Fact qatar june 2016

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Contents 25

ramadan rundown

Iftar, Suhoor and all the best gatherings in town!

Cook all your favourite dishes this Holy Month!

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regional spotlight

Our resident petrol head tests a new set of wheels!

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Tommy Hilfiger’s lovely Ramadan collection!

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city rides

We visit The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal!

BRand focus

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ramadan recipes

GIFT GUIDE

Your Ramadan and Eid presents covered!

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arts interview

A colourful, modern spin on Arabic calligraphy!

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FASHION FOCUS

Salsa’s SS16 collection is bright and breezy for all!

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VENUE REVIEW

FACT visits Al Mayass for a foodie adventure!

Ramadan Kareem

Iftar Set Menu ‫ﻗﺎﺋﻤﺔ اﻓﻄﺎر رﻣﻀﺎن‬ 109QR - ‫ رﻳﺎل ﻗﻄﺮي‬109 #IftarByTheMarina

@balmesan

www.balmesan.com

2 La Croisette - Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar

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THE EDITOR

Ramadan Kareem “Empty your stomach to feed your soul.”

E

xactly three years ago, I packed up my life, jumped on a plane and moved to the Gulf. My very first issue with FACT was for Ramadan and, let’s just say, I was not prepared for the lavish Iftars, the latenight Suhoors, and the heat! That said, I was absolutely blown away by the celebrations of the Holy Month here, which is not only a time to fast, reflect and enjoy family gatherings, but also a time when the whole region comes alive!

Of course, many people decide to jet off on their travels during Ramadan, however, some will stay and revel in the more peaceful and sleepy pace of everyday life. Personally, I LOVE the quieter roads and, of course, the chance to experience so many amazing Ramadan set-ups across the city. If you need inspiration for where to go with family and friends during the Holy Month, check out our Ultimate Ramadan Rundown, starting p25 – there’s everything from big buffets to traditional souqs, places to watch the UEFA cup matches, and the perfect spots for late-evening shisha and catch up with your loved ones.

For those of you who will be cooking at home, we asked some of Doha’s top chefs from five-star hotels and restaurants to share their favourite Ramadan Recipes (p41) – there are some really yummy dishes to try! My favourite feature this month has to be A Cultural Canvas (p52); an interview with the super talented Zahra Gulraiz, whose personal experiences and interests have inspired a vibrant form of Arabic calligraphy. She also drew this month’s cover for us <3 pretty, isn’t it?

Fashion, beauty and things for the home are also given a Ramadan touch in the GCC. Check out some of our favourite collections and gift ideas, starting p84. There’s really something for everyone!

Remember to reflect on life, respect the traditions, give to the less fortunate and, above all, enjoy this special month with your nearest and dearest. Ramadan Kareem, everyone! ☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 8

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition June 2016 Volume 3, Issue 1

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Publishing Director Edward Smith General Manager Hussein A. Zreik Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@fact-magazine.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick (tony@fact-magazine.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Photography Abshar Kader Hebin Muradh Contributors Cara Mason Sofia Graniello Production & Distribution Ajit Kumar Neil Mahmood Sales Manager Badir Bechara Office Admin Maritess M. Agapito ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: badir@fact-magazine.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press

All Rights Reser ved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher.

All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Off ice 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

Shop our stylish, ďŹ&#x201A;attering occasionwear, perfect for this wonderful month now at marksandspencerme.com

Qatar: Villaggio Mall, Landmark Mall

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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

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

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Mahamad @Droodkin If you think your classmates are fun, imagine working with them for DECADES

Scott Eddy @MrScottEddy If sarcasm is the mind’s way of defending against stupidity, then I need to start hanging out with smarter people.

10,111 likes Keep up with all things Qatar as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine. Send us a message – we love to hear from our readers!

Our Fave Feature may 2016 VOL 2. ISSUE 12 QR10

Mad As A March Hare @twowitwowoo Whoever stole my copy of Microsoft Office, I will hunt you down and I will make you pay. You have my Word.

FACT DINING AWARDS DOHA 2016 All the winners revealed inside!

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Tamara Clarke @GlobalGazette My new laptop does NOT have a disc drive. Sometimes it’s so hard to say goodby to yesterday.

Jack Falahee @RestingPlatypus Ain’t no party like a Dothraki party. #GoT

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38,965 reads of the May issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Qatar.

Follow us on twitter and maybe you’ll be here next month! @FACT_Qatar 10

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A Cultural Canvas

OPEN DAILY DURING RAMADAN Aroma will be open for breakfast, lunch & dinner throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Start your day with a healthy selection of breakfast items and indulge during your lunch break with the ďŹ nest business lunch menu in Doha.

Daily Iftar until 8.30pm.

For more information, contact 4405 3325 | restaurants.doha@kempinski.com | kempinski.com/doha

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CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINdS

Qatar Museums’ New Exhibition DISCOVER MORE OF dOHA WITH FACT FINdS. EVERY MONTH WE’LL BRING YOU A NEW HOTSPOT, OUR FAVOURITE HAPPENING, EATERY, ACTIVITY OR INTERESTING FINd FROM AROUNd THE CITY.

Under the visionary guidance of Qatar Museums’ Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums (QM) is proud to present a range of seven dynamic and exciting exhibitions opening throughout the year in Qatar and China, providing new experiences of art, culture and heritage for everyone to enjoy. One such exhibition is a world-class retrospective showcase by Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi, which will be truly unique in that it will be open to the public in two venues at the same time – Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the QM Gallery Al Riwaq. QM will present a monograph of one of the most renowned modern artists of the Arab world: Dia Al12

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Azzawi. The exhibition, showcasing over 350 works across fifty years and a range of media, aims at mapping an itinerary of modernism and profiles the practice of the Iraqi artist.

The retrospective is organised into two parts, with each one tracing a trajectory of the artist’s practice: one charting the relation between image and text in Azzawi’s work, and the other following the artist’s engagement with the key moments in the political history of modern Iraq and the Arab world.

Curated by Catherine David, the exhibition is scheduled to open October 16 at Mathaf and October 17 at Al Riwaq. ✤ GO: Visit www.qm.org.qa for more information.

RAMADAN KAREEM Enjoy an unforgettable experience during the Holymonth of Ramadan only at Melia Doha.

2016

IFTAR

Arabic Traditional Buffet with live cooking stations

SUHOOR Delight selection of your favorite traditional Arabic a la carte dishes.

Hala Ramadan Tent, 1st Floor | 8:30 PM - 2:00AM

SHISHA

Wide range of avors to choose from.

HALA RAMADAN TENT

For reservations, please contact: Tel: (974) 4019 9999 | Fax: (974) 4019 8888 melia.com | meliadoha.qa

District Zone 61, Diplomatic Area, West Bay, Post Code 21336, Doha, Qatar

meliadoha

meliadoha

meliadoha

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Listen up

Ramadan Offers at Spa by Clarins

The Holy Month of Ramadan means more down time to relax and reflect. Take advantage and head to Spa by Clarins at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha to experience a versatile range of facials

by Clarins, each designed to specific skin needs. The skin experts offer an in-depth analysis focusing on areas of concern. A specially formulated facial is then designed to work wonders on your skin. Effective

products and expertise combine for a blissful sensory experience that addresses the way you look and feel. All Clarins Facials are available at a special rate of QR550 throughout Ramadan.

A special Ramadan Detox package is also available! Indulge in a mental detox and experience the range of Body Treatments.

Clarins hydrating and detoxifying body treatments and massages will help eliminate

toxins from the body whilst maintaining the moisture levels, keeping your skin hydrated and glowing. The 40-minute Hydrating Body Wraps / Body Scrubs are QR400, and the 60-minute Full Body Massages are QR500, and you can choose from the Relaxing, Detoxifying, or Stress Buster. ✤ GO: Call 4035 5555 for reservations and more information.

Al Sukaria at The St. Regis Doha Gather with friends and family in Doha’s most traditional Al Sukaria. With rustic decoration, tasteful cabanas, comfortable soft seating, TV screens for football lovers and live music; this is the place to come together during Suhoor to savour authentic Egyptian cuisine. The impressive circular Al Gassar Ballroom is located next to The St. Regis Doha and measures 1300sqm and can accommodate up to 1400 guests. Al Sukaria offers Suhoor for QR145 which includes food and selected Ramadan beverages. It’s open for guests from 8pm to 1.30am on football match nights and 9pm to 1.30am on other nights. ✤ GO: Call 4446 0000 for reservations and more information.

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Listen up

Ramadan Specials at Bliss Spa

Ramadan Room Package Find peace this Holy Month surrounded by natural beauty and crystal blue waters at the city’s only island sanctuary, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Break your fast and spend a memorable Iftar and Suhoor at Kheimet Ahl Turath, the exclusive Ramadan tent with a sumptuous food spread and live entertainment every evening. Check into one of the resort’s stunning rooms, suites, villas or over-water villas, with Ramadan packages starting from a cool QR1,199 which includes a stay for two guests, Iftar and Suhoor for two, luxury boat transfers, special Ramadan amenities, and late check out until 4pm. A lovely treat for yourself ! ✤

Take a break from the daily grind and head to Bliss Spa at W Doha Hotel & Residences for the newly introduced Lava Shells treatment. For hundreds of years, South Pacific Islanders have harvested beautiful Tiger Striped Clams for food, and then thrown the shells away. Now, it has combined these discarded shells with porcelain, creating the world’s most powerful heated massage tool. When filled with the patented self-heating technology of Lava Gel, Lava Shells heat for up to an hour, giving you the same heat as a full hot stone massage with just two shells – no electricity or equipment needed.

The 90-minute treatment is QR800. Yay, pampering! ✤

GO: Call 4040 5050 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 4453 5555 for reservations and more information.

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CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN. EXPERIENCE A MEMORABLE RAMADAN AND ITS TRADITIONS IN A UNIQUE SETTING AT CROWNE PLAZA DOHA - THE BUSINESS PARK. Enjoy our lavish iftar buffet at Aramede Restaurant with selections of Arabic, Oriental and International dishes and specialty stations. We also offer a memorable Suhoor dining experience with entertainment by live Out player and flavourful shisha for a distinctive ambiance, ideal for relaxing and spending time with your love ones on the occasion of Ramadan.

IFTAR

QR 165 Sunset to 9:00 PM Aramede Restaurant

SUHOOR

Ala Carte 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM Ruâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a Ballroom

Group iftar and suhoor menu are also available. fact magazine

T. +974 4408 7777

W. CROWNEPLAZA.COM

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Ramadan Revellry Damasca One, Souq Waqif

Debs W Remman, Medina Centrale

GO: Call 4475 9088 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 4456 8374 for reservations and more information.

Remman Café, Ezdan Tower 1

Orient Pearl, Corniche

Book your table at this award-winning traditional restaurant, with a 400-seat capacity, located in the picturesque Souq Waqif. Lively décor, outstanding Syrian-Arabic menu and a jaw-dropping outdoor terrace await you. Iftar starts from 5.30pm with a set menu that includes one main dish, one drink and assortment of appetisers and desserts, for QR150 per person. A variety of traditional Ramadan delicacies like Jellab and Kamareddine drinks to a selection of hearty soups, an assortment of appetising cold and hot mezze, some of the most delicious SyrianArabic main dishes including Vine Leaves, Kibbeh Arnabieh and Moghrabiyeh, ending with an assortment of delightful traditional Ramadan desserts.

Savour every moment and enjoy the finest quality authentic Lebanese food and beverages at Remman Café, the little brother of Debs W Remman restaurant.

The impeccable service and ambience complement the great food to ensure a memorable dining experience at these 24hour outlet. Iftar starts from 5.30pm with a set menu that includes one main dish, one drink and assortment of appetisers and desserts, for QR90 per person. Try the Chicken Mulukhiah and Bemieh stew with Lamb Chunks, ending with delicious traditional Lebanese desserts such as Osmalieh Bel Achta and Znoud El Set. GO: Call 3305 3555 for reservations and more information 18

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The Ambassador of Levantine cuisine, recreates the nostalgic and authentic Beirut atmosphere with its old vegetable souks, streets and foods, serving a wide variety of traditional dishes that capture the essence of authentic Lebanese cuisine. Iftar starts from 5.30pm with a set menu that includes one main dish, one drink and assortment of appetisers and desserts, for QR150 per person. Key dishes include lentil and daily chef ’s choice soups, a variety of mouthwatering cold and hot mezze, some of the most delicious authentic Lebanese main dishes such as Daoud Basha and Stuffed Eggplant and Marrows “Ablama”, ending with traditional Ramadan desserts such as Chaaybiat and Kellaj.

Orient Pearl is one of Qatar’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants, situated on Doha’s Corniche, the restaurant provides the perfect luxurious setting for a special night out and it’s one of the best spots in Qatar for guests to enjoy the sea view right from their dining table! Iftar starts from 5.30pm with a set menu of one main dish, one drink and assortment of appetisers and desserts (Sun to Thu, QR185 per person) and an open buffet on the weekend (QR225 per person). Suhoor is served a la carte from 9.30pm! This is the perfect place to spend lazy Ramadan evenings with your nearest and dearest. ✤ GO: Call 4410 6666 for reservations and more information.

GRAND RAMADAN Ramadanak tent captures the true essence of Arabian tradition with a warm ambiance offering the ultimate destination for an unforgettable Ramadan experience.

From lavish iftar buffets to mouthwatering suhoors and live entertainment, Grand Hyatt is the ideal place to break your fast and spend your evenings with family and friends during the holy month.

Iftar Buffet Sohour Buffet

| |

QAR QAR

220 200

For bookings and enquiries, please call 4448 1234 or 3000 7513 Official Airline

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS West Bay lagoon, P.O. Box 24010, Doha, State of Qatar T: +974 4448 1234 | F: +974 4448 1235 E: doha.grand@hyatt.com | W: doha.grand.hyatt.com Facebook.com/GrandHyattDoha HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. Š2016 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Listen up

Hotel Park is Here!

Katara Hospitality officially opened Hotel Park, a new public, family-friendly park situated in the heart of Doha’s bustling business district.

Doha’s green credentials were given a boost with the opening of Hotel Park, the city’s newest landscaped park, perfect for families and friends to enjoy some downtime.

Planned and opened as an illustration of Katara Hospitality’s commitment to social responsibility and the importance of promoting sustainability, Hotel Park is poised to well serve Doha’s residents while showcasing an impeccable natural landscape for visitors to experience. The vibrant park is located adjacent to Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, and is characterised by water features including mini-fountains, waterfalls, small streams and sprawling well-manicured lawns.

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Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, Chief Executive Officer of Katara Hospitality, said: ““At Katara Hospitality, one of our core values is to continuously give back to our community while promoting sustainability through our initiatives. Offering a natural relaxing landscape destination for family enjoyment is one way we aim to show continued appreciation of the valued residents of our community.”

Situated in the backdrop of West Bay’s modern architecture, Hotel Park is set to provide residents and visitors a relaxing escape to have picnics and enjoy play areas and outdoor family gatherings.

Children’s play areas, an outdoor fan area,

fitness zone and video wall will round off Hotel Park’s casual relaxation amenities, well positioning this public space as a destination of choice. Hotel Park will soon comprise of five food and beverage outlets offering a diverse palette of authentic cuisine and desserts.

To add to an impressive garden and restaurant offering, Hotel Park will carry four levels of underground parking (2,500 spaces) with access to Doha International Exhibition Centre through an underground tunnel link.

What are you waiting for? Get the food, grab the family, and go check out Hotel Park today! ✤

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Qatar

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (there’s more throughout the mag too!)

07 13 19 2430

TUESDAY

MONDAY

SUNDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

If you prefer late-night eating, this special suhoor tray provides the essence of a homemade meal with a deluxe twist.

Items can accommodate vegetarians and light eaters too, and you’re guaranteed to be set for fasting during the day.

Suhoor trays are priced at QR120 per person.

Pamper yourself and get treated to a private 75 or 90-minute Moroccan Hammam Bath, and revisit a tradition that has been cherished for centuries. Rejuvenate and feel the benefits of Saray Spa’s timeless remedies as you embark on a serene journey for QR600.

JW’s Steakhouse, offers an exclusive, upscale dining experience this Ramadan. Meat eaters, seafood lovers and those who want to keep it light with salads, there’s a huge selection of mouthwatering flavours alongside great service, from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

Café Murano will be open daily throughout Ramadan with a variety of sweet and savoury offerings, à la carte breakfast and lunch, signature fine pastries, finger sandwiches, afternoon tea, salads and light snacks.

Open from 8am to 12 midnight.

The perfect relaxing treat during the month of Ramadan awaits you at this serene spa. A cleansing 50-minute Moroccon Hammam is followed by a 50-minute signature massage of your choice to relax your body. The ultimate way to prepare for Eid al Fitr!

RAMADANAK SUHOOR Tray at Grand Hyatt Doha

Call 3000 6999 for more info.

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ROYAL BATH AT SARAY Spa, Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

Call 4419 6090 for more info.

JW’S STEAKHOUSE Ramadan Menu at Doha Marriott Hotel

Call 4429 8499 for more info.

SWEET TREATS AT Café Murano, Marsa Malaz Kempinski

Call 4035 5011 for more info.

RAMADAN TREAT at Six Senses Spa, Sharq Village & Spa

Call 4425 6999 for more info.

Ramadan Timings: Buffet breakfast: 6:00 - 11:00 Market Fresh a la carte lunch: 12:00 - 15:00 A la carte dinner: 18:30 - 23:00

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SOCIETY

#Charming #Charlie #Launch #at #Ezdan #Mall

Charming Charlie, the rapidly growing women’s contemporary jewellery and accessory retailer, hosted a launch event at their Ezdan Mall store. The store was officially inaugurated by Ms. Ilona Shtrom – Commercial Attache, US Embassy, Doha Qatar. The 2,900 square foot store is operated by Apparel Group, Charming Charlie’s international licensing partner, which has further growth planned for the brand in the Middle East this year. Known for carrying a wide array of accessible fashion accessories merchandised by colour, the Charming Charlie store in Doha offers a full range of products.

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T he U ltimate R amada n R u n dow n With the Holy Month of Ramadan taking place this month, Doha is set to be a buzzing haven for family gatherings and cultural activities, and we want you to get planning and enjoying this special time to the max. Here, FACT rounds up some of the best Iftar, Suhoor, and other Ramadan deals across the cityâ&#x20AC;Ś

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RAMADAN 101

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha

Kempinski Residences & Suites

For a truly palatial Ramadan, the five-star Marsa Malaz Kempinski has you covered. The hotel has a lavish Ramadan Tent in the magnificent Palazzo Ballroom where guests can enjoy award-winning Levantine cuisine from Al Sufra headed by Chef Julien Al Khal, along with other delicious dishes inspired by Qatari and Middle Eastern specialities, all alongside world-class entertainment.

Iftar and Suhoor: Break your fast with a decadent buffet spread with live cooking stations and multiple cuisines from around the world. Served from sunset to 8.30pm, for QR240 per person.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s Suhoor is a regal affair.

There’s an exquisite buffet selection which includes live cooking stations and multiple cuisines, plus there is also a variety of shisha flavours available and live entertainment – it’s a regal affair! Served from 10pm until late, for QR290 per person.

Iftar: Experience the classic ambience of Aroma restaurant as it transforms for the Holy Month to offer guests a real taste of Ramadan fare.

Savour the Iftar menu with a four-course selection of Arabic and European delicacies, ideal for sharing with your loved ones. Served from sunset to 8.30pm, for QR195 per person including Ramadan juices. Aroma is also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout Ramadan.

Iftar: Relish the Iftar menu at Gourmet House, also with a four-course selection of Arabic and European delicacies, perfect for tucking into with your nearest and dearest. Served from sunset to 8.30pm, for QR195 per person including Ramadan juices. Gourmet House will keep its doors open during Ramadan, from 7am to 10pm, serving its famous sweet and savoury delicacies along with coffee and a wide selection of teas.

GO: Call 4035 5011 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 4405 3325 for reservations and more information.

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The Mall Landmark Mall City Centre Doha The Pearl-Qatar fact magazine

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RAMADAN 101

The St. Regis Doha Iftar and Suhoor: Unlike anything you’ve seen before, The St. Regis Doha is going all out for the Holy Month with its unique Ramadan Souq set-up. Taking place in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind food experience accompanied with live entertainment and shisha available at an additional cost. There are live cooking stations and food displays all over the market-style tent. Tempt your senses with your favorite local dishes created with traditional recipes along with contemporary dishes from across the globe. End your journey through the Souq with the most sumptuous and delicious selection of desserts. During Suhoor, relax in the joyful atmosphere with world-class entertainment.

Iftar is served from sunset to 8pm, for QR230 per person; and Suhoor is from 9.30pm to 1.30pm, for QR290 per person. Both prices are inclusive of food and selected Ramadan beverages.

GO: Call 4446 0000 for reservations and more information.

Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Iftar and Suhoor: This Ramadan, create memories at Wanassa! Experience the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha and indulge in a unique dining experience at Wanassa with private majlis set-ups, freshly prepared delicacies, live entertainment and a wide variety of shisha. Traditional Arabic Ramadan food along with a selection of International cuisine will be offered. Iftar is served from sunset to 9pm, for QR215 inclusive of an unlimited food buffet and select Ramadan beverages; Suhoor is served from 9.30pm to 1.30am, for QR75 inclusive of Arabic sweets and select Ramadan beverages. An À la carte food menu is available too. Shisha is available from QR99.

GO: Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information.

Sharq Village & Spa Iftar and Suhoor: This year, Sharq Village and Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel welcomes the Holy Month of Ramadan with a festive ambiance themed Sihr Al Sharq or ‘magic of the orient’ with hearty offerings for Iftar (sunset feast) and Suhoor (early morning feast). Located in Al-Dasha Ballroom, Sihr Al Sharq welcomes guests with sweet traditional cookies, homemade drinks and oriental music 28

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that will take you back to the old days embracing the spirit of this special month. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous buffet featuring a selection of Ramadan favourites including Middle Eastern specialities and local Qatari cuisines, as well as a variety of international dishes. The culinary team will entertain at live stations serving Shawarma, seafood, grilled meats, soups and other nutritious offerings. Guests will also enjoy sweet endings with Arabic desserts

and traditional juices. As a local tradition, Oud players and an oriental live band will be the highlight every evening entertaining guests to the authentic Sihr Al Sharq Ramadan experience. Iftar is from sundown to 8pm for QR225 per person, and Suhoor is from 8.30pm to 2am for QR250 per person.

GO: Call 4425 6666 for reservations and more information.

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RAMADAN 101

Doha Marriott Hotel Iftar: Welcome to the streets of Arabia as the Restaurant Gallery at Doha Marriott Hotel is converted into a souq-style atmosphere. With over 100 dishes to choose from, guests can indulge in delicious food as well as an excellent variety of traditional activities. The authentic Majlis-inspired lobby tent will showcase henna art, falconry and offer an Arabic tea and coffee station too. Shisha will also be available outside at The View extension terrace, whilst visitors should not forget to pay a visit to the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resident Camels, Bashoosh and Sahara, who will be joining in the Ramadan celebrations. Iftar is served from 6.30pm to 8pm for QR195 per person.

GO: Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more information.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha Iftar and Suhoor: The hotel will feature a reimagined Ramadan Tent this year, located within the newly renovated and spacious Al Mirqab

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Ballroom. The customised tent seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Arabic touches, resulting in a stylish yet sophisticated ambiance to gather with family and friends. The Ramadan Tent features three HD projection screens to enjoy the UEFA 2016 Euro Cup. The tent showcases a myriad of seating options, ranging from VIP lounges to intimate circular tables, thoughtfully designed to face towards the projection screens to allow for unobstructed views of the football matches. To celebrate the special time of the year, the Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented chefs have created a special Iftar and Suhoor menu with delicious traditional Arabic dishes and an array of international cuisines. New this year, the Iftar offerings will feature a special themed culinary station featuring a new menu everyday.

The additional menu items will feature sumptuous dishes from Morocco, Scandinavia, Mexico and many more world cuisines. Iftar is priced at QR235 per person, and Suhoor is for QR270 per person.

Children aged five to 12-years-old receive a 50% discount.

GO: Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information.

REMEMBER: FAITH, VIRTUE, KNOWLEDGE, TEMPERANCE, PATIENCE, BROTHERLY KINDNESS, GODLINESS, CHARITY, HUMILITY AND DILIGENCE.

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RAMADAN 101

Shangri-La Hotel Doha Iftar and Suhoor: Inspired by the mythical paradise featured in the Lost Horizon novel published in 1933, the Shangri-La Ballroom is transformed into the Shangri-La Garden to encapsulate the serenity and exceptional service for which Shangri-La is renowned. The indoorgarden themed tent offers Iftar for QR230 per person, including a full buffet, juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea. As for Suhoor, a bespoke Ă&#x20AC; la carte option is available with a minimum spend of QR80 per person. Special prices are offered for groups and private events. A donner buffet is also offered at Sridan Restaurant with more than 129 dishes to savour, priced at QR129 per person.

GO: Call 4429 5295 for reservations and more information.

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Iftar and Suhoor: Celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan in the iconic Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. Feed your mind and body as you break your fast in Al Hubara, then step into the enchanting Ramadan Tent while enjoying the company of your friends and family over Suhoor. Seize the day and live the rich heritage of the Holy Month by visiting The Souq and discover unique merchandise from handicrafts, souvenirs to Arabian specialty foods! End your night with the people who bring light into your life under the magnificent dome, over freshly roasted Arabic Turkish coffee and the famous Um Ali at the Atrium Lounge. Iftar at Al Hubara includes interactive cooking stations and a celebration of world cuisines, featuring Qatari traditional cuisine and more. Served from sunset to 8pm for QR225 per person for the buffet, and half price for kids aged between six and 12-years-old. Suhoor is available Ă&#x20AC; la carte at Atrium Lounge and La Veranda from 7pm to 2am, and in the Ramadan Tent from 8pm to 2am with a QR100 minimum charge per person.

GO: Call 4485 3000 for reservations and more information.

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ramadan 101

Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Iftar and Suhoor: The hotel’s entire atrium, lobby, and The Grill restaurant will be will be converted into an Arabian dream, and the chefs de cuisine from the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants will join forces to offer an international buffet featuring flavours catering to all tastes. Indulge in a selection of wolrd cuisines as well as Arabian choices by booking an Iftar buffet for QR220 or a Suhoor buffet for QR200. Get the full Ramadan experience with a live band starting at 9pm. Guests can also watch UEFA league games screened live during Ramadan at Grand Hyatt Doha.

For guests who prefer a late-night sit-down, the Ramadanak Suhoor tray provides the essence of a homemade meal with a deluxe twist. Items can accommodate vegetarians and light eaters. Suhoor trays are priced at QR120 per person.

The philosophy of Majlis is to provide an environment that embodies warm Arabian hospitality while embracing and putting a spin on Arabian mezze. During Ramadan, diners can enjoy Majlis favourites from 7pm to 2am. Guests looking for a late-night Suhoor whilst at Majlis, can order a Suhoor tray as well.

GO: Call 3000 7513 for reservations and more information.

InterContinental Doha Iftar and Suhoor: Come to Coral and celebrate Iftar with your family and friends. There’s a wide selection of traditional Arabic dishes along with international flavours to tantalise your tastebuds.

Iftar is served from sunset to 8pm for QR225 per person. It’s QR115 for kids below 12-years-old.

For Suhoor, savour traditional, oriental hot and cold mezze, Ramadan specialities and international cuisine prepared at live-cooking stations, served in the elegant atmosphere of Coral All Day Dining Restaurant, complimented with authentic Arabian performances. Suhoor is served from 9pm to 1am for QR225 and QR115 for kids below 12-years-old. You can also enjoy the spectacular views of Doha skyline while indulging in a variety of shisha flavours on the Coral terrace, all for a cool QR100, from 9pm to 11.30pm.

GO: Call 4484 4919 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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RAMADAN 101

W Doha Hotel & Residences Iftar and Suhoor: The Sultan’s Tent returns, this time featuring The Art of Mezza by Michelin-starred chef and author Greg Malouf – an exceptional experience that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. The food station by the Modern Middle Eastern Master of cooking, will surely please discerning palates. Born in Melbourne to Lebanese parents, Malouf has been a defining force on the international food scene for the last 15 years.

Guests can look forward to a unique brand of contemporary Middle Eastern food on Malouf’s Mezza serving dishes such as Scottish Salmon Tarator Style, Freekeh with wild mushrooms and 34

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slow cooked Baharat lamb, Hazelnut falafel with marinated Greek feta cheese and jou jou bread, Chicken in Saj with Sumac Onions and Hand of Fatima ice cream with pomegranate sorbet and camel wafers. In addition, the traditional Sultan’s Tent offers tastes from around the world with buffet tables dedicated to Arabic, Indian, Asian, Japanese and Italian cuisines. These are complemented by a generous assortment of the most delectable desserts and beverages. Iftar is available from sunset to 8.15pm for QR230 per person, and Suhoor from 9.15pm to 2am for QR285 per person.

GO: Call 4453 5000 for reservations and more information.

ramadan 101

InterContinental Doha The City Iftar and Suhoor: Celebrate Ramadan with friends and family in the InterContinental Doha The City’s Ramadan oasis. Exuding the spirit of the Holy Month from the elegant décor to the traditional cuisine, the Al Jawhara Ramadan Pavilion is the perfect Iftar and Suhoor destination for everyone.

Iftar Buffet is served from sunset to 8.30pm for QR195 including Ramadan beverages; and Suhoor is available from 9pm to 2am with À la carte packages starting from QR180 including Ramadan beverages. Shisha is also available, while The Lobby Lounge and Prime restaurant will both be open in the evenings.

GO: Call 4015 8700 for reservations and more information.

Banana Island Resort Doha

by Anantara Iftar and Suhoor: The elevated tranquil indoor

botanical Zen Garden is all set up with TV screens, so guests will not miss the Euro Cup while enjoying their Suhoor at the resort. Banana Island resort will also celebrate Garangao, the traditional midRamadan celebration, where the children visiting the island will be singing traditional Garangao songs and generous gifts will be distributed to all.

GO: Call 4040 5000 for reservations and more information.

Oryx Rotana Doha Iftar: In the Holy Month of Ramadan, enjoy a lavish Oriental dinner every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with ouzi, cold mezze, shawarma, a live mixed grill station and so much more at Choices restaurant. From Iftar to 11pm for QR195 per person. On Tuesday it’s Oriental Steak Night for QR220 per person, and on Thursday it’s Oriental Seafood, where guests can indulge in traditional Middle Eastern style seafood in a perfect family ambience. There is nothing like having a dinner buffet with grilled local fish, whole

baked fish, seafood sayadiyah, and more, for just QR260 per person. All prices include dinner buffet, local water, Arabic juices, Arabic coffee and Moroccan tea. Al Nafourah Garden Lebanese Restaurant also offers a delicious set menu for Iftar. Break your fast with selected cold and hot starters, main course and delectable desserts for QR185 inclusive of water. Top up with energising mocktails starting from QR35. For Suhoor, an À la carte menu is available at Al Nafourah’s beautiful pergola.

GO: Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more information.

Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Iftar: Break your fast with friends and family with a special buffet at Hyde Park Coffee Shop. Open daily from sunset to 11pm. QR140 per person with special rates available for groups.

GO: Call 4428 1645 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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ramadan 101

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Iftar and Suhoor: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa is making this Ramadan truly memorable as guests can share special moments with family and friends at the luxurious Ramadan tent held at The Westin Grand Ballroom. Nourish your soul and awaken your senses with delicious live cooking stations at both Iftar and Suhoor, with complimentary dates and live entertainment, as well as shisha experiences. Iftar is priced at QR220, and Suhoor is QR250. There’s also Seasonal Tastes restaurant which will serve popular international fare and local Arabic specialties throughout the day. Featuring live cooking stations in the buffet line-up, and an À la carte menu that is available 24 hours a day.

GO: Call 4492 1555 for reservations and more information.

City Centre Rotana Doha Iftar: Indulge in yummy food in the elegant ballroom that has a traditional Ramadan lounge set-up with a dates corner, Arabic sweets and Ramadan drinks. There is a choice of three Iftar menus to pick from, all of this for QR200.

At Misk Lebanese Restaurant, experience authentic Levant cuisine, unique desserts and more for QR180.

Suhoor: Served at the beautiful Aquarius Pool Side Café, guests can enjoy a chilled-out Suhoor for QR125 per person from 8pm until 2am.

GO: Call 4445 8888 for reservations and more information.

Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park Iftar and Suhoor: Experience a memorable Ramadan and all its traditions in a unique Ramadan Tent at Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park. Enjoy the selection of Arabic, Oriental and International dishes. The hotel will also offer a special Suhoor dining experience with live entertainment and flavourful shishas. Iftar is served at Aramede Restaurant from sunset to 9pm for QR165, and Suhoor is served À la carte at Ru’a Ballroom, from 8pm to 2am.

GO: Call 4408 7777 for reservations and more information.

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Shakespeare & Co. Iftar and Suhoor: Shakespeare and Co. will be having a delicious Iftar menu that will be available throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan at both of their outlets in Doha. This year marks the first time that Shakespeare and Co. will be offering such a menu. Guests will have the choice of an appetiser consisting of either Lentil Soup or House Salad; as well as a main course of either Shakespeare Classic Chicken, Fish Fillet or Scaloppini Al Limone. While dessert will be a choice of Fruit Salad or Crème Brulee, all served with a Ramadan beverage between Amar al Din or Tamarind, at an incredibly competitive price of QR88. During the Holy Month of Ramadan both of Shakespeare and Co.’s locations at Dar Al Salaam Mall and at The Pearl, Qatar will be open daily from Iftar until 2am, with the last order taken at 1.30am. Meanwhile, Shakespeare and Co.

will also be providing a takeaway service starting from 1pm daily available from both outlets. ✤ GO: Call 4453 5000 for reservations and more information.

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT REFERENCE LET US TELL YOU WHERE TO GO.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Call 4484 8000 or visit: ritzcarlton.com/ doha for reservations and more information on all June offers and promotions.

Ramadan Kareem

The true spirit of Ramadan comes to life at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha with festivities that promise to delight family and friends. The 1001 Nights-inspired majestic tent at Al Wosail will feature a feast for the senses with live carving stations, regional cuisines, fresh salads and tempting desserts. Relax with live music and Tanoura dance, enjoyed from your private majlis seating or the main dining area.

Al Wosail, Starting June 7:

Iftar and Suhoor: QR216 per person with 50% savings for kids aged five to 12-years-old. Complimentary for kids under four-yearsold. Prices are inclusive of Ramadan juices, food buffet and water.

Special group discounts are available.

Culinary Academy

Embark on an epicurean learning journey at The Ritz-Carlton Culinary Academy with the team of international chefs. Hone your culinary skills at classes that focus on basic dining, cooking techniques, equipment needs and plate presentation. Takes place in front of La Dolce Vita, from 10am to 12noon.

One class is QR200 per person; three classes cost QR570 per person; and five classes are QR900 per person (all package prices to be paid in full upon enrollment) .

June Cooking Classes - Wednesdays and Saturdays June 1 & June 4 - Ramadan Specialties June 8 & June 11 - Asian Street Food

Doha Nightlife is he best source of information on all kinds of events happening in Doha. ● All events promotion - Concerts, clubs, DJs, musicians, comedy shows, parties, sport events and more! ● Lifestyle discounts and daily offers - Get your selected vouchers with us! No pricey coupon books or print outs! ● E-tickets for your selected events. ● Artists promotion and directory - Need a DJ, band or entertainment for your party? You'll find the right people through us!

www.dohanightlife.QA

Designed by:

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E id B ru n chi n ’ To celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr all you need is your family, friends and loved ones with you, plus good food and a great atmosphere. Here’s our top three of awesome brunches to look forward to…

Oryx Rotana Doha Eid Brunch at Choices: Taking place everyday on the three days of Eid, enjoy a lavish Oriental dinner with ouzi, cold mezze, shawarma, live mixed grill station, manakish, and more delicious treats, served from 12.30pm to 4pm. Buffet price is QR270 per person including local water, Arabic juices, Arabic coffee and Moroccan tea.

On day two and three a premium package priced at QR350 is available, which includes unlimited selected house beverages.

GO: Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more information.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha Eid Celebration Brunch: Tuck into signature sweet and savoury recipes from all around the world, whilst enjoying fine live entertainment and there’s even a children’s corner on the lawn – all the elements you need for a five-star brunch experience on Eid. Served in Sawa from 12.30pm to 4pm, for QR330 per person, including soft beverages; and QR425 per person, including bubbly, grain, cocktails, and white and red vino.

The St. Regis Doha

sophisticated brunch for your Eid celebrations.

Some of the highlights from the cold station include oysters prepared a-la-minute, seafood on ice, sushi and sashimi, and an extensive cheese display, whilst hot dishes are prepared on the BBQ panel and there’s even a carving station, pasta, foie gras, Arabic corner and an Asian food station. To top that off, end your brunch experience with pancake ice cream and a huge selection of yummy pastries. It’s all about the food here! QR295 for food only. ✤

Eid Brunch in Vine: With live cooking stations and world cuisines galore, Vine will offer a relaxed yet

GO: Call 4446 0000 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 4035 5011 for reservations and more information.

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357

Mob. 3377 2735 P.O. Box: 7346 Doha - Qatar

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SOCIETY

#Exclusive #Banquet #at #The #Station #Sushi #in #Megapolis

Quickly becoming Doha’s go-to spot for a memorable Japanese dining experience, The Station Sushi at Megapolis – one of the largest family entertainment centres in the GCC region – hosted an exclusive oriental banquet for members of the local media. Guests were treated to a taste of Japan’s most renowned culinary offerings, including sashimi, temaki and other soul-satisfying recipes, prepared to perfection to fulfill Doha’s huge appetite for Asian flavours.

Popular menu options from the kitchen of The Station Sushi’s talented team of chefs include spicy tuna, and crazy temaki rolls to name but a few.

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Ramadan Recipes from the food experts During the Holy Month of Ramadan, you’ll be treated to a huge variety of delicious food. Learn how to cook some of the best and authentic dishes for this time of year with recipes from Doha’s top chefs at five-star hotels. Here goes… fact magazine

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ramadan Recipes

The St. Regis Doha

Chef Jean-Luc Morcellet • Slowly cooked egg shackchoka and spicy sausages •

Ingredients Serves four people Sausage - 500gm Fresh farm egg - 8 Sliced shallot onion - 150gm Sliced garlic - 50gm Cooking butter - 200gm Virgin olive oil - 100ml Finely chopped fresh coriander - 150gm

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Cinnamon power - 50gm Bay leaves - 10gm Balsamic vinegar - 220ml Coriander powder - 10gm Cumin power - 10gm Green chilli chopped - 10gm Chopped peel tomato - 320gm

Cooking method: Sausages • Put some water to boil, and add

bay leaves, cinnamon, and balsamic vinegar. Then, add the sausages into the water for five minutes. Strain sausages and leave to chill.

Cooking of egg shackchoka and spicy sausages • Heat pan and add butter, olive oil, onion, garlic, and let cook until golden.

• Add the sausages until they’re

brown, then put some cumin powder, coriander, and cinnamon, and drop some of the balsamic vinegar in, followed by chilli and chopped tomato. Cover pan until tomato is cooked, then add fresh coriander.

• Break the egg on the top and reduce the fire with some virgin olive oil and balsamic in the top.

Leave the egg to cook, slowly.

ramadan recipes

Doha Marriott Hotel

Chef Erhan Afacan • Tepsi Kebab (Serves 6 to 8) •

Ingredients For the meat mixture Ground beef or lamb (or combination) - 1kg Medium onions, finely chopped - 2 Cloves of garlic, crushed and finely chopped - 4 Red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1/2 Flat leaf parsley, finely chopped - 1 bunch Red pepper flakes - 2tsp Ground cumin - 1tsp Medium potato, quartered and thinly sliced - 1 Tomato, cut into wedges - 1 Red bell pepper,

sliced coarsely - 1/2 Green bell pepper, sliced coarsely - 1/2 Salt and ground black pepper to taste For the tomato sauce Tablespoon tomato paste - 1tbsp Water - 8fl oz or 1 cup Olive oil - 15ml or 1tbsp Salt and ground pepper to taste

cooking Method Preparation time: 35 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Preheat the oven to 180C/350F

• In a large bowl, mix the onion, garlic, red peppers, parsley, cumin and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and knead well with your hands for a few minutes, until all the ingredients are combined and spices are blended in. Add the ground meat to the mixture and again, using your hands, knead well until everything is thoroughly combined.

• Grease a round baking tray with a little olive oil and spread the meat mixture onto the tray. With your hands, press the meat and spread evenly and thinly (height about half an inch), retaining the round shape.

Make sure the spread goes around the edges; once cooked, the meat will shrink an inch or two.

• Cut through the spreaded meat mixture to create slices (like a pizza). Place the sliced potatoes at these edges. Spread the slices of red bell peppers, green bell peppers and tomatoes over the top of each wedge of the meat mixture. Season well, with salt and ground black pepper.

• Mix the tomato paste, water and olive oil in a small bowl, season with salt and ground pepper. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and kebab. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes until the meat and vegetables are cooked well.

• Serve with plain rice and plain yoghurt.

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ramadan Recipes

Grand Hyatt Doha

Chef Mohamed Alo • Eggplant Musakka •

Ingredients Eggplant small - 5pcs Lamb loin -150gm Lamb fat - 25gm White onion - 10gm Red capsicum - 5gm Yellow capsicum - 5gm Green capsicum - 5gm Fresh Tomato - 100gm Tomato paste - 20gm Garlic - 2gm

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Salt - 6gm White pepper - 2gm Pine seeds - 20gm

For decoration Pomegranate molasses Pomegranate seeds

cooking Method • Peel the eggplant in strips, and then open it from the middle. Fry the

eggplant for 10 minutes.

• To prepare the stuffing for the eggplant, mince the lamb loin and add the lamb fat. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

• To prepare the eggplant sauce, put a suitable amount of oil, onions and garlic in a saucepan and stir well.

Add tomato paste and tomatoes to it with salt and white pepper to taste.

Let ingredients cook for 25 minutes.

• Chop the capsicums for the decoration.

• Stuff the eggplant with the cooked mixture and pine seeds.

• Pour the tomato sauce into a plate and add the eggplant over it.

• Add the garnishing to it (chopped capsicums, Pomegranate molasses and Pomegranate seeds) for final presentation.

ramadan recipes

W Doha Hotel & Residences

Chef Greg Malouf • Medjool Date Brûlée •

Medjool dates are a large organic date now grown in California, which originated in North Africa. I love their toffee-caramel flavour. This dish is a thick, luxurious and totally seductive desert, combining the dates, which should be cooked until jammy, and a not-too-sweet, cinnamon infused custard.

Ingredients For custard Egg yolks Castor sugar - 60gm Vanilla bean & Cinnamon stick - 1 Pure cream - 1.25ltrs For the date confit Castor sugar - 125gm Water - 125ml Fresh dates - 250gm

Orange juice - ¼ cup Castor sugar for dusting - 100gm

cooking Method

as it stops the custard from cooking further. Then remove from the ice and allow it to continue cooling down, naturally. Refrigerate until needed.

CUSTARD • In a bowl, mix egg yolks, sugar, split vanilla bean and cinnamon stick.

Bring cream to a rolling boil and then pour it into the egg and sugar mixture, whisking well to incorporate.

• Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the custard thickens. It should be as thick as honey.

• Pour the mixture into a stainless steel or glass bowl and leave it to rest on ice or in a sink of very cold water for 5 to 10 minutes. This is important

DATE CONFIT • To make the confit, place a large pot of water on the stove and bring to the boil.

• Quickly blanch the dates in the water and remove immediately, placing in a bowl of ice water. Peel and pit the dates.

• Heat the sugar with the water until completely dissolved. Add the whole dates and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to break them down.

• Remove from the heat and add the orange juice. Chill until required.

• Place a heaped teaspoon of dates at the bottom of a small ramekin dish or soufflé bowl (8cm diameter) and then spoon in enough custard to fill the container to just below the rim. Chill until ready to serve.

• Set your griller to its highest level and heat for at least 5 minutes.

Remove the custards from the fridge and lightly dust with castor sugar, then place under the grill for a few moments until the sugar is brown and bubbling.

• Remove and refrigerate for 5 more minutes. Dust with a little more sugar and place for a second grill. A domestic blowtorch works even better. Serve straight away.

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ramadan Recipes

Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

chef Aurel Raduti • Um Ali •

Ingredients Puff pastry - 120gm Almond flakes - 30gm Pistachio strips - 15gm Pine seeds - 15gm Coconut desiccated - 10gm Rosewater - 30ml Milk - 250ml

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Whipping cream Elle & Vire - 250ml White sugar - 50g Whipped cream - 50ml

cooking Method • Breakdown puff pastry into large pieces in a bowl • Mix with almond slices, pistachio,

pine seeds and desiccated coconut • Boil milk, cream, sugar and rosewater • Pour boiled mixture over puff pastry and let the puff pastry get soaked • Pour solid mixture in serving dish and spread whipping cream on top • Bake at 220C until there is a gold colour on top.

Um Ali is one of the most popular desserts in the gcc, and it has its roots in Egypt.

Um Ali means the queen of puddings that is filled with the goodness of dry fruits. It’s heavy, rich and served as the most favourite dessert during Ramadan.

ramadan recipes

InterContinental Doha The City

Chef Salim Al Ashi • Chicken Musakhan Rolls •

Ingredients

cooking Method

Markouk bread - 5pcs Whole chicken - 1.4kg Red onion - 500gm Olive oil - 0.300ltr Sumac - 100gm Salt - To taste White pepper - To taste

• Boil the chicken, let it cool and keep it cold.

• Cut the onions into thin slices, cook in olive oil until the colour starts to become golden brown.

• Add the sumac, salt and white pepper. Mix it all together.

• Remove the skin and the bone from the chicken and cut it into thin long julienne slices.

• Add the chicken to the onion mix and mix all the ingredients together, well • Cut the bread into long slices, add the chicken mix inside and roll it.

• Put the bread roll on a tray and brush it with olive oil.

• Put the tray in the oven at 180C for 8 to 10 minutes until the bread becomes a golden colour and crispy.

• Serve it with plain yoghurt as a garnish. Dip and enjoy at Iftar time.

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ramadan Recipes

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Chef Bulent Canbolat • Baklawa •

Ingredients Flour - 1kg Corn starch - 500gm Salt - 5tsp Eggs - 4 Water - 1½ cups Chopped pistachio - 1kg Butter - 800gm For the Sherbet (sugar syrup): Sugar - 2kg Water - 12 cups

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For the cream: Milk - ½ ltr Semolina - 100gm

Cooking Method • Prepare the dough: put the flour, salt, eggs, and 1½ cup water in a large bowl, knead everything together, well.

• Divide the dough into pieces, around the size of walnuts.

• Roll out these pieces with a rolling pin into the size of a small plate.

Leave to sit for around 15 minutes.

• Layer eight of them on top of one another by sprinkling starch between each, they should overlap. And roll all of these out at the same time.

They should be thin phyllo sheets.

• Cut each phyllo sheet into small squares of 10cm.

• Preheat the oven to 180C. • Cook the semolina and milk together in a pot by mixing it continually until it gets thicker than pudding.

• Put pounded pistachio and a spoonful of semolina mixture on each square. Fold the edges of the square in the shape of an envelope.

Do the same for all of the squares and place them on a tray.

• Melt the butter and pour it over the squares in the tray. Cook in the oven for half an hour.

• Meanwhile, you can prepare the sherbet: Boil 12 cups of water and 2kg sugar in a pot.

When the sugar totally melts, take it off the heat and let it cool.

• When you take the tray out of the oven, pour this sherbet over the Baklawa. Don’t forget, sherbet should be cold, Baklawa should be hot. Let it cool and serve it cold.

ramadan Recipes

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha

Chef Julien Alkhal • Mahashi and Lamb •

Ingredients Egyptian rice - 2 cups Olive oil - 3tbsp Chopped garlic - 2tbsp Chopped onion - 1 cup Freshly chopped coriander - 1 cup Freshly chopped mint - 1tbsp Lamb stock - 4 cups Salt - 1tbsp Seven spices - 1tbsp

Baby marrow - 5pcs Vine leaves - 8 leaves Freshly sliced potato - 1 Freshly sliced tomato - 1 Lamb chops - 200g Minced lamb - 1g

Cooking method: • Wash and strain the rice.

• Mix garlic, coriander, mint, lamb, salt and seven spices with rice.

• Remove the heart of the baby

marrow and wash.

• Stuff the rice inside the baby marrow and wrap with vine leaves.

• Layer chopped potato and tomato on the bottom of a mediumsized pot, followed by lamb chops and mahashi (stuffed baby marrow) and cover with lamb stock.

• Bring to boil and leave to simmer for 45 minutes.

• Serve with yoghurt and cucumber.

This Ramadan, guests will enjoy the multi-awarded Levantine cuisine of Al Sufra, headed by Chef Julien Al Khal, along with other delicious dishes inspired by Qatari and Middle Eastern specialities in a joyful atmosphere with world-class entertainment, at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha.

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RAMADAN Recipes

Mamig, Katara Cultural Village Chef Zarmig Halladjian

Green Salad with Beetroot and Cheese Ingredients: Beetroot - 200gm Red cabbage - 200gm Broccoli - 200gm Mix of Purslane, thyme, dill and rocket - 200gm Onions - 2pcs Baby tomatoes - As required Red grapegar - 2tbsp Lemon juice - 2tbsp Olive oil - 3tsp Salt, pepper, cumin and dried mint - To taste Cheese - As required

Khorovadz Hav Ingredients: Whole Chicken - 1 Garlic cloves - 3pcs Green chilli peppers - 2pcs Chilli paste - 2tbsp Butter - 4tbsp Oil - 3tbsp Grapegar - ½ cup Lemon juice - ½ cup Green onions - 3pcs Potatoes - 4pcs Pomegranate - 1 cup Salt, pepper and Red pepper - To taste Mixed vegetables - As required

Beet and Meat Soup

Cooking Method:

Ingredients:

• Put the chicken on the baking tray. Add mashed garlic and chopped green chilli pepper.

• Add the chilli paste, butter, grapegar, lemon juice, oil, green onion, pomegranate, salt, pepper and red pepper.

• Mix them all together and cook in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

• Clean the potatoes and boil them in salted water for 10 minutes.

• Remove the potatoes from the water, drain them and put them on a baking tray. Add mixed vegetables, butter and salt and bake in the oven.

• Put the vegetables in a plate with the chicken, and serve.

Lamb meat with fats - 200gm Beetroot - As required Plum - 5 to 7 Small onions - 3pcs Yoghurt - ½ cup Tomato paste - 2tbsp Chilli paste - 1tbsp Beef stock - 4 cups Pomegranate molasses - 1 cup

Vegetable oil - 2tbsp Salt, pepper and red pepper To taste

Cooking Method: Cooking Method: • Boil the beetroot.

• Remove from heat, drain and put it aside to cool.

• Peel beetroot and cut it into cubes.

• Shred the red cabbage and mix it with the purslane, thyme, dill and rocket.

• Cut the onion and broccoli.

• Chop the baby tomatoes.

• Mix all the ingredients together with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin and dried mint.

• Serve it with cheese on the side.

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• Peel the onion and chop it.

• Chop the beetroot.

• In a cooking pan, add vegetable oil and fry the chopped onions until they are golden brown.

• Add the lamb meat and fat and fry until the meat is half cooked.

• Pour the beef stock and bring to a boil.

• Add chopped beetroot, plums, chilli paste, tomato paste, pomegranate juice, salt, pepper and red pepper, and cook all together for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Mix the yoghurt for a tastier result.

RAMADAN recipes

Shrimps with Vegetables Sharovy Meat Ingredients: Lamb cutlets - 500gm Green or red peppers - 2pcs Green chilli peppers - 2pcs Tomatoes - 5pcs Onions - 3pcs Garlic cloves - 4pcs Baby tomatoes - 100gm Meat broth - 2 cups Olive oil - 4tbsp Chilli paste - 4tbsp Salt, pepper and red pepper To taste

Ingredients: To boil with the shrimp: Shrimp - 200gm Carrot - 1pc Onion - 1pc Bay leaf - 1pc Celery - 1pc Lemon slices - As required For the rest of the dish: Onions - 2pcs Green bell peppers - 2pcs Green beans - 1 cup Lemon juice - 2tbsp Chilli paste - 1tbsp Fresh dill and coriander - As required Oil for frying - 4tbsp Salt and pepper - To taste

Peach Stuffed with Walnut Ingredients: Peaches - 6pcs Walnut - 2 cups Almond - ½ cup Coconut powder - ½ cup Yoghurt - 2 cups Blossom water - 3tbsp Sugar - 2 cups Cinnamon - 3tbsp Sugar syrup - 1 cup

Cooking Method:

Cooking Method: • Marinate the lamb cutlets with chilLi paste, olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper.

• In a baking tray, put the lamb cutlets. Add the sliced bell peppers, chilli peppers, tomato and onions.

• In a cooking pan, mix the mashed garlic, baby tomatoes, and green chilli with the meat stock.

• Present the dish on a wooden board with the vegetables and serve.

• Put the shrimps into salted boiling water.

• Add to the broth one carrot, celery stalk, one onion, lemon slices and a bay leaf, and let boil.

• Remove the shrimps from water, allow cooling.

• Slice the onions, and red and green bell peppers.

• In a cooking pan, fry the chopped onions with oil until brown.

• Add the carrots, red pepper and green pepper.

• Add the green beans, lemon juice, chilli paste, fresh dill, coriander, salt and pepper.

• Stir in the shrimps and remove from heat.

MAMIG is a highend restaurant and event venue based in Katara Cultural Village. Its signature Armenian, Lebanese cuisine and authentic design are unmatched in the area.

Cooking Method: • Cut the peaches in half and remove the seeds.

• Chop the walnuts and almonds.

• In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, coconut powder, yoghurt, blossom water, sugar, cinnamon and almonds.

• Stuff the peaches with this mixture.

• Place the peaches on a baking tray and let bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes.

• Serve with sugar syrup.

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arts interview

A Cultural Canvas As we enter Ramadan, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only befitting to share with you an artistic talent that was inspired by the Arabic language and the religious writings in the Holy Quran.

FACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shabana Adam talks to UAE-based artist Zahra Gulraiz about her contemporary take on traditional Arabic calligraphy...

Photography by Khadijah Ibtisam

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arts interview

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C

arts interview

alligraphy has been a part of the Islamic art world for many centuries, however, this sophisticated form of art has also appeared in other cultures, including Roman, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mayan and more, with many incorporating it in their scriptures and books. Still, calligraphy remains an intricate artistic style that has been used to a much greater extent in the Arab world, in wonderfully diverse and imaginative ways that have taken the written word from pen to paper, to canvas, to the streets, the city walls, and beyond.

For these and many other reasons, calligraphy has become somewhat of a symbolic feature of Islamic art. Its premise often lies within Arabic writing, whereby the end result is the balance between transmitting a text and expressing its meaning through a formal visual code.

This is also the very reason why calligraphy is both a most beautiful and powerful art form, having been developed and adopted by traditional and modern-day artists to share their views, messages and interests.

For us, 27-year-old Zahra Gulraiz is one such artist. Her childhood with family as well as her religious background and deep connection with the Arabic language has inspired Zahra in her artistic pursuits.

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arts interview

“After years of learning and getting accustomed to the Arabic text in the Quran, I gained a strong connection with the Arabic language.”

“While my peers in kindergarten chased each other, rode their bikes, played with barbie dolls or read their books, you would find me wandering the halls looking at the paintings on the walls,” Zahra reminisces.

“As I grew older, my father inspired me a great deal. We would spend our free time painting my furniture pink or making 3D art installations. I think my Dad was one of the biggest reasons why I have always been inclined towards art,” she adds.

Zahra’s other significant guidance came from Arabic writing, which is also the main influence for calligraphy too.

Many Muslim communities and cultures hold the Arabic language in great esteem for it was the language in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.

“As we lived in a practicing family, the Quran was a vital part of my life,” Zahra says. “After years of learning and getting accustomed to the Arabic text in the

Quran, I gained a strong connection with the Arabic language.

“I fell in love with the structure of each alphabet. As I made my way through college, I found myself drifting away from the norm of creating portraits and landscapes, and more towards the beauty that lay within the Arabic text,” she explains.

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arts interview

While not all calligraphy is religious in content, Zahra uses sacred quotes or verses from the Holy Quran and incorporates these into her artwork, in a way which is attractive, endearing and uplifting. “For example, one of my favourite pieces features the verse from the Quran: ‘Verily, after every hardship 56

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comes relief ’,” she tells us. “I made the canvas with bright and bold colours, which lifts the viewer’s spirits even before deciphering the translation of the words.”

Zahra describes her artistic style as “a contemporary take on traditional Arabic calligraphy.” She explains: “I use

solid, vivid colours against the curves and edges of calligraphy to create an illusion of abstract art. Each painting signifies a certain theme or has a meaning to it, even though it might only look like a bright painting.”

So, what is it about art that grips her? “Oh gosh, everything!” she says. “I

arts interview

“I especially love how art speaks through different platforms. Be it photography, theatre, painting or even fashion.

You don’t need to speak the same language to understand it.” love how each piece of artwork speaks to the viewer in different ways. I love visiting art galleries and viewing a piece of artwork, looking at each stroke and getting a sense of the artists’ feelings. It lets you escape reality and look through the eyes of others.

“I have come across some people

who don’t necessarily enjoy viewing art, but they all have something to say about it. Art has its way to make people talk, and I love that,” she adds Aside from calligraphy, Zahra also ventures into pop art style and geometry, with a great level of enthusiasm for symmetry. More recently, she has been

fascinated by the art of mandala (a spiritual pattern and ritual symbol found in India, representing the universe).

“I joined Instagram and saw some amazing artists posting some of the most intricate mandalas I have ever seen,” Zahra recalls. “My first mandala was inspired by the fact that I had a compass, pencil, and some time to kill. It started as a doodle but ended up being so much more. The aspect that I love most about Mandalas’ is the freedom you have with your designs. It’s quite therapeutic too!”

Zahra’s art has been featured on Eid greeting cards, and she’s currently looking to create a colouring book for adults, alongside putting her designs on handbags and stationery too.

“This looks like a promising year for me,” she says, excitedly. “I would like to have more gallery shows, gain more exposure, and maybe even launch my own clothing line… Bring it on, 2016!”

When your enthusiasm and artwork speaks for itself, in the way that Zahra’s does, there really is no limit to what can be achieved. fact magazine

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MATERIALS, TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN YOUR WORK… I am forever in love with acrylic paints. I love the texture and how I am able to mould the paintings to have rough and jagged surfaces. If I want an even texture, acrylics give me that too. I was introduced to a number of mediums in University, but somehow I would always lean towards acrylics.

I have a habit of keeping all my old paintbrushes (some of them are over 10 years old!) and I’m a massive fan of Winsor and Newton products. As for my techniques, it’s a secret! But I can tell you that I like to sketch out my ideas beforehand to get an idea of how the dimensions of the text would fit within the frame.

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YOUR ADVICE FOR YOUND BUDDING ARTISTS… The most important advice I can give, no matter how generic it sounds, is to be true to who you are. You don’t need to change your artistic style to what is “in” at the moment. Similarly, if you see an artist who is getting recognition for a certain style of work, you don’t need to copy them in order to gain the same recognition. Art is about a feeling, a moment, it’s about you. And if you manage to stay true to yourself, the satisfaction you will feel will triumph over the approval of a thousand people. ✤ GO: View more of Zahra’s work and connect with her on instagram @zahragulraiz.

Also AvAilAble in ...

Abu DhAbi & bAhrAin

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Roll Camera for Film Festival Fever

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Have a Haunted Halloween

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

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An Artistic Celebration of Arabic Culture

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

8/31/14 11:13 AM

@FACTAbuDhabi | @FACTBahrain | @FACT_Qatar 3.

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REVIEWs

Big Screen

Independence Day: Resurgence

What’s it about: Having barely survived an alien attack once before, Earth has strengthened its defences using superior technology.

But trying to evade attack only tempt fate when the planet is plunged into battle with the alien race, again.

Director: Roland Emmerich cast: Maika Monroe, Joey King, Liam Hemsworth Why it’s worth watching?

Once Independence Day: Resurgence had been announced, there was no doubt it had plenty of obstacles to face. Not only was there speculation that it would fall foul to the bad sequel curse, the first film’s biggest cast member, Will Smith, said that he wouldn‘t be taking part. Despite this stumbling block, Roland Emmerich has pulled out all the stops to make this film an epic blockbuster. There is talented cast aplenty with originals such as Jeff Goldblum and Bill Pullman, combined with the fresh faces of Liam Hemsworth and Maika Monroe, and although it’s not enough to erase Will from your mind completely, you’ll definitely find yourself enjoying the cast change-ups more than you thought. When it comes to the visuals, this movie is a treat. Despite being heavy in CGI, it’s absolutely breathtaking and will leave you in awe of the insanely creative team behind it all. Whether you’re watching this film for the nostalgia, or simply the love of the genre, it’s guaranteed to take you back to the drama of the 1997 classic and put a smile back on your face.

Highlights “When it comes to the visuals, this movie is a treat.

Despite being heavy in CGI, it’s absolutely breathtaking and will leave you in awe of the insanely creative team behind it all . ”

Now You See Me 2 What’s it about: After outwitting the FBI, the illusionists known as The Four Horsemen are, in turn, outwitted by a tech prodigy who plans to use them for their skills and force them to pull off their biggest heist to date, all under the cloak of magic.

– Independence Day: Resurgence

“...this film will still have you wide-eyed with excitement at what The Four Horsemen may pull off next” – Now You See Me 2

Director: Jon M. Chu cast: Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan, Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg Why it’s worth watching?

If you’re anything like us, you’ll agree that the best part of the illusion is finding out how it was done, and this is exactly what Now You See Me 2, rather like it’s predecessor, does. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this takes away from the ‘wow’ element though, this film will still have you wide-eyed with excitement at what The Four Horsemen may pull off next, but it also gives you a peek through the window of illusion, without completely shattering the glass.

The majority of the cast has returned for round two, but the introduction of Daniel Radcliffe and Lizzy Caplan definitely ups the comedic value and makes this film a must-see.

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REVIEWs

on the record

Fully Booked

Novel

The Nest

By Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

ROCK/FUNK

The Getaway

By Red Hot Chili Peppers

Having been making music for over three decades you’d think these guys might have put down their instruments and called it a day, and considering it’s been five years since they last released a record, we were just as surprised (and a little excited) with their return. Thankfully, the band has made a long awaited comeback that pulls sounds reminiscent of their earlier musical cache. Despite having had multiple members since starting up way back in 1983, there has always been one consistency that they’ve failed to stray from: funk. It’s been a repeated theme in their music and one that we’re happy to say is packed into this album. Whether it’s combined with dreamy vocals, psychedelic riffs or electric guitar solos, it’s the defining sound of this album and is undoubtedly the genre that has given them their success. In true Chili Peppers’ fashion, there’s plenty of genrecrossover, something that keeps this record fresh and provides a song for every Chili’s fan, old or new. All these elements combined make The Getaway exactly what we needed.

R&B/POP

7/27

Three siblings gather to confront their reckless brother Leo after his drink driving accident, which subsequently landed him in rehab. He’s in danger of losing them their inheritance. Having had a dysfunctional past, the siblings have to put their differences aside if they are to have a chance at gaining their inheritance, which would help each of them pull themselves out of their own financial troubles, the same troubles that have seen their personal relationships suffer. By exploring and unravelling the complicated relationships between siblings, Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney has created a gripping, heartfelt debut novel that will surely resonate with readers the world over.

By Fifth Harmony

Despite finishing in third place on The X Factor USA, these girls have had more success than many winners of the talent show. Their first album garnered plenty of attention and 7/27 looks to hit even higher heights. Their first single Work From Home smashed charts all over the world and became an instant anthem, whereas Write On Me gave us a much more chilled out beat and stripped back style.

There’s some huge collaborations on this album, from the legendary Missy Elliot, to hip hop newcomer and breakout star Fetty Wap, all adding their A-list credentials to the record.

If it’s popular chart music and easy listening that you want, Fifth Harmony will deliver.

“There’s some huge collaborations on this album, from the legendary Missy Elliot, to hip hop newcomer and breakout star Fetty Wap...”

Memoir

H is for Hawk

By Helen MacDonald After Helen MacDonald’s father suddenly died, it inspired the legendary author to purchase one of the most vicious predators around; the goshawk. Believing that her own temperament matched that of the hawks, she took on the challenge in order to tame her mind and believes the process changed her life. She shares her most intimate experiences of her loss and bereavement in the pages of this humorous and unique book, which manages to successfully combine nature writing with that of a memoir. An unusual combination, but a brilliant and empowering read.

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SOCIETY

#HedKandi #at #Strata #InterContinental #D oha #The #City

Partygoers in Doha were taken on an extra special ride when Strata Lounge a night of pure revellery with their now-famous HedKandi nights. Once a month, every last Friday that is, Strata brings the international clubbing brand HedKandi, along with its famous djs and live acts to all the music lovers in Doha. The fun-loving crowd was there for a good time and guests were seen enjoying themselves to the max! Since its inception, 16 years ago, HedKandi has developed from hosting boutique parties into a globally recognised lifestyle brand.

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Staycation Bliss

THE RITZ-CARLTON Abu Dhabi, GRAND CANAL

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Regional Spotlight

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than spending a long weekend at a resort that is pr actically on your doorstep and packed with facilities that will give you the holiday feeling.

FACT finds out just how The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Gr and Canal fits the bill when it comes to summer tr avel in the GCC…

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e had previously stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and enjoyed the true essence of five-star hospitality. The second time around, we were looking for something a little different; facilities, fun and things to do in-resort which could keep guests entertained for a long weekend.

Let’s just say, we were not disappointed!

Much like the UAE capital itself, which is a blend of a laid-back and welcoming, traditional culture with lively happenings, modern amenities, and luxury offerings, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is a clear representation of this. Located just across the road from the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the hotel is somewhat of a dream destination that could easily resemble an opulent resort found on the canal shores of Venice – with all the charm and elegance of Arabian hospitality, of course.

Luxury Accommodation Stay as a Club Level guest and revel in all the personalised service, attention to detail and extra benefits offered as part of this accommodation type. Firstly, the Club Level has both room and suite options that would suit all types of travellers including couples, groups of friends, families with children and even solo visitors. Private check-in at the Club Lounge is how you’ll start your stay. Staff will greet you with a friendly smile and share information about all the Club Level amenities and extras that you can enjoy, as well as addressing any other queries you might have.

We stayed in a Twin Club Room with a balcony that overlooked truly amazing views of the beach and Grand Canal, the 64

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lush gardens and pool area, and the city itself, as far as the eye could see. The room is very spacious with comfy beds (that made for some of the best night’s sleep we’ve had in a long time), a great desk area for work and leisure, and a full marble bathroom with a large tub, separate rainshower and luxury amenities. Then there’s the usual excellent features such as the 42” LCD TV, fully stocked mini bar, tea and coffee-making facilities (incl. Nespresso machine), a safe, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and complimentary shoeshine and newspaper, to name but a few of the things that will make for an even more comfortable stay.

Having access to the Club Lounge is definitely a bonus. Here, you can enjoy complimentary food and beverage for breakfast, afternoon tea, and light snacks and drinks in the evening. We especially loved the breakfast with its huge variety of hot and cold food – the porridge, the pastries and the fresh fruits were the winners! The added value of having a place that offers you free foodie treats and drinks throughout the day is an absolute delight!

So, whether you decide to spend all your days at the hotel, or if you’re venturing out to explore the city, a Club Room will be the perfect place to take respite after any activity or adventure!

Weekend Hole Up The one thing that we really enjoyed during this stay at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, is having the luxury of not having to leave the resort to enjoy our home-away-from-home holiday. One of the reasons why the hotel makes for a good GCC staycation, for the whole family, is that it offers something for everyone! For

“We must also commend the in-room dining service, for having fallen sick with a tummy bug, the Ritz team was able to specially-prepare food for us that wasn’t on the menu – big tick for guest satisfaction!”

Regional Spotlight

little ones, the pool and children’s water play area will be a haven for fun, plus the Ritz Kids Club which offers safe, friendly and super fun recreational activities, will provide mum and dad with some ‘me time’ to chill out on the beach and take a dip in the canal waters. Couples, friends and solo guests will also relish in the outdoor facilities, as well as the beachfront, Bedouin-inspired ESPA with a hammam, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and treatments that embody the very meaning of relaxation. On top of all this, you have,

literally, every kind of cuisine to satisfy all those cravings! For a taste of five-star dining, head to The Forge Steakhouse and opt for the deliciously creamy Burrata Salad, followed by your choice of main with mouthwatering sides and a glass of vino or one of the thirst-quenching mocktails.

The venue is elegant yet inviting and the staff is incredibly attentive. This one’s for those who want a more refined dining experience with quality ingredients but without the pretentiousness of the usual upmarket restaurants. Also, make sure to

try the gelato from Dolce, and do spend an evening on the Li Jiang terrace which boasts some of the most stunning night views of the Grand Mosque. We must also commend the in-room dining service, for having fallen sick with a tummy bug, the Ritz team was able to specially-prepare food for us that wasn’t on the menu – big tick for guest satisfaction! Now, do you see why there’s no need to leave the resort? In true staycation style, we spent three whole days at the hotel, experiencing ALL that it has to offer. ✤ fact magazine

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Regional Spotlight

The Ritz-Carlton Club Level Boasting a panoramic view of Al Maqta creek from its glass walls, the Club Level Lounge offers an intimately private setting for guests of The Ritz-Carlton Club Level.

The Lounge offers: • Continuous complimentary culinary offerings including breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea and light treats, evening hors d’oeuvres, and cordials and desserts.

• Complimentary coffee and cookies 24 hours a day.

• Complimentary wireless Internet access.

• Personal computers for guest use.

• Complimentary pressing for two pieces per room, per day.

Summer Package Offers Treat You Valid through December 31, 2016 Starting at AED1,455++ per room per night • Stay four nights and pay for three • Valid for Club Room and Club Suite • Complimentary round trip airport transfer from and to Abu Dhabi International Airport • Complimentary Internet access in the room • Access to the Club Lounge Better Together: Stay Three Nights and Pay for Two Valid through September 17, 2016 Starting at AED 550++ per room per night • Stay three nights and pay for two • Valid for Deluxe Room, Club Room and Executive Suite, and One-Bedroom Villa • Complimentary stay for children under 12 years sharing room with parents • Complimentary dining for children under 12-years-old • 20% savings in select hotel restaurants • 25% savings on spa treatments • Complimentary WIFI • Ritz Kids activities • Complimentary local calls and valet parking.

GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call +971 2 818 8888 for reservations and more information.

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SOCIETY

#Alfardan #Automobiles #Welcomes #Gamers #to #Mini #Showro om

Alfardan Automobiles’ MINI showroom, located at the heart of West Bay in Doha, was the location for ‘Interactive Tournaments Institution’ Play Station competition. Offering a fun and vibrant location for the contest, 120 fans of most popular console games gathered at the MINI West Bay showroom to compete against the best players in Qatar for a chance to win a number of prizes. The event saw participants going head to head in MINI’s showroom to win one of three prizes on offer, while winners had the opportunity to take one of the latest MINI models for a three day test drive.

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The Chrysler 200

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CITY RIDES

A wellappointed, comfortable and handsome mid-size family sedan marks the entry-level offering for luxury brand Chrysler.

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e take a ride in the Chrysler 200, the entry point for Chrysler’s product offering. It sits alongside top-trim, mid-size family sedans like the Mazda 6, Kia Optima or Toyota Camry, although premium materials, a stylish interior and great driving experience set it apart in a competitive field.

While the initial impression of the car’s exterior won’t take your breath away, the lines are smooth and clean, and there’s absolutely nothing to dislike about it. It doesn’t take long for the sporty stance and sloping roofline to really grow on you. However, it’s on the inside that the 200 really impresses.

It’s the little things, like the unique and innovative dividable centre console storage, which has a gap in it for the USB/MP3/charging cables to pass through, so that you can charge your

CITY RIDES

phone without annoying wires trailing all over the dashboard.

Chrysler’s UConnect infotainment system is well thought out and easy to use, and boasts just about everything you’d expect from a high-spec family sedan, such as Sat-Nav, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, and so on.

On the steering wheel you’d find the cruise control and audio functions, and the snazzy blue glow surrounding the instrument cluster is a really nice touch, especially at night.

The comfortable leather seats and premium feel to everything makes for a very inviting interior, and a smooth quiet ride means a relaxing drive both in the city and on the highway.

Unfortunately, that sloping roofline does mean that the back seat is slightly cramped, and anyone six foot tall or more would not enjoy a long journey in the back of this car.

Once again, the 295hp from the 3.6l Pentastar V6 engine won’t take your breath away, but it does pull the 200 along at a decent pace. 0-100km/h is managed in six seconds, and it has a top speed of 195km/h.

In terms of safety the 200 also stands out, with ESC, ABS, side impact beams, front and rear curtain airbags, driver and passenger two stage airbags and knee airbags.

Overall, the Chrysler 200 is the kind of inoffensive, comfortable, safe and easy-on-the-eye family sedan that will appeal to middle-class, white-collar types and rental companies. After three days driving it, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back, there was absolutely nothing that we didn’t like about this car. In fact, the easy-to-use audio and Bluetooth system, the intelligent storage spaces and clean dash and centre console, really impressed. ✤

“The comfortable leather seats and premium feel to everything makes for a very inviting interior, and a smooth quiet ride means a relaxing drive both in the city and on the highway.”

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motoring news

Maserati Levante Arrives in Qatar The Maserati Levante, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, has now arrived in Qatar. It enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world and contributes to creating of the most complete product line-up in Maseratiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the first ever SUV by Maserati, so it is a complete game-changer, particularly in this region.

Exciting times are ahead and we are glad to be able to offer Maserati aficionados a completely new experience,â&#x20AC;? said Charly Dagher, General Manager Maserati Qatar at Alfardan Sports Motors.

The Levante is based on the evolution of the sedan platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The car chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality.

Porsche Centre Celebrates Arrival of New 911 Bursting with more power, refined design and increased efficiency, the new Porsche 911 range has arrived at Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq Automobiles, showcasing cuttingedge technological advancements in what is the most highly evolved 911 to date. Now available in a range of model variants including coupe and cabriolet, the new 911 features further sharpened exterior design, while inside it features the

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new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system delivering improved connectivity and controls.

The Carrera and Targa models feature a completely new engine generation with bi-turbo charging, which set the benchmark in terms of performance, driving pleasure and efficiency. Across the range, a gain of 20hp has been achieved, despite a fuel reduction of up to 1.0 litre per 100 km.

Motoring news

The New MINI Seven A sense of individual style has always been an integral part of the unmistakable MINI feeling. With the new MINI Seven, the British brand now goes even further in showcasing the distinctive qualities of the original in the small car segment.

The first of the current MINI generation, available as a MINI 3 door and MINI 5 door, the new MINI Seven is named after the Austin Seven, the model with which production of the classic Mini began in 1959.

New exterior designs include the MINI Yours body finish in the variant Lapisluxury Blue, with three alternative paint finishes to choose from, roof and exterior mirror caps in Melting Silver, 17-inch light alloy wheels in exclusive MINI Seven Spoke two-tone design and bonnet stripes in Melting Silver available as an exclusive option.

Jaidah Launches 2016 Camaro Jaidah Automotive, the exclusive dealer of Chevrolet in Qatar, launched the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro yesterday. The unveiling of the new more powerful and refined Camaro took place in the largest Chevrolet showroom in the region, located in Jaidah square.

Engineered for the most gruelling tracks, Chevrolet has revamped the 2016 Camaro with significant advances in design and technology. A

new 6.2 direct-injected Small Block V8 rated at 455hp and 617 Nm makes it more powerful than ever before. In addition to this, for the first time ever, Magnetic Ride Control active suspension is available.

The active suspension reads road and driving conditions 1,000 times per second, and automatically adjusts the damper settings to optimize ride comfort and control. fact magazine

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PLUGGED-IN

LotusGrill

Portable, Convenient, Safe

Everyone loves a BBQ, but unless you’re in your comfortable back garden with your big multi-hob gas BBQ, you’re looking at a rather useless disposable tinfoil tray with a grill the size of an A4 sheet. That is, until now. Enter, Loutusgrill...

The LotusGrill is probably the world’s most convenient and safe portable BBQ. These unique, compact BBQ units, which weigh less than 4kg, boast an innovative design that is not only very efficient, but also very safe.

This is because if they are accidentally tipped over, the smouldering coals won’t be spilled all over your boat, creating a potential fire hazard.

Around the size of a very large salad bowl, the LotusGrill is basically a central mesh cylinder of hot coals in a metallic reflective tub that sends all the cooking heat upwards. It also boasts a built-in speed-adjustable fan powered by three AA batteries that helps to ignite the coals, as well as boosting heat during cooking if desired. Because of the reflective tub, less coal is required, as more of the heat is being sent upwards to the grill, instead of down into the BBQ itself as with conventional types.

A bonus is that, because of the way that the coals are kept 74

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safely inside the cylinder, they won’t spill out even if the unit rolls over. It can also be picked up even whilst it’s cooking, as the heat doesn’t escape and heat the outside casing of the unit. You can literally pick it up by hand and turn it upside down without disaster. Although you might want to take the steaks off first…

The LotusGrill comes in two sizes – standard, for up to five people, and large, for up to ten people, although with the long cooking time, you can realistically just keep cooking meat for an hour and feed many more. There is also a range of accessories including a lid for covered grilling, a Teppanyaki plate, and a pizza stone set!

If you use the recommended hardwood small-sized briquettes, you can have it up to cooking temperature in less than five minutes, and you can enjoy up to an hour of cooking time! It’s really smart stuff, and we want one…

LotusGrill BBQs are available from Tavola stores in the Gulf, or from their online shop at www.tavolashop.com. It’’ll be the best investment you make for summer! ✤

plugged-in

App-licious C H E C K O U T T H I S M O N T H ’ S T O P T W O A P P S T H AT H A D U S TA L K I N G AT F A C T. available on both A ndoird and i O S platforms …

Navigate the Holy Month with…

Battle the forces of Evil with…

Ramadan 2016

Goat Simulator MMO

This extremely useful app is your all-in-one tool for the Holy Month of Ramadan, helping you to keep track of timings for daily prayers, Sehri and Iftar. It also boasts 114 Quran Surah for reading, as well as the complete Holy Quran in eight different languages, as well as audio versions for those with poor sight.

The calendar shows both Islamic and Western calendar dates to avoid any confusion, and there is even a Qibla compass that can point towards Mecca wherever you are. This works via GPS, so does not require data or WiFi connection.

This app is free, and was developed purely to aid Muslims through the Holy Month, and as a result the developers offer four different ways to get in touch with them for problems or feedback, via email, Facebook, Google+ or Twitter.

In the beginning, there was… Goat Simulator. People around the world rejoiced as their wildest dreams of experiencing life as ‘the goat’ were realised. Capricorns no longer had the monopoly on the goat experience. ANYONE could be a goat!

But soon, boredom began to set in. Just being a goat wasn’t enough. A goat needs a quest. A goat needs enemies to vanquish, and worlds to conquer. But fear not, because now there is… Goat Simulator MMO! It simulates being a goat. But it doesn’t end there my friends.

There are five different goat classes – Warrior, Rogue, Magician, Hunter and… Microwave. Yes. Microwave. There are dozens of quests to complete across an expansive open world environment populated by fortresses, heroes and monsters of ancient lore, and a hundred levels to achieve. There are even elves and dwarves and stuff.

And always… the goats.

The Best Part The App shows daily prayer times and Suhoor/Iftar times, and you can set alarms for all of them, and it works offline too, so you won’t miss anything without an internet connection, as long as you’ve set your location correctly.

The Best Part We told you about the goats, right? Well… that’s about it!

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SOCIETY

#Viva #Cuba #at #Grand #Hyatt #D oha #Hotel #& #Villas

Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas celebrated the vibrant culture of the colourful island nation of Cuba with four days of Latin American food, music and festivities. Kicking-off Viva Cuba was “Cigar Aficionado Night” at Dunes; next, Doha residents were invited to “Rueda de Casino”, a night dedicated to a special style of salsa dancing, developed in Cuba in the 1950s. “Latin House of Groove” marked the third day of Viva Cuba and the celebrations came to a close with a burst of Caribbean colour, flavours and song at Cuba Libre Latin Brunch – a nod to the country’s vibrant culinary scene and music culture.

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Salsa

SS16 Inspired by summer memories, the Portuguese denim brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SS16 collection is bright and modern - perfect for the hot days ahead!

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S

alsa, the Portuguese denim brand, is pleased to present its new Spring Summer 2016 collection inspired by summer memories that last forever!

The campaign featured international models Lauren Auerbach and Ryan Heavyside, and Portuguese models Alexandra Nefedova and Francisco Henriques.

The photo shoot for the SS16 campaign look book pictures was captured by Frederico Martins, and the styling was done by Joyce Doret at a surf lodge which perfectly mirrors the mood of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new collection.

The SS16 attire is inspired by the experiences of an intense and hot summer, where nature has

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“ The collection focuses on pieces that will be a part of your summer memories, your adventures with family, and unforgettable parties with friends.

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a predominant role. It is inspired by the ocean waves that invite you to dive in its various shades, with the denim pieces that come in a variety of washes and the timeless matching of white and blue for women, and dark blue and red for men.

On the other hand, the hot tropical landscapes give rise to a palette of unique colours where the flowing pieces and patterns take centre stage for women, and the various earthy tones and dry green are the suggestions for men.

The collection focuses on pieces that will be a part of your summer memories, your adventures with family, and unforgettable parties with friends. Adding to this, there are also more than 20 jeans types that represent Salsa’s Denim Fit Guide, like for women there’s the Push-Up mid-rise and the PushIn high-waisted, and for men there’s the Slender, which become tighter towards the ankle. A bright and breezy collection that fits in both practically and aesthetically in the GCC!

GO: Share your Salsa picks using hashtag #SUMMERMEMORIESLASTFOREVER. Shop Salsa at Landmark Mall.

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Shop the brand Here is our wishlist from salsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SS16 collection for him

for her

This collection is AVAILABLE in the GCC AT ALL salsa STORES, NOW.

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m With Spring at its peak and summer around the corner, nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time for a muted palette and flowing silhouettes in your everyday style. Give warm weather dressing an easy breezy approach with soft linen and cotton fabrics, bleached denim and eye-catching stripes. Layer rose, tan and nude tones, cut in relaxed bardot, wide leg and wrap front shapes and compliment with pops of crisp white for a fresh look.

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01. Accessorize 02. New Look 03. Bershka 04. BHS 05. H&M 06. Miss Selfridge 07. Aldo 08. Pull & Bear 09. River Island 10. Topshop 82

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Cl a s

STYLE

r i P n ts c i s

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nautical, gingham or tartan, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just something about a stylish print that can take your street style trend of stripes, checks and patterns, to a whole new level. Alluding to a nautical edge, with country influences and bright pieces, this look is all about recurring colours like bold reds, deep navies and crisp whites. Keep looks casual with thinner pinstripes or brave it with thick statement stripes on tees, shirts and shorts for summer.

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New Look Ramadan Collection Ramadan 2016 for New Look is all about elegant nights and outfits to match. The collection is full of halter neck maxi dresses, sophisticated jumpsuits and long sleeve wrap tops based on a colour palette of pastel pinks, deep blacks and lush creams. Faux fur layers and shrugs add extra glamour, while black and gold accessories add look effortlessly stylish.

Ladylike lace dresses and necklace collar tops are on trend yet classic, while textured separates and dresses are perfect for a more fashion forward look. Bandeau jumpsuits are also key to the collection, wear them cinched at the waist with a gold belt and finish with a sequin clutch. For a relaxed evening look, silver details complement icy tones in the collection, like blue, white and black. Pair metallic pumps or heels with a midi dress or evening top to give your look a SS16 twist. â&#x153;¤ GO: Shop New Lookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramadan Collection at Gulf Mall.

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Origem Ramadan collection

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A contemporary tone embodies Origem’s Ramadan Collection 2016 with simple but glamorous shapes. Unique styles with flattering silhouette standout against a neutral palette of candy colours spiced with desert tones. The elegant forms highlight perfectly the sophisticated finishing resulting in a harmonious festive look. Soft flowing fabrics with multicolour-prints manage to further showcase the collection modern yet classy appeal.

Palazzo pants, lace-up blouses, swing tunics, embellished skirts and a huge variety of glam maxi dresses from lace, chiffon and sequins materials. Origem manage to create fancy and timeless styles with a unique outlook able to make a fashionable statement this Ramadan season. Surely all women will find their own proper look in this “collection of diverseness”. ✤ GO: Shop Origem at City Centre Bahrain or Ramli Mall.

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Featuring designs for women and girls, the limited-edition Ramadan and Eid collection will launch exclusivelyin the Middle Eastâ&#x20AC;Ś

Ramadan Capsule Collection

Tommy Hilfiger

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Tommy Hilfiger launched its limited-edition capsule collection for Ramadan, available exclusively in the Middle East. Featuring styles for women and girls, the designs combine luxe fabrics with rich colours, intricate details and sophisticated silhouettes. The collection will be available at Tommy Hilfiger stores in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.

The 15-piece women’s collection includes five maxi dresses, four blouses, two skirts, a bolero and a belt, in addition to one footwear style and a matching bag. A sophisticated palette of burgundy, caviar navy is accented by pops of snow white and luxurious metallic gold.

Details range from modern tuxedo pleating to high-shine metallic collars, while rich fabrics add a subtle dimension to the designs. From lightweight and crinkle-cut Italian chiffons to intricate lace and black satin crepe, the fabrics play with a mix of matte and glossy textures.

The women’s offering further includes a black leather heeled sandal with a gold turn-lock, and a shoulder bag with the same closure and a gold chain strap.

The collection for girls of five dresses features a white pleated A-line dress with a metallic gold sequin collar; a deep cranberry floral jacquard dress with an oversized bow on the waist; a black lace party dress with a silk bow on the waist; a nautical navy and white striped dress with a red bow on the waist; and a black party dress with capped lace sleeves. Select dresses for girls are replicas of styles in the women’s collection.

This marks the third consecutive season Tommy Hilfiger has designed a capsule collection for the occasion of Ramadan.The 2016 collection will be complemented by a dedicated campaign that will appear in Tommy Hilfiger stores across the Middle East, along with bespoke décor and window displays. Inspired by the prominent use of light during Radaman, the campaign concept plays with geometric patterns that mimic intricate shadows created by Arabic lamps. The aesthetic conveys a golden glow and warm atmosphere with shades of bronze, yellow and brown. ✤

GO: Shop Tommy Hilfiger’s Ramadan Capsule Collection at Ezdan Mall. fact magazine

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Hush Puppies

Ramadan Collection From classics to comfortable styles and waterproof leather, Hush Puppies has it all for both men and women to keep fashion-savvy this season. With a focus on material and detailing, Hush Puppies excels at combining comfort with style, and chic with rugged, giving your shoe and accessory game the oomph factor it needs! The soft, breathable footwear invites customers to break the rules, kick back and enjoy a casual way of living. Hush Puppies is a global brand, a household name and a cultural icon that embodies the lighthearted spirit of its beloved basset hound.

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SOCIETY

#Neymar #Jr’s #Five #Qualifier

283 teams applied and 16 made it to the final of Neymar Jr’s Five Qatar qualifier. The teams showed their football skills in the most innovative soccer tournament where five played against five in a unique last man standing modus. Skyber team has been crowned as Neymar Jr’s Five Qatar’s champion after an intense national final that was held in mid May at Qanat Quartier, Lido Veneziat at The Pearl. The winners, who won the final match against Favor FC will represent Qatar to compete against the winning teams from 43 countries during the world final, which will take place in Brazil in July 2016.

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quiz

Ramadan Collection Specialists in fast fashion for the discerning womenâ&#x20AC;Ś

Quiz is an international dynamic fast-fashion retail group for females, delivering catwalk styles and the latest trends from the fashion capitals of the world. The Quiz collection offers glamorous fashion for every occasion from glitzy evening gowns, cute prom dresses and heels to sparkling accessories. If chic is your style, Quiz is your go-to store for all things gorgeous! With 50 stores nationwide, Quiz Clothing brings the very latest womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion straight from the catwalk to the shop floor. High fashion clothes for women that are up-to-the-minute, stylish and totally affordable.

GO: Shop the Quiz Ramadan Collection at City Centre Doha. fact magazine

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SHOPPING

Gift Guide

What You Should Buy! Fr o m s p ecial co lle ctio n s to th e h ot t est new product s on t he high st reet , w e â&#x20AC;&#x2122;v e g o t y o u r Ramad an and Eid gif t giving coveredâ&#x20AC;Ś

Home debenhams women American Eagle Outfitters

Home Zara Home

Home Marina Home

women Elemis

Home bhs

men Porsche Design Sunglasses

men Ajmal Oudesire

men Calvin Klein

men Mens at Dune

food Forrey & Galland men Montblanc

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SHOPPING

women Mario Uboldi Charms Collection

men Montblanc

men Virgin Megastore

women Namshi

HOME BHS

women SEPHORA

women Shiseido

HOME Nomads Dubai

Home Cities Boutique

Home BATEEL

women Sephora

Home Concept-Me

Home Marina Home

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beauty mashup

L’ O ccitane En Provence

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head of the summer, L’Occitane En Provence has some amazing new additions to its impressive range of facecare products.

The brand’s popular Divine collection gets a new sun-friendly addition to its range of anti-aging products; while a new collection, Reine Blanche, is set to impress with a number of illuminating products including a skin toner, whitening cream and a serum. The collections’ respective anti-aging and skin brightening properties are designed to bring out the face’s most natural

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glow. L’Occitane’s The iconic Immortelle collection uses the everlasting properties of the Corsican Immortelle flowers in its latest additions, while placing sun protection at its core. The natural benefits of the pure white Reine des Prés flower are enhanced by the latest innovations from the L’Occitane Laboratory, for the ultimate skin illuminating programme, specially developed for delicate skin. The new products in the illuminating range helps refine skin texture and encourage cell renewal, revealing a complexion that looks brighter, fairer, more even and more translucent.

BEAUTY MASHUP

BourjoiS

Rouge Edition Souffle de Velvet

Bourjois is back with a new sheer matte formula creating elegant, discreet and blushed lips. The new range of lipsticks compromises between colour and comfort enriched with hydrating agents. Its velvety formula also offers a soft sensation for the lips and a 10-hour moisture boost, making it just as pleasant to wear as a lip balm. fact magazine

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Ramadan is here and so are our favourite cult products for this opulent month. FACT breaks down what your Ramadan look should entail!

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OPI Colour your Summer! in Gargantuan Green Grape Try daring and vibrant colours this season. Give your nails a twist and a pop of colour with the brand’s latest summer collection – we LOVE the Gargantuan Green Grape. Change it up, mix it up, and live it up with the collection’s five bright hues to make a funky beauty statement.

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Bourjois Ultra-Black Liner Pinceau Get the Parisian ultra black look and dare to don the perfect curve!

Your new best friend to create a flawless liner comes with a 0.5mm brush applicator to give your eyes a fierce and dramatic look, which lasts up to 16 hours. Great for iftar to suhoor and all the time in between!

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Jo Malone Jade Leaf Tea Mix your scent with Jo Malone’s Rare Teas collection. Following their exceptional The Herb Garden collection, the new line comes in six different fragrances to give you a boost of freshness. The fragrances were developed by perfumer Serge Majoullier, and the Jade Leaf Tea is one of our faves.

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Clarins Self-Tanning Milky Lotion Face & Body It’s all about being beach-beauty-ready before hitting the sand.

With fig extract and a 24-hour hydration, this smooth and milky texture glides on effortlessly and is quick to absorb. With a fast application the skin radiates beauty from top to bottom, eliminating the harmful effects of UV rays.

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Sephora Contouring Brush Set Who doesn’t love a good set of makeup brushes?

Give your cheekbones a more defined look with this three-brush super set! Make way for easy contouring - sculpt, refine, illuminate and blend-away.

This brush set will help boost your everyday beauty regime to new heights – a must-have for summer!

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Clinique SPF 30 & 50 Mineral Sunscreen Say goodbye to chalky residue on your skin with Clinique’s new mineral sunscreen! Offering lightweight and invisible protection, the new formula blends effortlessly into the skin making it a great addition to your daily routine. It also protects against environmental aggressors - bonus.

grooming buzz

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With summer on its way to hitting peak, we’ve picked out some of the best products to keep your grooming game on point!

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Mr Porter Frederic Malle This artisanal fragrance eliminates all that is superfluous or merely decorative. Staying true to this ethos, the brand creates fragrances that uniquely react to the wearer’s skin for a truly personalised scent. Produced by top perfumers, this Ramadan, it’ll make a perfect gift and the ideal daily fragrance!

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Shiseido Deep Cleansing Scrub A scrub cleanser that completely eliminates poor skin conditions and dead surface cells, which are resistant to ordinary facial cleansing. It gently gets rid of roughness, blackheads, unblocks pores and prevents in-grown hairs whilst fighting against spots due to it’s anti-bacterial properties. Great for the hot weather ahead!

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LAB Series Power V Lifting Serum With the sun out in full force, tired and potentially sagging skin is on the way. Fear not, this gravity-defying product supports your skin’s natural collagen and speeds up cell renewal to wind back the clock on your skin. Use the serum to protect against droopy skin without the shiny residue.

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Bleu De Chanel Shaving Cream A low-foaming, transparent Shaving Cream lightly scented with the wildly successful Bleu de Chanel fragrance. It’s the perfect way to bolster the effect of the fragrance and you’ll love how light and effective it is. If you’re a Bleu boy then this product is definitely worth adding to your fragrance armoury.

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American Crew Forming Cream Providing excellent medium hold and softness to your style, whilst thickening and adding natural shine, this forming cream works well on all hair types, and shampoos out easily without leaving residue. It also works to condition and moisturise the hair shaft, improving hair health from root to tip.

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Braun Cooltec CT2S Shaver Ideal for men with sensitive skin, this shaver features a SensoBlade to capture hairs growing in every direction, whilst the CoolTec technology has an aluminium cooling bar in the head to relieve redness, burning and itching as you shave. It also features a long hair trimmer for moustaches and side burns. fact magazine

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HOME STYLE

Debenhams

IKEA

Let there be Light

Marina Home

Set a cosy vibe this season with all the right lighting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from trendy bulb fixtures, to cute lanterns, tea light holders, simple lamps and even more quirky pieces, here are just some of our favourite picks for bringing light into your homes!

BHS

Laura Ashley

House of Fraser

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Next

Marks and Spencer

HOME STYLE

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LAKELAND: Home-made at its Best

A - PASTA MACHINE If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re passionate about pasta youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love this easy-to-use machine that takes the toil out of rolling your dough. Clamp it onto a work surface and feed your pasta dough through to make lasagne sheets, fettuccine or tagliatelle strips. Recipe included. QR170 B - COLLAPSIBLE PASTA DRYING RACK With space to hold up to a square metre of your home-made spaghetti, tagliatelle or fettuccine, this beechwood rack folds down for storage. QR115 C - LAKELAND MEAT MINCER Easy to use and clean with a wide hopper and pusher so nothing gets stuck, our mincer comes with fine and coarse stainless steel mincing blades, sausage nozzle and mince-catching tray.

Locks securely to worktop during use. QR160

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D - OXO GOOD GRIPS MINCE MEAT CHOPPER Prevent mince meat catching as it browns by using this tool to break up clumps and stir. Can also be used when cooking partially defrosted meat to speed things along. 30cm. QR90 E - COLE & MASON ELECTRONIC CHEESE MILL With sharp stainless steel blades, this battery-powered mill takes all the effort out of using hard cheeses and you can even grate a quantity in advance and store in the fridge thanks to the freshness cap. Includes spare blade. QR270 fact magazine

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Summer Dining Refined Al Mayass restaurant is a Lebanese-Armenian dining spot that has kept the foodie bar high, as guests enjoy its beautiful location and delicious fare. We find out what this eclectic venue has to offerâ&#x20AC;Ś

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reat for a family outing, or after a casual stroll along The Pearl, Al Mayass restaurant offers delicacies from traditional Lebanese and Armenian cuisine with the perfect fusion between both foodie cultures. The venue is a cheerful mix of colour, comfort and chic décor, making it ideal for an easybreezy dining experience in a luxurious location. With a relaxed and chilled environment, you can enjoy stunning views of the glittering waters, dotted with majestic yachts - a great way to start a gastronomic journey that won’t disappoint.

As it was a hot day when we visited, we opted for something cold, light and refreshing, which also happen to be two popular menu items; the Tabbouleh and Fattoush salads. Served with fresh ingredients alongside traditional warm bread, both were packed with flavour and simply delicious. Order the platter of Hummus Al Mayass if you’re a hummus fan – you’ll get creamy hummus mixed with chilli pepper paste to give your tastebuds a tangy kick – it was on a whole new level.

If you’re looking for something quick, affordable and tasty, the venue offers an exclusive business lunch for only QR68, for which a private dining area catering for group bookings is also available upon request. Continuing with our meal, it was time for some hot appetisers. Out came Batata Harra and Mantee, both generously sized that would make great choices for sharing. The first is yummy spicy fried potato cubes, paired with the exquisite hot Mantee (oven-baked dough filled with seasoned ground meat), not only are they mouthwateringly good on their own, but they taste exceedingly good together!

Our entrée was next, - Kabab bil Karaz.

Wow! This dish is a mix of flavours of seasoned lamb with sweet and sour cherry sauce that will hit the spot for any food fanatic. We quickly devour this dish with enthusiasm, and adore every last bite!

Meat lovers should note that there’s a new Mixed Grill Platter on the menu that is definitely worthy a try!

Almost full and ready to hit home, we had just a tiny bit of room for dessert and it had to be what the restaurant is famous 104 fact magazine

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for - Ossmalieh Al Mayass - a mix of sweet cream, cotton candy and other sweet treats. Let’s just say that we ended on a high note, it was scrumptious.

Whether you’re staying in Doha and are in need of a family-friendly restaurant to eat at, or you’re a food connoisseur whose taste buds need a new pick-me-up, Al Mayass will surpass all of your culinary expectations. ✤ GO: Visit Al Mayass at 30 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Call 4002 8411 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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Marcus Sutton

General Manager, Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

Doha Insider Three things that make Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park a unique hotel?

The people - since opening its doors in 2012 the hotel has established a great reputation for delivering the highest level of customer service, something the team take great pride in and work hard to maintain. The hotel was recently presented with a Green Hotel award

by H.E. Prime minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on behalf of Tarsheed given our commitment to sustainable practices and energy conservation initiatives. Expansion - the Crowne Plaza will be joined by another IHG property in 2017, the Holiday Inn Doha - The Business Park, a brand-defining hotel that will add more guest rooms, meetings spaces and destination F&B offerings to the already exciting Business Park portfolio.

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Tell us some of your professional goals with Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park for 2016?

I am focused on fostering and building strong relationships with both existing and new business partners and guests of the Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park and also to continue working closely with the Qatar Tourism Association to establish Qatar as a great tourism and business destination. The Crowne Plaza is a great hotel, with a great team, in a great location, and it is my goal to drive awareness of our offerings and to deliver our guests a successful experience.

WHAT ARE SOME OF Your favourite cultural and dining hotspots in Doha…

Being new to Doha I am still having a great time exploring its cultural and dining offerings and I have been impressed with what I have discovered. Soaking in the panoramic views from Strata Lounge, on the 55th floor of InterContinental Doha The City – it has great panoramic views of Doha. Back at street level, Souk Waqif offers vibrant activities and cultural offerings, best enjoyed with a karak tea in hand. A sunset walk along the Corniche to the Museum of Islamic Art is also a must with its inspiring views of the illuminated West Bay skyline over the moored wooden dhows in the harbour.

IFTAR SET MENU - 99QR ‫ رﻳﺎل ﻗﻄﺮي‬99 - ‫ﻗﺎﺋﻤﺔ اﻓﻄﺎر رﻣﻀﺎن‬

NOW OPEN The Pearl-Qatar @ sutisqa

+974 4037 5287

Al Emadi Financial Square , C - Ring Road 22 La Croisette - Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar

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Marsa Malaz Kempinski Ramadan Tent Iftar BuďŹ&#x20AC;et Ser ved from sunset to 8.30pm.

QAR 240 per person

Sohour BuďŹ&#x20AC;et Ser ved from 10pm until late.

QAR 290 per person

For reservations and more information: +974 4035 5011 restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com For corporate and group bookings: meetings.marsamalaz@kempinski.com

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