Qatar (and, arguably, the Gulf in general) is obsessed with quote-unquote seven star experiences. What? You have never heard of something being seven stars? Well, then clearly you are not used to the levels of luxury we mean to reach here in the Middle East. Why refer to something as a five star experience when you can give it SEVEN stars! Five stars are SO 2010, don't you know. (Why did we skip right past poor little old six and move on to seven? Don't trouble us with inconsequential questions! We have places to go and people to see!)
Our restaurants are not world class, oh no. At our restaurants, you can "awaken your senses with stylish 7-star gastronomy." And if the so-called seven star property doesn't actually exist? Even better! We especially like referring to as-yet-only-the-stuff-of-unrealistic-dreams concepts as seven star. Let me tell you about our zoo: it will include in its 70+ hectares "an exclusive seven star resort, nestled in mature trees, with boardwalks throughout the tree canopy!" That's right, even our tree houses are seven star! Or what about this incredible floating hotel, ready in time for the 2022 World Cup (probably)! Or there's The Palace which promises, quite mysteriously, that "metrology services from The Palace provide you with real seven-star service from a partner that you can fully rely on." Metrology? Surely they don't mean that a banquet hall will be my partner in the science of measurement? But who knows, since I'm not exactly sure what The Palace really is or does, though the website assures me humbly that its goal is "to be the most elegant and luxurious facility in Qatar and to serve as the finest 7-star service provider in the Middle East and in the world." But of course! Actually, here among the mere mortals in Doha, calling something seven star has become shorthand for saying whatever it is is planned to be over-the-top fantastic, but many of us are not holding our breath while waiting to see if those plans ever become reality!
Not to be outdone and in order to ride the wave, local businesses have rebranded themselves, including Seven Stars Trading and General Services, which appears to be a company that helps other companies navigate the Qatari government red tape (reels and reels of it, trust me), or Seven Star Novelty, which may be a clothing store (though, as is common for most small businesses here, they have no website to speak of, so I can't really be sure) or, my personal favorite, Seven Star For Rent A Car, which handles, wait for it...real estate! Surprise!
To be fair, the term "seven star" is used in other places to refer to "the absolute most luxurious of luxury hotels," though rumor has it the phrase was coined on a visit to Dubai, which perhaps explains its popularity in the region, and the claim to fame of the first seven star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, which bills itself as "the world's mots luxurious hotel." In fact, as of two years ago, the Seven Star Global Luxury Awards were created, "the Highest, Most Exclusive award for the pinnacle in hospitality and lifestyle" [sic--strange capitalization and phrasing all their own!], which quite a few hotels in Doha have already won. And the seven star concept is even making its debut in the US, according to The Telegraph, in Orlando (where else?).
So, whether you're in the mood for luxury accommodations, food, or attractions, the Gulf States have got you covered...or will have you covered...maybe. But don't worry: it will be awesome!
Our restaurants are not world class, oh no. At our restaurants, you can "awaken your senses with stylish 7-star gastronomy." And if the so-called seven star property doesn't actually exist? Even better! We especially like referring to as-yet-only-the-stuff-of-unrealistic-dreams concepts as seven star. Let me tell you about our zoo: it will include in its 70+ hectares "an exclusive seven star resort, nestled in mature trees, with boardwalks throughout the tree canopy!" That's right, even our tree houses are seven star! Or what about this incredible floating hotel, ready in time for the 2022 World Cup (probably)! Or there's The Palace which promises, quite mysteriously, that "metrology services from The Palace provide you with real seven-star service from a partner that you can fully rely on." Metrology? Surely they don't mean that a banquet hall will be my partner in the science of measurement? But who knows, since I'm not exactly sure what The Palace really is or does, though the website assures me humbly that its goal is "to be the most elegant and luxurious facility in Qatar and to serve as the finest 7-star service provider in the Middle East and in the world." But of course! Actually, here among the mere mortals in Doha, calling something seven star has become shorthand for saying whatever it is is planned to be over-the-top fantastic, but many of us are not holding our breath while waiting to see if those plans ever become reality!
Not to be outdone and in order to ride the wave, local businesses have rebranded themselves, including Seven Stars Trading and General Services, which appears to be a company that helps other companies navigate the Qatari government red tape (reels and reels of it, trust me), or Seven Star Novelty, which may be a clothing store (though, as is common for most small businesses here, they have no website to speak of, so I can't really be sure) or, my personal favorite, Seven Star For Rent A Car, which handles, wait for it...real estate! Surprise!
To be fair, the term "seven star" is used in other places to refer to "the absolute most luxurious of luxury hotels," though rumor has it the phrase was coined on a visit to Dubai, which perhaps explains its popularity in the region, and the claim to fame of the first seven star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, which bills itself as "the world's mots luxurious hotel." In fact, as of two years ago, the Seven Star Global Luxury Awards were created, "the Highest, Most Exclusive award for the pinnacle in hospitality and lifestyle" [sic--strange capitalization and phrasing all their own!], which quite a few hotels in Doha have already won. And the seven star concept is even making its debut in the US, according to The Telegraph, in Orlando (where else?).
So, whether you're in the mood for luxury accommodations, food, or attractions, the Gulf States have got you covered...or will have you covered...maybe. But don't worry: it will be awesome!
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