What to do in Qatar - Latest News

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...

A Night of Relatable Laughter You Won’t Forget. Get ready, Qatar, Lebanese comedy star John Achkar is bringing his hit stand-up special “I’m Trying” to Doha for one night only! Known for his witty storytelling and sharp humor, John will light up the stage at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) on 20 September 2025 with a show full of real-life punchlines and non-stop laughs. And the fun doesn’t stop here, John is also taking “I’m Trying” on the road with upcoming shows in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Bahrain, making it a regional comedy tour you won’t want to miss. What...

Richoux, French restaurant founded in London, is preparing to enter the Middle East market. The brand has announced that it will launch new locations in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in 2026, marking a significant international expansion. The upcoming launches are being developed in partnership with the Big Belly Hospitality Group (BBR). This move follows the restaurant’s return to London, with new branches confirmed for Regent Street and Tower Bridge.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Richoux | ريشو (@richouxksa) Richoux was established in 1909 by Monsieur Richoux and has long been recognised...

On October 17, 2025, celebrated Egyptian singer Angham will perform live at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Exhibition Hall 9. The one-night-only event promises a journey through some of the most loved Arabic pop tracks of the last few decades. Angham is considered the best-selling living female artist from Egypt and a key figure in shaping modern Arabic music. She began her career in 1987 and has since built a legacy defined by expressive vocals, melismatic phrasing, and emotional depth.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Moments Events (@moments.events) Over the years, she...

Pickl has rolled out a new seasonal special that’s as bold as it is unexpected: The Boujee Bird Sando. Available for a limited time until August 31, this unusual sandwich pairs fried chicken with ice cream — and it’s only available for dine-in. On the plate, you’ll get a crispy fried chicken fillet stacked with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of hot butter honey, and all of it tucked inside a toasted potato bun. The result is a sandwich that plays with contrast: hot and cold, sweet and spicy, soft and crunchy, all at once.    ...

The GCC Railway is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the region — a 2,117-kilometre high-speed rail network set to connect key cities across the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. While the vision is bold, bringing it to life is proving to be a complex and multifaceted undertaking. According to SYSTRA, a global expert in mobility solutions and a key player in the Etihad Rail development, cross-border high-speed rail (HSR) systems come with layers of logistical, technical, and political complexity. HSR networks promise plenty — shorter travel times, economic growth, environmental benefits, and tighter...

A big change is on the horizon for travellers in and around the Gulf. A new unified visa — officially called the GCC Grand Tours Visa — is expected to launch soon, making it easier to explore the entire Gulf region on a single application. While an exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, the new process is anticipated to be available sometime this year. Approved in 2023 and now in its final planning stages, the visa will grant access to: United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Bahrain Kuwait Oman Qatar Once launched, the GCC Grand Tours Visa will simplify...

Doha’s luxury hospitality scene just got even more impressive. Rosewood Doha is the latest five-star addition to the Qatari capital, officially opening its doors on July 15 in the city’s modern Lusail district. Bookings are now open, and the property promises a stay that blends Qatari tradition with global standards of comfort and design. Rosewood Doha enjoys a strategic spot close to the Lusail Marina promenade and key cultural sites. The hotel features 155 rooms and suites, each with panoramic views of either Lusail City or the Arabian Gulf.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Qatar has officially launched the construction phase of two 3D-printed public schools in Doha, marking a global first in terms of both scale and technological ambition. The project is part of a nationwide initiative to build 14 new public schools, and is being led by UCC Holding in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). What makes this project extraordinary is its size: each school spans 20,000 square metres. That’s 40 times larger than any other 3D-printed building constructed anywhere in the world so far.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by UCC Holding (@uccholding)...

Qatar’s dining scene is heating up with a stylish new addition: Bar Du Port is making its Doha debut at Al Maha Island, the city’s exclusive waterfront destination. Known for its effortlessly elegant vibe, coastal flair, and sophisticated Mediterranean menu, the restaurant and lounge is already a hit in Beirut, Cairo, and Dubai — and now it’s bringing that same charm to the Qatari capital. The Doha outpost is set up to match the city’s climate and pace, with three distinct spaces designed to suit every kind of visit.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared...