DOHA-Short stay in an Upcoming Destination

The Corniche, an Arabic term corresponding with the coastal part of Middle Eastern towns, is where the locals will stroll and sit on restaurants for a snack, or chat in a cafe and smoke shisha. If you are in Doha it is definitely worth a stroll on the Corniche. Almost everybody will suggest to you a visit to the Palm Tree island, a mere 10-minute boat ride from the Corniche, with beaches, restaurants, coffee shops, and a Gulf feel of utter relaxation. Doha is the hub of the Al Jazeera television station, known around the world as the first television station airing Bin Laden’s and other Al Qaeda videotapes before they are passed on to western television stations.

Quick Tips:

Do not miss the Shisha experience (smoking the water pipe), even if you are not a smoker. Do sample the delicious Gulf cuisine, and more particularly the koosa mafsi (staffed courgettes), the matchbuss ( roasted lamb with rice and herbs); or my favourite dessert, mehalabiya, a delicious dessert with rose water, pistachios, and a texture like a rice pudding. Enjoy the Sand Dune rides, the Gulf waters (if you get the chance for a sea dip), the genuine Middle Eastern hospitality and warmth, and the shopping experience in the local Souk (market).

Best Way To Get Around:

The rulers of Qatar created Qatar Airways, a rapid growing airline aiming to imitate the success of Emirates Airlines and put Doha on the map at least as a stopover destination on long hauls between Western and Asian Capital cities. Thus, Doha’s airport is ever increasing to match the demand generated by the expansion of Qatar Airways and Doha’s economic growth. Qatar Airways will fly you competitively and reliably to and from Doha and further destinations. Taxis are not prohibitively expensive, and are probably the fastest, most reliable, and more economical way to go around Doha.

The Al Seef hotel verifies the, well-documented, fact that the Gulf Region has invariably great hotels. It is definitely pricey for my own budget, with a double bed price of $145 for one night, but I certainly could not fault the place. Singles were $136 per night. The bedrooms were spacious, with two massive double beds, all the usual accessories (colour TV, air-conditioning, etc), a very cosy restaurant on the first floor with a talented chef, and very centrally located, next to the Corniche and very near the airport. In addition, the service was courteous and efficient, and there was no noise pollution. Qatar Airways uses Al Seef for its passengers when they have to spend a night in Doha. Location: Museum road, just a few hundred yards from the Museum roundabout, which is on the Corniche road. Tel no is +974 4332222 and email is Alseef@qatar.net.qa

Located next to Al Seef, this is the place where you can smoke your Shisha and enjoy your coffee and a local dessert. This is the place where you can literally SOAK in the local atmosphere and absorb a dose of local culture. The Tent is segregated in two sections (remember Qatar is an Islamic society) . One is for mixed couples (male/female), and the other is exclusively male. Males without female company cannot sit on the mixed sector. The Sisha in Al Bustan takes top marks and is very reasonably priced at $5 to $7, depending on the variety you wish to smoke.  A coffee (and there is a variety to choose—from Espresso and Cappuccino, to Arabic coffee) is priced $1, and cheaper still is the traditional mint tea (and so uniquely pleasant for your palate). Top the Shisha and coffee experience with an Arab dessert. I highly recommend the Mehalabiya (texture like a rice pudding, with rose water added and sprinkles of grounded pistachios), but the others are equally gratifying. Throw your diet out of the window and indulge in middle eastern dessert sin! The service, by the way, is splendid. The staff is extremely helpful and the head waiter is a fluent English speaker.

Location: Museum Road, just a few hundred yards from the Museum roundabout ,which is on the Corniche Road. Email: albustan@qatar.net.qa
Tel no: +9744328888