From humble beginnings to comprehensive country coverage across all media channels.
Spotting the need for a guide for tourists, visitors and residents in Qatar, Marhaba Information Guide was established in April 1994. Marhaba Information Guide, Qatar’s premier information guide, is now therefore celebrating its 30th anniversary. In this 89th issue, join us as we look at 30 years of an ever-evolving Marhaba Information Guide.
The Marhaba brand includes not only the popular Information Guide, but also Pocket Maps, Calendars, and Qatar Image, the souvenir coffee table book, alongside a dynamic online and social media presence. Many Marhaba products have found their way overseas, thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs distributing them to Qatar’s embassies, as well as visitors taking them back home. Marhaba also produces Information Guides and Maps for a number of organisations in Qatar, with many companies considering these essential requisites for new employees.
Founder and Managing Editor, Hilary Bainbridge says it’s surreal to be talking about the 30th anniversary of Marhaba! Back in 1994, we were a 32 page publication with just a handful of advertisers and listings. From this small start (working from my spare bedroom!) we have evolved into the premium guide to life in modern Qatar.
This couldn’t have been done without the continuing support of local companies and entities plus the efforts of staff members over the years. Gratitude must also go to the current Marhaba team, as they are crucial to providing the information our readers and advertisers expect.
Thank you to you all!
Constantly at the forefront of life in Qatar, the editorial team deliver informative and entertaining features on all the latest developments and update the sections in each issue – essential for our readers to go about their daily lives. Likewise, the sales and marketing team show our corporate clients how they can fully maximise their advertising potential. Just get in touch, and see how we can help you!
And of course, in today’s digital environment, the incredible online and social media team is kept busy online, allowing our content to be accessed by our followers locally and around the world.
Marhaba Products
Marhaba Information Guide (English)
Since its inception 30 years ago, Marhaba has produced in excess of 1.5 million books! The first edition contained a mere 32 pages; today every issue contains 400+ pages. Some advertisers from the first issue still advertise with Marhaba today – how cool is that!
The book covers everything you could possibly want to know about Qatar – plus a lot more!
Marhaba e-Guides (English)
Moving with the times, Marhaba now produces e-Guides. Visitors to our website can immediately read the Marhaba Information Guide in its entirety (our e-Book), as well as reading our e-Guides, which are the book divided into its more convenient sections, plus a couple of new ones. All for free!
Find everything you need at marhaba.qa/eguides
Marhaba Pocket Map (English and Arabic)
Marhaba Information Guide has included a map of Doha from the very first issue. It’s really quite amazing to see how much Doha has expanded over the years and our map is continuously updated! The separate Marhaba Pocket Map was created as a mini guide from maps and information in the main Guide. Customised Pocket Maps were produced for the spectacular 2006 Asian Games, and since then Marhaba has produced bespoke maps for numerous hotels, banks, government entities and private companies.
Qatar has grown tremendously over the years. Our maps now include different areas of the country, new highways and beautification projects, plus increased coverage of sightseeing hotspots.
Marhaba Calendars (English and Arabic)
Bought once a year but enjoyed throughout, Marhaba Calendars feature stunning photographs of Qatar’s wildlife, architecture, history and culture. A firm favourite of our clients, and can be easily customised!
Qatar Image (English)
Qatar Image is an impressive and informative coffee table book, highlighting the past, present and future of the country. It’s full of cultural knowledge, from the history of Qatar, to its development and its bold aims for the future.
Beautifully laid out, it features hundreds of photographs of its varied wildlife, flora and fauna, and iconic architecture – the perfect souvenir gift, for a quick dip or in-depth read.
Marhaba Online
Embracing a more digital world, Marhaba has built an impressive media presence. Beyond printed books and maps, we have an online reach of at least one million readers in Qatar and beyond.
marhaba.qa
The Marhaba website publishes daily news about Qatar, covering all of the country’s various sectors. We also have reviews on restaurants, staycations, and new cars, and special sections for important days of the year, like Ramadan and Eid. If you need to know something, you’ll find it on our website!
The comprehensive Events Calendar includes everything happening around town, be it cultural events, conferences, concerts and workshops. The Marhaba Weekend Guide is the ultimate guide to events happening across Qatar from Thursdays to Saturdays, while the Cinema Listings brings the latest movies along with timings and locations.
If you are still stuck for inspiration, we’ve got your back! There is the weekly What to Watch, Read and Listen To, and there are listings galore for brunches, happy hours, activities and much more.
If you haven’t already subscribed, sign up on our website to receive the Marhaba Newsletter – you can find all the week’s best news, reviews, events and special giveaways right at your fingertips!
Social media
Marhaba is very sociable on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and LinkedIn. We regularly distribute content across our social media platforms – news, reveals, articles, photos, and videos. Make sure to follow us so that you don’t miss out on anything important – and we would love to hear from you as well!
Marhaba is very sociable on Facebook, X @MarhabaQatar, Instagram @marhabaguideqatar, YouTube @MarhabaQatarInfo, TikTok @marhabaguideqatar, and LinkedIn.
Marhaba over the years…
Author: Sarah Palmer and Terry Sutcliffe
Copyright © Marhaba Information Guide. Reproduction of material from Marhaba Information Guide’s book or website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Using Marhaba Information Guide’s material without authorisation constitutes plagiarism as well as copyright infringement.
