Sunday, July 10, 2011

GONDOLANIA Theme Park in Villagio Mall Doha

Dubbed as THE BIG ONE!
Gondolania Theme Park is the newest and the largest family entertainment destination in Doha! Housed in Villaggio Mall, it boasts of an Olympic size ice skating rink, Venezian inspired Gondola Boat Ride and the highly anticipated Gondolania Entertainment City which is to be the largest theme park in Doha - from Roller Coaster to kiddie rides, this entertainment city is for all ages.

Gondolania Theme Park


Only in Gondolania is where you can find the classic Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Bumper Cars, Horror street drive Dark ride, and a state-of-the-art Go Kart Racing, 12-lane Bowling- (designed by Pininfarina- the world famous car designer), a 4D Theater, plus the latest video / simulation game and prize/ redemption machines. We also offer world class restaurants, cafe's and a food hall with many food outlets to choose from.
There are merchandise shops and kiosks around the theme park as well. Gondolania features pure excitement and various leisure and entertainment for kids and the whole family because FUN never stops at Gondolania! 
 


The Grand Opening was officially unveiled last April 7 - 9, 2011 and the 3-Day Spectacle was witnessed by thousands from all over Qatar.  The 22,000 sq. metre park had a series of soft openings for a full year, as only some of the attractions were in place. The residents of Qatar have been able to use each section as it became available. Gondolania is now fully operational. All rides and games are now ready to bring joy to people of all ages. 

The impressive roller coaster’s unique sound and light show was unveiled, which is synchronized with the ride. A sequence of different sound and light shows will take place during the three-minute ride, creating a spectacular ambience throughout the park. This is the first time in the region a show of this calibre has ever been attempted by any theme park.
Gondolania Theme Park
 

Gondolania is named after the Venetian Boat (Gondola) theme of Villaggio Mall watercanal. The indoor park features a great variety of rides and attractions including a spinning roller coaster that takes riders almost to the ceiling before plunging 19-metres underground. Another major attraction is the only 4D cinema in the country offering a truly realistic cinematic experience, with seats that are operated on an air-driven servo motion and special effects that includes front air blasts, front water spray, neck and leg ticklers and vibrating seats. A Bowling Alley, Go-kart circuit, a Drop Tower, Bumper Cars, Carousel, Ferris Wheel, Kiddie Train and party rooms are also part of the entertainment available at the amusement park. 
 

Source and more info from http://www.gondolania.com

Qatar Airways and Grand Plan For Tourism In Qatar

Qatar Airways is the best value for money available at present.
Their website is very efficient and easy to use and we arranged our whole trip online with no problems whatsoever. I do think they have the best sitting comfort with actually a little space for one's knees.

Food was good and service excellent, staff willing and helpful if a little untrained.
The hosts and hostesses are there when you need know when to leave you be.

I loved the entertainment system with the latest movies and fun games.
The in-flight entertainment is also of a higher quality than any other airline I have and the food is the highest quality airline food I have ever experienced.
Qatar airways now have another converted customer for life.

However with Qatar Airways I make an exception. It is the only airline which I can confidently say I would actually look to fly with even if it did involve paying a premium.

The service you receive really is well above the service I have been given by any other airline.



Here is some offers from Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways special offers

More info http://www.qatarairways.com

Thursday, June 30, 2011

DON'Ts in Qatar

Here is I tried to share something and it could be useful during traveling in Qatar

DON'T go in the sea barefoot, stonefish are rare can be found along the shoreline. They looklike stones and if you inadvertenly tread on them, they inject poison into your foot.

DON'T forget to use high-factor sunblock on all exposed skin including the top of your feet if you are wearing sandals. Make sure children are well protected too.

DON'T be afraid to go outside at night. Qatar is one of safe place you will find in the world. Evening are an ideal time to explore the city and Doha bay looks superb at night, clear skies reveal a host of stars too.

DON'T forget to watch out camels on the roads when driving on the highway outside the town, especially during night time.

DON'T sit in a way that shows the the soles of your feet or shoes to your Qatari hosts, it is considered insulting.

DOs in Qatar

Here is I tried to share something and it could be useful during traveling in Qatar

DO remember that Qatar is a Muslim country and you need to dress appropriately. Both men and women should keep shorts and sleeveless tops for the beach.

DO be prepared to bargain with shopkeepers particularly in the souq. Asking for discount is the norm.

DO make sure you drink plenty of water. Your body needs more than fruit juices carbonated drink. tea and coffee. On average you should drink one pint of fluid for every 10 degree Fahrenheit. Ideally, if the temperature is 80 degree Fahrenheit(27 C), you should drink 8 pints of water per day, if urine becomes yellowish, it's sure sign you are dehydrating.

DO remember to cover your head when you are outside during the day. A slight breeze can fool you into thinking it's cool, but the sun can be very fierce during the summer months.

DO ask permission from people before take photographs. Many of the older people and most of the women object to being photographed ; equally, avoid sensitive sites or picture that include members of police or armed forces.

DO remember to keep your driving license and insurance papers in your vehicle at all times. They will be needed in event of an accident.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Travel Tips in Qatar

Currency
 
The national currency is the Qatari Riyal (QR). 1 riyal is equal to 100 dirhams. Banknotes are available in denominations of QR500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are found in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 dirhams. Only the 50 and 25 dirham coins are in wide circulation, however, as the minting of smaller coins was discontinued in the 1970s.
Currency Exchange
 
Currency can be changed at the airport, banks and currency exchange dealers. Facilities at the airports are likely to have the least favourable exchange rates. More competitive rates are normally found at city centre financial establishments. You are also advised to avoid changing money at your hotel, if possible, as hotel rates are typically among the worst offered. The main branches of the country’s banks are located on Grand Hamad street, in Doha.
Banking Hours
 
Banks are open from 07:30-11:30, Saturday through Thursday.
Currency Restrictions
 
There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency, with the exception of Israeli currency which is prohibited.
Customs
 
Travellers entering Qatar may bring in tobacco products and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use without paying duty. Alcohol cannot be imported under any circumstances. The importation of wild birds is also prohibited, unless prior authorisation has been received from the Ministry of Agriculture and Municipal Affairs (MMAA).
Electricity
 
240/415 volts AC/50Hz. Round pin plugs with grounding and rectangular blade plugs are in use.
Health
 
No vaccinations are required for visitors to Qatar, but immunisations against hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Standards of medical care in Doha are good and medicines are readily available. You are advised that doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash when services are rendered. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover any unanticipated medical expenses or emergencies during your stay. Traveller's diarrhoea is a risk and it is advised that you drink only bottled water and avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked as well as raw fruit and vegetables - particularly when outside the major hotels and resorts.

The telephone number for medical emergencies is: 999
Safety
 
Doha is a very safe city and visitors should not encounter problems with petty crime. The threat of terrorism is ever-present here, but it doesn’t seem to have an impact on day-to-day life. Women may experience incidents of unwanted attention, but it is not likely that this will be of a threatening nature. An abaya (a long, black cloak and headscarf worn by local women) can be purchased readily in Doha, and is one method of avoiding the annoyance of unwanted attention. Women are by no means required to wear the abaya - however modest dress is expected, meaning that shorts and short skirts and revealing or tight clothing are not socially acceptable.

The police emergency telephone number is: 999
Social Conventions
 
It is important for visitors to be aware of Muslim customs and religious laws. For instance, women are expected to dress modestly. Drinking alcoholic beverages in public, other than at licensed hotel bars and restaurants, is prohibited. Also, although it is acceptable to cross your legs, it is not socially acceptable to show the sole of you foot or to point your foot at anyone, as this is considered an insult. Intimacy displayed between men and women in public is against Islamic law and can lead to arrest; homosexual acts are illegal.

At social and business functions, traditional Qatari coffee, in very small cups without handles, will be served as a gesture of welcome, following strict guidelines. Guests are served in the order of seniority, with just a few drops poured at first and then, after a few others have been served in a similar manner, the server returns to the first recipient, filling their cup. You should remember to always hold the cup in your right hand; and that drinking two cups is polite - but never only one cup, or more than three.
Tax and Tipping
 
There is no tax levied on personal or corporate income, no withholding tax and no VAT (IVA) in Qatar. You are not expected to tip taxi drivers. At hotels and restaurants, a service charge is often added to the bill; otherwise a tip of 10 per cent is appropriate.
Telephone
 
The country code for Qatar is +974. City or area codes are not used. A number of Internet cafés are available in Doha and the country has good coverage for mobile phone reception.
Time
 
GMT +3
Visa and Passports
 
Persons holding passports issued by Israel are prohibited from entering Qatar. All visitors must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months and visas are required by all, with the exception of the following: nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates; and transit passengers holding a valid onward ticket for a flight scheduled within eight hours of landing. Visitors arriving at Doha International Airport as tourists must show either US$1370.00 in cash, the equivalent in foreign currency or an internationally-valid credit card in order to be eligible to enter Qatar. A hotel voucher for a booking in a recognised hotel is also required.

It is possible to arrange visas for longer stays, but this requires sponsorship. Unmarried women under 35 will find it difficult to arrange longer-stay visas, as the country feels that there is a risk of younger women engaging in prostitution.

Source from Qatar Travel Guides

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Shops in Souq Waqif

We had a good moment visit this past week at souq waqif  in Doha, How a life-changing experience!
Let me share for you with a few photos, sorry I didn’t put many pictures, I’m just learning to use the camera on my new Blackberry phone.


Souq Waqif is the traditional souq that evolved from humble beginnings and whilst perhaps still the most traditional part of Doha's souq area because its close to the port.
It has a number of perfume shops and stalls offering the most exclusive fragrances from the west alongside the attars and essential oils popular in Arabia. A well worth a visit if you want to buy any of the traditional forms of Qatar national dress.
Souq Waqif is also full of shops selling all kinds of kitchen utensils, everything from cutlery and crockery, glasses and cool boxes, vacuum flasks and storage boxes to plastic were and pots and pans (including the sort of cauldron-sized containers which will enable you to cook for hundreds!).
Also available are falcon centers where you can touch and take photos of live falcons.

What to buy in Shops of Souq Waqif : 
 - antique shops, you will find old Arabic map collections that is worth keeping
- national dress, perfumes and spices
- candy stores
- kitchen utensils
- blankets, linens, appliances, electrical goods, textiles, sportswear and boutiques etc.


Thursday, June 23, 2011

Zubarah in the northwestern coast of the Qatar peninsula


Zubarah is a ruined town located in the northwestern coast of the Qatar peninsula around 105 km from Doha (capital city), it is part of Madinat ash Shamal municipality. It was also a fortified town with an inner and an outer wall.
Zubarah Fort

History

Bani Utbah Tribe

Zubarah was originally the center of power of the Qatar.
The Utub, settled at Zubarah in the second half of the eighteenth century and established the town of Zubarah and its port making it one of the most important port and pearl trading centers in the Persian Gulf in the 18th Century. Built a fort outside the town of Zubarah and named it Murair.

20th and 21st century

In the 20th century on July 1937, Zubarah was found in ruins largely, it was taken by the Qatari Al Thani family and remained a possession of Qatar after independence in 1971. Bahrain continued to dispute Qatari sovereignty over Zubarah until the issue of Zubarah was decided to Qatar's side, other territorial issues have also been settled to Bahrain's side such as the Hawar Islands by the International Court of Justice in 2001. For more, see foreign relations of Qatar.

Zubarah Fort

Zubarah is noted for its old fortress built in 1938 under orders of Qatari Sheikh 'Abdu'llah bin Qasim Al-Thani and restored in 1987 as a museum. It is different from the Murair fort that was built outside the town of Zubarah.



Al Zubara is just little fort in the desert in northwestern coast of  Qatar state. you will feel lucky because it will be the only one at this lovely place, since it is not so popular among tourists. Note the three palm trees standing in the middle of nowhere.
Just sit down, listen to the wind and the pigeons clap their wings, and think about how life was before in a fort like this could be like 50-60 years ago, far from everything. It’s really amazing!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The Wholesale Markets In Doha

If the weather begins to cool down after the hot summer months and you feel comfortable enough to visit outside again, a great place to visit and go shopping is the wholesale market between Salwa Road and Haloul Street in Abu hamour area.

Vegetable souq in Doha


Omani souq behind Vegetable market

This is not only one market but so many of markets and shops. Central to the area is the vegetable market. There is no fancy layout here – this is a place where fresh produce is piled high on all sides. Outside, men with wheel barrows and long white beards wait to cart your purchases back to your car.
You can save money on the supermarkets here, if you bargain hard. We have found the best strategy is to build up a relationship with a one market seller. Not only does he give us good prices, if we need something he doesn’t have, he will locate it, bargain for it and obtain it for a better price than we could get ourselves. It is also a great place to bring your kids – its one place they will get spoilt with little gifts of fruit rather than sweets.

Behind the vegetable market is a row of shops where you can only buy vegetables in bulk. Walk past these shops and you will come to the Omani market, where there are sweet smelling spices and herbs, dried fish and, when the season is right and there has been some rain, desert truffles.
The Omani market shares a roof with plant stalls, where flowers, cactus plants and palm trees jostle for place – and you can occasionally buy herbs such as rosemary and mint.

Read more : here

Visit Pet Shops in Souq Waqif



This is the pet shop in souq Waqif. This area was incredible - loud, noisy, lots of people, and of course, all kinds of different animals. We saw lizards, turtles, all kind of birds, kittens, puppies, rabbits ... and baby chicks.



 
Yes, this is what you think it is. Brightly colored baby chicks in pink, blue, green and purple. We were told that they spray them with something to make them that color ... at that point, we stopped asking questions, not sure if we really wanted to know how they did it. We saw baby bunnies in these crazy colors as well.

Doha Corniche

Corniche Doha


The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for several kilometers along Doha Bay in the capital city of Doha, the state of Qatar. Running parallel to the Corniche is Corniche St., a main thoroughfare which connects Doha's emerging West Bay business district with the south of the city and Doha International Airport. Formed following extensive dredging work carried out during the late 1970s and early 1980s which reshaped Doha's coastline, the Corniche is today a popular location among walkers, bikers and joggers.

Easily one of the most attractive areas of the city, a significant number of Doha's landmarks are found along the Corniche. Development has increased exponentially in the last decade in the area due to its attractiveness and its proximity to the sea, with dozens of skyscrapers rising towards the north of the Corniche. The Corniche begins near the newly constructed Museum of Islamic Art, and ends at the Sheraton Park near the distinctive pyramid-shaped Sheraton Hotel.

The Corniche used to be an empty stretch of walkway, in which the only visible edifice was the Sheraton Hotel. Now, it has become the embodiment of development, surrounded by skyscrapers reminiscent of New York City. The walkway has expanded incredibly, most of this change occurring in the last twenty years, due to the new fame of Doha (Qatar's capital and the most popular city), the economic boom the country has been experiencing, and the country's desire to open up and promote tourism, which was facilitated by the 2006 Asian Games.
Corniche - West bay

The Corniche attracts a diverse crowd, depending on the time of day, and permitting weather (the State of Qatar can be unbearably hot, making ventures out into the blistering heat during summer days a health hazard). In the morning, foreigners who enjoy an early jog can often be found getting their exercise in before their day starts. This crowd opens up as the day progresses, to families and couples. Late at night, however, the Corniche visitors change greatly. Youngsters often visit a coffee shop at the Corniche, a shabby place that makes up for appearance in its coffee, teas, and Karak (a traditional drink made with tea and milk). Demonstrating the change the country has seen that is so evident in its landscape, the Corniche has also become a meeting place for a new generation of Qataris. Qatari rebels also congregate in the area, with motorcyclists and other non-traditional looking youngsters meeting in the area to meet up or make noise. The Corniche at night is a great place to go when looking for a different cultural view of the city.

The visual highlight of Doha is Al-Corniche, a long seaside promenade that curves around Doha Bay and affords pretty views of Palm Tree Island and the city's skyscrapers. In the afternoons you will see plenty of locals strolling along the Corniche, often trying to get out of the way of the odd crazy Western ex-pat on rollerblades. It's also a good place for jogging. Cycling is prohibited. If you're looking to have the scenery all to yourself, go on a Friday morning. There are several parks close to the Corniche which are ideal for families, as well as several statues. Of note is a giant statue of Orry, the Oryx who was the mascot for the 15th Asian Games, which took place in Doha from December 1-15, 2006. On the south end of the Corniche is a large Oyster and Pearl statue and near the Museum of Islamic Art is the Water Pots fountain.

Source here Doha Corniche

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Aqua Park Qatar in Doha

Aqua Park Doha

DOHA: Aqua Park Qatar, the first water-themed park in the country, witnessed hundreds of people mostly youngsters throng the resort wishing to take a splash during its soft launching yesterday.

Even before the scheduled opening at 2pm, families started lining up the entrance to the 22,000 sq m water park, whose total area including the parking space is 52,000 sq m.
According to Ijaz Malik, General Manager of Hala Group, owner of the Aqua Park, what they have just opened for the public was only the first phase of the multi-million project set to boost local tourism in Qatar.
“The project is all set for further expansion with plans to bring in new facilities every year to add to the enjoyment of visitors,” said Malik.

“Definitely this will be another must-visit tourist destination here in Qatar,” said Mohammed Khoursheed, Managing Director for Operation, Al Jazeera Entertainment Enterprises Company. The Kuwait-based company which has been specialising in aqua park operations for 15 years now is managing the water park.
The aqua park offers a variety of areas for every member of the family to enjoy.
Catered mainly for children ages 4 to 14, the pirate-themed Children’s Activity Pool has been a major hit among adults as well, not only due to its five slides but also the giant dumping bucket which automatically pours 2,000 gallons of water every two minutes much to the children’s delight.
Another exciting feature is the Wave Pool which produces artificial waves in six different patterns and intensity.
People may also choose to swim in the Lagoon which features a juice bar and cafeteria with both dry and wet seating, a Jacuzzi and a giant pipe which releases very cold water giving swimmers a jolt of fun. A 200m-long Lazy River meanders around the park where excursionists may lazily ride on their inflatable swimming floats.
But topping all the rides is the Slides Tower comprising three levels – 14m, 16m and 20m with multi-lane slides, the most thrilling of which is the 20m-high slide called ‘boomerango’.
“This is not just an ordinary aqua park but a theme park inspired by different cultures including Arabian and African,” said Malik.

The cultural aspect of the water park is evident in its Exotic Village nestled in the middle of the park featuring King’s Hut and Queen’s Hut with dozens of wooden parasols built all over the area. It is linked to other parts of the park by means of wooden bridges.
Restaurants and food kiosks and a store which sells swimming paraphernalia such as goggles, beach balls, swimwear and other swimming gear are also available in the park.
With 42 lifeguards, a Qatar Red Crescent ambulance and a team regularly checking water treatment, the management of the park makes safety and security a priority according to Khoursheed.
H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim thought of a project that would provide healthy entertainment for people in Qatar so the idea was conceived and finally realized, according to Malik.
“He wanted to bring life to this area with more projects afoot including a five-star hotel and a shopping mall,” he said.
The world class hotel set to be completed in 2012 and the 200,000 sq m shopping mall are all located next to the water resort.
The mall will offer top-of-the-line brands including hypermarket, shops and restaurants.
Apart from the wide variety of slides and swimming pools, people enjoyed the two shows presented by entertainers from China, Ukraine, Russia and Kenya. Children also took part in games which rewarded them with gifts. Mascots including a penguin, robot, chicken and elephant also added color to yesterday’s launching event.

Entrance fee is QR100, QR60 for people with special needs and QR40 for nannies. Children aged three years and below are free. As a promotion, a family with six members will have to pay only QR400. Aqua Park Qatar is open from 2pm until 10pm.
With a capacity of over 3,000 visitors, the park is located in Abu Nakhla area, after the Industrial Area flyover, approximately 15km on the Salwa Road to the west.

A10,000 square foot new water park is being built to attract visitors to the country and provide some much needed entertainment for residents.
Update: The AquaPark is now partially open, with a soft launch taking place in September 2010. However, the launch was marred by an accident with a boy damaging his kidney.

What's going to be there:

Wave Pool: Featuring waves of up to 1.5 metres.
Children's activity pool: with games and slides.
Multiple slide complex: with the tallest starting at 20 metres tall.
Lagoon Pool: featuring fountains, light effects, rock art, jacuzzis, a green path built to resemble a forest track - except, in contrast to a forest, fast food joints will dot the path.
The Lazy River: an area where concerts and events can be staged.
The Dry Corner - for those averse to water there is an area for paint ball, dry skating and other sports.



Saturday, June 18, 2011

About Al-khor City

To get there

If you go along Suhaim Bin Hamad (away from the airport), carry along under the new underpass by Hamad hospital, and just keep going straight! Drive into and through the desert, past Losail Racing Track, until you hit the town.
You can normally head straight through town and then back along the Corniche, but currently you need to head through the centre of town, past two mosques, and take the third exit off the roundabout after the public library. This will take you to the fish market, museum and beach.





The City

Al Khor (also spelled Al Khor) means "sea on three sides" in Arabic. Older than Doha but far smaller in size (the whole municipality had a population of 31,000 according to the 2004 census) and importance, Al Khor is located an easy 50 kilometers from the capital city, to the north of Doha. This former pearl fishing centre is currently under renovation – beautifully manicured flower beds greet you as you drive in from the desert, but the road alongside the Corniche is shut off and half the city seems to be being dug up.

History

Al Khor goes back a long time, though habitation has not been continuous – excavations have found remains dating back to between 5600 – 5300 BC, and pottery discovered has linked Al Khor to the Ubaid civilization. Three thousand or so years ago, on the island in the nearby bay of Khor Shaqiq, the Kassite civilization manufactured the royal colour of purple by crushing sea snails. See the History of Al Khor Island for more information.

What To Do

There is not a lot to do in Al Khor, although it does make for a refreshing change to Doha. The harbor is worth a visit, and there is a fish market just in front of the harbor.
You can also walk along the beach, where several play areas have been set up for children, baseball nets strung up and sun shelters erected. The beach is one of the best which can be accessed with a normal car, although the sand is a little course and you need to watch out for glass. Barbequing is forbidden, which doesn't actually seem to stop anybody from doing it.
At the end of the beach the sand disappears into mangrove swamps. The mangrove swamps are popular with birdwatchers, although they are not nearly as extensive as the ones in nearby Al Thakira.
Between the beach and the harbour, there is a small museum, but this currently seems to be in the process of being renovated. Amazingly, I noticed two public libraries, and a department for the promotion of culture. There may be more things to do in the future, as half the town is being rebuilt, though it’s probably worth wandering round the town now to appreciate the older buildings before they get knocked down.

Facilities


There is a Hamad Medical Corporation Hospital nearby, but most of the facilities available are in Al Khor community. This is a housing complex for employees of Qatar Gas and Ras Gas. The community has a population of four thousand and has a medical centre, a supermarket and several clubs for its inhabitants with swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts and so on. Al Khor International School was established at the behest of Qatar Gas and Ras Gas, and is a satellite school of Doha English Speaking School. Education is also available in French.

Source from here http://qatarvisitor.blogspot.com/2007/01/al-khor.html

Friday, June 17, 2011

DOHA EXHIBITION CENTER

Located in Doha, the Doha Exhibition Center is one of the favorite centers of visitors and exhibitors all over the world. Spread over an area of 1500 square meters, the Doha Exhibition Center works as a host for many events annually. It is one of the popular exhibition centers among visitors and exhibitors as they able to see the new products of the leading companies and exhibitors also got a good opportunity to exhibit their products among visitors from all over the world. The Doha Food Festival, Doha Trade Fair, Doha Jewellery & Watch Exhibition, International Book Fair and various other industry conferences, events and exhibitions of various industries are held here.
Doha Exhibition Center



Doha Exhibition Center  

UPCOMING EVENTS IN DOHA EXHIBITION CENTER

Made in the USA - Qatar
Start Date: 08-SEP-11     End Date: 11-SEP-11
Industry: Household Consumables
Organizer: Made In USA, Qatar
“Made in the USA - Qatar is the premier exhibition which offers business a gateway into the Gulf States, one of the fastest growing markets for the US products and services. The exhibition will be...”
INFDEX
Start Date: 03-OCT-11     End Date: 05-OCT-11
Industry: Furniture
Organizer: Qatar Expo
“International Furniture & Decor Expo (INFDEX) gives international exporters the opportunity to exhibit exclusive modern furniture, house wares and luxury decor. Explore B2B trading and extending your...”
Qatar International Environment Protection Exhibition
Start Date: 16-OCT-11     End Date: 18-OCT-11
Industry: Building Construction
Organizer: Stallion Advertising Solutions & Exhibitions
“ecoQ is a multi-sector environment trade fair addressing advancements in environment protection technologies, sustainable energy and green business practices applied towards a more sustainable future....”
Power Generation Middle East
Start Date: 24-OCT-11     End Date: 26-OCT-11
Industry: Renewable Energy
Organizer: IIR Middle East
“Power Generation Middle East is UAE's leading trade fair for Business Services industry. Power Generation & Water Middle East will be held at Doha Exhibition Center....”
Power Gen Middle East
Start Date: 24-OCT-11     End Date: 26-OCT-11
Industry: Business Services
Organizer: Penn Well
“Power Gen Middle East, the most important meeting place for international power executives with interests in the Middle East. It helps international contractors and businesses to network and develop...”
Diyafa Exhibition
Start Date: 22-NOV-11     End Date: 24-NOV-11
Industry: Travel & Tourism
Organizer: International Fairs And Promotions
“Diyafa Exhibition provides a unique opportunity for hospitality and food suppliers to meet decision makers from the Qatar & Gulf hotel & tourism industry, regional tourist promotion boards &...”
Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference
Start Date: 26-MAR-12     End Date: 28-MAR-12
Industry: Industrial Goods
Organizer: QMDI & the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces
“Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2012) is strategically held in Qatar, the fastest growing in the Qatar International Exhibition Centre. Doha International Maritime...” 

Sealine Beach Resort in Mesaieed

Sealine Beach Resort Hotel


The Sealine Beach Resort hotel in fascinating Mesaieed, Qatar. Sealine Beach Resort has 77 rooms and is conveniently located for business or pleasure at 1 Sealine Road.

The Sealine Beach Resort offers three different room types ranging from the Chalet to the Villa With 1king/4single Beds.

Check-in time for this property is 0 PM and Check-out time is 0 PM although some hotels might allow you to check-in to your room early if there is a fresh room available earlier in the day. Depending upon how busy the property is the day of your check-out, you might be able to ask for a late check-out one or two hours past normal check-out time if you call early. As of June 15th, 2011 the Sun rises in the morning in Mesaieed at 5:35 AM and sets at about 8:45 PM in the evening. The current temperature in Mesaieed is 68 degrees Fahrenheit as of 6/15/11 9:35 AM CDT.

Business in Qatar is booming and i just wanted a peaceful escape from my meetings and daily chores. Searched for this hotel through various hotels sites and finally found it. I must say that the stay was amazing and i felt rather pampered. The resort is just by the Gulf Sea and i had the chance to see the migrating Dolphins. I guess this is the season but coming from Asia I never thought that i would see dolphins in Qatar. The hotel staffs are friendly and welcoming. 

Thank you for seeing my Blog

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Villagio Mall in Doha

Villagio Mall Inside




Location:

Between Sport City and Hyatt Plaza on Al Waab Street, Doha.

What's Villagio Like?

Quite simply Villagio is the best Mall in Qatar. Although not particularly special on the outside, when you walk inside and look up, the ceilings take your breath away. The ceilings represent the sky and if you didn’t know you were inside you could believe you were outside.
Different areas of the mall represent different times of the day – so you can see sunset, night (complete with street lamps) and day.
But the icing on the cake for this mall is the canal that runs through the centre, complete with gondola. Bridges cross over the canal, and comfortable chairs line its sides for you to rest your feet. What's more, for a few riyals you can travel, Venetian style, up and down the canal.

Food and Entertainment

The 13 screen IMAX 3D cinema has now arrived, and is displaying superb 3D films as well as the more normal type. Meanwhile, there is an ice-skating rink in the vicinity off the food court. Apparently, there is also going to be roller-coaster, although we are not quite sure where they are going to put it. There's also a great range of cafes and restaurants, including a superb Thai restaurant (avoid the red chicken curry unless you have a tolerance for extremely spicy food) as well as all the usual fast food joints.

Villagio Shops

But onto the shopping. It's not quite complete, but there will be a total of 220 stores spread over 130,000 sq m of retail space (or 150,000, depending on where you get your information from), which just beats the 129,000 metres of retail space at City Centre Mall, currently the country’s largest.
Many of these shops seem to be British – but they look better than in Britain. (That's with the exception of Boots, which just does not have the same range as Boots in the UK). Virgin, for example, in addition to a great music and computer selection, has a range of books that puts every other book store in the country to shame.
They were also the first shop in the country where you could buy Apple Computers – although Carrefour have now rapidly followed. Then you have Oasis, Topman, Topshop and tonnes of other familiar faces. The supermarket is Carrefour – not as good as a British supermarket (you still have to queue to weigh your veg), but you can’t have everything.

Villagio Mall Inside