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HIDDEN GEMS BY LOCALS

Explore Qatar through its people

Planning a trip to Qatar? Check out these hidden gems, unveiled by locals and expats, who provide exciting insider tips and tell amusing stories of the country they call home. Discover Qatar through the eyes of our Curators and live like a local.

Meet our Curators

  1. Profile picture of Elmira Kahrobaie

    Elmira Kahrobaie

    Luxury blogger
    Adventures
    Read more about Elmira Kahrobaie
  2. Profile picture of Mashel Al Naimi

    Mashel Al Naimi

    Rider
    Sports
    Read more about Mashel Al Naimi
  3. Profile picture of Muna Al-Bader

    Muna Al-Bader

    Artist, Art ambassador
    Art & culture
    Read more about Muna Al-Bader
  4. Profile picture of Noor  al Mazroei

    Noor al Mazroei

    Chef
    Food & Drinks
    Read more about Noor al Mazroei
  5. Profile picture of Rachel Morris

    Rachel Morris

    Food blogger
    Food & Drinks
    Read more about Rachel Morris

Curator stories

Wondering how life in Qatar is? Follow the amusing stories of our Curators and get inspired.

Hidden gems by locals

Qatar

Food & Drinks

How I changed people's mindset on healthy food

My first year as a participant in the Qatar International Food Festival was definitely a challenging one; serving healthy food at a Food Festival required using persuasion since most of the times healthy means dull. So, I was urging visitors to try in order to show them that healthy can also be delicious. On the first day, I managed to attract five costumers. Then, the second day, I had more than 100 customers, and the rest of the days I was sold out. I believe that I changed people’s mindset around healthy food. I proved that it could be tasty, and I provided Qatari dishes in vegan and gluten-free options.

Hidden gems by locals
Profile picture of Elmira Kahrobaie

Elmira Kahrobaie

Luxury blogger

Read more about Elmira Kahrobaie

Qatar

Shopping
Adventures

Family time

Spending time with my family is always my priority! Salwa Beach Resort is a major leisure destination, ideal for families. Also, their waterpark is incredible. 

Hidden gems by locals
Profile picture of Muna Al-Bader

Muna Al-Bader

Artist, Art ambassador

Read more about Muna Al-Bader

Doha, Qatar

Food & Drinks
Art & culture

Always inspired

Doha Fire Station is my favourite space in Doha. I enjoy being there at sunrise, sunset, watching people, the traffic, my city... My city is always an inspiration. We have many curators there and being in an environment full of artists, is always an inspiringation. I learn from them and they learn from me. Doha Fire Station has been a great place for experimenting with my art.

Discover the road less travelled in Qatar with the country’s top Concierges

From spectacular natural wonders and outdoor adventures to cute cafes with lovely views and traditional markets, our concierges invite visitors to travel off the beaten track.

  1. Profile picture of Randy Santos

    Randy Santos

    Chief Concierge
    Art & culture
    Read more about Randy Santos
  2. Profile picture of Abdur Rahim

    Abdur Rahim

    Guest Services Agent
    Shopping
    Read more about Abdur Rahim
  3. Profile picture of Dev Poudel

    Dev Poudel

    Chief Concierge/ Resort Experience Manager
    Adventures
    Read more about Dev Poudel
  4. Profile picture of Innocent Ndiema

    Innocent Ndiema

    Front Desk Concierge
    Popular attractions
    Read more about Innocent Ndiema
  5. Profile picture of Carsten  Hornig

    Carsten Hornig

    Guest Experience Manager
    Adventures
    Read more about Carsten Hornig

Curators' top itineraries

Discover the best places to go and find the most inspiring things to do in Qatar through locals' eyes.

Hidden gems by locals

Tasting Souq Waqif with Rachel Morris

The historic heart of Doha, Souq Waqif has been rebuilt on the site of the city’s old market. It’s easy to spend hours getting lost in its winding alleyways. It also has some great places to eat.

Start your visit by fueling up for a late breakfast at one of two cafes owned by Qatari women - Shay Al Shamous or Al Jasra Café – both serve hearty Qatari classics like rajaj (wafer thin papery bread usually spread with cheese or honey) and a cup of karak.

Hidden gems by locals

Discovering entrepreneurship in Qatar

Ahmad Al-Kuwari, owner and co-founder of KAVA Koffee, explains what makes a good entrepreneur and shares advice and success tips for starting a new business.

Hidden gems by locals

Uncovering the architectural scene of Qatar

Qatar is lined with impressive buildings and futuristic structures designed by local and world-renowned architects. The country has morphed into a dynamic architectural centre and has undoubtedly introduced a new identity.

Hidden gems by locals

A few days in Qatar with Innocent Ndiema

Hidden gems by locals

Get authentic vibes and explore the museums with Muna Al Bader

Go to Souq Waqif for breakfast and then visit the Art Centre; it's a great destination for art lovers. Later on, walk to Msheireb Downtown and visit the Cultural Pass Club gallery; it hosts amazing artists. For lunch, you can go to the restaurant located in the National Museum of Qatar, and for dinner, IDAM at Museum of Islamic Art is an excellent choice. 

Hidden gems by locals

Wander around and shop with Elmira Kahrobaie

Start your day by enjoying breakfast anywhere at the Pearl; there are many restaurants available and I highly suggest walking around to experience the neighbourhood fully. Then, head to Katara Cultural Village and Galeries Lafayette for the ultimate shopping experience; you can also find various local brands.

If you want to have a glimpse of Qatar's stadiums, take the Metro and head to Aspire Zone. Then, for some more shopping, go to Villaggio Mall, where you can find luxury boutiques such as Panarai, Bulgari, Valentino, Gucci, Celine, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Tomford, Luis Vuitton, Fendi, YSL, and many more as well as many other highstreet brands.

Next on the list would be Mall of Qatar, also easily accessible by Metro, where you can also find various luxurious brands.

And we shouldn't leave out Doha Festival City, where you can find Harvey Nichols.

For dinner, I would recommend Toro Toro in the Marsa Malaz Kempinski at the Pearl.

Hidden gems by locals

Observing the night skies with Ajith Everester

"Qatar is considered to be one of the best places in the world to practice astrophotography thanks to its ideal weather conditions with clear skies and no clouds almost all year long!"

Hidden gems by locals

With water and winds ideal for beginners as well as advanced kitesurfers, Qatar offers some of the world's best spots for kitesurfing. Sarah Lord, a kitesurfing expert, tells us everything we need to know about this fascinating water activity. 

Hidden gems by locals

Peter Van De Bunt invites you to experience the luxury of nature

Peter Van De Bunt, Co-founder and Managing Director of The Outpost, shares his insights into Qatar’s entrepreneurship scene and spreads awareness about the country’s close-to-nature experiences.

Hidden gems by locals