Qatar National day

Courtesy of Risponé. {Busy!} Flick stream

18 December is always a beautifully inspiring cultural day in Qatar with every single person, national and non national alike, celebrating the countries national day. This year it seemed the excitement was just blinding considering the recent win of the World cup 2022 bid. I love seeing the patriotic dress up of people and cars alike and whether you decide to be outdoors in on all the real excitement or share it 

behind closed doors with Qatar TV and family, it's just simply fantastic.

BluePearl (c) -Qatar Day 2010 

Definitely a day to be remembered. To read about why Qatar celebrates National day click here and to see some of the amazing activities and photos of the celebration, click here! PS:  Qatar set a new world record at the Aspire Dome (in Doha) on Sunday when it organised the largest Ardha performance featuring 417 dancers, all dressed in traditional Qatari attire. 

Hope your weekend is turning out to be a fulfilling one!

To tell you of something, me

1. The weekend has been kind in offering not only some relaxing time but perhaps some momentous time-capsuling moments for the Gulf ...

- It seems the gulf has had a great celebratory few days with the Queen visiting Abu Dhabi and Oman while Oman's King has been celebrating his 40 years of ruling, UAE celebrating its 39th Birthday and dear Qatar celebrates its win for the 2022 FIFA world cup. 

- For non-nationals, its an act of balancing the scales between the joy of winning the 2022 and the strengthening Riyal which will only become stronger now with all the open doors the World cup brings. Good luck to the exchange market. I saw the dollar dip :)  Have a look at this article.

- So if you want to read up on more on Oman, visit either Dhofari Gucci or Oman - travels into Oman. For UAE blogs, visit Al-Emirati-A local take on the world or Somalian Arab princess. There is also Rationality and Khaleejia's blog to take note of.

- I saw some really beautiful pictures of Saudi, composed by Blue Abaya which I want to share with you - I am sure you will savor them too, as I did -  have a look here. May Allah also heal the Saudi King soon, Inshallah wa Allahu A3lam. By the way, my other favourite Saudi blogger is With a Saudi accent. 

2. I been busy with my Fujitsu Project tasks which has been quiet exciting. If you still interested in seeing what others along with myself have been up to, visit the Lifebook4Life blog.

3. Yesterday I had a strange desire to have some pumpkin (something I miss from back home because its so much more popular there than it is here) - so I proudly cooked some lamb and pumpkin. It is also been a point for me to get back to healthy eating as I somehow succumbed to a lazy lifestyle since I been away from home, so lets see how long this lasts. 

4. I been catching up on some knowledge quests on technology and life - educating myself on odd mind boggling questions. 

5. I been silently reading your blogs and commenting here and there but I do apologize for being quiet - I am the type of person who occasionally slips away into silent thinking with myself. I am very mindful I cut off the big world but I just don't feel like talking - just sometimes I want to not talk:) I been regrouping my thoughts, my plans and trying to center myself again...its a very hard thing to do for a person like me who lives each day for each day.

6. I want you all to read this post by All my wonders - somehow maybe slightly off topic but with good intent as the post was written perfectly. A true lesson that deserves to be shared.

7. I been missing home so much recently and hoping to be back there soon again, Inshallah. I been craving Tinkies, my mommy's love & food & everyone else at home! It has also been a self-realisation that I never really introduced you all to my dear South African Blogger friends -  so here they are if any of you are interested in reading their blogs (which are great by the way): Crafty Muslimah, Girl Talk 786, Muslim Woman Exposed, The Diaries of Bint Mahmood, The Searching Slave & Cake Mama (although she is not writing right now - wish she would come back).

8. Another self-realisation is that I am not centered or patient when I don't read my salaat which has further re-iterated the importance of Allah in my life. I really love Allah and thank Him so much for standing by me in everything I do. Allah az wa jal.

9. Have a thoughtful, appreciative, super fantastic week ahead - Can you believe its December already - my gosh...Here's come 2011 in days!

مبروك قطر Congratulations Qatar

Congratulations Qatar

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is all yours

We're proud of you &know you'll host the best world cup the world has seen!

Inshallah

2022 bid

www.qatar2022bid.com

While UAE gets ready to celebrate its National day on the 2nd of December, Qatar is also preparing for its own National day on 18th December - all over the corniche, lights and decorations are going up ahead of the big day but perhaps an even more exciting thrill is the decision day for the Qatar 2022 bid, which also happens to be tomorrow, 2nd December. So while UAE celebrates National day , Qatar will be eagerly waiting to hear who will be the host city for 2022.  Good luck Qatar and Congratulations UAE on your 39th Birthday!

Eid holiday moments

Previously I wrote a post about desert fun, so during this Eid holidays we were invited to one of the desert camps at Um Messaied. It was a well spent time there - the pictures speak for themselve!

BluePearl (c) - view from the camp

BluePearl (c) - kids riding 4 wheelers (Rhino, Polariz, Kawasaki) on the sand

BluePearl (c)

BluePearl (c) - one of the tents all lit up night

BluePearl (c) - arabic tea being brewed

 BluePearl(c) - fun in the sand

Deros, no no no

Oh dear Deros

It seems that the sunshine from this end of the world was lost today too...look at how it rained...

BluePearl (c) - rain drops on my window driving home this afternoon

DEROS, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STOP BLOGGING YOUNG LADY!

All those who agree, please go over to her blog and tell her so! 

A rising star of a city

Walking on Doha's (Hub city in Qatar) 7.7 km corniche today, experiencing the calmness and breeze of its cooling months (November to February) leaves you spiritually healthy and feeling almost spectacular playing actor against the modern back drop of its formidable movie set, the growing high rise city.  It's breathe taking turquoise waters light up beautifully at night reflecting the beauty of a true Pearl.





Ten years ago there was not much of a view other than the Sheraton and a few odd buildings and before that not much at all. In fact, Qatar was not very well known to the world until its famous lead in LNG (Liquefied natural gas). Its oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country in the world. More recently its popularity has come from buying Harrods (London) or more notably its bid for the FIFA 2022 world cup or even that Qatar Airways flew the first GTL-fuelled commercial airliner, from London to Doha, with paying passengers. 

[5 photos in this set - click here to view]

Before: Qatar before its high rise buildings, photo courtesy of DesertBlooms (Flickr)

Now: Qatar now with more and more buildings coming up, photo courtesy of Brian Candy (Flickr)





With all this popularity now, Qatar had to revise its city and so over the years, Qatar has been hard at work building what is now called the "New Doha". Following in the footsteps of its brother country, Dubai, Qatar is fast becoming a super power of this millenium. Old Doha (the old city) has been restructured and under going massive reconstruction with some new projects (like the heart of Doha project) placing it as the traditional Islamic town which plays home to most of its resedential suburbs, souqs and town like shopping while New Doha is a sprouting strip playing host literally to dozens of skyscrapers. The latter can be dubbed as the commercial hub of Qatar offering many hotels which also boast access to the sandy mile, cooperate companies, the famous city centre shopping mall and ofcourse a scenic drive way to the Pearl.

(c) BluePearl - 2010 Photo of New Doha

(c) BluePearl - 2010 Photo of New Doha

(c) BluePearl - 2010 Photo of New Doha

Stay tuned for more of the Heart of Doha Project, The Pearl Island and other exciting Qatar stories.





Have a great week!

I love the skies

Ever since I was a little girl, I have cherished clouds, being able to be high up in the skies and fly over these chunky sky pillows. When I was 12 years old, doing my first flight from Durban, South Africa to Cape Town, South Africa, I was left breathless over the 2 hour journey at sunset. It is truly, Alhumdulillah, one of the most beautiful things to behold. It was at that time, that I decided, I loved planes.

Artist Impression of A380 seen here Doha's city (this is how new Doha looks now)

Today, flying has become somewhat of a routine, for me, taxing between South Africa and Qatar.





As if the increase in aircraft accidents have left me unaffected, the 8 hour trip to and from, is like a breeze and no matter how tired I am, I am just so excited to be over the clouds! Over and above of placing my trust in Allah, the rest of that relief comes from flying with the countries flag carrier,i.e.: 5 star accredited Qatar Airways Airline - not only does it give me piece of mind on safety but they operate young fleet that notably live up to the 5 star status. The economy class has been structured so well that you can fold your legs comfortably without touching the seat in front. I have flown with many other airlines and found the seating to be cramped - It is understandable how Qatar Airways managed to scoop so many awards in recent times (ranging from best economy class, best cabin crew and more recently retained the Best Middle Eastern Airline title for the fifth year running at the annual TTG Asia Pacific awards held in Bangkok and Best Middle East Airline accolade for the second consecutive year at the 2010 Business Traveller Asia Pacific). The planes are new and modern offering excellent in-flight entertainment and cabin crew services. Over and above these facilities, it offers a first class premium check in facility (Doha) and Mobile/Online check in. 

Well done Qatar Airways - you're doing a great job!





For a virtual tour of some of the airlines offerings, have a look here 

Doha, will soon also be opening its new airport, which comes with high expectations. Take a look

Desert fun is here

I can only laugh at my clumsiness from time to time as this weekend I destroyed my IPhone - Dropped by mistake into liquid! Now I am quiet lost because its my quick connect portal to my mail, blog, photos & Skype. Silliness has a price in deed.

It is autumn right now and its so wonderful driving to work and being able to keep the sunroof open (without using A/C) and being to smell the fresh air. Breezy days are here. It is actually the time when locals and expat alike start taking to the deserts and beaches. The desert activities are quiet popular including rafter racing, baja (hobbie car) racing, quad biking, tent gatherings, sand duning, camels, sand boarding and barbeques. It is great fun and exciting to just be able to engage in outdoor activities. 

I have some really beautiful photos but can not share them with you right now so instead I have googled some images to give you a better idea. Hopefully when my phone is sorted out, I'll post some pictures on here.

[6 photos in this set - click here to see all]

A baja racing car - great fun on the desert. 

4x4 Desert Safari

Example of a desert tent - some are for family only, others for entertaining friends. You'll be surprised to know that they are fully functional. Last year when I visited one, it had a tv and foosball amongst the beautiful seating decor.

Quad bikes in the desert - these are rental quad bikes available all over the desert

Camel - the arabian desert is not complete if you not seen one of these.

This is Maisaeed - sealine border. On the side is Saudi Arabia

Have a great week ahead

أكوا بارك قطر - Aqua Park Qatar

Qatar has opened it's first Aqua Park, inaugurated by HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassi this Wednesday, it promises to be great fun even though it is not completed. As reported by Gulf-times,  a 1,500sq m pool area will serve children under-10. Water slides range from 14m to 20m in height. They include four main slides.

Another nifty feature at the park is boomerango, a tube ride where people accelerate down a steep chute before travelling high up the opposite wall, experiencing momentary weightlessness, before sliding back down up and over a hump and finishing in a splash pool.

Adjacent to the aqua park will be a 300,000sq m resort as well as a shopping complex, currently being built and is expected to be completed by June 2011.

The park will be open from 10am-10pm seven days a week. Fridays are earmarked for families. Tuesdays are set aside for women. Entry per person is QR100 and allows unlimited access to rides. For a family of six, a promotional rate of QR400 is also being offered.

Aqua Park Qatar is located 16km from the Industrial Area roundabout on Salwa Road.

Back In Qatar

I just love my Iphone - I managed to capture all the special moments during my trip. Take a look at these shots i got just before and during landing into Doha. 

(4 pictures in this set - click on read more to view all)

BluePearl (c)

BluePearl (c)

BluePearl (c)

BluePearl (c)

The holidays are finally over - its time to get back to Reality:)

Cant wait to see you Mae - I missed you!

Ps: I love clouds particularly looking down at them from up there.

10th رمضان‎ 1431

Here are some videos of Ramadan in Qatar - enjoy 

Suhoor advert - Qatar Telecoms. The car in the video is owned by a very passionate Qatari (in the video) who loves ridings around in his car on weekends. It really looks like this and people will stop just to watch him drive by slowly. It was pleasing to see this patriotic on tv this season.

In almost all muslim countries or middle easter countries, a cannon is fired to signal the break of fast (ifthar). This is Qatar's cannon.

Ramadan lights at the City Centre in Doha, Qatar seen here during the break of fast (Ifthar)

Various delicious buffets served at the hotels during Suhoor and Ifthar.





Have a great ifthar!

8th رمضان‎ 1431

So I made the basbousa yesterday and I thought it was a great first effort. I took some to my team (at work) today who chuckled away over how they could never imagine me to be domesticated considering this was my first home made offering in 2 years...I just smiled at my crazy team members who are all muslim by the way. Anyways, the weather was not too hot today centering around 41 degrees.

BluePearl (c) Sunset moment in my side mirror

I had futoor with Mae today - we had some Shrimp rolls, Beef Al Saloona and a Morrocan Chicken dish. For dessert with had some creme caramel. Very Nice - I over indulged today cause everything was just so delicious.

Later on, I went over to city center to fetch my abaya for the wedding, coming up. There is so much excitement at city center from trying to find a parking to the live entertainment in the centre.  You can hear the artists banging their drums even before entering the centre. Its an amazing Ramadan vibe, with the loud music reaching the corners of the centre and shops closing at midnight, the center was rocking. As I walked pass,  I took a photo or two to share with you. The quality is not that great as I admit I am one of those shy photographers - I got into one of the side shops and asked permission to photograph from there so you'll notice the angle in the photo.

BluePearl (c) Ramadan Entertainment at City Centre

BluePearl (c) Ramadan Entertainment at City Centre

Hope you all had a great futoor

7th رمضان‎ 1431

۞ وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا

(36) Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful.

Surah-an-Nisa

I am going to try and make basbousa today...Wish me luck:)

NB: If you in Qatar, have a look at this website Ramadan Mubarak for a list of events, tents and more. Have a look at http://blog.iloveqatar.net/ for more information on this new website.