November is jammed-packed with activities for AWAQ members, from local cultural encounters, to contemporary dining experiences, and a treasure trove of shopping opportunities just in time for the holidays. In addition to our monthly meeting and coffee socials, our annual “Thanksgiving with the Troops” highlights a month-long marathon of mutual fun!
A new Mixology class at Glo will stir up 10 lucky participants with a chance to mix their own tasty cocktails. Foodies will also not want miss our lunch at Yum Yum at hotel K108 (Nov. 24) for a truly gastronomical experience. Nominated for best contemporary European restaurant by Time Out Doha in 2013, this Michelin-inspired restaurant offers great views of the Doha skyline and three delectable courses for only QR89. Best of all, Yum Yum donates proceeds to local charities, transforming meals to a mission.
Local artist Phillippa (Pip) Hoy will show us around her solo exhibition “Resilience” at the Grand Hyatt (Nov. 20), then join us for another inspiring lunch at Rocca. This Australian-born mixed media specialist has conjured some beautiful images influenced by local Qatari landscapes and culture. Not to be missed, Richard Serra’s installation “East Meets West” stretches over 800 meters through the Qatari desert near the Brouq Nature Reserve. The installation includes four steel monolithic structures measured and scaled by their relation to the topography. We’ll be carpooling from Landmark Mall to the site near Sekreet on Nov.30.
We’re also excited about our upcoming tour of Doha’s Falcon Souq (date to be announced). Get a sneak preview at our next general meeting (Nov.10), when speakers from the Al Gannas organization, a group founded in 2008 and dedicated to promoting traditional Arabic hunting, primarily falconry, will be speaking. The hunting season is just kicking off this month in Qatar and we were fortunate to get on their schedule. This is a meeting you don’t want to miss!
Speaking of souqs, it’s not too late to start your holiday shopping, and unique local gifts are perfect to bring or send home to family and friends. Tricia Kendall, our resident shopper and events coordinator, knows the fabric and gold souqs intimately, and is happy to guide you through each (Nov. 6) to help you find some local treasures. If an authentic Oriental rug is what you’re after, Riyaz is “the” rugman to see. Join one of our regular visits to Riyaz (Nov. 27 and every last Thursday of the month), to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about tribal rugs, and choose a unique hand-woven carpet imported from a nearby Middle Eastern country. Even if you’re not buying, Riyaz has a reviting presentation full of personal stories of visits to Afghanistan to hand-pick tribal rugs in remote mountain villages.
Finally, our annual “Thanksgiving with the Troops” (Nov. 27) offers AWAQ members and families and opportunity to give back to our troops stationed so far from home. More information on the time and whereabouts of this homespun event will come closer to the date for all that register in advance. We’re counting on everyone pitching in to bring some home-made Thanksgiving fare to show them all our appreciation for the job they do.
Looking ahead, get ready for a personally guided tour of the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum (Jan. 10) given by none other than the Sheikh himself! If you haven’t been there, you’ll love the eclectic collection of Islamic art, coins, armory, classic cars, and traveling exhibits. Sign up early to avoid disappointment!
Hold the date!
Nov. 10 – General Meeting at the Hilton
Dec. 8 – Holiday luncheon & General Meeting at Doha Golf Club
Jan. 10 – Sheik Faisal Museum guided tour