Happy Thursday, Doha — what a week it’s been🫢Not only does Thursday feel better, with the extra long weekend, but A LOT has happened and last Thursday is now a lifetime away! ⌛️ In this dose of Lovin Doha, you’ll relive the highs and lows of this week…from a debate about life in Qatar to National Day celebrations🥳🥳 to the Intercontinental Cup highlights ⚽️ and much more. Get to reading — it’s be a wild ride 👀 

NEWS

🇶🇦 Ministry Of Culture Announces Cancellation Of Qatar National Day Parade 2024

• 🇶🇦 🥳 With Qatar National Day being just around the corner at the beginning of the week, everyone in Qatar was anticipating what the yearly parade would look like this time around

• ✍️ However, they wouldn’t get their answer, as Qatar’s Ministry of Culture announced the cancellation of the national parade, though it was originally scheduled for December 18

• 😯 The cancellation has surprised many, as the parade is traditionally one of the most significant and grand events of the National Day celebrations

• 👏 👏 All wasn’t lost, though, as Qatar gave its people and its residents both December 18 and 19 off, meaning everyone got an EXTRA long weekend to celebrate the occasion!

LOVIN FAVES

🥳These Videos Prove That Nothing Beats Qatar National Day Vibes! : 🇶🇦 

• National Day in Qatar is always a reason to celebrate, and this year is no exception! 🇶🇦✨

• Despite the cancellation of the National Day parade, Qataris found their own unique ways to celebrate.

• Some Qataris decorated their cars, giving them a festive, fancy look for the occasion. 🚗🎉

• Others took things to new heights—literally—by sky-jumping with the Qatari flag! 🪂🇶🇦

• Traditional attire was proudly worn by many, showcasing Qatar's rich heritage. 👗🕊️

• Even other countries joined in the spirit—Abu Dhabi lit up buildings in the colors of Qatar’s flag! 🏙️🎆

• Qatar’s royals also marked the occasion, with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad pardoning many prisoners as a gesture of mercy. 🙏👑 

🍿 Sharable bits and tips! 

• Qatar’s Balloon Festival is back and it’s more aesthetic than ever 🎈 

• 😟 Haunted beach in Qatar? More likely than you think

• Doha’s views are so insane, people would literally cross oceans to see them 👏 😍 

• 🇶🇦 ⚽️ Qatar’s Ghanim Al Muftah met football legends Piro, Bebeto, and Real Madrid president Francisco Perez while doing his duty as the FIFA ambassador

LOVIN FAVES
 🎤 These Podcasters Just Stirred Up A Debate About Life in Qatar!

• A new debate has emerged, sparking discussions about the realities of life in Qatar. 👀 

• 🎤 The topic revolves around whether life in Qatar is truly accessible for everyone, as discussed on the "Wise Guys in Qatar" podcast.

• The podcast, hosted by a group of British expats, recently explored the challenges of living in Qatar without a car. 🚗🤔 

• 🤯 One podcast member described it as one of the "biggest cultural shocks" he's experienced compared to England.

• The discussion prompted mixed reactions from Qatar residents 💭 

• 🚶 Some agreed, mentioning that commuting without a car can be particularly difficult in Qatar.

• Others pointed out that ride-share apps are widely available and affordable. 📱 

• 😇 The debate led to jokes, with some humorously noting that no one can be a "Passenger Princess" in Qatar!

🍹Out of Commtext

The perfect football joke doesn’t exis—
click to uncover the conversations that are shaking up the discussion

🌞Lovin Merch: Summer Picks!

• When you’re out, running errands and simply Lovin your life, you have your handy dandy flask to keep your drinks cool. You’ve got your cap to shade you from the sun, your notebook to record your brightest ideas.

• Anything and everything that’ll remind you that you’re lovin’ life, there’s a Lovin Merch product for you.

• Lovin merch. Click here to add them goodies to your cart.