FACT Qatar June 2019

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THE RED CARPET FACIAL Oxygen Facial by Intraceuticals is now at Heavenly Spa! Give yourself that celebrity glow throughout special serums applied with plumps.

This is the perfect time to hydrate your skin!

For bookings please call 4492 1682 or heavenlyspa.doha@westin.com

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C ONTE NT S

08 16 21 FACT FINDS

SUMMER IN QATAR

SPA DAZE

31 42 67 PEP TALK

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

FASHION FOCUS

81 85 93 CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

FOODIE CORNER

SPA & WELLNESS

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• THE EDITOR

Let Yourself Rest

“

Self care means giving yourself permission to pause." - Cecilia Tran

H

ello, my lovely readers! ‘Tis the time of the month that we meet again! The summer is here in full force and I’ve just been finding excuses to stay in at all times. I’ve finally caught up with all of my missed seasons of the best shows and cannot wait to dive into some more – that’s what summers in Doha are for, right? I’ve been a victim of the recent JOMO phase that is going around town and though it seems rather pointless writing about stress and self-care, wellness and looking after yourself in 2019, it’s definitely a good reminder. Surely, every single person reading this has had a wake-up call where you realise that taking time out for yourself isn’t something to feel guilty about – after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so recharging your batteries in whatever way you see fit is definitely a priority. Without sounding like we’re preaching (let’s say it louder for the people in the back though), taking care of yourself is not something to be considered as a luxury, rather it’s a necessity. FACT is bringing that all-important reminder this month with a special feature that looks at the idea of burning out through the lens of my new favourite term of the moment – JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Turn to p31 and join the discussion. Maybe it’s exactly what you need right now – maybe you don’t agree with what we have to say – or, maybe, all you needed was a friendly reminder that saying no to plans, staying off social media for an evening or booking yourself in for a spa day, are all things you shouldn’t feel guilty about doing – especially if they benefit your emotional and mental wellbeing.

Apart from that, my fitness journey has seen its hiccups and I blame all the delicious food around town, but I will never complain about that! I’ve been going all over the city and getting in some good information for you all that you could possibly use for this break. We’ve rounded up some of the best wellness hotspots in Doha to keep your rest, relaxation and stress levels easy. Head straight to p21 and see which spas made the cut!

If you’re staying in Qatar, you’re in luck! The Summer Festival is starting and you should hold on to your dear wallet – so many sales across town and so many things to do – check out all the info on p16. First up, I’m spilling the beans about my villa staycation that I have been unable to get over. I got to experience the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas in its true glory – a home away from home with the added ahmazing activities (p42). I got my dose of Indian cuisine at Radisson Blu Hotel Doha’s finest Bombay Balti (p85), before I chose to detox for the day at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels for a much needed Moroccan Hammam treatment (p93).

I’m excited to venture off this Eid and trust me when I say: I’m coming back, refreshed and so eager to see you all again. But, ‘til then, you all keep yourself busy with the crazy deals that are coming your way. I’ll drop in next month to check on you.

Much love.☺

Anushay Taimur Khan Editor anushay@fact-magazine.com Insta: @anushaytkhan 4

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition • JUNE 2019 VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 CHAIRMAN KHALIFA BIN MUBARAK AL KHALIFA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES GENERAL MANAGER HUSSEIN A. ZREIK PUBLISHER EDWARD SMITH RAMI KHALIL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR MARISELA PAESANO CHIRINE HALABI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) EDITOR ANUSHAY TAIMUR KHAN ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SUDHI KOLLAROTH CONTRIBUTORS JAYNE GREEN PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD OFFICE ADMIN PRADEEP KUMAR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES chirine@fact-magazine.com PRINTED BY AL ANAN PRINTING PRESS , OMAN All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication.

However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

ALWADI TENT

INDULGE IN A MEMORABLE CULINARY EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL TASTES… CONTEMPORARY CUISINE

Enjoy an authentic dining experience with the finest local cuisine. At Sofra, you can savour classics from local and Arabic cuisine in light and airy surrounds while studying imagery and artefacts of the old days. Prepare to be amazed by our world-class chefs who serve up their signature dishes fusing seasonal ingredients from locally sourced markets for the ultimate gastronomic journey.

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• CONNECT

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

@factqatarmagazine

FACT Magazine M.E

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@FACTMagazineME

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A newly-launched dedicated instagram page for FACT Qatar magazine, keep up with our posts and stories for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the Doha and beyond, plus insights from the FACT team.

FACEBOOK FACT Qatar 21,378 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, all for our readers!

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

“

Time you enjoy wasting, is not wasted time."

ISSUU.COM FACT Qatar 68,331 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 more in Qatar and beyond.

OUR FAVE FEATURE • PEP TALK P31 •

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACTMAGAZINEME 6

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EXQUISITE STEAKS Immerse yourself in the delicacies from this multi-award-winning steakhouse.

Discover a captivating menu in an inviting and relaxed dining environment. With the open kitchen, serving prime cuts of meat and tempting fish dishes, Astor Grill is set to tantalise the taste buds.

For reservations and more information, please call 4446 0000 or email us at dining.reservations@stregis.com fact magazine

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Cryo Comes to Qatar!

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA HAS BROUGHT THE FIRST EVER CRYOSAUNA TO QATAR, AVAILABLE FOR DOHA’S RESIDENTS AND LUXURY TRAVELLERS ALIKE.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA continues to reimagine its facilities and offerings to excite the senses of its guests at the award winning Ritz-Carlton Spa. This innovative treatment is based on Dr. Yamaguchi’s method, which was to create a treatment to chill the skin’s surface to relieve pain. It will take place in a sauna style, walk-in chamber, with sessions lasting 90 seconds to three minutes, where temperatures drop to an average of – 180 degrees Celsius.

Cryotherapy is widely used by professional athletes and football clubs around the world. They are known to utilize cryotherapy sessions to speed recovery, reduce injuries, increase energy and improve sleep.

“With the launch of the cryosauna, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is raising the bar for the region’s luxury hospitality industry by providing unique facilities and services” said Kerry Vincent, 8

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Director of Spa and Recreation.

Cryotherapy is also beneficial for those seeking to improve skin tone and skin texture. Additionally, it is also used as a method to assist with weight loss as it is reported to burn between 500 to 1,500 calories per session and individuals often use cryotherapy for cosmetic purposes such as anti-aging.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s spa will host the cryosauna as another measure for individuals seeking optimal physical well-being, along with their signature treatments, Luxury spa facilities and state-of-the-art fitness centre. ✤

GO: CALL 4484 8173/8174 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

HOSPITALITY WELCOME The St. Regis Doha announced the appointment of Mr. Wissam Suleiman as General Manager of the luxury resort.

IN THIS ROLE, MR. WISSAM will be responsible for overseeing the award-winning 336-room luxury property, managing its operations and maintaining the unparalleled service excellence that matches the legacy of The St. Regis Brand.

He was previously Cluster General Manager of Kempinski Residences and Suites in Doha and Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha. With over two decades of experience in the hotel industry, Mr. Wissam has worked for many international hotel chains and his career included key leadership roles in wellknown hotels throughout the Middle East. His philosophy is to not only be a hands-on General Manager but also a leader and support to his team to bring the hotel forward in all aspects.

Since 2004, Mr. Wissam has worked with the Kempinski brand at properties such as Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan, Kempinski Hotel Aqaba in Jordan and others.

“I am honoured to be appointed General Manager of The St. Regis, Doha; one of the most prestigious hotels in Qatar,” Mr Wissam said. “I look forward to working with my team to take The St. Regis Doha to the next level by delivering on our guest service promises, and strengthening our ongoing success locally and internationally.”

Since it opened its doors in 2012, The St. Regis Doha is known for its location, architectural design and its butler service. The hotel currently boasts twelve destination restaurants and 10

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lounges including Al Sultan Brahim, award-winning Lebanese seafood destination; Vintage lounge, an ideal venue for intimate conversations and gatherings; Hakkasan, a fine-dining Chinese restaurant and two Gordon Ramsay Restaurants. ✤

GO: CALL 4446 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

REVAMP PLANS Four Seasons Hotel Doha will temporarily close its doors from June in preparation for an extensive refurbishment led by Paris-based interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA will embark on a new era of hospitality with the announcement of an extensive refurbishment to the luxury property, inspired by the captivating heritage and remarkable progress of Qatar. The hotel will close its doors on June 15 in order for the enhancements to take place before revealing a contemporary new look later this year.

From late 2019 guests will be able to enjoy: redesigned bedrooms, suites and guest floors; an elegantly-enhanced lobby; redesigned Seasons Tea Lounge, with a new outdoor terrace; refreshed Arabica Café with enhanced al-fresco dining and shisha experience; a brand-new signature restaurant; and a brand-new cigar club.

The property has been a firm favourite with Qataris since it opened fourteen years ago. General Manager Jeff Rednour believes the renovations will reinforce the Hotel’s position as an unmatched centre of Qatari hospitality. “I’m tremendously excited about the opportunities this renovation gives Four Seasons Hotel Doha to further strengthen our ties with the local community here in Qatar,” he said.

“It will enable us to progress at a time when the country itself 12

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is moving forward at such an incredible pace. The needs of travellers in the Middle East are changing,” he continued. “We’ve listened to what our guests want and believe much of that will be incorporated with this refurbishment, which will allow the Hotel to face the future with confidence. We’re thrilled to see the Hotel evolve, while retaining its core traditions.”

The renovation project is being led by world-renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon who has already worked successfully with Four Seasons in France, Italy and Bahrain, among other locations. Bedrooms will embrace the latest technology, but will also pay homage to the heritage of Qatar by, for example, featuring Mother of Pearl inlay decorative features. Such styling of the classic with the contemporary will be a hallmark of the refurbishment, further details of which will be revealed over the coming months. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.FOURSEASONS.COM/DOHA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Bringing your Lebanese home feel of authenticity, breeze of the mountains and food cooked with...

...“The ambassador of Lebanese cuisine�

Medina Centrale, Marbella Street, Building B14 | T: +974 4456 8374 | Mall of Qatar, Ground Floor | T: +974 4028 5600 DebsWRemman Debs_W_Remman | info@debswremman.com | www.debswremman.com

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• LISTEN UP

DOHA METRO PREVIEW In an important strategic move, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), has commenced a preview service for the first part of the Doha Metro’s Red Line, from Al Qassar in the north, to Al Wakrah in the south.

THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED PREVIEW service includes 13 out of 18 stations on the Red Line, which are: Al Qassar, DECC, QIC West Bay, Corniche, Al Bidaa, Msherireb, Al Doha Al Jadeed, Umm Ghawalina, Al Matar Al Qadeem, Oqba Ibn Nafie, Free Zone, Ras Abu Fintas, Al Wakra.

The launch, which was originally planned for 2020, comes almost one year ahead of schedule. It is an important stage for testing the Doha Metro system with passengers, providing an opportunity to evaluate and review the performance in preparation for the full operation of the network. During this stage, Qatar Rail aims to receive feedback from passengers that will help improve its services to provide the best possible customer experience, and will devote its efforts to making the necessary evaluations to meet the expectations of the public.

Qatar Rail has announced the operating hours from 8am to 11pm on weekdays. As for the frequency of the trains, there will be a train every six minutes, and the travel time between stations is three minutes. The service will stop during weekends to progress the work required to open more stations and lines.

Eng. Abdulla Saif Al Sulaiti, Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail, said: “The preview service, which is launched ahead of schedule, is a testament of the tremendous efforts carried out by Qatar Rail’s 14

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executive teams and board of directors, as well as the continuous support of His Excellency the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. Thanks to his continuous support and guidance, many achievements have been made ahead of schedule, and today we stand at a turning point as the project shifts from the development stage to the operational stage,” he continued. “The preview service is a major opportunity to measure the efficiency of the network and the services we provide. The outputs of the preview service are essential for us, and we will build on them as we prepare for the full opening of the network by 2020.”

In terms of service and ticket pricing, Qatar Rail has conducted comprehensive and integrated pricing studies, and has introduced several categories to make tickets accessible to everybody, and available through multiple sales channels. Ticket holders will enjoy a modern, low-cost transport system, making the Doha Metro accessible to all. These factors will enhance the customer experience as well as Qatar Rail’s revenue performance. There are several options available for travel tickets, including Limited Use, Gold Class card and a Standard card.

A single journey will cost QR2 for Standard card holders (including Family Class), while a day pass will cost QR6. A single journey will cost QR10 for Gold Club members, while a day pass will cost QR30. Customers can top up their reusable cards with Travel Credit, which can be purchased at ticket vending machines in all Doha Metro stations. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.CORP.QR.COM.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

SUMMER IN QATAR Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has announced a season of summer experiences, retail offers and entertainment, to run from June 4 to August 16.

THIS YEAR’S SUMMER IN QATAR introduces a wide range of exciting indoor and outdoor experiences, along with entertainment programmes featuring local, regional and international artists, edutainment, summer and sports camps as well as special promotions on inbound travel, hospitality and shopping.

H.E. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and GCEO of Qatar Airways, said: “This year’s summer season promises to attract visitors from across the globe showcasing Qatar as a destination for its unparalleled hospitality and authentic experiences.

“Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Qatar’s ever-growing public and private sector partners, we present the biggest, boldest summer season yet, offering everything from cultural excursions to world-class entertainment,” he added. “Our stakeholders bring an array of exciting new products and activities to Summer in Qatar, enabling us to provide tourism offerings to suit the diverse community of all ages, interests, and budgets and further develop Qatar as a year-round tourism destination.”

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Travel: Qatar Airways will offer a discount of 25% on all flights to Doha from more than 160 destinations worldwide, for travel to Qatar anytime between May 30 and August 16. Moreover, Al Maha Services, Qatar Airways’ personalised meet and assist service for customers arriving, departing or transiting through Hamad International Airport, will offer discounts of up to 25% on all their services during the summer. Qatar Airways longhaul passengers can also take advantage of +Qatar, a unique stopover package, in partnership with QNTC, designed to give travellers transiting through Qatar the opportunity to discover the country with free luxury hotel stays and complimentary transit visas.

Hospitality: A wide range of hotels and hotel apartments will offer discounts of up to 25%, valid for stays between June 4 to August 16 along with several additional incentives and promotions at facilities (Terms and Conditions Apply). Participating hotel groups include

LISTEN UP •

Katara Hospitality, Al Rayyan Hospitality Hotels and Marriott International hotels in Qatar.

Indoor and Outdoor Entertainment: The ever-popular “Entertainment City’ will offer a plethora of family fun at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre in addition to activities and entertainment at malls.

In addition, members of Qatar Museum’s Culture Pass Plus and Culture Pass Family will enjoy benefits such as exclusive discounts on tourism products, outdoor, mall and retail activities, family entertainment as well as a variety of other offers.

This year’s activities also include deals at numerous indoor theme parks, and edutainment parks. These include the newly opened Angry Birds World, a novel indoor-outdoor theme park that brings the popular game to life. Meanwhile, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village will also bring vibrancy to the summer with family fun and entertainment shows during both Eids.

Mall Activities: Nine participating malls across Qatar will be offering special entertainment shows, exhibitions and free activities for different age groups throughout ‘Summer in Qatar’, with programs for adults including free makeup and fitness classes.

Numerous sales and promotions along with the ever-popular raffle draws will excite shoppers hoping to save and win big.

Various entertainment and edutainment parks inside these malls and at The Pearl Qatar will offer summer-long deals and promotions.

Over QR2 million will be up for grabs through raffle draws this summer. The smallest cash prize will be a QR20,000, while the grand prize, to be awarded at Eid Al Adha, will be a McLaren 570S.

Entertainment: Music enthusiasts can mark their calendars as celebrated names are set to rock this ‘Summer in Qatar’, including international superstars, Arab singing sensations and Bollywood artists.

Movie buffs will get a chance to attend the glittering South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) with well-known celebrities from the industry.

Comedy fans can prepare themselves for the return of the Doha Comedy Festival, while the little ones can enjoy numerous stage shows including ‘Hello Kitty’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Smurfs’. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.SUMMERINQATAR.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• LISTEN UP

HERITAGE MEETS ARABIAN HOSPITALITY In Qatar’s fast expanding capital, residents and travellers are invited to discover the charms of Qatari heritage at Al Najada Hotel.

THE HOTEL’S DESIGN GRACEFULLY blends traditional architecture and façades with modern Arabic design and a contemporary colour palate. This is complemented by crafted tile work in vibrant yellows and blues, creating a sophisticated yet lively ambience throughout the property. The open and expansive guest rooms and suites have been designed to feel elegant yet relaxed with plush interiors and classic hues. Private balconies open over the piazza with views of the city, with guests staying on the upper floors of the hotel able to enjoy vistas of the West Bay skyline.

With 151 guest rooms and suites, Al Najada Hotel places an emphasis on privacy with a variety of accommodation including the luxurious Al Najada Suite, split-level Duplex Suites and exclusive rooms and suites that are perfect for large families. In addition, neighbouring Al Najada Hotel Apartments, part of Souq Al Najada, offers a home away from home for long-stay business travellers and families.

The restaurants at Al Najada Hotel are more than places to simply eat and drink, they are places to discover new flavours and revisit old favourites. Al Baraha is a light, bright restaurant lit by the 18

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Qatari sunshine streaming through the windows which overlook the spacious outdoor terrace and across the piazza to Souq Al Najada. With its high ceiling and vibrantly colourful furniture, Al Baraha, which means comfortable and cosy, is the perfect place for guests to start their culinary journey. Al Baraha Restaurant offers a sumptuous daily breakfast buffet, while for dinner guests choose from an array of international and Arabic specialities including Middle Eastern mezzah, freshly prepared salads and local desserts. Other distinctive features include live cooking stations, a barbeque for dinner and Friday Brunch.

Missan, a dessert-only restaurant, is a unique gastronomic experience - an experimental journey created by the hotel’s talented pastry team to stimulate the senses. Dishes are expertly prepared and served, balancing colours, aromas, textures and flavours. Missan is made for those searching for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

For those who want to entertain friends and family, Canela Café is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a mid-morning coffee, small bites and an array of sweet treats. In Canela, meaning cinnamon in Portuguese and giving a nod to brand’s heritage and roots, guests can also enjoy a calm ambience with lots of space to sit both inside on the laid-back furniture or outside on the terrace overlooking the piazza and Souq Al Najada.

Alongside the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, the Pool Bar offers seasonal menus with a wide selection of tropical mocktails, refreshing chilled juices and light snacks. Nestled on the first floor of the hotel, it is the ideal place to relax, unwind and bask in the sunshine while enjoying a refreshing drink – truly a modern oasis in the middle of the bustling city. For guests feeling a little more energetic, a 24-hour fitness centre is also available.

The hotel is also home to the impressive Al Najada Ballroom, opening onto a tranquil courtyard. Designed to stylishly host weddings, social occasions and corporate meetings for up to 400 guests, it is the venue of choice in downtown Doha.

Al Najada Hotel is within easy walking distance of Doha Corniche and a plethora of the city’s iconic attractions, including the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar (both located on the Corniche), Msheireb Museums, along with the renowned Souq Waqif, making it the ideal base to experience local culture. The hotel is also a convenient 15 minutes away from Hamad International Airport. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.TIVOLIHOTELS.COM/EN OR CALL 4470 4444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

#PRESS #CONFERENCE #FOR #THE #LAUNCH #OF #THE #SECOND #GENERATION #RANGE #ROVER #EVOQUE 20

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SPA DAZE Let full-on pampering take over your plans to de-stress this month as we bring you some of our favourite wellness venues around the city, plus some great relaxation deals to choose from‌ fact magazine

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• WELLNESS WONDERS

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Heavenly Spa Relax, replenish and rejuvenate at Zen The Spa at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas! Let your cares drift away as you treat yourself in the elegantly designed treatment rooms as well as relaxation areas. This wellness retreat by the beach offers massages, facials and beauty and wellbeing treatments that will soothe your mind and body. Find ultimate solace with unique treatments such as Turkish and Moroccan Hammam and Himalayan treatments.

GO: Call 4492 1628 for reservations and more information.

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA

Jaula Spa Retreat to the restful sanctuary of modern luxury as Jaula plans your journey to wellness. With the Grand spa series, you’ll enjoy a carefully choreographed treatment program designed to indulge, activate or relax completely. Shake off the outside world, unwind and enjoy the blissful time at this idyllic spa.

Go: Call 4448 1064 for reservations and more information.

Anantara Spa Escape to the world of Anantara Spa, enjoying a private island setting overlooking the ocean. Discover a diverse treatment menu that captures Doha’s ancient tribal roots, as well as a souk heritage of vibrant sights, scents and sounds. Experience a traditional Turkish hammam or melt into massages inspired

by Thai wellness and desert landscapes.

GO: Call 4040 5050 for reservations and more information

ALWADI HOTEL DOHA MGALLERY M|Spa Wellbeing at MGallery is about igniting your inner spark. A revitalizing and wholesome experience awaits you as you get to relax in the temperature-controlled outdoor pool and there’s a separate children’s pool so they can have fun while you soak up the sun. The wet area features separate facilities for ladies and men including sauna, aromatic steam room, locker areas and a relaxation room.

Go: Call 4009 9999 for reservations and more information 22

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• WELLNESS WONDERS

CROWNE PLAZA, DOHA THE BUSINESS PARK Crowne Spa The Crowne Plaza Spa is your ideal getaway in the hustling Doha city. The spa spoils you with 4 treatment rooms where you can experience a full range of nurturing body and facial treatments made of rich, local and natural ingredients. Other facilities include: outdoor pool, kids pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna which aid in rejuvenating your inner spirit.

Go: Call 44087621 for reservations and more information.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA The Spa and Wellness Centre Relax the body and lift the spirit with centuries-old techniques as you enjoy the relaxing specialty treatments Four Seasons Hotel Doha offers with a variety of treatments at their tranquil spa, from Sports Massage to Hot Stone, Couple’s Massage and more.

GO: Call 4494 8888 for reservations and more information.

ORYX ROTANA Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club Rest assured that from the moment you walk through the door, the team will always be on hand to offer professional advice, guidance and support so that they may assist in empowering your mind, body and spirit. Start a journey that helps you achieve a healthy, balanced and happy lifestyle. Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club features state of the art facilities to help you keep fit and relax at the same time.

Go: Call 4402 3486 for reservations and more information.

MARRIOT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA DIPLOMATIC CLUB The Spa Welcome to the Diplomatic Club Spa where you will experience tranquility, peacefulness and gracious hospitality.

Serenity to your senses, their motto is to generate revitalization.

With aromatic oils and an experienced therapist, the spa is a haven to revive and refresh your mind body and soul.

Go: Call 4484 7444 for reservations and more information.

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Saray Spa In the tradition of the Carvanserai, Saray Spa brings you a host of sumptuous treatments which allow you to experience restoration that have stood the test of time. With nine treatment rooms, tranquil relaxation areas, steam room and sauna, the experience within the Arabian Saray Spa will leave you feeling renewed and transformed.

GO: Call 4419 5517 for reservations and more information.

Your weekends will never be the same again.

Introducing our Weekend Drunch* (Drinks + Brunch, silly!)

Enjoy unlimited house beverages & food platters from 12:30pm to 3:30pm every Friday & Saturday. Come very thirsty and hungry! *299 QAR per head. Add 50 QAR for beverage upgrade.

+974 5041 5309 Airport Road P.O. Box 11780 Doha State of Qatar

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T. +974 4031 3333 | E. info.hidoha@ihg.com | W. www.holidayinn.com/dohabp

• WELLNESS WONDERS

SPA DEALS TO TRY

FOUR SEASONS, DOHA The Spa and Wellness Centre A sensory experience, the Crystalus Oud Body Massage is designed to influence the mind, body and spirit using warm stones and healing crystals. Through the power of the Arabian oud oil and the intention of the crystals this treatment will resonate deeply with your wellbeing, bringing about total relaxation, rejuvenation and harmony whilst relieving tension in the muscles. QR1, 050 for 90 minutes.

GO: Call 4494 8888 for reservations and more information.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Heavenly Spa Reward yourself a luxurious treatment and let the expert technicians provide a unique experience for the tips and toes with the newly launched Suite Nails by Heavenly Spa. GO: Call 4492 1682 for reservations and more information.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL The Spa Saray Massage This full body massage is performed with special and unique Saray oils, a Dead Sea products from Jordan. Guests can choose between three fragrances – Orange, Oud and Rose.

GO: Call 4429 8520 for reservations and more information.

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Sweet Temptation Chocolate Spa Spoil yourself with a richly pampering treatment that stimulates all the senses. Nourishing your skin with a 26

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30-minute chocolate scrub that moisturises and exfoliates, then relax as a 60-minute massage releases tension and encourages therapeutic blood flow.

Price: QR599 per person / QR1100 per couple.

GO: Call 4040 5050 for reservations and more information.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA, THE BUSINESS PARK Crowne Spa The Crowne Spa offers a range of spa treatments including Signature Healing Massage, Foot Therapy and different types of body massage. Facials and energy balancing forehead massage. Separate facilities (sauna, steam room and lockers) for male and female.

GO: Call 4408 7621 for reservations and more information.

All new Careem Ride Packages are here Qatar’s most convenient ride service just got more affordable!

Buy a Ride Package and enjoy guaranteed savings on your rides!

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• WELLNESS WONDERS

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS Jaula Spa Invest in your wellbeing and enjoy a carefully crafted package that includes a refreshing scrub followed by a one-hour massage, and a specialist facial, designed to give you that youthful glow. This refreshing treatment will leave you feeling brand-new as it regulates, purifies and rebalances the skin by using the newest technology for QR850.

GO: Call 4484 1064 for reservations and more information.

DIPLOMATIC CLUB Reflexology Massage at the Spa Rebalance the harmony to your body by cleaning congested reflexes. Reflexology helps boost the immune system recovery from illness, boost circulation, increase energy level, and improve mental & emotional processes. Very relaxing, the treatment creates a feeling of well-being for QR175 for 30 minutes. Price: Members: QR150. Non-Members: QR175.

GO: Call 4484 7444 for reservations and more information.

ALWADI HOTEL DOHA MGALLERY M|Spa At M|SPA your wellbeing is a complete experience, focused on self-care. Providing inspiration to nourish the mind, body and soul so you can become the most authentic version of yourself. Enjoy the summers as you enjoy a free third pass on the purchase of two and enjoy the temperature controlled pool access.

GO: Call 4009 9999 for reservations and more information.

ORYX ROTANA

MARRIOT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club Leave your skin fresh and moisturized for a beautiful sunkissed skin this summer with Bodylines’ Summer Fruity Scrub from Charme D’Orient Paris with alum stone scrubs, honey and royal jelly in Summer Fruit Fragrance for just QR250 for 30 minutes.

GO: Call 4402 3486 for reservations and more information.

Saray Spa Feel pampered with the Turkish Hammam treatment. Allow the cleansing steam bath, gentle exfoliation and luxurious massage lead the way for natural rejuvenation for QR750 for 75 minutes. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious Turkish delight to brighten up your day. ✤ GO: Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information.

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EXPRESS LU N C H MENU

Call 4429 8499

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Your way in.

tickets.virginmegastore.me

The destination to all your events, attractions & sporting competitions in Qatar.

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PEP TALK •

BURNED OUT:

IS THIS THE YEAR OF JOMO? What brings you inner peace? Are you REALLY happy? These seem to be the questions of the moment. In 2019, we’re being encouraged to declutter and get back to basics, but is this even possible for a generation that is driven by motivational speakers, busy calendars and 24/7 digital connections? FACT’s Shabana Adam digs deeper…

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J

oy. A small three-letter word. It’s been weighing heavy on my mind for a while now. It also seems to be creeping into every conversation these days. Fact: it’s becoming harder to avoid the current angst surrounding the “do what makes you happy” wave of inspirational memes and quotes that fill up our social feeds every day. The buzzword of the moment, “joy” has a direct link to the one pursuit we’re all secretly – or not so secretly – going on: “how can I fix my life?” – followed by a trail of thoughts that involve decluttering socially, professionally, emotionally and existentially. In other words, remove those things that don’t spark joy in your life and you’re good to go. Sounds pretty simple, right? Wrong. And I don’t think you’ll be surprised to ready why.

In his book, The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) – philosopher and psychologist Svend Brinkmann, who coined the term JOMO in response to the popular hashtag #FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), talks about the forceful pressures of living in modern day society. The idea that you always need to be doing more: going out more, being invited to more events, getting involved in more activities, acquiring more possessions, and overall just being more. In a world of TED Talks and life coaches, social media influencers and creative advertising, these growing burdens have become an extension of our own minds. “We are constantly invited to do something, think something, experience something, buy something… it is sometimes difficult to distinguish what is important from what is not,” Brinkmann writes.

In the Gulf, especially, life clutter builds up when we fill our calendars with social events that we don’t really want to go, too many sale items that take up unnecessary space in our closets, toxic relationships with negative thoughts and feelings, or work tasks that we say yes to when they’re not actually our responsibility (you know where I’m going with this). You see, the idea of decluttering to feel joy could indeed lead us to freedom and contentment – at least, this is what Brinkmann is proposing. But all of this comes from being able to say another very important word – no.

YOU CAN DO IT: SAYING NO After reading his book, I felt a sense of validation for something that doesn’t actually require society’s permission: the ability to say “no”. No, I don’t want to go for dinner with you on Friday night, I’d rather sink into my rarely-used couch and read a book. No, that party sounds too rowdy for me, let’s see each other another day for a more intimate coffee or lunch, and, for the sake of my tired eyes and sanity: no, I can’t make it to your last-minute event even if there’s free food and a gift bag because, honestly, I just don’t care enough to dress to impress on a Tuesday night after a 12-hour work day. Sound familiar? Brinkmann’s book has taught me something that a lot of us have forgotten, or pushed to the side because it might be considered “rude” or “too honest” – that is, if you don’t want to do it, JUST SAY NO. It seems like the most logical response to any feelings of being overwhelmed, overworked, and overstressed. Saying no means you’re actually putting yourself first. Giving yourself time to take a break from all the disorder of the world that is made up of insta-stories or online shopping, or simply, too many uninteresting, meaningless conversations. Surely, it sounds like a mantra that should be ingrained into human nature, so why is the idea of JOMO and in particular the act of saying “no” such a difficult concept to grasp?

You might struggle to say no in various situations for a number of reasons – the underlying fear that people will think you’re lazy or not trying hard enough, that saying “no” will make you unlikeable so, instead, we form a compulsive pattern of “yes” to erase self-doubt and to keep those around us happy. Subconsciously, this is the lifestyle many of us live here in the Gulf and, in my opinion, saying “no” is one of the realest forms of holding onto the genuine in a society that’s filled with privileges, convenience and, sometimes, tunnel vision, where it’s easy to lose yourself.

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TAKE NOTE: SELF CARE How much longer can we really continue to live at the pace we’re living at? Feelings of living detached, unsustainable lives have become prevalent in the region. A number of scattered data reveals that anxiety and depression is rife in this part of the world, according to a 2018 article on Al-Fanar Media: “A 2009 study screened 1,552 adolescents in Saudi Arabia and found the most common mental-health problem was anxiety. A 2005 study concluded that 16 percent of Lebanese adolescents had suicidal thoughts.” According to other global studies, the Middle Eastern region suffers from the highest rates of depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and suicide.

It’s challenging to find any accurate and reliable data that monitors

growth, decline, overall progression, patterns and possible triggers about mental health in the region, but many issues have been talked about before: stigmatisation, lack of physical activity, work pressures, environmental factors, biological causes – all of which are mirrored in most parts of the world amongst youth and young professionals.

Therefore, it’s so important, now more than ever, to take care of your inner and outer wellbeing - with equal attention.

“Overwhelmed is pretty much my middle name,” says Amal Absiye, a full-time English teacher living and working in the Gulf. “I often feel as though I'm swimming both at work and home. My job requires a lot of my time. My days are often long and exhausting ones. As a teacher, I'm sure many can relate when I say that I often feel as though I'm losing ground every day and I'm forever trying to make it up the next day. It’s a never-ending cycle,” she continues.

“I don't have the kind of job where I clock in and clock out each day.

My work follows me home and so much of my intended me-time turns into having to invest extra time into my work.”

So, how does she cope with creating a work-life balance? “Ever since I started eating well and going to the gym, I feel as though this has really helped me cope with stress,” Amal shares. “That one hour to 90 minutes I put in, allows me to truly focus on me and almost kind of escape. Exercising regularly has helped with my health (physical and

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mental), my mood, and my overall productivity at work.”

For Amal, she’s found her “thing” – a hobby, an activity, that one part of her routine that’s purely dedicated to herself. No strings attached, just simple metime. And this is something she has come to understand as a result of many years of juggling life’s clutter. “I feel as though I've found that work-life balance that I've craved for so long,” she says. “Having felt burnt out for so long, I've found that happy medium between work life and personal life. Work never ends, and I've learned that what doesn't get finished today can be completed tomorrow,” she smiles. “This has proven beneficial for not just my physical health, but my mental health too.”

DEVIL IN DISGUISE: SOCIAL MEDIA Need a virtual talking to, what about some motivation for the gym, or how about your daily dose of lols with memes – there’s an app for it all. A while back, we had a dig at trying to unravel the challenges of a digital detox: what are the signs for when we need a break from the digital world? Whether we like it or not, we are creatures of social media; the Arab Social Media Report 2017 found that 90 per cent of the online population in most Middle East countries use social networking sites, daily.

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PEP TALK •

This might be for personal use to stay in touch with family and friends or for business purposes to build a brand’s reputation, either way it’s clear that we have been well and truly infected with the social media bug. And there’s no rush for a cure anytime soon.

But what happens when all the noise gets a bit too much? Sometimes, there’s nothing more soothing than reading a motivational post just when you need it. Other times, there’s nothing more therapeutic than unfollowing that person who adds nothing of value to your timeline.

Dare I say it – social media has become the number one reason for unwanted clutter in many of our lives. Whether it’s for positive reasons like following your favourite entrepreneur or getting tips from a bona fide mommy blogger, or if you’re stalking your high school lab partner’s other half, whatever the reason may be – a life before hashtags and IGTV and subscribe buttons seems like a million years ago. The key, like most of the things that could lead to joy, is balance.

Juan Jimenez, a Data Analyst living in the Gulf, says: I believe social media is shaping many aspects of our lives; self-care and stress management are perhaps among the main topics. In regard to self-care, I follow people that share tips about gym routines, skin care, healthy eating and fashion,” he continues. “Some of their tips are helpful and easy to add to my daily routine. In terms of stress, yoga and optimising your time when you have a super busy agenda, these are all topics that are usually promoted by “self-made” business people or famous celebrities. Even though this may be a source of motivation, I do believe stress management should be based on realistic lifestyles,” he admits.”

Social media is a portal that allows people to portray the life they want the world to see but not the life they actually live. So, I try my best to keep it real," Juan adds.

stay in, adopt JOMO like it’s your new best friend, self-care like you’ve never done before – spa, gym, therapy, alternative medicine – find YOUR thing, and, most of all, disconnect and recharge those batteries as often as you need to.

For me, admittedly, I do find my joy in JOMO. Or at least being in control of when to say yes and when to say no. But, mostly, I find joy in the places I’m not looking for it: spontaneous hugs from my friend’s beautiful children, laughter in coffeeshops with loved ones that I don’t get to see as much as I’d like to, a surprise text from family members announcing a wedding or a birth, or when a really interesting podcast episode helps to get me through an hour’s workout every day. Henri J.M Nouwen says: “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Seems like something fleeting, you feel it and then it disappears, you aspire it like a solid state of mind but, joy, much like the hashtagged acronym it inspired, is either momentary or an entirely self-made way of life.

To that I say: raise the bar, put joy on a pedestal, be honest and real about what brings you joy and, for the sake of your emotional, physical and mental wellbeing, please feel free to say NO. ✤

BURNOUT: WHAT TO DO Y3NY? If you feel yourself going from bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to seriously burnt out, it’s time for a hard look in the mirror. Left unchecked, burnout can wreak havoc on your health, happiness, relationships and job performance. Catch it early and do something about it: say no and fact magazine

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FIRE STATION:

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

THE FIRE STATIO N S I T S AT T HE HE A R T O F D O H A’S FLO U R I S H I N G A R T CO M M U N I T Y, H O U S E D I N A CO NVERTED FOR MER F I R E S TAT I O N B U IL D I N G. T H E FI R E S TAT I O N O FFE R S N I N E-M O N T H P R O G R A M M E S FO R AR TISTS ACROSS A L L D IS CI PL IN E S, WHO A R E R E S I D E N T I N QATA R, I N C LU D I N G P R O D U C T I O N S U P P O R T, M E NTOR SHIP S AN D CU R ATO R I A L S U PPO R T, E N A B LI N G YO U N G A R T I S T S TO DE V E LO P T H E I R TA LE N T. 36

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ARTS •

U

nder the visionary guidance of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums renovated the old Civil Defence building (known locally as the old Fire Station building) in 2015 to create a residency programme to support artists in Qatar and provide a platform for creative exchange. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to nurturing emerging artistic talent and builds on a long tradition of arts patronage in Qatar.

The Artist in Residence Programme The artists in residence programme reflects QM’s vision of enriching the lives of all those who live in and visit Qatar and inspiring culture

that breeds creativity and innovation. Twenty studios are open to the artists selected to join the Fire Station; four are reserved for visiting artists, the others are open to artists living Qatar. The residency’s mentoring sessions provide guidance from established local artists and QM museum leadership. The artists also have the opportunity to engage with international artists visiting Qatar. Representing a wide range of disciplines (including art, design, architecture and other fields), residents are welcomed for a period of nine months. All artists must go through an application process and are ultimately selected by a jury.

The Fire Station offers artists in Qatar the chance to immerse themselves in their work for this period. The residency provides them with individualized studios and the chance to collaborate with fellow fact magazine

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creatives and find ways to develop and explore their own techniques. They also meet curators, access all Qatar Museums (QM) exhibitions and are encouraged to join workshops and lectures.

Garage Gallery The Fire Station’s garage has been converted into a 700-square-metre exhibition space called “Garage Gallery” to show work by artists selected for residencies, alongside a programme of major international exhibitions, which have featured renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei. Recent international exhibitions have included Russian Avant-Garde: Pioneers and Direct Descendants, organized by the State Tretyakov Gallery; Picasso-Giacometti, presented in collaboration with Musée national Picasso and the Fondation Giacometti; and German Encounters – Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection.

The Building The building served the community as a fire station from 1982 to 2012. When it was converted to an artist space, QM preserved the original honeycomb façade and many of its design features. Renowned Qatari architect Ibrahim Al Jaidah was commissioned to redesign the interior of the building to cater to the needs of the resident artists. The overall aesthetic of the building is raw, industrial, and minimalist. The building also features the restaurant café 999, a bookshop, art supply shop, cinema and other facilities for artists. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.FIRESTATION.ORG.QA/EN FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN X-Men: Dark Phoenix WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

A decade after the events of X-Men: Apocalypse, the X-Men national heroes are all set to embark on increasingly risky missions. As a solar flare hits them during a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean Grey is hit by a cosmic force that makes her lose control of her abilities and transforms her into the iconic Dark Phoenix.

DIRECTOR: Simon Kinberg CAST: Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Your next sci-fi and action fix, X-Men: Dark Phoenix sees the X-Men face their most intimidating and powerful foe, Jean Grey. The 12th installment in the X-Men film series, this chronicle embraces Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s iconic “Dark Phoenix Saga” on the screen for the second time. During a risky rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all. Wrestling with this entity inside her and her own personal demons, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. It is now up to the X-Men to save her soul as well as protect the planet from aliens who wish to weaponise this force and rule the galaxy. Featuring a star-studded cast as well as phenomenal action and fantasy sequences that are enough to have you jump out of your seats, the film joins a season of superhero successes and we’re sure is destined to be one of the biggest blockbusters this summer. It is a YES from us!

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Highlights

“

Featuring a star-studded cast as well as phenomenal action and fantasy sequences that are enough to have you jump out of your seats, the film joins a season of superhero successes...”

– X-Men: Dark Phoenix

The Last Black Man in San Francisco WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Jimmie Fails, a black San Francisco native, dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco.

Accompanied on his quest by his best friend, Jimmie struggles to retain a connection to a city that seems to have left them behind.

DIRECTOR: Joe Talbot CAST: Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Breathtaking performances, stunning visuals and a precious storyline, Joe Talbot’s ambitious directorial debut is everything you can ask from a great movie. Inspired by a true story, the film is a heartwarming and vibrant ode to the rapidly changing city of San Fran. The Last Black Man in San Francisco features a fresh and original story of two outcasts in a city where they grew up but which has changed dramatically. Jimmie insists that his grandfather built the Victorian mansion and that his dream is to fix it up and live in it again. With the help of his friend, Montgomery, Jimmie takes over the big old house and regains his family’s past. Beautifully presenting the idea of gentrification, the film is lovingly crafted and dwells on the question of whether you can go home again once you’ve lost it. Sophisticated storytelling and soul-stirring themes of love, roots and community make this a sure winner.

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

FICTION

Trust Exercise

By Susan Choi

REGGAE INDIE ROCK

Wah Gwaan?!

By Shaggy

Father of the Bride

By Vampire Weekend

Treating us to major California vibes, Vampire Weekend are back with their fourth studio album, Father of the Bride. Their first album after an extended hiatus, the latest release exhibits a practiced ease that has never been witnessed by fans before. Finding the American band at its most politically conscious, the album talks about everything from love and politics to climate change and a growing sense of place in the world. Filled with a kind of vibrant energy, Harmony Hall sounds like a warm and simple reintroduction.

Drawing inspiration from a number of ‘90s pop singles, the cheery piano and sweet guitar notes make you want to surrender to the happy-go-lucky groove. Pushing the boundaries of Vampire Weekend’s sound, their newest offering sees them entering uncharted territory. Flirting with the fine line between corny and cool, Sunflower returns to the band’s quintessential playfulness.

Offering a swirl of tag-teaming guitar and bass runs, the track is certainly one of the most weirdly chilling on the album. A collection of extraordinarily well-written and beautifully crafted songs, we are digging this new era of Vampire Weekend!

Embodying Shaggy’s Jamaican roots, contagious joy and introspective side, Wah Gwaan?! is the reggae and dancehall mainstay’s first solo album in six years.

Featuring a slew of collaborations including Alexander Stewart, Nicky Jam and Jason Derulo, the latest soundtrack is Shaggy’s most personal album to date. Featuring a soothing production and powerful vocals, Use Me introduces Shaggy back with a bang. His strikingly commanding voice proves why he remains one of the most important figures in this genre of music. You, featuring steelpan drums and a heavy chorus is Shaggy’s attempt at a dancefloor anthem. The Reggaeton inspired grooves and deep fluctuations make this single an absolute bop! A display of his rich sound influenced by all styles of music, Shaggy continues his winning streak with a number of energyinfused offerings. Representing a robust musical journey, Wah Gwaan?! captures Shaggy’s musical genius like never before.

Reggae fans will find familiarity with some hints of contemporary progression – we’re onboard.

In an American suburb in the early 1980s, a group of students struggle and strive as they ambitiously pursue music, Shakespeare and acting at a highly competitive performing arts high school. When within this striving “Brotherhood of the Arts,” two freshmen, David and Sarah, fall headlong into love, their passion does not go unnoticed by anyone, especially not by their charismatic acting teacher, Mr. Kingsley. Following a narrative that will make you question everything that you just read, the novel is as captivating and heartwarming as it is surprising.

NON-FICTION

How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy

By Jenny Odell When was the last time you truly unplugged from the constant demands of everyday life and gave into the absolute joy of doing nothing? This book shows us a new way to connect with our environment and see our world and ourselves in a whole new light. Redefining what we think of as productivity, How To Do Nothing is Odell’s instruction guide to adopting an alternative way of moving through life.

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THE VILLA LIFE TH E S UMMER IS CALL I N G A N D S IN CE WE’VE GOT FA M I LY FLY I N G I N FR O M A LL OV E R T H E WO R LD, FAC T’S ANU SH AY TAIMUR KHAN T HO U GHT IT O N LY F I T T I N G TO E X P LO R E T H E G R A N D H YAT T DO H A H OT E L & V I LL A’S FOR THE U LT I M AT E D O HA GE TAWAY. T H I S S TAYC AT I O N M A KE R I S N OW A DD I C T E D!

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

T

he Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas has always won points for me due to its location. Situated on the quieter side of town with magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf, I booked myself into one of their incredible villas for the weekend.

As I had guests visiting, and we needed more space around our apartment, booking myself a villa to accommodate two families was the ideal option – and, of course, a lovely treat. I had already heard a lot about these villas but never got around to staying in them, as even the hotel rooms are comfortable enough for us. Since the occasion called for multiple families and a little extra luxury, we had the opportunity to experience one of the talked-about villas, and it did not disappoint. After a swift check-in, we were escorted to our two-bedroom, upper view villa for the weekend. My main concern was about how we would adjust two families in here but, the minute I entered this home away from home, I couldn’t stop beaming.

LUXURY LIVIN’

This villa was truly the answer to my expat life woes. A huge dining room and lounge welcomed me, as the interior of the villa showed off the hotel’s exemplary design as well. Big, comfortable sofas with a TV screen called to us and we immediately started to unwind. There was a small terrace attached to the lounge, with seating arrangement, overlooking the beautiful gardens in between the villas. Our kitchen was fully equipped with the latest appliances, and only parents understand how important it is to have that when you’re travelling with kids. The guest bedroom was smartly furnished with two single beds that could accommodate a couple or even children, along with another terrace attached to it, just in case you need a breath of fresh air at any time. I fact magazine

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loved how the bedrooms all had their own bathrooms and there was also a guest bathroom attached to the lounge, which meant we could have as many guests as we wanted and still have the privacy anyone would need.

The master bedroom, which I call the big show, was my favourite part (yes, I took that room immediately). A room, as huge as the lounge, was already prepared for my family.

A beautiful crib, a lounging sofa, and a dressing table were available as a full-on package for my weekend. Both the bedrooms had their own TVs, which is never a bad thing if you ask me. We unpacked into the closets immediately and called ourselves a buggy to be escorted to the hotel’s beach for a quick dip before the guests officially poured in.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

The greatest part of this staycation was that I had the best of both worlds; living the homely life and following my regular routine, and then, having all the facilities of the five-star hotel that Grand Hyatt is. Since kids can be picky eaters, all I had to do was go across the road to Carrefour in Lagoona Mall, and get myself some necessities for the kitchen and prepare their meals. For myself, however, I chose to go all out with dinner at Isaan, the award-winning Thai food restaurant. I ordered my favourite Phanom Rung menu, which is ideal for sharing for two, and enjoyed the night of culinary delight with the Goong Nueng Ka-ti soup sealing the deal. Even the mild spices of the food were tantalising and we consumed every last bit of the Larb Ped, which was minced duck salad, and Gai Satay, chicken satay in peanut sauce, like there was no tomorrow. For dessert, I proudly say that I had coconut ice cream for two, and let my husband enjoy coconut pudding because I honestly could not get enough of this delicious concoction.

For breakfast, we opted to wow everyone with my favourite Santa Monica Breakfast Club, which is complimentary for the guests staying in the villa, and we came out of that restaurant as winners. The ideal hub for families, SMBC has a television screen to entertain your children along with a mini play area to keep the toddlers busy. The buffet itself is a treat in the first place, and when you add a kidfriendly restaurant to this mix, it is heavenly for everyone!

Mind you, this place is always busy so, it is recommended to head to the buffet a bit earlier to get yourself a good spot.

AND RELAX…

As we had access to the pool and beach, we found ourselves wanting to come back home within minutes just to unwind.

And, that is exactly what we did. We lounged at the beach for the good hours of the day as the kids got busy on their own with sandcastles, and the adults got their much-needed tan game on. In addition, we booked ourselves massages at Jaula Spa as well and couldn’t have asked for a better pick-me-up on a lazy Saturday afternoon. All of us had our own stress points that we needed some sorting with and my therapist, Susan, made sure I left all my worries outside of the Spa. My 30-minutes massage was the highlight of fact magazine

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the day and I may or may not have dozed off – a compliment for Susan because I don’t remember the last time I was this relaxed!

LOCATION ENVY

Since the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas is located at the shoreline of the new West Bay Lagoon district, Katara Cultural Village and The Pearl are within five to 10 minutes’ drive, which made my duties as the host very easy as these places are always on the go-to list for sightseeing. The iconic Zig-Zag towers are already the first stop for the tour, and since Lagoona Mall is also right opposite the villas, our guests always found something to do outside the hotel as well.

I found it very easy to manage an otherwise difficult weekend with this option. A comfortable house, with all the extra help in the world, a club cart to escort you within 10 minutes, excellent room service, and a 15 minute drive to the hottest spots in town; my guests and I were as happy as you could be getting the extra luxurious treatment we wanted. ✤

GO: CALL 4448 1234 OR VISIT WWW.HYATT.COM/EN-US/HOTEL/ QATAR/GRAND-HYATT-DOHA-HOTEL-AND-VILLAS/DOHGH/ ROOMS FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 46

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BALANCE: MIND, BODY AND SOUL

IT’S HARD NOT TO FALL HEAD OVER HEELS IN AWE OF THE FIVE-STAR AL BALEED RESORT SALALAH BY ANANTARA. BEAUTIFULLY PLACED BETWEEN A LONG, SCENIC – AND VERY INSTAGRAMMABLE - BEACH AND FRESHWATER LAGOON, THE RESORT BORDERS THE HISTORIC AL BALEED UNESCO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, BEING THE FIRST LUXURY PROPERTY IN SOUTHERN OMAN WITH PRIVATE POOL VILLAS. FACT’S SHABANA ADAM COULDN’T THINK OF ANYWHERE BETTER TO ENCOUNTER A TAILORED WELLNESS PROGRAMME. HERE’S HOW SHE GOT ON... fact magazine

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W

hen you hear the words ‘wellness retreat’ what comes to mind? Maybe you think of 6am yoga classes and intense daily workouts, interspersed with wheat grass shots and salads that are green enough to test your human limitations. Whatever your notion is, let it go and let’s start fresh. Forget about intermittent fasting, juicing, calorie counts and perfect flexibility. Instead, concentrate on your inner wellbeing – your mind and body connecting to come clean. This is exactly the soulful journey we embarked on during a visit to the luxury resort of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

ARE WE STILL IN THE GCC? In a region where many seek the solace of wilderness for the sake of their human spirit and the necessity of their personal peace, Salalah is the kind of place that can help you put a true perspective on life.

As a destination, it offers you the kind of landscapes that speak to your soul; silent, rocky wadis, turquoise waves lapping white sandy shores and plenty of mountainside moments – where you might just spot a tribe of goats moving over rugged ground, or a family of cheekylooking camels resting calmly as 4x4 vehicles whizz by. It is the Middle East after all, and Salalah offers raw, unfiltered surroundings without a single skyscraper in sight.

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara has every luxury and comfort you could dream of; starting from personalised greetings to a kitchensized mini bar and even a soap menu. They’ve really thought of it all.

There’s no compromise on convenience and you’ll quickly start to slow down and appreciate every little detail (we loved the complimentary beach bag, hat and frisbee in the room), something that is so easily lost in the hustle of life in the Gulf.

BALANCE WELLNESS PROGRAMME Once we’re well acquainted with the stunning One-Bedroom Garden View Pool Villa, we head for a consultation with our Wellness Guru, Ratheesh, at Anantara Spa. After filling out a questionnaire that specifically asks questions related to your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, including things like “how quickly do you get angry” and “do you have any particular pain in the body to target” – Ratheesh establishes our individual needs and goals of the three-day Balance Wellness Programme. We’re not weighed and our BMI isn’t checked – two things we were expecting to happen at consultation stage. However, it quickly becomes clear that this programme isn’t designed to be a military-style boot camp of regimented exercise and eating, instead you’re encouraged from the onset to choose light daily activities alongside nutritious dining options that will aid in really restoring your internal pipes, so to speak, to their purest form. All the while, you’ll be aiding your body’s natural way of working with three healthy meals a day, fresh juices to top up and stay hydrated, and, of course, a host of activities and treatments that go hand-in-hand with your selected diet. We were ready!

DAY ONE If you’re someone who eats sporadically throughout the day or if you’re not used to eating the recommended daily intake specified for your age, gender, body type and so on, then day one is likely to be a little testing – but far from impossible. Breakfast at Sakalan is like walking into a bona fide food paradise; served in the stylish dining room or 50

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on the terrace beside the infinity pool, there’s a full-to-the-brim buffet packed with pastries galore (the vanilla cruffs are well worth biting into), a fruit station, egg counter, cereal and bread for days, healthy smoothies and juices to kick-start your system, and all the indulgent favourites including brick-sized French Toast, Pancakes dripping in maple syrup, savoury classics like Eggs Florentine and even a host of Arabic, Chinese and more worldly options. What we’re saying is – be ready (and TRY to behave!).

Day one of the programme remains our favourite, all thanks to the resort’s Salalah Guru, Hussain. Without exaggerating, Hussain may just be the best guide you could ask for on an excursion – in this case, a Mountain Hike. He shares with us stories about growing up in a mountain society, how life was as simple as a glass of milk and a piece of bread back then, and, probably the most endearing tale – the Salalah community has set up a WhatsApp group to help each other, and those less fortunate who reside there, with any financial and medical problems. If an issue arises on the group: “you can give even five or ten riyals each and people give something, whatever they can, to help the person,” Hussain says. This, we thought, was exactly the good-natured character we’d experienced of the Omani people and their ways.

We drive deep into the wadi on the Dhofar Mountains which resembles something that is easily a cross between the worlds of Mad Max and Jurassic Park. Hussain tells us that in a few months, these empty spaces will be filled with water. We navigate a labyrinth of rocks; white, brown, craggy earth, working up a respectable sweat (for people who haven’t hiked in a LONG time) and admiring the sparse vegetation and wildlife when it appears. It’s windy when we visit, and the breeze helps to keep us going at a steady pace – however, we’d highly recommend wearing a hat and sunscreen. Hussain then drives us to one of his “secret” spots – a place that could easily bring a tear to the eye.

Over the edge of a cliff, serene blue water glides onto white sand like something you would only expect to be conjured up on Photoshop – we were lost for words – even more so when Hussain takes just minutes to trek down to the beach and etch “Anantara” in the sand, all for the sake of our insta-stories – LEGEND. We return refreshed and ready for the first meal of the wellness fact magazine

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programme – Avocado Tartare (starter), Red Lentils and Tomato Casserole (main) and Carrot Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting and Goji (dessert). The three-day package includes a three-course lunch and dinner, which you get to personally choose from the Wellness Cuisine menu. All meals and wellness drinks are brought straight to your room or villa, making it pretty smooth to stick with the agenda of the day.

We expected the food to be quite basic and small-sized portions, but we were pleasantly surprised. Central to the success of the wellness programme, the specially-designed cuisine is the brainchild of expert vegan-vegetarian chef Valeria Agnelutto. This healthy, cleansing cuisine is designed to maintain your energy and levels during the entire programme while providing you with all the elements that your body needs to detox.

We felt it almost immediately. Firstly, every course is oozing flavour – something that is often difficult to attain with vegan and vegetarian ingredients – but is achieved here, so perfectly. The portions are a good size – not excessive but definitely filling. And we notice that our bodies are digesting the food we’re eating with much more vigour and imminence.

Before dinner, we head to the spa for a luxurious hammam treatment.

Drawing on centuries of Arabian wellness – the ancient ritual starts with a muscle-relaxing steam bath in preparation for a black soap cleansing and kessa mitt exfoliation to sweep impurities. Once steamed 52

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and scrubbed, a Moroccan Rhassoul treatment richly nourishes and rehydrates, leaving the skin silky soft. It’s the complete opposite of our morning hike; just what our bodies needed. The robust scrubbing seems to have washed away any internal negative thoughts as well as the actual dead skin too.

By the time dinner arrives, we’re in our robes, ready to eat up and get a good night’s sleep. One thing this wellness programme has triggered is our body clock – it’s getting back in tune with daylight and darkness, which means that we fall into a deep slumber with bellies full, prepared for more nourishment the next day.

DAY TWO Day two takes a more chilled-out turn. After breakfast and the first wellness drink of the day, we head straight for the beach where the next few hours are spent shifting between a fair amount of beach walks and topping up the tan. This is one thing we really appreciated about the programme – it allows enough spare time for us to relax and do our own thing. Of course, we headed back into our impressive villa for both lunch and dinner, where the chickpea burger with rosemary, parsley and veggie mayo and the carrot and cashews smooth soup are both highlights. Ingredients are rich and the taste is what we’d easily call Michelin-standard. In between the two meals we opted for our second wellness therapy: the 60-minute Abhyanga Massage, which is designed to restore balance. The ancient healing massage uses herbinfused oils that are gently warmed and lightly massaged into the skin using soothing friction strokes. As the oils penetrate the skin, toxins and impurities are loosened, reducing muscle tension and calming the nervous system. The massage is a great choice for those looking to harmonise their mind and body. The therapists, including wellness guru Ratheesh, are both professional and thorough – we leave the room in a complete state of zen.

DAY THREE By the time we get to day three, there’s a pep in our step that wasn’t there when we’d arrived to the resort. Although activity has been light, we’re full of energy and the nutritious food we’ve been eating really

seems to have done the trick with balancing out our inner workings.

We’re sleeping better, our skin is glowing and overall we feel fresher – no sluggish periods in the middle of the afternoon and no lethargic moments of zoning out for impromptu naps. In fact, we start our day with a 9am yoga class in the spa garden and even manage to make it to the gym a little later on for a cardio hit. The food continues to impress with standouts being the special miso soup and the vegetables fettucine with spinach pesto and cherry tomatoes. The menu is serious foodie goals – even for die-hard carnivores, it’s a big change – but one that’s really worth it.

PERSONAL WELLNESS GOALS Ask us again what we think of when the words ‘wellness retreat’ crop up, and we’ll answer: the active process of making better choices towards a healthier mind, body and soul – both inside and out. If there’s one thing you’ll find at the end of your Balance Wellness Programme at the serene Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, it’s that this could very well be the beginning of a constant, conscious pursuit of truly living your best life. ✤

GO: THE 3-DAY WELLNESS PACKAGE IS PRICED AT OMR154 PER PERSON AND INCLUDES TWO WELLNESS DRINKS, LUNCH AND DINNER, ONE PRIVATE DAILY ACTIVITY, ONE 60-MINUTE HAMMAM, ONE 60-MINUTE MASSAGE, ONE COMPLIMENTARY YOGA CLASS AND 10% DISCOUNT ON ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS. BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED IN THE ROOM RATE. VISIT WWW. ANANTARA.COM/EN/AL-BALEED-SALALAH OR CALL +968 23 228 222 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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WELL, WELL, WELLNESS.

SHA WELLNESS CLINIC IS SURROUNDED BY A SPRAWLING NATURAL PARK AND HUGGED BY CLIFFS ON THE EDGE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA IN SPAIN. THIS AMIDST ITS AMAZING STAFF AND FACILITIES ALLOWED FOR THE PERFECT WELLNESS GETAWAY FOR FACT’S JAYNE GREEN, OUR VERY OWN BRIDE-TO-BE…

SHA METHOD Change begins here. International Lifestyle and nutrition condition, together with genetics, our health and well-being.

The SHA method integrates the most effective natural therapies with highly therapeutic nutrition, without neglecting the latest advances in Western medicine, especially in preventive medicine, genetics and anti-ageing. The coordinated and supervised fusion of these therapies significantly enhances the positive impact that these therapies would have on an individual basis.

Healthy Nutrition “Let food be your medicine, and medicine your food” Hippocrates.

SHA Nutrition is a healthy, natural, energetic and balanced nutrition inspired by millenary principles, adapted to modern life, with a flexible, practical and attractive approach, respecting what nature offers at every moment of the year and in each place, personalising it depending on the needs of each person.

Natural Therapies The search for balance At SHA they offer you the most effective natural therapies that aim to enhance the healing power of your body, providing the tools and knowledge necessary to transform you into managers of your own health.

Re-education of Habits A journey of ten thousand kilometers begins with a single step Their goal is to ensure that you maintain indefinitely the state of health you achieve in SHA. For this they have created SHA Academy, a selection of conferences, healthy cooking classes, relaxation, meditation, yoga, breathing, mindfulness sessions and other group activities that will provide you with the tools and knowledge to enjoy optimum physical, mental and Long-term.

Inner Balance Disconnect to connect with yourself Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, pilates, tai chi, stress management and coaching are some of the therapies that allow you to achieve a perfect inner balance to enjoy good emotional health, which directly affects the general well-being of the human being.

Healthy-ageing, Regenerative Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Genetics How to live more and better 54

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Their goal is not only to prevent or reverse premature ageing after diagnosing its causes, but also to stimulate and recreate the natural processes and metabolic systems. The anti-ageing therapies of SHA are oriented to allow the enjoyment of life with health and vitality, regardless of the stage in which we are in.

Aesthetic Medicine Natural beauty In SHA it is possible to delay the signs of ageing by providing a healthy, youthful and natural shine to your skin, improving not only the physical aspect, but also the confidence in yourself.

All the methods used share the philosophy of SHA: minimally invasive with excellent results, allowing the patient an immediate return to the daily routine. In addition to manual techniques, SHA uses the most modern, innovative and effective latest generation of devices for body, facial and capillary treatments.

Fitness “We must cultivate the vigor of the body, to conserve the spirit” Luc de Clapiers.

Physical activity is essential for the maintenance and improvement of health as it contributes to prolonging life and improving its quality. At SHA we have assembled an outstanding human team composed of professionals specialized in physiotherapy, osteopathy and personal training, with whom you can perform trainings according to your needs.

TRAVEL TALES •

Cognitive Stimulation “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” / A healthy mind in a healthy body.

Their goal is that you enjoy your full potential not only physically but also at the mental level. They concern themselves with using the most valid current scientific knowledge that, together with new technologies, allow them to enhance the cognitive capacities of their guests. fact magazine

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HEALTHY NUTRITION SHA Wellness Clinic’s healthy nutrition aims to introduce their guests into a healthy nutrition capable of rebalancing the body and boosting its ability to restore itself.

SHA nutrition follows the principles of an energetic and healthy diet, adapting to the needs of each individual, without losing the essence of the haute cuisine their restaurant SHAMADI offers, where you can enjoy both a modern and warm surroundings, in a space dedicated to experiencing all the senses, where healthy nutrition is at the centre of high quality gastronomy.

The products they use to create their dishes are carefully selected, considering the season, quality and combination of ingredients to create an energetic, healing, healthy dish as well as advocating a truly incredibly delicious experience.

Lunch and dinner both include a starter, a choice between two main courses (usually one with fish and the other with wholegrain pasta) and a dessert.

SHA Diets SHA offers three different types of healthy eating menus (SHA, Biolight and Kushi) in order to meet all of their guests’ needs and goals. These menus are different every day at lunch and dinner.

With the help of their expert consultants in healthy nutrition, they are adapted to suit each of their guests’ particular needs.

1. Sha Menu Their gastronomic menu is very comprehensive. It is intended for those who are visiting SHA and who wish to learn about a healthier diet without compromising on the amount of food nor their gourmet tastes. Although it also follows the principles of the SHA diet and healthy nutrition, the menu is noteworthy for how well all of the dishes in it are prepared and the attention to detail in them.

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2. Biolight Menu This is an intermediate version of the SHA healthy nutrition diet, designed for those who wish to use their time in SHA to take a bit more care of themselves than usual and learn about healthy eating and the benefits it brings, without setting themselves detox or weight control goals that are too strict. It is the gastronomic menu they normally recommend for their guests who come with other health programmes such as for antistress, anti-tobacco or rejuvenation. Lunch includes a starter, a main course and a dessert (if desired), whereas dinner only includes the first and second courses.

This menu is part of a healthier diet and its ingredients usually include fish three times a week and pasta twice a week, while allowing for a sparing use of oil and nuts.

3. Kushi Menu This is their strictest and most restrictive gastronomic diet, but this does not mean it is less healthy. It is recommended for those who aim to control their weight or intensively detoxify their body, being a perfect complement to their weight loss program.

It has smaller portions and also does not include certain healthy ingredients like oil, baked flour, nuts, pasta or oats. A little salt is also added. Fish is only included once a week and the diet is characteristic for including a lot of algae and hearty soups like miso that help cleanse the body and provide energy and vitality.

Healthy Teas and Drinks Let their professionals guide you through the exciting world of teas and natural juices so you can savour the health drink most suited to you as an individual at any given time.

In SHA they offer a wide selection of health drinks specifically tailored by their professionals to help you achieve your health and wellness goals: apple juice with kuzu, sweet vegetable tea, Mu tea, Kukicha or 3-year tea, bancha tea, agar agar tea, azuki bean tea, kombu tea, daikon tea, mugicha tea, shiitake tea, ume-sho kuzu tea‌They really do have an extensive list of natural, healthy teas to suit all tastes and needs.

Healthy Living Academy At SHA they have a treasure trove of additional workshops and facilities. This is the complementing key to achieve overall health, and their vocation is to share it with their guests. For this they have created SHA Academy, a daily programme of talks, exercises, walks and conferences, that you can enjoy in a group or privately, so that after your stay in SHA, you can retain the knowledge that will allow you to pursue a healthier life. fact magazine

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ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES The Deluxe Suite (70m2) is equipped with the latest technology and the best services. A 70 m2 room carefully designed so that their guests enjoy a pleasant and ideal stay. Their Deluxe Suite has numerous services available that adapt to the requirements of each and every person. Every night I enjoyed a ‘turn-down’ service that witnessed my room transformed to my specific needs, including the TV location, mattress and pillow - not to forget the amazing in-house fragrances of lavender and lemongrass.

I had some of the best sleep in a long while, which I attributed to the excellent spring mattress, 700 thread count sheets, black-out curtains, and excellent noise insulation. Large single-pane glass windows in the room are designed to utilise natural light and immerse you into nature’s proximity. Every day I had an incredible sea and mountain view villa assisting me in developing a deeper sense of appreciation for nature.

I was impressed with the quality of room servicing; every time I went back to my room after a day of fitness and spa, my belongings were always reordered in thoughtful places, with my personal preferences considered.

WELLNESS & CLINIC The Wellness & Clinic area is expansive and spacious, with a décor that evokes calm across its 6000m2. With a comprehensive selection of spa therapies ranging from traditional ayurvedic treatments and oriental acupressure, to holistic anti-ageing facials and aromatherapy. Treatments here are an exceptional experience and the therapists and rooms are some of the best around. My personal favourite was their HydroEnergetic Detox Cure which is a treatment recommended for those who want to lose weight, eliminate accumulated toxins, improve blood circulation, reduce stress and recover their body balance, all of which I was in desperate need of! It consisted of a bespoke oil bath, followed by a seaweed wrap which you enjoy as you become more relaxed as you are literally floating on water before you are ‘blasted’ with water to increase circulation.

I enjoyed many aspects of Sha’s focus on wellness, from the body composition analysis at the beginning and end of stay which is such a fundamental part of a modern wellness programme, to pranayama breathing sessions being transported into a zen-inducing meditative state. All the therapists and teachers are informed of your personal goals or interests and tailor their sessions accordingly. You’ll find they really want to see you transform your life into a healthy one as they guide you into and through your own personal journey of wellness in luxurious surroundings with a five-star service.

SHA RESIDENCES A unique and exclusive residential destination featuring 11 residences within SHA Wellness Clinic, whereby guests are able to enjoy the Clinic’s lifestyle, calibre of services and optimum state of health & wellbeing, all within the privacy of SHA Residences.

The perfect luxury wellness destination for those seeking a modern and exclusive healthy travel lifestyle experience.

SHA Residences stimulate the senses and is built to improve 58

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one’s general state of health, all while being in line with an elegant housing concept associated with the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui, to preserve the impact of each element on your body, and to enhance the positive effects of living in one of the world’s best microclimates.

HEALTHY SPACES These pioneering and luxurious wellness residences, designed by the prestigious Spanish architect Carlos Giraldi and the renowned Spanish interior designer Elvira Blanco, are the first of its kind in the world in a luxurious wellbeing clinic. A reference for those seeking to live part of the year in an exceptional climate with all the benefits of the world’s leading wellness clinic where health, innovation and nutrition always come first. SHA Residences features 11 luxurious residences, starting at 300m2, all built in compliance with the highest design and comfort standards, sourced with state-of-the-art sophisticated home automation, as well as environmentally friendly, sustainable materials.

Choose the Residence that best suits your lifestyle: the Garden Residence, the Premier Residence or the Penthouse Residence.

The Penthouse residences feature a private Hammam, a cinema room and a spacious wellness room for those seeking exclusive in-house residence wellbeing services. During your stay in SHA Residences, you can enjoy a wide selection of health and wellness experiences in the comfort of your own residence too.

Although SHA Wellness Clinic does not admit children, they offer guests the unique opportunity to experience its new unit with family, a unique menu of children-curated activities within the Residence, such as healthy cooking classes, yoga for children, meditation for children, and more, so they are educated early on about the importance of living and practicing a holistic mind and body. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.SHAWELLNESSCLINIC.COM AND FOLLOW @SHAWELLNESS ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• PLUGGED IN

APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR JUNE…

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Fooducate

Spotify

Watch what you eat and introduce some dietary discipline into your life with Fooducate. The super efficient app helps you shop and eat healthy by allowing you to quickly pull up nutritional information about food products from barcodes.

Fooducate also helps make sense of nutritional labels by displaying a letter grade from A to D, along with a quick summary of nutrition information in plain language as well as suggesting healthy alternatives. Eat your way to a healthier and happier you!

If you haven’t already got it – all we can think is that you’ve been living under a rock! With summer just around the corner, spruce up your pool parties and barbeques by turning your phone into a digital DJ! Spotify is our go-to when it comes to streaming music, thanks to its familiar interface, Facebook integration and massive song library of more than 30 million tracks. The app’s Party DJ mode, pace-matching Running feature and personalised Discovery Weekly playlists will have you hitting play all summer long!

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PLUGGED IN •

MIRROR, MIRROR… Whether you create magic with your camera or just enjoy capturing memories wherever you go, we can all agree that nothing beats a beautifully taken photograph. FACT’s Aanchal Duggal puts Canon’s brand new EOS RP Mirrorless to the test…

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n a time when everyone’s obsessed with watching the world through a lens, the importance of having a good camera is imperative. Adding to the ever-growing market of advanced cameras, Canon’s brand new EOS RP Mirrorless Camera has us super excited. We decided to take it for a spin!

Offering an impressive array of advanced features, robust weather-resistant construction, and impressive performance to boot, the new EOS RP Mirrorless Camera is every photography enthusiast’s dream come true. Canon’s best mirrorless camera today, the new EOS RP is significantly less expensive than other full-frame mirrorless cameras, without compromising on all the good stuff. One method Canon used to keep the price down is that they’ve constructed the body with a combination of highquality plastics and tough, lightweight magnesium. The result is a rugged and rigid camera that is significantly lighter than the recently introduced 30.3MP Canon EOS RP Mirrrorless Camera.

For a full-frame camera, the EOS RP is super light and unlike many other mirrorless cameras, it doesn’t come at the expense of handling. For the most part, the camera’s design is a success for anyone looking to upgrade from their DSLR. Equipped with Dual Pixel AF, Canon’s excellent autofocus

system, the EOS RP gives you phase detection across the whole sensor. The EOS RP takes its autofocus skills further by including Eye AF that works in continuous AF mode- ideal for portraits or event shooting. While the EOS RP’s battery life isn’t that great, it makes up for it by delivering excellent stills (JPEG or RAW) as well as video. Offering amazing image quality, Canon’s newest release uses the same sensor as the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. The camera’s out-of-the-camera JPEGs produce natural looking photos with great colours and plenty of detail.

Should you buy the Canon EOS RP? If you own an older Canon DSLR and EF Lenses or just enjoy good quality pictures and the overall Canon experience, the EOS RP is the perfect upgrade. Merging traditional DSLRs strengths with many of the advantages of mirrorless, Canon’s latest offering is definitely one to watch out for! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.EN.CANON-ME.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• MOTORING NEWS

GENESIS G70 WINS BIG! THE 2019 GENESIS G70 HAS BEEN NAMED A “2019 BEST NEW CAR” BY AUTOTRADER. THE AWARD, WHICH WAS AGREED UPON UNANIMOUSLY AMONG AUTOTRADER EDITORS, WAS PRESENTED TO G70 ON THE BASIS OF ITS CLASS-REDEFINING MERITS. 62

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MOTORING NEWS •

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enesis, the luxury automotive brand, strives to make a positive difference in the lives of discerning customers, thus becoming an important element of their lifestyle. The award-winning Genesis G70, along with the rest of the Genesis luxury line-up of vehicles, is available with Skyline Automotive W.L.L., the official distributor of Genesis in the State of Qatar.

“This award is further recognition of the G70’s outstanding positioning among luxury sport sedans,” said Erwin Raphael, Chief Operating Officer, Genesis Motor America. “We are honored for our new G70 to receive this accolade from Autotrader.”

G70 was selected by the editors of Autotrader from a list of over 300 eligible, new vehicles. Led by Editor-in-Chief Brian Moody, the team of editors spent the year testing interior comfort and materials, build quality, available features and ride quality.

As the first Genesis model in the highly competitive entry luxury segment, G70 outperforms legacy luxury sport sedans with driver-focused performance. G70, which was named the 2019 North American Car of the Year, as well as receiving several other prominent awards in recent months, resets benchmarks and expectations among luxury sport sedans, with holistic integration of performance, body strength, refined luxury and aerodynamic design. ✤

GO: CALL 4489 1111 / 4489 1100 OR VISIT WWW.GENESIS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• MOTORING NEWS

SKYLINE AUTOMOTIVE UNVEILS GENESIS G90

AUTOMOTIVE W.L.L., A JAIDAH GROUP COMPANY AND THE OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR OF GENESIS IN THE STATE OF QATAR, LAUNCHED ITS FLAGSHIP 2020 GENESIS G90 IN AN EXCLUSIVE UNVEILING CEREMONY AT THE WORLD’S SMARTEST AND MOST SUSTAINABLE FULLY-BUILT CITY DISTRICT, MSHEIREB DOWNTOWN.

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he 2020 G90 incorporates exterior and interior design changes, which further enhances the sedan’s presence as the brand’s flagship vehicle. The new “Quad Lamp” styling theme, featuring prominent horizontal architecture seen throughout the sedan, signals design cues that will be incorporated in all future Genesis models.

The 2020 G90 introduces multiple technology enhancements and firsts for the Genesis brand. For example, the 12.3-inch central display is reengineered to incorporate a new Graphic User Interface that features the signature Genesis black and copper color scheme. Furthermore, the car’s interior design includes a parallel layout and exquisite new details in the quilted Nappa leather seating and additional leather rapping on the center console. The interior atmosphere of the new G90 also features an Active Noise Cancelation technology to reduce exterior noises and allow the driver to fully concentrate and embrace the experience of driving a Genesis vehicle.

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MOTORING NEWS •

During the event Skyline Automotive and Jaidah Group also announced the launch of a new programme titled ‘The Path”, established in partnership with prominent media personality and entrepreneur, Mr. Mohammed Saadoun Al Kuwari.

‘The Path’ comprises monthly episodes featuring some of the most successful Qatari members in various fields including sports, arts, health and sciences, among others. The programme celebrates individual contributions to Qatar’s success story to inspire the country’s youth to follow suit.

Speaking in his welcoming remarks at the event, Jaidah Group Executive Director Mr. Mohamed Jaidah, said, “In a few short years, Genesis has become an icon of luxury, the Korean way. It has developed three separate models. And now we unveiled the updated flagship Genesis G90 model with its futuristic design which evolves the brand’s signature Athletic Elegance design language. The updated flagship Genesis G90 adds to our portfolio, in line with our commitment to offer the people in Qatar the best products and customer service available.”

Addressing Mr. Mohammed Saadoun Al Kuwari and Mr. Hassan Al Haydous, Al Jaidah added: “It is a pleasure to collaborate with Mr. Mohammed Sadoon Al Kuwari on “The Path.” The programme will no doubt inspire our young generation to pursue their dreams by shedding light on the journeys of our national success stories. I would also like to thank our national team captain Hassan Al Haydous for taking part in the first episode.” Al Jaidah concluded his remarks by extending his gratitude to emerging Qatari artist, Ms. Bouthayna Al Muftah, for her incredible artwork featuring the new Genesis G90, which was also displayed at the event.

The 2020 G90 is available in the flagship Skyline Automotive showroom on Salwa Road. Episodes from The Path programme can be viewed through www.thepathqatar.com. ✤

GO: CALL 4489 1111/ 4489 1100 OR VISIT WWW.GENESIS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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FASHION FOCUS •

AMERICAN EAGLE SUMMER ‘19 American Eagle continues to celebrate freedom, inclusion and difference through its #AExME brand platform, with the debut of its summer campaign.

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hot against Miami’s sapphire sea, it evokes the easygoing, optimistic and carefree nature of the season, by bringing a group of real kids together, as they celebrate summer.

The campaign highlights American Eagle’s commitment to self-expression by placing creative direction in the hands of its customer, allowing the cast, all discovered via social media, to style themselves in the summer collection. It is also free of retouching, continuing to highlight the company’s commitment to celebrating real people, with passion and purpose.

Key items from the collection include the Mom, Bermuda and Denim Short for women, along with tropical print sets, hawaiian button down shirts and tube tops. For men, there are neon hoodies, acid wash tees and the All-Day Shorts; a versatile athleisure design for beach to street style. Denim shorts will be available in neutral washes, along with the classic colors, such as black and blue.

AExME aims to enable people to speak authentically about what matters to them. It is a celebration of their style, their stories, their spaces and selves. ✤

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GO: SHOP AEO’S SUMMER ’19 COLLECTION AT YOUR NEAREST STORE OR ONLINE. fact magazine

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM AMERICAN EAGLE’S SUMMER ‘19 COLLECTION...

FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN AMERICAN EAGLE STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 70

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357

Mob. 3377 2735 P.O. Box: 7346 Doha - Qatar fact factmagazine magazine 7189

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10/22/15 2:30 PM

• BEAUTY BOX

Beauty Checklist LADIES, KEEP YOUR REGIME IN CHECK FOR THE HOT DAYS AHEAD WITH OUR TOP PICKS FOR JUNE…

1

Rahua LEGENDARY AMAZONIAN OIL

2 3

Give your hair some muchneeded TLC! Enriched with a blend of light-as-air plant and flower oils, this quick-absorbing hair oil is the ultimate solution for any hair ailment to deliver a beautifully smooth, shiny, anti-frizz flawless finish. This plant-based and silicone-free oil penetrates deeply into the hair strand to heal and strengthen every strand.

Fenty Beauty

PRO KISS’R LIP-LOVING SCRUBSTICK

The only scrub that will treat you right and give you soft, kissable lips instantly. Packed with apricot seed scrubbers, the lightweight, non-greasy stick gently exfoliates while nourishing lips and lets you scrub with the ultimate love. Just swipe back and forth over lips, wipe it off, and get makeout-ready—or makeup-ready lips anytime, anywhere!

Laura Mercier

FLAWLESS LUMIÈRE RADIANCEPERFECTING FOUNDATION Delivering a perfectly luminous finish that looks flawless in any light, the weightless medium to full coverage formula looks and feels like a second skin. It improves skin’s natural luminosity over time for lasting radiance, hydrates, visibly smoothes, and softens skin as well as provides 15 hours of moisturisation.

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Palladio Beauty

4

SKIN DETOX CLARIFYING FACE PRIMER

Create the perfect base for makeup application! Packed full of detoxifying and clarifying ingredients, like Charcoal, the primer creates a clean canvas for long-wear and flawless glam looks. The Palladio Skin Detox Clarifying Primer not only creates a smooth base for makeup application, but also works to detox and protect skin and get you in a summer state of mind!

Givenchy

MYRRHE CARMIN

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Step into summer smelling absolutely irresistible! The latest creation in L’Atelier de Givenchy’s exclusive fragrance collection, the brand new perfume features a unique, addictive signature that enhances the House’s olfactory wardrobe. Myrrhe Carmin reveals a captivating trail built around one of perfumery’s most iconic ingredients: myrrh.

Vichy LIFTACTIV HYALU MASK Get the best skin of your life! Formulated with record concentration of Hyaluronic Acid, Blue Agave extract, Licorice extract and Vichy Mineralizing Water, it helps recover from tiredness, reduce the appearance of fine lines & even out skin tone. To be applied weekly, it is quick skin treatment and results can be seen in as little as 5 minutes!

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GROOMING BOX •

Grooming Checklist SUMMER VIBES MEANS MORE NEW PRODUCTS FOR YOUR UPKEEP…

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CLAUS PORTO

MUSGO REAL SHAVING CREAM

2 3

Get the closest shave ever!

Enriched with lanolin and glycerin, it helps soften your beard and allows a smoother, long-lasting and enjoyable shave. This shaving cream leaves in the skin a fine layer of their Classic Scent, a resolutely masculine fragrance that blends the fresh notes of sandalwood and patchouli with the warmth of vanilla.

BYREDO SUNDAZED This summer, smell good and fresh all day long! The latest scent in Byredo’s coveted lineup, Sundazed is inspired by the first glimpses of sunlight following a long, cold winter. Expertly blended in France, this Eau de Parfum has a citrusy scent and is housed in a sleek glass bottle that’ll smarten up your dressing table and leave you feeling oh so good!

THE BEARD GEAR COMPANY ALL NATURAL BEARD OIL Specialising in beard care and maintenance, this is definitely one of our favourite beard oils on the market right now.

Composed from a concoction of natural essences, the Beard oil creates the optimal skin conditions for your beard to grow out healthier and thicker.

It reintroduces the needed moisture into your skin and hair without leaving your beard looking shiny or oily.

OLIVINA MEN AGE-DEFYING DAY AND NIGHT FACE RESCUE

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Fight against the aging effects of sun, pollution, sweat, shaving, and more.

The peptide-rich antioxidant and caffeine blend gets you visible results in as quick as a month. This focused maintenance means firmer, more resilient and healthier looking skin that is free from environmental damage.

BURT’S BEES NATURAL SKIN CARE FOR MEN BODY WASH

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Nature’s most invigorating wake-up call for your skin, this is all you need to feel fresh and energised in the morning. Made from a natural cleansing complex containing Coconut Oil, it helps gently cleanse, while leaving behind an energizing, woodsy, and warm aroma. Soy Protein gives your skin the hydration it needs to protect against dryness.

SHISEIDO MEN TOTAL REVITALISER Banish signs of ageing 24 hours a day with Shiseido’s Men Total Revitaliser. The multi-functional Total Revitalizer cream optimises the skin’s own rejuvenating functions, eliminating dryness and dullness while providing the skin with daylong moisture protection. Recommended for all skin types, it will leave your skin feeling invigorated and refreshed!

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• GIFTS

EI D GI FTS FOR H ER FOR HER

Guess

Smashbox

Tiffany & Co.

Dahlia Divin Givenchy

The Harmonist

MCM

Mango

Cos Modest Edit

Jacquie Aiche

ORIGINS Brighten, Energize & Hydrate Set

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Maison Assouline

Parfums De Marly

GIFTS •

EI D GI FTS FOR H I M FOR HIM John Varvatos

NEXT

B&O

Billonaire

River Island

Maison Assouline

Philipp Plein

Mr Porter

Debenhams

FUJIFILM Camera

Adidas

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

IKEA: BOOSTING ENERGY

IKEA

is celebrating diversity and finding new ways of coordinating. With a big chunk of humour, the new product launch combines joyful colours with bold and graphic patterns inspired from the 1960s. They’ve introduced a large selection of textiles, from quilt covers and towels to curtains and motorised roller blinds. Even the younger family members can delight in a baby soft toy collection and a textile collection for teens. On the storage front, there are chests of drawers, fabric boxes and accessories for an existing wardrobe system. The look of the launch continues into the kitchen, where graphic door fronts create a personalised touch. They’re also launching some pendant lamps and exciting rugs for a design statement.

Among the smaller products, a new stationery series invites creativity to the desk with its colourful, playful style. Overall, it’s hard not to smile. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.IKEA.COM/QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• ADVERTORIAL

IRIS DOHA

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he legendary Iris Lounge located at Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel – Doha, will reopen its doors on the first day of Eid offering you an opportunity to create joyful and unforgettable memories. Guests are welcome to join the summer vibes and try the Iris restaurant’s new and upgraded international menu, meeting your highest expectations and surrounded by live music. With a week full of various events; enjoy Ladies’ night on Monday, a live band on Tuesday, whilst Wednesday is for “Aperitivo”, and spend your Friday with the family at the Iris brunch. Don’t miss “Bring it All Back” every Saturday as they bring back old memories together and take you on a trip down memory lane. ✤

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ADVERTORIAL •

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 2am Friday: 12pm to 2am Saturday: 5pm to 2am Dress Code: Smart Elegant Facebook: www.facebook.com/IrisDohaLounge/ Instagram: @irisdoha Website: www.irislounges.com/ Email: info@irisdoha.com Tel: 7479 4444

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Get your daily dose of FACT online now

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

WE MEAT AGAIN, MR PUCK.

Located at the super swanky, Mondrian Doha, CUT sits perfectly with their brand of high class and elegance. Wolfgang Puck has made a lifelong reputation as a steak supremo and his restaurants have wowed diners the world over, including FACT’s very own Craig Ferriman.

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ince CUT arrived in Doha, it has definitely made waves here in Qatar, raising the culinary game and lifting the already high standards of a dining experience.

Executive Chef, Ben Small, has been with the Wolfgang Puck family for 12 years and heads up the CUT kitchen here, so you are definitely in good hands.

The menu retains the quintessential elements that the brand is known for anywhere in the world with some small additions that reflect the region and local tastes.

For examples, sharing bread on the table were quite sweet and there was Arabic bread presented too. I began my gastronomic journey with their Spicy Big Eye Tuna Tartare Sandwiches with Togarashi (not something you see everyday) and Wasabi Aioli. It tasted Japanese, but also it projected influence of India probably due to the tantalising kick from the curry powder. An excellent small bite from the CUT to the Chase menu that they serve daily from 5-8pm.

A perfect post-office snack.

Another of Chef Ben’s successful innovations are the Blue Crab Rolls served in a soft and sweet toasted bun with herb aioli and celery salt. The crab just melts in your mouth as you bite into the bun.

As proof that local flavours have influenced the chef, we devoured a salad with roasted baby beets, pickled strawberries, dukkha and pistachio yoghurt.

It felt a little Lebanese, maybe a little Turkish but certainly emanated a revered Mediterranean taste.

A stand out starter that I’d sure go for next time, if not every time I come to CUT, is the handmade CUT Tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and confit tomato petals. It tasted truly Italian and authentic, which is rather rare in Qatar. I would never have expected to see pasta, or pizza, for that matter on a menu in what I assumed to be a steakhouse by the name alone.

Chef Ben explained to me that it can be limiting to people if all you offer is steak. People have varied tastes and what one diner may want at the table could differ a lot from another. Here, everybody from vegans to carnivores can rest assured that they will be looked after.

The wide canvas of food even featured a whole roasted Peking Duck carved up and served with bao buns and accoutrements to add at our own discretion, including celery sticks and hoisin sauce.

It was superb!

I should probably say something about steak. There are lots of cuts to choose from. They are most satisfied if they can cook it rare for you but they’ll cook to order, of course. I had a USDA Prime Ribeye Steak which has a marbling texture and therefore more flavour. I also tested the small Japanese 82

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

Wagyu Filet Mignon which melts in the mouth and you could literally eat it with a spoon.

Desserts give Chef Ben and his team plenty to be creative about in the kitchen. Whichever CUT you visit in the world, you’ll probably always find a baked Alaska. The team keep things fresh by subtly switching up the ingredients that are incorporated from earthy wintry produce to spring fruits, now that the seasons have changed.

The toasted Chocolate Brownie with chocolate mousse, caramel sauce and dulce de leche ice cream is an absolute hit.

My favourite was actually the caramelized pear crumble. It was very fresh and not too heavy that I found it the perfect closer for my pallet.

The thing about CUT is that you don’t have to eat the whole menu. I tried hard to and still failed, but they offer a lot! Whether a post-work snack and sip, a one dish that hits the spot, the carefully curated business lunch or indeed a dinner with friends.

If you don’t find anything on the menu that you like, well, then, you don’t like food. CUT cares about food passionately and they serve it up with superb service, the freshest ingredients and plenty of imagination. ✤

GO: CALL 4045 5999 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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FOODIE CORNER •

CURRYLICIOUS The iconic Radisson Blu Hotel Doha is the only property that is home to two equally impressive Indian restaurants in Qatar. An invite to Bombay Balti was happily accepted by FACT’s Anushay Taimur Khan as she embarked on a culinary journey of Indian delights…

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ne of my favourite hotels since I moved to Doha is the understated Radisson Blu, so I was excited to finally have the opportunity to try Bombay Balti – a renowned Indian eatery. As a venue, Bombay Balti can be identified from far away. Why, you ask? Well, the colours of the Indian flag hang at the ceiling so you simply know that this is the place you need to go when you’re craving authenticity.

I was welcomed by the manager of the restaurant and seated immediately. My goal was to select a few dishes that I simply knew would be the benchmarks on which to judge an Indian restaurant.

Frankly speaking, I am already a fan of the other Indian restaurant – Chingari – in the hotel and really wanted to see what was different (or better) about this one.

As I was deciding on the menu, I was served with my drinks and some poppadum, along with a mix of chutneys. If there’s one thing that India knows how to do, it’s bring their A-game with the chutneys. I was almost finished with the welcome bites as my starters were served. My choice to start the night was the mixed tandoori platter. Much to my delight, the platter consisted of chicken, prawns, fish and lamb cutlets. Since I am always inclined to chicken tandoori, I was very surprised at the taste of the tandoori prawns and went for a second helping. I requested the chef to keep the flavour mild and the marination of these prawns was absolutely exquisite. I had to hold myself back from taking seconds of the fish as well since I had already requested for three main courses.

As Bombay Balti is known for their curries, I had to put them to the test and order the ever-famous butter chicken, the people’s favourite biryani and some Hyderabadi mutton. As a side to all these dishes, I also ordered Dal Maharani, another classic when it comes to Indian cuisine. This meal was a no brainer for me, the butter chicken was as soft and silky as it could be, with a distinct taste that wasn’t too sweet – balancing out perfect proportions of spices. I would crown the Hyderabadi mutton as the winner for me as I truly haven’t tried anything like this dish in Doha. Styled in a completely different way with shredded mutton and spiced beautifully, the aromas won me over. I loved having it with my hot naan and have already noted it down as my dish to recommend to anyone who is in the mood for some Indian food!

The service at the restaurant was splendid and as soon as I was finished with my main course, I was asked to choose a dessert. Again, this review was to fulfil my own foodie desires and I ordered my all time favourite: Rasmalai. Soft cottage cheese 86

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swims in a syrup of milk and sugar, it’s heavenly. It’s also a dish that is difficult to execute and Bombay Balti nails it! The cottage cheese was kneaded to perfection and the milky syrup with its saffron and nutty garnishing tasted like drops of sweet paradise.

The verdict would be that Bombay Balti is definitely worth a try. With their variety of food and famous curry dishes, you will never be disappointed with the quality of Indian cuisine served here. If you’re like me and you love your curry and naan like no tomorrow, you know where your next stop should be. We might just be sat at the table next to you! ✤

GO: CALL 4428 1555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

FOODIE CORNER •

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• DINING DEALS

Dining Delights Here’s your monthly dose of all the best foodie deals to check out in Doha this month…

Marriot Marquis City Centre Doha Aqua Lounge Relax with your family and friends over the perfect lunch or dinner at the air-conditioned cabanas or on the terrace with the breathtaking view of Doha’s skyline, at Aqua Lounge. Enjoy a selection of hot and cold mezze, Arabic inspired mocktails and refreshing beverages at this ultimate foodie spot.

GO: Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara Q Lounge Q Lounge is the perfect spot for all-day relaxing dining, either indoors or al fresco by the poolside. Indian cuisine lovers will discover a mouth-watering collection and guests looking for international flavours will find a selection of comfort food and snacks to keep you satisfied.

GO: Call 4040 5050 for reservations and more information.

Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor Experience the traditional North Indian Thali made with a selection of various dishes comprising of six different flavours served on one platter with very special prices. This includes rice and bread served with four main curries, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian, along with raita, butter milk and a sweet dish to top it off.

GO: Call 4019 8877 for reservations and more information.

Doha Marriott Hotel Corniche Restaurant Showcasing some of Doha’s most iconic features with a delectable selection of your all-time favorites breakfast delicacies, Corniche will be definitely a must add to your bucket list when it comes to breakfast buffets. Full buffet for QR119 includes water, fresh and chilled juices, regular coffee and tea.

GO: Call 4429 8882 for reservations and more information.

Al Najada Hotel Canela Cafe Located away from the bustling hotel lobby, Canela Café is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a mid-morning coffee, chat over a business lunch or savour the Afternoon Tea created 88

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by the talented Pastry team. Canela, meaning cinammon in Portuguese, is a key ingredient in the famous Portuguese custard tart, or “pastel de nata”, their signature pastry. Canela Café is specifically designed as a relaxed, social space where you can eat, meet and enjoy a work meeting that takes things to a whole new level.

GO: Call 4470 4444 for reservations and more information.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha Nobu The famous Nobu Doha offering an elite brunch with a wide selection of Nobu’s speciality dishes. Start the weekend with sumptuous sushi stations to foie gras and oysters then delight in the best new-style Japanese dishes.

GO: Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information.

Grand Hyatt Doha Santa Monica Breakfast Club They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right?

Well breakfast hotspot Santa Monica Breakfast Club is offering Doha residents a daily breakfast buffet for just QR100. Come and enjoy the delights on offer, whether it is before work or before a day packed full of activities.

GO: Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information.

DINING DEALS •

InterContinental Doha Mykonos Meat me at Mykonos; indulge in a succulent platter of juicy beef souvlaki, lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, beef sausages & beef patties, served with fried potatoes, pita bread, tzatziki.

Available all day from Saturday to Wednesday.

GO: Call 4484 4919 for reservations and more information.

InterContinental Doha The City La Parisienne Doha The Déjeuner Express lunch offer at La Parisienne Doha will have you coming back for more. Choose from a selection of sandwiches and quiches made fresh, a sweet pastry, and a soft drink.

GO: Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information.

Centro Capital Doha C.taste Kick start your day with delicious breakfast buffet that will keep you energized throughout the day. The refreshing selection will include a healthy treat from fresh cut fruits to refreshing fresh juices and smoothies daily from 9am to 11am for QR50 per person.

GO: Call 4455 5000 for reservations and more information.

Radisson Blu Hotel Inginuity The legendary house favourite Steak Diane is here to stay! For only QR99, enjoy a succulent and flavourful steak flambéed for your entertainment.

GO: Call 4428 1555 for reservations and more information.

City Centre Rotana Caramel Lobby Lounge Enjoy the Traditional Caramel High Tea from 3pm to 7pm, QR119 per person (includes – selection of teas, scones, sandwiches, pastries, oriental sweets, all freshly prepared by the team of pastry chefs).

GO: Call 4445 8888 for reservations and more information.

Sharq Village & Spa Al Jalsa Lounge Experience the quintessential ‘Royal Arabian High Tea’, with a delectable selection of fragrant herbal tea blends and coffee brews, paired with petit sandwiches, freshly made pastries and Arabic sweets and dates – a perfect amalgamation of flavors, enjoyed during the balmy summers.

GO: Call 4425 6666 for reservations and more information.

Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotels Blue The perfect sushi combo every Monday at Blue! Enjoy a Sushi boat (2 choices of maki rolls) and a choice of appetizer or soup (Chicken karaage or Ebi furai or Miso soup). ✤ GO: Call 4445 5555 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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the ultimate rooftop experience, elevate your Thursdays with the hottest African beats, delicious beverages and, of course, the best views in town.

GO: Call 4045 5999 for reservations and more information.

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Al Hubara As Sheraton Grand Doha is known for preserving the Qatari heritage, the beautifully decorated Al Hubara Restaurant lets you experience a truly Qatari ambience that attracts guests from far and wide; offers an extensive à la carte menu, live cooking stations, and a variety of buffet spreads.

GO: Call 4485 3000 for reservations and more information.

Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park Aramede Tour around the Mediterranean countries in one night. A buffet selection from different countries – Only QR145 per person inclusive of soft drinks and mineral water.

GO: Call 4408 7777 for reservations and more information.

Holiday Inn, The Business Park Sirocco Unlimited Pasta/Risotto at 99 QAR. Huge menu selection with 20 different sauces, 40 to 50 different ingredients to choose from. You can mix & match or make you own pasta/risotto.

From 12noon to 11pm.

GO: Call 4031 3636 for reservations and more information.

Mondrian Doha Rise Inspired by Latin rhythms such as Salsa, Reggaeton and Bachata, in collaboration with Salsa in Candela, a professional dance and entertainment school based in Doha. Bringing you 90

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The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Hunters Grab it while its cold! Enjoy a wide selection of brew this summer as Hunters launch a new pop up bar in their patio ready to serve you every day from 5pm to 12am.

GO: Call 3359 8514 for reservations and more information.

Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery Sofra Serving varieties of kofta: five different kinds(1kg) served with french fries, burghul, garlic sauce, kashkash sauce, spicy garlic sauce, bewas salad for QR200.

GO: Call 4009 9999 for reservations and more information.

Kempinski Residences & Suites Maya Carefully crafted, yet bold flavored. Rooted in tradition, yet adventuring into contemporary tastes. Chef Richard Sandoval blends the earthy flavors of his native Mexico with worldly ingredients and creative cooking techniques to create the Modern Mexican Cuisine at Maya. Choose your Mexican favourites from Lunch Rápido, served 12noon to 4pm, for only QR95.

GO: Call 4405 3325 for reservations and more information.

The St. Regis Doha Vine restaurant Make the evenings special at Vine Restaurant with their exquisite dinner buffet. Gather all the loved ones and share the night with all your stories for the day as you indulge in a delicious dinner at The Finest Address in Qatar. QR150 inclusive of one soft drink from Saturday to Tuesday, 6pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 4446 0105 for reservations and more information.

DINING DEALS •

The Diplomatic Club Al Borj Lounge comfortably in the outdoors at Al-Borj – the iconic poolside restaurant. Indulge in a refreshing Mocktails, while you let go of the stresses of the day. A lush outdoor pool with comfortable sun beds, and soothing lounge music, Al Borj has earned a spot among Doha’s best for its hearty breakfast, enticing lunch specialties and being the ideal location to hang out during weekends.

GO: Call 4484 7414 for reservations and more information.

The Torch Kufic Lounge Choose breakfast trays between continental, international or oriental options. All-day homemade goodie bags are also available. From QR65, daily 6.30am to 10.30am.

GO: Call 4446 5600 for reservations and more information.

Kempinski Residences & Suites Zengo Inspired by the Celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval, Zengo offers a unique spin on authentic Pan-Asian cuisine. Zengo’s express lunch menu offers a complete spin on authentic Pan-Asian cuisine from Miso Soup, Sushi to curry dishes, grilled entrees, and wok dishes. Save some space for exotic fruits and sweet ends!

GO: Call 4405 3560 for reservations and more information.

explore the authenticity of the new theme night offering a wide selection of specialties from the Middle East, Iran, Turkey and North Africa for QR199 per person including soft beverages.

GO: Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more information.

Marsa Malaz, Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha Toro Toro Toro Toro is a creative blend of Pan Latin styles and flavours.

The Restaurant showcases the most authentic recipes from Brazil to Peru in a vibrant atmosphere, giving to its eclectic and selected guests a full Latin experience. Have you already tried the best meat in Doha? If not, Caballeros Steak Night on Wednesday is the perfect opportunity. Unlimited Picanha, choice of two cold and two hot starters with sharing dessert and bottle of Argentinian grape!

GO: Call 4035 5101 for reservations and more information.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha STK An indulgent affair for those who dare to join the party brunch from the internationally acclaimed steakhouse, STK. With impeccable service, impressive views of the city and a lightening line up of DJs and entertainment, and signature dishes and drinks to die for, STK Doha is the ultimate brunch in town, launching on June 14. ✤ GO: Call 4484 8588 for reservations and more information.

W Doha La Spiga Try the Express Luncg at La Spiga where you get to select from the of menu one appetiser, one main and one dessert every day between 12pm to 4pm for QR108.

GO: Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information.

Oryx Rotana Choices Inspired by the famous tale of Shahrazad and Shahryar, fact magazine

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For the culture-savvy in Qatar

JUNE 2019 EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine 92

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SPA & WELLNESS •

MOROCCAN VIBES Summer is here and we’re constantly looking for the best places for a day-cation in Doha. FACT’s Anushay Taimur Khan headed to Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels to try their Moroccon Hammam treatment and let the relaxation vibes set in. fact magazine

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SPA & WELLNESS •

T

GO: CALL 4433 6878 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

he thing about travelling, especially with kids, is that you are almost always tired when you come back. I was recently a victim of a six-hour long flight with a toddler and as soon as I landed back in Qatar, I needed some ‘me time’ to wash away the jet lag and fatigue.

Luckily, I found a slot for a Moroccon Hammam at Al Jasra Hotel and happily booked myself an appointment.

Situated in the heart of the city and part of the very beautiful and boutique complex of properties in Souq Waqif, I believe I was already in love with the hotel before I got there. It is the ideal location for anyone who adores being in the Souq but has a place to escape to in the middle of the bustle – and yours truly is guilty as charged. I got to the hotel right on time and was welcomed by the staff at the Spa with friendly smiles. After filling in a consultation form and penning down my concerns for the treatment, I was served refreshing lemon juice in the waiting room.

My spa specialist came within minutes to escort me to the Hammam and I was taken into a room with mosaic showers, where a marble table was already set for me.

The room was absolutely stunning and inspired by actual Moroccan hammams using real Moroccan tiles.

The temperature was set really high, giving the effect of a steam bath. I was asked to lay down and water was brought over from one of the mosaic sinks. Once my body was rinsed with the water, the therapist applied a black paste all over my body. Soon after, she began to scrub it off using exfoliating gloves. The intensity and pressure of this process made me feel like there was a lot to be cleaned! As I kept peeking at what was happening, I could see a lot of dry skin being scrubbed off during this process and couldn’t help but wonder why it had taken me so long to get this done.

Once this exfoliating process was complete, my hair was the main focus for the next couple of minutes.

After applying argan oil, I got a blissful 15-minute head massage, which almost put me to sleep since I was so comfortable, and after which a face mask was applied.

The entire process was like a mini version of a massage and I couldn’t have been happier. My body needed this kind of treatment, given the drastic dry weather that we currently have, and I could feel my skin change with the entire process.

Once my hair was washed and the scrubs and masks taken off, I was asked to proceed to the changing room where I was served with more water and some tea. I could already feel the difference in my skin, especially my legs, and I definitely felt like I was given the treatment that my body really needed at that point.

I enjoyed the exclusivity of the hammam, which is reserved for the individual who is booked in for the treatment. You can enjoy relaxation by choosing the service for either 60 or 90 minutes and as for me, you’ll see me walking around the Souq and sneaking in to Al Jasra Hotel every few weeks now! ✤ fact magazine

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PROFESSIONAL

Perfection

Dr. Ashish Bhola’s Laser & Aesthetic Dermatology Clinic is renowned for its high quality procedures.

FACT talks all things aesthetic with Dr. Ashish himself.

Dr. Ashish Bhola’s Dermatology Clinic is a solo clinic established in Doha, Qatar by specialist dermatologist Dr. Ashish Bhola in 2018. The business is owned and managed by Dr. Ashish Bhola & his wife Mrs Anita Bhola. After running a successful Laser & Skin solo clinic with a multinational company in Doha for 7 years, Dr. Ashish decided to start his own personal clinic to nurture the aesthetic dermatology needs of the people of Qatar. He carries with himself a rich experience of 15 years post MD, specialising in facial aesthetics alongside liquid and non-surgical face lifts. The specialised private clinic aims to provide exclusive, high-end and personalised services to enhance the patient/client experience. Every treatment and product in the clinic is personally chosen and designed by Dr. Ashish himself to ensure the best treatment results and benefits to the clients are maintained at all times.

Hello Dr. Ashish, can you please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your career?

I am Dr.Ashish, MD Specialist in Dermatology with an experience spanning over 18 years. I have a keen interest in Facial Aesthetics, Enhancement and Rejuvenation adapting non-surgical and painless techniques, which I have learnt and practiced over the years whilst attending various training outlets in Vegas, Paris, Bangkok and Monaco. These techniques have helped me to provide very natural results to my valuable patients. Having practiced all these years in my home country India, and in Qatar I decided to start my new private exclusive skin and laser clinic in Al Waab. This was only possible because of the support and love which I have received from all of my patients here - which I am eternally grateful for.

Could you tell us a little bit more about your new clinic and the services offered?

This exclusive skin and laser clinic aims to provide the best throughout its individually tailored services, which means that we focus on providing the best result outcomes for the patient to offer a truly bespoke experience. Injectable services like Botox and Fillers are exclusively done by me after completing a consultation and spending ample time with each patient to fully understanding their needs and expectations. This level of care is imperative to my work ethos.

Laser hair removal is offered with the latest Soprano platinum tri-beam laser which is suitable for all skin and hair types with minimal discomfort.

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Other revolutionary services include Hydrafacial MD with complete protocols for face and body allowing for cleansing and infusing antioxidants into the skin, with take home products for each patient.

Mesotherapy is targeting any problem areas on the face, scalp and double chin, Chemical Peels of different types for face and body for all skin types and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for face and hair are some of the other services offered. Kim Kardashian swears by PRP otherwise known as the ‘Vampire Facial’.

Recently we have added the highly popular & latest LASER -SPECTRA XT that will not only offer the famous Hollywood Rejuve Peel but will also help us refine and enhance results for acne, hyper pigmentation, scars, open and congested pores as well as dull and dehydrated skin .

Any final advice or recommendations?

Ageing is a fact of life, looking your age is not! Therefore, I welcome everyone to come and experience the exclusive boutique clinic concept here at Al Waab Doha - you won’t regret it. ✤

HEALTH FOCUS •

SERVICES OFFERED

Digital Facial Mapping & Assessment Customised Medical Grade Facials Non Surgical Face Lift Laser Hair Removal Hydrafacial Mesotherapy Platelet Rich Plasma for Face & Scalp Laser Facial Rejuvenation Hollywood Rejuve Peel Chemical peels Tattoo Removal Skin Tag Removal Freckles & Anti-pigmentation treatments Anti-Acne treatments GO: DR. ASHISH BHOLA LASER & AESTHETIC CLINIC IS LOCATED AT VILLA 32, ZONE 55, STREET 120, P.O.BOX 90789, DOHA. CALL 4483 7373 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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DOHA INSIDER

Khaled Nuseibeh General Manager, Careem GCC

What are some of the new features/ offers on Careem that Doha residents should look out for?

Price reduction We have announced our reduced prices throughout our range of car types starting February 1st of this year. GO & GO+ fares are 15% lower while prime fares are 30% lower. The New price reduction makes Careem the most affordable car booking service in Qatar till date.

A ride from Al Sadd to West Bay as an example dropped in cost from QR17 to QR14 with GO. For users who purchase Careem’s monthly Packages, lower prices have been offered by the ride-hailing. The package that used to cost QR109 will now cost QAR99.

Careem PAY Careem customers have the ability to easily and instantaneously transfer Careem credit through their wallets 98

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to friends and family. For example, it will allow a parent to send credit to their child to take a Careem ride back home, or for companies to transfer credit to their out-of-office sales force to simplify their claims and reimbursement process.

Tell us some of the things that set Careem apart from its competitors as a ride-hailing service?

Competition is healthy for any industry especially for a novel industry like ride-hailing. Careem welcomes healthy competition from both local and international companies.

However, quality services, proactive communication, community outreach, and constant support to captains and customers have always helped Careem remain at the top of its game. Our motto is to transform

and simplify the lives of people – both captains and customers. We believe in providing quality services, addressing market needs and creating impact. We believe these values will give us the desired results.

Share with us some of your professional goals with Careem for the rest of 2019.

One of my most important goals with Careem in 2019 is to build a strong team in Doha that is able to deliver on all the potential that the market has. We see a lot of opportunities in Qatar in the mobility sector and there is a lot of new services that can be launched that can improve the lives of customers and simplify their experience. We are just getting started and with a strong team in Qatar, we believe we can deliver on the true potential of the market.

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