Water activities play a vital role for many expats living in Qatar. For some, joining a dragon boat team is a way to be part of a community while improving their overall health. Others see water as a therapeutic tool.
In this episode, Qatar 365 explores how water-based activities play a vital role in Qatar. Our immersion begins with dragon boating, a sport that originated in China nearly 2,000 years ago. This fun, team-building sport continues to grow in popularity around the world. In Qatar, Aadel Haleem met the Masterpiece Dragon Boat team, made up of Filipino expats who compete in national and international dragon boat races. The team members say the sport has helped them improve their physical, mental and emotional health. Aadel also met a team of cancer survivors and their supporters. They support each other and never fail to pause to honour the memory of those who have passed.
We then move from the sea to the pool and meet Qatari swimmer Abdulla Alkhaldi. The 17-year-old has already won several medals in regional competitions and hopes to one day represent his country at the Olympics. Aadel met Abdulla at Doha Sports City, where he spent his preparatory years.
Beyond exercise, water is also used as a therapeutic tool. Laila Humairah traveled to the north of Qatar to visit the peaceful Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, where she learned about the six pillars of wellness. Laila experienced a traditional Japanese water therapy called Watsu, which combines Japanese “Zen Shiatsu” massage with modern hydrotherapy techniques, created in the 1980s. On the way back to Doha, Laila took on the challenge and immersed herself in an ice bath. Studies show that immersion in ice water can reduce inflammation, stimulate blood circulation and regulate the nervous system. For wellness company Awaken, the ice bath is one of their most popular exercises.
