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...

River Island, the British brand known for its trendy partywear and fashionable designs, is closing its stores across the Middle East. After years of being a high-street favourite in the region, it's time to say goodbye. If you’ve been a fan of their edgy styles, now is the perfect time to grab your favorite items before it’s too late. The brand has announced that stores in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain are offering discounts of up to 75%. So, if you’re in the mood for a bargain, don’t miss out on the final sales. Here are the locations where...

Looking for a unique way to embrace the winter season in Doha? Head over to Rosewood Doha and try out their open-air ice rink. Set under the crisp sky of Lusail, it’s a fun and relaxed spot for families and friends to enjoy the winter vibes. Whether you’re a pro on skates or just out for a leisurely glide, the rink offers a chance to enjoy the season in a totally new way. To make your visit even sweeter, treat yourself to some hot chocolate and fresh pastries from Butterfly Patisserie and Q Deli. It’s the kind of cozy escape...

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...

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’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 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...

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...

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...