Qatar

An integral part of Qatari heritage, camel racing is one of many traditional sports the country holds dear. Despite being part of daily life for centuries, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that professional camel racing took off in Qatar. Al Shahaniya is home to Qatar’s most high-profile camel racing track, with visitors from all over the region flocking to witness the traditional spectacle. Since Qatar’s ban of child jockeys, camel racing now features robot jockeys who guide the camels to the finish line

A competition focussed around the traditional art of falconry, groups of men gather in the desert to hunt, using their well-trained and highly skilled falcons. A key part of Qatari heritage, the falcon is a prized possession in the Middle East, and the tradition is still alive and well.

A competition focussed around the traditional art of falconry, men gather in the desert to hunt solo, using their well-trained and highly skilled falcons. A key part of Qatari heritage, the falcon is a prized possession in the Middle East, and the tradition is still alive and well.

A nod to a by-gone era, Seniyar is a traditional Qatari sport looking to maintain and educate on one of Qatar’s oldest traditions. Now an annual festival, the premise of Seniyar was once a means of necessity, rather than recreation. Each year, the Katara-hosted festival sees teams of men go head to head in various pearl-diving and fishing competitions, using only traditional methods.

Built in 1982 for Civil Defence, it remained as a working fire-station until 2012, when Qatar Museums took the building on and repurposed it. Now named ‘Fire Station Artist in Residence’, the gallery offers nine-month programmes to Qatar residents, allowing them to move into one of the studios and collaborate with other artists.

Comprising of four separate heritage houses, Msheireb Museums are situated in the heart of Downtown Doha – the oldest part of the city. Each ‘house’ offers the public an insight into a different aspect of the country’s rich history. Mohammed bin Jassim House displays the transformations the country has undergone, whilst also looking towards a sustainable future. Company House, meanwhile, is set within the former headquarters of Qatar’s first oil company, and tells the story of the industry workers who helped transform the country into the modern metropolis it is today. Bin Jelmood House tackles the complicated issue of human exploitation, aiming to raise awareness and encourage individuals to take a stand against modern-day slavery. Finally, Radwani House offers an insight into the evolution of family life within Qatar, showcasing the ways in which society was transformed with the discovery of oil and the arrival of electricity – both of which were catalysts for the country’s rapid modernisation.