Falconry, dress making and Full Moon yoga - A woman's guide to Qatar

Qatar is a country waiting to be explored, offering a huge variety of activities and cultural pursuits for women to enjoy. From exploring the Souqs and bargain hunting for traditional treasures to indulging in local signature treatments at a luxury spa, sampling a traditional dress making course or enjoying delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, there are numerous opportunities for an enriching and fun-filled experience.

Shopping

Whether it’s for traditional Arabic artefacts and souvenirs, Middle Eastern culinary specialties or high end luxury goods Qatar’s shops and markets are a must. The country’s Arabian Souqs are the ideal place for soaking up the atmosphere and discovering local Qatari goods, such as perfumes, silks and trinkets. Souq Waqif, one of the most famous Souqs sells traditional garments, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs whilst also being a hotspot for art galleries, concerts and dozens of restaurants.

For a more upscale shopping experience take a trip to one of the city’s contemporary shopping malls, in particular the newly opened Pearl Qatar Development, which offers a large range of well-known luxury brands and goods in a spacious and relaxing setting (thepearlqatar.com/main.aspx).

Retail on an even larger scale can be found at the Doha Exhibition Center, which hosts regular trade fairs and shows including the Iwed wedding and Beautex beauty fairs in April as well as the Mother, Baby and Kids show in May (qatartourism.gov.qa/pillars/index/1/meetings/385).

Falconry has long been a key part of Qatari culture with locals still training the beautiful birds today. Hidden away in the Souq Waqif is the Falcon Souq where keepers are more than happy to show the majestic falcons to visitors.

Dress Tailoring

Beautiful fabrics, tailors, and dress shops can be found throughout Qatar and provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to get their own tailor-made clothes for very reasonable prices. Head to Souq Al Dira for a huge range of fabrics from simple cottons to delicate silks and visit one of the many tailors to have the perfect item created. Pepka Wear, Qatar’s first resale boutique now offers dressmaking and tailoring classes enabling visitors to learn how to design their own Arabian inspired garments (pepkawear.com).

Culture

For art lovers, the Waqif Art Centre hosts many local and regional art exhibitions whilst the Mathaf Museum of Modern Art showcases the works of Qatari artists supporting the country’s growing artistic community. Qatar is also putting itself on the map in the film world as the Tribeca Film Festival comes to Doha each October featuring a range of films, many of which are written and directed by Middle Eastern filmmakers.

Qatar’s fascinating rich culture and heritage can be explored through its array of museums and historical buildings. The Museum of Islamic Art features one of the world’s largest collections of Islamic Art whilst the Museum of Orientalists houses over 700 paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints dating back to the 18th Century.

Relaxation

After a long day shopping and absorbing the culture, unwind in one of Qatar’s premium hotel spas. The Grand Hyatt’s Arabian-inspired Juala Spa has ten spa suites, two VIP hydro spa suites, a lounge area, sauna and pool among its many facilities (doha.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/).

For a truly Qatari spa experience, visit the Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village and Spa, made up of winding village streets instead of corridors and 23 treatment rooms designed to resemble typical village houses. Locally inspired treatments include the Natural Arabian Facial, using figs, almond powder and honey, and the Local Journey Experience involving a full body scrub and massage using local oils and treatments. The Six Senses Spa also offers outdoor Full Moon yoga classes, for a mystical exercise session under Arabian night skies (sixsenses.com/six-senses-spas/sharq-village/index.php).

Dining

Qatar offers a wide range of culinary delights, from the traditional cuisine found at the Spice Market and Souq Waqif to the high end restaurants offering a range of Qatari and Western cuisines, found in the premium hotels.
To sample the traditional flavours of Arabia head to the Spice Market, inspired by Southeast Asian street food infused with local spices and flavours and set amidst lanterns and exotic decor. (spicemarketdoha.com). For a taste of real Qatar, discover traditional pancakes in the Souq Waqif’s and sample the thin crepe-like sweets, commonly known as ‘Mankouche’. The snacks come served filled with sesame seeds and thyme or less traditionally Nutella and make an ideal daytime treat.

For ladies looking to experience Qatar’s night lifestyle, spend the evening at the stylish Crystal Lounge at the W Doha Hotel which offers signature cocktails, DJ sets and chic décor. Alternatively head to The St. Regis Doha which offers two Gordon Ramsay eateries, the first Jazz at Lincoln Centre outside of the US, and a Hakkasan restaurant set to open in the near future.

There’s no time like the present to head to Qatar with the girls, where visitors can taste culinary delights, immerse themselves in Qatari culture and relax in a five star spa, to name just a few of the experiences on offer…

For more information on Qatar, visit qatartourism.gov.qa.