2nd Qatar Optimist Cup for Sailing - 28th Dec to 2nd January

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Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (also known as Doha Sailing Club) is hosting the 2nd Qatar Optimist Cup for Sailing at Katara Cultural Village. Its open for public to watch and entrance is free!

Dates and Timings: 31st December - 10am to 3pm
                                    1st January - 11am to 11.45am
                                    2nd January - 11 am to 12 noon

Venue: Doha Sailing Club - Katara Cultural Village (Location Map at www.rush360.qa search for DSC)

This Sailing Competition is for Children aged 8 to 14 and the kids look very confident and cute sailing, displaying their talents and courage.

The action is best seen from a dhow except for the event on the 1st of January which the organizers say could be seen from the shore.

Here are some kids in action during the on going contest!

Calligraphy Walk in Workshop - Writing Fun for Families - January

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Picture Courtesy of Cleoshows

Time for the whole family to learn something new or enhance the writing skills! Museum of Islamic Art is hosting a Calligraphy Workshop for the whole family every Saturdays in the month of January 2015.

Dates: Saturdays , January 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Venue: Venue: Museum of Islamic Art  - MIA Atrium (Location at www.rush360.qa search for MIA)
What to bring: Museum of Islamic Art will provide all materials for free

Picture courtesy of Qatar Museums

(MIA Atrium is on to your left side when you enter the MIA after the security checking, on the way to the Ladies Prayer Room)

"Calligraphy is the art of forming beautiful symbols by hand and arranging them well. It’s a set of skills and techniques for positioning and inscribing words so they show integrity, harmony, some sort of ancestry, rhythm and creative fire."
(Taken from Calligraphy Skills Website)

As for Calligraphy in Islamic Art then this has a rich history! Early Muslims used to write down parts of the Qur'an and the saying of the Prophet in Parchments,

 Many of the original manuscripts of scholarly work were written and preserved by early scholars and scribes with clear beautiful Arabic writings! As years went by this art was adapted to every possible surface—from monumental stone structures to delicate silk robes—words, both religious and secular, were employed not only to impart information, but also to lend visual beauty to these works.

Do not miss this excellent opportunity to feel and experience the rich visual art of the Islamic World!

Floral Fancies Iznik Plates - Saturdays Jan - Feb 2015

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Picture Courtesy of Pinterest

Museum of Islam Art will hold a very soothing art workshop every Saturdays called "Floral Fancies - Iznik Plates" in the months of January and February 2015. These workshops are absolutely free and open for all ages. The good news is, no need any prior bookings. Just walk in and enjoy!

It is a beautiful way to revive and make aware the rich ceremic Islamic Art of the great Ottoman Empire!

Dates: Saturdays, January 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st
            Saturdays, February 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Venue: Museum of Islamic Art  - MIA Atrium (Location at www.rush360.qa search for MIA)

(MIA Atrium is on to your left side when you enter the MIA after the security checking, on the way to the Ladies Prayer Room)

Picture Courtesy of Qatar Museums

Iznik is a town in Turkey which was a very important commercial city and came under the control of the Ottomans. In the 16th and 17th centuries Iznik gained importance because of its beautiful ceramic products and especially tiles that is famous all over the world.

The most famous of the pottery produced under the Ottoman empire is also called Iznik, after this city in which it was produced. Showing the influence of Ming blue and white porcelain, this pottery expanded the colour palette by using overglaze enamels.

The pottery center at Iznik was primarily involved with the production of tile used to construct and repair mosques, madrasas, and palaces. However, in the odd spaces of the kilns, plates, vases, and flasks iznik was visible. Today Museum of Islamic Art has some rare beautiful Iznik plates displayed in their collection.

You can join the workshop with the whole family and get inspired through these beautiful Iznik plates. Create your own floral artwork on paper with colour pencils and experience the wonders of Iznik.

Qatar Nursery Stakes Doha Oaks & Qatar Derby Day - 30th and 31st December

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Horse Races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club are going to be thrilling this week too! Here are the schedules: Entrance is free both days!

These races are very exciting and you can witness the beautiful Arabian purebred and thoroughbred horses showcasing their beauty and pride!

Qatar Nursery Stakes, Doha Oaks & Qatar Derby Day

Date: Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st December 2014
Venue: Qatar Racing Club (Location at www.rush360.qa)
Time: 4pm to 8pm
Number of Races: 8 races on Tuesday and 9 races on Wednesday

Highlights Qatar Mile 2014/2015 - Round 2

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The biggest speed festival in the region Qatar Mile - Round 2 organized by Qatar Racing Club ended today at the Al Khor Air Strip with lots of excitement, thrill and entertainment! The next round will be held in February 2015.

Our team captured some awesome pictures and we are glad to share with all of you. Enjoy!

Qatar Mile 2014/2015 - Round 2 - 26th and 27th December

So the speed festival is back with Qatar Mile Round 2 this weekend! Entrance is free for public and you can register for free here

Dates: Friday 28th & Saturday 29th November 2014
Time: 9am to 5pm (Click here for schedules )
Venue: Al Khor Airport (Location details could be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for Al Khor Airport)

This event is organized by Qatar Racing Club and allows participants to reach their top speed over a distance of 804m, on an actual airport runway!

Many enthusiastic performers participate in Qatar Mile from the region and this event provides a great atmosphere at the Al Khor Air strip for a family day out with entertainment activities for the whole family. Scroll down to see some moments of Round 1 captured by our team last month!

As usual stay tuned for some stunning shots of the speed event!

All location and details of Qatar Racing Club and Al Khor Airport could be found at www.rush360.qa

Al Khor Cup /Al Wajba Cup - 24th, 25th December

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Ready to watch another set of thrilling Horse Races at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club? Here are the schedules: Entrance is free both days!

Al Khor Cup

Date: Wednesday 24th December 2014

Venue: Qatar Racing Club (Location at www.rush360.qa)

Time: 4pm to 8pm

Number of Races: 8

Al Wajba Cup

Date: Thursday 25th December 2014

Venue: Qatar Racing Club (Location at www.rush360.qa)

Time: 4pm to 8.45pm

Number of Races: 9

Silk Painting Course for Adults and Kids - 24th December onwards

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Picture Courtesy of Artetfleur

Learn something new during this school break! Explore the world of silk painting with a professional passionate artist.

Rashmi Agarwal popular Fine Silk Artist in Doha (President of the Middle East Art & Silk Painters) is offering a Silk Painting Course for Adults and Kids starting on Wednesday 24th December till February 2015. Mom's can learn along with their kids too! You can choose the morning sessions or the evening sessions and the number of days you want to attend. Its flexible! At each session you will take home a project made by you!

Picture Courtesy of MAPS

Venue: Rashmi's Art Studio - Al Sadd Community Hall (behind Centrepoint and in front of Millianium Hotel - Location map and details at www.rush360.qa search for Rashmi)

Time: Morning Session - 10am to 12 noon
           Evening Session - 4.30pm to 6.30pm

Cost: QR100 per session (for total 2 hours)

All materials and notes will be provided!

For Registrations and details please contact 
Tel: +974 5560 3845
e-mail: info@mapsqatar.org
rashmigold@yahoo.com 

Silk painting is fun and addictive and Rashmi has a very interesting way of teaching the most complicated techniques without any complications at all! Take advantage of the opportunity!

Highlights - MotoCross & Qatar Superbike - Round 3

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Last weekend was thrilling at Lusail with two breathtaking racing events. Here are some captured moments!

Lusail MotoCross - Round 3





Qatar Superbike - Round 3

Highlights - Qatar National Drift Championship - Round 3

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Drift Racing is a popular sport! Want to know what is it all about? Here is the description

A car is drifting when the rear slip angle is greater than the front slip angle, to such an extent that often the front wheels are pointing in the opposite direction to the turn (e.g. car is turning left, wheels are pointed right or vice versa, also known as opposite lock or counter-steering.
(Wikipedia)

Here are some of the stunning moments captured by Rush360' team at the Drift Racing Championship yesterday (19th December 2014) at Qatar Racing Club . Round for will take place on 19th and 20th of March 2015. Until then Enjoy!

Lusail MotoCross & Qatar Superbike - Round 3 - 19th December 2014

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Adventure, thrill and excitement at Lusail International Circuit this weekend! Entrance is free! Check out details below!

Lusail MotoCross  - Round 3 this Friday at Losail International Circuit. Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. Action of Round 2 held last month could be seen here

Date: 19th December 2014
Time: 1 pm to 4pm
Venue: Losail International Circuit (Location map at www.rush360.qa search for Losail)

The action will start at 9.55 with the Free practice followed by the Qualifying practice at 10.45. The first race is scheduled at 13.00 and the second race at 15.00.

Qatar Superbikes - Round 3 will be a spectacular event to watch this time with Moto 2 Riders joining the Superbikes showcasing their talent.

Date: 20th December 2014
Time: 10.30am 3.30pm
Venue: Losail International Circuit (Location map at www.rush360.qa search for Losail)

Free practices on Friday at 12:20 and 14:40. The Qualifying session and Superpole are scheduled at 14:50 and 16:30 also on Friday.  On Saturday, the first race will be at 12:20 and the second race at 14:50.

Additionally remember to check out the Drift racing today as well!

MIA - Walk in Art Workshop for Families - 20th December

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Museum of Islamic Art is such an asset for Art Workshops. They have a variety of Family Workshops and many other activities going on, all for free! This Saturday MIA is holding a special workshop for families to go along with Qatar National Day.

This workshop would include creating a National Flag using collage. You can choose from numerous photographs of MIA’s exquisite objects to create beautiful flags and enjoy some quality family time. The whole family can participate. No prior booking needed. Just walk in, enhance your creativity, take home your master piece and cherish family time bonding together.

Date: Saturday 20th December 2014

Time: 3pm to 5pm

Venue: Museum of Islamic Art (Location map at www.rush360.qa search for MIA)

Asia Road Racing Championship 2014 - Action!

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For those who missed the Petronas Asia Road Racing Championship 2014, we have compiled some moments for you to enjoy!

National Drift Championship - Round 3 19th December 2014

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Catch the excitement of Drift Racing the fastest growing motorsport in the world this Friday!

Date: Friday 19th December 2014
Time: From 3pm to 10pm . Skid Pad opens at 1 pm,
Venue: Qatar Racing Club - Location map at www,rush360.qa search for Qatar Racing Club

Silk Painting Workshop for Girls - Saturday 20th December 2014

For more details click here

Want to have a skill developed during this school break? Are your girls bored at home? Here is an excellent opportunity!

MAPS the friendly and talented Art community in Doha will be conducting a special Silk Painting and crafting workshop for girls 5 to 16 years at Katara Cultural Village Building 18.



Silk painting is the application of paints or dyes directly onto silk fabric using an exciting array of watercolour techniques.


Date: Saturday 20th December 2014
Time: 9am to 11.30am
Cost: QR150 per child but for sibling from the same family QR100 per child.

Conducted by professional fine silk artists, in this workshop girls will learn the basics of silk painting, techniques and will be taking home a silk painted craft that they would make with the instructors.


Projects and instructions will be provided for different age groups according to their respective levels.

All materials will be provided! Limited Spaces Available! Book now!

For Registrations and details please contact 

Tel: +974 5560 3845

e-mail: info@mapsqatar.org

rashmigold@yahoo.com 

Get your girls to spend some quality time learning a new skill and enjoying good company!!

All details about MAPS and Location details of Katara Cultural Village can be found at www.rush360.qa 

Ad Dibal Cup & Qatar National Day - 15th &16th December 2014

For More details click here

Horse racing excitement continues this week as well at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club!

Ad Dibal Cup will be held on Monday 15th December 2014 from 4pm onwards with 8 thrilling races.

Qatar National Day Trophy Founder Cup Al Messila Heritage Race Finals will be held on Tuesday 16th December 2014 from 4pm onwards with yet another 8 breathtaking races.

Entrance is free for all races and location details of the venue Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club could be found at www.rush360.qa by seraching for equestrian.

Qatar National Street Drag Championship - Round 3

Round 3 of the Qatar National Street Drag Championship will be held this Friday 12th December 2015 at the Qatar Racing Club from 6pm to 10pm.

Location details of the venue Qatar Racing Club could be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for QRC

Join the fun and witness the participants unleash the power of their tuned street cars and bikes in the league based competition.

Horse Racing this week!

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club will be having two races today and tomorrow. Here are the details. Location and details of Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club could be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for equestrian.

Qatar Cup and Club Cup will kick off on Wednesday 10th December 2014 at 4pm. There will be 10 exciting races to watch! All schedules for this event can be found here

Qatar Derby Trial Day will be held on Thursday 11th December 2014. This event will begin at 4pm and will consist of 10 races. Schedules for this event can be found here

Opportunity - Workshops & Casual Art and Craft Classes at Katara

Enhance your creativity, explore the world of art with different techniques and have some fun with colours right here in Doha!

The wonderful Art Community in Doha - MAPS (Middle-east Art & Silk Painters) is having a range of workshops and casual Arts & Crafts classes for everyone for upcoming months in 2015!

Introducing many art techniques and skills these classes are catching up popularity in town due to the fact that they are reasonably priced and incredibly beneficial.

Here are the schedules and details of each session. All Classes and workshops are held at Katara Cultural Village Building 18 (Location map of Katara Cultural Village could be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for Katara) by professional MAPS Members Morning sessions are from 9am to 11.30am and evening sessions are from 5pm to 7pm. They will provide all materials needed for each workshop and class.

MAPS Members get a special reduced price for all workshops. Want to become a member? Details are here.

Workshops - January 2015

Silk Painting




Silk painting is the application of paints or dyes directly onto silk fabric using an exciting array of watercolour techniques. The colours are brilliant, vibrant and translucent and merge on the fabric which remains soft to touch.

Date and Time:
Saturday 10th January 2015 9am to 11.30am

Cost:
QR100 for MAPS members QR150 for non members







Cross Stitching
Cross Stitch is one of the easiest and interesting stitches to learn. It starts with a simple X shaped stitch that is commonly embroidered with floss on an evenweave fabric.

Dates and Timings:
Sunday 11th January and Monday 12th January 2015 at 9am to 11.30am

Cost for both days:
QR100 for MAPS members QR150 for non members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)







Gouache Art   

Gouache, which means "water paint" or "splash" in Italian, is a type of opaque watercolor paint in which the pigment is suspended in water

Dates and Timings:
Saturday 10th January and Sunday 11th January 2015 at 5pm to 7pm

Cost for both days:
QR 250 for MAPS members, QR 500 for non-MAPS members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)









Decoupage
Decoupage (or découpage) is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and so on.

Dates and Timings:
Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th January 2015 9am to 11.30pm


Cost for all 3 days:
QR100 for MAPS members QR150 for non members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)







Sketching 
This type of graphite is best for creating shading and depth in drawings. Colored pencils and charcoal, along with pastels, can also be used to create sketches. Some artists also choose to use ink pens or markers.

Dates and Timings:
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January 2015 from 9am to 11.30pm

Cost for all 3 days:
QR100 for MAPS members QR150 for non members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)

Islamic Patterns
Islamic architecture and decorative arts are still very much alive and valued in many parts of the Muslim world.

Dates and Timings:
Friday 16th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Monday 19th January 2015 from 5pm to 7pm

Cost for all 4 days:
QR 250 for MAPS members, QR 500 for non-MAPS members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)

Calligraphy    

Calligraphy is a visual art that makes use of linguistic signs to create an aesthetic experience that transcends or complements the literal embodied meaning. 

Dates and Timings:

Tuesday 20th, Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January 2015 from 9am to 11.30pm 

Cost for all 5 days:

QR100 for MAPS members QR150 for non members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)

Workshops - February 2015

Silk Painting - Advanced   

Learn the advanced skills and fine techniques of the art of vibrant silk painting! 

Dates and Timings:

Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Monday 9th February 2015 from 5pm to 7pm

Cost for all 3 days:
QR 250 for MAPS members, QR 500 for non-MAPS members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)

Oil Painting- Basic

In its simplest form, oil paint is a mixture of three things: pigment, binder and thinner. Pigment is the colour element, while the binder is the liquid carrier which holds the ground-up pigment to be applied to the canvas.

Dates and Timings
Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th and Friday 13th February from 5pm to 7pm

Cost for all 4 days:
QR 250 for MAPS members, QR 500 for non-MAPS members
(Please note even if you participate only for one day you will have to pay the full fee)

Additionally if you have a group of people or kids who would like to attend any of the above classes at your convenient day and time MAPS would be glad to oblige!

For registration and all other information please contact 

Tel: +974 5560 3845, +974 5501 7169

e-mail: info@mapsqatar.org 
rashmigold@yahoo.com 

PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship - 2014

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The final round of the 2014 PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship will take place this weekend at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. This is the fifth year the season finale will be held under the impressive floodlights that powers the entire Qatari circuit.

Free entrance at the main grandstand for the public.

Dates and Timings:

Thursday 11th December  5pm to 8pm

Friday 12th December 2014 - 5pm to 9.40pm

Sunday 14th December 2014 - 2pm to 11.10 pm

Location and details of Lusail International Circuit and QMMF can be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for Lusail or QMMF

MIA Park Bazaar - Experience the Contemporary Souq!

Museum of Islamic Art Park glimmers every first Saturday of the month during the cooler weather November to May with a variety of items for sale. MIA Park Bazaar has around 150 stalls offering food, homemade and handmade products such as jewellery, arts, crafts and clothing along with books and souvenirs. Find the location of MIA Park at www.rush360.qa search for MIA Park.

The beautiful iconic Museum and the spacious greenery is indeed a stunning venue for this Bazaar which attracts many citizens and residents of Qatar and of course it has now become a much look forward to event every month! Additionally this Bazaar indeed attempts to rediscover the traditional souq experience with a touch of a modern glamour!

Every first Saturdays of the month from 12noon to 8pm the Bazaar buzzes with some shimmering jewelry, charming clothes, admirable handmade items, memorable souvenirs, good selection of books and some yummy food and many more. It is advisable to shop during the day as when the sun goes down you hardly see any items as only few stalls are lighted up during the night! Due to more and more people attending this event at times MIA Parking is full and you will not be able to enter into the parking area. But you will find plenty of parking along the Corniche or in the vicinity.

These stalls are provided free of charge for vendors. Arts and Crafts, homemade food, clothes and handmade, handicraft product vendors who wish to participate are required to book a stall in advance by contacting MIA.

Here is a glimpse of what is in store for you at the Bazaar!

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy

Horse Racing is so much of an exciting event! Catch the H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy Today 4th December 2014 at 4pm at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. Locationad details of the venue could be found at www.rush360.qa by seraching for Equestrian Club Free Entry!

Here are some of the exciting moments of yesterday's event at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club!