FACT Qatar November 2012 by Fact ME

THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR

FASHION. ART. CULTURE. TECHNOLOGY NOVEMBER 2012

VOL 2, ISSUE 7 QR10

BD1

This month...

SKYFALL The name’s Bond, James Bond. It’s finally in a cinema near you! We review... (p.36)

INSIDE What’s new at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival?

(p.30)

The comedians of Qatar need your help to reach the world stage (p.18)

The latest collections from Dana Riad designs (p.49)

PLUS

FACT’s eight top tips for going green in Doha it is possible and we prove it! (p.26)

The batlle of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3, and which one we would choose... (p.42)

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Developing Scenes We showcase local fashion, comedy, film, sports, music and more in our Made in Qatar issue...

LANDMARK MALL / 4487 7801

VILLAGGIO MALL / 4413 5021

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PULLANDBEARMENA

FACT QATAR NovemBER

PULLANDBEAR.COM

FACT M.E. - QATAR EDITION

NOVEMBER 2012

VOL 2, ISSUE 7 QR10

BD1

This month...

SKYFALL

INSIDE

The name’s Bond, James Bond. It’s finally in a cinema near you! We review...

What’s new at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival?

(p.30)

(p.36)

t at Hilton Doha is hosting the ﬀer:

The comedians of Qatar need your help to reach the world stage (p.18)

The latest collections from Dana Riad designs (p.49)

10 Run the World Festival

The epic youth festival returns, with a host of great events planned...

NOTEWORTHY

18 Stand-up Comedy Qatar

The home-grown comedy movement is really taking root, with three live events already set for November!

PLUS

d soft drinks everages and bubbly rages and French bubbly

FACT’s eight top tips for going green in Doha it is possible and we prove it!

ccompanied by amazing views

(p.26)

aradize for fun activities.

ISSUE 18

call +974 4423 3333

FASHION. ART. CULTURE. TECHNOLOGY

NOVEMBER 2012

NCH runch. he Weekend.

THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR

The batlle of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S3, and which one we would choose... (p.42)

Developing Scenes We showcase local fashion, comedy, film, sports, music and more in our Made in Qatar issue...

en 6 and under dine free, 7–12 year olds receive a 50% discount.

25/10/2012 11:47

FACT Magazine M.E. Qatar Edition November 2012 Volume 2 Issue 7

Published by FACT M.E. Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Bahrain Chairman Mubarak Bin Rashed Al Khalifa Chief Operating Officer Rami Khalil Editor-in-Chief Tony Sidgwick (editor@factlive.com) Editor Katy Gillett (katy@factlive.com) Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Fashion Writer Nefeli Christofides Regional Sales Manager Laura Alvarez Designer Rashed Bindaina Distribution & Office Manager Hayley Elaine Photography Contributors George Mathews Rashed Bindaina Creative Designs Distributed in Qatar by Dar Al Sharq ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 1721 6099 E-mail: laura@factlive.com All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

26 Go Green in Doha

As budding eco-warriors ourselves, we thought it would be a good idea to bring you a feature all about how YOU can make a difference to the environment in Qatar - and we were surprised with the results!

30 The Doha Tribeca Film Festival

The star-studded event takes over Qatar’s capital once again, bringing glitz and glamour!

CULTURE

ARTS

36 Skyfall

The new Bond movie is finally here, and looks to be one of the best yet!

42 iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3

Two of the world’s most popular smartphones go head-to-head...

TECHNOLOGY

46 The Infiniti G37 Sedan Ali Driver reviews the premium sports sedan from the Japanese luxury automaker.

50 Romanticising Grunge

FASHION

An interview with designer Dana Riad El-Haj Ahmad, and a showcase of her latest collection...

INDEX 63 FACT QATAR NovemBER

Carnegie Mellon. We created the first Internet search engine. We helped develop artificial intelligence. We revolutionized business education. We led the convergence of information technology and biology.

And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just our first 112 years.

Biological Sciences | Business Administration | Computational Biology | Computer Science | Information Systems

www.qatar.cmu.edu 4

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Andrew Carnegie, Founder

FACT QATAR NovemBER

NOTEWORTHY

FROM THE EDITOR

So much home-grown talent… For many months prior to moving to Qatar I read plenty of articles about the place. They were all about Qatari investments in luxurious companies, about the money that was being spent on art and sports, and, generally, their bid to become a new cultural superpower. Most of them were critical and, in some cases, mocking. In particular, the writers said Qatar is too busy importing and that nothing in the country is authentic. Well, dear readers… We really beg to differ. This is our Made in Qatar issue because we know, firsthand, that so much is and that plenty of people here are trying to develop the local scenes. For instance, one we cannot ignore is the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. Sure, it has a hugely international flavour, but this year the Made in Qatar selection is bigger than ever, as the Doha Film Institute attempts to pump life into the cinematic landscape here. Read more about this on page 30. Then there’s Stand Up Comedy Qatar - a group we’re big fans of – who are

trying to kick start the country’s comedy scene with a distinctly local flavour. They’re looking for sponsors at the moment so make sure you check out our feature on page 18. Another grassroots group who are encouraging social enterprise is The Youth Company. This month they’re looking for volunteers and participants for their upcoming Run The World Festival, which is a unique event designed to promote talented youth and raise awareness of healthy living. Find out more on page 10. We have also been busy looking for the best fashion designers in the country and came across a gem in Dana Riad. Her passion is inspiring but her collections are what really stood out to us. A showcase of her latest with an interview with the lady herself can be seen on page 49. So, as you can see, there is so much to celebrate within the country, and as the entrepreneurial flair develops we’ll be here publicising, supporting and, most importantly, joining in. We hope you do too! Katy Gillett Editor katy@factlive.com

My favourite story this issue FACT’s Top Green Tips p.26-27 Being something of a closet eco-warrior myself, it was quite rewarding to work on this green feature, and we were pleasantly surprised at the eco-activity going on in Qatar. Get involved people!

FACT QATAR NovemBER

News from the

FACT Penthouse

In a bid to support the burgeoning local scene in Qatar we’ve jumped on board with Stand Up Comedy Qatar and The Youth Company! Our online activities will never be the same again as we’ve launched our brand spanking new website (factmagazine.com) and Qatar-orientated blog! Keep it bookmarked for all the latest fashion/ art/culture/techology (and more!) gossip in the country. We’ve moved to a swankier new penthouse on Banks Street and we’re going to start bringing our pets to work... that is, if we can get management to agree!

BREATHES

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Doha: Villaggio Mall +974 44 50 71 94 • Landmark Mall +974 44 88 75 31

FACT QATAR NovemBER

NOTEWORTHY NOVEMBER 1

THUR

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

-ENCORE! Concert Series @ Sarab Louge, St. Regis Doha (see p.14)

THUR -SUCQ @ Carnegie Mellon Uni. (see p.19)

FRI

10 SAT

-’Momentum’ with Myron Walden @ Jazz at Lincoln Centre, St. Regis Doha (see p.14)

The Youth Will Run The World A unique event bringing the youth of Qatar together returns to Doha this month, with events designed to build character and promote unity as well as a wider understanding of the world around us...

11 SUN

12 MON

-Run the World Festival begins (see opp) -Eric Reed @ Jazz at Lincoln Centre (see p.14) -ASPIRE4SPORT @ Aspire Zone (see p.17) -ASPIRE4SPORT @ Aspire Zone (see p.17)

TUE

-ASPIRE4SPORT @ Aspire Zone (see p.17)

WED

THUR

-ASPIRE4SPORT @ Aspire Zone (see p.17) -SUCQ @ Bistro 61 (see p.19) -Clash 7 Semifinal 1 @ Qube (see p.72)

FRI

17 SAT

-Doha Tribeca Film Festival begins (see p.30) -Let Us Unite @ Ritz Carlton (see p.74)

18 SUN

19 MON

20 TUE

21 WED

-SUCQ @ Bistro 61 (see p.19)

THUR

-Clash 7 Semifinal 2 @ Qube (see p.72)

FRI

24 SAT

-Doha Diva Day @ Hilton Doha (see p.20) -Doha Tribeca Film Festival ends (see p.30)

SUN

26 MON

27 TUE

-Marianna Heilman Exhibition @ The Gallery, VCU (see p.14)

28 WED

29 THUR

-Clash 7 Finals @ Qube (see p.72)

FRI

SAT

FACT QATAR NovemBER

he Youth Company (TYC) of Qatar, a grass roots organisation established as a social enterprise to empower youth, is currently in the process of setting up the Run the World Festival. Set to take place in December for ten days, it looks to focus on healthy living and sports. It was organised for the first time in 2011 and attracted thousands of young people in Qatar to engage with sports activities. ‘’We wanted to create a movement, a passion for sports among the youth of Qatar’’, commented Diego Pinzon, acting executive director of TYC. ‘’We managed to involve a lot of young people both at the preparation stage of the festival, during the event itself and over the different social media platforms last year. Participants and supporters were excited enough that we didn’t have any doubts about organising Run The World Festival for the second time this year.’’ This year the festival will take place from the 12th to 22nd December, and will bring together a fashion show, conference, photography and video contest, a talent show, gala dinner, and a three-day outdoor festival. You can get involved this month, however, and join a team of over 400 volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the festival. November is packed with orientation sessions,

inductions and training of volunteers. Failing that, you could enter the online photo competition instead, which will then be published on the TYC social network for the public to vote which picture they think is best. All submissions need to reflect the topic of Youth and Sports, and you need to be an amateur photographer aged between 14 and 29 years (you can submit online at the official website). The selected photos will then be printed and showcased during the festival, and the winner announced on the last day of the Outdoor Festival on 21st December. If you think you’re talented in the world of singing or dancing, however, you can showcase your skills in the Youth Got Talent show. If you’re ready and willing you can apply to audition until the 18th of this month at the official website. The finals will then be organised as a public performance on the big stage of the festival with the winners to be announced and awarded with the opportunity to record an album. The whole festival is open to the public, who are invited to take part in any of the events, engage in the cultural and athletic activities and enjoy a festival that has been made “for the youth by the youth” in Qatar. GO: Visit the official website at www.rtwfestival.com

QUOTE OF

THE MONTH

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Economic development and the protection of the environment are competing demands that must be reconciled with each other.â&#x20AC;?

Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority HE Abdullah bin Hamad,

during a presentation at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

NOTEWORTHY THE SCOPE

LOVE IT !

Brand new fourth gen Range Rover launched

SO OBVIOUS!

The theory test makes its debut Many of you will be ecstatic to know that Qatar’s Traffic Department has announced that aspiring drivers will now have to take a new theory test before the road exam. The Gulf Times reported that the guide used highlights the importance of seat belt usage, ways to cope with bad weather, and the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. The Traffic Department Director said: “The purpose is to produce drivers familiar with safe driving rules and conversant with all safety requirements for motor vehicles.” Woop woop!

Sky-rocketing crime rates

Qatar Statistics Authority released a report (Sustainable Development Indicators 2011) which showed crime rates in Qatar have gone from 320 crimes per 100,000 people in 2001 to 2,355 in 2010. That’s seven times the amount in ten years! The main reason cited for the jump is the influx of expats. While at the moment Qatar is still one of the world’s safest places, it is expected that as more and more expats join the workforce here in time for the World Cup 2022, the rates will keep going up.

CAN’T BELIEVE IT

Bringing ever-higher levels of refinement to Qatar, Land Rover and Alfardan Premier Motors Co have launched the all-new Range Rover. It is the world’s first SUV with a revolutionary lightweight all-aluminium monocoque body structure, meaning it’s 39 per cent lighter than the last model! The innovative design and engineering makes it more luxurious, more iconic and more desirable than ever. Ali Driver can’t wait to test drive that baby!

HATE IT! Zara’s Question of the Month:

Too keen for Christmas?

ccording to a trusty website I found, while extremely busy at work (obviously), I worked out that it is exactly 54 days from November 1 until Christmas Eve. That is one month and 24 days, or 4,579,200 seconds, 76,320 minutes or 1272 hours. Now don’t get me wrong, I am no Scrooge, nor am I one those of types of people who will go around the sales in January and stock up on next Christmas’s decorations and presents. I think you could probably classify me as an inbetweener – someone who loves and hates Christmas at the same time. Trust me, it is possible. Having lived in the Middle East for

FACT QATAR NovemBER

about 14 years of my life, I have learnt a thing or two about how my Arab friends seem to love this festive period almost as much as we do. Whether it is having Jingle Bells as their ringtone in the middle of August, or dressing up as Father Christmas (or Santa Claus for those Americans out there). The best thing about being in the region during this time of year is that everyone really gets together to celebrate. Whatever nationality, Christmas is a time for presents, parties (definitely a highlight) and spending time with our families. In fact, the more I write about Christmas, the more excited I am getting. I know it is a while away, but

we all know how quickly time goes and how easy it is to lose track of it. Yet again, I will spend December 24 at home in England. Being half German, we celebrate Christmas Eve more so than Christmas Day. We also leave our shoes outside on December 5 for St Nicholas to put chocolates in… so anyone feeling generous, my address is… umm, perhaps not! All I know is that as soon as this month is in full flow, the shops will start to be lit up with trees, tinsel, presents, cards – you name it. I am just hoping that I will be able to afford a bus ticket home from Heathrow after my weekend at the Dubai Sevens!

THE DOHA MINUTE

“Qatar became, in the last few years, a very dynamic country full of life, activities and many special events.”

There’s some new talent on the horizon at the InterContinental Doha hotel, who happens to have come from Bahrain - just like us! So FACT went to catch up with new director of sales and marketing, Cyril Mouawad. How long have you been living in Qatar?

I arrived at the beginning of September so it has been only two months now. This is my second assignment in the GCC, having lived in Bahrain for the last three years.

What do you do to switch off and relax?

What do you like most about living in Qatar?

I believe the first couple of months in every destination I live in are the most difficult and the most enjoyable at the same time. They are difficult since you would want to settle in and make the arrangements of housing, cars, schools… But, at the same time, enjoyable since it is a new phase of the person’s life where everything is fresh and exciting, especially in Qatar which became, in the last few years, a very dynamic country full of life, activities and many special events. And least?

Traffic on some of the

roundabouts is just a bit frustrating, especially when you don’t know the roads well. Until now, we have been to the park where the kids enjoyed the grass and the open space; we have spent another weekend at the beach and pool of InterContinental Doha with a great lunch at the terrace of our Greek restaurant, Mykonos. Another dinner was in Katara. I can say there are so many things to do in Doha, you just need some planning, especially with two kids.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know…

I do not want to disappoint you but that’s it… I can tell you that one of my hobbies is skiing, though, and we went to the Chamonix this winter for a skiing holiday!

FACT QATAR November NovemBER

NOTEWORTHY Eric Reed

Let Music Feed Thy Soul this Month

T’S all go at Jazz at Lincoln Centre, St. Regis Doha this month with plenty to look forward to. First up, the notable Myron Walden will continue to entertain you until the 10th with ‘Momentum’. Then, from the 12th to 24th the Eric Reed Quintet (pictured) will be in residence followed by the Aaron Diehl Quintet with Warren Wold from the 26th right through to 8th December. Also don’t forget this newest jazz venue also offers educational talks (find out more on our website) and this month the Jazz Music Talks will cover the legacy of the Miles Davis Quintet of the 60s (3rd and 6th) and the voice of the saxophone in jazz (10th). Elsewhere at the St. Regis Doha, on the 8th at the Sarab Lounge terrace, there’s the second in the ENCORE! Concert Series – Titanic exclusive marking the ship’s centenary (regular tickets QR180). This, they say, is a musical journey that will transport you back in time to when the Titanic embarked upon its voyage with none other than the founder of St. Regis New York – John Jacob Astor IV. You’re in for some waltzes, ballads, arias and tango performed by violinists Alia and Lilya Bekirova, violist Victor Sumenkov, cellist Hassan Moataz, and all supported and curated by pianist Amira Fouad. GO: Call 4446 0105

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Mariana Heilmann at The Gallery

ROM November 27th until mid-December you have the chance to see Colombian-born Mariana Heilmann’s artwork at the Virginia Commonwealth University’s The Gallery. Mariana has worked, exhibited and sold her work in Paris, Houston, Princeton and London over the last 20 years and now she’s got her sights set on Qatar. She has a degree in 3D Design and over the years picked up numerous other techniques which influence and inform her work, fusing it into its very own contemporary language. More than anything, her interest in science enriches her pieces. GO: Call 4402 0555.

Going Holistic with QEPR

ITH what? QEPR, that’s what. Or, Quantum Emotional and Physical Release to the unenlightened. From the 1st to 14th at Six Senses Spa over in Sharq Village you will have the chance to meet the internationally-renowned Paul Emery who is a specialist in such matters. Basically, the idea is based on the ancient Chinese principles of the ‘Meridian energy system’. They say it has been proven that by ‘tapping’ specific upper body acupressure points, many emotional and physical concerns can be effectively and permanently released. It also follows other such psychological techniques as EFT (emotional freedom techniques), TFT (thought field therapy) and NLP (neurolinguistic programming), and Paul combines it all to create his very own style. Sceptic or not, it’s important to be open to something new, isn’t it? GO: Call 4425 6999.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

NOTEWORTHY

Getting Out and About FACT rounds up a few of the country’s most interesting events we can all look forward to this month. Find more throughout the rest of the mag!

November 8th What? ENCORE! Concert Series – Titanic (exclusive) Where? The terrace at Sarab Lounge, St Regis Doha Call 4446 0105

November 1st - 15th

What? UP by Droog Design – treats leftover goods as raw material for creative reinterpretation Where? The Gallery at Virginia Commonwealth University Call 4402 0555

November 6th

November 7th

What? Tango Night Where? The Lounge at Kempinski Residences and Suites

Call 4457 8100

What? Four-course dinner with Casa Silva beverages and a culinary quiz Where? Picasso’s in the Radisson Blu Call 4428 1555

What? Public lecture about Technology and the Changing Arab World by Qtel Group Chairman Where? Georgetown University School of Foreign Service

November 8th What? Paloma moves to the beach with a huge Mexican buffet with live music from resident band The Smart Casuals followed by DJ Shadi Where? Intercontinental Doha beach Call 4484 4444

Call 4405 3325

November 11th -18th

November 14-15

What? A series of public climate change lectures in light of the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP18) Where? Georgetown University School of Foreign Service

What? Greek Bouzouki Nights with music by Dimas Trio, dancing, plate smashing and plenty of authentic food Where? Mykonos at InterContinental Doha Call 4484 4444

Call 4457 8100

Chamber Music Series by Qatar November 26 What? Quiz night Philharmonic Orchestra 7th

Grand Nonetto of Spohr Mozart: Divertimento No. 14 in B Flat Major, KV 270 (arr. Weigelt) Reicha : Quintet in D Major, Op. 91 No. 3 Spohr: Grand Nonetto in F Major, Op. 31

9th

for teams of six (minimum) Where? Shehrazad at Radisson Blu Call 4428 1555

November 30

What? Pictures at an Exhibition by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Arabic Piece to be Announced Tchaikovsky: Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 35 Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition (arranged Ravel) Where? Katara Cultural Village Opera House

Thanksgiving!

Schumann’s Rhenish Symphony Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b Tura: Concerto for Clarinet and Strings (World Premiere) Schumann: Rhenish Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major, Op. 97

What? Four-course dinner with all the trimmings Where? Al Dana, Sharq Village and Spa When? 25th to 30th, 6.30pm to 11pm Call 4425 6666

What? Lunch buffet with turkey, cranberry and all the trimmings followed by pumpkin pie Where? Crossroads, Renaissance City Center When? 22nd November, 12pm3pm

16th

What? Take-away turkey dinner that serves six to eight Where? Al Jalsa, Sharq Village and Spa When? 22nd (order minimum 24 hours in advance)

What? Turkey in a box – order a read-made meal Where? Gourmet House, Kempinski Residences and Suites

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony Mozart: Divertimento in D Major, K. 136 Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat Major, K. 364 (320d) Mozart: Jupiter Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 All events take place at Aspire Zone, Ladies Club from 7.30pm

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Call 4425 6666

What? Dinner with a traditional set menu Where? Il Teatro, Four Seasons Call 4494 8888

Call 4419 6100

Call 4405 3326

What? A family brunch on 22nd Where? The Lagoon at RitzCarlton Call 4484 8000

Dictating the Future of Sports A conference of epic proportions connecting business and sport is set to hit Doha this month from the 12th to 15th. FACT gives you the lowdown on ASPIRE4SPORT.

t has been said that global sports revenues will grow an estimated GBP92.5 billion (approximately QR540bn) between now and 2015. Qatar alone is prepared to spend a whopping USD160 billion (approximately QR583bn). So we think that’s a pretty sound reason to launch the third edition of ASPIRE4SPORT with the new slogan “Connecting Business and Sport”. The event will attract some of the world’s top business experts and sports professionals. They’ll take part in discussions and exhibitions with the aim of giving participants the opportunity to set up business meetings with key decision makers from major sporting entities across Qatar and the region. This year, the exhibit will feature three unique programmes: Aspire Build, which will focus on infrastructure and stadium development; Aspire Tech, a conference on technology and sport; and Aspire Med, which will feature discussions on sports science and sports medicine. Another new feature will be the exhibition area, which has been restructured so that it focuses on a variety of key areas of sport business. Here, organisations will have the

opportunity to showcase their products and services in seven zones including, on top of the three main areas, Aspire Logistics, Aspire Equip, Aspire Org and Aspire Turf. “ASPIRE4SPORT 2012 is the gateway to sports business for the region,” said Ward Abdullah, executive director for ASPIRE4SPORT. “Qatar’s unique vision for the World Cup paves the way for all types of suppliers to push the envelope of stadium design, technology and construction and this congress is a chance for them to share their ideas and watch them materialise, and become part of Qatar’s legacy.” On top of all this, world-class football clinics will be taught by Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain youth academy (along with former Liverpool FC star striker Ian Rush) to help inspire young kids to embrace sports as part of a healthy lifestyle. Alongside these, a major international football friendly match, other entertainment events and a gala dinner, which will feature stars from the world of sports, will be held. While this is not a particularly public event, we at FACT think it is exciting to be living and working in a country that is pushing the boundaries in so many sectors and paving the way for the future of sports.

The Star Line-Up Daily Star Chats will be held throughout the conference, giving attendees the rare opportunity to listen to celebrities from across the sporting world share valuable insights gained throughout their careers. These will be broadcast live at 2pm on Al Dawri wal Kass sports channel and Al Jazeera. Who’s Talking? Lennox Lewis, former heavyweight boxing champion with Anthony Joshua, London 2012 super heavyweight Olympic gold medallist. Raúl González and Fernando Ruiz Hierro, Real Madrid and Spain legends alongside Pedja Mijatovic, former Real Madrid Sporting Director Gérard Houllier, former football manager of the French national team and Liverpool FC Hassan Al Thawadi, General Secretary, Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Ian Ayre, Managing Director of Liverpool FC

FACT QATAR NovemBER

NOTEWORTHY LOOK OUT FOR…

Kickstarting Local Comedy

-ing* for Stand Up Comedy Qatar has had many of us LOL nd behi man a while now. This month FACT speaks to the help can the chuckles, Bilal Randeree, about how everyone SUCQ get us all ROTFL**.

n accountant in a past life, a reporter by day and a comedian first and foremost, Bilal Randeree aka Halal Bilal is on a mission to get the comedy scene in Qatar truly live and laughing. Bilal moved to Doha just over two and a half years ago from South Africa in the hopes of settling down and integrating himself into the comedy scene, until he found there was no scene. So he set up Stand Up Comedy Qatar (SUCQ), which aims to nurture “local home grown grassroots comedy about the type of issues that we, the people who live here, deal with on a daily basis.” Since then SUCQ has come a long way - “Across town from dingy coffee shops and back rooms to Katara, to the Pearl, to hotels.” Bilal says the group has inspired many local people to get started in stand-up. It has also attracted quite a following, as shows have been selling out and they’re looking to get bigger and better. As with everything, however, SUCQ needs the funding to make this happen – to allow the talent of Qatar to be promoted, showcased and encouraged to reach the world stage. Bilal says the comedy scene may not be at the same stage

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Clockwise from left: Ameer Skyholder, Mohana, Ousama Itani, Alaa Jazmati, Hala Bilal and Mohamed Khateeb.

as Britain or America because it’s a development process, but he’s hopeful for its future; “The industry is growing at a pretty decent pace and an exciting future is ahead,” he predicts. Bilal has performed around the world in countries such as England and South Africa. In Qatar, he says, the beauty as well as the challenge of performing is that everyone is so mixed – audiences and performers alike. “Earlier this year we had ten comedians on stage of ten different nationalities. Each one comes with a group of friends and family and then there are at least 20 or 30 nationalities in the audience… I don’t think anywhere else in the world has so many different people attending on such a regular basis.” At the moment Bilal is looking for corporate and individual sponsors to help SUCQ get to where it wants to be – entertaining the world with home grown Qatari humour. “We don’t guarantee that all the jokes are funny to everyone,” he admits honestly and with a grin. “But we do guarantee that everyone who comes out has a good time.” GO: If you would like to help SUCQ reach their goals and put Qatar on the world’s comic map just contact Bilal and the team on halalbilal@gmail.com. You can also follow @SUCQatar on Twitter and check out SUCQatar on Facebook.

*/** Shame on you for needing a key! If you don’t know lol (laugh out loud) and rotfl (rolling on the floor laughing) by now then you’re an embarrassment to the 21st century. Gtg, ttyl!

Ahmed Gamal

Ameer Skyholder

Issa El Fahoum

Omar Alouba

Alaa Jazmati

Stand-up comedy is going places in Qatar thanks to these guys!

Mohamed Khateeb

November Events 8th

SUCQ @ Carnegie Mellon University

15th

SUCQ @ Bistro 61

22nd

SUCQ @ Bistro 61

TBC

A comedy workshop for budding comedians For more information visit www.sucq.org

Date: Nov 8, 2012 Venue: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ), Education City, Qatar Foundation. Time: 7:30pm Performers: Team Expat: Ousama Itani is an improv comedian who came to Qatar from Texas. He is a founding member of Antique Limax, an improvisational comedy troupe located in Austin. Issa El-Fahoum is a comedian of Palestinian origin. He joined SUCQ in 2009 when he was only 14 years old. As an Arab in an Indian school, his experiences are unique but hilarious. Team Qatar: Hamad Al-Amari is a Qatari comedian who lived abroad for a few years, giving him the opportunity to learn intricate details of other cultures, and also learn how to mimic some wicked accents. Mohammed Fahad Kamal is the first Qatari Stand Up comedian, and he has shared the stage with famous comedians like Gabriel Iglesias, Edwin SanJuan, Dean Obeidalla, Aron Kader and Ted Alexandro. Referee: Our very own Halal Bilal - founder of SUCQ and unofficial godfather of comedy in Qatar. FACT QATAR NovemBER

NOTEWORTHY

Find Your

Inner Diva If you love the idea of finding the best beauty and fashion products, hair and nail salons, nutritionists and personal trainers around, then the Doha Diva Day is your perfect event.

very woman has an inner diva that is screaming to be looked after with the best products, accessories and spa treatments, but it can be hard to find the time to really pamper yourself. That’s why Ala Hjouj Rennschmied, general manager of MJR Communication Group, has decided to make it really easy for you ladies. Inspired by the Diva Day in New York and London, Ala has now brought this hugely successful idea to Doha, but on a bigger scale. Her vision is to make this THE annual event for the women in Qatar, where they can enjoy 25 per cent discount vouchers, collect a plethora of exhibited products and learn about all the other feminine services there are on offer in the country. On top of all this, they will also be showcasing some fantastic Hollywood dresses that have been flown in especially for the occasion! Whether you’re a mother, daughter, lady of leisure or a fulltime working woman, this event is specifically designed to reintroduce you to your body, mind and soul through beauty, says Ala. You can look forward to discounts on hairdressing, mani/pedis, Dead Sea products, celebrity dresses, make-up, spa packages, and so much more. You will also get the chance to talk to experts and pick up a wealth of wise tips. Ala speaks of her own experience: “As busy as I am, I always try and make time for myself; to take care of my skin, hair, nails and so on. But sometimes, I know, it can be so difficult. “This is why I’m positive our event is going to be successful and popular among the women of Doha – it’s a necessity, not a luxury!” GO: Doha Diva Day will take place on 24th November at the Hilton Doha. Find out more on www.dohadiva.com.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

The Doha Diva’s Beauty Tips • Dead Sea mud possesses some truly amazing medicinal and therapeutic properties • Mud wraps and salt scrub can infuse new life into the skin by shedding the dead skin cells and effectively drawing out the toxins out from the body • Regular use of Dead Sea scrubs can help you have glowing and healthy skin every day

• If you wear foundation, powder, blush, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, lip liner and gloss on an everyday basis, then you’re overdoing it. Tone it down – all you really need is a great mascara, concealer for blemishes and gloss. Add a pop of blush in winter

• Vaseline is a fantastic and cheap eye makeup remover. It’s also great for fixing chapped lips

www.jaidahautomotive.com FACT QATAR NovemBER 21

NOTEWORTHY

A Weekend With the

FACT’s Tony Sidgwick spends a Doha weekend in style courtesy of one of the capital’s hottest hotels – the W Doha…

t didn’t really hit me until I turned up at customs in Doha airport. “Where are you staying?” they asked me. “The W Doha,” I replied, and was shocked when a strange feeling of satisfaction infused me at the words. I’d been to the W twice before – once for a photoshoot, and once for a lunch meeting in the Spice Market – but I’d never actually been an official guest of the hotel. This time, however, was different. This time, I was staying at one of the hottest hotels in Doha. I don’t say that lightly – Doha is flush with hot hotels, each one special in its own unique way, defining the terms luxury and opulence. However, what makes the W Doha stand out is the combination of luxury and style – a boutique hotel that boasts something striking to look at everywhere you turn, from the bold white and blue colours of the opulent hotel lobby to the vibrant colours of the W Café; from the stylish Far Eastern décor of the Spice Market to the cosy cabanas of the Wahm lounge – it’s all just so impressive. My visit this time was in honour of a new promotion the hotel is currently running, the Amplify Your Weekend package, which they invited me to come and experience. The package includes two nights stay in one of the ‘Spectacular’

FACT QATAR NovemBER

rooms, Friday Brunch for two at the Spice Market, Saturday Breakfast at Market by Jean Georges for two, and a three-course Express Lunch at Spice Market for two on the Saturday, before enjoying a late checkout at 4pm. Also included in the package is a complimentary drink at Wahm lounge for two. The room was, like the rest of the hotel, strikingly stylish, but also very comfortable. The huge bath and walk-in shower were both going to see much use during my stay! At this point, however, I will make a point of saying that if you’re going to book a weekend in the W Doha, make absolutely sure that you demand a room that isn’t facing the construction site right next door to the hotel! Being a ‘freebie’, I was roomed overlooking said construction site, and it was awful. My complaint to reception resulted in a fruit basket with two cupcakes being brought to my room. The room service attendant looked nonplussed when I placed the two cupcakes over my ears and informed her that they didn’t work, but I took the basket anyway. It had peaches in it. Thankfully, the construction stopped on Friday, so I had one full day of blissful peace! The W has no control over nearby construction, so I decided not to hold it against them and continue my experience…

The Spice Market - a culinary journey through Asia awaits!

Friday Brunch at Spice Market

This is a truly impressive affair – due to its popularity, it’s almost always fully booked on the day, and this was no exception. The aim of the brunch is to take you on a culinary journey across Far East Asia, with a street market-inspired setup of live cooking stations and buffets positioned all over the restaurant. The selection is staggering, and there is no way we could make our way around it all, but everything we had, from the sushi to the stir fries, was all fantastic.

which is shredded mango and greens in a deliciously tangy dressing – a light and tasty dish. This was followed by Salmon with Miso Mustard, which again, was very tasty, with unique flavours really standing out. Overall, the weekend experience was excellent, and I left feeling truly refreshed. It’s not just the luxury of the hotel that matters with the W, but the attention to detail they give to the service. For example, when a colleague asked one of the receptionists whether there was anywhere nearby to buy credit for her phone, the receptionist replied that there wasn’t anywhere convenient, but then took it upon themselves to transfer some of their own credit to my colleague’s phone without even being asked. And then there is the anonymous soul who monitors the hotel’s Twitter account. An urban legend had reached us about a guest who was travelling from the airport to the hotel, and tweeted that they were looking forward to having some in-room dining. The hotel responded to the guest asking them what they would like, and sure enough, when the guest reached their room, the food was waiting for them. We decided to put this to the test. Whilst in Wahm lounge with some Qatar-based colleagues, our Qatar Editor Katy tweeted that she was having trouble deciding which cocktail to have next. We were all somewhat shocked when, five minutes later, a waitress brought a cocktail straight to her, explaining that the hotel recommended that one! As the waitress wandered off, we craned our necks for the hidden cameras, wondering how in the world they’d figured out it was us! There was an unmistakeable sense of humour to the whole incident, as if this anonymous W Twitter master had taken our editor’s Tweet as a challenge, and responded in good humour. We were suitably impressed!

It’s not just the luxury of the hotel that matters with the W, but the attention to detail they give to the service

The lobby - stylish!

Friday Night in Wahm

Wahm is one of Qatar’s most popular nightlife venues, and with good reason. It’s an intimate and comfortable venue, with dim mood lighting, many cosy indoor and outdoor cabanas to choose from, and a nice outdoor terrace to spend time on during the cooler months. I had a relaxing few drinks with friends and colleagues that lasted late into the night, and a good time was had by all.

Breakfast at Market by Jean Georges

A much more sedate affair on the Saturday morning, this is a breakfast buffet with a strange but tempting combination of Western, Arabic and Asian cuisine lining the restaurant’s buffet stations. You can also choose to have eggs cooked any way you like, from poached and scrambled to spicy omelettes. There’s even a ‘healthy’ section of fruits, yoghurts, and an impressive selection of mueslis to choose from.

Express Lunch at Spice Market

Back to Spice Market for a late lunch prior to checking out, this was the perfect way to ensure I didn’t have to rely on plane food for my flight back to Bahrain. I started off with a rather unique dish, the Thai Mango Salad,

GO: The Amplify Your Weekends Packages at the W Doha is offered at a rate of GR2900 per night based on double occupancy for two nights. To find out more, log on to www.whoteldoha.com, or call +973 4453 5000.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

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Let us join together in common cause.

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Let us embrace every opportunity as a possibility. Let us dedicate ourselves to making a difference. Let us never forget real success is found in the power of community.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is delighted to invite you to ‘Let Us Unite for Our Future’ family charity day to raise awareness on social and environmental issues. Join us on Saturday, November 17, 2012 beginning at 8AM with a walk-a-thon followed by several family and sport activities; including a family barbeque. To RSVP, call The Ritz-Carlton, Doha at 974-4484-8000.

2012 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C

FACT QATAR NovemBER

CULTURE

p26: FACT’s Top Green Tips

GETTING UNDER QATAR’S SKIN THIS MONTH

s ’ T C A F Top Green Tips

The Middle East, and the Gulf especially, has one of the worst carbon footprints the world, and is one of the highest users of water per capita. The good news is that awareness is spreading, and people are trying to make a change. Read on to find out how you can do your part!

FACT QATAR NovemBER

CULTURE

FACT’s Top Green Tips

The focus is on our Mother Earth this month with the Doha Climate Change Conference set to take place. While there aren’t as many green initiatives as we’d like in Qatar there are certain steps you can take to be more eco-friendly. Go on… be a hero!

Less of a splash

aving water helps the planet as well as your wallet so why not use less? It’s not hard, just take a shower instead of a bath, it uses around 60% less water; don’t keep the tap running while you brush your teeth or wash the dishes; only wash or tumble dry your clothes when you have a full load; and always, always fix that leak!

Green FACT

Kahramaa, the national utility company, said in March this year that Qatar may have the highest rate of water consumption per person in the world at an estimate of 430 litres a day!

Save on electricity

t’s one of those things you know you should do but, just before bed after you’ve fallen asleep watching TV, it’s the last thing you want to do! Yet again it helps save the planet and your cash so just switch off the lights, shut down your computer, turn off all the plugs and you may even sleep a little better at night. You can also help by installing LED lights which use less energy yet last longer than regular bulbs. Plus, did you know that by just turning up your air-con by a couple of degrees or washing your clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40, you can make a huge difference? Every little counts!

Go Meat-free

kay, so we aren’t asking you to become a vegetarian here but even just one or two meat-free meals a week makes a difference! In fact, Al Gore’s Live Earth organisation said that if everyone went vegetarian just for one day, and we quote: “the US would save 100 billion gallons of water”. The Environmental Defence Fund also said: “if every American skipped one meal of chicken per week… the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off of US roads”. Don’t believe us? Check out www.edf.org for more information.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Green FACT

Georgetown School of Foreign Service in Qatar, among various other current projects, have proposed something quite interesting. The Rocket A900, a twometre metal cylinder that can handle up to 1,750 litres of food at a time, can convert meat, fish, vegetable, garden and animal waste into mulch to use for growing food and other crops. This marks Qatar Foundation’s pilot programme for composting in Education City.

Ban the plastic

e’re talking bags here. You know as well as we do that plastic bags are absolutely terrible for the environment, and yet we still allow supermarket baggers to use one for each item we buy! It takes between 400-1,000 years for one to break down and (like all plastic) they do not biodegrade but ‘photodegrade’ which means its toxins end up contaminating soil, oceans and getting ingested by animals. Just get a few reusable ones made from fabric, which can be purchased from Spinneys, for example, and you never need use a plastic bag again. Simple!

Join a group

ecome a member of SustainableQatar, an independent, volunteer-based organisation that meets monthly to address environmental issues in Qatar. You can help by liking them on Facebook or following them on Twitter; raising awareness of their activities; attending their meetings or even by volunteering. You don’t have to be a tree hugger or an ecowarrior to join in - just someone who is a little conscientious and environmentally aware. So check out www.sustainableqatar.com now!

Green FACT

According to the Qatar National Development Strategy 2011-2016 report, 91 per cent of waste goes to a landfill here. But they plan to cut that back by 38 per cent by 2016 through various means including establishing a solid waste management plan and emphasising recycling.

Cut down on paper usage

Re du ce

se Reu

his can be easier said than done but the important thing to remember is that it can be done! Paper comes from trees, remember, so at the end of the day we’re all just depleting our oxygen supplies. So don’t print your emails, use both sides of the paper, and when you have to use some then make sure you recycle (see next tip for more details on this).

Green FACT A great paper saving tip is to collect A4 paper that has only been used on one side, turn it over, cut it into quarters and staple it together to make a handy notepad to scribble on. Also, if your kids like drawing, take home scrap paper from work for them to scribble on rather than buying them expensive sketchpads.

6 Recycle

he bane of everyone’s existence in Qatar, but there are steps you can take, particularly if you are living on a compound or work in a large company. Averda will collect, transport and recycle our rubbish either here, in Qatar or in the UAE or Singapore, depending on the waste type. Al Suwaidi Paper Company will come and tend to your paper recycling needs. Plus, Al Haya have an e-waste initiative in which they will take your ink cartridges, old printers, mobiles, computers and so on. There are also a few places with bins where individuals can take their own recycling, namely, Rumaila Park (opposite the Corniche), Qatar Foundation and Katara Cultural Village. Call Averda on 4408 5000; Al Suwaidi on 6650 2094; and Al Haya on 4443 7496.

Green FACT

Averda, a GCC/MENA environmental solutions provider, has introduced reverse vending machines which certainly need more attention. The idea is you put in an empty can or bottle, get a coupon and get a discount at a retail source. There’s one at the Pearl-Qatar but we need more! www.averda.com

Recyc le

Remember the three R’s

o matter what you do you can introduce this thinking as a way of life! Reduce, reuse and recycle everything and anything – clothes, cans, technology, CDs, jam jars, bed sheets… the list is endless. All you need to do is get creative.

Green FACT

We believe empty jars may just be the handiest household object. You can put anything in them from bolts and screws to pencils and pens to leftover foods. You could use them as cool drinking glasses or as a plant pot. Or, why not just use them to heat up food or drinks in the microwave?

FACT QATAR NovemBER

ARTS

Keeping QATAR’s eyes, ears and minds in shape

THIS MONTH YOU MUST...

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival

The star-studded event returns to Qatar!

HEAR

>Album Title Goes Here< by Deadmau5

The latest album from the Canadian DJ & producer. (see p.34)

p30: The Doha Tribeca! p34: Choice Tunes p36: On Screen

(see p.30)

READ

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

The Harry Potter author’s first foray into adult fiction! (see p.38)

WATCH

Skyfall

The highly anticipated new Bond movie starring Daniel Craig.

(see p.36)

FACT QATAR NovemBER

ARTS

The

All-New

Tribeca

Doha’s most popular star-studded event is back, but bigger and better than ever this year. The Doha Tribeca Film Festival 2012 is surrounded by changes and new ventures – FACT spills all…

It’s Longer!

Running from 17th to 24th November means that DTFF 2012 is eight days long – which also means more films, more celebrities and a far more enriching experience all round. Previously, the festival has only lasted five days but has welcomed massive Hollywood names such as the festival’s godfather Robert De Niro, Kevin Spacey, Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas. So three more days of playing host to the beautiful and talented is certainly no downside!

More Venues

Not only will most of the screenings be held at Katara Cultural Village, but the opening ceremony will happen at Souq Waqif - which will act as a veritable festival hub - and a whole load more film showings will be at the Museum of Islamic Art. DTFF Vice Chair, HE Mr Issa bin Mohammed Al-Mohannadi, said as one of Qatar’s most popular tourist destinations Souq

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Waqif “is a strong testament to Doha’s thriving culture and arts landscape.” With a fantastic trio of cultural destinations in focus throughout the festival, he says, “We are offering visitors a powerful showcase of Qatari culture, bringing them closer to the heart of our nation’s proud heritage.” Katara and Souq Waqif will also play host to a number of family and industry events with the aim of promoting “intercultural dialogue”.

Made in Qatar

With an expanded format this year, DTFF 2012 will showcase over 87 films from across the globe under distinctly themed categories including Arab Film Competition, Made in Qatar, Contemporary World Cinema and Special Screenings. Made in Qatar will highlight home-grown talent with a selection of 19 films by local filmmakers – nationals and expats alike – and this year will mark the largest showcase so far. These films will also compete for the Made in

The Reluctant Fundamentalist showing at DTFF.

ARTS Qatar Development Award of US$10,000 (approximately QR36,000) to be evaluated by an independent jury. Chadi Zeneddine, resident filmmaker and programmer at DFI said: “The diversity in content and narrative styles demonstrates the strong evolution of local filmmaking over the past few years… The common thread in all these movies is the creativity of the filmmakers to push beyond the obvious and create heartfelt moments from ordinary situations.”

Under New Management

Taking over from past CEO Amanda Palmer is Abdulaziz Al-Khater who joins with 14 years of previous leadership experience under his belt. His background spans regional and international expertise in management, banking, IT, operations, finance and logistics, but he’s more than ready to take a giant leap forward into the cultural hemisphere. Al-Khater said in a statement: “I am looking forward to being part of a growing cultural organisation that has established itself both within the region and internationally as an institute dedicated to developing talent and creativity. DFI (Doha Film Institute) is poised for an exciting era of growth as it continues to evolve and foster the development of local and regional film industries.” He certainly has a big job on his hands as the announcement of his appointment came only at the beginning of October!

Focus on Algeria

To celebrate 50 years of independence in Algeria this

Liev Schrieber in The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto at last year’s DTFF - image by Omar Chitrawala DTFF 2011 entrance - image by Omar Chitrawala

New DFI CEO r Abdulaziz Al-Khate

FACT QATAR NovemBER

ARTS year, DTFF 2012 will focus on and pay tribute to the country’s rich, cinematic history. Algeria is one of the few Middle East and North Africa countries that can boast a lengthy history in cinema. The country has massively contributed to the evolving MENA film landscape over the years through a showcase of both classic and contemporary Algerian films. In fact Z, a 1969 Algerian French-language political thriller about Greek politics, is one of the only MENA films to win an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1970 and is the only film ever to be nominated for both Best Foreign Language Film and Best Picture.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist MENA Premiere

If you haven’t already read the book then we advise you to do so NOW before you watch the MENA premiere as it’s a great read and you won’t regret it. Based on the best-selling novel (which has been translated into 25 languages) A screenshot from one of the ‘Made in Qatar’ movies, called Lyrics Revolt.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

of the same title, DFI-financed The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mira Nair received plenty of praise at the 69th Venice Film Festival. An international political thriller, it follows the story of a young Pakistani man chasing corporate success on Wall Street as the 9/11 disaster takes place, ultimately leaving him in a conflict between his idea of the ‘American Dream’, a hostage crisis, and the call of his homeland. The cast includes Riz Ahmed (Four Lions and DFI-funded Black Gold), Oscar-nominee Kate Hudson (Almost Famous), Golden Globe winner Kiefer Sutherland (US series 24), Liev Schreiber (Scream, Salt), and BAFTA Award nominee Om Puri (East is East). Filmmaker Mira Nair, who has over 25 films to her credit, said in a statement that the MENA premiere at DTFF 2012 is “a lovely send-off for a tale that couldn’t be more timely for the world we live in today.” Doha Tribeca Film Festival 2012 is set to take place from

17th to 24th November. The opening ceremony and other activities will be held at Souq Waqif and indoor and outdoor film screenings will be at Katara Cultural Village and the Museum of Islamic Art. Leona Lewis at last year’s DTFF even though she’s not an actress... or associated with film in any way...

Let us dim the daylight and kindle the stars. Let us take your children on an adventure of a lifetime. Let us lift your spirits and ease you off into the weekend. Let us pause the hustle for an evening and make its memory last forever.

Thursday evenings, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha will put the world on hold while satisfying your barbecue and movie cravings. We’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, make you laugh with tears and fall in love all over again. Cartoon classics will spark the children’s imagination. A sublime start for the perfect weekend! For reservations, call The Ritz-Carlton, Doha at +974-4484-8000 or visit us at ritzcarlton.com/doha.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

ARTS

NEW ALBUMS, ARTISTS, AND AUDIOPHONICS

CHOICE TUNES

In Association with Virgin Megastore, Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall, Doha

Electronic

Deadmau5. He’s not really a mouse. He’s not dead either.

Album Title Goes Here

By Deadmau5 WHAT’S IT LIKE:

THIS is the sixth studio album from Joel Zimmerman, aka Deadmau5, featuring a suitably cynical album title that demonstrates his disdain for anything resembling convention. It’s unmistakeably Deadmau5, with those instantly recognisable beats and synths - even if you didn’t see the song title or artist, you’d know it was the mau5, so in that regard he hasn’t broken the mould in any way. However, this will be welcome news for his legion of fans, as it’s more of the same from the confrontational Canadian producer. This is an album for people who like their electro a little heavier - they like their beats relentless and pounding, and their melodies jarring and explosive. A fantastic offering is ‘Professional Griefers’, featuring the vocals of Gerard Way, of My Chemical Romance - a brilliantly grungy foot stomper showing a bit of creative flair by Zimmerman. However, that isn’t what the WHOLE album is about though, as there are the token trancy parts to get the crowds putting their hands in the air. This comes most notably in the form of ‘Fn Pig’, which starts out gently, and then drops a heavy, yet funky beat. Love it!

B+

Trance

House/RnB

Flamenco/Jazz

Thousand Mile Stare

Had to Be Me

By Chicane

By DD Foxx

The Blue Guitar Sessions

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

The latest studio album from one of the masters of trance, this is Chicane’s first LP in two years. An uplifting collection of ambient trance tracks, this shows the full experience of the man who brought us classics like ‘Offshore’ and ‘Saltwater’. Make no mistake, though - this is not an album of dance floor fillers in the vein of his old Ibiza favourites. Despite a relatively uptempo beat on tracks like ‘Windbreaks’ and the eponymous ‘Thousand Mile Stare’, this is, by and large, a chillout album. This is evidenced much more by the beautiful collaboration with Kate Walsh on ‘Playing Fields’. Every tune manages to make you think of the closing scene of an epic movie, where after years of struggle, pain and heartache, the hero finally comes home. A great offering from a true decorated veteran of the global trance scene!

B+

FACT QATAR NovemBER

By Jesse Cook

WHEN we first saw this album sitting on the New Releases shelves of Virgin, we thought “DD who?”. Then a bit of follow-up research revealed an interesting story... DD Foxx is the alter ego of 25 year-old Lebanese singer Layal Halabi, who grew up in Saudi before going to school in Dubai, where she is now based. This is her debut album, which was released last month, and boasts a collection of 15 Euro-influenced house and RnB tracks with Arabic flavours featuring her sultry vocals in a mixture of English and Arabic. It’s a pretty decent offering, especially considering that Halabi never even heard modern pop music until she went to Dubai at 13 years old! Her innate talent shines through the album, and the smooth blend of house, RnB and Arabic sounds might just prove to be the recipe for her becoming the first successful crossover artist to come out of the Emirates.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

YET another random album from Canada that we’d never heard of (anyone remember the travesty that was Can’t Hold Back Anymore, by Peter James Esau, reviewed in FACT July 2012?). However, the good news in this case is that this one is fantastic! Jesse Cook’s music normally centres on a latin, flamenco guitar style, but in this album he has turned that style to covers of a more soulful, bluesy nature, with commendable results. ‘I Put a Spell On You’, featuring the vocals of Jalacy J. Hawkins, retains the soulfulness of the original, but adds to it a heady dose of latino fiery romance with Cook’s guitar. The headswaying pleasantness continues throughout 14 tracks. It took us a while to figure out what this music was, but then it hit us - this is sophisticated dinner party music at its absolute best!

FACT QATAR NovemBER

ARTS

TOP FILMS SHOWING THIS MONTH IN QATAR

ON SCREEN

Skyfall

D: Sam Mendes C: Daniel Craig, Helen McCrory, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Catastrophe strikes, as Bond is seemingly killed in a botched mission (although we obviously know better). And it can’t happen at a worse time, as M is threatened by shadows from her past, and MI6 is attacked by an evil supervillain. Ever the dutiful operative, Bond returns from the dead to open up a can of ‘whoop-ass’ on said villain.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:

If we have to spell it out for you, then you don’t deserve to watch it in the first place! But just in case... For starters, there is the return of the quintessential bond car, the Aston Martin DB5, pictured above. And secondly, there is the evil villain coming courtesy of the brilliant Javier Bardem, who has already proven he can take a baddie to previously unknown levels of sinister, as demonstrated in his portrayal of the psychopathic killer Anton

A review is unnecessary. This picture should be sufficient to express the awesomeness. However, we have to fill the space, so...

Chigurh in No Country For Old Men. And THEN there are the directorial talents of Sam Mendes, the man responsible for classics like American Beauty, Jarhead and Revolutionary Road. Initial reports are already promising, with reviewers claiming that while this latest incarnation of Bond a la Daniel Craig still retains the gritty realism of Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, it also brings in some of the old humour and one-liners reminiscent of the Connery days. Bring it on!

ARTS

Twilight: Breaking Dawn II D: Bill Condon C: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Maggie Grace

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Now a vampire, after being transformed following the birth of her weird vampire/human hybrid baby in order to save her life, Bella is enjoying undead family bliss. However, when the Volturi get wind of her vampire baby, which is against some rule, apparently, the Cullens must enlist the help of other vampire covens to defend themselves.

To give you some indication as to the hysteria surrounding this movie, consider that this picture alone is enough to reduce certain members of the female teenage population of the world to tears.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:

Again, this is one that doesn’t need explaining to Twilight fans. Asking them “why it’s worth watching” is like asking them “why it’s worth breathing” or “why it’s worth eating”. They would answer that it is essential to the very continuity of their existence; that to deny them this finale is to deny them their very purpose for living. For the boyfriends being dragged along, there is some consolation: Bella looks quite hot as a vampire, and there should be some good fight scenes.

The Life of Pi

is the film adaptation of one of the most unique and interesting novels ever written. Pi is the son of an Indian circus owner who is exporting their circus to Canada. However, the ship goes down in stormy weather, and Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a pissed off Bengal tiger! He must figure out how to survive months adrift at sea whilst sharing a tiny space with a 600-pound killing machine. A story of a boy sharing a boat with a tiger, and generally trying not to get eaten.

Killing Them Softly We’re not quite sure where the movie got its name from...

The Man With the Iron Fists D: RZA C: Russell Crowe, Cung Le, Lucy Liu, RZA

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: A famous

blacksmith, aptly called The Blacksmith, is renowned for creating elaborate weaponry for the people of his village. However, when treachery threatens the very existence of his village, he joins forces with the various warriors and assassins he works for, creating his own weapon for the brawl - a pair of iron fists. Then he punches a guy’s eyeball out. Yes, really! WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: Didn’t you read the last part? He punches a guy’s EYEBALL out people! While not a Tarantino film, exactly, it does have QT’s stamp of approval on it, so you pretty much know what you’re in for. Think Kill Bill meets Mortal Kombat on steroids, and you get the picture. Appearances by Russel Crowe and Lucy Liu sweeten the deal.

follows the story of a mafia enforcer (Brad Pitt), who is called in to investigate the heist of a high-stakes game of poker hosted by said mafia. He must find the robbers, retrieve the money and deal out some nasty street justice before the mafia get tired of waiting and take it out on him instead! Brad Pitt demonstrates that he can look cool even in a parking lot at 1.30am.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

ARTS

QATAR’S BEST READS THIS MONTH BY GENRE

CHOICE WORDS

In Association with Virgin Megastore, Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall, Doha

Fiction

The Casual Vacancy By J.K. Rowling

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

THE uneasy peace of the quaint little West Country town of Pagford is disrupted when a much-loved and generous member of the Parish council, Barry Fairbrother, drops dead from a heart attack. This leaves behind the not-so-benevolent members of the council, led by the dastardly Howard Mollison, the obese delicatessen owner, plotting and scheming about who should take Barry’s place, and a power struggle ensues. At the centre of the power struggle is the intention by Mollison and his followers to offload responsibility for the run-down estate nearby, the Fields, to the neighbouring city, Yarvil, thus driving the estate’s kids out of the local school’s catchment area.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

As J.K. Rowling seeks to leave her children’s storytelling credentials behind and make a decisive move into adult fiction, anyone looking for the warmth and idealism of the Harry Potter novels will be sorely disappointed. The Casual Vacancy is chock full of rural English snobbery and thinly veiled racism, colourful working-class language and mirky sexual escapades, all set against a backdrop of self-serving plotting and politics. That isn’t to say it’s not an enjoyable read - there is a surprising depth and richness to the many characters and B+ various plotlines in the book, which all come together nicely.

Non-Fiction

Historical Fiction

Fiction

On the Front Line

Winter of the World

Telegraph Avenue

By Marie Colvin

by Ken Follett

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

ON the Front Line is a compilation of the many articles written by one of the world’s greatest war correspondents, Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin. Marie lost an eye to shrapnel from a Sri Lankan RPG, and eventually lost her life to Syrian artillery bombardment in the siege of Homs. She was one of the most prolific war reporters, as she ONLY covered conflict, and nothing else. Wars she wrote about included Chechnya, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and East Timor, though she specialised in conflict in the Middle East.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Although this is a collection of work that spans decades, the fact that it is compiled into one long collection gives it a strange kind of continuity, as if, rather than reporting on individual conflicts, Marie is instead telling an ongoing story about global strife and its various protagonists. This book is riveting, haunting, poignant and harrowing, and knowing how the story ends, with Marie’s death, adds so much more weight to the words within. It is perhaps one of the greatest compilations of non-fiction work in recent times.

A-

FACT QATAR NovemBER

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

THE second part of a planned trilogy, Winter of the World follows the descendants of the same five families that featured in the previous installation, Fall of Giants. The lives of these families, who are from various social classes in Wales, England, Germany, Russia and America, are interwoven in a story set against the backdrop of the harrowing events leading up to, and during, the Second World War. The story covers the period from 1933 to 1949, and all the horrendous events that took place within, from politics to all out warfare, from officers to the lowliest private, and the civilians affected by it all.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Ken Follett is an absolute master of historical fiction - a rare breed of writer who can take real historical events, and infuse them with the lives of his characters to such a level of depth and realism it’s as if he was there experiencing those events himself. While the characters are fiction, the events in the story are very real, as are various historical characters who make an appearance along the way, so that you end up learning a great deal about these events even as B+ you’re irresistably drawn into the story.

By Michael Chabon

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

TELEGRAPH Avenue follows the story of African-American Archy Stalling and his white best friend Nat Jaffe, who together own a second-hand vinyl store in Oakland, in Northern California. As Archy’s wife catches him cheating, his illegitimate son shows up and starts a relationship with Nat’s own gay son, and in the meantime their business is threatened by a mega-mall planned to open nearby.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

The book is a lighthearted read with some undeniable comedy interwoven into some rather poignant social commentary dealing with issues like race, homosexuality, broken homes and so on, but one can’t help but feel it has missed the mark somewhat. While Chabon undoubtedly revels in the process of writing, the end result comes across as distinctly self-absorbed, with metaphors and phrases seeming grandiloquent rather than artistic. Take, for example, the phrase, “Somewhere in the midst of the continent of shock and grief that was Archy Stallings, a minor principality rejoiced.” It’s as if he has aimed for the eloquence of John Irving, but overshot it and ended up C+ with the pretentiousness of Ben Elton instead.

THE MALL THE PEARL PORTO ARABIA PARCEL 8 | SOON MADINA CENTRALE www.spinneys-qatar.com | facebook.com/spinneysqatar

FACT QATAR NovemBER

TECHNOLOGY Keeping THE PEOPLE OF QATAR state-of-the-art

p42: iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 p44: The Lab p46: Infiniti G37 Sedan

The iPhone 5vs The Samsung Galaxy S3 Clash of the Titans:

A bitter rivalry as old as time itself... or, since 2009 anyway. Which camp do you belong to? Are you Team Samsung, or Apple to the Core? Read on as FACT puts these two enemies head-to-head...

FACT FACT BAHRAIN QATAR NovemBER

TECHNOLOGY

Clash of the Titans:

The iPhone 5 vs

The Samsung Galaxy S3

In what could prove to be the biggest battle in the smartphone industry in history, the latest Samsung Galaxy goes up against the mighty iPhone…

s the epic battle, nay WAR, between Apple and Samsung intensifies, the release of the two tech giants’ latest flagship smartphones has had the whole world watching with baited breath. It could herald the most important gadget releases since Apple launched the first iPhone back in 2007. This is because it could potentially see the first time a Samsung Galaxy outsells an iPhone. To demonstrate how this might happen, let’s break the sales of these phones down into three distinct demographics: In one camp, you have the Apple cult – these people will buy anything with a ‘i’ before its name or a ‘Mac’ in there somewhere. Fanatically loyal, it’s not about the product, it’s about the brand, and they are Apple branded to the core (pun intended). You know where to find them – they’re the guys who’ve pitched tents outside the Apple store the night before a new iPhone or iPad gets released, peeing in bottles just to be the first to lay their hands on the new

FACT QATAR NovemBER

‘iProduct’. In the other camp, you have the ‘rebels’ – the people who consider themselves too smart to be indoctrinated into a cult by some clever branding and avant-garde design. They refuse to pay a premium price for a product that offers the same or less than another, cheaper product. So they buy a Samsung Galaxy instead. The rebel camp is so far smaller than the Apple cult, but it’s growing. And then you have the ‘in-betweeners’. They really don’t care. They’ll make the choice based on factors like whether they can afford it, what their friends have, and ultimately, what they think when they actually pick up the phone and play around with it. They might buy an iPhone or Samsung, but there’s an equally good chance they’ll buy something else entirely, like a Blackberry, HTC, Nokia, or even a Huawei. It is in that last camp that the main battle is being fought, as Samsung attempts to overcome the clever marketing and branding of Apple and win over enough of the inbetweeners to outsell them. They will attract few of the Apple cult, just as Apple will indoctrinate few of the ‘rebels’. Samsung has it relatively easy. They don’t have a massive expectation to live up to – they simply make each Galaxy S better than the last, and people are suitably

impressed. Apple, on the other hand, has it very tough. The original iPhone was a game changer in the mobile phone industry – a revolutionary product that literally changed the world. The iPhone 4 managed to re-vitalise the Apple hysteria with a huge jump in features and quality over previous iPhones. Whereas the iPhone 4S was underwhelming, with only mild changes over the 4, the iPhone 5, on the other hand, had huge expectations. With all the hype surrounding its launch, it had to be another game-changer to live up to it all. Unfortunately, the launch has already been plagued with problems, with the Apple Maps application proving faulty, problems arising with the camera and numerous reports of the casing being easily chipped. These kinds of defects are ones that would’ve sent Steve Jobs into an apoplectic rage, and many argue that under his leadership, the phone would never have been released with them, and that the iPhone 5’s launch was rushed due to commercial reasons. The good news is that fixes for the Maps app and the camera have already been released, and the vast majority of iPhone 5 users are now perfectly happy with their new purchase. So, let’s take a close look at it to see how it compares to previous generations. The iPhone 5 is now 20% lighter than its predecessor, the 4S, as well as being lighter than many other smartphones out there, at just 112g. Despite that, it still has that premium and solid feel, due to the build quality. It now boasts a 4-inch screen, which is half an inch bigger than the 4S. Many people compare this screen size unfavourably with the Galaxy S3, stating that because the S3 has a 4.8inch screen, it’s simply better. However, what these people don’t realise is that Apple have done this deliberately. They could make the screen as big as they want, but they maintain that the iPhone 5’s screen can still be operated in one hand using just the thumb, which is an aspect they stubbornly hold on to. While this might be detrimental when watching movies and YouTube videos, or playing games, it does make for

more practicality. But there are still those who argue that the Galaxy S3 is simply too big, and feels cumbersome in the pocket. A BIG change in the new iPhone is the dock connector. Apple have done away with the old 30-pin connector in favour of a much smaller one they’re calling ‘Lighting’. This is going to piss off all iPhone faithfuls who bought all the peripherals like speaker docks, because the new iPhone will no longer fit them directly, but will instead require an adaptor or MP3 jack. This will be nothing new to Galaxy users, who’ve always had to use the jack. With the Galaxy S3, you get S-Voice, which is like Siri, and probably works about as well, being a bit hit-and-miss in general. Motion Direct Call is another cool feature, whereby when you’re texting someone, if you then decide to call them instead, you simply put the phone to your ear, and it will automatically start calling them! The JellyBean update also promises to bring new features to the Galaxy S3, including a smoother UI, Google Now, Offline voice-typing support, expandable notifications, better settings organisation and much more. So, to summarise: We do like the iPhone. Whatever you say about them, Apple products have a certain ‘cool’ factor that can’t be denied, and the iPhone 5 is no exception. Using the iOS is a smooth and intuitive experience, and we like the way it works. We also like the way that the iPhone 5 is lighter,

meaning that it’s not such a burden in the pocket. However, we also really like the Samsung Galaxy S3. Android Ice Cream Sandwich is a fantastic OS, and promised updates for Android JellyBean, which you can update to soon with the S3, really give you something to look forward to. The S3 is bigger and heavier, but the screen is all the more impressive thanks to its sheer size – you just feel like you’re getting more phone for your money. What it boils down to is this – the S3 is almost half the price of the iPhone 5, and no matter how much you may prefer the iPhone to the Galaxy, you could never say that the Galaxy is half as good. In fact, some would argue that the Galaxy is BETTER than the iPhone, which makes the Galaxy so much better value for money that in our eyes,

iPhone 5 Size & Weight Price Display Processor Camera OS Storage

123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm/112g from QR4,699

136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6mm/133g from QR2,199

(as priced in Carrefour)

4-inch retina 1136x640, 326ppi

4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD Plus, 306ppi

A6 Chip (1.3GHz)

1.4GHz quad-core Exynos

8MP, 1080p rear-facing/1.2MP front-facing

8MP, 1080p rearfacing/1.9MP front-facing

16/32/64GB

making the choice simple. If we had to pick a winner, in sheer terms of value for money, the Galaxy S3 wins hands down.

Galaxy S3

(as priced in Virgin Megastore)

iOS 6

TECHNOLOGY

Android Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean update coming 16/32/64GB, plus microSD slot FACT QATAR NovemBER

TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

Harman Kardon Bt Headphone Available: Harman House, Doha City Centre Mall (Price: TBC)

High-end audio boutique Harman Kardon turn their considerable expertise to Bluetooth connectivity with these, their BT headphones. As with anything from Harman Kardon, you can expect extremely high levels of sound quality, build quality and style from these, and that’s exactly what you get. The unique rectangular shape of the headphones makes for surprisingly comfortable wear, as they fit snugly over your ears, blocking out external sound with the soft leather cushions around the headphones. They look fantastic too, with true avant-garde design in the rectangular headphones and the brushedaluminium look. Despite their rather large size, they don’t feel at all cumbersome when you’re wearing them, as they’re surprisingly light on the head, so after a while you’d barely notice they’re even there if it wasn’t for the brilliant sound emanating from them. The audio is crisp and clear, with no distortion, and a decent amount of bass to give the sound that rich feeling. A very nice addition is an enclosed microphone, which means that the headphones can be used for VoIP, including internet calls and gaming. However, there is a small drop in sound quality when you actually use

the headphones for what they were intended for, which is the Bluetooth connectivity. If you simply used them straight away with the Bluetooth, you wouldn’t even notice, but when you compare the sound using the Bluetooth to the sound through the cable, there’s an audible difference in quality. However, this is nitpicking, as overall the quality using the Bluetooth connection can’t be faulted, and you can’t really expect the quality to be the same as with cable. Now, though, we come to the main rub – the price. They are shockingly expensive, even for a product by Harman Kardon. Even with the brilliant design and sound, we can’t say that there aren’t headphones out there of a comparable quality for much, much less. But then, like any premium product, the people who buy it aren’t going to quibble about the price! If you can afford them, you’ll truly enjoy the experience of these funky and comfortable wireless headphones.

EMOTION

HARMAN KARDON BT EXPERIENCE-METER Happiest human ever

“The first time you pick these up and put them on, you can’t help but be instantly impressed.”

“There is a slight drop in audio quality when you listen over the Bluetooth connection.”

Very impressed

Pleased

“They’re hugely comfortable, and the sound quality is, as you’d expect, fantastic.”

Indifferent

“A great gadget, but worth the price? We’ll leave that to you to decide!”

Ouch!

PROS

TIME 44

FACT QATAR NovemBER

-Fantastic quality, even with the Bluetooth -Extremely comfortable

CONS

-VERY expensive

B+

TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

ALIENWARE AX51 Available: Virgin Megastore (QR5,799)

EMOTION

This is the highly compact and stylish PC gaming system from Alienware. Alienware was formerly an independent brand that specialised in building highspec PC systems designed specifically for hard-core gaming performance. They were then bought out by Dell, and now represent Dell’s specialised highend gaming products. This particular model boasts the powerful Second Generation Intel Core i5-2320 3.0GHz processor, as well as an impressive 8GB of DDR3 memory. Great graphics come courtesy of the industry-leading NVIDIA GeForce GT 1GB GPU, making for a serious piece of gaming hardware. It also comes equipped with a Blu-ray DVDRW optical drive for playing HD Blu-ray discs, as well as burning data to DVDs and CDs. A massive storage capacity is provided by its 1TB hard drive, and wireless network access and online gaming comes through the built-in Gigabit Ethernet LAN and Wireless-N Card. And finally, it runs on the Windows 7 Home Premium software, which is considered by many to be the best Windows software to date. While the Alienware AX51 does provide a ready-to-use powerful gaming system, you will pay a premium for the brand. A similarly powered system can be created for a much lower cost using alternative hardware, especially if you put it together yourself, though it won’t look nearly as cool. The slimline and compact design of the casing does have its pros and cons. While the compact size is great

ALIENWARE AX51 EXPERIENCE-METER

Happiest human ever

Very impressed

because it doesn’t take up too much room, it also means that upgrading components can be tricky, as the slots and spaces for the cards and chips, etc., are built specifically for the components that come with it. If you want to change them for higher-spec components that are bigger, they might not fit properly. So, to summarise, if you’re not hugely tech-savvy, you don’t want to go to all the trouble of building your own hardcore gaming machine, and don’t mind spending the money, the Alienware AX51 is a straightforward solution to your needs. Just buy it, plug it in, and you’re ready for some serious PC gaming. However, if you ARE a computer whizz, or you have a friend who is who’s willing to help, you can build a gaming machine of equal or better quality yourself for less money. It should be said, however, that it won’t have the warranty that comes with this Alienware kit.

“For your average PC gamer, the Alienware AX51 is an easy-to-use piece of hardware that’ll power practically any game with ease.”

“If money isn’t a problem, you’ll be instantly impressed with the design and compactness – it takes up so much less space than your average PC tower!”

“It provides instant hardcore gaming potential, with excellent speed and amazing graphics.”

Pleased

Indifferent

Ouch!

“Ok, so it’s quite expensive – you could get more for your money elsewhere…”

PROS

TIME

-Simple, ready to use -Powerful

CONS

-Not easily upgradeable -Overpriced

B+

FACT QATAR NovemBER

TECHNOLOGY

ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT

“The Infiniti G37 just screams ‘premium sports sedan’…” Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, put the G37 Sedan through its paces, and enjoyed every minute!

nifiti’s G range are their most compact and sportiest models, comprising the G37 Coupe and the G37 Sedan, sitting below the M sedan in the brand’s line up. However, don’t think that because they’re the smallest cars in the range, they’re also the least impressive, because this is most definitely not the case. It’s a handsome car, managing to look both luxurious and sporty, but the best thing of all is that it does this without giving the impression that it’s trying to look like something else. What I mean by this is that so many cars from Asia with ‘premium’ aspirations have obviously been designed with pictures

FACT QATAR NovemBER

of European models pasted to the walls of the designer’s office, and end up looking distinctly like a BMW 5 Series or a Mercedes S-Class. I won’t name names, but we all know who the culprits are! Infiniti categorically does not do this – they have their own distinct style, and the G37 is no exception. The smooth, flowing lines of the profile are enhanced by strong angles on the front of the car and a firm stance, giving the impression of both luxury and power. However, one area in which I felt the G37 Sedan let itself down slightly was the interior design. Don’t get me wrong – it

wasn’t ugly or poor or shabby in any way. On the contrary, it was well-built, with leather padding on much of the surfaces enhanced by the panelling in brushed aluminium finish and chrome trim, giving it an unmistakeably premium feel. No, the problem was that it was just a little… boring! It was all so utilitarian, much like a BMW 3 series. And this is a shame, because it’s in vast contrast to the interiors of Infiniti’s SUVs, the FX37 and the EX37, which have a much more pleasant and organic design to them, making them really stand out. I feel that Infiniti could have applied the same, unique design to the G37 with tremendous results. Having said that, the G37’s interior is by no means an unpleasant place to be. This is because of the little things. For example, when you stop the car and switch off the engine, the seat slides back to let you out, and when you climb in and start it again, the seat slides back in to place. Then you have all the features contained within that you’d expect from a premium brand car – Intelligent Cruise Control, 8-way power seats, Sat Nav, touchscreen infotainment system controlling impressive sound through the Bose soundsystem which focuses the sound on the driver, and so on. The front seats are comfortable and figure hugging, holding you in place when (not ‘if’, this car begs to be driven

TECHNOLOGY

“With no ‘sports’ badges, but huge performance, it’s really a wolf in sheep’s clothing!”

‘enthusiastically’) you throw it around a bit. And when you do, you won’t be disappointed. The G37 does what all the sporty Infiniti models do, which is to accomplish that delicate balancing act of a smooth and comfortable ride combined with exceptional performance. This is largely thanks to Infiniti’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which constantly monitors traction on each wheel, and sends power to the ones that need it. It can send up to 50% of the power to the front wheels, but when it’s not needed, 100% goes to the rear. The AWD is combined with the sophisticated Traction Control, and Vehicle Dynamic Control, which compares actual vehicle cornering performance to the driver’s input, adjusting power and applying the brakes to individual wheels to deal with oversteer or understeer, to stop you sliding off the road and into a sand dune! The results of all this technology are impressive. It’s not like we took the G37 on a track, but even on the mean streets of Qatar you can feel the poise and stability of the car on the road. We took it outside of Doha to some of the desert roads,

Who is Ali Driver?

and thoroughly enjoyed the drive. You can throw it round a deserted roundabout, and it corners like it’s on rails, with no discernible tyre screech, and barely any roll. It just feels so planted on the tarmac. The power delivery of the 328hp 3.7l V6 is smooth and constant, rocketing you from a standstill to highway speed in one, long shove in the back. Infiniti call this “Acceleration Swell” - a progressive, seemingly limitless rush that builds faster the faster you push, achieved by “remapping the delivery of power in the shape of a peaking wave rather than in a short-lived burst.” And finally, the steering is one area where the G37 definitely excels over the brand’s other models. With the SUVs, the steering can be a little light, but with the G37, it’s perfectly weighted and responsive, giving you a supreme feeling of control over where the car is going. To summarise, the Infiniti G37 does exactly what it’s supposed to, and it does it without pretension. You’ll find no ‘sports’ badges on it, nor any racing stripes or colours. It’s a quiet and unassuming family sedan, until you decide that you want to have some fun, when it becomes a corner-hugging, road-gripping, engine-growling sports sedan of epic magnitude. 1. He lives in Qatar and says he grew up hard on the mean streets of Doha, but we think he’s actually from a rich family with lots of cars, and won’t admit it! 2. He says his car skills are all self-taught, but we’re sure we’ve seen a course certificate from the Losail International Circuit on his wall. 3. He drives cars better than anyone we know (but don’t ever tell him). 4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under 4 minutes, but we’re sure that’s only when his wife helps him. FACT QATAR NovemBER

We are now online...

www.fact-magazine.com

FACT QATAR NovemBER

FASHION

FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN QATAR

FASHION

p50: Romanticising Grunge - the designs of Dana Riad El-Haj Ahmad...

Romanticising Grunge

As FACT continues the search for the most talented Qatari designers, we were intrigued to see Dana Riad El-Haj Ahmad’s latest collections – Allure and Tops. Here we speak about her fashion label, inspirations and… Mickey Mouse.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

FASHION

Romanticising Grunge

FACT QATAR NovemBER

F. How long have you been working in fashion? D. I have been working on my fashion line - DANA RIAD - ever since I graduated from Virginia CommonWealth University Qatar in May 2011. I graduated with a double degree in both Fashion Design and Interior Design. My passion towards fashion just keeps growing more. It all started with Mickey Mouse. Growing up I was constantly drawing this character wearing clothes, dresses and gowns. I would even accessorise him with hats, shoes and bow ties. Eventually my interest in how Mickey Mouse was styled took me further into the fashion world. F. What and/or who inspires you in your designs? D. Inspirations to design were always something that suddenly shouted at me to pay all my attention to. Unordinary visuals, sometimes architecture and interior design gave me the inspiration to start a concept. Other times I take something very simple and minimal, transforming it in to an avant-garde piece. I want to always de-limit myself with designing both ready-towear and haute couture that identifies romanticism with a grungy feel. F. What’s your day job? D. I am currently working at JCCTV, Al Jazeera Children’s Channel, as a stylist/fashion designer and I sometimes also work on interior design projects for JCCTV, but my fashion label will always be my number one. Every now and then I launch a new DR (DANA RIAD) Collection and showcase my pieces in a couple of boutiques, namely, Dados Boutique at the Pearl-Qatar and at S*AUCE Boutique in Dubai. F. Why is fashion so important to you? D. It is what I have always wanted to be, a fashion designer – creating beautiful, detailed and rich pieces is what makes me feel accomplished. Sketching and drawing silhouettes FACT QATAR NovemBER

FASHION every couple of hours and developing the design is what makes me happy and excited! F. What inspired the Tops and Allure 2012 collections? D. For these collections I wanted to do something different from what I usually do. I played much more with different silhouettes, different kinds of fabrics. All my previous collections were inspired by a certain colour, theme and character. But for this collection, I have many different fabrics that I collected from India, Jordan, Hong Kong and some from Doha. I wanted to use all these fabrics and design according to each fabric’s character. I played around with this collection. F. What future plans do you have for your fashion brand? D. To take it step by step - design, plan, and expand. I want to open up my own boutique and to make it to every designer’s dream, FASHION WEEK! F. What do you think about the fashion scene in Qatar right now? D. The fashion scene is growing now in Doha. When you look at Arab women wearing their abayas, for example, it is pleasing to see that they retain their culture and heritage but also impress with their glamorous silhouettes. We also see all globally renowned brands finding their place somewhere in Qatar. I wouldn’t also forget about the local designers here. A lot are proving their talents and passion to fashion design. For example, many of my classmates are doing an amazing job and I wish them all the best of luck! GO: To see more of DANA RIAD Fashion Design you can visit her Facebook page of the same name.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

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FACT QATAR NovemBER

FASHION

The Bargain Hunter

reet r favourite high st to ou u yo g in br e w esnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have In this issue looking great do st onto the at th g in ov pr , pieces manife s runway trends cost a fortune. A n just as easily stay on trend ca high street, you e bank. th ng ki without brea

FACT QATAR NovemBER

FASHION

More Bang For Your Buck Shopping on The High Street

r a e w s n a m o W

ted style and attention to Known for their sophistica Dutti is one that we’re detail, this look by MassimoClean cut and delightfully dying to show off at work. s people that you really chic, it exudes power and tell know what you’re doing.

Thanks to e designers lik Dolce and oral Gabbana, fl prints and rics jacquard fab fall. are huge thisst of Though mo rd us can’t affo w to spend a fen thousand o t it one garmen n we doesn’t meae in can’t indulg fully this wonder d. feminine tren e You only havn to to head dow to TOPSHOP ds on get your hanpestry this fierce ta et. bomber jack

FACT QATAR NovemBER

The peplum has made its mark this and for a good reason. It’s extreme season, especially for those lacking curves ly flattering, to-toe this look by Kenneth Col . From headchoice for a night out, sure to gete is a stunning you noticed.

t accessory A cocktail ring is the perfec ur into an mo gla g to insert a little evenin P is our first outfit. This one by TOPSHO ’s opulence son sea choice for a nod to this our e ulg ind to y wa at gre trend and . rkly spa gs penchant for all thin

This fantastic pony skin belt in a deep purple hue from Salsa is an ideal way to introduce rich jewel tones to your wardrobe.

ir of pointed We can’t resist this pa deliciously a in s t-bar court shoe by Nine West. k pin by ba ne femini trouser or Paired with a tailoredu’ll have a yo irt sk il nc pe a neat liven up the chic new ensemble to . banal weekday routine

FASHION

Every girl needs at lea st one pair of ankle boots to mark season. These killer ult the winter ra high boots by Aldo are a great inv estment. Team them with a cig arette pant for a look that’s fail-safe .

come Satchels have bebag ve ha tus the m ecting for any self-resps studded hi T . ta is fashon M will example by H& anarchy of h uc to a inject ime look. to a casual dayt

straight from the Lacoste ready-to-wear outfits sition for your catwalk are the perfect propoed knits matched winter holidays, with oversiz ther. We’re ready with creative leggings and lea to join? for the slopes! Who wants

The graphic sweater is our hero piece for the coming season. A textbook examp garment turn statement piece is thisle of a staple houndstooth sweater with contras great by New Look. Matching it with t pink finishing’s leather will have you looking likea luxury fabric like of the runway. What’s not to loveyou walked straight !

Head to toe print is a foolproof way to make a statement this season. Brands like Miss Selfridge and Koton bring us a great selection of bold eye-catching prints ranging from floral to geo that have us head over heels. It seems an overtly loud look, especially for those with more minimalist tendencies, but with few to no accessories and a simple court shoe it’s surprisingly wearable. FACT QATAR NovemBER

FASHION

Pepe Jeans is known for their urban style aesthetic and have always had a hard-edged approach to seasonal trends. Though festival season is over we’re still loving the parka, and this one with its fur lined hood is a hit with us. Also look to the brand for a lesson on how to integrate leather. With a wide range of leather separates and a history with the fabric, Pepe Jeans really knows what they’re doing.

Camo is having a serious fashion moment. Make your mark on the trend with these military inspired trousers by Pull and Bear. If your casual wardrobe needs a makeover with attitude, Pull and Bear has the no-holdsbarred collection you need to make it happen.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

No woman can resist a great clutch, particularly one in a vibrant colour. This wonderfully unfussy coral clutch by Massimo Dutti is so great we suspect it won’t be long till your girlfriends are begging to borrow it. Working colour into your wardrobe can be a challenge as it has the ability to turn garish fast. If you’re unsure, a clever way to introduce colour is in small bursts with statement pieces.

FASHION

cret It’s no see loving ’r e w that ht now. studs rig et by This jack ridge is Miss Self way to the ideal our look update y btle rock with a suge. chick ed

ellishments If girly florals and ostentatious emb on seas this you for it ng aren’t quite doi OP comes there’s no need to panic. TOPSHedibly cool to the rescue with a range of incr king like you androgynous separates. Avoid loo wardrobe fell head first into your boyfriend’s playing with and solidify the look by layering, female motifs. cate deli cing odu intr textures and

As girls we’re powerless to a fabulous dress, and as we all know a new dress is a foolproof way to get out of a style funk. This structured number by Kenneth Cole is a clear winner in our books. Complete the look with a pair of statement heels and a striking clutch.

LOOK OUT FOR...

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

his is the much-anticipated capsule collection by Maison Matin Margiela for high street megastore H&M. It’s set to be one of the most exciting collaborations yet and we predict it’ll have fashonistas everywhere swooning. The French fashion house is known for its wildly conceptual design aesthetic and is a favourite amongst celebs and fashion bloggers alike. The collection is all about volume, as Maison Martin Margiela toys with shape and proportion. Even better, fans of the brand will be happy to know that the collection will reintroduce past iconic runway pieces at affordable prices. Now less than a month away, the collection makes it’s debut in stores November 15 and we for one will be first in line to snap it up.

Perfect jeans? Hard to beat Salsa’s collection - whatever fit, finishing and wash you love, Salsa has it; from push-ups, push-ins, to shape-ups. The only difficult part will be to choose only one pair. Jeans are just the start with this brand, as their leather jackets, T-shirts and accessories from shoes to bags will keep you going back to the shop time and time again for their innovative additions and amazing quality!

FACT QATAR NovemBER

FASHION

Menswear

omen. ndbags are to wlook no ha t ha w en m Watches are to market for a chic timepiece ith a classic If you’re in the y Hilfiger bring us a watch w further, Tomm ty of style. design and plen

This sweater by Kenneth Cole with leather panels is an obvious choice for its stunning craftsmanship and urban sophistication. It’s a truly versatile piece that is ideal for layering, whilst still having the ability to stand alone, meaning you’ll get an incredible amount of wear out of it.

Whilst the time of year where covering up becomes a necessity draws ever-close, we remind you that keeping warm is never an excuse for looking frumpy. Beat the cold with this sweater from H&M that’s soft enough to sleep in. Ideal for its wearability, this staple sweat can be teamed with a pair of leather trousers for a great weekend look.

If there was ever an urban trend so cool it’s sent us into a shopping frenzy, it’s got to be leather high-tops. We’ve hunted down the hottest pair on the high street; so get yourself city-ready with this pair by Aldo.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

With its new modernist take on the classic peacoat TOPMAN is on to a certified winner. With its leather look yoke, borg collar and youthful details we suspect it wont be long before it sells out.

If you’re in the market for outerwear then head to Salsa where you’ll find the perfect leather jacket that exudes a hardy mannish charm. This is a must have piece in your wardrobe, as years go by the better this jacket will look.

FASHION

Showing us how to pull off a refined yet cool work look, this outfit by Massimo Dutti is faultless from head-to-toe. Consisting of traditionally tailored pieces in an understated colour pallet, this outfit guarantees you’ll be looking sharp at the office.

ntrasting neling of two co ake a wonderful pa e iv ct in st di e will m With the there’s no brogues by Dun textures, these extensive shoe collection. Aslook with a r e ou th e to complet addition s a work shoe, question that it’ and a slick shirt. tailored trouser

This collection insinuates ‘man of action’, and that we are! That’s why we love the easy to wear Lacoste looks down-to-earth but the materials and design of all the pieces show the careful thinking of Felipe Oliveira Baptista in the execution.

Burton brings us a quirky little wallet centered with a prominent moustache print that would make an excellent gift for the man with fashion sense as boisterous as his sense of humor.

TOPMAN presents a lighthearted approach to the lapel pin. I don’t know what it is, but something about the moustache never fails to tickle us. FACT QATAR NovemBER

FACT QATAR NovemBER

INDEX For anyone who’s uttered the words: ‘There’s nothing to do in Qatar.’ We really, really beg to differ...

FINAL WORD

What’s your

QATAR

S.A.T’s? M.B.A’s? Pah! In Qatar, only

QATAR IQ - p82

Our sly monthly round-up of recent Qatar news

one test score really matters: your Qatar

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival takes place

IQ!

Do you: a Roam the country armed with a pad and pen this month. for celebrities to nab autographs off of? b Scramble for tickets to all the global premieres,scouting so that when

adopt a superior air and say, “Well, of

friends talk about the movies, you can

course, I

was one of the first in the world to see it…”? c Stay home – all it means is more traffic and more hassle?

This month we bring you a big ‘green’ feature, outlining all the ways Qatar’s eco-warriors can save the environment. Do you:

a Read through it carefully, before buying two extra bins so

that you can separate your rubbish into paper, metal and plastic? Ignore it completely – you already separate your rubbish, and only wear clothing made from natural fibres, and eat organic vegan food, and ride to work on a bicycle, even in the middle of summer? Glance at it briefly before throwing it into the sea, and climbing back into your 6l V8 SUV and tearing off down the beach, squishing baby turtles and leaving behind a cloud of noxious fumes that make dolphins cry?

This month, we feature a shootout between two of the most popular smartphones on the market, the iPhone 5, and the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Are you: a “TEAM SAMSUNG, BABY!!”? b “APPLE TO THE CORE!!”? c Completely indifferent – your phone makes and receives

messages. That’s all you’ll ever want

or need it to do?

calls, and sends and receives SMS

FACT QATAR NOVEMBER

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Aramede

Crowne Plaza The Business Park (Tel: 4408 7777)

BODIES

LEISURE

SPORTS

NIGHTS

EATS

VENUE REVIEW

The Crowne Plaza is the newest member to the Doha family of hotels. Located on Al Matar Street, the ‘business park’ stands testament to youth and modernity. Aramede, one of the venues currently open, does the same with its concept of an all-day dining ‘theatre’ restaurant. Aramede is large and spacious, open and airy. It resembles a theatrein-the-round as the tables encircle a big buffet with live cooking stations, where all the performance takes place. You can choose from an a la carte menu too, and we have heard from not just one person that the burger is a must-try. On the night we went we chose to go for the buffet instead, however, with its hot and cold appetisers, international main course selection, and pizza, noodles and grill live stations. There was a great mixture of various cuisines and a fantastic Arabic mezze section. As you can imagine, it took a few trips, and with each one our plate was overflowing with spoonfuls of the various dishes. For many people trying out a new restaurant, there is a certain telling dish that you have high expectations for. This, we can tell you, for us, is

FACT QATAR NovemBER

moutabel. And in Aramede, dear readers, the moutabel is to die for. That being said, so were our numerous other choices such as the vine leaves and cabbage salad with orange and moussaka. We did a double take as we wandered past the pasta salad with salmon, which is coloured purple and blue. We had to try it and were very glad we did (we went for seconds on this dish!). For mains, we went for the grill and noodles section, where you can dictate to the chef exactly what you want. For grilling we had a choice of shrimps, beef and lamb, while the egg or rice noodles are served with a selection of vegetables and choice of sauces (fish, soy, teriyaki), which we added a little chilli to. While the portion sizes they serve up may be too small for some people, we found them to be just right, and the best bit is you can always go back for more (and, again, we did!). Surprisingly, we still had room for dessert, and this is where it really got tough. We could have filled our plates over and over with the amount of choice in this section, but instead we settled with a few and shared.

There were some really interesting dishes such as a kiwi mousse cake and coconut jelly, but we have to say the star of this play (get it?) had to be the blueberry crème brulee. This was absolutely delicious and perfectly topped off with a sprig of mint that, when added to your spoon, completely transformed the initial flavours. Another of our favourites was the aromatic umm ali, which is another one of those dishes we test a restaurant on. All in all, we were very impressed with the food at Aramede – it was certainly no tragedy (winky face) and will be going back to test the a la carte options ASAP. We were also happy to hear that the buffet changes every night, so our food review will never quite end. The one thing we would say, however, is that if you’re looking for a romantic night out for two, this may not be our top choice. For a big group of friends, though, it would be great, particularly during the day when the light will stream in through the large bay windows and you can enjoy their QR89 per person business lunch menu.

The Famed Al Sultan Brahim Opens AS of last month, The St Regis Doha opened its doors to Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning seafood restaurant, Al Sultan Brahim. The original place, located on the Beirut coastline, was founded in 1968 by three brothers. It fast became known for its fresh food and use of precious recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. The new venue at St Regis offers an authentic experience with a large outdoor terrace for al fresco lunchtime and evening dining, as well as shisha. GO: Call 4446 0105

Going Lebanese with Sharq Village SHARQ Village and Spa will be hosting a Lebanese food festival at the end of this month (25th to 30th) at Al Liwan for QR250 per head. Chef Al Hadla and his team are inviting guests to enjoy Mediterranean flavours mingled in with fresh vegetables, seafood and lamb that have been created into modern dishes

from a country that is famed for their culinary expertise. On top of all that, there will be a Lebanese cooking class held on the 26th at 10am for QR235 per person, where the team will reveal their secrets and teach you some practical skills. Of course, this is all followed by an epic three-course lunch.

GO: Call 4425 6666.

Fast Food Just Got Healthy

TWO branches of the latest craze to hit the Middle East have opened up on our Doha doorsteps at Al Nasr Street and Musheireb. Just Falafel, a food chain that was first opened in Abu Dhabi in 2007, has been taking the region by storm and has brought their brand of healthier, more ethical fast food to Qatar. They make some of the best falafel (and offer a healthier baked option) and combine it with international flavours such as American, Japanese, Greek, Indian and Italian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to name a few. Go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks or dessert, as there is a bit of something for everyone. Get the mini falafel bites, or the chunky falafel burger, the lentil side salad or some homemade Italian gelato. See what we mean? Your body and your vegetarian friends will thank you for it! GO: Call 4443 8378 (Al Nasr) or 4441 0737 (Musheireb)

FACT QATAR NovemBER

with

Chef Richard Zeber

This month we headed to one of the many kitchens at the Radisson Blu to test and taste a few of Executive Pastry Chef Richard Zeber’s creative and flavoursome delights.

hen you’re dining out at a restaurant and decide to throw caution to the wind and tuck into a delicious sweet treat, there are few things worse than realising it just wasn’t worth it. Talk about your empty calories! So when we headed to the kitchen of Pier 12 to check out the skills of Executive Pastry Chef Richard Zeber, we had high hopes. Chef Richard hails from Germany where he qualified as a baker and confectioner. From there he has moved around the world working at hotels and resorts in a range of countries such as Spain, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Mexico and Jordan, until he came to Doha in 2007 to work at the then Ramada Plaza where he has since settled. With all this worldly experience, Chef has certainly fine-tuned his abilities to please the taste buds of an international clientele; a challenge which he says can be very interesting rather than difficult. Overall, he says, peoples’ main concern is the amount of sugar they consume. “It should be light and well balanced with the sugar – not too sweet,” he explains. We soon found out that this is a balance Chef gets perfectly right. He tells us at the hotel they change the menus nearly every six months and in that time he gets creative with his dishes. “You have to play with it – play with the flavours, try to create and invent a new one or a new combination of flavours,” he explains. “When you eat it you get many sensations on the tongue of different kinds and usually at the end of the course it plays between sweet and sour.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

“When you create a pastry you think ‘when you eat it what [taste] will last longer than the others’.” As he spoke, we watched him create three incredibly delicious-looking dishes: A molten chocolate cake (QR42 in Bentley’s Grill); a ‘chocolate mousse disk’ (a new creation for QR42 in Bentley’s Grill); and the citrus-cremoux with light vanilla cream (QR35 at Chingari). As you can imagine, as we watched we began to drool. As he beat the eggs and whisked the sugar, we took notes (which, dear readers, we might share if you ask nicely!). And then came taste time… The molten chocolate cake which we watched him make from scratch with Frenchimported, 70 per cent cacao, Valrhona chocolate and a tab of a milkier variety in the middle to produce the ‘lava’ – was decorated with a few squeezes of raspberry and mango sauce, and topped with a scoop of Baskin Robbin’s vanilla ice cream with an almond crisp and honey. It was to die for. The chocolate seeped onto the plate once you cut in, and with a spoonful of every flavour combined, it was just one of those dishes you will never regret ordering. Then came Chef ’s very own creation – the chocolate mousse disk. This was interesting and the overall creativity truly impressed us. On the bottom you have a wafer with mousse swirls surrounding a few raspberries, which is topped with a very thin chocolate ‘disk’. Then placed on top of that was a curl of chocolate, a roll of vanilla ice cream and some actual gold. The

Chef Richard - obviously enjoying himself!

The FACT team - obviously keen to get to the tasting part!

various textures worked well together with the mixture of chocolate and vanilla. For us, however, the unexpected piece de la resistance was the citruscremoux. We say unexpected, not because we thought it wouldn’t be good, but because we couldn’t imagine just how good! If in one scoop you get all the layers of light vanilla cream, chocolate pieces with wafer and passion fruit/ orange topping, it is absolutely incredible. The mix of flavours, combined with the various textures, literally make your eyes pop out with surprise. You then proceed to make involuntary ‘yummy’ noises (we managed to catch these on tape if you need the evidence). When we ask him about his inspirations and methodologies he says simply, “Pastry is a kind of art. We have to create something new and try to match the taste of the people.” Well he certainly matched the taste of these people! FACT QATAR NovemBER

RESTAURANT LISTINGS CHINESE

EATS

RUBY WU’S Radisson Blu 4428 1555 TSE YANG The Pearl-Qatar, Porto Arabia 4495 3876 ext 2071

NIGHTS

EUROPEAN

SPORTS

Grand Hyatt Unveils Majlis Indoor and al fresco dining with great mezze, ambience and loads of shisha flavours? What more can we ask from Grand Hyatt.

BODIES

LEISURE

THE latest venue to open its doors at the Grand Hyatt Doha is new Arabian-style café Majlis. A contemporary venue with traditional fare, Majlis offers indoor and outdoor seating, with true Arabic hospitality and custom shisha service. Authentic Arabic mezze, a plethora of coffee options and a wide array of shisha flavours are on offer and served in the traditional way. Expect tasty cold mezze classics such as moutabel, labneh and hummus alongside more meaty hot mezzes, served with staple but delicious breads. Indoors it has that ‘majlis’ feel – small but intimate and with a modern touch - and outdoors you can enjoy views of the Pearl, the Grand Hyatt’s perfectly manicured lawns and a calming water feature. It is a great place to go for a catch up after a hard day at work with all your friends or for an early lunch as it is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 11am to 12pm and Thursdays to Fridays until 2am (although the kitchen closes at 11.30pm). GO: Call 4448 1234

FACT QATAR NovemBER

NORTH AMERICAN

APPLEBEE’S Four outlets across Doha 4493 4880 (City Center Mall) CHILI’S Four outlets across Doha 4444 5335 (Salwa Rd) DAIRY QUEEN GRILL’N’CHILL Three outlets across Doha 4432 0982 (Ramada Junction) JOHNNY ROCKETS Two outlets across Doha 4455 2792 (Salwa Rd) RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN Ras Abu Abboud 4443 7846 ROGER’S DINER C Ring Road 4455 2333

ASIAN

WOK MEE NOODLE HOUSE Movenpick Tower and Suites 4496 6600 SPICE MARKET W Hotel 4453 5135 NUSANTAO: SEA KITCHENS Four Seasons 4494 8601 ASIA LIVE! Doha Marriott 4429 8472 CHOPSTICKS Wyndham Grand Regency 4434 3225 CHOPSTIX Holiday Villa Hotel & Residence 4408 4230 NOODLE HOUSE The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 2531

BRAZILIAN

IPANEMA BRAZILIAN CHURRASCARIA West End Doha 4419 6100

AROMA Kempinski Residences and Suites 4405 3325 BISTRO 61 Al Fardan Towers, West Bay 4498 9393 BISTRO BISTRO Radisson Blu 4428 1555 LA SAHITAINE Hilton Doha 4423 3333 PICASSO’S Radisson Blu 4428 1555 SORMANI The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 3222 BELGIAN CAFÉ Intercontinental Doha 4484 4444

FINE DINING

THE DINING ROOM Al Najada Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif 4433 6444 PORCINI Ritz-Carlton 4484 8360 GORDON RAMSAY DOHA St Regis Doha 4446 0105

FRENCH

LA MAISON DU CAVIAR W Hotel 4453 5303 BRASSERIE CENTRE-VILLE Reopening Renaissance City Center Hotel 4419 6100 DALLOYAU The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 1961 LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECÔTE The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 1411 PAUL BAKERY & RESTAURANT Two outlets across Doha Landmark Mall: 4486 0776 MAXIM Radisson Blu 4428 1428

INDIAN

BOMBAY BALTI Radisson Blu 4428 1555

CHINGARI Radisson Blu 4428 1555 SAFFRON LOUNGE Katara Cultural Village 4408 0808 TAJ RASOI Doha Marriott 4429 8570 STAR OF INDIA Al Markhiya 4486 4440 SARANGI Horizon Manor Hotel 4445 5444

INTERNATIONAL

BLUE Grand Heritage Hotel Doha 4445 5535 FLAVOURS Grand Heritage Doha Hotel 4445 5544 LE CIGALON La Cigale Hotel 4428 8698 AL CANTEEN Arumaila Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif 4433 6777 THE SQUARE InterContinental The City 4015 8888 COSMO Millennium Hotel 4424 7362 ANIMATO RESTAURANT Movenpick Tower and Suites 4496 6600 CHOICES Oryx Rotana 4402 3333 CROSSROADS KITCHEN Renaissance City Center Hotel 4419 6100 BONBINI RESTAURANT Sealine Beach Resort 4476 5226 THE LAGOON Ritz-Carlton 4484 8512 MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES W Hotel 4453 5135 MAWASEM Hilton Doha 4423 3112 AL DANA Sharq Village & Spa 4425 6227 AL WANIS TERRACE Sharq Village & Spa 4425 6868 BLUE BRASSERIE Al Sultan Beach Resort 4472 2666 CORNICHE Doha Marriott 4429 8404

J G SANDWICH CELLAR Ras Abu Abboud St 4435 7559 LENOTRE Suhaim bin Hamad: 4455 2666 Villagio Mall: 4450 7255 VINE St Regis Doha 4446 0105 OPAL BY GORDON RAMSAY St Regis Doha 4446 0105 FLYING CARPET The Torch Doha 4446 5600 YUM YUM K108 Boutique Hotel 4433 3000

ITALIAN

DI CAPRI La Cigale Hotel 4428 8840 CUCINA Renaissance City Center Hotel 4419 6100 LAGOON RISTORANTE Sealine Beach Resort 4476 5257 IL TEATRO Four Seasons 4494 8888 CARLUCCIO’S The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 3541 THE ITALIAN JOB Radisson Blu 4428 1555 LA DOLCE VITA Souq Waqif 4436 7991

LEBANESE

ZAMAN Millennium Hotel 4424 7367 AL SHAHEEN Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4071 AL MOURJAN Corniche 4483 4423 AL TABKHA The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 5875 BURJ AL HAMAM The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 1291 LIZA The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 1721 MAMIG Katara Valley of Cultures 4408 0800 AL SULTAN BRAHIM New St Regis Doha 4408 0800

Get Your Prime Cuts in The City Calling all meat eaters to the newest grill destination in Doha. Prime at InterContinental The City is at your carnivorous service.

EVERY red-blooded carnivore should be pretty excited about the choice of grills and venues dedicated to serving you the best and freshest meat in Doha because there’s plenty. And now there’s another great option for dinner from InterContinental The City. Prime, the latest venue to open at the West Bay hotel, has a menu packed full of fresh seafood, classic favourites and refreshing salads. The grill selection, on which the restaurant will build its reputation, offers top quality cuts of beef from Black Angus to Wagyu, tenderloins, sirloins and ribeyes, alongside venison, lamb and poultry. They also provide flavoured salts and mustards to match your order. On top of this, the venue, which has a contemporary interior, offers different seating areas for guests and where you sit depends on what kind of experience you are looking to have. There’s a main dining space or private, more intimate, areas for special occasions. You can be sure we’ll be reviewing this place soon enough and we won’t forget to let you know what we think! GO: Call 4446 0105

FACT QATAR NovemBER

THE WEEKEND BRUNCHES

The Lagoon brunch at the Ritz-Carlton. Quite a spread!

LEISURE

SPORTS

NIGHTS

EATS

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Fridays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm QR250 (soft drinks) or QR320 (house beverages) Call 4419 6100

AL LIWAN @ Sharq Village and Spa Fridays and Saturdays from 12.30pm to 4pm

QR250 (adults) and QR125 (children aged six to 12) Call 4425 6666

RESTAURANT GALLERY AND CORNICHE @ Doha Marriot

CROSSROADS FAMILY BRUNCH @ West End Doha

AL SHAHEEN @ Sheraton Doha Resort

THE LAGOON @ Ritz-Carlton

THE SQUARE @ InterContinental The City

OPAL BY GORDON RAMSAY @ St Regis Doha

CHOICES @ Oryx Rotana

FISH MARKET @ InterContinental Doha

VINE @ St Regis Doha

MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES @ W Hotel

LE CIGALON @ La Cigale Hotel

THE GRILL @ Grand Hyatt

Fridays from noon until 4pm QR200 (American coffee or tea) Call 4428 8698

Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR220 (soft drinks) or QR395 (house beverages) Call 4448 1240

HYDE PARK @ Radisson Blu

ISAAN @ Grand Hyatt

IPANEMA @ West End Doha

Fridays from noon until 3.30pm QR 225 (soft drinks) Call 4419 6100

BODIES

Fridays from noon until 4pm QR210 (soft drinks) or QR320 (house beverages) Call 4418 2846

Fridays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm QR275 (house beverages) Call 4484 4444

Fridays from noon until 3pm QR140 (soft drinks) or QR190 (house beverages) Call 4428 1428

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Fridays from noon until 4pm QR190 (food only) or QR270 (house beverages) Call 4485 4071

Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 4pm QR250 (soft drinks) or QR375 (selected beverages) Call 4446 0105

Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR250 (soft drinks) and QR350 (selected beverages) Call 4446 0105

Fridays from 12.30pm to 4.30pm QR250 (soft drinks), QR395 (house beverages) or QR680 (inc a bottle of bubbly) Call 4448 1240

Fridays from noon until 3pm QR235 (soft drinks) or QR340 (house beverages) Call 4429 8888

Fridays at noon until 3.30pm QR220 (soft drinks) or QR295 (house beverages) Call 4484 8000

Fridays at noon until 3pm QR210 (soft drinks) or QR285 (house beverages) Call 4402 3333

Fridays at noon until 4pm QR320 (house beverages) Call 4453 5353

SPICE MARKET @ W Hotel Fridays at noon until 4pm QR320 (house beverages) Call 4453 5353

MAWASEM @ Hilton Doha

Fridays at noon until 3.30pm QR222 (soft drinks), QR333 (house beverages) and QR444 (house beverages and French bubbly) Call 4423 3112

JAPANESE

POLYNESIAN TRADER VIC’S Hilton Doha 4423 3118

SEAFOOD

STRATA InterContinental The City 4015 8888 FISH MARKET InterContinental Doha 4484 4444

LATINO Sheraton Doha 4485 4071 OYSTER BAY St Regis Doha 4446 0105 PALOMA InterContinental Doha 4484 4444

THAI

ISAAN Doha Grand Hyatt 4448 1250 MANGO TREE The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 3231

TURKISH

SUKAR PASHA Katara Valley of Cultures 4408 2000 IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDED IN OUR LISTINGS CONTACT THE EDITOR. IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE HERE THEN DO TELL US ASAP!

Thanksgiving Dinner & Brunch @ The Lagoon

The time to express gratitude among family will be celebrated at the Ritz-Carlton with a dinner of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Take the family out for a lavish Thanksgiving dinner and relish the quality moments. There’s also a Thanksgiving brunch on the 23rd. Turkey dinners are available to go - peorders essential. -22nd November from 6.30pm to 11pm for QR240 or QR315 including bubbly. It is QR120 for kids aged 4-12 and under-4s can dine for free. -23rd November from noon to 4pm for QR260 or QR325 per person including bubbly. It is QR130 for kids ages 4-12 and under-4s can dine for free.

Family Big Day Out @ The Lagoon

There is no better retreat in the city than the lush and green Lagoon Garden to celebrate a family weekend. Children enjoy their own activities and games at the Kids’ Corner while adults indulge al fresco with their favourite hops and festive ambience! The party invites guests to dance with the live band rocking music hits that complement the international themed barbecue. -Takes place every first Saturday of the month from noon to 6pm. QR25 per item.

Piemonte Chef Table @ Porcini

All food aficionados are invited to the show kitchen of Chef Ricardo where he will demonstrate the preparation of the exquisite white truffle. The dining experience includes commentary on each dish, explaining food pairing concepts and themes, and addressing queries from guests throughout the event. At the end of the evening, each guest will receive a recipe book as a gift to remember. -Takes place on 11th November for QR600 per person.

Marina Club @ Admiral’s

The Upper Deck at Admiral’s strikes back with new beats and themed nights to keep you dancing all night, all week from Monday to Saturday! The Marina nights are: -Wednesdays, 9pm to 2am – Club Night with DJ Leo when ladies get two complimentary drinks upon entrance before 12am -Thursdays, 9pm to 2am – Ladies Night with DJ Sandy when ladies get three complimentary drinks when they come before 12am or one after -Fridays, 9pm – 2am – RnB and Hip Hop Night with DJ Aloysius when ladies get two drinks if they come before midnight -Saturdays, 9pm – 2am – Retro and commercial (Old school vs new school) when ladies get two drinks upon entrance before midnight -Mondays and Tuesdays, 8pm – 2am – Live bands perform

BODIES

AL MATAAM Musheireb Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif 4433 6700 AL HUBARA Sheraton Doha 4485 4071 MAJLIS New Doha Grand Hyatt 4448 1250

SOUTH AMERICAN

THIS MONTH AT THE RITZ...

LEISURE

MIDDLE EASTERN

THE GRILL Doha Grand Hyatt 4448 1240 PRIME New InterContinental The City 4015 8888 NEW YORK STEAKHOUSE Renaissance City Center Hotel 4419 6100 BENTLEY’S GRILL Radisson Blu 4428 1555 ASTOR GRILL St Regis Doha 4446 0105 JW STEAKHOUSE Marriot Doha 4429 8888 LE GRILL Diplomatic Club 4484 7420

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

SPORTS

LE CENTRAL La Cigale Hotel 4428 8698 EAST Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel 4433 6555 ARAMEDE Crowne Plaza Doha 4408 7777 MYKONOS InterContinental Doha 4484 4444 LA VILLA Mercure Grand Hotel 4446 2222 THE CELLAR Oryx Rotana 4402 3333 ROCCA Doha Grand Hyatt 4448 1270 THREE SIXTY The Torch Doha 4446 5600 LE GOURMET Souq Waqif 4436 1789

STEAKHOUSES

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

NIGHTS

MEDITERRANEAN

LA MER Ritz-Carlton 4484 8360 PAMPANO The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 1221 RED LOBSTER C Ring Road 4444 1066 PIER 12 Radisson Blu 4428 1555 L’WZAAR Katara - Valley of Cultures 4408 0710

EATS

YEN SUSHI BAR La Cigale Hotel 4428 8698 SAKURA Radisson Blu 4428 1555 YUZU Swiss-Belhotel 4407 8888 MIDORI The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 ext 6779 SUSHI MINTO Salwa Road 4467 5577

More to enjoy...

Shisha Under the Stars @ The Shisha Terrace

Enjoy your favourite shisha under 1,001 stars and choose from a wide variety of flavours as the shisha butler ensures you have a full aromatic experience of this night-honoured ritual. -Saturdays to Wednesdays at 6pm to 12am or weekends (Thursdays and Fridays) from 4p to 1am

Overtime @ La Mer

120 minutes of the best overtime ever! Purchase two drinks and pay for one. It only takes 33 seconds to get to Level 23. -Sundays to Thursdays, 6.30pm to 8.30pm Jaula Spa at the Grand Hyatt, one of Doha’s most luxurious

FACT QATAR NovemBER

NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS EATS

Getting in the party spirit

CIGAR LOUNGE DUNES Doha Grand Hyatt 4448 1280 HABANOS Ritz-Carlton 4484 8000

LIBRARY AND CIGAR LOUNGE Four Seasons 4494 8888

NIGHTS

VINTAGE St Regis Doha 4446 0105

BODIES

LEISURE

SPORTS

Go Brazilian at Misturado There’s a new night spot in the city and it’s one that should not be ignored. OFTEN, it can feel as though there are a slight lack of venue options when it comes to nights out so when something new comes along it has to be properly sampled. So, as soon as we heard about the latest opening at Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park, we decided we must review (for you!). Misturado, a Brazilian themed bar and lounge, targets the young, energetic and trendy in Doha. The interior is brightly coloured and (dare we say it) funky. In terms of seating, there’s plenty of room with three distinct areas: a brightly-lit lounge; a more dimly-lit area with sofas and booths; and a terrace lounge with a large plasma TV screen. The best bit about Misturado, though, is that the beverages are reasonably priced and the menu is extensive. There are cocktails, mocktails and all the classics, plus Brazilian-themed bar bites such as chicken skewers wrapped in bacon with tomato sauce and, interestingly, a pie with artichoke which is our editor’s favourite (she’s vegetarian and was chuffed with the options!). Whichever way you look at it, you must take a look, as it is a worthy addition to Doha’s nightlife scene. GO: To find out more, call 4408 7777

FACT QATAR NovemBER

BARS LOUNGES

HIVE InterContinental The City 4015 8888 THE LOUNGE Kempinski Residences and Suites 4405 3325 GLO COCKTAIL LOUNGE West End Doha 4419 6100 WAHM W Hotel 4453 5000 TRADER VIC’S Hilton Doha 4423 3118 PEARL LOUNGE Marriot Doha 4429 8444 THE LIBRARY Radisson Blu 4428 1428

DUNES Doha Grand Hyatt 4448 1280 MADISON PIANO BAR La Cigale Hotel 4428 8665 SKY VIEW La Cigale Hotel 4428 8204 CHAMPIONS West End Doha (Renaissance City Center and Marriott Courtyard) 4419 6100 IRISH HARP Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4071 BELGIAN CAFE InterContinental Doha 4484 4954 ADMIRAL CLUB AND MARINA CLUB Ritz-Carlton 4484 8000

Who will be the Best Band in Doha?!

The Clash 7 at Radisson Blu’s Qube moves to its final stages this month in order to crown Doha’s most talented band... SEVEN years on and The Clash 7 is still on a mission to find the most talented and entertaining bands in Doha. This month it finally reaches its climax as the lucky finalists battle it out on stage to win the title of Best Band in Doha and a cash prize that can be used on instruments and equipment. How it works is local bands with four or more members play their style of music for GO: Call 4428 1555. Note: Only over-21s allowed in.

crowds at Qube for a panel of judges. This year DJs Josey Kray and radio star Bernie Lyons are the ones handing out their sage advice to budding musicians, playing anything from thrash metal to hip hop and everything in between. The semi-finals will take place on the 16th and 23rd, with the grand finale on the 30th so go check it out and cheer on your favourites!

MEZZO BAR Swiss Belhotel 4407 8841

BUBBLES ON TWO Radisson Blu 4428 1428

DOHA RUGBY CLUB BAR Doha Rugby Club 4468 3771 SHEHRAZAD BAR AND IRISH TERRACE Radisson Blu 4428 1428

TRADER VIC’S Hilton Doha 4423 3118 MISTURADO New Crowne Plaza Doha 4408 7777

CLUBS

JAZZ CLUB Oryx Rotana 4402 3333 CLUB 7 La Cigale Hotel 4428 8665

CRYSTAL LOUNGE W Hotel 4453 5135

Irish Harp @ Sheraton Doha Daily from 17.00 – 20.00 QR25 on selected beverages Admiral’s @ Ritz-Carlton Saturday to Wednesdays, 17.00 – 19.00 Buy one get one free on selected beverages Crystal Lounge @ W Hotel From 20.00 – 22.00 Buy one get one free on selected beverages Zawaya Bar & Lounge @ Hilton Daily from 16.00 - 19.00 Buy one get the same one free Wahm @ W Hotel Afterwork Aperitivo everyday from 17.00 – 20.00 The Lounge @ Kempinski Residences & Suites Daily from 17.00 - 19.00 Half price on selected beverages and food menu items Dunes @ Grand Hyatt All day on Sunday Half price on selected beverages

BODIES

LAVA InterContinental Doha 4484 4936

Glo Cocktail Lounge @ West End Doha Daily from 17.00 – 20.00 Selected beverages at QR25 or cocktails from QR35

LEISURE

KROSSROADS Horizon Manor Hotel 4445 5444

Champions @ West End - Renaissance City Center Daily from 17.00 – 19.00 QR25 on selected beverages

SPORTS

ORION Radisson Blu 4428 1428

Jazz Club @ Oryx Rotana Daily from 19.00 – 20.00 30 per cent discount on selected beverages

NIGHTS

MANHATTAN Radisson Blu 4428 1428

Hive @ InterContinental The City Daily from 17.00 – 19.00 Buy one get one free on selected beverages

EATS

OYSTER BAY St Regis Doha 4446 0105

Happy Hours

the happy hours

Cigar Lounge @ Sharq Village and Spa Daily from 17.00 - 20.00 Half price on regular brands and beverages

WINDOWS Swiss Belhotel 4407 8999 QUBE Radisson Blu 4428 1428 FAHRENHEIT Horizon Manor Hotel 4445 5444

Wahm at W Doha

FACT QATAR NovemBER

SPORTS LISTINGS LET US UNITE FOR OUR FUTURE...

GYMS AND FITNESS CLASSES

Available classes include martial arts, yoga, pilates, zumba, dance, swimming, spinning, circuit training, step aerobics, and many more. Al Massa Active By Khalifa Stadium 4436 4850 (men) / 4444 4161 (ladies) ASPIRE ACADEMY www.aspire.qa 4413 6219 BOOT CAMP QATAR Bootcampqatar.com 5570 1626 or 3000 8974 CONTOURS EXPRESS Off Salwa Road, parallel to Al Sadd 4498 0099 or 4464 1540 CURVES Three locations across Doha Salwa Road – 4469 9955

A Ritzy Charity Family Day

Head down to the Ritz-Carlton on the 17th to enjoy a fun day out for all the family and give a little to a good cause while you’re at it!

WITH true community spirit, the Ritz-Carlton will be doing their bit this month with a charity family day called Let Us Unite For Our Future on the 17th. It comes as part of their social and environmental responsibility platform, the Community Footprints, which, they say, is dedicated towards the active support of all members of the community, as well as the environment. The event, which will start at 8am and go on until 7pm, includes a range of activities in three different programmes, for all the family to get involved with. First up, there are the sporting events a walk-a-thon and swimming relay. The walk-a-thon, which will be organised as a ‘fun run’, will start at the hotel at 8.30am and from there will cover four kilometres until participants reach the hotel again. The swimming relay, on the other hand, will be open for any teams of two members of the same family. The second programme is for family activities and focuses on green initiatives alongside being healthy. Green Inspiration will be a creative visual session under the theme of ‘Green Qatar’ (Ed:

FACT QATAR NovemBER

Perhaps we should take this issue along as show and tell!). It will target mainly children in order to raise awareness of the growing need towards environmental care. On the flip side, they will be holding the Healthy Smoothie Challenge which targets the parents and aims to attract their attention to the detrimental and unhealthy snacks that kids are often eating. The smoothies, which will be created by the participating parents, will be judged on the drink’s nutrition value and balance. Alongside all of these initiatives, the Ritz will also hold a barbeque picnic featuring international and Arabic finger foods. The proceeds of which will go directly to the Red Crescent, a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation in Qatar. To keep the youngsters busy and entertained during the day, there will also be a whole host of other activities from face painting to balloon twisting. There will also be a bouncy castle and popcorn and cotton candy stations. We think we might have to join in there if the kids don’t mind! GO: Let Us Unite For Our Future will take place on 17th November at the Ritz-Carlton from 8am to 7pm. For more information, call 4484 8000

ÉNERGIE FITNESS CLUB Airport Road (next to Ramez Shopping) 4456 6582 FITNESS FIRST City Center Doha 4411 5999 IFITNESS VILLAGIO Villagio Mall 4491 6211 (ladies) 4491 6222 (men) HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB InterContinental The City 4015 8888 SWISS BELHOTEL GYM AND POOL Swiss Belhotel 4407 8549 GRAND HYATT GYM, POOL AND BEACH Grand Hyatt Doha 4448 1056 OZONE GYM La Cigale Hotel 4428 8888 PURE LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405 3307 BAY VIEW 26 WELLNESS CENTRE Movenpick 4496 6410 VITALITY ZONE HEALTH CLUB Renaissance City Center 4419 5520 POOL, BEACH AND FITNESS FACILITIES St Regis Doha 4446 0000

Khalifa Stadium at ASPIRE, once lonely, will have very many stadium friends in the near future. Image by Xavier Bouchevreau

FITNESS CENTRE AND SWIMMING POOL Wyndham Grand Regency 4434 3152

QATAR BOWLING CENTER Al Bidda Street 4432 9178

QATARSUB Souq Waqif 4434 1234

THE BAY CLUB InterContinental Doha 4484 4852

CRICKET

DOHA SUB-AQUA CLUB Near Sharq Village Dohasubaquaclub.com

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES Ritz-Carlton Hotel 4484 8173 LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES The Diplomatic Club 4484 7450 SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4600

BADMINTON

QATAR BADMINTON ACADEMY qatarbadmintonacademy@gmail.com

BOWLING

STRIKE BOWLING City Center Doha 4483 9162 GONDOLANIA BOWLING CENTER Villagio Mall 4403 9800

QATAR CRICKET ASSOCIATION Near Doha Golf Club 4431 4154 qatarca@hotmail.com

CYCLING

QATAR CYCLING FEDERATION Qatarcf.org 4447 5522 QATAR CHAIN REACTION Qatarchainreaction.org info@qatarchainreaction.org

DARTS

DOHA DARTS LEAGUE dohadartsleague.com Call Elsa on 6664 1750

DIVING/SNORKELLING QATAR DIVERS By Doha Marriott Hotel 4431 3331

PEARL DIVERS 4444 9553

FISHING

TRIPS THROUGH SHERATON DOHA Call Bassel on 5551 8100 THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB West Bay Lagoon 4484 7444 QATAR SEA ANGLING ASSOCIATION Call Tony Moorat on 5550 1906

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDED IN OUR LISTINGS CONTACT THE EDITOR. IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE HERE THEN DO TELL US ASAP!

FACT QATAR NovemBER

SPORTS

NIGHTS

EATS

SPORTS LISTINGS

LEISURE

Go swimming in the DIplomatic Club’s snazzy pool located by the Pearl. Call 4484 7450.

FOOTBALL

EVOLUTION SOCCER QATAR Evosportsqatar.com 5506 4794 QATAR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ASSOC. Qatar.wfa@gmail.com

FLYING

BODIES

Qatar Aeronautical College Ras Abu Abboud Street 4440 8888

FRISBEE

DOHA ULTIMATE FRISBEE Rayyan Road Park or American School of Doha Visit sites.google.com/site/qatarulti

GOLF

DOHA GOLF CLUB West Bay 4496 0777

HOCKEY

DOHA HOCKEY CLUB info@dohahockeyclub.com WANDERERS HOCKEY CLUB Bosco_menezes@hotmail.com

FACT QATAR NovemBER

QATAR HOCKEY ACADEMY Qatar Hockey Federation 5587 8317

FALCON TAEKWONDO ACADEMY Al Mansoura 4442 3012

AL KHOR RIDING CENTER 4421 8857

KARATE The International Academy Development 4432 0974

AL SAMARIYA STABLES Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani farm 5525 7203

AIKIDO Sheraton Doha 5562 4178

AL SHAQAB RIDING ACADEMY Alshaqab.com 4454 6320

MOTORCYCLING

HORSERIDING

QATAR RACING AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB RIDING SCHOOL Qrec.gov.qa 4480 8122

KITESURFING

FLO KITE SCHOOL Call Flora Pestre on 5504 1039 KITEBOARDING QATAR 6601 8941 Kiteboardingqatar.com

MARTIAL ARTS

KOREA TAEKWONDO CENTRE Al Muthanna Complex, opp Jarir Bookstore 4465 9066

for

Intercultural

DOHA QATAR CHAPTER HOG Hogdohaqatarchapter.com QATAR MOTOR AND FEDERATION Losail International Circuit 4472 9151

PARASAILING

PARASAILING Sheraton Doha Call Bassel on 5551 8100

PILATES

ASPIRE ACADEMY www.aspire.qa 4413 6219

MOTORCYCLE

TENNIS

RUNNING

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES The Diplomatic Club 4484 7450

Doha Rugby Union FC Doha Rugby Club, near Doha College 4468 3771

DOHA BAY RUNNING CLUB Dohabayrunningclub.webs.com

QTHLETICS Al Sadd Sports Club 4411 7911

SAILING

DOHA SAILING CLUB Ras Abu Abboud Street 4443 9840

SQUASH

DUFFERS SQUASH LEAGUE Email Williams@qp.com.qa www.squashleagues.com/duffers

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES The Diplomatic Club 4484 7450 SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4600

SWIMMING

DANA CLUB Dafna behind Qatar Sports Club 4496 0600 DOHA DOLPHINS Doha College and Hamad Aquatics (Aspire Zone) 4411 7911 ENGLISH SWIM CLUB lessons@englishswimclub.com 3348 7308 H2O SWIM CLUB American School of Doha 5564 1475

ELITE TENNIS ACADEMY Samrya Garden Compound and Doha College 5566 4747 Elite-tennisacademy.com FOUR SEASONS HOTEL Corniche 4494 8888

TRAMPOLINING

GYMNASTICS ACADEMY DOHA Doha English Speaking School 6664 5032

VOLLEYBALL

3RD FILIPINO VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION Philippine International School 5585 2101

WAKEBOARDING/WATERSKIING LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES The Diplomatic Club 4484 7450

YOGA

YAMA YOGA STUDIOS Salwa Road, West Bay and Al Dana 6617 5802 PURE LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405 3307 FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES Ritz-Carlton Hotel 4484 8173 SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4600 SIX SENSES SPA Sharq Village and Spa 4425 6999 ASPIRE ACADEMY 4413 6219

Bounce yourself healthy with these bad boys

Are you looking for a more creative way to get fit? Why not try Kangoo Jumps? Trust us, it’s fun!

YOU may at this point think we’re crazy or that you’re not crazy enough to try it out. But we have to say when we at FACT tried out Kangoo Jumps we had a shed load of fun and completely forgot we were even exercising. In our opinion, that’s the best kind of weight loss regime. Basically, Kangoo Jumps is a type of rebound shoe which is very low impact. In fact, it apparently reduces ground impact by up to 80 per cent. They were originally developed as a recreation device for leg injuries but soon caught on in the weight loss world. According to various scientific studies, you use 20 per cent more calories using Kangoo Jumps than regular shoes but it is also a very effective way of kick starting the lymphatic system to carry on ridding our bodies of wastes and toxins. This type of exercise is also said to increase endurance, improve your posture and coordination, and build bone mass. After regular use, the base metabolic rate (the rate at which our body burns calories) becomes far more efficient. This means that after a while, we don’t even need to be exercising to burn more calories! (Now that’s what we like to hear). Overall, the pros outweigh the cons and at the end of the day there’s no reason for you not to try it out. The worst than can happen is you have some fun. Not a bad deal we think!

BODIES

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES Ritz-Carlton Hotel 4484 8173

LEISURE

KHALIFA TENNIS AND SQUASH COMPLEX Dafna 4440 9666

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel 4485 4600

SPORTS

REGATTA SAILING ACADEMY InterContinental Doha 4442 4577

Jump in and get healthy

NIGHTS

QATAR HASH HOUSE HARRIERS 5551 9603 abkuw@yahoo.com

KHALIFA TENNIS AND SQUASH COMPLEX Dafna 4440 9666

HEARTS PUMPING...

EATS

RUGBY

GO: InterContinental Doha’s Bay Club offers a Kangoo Jumps class on Tuesday’s at 7pm to 8pm for ladies only. Call 4484 4852 for more information.

FACT QATAR NovemBER

WORTH YOUR TIME

MATHAF - ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

www.mathaf.org.qa After a long summer hiatus MATHAF reopens this month! Look out for: 17th: Tea with Nefertiti and Forever Now exhibition opening days with activities, tours, talks, a symposium and art-making workshops 22nd and 23rd: Arab Hip-Hop Festival with workshops, discussions and performances

SPORTS

NIGHTS

EATS

LEISURE LISTINGS

GALLERIES AND STUDIOS

LEISURE

AL MARKHIYA GALLERY Souq Waqif 6609 9687

SOUQ WAQIF ART CENTRE Souq Waqif Artcentersouqwaqif.com KATARA ARTS STUDIOS Katara Cultural Village education@katara.net

BODIES

KATARA ART CENTER Katara Cultural Village info@kataraartcenter.com VISUAL ART SECTION Building 19, Katara Cultural Village 4408 1471 QMA GALLERY AT KATARA Building 10, Katara Cultural Village 4402 8045 VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY Education City Exhibitions.qatar.vcu.edu

MUSEUMS

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART (MIA) Corniche Mia.org.qa MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Education City 4402 8855

FACT QATAR NovemBER

ARAB POSTAL STAMPS MUSEUM Building 22, Katara Cultural Village 5553 2918 FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL-THANI MUSEUM Al Samariyah 4486 1444

HERITAGE

Qatar has around 200 forts, castles and heritage sites worth checking out. Here we have listed a few. For more information visit qma.com.qa. AL KOOT FORT Al Bidda AL WAJBAH FORT Al Rayyan FANAR: ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE Next to Souq Waqif BARZAN TOWER Umm Salal Mohammed AL KHOR TOWER AND MUSEUM Al Khor, north of Doha AL WAKRAH MUSEUM Al Wakrah, south of Doha MARWAB FORT West coast of Qatar AL ZUBARAH FORT Around 100km west of Doha

BEACHES

There are plenty of beaches to visit all over Qatar. Here we have listed a few of the best. HILTON DOHA Corniche 4423 3333 ST REGIS DOHA Al Gassar Resort 4446 0000 INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA West Bay Lagoon 4484 4444 FOUR SEASONS Corniche 4494 8888 DOHA MARRIOTT Ras Abu Abboud Street 4429 8888 GRAND HYATT DOHA Near The Pearl-Qatar 4448 1234 SHARQ VILLAGE AND SPA Ras Abu Abboud Street 4425 6666 SHERATON DOHA Corniche 4485 4444 SEALINE BEACH RESORT South of Doha, just outside Mesaieed 4476 5299

INCEPTION LANGUAGE CENTRE Equestrian Street 4412 6660 or 4412 6661

KHOR AL DAID The Inland Sea, southeast tip of Qatar

STENDEN INSTITUTE Fereej Bin Omran 4488 8116

AL FARKIYA Al Khor, north of Doha AL WAKRA BEACH Al Wakra, south of Doha

FILM

Doha Film Institute dohafilminstitute.com

MUSIC

DOHA SINGERS dohasingers@gmail.com JAZZ Dohajazz.com 5571 0746 THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MUSIC Villa 81, Ahmed bin Hanbal Street 4467 1354

Cinema Land Landmark Mall 4488 1674

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The Opera House, Katara Cultural Village Qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

GRAND CINECENTRE City Center Doha 4483 9064

DOHA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA Dohaorchestra.com 3385 7784

PHOTOGRAPHY

QATAR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Qps.com.qa 4408 1812

Elizabeth Taylor in Iran ENJOY a walk around a fantastic collection of photographs of Elizabeth Taylor in Iran, taken by her personal friend and confidante Firooz. Elizabeth Taylor will forever be remembered as a classic beauty of Hollywood’s Golden Age. As a friend and a photographer, Firooz accompanied the Cleopatra star during a visit to Iran in 1976. This unique exhibition will take place at Katara Cultural Village from 1st to 30th of this month at gallery 19.

LEISURE

THE CINEMA PALACE Royal Plaza 4413 0000

SPORTS

ASPIRE Ladies Cinema 4499 7664

QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY Various branches 4438 9888

NIGHTS

KATARA BEACH Katara Cultural Village 4408 1017

QATAR UNIVERSITY College of Arts and Sciences 4403 4584

LITERATURE

EATS

OASIS HOTEL AND BEACH CLUB Ras Abu Abboud Road 4442 4424

MALL CINEMA The Mall, D Ring Road 4467 8666

THEATRE

DOHA PLAYERS Amateur dramatics group Doha_players@yahoo.com

QATAR NATIONAL THEATRE National Theatre roundabout

LANGUAGES

FANAR: QATAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE Next to Souq Waqif www.fanar.gov.qa BERLITZ E Ring Road, Mesaimeer 4455 0506 QATAR EASTERN LANGUAGE CENTER Salwa Road 4491 9580 or 6690 8551

Kimiko Yoshida at Katara

JAPANESE photographer Kimiko Yoshida, who studied photography in Japan as well as in France, where she currently lives and works, is exhibiting her work at Katara Gallery 1 this month. Kimiko is renowned for her brilliant photographic portraits, which capture timeless traditions reinterpreted by other cultures throughout history. For the exhibition, that will

BODIES

KATARA AMPHITHEATRE Katara Cultural Village Corniche

run until December, the curator has selected works where the artist features her interpretation of Middle Eastern, Arab and North African traditional dress and accessories. As in all Kimiko’s photographic work, she features as an absent character, presenting her vision of the culture she is sharing. Find out more on katara.net. The exhibition will take place in Katara Gallery 1 from 1st November until December. FACT QATAR NovemBER

WELLBEING LISTINGS EATS

WHERE TO GET A GOOD PAMPERING...

SPAS

JAULA SPA Grand Hyatt 4448 1056

DADOS SPA Al Seal Residence, West Bay 4498 0033

NIGHTS

OZONE SPA La Cigale Hotel 4428 8888 PURE SPA Millennium Hotel 4424 7777 SARAY SPA Renaissance City Center 4419 6090

SPORTS

Soothe the Aches and Pains Hot Stones Massage

ANGSANA SPA Wyndham Grand Regency 4434 3152

Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village & Spa QR730 for 80 minutes

BLISS SPA W Hotel 4453 5555

Struggling with sore muscles? Got a knot or two that need ironing out? Then hands down a hot stones massage is the treatment for you

BODYLINES LEISURE AND FITNESS CLUB Oryx Rotana 4402 3333

Words by Katy Gillett

BODIES

LEISURE

ONE of the best things you can do during times of stress, they say, is get a massage. Well, now I have something to add to that… get a hot stone massage. Historically, hot stones were used by Native Americans to treat aching muscles, and this is exactly what the modern massage form does – soothes the aches, melts the knots and really gets deep into the tissue. Basically, what happens is, flat marble stones are heated up and used as an extension of the therapist’s hands during the massage. They are also variously placed on certain points of your back, stomach, shoulders and in your palms (it can depend on your body’s needs) to improve the flow of energy throughout. Now this type of massage can be amazingly soothing or the absolute opposite depending on the therapist. But, I’m glad to say Noree at Six Senses Spa, who took care of me, is a complete pro. From the moment the treatment started, I fell into a deep state of relaxation, which incredibly took over a day to lift (yes, even when I was driving home!). She also asks where you would like her to focus and, once you point her in the right

FACT QATAR NovemBER

direction, she knows exactly what is best for you. Plus, the oils she uses are potent and if you don’t wash them off until at least that evening (or even better the next morning) your skin will seriously thank you for it. It doesn’t hurt, too, that the Doha Six Senses Spa is a stunning setting – it’s large with plenty of facilities for all guests including a gym, sauna, three pools of varying temperatures, relaxation area… the works. The aromas, the music and the traditional Moroccan style décor all add to the experience. The only drawback for me was the noise of the planes going overhead but it didn’t happen often enough while I was there for it to be a real problem. Some may argue that 80 minutes is too long but in my opinion it is the perfect length of time to really help you cure those aches and pains. I felt as though no part of me had been overlooked and floated out (to nibble apricots and almonds washed down with homedmade ginger tea) feeling very light. So, for those of you who say they don’t have the time, I would sincerely urge you to create it – for yourself and for your body. GO: Call 4425 6999/6990 for the mixed spa or 4425 6993/6995 for ladies.

CHANTARA SPA DOHA The Venue, Al Waab 4459 4233 THE SPA Ritz-Carlton Hotel 4484 8173 EFOREA Hilton Doha 4423 3441 DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPA The Diplomatic Club 4484 7450 GUERLAIN ALFARDAN SPA Renamed Alfardan Towers 4499 9250 DOHA MARRIOT SPA Doha Marriott 4429 8520 FOUR SEASONS SPA AND WELLNESS CENTRE Four Seasons 4494 8801 THE BAY CLUB InterContinental Doha 4484 4852 SIX SENSES SPA Sharq Village & Spa 4425 6999

MARIE CLAIRE Salwa Road 4468 9211

BIO-BIL HEALTH BEAUTY AND SPA Bilal Suites 4493 4433

PINKIES The Centre 4431 7959

HABIBS HAIR N BEAUTY SPA Al Sadd 4413 0672

STUDIO 1 Al Mirqab Al Jadeed 4444 7494

LADY SIAM MASSAGE Al Kinana Street 4435 4115

STYLO LADIES BEAUTY CENTER Al Sadd 4436 3626

LUCIE SAINT-CLAIR Royal Plaza 4447 7725

NARA SALON Al Waab 4447 8008

BEAUTY SALONS

LE SALON and LA SALON Alfardan Towers, West Bay 4420 8660

THE BEAUTY CENTER The Diplomatic Club 4484 7407

GET a voucher valid until 31st December for a first time trial on a micro-mist deep conditioning treatment with free head massage for just QR150 from Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon on Muntaza road, Al-Hilal Area, opposite Opera Café. Micro-mist is an advanced conditioning technique which uses ultrasonic technology to treat damaged hair by infusing it with microscopic water particles that penetrate into the roots. Basically, it’s guaranteed to leave you with smooth, silky and relaxed hair that’s healthy and ultra chic. GO: Call 4413 0672

SPORTS

BE BLOOM BEAUTY CENTRE AND SPA Al Hilal Area 4455 4422

Micro-Mist Package

NIGHTS

PATRICE Landmark Mall and Sheraton Hotel 4486 5970 and 4485 4012

EATS

REMEDE SPA St Regis Doha 4446 0000

GLOW AMERICAN SALON Salwa Road and West Bay 4468 9945 and 4411 7652

LEISURE

AL SAYYAD GENT’S SALON Wyndham Grand Regency 4434 3445 CAROLINE Oryx Rotana 4402 3333 DIVA LOUNGE Al Kinana Street 4431 8488 FRANCK PROVOST Four Seasons Hotel 4494 8844

BODIES

JACQUES DESSANGE Salwa Road 4444 9194 LA DUREE La Cigale Hotel 4428 8888 PORTO SALON The Pearl-Qatar 4495 3876 YAHYA ZAKARIA Grand Hyatt Hotel 4448 1100 CUT BY ALEXANDRE ZOUARI W Hotel 4453 5353

Jaula Spa at the Grand Hyatt, one of Doha’s most luxurious Head to Renaissance City Center’s Saray Spa to experience the ultimate in tranquility

FACT QATAR NovemBER

FINAL WORD

What’s your

QATAR

S.A.T’s? M.B.A’s? Pah! In Qatar, only one test score really matters: your Qatar IQ!

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival takes place this month. Do you:

a Roam the country armed with a pad and pen scouting for celebrities to nab autographs off of? b Scramble for tickets to all the global premieres, so that when friends talk about the movies, you can

adopt a superior air and say, “Well, of course, I was one of the first in the world to see it…”? Stay home – all it means is more traffic and more hassle?

This month we bring you a big ‘green’ feature, outlining all the ways Qatar’s eco-warriors can

save the environment. Do you:

a Read through it carefully, before buying two extra bins so that you can separate your rubbish into paper,

metal and plastic? Ignore it completely – you already separate your rubbish, and only wear clothing made from natural fibres, and eat organic vegan food, and ride to work on a bicycle, even in the middle of summer? Glance at it briefly before throwing it into the sea, and climbing back into your 6l V8 SUV and tearing off down the beach, squishing baby turtles and leaving behind a cloud of noxious fumes that make dolphins cry?

b c

This month, we feature a shootout between two of the most popular smartphones on the market,

the iPhone 5, and the Samsung Galaxy S3. Are you:

a “TEAM SAMSUNG, BABY!!”? b “APPLE TO THE CORE!!”? c Completely indifferent – your phone makes and receives calls, and sends and receives SMS messages. That’s all you’ll ever want or need it to do?

FACT QATAR NovemBER

MAWASEM- BRUNCH Hilton Doha Friday Brunch. The Perfect Way to Start the Weekend. Introducing the new way to brunch. Mawasem restaurant at Hilton Doha is hosting the Friday Brunch with a tempting oﬀer: QR 222* per person including unlimited soft drinks QR 333* per person including unlimited house beverages and bubbly QR 444* per person including unlimited house beverages and French bubbly The menu is just as attractive, and is served to live music accompanied by amazing views of the pool and beach. The Kids have their special food corner and a Kidz Paradize for fun activities. For room reservations, please visit hilton.com or call +974 4423 3333

FACT©QATAR NovemBER Hilton Worldwide 2012. *Oﬀer is subject to availability. Not valid with any other promotion or special deal. Children 6 and under dine free, 7–12 year olds receive a 50% discount.