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Meet Qatar's adventurous side with Mashel Al-Naimi

Mashel Al Naimi

Biography

"My story started in 2003. I used to ride as a hobby, and in 2004 I started riding actively. In 2005 I started racing in the Losail National Cup and won the MotoGP Championship. I was also a full-time competitor in the Moto2 World Championship in 2010 and 2011, and became the first Qatari national to be a part of World Championships."

You have to believe in yourself and understand that people are strong. You can reach your goals, if you work hard and if you focus. Don't rush; give yourself time to reach your goals. Even if you lose once or twice, never stop believing in yourself. 

Mashel Al Naimi
Mashel Al Naimi Chef

My stories

Mashel Al Naimi

My night rides

When I started riding a motorbike in 2003, I was going to the Corniche every day for many hours. One time I saw in the newspaper "there is a rider making noise" and it was about me! 

Mashel Al Naimi

How my passion for riding started

When I was young, 9 or 10, my father bought a motorbike for my brother; I could use it, of course as well, but I wanted my own! I was always crying and requesting one only for me. Maybe that's how my love and passion for biking started! And I ended up winning races and making Qatar proud. 

Mashel Al Naimi

Riding in the rain

I am an excellent rider in the rain. I am the fastest! And people wonder, how is this possible, since there is no rain in Qatar? I believe in myself, and I never stop practicing. Rain is my strength and people cannot believe it! 

Mashel Al Naimi

Hard work is key

When I first joined the Spanish Supersport Championship, I didn't qualify. I was sure I was going to, but I wasn't ready. I also had an accident that kept me behind. I felt that I should just stop what I am doing; I felt that I didn't want to continue. However, my trainer insisted that I should keep trying, keep training. I had to focus and train hard. I didn't give up, and with my team's support, I eventually qualified and kept doing my passion. 

My travel tips

Select a hotel based on your interests.

Best time to visit is October to March, especially for sports.

For practising water activities, stay near Katara Cultural Village.

For a great shopping experience, visit Doha Festival City.

My recommendations for sports and water activities in Qatar

Useful information

Address

Al Wakrah

Top places for practicing sports

Follow my itinerary

Mashel Al Naimi

A perfect day

Stay near Katara Cultural Village, for easy access to the Pearl, Lusail and Katara which are ideal for practicing sports. You can spend the whole day doing various activities. Then, for an evening stroll, visit Souq Waqif and explore its alleys and local shops.

Mashel Al Naimi

Stay active

Spend your day at Sealine. Enjoy desert and water activities, such as renting a buggy or experiencing kitesurfing, and spend the whole day actively, in one of the most beautiful places in Qatar.

Mashel Al Naimi

A sports day

Dedicate a day to sports. Rent a bike and go to the Olympic Cycling Track. Start from Qatar University and ride until Al Khor Stadium; it's approximately 33 km. Make sure to check out the Qatar Cycling Federation; they introduce various routes for all family members.

Mashel Al Naimi

A day at the museums, parks and shopping malls

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art and go to the Corniche for a refreshing walk. Take the metro and visit Msheireb Downtown, a revamped smart city with great cafes and eateries, Aspire Zone, a perfect park for all kinds of activities or just a leisure stroll and Villagio Mall for some shopping.

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Mashel Al Naimi