If you hate Dubai...
 

Go and take a look at Doha.
Having made a recent trip there I have to say it is a complete and utter *#@% hole.
Apart from a few shiny (empty) buildings it is like a crappy part of Deira behind Nasser Square (but worse).
You cant buy pork anywhere in the country.
You cant bring alcohol into the country.
There are no airbridges at the airport.
There is no bar at the airport.
There are hardly any taxis and a hotel certainly wont hail one for you.
I flew one sector on EK and one on QR and all I can say is that EK has NO WORRIES about any threat from QR.
If you consider QR as an employer you would have to be unemployed.

The good news Blair is that it seems you survived the Chaotic-agressive-selfish-idiotic way of driving here in Doha.....:\

I guess it's all relative Blair.

[Cross Doha off my 1000 places to see before I die list] :ugh:

Bin there a coupla times for MotoGp and Superbikes. Both times got completely smashed at the Aussie legends bar with the team mechanics after the race. Last trip after we got thrown out at 3am we watched a team of german mechanics do some serious hire car donuts in the hotel carpark before we headed off to Wendys for some burgers.
Had no problems with the taxis and I thought the driving wasn't anywhere near as deadly as SZR or Emirates Road. :}

Qatar MotoGP 2010
 

Funk,

I have been considering a visit there, principally to see a MotoGP. Don't yet know the 2010 schedule, maybe they won't bother with Losail next year. Anyways, were you just there as a spectator? If so, from where did you fly in from, if you don't mind my asking? It would be a very long haul for me (North America). This year, hope to make the Malaysian round. Probably fly space available to Siingapore, then take the 8 hour bus to K.L.

Can you buy your tickets on arrival at the circuit?

Do the hotels raise their rates astronomically for the race weekend? There were not a whole lot of people in the stands at this years race, but still, I am not aware of Doha's hotel capacity.

Ill remember to visit the Aussie bar.

Aussie Bar no more
 

The Ridges Hotelis closed and will be demolished, too close to the Emir Palace. :yuk:

The Ex Global Sales Director of QR is still being persued by the poison dwarf....
 

Take care !

The Former director of Global Sales for QR is still fighting to dismiss charges against him for Industrial Espionage by the airline! This Ex BA chap is now home in UK (after having being held in solitary confinement for 21 days last May 08) having been found innocent by the Doha courts of all charges against him in December, however the poison dwarf set his legal dogs after him on appeal! The case is still pending against him!

QR legal team failed to present any substantial evidence against him (when they even bothered to turn up for the hearings!), however he now has significant legal bills to cover as a result of his enforced stay in Doha. The offer of a senior position with a large European airline disappeared while he was a 'guest of QR' awaiting of trial. Given the state of the aviation world at present he is avidly seeking a new role, whilst having this situation by the poison dwarf still hanging over him....

A total vindictive action without substance against this former employee by the poison dwarf now threatens his livelihood & career........

a cautionary tale about crossing the wrong person in the airline and how you can be treated by them.........

Decolar

apologies all for the thread creep.
So your pennies for Malaysian MotoGp, we went to Doha because it is a quick trip and I we stayed at the pub then Wendy's till they threw us out and waited at the airport for the 1st flight out. Went to Malaysian MotoGp in 2007 it was awesome, great venue cheap hotels beer is plentiful, lovely Tiger beer wenches sell 6 packs with their own ice bag. Thats what I call motorcycle racing

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image...aylay/1/5f.htm

Ridges closing down, well looks like I've been to my last Qatar MotoGp :{

Thread creep for sure. Sorry.

Thanks Funk.

Defending Doha airport
 

I am sitting in the "First Class" lounge, and there is the biggest selection of Vodka I have seen in a long time. So not very dry.

Stayed at the Marriott Hotel, recently, close to the airport, and no problems getting taxi from hotel, to airport.

QR 330 First Class section from Algiers to Doha: IFE intermittant, food was cold, meat was tough, and uneatable. The ice cream was fantastic.

Eventually found a CC that was nice to talk to, a PI, so no surprises there.

The on board wine list was excellent, but the food was rubbish.

The first class bus to the first class lounge was OK, better if someone told you that the first stop at the main terminal was not for the QR lounge.

Never mind....glf

Guys,
If your planning to come to the MotoGP in Doha, please DON'T. It is the worse race you will ever go to, it is lame!. I still don't know why they do it in Doha, it is just awful, just save you're money and go somewhere else.
By the way what Wendy's are you guys talking about, is there a Hamburger Wendy's in Doha????

Sorry much alcohol addles the brain and my poor memory... it was a Dairy Queen burger joint :ok: