MotoGP races into Doha this weekend
This week in Doha offers something for everyone, from candlelit classical concerts and Anirudh Ravichander's live debut to scenic café hangouts.
This week in Doha, all eyes are on the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2025 as high-speed action hits the Lusail International Circuit. Meanwhile, classical music lovers can enjoy performances of Mozart and Chopin at the popular Candlelight concert series. For a lighter outing, the Smurf-Tastic Fair offers a whimsical experience for the young and young at heart.
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Reve
P.S. Have feedback or tips on Doha's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.
1. Leading the week: MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2025
Sergio Garcia of Spanish and MT Helmets - MSI leads the field during the Moto2 race during the MotoGP Of Qatar - Race at Losail Circuit on March 10, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
The roar of engines returns to Lusail as the 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix races into town on April 11-13. Held under the iconic floodlights of Lusail International Circuit, this is the only night race on the MotoGP calendar — and a must-see event for motorsport fans in Qatar.
Over three days, the world’s top riders will compete on the 5.38-kilometer (3.34-mile) track with 16 challenging turns, culminating in the MotoGP Grand Prix on Sunday at 8 p.m. Championship leader Marc Marquez will be in action, alongside his brother Alex Marquez, 2024 title-holder Francesco Bagnaia and breakout rookie Ai Ogura.
The event kicks off Friday with free practice sessions, followed by Saturday’s qualifying rounds and high-stakes Sprint Race. Sunday brings the main races across all classes. Off the track, visitors can enjoy a lively fan zone for all ages featuring entertainment, interactive activities and food stalls.
Dates: April 11-13
Location: Lusail International Circuit
Find more details here.
2. Word on the street: Awfully Good!
Bagels at Awfully Good! in Doha, Qatar. (Instagram)
One of Doha’s trendiest coffee spots has landed on Gewan Island — and it’s already drawing a crowd. Awfully Good!, a new cafe and bakery, is winning fans with its laid-back vibe, artisanal breads and the perfect morning brew.
Designed by Exclamation Group with a touch of French-retro flair, the space strikes a balance between cozy and chic. Outside, the terrace overlooks Gewan Island’s crystal lagoon — a man-made water feature that shimmers by day and glows after dark.
Expect a full house — Awfully Good! has quickly become the city’s coffee hotspot, buzzing with locals, creatives and anyone in search of a beautifully brewed cup in a seriously aesthetic setting.
Already a favorite among locals and creatives, Awfully Good! is fast becoming a city hotspot for a scenic coffee break.
Location: Gewan Island
Find more details here.
3. Doha diary
Indian composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander performs before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23, 2025. (Photo by R.Satish BABU / AFP)
Candlelight: Mozart to Chopin
Classical music meets candlelit ambiance at the Museum of Islamic Art as the Candlelight concert series returns to Doha. Featuring works by Mozart and Chopin, the experience blends live performance with an atmospheric glow for an enchanting night in one of the city’s most iconic settings.
Date: April 11
Location: Museum of Islamic Art
More information here.
Anirudh Ravichander live in Doha
For the first time in Doha, Indian music sensation Anirudh Ravichander takes the stage at Lusail Sports Arena as part of his global Hukum tour. Known for smash hits like “Why This Kolaveri Di” and “Arabic Kuthu,” Anirudh blends hip-hop with classical Indian vibes for an explosive live experience.
Date: April 11
Location: Lusail Sports Arena
More information here.
Old Doha Port Fishing Competition
Cast your line and join the action at the Old Doha Port Fishing Competition. Open to all fishing enthusiasts, this community event promises a fun and scenic experience at Mina Park.
Dates: April 11-12
Location: Mina Park, South of Mina District
More information here.
The Smurf-Tastic Fair
Perfect for kids and families, the Smurf-Tastic Fair transforms Place Vendome into a playful world of Smurfs with interactive games, themed zones and fun photo ops.
Dates: Until April 15
Location: Place Vendôme
More information here.
4. Book of the week: “Bedouins of Qatar”
Bedouins of Qatar by Klaus Ferdinand offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the Al Na’im and Al Murrah tribes before rapid modernization transformed the country. Based on 1959 fieldwork, the book documents daily routines, tent structures and material culture, supported by over 450 illustrations and maps. It’s a fascinating record of a vanishing nomadic lifestyle and a valuable resource for understanding Qatar’s cultural past.
5. View from Doha
Drones perform a light show over Lusail City during the Lusail Sky Festival as part of Qatar's Eid al-Fitr celebrations on April 4, 2025. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
6. By the numbers
- Over 340,000 people attended the Lusail Sky Festival, a three-day event celebrating Eid Al-Fitr, making it one of the biggest attractions of the season.
- Eidiya ATMs saw record-breaking use this Eid Al-Fitr, with withdrawals surpassing QAR 182 million, or $50 million. The spike in activity reflects the popular tradition of giving Eidiya — cash gifts exchanged during the holiday. These temporary ATMs are installed specifically for Eid and are deactivated shortly after the celebrations end.