Monday, March 09, 2020

Vintage Arabian horses - collage Cloth Placemat

Equine Veterinary Medical Center - new facility opened

suspension of public and private schools in Qatar March 9 2020

A decision has been made to suspend public and private schools and universities for all students in the State of Qatar starting tomorrow, Tuesday, until further notice, as part of efforts and measures the country is taking to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and to ensure the safety of students in all government and private educational institutions.

The Ministry of Public Health urges all citizens and residents to avoid gatherings in public places, to avoid travel for the time being except if absolutely necessary, and to apply preventive measures to protect against infection as recommended by the Ministry on its website and social media accounts.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) contact centre at the Ministry of Public Health is accessible around the clock for any reports or enquiries regarding the virus using the toll-free phone number (16000).
https://www.gco.gov.qa/en/2020/03/09/statement-on-the-suspension-of-public-and-private-schools-and-universities-for-all-students-until-further-notice-as-a-precautionary-measure-to-contain-the-spread-of-coronavirus/
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 My kids are overly happy . Nobody looks sick in their schools . Weather is wonderful   . The best protection is fresh air and sunshine  and enough sleep .

Sunday, March 08, 2020

NO ENTRY FROM 14 COUNTRIES TO QATAR - COVID-19 PREVENTION


 8 March 2020
In addition to Qatar Airways announcement regarding flights to and from Italy, entry to the State of Qatar is temporarily suspended for all those intending to travel from certain countries, as of 9 March 2020. This decision comes as a preventive measure due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide.
The decision includes the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand.
This step comes in line with the State of Qatar’s efforts to take all necessary preventive measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus.
The decision affects all individuals intending to enter from these countries, including visas upon arrival, those with a residence or work permit, and temporary visitors.

If they tell you you can't do something, show them that you can

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Diesel and gasoline prices for the month of March - Qatar Petroleum 2020

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Safari Park in Qatar - DWD Park


 you need to book in advance in order to go there

What to expect ?

Lions
Zebra
Kangaroo
Deers
Oryx
Snakes
Crocodile
Pigeons
Ducks
Tigers 🐯
Black Panther
Fish

   Prices (  as seen on their page Decemver 2020 ) : Adult and Child between 17 and 10 years old (Ticket Include Entrance Fees open buffet beverages and snacks ) QAR200
Children below 10 years old ( Ticket Include Entrance Fees open buffet beverages and snacks )
QAR150
Infant ( Babies Less than 18 Months) Free
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the ticket price includes the following:

Entrance fee
Beverages like coffee, tea, water, snacks
Bus ride through the park for almost 3 hours
Open buffet at the end of the trip

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Location : 40 minute drive from the Ikea to the North
 at Al shamal road, near Alzubara bridge

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Large Sea Cow / Dugong Herd spotted off Qatar



Dugongs are different from manatees though they are related species .The world's second largest dugong population can be found in the Arabian/Persian Gulf . This video is about a large herd of herbivore mammals which  have been recently spotted off Qatar . It is quite rare to find them in large groups as they are solitary animals .

Messi Cirque performance at HIA Qatar

strong southeasterly winds exceed 20 KT - Qatar Weather

Nasser Al Attiyah - 7th victory in 9 seasons - Manateq Qatar Cross-Country Rally

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Marhaba - Arabic Welcome - rustic Doormat



Bold text " Marhaba" in Arabic = Welcome , Hello - rustic burlap look background , dark brown fonts , red heart . Great doormat for Arabic families /students who study the language or for anybody else who likes Middle Eastern flair .

Shipping via Connected service by Qatar Post - UK ,USA ,Singapore

Paper Tickets for Metro - Price Change

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Metro Link Bus experience - from Lusail to Doha Festival City

Metro link bus experience during the weekend.


   Several weeks ago I tried the Metro Link Bus; It was a very unique experience.

   I started my journey at a downtown Doha Metro  station . I bought a ticket for the special Gold Section  . It was fine; only a few people were there. We were allowed to go to the very front of the metro where old school metro drivers used to sit.

   The ride was 15 minutes long; in addition, the walk to the Metro station and then going down took another 15 minutes. So far we had spent 30 minutes. We spent 10 QR (Qatari Riyal) per person for the tickets and we rode the metro like never before in a front, comfortable seat. We saw the metro tunnel  then  saw as the metro shifted into a skyline we saw the beautiful cityscape and sunset.

   We found ourselves at the Lusail Metro station with a long walk to the bus. At the bus stop, we found out the bus had just left. As a result, a lot of people were waiting. Everyone was waiting quietly, but there was nowhere to sit down. 15 minutes had gone by, and we still could not get on the bus . We had to wait half an hour more to get onto the metro link bus.

   The ride on the bus took 20 minutes instead of the 12 as it was told officially, so it took us 80 minutes to arrive to Doha Festival City; nearly one and half an hour! It took us lots of walking, but luckily, it was only 10 QR per person. Still, it was only 2 for a regular ticket.

After nine o'clock, we took a taxi home which took us nearly half an hour and 30 QR.

 The verdict: if you share a taxi, you might save yourself quite some time. But nothing can beat the price of a regular Metro ticket .

 See the Metro  stations  and the route of the Metro Link buses here .

NO CASES of the Corona virus have been recorded in Qatar to date

Al-Wasmi Garden Festival 2020

 What to expect : cultural, entertainment and artistic activities

 international garden designs from Britain, France, Japan, India and Qatar
 live performances
live drawings - graffiti and caricatures
competitions and workshops - flower workshop, textile workshop, canopy colouring etc.
flower craft area - pottery making, flower planting, drawing on rocks, arranging Ikebana and flower arrangements
daytime fireworks will be on February 21 and 22 at 4pm

Where : The Southern Katara Hills

When : : from 10am to 1pm, and in the evening from 4 pm to 9pm.

Zebra close up in warm colors



Zebra close up in warm colors - originally by Alma Wad . Acrylic triptychs with funky , retro style digital painting .Perfect addition to a modern home /hotel room / cafe etc .

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Al Khor Park - going out with kids



 Saturday to Thursday: 8 am - 11 pm;
 Friday: 2 pm - 11 pm
 Tuesday: exclusively for women and children

 A nice idea for the weekend !

  see directions from the  IKEA  - 25 minute ride

 https://www.google.com/maps/dir/IKEA+Qatar,+Umm+Salal+Muhammed/al+khor+Park,+location/@25.5184648,51.2781084,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x3e45ddfafd631445:0x569e96e110be8194!2m2!1d51.4388478!2d25.3871237!1m5!1m1!1s0x3e45e48c1bbb9d59:0x6c654a2661515e66!2m2!1d51.4209182!2d25.6504701

Thursday, February 06, 2020

National Sport Day 2020 at Education City

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

Baby was born on board of Qatar Airways Flight


A baby boy  was born at 35,000 feet on the  flight from Doha to Bangkok .👶✈
Luckily there was a doctor on board who helped with the delivery .
Qatar Airways does not usually  allow  pregnant women to fly beyond 36 weeks  .
 So this might have been a premature birth . They made emergency landing in Kolkatta .
Then the flight arrived at Bangkok two hours late .

Similar birth happened in Africa on a Turkish Airways Flight 3 years ago .

  In 2007 a baby girl was born on a flight from Amman to Doha . She got the name Qatarina and free flights for life if I remember well .




Sunday, February 02, 2020

Qatar fuel prices for February 2020

Qatar Airways suspend flights to mainland China

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Cold Spell in Qatar



Just the usual January cold spell  ...cold , windy , dusty . Luckily it does not last  weeks only days  .

Celebrating the Chinese New Year in Qatar

Chinese Good Luck  - Fu  -  luxury   golden Foil Card


Chinese Good Luck - Fu - luxury golden Foil Card

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Dragons are believed to possess qualities that include great power, dignity, and wisdom!🐲🐉
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Join the Dragon Parade starting 7:30PM today at Mall of Qatar!
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Celebrate the #ChineseNewYear right here with some spectacular performances!🇨🇳
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Make sure you enjoy visit our Chinese Cultural Hub at the Luxury Court to experience arts & crafts from the 25-31st of January



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by almawad

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from January 25 - February 5 2020
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New Year concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra 2020

 The New Year concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra took place  yesterday . Unfortunately I could not get ticket . But it was so nice to see that they started the concert by Hungarian composers - Kodaly and Liszt .

Zoltán Kodály: Dances of Galanta (Galántai táncok)​
Franz Liszt: Concerto No. 2 in A Major, for Piano and Orchestra, S.125
Johann Strauss, Jr.: Fledermaus Overture
Johann Strauss, Jr.: Vergnügungszug (Pleasure Train Polka), Op. 281
Johann Strauss, Jr.: Persian March, Op. 289
Johann Strauss, Jr.:Thunder and Lightning Polka (S-REF)
Franz Lehár: Merry Widow (Ballsirenen Waltz)
Josef Strauss: Feuerfest (Fireproof)! Polka-Francaise, Op. 269
Emerich Kalman: Countess Maritza - Overture
Johann Strauss, Jr.: Bauernpolka Op. 276



Wednesday, January 22, 2020

The mystery of a January Day - stories from my childhood

It was a scintillating, vibrant winter day. Mom said that I do not have to go to school.

We would have been visiting her friend who got a baby girl. I remember that day clearly and in many details.

We were baking cookies; I was allowed to help. I had my own corner in the kitchen with my small rolling pin.

As I was cutting the cookies, I would watch the jellies in the plates near the windows.

It reminded me of a story of my big brother. He used to be afraid from the wobbling jelly when he was a toddler.

I smiled.

Afterwards, we left for auntie Lizi who was the best friend of my mom at that time.

The night before they arrived at our home, when I was already in bed, they said "We got the baby!"

It sounded as if everybody was very cheerful. Eventually, my father entered my bedroom to tell me about the good news; I was not in a cheerful mood. I was screaming " Leave me alone! " My father did not listen to me. He lifted me from my bed and wanted to carry me to the other room so I can have a look at the newcomer, but I was in a tantrum and was kicking my father all over. He was forced to put me back in bed. I spoiled the evening. Nobody understood why I was behaving like that; I could not understand myself either.

The baby was lovely: smiling with big brown eyes. It was a nice visit. My mom and her friends were talking about how difficult it was to get her out of the hospital. I apologized for my behavior the night before.  The apology was accepted.

This baby girl brought much cheer into her own parents and our life. My baby brother and this newcomer were growing together. Nearly every day we met and they became good friends. They got on very well with each other. "No wonder," the moms would often say  "they were born on the same day!"



My brother was born in the summer. Something did not add up. But there were so many things like that in life. I did not care much about this small issue.

Then we moved to another part of the country, and we grew up not seeing each other for a long time.

After twenty years, something surprising happened. We were reunited for a  Sunday lunch. Auntie Lizi was crying while telling her daughter's story to my mom.

"She was always a lovely, obedient child. Then when she was 18 she left us suddenly."

 Her daughter was very disappointed when she had to learn from the neighbors that she was an adopted child. Her parents wanted to keep it secret.

Only then I understood many things about that January night. The baby was already a half year old. Just like my brother. And auntie Lizi did not have a big tummy before the baby. Because of the bureaucracy, it was very difficult to get the baby they chose.

It was then I understood many things about that January day.

And the story we heard at lunch was not  uplifting.

The secrecy of her adoption made her feel inferior. Terribly. She grew into a beautiful and smart young lady, but she would not go to college. There were lots of decent men of their circles who wanted to marry her, but she had a strong feeling of being less than them. She is an adopted one. She married a worker from the factory.

God knows how many times she was told by her peers "You are an adopted child!" How long she was carrying the burden of this secrecy! How many times she tried to ask her parents about it! But she was never brave enough until she became 18.

Keeping an adoption secret is a terrible mistake! I  saw with my  own eyes how  it   kept a lovely young person from living her life up to full potential .

Thursday, January 09, 2020

Over 50% of all refugees are children

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

OPENING CONCERT OF FRANCE-QATAR YEAR OF CULTURE 2020

OPENING CONCERT OF FRANCE-QATAR YEAR OF CULTURE 2020
Friday 10 January 2020 , 07:30pm
Katara Opera House

​Marc Piollet, conductor
Lise De La Salle, piano

Hamad Naama: Doha Secrets Symphony
Camille Saint Saens: Concerto No. 2 in G Minor for Piano and Orchestra
Hector Berlioz: Symphony Fantastic, OP. 14



KATARA OPERA HOUSE
KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE
DOHA, AD DAWHAH - QATAR

PRICE RANGE: QAR0.00 - QAR500.00

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

FAA flight prohibitions in the area



From visionaries to Vloggers - media revolutions in the Middle East

Doha International Book Fair - 2020

Arabian horse with chestnut coat pillow case



The Arabian horse, portrait of a typical famous Arabian with chestnut color coat.Its name is Euclid and was property of Mayor E. L . Eliot .Winner of 9 races in India . The 19th century book illustration was retouched and applied on this pillowcase by Alma Wad . Front and back design . Great gift for the horse lover in your life .

Al Shaqab Show Jumping Competition - January 5 - 2020

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Jewel of the Seas arrived at Doha Port

Qurdi - Qatar e-Nature

"Annular eclipse" in Al Thuraya Katara

e-Service | Apply for Qatar Visas

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

"Annular eclipse" - Planetarium Katara - 26 December 2019

QATAR NATIONAL DAY at ROYA LPLAZA DOHA

Monday, December 16, 2019

Grand National Day Celebrations at Doha Festival City

Cultural activities await you and your family at your one and only destination this National Day!

📆 Date Timing:
December 12th to 18th 2019
4pm - 10pm (Sunday-Wednesday)
3pm - 10pm (Thursday-Saturday)

 PEARL BOOTH
Explore and learn more about pearl jewelry-making and fishernet making with the experts.
📍 Location: Near Customer Service Desk, First Floor

 MINI SOUQ

Enjoy your free henna and discover traditional carpet making.
📍 Location: Near South Food Court, Ground Floor

SIDRA TREE

We invite you to show your love for our nation, Qatar. Leave your note at the Sidra Tree, take a photo and tag #SidraTreeatDHFC for a chance to win prizes.
📍 Location: Near Monoprix, Ground Floor

 LIVE PAINTING

Local artists will be spotted in the bridge as they go about painting live two walls. Canvases on easels showcasing artworks by different artists are also on display.
📍 Location: Center Court, First Floor; Near West Court 1, Ground Floor

 LIVE JAZZ BAND AT QND LOUNGE

Don't miss the live performance at our traditional National Day Lounge where you can also enjoy free Arabic coffee and dates. 📍 Location: Luxury Area, First Floor.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Aspire Zone Foundation - National Day Celebrations 2019 in Aspire Park

Shahry 5G plans - Ooredoo Qatar

chance of rain to weaken gradually during coming hours

Monday, December 09, 2019

Just another rainy day in Qatar


 Take extra care . Avoid sea  and try to stay indoor. The rainy  weather conditions will be the strongest today  then  it will last until Wednesday .

Saturday, December 07, 2019

Whose cuisine is being exported into the world?


 Wow !  I was really shocked that the Italian cuisine is exported so much in the world . Also Japan as second winner surprised me .  I thought  that eating sushi is a bit of subcultural  thing .
Two Middle Eastern cuisine is among the most  exported  : Turkey and Egypt .




Come meet me in the sky ...

Friday, December 06, 2019

33 hot air balloons from 13 countries - numbers in Qatar




33 hot air balloons from 13 countries




what to expect : international teams ( UK, Germany, Lithuania, USA, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Ireland, France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Qatar )
spectacular views - 33 hot air balloons from 13 countries
live music
kids entertainment
culinary offerings

more info 


Did you know ? Torch Tower - Aspire Zone

salmon sushi rolls - photo square wall clock

salmon sushi rolls - photo square wall clock


salmon sushi rolls - photo square wall clock

by almawad

Three salmon sushi rolls are served on a plate . Original photo by Alma Wad . Great wall clock for the gourmet.

Where to have conveyor belt style sushi buffet in Qatar

You can  enjoy a variety of sushi in a Japanese conveyor belt at Oishi Sushi restaurant , at 2nd floor of Royal plaza in Al Sadd street !
Sushi Rolls include – but is not limited to - Royal, Fire Cracker, Tempura, California, Oishi, Salmon Maki, Tuna Maki, Chicken Sushi, Beef Sushi and Dynamite Shrimp
Nigiri Sushi items include – but is not limited to – Salmon, White Fish and Ebi
Edamame and Japanese Mochi (dessert)  available, too!

 Now you can get discount if you buy vouchers at Qgrabs .  Those are only  for Saturday brunches .

 This  is my number one place of Japanese cuisine in Doha .


Thursday, December 05, 2019

Nabulsi Kunafa - where can I find it in Qatar ?

  The answer is :
 Albisana restaurant -  Katara

UN Deputy Secretary-General - Amina J Mohamed - Qatar National Library

Spinel Necklace - MIA Qatar - Exhibition

Doha Metro Green Line starting 10 December 2019

95,000 journeys a day - Doha Metro

Tuesday, December 03, 2019

Arabian Horse World Championship - Salon Du Cheval - in Paris - Platinum Prize






9th traditional Dhow Festival - Katara Beach - 3-16 December








Qatar’s Strongest Man 2019





Friday, 13 December 2019 , from 4pm

at Aspire Park

Expect challenges like : truck pulling, sand bag lifting, weight lifting, giant wheel tire pushing, and car lifting
registration fee 100 QR


Testing: Weekends of 29th November and 6th December 2019













Thursday, November 28, 2019

Costa Diadema Cruise Ship received at Doha Port

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Musical Festival in Qatar - Pop , Electronic ,Middle Eastern


 If I were a rich man  -  😉  I would go and see some Middle Eastern stars and Katy Perry . But the prices are high  - I can not even pay it for my teen who would like to go .Luckily , we have already been to a Cheb Khalid concert for free some years ago . Good luck to the festival !




How to get HMC health card - step by step guide

Riding Academy at Al Shaqab

Friday Sales in Qatar -2019 end of November


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Tuesday, November 19, 2019

World Toilet Day


MIA Qatar - Qatar India Year of Culture - curator led tour

Doha Metro Gold Line - from November 21



waterspout swirling offshore Halul Island - Qatar



Friday, November 15, 2019

11 countries to participate in International Dhows Festival - 2019



From 26 to 30 November 2019  -   a maritime heritage festival   ...

Rural population as share of total, 2016 - Qatar: 1%


 Qatar is at the bottom of the chart . It was very strange to me when I moved here  that there are almost no villages and village tourism here . The other thing that I found strange that local people living in the big city escape to another big city for their summer vacations . London is their favorite destination  .On the other hand  there are so many Indians living in Qatar and many of them come from villages . This way they represent the village culture  here . It means that it happened to me  that I faced some escaped geese or lovely roosters  while walking in  our area . That means in the center . Though it is forbidden  but it exists .

Torba Farmers Market kicks off on Nov 16 - 2019


  Expect organic vegetables ,fruit , cakes , sandwiches , coffee -  string lights in the evening . 

Which country hosts the most refugees - UNHCR

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Meteorologist in Training T-Shirt

November 10 - the First Great Rain marks the end of the hot season in Qatar

It was a great joy to see the rain again in Qatar .It was raining cats and dogs and refreshed the air in the city . It also made all my family feel very sleepy . Here are some videos from the twitter .






Beach No: 3 reopened - Katara

Thursday, November 07, 2019

Qatar's humanitarian help arrived to Somalia

“Holiday” by KAWS - funky contemporary art at Doha Fire Station

M5.3 strikes 118 km W of Bandar ‘Abbās - Earthquake in Iran



November 6 - 2019 - 10:40 am
expat Qatar