Qatar is a small peninsula in the Gulf region with over 2.2 million population, the majority of whom are expatriates. Coming from different parts of the world, everyone tried to bring a piece of their culture to Qatar by celebrating various events, showcasing their best talents and skills.
Let us look back at the the things we witnessed in 2015.
Sports in Qatar
Qatar is boosting its efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and fitness. It is the only country that celebrates a special holiday dedicated for sports. The period in-between hosting 2006 Asian Games and soon, the 2022 FIFA World Cup ™, Qatar has been accommodating various international tournaments. This year alone, the country hosted several major sporting events.
Qatar IHF World Handball Championship 2015
Qatar was first in the Gulf region to host the International Handball Federation World Handball Championship. The event took place in different state-of-the-art venues that painted Doha in various colours. Qatar Team carried the pride of country and for the first time got a medal. They lost the title to France. International acts like Pharrell, Gwen Stefani, Kylie Minogue and Jason Derulo surprised the audience each week at the main stadium in Losail.
Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships
The International Boxing Association held its World Boxing Championships in Doha which was participated in by world-class boxers. The event was staged to select the remaining athletes who will qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Boxing ring legends Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan came to show their support for the athletes of the 10-day tournament.
Marhaba was also privileged to interview Olympic boxer Amir Khan during his visit here in Qatar.
2015 IPC Athletics World Championships
The track and field competition for athletes with disabilities was held at the premier Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha and featured 210 medal events; 119 for men and 91 for women. The ‘Beyond Incredible’ event was not only about sports but it also touched many people’s lives. IPC produced a series of inspiring videos, sharing the stories of the para-athletes.
Genesis Seas, one of the volunteers for IPC event, shared with Marhaba what he witnessed behind the scenes:
Qatar Motor and Motorcycling Foundation
QMMF is instrumental in hosting stages of several world-famous motor and car races. This year, the organisation included a rally for women to their wide range of events. QMMF also adopted a ‘best of the best’ drivers competing in various categories. It also paved a way for Olympic medalist and Dakar Rally champion Nasser Al Attiyah to explore a different kind of racing – the FIA World Touring Car Championship.
Arts and Culture in Qatar
Qatar-Turkey 2015 Year of Culture
Qatar Museums launched the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture, celebrating the relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey through cultural partnerships between Qatari and Turkish organisations, institutions and individuals. This year witnessed rich programmes that explored the contemporary and traditional cultures of both countries and included exhibitions, festivals, performances, educational programmes and cultural exchanges. The activities showcased the unique aspects of each nation, as well as the shared interests of their citizens.
Qatar International Food Festival
Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in collaboration with Qatar Airways, the sixth edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) consisted of five days of gastronomic al fresco eating, drinking and cooking, as well as family fun and entertainment.
2015 Ajyal Youth Film Festival
The annual film festival showcased artistic works by talented young people in the Arab region. This year’s entries were carefully mastered, from cinematography to values relayed to observers. ‘The Idol’, story of the Arab Idol winner Mohammad Assaf, was shown at the premier night which received praises from prominent artists in the Arab region who graced the event – Mohammad Assaf, Yuri Drabent, Max of Arabia, Mahmoud Bu Shehry, Ahmed Majed Al Maadeed, and Dana Al Fardan, to name a few.
2015 Ramadan and Eid in Qatar
Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) hosted different activities in and around Qatar. The hospitality industry once again shone during this season by transforming traditional tents into majestic venues to celebrate the important meals of the religious month.
Art Exhibitions
2015 Live Entertainments
Qatar once again opened its doors to international acts for both kids and adults. Aside from the stars featured at the IHF Handball World Championships, these world-class artists came to perform live in Qatar.
2015 Exhibitions in Doha
With the addition of the new Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre and Qatar Tourism Authority’s launching of Business Destination brand, Qatar has opened its doors to welcome international exhibitions of different industries.
Author: Andrea Buenafe
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