Issue #28 Doha Family Magazine Spring 2019

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2019 PREGNANCY & BIRTH SURVEY Get Fast Get Fit Get Running

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IVF IN QATAR, BUMPS & BABIES DIRECTORY, GIFTS FOR MUM SPRING 2019 | ISSUE 9 | BROUGHT TO YOU BY DOHA MUMS | DOHAFAMILY.COM

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Contents

Spring 2019 • DohaFamily.com

HEALTH 27 Mum’s Recipes This mum shares her family’s favourite South African dishes 34 Menu Planner Fill it out, stick it to the fridge and point the next time someone asks, “What’s for dinner?”

36 IVF in Qatar Finding a clinic and what to expect 44 2019 Baby & Pregnancy Survey 500+ mums share their birth and pregnancy experiences 50 Get Fit, Get Fast, Get Running A beginner’s guide to running in Qatar

LIVING IN DOHA 31 How to Qatar Renewing your drivers’ license 64 Bumps & Babies Directory Hard-to-find mum and baby services around Qatar

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44 58

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21 Souq Al Wakrah Play Park Review Seaside fun at the new playground next to Al Wakrah Souq 58 Luxury Camping in the Desert All the fun of camping with the modern luxuries of a hotel 62 Homemade Butter Dab, floss and dance your way to freshly made butter

PARENTING

For Kids

32 Letter to My Daughter For International Women’s Day, one mum shares this touching letter 47 Eight Gift Ideas for a BeenThere-Done-That-Mum Practical gifts for a mum that’s already got the baby basics

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 66 Marketplace

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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

Illustrations by Joanne Brooker

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Quick Directory

PAGE

H

U

Q

Automotive Lux Drive

3347-2112

67

Baby Care & Products Darling Diapers

4450-6245

46

Children’s Activities Arts and Crafts Center Caboodle CanDo Deema Community Center Evolution Sports Qatar Gymboree Play & Music Minipolis Molecular Music & Arts Atelier The Gymnastics Academy

4486-5201 54 4488-7232/3 28 4020-6414 55 5593-1053 67 4407-6772 23 4020-6413 43 4437-8421 15 7797-8856 30 3300-3839 17 See Ad 40

Events, Catering & Party Services CakEpicurean dBlossoms

See Ad 5546-8142

Food & Beverages Yasmine Palace

4411-1502/3 57

Medical & Wellbeing Love Coach The Feto Maternal Centre The Feto Maternal Centre/Fertility Unit

See Ad 4475-6369 4475-6370

Nurseries & Kindergartens Apple Tree Nursery Grandma Nurseries Kanga’s Pouch Nursery Kidz International Pre-School (KIPS) Little Lions English Nursery Montessori Steps Perles d’Avenir Nursery PreScholars Nursery

4481-2147 29 800-2229 22 7788-6171 26 4479-3156 41 4441-3094 12 3339-6566 38 4481-7611 3 5557-2533 30

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67 67

67 56 38

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SO

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Primrose Nursery Starfish Lane Kids Nurseries Tots Corner Nursery

6699-3373 4487-5939 4468-8008

16 42 18

Photography Mariana Photography

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Retail Book Nook Doha My Momentoes Qatar Virgin Megastore

See Ad See Ad 4495-9060

67 67 25

Schools ACS International School Doha American School of Doha Arab International Academy Doha British School Doha English Speaking School International School of London King’s College Doha Park House School Qatar-Finland International School Qatar International School Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar Sherborne Preparatory School Qatar Swiss International School in Qatar

3026-6800 13 4459-1511 68 4041-4999 9 4019-8000 19 4459-2750 55 4433-8600 40 4496-5888 62/63 4468-3800 20 4012-7890 5 See Ad 24 4036-0450 7 4459-6400 53 4036-3131 11

Sports & Active Lifestyle EsQalar

6659-3070 67

Special Needs Services & Centres Hibbo Club Step by Step Centre for Special Needs

3307-0183 4475-7225

Tutorial Services British Council Oxford Learning Study Plus

4425-1883/4 41 4491-0777 2 4442-4294 29

22 43

Editor’s Letter

W

hen I first found out I was pregnant, I had already lived in Qatar for five years, but being pregnant made it feel like I was starting all over with an entirely new set of queries. Who were the best doctors? What were my birthing options? Where would I deliver? I asked a few friends who already had children, but I wished I’d had info from more women.

Since then, birthing options have increased, but the questions remain. So, to help new parents, or couples giving birth for the first time in Qatar, we surveyed more than 500 mums and mums-to-be about their birth experiences in Qatar. From doctors and hospitals to birthing plans and postpartum care, we found out what giving birth in Qatar is like for most women. You can see the results of our survey on page 44.

If you’ve already got your doctor and hospital picked out but are looking for mummy and me classes or other kinds of birthing and newborn support, our directory on page 64 should have what you’re looking for.

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Meanwhile, for mums who are well past the newborn stage and ready to get active again, we’ve got you covered with a guide to running in Qatar on page 50.

And as always, 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.

Issue 9 – Spring 2019 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

Sales Representatives Kazumi Lomri 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.

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.

The long-awaited opening of the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR is finally within sight.

Slated to open on 28 March, the 40,000-square-metre museum was built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace. The building’s design was inspired by the desert rose, a roseshaped crystalline structure found in Qatar’s deserts.

Through artwork, precious objects, documentary materials and interactive learning, the museum will

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highlight Qatar’s history, its future and the impact of rapid change. qm.org.qa Your favourite local online store for sensory toys and therapy tools for children with autism, sensory processing disorder and other developmental delays has opened a retail store at Royal Plaza. The new SENSORY SOUK shop is open from Saturday to Thursday 9am– 8:30pm and Friday 4–9pm. sensorysouk.com

Doha has made the 37th spot on The New York Times’s 52 PLACES TO VISIT IN 2019. Highlighting the city’s world-renowned architecture, including several stadiums for the World Cup 2022, the Qatar National Library and the National Museum of Qatar, the New York Times described Doha as “Avant-garde architecture blooms in the desert”. nytimes.com

clean

stargaze skate

cruise

Grab a bag and do your good deed for the week by helping to clean up Azerbaijani Beach on 1 March. The Doha Environmental Actions Project is a group of volunteers working towards cleaning up Qatar’s beaches and natural landscapes and raising environmental awareness. They host weekly cleanups around Qatar and regularly need volunteers and drivers. facebook.com/ deapqatar

Take a journey through galaxies, and learn more about astronomy, atmosphere, geology and the oceans at the newly opened Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara.

Named after a cluster of seven bright stars— the Seven Sisters—the planetarium offers a state-of-the-art, full-dome digital theatre for 200 people; Earth Science presentations; and a museum. katara.net

Spectacular skyline views await you on a cruise along Doha’s coast.

The National Cruise City Tour cruise takes you from the Museum of Islamic Art to Katara and the Pearl and back again. The two-hour tour includes beverages and food if you prebook. nationalcruise.com

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Qatar Foundation’s newest skate park, located on the West Green Spine near Awsaj Academy, is a lesson in extreme sporting. Kids will love zipping up and down ramps, rails and hills on their skateboards and BMX bikes. For those in need of some instruction, QSport offers skateboarding and BMX lessons from beginners up to advanced levels. qsportsacademy.com

Photo by Ahmad Abdelkader

what’s on this spring Spring

ASK THE EXPERT INBOX

SENT

DRAFTS

RE: What are the best foods for mother and baby health during pregnancy?

From:

Sara Jamal Ali Saeed

Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is very important for the mother and fetus. During this time, the body needs additional nutrients, vitamins and minerals to fulfil the body’s requirements.

It is recommended that pregnant women consume extra protein and calcium to meet the needs of the growing fetus. Yoghurt is a great option as it contains more calcium than most other dairy products. Lean meat like beef and chicken are excellent sources of protein, and they are also rich in iron and B vitamins. Low levels of iron during early and mid-pregnancy may cause iron deficiency, which doubles the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges or bell peppers will increase your iron absorption.

Also, omega-3 fatty acids are crucial during pregnancy, These are found in high amounts in seafood, and help build the brain and eyes of the fetus. Moreover, legumes, which include lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans and peanuts, are excellent plant-based sources of fibre, protein, iron, folate (B9) and calcium. Folate is a very important nutrient during pregnancy and may reduce the risk of some birth defects and diseases.

Eat well and best of luck with your pregnancy!

Kind regards, Sara Jamal Ali Saeed Clinical Dietitian, Feto Maternal Medical Centre Have a question for the experts?

Send it to editor@dohafamily.com.

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Things we Mother-Daughter Journal

! e v o L

Created by a daughter who wanted another way to communicate with her mother, Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal is a diary where mums and daughters can share memories, ask questions and build their relationship. The journal includes writing prompts, mini quizzes, and advice and perspectives from both a mum and daughter to help facilitate conversations—in writing and in person. amazon.com

Flutterbys Qatar

These handmade, one-of-akind bags are a musthave. Made by local artist Nidhi Katkar, these bags come in a range of sizes and fabrics. Picked up a gorgeous fabric during your travels and not sure what to do with it? She also makes custom pieces—a unique way to remember a fabulous trip.

Starting at QR 370 facebook.com/Flutterbysqatar31

The Princess in Black

Not all princesses wear pink!

Or at least this one secretly wears black when she’s disguised as a superhero who battles monsters and protects her kingdom. For kids who love pink and superheroes, this book series written by a husband-wife pair is sure to delight. amazon.com 17

Book Bites Title: A Long Way Gone Genre: Autobiography Author: Ishmael Beah

by Hamza Alian, Year 8, Doha College the lives and suffering of boy soldiers.

I give k oo this b 5 5/

This is an amazing read, it was touching, and it was upsetting. The language in the book was phenomenal.

I couldn’t put it down.

Every word Beah used was purposely used in a way to have an effect on me.

A Long Way Gone is a memoir

by Ishmael Beah. It’s a true story about his life as a boy soldier fighting in the civil war that plagued Sierra Leone.

He recounts the story of his past struggles and tragedies. Beah is picked up by Unicef for rehabilitation, where he struggles to find redemption with the weight of all the lives he’s killed on his shoulders. After rehabilitation, he travels to New York to raise awareness about

Tots Corner Nursery is a second home for your child Part of

It provides a safe, secure, stimulating and fun environment that help children flourish. We follow the EYFS British Curriculum, with The Montessori Method incorporated. Guided by each child’s individual needs to ensure they leave us more confident, social, independent and prepared for school. We take children from 1-4 years.

Please come to see our lovely nursery anytime.

T: 4468 8008 / 3100 7117 E: info@totscornernursery.com 56 Al Madeed, Al Joudi Street, Al Maamoura, Doha, Qatar www.totscornernursery.com

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ADMISSIONS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND.

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Amazing learning is central to everything we do. We nurture the best learning environment for your child, so that your child feels safe, valued and happy, to ensure they make as much progress as possible.

We are part of a global family of schools - The International Schools Partnership, a global British-led family of 34 schools across eight countries (and growing), providing Park House with outstanding international learning connections, quality assurance and excellent governance.

Our teachers are highly experienced and passionate about education and bring with them years of regional and international experience. Some teachers have been at Park House for as long as 12 years.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION admissions@parkhouseschool.com

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+974 4468 3800

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SOUQ AL WAKRAH PLAY PARK REVIEW

BY GILLIAN GIBSON

A Photos by Gillian Gibson

gainst a backdrop of blue sea, palm trees, wandering camels and traditional Arabian architecture, Souq Al Wakrah’s new play park is a delight for both parents and kids.

Set in a football pitch-sized area of sandy beach, the new park has plenty of play equipment to keep kids occupied, with enough room left for parents to spread out, relax and enjoy the views. When playtime is finished, wander the souq to discover beachside cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as other family-friendly activities.

A PLAYGROUND ON THE BEACH The park has a multitude of play equipment for kids to swing on, climb and clamber over, jump off, crawl under, and generally run amok in. For kids who love to climb, there are a number of interactive, activity

DOHA FAMILY RATING Overall: 4/5 Convenience: 3/5 Safety: 4/5 Facilities: 5/5

climbing frames. Kids can scramble over and explore a castle, a pirate ship, a boat, a dragon’s castle, rockscapes and a spaceship. All feature multiple climbing surfaces, walls and frames, slides and swings, as well as various paraphernalia to spark the imagination. They can “fire” cannons, spin steering wheels, fiddle with knobs and buttons, and play bongos, drums and chimes. There is a dizzying array of spinners and merry-go-rounds; spring riders in the shape of animals and vehicles; balance beams, blocks and stepping stones; a brightly coloured train with activity carriages to crawl through, slide down, climb on and sit in.

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FUN Swings, a staple of any playground, are plentiful and come in an assortment of shapes and sizes, including bird’s nest swings, chair swings and tandem swings for two riders. The park also has a number of goal posts set up for football and a volleyball net—you just need to bring your own balls.

SOUQ-SIDE LOUNGING Opened in late 2014, this seaside souq has been expanding ever since. Designed to emulate a traditional Qatari market, the souq’s architecture exudes old world charm.

The maze of courtyards and alleyways are heaps of fun for kids to explore and are occupied by an ever-growing assortment of shops and restaurants. The beachfront

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promenade, lined with cafes, restaurants and sweet shops, meanders along 3-km of coastline making it perfect for a stroll.

This family-friendly beach opened to the public in 2017. Dhows docked on the shore add to its charm, but the biggest crowd pleasers are free access to the sand and water, sun loungers, changing and shower facilities. Winter beach activities, including canoe and kayak hire and bouncy castles, are another bright spot.

The addition of the play park in 2018 has given the souq an extra allure for families looking to head outdoors and enjoy a traditional setting with modern facilities. The park is clean and well maintained, with lighting in and around the park for after-dark play.

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FUN DOHA FAMILY TIPS • Currently, there are no benches around the play park for parents to sit on, but there is plenty of space for picnic blankets and chairs should you wish to bring them with you • Weekend evenings are very busy at the souq, and while the busy atmosphere is a delight, if you are planning to eat out, you may want to book ahead or arrive earlier in the evening • During the cooler months, additional paid activities are hosted along the promenade next to the play park. These include camel and horse rides, rock climbing, skateboarding in a purpose-built park, and go-kart hire

LOCATION: Al Wakrah, 25 minutes south of Doha.

Facing the sea, the park is left along the promenade, past the Italian restaurant and Cafe 89 DIRECTIONS: 1. From Doha, head south along the Ras Abu Abboud Expressway. Continue onto G-Ring Road 2. Exit left on Al Wakrah Road, heading past Barwa Village toward Al Wakrah 3. Once past the new metro station, continue onto Al Wakrah Main Street to the Ooredoo Roundabout 4. Take the fourth exit back up Al Wakrah Main Street 5. The entrance to the souq car park is located on the right-hand side of the street

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PARKING: There is plenty of parking at the entrance to the souq. Access to the beachfront and the play park is an easy 3-minute stroll; alternatively, you can always hail a free ride on one of the many golf buggies HOURS: There are no set opening hours for the play park. The beach is open from 10:00–18:00.

Business hours for the shops and restaurants in the souq vary, but generally the souq is open from 09:00–12:00 and 16:00–23:00 Saturday to Thursday.

On Fridays, most shops and restaurants don’t open until after prayer TOILETS: Toilets are available in a block next to the park

MOSQUE: Prayer rooms and a mosque are available SAFETY: Security staff patrol the souq and the park area. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach from 10:00–18:00. The park is unfenced and bordered by residential roads and the sea; however, the roads are relatively quiet and access to the sea is a fair distance from the play equipment DRESS CODE: There are no dress restrictions for the play park or the souq, but modest clothing to respect local culture is recommended. Dress restrictions are in place at the beach, so modest swimwear only, no bikinis or revealing swimsuits

SERIOUSLY CUTE. CUDDLY ANIMALS BABY TOUCH AND FEEL

From fluffy rabbit to furry koalas, there are all sorts of texture for baby to explore in this safe, sturdy book that encourages early learning.

POP-UP DINOSAURS

Beware! If you open this book, dinosaurs will pop out—huge ones, tiny ones, hungry ones and a very, very noisy one.

CLOTH BOOK

With the soft-to-touch cloth pages for little hands to hold and bright illustrations to capture their imagination, this is perfect first book for your baby.

FIRST 50 WORDS

With flaps to lift and tabbed pages that are easy to turn, this book will introduce your child to over 50 everyday words.

BABY RECORD BOOK

Record treasured moments and milestone from your baby’s first year in this gorgeous keepsake book. With spaces for notes and photos, you can create a lasting journal for you and little one to cherish.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING 5TH EDITION

Your pregnancy explained, your pregnancy questions answered, your pregnant body demystified, head (what to do about those headaches) to feet (why they’re so swollen), back (how to stop it from aching) to front (why you can’t tell a baby by mom’s bump).

SERIOUSLY BABY.

HEALTH

MUM’S RECIPES WITH JUANITA NORTJE riginally born near Johannesburg, South Africa, Juanita Nortje and her family—husband Chris, 12-year-old Ian and seven-year-old Bethany—have lived in Doha for eighteen months. The cuisine of Juanita’s home country is influenced by a mix of Dutch, Indian, French and Malay flavours and includes fragrant, spicy curries; flame-grilled meats; and earthy, slow-cooked stews. The food is hearty, wholesome and packed with flavour.

Photos provided by Juanita Nortje

by Kim Wyatt

O

This mix of culinary influence inspires Juanita’s family at home and international favourites such as nachos and spaghetti Bolognese—the kids’ favourite— regularly appear on the family’s dinner table. Juanita has a love for strong, bold flavours and the use of local, seasonal ingredients to create traditional recipes. Her two favourite cuisines are Italian and Indian. While Juanita enjoys rustling up nourishing, hearty soups for the whole family—“I think I have a knack for it!”—her husband Chris has a natural flair for whipping up spicy Indian delicacies and sweet treats such as pancakes with cinnamon sugar. “He makes the best onion bhajis [a type of Indian fritter]!” she says.

Luckily for Juanita, a taste of home is never far away, with South African classics such as biltong

(dried, cured meat), beef sausage, maize (cornmeal porridge), anchovy spread and peanut butter regularly found in her favourite supermarket SPAR. South African produce and meat are also available at most supermarkets in Qatar.

While feeding a family can be a challenge at the best of times, Juanita has created a failsafe method to feed her fussy eaters. “Because my kids like different foods, I usually stir-fry a protein with an assortment of veggies and make a salad with fresh grated carrots and pineapple, which they both love,” she explains.

For lunchboxes, she always packs a protein such as biltong, fruit, rice cakes and natural yoghurt with honey. Sometimes there’s also another surprise, she says, “Every now and then I will add a joke in the lunchbox to brighten their day.”

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HEALTH

JUANITA’S TOP TIPS

• A splash of lemon juice can make a difference to your meal • Leftovers can make a handsome pasta dish • Salads don’t have to be complicated.

Use whatever ingredients you have available • Stir-fry can go a long way when you have fussy eaters, as it can include vegetables that everyone likes • Don’t feel tethered to a recipe. Experiment and try to find ways to improve it

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BOBOTIE

Serves six to eight There are many variations on this traditional, meaty South African dish. This recipe from Aninas Recipes (aninas-recipes.com) is Juanita’s favourite variation.

INGREDIENTS

• 15ml olive oil • 3 onions finely chopped • 2 teaspoons minced garlic • 1kg beef mince • ½ cup water (optional) • 4 teaspoons curry powder • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 2 teaspoons salt • black pepper to taste • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 2 tablespoons smooth apricot jam • ½ cup chutney • 2 tablespoons brown sugar • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 2 tablespoons tomato sauce • 2 slices white bread soaked in a little milk • 4 large eggs • 500ml milk • salt and black pepper to taste • 3 bay leaves

PHOTO BY XXX

It’s obvious that both Juanita and her husband Chris share a passion for food. For Juanita, cooking is a way to express love for her friends and family. “I think eating is so much more than just feeding your body.

It’s an emotional journey with effort in planning and preparation. The enjoyment is the connection that I make with the people eating my food. I love to cook for special people including my family.”

DIRECTIONS

Photo by Aninas Recipes

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C 2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil.

Sauté the onion and garlic 3. Add the beef mince and brown. If needed, add ½ cup of water to help with the browning of the meat 4. In a mixing bowl combine the curry powder, turmeric, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, jam, chutney, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce and soaked bread. Mix until combined 5. Add the sauce to the browned meat, and simmer for 30 minutes, mixing throughly 6. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish 7. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk and seasoning. Gently pour the egg mixture over the meat and add the bay leaves on top 8. Bake for 30–40 minutes until the egg has set. Serve with yellow rice, sweet pumpkin and green beans

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HEALTH

BAKED SAGO PUDDING

Makes six to eight servings Sago is a starch made from the centre of certain types of tropical palm trees, similar to tapioca pearls. A simple and traditional dessert topped with feather-light meringue, this is Juanita’s grandmother’s recipe. The pudding can be served chilled or hot from the oven.

INGREDIENTS

• 750ml milk • 200ml sago • 1 cinnamon stick • 125ml sugar • Pinch of salt • 25ml butter • 2 egg yolks, beaten • 50ml apricot jam

MERINGUE

• 6 egg whites • 150ml sugar

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C 2. Rinse the sago with water. In a saucepan, add the milk, sago and cinnamon stick and heat slowly 3. Stirring often, simmer until the sago becomes clear 4. Add the sugar, salt and butter to the milk mixture and stir well 5. Remove from heat and take out the cinnamon stick 6. Mix the beaten egg yolks into the milk mixture. It should now have the consistency of thick custard 7. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish and drizzle with the apricot jam 8. For the meringue, beat the egg whites until stiff, and slowly add the sugar one spoon at a time 9. Spoon the meringue over the sago milk mixture and bake for 20–25 minutes

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LIVING IN DOHA

. . .

R A T A Q O OW T

H

r u o Y g Renewin ense c i L g n i Driv

W

hile obtaining a private vehicle driving license in Qatar has numerous steps and processes, renewing your Qatari driving license is simple and swift. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the process is the same.

Driving licenses for non-Qatari residents are valid for five years and cost QR 250. They can be renewed up to six months before their expiry date.

To renew your license, you will need to do the following:

Pay your traffic violations

Before you renew, make sure your traffic violations are paid. You can pay them in person at the Traffic Department or one of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) service offices around Qatar, at an MOI self-service machine, on the Metrash2 mobile app, or through the Hukoomi website (portal.www.gov.qa).

Renew your license in person

You can renew your license in person at the Traffic Department or at an MOI service office. Just bring your driving license and a debit or credit card to pay the QR 250 fee.

Renew your license online

Licenses can also be renewed online through the MOI E-Services website (eservices.moi.gov.qa) or the Metrash2 app. You will need a credit card to pay the QR 250 fee.

Despite the stress that often comes with driving in Qatar, it should be a relief to know that the process to renew your license is easy and headache-free.

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In honour of International Women’s Day on 8 March, one writer shares these words of wisdom to her daughter

To my Daughter

by Gillian Gibson

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You love the part of the day that you were born.

Your favourite story is the tale n I looked into down at you in my arms, and whe where I tell you that I looked eternity. And it’s w that I would love you for all your big, dark blue eyes, I kne no grey areas. and knows no bounds, no corners, true, my love for you is profound and every day love would swell and surge each What I didn’t realise was that my h out loud every get to know you. You make me laug as I watch you grow and as I break my heart. me proud, you make me cry, you day. You surprise me, you make le firecracker. ul, kind and funny. You’re my litt You’re smart, strong, brave, beautif be you it would or f g in h t y wish an hroughout If I could happiness t d n a ve lo enough, , wealth, good health are simple ou y or f s e y wish world in your life. M hieve. This c a o t sy a ays so e g, and but not alw awe-inspirin d n a l u if t u is bea rous which we live d and gene in k , g in z a any am lso be there are m world can a e h t , t u B in it. htening, people living etimes frig m so d n a g ppointin ledge unkind, disa ith the know w ve li I other, pitfall and as a m from every ou y t c e t not pro e best that I can il in you th st in is o d I can nd in life. All at I can a h t se n se common s more virtues and ugh life ha ro h t y e rn u our jo hope that y ns. ups than dow

PARENTING

best to live your life, I can’t tell you how u just a few pieces of but if I could give yo uld be these: advice to live by it wo

billion people, there In a world of over 7 yourself. Try your is only one you. So be but remember that best, learn and grow, ough, today you today you are good en you that there is. are the best version of

rful person in You are the most powe n decide what is your life, only you ca is best for you. right for you and what where you go, It is you who decides you do it. Believe what you do and how her cisions you make, whet in yourself and the de urs. If you , those decisions are yo ong wr or ht rig e ar they with your choices, and you are satisfied nt me ge jud n ow ur yo trust . e world with confidence then you will face th

Set your sights and ambitions high, and follow your dreams. You may not achieve the things you set out to do, but trying is better than not trying. Your opportunities are endless, take them, don’t be afraid and follow life’s many adventures.

Surround yourself with people who are worth your time and effort. If people don’t act as though they care, then they usually don’t. Life is far too short to waste time on anyone who doesn’t appreciate you as you are and who doesn’t add a little something to your life.

As a girl in this world you’ll face all sorts of challenges and bias but keep in mind that women are strong, resilient and vital. There is nothing wrong with being a princess, but be independent, don’t wait to be rescued, and make your light shine the brightest.

, Mummy e v o l y m All

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What's for Dinner?

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thur

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thur

rsday

rsday

Sponsored by

Friday

Saturday

Grocery List:

Friday

Saturday

IVF IN QATAR Choices and challenges by katherine latto

36

HEALTH

W

hen Faye Caranto was first considering in vitro fertilisation (IVF) options in Qatar, the obvious choice was Hamad. However, at the time, Hamad Women’s Hospital prioritised Qatari nationals for IVF. When Hamad reopened their IVF services to expats in 2015, Faye was ready to start her IVF journey. After two rounds of treatments, Faye gave birth to a baby girl in 2017.

Fertility treatment, in general, is highly individual and should be tailored to a woman’s specific needs. The tests, medication and procedures involved in IVF will vary depending on the fertility issues faced by the couple. There is no official body overseeing IVF and fertility treatment in Qatar, and each clinic has their own standards and procedures. If you are considering IVF, it is essential to ask questions, gather information, get professional advice and explore all options.

The majority of private clinics do not have strict eligibility criteria and see all women of reproductive age. Hamad remains the exception where, at the time of writing, there are strict IVF criteria for non-Qatari women—they should not have any children already, they must be less than 40 years old for the duration of the treatment, and they must have a BMI of 30 or less.

Selecting a clinic Beyond a clinic or hospital’s eligibility requirements, you may have some of your own preferences.

Consider whether you want any specific testing done before or during the process. Does it matter whether your partner is allowed to attend appointments with you? If you’ve already started the process in your home country, does your fertility doctor have a preference for any doctors or clinics in Qatar?

Getting ready First, check whether the clinic or hospital you are considering will offer you IVF treatment. Eligibility criteria vary from clinic to clinic and do change.

In 2012, Amanda*, a British expat, received IVF treatment at Hamad. Following a referral from a private clinic, she waited less than a month for her initial appointment. Her first round of IVF at the Women’s Hospital was a success. She praised the world-class facilities, the fantastic patient care, and the professionalism and expertise of the doctors.

The cost of the treatment in 2012 was around QR 5,000, a fraction of the cost of IVF in her home country. The estimated costs for Hamad have since increased but it is still among the most competitively priced options for IVF in Qatar.

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Fertility Unit Feto Maternal Centre We treat all infertility problems under one roof with the latest technology

IVF treatment requires regular appointments and, at some stages, daily medication and clinical testing.

It was proximity to home, as well as the expertise and bedside manner of Dr Osama Hassan Salha that led Sara*, a 28-year-old expat of Indian heritage, to choose Elite Medical Center. The facilities are excellent, she says, as is the support offered by professional staff. She even receives daily updates from her embryologist. Furthermore, her husband has been able to attend appointments for the majority of the procedures, which she says is essential.

Erin*, a Canadian expat who had started IVF before moving to Doha, completed her treatment in Canada as she wanted to remain under the care of her specialist; however, she saw Professor Badreldeen at Feto Maternal Medical Centre for her aftercare. He liaised with her Canadian doctor and followed her care plan meticulously in line with Canadian regulations.

Feto Maternal also offers a range of IVF services at their infertility clinic including pre-implantation genetic screening, diagnostic testing and sex selection.

Dr Amin Hamza Gafar (FRCOG) London. He has more than 24 years experience in the UK.

Services: Sperm Analysis PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) Sperm Preparation with Microchip Sorting Ovulation Induction (OI)

HEALTH

OI + IUI Egg Collection (OPU) OPU + IVF & ICSI Fresh or Frozen Embryo Transfer Freezing (Eggs / Sperm / Embryos)

Al Markhiya Street, Doha +974 4427 5450 +974 4475 6369/70 www.dohafmc.com • fertility@dohafmc.com FetoMaternal Centre Fertility Unit

Sidra Medicine recently opened a Reproductive Medicine Unit offering IVF as well as preconception testing, surgical management of related conditions, antenatal, postnatal and paediatric care following birth. The new department is open for consultations and expects to offer full services by Spring 2019.

Men are allowed to accompany their partners to appointments.

If having your husband at your appointments is essential to you, it is worth noting that men are not allowed to accompany their partners to appointments or even enter Hamad Women’s Hospital.

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Advice and support

When your dearest

Wish

just came

True

All the women we interviewed emphasised the importance of finding support. They were frank about the emotional and physical demands of the process, which could be particularly challenging for expats in

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39

HEALTH Doha without family and close friends nearby. Many found new friends at the IVF clinics to share their experiences and support each other on their journeys.

There are, of course, also numerous Facebook groups to support those facing fertility issues. For Amanda, the Fertility Talk Support Facebook group was especially helpful.

For women who are still deciding about IVF, Feto Maternal provides in-depth, informative articles on fertility on their website (dohafmc.com/news/fertility-news).

Faye’s advice is to be patient and persistent.

Don’t hesitate to go to the clinic in person and insist on speaking directly with the medical staff.

Make sure you have all your paperwork together, including documents from your home country or local physician stating that IVF is the next suggested treatment.

She encourages women seeking IVF to stay positive despite all the challenges they will face, and take care of themselves by exercising regularly, eating healthy and talking to friends to help them deal with the stress of the process.

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IVF clinics Al-Ahli Hospital 4489-8888 ahlihospital.com Elite Medical Center 4496-0960 elitemedical.com.qa Feto Maternal Medical Centre 4475-6369 dohafmc.com Hamad Women’s Hospital 4439-6666/6159 hamad.qa Sidra Medicine 4003-3333 sidra.org West Bay Medicare 4020-6336 westbaymedicare.com

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IVF fees in Qatar start around QR 15,000 at Hamad and around QR 30,000 in the private sector. Please contact each clinic for details of current prices which will vary from individual to individual. *Names have been changed for privacy

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2019

Pregnancy & Birth Survey

57

%

are first-time mums

43

%

are second-time or more mums

We polled more than 500 mums and mums-to be about their pregnancy and birth within the last three years. Here is what they had to say about their experiences in Qatar.

Top prenatal doctors

Mum’s age

35–44yrs

17% 25-34yrs Older than 44

<1%

74%

63%

73%

would choose the same prenatal doctor

would choose the same prenatal clinic

Top delivery hospitals

Younger than 18

<1

%

18–24yrs

8%

Term dates

30%

say their Hamad Women’s Hospital: 27% prenatal care Al Wakra Hospital: 25% was not covered Cuban Hospital: 11% by insurance Al-Ahli Hospital: 8% Sidra Medicine: 7% Doha Clinic: 7%

Top delivery doctors

Premature Before 37 weeks

Early term 37–38 weeks

31%

Full term 39–40 weeks

54%

Later term 41 weeks 44

Professor Ahmed Badreldeen (Feto Maternal Medical Centre) Dr. Zeenat Rizvi (Al-Ahli Hospital) Dr. Sonia Abu Saba (Al Emadi Hospital)

4%

9%

Dr. Maha Yehia Mahmoud Ibrahim (Doha Clinic) Dr. Sergio Martinez Pupo (The Cuban Hospital) Dr. Rita Rodriguez (The Cuban Hospital) Note: Hamad was the leading choice for prenatal care (27%) and delivery. However, doctors rotate based on when they are on duty, which is why Hamad doctors do not appear in the top prenatal or delivery doctor lists

HEALTH

49%

of births were attended by husbands

1%

chose a doula

82%

32

%

of mums gave birth solo

Breastfeeding said they received breastfeeding support at hospital

73%had difficulties with breastfeeding.

The most common problems were sore nipples (29%) and low milk supply (25%)

53%experienced the baby blues after birth 33%suffered from postnatal depression 76%

Delivery types Vaginal delivery VBAC Emergency cesarean Scheduled cesarean

would choose the same delivery hospital

60%

would choose the same delivery doctor

57% â&#x20AC;&#x2021;3% 21% 20%

43%did not have a birth plan, but of those who did, 73%say their birth plan was respected and followed Birthing position Flat on my back: 55% Semi-sitting: 22% On my hands and knees: 6% Squatting: 3%

48

% were given an episiotomy

Nearly half of those said they did not give permission (47%)

31%

20%

gave birth with no pain relief

attended antenatal classes

20%

experienced gestational diabetes

Overall experience

4%

6%

17%

42%

31%

Find the full survey results on DohaFamily.com

53%said they did not tear, and of those who did, 90% said they only required stitches 45

PARENTING

a r o f s a e d I 8 Gift

Been-There-Done-That Mum!

by Sandi Haustein

F

irst-time mums ooh and aah over everything: stuffed animals, cute onesies, diaper pails, baby socks, receiving blankets, and yes, even wipe warmers. It takes a certain amount of creativity to find the perfect gift for second- (or third or fourth) time mums who already have all of the essentials.

If you think a mum with multiple kids has everything she needs, try giving her one of these thoughtful gifts that she is sure to appreciate.

Diapers and wipes While these necessities might seem boring, a mum who has more than one child appreciates not having to go to the store in those early postpartum weeks. If she has more than one child in diapers, her wallet will enjoy the break too. When friends threw a diaper shower for Dodi Hance, mother of six, she didn’t have to buy diapers and wipes for nine months afterwards. “It was so nice to go to my diaper closet and be able to pull out whatever size I needed,” she says.

Meals Any mum with a newborn deserves a break from planning and preparing a well-balanced meal. Give the whole family a gift by bringing a warm meal.

47

PARENTING Before deciding on chicken casserole or the fixings for tacos, make sure they don’t have any food allergies and package their meal in disposable containers, so they don’t have to worry about returning them.

Tools for two Now that your mum friend has more than one child, she needs some new gadgets to keep up with her crew. Sara Keeth, a mother of two, says, “I never used a sling with my first child, but with my second, it was suddenly necessary since I needed my hands free to help out my older kid.” Similarly, a double stroller can come in handy when mum takes multiple kids on outings to the mall.

Anything personalised or homemade When a baby’s closet is full of hand-me-downs, your friend will cherish gifts that were made specifically for her littlest one. Knit or crochet a blanket just for them or embroider the baby’s name on a burp cloth. Have their name engraved on a Christmas ornament. A personalised gift can become a keepsake for her family.

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Playdates for her older kids When you have multiple kids, it’s hard to find that one-on-one bonding time with a newborn that mums crave. Melissa Bates, a mum of three, didn’t realise how much she would appreciate concentrated time with her second baby until another friend offered to take her older daughter for the day. “Being able to spend uninterrupted time with just my baby for us to get to know each other was a blessing. Not only that, but I could actually sleep when he slept like everyone says you should do.” Even if it’s just for a couple of hours, offer to pick up your friend’s older children to take them to a park or back to your house to play.

Your sleep-deprived friend will be able to enjoy the break guilt-free knowing that her older child is having fun with friends.

Gifts for the older siblings Becoming a big brother or sister can be a hard transition, especially when a new baby is getting all the presents. Win mum’s heart by buying something small for her older child, whether it’s a book, a dollar store toy or a new stuffed animal. Bring a “busy box” full of things like colouring books, crayons and stickers to give the child something to do while mummy feeds the baby or changes a diaper.

Housecleaning

The next time you’re scratching your head trying to decide what to get for your second-time mum friend, give her one of these creative and practical gifts. Whether she’s breathing in the smell of a freshly cleaned house, wrapping her baby in their own crocheted blanket or watching her older child play with a new toy, she will know how much you care.

Sandi Haustein is a mom of four kids and blogs at thewelcomingtable.com. She’s never turned down a hot meal after having a baby.

Want to make a friend for life? Pool your money with a group of friends to buy a month or two of professional housecleaning if the family doesn’t already have a helper or only uses part-time help.

That way, mum can focus on her children in the first few postpartum weeks instead of looking around the house feeling guilty about all that needs to be done.

If she’s a close friend, you might consider grabbing some cleaning supplies and doing some light housework yourself.

Self-care gifts for mum Give your friend a little something just for her.

Think about lotion, a Starbucks gift card, a book for nighttime feedings or a coupon for free babysitting so she and her husband can go out on a date. Becca Ross, a mum of three, received a gift certificate for a much-needed massage when she had her second baby. “Besides helping my aching back from nursing and carrying a baby and a toddler all day, the short alone time for me to relax and re-energise was helpful to everyone in my family,” she says.

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, t i f Get t, s a f Get nning u r t ge

n o s b i G n a

by Gilli

50

HEALTH

Dig out your trainers, your Lycra and a little motivation–this beginners running guide will get even the hardiest of couch potatoes moving!

E

xercise is good for you, we all know that. It’s good for the body, mind and spirit. Running is one of the best overall workouts for your physique, and what’s more it’s simple, costs very little, can be done almost anywhere, and is suitable for almost everyone, no matter how sedentary you may think you are.

Getting started on the running scene can be a physically and mentally daunting prospect, especially if you are out of shape. There’s also the common problem of fitting training into a busy lifestyle, around the kids or planning to run in”this heat!” However, becoming a runner doesn’t have to be hard or intensive, nor do you need to run a marathon to be a runner. This running guide will show you how to get off of the sofa, into those trainers and on to the journey to a fitter, happier, healthier you.

Pre-Run Checklist

Before you launch into your new running regime, consider the following: • Check with your doctor before starting any new fitness routine, especially if you haven’t exercised for some time • Invest in some running trainers—you will easily lose motivation if your feet are sore or you sustain an injury by wearing unsuitable footwear • Plan ahead to fit a running routine into your weekly schedule, maybe before breakfast to beat the heat, on a treadmill during your lunch break (yes, treadmills count), or when the kids have gone to bed—unless of course, you get them involved too • Set realistic goals or sign up for a sports event like a fun run. If you have a target to meet by a specific date, you are more likely to stay motivated and committed to your exercise routine • Keep track of your progress as you work up towards your goals

Spring 2019 | Issue 9

51

HEALTH

Ready, set, go!

One of the best ways to ease into a running routine is via a run to walk or “Couch to 5K” programme. This simple programme allows you to start slowly and build up to running. You begin by adding small segments of running to your walking regimen. Increase the running segments incrementally over the days and weeks that you train, until you are running for the duration of your training period.

For example, programmes often start with one minute of running and two minutes of walking repeated for at least three sets. By the second week, you increase running to two minutes and reduce your walking to one minute. Most programmes run for around eight weeks, requiring two to three days of running/walking exercises per week. This gradually builds you up from walking to running for 30 minutes continuously.

The majority of training programmes suggest warm up and cool down activities. It’s tempting to skip, but warming up helps get your body and mind ready for training, and cooling down helps bring your heart rate down and clear waste products, like lactic acid, from your muscles.

Both help prevent injury.

Typically, running coaches suggest a five- to 10-minute warm up and a five-minute cool down. A warm up can include walking and simple exercises, such as lunges, skipping and high-knee raises; a cool down usually consists of slow walking and some light stretching.

Stay Motivated

Use a training log. Maintaining a log adds structure to your training, and seeing how much progress you are making towards your goals will spur you on, especially at the end of the week when the TV, a takeaway and the sofa are calling your name.

Include rest days. Running is a high-impact sport and your body will need time to recover. It is better to run 52

two to three times per week, rather than run for six days in a row—which is a recipe for injury if you are a beginning runner.

Alternate routes and the surfaces you run on. There is nothing more monotonous than seeing the same view over and over again. Opt for different routes, especially with more challenging surfaces, to keep things fresh.

Listen to music. The ‘Rocky’ theme may not give your running a boost, but listening to upbeat songs will definitely distract you from the pounding of feet.

Avoid running during the hottest part of the day.

Running in the heat and humidity, with the right precautions, does improve fitness levels but when you are just starting out don’t make things more difficult for yourself. Try running first thing in the morning, when the sun goes down or use a treadmill indoors. Fitness Magazine suggests, “Run wherever you can, inside or out.

Getting into a regular routine is more important than the perfect solution”.

Go with a friend or a group. Hitting the pavement with others at conversational speed is great for keeping you company and providing you with a little competitive motivation. Also, it’s a great way to meet new people.

Try the Doha Bay Running Club for early morning and evening runs and training, or the Run Doha Run club for evening runs and ladies-only running on Saturday morning.

Run with your family. Getting your kids or partner involved in your training will not only give you time together and a sense of achieving your goals as a family team, but it also may be the perfect solution to any time constraints or childcare worries you have. It’s good for them too!

• Take them to watch fun runs and races, or to watch you run. Kids are more likely to join in if they see others having fun or achieving their goals

Getting kids involved

Essentially, kids are very similar to adults when it comes to sports. They too need realistic, achievable goals to work towards. Running needs to be made fun and it helps if there is a reward upon reaching their goals. Here are a couple of tips to motivate your offspring.

• Start a running log with your kids. They can set goals and follow their progress. You could even set up a reward system for their personal goals • Try taking them along to a kids’ running club or training session. Kids love participating in activities with children their own age, and it’s a great way for them to meet new friends. Doha Athletic Club provides indoor and outdoor training for kids from six to 18 years of age

• Start slowly. Don’t expect your kids to complete a full session when you first get them out with you • Play games around a track or park. Games such as relays, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, red light-green light or Simon Says, will keep them smiling throughout • Alternate training spots. Take the kids to different venues where they can train with you, but where there is also something for them afterwards, such as a park, a swimming pool or playground

• Once they have built up their stamina, achieved their goals or feel confident enough, enter them into a fun run. It should bring out their competitive side, and they’ll likely be hyped up for the upcoming event. If they’re lucky, they’ll get a free t-shirt or race souvenir, which is always an added bonus

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OPEN FOR ADMISSIONS To book a tour please visit our website or Telephone the Registrar: +974 4459 6400 or email at registrar@sherborneqatar.org www.sherborneqatar.org 53

HEALTH

Running Events in Doha

There are numerous annual running events in Qatar and many smaller running events that pop up throughout the year, especially on or around National Sports Day in February. Some events are free to join, while others require a joining fee that often goes towards a charitable cause. Smaller fun runs are generally all-day events that incorporate runs for the whole family, at varying distances and levels, as well as plenty of other activities and games.

Typically, event organisers include Aspire Zone, Doha College, Ooredoo, Qatar Foundation and Qatar Running Series. Keep an eye on the organisers’ websites or try entering “fun runs and races in Doha” into a search engine to find out when and where races and runs will be held.

One of the best events for beginners is The Colour Run held in January. This untimed 5K run is perfect for first timers, and there is even a one-kilometre version for the kids. A festival is held at the end of the run, so the whole family can enjoy a full day out. It’s too late to join the run this year, but get practicing now so you’ll be ready for 2020.

54

If you are feeling more confident in your running abilities, consider trying one of the Qatar Running Series or the Doha Marathon’s timed, 5K runs. Qatar Running Series events are held throughout the year and include races that kids can join too.

Whatever event you choose to take part in, or however you choose to take your new-found running skills, remember to stay inspired and have fun!

The beauty of running is that, if you are running regularly, you are a runner. Running is a sport, open to all ages and levels, which allows you to develop at your own rate.

Where to Run Al Bidda Park: This park has numerous trails laid out over three areas. There is also open-air gym equipment at various points along the trails Aspire Park: There are numerous trails across this enormous park, the longest loop being 5km. This is also one of the meeting points for the Doha Bay Running and Run Doha Run Clubs Doha Festival City Outdoor Leisure Trail: This track boasts a 4.5-km running and biking trail that loops around the outside of the mall Oxygen Park: Featuring a 1-km looped track with shaded and cooled stretches, this park also maintains dedicated sports facilities for Education City The Corniche: Favoured by the Doha Bay Running Club, this is one of the most popular places to run in Doha. It is 5km from West Bay to the Pearl Monument, making it perfect to practice for a fun run!

Alternatively, you can run in any of Doha’s parks, along the boulevards of the Pearl, or even along the bike track on Ras Abu Abboud Street. Use an app such as VIBRANT,out longdistances ESTABLISHED BRITISH Embassy sponsored Map My Run “A to measure if necessary.

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55

LIVING IN DOHA

Running Apps You can find training plans from any number of running apps that are available for most tablets and phones. Apps are useful for helping you track your progress, as a guide while training, or as a motivational tool. We found the following training apps were easy to use, tracked workouts, showed progression against goals and included plans for improving fitness:

Dr Mandy Abushama, MD FRCOG, DFFP, Dobs Ultrasound, Obstetrics and Gynaecology

• Map My Run by Under Armour (Apple, Android) • Runkeeper—GPS Running Tracker (Apple, Android) • Strava: Run, Ride, Swim (Apple, Android) • Pacer Pedometer & Step Tracker (Apple, Android) • Seconds Interval Timer HIIT (Apple) • C25K 5K Trainer (Apple, Android)

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

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By appointment tel 44756369/70 fax 44756367 380 Markhiya Street Doha, Qatar TheFetomaternalCentre dohafetomaternalcentre 56

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

@FetoMaternalCentre

Dr. Amin Gafar FRCOG Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist Fertility specialist

Sara Jamal Ali Saeed Dietitian

Luxury Camping in the Desert

by Gillian Gibson

58

LIVING IN DOHA

M

y first experience of camping years ago was in a tent with no in-built groundsheet.

We slept wrapped in blankets and woke in the morning to find the inside of the tent covered in a horrifying number of creepy crawlies.

Fortunately, over the years camping has become more and more sophisticated. Tents now come in all shapes and sizes, and mercifully with in-built groundsheets and insect screens. However, what do you do if you want to go camping, but you’re still not ready to sacrifice the creature comforts of home? Try “glamping” of course.

Glamping—a blend of the words glamorous and camping—is a relatively new concept. “Glampers” are provided with the option to camp, but without forgoing any of life’s little luxuries. They can relax in tents, tepees, yurts, huts, cabins and treehouses, many adorned with some of camping’s less traditional amenities like double beds, carpeted floors and Nespresso machines. Glamping offers access to the great outdoors while treating guests to a host of useful facilities such as electricity, toilets, showers, air-conditioning and heating. Many glamp-sites also offer hot, cooked food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as entertainment and activity options.

In Qatar, 365 Adventures and Regency Sealine Camp offer overnight glamping packages, where glampers

stay in an Arabian-style, modern resort by the ocean.

Accommodation is in large Bedouin-style tents, each with a sturdy wooden door, Persian carpets, and Arabian-style wall drapes. Rooms are furnished with king-sized and single beds, dressers and bedside tables. En-suite bathroom facilities are provided for each tent, along with bathrobes, slippers, toiletries and towels. Rooms also have electric lighting, mini refrigerators, air conditioning and heating. Alongside the accommodation, communal areas for relaxing, eating and socialising are provided, such as carpeted lounge areas with comfy sofas, cabanas by the sea and a majlis round an open firepit. Kids are well-catered for with playground facilities, football and volleyball nets, sandboards and video gaming to keep them thoroughly entertained. Some tour companies provide pick up and drop off in Doha, camel riding, falcon handling and dune bashing, and stop-offs at scenic locations for photo opportunities.

If you are considering taking a trip into the desert and would like to try an organised glamping experience, check out the following information on trips and tours available in Qatar: Getting there: Tour companies generally provide pick up and drop off services within Doha city limits and can take up to five passengers per vehicle. Pick up and drop off points can be arranged when booking. Pick up is usually around 2pm and drop off around noon the next day. Arrival at the camp, after desert activities and sightseeing, is around 4–5pm.

Activities: Packages vary per company, but camel riding, falcon handling and dune bashing are often included in the package price for overnight luxury stays. Additional activities at the camp, such as football, volleyball and sandboarding are also typically complimentary.

Children aged four to six years can join in the various activities but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Pregnant women are also advised not to undertake the more strenuous activities on offer.

Dune bashing can be tailored to suit the occupants on-board, a gentle drive can be requested.

59

LIVING IN DOHA

We caught up with one local mum, Chantal Govender, to talk about her family’s glamping encounter in Qatar.

Why did you choose to glamping over camping?

We wanted to camp in the desert, but we didn’t have all of the equipment for camping on our own, and with one of our kids being quite young (18 months), we thought it would be much more relaxing to go with an organised tour group. Since we didn’t need to take anything other than an overnight bag, and we didn’t need to worry about pitching a tent or cooking, we were able to relax and enjoy the experience with the kids.

What amenities and services were provided at your glamp-site?

The site we stayed on was great. Stepping into our tent was like walking into a hotel room. We had a huge double bed, beds for the kids (including a cot for the youngest), tea and coffeemaking facilities, and an en-suite bathroom. The campsite was clean and spacious, and we were able to swim, relax under gazebos on the beach, and when we’d had enough of the beach the kids were able to watch a bit of TV in the room. It was a very relaxing experience, and for the first time camping, I slept like a baby.

We really enjoyed the food at the site. We had a BBQ buffet in the evening, which was a great option for the kids as there was plenty of choices.

The option of eating at a private table was available, but we opted for eating around the firepit with all of the other campers. It was very sociable. We met another group of families with kids, which was perfect as the kids were all able to play together.

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What additional activities were available for you to do on your trip?

We visited the Inland Sea, which was beautiful.

We tried out camel riding, which was really good fun. And, though dune bashing was an option on the trip, we went for a gentle drive instead as dune bashing is not allowed with very young children.

Likewise, my youngest wasn’t able to ride on the camels either, but it’s something we can try again when he’s older. My eldest (12-years-old) was able to try all of the activities on offer.

What was your favourite aspect of the trip?

I enjoyed the whole trip. It was wellorganised, the site and accommodation were clean and comfortable, and the food was good.

However, I enjoyed the facilities the most.

Sleeping on a bed, having a private bathroom, and modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, made the trip so much easier and more relaxing than it would have been camping on our own.

What did your kids enjoy most about glamping?

My eldest loved the camel riding and sand boarding. We were able to use sandboards at the site, and he had an absolute blast. There was a small play park on site that my youngest enjoyed, but having the sandboarding option for the eldest meant that he was entertained too.

Do you have any tips for families planning to try out glamping for the first time?

Glamping is a great way to see and experience the desert, especially the sky at night—it’s beautiful.

You need to take very little as everything is provided for you. However, if you have kids, I would recommend taking a few snacks for in-between meals just in case they get a bit peckish.

Photo provided by Chantal Govender

Doha Family in the Desert

Photo provided by Regency Sealine Camp

Accommodation: Rooms are provided with both a king-sized bed and two single beds. An additional roll-away bed or baby cot can be provided on request.

The maximum number of occupants per tent is ďŹ ve.

In addition to the air conditioning, heating, plug sockets and lighting provided in each tent, you can also enjoy TV and free internet access.

Costs: The cost of an overnight glamping trip varies depending on the tour operator, the type of package you chose, whether the trip is taken during the week or at the weekend, and the number of people in your party. In general, the bigger the party number, the lower the overall cost per person. For a family of four the cost for one night, half-board camping with pick up and drop off and activities is upwards of QR 3,000.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are available at the camp. Overnight luxury camping packages include a BBQ buffet and a continental breakfast. Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are complimentary.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget: While nearly all of your needs will be covered on a luxury overnight camp in the desert, you still want to pack the following: sunscreen, a hat, a camera, swimwear and a warm jumper for the evening.

Glamping Companies 365 Adventures 365adventures.me Regency Sealine Camp regencysealinecamp.com

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For Kids Homemade Butter An edible science activity

by Zahra Thandi Did you know that you can make butter from home?

The science of butter

Cream consists mainly of water and fat. Butter is made from the fat in cream. Fat does not dissolve in water, so it is held in a suspension. It’s hard to tell when you look at cream, but the fat is actually floating as little globules in the cream—imagine lots of fat-filled balloons. These globules help make cream thick.

When you shake cream, these fat balloons bump into one another and break, combining the fat into bigger globules. The more you shake, the bigger the globule, and because fat does not dissolve in water, the fat, or butter, stays separate.

This experiment should take around 15 minutes. You need strong arms to shake the jar so enlist someone to help in case you get tired.

Equipment • 250ml of double cream, heavy cream or whipping cream; any brand will do, but you want at least 36% butterfat • A clean, 500ml-volume jar with a tightfitting lid; glass works best • Two containers to store the milk and buttermilk • Pinch of salt

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Method

Step 1 Pour the cream into the jar. It should be no more than halfway filled.

Step 2 Secure the lid and turn upside down over the sink to make sure there are no leaks. You will notice that the cream coats the sides of the jar.

Step 3 Turn on your favourite upbeat music and dance, dab, floss and shake. Make sure your dancing involves shaking the jar vigorously!

Step 4 After dancing for about 8–10 minutes, open up your jar to check on your butter. You should see a big lump of yellow butter in the middle. If you can’t see this yet, you will need to resume dancing for another five minutes. The butter is ready when you see a bright yellow solid glob swimming in a pale liquid—this is the buttermilk.

FUN

Step 5 Carefully pour the buttermilk into one of the storage containers. This can be used to make pancakes and cookies, or you can drink it.

Step 6 Now just the butter should be left in the bottom of your jar. Using a spoon, press the butter to remove any extra liquid, making sure to save any excess liquid in the first container.

Step 7 Add a pinch of salt to your butter and mix it well.

Place the butter in the second container and press it down to the bottom. Place both containers in the refrigerator.

The butter will be ready to eat once it has chilled, usually a few hours. Both the buttermilk and the butter should keep in the fridge for a few weeks.

Get creative

Butter stamps were a traditional way of marking butter. Create your own butter mark by making a potato stamper—maybe a flower or your initials?

Dip the stamp in cold water then press it onto the butter before you refrigerate it

And that’s it! Smooth, creamy, delicious homemade butter all from shaking cream in a jar! How cool is that?

Sponsored by: Zahra works as the Head of Science at King’s College Doha teaching science to Year 3 and above. She loves creating opportunities to generate those ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ moments in her lessons. She knows these moments motivate her pupils to extend their learning beyond the classroom and hopefully aspire to become the scientists of the future.

A First-Class British Independent School

Enrol now for academic year 2019/2020 kingscollegedoha.com 63

Bumps & Babies Directory ANTENATAL & POSTNATAL SUPPORT

SERVICES

CONTACT

Amy Kathleen Gieson

Doula Antenatal and Postnatal Services, Birthing, Antenatal Classes, Lactation Consultant

3329-3939

Anahi Brown

Baby Blues, Life Coach, Nutrition

info@anahibrown.com

Anne Westerhoven-den Ouden

Osteopath, Antenatal and Postnatal Issues (back, hip, pelvis), Infant Issues (reflux, colic, discomfort)

4466-1318

Caroline Scott-Gale

Fertility and Maternity Reflexology

6660-5432

Carolyn Pollard Ella Bek

Antenatal and Postnatal Homeopathy, Infant Homeopathy, Emotional Support Doula Antenatal and Postnatal Services, Birthing, Antenatal Classes, Breastfeeding, Baby Blues

pollardspost@gmail.com 5086-2525

Embrace Female Fitness @ The Hub

Postnatal Exercise, Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

sonia@embracefemalefitness.com

FetoMaternal Centre

Antenatal Classes, Breastfeeding Consulation

4475-6369/67

Lactation Matters (Patience Midwife)

Antenatal Classes, Lactation Consultant

6693-5132

Midwifery Services (Charlene Brodie)

Lactation Consultant, Antenatal Classes

5592-3979

Najla Alkuwari

Phone- and Text-based Breastfeeding Support (on maternity leave until Summer 2019)

5545-4995

Nurin Abdul

Antenatal and Postnatal Massage

5039-7821

Pauline Genevrois

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

4466-1318

Precision Cellular Storage

Cord Blood Banking

4404-9024

Yama Yoga Studios (Veena Rabadia)

Antenatal and Postnatal Yoga, Baby Massage, Antenatal Classes

6617-5802

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LIVING IN DOHA

MUMMY & ME CLASSES

CLASS TYPE

CONTACT

Aspire Active

Sensory Classes

4413-6219

Baby Bojangles

Music Classes

facebook.com/BabyBojanglesDoha

Finnatic Swim School

Swim Classes

ďŹ nnaticswim@gmail.com

Funk N Play

Sensory Classes

6610-7979

Gymboree Play & Music Doha

Music Classes

4020-6413

H2O Swim Club

Swim Classes

5564-1475

Kindermusik with Juanita

Music Classes

3334-7173

Legacy Swim Academy at The Grand Hyatt

Swim Classes

6661-4139

Magic Tree Music

Music Classes

3093-5917

MyGym Qatar

Sensory Classes

4464-1429

Teeny Tunes Doha

Music Classes

7078-9902

Tunes 4 Tots

Music Classes

6634-8041

Elite Swim Academy

Mummy/baby Swim Classes

6699-3325

FAMILY, MATERNITY & PHONE NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHERS

WEBSITE

Alicja Kalinska Photography

7070-7183

alicjakalinskaphotography.com

AmaR Photography Qatar

7049-1080

familyphotographyqatar.com

CheekyC Photography

6664-2490

cheekyc.com

Juliette Sawyer Photography

7791-0298

juliettesawyer.com

Little Stars Photography & Design

5010-0819

littlestarspd.com

Mariana Photography

6675-4219

marianaphotography.eu

Monisha Gururani Photography

3349-1160

facebook.com/monishagururani

Najla Nabil

5513-4681

facebook.com/najlanabilphotography

Snehal Jatale Photography

5053-0042

facebook.com/snehaljatalephotography

Tobiden Photography

7449-6150

facebook.com/tobidenphotography

Zahra Qaiser

3300-5411

zahraqaiser.com 65

Marketplace dblossoms events Event Planner & Chocolatier dblossoms.chocolates@gmail.com T: 5540 8142 dblossoms

BOOK NOOK DOHA POP-UP CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE

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Lux Drive

• Reliable lady driver • Wi-Fi • Water & snacks • For women, children & business clientele Contact Thembi Fula on +974 3347 2112 WhatsApp +974 566 820 117

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Assisted journey to extraordinary love Integrative Intimacy & Relationships Coach

info@mariaelizabethsho.com mariaelizabethsho @Lovecoachqatar 66

ASDoha Celebrating

2018

1988

American School of Doha One Community Learning Together

Now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year

Apply Online â&#x20AC;¢ asd.sch.qa #ASDohaTurns30