Qatar - Children's Books

As the World Cup takes place in Qatar for November to December 2022, it's a perfect moment to highlight some kids books about Qatar. When visiting Doha, the new National Museum of Qatar is a great place for kids with many interactive areas set up for children as well as a great spot to pick up some of the children's books listed below. Mama Traveler Tip: Buy tickets online for the National Museum of Qatar ahead of time to guarantee a spot and save time when you arrive!

A tip for breastfeeding mothers visiting Qatar: It is ok to go into a women's prayer room to breastfeed your baby (no need for a scarf to cover the mother's hair, just be sure to take off your shoes). A women's prayer room is typically next to any women's public bathroom. The prayer rooms provide a calm and safe place for you and your baby. You also might even make a friend as there will probably be another mother and baby in there!

And a note about Qatar Airways: Flying with kids is difficult, especially with babies, but Qatar Airways makes it easier! Qatar Airways is very kid-friendly and baby-friendly. In my experience, shortly after boarding, we not only received the infant life-jacket and seatbelt, but also a bag with diapers, wipes, baby lotion, and baby powder. Then we received a baby toy. And then we received baby food and baby snacks! During the flight, the flight attendants regularly checked in on us to see if we needed any extra snacks, help, or anything! They also provided entertainment for the baby. A really wonderful experience on Qatar Airways.

Do you know of any other children’s books featuring Qatar? Please feel free to note it in a comment below!

Children's Books about Qatar

[Mama Traveler Recommandation!] Ghosoun and her Brother, the Gazelle: A Tale from Qatari Heritage: Ghosoun’s wicked stepmother turns her brother into a gazelle, and the children flee, looking for safety for them and their loyal dog, Salfa. After incredible adventures and journeys, will they find happiness?

The Good Luck Bird: Hessa is a good-natured little girl who enjoys doing good deeds. While celebrating Eid al-Adha with her family, a magnificent bird with beautiful plumage makes an appearance. Hessa and her brother are puzzled by the creature, but their mother tells them about the legend of the Al Saad (‘Good Luck’) bird. The Good Luck Bird is based on a traditional children’s story that explains how good deeds can bring rewards.

A Tale of Gold: This whimsical children’s book is an imaginative exploration of gold in all its splendour. A Tale of Gold also explains the enduring cultural importance of gold in the Gulf countries.

Jaber: The Patient Boy from Another Time: In the past, Qatari men used to leave their families for months at a time to join the pearl harvest. It was hard, dangerous work, with no guarantees they would ever see their wives or children again. This vibrantly illustrated children’s book follows the story of Jaber, a young boy whose beloved father joins a pearling expedition. In his absence, the young boy must learn to be brave and be responsible for the rest of his family.

Al Faresan: Al Masila Horse Racing: It’s an exciting day for the horse races! Al Faresan is an energetic children’s tale set at the Al Masila horse races, one of Qatar’s most famous equestrian events. Audiences cheer on their favourites, but who will ultimately become the champion?

The Most Beautiful Garangao Night: In this colourful children’s book, young Maha learns all about Garangao, a holiday that is celebrated on the 14th day of Ramadan. She is eager to get dressed up in traditional clothing and go door-to-door at nightfall to receive sweets and nuts from her neighbours. She also learns to sing the special ‘Garangao’ song and even gets a special bag to collect goodies on this exciting night especially for children.

The Path Towards the Island: Youssef and Moza are exploring the desert, trying to find a way to a secret island. But Youssef runs into trouble, and the animals of the Qatari desert must band together to try to save him. This whimsically illustrated children’s book features the incredible array of Qatar’s native animals, and many of the beautiful creatures in this book can be seen in the Natural History Gallery of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).

Al Naflah Night: In the middle of Sha’ban, the month before Ramadan, Qatari people celebrate Al Nafla, which is based around the act of giving and sharing. This charming children’s book follows one family as they prepare traditional Qatari dishes to distribute among their neighbours as well as the poor. Another purpose of Al Nafla is to help families gather the staple ingredients necessary for next month’s celebrations and remind them of the blessings associated with the Ramadan season.

The Traditional Games: Story Series: This boxed set features the most popular traditional games that Qatari children used to play. The stories within are not only meant to introduce these old pastimes, but also to impart an inspirational moral lesson for children.

Folktales from the Arabian Peninsula: A unique compilation of stories, Folktales from the Arabian Peninsula includes tales from seven countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.  Coauthored by a renowned folklorist and a professor of education who recalls some of these poignant tales from her own childhood, the book opens with a discussion of the Arabian Peninsula that introduces each country and discusses its terrain, peoples, and current situation to provide important background information. The engaging stories that follow will serve elementary, junior high, and high school librarians as well as public librarians, professional storytellers, and folklorists. The tales themselves―many of which have never been published in English language children's collections―are appropriate for readers grades five and up.

Bonus! Souvenirs from Qatar for Kids

While visiting Souq Waqif, pick up a Dama game set and perhaps even stop by the Dama Club for a game and some Arabic coffee. "Dama is a board game similar to Checkers or Draughts. It is said that Qatari fishermen used to carry the game with them to play and relax while at sea." Read more.