Doha Local Custom Tips by frankcanfly

Most restaurants offer a Hooka for customers to smoke. It actually smells quite delicious when you walk past. The cost is about 15 to 20 Riyal

You can buy them at the Souqs too, for a reasonable price.

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"Al Sadu" is the term used for the weaving process, is an old Arabic term that means to stretch or extend. Creating these beautifully decorated tents, rugs, cushions and camel bags was traditionally the Bedouin womens' way of live for many generations.

Wool is used from Goats, Sheep and Camels. The camels are used for the softer applications, while Goats' wool is used to create virtually waterproof tents.

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The headquarters of the infamous Al Jazeera is located in Doha. The inauguration of Al Jazeera, coincided with the dissolving of Qatar's Ministry of Information in the 1990's. The Emir funds Al Jazeera heavily, and is one of the first truly uncensored news agencies in the region.

I know there are mixed opinions on this network, but I have overall respect for them. Like other networks around the world, they also operate on principles of truth and fairness in reporting, it's always a sliding scale . I think some people mix up 'opinion' with truth, and judge Al Jazeera harshly because they've aired footage that other networks wouldn't air. Though this fact is also true of many US networks as well. It just depends upon how open your mind is.

I regularly read their website to give myself a well rounded picture of what is going on in the world. They often test the limits of censorship, but I think that any respectable media company should.

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Website: http://english.aljazeera.net

If you're spending some time in the region, and want to make the most of your vist. Pick up a copy of Marhaba Magazine. Of all the guidebooks, it's the premier Qatar Guide & Information Magazine

Marhaba also produces the most useful Maps of Doha and Qatar.

They can usually be found at Hotel giftshops, or at the information booth at Carefour Mall.

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Phone: +974 465 5533
Other Contact: marhaba@qatar.net.qa

If you are acustomed to Western style toilets, you may have to make a quick adjustment in an 'emergency'

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This type of architecture is common within the Gulf region. These towers were historically built to bring cool fresh air into the home before the days of air conditioning.

In the Doha area, there are many 'new' examples of this type of architecture, such as at the Ras Al Nasaa restaurant. This photo is of one of the original ones, located just off Grand Hamad street in Najada Shopping Plaza. It was built in 1935 and restored in 1982.

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With the approaching Asian Games of 2006, the official mascot is popping up all over town.

It's Orry the Oryx. You'll find him dressed up in the costumes of several of the athletic events. He'll appear to you in the form of statues and posters all over the city.

This is the most obvious image of Orry; a huge statue on the Corniche that incorporates a countdown to the games of December 2006.

The games are scheduled for 1-15 December 2006. Book your rooms now. If you'd like to volunteer, they go to the website for more information.

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Website: www.doha-2006.com/en/