What to do in Doha

Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced a new regulation that will affect businesses across the country. Starting from August 18, 2025, most commercial and industrial establishments will be required to close for 90 minutes during Friday prayers. This closure is mandatory for most commercial and industrial establishments. The decision, announced in the country’s Official Gazette, was made by Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the Minister of Commerce and Industry. The Ministry has stated that the new rule is meant to serve the public interest and support the well-being of society. The regulation encourages alignment with...

In an exciting development for global food enthusiasts, Doha is set to welcome the prestigious Michelin Guide for the first time. This December 12, Raffles Doha's elegant Katara Hall will host an exclusive, invitation-only event to announce the debut selection of Michelin-rated restaurants in Qatar, marking a significant milestone for the region’s blossoming food scene. For local food lovers and travelers, Doha’s culinary landscape has evolved to become one of the Middle East's most promising food destinations. The eagerly awaited Michelin launch will spotlight local and international chefs whose creativity and passion for quality have shaped Qatar’s gastronomic scene. At...

If you’ve ever wanted to see some of the biggest names in football without flying across continents, this is your moment. Qatar Football Festival 2026 is bringing top international teams to Doha this March. After the success of the 2022 World Cup, the country is once again turning its stadiums into the centre of global football. Here’s your guide to the dates, teams, and schedule of matches, so you can start planning. Qatar Football Festival 2026 is a week-long international football event taking place in Doha from March 26 to 31. The idea is simple: bring major national teams to...

If your child has been asking to use WhatsApp, a new feature coming in the next few months may ease the concerns about the safety of the app. WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. The feature lets younger users stay in touch with family and friends while parents keep control over the account’s privacy and communication settings. How Parent-managed WhatsApp Accounts Work With this feature, a parent or guardian can create and supervise the account for a kids under 13. Only adults aged 18 or older can manage the setup. Here's what parents can manage: decide who is...

Currently, it takes over six hours to travel between Riyadh and Doha by road, but that will soon change! Saudi Arabia and Qatar have just signed an agreement for a high-speed rail project that will cut the journey time between their capitals to just two hours. The project could be completed in as little as six years, and both countries have ambitious plans for this development. Here are the first details about the rail network between Riyadh and Doha: The rail link will reduce the travel time between Riyadh and Doha to just 2 hours Trains will travel at speeds...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Thinking about a European escape without dealing with visa paperwork? Albania just dropped the visa requirement for the rest of 2026. Qatari citizens can enter Albania without a visa from April 15 to December 31. Albania is located just across the Adriatic from Italy, but far less crowded, and prices are noticeably lower. You can focus on the coast, explore the cities, head into the mountains, or just combine all three. And with new visa-free entry to Albania for Qatar citizens, there’s no paperwork needed. You can just book a flight and go. If you, like many other travelers, never...

Looking for a new spot in Doha for family outings? Dugong Adventure World is opening on April 23, and you can already plan your visit. With games, food, and different areas to explore, it’s the kind of place where you might end up staying longer than expected. The park is split into three zones: Zone 1: Games and challengesAdventure games and carnival-style setups fill this area Zone 2: Food and shoppingBazaar-style stalls offer quick bites and small shops Zone 3: Pet areaA calm space for family pet activities, where you can take a pause from games and activities View this...

Primark is about to make a big splash in the GCC, with plans to expand into two more countries. The brand is officially heading to Bahrain and Qatar, with new stores opening by the end of 2026. From everyday wear to homeware, cosmetics, and seasonal décor, Primark is all about offering quality products at accessible prices. You've probably seen those unpacking videos on social media; well, now those great finds are coming your way! Bahrain will get its first Primark at City Centre Bahrain later this year; and Qatar will open its first store at Doha Festival City by the...

If you need to brighten up your January, here’s an event you don’t want to miss! Qatar Kite Festival is flying back to Old Doha Port this month, and it’s bound to be an unforgettable experience, whether you’re with friends, a special someone, or the whole family. The event will last from January 15 to 24, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it and even come back for more fun. Get ready for some incredible professional kite flying shows during this edition! 20 top teams from around the world will gather in Doha and fill the sky with...