Tag: Qatar Tourism

DOHA, Qatar, October 6, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Qatar Tourism reveals a menu of top international restaurants, cafés and cuisines for football fans and visitors to Qatar looking to indulge in a taste of home. For the thousands travelling to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something to suit all palates as visitors will have the choice of over 3,000 food and beverage outlets in Qatar.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “From fine dining to street food, Qatar offers a diverse range of cuisines from all over the world. We have an abundance of international restaurants to cater to all tastes and cultures, but I would really encourage fans to sample the delicious local Qatari dishes while they are here.”

In advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Tourism has compiled a list of restaurants and cafés in Doha featuring cuisines from each of the countries competing in the tournament.

Group A – Qatar | Ecuador | Senegal | Netherlands

Qatar

Curious fans can try a taste of the home nation by breakfasting at Shay Al Shomous at Souq Waqif, famous for its charismatic owner Shams Al Qassabi. Gahwetna in The Pearl-Qatar serves authentic local delicacies, such as moshakshaka and zaatar. For extravagance, look no further than Jiwan at the National Museum of Qatar. Jiwan, the Qatari word for the perfect pearl, is spearheaded by Alain Ducasse and takes diners on a contemporary journey of Qatari cuisine. At Saasna, in Msheireb, creative Qatari chefs prepare local classics such as baddawi, saloona meat and saffron cake. 

Ecuador

Fans with a sweet tooth should stop by Chocolataria Equador for some of the best chocolate treats in town. The speciality shop monitors the origin of its own cocoa beans to ensure fair trade and delivery of only the highest quality products. 

Senegal

A slice of Senegal can be found in the heart of Doha at Sabali. The restaurant sits in the city’s Tornado Tower and serves a variety of delicious Senegalese dishes, along with refreshing bissap juice. 

Netherlands

Hungry visitors from Holland will find mini Dutch pancakes from Poffertjes are a popular street food option at pop-up stalls across the city. 

Group B – England | Iran | USA | Wales

England 

British fans should stop by The Red Lion Doha for a traditional pub-like atmosphere; with lots of screens, it’s a great place to watch the matches. Harrods Tea Rooms Doha offers a more refined experience, deeply rooted in the traditions of London’s most famous department store. 

Iran

Parisa, in Souq Waqif, is the ideal place to sample much-loved Iranian-speciality dishes. The walls of this palatial restaurant are covered in colourful tiles and mirrors, an authentic setting for the delicious ‘home recipes’ prepared by Chef Ali Reza. 

USA

American food lovers are spoilt for choice with a range of top BBQ, diner and burger joints to visit. Boston’s, Ted’s American Diners, Applebee’s, Public House Doha, The Cheesecake Factory, Santa Monica Breakfast Club, New York Steakhouse… the list goes on and on.

Wales

Delicious Welsh lamb – the country’s most iconic food export ­- is served in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Fans should visit one of Qatar’s many steakhouses, such as STK Doha, for their excellent lamb shanks. 

Group C – Argentina | Saudi Arabia | Mexico | Poland

Argentina

Visitors will find a quaint restaurant called La Boca in the heart of Souq Waqif, which specialises in Argentinian cuisine. And bringing Doha diners a taste of Latin America is Fuego – meaning fire – which focuses on authentic flavoursome ingredients. 

Saudi Arabia

Healthy Saudi dishes are now on offer at Qatar’s new Koozi restaurant, which only just opened in September 2022. All the dishes, such as madghut chicken, okra, and molokhia, offer excellent value for money, from just 3 USD.

Mexico

Head to Lusail Food Arena for a taste of Mexican street food. The burritos and tacos of Abocado are dished up from inside a giant, yellow, converted school bus. Isla Mexican Kitchen, La Bodega Negra, El Cedro Lounge and Maya make up some more of Qatar’s many Mexican options.

Poland

Budget-friendly plates of Polish cuisine are served at Polka in Madinat Khalifa, where the dishes are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. Try Polish dumplings and homemade apple juice, ‘kompot’, alongside tasty plates such as Grandma Kristina’s Veggie Salad.

Group D – France | Australia | Denmark | Tunisia

France

Loleya Patisserie by Chef Aziz, located within the recently opened Le Royal Méridien Doha, offers classic French pastries, unique cakes and sweets, which are complemented by iconic Arab signature desserts. La Maison Martinez offers traditional dishes including French toast, côte de bœuf baguette and croque truffles.

Australia

Visitors seeking a dish from Down Under should look no further than The Coffee Club for a classic Aussie brunch accompanied by a flat white, or the Outback Steakhouse for its take on the Australian barbeque.

Denmark

Competing with French cuisine for the most delectable pastries, the mini cream cheese Danish pastries from Pinna Bakery & Café cannot be missed. 

Tunisia

For fresh, tasty and authentic Tunisian cuisine, visit Sidi Bou Said Restaurant – be sure to try the couscous platter. 

Group E – Spain | Costa Rica | Germany | Japan

Spain

Fans with a taste for tapas should visit The Cellar in the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, or El Faro inside Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha. Both offer lively settings and a vibrant atmosphere, with traditional recipes from across the Iberian Peninsula.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s renowned high-quality coffee beans can be found in many of Qatar’s top cafés, such as Vulcan Coffee Roastery in downtown Doha. 

Germany

German and Arabian hospitality are united at Steigenberger Hotel Doha, which features a variety of cafés and restaurants with Germanic roots. Crust serves up typical German bread and pastry specialities, and “Genuss” Speciality Restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a German twist. 

Japan

Many of Qatar’s Japanese restaurants represent the crème de la crème of international cuisine on offer in the country. The world’s largest Nobu is located in the Four Seasons Hotel Doha and sits on its own private island. Morimoto features excellent steak and sushi from the famous Iron Chef and Sora offers spectacular sunset views of Doha’s skyline on the 21^st floor of the Park Hyatt Doha. For something more budget-friendly, Ninja Ramen Qatar serves authentic noodles imported from Japan. 

Group F – Belgium | Canada | Morocco | Croatia

Belgium

European cuisine and the best of Belgian beverages can be found at the Belgian Café Doha. Housed within InterContinental Doha, the popular venue attracts the crowds for its extensive outdoor terrace offering views over the Arabian Gulf. 

Canada

Arguably the best doughnuts in Doha can be found at Canadian fast-food chain Tim Hortons, which has branches in the capital’s top shopping malls. First-timers should sample a mini-Timbit, the chain’s popular powdered cake ball. 

Morocco

Must-try Moroccan spots in Qatar include Argan Moroccan Cuisine with its famous harira soup, Marrakech Restaurant, which features extravagant interiors, and Tajeen Restaurant, which is tucked away in bustling Souq Waqif.

Croatia

Guests lucky enough to be staying on the Golden Horizon – the largest square-rigged cruise ship in the world – during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ can expect a Croatian cultural feast on board, including Balkan-inspired delicacies. 

Group G – Brazil | Serbia | Switzerland | Cameroon

Brazil

Ipanema Doha, at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, offers Brazil’s popular churrascaria concept: large chunks of slow-cooked meat are presented on sword-style skewers and carved table-side by passadores. A traditional Brazilian experience, this restaurant features live music from a trio band each evening from Monday to Saturday.

Serbia

The Middle Eastern equivalent of sarma, one of the most popular Serbian dishes, involves stuffing vine leaves rather than cabbage. It is a popular meze option across Qatar’s regional restaurants, such as Sukar Pasha in Katara, where ancient culinary traditions are preserved in a contemporary setting.

Switzerland

The Suisse Chalet Restaurant & Café offers Alpine delights to its visitors in the colourful Qanat Quartier district of The Pearl-Qatar, while the Swiss-Café at Swiss-Belinn Doha offers international dishes for those who like to mix it up.

Cameroon

Visitors will find dishes similar to Cameroonian staples, such as brochettes, in the many pan-African and even Arabic restaurants across the country. Great value BBQ meats are on offer at Kebabbq, Lamazani Grill and Shujaa Restaurant in Souq Waqif, where a chicken skewer starts from as little as 1 USD.

Group H – Portugal | Ghana | Uruguay | South Korea

Portugal

In central Doha, LÁZARO’S serves genuine Portuguese dishes, or try Santa Nata, in Msheireb Downtown, famous for its authentic pastel de natas. 

Ghana

Ghanian favourite Jollof rice, a dish of prepared with tomato sauce, spices and rice, can be found at popular local hotspot Mama’s Place, which dishes up generous portions and aims to create the atmosphere of a home away from home.

Uruguay

Those looking for food typical of Uruguay, such as empanadas, should visit The Empanada House Doha for delicious flaky pastries, or Toro Toro which celebrates the vibrant flavours and convivial dining culture of South America.

South Korea

Enjoy traditional Korean BBQ, grilled at the table, at one of Qatar’s two Maru Korean BBQ Restaurants – located in Qanat Quartier and West Bay. Complete with authentic Korean interiors, the menu features noodles and grilled BBQ meats.

For more on Qatar’s delicious mix of culinary choices, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/food-drink 

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For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:

+974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

About Qatar: 

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism: 

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East. 

Web: www.visitqatar.com

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar

Source: Qatar Tourism

DOHA, Qatar, April 21, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM bringing in fans from around the world, Qatar Tourism reveals the budget-friendly restaurants best for big appetites without breaking the bank.

For less than $30 a day, fans can taste authentic Middle Eastern flavours, or any international cuisine, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with local teas and “qahwa” coffee to boost energy levels in preparation for the match excitement. 

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sometimes, all a traveller wants is a quick, affordable, but delicious meal to get them through the day. In Qatar, visitors can grab a shawarma with meat fresh off the grill, or dip warm falafel into tahini for just a few Qatari riyals. With a never-ending portfolio of pocket-friendly bites on every street corner, sometimes the simplest meals are the best. Football fans should get ready to be wowed with our low-cost sweet and savoury sensations.”

While Qatar excels in luxury offerings, the country also allows for budget dining without scrimping on quality. The road to the FIFA World Cup^TM has never looked so delicious. 

Shay AlShomous

Located in a corner of Souq Waqif, Shay AlShomous is owned and actively run by a renowned Qatari woman called Shams Al Qassabi. With all menu items priced under $7, it’s a must-visit location for authentic Qatari food. Top tip: the restaurant is known for its breakfast rush. 

Chapati & Karak 

It’s always tea time at Chapati & Karak. Located in Katara Cultural Village, this establishment serves an assortment of flavoured chapati and innovative teas to quench both sweet and savoury cravings, for under $2. Top tip: perfect for a quick mid-day snack.

Karak Mqanes

Karak Mqanes serves traditional Qatari cuisine with a hint of local charm. With more than 20 locations serving recipes shared through generations, Karak Mqanes is known for its Qatari breakfast, desserts, and authentic karak. Most of the menu items are priced under $5. Top tip: make sure to leave room for dessert.  

Turkey Central Restaurant 

Located in the heart of the city, Turkey Central is known by both locals and expats for its mouth-watering menu, generous prices and prompt service. The menu options start from $1 upwards, with plates big enough for two to share. Favourites from the restaurant include mixed mezze ($8), mixed grill ($9), half grilled chicken ($7) and the renowned lamb chops ($10). Top tip: be sure to arrive early, as it’s first come first serve and always packed with customers. 

Petra

Visitors can drop by any Petra location for a taste of the Middle East. With all sandwiches under $2, this is a trendy destination for a bargain bite. Popular choices include the falafel and chicken sandwiches. Top tip: order two, no one stops at just one.

Marmara Istanbul Restaurant

Guests can mark ‘eating shawarma in Qatar’ off the checklist with one of the best at Marmara. Priced at $3.50 and $2 for large and regular-sized shawarma respectively, this restaurant is always buzzing with people at all hours of the day and night. Top tip: the restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Sabah W Masa

At $5.20, this Lebanese restaurant serves some of the greatest falafel in town. Fresh Lebanese cuisine is available on the go from a wide menu suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Top tip: one main menu order is good for two people.

Ali Al Naama Café

Visitors can dine amongst the hustle and bustle of Souq Waqif at this local eatery. Adorned with traditional seating, the Ali Al Naama Café has become a crowd favourite for its quick service and low-priced menu, with most items under $4. Top tip: the combination of the egg and cheese paratha and a cup of karak make the perfect meal combination. 

Biryani Corner

Visitors in the mood for some South Asian cuisine can grab a hearty plate of biryani for under $5 from this local eatery. The selection includes vegetable, egg, chicken and mutton biryani to fulfil everyone’s appetite. It’s best for a quick takeaway. Top tip: order a side of papadum, pickled veggies and yoghurt to make any meal a feast. 

TeaTime

With an extensive menu available 24/7 and most items under $4, TeaTime is a night owl’s dream. With branches all over the city, visitors can grab a burger, wrap, snacks and its famous karak everywhere they go. Top tip: most branches do not have dining areas, so it’s best for a quick takeaway.

*All prices have been rounded to the nearest figure and are subject to change at the restaurant’s discretion.

For an inexpensive way to get to the eateries, visitors can travel on the state-of-the-art Doha Metro for as little as $0.5 a trip. In operation since 2019, the gleaming rapid transit system boasts some of the fastest driverless trains in the world, linking the capital’s main cultural attractions.

Visitors interested in more information on where to dine on a budget should visit here: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/food-drink/economical-budget-friendly

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For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office at:

+974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa 

About Qatar: 

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism: 

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East. 

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar

Source: Qatar Tourism

Press Release
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Jan 25, 2022

DOHA, Qatar, January 25, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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In the 300 days to go until the start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM, the country will welcome a series of elite international sporting events, continuing a tourism drive.

From an ATP tennis competition to European Tour golf and the MotoGP, Qatar has lots in store for adventure-hungry visitors looking for professional sporting action. 

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sport brings people together and hosting international sporting events allows us to be part of, and to facilitate, cross-cultural moments of human achievement and utility. The country’s ability to host these events demonstrates the trust in Qatar’s ability and health and safety measures to keep players safe when competing at world-class venues. We look forward to welcoming outstanding players, management teams, and of course all the fans to Qatar throughout the year.” 

Qatar as a nation places a priority on sports and is one of the few countries to celebrate a National Sports Day as a bank holiday, which this year will take place on 8 Feb. For visitors looking to participate in, as well as watch, the action, Qatar Tourism has curated a Sports & Adventure package, in collaboration with 365 Adventures, to give sports enthusiasts a three-day fix of exciting activities. 

Sports & Adventure Package

Sports & Adventure
Day 1
Morning	SUP tour of The Pearl-Qatar
Afternoon	Immersive horseback riding with the Al Shaqab Racing Academy
Evening	Sunset kayaking at the mangroves
Day 2
Morning	Round of golf / quad biking
Afternoon	Desert safari to Inland Sea
Evening	Overnight desert camping
Day 3
Morning	Scuba diving at GMC Reef
Afternoon	Sandboarding near Sealine camp
Evening	Relaxing spa experience

Book the package now at: https://365adventures.me/sports-and-adventure-packages/

Upcoming sporting events in Qatar

Discover Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage and learn how the country is a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians at this 10-day event in Katara Cultural Village. The festival offers various activities for guests to experience, including a horse exhibition and parade, light show, art and painting exhibits, as well as numerous food and beverage stalls. 

This European Tour golf tournament has been held in Doha since 1998, and rotates between Qatar’s two championship-level courses, Education City Golf Club and Doha Golf Club. Previously won by the likes of Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie and Henrik Stenson.

Part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s professional tennis tournament is played outside on hard courts. Famous victors have included Boris Becker, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

This professional women’s tennis tournament is a WTA 500 event on the WTA Tour. Previously won by famous players such as Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova and the defending champion Petra Kvitová.

The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an extreme sports race that features on the International Cycling Union calendar. The gruelling event involves 60 kilometres for cyclists and 28 kilometres for runners, starting from the Sealine area and stretching to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders: the ‘Inland Sea’, or Khor Al Adaid.

One of the most exciting events on the MotoGP calendar, the motorcycle race will take place at the impressive Losail circuit, which recently hosted the 2021 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Having hosted the first-ever floodlit MotoGP back in 2008, this location never fails to impress. Notable winners have included Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.

To find out more information on new sporting adventures and developments in Qatar, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/things-to-do/adventures 

Travellers set to transit through Qatar should look to combine their sports and adventure trip with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

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Please note, final event dates may be subject to change regarding the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:

+974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa 

About Qatar: 

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora, including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets.  Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism: 

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East. 

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar

Source: Qatar Tourism