The Henley Passport Index revealed the world's most powerful passports of 2023 and is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The ranking is according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa out of 227 destinations around the world. Qatar currently ranks 55th on the list with a visa-free score of 100. Qatar has jumped 2 spots higher compared to the 2022 ranking of 57th, with a visa-free score of 99. Qatar's best score was in 2020, with a ranking of 54th. For the fifth year in a row, Japan tops the list with a visa-free score of 193 visa-free destinations. South Korea and Singapore are tied for the second spot at 192 visa-free destinations. Analysts anticipate that Kuwait and Qatar will sign a visa-free deal with the EU in 2023, a move that will dramatically enhance both countries’ Henley Passport Index scores, as their passport holders will be granted visa-free access to all 27 EU member states. While Asian countries still dominate the very top of the index, the growing passport strength of Gulf countries has been identified as a key trend in the coming year. Here are the World's top 55 most powerful passports and their visa-free country score: Japan (193) South Korea, Singapore (192) Germany, Spain (190) Finland, Italy, Luxembourg (189) Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, and Sweden (188) France, Ireland, Portugal, United Kingdom (187) Belgium, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United States (186) Australia, Canada, Greece, and Malta (185) Poland, Hungary (184) 9. Lithuania, Slovakia (183) 10. Latvia, Slovenia (182) 11. Estonia (181) 12. Iceland (180) 13. Malaysia (179) 14. Liechtenstein, United Arab Emirates (178) 15. Cyprus (177) 16. Romania (175) 17. Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Monaco (174) 18. Hong Kong (171) 19. Argentina, Brazil (170) 20. San Marino (169) 21. Andorra (168) 22. Brunei (166) 23. Barbados (163) 24. Israel, Mexico (159) 25. St. Kitts and Nevis (157) 26. Bahamas (155) 27. Vatican City (154) 28. Seychelles, Uruguay (153) 29. St. Vincent and the Grenadines (152) 30. Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago (151) 31. Costa Rica (150) 32. St. Lucia (147) 33. Grenada, Mauritius (146) 34. Dominica, Taiwan (145) 35. Macao, Panama, Ukraine (144) 36. Paraguay (142) 37. Peru, Serbia (136) 38. Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras (133) 39. El Salvador, Samoa, Solomon Islands (132) 40. Tonga (130) 41. Venezuela (129) 42. Nicaragua, Tuvalu (128) 43. North Macedonia (125) 44. Kiribati, Montenegro (124) 45. Marshall Islands (123) 46. Moldova (121) 47. Palau Islands (120) 48. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Micronesia, 49. Russian Federation (118) 50. Georgia (116) 51. Albania (115) 52. Türkiye (110) 53. South Africa (106) 54. Belize (103) 55. Qatar (100) Source: Henley & Partners

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class shines with an impressive new look of the passenger family car, with a revised front-end design, exterior colours, updated interior and a range of cutting-edge driver assistance features. The vehicle is available now at Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. With a redesigned front bumper, the V-Class appears wider by incorporating a broad intake into the lower fascia – an optional AMG Line Package is now available with a new, chrome-accented, diamond radiator grille offering a sportier appearance. The interior of the new V-Class focuses on passenger comfort with a simpler, elegant design with new upholstery and trim options. Building on its position as a class leader in safety, new Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus features are now available. Updated exterior design features with a range of new colours The new V-Class has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence thanks to its new front end. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and an AMG Line with a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two silver slats. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines continues to exist, while the AMG line is available as a complement to any of the V-Class lines and features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins. New paint colours are now available for the V-Class, including graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic - expanding the spectrum of the well-received black and white tones. Equally new are the steel blue and hyacinth red metallic paint colours, allowing owners of the new V-Class to make an especially emotive statement. At the same time, the four new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a powerful and avantgarde appearance. They include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish, as well as 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design. At the upper end of the new wheel portfolio are black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish. Interior updates that focus on passenger comfort In the interior, too, the designers have ensured the design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car models is transposed in to the new V-Class. The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity, with new air vents in a more-sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the simplified design, drivers can orientate themselves much more easily. The new upholstery and equipment colour tartufo (brown) nappa leather makes a modern and elegant statement. With Lugano leather and nappa leather, each available in black and silk beige, not to mention Santos black fabric, a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colours are now available. The new trim element in twin-stripe delivers a modern and elegant look to the instrument panel and the side paneling. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium remain. As part of the facelift, rear passengers can enjoy an especially comfortable space. The optionally available luxury seats for the first rear row are a real treat and, just like in the S-Class, they offer a fully reclining function, back massage and climatization. A journey in the new V-Class, for example as a VIP shuttle, turns into a spa-like treatment after a stressful flight or business meeting. Safety features that give you added peace of mind New safety features can be ordered optionally and continue to build on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class position as a leader for safety standards in its segment. The new (optional) Active Brake Assist can recognise when there is a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead and gives an initial visual and acoustic signal. In addition, the Active Brake Assist can break autonomously up to standstill, if the driver does not react independently and adequately. In urban traffic, the Active Brake Assist can also react to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing. Another new (optional) safety feature is the Highbeam Assist Plus. It supports the driver in the high beam mode through a continuous illumination of the lane. If there are vehicles in front of the V-Class or if there is oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated to create a U-shaped cut-out in the cone of light. The remaining areas of the roadway continue to be illuminated with the main-beam headlamps (partial main beam). The already successful safety features continue to remain - Crosswind Assist, which supports the driver in keeping the vehicle on track even in the case of heavy crosswinds, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which can detect when drivers start to become drowsy and prompt them to take a break when needed.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has advised passengers departing during Eid Al-Adha holiday period to check-in online and arrive 3 hours prior to their flight to ensure smooth travel experience. “Please note that it is essential for departing passengers to present the green health status on their EHTERAZ application or a negative PCR certificate issued no more than 72 hours to enter the terminal building. HIA’s self-service check-in and bag-drop facilities are also available, which allow passengers to check-in, print their boarding passes and bag tags; tag their bags; and drop them at the bag drop swiftly before proceeding to border control,” HIA said in its advisory. “For the convenience and safety of departing and returning passengers, access to the arrival and departure terminal building is restricted to travelling passengers only. Kindly conduct pick-ups and drop-offs at the short-term car park and avoid using the curbside. “We recommend passengers to keep themselves updated on the travel requirements of the country they are travelling to for a smooth check-in process at HIA. Passengers are reminded that check-in closes sixty minutes prior to departure time. “During security checks, passengers are requested to ensure that they are not carrying any prohibited items such as liquids, aerosols, and gels, and to pack any liquid containers in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag with each being 100ml or less. Electronic items larger than mobile phones need to be removed from bags and placed in trays for X-ray screening. Small vehicles powered by lithium batteries, such as hoverboards, are prohibited for carriage. Passengers are also advised to minimise travelling with pets due to the holiday peak time. Bag Wrap facilities are also available at HIA’s terminal,” it added. Passengers departing from HIA are advised to download the ‘HIAQatar’ mobile app available for both Android and iPhone for updates and to assist making the passengers journey more seamless with real-time information about flight status, baggage claim, time, and direction to boarding gates and food, beverage and retail offers from Qatar Duty Free (QDF). All arriving passengers terminating in Doha must register and upload all required documents on the following website www.ehteraz.gov.qa. Following this application, all Doha terminating passengers will be issued a Travel Authorisation, which is required to be presented to the airline at the point of departure to be allowed to fly to Qatar. Additional information can be found on the MOPH website: https://covid19.moph.gov.qa/EN/travel-and-return-policy/Pages/default.aspx “Please follow the signage in the terminal or ask our staff for assistance to make your arrival process simple. A reminder that all travelling passengers must wear face masks at all times, maintain physical distance and follow all safety guidelines present at the airport for their safety,” it concluded.

Remember the best things in life are free. And we are going to show you that one of the most expensive country in the world can have a lot of free stuff you can enjoy with. Admire Richard Serra’s art Richard Serra’s sculpture East-West/West-East was unveiled a few years ago and although we’ve seen it multiple times already, it’s so stunning and provocative that it impresses us on every repeat visit. The installation spans more than a kilometre and comprises four steel plates, each upwards of fourteen metres tall. Brouq Nature Reserve (4452 5555). Enjoy picnic at Al Bidda Park This beautiful new park reopened in February 2019 and it’s possibly one of Doha’s most scenic green spots. It overlooks the Corniche and West Bay and there’s plenty to do around here for no fee whatsoever. Besides birdwatching areas and children’s playgrounds, there are small shops, a cultural village and a heritage centre. Corniche Street. Be at the city centre square In case you haven’t already heard, the new heart of the world’s smallest and most sustainable fully-built city district Msheireb Downtown Doha is a hotspot for socialising, strolling and just spending some leisurely time out. The entire district offers loads of alfresco and casual dining options alongside a cultural forum and five-star hotels. There’s a piazza-style square which is covered and for summer months, there’s a fully retractable roof over it. It’s a historic location (if you’ve been in Doha long enough, you’ve even seen this as an old shopping area) and it’s walking distance from Souq Waqif. Msheireb Downtown Doha. Bum around the beach Why pay to bask in the sand when you can escape the city chaos for free? All you need to do is get your four-wheel-drive out, load up your barbecue meats and turn up the volume on that road trip play list because this is the best time of the year to be outdoors. Doha’s coastline spans hundreds of kilometres and picking a spot isn’t an easy decision. If you’re looking for a crowded spot, Sealine is your best bet. Al Ghariyah has beautiful, soft sands and Fuwairit is great for kitesurfing. Families can find lots to do at Dukhan beach, Simaisma and Al Wakra beach. Sealine Beach, GPS: 24.861143, 51.516837. Check out an abandoned fishing village Do something totally different and discover the desolate communities of Al Ruwais. At the northernmost tip of Qatar, this is little more than a sleepy town. Nearby are three abandoned fishing villages, Al Jemail, Al Khuwair and Al Areesh. The ruins can still be seen and at all of them, and you’ll get a real feel for the Qatar of yesteryear. GPS: 26.068919, 51.083972. Chill at MIA Park Lush green landscapes and beautiful skyline views, Mia Park is home to some of Qatar’s greenest patches. There’s a coffee shop with unbeatable views and cosy seating that’s just perfect for the winter. It’s a great spot to get fantastic views of the Museum of Islamic Art. www.mia.org.qa. Climb rocks Sure, there are plenty of places with rock climbing walls indoors, but since you’ve spent all your money on blow-out brunches and year-end parties, you might want to check out the Musfir Sinkhole in Zekreet if you’re an avid rock climber. Zekreet is fascinating – limestone formations are scattered all around to create Qatar’s very own version of the Grand Canyon. These unique cliffs offer unusual surroundings. The sinkhole is mostly for beginners and if you’re looking for something more challenging, there’s plenty to explore in the area. Join the Doha Climbers group on Facebook for tips and outings. GPS: 25.637012, 50.846186. Cycle in the city With all the beautification works underway in Qatar, there are plenty of cycling tracks around the city. Try the Leisure Trail in Doha Festival City. The 4.5km track includes a running and walking path, as well as an adjacent Cycling Lane with technical trail features specifically designed for mountain bikes. Visitors can bike, walk and run around the track. Open daily 8am-12pm. Doha Festival City, Umm Slal Mohammed (4035 4444). Dilly-dally around the Dhow Harbour A monumental inflatable sculpture by KAWS entitled Holiday (2019) was on display at the Dhow Harbour in late 2019. It was open for anyone to see and if you missed it, you really missed something truly incredible (it was 40-metres long). Don’t worry, you can still head over to the Dhow Harbour anytime to sit by the seaside and admire Doha’s glorious skyline with a cup of tea for QR1. If you’re into photography, you can get some fantastic dhow and sea shots during the day here. Near Banana Island Doha terminal, Corniche. Discover Al Wakrah Souq It doesn’t get more traditional and less commercial than Al Wakrah Souq. It’s super authentic and even has its own beach. It’s similar to Souq Waqif, but is more low-key. There are plenty of cafés and retail spots to discover and a small park with ponies and camels for the little ones at the end. Open daily 8.45am-11pm. Al Wakrah. Do the rounds of Education City If you’ve been in the city for a while, you have to pass by this haven of stunning buildings and modern, award-winning architecture, at least for the photo ops. The Ceremonial Court (next to Northwestern University Qatar) is particularly Instagram-worthy. Don’t miss the farmers’ market that takes place every weekend here. Also pass by the Texas A&M and Qatar National Library buildings. Qatar Foundation, Al Luqta Street (4454 0000). Drive to a deserted town Drive to Al Khuwair, an old fishing village, located northwest of Qatar with the remains of several houses, a mosque and fishing equipment. It shows how life used to be, before oil was discovered, if you’re into that kind of thing. The place overlooks a beach and you might even spot some washed up marine animals on the shore. GPS: 26.068919, 51.083972. Drive up to Zubarah The Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO Heritage Site, was built back in 1938 and was used by the armed forces until around 30 years ago. Now, it’s a museum that showcases a vast collection of pottery and archaeology exhibits. You’ll also find workshops and other cultural activities that you can partake in. It’s the building that’s the main attraction, though, as are the striking views from the battlements. Get in your car and drive around it to find ancient settlements. GPS: 25.976929, 51.045496. Enjoy the breeze at 21 High St This new zone in Katara is perfect all year round. Its outdoor cooling technology enables chilled walks in peak summer and in winter, you can just stroll around, window shop and try some interesting food. The attractive architecture with wide, open spaces in a unique, ancient European style setting is very appealing, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. When you’re done window shopping (or actual shopping), grab at seat at Café Pouchkine. This French-Russian café has the best latte in town and if you’re craving some Russian borsch, this is exactly where you can find it. Katara Cultural Village, West Bay Lagoon. Exercise outdoors Can’t afford a gym? No problem. You can take advantage of Doha’s multiple parks and free open-air gyms. Aspire Park and the Corniche have outdoor gyms and these are open to the public and free to use. Sheraton Park, West Bay; Aspire Park, Baaya. Experience camel races Camel races are a privilege, we think. While thousands of horses gallop around the world in classy equestrian events, you can chill at a local camel race without the need for an expensive hat that probably costs more than the horse itself. Exit the city limits to Dukhan Highway and you’ll reach the camel village after you’ve driven between 40km to 50km. GPS: 25.402316, 51.202485. Explore the Fire Station This interesting art hub has been transformed from a civil defense unit. The space still retails plenty of elements like fire trucks and seamlessly blends it in with the new theme. Art exhibitions and movies are screened all year long. Most of the exhibitions are free, but it’s best to check beforehand. www.firestation.org.qa. Feel the Spanish vibes This colourful area at The Pearl-Qatar is now livelier than it has ever been and with all the restaurants, cafés and stores, it’s perfect for a stroll. The streets are all pedestrian friendly and are reminiscent of a cosmopolitan Spanish city (the streets and roundabouts even have Spanish names like Andalusia and Malaga). There’s a pretty patch of parkland, a play area for kids and a water feature to enjoy in the hours after dusk. Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar, www.thepearlqatar.com (4409 5155). Fish at Al Wakrah Port The Wakrah port is a great fishing spot during the cooler months. There’s also a big park here, with a few rides and attractions nearby. It’s easily accessible by car and has plenty of parking spots. Get your gear out and set up over the stones. Make sure you bring a barbecue, too. Drive up to the Pearl roundabout, take a U-turn and then second right. You’ll see the signs for Al Wakrah Port. GPS: 25.165634, 51.614023 Lusail Marina The transformation of Lusail into a skyscraper city is unbelievable. But we’re not even half as excited as we are about the marvellous line of dancing fountains along the entire length of the Lusail Marina. There are a few cafés and coffee shops along this strip, and there are benches to sit on and admire the sea or the fountains. The path is supremely clean, is lined with trees and plenty of other flora, and is a beautiful new addition to Doha’s outdoor spots. If you walk to the end of the road across from The Ritz-Carlton, you’ll find a whole green path with coffee shops such as The Ministry of Coffee and the ever-popular Tea Time Get free drinks If you’re a lady in Doha, you’re a very lucky lady. You’re spoiled with options when it comes to free nights out in the city. There’s something somewhere every single day of the week, including Thursdays and Fridays, and if you’re in a cash crunch, now is the time to really study out Music & Nightlife pages. Various locations. Go to an ostrich farm The biggest benefit of going to an ostrich farm is you’ll probably be the only one among all your friends who has done so. There’s one near Dukhan that’s worth seeing. The ostriches roam free and driving along watching them sprint across the farm is a wonderful (if slightly creepy) experience. You can get up close to them, too, but don’t try to touch them. They don’t like to be petted and they have really strong legs. That’s all you need to know. GPS: 25.522778, 50.828056. Go on a guided art tour Qatar Foundation hosts guided art tours for free and you can discover interesting pieces of art within the QF premises and at other QF-owned locations, too, such as Sidra Hospital. www.qf.org.qa. Hang out at Katara This cultural hub has plenty of exciting things to explore including its very own Corniche, a Greek-style amphitheatre and loads of cafés and restaurants. There are plenty of events always taking place here from art exhibits and dhow festivals to musical concerts and plays. They’re almost always free, so watch this space for updates. Currently, the an exhibition entitled It is our right to dream by sculptor Sahbi Chtioui is on until January 18. Katara Cultural Village, West Bay Lagoon (7739 0029). Head over to Baraha Souq Baraha Souq is a vibrant artisan market that takes place every other weekend. The market has been carefully curated to showcase and support local makers and food producers and provide a welcoming stage for cultural engagement. You can browse and buy locally designed and created art pieces, jewellery, fashion and accessories, wellness products, homeware, speciality coffee and food, including local date products. The Museum Souq runs through to May 2020. Free. Open Fri 2pm-7pm, Sat 9am-2pm. Until May 2020. Baraha Souq, National Museum of Qatar, Corniche, barahasouq@qm.org.qa. Impress yourself at Al Hazm Mall This gloriously beautiful mall is reminiscent of Italy’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – one of the world’s oldest shopping centres in the country, housed in a 19th century double arcade in Milan. You might have to sell a kidney to enjoy a good meal here, but if only walking around and enjoying the beauty of the architecture is on your mind, you’ll be fine. Al Markhiya (4411 1444). Kayak on the mangroves If you have your own kayak, drive up north to the lush mangroves in Al Thakira (popularly known as Purple Island) and take your kayak for a spin. You can row, row, row your boat gently down a stream, and experience some of the greenest and most serene scenes in Qatar. A waterproof camera would surely come in handy. GPS: 25.742060, 51.557683. Make your way to Mathaf If you’re searching for an interesting art space that’s not on the Corniche, drive to Education City’s Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Mathaf currently holds over 9,000 works, making it the world’s largest specialised collection of its kind. Currently the El Anatsui: Triumphant Scale exhibition is on view until Friday January 31, and there are also the permanent exhibitions that can be visited throughout the year. Open Sat-Thu 11am-6pm (closed Mon); Fri 3pm-8pm. Education City (4487 6662). Make a trip to Mall of Qatar Window shopping counts, but that’s not why we’re asking you to go to Mall of Qatar. The Ooredoo Stage here almost always has plenty of live acts, performances, entertainment and events happening and they’re always free for anyone who cares to go. From fashion shows and sporting events to National Day programmes and talent shows, this is quite a lively mall and it’s ideal for the entire family. And the food court is just around, so grab a bite and watch a fun live performance. Jahhaniya Interchange, Al Rayyan (4034 6000). Marvel at the new national museum Jutting out at the start of the Corniche is Qatar’s extraordinary, new national museum. It is symbolically placed as the starting point of your journey into the heartbeat of downtown Doha and as the previous historic home to the son of the founder of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani in the early 20th century. The museum opened its doors to the public last year and it’s already been named as one of the 100 best places in the world. And we can confirm that. Museum Park Street, Corniche Street (4452 5555). Photograph the Milky Way Galactic Core Bay, discovered by a few photographers in Qatar, is the perfect spot to photograph the Milky Way. Make sure you take your camera with you, and you’re in a four-wheel-drive, because nothing treats being broke like a good session of photography. GPS: 26.125920, 51.180480. Play basketball Aspire Park has a basketball court that’s open to anyone. You’ll most likely find it crowded on all weekends, but you can just join the crowds (some of whom run at lightning speeds) or just wait your turn. It’s free of charge, but bring your own ball. Aspire Zone, Al Waab. Ponder over public art No matter the season, there are artworks you can check out anytime from the comfort of your car. Drive through the Salwa Road tunnels to see El Seed’s Calligraffiti or pass by West Bay to check out Tony Smith’s Smoke. Various locations. Read a book You might spend a while outside this marvellous structure (taking pictures), and once you go in, you’ll be just as amazed. Qatar National Library (QNL) gives residents access to more than one million books, periodicals and special collections, as well as the QNL Heritage Library. Members can check out books and other media from the main collection and begin using QNL’s creative and collaborative facilities, such as the Writing Centre, Innovation Stations and study rooms. There are a number of rooms that you can explore here. We love cosying up on the bean bags with a good book here. We also love the book vending machines. And then we love the… Just go here, already. Membership free for QID holders. Qatar Foundation, Education City (4454 6039). Run With all the beautification works taking place in the country, there’s never been a better time to lace up those trainers and hit the tracks. There are regular jaunts taking place in various running clubs such as Doha Bay Running Club and there are year-long marathons being organised by different entities. Not all of them are free, though. Your best bet is to hit the popular jogging spots such as Aspire Park, Lusail, Al Bidda Park, Dahl Al Hammam and The Pearl-Qatar if you’re looking for a brilliant backdrop. The weather is great, so show your nearest pavement you mean business. Sample a farmers’ market Even if you’re not buying anything, the farmers’ market is just such a great place to spend an afternoon. Walk around the stalls selling items made locally and don’t be afraid to fill up on the free samples at most of them. There’s fresh produce, food and drinks. You can even take your dogs along. Sat 8am-8pm. Ceremonial Court, Education City (3067 2516). See some oryx If you’re keen to get a closer look at these somewhat mythical beasts, visit the Arabian Oryx Breeding Centre, also known as the Al Maha Sanctuary, in the Shahaniya region. GPS: 25.383385, 51.216770E. Show the kids a planetarium If you’ve got kids that need entertaining, there are plenty of budget-friendly options. But nothing beats an out-of-this-world experience for free. Take the children to Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara, with a full-dome digital system and a seating capacity of up to 200 people. There are plenty of shows you can catch, or you can just marvel at the beauty of astronomy inside. The kids can travel through outer space and discover the solar system. A 22 m screen equipped with state-of-the-art projectors shows 2D and 3D tutorials. Katara Cultural Village (4408 2067). Soak up some culture If you spot an unmissable wedding cake-shaped building across from West Bay, you’re looking at the Fanar. This beautiful spiral mosque has a unique minaret design, you’ll definitely spot if you’re anywhere on the Corniche or near Souq Waqif. It’s a cultural and religious centre with a library and it’s free for anyone to visit and learn more about the local customs. You can also sign up to take Arabic classes here. Open Sun-Thu 5am-8pm. Al Souq (4444 7444). Spend an evening at Porto Arabia You don’t really get a lot of chance to feel like you’re in a Riviera when you’re in Qatar. Unless you walk on the marina at Porto Arabia. With beautiful architecture, benches and luxury yachts to admire along the way, there’s plenty of fun to be had and photographs to be taken, all for free, at this thriving shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Sleep under the stars Enjoy a peaceful evening with your best mates on a camping expedition. Load up a convoy with supplies and head out to the Inland Sea (an experienced driver in a four-wheel-drive required), the Al Khor mangroves or the sand sculptures of Zekreet. Take a bag of marshmallows, too. Al Khor mangroves: GPS: 25.686798, 51.554510; Zekreet: GPS: 25.597897, 50.827828. Stroll the streets of Souq Waqif For a truly authentic local experience, haggle through the streets of Souq Waqif. Busy, bustling and vibrant, this is one of the most authentic experiences to be had in the city. Although Souq Waqif was rebuilt a decade or so ago, it sits on the original site of a Bedouin market, so the stone and wooden shops are still original and atmospheric. Thursday nights are liveliest. Most of the squares will have food carts set up selling traditional snacks from across the Arab world. It’s easily one of our favourite spots in Doha and just walking around is an experience in itself. Al Souq (4433 6444). Try table tennis at Sheraton Park There aren’t too many places in Doha that place a table tennis board, free for the public. But right across the coffee shop in Sheraton Park, you’ll find it, and it’s accessible 24 hours a day. Time to practise that winning spin-serve and make your opponent run around the park. Sheraton Park, near Costa Coffee, Corniche. Take a free audio tour of the Msheireb Museums Reserve a weekend for a trip to Msheireb Museums in Downtown Doha (you can even pair with a lunch at any of the new five-star hotels in the area such as Mandarin Oriental, Doha, Alwadi Hotel Doha and Park Hyatt Doha). There are four heritage houses to explore. The Bin Jelmood House celebrates the abolition of the global slave trade. The Radwani House shows how family life evolved in Qatar. It’s a restored house that preserves local tradition. You can also see how family life was affected when oil was first discovered here, and when electricity arrived. The other two are Company House and Mohammed Bin Jassim House. The Company House is an actual company. It used to be the headquarters of Qatar’s first oil company. Mohammed Bin Jassim House is equally interesting – it takes you on a journey through the Msheireb district and shows how it has evolved over the years. The Museums also now have an option for free audio tours. Msheireb Downtown Doha (800 3642). Visit the Museum of Islamic Art This iconic building has been designed by I. M. Pei and it’s pretty high on our list of things to do in Doha. The museum’s permanent exhibitions display beautiful objects from across the Islamic world – everything from metalwork, ceramics and textiles to manuscripts – which date as far back as the 9th century. It’s worth taking advantage of one of the free tours, too. Whatever you end up doing here, don’t forget to enjoy being in one of the most picture-perfect places in the Middle East. Doha Corniche, www.mia.org.qa (4422 4444). Walk along the Corniche This is truly one of the best free things in Doha. The entire length of the Corniche has fantastic sights and stunning views. From the Fanar at the start to West Bay across on the end to the beautifully lit up boats along the way, this is the liveliest spot in Doha at any given time. Do the walk at night to see it in all its neon glory, and enjoy the sound of the waves hitting the stone wall that separates the Gulf from the shore. You’ll reach a Costa Coffee at the end, with a nice outdoor seating area and green lawns if you want to just relax. Walk dogs There are so many furries up for adoption every month and if you can’t adopt, you can at least walk them. From dog socialising to cat care, there are plenty of rescue organisations that are in need of extra hands such as Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) and Paws Rescue Qatar. There’s a volunteer application that you can fill up on their website and spend some time on paw patrol. Not only are you doing the society good, you’re keeping the animals and the volunteers happy, you’re having a great afternoon, you’re keeping fit and you’re doing all of this for free. www.pawsrescueqatar.org. Wander through Venice Get a taste of Venice without spending thousands of riyals on a ticket. Qanat Quartier, the Venetian-style section of The Pearl is a real visual treat. It features intricate canals and stylish bridges with colourful houses on either side. Walk around and soak up some afternoon sun at the pedestrian friendly squares and plazas. There are so many quirky and cute cafés such as Volume, Halo, Sadu and Cue. It’s fine if you forget your wallet as long as you have your camera here. The sunsket skies are absolutely marvellous here. Qanat Quartier, The Pearl-Qatar. Watch the sunrise Doha looks peacefully pretty at daybreak and whether you’re still up from a night out or you’re one of those people who love waking up early (unlike us), the Qatari sunrise is a must-see. For a peek at the cotton candy and orange skies, stop by the Corniche, The Pearl-Qatar, MIA Park and Katara.

The Ministry of Interior announced the resumption of issuing tourist and family entry visas, as of 12-07-2021. The ministry said in a statement today that within the framework of the new policies for travel and return to the State of Qatar, and based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Public Health regarding the developments of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) at the local and global levels, it was decided, as of 12-07-2021 to resume issuing tourist and family entry visas. The ministry added that travelers coming to the State of Qatar through its land, sea and air ports will be subject to the requirements and procedures set by the Ministry of Public Health, whether with regard to those who have been vaccinated with vaccines approved in the State of Qatar or those who will be subject to quarantine procedures approved in the country to limit the spread of the Coronavirus in the country. The concerned authorities at the Ministry of Interior appealed to the public to adhere to the requirements and procedures that were developed for this purpose before commencing the application procedures.

School’s out? Nothing to do? With summer vacation rolling in, here are the best things to do with your children here in Qatar. Picture this – school’s out for the summer, you’re sitting at home with your children trying to beat the summer heat. Out of ideas for activities? Want to bring some fun into your kids’ lives? Here are the top things to do in Qatar this summer. Katara water sports If you’re looking to have some fun pedalling around with your kids, then check out Katara’s water sporting activities. Katara has now slashed its rates for all water sport activities by 50 percent. You can enjoy a boat ride, water skiing, parasailing or even kayaking and pedal boating. All activities will depend on weather conditions and it is compulsory to wear a life jacket for all water sport activities. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by adults and for certain activities, age restrictions are in place to ensure safety. No booking is needed for the beach activities that start from 3:30pm to sunset after which one can be on the beach until 11pm. CurioCity Looking to play and learn? CurioCity is a children’s centre at the Pearl in Doha that features multiple little ‘city districts’ for children to learn and play while also putting their creativity to work. One district includes the ‘Tiny Town’ which encourages children’s unique imaginative play scenarios and allows children to make their own rules. Children can also play pretend in the ‘KIDchen’ giving them a hands-on experience at a food store, kitchen and café where they can shop, create own recipes and serve food to their friends. Online registration is required to limit the number of children at a time during the play session. All visitors over 12 years old must wear face masks at all times while in the centre. Each child can be accompanied with maximum of one adult in the play area. Simaisma beach Looking to splash around in the water? Beat the summer heat? The Simaisma family beach is the perfect location to do just that. Just an hour away from Doha, the Simaisma Family beach features vast areas of sand and sea that is perfect for sitting by the water, splashing around or even spotting some fish near the shore. This is the perfect mini road trip. Beach access is available up until 9pm. With an entry fee of only QR50 per car, this bargain sure is a great activity for your little ones to enjoy the summer. Movie marathon If you’re still not keen on mixing outside, there’s plenty to do at home. Comedy? Animation? How about all the Shrek movies in one go? Children under 12 are currently not allowed to enter cinemas and theatres in the second  phase of Covid-19 restriction lifting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the fun back home. Pop some popcorn, flick through Netflix (or your favourite other streaming platform), set up a cool blanket fort for you kids, and you’ve got your very own at-home theatre! Book a bouncy castle Jazz up your garden with a bright, colourful bounce bonanza that will be sure to get you some browny points with your kids. You can book a bouncy castle of any size to fit your outdoor space via a number of companies right here in Qatar. The great thing is, there’s no hassle for you! The castle is dropped off, set up and then deflated by staff members once you’re done. Trampo Extreme Qatar If your kids are feeling extra energised, then Trampo Extreme Qatar is the prime destination. Situated in Aspire Zone, children can jump the day away at the indoor playground which features connected trampolines, basketball nets, foam pits, speed climbs, a dodgeball zone and a network of ropes and ladders on the sky trail.

Hamad International Airport (HIA), in partnership with Smiths Detection, has installed an innovative screening technology at its security checkpoint. The new screening lane, which has been installed at HIA’s transfers’ hall, is a part of HIA’s Smart Security Programme, which aims to deploy advanced screening technological solutions across the wider airport campus. The new technology does not require passengers to remove either liquids or larger electronic items from their bags and will allow for faster passenger processing by providing the possibility for up to six passengers to load their items into trays at the same time. It also incorporates passenger boarding pass scanners prior to screening that enable a range of benefits, one of which is to electronically ‘tag’ each passengers’ belongings to their boarding card to ensure the belongings are tracked. Once passengers remove their possessions from the tray, the system scans the tray to ensure no items are left behind. In the unlikely event a passenger loses an item, a swift and efficient investigation can then be conducted on their behalf. The technology further advances passenger security and customer service as it incorporates a shoe screening capability conducted in only a few seconds without the need for passengers to remove their footwear. The passenger experience is also enhanced by a remote screening management system for cabin baggage that aims to continually keep the system belt moving, even during the image evaluation process. The system also provides a high detection and low false-alarm rate, which contributes to fewer random checks. The scanner is also fitted with UV-C modules to disinfect each and every tray before passenger use. This system in particular is being fast tracked at HIA, and the airport will be one of the first global airports to roll it out across all of its departures and transfers passenger screening lanes later this year. Saeed Yousef Al-Sulaiti, Vice President of Security at HIA, said: “With the passenger experience at the core of HIA operations, we are always searching for ways to elevate the passenger journey. The introduction of this advanced technology is born out of our growing partnership with the leading technology expert, Smiths Detection, and represents our shared dedication to creating and trialling technological solutions for the delivery of a seamless and secure experience at important checkpoints throughout the terminal.” As part of its partnership with Smiths Detection, HIA was the first airport in the region to install Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, which offers advanced screening of carry-on baggage at security checkpoints using Computed Tomography (CT). In the past year, HIA installed C2 technology, the latest security screening system which allows transferring passengers to move through security checkpoints without removing electronic devices from their bags.

According to the 2021 Global Peace Index, Qatar is considered the most peaceful country in the Arab World. This year’s Global Peace Index (GPI) saw Qatar move up 2 ranks from last year, making it the 29th most peaceful country out of 163 countries on the index. The index also revealed that Qatar was considered the most peaceful country in the Arab world, with Kuwait ranking second in the region at number 36. 87 countries recorded improvement and were more peaceful in 2021 than in 2020, while 73 were reported to be less peaceful. The number of weapons imports per capita increased in 92 countries. The largest increases occurred in Qatar, Armenia, and Turkmenistan. Qatar is also the country with the highest military expenditure per capita in the world, spending over $2,200 per citizen. In the domain of societal safety and security, Qatar ranked 15th most peaceful globally. Despite recording the largest improvement in peacefulness in 2021, the Middle East and North Africa region remains the least peaceful region in the world, according to the index. The region is home to three of the five least peaceful countries in the world. On a global scale, the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on violence in 2020. The GPI was developed by the Institute for Economics & Peace, a non-partisan, non-profit think tank.

More than 170 Palestinians have been injured after Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque and dispersed worshippers elsewhere in occupied East Jerusalem, as weeks-long tensions between Israel and the Palestinians over Jerusalem soared again. Earlier in the day, tens of thousands of Palestinian worshippers packed into the mosque on the final Friday of Ramadan and many stayed on to protest in support of Palestinians facing eviction from their homes on Israeli-occupied land claimed by Jewish settlers. During the past week, residents of Sheikh Jarrah, as well as Palestinian and international solidarity activists, have attended nightly vigils to support the Palestinian families under threat of forced displacement. Israeli border police and forces have attacked the sit-ins using skunk water, tear gas, rubber-coated bullets and shock grenades over the past few days. Dozens of Palestinians have been arrested. Here are the latest updates: US ‘extremely concerned’ about violence in Jerusalem The US State Department said it is “extremely concerned” about the violence in Jerusalem and called on Israeli and Palestinian officials “to act decisively” to deescalate tensions. Ned Price, the department’s spokesman, posted the statement in his social media account late on Friday (02:35 GMT Saturday). “There is no excuse for violence, but such bloodshed is especially disturbing now, coming as it does on the last days of Ramadan. This includes Friday’s attack on Israeli soldiers and reciprocal ‘price tag’ attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, which we condemn in no uncertain terms.” Price added that the US is also “deeply concerned” about the potential eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods of Jerusalem. We are extremely concerned about ongoing confrontations in Jerusalem, including on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and in Sheikh Jarrah. We call on Israeli and Palestinian officials to act decisively to deescalate tensions & bring a halt to the violence. https://t.co/WV5adgCfmS — Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) May 8, 2021 Possible Israel war crimes in east Jerusalem land right case: UN The United Nations has urged Israel to call off any forced evictions in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, warning that its actions could amount to “war crimes”. “We call on Israel to immediately call off all forced evictions,” UN rights office spokesman Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva. “We wish to emphasise that East Jerusalem remains part of the occupied Palestinian territory, in which international humanitarian law applies,” Colville said. “The occupying power… cannot confiscate private property in occupied territory,” he said, adding that transferring civilian populations into occupied territory was illegal under international law and “may amount to war crimes.” At least 184 injured in Jerusalem clashes The Reuters news service reports that 178 Palestinians and six police officers have been injured after Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and dispersed worshippers in East Jerusalem. The Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service said 88 of the Palestinians injured were taken to hospital after being hit with rubber-coated metal bullets. Another Video of #Israel 🇮🇱 police forces attacking #Palestinian 🇵🇸 worshipers in-front the Golden Gate, also known as Bab Al Rahma, eastern gate of Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque https://t.co/6qNS3RjqtV pic.twitter.com/eRa0hGZyJm — Saad Abedine 🤬😷🤟🏼 (@SaadAbedine) May 7, 2021 Wounded toll rises to 169 in Jerusalem clashes The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said they have now recorded 163 people injured after Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque and dispersed worshippers elsewhere in Jerusalem, including 83 who were hospitalised. Israel said six police officers were wounded. The Red Crescent also said it had established a field hospital in Jerusalem to deal with minor and moderate injuries to reduce the pressure on hospitals. PalestineRCS established a field hospital in Jerusalem to deal with minor and moderate injuries to reduce pressure on hospitals’ ER. Tens of injured Palestinians are being referred to hospitals for treatment. pic.twitter.com/YRNJOjaMeo — PRCS (@PalestineRCS) May 7, 2021 Red Crescent: 163 Palestinians have been injured, 23 hospitalized as Israelis fire sound bombs and tear gas inside the Al Aqsa Mosque compound pic.twitter.com/eb0RbGSNW1 — لينة (@LinahAlsaafin) May 7, 2021 11 hours ago (21:14 GMT) Clashes continue at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound Hours after clashes first broke out, large reinforcements from the Israeli police forces continued to stream into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Palestinian activists reported that Israeli forces were continuing to target worshippers in the compound as a large numbers of Palestinians held prayers inside the mosque. الاشتباكات مستمرة الان في ساحات #المسجد_الأقصى #القدس pic.twitter.com/eVN7DX4vsq — reema mustafa (@rimamustafa3) May 7, 2021 12 hours ago (21:00 GMT) Calls for Israeli police to withdraw Appealing for calm on the compound through the mosque’s loudspeakers, Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani, the director of Al-Aqsa Mosque, called on Israeli police to halt their attacks and withdraw from the mosque courtyard. “Police must immediately stop firing stun grenades at worshippers, and the youth must calm down and be quiet!” Iran’s Khamenei calls for continuing ‘resistance’ Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called in a televised address for continuing armed “resistance” in the Palestinian territories and urged Muslim nations support it. “The downward and declining movement of the Zionist regime has begun and will not stop,” said Khamenei as Iran marked its own al-Quds, or Jerusalem, Day. The national holiday typically features anti-Israel protests and fiery speeches by Iranian leaders predicting Israel’s demise. Hamas warns of consequences Ismail Haniya, chief of the Hamas political bureau, has warned of “consequences for the aggression” at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Haniya reportedly contacted a number of officials in the region calling on their support to stand up to the attacks on Palestinian worshippers in Al-Aqsa, reported Palestinian media. Mahmoud al-Zahhar, another member of the Hamas political bureau, condemned Arabs leaders for remaining “silent as they watch the attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque”. He said the only solution to the situation in Jerusalem would be through “armed resistance”. Situation expected to ‘flare up’ in next few days Reporting from Ramallah, Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim said that the situation likely to flare up again over coming days. “We know that two Palestinians have been seriously wounded at least. The rest are still going to hospitals. “Also, we’ve heard from our sources in Jerusalem that there are Palestinians who were leaving the Al-Aqsa compound that are getting beaten up by the Israeli police,” she said. “We are expecting this situation to flare up even further as on Monday, there is what Israelis call the Jerusalem Day. It coincides with Laylat-ul-Qadar, which is the holiest nights during Ramadan,” added Ibrahim. Protesters hold vigil near Sheikh Jarrah Police also used water cannon mounted on armoured vehicles to disperse Palestinian protesters and solidarity activists gathered near the homes of families facing potential eviction. Dozens remained near the entrance of Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood where Israeli police had erected barricades to stop them from entering the residential area. Some chanted a refrain common at Jerusalem protests: “With our soul, with our blood, we will redeem you, oh Aqsa.” رصاصة رصاصة ورصاصة اسرائيل الرقاصة🤣 عن ستوي @m7mdkurd pic.twitter.com/hr57Mv7JDZ — rafat (@akhouy_) May 7, 2021 12 hours ago (20:26 GMT) Israeli police fire stun grenades inside Al-Aqsa Mosque Israeli police attacked worshippers who were praying in the Masjid al-Qiblatain inside Al-Aqsa with stun grenades and rubber bullets. Palestinian worshippers shared videos from inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque showing Israeli police forces firing stun grenades and worshippers running away as smoke filled the mosque. Meanwhile, clashes took place between Israeli security forces and Palestinians trying to enter Al-Aqsa through the Bab Al-Silsila, one of the gates to the mosque. Israeli police also attacked young Palestinians in front of the Damascus and Es-Sahire gates of the Old City. شاهد: لحظة قمع الاحتلال المصلين في #المسجد_الأقصى المبارك. pic.twitter.com/J1O45ghN3E — شبكة قدس الإخبارية (@qudsn) May 7, 2021 Turkey condemns Israeli raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque Several senior Turkish officials condemned the raid by Israeli police on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. “Strongly condemning the attack this evening on al-Aqsa Mosque, our first Qibla. It is inhumane for Israel to target innocents praying during Holy Ramadan,” Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Twitter, referring to the Muslim holy month. “Will always stand by the just cause of the people of #Palestine,” Cavusoglu added, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the Israeli raid. Turkey’s presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin also condemned Israeli police forces for attacking Palestinian worshippers. Strongly condemning the attack this evening on al-Aqsa Mosque,our first Qibla. It is inhumane for Israel to target innocents praying during Holy Ramadan. Wishing speedy recovery to our injured brothers and sisters. Will always stand by the just cause of the people of #Palestine. — Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu (@MevlutCavusoglu) May 7, 2021 Palestinian president holds Israel ‘responsible’ Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said in a televised statement that the Israeli government is fully responsible for the recent incidents in Jerusalem, as well as any repercussions that result from the continuing escalation. He also voiced “full support for our heroes in Aqsa”. Abbas also urged the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to protect the Palestinian people. He underlined that the “brutality and terrorism” of the Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem would only make Palestinians more attached to their national right. Turkey calls on Israel to halt illegal settlements Turkey called on Israel to abandon its policy of building illegal settlements in East Jerusalem. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu’s remarks came at a news conference with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki in the Turkish capital Ankara. The Turkish official said Israel maintained its “occupation policy” in East Jerusalem and the West Bank without a pause, and it was taking new steps to expand illegal settlements or transfer Palestinian houses to illegal settlers, which could pave the way for further destabilisation in the future. US: ‘Critical’ to de-escalate Jerusalem tensions The United States called for de-escalation in occupied East Jerusalem, and warned against carrying out a threatened eviction of Palestinian families. “We’re deeply concerned about the heightened tensions in Jerusalem,” said Deputy State Department spokeswoman Jalina Porter. She said it was “critical” to “de-escalate tensions” and avoid any unilateral steps that could worsen the situation – such as “evictions, settlement activity and demolition”. Medics say dozens of Palestinians injured at Al-Aqsa At least 53 Palestinians were injured and 23 were hospitalised in confrontations with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service. It said most were wounded in the face and eyes by rubber-coated bullets and shrapnel from stun grenades fired by Israeli police. Six officers were also injured, Israeli police said. Right now—the last Friday of Ramadan, the most sacred time of year for Muslims—Israeli forces are shooting rubber bullets & stun grenades at Palestinians inside Al Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem, the third holiest site in Islam. There is no escaping the occupation’s violence. pic.twitter.com/Cixd9GSBfH — IMEU (@theIMEU) May 7, 2021 Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah say they are ‘terrified’ Mohammed el-Kurd, a Palestinian resident of the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, earlier on Friday shared photos on social media showing armed Jewish settlers walking around the neighbourhood. “What if they massacre us?” he asked. “Our families are terrified.” Right now in Sheikh Jarrah: settlers are walking around armed while no Palestinians are allowed in. LOOK AND LOOK AGAIN. What if they massacre us?! Our families are terrified. Who’s to save us?! pic.twitter.com/tic35KCFfN — mohammed el-kurd (@m7mdkurd) May 7, 2021 Israeli police block off Sheikh Jarrah Israeli police blocked off the entrances of the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood to hundreds of Palestinians and solidarity activists trying to enter the area, said activists. Protesters who were prevented from entering Sheikh Jarrah held a group iftar, the evening meal which breaks the daily fast during Ramadan, and held a vigil at the police barricades. Earlier today the Israeli police tried to disperse the weekly protest in #SheikhJarrah #SaveSheikhJarrah pic.twitter.com/NBrab2Ujru — Oren Ziv (@OrenZiv1985) May 7, 2021 UN condemns evictions The spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the evictions, “if ordered and implemented, would violate Israel’s obligations under international law” on East Jerusalem territory it captured and occupied in the 1967 Middle East war. “We call on Israel to immediately halt all forced evictions, including those in Sheikh Jarrah, and to cease any activity that would further contribute to a coercive environment and lead to a risk of forcible transfer,” spokesman Rupert Colville said. Tens of thousands attend Friday prayers Tens of thousands of Palestinian worshippers had earlier packed into the mosque on the final Friday of Ramadan and many stayed on to protest in support of Palestinians facing eviction from their homes on Israeli-occupied land claimed by Jewish settlers. However, thousands of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank were blocked from reaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque as Israeli forces set up several roadblocks and checkpoints along the way to the holy site. Continuing tensions in the city at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were front and centre in the Friday sermon given by Sheikh Tayseer Abu Sunainah.

News about the reopening of Qatar’s Palm Island years after it was closed has circulated online. Authorities in Qatar are said to be constructing a floating bridge or ‘pylons’ connecting Doha’s corniche to the Palm Island, according to local Al Arab newspaper. The plans were revealed by the Yousef Al-Emadi, the director of projects affairs at the Public Works Authority, more commonly known as Ashghal. The project is set to be the first step towards reopening Palm Island, which appears to be part of developmental projects in preparation for the World Cup next year. The island is expected to include projects designed to attract tourists as well as FIFA fans that are expected to visit the Gulf state in 2022 on the date of the long-awaited tournament. Initial news suggesting the restoration of Qatar’s deserted Palm Island surfaced earlier this week after the Ashghal published a tender on its website for the design, build, and dismantling of bridges of the island. The official said there are several options for building the bridge that include a floating structure or one that rests on columns. “The island will witness an unprecedented development characterised by an exceptional location unmatched to any similar projects in the region,” he said. Despite its small size, Al-Emadi said the island is considered the most attractive spot for its access to beaches, noting its unique location overlooking Doha’s corniche. Qatar’s Palm Island boasts an abundance of palm trees, which makes it a greenery hotspot in the middle of the water, suitable for relaxation, breathing fresh air and distancing from the noisy city. It is located in the middle of the Gulf waters, and is about 5 minutes away (by boat) from Doha’s corniche. The project will provide activities for families and children, and will offer a shallow pond, public parks, horse riding and water games. Previously, the island boasted restaurants serving a variety of cuisines as well as a resort, in addition to many cafes and cafeterias. Residents regularly visited Palm Island, situated just off the banks of Doha’s corniche, using a dhow boat that transported visitors to the island. In 2002, the small Palm Island held the torch relay for the 14th Asian Games that took place in South Korea, before it was later hosted in Qatar in 2006. Until now, the reason behind its closure remains unclear, but the island remains a crucial part of the lives of those who grew up in Qatar.

The Pink Supermoon illuminated the skies in Qatar as everywhere else in the world on the eves of April 26 and 27 this year. It was an astronomical event that occurs when the moon is at its perigee, or the point in its elliptical orbit at which it is closest to the Earth, where the moon was 357 thousand kilometres away from earth. Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), with the astro-photographer Vinay Swaroop Balla, captured amazing photos of the pink moon from the top of the Torch Tower and many other iconic towers in Doha to mark the beauty of the scene. Coinciding with this astronomical phenomenon, QNTC launched new astro-tourism experiences in collaboration with its partners in the private sector, to shed light on the hidden gems of natural and heritage sites in the country. These include activities such as a moon-lit camel safari and stargazing in the desert with an astronomer guide, safari trips and BBQ dinner banquets by the campfire in in Qatar’s unique natural wonders which boast a wonderful panoramic view. A bespoke range of these newly launched "Arabian Nights" packages is expected to attract travellers and visitors from around the world, with the expected gradual return of the global travel and tourism, with the aim to strengthen Qatar's position as a preferred tourist destination in the Middle East.

With gyms shutting down and increased levels of fatigue after breaking Ramadan fasts, maintaining physical fitness has become quite a challenge. News of yet more precautionary measures and restrictions may have placed a downer on your plans to keep active, or even your general mental health. This may have exacerbated even more with hours-long fasts during the holy month of Ramadan. Walking is a great way to help you destress while getting your much-needed daily steps, and here in Qatar, there are plenty of open spaces that allow you for you to do so without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. We gathered a list of five of our favourite walking spots in Doha for you to consider on your next walk. Remember, always wear a mask that covers both your mouth and nose, and keep a safe distance away from any other pedestrians. 5/6 Park Located in Onaiza between West Bay and Katara, the fairly new 5/6 park spans 172,000 square meters and has a 1.4 jogging track as well as a 1.1 km bicycle lane. The park is known for its iconic green maze that is designed to resemble Qatar’s map, with entrances and exists named after cities in the country. Read also: How to prepare for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan It is also features Qatari artists including Fahad Al Hajri’s ‘Symbol of Resilience’ [Sumood] which was inspired by the illegal 2017 blockade on Qatar. The park itself takes its name from the date of the embargo – June 5th. Katara Hills Located minutes away from 5/6 Park and beautifully nestled away in the cultural village is Katara Hills Park – a perfect spot for those who enjoy more inclined walking and a breathtaking view of the city. The park is located on top of a hill that is accessible via steps. Once you’re up there, you’ll find ample open green space as well as a walking/running track that circles the entire area. Aside from being a great space to walk, it’s also one of the most relaxing and ideal places to watch Qatar’s sunsets. Marina, Lusail The great thing about the newly-built Lusail City is its expanded landscape. Lusail Marina, or Lusail Promenade, spans over 140,000m2 and gives you at least 1-2 hours worth of walking time. The beautiful corniche gives you full view of the sea as well as the modern skyrise towers of Lusail Marina. Plenty of benches are available for when you need a rest and food or drinks are easily available from kiosks around the walkway as well as the Marina Food Arena. Al Bidda Park/Corniche Built in 1996 and formerly known as Al Rumaila Park, Al Bidda Park remains as a key location for families. It’s located in West Bay, minutes away from Qatar’s infamous Corniche where you can see Doha’s skyline. Starting from the iconic Sheraton hotel and crossing the city to the Museum of Islamic Art, the Corniche is also a great place to walk. It runs for a length of 7km, which means a two-way trip will most definitely help you unwind and hit your 10,000 daily steps goal. Aspire Park Far from Doha’s skyline, Aspire Park continues to stand as an ideal walking spot for resident in Qatar. Located in Aspire Zone, the 880,000 square meters park has plenty of running and walking tracks, beautiful green spaces and a lake that you can sit by when you need to take a break.