Wednesday, September 10, 2025

QATAR - DAY 02 - KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE - PART 01

Assalamualaikum
🔵Tepat pukul 8:30 pagi, adik my wife pun tiba. Lawatan pertama pada hari kedua kami di Doha ini adalah ke Katara Cultural Village. 


🔵The Dar Al-Kutub Al-Qatariya building.
🔹Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya is a library in Doha, Qatar that served as the national library until the opening of the Qatar National Library in 2012.

🔵This is Sword Gate Monument at Grand Hammad Street. 
🔹The Sword Gate Monument is an iconic landmark located in Doha, Qatar, that beautifully encapsulates the nation's rich heritage and cultural significance. Erected as a tribute to the country’s history, this striking monument resembles a sword and stands as a symbol of strength and tradition.
Source: evendo.com/

🔵Bukhari Mosque.




🔵From right: Bilal Tower,  Encore Hotel, Grand Qatar Palace Hotel, The Town Hotel and Jaidah Tower.

🔵A monument at the Al Muntazah Intersection in Doha.

🔵That is Musherieb Bus Station.
🔹The station is built on plot with a site area of 5,749 m². The station accommodates 10 bus bays for operating 50 buses per hour which are distributed on 9 routes with a total capacity of around 40,000 passengers per day to reach 19 different destinations.
🔹Equipped with necessary electric charging equipment for optimal operation.

🔵Musherieb Downtown Doha - a smart and sustainable city district, it is a thriving urban haven, designed to nurture living, leisure, and business in perfect harmony.

🔵This photo shows a street scene in Doha, Qatar, specifically showing a building in the Msheireb Downtown area and a street sign pointing towards "Al Corniche" and "Al Bidda". 
🔹The prominent yellow building in the center is characteristic of the modern architecture found in Msheireb Downtown, a redevelopment project in Doha known for its blend of traditional Qatari and contemporary designs.
🔹The street sign indicates directions to key landmarks in Doha, including Al Corniche, a popular waterfront promenade, and Al Bidda, which likely refers to Al Bidda Park or a related area.

🔵Doha Metro Station di simpang Al Diwan Street dan Wadi Musherieb Street.

🔵Kanan: Four Points by Sheraton Doha.
🔵Kiri: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation.



🔵Ini ialah Showroom dan Bangunan Pejabat Mercedes-Benz di Musheireb, Downtown Doha, juga dikenali sebagai NBK Square.
🔹Kereta-kereta asing paling popular di Doha, Qatar, didominasi oleh jenama mewah seperti Mercedes-Benz dan BMW, bersama-sama dengan SUV Jepun yang reliable seperti Toyota Land Cruiser dan Toyota Corolla yang sentiasa popular. 
🔹Pilihan itu sering didorong oleh keinginan untuk keselesaan, status, dan nilai jualan semula yang sangat baik, dengan kenderaan Jerman dan Jepun berprestasi baik dalam aspek ini.


🔵This one of the entrance to the Legtaifiya Metro Station in Doha, Qatar. 
🔹This station is part of the Doha Metro's Red Line. 
🔹Its opening in September 2020 completed all 37 stations of the Doha Metro system. 

🔵Mural yang terletak berhampiran dengan Msheireb Metro Station ini bertajuk “Family Reunion” oleh artis yang berpangkalan di Doha Abdulaziz Yousef Ahmed.
🔹Mural itu menggambarkan tradisi Qatar tentang perhimpunan keluarga besar, merangkumi generasi dengan pemikiran dan kepercayaan yang berbeza, namun masih mengekalkan kemesraan antara satu sama lain.

🔵Kelihatan seorang penghantar makanan dari Food Delivery company namanya Talabat.
🔹Talabat (طلبات / Ṭalabāt) ialah sebuah syarikat tempahan makanan dalam talian yang diasaskan di Kuwait pada tahun 2004.

🔹Terdapat beberapa perkhidmatan penghantaran makanan utama di Qatar, termasuk platform popular seperti Rafeeq, Snoonu, Talabat dan Deliveroo. Perkhidmatan terkenal lain yang menawarkan penghantaran makanan dan barangan runcit termasuk Ninja dan Baladi Express.

🔵The image shows the exterior of Doha Oasis, a prominent luxury destination in Qatar's Msheireb district. 
🔹Doha Oasis is a large complex that combines shopping, entertainment, and hospitality.
🔹It features a high-end shopping mall with luxury brands, a theme park called Doha Quest, and the Banyan Tree hotel.
🔹The complex is designed to be eco-friendly and culturally sensitive, offering a unique blend of experiences.

🔵Msheireb Downtown Doha is a smart and sustainable urban regeneration project located in the heart of Doha, Qatar. 
🔹It is recognized as the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project, aiming to revive the old commercial district with a new architectural language inspired by traditional Qatari heritage while incorporating modern sustainable technologies. 
🔹The area is described as a "breathtaking glimpse into the future of sustainable urban living". 

🔵Key features and aspects of Msheireb Downtown Doha include:
🔹Sustainability: It boasts one of the highest concentrations of Gold or Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified sustainable buildings globally, with a focus on reducing energy and water consumption, promoting recycling, and encouraging reduced car reliance. 
🔹Architecture and Design: The design integrates traditional Qatari elements with modern aesthetics, featuring pedestrian-friendly pathways, green spaces, public squares, and culturally inspired buildings. 

🔹Location: Strategically situated near key landmarks like the Amiri Diwan, Souq Waqif, and the financial district, it's easily accessible and well-connected within Doha. 
🔹Purpose: It serves as a new social and civic hub, designed to be a vibrant place for living, working, shopping, and leisure, while preserving Qatar's cultural identity and supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

🔵Passed by Al Bidda Park / Al Bidda Area.
🔹Al Bidda Park, dahulunya dikenali sebagai Al Rumaila Park, ialah sebuah taman yang terletak di Corniche Street di Doha, Qatar bersebelahan dengan Qatar National Theater. 
🔹Ia terletak berhampiran Doha Bay, menghadap ke Doha Corniche dan merupakan salah satu taman terawal dan paling popular di Doha. 
🔹Ia juga merupakan kawasan yang popular untuk memerhati burung.
 
🔹Al Bidda Park ialah taman awam masuk percuma yang besar di Doha.
🔹Ia mempunyai ruang hijau yang luas dengan pemandangan latar langit, laluan berjalan kaki dan berbasikal, pelbagai taman permainan kanak-kanak, gim luar, gelanggang sukan dan kawasan barbeku. 
🔹Taman ini dibahagikan kepada tiga zon: Al Bidda, Arumailah dan Wadi Al Sail.
        📘Al Bidda: Known for its formal gardens.
        📘Arumailah: Offers secluded lawns and naturalistic landscaping.
        📘Wadi Al Sail: Features wide-open spaces and panoramic views.
🔹Taman ini juga dilengkapi dengan kemudahan-kemudahan seperti tempat letak kereta bawah tanah, kafe kecil dan pusat warisan budaya.

🔵Sempat juga kami merakam latar langit moden Doha yang menampilkan beberapa bangunan pencakar langit yang terkenal semasa melalui Al Bidda Park ini.
🔹Menara di sebelah kiri itu adalah menara Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Thani Mosque. 
🔹Di latar belakang, latar langit moden Doha's West Bay kelihatan, menampilkan banyak bangunan pencakar langit dan mercu tanda seni bina, yang merupakan pelbagai menara komersial dan kediaman.

🔵Ini nama-nama bangunan-bangunan pencakar langit Doha yang dapat saya cari untuk foto ini.

🔵Fire Station Museum.

🔵Expo House, Doha.

🔵Ministry of Interior Qatar.

🔵West Bay ialah sebuah kawasan di Doha, Qatar yang merangkumi daerah pantai timur bandar itu, iaitu, Al Qassar, Al Dafna, Lagun Teluk Barat, dan Onaiza. 
🔹West Bay merangkumi banyak bangunan moden tidak seperti daerah lama Doha yang lain. 
🔹Kebanyakan bangunan pencakar langit tertinggi di Qatar terdapat di kawasan ini.


🔵Nun jauh di sana ialah Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.
🔹Masjid ini dinamakan sempena Imam Sheikh Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhab yang berpengaruh. 
🔹Masjid ini dibina sebagai pusat kebudayaan untuk berkhidmat kepada masyarakat tempatan. 
🔹Ia merupakan masjid terbesar di Negeri Qatar dan telah dibuka pada tahun 2011.
🔹Kerja pembinaan bermula pada tahun 2006 dengan anggaran kos sebanyak 420 juta Riyal.
🔹Masjid ini boleh memuatkan kira-kira 11,000 jemaah. Ruang solat wanita boleh menampung kira-kira 1,200 orang. Halaman masjid digunakan semasa solat Jumaat oleh sekitar 30,000 jemaah.
🔹Masjid ini mempunyai 99 kubah; 28 kubah besar, 65 kubah kecil, enam kubah di kawasan landskap sekeliling, dan satu menara. Dua kubah terletak di atas mihrab.



🔵Kelihatan di depan sana satu lagi kawasan di Doha yang padat dengan bangunan-bangunan pencakar langit.
🔹Nama kawasan itu adalah Onaiza 63.
🔹Onaiza 63 is a primarily corporate and upscale commercial district in Doha, Qatar, known for its high-end shopping at The Gate Mall, international restaurants, juice cafes, and business-focused amenities. 
🔹The area also features international embassies and is in close proximity to the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center, making it a hub for business and high-end accommodation.

🔵Driving via Lusail Expressway.


🔵Driving through the Lusail Pearl Qatar underpass on Corniche Road in Doha, Qatar.   





🔵Tiba di Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar.



🔵This is Galeries Lafayette department store located within the Katara Cultural Village.

🔵Arah ke tempat parking di bawah bangunan Galeries Lafayette.

🔵Parking is generally free at the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, though some indoor or specific parking lots may be located near dealerships or other facilities. You can find designated free parking areas at this popular tourist spot. 

🔵Keterangan mengenai Katara Cultural Village.

🔵Escalator naik ke atas dari tempat parking.


🔵Apa yang ada di Galeries Lafayette.

🔵Kawasan hijau di sana adalah Katara Hill yang merupakan sebuah taman awam.

🔹Katara Hills ialah tarikan dan kemudahan mercu tanda yang terletak di dalam Katara Cultural Village di Doha, menawarkan penduduk dan pengunjung kawasan yang indah dengan pemandangan Arabian Gulf yang menakjubkan. 
🔹Ia berfungsi sebagai sebahagian daripada kompleks budaya dan komersial yang lebih besar yang berfungsi sebagai suar untuk seni, muzik, sastera dan konvensyen.

🔵Beautiful distinctive exterior with intricate laser-cut metal panels, blending modern design with traditional elements. 

🔵Katara Cultural Village, terletak di Doha, Qatar, ialah hab kebudayaan yang ditubuhkan pada 2010 untuk mempromosikan seni, budaya dan warisan Qatar melalui gabungan ekspresi seni tradisional dan moden. 
🔹'Catara' menjadi 'Katara' selepas ia muncul pada peta geografi dan sejarah pada awal abad ke-18, pertama kali digambarkan dalam peta Perancis di pantai semenanjung Arab, laut dan teluk. Telah diputuskan untuk menghidupkan semula nama lama Qatar itu bagi mengekalkan hubungan dengan warisan negara itu.
🔹Pusat kebudayaan ini menampilkan seni bina unik yang diilhamkan oleh reka bentuk Qatar, tempat yang pelbagai menampilkan amfiteater, galeri seni, muzium, tepi pantai, dan pelbagai restoran dan kafe. 
🔹Ia berfungsi sebagai tempat untuk pelbagai festival kebudayaan, pameran seni dan acara antarabangsa, menawarkan platform untuk pertukaran budaya dan pengalaman mendalam ke dalam budaya Qatar.

🔵Tujuan & Visi:
🔹Pertukaran Budaya: Hab kebudayaan ini diasaskan dengan visi untuk menjadi suar budaya global, memupuk ruang untuk pertukaran budaya dan menggalakkan persefahaman antara budaya yang pelbagai. 
🔹Pemeliharaan Warisan: Ia bertujuan untuk mempamerkan dan mempromosikan warisan dan tradisi Qatar melalui pelbagai inisiatif seni dan budaya. 
🔹Hab Artistik: Katara Cultural Village menyediakan platform untuk artis tempatan dan antarabangsa untuk mempamerkan bakat mereka, menyertai bengkel dan melibatkan diri dengan orang ramai.

🔵Aspek Utama:
🔹Hab Budaya: Katara Cultural Village berfungsi sebagai "cultural beacon" untuk Timur Tengah, bertujuan untuk menjadi tempat di mana pelbagai budaya boleh berhubung dan mencari titik persamaan. 
🔹Senibina & Warisan Moden: Kampung budaya ini menggabungkan reka bentuk seni bina kontemporari dengan unsur-unsur yang memberikan gambaran sekilas tentang tradisi purba dan kehidupan moden Qatar. 
🔹Seni & Persembahan: Ia menganjurkan pelbagai acara artistik, termasuk pameran, konsert dan persembahan di amfiteaternya yang menakjubkan, yang menyediakan suasana yang mempesonakan untuk pertunjukan kebudayaan. 

🔹Acara dan Perayaan: Katara Cultural Village ialah tuan rumah kepada pelbagai festival dan acara bermusim, seperti Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, Senyar Festival dan Qatar International Art Festival.
🔹Makan dan Santai: Pengunjung boleh menikmati pelbagai pilihan tempat makan, daripada masakan tradisional Qatar kepada hidangan antarabangsa, dan berehat di tepi pantai yang indah. 
🔹Peluang Pendidikan: Ia menawarkan bengkel kebudayaan di mana pelawat boleh melibatkan diri dengan artis tempatan dan mempelajari lebih lanjut tentang tradisi Qatar.

🔵This is a distinctive glass sculpture found at the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, was designed by Hunat Glass. 
🔹It is part of the Katara Cultural Village, a significant cultural and commercial complex in Doha aiming to promote art and cultural exchange. 

🔵Details about the sculpture:
🔹Inspiration: The sculpture is inspired by the Desert Hyacinth, a resilient and mesmerizing rare plant found along the Arabian Gulf Coast. 
🔹Design & Material: It is a bespoke crystal installation made of elaborately designed glass sculptures, featuring vibrant hues that reflect the richness of the desert landscape. Each piece is built from hand-shaped crystal flowers with layers of color. 

🔹Durability: The sculptures were specifically engineered to withstand outdoor weather conditions, including thermal shocks, extreme temperatures, and sandstorms, similar to the desert flower that inspired them. 
🔹Location: The installations are a prominent feature of the walkway at Katara Plaza, transforming the space into a "dreamlike landscape". 

🔵Dataran besar di bahagian hujung barat Katara Cultural Village.

🔵Kenapa pula di dalam sebuah pusat kebudayaan Qatar ada banyak dibina bangunan-bangunan dengan reka bentuk Eropah dari zaman-zaman Renaissance and Baroque?
🔹Kehadiran bangunan gaya Eropah, terutamanya kelihatan di kawasan seperti Katara Plaza dan 21 High Street dalam Katara Cultural Village, sebahagian besarnya disebabkan oleh kemasukan jenama mewah antarabangsa dan retail establishments yang sering menggunakan gaya seni bina yang dikaitkan dengan asal usulnya atau menyasarkan estetika mewah. 
🔹Sebagai contoh, Galeries Lafayette, sebuah department store Perancis yang terkenal, seni binanya mencerminkan estetika Eropah. 
🔹Pilihan reka bentuk ini bertujuan untuk mencipta pengalaman membeli-belah dan budaya yang unik dan mewah, menggabungkan keanggunan moden dengan pengaruh antarabangsa.

🔵There is a large bronze horse sculpture located at 21 High Street in the Katara Cultural Village. 
🔹This sculpture is considered one of the iconic artworks and a prominent landmark within the shopping and cultural district. 
🔹This abstract horse statue is not only an artistic landmark but also, like many others in Katara, it reflects the profound cultural heritage significance of horses in Qatar and the wider Arab world, where horses are deeply ingrained in the lifestyle of its people.
🔹The statue is situated in an area conducive to leisurely strolls, providing a serene environment for appreciating its elegance.

🔵Description and Significance:
🔹Abstract Representation: The sculpture features a stylized, abstract form of a horse, emphasizing its lines and movement rather than a realistic depiction, suggesting an artistic interpretation of the animal's spirit and essence.
🔹Cultural Importance of Horses: The placement of such a sculpture in Katara Cultural Village highlights the deep reverence for horses, particularly Arabian horses, within Qatari heritage and tradition. Arabian horses are symbols of strength, loyalty, beauty, pride, and played a crucial role in the history and nomadic lifestyle of the region.
🔹Katara as a Cultural Hub: Katara Cultural Village is a prominent center for arts and culture in Qatar, hosting various exhibitions, events, and art installations. This sculpture contributes to the village's mission of showcasing Qatari heritage and promoting artistic expression.
🔹Celebrating Equestrian Heritage: The statue serves as a visual tribute to Qatar's rich equestrian heritage, a tradition celebrated through various events, including the annual Katara International Arabian Horse Festival.

🔵Galeries Lafayette department store, Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar.
🔹The building features a classical architectural style with large columns and ornate details, reflecting the blend of traditional and modern elements found throughout Katara. 

🔵Pemandangan 21 High Street yang juga dikenali sebagai Katara Plaza.
🔹Foto ini merakam suasana di luar Galeries Lafayette di Katara Cultural Village di Doha, Qatar. 
🔹Pemandangan ini mempamerkan persiaran berturap dengan jalan yang luas, diapit oleh bangunan-bangunan besar berhias dengan unsur seni bina klasik seperti gerbang dan tiang. 
🔹Turapan jalan ini juga menampilkan corak mozek yang rumit, menambah daya tarikan estetik kawasan itu.

🔹Di sepanjang persiaran ini, terdapat beberapa pemasangan karya-karya seni arca kaca yang diinspirasi oleh Desert Hyacinth yang berwarna-warni. 
🔹Keadaan cuaca pagi itu cukup baik dengan langit cerah biru dan terang.
🔹Sinaran matahari menghasilkan kesan bayang-bayang yang menyerlahkan butiran seni bina bangunan di sini. 
🔹The overall impression is one of a luxurious and aesthetically pleasing outdoor shopping or cultural district. 

🔵Kawasan berturap di hadapan bangunan, 21 High Street atau Katara Plaza, menampilkan corak gelap yang cantik. 
🔹Corak ini kelihatan simetri dan curvilinear, menyerupai motif arabesque atau motif floral, dan disepadukan terus ke dalam reka bentuk turapan. 
🔹Perbezaan antara corak gelap dan batu terang mencipta laluan pejalan kaki yang menarik secara visual dan elegan menghiasi Katara Plaza.
🔹Cobblestone street ini memaparkan corak mozek yang indah yang merupakan ciri Calçada Portuguesa (Portuguese pavement).  

🔹Bahan Turapan: Jalan 21 High Street ini diturap dengan batu-batu kecil yang berbentuk tidak sekata, biasanya batu kapur atau basalt, menghasilkan permukaan cobblestone. Ini selaras dengan pengaruh seni bina Rom klasik yang ditampilkan dalam reka bentuk Katara Commercial Plaza.

🔹Corak Mozek: Batu hitam disusun dengan teliti di dalam hamparan cobblestones berwarna lebih terang untuk membentuk corak mozek yang kontras dan terserlah cantik menambahkan minat visual dan kesenian yang ketara pada landskap pejalan kaki. 
🔹Kepentingan Budaya: Gaya turapan ini, yang berasal dari Portugal, menambahkan elemen seni bina dan budaya yang unik kepada persekitaran moden Katara Cultural Village, menggabungkan ketukangan tradisional dengan reka bentuk kontemporari.


🔵Galeries Lafayette's prominent clock (in Arabic) and a uniquely patterned copper dome.

🔵The architectural style appears to be Neoclassical architecture or a Neoclassical Revival style. 



🔵Jom keliling pusat kebudayaan Qatar ini.


🔵Another art installation a wireframe sculpture shaped like a vase with branches that lits up beautifully at night.

🔵Joe's Cafe, London.

🔵The patterned copper dome features intricate patterns and is part of the distinctive architecture found throughout the cultural village, which aims to promote arts and culture in Qatar. 

🔵غاليري لافاييت


🔵Fyi, masa kami di sini tiada ramai pengunjung kerana masih awal pagi lagi. Kami ke sini awal kerana hari itu adalah hari Jumaat dan kami akan bersolat Jumaat. Lepas solat Jumaat kami ada itinerari desert safari pula.

🔵On display are two SEABOB F5 series watercraft, which are high-performance underwater scooters. 

🔹Features: These German-engineered luxury water toys offer intuitive controls, eco-friendly electric motors, and the ability to operate both above and below the water. 
🔹Performance: They are known for their high propulsive force, maneuverability, and diving capabilities, with operating times up to 120 minutes. 

🔵The architecture features classical elements, including arched entrances and multiple windows with awnings, and an intricate patterned pavement in front.

🔵A restaurant with outdoor seatings.

🔵Kedai Samsung.

🔵Up ahead is a distinctive gift-box shaped building that houses Rondvill, a unique and luxurious toy shop.

🔹Rondvill is known for its extensive collection of collectibles and limited edition toys, distinguishing it from ordinary toy shops. 
🔹It also offers a wide variety of toys for children of all ages, including electric cars, cycles, and bikes. 
🔹The store also features toys designed to encourage learning, exploration, and imagination. 
🔹A notable feature is the Photobrick shop, where visitors can create personalized LEGO models from their own photos. 

🔵Juan Valdez.
🔹Juan Valdez has a flagship cafe located at 21 High Street within the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, offering a premium Colombian coffee experience with 100% Arabica beans. 
🔹The cafe, launched in April 2022, brings the culture and authentic flavors of Colombian coffee to the Qatari market, complementing the artistic and cultural atmosphere of Katara. 

🔵The building specifically shows a structure with prominent classical elements, including numerous large columns and a grand, symmetrical design reminiscent of ancient amphitheatres or classical European architecture. 
🔹A classical French-inspired architectural style, emphasizing elegance and sophistication.

🔹Curved Facade: The structure incorporates a curved facade, creating a sweeping, expansive appearance that enhances its visual appeal and integrates with the surrounding plaza.
🔹Open Concept: The design features an open concept, likely referring to the layout of the retail spaces within, promoting a spacious and inviting shopping environment.
🔹Luxurious Ambiance: The overall architectural style contributes to a luxurious ambiance, aligning with its function as a high-end shopping destination.

🔹Columns and Portico: A prominent feature is the grand entrance with large, classical columns supporting a portico, reminiscent of ancient Greek or Roman temple architecture, adding a sense of grandeur.

🔵SNAN Food Hall.
🔹'SNAN’ means ‘the tip of the spear’ in Arabic; therefore, ‘SNAN’ Food Hall’s goal is to be at the forefront of any high-end retail food shop in Qatar.
🔹Located right on the main street of 21 High st, along the same line as Galeries Lafayette Doha’s main entrance, ‘SNAN’ is a high-end multi-functional Food Hall with a truly eclectic European-styled look which blends perfectly well with the classy grandeur of 21 High st.




🔵Left: Novikov Restaurant & Lounge.

🔵Ketika ini kami berada sebuah dataran yang luas - Katara Square.

🔵Di Building 16 di Katara Cultural Village ini ada satu mural besar yang indah dan berwarna-warni.
🔹Mural bertajuk 'Bird Game' dilukis oleh Artis Mexico Eva Bracamontes.

🔹Mural ini dirasmikan pada Oktober 2022 sempena meraikan penganjuran Qatar Piala Dunia FIFA 2022.
🔹'Bird Game' adalah karya seni yang indah yang membina jambatan komunikasi dari Qatar ke Mexico dan menyumbang kepada penciptaan pelbagai tingkap budaya dengan kepelbagaian tema.

🔵Di hujung bangunan ini ada satu lagi mural besar.

🔵Mural ini menampilkan kuda betina 'Kaya' yang merupakan juara pertandingan kecantikan kuda. Lokasinya di facade Building No. 16 di Katara Cultural Village ini.
🔹Mural itu dicipta oleh artis antarabangsa terkenal Fintan Magee. Gaya seninya mencerminkan semangat ekuestrianisme dan kekayaan warisan baka kuda Arab.
🔹Perasmian mural itu adalah sebahagian daripada Katara International Arabian Horse Festival 2025.
🔹Mural ini mencerminkan status kuda Arab yang dihormati dalam warisan Qatar.

🔵Di tengah Katara Square ini ada sebuah fountain yang besar. Di sekelilingnya kelihatan sedang dipasang temporary kiosk atau exhibition booths for some future event.

🔵An art installation at at the middle of the fountain. 
🔹It looks like one of those fascinating perpetual motion kinetic sculpture.

🔵Kalau di bahagian depan pusat budaya ini terdapat bangunan-bangunan dengan seni bina gaya Eropah, di sini pula bangunan-bangunannya menampilkan reka seni bina tradisional Qatar/Arab.

🔵The building in the image exhibits a design inspired by traditional Qatari and Islamic architecture, characteristic of the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar. It showcases the beauty and grandeur of Qatari old traditional architecture.
🔵Key design elements include:
🔹Prominent Archways: The most striking feature is the large, majestic archway that frames the path leading into the village, a common element in traditional Islamic and Qatari architecture.
🔹Earth-toned Palette: The building's exterior is a uniform pale yellow, resembling the color of sand, which integrates it with the surrounding natural environment and is typical of local building materials like limestone and clay.
🔹Fortress-like Appearance: The solid, unadorned walls and flat-topped structures evoke the appearance of traditional forts, providing a sense of solidity and historical continuity.

🔵A grand archway as the entrance to the traditional village section of this cultural hub.

🔵Direka bentuk untuk menyerupai perkampungan tradisional Qatar, bahagian ini menampilkan bangunan rendah berwarna pasir dengan bumbung rata, lorong berbumbung dan halaman (courtyards), di samping kemudahan kontemporari.

🔵Pintu gerbang yang kami lalui dipandang dari dalam kampung ini.

🔵Building 14.


🔵Katara Information Center.


🔵This is a mural titled “Sword of Wishes” by artist Lina Al-Ali.

🔹Artist Lina Al Ali said, “My brush, which I named “Sword of Wishes,” translated the magic of childhood and the splendor of the sea in a single shot. In this mural, I depicted a girl sitting in front of the sea, holding a kite in the shape of a ship in her hand. Next to her is another girl, but her dreams are different, as she is holding a fish kite. It is a mural that transports you to the world of heritage, identity, stories of the past, the innocence of childhood, and the strength of the dreams of the present".




🔵Berjalan di lorong-lorong antara bangunan yang dipasang dengan bumbung textile sunshade sail.

🔵The architectural style in Katara aims to embody the look and feel of a traditional Qatari "fereej" or neighborhood, celebrating the country's heritage while offering spaces for cultural and artistic activities.

🔵Bangunan Qatar Fine Arts Association. 


🔵The buildings like in the photos below exhibit a design rooted in traditional Qatari and broader Islamic architectural styles, featuring elements designed to suit the local climate and cultural values. 
🔵Key design elements visible and typical of this style include:
🔹Earth Tones and Natural Materials: The building's walls are rendered in warm, earthy tones like beige or sand, consistent with the use of local materials such as limestone, clay, coral rock and gypsum found in traditional Qatari construction, which also aids in thermal insulation in the desert climate. 
🔹Arched Entrance and Windows: A prominent feature is the large, pointed arch framing the main wooden door, a hallmark of Islamic architecture. The smaller, arched windows on the side further reinforce this aesthetic and are designed to minimize direct sunlight, thereby aiding in cooling the interior.

🔹Minimalist Exterior with Focus on Interiority: Traditional Qatari architecture, influenced by Islamic principles, often emphasizes privacy and an inward-focused design. While the exterior might appear relatively simple, the use of recesses and strategic openings hints at a carefully considered inner space.
🔹Thick Walls and Flat Roof: The substantial thickness of the walls helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping interiors cool in summer and retaining warmth in winter, while the flat roof is typical for shedding water in arid climates and potentially provides a usable space for recreation during cooler evenings.
🔹Functional Shading: The large, light-colored fabric canopies extending from the roof provide crucial shade, a practical design element essential for combating the intense Qatari sun and creating comfortable outdoor areas.

🔹Decorative Details and Simplicity: While retaining an overall sense of simplicity, the building incorporates subtle decorative elements around the arched openings and perhaps in the wooden door itself, which is consistent with the traditional Islamic emphasis on craftsmanship and patterns. While the main structure is quite unadorned, touches like the wall-mounted lanterns and hanging baskets with bougainvillea add subtle decorative elements, a common feature in traditional Gulf region homes where decoration often resided more in interior spaces or specific features like majlis rooms.

🔵The alleyway depicted in the image, located within the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar, showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Qatari and Islamic architectural elements with modern adaptations for comfort.

🔹Traditional Architecture: The alley is flanked by buildings constructed with sand-colored walls, echoing the traditional Middle Eastern aesthetic and likely utilizing local materials such as limestone or coral stone.
🔹Narrow and Winding Design: True to the traditional Qatari concept of "mashrabiya," the alleyway is narrow and creates an intimate, inviting atmosphere, providing a glimpse into the labyrinthine layout of the village.

🔹Overhead Sunshades: A prominent feature, large, light-colored fabric shade sails are stretched overhead, offering much-needed respite from the intense sun and adding a distinctive visual element to the passageway.
🔹Arched Openings and Details: The surrounding buildings feature elegant arched openings, such as windows and potential doorways, along with other intricate details like wall-mounted lanterns, enhancing the cultural village's ambiance.

🔵The paved pathways in the image appear to be constructed from irregularly shaped, dark-colored flagstones or pavers, laid in an organic or somewhat mosaic-like pattern. 
🔹The uneven edges and varied sizes of the stones contribute to a rustic and traditional aesthetic, complementing the architecture of the surrounding buildings in Katara Cultural Village. 
🔹The dark hue of the paving material provides a clear contrast to the light, sand-colored walls, adding visual depth to the scene. 
🔹These pathways are wide enough to serve as pedestrian thoroughfares within the village, inviting exploration of the area.

🔹Cultural Significance: As part of Katara Cultural Village, this alleyway is more than just a passage; it's a part of a larger complex designed to celebrate Qatari heritage and foster cultural exchange, often leading to various attractions, art galleries, or cafes within the village.

🔵The waterway pictured at Katara Cultural Village is a narrow, man-made channel designed as an integrated element within the village's architecture and landscaping, reflecting the blend of traditional Qatari and Islamic design influences.
🔹Form and Placement: Its placement directly alongside a building suggests it functions as both an aesthetic feature and potentially for drainage or cooling purposes in the arid climate.
🔹Water Presence: A small amount of water present, reflecting the surrounding structures, which adds to the visual appeal and perhaps provides a calming auditory element.
🔹Overall Role: This type of small waterway contributes to the serene and culturally rich ambiance of Katara Cultural Village, enhancing the aesthetic of the narrow streets and public spaces while possibly referencing traditional Qatari architecture that utilized water features for practical and decorative purposes.


🔵The building depicted in the image is the Katara Amphitheatre, a prominent landmark within the Katara Cultural Village. Its design is a unique blend that harmonizes classical Greek theatre concepts with traditional Islamic architectural elements. 

🔵Key design features include:
🔹Classical Greek Influence: The overall form and tiered seating arrangement for 5,000 spectators reflect the design of ancient Greek amphitheaters.
🔹Materials: The amphitheater is primarily constructed from marble, contributing to its grand and enduring aesthetic. Travertine stone was also used in the project.

🔹Arched Openings and Passages: The prominent use of large, symmetrical arches creates grand entrances and allows for light and ventilation, a hallmark of traditional Islamic architecture.

🔹Integration with Public Spaces: The design facilitates interaction with the surrounding environment, including walkways and a public square, suggesting its role as a cultural and public amenity within the village. 

🔹Massive Columns and Pillars: Robust columns and pillars flank the arched openings, providing structural support and contributing to the imposing and majestic appearance of the building.
🔹Stone-like Facade: The light-colored, seemingly stone or stone-clad exterior gives the building a timeless and durable aesthetic, echoing historical architectural traditions.

🔹Balconies with Ornate Railings: Several balconies are integrated into the facade, featuring elegant balustrades that add a touch of classical design and offer elevated viewpoints.

🔹Overall, the design harmoniously integrates architectural elements that are both aesthetically pleasing and culturally resonant, reflecting the broader vision of Katara Cultural Village as a hub for art, heritage, and innovation.

🔵The Katara Cultural Village is indeed a fantastic location for photoshoots, and the elements like the surrounding lighting, architectural design, and the beautiful marble floor, all contribute significantly to its photogenic appeal.

🔹Optimal Lighting: The expansive open spaces and carefully designed structures in Katara allow for incredible natural light. 
📘The interplay of light and shadow, particularly during the golden hour (sunrise or sunset), can create dramatic and artistic effects, as seen in the image with the long shadows cast across the floor and columns. 
📘The open spaces and strategically placed structures allow for beautiful natural lighting throughout the day, creating dramatic shadows and highlights, especially during the golden hour for stunning, warm tones.

🔹Architectural Design: Katara's unique blend of classical Greek and traditional Islamic architecture, visible in the intricate details of the buildings, arches, columns, and even features like the Amphitheatre and mosques, provides a wealth of visually interesting backdrops for any photoshoot.

🔹Elegant Marble Flooring: The smooth, often polished marble flooring, as seen in the wide corridors and open areas, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. It can also create beautiful reflections, especially when capturing the interplay of light and shadow, adding depth and visual interest to your photographs and providing a clean, luxurious base for any shot.

🔹These elements combined create a truly versatile and captivating environment for photographers, whether they are capturing portraits, architectural details, or candid moments within the cultural village.

To be continued.
 
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.

No photograph or videos may be reproduced, downloaded, copied, stored, manipulated, or used whole or in part of a derivative work, without written permission from Syed Amran. All rights reserved.

No comments:

Post a Comment