Pretend you’re in Venice

There’s little doubt the majority of people in Doha will be spending most of the daylight hours ensconced in the glacial ambience of air-conditioned malls. If you’re joining the throngs at Villaggio Mall, kill some time by climbing aboard one of the gondolas, the water vessels operated by the Gondolania Ice Arena (450 7873). A 10-minute spin along the aquamarine canals through the Venetian surrounds of the mall will set you back a paltry QR15.

Catch the breeze

If you’re desperate for some unconditioned air, catch a puff of wind out on the water on a dhow after sunset when temperatures are a little cooler. Dhows are the traditional seafaring vessels of the Gulf, with large, cushioned and shaded decks for lounging around. You can rent them out all along the corniche – try the dhow mooring near the Balhambar building. The going rate is around QR60 for around 20 minutes, and the captains usually offer rides up until 1am.

Dance on ice

Ice skating in the desert? Oddly enough, it is possible. Cool off at the bargainous rate of QR35 for a one-hour-45-minute session (or a day pass for QR100) at the slightly tacky-looking ice rink at City Centre Mall (483 9990). The rink sits on the lower level of the mall and professional lessons and free coaching are offered for the wobbly legged novice. Opening hours vary so it’s best to phone ahead before you go. Bear in mind that this rink is situated inside a shopping mall, so leave your shyness at home, because, without a doubt, your less than graceful pirouette will fail miserably – and your social demise will be witnessed by the mall lunch crowd.

For less embarrassment, head to the Gondolania Ice Arena (450 7873) at the Villaggio Mall, which sits in the middle of the food court, but is a tad more private. The rink offers lessons and public skating for QR30 for an hour-and-a-half under the mall’s splendid blue sky ceiling. If you’re a sporty type, you might want to sign up to one of the local ice hockey teams that practise here.

Ice room – Four Seasons Doha

Ever felt the temptation to open the fridge door and climb inside? So has Time Out Doha, meaning we were giddy with excitement at the thought of an ice room. The only place to find one in Doha is at the Four Seasons Spa and Wellness Centre (494 8888). With the mercury set at a chilly -15°C, it’s actually said to close pores and enhance circulation, and guaranteed to send your body temperature plummeting – in fact you’ll probably be so cold you’ll be desperate to feel the heat again.

Eat yourself cool

Cold Stone Creamery (an ice cream store to the uninitiated) opened its first store in Doha recently, and if you want to check it out, head to Villaggio Mall (413 5222). You can enjoy your icy cool snack with free entertainment thrown in, because the staff like to ping the ice cream around the shop, teppanyaki style. If you’re down City Centre mall way, then stop off at Gelato Mondo (483 9095). We like the frozen yoghurt cone – guaranteed to cool the body and soul.

Sweat it out

Ever wondered why the hottest regions in the world seem to eat the spiciest food in the world? There’s a pretty good reason why. Spicy food can cool your body temperature. You might scratch your head wondering how upping the mercury on your tastebuds can cool you down, but there is a veritable science behind it. You know that hot, flushing sensation you get when eating spicy food like chillies? That’s your body’s molecular response to pain; which makes you perspire and then cool down, according to food science professors. Try Indian or Thai food – we like the new Isaan restaurant in the Grand Hyatt Doha (see p28 for our review).

Take the plunge

Summer temperatures tend to surpass the sane person’s sweat threshold, so one option is to take up swimming. Q Motion (442 6329; www.qmotion.com.qa) has a comprehensive range of programmes for both adults and children, using the temperature-controlled 50m and 20m swimming pools at the Al Sadd Sports Club opposite Jaidah Tower near Sofitel Hotel. Adults can sign up for the start to swim programme (QR450 for 10 sessions), stroke improvement (QR350 for 10 sessions) or other advanced programmes like lap swimming and fitness classes. Register on the website to schedule a swimming assessment. You’ll also need to pay an annual QR295 membership fee.

You can try another professional swimming centre with two temperature-controlled pools at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, next to the Aspire Tower near Villaggio Mall (499 7650; aquatic.centre@aspirezone.qa). There’s only one catch – it’s not open for casual or session visits. Instead, the centre offers a three-month membership pass but it’s probably worth the cost, because then you can visit all summer long. There are lessons, which are free for anyone born in Qatar. There are separate classes for ladies, separate male and female lanes and special times during the week for women only. Opening hours vary so phone ahead for more info and prices. For less serious splashing, check out our beach club reviews.

Wear white and cover up

Qatari men never seem to look hot and bothered, and it might have something to do with their thobes (the white national dress). These long-sleeved floor-sweeping outfits actually help to keep the wearer cool for two reasons. The first is because white reflects the sun (darker colours absorb the sun’s rays) and the second is that covering up the skin keeps it cooler from the sun’s overbearing heat. So take a tip from the original desert dwellers – wear white, wear long sleeves and try to buy breathable fabrics like linen.