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Dipti Nair
Doha
The Pearl-Qatar is a unique landmark of Qatar, typifying the country's economic might and state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. It offers a completely different experience with amenities and luxury rivalling the best that Europe has to offer.
Despite living in Qatar for many years, I never really had the opportunity to visit many precincts of The Pearl-Qatar, most often just visiting the more-popular Porto Arabia or Medina Centrale. Recently, I went to the 'Qanat Qarnevale' held in the Qanat Quartier. The festival, like most events organised in Qatar, provided wholesome family entertainment with game booths, retail kiosks, arcade games, laser shows, 3D floor painting, graffiti and caricature arts and stage performances. The four-day festival provided a great opportunity for visitors even those not residing in the island to have a complete carnival feel.
But, while the festival had some great entertainment lined up, for me, the highlight was not the festival but the location the gorgeous Qanat Quartier.
The architects of the Qanat Quartier have looked to Italy for inspiration and the buildings, canals and bridges have a very Venice-like feel to them.
Qanat Quartier has a colourful Venetian character and has been carefully planned around extensive and intricate canals and pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas. The waterways have stylish bridges to take you across, very reminiscent of the Italian city.
With low-rise residences and townhouses in close proximity to the water, the developers have intended to give a true Riviera lifestyle to the residents. The surroundings are colourful with apartments looking out onto the waterways. Each bridge has been artistically created and is perfect for a stroll on cool evenings. There is even a bridge inspired by the very famous Rialto Bridge in Venice that houses a few quaint shops and a caf`. This bridge is the perfect selfie-spot amidst the picturesque surrounding.
Qanat Quartier is also turning into a unique retail village providing boutique-style shopping, with many interesting outlets. However, the highlight has to be the many eating options at this charming location with plenty of waterfront cafes and restaurants set in vibrant and colourful promenades. The restaurants are plenty and with Italian, Turkish, Mexican, Moroccan, French and Chinese cuisine, it brings the world together in one place. There are also some unique eateries like the Volume Caf`, Pretzelmaker, Artist caf` and Chimney Cakes that provide interesting fare.
A visit to the Qanat Quartier can be quite a unique experience. Go there early, before the sun sets, so you can get a good view of the stunning architecture, the colourful buildings and bridges. Take a tour through the many canals in a water-taxi. They may not have the charm of a Venetian gondola, but they do provide a good relaxing ride as you explore the island. Hang around at one of the cafes or restaurants until after sunset and enjoy the stunning night views this place has to offer.
Venice is all about walking and that is the highlight of Qanat Quartier too. Explore this part of the island on foot and you may spot some hidden gems. One of the unique places I spotted was Nobbanolla, a unique shop selling wooden eye-glasses and watches. These eco-friendly items not only look fantastic but go a long way in protecting the health of our planet.
Having visited Venice recently, I wouldn't say that the Qanat Quartier is a faithful recreation of the iconic city, for nothing can truly duplicate the ambience and the visual appeal that culturally-rich Venice has. But Qanat Quartier does give a touch of Europe and a very different feel and vibe from what one is used to in Qatar.
Like in Europe, time seems to slow down at the Qanat Quartier, creating a very relaxed experience for visitors. For Qatar residents, especially those who do not live at The Pearl-Qatar, it is definitely a must-visit place and an opportunity to experience and view a very different Qatar that goes beyond congested roads, high-rises and a fast-paced life.
