WIN!
AN IFTA R MYSTE FOR TWO AT RIOUS 5 A LOCATI -STAR O SEE PA N! GE 31
JULY 2013 | VOL 3 | ISSUE 3 | BD1 | SR10
RAMADAN
eat, pray, give YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE HOLY MONTH
THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR
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Content
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CULTURE 26. Ramadan 101
Our cover story this month will give you the low-down on everything Ramadan, from the do’s and don’ts to the best iftars and sohours around. Get ready for one busy schedule!
ART 36. Curator’s Call
QMA’s competition to find the world’s next talented curator
38. From Artist to Collector We take a look at the journey that art takes this month
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Hop On Hop Off
TECHNOLOGY 46. Windows 8
Is Microsoft’s new OS an evolution or revolution?
50. Pathfinder
Doha’s funky new ride about town will take you around the city for an awesome cool day of sightseeing
Find out what Ali Driver thinks of the new CUV
20 Camps for Kids
We have got the perfect schedule to keep those little ones busy all summer long. From art classes to sports courses, it’s an activity buzzing month ahead
FASHION 56. Amina K
Our Arab designer focus takes us to Egypt
22 Lend a Hand
68. Summer Lovin’
A bit of charity goes a long way. Get ready to help out with our roundup of great people helping things to do this month FACT Magazine M.E.
Spring/Summer 2013 from the American fashion brand Gap
| Qatar Edition | JULY 2013
|
Volume 3, Issue 3
Chairman Mubarak Bin Rashed Al Khalifa
Designer Rashed Bindaina
Chief Operation Officer Rami Khalil
Photography Contributors Rashed Bindaina
General Manager Hussein A. Zreik
Regional Head of Sales Laura Alvarez Sales Manager Johanna Romero
Editor Dina Kabbani (dina@factlive.com) Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Creative Director Paula Leal
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES E-mail: laura@factlive.com Tel: +974 6624 1964 Distributed in Qatar by Arabian Establishment
All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.
www.fact-magazine.com Scan the QR Code to get all the up-to-theminute news on FACT magazine and the people behind it...
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The editor
My favourite story this issue RAMADAN 101 I don’t know whether it’s the festive spirit that gets to me all the time, but I absolutely LOVE Ramadan. I can’t wait to hit all the Iftar and Sohour tents around town; the city will definitely be buzzing this month! Check out our guide inside that will keep your social calendar busy.
First times.… Dina Kabbani Editor
dina@factlive.com
I
t’s weird how one experiences new things all the time. You think you’ve been everywhere, done everything and then BAM you’re hit in the face with a new experience! For me that came exactly one month ago: I moved to Qatar. Yes it’s been a whirlwind of activity, packing up my life from one place and setting it up in another. But I have to admit I love the feeling of discovering new things for the first time. I’m now living an on going slew of firsts; first time to hold an actual falcon, swim in the Gulf sea and visit more malls in one day than I have my entire life! Who exactly is the new Editor of FACT? A somewhat talented being, known to be always on time, has a problem with people who aren’t, is an overbearing perfectionist with an OCD cleaning problem, and has a bunch of ideas that need to be put down on paper! So with that out of the way, let me jump into our July issue packed with everything you need to know about this awesome month. If you’ve already spotted it around town (it really is hard not to with that canary yellow) the new Hop on Hop off bus is the 6
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capital’s first touring bus of its kind. Finally you can see what Doha is all about with the new cool funky ride that visits all the mustsee spots in town (see pages 8 & 9). Whether its your first Ramadan or not, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to the holy month in Ramadan 101 (see pages 26 to 32). We’ve tried our best to round up the must-know tid-bits as well as the best Iftars, Sohours and cultural events about town to keep you all well entertained. And with it being the month of giving, our ‘Lend a Hand’ feature (pages 22 & 23) will show you just how you can help out and give back to the community.
News from the FACT Penthouse Have we got a treat for you! Joining us all the way from England is new FACT Bahrain Editor Shabana Adam. An avid foodie and travel junkie; Shabana is the perfect new addition to our crazy FACT family. Welcome on board Shabs!
Image of the Month
On another note, we delve into the world of fashion with a look at one of the region’s budding young designers, this time all the way from Egypt (pages 56 to 59). Don’t forget to also check out our favourite monthly trends (pages 60 to 63). Ramadan Kareem everyone! PS: Please do drop me a line at dina@ factlive.com and let me know if you’ve experienced anything for the first time recently.
I loved writing about the talented Amina Khalil whose use of traditional material is an awesome way of representing Middle Eastern culture in modern day fashion on page 56.
EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN AT HILTON DOHA Book your stay during Ramadan at Hilton Doha and experience the sights, sounds and flavours of the month. Enjoy breathtaking views across the Arabian Gulf from any of our 309 rooms and suites. Delight in our majestic spread for Iftar and Sohour as you enjoy listening to the live Arabian band and puff on your favourite shisha flavour. Starting from QR 700 Iftar QR 200 per person Sohour QR 270 per person For room reservations, please visit hilton.com or call +974 4423 3333
FACT JUly © Hilton Worldwide 2013. *offer is based on single occupancy per room, per night, Valid during Ramadan 2013 and is subject to availability. This Offer is not valid with any other offer or promotion.
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Hop On or Hop Off 06
It’s big, it’s yellow; it’s the Doha Bus! Get ready to experience our favourite city in the hottest and coolest ride about town, it’s time to get hopping!
You’ve probably spotted it around town; with its bright canary colour and funky design it really is hard to miss. The first touring bus of its kind, the new Hop on Hop off bus, seems to be the perfect way to discover the city one stop at a time. So if you’re looking to discover the Qatari capital, jump on the bus at 8
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any of its stops and get ready for some awesome sightseeing. A fun packed day is what’s in store for you once you hop on the Doha bus. As soon as you get on you’re provided with a state of the art commentary system for the trip. Not only will you get all the information you need about the city, but you’ll
feel a part of every location you visit with the guide’s colourful background effects and music. Coming in seven different languages including English, Arabic, French, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Portuguese, no one is left behind! The bus provides a map at the beginning of the tour for its route,
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SNIPPETS OF THE MONTH
“It seemed like a good idea to re-cycle the colourful banners from the exhibition, so we decided to convert them into Tote bags and donate them for charity” Orientalist Museum’s Head of Operations Mr. Kabir Abdulrazak quoted on collaborating with Qatar Charity to recycle art material for the Afrehom charity project
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Doha Bus Route 01
Marriott Hotel
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Sharq Village
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Fisherman’s Stop
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Salata Park
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Museum of Islamic Art
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Souq Waqif
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Corniche Stop
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Rumailah Park
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Corniche Stop
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Sheraton Park
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Sheraton Hotel
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Salam Mall
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City Center
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Hilton Stop
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InterContinental Stop
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Katara
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Lagoona / ZigZag Towers
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The Pearl
18 mapping out all the different areas it will stop by. Hop off at anytime and at any stop to explore the different sites at your own leisurely pace. After you’re done, all you need to do is return back to where you got off and hop back on to continue the tour. This method of sightseeing really is the answer for those wanting to wander about without the strings of being part of a large guided group. The tour stops by some of Doha’s most famous sites, like the ever-bustling Souq Waqif and the new modern looking Museum of Islamic art, showing you both the past and present sides of the wonderful gulf city. GO: Buy your tickets online at www.dohabus.com or purchase them on the day of the tour from a member of the Doha Bus Staff at any one of the Doha Bus boarding points. Prices are QR180 for adults, QR90 for children ages 5 to 15 and QR455 for Family tickets. Call 4442 2444 for more information.
EAST MEETS WEST: After their major hit last summer, the Cirque du Soleil team will be returning to Doha this September. The Canadian company will perform their fantastic show Dralion at the Aspire Dome.
879,039 CARS: The amount of vehicles now on the roads of Doha. The number has increased by 200,000 since 2010 according to MOI figures; it’s no wonder traffic is impossible these days!
WORLD CUP: For the 2022 FIFA World Cup Zaha Hadid Architects have been appointed to design a new stadium in the city of Al Wakrah that will seat up to 45,000 spectators. FACT JUly
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Zara’s RANT of the Month
‘How do you make goodbyes easier?’
The question everyone wishes they could answer I have never been very good at goodbyes. My sister left just over a year ago, my best friend followed closely after, my old Editor Katy left last month, as did my Bahrain Editor Tony and now it is my turn to take my leave from FACT.
departure from the magazine is where I will leave a big chunk of my time in the country behind. Saying that, perhaps what I have learnt the most from being here is: never turn up to a meeting on time – guaranteed they won’t turn up on time; always bring back enough Haribo after a trip abroad – desperate times call for a shed load of foamy hearts and eggs; throw all your driving habits out of the window – my Saudi swerve really is spot on; and finally, there really is SO much to do here in Qatar, despite everyone complaining there isn’t!
What a complete whirlwind the last 18 months have been. I have cried, laughed (mainly thanks to the designer Rashed), screamed, almost jumped out of the window… Everything you can think of, I have done it. I have met some extraordinary people, some interesting people, some very strange people and some people I would now consider as friends for life. I have interviewed some of Qatar’s most influential icons, up and coming artists and musicians, sportsmen and women, chefs and so many more. FACT has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. And for that I am thankful.
So this is me, saying goodbye to you. This is me saying thank you for your endless support, thank you for reading and thank you for being a loyal FACT fan. In the words of Peter Pan “never say goodbye. Because goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting.”
Although I am planning on staying around Qatar and the GCC for the next few years to come, in a way my
Hate It
Restrictions on Expat Licenses
THE SCOPE
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Trying to improve Qatar’s everincreasing traffic situation, a joint government committee has proposed the idea of restricting licenses for new expat drivers. The projected plan is to issue only certain foreign workers from certain categories licenses based on their profession. Nothing is set in stone yet, it’s all still up in the air so we’ll keep you posted.
Love It
Qatar’s First Rotation Curation
Taking country branding to a whole new level, Qatar has finally welcomed its first rotation curation Twitter account, @WeAreQatar. Every week, a new curator tweets from the account, giving us insight to their corporation and their work. Paula Crook (@ KiwiPaula) is the inaugural curator this month and is actually the brains behind the idea of @WeAreQatar. So check it out!
Can’t Believe It
Final Days for Souq Haraj?
Known as the second-hand souq, the quirky and bargain filled Souq Haraj might be facing its last days. The word around town is that the market faces demolition and will be replaced by a huge commercial complex featuring two new hotels. The shops in the souq will be shifted to another area, the location still to be decided.
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Social Media.
@
We’ve been paying attention to your social feeds peeps and we like what we see… Here we’re sharing a few of our favourites.
THIS MONTH IN QATAR
SHARED BY QATAR UK 2013
Want to win a dinner for two at Carluccios? Where does Chef Khamis from OUR CHEF’S TABLE COME FROM? SEND YOUR ANSWER TO dina@factlive.com
Just Here Did you know cycling without a helmet is punishable in Qatar? #justhere
The Paki Next Door Redbull + Physics = Concentration. #Qatar #Doha
“Qatari films showcased at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival”
COMPETITION! Mathew Carley@ Being outside in Doha right now is like standing in front of a blowdryer. With sand.
Amy Bambridge I can’t work technology any more. I am the wrong side of the curve. It’s all downhill from here. I don’t even know about BluRay.
Khalifa Happy Father’s Day everyone. Well except for Batman. And Simba. Now I’m sad. :(
Mally Ahmed #Ramadan is about so much more than fasting from food and drink. It teaches us to starve our egos and feed our souls.
Bex Collins makes me laugh when people reply to celebrities tweets like they know them #embarrassing
APP of the month Zeina #Ronaldo in a #kfc ad still shocks me every time I see it! So wrong from all angles.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACT_Qatar
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Lightt
Get ready to capture, connect and share your life’s biggest and smallest moments in video with the new Lightt app. With its easy interface, you’ll find it simple to make beautiful videos wherever you go. Create various channels to upload an unlimited amount of clips and store them for access anytime. Afterwards, organize your videos and enjoy watching them as continuous movies.
Find this dapper looking fellow chilling out somewhere in the magazine. Email me at editor@factlive.com as soon as you spot him and get the chance to win a Nokia Lumia 920!
INTRODUCING The All-new 2014
The PURE FORM OF SPORTS DRIVING Discover the real rewards of the road with Mazda6, the new benchmark sports sedan. Every single aspect of Mazda6 is designed to heighten your driving pleasure. The breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY delivers pulse-pounding performance in terms of linearity in acceleration, cornering and braking along with remarkable fuel efficiency. An appeal that’s further enhanced by the integrated pro-active safety suite from Mazda, the i-ACTIVSENSE, enabling you to anticipate and avoid hazards on the road. The new Mazda6. It takes unity between car and driver to a higher level. Available in SKYACTIV G 2.0 & 2.5 engines in high, mid and base options.
MADE IN JAPAN
Tel: 44321424 Email: info@mazda-qatar.com
www.mazda-qatar.com
NEW MAZDA SHOWROOM FACTA JUly 13 Now Open 7 Days Week
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THE DOHA MINUTE
“My family love to cook, so you’ll find us in the kitchen most of the time” With the holy month upon us and food constantly on our mind, we hunted down the best oriental sweet maker in town and picked his brain on why he loves the Qatari capital and where he is on his day off. PROFILE Who: Bilal El Dik | Job: Oriental Chef at La Cigale Hotel From: Lebanon | Been in Doha: Six years What brought you initially to Qatar?
I’ve moved around quite a lot in my career and was offered a job here at La Cigale, a Lebanese hotel that was just opening in town. I worked as a junior chef at first, moving around a lot in the kitchen and getting my skills up to par, now six years later I proudly hold the position of Oriental Chef. Tell us more about what you do…
I think the title says it all! Well, the cuisine I handle obliviously is oriental and for the month of Ramadan I’m preparing a special menu with famous traditional dishes and signature desserts. Here at La Cigale we produce our desserts fresh and on a daily basis, and I’m proud to say that if you have a sweet tooth then look no further, we are the best in town! What are the things you love about the country?
From the moment I came, i noticed that everyone here is respectful and courteous to one another, which I admire. And the high level of safety makes me more comfortable and at ease living far from home; it’s a great environment to raise a family. Describe your ideal day off here…
I’m a big fitness fanatic and with my busy work schedule it’s hard to get anytime at the gym. So whenever I have a free moment I try and squeeze in an hour or so of training. I also love spending time with my wife and kids, and our favourite spot this summer definitely has to be the aqua park, the perfect place for cooling off and enjoying some quality time as well. Check out Chef Bilal’s personal recipe for the popular Ramadan dessert Namoura/Basbousa in our Ramadan 101 pg 26-32. 14
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The Time to Give
Pretty Little Things If you’re ever at the Museum of Islamic Art don’t forget to pass by their gift shop. A must-see, the store is quite the gem located on the ground floor at the museum, full of unique exclusively designed memorabilia inspired by the museum’s magnificent collections. Every few months you’ll find a specially made collection for the MIA featuring world-renown designers. Currently at the gift-shop is a jewellery line made solely for the MIA by the Greek based
brand Apriati. The concept behind each piece comes inspired from traditional Qatari culture elements like the desert flower, pearl, bird and Arabic coffee pot, as well as one of the masterpieces at the museum ‘The Fountain Hind’. The end result is a collection that reflects the cultural connections of the MIA and acts as an ambassador of the museum. Go: Visist www.mia.org.qa or www.apriati.com for more information
Finding new charity initiatives popping up all the time is a positive sign that the world is still in good hands. And the people at Doha news are leading by example.The wonderful team has partnered with the ever popular crowd-funding site SocialFund.org and have launched The Doha fund, a new charity initiative aimed at bringing the capital’s community together, uniting both Qataris and expatriates for a worthy cause. People can join the fund for QR 20 a month, and everyone donating gets to nominate the charity of their choice. Nominations then are voted for in a democratic process and the charity that receives the majority ofvotes gets the funding. This process takes place every six months, giving the chance for various charities to receive the financial support they need. Over 1.8 million charities can be funded by SocialFund.org. Go: Visist www.socialfund.org for more information
Connecting Cultures
All That Jazz Get Ready for Some Soul If you haven’t been to the InterContinental Doha for some food then you’re definitely missing out. Serving some of the best seafood in town, the InterContinental Doha’s Fish Market is the place to be for the avid fish lover. Every day except Saturday enjoy the smooth music from their Jazzy Soul Band, a three-piece band composed of saxophonist, pianist and female vocalist. Perfect way to end a long day and relax with a background of sweet jazz and incredible views of the city. GO: For reservations call 4484 4444
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Part of the Qatar UK 2013, the year long cultural exchange programme between the State of Qatar and the United Kingdom, this july welcomes the first Ehtifal event of its kind. A day of drop-in collective activities at the Serpentine Gallery, “Create a Landscape” is directed at families and small children to join and create a fantasy landscape that links England’s famous Hyde Park to Qatar. Go: Check out the event on 6th July
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NY Internship Opportunity
Cyber War Drama As Qatar’s international presence grows on the worldwide business scene, some of its companies have recently been facing sophisticated cyber-attacks. The problem has reached a point where various highprofile organisations have had their computer systems and email accounts compromised. A new style of hacking, attackers are now using a complex hard-to-detect system to break through firewalls. That’s why Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading provider of telecommunications
and network security solutions, has teamed up with Arbor Networks Partner to launch a new network security solution to help all businesses fight off cyber-attacks. For the new line of cyber defence, the duo’s security solutions will work on monitoring business’ Internet services, working on detecting both internal smaller-scale attacks within the enterprise’s environment as well as the external large-scale attacks from the outside world.
Regional Design PopUps at Katara Following the success of the Beirut Design Pop-Up store, Katara Art Center (KAC) is returning with more design from across the region with the introduction of the new dXb store. The Pop-Up series was created to expose Doha-based designers and enthusiasts to the creative and numerous routes that designers take in creating work for the public. It aims to educate and inspire homegrown talent to search and support our region’s various independent designs in an engaging manner. GO: The DXB is open until 1st August
It seems that Qatar Foundation never stops trying to provide fantastic chances and experiences to help its youth progress. This summer they’ve teamed up with The Economist Group (TEG) to run a competition to send six lucky students to The Economist Group’s offices in New York City on a three-week Education Connections’ internship program. Entrants will have to submit an essay answering the question of ‘How they would contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030.’ The purpose behind the contest is to provide students with valuable work experience in one of the world’s leading events and media group. The students will get the chance to learn everything about event management, and will get to assist on various tasks from producing written pieces and conducting research to event agenda creation and social media activity. Winners will be announced 7th July and will be flown out to New York from 10-31 August. GO: Visit www.qf.org.qa/ exciting-internshipopportunity-innew-york
Educational Communication
This year Doha is the lucky country to host the 20th Annual iEARN International Conference and 17th Annual Youth Summit. The conference, which will cover topics like environment, cultural diversity and communication technologies, brings together hundreds of educators, students, administrators and partner organizations from 50-70 countries under one roof. The goal of the summit is to share and explore how all these people are using technology to build global understanding and enhance teaching and learning. FACT JUly
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Getting Out and About THIS MONTH IN QATAR
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Ramadan is finally here! Get together with family and friends and welcome in the holy night with a wonderful Iftar or Sohour. Check out our Ramadan special starting pg26 for places to go.
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WEDNESDAY
MONDAY
It’s Crazy Monday at the W’s Crystal Lounge. Get ready to dance to serious good music from Residence DJ Tobias & DJ Baz from 11pm to 2am. Crystal members receive 25 per cent discount. Call 4453 5135
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TUESDAY
Head to the InterContinental Doha the City for a business lunch at their famous Square restaurant. Enjoy a three-course lunch for QR 88. Call 4015 8888
The Six Senses Spa starts its promotional onemonth membership offer. Get access to pools, beach and Spa facilities until August 7th. Call 4425 6999
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Join Isaan for one last amazing Thai brunch before it closes up for the month of Ramadan, for QR 250 or QR 395. Call 4448 1250
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SATURDAY
For all you rugby lovers, head over to Champions to watch the British & Irish Lions kick off at 1pm. Call 4419 6100
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WEDNESDAY
Yes it’s Ladies Night! Grab the girls and go to the InterContinental Doha for a night of unlimited complimentary selected drinks starting 10pm until late. Live band and Dj. Call 4484 4444
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THURSDAY
Explore Arab London’s literary & artistic heritage with “Pop-Up Mathaf: Mapping Arab Literature in London” @Mathaf.
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TUESDAY
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SUNDAY
Welcome in the week with Happy hour at the Kempinski’s Lounge. Kick back and relax all while enjoying a special 50 per cent discount on selected drinks and menu items. Call 4405 3325
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MONDAY
Unwind after a long day’s work at the Madison Piano Bar and enjoy the live Arabic music from La Cigale’s one-man-show Chadi El Basha. Call 4428 8665
End the week with some of the town’s best shisha at the Sharq Village’s Al Qareb. Enjoy the hubbly bubbly along with a variety of exotic tea flavours from 8pm to 2am. Call 4425 6666
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FRIDAY
Enjoy a night out with the family for Iftar at the Grand Hyatt’s Ramadanak Tent. Bring your apetetite though as their lavish Arabic buffet will have you stuffed in no time. Call 4448 1234
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SATURDAY
If you haven’t caught the Steel and Gold exhibition at the MIA, then today’s the perfect day to spend soaking in some culture. Visit www.mia.org.qa
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SUNDAY
Why not head over to Aspire Park to watch the start of their Ramadan Sports Festival. The festival will include competitions in football, beach soccer, handball, volleyball and radio controlled car racing. Visit www.aspirezone.qa
There are so many exciting events going on in Doha these days. So, we’ve put together an events calendar for the entire month, just for you! It’s interesting and never boring… This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!).
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MONDAY
All month whenever you buy fresh bakery products from the Kempinski’s Gourmet House between 7pm to 9pm you receive 50 per cent off. Call 4405 3326
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SUNDAY
Calling all pizza lovers! Head over to the WestEnd Doha’s Cucina and order any QR55 pizza and receive a complimentary antipasto platter. Call 4419 6100
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MONDAY
Take the little ones over to Katara Cultural Village for a reading of Ramadan inspired children books as well as drawing activities at the Maktaba Children’s Library. Starts at 12pm
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FRIDAY
Soak in the rich culture of Souq Waqif with Sohour at one of the lovely boutique hotels there. From Lebanese to Moroccan cuisine, they’ve got you covered. Call 4433 6666
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SATURDAY
Grab your friends and head over to one of the malls for some weekend shopping. With the weather being so hot it’s the perfect escape.
TUESDAY
Katara Cultural Village hosts a night of poetry and storytelling all about Ramadan. Come read your own writings at 9pm, all languages are welcome.
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THURSDAY
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Feeling sluggish? Catch a quick class of yoga for a mid-week boost at the Yama yoga Studios. Visit www.yamayogastudios.com
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FRIDAY
Start your weekend by doing good for others. Head over to the Hope Qatar foundation and lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. It’s Ramadan after all. Visit www.hope-qatar.org
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SATURDAY
The souq comes alive at night and is the perfect setting to spend a Saturday in. Go for some great shisha and people watching! at Damascus restaurant. Call 4475 9088
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FRIDAY
Spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at Mathaf checking out their latest exhibition “Selections from the Collection”
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If you haven’t been to see the Aspire Sports Festival, well today is the last day you can catch it. So hurry up and get down there before you miss out on all the fun. TUESDAY
Drop by for a quick pick-me-up after Iftar at the Hilton’s Ya Hala lounge. Sip on a fine selection of teas and coffees accompanied by various delicious Ramadan themed desserts. Call 4423 3333
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WEDNESDAY
Enjoy a special Arabic a la carte menu in the comfort of your own private cabana at Wahm. A live traditional Arabic band comes on at 9pm. Call 4453 5135
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SUNDAY
THURSDAY
Head over to the MIA for an intimate tour of the museum’s collections. Join curators and museum guides as they give you a private show of ‘The Sultan’s Sugarbowl’ at 8pm. RSVP falhitmi@qma.org.qa
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MONDAY
Feeling a bit run down this Ramadan? Why not call up the people at Raw ME and order an energizing raw juice to keep you going. Call 6613 9882
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TUESDAY
In the mood for some Spanish cuisine? Well it’s Tapas Night at the Oryx Rotana’s The Cellar. Enjoy an evening of unlimited tapas for only QR 250. Call 4484 8504
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WEDNESDAY
Ramadan is nearly over so have you booked your Eid vacation yet? Pick up our next issue of FACT to find out where to go, what to pack and how to have a good time.
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NOTEWORTHY
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
CAmps for kids Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
We’ve got some great ideas for you to keep the little ones entertained all summer long‌ Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
ain! me be g day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
Congratulation s again! Thank you for part of your letting me be wedding day.
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NOTEWORTHY
Virginia Commonwealth University
Oxford Learning
Encourage your already-smart cookie to become a genuine Albert Einstein with the completely individualised English and Math programmes at Oxford Learning for all ages. Courses include ages four to six Little Readers’ Academy; ages six to 13 Students Beyond Tutoring; Secondary Students Advantage; and SAT Exam Preparation Course. There are different start dates but the minimum programme is three hours per week for eight weeks at QR4,800 plus book/supply fees. GO: For more information call 4491 0777 or 4481 8434
The artist inside your child will certainly come out at one of the summer workshops available at VCU-Qatar. Throughout the first couple of weeks of July there are a few options, such as Art Exploration for children aged eight to 10 – ‘Mini Masterpieces’ (7th to 11th, 8:45am to 1pm, QR1,100) or Creative Discovery for High School Students aged 13 to 15 (7th to 18th, 8:45am to 1pm, QR2,125), among others for various age groups and techniques. GO: To find out more visit www.qatar. vcu.edu, call 4402 0555 or email awendlingwil@qatar.vcu.edu Legacy Sports and Events
Kids between four and 12 years old can have a blast at the children’s fitness centre, My Gym, where the team help them become strong, balanced, coordinated, agile and pick up social skills along the way. It runs until 5th September at 8.30am to 1.30pm for packages between QR900 to QR2,600. There’s a sibling discount too! GO: Call 4464 1429, 4464 1540 or email info@mygym-qatar.com
This brand new company aims to develop sports at grass roots level in Qatar and they’re kicking off their summer programme with week-long courses (QR750) for kids of various ages at the Doha Rugby Club. Kids get to pick up skills in various sports – football, golf, bench ball, table tennis, to name a few – as well as arts and crafts, such as drawing, model making, t-shirt printing, dance, and much more! GO: To book or for more information call David Moreland on 5582 1375 or Carl Windley on 6616 0379, or email info@ legacysportsandevents.com
Qmotion
Starfish Lane Kids
There was huge success with last year’s Kids in Motion Summer Camp so they’re running it again in 2013. It’s for children aged four to 12 and the experience offers activities like swimming, watersports, skills workshops, arts and crafts, martial arts and lots of play (with learning!). Call up now to get more information on various start dates and price packages (there’s a few of those!). Plus get discounts for siblings and signing up for two or four weeks. GO: Call 6617 0911 or visit www.qmotion.com.qa
One for the tinier tots (aged one to four), the Starfish Lane Kids nursery offers plenty of fun and play throughout July. They will develop cooking skills, have art classes, partake in a bit of kiddie yoga, plus enjoy beach parties and splashing around. Children can attend three to five days a week for monthly packages ranging from QR2,550 to QR2,850. GO: Call 4411 0355 or 4469 3006, or visit www.starfishlanekids.com
My Gym
Creative Child Nursery School
Let your little ones pick up tips on how to be healthy from a young age and they’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come. At least that’s what the Healthy Lifestyle Summer Camp for tots aged one to four years old aims to encourage. Running from 1st July to 22nd August (QR700 per week), this camp will promote plenty of physical activity, healthy eating, less electronics and more sleep, as well as a positive parenting approach. GO: Call 4479 5916 or 4411 7829, or visit www.creativechild-doha.com Regatta Sailing Academy
Get your kids aged six and up sailing the seven seas with courses (QR950 each) at the Regatta Sailing Academy this summer. There will be dinghy lessons or, for those who already have skills, intermediate/advanced RYA certificate courses. Start dates are 7th, 14th and the 21st and lessons run from 1:30pm to 4.30pm. GO: Call 4442 4577 or 5550 7846, or email regattasailing@yahoo.com Museum of Islamic Art
Send your children on a cultural journey and a magic carpet ride at the MIA this season. For nine to 12 year olds ‘Let us make each day count!’ by learning the differences between the 19th and 21st century calendars, and then they can create their own! Starlight, Star Bright, for six to eight year olds and three to five year olds, takes children on a trip through the galleries to learn about Arab cultures and tradition, and then they get to create a mixed media mosque lamp. GO: For nine to 12, and six to eight year olds email nqussini@qma.org.qa and for three to five year olds email mmoura@qma.org.qa
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NOTEWORTHY
With the Holy Month upon us, being charitable becomes evermore important. But whether you’re fasting or not there are some fantastic people doing great things in Qatar and you can quite easily be one of them. Why not try volunteering?
Lend a hand 22
FACT JUly
NOTEWORTHY
Reach Out To Asia
SustainableQatar
If there’s one organisation in Qatar that does great things for humanity, it has to be Reach Out To Asia. Under the banner of Qatar Foundation, and guided by chair HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, ROTA is constantly coming up with projects to enhance education and training throughout the whole of Asia. They have a pretty extensive volunteer programme l that encourages Qatar-based citizens to make positive impacts on the less fortunate across Asia. Whether you have time, money or skills, ROTA welcomes anyone to help and on some occasions you may be asked to actually travel to help out where you’re needed. GO: Fill out the online application form at www.reachouttoasia.org or call 4454 1603 for more information
Katrin Scholz-Barth leads Qatar’s eco-warriors in the battle to go green. She does this by presiding over an independent, volunteer-based organisation called SustainableQatar. It was first started in 2008 by a group of dedicated scholars who shared an interest and it has since grown to become one of the leading environmental committees in the country. There are many ways you can help out the team at SQ and most of them don’t even take any time and effort; like living a more eco-friendly life, or following them on social media. But if you want to dedicate more of your time then they’re always looking for people to attend their monthly meetings and/or volunteer! GO: Call Katrin on 5516 2764 or email her on katrin@scholz-barth.com
HOPE Qatar
Everybody needs a bit of hope and even more people need Help, Opportunity, Participation and Education, which is exactly what HOPE Qatar stands for. This private, non-profit training centre kicked off its activities here in 2005 and ever since then has been offering affordable guidance to any and all children with special needs. GO: Find out more on www.hope-qatar.org
Qatar Red Crescent Society
If you’re looking to make a serious mark on the world and change it one country at a time then the Qatar Red Crescent Society may be the organisation for you. The international Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are world-famous and we’re lucky to have our very own branch here in Qatar. They work in fields like health, development, migration, disaster management, recovery and many more. There are many ways you can get involved whether it’s donating money, or helping out with admin, or putting your technical or medical skills to good use. This group can never have enough socially responsible individuals on their team. GO: Visit www.qrcs.org.qa and fill out a volunteer form
Did You Know? Very recently, Katara Cultural Village pledged to donate ALL profits made by the amphitheatre to the Qatar Red Crescent Society in a demonstration of pure generosity. That’s what we like to hear!
Dogs in Doha
It’s all good to donate time and money to our fellow humans but don’t forget the furry friends among us either! The team at Dogs in Doha certainly don’t, as they are all volunteers who have set this non-profit organisation up to re-home abandoned or injured dogs and puppies. As a volunteer yourself you can get involved by becoming a foster family or a flight buddy, to take the poor pups out of the country. You can fundraise, or help them with their administration needs. It’s all just a matter of what time you can spare and what skills you can share! GO: For more information call 6618 4924 or email dogsindoha@gmail.com
There are plenty of other animal charities in Qatar as well; Cats in Qatar, Second Chance Rescue and Qatar Animal Welfare Society – to name just a few. Find out more about these and many more organisations in our community listings on pages 96 and 97.
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CULTURE.
GETTING UNDER QATAR’S SKIN THIS MONTH
Ramadan Kareem Get ready to experience the holy month with our ultimate guide FACT JUly
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Ramadan
101 FACT’s ultimate guide to the holy month in the Qatari capital
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What is Ramadan? Ramadan, the holiest of all months in the Muslim calendar, is a time for giving, peacefulness and devotion to God. Muslims from all over the world come in unison, fasting from sunrise to sunset for thirty straight days. It’s a festive time, one where generosity takes centre stage, and the atmosphere is buzzing with spiritual electricity. How does fasting work: Muslims are asked to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and practicing sexual activities from dawn to sunset. They are also encouraged to spend more time praying, and giving to others less fortunate. The idea behind fasting is to experience what the poor suffer as well as practicing self-control to cleanse the body and mind. Why this month: Muslims believe that God revealed the first verses of the holy book of Islam during the month of Ramadan.
CULTURE
The Do’s & Don’ts of Ramadan DO watch what you wear! Avoid anything too revealing like bare arms and short skirts, and keep clothes loose and modest. DO get into the charitable spirit Ramadan is famous for. Whether it’s donating to your favourite charity or giving out water at Iftar, the holy month is the perfect time to give back to the community. DO immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the month. Check out all the Iftars and Sohours about town and enjoy the fabulous atmosphere of the festive season. DO accept any invitations that come your way. Try and make it to any Iftar or Sohour your colleagues or friends invite you to; it’s nice to be a part of their celebrations. DON’T eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public between sunrise and sunset. Although fasting is only compulsory for Muslims, foreigners and non-Muslims should refrain as well at least in public as a sign of respect. Remember you could be penalised if caught! DON’T show affection in public. It’s disrespectful and could get you into trouble. Remember, this is a holy month and one should be considerate. DON’T play music too loudly. As long as it’s not audible to others you wont offend anyone.
Ramadan terms
WATCH OUT FOR Road Rage Be careful going down an hour before sunset as some drivers can go crazy racing on the roads trying to make it home on time for Iftar!
KEEPING FIT We know it’s super hard to get motivated to do any exercise in Ramadan with fasting and all. So here are some training tips to keep your fitness level up to par this month.
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Keep your metabolism going by working out early in the morning or right after breaking your fast. This way you’ll be exercising after a meal and won’t disrupt your body clock.
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Try to keep workouts to a minimum; a good 45 mins is all you need to keep in shape and not lose muscle definition. Why not take up yoga or pilates? Both sports are relaxing and help tone the body, while not being too strenuous after a long day of fasting. Exercise and diet go hand in hand. So don’t overeat at Iftar, we know that it’s hard to resist all those delicious Ramadan dishes but try not to over indulge!
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Stay hydrated! We can’t begin to stress on how important it is to keep well hydrated and how much water one needs to drink just to keep up with the physiological stress that comes with this month.
Whether it’s your first Ramadan here or you’ve have been around for so many you’ve lost track, we’ve put together the important terms you need to know to get around this month.
Iftar. Breaking of the fast at sunset. Sohour. Meal before the dawn rises. Garangao. Celebrated on the 14th of Ramadan, this Gulf tradition involves giving sweets/nuts to children after sunset. Mesahar. Old tradition where the
‘Mesahar’ man goes around waking people before dawn to eat and drink. Ramadan Kareem. Happy Ramadan in Arabic, usually said at beginning of greetings during the holy month. Eid Al Fitr. Feast marking the end of Ramadan.
Opening/Closing times Working hours change for Ramadan, with most government offices working short hours. That also means banks, malls, and supermarkets operate at different times. So be sure to check out timings before you head out the door!
TIME KILLERS The days might seem super long and we know that most shops and malls are closed. But why don’t you combat that lurking boredom by trying out some new activities that you wouldn’t usually do! Learn a new language. Ever wanted to speak in foreign lingo? Well now is the perfect time to pick up on a new language. And why not get into the spirit of Ramadan while you are at it and learn some Arabic? GO: For more info call 4250 175 or check out www.fanar.gov.qa Culture Shock. If you’re a huge arts/culture junkie and don’t get much time to explore the many exhibits around Doha now is the perfect time to do so. Take the free bus between the Mathaf and MIA museums for a fantastic day of art. Go: Find out more about ongoing exhibits at www.mathaf.org.qa & www.mia.org.qa Travel. With lots of hotels having special rates during Ramadan, why not explore the rest of the country and get to see the region with a nice small trip on the weekend? GO: Check out the packages offered at www. regencyholidays.com Charity Work. Now is definitely the perfect time to start giving. Lend a helping hand at one of the local charities or start a collection initiative and bring a whole group of people together to donate to a worthy cause. Go: Check out our charity round pg22-23. FACT JUly
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Ramadan Tent Where: Grand Heritage Doha and Spa Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 9pm, Sohour 9:30pm – 1am Prices: Iftar & Sohour buffet QR190 (including Ramadan beverages). Children 6 – 12 receive 50 per cent off / under-five dine for free Revel in true Ramadan style at the Grand Heritage’s oriental tent. Their Iftar and Sohour buffets offer mouth-watering Arabic specialties with live cooking stations of Ouzi, Saj and Shawarma. The tent features three different areas for family dining and private group parties, as well as live entertainment to keep the night going. Check Out: The hotel offers special rates for groups of over 10 people, so gather up people! GO: For reservations call 4445 5555
Al Mirqab Ramadan Tent Where: Four Seasons Hotel Doha Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 7pm, Sohour 9pm – 1am Prices: Iftar QR220, Sohour QR270 Get serenaded by the Four Season’s oriental band while enjoying Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine prepared by the hotel’s specialty Chefs. You could also change venues and head over to the Seasons Tea Lounge for a variety of light meals, oriental desserts and traditional Ramadan beverages. GO: For reservations call 4494 8888
Ramadanak Tent
We’ve picked the best Iftars, Sohours and Ramadan tents for a busy social calendar this month round. Get ready to feast! Le Cigalon / Ramadan Tent Where: La Cigale Hotel Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 1am, Sohour 9pm – 2am Prices: Iftar QR220, Sohour QR250 (including Ramadan beverages) Start off with a sumptuous Iftar Buffet at Le Cigalon featuring Oriental and International dishes. Then head over to the La Cigale Ramadan tent, whose authentic Arabian setting will get you into the Ramadan spirit in no time. While you’re indulging in some late night Sohour try their different Shisha flavours, for an oriental spin on things. Check Out: The Ramadan tent has some awesome live traditional Arabic entertainment that is a must-see. GO: For reservations call 4428 8698 or 4428 8709/10 28
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Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge Ramadan Tent Where: Katara Cultural Village Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Sohour 8:30pm – 1:30am (including Ramadan beverages) Prices: Iftar QR175 Enjoy a set Menu at Iftar with a wide variety of cold and hot starters. For the main course choose between chicken, beef or lamb and a yummy dessert. Sohour on the other hand is an a la carte menu, featuring delicious dishes such as stuffed quail, Turkish doner and chicken kebabs. Check Out: Sukar Pasha offers a special buffet menu for group bookings. GO: For reservations call 4408 2000
Where: Grand Hyatt Doha Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 8pm, Sohour 8:30pm – 2am Prices: Iftar QR250, Sohour QR200 Back again this year, the Grand Hyatt’s Ramadanak tent is proving to be the place to be this Ramadan. Located in the heart of the hotel, the tent offers a night of Andalusian flair with an unforgettable Arabic buffet. While you’re there, don’t forget to pass by Biscotti for a one of a kind Ramadan hamper customised to your liking. GO: For reservations call 4448 1234
Hakawi Tent Where: Hiton Doha Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 8pm, Sohour 9pm – 1am Prices: Iftar QR200, Sohour QR270 (including Ramadan beverages) Head over for some serious Iftar indulgence with the Hilton’s fantastic feast of wonderful mezza, countless rotating main dishes, and entertaining live cooking stations. For Sohour, they’ve prepared the ultimate Ramadan activity: Shisha! Yes, puff away as you enjoy a delicious spread of authentic Arabian food accompanied by a live oud player and band. Check Out: The hotel’s amazing “Date-alicious” desserts are a must-have. GO: For reservations call 4423 3333
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WIN!
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Al Jawhara Where: InterContinental Doha The City Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 8pm, Sohour 9pm – 1:30am Prices: Iftar QR195, Sohour QR235 (including Ramadan beverages) Celebrate Ramadan at the InterContinental Doha The City with their daily Iftar. Try their tasty hot and cold mezza, before picking from an array of Ramadan specials. And don’t forget to spoil yourself with their melt-in-your-mouth Arabic sweets; we know we won’t be able to resist them! Check Out: The Lobby Lounge opens from sunset till 1am, offering an a la carte menu for sandwiches, salads, and snacks. GO: For reservations call 4015 8888
Aroma Where: Kempinski Residences & Suites Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 7:30pm Prices: Iftar QR160 (including Ramadan beverages) Forget Aroma’s classic setting, the award-wining restaurant transforms this Holy month for a truly unique Ramadan experience. Get ready for some serious flavours with their savoury four-course selection of Arabic and European dishes. GO: For reservations call 4405 3325
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Ramadan Tent Where: Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel Timings: Iftar & Sohour 5pm – 2am Prices: Iftar QR195, Sohour QR235. Children 7–12 QR124 / under-six dine for free The Renaissance Doha mean business with their food this Ramadan. Spoiling us for choice, the hotel offers everything from traditional Arabic dishes with a Saj and Shawarma station, to international and Asian favourites featuring pasta and sushi corners. And with a live Tanoura dancer (whirling dervish) for entertainment, we know we’ll definitely be passing by! GO: For reservations call 4419 6100
Al Liwan / Al Dasha Ballroom Ramadan Tent Where: Sharq Village and Spa Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 10pm, Sohour 8:30pm – 2am Prices: Iftar QR195, Sohour QR235 Nothing says Iftar quite like Al Liwan’s traditional favourites and exquisite desserts all wrapped up in an authentic Arabic atmosphere. For those looking for a place to relax and unwind, then the hotel’s Ramadan tent is the perfect Sohour destination after a long Ramadan day. GO: For reservations call 4419 6100
Al Hubara Where: Sheraton Doha Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 1am, Sohour 9pm – 2am Prices: Iftar QR210, Sohour QR130. Children under 12 QR110 / under-six dine for free Enjoy whole hearty food reminiscent of home cooking with the Sheraton’s Al Hubara restaurant. Go for a buffet filled with Ramadan specialties for Iftar or stick to a wonderful set menu prepared by the hotel’s top chefs for Sohour. GO: For reservations call 4485 4071
Coral / Shahrazad Tent Where: InterContinental Doha Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 8pm, Sohour 9pm – 1am Prices: Iftar QR195, Sohour QR215. Children under 12 QR110 For an unforgettable Iftar with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf head over to Coral. The cuisine is international infused with healthy menu options, perfect for those keeping tab on what they eat. Come Sohour, the Shahrazad Tent is the place to be offering an authentic Arabian setting with a cosy atmosphere. GO: For reservations call 4484 4919 or 4484 4444
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Al Wosail Where: Ritz-Carlton Doha Timings: Iftar & Sohour 6:30pm – 1am Prices: Iftar QR195, Sohour QR250 (including Ramadan beverages) With the sounds of exotic music and a Souq-like atmosphere, the Ritz-Carlton is bringing the Ramadan vibe bigger and better this year. Not only do they offer delicious dishes for Iftar and Sohour, but their Moroccan juice maker and Egyptian band bring an Arabian feel to their nights that is incomparable. Check Out: They have an actual Saj bread maker turning out fresh hot bread, yum! GO: For reservations call 4484 8504
Choices Where: Oryx Rotana Timings: Iftar 6:30pm Prices: Iftar QR185 If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxed place to enjoy Iftar, then Choices is the place to be. The restaurant is softly lit by lanterns and posses a chilled ambience that one searches for a after a long hard day. Dine on a sumptuous Mediterranean buffet and stay on for the live oud band that comes on at 8:45pm; they’re not to be missed! GO: For reservations call 4484 8504
Flying Carpet Where: The Torch Timings: Iftar 6:30pm – 8pm, Sohour 11pm – 2am Prices: Iftar QR195, Sohour QR175 (including Ramadan beverages) The name says it all! Located on the second level of The Torch, the restaurant actually has carpets hanging all over its ceiling, giving an Arabian Nights twist much needed for any Ramadan evening. The food is oriental and traditional, matching the decorative theme of the place. GO: For reservations call 4446 5600
Sultan’s tent Where: W Doha Hotel & Residences Timings: Iftar 6pm – 8pm, Sohour 9pm – 2am (including Ramadan beverages). Children below 12 receive 50 per cent off / under-six dine for free Prices: Iftar QR200, Sohour QR270 Celebrate the holy month with the W Hotel’s one of a kind Ramadan nights at the Sultan’s Tent. From a live band that plays sweet Arabic melodies to their mouth-watering oriental buffet, the W Hotel will show you what Ramadan is all about. GO: For reservations call 4453 5000
recipe of the month Hosting your own Iftar? Or invited out for Sohour? Either way impress your guests or host and show-off with a homemade dessert. We find out from La Cigale’s Chef Bilal just how to make the Ramadan favourite: Namoura/Basbousa. Ingredients for Namoura/Basbousa 1 kilo Semolina 600 gm Sugar 25 gm Milk powder 25 gm Sugar syrup 25 gm Coconut flakes 150 gm Water Sprinkle of bicarbonate powder Ingredients for Sugar Syrup 1 kilo Sugar 350 gm Water ½ tsp Rose water Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, mix above ingredients. In a baking pan spread some flour and oil to prevent the batter from sticking then pour in the mix. Lower oven temp to 230 degrees and put in to cook for 20 mins. In the middle get pan out while batter still loose and cut lines across, then put back in. In a small pot add ingredients for sugar syrup. Leave on fire until mixture reaches a boil. Remove and pour over the final cake. Add some almonds on top for decoration.
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What’s Smokin’ Whether you enjoy the leisurely puff here and there or are a die-hard smoker, we at FACT have hunted down the top five shisha places to go to this Ramadan. Le Gourmet Located at the heart of Souq Waqif, Le Gourmet boasts some of the best shisha in town. With flavours ranging from apple and kiwi to the famous hardcore Maasel (Egyptian Tobacco), there is something for everyone. Enjoy some amazing people watching while sitting in their air-conditioned outdoor area or get away from the hustle and bustle and take in the wonderful views of the Souq from above at their awesome rooftop. Either way, you’re definitely in for a treat when you visit this hotspot. GO: Shisha for QR25, open daily after sunset. Call 4437 6025
Shisha Garden, La Cigale Hotel Set amongst a waterfall and beautiful lush greenery, with plants popping up everywhere, this outdoor terrace is super chill and relaxing. The ambience here is perfect for those wanting to socialize with friends while enjoying some great fruit flavoured shisha. 32
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With an advanced cooling A/C system, you’ll get to enjoy the great outdoors without even breaking a sweat! GO: Shisha for QR80, open daily after sunset. Call 4428 8702
SAl Nafourah Garden Forget sitting outside in the sweltering heat to get your fix of shisha. The Oryx Rotana crew has brought the outdoors indoors this Ramadan with an awesome ventilated tent. A live oud performance will set the background for a wonderful evening of mouth-watering dishes from their a la carte menu accompanied by smooth- flavoured hubbly bubbly. GO: Shisha for QR55, opens 6:30pm – 2am. Call 4402 3333
Al Saha Ever wondered what Beirut looks like? Enter Al Saha restaurant and you’re immediately transported to the different alleys and streets
of the Lebanese capital. The place is modeled after the vibrant town, with balconies, fake doors and props scattered all around. And their shisha? Don’t get us started; the place boasts some of the best tasting shisha we’ve had in a while. GO: Shisha for QR45, open daily after sunset. Call 4435 5353
Al Shami House As any shisha lover will tell you there are three main things that make up a good shisha place: smooth flavoured shisha, good tasty food, and a cosy laid-back atmosphere. Well right in the heart of the city you’ll find just that, a gem that has become the dwelling for Hookah lovers of all sorts. Located on Salwa Road, Al Shami House welcomes you in with the sweet enticing smoky aromas of its bubbling water-pipes. The Arabesque themed restaurant is packed with locals as well as expats all mingling under its tent-like ceiling. Just watch out: it does tend to get a bit smoky, so it’s kind of a nightmare for non-smokers. GO: Shisha for QR30 & 35, opens 6:30pm to midnight. Call 4443 3666
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ARTS.
Keeping QATAR’s eyes, ears and minds in shape
THIS MONTH YOU MUST...
visit katara
We take a look at the incredible journey that art pieces take READ
SCREW BUSINESS AS USUAL SIR RICHARD BRANSON
One of the world’s most famous and admired business leaders argues that it’s time to turn capitalism upside-down to shift our values. LISTEN
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES DAFT PUNK
We are absolutely loving this brand new album from Daft Punk... listening recommended on full volume!
WATCH
lone ranger
western/comedy/action
Will Johnny Depp redeem himself in this latest Western action blockbuster? FACT JUly
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ART
Curato Calling all aspiring curators: get ready to unleash your inner creative side!
I
n the olden days to be called an artist one had to work hard and go through a lot of ups and downs to get any sort of recognition. Now all you have to do is set up a blog or a website and pouf you’re called a “curator”. The fact of the matter is that social media has now given us all the platforms to be curators, where any mambo jumbo with a good following is called art! The Curate award, a joint initiative from the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and the Fondazione Prada, images by creative design qatar
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seeks to encourage this newfound practice of self-expression and nurture real raw curating talent. The competition invites entrants from all over to submit a self-made video on any curatorial idea and is open not only to aspiring or established curators but to basically anyone with a great concept for creative expression. Heavyweights from the creative world will sit on the jury panel and include Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, chairperson of the QMA; Miuccia Prada, president of Fondazione Prada; Rem Koolhaas, architect & founder of OMA; Nadine Labaki, Lebanese film-maker & actress; Nawal El Moutawakel, the first woman from
ABOVE The Curate Award was launched last month in Venice PICTURES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Nawal, Sheikha Mayassa, Nadine, Hans & Miuccia
ART
r’s Call a Muslim majority country to win an Olympic gold medal; and Hans Ulrich Obrist, co-director of the Serpentine Gallery in London. The aspiring curators will be narrowed down to twenty, picked based on their project’s creativity and social significance, as well as their culturally relevant points of view. They will be showcased on the Curate website, where the public will get the chance to select and vote for their favourite. The lucky winner will be announced next spring, and will get to curate their show in either Qatar or Italy in the exhibition of their dreams. With no boundaries to the language or form of your curatorial concept, you get the chance to create an exhibition that will reflect who you are as
a person; the perfect tool to get your idea out for the whole world to see. So what will YOU curate?
GO: Enter today by uploading a self-made video, no longer than two minutes, along with a one-page text explaining your idea to www.curateaward.org. Entries close 31st of December 2013
“The notion of ‘curating’ no longer belongs just to the museum. With the development of digital and social media, it has now become possible for anyone to participate in the selection, editing and communication of ideas. ” The Curate Jury FACT JUly
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ART
From Artist to Collector: The Journey of Art
A
cultural hub for art and design, Katara Art Center is always there to inspire and develop but more importantly challenge perceptions. This month, its Community Supported Art Project (CSA) is coming to an end with “At The Collectors”, a closing exhibition meant to explore the role and commitment of collectors, taking us on a visual journey with a series of documented images taken at the participating collectors private spaces. The public as well as the artists of the pieces featured can get to discover the relationship often unseen between collector and the works of art. We caught up for a quick Q&A 38
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with Katara Art Center’s Artist Director and Curator Mayssa Fattouh to find out more. What inspired the idea behind the exhibition “At the Collectors”? We wanted to create a well-rounded program for the CSA exhibition that took part last April. The idea was to bring in the collectors and let them be part of the conversation; give them the chance
“It’s one thing to talking about art and seeing it in museums and gallery’s.. at home it’s a different experience”
to participate, which they normally wouldn’t. They allowed us into their homes to document and take pictures. The whole idea was to highlight the role and commitment of the collector towards the piece and its artist, and show collector, artist and public how different something looks outside of a gallery. Was it easy to find collectors to join? Although the idea was very well received, the process itself was easier said than done. Arranging schedules and tracking down people proved to be hectic, plus there was the major problem of anonymity, which was crucial; people didn’t want to be in the shots. But the end result was amazing. Collectors thoroughly
ART
GO: The exhibition is on until the 20th July at the Katara Art Center, Building 5, Katara Cultural Village.
enjoyed the process although they really got into it the most during the exhibition. They were animated and willing to share their thoughts and ideas, which made people around them also want to start to collect. It’s one thing talking about art and seeing it in museums and gallery’s but when it’s in someone’s home it’s a completely different experience. What have you learnt about the art collectors that took part in the exhibition that you had not already known? The documentation said a lot about the type of artworks they collect, it gave a bit of an overview of what their collections were all about as well as their characters. It showed how
they value their art, whether it was about investment or love. The artists whose pieces were featured in the CSA, how did they feel about the exhibition? More excited! They got double exposure without having to take part in the second exhibition. It allowed them to view who collects their work and how it’s displayed. I think it made them rethink how they perceived collectors in general. What do you want people to know about the exhibition? People should realize that what’s on display isn’t artwork but just documentation. We want to hear them critique it, to communicate with our team on their thoughts and their ideas. It’s all about creating a proactive environment at the end of the day. n FACT JUly
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ART
CHOICE TUNES NEW ALBUMS. ARTISTS. AND AUDIOPHONICS
In Association with Virgin Megastore
After seven years, Daft Punk prove they still have it.
5 Electronic
Random access memories By daft punk
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WHAT’S IT LIKE Steeped in soul and brimming with an uncommon musicality. After teasing us with snippets of guitar licks and hagiographic videos, the French robot duo has finally landed on Earth to present their fourth studio album - an album meticulously constructed over the course of two and a half years. Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de HomemChristo (what a name), are among the prime architects of the Nineties techno-electro-clubpop sound. Haters of computers, now being considered as musical instruments, these two haven’t released an album in SEVEN years and
boy is this one worth the wait. This is, hands down, the boldest, smartest, most colourful and purely pleasureable dance album of the decade. Disco pleasures to look for include ‘Give Life Back to the Music’ and ‘Lose Yourself to Dance’, while ‘The Game of Love’ captures the bittersweet melancholy mood. ‘RAM’ screams retro while ‘Get Lucky’ is a guilty pleasure and proof that Daft Punk still have the knack of knowing when to shift gear. If this is the future of music - count us in. This is 72 minutes of wild and wayward explorations, sleek soul and new wave rock. Just perfect for summer!
Punk/Rock
Rock
Rhythm & Blues
Tape deck heart
what about now
the golden age of song
By frank turner
By bon jovi
By Jools holland
WHAT’S IT LIKE: INTENSELY personal, the process of listening to these tracks are as intimate - and sometimes as uncomfortable - as reading pages straight from his diary. ‘Recovery’ makes a perky anthem, with a persistent blast, for the freshly dumped. ‘Good & Gone’ and ‘Tell Tale Signs’ are harrowing, where in the latter he dives into rather graphic stories of his troubled teenage-self. Despite recording in the States, he hasn’t forsaken his British roots - although most of the country hasn’t even heard of him.
WHAT’S IT LIKE: IMPRESSIVELY this is the twelfth studio album by the rock band. It’s easy for us to excoriate these guys for producing another corporate-rock album, dominated as ever by Jon Bon Jovi’s increasingly leathery bark and Richie Sambora’s relentlessy uplifting guitar lines. ‘Left Of Me’ has a ripple of mandolin, which highlights their empathy for the hard-working people of this world, while ‘Army Of One’ offers a never-give-up lyric with stirring, fourman chanting. We really aren’t sold on this one...
WHAT’S IT LIKE: JOINED by some seriously special guests, including Paloma Faith, Paolo Nutini, Jessie J, Amy Winehouse and Cee Lo Green, this collaboration is Jools’ 15th with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. When you’ve got past Lily Allen tearing it up on ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’ and Cee Lo not quite so succcessfully mimicking Jackie Wilson on ‘Reet Petite’, this is a pretty standard fare. Jools plays the boogie-woogie, his orchestra jumps and all the singers aquit themselves quite nicely. All-in-all, fairly standard.
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CHOICE WORDS QATAR’S BEST READS THIS MONTH BY GENRE
Fiction
And THe MOUNTAINS ECHOED By Khaled hosseini
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: IN a tale revolving around not just parents and children, but brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers, this new novel is all about love; it’s about how we take care of one another and about the choices we make that resonate through generations. In his latest installment, Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honour and sacrifice. Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and loves around the globe - from Kabul to Paris and San Francisco - the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and pretty powerful. WHAT’S IT LIKE: After reading the author’s previous titles, the last thing you would want is to be left disappointed, but this is so far from just being a large and windy Afghan epic. In fact it has it all: the leaps in time; the emotive tales of loss, betrayal and redemption; a true depiction of a country often misconceived.
In Association with Virgin Megastore
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Manuscript found in acrra
The PHIlosophy book
By paulo coelho
By mixed authors
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: IT is July 14 in 1099 and Jerusalem awaits the invasion of the crusaders who have surrounded the city’s gates. Inside, men and women of every age and faith have gathered to hear the wise words of a mysterious man known only as the Copt. After many questions, the wise man’s answers are a record of the human values that have endured throughout time. WHAT’S IT LIKE: There comes a time when you can’t read an entire book full of quotable words of wisdom. Apart from a few contradictions with quotes from a few sources, there are some wise moments and some pretty spiritual readings. We are a little bit thankful that it is a slender publication. Good read but perhaps take a chick-flick for back-up.
Non-Fiction
Screw business as usual By richard branson
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: THE main message of this book is simple: “that every single business person has the responsibility for taking care of the people that make up our global village, all 24,902 miles of it”. One of the world’s most famous and admired business leaders argues that it’s time to turn capitalism upside-down to shift our values. WHAT’S IT LIKE: A must-read for anyone interested in business, entrepreneurship, social issues, the future of capitalism, and the current challenges that face the world today.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: TO a complete novice, learning about philosophy can be a cause for dread... not this book. This is all about untangling knotty theories; shedding light on abstract concepts and cutting through the haze of misunderstanding. It is essentially big ideas made very, very simple. WHAT’S IT LIKE: Well judging it includes every and any ‘famous’ and relevant philosopher to date, you will be happy to hear that one read of this will definitely improve your IQ. And even for the slightly less-intellectual out there, it is filled with infographics, cartoons and illustrations, just in case you don’t understand the lingo. This is ideal for anyone with a general interest in how our social, political and ethical ideas are formed. [ ALSO READ ] OUR Tweeps had a few books to recommend this month: @WeamZabar: Fifty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak @KhalidKhalifa: Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Stop Smoking FACT JUly
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ARTs
ON SCREEN TOP FILMS SHOWING THIS MONTH IN QATAR
‘WHO STOLE MY PROTEIN SHAKE?!! AHHHHHHHH’
The Wolverine D: James Mangold C: hugh jackman, famke janssen, will yun lee
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Based on the highly regarded comic book arc, The Wolverine, this film finds Logan (Hugh Jackman), the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, adamantium, claws clash with samurai steel as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will change him forever. (You will also see his claws out a lot killing all sorts.) 42
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WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: This is a hard film to write about. And this is also a movie that we wished we had a sneak preview of. Unfortunately we didn’t, so bare with us. We would normally be eager beavers in lining up to see Jackman’s latest offering from the X-Men series. However, The Wolverine seems to be more of a rehash of Batman Begins (minus the prequel element) but (unfortunately) with no Batman in sight. So far, we have a cliched plot and a character who has failed in the past. Mix in a bit of
formulaic action (a train battle) and our excitement continues to remain quite low. When you compare this to last month’s release of Man of Steel, with its nice mix of action and strong characters, it is pretty obvious as to which superhero is going to triumph this summer (that is unless Chris Hemsworth surprises in Thor 2). In restrospect, this film may just go to show that Wolverine is no longer invincible. If the film critics’ opinions are anything to go by, this summer belongs to one hero - Superman!
ARTs
[ SYNOPSIS]
Despicable Me 2 D: pierre coffin, chris renaud C: ken jeong, steve carell, kristen wiig, al pacino, russell brand
Grown-Ups 2 sees Adam Sandler and his crew (Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek and Maya Rudoph) back together in this second gathering of childhood friends. Probably safe to say this is just as ridiculous as its predecessor, and one for a Saturday night LOL. Don’t expect comical history though (PG13). Adam Sandler’s voice is sometimes best appreciated on mute. Saying that, a bar of chocolate will make up for what’s on screen.
R.I.P.D tells the story of two cops (Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds) who are dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from a destructive array of souls, who refuse to move peacefully to the other side. Well what a load of codswallop. The Ghost Whisperer meets the most budget film ever, is what this is... not great.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Gru (Carell), no longer a villain, is recruited by Lucy (Wiig) and Silas (Coogan) and taken to the HQ of the Anti-Villain League. Here his life takes an expected turn when he discovers a new villain called Eduardo on the loose and has to help fight him and save the world. WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: The first installment brought in more than $540 million three years ago and became the tenth biggest animated motion picture in U.S history. We are going on those statistics and sincerely hoping number two will be an hour and 38 minutes of Minion madness. It is a feel-good movie, one to watch with the kids as well as a good investment for the DVD collection... to keep them entertained on the weekends and holidays.
The Lone Ranger D: GORE Verbinski C: johnny depp, armie hammer, william fichtner
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: An adventure where native American spirit warrior Tonto (Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice. Jam-packed with a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption. WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: Well, the film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and the director is Gore Verbinski, so there’s two reasons. Depp has yet to prove himself this year and with Helena Bonham Carter making an appearance, this could be a recipe for disaster or may even surprise us. BUT, everyone loves a good action, adventure, western-comedy so it’s worth a watch! FACT JUly
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TECHNOLOGY.
Keeping THE PEOPLE OF QATAR state-of-the-art
WINDOWS 8
We take a close look at the latest OS from Microsoft which has polarised opinion so much. Are we lovers or haters? LAB TEST
Canon powershot n how good is it?
DRIVEN...
PATHFINDER british class
We try out Canon’s new addition to its camera family AND ALSO...
sony nwZ-W262 we try
Sports fanatics get excited about this dinky, musical gadget that works underwater!
The CUV is finally now what a CUV always should have been says Ali Driver. Read his review and find out why he’s happy with this ride FACT JUly
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Windows 8:
Evolution or Revolution? Microsoft is still the world’s biggest software company, but in the face of rising challenges from Apple and Android, it needed to come up with something drastic to maintain a healthy market share. Enter Windows 8, an operating software that the company have been working on since before Windows 7 was even released in 2009, which gives you some indication of how seriously Microsoft have taken it. As the number of software platforms increases, with desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and gaming consoles fragmenting the market, Windows 8 represents an ambitious attempt by Microsoft to tie all these platforms together with one all-encompassing and versatile OS. One of the most radical changes to this new version is the Start screen, which features a tile grid design that will look familiar to anyone who has already used a Windows smartphone. This start screen can be customised, labelled and tailored to your individual preferences, and 46
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navigating between the various tile grids is done with a drag of the mouse, or in a tablet, a swipe of your finger. Few things in the software world have polarised opinions as much as Windows 8 has. There are those who love the new design and praise Microsoft for their boldness, and there are others who don’t like it at all, and say that it’s clumsy, overly-complicated and frustrating to use. However, we can’t help but feel that the latter camp can be compared to the legions of Facebook users who rant and rave whenever the website changes its design, only to continue to happily use it once they’ve gotten used to the new
design a week later. On our part, visually, we love the live-tile design of Windows 8. It’s true that there is quite a learning curve for this new OS, and it does take a while to get used to it, but once you do, it’s perfectly comfortable to use. Once we’d learned our way around the new software, we were dragging, dropping and maneuvering our tiles to customise it to our preferences like naturals. However, for those of you who still feel comfortable with the classic pop-up start menu and drag-and-drop file management style of the previous generations of Windows, fear not, as that style is still there in addition to the new interface. You can switch from the start-up screen to this interface to do things the old-fashioned way. The quickest way to navigate between the Start screen, file management screen and even active apps, Windows 8 uses a screen corner system similar to the active corners on Mac OS X. Simply move your mouse to a corner on the screen to quickly
TECHNOLOGY
access different screens. One of the most significant aspects of the new Windows is that it was designed very much to work both on a desktop/ laptop and a touchscreen tablet, and this is very evident in the new design. Some people have complained that this has made the usability with a mouse a bit clumsy, but again, this is just nitpicking, as it’s only clumsy compared to a touchscreen-enabled device, and a mouse could never compare in that case. If you don’t compare it to touchscreens, it’s no clumsier than Windows 7. However, given that there are now many tablet/laptops, with tablets that attach to a keyboard, and that the industry is rapidly heading towards touchscreen-enabled laptops, this design could be a masterstroke by Microsoft. There are now apps available on Windows 8 too, so instead of just loading up certain websites like Netflix or Facebook, you can download the app for Windows 8, and you get a much more tailored and richer experience. Other advantages include an increased reliance on cloud computing software, which means that synching files across multiple devices and accessing files when travelling becomes much more fluid and smooth. This will be a special bonus for Xbox 360 users, as you can access your Xbox live account from your PC, customise your avatar, track game progress and achievements, and so on. There is far more to Windows 8 than we could ever cover on these pages, with thousands of small features and changes that have either improved or worsened the experience, depending on who you speak to. However, as far as we’re concerned, Windows 8 is a bold and brave step for Microsoft which we respect them for
taking. As with any such radical change to a widely used product, there are going to be naysayers who ‘hate’ the new designs. However, we think that, as people come to terms with it and kinks are ironed out with updates, this will maintain Windows’ status as the world’s biggest OS. n
“It was designed very much to work both on a desktop/ laptop and a touchscreen tablet”
[ TOP 4 TIPS ] • To take a screen shot, press the Windows Key and Print Screen – it is automatically saved into your My Pictures folder • Move any tile by clicking and dragging the tile. While moving the tile, if you need a larger view of the Start screen, move the tile towards the top or bottoms of the screen to zoom out • If there is a tile you want on your Taskbar, right-click the tile and choose Pin to Taskbar • Searching and scrolling horizontally to find an app gets old fast. Instead just start typing the name of the tile you want and the screen instantly changes to show you nothing but the icons of the matching items
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TECHNOLOGY
LAB TEST
Sony nwz-w262
This may not be the latest music product to hit the shelves here but boy is it one that caught our attention. In a world where iPods seem to have taken over the portable music scene, Sony has come back fighting with this little number. And it is certainly worth chatting about. It may look like a glorified Bluetooth set for your latest Smartphone but this lightweight MP3 player is integrated into a pair of earphones that cleverly wrap around your head. For all you sport and fitness fanatics out there take note and save some cash because this could be your next favourite thing during a work out. Free yourself from tangled cables; lift weights and run; you can even sweat as much as you like because the entire thing is waterproof and can be rinsed clean. One drawback is the loop between the headphones is Price QR388 unadjustable – meaning those
with narrow heads won’t get so much support. If you do have a head big enough, however, this is a winner. The position of the controls take a little bit of getting used to: the right earpiece bears the play and track skipping buttons; the left controls your volume and a button that lets you switch between shuffle and playlist mode. With fab audio quality and a driving bass, which defines the sound, without drowning out higher notes, we were a little unimpressed with the battery life. Saying that, plugging it in to the mains for a few minutes gives you enough juice for an hour or so visit to the gym. This may not look as cool as the brand new iPod but buying the Sony NWZ-W262 does save you serious amounts of cash. It also saves you pretending to be getting into shape while in fact you are untangling your white cables!
Buy Fifty one east
CONS
Not practical for narrow heads
Capacity 4gB
Weight 32g Battery 8 hours 48
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PROS
Cheap and Comfortable and easy to use
TECHNOLOGY
LAB TEST
Canon PowerShot N This newbie is Canon’s answer to the growing threat of Smartphones. Quite unlike any other compact camera on the market, the PowerShot N has an innovative square design, tilting touch screen and zoom and shoot operation lens rings. The square design makes it a great size for a jacket pocket and although it is not as light as some of its rivals, the overall build quality is of high standards. Another unusual aspect of the camera’s design is the dual control ring that surrounds the 8x lens. Quite thin and close together, one is used to control the zoom and the other to take a photo… not great when you’re in a hurry. On the same note, the shooting ring is a little over-sensitive. Half-pressing it for focus, it is just a bit too easy to press it all the way down accidently resulting in a lot
Pleased
“Canon’s answer to the growing threat of Smartphones”
Impressed “A great size for a jacket pocket”
of blurred images. In actual fact, it’s easier to use the touch-screen LCD to focus and shoot with a single press. Simples. The tilting LCD screen is one to chat about. Hinged at the top, it can move a full 90 degrees but unfortunately, for those ‘selfie’ obsessed, it can’t be moved out to the side for self-portraits. At this cost, you would expect more for your money. The ‘easy’ connectivity of the WiFi is anything but. After being billed as a Smartphone companion, we can’t think of that many who would pay full retail price for
Unimpressed “You would expect more for your money”
this camera. You will either love or hate the control layout; you will definitely enjoy the 8x zoom lens (every smartphone’s dream) BUT it misses the mark as being both an alternative/companion to the smartphone. It may, however, be the most surprising camera of 2013 (for which we applaud Canon). Saying that, it is definitely NOT the most-well realised, which every way you look at it.
Plus Price QR1,610 Buy Sallam Studios Battery Approx 200 shots Megapixel 12.1 Screen 2.8-inch touch-screen Weight 195g PROS
Easy to use, Movies in 1080p HD quality
CONS
Expensive Fails in many departments
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Ali driver says that...
“The new Pathfinder sacrifices some of its off-road credentials to become a much more refined experience overall…”
The old Pathfinder, in my humble opinion, wasn’t a CUV – it was a compact SUV. What’s the difference you may ask? Well, once again, in my humble opinion, a CUV is a vehicle with SUV characteristics, styling and size, but with a chassis that isn’t configured to go off-road. A compact SUV is a small off-roader that can still tackle rugged terrain. The Pathfinder formerly fell into the latter category – it was a rugged and capable off-roader through its various incarnations until the previous generation. I myself, 50
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drove a rented 2010 Pathfinder the length of Oman, from Muscat to Salalah, and took it on very arduous mountain trails that no mere CUV could have even attempted. It boasted a plucky 4.0l V6 that was more than sufficient to pull it through sand and mud and up rocky inclines, and the 4WD system was very capable of crawling and scrabbling up rocky, uneven surfaces. However, with the new Pathfinder the focus has shifted much more to the CUV side of the spectrum.
Who is Ali Driver?
1. He lives in Qatar and says he grew up on the streets of Doha, but we think he’s actually from a rich family.
2. He says his car skills are self-taught, but we’re sure we’ve seen a certificate from the Losail International Circuit on his wall.
The telltale signs are all there as soon as you look at it. The front bumper, for example, juts out much farther than on previous models, and sits much lower to the ground, drastically reducing approach angles, which is something I was constantly aware of on the few occasions I dared to take it off road. I was also constantly aware of the 20-inch alloy wheels that came with the top-spec SL model I test drove. While they may look very nice, and improve on-road handling somewhat, the lower-profile tyres meant
3. He drives cars better than anyone we know (but don’t ever tell him).
4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under four minutes, but we’re sure that’s only when his wife helps him.
that scratching the rims was a constant threat when navigating a rocky trail. Overall, it feels much less rugged than its predecessor – unlike the previous generation, you got the distinct impression that it really doesn’t like leaving the safety of the tarmac, despite the different 4WD settings. So, while as an SUV the Pathfinder fails somewhat, the good news is that, as a CUV, it really excels! So, once we shift our perception of the Pathfinder away from the SUV, we can start to really u FACT JUly
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The new Pathfinder isn’t really meant for serious off-roading
appreciate it for what it is. So, what is it? Well, for starters, it’s a midsize CUV that’s actually larger than most in this segment, meaning that there are three rows of seating, all of which can be folded flat, which means that the Pathfinder is a seven-seater MPV that also doubles as a van.The interior of the SL option is comfortable and well appointed, with a premium feel given by features like the airconditioned front seats, the allround reverse cameras, the rear-seat entertainment screens, the power rear lifegate, and much, much more. It’s also very stylish – Nissan really seem to be getting things right lately in terms of styling, both within and without, with a warm, cosy and comfortable feeling to the interior. And even though we’ve established that the Pathfinder is more CUV than SUV, it will still go more places than your average crossover, thanks to the adjustable all-wheel-drive system with optional 2WD and diff lock, and the 3.5l V6 engine which puts out 254hp. So if you’re looking for a good CUV the Pathfinder is your best bet! n 52
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The car’s interior is stylish and extremely comfortable with impressive spacious seating
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FASHION.
FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN QATAR
THIS MONTH YOU MUST... ARABIAN NIGHTS
With a month full of festivities, it’s hard not to get into bright colours and crazy prints to suit the mood around. Whether it’s a head-to-toe look full of wild patterns or just adding that musthave oriental inspired accessory, this is one Ramadan you have to get dressed up for!
AMINA K
ARAB DESIGNER FOCUS
The Egyptian local designer takes us into her design closet, showing us what inspired her this summer.
SUMMER LOVIN’
GAP’S SUMMER
The all time favourite American brand is in full force with its latest collection. FACT JUly
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Fashion
DANCE TO THE BEAT 56
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Fashion
This month our “Arab Designer Focus” takes us to Egypt to check out the colourful eclectic designs of Amina K. We love seeing young talent blossom this side of the world, giving hope to the Middle East’s slowly rising fashion generation. And Amina Khalil, with her signature mix of colourful designs and traditional Egyptian fabrics, is proving herself as one of the region’s budding young designers. This summer she takes weaving to a hold new level with her “Woven Shreds” collection. “My inspiration came from the eccentric character of the Nubian cultural colours, patterns, and mud houses. Combing all the colours from those aspects, we created our theme” the 28 year old told us. With its warm palette and the awesome styling of turbans and fishtail braids, the collection boasts a definite North African twist.
Amina Khalil at her design studio
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Fashion
This time the line has evolved and now includes all your basic summer essentials from delicate beachwear to elegant chiffon kaftans and dresses. With the brand growing, we just love the fact that she brings the best of her Arab background into her designs while still keeping on trend and in style. So watch this spot because we have a feeling that this young lady will be on our fashion radar for a while. n
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To find out more, check out Amina’s website- www.aminak.net You can also buy her stuff online at www.dia-boutique. com who deliver straight to your door in Doha
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Fashion
Ramadan TREND ALERT h&M
promod
peppe jeans
topshop
miss selfridge
pull & bear
print mania
bershka
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Add a tribal touch to your wardrobe this Ramadan with cool ethnic print pieces. Go full on pattern crazy with a head to toe look if you’re daring!
stradivarius
Fashion
h&M
stradivarius
uterque
bershka
bershka
miss selfridge
orient express Get in touch with this month’s festive vibe with oriental inspired accessories from gold bangles to pretty bejewelled clutches.
peppe jeans FACT JUly
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Fashion
MEN’s FASHION MUST-HAVES
bershka
gap
next
h&M lacoste
peppe jeans lacoste
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Navy Staples Get ready to sail the seven seas with this nautical inspired trend, either in classic Breton style lines or bright colors for a summer twist.
Fashion
H&M
lacoste
Neutral Tones Blend in with the cool desert surroundings of the capital with tan accessories in shades of light beiges and warm browns.
salsa lacoste massimo dutti
massimo dutti
diesel
bershka
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Fashion
Turn the heat up
The weather is heating up and so is summer fashion. This month it’s all about being bold, bright and beautiful with your colour choices. Experiment with neon pinks, yellows, oranges, greens and many more summer shades - there’s nothing like a splash of colour to liven up your wardrobe this season! osman 64
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Fashion
topshop
VINCcI
stradivarius
promod
lacoste SALSA promod
michael kors
SALSA
ALDO
STRADIVARIUS
SALSA stuart weitzman Juicy couture
GAP
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Fashion
Summer shades This month it’s all about taking a colourful plunge with your fashion choices. Brighten up your everyday look with sunshine yellows, grass greens and sky blues from the latest high-street and high-end collections, that we’ve chosen especially for those super-hot summer days.
FENDI
KENZO
GAP
GAP
Fin’s
Tod’ s vs
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ferr ari
Fashion
LACOSTE
LACOSTE
MASSIMO DUTTI salsa
PULL & bear
salsa
sals a
STE LACO
PULL & bear FACT JUly
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Fashion
Summer Lovin’ Gap: Your one-stop fashion destination this scorching summer season Considered the all time American high street favourite, Gap has over the years made its way into our hearts and into our closets; now who honestly doesn’t own a pair of Gap jeans! Come this summer the brand’s making a statement, coming back with a big bright bang and a collection that takes its classic Americana style to a whole new level. Inspired by the warm and sunny days of the season the women’s collection comes brighter than ever. Shades of neon pink, sun kissed orange and sweet pastel fight for colour palette dominance, while denim leads as the material of choice. Beachy knitted dresses, striped shorts, and little tie-dye numbers make up the perfect summer essentials, while boho
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Fashion
scarves and braided belts take over for accessories. And although no Gap collection is free from their classic almost prep like styles this season sees a little bit more edge with slight rockerchick references. From short frayed denim cutoffs to bleached and washedout shirts and jackets, the Gap woman is way cooler this summer. For men, the creative team played around with patterns, colour and detailing. Shorts took centre stage with a series of new exciting tones and washes for the summer. The work-wear line also saw a few new additions with tailored slim khakis turning up in solid and yarn dyes, new yet still the classic turn-to pieces for any workingman. GO: You can find Gap at Landmark & Villaggio Malls
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Fashion
QR195
QR250
QR350
QR295
QR180 QR110
QR125
QR250
QR195
QR295
QR225
QR225 QR195
GAP MUST-HAVES Find these collection pieces in the store now!
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INDEX The W Hotel’s Wahm offers the perfect after work escape
CHEF’S TABLE
PLUS MORE...
we taste
EXPERIENCE
STRESS DEFYING
PEarl oriental
An epic and relaxing way to rejuvenate one’s body and get rid of stress. We tried and tested...
For Ramadan we hunted down an oriental gem out on the Corniche. Read on to see what this Syrian eatery is all about. VENUE
AL TABKHA we review
The Pearl’s own Lebanese style bistro; hit or miss? Here’s what we thought... FACT JUly
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THE CHEFS TABLE
H
eading down the Corniche, past the Museum of Islamic Art, it’s difficult not to notice the Pearl Oriental. Its big white exterior calls to you, beckoning for you to explore from beyond the busy Doha streets. The size of the restaurant might seem a bit overwhelming from the outside, but all that is forgotten once you set foot in the place; Arabian paradise seem to be the words of choice to describe the decor and atmosphere. And what better way to be greeted than by Chef Khamis Haddad himself. Hailing all the way from Damascus Syria, Chef Khamis is a new resident to the Qatari capital. Having moved here seven months ago from the Sheraton Damascus, he’s bringing new delicious flavours to the kitchen. “I’m trying to put my own spin on things, incorporating my oriental background while still keeping the flavours and likings of the locals in my cuisine” he tells us. 74
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Chef Khamis Haddad In keeping with the oriental theme of Ramadan, we decided to treat our palettes to maybe the best Syrian food in town. Check out our behind-the-scenes look at the Pearl Oriental with Chef Khamis. We follow him back to where all the magic happens, for a quick tour around the kitchen then it’s down to business. Bouncing around from station to station it’s not difficult to see the passion the Chef has for cooking.
He starts of course by preparing the mezzas as any proper Syrian would do. Salads are tossed with sweet hints of pomegranate molasses floating from the beautiful looking dishes, as hot Safayeh are brought out of the oven and placed
THE CHEFS TABLE
neatly on a bed of lush green herbs. Then it’s off to the cook’s station, where he starts whipping together a creamy yoghurt based sauce for his famous dish “Kibbeh bil laban”. We watch salivating as he lets us in on the recipe that is jotted down somewhere forgotten from the heavenly scents omitting from the stove. Twenty minutes later and we sit down to try the feast that is set in front of us; we are truly spoilt for choice with dishes covering ever last space on the table. Starting off with a bevy of different Kibbehs, we decide the fried on is our favourite, it oozes a rich sauce when cut into releasing delicate bits of meat with toasted pine nuts. The tabbouleh and
fattoush salads are perfectly seasoned each fighting for our attention. Chef Khamis hands over a plate of what seems to be spring rolls, but a bite into one of their crunchy exteriors presents us with warm delicious pieces of chicken seasoned with zaatar and other Arabic spices. The dish of the day though stole the spotlight. With its mixture of yoghurt and fried Kibbehs, the Kibbeh bil laban tasted warm and heavenly complementing the dish of light fluffy rice that sat beside it. Already quite stuffed, we can’t escape the homemade mouth-watering Booza icecream and sweet syrupy Konafa desserts. “ In Syria we have this tradition where
you can’t get up unless you have tried everything” Chef Khamis said chuckling at our full bellies. A quick look around the table and it’s not difficult to see that we’ve all enjoyed our meal. With that our fabulous Chef ’s table ended, proving that not only is their food fantastic but that nothing beats Syrian hospitality at the end of the day. n
GO: For some real Syrain cuisine enjoy an evening out at the Oriental Pearl. Call 4410 6600 for reservations
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VENUE REVIEW
EATS
Al Tabkha Lebanese Eatery
LEISURE
SPORTS
NIGHTS
Open 12pm – 11pm. Call 4495 3542 for free home delivery
H
COMMUNITY
TRAVEL
BODIES
ere at the FACT office Lebanese food is quite our thing. You’ve got your mezza lovers on one side, who can spot a good tabbouleh before it’s set on the table, and your hardcore ‘eat it every week’ fanatics. Yes it’s an ongoing war deciding on whom amongst us is ‘the’ real Lebanese connoisseur; the verdict is still undecided. So you can only imagine our excitement when, for our venue review, we were asked to review Al Tabkha, a Lebanese eatery at The Pearl. From outside the place looks like your regular outdoor dining venue, nothing too unique. Step inside though and it’s another story completely. Designed as a modern day bistro, the interior oozes flair with its brick walls and chequered floors giving off the feel of an upscale eatery but with a casual nofuss atmosphere. Seated in one of their cosy tables we get down to ordering, with the restaurant’s motto “As fast as fast food, as good as home cooking” we honestly can’t wait. A quick look at 76
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the menu and orders taken, the waiter returns with our mezzas. From fattoush and grilled halloumi to makanek and meat sambousak, it’s hard to pick what to try first. A few empty dishes later, we all agree that the standout dish was the makanek whose softly grilled sausages were devoured in no time, and zesty sauce was later used as a dip for our potatoes wedges. We patientaly wait for the main course, which if is anything like its predecessor won’t THE BILL FOR 2 Tabbouleh
QR 22
Makanek
QR 34
Grilled Halloumi
QR 32
Meat Sambousak
QR 28
Kibbeh Bil Laban
QR 45
Meat Shawarma
QR 55
Shish Tawouk
QR 55
TOTAL:
QR 271
disappoint. We’ve ordered a trio of meat shawarma, kibbeh bil laben and shish taouk to share amongst us. As soon as they come you can see that Tabkha is anything but stingy with its portions sizes, our dishes all big and plentiful. The kibbeh comes with a complimentary bowl of steaming hot rice with toasted pine nuts, the perfect combo for its yoghurty based sauce while the meat shawarma and shish taouk each come accented by a pretty bed of coleslaw, thick golden potato wedges and cute tiny porcelain bowls of tahini and tomeya to use as dip. The meat and chicken are tender and juicy, grilled to perfection, while the kibbeh is light and its sauce creamy thankfully not too rich. Fifteen minutes later we finally come up for air, food finished and our bellies full. A quick look around the table and the slew of empty plates, and it’s not hard for us to agree that Al Tabkha does live up to its motto; serving “fast but good food”. Oh and did we mention...they deliver!
A Little Bit of Dining Help With families hosting guests and family members all through Ramadan it can get hectic. The good people at Governor West Bay Suites and Residences have created a special new outdoor catering service perfect for large gatherings during the holy month. Sit back and relax as the hotel’s professional staff prepares a full range of traditional dishes including some fine fusion cuisine from their specialty chefs. You will not have to lift a finger; the hotel will take care of everything from table settings to providing a professional catering staff, they have thought of everything. The outdoor catering service is also available for big corporate functions as well as special events. Each event is catered to specific needs as well as being highly customised to suit each client. GO: Governor West Bay Suites & Residences Diplomatic St, West Bay. Call 4445 1555
New Month, New Menu A refreshed menu for Ramadan with bold flavours is now on offer at Renaissance Doha. Get ready for a fantastic night of sizzling traditional dishes, with live Shawarma and Ouzi carving stations. Try out their cold mezza followed by their one of a kind foul station. For mains tuck into beautifully grilled hamour, stuffed baby marrow and kubideh kebabs. For anyone with a real sweet tooth, their ice cream marble slab is definitely the destination to hit for dessert. GO: Open from 5pm- 2am. Call 4419 6100
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RESTAURANT LISTINGS EATS
RODIZIO
CHINESE RUBY WU’S
NIGHTS
TSE YANG
CHI’ZEN
Choices’ Summer Seafood Medley
COMMUNITY
TRAVEL
BODIES
LEISURE
SPORTS
End a long busy week with a fantastic Thursday dinner at the most contemporary restaurant in town. Head over to the Oryx Rotana and enjoy a fantastic setting with wonderful views of the pool and an amazing bevy of seafood delights. From prawns and lobsters to oysters, whether your a fish person or love your crustaceans Choices has got
you covered. With a wide range of different seafood, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. For just QR250 feast on unlimited seafood offerings including juices and soft drinks or QR325 including selected house beverages.Remember to bring your apetite though, this is one meal not to be messed with! GO: Available Thursdays. Call 4402 3333
HAKKASAN
EUROPEAN AROMA
BISTRO 61
BISTRO BISTRO
NORTH AMERICAN
ASIAN
APPLEBEE’S
WOK MEE NOODLE HOUSE
Four outlets across Doha
Movenpick Tower and Suites
4493 4880 (City Center Mall)
4496 6600
CHILI’S
SPICE MARKET
Four outlets across Doha
W Hotel
4444 5335 (Salwa Rd)
4453 5135
DAIRY QUEEN GRILL’N’CHILL
NUSANTAO: SEA KITCHENS
Three outlets across Doha
Four Seasons
4432 0982 (Ramada Junction)
4494 8601
JOHNNY ROCKETS
ASIA LIVE!
Two outlets across Doha
Doha Marriott
4455 2792 (Salwa Rd)
4429 8472
ROGER’S DINER
CHOPSTICKS
C Ring Road
Wyndham Grand Regency
FINE DINING
4455 2333
4434 3225
THE DINING ROOM
CALIFORNIA TORTILLA
ISAAN
C Ring Road
Doha Grand Hyatt
4434 4144
4448 1250
RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN
SRI KEBAYA
Abu Aboud Street, 4443 7846
Souq Waqif, 4434 0838
TGI FRIDAY’S
THE NOODLE HOUSE
Various outlets across Doha
Various locations across Doha
4488 7008 (Landmark Mall)
4411 5063 (City Centre)
LA SAHTAINE
PICASSO’S
SORMANI
BELGIAN CAFÉ
GORDON RAMSAY DOHA
LA MER
QUISINE BY GUY SAVOY
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AFRO-PORTUGUESE
BRAZILIAN
NANDO’S
IPANEMA
5 branches across Doha
West End Doha
44360606 (Al Sadd)
4419 6100
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FRENCH
InterContinental The City
West Bay
4015 8888
4499 0680
COSMO
DALLOYAU
Millennium Hotel
The Pearl-Qatar
4424 7362
4495 3876 ext 1961
CORAL
LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECÔTE
InterContinental Doha
The Pearl-Qatar
4484 4444
4495 3876 ext 1411
ANIMATO RESTAURANT
PAUL BAKERY & RESTAURANT
Movenpick Tower and Suites
Two outlets across Doha
4496 6600
Landmark Mall: 4486 0776
CHOICES
MAXIM
Oryx Rotana
Radisson Blu
4402 3333
4428 1428
CROSSROADS KITCHEN
NIGHTS
THE SQUARE
Tornado Tower,
EATS
LA VARENNE
BONBINI RESTAURANT
Radisson Blu
Sealine Beach Resort
4428 1555
4476 5226
CHINGARI
THE LAGOON
Radisson Blu
Ritz-Carlton
4428 1555
4484 8512
SAFFRON LOUNGE
MAWASEM
Katara Cultural Village
Hilton Doha, 4423 3112
4408 0808
AL DANA
TAJ RASOI
Sharq Village & Spa
Doha Marriott
4425 6227
4429 8570
AL WANIS TERRACE
STAR OF INDIA
Sharq Village & Spa
Al Markhiya
4425 6868
4486 4440
BLUE BRASSERIE
SARANGI
Al Sultan Beach Resort
Horizon Manor Hotel
4472 2666
4445 5444
CORNICHE
SUKH SAGAR
Doha Marriott
Al Muthaf Street, Mirqab
4429 8404
4431 9172
J G SANDWICH CELLAR
Ras Abu Abboud St LENOTRE
W Hotel
Suhaim bin Hamad: 4455 2666
4453 5135
Villagio Mall: 4450 7255
BLUE
VINE
Grand Heritage Doha
St Regis Doha
4445 5535
4446 0105
FLAVOURS
OPAL BY GORDON RAMSAY
Grand Heritage Doha
St Regis Doha,
4445 5544
446 0105
LE CIGALON
FLYING CARPET
La Cigale Hotel
The Torch Doha
4428 8698
4446 5600
AL CANTEEN
YUM YUM
Arumaila Boutique Hotel Souq Waqif,
K108 Boutique Hotel
4433 6777
4433 3000
COMMUNITY
4435 7559
MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES
Although known mainly for its famously potent cocktails, this Ramadan the popular watering hole is going for a more traditional and oriental vibe, in keeping with the holy month’s spirit. Drinks aside and left behind, the restaurant will open the last week of Ramadan at night for amazing one of a kind tropical dinners. Enjoy Asian Polynesian fusion cuisine at its best while admiring the beautiful views of the glittering sea the restaurant is so famous for. The delicious a la carte menu will feature delectable favourites as well as signature dishes such as Mongolian beef, grilled nine spice chicken and island titbits. So if you’re looking to spice up your Ramadan evenings with incredibly tasting food in a vibrant atmosphere, then a trip to the Hilton’s Trader Vic’s should definitely be scheduled.
TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
Ramadan Nights At Trader Vic’s
BODIES
4419 6100
BOMBAY BALTI
LEISURE
INDIAN
SPORTS
Renaissance City Center Hotel
GO: Trader Vic’s opens after 21st Ramadan from 6:00pm to midnight. For reservations & more information Call 4423 3333.
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RESTAURANT LISTINGS
NIGHTS
EATS
THE WEEKEND BRUNCHES
Enjoy Friday brunch with
SPORTS
beautiful views at St. Regis’ Opal
IPANEMA @ West End Doha
LEISURE
Fridays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm QR250 (soft drinks) or QR320 (house beverages), Call 4419 6100
CROSSROADS FAMILY BRUNCH @ West End Doha
Fridays from noon until 3.30pm QR 225 (soft drinks), Call 4419 6100
THE SQUARE @ InterContinental The City
BODIES
Fridays from noon until 4pm QR210 (soft drinks) or QR320 (house beverages), Call 4418 2846
FISH MARKET @ InterContinental Doha
TRAVEL
Fridays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm QR275 (house beverages) Call 4484 4444
LE CIGALON @ La Cigale Hotel Fridays from noon until 4pm QR200 (American coffee or tea) Call 4428 8698
COMMUNITY
NUSANTAO: SEA KITCHENS @ Four Seasons Fridays from noon until 4pm QR300 per person Call 4494 8888
AL LIWAN @ Sharq Village and Spa
Fridays and Saturdays from 12.30pm to 4pm 80
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QR250 (adults) and QR125 (children aged six to 12) Call 4425 6666
AL SHAHEEN @ Sheraton Doha Resort Fridays from noon until 4pm QR190 (food only) or QR270 (house beverages) Call 4485 4071
OPAL BY GORDON RAMSAY @ St Regis Doha
RESTAURANT GALLERY AND CORNICHE @ Doha Marriot Fridays from noon until 3pm QR235 (soft drinks) or QR340 (house beverages) Call 4429 8888
THE LAGOON @ Ritz-Carlton Fridays at noon until 3.30pm QR240 (soft drinks) or QR295 (house beverages) Call 4484 8000
Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 4pm QR250 (soft drinks) or QR375 (selected beverages) Call 4446 0105
CHOICES @ Oryx Rotana
VINE @ St Regis Doha
MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES @ W Hotel
Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR250 (soft drinks) and QR350 (selected beverages) Call 4446 0105
THE GRILL @ Grand Hyatt Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR220 (soft drinks) or QR395 (house beverages) Call 4448 1240
ISAAN @ Grand Hyatt
Fridays from 12.30pm to 4.30pm QR250 (soft drinks), QR395 (house beverages) or QR680 (inc a bottle of bubbly) Call 4448 1240
Fridays at 12.30pm to 4pm QR250 (soft drinks) or QR325 (house beverages) Call 4402 3333
Fridays at noon until 4pm QR320 (house beverages) Call 4453 5353
SPICE MARKET @ W Hotel Fridays at noon until 4pm QR320 (house beverages) Call 4453 5353
MAWASEM @ Hilton Doha Fridays at noon until 3.30pm QR222 (soft drinks), QR333 (house beverages) and QR444 French bubbly). Call 4423 3112
4495 3876 ext 1721
Al Najada Boutique Hotel
MAMIG
4433 6666
Katara Valley of Cultures
THE GRILL
4408 0800
Grand Hyatt Doha,
AL SULTAN BRAHIM
4448 1234
St Regis Doha
ITALIAN
4408 0800
DI CAPRI
AL BALAD
La Cigale Hotel,
C Ring Road
428 8840
4491 8692
CUCINA
AL MATAAM
Renaissance City Center Hotel
Musheireb Boutique Hotel
4419 6100
Souq Waqif
LAGOON RISTORANTE
4433 6700
Sealine Beach Resort
AL HUBARA
4476 5257
Sheraton Doha
IL TEATRO
4485 4071
Four Seasons
MAJLIS
4494 8888
Doha Grand Hyatt
CARLUCCIO’S
4448 1250
The Pearl-Qatar
ORIENTAL PEARL
4495 3876 ext 3541
Doha Corniche
THE ITALIAN JOB
4410 6600
Radisson Blu
DAMASCA
4428 1555
Souq Waqif
LA DOLCE VITA
4475 9088
Souq Waqif
KHAN FAROUK TARAB CAFE
4436 7991
Katara Cultural Village
LE VESUVIO
4408 0840
Katara Cultural Village, building 20
SABAH W MASA
4408 1500
Salwa Road
LE VESUVIO
4466 6001
Katara Cultural Village, building 20 4408 1500
JAPANESE
LA VERANDA
YEN SUSHI BAR
Sheraton Doha
La Cigale Hotel
4485 4444
4428 8698 SAKURA
4428 1555
Millennium Hotel
YUZU
4424 7367
Swiss-Belhotel
AL SHAHEEN
4407 8888
Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel
MIDORI
4485 4071
The Pearl-Qatar
AL MOURJAN
4495 3876 ext 6779
Corniche
SUSHI MINTO
4483 4423
Salwa Road
AL TABKHA
4467 5577
The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 5875 BURJ AL HAMAM
The Pearl-Qatar
IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDED IN OUR LISTINGS CONTACT THE EDITOR. IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE HERE THEN DO TELL US ASAP!
+974 4484 8000
Dining @ Admiral’s (Call 4484 8663)
Seafood Platter On Tuesdays, overlooking the marina, you are invited to enjoy a fresh seafood platter of lobster, prawns, fish and squid from 6pm to 10pm for QR260 per portion (serves up to two people). Barbecue Platter Promo A platter of BBQ good for two people inclusive of beef steak, chicken skewers, salmon fillet and lamb chops, hammour fillet, jumbo prawns with baked potato, condiments and chef’s salad, is available every Thursday and Friday from 6pm to 10pm for QR190 per portion. There’s an additional QR50 for fresh lobster. Roast Dinner Saturday evening is for roast at Admiral’s Club for a choice of roasted prime beef, lamb, chicken, Yorkshire pudding, chips and vegetables from 6pm to 10pm for QR120 per each portion.
Nights Out... Unwind @ Habanos QR40 for selected glass of red, white or rosé, daily except Sundays from 5pm to 1am. Call 4484 8504 Fabuloso Domingo @ Habanos Selected beverages starting from QR25 every Sunday from 5pm to 1am. Call 4484 8504 Sophisticated Weekends @ Habanos Enjoy the perfect hand rolled cigar with 25 per cent off savings from all selections. Every Thursday & Friday 5pm to 1am. Call 4484 8504 Beer Bucket @ Habanos Right after Happy Hour for every 5 beers get one for free, daily except Sundays. 8.30pm to 1am. Call 4484 8504 Hospitality Nights @ Flamingos Enjoy a 25 per cent discoun if you are a Hotelier or Airline crew. On Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 5pm to 1am. Call 4484 8525 Marina Nights @ Admiral’s Club Jaula Spa atand theDJ Grand Hyatt, oneboth of Doha’s Live bands music invade floors most luxurious of Admiral’s every day of the week except Sundays. Get started for weekend nights with everything on the menu at QR25 from Wednesday to Saturday on the upper floor from 8pm to 10pm. Call 4484 8663 Salsa Nights @ Admiral’s Club Dance the night away on Latin rhythms, regardless of if you’re a professional or have never danced before. From 8pm to 2am every Saturday. Call 4484 8663
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COMMUNITY
Radisson Blu
ZAMAN
Contact No:
TRAVEL
LEBANESE & ARABIC
The RitzCarlton, Doha
BODIES
The Pearl-Qatar
THE DINING ROOM
LEISURE
4433 6666
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
SPORTS
LIZA
NIGHTS
4495 3876 ext 1291
Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel
EATS
EAST
NIGHT LISTINGS LOUNGES
EATS
Getting in the party spirit...
HIVE
THE LOUNGE
NIGHTS
GLO COCKTAIL LOUNGE WAHM TRADER VIC’S
Crowne Plaza’s July Treats
LEISURE
SPORTS
Giving us a jammed-packed first week of July, the people at Crowne Plaza are making sure we are not bored! If you enjoy a good time then the centrally located hotel is the place to be! Crowne Plaza’s Misturado will keep your nights busy with happy hours daily from 5pm till 7pm. You can head over afterwards to Liquidity for some lounge music and a relaxed setting by the rooftop pool. The real party though is every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with Dj Xriss and DJ KayJay who will bring the roof down with their amazing mixes. Make sure to call and reserve though as the place tends to
PEARL LOUNGE
get packed.
THE LIBRARY
Special Promotion: Crowne Plaza is rewarding all loyal fans with a sensational treat. From now until September 7th, it’s hosting a payback promotion where you can enjoy a QR20 payback voucher for every QR100 spent in any of their outlets. The voucher can be used in any of the hotel’s restaurants until the 30th September. We just love the hotel’s way of thanking its clients, shows that they truly do care about us!
SEA LOUNGE
GO: For more information, call 4408 7777
LIBRARY AND CIGAR LOUNGE
M-LOUNGE
CIGAR LOUNGE DUNES
HABANOS
BODIES
VINTAGE CIGAR LOUNGE
EL CIGAR LOUNGE
TRAVEL
BARS
Rugby Matches at Champions
COMMUNITY
Calling all rugby fans, it’s time again! Head over on Saturday 6th July to Champions Sports Bar for some serious rugby action. Bring your friends together for a good time and watch the live broadcast of the British & Irish Lions match at the awesome sports bar. Tickets are for QR295 including a typical traditional British Brunch and
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unlimited select beverages. With only 250 tickets available, hurry up and head over to the Champions and Quick Bites staff to join the Supporters Club to purchase yours. Remember you must join the Champions Supporters Club to purchase Test tickets.
GO: Call 4419 6100 or visit www.westenddoha. com/champions
DUNES
MADISON PIANO BAR SKY VIEW CHAMPIONS
IRISH HARP
ADMIRAL CLUB AND MARINA CLUB MEZZO BAR OYSTER BAY
MANHATTAN
DOHA RUGBY CLUB BAR
LIQUIDITY
TRADER VIC’S
KROSSROADS
CLUBS JAZZ CLUB
LAVA
Habanos @ Ritz-Carlton Sat, Mon-Wed from 17.00 - 20.00 Get two for the price of one
Strata @ InterContinental The City Daily from 18.00 - 20.00 Buy one beverage and get the other one for free
Crystal Lounge @ W Hotel From 20.00 – 22.00 Get 50% off selected beverages
Jazz Club @ Oryx Rotana Daily from 18.00 – 20.00 Buy one get one free
Cellar @ Oryx Rotana Daily from 4:00 - 7:00 Enjoy 30% off selected beverages
Champions @ West End Renaissance City Center Daily from 17.00 – 19.00 QR28 on selected beverages
Dunes @ Grand Hyatt All day on Sunday Half price on selected beverages
Glo Cocktail Lounge @ West End Doha Daily from 17.00 – 20.00 Selected beverages at QR25 or cocktails from QR35 Blue @ Grand Heritage Enjoy exotic summer Mocktails at QR 19 per mocktail daily Zawaya Bar & Lounge @ Hilton Daily from 17.00 - 20.00 Buy one get the same one free
Sea Lounge @ Sharq Village and Spa Daily from 17.00 - 20.00 Half price on regular brands and beverages The Lounge @ Kempinski Residences & Suites Daily from 17.00 - 19.00 Half price on selected beverages and food menu items
BODIES
CLUB 7
Paloma @ InterContinental Doha Daily from 17.00 - 19.00 50% off food and drink
LEISURE
MISTURADO
Lava @ InterContinental Doha Daily from 20.00 - 22.00 Get 50% off selected beverages and food
SPORTS
SHEHRAZAD BAR AND IRISH TERRACE
Level 23 @ Ritz-Carlton Sun-Tues from 6.30-8.30 Buy two get one free on selected beverages
NIGHTS
BUBBLES ON TWO
HAPPY HOURS
EATS
BELGIAN CAFE
Wahm @ W Hotel Buy one get one free everyday from 17.00 - 20.00
CRYSTAL LOUNGE
TRAVEL
WINDOWS
QUBE
COMMUNITY
FAHRENHEIT
IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE HERE THEN DO TELL US ASAP!
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SPORTS LISTINGS EATS
GET READY FOR SOME SERIOUS COMPETITION...
GYMS / FITNESS CLASSES
NIGHTS
AL MASSA ACTIVE
Sports Festival This Ramadan
LEISURE
SPORTS
Following the previous years’ huge success, the Aspire Zone Foundation’s (AZF) annual Ramadan Festival is returning for a third year. Under the name of ‘Hayyakum B Aspire’, this year’s event features nine different sports and includes a collection of cultural, religious, and familyorientated activities. Kicking off at the end of July, the two-week sports festival will feature everything from football, flag football and beach soccer to basketball, table-tennis for the disabled, handball, volleyball, and remote control car races. Registration is open to both men and women ages 16 and over. The sports festival is a community-
inspired event and an example of Aspire Zone Foundation’s yearlong commitment to encouraging healthy and active lifestyles to the residents of Qatar. ‘This Ramadan Sports Festival is designed to help all members of the community stay active throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. A number of cultural, religious and charitable events have also been added to the program this year’ said Mr. Hilal Al Kuwari, President of Aspire Zone Foundation. The competitions will run from 14-28 July with matches taking place in the evening, 9pm till midnight.
ASPIRE ACADEMY
BOOT CAMP QATAR
CONTOURS EXPRESS
CURVES
ÉNERGIE FITNESS CLUB
FITNESS FIRST
DANA CLUB
GO: Find out more at www.aspirezone.qa/ramadan
BODIES
HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB
SWISS BELHOTEL GYM AND POOL
GRAND HYATT GYM, POOL AND BEACH
TRAVEL
OZONE GYM
Diving: Under Water Escapes
COMMUNITY
We know the weather right now is a real scorcher and it’s really unbearable and not fun to sit outdoors. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on outdoor sports all together! Serenity, unexplored territories, and picturesque aquatic life make diving a safe haven for those wanting to escape the hot
84
FACT JUly
weather and busy world above. Why not try out the underwater sport and book a Padi course with a dive center, like Qatar Divers, or get in touch with one of the city’s independent dive masters, Abdullatif Al-Naemi (scubalatif.com) for a more personalized experience.
GO: www.qatardivers.com
PURE LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE
BAY VIEW 26 WELLNESS CENTRE
VITALITY ZONE HEALTH CLUB
POOL, BEACH AND FITNESS FACILITIES
Wyndham Grand Regency 4434 3152 THE BAY CLUB
InterContinental Doha 4484 4852 FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES
LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES
The Diplomatic Club 4484 7450
SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS
Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4600
THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB
West Bay Lagoon 4484 7444
FOOTBALL
FALCON TAEKWONDO ACADEMY
EVOLUTION SOCCER QATAR
Evosportsqatar.com, 5506 4794
FLYING
AIKIDO
QATAR AERONAUTICAL COLLEGE
DOHA ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Near Doha Golf Club 4431 4154 qatarca@hotmail.com CYCLING
MOTORCYCLING
Rayyan Road Park or American School of Doha Visit sites.google.com/site/qatarulti
DOHA GOLF CLUB
West Bay 4496 0777
QATAR DIVERS
By Doha Marriott Hotel 4431 3331 QATARSUB
DOHA SUB-AQUA CLUB
Near Sharq Village Dohasubaquaclub.com PEARL DIVERS
4444 9553 FISHING
SHERATON DOHA
Call Bassel on 5551 8100
ASPIRE ACADEMY
info@dohahockeyclub.com
www.aspire.qa 4413 6219
Bosco_menezes@hotmail.com Qatar Hockey Federation 5587 8317
HORSERIDING
AL KHOR RIDING CENTER
4421 8857
AL SAMARIYA STABLES
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani farm 5525 7203 AL SHAQAB RIDING ACADEMY
Alshaqab.com 4454 6320
RUGBY Doha Rugby Union FC
Doha Rugby Club, near Doha College 4468 3771 RUNNING DOHA BAY RUNNING CLUB
Dohabayrunningclub.webs.com QATAR HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
5551 9603 abkuw@yahoo.com QTHLETICS
Al Sadd Sports Club | 4411 7911
COMMUNITY
Souq Waqif 4434 1234
PARASAILING
TRAVEL
DIVING
Losail International Circuit 4472 9151
PILATES
QATAR HOCKEY ACADEMY
dohadartsleague.com Call Elsa on 6664 1750O
MOTORCYCLE FEDERATION
DOHA HOCKEY CLUB
QATAR CHAIN REACTION
DOHA DARTS LEAGUE
QATAR MOTOR AND
HOCKEY
WANDERERS HOCKEY CLUB
DARTS
Hogdohaqatarchapter.com
GOLF
Qatarcf.org 4447 5522
Qatarchainreaction.org info@qatarchainreaction.org
DOHA QATAR CHAPTER HOG
BODIES
QATAR CYCLING FEDERATION
Sheraton Doha 5562 4178
LEISURE
QATAR CRICKET ASSOCIATION
KARATE
The International Academy for Intercultural Development 4432 0974
GONDOLANIA BOWLING CENTER
CRICKET
Al Mansoura | 4442 3012
Qatar.wfa@gmail.com
FRISBEE
Al Bidda Street 4432 9178
Al Muthanna Complex, opp Jarir Bookstore 4465 9066
QATAR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ASSOC.
BOWLING
QATAR BOWLING CENTER
MARTIAL ARTS KOREA TAEKWONDO CENTRE
Call Tony Moorat on 5550 1906
Ras Abu Abboud Street, 4440 8888
Villagio Mall 4403 9800
www.tomtomkitear.com 6661 2749
QATAR SEA ANGLING ASSOCIATION
QATAR BADMINTON ACADEMY
qatarbadmintonacademy@gmail.com 4483 9162
TOM TOM KITE’AR
SPORTS
BADMINTON
Call Bassel on 5551 8100
NIGHTS
Ritz-Carlton Hotel 4484 8173
TRIPS THROUGH SHERATON DOHA
EATS
FITNESS CENTRE AND SWIMMING POOL
QATAR RACING AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB RIDING
Qrec.gov.qa 4480 8122
SAILING DOHA SAILING CLUB
Ras Abu Abboud Street KITESURFING
4443 9840
FLO KITE SCHOOL
REGATTA SAILING ACADEMY
Call Flora Pestre on 5504 1039
InterContinental Doha | 4442 4577 FACT JUly
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Leisure LISTINGS EATS
WORTH YOUR TIME
dXb Pop-Up Store
info@kataraartcenter.com
Until 1st August:
SPORTS
NIGHTS
Featuring 30 independent designers from the UAE, this Art Dubai initiative showcases creative approaches to designing with locally-sourced materials and ideas Where? Katara Art Center
LEISURE
Katara amphitheatre at night. Image by Saif Alnuweiri
GALLERIES AND STUDIOS
ARAB POSTAL STAMPS MUSEUM
AL MARKHIYA GALLERY
Building 22, Katara Cultural Village
Souq Waqif
5553 2918
6609 9687
FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL-THANI MUSEUM
SOUQ WAQIF ART CENTRE
Al Samariyah
Souq Waqif
4486 1444
BODIES
Artcentersouqwaqif.com
BEACHES
HILTON DOHA
ST REGIS DOHA
KATARA ARTS STUDIOS
HERITAGE
Katara Cultural Village
Qatar has around 200 forts, castles and
education@katara.net
heritage sites worth checking out.
KATARA ART CENTER
Here we have listed a few. For more
Katara Cultural Village
information visit qma.com.qa.
TRAVEL
info@kataraartcenter.com VISUAL ART SECTION
AL KOOT FORT
Building 19, Katara Cultural Village
Al Bidda
4408 1471
AL WAJBAH FORT
QMA GALLERY AT KATARA
Al Rayyan
DOHA MARRIOTT
Building 10, Katara Cultural Village 4402 8045
FANAR: ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Next to Souq Waqif
Education City
BARZAN TOWER
Exhibitions.qatar.vcu.edu
Umm Salal Mohammed
COMMUNITY
AL KHOR TOWER AND MUSEUM
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MUSEUMS
Al Khor, north of Doha
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART (MIA)
AL WAKRAH MUSEUM
Corniche
Al Wakrah, south of Doha
Mia.org.qa
MARWAB FORT
MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
West coast of Qatar
Education City
AL ZUBARAH FORT
4402 8855
Around 100km west of Doha
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SHARQ VILLAGE AND SPA
QATAR UNIVERSITY
Ras Abu Abboud Road
College of Arts and Sciences
4442 4424
4403 4584
KHOR AL DAID
MUSIC
AL FARKIYA
DOHA SINGERS
Al Khor, north of Doha
dohasingers@gmail.com
AL WAKRA BEACH
DOHA JAZZ
Al Wakra, south of Doha
5571 0746
KATARA BEACH
THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MUSIC
Katara Cultural Village
Villa 81, Ahmed bin Hanbal Street
4408 1017
4467 1354 QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org
DOHA FILM INSTITUTE
DOHA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
dohafilminstitute.com
Dohaorchestra.com
ASPIRE LADIES CINEMA
3385 7784
4499 7664
LITERATURE
CINEMA LAND
QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY
Landmark Mall
Various branches
4488 1674
4438 9888
GRAND CINECENTRE
PHOTOGRAPHY
City Center Doha
QATAR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
4483 9064
Qps.com.qa | 4408 1812
GO: Event is free, but booking is essential. Email: information@serpentinegallery.org or visit www.mathaf.org.qa for more information
LEISURE
THE CINEMA PALACE
SPORTS
FILM
Explore Arab London’s literary and artistic heritage with a unique and lively debate at the Arab Museum of Modern Art. Developed by Mathaf and the Serpentine Gallery’s Edgware Road Project, the event promises a night of interesting talks and discussions about the history of relationships between London and Arab cities and the future in store for them. Hear from a panel that includes artist Ibrahim El-Salahi, publisher Margaret Obank and authors, Ma’n Abu Taleb, Sophia Al-Maria and Hisham Matar and Serpentine Gallery Co-Director Hans Ulrich Obrist.
NIGHTS
The Inland Sea, southeast tip of Qatar
Mapping Arab Literature London
EATS
OASIS HOTEL AND BEACH CLUB
Royal Plaza 4413 0000 MALL CINEMA
The Mall, D Ring Road 4467 8666 THEATRE DOHA PLAYERS
BODIES
Amateur dramatics group Doha_players@yahoo.com KATARA AMPHITHEATRE
Katara Cultural Village Corniche QATAR NATIONAL THEATRE
National Theatre roundabout
FANAR: QATAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE
www.fanar.gov.qa BERLITZ
E Ring Road, Mesaimeer 4455 0506 QATAR EASTERN LANGUAGE CENTER
4491 9580 or 6690 8551 INCEPTION LANGUAGE CENTRE
Equestrian Street 4412 6660 or 4412 6661 STENDEN INSTITUTE
Fereej Bin Omran 4488 8116
modern world. Students were invited to view certain pieces from the museum’s collection, and were taught all about the old world craftsmanship behind each piece. The exhibition now houses the Turquoise Mountain students’ interpretation of these historical objects, reusing old methods of crafting but with a modern day perspective. For more information check out the museums’s website: www.mia.org.qa FACT JUly
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COMMUNITY
Salwa Road
The MIA Presents Afghan Art Past and Present If you haven’t been past the Ferozkoh exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art you’re definitely missing out on one of Doha’s must-sees. The exhibition, which partners with students and teachers from the Turquoise Mountain Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture in Kabul, talks about the traditional arts of the Islamic world and aims at trying to preserve them in today’s
TRAVEL
LANGUAGES
Bodies LISTINGS EATS
WHERE TO GET A GOOD PAMPERING...
SPAS JAULA SPA
DADOS SPA
NIGHTS
OZONE SPA
PURE SPA
SARAY SPA
SPORTS
ANGSANA SPA
LEISURE
A Stress Defying Experience
THE GRAND SIGNATURE MASSAGE THE spa @ gRAND hERITAGE DOHA (call 4445 5530) 60 minutes, QR500
CHANTARA SPA DOHA
Tired bodies are rejuvenated with the spa’s signature massage; get ready for a rejuvenating journey like no other.
THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA
Words by Dina Kabbani
COMMUNITY
TRAVEL
BODIES
With deadlines looming and an apartment needing to be furnished I welcomed the Spa Review with open arms; this was the much-needed break I was looking for. The Grand Heritage was my destination and I was going in for a facial treatment. I walked into the spa and was immediately met with a cool drink of water and a smile by Abigail. The pretty quiet Asian would be giving me my treatment so I filled out a form and followed her down the candlelit hallway to my room. The room was dim and cool, with sweet low Thai music playing in the background. Abigail asked me to remove my watch then my clothes. Wait a second, wasn’t I here for a facial? Well it seems, amidst the mess that is currently my life, I mistook massage for facial and ended up looking like a prude when questioning why I needed to remove my clothes. Ten minutes later however and much excitement in between that I was in for their signature spa massage, I was laying face down on a massage 88
BLISS SPA
FACT JUly
bed that would be my solace for the next hour. The treatment was a soft and medium Swedish massage, with a lot of deep tissue and muscle reflexology movements. Abigail used Lavender oil from England throughout the massage that smelled heavenly; she applied the warm liquid and worked it into my tense and knotted muscles. For the final step she wrapped my body in warm and compressed towels as an after massage relaxant. Sixty minutes later I woke up from a dream-like state, and couldn’t believe how calm and relaxed I was. She asked me to wait at least two hours before showering, and that when I did I should only use luke warm water without any soap. Apparently the oil is supposed to work its way into my skin, leaving it soft and moisturised (which later on I have to admit it actually did). As I drank my warm Jasmine tea before leaving and said my goodbyes, I noticed an extra bump in my step. And as I left the hotel and walked towards my car I had to admit to myself I was actually walking on cloud 9. Thanks Abbey!
EFOREA
DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPA
GUERLAIN ALFARDAN SPA
DOHA MARRIOT SPA
FOUR SEASONS SPA AND WELLNESS CENTRE THE BAY CLUB
SIX SENSES SPA
REMEDE SPA
BE BLOOM BEAUTY CENTRE AND SPA
Al Mirqab Al Jadeed
4493 4433
4444 7494
HABIBS HAIR N BEAUTY SPA
STYLO LADIES BEAUTY CENTER
Al Sadd
Al Sadd
4413 0672
4436 3626
LADY SIAM MASSAGE
NARA SALON
Al Kinana Street
Al Waab
4435 4115
4447 8008
LUCIE SAINT-CLAIR
LE SALON and LA SALON
Royal Plaza
Alfardan Towers, West Bay
4447 7725
4420 8660
NIGHTS
STUDIO 1
Bilal Suites
EATS
BIO-BIL HEALTH BEAUTY AND SPA
HABIBS HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON
BEAUTY SALONS
Villa #205 Muntaza road, Al-Hilal Area
THE BEAUTY CENTER
4413 0672
The Diplomatic Club GLOW AMERICAN SALON
Salwa Road and West Bay 4468 9945 and 4411 7652 AL SAYYAD GENT’S SALON
Wyndham Grand Regency 4434 3445 CAROLINE
4402 3333 DIVA LOUNGE
Al Kinana Street 4431 8488 FRANCK PROVOST
Four Seasons Hotel 4494 8844 JACQUES DESSANGE
4444 9194 LA DUREE
La Cigale Hotel 4428 8888
Great Spa Deals This Month! Fresh Breeze @ Four Seasons Doha
Summer Indulgence @ Grand
foot massage and end it with a sun-
Stressed and burnt out? Don’t worry
Treat your tired soles to a traditional
soothing Aloe Vera facial to boost skin
cells and rejuvenate them. This special summer treatment is 160 minutes for QR 1,295. Call 4494 8888
Heavenly Bodies @ Bliss Spa
Escape the heat for an hour and a
4495 3876 Grand Hyatt Hotel 4448 1100 CUT BY ALEXANDRE ZOUARI
W Hotel 4453 5353 PATRICE
4486 5970 and 4485 4012 MARIE CLAIRE
Salwa Road 4468 9211
Paradise massage for QR 300 followed
by a wonderful neck, back and shoulders massage, perfect for releasing any builtup tension you might have. Call 4445 5530
an Elemis exotic Lime and Ginger body scrub followed by an Elemis
Triple Treats @ Six Senses Spa
treatment for QR 700. Call 4453 5555
this month with the Ramadan package
express facial and deep relaxing tissue
Rejuvenation @ Hilton Doha
The Eforea Spa at the Hilton offers an
amazing Full body Repair massage, an 80 minute heavenly treatment that will
Indulge in a full-on pampering session
featuring a wonderful trio of: traditional Moroccan Hammam, de-stress
massage, and rejuvenating express
facial. The offer is for 130 minutes for QR 1,250.
Call 4425 6999
have you feeling better than new in no time. Call 4419 6090
Two for One @ Grand Hyatt Doha For every 90-minute massage you
book, Jaula Spa and Club will treat you to a 30 minute Express Facial treatment, that will have your skin
instantly soft and moisturized in no
PINKIES
time.
The Centre
Call 4448 1060/1
Fabulously Fit @ Bodylines
It’s time to get off the couch and join
Oryx Rotana’s Bodylines. This month
COMMUNITY
Landmark Mall and Sheraton Hotel
to the Grand Heritage and enjoy a Foot
TRAVEL
YAHYA ZAKARIA
we’ve got just the treatment. Head over
half at the W hotel’s bliss Spa. Enjoy
PORTO SALON
The Pearl-Qatar
Heritage
BODIES
Salwa Road
you love this month
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR LISTINGS, CONTACT THE EDITOR.
LEISURE
Oryx Rotana
the perfect treats to give to someone
SPORTS
4484 7407
These pretty Gift Sets from L’Occitane are
until the 31st August enjoy their Low Tide
Membership Offer, which includes access to the Gym, Steam, Jacuzzi and Sauna with an added 20 per cent discount on massages and spa treatments. Call 4402 3390
4431 7959 FACT JUly
89
Travel LISTINGS EATS
WHERE ELSE COULD YOU BE THIS MONTH?
TRAVEL AGENTS JAULA SPA
NIGHTS
SPACE TRAVEL
MANNAI HOLIDAYS
Image by COMO Shambhala Estate
QATAR TOURS
REGENCY TRAVEL AND TOURS
Berlin, The City With a Beat Call 4449 6666 to fly with Qatar Airways or book your ticket online at www.qatarairyways.com
LEISURE
SPORTS
DARWISH TRAVEL BUREAU
Get ready to explore Germany’s awesome capital for some serious history, wonderful culture & crazy nighlife.
COMMUNITY
TRAVEL
BODIES
Twenty years after its post-Wall reunification, Berlin has become a hub of cultural cool with its scenestealing mix of glamour and grunge, crawling with the hottest galleries and top museums, grand opera and guerrilla clubs. It’s where fashion, design, art and music meet, making the German capital the city to watch. A walk around the Avenue Unter den Linden, the historic heart of the city, is undoubtedly a breathtaking experience with its grand Baroque and Neoclassical monuments, and Museum Island, which carries some of Germany’s finest museums. Staring at you every corner you turn, are remnants of a divided Berlin with Famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and what’s left of the Berlin Wall preserving the memory of a hard era. A global infusion of the contemporary and an edgy undercurrent, have made Berlin 90
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a headquarter for the chic and punk alike, and Europe’s latest fashion capital. Head to Kurfürstendamm if it’s luxury you want, with its major fashion houses or explore the one-of-a-kind retailers and smaller boutiques located in Hackescher Markt and Prenzlauer Berg. No wonder Mercedes-Benz has chosen the dynamic German Capital as the location for its fashion week. The nightlife scene is unbelievable, with parties catering to every taste as well as every budget. You have tiny basement clubs to massive music temples; there is something for everyone. Get ready to party with the city that honestly never sleeps with Berliners being the true party animals of Germany. So if you’re looking for a new city to explore, head over to this buzzing European capital where glamour and grit meet up around every corner.
TRANS ORIENT TRAVEL & TOURISM
ALI BIN ALI TRAVEL BUREAU AAMAL TRAVEL
AL JABER TOURS AND TRAVELS
AL JASRA TRAVEL
AL BATEEL TRAVEL
ALSHAMEL TRAVEL AND TOURISM
AL SULAIMAN TRAVEL
FALCON TRAVEL
KANOO TRAVEL
MILANO TRAVEL
BON VOYAGE QATAR
Al Gharrafa Complex 4491 6111 AIRLINES AIR ARABIA
www.airarabia.com 4407 3434 www.airindia.com 4442 7747
AIR FRANCE / KLM
SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES
LUFTHANSA
SRI LANKAN AIRLINES
MEA
SYRIAN AIR
OMAN AIR
TURKISH AIRLINES
www.kuwaitairways.com 4443 5340 www.lufthansa.com 4431 0623 www.mea.com/lb 4434 2976 www.omanair.com 4432 1373 PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL
BAHRAIN AIR
AIRLINES
BIMAN BANGLADESH
QATAR AIRWAYS
BRITISH AIRWAYS
ROYAL JORDANIAN
www.bahrainair.net 4442 1807 www.biman-airlines.com 4443 3117 www.britishairways.com 4432 1434
www.piac.aero 4442 6290 www.qatarairways.com 4449 6666 (call centre) www.rj.com 4443 1431
www.srilankan.com 4444 1217 www.syriaair.com 4441 2911
www.turkishairlines.com 4443 3028
HAVE A GREAT TRAVEL STORY TO SHARE? DON’T HOLD BACK! EMAIL THE EDITOR AND LET US KNOW AND WE MIGHT EVEN SHARE IT FURTHER.
SPORTS
www.klm.com | 4432 1208
www.saudiairlines.com 4444 0121
NIGHTS
AIR INDIA (and AIR INDIA EXPRESS)
KUWAIT AIRWAYS
EATS
DANA TRAVELS & TOURISM
IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE IN OUR LISTINGS THEN PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS YOU CAN!
CATHAY PACIFIC
www.cathaypacific.com 4445 8319 www.cyprusair.com 4411 9017
BALI, INDONESIA
LEISURE
CYPRUS AIRWAYS
HOT NEW CITY HOP...
Fly with Etihad Airways, book your ticket online at www.etihad.com.
DELTA AIRLINES
www.delta.com 4483 0725 EGYPT AIR
BODIES
www.egyptair.com 4435 6020 EMIRATES
www.emirates.com 4438 4477 ETIHAD AIRWAYS
www.etihadairways.com 4436 6657 FLYDUBAI
TRAVEL
www.flydubai.com 4422 7350 GULF AIR
www.gulfair.com 4499 8037 IRAN AIR
www.iranair.com 4441 5318
COMMUNITY
IRAQ AIRWAYS
www.iq-airways.com 4443 7788 JET AIRWAYS
www.jetairways.com 4407 2222
FACT JUly
91
COMMUNITY LISTINGS EATS
hurry up if you’re taking off for the holidays...
ANIMAL WELFARE CATS IN QATAR
Daytime number: Gill on 3393 7645 Evenings and weekends: Vicki on 3393 7646 QATAR ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
www.qaws.org 5539 6074
NIGHTS
2ND CHANCE RESCUE QATAR
www.2ndchancerescue.com 6644 1087 (Katharine Body) QATAR PET RELOCATORS
www.qatarpetrelocators.com 5528 6335 QATAR VETERINARY CENTER
SPORTS
Off Al Waab Street 4421 6405
PAMPERED PETS KENNEL AND CATTERY
www.ppkdoha.net 5588 4132
Calling All Passengers!!
LEISURE
With summer in full force, the Doha International Airport faces a packed airport and a big problem.
COMMUNITY
TRAVEL
BODIES
It seems that this summer is going to be a busy one at the Doha International Airport (DIA). With temperatures rising and schools out for the summer, people are starting to take their holidays and everyone’s heading outside the country. Officials have forecasted heavy passenger traffic for the coming months and are advising passengers, especially those travelling at peak hours, to arrive at least three to four hours before their flight to avoid any unwanted delays. To combat the rush additional staff has been added to both departure and arrival terminals, with more check-in counters opening to help reduce queues and lines. Further measures have been taken to ensure that traffic is kept to a minimum with passengers being asked to park in the short-term parking lots to avoid congestion in front of terminals. Travellers are also encouraged to check-in online. The Internet checkin service enables passengers to check-in either 24 or 48 hours before their flight departure time 92
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and can be easily done at home, the office or basically anywhere with internet. Most airlines have the service available, and the process usually doesn’t take more than a few minutes. Boarding passes can also be printed before arriving to the airport, saving even more time at check-in. Passengers who are flying with Qatar Airways will depart from Terminal A, those flying with any international airline will depart from Terminal B. Peak times for Terminal A: 5am - 9am 6pm- 8:30pm 10:30pm - 1:30am Peak times for Terminal B: 7am - 9.30am 4pm - 6pm 7pm - 11pm So if you’re heading out to the airport make sure you get there early, nothing ruins a vacation like a missed flight! For more information you can always visit www.dohaairport.com/
QATAR BIRD CLUB
Bin Omran | 4487 4731 DOGS IN DOHA
dogsindoha@gmail.com 6618 2924 PARKVIEW CENTER
info@parkviewcenter.net 4417 1560 or 5509 9494 (emergencies) QATAR PET REGISTER
www.qatarpetregister.com
info@qatarpetregister.com CHARITIES / SOCIAL WELFARE QATAR CHARITY
10 branches across Doha 4466 7711 (main) QATAR RED CRESCENT
Old Salata | 4402 7700
QATAR FOUNDATION FOR COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
4491 2888
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER
C Ring Road 4454 2400
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Salwa Road 4444 4012
REACH OUT TO ASIA
Education City 4480 029
THE YOUTH COMPANY
info@theyouthcompany.com 44118132 BEST BUDDIES QATAR
www.bestbuddies.org.qa 4466 6095
HAMAD GENERAL HOSPITAL
FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT CENTER
Bin Omran 4487 4731
WOMEN’S HOSPITAL
SUSTAINABLE QATAR
www.sustainableqatar.com 5516 2764 (Katrin Scholz-Barth, President)
AL AMAL (ONCOLOGY) HOSPITAL
responsibility@moe.gov.qa 4420 7777
AL AHLI HOSPITAL
SOCIETIES THINK PINK QATAR
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Thinkpinkqatar.com Contact through online submission form
Considered one of the largest and best-preserved examples of an 18th-19th century traditional pearl fishing and merchant town in the Gulf, Al Zubarah Archeological site has been inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. It’s the first entry for a Qatari site on the international register and one of 911 natural and cultural properties worldwide.
NIGHTS
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
Qatar Makes Unesco List
EATS
ENVIRONMENT
6673 0674
SPORTS
CANCER SURVIVORS AND SUPPORTERS GROUP
HEALTH ISSUES....
DOHA MUMS
GCC Suffers High Asthma Figures
www.dohamums.com info@dohamums.com
Studies show number of asthma sufferers in the GCC have increased rapidly in the past few years. According to regional researchs, Saudi Arabia takes the lead with the highest per cent of people suffering from the chronic respiratory conditions. Qatar and Kuwait come in closely behind with Oman trailing after.
AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
www.awaqatar.com Contact through online submission form
LEISURE
FRENCH SPEAKING WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
The French Cultural Centre 4493 0862
INDIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
www.iwaqatar.com 4442 5937 CLUBS
QATAR CHESS ASSOCIATION
BODIES
Corniche, Al Bidda Tower 4494 4292
QATAR NATURAL HISTORY GROUP
www.qnhg.org chairman@qnhg.org (Rob Ross)
QATAR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK
Melissa Mitchell, QPEN leader Info@qpwn.org
TRAVEL
QATAR TOASTMASTERS
www.qatartoastmasters.net 5554 7248 TUESDAY LADIES GROUP
Tlgindoha@gmail.com 5573 5078 QATAR EXPATS
QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD & WOMAN PROTECTION
4467 9444 (hotline)
Image by Adrian Haddad
MEDICAL
COMMUNITY
www.meetup.com/Qatar-expats Online sign-up
GO: Ladies, head to one of your local clinics for a screening and/or, both men and women alike, encourage all your female friends to do so!
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Bringing you the latest news of fellow Qataris around the world... tell us your news @FACTqatar! AROUND THE WORLD
Himalayas NEW YORK
Six lucky students have won an internship in the Big Apple with Qatar Foundation and The Economist Group’s “Invest in your Summer” competition. For the summer, they’ll get first-hand work experience at one of the leading events and media groups in New York.
Congratulations to Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani who became the first Qatari ever to climb Mount Everest! The young royal made his ascent as part of the Arabs With Altitude group, which has raised nearly $1million for Reach Out To Asia’s educational projects in Nepal.
Cambodia
England
Distinguished Qatari film composer Wael Binali got the chance to premier one of his movies on June 14 at the Edinburgh’s Usher Hall as part of the musical celebration of the Qatar UK Year of Culture 2013. We couldn’t be more proud!
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As Qatar received its first World Heritage site inscription for Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali al-Thani was there for the prestigious Unesco event. Congrats Qatar!
Philippines
The Qatari basketball team is stepping up their training in preparation for the FIBA Asia Basketball Championship in Manila, Philippines from August 1st to 11th. We wish them the best and although we will be watching from home we will definitely be cheering them on!
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Hyundai Showroom: DOHA - 4435 5117 AZIZIYA - 4416 3300
Email: info@hyundai-qatar.com www.hyundai-qatar.com