Doha’s ultimate indoor adventure is back
Also this week: painting workshops, rare manuscripts, and family fun in Doha.
Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.
Despite the summer heat, Doha’s cultural calendar is far from slowing down. This week’s highlights range from hands-on art workshops with Wadha Al Kuwari to family-friendly fun at InflataCity and a rare look at centuries-old medical manuscripts at MIA.
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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: InflataCity 2025
Visitors explore InflataCity, the world’s largest indoor inflatable park, at the Qatar National Convention Center. (Photo courtesy of QNCC)
Qatar’s ultimate indoor adventure returns bigger, bolder and bouncier than ever. InflataCity 2025, the region’s largest inflatable experience, kicks off this week at the Qatar National Convention Center, transforming over 30,000 square meters (7.4 acres) into a wonderland of thrills and laughter all under one air-conditioned roof.
Backed by events platform Qatar Calendar, this year’s edition raises the bar with brand-new attractions like CandyMaze, Giant InflataSlide and Inflata GoKart, plus adrenaline-pumping challenges such as Paintless Paintball and Bazooka Ball. Whether you’re racing, bouncing, gaming, or unwinding in the VIP Lounge, InflataCity delivers excitement for all ages.
The fun doesn’t stop at the inflatables. Guests can also enjoy carnival games, arcade classics, cinema experiences, mascot shows and a massive food court that satisfies every craving. Designed as a one-stop summer destination, InflataCity 2025 is the coolest way to beat the heat this August.
Dates: Through Aug. 28
Location: Halls 4-9, Qatar National Convention Center
More details here.
2. Word on the street: Acrylic painting with Wadha Al Kuwari
An acrylic artwork by Wadha Al Kuwari, featured in her painting workshop at the Fire Station gallery. (Photo courtesy of Fire Station)
As the Youth Summer Program draws to a close, there’s still time to tap into your creative side — and what better way than with a hands-on painting workshop led by local artist Wadha Al Kuwari?
Open to all skill levels, this dynamic session invites participants to explore modern acrylic techniques while developing their own expressive visual style. From mastering color balance to applying contemporary methods, you’ll walk away with new skills and a completed artwork that reflects your personal artistic vision.
Kuwari, a certified arts and crafts trainer with a background in art education, is known for blending tradition with modern flair in her captivating creations. To wrap up the season, participants’ works will be featured in a celebratory exhibition showcasing the creativity sparked by this summer’s program.
Dates: Aug. 10-14
Location: Education Studio, Fire Station
More information here.
3. Doha diary
An exterior view of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha, Qatar on June 21, 2024. (Photo by ALTAN GOCHER/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
- “Cures, Remedies and Recipes: Treasures of MIA Library”
Explore centuries-old wisdom at the MIA Library’s new display of rare medical manuscripts. “Cures, Remedies, and Recipes: Treasures of MIA Library” offers a fascinating look into the history of healing featuring previously unseen texts from the museum’s Gastronomy Collection.
Dates: Through Nov. 8
Location: Museum of Islamic Art Library
More information here.
- Hello Summer at Ezdan Mall Wakra
Beat the heat with weekend fun at Ezdan Mall Al Wakra. From lava lamp labs and magic shows to clown parades, the Hello Summer festival promises hands-on activities and themed entertainment for the whole family.
Date: Through Aug. 22
Location: Gate 1, Ezdan Mall Al Wakra
More information here.
- Qatar Mall Run
Lace up your sneakers for the Qatar Mall Run this Saturday. Meet fellow runners in front of the main stage before the 9 a.m. kickoff and enjoy a morning full of community spirit, movement and energy.
Date: Aug. 9
Location: Mall of Qatar (Main Stage)
More information here.
- Student Forum 2025
Two inspiring weeks of creative exchange, cultural connection, and meaningful conversations await teens at this year’s Student Forum. Open to students aged 14-18 and non-native Arabic speakers, the forum includes Islamic lectures, cultural workshops, and opportunities to reflect and grow with peers.
Date: Aug. 10-21
Location: Abdulla Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center
More information here.
- Summer Camp: Storytime for Children
Kids aged 7-14 are invited to a magical English-language story time session packed with wonder and whimsy. Limited seats available, so register early.
Dates: Aug. 11
Location: Qatar National Library
More information here.
4. Book of the week: “Qatari Press - Present Challenges and Future Prospects”
In “Qatari Press: Present Challenges and Future Prospects,” Khalid Bin Mubarak Al-Shafi offers a thoughtful and timely exploration of the evolution of Qatar’s print media, its current landscape and the road ahead. Written in both Arabic and English, the book traces the history of the Qatari press from its early beginnings in the 1960s, examines its role in diplomacy and public discourse, and unpacks the challenges posed by digital transformation. With a clear-eyed look at sustainability, media freedom, and the future of journalism, this work serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the shifting dynamics of Qatar’s media scene.
5. View from Doha
People visit the bird market in Souq Waqif bazaar in Doha on July 24, 2025. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
6. By the numbers
- According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, Qatar holds the second-strongest passport in the Arab world, offering visa-free access to 112 countries.
- In 2024, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 was Qatar’s best-selling car, according to Car Industry Analysis.