Culture and adventure converge at Ras Abrouq

Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.

This week, Qatar’s western desert transforms into a playground of adventure and culture at Ras Abrouq, offering zip lines, stargazing and fine dining under the open sky. The roar of engines returns to Lusail as the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix takes over the iconic circuit, accompanied by live performances. Music lovers can catch Najwa Karam and Al Shami performing their hits on Doha stages, while sports enthusiasts can catch a key basketball matchup between Lebanon and Qatar. Meanwhile, Katara invites visitors to explore the 15th Traditional Dhow Festival, a celebration of the Gulf’s maritime heritage and seafaring traditions.

If you want to receive this newsletter or our other new City Pulse editions — including Dubai, Istanbul and Riyadh — sign up here.

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: Abrouq Desert Experience

 Dining in the Ras Abrouq desert. (Photo courtesy of Visit Qatar)

An hour west of Doha, where the desert meets the Arabian Gulf, Visit Qatar transforms Ras Abrouq into an immersive destination that blends adventure, culture and natural beauty. The event runs through mid-January at the edge of the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve, offering visitors a chance to experience Qatar’s western landscape through activities ranging from traditional workshops to desert adventures.

The experience unfolds across three distinct zones. Film City re-creates the atmosphere of a traditional Qatari souq, while the Wildlife Experience introduces visitors to the animals and ecosystems that thrive in this protected biosphere. At Desert Escape, families encounter Qatar’s longest zipline, stretching from a 25-meter adventure tower alongside restaurants and live entertainment.

The program includes traditional craft workshops led by Al-Hosh Gallery, outdoor cinema screenings under the stars, live performances, stargazing sessions, and family-friendly activities like trampolines, puppet shows and mini football. Art installations dot the landscape, while classic cars line designated viewing areas.

Visitors can also book hot air balloon rides that float above the rock formations and coastal views, camel and pony rides through the desert terrain, horseback riding along the beach, and climbing experiences on the adventure tower's walls and free fall attractions. The W Hotel brings fine dining concepts to the desert, alongside lounge spaces that elevate the typical festival food experience. A gift shop offers Abrouq merchandise and local crafts.

Date: Until Jan. 17, 2026

Location: Ras Abrouq

Find more information here.

2. Word on the street: Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix

 Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 leads Fernando Alonso of Spain driving the (14) Aston Martin AMR24 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on Dec. 01, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The countdown to Formula 1 in Qatar is officially underway as the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix returns to Lusail International Circuit Nov. 28-30. The atmosphere around Lusail is already picking up momentum, with fans preparing for a weekend that blends high-speed racing, global entertainment and the electric energy that only Formula 1 can deliver.

This year’s race witnesses drivers take on 57 laps of the 5.38-kilometer circuit. Since its debut in 2004, Lusail has become one of the sport’s most distinctive tracks thanks to its flowing sequence of 16 medium- and high-speed corners and the now iconic night racing under powerful floodlights. The venue continues to grow its reputation not only as a technical challenge for drivers but also as a world-class destination for motorsport fans.

The weekend also showcases a major lineup of international artists. British singer Seal opens the festivities on Friday with a performance that brings his unmistakable voice to the Lusail Live stage. On Saturday, Algerian superstar Cheb Khaled takes over with an evening of rai rhythms in partnership with Visit Qatar. The momentum carries into Sunday, as Metallica closes the event with a headline show that is expected to draw fans well beyond the world of racing.

Date: Nov. 28-30

Location: Lusail International Circuit

Find more details here.

3. Doha diary

Lebanese singer Najwa Karam performs during the 59th edition of the Carthage International Festival at the Roman Theatre in Carthage in Tunis on August 9, 2025. (Photo by FETHI BELAID/AFP via Getty Images)

• Najwa Karam live in Doha

Known as Shams El-Ghinnieh, Lebanese superstar Najwa Karam brings her powerful voice and signature fusion of Arabic and Lebanese musical styles to Al Mayassa Theater. Her timeless catalog includes beloved hits like “Yelaan Elboaad,” “Hayda Haki” and “Khallini Shoufak” that have made her one of the most influential figures in contemporary Arabic music. The evening promises vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies from an artist who has shaped the sound of a generation.

Date: Nov. 28

Location: Al Mayassa Theatre, QNCC

Find more information here.

• Qatar versus Lebanon basketball game

Qatar Basketball takes on Lebanon in the opening window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at Lusail Multipurpose Hall. The matchup marks the first step in the teams' qualification campaigns, with both nations looking to establish momentum in the long road toward the 2027 tournament that Qatar will host. The game brings together two countries with strong basketball traditions and passionate fan bases.

Date: Nov. 27

Location: Lusail Multipurpose Hall

Find more information here.

• Al Shami at The Village Festival

Syrian singer Al Shami performs at The Village Festival as part of Doha Festival City’s programming. The 22-year-old artist has taken the Arabic music scene by storm over the past two years with his blend of Western pop and Middle Eastern sounds, earning four Billboard Arabia Music Awards in 2024. Songs like “Ya Leil W Yal Ein” and “Sabra” have racked up hundreds of millions of views online.

Date: Nov. 28

Location: Doha festival city

Find more information here.

• Katara Traditional Dhow Festival 2025

The 15th edition of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival launches on the southern side of Katara Beach, celebrating Qatar’s maritime heritage through Dec. 18. The multiweek festival brings together traditional wooden dhows, cultural activities and events that honor the seafaring traditions that shaped life along the Gulf coast. Visitors get to explore the craftsmanship of these historic vessels and participate in programming that connects Qatar’s past with its present.

Date: Nov. 27 to Dec. 18

Location: Katara Beach, Katara Cultural Village

Find more information here.