Season selections in Qatar

This article was written by Omar Shaath for QL's Ramadan writing competition. Check out his blog for more interesting information about Qatar.

Season selections in Qatar 

Qatar has two main seasons throughout the year, summer and winter. Fall and spring are not so obvious in this region. In summer, people like to hangout indoor or stay in the car and drive around. While in the winter, it’s the best time of the year to go outdoors and do different things. I will share four of my favorite places; two for each season.

Summer selections

Fuwairet Beach

Nothing beats a swim and nice tan in the summer. Qatar as a peninsula offers a wide range of places to visit, but this place in particular is quite popular. The sea is free of stones unlike other places, and is also free of jellyfish. You can enjoy a swim in warm water under the sun. In addition, there is a windsurfing group that hangs out there and they offer courses to amateurs who would like to give it a try. It’s a perfect getaway from the city to the north east side of the country.

Fuwairat Beach by Bassam Bandak

Banana Island

Many people used to visit this island, years before it became the establishment of a 5-start resort. People used to sail or ride jet-skis to this island and enjoy a nice little island fiesta. Now, it’s even better with this fancy resort where you can enjoy many activities and restaurants. You get a luxurious ride to the island, and you feel that you have arrived to a tropical island. You can reserve an over-the-water hut or a chalet with private pool. They have entertainment facilities such as game room, wave riding and some water sports.

Banana Island

Winter selections

Sealine

This place is most unique about Qatar. Even though it’s not the only country with dunes in the region, enthusiasts turn this desert into heaven during winter. You can see hundreds of cars stacked up to watch some guys stunt with sand-bashing. Moreover, many families build camps to spend their weekends in the desert. In addition, there is a resort, or an oasis as I like to call it, where you can chill and relax even with a one-day entry. There are other fun things to do such as horse or camel riding, jet-skiing, renting quad bikes and more.

Sealine

Souq Waqif

This place gets very busy, and you are advised to reserve a table in advance. People stay here until late evening, up till 12-1 AM. Perhaps this place is well known for its moderate food pricing, but also for the Shisha. During school breaks, the Souq organizes festivals with famous singers in a free-entry theatre, and entertainment groups marching the walkways. You can enjoy the change of scene just by sitting outdoors. There are nice art galleries that should be checked out, and animal shops where you can say hi to friendly and cute ones, or even buy a new pet.

Souq Waqif