Five things to do in Qatar this weekend (Dec. 30- Jan. 2)

Qatar Mile 2012
Qatar Mile 2012

With only a few days left before 2015 officially comes to a close, there are several things to do around town this weekend, from New Year’s Eve events to a “fast and furious” type racing competition to a show-jumping tournament.

Here are our picks:

New Year’s Eve roundup

Go out with a bang this New Year’s at one of numerous dining and partying options around Qatar. There’s a circus-themed extravaganza, a traditional Greek plate smashing dinner, an ABBA revival party and 10-course sushi meals on offer.

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

There are also tours of the desert on offer and a NYE party from 8pm to 2am at Jazz at the Lincoln Center Doha.

For more information, visit our NYE guide here, or check out I Love Qatar here for a more comprehensive list of all the night’s offerings.

Qatar Mile

Dubbed the “Biggest Speed Festival” in the region, the annual Qatar Mile series will hold its opening race from Friday, Jan. 1 to Saturday, Jan. 2.

Photo for Illustrative Purposes Only (Red Bull Car Park Drift in action)

The series, which was designed to allow participants to reach top speed over a set distance of 804m on an airport runway, saw the winning participant get up to 354.33 km/h last year.

Doors open from 9am to 5pm on both days, and the event is free and open to the public. For more information, see the series’ Facebook page here, or visit the QRC website here.

Copic workshop

Get crafty this weekend with a two-day long workshop of art and coloring at the Katara Cultural Village, Building 19. The event costs QR700 and is open to interested attendees ages 14 and over. Sessions are three hours each, and run from 4 to 7pm daily.

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

 

For more information or to register, call 4408 0233, 4408 0235 or 4408 0237, or send your name and number via email to education@katara.net.

Show jumping championship

Watch horse and man compete to clear small hurdles at the first event of the New Year – the Al Rayyan International Show Jumping Championship.

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

The competition will be held at the Equestrian Federation’s Main Arena from Jan. 1 to 3. Concurrent children’s activities including games and pony rides will be held for spectators during the event.

Sessions will be held from 1:30 to 10pm on Jan. 1, and from 11:30am to 8pm on subsequent days. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 44708404 or 44708456.

Jazz at Lincoln Center

JALC at the St. Regis Doha will hold its regular dinner show tonight and tomorrow night, with dinner reservations starting at 7pm. The show timing is 7:30pm to 9:30pm. For those seated at tables, each person must spend a minimum of QR270. Those at the bar must spend at least QR150.

JALC

There’s also a late night show from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:15pm to 1am, with no minimum spend or reservations required. More information on all JALC shows can be found here.

Reservations or enquiries can be made at 4446-0105 or via e-mail at diningreservations@stregis.com.

What are your plans for the weekend? Thoughts?