Doha Qatar Day One

It is a beautiful day in Doha though windy. I am “housed” in a 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom - full dining room - full kitchen and a spacious living room on the 30th floor of the Kempinski Doha. Windows on 3 sides give me an almost 180° view of the bay of Doha. I asked for a normal one-person room but was told that this was the only room available for me. I am staying in one bedroom with bathroom en suite. The kitchen has a clothes washing machine so my travel outfit is ready for the next plane ride.

My Commercial Bank Qatar (CBQ) contact is Haitham Farouk. We met in 2005 when I taught a financial analysis class for the Egyptian Banking Institute in Cairo. He was recruited to CBQ a year later as AGM and Credit Risk Manager. I have been privileged to train for Haitham and the bank several times during the past 4 years.
Today he toured me through the downtown to see how much has changed in the 2 years since I was last here. As before there is construction everywhere. Many of the buildings I saw underway in 2008 are now finished. The Kempinski Hotel was completed only a year ago and is extremely modern in all aspects as well as its looks. Very sleek with black, chrome and mirrors.

Late lunch today was at a Persian restaurant that Haitham, his wife Dahlia and daughter Cheyenne had enjoyed. Grilled chicken, beef, fish and shrimp kabobs with 3 kinds of rice (dill, sweet, and saffron) on a sizzling platter. Delicious. A small shopping at Carrefour’s (British chain) to buy water. I also found Cup of Soup in two flavors that are not available in the US.

Off to create the flip charts for the class which begins on Sunday. It is now dusk so the lights are beginning. What a view. Have a wonderful Friday.