Qatar's fashionable Sauna

Qatar's hot runway is nothing shy of steamy sunglasses and sauna red days this summer. Just step out into the blazing 48 degrees sun, and watch your sunglasses steam up in seconds while you melt away in its sauna weather. No pun intended at all, with the temperature warnings of it going higher next week, the steamy humid days are here and I'm left wondering if it will cool down before Ramadaan starts. 










On the upside, you learn how to cope with day hibernations, mini fire extinguishers in the car, air conditioning which is a given, night outings and the best one being the thobe and abaya. The thobe or kandoura (long dress) is worn by male nationals in white - it keeps them cool while protecting them from the suns harmful rays. The abaya is black and even though it makes  you perspire much more (as black absorbs heat), it protects you from the heat provided you choose UV protected fabric options.  Both also provide excellent ventilation. The Shayla (head covering) for ladies and the Ghutra for males is the genious as it protects the neck and head from the heat. . So thankful for my abaya! 



By the way, I was once asked why I wear the abaya because it is worn by arabic women only - not true! Maybe it originated in gulf countries but it is worn in many countries around the world, differing in colour and style. South Africa is no exception with black being the popular color if it is adorned as it is not compulsory - it is also very simply designed and some even wear niqab or choose colored ones



FInal happy thankful note: The traffic is calming down as people fly off on vacation. 
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Hot in Qatar

The Summer is at its peak, here in Qatar and the rest of the Gulf with temperatures ranging between 40-45 degrees.  Many people are off on vacation during this time as the schools close for summer holidays - considering that most of Qatar's population is made up of expatriates, they normally tend to go back home or on vacation during this time. 





The locals also have a tendacy to leave Qatar during summer and come back later when its cooler.  The weather is not highly unbearable, considering that all malls, working areas and indoor facilities are heavily equipped with air conditioning. Its only when you are outdoors and it happens to be a day with high humidity or dust storms, that the weather tends to become a bit much.





I am sure you are aware that Qatar is bidding for the 2022 World Cup which will be held over the Summer. Qatar has announced that by 2022 there'll be solar technology available that'll be able to keep the temperature down to a pleasant 27 degrees in all stadiums. Way to Go Qatar - You really deserve to win the bid. Anyways, getting back to today, the Palm trees are looking beautiful with high hung bunches of fresh dates  - they look so good that you almost want to jump off the car and get some.





Today I went to City Center mall to go get an abaya for my brothers wedding which is coming up after Eid. I took some photos of the drive there, to share with you. Fridays are normally quiet (because its the start of the weekend and Jumm'ah) until after 3 when people get out and start crowding the Souqs and Shopping Centers. Its almost impossible to get a parking at some places - took me fifteen minutes to find a parking spot at the Mall.










One of Doha's many roundabouts (this one is on the Corniche)





A view of Doha Corniche with the City centre high rise in the back drop.  To the right, the Gold Souq 





The Famous Pearl (Clam) landmark on the Corniche - In my side mirror, Souq Waqif
Hope you ladies are having a great weekend.
Source URL: http://pukitattoo.blogspot.com/search/label/Seasons
Visit Puki Tattoo for daily updated images of art collection