FACT Qatar February 2015

February 2015 VOL 4. ISSUE 9 QR10. SR10

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW CRISTIANO RONALDO: FOOTBALL, FASHION & EVERYDAY LIFE fact magazine

1

2

fact magazine

contents ONE TEAM. ONE DREAM. Go to the kitchen. Put the kettle on. Get your favourite mug. Make a cuppa to your desired preference. Walk back to the living room. Find a comfy spot on the sofa. Put the TV on. Sit back. Put your feet up. Relax. First, watch your favourite team on screen. Then, enjoy reading through this issue of FACT!

10 FACT FINDS

12 motor show

37 ARTS EXPO

21

Cristiano ronaldo

42 MAL LAWAL

66 FASHION FOCUS

29 spa deals

45 GLOBETROTTER

30 flower power

55 VW GOLF GTI

77 CHEF’S TABLE

fact magazine

3

THE EDITOR

“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” - Franklin P. Jones

T

he origin of February 14 has a really deep connection with

romanticism, but, let’s be honest, nowadays it’s more about how much

you’re spending, the quality of gifts you’ll get, and, generally, how many stops your other half can pull out to woo you for the day! So, whether

it’s your love for food, for buying gifts, for cars, fashion or even for this region – we’re celebrating this month with big hearts and fabulous features.

If you’re looking for the best ways to spend the day of romance, turn to

p25 and let us take care of your plans. There are dinner dates, lunches, brunches, spa escapes, and even a gift guide to get you started. If you’re planning on

escaping for a special getaway then you’ll want to read our picks of traditional

and alternative destinations for romance (p45), because, if truth be told, nothing says ‘I love you’ like a plane ticket to somewhere faraway!

Now, let’s talk about the main man of the moment – Mr. Cristiano

February 2015 VOL 4. ISSue 9 Qr10. Sr10

The Power of Love

FACT Magazine Qatar Edition February 2015 Volume 4, Issue 9.

eXCLuSIVe INTerVIeW CRISTIANO RONALDO: FOOTBALL, FASHION & EVERYDAY LIFE

front cristiano ronaldo.indd 1

1/28/15 10:23 PM

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa 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 Creative Director Paula Leal Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques

Ronaldo. He’s just been announced as the world ambassador for fashion brand

Designer Rashed Bin Daina

highlights, style musts and future goals (p21).

Photography Lemuel Lampa @ Creative Design

Sacoor Brothers, and we caught up with the Portuguese footballer to talk 2014 This month we meet Lindsay Mackenzie, the founder of Everyday Middle

East. Lindsay and her team are dedicated to sharing photographs of everyday life in the MENA region. These photos are now being showcased in a Dubai exhibition

for all to see! We were particularly interested in Everyday Middle East because of

its positive vision, one that definitely fits in with the month of love! Read all about the venture on p37.

Let’s not forget, February also means a turn of season in the fashion world. To

Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood Regional Key Account Manager Chelsea Copenhaver

celebrate new designs and trends, check out our SS15 preview starting p65. We’ve

Sales Manager Badir Bechara

from high street stores.

Contributors Sofia Graniello

got all the coolest runway looks for the ladies and gents, and how to steal the style If you’re a major foodie like us then scurry on to our dining pages. This

month we’ve got a whole host of delicious treats for you. Our Chef ’s Table took place at Il Teatro, Four Seasons Doha (p77), the Venue Review at La Piazza (p81), and your monthly dose of Cucina De Badir comes from La Spiga by

Paper Moon (p87). We’ve also got a special interview with Le Vesuvio’s Chef

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: badir@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY Awal Press.

Ferdinando Casafina (p84) and lots of great dining deals for the month ahead.

All you love birds out there, enjoy V-Day! Singles, just keep having fun…

see you in March!

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com 4

fact magazine

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.

A top 5 global university in the heart of the Gulf OUR PROGRAMMES Archaeology of the Arab and Islamic World MA Library and Information Studies MA Museum and Gallery Practice MA Conservation Studies MSc Diploma in Academic Research and Methods

fact magazine

5

MASH UP

twitter

instagram @factmagazine

FACT Qatar

1.3k follows

@FACT_Qatar

Combining all three editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome, from the FACT team.

JANUARY 2015 VOL 4. ISSUE 8 QR10. SR10

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Qatar| First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in Doha | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrityworld movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Qatar in local supermarkets now!

everydaymiddleeast

3w

facebook

tweets

FACT Qatar

4,607 likes

Noor Nooruddin @nunudeen Going to spend the rest of the night wallowing in the pain of a lost sneeze…

Sleekster

@Sleekster Mind blown by the contents page and layout of this month’s @ FACTbahrain issue! Great work guys. Creative!

Amira D. Rahim

@linseedcurls @FACTAbuDhabi I’m overwhelmed at the sight of this.

Thank you so much for putting my art on your cover!

InterContinenetalDoha

@InterConDoha This month in @FACT_Qatar a wonderful article about our Paloma TexMex #InterContinentalDoha #food #dining #Doha

Keep up with all things Qatar as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the magazine. Send us a message – we love to hear from our readers!

issuu.com

win

FACT Qatar

FIND RASHED?

12,482 reads of the Jan issue

He’s hidden somewhere in this issue, also available to download.

If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Qatar.

app

FACT Qatar

2,328 downloads Available for both android and iOS devices, keep your finger on the pulse with our interactive app.

Read and share your favourite articles on social media, and enjoy the benefit of monthly notifications for each new issue.

Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in this issue and you could Win an all-inclusive Friday Brunch for 2 adults and 2 children at Seasons Restaurant, Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Look close, as Rashed will be perched on one of the editorial pages! Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on, and your contact details!

Follow us on twitter and maybe you’ll be here next month! @FACT_Qatar 6

fact magazine

Be Social

Good Food, Good Friends, Good Times

BRUNCH

FRIDAY

it’s Not Just a Meal

it’s a Lifestyle

Socialize with friends at this new Brunch in town, every Friday afternoon and explore signature drinks, international dishes and DJ’s streaming live from around the World.

Every Friday

starting 12:30 pm

QR 255

all you can Eat and Drink Terms and Conditions apply

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA - THE BUSINESS PARK A : Airport Road P.O. Box 22080 Doha, State of Qatar T : +974 44087777 W : www.crowneplaza.com/dohabp

fact magazine

7

COMPETITIONS

COMP CORNER

Send your answer(s) along with your name and number, with ‘FACT Qatar Comp’ in the subject line, to editorial@factlive.com

FACT has some fabulous giveaways this month and here’s how you can enter for a chance to win…

WIN! The Entertainer Qatar 2015 x5 Experience the best of Qatar with the Entertainer Qatar Mobile 2015. Enjoy more than 700 ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offers for restaurants, cafés, nightspots, entertainment, leisure, sports, spas, beauty salons and more. Included with the Entertainer Qatar 2015 is a complimentary Entertainer Travel 2015, which has over 250 Book One Night Get One Free offers at leading 4 and 5-star hotels worldwide. We have five Entertainer Qatar 2015 mobile products to give away; all you have to do is answer the question below:

TELL US THREE COUNTRIES WHERE THE ENTERTAINER IS AVAILABLE… 8

fact magazine

WIN! A Dinner For Two Including Soft Beverages At Il Teatro in Four Seasons Doha Il Teatro is the beautiful Italian restaurant in Four Seasons Doha. The Italian Chef’s sublime yet simple approach to contemporary Italian cooking is complemented by an excellent selection of Italian vino, tranquil ambience and beautiful interiors. Open for lunch and dinner, Il Teatro is a fantastic choice for those who love Italian cuisine. The venue also has an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and a private dining room. Delight your palate with fresh pastas, seasoned sauces and succulent meats. Homemade ice cream provides the perfect finish. To enter, read our Chef’s Table at Il Teatro starting page 77, and answer the question below:

NAME ONE DISH THAT WE TRIED AT IL TEATRO FOR THIS MONTH’S CHEF’S TABLE…

fact magazine

9

CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

Lunch The Hwang Way Discover more of Qatar with FACT Finds.

Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity, or interesting find from around the city.

Foodies in Doha, unite! There’s a new lunch spot in town and it’s a fiery Pan Asian delight.

Yes, Hwang restaurant in InterContinental Doha The City is now open for leisurely lunches Sunday through Thursday from 12noon to 3pm. The venue is offering up a special bento box menu starting at a cool QR75 (awesome, right?).

Hwang’s new lunch menu enables diners to choose their favourite options from three starters, three main courses and three desserts. The menu, which changes every two weeks, includes items such as Thai vegetable salad, chili shrimp, chicken teriyaki and Asian-style wok chicken as well as banana tempura and pandan crème brule for dessert. Each bento box also includes a choice of rice or noodles. The different courses are arranged in separate compartments and served in a beautifully crafted wooden lacquered bento box.

This style of serving lunch embodies a long-time tradition, hailing from the 8th century. During this time, it was customary for Japanese people to carry dried rice, also known as onigiri, in bags, as the dried rice was easy to consume later on its own or after adding hot or cold water. The word “bento” originates from a Southern Song Dynasty slang term meaning “convenient.”

Hwang’s normal a la carte and beverage menu will also be available for those who want to savour its wonderful variety of cuisine from eight different Asian countries, including Hwang’s signature shabu-shabu cooked at the table in an authentic hot pot.

So, who’s up for a tasty lunch?

GO: Hwang Restaurant is located on the first floor of of InterContinental Doha The City. Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information.

10

fact magazine

fact magazine

11

LISTEN UP

T h e Q a t a r I n t e r n at io n a l Mo t o r S how The biggest motoring event in Qatar brings all the world’s car brands together under one colossal roof in an epic celebration of all things automotive.

The 5th annual Qatar International Motor Show takes place this February under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, showcasing cars, supercars, SUVs, motorbikes and custom accessories in one huge exhibition.

Some of the world’s leading brands, including Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Rolls-Royce, are set to unveil their latest models at the event.

Speaking at the press launch, Mr. Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Exhibitions at the Qatar Tourism Authority, says: The 2015 Motor Show is not only the 5th edition but also the most attractive for Qatari companies and international exhibitors compared to the previous editions. The four past events have given us a solid learning and experience that gives us the confidence to say that visitors will experience a whole new level of thrills and entertainment this year.”

In addition to the spectacular display of the latest models across all segments of the motoring world, visitors to this year’s event can expect the latest developments in automotive technology to be showcased.

In addition, there will be a host of one off-displays of customised and tuned vehicles, unique special editions, and enough automotive-related accessories and gadgetry to satisfy all motoring enthusiasts.

“Apart from the displays, there will be lots of opportunities for visitors to interact with experts and celebrities from the automotive world. We at Qatar Tourism Authority feel privileged hosting the Qatar Motor Show that is considered as one of the most prominent events in the region and we are confident that this event will be up to your expectations,” finished Mr. Al Abdan.

12

fact magazine

GO: The 5th Qatar International Motor Show 2015 will take place at the Qatar National Convention Centre, from February 6 to 10. Log on to www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa for more information.

Culinary institute let Chef Daniele lead you though the world of the culinary arts.

February 28, 2015 starting 10 a.m. at Porcini restaurant

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

fact magazine

13

LISTEN UP

Qajar Women

M a r vel lou s C r eat u re s A fantastic exhibition coming to Doha in early March, Marvellous Creatures: Animal Fables in Islamic Art, will take place in the Special Exhibitions Gallery in the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). The showcase focuses on the real and mythical animals that appear in the legends, tales, and fables of the Islamic world. Divided into the natural quadrants of earth, air, fire, and water, these marvellous creatures introduce timeless stories such as the well-known and beloved classics: Shahnameh, Kalila wa Dimna and The Thousand and One Nights. The variety of objects presented in this exhibition – manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, glass, and metalwork – ranging from the 10th to the 19th centuries, demonstrates the enduring appeal of these characters and stories across diverse cultures.

GO: Marvellous Creatures runs at MIA from March 4 to July 11. Visit mia.org.qa or call 4422 4444 for more information.

14

fact magazine

Also coming to MIA is Qajar Women: Images of Women in 19th Century Iran, an exhibition that demonstrates the role and positioning of women in the artistic expression of 19th century Iran, and how this portrayal continues to inspire contemporary artists. The most popular representations of the Qajar era have been of male sovereigns, whose life-size portraits exaggerate masculinity to depict power. Yet this era also saw a period of artistic modernisation in Iran, particularly in paintings and photography, in which depictions of women became essential elements of the scenes. Showcasing women at the court, and in private, alongside images of female musicians and aristocratic women, this exhibition explores rarely-told narratives of the Qajar artistic tradition. The artworks will be on display in the Temporary Exhibitions Gallery.

GO: Qajar Women runs at MIA from March 25, 2015 to April 9, 2016. Visit mia.org.qa or call 4422 4444 for more information.

Spend Valentine’s Day with someone special at Seasons Restaurant. Join us for a lavish buffet filled with indulgent dishes from oysters to a live Sushi station, a divine chocolate fountain, a crêpe station and many more delicious treats. Complimentary welcome drinks will be presented on arrival. Ladies dining on 14th February will receive a special Valentine’s gift.

QR 185 per person for buffet dinner.

Mövenpick Hotel Doha Corniche Road 24220 Doha, Qatar Tel +974 4429 1111, Fax +974 4429 1100 hotel.doha@moevenpick.com www.moevenpick-hotels.com/doha

www.moevenpick-hotels.com

fact magazine

15

HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Qatar

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 stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

5 8 10 19 25

Thursday

Sunday

Tuesday

Thursday

Wednesday

Spring Festival 2015 at Souq Waqif

Qatar Motor Show at QNCC

National Sports Day 2015

Arabian Drag Racing League at Qatar Racing Club

Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition at QNCC

Enjoy the festivities with Souq Waqif Spring festival, where the entire Souq is sprawling with shows for everyone. The venues for these activities include Souq alley, Art Gallery, Main Parking, Outdoor Theatre and Al Ahmed field.

It’s THE ultimate show for all you car fanatics!!

The show brings together notable international carmakers showcasing their latest models. Exhibitors include sports, luxury and mid-range car dealers as well as car accessory companies showcasing the latest trends.

Celebrate the National Sports Day 2015, as it’s the day of sports and other fun activities to promote the benefits of an active healthy lifestyle. Different events all around the Doha will occur for the celebration of National Sports Day. Put on your sports shoe and get ready for a good day to ‘be fit’. Visit www.sportday.qa for

Do not miss the biggest Motorsport event of the year! Get ready to protect your ears as the sound of revving engines resonate through your body. Feel your heartbeat race and thrust your pulse, as your adrenaline courses through your veins with the anticipation of the race.

This annual event by Qatar Tourism Authority is one of the most awaited events of the year. It showcases exclusive collections of jewellery and watches from luxury brands around the world. It also serves as a platform for product launches for the same. So get ready for some never-before-seen exquisite jewellery and elegant time-pieces!

Visit Souq Waqif Spring Festival 2015 Facebook page for more information.

16

fact magazine

Visit www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa for more information.

more information.

Visit www.qrczone.com for more information.

fact magazine

17

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…

Abu Dhabi

Lebanon

Bahrain

Where The grounds of Qasr Al Hosn.

When February 11 to 21.

Where Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center When Various shows from February 28 to March 1.

Where Bahrain National Museum When Runs until April 15, every day from 8am to 8pm.

Held on the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn, the 2015 edition will shed light on the fort’s conservation process and its former functions, and will give visitors access to the inner fort and never-seen-before quarters. Besides the fort, a comprehensive public programme including exhibitions, activities and installations will highlight the building’s significance as a landmark of Abu Dhabi’s modern heritage and will introduce the process of conserving modern heritage.

Featuring world-famous Russian ice stars, and for the first time in Lebanon, this spellbinding show promises to be lavish and spectacular. The original story of an enchanted mirror, a beautiful girl, the ultimate Prince Charming and a shiny red apple comes to life on a 360 degrees setup on a real ice stage.

There will be ballet, gymnastics and aerial acrobatics, to name but a few things to look forward to, all creating a breathtaking experience.

History buffs and art appreciators, this one’s for you. As part of the 2015 “Year of Heritage” festivities, a fantastic new exhibition dubbed Berber Women of Morocco is currently running in Bahrain, in collaboration with Pierre Bergé, Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, the Jardin Majorelle and the Musée du Quai Branly. The Berber (Amazigh) identity developed thousands of years ago on a vast territory stretching from Morocco to eastern Maghreb.

Qasr Al Hosn Festival

18

fact magazine

Snow White On Ice

Berber Women of Morocco Exhibition

Also AvAilAble in ...

Abu DhAbi & bAhrAin

Q

Roll Camera for Film Festival Fever

A

T

A

R

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

@FACTAbuDhabi | @FACTBahrain | @FACT_Qatar fact magazine fact magazine 19 .7

SOCIETY

#Entertainer #Qatar #2015 #Launch Guests were invited to celebrate the launch of the Entertainer Qatar 2015 at Dunes in the Grand Hyatt Doha. Members of the media and VIP attendees enjoyed an evening of cocktails and canapĂŠs, as well as a special speech by CEO and Founder of the Entertainer, Donna Benton.

20

fact magazine

Q & A : C ristiano ronaldo He is undoubtedly one of the best footballers in the world, and now Cristiano Ronaldo is kicking it up a notch in the fashion stakes too. The Portuguese footballer was recently announced as the new world ambassador for men’s brand Sacoor Brothers, establishing himself as a true style icon. FACT caught up with the man of the moment to talk fashion, football and everyday life‌

fact magazine

21

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“I’ve had a lot of happy years with my performance, both individually and as a team player. I’ve had lots of brilliant moments with regards to goals, and titles too, so it’s not easy to choose just one. So, what I usually say is that the most important goal is always the last one. ”

22

fact magazine

There are names that mark an era that stand out for their talent, their achievements, or the legacy they leave to future generations. But there are also those who, while doing all this, still manage to write their names in the history books, where they will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of those people.

With his exceptional talent, allied to uncommon persistence and dedication, Cristiano Ronaldo will bring creative and aspirational values to Sacoor Brothers that only a personality with such a strong identity, and with one of the highest levels of world recognition, can give.

Established for 25 years, Sacoor Brothers has grown by defining trends and innovating services and products. With a personality that consumers identify with, the brand represents elegance and sophistication and has a distinctive code that has made it a premium, across-the-board brand.

H

i Cristiano! You recently won the Golden Shoe and the Ballon d’Or. Would you say that 2014 was the best year for your individual career?

Possibly, yes. Both individually and as a team player, it was probably my best year. But I think I’ve had similar years in Manchester

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

and even in Real Madrid. That’s why I always make a positive assessment, both as a team player and individually. Maybe a bit more positive this year because we won the Champions League, the Super Copa... this may well be the best year in my career.

What does the Ballon d’Or mean to you?

It’s an individual trophy that every player dreams of winning one day. As you know, I won two awards and that makes it the culmination of a strong year, with a lot of hard work. In fact, it’s the seventh year that I’ve been in the top three in the world. And that makes me feel very proud. It’s a sign that I’ve had an extraordinary career and that

makes me very happy.

You’ve experienced many important moments in football. Which of your scored goals was the most special?

That’s a tough question. I’ve had a lot of happy years with my performance, both individually and as a team player. I’ve had lots of brilliant moments with regards to goals, and titles too, so it’s not easy to choose just one. So, what I usually say is that the most important goal is always the last one.

How do you balance your personal and professional demands?

Every day, I try to do whatever will benefit my performance. Obviously, it’s hard to reconcile some aspects, but I’ve learned to live with that constraint. I’m sure that in a few years’ time, I’ll be able to enjoy everything I’ve achieved over time.

What do you do in your free time?

It depends on the time, on the day, on the situation. It’s very relative. I have time to be with my family, my friends, my son.

Having time for myself, my recuperation is important too. Especially for doing the things I like most, like swimming, doing stretching exercises. At night, I like being with friends, going out, and going to restaurants.

Do you cook?

No. I have people at home who cook better than me so I let them have the “opportunity”.

What do you find really relaxing?

Being able to feel at peace, at home with friends and with my family. I like it when I don’t have to get up early to go training or to play a match.

And going to Madeira, back to your roots, is that always a good holiday?

Madeira brings back a lot of memories. It’s where my family is.

Should men take care of their appearance?

Not as much as women, but I think a little is important.

Do you follow fashion trends or do you prefer your own style?

I prefer my own style, but I’m not so obtuse as not to listen to other opinions.

What’s you favourite place to shop?

On the Internet.

What accessory can’t you live without?

Watch, trainers, blazer, belt… a lot of things!

Do you see yourself in the values of Sacoor Brothers?

Of course I do. I’m happy that we’re starting this grand adventure together.

Commitment, dedication, family, success, always wanting more, excelling yourself... Are these the values you see in yourself ?

Yes, definitely. I think we have to be part of the good things in life like family, friends, etc.

You like taking part in charitable events whenever you can. Is that what being a star means?

I think we can take advantage of the fact that we are public figures, loved by our fans. But, I hope they understand that you just can’t help everyone. In recent years, we’ve tried to help a lot of institutions. But, my opinion is that people who help don’t have to broadcast

“I think we can take advantage of the fact that we are public figures, loved by our fans. But, I hope they understand that you just can’t help everyone... as the saying goes: he who helps others is paid back twofold.”

it. Showing solidarity makes me feel good and, as the saying goes: he who helps others is paid back twofold. And that has happened in my life.

In career terms, how would you like to be remembered in 30 years time?

I want to be remembered as the best ever. I want to be up there with the best ever. That’s my aim and that’s what I’m building. Every year, I try to go further than before – and I’m not just talking about goals. In recent years, I’ve always improved. I’ve excelled myself and I want to keep doing that in the coming years. That’s why I’m convinced that I will be considered one of the best ever.

GO: Visit www.sacoor.com to locate your nearest Sacoor Brothers store in Qatar. fact magazine

23

SOCIETY

#NYE #InterContinental #Doha #The #City InterContinental Doha The City welcomed 2015 with a full house. The hotel offered a unique NYE celebration, with guests dining at The Square, Prime and Hwang, invited to enjoy the music, drinks and a balloon drop on The Bridge. A fully packed Strata Restaurant and Lounge toasted the NY overlooking the magnificent Doha cityscape.

24

fact magazine

let’s cel ebrate lov e It’s the month of love and FACT is celebrating with food, fun, and all sorts of frolicks. We’ve got all the best lunches, brunches, dinner dates and spa deals in Doha.

Whether you’re planning an evening out, or a relaxing escape, we’ve got all your romance needs covered...

fact magazine

25

Foodie Dates

Chemistry:

Food & Romance It’s the month of love and Doha’s hotels are offering up some fantastic foodie deals for the perfect date night. FACT has picked some of our favourites to check out…

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel

with live entertainment from the resident band showcasing the best of their romantic repertoire.

@Cucina or New York Indulge in a dinner for two at these exquisite dinner destinations with the perfect setting to charm your loved one. Make it a truly magical and romantic day, and raise a toast to love, with bubbly and a lavish three or four course meal at QR700 per couple.

GO: Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more information.

InterContinental Doha The City @The Square Indulge in a romantic journey with four live cooking stations where you can sample an array of aphrodisiac foods. Then pose with your loved one for the photographer to capture this memorable evening in a take-home memento.

This lovely experience is priced at QR230 per person including soft beverages.

GO: Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information.

Four Seasons Hotel, Doha @IL Teatro L’Amore All’Italiana is a special dinner for February 14. Indulge in a five-course set menu, created with love. The romantic atmosphere with Italian music and a beautiful setting will surely set the mood! Priced at QR640 including soft drinks. @Pool Grill Take your date by the sea! A romantic few hours overlooking the pool and the Arabian Gulf, sounds good, right? Pool Grill offers a sanctuary for unwinding al-fresco style, where guests get to indulge over an inspiring four-course set menu at QR350 per person including soft drinks or QR5000 for private beach cabana.

GO: Call 4494 8888 for reservations and more information.

Oryx Rotana @Choices Indulge in a romantic dinner at Choices and delight your other half to a sumptuous dinner 26

fact magazine

“I love you like a fat kid loves cake.”

in an elegant and cosy atmosphere, with a touch of romanticism, for QR200 per person (food only), QR290 including unlimited selected house beverages, or go for the premium package at QR335. @Jazz Club Celebrate a romantic night with your loved one and get a special three-course set menu for QR250 or a Black Truffles three-course set menu for QR295. It’ll be all the more memorable

@Strata Restaurant and Lounge How about a vintage-themed romantic evening with classic cinema on the big screen? Strata welcomes couples with a special luxurious cocktail of love as the sweet sounds of love songs surround you and your favourite black and white love films in the background. Enjoy this experience at QR550 per person, for restaurant bookings including a four-course set menu.

GO: Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information.

Grand Hyatt Doha @Dunes Spend an evening with Thomene Dilley, as he entertains guests with the best jazz available.

Enjoy the jazzy, upbeat night of love with a loved one, whilst having scrumptious food.

Dunes is a comfortable venue with breathtaking

Foodie Dates

“It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together...and I knew it” - Tom Hanks, Sleepless in Seattle

views of the gardens and beach, featuring delicious cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. @Majlis Order your favourite fruit shisha and enjoy the best Moroccan tea and Arabic sweets in the city on a romantic evening for two at Majlis, priced at QR280 for two people. @Isaan Celebrate romance the Thai way by enjoying a sharing concept where each dish is specially prepared

by Chef de Cuisine Wachira Chaipinidnorrachart.

The four-course set menu is priced at QR320.

GO: Call 4448 1250 for reservations and more information.

La Varenne and The Anvil Rooms @La Varenne Show someone special how much they mean to you with ‘Amour de France’. Take in the glistening city lights of Doha whilst La Varenne transports you on a romantic journey through France, with a fivecourse tasting menu at QR280.

@The Anvil Rooms Celebrate love with a selection of special dishes designed to share. Revel in a truly romantic experience with breathtaking views across the Arabian Gulf, whilst indulging in a gastronomic delight from the a la carte menu.

GO: Call 4499 0680 for La Varenne. Call 4499 0685 for The Anvil Rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha @The Lagoon Romance under the stars in an outdoor ambiance with your loved ones whilst enjoying the romantic setup and soothing sound of the violin at QR500 per couple, with a three-course set menu. @La Mer Restaurant Cruise the night full of romance overlooking the magnificent city skyline starting with an aperitif at Level 23, with piano accompaniment and continue with a five-course dinner at QR470 per person. The Jazz Duo will be playing too!

GO: Email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.

Sharq Village & Spa @Beach Gazebos Perfectly secluded and intimate, indulge in a private dinner with your loved one, with a discreet butler who will serve you a gourmet dinner in the privacy of your own gazebo at QR3000.The perfect spot for a proposal perhaps!

GO: Call 4425 6666 for reservations and more information.

W Doha Hotel & Residences @Market by Jean-Georges Create memories whilst you enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner to celebrate love! Enjoy a candle lit dinner with a special set menu and a glass of bubbly, including entertainment by Doha Jazz at QR295 per person including a glass of bubbly and QR790 for two includes bottle of bubbly. Sleek and sophisticated, this place uses fresh, local ingredients with international flare.

GO: Call 4453 5353 for reservations and more information.

fact magazine

27

SOCIETY

#Gran #Caffe #New #Menu #Launch Local media, bloggers and VIP guests were invited to attend a food tasting presentation at Gran Caffe Londra in Doha, to launch its revised menu for 2015. Chef Riondino prepared delicious new starters introduced to the menu, all of which were created using the finest and tastiest fresh Italian ingredients and products.

28

fact magazine

Spa deals

Pamper perfection Whether you’re in a loved-up relationship or happily single, V-Day is a great time to make use of all the fabulous spa deals on offer in Doha.

We’ve picked a handful to make your next relaxation fix a memorable one…

Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel @Saray Spa Ladies, if you want a pamper surprise then check this out! Get down to business with a 90-minute package that includes a facial, body treatment and massage, along with a complimentary pedicure, manicure and blow dry at Jean Louis David’s salon, all for a fabulous QR600.

Call 4419 5000 for bookings and more information.

Sharq Village & Spa @Six Senses Spa Treat yourself and your loved one to an indulgent 30-minute chocolate and brown sugar body scrub followed by a 50-minute full body massage, using soothing Rose oil.

Complimentary Valentine’s cocktails will complete this relaxing experience.

Call 4425 6666 for bookings and more information.

W Doha Hotel & Residences @Bliss Spa All the men out there treat your lovely lady during the month of love with a fabulous offer from Bliss Spa. Package includes Oxygen Blast Facial, hairstyling, Bliss Basic manicure and pedicure at QR649 per person.

Call 4453 5353 for bookings and more information.

Four Season Hotel Doha Experience the synergy of different massage techniques from all over the world – Ancient Egyptian Reflexology, Royal Thai stretching, Energetic Kahuna, Lomi Lomi, Indian and Asian techniques, Scandinavian massage and Moroccan Argan scalp massage. This universal head to toe treatment uses a unique combination of essential oil massage to reawaken,

nurture and invoke deep relaxation of body and mind. The 80-minute Peaceful Touch Massage is priced at QR880 per person, available daily from 9am to 9pm.

Call 4494 8888 for bookings and more information.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha Immerse yourselves in the heavenly luxurious signature body treatment, with the exclusive signature chocolate themed body treatment featuring Choco Body polish, followed by Chocolate Fondue Body wrap f inishing your sweet journey with 30-minute massage. This chocolate retreat will be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience! The 100-minute Choco Coco Heaven is priced at QR600 per person.

Call 4484 8000 for bookings and more information.

fact magazine

29

FLOWER POWER

The Language

o f Fl o w e r s

Flower meanings and symbolisation were a key element to flower choice many years ago. The flower type and colour all represent different feelings dating back to old-school traditions, so if you’re planning on buying a lovedone a beautiful bunch of flowers this V-Day, take a look at which stem will help you convey the right message…

Orchid

The orchid is a mature flower and like its elegant appearance, the flower signifies exotic beauty, refinement and glorious femininity. This doesn’t mean that only older couples buy orchids, for the flower can be used to greet a beautiful lady, to show love, thoughtfulness, and if you’re using it in Chinese terms, it stands for ‘many children.’

Hyacinth

A flower made of tiny flowers, just as a hyacinth is an intriguing and pleasant flower, its meanings are also quite enjoyable. This flower symbolises playfulness, haste and downright attitude. The blue hyacinth shows loyalty; the purple is for sorrow, red or pink for play, white for loveliness and yellow for jealousy.

Rose

Definitely the most popular choice of flower to buy on Valentine’s Day, the Rose comes in a variety of colours, each representing different meanings. The red rose conveys romantic love as the colour red is associated with stimulating brain wave activity, increasing heart rate, respirations and blood pressure – this is basically for the flower to say ‘I love you!’ purple roses signify that the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight. Coral and orange roses signal desire. Yellow roses stand for joy and friendship, whereas Pink roses express appreciation and White roses are a sign of humility.

30

fact magazine

Chrysanthemum

Iris

Not only is it the emblem of France, but the Iris embodies eloquence. The purple Iris is symbolic of wisdom and compliments; the blue one stands for faith and hope, while the yellow means passion and the white iris is for purity.

This is the flower you gift to show wisdom, valour and compliments.

It’s a mouthful to say, but Chrysanthemum is a pretty flower, that usually takes a back seat to the Carnation. This flower often stands for joy, optimism and perfection. You would give the Chrysanthemum to show loyalty, happiness and to wish long life.

A red chrysanthemum conveys love; a white chrysanthemum symbolises truth and faithful love, while a yellow chrysanthemum depicts slighted love (let’s hope you don’t have to give any of those).

FLOWER POWER

Tulip

This is not only the flower emblem of Holland, but the Tulip carries much significance. In general, tulips stand for fame and a perfect love. If you get a bunch of red tulips this Valentine’s Day then be pleasantly surprised, because this flower is a declaration of love, straight up. If your bouquet is multicoloured tulips, then the sender is complementing your beautiful eyes, whereas yellow tulips say you have a sunshine in your smile, or that you are the object of a hopeless love.

Gerbera

Just one Gerbera in a bouquet of flowers can make someone smile, that’s right, this flower very specifically conveys cheerfulness.

It belongs to the daisy family, so also shares meanings of innocence, purity, love and loyalty.

Peony

Let’s get the bad out of the way – a peony has been long-known to symbolise shame, HOWEVER, this flower also doubles as positive meanings too. The peony represents compassion, happy life, happy marriage, good health and prosperity. We’re sure that adding a few pretty pink ones won’t mess up the bouquet.

Sunflower

Big and beautiful, the sunflower and its bright yellow petals can liven up any floral gift. It represents pure thoughts, adoration and dedication to love - great choice for a close friend.

Carnation

Like the Rose, the Carnation flower comes in a number of colours and definitely covers many emotions and feelings. Generally, Carnations were given as a sign of fascination, pride and beauty. Give a pink Carnation and you’re telling the receiver that you’ll never forget them; a red one and you’ll be showing your admiration for someone; a white Carnation has a number of meanings attached to it including, sweet and lovely, innocence, pure love, and good luck.

On the opposite end is the yellow Carnation which, traditionally, signifies rejection or disappointment (you don’t want to be receiving a bunch of those!).

PANSY

Typically a garden flower, the Pansy is a small and pretty choice that signifies loving thoughts. A modest flower, it’s often called ‘viola’ or ‘violet’ and portrays your faithfulness to the recipient.

Lily

Have you noticed that a big bunch of flowers always needs a lily or two to make it complete?

Well, this beautiful flower can bring a number of meanings to your floral message. It generally applauds purity and refined beauty.

The white lily shows modesty, the orange lily stands for passion, while Lily of the Valley symbolises sweetness and purity of heart. This one’s great for both lovers and friends.

Local Florists Qatar Flowers - www.qatarflowers.com Gardenia Flowers - 4444 0789 Gardenia Flowers - www.gardeniaflorist.qa Doha Florist - www.pickupflowers.com Doha Flowers - www.serenataflowers.com Flowers4Qatar - www.flowers4qatar.com fact magazine

31

GIFT GUIDE

V - D a y G ift G uid e ♥ H e r VALENTINE’S DAY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO TREAT YOUR LADY TO jewellery, clothes, and accessories! we’ve got some of our hot picks to help you out.

01

02

05

06

07

10

11

09

08

13

12

03

14

04

15

01. PARFOIS 02. WOMEN’S SECRET 03. NET-A-PORTER 04. Bvlgari 05. VERSACE 06. SWATCH 07. PANDORA 08. OYSHO 09. SWAROVSKI 10. COACH 11. CRUCIANI 12. Jaeger-LeCoultre 13. PURE GOLD 14. SWAROVSKI 15. JENNIFER LOPEZ 32

fact magazine

GIFT GUIDE

V - D a y G ift G uid e ♥ Hi m Even the men in your life need to be spoiled on valentine’s day, so we’ve picked some of our favourite products on the high street to get your gift spree started.

01

02

06

05

09

13

03

04

07

10

08

11

14

12

15

01. LACOSTE 02. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO 03. SACOOR BROTHERS 04. BERSHKA 05. DEBENHAMS 06. PIAGET 07. DEBENHAMS 08. SACOOR BROTHERS 09. SACOOR BORTHERS 10. MONT BLANC 11. IWC SHAUFHAUSSEN 12. SANTONI 13. SANTONI 14. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO 15. DEBENHAMS fact magazine

33

ROMANTIC RIDES

FACT’s 4 Romantic Rides Many of you will be planning a romantic night out this month in preparation for Valentine’s Day, but don’t think a car can factor in to the equation. Well, you’d be wrong!

Here’s FACT’s guide to upping the romance stakes with automotive assistance…

T h e D e s e rt A dv e ntu r e r R a ng e Rov e r S p o rt

For the more adventurous couple who like the outdoors life, this is an obvious winner. The Range Rover is like the Rolls Royce of offroaders – no other vehicle can match it for its combination of sheer luxury and off-road performance. Picture the scene: You drive your

loved one into the beautiful rolling dunes of the desert a hundred miles from civilisation, and enjoy the tranquil desert sunset alone together over a posh picnic of bubbly, caviar and other sumptuous delicacies. It doesn’t get more intimate than that!

T h e Li m o usin e R o l l s - R o y c e P h ant o m Whether you like it or not, few things are more of a turn on than being picked up in one of the most luxurious, and expensive, cars in the world, especially when they’re decked out with a special chilled cabinet for a bottle of something bubbly and glasses (a very common addition to the Phantom through Rolls-Royce’s bespoke programme). Tell the chauffer to take a leisurely drive along the scenic route to the restaurant or hotel, and relax in the back holding hands and enjoying a beverage together.

What could be more romantic than that?

34

fact magazine

ROMANTIC RIDES

T h e W e e k e nd A w a y Ferrari FF So, you’ve decided to jet off to Europe for a drive into the scenic snowy Alps for a winter wonderland-esque retreat.

Well, for this, you won’t do better than a four-wheel-drive

supercar with plenty of space for all that winter luggage.

He will enjoy the majesty of the glorious Ferrari V12. She will enjoy the style and luxury of that unmistakeable Ferrari interior. And both of you will enjoy the peace-of-mind that the ‘Snow’ setting on a four-wheel-drive transmission gives you on snowy mountain roads. It’s what it was made for!

T h e Cab r i o l e t P o rsc h e B ox st e r GT S What kind of car conjures up more glamorous and idyllic images in the mind than that all-time favourite, the cabriolet?

Put the top down, put your sunglasses on (possibly a scarf too), and go for a romantic drive to some hotel or restaurant

destination. As the afternoon turns to evening, cruise along the Corniche and stop at an oceanfront hotel to catch the sunset before a romantic dinner for two. A winning combination!

fact magazine

35

SOCIETY

#Under #The #Stars #NYE #Party One of the best-known disco divas of the late 80’s and early 90’s, Kym Mazelle, headlined the NYE celebrations at Grand Hyatt Doha, in a special event dubbed ‘Under The Stars’.

Guests grooved to the sounds of the singer’s dance and pop hits including her cover of Young Hearts Run Free, during an unforgettable night.

36

fact magazine

E veryday M iddle E ast David Degner @degnerd

Representations of the Middle East are still, in large, a one-sided portrayal in the mainstream media. There’s an instagram page out to change that.

FACT’s Shabana Adam chats to Lindsay Mackenzie, the founder of Everyday Middle East, a platform used for sharing images that redefine photographic representation of life in the MENA region…

fact magazine

37

ARTS

“ I nsta g ram is vis u al – it ’ s all abo u t ima g es – so it ’ s a nat u ral fit. . .”

01

We all tend to use instagram to show off a delicious plate of food, our latest shopping buys, and, of course, endless selfies. But, for Lindsay Mackenzie, this social media outlet presented a whole new world of opportunities. Lindsay set up an account called @everydaymiddleeast in March 2014, in a bid to help dispell negative visual representations of the Middle East, and show followers what it’s really like to live in this part of the world, through the eyes of local photojournalists.

The account, which has around 50,000 followers, has gained much recognition and is currently displaying 90 images from its Instagram feed, in a public exhibition, at the Gulf Photo Plus gallery space, in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. The idea to have the exhibition came from the owner of Gulf Photo Plus, Mohamed Somji, who also happens to be one of the contributing photographers for Everyday Middle East.

“The idea of Everyday Middle East is to create a space for photojournalists to publish ‘everyday’ images from the region,” Lindsay explains. “It’s a way to push back against the visual representation in the Western mainstream media of the Middle East and North Africa.

“As working photographers, we’re often assigned to take images of the most extreme or exotic people, or circumstances, but we rarely have a chance to publish day-to-day images,” she continues. “So the Instagram feed - and exhibitions like this one - are a way to show more than just the worst cases, more than just the stereotypes, 38

fact magazine

02

03

04

05

06

ARTS but to show the unexpected, the intimate, the mundane - the everyday.”

Everyday Middle East currently has 25 contributors, a mixture of expats, dual citizens and locals, who are all professional photographers, living or working frequently in the Middle East and North Africa.

“The images are all captured with mobile phone cameras, but other than that there are no rules,” Lindsay shares. “There is no editor who selects the images - each of our contributing photographers has access to the Instagram account and can publish when and what they would like.

“The idea of the project is to focus on ‘everyday’ images - and that can mean different things to the different contributors.

But I think that is what makes the project interesting. It’s not one perspective or agenda but instead 25 different perspectives,” she says.

The network of Everyday Projects, which includes Everyday Africa, Everyday Asia and Everyday USA, inspired Lindsay to start a platform for the Middle East. I ask why Instagram over all other social media channels? “Instagram is visual – it’s all about images – so it’s a natural fit for what we are trying to do,” Lindsay says.

“We’re also showing that there is great work being done by photographers all across the Middle East and North Africa.

07

08

09

10

11

13

01 Ahmad Mousa @ahmadmousa 02 Alex Kay Potter @alexkpotter 03 Holly Pickett @hollypicketpix 04 Hanif Shoaei @hanifshoaei 05 Samuel Aranda @samuel_aranda13 06 Lindsay Mackenzie @lindsay_mackenzie 07 Tamara Abdul Hadi @tamarabdul 08 Faisal Al Fouzan @faisalthef 09 Natalie Naccache @natnacphotos 10 Kiana Hayeri @kianahayeri 11 Dalia Khamissy @daliakhamissy 12

fact magazine

39

ARTS

“ W e ’ d li k e to contin u e to g row – both on and off I nsta g ram . T he main g oal is to find ways to . . .

And that new technology and new media platforms like Instagram mean that it’s possible to re-imagine the representation of the region - and that anyone with a phone and an internet connection can be a part of that,” she adds.

The efforts of Everyday Middle East are being appreciated the worldover, as Lindsay recalls: “The responses have been quite positive. One of the first comments we received from someone in the United States said, ‘We who live in the U.S. seem not to have a true picture of Middle Eastern life. This photo gallery of Everyday Middle East is helpful, interesting and fascinating. Thank you for creating it.’ We get comments like that from time to time.”

The main challenge that Lindsay sees Everyday Middle East facing is one of funding, as to maintain the momentum of this project beyond social media will require some kind of monetary input.

Up until now everyone involved in the project has participated without any kind of compensation.

When it comes to future vision, Lindsay has a number of goals. “We’d like to continue to be part of a conversation about visual representation of the Middle East in the mainstream media,” she says.

“One of my short-term goals is to get mobile phone cameras in the hands of people who can’t afford one themselves so that we can include their perspectives and show more of the ‘everyday’ beyond the affluent and urban.

40

fact magazine

14

15

16

17 12 Mohamed Somji @msomji 13Hanif Shoaei @hanifshoaei 14 Laura El-Tantawy @laura_eltantawy 15 Samuel Aranda @samuel_aranda13 16 Laura Boushnak @lauraboushnak 17 Iman Al-Dabbagh @photosbyiman

“I’d love to give a mobile camera phone and provide internet access to a student in rural Yemen, or to a farmer in a small town in Algeria, for example, to broaden the everyday perspectives that we can show.”

With such a beautiful aim and the determination to show a more realistic side of the Middle East, I’m sure that this is only the beginning of an exciting journey, for Lindsay, the contributing photographers, and Everyday Middle East.

GO: Free to attend and open to the public, the Everyday Middle East exhibition will run until February 26 in the GPP gallery space, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. Call (0)4 380 8545 for more information.

Follow @everydaymiddleeast on Instagram.

READ IT ONLINE http://issuu.com/hadag

@Hadag_Me

A new publication from Nans Group, the company that brings you a portfolio of leading magazines fact magazine from across the GCC.

41

Arts

C u lt u re celebrated : M al L awal Mal Lawal is back in Qatar with the biggest showcase of private collections and cultural artefacts in the region‌

42

fact magazine

Arts

“ C aref u lly or g anised into nine cate g ories , M al L awal , meanin g “ from the old D ays ” in Q atari dialect, feat u res . . .”

As the only event of its kind in the GCC, Mal Lawal promises another great showcase of artefacts. This is a unique display that blends heritage and culture, and celebrates, historically and socially significant, objects and antiques. The initiative is made possible under the guidance and leadership of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums.

Following the enormous success of the first event held in September 2012, the much-anticipated biennale has grown in size and scale. It will now occupy more than 8,000 sq. meters at the Doha Exhibition Centre running until February 28.

Displays of 4,000 traditional artefacts gathered by more than 110 Qatari private collectors and 42 from the wider GCC region will connect visitors to the country’s cultural heritage and history. Carefully organised into nine categories, Mal Lawal, meaning “from the old Days” in Qatari dialect, features manuscripts, weapons, Islamic collections, old maps, ethnographic/ heritage items, antiquities, jewellery, clothing and accessories and many other rare items from Qatar and the rest of the GCC. This year, a number of new elements have been introduced to the programme to make this unforgettable event even bigger and

more extraordinary. Four Majilis settings will give visitors an intimate glimpse into the heart of a traditional Qatari home. Specially created live video links will deliver a virtual experience of eight “home museums” and their private collections of unparalleled quality. More than 100 historical stories, captured in mini-films, will document and celebrate the memories and observations of revered Qatari elders.

The biennial design is family friendly with a food court and cafes serving traditional Qatari dishes, and a specially created children’s area with a movable cinema installation. Inspired by the traditional streets, villages and avenues of old Qatar, or ”Al Fergan”, the walls of the exhibition are shaped as arcs extending in some cases to 40m to accommodate the many thousands of pieces.

HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the QM, says: “By raising awareness of such objects’ importance and instilling a love of preserving their historical, social and cultural worth, Mal Lawal perfectly encapsulates Qatar Museum’s strategy of focusing on art, creativity and heritage to honour the traditions of the past whilst embracing the future. “We are delighted with the level of interest that the exhibition achieved this year, particularly with the participation of collectors from the GCC, who have contributed enormously to this wonderful collection. I invite everyone to see the exhibition and enjoy the legacy of our past.”

The exhibition is part of QM’s series of programs and exhibitions, encouraging audiences to participate in the cultural development of Qatar.

GO: Visit Mal Lawal at the Doha Exhibition Centre, running until February 28. fact magazine

43

SOCIETY

#Sheraton #Doha #Media #Tour Members of the media and special guests were invited for a sneak peek around the Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, which re-opened after nine months of extensive renovations and restoration. An iconic landmark in Doha for more than 30 years, the hotel features extraordinary 1980’s architecture and design.

44

fact magazine

Love is in the air

fact magazine

45

Globetrotter

Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a return travel ticket to surprise your other half, right? We’re bringing you our favourite traditionallyromantic destinations as well as a few alternative choices for those couples, singletons and friends who want to create memories in new places…

01

1. Paris, France The king of all destinations for romance, there’s no place in the world that speaks love quite like Paris. The French capital is the perfect V-Day getaway with its pretty flower gardens, quaint cobbled streets and cosy street cafes. Steal a kiss from your loved one on top of the Eiffel Tower, take a stroll up Montmarte Hill to watch the sunset, or relax at one of the many snug brasseries to be found in all corners of the city. When you want a break from getting loved up, visit Notre Dame Cathedral one of the world’s most famous churches that is revered for its gothic architecture, and remember to go and give yourselves the complete seal of approval on the Bridge of Love.

2. Boracay Island, Philippines Imagine… powder-white beaches? Yes. That’s what you’ll find in Boracay. An absolute haven for couples who want to escape their everyday routine. Hop aboard a romantic paraw (an outrigger sailboat) and take a ride into the ocean where 46

fact magazine

02 03

colourful parasails fill the sky above.

Watch the perfect sunset as live music, firedancers and fun parties break out across resorts and beaches. The great thing about this destination is that 4 and 5-star hotels are still very affordable, and there’s so much to do for couples including a myriad of watersports, horseback riding, private picnics, dinner on the beach and so many more great activities to make the most of your time together.

3. Venice, Italy The city that’s built on water is a place of complete beauty and seduction. Its narrow entwining streets and beautiful buildings and bridges make walking through Venice simply captivating. Get close to your loved one on an intimate gondola ride, and if you can, head to the Bridge of Sighs, which passes over Rio di Palazzo. Local legend says that any two people who kiss on a gondola at sunset, under the bridge, will be granted eternal love. Enjoy the unspoiled artworks by famous Renaissance artists or take in the sights of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. Foodies

couples should head straight for Rialto Market where local tastes come alive!

4. Marrakech, Morocco Hold up in a traditional Riad-style hotel or boutique guesthouse in a place of sultry Arabic charm. Make your way to the heart of the city, the one spot where Marrakech is truly alive, Djemma el Fna Square. There’s belly dancers, snake charmers, storytellers, the sound of reedy music, and the smell of delicacies being prepared in open-air food stalls as the air carries a distinct aroma of kebabs, tagine, scampi, snails and other weird and wonderful delights. There’s so much for couples to see and do; walk through the vibrant, meandering souks and haggle for ornate goods; take a bike ride around the old city walls with its beautiful gates and architecture; picnic in Jardin El Harti, set within lush greenery and dotted with pretty fountains; or if you’re really up for a romantic adventure, take a trip to the High Atlas mountains or the breathtaking Cascade d’Ouzoud waterfalls, to spend quality time, in each other’s company.

Globetrotter

04

05

5. Kyoto, Japan Coincidentally, in Japan, February is also the month to celebrate chocolate as well as love, and Kyoto is considered the Chocolate Paradise as local bakeries, cafes, sweet shops and restaurants all provide delicious V-Day goodies. Kyoto is where the old ways of Japan are still alive. It has old wooden buildings, picturesque gardens, quiet temples, colourful shrines, and pretty geishas scurrying around. If you want to see something awe-inspiring, take the 25-minute journey onboard the Sagano Romantic Train which follows the course of the Hozu River through the idyllic canyon from Arashiyama to Kameoka.

There are also 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites here for couples to visit, including stunning temples, and shrines and castles that all embody appreciation for traditional Japanese culture.

6. Lausanne, Switzerland Candle-lit dinners, soothing spas and rose petal turndowns, the Swiss

05

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then.

People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon.

06

Riviera is simply the most passionate of places to spend a romantic break.

Lausanne, in particular, is located on the glittering shores of Lake Geneva in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Get ready to romance Swiss-style in this idyllic lakeside city with its beautiful restaurants, neat vineyards and tucked-away villages.

Hotels offer nothing short of pure relaxation with spas, treatments, pools and saunas to help couples forget about stresses and enjoy each other’s company.

The Michelin star Le Pont de Brent is recommended for superb food and equally stunning views. Architecture fans will appreciate a visit to the Lausanne Cathedral with its beautiful gothic design and wonder.

Fly with: Etihad Airways Qatar Airways Gulf Air Emirates Airlines British Airways GO: Contact your nearest travel agent or go online to browse more traditional romantic getaways. fact magazine

47

Globetrotter

1. Zagreb, Croatia Zagreb won’t be the first European city that pops to mind when you think of a romantic break, but if you and your other half, or if you’re single and travelling solo or with friends, this could very well be right up your street. Zagreb is very similar to the more popular cities of Budapest and Prague, but for those with alternative interests, Zagreb has the Museum of Broken Relationships up its sleeve. The museum has a simple concept. People who have recently left a relationship donate a sentimental item to the museum, with a short description of their break up story. The museum has collected hundreds of pieces and has received very positive media attention since its opening in 2010. With stories ranging from comical to heartbreaking, a museum tour can be a whirlwind of emotions and would provide a loved up couple a sure fire alternative for a romantic date.

2. Guangzhou, China While the main downtown districts of China’s third major city aren’t particularly romantic, you can appreciate your loved one in the city’s major wedding photography spot, Shamian Island. In Chinese tradition, wedding photos are taken before the actual wedding and presented as an album on the day. This beautiful and small island is where the majority of local nearly-weds take their snaps. The island has a selection of posh restaurants and cafes and would be perfect for a nice stroll. A visit to Xiaozhou Village will provide both a romantic and cultural experience, as you wander through the small winding paths and drop in and out of trinket shops. The village also has ancient ruins and historical buildings to enjoy. Xiaouzhou is still an active home for many local Chinese families, but some parts are a little rundown. Don’t be put off though, the village is certainly safe and this is simply a way of life.

3. Bruges, Belgium It’s common knowledge that chocolate is an aphrodisiac and the Belgians produce some the finest in the world. Bruges has the charms that most people look for in a European city, with architecture and museums galore. Choco Story, Bruges’ chocolate museum, couldn’t be any more central in the city and is great fun for 48

fact magazine

those looking for something a little quirkier.

Belgium is also famous for its traditional chips and mayonnaise dish, so maybe this time you can swap the romantic lavish dinner for good ol’ street grub? Bruges fits that perfect fairytale medieval town picture with its cobbled lanes, winding canals, market squares, historic churches and whitewashed almshouses; what’s not to love?

It might just become your favourite alternative romantic destination.

4. Baku, Azerbaijan If we’re talking about the tide changing then let us tell you this – there are few cities in the world that are changing as quickly and chaotically than Baku. It’s an amalgamation of cosmopolitan with shiny glass towers and flashy SUVs on the roads, mirrored by illuminated stone mansions and old Soviet apartments. So why go for a romantic getaway? Well, the real question is, why not? Baku is still scarcely touched by tourism so money-wise as well as when it comes to crowds, this would be the ideal time to visit. Couples can stroll through the fascinating UNESCOcertified Old City, hemmed in by an exotically cracked arc of fortress wall. Although Azerbaijan is an Islamic country, couples are often seen handholding and canoodling their way around the leafy parks and the Caspian-from bulvar (promenade).

5. Bellagio City, Lake Como Bellagio City is a dream location. It floats on clear waters at an intersection of the y-shaped Lake Como and is abundant with scenic views that could proudly stand as a strong fairy tale backdrop for any fantasy film. Its beautiful narrow streets, cute cafes and restaurants, and elegant shops, make this place ideal for escaping the strain and stresses of life at home.

For couples, singletons or groups who want to experience something completely different, this place, which deserves its reputation as a playground for the wealthy can bring you the feeling of ultimate serenity that is so difficult to come by in the GCC!

6. Zanzibar, Africa

Who would have thought that an archipelago area off Africa’s coast could be one of the most

Globetrotter

stunning and, still, quite untouched by tourism?

Enter Zanzibar. The influence in this country will transport you through ancient Persia, the caliphates and sultans of the Arab world, and the aromas of India. Many of the stone town’s alleyways are dotted with Arabic-style buildings with beautiful wooden doors whilst along the coast you’ll find every type of landscape – from the tide, the hills, mangroves, farm plots, and breathtaking white-sand coves. Zanzibar has all the makings of a genuine romantic destination, as

couples can spend lazy days on the beach, getting pampered, and enjoying sunset dinners. Overdevelopment in some areas of Zanzibar have made its allure ever more elusive, so it’s best to visit now whilst the magic of this place remains.

Fly with: Etihad Airways Qatar Airways Gulf Air Emirates Airlines GO: Contact your nearest travel agent or go online to browse more alternative romantic getaways.

fact magazine

49

SOCIETY

#Enchanted #Forest #Fashion #Show Lamya Abedin, known as the Queen of Spades, showcased her latest collection, dubbed the Enchanted Forest, at the closing show of Abbati, part of Dubai Shopping Festival.

The 75-piece signature collection took the audience on a fairytale ride with designs reminiscent of the Middle Ages, with hoods, tunics, surcoats and capes.

50

fact magazine

REVIEWS

Big Screen

From A to B

Highlights

Director: Ali F. Mostafa Cast: Fahad Albutairi, Shadi Alfons, Fadi Al-Rifai,

“ Now, Westerners won’t get all the chatter, but will definitely appreciate that the screenplay and writing strongly flirts with a number of subjects that are considered taboo in this region.”

Why it’s worth watching?

From A to B

What’s it about:

Young basketball hero Hady was killed five years earlier during air raids in Lebanon, a tragedy and trauma that his best friends can’t forget. The three estranged childhood pals (Omar, Ramy and DJ Yousef) set off on a four-day road trip from Abu Dhabi to Beirut, to visit Hady’s grave and work out their past.

En-route the three share stories and laughter that may just bring them closer – or drive them crazy.

We’re so excited to see a UAE-produced film make headlines at a number of film festivals worldwide – we’re certainly showing some adoration for British-Emirati director Ali Mostafa (he also gave us City of Life) If anything, From A to B presents familiarity. That is, the everyday culture of the GCC where what is classed as “other” is discreetly (or not so discreetly) seeped in local life. Though audiences will walk away with their own perceptions, what stands out for us is the jokes, the spicy language, the gender gags, and, especially, the two hot female tourists! All of this, while the high school buddies travel through the exotic and perilous deserts of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria. Now, Westerners won’t get all the chatter, but will definitely appreciate that the screenplay and writing strongly flirts with a number of subjects that are considered taboo in this region. Whereas, local audiences will connect to the film’s still safe and prudent plot lines. It is currently showing in a number of local cinemas. From A to B’s regional run is looking pretty rosy.

“ Well, the film nailed it when it comes to the main cinematic ingredients of a rom-com – two super attractive leads.”

Focus

Focus What’s it about: Seasoned con-man, Nicky Spurgeon, gets romantically-involved with a young woman, Jess Barrett, introducing her to the tricks of his trade. When she gets too close for comfort, he abruptly breaks things off.

Three years down the line, that former flame is now a smoking hot femme fatale, hell bent on throwing the conman off is A-game.

Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro Why it’s worth watching?

Will Smith and Margot Robbie? *swoon Well, the film nailed it when it comes to the main cinematic ingredients of a romcom – two super attractive leads. And if you’re not going to watch Focus because both of the main characters are easy on the eye, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the storyline is pretty entertaining too. We really didn’t expect to see either Will Smith or Margot Robbie in these roles, anytime soon (or ever), but, hey, he does look dapper in a suit, and she’s got a rockin’ bod. Add in some slick action and romance scenes and voila! You have a mediocre film that will pull in the big bucks simply because of its attractive cast.

fact magazine

51

SOCIETY

#Make #Up #For #Ever #at #DIFF As the official makeup partner for Dubai International Film Festival, Make Up For Ever, hosted several functions throughout the festival in the presence of Dany Sanz, the brand’s Founder and Artistic Director, including offering VIPs and celebrities their dazzling look on the red carpet and hosting an exclusive workshop for makeup artists and cinema industry leaders.

52

fact magazine

REVIEWS

on the record

Fully Booked

NON FICTION

If This Is A Woman: Inside Ravensbruck

By Sarah Helm

HIP-HOP/RAPPER ALTERNATIVE/ROCK

Smoke + Mirrors

By Imagine Dragons

It’s going to be pretty tough to follow

a debut album that made Imagine Dragons the biggest breakthrough band in early 2010, but the Las Vegas quartet is back with another musical offering. This sophmore release is a pretty special one; written and produced by the band, with help from Alex Da Kid in their self-built home studio. We’ve already heard the foot-stomping, hand-clapping I Bet My Life and the infectious Latin influence on Gold, and one thing’s for sure, the Dragons are changing it up a bit. Though there’s still that blend of modern rock energy, pop hooks and R&B-influenced production, the main momentum here is to push forward.

Some of the standout tracks include the forceful I’m So Sorry with its hard-rock riffs, and the gentle piano sound of Dream (we can’t help but melt at the sound of frontman Dan Reynolds soulful crooning).

You’ll have the ghostly-sounding The Fall on repeat, for sure. To simply put it, Smoke + Mirrors is a great effort from a band that doesn’t want to be pigeonholed.

Tetsuo & Youth

By Lupe Fiasco We’re going into this review as level-headed as possible – no huge expectations, no hate.

The album opens with Summer, you hear the sound of children playing over a string piece, and one thought comes to mind, ‘this is going to be some real deep stuff.’ Yes, Lupe Fiasco has a talent for making you feel like you’re on a journey, and his musical repertoire like you’re getting a whole movie, and in this case, we’re all in! Lupe’s making some brave moves on this one. For instance, the nine-minute-long Mural is a beautiful instrumental with Lupe’s voice kicking in four minutes into the song; then there’s the banjobanging Dots & Lines, a love song with some bounce; also worth playing on repeat is the pace-changing, hard-rocking No Scratches featuring Nikki Jean; and Delivery featuring Ty Dolla $ign, both are straight up Fiasco joints.

This is the Lupe you want to spend hours and hours listening to, getting sucked in and addicted to his wordplay, and commitment, to make complex music that is so easy to listen to. Thumbs up!

“This is the Lupe you want to spend hours and hours listening to, getting sucked in and addicted to his wordplay…”

For decades the story of Ravensbruck was hidden behind the Iron Curtain and today is still little known. It was on a spring morning in May 1939 when a company of 800 women from all walks of life – doctors, teachers, singers, housewives, politicians, prostitutes – were marched through woods, driven past lakes and herded through the giant gates of Ravensbruck, a concentration camp designed specifically for women by Heinrich Himmler, prime architect of the Nazi genocide. Using testimonies that back to the Cold War, and survivor interviews, Sarah Helm has infiltrated deep into the heart of this camp, one that makes for a riveting read.

FICTION

The Miniaturist

By Jessie Burton

Nella Oortman is 18-years-old, having justleft the country to go and begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt. It’s Autumn 1686 and Nella arrives at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. When Johannes appears he presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways.

Filled with heart-pounding suspense, love, betrayal, and an intoxicating plotline, this one’s for real fiction fans.

fact magazine

53

SOCIETY

#Yalla #Mini #Roadshow #Drive The small car with the big attitude took MINI fans in Qatar by storm during the ‘Yalla MINI’ test drive activation, at Qatar Sports Club. All attendees were invited to take various models of the MINI family for a spin and immerse themselves in the fun world of the iconic British brand via a dynamic driving event.

54

fact magazine

The VW Golf GTI

fact magazine

55

CITY RIDES

We take a drive in the 7th generation of Volkswagen’s iconic, and what many would call quintessential, hot hatch, to find out whether or not it lives up to its namesake.

Although one of the very earliest, the Golf GTI wasn’t the first hot hatch. However, it was the huge success of the Golf GTI that defined the genre, and forever turned the diminutive family hatchback into something that every teenager in Europe wanted to drive. Hatches became racing cars, touring cars, and rally cars, surprising everyone with their agile performance, largely thanks to their low weight, squat stance and short overhangs.

So, every new generation of the GTI has some enormously big shoes to fill to remain one of the genre defining models, especially in the face of some fierce 56

fact magazine

competition from the likes of Ford, Renault, and even Audi and Mercedes.

But that’s one thing about Volkswagen – you can count on it to deliver, especially with the GTI. This generation of the Golf was awarded World Car of the Year at the New York Auto Show, and the Golf GTI itself won 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year, and the 2015 Yahoo Motors Car of the Year.

It won all these awards because nothing else delivers the level of quality, comfort and practicality with a premium feel that the Golf does for this price.

From the outside it looks stylish, classy

CITY RIDES

and sporty, and inside it’s spacious, comfortable and well-appointed. The GTI takes all this, and elevates it to another level.

It takes a fully-optioned Golf, with leather seats, rear-parking camera, cruise control, excellent stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and more, and adds the extra spice of that GTI pedigree.

This means VW’s 220hp 350Nm turbocharged direct-injection TSI petrol engine which will hit 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 244 km/h. This engine is superb, delivering impressive amounts of acceleration at both low and high speeds, with a satisfying growl that epitomises that GTI spirit.

It also means VW’s excellent sixspeed automatic DSG gearbox, which works excellently in both normal and

sport modes, selecting gears with perfect accuracy, and keeping the revs high when you want to have some fun.

It can also, of course, be controlled manually via steering wheel-mounted paddles, and the shifts are smooth and lightning quick.

It means that agile Golf GTI handling, with an incredible amount of turn-in accuracy and balance, with surprisingly little understeer for a front-wheel drive car, and excessive

This generation of the Golf was awarded World Car of the Year at the New York Auto Show, and the Golf GTI itself won 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year, and the 2015 Yahoo Motors Car of the Year.

oversteer reigned in with its excellent stability control systems. And finally, it means GTI-exclusive badges, colours, alloy wheels and interior finish that all give subtle clues as to the car’s 38-year heritage.

There was simply nothing to criticise about this car. Everything about it worked perfectly, and it was extremely enjoyable to drive. Many would argue that the Golf R is better, but they’d be wrong. Yes, it’s faster, but it’s also heavier, more expensive, and uses more fuel, and it really doesn’t translate into more enjoyment.

I’ve compared the previous generation of both on a circuit in Bahrain, and the GTI felt more agile and nimble, and honestly, more fun to drive.

For me, it’s the GTI every time!

fact magazine

57

MOTORING NEWS

F e r r a r i FF T a i l o r M a d e C o l l e c ti o n Ferrari has presented five truly bespoke examples of the flagship FF, their four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 supercar exclusively made for the Gulf.

The five FFs on display in Florence represent the maximum expression of individual personalisation and epitomise a truly bespoke approach to automotive manufacture thanks to Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme.

The Tailor Made programme continues a longstanding Maranello tradition which began in the 1950s and 60s, a time when clients enjoyed huge freedom when it came to materials, colours and finish. The result was genuinely unique cars tailored to suit the desires of each individual owner.

Each of the five FF’s for the Gulf was designed with a specific, bespoke concept: that of gemstones

58

fact magazine

which represent the unique value and beauty of the Tailor Made programme.

The Perla Concept, the FF created specifically for Qatar, features a Pearl (Perla) theme, with its translucent, three-layer Tartan white paint scheme highlighted by elegant contrasting symmetric Helen blue stripes and anthracite wheel rims with diamond-cut spokes. Inside, the Sterling blue main leather trim is set off by Bianco Latte (milk white) leather with blue Microprestige fabric inserts to the seats and door panels. The boot is luxuriously trimmed in a combination of blue and white leather with the floor in blue-coloured carbon-fibre.

Other examples made for the Gulf include the Pietra di Luna (Moonstone) concept built for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Cristallo (Crystal) for

Bahrain, the Zaffiro (Sapphire) for the UAE, and the Topazio (Topaz) for Kuwait.

The Ferrari FF is the company’s most powerful four-seater ever, and also the company’s first ever four-wheel drive car. It features Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) which weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle).

Powered by a 660 hp mid-front-mounted V12, the FF boasts the performance figures of an extreme sports car, with the 0-100 km/h sprint covered in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h.

MOTORING NEWS

MINI Secures D a k a r R a l ly Win W it h Q a t a r i D r iv e r After covering more than 9,000 kilometres spanning Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah, with co-driver Frenchman Mathieu Baumel, won the world’s toughest rally, winning five of the 13 legs in their MINI ALL4 Racing.

“I promised last year when I was on the podium that I’d be back to win, and now I’m here,” said Al-Attiyah. “It was very hard to lead the race from the very beginning and to continue keeping this position on the long distance. I’m very happy about this great result and I want to thank and congratulate all mechanics and the team for the great job they have done during the two weeks.

The MINI ALL4 Racing is an incredible car and it was again very nice to drive.”

The “Dakar” entrants faced numerous unforeseeable challenges on the demanding route from Buenos Aires in Argentina via Iquique in Chile and Uyuni in Bolivia. From classic gravel

rallying in Argentina and winding mountain roads through the Andes at altitudes of up to 4,500 metres in Bolivia to the extremely dry and hot Atacama Desert in Chile with its towering dunes and fine sand, the “Dakar” tested both man and

World Premiere o f 9 1 1 Ta r g a 4 G T S & C ay e n n e T u r b o S

machine to their limits.

In order to shine the spotlight on the Nasser’s victory, his Red Bull team have created the hashtag #MabrookNasser, so be sure to send him your congratulations via social media!

The 911 Targa 4 GTS and Cayenne Turbo S are celebrating their world premieres at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

For the first time, the 911 Targa 4 GTS combines the successful GTS moniker with the classic targa concept. With a more powerful 430hp engine and standard Sport Chrono package, the model produces even more dynamic performance.

Showcasing a new engine charging concept with turbochargers integrated in the exhaust manifolds, the new Turbo S is the top model of the latest Cayenne generation. An increase of 20 hp from the previous model means that the new Cayenne Turbo produces a total of 570 hp. The car’s maximum torque, which has also increased by 50 Nm (36.8 ft lb) to 800 Nm (590 ft lb), enables superlative performance, combined with the new turbochargers, ensures even better responsiveness of the biturbo engine.

Both new models deliver maximum driving enjoyment due to their top levels of sportiness and are perfect examples of the sustained success of Porsche in producing cars.

fact magazine

59

SOCIETY

#Red #Bull #Rally #Dakar #2015 Qatar Rally Team’s Nasser Al Attiyah put in a fantastic performance at Rally Dakar 2015, being crowned champion in the Final Standings. For 2015, the world’s toughest race went back to its origins with the start and finish line in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as excursions into Bolivia and Chile too.

60

fact magazine

PLUGGED-IN

Camera 3 A new rival to the GoPro comes in the shape of… well, a cube.

The Polaroid Cube presents a quirky new take on the action camera craze spearheaded by the GoPro. Does it compete?

In a digital age where film cameras are almost completely obsolete, brands like Polaroid have had to adapt to survive. Polaroid’s USP in the past was cameras that produced instant hard copies of your pictures, but that was about it. The pictures weren’t that good, they were too small, and replacing the film was extortionately expensive.

So, what have they presented us with here? Well, immediate points go to them for form – the Polaroid Cube is instantly impressive with its shape and size. It’s tiny, at only 35mm on each side, and looks really funky in a variety of colours and the Polaroid rainbow stripe.

It records 1080p HD video, with a 124-degree wide-angle lens and a battery life of up to 90 minutes, or 32GB-worth of video, which is the maximum amount of Micro SD storage you can plug into it.

Like the GoPro, it comes with a wide variety of accessories, like waterproof casings, mounts and magnets.

However, it is still splash resistant without the casing, enough for watersports-type image capturing, but not scuba diving.

It should be noted that the only thing that comes with the camera is a magnet. You’ll have to buy any other mounts and the Micro SD car yourself, but that’s pretty much the case with a GoPro. So, does it compete with the GoPro? No, not really – it only records five-minute clips and video quality is no way near as good. It is, on the other hand, very compact, user-friendly and much, MUCH cheaper than the GoPro, so it’s really horses for courses.

Verdict: The Cube is for kicks, but the GoPro’s for the pros!

fact magazine

61

SOCIETY

#Clash #of #the #Titans #Aspire #Zone Thousands of spectators flocked to Aspire Zone over the Qatar National Day weekend for the second edition of Aspire Zone’s Qatar’s Strongest Man. 16 competitors in two categories battled it out over five grueling tasks which pushed the men’s physical and mental strength to the absolute limit.

62

fact magazine

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...

MONEY/DEALS

VALENTINE’S/LOVE

TRAVEL/FOOD

You can get loads of fantastic 2-for-1 deals straight on your phone by downloading The Entertainer’s free app and using your deals on the screen rather than a paper coupon. Explore the best that Qatar has to offer, as The Entertainer brings you unbeatable value with thousands of buy one get one free offers on everything from dining, leisure, wellness, entertainment and hotel accommodation, all available to redeem on-thego. Discover new restaurants, soothe your senses at the best spa in town, and treat the kids to a fun activity or attraction, and holiday more often for less, all with this free app.

If you want to show your other half some virtual love in the lead up to February 14, then this is the perfect app to do just that. Forget penning cards, writing long love letters, or sending the odd bouquet of flowers, what you need is the talking Heart app. Show your sweetheart just how much you care by whispering sweet nothings in the form of romantic voice messages. Talking Heart, which comes in a Boy and Girl version, adds an element of amusement as it records animated messages and allows you to send valentine greetings via email, Facebook or Youtube.

An app designed to simplify the travel experience of Muslims with a food spotting feature allowing users to share and rate Halal food across the world. HalalTrip, one of the world’s biggest online travel agents, now has a fantastic new app, making place discovery and trip planning for millions of travellers easier, fun and more intuitive than ever. The new app brings together two key essential travel resources for Muslims; Halal food discovery and prayer times. The app allows users to “spot” Halal food dishes while on their travels and upload images, comment and share via social media to millions across the world.

Entertainer Qatar (All smartphone platforms)

HalalTrip (Android & iOS)

Talking Heart Boy & Girl (iOS)

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!

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

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

Step 2 Want to share what you like? Click on the scissors and zoom in.

Step 3 A number of social networks will drop down.

Choose one and hit post.

fact magazine

63

Coming soon... ... to Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

CHEAP

OVER 65 LOOKS TO

THRILLS

LUX FOR LESS

MAKE YOU FEEL PHENOMENAL

YOUR STAR BUYS FOR SPRING CATWALK REPORT

GUCCI

Anja Rubik’s

FOR THE EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT WOMAN

MODEL STYLE

BEHIND

THE ANIMAL HEART NINA PERSSON

MEGAWATT FASHION

www.ohlala-magazine.com

OHLALA!

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

ISSUE 1

ABU DHABI AED20

Follow Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Ohlala-Magazine 64

fact magazine

1

SS 1 5 Fa s h i o n p rev i ew As another season rolls around, the fashion scene is changing once more with new trends hitting the malls soon. FACT has all the best designer looks straight from the world’s runways and, even better, we’re telling you how to steal the style by shopping at high street stores. Ladies and gents, pay attention to these Spring/Summer 2015 wardrobe musts...

fact magazine

65

Fashion focus

Burberry Prorsum

Ashish

Emilio Pucci

01

02

01

02

01

02

03

04

03

04

03

04

Colour Confection

Denim Delights

Flower Power

SUGARY STYLE

DURABLE DESIGNS

FABULOUS FLORAL

If there’s one trend making a mark for Spring/ Summer 2015, it’s the sugary sweet shades!

From pretty skirts and dresses, statement jewellery, sandals, accessories and even makeup choices, expect to see more of the soft pastel shades of powder blue, candy floss pink, minted green and lemon yellows making their way into your wardrobe. We love these bright yet sophisticated bursts of colour which are awesome for a pretty and polished style.

Denim is certainly making a comeback for the Spring/Summer season in 2015. More importantly, we’re seeing more and more head-to-toe denim looks, with a pair of jeans and denim shirt being one of the hottest looks to strut in. The great thing about denim is that you can put your own stamp on it with all-blue accessories and footwear too, plus it’s still known as “everyman’s favourite fabric” with some of the strongest stitch-work in fashion.

Whether it’s vivid floral prints or a soft touch of floral, allow flowery prints to take over your entire look this Spring/Summer season.

Pair flawy dresses with a funky floral bag, a chunky necklace and even some cool sunnies to complete the ultimate flower power style. We adore the oversized graphic bags, the thighskimming summery dresses, and especially all the pretty flower accessories that you can experiment with.

01. Topshop 02. H&M 03. NEW LOOK 04. New Look

01. bershka 02. CALL IT SPRING 03. TOPSHOP 04. Call it spring

01. NEW LOOK 02. RIVER ISLAND 03. MONSOON 04. Asos

66

fact magazine

Fashion focus

Marc Jacobs

House of Holland

Lacoste

01

02

01

02

01

02

03

04

03

04

03

04

Military Mayhem

Seventies Show

Assymetry Act

UTILITY CHIC

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

PATTERN PLAYS

When the utility look first came onto the scene, it was hard-hitting, edgy and a little intimidating. Now, the army-style has become a staple of the runways and in high street shops alike. This trend has completely dissected military uniforms to bring fashion-savvy ladies an explosion of patch pockets and eyelet detailing. For the season ahead, the humble parka and other khaki-coloured items are a good way to step up your military game.

The seventies are well and truly alive – at least on the catwalk and for the upcoming season.

The crotchet, the flares, the vibrant prints, the eye-popping accessories and the neon-bright makeup – it’s all about one big time warp with this look. The coolest thing about this retro style is that it can be pretty effortless and work well with items like a billowing boho dress, flared trousers, clashing prints and blinding gold, silver and bronze accessories.

Things are getting jazzy and going on the bend for Spring/Summer 2015 with asymmetric cuts and patterns. Spliced fabrics, bias cut forms, uneven hemlines, zig-zag patterns, and unexpected layers, all play a part in this trend. You can add a touch of this look to your everyday outfit with funky accessories or a killer pair of cutout heels. If you’re brave enough, go all-out with a dizzying tumble of fabrics, patterns and shapes.

01. ASOS 02. Debenhams 03. Debenhams 04. River Island

01. New look 02. Monsoon 03. H&M 04. bershka

01. RIVER ISLAND 02. New look 03. CALL IT SPRING 04. H&M fact magazine

67

Fashion focus

Christopher Shannon

Emporio Armani

Bottega Veneta

01

02

01

02

01

02

03

04

03

04

03

04

90’s Attitude

Statement Stripes

Cream of the Crop

TIME WARP

BLURRED LINES

FASHION ON TOP

Rewind twenty years and we’re in a decade when fashion was all about having fun.

Fluorescent colours, flashy accessories, baggy garms, light-up trainers, combat boots, oversized printed tees and sweatshirts, and of course, those comic slogans and side caps. The 90s really was a decade for forbidden fashion!

This no-brainer attitude of the 90s is bringing back a youthful spin this season, allowing all the men to get a little cheeky with their style.

Nothing beats a good, bold black, white or grey combo, especially when it plays with prints.

Stripes and Aztec-symmetry is holding its ground in the fashion world, appearing on a number of runways including Xander Zhou, E. Tautz and Emporio Armani to name but a few.

This look seems to help keep things sleek in our sometimes chaotic world, making it perfect for the day and for the evening. The trend can be nailed with just one simple striped shirt!

Although, usually, it’s the all-white look that never goes out of style, this upcoming season it’s the more humble shade of cream that graced the men’s runway. We always knew that cream was an understated colour, but it took just a few attention-grabbing designs (and models) to rock the look at fashion week, and boom! Cream is the new white, basically. This colour proves its staying power when a full headto-toe ensemble is carried off.

01. G-SHOCK 02. ASOS 03. ASOS 04. BERSHKA

01. bershka 02. ASOS 03. bershka 04. DEBENHAMS

01. MARKS & SPENCER 02. DEBENHAMS 03. ASOS 04. CALL IT SPRING

68

fact magazine

Fashion focus

DKNY

Etro

Fendi

01

02

01

02

01

02

03

04

03

04

03

04

Easy Breezy

Colour Combo

The Blues

COMFORT CLOTHING

BRIGHT EYES

SHADE IT UP

Taking the tailoring trend to a whole new (and much more casual) level, there were more than just roped shoulders and slim trousers on the Spring/Summer 2015 runways. This comfortable style is a welcomed change, especially for the guys who have trouble with the heat during the season ahead. Go out and get yourself a pair of extra roomy bottoms, a loose top and some cool shoes. You can literally flex this look any time, it’s as easy, breezy as that.

One colour kits and mixed colour ensembles were given pride of place on the Spring/ Summer 2015 runways. If you thought combining contrast colours was a big no, think again. We’re talking lime greens, sunny yellows, electric pinks, sky blues, vivid violets, and rosy reds, all in bright, bold shades, and all worn together in one look. The key to getting this right is simple; you need to deck yourself out crayola crayon style and don’t hold back.

Whether it’s double denim, a slick suit for the office, a pair of trendy jeans or a nice t-shirt, blue clothing and accessories are a must this season. This is a hue that comes in so many quality fabrics for a multitude of looks. Simply team your plain trousers with a well-fitted royal blue tee; throw on a navy blazer over a white shirt; or keep it low-key with some sky blue loafers, getting the blues on has never been easier. It’s all about experimenting with blue!

01. MARKS & SPENCER 02. Debenhams 03. River Island 04. mens at dune

01. MARKS & SPENCER 02. MARKS & SPENCER 03. bershka 04. debenhams

01. MARKS & SPENCER 02. BERSHKA 03. G-SHOCK 04. BERSHKA fact magazine

69

SOCIETY

#Fatema #Al #Fardan #Maiden #Collection #Launch Emirati Fashion designer, Fatema Al Fardan, recently burst onto the fashion scene with the launch of her maiden collection in Dubai. launching her first collection, the SS15, a special event was held at the artistic JamJar Warehouse in Al Quoz where media, bloggers and VIPs got together in a setting that brought to life Fatema’s cutting-edge world.

70

fact magazine

STYLE

Pretty Pink It’s all about the warmth of feminine tones this season as pink brings us harmonious fashion pairings. Envision soft coral and pastel tints against flushes of magenta and cerise, it’s time to get your pink on, ladies.

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

01. BHS 02. H&M 03. Accessorize 04. Dorothy Perkins 05. Call It Spring 06. BHS 07. Debenhams 08. Bershka 09. Call it spring fact magazine

71

SOCIETY

#Soul #Riders #Charity #Drive Members of the multinational motorbike group, Soul Riders, organised a charity drive at The Pearl-Qatar as part of the second Annual GCC Charity Bike Show. Proceeds from Soul Riders’ fundraising campaign will be donated to Qatar Charity programmes, which are also supported by both The Pearl-Qatar and United Development Company.

72

fact magazine

STYLE

The Outsider this isn’t a story of an outcast, but more an adventurous, cultured personality Built around worn, laundered pieces, where a clash of prints, colours and textures is encouraged to form an adventurous style.

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

01. River Island 02. Bershka 03. Topman 04. Bershka 05. Debenhams 06. Debenhams 07. Asos 08. True religion 09. Bershka fact magazine

73

beauty

Touch of beauty For all you beauty queens out there…

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

Get Party Ready

Love Therapy We totally heart the Sephora’s ‘Love Box’, which is a box full of passionate declaration of love.

To make this collection both romantic and fun, Sephora has chosen the addictive Blue Lilac fragrance, and introduced a bubble bath and shower gel, along with a perfume to complete the gift box. Use the stickers to write a personalized love message on the shower gel bottle. We loved the word ‘Love’ suspended inside the fragrance bottle. Love is in the air this February.

Singles, who are heading to a glitterati party this valentine, must try the Bourjois Smoky Story Palette, which is available in six shades. Pick your dress, choose the palette that matches your outfit and be rest assured for perfect smoky eyes. In addition to three harmonious eye shadow shades, comes the Light Touch, an integrated transparent top coat; containing coordinated glitter, giving the smoky a little shine. All set to gleam and glow!

Bourjois Smoky Story Palette

Sephora – Made with Love

Perfectly Rosy

Chic it up!

The Modern Romance

Revive skin’s rosy radiance with Estée Lauder’s new Nutritious Rosy Prism ritual, which includes Radiant Essence and Radiant Gel Emulsion. The Rosy Prism Radiant Gel Emulsion infuses skin with nutrient-rich hydration and keeps skin hydrated all day. Breaking with a watery touch on application, it treats skin to a fresh and light sensation, leaving skin with a smooth, healthy radiance.

Do the happy dance with Essie’s Winter collection and the ‘jump in my jumpsuit’ is our favourite. The jubilant juicy red is sure to kick up the heat of your look, this valentine.

Doll up with a beautiful red dress, add some makeup and finally swipe the Essie polish on and you’re good to go! With six colours in the collection, the shades are lovely!

Jo Malone introduces the ‘Struck of Love’; the gift of Red Roses on Valentine’s Day. It is the essence of modern romance, captured in a blend inspired by seven of the world’s most exquisite roses, with crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon. The tasting notes of the cologne are; Lemon, Scarlet Velvet Rose and Honeycomb. Cool part is that the master engraver can inscribe a personal message on it too!

Estée Lauder Nutritious Rosy Prism

Essie Winter 2014 collection

Jo Malone Red Roses –Struck by Love

74

fact magazine

BEAUTY

Resh u M alh o t r a Tal k s B eau t y Valentine’s Day is upon us so all you ladies looking for a romantic makeup look, pay attention! Our resident beauty expert has a V-day makeup look ideal for the perfect date or a girls’ night out. It’s time to get dolled up with your monthly beauty fix…

a layer of mascara. Product recommended: NARS eye shadow kit in Alhambra and Make Up For Ever smoky lash Mascara.

Cheeks Dust your cheeks with a pink colour blush and use a highlighter just on top of your cheekbones for definition.

Romantic & Subtle This is for a more soft, romantic and flirtatious look with pink lips, soft brown smoky eyes, rosy cheeks, a touch of mascara, and soft wavy hair.

Face Moisturise your face, well, before starting your makeup. Use a primer before applying your base. For skin that looks fresh and radiant, wear as little base as you can get away with just enough to cover up any blemishes or even out your skin tone. Cover this up with translucent powder.

Eyes Use a primer on your eyes before applying any shadow.

Opt for a champagne-coloured eye shadow all over the lids, adding lighter, shimmery eye shadow just under your brow bone. Line your inner rims, top and bottom, with brown eyeliner, making the line as thin as possible. Wear

Product recommended: NARS “orgasm” blush and MAC “soft & gentle” highlighter.

Lipstick Wear pink or peach lipstick and do not forget to moisturise with a hydrating and softly-tinted lip balm. Use matching lip liner with your lipstick. Product recommended: NARS Audacious lipstick in Natalie or Schiap

Contouring Apply bronzer to the top of your forehead, right below your cheekbones, and lightly underneath the jawbone. This will warm up and will make your face look defined, thinner and more symmetrical.

Product recommended: NARS Bronzer in Laguna.

Keep up with Reshu, a UAE- based make up artist and beauty blogger on www.reshumalhotra.com fact magazine

75

SOCIETY

#Hwang #Goes #Bento #For #Lunch Hwang Pan Asian restaurant, located at InterContinental Doha The City, is now open for lunch Sunday through Thursday from 12noon to 3pm offering a special bento box menu starting at just QR75. Members of the media and selected guests were invited to try and learn more about the new Bento Box lunch menu.

76

fact magazine

“Salt is the key to a good meal. You may have the best fish in the world, but if you don’t know the proper ‘feel’ to its measurements then it won’t make it a good one.”

Il Teatro: Authentic Italian Cooking Il Teatro is known for its elegant atmosphere and delectable cuisine. The FACT team went to meet the venue’s new Italian chef, Marco Arlotti, for a sneak peek into the restaurant’s wonderful kitchen… fact magazine

77

CHEF’S TABLE

Open for lunch and dinner, Il Teatro is a must, it also has an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and a private dining room. Delight your palate with fresh pastas, seasoned sauces and succulent meats.

Homemade ice cream provides the perfect finish.

C

hef Marco Arlotti welcomes the Fact team with a big smile. His delicate approach in the kitchen and friendly demeanor makes it comfortable to start our tour into his working space. With only three months in dusty Qatar, Chef Marco has settled in quite well at the Four Seasons Hotel as the new Chef De Cuisine in the Italian restaurant, Il Teatro. At 33, Chef Marco has built up incredible experience from working in Milan, making him superb at what he does.

78

fact magazine

As we all sit down to start our culinary journey with his tasty dishes, Chef Marco jokes and chats of his early experiences with professional and master chef, Sergio Mei: “He wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” Chef Marco recalls.

“He was an incredible teacher and I had the privilege to work several years with him. Whatever you asked him was, surprisingly, the correct answer!”

We were ready to tuck into our first dish, an antipasto: Capesante Scottate con frutto della passione, a delicious starter that will give your palate a sweet

and sour, acid taste, all in one spoonful.

We’re intrigued to know more about the changes or additions Chef Marco will make to Il Teatro’s menu. “I want to balance among the different range of dishes and in their ingredients,” he says. “I’ve introduced 90 per cent of the present menu, I’ve changed their recipes and added new ones.”

Next up was a wonderful Risotto. Fact highly recommends this exquisite Italian dish which was full of flavour and left us happily full. So, what makes chef Marco’s cuisine so unique from other Italian chefs and restaurants?

“Salt is the key to a good meal,” he admits. “You may have the best fish in the world, but if you don’t know the proper ‘feel’ to its measurements then it won’t make it a good one. You have it in you, or you don’t.”

To explain further, he shared some culinary insight into his cooking methods. “My trick is to take salt and

Work with salt, pepper, extra virgin oil, and herbs. It comes down to those simple things

mix it with dry herbs,” Chef Marco says.

“Use different types of salt for every dish.”

Chatting with Chef Marco revealed not only his chef side but also his vibrant personality, and his passion for good ingredients and Italian cuisine. “What makes the difference in a dish? It’s in the details, the feeling that you give,” he

says. “Work with salt, pepper, extra virgin oil, and herbs. It comes down to those simple things.”

Last, but not least we had the tantalising Sea Bass with vegetables; a fresh fish cooked tenderly with delicious veggies on the side – one word: yum!

Il Teatro, under Chef Marco’s supervision and creative outlook will, no doubt, fast-become a foodie favourite for Italian cuisine in Doha. The food is authentic and super tasty, made with 80 per cent of ingredients exported straight from the cuisine’s homeland. Foodies, there’s no need to travel to Italy, not when Chef Marco and Il Teatro can serve up hearty Italian fare, right here in Doha.

GO: Visit Il Teatro at the Four Seasons Hotel. Call 4494 8888 for reservations and more information.

Menu Capesante Scottate con frutto della passione Stew Veal Ossobuco with Saffron Risotto Roasted Sea Bass, Garden Vegetables and Saffron Sauce

fact magazine

79

SOCIETY

#Luncheon #Gathering Oyster, The Pearl-Qatar hosted a delicious luncheon gathering this past month welcoming media management and staff, and later proceeded to a wonderful gift award.

80

fact magazine

Italian Delights at La Piazza •

If you’re into Italian cuisine and love arabesque décor, La Piazza is the perfect place to savour delicious food in a traditional setting. FACT’s Sofia Graniello went along to see what makes this venue special…

fact magazine

81

VENUE REVIEW

“If you’re a pizza lover, La Piazza has fourteen pizzas to choose from! Go for the Pepperoni, Margherita, Pizza Chicken, or the Four Seasons, each one has is own yummy taste.”

L

ocated in Al Bidda Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif, La Piazza is an affordable restaurant serving up some seriously good food. The venue takes pride in delivering fresh ingredients and homemade dishes to your table. With magnificent Arabian interiors including a stained-glass atrium in the courtyard and a fabulous central water feature, there’s a luxurious vibe and elegant atmosphere.

We had no doubts that this restaurant was going to give us some yummy dishes to try.

The restaurant has not only one chef, but two! Oscar Bagattini, Italian chef is the master in the kitchen, whilst Tunisian chef Fitouri Ramzi is the pizza maestro! Both chefs work handin-hand to deliver tantalising and pizza and pasta dishes to name but a few of the menu options.

La Piazza opened its doors after renovation in September 2014 and with a new look came a new menu. Now for those of you working foodies that are tight on time (or budget), the restaurant will be introducing a Business Lunch Menu this month at an unbeatable rate, yet to be revealed. The lunch will include a mix of pizza, pasta, and meat and seafood dishes served up through starter, main course, pizza, and dessert.

82

fact magazine

VENUE REVIEW

So, my Doha peeps, stay tuned for this upcoming menu.

Fact recommends as a starter the Fresh Mixed Salad with Bresaola, an exquisite pairing of green leaves and beef; the perfect dish to start a proper Italian journey-cuisine. However, if you’re a seafood fanatic, go for the Seafood Salad. A delicious mixture of octopus, cherry tomatoes, prawns, mozzarella, avocado and more – so

yummy! For a proper main course, go for the Roasted Lamb Loin, delicious meat with potato pie and pink pepper sauce – truly a meat-lovers feast. If pizza is your kryptonite, La Piazza has 14 mighty pizzas to choose from! Go for the Pepperoni, Margherita, Pizza Chicken, or the Four Seasons to get a real taste of the restaurant’s foodie offerings. Last, but not least, we highly recommend the Chocolate Lava Cake.

The perfect dolce to end your Italian adventure at La Piazza, it’s, literally,

heaven on a plate. Not only is the food at La Piazza scrumptious, the service is beyond friendly, the waiters are charismatic and will do everything they can to understand and meet every diner’s foodie needs. Visit today and enjoy La Piazza’s amazing food and relaxing atmosphere for yourself.

GO: La Piazza is open Sunday to Saturday, 7am to 11:30am for breakfast; and 11:30am to 11pm for lunch and dinner. Call 4433 6666 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

83

CHEF’S INTERVIEW

l e Vesuvio at its Best FACT caught up with the newbie in town, Chef Ferdinando Casafina, as he takes us behind the scenes at Italian restaurant, le Vesuvio, in Katara Cultural Village…

I

talian Chef and new kid on the block (with only two months in Qatar!) Ferdinando Casafina, lets the FACT team into his world at le Vesuvio, Italian restaurant, at Katara Cultural Village. He greets us with a smile and we are kindly served a lemon-mint drink. We settle in and soon dive into the delicious world of a true Italian chef. With ten years of professional experience gained in London, as well as working at La Provincia restaurant in Beirut and Cappana Nuova in Dubai, we are, for sure, looking forward to his yummy recipes that he’ll be preparing as the new Chef de Cuisine at le Vesuvio. In such a short period of time, Chef Ferdinando has been able to upgrade and satisfy le Vesuvio clients with a new and tantalising menu (to be launched very soon).

The venue’s business menu will take a refreshing change introducing a delicious pasta dish with

broccoli, turkey ham and other fab goodies. The daily specials menu will also be shaken up with some exquisite new dishes. He tells us some of the diners’ favourite ingredients and dishes: “Arabic, for sure; lamb, chicken, meat. And a lot of cream!” But when asking about his favourite cooking style, he simply replies: “My cooking style is simple. I love to cook with extra virgin oil, a lot of vegetables, beans, lentil and legume… and not too much cream.” We ask Chef Ferdinando how he likes Doha so far: “So far, so good,” he smiles. “However, Italy is very missed. I’m from Bari, where fresh fish and seafood are a must.” We couldn’t help but nod with hunger. After so much chatting and listening to his ideas for le Vesuvio, we couldn’t resist trying a couple of dishes the chef prepares.

We started off with a Secondo Piatto Costolette di Agnello - pan-fried lamb chops with potato gratin, and retinal jus with baby asparagus. This meat was succulent and was perfectly complemented by the potato and asparagus – delicious. Next, we were served a mouth-watering dessert - Panna Cotta - a traditional Italian specialty. Yum! It’s spot on that, at le Vesuvio, cuisine basics are freshly prepared using authentic Italian ingredients to provide a true Italian taste. We highly recommend you all go and try le Vesuvio’s fabulous new menu - the dishes served are definitely stepping up to the foodie plate.

We’ll be back very soon!

GO: Visit Le Vesuvio at Building 20, Katara Cultural Village, West Bay. Call 4408 1500 for reservations and more information.

84

fact magazine

fact magazine

85

86

fact magazine

CUCINA DE BADIR My Second Cucina De Badir for 2015, I had the pleasure to team up with Spanish native and personal friend - Chef Monica Sanchez, at the amazing La Spiga by Paper Moon Restaurant in W Doha‌

fact magazine

87

Cucina de badir

“ The restaurant provides a dining experience of authentic Italian cuisine where vibrant design and a sophisticated scene set the tone...”

W

ell known for its amazing Italian food, as well as a chic and relaxing ambience, La Spiga by Paper Moon in W Doha has captured the heart of many foodies. The restaurant provides a dining experience of authentic Italian cuisine where vibrant design and a sophisticated scene set the tone for an extraordinary food frenzy. Renowned for creating popular haunts for global trendsetters in Milan, New York and Istanbul, Paper Moon has brought its vision to W Doha for all you

88

fact magazine

food fans. Being huge fans of Italian fare, the FACT team went along to cook up some delicious treats with Chef Monica Sanchez.

Jacket on and ready to do this thing, our first dish will be a delightful appetiser – one that is a bestseller for the restaurant; Tortino di Melanzane alla Parmigiana (Layered Eggplant with Tomato Sauce, Mozarella and Basil). The making of this dish is quite simple even though the dish itself is packed full of flavour and different components.

The ingredients you need are; round eggplant, mozzarella cheese, grana padano cheese, tomato sauce, basil and salt. We peel, in stripes, the eggplant and cut into round moulds, sprinkling each with salt (let these rest for two hours). Coat each eggplant in flour and fry in sunflower oil. We’ve cubed the mozzarella and grated the grana padano cheese, and move onto building the parmigiana by layering the eggplant slice, tomato sauce, mozzarella, sliced basil, topped with the grana padano. We then repeat this for a second layer and complete with a slice of eggplant on top. These are

Cucina de badir

then popped into the oven at 180 degrees for nine minutes (yes, a delicious appetiser in less than 10 minutes!). For plating, we warm the remaining tomato sauce, place the eggplant , spoon the tomato sauce on the side and garnish with basil sprig – voila! A beautiful and tasty appetiser.

For dish number two we’re making the lip-smacking Tagliatelle Bolognese, which is traditionally cooked using beef, however, Chef Monica likes to play with new and out-of-the-box ideas, so we’ll be cooking this dish with chicken. We make our pasta from scratch - it’s a super meticulous process, hats-off to the cooks who have the skill to do this! Chef Monica shows me the basics of how to get going and soon I’m cooking the tagliatelle in plenty of

salted water. We then heat a little oil in a skillet and add the Bolognese sauce which, aside from chicken, has celery, white onion, carrots, rosemary, thyme, tomato paste, tuscan extra virgin oil, red vino, and salt and pepper (this is also made from scratch in the La Spiga kitchen!). Add the tagliatelle to the sauce with a little of the cooking water and stir delicately to let the flavours blend.

We garnish the ‘first-course’ dish with grana padano cheese, ready to tuck in. The taste is beyond incredible!

We finish the cooking session with a dessert that has become the staple of any good Italian restaurant – tiramisu (yummy!). In a serving bowl we put 50g of mascarpone cream (also made in-house), then soak three pieces of biscuit in espresso and

arrange them inside the bowl, followed by a covering with the remaining mascarpone cream. This is stored in the refrigerator overnight and dusted with enough cocoa powder and garnished with chocolate decoration, before serving. Of course, there was one all ready for us! This dessert was like foodie heaven with every flavourpacked spoonful!

Overall, I picked up some fantastic culinary skills from Chef Monica, but also, can reassure all of you that cooking at La Spiga

by Paper Moon is serious business. They don’t cut corners here; the ingredients are fresh, the menu hearty, and the service excellent. Until next time…

GO: Visit La Spiga by Paper Moon at W Doha. Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

89

FOODIE CORNER

GO! ABU DHABI

A Foodie Feast If you live to eat, then this will be right up your street! The inaugural Abu Dhabi Food Festival takes place from February 5 to 21, with a huge roster of local dining venues, global culinary brands, and famous faces from the world of food showing off their creative kitchen talents through hundreds of delicious dishes…

Kicking off the fare-filled extravaganza will be the region’s first Street Feast, with a line of caravans, including international and local food trucks, serving up excellent world cuisines, to foodies across the capital.

Ten international traders will be coming all the way from the UK, especially for this event. They’ll be joined by numerous Emirati street food vendors, who will be representing the best of this exciting new food movement, serving a diverse range of dishes that reflect Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan nature.

Among the vendors from the UK will be ATE Street Food, rolling into town with Apollo, their lovely vintage Citroen H Van, and a truckload of flavor! They specialise in slow-cooked meat, and their mini brioche sliders are a must-eat.

Then there’s Pizza Pilgrims, brothers Thom and James Elliot, who went to Naples to learn the art of pizza-making, only to return and achieve the street food dream of bricks and mortar, and, also successfully open two restaurants in London. The duo’s cooking is heavilyinspired by the classic Neapolitan pizza and we love it!

For cheese-enthusiasts, it’s all about the bright yellow Cheese Truck - a 1973 Bedford CF van – whose sole purpose is making the most incredible and oozing 90

fact magazine

grilled cheese sandwiches. If you want to savour something a little meatier, The Roadery will cater with British ‘Head to tail’ food from the hatch of a beautiful 1979 Renault Estafette van. Tuck into creative cuts of forgotten meats like low and slow cooked beef cheek Braco’s (British taco) and try a Halloumi Braco with Earl grey panna cotta for dessert.

The Donostia Social Club is another vendor serving up food that is inspired by the Basque Country, out of a modified Citroen H Van, fully kitted out and set up as a proper mobile tapas bar. Go along, pull up a stool and perch on the bar to savour some of the best examples of authentic Basque food.

S treet F east on A b u D habi C orniche will also attem p t to set a new world record by creatin g the world ’ s lon g est shawarma .

T he c u rrent record is set at 4 2 . 6 metres . . .

FOODIE CORNER

Alongside these, there’s Indians Next Door offering lamb raan curries in a naan wrap; Churros Bros, bringing freshly cooked, to order traditional Spanish Churros served with Valor hot chocolate; Big Apple Hot Dogs, a champion of the street food movement, responsible for first bringing serious quality, tasty hot dogs to Old Street in East London; Arabica Southern Fried Chicken, with renowned chef James Walters offering a fusion dish based on Southern Buttermilk fried chicken, twisted with flavours of the Middle East; and Yogusensi with its freshly squeezed fruit bar.

Emirati vans will include SALT, the

UAE’s first burger truck; Jones the Grocer, with its popular local and international menu; and Desert Chill, for all the ice cream lovers out there.

The Street Feast weekends make up three courses of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival, which will also incorporate the annual Gourmet Abu Dhabi event, running from February 11 to 20, and the new addition dubbed Emirati Kitchen, being held from February 5 to 7.

As well as the mouthwatering fare, entertainment will come from visiting international chefs, sharing their culinary skills, alongside a live music stage featuring contemporary and traditional Emirati artists. Street Feast on Abu Dhabi Corniche will also attempt to set a new world record by creating the world’s longest shawarma. The current record is set at 42.6 metres, but Fatafeat chef, Andrew Mitchell, plans to smash that by creating a shawarma 100-metres-long with the help of 300 volunteers. We can’t wait to see that!

GO: Street Feast will run over three successive weekends and take place in Madinat Zayed on February 5 to 7; at Al Mubazzarah Park, Al Ain from February 12 to 14;, and along the Abu Dhabi Corniche from February 19 to 21. Visit www.abudhabifoodfest.ae for more information on the festival. fact magazine

91

92

fact magazine

Doha Bites

Oriental

The Rio

Revelling at

Seafood Night

Carnival

Radisson Blu

Get spoilt at Choices in Oryx Rotana every Wednesday at the delightful Oriental Seafood night. Indulge in traditional Middle Eastern style seafood in a perfect family ambience. There is nothing like having a dinner buffet with grilled local f ish, whole baked f ish, seafood sayadiyah, and so much more to tantalise your tastebuds, all for a cool QR260 per person (food only). Try the premium package for QR375 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, and selected digestives and aperitifs. Revel in this scrumptious meal for a perfect evening!

Spend your February 13 enjoying all the restaurants at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, as it celebrates the Brazilian festival – The Rio Carnival. Kick off the Carnival week with a Marching Band parade for The Carnival themed Brunch at Crossroads Kitchen, priced at QR225 including soft beverages and QR275 including selected beverages, from 12noon onwards. Enjoy the samba flair amidst sizzling meats on skewers at Ipanema, where the live band Brazuqa will provide lively entertainment, priced at QR320, from 6.30pm onwards. Join the Brazilian AfterParty at Glo featuring resident DJs spinning the best of Latin beats from 5pm onwards.

It’s going to be a Brazilian bonanaza!

Three of the best comics, Pierre Hollins, Ian Moore and Paul Thorne, present over two hours of club stand-up, direct from The Comedy Store in London, on February 9 and 10. Tickets are priced at QR140 including one sponsored beverage. On February 19, Ruby Wu’s Chinese restaurant promises to be an exciting start to the Lunar Chinese New Year, which happens to be the year of the goat. You’ll be able to enjoy three special set menus and guests will get a lucky lai see packet to ensure a stream of good luck in the coming year.

•

GO: Choices Oriental Seafood Night takes place every Wednesday at Oryx Rotana. Call 4402 3333 for more information.

•

•

GO: Both the comedy show and the dining deal take place at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha. Call 44281555 for more information.

GO: The Rio Carnival takes place of February 13 at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha. Call 4419 6100 for more information.

fact magazine

93

94

fact magazine

Doha Delights

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Contact No: +974 4484 8000

The Ritz-Carlton Spa – Choco Coco Heaven Immerse yourselves in the heavenly luxurious signature body treatment, with the exclusive signature chocolate themed body treatment featuring Choco Body polish, followed by Chocolate Fondue Body wrap finishing your sweet journey with 30 minutes massage. The 100-minute treatment is priced at QR600.

Daily Themed Delights

•

Every night at The Square, InterContinental Doha The City, is a celebration with a different themed buffet! Choose from an exciting array of international dishes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Take a trip to the Mediterranean on Monday nights with authentic Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Moroccan, French and Greek dishes. Enjoy the best of Asia every Tuesday evening with Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian favourites and dive into locally-sourced seafood every Wednesday night. Each evening features live cooking stations preparing dishes a la minute and a divine dessert selection. Experience the theme nights daily from 6pm onwards, priced at QR180 excluding beverages.

O: Daily themed nights take place at the InterContinental Doha The City. Call 4018 8888 for more information.

Friday Brunch at The Lagoon Bring all the family for a relaxing weekend brunch. Live music complements the delicious buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children have their own junior buffet and entertainment as well. Friday Brunch takes place at The Lagoon, every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm. Priced at QR260 per person including soft beverages, QR340 per person including bubbly, or QR395 for a full brunch experience. Kids under the age of four can dine for free. QR130 for kids aged 4 to 12-years-old.

Romance Under The Stars This February 14, experience an outdoor ambiance with your loved once while enjoying the romantic setup and soothing sound of the violin. Served at The Lagoon, enjoy the threecourse set-menu, from 7pm to 10.30pm for QR500 per couple.

Dine and Dance Cruise the night full of romance overlooking the magnificent city skyline starting with an aperitif at Level 23 from 7pm to 8pm with piano accompaniment and continue with a fivecourse dinner with optional vino pairing. Sophisticated dancing atmosphere performed by a Jazz Duo will complement the magical evening at La Mer restaurant. QR470 per person or QR750 with vino pairing.

Nights Out...

Cigar Night @ Habanos Enjoy 25% savings on all cigar selections as you relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere at this beautiful venue. Every Friday from 5pm to 12.45pm.

Chill Out Fridays @ Admiral’s Lower Floor Enjoy your Friday evenings at the most beautiful outdoor terrace in Doha with the breathtaking view of the Marina. From 5pm to 1am.

Happy Hour @ Habanos Get one complimentary drink every time you purchase one of the selected items. Daily from 5pm to 8pm.

fact magazine

95

96

fact magazine

Doha Delights

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

Sharq Village & Spa Contact No: +974 4425 6666

Family

Friday Brunch

•

The Grand Heritage Doha’s family Friday brunch is perfect for both parents and children. Enjoy a variety of International dishes at a market-style buffet with your choice of grilled meat or seafood, prepared at the live cooking stations. Let your little ones spend time at the kids’ play area, with activities like bouncy castles and mascot appearance. Live music at the Blue Terrace will add the much needed fun element to the brunch. Priced at QR220 per person, this brunch is a must-try; a scrumptious, wholesome experience for a family who wish to spend a leisurely weekend noon together.

GO: Family Friday Brunch takes place at The Grand Heritage Doha. Call 4445 5555 for more information.

Rejuvenate You Escape to a relaxing retreat in the heart of downtown of Doha with exceptional hotel packages featuring distinctive getaways with an impeccable experience. Whether you are searching for weekend getaways or an extended reprieve, our magnificent packages allow you to enjoy a luxurious stay in our incomparable guest rooms. Valid through December 31, 2015, a two-night minimum stay is required, starting at QR1650 per night. The package includes: Overnight Accommodation in Deluxe Resort View Room; lunch for two in Al Liwan Restaurant (once per stay); 60-minute spa treatment; choice of stretching class or body pump for two (once per stay).

Friday and Saturday Brunch Unwind with friends and family on the weekend and tuck into a luxurious buffet featuring fresh seafood, Middle Eastern favorites and international classics. There’s live music to accompany your indulgent time and add to the social atmosphere. A children’s buffet is also available, with supervised activities to keep little ones entertained. Every Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm at Al Liwan. Priced at QR250 with soft drinks or QR390 including house beverages.

Children below 12-years-old dine complimentary.

Six Senses Spa Treat yourself and your loved one to an indulgent 30-minute chocolate and brown sugar body scrub followed by a 50-minute full body massage, using soothing Rose oil. Complimentary cocktails will complete this relaxing 80-minute experience, priced at QR1400.

Nights Out… Afternoon tea@ Al Jalsa Treat your sweet love to an afternoon tea with love-filled cakes and goodies, and your choice of brews from around the world. The homemade chocolates and cookies are available for take away too. February 14 from 2.30pm to 5pm, QR135 per person.

Salsa Candela @ Cigar Lounge Lively Latin sounds set the scene in The Cigar Lounge. Entrance fee includes a welcome drink.

February 14 from 8pm to midnight, QR85 per person.

Sushi Mania @ Al Dana Tantalise your taste buds with these bite-sized morsels of culinary perfection. Enjoy fresh selections of Sushi, Maki and Sashimi from the Sushi counter. Monday and Wednesday from 6.30pm to 11pm, all for QR185 per person.

fact magazine

97

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Healthy Diet Tips Chef Stefano Tansini, Executive Sous Chef Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

A Healthier You • When making dietary changes, ‘Start small’, says Chef Stefano; Set a few realistic goals, in the long run, you will have better self-esteem and more selfconfidence because you will actually stick with them.

• Don’t skip breakfast! Skipping breakfast gives you the munchies later on and slows your metabolism down. Chef Stefano advices starting the day with yogurt and fruit of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk.

• Don’t skip any meals or snacks, Try not to let more than five hours go by without eating. Waiting too long can zap energy, and can lead to overeating later. Eat a healthy snack between lunch and dinner, maybe right before leaving work, so you will be less likely to grab snack foods once you get home.

• Keep frozen veggies in the fridge.

They are easy, quick and rich in nutrients. Take them to work for a quick lunch and heat it in the microwave. Season with black pepper, herbs and lemon juice.

• Bring healthy snacks to work, such as pretzels, fruit and yogurt. So you won’t find yourself at the vending machine every afternoon.

• When fixing a salad, sprinkle rolled oats or crunchy whole-grain cereal for added fibre, to 98

fact magazine

help keep you full for longer.

• Fix pasta dishes with veggies and lean protein (like tiny shrimp, tuna canned in water, pre-cooked chicken breast, or soy crumbles).

• Adding protein and veggies to pasta allows you to cut back the amount of pasta (which is high in carbohydrates) while still keeping you full.

• hand-select a variety of fruits instead of buying one large bag of the same fruit. Mixing up a few different types of apples, one pear, and one banana will keep you from getting bored.

Fit For Life

dancers have! Thalassa Sea & Spa provides a wonderful opportunity for students wishing to explore the world of dance, in a fun, energetic and creative environment.

• Buy pre-cut fruits and vegetables, so you can grab them when you are hungry.

Clean Eating For The Body • Drink fewer sodas and other sweetened drinks, like iced tea. A big bottle of a juice-based drink can contain 300 calories, and those calories add up. Drink water instead, or mix juice and water, so you are not drinking something so heavily loaded with sugar.

• Aim to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

•daily 30 minutes of activity! It doesn’t have to be all at once. If it takes 10 minutes to walk from your work, get off at the next furthest stop so you get a few more minutes walking. And walk it briskly - you can lose some weight, improve your cardiovascular system and sleep better.

• Detoxifying wrap; the treatment will help your body and mind process and eliminate some of the harmful toxins you collect due to a demanding lifestyle. Application of a consisting of focus algae and essential oils, especially designed for an immediate sauna effect.

• Dancing can be a great form of exercise, depending on what type of dancing you are doing and for how long. It burns calories and can strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Just look at the great bodies most

• Thalassa Sea & Spa Breaks! Spa Breaks include free access to the wellness area, Indoor Seawater and infinity heated pools, steam room and sauna during the half/ full day of treatments.

BUSINESS lunch by

The finest business lunch in Doha The new Executive Chef of Kempinski Vinon Yergu, has revamped the popular business lunch menu with creative, healthy and fresh options.

Savour creative culinary creations such as the Chilled Vanilla & Orange Soup, the Vegetable Moussaka and finish off with the sweet indulgence of the Lemongrass Crème Brûlée.

Saturday to Thursday, 12pm-3pm, QAR 95 per person

fact magazine

99

100 fact magazine