NEWSLETTER JULY 2019

100 days to go History of celebrated Athletics

Launching the 100-day countdown on June 19, Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) was formed in 1979 and one year later youngsters from Athletics Club came together, it gained full recognition from the representing their native countries which will all take International Olympic Committee and part in the IAAF Championships this has seen continual growth over the September. past four decades.

Read more at p.05 Speaking on the occasion, IAAF Vice-President Dahlan al Hamad, said: “The city of Doha is ready to welcome athletes, officials and spectators from across the world.”

Read more at p.04

Heritage, Discovery

and Adventure One of the most ambitious and dynamic transportation network projects ever undertaken in the While we appreciate that time will be of the essence when you visit region will welcome competitors, fans us, we hope that you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the and media to the IAAF World Athletics mystical, historical and simply jaw dropping sites to visit in and around Championships Doha. the city. Read more at p.17 Read more at p.18

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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> Welcome Message

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> 100 days to go

P5

> History of Qatar Athletics

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> Media Services & Facilities

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> Pre-arrival information including visa, customs and accommodation

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> Arrivals – airport transfer to media hotels

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> On the ground – getting your accreditation and the Media Services you can expect at venues

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> Getting around – Media Transport, Public Transport and Taxi / Uber services

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> Internet and Telecoms – including power and radio frequencies update > Key dates

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> Doha Metro–keeping a city on the move

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> Heritage, Discovery and Adventure – a typical day out in Doha!

P.2 July 2019 NEWSLETTER Welcome Message

We welcome you to our second newsletter which has been custom-made for our friends in the global media.

The IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 is fast approaching and there is an unmistakable buzz of excitement as we prepare to welcome the world to our proud city.

Never before has such a major single sporting event graced the Middle East, and we are bursting with pride at the opportunity to welcome athletes, spectators and the media from 213 countriesacross the globe.

Our talented volunteers have gone through extensive training as they play a pivotal role in our team of international professionals, providing an unparalleled level of service that will raise the bar of excellence.

The finishing touches are being put to our state-of-the-art media facilities which will be complement- ed by a level of traditional Arabian hospitality that will make Qatar your second home in September.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any questions or concerns you may have as we put all efforts into ensuring your Doha experience is one to cherish.

I look forward to meeting many of you in my great country and wish you well in your own prepara- tions for what promises to be a truly memorable occasion.

Dahlan Al Hamad

Vice-President and Director General

IAAF World Athletics Championships DOHA 2019

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.3 100 days to go celebrated

Launching the 100-day countdown on June 19, youngsters from Doha Athletics Club came together, representing their native countries which will all take part in the IAAF World Athletics Championships this September.

Speaking on the occasion, IAAF Vice-President Dahlan al Hamad, said: “The city of Doha is ready to welcome athletes, officials and spectators from across the world for what will be a truly memorable competition for the Middle East.

“The Khalifa International Stadium will be the focal point, whilst behind the scenes athletes will have world class training facilities and ac- commodation to ensure perfect preparation to make sure their performances are of the highest possible standard, exciting crowds and hopefully set new world records.”

“Doha is ready to deliver the Championships and I encourage fans to play their part and support their favourite athletes. My message is simple, don’t miss out on this sporting spectacular for the Middle East.”

Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Local Organising Committee, added: “Behind the scenes the Local Organising Committee continues to tell the story of the Championships, working with IAAF, partners and communities throughout Qatar who have shown an incredible enthusiasm to play a part in the competition.”

“This is an exciting time for Qatar as we welcome the sporting world to our country and look forward to ensuring that everybody has an enjoyable experience whilst watching the world’s finest athletes in top class facilities.”

P.4 July 2019 NEWSLETTER History of Qatar Athletics

Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) was formed in 1979 and one year later it gained full recognition from the International Olympic Committee and has seen continual growth over the past four decades.

With the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow coming too early for Qatar’s newly established governing body, QOC targeted the Games of the XXII Olympiad in Los Angeles as the starting point for the nation’s Olympic saga.

Nevertheless, one year ahead of the 1984 Olympic Games, IAAF introduced the 1st World Athletics Cham- pionships in . Middle-distance runner Ibrahim Malallah was the first Qatari to enter the IAAF’s most prestigious competition, competing in the 1500m heats on August 12, 1983.

Then came the time for Qatar’s Olympic debut…

1984

A 24-year-old sprinter named Waheed Khamis Al-Salem was selected to carry the Qatari flag at the Los Angeles Olympics Opening Ceremony on July 28 and six days later his fellow- compatriot, Faraj Marzouq Abdulla, became the first Qatari to set foot on the Memorial Coliseum’s track, taking part in Round 1 of the 100m. Qatar has never missed an Olympic athletics competition since.

1992

In only Qatar’s third Olympic berth, the first medal was brought home by who finished third in the 1500m final in Barcelona’s Montjuic Stadium on August 3.

1993

With the IAAF World Indoor Championships officially estab- lished in 1987, it took Qatar no more than six years to claim the first medal, courtesy of ’s third place in the 60m final in March.

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.5 2003

Qatar won its maiden IAAF World Championships medal in Paris with ’s triumph in the 3000m steeplechase after a dramatic race which came down to the wire. The Qatari beat Eze- kiel Kemboi in a thrilling all-out .

2004

On September 3 Saif Saaeed Shaheen set in Brussels a new world record in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 7:53.63, a mark that still remains unbroken.

2005

1997 Saif Saaeed Saheen returned to the IAAF World Championships in Helsinki to duplicate his 2003 The Doha Grand Prix was first held with only men’s victory and he did it in style outsprinting arch rival events included in the programme. Women’s dis- Ezekiel Kemboi once more in the home stretch. ciplines were added the following year. The Doha meeting rose quickly to firmly establish itself among the finest single-day competitions in the world. Elevated to Grand Prix II level just two years later, by 2005 it was one of five meetings granted Su- per Grand Prix status, having already staged the IAAF Grand Prix Final in 2000.

1999

400m runner Ibrahim Ismail competed in his fifth IAAF World Championships in Seville, a record-number for Qatar athletics.

2006

A glorious international career for Saif Saaeed Sha- heen came to an end with a World Indoors silver in the 3000m in Moscow.

Later that year, Doha played host to the , thus commencing a new era in the history of sports in Qatar.

P.6 July 2019 NEWSLETTER 2007 2010

Mubarak Hassan Shami finished second in the IAAF The first ever meeting was staged World Championships marathon in Osaka amid hot at Qatar Sports Club Stadium on May 14, only two and humid conditions which resulted in the slowest months after Doha hosted the globally acclaimed IAAF race in the history of the event. World Indoor Championships, the first ever held in the Middle-East.

2008

The Aspire Dome became, in February, the centre- stage of Asian Athletics, hosting the 3rd Asian Indoor Athletics Championships. The largest sport-complex in the world re-opened its gates for the seventh edition of the competition in 2016.

2009

For the fourth successive IAAF World Championships, Qatar’s name appeared on the medal table, thanks to James Kwalia’s bronze in the 5000m race in .

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.7 2011 2014

Khalifa Stadium played host to the athletics and para- In Sopot at the IAAF World Indoor Championships, athletics events of the Pan-Arab Games in December. Mutaz Barshim became the first Qatari World Indoor Champion with his high jump victory on count-back. finished third in the 60m race.

2012

Sprinter Noor Al-Malki was awarded a wild card for the 2015 Olympics which enabled her to see her child- hood dream come true. At the age of 18, she became The inaugural Asian Athletics Youth Championships the first ever female athlete to represent her country was held in Qatar Sports Club track in May. at the Olympics.

London Olympics also saw Mutaz Barshim winning Qatar’s second Olympic medal in athletics, a bronze in the high jump in a three-man tie.

2013

Fresh from his Olympic glory, Mutaz Barshim went on to put an end to a 10-year IAAF World Championships medal-draught for Qatar, when he ranked second in the high jump with a 2.38m clearance in Moscow.

P.8 July 2019 NEWSLETTER 2016 2019

Qataris had a season flying start by winning a silver After 46 years from the establishment of the Asian Ath- through in the 400m at the World letics Championships, Doha finally played host to the Indoor Championships in Portland. AAA’s flagship event in the renovated Khalifa Interna- tional Stadium. The competition served as the main At the Rio Olympics, Mutaz Barshim improved by one test event for the IAAF World Championships which position from his 2012 bronze by claiming the silver are due to take place in late September. medal, thus becoming the first Qatari Olympic multi- medallist.

2017

Qatar’s high jump superstar Mutaz Barshim further elevated himself in the world athletics ranks with his gold medal at the IAAF World Championships in London. In the same competition, Abdalelah Haroun snatched the bronze medal in the 400m for his first major outdoor accolade.

2018

British soil seems to favour Mutaz Barshim who med- alled in another global competition held in the UK. This time it was the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham with the reigning world champion finish- ing in second place.

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.9 Media Services and Facilities

Providing a world class service to our colleagues in the media has been one of the main priorities for the Local Organising Committee.

You will find state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained volunteers working alongside our experienced and professional workforce throughout your stay in Doha.

We have put together a summary of all the key information you will need to know before leaving for Doha, as well as upon your arrival to ensure that you have everything you require to be able to work efficiently and effortlessly.

This information will also be sent to you in the media info pack with your accreditation confirmation.

Below you will be able to find:

1) Pre-arrival information including visa, customs and accommodation

2) Arrivals – airport transfer to media hotels

3) On the ground – getting your accreditation and the Media Services you can expect at venues

4) Getting around – Media Transport, Public Transport and Taxi / Uber services

5) Internet and Telecoms – including power and radio frequencies update

6) Key dates

The official Media Guide will be released in September with more detailed information regarding items including the venues and competition schedules.

As always, should you have any questions or queries do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].

P.10 July 2019 NEWSLETTER 1. Pre – Arrival All the things you need to do before leaving for Doha

1.1 VISA

Your visa is linked to your accreditation, you will receive the accreditation confirmation letter automatically from the accreditation system and the visa number and instructions on how to download the approval document details via email from the LOC.

Please note that the visa is single entry and valid for 30 days from first entry day.

Please be sure to have printed copy of these documents ready to present it if asked.

When entering the country, you should have the following with you:

• Passport that was used for the accreditation application

• Address of your accommodation

• Accreditation letter and Visa approval document

And if you are entering the country with the equipment:

• Printed and signed copy of the import / export declaration document (see below)

1.2 CUSTOMS CLEARANCE & EQUIPMENT IMPORT AS ACCOMPAINED LUGGAGE

For photographers who are bringing in equipment as hand luggage, it is important that you have filled out the import / export declaration prior to your departure and emailed it to the LOC at [email protected] who will send the list to customs prior to your arrival. Please also print a copy, sign it and have it with you to present should you be requested to.

If you have not filled out the form, you can find it here: www.iaafworldathleticschamps.com/doha2019/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Temporary-Import-of-Equipment.Doha2019.pdf

For the full details on customs / import as well as shipping equipment you can find theCustoms Manual www.iaafworldathleticschamps.com/doha2019/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Customs-Clearance-Manual-Ver.-1.5.pdf

1.3 ACCOMMODATION RESERVATION

Please ensure that you have secured accommodation prior to your arrival either in the official media hotels or privately. You need to have the address of your accommodation to provide to the border control if asked.

If you have not booked accommodation you can do so on the IAAF accreditation system under the accommodation tab. The deadline for reserving media accommodation is 15 July. After this date we cannot guarantee the rates nor the availability: However, if you miss the deadline please get in touch with us and we will do everything we can to help you.

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.11 2. Arrival in Doha Getting to your accommodation from the airport

2.1 ARRIVALS & AIRPORT TRANSFERS

There will be a dedicated transfer desk at the airport where you can find information about shuttle times upon arrival. The shuttle service will take media from the airport to the official media hotels. Four hotels will be on the same route, and the fifth hotel, The Holiday Villa, will have a dedicated service from the airport, in order to make transfer times as short as possible.

2.2 ACCOMMODATION

There are five official media hotels that will be serviced by the Media Transport (TM) System.

Addresses and contacts:

1. Wyndham Grand Regency 2. The Avenue Hotel

Website: www.wyndhamgrandregency.com Website: www.avenuedoha.com

Address: Jawaan Street, , Doha, Qatar Address: Jawaan Street, Al Sadd, Doha, Qatar

Contact: +974 4434 3333 Contact: +974 4042 8222

3. The Warwick Doha Hotel 4. Holiday Villa

Website: www.warwickhotels.com/doha-hotel Website: www.holidayvillahotels.com/qatar/doha/ holiday-villa-doha Address: Al Rayyan Road (in front of Women’s Hospital), Al Sadd, Doha, Qatar Address: Building 115, Zone 25, Street 330, Ibn Abi Sulma, Doha, Qatar Contact: +974 4456 3333 Contact: +974 4408 4888

5. Le Park Hotel

Website: http://www.leparkhotel.com

Address: Jawaan Street, Al Sadd, Doha, Qatar

Contact: +974 4425 5555

P.12 July 2019 NEWSLETTER 3. On the ground Accreditation, media services and facilities at the venues

3.1 ACCREDITATION

The Main Accreditation Centre is located next to the Ladies Sports Hall and Khalifa International Stadium.

Address: Ladies Club, Aspire Zone

Opening dates: 16 September – 6 October 2019

Please be sure to print your confirmation letter and to take your passport or Qatari ID when collecting accreditation. Please be aware that you must pick up your accreditation card in person.

3.2 MAIN MEDIA CENTRE

The Main Media Centre is the central work place of the accredited media and will be open 24 hours over the competition days. It is located within the secure perimeter of Aspire Park, next to Khalifa International Stadium. There will be a media work area with 700 work stations, and a dedicated Photo Centre with 250 work stations.

Canon, Nikon and Sony will provide a full support service for accredited photographers and a service desk will be located at the Photo Centre in the MMC from 25 September.

Facilities

Welcome/Help Desk, pigeon holes with full media information, copy centre, free cabled broadband internet and Wi-Fi, TV screens with live signal, camera repair, refreshment stations with cold / hot drinks and snacks.

The accredited media will have access to a user-pay international restaurant, which will offer a wide range of dining options.

Hours of Operation:

20 – 24 September 09:00 to 20:00 Soft Opening 25 – 26 September 09:00 to 00:00

Full Operations 27 Sep – 06 Oct 24 hours

Closing 07 October 00:00 to 16:00

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.13 3.3 MEDIA FACILITIES AT THE KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM

The stadium will have cabled broadband internet available in media areas. TV screens with live signal, and CIS terminals, will be available at the Media Tribune, Mixed Zone and Sub-Photo Centre, where there will also be a network printer and pigeon holes with full media information. Refreshment stations with cold / hot drinks and snacks will be provided in the area next to the Sub-Photo Centre.

The Media Areas are:

• Sub-Photo Centre - 80 work stations for photographers

• Agencies’ Photo Room – 10 work stations

• Media Tribune – over 723 tabled seats, located above the finish line and 100 non-tabled seats next to Head On Photo Position.

• Mixed Zone - The Mixed Zone will be divided into two areas: the ENG area, accessible only to ENG crews, and the press area for the written press, internet and radio reporters.

• Media Conference Room - 200 seats, two-tier camera platform. Media Conferences will take place with the medallists of each event, with consecutive interpretation available in different languages.

Opening Hours of the media facilities at Khalifa Stadium:

From September 27th to October 6th: Two hours before the competition and three hours after the competition.

3.4 MEDIA FACILITIES AT THE CORNICHE VENUE

The Corniche, Doha’s iconic waterfront boulevard, will host the Race Walk and the Marathon. The competitions are a multiple-loop-format race consisting of 6 loops of 7km for Marathon, 20 loops of 1km for 20k Race Walk and 25 loops of 2km for 50km Race Walk.

The Media Areas are:

• Sub-Media Centre - 120 work stations, pigeon holes with full media information, copy centre, free cabled broadband internet and Wi-Fi, TV screens with live signal, refreshment stations with cold / hot drinks and snacks.

• Media Tribune – 70 tabled seats and 40 non- tabled seats located in front of the finish line.

• Mixed Zone - The Mixed Zone is located behind the media tribune and will be divided into two areas: the ENG area and the press area.

• Media Conference Room - 80 seats, two-tier camera platform. Media Conferences will take place after every race.

Opening Hours

27, 28, 29 September, 04 and 05 October

Two hours before the competition and three hours after.

P.14 July 2019 NEWSLETTER 4. Getting around

4.1 MEDIA TRANSPORT

Media Hotels -MMC- Media Hotels

• From Holiday Villa to MMC and return: every 30 min (to be reduced to every 15 min two hours before competition and one hour during competition)

• From media cluster hotels to MMC and return: every 30 min (to be reduced to every 15 min two hours before competition and first hour during competition)

During of peak periods the shuttle will run every 90 min (+3 hours after competition until 11:00)

Corniche - KIS

• From KIS to Corniche: 27, 28, 29/09 and 4, 5/10: every 20min starting two hours before competition in Corniche (No return to Khalifa required for Press)

Corniche - Media Hotels - Corniche

• From Media Cluster Hotels to Corniche and return: 26, 27, 28, 29/09 and 4, 5/10 - every 30 min (up to three hours after competition)

• From Holiday Villa to Corniche and return: 26, 27, 28, 29/09 and 4, 5/10 - every 30 min (up to three hours after competition)

Media hotels - Athletes hotels - Congress - Qatar Sports Club - Media Hotels

• Media hotels / Holiday Villa - Sheraton (Congress) - Retaj - Movenpick - Marriott Marquis - Ezdan - Qatar Sports Club

• Media Hotels / Holiday Villa - Qatar Sports Club - Ezdan - Marriott Marquis- Movenpick - Sheraton (Congress) The shuttles will operate every 45-60 min.

4.2 PUBLIC TRANSPORT/ TAXI

Doha has a new underground metro system that is being expanded, the timetables and routes can be found here - https://www.qr.com.qa/network-and-services/maps

Taxi - “Karwa” taxis are a government owned metered taxi, recognized by their unique turquoise green colour. The taxis have a modern fleet of luxury sedans and are fitted with tamper proof metres. Taxis can be hailed on the street or alternatively ordered though the application that can be downloaded on Google Play or Apple Store – called ‘Karwa Taxi’.

Uber/Careem - Private car booking apps – are a reliable and affordable transport alternative. You can download UBER or CAREEM for free in the Google Play store for Android or the Apple Store on your iPhone.

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.15 5. Internet and telecoms

5.1 INTERNET

A combination of wired and wireless Internet connectivity is provided for free in the media work areas at each competition venue.

Written Press have access to 20mbps symmetric wired connectivity in the Media Centre (Media Work Area) and Media Tribune while Photographers have access to 20mbps symmetric wired connectivity in Photo Positions as well as the Media Centre and the Photo Centre.

5.2 POWER

Electricity is provided at 240 volts at 50 hertz.

Wall sockets are square with three pins.

5.3 RADIO FREQUENCIES GUIDELINES

Photographers may use remote shutter devices such as Pocket Wizards (during the event) as long as they meet CRA regulations and operate within the Qatar permitted frequency ranges of a) 433.05 - 434.79 MHz, Max e.r.p 10 mW b) 340.00 - 354.00 MHz, Max e.r.p 10 mW c) 315.50 - 317.00 MHz, Max e.r.p 10 mW

For further information regarding the use of radio-communications equipment or the use of radio frequencies for short range devices please refer to the document in the link below https://cra.gov.qa/-/media/System/1/B/3/8/1B3807A8A93454349FEC9B56A51E9EE1/Class-License-for-Short-Range-Devices-SRDENG.ashx

Please note that the Wi-Fi Spectrum is between 2.40 - 2.4835 GHz or 5.725 - 5.875 GHz with e.r.p limit of 100 mW (20 dBm).

6. Key dates

Accommodation Deadline: 15 July 2019

Media Accreditation Centre Opening: 16 September 2019

Media Centre Soft Opening: 20 September 2019

Media Centre Fully Operational: 27 September 2019

P.16 July 2019 NEWSLETTER Keeping a city on the move Doha Metro

One of the most ambitious and dynamic transportation network projects ever undertaken in the region will welcome competitors, fans and media to the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.

Qatar Rail opened its state-of-the-art Doha Metro in May, bringing an end to years of planning and development that will connect the city like never before.

Opening its first line nearly a year ahead of schedule, the Doha Metro provides a timely boost to the country’s infrastructure in the lead-up to the biggest single sport event the region has ever hosted, and provides a glimpse into the incredible network that will eventually cover the length and breadth of Qatar and beyond.

Passengers had the opportunity to visit 13 of the 18 stations from (North) to Al Wakra (South) during its launch, with the operating from Sunday to Thursday initially so that progress can continue on the rest of the line at weekends.

The Red Line’s 13 stations include Al Qassar, DECC, QIC , Corniche, , Msheireb, Al Doha Al Jadeda, , Al Matar Al Qadeem, Oqba Ibn Nafie, Economic Zone, Ras Bu Fontas, and Al Wakra.

The stations to be opened next are Lusail, Qatar University, Legtaifiya, and Katara.

Trains depart every four to six minutes and it takes an average of one to two minutes to reach the next station.

Ticket are priced so that the service is affordable to all, with several categories available.

In line with its continuous efforts to provide a comprehensive travel experience, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Qatar Rail has made preparations to integrate Doha Metro with other modes of transport, including feeder buses services that will take passengers to and from stations.

The Doha Metro is one of the most advanced rail transit systems in the world. When completed, it will have four lines with an approximate overall length of 300km and 100 stations. It will be built over two phases: the first phase will see the Red, Gold, and Green lines opening in 2019, with 37 stations. The second phase will involve the introduction of an additional line (Blue) and the expansion of the existing ones, with more than 60 additional stations.

The network will host one of the fastest driverless trains in the world and will be the fastest in the region with a top speed of 100km per hour.

In total, 110 trains – consisting of three cars, one of which will be for Gold and Family Class and two for Standard class – will be delivered to Doha Metro whose trains are designed and built to world-class standards of modernity and innovation. Their dynamic shape represents the perfect symbol of intelligence and speed.

The front end of the vehicle and its lines define a shape that is powerful yet elegant, while the windows are inspired by the slender eyes of local wildlife. The design is custom made for the Doha Metro project and the interior is inspired by the progressive architecture present in Doha skyline, once again combining traditional and modern elements.

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.17 A typical day out in Qatar! Heritage, Discovery and Adventure

While we appreciate that time will be of the essence when you visit us, we hope that you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the mystical, historical and simply jaw dropping sites to visit in and around the city.

Qatar is a fast-growing tourist destination, mixing warm Arabian hospitality with an incredible array of attractions that suit all tastes and interests.

Here, we have prepared a number of options that would provide an action-packed day out should the opportunity arise during your stay.

A morning of heritage

Make sure you eat a hearty breakfast to boost the energy levels before heading out into this stunning city.

The National Museum of Qatar provides an enlightening first stop, telling the story of the Qatar of yesteryear through to the current and future endeavours of an ambitious and forward-thinking country.

Open daily from 09:00 (except Fridays from 13.30), this unusual white building, shaped in a series of sprawling interlocking disks, was designed by award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel who took inspiration from the native desert rose.

Be sure to take some time to walk around the exterior of the building, which is one of the world’s architectural masterpieces.

Whilst it is important to take in this awe- inspiring attraction, we have a busy day planned so the next stop before lunch is the not-to-be-missed iconic Museum of Islamic Art.

Occupying its own island protruding out into the waters of the Gulf and designed by renowned architect IM Pei (also known for his glass pyramid outside the Louvre in Paris), the building, its contents and surroundings are a sight to behold.

Inside, an impressive treasure trove of historic Islamic artefacts has been sourced from across the globe, making for an interesting hour or two. Outside, you can settle into one of the comfy arm chairs at the Museum

P.18 July 2019 NEWSLETTER of Islamic Art Park Café for a light lunch of traditional karak chai (spiced milky black tea) and chapati (flatbread) whilst enjoying the most sensational views across the Gulf to the Doha skyline beyond.

An afternoon of discovery

After lunch, we recommend you explore the city, starting with the manmade island of The Pearl, which comprises two interlinked horseshoe-shaped pieces of land, spanning almost 4 million sq metres.

A popular place for expat residences, the bustling ‘Porto Arabia’ encircles an impressive marina of yachts and is a great place for a quiet stroll along the promenade to take in the sights or for a stop at one of the numerous cafes for a coffee or a fresh fruit juice.

We recommend a water taxi (at a very reasonably priced QR25 for a return trip) from Tower 1 through to Qanat Quartier, where pretty pastel houses border a Venetian-inspired winding network of canals.

Of course, Doha is renowned for its shopping so you can head to Medina Centrale, the central shopping zone of the island, which has more than 55,000 sq metres of retail and restaurants.

Alternatively, is a bustling ancient Bedouin ‘standing market’ where you can haggle for traditional Middle Eastern wares and quirky souvenirs, or simply get wander the winding alleyways of stores.

NEWSLETTER July 2019 P.19 An evening of adventure

No trip to the Middle East is complete without an adrenaline-pumping dune-bashing drive into the desert.

While full day adventures are available, we recommend you take a half day trip which will pick you up at the hotel and drive you out into the unknown for a journey you will never forget!

Some late afternoon fun in the four-wheel drives will take you to a traditional Bedouin camp where you can watch the sun set over the untouched, undulating dunes of the desert on the outskirts of Doha.

An evening of sand boarding, camel riding, belly dancing and the best in delicious local cuisine awaits before you are returned to your hotel for a well-needed good night’s sleep.

As you can see, there is plenty to do, so we hope you can find the time to discover what makes Qatar such a unique place to visit.

For other attractions and tour information https://www.visitqatar.qa/

To find out the latest events and happenings https://www.iloveqatar.net/events

P.20 July 2019 NEWSLETTER