Are there enough entertainment choices in Qatar?

Qatar’s diversified population continues to grow, but the country still lacks sufficient recreational facilities – both for locals and for people who visit Qatar for leisure. Syed Ameen Kader analyses the Qatari market, comparing it with its regional neighbours, and concludes that Qatar’s approach to leisure and entertainment is very much rooted in tradition and authenticity, balanced with modern convenience. With the rapid economic diversification, the needs and lifestyles of Qatar’s urban populace have evolved to a point where there is a compelling need to offer them different types of entertainment and leisure facilities. But, one gets a sense while talking to friends or colleagues, or visiting online forums, that there is a lack of plurality of options when it comes to spending one’s leisure time.
Qatar has some recreational facilities, but those are mostly within shopping malls, which are, in industry parlance called family entertainment centres (FEC). Although the country has many other leisure facilities ranging from water parks, traditional souqs, museums and exhibitions, unspoiled deserts and beaches, through to luxury hospitality and high-fashion offerings, the question is whether those are enough to meet the demands of the local population, let alone the foreign travellers.

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