Colors of Doha - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

For many, the capital of Qatar is associated with gas and oil industries that bring the main income to the country. Of course, many would mention the high temperature. Indeed, the average temperature in summer is 40-45 °C. That makes the country the hottest region in the world. Despite that, people, who live in the country for many years, get accustomed to such heat. Air conditioners, which are located absolutely everywhere, are a great help in scorching heat. Tourists must take climatic conditions into consideration and be prepared for the hot weather. That is particularly true about people from northern countries who often find the heat unbearable. However, taking into consideration the incredibly hot weather, there are quite many foreigners who live in the capital of Qatar permanently.

Despite the fact that Qatar and its capital were closed for tourists until 1989, locals are friendly and always ready to help. In general, residents of the capital of the wealthiest country in the Persian Gulf are friendly and well-wishing people. Not deprived of the famous oriental hospitality, they will be quite offended if someone refuses to visit their house for dinner. Safety is one more quality that Qatar is famous for. Females are allowed to walk alone. They can participate in public life and drive cars. These rights are not granted to women in all Muslim countries. That said, there are still some limitations concerning women. For example, they cannot attend nightclubs.

It is not hard to make residents of Qatar like you – simply follow local laws. That concerns alcohol consumption in the country as this aspect is also regulated by the Islamic religion. During religious holidays and events (for example, the Holy month of Ramadan), travelers are generally not prohibited to consume alcohol, but it is better to refrain from drinking it in public places. And, of course, never refuse to visit someone’s home for a dinner. That is a way for local people to express their respect. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There will not be language problems for English speaking people as virtually everyone can speak this language to some extent. Fish and seafood are the main products that are available in the ration of local people every day. Meat (except pork), vegetables, and fruit are also very popular. Consider trying such local delicacies as Biryani (rice with mutton or chicken), Warak enab (rice in grape leaves), Ghuzi (whole roasted mutton), and Magalyabia (starch with milk, cinnamon, and pistachios). Vacationers can also visit a Bedouin camp and try dishes, the recipes of which were developed more than a thousand years ago. Bedouin-style brewed coffee is particularly popular. Alcohol is available for purchase in hotels and restaurants at quite a high price.

Doha festivals traditionally attract numerous tourists as this is an exciting and interesting way to get acquainted with the multidimensional local culture. Katara European Jazz Festival is one of the most famous and popular events in the city. It usually takes place in Katara Cultural Village. Professional jazz- and bluesmen from numerous European countries, including Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Spain come to the festival to perform and entertain numerous visitors. The festival usually takes place at the end of October. The event lasts three days, during which guests are able to enjoy quality music and interesting performances and, of course, indulge themselves in the magic atmosphere of this festival.

Gourmets prefer to arrive in Doha in the middle or at the end of March when the city hosts Qatar International Food Festival. This popular food event takes place in Hotel Park. As a rule, other restaurants located in the neighborhood also join the celebration. The festival lasts 11 days during which attendees can try fine cuisine of the region and get acquainted with the local culture a little further. During the whole festival, there are magnificent evening fireworks. By the way, there is a separate playground for kids, so no member of a family will ever feel bored. Organizers of the festival work hard in order make the atmosphere of this celebration as family-friendly as possible. Visitors can also attend special master classes by famous chefs and learn cook different dishes or sample different sorts of coffee and select the one they like the most.

Doha Cultural Festival, which takes place in March, is one more interesting and large event in the festival life of Qatar’s capital. Hundreds of tourists from all over the world come to Doha in order to visit the event. This is the time when visitors are welcome to enjoy music, theatre, dancing, and poetic performances. The main purpose of this festival is to help visitors learn more about the rich culture of Qatar and its capital. Many artists demonstrate folk traditions and heritage of the country. During the Doha Cultural Festival, visitors can attend numerous art and photography exhibitions. There are even special fashion shows that are very interesting to visit. The location of this festival is usually the same - Doha Exhibition and Convention Center or simply DECC.

As Doha is famous for its great economic potential, there are always many interesting exhibitions that help participating businesses to sign profitable deals. Doha International Trade Fair is one of such events. It traditionally takes place in Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The trade fair attracts businessmen from all over the world. The exhibition is very popular with entrepreneurs – there are all kinds of leather goods, hand-made items, sports shoes, jewelry, and even antiquities. The popular event lasts 11 days and offers not only the main program but also various entertaining activities. For example, there are special playgrounds for children and food areas where visitors are welcome to try traditional national cuisine.

One more conference, which helps businessmen from all over the world to sign beneficial contracts, is called Petroleum Technology Conference. It takes place in Doha at the end of March. This is a gathering area for businessmen who want to sign gas and oil industry related contracts. This exhibition has the same location, namely, DECC. Qatar Motor Show Doha is one more popular exhibition that takes place in the middle of October. Many famous car companies showcase their latest models at this event. Visitors are welcome to participate in test drives and motocross. This is one of the largest events of its kind in the region, and the class of the cars exhibited also plays an important role there. As a rule, there are many luxurious and fantastic cars at the show, on par with Qatar’s capital.