A brother is a friend given by nature. – Jean Baptist LegouveBrotherhood is a special relationship. From childhood playmates to role models to confidants, even when the relationship takes work to build, there’s no denying that a brother is one of the most important people in a person’s life. I sat down with Hamza and Abdelrahman Alian to get a better understanding of what it’s like to have a brother. Originally from Egypt, they’ve been living in Doha for five years and they both attend Doha English Speaking School (DESS). Also, rather unconventionally, they call their parents by their first…
Author: Rachel Henriquez
In 1976, there was no Hamad or Doha International Airport. In fact, the iconic Sheraton hotel hadn’t even been built, the Corniche was still a fish and vegetable market, the tallest building in Doha was Jamco Tower next to La Cigale and Roula Hadad was a young girl whose family had just moved to Doha after living in Dubai for four years. “I remember very clearly when we first moved out here. We had a brown Daihatsu that was very stylish for my mom to drive. It was in the 70s so it was really cool to have a brown car.…
As families living in Qatar, it is inevitable that at some point we will be flying with our kids. Maybe you’re planning your move to Doha with the children in tow or perhaps you’re preparing to travel with an infant for the first time after having given birth in Qatar. As families living in Qatar, it is inevitable that at some point we will be flying with our kids. Maybe you’re planning your move to Doha with the children in tow or perhaps you’re preparing to travel with an infant for the first time after having given birth in Qatar.…
“One more story, Daddy.” “One more song, Mummy?” “No, no, just a few more minutes, please!” “I don’t want to go to bed.”Does this bedtime tango sound familiar?Sometimes children try to delay bedtime because they’re having too much fun playing or just don’t want to go to sleep yet, but what if your child stalls bedtime because he’s afraid of having a nightmare?Boogeymen, monsters and things that go ‘bump’Nightmares are very common. Up to 75 per cent of children recall experiencing nightmares at some point in their lives. Dionne Joseph, a chartered clinical psychologist (UK) based in Doha, suspects that…
You have been living abroad now for several years and your expat life is everything you had hoped for and more. You feel comfortable, secure, confident and relatively “at home.” Then you fall pregnant. Your first thought may be to give birth in your home country where you are surrounded by family, a familiar medical system, a trusted personal support network and perhaps even access to government benefits.Yet, flying home to give birth comes with its own complications. Most airlines do not allow women beyond 35 weeks pregnant or newborns less than eight days old to fly without medical certificates. That means…
If you’ve been in Doha all summer, by now you and the kids are probably going stir crazy from being indoors. Although the temperature is starting to drop, the heat is still too intense to spend much time outside in the direct sunlight. An early morning or late afternoon romp at a park with plenty of shade might be just what you and the kids need. Never fear, we’ve scoped out six of the best shaded parks in Doha.Check out our Parks Directory for the full reviews of these parks and more.Ain Khaled ParkThis quiet little neighborhood park is a great spot for a…
Mums in Qatar recall some of the interesting advice they’ve received while pregnant.Mums-to-be are magnets for unsolicited advice. From healthy eating tips to superstitions, everyone—your mother-in-law, your neighbour, your co-worker, the girl at the checkout counter—has some “all important” advice to share. Of course, they all mean well and there may even be a hint of truth to the advice you receive, but sometimes it just sounds like nonsense. Combine that with a variety of cultures and who knows what kind of old wives’ tales you’ll hear. We asked mums to share some of the advice they’ve received from Qatar’s…
We were floored by the response we had from our cover contest. So many amazing families entered to be featured in the magazine, it was hard to pick just six, but here they are: The JamoulsMihaela, Fadi, Adam, ArramNationality: Romanian/SyrianYears in Qatar: 13 What is your favourite fun spot in Qatar?We love going out to Aspire Park, especially with the great weather Qatar had this year. My son can ride his bike, and I can do some exercising. We also like the Mall of Qatar, Souq Waqif and Oxygen Park in Qatar Foundation.Describe your typical Saturday.Saturday will start with a…
Don’t get stuck in a rut hiding from the heat at home. There’s plenty to do around Qatar this summer. Here are 50 family-friendly ideas to get you startedSplash around Aqua ParkCheck out the Picasso-Giacometti Exhibition at Firestation Gallery before it closes on 21 MayBBQ on the beachExperience Iftar at a Ramadan tentCombine fitness with fun at CandoMake ice lolliesGo for an evening romp at Muaither ParkLearn how to paddle boardBe amazed by the JR Exhibition at Katara Art Gallery, open until 31 MayRead a book at the Doha Mums Children’s Library (members only)Get creative with busy bags. Check out…