An Arabian Evening

Shortly after 5.30pm and a well-earned cooling drink, we left our hotel, The Alwadi, and headed out to find what downtown Doha had to offer.

We were not disappointed. The extensive modern feel soon gave way to the charm and bustling atmosphere of Souq Waqif’s main thoroughfare and its restaurants adorning either side of the street, narrowing and squeezing the crowd. The aromatic air offered the welcome relief of Iftar menus following evening prayer and breaking the long day's fast, with many tables congested with celebrant chatter. The colours, the sounds, the aromas, were nothing less than vibrant, delivering a sensory overload. We were transfixed, the experience was akin to a whirlwind, but one that was to last all evening long.

As we strolled along, we came across the “Golden Thumb.” It stood out like a not-so-sore thumb, drawing masses of attention. Twelve feet tall and glistening golden, even though the sun had set sometime prior, it was a sheer spectacle to sporting achievement, no less a nod to Qatar winning the 2019 AFC Asian Football Cup.

We learned this giant "Thumb Up" sculpture, created by French artist César Baldaccini, is not just about football, but a huge symbol of victory and optimism, reflecting Qatar's fast-paced journey, balancing its ancient heritage with a modern vibe. It's a proper landmark, right here in the old Souq, making for a brilliant contrast with the historical surroundings and a cracking spot where everyone seems to meet up.

As we left the Thumb and the hustle and bustle behind, we headed to cross the road, however, we found ourselves directed underground and through the Souq’s carpark. I fib not, it was roasting down there, so hot that the air almost burnt your nostrils and all to arrive at the water’s edge of Al Corniche or as Helen described it, the “Croissant” hence the term reflecting the shape of the bay which sets the old Doha from the business district across the bay.

The evening was now truly upon us and the lights of modern-day Doha rose high into the sky, neon beams, vast skyscrapers oozing finance and opulence, idealistic and capitalistic marketing at its utmost best.

Is this a dent in the Arabian skyline or is it simply accessing a new world, yet a world of tradition remains one that now battles with itself, trying to bring old and new together, offering change and modernisation to Arabian people? Nevertheless, the spectacle of light across the bay is truly awesome.

We then came across the brilliant Pearl Sculpture, with its fabulous changing lights. It's huge, a proper testament to the pearl divers who once supported the economy.

This massive, shimmering beauty stands as a representation of Qatar’s heritage, nodding to the brave souls who toiled in the seas. But it’s not just looking back; it’s also shouting about today and tomorrow, showing how this place balances its amazing history with all the modern pizzazz. It’s a real stunner, and a grand story all in one!

Speaking of dazzling lights, along the bay front moorings and out on the water, there were these fantastic boats, all lit up like floating disco balls!

These are called dhows, proper old-school wooden boats that were once the workhorses of the Gulf, fishing and pearl diving. Now, they’re beautifully decked out with lights, taking people on evening cruises. You can hop aboard for a spin, take in the city lights and enjoy the calm of the sea; a perfect way to see Doha sparkle from a different angle or so we are told.  That must wait as it’s a special treat tomorrow.

Finally, we made our way back to the bustling Souq in search of some food. Two’s Company decided on a tiny local restaurant and enjoyed variations on the curry we have enjoyed at home, less spicy and bonier was the chicken Biryani.

Back at the hotel on the roof top overlooking the streets, the Souq and the bay, which we had discovered earlier at closer quarters, we enjoyed a fancy, although overpriced glass of non-alcoholic cocktail, combining fruit juice, cold tea and soda.

The experience has so far been an endless adventure where new horizons have truly been discovered, leaving us excited for whatever tomorrow brings.