Nov 14, 2008: About Doha…
You must try and visit the Khalifa Stadium + Villagio in the SW along Al Waab Street. This is the village of the Doha Asian Games, now partially transformed to a mall. Al Waab street leading to this stadium is highlighted by huge street-lights, hanging like swords above your head (as we used to joke). It's a decent place - the mall has a great bookshop inside, an artificial canal, even an artificial sky!
If you want to have good food and possibly even drinks, go to Al Mirqab street and Hotel Cigale/ Hotel Ramada along C Ring Road near Al Saad/ Ramada signal. This is supposed to be the "yuppie" place of Doha. There' s a decent Turkish, Lebanese and even Thai restaurant in this area. U must try their salads - there is a buffet in Ponderosa restaurant there - it's quite nice.
The Corniche integrates the West bay and the old City Centre and is full of people in the evening. Generally, quite pleasant. If u walk from the Qatar Museum of Islamic Arts, designed by I M Pei (Chinese-American architect whose hometown was actually Suzhou!) - if it is open now to Sheraton hotel, you would have covered the Corniche and also end up quite hungry. There are 2 restaurants along the Corniche - the Arabic one near the Oryx is quite good., especially for a cup of tea and kebabs in the evening. There is also the National Theatre along the Corniche which usually has some performances...and yes, there is Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex near the Corniche. These public places are generally accessible for free or at minimal charges even for international events.
Souk Waqf is THE most charming place in Doha! :) Most of Doha has to be experienced by car except for the City Centre and the Corniche - that is the nature of the city. It's quite a comfortable place - not very happening; but considering my present location - i even miss Doha! The Arabs are hot-blooded, but generally warm people. Can be whimsical.
If you want to have good food and possibly even drinks, go to Al Mirqab street and Hotel Cigale/ Hotel Ramada along C Ring Road near Al Saad/ Ramada signal. This is supposed to be the "yuppie" place of Doha. There' s a decent Turkish, Lebanese and even Thai restaurant in this area. U must try their salads - there is a buffet in Ponderosa restaurant there - it's quite nice.
The Corniche integrates the West bay and the old City Centre and is full of people in the evening. Generally, quite pleasant. If u walk from the Qatar Museum of Islamic Arts, designed by I M Pei (Chinese-American architect whose hometown was actually Suzhou!) - if it is open now to Sheraton hotel, you would have covered the Corniche and also end up quite hungry. There are 2 restaurants along the Corniche - the Arabic one near the Oryx is quite good., especially for a cup of tea and kebabs in the evening. There is also the National Theatre along the Corniche which usually has some performances...and yes, there is Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex near the Corniche. These public places are generally accessible for free or at minimal charges even for international events.
Souk Waqf is THE most charming place in Doha! :) Most of Doha has to be experienced by car except for the City Centre and the Corniche - that is the nature of the city. It's quite a comfortable place - not very happening; but considering my present location - i even miss Doha! The Arabs are hot-blooded, but generally warm people. Can be whimsical.
