It’s shaping up to be a busy weekend in Qatar, particularly for theater aficionados, fans of stand-up comedy and motor racing buffs. Here are our picks:
The Prophet premiere
A Doha Film Institute and Salma Hayek-backed animated production of Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran’s famous novel, The Prophet, will make its commercial debut this weekend in Qatar at Novo Cinemas at The Pearl-Qatar on Thursday, May 7.
The voice cast includes several famous Hollywood celebrities including Liam Neeson, Quvenzhané Wallis, John Krasinski, Frank Langella and Alfred Molina.
Academy Award-winning composer Gabriel Yared has scored the film, complemented by additional music from Damien Rice, Glen Hansard and Lisa Hannigan as well as a cello solo by Grammy winner Yo-Yo Ma. Tickets cost QR45 and QR60. For film timings, see here.
Chuckle Club
The Chuckle Club returns this weekend with a new monthly lineup of comedians at the Doha Marriott Hotel near the airport.
The show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, from 7:30pm onwards and feature British stand-up comedian, writer and actor Tiff Stevenson – who has appeared in The Office (UK) and The Apprentice.
Also performing is Gareth Richards, who was named the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer in 2010; and Nashville native Billy Wayne Davis. Tickets to the event cost QR130 and are available online here. Attendees are requested to bring their Qatar IDs to the event.
Down by the sea
The Qatar National Library is hosting a nautical-themed children’s event on Thursday, May 7 from 4 to 6pm at the Education City Clubhouse.
The free event will feature storytelling, sea crafts, games and other activities geared at introducing children to the sea’s flora, fauna, wildlife as well as ways of protecting the marine environment.
Children ages four to 11 years old are welcome to attend the event with their families and friends.
Robin Hood in theater
One of England’s most famous outlaws takes to the stage at the Qatar National Theater for a one-night-only performance tonight (Wednesday) at 6pm.
The traditional tale of Robin Hood is reinvented in this South African production, which puts a modern spin on this popular story.
Tickets to the event cost QR80 and can be bought online here. For more information, call 5001-9251 or 4423-1280.
Anime and manga drawing workshop
Anime aficionados are welcome to attend an anime and manga drawing workshop today and tomorrow (May 6 and 7), from 4 to 7pm at Education City’s Tribe Bookstore.
The course, which costs QR650, teaches budding artists and anime-lovers how to color and draw characters in specific anime styles.
Participants will receive a set of nine Copic sketch markers, pens and anime drawings. For more information, contact Tribe at 4481-7196.
Sonja Park live in concert
Award-winning pianist and Steinway artist Sonja Park will perform tonight, May 6, at the St. Regis Doha.
Park will be accompanied by celebrated Egyptian cellist Hassan Moataz for a night of Scarlatti, Beethoven, Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Piazzolla. Tickets to the event, which will be held at the Sarab Lounge from 7 to 9pm, cost between QR190 and QR395.
For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the hotel at 4446-0105.
Omid Djalili in Qatar
BBC comedian celebrity and actor Omid Djalili is in Qatar this weekend to entertain audiences with his award-winning brand of humor.
This will be the Doha debut of Iranian-British comedian, who has appeared in Gladiator, Notting Hill, Pirates of the Caribbean and Sex and the City 2.
The one-night-only show will be held tomorrow, May 7, at 7pm at the Qatar National Convention Center. Tickets to the event cost between QR200 and QR450 and can be bought online here.
National Street Drag Championship finals
Experience homegrown fast and furious action by heading over to the Qatar Racing Club for the National Street Drag Championships finals.
High-performance cars, SUVs and motorcycles will compete in short races over the course of two days from 4pm to 9pm on May 7 and 8.
The event is free and open to the public, but interested attendees are requested to reserve a spot online.
Residents are also advised to bring along a pair of ear plugs. For more information and a full schedule, visit the event’s website here.
Bonus:
- Qatar Challenge Cup: For more fast-paced action and the opportunity to watch more than a dozen cars and 40 motorbikes compete, head to the final round of the Qatar Challenge Championship this weekend on May 7 and 8 at the Losail International Circuit. The event, an entry-level racing championship for amateur and rookie racing enthusiasts to compete at a national level, spans eight months, with seven races held intermittently from October to May. This event kicks off with practice sessions and qualifying rounds starting at 1:30pm on May 7. Warmups, followed by races, get underway on May 8 at 5pm. The event is free and open to the public. A detailed schedule is available online.
- Summer farmers’ markets: Enjoy one of the last opportunities to buy fresh, locally grown produce at Qatar’s three farmers markets. The markets, which are located in Al Mazrouah near Umm Salal, Al Khor, and Al Wakra are open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. New this week are square-shaped watermelons, which are purportedly easier to transport, and more than 32 types of local summer vegetables at discounted rates.
What are your plans this weekend? Thoughts?
