FREE
SUMMER CAMPS INSIDE! SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
KIDZANIA MANIA
A Package Deal
Shopping online and shipping to Qatar
SURVIVING SUMMER
MUSEUMS, MOVIE THEATRES, MASSAGES AND MORE SUMMER 2019 | ISSUE 10 | BROUGHT TO YOU BY DOHA MUMS | DOHAFAMILY.COM
ASDoha Celebrating
2018
1988
American School of Doha One Community Learning Together
Now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year
Apply Online • asd.sch.qa #ASDohaTurns30
Contents
Summer 2019 • DohaFamily.com
FUN 21 KidZania Review Zaney fun at Qatar’s newest city just for kids 36 Summer Camps Directory Camps your kids will love Special Advertising Section
40 The National Museum of Qatar An immersive experience for the whole family 46 Keeping Cool and Cultured Museums and galleries around Qatar that kids will love 56 Visiting Dublin with Kids Exploring the magic of Dublin with the family 65 Movie Theatre Directory Keep cool and catch a flick
LIVING IN DOHA 50 Shop Online, Ship to Qatar A guide to online retailers that ship to you
26 4
40 50
60
Aim higher at
Qatar∙Finland International School Qatar–Finland International School is extending its premium Finnish learning experience to ever higher levels in Doha. For the first time, Q.F.I. School is opening its doors to High School students, starting with the provision of Grade 10 studies from autumn 2019.
As an inspirational learning community grounded in Finnish education excellence, we strive toward building the best possible future for our international student body. At Q.F.I. School, we follow the highly acclaimed Finnish National Core Curriculum, with local adaptations and additional content in accordance with Qatari standards.
We welcome student applications (Grade 0 – Grade 10) all year round. Qatar-Finland International School Al Khissa area, Zone 70, Street 461, Building 90, Doha, Qatar Phone | +974 4012 7890 E-mail | info@qfischool.com qfischool.com You can find us on Facebook and Instagram
Doha Family Magazine.indd 2
qfischool.com
4/9/2019 3:29:46 PM
HEALTH AND WELLNESS 26 Dad’s Recipes This professional chef shares his daughter’s favourite lunch box foods 31 De-stress for Less Massages and spas that won’t break the bank
EDUCATION 34 Times Table Chart Keep up and practice your multiplication skills 60 Maths is Everywhere Games and tricks to flex those maths muscles over the summer
IN EVERY ISSUE 8 Quick Directory 10 Editor’s Letter 12 News Bites 14 What’s On 16 Ask the Expert 17 Things We Love 18 Book Bites 62 New Arrivals 66 Marketplace
6
For Kids
Contributors KIM WYATT is the Doha Family Magazine Food Contributor. A mum, photographer, writer, stylist and cook, she is passionate about healthy and delicious food for the whole family. Follow her on Instagram: mama_baba_ganoush or Facebook: mama baba ganoush GILLIAN GIBSON began her glittering writing career at a sewage works in the heart of the English countryside before moving to Doha with her husband and daughter. Besides writing, she loves to travel, meeting new people and spending time outdoors, but she dislikes peas— intensely! KATHERINE LATTO is a lawyer and occasional freelance writer from England. She is enjoying discovering Doha with her husband and three young children MICHELLE MILLER is a writer from New York who spent more than 10 years in London working in marketing and communications before moving to Doha with her husband and two daughters. Recently, she has turned her focus to supporting girls in Doha as the incoming Chair of the USA Girl Scouts Overseas in Qatar
Illustrations by Joanne Brooker
64 How to Qatar Importing a pet
Quick Directory
PAGE
21 KI
Automotive Lux Drive
3347-2112
Children’s Activities Caboodle Deema Community Center Evolution Sports Qatar Fusion Camps Gymboree Play & Music IAID Minipolis The Gymnastics Academy
4488-7232/3 28 5593-1053 67 4407-6772 17 7797-8856 44 4020-6413 53 4441-1234 54 4437-8421 2 5582-9428 59
Events, Catering & Party Services CakEpicurean
See Ad
Food & Beverages Yasmine Palace
4411-1502/3 30
Medical & Wellbeing Love Coach MetaFit The Feto Maternal Centre The Feto Maternal Centre/Fertility Unit
SeeAd 6643-4301 4475-6369 4475-6370
66 66 55 52
Nurseries & Kindergartens Apple Tree Nurseries Grandma Nurseries Kanga’s Pouch Nursery Kidz International Pre-School (KIPS) Little Lions English Nursery PreScholars Nursery Primrose Nursery
4481-2147 800-2229 7788-6171 4479-3156 4441-3094 5557-2533 6699-3373
25 23 20 29 12 33 16
8
66
66
DZANIA
Starfish Lane Kids Nurseries Tots Corner Nursery
4487-5939 4468-8008
52 18
Photography Najla Nabil Photography
5513-4681
45
Retail Book Nook Doha My Momentoes Qatar Virgin Megastore
See Ad See Ad 4495-9060
66 66 19
Schools ACS International School Doha American School of Doha Arab International Academy Doha British School Doha English Speaking School King’s College Doha International School of London Qatar-Finland International School Qatar International School Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar Swiss International School in Qatar The Hamilton International School
3026-6800 13 4459-1511 3 4041-4999 9 4019-8000 34/35 4459-2750 23 4496-5888 34/35 4433-8600 53 4012-7890 5 See Ad 24 4036-0450 7 4036-3131 11 5043-8885 15
Special Needs Services & Centres Hibbo Club Step by Step Centre for Special Needs
3307-0183 4475-7625
33 22
Tutorial Services Oxford Learning Study Plus
4491-0777 4432-5503
68 25
Editor’s Letter
I
often hear people say that there isn’t enough to do in Qatar, but really, Qatar is filled with hidden gems of activities and things to do—if you look for them. Case in point: while deciding on this issue’s articles, I knew that I wanted to cover the exciting new National Museum of Qatar (page 40), but as our team researched other indoor activities to do this summer, I was surprised to realise that Qatar has more than a dozen museums, galleries and educational spaces for families to learn about culture, art, history and science (page 46). Talk about an excellent way to stay cool and keep your kids’ brains working this summer.
I’m hoping that if you find yourself feeling bored this summer, this issue of Doha Family will give you a number of ideas to keep cool and busy—even if you just end up relaxing on the couch for some online shopping (page 50) If you have any story ideas, comments or experiences you’d like to share about family life in Doha, please email me at editor@dohafamily.com.
Publisher
Roxanne Davis
Publishing and Sales Director Paulien Bay Christensen
Editor
Rachel Henriquez
Associate Editor Lisa Gay
Art Director Rachel Foley
Associate Designer Michael Grossman
Editor Doha Family Magazine
Of course, there’s also our annual summer camps directory (page 36) for kids that need scheduled activities, and an overview of all the movie theatres around town (page 65) for some downtime. Once you’ve run the kids tired, and yourself ragged, you might be ready for a massage that won’t exhaust your bank account (page 31).
Keeping cool by
10
Issue10 – Summer 2019 DohaFamily.com
Sales Representatives Gail Chalmers Cristina Hueso
Artwork Coordinator Prathibha Nair
For advertising or distribution inquiries, please contact Paulien Bay Christensen at ads@dohamums.com. Editorial inquiries, suggestions and submissions may be addressed to editor@dohafamily.com.
remembering the
cold days
Doha Family Magazine is a free magazine published four times a year by Doha Mums. It is distributed to over 120 locations throughout Qatar with a circulation of over 20,000 copies. Visit dohafamily.com/ Find-A-Copy to find the nearest copy. Doha Family does not endorse or assume responsibility for any information, products or services mentioned by advertisers or editorial contributors. Reproduction of any element of this publication without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2019 by Doha Mums. Doha Family Magazine is printed by Aspire Printing Press in Doha, Qatar.
Qatar Museums has expanded their annual membership CULTURE PASS to Free/Basic, Plus (QR 200) and Family (QR 350 for up to eight family members). Members enjoy free workshops and tours and discounts at museum cafes, restaurants and gift shops, and discounts with community partners such as Doha Film Institute, 7th Heaven Arts Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Community in Qatar qm.org.qa
12
Need to borrow baby gear for visiting friends or family? Want to see if your baby enjoys baby swings before you dish out the cash? Founded by two mums, MINIMEDOHA is a baby gear rental company that carries all the crucial items you need whether you are settling into Doha for the first time or welcoming a little visitor minimedoha.com
The HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL is opening its doors in Mesaimeer this September. The school will offer the International Early Years and International Primary Curricula. Beginning with Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5, Hamilton will eventually expand up to Grade 12. The new campus will include an 850-guest auditorium and a massive sports complex hamiltoninternationalschool. qa
what’s on this summer sweat
play
soar
buckle up
Working up a sweat isn’t always the first thing on your mind during the summer in Qatar, but the Mall of Qatar Walkers program makes it easy to get some exercise and meet new friends. Upon signing up, you’ll get a free body analysis and T-shirt from Any Time Fitness. For parents who need childcare while they walk, Caboodle also offers a discounted rate during the walking workout. Sessions run every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9–10am. facebook.com/ mallofqatar
Grab your teens for a game night out at the Dromedary Club. Geeks and Games hosts their regular Boardgames Night on Monday nights at 7pm. Play a favourite or take on a challenge and try something new. Tables for four can be booked for QR 80. Space is limited so be sure to book your spot in advance. facebook.com/gagqatar
The outdoor section of Angry Birds World™ entertainment park is officially complete and open to the public. Just some of the outdoor attractions include the Super Slingshot tower that catapults you more than 60 metres into the air and the City Studio, an adventure hub that includes wall climbing, parabolic slides, roller gliders and a balancing rope course. angrybirdsworld.qa
Sidra Medicine offers a free child car seat safety workshop for parents and caregivers. The workshop will cover road safety tips, selecting the right child car seat; a demonstration on how to correctly install a car seat, and how to properly buckle a child into a car seat. Workshops are held in English, Arabic and Urdu. The next English workshop will be held on 1 July, 3–4pm. Register on the website. sidra.org
14
HAMILTON
PRE-KG TO GRADE 5 (Year 6)
International School
Opening in September 2019*
Igniting students’ passion, to pursue their purpose and forever chase a
LIMITLESS POTENTIAL High quality, innovative and exciting bespoke international curricula preparing our students for the best international universities. World-class campus and facilities, including Qatar’s largest school-based theater, two swimming pools, a FIFA-certified football pitch, and excellent ICT and science labs. Part of International Schools Partnership, a global family of 39 schools, which includes Park House English School, one of Doha’s oldest and most respected schools. Music and the arts will be celebrated in our school, giving every child the opportunity to embrace their creativity and develop their confidence.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION admissions@this.qa
The Hamilton International School, Mesaimeer, Doha
+974 5043 8885 +974 3329 6569
www.hamiltoninternationalschool.qa *Opening september 2019 subject to final MOEHE approval
Part of
34,000
5,000
39
9
9
Students
Staff
Schools
Countries
Curricula
ASK THE EXPERT INBOX
SENT
DRAFTS
RE: How can I help my eight-year-old gain more confidence? From:
Zoe Gare
We want our children to deal with adversity, learn from failure and deal with difficult challenges. Building self-efficacy is the most effective way for a child to succeed and gain confidence. “Good job” and “You did great” are common selfesteem enhancers, but they only provide comfort and support in the moment. A child must believe that their success was the result of something they did— this builds self-efficacy. Reflect on your child’s strengths and be specific. “You were so friendly with the new girl because you smiled at her and asked her to play with you” will have a stronger impact than “Good job being friendly”. Our children learn what skills they have when we are clear about what their skills are. Furthermore, when your child is disappointed because they have failed, let them feel sadness and anger. Tell them, “I can see you are disappointed because you did not do well.” Then, when your child is in a better mood, ask them, what they can try next time to improve. To build confidence, children need opportunities to make decisions, use and practice skills, attempt different ways of doing things and even fail. Kind regards, Zoë Gare, Lower Elementary Counselor, American School Doha M.Ed Counseling, M.Ed Special Education, M.Ed International Counseling Have a question for the experts? Send it to editor@dohafamily.com.
16
Things we 2048
! e v o L
This addicting single player game is so much fun, your kids won’t even realise they are practising maths. The object of the game is to combine tiles in powers of two until you reach 2048. In addition to the basic maths element, the game also requires strategy and planning so you don’t block yourself in. Available on Apple and Android
Set
This matching card game requires speed, logic and spatial reasoning skills to win. The concept is simple—a set is three cards where all the features are the same or different. Each card has four features: color, shape, number and shading. You can challenge yourself and play solo or race against other players to find the most sets. It’s an excellent way to exercise your brain while having fun. setgame.com
Heads Up!
Another great on-the-go game the whole family can play that requires reasoning and teamwork. One player holds the phone up to their head with the screen and word facing the other players. The other players have to give the first player clues about the word on the screen—like charades in reverse. Available on Apple and Android
• EYFS and Montessori Curriculum with Arabic and Islamic studies • Madinat Khalifa South behind Traffic Department • Age: 2 months to 4 year • Time: Sunday – Thursday: 6:30 am to 2:30 pm
33396566 / 44341529 @montessoristeps.qa
MontessoriSteps Nursery
17
Book Bites
by Antonio Bruinsma, Age 11, 6th grade
Title: The Kane Chronicles, The Red Pyramid Genre: Fantasy Author: Rick Riordan
I give k oo this b 5 5/
The Kane Chronicles, The Red Pyramid is the first in a three-book series of the Kane Chronicles. It all starts off mysterious with the two narrators telling you to go to the school and find the locker. Soon enough they start explaining who they are and how it all began. It turns out the two narrators are siblings that separated from their family and actually are known as the blood of the pharaohs since they come from a long line of Egyptian pharaohs. They discover
Accepting
Term 3 Admissions
Part of
+974 4 468 8008
www.totscornernursery.com 18
that they possess the spirit of two very powerful Egyptian gods and are sent on a mission to destroy Set, the god of chaos, who is planning to destroy America. I really enjoyed reading this book because in the beginning it is so mysterious but at the end it all comes together and makes you go, “Oh!” For anyone that loves fantasy mystery and a pinch of education in their books, this book is made for you.
SERIOUSLY FUN YULU SLING STIX 2 STIX + 100 MM BALL
Sling Stix is a one-of-a-kind outdoor game. Play catch in a powerful new way. Introducingthe new sling Stix from YULU! Catch the super bouncy ball with the sticky suction cup atop of the 11” long plastic sling Stix. Then, use the Stix’ unique trigger to release the ball, and sling it distances up to 30 feet! Kids can challenge their friends and play together for even more fun! Play is designed for two players. A very easy to play catch and throw game for ages above six years.
SNAPCHAT SPECTACLES
Spectacles are the most fun way to make memories, and then relive them later! In short, Specs are sunglasses that allow you to capture life from your perspective. From the ordinary to the extraordinary, Specs make it easy to capture the moment without interrupting what you’re doing. Spectacles are designed to work with Snapchat and only Snapchat.Share Anywhere: Send your videos to friends, add them to your Story, or save them to your Camera Roll. You can even add captions,stickers, doodles, and other effects on Snapchat!
ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM
Hear your music like never before with Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM, the super-portable Bluetooth speaker with surprisingly big sound that is clear, crisp, and full of big, beautiful bass. With 10 hours of playback and a completely waterproof design, you can bring it in the shower, to the pool, the beach and to everywhere in between. And if you need to really turn things up, quickly pair two together for even more sound. Double up to double the fun: if you think one Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM speaker sounds great, you'll love how two of them sound together. Then turn things up, get a little crazy and dance like nobody's looking. Wherever you are.
WABOBA EXTREME WATER BOUNCING BALL
#KeepLifeFun with Waboba! One of our all-time, favourite summer toys is he Waboba, the original ball that bounces on water! Have you ever wondered where their name came from? Let’s break it down: WA (water) – BO (bouncing) – BA (ball) – pretty clever, right?
GOPRO HERO7
Meet HERO7, the perfect camera for adventures big and small. It’s built tough and totally waterproof—just grab it and go for it. Smooth 4K video and vibrant WDR photos make every moment look amazing. GPS lets you track how fast, high and far you went. With an intuitive touch screen, it’s simple to jump right in and get great shots. Plus, your photos and videos transfer straight to the GoPro App for easy sharing. From beach days to holidays to good times with the family—capture your life in a fresh new way with HERO7.
SERIOUSLY COOL.
FUN
KidZania — Qatar’s coolest city, Doha Fa just for kids Ratingmily by katherine latto
Come and explore KidZania, Qatar’s newest play area, where kids learn through play and can stay all day.
Con
veni ence : 5/5 Safe ty: 5 /5 Faci lities : 5/5 Ove rall: 5/5
K
idZania, Qatar’s newest play area resembles a kid-sized city where children can engage in imaginative role play as they take on “jobs” and make fun decisions in a world that appears all grown up. Little ones are encouraged to make their own decisions and be independent players.
Learning through play
Experiential learning and role-playing are central to the concept at KidZania. Play-based learning not only develops social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language skills, but it also happens to be a lot of fun! Children also get a sense of what it means to be responsible citizens by cultivating good habits, engaging in work, developing financial literacy and understanding the complexity of cities.
My children were delighted to be greeted at the Qatar Airways “check-in” desk where they were then given a cheque for 50 KidZos and instructed to cash their cheques at the kid-sized bank. KidZos are the currency in KidZania and can be earned by “working” on activities that mimic real-life jobs and then spent on fun experiences. It’s a great opportunity for children to work on their financial literacy skills as they must earn KidZos in order to spend them. 21
FUN
The value of money
For example, children can practice their speaking skills as a tour guide on the City Bus or learn interview skills at the local radio station. They can become couriers, and collect signatures for their deliveries, or strike poses as fashion models. Other career options include working at a hospital as a surgeon, a paediatrician, a dentist or a paramedic; and brandishing a fire hose as a firefighter. Each work-activity lasts 10–30 minutes and many are sponsored by local companies like Qatar Airways, Qatar National Bank, Jotun Paints, Al Aziziya Boutique Hotel, Qatar Rail and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. As in real life, some activities require spending KidZos in order to participate. These include training as a chef, learning to climb a wall, mixing perfumes and creating art. Other activities, like volunteering at Qatar
22
Red Crescent to collect donations or helping visitors with special needs, are free to join but do not earn KidZos. My eight-year-old son wanted to earn as much money as possible, so he was busy doing various jobs. He went from being a firefighter to a lab technician at the Rayyan Natural Water lab to a housepainter and then a librarian at Qatar National Library. My six-year-old daughter spent her first 10 KidZos getting her makeup done at Fairytale Salon before working as a housepainter, like her brother. She then earned more KidZos by learning to care for a baby at the Neonatal Care Department of the Metropolitan Hospital of KidZania and as a librarian.
Age-appropriate play
Most activities are for children between four and 14 years old and are lead by “Zupervisors” rather than parents. However, there is the “RightZKeeper’s Neighbourhood” for children between one and four years old where parents must keep an eye on their kids. Adults are not allowed inside activity rooms but there is seating near the food and beverage outlets and on benches along the streets of KidZania
In the RightZKeeper’s Neighbourhood, children can role play as chefs and waiters at the drive-in, conduct simple experiments with water, light and air at Urbano’s Science Lab, build a wall at RightZKeeper’s Construction Site, bounce on a trampoline at Vita’s Garden or explore the soft play area at Bache’s Gym. Once you pay to enter KidZania, you can stay all day. Once your children are finished playing, the staff say goodbye with a “Zanks, ZU” (thanks, see you). Before we left, my children decided to go back to QNB to open their own bank accounts. They deposited their leftover cash and were given one ATM card each. Both withdrew a small amount to keep for next time. So while they had fun at KidZos, they also learned the value of money by spending a little, saving a little, and discovering a lot along the way! All ages welcome but most activities are geared to those aged four to 14 years. Kids younger than five can play in RightZKeepers Neighbourhood. Children VIBRANT, long ESTABLISHED BRITISH Embassy sponsored below 120 cm“Amust be accompanied by an adult. PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN AGED8:58 -۳۱۱’
Doha English Speaking School-ISS22_V4_ASM.pdf
M 15, Y 11, K 40
17/10/11
1 AM
e bl
d la iteai limav
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Outstanding British Embassy Sponsored Primary School For Children Aged 3-11 We are currently accepting applications from non-British passport holders for entry to Years 1, 5 and 6. For more information please contact our Registrar today.
Tel: +974 4459 2750
www.dess.org
Email: registrar@dess.org
“proportion DESS offers an outstanding education to all of its pupils.” of pupils making and exceeding expected progress are high (Penta International, May 2017)
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FUN Contact: 4482-6222, doha.kidzania.com
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 08:00–14:00, Thursday 08:00–22:00, Friday 14:00–22:00, Saturday 09:00–19:00, closed on Sunday
Location: Aspire Zone, Doha Directions: 1. From Al Waab Street, drive past Villaggio on your right 2. At the next signal, turn right 3. Kidzania will be on the left side of the street before Aspire Park 4. Turn left to enter the car park Parking: Parking is available outside KidZania’s main entrance and at Hyatt Plaza, Villaggio Mall and Aspire Park Nearby landmarks: Villaggio Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Aspire Park Accessibility: The pathways around KidZania are accessible to wheelchairs. There are wheelchairaccessible toilets on the ground and first floors via elevator. Parents with children with special needs may request special badges for their children to indicate whether their child needs special assistance in the activities
24
Fees: QR 160 for children 4–16 years; QR 95 for adults, toddlers 2–3 years, and children with special needs; children one year and younger are free Food and beverages: At the time of writing, only a hotdog cart and a snack cart are open. Other food and beverage options will be available by April 30 Toilet facilities: Toilets are next to food and beverage outlets in the main KidZania area. There is a baby room with a changing table in RightZKeepers Neighbourhood Wi-Fi: Yes Dress Code: No specific dress code but please dress conservatively to respect local culture
Doha Family Tips • Talk to your children about KidZos to help them to make their own financial decisions (earn, spend or save) • Encourage your children to talk to you about the activities and the skills they learned • Take a book. You may get a few minutes to yourself while they play • Set a time limit as entry fee allows you to stay all day • Children younger than eight, and below 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult
• Multi-Award Winning Nursery • Quality Childcare Service • British Curriculum • Excellent Adult-Child Ratios • 10 Months to Under 4 Years • Sunday to Thursday • 7 AM to 3 PM
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Dad’s Recipes with Chef Oliver Weber by Kim Wyatt
H
ave you ever wondered what top chefs eat at home with their families? Do they eat packets of instant noodles or whip up fivestar feasts? Do they dine on beef Wellington or family favourites such as pizza and fried chicken? You may think that chefs are constantly creating gastronomic masterpieces at home, yet many of them are just like you and me. They have growing families, busy schedules, bills to pay and hungry mouths to feed. So what do chefs cook when they’re away from fast-paced corporate kitchens and back in the arms of their family home?
26
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Meet Oliver Weber—the German-born executive chef of the five-star Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel in West Bay. This busy chef is responsible for 11 food and beverage outlets and a team of 150 chefs and stewards. It’s a highly demanding role that keeps this hardworking dad and husband on his toes.
Photos provided by Oliver Weber
Oliver likes to keep things simple and uncomplicated in the family kitchen. His wife Stephanie, originally from the South of France, is also a passionate foodie and loves to create healthy recipes for the whole family. Together, Oliver and Stephanie create family meals that focus on fresh veggies, fruit and lean protein such as fish. Good nutrition is a must for Oliver and Stephanie, “We don’t follow a special diet but we eat well-balanced meals throughout the week. We try to cook as fresh as possible and like to buy fruits and vegetables from the local supermarkets or markets. We cook fresh tomato sauce instead of using canned sauce and try to keep food as simple as possible without combining too many ingredients. I like to focus on the quality of items and support local rather than imported producers,” Oliver says. Though family meals at home are usually simple and straightforward, it’s the big, extended family get-togethers where food is taken to another level. As Oliver explains, “The real family dinners are in the South of France where we all come together. For my wife and her family, food plays a big part. Literally, the planning starts a day in advance when we start discussing what we will eat for lunch and dinner. Then we plan the shopping and visit French markets and supermarkets, spending hours sourcing the right ingredients. Shopping usually takes more time than cooking the meal! It’s a very lavish occasion as we always try to please everyone with a range of freshly baked breads and baguettes to platters of cheeses and cold cuts. The food is very Mediterranean.
We may do a barbeque or use seafood. The whole experience is quite extraordinary—from discussing the preparation of the meal, who will cook and the roles we will all play.” With a multicultural family and experience living in China, South Korea and now Qatar, the globetrotting chef loves exploring new cuisines. “Travelling has definitely inspired me. We lived in Asia for over five years and of course, we love Asian food! It’s always difficult for us to order when we go out. We love sharing small plates of food which is very typical of Asian cuisine,” Oliver says. Closer to home, he and his family love to be inspired by their culinary travels around the globe. ”My wife is a great cook and always comes up with new ideas. We don’t really have favourites as such but we’re always open to explore new things. It depends on the mood and the weather. One day can change from the next— from spicy Southeast Asian noodles or fragrant Indian curry to a simple German broth.” While Oliver is inspired by the exotic flavours of global cuisine, his fouryear-old daughter Eloise loves raw vegetables, beef steaks, chicken satays, Germanstyle lentil soup and German potato salad. When it comes to her lunchbox, a range of fresh, simple homemade food is the key. “We believe in balance—a good proportion of fresh veggies either boiled, steamed or stewed plus protein from fish, grilled chicken or beef. We usually add fresh yoghurt and crudites [raw veggies]. Definitely no sweets or sugary items— if there is, it’s usually a homemade muffin or something similar.” 27
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Here are some of Oliver’s go-to recipes for his daughter’s lunchboxes.
Eggcellent Egg Wrap Sandwich
Method 1. Whisk the egg and milk until thoroughly combined
Serves two
2. Scramble the egg in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Set aside
Ingredients
3. Spread one tablespoon of the cream cheese onto one side of each tortilla
• 1 egg • 20ml full-fat milk • 4 tablespoons cream cheese • 2 tortillas • 4 pieces romaine lettuce • 2 ripe tomatoes, diced • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley • Salt and pepper to taste
4. Place one piece of romaine into the centre of each wrap 5. Top with diced tomatoes 6. Gently spoon the scrambled egg on top 7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper 8. Roll the tortilla with slight pressure from bottom to top with both hands
Super Strawberry and Banana Muffins Serves 12
Ingredients • 105g butter at room temperature • 100g honey • 360g flour • 15g baking powder
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Great Greek Yoghurt and Pineapple with Toasted Coconut Flakes Serves one Ingredients: • 200g plain Greek yoghurt • 40g fresh pineapple, diced • 4g salt • 2 eggs • 250ml milk • 50g banana, diced • 25g strawberry, diced Method 1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the butter and honey until fluffy and white
• 30g coconut flakes Method: 1. Spoon the yoghurt into a bowl or parfait glass 2. In a warm, non-stick frying pan, toast the
coconut flakes until light golden brown.
Set aside until cooled
3. Top the yoghurt with pineapple and toasted coconut flakes
2. Add flour, baking powder and salt to the mixture and combine 3. Slowly stir in the eggs and milk 4. Fold in the banana and strawberry 5. Spoon the batter into a lightly greased, non-stick 12-piece muffin tray 6. Bake at 170° Celsius for 20 minutes
29
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
De-stress for Less BY LISA GAY
R
egular massage is an excellent way to relax and recharge—and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. We’ve put together a list of venues that offer first-rate massages packages—without the five-star price tag. Here are our top picks for a great massage, all QR 400 or under.
ROYAL THAI LADY SPA
Best deal As the name suggests, this Al Waab-based spa specialises in Thai-style massage, which can be intense. Think of it as an assisted yoga class. A Thai massage is typically performed over loose clothing, but Royal Thai Lady Spa also offers oil massages for a more relaxed experience. For niggling aches and pains, combine the Thai massage with warm herbal compresses, which are said to improve circulation and relieve muscle pain. If you have time, we highly recommend tacking on a session in their herbal steam sauna—imbibing the scent of turmeric, menthol and lemongrass is invigorating. Massages start at QR 130/60 minutes; steam sauna is QR 60/30 minutes. Ladies only. Tel: 4414-2400
NOON BEAUTY CENTRE
Best organic treatments This stylish beauty salon and spa offers prenatal and postnatal massages with organic products that are safe for pregnancy. There’s also a range of therapeutic treatments that include Thai, Swedish and hot stone massage. If you haven’t yet tried a hammam, this is a good place to indulge. You get a total scrub-down in a steamy, tiled room, then treated to a softening body mask. Massages start at QR 150/60 minutes; the Moroccan bath (hammam) is QR 400/60 minutes. There are special discounts for massages on Mondays (from QR 120) as well as weekday afternoon deals on the Swedish oil massage (QR 150/60 minutes; normally QR 200) and the Moroccan bath (QR 300). Ladies only. Tel: 4492-2330
SAWASDEE BEAUTY & THAI SPA
Best for a Thai experience Perhaps best known for their nail art, Sawasdee has a small range of Thai-inspired massages, as well as more relaxing oil massages. But we won’t lie—we also like the fact that there’s a Thai restaurant right next door. For a spa experience on the cheap, Sawasdee 31
HEALTH AND WELLNESS offers a package that includes an aromatherapy oil massage, a body scrub and a stint in their steam room for QR 350/120 minutes. Massages start from QR 170. There are separate wings for men and women. Tel: 4411-1718 (ladies); 3311-2662 (men)
GHOSON SPA & WELLNESS
Best for spa junkies This Al Wakrah-based spa has a globe-spanning array of tempting treatments—we are keen to try the lomilomi massage, which is a traditional Hawaiian
RELAX SPA SALON
Best for baths This downtown beauty salon offers Indian-style massages and Thai-inspired massages from QR 200/60 minutes. The Indian-style massages include shirodhara, in which warm oil is slowly poured over the forehead. Here, the treatment is a precursor to a full-body massage. Hammam-lovers will appreciate the three different types of baths, with scrubs and beauty rituals differing by region: Moroccan (QR 250), Indian (QR 300), Turkish (QR 350). Ladies only. Tel: 7777-8891
INTERNATIONAL CHINESE BODY CARE HOUSES
Best for Chinese medicine treatments Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is not easy to find in Doha, but this Chinese-style massage parlour offers various treatments for lifestyle issues that aren’t easily resolved by Western medicine. TCM services include acupuncture (QR 250), cupping (QR 150), scraping (QR 100) and reflexology (QR 150/45 minutes). They also offer tuina (QR 200), which is a therapeutic massage that uses acupressure to relieve muscle and joint pain. There’s also the usual deep tissue, hot stone, and Swedish massages, starting from QR 200 for 60 minutes. Tel: 6646-6599
MASSAGE KANGAROO WITH NURIN ABDUL
Best for at-home Nurin Abdul is a US-trained massage therapist specialising in at-home prenatal and postnatal massage. Most women can start postnatal massage within a week of delivery, even if you’ve had a caesarean section (breastfeeding on the massage table is also welcome). Nurin also offers deep tissue oil massages for women. QR 220–250/90 minutes. Ladies only. Tel: 5039-7821 32
technique that uses long, sweeping motions to relax the body and soothe the spirit. If Polynesian-style massages aren’t your thing, there’s East Asian reflexology, Ayurvedic treatments, Thai massages, hammam-style baths and luxury European body and facial treatments. Massages start from QR 270/30 minutes. Ladies only. Tel: 4444-1991
ROOTS HAIR AND BEAUTY
Best for total body pampering While most of us are more familiar with their hair services, Roots offers a good range of body care treatments, including aromatherapy massage (QR 250/60 minutes), Swedish massage (QR 250/60 minutes), deep tissue massage (QR 300/60 minutes), Balinese massage (QR 300/60) and a head, neck and shoulder massage (QR 125/30 minutes). Roots will tailor these treatments with elements from several massage styles to deliver a unique experience. Firsttime clients can enjoy a 20-percent discount, but regulars can avail of their “Yummy Mummy Mondays” which includes a hair wash and blow-dry, a mani-pedi and a head, neck and shoulder massage for QR 300. Ladies only. Tel: 4411-4463
DESERT PRINCESS HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
Best for Swedish massages This hair salon offers a trio of massages that promise to relax and rejuvenate. The most popular is their 60-minute Swedish massage (QR 275; QR 375/90 minutes). They also have a hot stone massage suited for those with tight, sore muscles. For a more
therapeutic treatment, try their reflexology massage (QR 150/45 minutes) which uses pressure points on the foot to rid the body of toxins. Ladies only. Tel: 4486-4169 (Ain Khalid), 4479-5945 (Riviera Gardens)
THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB
Best for a tailored treatment You might have been here a few times for beachside dining or water sports, but The Diplomatic Club also has a lovely spa that is a good value for money. The Diplomatic Club special is one of their more popular treatments, as it’s a combination of massage styles tailored to client needs. Offerings include Swedish massage (QR 275/50 minutes), Thai massage (QR 275/50 minutes), aromatherapy massage (QR 275/50 minutes) and reflexology (QR 175/30 minutes). Discounts are available for members. Tel: 4484-7444
DIVA LOUNGE SPA
Best for a luxury experience With five branches across Doha, this beauty salon offers the sort of spa packages you might expect at a luxury hotel—but without the hefty price tag. The Thai-style massages start at QR 350 for 60 minutes, while the Swedish massage is QR 300 for 60 minutes. Reflexology (QR 250/30 minutes) and prenatal massage (QR 350/60 minutes) are also available. Ladies only. Tel: 6657-6010 (The Pearl), 4407-7117 (Gate Mall), 4432-6927 (Al Sadd) 4481-1488 (Gharaffa), 4480-2830 (Tawar Mall) 33
Times Tables
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Al Wakra Campus From Pre-school to Year 9 4019-8080
Ain Khaled Campus From Pre-school to Year 13 4019-8000
19 20 Find these camps and more on DohaFamily.com/Summer-Camps Oxford Learning Center
Al Duhail South 9 June to 29 August, 4–18 years old Prevent your child from summer back-sliding! With caring teachers, effective materials, and motivating activities, Oxford Learning’s academic summer camp for kids is fun and memorable 4491-0777, oxfordlearning.com
Kanga’s Pouch Nursery
Al Markhiya 1 July to 29 August, 2 months–4 years Get ready for an action-packed summer camp guaranteed to keep your little ones stimulated and engaged. This summer, each week Kanga’s Pouch will explore the worlds’ cultures and traditions: Mexico, Kenya, United Kingdom and many more. Join in the messy and creative fun 7788-6171, kangaspouch.com
Surval Summer Camp
Switzerland 23 June to 3 August, 9–16 years Surval Summer Camp is a language and activity camp in Montreux, Switzerland for girls from around the world. Girls can learn a language, join fun activities and go on excursions around Switzerland while making friends for life +41 21 966-1616, survalsummercamp.ch
Deema Community Center
Rawdat Al Hamama 1 July to 23 August, 2–18 years Filled with STEM and fitness activities, children will have loads of fun painting, singing and playing while learning and developing new skills at Deema Community Center 5593-1053, deemacommunitycenter.com.qa
Nursery Camps (up to age five) 36
Disclaimer: Things change quickly in Doha so visit the online directory for the latest camp information or verify details directly with camp organisers
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Minipolis
The Pearl-Qatar 30 June to 29 August, 1–10 years Summers are fun-filled and exceptional at Minipolis Entertainment Center. Specialised edutainers will guide your little ones through yoga, cooking classes, slime making, karaoke, painting, botany, dance and LEGO activities 3303-0666, facebook.com/MinipolisEntertainment
Evolution Sports
Al Waab, West Bay 8 July to 23 August, 4–11 years The #IAMEVO Summer Camps offer multi-sports and swimming which will challenge young learners to progressively develop their skills in a range of sports and improve their confidence during the holidays 4407-6772, evosportsqatar.com
Little Lions English Nursery
Abu Hamour 30 June to 22 July and 18 to 22 August, 1–4 years This summer, Little Lions English Nursery will take children on a pirate adventure where they will enjoy all sorts of sea life-related activities, arts and craft, messy play, music and more swashbuckling fun 4441-3094, littlelionsnursery.com
Tots Corner Nursery
Abu Hamour, Ain Khalid, Al Mamoura, Al Saad, Al Waab, Najma, New Salata, Old Airport, Thumama 30 June to 8 August, 1–4 years Filled with discovery and creativity, Tots Corner Nursery is where your child will feel comfortable and happy with supportive and qualified staff. Children will explore sand and water play, yoga, science experiments, circus themes, art and music 4468-8008, totscornernursery.com
Primrose Nursery
Al Waab 30 to 18 July and 18 to 29 August, 1–4 years Primrose Nursery Summer Camp is packed with exciting topics to keep your child busy, including themes like “Going on Safari”, “Go Green” and “Super Heroes” 4417-6744, primrosenursery.com
IAID Performing Arts
Al Hilal, Al Wukair 30 June to 25 July, 3–18 years old IAID is set to bring an exciting season as it presents Summer Workshop 2019 for kids. Choose the best course for your kids to have #BestSummerEver by enrolling at IAID 4441-1234, 4427-1155, iaid.qa
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Starfish Lane Kids
Ain Khalid, Markhiya 30 June to 29 August, 2 months–4 years old Swing into the BEST Summer Camp in Doha! Starfish Lane offers Playball, fancy dress, yoga, messy play, storytelling, camping, Zumbini, arts and crafts, water fun, gardening and so much more 4487-5939, starfishlanekids.com
Apple Tree Nursery
Al Waab 30 June to 22 August, 1–4 years This fun-packed summer camp is where memories are made with themed activities such as construction, baking, science, dancing and shaded water play to keep cool all summer 4481-7010, appletreedoha.com
Fusion Camp - Molecular/Future Sport/BE Basketball
ACS International School, Compass School Madinat Khalifa, Swiss School International, Doha British School 17 June to 8 August, 3–15 years A unique summer camp filled with educational activities such as science, cooking, and engineering combined with basketball, football, team strategies and challenges, swimming and more 7797-8856, moleculardoha.com
Gymnastics Academy
Doha English Speaking School 7 to 18 July and 18 to 22 August, 4–14 years Kids at Gymnastic Academy will learn new skills, make new friends, and gain a lifetime of memories. Activities include gymnastics, trampolining, Zumba kids, arts and crafts and cooking 5582-9428, gymacademydoha.com
Gymboree Play & Music
West Bay 30 June to 29 August, Birth–5 years Gymboree Play & Music summer classes include both independent and group learning activities that help develop confidence, curiosity, communication and cooperation, essential for your little one’s future learning environment 4020-6413, gymboreeclasses.com
Kidz International Pre-School
Gharaffa 1 July to 29 August, 2 months–4 years Join KIPS in their shaded garden, bright air-conditioned rooms, indoor playgrounds and shallow swimming pool where they offer exciting themes such as jungle adventure, wonderland, underwater world, science and discovery and more 5594-5215, kipsqatar.com Nursery Camps (up to age five) 38
Disclaimer: Things change quickly in Doha so visit the online directory for the latest camp information or verify details directly with camp organisers
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Step By Step Centre for Special Needs
Al Soudan 30 June to 29 August, 3–17 years Step By Step Centre is providing a unique camp this summer which will incorporate group therapy and learning programs including Fantastic Fingers, Math Lab and Social Skills 4475-7625, stepbystepqatar.com
Grandma Nursery
Abu Hamour, Al Waab, Dafna, West Bay 30 June to 29 August, 2 months–4 years Grandma Nursery provides a beautiful home environment filled with love, attention, activities and strong academic curriculum based on EYFS and Montessori teaching methods. Weekly themes help children explore characters and act out real-life roles or fictional performances 4488-4008, grandmanursery.com
ScorePlus: The Princeton Review
Al Waab 19 May to 13 June, 12–18 years Your kids will stay one step ahead this summer with ScorePlus’s effective SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, ACS, IELTS and languages preparation courses 4436-8580, scoreplusqatar.business.site
StudyPlus Education
Al Saad 19 May to 19 September, 4–18 years Through coding, robotics, tutoring, English study, maths, STEM and more, StudyPlus helps students improve by supporting their school curriculum and providing functional skills development 4442-4294, thestudyplus.com
PreScholars Nursery
Al Azizyah 30 June to 29 August, 2 months–4 years Join PreScholars as they “Imagine and Explore” their way through the summer with all the things little ones love to do: science experiments, fancy dress, treasure hunts, making a splash, getting messy and more 5557-2533, prescholarsnursery.com
KidzMondo
Mall of Qatar 30 June to 29 August, 4–14 years This summer, children can enjoy their time in a world tailored just for kids. The KidzMondo Doha summer program includes daily meals and full-on playful learning in arts and crafts, robotics workshops, magic workshops, yoga, Zumba, movies, and so much more 4028-5888, kidzmondodoha.com
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Exploring the National Museum of Qatar by Gillian Gibson Photos by Najla Nabil
T
he National Museum of Qatar emerges from the Corniche in a dizzying array of interlocking sand coloured disks. Designed by renowned architect Jean Novel to resemble the blossoming crystals of the desert rose, the museum building is an architectural wonder. However, as phenomenal as the building is, it is only a single element of what astounds and amazes adults and children alike.
An immersive experience
With the help of innovative audio-visual techniques, interactive technologies, and the shape and layout of the building itself, the museum takes visitors on an immersive, educational journey through Qatar’s past, present and future. Imperceptible sloping floors lead 40
FUN
you down and around the 1.5km museum circuit from beginning to end; curved interlocking walls of the disks create unpredictably shaped spaces and rooms; and enveloping floor-to-ceiling film projections, all give a sense of being part of a grand optical illusion. This feast for the senses breathes life into the traditional concept of a museum. The galleries tell the story of Qatar from more than 700 million years ago to the present day, through three main chapters—Beginnings, Life in Qatar and The Modern History of Qatar. In the first chapter, visitors can explore the geology of Qatar, its natural environment, archaeological evidence of early life in Qatar. Artefacts, 3D sculptures, recorded
testimonials, films and poetry take visitors through the second chapter, exploring how Qataris lived before the discovery of oil, following their journeys from the desert to the coast. In the final third chapter, visitors journey through history from the 1500s to modern-day Qatar, learning about the unification of the tribes, the fall of the pearling industry and the discovery of oil. When you leave the last gallery, you emerge into the restored Emiri Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. Initially built in the 1900s, this quiet and traditional space now sits amid a modern building and a modern city, which is, of course, the essence of the museum’s story. 41
Created with kids in mind
There are six educational areas specifically designed for families and kids. The family areas allow visitors to continue exploring the themes covered in the main galleries and provide an opportunity for kids to learn about conserving the environment, using resources wisely, teamwork and modern convenience, all through playful, hands-on, interactive activities and technologies. The Natural Environment lets kids explore local flora and fauna and the environments in which they exist. Archaeology allows children to try their hand at some virtual archaeology, using computer technology to dig and sweep around simulated artefacts. People of Qatar teaches kids nomadic tracking and navigation skills. Life in the Desert helps children to understand how difficult nomadic life was in the past and how challenging life can be without modern conveniences. Life on the Coast allows kids to imagine working on a pearling boat, encouraging them to work together on activities such as rowing and pearl diving. Energy Hub (yet to open) will take children into the present day to show them how integral energy is to the modern world.
The museum park
Adjacent to the Museum’s main entrance is an open area of gardens and grass. Picnic tables and benches, as well as bicycle racks, are
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available for visitors. Additional facilities, such as bathrooms, will be available in the Museum Park when it opens to the public in the autumn. The park will incorporate three educational and interactive playgrounds for kids to explore. The Cave of Wonders will delight children with its glowing rocks, rock carvings, archaeological finds in the sand, and animal structures. The Adventure Ship Playground is constructed like the wreck of a Qatari dhow. This play area offers kids the chance to discover the tricks and trades of the sea. They will discover more about sailing, pearling, fishing, trading and a host of other occupations. The Oil Refinery Playground, takes children through the oil and gas industry, from crude oil extraction and processing to the finished products, as well as their uses in modern life.
FUN
Tours and events
The museum also offers tours, events, workshops, and clubs for 2019. Activities for adults include culture and book clubs, creative workshops, and monthly community events focussing on Qatari culture. There are also family-specific events hosted primarily in the two creative studio spaces. Toddler Club (1–3 years), Monday mornings at 9am, takes little ones on an exploration of the world through colour, sound and sensory engagement. Family Saturdays (4–10 years), 10am to noon, let kids uncover their creative side. Led by professional artists and designers, kids can develop their artistic abilities through various arts and crafts. Teen Creative Labs (14–17 years), Friday evenings from 5 to 7pm, are practical workshops that allow teens to explore art, photography, writing, music and other media through the museum collections.
main lobby and adjacent to the Mohammed Jassim Al Khulaifi library. Meanwhile, Jiwan is a rooftop restaurant located on the fourth floor of the building. Visitors may dine inside or outside on the restaurant terrace while enjoying stunning views of Doha. Two beautifully designed gift shops are located in the main lobby—a general gift shop and a children’s gift shop. The main gift shop stocks items exclusive to the museum and designed by local artists and designers. The children’s gift shop offers an array of educational toys, books, puzzles and games, as well as gifts and souvenirs.
Dining and gifts
There are two cafés and one restaurant at the museum. The Desert Rose Café is located off of the central courtyard (Museum Baraha) on the ground floor. Serving light snacks and coffee, with indoor and outdoor seating, it is a perfect half-way point through the galleries to stop for refreshments and admire the impressive architecture of the building. Visitors wishing to brush up on their knowledge of Qatar’s history, heritage and traditions while refuelling will enjoy Café 875, located on the mezzanine above the 43
Location: The museum is located off of Museum Park Street, adjacent to Salata Park and directly overlooking the Corniche; between the old airport and the Museum of Islamic Art Parking: There is a large car park available, with covered parking spaces, adjacent to the museum’s main entrance on Museum Park Street and underground car parking accessible via Al Meena Street Hours: Saturday to Thursday 09:00–19:00, Friday 13:30–19:00. Last admission to the museum is 30 minutes before closing Costs: Tickets are free of charge for Qatari nationals and residents presenting valid Qatar ID. General admission for non-Qataris and non-residents is QR 50 for adults, QR 25 for students, free for children under 16. Tickets are valid for three days from the date of the first admission WIFI: WiFi is available within the museum Toilet facilities: There are bathrooms throughout the museum complete with baby-changing facilities Cloakroom: A cloakroom is available on the ground floor towards the back of the entrance lobby so that visitors may enjoy the museum’s sensory experiences hands-free
Prayer rooms: Male and female prayer rooms are located down a corridor behind the main lobby information desk Accessibility: The museum provides disabled car parking spaces, lifts and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Lifts are available from the main entrance to the lobby. Approximately halfway through the galleries circuit, an accessibility lift is positioned adjacent to the stairs leading from the Life in Al Barr exhibition to the Life on the Coast exhibition. An additional accessibility lift is located at the end of the galleries circuit next to the exit to the Palace grounds. Visitors with mobility issues should take care on the gently sloping floors The majority of the exhibits and displays are provided with gallery text, including braille descriptors in both English and Arabic; numerous exhibits and displays are multisensory; sound enhancement facilities are available for some audio presentations and talks; and, specially designed audio tours are provided for visually impaired guests In the car park, golf carts are available to take visitors around the outside areas of the site and to the main entrance. For a VIP experience inside the museum, chauffeur-driven buggies can be requested Contact: 4452-5555, nmoq.org.qa
15%
discount before 31st May!
CONTACT US:
fusioncamps@moleculardoha.com +974 77978856
Where science meets sport! 44
=
FUN
Doha Family Tips • While the museum has a plethora of interactive activities for kids to engage with, there are many displays throughout the museum not designed with interaction in mind. However, many of those displays also happen to be the perfect height for kids to touch and climb. It is worth keeping an eye out for which displays are for playing on or not • The best time to visit the museum is during the week or early weekend mornings. The sensory experience, while still effective, loses some of its magnitude when the museum is crowded • Some tours, workshops, events, and clubs require pre-booking. Check the website for more information • If you are visiting the museum with outof-town guests, they may want to consider purchasing a museum pass for QR 100, which provides admission to the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Tickets are valid for three days from the date of the first admission
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Cool and Cultured by Katherine Latto, Gillian Gibson & Rachel Henriquez When the summer heat hits, these museums and cultural centres around Qatar are sure to keep your kids cool, engaged and learning
Art Museum of Islamic Art Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art building is a marvel on its own. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the atrium provide a remarkable view of Doha’s skyline. Meanwhile, children will love scaling the marble staircase that spirals to the top floor and watching the fountains outside the entrance, in the atrium café and on the outdoor terrace. The museum collection provides a unique and comprehensive glimpse into Islamic art throughout the centuries. Location: The Corniche, near Souq Waqif Contact: 4422-4444, mia.org.qa Hours: Saturday to Thursday 09:00–19:00, Friday 13:30–19:00 Cost: Free for Qataris and residents, QR 50 adults, QR 25 students, children 16 and under are free Mathaf Located in Education City, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is worth a visit if you like contemporary and abstract art. The exhibitions showcase art created in Qatar and the Middle East, and by Arab artists. Often, challenging political and cultural themes are explored through the artwork on display, which will be more of interest to older children and teens. Location: Education City, Qatar Foundation Contact: 4402-8855, 4402-8830, mathaf.org.qa Hours: Saturday to Thursday 09:00–19:00, Friday 13:30–19:00 Cost: Free for Qataris and residents, QR 50 adults, QR 25 students, children 16 and under are free 46
Fire Station If you are looking for somewhere to visit for a quick hit of culture, check out the Fire Station. The exhibits change throughout the year, but past exhibitions have included Russian Avant-Garde, Ai Weiwei and Picasso and Giacometti. Little ones will also love looking at the fire helmets, hoses and tools in the foyer. There is also a fun water fountain in the main courtyard for children to run through, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The gallery hosts regular workshops and activities for children and adults. Visit their website for details. Location: Mohammed Bin Thani Street, Civil Defence Roundabout Contact: 4422-4222, firestation.org.qa Hours: Saturday to Thursday 09:00–19:00, Friday 13:30–19:00 Cost: Free
FUN Galleries and exhibition halls Qatar also has a number of galleries that have permanent exhibitions and organise periodic shows. Keep an eye on their websites and social media pages for upcoming events and workshops. Al Riwaq: facebook.com/alriwaq Katara Art Center: dohakac.com Qatar Art Center: instagram.com/qatarartcenter Souq Waqif Art Center: facebook.com/ souqwaqifartcenter
Culture Al Fanar Islamic Cultural Centre The distinctive and striking spiral tower of the Al Fanar Islamic Cultural Centre, or the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre as it is also known, is probably one of the most photographed of Doha’s many landmarks. Inside, the centre offers a range of initiatives designed to help people better understand Qatari culture, the Arabic language and the religion of Islam. Visitors can see inside a mosque, listen to an Islamic sermon in English on Fridays, enjoy traditional Arabic coffee in a majlis, and, most importantly, ask questions about Qatari lifestyle, culture, heritage and faith.
overlooking West Bay from the north-west. Indeed, it is the largest mosque in Qatar with the capacity to accommodate more than 30,000 worshippers within its grounds during prayers. The mosque houses numerous, and separate, praying areas for men and women, three libraries (one with text in a multitude of languages), a large outdoor courtyard in the centre of the building, a Quran reading area and a lone minaret towering above. Non-Muslim visitors are welcomed at the mosque outside of prayer times. For its grandeur alone, this mosque is worth a visit, regardless of faith. However, there is more to see than just a gargantuan-sized building. The tours are an excellent way to learn more about Islam, and understand its role in Qatari society. Location: Al Mohandiseen Street, Al Jebailat, adjacent to Qatar Sports Club Contact: 4425-0250 Hours: Tours last one hour and can be organised via the Al Fanar Facebook page (facebook.com/ abdullabinzaidalmahmoud) or by calling Al Fanar on 4444-7444/4470-1098 Cost: Free. Women are provided with abayas and head scarfs to wear during the tours
The Centre houses a mosque, with prayer rooms for men and women, a library (with free Islamic literature), and an exhibition space showcasing Islamic art, architecture, history, the environment and more. Location: Abdullah bin Jassim Street (adjacent to Souq Waqif) Contact: 4444-7444, binzaid.gov.qa Hours: 07:30–22:00, tours run on Thursday to Saturday from 08:00–13:00 and 17:00–20:00, Friday sermons start at 11:30, women-only coffee mornings are held on Wednesdays Cost: Free. Tours, workshops, courses and visits can be booked online The Grand State Mosque Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab Mosque, or The Grand State Mosque, is a huge sandstone edifice 47
History Msheireb Enrichment Centre Docked alongside the Corniche near the Sheraton Hotel, the Msheireb Enrichment Centre is an education centre innovatively housed on a decommissioned barge. The centre showcases Qatar’s history and its way of life, depicting cultural and industrial changes over the last 60 years since the discovery of oil. There is also an overview of the ambitious development plans the country has to secure its future. The exhibitions house a variety of historic artefacts, photographs of Qatar then and now, and scale models of future downtown projects and developments. They are interspersed with interactive displays intended to keep visitors engaged and bring the exhibits to life. Kids will certainly enjoy discovering artefacts hidden in drawers, pressing buttons that light up models of the city, and using touchscreens to discover how downtown Msheireb was designed. Location: The Corniche, adjacent to The Sheraton Hotel Contact: 4404-0222, msheireb.com Hours: Sunday to Thursday 09:00–17:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00, closed on Friday Cost: Free. Tours can be arranged via the website Msheireb Museums Msheireb Museums consists of four historic houses that have been restored and developed into museums. Radwani House displays a majlis, a bedroom and a kitchen where you can see traditional furniture. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how a typical Qatari family lived in the 1920s. Company House is the former headquarters of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company. This museum is devoted to the history of the petroleum industry in Qatar. The Mohammed Bin Jassim House showcases the future development of the Msheireb downtown area while taking stock of the interesting history of this district, which was home to Qatar’s first hotel, bank, pharmacy and cafés. The final museum, Bin Jelmood House, is devoted to the history of slavery in Qatar. It encourages discussion of historical slavery in Qatar and contemporary slavery around the world. 48
Location: On the corner of Jassim bin Mohammed Street and Al Rayyan Road, parking is available inside the heritage quarter Contact: 800-DOHA or 4006-5555, msheireb.com/museums Hours: Monday to Thursday 09:00–17:00, Friday 15:00–21:00, Saturday 09:00–17:00, closed on Sunday Cost: Free Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum Away from the hustle and bustle of central Doha, and down Dukhan Highway towards the camel racetrack, you’ll find the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. It is located in the grand Qatari fort at Al Samriya Farm. This privately owned museum is essentially an eclectic collection of items owned by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani. You’ll find over 15,000 artefacts ranging from Islamic art and Qatar heritage items to vehicles and coins and currency. With genuine dhow boats, pearl diving equipment, guns, swords, vintage cars, crystals and dinosaur bones, there is something for virtually everyone. Location: Al Samriya, 22 km west of Doha Contact: 4486-1444, fbqmuseum.org Hours: Sunday 09:00–16:00, Monday to Thursday 09:00–16:30, Friday 14:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00 Cost: Free for Qataris and residents, QR 45 adults, QR 20 children ages 6–17, children under six are free
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Education Kahramaa Awareness Park Rising like an otherworldly construction on the edge of Al Thumama, the Kahramaa Awareness Park building is a sight to behold. Its futuristic design captures the imagination and draws visitors into an immersive and interactive world. Visitors embark on an educational journey about energy and water; how those resources are exploited, and how we can use technology and alternative energy to conserve resources for the future. The park has heaps of stimulating, high-tech exhibits and activities to interact with, including an immersive 3D experience, a railcar journey and hairraising electrical experiments. Location: Najma Street, Al Thumama Contact: 4462-8901, kap.qa Hours: Saturday 17:00–20:00, tours must be booked online in advance Cost: Free
The Media Majlis Exploring journalism, communication and media through interactive exhibitions, the Media Majlis offers visitors a chance to examine global, regional and local stories from multiple angles. More than a collection of film and media, the gallery-sized museum is an engaging space that encourages visitors to participate in creating content and messages. Because the exhibitions change each semester to coincide with lessons at Northwestern, the museum will close over the summer months and reopen at the start of the school year. The current exhibition, Arab Identities, Images in Film, will run until 1 June. Location: Northwestern University in Qatar, Education City Contact: mediamajlis.northwestern.edu Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:30–17:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00, closed on Friday Cost: Free
Al Thuraya Planetarium Astronomy fans will love the newly opened planetarium at Katara. This full-dome auditorium provides seating for 200 people, including special seating for disabled people and seniors. The 22-metre screen showcases 2D and 3D presentations in Arabic and English covering astronomy, atmosphere, geology and the oceans. Location: Beach 06, Katara Contact: 4408-2067, katara.net Hours: Daily 08:00–20:00 Cost: Free
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Shop Online, Ship to Qatar by Lisa Gay
N
ew malls might be popping up fast in Doha—but that doesn’t necessarily make shopping in the city any easier. While you can always get what you need, you can’t always get exactly what you want. Luckily, there are many websites that ship internationally, so we rounded up some of the best retailers that will ship for a low rate (or even free).
Everything but the kitchen sink
AliExpress This Chinese e-commerce website is geared towards overseas buyers, so everything is searchable in English, with prices listed in Qatari Riyals. Sometimes the search terms can be a bit wonky, but the prices make it worth trawling through. AliExpress is used by individual Chinese sellers, so shipping costs will vary. However, a surprising number of sellers will ship globally for free, while others will ship for a very nominal price. Do check seller feedback to make sure the product is legit. Shipping options vary by seller Amazon Amazon will ship certain items directly to Qatar. Shipping direct from Amazon is often cheaper than using a thirdparty shipper, although it is usually slower. The US site 50
tends to have a better selection and cheaper prices, although you will get tax back from the UK version. Shipping options vary by seller but are calculated before purchase, including import taxes Ebay Ebay is incredibly cheap for anything that isn’t rare or considered a collector’s item. Many individual sellers outsource their shipping to Ebay’s Global Shipping Program, which has standardised the delivery process and calculates all shipping fees prior to purchase. Packages are also tracked, so you can keep tabs on your purchase. That said, it’s often cheaper (though riskier) to work with individual sellers who organise international shipping themselves. Shipping options vary by seller; the Global Shipping Program rates start from USD 35
Clothing
There are plenty of overseas retailers willing to ship their clothes all the way out to Qatar for a small fee or free over a certain amount. For example, Monsoon, specialising in women’s and children’s clothes, including occasion wear and plus-size clothing, offers free shipping for orders over QR 350. Abercrombie
LIVING IN DOHA & Fitch offers classic American styles for men and women (flat shipping fee of USD 20). Sister brands Abercrombie Kids and Hollister also have the same flat fee for international orders. Boden will ship their excellent collection of womenswear, as well as menswear and children’s clothing, to Qatar for a flat fee of GBP 12. Jack Wills offers free shipping on their menswear and womenswear for GBP 14.95. ASOS This online retailer stocks a fresh mix of high-end and high-street clothing brands for both women and men, with more harder-to-find sizes and maternity options than you can find in Doha. ASOS also ships beauty products like The Ordinary and Foreo skincare devices and makeup brands like Bourjois and Rimmel London. Returns are a snap, as you can send it back through the local post office with a pre-printed label. Just be aware that this is not a free service. GBP 6 for standard delivery (free over GBP 30) Next The online selection of this clothing and homeware retailer is much better than the offerings in their store locations. Their online items are very practical for both home and the office, but we also appreciate their cute and quirky take on kids’ clothing. Free shipping via Aramex for orders over QR 160 within four working days
Department stores
John Lewis This high-end British department store offers a massive range of clothing, homeware, and baby gear. The women’s section stocks a number of popular British labels, including Reiss, Whistles, Hobbs and Jigsaw. But it’s the baby department that really shines, with plenty of adorable clothing and quality toys. Unfortunately, they don’t normally ship baby travel gear, like strollers or car seats, but you can check with their export department if you’re willing to shell out extra for shipping. GBP 10/shipping + QR 20 Aramex fee
Selfridges If you are a frequent online shopper, then you’ll definitely want a Selfridges+ Global Subscription. You get unlimited deliveries to most destinations (great for gifting the family back home). Selfridges stocks luxury men’s and women’s clothing, kids’ clothing and accessories, high-end beauty products, homeware, gadgets, and even food. There’s very little, it seems, that they won’t ship. And as Qatar is outside the EU, you enjoy tax-free shopping, too. GBP 40 annually for unlimited deliveries Marks & Spencers Another department store readily found in malls around Qatar, Marks & Spencers online is an excellent option for clothes as well as bedding and bath items. We especially like their lingerie and maternity options. Returns are made simple with door-to-door service via DHL for QR 60. Free standard shipping for orders over QR 175
Health and beauty
iHerb This American website has an incredible range of health, beauty and baby care items. It’s got everything from matcha powder to Korean beauty masks to menstrual cups. It’s also a go-to source for reasonably priced protein powder. You can usually get 10–15 percent off on your first order, and you build up loyalty credit with each order as well. They also offer the option to pay cash on delivery. Shipping costs vary, but usually averages around USD 20 per order Strawberrynet Skip those overpriced and understocked pharmacies for this Hong Kong-based website that stocks musthave beauty and skincare brands like Kerastase, Shiseido, Estee Lauder, Dermalogica, Obagi, and Mario Badescu. Designer fragrances and makeup products are also on offer here, for better prices than at a brick-and-mortar shop. Free standard shipping (4–6 days) for orders over QR 110, although surcharges apply for fragrance and hair care products
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LIVING IN DOHA
Homewares, gifts and more
Animi Causa Tired of the samey-samey IKEA accessories in your kitchen drawer? Then check out this adorable online shop that sells homeware that will appeal to your inner child. There’s Nessie tea infusers, King Arthur egg cups, squirrel-shaped cookie cutters, sardine paperclips and a bunch more quirky nonsense. Free global shipping for orders over USD 25 Art Republic Bring a splash of colour into your living space with prints from your favourite artists and photographers (or an original piece, if you’ve got the dosh). Artwork will generally arrive rolled up in a tube, although there is an option to have it flat packed for an extra charge. Free global shipping for orders over GBP 50 Book Depository Get your next read off Book Depository, which offers free shipping to Qatar. They stock over 20 million books in a wide variety of categories, with a robust children’s section. While shipping is usually within a
week or two, it’s not unusual for orders to take a bit longer—keep this in mind if ordering a birthday or holiday gift. Free global shipping, with no minimum spend Etsy Etsy is the go-to place for one-of-a-kind handmade items that you simply can’t get anywhere else. Like Ebay, there are plenty of Etsy sellers willing to ship their wares all the way out to Qatar. While it’s rare to encounter a vendor that offers free shipping, there are many that will ship for a fair price (think somewhere between USD 10–20). Shipping options vary by seller
Third-party Shipping
Many retail websites do not offer international shipping, particularly when it comes to digital items. In this case, it might make sense to use a third-party shipper—a company that will forward your purchases to you in Qatar. Just be aware that some companies refuse to deliver to shipping agents.
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LIVING IN DOHA
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Aramex By far the most popular option in Qatar, Aramex Shop & Ship gives you addresses from a wide variety of countries to use when shopping online, including the US, U.K., Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore (among many, many others). A lifetime subscription costs QR 164. Shipping rates are based on weight, with the first half kilogram costing QR 43, and every half kilo thereafter costing QR 35. Borderfree If you have your heart set on American brands, then Borderfree is for you. Not exactly a third-party shipping service, they are actually a portal through which you can buy everything from American Apparel and WWEbranded gear to L.L.Bean and Dr. Martens, as well as luxury threads from department stores like Barney’s New York, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Shipping rates vary by retailer, some offer free shipping while others charge a hefty sum. Connected QPost has entered the e-commerce game with Connected, which gives you access to US and U.K. retailers. The base fee is QR 50 from the US and QR 60 from the U.K.; items can be held for up to 21 days so you can take advantage of bundling discounts for any subsequent packages. Weight charges are QR 4.6 per 100 grams from the US and QR 2.9 per 100 grams from the U.K., although the latter may charge by volumetric weight if that figure is higher. While QPost is competitive on price, they are comparatively slow. MyBox A bit more global than Connected, MyBox offers shipping addresses in the US, U.K., China, and Canada. To ship a 1-kg item from any of these address to Qatar is QR 70. MyUS If you are a fan of American brands, then MyUS.com is possibly the better deal. Sign up for a free account and take advantage of their tax-free shipping service. MyUS.com gives you a selection of shipping options.
For instance, a 1-lb item can cost as little as USD 12.99 through USPS or as much as USD 56 through DHL. Paid account members can get extras like package consolidation, storage and even mail forwarding services. Shipito A free account gets you an EU and two US addresses. This one is not as straightforward, as there are two US-based address to select from, with one offering cheaper shipping, and the other offering tax-free shopping. Again, you can select from a variety of shipping companies that vary in speed and pricing.
Dr Mandy Abushama, MD FRCOG, DFFP, Dobs Ultrasound, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
A 1-lb item from the California address will range from USD 14 through Aramex to USD 52 through FedEx. Stackry Another good option for orders from US-based retailers, Stackry gives you 60 days to consolidate all your packages into one shipment. They will also repack your US purchases for USD 5 per package, which is helpful for frequent Amazon shoppers. That said, they are relatively more expensive. A 1-lb package ships from USD 22.50 with DHL, so savings come from the ability to repackage and combine multiple shipments together.
Professor Badreldeen Ahmed MBchB FRCOG (UK) MFFS Fetal Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynaecology • Infertility and IVF • European Standard Care • 4D Ultrasound • Paediatrics and Child Health • Vaccination • Specialized and Well-baby Clinics • Internal Pharmacy
Dr. Ghada Hassan Nasrat Dr. Amani G. Ibrahim MBchB, SSC-Ped, SF-Pad Endo M.D (Sudan), MsC (UK) Paediatric Endocrinologist Paediatrics and Child Health Diabetes and Growth Paediatrics and Adolescence Diabetes, Breastfeeding Consultation
By appointment tel 44756369/70 fax 44756367 380 Markhiya Street Doha, Qatar TheFetomaternalCentre dohafetomaternalcentre
Dr. Zainab Awni Dr. Naseem Rashid, MD MBChB, ABOG FRCOG (UK) MPH (USA), FACOG (USA) Obstetrics and Gynaecology Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ultrasound and Infertility Ultrasound and Infertility
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Sara Jamal Ali Saeed Dietitian
55
Visiting with Kids
o
by Michelle Miller
ver the past nine years, I’ve been lucky enough to consider Dublin a second home during our frequent trips to visit my Irish husband’s family. Since my two kids were born we’ve been exploring Dublin’s kid-friendly side while it has re-imagined itself as a bustling, thriving city of food and culture. With a variety of sightseeing attractions and a rich historical backdrop that offers kids (and adults) lots of options, Dublin is a small, easily navigable city even if you’re pushing a stroller or coaxing young children to walk. 56
FUN
Take a walk through the city centre
The first thing we do to reconnect with Ireland’s capital city is wander the streets and take in the urban atmosphere. Ireland is in the middle of a baby boom so visitors travelling with young kids will fit right in. We start at the top of St Stephen’s Green and walk down Grafton Street, a busy pedestrianised road that is home to shops offering Irish-focused souvenirs as well as big brands and the flagship Brown Thomas department store. It’s also home to a vibrant street busking scene. On any given day a variety of talented musicians perform for crowds of tourists as they wander in and out of the stores, keeping the atmosphere festive year-round as the sound of music echoes throughout the city centre. My daughters love dancing around and dropping change into open instrument cases. From there, Temple Bar is a ten-minute walk north, the fabled neighbourhood that is home to Dublin’s traditional Irish music scene, eclectic restaurants and quirky boutiques. As we weave through the cobbled side streets towards the shore of the River Liffey, the sounds of fiddles and tin whistles drift out of the dark cavernous pubs. The panoramic view from the middle of the narrow Ha’Penny Bridge, a historic pedestrian crossing that joins up the north and south sides of the city, is not to be missed.
The Little Museum of Dublin, littlemuseum.ie. Open seven days a week, 09:30–17:00. Tickets €10 adults, €8 kids, €20 for a family of five National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, museum.ie. Open Sunday/Monday 13:00-17:00, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00–17:00. Free admission Dublin Zoo, dublinzoo.ie. Open from 09:30 daily, closing times vary by season. Tickets €18 adults, €13.50 children, three years and under are free
Exploring Dublin’s history There are many historical sites to visit in Dublin depending on the age and attention spans of your kids. One of our girls’ favourite places is the award-winning Little Museum of Dublin, an 18th-century Georgian townhouse filled with artefacts from the city’s history. Visits are scheduled as hour-long, family-friendly guided tours. On our last visit, our girls were given worksheets to fill out as they explore the history and collections of the house. The tour guides also involved them by asking questions and by making sure the kids felt included as the guides described the history of Dublin under British rule and the building’s role in the Easter uprising. Before leaving the museum, there be sure to take pictures of your kids at the old-time school desk or John F. Kennedy’s lectern.
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FUN After taking in some human history, we usually move on to see the animals at the Natural History Museum. Part of the National Museums of Ireland, its collection of stuffed and mounted specimens are displayed in 19th-century grandeur that brings you back to the era when the museum was founded. Because it’s a much more accessible collection than some of the bigger natural history museums in cities like New York and London, my kids are more engaged here and they’ve passed many hours closely inspecting the display cabinets without having to compete with swarms of people crowding them.
Then and now
A Viking settlement in the 10th century, Dublin became a prosperous city of the British empire in the 18th century under the reigns of King George I through King George IV of Great Britain. Most of Dublin’s notable architecture dates from this period. Ireland’s fight for independence, beginning with the Easter Rising of 1916, the subsequent Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War caused a lot of physical destruction around central Dublin, with bullet holes still visible in a few downtown attractions. The city’s landscape changed again during the late 1990s during the “Celtic Tiger” period of economic expansion, with significant investment in housing, business and transport transforming life in the capital.
Meet the live animals at Dublin Zoo The Dublin Zoo is located in the city’s rambling Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed outdoor spaces in Europe and a place that’s fun to visit in its own right—look out for the herd of wild deer that roam the park. The 28-hectares zoo itself is home to over 400 animals. Renovated a few years ago, the whole space engages kids at every opportunity. When we visited with our extended family, including several kids under 10, we spent over thirty minutes alone at the Orangutan Forest, an open-air space where we observed the animals climbing up and down trees without any bars or glass obstructing the view. The zoo’s focus is on conservation, so the kids also learned about endangered species during the animal feeding demonstrations and talks by zoologists. Our girls especially love the two-toed sloths, orangutans and Humbolt penguins. The last time we went, the African Lions were being fed, which was amazing to experience.
Take a relaxing break in St Stephen’s Green
Every time we visit Dublin we always end the day with a walk through St Stephen’s Green, a serene escape from the busy city streets that surround it. It’s a sprawling space with an ornamental lake, a sculpture garden, a children’s playground and lots of ducks. After stopping to feed the birds, the green lawns are the perfect place for adults to people-watch while the kids run around. During a visit last summer, several grey cygnets and a protective mother swan paraded past onlookers. Whether we’re enjoying a rare day of gorgeous sunshine or the more predictable light rain typical of Dublin’s climate, it’s the perfect way to end a fun-filled day in one of Europe’s friendliest cities.
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Getting there
The nonstop flight to Dublin on Qatar Airways flies daily and takes about eight hours from Doha.
Where to eat, drink and shop
Bewley’s Cafe, 78-79 Grafton Street Recently reopened after a massive renovation, our girls love drinking a hot chocolate while sitting in one of the many velvet-lined booths in an expansive space reminiscent of the year it opened in 1927 bewleys.com Milano, 38 Dawson Street A chain of Italian restaurants that caters to young diners, every kids’ meal starts with their famous dough balls milano.ie Elephant and Castle, 18-19 Temple Bar We visit multiple times each year to eat their legendary chicken wings—a great option particularly if you have older or more food-adventurous children elephantandcastle.ie Yamamori, 73 South Great George’s Street One of the places our family in Dublin visits regularly, the menu has plenty of options for kids while offering up quality sushi and other Japanese classics yamamori.ie Gotham Cafe, 8 Anne Street South A reliable family-friendly restaurant with an extensive menu and good kids’ options gothamcafe.ie Hodges Figgis Bookstore, 56-58 Dawson Street One of Ireland’s finest bookstores that features an excellent children’s section and an extensive collection of Irish fiction and non-fiction. It’s a must-visit for avid readers of any age waterstones.com
Going on holiday? Check out our Pet Directory on DohaFamily.com 59
For Kids MATHS IS EVERYWHERE! M by Pádraig McCann
aths isn’t just remembering numbers. It’s part of everything we see and do—even how our bodies are made! From home to school to the park and all the places inbetween, you can see real-world examples of maths. You use maths when measuring a recipe, deciding how long it will take to get to the next destination in the car, setting your alarm to wake up in the morning, and even watching TV and shopping. A brilliant way to help improve your maths whilst having fun is to make it relevant to your day to day. Try these simple games and numerical tricks—just five minutes a day can make a big difference.
Games
How fast can you add?
Time limit: 5–10 minutes
Objective: Count the numbers on license plates of passing cars and see who adds up the digits the most quickly. Try to use number bonds to get the addition done even faster (Number bonds are simply pairs of numbers that add up to a given number i.e. number bonds for 9 are 9 + 0, 8 + 1, 7 + 2, 6 + 3, and 5 + 4) How to play: This is a game for two or more players. The player who counts and adds numbers on the most plates within 10 minutes wins.
How much does it weigh? Time to play: Varies
work out percentages without a calculator
If you need to work out percentages in your head, you can flip the numbers around to make it easier. For example, 18% of 50 is also 50% of 18, which is, you got it—9!
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Tools: Kitchen scale
Objective: Estimate the weight of random items by comparing them with one standard item How to play: Select a standard item of about 100 grams, for example, an average-sized apple. Choose 10 items and determine whether they are heavier or lighter than the apple. Estimate how much you think they weigh and then use the scale to find out if you are right!
EDUCATION
Maths Tricks
Built-in measuring sticks
How tall is it?
This cool trick relies on trigonometry (and flexibility!). If you view the top of a building at a 45-degree angle, then the height of the building is equivalent to the distance that you are from it. How it works: Start with your back against the building and begin walking away. At regular intervals, bend forward to look back at the building through your legs. Stop when you can just see the top of the building and turn around. Taking long strides, count your steps back to the bottom of the building. A long adult stride is approximately one meter long. The number of meters is roughly equal to the building’s height.
Our hands: The width of an average palm is about 10 centimetres. Our feet: An average adult foot is about 30 cm long. Fun fact: The feet of most humans are actually the same length as one of their arms from wrist to elbow! Our knuckles: 2.5 cm is roughly the measurement from the top knuckle on the thumb to the thumb tip. Measure yours to see how close it is to 2.5 cm. Our height: For most people, their arm span is about equal to their height. Your arm span is the distance between the middle fingertips on each hand when you stretch your arms out as far as they can reach.
45º
Distance = Approximate height of the building
What’s the angle?
Your hand is a great guide to measuring the degree of an angle. Try this when you’re next out and about using the guide pictured. 90º
Did you know, when we need an approximate idea of length, we always have a handy “ruler” nearby—our bodies. These are based on an average adult, so you may need to use a grown-up as your ruler for now.
Exploring a wide range of opportunities outside school is a great way to take your learning beyond the textbook.
Article provided by the maths department at King’s College Doha led by Maths Coordinator and Head of Year 3, Pádraig McCann.
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Welcome to the world, little ones. We’re excited to have you join our Doha Family 2
1
Odette Daisy Bear Mo
el
Luna Yans Born
er 9 Decemb
Born 10 March
3
Maeva Born 12 March 62
Jonah
Born 25
Decemb
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rison
IN EVERY ISSUE
4
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phia Vanc
Rowan So
Leigh Lilly McD
ermott
Born
Born 8 Novem
ber 20 Decem
ber
Adam Raphael Grephin Born 26 March
Samuel Noah Domingo Born 27 February
1 Photo by Chito & Vanessa Almacen 2 Photo by Juliet Sawyer Photography 3 Photo by Mariana Photography 4 Photo by CheekyC Photography
Cassandra
renzo
o Juan L
Grei
Born 2 Apri
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5 Marc
Born 1
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LIVING IN DOHA
. . . R A T A Q O OW T
H
t e P a g Importin
Q
atar has recently updated its import requirements for cats and dogs. These are intended to put a dent in the animal breeding industry, but they are also creating headaches for pet owners who regularly take their pets abroad.
2. Get a rabies shot. After your pet is microchipped, the vet will give them a rabies shot. A sticker from the vial is attached to your pet’s vaccination book, which links it to your pet’s microchip.
Qatar currently bans animal imports from certain countries (most notably Russia, Ukraine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon); while other countries are limited to one pet per passport. There’s also an additional requirement to show proof your pet has passed the rabies antibody titer test (RATT).
3. Blood draw. Wait 30 days and then return to the vet clinic. They will draw a vial of blood, which will be sent to an approved laboratory for testing.
The RATT has been a necessary step to export pets to most of the globe, and Qatar is only the latest country to require it. However, Qatar does not require a 90-day wait after the blood draw; they just require proof that the pet has passed the RATT. Here’s how to get your pet ready to travel: 1. Microchip your pet. This is a quick procedure where your vet will inject a rice grain-sized chip in the loose skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. It contains a unique ID number, which can be read by scanners used at nearly any vet’s office, as well as animal import/export staff. 64
4. Time your travel. Most countries require a 90-day wait after the blood draw before entry. We recommend getting this done as soon as possible, since most global destinations allow the results of the RATT to be valid for the duration of the pet’s life, as long as they have an annual rabies shot. 5. Re-entry. Qatar currently requires proof that a RATT was passed within the year before entry. If you have a pet that passed their RATT years ago, you need a special form to re-enter without a new one. Get this at the Animal Resources Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
Note: Qatar’s updated animal import regulations
have changed several times since the beginning of the year, and undoubtedly will have further tweaks down the line. Check with a pet relocator or veterinarian clinic for the latest updates.
FUN
Movie Theatre Directory Location
Website
Special Screens
01 Mall - Novo Cinema
qa.novocinemas.com
3D
Al Khor Mall - Cineco
cinecomovies.com
Asian Town
ibnajayan.com/en/cinema
B Square Mall - Roxy Cinema
roxy-cinemas.com
City Center - Cineco
cinecomovies.com
Doha Cinema - Cineplex
qatarcinemas.com
Under renovation
Doha Festival City - Vox Cinema
qat.voxcinemas.com
Theatre, 4D, Kids, MAX
Gulf Mall - Cineco
cinecomovies.com
4D
Lagoona Mall - Flik Cinema
flikcinemas.com
5-star
Landmark Mall
qatarcinemas.com
Mall of Qatar - Novo Cinema
qa.novocinemas.com
Kids, 4D, 7-star, IMAX
Mirqab Mall - Flik Cinema
flikcinemas.com
5-star
Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium
dohafilminstitute.com
Museum of Islamic Art Park
dohafilminstitute.com
Royal Plaza - The Cinema Palace
qatarcinemas.com
Souq Waqif - Novo Cinema
qa.novocinemas.com
7-star
Tawar Mall - Novo Cinema
qa.novocinemas.com
Opening soon
The Mall Cinema - Cineplex
qatarcinemas.com
The Pearl Qatar - Novo Cinema
qa.novocinemas.com
IMAX, 3D, 7-star
Villaggio - Cineco
cinecomovies.com
IMAX
Outdoor screenings
65
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