From dragon boats to ice baths: Water activities play a big role for many expats in Qatar

In this episode, Qatar 365 explores how water activities play an essential role in Qatar. The deep dive begins with dragon boating, a sport which originated in China nearly 2,000 years ago. The popularity of the fun team-building sport is on the rise globally. Here in Qatar, Aadel Haleem met the Masterpiece Dragon Boat team, which consists of Filipino expats competing in domestic and international dragon boat races. The team members say the sport has helped with their physical, mental and emotional health. Aadel also met a team of cancer survivors and their supporters. Its members rely on each other for support and never forget to pause for a moment of gratitude to honour those who have passed.

Then we go from the sea to the pool and meet Qatari swimmer Abdulla Alkhaldi. The 17-year-old has already won several medals at regional competitions and hopes to one day represent his country at the Olympic games. Aadel caught up with Abdulla at Doha’s Sports City, where he spent his formative years.

In addition to sports, water is also used as a healing tool. Laila Humairah traveled to northern Qatar to visit the tranquil Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, where she learned about the six pillars of wellness. Laila experienced a traditional form of Japanese water therapy known as watsu, which is a combination of Japan’s ‘Zen Shiatsu’ massage and modern techniques of hydrotherapy founded in the 1980s. On her way back to Doha, Laila rose to the challenge and plunged into an ice bath. Studies show cold water immersion may help reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation and regulate the body’s nervous system. According to wellness company Awaken, the ice bath is one of their most popular classes.