If the idea of taking a 4X4 roller coaster up and down desert dunes,
wake-boarding outside the Diplomatic Club, and kite surfing against a
horizon of ultramodern skyscrapers appeals to you — then come to Doha!
As we prepare both thrilling and relaxing activities for our festival
guests, our hospitality department planned a ‘test-cruise’ on a dhow, a
traditionally-built wooden sailing vessel that is still used for trade
in the Persian Gulf.
Today, dhows are still used for trading cargo, pearl diving and fishing.
But they can also offer visitors a fun, refreshing (and even romantic!) excursion with breathtaking views of Doha
from the azure sea.
Take a look below.
Our dhow, which holds up to around 20 passengers, set off from
the
Museum of Islamic Art. Seeing the back of the MIA from the sea,
and then, as the boat swept around the bay, being faced with an open
view of the Doha skyline, was an impressive start.
We sailed away to a quirky soundtrack of jazz, hip hop and 90s pop and
we dropped anchor at Al Safliya Island to leap, dive, and back-flip
into the thick azure waters.
As we digested our delicious BBQ lunch, we reclined on the deck and
watched the sun slowly set, changing into shades of orange and gold
before disappearing into the sea.
And as the twinkling lights atop the many skyscrapers started to flash
on, we found ourselves back at the dock. Within three hours we had
sunbathed, swam, laughed, danced and soaked in the sea-breeze-infused
silence of evening’s arrival.
Alexia Amvrazi
Benjamin Robinson