zone. Come check us out & cheer for ur favorite @usacycling riders! #UCIDoha2016 pic.twitter.com/zY9ibn9mWd

— U.S. Embassy Qatar (@USEmbassyQatar) October 13, 2016

The UCI RWC Doha 2016 from a painter's perspectivehttps://t.co/rumNJ4kuoc#UCIDoha2016 pic.twitter.com/ny7FWJmrT4

— UCI RWC Doha 2016 (@UCIDoha2016) October 13, 2016

Union Cycliste Internationale Doha 2016 - Road World Championships

For the first time in the region, the best cyclists in the world compete for the coveted rainbow jersey in Qatar! Learn more: @UCIDoha2016 pic.twitter.com/F8aWTcu9C0

— Visit Qatar (@VisitQatar) October 9, 2016

 When : 9-16 October 2016
Where :surroundings of the Arabian Gulf, Katara Cultural Village and The Pearl-Qatar.
 What to expect : 1000 racers from 75 countries and more than 5700 participants from national federations, delegations, technicians and journalists in addition to around 30,000 fans

 Qatar is the first Middle Eastern country to stage it and the second Asian country after being hosted by Japan in 1990

RWC is an annual event, which the UCI has been organizing since 1921

 WIN A QATARAIRWAYS return ticket  - just look for the mascot of UCI and send it to  twitter or instagram !

Going out with kids - Qatar programs 2016 autumn

Remember last year's winners? Your child could be next! Bring them to participate in our drawing competition https://t.co/zi8LqUKGhf pic.twitter.com/KnxW1U5fjw

— IKEA Qatar (@IKEAQatar) November 24, 2016

Join us for three days of adventure at the Character’s Village in Education City’s Ceremonial Court. Open for all https://t.co/N0iKMqCg9P

— قطر تقرأ (@QatarReads) November 16, 2016

Ladies only Day at Megapolis Entertainment Center

 On Mondays between 10 am  and 5:30 pm - it is ladies only  time / no men allowed . Megapolis entertainment Center is located in the Pearl , Qatar  not far from the Novo cinema .Read more about this special day and about their special offers  .

pin	Show Map Megapolis Entertainment Center Andalucia way, building B12, Medina Centrale, Doha, Qatar

80 more garbage trucks

Doha's population increased suddenly in the last 12 years .Its garbage collecting system failed to follow the population growth . I see bins in the street with too much garbage around -simple  the number of bins  is not enough .Now 80 more vehicles will collect the garbage and it is great !

GARBAGE TRUCKS ARE COOL T-Shirt

dance and light calligraphy

Teaser - Real Time light Calligraphy from kaalam on Vimeo.Real Time light calligraphy realized with an homemade software developped by Studio Light-painting.
Presentation of the scenic options : dance and light calligraphy,  

TURN OFF THE LIGHT - dance crew in Qatar soon

The dance crew TURN OFF THE LIGHT is coming to Qatar next week !
Make sure to attend the show on Oct 6th - 7.30 pm - Qatar National Theatre pic.twitter.com/ECE8EfflPy

— Institut français Qa (@ifqdoha) September 29, 2016

Qatar Airways New Destination - Windhoek

Africa, Namibia, Evening light on dunes, Photo Print by DanitaDelimont

Touchdown for our #Qatar787 in Windhoek! The beautiful savanna and wildlife of Namibia are now only a flight away #WindhoekTogether pic.twitter.com/VVST4ya52S

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) September 28, 2016

Octobers in Qatar - weather info

⚫️Climate information for #October pic.twitter.com/RI6QGRytgq

— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) September 28, 2016

Who is the Second Biggest Investor in France in 2015 ?

QNA | Qatar Is Second Biggest Investor in France 2015 - French Ambassador https://t.co/FLjeY3Lt4W pic.twitter.com/lJJLitVZyq

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) September 28, 2016

Doha Metro project - milestone celebration

Yesterday, we celebrated the completion of tunnelling on the #DohaMetro Project at @HIAQatar station. #QatarRail pic.twitter.com/FgQpJ5Z4fG

— Qatar Rail (@qrc_official) September 26, 2016

Cafe 999 and the modern art exhibition

Come learn Swedish and other European languages!

Come learn Swedish and other European languages! #EuropeanDayofLanguages2016 crash courses on Monday 26/9, 5pm, with #Eunic in #Qatar pic.twitter.com/XyGGLVBPSP

— Sweden Doha (@SwedenDoha) September 21, 2016

Location of Institute Francais a Doha 

dolci sera sweet shop

Yesterday we found ourselves in a Syrian pastry shop - coming home from Ikea .Everything looked so delicious - but  they sold only in bulk -  a tray of cookies - finally we decided to buy  three large bars of chocolate --but the Syrian shop assistant / owner ? did not allow us to pay . He was just smiling under his mustache: "gift"  he said . To refuse them would have been impolite .. . but his generosity   really embarrassed us .3 large bars of chocolate !

Such things do not happen to us often in Qatar .

It was years ago that we went to a Syrian restaurant  - there we had  bad experience at their buffet -actually they did not refill the buffet trays and we went home hungry .

3 things to do in Qatar this weekend

1 .Drumming on the Beach at Sunset - Beach sunset drumming session heads back to Dukhan this week! QAR100 for adults and QAR50 for children. https://www.facebook.com/events/688160474667933/


2 . NOSFERATU, A SYMPHONY OF HORROR
Film in Concert at Katara Opera house
Thursday,22 September,
2016 07:30pm
  Tickets : QR75-200

Stefanos Tsialis, conductor

Hans Erdmann: Nosferatu, A Symphony of Horror

FW Murnau’s 1922 Film With Orchestra

3 .Terracotta soldiers from the First Emperor’s Terracotta Army

116 pieces dating from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty

MIA
7 September 2016 to 7 January 2017

Numbers in Qatar - the New School Year

nearly 300,000
students are foreseen to visit educational insitutions in 2016/17 in Qatar


100,319 students at the Independent
Schools


172,247  in private
schools  and kindergartens

Happy Eid Qatar !

Happy Eid Qatar ! This video is not only lovely because it promotes love and understanding the values of the unseen world but also because the make-up is the work of a Hungarian artist .
Thank you for my readers to keep reading and visiting my blog - blessed Eid for everyone !

To see the programs that you can enjoy this Eid just visit the EID IN QATAR PAGE. There are 18 different places in the country where events will be held .

BAKLAVA without borders

Lion cubs at Doha Zoo

Hi followers!
Please welcome the newly born 5 cubs in our #Zoo. All 5 cubs and the lioness r enjoying great health pic.twitter.com/NAEKhFINfV

— Baladiya (@Baladiya1) August 29, 2016 

 

Numbers in Qatar - 110 tons per day

#QatarRail projects are sustainable & environment friendly! They'll help reduce CO2 emissions by 110 tons per day! pic.twitter.com/fycI4Qup6o

— Qatar Rail (@qrc_official) August 25, 2016

   110 tons less CO2   per day once Qatar Rail projects are operating !

Qatar's urban development - satellite images

Compare #Qatar Urban Development based on Qatar Satellite Images 2003-2013.https://t.co/ztBkvlvt1d#MME #Doha pic.twitter.com/IADpawtfNQ

— Baladiya (@Baladiya1) August 24, 2016

Qatari artist's murals

Qatari artist Mubarak Al Malik goes to work at Bayt Qatar in Rio! Have you seen his mural at Qatar Academy? pic.twitter.com/glxkc5KvmS

— Qatar Foundation (@QF) August 18, 2016

Non-Muslims talk about Muslims

 20 Non-Muslims of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds living in a Muslim country tell about their experience with Muslims. Here's what they had to say....
___________________

In my view xenophobia sucks and everybody who ever had a Muslim friend should speak out !

Qatar Airways flight QR240 suffered bird strike

pic.twitter.com/5K4bn6hnb0

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) August 18, 2016

 The Istanbul  -Doha flight was hit by birds and it had to return to Istanbul for an emergency landing . Luckily no one was hurt  though the wing was burning in mid-air . It looked very scary !

Silver for Qatar - Rio 2016

Congratulations to @mutazbarshim for winning #Qat's first ever Olympic #silver medal! #YallaQatar #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/1evoB84gYx

— Qatar Olympic Team (@qatar_olympic) August 17, 2016

 Mutaz Essa  Barshim was born in Qatar in 1991 .  He is the son of  an athlete who later worked as coach and inspired his son a lot .He and the high jump found  each other when he was 15 .   He often trains in Poland as his  coach is Polish . He is a really tall  guy - nearly 2 meters tall .This is his first Olympic medal . I wish him many more to come ! YallaQatar !

Turtle nesting season is over - Fuwarat Beach Opens

#MME announces that #Fuwerat #beach will be open from tomorrow for visitors after a successful Turtle nesting season pic.twitter.com/AEy36fobzk

— Baladiya (@Baladiya1) August 10, 2016

Team Riders of Qatar - Rio 2016

Congrats to #TeamQatar's riders for making it to the next round of the individual and team showjumping! #YallaQatar pic.twitter.com/HHSdwSyvNq

— Qatar Olympic Team (@qatar_olympic) August 14, 2016

New Route of Qatar Airways - Pisa

After Milan , Rome , Venice  Qatar Airways flies to Pisa as well .Daily by Airbus A320  .

Tower Of Pisa ltaly Postcard by VintagePosterDesigns

whale sharks of qatar featured on nat geo

Photo of the Day: Whale of a Time https://t.co/VhHlO1C8ny #YourShot

— Nat Geo Photography (@NatGeoPhotos) August 11, 2016

 some days ago this amazing nature photo was featured on nat geo  as the photo of the day
 -whale sharks lovc the area and even conferences held about this spccie ...I wrote about them in May  

Qatar's Beach volleyball team defeat Spain 2-1

Arab women athletes competing in Rio Olympics

36 women from Egypt
  19 women from Tunisia
  19 women from Morocco
  14 women from Bahrain
  10 women from Algeria
   5 women  from Lebanon
   4 women from the UAE
   4 women from Saud Arabia

   3 women from Syria
   2 women from Qatar
   2 women from Yemen
   2 women from Palestine
 
 
   1 woman from the Independent group
 
   1 woman from Jordan
   1 woman from Lybia
   1 woman from Oman
  1 woman from Refugee team
________________________________

 results : Sarah Ahmed from Egypt won a bronze in women's 69kg weightlifting




              Hedaya Wahba from Egypt won a bronze  in women's 57 kg Taek Wan Do


           Marwa Amri from Tunesia won a bronze  in  women's 58 kg  freestyle wrestling 


 
          Ines Boubakri  from  Tunisia won a bronze  in fencing 


 
 
 
   source  + google search
 
Ruth Jebet won a GOLD for Bahrain . She is from Kenya originally  and has been competing for the tiny emirate since 2013 !

 Congrats Ruth and every other athletes !

German Doner Kebab restaurant -review

In the beginning there was the kebab .from the Arabic: كَبَاب‎‎ (kabāb) The grilled meat on a vertical rotisserie -  already popular in Turkey hundreds of years ago. Then a lots of Turkish guest workers went to Germany 40 year ago .Yeah , the Turks had to cook for themselves if they wished to eat something tasty . The Germans are not famous for their good cuisine!
 The kebab was affordable and tasty . It was developed into  a sandwich with a lots of salad ,sauce . It was a Turkish  thing .

Later the German saw that this Turkish street food was
gut . And they named it after themselves .German Doner Kebab .

 This small restaurant is a little Germany in Qatar . It is decorated with photos of famous German sights .

It is plain -it is simple -you can often hear German words here .

Nice portions of meat , salad , sauces .If only I could forget the french-fries !
I wished to have some sour-cherry drink ...like in Munich last year ...but they sold  the usual mocktails ...

I wish they had it somewhere closer . Medina Central in the Pearl is  far from me . Anyway - it is close to NOVO cinema .Good idea to have something before or after  the movie .

A thrilling challenge in Qatar

If the summer festivals fun rides are not thrilling enough for your  bigger kids then why not to try an escape room ? The  whole family or friends ? Being locked up in a room and trying to escape using various skills is an unusual way of entertainment here in Qatar . It is called adventure rooms as well .

It is not the cheapest way of killing the time  here but if a group of 6 gets together then it is only 100 rial per person .

Only 30 % has managed to escape . You can read reviews here .

Learn more about it here  - they sometimes have special offers  that is announced on their fb page .

Summer Festival Qatar 2016

I have been in Qatar for a while . I have seen some wonderful festivals here .
 Before the Asian games there was a real buzz in the town .Every mall offered something free  -folk shows ,street artists ,musicians ...free cake once ...
laser fountain concert ...

Now  as I understand there are some tired looking games brought here -video games  a comedy show for Arabic speaking adults  two fireworks , lucky draws and that is it .
 That is my view . Others might like it -especially those with smaller kids . Read in details about the programs here .


 The biggest thrill is the lucky draw related to shopping . The star prize is a brand new Jaguar
XJ .

Dubai plane land-crashes at airport - everybody safe and sound

It is unbelievable  that all 300 people on board survived this / the pilot was not able to deploy its gear so after a go-round he had to put down the plane without wheels !
 Great job ! Great pilot ,  great staff working for evacuation !
The plane came from Kerala , India to Dubai .It was a Boeing777 .It was to arrive at lunchtime .The passangers learnt only some moments before landing that there was a problem .Then most probably they had to run for their lives .
________
One firefighter died while trying to put the fire out . :(

Emirates crash landing in DXB #EK521 https://t.co/ys0nV6uIoA

— Flight Emergencies (@FlightEmergency) August 3, 2016

Video :Passengers tried to get the bags while evacuation of #EmiratesCrash at #DubaiAirport pic.twitter.com/lxaZ5WcAXG

— Ali Al Shouk (@alialshouk) August 3, 2016

Moonrover tested in Qatar

Interesting article - a privetly improved moonrover /moonbuggy is tested in Qatar as the dessert's harsh conditions are similar to those on the Moon !

Where can I order camel burger

Don’t you just want to order them all? Our burger section is that tempting! #dohafirestation #cafe999 #doha #qatar pic.twitter.com/RZekzPiZ2A

— Doha Fire Station (@DohaFireStation) August 1, 2016

The answer is at cafe 999 -  at Doha Fire Station .

Numbers in Qatar - 8 tonnes of dates

More than 8 tonnes local dates have been bought by visitors of #LocalDatesFestival in 3 days, organised by #MME. pic.twitter.com/PkuEBLJxys

— Baladiya (@Baladiya1) July 31, 2016

Cool-de-sac or indoor playground in the Pearl

That was a new place for me . It is in the Pearl not far from Novo cinema . This is an entertainment center with restaurant  for kids .
It offers soft play areas ,slides ,lego building station , face painting ,computer games ,play stations ,painting .  The age group  they expect  is from tots to 12 year old . However my 10 year old was a bit bored .Most of the kids looked preschoolers . The thing that I liked at this place was the number of hosts and hostesses calling the kids by their names and ready to play with them . We might have been in the middle of a party because every half an hour a dance or game was initiated by the hosts . After all my 10 year old had a good time but not sure  he wants to spend his hard earned pocket money here next time .
The entrance fee is 55 rials for unlimited time .That sounds reasonable . But it is trap .The cheapest drink at the restaurant is 10 rials .And the nugget-fries meal for kids is 35 rials and despite the title "gourmet restaurant " it was nothing special -just the usual nugget meal . . You are not allowed to bring your drinks or snacks . If you leave the place you are not allowed to go back .So do not arrive hungry or thirsty here otherwise you will pay a lot for traditional junk food .
I  met  there someone I had known before and it was so difficult to chat because it was too noisy . The face painters  did a great job  - real artists work there . The staff is mixed - Europeans and Filipinos .Both were nice and welcoming ,patient with the kids .


 Where Andalucia way ,Building b12
Medina Central ,The pearl , Qatar
 Contact : 
4437 8421
Daily Admission Fee – for unlimited time 

Children 3 and up – 55QR
Children 2 and under – 36QR
Adults - Free
Drop’n’Play – 145QR * includes a kid meal
All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No adults will be allowed entry without a child. No outside food or beverages. Socks are required in some play areas.

Fathers are allowed to enter as well  - I saw fathers playing  video games and building lego creations :)

Qatar Ranks 1st Regionally in Competitiveness Report

News | Qatar Ranks 1st Regionally in Competitiveness Report.

For more: https://t.co/NMAatSj8xA #Hukoomi #Qatar pic.twitter.com/16JKkRZ43p

— فهد ال ثاني/ لندن (@ftgodfather) July 29, 2016

 Global Competitiveness Report 2015/2016  by the World Economic Forum

 Qatar ranks globally 14th

 Regionally Qatar is  1st

Hot weather in Qatar

Hot weather with temperatures currently between 35-42°C in different parts of the country.#Qatar pic.twitter.com/V7hbjdZZn0

— أرصاد قطر (@Qatar_Weather) July 29, 2016

 That is not a surprise ! It is terribly hot outside ! There is no shortage of heat here 1

Agro Food Festival - Ezdan Mall

Come and visit Agro Food Festival organized by Pakistan Qatar Business Forum at Ezdan Mall.#Ezdanmall #Doha #Qatar pic.twitter.com/L03A5WATAD

— Ezdan Mall (@EzdanMall) July 29, 2016

Arts Intensive course for ages 16+

Silk #painting + dyeing, computer graphics + #photography = arts intensive @VCUQatar. Info @ https://t.co/PFgRxNxhOw pic.twitter.com/zIUPgijjpk

— VCUQatar (@VCUQatar) July 26, 2016

  Arts Intensive for ages 16+

  What to expect ?  explore art and design   with painting, printmaking, silk painting and dyeing, paper mache, computer graphics and photography. Daily creative exercises will also help build drawing skills and comfort with material usage .

 When : From :Sun, 31 Jul, 2016
 To
 Thu, 4 Aug, 2016
 5 Lessons (over 1 week)
 From Sunday to Thursday
 9 am to 1 pm (no lunch provided)

 Where at VCUQatar

 Price QAR 1100  - Early Bird Rate

The first tram of Qatar - experimental run

بـ #الفيديو
بدء التشغيل التجريبي للترام في مؤسسة #قطر#الوطن #الدوحة pic.twitter.com/jJnTTYtlHq

— الوطن (@al_watanQatar) July 22, 2016

Fire in a mall under construction - Doha

Civil Defence contains a fire at an under-construction shopping complex near Dahl Al-Hamam. No casualties. #MoI_Qatar.

— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) July 20, 2016

Due to Doha's fast reacting fire brigade no casualties . That is the most important !

cute animal that you didn't know lived in Qatar

VIDEO: Here's another cute animal that you didn't know lived in Qatar: The Kangaroo Mouse! https://t.co/cdXKpsVZKi pic.twitter.com/L4BDao3A8T

— Qatar Living (@qatarliving) July 20, 2016

What about art ? Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Art

All that I can say in advance  - I feel sorry that I have not visited this exhibition earlier. That would have given me a chance to return  and see everything in details . It was huge - the size of the exhibition , the diversity , the visual delights , the spiritual message .

 China and art  ? I think of ancient clay sculptures ,fine decorated porcelain , ink paintings . China and modern art ? I knew nothing about that - I must admit . Right as I entered I saw a lots of clay sculptures so many that I forgot  for a moment that it was contemporary  art and believed they were ancient . In fact they were the creature of a Chinese villager who discovered the artist in himself only some years ago . His sculptures featured  their everyday life in realistic style . People  and animals in the village . Street scenes ,interiors , and  abstract shapes .

 His art was interesting  and exciting . Never let yourself to be labelled ! One can be a villager  , a retired farmer and can be  an artist at the same time!

  The second room was an installation by Xu Bing . An ancient image painted on  a scroll was remade in huge size and the painting of the modern artist was enlightened on a transparent wall . At list this was the thing that I thought at first . Then I  looked at the other side of the wall and I saw that it was a collage made from junk ! It was so wonderfully made  that I could not believe . And the message is great as well -  the junk rearranged by a creative spirit can be the most wonderful thing .

 The wrinkly and inky effects unique to traditional Chinese painting were made of different materials from the junk . Things like feather ,mud ,plastic bags were turned into a landscape collage . The title was Background story . The artist is Xu Bing .

 Then came video games room the  Flower  - it was about some petals starting their journey from an urban home's balcony to the wild . The video game was directed by J . Chen and originally intended to arouse positive feelings in the gamers .It was a real zen experience .

Then came a room with a short film about street bullying - that was quite depressing -also the photos of a remote village and their traditional celebration in black and white .I always must think about  traditional dog and cat eating in China . It was not mentioned that they are eating this food but I had made those association when seeing dogs around the villagers .

 The opera room featured strange looking black and white lamps with painted  walls and shadows .
It was OK a bit depressing  but something that was specific -I mean related to the Chinese culture .

The water tank was  of a size of a large  room and full of dirty looking water .  There was hose in the middle hanging from the ceiling in the shape of a loop .  The water hose once in an hour started its crazy dance -it looked like a very long and savage snake splashing the dirty water on the windows . This installation was the work of Sun Yuan & Peng Yu .

  When I entered the  sakura  room  ( I named it like that )it was nice to look at the beauty of nature the soothing pink blooms of the trees on large paintings .

Another pinkish abstracts made it feel like heaven  .Or under heaven ? It was a three d painting - the colors were applied to the canvas by a pastry bag . They were amazing from far and tasty looking from close . The artist must have been inspired by a fellow cake artist !

And there were six or more rooms to see but I got tired physically and mentally as well ...

 That was nearly the last day of the exhibition .  When I thought of it after I would notice that I learnt very little of the Chinese culture .

___________________

 The well maintained exhibition hall  ,Riwaq gave home to this fantastic event .
I am so happy I could see it . The facility includes well maintained toilets , boutique to buy artistic items from cheap to very expensive , and a  super expensive cafe . There were a lots of local ,Indian , expat Arab families visiting the event and it made me feel nice to see so many people interested in contemporary art  .

Artist in Residence (AIR) exhibition

Find this artwork at The Artist in Residence (AIR) exhibition.
Sun - Sat, 10 am-7pm
Tuesday - Closed pic.twitter.com/gc143hv4hb

— Doha Fire Station (@DohaFireStation) July 18, 2016

Our latest eatery is the Café #999, located at the Fire Station Artist in Residence.
8am -11pm , Friday: 2p-11pm. pic.twitter.com/LR6VwLMPLM

— Qatar Museums (@Qatar_Museums) July 27, 2016

Trip to Banana Island resort

I have just stumbled upon a great post  here . Two ladies decided to spend one day in the luxurious Banana Island resort  here in Qatar . It is a Maldive style resort with very high prices in case you want to stay one night but it is possible to enter with a day pass . It costs QR 200 per person . Out of it QR150 can be spent in a restaurant . It will buy a modest lunch with sandwiches and salad .
One can go to cinema ,bowling or  to the spa . Unfortunately they wrote nothing about the beaches and water activities !
But they made lovely photos and  had written nice descriptions .

___________________________________

Here is their summer offer  for daily visitors

#Summer time! Day pass: Adult – QAR 200/250 (weekdays/Fri & Sat). Kid (5-12 y.o.) – QAR 150/200 (weekdays/Fri & Sat) pic.twitter.com/P0MGD6RtaP

— Banana Island Resort (@BananaIslandDOH) June 30, 2016

_______________________________

 Another interesting description of a day trip to the resort comes from Marhaba Qatar  site . It gives details about the ferry ride, the spas ,wellness centers , restaurants but nothing about the beaches or water activities .

Beaches -pools acces in Qatar

Enjoy our private beach and outdoor pools with our new Beach Day Pass.
Find out more at 4035 5555 pic.twitter.com/pWtXkS8SXx

— Marsa Malaz (@MarsaMalaz) July 16, 2016

  Beach Day Pass is  QR  375 per person= 200 rial lunch+beach for a day +20% discount at their spa ... there is pool for kids but the price is the same

_____________________________________

Sea,sun and sand! Yes..it's summer time! #QAR250 for #beach #pool & #lunch
Click https://t.co/UDYok3dVFR for info. pic.twitter.com/IcrUs0bb3n

— Grand Hyatt Doha (@GrandHyattDoha) June 28, 2016

250 rials  daily pass for beach ,pool ,sun - they have indoor and outdoor pools and a private beach
__________________________________________

#Friday calls for a walk by the beach at @InterConDoha pic.twitter.com/Oy05N8CZlM

— InterContinentalDoha (@InterConDoha) July 15, 2016

Ladies day on all weekdays from July 14 until August 31st 2016. 
Beach & Pool access QR 100 instead of QR 200 for Ladies from Sundays to Thursdays.
_________________ _________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________

Katara beach is the only affordable beach in Doha!  Adult ticket  per day: QR 50.00
Children from 6 to 16 years old: QR 25.00
Children under 6 years old: FREE

From 3.30PM – to 6.15PM  Swimming Ends at Sunset!

They have strict dress code ! No bikinis ,no speedos allowed - you are expected to wear minimum a short -tshirts style swimming attire !

If you just want to enjoy the seaside and sand in the evening then the prices in the evening are the following : Adult QR 25.00 and Children under 16yrs old FREE
Last Entry to the Beach at 11.00PM​

إستمتع بعطلتك الاسبوعية في #كتارا
لمزيد من الإستفسار: 182

Enjoy your weekend at #Katara
For more Inquiry Tel: 182 pic.twitter.com/xdMs6X2XrV

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) July 16, 2016

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Pool and Beach Day Pass

Available from Sunday - Wednesday from 9am until sunset (excluding public holidays)
 QAR 350 per person and QAR 175 for children 6 years and under. Also, receive a QAR 200 voucher per person to use at Oyster Bay. ...

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Affordable outdoor swimming pools for kids and adults !

On week days it is only QR 50 for adults and QR 25 for kids !
On weekends it is more expensive QR125 /50 .

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Ladies Day is back !!! Women and Girls of all ages can splash out , socialize together or simply relax with friends in this female environment only every Saturday from 9:00 AM till 7:00 PM.

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For QR 780pp / QR. 1480 for 2, enjoy tennis, pool & beach access, massages, free yoga & more at Remede Spa. 44460304 pic.twitter.com/954YTqkFMw

— The St. Regis Doha (@StRegisDoha) July 26, 2016

Numbers in Qatar - 33 countries

#Qatar issues tourist visas on arrival for nationals of 33 countries. Check them out via https://t.co/oKJdN44WnR pic.twitter.com/9MFTUgSouP

— حكومي - قطر (@HukoomiQatar) July 14, 2016

 Visitors Visa for one month

Citizens of 33 approved countries may apply for this visa, which allows them to travel freely between Qatar and Oman. It is issued upon arrival at the airport or border of Qatar for one month and can be extended for another month. Travelers may apply online for the visa ahead of time. The 33 approved countries are:
The United States, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece , Finland, Spain, Monaco, the Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Lichtenstein, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea.

Aquapark review 2016 July

So here I am again .Ladies day at Aquapark . Prices at QAR 180 per person . Five star hotel price ! Safety lockers extra QAR 30 !
Are the facilities five star as well ?

Sad looking changing rooms .Wet walls ,peeling painting ,very small to change comfortably .
Lockers are better . We get no keys but a waterproof bracelet  that opens our lockers ! Wow !

Dress code - they claim that we have to respect the local culture . What does it mean ? No details given -only a note that the management got the right to expel anyone whose swimming attire is not proper . Not very welcoming .Not very professional . They should explain well and kindly what is allowed and what is not.

After reading all that I was scared .I had a one piece swimming suit without leggings .Will I be expelled ? When I entered the park area I saw a lots of women covering up with long sleeved swimming suits with leggings . Then I noticed a few who wore bikinis .I got relived then .

The lagoon pool was the first pool I tried . It was cold - I was shivering when came out .It is a luxury here  in summer to be cold . It is good that they care . Hot water can be the source of a lots of  kinds of infection . The bar inside the pool did not work . I swam there and had a little chat with an African lifeguard . She informed me that some facilities - bars /restaurants can not work during ladies days as they do not have female staff .

That is sad . The lagoon pool is a place that is shallow at the edges and deep inside .

Some years ago an 8 year old temporarily unattended boy drowned in it as he did not believe his bigger siblings that it was not safe for him .After this tragedy you would suppose that they watch out for it would not repeat . But what I saw was very little kids playing at the edges of the pool - mothers are chatting 20 meters away sometimes yelling at their wards .The lifeguards did not care ,either ... :(

I do not remember any sings either warning for swimmers that the pool is deep in the middle .

After the lagoon pool swimming  came  the lazy river . This is a bit boring for me -sitting in those donuts and getting around ...my neck hurts after ten minutes ...
The wave pool is my real favorite .It is a real thrill .Jumping up and down in the waves !
It was quite an exercise . It lasts around ten or 15 minutes . I am not sure . But I found it too long and I left before the end . Though I loved it -just I was exhausted .
I was pleasantly surprised that we do not have to pay extra for the huge slides .So I tried one . The smallest one .It was frightening . The speed was too big ! I was afraid of falling out !How much my heart was beating after that ! I decided that no more slides this summer . Or at least no open slides !

The day was nearly over . Remembering their poor quality of food I ate well before arriving . Just the crepe stall was so much tempting that I decided to stand in line . I had to wait for a single crepe for 20 minutes ! It was nice a bit  dry .
The Aquapark was not crowded .The age group of the visitors was from totes to 60 - young adults were more than old ones . They have some facilities for disabled  customers so one could see some guests in wheelchair as well .People behave usually respectfully. I met only one group of teens who were so loud and so disrespectful that I had to ask them to chat in a lower voice while waiting for that crepe . They were chatting in Hindi ... Very unusual here - Indian women who are residents here are usually well -mannered !.Every nations got spoiled kids I thought ! Then it turned out that they were Hindi speaking Malaysian girls visiting Qatar . Even though they are just humans like anybody else !

They answered in a very rude way to my request and they jumped the line . Luckily the staff was sympathetic with me and served me before them .

All in all - though not a perfect facility but Aquapark is a fun place in Qatar . Ladies day is an expensive but enjoyable occasion to have a carefree afternoon . But please do not think that your kids are safe just because there are lifeguards . If you wish just to relax here then rather leave your kids at home with someone you trust ...

Qatar Olympic Team News

.@AlAttiyahN trains his body and mind up to 6 hours every day! #YallaQatar #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/bSWWTBWH9Z

— Qatar Olympic Team (@qatar_olympic) July 10, 2016

Summer Camps in Qatar 2016

 This is an affordable summer camp operated by Indians but children of any nationality are welcome . It already started but you can still enroll your children .

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 Film making in August - " Camera Kids " two week workshop for bigger kids
 This is what we found on twitter

Many of you asked us for it - and here it is: a filmmaking workshop for children during summer! https://t.co/lTlwDacgtS#Qatar #Doha

— Doha Film Institute (@DohaFilm) July 13, 2016

Dates
7 to 21 August, 2016

Hours
This is an intensive two-week lab.
During the classroom period, sessions take place six days a week.
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday through Thursday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
During pre-production and filming, participants may be asked to make time outside these hours, including on weekdays during the daytime.

Language
Arabic and English

Group Size
20 participants

Programme Level
Beginners
Applicants should be between 13 and 17 years of age.

Price
1,500.00 QAR

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 Bodylines Summer Swimming Camp  at Oryx Rotana Hotel

The Bodylines #Summer #Swimming Camp is on! Give your child the gift of water fun and enroll now +97444023486! pic.twitter.com/O7NwlMFt4e

— Oryx Rotana Doha (@OryxRotana) July 27, 2016

What about the Art? Exhibition

Few days left to visit What about the Art? Exhibition
Closing date 16 July 2016
QM Gallery Al Riwaq pic.twitter.com/NAYDhpacBz

— Qatar Museums (@Qatar_Museums) July 9, 2016

Indian man drowned in the sea at Khor Udeid

It was a tragedy that happened on  the first day of Eid . The cheerful   picknick  by the sea turned into a nightmare when four or five members of the same group was dragged into a whirlpool .Locals pulled them out of the water and everyone was revived but the Indian expatriate , Thomas John .He had been living in Doha for 20 years .He  was 45 years old  and came from  Kuzhikkala, near Kozhencheerry in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district.

 read more 

Kosebasi Turkish restaurant -review

I was there on the second day of Eid . It is on the  first floor of Gulf Mall . I wished to have some  festive Turkish lunch . As I arrived at this place I saw  a large menu with photos displayed at their entrance  and I could  read  the prices of individual dishes . I stood there minimum five minutes studying the options ,making plans of having some kebabs and salad . A kind waitress invited me inside the restaurant . She was so polite ! I nearly fell into their trap ! Only when we were seated  she informed me that there was only one option that day " Set menu for 100 rials per person " What for  they display the menu if they forbid a la carte dinning ? I was quite upset . After some seconds of hesitating I gave up the idea of Turkish lunch . Never again Kosebasi . I am so happy that there is a new law against this practice that customers are forced to buy more dishes than they wish . Next Eid when the law is implemented it will be regarded as a simple crime -a punishable act. Today all that I can tell you about this place is they have unethical way of treating customers !

Eid festival at Katara attracts large crowds

مشاهد غاية في الروعة والإبهار والإثارة في فقرة الألعاب النارية لمهرجان #عيد_الفطر المبارك في #كتارا pic.twitter.com/FfaNZpAxvG

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) July 6, 2016

 In spite of the heat - and the usual summer exodus large crowds attended the Eid festival today on the first day of Eid -al -Fitr celebrations   . You can expect live entertainment from 6 : 30 pm and fireworks from 9 :30  .

حضور جماهيري كبير وحاشد فاق كل التوقعات شهده #مهرجان #عيد_الفطر المبارك 2016 في #كتارا#كتارا_ملتقى_الثقافات pic.twitter.com/7EXPiut238

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) July 6, 2016

bullet-resistant Kevlar keffiyeh headscarf design by an architect of Beirut

Beirut architect designs bullet-resistant Kevlar keffiyeh headscarf: https://t.co/129rVUtVy8 #design pic.twitter.com/2UFjcp83yV

— Dezeen (@Dezeen) July 6, 2016

Oh Tempos !

To show solidarity MIA lit up green

As a show of solidarity for recent atrocities, MIA has been lit up green #prayformadinah #prayfortheworld pic.twitter.com/zqh3cBJN8h

— MuseumofIslamicArt (@MIAQatar) July 5, 2016

 Istanbul , Baghdad ,Jiddah ,Medinah , Qatif ,Dhaka  - it is difficult to be happy at Eid ... :(

Eid buffet offers 2016 Qatar

Celebrate #EidAlFitr at Cosmo- #MillenniumDoha pic.twitter.com/regppYVaHF

— Millennium Hotel (@MillenniumDoha) July 5, 2016

Buffet lunch for families Qr 165 per adult - kids under age  8 year eat for free  - 8-12 years eat for half-price  -special play area for kids with their own buffet
at Cosmo restaurant at Millennium Hotel
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Share Eid happiness with your loved ones. Enjoy with them a delicious #Brunch. Book now: https://t.co/3lUz0tP3KG pic.twitter.com/hfEnMN1Vut

— Oryx Rotana Doha (@OryxRotana) July 3, 2016

Eid Buffet starts from QR 270 at Choices restaurant in Oryx Rotana Hotel

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The Holy Month of Ramadan is nearly over & Eid Al Fitr is coming! Celebrate the Festive week… https://t.co/LVZOn64dJ5

— Megu (@MeguQatar) July 4, 2016

 Eid Special Set Menu - QR150 at Megu , Japanese restaurant ( Pearl )

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_____________________________Isla Mexican cuisine with special music "Rumba Latina " - no price mentioned ( Pearl )

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#Ramadan2016 at Eatopia pic.twitter.com/grwGIjCse4

— Eatopia Qatar (@EatopiaQatar) June 18, 2016

 Eid Buffet QR180 for adults
                   QR 60 for kids   - under age 6 y. kids eat for free
                at Eatopia ,gourmet restaurant at Gate Mall

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Join family & friends at our popular St. Regis Doha Eid Brunch! A gorgeous view & lavish Eid buffet. 4446 0105 pic.twitter.com/Y95PIRoMdp

— The St. Regis Doha (@StRegisDoha) July 3, 2016

Eid buffet at  St. Regis Doha -  QR 350
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 Eid lunch buffet QR125 at a new hotel in Bin Mahmoud area - Centro Capital Doha

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Eid Brunch Buffet at the Azraq restaurant for QR 350 for adults and 250 for children - the price includes the transportation to this wonderful resort island .

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 Eid buffet at Ramada Encore Hotel
Lunch buffet QR70
Dinner buffet QR 80

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 Eid set menu for QR 79 = 2 courses
                             QR99= 3 courses
At Carisma  restaurant in Warwick Hotel Doha

Numbers in Qatar - 1.1mn

1.1mn tonnes of liquefied
natural gas (LNG)will be sold  per year  to the leading
European electricity and gas company called RWE according to a recent agreement

 source

fasting for the first time

Zuzana , the Czech student in Indonesia is fasting for the first time in her life / though she is not Muslim but  she has a lots of friends who are  - so she decided to fast with them . She says it was not as difficult as she had thought before - the most difficult part was not drinking .
In Doha also there is an event where non-Muslims fast for one or two days then they gather for a charity dinner .Nice example how people of different religions can show respect to each other .