FACT Qatar April 2013

THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR

APRIL 2013 | VOL 2 | ISSUE 12 | QR10 | BD1

Y T I L A E R N I T R FINDING A REAL LIFE, IS JUST ONE IBIT, A CANDID PORTRAYAL OF EXH HY RAP TOG PHO R’S PAR N MARTI THE YEAR OF CULTURE IN A SLEW OF NEW EVENTS FOR

PLUS. FORTRESS CHALLENGE FINDING KARAK FACT QATAR April 1 SPORTING FASHION & MUCH MORE

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FACT QATAR April

Villaggio Mall 4413 5062 . Landmark Mall 4487 2741 FACT QATAR April

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Content

NOTEWORTHY

CULTURE 24. Rounding Up Qatar-UK A bunch of great new exhibitions are being rolled out for the Year of Culture

28 The Chai Karak Hunt

Join us on our epic search for the country’s best tea

ART 32. Between Cultures The International Artists Doha are putting on an art show en masse

36. Ground Level Creative We meet the four-person team at Katara Art Center

TECHNOLOGY 46. Lumia 920 Camera

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We test the megapixels on this baby at Hatta, Dubai

50. Chevrolet Trailblazer Ali Driver did a day at Wakra Beach with this value-for-money SUV

Red Bull Fortress Challenge

If you’re a keen mountain biker then you’ll love this event: race from Doha to Film City and be the first to reach the fort!

18 Keep Busy All Month We’ve compiled a calendar so there isn’t a single day when you can complain that there’s nothing to do…

FASHION 62. Hollywood Conscious

20 Top Speed at MotoGP It’ll be exciting this month at Losail Circuit as the world’s best riders battle it out to win the season’s first race

66. Race Days Style

FACT M.E. - QATAR EDITION

THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR

APRIL 2013

FINDING ART IN REALITY OF REAL LIFE, IS JUST ONE EXHIBIT, A CANDID PORTRAYAL MARTIN PARR’S PHOTOGRAPHY THE YEAR OF CULTURE IN A SLEW OF NEW EVENTS FOR

ISSUE 23

PLUS. FORTRESS CHALLENGE FINDING KARAK SPORTING FASHION & MUCH MORE 3/27/13 3:53 PM

FACT QATAR April

Editor-in-Chief Tony Sidgwick (editor@factlive.com) Editor Katy Gillett (katy@factlive.com) Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Fashion Writer Nefeli Christofides Creative Director Paula Leal

Look your best at the region’s sporting events

| Qatar Edition | APRIL 2013

Chairman Mubarak Bin Rashed Al Khalifa COO Rami Khalil

APRIL 2013 | VOL 2 | ISSUE 12 | QR10 | BD1

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FACT Magazine M.E.

H&M launch a beautiful, eco-friendly collection

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Volume 2, Issue 12

Designer Rashed Bindaina Photography Contributors Rashed Bindaina Creative Designs Regional Head of Sales Laura Alvarez (laura@factlive.com) Sales Manager Johanna Romero (johanna@factlive.com) ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +974 6624 1964 E-mail: laura@factlive.com Distributed in Qatar by Dar Al Sharq

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.

Cover image by Martin Parr. The original can be seen at an exhibition brought to us by Katara and Katara Art Studios

www.fact-magazine.com Scan the QR Code to get all the up-to-theminute news on FACT magazine and the people behind it...

FACT QATAR April

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The editor

My favourite story this issue Calling All Mountain Bikers At FACT we’re big into supporting emerging groups (just see below) and so we were keen to jump on board with Red Bull to sponsor their Fortress Challenge, which aims to

promote and encourage professional and amateur mountain bikers in Qatar. Plus, they’ve set up the track so riders get to check out the mysterious Film City!

We need more subcultures…

Katy Gillett Editor

katy@factlive.com

I

n sociology, a subculture is described as “a subdivision of a national culture with a distinct integrated network of behaviour, beliefs and attitudes”. It’s the goths, skaters, surfers, rude boys, rockers, nudists, b-boys, bohemians, and, and, and… And, I don’t think there are enough of them in Qatar.

Having grown up in Bahrain, which can be said to be quite similar to growing up in Qatar, I could see the lines between subcultures were blurred. Sure, some people liked skating and punk better than fashion and pop, but there weren’t many more than that and we all still hung out.

I like that we all got along though. It wasn’t all American-teen, where the goth and the cheerleader could never even breathe the same air, and I’m sure it’s the same here in Doha for the younger generations. But, like I said, there aren’t enough of them.

With subcultures come amazing initiatives, services, festivals, events and so on. Comicon in Dubai is a great example of this. Or Dilstock in Bahrain.

Qatar is still young though, so perhaps it’s because these subcultures don’t have a 6

FACT QATAR April

public voice yet, or because two from the same group haven’t found each other. Or maybe it’s because many of us are part of another subculture altogether – The Expat – and we’re still trying to define that before we move on.

Yet, I have hope. Jazz, for instance, is taking root in the city. People, I’m happy to say, are taking more of an interest in magazines (and with more of these, subcultures will thrive!). And sure, some will never emerge here, like the aforementioned nudists or rude boys, but those we can live without, anyway.

Even though right now the cultural landscape is small, in my opinion, the potential for growth is exciting. We can all be a part of introducing our quirks and hobbies into this national blank canvas and wait for all those like-minded individuals to come out and play.

In the meantime, we at FACT are more than happy to get involved with each and every one of you, so just holler if you need a microphone.

Enjoy reading about what we did discover this month!

News from the FACT Penthouse Due to unforeseen circumstances we were not able to give you, dear readers, our Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha gift voucher for 25% off in March. But, as promised, you will see it proudly mounted on our second booklet for the jazz gang this month instead. So don’t forget to avail the discount!

We’re planning to release our annual reader survey very soon! Join in because it means you’ll get to read more of what YOU want and that we get to know so much more about who you are. Plus, there’s a little surprise in store for participants too... We’re also co-hosting a magazine workshop with Katara Art Center this month to teach budding journos and designers what to expect in publishing.

Image of the Month

Power up with Laban Up! I saw this discarded carton at the Hatta Pools, Dubai and had to snap it with my Nokia Lumia 920. See page 46 for more from my trip.

FACT QATAR April

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NOTEWORTHY

Calling all Mountain Bikers If you’re keen on bikes and like to push yourself to the limit then we certainly recommend getting involved in the Red Bull Fortress Challenge this month.

W

hether you like to race for pride, for the feeling of freedom you get while riding a bike, or because you enjoy pushing your body as far as it can go - we’re pretty sure you’ll be hard pressed to find a feat more exhilarating than being the first to reach the fort in the Red Bull Fortress Challenge.

It’ll be reminiscent of past times in the land we now call Qatar – being the first soldier to reach the enemy that hides in their fortress. A big difference is that the fort you need to get to in this day and age looks ancient but is actually quite new. It’s none other than the unique desert landmark known as ‘Film City’.

The newly-built village of Film City can be found deep in the desert of the Zekreet Peninsula. There’s quite a bit of mystery surrounding it though, as some say it was made for a Hollywood production, while others believe it was used in an Arabic film. Even more people think it was created for the promo video for Qatar 2022 World Cup. Whatever the reason may be, it is

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[ Key Seasonal Looks]

NOTEWORTHY

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“With Ooredoo we have chosen an Arabic word that means “I want”, to reflect the aspirations of our customers and our core belief that we can enrich people’s lives and stimulate human growth” H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo in an announcement about the rebrand of Qtel.

latest tweets

Omar Allouba @humpaka That awkward moment when the Qtel call center person was going to say “Thank you for calling Qte..

Ooredoo” J00443-00-RB-Fortress_Challenge_Magazine ad-Map-194x273.pdf

It Actually Means @ ItActuallyMeans Calories (noun) - Tiny creatures that live in your closet and sew your clothes a little bit tighter every night.

Fatma Alsaleh @fatewm If you have time to tweet about how busy you are, you’re not really that busy.

1 3/25/13 4:25 PM

Not Will Ferrell @itsWillyFerrell I just watched the uncut version of Scarface. It’s called Face.

Khalifa @KKAlThani Happy 7th Birthday Twitter.

Connecting people online and disconnecting them from reality since 2006.

now the finish line for the Fortress Challenge this month.

This competition is also relatively new. It initially began in October 2010 when 120 mountain bikers from all over Qatar competed against natural obstacles and each other, trying to clinch the title of ‘best rider’. That particular course took them through various forts in the country and really tested participants’ endurance and stamina.

This year, the race kicks off at 10am

on 12th April and more than 150 bikers are set to compete. There will be two categories – open men and open women – and absolutely anybody with an interest in the sport is allowed to join in.

After all, Red Bull started this in the first place as an inclusive competition that aims to support the mountain biking scene and help it develop. n GO: For more information or to participate, call 6600 4820 or visit www.redbullmea.com

Halal Bilal @halalcomedy Alhumdulillah. God bless the people who built Salwa Road tunnels! For this pleasure, I wish you a spot in heaven:) Nicole van Hattem ‫‏‬‪@ NicoleHHC Visual artists in # ‪ Qatar -blank wall at wellness centre waiting 4 u. R u ready to inspire health # ‪ Doha?

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACT_Qatar

FACT QATAR April

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NOTEWORTHY

Zara’s Question of the Month

“How have musicians just got it SO wrong?”

The battle of the worst songwriters of our time.

I turned on the radio on the way to work the other day. I wish I hadn’t. A song by Monica called ‘It All Belongs To Me’ was on… the lyrics were “Have a fit, slam the door but leave them bags on the floor. That s*** belongs to me” before gloriously finishing with “those clothes, those cars, those rings, that MacBook, that s*** belongs to me.

So log off your Facebook, It all belongs to me.” It was the start of a long week and, of course, another monthly rant.

cruel-hearted and short-sighted to mock a teenager and yes, she has probably accomplished more than I ever did as a teen, but this does not pardon such terrible lyrics. Could it get worse I ask?

It confirmed my lack of surprise as to why music is illegally downloaded so much these days; it saves you listening to these morons who seem to think they have released a top ten single. You are, quite simply, awful.

Two words for you: Avril Lavigne.

“He was a boy, she was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?”. The epic fail that was ‘Sk8tr Boi’ really made true talents around the world scream in pain, smash their instruments and swear never to sing again… and that was BEFORE they heard “My Humps” by the Black Eyed Peas. I don’t know when Shakira and Fergie thought singing about their ‘lady lumps’ made good music. News flash... it doesn’t.

When thirteen-year-old Rebecca Black’s song ‘Friday’ took the Internet by storm, it came hand-in-hand with the word (hashtag) fail. “It’s Friday, Friday. Gotta get down on Friday, everybody’s looking forward to the weekend, weekend” – yes, it may be

And then there’s Bruno Mars. Oh Bruno! “Grenade” is a classic example of how you really, really need dating advice if this woman won’t catch a grenade, take a hit from a train, stop a sword or a bullet OR even give her own life for you. n

Note to self: take your father’s advice – you can’t go wrong with classical music.

Hate It

Heart patients are too young

THE SCOPE

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FACT QATAR April

Two out of three heart attack patients in the country are less than 55, according to a joint Weill Cornell and Hamad Medical Corporation study. The same goes for half of all stroke patients here, as well. This is a stark contrast in comparison to the US and UK where the majority of sufferers are over 65.

Overall, the researchers found that diabetes was the strongest preventable risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Love It

Multi-organ transplant patient gives birth

A Qatari woman is said to be one of 600 known people worldwide to have received five organ transplants, but is reportedly the first-ever to give birth. Fatema Al Ansari, 26, was given a new liver, pancreas, stomach, and small and large intestine six years ago and, according to AP, she gave birth in Florida to healthy baby girl, Alkadi Alhayal. We’re saying a big congrats to the family!

Can’t Believe It

A shorter school term?

As Ramadan and Eid fall smack-bang in the middle of summer this year, Qatar teachers are feeling cheated out of their holidays. They usually have a 15-day combined break for these, plus a summer vacation. Al Raya reports admins are pushing to make the start of the academic year later. There is also reportedly a push for shorter days. The FACT team wishes we get that much time off!

FACT QATAR April

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NOTEWORTHY

THE DOHA MINUTE

“In the orchestra there is always more quality” French harpist Julie Sgarro is usually found soothing our ears among her colleagues in the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. But she took some time out to tell us what else she likes to do…

Why did you initially come to Qatar?

I came to Qatar in January 2011. I was actually living in Germany but I knew some people in the orchestra here.

I wanted to change my life and try something new so I thought it was a good idea. In our music world we don’t have so much choice because there is only one job free in any city. In this case, I had the choice of trying Qatar and two more cities in the world... But, Qatar is in the Middle East and I was always interested in the culture. Plus, they had a new orchestra with, I heard, a good level, and projects for the future.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen since coming?

The city is changing all the time because they are constructing everywhere… The structure and organisation [of the city] is changing and developing very fast.

Specifically, in the orchestra, there is always more quality. Better conductors, better projects and we have the possibility to play in the Convention Centre. I hope in the future there will also be the possibility to play in our own… Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra hall.

What is Doha’s best-kept secret?

There is one place not many people know. It’s not special but it is special for me. It’s just before you get to Fuwairat, towards the sea, you can walk in the sand and it’s all red and wet [like mud]. It’s nice to walk by foot there… The water is always clear and low. It’s really good for the body and you become happy.

What is missing in the country?

It’s not just Qatar, but everywhere, but I would be happy if the country in general tried to be more environmentally friendly... It would be nice to feel like I’m not going against nature.

Describe your ideal day off here...

Image by Georges Yammine

To go out to the beach where I go. Go out to the sea and walk with the wind.

It’s refreshing for the mind. The body feels good because it’s more connected to nature, rather than staying in the city all the time, which is not good. It’s good to have a good balance. n 12

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NOTEWORTHY

Immerse Yourself in Mathaf If you’re looking for something interesting and educational to do with the family on weekends, then head over to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a good choice. Every Friday from 4pm to 5.30pm they run their Family Fridays when you and your kids (aged 3 to 12) can connect with artworks and participate in activities that have been inspired by the current exhibition. The day either wraps up in the studio with some art making or with a museum game or scavenger hunt.

Then, on Saturdays, from noon to 4pm, the Mathaf Voices Tours are on.

Dynamic university student interns, who have volunteered to take museum visitors on a tour from their unique perspective, run them.

Both of these days are conducted in English and Arabic. Plus, they’re free!

GO: Call 4402 8855

Lisa Watson at The Square

Talented local artist Lisa Watson is holding an art exhibition at The Square Restaurant in InterContinental, The City from 18th April. In her art, Lisa tries to reflect what she feels from the environment in which she paints. She believes each place has its own rhythm, buildings emit individual energies, and that people project their own emotions and spirituality. These aspects of unseen life are what she attempts to capture in her works, along with elements of the historical and cultural surroundings.

GO: The exhibition will run daily from 18th April to 15th May. Call 4401 8610 for more information

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FACT QATAR April

HIA ran mock passenger trials before the opening

The Airport Opens its Doors!

Did you know, at the moment, Doha International Airport handles more than 21.1 million passengers a year? It certainly feels like it when you step off the bus to see a queue a mile long at immigration. Well, Hamad International Airport is about to change all that with its 25,000 square metres and capacity to host 28 million passengers per year (at first!).

As we’re sure you already know, the soft opening of HIA is this month, and

ten foreign airlines will now begin to operate from there. By the end of this year, Qatar Airways should be using the new airport, too.

But the entire opening is being rolled out gradually and by phase three (around 2016-17), the airport will have the capacity to handle 50 million passengers. Then, by 2020 they plan to have a metro and bus station there, as well. We can’t wait!

GO: Check out www.ndiaproject.com for more information

Re-Running the Olympics We all enjoy watching some shotput and javelin, so why not learn more at the Qatar Museums Authority’s latest exhibition, The Olympics – Past and Present. It’s in full swing this month: from 11th to 13th April, classical Greek play Medea will be performed; on 3rd, 10th and 19th, fascinating gallery lectures will take place; and on the 19th, there will be a Family Fun Day at MIA Park.

GO: Learn more at www.olympics.qma.org.qa. We will also be following up online so follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Wordpress now!

Let us take your children on an adventure of a lifetime.

Let us show you a world of flavors.

Let us lift your spirits and ease you off into the weekend.

Let us pause the hustle for an afternoon and make its memory last forever.

Enjoy a lavish selection from the buffet and sumptuous barbecues from around the world. Kids have their own corner with fun activities. For reservations, call The Ritz-Carlton, Doha at +974-4484 8000 or visit us at ritzcarlton.com/doha.

FACT QATAR April

Š 2013 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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NOTEWORTHY

Maria Stabio’s Carthage Site

looks to develop this theme. She has also created installations and other works that she will release at a later date in Qatar and overseas.

The works that can now be seen lining the walls of the Katara gallery use her signature female silhouettes and she has also played with reflective surfaces to emphasise both moonlight and women’s ‘movement and displacement’ in society.

New York artist, Maria Stabio, has created a collection of works using just household objects. Through a series of paintings and prints, she explores themes of domesticity and woman, to understand ideas such as rebuilding cultural tradition and viewing the home as a place of curiosity and importance.

Maria is now in Doha doing a one-year residency with Virigina Commonwealth University Qatar and these works are on show at Katara Arts Center this month. “Although seemingly simple and full of repetition,” says KAC artistic director Mayssa Fattouh, “Stabio’s work is enigmatic and complex, hiding layers of things lost and touching upon universal subjects.”

GO: The exhibition is at Katara’s Gallery 2, building 18 until 27th April from 10am to 10pm

GO: Katara Arts Center is in Katara Cultural Village, building 5. The exhibition is on until 8th April.

Amal’s Bridge to the Moon Amal Al Aathem, one of the country’s most prominent and proactive Qatari artists, smiles as she tells us at the press preview of her latest exhibition, Bridge to the Moon, that her work aims to encourage women. Just as the moon is the centre of the universe, she says, women are the centre of society. It is meant to resonate “not just with women in Qatar, but women everywhere,” she says.

This is the first of three in a series as she

The Most Talked About Rebrand Of course you all know by now that Qtel has rebranded itself as Ooredoo (I want’ in Arabic). Why? Well, mainly because it was getting more difficult for the Qtel Group to run streamlined marketing campaigns for the numerous brands they own (Qtel Qatar, Indonesia’s Indosat, and Oman’s Nawras – to name a few).

Ooredoo group CEO Dr Nasser said, “It is our belief that we can better serve our global customers by leveraging the combined resources and assets of a strong, unified global business under one brand. We also believe that rebranding now will help us to maintain our momentum in the face of new

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FACT QATAR April

The Qatar-UK Alumni Network

realities for the industry, signalling our commitment to become a global force.”

Public reaction since the rebrand in February, has been mixed, with cons primarily concerned with the new brand name, logo design, and reported slow connections. Yet, Ooredoo has defended their choices, and is running ongoing initiatives to incorporate new technologies across the core of their networks.

GO: www.qtel.qa for more information

While Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were here, the British Council opened the Qatar-UK Alumni Network. Launched under the banner of the Year of Culture, the network is for graduates from UK universities who are now based here and are looking to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

Although the focus is on Qataris, says Helen Kidd, British Council’s manager of higher education programmes, the network is open to anyone who fits the criteria. They will be running networking opportunities, an annual celebration for new graduates and sector-focused events – to name a few.

GO: Contact 4425 1888 or email alumni@qa.britishcouncil.org

FACT QATAR April

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Getting Out and About THIS MONTH IN QATAR

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SUNDAY

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It’s race day of the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar - MotoGP at Losail International Circuit. www.circuitlosail.com

MONDAY

08

The Amina Figarova Quintet will be in Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha until the 13th (every day except Sundays).

Call 4446 0105

02

MONDAy

The Art of Abundant Living Raw Food Class series kicks off with fast foods, followed by decadent desserts (15th) and healthy chocolate (21st). Call 5580 0395

Tuesday

Share your writing or what you love to read in any language with a supportive audience at Katara Art Center (7pm, Katara, bldg 5). Call 4408 0244

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WEDNESDAY

All of April is about Spanish tapas at Library and Cigar Lounge, Four Seasons Doha.

Socialise and share from 5pm to 12am.

Call 4494 8888

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05

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friday

The H&M Conscious Exclusive collection has launched worldwide, in Qatar and online. So go get sustainably stylish! www.hm.com

THURSDAY

Kids (6-12 years) can join the overnight camp on the beach at InterContinental Doha tonight. There will be games, a sing-along and marshmallow roasting for QR375. Call 4484 4444

FACT QATAR April

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TUESDAY

Bring Down the House in Crystal Club with DJ Dimix spinning the best of R’n’B, hip hop and old school mix-up from 11pm to 2am. Call 4453 5000

SATURDAY

Ritz-Carlton’s Chef Ricardo Acquista hosts his Chef’s Table in Porcini’s show kitchen from 7pm to teach you how to prepare a special thematic dinner (QR450). Call 4484 8000

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WEDNESDAY

The Sotheby’s auction and exhibition of regional and international contemporary art will kick off today at Katara Art Center until the 24th.

Call 4408 0244

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THURSDAY

Lava moves to the InterContinental Doha beach side for one night only with DJ Chris Hughes and DJ Yasser Zain. Ladies drink free from 10pm to 12am. Call 4484 4919

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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FRIDAY

Wahm exclusively hosts DJ Ravin from Buddha Bar Paris from 10pm to 2am.

Call 4453 5135

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SATURDAY

Celebrate the mark of a New Year in the Thai lunar calendar, known as Songkran, on the Grand Hyatt private beach from 12pm to 4pm with traditional food and teas (QR180). Call 4448 1250

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SUNDAY

It’s curry and creole night at Mawasem, Hilton Doha from 7pm to 10.30pm (QR190). Their Crazy Creole menu is available throughout April. Call 4423 3333

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MONDAY

tuesday

Virginia Commonwealth-Qatar University’s 14th annual fashion show starts at 7.30pm at Al Salam, The Gate. It’s free entry, although a ticket is required. www.qatar.vcu.edu/events

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THURSDAY

As part of the Qatar Philharmonic Chamber Music Series, a Doha String Quartet will play from 7.30pm at Katara Cultural Village Opera House. www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

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FRIDAY

Enjoy a lavish special menu of Arabic influence by Michelin-starred Chef Gilles Bosquet from 6pm to 11pm at Gordon Ramsay (QR425 or QR750). Call 4446 0105

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SATURDAY

Check out the Paper Trail exhibition at Katara (bldg 22) as it’s the last night. It examines the relationship between media, reality and experience.

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SUNDAY

Churrasco week is on with a Brazilian barbeque available until 25th at Flying Carpet restaurant, Torch Doha.

Call 4446 5600

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WEDNESDAY

Spin and train for charity from 6.30pm to 8pm with Suranga in Al Dana Garden on behalf of Six Senses Spa. Call 4425 6999

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Thursday

Celebrate South African Freedom Day on the InterContinental Beach with live cooking and music. Call 4484 4919

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friday

It’s salsa and candela night at Cigar Lounge, Sharq Village & Spa for QR85 with a welcome drink. It’s also Hennessy and Oryx cigar month!

Call 4425 6666

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MONDAY

It’s the last night of A Bridge to the Moon exhibition by Qatari artist Amal al Aalthem in Katara (gallery 2, bldg 18).

Get five knowledgeable friends together and be in with the chance of winning QR5,000 at the Champions quiz night in West End Doha tonight, starting 7.30pm. Call 4419 6100

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THURSDAY

Crystal Club presents LED violinist Pasha vs DJ Tobias from 11pm to 2am. Call 4453 5000

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28 MONDAY

Learn how to make a green smoothie in an interactive workshop with the Art of Abundant Living team. In the morning or evening. Call 5580 0395

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TUESDAY

Partake in some yoga under the full moon with Soumya at the open air Al Dana Island in Sharq Village & Spa. It’s QR60 for non-spa members from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Call 4425 6999

MONDAY

A special menu has been designed and paired with the recommendations of the Sommelier in Market by Jean-Georges. It’s QR350 from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Call 4453 5135

29

MONDAY

New York-based drummer and Grammy nominee Matt Wilson will start up his two-week residency at Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha from tonight. Call 4446 0105

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THURSDAY

Enjoy stories in English and Arabic for kids (aged 4-7) with hands-on crafts for the family at Katara Art Center, 4pm. Call 4408 0244

FACT QATAR April

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NOTEWORTHY

High Expectations for MotoGP

Images courtesy of QMMF_Photo Milagro

The world’s best motorcyclists will be in town this month to kick start the 65th MotoGP World Championship and to celebrate the Qatar leg’s tenth anniversary.

So, what should we expect?

T

he crème de la crème of motorbike riders can be seen whizzing around Losail International Circuit from the 4th to 7th this month, waving in another season of the world’s oldest motorsports championship.

Under a blanket of stars, the MotoGP racers will battle it out to be crowned winner of Qatar’s night race on the 7th, giving us a little preview of what may come throughout the rest of the legs and what the grand finale in Valencia, Spain on 10th November might just look like.

The riders have it all to play for this year. With two-time World Champion (and five-time Qatar race winner) Casey Stoner gone to the Australian V8s, 20

FACT QATAR April

“The fire inside was never out. Now I feel competitive, but to beat Lorenzo and Pedrosa there is still much to do” the buzz is all about defending riders’ champion Jorge Lorenzo, youngest ever 250cc GP champion Dani Pedrosa, and the nine-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi.

Rossi, an Italian superstar, has been stirring up a fuss in the lead up to the event, following his move back to team Yamaha from team Ducati. In the press, Rossi has had kind words for his rivals Lorenzo and Pedrosa (not the case for GP retiree Stoner!) but it is clear he’s out for that tenth title spot. In an exclusive interview with Motosprint, he said, “The fire inside was never out. Now I feel competitive, but to beat Lorenzo and Pedrosa there is still much to do, especially on race-pace.”

Meanwhile, Yamaha teammate Lorenzo has vowed to work alongside Rossi and blames the Italian’s recent winless streak on the complicated Ducati bikes. He was quoted, during his debut appearance at last year’s Race of

NOTEWORTHY

Shine Bright like a…

Race Track

You already know that since 2004 the Qatar MotoGP race has taken place at night. But, did you know these quirky circuit lighting facts?

450

million lumens of light on the track

70

the amount of FIFA playing fields the lighted area is equal to

50

% how energy efficient the lighting equipment is when compared to other technologies

12,600 Snapshots from last year’s event where Jorge Lorenzo came in on top, Pedrosa was second and retiree Casey Stoner was third

The 2013 race promises to be better for Valentino Rossi who has now joined Yamaha after a winless streak racing on Ducati bikes

Champions, as saying, “He [Rossi] has a very high motivation to keep fighting for wins, so I’m really looking forward to his performance on the Yamaha.”

But it’s not just Rossi who’s managed to get expert chins wagging either, as rookie Marc Márquez has stepped up from Moto2 to MotoGP with Honda over the winter and has since been impressive in test races. The late legendary motorcycle journalist Henny Ray Abrams had him in his top three favourites to win. Abrams wrote in February, “I think he’ll win a handful of races. If you remember back to 2008, I believe, when Jorge came in, he was on pole the first three races and finished third, second, first. It will be tough for Márquez to do that, but no one believes he can’t.”

On the other hand, MCN’s Matt Birt believes it will definitely be a fight between Lorenzo and Pedrosa, particularly as Pedrosa clocked the fastest speed in the final pre-season test race in Sepang, Malaysia. “We saw last year that aside from those guys, expect [sic] Casey, were head and shoulders above the other guys, and it will be interesting to see how Valentino back on the Yamaha is going to do.”

Well, interesting it certainly will be, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on the latest from the Losail track in case you can’t make it! n GO: The GP weekend takes place at Losail International Circuit. A four-day grand stand pass costs QR200.

Check www.circuitlosail.com or call 4472 9151 for more information.

metres of rock had to be drilled/ trenched through to install the poles and wires

5.4

million watts of power

3,000

standard houses could be powered by the amount of energy used

113 & 44

ocean and air-freighted crates that were needed to transport the lighting equipment FACT QATAR April

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CULTURE.

GETTING UNDER QATAR’S SKIN THIS MONTH

The Arts and Disability Festival last month (a first for the region) came under the banner of Qatar-UK 2013 and there is so muchFACT moreQATAR to lookApril forward to...

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The Year of Culture is in full swing and a host of new events and initiatives have been revealed for the coming months. We don’t know about you (really we do), but we’re pretty excited about Qatar-UK 2013.

I

f you’ve been paying attention recently, you’ll know all about Qatar-UK by now, as many of the country’s art programmes have been inspired by the theme.

It’s the Year of Culture, which is actually part of a bigger exercise in cultural diplomacy.

Last year, it all began as the nation teamed up with Japan to celebrate 40 years of friendship, and next year it’ll be another country altogether (we’re thinking Brazil, perhaps?).

So far, there have been some excellent activities related to the partnership between here and the UK, like Encounter: The Royal Academy in the Middle East 24

FACT QATAR April

exhibition at Katara Cultural Village, or last month’s fascinating Arts and Disability Festival (the first of its kind in the region).

Don’t worry if you missed those, however, as there is and will be so much more to take in throughout the year, not just in Qatar but in the UK as well.

But we deal exclusively with this country and so we bring to you a comprehensive round-up of initiatives you can get involved in or visit throughout this month here (with a little extra sneak peek for the rest of what’s to come).

We’ve got our eye on this one readers so we’ll keep you updated all year.

“Qatar UK 2013 will celebrate the best of our two nations, showcasing the finest we have to offer in the fields of culture, art, sport and education while looking to the exciting new opportunities for the future” Ed Vaizey UK Minister for Culture

CULTURE

Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport

EVENTS in the UK

Martin Parr: Made in the UK

So, what’s going on this month?

Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport

Until 16th June at QMA Gallery, Katara Cultural Village

Hey’Ya means let’s go in Arabic and reflects the proactive nature of today’s female sportswoman in the Arab World.

This is what French photographer Brigitte Lacombe and her sister, filmmaker Marian Lacombe, have tried to capture in the exhibition now on show in Qatar, which was first shown at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Overall, it features images of 70 sportswomen – amateurs and pros – from the region, as well as a number of fascinating video installations that will keep you riveted for the better part of your day (make sure you visit with plenty of time!).

Designed to Win

Until 23rd June at building 3 in Katara Cultural Village

The limits and near-infinite nature of human endeavour are celebrated in this

It’s not just about the events going on in Qatar, as there are loads of great initiatives happening in the UK too, in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh. The organising teams are still talking with councils to find more ways to integrate Qatari culture in other cities and countries likes Wales.

At the moment, the British Council is working to launch a number of Arabic language and culture programmes in UK schools. Rumour has it that Prince Charles has been studying the language, too, which just goes to show it’s becoming more popular over there.

Also, a fantastic exhibition called Pearls, which has been co-curated

by Qatar Museums Authority and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, will run from 21st September until January 2014. It will showcase and chart a scientific, historical and cultural journey into the realm of pearls through 200 works of art, objects and jewellery pieces.

Designed to Win

exhibition, a collaboration between Katara and the Design Museum in London, as they explore how design and sport have been combined to achieve victory. On show are pieces of sporting equipment from trainers to vehicles, and stencilled on the walls are outlines of the greats (like Lionel Messi, Tiger Woods, Usain Bolt) with brief bits of info about each. It’s a large exhibition that will leave you feeling ready to win a medal yourself.

Martin Parr: Made in the UK

Until 18th May at Gallery 1 in Katara Cultural Village

Renowned British photographer and the man behind our cover image this month, Martin Parr (of Magnum Photos) has set up a brilliant exhibition here that explores five themes from past and newer collections, including Small World, Life is a Beach, Public Schools and Luxury, as well as a wide selection of his work in the UK. Overall, it’s an overview of what he u FACT QATAR April

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does – from the serious to the satirical.

His penchant to capture candid moments and portray the idiosyncrasies of British culture, and other overseas’ subcultures, prove to be both poignant and entertaining at the same time.

This prolific photojournalist since 1970 was also in Doha last month, giving budding Qatari image makers a three-day workshop, allowing them the opportunity to watch him in his ‘natural habitat’ at tourist spots around the country.

The Selector

Sundays from 4pm to 6pm on QBS Radio (97.5 FM)

For the non-Brits among us, The Selector radio programme will be a great introduction to the best of the British music shows out there, as international DJ and broadcaster extraordinaire Sam Hall aka Goldierocks brings cuttingedge tunes from the UK’s underground to the rest of the world. Described as “the country’s coolest radio show” by The Sunday Times, The Selector has been kindly brought to us by the British Council on QBS radio.

DFI UK Cinema Showcase

The last weekend of every month at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium

The British film scene is like no other and film aficionados the world over will agree that it has been integral to the development of the movie industry as it is today.

So, Doha Film Institute is celebrating this and the Year of Culture with monthly film screenings to showcase the very best of classic and contemporary British filmmaking. This month the films on show are Mike Leigh’s melodramatic but wonderful Secrets & Lies (1996) and Ken Loach’s remarkable film about education (or lack thereof), Kes (1969).

Tickets are QR35 for the general public.

Ferozkoh: Tradition and Continuity in Afghan Art

Until 22nd June at the Museum of Islamic Art Although this exhibition is about Afghani culture, it has been brought 26

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The Selector

to Doha by the Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture in Kabul, the school of UK-based charity Turquoise Mountain Trust.

They work tirelessly to promote and preserve the unique and rich traditions of Islamic art and architecture in one of the poorest countries in the world.

This Qatar exhibition, which was created with the Museum of Islamic Art, showcases works created by Afghan artists inspired by masterpieces from the MIA collection, and explores the issues that surround preservation of

“We are looking forward to a year of valuable cooperation and exchange, which will celebrate our cultures and friendship” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa QMA chairperson

CULTURE

What the Future Holds in Qatar…

More and more activities and events will be announced throughout the year, but for now, we list some of the highlights we’re excited about...

Ferozkoh: Tradition and Continuity in Afghan Art

Sadler’s Wells Dance

The UK’s leading dance house, Sadler’s Wells, will send three Associate Artists – Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Russell Maliphant and Wayne McGregor – to present a series of works at Katara Cultural Village from 25th to 30th May. BBC Symphony Orchestra

There isn’t too much information about this event out just yet, as it’s set to happen in September, but we know Sir Andrew Davis will conduct two sets of unique concerts featuring traditional and contemporary British music.

Hajj Exhibition 3D Encounters: Where DFI UK Cinema Showcase

traditional arts in the Islamic world.

There will also be a series of relevant film screenings hosted by the Doha Film Institute at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium. During this time, question and answer sessions will also be held with the directors.

3D Encounters: Where Science Meets Heritage

Until December 2013 at UCL Qatar, Education City Get the chance to restore an ancient Egyptian mummy mask on a touch

Science Meets Heritage

screen at this interactive exhibition on the 3D scanning of ancient artefacts.

It has been inspired by fields of research in which University College London are leading the way and explores how the most up-todate technologies can be used to advance museum, archaeological and conservation practices. It’s at the university’s new Qatar campus and is the first in a series of activities that aims to develop the public’s interest in cultural heritage and its preservation. n

In October, the incredibly successful British Museum exhibition, which explores travels to Hajj throughout the centuries, will come to the Museum of Islamic Art. From January to April last year, this London-based exhibit received well over 110,000 visitors!

Damien Hirst

A major new exhibition, curated by famous Italian scholar Francesco Bonami, of the work by notable and somewhat controversial contemporary British artist Damien Hirst will take place at Al Riwaq Exhibition Hall in October.

FACT QATAR April

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The Chai Karak Hunt e] s’ choic d [ Reader k aceboo an

you via F We asked urite cup re your favo Twitter whe heard an e w d an from u of karak is m Ti e”! Do yo ing… “Tea lm ite he ur w vo er fa ov your here does disagree? W om? Let us fr e m co k cup of kara or Twitter! k oo eb know on Fac

[ Let us know ... ]

Tell us what you thi nk of these places once you try them by writing to us via email, Facebook and/or Twitter. If you’re not sure wh ere to find the stalls then just let us know and we’ll send some directions!

[ What is it? ]

Chai karak doesn’t actual ly originate from the Gulf region but it has, over the years, become very popular here. It actually com es from India and Pakistan and is known as ‘masala chai’ or ‘kadak chai’. While the traditional versions use a variety of flavourings and spices, the karak we all know and love in Qatar is generally made using just black tea, sugar and cardamom . It’s prepared differently everywhere and can be a bit of an acquired taste (particularly as it is extrem ely sweet!) but it’s definitely something all Qa tar-visitors must taste at least once.

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CULTURE

If you’ve been in Qatar long, you’ll most certainly know what karak is. There are a few go-to places but Katy Gillett wanted to know about the rest. So, she went on a hunt. It may have ended in a sugarhyped editor with a stomachache but she did uncover some great little stalls on the way…

Souq Waqif ****

Katara Cultural Village *****

Al Muntazah Street *****

Salwa Road ***

PRICE: QR2

PRICE: QR2 per cup

Souq Waqif In a corner of Souq Waqif (behind Souq Waqif Art Centre), is Shirah Cafeteria. Their brand of ‘kadak chai’ is not so sweet, with a pungent aroma, but it still went down a treat (watch out for bits).

Then, opposite Shanashel Art Gallery, where the Qatari men sit on benches with shisha pipes and the women make their traditional bread, a young boy makes a delicious cup. PRICE: QR2 Al Salihiya Tea Stall This place serves up a really fantastic cup of karak. It’s certainly on par with Katara’s offering. The stall is hard to miss with its Rainbow signage just next to Al Muntazah Park, and while it looks small from the outside, it’s actually deceptively spacious inside with plenty of seating. It’s always bustling, too, which just goes to show how good it really is!

Al Khawr Coastal Road ***

Wosail Petrol Station New Al Zarka Restaurant, on the highway between Qatar University and Doha Golf Club, makes a great little stop off point. The karak isn’t overwhelmingly sweet or pungent; it’s wellbalanced. Unfortunately we made the rookie mistake of not asking for a lid and so a lot of it ended up in our laps as we drove away.

Either sit in at the decently-sized restaurant or make sure you ask for a lid! PRICE: QR2 Al Wakra

*

ROTI MUM I discovered this place one day on my way back from Sealine Beach Resort. As karak is traditionally from the sub-continent I have higher hopes for Indian places but this place was disappointing. I barely tasted sugar and they put far too much clove in. It’s also on the pricey side, although the café inside and terrace outdoors is a nice, clean place to sit. PRICE: QR10 Grand Hamad Street ***

BOMBAY CHOWPATTY Just off Banks Street (or Grand Hamad Street) is this authentic, fast food-style Indian hangout. Here, the karak is wonderfully sweet but there wasn’t quite enough cardamom to truly tickle my taste buds.

The balance was a little off but it’s not a bad afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, the terrace is a lovely place to sit and the snacks aren’t half bad either. PRICE: QR2

CHAPATI & KARAK Perhaps the most popular of the karak stalls, this is the place that spurred my interest in the tea. One of my favourite things to do is wander through the art galleries of Katara and then grab some sweet chapati to dunk in my tea. It’s easily one of the better-balanced cups I’ve had and the pairing with chapati, as well as the location, really sets it apart. PRICE: QR3 AL AHSAN If you’re out shopping at the wholesale, fish and Omani markets, off Salwa Road, then Al Ahsan Cafeteria is a quaint rest spot.

There’s a bench where you can sip on some chai halib and look out onto the Omani Souq. It’s not traditional karak but you can ask them to add cardamom. A nice refreshing break.

Al Matar Street

****

Airport Petrol Station This little find was definitely among the best contenders for the top spot. Al Maida Cafeteria is very close to Barwa Village and this place offers everything you want in karak: sweet enough with fragrant hints of the spices, not too thick but not too watery. Just right! It’s only a small place at a petrol station though so you can’t sit in. PRICE: QR2 Al Sadd ***

AL NAIMI Just off Al Sadd Street, this cafeteria is famous among Qatar’s karak lovers. I have to admit it is one great cup of chai and with its rich colour it looks good too, but it is a bit too thick for my liking. It left a film in my mouth, which made it less refreshing. Parking is awful, too. The staff are super friendly though so kudos to them. PRICE: QR1 Museum of Islamic Art Park

***

Museum of Islamic Art Park The café here is one of my favourite evening spots to sit in the designer chairs, snack, and look out onto the amazing view of West Bay, as dhows float by. With a cup of karak in hand, it’s even better. I particularly like that you can add your own sugar. It is a little on the pricey side but you do get a decent-sized cup. PRICE: QR10 FACT QATAR April

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ARTS.

Keeping QATAR’s eyes, ears and minds in shape

THIS MONTH YOU MUST...

Image by Urvashi Chauman, India

LIVING BETWEEN CULTURES

A group of expats bring us a mass 22-artist exhibition. Feast your eyes on this!

READ

the heart broke in james meek

A fantastic read by an underrated author.

Philip Pullman himself said this novel is ‘spellbinding’ and ‘quite extraordinary’. Need we say more?

LISTEN

WATCH

unapologetic

oblivion

This one seems to reflect RiRi’s current relationship more than her extreme pop talent!

We’re disappointed by it for sure.

We’re keeping our schedule wide open for the launch night of this one!

rihanna

sci-fi

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“Rajasthani Dancer”

by Salim Abdullah [India]

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ARTs

22 Artists, 13 Nationalities

ONE THEME Between Cultures As Qatar grows into more of a cultural melting pot, a third kind of heritage is emerging and it involves the expatriates. International Artists Doha have been inspired by this idea in their upcoming group exhibition, exploring what living in two worlds means to the individual.

M

any of us here in Doha completely understand what it is to be ‘between cultures’ - what may be the norm back home is utterly foreign here or vice versa. While some people try to bring their ideas with them, others will reflect on, and embrace the differences we have. This is what the 22-member expatriate artist group, International Artists Doha, will present in their newest exhibition in the AaQool Atrium at the Qatar Foundation Recreation Center at the beginning of May. Originally, IAD was established in 2011

by Dutch artists Winnifred Bastian and Marjolijn Stolk in response to a desire for creative expats with just two commonalities – living in Doha and the love of art – to get together, share ideas, knowledge and experience, as well as hold joint exhibitions.

Since then, they have moved from strength to strength, holding bigger and better events and exhibitions annually.

These days, Winnifred has left Qatar but the committee team is now made up of Marjolijn (chair), Pip Hoy (secretary) and Annette Wendling-Willeke (events) and so editor Katy Gillett went to meet the artistic trio to find out more about their inspirations behind the group and this new exhibit. u FACT QATAR April

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ARTs

“Between Cultures”

by Jenny Palmer [UK]

Annette Wendling-Willeke, “City of Mosques” by Marjolijn Stolk [The Netherlands]

The Artists’ Evolution We meet at Marjolijn’s compound villa, which is light, full of colour and, of course, has art dotted all around. It turns out they’re mainly pieces by Marjolijn herself. She laughs, “That’s what happens when you’re an artist. You end up with it all over your walls.” She shows me her studio upstairs where she works and it’s filled with paint, canvases and an easel.

Her art is so colourful, it’s hard not to admire, and already I could see the cultural theme in her work, as her most recent pieces are of mosques.

Back downstairs we sit with Pip and Annette around a dining table and begin to chat. It’s easy, casual, they’re all friendly and sociable, but it’s still immediately obvious they take the group seriously and that each of them has goals to fulfill.

“Each year we improve and get better and better,” Pip says. This is their first ever curated event, she explains, and each IAD member has submitted one or two 34

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pieces that best reflects their work and the (democratically) chosen theme ‘Between Cultures’. “I think most members would come into this exhibition as an opportunity to show their work to the public as opposed to sell,” she says. “It’s also an opportunity for us all to share the exhibition experience.”

Originality in Doha

Most of the members have created artworks exclusively for this exhibition.

“We didn’t want to have another exhibition the year after and have people showing the same paintings,” says Marjolijn. “It’s important to be fresh and grow”.

When I asked if they would consider holding more exhibitions throughout the year though they all laugh. “I feel exhausted just thinking about that question!” Pip smiles.

“Having an annual show I think is a big achievement and a very good thing for the group,” says Annette, who also works at Virginia Commonwealth

Marjolijn Stolk and Pip Hoy (from top left, clockwise)

University-Qatar. For every member to produce new work every half-year to fill an exhibition is too much, she believes.

Although, Marjolijn admits, if they had their own gallery they could rotate artists’ work. “But we don’t have our own space… as yet,” she hints.

They don’t only hold group shows, they explain, as it is also about their artist gatherings, dubbed ARTogethers, which are held every six to eight weeks. These are evenings when the group meets to be inspired by each other’s artworks. They sometimes paint together, conduct or attend workshops, and generally get involved with artrelated activities. Some of the results of these recent ARTogethers, paintings done on a 30x30 canvas, will be on show at the upcoming exhibition.

Although everything will be painted this time, not all of the members usually paint as their tool of choice - some prefer sculpture or other techniques – but Pip says they did it this way to keep things fresh and new for each member. The artists have different levels of experience, too, and while some make money from their work, others choose not to.

ARTs

By Hannelore Seckel [Germany]

Balancing the Scene

“The many and varied communities show increasing interest in art and artrelated events, thus enriching the cultural fabric of the country,” the women said.

Despite this growing interest, Marjolijn believes more could still be done to encourage it; “We could create more art experiences for children starting from a very young age to... make sure that they become cultural contributors, too.”

They each think that with enough artists’ studios, more accessible exhibition spaces for expats and a predetermined annual cultural calendar, the arts scene here would thrive.

Saying that, however, they also believe the country is already exciting, citing HE Shaikha Mayassa’s support for the art scene, as well as the many activities that fall under the helm of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Qatar Foundation has also been of great help to IAD so far.

And onto the Future…

“Striver” by Arnel Sarmiento [Philippines]

With all of these initiatives constantly evolving, the arts scene has changed dramatically since they each first arrived in Doha. “Not only is [it] growing breathtakingly fast, it also improves incredibly in quality,” they say.

And they want to be firmly part of this artistic evolution. I know this now, because when I asked them what their vision for IAD is, they said, “We would like to grow into a firmly established group of creative minds that are known as one of the art institutions in Doha, who make high quality art and seriously enrich and contribute to the cultural life of Qatar.”

While that’s definitely no small challenge, I’ve no doubt it is doable for these creative powerhouses after seeing the talent that each of the members of IAD possess. Just see for yourself! n The exhibition will kick off with a grand opening on May 1st (Wednesday) from 6pm to 8pm. It will then be open on the 2nd (10am to 6pm), 3rd (12pm to 6pm) and the 4th (10am to 4pm) .If are interested in joining the IAD group you can email newmembers@marjolijnstolk.nl

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Ground Level Creativity

The four-member team at Katara Art Center work tirelessly towards their vision of encouraging the emerging Doha art scene. We speak to KAC’s Karim Sultan to find out more…

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“When cities grow, infrastructure is built, and it all happens from the grassroots, with support from the top but drive from the ground level,” says Karim, as he sips his cappuccino.

He says things like that a few times while we’re talking to him – “we work from the ground up”. While that may sound in some ways like boardroom speak, it is perhaps the best way to describe what the team at Katara Arts Center does.

The centre was founded by Tariq Al Jaidah, businessman, collector, and arts patron, as a way to encourage the creative industry by allowing emerging and professional artists to exhibit and provide basic skills to amateurs.

ARTs

There are shelves of fantastic arts-inspired trinkets and books to be found at KAC

It is located on the corniche at Katara Cultural Villages and faces outwards to the water. It’s peaceful there – for the most part – and very spacious. As you walk through the entrance you immediately come through to a large courtyard-style space with colourful seats placed around small white tables. This area is often rented out or used for workshops and activities.

Towards the front of the building is their Concept Space and facing that is the Art Gallery. Karim says this was done deliberately as a way to get art and design talking to each other. “These practices didn’t always necessarily talk to each other before,” he explains. “But there’s a new generation of young designers in the city and design is taking on a different note. We are trying to get art people to design and design people to art.”

In the other rooms around the courtyard, there is the fantastic bookshop and a pretty funky gift shop. These have some amazing little treasures. In the bookshop there are numerous tomes on Middle Eastern art, design, fashion, culture, and a brilliant range of magazines that you need to have on your bookshelf if you’re serious about the region’s cultural scene. Over in the gift shop, there are bits like exclusive handcrafted cards and lomography cameras available – to name a few.

Since it was first established in late 2010, however, it has been through different incarnations and phases, says Karim. What you see today is largely thanks to artistic director and curator Mayssa Fattouh coming on board last March. She and Tariq shared a similar vision and since her arrival the centre has gained plenty of momentum. u

“But there’s a new generation of young designers in the city and design is taking on a different note” KAC’s Karim Sultan FACT QATAR April

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ARTs

A lot of the KAC activity goes on in the courtyard space

Their art exhibition opening nights get a good turn out

Following Mayssa, a few others joined, which worked to provide even more drive and solidity to the plans that were originally drawn up.

But still, they’re a small team, which is made up of Karim and Mayssa (of course), project coordinator Zoë Shankle Donald and administrative coordinator Hala Al Khalil.

Karim thinks having a small team makes them more accessible.

“There are large art organisations and these are necessary but difficult to navigate… We’re dynamic and quick to get things done. A lot of our programmes are born through observing what the community wants and responding to that, while always pushing a bit beyond its comfort zone.” Karim himself initially came to Doha as a response to the ‘cultural 38

FACT QATAR April

revolution’ that is happening here.

“Doha is international and inclusive and yet rooted in the region,” he says.

“Plus, they have resources. It’s not a mature and cynical space yet, and so when you try something, you can almost be the first to do it.”

Once the market does become more mature, however, then it’s out of our hands, says Karim. “It then goes into the second phase,” he theorises. “It’s a dynamic, open approach, but you can still be a facilitator. If you don’t succumb to the cynicism you can still allow things to grow by making connections.” n

ARTs

Karim Sultan Communications

Karim is half Syrian-half Indian, was born in Kuwait and grew up in Egypt. He came from Canada, where he lived for over ten years and he now, obviously, lives in Qatar. Suffice to say he’s a pretty international guy.

He’s also somewhat multi-talented: he loves developing cultural communications, is a political science major, an electronic music producer, and an oud player, too!

He came to Qatar because he felt he had to be a part of the emerging arts and culture scenes out here.

Mayssa Al Fattouh Artistic Director and Curator Mayssa has been an independent curator for many years now.

She worked at the groundbreaking Al Riwaq Art Space in Bahrain and supported and curated artists in Beirut and around the region.

These experiences have allowed her to develop a great understanding of contemporary art in general and, in particular, from the region.

When it comes to Arab art, she sees the potential for the market. As she has come from Beirut, she can make things work with no resources and space, just great ideas and knowledge.

She is also very discerning in how she sees things and has a critical eye when it comes to developing works and concepts and making them better.

Zoë Shankle Donald Project Coordinator Hala Al Khalil Administrative Coordinator Hala is the latest addition to the team and joined as the rest of the team were finding it increasingly hard to keep their important papers in order.

She’s an amateur painter herself and has a love for all things cultural. She’s also very open to all the various techniques that come through the centre.

In terms of keeping the back end of operations together, she’s the planner in the team.

Zoë is a practicing visual artist and painter. She has a deep knowledge of international contemporary art and understands artistic techniques.

Initially, Zoë joined the KAC team as an intern but she just began doing everything and was generally being extremely useful. So, naturally, she was hired.

What is very interesting about Zoë is that she came to Qatar from America to do part of her university degree at VCUQatar. She’d never been to the country before but felt it was an opportunity worth taking. She has since married and settled down here!

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NEW ALBUMS, ARTISTS, AND AUDIOPHONICS

CHOICE TUNES Rihanna: If she didn’t have a shady love life with abusive boyfriends, just what in the hell would she write about?

POP

unapologetic

By RIHANNA

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

THE seventh album from this popstar princess, Unapologetic is a hard one to decipher. Towards the end of the album, she sings a grim rhetorical ‘What’s love without tragedy?’. The real

Musical

Pop/R&B

By Claude-Michel Schonberg

By Bruno mars

Les miserables

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

TOM Hooper really did a great job with his Oscar-winning musical. There is, however, a clear difference between watching the actors sing on screen and hearing them through your speakers.

While many of you may have shed a tear while watching ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, it is hard to evoke the same emotion through the music. To put it into perspective, the soundtrack is a collection of 60 minutes, meaning that 100 minutes didn’t make the cut. Whoever decided that ‘Do You Hear The People Sing?’ wasn’t a ‘highlight’ of the album is nuts. And, whoever decided Hugh Jackman’s songs should sit sideby-side, needs their head checked.

LOVED the film, ADORED the talent and it totally deserved all its awards... perhaps the album is one to listen to on shuffle with your entire music collection though.

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Unorthodox Jukebox

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

NOT too unorthodox... apparently.

Bruno Mars didn’t become the successful songwriter he is by veering too far off the pop/R&B/hip hop course, so his second album is the same mish-mash as his six million -selling debut. You’ve got the 1970’s pop ‘Young Girls’, the Police-inspired reggae ‘Locked Out of Heaven’, and sprightly disco thumper ‘Treasure’.

This album, however, does offer a bit more than clinically perfect songcraft, as it also reveals Bruno’s bleak view of women in his life. There are only 10 songs on the album and number seven, ‘Natalie’, confesses a murderous route - “I’d spend a lifetime in jail, I’ll be smiling in my cell” - an unpleasantness we’d rather he had kept to himself...

In association with Virgin Megastore

question that she and her songwriters seem to be posing is, “Who is Rihanna without Chris Brown?”. Designed to engage our perception of Rihanna the Pop Star and Rihanna the Victim, the dissonance between the two is the source of our fascination: we expect to see a woman who has learnt from her mistakes, not rut in their existence. Unfortunately, one of the high points is ‘Nobody’s Business’ - a duet with her beating boyfriend.

The plaintive piano ballad ‘Stay’ is pretty, while ‘Pour It Up’ sounds robotic and narcotised as she sings about being rich and how she doesn’t need friends.

It’s difficult to understand why such a talent expects her fans to hang in this dark space with her and CB. Yes, the album is unapologetic, but it’s also airless and exudes a deep melancholy. It seems to rub our faces in the inconvenient, messy truth of her current life, rather than focus on her vocal skill. The songs make for dull labour and a waste of time. Big thumbs down RiRi. Country/Pop

Red

By taylor swift

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

UNFORTUNATELY for Miss Swift, it seems her best numbers are about her heart breaking (perhaps shattering is better) into little pieces. Red finds her singing about walking directly into traffic, wading into quicksand and flirting with the kind of numpties Kanye West would toast to. On ‘22’, she purrs ‘You look like bad news... I gotta have you’ - you almost get the feeling it’s not his love she’s after, she’s just using him for breakup songs. ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ is a sublime explosion of Euro-pop glee; ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ boasts a dubstepesque chorus and ‘All Too Well’ recalls an ex stealing her scarf, which she then whinges about to the world. God knows what would happen if she got divorced... great escape Harry Styles.

ARTs

QATAR’S BEST READS THIS MONTH BY GENRE

CHOICE WORDS

In association with Virgin Megastore

Fiction

The Heart Broke in By james meek

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

James Meek really does not have the renown he deserves... a great read!

THIS is essentially a family saga, but this is no ordinary family. Bec Shepherd is a malaria researcher struggling to lead a good life. Her reprobate brother, Ritchie, is a rock star turned TV producer.

After Bec refuses an offer of marriage from a powerful newspaper editor and Ritchie’s indiscretions catch up with him, brother and sister are forced to choose between loyalty and betrayal. This is an old-fashioned story of modern times; a rich, ambitious family drama of love, death and money in the era of gene therapy and internet blackmail.

Non-Fiction

Fiction

By darlene price

by victoria hislop

Well said!

The last dance

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Despite having two collections of short stories and four novels under his belt, James Meek really does not have the renown he deserves... most possibly as he doesn’t tend to write the same sort of book twice. Described as ‘spellbinding’, ‘quite extraordinary’ (by Philip Pullman may we add) and ‘startlingly original’, this novel was also shortlisted for the Costa Novel of the Year Award at the end of last year.

Big, in physicality and in terms of content, Meek’s title isn’t afraid of tackling different subjects - science vs. religion, parenthood, love, ethics, betrayal and forgiveness, and sibling rivalry. Well-written and a great read!

Autobiography

in the pleasure Groove

By John taylor

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHETHER you’re wooing a client, closing a sale or making a formal presentation, persuasive communication can make the difference between success and failure. This book shows readers how to put themselves in their audience’s shoes and tailor their message to the needs of the decision makers. Simple yet powerful techniques help people prioritise, organise and economise their words so their communications are concise, clear and, most importantly, interesting.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

At 242 pages long, this textbook provides some extremely helpful tips. Logically laid out and sprinkled with easy-to-remember mnemonics, exercises and tools, this is reminiscent of a business ‘Bible’. A heavy read and perhaps not for everyone though.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

IN ten powerful stories, we’re taken through the streets of Athens and into the tree-lined squares of Greek villages. As each distinct atmosphere is unfolded, a host of unforgettable characters are brought to life, from a lonesome priest to battling brothers and from an unwanted stranger to a groom troubled by music and memory. It’s essentially a collection of bittersweet tales of love and loyalty, and separation and reconciliation.

This title has been long awaited and, unfortunately for some, it is somewhat of a disappointment.

The short stories are lacking and the book is overpriced and rather thin. It does seem that Victoria started the book, then ran out of ideas, ultimately panicked and scribbled the endings.

Not her best work we must say.

DURAN Duran’s co-founder, John Taylor, takes you on a wild ride through his life. From the eighties through to today, from Rio to ‘All You Need Is Now’, this is about the music, the parties and the MTV videos that made millions swoon and us jealous.

A shy, only child, Nigel John Taylor wasn’t an obvious candidate for pop stardom and frenzied girl panic. But, when he picked up a bass guitar, everything changed...

Told with humour, honesty and hardwon wisdom, this autobiography is a rather fascinating, irresistible portrait of a man who danced into the fire and came through the other side.

Engaging in written style, this has charm, and Taylor is a likeable character who is generous, loyal and unfailingly hard on himself.

FACT QATAR April

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ARTs

TOP FILMS SHOWING THIS MONTH IN QATAR

ON SCREEN

Oblivion

D: Joseph kosinski C: Tom Cruise, morgan freeman, olga kurylenko

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Based on the Radical Comics graphic novel ‘Oblivion’ by Joseph Kosinski, this science fiction film pays homage to those of the 1970s. Combining alien invasion, politics and outer space, the story is set in 2073 and sees 37-year-old former Marine Commander Jack Harper (Cruise) as one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on an Earth almost destroyed by an alien invasion 60 years ago. After living in an airbone ‘town’ floating thousands of feet 42

FACT QATAR April

above the Earth, Jack’s soaring existence comes crashing down when he rescues a 22-year-old female stranger from a downed spacecraft. Events are triggered, secrets are revealed and the fate of mankind is put in jeopardy.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:

For one, the cast is great. And anything with Morgan Freeman in it, in our opinion, is worth parting with money for. It is also interesting to note that this was meant to be released in July. However, due to the 3D rerelease of Jurassic Park in the same month, this title was brought forward to April.

This is another groundbreaking cinematic event from the director of Tron, as well as

the producer from Rise of The Planet of the Apes. The fact that Kosinski has managed to get two of Hollywood’s greatest actors on board goes to show that this film has potential... even if Tom Cruise is still just so damn short.

Names such as Jessica Chastain, Noomi Rapace and Olivia Wilde all auditioned for the role of Julia (Kurylenko), and though Zero Dark Thirty star Chastain won the part, she later pulled out, meaning Olga took lead role. Big names were also considered for the role of Victoria Olsen, but it was Andrea Risborough who won over the hearts of the casting directors.

Our verdict... keep your diaries free the night it comes out.

ARTs

Trance D: Danny boyle C: james mcavoy, rosario dawson, vincent cassel

hypnotherapist to journey deeper into Simon’s jumbled and, ultimately dangerous, psyche after claiming his memory has vanished.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:

A seductive and enigmatic thriller, this is the story of a fine art auctioneer, Simon (McAvoy), who’s in league with a gang led by underworld boss Franck (Cassel). Together they plot the audacious theft of a masterpiece

by Goya from a major public auction.

After an incident during the robbery, Franck joins forces with a charismatic

[ SYNOPSIS]

Boyle has joined forces with John Hodge (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting) to write this blockbuster. McAvoy has been praised for his performance, while many of us haven’t heard from Dawson since her performance in Seven Pounds. Worth a watch, but perhaps not everyone’s cuppa tea.

“Ha haaa I beat you - three chins!”

“It’s okay darling... it’s not THAT small!”

The BIg Wedding, is definitely a film to watch this month. With an all-star cast led by Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried and Topher Grace, this is an uproarious romantic comedy about a charmingly modern family trying to survive a weekend wedding celebration. With the potential to become a full-blown family fiasco, divorced couple Don and Ellie (De Niro and Keaton) are forced to play happy for the sake of their son’s wedding.

Evil Dead, this remake is based on the story of five friends who head to a remote cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods. The evil presence possesses them until only one is left to fight for survival.

For this one, you will need a strong gut and most probably a pillow to hide behind. Picture blood, guts, plenty of screaming and nightmares for months after. Ugh.

To The Wonder D: terrence malick C: ben affleck, olga kurylenko, javier bardem, rachel mcadams

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: After visiting Mon Saint-Michel, Marina and Neil come to Oklahoma, where problems arise.

Marina meets a priest and exile, who is struggling with his vocation, while Neil begins to renew his ties with a childhood friend, Jane.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:

Well it’s not. Described as ‘unbearable’ by some critics, we do wonder how this could be possible after Affleck’s recent Argo success... AND the fact it has Rachel McAdams in it. After the first 30 mins you may think, ‘I wonder if anything is going to happen?’, well the answer is no, unless you’re a big fan of Ben Affleck’s head. Definitely worthy of an airpunch once the credits finally roll.

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We are now an App! With all the latest issues at your fingertips, Enter the world of FACT Whenever and Wherever you are!

FACT QATAR April www.fact-magazine.com 44

Please note: the fact app is available for iPad and will soon be available on other platforms

TECHNOLOGY.

Keeping THE PEOPLE OF QATAR state-of-the-art

Testing lumia 920 We went to the Hatta Mountains to check out the smartphone camera everyone’s been talking about...

LAB TEST

kindle fire hd 8.9 we review

DRIVEN...

ford escape stylish CUV!

We had high hopes for the latest Amazon product so we went to find out if it would live up to our expectations...

AND ALSO...

chevrolet trailblazer we drive

Ali Driver frolicked and blazed for a day at Al Wakra’s beach with this SUV and came back a happy soul.

Ali Driver gets his hands on the new CUV from Ford, which boasts some industry-first technology which he found somewhat impressive!

FACT QATAR April

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TECHNOLOGY

Putting the Lumia 920

to the Test

The latest smartphone offering from Nokia boasts a pretty swish camera that supposedly trumps all others on the market.

To see if that is true, Katy Gillett went to the UAE’s stunning Hatta, to test the megapixels on that baby.

Working for a magazine amounts to a fair bit of mobile photography. We tweet, we Instagram, we post on Facebook – and to do this with ease we need high quality images from a camera phone. That’s what spurred my interest in the Nokia mobile photography workshop with Dubai-based photographer Daniel Cheong.

Hatta

Just over an hour from Dubai Airport, and after a brief jaunt through the Omani borders, sits Hatta Fort Resort – the perfect setting for a photography workshop. The stunning mountainous desert landscape, with sporadically dotted greenery, certainly makes for a good photo (as you can see from these images). For the (approx) 36 hours we were there, we managed to go offroading to the natural Hatta Pools, climb rocky ‘mountains’ and partake in a bit of archery. Each activity was meant to highlight a certain aspect of the camera and its available apps.

Useful features...

Panorama; Photosynth (allows 360° panoramas); Blink (takes a burst of images so you can choose the best); Smart Shoot (which allows you to change faces and remove unwanted objects from your image); and the optical image stabilisation to eradicate blurry images on bumpy rides.

The Workshop

Daniel Cheong may be a self-taught photographer but his images speak for themselves. He’s incredibly talented, but as he hasn’t been doing it for all that long, and he has been picking up tips along the way, he’s able to break it down in simple terms for us laymans.

For just over an hour, we were given a crash course on the rules of photography, exploring terminology and tricks of the trade (see page opposite for more). To find out even more about what we learned from Daniel, head to our blog at www.factqatar.wordpress. com. Here we include the lingo, post-editing techniques and the rules of composition.

A phone for creatives

Overall, I have to say I’m a bit of a Nokia convert. I’m a past BlackBerry and current iPhone user, but have always considered swapping over to the Samsung SIII or Note.

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TECHNOLOGY

These are a few of the snapshots I caught on the 920 camera

Now, I genuinely do see the Lumia 920 as a serious contender.

It has everything I need: a great camera that uses Nokia’s PureView technology with creative lenses to play with; maps I can download and use offline anywhere in the world; a user-friendly Windows 8 system; great apps for music, film, news, games; and Microsoft Office (fabulous for a writer/editor)!

On the other hand, it was a pain downloading the app on my Mac so that I can upload images from the phone, and the fact that it doesn’t have the official Instagram yet is annoying (with the great camera, that’s bound to change soon though). Plus, it’s pretty hefty for a smartphone and if you don’t like to be too flashy, the colour choices might not suit you.

However, all in all, if you want something more alternative and you’re willing to fork out (around) QR2,300 for it, then I think this is a great choice for the creative user with more than a passing interest in photography. And, if you have the possibility of taking it for a test drive around Hatta, then I say go for it! n Daniel’s Top Tips for Mobile Photography

THINK of composition rules (rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry and patterns, depth, framing, and viewpoint).

ALWAYS shoot before 9am or after 4pm, as that is when the light is softest and gives the best images.

BY having shadows in the image, you’re removing the flatness of your photos (hence the timings rule).

TRY to stabilise your camera as much as possible.

TAKE many shots from different angles. Experiment.

GET inspiration by looking at other photographers’ work.

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TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

Sony DEV-5 Recording Binoculars Available: 51 EaST (QR2,599)

Bird watching, plane spotting, anything-too-far-away-watching; binoculars are a main tool of the trade that haven’t changed a great deal over the years… until now. Although they have that futuristic look and perhaps should belong in a military kitbag rather than your rucksack, the latest device from Sony definitely targets consumers; especially those who would rather not switch between two devices every second.

As you peer through the eyepieces, you are confronted with twin 1,227 kpizel EVFs (electronic viewfinders), which present an image captured by two closely-grouped zoom lenses at the front and twin 4.1mm CMOS sensors behind them. Now, the main advantages the DEV-5 provides over most standard binoculars are threefold. The first: Zoom. Where traditional equivalents are fixed, these bad boys can be zoomed in and out using a rocker switch on top, therefore delivering more flexibility.

The second: Autofocus. This works wonderfully well, focusing swiftly, silently and accurately on the trickiest of subjects, as there is a manual focus override mode. Lastly, the lenses are optically stabilised, delivering the steadiest of images even at maximum zoom.

As well as a close-up view, you can also get them to record what you see and add geotags using the built-in GPS. They can capture 7.1 megapixel stills, or video in full HD, in either 2D or 3D, which all gets saved to an SD or SDXC card. However, one of the biggest drawbacks is that they cannot be matched with a proper pair of optical binos… even a relatively priced pair.

The field of view and the width of an image presented to the eye are narrow 48

FACT QATAR April

and somewhat disappointing.

All this said, we are sitting on the fence with these binos. Yes, on one hand it is a HUGE plus to watch and capture simultaneously. On the other hand, the quality of image through the twin EVFs isn’t great. You can add a screen at an extra cost, but at 1.3kg the DEV-5 is simply too heavy to carry in one hand for any length of time.

If arm ache doesn’t sway you, perhaps the price tag will. For the same price you could buy a top quality optical pair, plus a 2D camcorder and have enough change to pay for your next bino-watching trip. n PROS

. Great concept

Pleased

CONS

. Heavy . Expensive

“It’s about time someone brought out a product like this.”

Unimpressed

“Too heavy to carry…. And a hefty price tag.”

Indifferent

“They cannot be matched with a proper pair of optical binos.”

TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

Kindle Fire HD 8.9 Available: Virgin Megastore (QR1,449)

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos made a pretty bold statement when he released the new Kindle Fire HD 8.9: “We made the best tablet at any price”… a not-so-subtle jab at the iPad. Compared to its smaller sibling (the HD 7), the 8.9 takes the seveninch model’s formula and puts it into a bigger package with an even better screen – all the more space for us to enjoy Amazon’s massive content ecosystem with.

After such incredible talk from Bezos, it made us really think how Amazon is actually a content company and a retailer, not an electronics manufacturer, and how its previous devices haven’t been overwhelmingly successful. Well, this model is thinner than the smaller Fire HD, slimmer

than the latest iPad and weighs a mere 1.25 pounds. Comfortable to hold (although it does tend to tip when held in one hand), it is also sturdy and handsome.

Saying that, it has some flaws.

The power button, for instance, is impossible for your finger to find as it is hidden by the headphone jacks and volume buttons. There’s also a black plastic strip on the back, which looks like another button making us somewhat baffled.

With all this said, the 1920 x 1200 panel, with a pixel density of 254ppi, is sharp with crisp text no matter the size. Where it really shines is its colour reproduction, viewing angles

and brightness. The dual blast speakers are also among the best tablet speakers we have used. The one aspect letting down the team is the apps. Say toodles to Google Play Store, Gmail and Calendar; Amazon is keeping it in-house with their own Amazon app store.

Although Amazon hasn’t quite matched the industrial design that Apple has shown with its tablets, the company has come a long way and, in just a year, has left its Playbooklike roots far behind. n PROS

CONS

- Lacking apps - Great display - Sturdy and handsome - Still got a way to go

Pleased

“We got our hopes up after Amazon’s CEO’s big talk!”

Impressed

“This is a massive boost on its predecessors.”

Pleased

”Clear colours and viewing angles – faultless display!”

FACT QATAR April

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TECHNOLOGY

ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT

“The Trailblazer is a highly versatile and capable off-roader, which doesn’t look half bad either…”

Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, spent an enjoyable day on the beach with Chevy’s latest incarnation of the Trailblazer.

A

lthough it isn’t. The latest incarnation of the Trailblazer, that is. The actual Trailblazer, an American-built favourite that had been around since 2001, was discontinued back in 2009.

This is, in fact, a Thai-built version badged as a Trailblazer and based on the same chassis as, and sharing 50

FACT QATAR April

much of, the parts of the Chevrolet Colorado pick-up and Isuzu D-Max. The press kit claimed the Trailblazer to be the “Middle East’s most popular SUV”. This is a rather disingenuous claim to make, when anyone who’s ever been anywhere near a road in the Gulf knows that the Toyota Land Cruiser is, by far

and away, the Middle East’s most popular SUV! So, what exactly IS the new Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Well, as we said before, it’s made in Thailand, and also in Brazil. It goes back to GMC SUV roots in that it’s built with a body-on-frame construction. This is where there’s

TECHNOLOGY

a basic chassis, and everything else – suspension, engine, body panels, etc. – is bolted on to it.

This is opposed to the increasingly common monocoque chassis, which incorporates much of the outer shell of the car.

The body-on-frame build is a costsaving thing – it’s cheaper to build as it can share its chassis with other vehicles, and it also means that if it gets into a shunt, the panels and parts can be easily replaced as long as the chassis isn’t damaged. And finally, body-on-frame vehicles tend to be lighter too, which is always good.

However, it also means that the vehicle is much less resistant to torsional flex, meaning that the chassis isn’t as rigid and therefore doesn’t handle as well, as the suspension can’t work as efficiently at putting the tyres on the road.

In essence, what Chevrolet have basically done is taken a vehicle that’s cheap to build, and used the savings to offer buyers much more for less.

For example, you get three rows of leather-clad seating. You get three transmission settings – 2WD, high

4WD and low 4WD – which is all any serious off-roader really needs.

And then there’s the hill descent control, which I’d previously only seen on premium SUVs like the Range Rover.

You also get a CD stereo with USB and Bluetooth, rear a/c vents, 18inch wheels, stability control, ABS, hill-start assist, parking sensors and six airbags, which is really not a bad list of features.

And in order to mitigate the performance limitations of the body-on-frame construction, they’ve included a sophisticated independent five-link rear suspension on top of the stability control that improves handling significantly.

The Trailbalzer is powered by a 3.6-liter High-Feature V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing matched with u

You also get a CD stereo with USB and Bluetooth, rear a/c vents, 18-inch wheels, stability control, ABS, hill-start assist, parking sensors and six airbags, which is really not a bad list of features.

It was cheaper to build which means we get more for less

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TECHNOLOGY

You can drive through soft sand and mud and still this bad boy will not struggle

a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is rated at 236 horsepower and a commendable 329 Nm of torque.

I put the Trailblazer through its paces on some pretty soft sand and mud on the coastal lagoons of Al Wakra beach, and not once did the vehicle struggle, with the 3.6l V6 providing ample power to pull it through the tough jobs. When things got really sticky, a simple flick of the switch to the 4WD low mode quickly dealt with the problem!

And the fact that it’s a powerful engine whilst still only being a V6 means that the fuel economy is pretty good too. I spent several hours driving the thing, including some serious soft sand churning and a couple of hours on the motorway, and it used just over a quarter of the tank. A Range Rover would’ve needed filling up at least eight times!

On the road, another tall claim comes from Chevrolet regarding the Trailblazer’s ‘car-like handling and responsiveness’. Again, the Trailblazer is far from it – it feels 52

FACT QATAR April

On bumpy roads and driving over potholes, it’s a surefire champion

every bit as heavy as a normal SUV does, though the suspension does do a good job of getting the Trailblazer round corners, and the disc brakes and ABS will bring it to a standstill pretty quickly too.

However, perhaps the Trailblazer’s best feature is the ride comfort – it’s fantastic. On the roads, that suspension soaks up all the potholes and bumps like a champion, but even off-road, driving at pace along a graded track is relatively comfortable, and it’ll climb over obstacles with the minimum of fuss. It does what good SUVs are supposed to do, and makes off-roading enjoyable.

Let’s be frank – this isn’t a Porsche Cayenne, so we weren’t expecting supernatural levels of on-road performance. And it’s not a Range Rover either, so we weren’t banking on dizzying combinations of capability and luxury.

However, considering the end price of the Trailblazer, what we experienced did exceed our expectations by a long shot.

It’s comfortable, practical, capable, spacious, versatile and affordable, and doesn’t look half bad either, and THAT is a lot of ticked boxes! n

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TECHNOLOGY

ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT

“The Ford Escape is a stylish CUV that builds on the Escape’s already established popularity…”

Our Mystery Motoring Expert, studiously avoids any puns about magicians or references to famous World War II prisoner movies whilst reviewing the Ford Escape…

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T

hough hugely popular and common in Europe and even America, hatchbacks and estates are notoriously unfashionable cars in the Middle East, making them an extremely hard sell. SUV’s on the other hand, are one of the most popular forms of transportation, easily matching cars in sales, and often exceeding them.

However, not everyone can afford an SUV, and while many people like SUVs, they might not want something so big.

The answer? The CUV. Of all the Escape models, this latest incarnation probably has the least pretensions about being an SUV – it’s sleek, stylish, modern, and much more resembles a large, rugged Focus than it does the previous generations of the Escape.

This is no bad thing, as most people who buy this car won’t have any ambitions about shooting off into the desert for some dune-bashing – a gravel track in Juffair is probably the

TECHNOLOGY

furthest off-road this particular CUV will ever go. However, the size and space in the Escape makes it very comfortable and practical, and the added ground clearance means that finding a cheeky spot on those pavements is a doddle, and you’re never going to grind your bodywork on a hidden curb in a car park.

The technology included in the Escape adds spice to the whole recipe.

For example, Ford’s snazzy SYNC with MyFord Touch driver interface offers many different ways for drivers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. It’s all very intuitive and easy to use.

A cool new feature that is available on the Escape is an industry-first from Ford. The hands-free power liftgate is designed squarely for those beleaguered parents staggering up to their car in the supermarket car park fully-laden with shopping and sprogs. Instead of having to put everything down to fumble for your keys, the keyless entry system recognises that the key is nearby, and u

A cool new feature that is available on the Escape is an industry-first from Ford. The hands-free power liftgate is designed squarely for those beleaguered parents staggering up to their car in the supermarket car park fully-laden with shopping and sprogs.

The hands-free power liftgate is an ingenious contraption!

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TECHNOLOGY

if you wave your foot underneath the rear bumper, the liftgate opens automatically! It’s the little things that count…

You can tell it’s this kind of practicality and versatility that Ford were really focusing on with the new Escape. There’s ample storage room in the boot, but with the touch of a couple of buttons, the rear seats fold completely flat, and you essentially have a small van, for those trips to IKEA rather than the supermarket.

It’s not all about school-runs and supermarket trips though – the Escape is a pleasant place to be.

A high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, and blind spot warning indicators increase safety. The 2.5l Duratech inline-4 engine isn’t going to win any races, but it does do a decent job of shifting the Escape along, and is extremely economical. It

The MyFord Touch interface is easy to use and intuitive...

barely sniffed the fuel during the hours we were reviewing it.

Ride comfort and handling are both good – being a CUV, the Escape does a pretty good job of pretending that it’s a car when you’re driving it, and therefore feels quite nimble in the corners, although the frontwheel-drive version we drove does,

predictably, suffer from understeer.

Overall, the Ford Escape pretty much defines a ‘family wagon’.

It’s comfortable, versatile and very practical. However, it’s also got the styling and technology to add an element of desirability to it, making it an ideal choice for a city runaround. n

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.

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.

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FASHION.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN QATAR

THIS MONTH YOU MUST...

THE hollywood conscious

h&M’s new collection

It’s stunning for both men and women alike, but the best bit is? It’s more eco-friendly than ever before! We took a look...

Let’s Get Physical INSPIRED BY SPORTS

As we start gearing up for regional events like our MotoGP round and Bahrain’s Grand Prix, it’s time to go shopping for those knock out looks that will have people keeping one eye on the race and the other on you.

Plus, sportswear is in so even if you’re not going to any races, you’ll be fashionable and still get hearts pumping.

the leading lady

bags, bags, bags

Sofia Al Asfoor is the latest young talent to take a crack at the Gulf market. We talk to her.

FACT QATAR April

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Fashion

FASHION’S

Leading Lady In the fashion world, young talent is emerging faster than we can keep track of! Sofia Al Asfoor is the latest youthful entrepreneur and designer to break into the market across the Gulf. FACT has a chat with her to find out more about her collections and hopes for the future.

Sofia Al Asfoor is just 24. Determined, passionate and no stranger to the world of creativity, this young lady restores your faith in youth. It hasn’t been an easy road for this entrepreneur though.

Like most careers, and when taking the chance to follow your dream, Sofia started from scratch and now has a wealth of experience under her belt to show for it.

“After growing up in Bahrain, I attended local schools that didn’t offer any art or opportunities for creativity,” recalls Sofia. “Being inspired by my idol - my father Mohamed Al Asfoor - I tried to learn from him. He gave me the opportunity to travel and attend universities around the world until I found my true passion.”

After finishing her education on the island, she completed an Art and Design foundation course at Kingston University in the UK, before travelling on to Milan to study Womenswear and Textiles. Sofia also travelled to New York, where she completed a semester of Design and Management at Parsons before ending up at the London College of Fashion.

It was at LCF that she discovered her true calling in leather goods and handbags. “I have been working on my products since my year at LCF in 2009 and decided to take the step of going ahead with opening my company last November. I attended the entrepreneurship programme with UNIDO (United Nations) at the start of this decision and it has been a rollercoaster ride ever since.”

Sofia’s company, called ‘Sofia Al 60

FACT QATAR April

Asfoor’, is unique for the region. With designs that she has personally created, her idea stems from that of a Selfridges display and the art of origami and architecture. Each of the products bears the trademark design of a 3D pyramid, and “are created to act as a shield of protection for empowering women in today’s high-pressure world.”

The Classic Shield Collection was launched last year. The Exotic Shield Collection is strictly made-to-order and comprimises strictly of bespoke designs made with certified exotic leathers of ostrich and crocodile lined with lambskin leather. It took two months for her to find the perfect manufacturer to make her designs, but Sofia was adamant to make her dream a reality.

“I would say my sense of style is ‘forward with appreciation for the

“Power is how a woman chooses to present herself, and her style ultimately defines that power”

past’, and I like to channel what most would describe as ‘edgy’, but for me it represents originality. I suppose that’s why I love vintage and heritage too, for its detail and authenticity. Power is how a woman chooses to present herself, and her style ultimately defines that power.” n GO: Sofia’s bags can be seen on www.sofiaalasfoor.com and can be bought at 51 East

Fashion

Dress by KATAYOONLONDON Photographer Ra’ed Qutena Hair and Makeup by Zizi

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Fashion

The Hollywood Conscious We’re a bunch of eco-warriors at heart here at FACT so when we heard about the latest sustainable fashion collection from H&M we were mighty impressed. It’s exactly the environmentally-friendly red carpet look we’ve been waiting for!

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FACT QATAR April

Fashion

Old LA glamour comes alive through sustainable materials like organic cotton

It’s amazing how such glamorous apparel has been created using sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and recycled polyamide. H&M’s latest collection, Conscious Exclusive, is party wear with a conscience and we love it.

Old Hollywood truly comes alive with this range of clothing and accessories, but also brings the look right up to the season. It’s spring, it’s elegant and most importantly, it respects Mother Nature in all her glory.

Rich in detail and eloquent design, the collection is full of dramatic gowns and beautifully fitted outfits for women, while the men’s stock is smart, sophisticated with a twist of rock and roll.

To complement the female looks, there are accessories galore, such as

an embellished box clutch and elegant minimal heels with the tiniest of ankle straps. For men, it’s all in the detail, such as with the old-fashioned button braces on a white pair of trousers, or the spring-inspired rose print on the inner lining of a tuxedo jacket. There’s also the stylish collarless white shirt with a bow tie attached that can either be tied or left undone. u [ did you know?]

H&M’s annual Conscious Actions Sustainability Report shows that, for the second year running, H&M is the world’s biggest user of organic cotton.

Their aim is to have all of the brand’s cotton come from sustainable sources by 2020!

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Fashion

“I love how this collection has pure glamour and style, and is made from more sustainable materials,” said H&M’s head of design Ann-Sofie Johansson in an announcement. “For us at H&M, it’s natural to think about sustainability, and to have it at the heart of our work.”

The collection was launched on the 4th of this month in 140 wstores worldwide, including right here in Qatar! It’s also available to buy online at www.hm.com. n [ Key Seasonal Looks]

“It’s natural to think about sustainability and to have it at the heart of our work” Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s head of design 64

FACT QATAR April

Ann-Sofie thinks spring is all about pattern, texture and a hint of bohemia for women.

On the other hand, H&M head menswear designer Andreas Löwenstam says key looks for men explore neat spring tailoring and sporty separates.

Check us out online!

www.fact-magazine.com

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Fashion

To The Nines In this issue we set out to help you put together the hottest looks for those sociallydemanding sporting events. Finding the right outfit can be a hideous affair, as with these events come a whole new crowd of people to impress.

We have put together a series of sportswearinspired looks, both casual and formal, that will carry you through each event with a degree of poise and sophistication.

Alexander McQueen We love the 75 Faubourg denim and legging collection in varying shades of metallic tones. Our favourite piece is this pink denim pant with a gold foil effect placing it bang on trend for the summer season.

For a less informal occasion we’re pairing it with this ornate clutch by Alexander McQueen.

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75 Faubourg

Fashion

SALSA

GAP

Salsa is the ideal stop when looking to update your wardrobe with stylish and unchallenging staples. Never one to put design before comfort, Salsa rise to the challenge by finding new ways to reinvent classics designs through surprise fastenings, trend-focused colour stories and unexpected seams, proving that denim isn’t their only strong suit.

A pretty sundress is a clear requirement for the summer season and we’ve found a great one at GAP. With a tremendously forgiving silhouette, flattering to most figures, as well as the playful abstract multi dot print, it’s no mystery why we were so quick to seal the deal on this one.

JW ANDERSON

Stradivarius

MARC Jacobs

BERSHKA Bershka has taken a classic luxury sportswear line and given it an avant-garde makeover with intricate embellishments, fabric manipulation and metallic highlights. What we love about it the most is that while the collection looks elaborate and high end in truth it’s actually tremendously gentle to our bank accounts.

JW Anderson, in collaboration with Topshop, has created a quirky collection that doesn’t take itself too seriously, inspired by an array of leisure sports and hobbies. We’ve chosen to pair our personal favourite standout piece from the collection, the patent leather pleated skirt, with a simple navy polo shirt from the same line. A casual look with heaps of attitude, it’s complete with a pair of devilishly red leather pointed flats by Marc Jacobs. It’s important to shield your eyes from the heavy midday sun and, for this particular look, we’ve chosen to do so with this pair of ultra cool aviator sunglasses from Stradivarius.

JW ANDERSON

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Fashion

Miss selfriDge We all know ostentatious headgear plays a big role in dressing for equestrian events such as Ascot in the UK. Introduce much-needed drama to any outfit by accessorising with a wide-brimmed black felt sun hat like this one

by Miss Selfridge. In order to execute a truly refined look try pinning your hair back in a sleek low bun.

Topshop

Miss Selfridge

Kenzo A collection comprised of predominantly sportswear inspired cuts, this look by Kenzo shows us how staple day-to-day garments can be transformed through shape and fit as well as the use of unconventional jungle prints purposefully overlaid to clash. Guaranteed this look will take the competition down without even the slightest struggle.

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UTERQUE We’ve put together just the thing for a long day out, where comfort and style harmonise. To create this look, begin by coupling this pastel blue top with laser cut detailing and this white wraparound skirt featuring florescent yellow piping along the hemline, finishing with a pair

of metallic silver cut-out derby shoes.

The key is in keeping the silhouette easy and undemanding, relying on small textile details to bring the outfit to life.

To get the look: head to Miss Selfridge for the top, Topshop for the skirt, and Uterque for the shoes.

Fashion

ChLOE One of the easier-to-wear pieces from Chloe’s summer collection is this shirt and trouser combo, wherein masculine tailoring in its loose form acts as the stimulus behind the all-encompassing silhouette. Injecting subtle feminine notes through embellished stripes along the side seams, Head Designer, Clare Waight Keller creates an unambiguous luxury sportswear aesthetic.

CArolina herrera When searching for a sophisticated look fit for the most anticipated events on our sporting calendar, Carolina Herrera is always our first stop. Hands down our favourite look of the collection is this colour-blocked top and trouser combo.

With the complex peplum and ruffle detailing on the top, it’s no surprise to see it counterbalanced over a simple strait-legged, cropped pant.

MARC JACOBS Striking in its simplicity, this maxi dress by Marc Jacobs is the ultimate showstopper. Deliberately stripped back, the clean silhouette is the utter definition of Parisian chic ensuring all eyes will be transfixed on you, wherever you choose to flaunt it.

Juicy couture This irresistibly cute cobalt blue dress by Juicy Couture is an absolute wardrobe must-have.

The sophisticated silhouette enjoys an underlying sexy twist through a body-hugging cut and short hemline. Ideal for events taking place in the daytime it can be effortlessly dressed up or down to suit your needs.

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Fashion

Ready

SET-Pose With the 2013 Dubai World Cup and Qatar’s first-ever Chi Al Shaqab only just gone, and with the Bahrain Grand Prix around the corner, sportswear is wear it’s at this month. While some events demand a formal dress code, others allow for more casual attire, with looking stellar being a must across the board.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO SLVR ADIDAS The SLVR by Adidas Summer 2013 collection gives us a lesson in contemporary sportswear. Drawing inspiration from martial arts and the movie Fight Club, the classic base leaves room for experimentation through use of endurance fabrics in varying colours and textures.

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With a colour story so bold you almost need a pair of sunglasses to look directly at it. Salvatore Ferragamo’s sportswear inspired Summer 2013 showcase will ensure you make a memorable entrance.

Take on the spring sporting calendar with a collection so bright it gives the sun a run for its money.

Fashion

FACCONNABLE THE polo Originally designed for tennis players, interestingly, the polo shirt is now the go-to choice of attire for a range of sports, including polo and golf. Off the courts and courses, the polo shirt is an easy choice for a smart casual look for any occasion.

LACOSTE

LACOSTE

This lightweight taffeta jacket by Lacoste is just the thing to get you through the unexpected summer chills (or overworked A/C units) while maintaining our fun in the sun mantra.

SALSA

It doesn’t take a lot to figure out that this particular look, by Salsa, draws its inspiration from the Vegas music scene. Though nothing more than a staple t-shirt and jeans combination, its heavy rock ‘n’ roll print, along with unlikely design and styling choices, give it the defiant attitude it so forcefully exudes.

CAROLINA HERRERA Carolina Herrera goes preppy with underlying nautical notes this season.

Ideally suited for an event like polo or the boat show, this is the perfect look to prove you’re not a novice in the wardrobe department.

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Fashion

PAUL SMITH??

Casual but refined, this look

by Paul Smith’s main line is a brilliant way to shake up your weekend wardrobe.

The uncomplicated silhouette and mute palette benefit from the x-ray floral print and collar detail.

BERShKA

It’s a war out there when it comes to getting noticed. With that in mind, we’re choosing to conquer the military trend with this camo print scarf featuring neon accents.

TOPMAN Topman enrolls in fashion boot camp with an outfit that exudes a brash and defiant youthful attitude, without straying too far from our fashion comfort zone.

GAP

This pair of slim canvas jeans from the GAP in a lemon and mustard yellow will have you looking stylish with minimal fuss, giving you the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the day out.

Complete the look by pairing with a staple T and a loosely buttoned shirt, preferably in a complementary print.

KENZO

If we were to compile a list of the most important garment trends for Spring/ Summer 2013 the board short would no doubt be at the top. Take style notes from Kenzo this season by embracing their unconventional take on the summer suit.

MASSIMO DUTTI A watch is as much an accessory as it is a necessity and we’re making purchasing this one a priority. With a traditional body as its base, Massimo Dutti does what they do best, through the use of fine and unique detailing giving this classic a contemporary twist.

TODS

The brogue is a footwear staple.

Less sporty and more formal amp up this classic by choosing one in an unexpected shade as seen here by Tods.

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FACT QATAR April

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INDEX A new rooftop pool bar has launched at the Crowne Plaza.

It’s known as Liquidity

CHEF’S TABLE

PLUS MORE...

we taste

go & relax

b/attitude spa

le vesuvio Chef Francisco introduced us to his team and his kitchen, and gave us a lesson on how to make something simple but delicious

A new spa has opened up in town and they’re offering a Moroccan Retreat package for four. We went to test it out...

NEW VENUE

hakkasan doha we review

This is one sophisticated brand name everyone has been banging on about. So, naturally, we had to find out more...

FACT QATAR April

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THE CHEFS TABLE

Chef Francisco makes it looks so easy but who’s betting ours turns out nothing like his?

Chef Francisco Gonzalez, le Vesuvio Facing out towards Katara’s corniche, beside the imposing amphitheatre, sits le Vesuvio, a sophisticated Italian eatery with a French twist named after the volcano in Naples. Here, Chef de Cuisine Francisco Gonzalez took us on a culinary journey that included 10 dishes!

O

ur Chef ’s Table this month started during a weekday lunch service. There were gale force winds outside and the sky was filled with dust. Yet still, le Vesuvio was packed.

It’s no secret that the people of Doha love their Italian food, but when you combine that with French technique?

We’re pretty sure they’re onto a winner.

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FACT QATAR April

And, with Italian Chef de Cuisine Francisco Gonzalez at the helm, it’s not even a gamble.

Chef Francisco is every interviewer’s dream. He’s talkative, confident and knows exactly what he’s doing. Shortly after we arrived, he steered us into his kitchen and took us straight to the back, where laid neatly were a few simple

ingredients: aubergine, mozzarella, basil and homemade tomato sauce. So he started talking us through the process of making their most popular dish: Aubergines au Parmesan. Then, he showed us the trick to making chocolate ganache-filled profiteroles.

As he explains, prepares and presents, it’s obvious cooking is second

THE CHEFS TABLE

Everything they can make homemade, they will. That’s what impressed us most here

nature to him. We even get a food history lesson that turns out to be fascinating (did you know Roquefort cheese is named after a cave that it had been mistakenly left to mould in for a month?). He has been doing it for 16 years after all, following training in Argentina and Ohio, US, and experience working in five-star hotels and restaurants around the world, from America to Patagonia, from Europe to Asia. Now he’s in Doha, at his first job in the Middle East, which he has great ambitions for. “It is very important to leave the chefs to build the kitchen… it’s like building a house,” he said as he told us about the many changes he made to the lay out when he arrived. “They [the chefs] are the heart of each restaurant and we are lucky to have been given a

nice opportunity to change and improve things here.”

Since his arrival, Chef Francisco has worked hard to make le Vesuvio what it is now, and it has paid off (if the lack of available seating was anything to go by). He spoke to every single supplier in Qatar to find the best produce, he rearranged everything in his domain (including even the water supply!), and he’s created a fantastic menu that caters to local tastes. Yet, he still has plenty of plans, including incorporating Arabian flavours into his carefully crafted dishes.

“I want this to be the best Italian restaurant in Doha and maybe even the Middle East,” he says confidently. For this to work, he says, everything must be perfect. “Otherwise it’ll be like outside it’s a Ferrari and inside the engine is a Fiat,” he smiles.

We then go back out into the busy restaurant and sit while dish after dish arrives to the table. We have bresaola and rocket salad, Aubergines au Parmesan, a range of freshly made pastas, wood fire-baked pizza, king prawns from the newly launched menu, and four fantastic desserts that are displayed beautifully on the plate. And with each course, Chef came to explain what everything is. But it wasn’t special service just for us – we could see him at other tables, too, making sure everyone is happy.

All in all, it was an epic tasting that left us full for a long time to come but it was worth it. The flavours are powerful yet subtle, wholesome yet sophisticated.

What’s even more impressive, however, is that absolutely everything is, as much as possible, homemade (you will definitely NOT see a jar of pesto or pasta sauce in this kitchen!), from the icecream and pastry to the mozzarella and tomato pastes.

So, would we go back? Certainly.

Particularly in an evening to sit on the rooftop terrace. But do we think this will become the best Italian restaurant in Doha? With a combination of Chef Francisco’s knowledge and determination, a great team of staff, French-Italian-Arabian flavours and a fantastic location, it’s definitely on our list of top contenders! n FACT’S ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Get the recipe for Chef Francisco’s Aubergines au Parmesan on our blog: www.factqatar.wordpress.com

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VENUE REVIEW

EATS

Hakkasan

SPORTS

NIGHTS

St. Regis Doha (4446 0170)

LEISURE

Y

COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

BODIES

ou know what one of the biggest reasons we fell in love with Hakkasan was? The kitchen was bustling with Chinese chefs.

Whole rows of them, working in unison; tossing ingredients in woks, calling out ‘mains away’ in their native tongue, and creating authentic Cantonese food with a fine Hakkasan twist.

Before we start our rave, we’ll fill you in on where it all started…

Hakkasan first launched on Hanway Place in London twelve years ago and by 2003 it had been awarded a Michelin star.

It has since become one of the go-to places for the fashionable elite who have a taste for fine but chic dining.

In all honesty, we think Hakkasan Doha will also become one of those places. Even before you enter, the place screams ‘THIS IS SPECIAL!’.

The stylish walkway, the external blue LED-lit Hakkasan logo, the panelled sliding doors that open for you – it all adds to the ambience and makes you feel more sophisticated for even being there. Once inside, the décor does the same – it’s stunning, intimate and full of fantastic design elements.

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Then there’s the fully stocked bar (which is uber cosmopolitan). On arrival, we perched on a stool and tasted a couple of their concoctions, of which there are plenty of. Friendly bar manager Andrew (who came from Hakkasan London) tells us that some original Doha creations will be on the menu soon, too.

Once slurped, we moved outside to the terrace where our table awaited. In order to get a true idea of the food, we were then served up a tasting menu of epic proportions filled with signature dishes and paired with some of Hakkasan Doha’s exclusive vino varieties (knowledgeable Sommelier Ravi will steer you well).

Tasting menus are meant to be, well, tasted… not particularly ‘eaten’. But almost every plate that came our way was entirely and genuinely devoured.

The crispy duck salad with pomelo, pine nut and shallot (already been recommended to us) was so more-ish.

The Jasmine tea-smoked Wagyu beef ribs were completely delectable and melted in our mouths. We loved the authenticity of the vegetarian steamed Dim Sum platter. Then the crispy tiger

prawns with pandan leaf, chilli and crispy wheat flakes were wonderfully unusual, smelling to us like popcorn and tasting slightly like cookies. This was the star of the starter show for us.

For mains, we were given a stir-fry rib eye beef with black pepper sauce which was absolutely delicious. The Sha Cha Seafood Toban, too, was a medley of fish that complemented our other dishes with sweet yet subtle flavours. But, the grilled Chilean Seabass with Chinese honey was To Die For. A definite must-try for all.

You would think we’d be full by now, and oh we were, but still had room for dessert – the Chocolate Orange and Jivara Bomb. Not too Chinese, but the flavours and lightness of the dishes did do something to enhance our overall dining experience.

At this point we were stuffed, sated and about to relax with a cuppa green jasmine chai, but the wind chill factor turned itself up a notch. We asked a waiter if they had anything to keep us warm and immediately we were brought a tray of beautifully soft pashminas in various colours. And that was that. We were head over heels. n

The Chac’Late Chocolatiers If you like truffles and pralines, then you’re bound to love the newest venue in Katara Cultural Village, Chac’Late. Located just behind the amphitheatre with indoor and outdoor seating, Chac’Late was launched with the idea of bringing the art and atmosphere of famous European chocolatiers to Doha. within. The menu is every chocoholics indulgent dream. There are dark and white chocolate fountains served with marshmallows, waffle lollipops and fruit skewers, and assorted cakes like the warm buttery chocolate one with crispy feuilletine (thin flakes) and spiced chocolate sauce or vahlrona volcano with Madagascar vanilla icecream. There are also two breakfasts – the Parisian and Chac’Late – on offer every morning too.

GO: Open weekdays, 8am to 8pm, and Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 8am to 10pm

Choose from over 100 Salads at SBQ!

The country’s first restaurant to specialise in serving salads as a main course has launched in Aspire Zone.

Known as Salad Boutique Qatar, the venue has over 100 varieties of salad on offer, alongside other meals such as sandwiches, mini burgers, risottos and pastas. They haven’t forgotten desserts, fresh juices and energy drinks either for those needing a pre- or post-workout boost.

GO: It’s located in the Ladies Fitness Hall. Call 6625 4666

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS EATS

BISTRO 61

BISTRO BISTRO

NIGHTS

LA SAHITAINE

PICASSO’S

An Alternative Friday Brunch

LEISURE

SPORTS

If you’re looking for something different to do on a Friday but don’t want it to involve a brunch, then Pomodoro & Basilico might be the event for you.

Every week, from noon to 4pm, at Kempinski Residences & Suites’ European venue Aroma, you can choose from fresh ingredients and classic recipes with creative twists.

Enjoy your pick of pasta paired with

one of eight toppings, or choose a pizza slice from seven types, and then follow it with either a classic Italian tiramisu, Chef’s dessert surprise, or homemade icecream/ sorbet. All of this comes for QR160 per person (without drinks). Kids under five eat free and ages 6-12 are half price.

SORMANI

BELGIAN CAFÉ

FINE DINING THE DINING ROOM

GORDON RAMSAY DOHA

GO: Call 4405 3325

BODIES

LA MER

NORTH AMERICAN

NUSANTAO: SEA KITCHENS

APPLEBEE’S

Four Seasons

FRENCH

Four outlets across Doha

4494 8601

LA VARENNE

4493 4880 (City Center Mall)

ASIA LIVE!

CHILI’S

Doha Marriott

Four outlets across Doha

4429 8472

4444 5335 (Salwa Rd)

CHOPSTICKS

DAIRY QUEEN GRILL’N’CHILL

Wyndham Grand Regency

Three outlets across Doha

4434 3225

4432 0982 (Ramada Junction)

ISAAN

JOHNNY ROCKETS

Doha Grand Hyatt

Two outlets across Doha

4448 1250

DALLOYAU LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECÔTE PAUL BAKERY & RESTAURANT

MAXIM

TRAVEL

4455 2792 (Salwa Rd) ROGER’S DINER

BRAZILIAN

C Ring Road

IPANEMA BRAZILIAN CHURRASCARIA

INDIAN

4455 2333

West End Doha

BOMBAY BALTI

4419 6100 AFRO-PORTUGUESE

CHINGARI

NANDO’S

CHINESE

5 branches across Doha

RUBY WU’S

44360606 (Al Sadd)

Radisson Blu, 4428 1555

SAFFRON LOUNGE

COMMUNITY

TSE YANG

ASIAN

The Pearl-Qatar, Porto Arabia

WOK MEE NOODLE HOUSE

4495 3876 ext 2071

Movenpick Tower and Suites

80

STAR OF INDIA

4496 6600

EUROPEAN

SPICE MARKET

AROMA

W Hotel

Kempinski Residences and Suites

4453 5135

4405 3325

FACT QATAR April

TAJ RASOI

SARANGI

St Regis Doha, 4446 0105

Grand Heritage Hotel Doha

OPAL BY GORDON RAMSAY

4445 5535

St Regis Doha, 4446 0105

FLAVOURS

FLYING CARPET

Grand Heritage Doha Hotel

The Torch Doha

4445 5544

4446 5600

LE CIGALON

YUM YUM

La Cigale Hotel

K108 Boutique Hotel

4428 8698

4433 3000

NIGHTS

VINE

BLUE

EATS

INTERNATIONAL

AL CANTEEN DI CAPRI

THE SQUARE

La Cigale Hotel, 4428 8840

InterContinental The City

CUCINA

4015 8888

Renaissance City Center Hotel

COSMO

4419 6100

Millennium Hotel

LAGOON RISTORANTE

4424 7362

Sealine Beach Resort

ANIMATO RESTAURANT

4476 5257

Movenpick Tower and Suites

IL TEATRO

4496 6600

Four Seasons, 4494 8888

CHOICES

CARLUCCIO’S

Oryx Rotana

The Pearl-Qatar

4402 3333

4495 3876 ext 3541

CROSSROADS KITCHEN

THE ITALIAN JOB

Renaissance City Center Hotel

Radisson Blu

4419 6100

4428 1555

BONBINI RESTAURANT

LA DOLCE VITA

Sealine Beach Resort

Souq Waqif

4476 5226

4436 7991

THE LAGOON

Millennium Hotel, 4424 7367

W Hotel

AL SHAHEEN

4453 5135

Sheraton Doha Resort

MAWASEM

and Convention Hotel

Hilton Doha, 4423 3112

4485 4071

AL DANA

AL MOURJAN

Sharq Village & Spa

Corniche

4425 6227

4483 4423

AL WANIS TERRACE

AL TABKHA

Sharq Village & Spa

The Pearl-Qatar

4425 6868

4495 3876 ext 5875

BLUE BRASSERIE

BURJ AL HAMAM

Al Sultan Beach Resort

The Pearl-Qatar

4472 2666

4495 3876 ext 1291

CORNICHE

LIZA

Doha Marriott, 4429 8404

The Pearl-Qatar

J G SANDWICH CELLAR

4495 3876 ext 1721

Ras Abu Abboud St

MAMIG

4435 7559

Katara Valley of Cultures

LENOTRE

4408 0800

Suhaim bin Hamad: 4455 2666

AL SULTAN BRAHIM

Villagio Mall: 4450 7255

St Regis Doha, 4408 0800

COMMUNITY

ZAMAN

MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES

Transport your energy and taste buds to the more tropical Caribbean, as the Hilton Doha pays homage to the region’s exotic cuisine, lively beats and buzzing atmosphere.

Throughout the hotel all month, there will be Caribbean-inspired touches, from coconut shrimp and a Jamaican mixed grill to refreshing smoothies and tropical beverages, alongside Caribbean beats and grooves courtesy of live DJ Shadi.

Head to Bab Al Baher on the 11th and 12th, then to the Safina Terrace (by La Sahtaine) on the 18th and 19th, and 25th and 26th and spend just QR150 per person for food.

At Trader Vic’s, on the 6th, kicking off Caribbean month, there will be a live barbeque and salsa rhythms on the viewpoint terrace (again for QR150).

Also, all during April, sample fresh tropical desserts at Ya Hala and enjoy other Caribbean bites and snacks while relaxing at Zawaya Lounge, too!

TRAVEL

LEBANESE

4484 8512

Celebrate all things Caribbean

BODIES

Ritz-Carlton

Zawaya Lounge

LEISURE

ITALIAN

Souq Waqif, 4433 6777

SPORTS

Arumaila Boutique Hotel

GO: Call 4423 3333

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

NIGHTS

EATS

THE WEEKEND BRUNCHES

Al Liwan at Sharq Village & Spa

SPORTS

puts on a fantastic spread for QR250 per person

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 82

FACT QATAR April

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

STRATA

La Cigale Hotel, 4428 8698

InterContinental The City

SAKURA

4015 8888

Radisson Blu, 4428 1555

FISH MARKET

YUZU

InterContinental Doha

Swiss-Belhotel, 4407 8888

4484 4444

MIDORI

PAMPANO

The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar, 4495 3876

4495 3876 ext 6779

ext 1221

SUSHI MINTO

RED LOBSTER

Salwa Road, 4467 5577

C Ring Road, 4444 1066

WAGAMAMA

PIER 12

Lagoona Mall, 4463 3876

Radisson Blu, 4428 1555 L’WZAAR

Katara - Valley of Cultures

LE CENTRAL

4408 0710

La Cigale Hotel, 4428 8698 THE GRILL

4433 6555

Doha Grand Hyatt, 4448 1240

ARAMEDE

PRIME

Crowne Plaza Doha

InterContinental The City

4408 7777

4015 8888

MYKONOS

NEW YORK STEAKHOUSE

InterContinental Doha

Renaissance City Center Hotel

4484 4444

4419 6100

THE CELLAR

BENTLEY’S GRILL

Oryx Rotana, 4402 3333

Radisson Blu, 4428 1555

ROCCA

ASTOR GRILL

Doha Grand Hyatt

St Regis Doha, 4446 0105

4448 1270

JW STEAKHOUSE

THREE SIXTY

Marriot Doha, 4429 8888

The Torch Doha

LE GRILL

4446 5600

Diplomatic Club, 4484 7420

PORCINI

Ritz-Carlton, 4484 8360

SOUTH AMERICAN

LE GOURMET

LATINO

Souq Waqif, 4436 1789

Sheraton Doha, 4485 4071 OYSTER BAY

St Regis Doha, 4446 0105

AL MATAAM

PALOMA

Musheireb Boutique Hotel

InterContinental Doha

Souq Waqif 4433 6700

4484 4444THAI TURKISH

Sheraton Doha

SUKAR PASHA

4485 4071

Katara Valley of Cultures

MAJLIS

4408 2000

Doha Grand Hyatt

AGORA

4448 1250

Grand Heritage Doha 4445 5555

POLYNESIAN TRADER VIC’S

Hilton Doha, 4423 3118

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDED IN OUR LISTINGS CONTACT THE EDITOR. IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE HERE THEN DO TELL US ASAP!

Chef’s Table @ Porcini Chef Ricardo Acquista invites all food aficionados to the show kitchen as he demonstrates the preparation of a special thematic dinner. The event takes place on 6th April from 7pm and is QR450 per person. Call 4484 8000

What’s Hot @ Habanos

(Call 4484 8504) Art of Cocktail Class Meet the Habanos team for an immersion in the art of creating exciting drinks on 12th April from 4pm to 6pm for QR225 per person.

Senoritas’ Night Ladies night is different here. Firstly, it comes by two times a week and secondly, it’s addressed to ‘Senoritas’ who enjoy one complimentary selected drink. Every Saturday and Sunday from 8.30pm to 11.30pm.

Hospitality Nights On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Habanos will turn hoteliers and airlines crews from pamperers to being pampered with 25 per cent savings on their bill from 8pm to 1am.

Sophisticated Weekends Enjoy the perfect hand-rolled cigar with 25 per cent savings from all selections every Thursday and Friday from 5pm to 1am.

MORE TO ENJOY…

Salsa Nights @ Admiral’s Club Dance the night away Salsa-stylee to soothing Latin rhythms. It’s one of the most energetic dance styles so regardless of if you’re a professional or have never danced before, you are guaranteed to have a true fiesta. Every Saturday from 9pm to 2am. Call 4484 8663 Afternoon Tea @ La Mer Continuing the tradition of afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton, now guests can enjoy and experience a spectacular daily afternoon tea with a view of the Arabian Gulf from the 23rd floor.

Timings are 2.30pm to 5pm. Call 4484 8506 Family Fun Day @ The Lagoon Garden Saturdays are meant for the family.

At The Lagoon Garden enjoy the Kids’ Corner while adults indulge al fresco with their favourite hops and festive ambience, live entertainment and a sumptuous selection of international barbeques.

Saturday fromone noon to 4.30pm Jaula Spa atEvery the Grand Hyatt, of Doha’s most (April 20th coincides with Earth Day!). luxurious Call 4484 8512 L’Aperitif @ Level 23 Chill to live lounge music band with the elegant backdrop of Level 23 and its panoramic views onto the Arabian Gulf Sea. Enjoy aperitif service for up to two hours with compliments when you order your first drink from the new cocktail menu! Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Call 4484 8506

FACT QATAR April

COMMUNITY

AL HUBARA

Be An Expert

TRAVEL

MIDDLE EASTERN

+974 4484 8000

BODIES

STEAKHOUSES

Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel

Contact No:

LEISURE

EAST

The RitzCarlton, Doha

SPORTS

MEDITERRANEAN

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

NIGHTS

SEAFOOD

YEN SUSHI BAR

EATS

JAPANESE

83

NIGHT LISTINGS LOUNGES

EATS

Getting in the party spirit...

HIVE

THE LOUNGE

NIGHTS

GLO COCKTAIL LOUNGE WAHM TRADER VIC’S

Launching Liquidity Lounge

LEISURE

SPORTS

Glamming up the rooftop poolside bar scene in Qatar is the Crowne Plaza’s newest venue, Liquidity.

Located on the seventh floor of the hotel on Al Matar Street, this pool bar offers a cooling daytime getaway to guests and a relaxing evening spot to the rest of us.

Sit by the bar or kick back in the couches by the pool with some friends, while sipping on a refreshing beverage or nibbling on a plate of one of the poolside bites that cater to everyone from salad lovers to seafood fans to rib eye fanatics.

Coming with a special recommendation for the fish lovers among us is Crab, Crab and Crab.

Happy Hours are daily here from 5pm to 7pm and then it’s ladies hour from 7pm until 9pm, apart from on Saturdays and Mondays.

Instead, on these days, it’s Heels on Fire where all the ladies get their first two drinks on the house from 7pm to 11pm. They really take care of their ladies here, don’t they!?

On top of all this, all throughout April, there is a special fruit promotion and Ice Tea package every evening from 5pm to midnight. So if you’re desperate for somewhere to cool off - then look no further.

There’s no entrance fee either!

PEARL LOUNGE THE LIBRARY SEA LOUNGE

M-LOUNGE

CIGAR LOUNGE DUNES

HABANOS LIBRARY AND CIGAR LOUNGE

GO: Call 4408 7777

BODIES

VINTAGE CIGAR LOUNGE

EL CIGAR LOUNGE

TRAVEL

BARS

Seafood and the Jazzy Soul Band

COMMUNITY

A brand new three-piece band are performing at Fish Market in the InterContinental Doha hotel. Jazzy Soul Band, as they are known, is made up of a saxophonist, pianist and a female vocalist. Together, they put you at ease during your dinner with moving renditions of songs from Michael Bublé, Sting, Alicia Keys, Lisa Stansfield, Stevie

84

FACT QATAR April

Wonder and many others.

So, as you tuck into some fantastic seafood fare and look out onto the Doha skyline, you can now enjoy the sounds of live soulful jazz, too.

They’re on from 8.30pm on Sundays and Mondays; 7.30pm on Tuesdays; and 9pm from Wednesday to Friday.

GO: Call 4484 4919

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

Hive @ InterContinental The City Daily from 17.00 – 19.00 Buy one get one free on selected beverages

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

Zawaya Bar & Lounge @ Hilton Daily from 17.00 - 20.00 Buy one get the same one free

Champions @ West End Renaissance City Center Daily from 17.00 – 19.00 QR28 on selected beverages

Wahm @ W Hotel Buy one get one free everyday from 17.00 – 20.00

Glo Cocktail Lounge @ West End Doha Daily from 17.00 – 20.00 Selected beverages at QR25 or cocktails from QR35 Irish Harp @ Sheraton Doha Daily from 17.00 – 20.00 QR25 on selected beverages Admiral’s @ Ritz-Carlton Saturday to Wednesdays,17.00 – 19.00 Buy one get one free on selected beverages

Dunes @ Grand Hyatt All day on Sunday Half price on selected beverages 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

CRYSTAL LOUNGE

TRAVEL

WINDOWS

QUBE

COMMUNITY

FAHRENHEIT

IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE HERE THEN DO TELL US ASAP!

FACT QATAR April

85

SPORTS LISTINGS EATS

ARE YOU A SPEED FREAK TOO?

GYMS / FITNESS CLASSES

NIGHTS

AL MASSA ACTIVE

The Geek-Chic Racing Track

LEISURE

SPORTS

Racing radio-controlled cars might not be an activity you tend think about when you’re thinking of a new hobby to take up. It might even sound a bit geeky.

However, you should reserve judgement, because this sport is proving to be more and more popular throughout the world.

In response to this increasing interest, Aspire Zone Foundation has built a dedicated track to the sport in conjunction with the Qatar Remote Controlled Car Racing Group.

The circuit features an off-road track that is 350 metres long and four metres wide, over a total area of 1,650 square metres. It has tight

corners, sweeping arches and six jump sections. At the moment, oneeighth scale buggies are being used on the track and each car is fitted with a computerised timing system.

According to the track stats, each lap takes between 45 seconds to a minute and the cars can reach a top speed of around 60km per hour.

Believe it or not, this hobby has quite a following in Qatar and if you’re interested, you can join the QRCRG who will soon be holding competitions on the track, too.

On top of this one, an outdoor onroad track is also being planned.

ASPIRE ACADEMY

BOOT CAMP QATAR

CONTOURS EXPRESS

CURVES

ÉNERGIE FITNESS CLUB

FITNESS FIRST

DANA CLUB

GO: Visit www.QRCRG.e-monsite.com for more information on this sport

BODIES

HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB

SWISS BELHOTEL GYM AND POOL

GRAND HYATT GYM, POOL AND BEACH

TRAVEL

OZONE GYM

Under the Light of the Full Moon

COMMUNITY

Rejuvenate and invigorate yourself with a session of yoga under the stars from 7pm to 8.30pm at the open-air Al Dana Island in Sharq Village & Spa. Soumya will guide you to recognise the rhythms of nature, leaving you feeling mentally and physically tranquil.

The next evening, from 6.30pm to

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FACT QATAR April

8pm, Suranaga will put you through multiple workouts that will teach you to burn fat and sweat off all those calories, while targeting all areas of the body. The best bit?

Your donations go to helping the team complete their Charity Project on this one!

GO: Call 4425 6999

PURE LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE

BAY VIEW 26 WELLNESS CENTRE

VITALITY ZONE HEALTH CLUB

POOL, BEACH AND FITNESS FACILITIES

EATS

The Ritz-Carlton fitness and spa facilities are second-to-none

NIGHTS SPORTS LEISURE

SWIMMING POOL WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY

4434 3152

QATAR BOWLING CENTER

DOHA SUB-AQUA CLUB

QATAR CRICKET ASSOCIATION

PEARL DIVERS

Al Bidda Street 4432 9178

Near Sharq Village Dohasubaquaclub.com

InterContinental Doha 4484 4852

Near Doha Golf Club 4431 4154 qatarca@hotmail.com

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

QATAR CYCLING FEDERATION

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

QATAR CHAIN REACTION

QATAR SEA ANGLING ASSOCIATION

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4600

DOHA DARTS LEAGUE dohadartsleague.com Call Elsa on 6664 1750ORKELLING

QATAR BADMINTON ACADEMY

QATAR DIVERS

THE BAY CLUB

The Diplomatic Club 4484 7450

GONDOLANIA BOWLING CENTER

Villagio Mall 4403 9800

Qatarchainreaction.org info@qatarchainreaction.org

By Doha Marriott Hotel 4431 3331 QATARSUB

Souq Waqif 4434 1234

TRIPS THROUGH SHERATON DOHA

Call Bassel on 5551 8100 West Bay Lagoon 4484 7444

Call Tony Moorat on 5550 1906

ARE YOU ENJOYING A QUIRKY SPORT THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HEARD OF? ARE YOU A COACH, LOOKING FOR SOME READY AND WILLING STUDENTS?

COMMUNITY

qatarbadmintonacademy@gmail.com City Center Doha 4483 9162

Qatarcf.org 4447 5522

4444 9553

TRAVEL

Ritz-Carlton Hotel 4484 8173

BODIES

FITNESS CENTRE AND

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TO JOIN A CLUB OR TEAM IN DOHA BUT CAN’T QUITE FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? THEN CONTACT US AND WE’LL TRY OUR BEST TO HELP YOU OUT!

FACT QATAR April

87

SPORTS LISTINGS

Play tennis on the DIplomatic Club’s

EATS

courts. Located by the Pearl.

LEISURE

SPORTS

NIGHTS

Call 4484 7450.

FOOTBALL EVOLUTION SOCCER QATAR

Evosportsqatar.com 5506 4794

QATAR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ASSOC.

BODIES

Qatar.wfa@gmail.com FLYING

QATAR AERONAUTICAL COLLEGE

Ras Abu Abboud Street 4440 8888 FRISBEE

TRAVEL

DOHA ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Rayyan Road Park or American School of Doha Visit sites.google.com/site/qatarulti

QATAR HOCKEY ACADEMY

Qatar Hockey Federation 5587 8317

FALCON TAEKWONDO ACADEMY

Al Mansoura | 4442 3012 KARATE

HORSERIDING

The International Academy for Intercultural Development 4432 0974

4421 8857

AIKIDO

AL KHOR RIDING CENTER AL SAMARIYA STABLES

Sheraton Doha 5562 4178

AL SHAQAB RIDING ACADEMY

MOTORCYCLING

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani farm 5525 7203 Alshaqab.com 4454 6320

QATAR RACING AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB RIDING

Qrec.gov.qa 4480 8122

DOHA QATAR CHAPTER HOG

Hogdohaqatarchapter.com QATAR MOTOR AND

MOTORCYCLE FEDERATION

Losail International Circuit 4472 9151

KITESURFING GOLF DOHA GOLF CLUB

COMMUNITY

West Bay 4496 0777

FLO KITE SCHOOL

Call Flora Pestre on 5504 1039 TOM TOM KITE’AR

www.tomtomkitear.com 6661 2749

HOCKEY DOHA HOCKEY CLUB

info@dohahockeyclub.com WANDERERS HOCKEY CLUB

Bosco_menezes@hotmail.com 88

FACT QATAR April

PARASAILING SHERATON DOHA

Call Bassel on 5551 8100 PILATES ASPIRE ACADEMY

MARTIAL ARTS KOREA TAEKWONDO CENTRE

Al Muthanna Complex, opp Jarir Bookstore 4465 9066

www.aspire.qa 4413 6219

GOT A SPORTY STORY TO SHARE? THEN EMAIL THE EDITOR NOW & TELL US ALL!

Doha Rugby Union FC

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

Doha Rugby Club, near Doha College

The Diplomatic Club

4468 3771

4484 7450

IT’S TEAM SPIRIT...

EATS

RUGBY

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel

DOHA BAY RUNNING CLUB

4485 4600

Dohabayrunningclub.webs.com

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

QATAR HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

5551 9603

4484 8173

abkuw@yahoo.com

ELITE TENNIS ACADEMY

QTHLETICS

Samrya Garden Compound and Doha College

Al Sadd Sports Club | 4411 7911

5566 4747 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

SAILING

West Bay

DOHA SAILING CLUB

4494 8888

4443 9840

TRAMPOLINING

REGATTA SAILING ACADEMY

GYMNASTICS ACADEMY DOHA

InterContinental Doha | 4442 4577

Doha English Speaking School 6664 5032

SQUASH VOLLEYBALL

Email Williams@qp.com.qa

3RD FILIPINO VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION

www.squashleagues.com/duffers

Philippine International School

KHALIFA TENNIS AND SQUASH COMPLEX

5585 2101

Dafna | 4440 9666 LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

WAKEBOARDING/WATERSKIING

The Diplomatic Club

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

4484 7450

The Diplomatic Club

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

4484 7450

Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel YOGA

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

YAMA YOGA STUDIOS

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Salwa Road, West Bay and Al Dana

4484 8173

6617 5802 PURE LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE

4405 3307

Dafna behind Qatar Sports Club

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

4496 0600

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

DOHA DOLPHINS

4484 8173

Doha College and Hamad Aquatics

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

(Aspire Zone)

Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel

4411 7911

4485 4600

ENGLISH SWIM CLUB

SIX SENSES SPA

lessons@englishswimclub.com

Sharq Village and Spa

3348 7308

4425 6999

H2O SWIM CLUB

ASPIRE ACADEMY

American School of Doha

4413 6219

5564 1475

TENNIS

KHALIFA TENNIS AND SQUASH COMPLEX

Dafna 4440 9666

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDED IN OUR LISTINGS CONTACT THE EDITOR. IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE IN ANY OF OUR LISTINGS THEN PLEASE LET US KNOW IMMEDIATELY!

COMMUNITY

Kempinski Residences & Suites

DANA CLUB

In a bid to support arts and culture in the realm of sports, Katara Cultural Village and Aspire Zone Foundation have teamed up.

The partnership means a bunch of promotional and marketing activities, special events (like festivals, exhibitions, seminars and other relevant activities), and even new sports and cultural publications that reflect the goals of both institutions.

Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Katara’s general manager said, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, “The agreement supports the Qatar National Vision 2030, which promotes an active and healthy lifestyle, and we aim to educate, entertain and inform the Qatari people and residents through culture.”

Aspire Zone president, Hilal bin Jaham Al Kuwari also agreed that the new initiatives will benefit all segments of society in Qatar. “We will work together to create a healthy Qatar by integrating sport and culture,” he said.

These two institutions have already worked together quite a few times, but the PR spokespeople tell us there is plenty more coming up in the future months.

We’re not sure what they are right now, but we’ll keep you posted!

TRAVEL

SWIMMING

Integrating Sports, Art and Culture

BODIES

4485 4600

Aspire Zone shake on it

LEISURE

DUFFERS SQUASH LEAGUE

Katara’s GM and Head of

SPORTS

Ras Abu Abboud Street

NIGHTS

RUNNING

GO: Find out more at either websites: www.aspirezone.qa and/or www.katara.net

FACT QATAR April

89

Leisure LISTINGS EATS

WORTH YOUR TIME

Magazine Lecture and Moodboard Workshop kataraartcenter.wordpress.com / factqatar.wordpress.com

11th April: Join the Katara Art Center and FACT Qatar teams

in a jointly-organised talk and workshop that aims to give a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes in a modern publishing house.

SPORTS

NIGHTS

Where? UCL Qatar, Georgetown Building, Education City at 2pm

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

90

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

FACT QATAR April

SHARQ VILLAGE AND SPA

QATAR UNIVERSITY

Ras Abu Abboud Road

College of Arts and Sciences

4442 4424

4403 4584

#SeeMyDoha

PHOTOGRAPHY

4483 9064

QATAR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

GO: Visit www.seemydoha.com for more

THE CINEMA PALACE

Qps.com.qa | 4408 1812

DOHA SINGERS

Al Khor, north of Doha

dohasingers@gmail.com

AL WAKRA BEACH

JAZZ

Al Wakra, south of Doha

Dohajazz.com

KATARA BEACH

5571 0746

Katara Cultural Village

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MUSIC

4408 1017

Villa 81, Ahmed bin Hanbal Street 4467 1354

FILM

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

DOHA FILM INSTITUTE

The Opera House, Katara Cultural Village

dohafilminstitute.com

Qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

ASPIRE LADIES CINEMA

DOHA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

4499 7664

Dohaorchestra.com

CINEMA LAND

Landmark Mall

3385 7784ITERATURE QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY

Royal Plaza

LEISURE

4438 9888

City Center Doha

MUSIC

AL FARKIYA

SPORTS

Various branches

GRAND CINECENTRE

The Inland Sea, southeast tip of Qatar

NIGHTS

4488 1674

A smartphone photography competition, which ends with a prizewinner getting a trip to a mystery destination, kicks off on the 7th, with a relevant workshop also taking place in Katara Cultural Village the day before.

SeeMyDoha, which has been organised by Jaidah Group, is an offshoot of last year’s successful SeeMyCity. This year, they have adopted a new concept that uses camera-enabled smartphones and photo sharing platform Instagram.

The workshop is free-of-charge and takes place from noon to 4pm on the 6th. It explores theory and practical technique and ends with a photo walk and treasure hunt through the Cultural Village.

KHOR AL DAID

EATS

OASIS HOTEL AND BEACH CLUB

QPO music director Michalis

4413 0000

Economou in conducting action

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

TRAVEL

LANGUAGES 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

2012-2013 music director last year, as he also continued to be the chief conductor of the Athens Symphony Orchestra and the principal guest conductor of the National Radio Greek Orchestra. Busy man!

He steps down this month, as Han-Na Chang, the Philharmonic’s third music director, will take the lead for the new season in September 2013.

COMMUNITY

Salwa Road

Bidding Farewell to a Musical Genius: Economou Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s music director, Michalis Economou, will make his final appearance in this role on the 26th of this month. His last programme includes Edward Elgar’s delightful Enigma Variations, Charara’s Oud Concerto with Ali Saber, and Economou’s Elektra, as the concert kicks off with Aaron Copland’s Adagio for Strings.

Michalis began his posting as Qatar’s

GO: Visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

FACT QATAR April

91

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 Spa-Stylee Get-Together

Moroccan retreat (women) b/attitude spa - 2nd floor, beverly hills tower 90 minutes starting from QR2,000

CHANTARA SPA DOHA

As B/Attitude Spa just launched last month, we’ve put it to the test, and what better way than with a Moroccan Retreat?

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA

Words by Katy Gillett

COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

BODIES

Spas are all the rage at the moment in Doha and, in this part of the world, it’s possible to measure how good one is by how well they execute the ever-famous hammam.

The hammam is a commonplace treatment here; it’s a centuriesold ritual in Morocco and is very similar to the popular Turkish Bath.

Traditionally, the Moroccan hammam is separated for both men and women, and they are visited about once a week. The main purpose of them is to cleanse, detox, purify and rehydrate the skin.

The experience at B/Attitude isn’t so traditional though. It’s meant for a group of women (or men in their male version of this package - they do have one!) who all pitch in to have a relaxing gathering at the spa.

It starts off in the spa’s reception area, where you’re treated to a juice, and then led to the changing area where you disrobe. The spa is surprisingly huge, with long interconnecting alleyways and a warm 92

BLISS SPA

FACT QATAR April

red décor, which is very stylish, and the hammam room itself is like a cavern with a Jacuzzi, showers, steam and scrub room coming off it.

You already feel as though you’ve been transported to the undergrounds of North Africa, but a very modern, very chic part of it.

This retreat is for a maximum of four friends, so the therapists rotate you as you all get the chance to sit in the steam room, have a body scrub with dead sea salts and black soap, and relax with the facial touch massage.

Then, you finish up in the refreshing Chakra Showers.

Although this wasn’t a complete hammam, I still left feeling baby soft and squeaky clean (I was appalled at how much dirt could be seen coming off me during the scrub!!). The whole experience flies by and, the best bit is you’re able to enjoy the showers while they bring you Arabic treats and refreshing juices until you leave. What more could a bunch of girls want!?

GO: Call 4412 2046

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

The Almond Shaping Delight from L’Occitane should be rubbed on twice a day and it’ll reshape and tone the contours of your body.

Apparently, in one month, you’ll lose a couple of waist-inches! We’re currently testing it so we’ll let you know what happens.

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 PORTO SALON

The Pearl-Qatar 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 PINKIES

The Centre

reflexology massage this month

special membership rates this month for

for QR400 instead of QR600 every Sunday to Thursday. Call 4408 7777

Bodylines at Oryx Rotana has created

those on a first come, first serve basis.

Call 4402 3333

Shine Bright @ eforea spa

Intraceutical Oxygen Machine @ Six

a Diamond’ package includes: the

This is the first-ever machine of its kind to

The 150-minute ‘Shine Bright Like Slimming Detox Body Wrap, which

uses an all-natural spirulina algae; the

eforea signature Correcting Facial that addresses skin concerns such as oily

congestion, sun damage and fine lines; and a 30-minute back massage for

QR850 (a QR670 discount!). Call 4423 3441

Senses Spa

reach Doha. In just one treatment, your

skin will look and feel clarified and calm,

acne is diminished and pore-aggravating bacteria is minimised. It costs QR2,100 for the 80-minute rejuvenation and

atoxelene treament, and QR1,550 for a 50-minute rejuvenation. Call 4425 6999

Spring @ Saray Spa

Zest Fusion @ The Ritz-Carlton Spa

25-minute oriental fruit wrap and

body exfoliation, followed by a comforting

Enjoy a 25-minute body polish,

25-minute massage for QR750 this April. Call 4419 6090

Membership Rates @ Vitality Zone

This nurturing treatment encompasses a body wrap, then a 30-minute body

massage. It’s available for 100 minutes at QR600 throughout April. Call 4484 8173

An annual membership here includes

Asfana Mystery @ The Ritz-Carlton

on treatments and all restaurants for

Inspired by 1001 Arabian Nights, enjoy

four 55-minute massages, discounts

QR9,000. Plus, you get valet parking and the use of Renaissance Hotel’s

35-metre outdoor lap pool, steam room and saunas. Open seven days a week from 6am to 11pm. Call 4419 5517

Spa

COMMUNITY

Landmark Mall and Sheraton Hotel

Discounts @ Bodylines

Book a hot stone massage and a

TRAVEL

YAHYA ZAKARIA

Massages @ Crowne Plaza Spa

BODIES

Salwa Road

Great Spa Deals This Month!

LEISURE

Oryx Rotana

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR LISTINGS, CONTACT THE EDITOR.

SPORTS

4484 7407

this signature spa package that tones,

nourishes and hydrates your entire face and body.

It’s available throughout April for 120 minutes at QR800. Call 4484 8173

4431 7959 FACT QATAR April

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Travel LISTINGS EATS

WHERE ELSE COULD YOU BE THIS MONTH?

TRAVEL AGENTS Learn about the simple

JAULA SPA

life from the nomadic people in Mongolia

NIGHTS

SPACE TRAVEL

MANNAI HOLIDAYS

DARWISH TRAVEL BUREAU

SPORTS

QATAR TOURS

REGENCY TRAVEL AND TOURS

Discover Hidden Mongolian Treasures qatar Airways flies every day from Doha to beijing. then fly or take

LEISURE

the trans-siberian railway for a more scenic route to mongolia.

Call 4449 6666

BODIES TRAVEL COMMUNITY 94

FACT QATAR April

ALI BIN ALI TRAVEL BUREAU AAMAL TRAVEL

Aldous Huxley said it perfectly: “To travel is to realise that everyone is wrong about other countries”. The culture of Mongolia is unknown and one that needs exploring.

Mongolia lies as a landlocked country bordered in the north by Russia and in the south, east and in the west by the People’s Republic of China.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, it was known as the Mongol Empire, which was founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, but now stands as the 19th largest and most sparsely populated independent country in the world.

Spread over 603,909 square miles, a staggering 30 per cent of its 2.9 million population is made up of nomadic people, who are dispersed across the country, living off the sparse, dense arable land. Here, you can certainly learn a thing or two about the simple life.

To truly appreciate this country, you have to step foot in it. The atlas bears little justice to the enormity and potential of this place. Its

TRANS ORIENT TRAVEL & TOURISM

capital, Ulaanbaatar, is a series of winding streets, where mountains and valleys intertwine and stretch for miles. Unlike in many other tourist destinations, the Mongolian people treasure every inch of their natural surroundings; the city is forgiving to the landscape and little has been ruined to accommodate the necessities of modern-day life.

At every turn, hidden and wonderfully restored temples creep out in between modern buildings. A rainbow of colour reaches out and grabs you, as it lights up the magical city that surrounds it.

The concept of religion is important here, too. Even in the unpopulated areas of steppes and valleys, their faith is visible. Colourful scarves stream from wooden posts, put there to wish people well on their travels or act as prayers for loved ones.

Our advice? Discover it before the rest of the world does.

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

HOT NEW CITY HOP

DOHA TO CHICAGO

DELTA AIRLINES

FROM April 10th, Qatar Airways will launch three flights a week to ‘The Windy City’. From 15th June this will become a daily route.

GO: Call 4449 6666

www.cyprusair.com 4411 9017

LEISURE

CYPRUS AIRWAYS

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 QATAR April

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COMMUNITY LISTINGS EATS

SOME 300 ANIMALS NEED YOUR HELP...

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 Sign the petition and get others involved to help QAWS now!

Give A QAWS For Thought

LEISURE

Qatar’s largest Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) has recently announced the closing of its doors. So what will this mean for the hundreds of abandoned animals within its care?

COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

BODIES

The Middle East is renowned for having an abundance of stray and abandoned animals.

Like many other locations in the GCC, animals in Qatar have no rights; something which has no intention of changing over the next few years.

QAWS was founded in 2003 to address this issue, and has managed to run solely through constant selfless donations of time and money.

Although the organisation has spent the beginning of this year drastically searching for a new home, the society is now having to shut its doors as the farm lease, just west of Doha, runs out at the end of next month.

There are currently around 300 animals in the shelter; a number so high that the likelihood of finding all of them homes before the closure is not looking good.

The organisers announced on their Facebook page, and we quote: “It is with heavy hearts and through many tears that we have to announce the closure of QAWS, effective immediately. As you all know, we are being evicted from our current location 96

FACT QATAR April

and must be gone by May 31st.

“Despite exhausting all options, we have had no luck in finding a new location and as such, we need to spend the remainder of our tenancy in securing the future of our animals.

We WILL fight to the bitter end but unfortunately we need to prepare for the worst and our priority is what will happen to the animals and as such we have had to make this incredibly difficult decision.”

In order for the society to go on, 10,000 square metres of land is needed, ideally located outside of residential areas, but needs to still be accessible to volunteers.

For now, the team at QAWS are still accepting volunteers and donations but cannot take in any more animals.

They are spending the rest of their resources and efforts on trying to find homes for the animals they currently have under their care.

If you can help, and you don’t want to see some 300 animals made homeless, please do so now!

GO: Help! Call 5539 6074. Also find a QAWS petition online at www.thepetitionsite.com

PAMPERED PETS KENNEL AND CATTERY

www.ppkdoha.net 5588 4132

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

Saving Lives

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

Thinkpinkqatar.com Contact through online submission form

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Twenty children with lifethreatening heart defects and severe conditions are able to come to Qatar and receive world-class treatment at HMC, thanks to an agreement signed between Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Hamad Medical Corporation and the UKbased charity Chain of Hope.

NIGHTS

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

EATS

ENVIRONMENT

GO: Learn more at qf.org.qa or hamad.qa

SPORTS

CANCER SURVIVORS AND SUPPORTERS GROUP

6673 0674

DOHA MUMS

www.dohamums.com info@dohamums.com AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

www.awaqatar.com Contact through online submission form The French Cultural Centre 4493 0862

INDIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

The pink ribbon has become synonymous

LEISURE

FRENCH SPEAKING WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

with beating breast cancer all over the world

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

www.qatartoastmasters.net 5554 7248 TUESDAY LADIES GROUP

Tlgindoha@gmail.com 5573 5078 QATAR EXPATS

MEDICAL QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD & WOMAN PROTECTION

4467 9444 (hotline)

It has been discovered that less than one-third of Arab women living in Qatar participate in breast cancer screening activities despite their awareness of the disease, reported the Gulf Times. Recent studies, conducted by the Hamad Medical Corporation, University of Calgary – Qatar and Primary Health Care, found that out of 1,063 participants, only 7.6 per cent knew about basic breast cancer screenings. A very unimpressive figure for the most commonly diagnosed diseases and leading causes of cancer deaths.

Following these findings, however, people are calling for a more proactive role to be played by healthcare professionals to raise awareness of the disease, tests and the benefits of early detection.

This disease has managed to grow substantially over the past 24 years in this region and it is time to put an end to its hold once and for all!

COMMUNITY

www.meetup.com/Qatar-expats Online sign-up

STOP BREAST CANCER IN ITS TRACKS TRAVEL

QATAR TOASTMASTERS

A CALL FOR MORE CAMPAIGNING

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!

FACT QATAR April

97

S.A.T’s? M.B.A’s?

Pah! In Qatar, only one test score really matters

your Qatar IQ! WHAT’S YOUR QATAR IQ

Winter is but a distant memory and summer is slowly creeping back upon us again. Are you?

a.

Currently on the beach reading FACT while dripping in coconut oil waiting for your Sun Gods to turn you brown?

b.

It’s summer already?! When you last looked into direct sunlight you were seeing spots for weeks! You prefer the light of the TV behind closed curtains.

c.

Testing out your design for a digital season changer? You already managed a bit of rain in March and plan to unveil the finished product well before 2022.

Sadly, it looks as though Qatar Animal Welfare Society may have to close down next month, as they’re forced to move out of their current home. Do you?

a.

Go out and adopt all their animals before who knows what happens to them? You’ve already got a zoo at home so what’s a few more animals?

b. c.

Sign the online petition but don’t move off the couch in case you miss the next amazing installment of American Idol?

Call all your contacts and count all the pennies so you can open your own animal charity instead?

We went on a hunt for the perfect karak this month and found some real gems. Do you:

a.

Hit all the recommended spots ASAP? You love karak and all the sugary pleasure it brings.

b.

What’s karak? Do Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey like it? If so, you’ll give it a go. Unless you have to leave the couch...

c.

Invite FACT to come and try your own brew? No one can make it as well as you, the all-mighty chaiwallah.

What does it all say about you?

Mostly As: Your optimism is as bright as Qatar’s summer sun. No one can bring you down, and even if someone tried, you’d love them for it anyway. I bet you can’t believe we summed you up so perfectly, right?

Mostly Bs: You prefer to let life pass you by and live with the fairies inside your 55-inch flatscreen LCD. It’s cosy in the you-shaped dent on your couch. Why would you leave?

Mostly Cs: World domination is your aim and being the master of everything is your game. No one even saw you coming (thanks to the invisibility cloak you developed last year). Mwa ha haaa.

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FACT QATAR April

UCL Qatar

EDUCATING A NEW GENERATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE PROFESSIONALS UCL is London’s Global University. At UCL Qatar we offer a world-leading selection of postgraduate degree programmes, focusing on archaeology, conservation and museum studies. Through outstanding teaching and innovative research, we are creating the leaders of tomorrow.

Discover more and apply online at www.ucl.ac.uk/qatar UCL Qatar, PO Box 23689, Georgetown Building, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar T: +974 4457 8680 E: admissions.qatar@ucl.ac.uk

UCLQatar

UCL_Qatar

FACT QATAR April

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