Dig out your trainers, your Lycra and a little motivation–this beginners running guide will get even the hardiest of couch potatoes moving!Exercise is good for you, we all know that. It’s good for the body, mind and spirit. Running is one of the best overall workouts for your physique, and what’s more it’s simple, costs very little, can be done almost anywhere, and is suitable for almost everyone, no matter how sedentary you may think you are. Getting started on the running scene can be a physically and mentally daunting prospect, especially if you are out of shape. There’s also…
Author: Gillian Gibson
In honour of International Women’s Day on 8 March, one writer shares these words of wisdom to her daughterTo my Daughter,Your favourite story is the tale of the day that you were born. You love the part where I tell you that I looked down at you in my arms, and when I looked into your big, dark blue eyes, I knew that I would love you for all eternity. And it’s true, my love for you is profound and knows no bounds, no corners, no grey areas. What I didn’t realise was that my love would swell and surge…
The National Museum of Qatar emerges from the Corniche in a dizzying array of interlocking sand coloured disks. Designed by renowned architect Jean Novel to resemble the blossoming crystals of the desert rose, the museum building is an architectural wonder. However, as phenomenal as the building is, it is only a single element of what astounds and amazes adults and children alike. An immersive experienceWith the help of innovative audio-visual techniques, interactive technologies, and the shape and layout of the building itself, the museum takes visitors on an immersive, educational journey through Qatar’s past, present and future. Imperceptible sloping floors…
A hop, skip and a jump away from Qatar, nestled in the Southern Caucasus mountains of Georgia, is the charming city of Tbilisi. This relatively unknown destination offers fascinating architecture and picture-perfect views, its wine-growing regions, delicious cuisine and a myriad of inexpensive, family-friendly things to do. For a short break with kids, Tbilisi ticks the right boxes. The climate in Tbilisi is perfect for visitors year-round. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, and relatively close to the Black Sea, Tbilisi has its own micro-climate. The city enjoys warm summers and moderately cold winters.With so much to do and see in Tbilisi, you…
When the summer heat hits, these museums and cultural centres around Qatar are sure to keep your kids cool, engaged and learningArtMuseum of Islamic ArtDesigned by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art building is a marvel on its own. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the atrium provide a remarkable view of Doha’s skyline. Meanwhile, children will love scaling the marble staircase that spirals to the top floor and watching the fountains outside the entrance, in the atrium café and on the outdoor terrace. The museum collection provides a unique and comprehensive glimpse into Islamic art throughout the centuries.Location: The…
Against a backdrop of blue sea, palm trees, wandering camels and traditional Arabian architecture, Souq Al Wakrah’s new play park is a delight for both parents and kids. Set in a football pitch-sized area of sandy beach, the new park has plenty of play equipment to keep kids occupied, with enough room left for parents to spread out, relax and enjoy the views. When playtime is finished, wander the souq to discover beachside cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as other family-friendly activities. Doha Family RatingOverall: 4/5Convenience: 3/5Safety: 4/5Facilities: 5/5A playground on the beachThe park has a multitude of play…
The outdoor climbing wall at Doha’s Aspire Zone, EsQalar Sports, recently opened to the public. For the climbing community, who usually travel as far as Zekreet for outdoor climbing, it has been a long-awaited opportunity to scale new heights in the city. For the rest of Doha’s residents, the newly opened climbing venue offers another great outdoor activity to try out this winter. Of course, kids are natural climbers and scalers and a rock climbing wall is a great way to let the whole family explore new heights in a fun and safe environment.Exercise for the body and mindA fun…
Shopping with little kids can be slow at best and an utter disaster other times. Even the best-behaved kids can get bored and frustrated when having to follow their parents around. Luckily, Caboodle Pamper & Play comes to the rescue with a Drop N Shop programme, which provides secure, supervised playtime for kids in a bright and vibrant environment while parents enjoy some kid-free time. The play area and the fabulous Drop N Shop programme are only two elements of Caboodle’s pamper and play concept. They also offer a kids’ salon and dining options—a cafe at the Doha Festival City…
As Doha continues to expand and its population to grow, Al Wakra is becoming a more popular residential area. Parents increasingly look for local fun and friendly play areas for kids to go wild, and the new Funville indoor play area in Al Wakra Ezdan Mall might just be the coolest place to go.Located on the first floor of the new Al Wakra Ezdan Mall, Funville entices you inside with bright, bold colours, flashing and dancing lights, and the whoops and yells of excited children. Designed to fuel little ones’ imaginations, stimulate the senses and keep kids active and entertained,…
Oxygen Park is an impressively designed and landscaped open space that incorporates sports, recreation and heritage in a relatively cool environment. Although it is suitable for all ages, the park will be most enjoyable for sporty families with older children, looking for a place to kick a ball or run free. Families with younger children will still enjoy taking leisurely walks through the sculpted green pathways. Hailed as the green lungs of Education City, the massive 130,000-square-metre park was commissioned by Qatar Foundation to be an outdoor oasis for the campus community and the general public. It is a breath…