The weekend’s nearly here and you’re long-due some R&R. For the young and old, those ready to race or retire, all can indulge in these tips for the weekend.

The Al Dana Green Run – 9th Dec, Aspire Zone

Green energy has been high profile in recent years, and The Al Dana Green run is one of the year’s most significant events for environmental awareness. The annual event, organised by Doha Bank, covers 3km and has attracted up to 6000 participants. The race, moreover, is classified into tiers for all demographics; no matter your age, gender or experience, you’ll be able to take part in a great cause. Elsewhere, the day includes various activities both sporting and otherwise;  football, face painting and other games, will keep even the least sporty members of the family entertained

The Doha Burger Festival – Weds 6th– 9th Dec, Sheraton Hotel Park

If you’ve worked off all those calories, you’ve surely earned yourself a reward. Dozens of brands will meet this weekend to showcase the best burgers of the region. Every burger restaurant you can think of will be there; this festival is testament to the rise of the burger in Doha. But it also extends to desserts and hot wings, for which you can prove your love in the Hot Wings Challenge. Activities in various shapes and sizes will be suited to children and vegetarian alike.

The Planets and British Film Music – Friday 8th Dec, Abdul Aziz Theatre, Souq Waqif

There are still spaces remaining for the enthralling finale to Qatar’s British Festival, 2017. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra perform a celestial homage to outer space as well as a series of British Film scores. Its celestial journey takes you from Holst’s unmistakable piece, to music from independence day, all the way to Bond and The Bridge on the River Kwai. This is set to be spell-binding show for lovers of film and music; it’s an un-missable performance from a stellar orchestra.

German Encounters – Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection – 5th December-20th 

January Fire Station: Garage Gallery

Germany also flexes its cultural muscles with the opening of a selection of artworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection. The collection is a chronological overview of German art from the 1960s to the present day; it illustrates the development of the modern nation. Photographs and oil-paintings will take centre-stage. From the art-meets-design mind of Joseph Beuys to the eccentricity of neo-expressionist painters, enthusiasts of history, art and industry will be enthused.

Mall of Qatar, First Birthday – Mall of Qatar, 8th-9th Dec

As a celebration of their first anniversary, Mall of Qatar are offering an exclusive range of offers this weekend. Roaming shows will set the mall to life with live actors and performers, whilst the main stage lights up with give-aways. Cupcakes in their hundreds will be available to satiate your sweet tooth, and there are activities for the entire family. Have the in-house caricaturist commemorate the visit and let the kids in with a variety of activities.

The Pearl at Illusion – Mon-Sat 6pm-2am, Illusion

Urbane meets urban in this edgy twist on a smoker’s lounge aesthetic. Illusion has a debonair décor with a laid-back touch. It features ornate furnishings and cosy leather chairs. Not to mention the beautiful performers, which bring it all to life as the iconic walking lamps. You’ll be introduced to Bizzare cuisine fusions such as cuttlefish salad and paella arancini in their enormous range of cuisine (classics included). And mingle to an overture of contemporary tunes from the resident DJ. The live entertainment ensures that the night is full of surprises.

Alex Glendinning is a freelance writer with an BA in English and History from the University of Sussex. From P.R. to journalism his work has featured in The Gulf Times and Qatar Today. Read more at clippings.me/sympa and https://innerouterblog.wordpress.com/