Ramadan is a month of spiritual growth for Muslims around the world. In the midst of fasting, charity and prayer, it’s also important to remember the importance of self-care. It’s already a period where discipline is required to fast from sunrise to sunset so taking care of ourselves is paramount. In this blog, we’ll explore some meaningful ways to practice self-care during Ramadan, nurturing our bodies, minds, and souls along the way.
The abaya is a traditional garment worn by women in many Middle Eastern countries. It is a long, loose-fitting robe that covers the entire body, except for the hands, feet, and face. The abaya has a rich history that is intertwined with the cultural and religious traditions of the region. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the abaya and how it relates to laundry.
The dishdasha, also known as thobe or kandura, is a traditional garment worn by men in the Middle East, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. It is a long, loose-fitting robe made of cotton or polyester fabric that is comfortable to wear in hot and dry weather conditions. Taking care of your dishdasha is essential to keep it looking good and ensure its longevity. Here are some tips for taking care of your dishdasha:
If you’re visiting Qatar in December, you are in for a treat! The weather is not extremely hot – making the conditions suited to tour the country. From events to attractions, here is our list of things to do in Qatar this December!
It’s hard not to mention the football world cup in this list. It’s perhaps the main attraction if you’re visiting Qatar this December. The football world cup happens every 4 years, but this event is unique as it’s the first time it is being hosted in the Middle East.
Make the most of your trip and check official websites for match tickets. If you’re not booking tickets, don’t miss the opportunity to have a look around the stadiums and marvel at them!
We strongly recommend you to read our blog on the travel guide to Qatar for more details on travelling during the world cup.
If you visit Qatar in December, you’ll get the chance to celebrate Qatar National Day on the 18th of December – a day celebrating Qatari independence. Just be wary that certain shops and banks may be closed because this is a public holiday.
The football world cup is a historic event in Qatar, but in December, Qatar is also proud to host its first winter wonderland festival. If you’re travelling with kids, be sure to visit this festival and enjoy a family day out!
Qatar is a fascinating country with a rich history that you can learn more about at the national museum of Qatar. However, one museum you should also explore is the 3-2-1 sports museum. In this museum, you can learn about the history of Qatari sports and how the Qatari football team won the Asian Cup 2019
If you love shopping, you’ll love Qatar! In December, Qatar is set to open the mall of Qatar which will be home to 500 shops, 100 food and beverage outlets, a hotel, and many entertainment options.
Discover it and buy gifts and souvenirs for your lucky friends!
Whether you’re visiting Qatar in December or other months, you’ll have a great time! It is an easy place to get around in with the Karwa taxis being easily available.
If you do need your laundry cleaned, a friendly reminder we do have services in Qatar! Get in touch with us so you don’t have to do your laundry! We’ll collect it from your hotel, clean it to perfection and return it to you within 24 hours!
To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.
The football world cup is here! Whether you’re watching at home, with friends or going to Qatar, you will probably be wearing your team’s kit to show your support. Keeping your football kit in top condition throughout the tournament is the goal and when it comes to laundry tips, Laundryheap knows the score! In this blog, we’ll assist you in how to care for your football kit.
It can be quite tempting to say ‘I’ll do it later’ whenever you see a stain but to properly care for your football kit, don’t leave it to the last minute and treat the stains right away.
If you do wear your football kit when you play football and see any mud or grass on them, tackle the stains the minute you return home instead of waiting for laundry day. The longer you wait, the more chances of odours settling in the material.
Sport kits are usually made from polyester and synthetic fabrics. The general rule of thumb is that they can be washed in the washing machine but some parts of the kit such as logos, letters or numbers can fade away in the washing machine.
It’s always best to read the care label and if you want to play it safe, you can also wash your football kit by hand to prevent the prints from fading.
Furthermore, be sure to follow the golden rule of laundry; separate the colours. You don’t want your favourite kit’s colours to fade away.
If you are washing your football kits at a temperature higher than 30°C then it’s time to blow the whistle on this habit and stop. Washing above the 30°C temperature setting will cause the prints to fade away.
We also highly recommend using cold water in your washing machine cycle to prevent shrinking.
Essentially, turn your shirt inside out to prevent the numbers and letters from peeling.
Putting your football kit in the tumble dryer is a big mistake that can lead to damage and shrinkage. Even leaving them to dry on radiators is something you should avoid doing.
Instead, proceed to air-dry your football kit either on a clothesline or on a drying rack.
The world cup is better enjoyed when you wear your favourite team’s kit. Now that you know how to care for your football kit, we hope you have a great time watching the world cup!
If in doubt, just get in touch with Laundryheap and we will be on the ball and clean your football kit for you!
When it comes to laundry, we do the scoring!
To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.
Qatar is already a popular tourist destination but with just a month left for the world cup, tourism is going to soar to high numbers. Whether you’re travelling for sightseeing or travelling just for the world cup, here is a travel guide to Qatar that will benefit you!
The first key information in our travel guide to Qatar is to find out about the entry requirements. As of this writing, you’ll need to bring a PCR test certification that shows a negative result (48 hours prior to your flight) or a valid rapid antigen test certificate (24 hours prior to your flight).
In addition, you must also register, via Ehteraz, 3 days prior to your arrival. To make the process seamless, download the Ehteraz app and have it ready on arrival. Also, you must complete an ‘undertaken and acknowledgement form’.
Visas aren’t required if your stay is less than 30 days.
To stay on the safe side, always look at government websites for any updates.
The currency Qatar uses is called the Qatari Riyal (QAR). If you are travelling to large cities like Doha, ATMs will be everywhere but it’s always best to be prepared and have cash with you in case smaller shops don’t accept card payments.
Your best bet on booking match tickets is going on official football sites. Consider the teams you want to watch play and search official ticket providers for their matches. Official websites always have reliable ticket information.
Qatar is home to the Middle East’s finest and most luxurious hotels so whatever hotel you end up booking, you’ll have an amazing stay. If you’re travelling solely for the world cup, book a hotel that is close to the stadium for convenience.
If you’re travelling for a holiday, we recommend staying in the west bay (Doha) where you’ll find captivating and Instagram-picture-worthy buildings and landmarks.
Whatever hotel you choose, you’ll fall in love with it but remember to book a hotel suited to your travel needs.
Qatar is a conservative Muslim country. Respect the country and follow the dress codes like wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Remember to not wear tank tops publicly.
Furthermore, if you are travelling during Ramadan, don’t eat or drink publicly during fasting hours.
Qatari transport is reliable and accessible to most locations you need. You will need a Hayya card to access buses, the metro and the tram. As you can imagine, the world cup match days will be very busy so plan your journey and leave plenty of time for you to eat and take pictures with friends and family.
If you’re enjoying your trip and the world cup experience but need your laundry done as soon as possible, we have the perfect service for you!
Laundryheap operates in Qatar and with our quick and reliable service, we’ll collect your dirty laundry from your hotel and then return it back to you within 24 hours!
You don’t have to worry about the laundry because we’ll take care of it for you!
We hope you’ve found this travel guide to Qatar helpful!
Have a great and safe journey!
To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.
A bit of retail therapy makes every holiday better. If you are visiting Doha, these are the best places to shop.
Location: Al Souq Street, Doha, Qatar
Opening times: Saturday-Thursday, 7:30 am-12:30 pm and 3:30 pm-10 pm, Friday 12:30 pm-10 pm
Founded over a century ago, Souq Waqif is one of the oldest Souqs in Qatar. What was once a busy trading centre for camels and livestock is now a labyrinth of market stalls selling spices, textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts. As you wander from stall to stall allow your senses to be taken over by the smells of the spice stalls and the sounds of traditional music. Despite being open until 10 pm, it is best to visit Souq Waqif either in the early morning or later in the day to avoid the scorching daytime heat.
Location: Al Ahmed Street, Doha, Qatar
Opening times: Saturday–Thursday 9 am-1 pm and 4 pm-10 pm, Friday 4 pm-10 pm
Across the street from Souq Waqif, you will find the Gold Souq. As the name suggests, here you will find finely crafted pieces of gold jewellery and precious gems. Most of the items on sale are 22 carats, however, there are white gold, silver, and platinum pieces available at a slightly cheaper price. From bridal jewellery to souvenirs, the Gold Souq is the best place to shop for all your jewellery needs whilst your visiting Doha.
Location: Salwa Road, Al Maamoura, Doha, Qatar
Opening times: Daily, 7 am-10 pm
Omani Souq, in comparison to the Gold Souq and Souq Waqif, is a smaller market, visited more by locals than tourists. Here you will find fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, Saudi dates, local honey, and an array of vibrant spices. Alongside this fresh produce are clay pots, perfumes, and baskets, which make perfect souvenirs to take home with you. One of the best finds at Omani Souq are white truffles, at an astoundingly low price, which can only be sourced if the desert has had the right amount of rain.
Location: Al Shamal Road, Umm Salal Mohammed, Doha, Qatar
Opening times: Sunday–Wednesday, 10 am-10 pm, Thursday–Saturday 10 am-midnight
Doha’s Festival City is more than just a shopping experience. This 600,000 square meter shopping mall includes hundreds of shops, over 100 restaurants, plus an Angry Birds park, complete with bumper cars, a trampoline park, and a zip line. If that was not enough, you can cool off from the desert heat on the indoor snow slide and snow-covered hills. Festival City provides the perfect combination of retail therapy and thrilling adventure, all under one roof, and all family-friendly.
Location: South of Doha Corniche, Doha, Qatar
Opening times: Friday 2 pm-10 pm, Saturday 12 pm-7 pm, Sunday 12 pm-6 pm
Hosted on the grounds of the Museum of Islamic Art, MIA Park Bazaar is a weekend market that operates from September to April. During this time, as many as 150 market stalls offer both local and international arts, crafts, and culinary creations. Each stall offers unique pieces of handmade art which make for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. After browsing the buzzing stalls, head into the Museum of Islamic Art to observe the impressive collection of art and artefacts from the Muslim world.
Location: The Pearl-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
If you are looking for a luxury shopping experience then look no further than The Pearl. This artificial island is home to elegant fashion, jewellery, and lifestyle boutiques, as well as celebrity-chef restaurants and cafes. From the marina with its huge yachts bobbing on the water to the shop fronts lining the streets with beautiful window displays, everything about The Pearl screams luxurious. Whether you’re shopping or window shopping it’s a luxury experience you don’t want to miss.
Enjoy shopping without having to think about laundry when you book your Laundryheap service. Simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your order today.
Doha is the capital city of Qatar. Encased within the city is an abundance of cultural, historical, and fun things to see.
Souq Waqif is the social heart of Doha. It’s built on an ancient market site where, centuries ago, sheep, goat, and wool were traded. Nowadays, the market site has been redeveloped to look like that same 19th-century souq, complete with mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams. The shops you will find here are like museums. You will find swords, shipping memorabilia, and jewellery from the Arab world.
Many of the stalls at Souq Waqif close at 1 pm and re-open at 4 pm, however, if you want to stay in the area, there are many restaurants and cafes that are open all day.
The Museum of Islamic Art has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. Spread over the first and second floors of the museum are the permanent collections, including textiles, ceramics, and enamel work. Downstairs, you will find a café and museum shop, and on the top floor you can dine in the IDAM restaurant.
The museum itself was designed by IM Pei, the same architect of the Louvre in Paris. It is shaped like a post-modern fortress, with minimal windows that reduce energy use, and incredible views across the water.
After you have visited the Museum of Islamic Art, head to the MIA Park. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Doha, with breath-taking views of the Doha waterfront. Within the park, you can find food trucks to feast from, a child’s play area, and a 1km pathway around the park. As well as enjoying the general splendour of the park, there are an abundance of events that are put on seasonally, including weekend markets, an outdoor cinema, and fitness sessions.
Nestled within MIA Park you can find 7 by Richard Serra. 7 is a steel sculpture, made from 7 steel plates that stand 24 meters high. Visitors can walk through the sculpture, and gaze up at the Doha skyline from inside. 7 is the first of 2 installations by Richard Serra to be commissioned by the Qatar Museums Authority.
If you’re looking for a quiet space amongst the hustle and bustle of Doha, you will find it at the Qatar National Library. Nestled within a spaceship-like building, you will find 2 million books, some dating back to as early as the 15th century. Choose a book of your liking, and relax in one of the many egg chairs dotted around the library. Alternatively, you can work at any of the workstations available, or relax in the cafeteria-style restaurant. If you are visiting the library with children, there is a children’s library that is guaranteed to keep them entertained.
Banana Island is a tropical paradise. The crescent shape of the island is covered with 800m of golden sand, tropical plants and greenery, and is surrounded by crystal waters. Asides from the beautiful beach of Banana Island, there are six restaurants to dine at. After you’ve fuelled your body, you can enjoy one of the many activities on offer, including Segway rides, beach diving, and bowling. You can reach the island via catamaran.
Katara Beach is a 1.5km beach that is a stone’s throw away from the city of Doha. You can wander across soft sand, swim in the crystal blue water, or take part in the variety of water sports on offer, including parasailing and wakeboarding. If you are enjoying the beach with children, there is an inflatable play structure that will offer endless hours of entertainment.
Be aware that women will not be allowed to swim unless completely covered, and men must not wear speedos.
Covering 88 hectares, Aspire Park is Doha’s largest park. It is home to extensive fields, running tracks, a children’s play park, and exercise equipment. You will also find the only lake in Doha nestled within the park, where you can see many birds, ducks, and geese cooling off. Throughout the year there are festivals, fun runs, and exercise classes put on.
Before Qatar found oil, pearling was one of the countries most profitable industries. Today, pearls are a significant emblem for the country. You can find the Pearl Monument at the entrance to the dhow harbour. The statue and fountain is a very popular spot for tourist photos, and comes complete with a spectacular view of the city.
Doha’s Golden Mosque is one of the most striking things you will see on your trip. It is an Ottoman-style Mosque that is covered in thousands of golden tiles that shimmer in the sun. Only practicing Muslims can venture inside, however, even if you can’t go indoors, it is worth seeing from the outside.
Doha has an array of beautiful things to see, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of it because of your laundry. Book your Laundryheap service by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app.
Qatar is a country in the Middle East, home to 2.8 million people. Here are some fun facts that you may not have known about it.
Qatar’s per capita GDP is $130,475, making it the richest country in the world. The second richest country is Luxembourg, with a per capita of $116,808.
You won’t find any hills or mountains in Qatar. The average elevation is 28 meters, making it the second flattest country in the world. The first is the Maldives.
Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is one of the most urbanised places in the world. 99% of people live in the city or surrounding towns.
Qatar is made up of mostly desert. Only 5% of the land is used for agriculture. As such, it is one of the four territories with no rainforest. The other countries are San Marino, Greenland, and Oman.
According to the World Risk Report, Qatar is the least likely country for a natural disaster to occur. In fact, there is a 0.1% chance of an earthquake occurring in Qatar.
One of the favourite local sports for Qatar residents is camel racing, however, rather than using jockeys, robots ride the camels. You can catch a race in the small town of Al Shahaniya.
Qatar is home to around 2.8 million people, however, only around 700,000 of them are women.
Qatar’s airline, aptly named Qatar Airways, has won ‘The Best Airline of the Year’ award five times at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. It is the only airline in history to have achieved this.
As soon as you touchdown in Hamad International Airport you are greeted with the friendly presence of Lamp Bear. Lamp Bear is an art installation by Swiss artist Urs Fischer. The piece cost roughly $6.8 million.
In 2022 Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup, making it the first World Cup to be hosted in the Arab World and only the second world cup to be held in Asia. In addition to this, it is the smallest nation by land size to ever host the world cup.
If you are residing, or travelling, in Qatar, don’t let laundry get in your way. Book your Laundryheap service by heading to the Laundryheap website or by downloading the free Laundryheap app.
