An avid football fan, Khairul Ashraf Kammed finds there is so much more to Qatar than just its national airline’s logo emblazoned on the jersey of his favourite football team
QATAR is preparing for a huge surge of visitors in years to come with a lot of development in infrastructure. A number of international hotel chains are already represented in the country and most importantly, no fewer than nine eco-friendly stadiums are being built within the city limits.
It will host the 2022 Fifa World Cup (the first time in the Arabian Gulf and a first by a Muslim majority country).
Qatar has successfully staged Asian Games in 2006 and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, among its milestones.
For the next few days, I am exploring its capital city, Doha. Two years ago, I was on transit at Hamad International Airport before continuing my trip to Europe to achieve my dream of watching FC Barcelona play live at home in its Nou Camp Stadium.
Even though the transit period was not long enough to explore the airport, I still remember its iconic “mascot”. I wonder how the gigantic Teddy Bear with its head under an enormous table lamp (created by Swiss artist Urs Firscher) at the centre of the retail area is doing now. The US$6.8m sculpture is about 8m tall .
But as a tourist from a tropical country, why would I want to spend a holiday in a place that’s probably even hotter?
But do you know that Qatar has a winter season, starting late October until late March? With an average daily high of below 25ºC, it is colder than Kuala Lumpur and better still, with year-round sunshine, you won’t have to worry about getting wet while spending time outdoors.
GETTING THERE
From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the estimated time to Doha is seven hours and 20 minutes. Thankfully, on board Qatar Airways, I have access to Oryx One, its in-flight entertainment system that offers up to 3,000 entertainment options like the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.
I rarely pay full attention to the in-flight safety demonstration prior to take off, yet on board Qatar’s national carrier, I was glued to the monitor throughout the clip.
Unlike the typical video or live demo by the cabin crew, Qatar Airways’ current in-flight safety video, featuring FC Barcelona stars such as Gerard Piquè, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Javier Mascherano, will draw attention of even non-football fans because it is fun to watch. (The video is available on YouTube. Go on, watch it.)
Starting with Piquè walking in front of a group of female fans, the creative video tells passengers that if they require oxygen, a mask will appear from above in front of them and then the necessary steps for them to take to activate oxygen supply.
Before I know it, I am already heading for the arrival gates of Hamad International Airport. Done with the arrival protocols, I proceed to the baggage claim area.
While going down the escalator, a familiar view looms in front of me.
The Teddy Bear is still there and passers-by are approaching it to pose for selfies.
I smile and continue walking, hoping that Doha will treat me well during my stay here.
CULTURE, HERITAGE, HOSPTALITY AND COFFEE
As we lounge on the cushions at Embrace Doha’s headquarters (the company offers a range of cultural services that cater to the needs of newcomers, expatriates and visitors), a good-looking young man in his early 20s and clad in long white dishdasha, (the Qatari national dress for men) greets us.
He introduces himself as Omar Nasser al-Khanji.With a majmor (an incense burner) held in his hands, he approaches each of us with the request to fan the smoke from the burning bukhoor (incense chips) toward our bodies to spread the fragrance on our clothing. This is a sign of welcome.
After the brief ritual, Omar hands out cups of kahwa (coffee), served black without sugar, but with cardamom and saffron added. To kill off the bitter taste, the coffee is complemented with dates.
While regaling us with the story of how coffee was discovered in ancient times, he makes sure our cups are never left empty. He then says we have to shake the cup as a sign that no more refill is required.
We are told to at least drink a cup of this beverage of the saints because refusing it is seen as a refusal of the host’s generosity.
“It was said that the Arabs had noticed strange behaviour among the goats after they ate the leaves of a certain plant. The goats became energetic and active at night, so eventually those humans then tried to boil the leaves and drink it. However it didn’t have the same effect,” he says.
“After further experimentation with the beans from the tree, they finally got the reaction they wanted. Muslims drink it to keep themselves awake during the night so that they can perform special prayers.”
Next, we go on a brief tour of Souq Waqif. Qatar’s oldest Arabian-style market sells everything, from jewellery, clothing, groceries and spices to a dedicated store selling falcon (a favourite pastime among Qataris).
There are even little lounges scattered in the mazy streets where locals come in to smoke hookah.
With cobblestones labyrinth, mud walls and wooden beams, the whole complex was restored to its former glory in 2004.
Before the actual site of Souq Waqif — which extends from Al Souk Street to Grand Hamad street — was renovated, it was a bit run down.
I am fascinated by the pearl shop because it has a long history. Before the discovery of oil, Qatar’s economy thrived on pearl hunting and fishing.
ISLAMIC ART
For a more in-depth history about Qatar, we visit the Museum of Islamic Art on Doha Corniche (on reclaimed land).
The exterior of the building resembles a woman wearing a burqa. Its architect was I.M. Pei, the Chinese-American who also famously designed the Pyramid at the Louvre in Paris.
The museum has a rich collection of art pieces and artefacts ranging from weapons, ceramics, carpets from Iran, and intricate wall decorations, to traditional costumes from the 7th to 19th centuries.
During my visit, there is a temporary special gallery dedicated to legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali. It will be available at the Eastern Gallery on level 4 until Nov 5.
Admission to the museum is free and even if you are not a history buff, a visit here is highly recommended, if only to take a short break from the summer heat and to admire the sunset outside the complex.
This trip was courtesy of Qatar Tourism Authority.
Next week
More of Qatar’s modern developments and a day trip to an artificial island.
Contacts
For more nformation, visit www.visitqatar.qa or contact these Qatar Specialists in Malaysia:
Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd (03-9283 6150)
Apple Signature Holidays Sdn Bhd (03- 2143 3939)
Ab & Artho (03-7710 4043)
Canary Tours & Hospitality Services Sdn Bhd (016-667 8646)
CIT Travel Sdn Bhd (03-2091 9966)
IGNS Holidays Sdn Bhd (03-4161 1372)
Indigo Holiday Sdn Bhd (03-3343 1452)
Kowamas Holidays Sdn Bhd (03-78030170)
Malaysian Harmony Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd (03-2144 5186)
Vic-Aire Holiday Sdn Bhd (03-2141 6633)