With temperatures well in the 40s, it’s that time of year when we’re all virtually housebound but, as with many things, our city has a few surprises in store with numerous outdoor spots equipped to stave off the heat. And, of course, if you’re not up for even some minimal activity you could always just chill with a nice cold sweet treat

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
Pppparks…brrr!

Al Gharrafa Park is Qatar’s first air-conditioned outdoor park which means you don’t have to sacrifice your exercise routine just because the weather’s scorching. The jogging and running tracks have builtin cooling vents to keep the temperature civilised and entry is free for all.

Oxygen Park in Education City is 13 hectares of lushness with abundant greenery and, since the paths boast air conditioning (AC), it’s made for enjoying all year round. And even better, it’s open till 10pm and free to enter.

Umbrella Park Doha OK, we’re cheating a bit with this one because it doesn’t have AC but, and this is important, the walkway is shaded by hundreds of colourful umbrellas so it’s not only a beautiful spot but also quite cool. Don’t forget to take your camera.

Umm Al Seneem Park is the place to go for early morning activities. It’s open from 5am to 12am and offers bragging rights if you want to take a stroll on the Guiness World Record-holding world’s longest air-conditioned walking (or jogging) track which measures just over a kilometre.

AND CHILL…

If you prefer to indulge in our more traditional pass times of promenading and enjoying a spot of retail therapy or an al fresco meal, Doha’s got you covered with even more cooled outdoor options.

21 High Street, Katara is described as ‘the ultimate outdoor shopping destination’ with some seriously impressive names on board such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Galeries Layayette. There are also plenty of restaurants and a superb kids’ area shaped like a giant wrapped gift. And, best of all, it’s all walkable as the whole area boasts AC. What more could a shopaholic want?

ALHAZM, a truly extravagant destination with stunning architecture and interior walls handcrafted with Tuscan marble, the courtyard could be the ultimate outdoor destination where the temperature as we were writing this at 10pm was 19ºC, as opposed to the 36-degree regular Doha heat. Head here for shopping, dining, cafés and events.

Lusail Boulevard, as we all know, is at the heart of the most technologically advanced city in the region, if not the world. So, it’s no surprise that there’s a centralised cooling system allowing you to take advantage of everything on offer, from shopping and restaurants to an entertainment park, awesome activations and light shows, all without breaking a sweat.

Place Vendôme Mall is also in Lusail City and is a truly spectacular sight taking its design inspiration from its Parisian namesake. There’s even a canal and a daily dancing fountain show and the air-conditioned courtyard makes this the ideal place to take a summer stroll.

Royal Plaza Mall, we’re cheating again as this one is not a chilled outdoor space but rather something we’re super excited to discover. This mall has its own salt cave. How cool is that? (See what we did there?) The place is filled with Himalayan salt in which you can sit, relax and enjoy a health-giving massage. Check it out @saltcaveindoha

Tornado Dune Plaza in West Bay is Doha’s newest air-conditioned outdoor space. Opened just a couple of months ago, in the heart of the business district, there’s a big screen showing the football, a fun kids’ play area and cafés and restaurants with more coming soon.

West Walk also recently opened and is described as ‘providing the essentials for a contemporary live-work-play lifestyle’. It boasts Qatar’s longest cooling promenade making it, literally, one of the chillest places to be, all year round.

TO THE EXTREME

Not satisfied with air-conditioned parks and promenades? Want a really cool, cool summer?
Once again, Qatar doesn’t disappoint with options to experience a really big chill.

Breathe Spa Snow Room, yes Doha is not short of cryo chambers and cold therapy sport recovery treatments, but this seems to be one of a kind, an actual room filled with snow which the spa describes as ‘Nature’s secret weapon’. Ideal after a sauna or steam session, the snow room’s cooling environment promotes circulation, detoxification and relaxation as well as post-sport or injury recovery. Looks cool to us.

Snow Dunes is the first and only snow park in town and the first Arabian-themed snow park in the world. The snow is said to be identical to that found in nature, registering a super chilly minus four degrees, and the park has a great selection of rides and activities, such as ice skating and snow guns, and even offers the chance to climb to the top of Snowy Mount. Don’t forget to wrap up warm.

Sub Zero Ice Lounge is, honestly, a bit of a bonkers concept. But, when it’s so hot outside, we can certainly see where they’re coming from. There are ice sculptures aplenty as well as frosty culinary treats and creamy gelato as well as the obligatory warming hot chocolate to warm you inside as you enjoy a completely frozen experience.

And Just For Fun We couldn’t possibly end this feature without mentioning one very special chilly treat that’s exclusive to Qatar. The country’s tallest and coolest treat, which is found at Milky Ice Cream, Original Polish ice cream that’s pretty much never ending. Could you eat it all?