By Steve Sherack
“Qatar deserves the best.”
That's the slogan proudly displayed on the fencing surrounding the seemingly infinite number of construction sites throughout the capital city of Doha.
And, after a whirlwind, three-day/two-night stay to attend the Qatar International Derby Festival, it certainly seems like the nation is getting it.
With the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup on its way in 2022, and the Qatar ExxonMobil Tennis Open right around the corner in January, too, big-time sporting events are taking place front and center in the Gulf State.
While the same can't exactly be said in the same breath for the racing there just yet, there is reason to believe that it could be one day. With well-known international trainers like Mike de Kock, Brian Meehan, Marco Botti and Mario Hofer all bringing home top prizes during this week's two-day meeting, it's certainly something to build from. Having a premier racecaller like Mark Johnson describe the action sprinkled with dramatic overhead drone shots certainly helped provide some added excitement to the event as well.
Speaking of something to build from. The architecture in Doha is simply nothing short of spectacular. Eclectic buildings of all shapes and sizes will leave you in awe, and while visiting any of the many local attractions such as the Corniche (breathtaking waterfront promenade located along Doha Bay), Katara (a cultural village featuring museums, an amphitheater, opera house and beach), Souq Waqif (“the standing market,” where you can buy anything from a pet parrot to traditional garments & spices), etc, the countless number of unique sculptures at these destinations are a site to see within themselves.
Special thanks to Patricia Musial, head of the international affairs unit at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, who couldn't have been any more accommodating throughout my stay.
Did you make the camel racing yet Mr. Steven? That was the question of the week asked repeatedly by the over-the-top hospitable staff at the Ritz-Carlton Doha. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be any nearby venues currently open, and at the end of the day, I simply didn't have a big enough window to further explore. While there won't be any Sherackatthe(camel)track photo credits coming in TDN anytime soon, shooting the aforementioned sites in Doha, including the quaint Al Rayyan racecourse, was an experience that I'll never forget.
Happy & healthy New Year everybody!
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
