FACT Qatar December 2014

fact magazine

december 2014. VOL 4 ISSUE 7. QR10 | SR10

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Available in all H&M stores For further information visit us at hm.com Contact us on: 800-74292 (SHAYA) 2

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Contents

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FACT FINDS Little Majlis Online Shop and its game-changing business.

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UB40 INTERVIEW Q&A ahead of Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2015.

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FESTIVE FEVER DIY Xmas gifts and recipes, and classic holiday films.

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NYE HAPPENINGS Lunches, brunches, dinners and the coolest parties.

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MATHAF EXHIBITION Mathaf Collection, Summary Part 1, a diverse artistic showcase.

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GLOBETROTTER OMAN Things to see and do, where to eat, and why Muscat is so special.

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TRIED & TESTED A close look at Al Bustan Palace as the choice of hotel in Muscat.

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CHEF’S TABLE With Chef Amit Kumar at the Jazz Club in Oryx Rotana Hotel.

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THE EDITOR FACT Magazine Qatar Edition December 2014 Volume 4, Issue 7.

Saying Sayonara to 2014…

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“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” – Tom Peters t was only two years ago that the world was in chaos, thinking an

incomplete Mayan calendar, from thousands of years ago, was going to

bring forth doomsday. Well. We’re still here. And how happy am I that the end of the world didn’t come to pass? Thrilled! The last year has

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes General Manager Hussein A. Zreik Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick Features Editor Pallavi Ramesh

This month, we wanted to show some major love to the arts scene

Creative Director Paula Leal

exhibitions. Turn to p43 for a sneak peek at Mathaf Collection, Summary, Part

Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques

artists. Yes, it’s pretty mind-blowing! On p48 we bring to you more information

Designer Rashed Bin Daina

in Doha, with a special look at Qatar Museums Authority’s two current

1 – a showcase of eclectic art forms, techniques and concepts, from around 100 about the fascinating exhibition dubbed Afterwards, by renowned artist Shirin Neshat; get ready for intricate art works with deep and diverse themes and meanings.

When you’re finished exploring the arts world, remember to plan your

NYE 2014! That’s right, in less than 31 days, we’ll welcome 2015, and, probably, an empty bank account, a button-busting tummy, and guilt-ridden resolutions!

Photography Abshar PK @ Creative Design Imelda Reynante Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood

themed shindigs, glamorous dinners, and cool club and bar events too. Turn to

Regional Key Account Manager Chelsea Copenhaver

part of. And, if you want to escape Doha for the New Year, p40 has some of the

Sales Manager Badir Bechara

But, before all of that fun, let’s talk NYE parties. There’s a wealth of great

p35 for our round up of all the amazing NYE happenings that you could be a best destinations for ringing in 2015.

For those who are suffering from winter blues (how could you though?

The weather’s fab!) – there is so much tech, travel, fashion, entertainment, and, best of all, foodie features for you to enjoy in FACT this month. Check out

our Globetrotter in Oman (p54); Festive Fashion (p77) for the season; and the

monthly Chef ’s Table (p87), Venue Review (p91), and Cucina De Badir (p94), all taking you on an exciting culinary ride around Doha.

We say goodbye to 2014, and what has been an epic year for FACT….

2015, we’re coming to get you. Happy New Year in advance! See you on the flipside…

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com fact magazine

11/27/14 10:28 AM

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa

been a whirlwind of fun, friends, and discovery, so it’s only fitting that FACT’s December issue ends on a high!

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december 2014. VOL 4 ISSUe 7. Qr10 | Sr10 front.indd 1

Cover Image Jamil Hammoudi Contributors Laura Hamilton Sofia Graniello ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: badir@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY Awal Press.

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.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

mash up

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

Tweets

Wood-Stone artNail @TwitSculptureCT Think big. Think small. Think amazing. Think outta the box.

Keep thinking. Think Art. Now U’re Thinking. #loveart

@FACT_Qatar Your one-stop culture fix for life in Qatar | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining & the coolest events in the city | Instagram: @factmagazine

Reem Tawfiqi @RTawfiqi Biggest applause of the year goes out to @FACTbahrain team for visiting over 100 venues all over #Bahrain in 1 day.

ISSUU.COM

NaNoWriMo @NaNoWriMo An Alert from the Literary Emergency Broadcast System: This writer is currently immersed in creation. Do not disturb. THIS IS NOT A TEST.

views of the online edition last month!

Holiday Inn AbuDhabi @HolidayInnAUH Thank you @FACTAbuDhabi for featuring us in this month’s issue. Chef Carl think’s he looks rather handsome in the issue. #AbuDhabi #dining

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Ibrahim @ibs1st I have already done so much this morning, I think that it’s time for bed again! #WishfulThinking

followers ‘liking’ and reposting our pics!

APP

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downloads of FACT Qatar’s interactive app!

Katie Walsh @KatieDoesntFTBA Hey freshmen, don’t wear your letter jackets in college. I don’t care how cold you are.

Ali Fareed @Ali_Fareed @FACTbahrain you guys have outdone yourself!

You deserve a pat on the back what a journey.

Find Rashed?

He’s hidden somewhere in this issue, also available to download for Android & iOS. Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in this issue and you could WIN a dinner for two at Asia Live! Restaurant, Doha Marriott Hotel. Look close and hard because Rashed will be perched on one of the editorial pages waiting to be discovered! Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on, your name and contact details! Good Luck!

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WIN

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

Little Majlis Shop Discover more of Abu Dhabi with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity or interesting find from around the city.

At the FACT office, all us girls (and some of the guys too!) who love to shop, are constantly on the prowl for quirky and quaint jewellery, one-of-a-kind t-shirts, cool bags, and all sorts of unique goodies.

So, imagine our excitement when we came across Little Majlis – a specialist online shop selling handmade and artisan products, marketed by Gulf-based artists, designers, cooks and crafters – we were thrilled, to say the least!

Founded in 2012 by two ladies living in Dubai – Anna Bolton-Riley and Annabelle Fitzsimmons – this shoppers haven encourages GCC residents to buy handmade goods, which in turn supports local talent, helps to grow the regional arts scene, and allows small businesses to prosper through whatever small promotion gained from consumer buys.

You can browse by product category, including Accessories, Bags and Purses, Clothing, Edibles, Furniture, Pets, Toys and many more, or you can have a peek through the boutiques one by one. The products on sale are all from independent and individually run shops, and are generally not commercially produced.

Some of our favourites that we’ve 10

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found on Little Majlis so far include ‘the rustic bead’ selling beautiful, contemporary interior accessories; then there’s ‘Kuki’ with its luxury cards, keepsakes and cute hanging signs; we also love ‘B&D Art’ who make catchy and colourful wall art for adults and children.

These are just three of the hundreds that sell on Little Majlis.

On the website there is a section for sellers, a blog, regular gift guides, and a forum where the Little Majlis community keep in touch. This is an idea and a platform that gives the local creative community to find a niche, start and grow their small business, promote their work and connect with buyers.

Thanks to Anna and Annabelle, the brains and beauty behind Little Majlis, consumers, not only in the GCC, but the world, can buy beautiful and exclusive products knowing that their purchase has been created or will help promote homegrown talent.

GO: Visit www.littlemajlis.com to shop, or for more information.

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LISTEN UP

Q & A : u b 4 0 ’ s micke y v irtue One of the highlights of the popular January event, that is, Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, is the entertainment.

This year, reggae band UB40 is jetsetting over to our dusty peninsula from the UK to entertain the crowds. FACT caught up with Mickey Virtue, one of the original members of UB40 to talk music.

Even for those who aren’t a fan of the gentleman’s sport, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters each year is the highlight on Doha’s calendar. For one night and one night only, international band are lured to Doha so we can shake our stuff to their jingle jangle music. Since UB40 began in Birmingham in the late 70s, the British reggae band has sold over 70 million records.

Known for their iconic singles, like Can’t Held Falling In Love, the band is one of the most famous and enduring in the world.

Were you a musical child?

I grew up in the 60s when the Beatles ruled the world, and the possibility of becoming a famous musician was suddenly up there with being a train driver or a doctor; the more oldfashioned career choices.

It didn’t all come together for me until I met the rest of the band. Most bands begin with someone who writes the music and lyrics, and then puts together a band. We weren’t like that. None of us could play an instrument, so we had to learn.

Whoever picked up a guitar would try that out, and if you bought a drum set, that was yours to play. We knuckled down and learned how to play. We all loved reggae music and we all wanted to play it.

How did you get into reggae music?

My dad is from Jamaica, so I was always exposed to Caribbean 12

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music. I think everyone who hears reggae loves it; they just need the chance to hear it! It’s universally loved, but you don’t hear it on the radio as most radio stations are commercially run and only play the Top 40. That’s why we do what we do. We want to put it out there.

UB40 was started in 1978 and you’ve all had such a successful career. Do you have any ambitions left to achieve?

It would be nice to play every country in the world – we must have done about a 100 so far! For me, the big question always was, “Would we ever play in South Africa?” and we did and it was amazing! From the very first hit we had, it was a shock and surprise. Ever since then, we have tried to improve our sound, but we know it could all be over the next day so try to enjoy it.

World domination has gone out of the window.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

For me there is only good music and bad music. When I was a kid, my dad loved country and western music from America and I hated it. But now, I love it too and can really appreciate it, especially the influence that it has had on reggae. I think that everyone is capable of music, just as everyone has a book inside them. It’s down to how much you want to do it.

GO: Commercial Bank Qatar Masters is on from the January 21 to 24 at Doha Golf Course. Visit www.qatar-masters.com for more information.

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Listen UP

N Y E A t G rand H y att D oha

K empinski R edefines L u x ur y

Kempinski’s much-anticipated flagship resort, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Qatar, will welcome first guests in December 2014. Marsa Malaz Kempinski will be the European luxury hotel company’s second opening in Qatar and seventh in the Gulf. The new city-resort is located on its own secluded island at the iconic The Pearl-Qatar and is the first ultra-luxury hotel in one of Doha’s most sought-after locations. It offers 281 luxurious rooms and suites, and meeting-conference facilities, including a Grand Ballroom. Marsa Malaz Kempinski also features an exclusive beach located in a private bay, along with outdoor swimming pools, water sports facilities, the Spa by Clarins, a tennis court and yacht jetties. Visitors can select from six different types of restaurants, two cafés, al fresco beachside dining, a sophisticated lounge and an unprecedented rooftop lounge with large open-air terraces. With so much to offer, plan your stay at the waterfront destination now. You can book your visit at www.kempinski.com.

There is nothing like starting the New Year with a night to remember under the stars, and once again Grand Hyatt has an unforgettable night to celebrate this New Year with a bang, featuring Disco Diva Kym Mazelle. One of the best known disco divas of the late 80’s and early 90’s, Kym Mazelle is widely recognised as one of the exponents of dance and pop music in Europe, thanks to a barrage of hits including No More Tears (Enough is Enough) and her cover of Young Hearts Run Free for the Baz Luhrmann movie Romeo & Juliet. Kym Mazelle will be performing in Qatar this New Year’s Eve. On the evening of 31 December 2014, Kym Mazelle will perform a unique concert exclusively choreographed for this one special night “Under The Stars” on the grounds of Grand Hyatt Doha.

GO: Call 4448 1170 for more information.

N ational D a y C ele b rations

There’s a whole host of fantastic events taking place to commemorate Qatar National Day celebrations this year. Head down to the Corniche on December 18 for The National Parade and stick around for a spectacular fireworks show in the evening, at 7.30pm. Two hours later, there will be a music show by the Qatar Orchestra, followed by more fireworks and the National Hymn. For those who want to join in the celebrations early, Al Nakheel Island will host a cool laser show from December 15 to 18, 4pm to 10pm, creating a visual spectacle for audiences. The streets will be covered in the nation’s flag, the trees lit up with lanterns, and the activities plenty, so make sure you enjoy National Day to the max.

GO: Visit www.qatar.qa for more information.

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SCOOP

Around the world ...Doing Doha Proud

Bringing you the latest news of fellow Qataris around the world... tell us your news, or share your finds with us on twitter @FACT_Qatar!

Canada Major General Dr. Abdullah Yousuf Al-Mal, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the 13th Conference on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and his delegation met with officials at the Canadian ministries of security, foreign affairs and justice preparations for the Conference in Ottawa. They discussed the latest logistic preparations by the State of Qatar to host the Conference and the positions of the two sides on issues on the agenda and agreement on the joint cooperation and coordination between the delegations of the two countries on the draft Doha Declaration.

Washington Qatar’s Minister of State for Defence Affairs H.E Major General Hamad bin Ali Al-Attiyah met the US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel, at the Pentagon in Washington. Discussions on matter of mutual interest took place between the officials and the meeting was attended by Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States HE Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari and the delegation accompanying H.E the Minister.

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[Philippines Hezron Jeremiah Onyango, 24-yearold Kenyan laundry attendant at InterContinental Doha The City donated his entire month’s salary to a charity organisation to support families of the hotel’s employees affected by the calamity. At the hotel, employees had the option to donate a sum from their salary, but Onyango quietly donated his entire salary. He said he considers himself lucky, and felt it was required to share his good fortunes with his coworkers affected by the typhoon.

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REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

Di ary Dat es For those of you thinking of jetting off around the region this month, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for you to check out in our neighbouring nations…

Lebanon

Bahrain

Abu Dhabi

Where Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Centre, Lebanon When December 5 to 14, every day from 10am until 10pm.

Where Al Riwaq Art Space, Adliya, Bahrain When Runs every weekend until December 13

Where Corniche Breakwater, Abu Dhabi When December 15 (second show on December 16 at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain)

Beirut 58th International Arab Book Fair 2014

Book worms unite! If you’re looking for your next great read or want to get up close and personal with published authors, head to this annual celebration of stories.

The genre of books available are vast, including politics, drama, novels, children’s stories, and a wide-range of Arab books too. Publishers, librarians, authors, and those who love to read will certainly flock to this popular event which will also have seminars, lectures and workshops.

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Market 338

Showcasing and promoting local, as well as regional talent and creativity, Market 338 will host 63 local and regional vendors with a range of products including jewellery, fashion, lifestyle, and home baked goods spotlighting on the theme; The Nest, which focuses on the concept of regenerating life by planting new roots and flourishing new blooms.

Look out for a series of workshops, a music programme hosted by Boho Baha and various activities for children and youth in collaboration with Project 616.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Part of the Abu Dhabi Classics Season, this is one show not to miss! TCA Abu Dhabi will welcome one of the most internationally renowned and innovative musical ensembles. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) was founded in 1920, with an inaugural concert conducted by Sir Edward Elgar, whose Enigma-Variations will be part of the concert programme.

Today the CBSO ranks among the world’s major orchestras, performing worldwide.

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SOCIETY

#Red #Bull #Flying #Bach Break dance world champions, Flying Steps, took to the stage at Qatar National Convention Centre for a one-night only magical performance. The Qatari audience were captivated as the crew brought together the art of street dance with the beats of international composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s tunes. The talented group performed flips, tricks, twirls and all sorts of striking moves to the refined melodies of classical music.

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About •

This Month in Qatar 22

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HAPPENINGS

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you!

This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

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Sunday

Tuesday

Thursday

Ajyal Youth Film Festival at Katara Cultural Village

12th FINA World Swimming Championships at Hamad Aquatic Center

Meet, Eat and Mingle at Ipanema, Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

Cosmopolitan Thursdays at The Square, InterContinental Doha, The City

Doha Film Institute hosts the Ajyal Youth Film festival; a platform where people of all ages come together to discuss cinema through events that inspire creative interaction, opening up a fun, collaborative environment where young people can express themselves.

The 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Doha brings together around 1000 swimmers representing 180 countries.

It aims to offer to the swimming fans across the world an exciting swimming show and a unique experience.

Dining by yourself? Well, you’re not alone if you are at Ipanema! Present your business card and dine at the community table with your first house beverage on us. Network, have fun, make new friends and enjoy a pleasant meal with delectable dishes at QR250.

Celebrate the beginning of the weekend with dinner and drinks with friends.

Enjoy international dishes on the buffet along with your favourite beverages.

QR230 includes buffet with soft drinks; QR330 includes buffet and selected house beverages

Visit www.dohafilminstitute.com for more information.

Call 4494 4693 for more information.

Call 4419 6100 for more information.

Call 4015 8888 for more information.

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Thursday

Thursday

Friday

Sunday

Wednesday

Qatar National Day Celebrations

Christmas Day Celebrations in Doha

Boxing Day Brunch at Nusantao, Four Season’s Doha

‘Funky Sunday’s’ Night at Wahm, W Doha Hotel & Residences

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Doha

December 18 is the day Qatar commemorates the founding of the country.

Doha’s Corniche will be one of the focal points for National Day festivities. Flags will be in line in the waterfront road, and the palm trees will be illuminated with decorative lights and lanterns. Go out and enjoy the beautiful celebrations.

We have an exhaustive list from page 25 onwards with all the Christmas happenings in Doha.

From brunches, to lunches to dinner and of course parties; select the one that interests you more and plan your day of celebration. Go ahead and have a blast on this festive occasion.

Bring your loved ones together for a fabulous brunch with all manner of international and Arabic cuisine for a wonderful Boxing Day feast at QR340 including soft beverages and Sparkling Brunch and QR425 including special beverages.

Experience the new wave of Latin music with a night of Latino house music. Avail 20% off on food, and purchase any bottle of wine and get the second one free, every Sunday from 10pm onwards until late.

It is never too late to plan you New Year’s Eve! FACT brings you and extensive listing from page 35 which includes all the New Year parties happening in Doha.

There are various packages offered by hotels which include dinner and countdown party, and even a New Year’s Day Brunch.

Call 4494 8600 for more information.

Call 44535323 for more information.

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PRESENTS

SERIES OF WORKSHOPS THAT YOUR KIDS WILL SURELY LOVE. CRAFTING ON DECEMBER 2014 CALL US FOR MORE INFO AT: 4421 2525

3D ANIMATION WEB DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTION & FACILITATION

VIDEO PRODUCTION

BRANDING & GRAPHICS

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PHOTOGRAPHY

C hristmas C haos !

Warm chestnuts, eggnog, firelight, family, and friends… we’re all getting in the festive spirit! To help you plan for the jolly season ahead, FACT has the ultimate guide for Xmas happenings in Doha, as well as the best films, food and DIY presents to make sure you have a very merry time!

All prices mentioned for Brunches, lunch, dinner and parties are ‘per person’ fact magazine

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FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Four Season’s Doha

InterContinental Doha

Enjoy a special Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Seasons Tea Lounge from December 24 to 26 with an irresistible selection of delicate cakes and sandwiches, combined with the finest varieties of tea. Christmas eve Dinner at Il Teatro is not to be missed! An exquisite four-course dinner with a merry atmosphere, feel the festivity with Santa paying a visit and giving away gifts to children. Try the Christmas Day Brunch at Nusantao, which offers an extensive buffet including oysters, caviar, turkey and more. Indulge with choices of signature Arabic or Asian cuisine for a fun twist to your Christmas!

There’s a huge variety on offer at the hotel! On Xmas eve enjoy a special Christmas Buffet Dinner at Coral for QR350 including Sparkling Vino and live Entertainment. Mykonos is offering a Christmas set menu on the same day, including one glass of Glühwein at QR225 and entertainment by Bouzouki live band. On Christmas Day, the Ball Room will host a Sparkling Christmas Brunch for QR350 including unlimited vino and live entertainment with the Back to Back band. Fish Market is offering a Christmas Brunch by the beach at QR395 including bubbly with terrace and beach tables available and Live entertainment.

GO: Christmas Eve Dinner is priced at QR410 including special beverages and turkey amuse bouche. The Christmas Sparkling Brunch is priced at QR650 including special beverages. Call 4494 8600 for more information.

Grand Heritage Doha, Hotel & Spa Nothing makes the holidays sweeter than family time around a gingerbread creation.

Blue at Grand Heritage Doha will supply each parent-child team with all necessities to make a colourful, candy decorated Ginger Bread House from December 13 to 20, register now as there are limited seats available. The Christmas Day Brunch at Blue will be a joyous affair where you can enjoy a scrumptious family brunch with a delicious selection of seasonal dishes amidst tranquil views from 12.30pm to 4pm.

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“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” - Norman Vincent Peale

GO: Family Gingerbread Housemaking is priced at QR249 per house, including tea and coffee station and the Christmas Day Brunch is available at QR250.

Call 4445 5555 for more information.

Grand Hyatt Doha Grand Hyatt Doha will welcome you this Christmas with a huge Christmas Tree at the Atrium. Dunes will bring snow to Doha! Watch as Dunes turns into a snow globe, with falling flakes and fine-spiced vinos whilst listening to the tunes of American diva Avis. Enjoy a delectable brunch at The Grill on Christmas Day and live the festive spirit. There will be a large playground with bouncy castles, candyfloss, face painting and of course the presence of Santa Claus for all the little-ones (and big kids too).

GO: Call 7021 8094 to book your spot at Dunes for QR250. The Christmas Day Brunch starts at QR150 for children, QR295 for adults and QR420 with special beverages. Call 7798 2400 for more information.

GO: Call 4484 4444 for more information.

Doha Marriott There’s a huge spotlight on Christmas at Doha Marriott this festive season.

On December 19 is a fabulous tree lighting ceremony with the Marriott choir, and festive food and drinks. Featuring a fine selection of traditional On the big day there’s Christmas roasts, seasonal holiday desserts and festive drinks to enjoy, the Doha Marriott is the perfect choice for your family Christmas brunch! There’s a kids’ entertainment room featuring bouncy castle, games and more.

GO: Prices vary. Call 4429 8499 for more information.

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Kempinski Residences & Suites Enjoy a festive dinner in a stylish ambience on Christmas Eve at Aroma with a four-course dinner menu inspired by the European heritage of Kempinski - the live Christmas rhythms and the elegant festive decoration promise an unforgettable experience. Kick-off the evening earlier and head to The Lounge from 5pm to 7pm for the Mix & Fuse and avail 50% discount on selected drinks and food items on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a calm and hassle-free celebration at home by ordering a ready-made, mouth-watering roast turkey with signature stuffing from Gourmet House. Place your order 48 hours in advance of your desired pick-up time.

GO: Christmas Eve Dinner at Aroma is QR345

including welcome bubbly and soft beverages. The Christmas Dinner in a Box is on until December 31, priced at QR1250. Call 4405 3325 for more information.

InterContinental Doha The City Get ready to be transported to an enchanting Christmas wonderland with twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments at the Lobby.

Christmas Eve is huge at the hotel with French Culinary Christmas at Prime with a classic French-inspired dinner consisting of a four-course menu paired with a glass of bubbly. Also, The Square features a full buffet of all-time Christmas favourites such as roast beef, and turkey with all the trimmings.

Christmas day is special at The Square with

a lavish holiday brunch offering all your traditional favourites with a sumptuous festive spread, a decadent Christmas log and more.

GO: Christmas Day Holiday Brunch is priced at QR250 including soft beverages. Call 4015 8888 for more information.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Ritz-Carlton, Doha hosts a Festive Dinner Brunch on Christmas Eve with festive decorations everywhere, gingerbread aroma in the air, the sweet sound of carols and, of course, delicious foodie delights from 6.30pm onwards. Also from December 24 to 26, the Festive Brunch is something you don’t want to miss! A joyful culinary journey at The Lagoon offers a festive family brunch surrounded by stunning seasonal decorations.

“At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.” - Thomas Tusser

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FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

GO: Call 4484 8512 for more information.

La Varenne and The Anvil Rooms

Indulge in a Festive Brunch at La Varenne with a special Christmas Market-style brunch that includes a collection of seasonal treats served straight to your table for QR280, including water, tea, coffee and spiced apple punch. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, La Varenne offers a very special five-course set menu packed with delicious festive dishes for you to enjoy with family and friends, at QR350. If that’s not enough, the sophisticated venue, that is, The Anvil Rooms, will celebrate Christmas with a sumptuous five-course menu to ensure you have a happy holiday!

GO: Christmas day menu at The Anvil Rooms is QR380, dinner only. Festive Brunch at La Varenne 28

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is available on December 12, 19 and 26. Call 4499 0680 for more information on La Varenne and 4499 0685 for more information on The Anvil Rooms.

Oryx Rotana Choice is transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights and beautifully decorated tables, providing the

“T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house,

ideal venue for a Christmas celebration. Book your table at Choices on Christmas Eve and indulge in an extravagant dinner including traditional Christmas dishes. Enjoy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at The Cellar with a mouthwatering set menu, featuring some contemporary favorites with a Spanish twist.

Choices will host a Christmas Day Brunch, featuring traditional turkey with all the trimmings, plus a full selection of themed food corners and live cooking stations.

GO: Christmas Eve dinner starts from QR260 including soft drinks, Christmas Set menu at QR225 for food only and the Christmas Day Brunch starts from QR270 including soft drinks.

Call 4402 3333 for more information.

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” - Clement clarke moore.

Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Bentley’s Grill, Maxim and Pier 12 at the Radisson Blu Hotel are hosting an Xmas

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Eve dinner at QR360 with a mouthwatering set menu for the evening at your choice of venue. Enjoy a festive selection of both classical and modern carols sung by members of the staff, at the East and West Lobby (santa will be sure to make an appearance here too!). Hyde Park is hosting a special sparkling festive brunch on Christmas Day at QR220 for all you festive foodies.

GO: Call 4428 1428 for more information.

Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha There’s so much to enjoy here during the festive season! Check out the ginger bread decorating (perfect for little ones), the merry display of sugar, spice and all things nice, and the four festive fun days, all at Quick Bites.

On Christmas Eve there’s a fab dinner at Ipanema priced at QR375, at New York Steakhouse for QR320 and at Crossroads Kitchen for QR245. There’s a Christmas Day brunch at every dining venue, offering everything from a roast of turkey carving station, yummy festive desserts and great live entertainment with Santa making a visit too.

GO: Call 4419 6100 for more information.

Sharq Village & Spa Al Liwan is hosting a Christmas Eve dinner where you can enjoy with family and friends and have a magical night, enjoying the variety of food, buffetstyle, priced at QR250. Parisa takes you on a delightful Persian spree on Christmas Eve with an exciting array of contemporary Persian dishes at QR280.

Get spoilt for choice at Al Dana with a festive brunch menu of freshly caught seafood and traditional Christmas favorites at QR360 on Christmas Day. Sounds yummy!

GO: Call 4425 6666 for more information.

“I think Christmas is about celebration and come on, on the inside everyone wants to dance.” Tobymac

W Doha Mingle to jingle! Treat yourself to the taste of South-East Asian street food At Spice Market with pulsating festive dishes and entertainment by Doha Jazz on Xmas Eve at QR295. Mix in and get together at La Spiga by Paper Moon for a Christmas Day lunch with delicious Italian treats to indulge in at QR250.

Market by Jean-Georges unveils an exquisite buffet on Christmas Day in an environment full of illusions and festive tunes at QR295 including selected soft beverages.

GO: Call 4453 5135 for more information.

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SOCIETY

#Ritz-Carlton #Doha #Cocktail #Reception Local media and special guests were invited to a casual evening of food and drinks at The Ritz-Carlton Doha. Cordially invited by Mr. Hoss Vetry, Cluster General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Doha, this sophisticated cocktail reception took place at the hotel’s Presidential Suite where guests had the chance to mingle with industry colleagues and The Ritz-Carlton team.

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CHRISTMAS

Festive Films “Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas?

You know ... the birth of Santa.” - BART SIMPSON IN THE SIMPSON’S CHRISTMAS,

The Muppets Christmas Carol The Muppets have done just about every classic film and this is one of the best, it’s funny, heartwarming and a great choice to get you in a jolly mood.

Elf The Holiday Get in the lovey-dovey Christmas mood as Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet house swap and fall madly in love with two great men – perfect for a lazy night in!

A recent addition to many festive film collections, Elf is traditionally Christmas-y and will have your sides splitting in no time! Choose for lighthearted fun and a good giggle.

Home Alone 1 to 3

The Nightmare Before Christmas

These are the films of our childhood and no Christmas would be complete without watching Kevin cause chaos and laughs – best watched back to back.

One of Tim Burton’s most famous films, and a cult classic, this one is slightly darker than your average Christmas flick but equally as entertaining.

Jingle All The Way

Gremlins

This is the film that perfectly embraces the spirit of the Yuletide; a dad on a mission to get his son the perfect Christmas present! Arnie sure does a great job.

A Christmas classic that isn’t for the fainted-hearted – those little gremlins can be terrifying! But if you want to spook up the festivities then this is the ideal choice.

Love Actually This is the type of film that reminds you just how important it is to celebrate Christmas with your loved ones. Packed with humour and tear-jerking moments, keep some tissues at hand!

The POLAR EXPRESS Chris Van Allsburg’s quietly charming picture book about a train headed for Santa’s workshop is one of the most popular animations with real cheer.

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN An absolute Christmas classic - The 1950 novelty song popularised by Gene Autry becomes an animated TV special that faithfully details every little thing that makes the title character dance around.

Miracle on 34th St Macy’s hires gentle Kris Kringle to be its department store St. Nick, but his stellar commitment to the job has all the kids in awe and sets off a media firestorm. It’s a classic that continues to appeal to kids generation after generation. fact magazine

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CHRISTMAS

Christmas Crooners It’s not really Xmas until the stereo comes on, and we’ve got the perfect festive playlist to keep all the family satisfied, from the classics, the mash ups, and the modern offerings, we guarantee that grandma, dad, and the teens of the household, will be up on their feet to our top 21 in Christmas music (you can even take inspiration from this for your annual festive party!).

Chris Rea Driving home for Christmas Andy Williams It’s the most wonderful time of the year Mariah Carey All I want for Christmas Goldfrapp Winter Wonderland Train Shake up Christmas Nat King Cole The Christmas Song Kanye West Christmas in Harlem Boyz II Men featuring Brian McKnight Let it snow Bruce Springsteen Santa Claus is coming to town The Waitresses Christmas wrapping Run DMC Christmas in Hollis John Lennon Happy Christmas (War Is Over) Wham Last Christmas Kate Bush Snowflake Brenda Lee Rockin’ around the Christmas tree Glee Jingle Bell Rock Eartha Kitt Santa baby Michael Bublé It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

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DIY C hristmas C rafts Bring on the Baubles You might think that this is an activity strictly reserved for kids, but you couldn’t be more wrong – once you get your bauble and paintbrush you’ll see just how addictive it becomes.

You don’t have to stop at paint; you can use glitter, Sharpie pens, feathers and pretty much anything that can be stuck to a bauble! The best way to tackle this is to lay an old cloth out over the table, get plenty of glue, a bunch of brushes and paints, and plates of different coloured glitter, then let loose on some plain baubles!

Christmas Cards Homemade Christmas cards are a really nice touch and you can often make them with things that you already have in the house. Simply buy some plain card and then raid your cupboards. A really nice idea is using a straw to blow various food colouring in different directions, to paint a Christmas tree. It takes a few tries to get it right but that’s all part of the fun! Another little trick is to stencil a Christmas design on the back of some funky wrapping paper, cut it out and stick it to the card – you’re guaranteed to never give the same card twice!

Gifts Galore Homemade gifts can often be the most memorable, so grab the scissors and pull out your old box of photos and think about making a collage for a loved one. There’s nothing quite like reminiscing over the Christmas holidays, looking through old photos. Take a selection of your favourite pics and get creative with your layering and snipping skills! It’s a great way to give a meaningful gift without breaking the bank. Everyone loves candles, right? You can make them in quirky glass jars, or even teacups! There are tons of ‘how to’ guides all over the web so get searching and scrolling!

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Christmas facts Yule want to know!

CHRISTMAS

C hristmas C laus ’ C ook b ook One of the best things about this season is the wonderful festive food that you can make, bake, and enjoy with family and friends. Here are some great recipes to try…

US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.

Most of Santa’s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzer, Comet, and Cupid.

However, male reindeers shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh are likely female!

The world’s tallest Xmas tree at 221ft high was erected in a Washington mall in 1950.

Many parts of the Christmas tree can actually be eaten, with the needles being a good source of Vitamin C. The largest Christmas cracker - 45.72m long and 3.04m in diameter - was pulled in Australia in 1991.

In Armenia, the traditional Christmas Eve meal consists of fried fish, lettuce and spinach.

Santa has different names around the world - Kriss Kringle in Germany, Le Befana in Italy, Pere Noel in France and Deushka Moroz (Grandfather Frost) in Russia.

Christmas has different meanings around the world; Christmas Eve in Japan is a good day to eat fried chicken and strawberry shortcake.

Reindeer Gingerbread Cookies

Homemade Christmas Marshmallows

Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 cup molasses 1 egg 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground cloves 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Ingredients 2 teaspoons butter 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin 1 cup cold water, divided 2 cups sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract Toppings: 1 pack of Candy Canes Crushed assorted candies Coloured sugars or sprinkles

Method Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.

Stir in molasses and egg.Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg; blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 170 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies two inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake for around 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Let cool for 10 minutes on pan. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. When cooled, frost and decorate.

Method Line a 13-inch x 9-inch pan with foil and grease the foil with butter; set aside. a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and remaining water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 115 degrees (soft-ball stage). Beat on high speed until mixture is thick and the volume is doubled, about 15 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Spread into prepared pan. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 6 hours or overnight. Using foil, lift marshmallows out of pan. With a knife coated with cooking spray, cut into 1-inch squares. Dip or drizzle marshmallows with toppings if desired. fact magazine

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#Mexican #Night #Mövenpick #Tower&Suites Every Wednesday ForKnife restaurant at the Mövenpick Tower & Suites Doha will be transformed into a mini Mexican city, showcasing the country’s rich culture and traditions through bright-coloured décor, the aroma and spices in the food, and, of course, the very friendly staff. Designed to bring an authentic Mexican dining experience. you can expect an array of dishes and beverages, including ‘make your own’ tacos station.

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Countd own to a Happy

New Year All prices mentioned for Brunches, lunch, dinner and parties are ‘per person’

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NYE HAPPENINGS

Can you believe it’s almost 2015? With so many awesome parties in town, we’re making your NYE plans easy with our round up of the best Dec 31st happenings in Doha…

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NYE HAPPENINGS

Four Season’s Doha New Year’s Eve at Four Season’s Doha will leave you in high spirits. Indulge in a set menu at Il Teatro with an amuse bouche followed by a five-course extravaganza, or revel in the New Year’s Eve buffet at Nusantao with an Asian feast featuring succulent grills, delicious salads and a dessert buffet. If you’re looking for a FUN-tastic option, head to the Pool Grill restaurant, offering a four-course dinner and musical entertainment. Ring in the New Year with a food fiesta in the company of family and friends.

GO: The set menu is available at QR540 including soft beverages. The Evening buffet is priced at QR460 including special beverages and the celebration at Pool Grill Restaurant is QR350. Call 4494 8600 for more information.

Grand Heritage Doha, Hotel & Spa Kick-start 2015 with a fascinating, candlelit feast at Blue offering a selection of dishes from the restaurants à la carte menu. Celebrate in your own Gazebo with a private dining experience, with max four persons per Gazebo including complimentary sparkling drinks. New Year’s Eve at Agora will be a night to remember; indulge in a dazzling variety of food with Ottoman and Modern Turkish flavours and a cosy atmosphere. Enjoy the live entertainment by a Turkish band, whilst tucking into a five-course set menu.

GO: New Year’s Eve at Blue is priced at QR600 per Gazebo and the five-course set menu for the New Year’s Eve at Agora is available at QR350. Call 4445 5555 for more information.

Grand Hyatt Doha Party like a star and ring in the New Year with the Urban Festival by ‘A1 Nights’ at The Grill. Xtremer’s official DJ Rage and DJ Santiago will rock the house along with other top international DJs performing the best hip-hop, R&B, UK

garage and soul music. This three-day festival begins on New Year’s Eve from 8pm onwards. If food is more your thing then start the New Year with an intimate fine-dining experience surrounded by close friends and family with an authentic Thai set menu at Isaan or an Arabic à la carte menu at Majlis, on January 1st.

Go: The Thai set menu starts at QR300, call Isaan at 7021 8097 or Majlis at 3039 5396 for more information. Call 7712 3440 for more information on the Urban Festival.

InterContinental Doha Say Goodbye to 2014 in style with InterContinental Doha. Lava is hosting a Guest DJs Party at QR150 for entrance.

Coral has a Special buffet in store including one glass of bubbly at QR450 with the DJ playing music. Belgian Café is offering a special three- course set menu at QR350 including one drink, and at QR150 for bar entrance including one drink. For a calm atmosphere head to Tea Lounge for cheese and festive drinks at QR120, including one plate of cheese and one glass of beverage, to enjoy as a live pianist plays into the new year.

GO: Call 4484 4444 for more information.

Sharq Village & Spa Enjoy a lavish five-course menu at Al Dana on the last day of the year at QR440 inclusive of a glass of sparkling vino.

Al Liwan hosts guests for an oriental atmosphere to bring in 2015, offering a magnificent overnight feast of various cuisines at QR320. One welcome drink and pop crackers at the Cigar Lounge to start with the countdown to welcome the New Year at QR85, how good does that sound?

Al Liwan is about to treat you with a New Year’s Day brunch, after a night full of partying, priced at a fab QR280.

GO: Call 4425 6666 for more information.

Doha Marriott Start the New Year off with a bang!

Join the crowd at Doha Marriott for an extraordinary line-up of favorite dishes and live cooking stations, then party until the early hours at Restaurant Gallery. fact magazine

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NYE HAPPENINGS

“another fresh year is here...another year to live... to banish worry, doubt and fear, to love and laugh and give...A NEW YEAR IS ON THE WAY AND THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS..”

On New Year’s Day, start the year in style with the famous Marriott ‘recovery’ brunch! Featuring a mouthwatering breakfast selection and your favorite ‘day after the night before’ dishes!

GO: Call 4429 8499 for more information.

InterContinental Doha The City Enjoy New Year’s Eve at Prime with a spectacular four-course set menu including the famous Surf and Turf and a glass of bubbly. Put on your party best and join the chic crowd to ring in the New Year at Strata cabaret-style. Sip your favourite cocktails and be entertained with various exciting performances. Dine 38

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at any of the restaurants on New Year’s Eve and enjoy free entrance to the Bash on the Bridge featuring party favours, dancing to DJ Catalin and a dazzling balloon drop to ring in 2015.

GO: New Year’s Eve at Prime is QR450 and at Strata is QR550. Call 4015 8888 for more information.

Kempinski Residences & Suites Countdown in 80s party fever at Aroma and The Lounge! Skip the crowds and step into a real 80s disco rock atmosphere, that awaits you to party and welcome 2015 in style. Indulge in a five-course gala menu at Aroma. Shift to The Lounge and enjoy a glass of bubbly in the chic

setting of the bar. Dance the night away to disco beats and countdown to the New Year like a celebrity. Open bar consumption is included in the price. The Disco Ball Package is QR1200 including a five-course menu in Aroma, bubbly on arrival and open bar at The Lounge. The Disco Fever Package is QR895 including entrance, bubbly on arrival and open bar at The Lounge. Can you say PARTY TIME?! GO: Call 4405 3325 for more information.

La Varenne and The Anvil Rooms Celebrate in style this New Years Eve at La Varenne and The Anvil Rooms, with a traditional French New Year’s soiree which includes a canapé reception and a five-course menu and seven-course menu respectively, with delectable delights to revel in as you welcome 2015. After a fun party, indulge in an Energizing All Day

NYE HAPPENINGS

“We will open the book.

Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves.

The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” - Edith Lovejoy Pierce

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha On New Year’s Eve treat your family to a Festive Family Brunch with a scrumptious menu at the Lagoon surrounded by the seasonal decorations and an awesome ambience from 6.30pm onwards. La Mer Restaurant is hosting a Dine and Dance evening; tempt your taste-buds to explore the mouthwatering food and beverage creations with live entertainment, festive decoration, a count down, balloon drop, toast, after glow, dream machine photo booth and so much more, that will complement the magical evening.

GO: Call ‎4484 8506 for more information.

Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

Radisson Blu Hotel Doha

Breakfast at La Varenne; whether you choose to wake up at 8am or 4pm you can still enjoy a scrumptious start to 2015.

GO: New Year Soiree at La Varenne is QR650 and at The Anvil Rooms it is priced at QR850. Call 4499 0680 for more information on La Varenne and 4499 0685 for more information on The Anvil Rooms.

Oryx Rotana Savour the last moments of the year and groove to the sounds of the resident DJ on the mezzanine floor at Choices’ New Year’s Eve party, priced at QR399 (food only). Welcome 2015 with a fabulous New Year’s Eve gourmet buffet dinner at Al Nafourah at QR199 (food only).

Count down to 2015 in an intimate, stylish setting at the Jazz Club and dance the night away to live performances after a lovely and exclusive dinner, priced at QR450 with a welcome drink.

GO: Call 4402 3333 for more information.

Giwana Ballroom is hosting the Fire & Ice Eve to ring in 2015, with ‘The Ice Band’ from Holland and an International Gourmet Buffet for you to indulge in.

Book tickets before December 10 at QR560 with select beverages. Don’t miss the Qube’s New Year bash guaranteed to make it a night you’ll never forget at QR120 for men and QR50 for ladies.

Midnight merriment and all the fun of celebrating the New Year is what you’ll find at this great venue.

GO: Call 4428 1428 for more information.

W Doha

There’s not one, but four great party choices here! Head to the Motown party at Champions for the ultimate in groovy beats and disco lights – entry is QR150 including one house beverage; pop over to the bright Neon Night at Glo Cocktail Bar and prepare to glow in 2015 at the city’s special neon themed party featuring an international resident DJ on the decks! Shine bright with glow sticks, UV Paint and much more, entry fee is QR50. There’s a tailor made five-course menu followed by a NY countdown at New York Steakhouse, priced at QR580.

Last, but not the least, you can enjoy the White & Gold Party at Ipanema, dressed in White & Gold with live entertainment from Brazilian Band - Brazuqa - along with an endless range of sizzling meat served at your table (from QR395).

GO: Call 4419 6100 for more information.

Show off your vibrant style for a dazzling New Year’s Eve at Market by JeanGeorges with a five-course gastronomic extravaganza at QR565. Head to La Spiga

By Paper Moon to ciao and chill at an authentic “Capodanno” with an Italian four-course menu, and entertainment

by Dihann Moore, priced at QR565.

Kick-start the New Year and unwrap resolutions at Spice Market’s New Year’s day brunch with an array of dishes to revel in - at QR295 including selected soft beverages, you can’t go wrong!

GO: Call 4453 5135 for more information.

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NYE HOTSPOTS

Ring in 2015 abroad - there ar e numerous regional and international airlines flying from Qatar to some of the world’s biggest cities and other great destinations.

From insanely amazing fireworks on the Sydney Harbour to the jaw-dropping Northern Lights in Iceland, FACT presents THE world’s most exciting hotspots to ring in the New Year! So, get your tickets booked, your party shoes packed, and jet off for a memorable start to 2015...

Reykjavik Forget the fireworks (although there are plenty of places in Reykjavik to see spectacular displays!) celebrate 2014 with an impressive experience of nature’s own pyrotechnic extravaganza - the Northern Lights. Some of the world’s best views of the awe-inspiring aurora borealis are just a quick chopper ride from the rich social scene in Reykjavik. Hop on a heli to Southern Iceland, touching down to take in the lights and sip some bubbly as the clock strikes midnight, then spend the first few 40

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days of the new year exploring Icelandic volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs.

Fly with KLM and Icelandair.

Rio de Janeiro The world’s biggest beachfront bash on New Year’s Eve takes place on Rio’s famous Copacabana beach with two million plus revellers partying below, and the jaw-dropping fireworks exploding above! Samba to the rhythm of bossa nova, a popular style of Brazilian music, or stop at one of the many food vendors to

enjoy culinary delights reflecting the city’s diverse gastronomic influences - the party continues into the early a.m. and once the sun rises, it might be a good idea to tick a few tourist stops off your list too.

Fly with Emirates, TAM Airlines or British Airways.

Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve doesn’t get any mightier than besides the gigantic Niagara Falls, Ontario. Clifton Hill is where all the fun by the falls is happening; get stuck in with the 40,000+ crowd at the annual free New Year’s concert in Queen Victoria Park where an exciting roster of musical talent takes to the stage, as attendees tuck into delicious food and beverages from street vendors, whilst gazing at the, not one, but two, dazzling fireworks displays! Alongside this The Winter Festival of Lights, special dinner dos, and a huge dance party at the Convention Centre all make NYE at the Niagara Falls a spectacular choice.

Fly with Emirates, KLM or Qatar Airways.

NYE HOTSPOTS

Sydney Often dubbed as ‘the capital of New Year’s Eve’ Sydney’s main attraction here is the spellbindingly awesome 8-minute-long fireworks that barge from different points around Sydney Harbour, pumping up the hype of this Australia city which is often one of the first in the world to welcome the New Year. Get yourself to one of the best vantage points such as Gladesville, Cockatoo Island or Pont Piper for the most powerful and colourful fireworks experience, followed by the extravagant ‘Light of Parade’ - 50 vessels illuminate and decorated with lights taking to the water! All areas are decked out with cool restaurants as well as bathroom facilities and first aid service too.

Fly with Qantas, Emirates or Etihad Airways.

New York Get yourself a Times Square Official NYE Party Pass to be in the centre of where it’s all happening, including the excitement of

the iconic ‘BallDrop’, multiple admission to parties in various restaurants, lounges and nightclubs throughout Times Square and the surrounding area, as well as free food and drinks at selected places. Amongst our favourite events are the magic of Planet Hollywood, the smokin’ hot BB King Blues Club, and the six floors of unforgettable fun at AMC 42nd Street! Expect nothing short of intense excitement in NYC. Fly with Gulf Air, Qatar Airways or Emirates.

Tokyo For a more culture-infused new year travel to Tokyo where the Japanese people gather for the all-important ritual of Hatsumode - the year’s first visit to a shrine or temple.

Head to Meiji Shrine and experience the festive atmosphere with food stands, fortune tellers and shops selling lucky charms, but that’s all after the big NYE countdown.

The best places for this in Tokyo include Joypolis amusement park, ageHa nightclub and Shibuya Scramble crossing, which turns

into a writhing mass of humanity as the time hits midnight! Public transport runs all night long so make the most of different happenings around this fascinating city.

Fly with Jet Airways, Emirates or Turkish Airlines.

Croatia Bursting with endless destinations to celebrate NYE, Croatia May be the most underrated NYE destination on the list, but one where a good time is guaranteed! Start your 2015 with a medieval spark and take a trip to Dubrovnik’s Old Town where the sound of local bands, and traditional folklore and carolling fill the night! For more lively festivities, the beautiful baroque city of Zagreb with its cool clubs, and a stunning fireworks display in Jan Balacic Square will fulfil your party needs. There’s also the spectacular city of Split, where NYE can be enjoyed on the main promenade Riva, or if you’re an architecture fan, check out the Roman-era city of Zadar!

Fly with Qatar Airways and Croatia Airlines.

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100 Years

of Modern & Contemporary Art Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is dedicating the first floor of the museum to a new display of its permanent collection, entitled Mathaf Collection, Summary, Part 1. FACT takes a close look at what’s on display‌

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This fantastic exhibition presents over 100 artists from the museum’s collection of more than 8,000 works. Works showcased include pieces by artists from Qatar and the Arab world, Iran, Turkey and other regions historically connected to the Arab Peninsula, reflecting a multitude of artistic directions and contexts.

Some of the artists represented in Summary, Part 1, include the late Farid Belkahia, Wafa al-Hamad, Baya Mahieddine, Mahmoud Mouktar, Jewad Selim, Seif Wanly, and Jassim Zaini. Works by artists Faraj Daham, Salman Al-Malik, Wafika Sultan, Ibrahim el-Salahi, and Hassan Sharif, are also on display.

African and Arabic representations meet in the paintings of Ibrahim el-Salahi; the work of Baya Mahieddine exemplifies her unique style of free figuration developed under the limitations of colonial rule in Algeria; Seif Wanly depicts modern Egyptian symbols of social and industrial progress and Hassan Sharif and Farid Belkahia use natural materials, found objects and local languages to express strong statements on the making of art in their contemporary contexts.

The exhibition is collectively curated by Abdellah Karroum, Director of Mathaf; Laura Barlow and Leonore-Namkha Beschi, Assistant Curators; and Dr. Yasser Mongy, Researcher.

HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, patron of Mathaf and the Permanent Collection, said: “I am proud to see this collection being exhibited at Mathaf. Qatar has a long tradition of collecting works that reflect the inherent art, creativity and heritage in the region. It is my belief this important collection honors the traditions of the past in Qatar and throughout the Arab world, while embracing our future.”

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GO: Mathaf Collection Summary, Part 1 is an ongoing exhibition at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Visit www.mathaf.org.qa for more information.

01 Wafa Al-Hamad Optical Illusion, 1985 02 Jamil Hammoudi Composition sur le Mot Al Arabic, 1947 03 Ahmed Cherkaoul Talisman, 1966 04 Dia Azzawi Victim’s Rose, 2010 44

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01 Baya Mahieddline Title Unknown, 1992 02 Ibrahim El-Salahi, A Visionary Modernist,1994 03 Saloua Raouda Choucair, Poem, 1960 04 Selections from the Collection, Installation Shot 46

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Afterwards

b y S h i r i n N e s h at Occupying the entire ground floor galleries of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Afterwards is the first solo exhibition in the Middle East by the internationally-acclaimed artist Shirin Neshat, FACT learns more about why it’s a must-see showcase of work...

We were excited to learn that renowned artist Shirin Neshat is bringing a most interesting and famed collection of work to Doha, presented for art appreciators, history buffs, political enthusiasts and those who love exploring different cultures, to discuss and enjoy.

That’s right, Afterwards includes the major photographic series The Book of Kings (2012) inspired by the poem Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) by Persian poet Ferdowsi, written between c. 977 and 1010 CE, as well as a selection of video installations, OverRuled (2012) and Turbulent (1998) that collectively comment on historical, cultural and political realities on which the artist has focused on for the past 30 years.

The expo is presented by Qatar Museums under the leadership of its Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the work on display is curated by Abdellah Karroum, Director of Mathaf.

In an interview with Abdellah Karroum, the artist shares more about her work: “The Book of Kings is a conceptual and artistic approach to narrating history,” Shirin says. “Questioning the notion of ‘heroism,’ and capturing the emotional and human realities behind the faces of those who stand in the intersection of love, devotion and sacrifice, yet violence, atrocity, and death.”

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The exhibition is conceived as a visual and echoing experience that unfolds in the spaces of the museum. Composed of layers of information, images, references and concepts, this exhibition is an experience that, through the artist’s interrogation of history and acts of building and destroying life and relationships, addresses the contradictions inherent to humanity.

Abdellah Karroum, Director of Mathaf and curator, says: “This exceptional body of work reveals Shirin Neshat’s intention to build relationships between ancient mythologies and contemporary events that challenge our lives. Her vivid poetic expression repeatedly manifests itself in her signature visual vocabulary, which is comprised of photography, calligraphy, poetry and filmmaking.

“With these elements, she creates powerful narratives that require viewers to decrypt, interpret and position themselves within the work in order to fully grasp its meaning,” he explains.

The exhibition features existing and newly produced works, and those who follow Neshat’s work, or those who are intrigued to see more, should definitely plan a trip to Mathaf and see for themselves.

GO: Shirin Neshat: Afterwards is on at Mathaf until February 15, 2015. Visit www.mathaf.org.qa for more information.

Keep up with all upcoming events presented by Qatar Museums at www.qm.org.qa/en.

ARTS

Offered Eyes

Davood

Speechless

My House is on fire

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REVIEWS

Big Screen

Mr. Turner What’s it about:

J.M.W Turner, the great, if eccentric, British painter is brought to the big-screen in a Mike Leigh masterpiece.

This film is an exploration of the last quarter century and topsy-turvy life of one of the most intriguing painters in history. Profoundly affected by the death of his father, loved by a housekeeper he takes for granted and occasionally exploits, Turner forms a close relationship with a seaside landlady with whom he eventually lives incognito in Chelsea, where he dies.

Director: Mike Leigh Cast: Timothy Spall, Ruth Sheen, Leslie Manville Why it’s worth watching?

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a film with such a magnificent central role; here, Timothy Spall gives an Oscar-calibre performance, that is, in its entirety, strangely gripping. It is, of course, the richly detailed character of Mr. Turner who shocks, excites, intrigues and captures the audience’s attention. Mike Leigh takes a distinctly original approach to this celeb biopic, showcasing Turner’s life as he travelled, painted, lived with aristocracy, visited brothels, and was even strapped to the mast of a ship so that he could paint a snowstorm. Spall’s way of embracing the ramblings and somewhat odd behaviour that Turner was known for, is refreshingly unstructured and abrasive (which we love!) as he ‘grrrhhhs’ through his scenes, mesmerising viewers into another world. Mr. Turner is funny, fitting, and down right awesome as far as dramatics go – a true monument to a British master – with Leigh and the whole cast demonstrating an unrivalled command of their own craft.

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Highlights “ Mr. Turner is funny, fitting, and down right awesome as far as dramatics go – a true monument to a British master.”

– Mr. Turner

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies What’s it about: We come to Middle Earth as Bilbo and co. are forced to be embraced in a war against an armed flock of combatants and the terrifying Smaug from acquiring a kingdom of treasure and obliterating all of Middle-Earth.

“ It’s the calm before the storm, as the plot leads up to the final battle on the doorstep of the Lonely Mountain.”

– The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

Director: Peter Jackson Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lily Why it’s worth watching?

It’s time to give a big send-off to our favourite fantasy world as we take one last journey to Middle Earth *cue the tears.* As soon as the trailer hit screens and we saw just how epic the final part is set to be, we began counting down the days! It’s the calm before the storm, as the plot leads up to the final battle on the doorstep of the Lonely Mountain.

We’ve had a glimpse of these impressive scenes and, rest assured, they could rival (or exceed) the Battle at Helm’s Deep in LOTR: The Two Towers and the battle at Minas Tirith in LOTR: Return of the King, in terms of the sheer size and scope. A strong story and characters is what will make this film a classic.

REVIEWS

on the record

Fully Booked

NON FICTION

Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey

By Ed Sheeran/Phillip Butah

HIP-HOP/RAP

A Better Tomorrow

By Wu-Tang Clan

If social media comments and blogger input is anything to go by then

it’s safe to say that hardcore hip-hop followers might just be left disappointed with what’s set to be the Wu’s (as they’re known to fans) final album. The production has been described as “corny” and the hip-hop crew has been called out for using too many samples and “grimy beats” on a 15-track record that many expected to be a classic. With that said, there are a few standout songs on A Better Tomorrow that save the group’s rap reputation. Take Ruckus in B Minor – it captures the raw face of hip hop with a well-orchestrated symphony, as each member bullies their way through the track, spitting “Wu is the way. The Tang is the slang.” This is a rather lyrical album that shows maturity – fitting, as two members; RZA and Raekwon recently put aside their differences and made up. This album captures the gritty New York sound that helped stylize the Wu two decades ago. Will it be a classic for the iconic rap group? We’ll let the fans to decide!

ROCK/METAL

Rock or Bust

By AC/DC It’s no secret that AC/DC take rock seriously. This new 11-track record is aptly titled Rock or Bust; four songs on the album have “rock” in the title, and they’ve even selected a small Australian town (population 3,000) literally called the Rock to launch their new album. Makes perfect sense to us!

So far, we’ve heard the roaring chords of Play Ball, and it sounds exactly like every other AC/DC song – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because, we can guarantee this song will get stuck in your head. It’s hard to believe that this is the first album without founding member, Malcolm Young (Rhythm Guitar), but his nephew, Stevie Young, definitely holds his own and honours his uncle in a powerful way. Fans of the boys from Down Under who’ve been desperately waiting for a comeback since the group’s last album, Black Ice, you’re in for a real rock and roll ride.

“So far, we’ve heard the roaring chords of Play Ball, and it sounds exactly like every other AC/DC song.”

If you’ve ever wondered how a normal guy from Suffolk, England hit global stardom and banked millions with his music, then this book will give you the insight you’ve been waiting for. With words by Ed Sheeran and illustrations by his childhood friend, artist Phillip Butah (who produces artwork for Ed’s albums and singles too), and accompanying photos, this book is an exclusive, fully authorised, first-person account by Ed of how he became an internationally renowned singer-songwriter. Talking about his early musical influences and experiences, the book reveals what drives and inspires Ed as he continues to evolve as an artist, while coping with stratospheric success.

FICTION

Flesh and Blood (A Scarpetta Novel)

By Patricia Cornwell

Reminiscent of the bestselling author’s earlier works, Patricia Cornwell’s Flesh and Blood is a return to what made the Scarpetta series great. There’s suspense, revelation and an intricately woven plot, all driving this novel forward. We’re back with Dr. Kay Scarpetta and Benton Wesley, her FBI profiler husband, who are investigating a homicide. This is the 22nd novel in the series and really feels like a blast from the past - Scarpetta resurrected!

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SOCIETY

#The #Bavarian #Terrace #Doha #Marriott Crowds turned out for the popular German Garden - The Bavarian Terrace –at Doha Marriott. Diners indulged in traditional Bavarian specialties highlighting the culinary palette of the Bavarian region. This year the View Pool Bar & Grill played host to the 4-day event. A lavish buffet was served up with entertainment by ‘The Three Bavarians’ BAND. 52

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Muscat Musings Dotted with weatherworn old merchants’ houses, beautiful mosques and mountains, and bustling souqs, Muscat is the stunning capital of Oman.

Shabana Adam visited the city and here are just some recommendations for your trip to Muscat‌

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Bygone Charm Muscat is far from a metropolis; there are very few high-rise blocks, and even the most functional buildings are required to reflect tradition through architecture, with a dome or an arabesque window feature.

It’s because of such things like the strict building policies that Muscat, even to this day, has retained a character that’s very different from the region’s other capitals.

What we witnessed was an attractive, clean and quirkily uniform city with the most hospitable and friendly people. The sea plays a major part in the city; fishermen in small motorboats are up at the break of dawn for the catch of the day; and cruise ships brings visitors, while goods arrive in containers, to the historic ports of Mutrah and Old Muscat. Pristine beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see hug the city’s shoreline, and in areas like Al Bustan and Bandar Jissah, the ocean has become a fantastic source of recreation for watersports, diving, dolphin watching and day trips out on the water. Muscat is, truly, different from its neighbouring nations, and you’ll likely be sucked into its relaxed atmosphere and old-world Arab charm.

We found in Oman, what we miss in busy Doha life. The genuine.

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Travel Tips FLIGHT OPTIONS

A number of airlines including, Oman Air, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, offer daily flights to and from Muscat at reasonable fare prices.

For the best deal book in as much advance as possible.

RENT A CAR

The best way of getting around and exploring Muscat over long distances is to rent a car. The roads system is Muscat is well-connected and most car rental companies will offer GPS in the venicle too.

ON FOOT

Muscat has many hidden alleyways, sites and neat local areas waiting to be discovered. It’s very safe to explore on foot though make sure you dress appropriately for local culture and the weather!

Where to eat KARGEEN CAFFÉ Located on Al Bashair St, this is probably Muscat’s most famous traditional eating house, with a choice of open-air or majlis-style dining. Try the succulent Omani shuwa - banana leaf-wrapped lamb - with an avocado shake - simply delicious.

D’ARCY’S KITCHEN A breakfast and brunch spot near the Omani Heritage Gallery, this cute and quaint venue has a western menu with favourites like a tuna melt sandwich, a full-on English breakie (for only OR5!), and sweet crepes, to name but a few! The café is open when most dining joints are taking a siesta.

BIN ATEEQ If you want to taste the real flavours of Omani cuisine then Bin Ateeq, in Al Khuwair, is where you’ll find it. With the most authentic Omani ambience, here you can try an unusual appetiser of shark meat! We’d recommend the Qabooli Samakh Kenadh (biryani with king fish).

GLOBETROTTER

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What to see

SOUQ MUTRAH

From Omani daggers, rustic silverwork, gold, spices, and all sorts of treasure troves, this labyrinth of alleyways under a palm leaf roof, is where you’ll want to seek out the most unique finds. Advice: haggle hard!

SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE

An architectural feast for the eyes, this stunning mosque can accommodate around 20,000 worshippers! There’s a 50m-high dome and four beautiful 45m-high minarets.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE MUSCAT

Even if you’re not intending to catch a show, it’s worth stopping by to admire the beautiful handmade ornaments and rich interior. The perfect photo opp!

MUSCAT GATE MUSEUM

This gate marks the position of the old city wall and introduces Muscat proper.

Straddling the road between the corniche and the old walled city, this museum, also acts as a vantage point for the Corniche. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#VCUQatar #Gallery #Confluence #Exhibition Art enthusiasts attended the opening reception and panel discussion of ‘Confluence: Photographic-based work from the contemporary Middle East’ at Virginia Commonwealth University Gallery. The exhibition brings together the work of Atfal Ahdath, George Awde and Ali Cherri. The exhibition is scheduled from to run until December 24.

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Escape to Al Bustan Palace With drop-dead gorgeous views of the rugged Al Hajjar Mountains and the Sea of Oman, Al Bustan Palace, a RitzCarlton Hotel, is a stunning beachfront retreat in Muscat, steeped in ancient traditions. FACT visits the beautiful resort to see what awaits its guests‌

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Tried & Tested 03

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THE SUITE LIFE

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l Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, located between the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains and the breathtaking Sea of Oman, is a hidden jewel that brings the celebrated traditions and the unparalleled beauty of this GCC country to life. The Muscat hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees, picturesque peaks and a spectacular shoreline, so, it’s no surprise, that when you enter the grand lobby, with its tall ceilings, plush chandelier and intricate architecture, you’re instantly transported to an environment of tranquility. The relaxed ambience, the friendly and attentive staff, who were welcoming guests with Arabic coffee and a cold towel, as well as, what we soon came across to be, spacious rooms and suites, fantastic dining options, superb service and great recreational facilities, all made for a very memorable stay. Here’s what you can expect…

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As far as accommodation goes, expect nothing short of the best and most comfortable rooms and suites here.

We’d recommend the Executive Sea View Suite, located on the floors seven and eight of the hotel. This suite type is incredibly spacious with fabulous amenities and, best of all, impressive panoramic views of the ocean ahead, the hotel gardens on one side, and the mountains on the other. We loved the abundance of natural light that comes in through the expansive windows, as well as the separate sitting and dining room area, the walk-in closet and the uber luxurious bathroom with Asprey amenities. When you’ve spent a day out exploring all that Muscat has to offer, there’s nothing better than coming back to a plush king-size bed to relax on and watch a bit of TV on the flat-screen or catch up with friends on Facebook, using the complimentary wireless internet. This suite really does have it all covered, making for a great home away from home.

Dining Defined Dining at Al Bustan Palace is an exciting, experience. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we were welcomed at Al Khiran Terrace which served up extensive buffets of the most fresh and finest food. Pick up a coconut on ice in the morning for a cool start to the day; for lunch, there are light and tasty salads as well as hot mains, and for dinner, we’d highly recommend

“ At hotels, you are an actress. Absolutely. You can do what you want.

Go where you want. I love my home too. But I love to arrive in a hotel. They have books, chocolate, food. I put things in the little refrigerator.”

- SONIA RYKIEL

Tried & Tested

visiting the restaurant on a Friday for its popular steak night where your choice cut of meat is prepared to preference with an array of delicious sides to go with.

Desserts are plentiful and scrumptious too! We would like to applaud the fantastic staff, especially Ulroy, the restaurant manager, for their friendly and attentive service – it made every visit to Al Khiran very special. If you want a more intimate dining choice, China Mood is a lovely venue, serving up authentic Chinese dishes (we particularly enjoyed the various dim sum). There’s a beautiful outdoor seating area, perfect for if you’re visiting in cooler climes.

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01 Presidential Suite Sea View 02 Executive Suite Sea View 03 Atrium lobby 04 Palatial High Tea 05 Al Khiran Terrace 06 Al Khiran Terrace Outdoor 07 China Mood Private Dining Room

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Tried & Tested 05

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Relaxation Refined Relaxation is what it’s all about at Al Bustan Palace. Yes, there’s plenty of activities and local attractions and excursions to go on, but you must spend a day or two in resort and make use of all the great services and activities on offer at the hotel too. A pristine sandy beach that’s perfect for sunbathing, strolling and having a game of volleyball (if you’re feeling active!), is right on the hotel’s doorstep. There are plenty of sun loungers and cabanas to accommodate guests, set around the stunning pool area, the pretty green gardens, and on the beach too. There’s a fitness centre for all those who want to keep up with their exercise routine; a tennis court with a range of fun classes for beginners and pros; and even a nail and hair salon for both ladies and gents to get their pamper on. Our highlight whilst taking time out to relax was definitely the 50-metre temperaturecontrolled infinity pool – perfect for both kids and grown-ups alike. For those who want to get a bit of action in with the chill-out time, there’s a whole host of activities available throughout 60

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GO: Call +968 24 799666 or visit www. ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.

the week, including aqua aerobic, underwater photo snorkel, power yoga, Qantab Kayak Safari, cardio tennis and so much more (activities are available at a small cost). So, when you’re done visiting the souq or dolphin watching, plan a day at the hotel, you won’t be disappointed!

“Of course great hotels have always been social ideas, flawless mirrors to the particular societies they service.”

- Joan didion

VAPIANO.COM

HAPPY HOLIDAYS “ Celebrate a Great Season the Vapiano way!”

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SOCIETY

#The #Doha #Goals #Forum #2014 This third edition of the forum brought together over 1800 participants from all over the world for three days of real social, political and economic change through the power of sport. A diverse range of world leaders, football federations, sporting heroes, business leaders and students took part in the forum, including MANY FAMOUS PERSONALITIES. 62

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Rolls Royce Ghost Series II

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MOTORING

when Rolls-Royce want you to experience their cars, they want you to experience the whole shebang – a business class flight to London, a room at the Shangri-La in the Shard, dinner at the Savoy, and a glorious journey through the English countryside.

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So what’s new about the GHOST Series II? Design-wise, very little, as Rolls-Royce feel that their current creation is already as good as it can be, and only minor changes were required to freshen up the new model. They wouldn’t be wrong in thinking this way, as the Ghost has been the driving force behind a huge increase in total units sold for the brand worldwide, since it was first released back in 2009.

However, the Series II does now feature the same impressive satellite-guided gearbox that was featured for the first time in the Wraith. This gearbox is fed information from the Sat-Nav to predict upcoming road types, such as motorway, country lane and twisting mountain road, and calibrates the gearbox for optimum performance on that particular type of road.

Does it make a difference? We couldn’t tell you, as the technology is not about speed or power, but more about smoothness and refinement. Therefore, if you’ve noticed any

change, the system has failed to do its job.

We noticed nothing!

Billed as “a less formal, more contemporary and dynamic expression of Rolls-Royce luxury”, the Ghost represents the driver’s alternative to the Phantom, which is most often chauffer driven.

Having driven both we can definitely say that the Ghost is less formidable than the Phantom, being smaller in most dimensions, and therefore more manageable.

We say ‘less formidable’, as the Ghost is still no compact car. At well over 17 feet long and almost six-and-a-half feet wide, it’s still bigger than other premium luxury

MOTORING

Powering the Ghost is Rolls Royce’s monstrous 6.6l twinturbo V12, which puts out almost 600hp and 780Nm of torque…

barges like the S Class, A8 and the XJ. Powering the Ghost is Rolls Royce’s monstrous 6.6l twin-turbo V12, which puts out almost 600hp and 780Nm of torque, so despite weighing around twoand-a-half tonnes (depending on bespoke custom options), it’s still no slouch. It’ll hit 100km/h in just five seconds, and reach a limited top speed of 250km/h.

We experienced the full benefit of that incredible Rolls-Royce powertrain on a delightful cruise through the English countryside.

The wonderful thing about British country lanes is the scenery. The not-sowonderful thing about them is the traffic.

Thankfully, the queue we were stuck in, quickly shortened until there were only three cars in front. We saw a space, weighed our options… and floored it!

And something very strange happened.

You see, normally, when you plant the accelerator in a high-powered automatic vehicle, several things occur. fact magazine

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MOTORING

First, there is a pause, as the gears change down several notches to get the revs up and maximise power. Then there is a massive roar from the engine, and with a lot of vibration and drama the car surges forward and after a couple of seconds you’re going very fast.

Now go back and delete everything from “First…” to “… drama”, and you begin to get the idea of what the same experience in a Rolls Royce feels like. As I pulled out and floored it, I noticed in the distance a bus coming the other way. I was already committed, and felt there was enough room.

A high-pitched squeal from the passenger seat indicated that my co-driver did not agree. However, about two seconds later we were back in our lane with room to spare, and I was left wondering what the hell had just happened!

You see, there was no pause; there was no roar, and certainly no drama. I’d pulled out, the car had simply, silently, and instantly surged forward with unbelievable pace, and glided back into the left hand lane before I’d even had time to ponder whether it was a 66

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A tour of the factory in Goodwood revealed an incredible host of craftsmen, engineers and experts that come together to create a Rolls-Royce vehicle. good idea or not.

It was all just so… effortless! It was truly the strangest sensation, or lack thereof.

And this is exactly what the Rolls-Royce Ghost, or any Rolls-Royce for that matter, is all about. It’s not about action and drama; it’s about luxury. Nothing else. Just pure, unadulterated luxury.

They say that Rolls-Royces are all hand built to ensure the absolute highest levels of craftsmanship, but that’s just half the truth.

The reality is that each and every car is made to order, and therefore no two Rolls-Royces are alike. Each one is a work of art, and each owner is considered part of the family. As I said, a Rolls-Royce isn’t just a car, but a way of life, and I’m glad that I was able to experience that way of life!

MOTORING It’s not about action and drama; it’s about luxury. Nothing else. Just pure, unadulterated luxury.

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motoring

Toyota Racing Hits the Gulf TRD is to Toyota what AMG is to Mercedes, or M Sport is to BMW. And now, for the first time, it’s available in the Gulf. Many will ask what’s taken so long?

FACT finds out…

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oyota Racing Development (TRD) has been around in other parts of the world for many years. In the Gulf region, though, TRD parts and accessories were limited to third party importers, until now. That is because, for the first time in the region’s history, Al Futtaim has brought the TRD brand to the Gulf as a fully-operational division of Toyota, complete with workshops, warranty-covered mods and accessories, and a range of performance upgraded Toyota models.

Available now are TRD-spec versions of the Yaris hatch, Yaris sedan, Corolla, Aurion and, of course, the Toyota 86, along with a long list of parts and accessories available to existing Toyota owners.

Launched at Yas Marina Circuit last month, the TRD packs are instantly recognizable, with sharper designs that also lend the cars better performance, such as improved straight line and cornering stability thanks to better down force and aerodynamics.

The performance enhancements on all the models don’t add too much in terms of power, although some of the mods, such as the sports air filter on the 68

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motoring

VTX 86, do increase engine efficiency and performance. The improvements are mainly in terms of handling, with lowered suspensions, low-profile sports tyres, stabiliser sets and brace sets improving the rigidity and agility of the cars.

There is a noticeable difference on the Toyota 86 Sport packs, with livelier engines and much-improved handling making for an interesting experience on the circuit. Overall, we were impressed.

TRD packs are now available in special TRD displays at Al-Futtaim

Motors Toyota showrooms across the UAE, and will soon be available in the rest of the GCC. All TRD parts come with a five-year warranty, and are built to GCC specifications to ensure quality and reliability for the life of the car. While elements of each pack can be purchased separately, the complete aerodynamic and sport packs will be available at promotional prices.

TRD 86 Cup

The TRD launch announcement coincided with the announcement of Al-Futtaim

Motors’ partnership with Yas Marina Circuit for the launch of the TRD 86 Cup, a single-make race series that offers a cost-effective entry into the high-adrenaline world of circuit racing.

The series comprises track-ready Toyota 86 Cup cars combining exhilarating performance, exciting race kits and livery and a low cost maintenance package with an entry price of just AED 150,000 for the season. This puts motorsports well within the reach of many, as interested parties could conceivably find just two or three sponsors and enter a team. fact magazine

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MOTORING NEWS

Ferrari Enthusiasts Gather at Losail Ferrari owners and enthusiasts in Qatar enjoyed an unforgettable experience at the 5th Emozioni in Pista organized by Alfardan Sports Motors, the official Ferrari importer in Qatar, that took place at Losail International Track last month.

For the first time in Qatar, Ferrari owners raced their own cars on the track and the winners received an exclusive invite to attend the Finali Mondiali 2014, being in Abu Dhabi for the first time this year.

Ferrari Owners and prospective clients had the opportunity to test-drive two Ferrari models: the Ferrari 458 Speciale, and the Ferrari California T,

in addition to the special display of Ferrari Classics and the Ferrari FF. “We are pleased with the success the Emezioni in Pista is achieving among Ferrari enthusiasts in Qatar year after year. Seeing all the cars racing on Losail Track is a memorable experience, especially because racing is a critical aspect of Ferrari’s DNA,” commented Mr. Charly Dagher, General Manager, Alfardan Sports Motors.

BMW X

Meets M Event Alfardan Automobiles, the importer of BMW in Qatar together with BMW Group Middle East organized twodays of the ultimate driving experience at a BMW M Meets X drive event at the Losail International Circuit.

Held on the 14th and 15th of November, the two day event provided an opportunity for customers, media representatives and BMW fans to get behind the wheel of a range of BMW M and X models and learn more about the technologies and driving capabilities of these two BMW sub-brands under the supervision of BMW Professional instructors.

Another highlight of the event featured the Middle East debut of the all-new BMW X6 which goes on sale at Alfardan Automobile showrooms very soon.

The all-new BMW X6 is the second generation of this Sports Activity Coupé and will be available with two powerful and fuel efficient engines: xDrive35i (306hp) and xDrive50i (450hp) with BMW TwinPower Turbo 70

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technology will be available. Both model variants come as standard with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

MOTORING NEWS

Audi Qatar

Launches New Campaign

Q-Auto, the official dealer of Audi in Qatar, announced the launch of the “Save the best for last” campaign last month. Customers will have the opportunity to purchase a limited edition Audi Q7 S-line model at an exclusive starting price of QAR219,995.

The luxurious seven-seater incorporates a S-line exterior body kit, 21” alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof and body colored wheel arch extensions.

The multipurpose SUV also sports a large boot space, spacious cabin, quattro all-wheel drive and a 3.0 TFSI (272hp) engine, ensuring drivers a comfortable ride ahead. Integrated features optimizing the car’s high tech dynamics include an electronic access and authorization key system as well as front/rear view cameras. Additional added value benefits include a five year/75,000 km service and maintenance package as well as a three year unlimited mileage warranty.

Mercedes CLA 45 AMG Arrives in the Gulf Newly arrived to the Gulf is the CLA 45 AMG, boasting the same hugely impressive engine as the A 45 AMG. With a peak output of 360 hp and maximum torque of 450Nm, it extracts all this power from a 2.0l turbo charged four-cylinder engine, making it the most powerful production four-pot in the world.

The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive of the CLA 45 AMG similarly sets a new benchmark in its competitive segment.

“With all the typical DNA of AMG, the CLA 45 AMG embodies driving performance like no other vehicle in its segment. The CLA 45 is driving performance

at its best and will have immediate appeal for our Middle East markets who are at all times looking for the best or nothing”, said Dirk Fetzer, Director of Sales & Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant.

The new four-door high-performance coupé offers the combination of a sporty driving experience, luxurious design and exclusive individuality.

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SOCIETY

#SPG #Keyless #W #Doha Starwood Hotels Group announced that W Doha is one of the first hotels across its global network to support the new keyless room entry system – SPG Keyless. The launch of SPG Keyless marks the hospitality industry’s first mobile entry system. During the exclusive event at W Doha’s E-WOW suite, guests were shown all the benefits of this new keyless system.

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PLUGGED-IN

Capture Memories

Lumia #Selfie Trend With #Selfie taking over social media, a smartphone that’s known for producing superb #selfie snaps is what should be on all your tech radars. Microsoft has launched the Lumia 730 and Lumia 735 that redefine how you take a #Selfie.

FACT attended the special #LumiaSelfie trip to experience the devices...

Take 1

The Lumia 730 is powered with a full-HD 5MP wide-angle front-facing camera that allows you to take perfect impromptu group snaps. The back-facing camera has a great the 6.7 MP ZEISS lens too, so you can create your next Facebook profile pic, easily!

Take 2

The Lumia 730 is equipped with Dual Sim 3G support and the Lumia 735 has 4G LTE connectivity, providing outstanding personalisation brought by the Windows Phone 8.1 platform. With varied features you can pick the Lumia model that suits your #Selfie taking needs.

Take 3

Microsoft Mobile Devices has developed a new Lumia #Selfie app, where you take selfies, to which you can add filters, fine tune facial details and create themes. But what is by far the most interesting feature is the self-portrait assistant, to help you take the best #Selfie possible (winner!).

Take 4

Another Microsoft exclusive is the Lumia Creative Studio, where you can create studio-like images using the in-app edit tools. These include tilt-shift or circular blur, high-resolution reframing and colour popping. Cool, huh? Enhance your image the way you like with built-in apps!

Take 5

Lumia 735 has a quad-core Snapdragon 400 SoC with 1.2GHz backed up by a 1GB RAM. It also has 8GB storage backed up by 15GB of Microsoft’s One Drive cloud storage and up to 128GB via a microSD card. All of this is accessed via 4.7-inch HD screen! *breathe* with space like this you can take as many selfies as your heart desires!

GO: Search #LumiaSelfie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to check out the #selfie images from our trip.

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Also AvAilAble in ...

Abu DhAbi & bAhrAin

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Roll Camera for Film Festival Fever

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Have a Haunted Halloween

OctOber 2014. VOL 1 ISSUe 5. AeD 10 front_filmfestival.indd 1

9/29/14 4:25 PM

An Artistic Celebration of Arabic Culture

NOVEMBER 2014. VOL 8 ISSUE 03 . BD 1 | SR10

SEPTEMBER 2014. VOL 4 ISSUE 5. QR10 | SR10 front.indd 1

8/31/14 11:13 AM

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PLUGGED-IN

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...

TRAVEL/CREATIVE The Ritz-Carlton (Android & iOS)

With brand-new enhancements to the luxury hotel company’s app, guests staying at the Ritz-Carlton hotels can now preserve their holiday memories with the creation of personalised travel posters. Snap any interesting sites in and put a destination stamp on it, transform your own photos into vintage-inspired posters, capture every travel memory in a distinct and easy-toshare way. They do say that a picture speaks a thousand words!

FESTIVE/GAMES Santa’s Village (Android & iOS)

It’s jingle bell time once more and there’s no better interactive festive fun to be had than what you’ll get with Santa’s Village. Celebrate the festive spirit and help Santa’s workforce of elves to build out a new North Pole village where more toys can be made as Christmas approaches. Watch out for those nasty, purple Grumpkins – they’ll do what they can to ruin the fun. It’s all about the challenge of managing workers, income, and physical space.

HOSPITALITY IHG – InterContinental Hotels Group

If you’re a regular at any of the IHG hotels including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites and others, then it will definitely be worth your while to get this app. You can compare IHG hotel prices for your destinations, track your past bookings and upcoming stays, as well as enjoy a host of reward scheme benefits too. The simple interface makes the app very user-friendly too.

Download our app for FREE!

Stay connected and get FACT magazine on your phone or tablet. Get the latest issue at your fingertips, and enter the world of FACT whenever and wherever you are!

Step 1 Download FACT to your device and flick through at leisure.

Step 2 Want to share what you like? Click the scissors in the top right corner.

Step 3 A number of social networks will drop down. Choose yours and hit post!

Please note: the fact app is available for IPHONE, iPad and ANDROID. It will soon be available on other platforms too.

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SOCIETY

#Exclusive #Menu #Tasting #Ritz-Carlton #Doha Local media and special guests were invited to a spectacular evening of fabulous food and drinks during an exclusive menu tasting experience at La Mer Restaurant in The RitzCarlton Doha. Cordially invited by Mr. Hoss Vetry, Cluster General Manager of The RitzCarlton Hotels, Doha, this ambient event saw guests sample the best of what La Mer offerS. 76

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FAShion Focus

The Dazzling Stars of H&M’s Festive Campaign

This winter, H&M is celebrating the holiday season with a stunning Christmas-themed collection. Global stars Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett lead the star-studded fashpack, with a song from their jazz album Cheek to Cheek featuring in the brand’s TV commercial. Inspired by the 1940s Big Band era this collection is filled with festive wonder!

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Here’ s a collection packed with colours, sequins, shimmer and cosy knits, wrapped in gold and silver accessories. The mood of this festive celebration underlines a strong sense of fashion and style designed by H&M. The star-studded collection includes the extravagant and big-heaired Lady Gaga, and veteran crooner Tony Bennett, who beautify this fun fashion campaign on screen and in print. For women it is all about glam, with an effortless charm in playful red dresses, glitzy skirts and classy tops that sparkle. Knits are a festive essential, just like the cosy oversized sweater worn by Lady Gaga in the print campaign. Winter is incomplete without ankle and knee length boots, but a little shine and colour makes it so much more chic to carry off. The accessories for women are insanely hot, with gold and silver ruling the collection. Each piece is simple yet beautiful; perfectly complementing the shimmering knee-high and gown-style dresses in this collection. For men, there are plays on plaids for a festive spirit; especially a dapper plaid blazer that looks great layered with fun holiday sweaters. Kids get to join in the fun too with a whole range of seasonal prints and decorations, while there are plaids and sweaters for looking their smartest. The H&M holiday collection is intriguing, curious, exuberant, audacious, and filled with fun.

FAShion Focus

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Fashion Focus

H&M Products Here is our wishlist from Massimo Dutti’s Fall-Winter 2014 collection. Shop these coats and accessories to enhance your overall look.

for her

for Him

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08 01. rED CARDIGAN DRESS 02. bLACK nET dRESS 03.STUDDED RINGS 04. WHITE BLOUSE 05. WHITE CROCHET TOP 06.FLORAL NECKLACE 07. SHIMMER BLOCK HEELS 08. nUDE SHADE BELT

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01. jumper in a wool blend 02. woolen scarf and cap 03. plaid scarf 04. Checked flannel shirt 05. woolen jumper 06. fitted coat 07. zipper jacket 08. patent shoes

everybody’s got that one uncle. facebook.com/gap

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STYLE

Th e M idas Touch Make this Christmas and New Year sparkle with gold numbers, bold reds and a touch of black for an added edge!

Debenhams red herring Jumper

F&F

next

GOLD JACQUARD DRESS

METALLIC LACE DRESS

Accessorize Pull & Bear

LEXI EMB HARDCASE CLUTCH

a beautiful red coat to be your winter warmer

h&M diamante-style DROP earrings

parfois CHUNKY BRACELET

the outnet.com TWINKLE GLITTER FINISHED CLUTCH FOR A CLASSY LOOK

Desigual A block red bag for xmas accessorising

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new look

Vincci

new look

red glitter ballet pump for xmas comfort

SPARKLY GOLD HEELS TO ST ANDOUT AT ANY NYE PARTY

BLACK GLITTER SHOE BOOT FOR FASHION ITH ATTITUDE

STYLE

PLAYFU L PARTY TR ICKS Guys, make sure you look fashionalble this festive season with trendy party get-ups and cute cosies to impress.

BHS REINDEER NOVELTY CHRISTMAS JUMPER

F&F GREY COTTON PULLOVER

BHS A VELVET TUX JACKET FOR EXTRA FASHION POINTS

DEBENHAMS TRENDY BLACK BELT FOR XMAS

DEBENHAMS LOOK SUAVE WITH A PAIR OF SILVER CUFFS THIS SEASON

BERSHKA RED ANORAK-STYLE MEN’S PARKA JACKET

DEBENHAMS SOPHISTICATED MEN’S WATCH TO COMPLETE A STYLISH LOOK

BERSHKA FUNKY AZTEC-PRINT XMAS RUCKSACK

PULL & BEAR

BHS

Comfy sneakers for a casual look

BLUE CHINOS FOR A COOL ON-TREND LOOK

MARKS & SPENCER

LUXURY PARTY SHOES fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Salam #Stores #Reminiscence #Paris #Collection Salam Stores hosted the launch of the new FW 2014 Collection for the jewellery brand Reminiscence Paris, “Russian Facets”, at The Gate Mall. The event was attended by members of Qatar’s high-end community, as well as renowned designers and business professionals.

Reminiscence Paris was born in the French Riviera in the 70s.

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beauty

Touch of beauty For all you beauty queens out there…

FACT has your makeup needs covered this season from top to toe.

The Glitterati Sephora introduces its new Christmas collection – ‘All That Glitters’ making gold and silver a trend for the festive season. A surprising product that spices up the eyes at Christmas time; the Mascaliners is a mascara and liner in one. It outlines the eyes with a dash of glitter and the tips of the lashes to catch the light. Put on either the VIP Gold or Sassy Silver, you will shine and sizzle all the way!

‘All that Glitters’ Mascaliners by Sephora

Beautiful Story Chloe’s latest addition – Loves Story is a divine fragrance that lingers on your mind for the longest time. The freshness of neroli and the sensuality of orange blossom are attractive and powerful bouquet. The aroma of jasmine and cedar blends in to give the femininity touch to the fragrance. Put on just a little and smell irresistibly good!

‘Love Story’ Perfume by Chloe

Flawless Silk

Aromatic Journey

Pulp Fiction

The Silk Edition by Bourjois is a new compact powder that takes you on an extreme sensory experience that glides over your skin as lightly as a caress. It evens out blemishes and dark spots giving a matte complexion for up to eight hours; preserving the brightness of the skin, without drying it. Look delicately refreshed for and be picture ready!

CH Carolina Herrera brings back the pleasure and luxury of the most exclusive train journeys with the new limited-edition Grand Tour. The fragrance for women hits you with a scent of Brazilian citrus fruit: orange, lemon and grapefruit. A delicious new aroma arises with velvety iris flower to the mixture. A touch of Dulce de Leche from Argentina adds a sweet and delicious aroma.

Urban Decay has introduced a dramatic limited edition ‘Pulp Fiction’ collection, taking you back in time. Mia’s character was bold and her lipstick was as iconic as her jet-black bob, so they created the perfect shade to match; a deep blood red with creamy shine. The MaxiLip plumps and nourishing oils leave the lips cushiony soft.

‘The Silk Edition’ Powder by Bourjois

‘Grand Tour’ Perfume by CH Carolina Herrera

‘Pulp Fiction’ Lipstick by Urban Decay

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“My favourite produce to cook with is all the ingredients I can buy locally.

I feel that people don’t appreciate these foods enough.” – Chef Amit Kumar

Jazz & Dining at Oryx Rotana If you’re into jazz, swayed by the blues, or just a steak lover who wants some sophisticated music in the background the elite Jazz Club located at the Oryx Rotana Hotel - is the perfect place for culinary-guilty pleasures. We meet Chef Amit Kumar the man behind delicious grilled salmon and juicy steak dishes… Words: Sofia Graniello

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im lights and a throwback to the jazz era is what you’ll find at the Jazz Club in Oryx Rotana. There’s a newcomer on the block here in the form of Chef Amit Kumar who tells us exactly what makes the Jazz Club a special venue with a relaxing ambience. “My goal and vision for this restaurant is to satisfy the guests who come and enjoy their dinner and drinks. I want them to create memories and leave happy,” Chef Amit says. He joined the Jazz Club family five months ago; with seven and half years of professional cooking under his belt. One of his secrets (not anymore!) is to add crème and butter to create a perfect gloss to food.

With Indian roots, Chef Amit started his career as a hospitality administrator, back in 2006. He joined a restaurant in Delhi as a prep-cook; however, he knew that he could achieve more and worked his way to the top.

With big responsibilities such as being overlooking the big dining decisions at the Jazz Club, Chef Amit has introduced some great changes to the menu, adding different burgers and steaks, with a little more spice.

We’re served one of the most popular

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“My goal and vision for this restaurant is to satisfy the guests who come and enjoy their dinner and drinks.” burgers at the restaurant, the tall and juicy Burger on Fire. It’s beautifully cooked with enough relish and a definitive fiery taste. Indeed, it was on fire, with ingredients such as jalapeños, big-ring onions, melted cheese and meat that truly melts in your mouth – it’s a must-try!

Chef Amit confesses that he loves using local ingredients such as carrots, beetroot, and goat’s cheese and more, and that his favourite dishes to cook include risotto and pasta with topped with goat’s cheese.

His tips for making the perfect pasta were to never over-cook the pasta, and

never wash it after boiling. The Jazz Club is famous for its steakhouse, but now, Chef Amit is adding more yummy fish and chicken dishes to the mix. We were treated to some of the new menu additions such as The Norwegian Salmon Steak and The Grilled Chicken Breast.

The Norwegian Salmon Steak was a perfect-sized grilled salmon accompanied with vegetables like asparagus and carrots.

For our second delicacy we were served with The Grilled Chicken Breast, a wellcut chicken breast with a sweet sauce for topping. Accompanied with grilled longcut carrots, eggplants and cushaw squash.

On the side, small and perfect potatoes complement the dish well. After enjoying ourselves with such culinary pleasures, we left with full bellies, already planning our next visit to the Jazz Club.

GO: Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more information.

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Exquisite Flavours at Asia Live!

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As Doha grows with expats and traditions, the city’s food scene seems to be escalating at a rapid rate too.

And when it comes to food, we all crave for one thing – authenticity. FACT went to check out Asia Live! at the Doha Marriott Hotel to see if Chef Xudong Zheng and his team delivers on the oriental food front…

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VENUE REVIEW

“With an impeccable seafood menu, the chef guides and proves why the restaurant is a forerunner for such culinary delicacies.”

W

ith an eclectic atmosphere, Asia Live! is, on first impressions, everything you would expect from a restaurant that serves up fusion cuisine. To top this off, Chinese Chef, Xudong Zheng really carries the traditional dishes on the menu with gastronomic grace. The venue has a laid-back and uber casual ambience; soft lighting, red brick walls and oriental decorations welcome you for a truly Far East Asian dining experience.

How does it make us feel? Such a place is able to achieve more than that, taking you into a time machine to the most exotic places in Far East Asia. With an impeccable seafood menu, the chef guides and proves why the restaurant is a forerunner for such culinary delicacies. The menu contains two of the chef ’s favorite cooking styles: Cantonese and Szechuan.

Cantonese being a mix, containing soft ingredients - mainly, all steamed - while Szechuan delivers a more spicy approach.

Chef Zheng has two decades of

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professional culinary experience under his belt, and it’s his homely approach to authentic dishes that we really appreciate, especially in dishes like The Beijing Duck. For starters we recommend The Hot & Sour Seafood soup – it’s perfectly spicy! As for appetisers, if you’re palate is not suited to soups, nor spicy dishes, the Golden Silk Prawn and the Steamed Sumai

Cantonese style are the perfect mild choices to tantalise your taste buds.

Continuing with the all-oriental fusion cuisine for the main courses, the FACT team highly recommends; Beijing Duck, Hot & Spicy Chicken and the Sweet & Sour Fish. To accompany those delicious dishes the Yaug Chow Fried Rice is a must.

One place where you can really get to

grips with the best of everything that Asia Live! offers, is at the restaurant’s popular Friday Brunch, from 12noon to 4pm. Alternatively, if you fancy a night out in the city, Asia Live! is ready to host you for a memorable Far East Asian culinary journey!

GO: Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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CUCINA DE BADIR

COOKING WITH CHEF SHAUN DEJEET Being the foodie Venezuelan that I am, I’m always looking for new and exciting recipes to share with my fellow Doha peeps. So, I met up with the charismatic Canadian Chef Shaun Dejeet at The Grill in Grand Hyatt Dohal. From raw meat with a touch of sour crème, to steak and with a raspberry twist, Cucina De Badir is all about mouth-watering food this month. Here goes…

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t’s no secret that I’m a man that’s always up for a challenge (especially when busy Doha life gets the best of me!). I went to meet up with Chef Shaun Dejeet, who overlooks all the workings from the menu items, to the ingredients, the staff, and the service, at The Grill in Grand Hyatt Doha. You’ve probably heard it, right? That hotel, where the brunches are really something special and super delicious… yes, that one! Chef Shaun greets me with smiles, and both of us, kitted out, in our chef ’s suits, head straight to the kitchen. We start prepping our first dish, a lovely appetiser - The Steak Tartare.

We start off with finely chopped beef adding the flavourful tartare single malt dressing that contains that perfect spicy Tabasco touch. I later mixed the sauce and the raw beef together, which made for a delicious concoction. Thanks to Chef Shaun and his culinary tools, we molded the chopped beef into a circle tin, and, to my pleasant surprise, added some sour crème on top.

Then came the fancy part to the dish: some caviar, two quail eggs, some micro-herbs, and chips to accompany the tasty dish…voila! On to the next: Steak-Prime Angus cut. Chef Shaun prepares the grill, adding a bit of oil to it and explaining the beef cut - 400 grams - to

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Contact No: 4484 8000 Christmas Happenings Festive Brunch, The Lagoon, December 24 to 26, 12.30pm to 4pm.

This winter, make the most of the Festive Season by taking a joyful culinary journey with family and friends, surrounded by the seasonal decorations and glittering splendour. Festive Family Brunch can never be this sumptuous.

be precise. I season the beef with salt and pepper – a fairly easy task. Then, Chef Shaun does the honour on putting the steak to the grill and telling us exactly how to grill the perfect steak: “Don’t ever leave it on one side for too long, flip each side at least 2 times, so each side is relaxed and the proteins are not tense,” he advises.

The steak was well-cooked and left to rest on the grill before we added butter on top, so that the meat would be impeccably juicy. “Tons of fat!” the Canadian chef giggles. As for the final step, I added the peppercorn demi glaze sauce. At this point, I was craving for some food and was ready to tuck into this mighty steak – it was succulent and filling, just the way I like it! Last, but not least, our final dish: Raspberry Macaroon. I added some orange mascarpone filling to pre-made macaroons. The I added some raspberries, pineapple glaze and vanilla, simple but scrumptious. This culinary journey was an innovative and sophisticated one, and one that we’d highly recommend. After plenty of chatter, picture snapping, and digging into the amazing food (boy, was it delicious!), we thanked Chef Shaun and left The Grill with happy bellies… hasta luego y nos vemos en la próxima en la Cucina de Badir.

Turkey To Go, The Lagoon, December 18 to 31.

Let us take care of your feast preparation with a perfectly moist turkey to go. Simply order and pick up a complete Turkey dinner with all the trimmings! Orders must be received 24 hours in advance. Location: The Lagoon Restaurant Festive Afternoon Tea, La Mer, December 21 to 31, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

There is a great deal of poetry in a cup of tea, especially when it’s the festive season and you have traditional Christmas sweet treats to accompany your cuppa.

Thursday Barbecue There’s no better retreat in the city than the lush and green Lagoon Garden to celebrate a delicious end to a long week. What’s more exciting than having a barbecue outdoor with family and friends while the weather is nice? Every Thursday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, priced at QR240 per person including soft beverages, coffee or tea; QR140 for kids aged 4-12 while kids below 4 can dine for free.

Festive Qatar National Day Experience the best of Qatar with breathtaking views at La Mer restaurant and embrace the tradition and culture of Qatar at a new height on December 14 to 20 from 7.30pm onwards.

Nights Out...

Gatsby Party @ Habanos Brief description: A special evening deserves a dress to impress. Celebrate with the Habanos team on December 31 from 7pm to 1am, and enjoy the sophisticated ambiance and festive entertainment to ring in 2015.

Ladies Night @ Admiral’s Club For something fun to do on a Friday night, get on over to Admiral’s Club between 9pm to midnight where ladies can enjoy complimentary entrance and one complimentary beverage upon arrival, from a selected menu.

Senorita’s Night @ Habanos Girls get your bffs together and head down to Habanos where every Monday night from 8.30pm to 10.30pm, ladies get one complimentary glass from a selected menu.

GO: Call 4448 1234 for reservations and more information.

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Listings

December Deals The Grill @ Grand Hyatt Christmas Day Brunch with festive food and drinks, and fun activities. QR295 incl. soft beverages. 7798 2400.

Jazz Club @ Oryx Rotana Happy Hours from 5pm to 8pm daily, with 50% discount on selected beverages.

4402 3333.

Happy Hour Fun

The Cigar Lounge @ Sharq Village & Spa Happy Hours from 5pm to 9pm daily, with 50% off on house beverages.

4425 6666.

The Lounge @ Kempinski Residences & Suites Mix & Fuse from 5pm to 7pm daily, with 50% discount on selected items.

4405 3325.

Airline Flight Crew Happy Hours from 7pm to 2am daily, With 20% off the final bill.

4405 3325.

Crystal @ W Doha Hotel & Residences Happy Hour from 6pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday, with 50% discount on beverages.

4453 5353.

Ladies Night Deals

Jazz Club @ Oryx Rotana Ladies’ Night is every Tuesdays with 3 free drinks for ladies from 5pm to 10pm, and 50% off selected beverages from 6pm to 1am.

4402 3333.

Habanos @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha Senorita’s Night is every Mondays with 1 free drink from a selected menu from 8.30pm to 10.30pm.

4484 8504.

Admiral’s Upper Floor @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha Ladies Night is every Friday with complimentary entrance & 1 free drink from a selected menu from 9pm to midnight.

4484 8000.

Habanos Bar @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha Happy Hours from 5pm to 8pm daily, with buy one get one free on selected drinks.

4484 8506.

Paloma & Lava @ InterContinental Doha Big Night Out is every Wednesdays with 2 free drinks for ladies from 10pm until late, 4484 4444.

Level 23 @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha Happy Hours from 6pm to 9pm daily, with buy one get one free on selected drinks.

4484 8506.

Wahm @ W Doha Hotel & Residences “The Vibe” is every Mondays with 2 free drinks for ladies from 9pm to 11pm.

4453 5353.

Belgian Café @ InterContinental Doha Happy Hours from 4pm to 6pm daily, with selected beverages for only QR25.

4484 4444.

Crystal Club @ W Doha Hotel & Residences Urban Night is every Tuesdays with 2 free drinks for ladies from 10pm to midnight.

4453 5353.

@ Doha Marriott Christmas Day Brunch with traditional fare, festive drinks and activties. 4429 8499.

Lava @ InterContinental Doha Happy Hours from 8pm to 10pm, Saturday to Wednesday, with 50% discount on food and beverages.

4484 4444.

Kiss & Fly is every Wednesdays with 3 free drinks for ladies from 10pm to midnight.

4453 5353.

Choices Friday Brunch @ Oryx Rotana Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm QR260 (incl unlimited soft drinks) QR335 (incl selected house beverages) 4402 3333.

Choices @ Oryx Rotana Seasonal supper brunchstyle on Christmas Eve. QR260 incl. soft drinks.

4402 3333.

Paloma @ InterContinental Doha Happy Hours from 5pm to 7pm, Saturday to Wednesday, with 50% discount off selected beverages.

4484 4444.

Vintage Lounge @ The St. Regis Doha High Heels Night is every Wednesdays with 50% off selected beverages for ladies from 6pm to 1am. 4446 0000.

Taprunch, The Cellar @ Oryx Rotana Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm QR175 (food only) QR275 (incl beverage package) 4402 3333.

Christmas Offers Prime @ InterContinental Doha, The City French Culinary Christmas Eve four-course dinner with bubbly.

QR390 per person. 4418 2846.

Crossroads Kitchen @ Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Christmas Day Brunch with Three-course buffet. 12pm to 3pm. QR245 per person.

4419 6100.

New York Steakehouse @ Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Christmas Eve Dinner with fourcourse menu. 6pm to 11pm.

QR320 per person. 4419 6100.

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Weekend Brunches Seafood Brunch @Fish Market, InterContinental Doha Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm QR375 (incl unlimited house drinks) QR160 (incl unlimited soft drinks) 4484 4919.

French Country Brunch @ La Varenne Friday from 12noon to 4pm QR179 (incl soft beverages) QR379 (incl sommelier choices) 4499 0680.

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

Friday & Saturday Brunch @ Sharq Village & Spa Friday and Saturdays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR250 (incl soft drinks) QR390 (incl house beverages) Kids below 12 dine for free.

4425 6666.

Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch @ Grand Hyatt Doha Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm QR280 (incl soft drinks) QR395 (incl special beverages) QR680 (Moët Brunch) 7021 8097.

Friday Brunch in Porcini @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm QR260 (incl soft drinks) QR340 (incl bubbly) QR130 (kids aged 4 to 12) 4484 8514.

Friday Brunch in The Sqauare @ InterContinental Doha, The City Friday from 12noon to 4pm QR230 (incl soft drinks & mocktails) QR330 (incl select house beverages) 4418 2846.

Crossroads Kitchen Friday Family Brunch @ Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Friday from 12noon to 3.30pm QR225 (incl soft beverages) QR275 (incl selected beverages) 4419 6100.

Contact No: 4425 6666 Friday Brunch @ W Doha Hotel & Residences Friday from 12noon to 3.30pm QR290 (incl non-alcoholic beverages) QR395 (incl alcoholic beverages) 4453 5135.

Sharq Village & Spa

Weekend Brunch at Opal

By Gordon Ramsay @ The St. Regis Doha Friday & Saturdays from 12noon to 4pm.

QR295 (incl soft drinks) QR395 (incl grape, grain & sparkling drinks) 4446 0000.

Al Jalsa Lounge, December 21 to 24, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Friday Family Brunch @ The St. Regis Doha Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm.

QR320 (incl soft drinks) QR420 (incl grape, grain & sparkling drinks) 4446 0000.

Al Dana, December 25, from 12noon to 4pm.

Hakkasan Brunch @ The St. Regis Doha Friday from 12noon to 3pm.

QR130 (food only) 4446 0000.

Brazilian Brunch, Ipanema @ Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

QR250 (incl soft drinks) QR320 (incl selected beverages) 4419 6100.

Christmas Happenings

Lobby Lounge, December 21 to 24 at 3pm.

For those who would like to have memorable moments with family, friends and loved ones, get your picture taken with Santa and his two mischievous elves while enjoying traditional Christmas songs and festive readings by the talented Ladies and Gentlemen of Sharq Village and Spa. Tuck into sweet and tasty Christmas treats at the delightful, festive tea with Santa, teddy and his two mischievous elves as they entertain both young and old with Christmas stories. Young ones will take home their very own Santa bear. QR165 per person.

Christmas Day Brunch

Al Liwan, December 25, from 12noon to 4pm.

A decadent, seasonal buffet sets off a fun-filled brunch. Lots of treats for kids, with games and activities, as the choir sings Christmas carols at 1p.m.

QR320 per person, and QR150 per child 12 years and under.

Wake to a decadent brunch at Al Dana. While adults are spoilt for choice with a festive brunch menu of freshly caught seafood and traditional Christmas favorites, children may scamper off to the Christmas playroom for a visit from Santa. QR360 per person, and QR170 per child 12 years and under.

New Year’s Eve

Parisa, December 31, from 6.30pm to 11pm.

Guests may enjoy a delightful family menu featuring the Persian delicacies by Chef Moghadam. Guests will also have access to the countdown at midnight for the New Year’s celebrations. QR390 per person.

Nights Out… Sundowner Session @ Al Dana Terrace The much- loved lounge night is back as Doha’s sunset spot comes to life every Friday with special DJs and guests. From 4pm to 1am every Friday, QR100 per person.

Sushi Mania @ Al Dana Pick your favourite from freshly prepared sushi, maki and sashimi every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30pm to 11pm, all for QR185.

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Andreas Wissdorf

General Manager, Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

Two reasons why guests should visit Marriott Marquis City Center Doha...

The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel has a unique location in the heart of West Bay with a direct connection to one of Doha’s most visited shopping malls. As part of Marriott’s constant innovations, the hotel is ideally prepared for the mobile and global travellers who blend work and play, through mobile guest services, thoughtful F&B and public space activation with Marriott’s signature Greatroom concept; the West End Café.

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Doha Insider The Marriott Rewards Loyalty program, our wide array of popular authentic restaurants and bars, and the 35m-rooftop pool are definitely amongst the many reasons for guests to visit our hotel.

along Doha’s magnificent Corniche is the ideal way to recharge for the week to come. In the evening, nothing beats a nice dinner catching up with friends and family.

Describe your ideal day off in Doha...

Tell us three goals you hope to achieve at the hotel in 2015…

On my day off I enjoy having an extended breakfast in Quick Bites whilst catching up on the latest news, visiting one of the fabulous museums and latest exhibitions, and taking in the local culture and heritage. A walk

To motivate and drive the hotel team to be the very best they can be, exceeding results and stakeholder expectations whilst delivering exceptional service to our valued guests.

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA The festive lights, the gingerbread aroma in the air, the taste of hot chocolate and a traditional Festive Spirit awaits you.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is celebrating a memorable festive season featuring take-home feasts, diverse and abundant culinary experiences, festive holiday packages and an unforgettable send-off to 2014.

For more information kindly contact us at +974 4484 8000.

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Arabian grandeur. European elegance.

Rising from the horizon, upon a private island in the heart of The Pearl, overlooking the iridescent waters of the Arabian Gulf, a hidden gem awaits.

A magnificent palace steeped in European heritage, adorned with Arabian grandeur.

Embrace the vivacious spirit of our enchanting retreat and feast on epicurean masterpieces at our eleven restaurants and lounges. Celebrate momentous occasions in our opulent ballrooms, or simply let waves of bliss wash over you at the Spa by Clarins or the private beach and outdoor pools.

Be the first to experience Doha’s new premier destination.

Be the first to experience the new Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha. reservations.marsamalaz@kempinski.com | kempinski.com/marsamalaz

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