Leisure
Leisure time is a sacred element to any living human being; downtime from the humdrum of life; a chance to relax, rewind and reboot. And there are a myriad of ways in which we choose to spend our downtime. Some people play sports, some rest, head to the beach, lounge by the pool, some read, watch TV or play games, some take the chance to socialise with friends and family, some picnic, visit cafes and restaurants, and some visit the sights, take in the scenery, or get out into the great outdoors. Whatever floats your boat, if you are lucky enough to have the time and live somewhere with plenty of options and opportunities, then the world is your oyster. Luckily for residents and visitors to Qatar, this country has a vast array of leisure activities - regardless of the weather!
In the winter months, when the weather is fine with comfortable temperatures, blue skies and a refreshing offshore breeze, this is the time to get outside and sample the many things you can do both in the city and further afield. In Doha city, you can dine al fresco in any number of restaurants and cafes in parks, hotels, souqs, along boulevards and promenades, or at beachfront eateries or sky-high rooftop diners. There are plenty of parks to walk, run, cycle, picnic and play in, and many outdoor sports and activities to get involved in. At this time of year, swish hotels with outdoor pools and beach access offer the perfect place to hang out day and night. Outdoor markets and bazaars add a new dimension to shopping trips usually reserved for air-conditioned malls. And you can attend an array of open-air festivals and events held during the winter months. Outside the city, there is 560km of coastline to explore, with some beautiful beaches along the way, and a stunning desert to discover.
In the summer, there are plenty of indoor activities to suit every taste and budget. Doha's many, many Malls each have an array of shops, restaurants and cafes and a plethora of entertainment options to enjoy. There are Malls with ice rinks, bowling alleys, cinemas, trampoline parks, theme parks, soft play areas, amusement and gaming arcades, edutainment parks, and even a snow park, as well as regular live entertainment. Many hotels offer day access to temperature-controlled pools and gyms, as well as mount-watering brunches, afternoon teas and business lunches. Visiting mosques and museums at this time of year also provides a welcome break from the Summer sun and an opportunity to learn a little more about Qatar's history, heritage and culture.
So, if you have some leisure time, Qatar has something for you - all you need to do is pick an option and press the relax button.