Doha’s maritime marvel: A new lens on the sea
Discover AI-powered art tours, Filipino ballads, samurai mashups and summer mangoes across the city.
Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.
Where marine worlds shimmer beneath glass tunnels and AI helps chart your cultural path: start at Hamad Port, a gateway to Doha’s growing connection with the sea, then let a digital companion guide you through the city’s evolving art and heritage offerings. Whether you're listening to soulful ballads, sketching samurais, or sampling peak-season mangoes, Doha offers moments to explore, reflect and engage.
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Thanks for reading,
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: Hamad Port visitors center
Step into the depths of the ocean at the Hamad Port Visitors Center's panoramic aquarium tunnel. (Photo courtesy of Hamad Port Visitors Center)
Tucked away in the coastal district of Umm Al Houl, the Hamad Port Visitors Center is more than a landmark — it’s a full-fledged maritime adventure. Designed to captivate the imagination of all ages, this one-of-a-kind destination combines cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling and a deep dive into Qatar’s seafaring past and present.
The center’s Oceanic Aquarium, the first of its kind in the country, houses 17 basins teeming with over 4,600 marine creatures from 80 different species — a stunning tribute to Qatar’s diverse underwater world. Meander through glowing jellyfish displays, panoramic underwater tunnels and close encounters with native species that reveal the secrets of the Umm Al Houl ecosystem.
History lovers will find their anchor in the Maritime Museum, which spans 1,284 square meters and charts the evolution of Qatari trade, the development of container shipping and the rise of Hamad Port. It's an eye-opening voyage through time and innovation.
Visitors can enjoy a thrilling 4D cinema experience, an interactive children’s play area and engaging simulators, with the Auditorium hosting events in a high-quality setting. Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for unique aquatic-themed souvenirs.
With its lush landscaping and commitment to sustainability, the center offers a scenic, relaxing environment that makes every visit feel like a seaside escape.
Location: Umm Al Houl
More details here.
2. Word on the street: Explore Qatar through AI-powered art
A visitor chats with the AI Art Specialist to plan a personalized art journey across Doha. (Courtesy of Qatar Museums)
Step into the future of cultural discovery with Qatar Museums’ AI-powered art tour, a cutting-edge initiative that’s reshaping how we explore art, heritage and public installations across the country.
Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, this personalized, artificial intelligence-driven journey invites you to experience Qatar’s cultural landscape through your own unique lens.
This interactive tour begins with a simple chat. Share your preferences and the AI curates a custom route through museums, galleries, heritage sites and public artworks scattered across Doha. As you explore, your digital guide stays with you — offering insights, answering questions and even helping identify artworks in real time.
Beyond accessibility, the initiative reflects Qatar Museums’ vision for innovation, aligning with Digital Agenda 2030, Qatar's road map for achieving comprehensive digital transformation by 2030, and celebrating two decades of cultural advancement. The launch also marks a key moment in Evolution Nation — an 18-month campaign celebrating Qatar’s 50-year cultural journey curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art and culture.
Dates: Through Dec. 31
Location: Qatar Museums
More details here.
3. Doha diary
TJ Monterde performing live (Photo: Platinumlist.net)
TJ Monterde - “Sariling Atin Mundo Live in Qatar”
A major night for fans of original Pilipino music. Join powerhouse duo TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan for a soulful, high-energy concert that promises emotional ballads, genre-defying performances and an unforgettable live experience.
Dates: July 11
Location: Qatar National Convention Center
More information here.
Japan-Qatar Illustration Contest 2025
Artists of all ages are invited to illustrate the fusion of Japanese and Qatari cultures. From cherry blossoms in the desert to ninjas sipping karak, let your imagination soar. Winning entries will receive exciting prizes and be featured in prominent venues and across online platforms.
Dates: Through Sept. 20
Location: Al Shabab Street, New Diplomatic Area of Doha
More information here.
Pakistani Mango Exhibition 2025
Mango lovers, rejoice! The Eastern Square at Souq Waqif hosts a juicy celebration of Pakistan’s finest mangoes and mango-based products.
Dates: Through July 19
Location: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif
More information here.
- Reviving the Past Through Robotics workshop
Explore Qatar’s heritage through the lens of technology. In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and build robots inspired by traditional professions and cultural icons.
Date: July 15-16 and Aug. 5-6
Location: Bin Jelmood House, Msheireb Museums
More information here.
Doha Summer Trade & Shopping Exhibition
Your one-stop summer market. Shop jalabiyas, abayas, sweets, home goods and more at this vibrant seasonal bazaar.
Dates: July 16 - Aug. 4
Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center
More information here.
4. Book of the week: “My Life in Doha”
In this heartfelt memoir, Rachel Hajar reflects on her unexpected journey from the Philippines to Qatar — a path shaped by love, culture and transformation. After meeting and marrying a Qatari poet and cardiologist during her medical training in the United States, Rachel moves to Doha and finds herself immersed in an Arab-Islamic world far removed from her Catholic upbringing. With curiosity and honesty, she explores the challenges and beauty of adapting to new traditions, recounting her first encounters with cultural customs, religious practices and life as part of a Qatari family. Blending personal narrative with historical and literary insights, “My Life in Doha” is a moving exploration of identity, belonging and cross-cultural connection.
5. View from Doha
Interior view of the Maritime Museum at Hamad Port Visitors Center, showcasing its modern architectural design and interactive exhibits. (Photo courtesy of Hamad Port Visitors Center)
6. By the numbers
- United Development Company, a Qatari public shareholding company, claimed four out of six international Green World Awards 2025 for its sustainability efforts across the man-made Pearl and Gewan Islands — including the Gold Award in Energy and the Bronze Award in Water Management.
- Spanning 2,177 kilometers (1,352 miles), the upcoming GCC Railway is set to connect all six Gulf countries by 2045, making it Asia’s second-largest rail network and a major step toward greener, cross-border travel in the region.