It was love at first sight. As I stood wide-eyed at the plush Hamad International Airport (HIA), soaking in the exuberance of luxury and overarching warmth of welcome, I got hooked by the little details that were woven into the cadence of everyday life. From the flight aboard the Qatar Airways to the arrival at the HIA, the conscientious attempt to ensure that the first impression is the perfect one made me realise what a wonderful trip I had in store, thanks to my hosts Qatar Airways, who have partnered with Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) to offer discounted travel rates to Doha, retail and hospitality offers, as well as a packed entertainment agenda until 16 August all under Summer in Qatar umbrella.
The cordial invite to come and partake in the ‘Summer in Qatar’ campaign proved to be an experience of a lifetime; it had that touch of warmth and love that is often palpable in a gathering of friends in this part of the world.
Although our flight to Doha was uneventful, it was on landing that we first savoured the country’s hospitality. We were escorted to the Al Maha Lounge on a first class passenger bus, catered with snacks as we waited for our luggage and ushered through a special immigration counter within the lounge… We were then driven to our destination, the breathtakingly splendorous Marsa Malaz Kempinski, on a BMW 7 Series arranged by the Hotel.
For a quick peek into my inspiring and indulgent trip, read the following snippets and make a date for a ‘Summer in Qatar’.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha
What a treat the Marsa Malaz Kempinski is… Whether it is the amalgamation of European architecture with traditional Arabian elements or the personalised service that is designed to pre-empt your every requirement, the hotel is a feast for the senses. With 281 luxurious rooms and 69 suites, including two Presidential suites and two Royal suites, guests are pampered with the latest in technology and round-the-clock service.
Located on its own secluded island, just steps away from a host of entertainment and dining options at Porto Arabia and Medina Centrale districts of The Pearl-Qatar, it is what a connoisseur of life would seek to experience bliss amidst luxury and comfort. It boasts a 150m stretch of private beach and outdoor pools, alongside 11 restaurants, cafés and lounges.
Qatar National Library
A visit to the Qatar National Library is mandatory if you want to experience technological excellence in a library format. Innovative technologies are seamlessly integrated throughout the building, enhancing accessibility and efficiency. While automated self-checkout, return stations, and radio frequency identification (RFID) book sorter system allow for convenient access to the Library’s materials, a people mover system transports library users throughout the shelving tiers, making the collection easily accessible for all visitors.
The Museum of Islamic Art
Certain structures emanate an aura of history that lingers on long after you have left its precincts – The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one such. Representing Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years, MIA is the flagship of Qatar Museums which, under the leadership of its Chairperson H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is transforming the State of Qatar into a cultural capital of the Middle East. Designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M Pei, the Museum is comprised of a main building with an adjacent education wing connected by a large central courtyard.
Supreme Legacy 2022 Tour
For football lovers in this part of the world, what could be more gratifying than a tour of the Supreme Legacy 2022? Designed with the objective of showcasing Qatar’s unique identity through 2022 FIFA World Cup™, it connects people in a shared celebration of football and the region. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) is also making rapid progress in building stadiums and other infrastructure, and ensuring the tournament and its preparations contribute to Qatar’s sustainable development.
Following the tour of Supreme Legacy 2022, we stopped by The Cut by Wolfgang Puck at the Mondrion Hotel in Doha for our lunch.
Souq Waqif, Doha
Get ready to be amazed at the Souq Waqif, one of the oldest souqs in Qatar. For centuries, this location has been a souq for Bedouins who traded wool and animals for everyday needs, and that old world charm is palpable in the traditional architecture employed to restore and renovate the souq. The souq is also home to a number of art galleries and a traditional falconry market. There is a separate area in the Souq reserved for falcon handling, and within the vicinity is a Falcon Hospital, which we had the opportunity to visit.
As evening sets in, visitors can soak up the vibrancy of the Souq at one of its eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes which offer traditional Qatari food as well as regional dishes and treats from Asia and North Africa. We did just that, ending the evening with dinner at Parisa, an Iranian restaurant housed within the Souq, for a taste of Arabic fare.
Pearl Tour and Katara
‘The Most Glamorous Address in the Middle East’, reads the tagline, and there is no denying the jaw-dropping glamour of The Pearl-Qatar, which is evocative of Venice. It is a man-made island off the West Bay coast featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, upmarket residential towers, villas and internationally renowned hotels, as well as luxurious boutiques and showrooms; its waterfront promenades are lined with cafes and restaurants serving a variety of foods.
We followed the Pearl Tour with a visit to Katara for a taste of culture and recreation. It is an innovative interpretation of the region’s architectural heritage; its purpose-built development’s impressive theatres, galleries and performance venues stage a lively year-round programme of concerts, shows and exhibitions.
Our Pearl Tour ended with lunch at the Japanese restaurant Novikov, which is located in Katara Cultural Village. Novikov Doha is the Japanese-Chinese fusion eatery’s second Middle East outpost.
The National Museum of Qatar
Following the lunch, we shifted our base to the new National Museum of Qatar, which gives voice to the unique story of Qatar and its people from earliest times to the present day and onwards towards its future. Organised in three ‘chapters’ — Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar, each theme is presented across eleven highly individual galleries. What an enriching experience each of the chapters are! But the climax of this visit was a look at the Pearl Carpet of Baroda, with over 1.5 million Gulf pearls hand-embroidered on it.
Qatar National Convention Centre
QNCC…that was our destination for the special Trevor Noah show, organised by Doha Comedy Festival for ‘Summer in Qatar’. ‘The Daily Show’ host and renowned comedian performed live, providing a fitting finale to our memorable Qatar tip.
Hamad International Airport
It was goodbye time the next morning, as we ate our breakfast and headed back to Hamad International Airport for another round of pampering. Al Maha Services, the personalised Meet and Assist Service, was at hand to help us through the immigration, before giving us a taste of the Airport’s plush services.
Positioned at the edge of the Arabian Gulf, the Airport’s tranquil waterside setting provides a perfect backdrop for its stylish architectural elements, boosted by advanced airport systems in line with its ‘Smart Airport’ vision. With over 40,000 square meters of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, unmatched spa facilities and a collection of unique art pieces from internationally acclaimed artists, HIA is a destination on its own. The passenger terminal is a showcase for a fascinating selection of art, curated in partnership with Qatar Museums, which has strived to extend art beyond its traditional museum model, and into public spaces.
Go on; make Qatar your summer destination this year!