With the World Cup over, activities are slowing down in Qatar in the second half of Ramadan. But there are still a few things to do this weekend. Here are our picks:
Ramadan in Katara
As part of an ongoing astronomy and Ramadan series, Katara is holding a lecture on astronomy and fiction by novelist Sadiq Al Jamal today, July 16, in Building 15. The event starts at 9:30pm and is free and open to the public.
Additionally, the Medley of Faith, a lecture series held at the Katara mosque during taraweeh prayers, will feature well-known Islamic lecturer Hasan Al Chafihi today. And Mansour Al Zahrani will speak tomorrow, July 17. The lecture starts at 8pm and runs for around an hour.
Katara will also screen a documentary called “The Eternal Miracle” about the Quran and the universe inside Building 18 that runs from 9pm to midnight, from July 16 to 31.
Amira Al Ajji exhibition
Qatari artist Amira Al Ajji will showcase 27 of her works for three weeks at Katara’s Building No. 13. The exhibition, titled “1040,” deals predominantly with the color black.
Speaking to the Peninsula, Al Ajji said that the color represented challenge and strength, and was rooted in Qatari culture and community. The event is free and open to the public.
Sunset paddle
Local educational organization Entalek is organizing a kayaking trip this Friday and Saturday. Participants can beat the heat while they paddle past Qatar’s mangroves at discounted rates of QR175 (Friday) and QR 150 (Saturday) per person.
Friday’s trip will include a barbecue and bonfire, though people are required to bring their own food to grill. The group will meet at the Al Thakira bay at 5pm. The tour includes an exploration of mangrove wildlife like reef egrets, terns, herons, and jumping fish, and a short talk about the mangrove ecosystem.
Tickets can be booked online here. Alternatively, call 3023 3207 for more information.
Cricket in Ramadan
Cheer on local cricket teams as they battle it out for a QR50,000 cash prize during the West End Park Ramadan Tournament. The tournament, which began on July 6, will run daily until the quarter-final stage on July 21.
Catch ten teams from the Qatar Cricket Association A Division and two from the Challenge Cup Finals in this event, held at the West End Park Stadium. The event is free and open to the public, and matches start at 7:45pm daily.
Bonus:
- Eid Bazaar 2014: Join the Designer Fashion Lounge as they put on a trunk show featuring Indian and Pakistani designers at the Crowne Plaza Doha from 7pm to 2am on July 18 and 19. Gather family and friends post-iftar and see designers Ritu Beri, Ritu Kumar, Gauhar Khan, Sana Safinaz, Asim Jofa and numerous others showcase their traditional designs. Tickets to the bazaar cost QR10/person and can be bought at the door. There is no charge for children under 12, and free refreshments will be provided throughout the event.
- Museum Closed!: A friendly reminder that the Museum of Islamic Art will be closed until the second day of Eid. After that, the Collecting Al-Andalus exhibition will reopen. It focuses on exquisite ceramics from Spain that bring together Muslim and Christian artistic elements. The exhibition will run until Aug. 30, and is free and open to the public.
What are your weekend plans? Thoughts?
