THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR
FACT M.E. - QATAR EDITION
FASHION. ART. CULTURE. TECHNOLOGY JULY/AUGUST 2012
VOL 2, ISSUE 3 QR10
BD1
Live in Qatar!
The spectacular Cirque Du Soleil show comes to Qatar for the very first time, and we bring you an exclusive interview with a clown... (p.22)
JULY/AUGUST 2012
The Summer Survival Guide FACT’s guide to making the summer months in Qatar as bearable as possible... (p.16)
ISSUE 15
PLUS june qatar Cover.indd 1
The Chef’s Table At the St. Regis, Doha... (p.58) 7/4/12 3:12 PM
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THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR
FACT M.E. - QATAR EDITION
FASHION. ART. CULTURE. TECHNOLOGY JULY/AUGUST 2012
VOL 2, ISSUE 3 QR10
6 Olympic Girl Power
BD1
Live in Qatar!
The spectacular Cirque Du Soleil show comes to Qatar for the very first time, and we bring you an exclusive interview with a clown... (p.22) JULY/AUGUST 2012
The Summer Survival Guide FACT’s guide to making the summer months in Qatar as bearable as possible...
For the first time in the country’s history, Qatar is sending female athletes to the London 2012 Olympics!
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NOTEWORTHY
10 Ramadan Round-up
Your guide to the best Iftars and Suhoors that Doha has to offer...
(p.16)
16 The Summer
ISSUE 15
Survival Guide
PLUS
The Chef’s Table At the St. Regis, Doha... (p.58) 7/4/12 3:12 PM
FACT Magazine M.E. Qatar Edition July/August 2012 Volume 2 Issue 4
Published by FACT M.E. Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Bahrain Chairman Mubarak Bin Rashed Al Khalifa Editor-in-Chief Tony Sidgwick (editor@factlive.com) Editor Katy Gillett Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Regional Sales Manager Laura Alvarez Designer Rashed Bindaina Distribution & Office Manager Hayley Elaine Fashion Consultant Laura Bale Photography Contributors George Mathews Rashed Bindaina Distributed in Qatar by Dar Al Sharq
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As the weather warms up, we bring you our guide to things to do to take the edge off of the blistering heat...
22 The Cirque Du Soleil! The world’s most famous circus comes to Qatar for the first time with their show, Saltimbanco!
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ARTS
28 The Dark Knight Rises We preview the last of the latest Batman trilogy, and it is good...
32 Summer Cooling Tech
A selection of our favourite gadgets for chilling out this summer!
TECHNOLOGY
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36 The 2012 Nissan Patrol Ali Driver reviews Nissan’s new flagship SUV, and it is beastly...
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 1721 6099 E-mail: laura@factlive.com 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.
CULTURE
44 Fashion from Saraya
We take a look at the hot new fashion label to hit Qatar recently, featuring women’s wear with a Middle Eastern twist...
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FASHION
THE INDEX
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FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to Doha… WELL hello ladies and gents, and welcome to the biggest and best issue of FACT Qatar yet and, coincidentally, the first ever issue I’ve worked on! That’s right - I’m the newbie in town, and not just on the FACT team, but to Doha as well. Now if there’s one thing I’ve learnt since I arrived (just over two weeks ago), it’s that everyone here is honest – from my colleagues to the interviewees right through to everyone else I meet on a daily basis. So, I thought I would repay in honesty and admit that when I first decided to make the move from the UK to Qatar I was pretty apprehensive… The main thing I was concerned about was not actually about safety or getting lost, but more about having a good social life. I should probably tell you that I grew up and lived in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain for 24 years (so not actually such a newbie to the Gulf then!) and throughout most of my childhood we were forced to be somewhat imaginative when it came to entertainment. So when I heard from people I knew who claimed to know
Qatar that there wasn’t much to do, I started to worry. So, the day to leave comes, and just over 12 hours later I arrive at my hotel to meet my new colleagues. They warmly welcome me and immediately ask if I fancy going out for drinks and paella at a nearby hotel. The next day I found Katara, and then Souq Waqif, and just like that, my fears vanished. Now all I have to worry about is coming in from 50 plus degrees heat to meet a bunch of new people while looking like I just went swimming in my clothes with an expression on my face that says: ‘If I hear one more car horn I might just rip out my gear stick and beat you with it!” But enough about me, because being the usual self-sacrificing people that we at FACT are, we’ve decided to create the FACT Summer Survival Guide to make this season that little bit easier for you. From indoor activities to advice for fasting in the heat, from tips on cool motoring and even technology to help you stay chilled, we’re pretty confident this is going to be your best summer yet! Katy Gillett Editor katy@factlive.com
My favourite story this issue Saltimbanco! p.22-25 There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation with this one! It was, without a doubt, the Cirque Du Soleil show! We’ve all got our tickets, and can’t wait to catch the performance...
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News from the
FACT Penthouse
This month we welcome a new member to the team, Editor Katy Gillett, who right now can be found out and about getting to know Qatar and its lovely residents, so if you see her, say hello! We’re absolutely wild with excitement about the Cirque Du Soleil show taking place this month, and we’ve all got our tickets! See you there... This month we bring you our Summer Survival Guide, giving you the means to take the edge off of the blistering heat in the coming months, so read, and enjoy!
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Saltimbanco - Cirque Du Soleil @ Aspire Zone (see p.22) Saltimbanco - Cirque Du Soleil @ Aspire Zone (see p.22) Saltimbanco - Cirque Du Soleil @ Aspire Zone (see p.22) Saltimbanco - Cirque Du Soleil @ Aspire Zone (see p.22)
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It’s official. After 28 years of sending male-only squads to the Olympic Games, Qatar finally has some female representation. And it’s not just one woman heading to London this summer, but four!
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19 First day of Ramadan (see p.10) THUR
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27 London 2012 Olympics begins! (see opp.) FRI
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Olympic Girl Power KNOWLEDGE...
unner Noor Al-Malki, swimmer Nada Arkaji, shooter Bahia Al Hamad and table tennis player Aya Majdi will be the first batch of Qatari women to ever represent their country in the Olympics. “It reflects the development of sport in Qatar,” says Hassan Al Mohammadi, Head of Media at the Qatar Olympics Committee. “I think it’s an indication of our achievements in sport, especially for women. Now the number of women athletes in Doha is increasing.” Bahia, a 19-year-old student, said in one interview: “It’s an accomplishment for every Qatari woman. I hope I can live up to their expectations.” She has won several regional competitions but reportedly missed out actually qualifying for London 2012 by just half a point. When she found out she was able to go anyway she said it was like a dream come true. Seventeen-year-old Noor was given a wild card to participate by the International Olympics Committee and is also ecstatic about the competition. She has said she will not only be a representative of her home country but also an ambassador of her religion in London as she will run in a headscarf and with her arms and legs covered, as well as carry on fasting during Ramadan as long as she is deemed fit and healthy to do so. Nada, also 17, will compete in the 50 metres freestyle and hopes this first step for women at the
Olympics will lead to many more Qatari girls getting involved. “It means a lot, especially to other girls,” she told a Doha-based news network. “Because I’m the first Olympic swimmer, maybe that would encourage other girls as well, especially my age – or even younger – to have more opportunities to take up any sport.” Speaking about Aya, Qatar women’s table tennis team manager Nada Al Amri was quoted as saying: “This is an historic moment for women’s table tennis… She’s the best woman paddler the country has ever produced.” Hassan says sports are a major part of Qatar’s Vision 2030, alongside education and society. The Qatar Olympics Committee has rolled out numerous initiatives such as the Schools Olympic Programme and various planned summer activities. “There are many advantages,” Hassan explains. “Always sports are important for our lifestyle as they have a positive effect on our health, society and economy.” Qatar has also made its new bid for the 2024 Olympics official after receiving the news that they lost out for the 2020 event. “We bid twice and we didn’t qualify to be a candidate but this was a lesson for us,” says Hassan. “We will carry on bidding until we get one. For us it is not if, it is win!” GO: The London 2012 Olympics take place from 27 July to 12 August.
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QUOTE OF
THE MONTH
“The GCC is home to about 44 percent of the world desalination capacity.” Quoted from a United Nations Environmental Programme report,
commenting on the increasing strain on water resources in the region.
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NOTEWORTHY
THE SCOPE
LOVE IT ! Human Rights get a boost
SO OBVIOUS!
Kids are crazy drivers, study shows…
Well, it’s official people! An intensive field study, conducted by the Social Rehabilitation Centre and the Traffic Department, has identified reasons for reckless stunt driving in Qatar. It concluded that risky driving tends to begin at age 12 and is particularly popular among young unmarried Qatari men who want to, as one local paper put it, “Show off their driving skills to celebrate an occasion, as a means to fight boredom and to satisfy their urge for adventure.” Following this it has been recommended that young people should spend their time more constructively and parents should not allow kids to drive under age. And they needed an intensive field study to reach this conclusion?
Qatar Goes All E.T.
A Qatar-led team expects to find two new alien planets before the end of this year. The team previously found Qatar-1b, a gas giant 20 per cent bigger than Jupiter, in 2010. Dr Khalid Al Subai, leader of the Qatar exoplanet survey, said Qatar is considered to be the only country truly researching this area. They are in the process of applying for funding from the Qatar National Research Fund to start up a new observation station in Iran or India and enable them to pay for three young Qatari graduates to join the team as they study their PhDs.
CAN’T BELIEVE IT
Following international outcries against labourers’ rights abuses in Qatar, the National Human Rights Committee in Doha has launched its annual awareness campaign on ‘Human Rights Principles and the Labour Force’. At the launch brochures were handed out, lectures given and by-laws reviewed by prominent legislators. In particular, new rules being implemented on Ras Laffan Industrial City workers concerning vacations, hours of work, financial rights, and health and residence insurance were discussed. We only hope discussions form something more than just lip service.
HATE IT! Tony’s Question of the Month:
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Are you ready for the summer heat?
ell, here we go ladies and gents. It’s finally upon us. Whereas in Europe the winter spells months of misery and hardship, in the Middle East it’s the other way around. Summer is definitely here! An early heat wave in May, which saw temperatures soar into the 50s, gave us some warning of what’s in store, but that was just a few days. If you’re an expat who arrived in the region for the first time at any point since last October, then you have no idea what you are in for. “But I’ve seen some pretty hot weather since I got here!” I hear you say? No. You haven’t.
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High 40s to low 50s, day in, day out is what’s in store for the next two to three months. Power cuts kick in as the massive drain of a whole nation of air conditioners running on full power overload the national electricity grid. The air conditioners of cars across the country break down as the increased usage drains the gas coolant at a faster rate. You’ll never know fear until you’re stuck in heavy traffic on a mid-July lunchtime, and the AC suddenly starts blowing out hot air. It happened to me once. I arrived at my meeting looking like I’d just driven through a car wash with the windows open! I’m not exaggerating.
Even my trousers were soaking. A simple walk from the car park to the office will leave you dripping with sweat from the heat and humidity. The constant transfer between blistering heat outside and cold air on damp skin inside leads to the rise of the dreaded ‘summer cold’, more common in this region than the winter cold! Lucky for you then, that you’ve picked up this special FACT Summer Survival Guide! We’ve dedicated the whole issue to helping make these blistering months as comfortable as possible for you, from indoor activities to tips for summer motoring and even technology to help you stay chilled!
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THE DOHA MINUTE
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“I have met so many nice people since the opening and everyone is so happy that Trader Vic’s is here!” Ever since one of our favourite bar and restaurants opened up in Doha, the FACT team have been dying to check out the new Trader Vic’s. Luckily, whilst there, we bumped into Manager John Allan who came straight from the original branch in California and asked him what he thinks of his new home. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING IN QATAR?
Four months. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN QATAR?
The people! I have met so many nice people since the opening and everyone is so happy that Trader Vic’s is here! AND LEAST?
The heat! (Oh wow, he has no idea what he’s in for! -Ed) WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF AND RELAX?
Haven’t had much time to do either so far, but reading a book helps. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW.
I am actually from Kenya, East Africa.
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FACT’s
Ramadan Round-Up
A time of spiritual reflection and contemplation, Ramadan is also a festive time, where families and friends gather in the evenings to break their fasts and spend time together. However, you don’t have to be a Muslim to enjoy the many feasts going on around Doha during the Holy Month. For people looking to experience traditional Arab culture, you won’t find a better time than Ramadan!
La Cigale Hotel
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St. Regis
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xclusivity is exactly what you can expect from Iftar and Suhoor dining in the Grand Ballroom. Sit in the regular seating area or in a private cabana where you will enjoy personalised service by an exclusive butler, a selection of hot and cold mezze on arrival, and your own TV. The buffet will feature five food stations with international and
local options. Iftar will run until 7.30pm for QR250 per person inclusive of drinks and from 9pm to 2am, go for Suhoor where you will find a dessert fountain and live entertainment by the Nahawand band. There is even a dedicated outer tent for kids with an exclusive buffet and special activities. Call 4446 0105.
Grand Heritage
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ou have two options at the family-friendly Grand Heritage – gather a few loved ones together for an intimate feast at Flavours restaurant, or round up everyone you know and rent out their ballroom. Either way you will choose from an extensive buffet of traditional or modern international and
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Arabic dishes. At Flavours pay QAR180 per person including beverages, and if you come with a party of five or more, one person gets a complimentary meal. Plus, enjoy a half-price discount for 6 – 12 year olds, while under-fives dine free. There is also a Suhoor a la carte menu on offer. Call 4445 5555.
here is plenty going on at La Cigale this Ramadan, as each of their dining options offers something a bit different. First off, you have the notable La Cigale Ramadan tent with its extravagant buffet, flavoursome shishas and traditional Arabic entertainment for QR250 per person from 9pm – 2am. At Le Cigalon tuck in to a wide-ranging Iftar buffet for QR200 per person until 1am. Or, head out to the Shisha Garden, where for QR80 minimum you can relax with an A/C system to Oriental music, while sampling the delights of a live cooking barbeque station. Call 4428 8709/10, 4428 8698, or 4428 8702 respectively.
The RitzCarlton
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xperience majesty for Iftar (QR180 per person) and Suhoor (QR220 per person) at the Al Wosail ballroom tent in the Ritz-Carlton. Under authentic Arabian décor in the ballroom or one of the VIP Majilis, you will have a dedicated Shisha Butler. There will be live Oriental music, henna artists and roaming Arabic and Turkish coffee butlers. The foyer buffet will have eight live cooking stations and 45 different regional cuisines, as well as international favourites. Then, at the bar, sample one of beverage manager Colin McCusker’s Ramadan juice creations while trying to decide on one of the traditional desserts. Call 4484 8000.
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Hilton Doha
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f you are looking for a truly traditional Ramadan feast then look no further than Mawasem at the Hilton Doha. Break your fast in this bright and lively restaurant for QR200 per person at the Iftar buffet, which will be served daily from sunset until 10.30pm. On offer will be classic Ramadan favourites from ouzi and shawarmas to Jallab and Qamar El Din, and will cater to all Arabian tastes. The Zawaya lounge bar will also be open and serving its regular snacks menu from 7pm – 2am. Call 4423 3333.
Four Seasons
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he team at the Four Seasons has decided to bring a taste of Morocco to Doha this year in the form of a magical, mystical indoor Al Mirqab tent. With Moorish jewel-toned décor, live music and a Ramadan spread that is bound to get anyone’s mouth watering, this is a mustvisit. If you prefer a la carte you can head to the tranquil ambience of the Seasons Tea Lounge, which offers light meals with a range of Oriental desserts and beverages until 1am. Or, if you want shisha and food by the water’s edge, the Pool Grill will be open from 8pm – 11.30pm. Call 4494 8888.
InterContinental Doha The City
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or a more contemporary take on Iftar at one of the highest points in Doha head to Strata, where from 6pm for QR250 per person you can enjoy both Arabic and international flavours. Elsewhere, at The Square, there will be an Iftar buffet with regional options alongside Asian dishes
and healthy choices, as well as an a la carte menu on offer from 9pm for QR180 per head. For those of you with a sweet tooth, head to Criollo chocolatier where they will serve Arabic desserts, special handmade chocolate trays and a range of teas to the sounds of an oud player from 8pm. Call 4015 8888.
The Torch
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ead out to one of the most exclusive spots in Doha for a unique taste of The Torch team’s Iftar and Suhoor buffet, prepared by multiskilled chefs at the Flying Carpet restaurant. The Iftar buffet will run from sunset until 8pm for QR230 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices, and the Suhoor buffet will be on from 11pm – 2am at QR180 per person including juice. Moreover, for the non-fasters among us, a snack menu will be available in Three Sixty in the mornings and late afternoon until 7pm. Call 4446 5600.
Sharq Village and Spa
Renaissance Doha City Center
t Sharq Village’s Al Dasha Ballroom a tent will feature regular and private majlis seating, an extensive buffet with live cooking stations and carvery, flavoured shishas and live entertainment for QR250 per person. You also have the options of feasting on Iftar spreads at Al Liwan (QR215 per person including drinks) and Parisa (QR220 per person excluding drinks). If you don’t fancy an entire meal you can always head to Shisha Diwan at Al Qareb for shisha and a drink at QR125, or Sweet Moments where for QR95 you get tea or coffee and a sweet buffet that is bound to make you drool. Call 4425 6666.
he Renaissance Ramadan Tent in the Grand Ballroom will be welcoming feasters of any age for both Iftar and Suhoor daily. In this indigenously decorated tent the Iftar buffet will run from 6.30pm – 8pm, and offer plenty of popular Arabic dishes, interactive cooking stations, a selection of shishas, Ramadan juices and traditional music from the region for QR190 per person. Then, later on from 9pm – 2am, continue the celebrations long into the night with another extensive buffet, shisha, live music, juices and all the rest of the toppings for QR210 per person. Call 4419 6100.
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W Hotel Doha
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t the stylish W this year they have The Sultan’s Tent with shisha service, live cooking stations, an extensive Arabian-style buffet and entertainment from a Lebanese band. The Iftar service will run until 8pm for QAR195 per person (kids under six eat free; 50 per cent discount for under-12s), while Suhoor dining will run from 9pm – 2am at QAR260 per person. Market by Jean-Georges will be open all day, every day and offer an Express Lunch from noon – 4pm. Moreover, Wahm will have an Arabic a la carte menu with signature shishas on offer and live entertainment from 9pm – 2am. Call 4453 5000.
Intercontinental Doha
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ake your way to one of the liveliest hotels on the island if you want to break your fast amid a bustling and entertaining atmosphere. From sunset until 7.30pm at the Coral restaurant, you can feast on a wide array of mouthwatering specialities, juices and desserts with unique Oriental flavours. Then, from 9pm – 2am you can tuck in to yet another sumptuous buffet spread that will keep you busy all night. Call 4484 4444.
PAUL Bakery & Restaurant
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his globally renowned bakery and restaurant will be offering an Iftar set menu this Ramadan with a choice of one of two soups and two salads as well as a beef, chicken or fish main course. For the sugar fiends there will also be some additional special Ramadan sweet treats on offer. All dishes and flavor combos are new to PAUL so customers and fans are certainly in for something special. For non-fasters you’ll also be glad to know that they will remain open throughout the holy month from 9am for take-away. Call 4413 5508 (Villaggio Mall), 4486 0776 (Landmark Mall).
The Diplomatic Club
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l Sayyad, a popular Middle Eastern eating spot for expats and locals alike, will be putting on a very traditional Ramadan experience this year. They will have an Arabian themed tent where you can enjoy in comfort a fine Iftar buffet for QR160 per head and an a la carte Suhoor, alongside live classical Arabic music and stunning views over the Arabian Gulf. Call 4484 7420.
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LaCigale - Ramadan Ad 2012 - Fact Qatar - 19.4 cm x 27.3 cm
Culinary artistry on display
Savour every moment at La Cigale As the last rays of light disappear on another day this Ramadan, sophisticated Iftar and Souhour in an elegant ambiance await you at La Cigale. Come together with family, friends and colleagues to experience the finest homemade delicacies and unique creations of our master chefs throughout the Holy Month.
Tel: +974 4428 8888, Fax: +974 4428 8000 E-mail: Info@lacigalehotel.com www.lacigalehotel.com
Partnered by:
Exclusive Sponsor:
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CULTURE
p.16: The Summer Survival Guide
GETTING UNDER QATAR’S SKIN THIS MONTH
THE
FACT R E M SUvM ival guide Sur
all. Thanks to the blistering heat Summer in the Gulf is no fun at people tend to flee the country, and oppressive humidity, many y ose of us left behind tend to sta and things can get a bit quiet. Th ver, we Ho om and malaise can set in. indoors, and a sense of bored that way! Read on for FACT’s it doesn’t necessarily have to be s a bit more bearable… nth guide to making the summer mo
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The
FACT SUMMER Survival guide
Take ion… a Staycattim e off
Summer in the Gulf is no fun at all. Thanks to the blistering heat and oppressive humidity, many people tend to flee the country, and things can get a bit quiet. Those of us left behind tend to stay indoors, and a sense of boredom and malaise can set in. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way! Read on for FACT’s guide to making the summer months a bit more bearable…
The Ritz-Carlton
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f you haven’t got the go or just aren’t planning to n the r, me sum s anywhere thi of Doha’s why not check-in to one ni break, mi y ntr cou finest for an inseasonal as there are some fantastic deals to enjoy?
The St. Regis
What? Until 31 August you can
book a sea-view room or suite and get breakfast and complimentary internet. The choice of benefits in this deal include lunch or dinner in Opal by Gordon Ramsay, Vine or Oyster Bay; a 45-minute customised massage in the spa; a late 6pm check-out; or an Iftar feast in the hotel’s Ramadan tent.
How much? Rates start at QR1,245 per night for a superior room based on single occupancy.
Why? Luxury and opulence with that true holiday feel is what you can expect at The St. Regis Doha. Need we say any more? BONUS: Throughout the
same time period, guests booking an Empire Suite or Presidential Suite can get one complimentary cabana for the day, which can accommodate up to eight people. There are ten exclusive pool-side cabanas with a living room, garden, private Jacuzzi and butler service.
Call 4446 0000. 16
What? The Ritz-Carlton is
offering a variety of packages this summer specifically designed to hide you from the heat. First up we have Summer Fun, which is a family-friendly package offering Ritz-Kids’ gift bags. Then, Gourmet Retreat includes a dinner for two at Porcini. Romantic Journey treats you and your loved one to one massage and one facial at their state-of-the-art spa. Finally, Suite Dreams offers a spacious suite with separate living and sleeping rooms for two nights with complimentary daily breakfast and one dinner for two. On top of all that, each package offers late check-out and 20 per cent value on eating and drinking.
How much? Summer Fun is QR1,100 with a 50 per
cent discount on the second night or room, Gourmet Retreat and Romantic Journey cost QR1,100 per night while Suite Dreams will be QR2,350 per night.
Why? You will immerse yourself in luxury at its finest. Plus, until Ramadan, there are plenty of other promotions available on food and drink, as well as spa treats to be had. BONUS: The hotel has
launched their Give Back campaign for Ramadan, which means you definitely don’t have to feel guilty about relaxing as you can join them in donating food to workers in industrial areas and charities. The Red Crescent will also be around to accept any goodwill from guests throughout the Holy Month.
Call 4484 8000.
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Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
What? Promotional opening and summer deals
are available at the Musheireb and Arumaila Boutique Hotel until 19 August. Musheireb is akin to a majlisstyle retreat offering a selection of 14 rooms – ten deluxe and four suites – and has a family-friendly Middle Eastern restaurant Al Mataam. While, alternatively, Arumaila retains that traditional Arab hospitality with a dash of contemporary living. Here there are 19 rooms, two of which are suites, and finedining restaurants such as Al Canteen and Al MatbakhRooftop Grill.
How much? Rates start from QR500 per night. Why? It’s the perfect opportunity to be
reacquainted and fall in love with true Qatari hospitality. You can relax in a sublime and tranquil setting while still right at the heart of lively Souq Waqif.
Call 4433 6663.
The Torch Doha
What? You have two options at The Torch this
summer. Family First offers a stay in the hotel’s deluxe interconnecting rooms for up to four guests and includes a buffet breakfast. Then you have The Torch Rise which gives you the chance to stay overnight in their modern deluxe room and enjoy a buffet breakfast or a private check-in to a Junior Suite with complimentary wi-fi, mini fridge amenities and late check-out.
How much? The Family First deal is for two rooms, up to four guests for QR1,300 per night. For a modern deluxe room prices start at QR750 and for the Junior Suite just add a supplement of QR299.
Why? It’s modern, it’s unique and it offers a 360 degree panoramic view over Doha. With top of the line sporting and recreational facilities, as well as world-class dining options, it’s a pretty safe bet you’re going to have a good time. Call 4446 5600.
InterContinental Doha The City
What? There are some serious upsides to booking a room
here throughout the summer, such as kids under 12 can stay and eat for free, the Very Important Kids Club card will be presented on arrival and you receive QR300 (QR400 for next category grade) worth of vouchers valid for Prime, Nai and The Square restaurants, as well as for Criollo Chocolatier. Plus, a late check-out is available.
How much? To book a deluxe room throughout the summer prices start from QR699. The cost for deluxe two-bedroom residence suites starts at QR1,599.
Why? It’s modern, chic and upmarket, as well as centrally located with fantastic Doha skyline views. Not to mention it also has six great restaurants and two lounge bars, one of which is the highest in the city!
BONUS: If you dine at the hotel before Ramadan you can receive 50 per cent of your bill back in vouchers for Iftar dining during the Holy Month.
Call 4015 8888.
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Do it … for the Kidse the
I
hav t’s a pretty big shock to to be ng nti wa and kids at home months entertained 24/7 for two m out the get to e straight so it’s nic e up with and about. We have com … some ideas for you
Crèche at The St. Regis
What? The St. Regis Doha
offers their little guests plenty to do while mum and dad enjoy the spa or just relax by the pool. For example the crèche offers 260 square metres of indoor space which houses a napping room, activity room with an arts and crafts corner, giant Legos, face painting, electronic games – to name a few. Any child aged three to 12 is invited to play every day from 12pm to 8pm.
How much? You can come along if you’re a guest at the hotel and spend an hourly fee of QR100 per child. Call 4446 0000.
Splash about at the Oryx
What? If you’re going to get
them out you might as well let them cool off and splash about. The Oryx Rotana’s Summer Camp is for the youngest crowd and is all about learning to be happy and comfortable in the water. There are four batches of swimming sessions this summer starting on 8 and 22 of July, and 5 and 19 August from Sunday to Thursday for 10 days each time.
How much? QR500 for members, QR650 for nonmembers. Call 4402 3333.
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The Oryx Rotana’s Summer Camp is for the youngest crowd, and is all about learning to be happy and comfortable in the water.
Footie and front crawl at the Ritz
What? Every Saturday at 4pm,
Coach Ousama trains the little ones from age six and above in the art of football. He teaches them all about teamwork and how to have fun while being healthy. Then, every Friday from 4pm – 5pm, any kid aged four to seven years old is welcome to the Ritz-Carlton pool for a swimming clinic with qualified instructors.
How much? Free for spa members and QR50 per class for non-members. Call 4484 8173.
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Have Some Me-Time…
Bliss Spa
Summer Saray
Call 4453 5555.
Get discounts on beauty and slimming treatments for men and women this summer at W Hotel’s Bliss Spa. exclusively for the ladies every Tuesday during Ramadan, the spa will open from 8pm until midnight with a two-hour ‘Blissampler’ that includes a mini facial, massage, and a mani-pedi.
W
hen it’s 50 plus degrees outside and you’re sick of being frazzled, flustered only thing and downright damp the pampering. of bit a for in go to do is mer deals There are some great sum e. alik ies lad and s lad for the
The Saray Spa at Renaissance Doha City Center uses Dead Sea properties in all its Middle Easternstyle treatments and products. This summer we recommend you try out the Age Defying Body Rehydrator, which uses various fragrances to gently exfoliate the skin before a deep massage using body lotion that is loaded with anti-ageing properties.
Call 4419 6090.
Recharge at eforea
The eforea spa at Hilton is a global brand and the Doha branch is the first of its kind in the Middle East. For summer the 600-square metre contemporary spa is offering the essentials journey and the escape journey, alongside the men’s journey which invites you to test the eforea Signature Three-Part Recharging Massage.
Call 4423 3333.
Unwind in Style
Simple Rejuvenation
At the Diplomatic Club this summer members and nonmembers alike can benefit from their book-five-and-get-onefree offer on therapeutic, Swedish or aromatherapy massages. If you’re not already a member but want to be, then you might want to think about their limited one- and three-month membership deals and enjoy access to the private beach, swimming pool and all leisure facilities. On top of all that, from 1 July to 18 August adults and kids can get great rates on pool and beach admissions for QR100 and QR50 on weekdays, or QR125 and QR70 on weekends.
Call 4484 7450.
This summer the Ritz-Carlton Spa is offering the ‘July Revival’ and ‘August Splash’ which promise great savings when you buy one spa service or massage. The splash comes in when you head to the pool for just QR120 on weekdays or QR200 on weekends. The men will also be glad to know that every Tuesday is Gentlemen’s Spa Day where you can receive 25 per cent savings on all Spa for Him services!
Call 4484 8173.
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ARTS
KEEPING QATAR’S EYES, EARS AND MINDS IN SHAPE
THIS MONTH YOU MUST... READ
Stonemouth by Iain Banks
The hilarious new novel from the Scottish author. (see p.27)
p.22: Cirque Du Soleil p.26: Choice Tunes p.28: On Screen
Saltimbanco!
FACT brings you coverage of the spectacular Cirque Du Soleil show, plus an interview with one of the clowns... (see p.22)
HEAR
20 by Pearl Jam
The rockumentary soundtrack... (see p.26)
WATCH
The Dark Knight Rises The final instalment of the latest Batman trilogy, featuring the man who broke the Bat! (see p.28)
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Cirque Du Soleil Comes to Qatar How many of us have ever dreamt of running away to join the circus? Breathtaking acrobatics, colourful costumes, magic and mystery – and no circus in the world has more of all this than the Cirque Du Soleil, which brings its show to Qatar for the very first time with Saltimbanco‌
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C
The soundtr is one of thaeck first example s of invented lan guage in Cirque Soleil musdicu compositio ns.
irque du Soleil – ‘Circus of the Sun’ – was initially founded in Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec, in 1984 by two street performers, Guy Laliberte and Daniel Gauthier. What was initially called ‘Les Echassiers’, the double team toured Quebec as a performing troupe and, having encountered a spot of financial hardship, they were given a government grant as part of the 450th anniversary celebrations of Jacques Cartier’s discovery of Canada. Each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world with its own storyline and central theme. Every audience is drawn into the performance through continuous live music and performers, rather than stagehands changing the props. The Cirque has expanded dramatically through the past few decades, going from one show to 19 in over 271 cities on almost every continent. The shows employ an approximate 4,000 people from over 40 countries and have already received numerous prizes and distinctions, including a Rose d’Or in 1989, a Bambi Award in 1997, Drama Desk Awards in 1991 and 1998, three Gemini Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards and even a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. ‘Saltimbanco’ was actually created back in 1992 and was one of the first shows in which the Cirque would narrow its focus to tell a very specific and themed story. Inspired by the way multiculturalism shaped the nature and direction of Cirque du Soleil, Director Franco Dragone wanted the theme to be one of cosmopolitan urbanism. The show features 47 artists, all assembled from 15 countries, and is to date the longest-running show ever to have been produced by the Cirque. Already seen in the Americas, Europe, South Africa and Japan, the Middle East will now be the proud host of yet another stop for this crew. GO: Saltimbanco will be performed at the Aspire Dome from July 4 to 7. For tickets and more information log onto www.cirquedusoleil.com.
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Enter the Clowns…
Zara de Haldevang talks to Martin Pons, one of the cast members of Cirque du Soleil, about the upcoming show ‘Saltimbanco’ in Qatar and life as a real circus clown.
F: This is the first time you have come to Qatar – what are you most excited about? M: I had to check on Google map where Qatar was exactly. I’m from Argentina so Qatar is kind of far away from where I’m from. Seriously, I’m excited about discovering a new culture, being introduced to something different. F: Could you please tell us more about Saltimbanco? M: Saltimbanco for me is the world, a mix of so many different cultures all coming together. It expresses differences and similarities between people. It is birth, life, and death all presented on the stage by different characters coming down from a dream. I’m Eddie the clown, the kid inside that world that expresses himself through all sorts of tricks. F: How does Saltimbanco differ from other Cirque du Soleil shows? M: I think Saltimbanco makes the bridge between what the traditional Circus used to be, and what modern circus is now. It has laid down the foundation for the other Cirque du Soleil shows. F: What is Qatar’s audience looking forward to - given it is an introduction to Cirque du Soleil for most people in Qatar? M: A live show like they have never seen before filled with laughter and emotions, all sorts of emotions. F: How would you describe working for such a popular and incredibly talented organization? M: As an Argentinean, it is like being Lionel Messi playing for the national Argentinean team. When you work for Cirque du Soleil, you are working for the best. F: How much training is needed in order to make a show of this standard succeed? M: I’m part of the lazy ones, a clown doesn’t have to train much… but I
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have 20 years of experience behind me. The acrobats and athletes who are part of the show will train 2-3 times per week, while performing six to nine shows on top of that. F: How much does being part of a Cirque du Soleil show allow you to express yourself in your discipline? M: My body is my character, so every night I’m able to express myself in a slightly different way. As a clown with solo numbers on the stage, I feel privileged to be able to express myself that way. F: What would you say is the best factor of being involved with the show? M: Meeting big audiences all around the world, and a very unique lifestyle. F: Many people go on from Cirque du Soleil to feature in talent shows, for example Haspop on Arab’s Got Talent. How easy is it to get recognized once you have been on tour for so long? M: I wouldn’t really know, I don’t watch any TV. There are too many beautiful things out there to spend my time in front of the TV. If you are talented and smart with your talent, good things will eventually come to you. F: How did the transition go between your former career and your current Cirque career? M: I have been a clown, mime, actor and artist for 20 years - Cirque is just one part of it. F: How is life on tour? M: In one word … Beautiful… or rewarding. I’m blessed to be able to be in touch with so many different cultures.
Cirque was meant to build a re s show in Du idency the end of th bai by is year, but plans are underway to still ake this officiam l.
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‘SaltimThe word b from tanco’ com e he Ital “sa ian s whichltare in ban “to jumliterally m co” and ep on a beneans xp ch urban e lored t e ” its myxperience h riad fo in all rms.
s in e 8 acgt ing r a e r The how ran the s m Chinese es fro o Bunge t e Poles uo Trapez. D s a d o n a eadr to Bol
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ARTS
NEW ALBUMS, ARTISTS, AND AUDIOPHONICS
CHOICE TUNES Pearl Jam - has it really been twenty years? Man, we feel old...
In Association with Virgin Megastore, Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall, Doha
Grunge Rock
Twenty
By Pearl Jam WHAT’S IT LIKE:
PJ20 is the soundtrack to their massively successful rockumentary of the same name released last year. The movie charts the journey of the band throughout their various album releases and world tours, with extensive footage of their live performances and interviews with band members. The soundtrack itself focuses more on live recordings from their tours - it’s a compilation of their most memorable performances (of which there was a wealth to choose from), and therefore represents the very essence of band, who built the strength of their fanbase from their hugely energetic and moving gigs. The album comprises no less than twenty-nine songs across the two-CD pack, and features such classics as ‘Alive’ performed live in Seattle, a rousing version of ‘Not For You’ from a live gig in the Philippines, and a moving performance of ‘Crown of Thorns’ from Las Vegas! For all Pearl Jam fans this is an absolutely essential purchase, but for any rock fan in general, PJ20 is a hugely enjoyable insight into the magic behind one of the most influential bands of the 90’s grunge rock scene! These guys are well on their way to entering the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
A-
Pop rock
Chilled
Pop
Can’t Hold Back Anymore
Serve Chilled
Stronger
WHAT’S IT LIKE:
WHAT’S IT LIKE:
By Peter James Esau
Every now and then a random offering appears on Virgin’s shelves, and you can’t help but wonder how it got there. This is one of those times. Peter James Esau is a Canadian pop rock artist hailing from Vancouver, but how his album Can’t Hold Back Anymore made its way to the Gulf is completely beyond us. It comprises almost entirely of cheesy, unoriginal and uninspired ballads sung in Esau’s reedy voice which attempt desperately to tug on the heart strings, but turn the stomach instead. The utterly predictable token reggae offering comes in the form of ‘Must Be Something Good’, which sounds like the whole track was produced using the backing tempo on a cheap synthesizer. The eponymous track, ‘Can’t Hold Back Anymore’ is a country-style slog which boasts such lyrical genius as “Got me all revved up, wanna pop my clutch...” We’re not exaggerating here - this album caused us physical distress!
D-
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By Kelly Clarkson
By Hed Kandi
Serve Chilled, Electronic Summer is the first of Hed Kandi’s summer chillout offerings since the last one way back in 2007, and it’s a welcome return. You’d be mistaken in thinking that this is a chillout album that makes you feel lazy - rather it perks you up and raises your spirits, whilst relaxing you at the same time. It incorporates an impressive range of styles, from breaks to garage, all in a sublimely ambient vein, some vocal, some instrumental. Highlights are an excellent remix of the ambient drum n’ bass song ‘Japanese Electronics’, by Commix, and the subtle garage flavour of ‘My Balance’, from Grimelock. Where do you want to be when listening to this album? You categorically, without a doubt, want to be in the sun, preferably at a beach club, or on a boat, but definitely by water somewhere. This is the perfect album for blissful days in the sunshine!
B+
WHAT’S IT LIKE:
One of the American Idol success stories, Kelly Clarkson has nevertheless endured no small amount of criticism and heartache, much of which she seems to address with her fifth studio album, Stronger. The album was delayed for several reasons, the most serious being the leak of much of the material, around 50 songs, forcing her to go back to the drawing board. Kelly has pushed the boat out a bit more with this album - while it still has the pop-grunge songs that made her famous, there’s also a little bit of disco-glam with the title track, ‘Stronger’, and some country fare with ‘All I Ever Wanted’, and even some RnB in the shape of ‘Thankful’. Overall, the album feels exactly like what it is - a coming-of-age LP for a talented artist who has survived the meteoric rise to fame, and then the subsequent fallout, and come out the other side a little tougher, a little more experienced, perhaps a little more jaded, but none the worse for wear after it all.
B
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ARTS
QATARS BEST READS THIS MONTH BY GENRE
CHOICE WORDS
In Association with Virgin Megastore, Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall, Doha
Fiction
Stonemouth By Iain Banks
WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
Stonemouth follows the story of Stewart Gilmour, a young man who returns to the small Scottish town of his origin, Stonemouth, for the funeral of an old family friend. However, his return isn’t appreciated by a local criminal family, the Murstons, who are the reason for his leaving the town in the first place due to a dispute over a love interest, and it remains to be seen whether the truce between them for the funeral will be upheld. Through his return to his hometown Stewart is hoping to find some ‘clarity’ in his life, which has been dislocated and without direction ever since he left. Can he survive the Murstons and reignite an old flame?
WHAT’S IT LIKE:
Granted, the premise for this book doesn’t sound like particularly humorous reading, but Banks manages to apply that distinct Scottish brand of dark humour that seems to be borne of laughing and giving an firm middle finger to grim adversity. It’s the kind of humour that sees a person dust themselves off after a brutal beating, stand up and say, “Well, at least they didn’t break my watch!” A central theme of the story is the mental and emotional coming-of-age of Stewart, as he reflects on his past life and where he stands B+ now, and this results in a philosophical flavour to the book that rounds it off nicely.
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Biography
The Flying Man
The Art of Intelligence
Steve Jobs
By Roopa Farooki
WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
The Flying Man centres around the character Maqil Karam, a gambler, activist, womaniser, thief and dilettante, who is the so-called ‘flying man’ of the story, travelling constantly from place to place leaving scandal behind him along the way. Despite his efforts to leave all responsibility behind him when he goes somewhere new, and therefore remain in a state of eternal youth, he can’t avoid the inevitable pitfalls of ageing...
WHAT’S IT LIKE:
A colourful and involving main character, Maqil drives the narrative of this book like a steam locomotive. However, sometimes it can feel like he’s driving it a little too fast, as seemingly significant events are skimmed over, and you can’t help but feel like you’ve missed out on a story somewhere. It almost feels like Farooki is trying to squeeze TOO much into the story of his life. However, one refreshing thing about The Flying Man is that while it is a book about a Pakistani man, it manages to avoid being “ethnically charged”. While the cultural background is evident in his character, his actions, adventures and motivations B are inarguably universal! Good fun from start to finish.
by Henry A. Crumpton WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
The Art of Intelligence charts the career of long-term CIA operative Henry A. Crumpton, from his beginnings as an inexperienced but eager and intelligent recruit of 22 years old to a hardened and embittered veteran of many campaigns. He begins life in the Africa division, spying on foreign diplomats and attempting to recruit Soviet spies, and the story moves on to his pre-911 hunt for Bin Laden, to the massive post-911 campaign against Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. He was heavily involved in the increasing use of drones and Hellfire missiles to accomplish various objectives.
WHAT’S IT LIKE:
For anyone drawn by the mystery and intrigue of the clandestine services, this book is a must-read. It pulls no punches in its criticisms of various agencies for not making enough resources available or holding them back for political reasons, and so on. However, it also gives huge insight into the clandestine world of the CIA, and captures a lot of the fear, excitment, and even frustration that many in B+ that world endure on a daily basis. A good read!
By Karen Blumenthal WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
After being given up for adoption and later dropping out of college, this unlikely techguru created Apple at the age of twenty in a garage with a friend. He was later stripped of his responsibilities in the same company that he himself created for being too volatile. Of course, he was welcomed back, as his business savvy and demand for perfection were undisputed, and his ability to create massively desirable products was unrivalled. However, it gives you some insight into the rare and unpredictable genius of Steve Jobs.
WHAT’S IT LIKE:
A book about one of the world’s most brilliant designers and businessmen can’t help but be interesting, and that is exactly what Steve Jobs was. You would have to be to successfully take on another genius like Bill Gates and win. Reading about how he did this is hugely gripping, but what is even more incredible to read is the dark side of Jobs’ personality the tantrums, the failures, the mistakes, the taking credit for other people’s work, and his countless critics. To many tech-lovers, he’s a god, but this book highlights his B+ human side too, and it’s riveting reading! FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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ARTS
TOP FILMS SHOWING THIS MONTH IN QATAR
ON SCREEN The foxtrot was always a tense affair during the annual Heroes & Supervillain’s Charity Ball...
Batman: The Dark Knight Rises D: Christopher Nolan C: Christian Bale, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
Eight years after Batman’s battle with Joker, after which he took responsibility for lawyer Harvery Dent’s crimes, forcing him to retire due to being hunted by police, Batman is compelled to return when the villain with superhuman strength, Bane, threatens to destroy the whole of Gotham City. But, most importantly, Catwoman is back!
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WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:
This being the final of Christopher Nolan’s much-loved Batman trilogy, it’s already a guaranteed success, but this isn’t the only reason it’ll be a success. Perhaps most exciting is the introduction of the legendary villain of the comic book series, Bane. A psychopath of superhuman strength thanks to his addiction to the drug Venom, Bane must have it pumped constantly into his system to avoid excruciating withdrawal symptoms, hence the freaky headgear!
Bane is known in the comic world as “the man who broke the bat”, thanks to a storyline in which he cripples Batman, so the movie adaptation should be explosive! And then there is a return of Catwoman, courtesy of Anne Hathaway, which will have the jockeys of more than a few comic book geeks twitching with excitement. While it’s highly unlikely that Anne Hathaway can pull off a Catwoman better than Michelle Pfeiffer, we’re really looking forward to watching her have a go!
FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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ARTS
The Watch D: Akiva Schaffer C: Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Billy Crudup
They instantly regretted pressing the big red button on the mysterious device...
WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
A group of suburban dads who set up a neighbourhood watch are enjoying the status and respect that comes with it. However, their peaceful lives are shattered when they find themselves defending Earth from an alien invasion, which unfortunately for them looks like it’s starting right in their ‘hood, and on their watch!
WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:
This has all the makings of a family-friendly comedy with the classic duo of Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn heading up the line-up, with the added indie-comedy element of Jonah Hill (Superbad, Funny People), and the wild card in the pack coming courtesy of British comedian Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh). We think it’s important that you do NOT take this film too seriously - expect a pretty standard family comedy, with the usual chuckles!
Matthew McConaughey doesn’t get to do ‘sinister psychopath’ very often, but when he does, he does it well!
Red Lights follows the story of paranormal investigator and psychologist Margaret Matheson and her assistant, who are both cynics due to the fact that they’ve never uncovered anything truly ‘paranormal’. Until, that is, they begin to investigate a worldrenowned psychic who re-appears after a mysterious absence, and their research starts to turn up some terrifying results... “NO! For the last time, we are NOT the Ghostbusters!”
Ruby Sparks
Killer Joe
D: William Friedkin C: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church
WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Killer Joe follows the story of Chris Smith (Hirsch), a smalltown loser who gets into trouble with some debt-collectors. In order to pay them off, he hires Joe, a County Sherriff who moonlights as a hit man (McConaughey) in order to kill his evil mother whom he hates to collect the life insurance money. As he has no down-payment, Joe demands Smith’s sister as collateral. However, when the hit man turns out to be a complete psycho, it all goes horribly wrong... WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: You can’t help but like Matthew McConaughey, in spite of the the endless stream of wishy-washy rom-coms he seems determined to star in. It is therefore great to see him get his teeth stuck well in to a darker role such as this one, and we’re looking forward to the results!
is an off-beat indie romance centering around burned-out novelist Calvin, who has serious writer’s block. Then he begins to write about a new character, who is basically his ideal woman. Soon he begins to fall in love with the girl on the pages, until one day she miraculously manifests herself in real life! If every boy could wish his fantasy woman into reality, the female population of the world would increase dramatically....
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TECHNOLOGY KEEPING THE PEOPLE OF QATAR STATE-OF-THE-ART
p.32: Summer Chilling Tech p.34: The Lab p.36: The 2012 Nissan Patrol
y g o l o n h c Te
r e m Sum ing l l i h C
y to technolog laxed c ti s ta n Some fa u chilled and re yo er help keep e blistering summ ng during th m personal cooli ! o months, fr ice cream makers to s system
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Summer Chilling
Technolog y
TECHNOLOGY
Well, it’s July , But fear not. and it’s HOT! .. as part of this month’s Su mm Guide, we b er Survival ri the best sum ng you all m er chilling technology available ou t there, to he cool for the lp you stay next co months. En uple of joy!
Lakeland Ice Cream Maker Available: Lakeland
The Lakeland Ice Cream Maker is a mustbuy item this summer. This Ice Cream apparatus allows you to experiment with new icy flavours in your own kitchen. All you need to do is freeze the bowl, place the frozen bowl into the Ice Cream Maker and then add your ingredients. It is as simple as that; you could be with an ice cream in hand in less than 20 minutes!
Hoover “Cellar”
Available: Sharaf DG
This beauty is the answer to all your problems. The Hoover HWC2335X can store up to 33 bottles of your favourite red, white, pink, and bubbly all at the same time! Ahh the possibilities...! We think the best thing about this is its ability of dual temperature control which means your bottles of red and white can chill together, on different cooling settings.
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TECHNOLOGY
Orbit Cobra Mist Stand Available: Amazon.com
Summer here in Bahrain can be quite sticky. One way to keep cool this season is with the portable Cobra Mist Stand, we think this little device is pretty funky as it produces an ultra-fine mist which can cool temperatures by up to 20 degrees. All you need is a bog-standard garden hose for it to work! You shall be sticky no more.
Orbit Personal Misting Bottle Available: Amazon.com
Breville Shake Creations Available: @Home
This personal misting bottle is fantastic for working out with. It works similarly to the Cobra Mist stand as it is used to spray water to cool you on hot days. This particular size holds 16 oz. of water and the mist system can be turned on and off easily, which means the bottle can be used to drink from too! The bottle is also available in 8 oz.
Everyone loves a milkshake; but why spend a fortune on them in town when you can make them as much as you want at home? The Breville Shake Creations has a double aerating motor which whips through the milk and ice cream for a super smooth, frothy shake. So are you thirsty?
Zoku Quick Pop Maker Available: Virgin
The Zoku Quick Pop Maker is ideal this summer. This gizmo is the creator of fruity flavours in the form of ice lollies. All you need for it to work is a freezer (no batteries required) and about 15 minutes for the transformation of your milkshakes, honey, and fruit to morph into delicious ice pops. FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST july Issue qatar.indd 33
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TECHNOLOGY
LAB TEST
NOKIA 808 PUREVIEW
Available: Major electronics retailers (Price: TBC) THIS month, Nokia seeks to blow both smartphone cameras and the DV300F out of the water with this, the 808 PureView. How, you ask? By incorporating a camera with… wait for it… 41 megapixels! That’s right! 41 megapixels! That’s more MPs than any digicam we’ve heard of so far, and even most SLRs! By way of comparison, the highly commendable DV300F only boasts 16MP. The pro-grade SLR Nikon D90 only has 12.3MP! Now, before we get too excited, let us first point out that, according to our in-house photography expert, massive megapixels doesn’t necessarily translate to massive quality. Sure, the level of detail in the images that the 808 takes will be fantastic, but you really can’t compare the 808 to a D90. For starters, the size of the lens in the 808 is tiny compared to the D90. It is, however, still three times larger than the lens in most compact digicams. And despite the huge pixel count, you won’t get images big enough to plaster on a billboard. However, the trick with the 808 is the sophisticated software inside that uses pixel binning on the super-high res images to reduce noise and graininess in the images, resulting in pictures of superb clarity. The camera uses the high megapixel lens to over-sample the image, and then pixel-bins to average the noise out across multiple pixels. This means incredibly sharp, detailed images, superior low light
performance and the capability to save images in compact file sizes for sharing in email, MMS and on social networks. In most shooting modes, the camera actually puts out 3, 5 or 8MP images, to save space on the memory card. However, this can be adjusted to up to 39MP, depending on the type of shot you want. Thanks to the in-built camera, the PureView is more bulky than most smartphones out there, but it’s still amazingly compact for a phone with a camera of this capability. As a smartphone it has a decent list of specs, with 16GB of built-in memory, expandable to 32GB or 48GB, and HDMI and DLNA outputs, NFC and Wi-Fi technology. It also has a good map service with guidance for over 100 countries. Overall, the 808 PureView successfully combines a smartphone with a high-quality digital image capture, and we can safely say that there is no phone out there, and possibly no digicam, that will take better photos. However, don’t be fooled into thinking it beats a decent digital SLR camera.
EMOTION
NOKIA PUREVIEW 808 EXPERIENCE-METER Happiest human ever
“Of course, the first thing we do is mess around with the camera, and the results are incredible for an in-phone camera!”
“If you take a lot of pictures when you’re out and about, but don’t want to carry a camera, the 808 PureView does a very good job of being both your digital camera and your smartphone.”
Very impressed
Pleased
Indifferent
Ouch!
“Well, it’s not much to look at, and bulky.”
“As a smartphone alone, it’s not all that, with limited features compared to rivals.”
PROS
TIME 34
-Takes amazing pictures -Wi-Fi connectivity.
CONS
-A bit bulky -Not as many features as other smartphones
B
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LAB TEST
CELLUON MAGIC CUBE Available: iSpace (Price: TBC)
EMOTION
THIS month we bring you one of the most instantly impressive and futuristic gadgets we’ve ever seen! The Celluon Magic Cube is a fantastic Bluetooth device that projects a virtual keyboard and mouse on to your desk, and then uses infra-red sensors to detect your finger movements to translate your typing on to the device it’s paired with. It can connect wirelessly with iPads, iPhones or even PCs via USB, and is set up within minutes. You simply enable Bluetooth on your device, which will detect the keyboard. You then pair them up, and presto! The keyboard looks fantastic, with all the keys and letters outlined in red with a laser projector, and is clearly visible even in a brightly lit room. Switching between the keyboard and mouse is very simple, with a tap of two keys, but the drawback is that you can’t use both at the same time. It’s a visually appealing gadget, with great “Wow” factor, and will impress anyone within a ten foot radius when you pull it out of your bag and start using it with your iPad. Expect lots of “Oohs” and “Aahs” and interested questions. However, once you get over the initial excitement, that’s when the problems start to arise. First off is the typing efficiency.
Happiest human ever
While typing on the Magic Cube’s virtual keyboard is much easier than typing on an iPhone, it’s no way near as responsive and precise as a normal keyboard. Touch-typing at normal speeds simply doesn’t work. You also have to type in a strange fashion that you won’t be comfortable with until you get used to it. When you touch-type normally, your fingers are spread across the keyboard more, and you press each key with the flat tips of your finger. If you do this with the Magic Cube, it gets confused, so you have to type with the very end tips of your fingers, and tap each letter quite
MAGIC CUBE EXPERIENCE-METER “Wow, it’s so cool, it makes the virtual keyboard right on the desk! This is the future people!” “While it does beat typing text with your fingers on an iPhone, it’s no way near as efficient as a normal keyboard, but it’s a great sign of things to come.”
Very impressed
Pleased
soundly to make it work, which doesn’t exactly allow for letting your fingers fly across the keyboard! However, once you do get used to it, you can type reasonably fast. The next major gripe is the battery life. 2.5 hours is what they claim, which itself isn’t too impressive. However, given that this will also deteriorate with time, it will become bothersome having to recharge it all the time. This gadget is important in that it’s the first of its kind to hit the retail market, and is a good sign of things to come. We love futuristic devices like this, but for the time being, we’ll wait to see how it develops.
“The device is very compact, taking up barely any room on the desk, and it’s set up with the minimum of fuss.”
Indifferent
Ouch!
“Ah, well, the typing experience isn’t topnotch. You can’t type at a usual touch-typing speed without the text coming out wrong.”
PROS
TIME
-Very compact -Great “Wow” factor
CONS
-Typing efficiency isn’t great -Short battery life
B-
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TECHNOLOGY
ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT
“The new Nissan Patrol could actually be the “Cruiser-killer” they intended it to be!” Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, was thoroughly impressed by the 2012 Nissan Patrol.
N
o story of the Nissan Patrol could be complete without mention of its bitter struggle against the Toyota Land Cruiser. It is what has defined both cars throughout the years. Both SUVs are firm favourites in their class in the Middle East, and have been for decades, but the Land Cruiser has always pulled ahead of the Patrol in terms of sales, which has proven enormously frustrating for Nissan. Therefore, it is the Land Cruiser that Nissan has firmly in its sights with the new Patrol – they’ve thrown everything into making this the ‘Cruiser-killer’, and it shows. The levels of luxury and performance in the 2012 Patrol all indicate that Nissan are pulling no punches in their efforts to finally dominate the Cruiser. And this monumental effort is exactly what it will take to beat them. Land Cruiser has long been the word in off-road comfort and performance. Take any trip to Dubai, and the tour vehicles whipping giddy tourists across the sand dunes are invariably Land Cruisers. The Land Cruiser is not the best at any one thing, but it has always been the best at providing an all-round package – comfort, reliability, performance, and affordability (relative to more premium badges).
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If you want a decent analogy, think Coca Cola and Pepsi – they’re essentially the same product, but for some reason, no matter how much money Pepsi throw at the problem, they just can’t seem to reach that magic number of sales that will see them outsell Coca Cola. This particular duel between Nissan and Toyota has a great deal of relevance for us here in the Gulf, because it is here that it is mostly being fought, and it is here that these cars are built for. Sure, they sell well in Australia, but in terms of market share, the Gulf is extremely important for both models. Again, gaze at the sand dunes of any place in the Emirates,
and it is Land Cruisers and Patrols that you’ll see. We just can’t get enough of ‘em! So, in terms of this bitter rivalry, does the new Nissan Patrol represent a real possibility for Nissan to finally conquer the Land Cruiser? Well, this question is not so easy to answer, because, like Coca Cola and Pepsi, they’re essentially the same product. Both are flagship large-sized Japanese SUVs. Both are luxurious, and yet perform extremely well off-road, and both are in the same ballpark in terms of price. So, in order answer our allconsuming question, we’re really going to have to get down to the nitty gritty – the devil is in the
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TECHNOLOGY
details! First impressions, however, are very good for the Nissan. This is largely thanks to the fact that we were driving the top-of-therange LE spec Patrol, which is absolutely choc-full of fantastic gadgetry and features. In fact, it is so luxurious, with every surface covered in plush padded leather and chrome finishing, that it’s almost in danger of making the Infiniti QX, with which it shares a base, a bit redundant! With the LE you’ll get an in-dash entertainment system with USB iPod connectivity and a 3GB hard drive, intelligent cruise control, blind spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning and intervention, and adjustable 4WD with terrain select. It also features Nissan’s highly impressive all-round-view reverse camera, previously only seen on their Infiniti luxury marque, which also comes in handy in tight situations when you’re off-roading, as you can see the ground all round the car and therefore avoid unseen obstacles. It’s especially useful given the colossal size of the Patrol. And it is colossal – bigger in every dimension than the Land Cruiser, which translates to masses of room inside – it’ll comfortably seat seven large adults, even in the third row, and eight at a push, if you put three right at the back. And when you’re behind the wheel, it feels every bit as big as it is – you sit very high,
and the dimensions become all the more apparent when you’re trying to navigate it through narrow streets (which is again when the all-roundview camera comes in really handy!). However, the surprising thing is that this does not translate to poor on-road performance. Thanks to Nissan’s impressive Hydraulic Body Motion Control system (which doesn’t come as standard on lowspec models), the Patrol displays an agility that belies its massive size and weight. It works to improve handling and mitigate roll when cornering so that despite its size, it doesn’t wallow and sway when you throw it around a bit, and it corners pretty sharply. So far, so VERY good! Things only get better off-road though (but isn’t that always the case with me?). The power and traction control did a good job of crawling up rocky inclines with ease, but then, in a car like this we wouldn’t expect any less. The real test for me was how well this behemoth did on soft sand dunes. After all, this is largely what it’ll be used for in the region. And the verdict is: Excellent! The 4WD selector is very easy to use. Just turn it to select either four high, four low or differential lock (some of these you’ll have to stop the car and put it in neutral to select). And the terrain selector works with the push of a button,
It is so luxurious, with every surface covered in plush padded leather and chrome finishing, that it’s almost in danger of making the Infiniti QX, with which it shares a base, a bit redundant!
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TECHNOLOGY where you can select sand, rocks, mud, and so on. As you can see from the images, nothing we attempted in the Patrol even caused it to break a sweat. We drove it into the softest sand we could find, and turned the wheel sharply to really churn it up (the cardinal sin in driving on soft sand, as it causes the vehicle to slow and the wheels to dig in). The huge amounts of power and torque from the 5.6l V8 pulled the hulking vehicle through all challenges. The sophisticated traction control controls wheel spin and stops the Patrol burying itself in the sand. This could be a little annoying when you wanted to pick up speed, because when you put your foot down, the Patrol intervenes to power over the sand rather than dig in. This meant that we had to switch off the traction control to get the awesome sand flinging images you see here on these pages. It just wouldn’t do it otherwise! However, even with the traction control off, the Patrol powered through all the sand we pointed it at. It simply owned it! To summarise, the Nissan Patrol does exactly what it was designed to do, and it does it very well. It’s supremely comfortable and surprisingly agile on the road (as long as you have the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system), and hugely capable and comfortable off-road. It handles sand like a dream, and has enough power to get out of most sticky situations. It’ll ferry wealthy Saudis, Emiratis and big-spending European tourists across the most daunting of desert sand dunes in the utmost comfort and luxury, and it won’t get stuck (much). It’s big, and it’s brawny, and it’s three grand cheaper than a Land Cruiser. Can it be? Have Nissan finally created the ‘Cruiser-killer’? I think they just might have! It does remain to be said, though, that Toyota haven’t significantly re-vamped the Land Cruiser since 2008, almost four years ago now. They’ve released their 2013 model, so Nissan is safe for this year, but you can almost guarantee that now that the new Patrol has hit the market and they’ve had a good look at it, they’ll be frantically scribbling away on plans for a revamped 2014 model aimed at trumping it. For that, however, we will have to wait and see!
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“Passing the most important test, the Nissan absolutely dominated the dunes of Sakhir!”
“A hugely luxurious interior, complete with Infiniti’s all-round reverse camera...”
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TECHNOLOGY Vehicle
Nissan Patrol LE
Engine
Wheelbase (mm) Length (mm) Width (mm)
Height (mm) Weight (kg) Seats
Keyless entry & start Reverse Camera Terrain selector
Driver assistance
Price (BD) Score
5.6l V8 (400hp – 560Nm) 3,075 5140 1995 1940 2785 8 Yes All-round camera view Yes Hydraulic Body Motion Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot and Lane Departure Warning and Intervention, Hill Descent Control 30,000 10/12
Who is Ali Driver?
Land Cruiser VXR
5.7l V8 (381hp – 543Nm) 2850 4950 1970 1880 2615 8 Yes Rear-view camera Yes CRAWL off-road cruise control, Off-Road Turn Assist, multi-terrain ABS, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, Dynamic Cruise Control, Hill Descent Control 32,900 6/12
1. He lives in Qatar and says he grew up hard on the mean streets of Doha, but we think he’s actually from a rich family with lots of cars, and won’t admit it! 2. He says his car skills are all self-taught, but we’re sure we’ve seen a course certificate from the Losail International Circuit on his wall. 3. He drives cars better than anyone we know (but don’t ever tell him). 4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under 4 minutes, but we’re sure that’s only when his wife helps him. FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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FACT’s
5
Car Tips foerr! the Summ
Buy a windscreen sun shield!
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As the blazing sun shines through the windscreen of your car, the vehicle basically acts like a greenhouse, absorbing heat but not letting it out. You’ll find this out the hard way when you open your door and get that blast of escaping hot air in the face. Plus, everything inside your car, including the steering wheel, dashboard, gear lever and seatbelt buckle will have become hot enough to burn your hands when you touch them! Even after you manage to turn the AC on and begin driving, the heat from the dashboard will continue to radiate out into the car for a long time after you set off, prolonging your discomfort. Most of the sun’s heat is absorbed into a car through the windscreen and rear window, as these are the
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ones most tilted towards the sky. A windscreen sun shield shades the dashboard and stops it getting so hot, but the most effective type is the metallic shiny one that you can hold in place against the screen with the sun visors, as this type of shield reflects a lot of the sun’s heat back out of the car. Combine this with cracking a window slightly to let trapped heat out – it makes a huge difference They’re around BD2, and can be found in any petrol station or car accessories shop. For something so cheap, it’s probably one of the best investments you’ll make this summer!
Get your tyres checked!
This advice is sound at any time of the year, but believe us; the last thing you want to be doing at 2pm on a hot day in mid-July is changing a wheel! It’s also a good idea because the temperature extremes will cause the tyres to expand and contract, increasing wear.
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TECHNOLOGY
4
Drive carefully at sundown!
This advice is specific to the Holy Month of Ramadan. While most Muslims will be working Ramadan hours and will therefore be home long before sundown, there are more than a few who, for various reasons, don’t have this luxury. Therefore, at around 5 or 6pm, they’re understandably extremely anxious to get home and break fast with their families, which can sometimes lead them to be somewhat, shall we say, “over-enthusiastic” on their journey home! Combined with a low blood sugar and dehydration from their fast, their concentration can be a bit impaired, so have an extra care when driving around Iftar. On the plus side, there’ll be barely any traffic around then, so enjoy!
5
3
Get your AC serviced!
In the hot months, you’ll use your AC a lot more than the rest of the year, which drains the gas coolant more quickly. This means that it often runs out right when you don’t want it to, i.e. in busy traffic on the hottest day of the year. Trust us, it has happened to us, so make sure it’s all topped up!
Don’t leave your mobile/iPod in the car!
A common mistake made by thousands of unlucky motorists every year – you plug your iPod in for the drive to work, and then forget to take it with you when you go into the office, leaving it in the cup holder of the centre console. Leaving your iPhone or MP3 player in the car in the blazing summer sun even for only a couple of hours can be catastrophic to the device. At the very least, when you get in you’ll get a warning message when you try to turn on your iPhone saying “Device too hot. Let it cool before switching on.” In this case, you’re lucky if none of the data has been damaged. At the very worst, you get into your car and pick up the device to find that awful telltale crack right down the screen. The heat has made the components expand until the innards have cracked, and your gadget is no more! Ok, so this might not actually happen to your iPod, but the end result is the same! FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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FASHION
FASHION
p44: Fashion from Saraya
FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN QATAR
Fashion From Saraya
SOME HOT
SUMMER TRENDS FOR THE SEASON Some fantastic summer looks for the hot months ahead...
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FASHION
Queen of Your ‘Amazing Castle’
theatre Amid the winding back alleyways of Katara Cultural Village, past the amphi t 31 Augus until where , Centre and just off the Corniche, you will find the Katara Arts g. you will come across a brand new exhibition of Saraya clothin
A
uthenticity and uniqueness lie at the heart of Saraya, says Qatarbased marketer and designer Amani Zaghloul, who started working with the brand last summer. “Saraya means ‘amazing castle’ in Arabic,” she tells FACT. “So the name combines myth, sophistication and the Middle East. “It is not only a fashion brand... It has art and culture in it and that’s what I like about it.” Founded in 2009 by Egyptian designer and architect Sara Mostafa, Saraya is a fashion line with a strong Middle Eastern twist. Sara, who is currently based in Dubai, is ultimately inspired by Islamic architecture and the Egyptian civilisation. Her clothing cleverly combines her roots and cultures of the orient with contemporary international fashion trends. Amani, who is French-Egyptian, has been in Qatar for four and a half years and is now involved in facilitating Saraya’s move to the country, but also designs some of the Qatari pieces. Each item is entirely unique. Hanging on the racks and draped over mirrors in the arts centre shop lie buttoned brightly coloured cotton jump suits, stretchy satin harem pants, light tunics with gold thread and summery sleeveless maxi dresses. Everything is creative and draws you in with its sense of style and comfort.
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Amani explains that there are three parts to the collection, each of which capture the Middle Eastern theme in its own way. Part one is inspired by the desert and illustrates the Bedouin look, using more neutral colours such as beige, brownishred, black and khaki. The second part is more boho-chic; colourful, summery and with elements of Afghani culture. The final section stems mainly from the Gulf with abaya-style dresses and fluorescent highlights. It uses material sourced from within the region and from Egypt, and also includes floaty tops made using the checked ghoutra. The floral Russian Babushka pattern can be also seen throughout these pieces. There is a collection of bags as well – for both daytime and evening use. Some are again inspired by the Afghani culture using bright colours and beads made of silver, while others are made of leather, sport small hand-sewn beads and are designed to accompany a more sophisticated look. Overall, the collection encapsulates the Saraya woman, who is said to be proud, confident and feminine. “She seeks perfection and glamour, without compromising comfort and up-to-date fashion,” says the description on the brand’s website. “The Saraya woman is distinguished and classy with a hint of playfulness.” Amani, the archetypal Saraya woman, first came across the brand in the UAE where she had fallen in love with and bought a jacket. Fatefully, soon after that purchase, Amani met Sara and at the time, Saraya could only be found
and bought in Egypt, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As a previous business owner with her own fashion store in Egypt, and with her extensive background in marketing, Amani says she understands what makes a brand work and saw plenty of potential for Saraya in Qatar. “I think we are missing this style here,” she admits. She says that although some of the universities in Qatar have started fashion design courses and the industry is beginning to take off, it is still very young and needs nurturing. Right now, Amani explains, “you have either big names or the brands in all the malls but you don’t have this artistic creative designer and I think that’s what Qatari women and expats are missing.” The Katara exhibition will be running throughout the entire summer and after that Amani is planning to set up co-operations with multi-brand shops in Qatar, such as Dados Boutique at The Pearl, which will carry the new collections. She also plans to showcase new pieces at a fashion week that will take place in Doha later in the year. “For the time being that’s what I have in mind,” she says. “Perhaps we’ll open our shop later down the line… I am hoping to launch it also in Paris as they will like it but I need to concentrate over the summer in Qatar first and then we will see.”
FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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STAY SUMMERY
Remain cool and stylish this summer by following our fashion gurus’ advice… Amani: It’s a very simple thing. Always look for what suits you – light colours, be colourful because it’s nice in the summer. Try to be different. What I like about Saraya is if you get a piece it is unique. You can choose anything that suits you, not everyone will be wearing it, and in the end you are choosing something that is comfortable. Also, the material is very important, always use soft cotton.
THE RAMADAN LOOK During the holy month it is of the utmost importance to respect those practicing their faith and dress more conservatively. A pretty difficult task at this time of year when shedding layers is all you can think about. Amani and Sara give the solution… Amani: This Saraya collection suits Ramadan clothes very much. You wear long dresses and are more conservative and we have, especially in the Gulf-inspired collection, abaya-style dresses that are perfect.
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SUBSCRIPTION CAMPAIGN Are you a keen FACT and Ohlala! reader? This is your chance to not only receive both magazines to your door for a year but if you subscribe this month you will automatically be entered into a draw to win some fantastic prizes, including...
A holiday in Thailand! You could enjoy the breathtaking views and ultra-luxurious surroundings of the Samui Sunset Villa, in Koh Samui, Thailand.
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Email: zara.dh@nansgroup.com FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST The Essence of Style
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SOME HOT
SUMMER TRENDS FOR THE SEASON
With this month’s edition giving you the best advice on how to survive the summer, follow our fashion guide to how to stay cool, fashionable and fabulous. Remember, it may be boiling outside, but you are still allowed to look hot inside!
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FASHION
LADIES
Elegantly Chic
gs by Earrinatore lv Sa agamo Ferr
T
his summer is all about tight waists and contrasts and balances. Team up this red jewel bandeau jumpsuit with a bold accessory such as this clutch by Versace. The waist-clinched jumpsuit looks the height of sophistication, especially teamed with some killer heels – black would be the ideal colour – or it can be worn with an elegant pair of flat sandals. Wear your hair up, add some bold, chunky jewellery and keep the make-up clean and simple.
Pochette by Versace
Jumpsuit by Osman
Summer Cool
W
Bag by Tod’s
hat better colour to wear this summer than white? White doesn’t have to necessarily mean boring though… Team up this floating dress from Osman with bold colours. Think reds, pinks and purples like this Luxury D bag from Tod’s or these fuchsia pink heels from Stradivarius. Simple jewellery like this Salvatore Ferragamo bracelet will compliment the outfit by adding that extra touch of sophistication.
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Heels by Versace
Dress by Osman
Brace Salva let by Ferra tore gamo
Shoes by Stradivarius
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Dress by Salvatore Ferragamo
Bracelet by Stradivarius
Beachside Babe
Swinsuit from THE OUTNET
R
ight, we know that it is like an oven outside, that doesn’t mean that you will stay glued to your AC’s all summer – we do like a little bit of a suntan sometimes. You don’t necessarily have to wear nothing to keep cool. This look by Salvatore Ferragamo is one way to make a statement at a beach party. If the bold, tropical prints aren’t really your thing, then perhaps the leopard-print number is. Whatever happens, make sure you have a swimsuit like this on underneath. Both designed to cover up and compliment those most-hated areas – this colour will look great against that summer tan.
Sundress by THE OUTNET
Nighttime Diva
Dress by Versace
J
ust because it’s Ramadan, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go out looking fantastic and enjoy yourself. There is a hidden goddess in all of us, and Versace’s LBD (some might say a little too L for Bahrain) is great for a romantic dinner for two. Make it classy with gold-heeled sandals or dress it down with these shiny gold pumps from Tod’s. These shoes would also work with the LWD – and of course, every girl needs a bag. Try this one out for size – a bag even Mary Poppins will feel a pang of jealousy for.
Dress by Stradivarius
Bag by Tod’s
Shoes by Tod’s
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S N E M
Look by Versace
Summer Stud
Bracelet fr PORTER om MR
Bag PO from RTE MR R
M
ove over ladies, the boys are in town and this month it’s bold and bright! Versace’s look will definitely help any guy to make that ultimate entrance. Not a fan of the shoes? Well how about some matching green Sperry Top-siders instead? This look may well be dominated by the brand that is, however this is definitely the look that has ‘Summer stud’ written all over it. Don’t be shy, put down that fail-safe T-shirt (we all know you have one) and try something new today. You never know, you might look pretty cool – thank us later…
R RTE R PO M from s by Shoe
ace y Vers Cuff b
On Trend
Look by Salvatore Ferragamo
T
S MRwim POshor RT ts f ER rom
he chino and T-shirt look is pretty in right now, especially if you go for the lighter shades and pastel tones. Well, there are so many ways to change this look and still look the part. Take for example the shoes; change these up for a brighter pair like these bright blue ones. If you are heading for a pool party and want to take a dip, or just lose the trousers in general, try out these patterned swim shorts. Guys secretly wish they could all wear jewellery as well, so try out this cuff by Versace for size. PORTER om MR Shoes fr
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R E t that S M ms to forge e of e e s e n E o ry M AD sEuvneglasses are perhacpessosnories to U S SH THE most importaenr.tSatoc p the glare umm l make have this s pair that wil a and pick up bang on trend. you look
Tod’s
T
Ray Bans
his summer’s collection by Tod’s is ‘sophisticated nuances’ for the ladies and Italian specialists have worked hard to create a fashionable yet sturdy set of sunglasses. If you are looking to try a new brand, this is it.
I
f you don’t own a pair of Ray Ban’s already, then why the hell not? This particular style is known everywhere and what better than a pair of red ones to keep your look interesting. These bad boys are available on MR PORTER.
Porsche
T
hese P’8478 sunglasses are available exclusively from Porsche Design stores throughout the world. Impressive with their technical innovations, these come with interchangeable lenses in sulphur, yellow, steel blue and raspberry.
Tod’s his summer’s collection is very
T
much about the classic black and white for the gentlemen. Called the Scoobydoo Collection, Tod’s have added a hint of geek to their shades, a look anyone can learn to pull off.
Dior
P
erfect for the beach, these bluestriped shades from Dior are one expensive pair that you wouldn’t want to lose in the sand. Bold, bright and sure to brighten up any old sundress or bikini.
Salvatore Ferragamo
O
versized and a common look that is seen in almost every collection around the world, these orange tinted sunglasses would look pretty good with any outfit. Go and buy yourself a pair...now! FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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Salsa Adds Spice With Their New Summer Collections FASHION
Fashion brand Salsa inject some warm flavour into the fashion market with their new creations for men and women…
H
ave you ever over packed your bags for the holidays because you just couldn’t decide on what to leave behind? With Salsa this summer, packing and heavy luggage is no longer a concern! Salsa has reinvented the versatile Top FEEL for the summer season. With just one item in hand, the transformable top, you’ve already packed several outfits for the holidays. The FEEL top can be adjusted and worn as a top, a dress, a T-shirt, or a skirt, and is available in green, black, red, pink, or blue. In addition to that, every look can be transformed and adapted to an endless variety of fits. Its high quality design and raw materials have allowed Salsa to achieve a top that is extra resistant, elastic and doesn’t wrinkle. SALSA FEEL SUMMER EDITION is a must-have for the holidays and an essential item to have in every woman’s suitcase this summer.
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Salsa creates
FASHION
the 3D effect in jeans with the all-new ERGO‌
Ergonomics and the concept of freedom were the inspirations for the latest SALSA creation that has been specifically designed for men. This year, Salsa launches ER-Go jeans, designed to perfectly fit the characteristics and needs of every man. The ER-GO jeans have a relaxed fit and are extremely comfortable, giving off a strong, young and spirited feel. The twisted seams create a 3D effect and allow for high mobility. Salsa uses a rougher denim in this design, which is what allows for the colour on the inside whilst maintaining the denim characteristic of the Jeans on the outside. GO: These items are available in Salsa outlets in Landmar k Mall and Villagio Mall.
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INDEX For anyone who’s uttered the words: ‘There’s nothing to do in Qatar.’ We really, really beg to differ...
FINAL WORD
What’s your
QATAR
IQ
QATAR IQ - p74
Our sly monthly round-up of recent Qatar news
S.A.T’s? M.B.A’s? Pah! In Qatar, only
one test score really matters: your Qatar
This month is our Big Summer Survival Guide, to help you navigate the
August in the most comfortable way
a
possible. Do you:
IQ!
hot months of July and
Read it all with great interest, and dutifully follow the steps, and enhance your standard of living significantly?
b Ignore it all completely, you’ve been in Qatar for donkey’s
magazine can tell you that you don’t
already know?
c “Navigate” your way onto a plane and get the hell out of it
years now, and there’s nothing a stupid for the next two months?
The Cirque Du Soleil Saltimbanco show takes
a Wild with excitement, as you’ve been waiting place at Aspire Zone this month. Are you: to see the Cirque Du Soleil for years now? b Not too bothered – you’ll wait to see if you canforgeta achance free ticket, otherwise…? c Avoiding it like the plague, because you’re scared of clowns and don’t want anyone to know?
This month, we review the impressive new
Nissan Patrol. Are you: a Trading in your current car, because you MUST2012 have it? b Unimpressed – you’re a die-hard Land Cruiser fan? c Morally outraged! These giant gas guzzling SUV’s murder
to go extinct in the rainforests every day
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baby seals and cause seven species of ant and blah blah blah blah…?
FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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42 AM
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VENUE REVIEW
The Cellar
LEISURE
SPORTS
NIGHTS
EATS
Oryx Rotana Hotel (Tel: 4402 3333) QR200-250 per person
BODIES
LAST month we visited the highly popular eatery The Cellar, in the Oryx Rotana Hotel. In fact, we visited it several times, and each time struggled to find a table, which is testament to how successful this place already is. However, it was their new promotions we were interested in, so first off we partook in their Business Lunch set menu, which is on offer every weekday at, you guessed it, lunchtime! On the menu are four appetizers, of which we chose the Soup of the Day and the Smoked Salmon Timbale, which comes with new potatoes and sour cream. The soup was very tasty, but the timbale was delicious – rich, and full of flavour. Then, for mains, we had the carving of the day, which was lamb cutlets in a delicious gravy with vegetables on the side, and the asparagus risotto, which was a deliciously rich and creamy risotto infused with the flavours of the asparagus that it’s cooked with. Then came the desserts, of which we had the tiramisu, and the mango cheese cake, both of which we
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found room for despite already being quite full! All of this comes for only QR85 per person, which is an absolute bargain for a speedy lunch of this calibre. And it is speedy – thanks to the set menu, the staff are able to get the dishes to you in record time, and you can realistically be in and out in an hour. Plus, the Business Lunch will be running throughout Ramadan, so for those of you who aren’t fasting, it’s an ideal place to stop for a bite during the day. However, no review of The Cellar would be complete without talking about its Tapas promotions. They have two running each week, with an unlimited tapas deal on Tuesdays that comes with three glasses of white or red, and a deal on Wednesdays featuring a Tapas set menu with unlimited jugs of a certain notorious Spanish beverage that comes with fruit in it. On Tuesdays, for QR220, the amount of Tapas they will assault you with is frankly staggering, and it’s all so good you’ll make a credible attempt to eat it all, and most likely fail! There are chicken
lollipops, Spanish omelette, deep fried calamari, lamb skewers, chunks of hammour, red snapper, chicken liver pate in a berry compote… and we can’t remember the rest, there were so many! On Wednesdays, the set menu is more than ample, and there is an impressive variety of the Spanish beverages to choose from, aside from the classic version, and they just keep on coming! We had seafood paella, fried artichokes stuffed with salami, cheese croquets, sardine tomato coca, potato tortillas with roasted bell peppers, and oven roasted Mediterranean vegetables. It was all fantastic, but it was the seafood paella which really stole the show – it was not only delicious, but also a truly authentic representation of this famous Spanish dish, which is hard to find these days. If you haven’t been to The Cellar yet, then we highly recommend it! However, if you do plan on visiting on one of the Tapas nights, then we strongly advise you to book ahead, or else you might face a bit of a wait for a table!
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New in Town!
PLUS...
Fantastic Fish!
If you’re a seafood lover, then everything you’ll ever need can be found at the Fish Market in the Intercontinental Doha…
Jones the Grocer
FACT discovers one of the most exciting new developments in the dining scene in Qatar… Jones the Grocer!…. It hasn’t been open a month yet, and it’s already the talk of the town; if you’ve been around The Gate lately (which am sure you have), you’ve already been there – if you managed to get a table! Otherwise you left with one of those beautifully packed baggies with a yummy lunchbox to satiate your hunger. Maybe you’ve done your grocery shopping there, suitably impressed by the staggering selection. Jones the Grocer launched in Australia sixteen years ago, offering gourmet food products that until then were difficult and expensive to find. It has grown since, 15 stores in five countries and counting. All the products available in the restaurant are carefully selected from local and international suppliers that work with only the best ingredients, and mostly without additives or preservatives, crafted by artisans. They have the most amazing fromagerie we’ve seen in the region; cheese lovers get ready for heaven! Check out the crackers to accompany the cheese, and let the staff help you out selecting which go best with the cheese you are buying because it’s a tough decision when you see the selection, and the guys are friendly and experienced for any advice you need! From Olive oil, vinegars, spices, teas, coffees, chocolate, ice cream, ready-made pastas to take away packages, everything is there! The antipasti section is not to be missed and the cold cuts fridge is full of high quality delicatessen products to suit everyone’s taste. Two things that you really MUST do when you finish your meal are to try the mouthwatering sweets and pastries and the freshly brewed coffee – make sure that you observe carefully how they make the coffee, because about thirty seconds after they start you’ll be asking the waiter if you can buy one of those awesome looking contraptions! Good luck choosing your meal from the menu, trust us you won’t be disappointed whether you go for the Wagyu beef burger, fish and chips or a freshly made pie. The verdict is that whether you are doing your weekly shopping, having breakfast, lunch or dinner, rushing back to the office with a take away lunchbox, picking up a gift or even buying a book, Jones the Grocer is a place that you’ll keep going back to time after time! GO: Jones The Grocer is found at The Gate Shopping Centre – 4407 7175.
Each night, you can drop in and choose from a selection of freshly caught seafood in the marketstyle display, and have it prepared in whichever style you wish along with your choice of vegetables. On Fridays, it’s Seafood BBQ Night, where you’re treated to grilled seafood on the beachfront from live cooking stations from 7pm to midnight, and during the day, it’s the Seafood Brunch, where you can stuff yourself full of all the fish and vegetables you can fit in your stomach for QR320 per person, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. GO: To find out more, call 4484 4747.
Recommended...
Shisha Nights
If socialising with friends over a relaxing shisha is more up your street, then La Cigale is the way to go… SET on a verdant outdoor terrace surrounded by water fountain and greenery, La Cigale Hotel’s Shisha Garden boasts a relaxing atmosphere and friendly service. It has also recently set up a brick oven, where the new Turkish chef joining La Cigale’s team will prepare for you some mouthwatering charcoaled barbecue grills to go along with your choice of Oriental Mezzeh and a variety of Shisha in different flavors. It’s open daily from 12pm to 1am. GO: For enquiries or reservations, call 4428 8702.
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with
Brendan McGowan This month, we have a Chef’s Table with a bit of a twist, as we are invited to the St. Regis Doha’s take on the famous English tradition, the Afternoon Tea. The hotel’s Executive Chef Brendan McGowan has given the experience a truly unique twist…
C
hef Brendan has been at the St. Regis since August of last year, but he’s definitely no stranger to the region. Prior to taking up his role in Qatar, he worked in Dubai, Istanbul, Jordan and Riyadh, as has worked in the Middle East for 14 years. Brendan began his career in Dublin, but following his fouryear apprenticeship the draw of a larger city pulled him to London. Whilst there, he was fortunate enough to have some incredible experiences, including spending some time in the kitchens of the world-famous Dorchester hotel, and even working at a royal banquet in Buckingham Palace staged for the President of Senegal! “To find myself in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace after only three weeks in London was absolutely amazing!” he recalls. After five years in London and a spell at Eastwell Manor, Chef Brendan decided to broaden his horizons, and headed to San Francisco, where he spent five years. Following that, he moved to Dubai, and has spent most of his career since then in the Middle East.
Afternoon Tea
The Afternoon Tea is a relatively new concept to the St. Regis in Doha, but elsewhere it’s a longstanding tradition that originated in England before spreading out across the British Empire, and then the world.
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Normally taken between 2pm and 5pm, the meal consists of tea, light sandwiches and other finger foods such as scones and small pastries meant to break up the gap between lunch at 1pm and dinner at 7 or 8pm. As working practices across the world changed, it became increasingly less common for people to take a leisurely break in the afternoons for tea, so the traditional afternoon tea gradually became a staple of some of the world’s most renowned five star hotels, from the Ritz in London to Raffles in Singapore, and the people who could afford the luxury of a leisurely afternoon tea break. The St. Regis Doha have taken the Afternoon Tea, which is served in their Sarab Lounge, to a whole new level under the expert eye of Chef Brendan. “We have four different afternoon tea experiences,” he says. “Two are presented on the traditional three tiered silver tray, and two are plated. One is a fivecourse and one is an eight-course tea, which is a full afternoon experience!” They are, of course, accompanied by your choice from a selection of up to 100 different types of tea! We, of course, opted for the St. Regis Special Blend – when in Rome, and all that. “We have utilised the traditional elements, but as far as presentation, we have given that a little St. Regis twist,” explains Chef Brendan. “We’ve also given
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it that taste of Arabian heritage, as there are some superb flavours in the region. We’ve done this by using locally-sourced ingredients such as pistachios, smoked aubergine, dates and so on, utilising the best of what we have in the region.” The result is a new take on the traditional sandwiches, such as open sandwiches of smoked salmon and horseradish on wholemeal soda bread, and cucumber carpaccio with a mild blue cheese mouse, both of which were delicious. Then there was an egg mayonnaise with quail eggs on a bite sized English muffin, and a smoked aubergine mille feuille with dates, which is where the local flavours are incorporated on this course. However, our particular favourite on this course was the slice of beef tenderloin on a bite-sized Yorkshire pudding, a truly unique twist based on the traditional English roast beef dish. The next course to come along was the English scones with assorted preserves, which is a very classic and much-loved part of the English tea experience. Therefore, this particular course was served in the traditional manner, as you don’t want to play around too much with a winning formula. However, what made it stand out was the extremely high quality of the freshly baked scones and the home made preserves. It was all
very enjoyable! Next came the dessert tray, with assorted cakes, tarts and meringues, followed by a tray wholly dedicated to a wide assortment of macaroons, which was a delightfully sinful way to round off the experience! Something that strikes you about the Afternoon Tea at the St. Regis is how visually appealing the whole thing is. Served on the multi-tiered silver trays, the bite-sized delicacies that are presented to you are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palette, with a variety of colours adding to the meticulous
presentation. This is no accident, says Chef Brendan. “Well in the region, and across the world, people do eat with their eyes. People have a certain expectation of the afternoon tea experience, but we try to take it to the next level in terms of presentation and quality, to really make it stand out. The feedback we have been getting is very positive, so it has been a success so far.” The meal is a fantastically sociable way to fritter away an afternoon, sharing this finger food and pots of tea with friends. If you have the time, it’s well worth a visit! FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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RESTAURANT LISTINGS EATS
WHY NOT TRY A BRAZILIAN?
BISTRO BISTRO Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428 MAXIM Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428 PICASSO’S Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428
NIGHTS
FAR EASTERN
SPORTS
Brazilian Churrascaria Nights
Live entertainment and meat on skewers - can there be any better combination?
BODIES
LEISURE
IF you’re a meat lover, then you really won’t get better than a Brazilian Churrascaria night. And this definitely isn’t one for the vegetarians out there! The basic concept is thus – over 15 differet variations of meat are cooked in a huge fire oven on huge skewers. These skewers are then brought round to the tables and carved right in front of you by the trained Passadores, and you can select where you’d like your meat cut from, depending on how well done you like it. And the meat keeps coming until you’re beaten! Whilst eating yourself into a stupor, you’ll be entertained by the lively sounds of Brazilian band Tocandira, who keep the atmosphere alive right to the end. It’s a blaze of sights, sounds, smells, colours and flavours! You can enjoy this experience for QR290 between 6pm and 11pm at Ipanema, at the West End, Doha, Mondays to Saturdays. Please note: there will be no live entertainment at the Brazilian Churrascaria Nights during the Holy Month of Ramadan.w GO: To find out more, call 4419 6100, or visit www.westenddoha.com.
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NORTH AMERICAN
APPLEBEE’S Four outlets across Doha Tel: 4493 4880 (City Center Mall) CHILI’S Three outlets across Doha Tel: 4444 5335 (Salwa Rd) DAIRY QUEEN GRILL’N’CHILL Ramada Junction Tel: 4432 0982 JOHNNY ROCKETS Al Emadi Center Salwa Road Tel: 4455 2792 RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN Ras Abu Abboud Tel: 4443 7846
ARABIC
AL ADHAMIYAH IRAQI Souq Waqif Tel: 4432 4326 KEBAB KING Souq Khalid, Ras Abu Aboud St Tel: 4443 3118 (Souq Khalid), TANGIA Doha Marriot Tel: 4434 3333 TAJINE RESTAURANT Souq Waqif Tel: 4435 5554
CHINESE
RUBY WU’S Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428 TSE YANG Porto Arabia Tel: 4495 3876
EUROPEAN
AROMA RESTAURANT Kempinski Tel: 4405 3325 BISTRO 61 Al Fardan Towers, West Bay Tel: 4498 9393
ASIA LIVE! Doha Marriot Tel: 4429 8472 CHOPSTICKS Grand Regency Hotel Tel: 4434 3333 CHOPSTIX Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence Tel: 4408 4230
FRENCH
LA MAISON DU CAVIAR W Hotel Tel: 4453 5303 LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECOTE The Pearl-Qatar Tel: 4495 3876 PAUL BAKERY & RESTAURANT Landmark Mall: 4486 0776 Villagio Mall: 4413 5508
INDIAN
BOMBAY BALTI Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428 CHINGARI Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428 ROYAL TANDOOR Al Sadd Street Tel: 4444 6151 SAFFRON LOUNGE Katara Cultural Village Tel: 4408 0808 TAJ RASOI Doha Marriot Tel: 4429 8470 STAR OF INDIA Al Markhiya Tel: 4486 4440
INTERNATIONAL AL DANA Sharq Village & Spa Tel: 4425 6666 AL HUBARA Sheraton Doha Tel: 4485 4032 AL SHAHEEN Sheraton Doha Tel: 4485 4444 AL WANIS TERRACE Sharq Village & Spa Tel: 4425 6666
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ANIMATO Movenpick Tower Tel: 4496 4444 BENTLEY’S GRILL Ramada Plaza 4428 1428 BON BINI Sealine Beach Resort Tel: 4476 5299 BLUE BRASSERIE Al Sultan Beach Resort Tel: 4472 2666 BRASSERIE ON THE BEACH Four Seasons Tel: 4494 8888 CORNICHE Doha Marriot Tel: 4429 8404 COSMO Millenium Hotel Tel: 4424 7777 GRAND GOURMET Grand Regency Tel: 4434 3333 J G SANDWICH CELLAR Ras Abu Abboud St Tel: 4435 7559 JONES THE GROCER The Gate Shopping Centre Tel: 4407 7175 LA BRASSERIE Mercure Grand Hotel Tel: 4446 2222 LAGENDA Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence Tel: 4408 4220 LE CIGALON La Cigale Hotel Tel: 4428 8888 THE LAGOON Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa Tel: 4484 8000 MAXILL Swiss-Belhoutel Tel: 4407 8888 MAZE GORDON RAMSEY The Pearl-Qatar Tel: 4495 3876 SEASONS RESTAURANT Mövenpick Hotel Tel: 4429 1111 SPICE MARKET W Hotel Tel: 4453 5363 THE GRILL Grand Hyatt Doha Tel: 4448 1240 DOHA GOLF CLUB Spikes Bar & Fairways Tel: 4483 2338
DI CAPRI La Cigale Tel: 4428 8888 IL TEATRO Four Seasons Hotel Tel: 4494 8888 LA VERANDA Sheraton Doha Tel: 4485 4488 PORCINI The Ritz-Carlton Tel: 4484 8503 THE ITALIAN JOB Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1228
JAPANESE
SAKURA Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428 YEN SUSHI BAR La Cigale Tel: 4428 8888 SUSHI MINTO Al Muthanna Complex, Salwa Road Tel: 4467 5577 / 4467 7055
LEBANESE
AL LIWAN Sharq Village & Spa Tel: 4425 6222 BURJ AL HAMMAM Porto Arabia, The Pearl Qatar Tel: 4495 3876 LE CIGALON La Cigale Tel: 4428 8888 ZAMAN Millennium Hotel Tel: 4424 7777
BRING ON THE SUSHI!
Sushi @ Strata
If, like us, you’re a big sushi fan, then why not combine it with some of the best views in Doha?
THE InterContinental Doha The City’s (don’t forget the “City”!) new Strata Lounge has only been open for a short while, but already it is causing a stir in Doha’s dining scene. The highest lounge in Doha (but NOT the highest restaurant – that accolade still belongs to the Torch, just to clear up any confusion), Strata commands some stunning views of West Bay and Doha city centre. And now they have a Sushi Night on, with unlimited sushi and Sashimi, accompanied by a Japanese traditional beverage, for QR250 (inclusive of one beverage) or QR225 (food only). In addition, you can watch the Japanese delicacies being made live right before your eyes at their sushi station, so perhaps you might learn a thing or two while you’re at it! The promotion is on Monday nights rom 6pm to 11pm. GO: To find out more, call 4015 8888.
ITALIAN
BICE The Pearl-Qatar Tel: 4495 3876 CUCINA Renaissance Doha Tel: 4419 6100
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RESTAURANT LISTINGS Corniche at the Marriott Doha...quite a spread!
NIGHTS
EATS
FRIDAY BRUNCHES
SPORTS
GRAND HYATT HOTEL @ The Grill
A delicious brunch for all the family. Open kitchens offer prime cuts of meat, a superb selection of seafood and sushi, an array of vegetable dishes and the all important scrumptious choice of desserts. Plus a section of kiddie’s favourites. With excellent service from the staff, it’s a first class brunch. 12.30 – 16.00 QR220 (includes soft drinks) QR395 (selected house beverages) 4448 1234 West Bay Lagoon
BODIES
LEISURE
GRAND HYATT HOTEL @ Isaan
The choice of a French bubbly brunch, with high class, authentic Thai cuisine. Entertainment from traditional Thai dancers and musicians. 12.30 – 16.30 QR250 (includes soft drinks) QR395 (includes selected house beverages) QR680 (includes one bottle of bubbly) 4448 1250 West Bay Lagoon
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA HOTEL @ The Cafe Restaurant A popular venue with an international buffet, offering an excellent variety of dishes for a satisfying family feast. 12.30 – 16.00 QR250 (includes bubbly) 4484 4444 West Bay Lagoon
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA HOTEL @ The Fish Market An up-market brunch of ocean delights. Featuring lobster, oysters, tiger prawns and the catch of the day cooked to your liking. Plus live musical entertainment. 12.30 – 16.00 QR275 (includes house wines, bubbly and soft drinks) 4484 4444 West Bay Lagoon
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DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL @ Restaurant Gallery Corniche
and
Incorporating all of the popular restaurants to offer a sumptuous feast of international flavours. There’s a kiddie zone to keep mini diners entertained. 12.00 – 15.00 QR235 (includes soft drinks) QR340 (includes selected house beverages and bubbly) 4429 8888 Khulaifat
MOVENPICK HOTEL @ Seasons Restaurant
A delicious brunch with a purse-friendly price tag. The international buffet offers salads, seafood, an array of main dishes and a selection of mouth-watering desserts. Plus, a supervised kiddie corner and child-friendly munchies. 12.00-15.00 QR215 (includes soft drinks) QR265 (with selected beverages) 4429 1111 Mirqab
RAMADA PLAZA HOTEL @ The Hyde Park Restaurant
A great value for money brunch, presenting a variety of International and Middle Eastern flavours. A feast of starters, mains and the all important chocolate fountain leading the desserts. 12.00 – 15.00 QR 140 (includes soft drinks) 190 (includes beverages and sparkling wine) 4428 1428 Rawdat Al Khail
RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL @ The Lagoon
A lavish buffet with a fusion of European, Arabic and Far Eastern dishes. Enjoy a lively, yet laid back atmosphere and impeccable service. 12.00 -15.30 QR 220 (includes soft drinks) 295 (includes selected beverages and bubbly) 4484 8000 West Bay Lagoon
ORYX ROTANA HOTEL @ Choices
Live music entertains while you indulge in a variety of appetizers, seafood, sushi, roasts and grills from the open kitchen. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 12.00 – 15.00 QR210 (includes soft drinks) QR 285 (selected house beverages and bubbly) 4402 3333 Umm Ghuwaylina
SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA @ Al Liwan
An international buffet with a focus on Lebanese cuisine, traditional meets modern. Child-friendly favourites and divine desserts. From 12.30 – 16.00 QR250 (Includes soft drinks) 4425 6666 Khulaifat
W HOTEL @ Market by Jean-Georges
An elegant brunch offering a buffet of international and Arabic dishes, inspired by fresh local produce. Dine to the live sounds of the Doha Jazz Band. 12.00 – 16.00 QR320 (includes selected beverages and sparkling wine) 4453 5353 West Bay
W HOTEL @ Spice Market
Innovative South East Asian cuisine creates a sumptuous brunch featuring Far Eastern flavours. Live cooking stations for dim sum, tempura and wok. Plus unique desserts, cool cocktails and child-friendly junior chopsticks. Plus DJs entertain with vibrant sounds. 12.00 – 16.00 Introductory price QR320 (includes selected beverages) 4453 5353 West Bay
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MEDITERRANEAN
MORROCAN
TANGIA Grand Regency Hotel Tel: 4343 3333
AL DANA Sharq Village & Spa Tel: 4425 6666 FISH MARKET InterContinental Tel: 4484 4919
THAI SNACK HOUSE Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St Tel: 4432 9704 ISAAN Grand Hyatt Tel: 4448 1250
TURKISH
MARMARA ISTAMBUL Aziziya, Bin Omran, Al Sadd, Tel:4436 2947 (Al Sadd) PALOMA InterContinental Tel: 4484 4919 SALSA Doha Marriot Tel: 4429 8464 PAMPANO The Pearl Qatar Tel: 4424 7777
Chef’s Table - Around the World in 7 Courses, with Chef Jeremy Steele
All food aficionados are invited into the world of culinary art and to be entertained in an up close and personal show kitchen experience. The dining journey includes commentary on each dish, explaining food pairing concepts and themes, and addressing queries from guests who want to recreate their own dining event. The Chef’s Table takes place on July 16, from 7 pm onwards. QR220 Tel: 4484 8506 Email: rc.dohrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com
Ramadan Tent AL WOSAIL BALLROOM
Every year, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha provides the most unique location for family and friends to celebrate each night of the holy month of Ramadan. This 2012, The Ritz-Carlton culinary team will prepare a grand feast of regional specialties to delight everyone. The hotel will present a finely decorated Arabic setting with tents and drapes to enjoy the tradition of Iftar and Sohour. Live performances with oriental harmonies will complement the evenings. A prayer room is also conveniently located close to the dining area. An Iftar buffet will be held the Lagoon Restaurant QR220 (Suhoor), QR180 (Iftar) Tel: 4484 8506 Email: rc.dohrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com
Summer Master Classes @ Porcini
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s Summer Master Classes invite you to new culinary destinations. The classes include a three-course menu, focusing on basic fine dining techniques, proper equipment needs, and plate presentation. Be ready to impress your family and friends! July 6 and 13, classes start at 10:30am followed by lunch. QAR 265 Tel: 4484 8506 Email: rc.dohrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com
BODIES
SEAFOOD
THAI
THIS MONTH AT THE RITZ...
LEISURE
IPANEMA Renaissance Doha Tel: 4419 6100 PALOMA InterContinental Doha Tel: 4484 4919 SALSA Doha Marriot Tel: 4429 8464 PAMPANO The Pearl Qatar Tel: 4424 7777 LATINOS Sheraton Doha Tel: 4485 4444
JW STEAKHOUSE Doha Marriot Tel: 4429 8218 NEW YORK STEAKHOUSE Renaissance Doha Tel: 4419 6100 LE GRILL The Diplomatic Club Tel: 4484 7444 THE OLD MANOR STEAKHOUSE Mercure Grand Hotel Tel: 4446 2222
The Ritz Carlton, Doha Contact No: +974 4484 8000
SPORTS
SOUTH AMERICAN
STEAKHOUSES
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
NIGHTS
LA VILLA Mercure Grand Hotel Tel: 4446 2222 LE CENTRAL La Cigale Tel: 4428 8888 MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES W Hotel Tel: 4453 5373 MYKONOS Intercontinental Doha Tel: 4484 4444 ROCCA Grand Hyatt Tel: 4448 1270 THE CELLAR Oryx Rotana Tel: 4402 3333
LA MER The Ritz Carlton Tel: 4484 8503 LE CENTRAL La Cigale Hotel Tel: 4428 8888 PIER 12 Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1428 AL SAYYAD The Diplomatic Club Tel: 4484 7444 BEST FISH Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St, Al Sadd St Tel: 4442 1005 (Al Sadd) PIRATES COVE Sheraton Doha Tel: 4485 4444
EATS
AL MOURJAN Corniche Tel: 4483 4423
More to enjoy...
Ladies Night @ The Marina Club, Admiral’s
On Wednesdays, there will be two free glasses of bubbly for the ladies to enjoy. Every Wednesday from 8pm to 2am (not available during the Holy Month of Ramadan). Tel: 4484 8504 Email: rc.dohrz.restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com
Jaula Spa at the Grand Hyatt, one of Doha’s most luxurious
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BARS AND CLUBS
BODIES
LEISURE
SPORTS
NIGHTS
EATS
BELGIAN BEER CAFE This concept bar provides a more varied selection of beers amongst a classy, chilled out vibe provided by the nice wooden interior design. Very traditional Belgian/European feel to the bar and the food they provide. Free Entrance Intercontinental Doha Tel: 44844444 LAVA BAR & LOUNGE One of the newest venues in Doha, Lava has a modern feel to it and is a good place to sit with a group of friends to enjoy some drinks and music. Is pretty much one large corridor, so it is easy to find your way around and back to your seat. Free Entrance Intercontinental Doha Tel: 44844444 THE IRISH HARP One of, if not the, most popular bars in Doha, gets very busy during the weekend. Live music and a local DJ play the songs we all love to listen and dance to after a few drinks. Membership needed so new visitors will need to pay to get in but entrance is free thereafter. QR 30 Entrance Sheraton Doha Tel: 4485 4444 MADISON PIANO BAR Live Arabic music courtesy of their resident musician to a backdrop of classy seating and decorations, suitable for a quiet drink/date. Cocktails, light snacks and canapĂŠs served here. La Cigale Tel: 4428 8888 SKY VIEW Wonderful views of Doha from this suitably named rooftop lounge. A wide range of tasty cocktails and light snack served to the tunes of a chilling DJ mix. The bars here seem to be a popular place amongst the Lebanese crowd. La Cigale Tel: 4428 8888 7 NIGHT CLUB This trendy spot (opened September 2010) is already a popular venue for clubbers and socialites. QR100 for membership La Cigale Tel: 4428 8888 PEARL LOUNGE One of the original clubs in Doha and yet still remains slick and chic. Bars on each of the two levels as well as a special VIP area for those who wish to drink separate from the masses. A mezzanine level offers a unique view of the club. Marriot Doha Tel: 4429 8444 BUBBLES ON 2 Champagne and caviar bar, two levels with a bar on each and live piano music occationally. Ramada Plaza Tel: 44281428 MANHATTAN Very small, intimate bar which is quite popular amongst the Western expat community. Ramada Plaza Tel: 44281428 THE LIBRARY Rooftop cocktail lounge with a reasonably exclusive feel to it and spectacular views of the city.
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Ramada Plaza Tel: 44281428 SHEHRAZAD LOUNGE BAR & IRISH TERRACE Very popular when hosting The Laughter Factory and the institution which is the monthly Quiz so book early. Also quite a popular place to watch the English Premier League on one of the many small screens scattered around the bar. Hosts the yearly Octoberfest too. Ramada Plaza Tel: 44281428 QUBE One of the largest clubs in Doha with a great sound system. Occasionally hosts live music as well as the regular DJs playing the latest club and chart hits. Annually holds the Battle of the Bands competition. Ramada Plaza Tel: 44281428
CIGAR LOUNGE Quite small but very nice and quiet bar to enjoy a cocktail and a Cuban. Offers a repository of the world’s most exclusive selection of cigars. Sharq Village & Spa Tel: 4425 6666 WAHM A very modern bar in unison with the rest of this classy and hugely popular hotel. Seating arrangements inside and out have a quite traditional Arabic feel to them with the comfy corner chairs forming a circle around a center table. Swimming pool outside. W Hotel Doha Tel: 4453 5000 CRYSTAL LOUNGE Clubbers in Doha tend to flock to this classy popular modern night club and wont be disappointed by the modern club music played by a live DJ. W Hotel Doha Tel: 4453 5000
FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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Seven, at CIgale Hotel...one of Qatar’s top nightspots is bringing the capital’s nightlife into the 21st century
EATS NIGHTS SPORTS LEISURE
APRES SPA CAFE TERRACCE Another exclusive, classy venue serving colourful cocktails and gourmet snacks. Four Seasons Hotel Tel: 4494 8282 THE CELLAR Mediterranian tapas and a wide variety of vintage wines provided. Oryx Rotana Tel: 4402 3333
JAZZ CLUB The sounds of Bourbon Street Jazz and Blues as well as refined cuisine. Oryx Rotana Tel: 4402 3333 DOHA RUGBY CLUB A very busy bar (with inexpensive drinks by Doha standards) on a Friday and Saturday with occasional live music makes for a boisterous and fun filled evening. Membership is needed and there is quite a long waiting list, but members can sign two friends in at a time. Doha Rugby Club Tel: 44683771 PIANO PIANO Relaxed Euro-American bar with a modern yet cosy atmosphere. Perfect for apres-work beverages, business meetings, or an easy evening with friends. Live jazz on
fridays from 21:00. Piano music entertains the rest of the week. Movenpick Hotel Tel: 4429 1111 THE LOUNGE Stylish bar with a relaxed atmosphere, which specialises in cocktails. Only small bites to eat, but the intimate feel more than makes up for it. Kempinksi Residences & Suites Tel: 4405 3333 ADMIRAL CLUB Trendy marina-side lounge with a club-like atmosphere. Features an indoor lounge-bar and outdoor terrace boasting incredible views of the Gulf. Rityz Carlton Doha Tel: 4484 8484
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BODIES
LIBRARY & CIGAR LOUNGE An exclusive cocktail bar which serves a signature cocktail of Louis XIII cognac and Dom Perignon Millenium champagne and ‘home made infused vodka martinis’. Four Seasons Hotel Tel: 4494 8282
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EATS
AEROBICS AL MASSA ACTIVE A variety of fitness classes as well as membership options. Separate men and womens clubs located next to each other behind Jarir Bookstore and on Salwa Road. Tel: 4436 4850 (men) 4444 4161 (ladies)
LEISURE
SPORTS
NIGHTS
ASPIRE ACADEMY FOR SPORTS EXCELLENCE A range of fitness classes offered for men, women and children. www.aspire.qa Tel: 4413 6219 BOOT CAMP QATAR This is a group-based, structure, 60-minute class held at either Corniche Park (near Sheraton Doha) or ASPIRE Park. Classes start 06:00, and 19:30 on wwekdays and 10:00 on Sun, Tue Thur. Tel: 6685 4556 info@bootcampqatar.com CONTOURS EXPRESS Ladies only, at any fitness level. 29-minute Express Workout Daily from 07:00 -20:00 Tel: 4498 0099 www.contoursexpress.com CURVES Designed for the busy women, no men. A Complete cardio and strength training workout in only 30 minutes. Al Waab or near Landmark Mall Tel: 4469 9955 (Al Waab) 4421 7755 (Landmark) Email: doha@curvesme.com www.curves.com ENERGIE Villagio based fitness club. Email: info@energie-qa.com www.energie-qa.com
BODIES
FITNESS FIRST City Center Doha, Level 3 Tel: 4411 5999 www.fitnessfirst.com FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Pilates classes every Monday and Wednesday 09:45 - 10:45am Tel: 4494 8888 INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA’S BAY CLUB Personal and group circuit training for members only. Tel: 4484 4852 LA CIGALE’S OZONE SPA & GYM Fitness and resistance training. Non members pay a daily rate and can use all facilities available. Tel: 4428 8888 SHERATON DOHA HEALTH & RECREATION CENTRE Pilates classes every Monday and
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Wednesday and power-pilates on Thursday Tel: 4485 4600
Call Gail on 5581 1796 www.dohadartsleague.com
BADMINTON
FENCING
RAMADA’S CABANA CLUB Members and their guests attend Badminton socials held on Friday evenings. Tel: 4428 1621
QATAR FENCING FEDERATION Classes available for dedicated beginners and advanced levels. Training sessions from Sunday to Thursday 16:00 - 19:00 Tariq Bin Ziyad Training Centre, Al Sadd Tel: 4483 8392 Email qff@olympic.qa or visit www. qatarfencing.org
QATAR BADMINTON ACADEMY Junior badminton players and training for children. Email: qatarbadmintonacademy@gmail. com
BASEBALL Qatar Little League American Baseball Open to all English-speaking boys and girls, aged 4-18 years. Tel: 5556 0975
BASKETBALL RAMADA’S CABANA CLUB Members and their guests, Badminton nights on Sundays and Tuesdays. Tel: 4428 1621
BOWLING STRIKE BOWLING 10-lane alley. City Center-Doha’s Winter Wonderland, Ground Floor Open Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 22:00, Thursday 10:00 - 23:30 Friday 13:00 - 22:00 Tel: 4483 9162 GONDOLANIA BOWLING CENTER 12-lane alley. Villagio Mall, Gondolania Theme Park. Open Saturday to Wednesday 12pm 11pm Thursday 10am - 12pm Friday 2pm - 11:30pm Tel: 4403 9807 / 8 www.gondolania.com
CYCLING QATAR CHAIN REACTION Weekly road and mountain bike rides for all levels of cyclists in a multi-cultural group. www.qatarchainreaction.com or email xtfuel@gmail.com. QATAR CYCLING FEDERATION Open to all keen cyclist. Regular rides and road races, individual and team races, moutain biking and time trials. Tel: 4447 5522 www.qatarcf.org
DARTS DOHA DARTS LEAGUE Played at various venues around Doha on a Wednesday night.
FISHING FISHING TRIPS Through the Sheraton Doha (4485 4600) or Bassel direct on 5551 8100 QATAR SEA ANGLING ASSOCIATION Meets monthly and holds regular fishing cmpetitions. Tel: 5550 1906 / 5589 4962 THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Fishing trips arranged for members and non-members. Tel: 4484 7444
FOOTBALL EVOLUTION FOOTBALL ACADEMY Top football training and instruction for children of all ages. www.evolutionsoccer.com EVOLUTION LADIES SOCCER Doha College 19:00 - 20:00 Tel: Richard 5500 4697 info@evolutionsoccer.co.uk QATAR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION For all ladies over 16-years old. Email: qatar.wfa@gmail.com
FLYING QATAR AERONAUTICAL COLLEGE Located on the Ras Abou Abboud Expressway. Try your hand at being a high flyer. Tel: 4432 9101 www.qac.edu.qa
FRISBEE Doha Ultimate Frisbee Federation Frisbee enthusiasts unite in Doha! Tel: 4427 2913
GOLF DOHA GOLF CLUB 18-hole championship course, nine-hole floodlit academy course, putting and chipping greens and world class practice
FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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Doha Golf Club...the greenest place in the country?
EATS NIGHTS SPORTS
QATAR GOLF ACADEMY Tuition by qualified PGA pro’s at Doha Golf Club for adults and juniors. Tel: 4496 0755 wwwdohagolfclub.com Email: academy@academy.com
HOCKEY
WANDERERS (Francis 4477 6240) PAKISTAN (Ajmal 5521 1703) GATEWAY (Ajit Menon 5581 3229) QATAR HOCKEY ACADEMY Coaching offered for a limited number of 6-15 year olds. Call Mohammed Abdul Nazar 5587 8317
HORSE RIDING AL SAMARIYA STABLES
AL SHAQAB RIDING ACADEMY Group or private lessons in riding, dressage and show jumping. Tel: 4481 2061 www.alshaqab.com QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB Horse racing season runs from October to May, races every thursday 16:-- 19:00. Entrance is free. Al Rayyan Tel: 4482 5701 / 3 www.qrec.gov.qa QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB RIDING SCHOOL For new and experienced riders, lessons three times a week and are 45 minutes long. Tel: 4480 7413 www.qrec.gov.qa
ICE SKATING GONDOLANIA ICE ARENA Full size ice rink. Beginners and advanced ice hockey and figure skating lessons available. Villagio Mall Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 - 22:00 Thursday 10:00 - 23:30
Friday 13:00 - 23:30 Tel: 4440 3987 / 8 QATAR MINOR ICE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION For children aged 5 - 17 years. Villagio, Gongolania Ice Rink Email: presedent@qataricehockey. com WINTER WONDERLAND Full size rink, ice hockey league games held on Thursday evenings at 10pm. Tel: 4483 9163
KARTING GONDOLANIA THEME PARK Indoor karting track that measures 300m and can accomodate 8 drivers at a time. 11:00 - 23:00
KITE SURFING QATAR KITE SURFING CLUB Lessons offered by IKO registered instructors. Tel: 5535 0336 (Jonathan) Email: qatarkitesurfing@hotmail.com
MARINE MOTOR SPORTS POWERBOATING 21-foot powerboats for rent Sunday to Thursday for waterskiing, wakeboarding and FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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BODIES
EXPATRIATE HOCKEY CLUBS: DOHA HOCKEY CLUB Open for all ages and standards, men and women. Played on astroturf at Al Rayyan Sports Club from September to May. Training sessions, league matches, tournaments and international tours. www.dohahockeyclub.com
Group or private lessons. Sheik Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani’s farm Tel: 5525 7203 www.fbqmuseum.com Email: samstables2008@yahoo.com
LEISURE
facilities. Daily 06:00 - 23:00 Tel: 4496 0777 www.dohagoldclub.com
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EATS
day trips. Six persons per boat. Diplomatic Club Tel: 4484 7450 QATAR MARINE SPORTS FEDERATION Jetskiing and powerboat renting Tel: 4437 974 www.qmsf.org
MARTIAL ARTS
SPORTS
NIGHTS
KARATE Ramada’s Cabana Club Firday and Saturday 09:00-10:00 Tel: 4441 7417
LEISURE BODIES
DOHA HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Running club for families Tel: 5586 9492 (Alex) Email: abkuw@yahoo.com INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL DOHA BAY CLUB Run along Doha Corniche every Tuesday at 19:00. Tel: 4484 4852 QTHLETICS TRACK AND FEILD CLUB Tel: 4442 6328 www.qmotion.com.qa
SHOTOKAN KARATE The International Academy for Intercultural Development Tel: 4432 0974
SAILING
The Qatari Centre for Self Defence (near TV Roundabout) Monday, Wednesday and Saturday Tel: 5584 8749 Capt Mohammed Al Naggar (4th Dan Black Belt and member of the Japan Karate Federation)
REGATTA SAILING ACCADEMY Professional dinghy and windsurfing instruction for everyone. Weekend racing for the more advanced. Tel: 5550 7846, 4442 4577 Email: regatta@qatar.net.qa www.regattasailingacademy.com
TAEKWONDO Falcon Taekwondo Academy, The Center (Near Ramada) Tel: 4442 3012 4431 4415
FOUR SEASONS MARINA Professional yacht instruction and racing on Corby 28 and Kerr 9 m. Corportate days and yacht charter. Tel: 4442 4577 Email: regatta@qatar.net.qa www.regattasailingacademy.com
Korea Taekwondo Centre Tel: 4465 9066 Coach JK Shin (7th Dan Black Belt) 5556 3305
MOTOR CYCLING MOTORCYCLING RALLIES Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation Tel: 4437 9800 www.qmmf.com QATAR MOTORCYCLING GROUP (QMG) An active group of motorcyclist that meet weekly for outings near Sealine Beach Resort and on Qatar’s roads Tel: Tim Stevens 5550 7876 E-mail: qmg@hotmail.co.uk www.zapmans.net/forum HOG QATAR Qatar’s Harley Davidson group. Friday morning rides held every week. Tel: Carl 5532 3680 E-mail: caldous@gmail.com
RUGBY DOHA RUGBY UNION FC Matches and training Saturday to Wednesday from 17:00. Near Doha College www.doharfc.com Tel: 4468 3771
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RUNNING
DOHA SAILING CLUB Tel: 4443 9840
ROYAL YACHTING ASSOCIATION COURSES Evening classes for internationally recognised sailing qualifications www.ryacourses-qatar.com
SAND SPORTS DESERT QUADS Sealine Beach Resort Tel: 4476 5299
SCUBA DIVING / SNORKELING DOHA SUB-AQUA CLUB A branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club offers BSAC training for new and experienced divers. Meetings on Tuesday evening Tel: 5583 6240 lisanne.jones1704@gmail.com www.dohasubaquaclub.com
RAMADA’S CABANA CLUB Social squash matches on Sunday Ramada Plaza Members and their guests only Tel: 4428 1621 / 1622 SHERATON DOHA HEALTH & RECREATION CENTER Social squash matches on Monday and Wednesday. Sheraton Doha Tel: 4483 6363, 4485 4600 THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Tennis and squash lessons for members and non-members Tel: 4484 7444
SWIMMING DOHA DOLPHINS Toddlers and adults. Tel: 4442 6329 www.qmotion.com.qa H20 SWIM CLUB Swimming lessons, for children and adults. Mother and tot groups and aerobics classes. American School Tel: 5556 8631 (Seema Pascoe) Email: info@h20swimclub.com www.h20swimclub.com INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA’S BAY CLUB Private or group lessons for members and nonmembers available. Intercontinental Doha Tel: 4484 4852 RAMADA’S CABANA CLUB Group swimming lessons for children, Monday and Wednesday. 4pm - 5pm & 5pm - 6pm Tel: 4428 1621, 4428 1622 RITZ-CARLTON DOHA SPA & FITNESS Individual swimming lessons available to children and adults. Weekdays, 09:00 - 18:00 Tel: 4484 8173 THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Swimming lessons to members and nonmembers Tel: 4484 7444 TIDAL WAVES SWIM CLUB Lessons available for children from 5-18 years. All instructors hold British qualification. www.tidalwavesswimclub.com
SQUASH
TENNIS
DUFFERS SQUASH LEAGUE Email: chris_coull@hotmail.com www.squashleagues.com
ELITE TENNIS ACADEMY Mini tennish (4 - 18 year olds), indoor. Adult development programmes, beginners to advanced. Cardio tennish and ladies morning sessions also available Tel: 5566 4747 (Eric) Email: info@elite-tennisacademy.com www.elite-tennisacademy.com
KHALIFA TENNIS & SQUASH COMPLEX 29 tennis courts and 2 sqush courts available by the hour to hire Tel: 4440 9666
KHALIFA TENNIS & SQUASH
FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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Khalifa Stadium at ASPIRE, once lonely, will have very many stadium friends in the near future
EATS NIGHTS SPORTS
INTERCONTINENTAL’S BAY CLUB Tennis clinics and private lessons for children and adults. Friday and Saturday 18:00 -20:00 Tel: 4484 4852
SEALINE BEACH RESORT Floodlit tennis court. QR 20 per hour Tel: 4476 8173 SHERATON DOHA HEALTH & RECREATION CENTER Mixed tennis socials every friday 16:00 - 19:00. Ladies only on Tuesday and Sunday 09:00 12:00 Sheraton Doha Tel: 4483 6363, 4485 4600 THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Tennis and squash lessons for members and non-members Tel: 4484 7444
TRAMPOLINING
SHERATON DOHA HEALTH & RECREATION CENTER Offers yoga and pilates combo classes every day execpt Monday Tel:4485 4600
VOLLEYBALL
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Monday and Wednesday 8:30 - 9:30 (advanced), 11:00 - 12:00 (beginners) Tuesday 17:30 - 18:30 (beginners and advanced) Members and Non-members Tel: 4494 8888
3RD FILIPINO VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION Tournaments at the Philippine International School on Fridays from 5pm Tel: 5537 5994 (Joey) RAMADA’S CABANA CLUB Volleyball night on Sunday and Wednesday 19:00 - 21:00 Tel: 4428 1621 / 1622
YOGA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY FOR INTERCULTURAL DEVELOPMENT Mixed and ladies classes on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Tel: 4432 0974 INTERCONTINENTAL’S BAY CLUB Sunday and Tuesday 06:30 Monday and Wednesday 19:00 Tel: 4484 4852
YAMA TOGA STUDIOS Full range of yoga classes for beginners to advanced Tel: 4494 8888 SIX SENSES SPA ‘Hot’ yoga classes in a specially heated room. Sharq Village & Spa QR 50 per lessson (includes towels, mat, water & use of facilities) Tel: 4425 6999 www.grassrootsyoga.com THE MERZAM RESIDENCE Ashtange and Hot Yoga classes. Tel: 4431 4168 www.merzamhotels.com FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST
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BODIES
RAMADA’S CABANA CLUB Social tennis matches held on Wednesday and Friday. Private lessons daily execpt Saturday. Ramada Plaza Tel: 4428 1621 / 1622
GYMNASTICS ACADEMY Keep fit and have fun, or hone your kite surfing and wake baording skills. Doha English Speaking School Tel: 6664 5032 salomemig@hotmail.com
LEISURE
COMPLEX 29 tennis courts and 2 sqush courts available by the hour to hire Tel: 4440 9666
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WORTH YOUR TIME
www.mathaf.org.qa Excellent new art space showing some of the best in Arabic modern art.
LEISURE
SPORTS
NIGHTS
EATS
MATHAF - MODERN ART MUSEUM
ART AND CRAFT AL HOSH AL QATARI LIL FUNOON GALLERY
Local and regional art, located in the heart of the souk. Souk Wakif, Jasra Tel: 4441 1305 Sat to Thurs 09:00 - 12:00, 16:00 22:00 Fri 16:00 - 22:00
AL MARKHIYA GALLERY
Permanent and temporary exhibition highlighting emerging and established talent, working with major international galleries. Souk Wakif, Jasra Tel: 4442 8007 Sat to Thurs 10am - 12pm, 4pm10pm Fri 4pm - 10pm
BODIES
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART A stunning architectual landmark. Al Corniche St, Doha Port Sat - Thurs 10:30 - 17:30 Fri 14:00 - 20:00 Tel: 4422 4444
MATHAF - ARABIC MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Modern art collection transformed into large contemporary gallery with regular exhibitions from local artists. www.mathaf.org.qa
QATAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE
Regular exhibitions and workshops in painting, drawing, design and ceramics. Abdullah bin Jassim St Tel: 4425 0250
QATAR QUILT GUILD
Women only meet at various times throughout the month for sewing
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workshops. Email: qqguild@hotmail.com
Al Shamal Rd, Umm Salal
SEWING ART STUDIO
UMM SALAL MOHAMMED FORT
Group meets on alternate Wednesdays Tel: 585 2154 (Sveltana) www.lekala.com.qa
HERITAGE AL KOOT FORT
Houses a ethnographical museum Al Asmakh St, Jasra Tel: 4442 4143
AL WAJBAH FORT
Oldest and most attractive for in the whole state 15km north of Doha, New Al Rayyan 200 fils entrance 08:00 - 14:00
AL ZUBARAH
A fort-tuened museum, constructed in 1938 Al Zubarah, Shamal
BARZAN TOWER
Originally built as a watchtower some time in the 19th century Wadi al Waiba St, Umm Slal
DOHA ZOO
Several enclosures, with the reptile section being the most interesting. Al Waab St, Aziziyah 09:00 -19:00, Sat - Thur 13:30 - 19:00 Fri Tel: 4468 2610
JEBEL JASSASSIYEH
Thousand year old rock carvings on view here 60km north of Doha, towards Al Huwailah, Shamal
UMM SALAL ALI
Site of a field of historic grave mounds, about 27km North of Doha.
Built in the 20th Century for military purposes. Al Shamal Rd, Umm Salal
BEACHES KHOR AL UDEID/THE INLAND SEA At the southeast tip of Qatar. Popular beach outside of Doha. Near Mesaieed
SEALINE BEACH RESORT
Hotel, two swimming pools and landscaped grounds. Villas available and chalets available for overnight, weekend and holiday hire, also open for day visitors. Watersports and dune buggies available. Just South of Mesaieed Tel: 4476 8173
DOHA MARRIOT HOTEL Ras Abu Aboud St. Tel: 4429 8499
SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA
Ras Abu Aboud St 08:00 - 22:00 Day pass - QR150/175 per person Tel: 4425 6666
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Al Astiqlal Rd QR180 per person QR150 per person (with a member) QR80 for children Tel: 4484 4444
GRAND HYATT DOHA
West Bay Lagoon QR150 for pool &beach facilities, QR250 including gym facilities. Tel: 4448 1234
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RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL & SPA Tel: 4484 8000
ALADDIN’S KINGDOM 18 games and rides, including rollercoaseters and trampolines Open 16:00 - 22:00 Mon to Sat Omaiza St, West Bay Tel: 4483 1001
CIRCUSLAND
GONDOLANIA
Newist indoor theme park with rides, 4D cinema, go-karting and a bowling alley Villagio Mall, Al Waab St. Open Sat to Wed 09:00 - 23:00 Thurs 09:00 - 00:00 Fri 14:00 - 00:00 Tel: 4451 9993 www.playlandco.com
DOHA PLAYERS
Act in an amature production - various shows take place throughout the year. Or help behind the scenes Tel: 4447 4911
QATAR GUEST CENTRE
HOBBIES QATAR PHOTOGRAPHY SOCIETY
MUSIC & SINGING
Improve your photography, take part in exhibitions and critique other members work. Tel: 4467 7793
CAFE CERAMIQUE
Paint various crockery and enjoy a snack at the same time The Mall, Old Airport Tel: 4467 1100
CERAMICS GALORE
DANCE
KIDZART
Kids painting and handicrafts activities. Salwa Road Open Sat 9:30 - 23:30 Tel: 4435 2598
Courses include watercolour, chalk pastels, sculpture and more. Gympanzee, Villagio Mall Tel: 5566 4402
QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
The largest collection of international standard musicians performing regularly throughout the year. Tel: 5520 6319 qpo@qf.org.qa
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MUSIC
Musical lessons for all kinds of instruments. Tel: 4467 1354
DOHA SINGERS
Regular singing troupe, with rehearsalas and performances throughout the year. Tel: 5557 4671
DOHA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
Adults and children welcome at this casual concert group, either as listenres or players! Tel: 5521 2257
LEISURE
A range of forms taught, including classical ballet, jazz and more. Tel: 4442 8351
Full range of professional language courses with varying length. Languages include Arabic, French, Spanish, German and more. Tel: 4455 0506
Casual evening classes (free of charge) for people wanting to learn Arabic (textbooks not included). Tel: 4486 2390 www.qgc.com.qa
Indoor theme park with nine attractions. Hyatt Plaza, Muraikh Open Sun to Thurs 13:00 - 22:00 Sat 10:00 - 22:00 Tel: 4469 4848
DOHA COLLEGE
BERLITZ
SPORTS
JUNGLE ZONE
DRAMA
LANGUAGE
NIGHTS
Rides, games and an activity zone suitable for children under 12 Open Sat to Thurs 9am - 10pm Fri 15:00 - 22:00 Landmark Mall, Umm Lekhba Tel: 4487 6333
All ages and levels welcome for courses in Royal Academy Ballet, hip hop, and more. Tel: 4467 1354
EATS
KIDS
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MUSIC
Sharq Village & Spa’s beach... one of the best ways to enjoy the Arabian Gulf
BODIES FACT QATAR JULY / AUGUST july Issue qatar.indd 71
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EATS
SALONS BRAVO SPA Hair cuts and basic beauty treatments Rawdat Al Khail 10:30 - 20:00 Tel: 4435 5868
NIGHTS
COIFFURE FRANCAISE Haircuts for women only. Salwa Rd, New Al Khulaifat Daily 08:30-12:00, 15:30-19:00 Tel: 4468 9211 CUT (BY ALEXANDRE ZOUARI) W Doha Hotel & Residences, West Bay 09:00 - 21:00 Tel: 4453 5353
SPORTS LEISURE BODIES
STUDIO 1 Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St, Markab 09:30 - 19:30 Tel: 4444 7494 STYLO LADIES BEAUTY CENTER Al Sadd 09:00 - 13:00, 15:30 - 20:30 (15:00 21:00 Fri) Tel: 4436 3626
HEALTH SPAS
FRANCK PROVOST Four Seasons Hotel, West Bay Tel: 4494 8888 9:00 - 20:30 (15:30 - 21:30 Fri)
ANGSANA SPA Javanese, Thai, Ayurvedic, Indian Head Massages, Shirodhara Treatment, Rainmist and Angsana Spa Packages. Micure/Pedicure. Facial and hydrotherapy packages. Hydrothermal treatment facilities such as sauna, cold mist shower, steam essance and Pelotherapy Chamber. Grand Regency Tel: 4434 3152
GLOW AMERICAN SALON Salwa Rd, Al Wabb & Beach Tower, West Bay 10:00 - 19:00 (Tue - Thurs) 11:00 - 20:00 (Fri) 10:00 - 19:00 (Sat - Sun) Beach Towe, West Bay Tel: 4468 9945 Salwa, 6686 4220 Beach Tower
BAY VIEW 26 WELLNESS CENTRE Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue massage, Swedish masage, combination massage, foot relexology, Head Massage & foodt/hand/back massages. Movenpick Towe & Suites Doha, West Bay Tel: 4496 6410 tower.doha@moevenpick.com moevenpick-doha-tower.com
MANILA BEAUTY SALON Al Buhaira St, Tarfa 08:30 - 20:30 (16:00 - 20:30 Fri) Tel: 4443 6164
BE BLOOM BEAUTY CENTRE & SPA Purifying or oily skin programme, anti-aging and refining programme, whitening programme, winter programme, summer programme and oxy-peeling facial programme. Montaza Rd, Hilal Area, Altadanum roundabout, Villa 10. Tel: 4455 4422 bebloomsaloon@yahoo.com
DIPLOMATIC CLUB BEAUTY CENTER Al Istiqlal St, West Bay Lagoon 09:00 - 21:00 Tel: 4484 7444
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SHERATON SALON FOR LADIES Women only Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, West Bay 09:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 20:00 Tel: 4485 4444
MICHEL Intercontinental Doha Hotel, West Bay Lagoon 09:30 - 20:30 Tel: 4484 4444
PARIS NAILS Al Markhiya St, Duhail Tel: 4487 8643
BIO-BIL HEALTH BEAUTY & SPA Ladies: relaxing body massage, reflexology and foot spa. Manicure/pedicure. Hair removal. Body treatments and Morrocan bath. Makeup. Facials. Men: facials, manicure/pedicure and relaxing head, neck and back massage offered in a separate venue downstairs. Bilal Suites Tel: 4493 4433
PATRICE SALON Men’s salon. Landmark Mall, Villagio Mall, Sheraton 09:30 - 21:00 (15:00 - 21:00 Fri) Tel: 4486 5970 (Landmark), 4450 7199 (Villagio), 4485 4012 (Sheraton)
BLISS SPA Various face and body treatments, oxygen treatments, laconium room, waxing and nail services. Separate amenities for men and women. W Doha Hotel Tel: 4453 5555
PINKIES Full primping with manipedis, reflexology and massages Freej Abdul Aziz Tel: 4431 7959
BRAVO SPA Massages, hammam and threading. Ramada Junction, Rawdat Al Khail Tel: 4435 5868
NAILS Nail treatments, therapies for hands and feet, and more. Al Sadd Tel: 4413 0222
CABANA CLUB Swedish reflexology massages on offer. Ramada Plaza Doha, Rawdat Al Khail Tel: 4441 7417 DADOS SPA One of the newist Spas in Doha. Lusail Street, West Bay Tel: 4498 0033 DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPA Luxury spa with plunge pools. Al Istiqal Street, West Bay Lagoon Tel: 4484 7444 DIVA LOUNGE BEAUTY SALON Based on the elements of earth, wind, fire and water. Indulge your senses with the holistic approach to treatment. Al Kinana St, Al Sadd 09:00 - 22:00 Tel: 4431 8488 DOHA MARRIOT SPA Aromatic, hot stone, Swedish, Shiatsu, back, neck and shoulders massages. Hydrotherapy available includes Turkish bath, therapy baths, foot bath, plunge pool, steam room. Reflexology. Body treatments. Fantasy Spray tanning services. The Juice Bar offers healthy snacks and meals. Doha Marriot Tel: 4429 8520 FOUR SEASONS SPA & WELLNESS CENTER 11 treatment rooms including a Private Spa Suite where a wide range of treatments, massages and facials are offered for the ultimate therapeutic experience. The restorative cycle begins with water in the Spa’s chemical-free hydrotherapy lounge. Four Seasons Hotel, West Bay Tel: 4494 8801 HABIBS HAIR N BEAUTY SPA Purifying back treatment, hydro-active mineral salt scrub, thermo stamp back massage, quick tension release, luxury foot massage, aromatherapy treatment and ayurveda body massage. Al Sadd, opposite Royal Plaza Mall Tel: 4413 0672 / 5554 0938 / 5552 3836 INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA SPA Swedish, shiatsu and sports massages. Body treatments. Reflexology. Steam room and plunge pool. Intercontinental Doha, West Bay Lagoon Tel: 4484 4444 JAULA SPA Aromatherapy, Muscle Release, Nurturing Mother massages, body treatments and rituals, facials, hair removal, scalp and hair treatments. Grand Hyatt Doha Tel: 4448 1056 LADY SIAM MASSAGE Thai massage. Women only. Al Kinana St, Markab Tel: 4435 4115
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EATS
LUCIE SAINT-CLAIR Harmonising, anti-cellulite, correcting back massages, facial and body treatments, manicure/ predicure Royal Plaza Tel: 4447 7725 OZONE GYM & SPA Faicial and body treatments, hydrotherapy massage, steam room, sauna, indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. La Cigale Hotel, Sultan Bin Hamad Street Tel: 4428 8888
NIGHTS
MEDICAL CITY Hydro, thermal stone, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic, Thai, Swedish, shoulder, neck and back Thaiyoga massages. Reflexology. Morrocan bath, Balinese Island, Japanese and various other body treatments. Hair removal, manicure/ predicure and a number of facial treatments. Dermatology Clinic offers microdermabrasion and IPL L900 epliation treatments. Villagio Tel: 4451 7725
SPORTS
PURE SPA Moroccan and aromatic bath treatments. Steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Massage and body treatments. Facials. Manicure/predicure. Millenium Hotel Tel: 4424 7777
LEISURE
RECREATION CLUB Gym and outdoor pool, beach, watersports, massages, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Al Istiqlal St, West Bay Lagoon Tel: 4484 7444 SIX SENCES SPA Arabesque style spa with sublime treatments using Australian Sodashi products. Sharq Village & Spa, Khulaifat Tel: 4425 6999
BODIES
SPA CHAKRA Luxury spa with views, a gym and a pool. Al Funduq St, West Bay Tel: 4499 9250 THE RITZ CARLTON SPA TREATMENTS Specialised facial treatments, essential facial therapies, facial enhancements, wellness service (massages), massage enhancements, scrub bar therapies (must be booked in conjunction with another treatment). Body therapies, senory journies, RC spa for him and a waxing service. Membership is also available Ritz Carton Hotel Tel: 4484 8000 THE SPA Gym, classes, whirlpool, spa, steam room, outdoor pool, beach, jacuzzi and tennis courts. Doha Marriot, Khulaifat Tel: 4429 8520 Jaula Spa at the Grand Hyatt, one of Doha’s most luxurious
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FINAL WORD
What’s your
QATAR
IQ
S.A.T’s? M.B.A’s? Pah! In Qatar, only one test score really matters: your Qatar IQ!
This month is our Big Summer Survival Guide, to help you navigate the hot months of July and
August in the most comfortable way possible. Do you:
a Read it all with great interest, and dutifully follow the steps, and enhance your standard of living
significantly? Ignore it all completely, you’ve been in Qatar for donkey’s years now, and there’s nothing a stupid magazine can tell you that you don’t already know? “Navigate” your way onto a plane and get the hell out of it for the next two months?
b c
The Cirque Du Soleil Saltimbanco show takes place at Aspire Zone this month. Are you:
a Wild with excitement, as you’ve been waiting for a chance to see the Cirque Du Soleil for years now? b Not too bothered – you’ll wait to see if you can get a free ticket, otherwise…? c Avoiding it like the plague, because you’re scared of clowns and don’t want anyone to know?
This month, we review the impressive new 2012 Nissan Patrol. Are you:
a Trading in your current car, because you MUST have it? b Unimpressed – you’re a die-hard Land Cruiser fan? c Morally outraged! These giant gas guzzling SUV’s murder baby seals and cause seven species of ant to go extinct in the rainforests every day and blah blah blah blah…?
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