Qatar & FIFA World Cup ; A Complete Holiday @ Munaza Kazmi

Munaza Kazmi

The wait is over, 2022 FIFA World Cup is being hosted the Arab world for the first ever time in the history. Starting from November 20 to December 18, 2022, fans are flocking to Doha, Qatar, to witness the clash of footballers. However, if you’re going to travel all that way, why not make it a complete New Year family’s holiday, let’s explore Qatar.

From the rich and mysterious Arabic heritage that offers a glimpse into one of the oldest civilizations, to modern and advance lifestyle where every night is as colorful as rainbows, from the exotic golden dessert the engulf the visitor into its magical Arabian Nights to the deep blue sea which gave you memories of your childhood, Aladdin’s flying carpets over deserts and seas……and many more.

Landing at Al Hamad International Airport, the cleanest and cool, you will find yourself at peace. The airport is huge and newly built, providing the passenger all the ease and comfort.

After leaving the airport, I suggest you to breath and inhale the Arabic air, your every part will feel the misty wind coming from the sea shores, whispering mysterious tales of the desserts.

You are in Arabic World, let’s experience luxury! Check into The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village, 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, a beachfront property overlooking Doha Bay. The luxury resort is a perfect retreat since it’s a blend of authentic Arabian architecture with the advance level comfort. Spreading along 350 m of coastline, with a 1,400-m² infinity pool and extensive wellness center.

Rooms feature an oriental décor, wooden ornaments and canopied beds. Coming with a private balcony overlooking the resort village. The marble bathroom has a deep-soaking bath and a rain shower, which would defiantly sweep away all the jet lag.

The Spa offers an extensive menu of skin therapies and massages. Where you can rest on comfortable loungers in the lantern-lit relaxation area. While the adults are enjoying spa the kids can head towards Ritz Kids Club.

After relaxing, enjoy refreshers and snacks at Al Seef, the poolside bar and cafe, or walk towards Parisa Restaurant with sea views for memorable dining experiences in an elegant, stylish ambiance. Parisa is a feast for all senses, with its elaborate interiors studded with intricate mirror work and hand painted artworks or Al Liwan grill where you can treat yourself with a wide range of buffets, from Lebanese to seafood to brunch options.

Arab cannot be pictured without flying hawks in the dessert, why not spend the next day in to the arms of golden sands, while watching the mysterious duns, dancing on the rhythms of Duff, befuddled in the intoxicating scents, while tasting the rich and aromatic delicacies.

The Qatari desert offers some of the planet’s most surreal and splendid scenery, a land of wide-open beauty, shaped by the steady forces of wind and sun. It’s also a place of solitude, where a slow camel ride across time-worn tracks connects remote campsites to settlements that seem to blend into their surroundings.

As we know UAE is world’s largest sandy desert, and an integral part of local culture, hence the mother desert opens its hearts with surprising array of activities. Embark on a desert safari through the golden sand dunes, spending starry nights in traditional tents or dune-bashing through breathtaking scenes.

Let me tell you, Qatari Desert known as Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO recognized site, that lies south of the city is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches into the desert. Enjoy spotting turtles, flamingos, dungongs, Arabian oryx, camels and more.

Moreover, when the night is casting its shadow over, get ready for a family-style feast and entertainment like fire breathers and belly dancers there. The kids can have a separate area complete with toys, games, and an outdoor movie theater.

Filled with art, entertainment and culture, Doha is ecstasy. Explore Doha, starting with a trip to The National Museum of Qatar, and enrich your knowledge of Qatari History. The museum is devoted to bringing to life the unique story of Qatar and its people. It enthusiastically gives voice to the Qatar’s rich heritage and culture.

Stop over at Katara Cultural Village, a destination for art, culture and cuisine. Where your eyes witness a perfect blend of Persian and Turkish art at its best The Katara Mosque. Then there’s Gold Mosque, whose tiles are made up of pure gold that glints in the sun. Next, discover Amphitheatre, Art galleries, beach activities and many more.

Away from home bring memories of home and the loved ones, so let’s dive in to the Souq-Waqif. For centuries it’s been a marketplace for the Bedouins, till today it showers its delicacies over the visitors. The spices, herbs, rose petals, incense, textile, handmade crafts and the gold. All the fantastic choices in one place. However, if you are looking for high street and luxury brands, there’s a variety of world class shopping malls in the city.

I heard something! O I think it’s my stomach calling for FOOD!!

Cuisine of Qatar represents Arabia, but also major tastes of the world can easily locate, with everything from fine dining to family-style restaurant. For lunch stop over to Shay Al Shamoos, this rustic corner Souq Waqif’s restaurant serves local dishes. Try Khobizregag with karak tea, a local favorite.

Next you can go to, The Pearl, a Riviera style man-made island developed in an exclusive enclave of Doha. It is the UAE’s most glamorous address, covering 400 hectares of reclaimed land and Qatar’s first international urban development venture.

Lastly, I would suggest you embark on Doha Cruise and let your soul wander freely on the shores of Doha.