Al-Monitor Doha: Syrian Symphony arrives
Syrian voices bring Doha to life this week with pianist and composer Malek Jandali's Syrian Symphony and singer Assala Nasri’s soulful tunes.
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Syrian voices bring Doha to life this week with pianist and composer Malek Jandali's Syrian Symphony and singer Assala Nasri’s soulful tunes. Alongside these captivating performances, thrilling literary discoveries and a host of other upcoming events.
Leading the week: Malek Jandali’s Syrian Symphony
Join the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra for a captivating evening of music featuring the world premiere of Malek Jandali’s Syrian Symphony. This evocative masterpiece pays homage to the resilience and cultural heritage of the Syrian people, weaving themes of revolution and hope through its intricate melodies and orchestration. Released in 2014 during one of Syria's most challenging periods, Jandali's symphony is a poignant testament to the enduring power of art.
Under the direction of Grammy-nominated conductor Alastair Willis, the program begins with Ascending Bird, a collaborative piece by violinist and composer Colin Jacobsen and Iranian Santur player Siamak Aghaei that beautifully blends Arabic and Western musical elements. French composer Camille Saint-Saens’ 19th-century Piano Concerto No. 5 — also known as The Egyptian — performed by acclaimed pianist Lindsay Garritson follows. The evening ends with Jandali’s groundbreaking Syrian Symphony, bringing to life the stories of Syria’s past and present with profound emotional depth.
Don’t miss this extraordinary evening celebrating music’s ability to transcend borders and tell powerful stories.
Date: Jan. 25, 2025
Location: Qatar National Convention Center, Auditorium 3
Find more information here.
Word on the street: Escape Room — Scholars of the Islamic World
"Escape Room: The Scholars of the Islamic World" at the Museum of Islamic Art. (Museum of Islamic Art)
Looking for an intellectually engaging experience? The Museum of Islamic Art’s Escape Room: The Scholars of the Islamic World immerses you in the rich history of Islamic scholarship. Navigate themed chambers dedicated to calligraphy, astronomy and the conservation of Islamic art, solve puzzles and uncover hidden knowledge.
This interactive experience is perfect for families, students or anyone curious about the golden age of Islamic innovation — and it’s a must-visit before it concludes at the end of this month!
Date: every Tuesday and Thursday until Jan. 30
Location: Museum of Islamic Art, 2nd Floor
Find more information here.
Doha diary
Syrian singer Assala Nasri performs during the annual 'Hala February festival' in Kuwait City on March 17, 2022. (YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Assala Nasri at QNCC
Experience an unforgettable evening with the legendary Assala Nasri as she performs her greatest hits live. Enjoy a magical night of music and artistry by one of the most iconic voices in the Arab world.
Date: Jan. 31
Location: Qatar National Convention Center
Find more details here.
Nemr Live at La Cigale Hotel
Get ready for an evening of laughter with the internationally acclaimed comedians Nemr Bou Naser and Amal Taleb. Don’t miss their hilarious live performance.
Date: Jan. 24
Location: La Cigale Hotel, Wajba Ballroom
Find more details here.
Qatar World Coffee Expo 2025
Discover the finest coffee from around the world at this premier event for coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals. Explore unique blends, engage with experts and experience coffee like never before.
Date: Jan. 23
Location: Qatar National Convention Centre
Find more details here.
Candy Zone
Step into a sweet wonderland filled with interactive experiences, vibrant installations and delicious treats at Candy Zone.
Date: Jan. 23 - Feb. 1
Location: Sahat Al Nakheel
Find more details here.
Book of the week: “The Phoenician Ship 5252”
This sci-fi novel by Qatari author Shamma Shaheen Al-Kuwari takes readers to the year 5252, where humans and aliens coexist on four floating land cubes. Jassem, a 15-year-old boy, embarks on an extraordinary journey after discovering the mysterious Phoenician Ship with the help of Tasem, a luminous talking turtle. The novel offers a captivating tale of exploration and friendship.
View from Doha
Doha Bay with the skyline of the city in the background taken from the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
By the numbers
- In the 2025 Global Emotions Report by CEOWORLD magazine, Qatar ranks as the third least-stressed country in Asia and 11th globally, with a total score of 84.3.
- Expatriates make up 77% of Qatar’s population, highlighting the country’s rich multicultural identity.
- Over 90% of Qatar’s population resides in urban areas, offering residents a vibrant mix of modern architecture, cultural landmarks and world-class amenities.
