By Reem Saad

From checking out the new Mall of Qatar (MOQ) to attending a comedy show to catching a sneak peek of some of the world’s most expensive boats, there’s plenty to do around town this weekend.

Here are our picks:

Mall of Qatar soft opening

The soft opening of the three-story Mall of Qatar (MOQ) will take place this Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at 10am.

MOQ will have over 500 shops, including 100 food and beverage outlets. More than 40 retailers are new to the country, including Pottery Barn, Cheesecake Factory and a Hamley’s toy store.

We're super excited about the 1st @Cheesecake that's opening up @MALLOFQATAR. Here's a sneak peek at the outlet. 2 more coming up in #Qatar. pic.twitter.com/5sKhpdKu5B

— DohaTweetups Archive (@DTArchive) December 6, 2016

MOQ will also feature a “Signature Carrefour” built to resemble a village market, a 19-screen movie theater, and a $25-million miniature children’s city.

MOQ is located next to the upcoming Al Rayyan World Cup stadium and will be open from 10am to 11pm Saturday through Wednesday, and until midnight on the weekends. Find directions here.

Darb Al Saai

Qatar National Day (QND) celebrations will kick off this Thursday with the launch of the annual Darb Al Saai.

The grounds in Al Sadd will be open from Dec. 8 to Dec. 20, giving residents a chance to learn about Qatar’s past and heritage.

Food, farm animals, merchandise, shows and other activities usually take place on the grounds.

Last year, Darb Al Saai was open to the public from 8am to noon and 4pm to 11pm each day, except Fridays. We’ll update you on the hours this year when they come out.

Boat show

The fourth edition of the Qatar International Boat Show will open to the public at Mourjan Marinas in Lusail tomorrow (Thursday Dec. 8) through Saturday, Dec. 10, from 2:30pm to 9:30pm.

The show will feature 35 vessels on display and for the first time, the world’s fastest and largest aluminum cruising yacht will dock in Lusail for the event.

Visitors can get a sneak peek inside many of the vessels on display, but only by appointment. Tours around the boats should be pre-booked through the event’s Facebook page.

Comedy night

The Doha Improv Comedy Ensemble and Stand Up Comedy Qatar are teaming up for a night of fun and laughter this Thursday, Dec. 8 at Education City’s Black Box Theatre.

A line-up of seven comedians will take the stage, including Saad Khan, Trish Slade, Abdulrahman Romahy, Mohammed Ayman and Nawaal Akram. Doors open at 6:30pm, with the show running from 7pm until 9:30pm.

Advance tickets cost QR35 for those who pre-register here. At-the-door tickets cost QR50/person.

All tickets should be paid for in cash at the venue on the night of the event. Those interested in performing at the event can email Saad Khan at [email protected].

Hariharan concert

Renowned multi-Grammy winner and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and Indian playback and ghazal singer Hariharan will perform in Doha this Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).

The duo will be in Qatar as part of their Hazir 2 world tour and will also be accompanied by Indian musician Stephen Devassy, who will be playing the piano.

The duo will be performing from 7pm to 10pm. Tickets for the show cost QR150, QR250 and QR500 and can be purchased here.

‘Mega Celebrations Ride’

“Doha ’06 Memories” and Batabit (Qatar Motorcycle Center) are inviting all bikers in Doha to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Doha 2006 Asian Games this Friday, Dec. 9.

During the event, bikers will meet at MIA park at 2pm and bike to Aspire Zone, near the Torch Hotel.

More information can be found here.

DESS winter fair

The Doha English Speaking School (DESS) will be holding a winter fair this Friday, Dec. 9 from noon to 4pm.

The event will feature prize draws, a bouncy castle, a snowflake cafe, a vendor street market, arts and crafts, face painting and Thai and Arabic food, among others.

Those who wish to attend must pay a fee of QR10 at the door. More information can be found here.

Bonus:

• Winter at The Pearl: Musical parades featuring jugglers and mascots will take place at The Pearl’s Porto Arabia restaurants, retail arcades and boardwalk on Friday, Dec. 9, from 7pm to 10pm. The parades will also take place on the 23rd and 30th of this month.
• QatArt handmade exhibition: An exhibition that will feature over 60 artists, designers, crafters along with customized workshops will take place on Al Jazeera Tower’s first floor in West Bay this Friday from 1pm to 6pm and Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door and cost QR20 for those aged 12 and up and QR10 for those below 12. More information here.

What are your plans for the weekend? Thoughts?