Dubai gets all the headlines and TV specials but development is going on all over the Middle East. On a recent trip to Qatar, I checked out how the new Villaggio Mall in Doha was progressing. During my last visit to this mall early in 2007, little but the grocery store Carrefour was open.
Though still not completely filled, much progress in bringing new stores and features had been made. The ice skating rink was in operation with a local league hockey game or practice in progress. The idea of ice hockey in the Middle East may sound strange, but now there are leagues in nearly each of the more developed Middle East countries and regional games take place. Admittedly, this is not one of the more popular sports but those from countries where they grew up playing ice hockey are happy to have an opportunity to play.
The ceilings of the Villaggio are painted blue with clouds much like the Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops in Las Vegas, USA. 
There is even a canal with bridges and gondolas to ride – probably inspired the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Vegas – or perhaps Venice itself.
Though still not completely filled, much progress in bringing new stores and features had been made. The ice skating rink was in operation with a local league hockey game or practice in progress. The idea of ice hockey in the Middle East may sound strange, but now there are leagues in nearly each of the more developed Middle East countries and regional games take place. Admittedly, this is not one of the more popular sports but those from countries where they grew up playing ice hockey are happy to have an opportunity to play. The ceilings of the Villaggio are painted blue with clouds much like the Caesar’s Palace Forum Shops in Las Vegas, USA. There is even a canal with bridges and gondolas to ride – probably inspired the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Vegas – or perhaps Venice itself.But most important of all, there are lots of places to get a great cup of coffee in Doha!
1 comment:
FRENCH PRESS! yum
LM
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