Katara Cultural Village represents the origins of Qatar, but presented in a modern fashion
As you get off the golf cart bringing you here, you pass through gigantic arches that could have been the entrance to a medieval Middle Eastern walled city. The imagery of the period and the location persists as you see several narrow alleyways, paved with stones, winding throughout the village. The alleys are lined with houses, with arched windows and tiny oil lamps reflecting the style of the Islamic world of the medieval period.
One of the first sights inside only goes on to reinforce the image further. A small mosque, painted in golden hues, greets visitors and whose glitter ensures that it is indeed the first thing that visitors see. The mosque could very well have been in the capital of a wealthy and powerful ancient Islamic kingdom.
“Welcome to Katara Cultural Village.” These words by your guide make you snap out of your reverie and realise that instead of a promenade in a 12th century Arab city, you are in the ultra-modern capital of a wealthy and culturally-oriented Arab country of the 21st century.
The alleys are lined with houses, with arched windows and tiny oil lamps reflecting the style of the Islamic world of the medieval period
Located on the eastern coast of Qatar and just south of Lusail, Katara Cultural Village is Doha’s cultural and entertainment nerve centre. Set up with twin objectives, one to educate and motivate the youth here to learn about the rich Arab culture and also to position Qatar as the cultural hub of the entire Middle East. Set up by the ruler of Qatar, the village brings together the best of theatre, literature, music, visual art as well as exhibitions from around the world. Beyond culture, the village also offers a variety of delectable offerings from across the globe at the numerous restaurants, presenting the best of Arabic and international cuisine.
Katara Cultural Village represents the origins of Qatar, but presented in a modern fashion, to appeal not just to the residents but also to visitors from the world over. The name Katara represents the ancient name of the country itself as Qatar has been referred to as Catara in various documents dating from the Roman era.
One of the main attractions of Katara is an amphitheatre that has been built in a Greek style
The optimum mix of the traditional with ultra-modern makes Katara an ideal location for any number of professional activities like film shoots or photoshoots for advertisement just like a recent one where Bollywood star Sonakshi Sinha did a shoot for her newly-launched brand Soezi.
One of the main attractions of Katara is an amphitheatre that has been built in a Greek style, but with strong influence of Islamic art, notably in its arched entrances. Spread over 3,275 sqm, the amphitheatre can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators and offers stunning views of the sea and other parts of Katara. Though it may be built like a Greek amphitheatre, but it is not a dead site like the many standing in ruins in southern Europe, instead it is thriving with numerous activities and performances that take place here regularly.
Besides the Gold Mosque, Katara is home to another very attractive mosque that has been built in a truly global style. Its designer, a Turkish woman architect, has drawn inspiration from the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while some of its other parts like the minaret, dome, and prayer niche (mihrab) has drawn upon famous mosques from all over the Islamic world. The mosque also features Persian and Turkish tile and enamel work in shades of blue and gold, proffering a stark contrast to the surrounding buildings.
Katara also has numerous art galleries, workshops and exhibition areas
Katara also has numerous art galleries, workshops and exhibition areas. Many of the galleries like the Katara Art Centre, an independently run platform of Qatar Museum Gallery, showcase avantgarde works by local and international artists.
To complete the experience for visitors, who are as often locals as tourists, there are numerous options for shopping and dining. The centre of attraction of the High Street, in the fashion of British High Streets, is an outlet of the French luxury department store Galleries Lafayette. The High Street is a paradise for luxury-conscious shopaholics, armed with every single luxury brand that one can think of.
To keep the shopping fever high but shoppers cool, the High Street is equipped with a powerful outdoor cooling system. For those who want a short break before rushing back into the stores, there are several cafés lining the street, with outdoor tables resembling a Parisian street.
Across the bay from Katara are many ultra-chic hotels that seem to reflect the luxury one can experience inside the village
Beyond the cafés, Katara also boasts of some of the most well-known restaurants in Doha at the Tasty Street and beyond, with options ranging from across the entire Middle East and of course other international cuisines like Indian, Asian and Italian.
Across the bay from Katara are many ultra-chic hotels that seem to reflect the luxury one can experience inside the village. In between the two, on the beach, visitors can try their hand at several activities like jet ski, paragliding or simply going for a spin on a speedboat. People also gather here to hangout with their friends and family to spend a lazy afternoon, playing beach volleyball or simply taking a stroll. For those wanting to sit and simply take in the mesmerising view, a number of colourful benches, arched along the promenade offer the ideal setting.
