MAY, 2019 REFINE ❙ REJOICE ❙ ROAM Unique Ramadan Explore traditions from around the World the World Amazing 10 Best Holiday Destinations Philippines ETHIOPIA Land of Origins! Nepal India A dreamland top 5 Festivals for mountain not to miss lovers REFINE ❙ REJOICE ❙ ROAM | May 2019 | 03 The best places to visit in Qatar ATAR, the host of 2022 FIFA World Cup, has a wealth of beauty and culture to offer large numbers Qof people visiting the country from QATAR: all over the world. Here is a list of the beauti- ful places one can visit. MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART (MIA) The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) rep- The Cultural Capital of the Middle East resents Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years. MIA is the flagship of Qa- tar Museums which is transforming Qatar into a cultural capital of the Middle East. DOHA CORNICHE Located in the heart of a body of still, clear Easily one of the most popular locations water, the white building has sharp, boxed among walkers and joggers, the Doha Cor- edges, and stands alone on the water. Step niche is a waterfront promenade. While it is into it, you will be struck by the intricacies of a popular place for exercising in the morn- its interior, which sharply contrasts with the ing, it attracts a diverse crowd who are look- simplicity of its exterior. Through safeguard- ing for spectacular views of the city’s skyline. ing masterpiece collections of Islamic art and showcasing extraordinary exhibitions, THE PEARL QATAR MIA shares knowledge, spreading curiosity, The Pearl is an artificial, man-made is- understanding, and joy. land located offshore of Doha’s West Bay La- goon area. The name comes from the loca- NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR tion in which the island was built on, which The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) was one of Qatar’s previous major pearl div- is dedicated to bringing to life the unique ing sites. Many would come here to shop in story of Qatar and its people. Designed as a the many high-end retail shops in the area, or vibrant and immersive space, diverse com- simply to walk along the beautiful boardwalk munities can come together and experience overlooking the marina filled with many in- Qatar’s past, present and future. The com- ternational cafes and restaurants. plex form of the desert rose, found in Qatar’s arid desert regions, inspired the striking de- ASPIRE PARK sign of the new museum building, conceived Aspire park is one of the largest parks in by French architect Jean Nouvel. In addition the Gulf region and is one of Qatar’s finest to the unique architecture and stunning gal- landscapes. It attracts a big crowd daily, es- lery spaces, visitors can enjoy a 220-seat au- pecially during the weekends. You’ll often see ditorium; eat at two new restaurants or café families walking around or having picnics in and experience a traditional food forum. For the lush green environment of the park. scholars and students, the museum offers a Another attraction the park has to offer is new research centre and laboratories along the Torch Tower, or also known as the Aspire with access to digital archives. Tower. It is an astonishing 300m high build- from fabric, spices, and perfume to garden proach it on camel-back at a leisurely pace. ing which served as a giant torch for the 15th SOUQ WAQIF equipment and pets. As you stand beneath this fortress, you will Asian Games and is now a beautiful hotel. If you are looking for a wonderful place feel a sense of being connected to an exciting to shop, to dine, to explore or simply sitting KATARA MOSQUE and influential history. ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE (FANAR) at one of the many attractive outdoor cafes The Katara Mosque is situated in the cen- The Islamic Cultural Centre, also known to watch the world pass by, look nowhere but tre of the Katara Cultural Village site, where BARZAN TOWERS as FANAR, is located in the spiral mosque Souq Waqif in Doha. For centuries, this loca- some of the most beautiful architecture in The Barzan Towers feature brilliant ar- near Souq Waqif. tion has been a souq for Bedouins (nomads the Middle East is just waiting to be seen. The chitecture, but to fully experience their beau- who have historically inhabited the Arabian design of the Katara Mosque is unlike typical ty, you will have to make your way to the top. AL BIDDA PARK and Syrian deserts) to take the wool and ani- mosques in Qatar. The building is a mosaic Once there, feast your eyes on the views. The Al Bidda Park, previously known as Al mals to trade for daily necessities. With time of predominantly blue tiles, with hints of red building itself is quite formidable and beauti- Rumailah Park, is a newly renovated park passing, the souq started to run down. In and yellow. You will be blown away by the ful in its own way. situated between Corniche Street and Maaji- 2004, it was decided to preserve this histori- intricate designs and the equally complex in- lis Al Taawon Street. cal site so the entire market area has been terior. Accompanying the mosque are three INLAND SEA (DUNE BASHING) renovated and restored according to the tra- spiked pillars reaching for the sky. A trip to Qatar would be a waste without ditional Qatari architectural techniques. this incredibly adventurous journey into the Besides the main street, don’t forget to AL-ZUBARAH FORTRESS desert. Considered as one of Qatar’s finest explore the labyrinth like alleyways to find In the middle of nowhere, sand stretches treasure Khor Al Adaid (also known as the more stores. Here, you will find both sou- ahead of you for miles before this ferocious Inland Sea) is a breathtakingly beautiful venirs for tourists and shopping for locals – fortress comes into sight. The fortress’ beau- area surrounded by large golden sand ty lies in its lonesomeness, and you can ap- dunes offering a stunning view. 04 | May 2019 | REFINE ❙ REJOICE ❙ ROAM Dining destinations aplenty this Ramadan HISHAM ALJUNDI DOHA 06 | May 2019 | REFINE ❙ REJOICE ❙ ROAM Amazing MANILA Yes, Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. It is chaotic, crowded and loud. But Manila is filled with history, rich culture, and packed with people of all walks of life. This is where you can experience and taste all different kinds of food that Philippines has to offer. This is a city that doesn’t sleep as it’s a bustling metropolis Philippines packed with different establishment that offers refreshments and entertainment all day and all night. While this island is named as one SIQUIJOR Best destinations of the most mysterious places to visit in the Philippines as it is ground for every traveller for witches, sorcerers and mythical The Philippines, a tropical country comprising islands that lays in the supernatural creatures, don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you warmth water of the Pacific Ocean, is one of the ideal vacation from visiting the mythical gifts from nature found in this destinations in the world. Philippines has over 7,000 islands to choose island. To name a few are the Kagusuan Beach, from and here are some of the best destinations worth visiting and Salagdoong Beach, Lugnason Falls, Cambugahay Falls experience their beauty that to without breaking your bank. and Paliton Beach. COURTESY: INQUIRER.NET What better ways to experience a Labeled as the surfing capital of the country but through its history. Vigan SIARGAO ISLAND Philippines, it is a crib for surf City would definitely take you back to enthusiasts who like to ride the waves the historical times of the Philippines until they can. It is home of the famous through its preserved or restructured “Cloud 9” which occurs along General Spanish-styled ancient houses down to Luna coast. But if you’re not a fan of its streets made of bricks and stones. the waves, there are also plenty to see It’s like jumping into a history book. and experience in Siargao such as its Due to its rich history, this city is the Guyam Island, Daku Island, Sohoton first and only UNESCO-declared World Cove National Park, Pacifico Beach and VIGAN Heritage City of the Philippines. Magpupungko Tide Pools. This place is a must for food lovers. This place would surely sweep you away You’ll find mouth-watering food such as TAGAYTAY from its landscapes down to its CAMIGUIN famous La Paz Batchoy and Pancit beaches. It’s like a paradise filled with Molo. Aside from being known for their the landscapes, mountains and ISLAND rich flavoured food, Iloilo is also home beaches, which makes it perfect for a to many historical places. But above all movie location. One of the most famous of these, lies beautiful islands that you landmarks here are the lighthouses that wouldn’t want to miss including would complete the picture perfect film. Guimaras Islands. One stop that you must try here is the Honesty Coffee Shop, wherein you will pay and record your payable goods Words are not necessary to describe without anyone checking over you. As ILOILO CITY how tropical the Philippines is, but there the famous saying goes, “Honesty is the are a few areas which are exempted best policy”. from the heat, but yet, experience the cold -- and Tagaytay is one of them. Ta- Labeled as the “Island Born of gaytay provides spectacular views that Fire”, Camiguin holds the record are something worth seeing. Some of for the island with most number the places to visit here are the Taal Vol- of volcanoes for every square cano and Lake.