Explore Qatar through its people

My first year as a participant in the Qatar International Food Festival was definitely a challenging one; serving healthy food at a Food Festival required using persuasion since most of the times healthy means dull. So, I was urging visitors to try in order to show them that healthy can also be delicious. On the first day, I managed to attract five costumers. Then, the second day, I had more than 100 customers, and the rest of the days I was sold out. I believe that I changed people’s mindset around healthy food. I proved that it could be tasty, and I provided Qatari dishes in vegan and gluten-free options.

Spending time with my family is always my priority! Salwa Beach Resort is a major leisure destination, ideal for families. Also, their waterpark is incredible.

Doha Fire Station is my favourite space in Doha. I enjoy being there at sunrise, sunset, watching people, the traffic, my city… My city is always an inspiration. We have many curators there and being in an environment full of artists, is always an inspiringation. I learn from them and they learn from me. Doha Fire Station has been a great place for experimenting with my art.

The historic heart of Doha, Souq Waqif has been rebuilt on the site of the city’s old market. It’s easy to spend hours getting lost in its winding alleyways. It also has some great places to eat.

Start your visit by fueling up for a late breakfast at one of two cafes owned by Qatari women – Shay Al Shamous or Al Jasra Café – both serve hearty Qatari classics like rajaj (wafer thin papery bread usually spread with cheese or honey) and a cup of karak.

Ahmad Al-Kuwari, owner and co-founder of KAVA Koffee, explains what makes a good entrepreneur and shares advice and success tips for starting a new business.

Qatar is lined with impressive buildings and futuristic structures designed by local and world-renowned architects. The country has morphed into a dynamic architectural centre and has undoubtedly introduced a new identity.

• Explore Souq Waqif, a must-visit when in Doha. Wander around its alleys and explore the local vibes. Have dinner at Parisa restaurant, for tasteful Persian flavors.
• Visit the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar for your cultural dose of inspiration.
• Walk around Katara Cultural Village and have dinner at L’wzaar for great seafood.
• Enjoy an evening walk at the marina at The Pearl, along with a cup of coffee.
• Make sure you go for a desert safari.
• For great dining experiences, visit Isaan Doha for excellent Thai food, Santa Monica Breakfast Club for delicious breakfast and brunch, Rocca for pizza options and Monkey Tale for a drink. All are based at Grand Hyatt.

Go to Souq Waqif for breakfast and then visit the Art Centre; it’s a great destination for art lovers. Later on, walk to Msheireb Downtown and visit the Cultural Pass Club gallery; it hosts amazing artists. For lunch, you can go to the restaurant located in the National Museum of Qatar, and for dinner, IDAM at Museum of Islamic Art is an excellent choice.

Start your day by enjoying breakfast anywhere at the Pearl; there are many restaurants available and I highly suggest walking around to experience the neighbourhood fully. Then, head to Katara Cultural Village and Galeries Lafayette for the ultimate shopping experience; you can also find various local brands.

If you want to have a glimpse of Qatar’s stadiums, take the Metro and head to Aspire Zone. Then, for some more shopping, go to Villaggio Mall, where you can find luxury boutiques such as Panarai, Bulgari, Valentino, Gucci, Celine, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Tomford, Luis Vuitton, Fendi, YSL, and many more as well as many other highstreet brands.

Next on the list would be Mall of Qatar, also easily accessible by Metro, where you can also find various luxurious brands.

And we shouldn’t leave out Doha Festival City, where you can find Harvey Nichols.

For dinner, I would recommend Toro Toro in the Marsa Malaz Kempinski at the Pearl.