QATAR – Dynamic~Desert~Distinguished!

Qatar Airways to DOHA, Educational Report by Ana Garcia ~ Donna Barlow Travel Group  CONTACT Ana@dbt.com.au  Phone +61 2 9888 5555     Issued: February 2018

12 FEBRUARY 2018:  I had the privilege of joining Qatar Airways Educational trip to Doha last February 12 – 16, 2018. We departed at around 3:55PM in Sydney aboard QR907 (Boeing 777-300ER) in Economy class and arrived at Hamad International Airport, Doha at 11:30PM (approximately 15 hrs and 35 minutes travel time). The check-in process at Sydney Airport is fairly quick. The ground agents as well as the cabin crew were wonderful! Before deplaning, we got the chance for a quick inspection of the business class cabin too.

THE HOTEL: Mondrian Doha | West Bay Lagoon, Doha, Qatar | Tel: +974 4045 555

• 211 Bedrooms and 59 suites over 24 floors
• 2000 square meter ballroom and with its own 24K gold elevator
• Restaurants, Bar and Spa inside Mondrian

Since we’re a big group (40 total!); there were some delays at the immigration as well as our transit from the airport to the hotel. We finished check-in at around 2:30AM. The hotel location was a bit far from the city center (maybe 20-30minute drive) but it is still surrounded by shops and restaurants. The newly built Lagoona Mall is the closest.

13 FEBRUARY 2018: This was the City Tour Day! Everyone’s excited to see what Doha can offer. First, we went to “The Pearl”. It’s similar to “The Palm in Dubai” but maybe a bit smaller. The name “The Pearl” was chosen because the island is being built on one of Qatar’s previous major pearl diving sites. Qatar was one of the major pearl traders of Asia before the Japanese introduced cheaper more affordable pearls just before Qatar’s oil bloom.

Then we went to the “KATARA” (Cultural Village). One of the highlights is the Katara Amphitheater. It’s a crafted balance between the classical Greek theatre concept and Islamic features. Completed in the year 2008 (3275 sqm) but officially opened on December 11, 2011 with a spectacular concert by legendary Vangelis and featuring world-renowned stars like Angela Gheorghiou, Roberto Alagna and Jeremy Irons.

Above: MIA – Feature over 14 centuries of Islamic Art  & Inside the Museum of Islamic Art

Our last stop was the “SOUQ WAQIF” (The standing Market) – Perceived to be the only lasting area in Doha that retains an authentic feel in reference to its commerce, architecture and culture. Dates back at least a hundred years and was renovated in 2006 to conserve its traditional Qatari architectural style.             

We head back to the hotel around 6:30PM to get ready for dinner hosted by Grand Hyatt Hotel and Villas (Box 24010, Doha, Qatar) just opposite of Mondrian Hotel.

• 249 guestrooms and suites, 91 villas (all with terraces and balconies)
• Located on the Shoreline of West bay Lagoon District.
• Bars and Restaurants (from Authentic Thai, US West Coast, Italian and more)

I was not able to take photos but I guarantee that the hotel is magnificent! I enjoyed our dinner very much. It was a full-course dinner of Turkish/Arabic cuisine.

14 FEBRUARY 2018:

Desert Safari Day!!! We’re all expecting a four-wheel drive but instead they’ve assigned 2 monster buses to accommodate all 40 of us. It might not be as thrilling as the 4×4 but we still had so much fun! We had our buffet lunch at the Regency Sealine Camp. It was a combination of Arabic and Western cuisine.

• Sealine Camp – 1 hour away from the City of Doha
• A luxury desert camp and Beach resort (where desert meets the sea!J)
• Offers range of activities (dune bashing with 4×4, quad biking and camel riding)
• Fully Air conditioned Room equipped with 5 star amenities.After lunch break, we went to the camel riding site (a short drive from the Sealine Camp). I think it’s around $5 – $10 per camel ride. The guides were very friendly and the camels were all well-groomed. You can also take as many photos as you want for free!
  

  

  

  

  Prior to our Desert Safari trip, we had a quick inspection of the Mondrian loft Suite, the Black Orchid (Club), the Hudson Tavern, the Morimoto Restaurant by Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the Walima Restaurant (Qatari and Middle-Eastern cuisine) and the pool area. We were also told that last January 26, Mondrian Hosted yet one of their biggest Night Party with Paris Hilton at the Black Orchid. Our dinner for this night was hosted by Mondrian at the CUT restaurant by Wolfgang Puck.15 FEBRUARY 2018: The entire morning was for our leisure while waiting for our pick-up from the hotel to the Airport. Since our transfer was not until 4:30PM. We went to visit one of Doha’s favorite Malls – The Doha Festival city. After strolling around and checking out bargains, I can say that prices were comparable to what we have here in Australia and same as with food but if you’re into pearls and gold, then it’s a lot cheaper in Doha!

  Our flight was scheduled at 8:15PM (QR908 | Airbus A380-800 Jet). Everyone’s hoping to get upgraded to business class but I think only 2 got confirmed from our group as the flight was full. It was still a great flight for me. A380’s economy seats were wider and relaxing. We arrived back to Sydney at around 6:45PM on 16 February (approximately 14 hrs and 30 minutes travel time).

  I am very grateful to Qatar Airways and Donna Barlow Corporate Travel for this amazing experience. Thank you so much for extending the invitation to me. I truly had a wonderful time! 

  PREPARED BY: ANA Garcia ~ DONNA BARLOW CORPORATE TRAVEL

  1/111 Wicks Road; North Ryde NSW 2113 Ph +61 2 98885555 Toll-Free 1800 678 555