On any given Friday morning in Qatar, long before shopping malls stir to life and cafes begin to fill, open grounds, sandy parks, and even vacant car parks across the country echo with familiar sounds — the crack of the bat hitting the ball, shouts of “How’s that?”, bursts of laughter, and friendly arguments over wickets in Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Sinhala, and Bangla. What unfolds in these makeshift pitches is far more than a weekend pastime. It is a powerful ritual of belonging, nostalgia, and unity that binds Qatar’s Asian expatriate community. Asian nationals make up over half of Qatar’s population. For many, life in Qatar is shaped by long working hours, limited social spaces, and the physical distance from families left behind. Cricket, however, has emerged as a shared language that cuts across nationalities, professions, and income groups — turning empty patches of land into vibrant hubs of connection. Hours of happiness Every weekend and on public holidays, hundreds of Asian men, mainly from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, step out of their air-conditioned accommodations in pursuit of what they fondly call “hours of happiness.”“I work as a site supervisor and my weekdays are extremely hectic,” says Rahul Raj, an Indian expat who has lived in Doha for 11 years. “But once I step onto the field on Friday, all the stress disappears. For those few hours, I feel like I am back in my school days, playing cricket with my friends.”For Mohammad Arif, a Pakistani driver, cricket is his only weekly escape. “We work long hours. Sometimes you don’t even realise how much pressure you are carrying. But cricket refreshes your mind. You forget your worries, you laugh, you argue about runs — it makes you feel alive.”“Cricket here is more than a game — it’s how we build our community,” says Rohan Fernando, a Sri Lankan expat. “Playing alongside people from different nationalities, we learn teamwork and trust. No matter where we come from, on the field we are all equals. It’s a space where friendships flourish and everyone feels included.” **media[397339]** Beyond borders One of the most remarkable aspects of Qatar’s street cricket culture is its ability to bring together players of different nationalities — often on the same team.“Back home, India and Pakistan are always seen as rivals,” says Shiju Thomas, an Indian electrician. “There were even recent conflicts and war-like situations. But here, we play in the same team. We trust each other with the ball, share food and water, and cheer for each other’s wickets. Cricket teaches us that unity is stronger than politics. On this field, we are not divided by passports — we are one team.”Fahad Rahman, a Bangladeshi warehouse worker, adds: “Politics stays outside the ground. Once we wear the same jersey, there is no India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh — only teammates.”Players say these mixed-nationality teams have fostered friendships that extend beyond cricket, helping newcomers settle in Qatar and offering emotional support during challenging times. What began as casual knockabout matches has steadily evolved into an organised sporting movement. Today, Qatar hosts several structured informal cricket leagues, many lasting months and offering prize money, uniforms, league tables, and official fixtures.“We started with eight teams and handwritten scorebooks,” recalls Imran Shah, organiser of a community league in Industrial Area. “Now we have over 40 teams, online scorecards, sponsors, and proper jerseys. The demand keeps growing every year.”Technology has further fuelled this growth. Apps such as CricClubs, which track player statistics, match results, and league rankings, have seen a surge in downloads in Qatar, with company figures showing that the country now hosts more registered players than even some neighbouring GCC nations.Retailers selling cricket equipment and customised jerseys confirm that the game has created a growing micro-economy.“Earlier, we used to sell maybe a few bats and balls a month,” says Shanavas Ali, who runs a sports accessories shop in Doha. “Now, teams come asking for customised jerseys, bulk tennis balls, gloves, and kits. Business has increased significantly.”More than a matchHealth and wellness experts believe the impact of this cricket culture goes far beyond recreation. **media[397340]** “Team sports like cricket significantly improve cardiovascular fitness and help manage stress, anxiety, and loneliness,” says Dr. Salma Farooq, a Doha-based wellness specialist. “For expatriates who live away from families and social circles, such gatherings are emotionally therapeutic. They provide a sense of belonging and social security.”As players pack up their kits and leave dusty grounds, what remains is more than the memory of runs scored and wickets taken. It is a reaffirmation of friendship, unity, and emotional survival.In a country that hosts one of the world’s most diverse expatriate populations, cricket has quietly become a unifying force — proving that sometimes, all it takes is a bat, a ball, and a patch of sand to make a foreign land feel like home.

Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has formally endorsed the landmark agreement to build a high-speed electric railway linking Riyadh and Doha, hailing it as a project that will boost mobility and tourism across the Gulf. The weekly meeting chaired by the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud praised the development, according to Arab News. The 785km line, scheduled to begin operations in June 2026, will cut travel time between the two capitals to just two hours, creating new opportunities for economic and cultural exchange. The initiative aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, both of which prioritise sustainable transport and tourism development. By offering a fast, eco-friendly alternative to air and road travel, the railway is expected to reshape regional connectivity while reducing carbon emissions. For tourism, the impact is significant. Easier cross-border travel will encourage multi-destination visits, allowing international and regional tourists to explore both countries more freely. Qatar’s luxury and cultural offerings, alongside Saudi Arabia’s blend of heritage and modern attractions, will benefit from increased visitor flows. The project is also expected to strengthen partnerships with private sector operators, diversify tourism experiences, and extend visitor stays. Beyond tourism, the railway will enhance economic integration by facilitating the movement of goods, services, and professionals. This efficient transport link is anticipated to attract foreign investment, support trade, and deepen bilateral ties. Regionally, the project sets a precedent for sustainable infrastructure in the Gulf.

Msheireb Properties and U Events announced a cultural partnership that will bring the acclaimed Al Jazeera Orchestra & Choir to Barahat Msheireb for a two-night musical premiere. Scheduled on January 15-16 from 8pm-10pm, the Baraha Musical Concert marks a significant milestone in presenting exceptional talent within the heart of Doha’s cultural landscape. U Events has distinguished itself through its dedication to discovering and developing talents bringing forward performers whose exceptional abilities are enriching the capital’s cultural scene. The partnership with Msheireb Properties creates a prestigious venue for these rising artists to showcase their craft alongside established ensembles, celebrating Qatar’s vibrant artistic community. The landmark event will see the orchestra and choir make their highly anticipated debut performance at the iconic city square. Conceptualised and supervised by Sheikh Nayef bin Ali al-Thani, the Al Jazeera Orchestra & Choir was founded with the vision of preserving and elevating the musical heritage of the Arabian Peninsula whilst fostering the next generation of regional talent. The ensemble features a choir of 20 male and 20 female vocalists, accompanied by a full and expressive orchestra. Sheikh Nayef, founder of the Al Jazeera Orchestra & Choir initiative, stated: “The Al Jazeera Orchestra & Choir was born from a passion to celebrate our rich musical heritage whilst creating opportunities for exceptional local talent to shine. “This performance represents not only a celebration of our traditions but also a testament to the remarkable artistic voices emerging from our region.” Dr Hafiz Ali Abdulla, senior director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, stated: “This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to championing talents and presenting world-class cultural experiences in the heart of Doha. “The exceptional work U Events has accomplished in nurturing emerging artists aligns perfectly with our vision for Barahat Msheireb as a stage where Qatar’s creative community can thrive and inspire.” The concert is designed as a sophisticated celebration of Arab musical heritage, combining the grandeur of symphonic music with the inviting, community-focused atmosphere of Barahat Msheireb. The performance follows the ensemble’s critically acclaimed debut concert in October 2025, which celebrated the musical traditions of the Arabian Peninsula and achieved full attendance. The two-hour programme will feature choir renditions of traditional Arabic compositions and classical Arabic instrumental pieces. A fusion set combining Western and Arabic orchestration will showcase the ensemble’s versatility. The Al Jazeera Orchestra & Choir unite the region’s finest musicians, composers, and singers under one harmonious banner. Through U Events’ vision and commitment, this collective has become a platform for preserving, elevating, and innovating the musical traditions of the Arabian Peninsula whilst providing opportunities for exceptional talent to reach wider audiences.