By PEPPER TEEHANKEE
PeopleAsia columnist PEPPER TEEHANKEE explores a modern mecca of fun, culture and luxury in one of the Middle East’s most captivating cities.
Four days of shopping, eating, sightseeing and art were definitely not enough. The trip was exciting as I have never been to Doha and have never before flown with Qatar Airways, the “World’s Five-Star Airline.â€Â I flew out of Clark, Pampanga to go to Doha and was surprised to find out that certain Qatar flights (only from Clark) had a First Class section and Business Class service (as there is no First Class service to and from the Philippines).
Qatar Airways provides free shuttle to and from Manila and Clark for their passengers. It also provides Missoni and Giorgio Armani toiletry kits for Business Class passengers. Their beds are totally flat and perfect for slumber after watching movies they offer on demand. Their extensive food menu is also served on demand in Business Class.
Upon arrival, First and Business Class passengers have a separate lounge where some of the best Arabic mezze like hummus and labne are served. I have tried these dishes outside in a restaurant.
A private immigration counter is also available.
Qatar is a safe country. I was told it ranks very high on the Global Peace Index and is the most peaceful country in the Middle East and North Africa. Doha has restaurants by Guy Savoy, Gordon Ramsay and Nobu Matsuhisa, but it has so much more to offer aside from great food.
The Doha skyline is dazzling. The buildings made my jaw drop and marvel at their sight. Famed French architect Jean Nouvel had designed Qatar’s iconic Doha Tower and is busy constructing Qatar’s new National Museum. Their very impressive Museum of Islamic Art is designed by I. M. Pei and houses an impressive collection. Famed French Chef Alain Ducasse’s restaurant, Idam, is also found here.
(Jean Nouvel’s Doha Tower at the center of the Tornado Towers)
Falconry is a very interesting and important part of Qatari culture going back to Bedouin times. I had a fascinating visit to the Falcon Souq where these prized birds could fetch up to $275,000. each.
The birds are so revered that Doha has a four-story hospital dedicated to their beloved falcons. Falcons are even allowed in the cabin of certain Qatar Airways flights. Pigeons are special as well, since three towers (aptly called Pigeon Towers) near a mosque at the Katara were built specifically for these birds.
Katara, a cultural village, is named after Qatar’s olden name of ‘Catara’ and is a project of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. Katara Cultural Village has a beautiful amphitheater with perfect acoustics; several delightful restaurants and art galleries are also found here. A cultural market is held during certain nights at this amazing village that was built in 2004 and is expected to be completed by 2018 at a cost of US$6 billion.
(An Arabic feast of grilled meats, fish and various rice dishes)
Souq Waqif, a must-visit for shoppers, is in the old part of Doha and is a place to buy almost anything under the sun. Spices, nuts, carpets and antiques are great buys here. The shops at The Pearl are high-end shops for anyone without a shopping budget. The Pearl is a mini “city†built in 2014 and is expected to finish by next year. This is where expats can buy property.
Speaking of expats, Doha has a population of 2.2 million with roughly 300,000 Filipinos. Word is rife that there will be as many as 800,000 Filipinos working there by 2022.
Doha is also a popular academic center. Some of the world’s acclaimed universities operating in Doha today include Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, HEC Paris, Northwestern University, Texas A&M, University College London and University of Calgary. This progressive nation set up the Qatar Foundation spearheaded by Her Highness Shiekha Moza Bint Nasser. Their mission statement is “the new world educational system recognizes that education is a universal right.â€
There is no shortage of beautiful hotels and resorts in Doha. Sharq Village and Spa is where I spent my first night. For one not easily impressed by hotel buffets, I thought their buffet spread was absolutely superb. I was told by a local that dining is taken very seriously in Doha so they try to excel in everything related to cuisine. Sharq is also the home of Six Senses Spa where I had one of the most relaxing head and neck massages ever.
(A room at the Sharq Village and Spa)
I moved to the Ritz Carlton Doha for the next three days, where their French restaurant La Mer momentarily satiated my craving for Arabic food. Another must-see hotel is the Marsa Malaz Kempinski at The Pearl where one can view an imposing 16-meter bronze horse sculpture. They also have an amazing Arabic restaurant called Al Sufra, as well as several other food outlets.
(The facade of the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel)
Definitely not to be missed is the Qatari Desert Safari! Imagine going through sand dunes in speeding 4X4 Land Cruisers that sometimes, I felt that the vehicle would overturn. I would describe this as a roller coaster ride (in a natural setting) that can satisfy my lifetime’s need for adrenalin rush. No regrets, but I probably won’t do it again.
The Qatari Desert meets the ocean at some point. It is quite cool and some people opt to stay overnight in camps with toilets and showers. A camel ride would make an interesting photo op here.
(High tea at the Qatari Desert)
I was blown away after watching the 30-minute presentation that won Qatar the honor of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. After watching it, there is no question why Qatar should not host this event.
This will be the first “Compact World Cup†where spectators need not move from city to city, as was done in the past since all competition venues will be in one city only. No worries regarding traffic, as there are designated bus lines only for those who need to shuttle from one stadium to another to catch a game. Trains will be available as well.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy will deliver a number of amazing stadiums that are being either built or refurbished that will be capable of hosting matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
The heat won’t be a problem either, as all stadiums will be equipped with modern sustainable cooling technology. The top portions of these roughly nine new and environmentally built stadiums will be dismantled after the World Cup. They will be donated to developing countries chosen by FIFA and these beneficiary countries will be provided with the means to build new stadiums and football pitches.
No wonder the FC Barcelona Football Team wears the Qatar Airways brand in front of their jerseys. Barça players Neymar, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique star in Qatar Airway’s latest advert named The FCB Holiday.
Of course, taking Qatar Airways to go to Doha or to connect to other destinations will give one the bonus of shopping and eating in Hamad International Airport. I spent a wonderful two hours in that beautiful airport and was disappointed to leave their beautiful Business Lounge, complete with both buffet and a la carte food service. They even had sleeping areas, showers and a game room!
Expect to see me again soon, Doha!
