FACT Qatar September 2016 by Fact ME

SEPTEMBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 4 QR10

VISUAL DAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AWA: A WORK OF ART-CHITECT fact magazine

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Contents

Dilmonic Expressionism: His Vision

Bahrain Ministry of Interior Commision: Patriot’s Stand

Jewels of Arabia: Z-Axes

rior Commision: Melodic Patriot

Alchohol-based markers

FACT FINDS

FASHION BLOGGERS

FASHION INTERVIEW

Jones the Grocer has an exciting new menu available for one month only!

Some of the GCC’s top fashion-lovers and digital influencers share their style.

Simplicity, minimalism and quality - that’s what drives designer Deborah Henning.

Jewels of Arabia: Y-Axes

Dome of the Rock

Alchohol-based markers on paper + Ink

Alchohol-based markers

ARTS Meet the man behind the Visual Da’awa series - art like you’ve never seen it before.

Jewels of Arabia: X-Axes

Alchohol-based markers

GLOBETROTTER

hotel hotspot

FACT brings you all the highlights from our recent trip to beautiful Thailand.

We take you on a weekend getaway to the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Dilmonic Expressionism: Her Vision

Domed Mosque

Alchohol-based markers on paper + Ink

fashion focus

VENUE REVIEW

The ultimate AW16 trend report starts right here. Get ready for seasonal inspo!

Wahm at the W Doha has been revamped and we went to check out the new look.

Alchohol-based markers

foodie corner

Alchohol-based markers

The Jazz Club at Oryx Rotana Doha has a new band and new dishes to try! fact magazine

THE EDITOR

What to Wear? “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” - Rachel Zoe.

f you find yourself staring at a closet full of clothes and still wondering what to wear (guilty as charged), you’ll know what it feels like to try and nail that perfect sense of style EVERY day. Thankfully, there’s really no better place for on-trend inspiration than the thriving fashion scene in the GCC – after all, the streets are the real runways of the world, and we’ve got plenty of proof. Turn to p15 and meet some of the region’s coolest bloggers who are doing a pretty amazing job of slaying their personal style and sharing it with thousands of followers. We also talk with UAE-based fashion designer Deborah Henning about the current fashion market, tips on starting your own brand and why ethics and simplicity are important in such a competitive industry (p29). If that’s not enough to get your style flowing, there’s a MASSIVE AW16 trend report starting p66 to get you thinking ahead about your seasonal wardrobe. From bright colours to big prints and bold accessories, there’s absolutely something for everyone. If there’s one reason you may have picked up a copy of FACT this month, it’s probably (most definitely) because of the cover. Pretty awesome, right? This unusual but striking piece of work belongs to Bahraini artist Rashed Al-Araifi who looks to all the different sciences as well as social issues for a subject matter to translate into a visual. I sat down for a chat with the talented man himself and you can read all about his brand new Visual Da’awa series starting p35. That’s not all, the September issue is packed with travel, tech, hospitality, dining and more on everything you need to know about the next 30 days in Doha. Maybe I’ll spend some time cleaning out my closet for the new season trends. Or, maybe, I’ll jump in my joggers and just continue to admire all the instagrammers who do the whole #OOTD thing really well.☺ Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 4

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition September 2016 Volume 3, Issue 4

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Publishing Director Edward Smith General Manager Hussein A. Zreik Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@fact-magazine.com) Local Editor Gareth Woods (gareth@fact-magazine.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Contributors Sofia Graniello Cover Image Rashed Ahmed Al-Araifi Distribution Ajit Kumar Neil Mahmood Sales Manager Badir Bechara Office Admin Maritess M. Agapito ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: badir@fact-magazine.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press

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

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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FACT Qatar

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

SEPTEMBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 4 QR10

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

VISUAL DA’AWA: A WORK OF ART-CHITECT

facebook Katie Roberts @ktheddfan This month’s @FACT_Qatar cover knocks it out of the park again this month! #Doha #Qatar #Fact

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52,471 reads of the August issue Waleed Al-Kooheji @iamwaleed Some mornings I wake up, take a shower, feel fresh and ready for the day. Then I walk to the car in the heat and it destroys the day.

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

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Visual Da’awa p35

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CHECK IT OUT

FAcT FINDS

Jones the Grocer Special Menu CHEF, RESTAURATEUR AND WRITER PETER GORDON WILL cOLLABORATE WITH JONES THE GROcER ON A NEW SpEcIAL MENU STARTING SEPTEMBER.

Known as the ‘Godfather’ of fusion cuisine, chef Peter Gordon is planning a series of collaborations with Jones the Grocer locations throughout the Middle East. He’ll be hosting a dinner and cooking demonstration in the UAE and rolling out a special menu across eight different locations, featuring dishes from his newest cookbook: Savour. In Qatar, the bespoke menu will be on offer from September 5 to October 2 at both The Pearl and Gate Mall locations of the restaurant. Alex Ferriss, Group Executive Chef at Jones the Grocer, says: “Peter Gordon’s unique cooking style and approach to international cuisine has made him one of the most diverse chefs in the market. Offering this menu is a great opportunity for the region to experience world class taste and talent on their doorstep.” 8

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Dishes include: Millet, roast veggies, Pietro’s egg and pomegranate; Creamy chicken, mushroom and parsnip pie; Pumpkin, ginger, chickpea and cheese soup; Miso-baked aubergine, dates, feta, crispy buckwheat and tahini yoghurt; Poached salmon, almond and grapefruit couscous; Roast chicken, kumquats, black garlic, kale and avocado; Spiced quince and pineapple oat crumble; and Pear and kiwifruit lassi. How mega does that sound? The new cookbook - Savour: Salads for all Seasons - which most of these dishes are taken from, will be available for purchase exclusively in all Jones the Grocer stores during the month of September. ✤ GO: Visit www.jonesthegrocer.com for more information.

European Friday À La Carte Brunch Indulge in a boutique contemporary European à la carte brunch selection in Aroma. On oﬀer is a variety of brunch classics, salads and starters, along with roasts and main courses, topped oﬀ with delicious sweet treats. QAR 195 per person, food only. Fridays, from 12pm to 4pm For more information, contact +974 4405 3325 | restaurants.doha@kempinski.com | kempinski.com/doha fact magazine

Listen up

Isaan Excellence

ExPERIment at Lunch If, like us, you just can’t get enough of the flame-grilled PERi-PERi goodness of Nando’s chicken, you’ll be pleased to know that the Afro-Portuguese eatery is offering a delicious lunchtime deal for all you hungry foodies out there. ExPERIment with your choice of burgers, pitas and wraps with one side and any beverage of your for QR45 only – how yummy is that? That’s a main, plus side, plus drink, enough to satisfy those PERi-PERi cravings without breaking the bank. Perfect for casual lunch catch-ups, business meetings over good food, and anyone who wants something quick, filling and delicious. Valid from 11am to 4pm daily at all Nando’s restaurants until September 30. ✤ GO: Visit www.nandos.qa to find your nearest Nando’s and for more information. 10

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The Grand Hyatt Doha’s Thai restaurant is offering up some amazing themed dining experiences to get you through the month. Isaan invites Doha residents to enjoy a tantalising journey in culinary excellence with the authentic and bold Thai flavours of the restaurant’s mouthwatering menu. Head over for Curry Nights every Monday with unlimited curry to share with a selection of fish, beef, chicken, mussels or vegetables for QR95; try the Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch, every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Guests can enjoy a soft drink brunch for QR290, a special beverage package for QR399 and the Moet brunch for QR850; Ba Mee Nights take place every Saturday with four selections of noodles to share, including a choice of noodle-based appetiser, soup, curry and stir-fry dishes for QR100 only. Palate-pleasing food at cool prices – yes please, we’ll be there! ✤ GO: Call 4448 1250 for reservations and more information.

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Listen up

A Win for Prime A congrats is in order for Prime steakhouse at InterContinental Doha The City for its recent scoop for Best Steakhouse/Grill in the global winner category at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards. Pascal Eggerstedt, General Manager of InterContinental Doha The City, said: “We are proud to have the excellence of Prime continuously recognised not just in Qatar, but also around the world. Since it’s opening in 2012, it has consistently delivered luxury and quality service to all guests.” For guests passionate about steak, awardwinning Prime is a bold, quality dining destination promising the finest selection of cuts consistently cooked and seasoned to perfection. Prime’s relaxed and comfortable setting combined with its exquisite cuisine will surely make for a memorable dining experience. Watch your steak as it’s cooked in the open kitchen, then choose from the selection of signature knives created with a specific cut of meat in mind. End the night with decadent desserts, including Prime’s famous Sweet and Sour Melting Sphere. ✤ GO: Visit Prime at InterContinental Doha The City. Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information. 12

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Remedy Time This month there are two promos at the sensational Remede Spa in The St. Regis Doha to get your wellness fix. Discover the ultimate power of the Himalaya Sound Therapy. Infuse your whole being with healing energy through the power of vibration conducted by three to seven pieces of Himalayan singing bowls. This must-try experience transforms your state of self-awareness emotionally, physically and spiritually. It reduces stress through release of unnecessary, harmful thoughts and distractions; leaving you feeling calm and energised. QR980/780/480 for 90/60/30 minutes. Go for the Youth Diamond Facial and experience a unique facial that uses cutting-edge diamond-tipped vacuum technology to lift, exfoliate plump up fine lines, minimise pigmentation and clarify pore congestion. Your skin will feel instantly hydrated with improved firmness and a noticeable lift. QR1,020 for 30 minutes. ✤ GO: Remede Spa is open from 9am to 10pm. Call 4446 0300 for reservations and more information.

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T. +974 4408 7788

W. CROWNEPLAZA.COM fact magazine

SOCIETY

#Pink #Wednesday #at #Strata #InterContinental #D oha #The #City

This weekly night has become the talk of the town and continues to draw in the party crowd every week! Pink Wednesday at Strata, InterContinental Doha The City, is a stylish affair that sees the hottest tracks being spinned for all the party-lovers out in Doha, looking for a fun time with friends! The music is good, the atmosphere is great, and everyone is there to dance and have a good night â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what more could you ask for?

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THE FASHION BLOGGER CHRONICLES FA C T M E E T S S O M E O F T H E R E G I O N ’ S B E S T FA S H I O N B L O G G E R S T O T A L K S T R E E T - S T Y L e , a u t u mn winter 2 016 trends and what it ’ s like to be A digital infl u encer in the gcc . G E T R E A D Y T O M A K E A N O T E I N Y O U R S T Y L E D I A R Y. . .

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

“With all of the perks that come with the blog, it’s important to point out that I wouldn’t have reached to this point without the undying support of my beloved followers and readers.”

PAUL RAMOS

Photography by Kieth Walter and Mark Ross Argana

@THESTYLECHOREO ABU DHABI, UAE

ot only do we find his blogger name catchy, we also love that Paul, a.k.a The Style Choreo, is one of the most consistent and active men’s fashion bloggers in the region. His everyday getup is a smart mix of edgy and corporate, blending both street casuals and office formals. “Honestly, my style is a little bit of everything,” Paul says. “I think it appeals to my readers and followers, simply because men are becoming more conscious about what to wear and they need something or someone to rely on.” And reliability is definitely key with Paul’s fashion persona, as he’s got nearly 30k insta followers keeping an eye on his style choices. H&M is one of Paul’s favourite fastfashion brands: “They always have amazing pieces that are always on trend and most of all you can look like a million dollars without breaking the bank,” he explains. He’s also a fan of Zara’s more savvy designs for men, and British brand F&F (where he currently works as the visual merchandiser). Even though we don’t really get a proper 16

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autumn/winter season here, it’s important for Paul to shine a spotlight on some of the best trends for the cooler months ahead. “I showcase looks on my blog and social media channels,” he shares. “Outfit inspirations highlighting pieces that can be worn during the season, like the camel trench coat, Chelsea boots, knit scarves, and double breasted suits in wool which are impeccably dapper.” Where the regional female fashion

blogger world is bursting at the seams, Paul’s distinct advantage is, simply, that he focuses on men’s attire and that he does it well. He believes that the fashion scene in the GCC is rapidly catching up with more mainstream trends, something he suggests could be a result of events and initiatives like Fashion Forward Dubai, Vogue Italia Fashion Experience, and influences from the wider fashion blogger community. You’ll often find Paul posting from his latest staycation spot in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, or talking about a special collaboration with a brand, getting access to press previews, or even trying out the newest food menus in town – it’s clear that fashion is a way of life for him, and his blog - www.thestylechoreo. blogspot.com - is your insight into this lifestyle. “With all of the perks that come with the blog, it’s important to point out that I wouldn’t have reached to this point without the undying support of my beloved followers and readers,” Paul says. And as if his humble attitude wasn’t enough, The Style Choreo’s advice for budding fashion bloggers will have you clicking that follow button SO fast. He says: “Credibility, passion and dedication are the main key. Do what you love and love what you do!” Preach! ✤

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

BANA ABUJABER @SIDENOTEBANAA AMMAN, JORDAN

n a world of incredible fashion freedom it can be difficult to find your own sense of style, and to stay true to it. But Bana Abujaber has got it just right. She’s cool, confident, style-savvy and knows exactly what she wants – to wear, that is. “My personal style is definitely mixing and matching high and low fashion,” she says. “It’s aimed at showing my followers just how easy it is to look good and feel good everyday, no

matter what you’re doing, where you’re going or what your budget is. What makes me appeal to my readers and followers is that I’m definitely relatable and the things I post about are easily accessible.” This we can easily see through Bana’s numerous collabos with local boutiques in Amman as well as her #OOTD combos of designer brands with high-street faves. Her three go-to accessories are chokers, below the waist belts and her Gucci Soho leather disco bag – yes, this young lady is slaying in the style stakes, but, surprisingly, Bana’s vision and popularity as a fashion blogger 18

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took time and grassroots effort to grow. “I faced a lot of challenges as three years ago the social media scene wasn’t as powerful in Amman as it was abroad and a lot of people just didn’t understand the concept of a blogger,” Bana recalls. “So it was tough trying to break those barriers especially when it came down to persuading brands to partner up with me. It took a really long time to create a name and have that name be considered as one of the best fashion influencers in Jordan,” she adds. Now that Bana’s hard work has paid off and her street cred is intact, she’s enjoying

the growth and recognition of the Middle Eastern fashion industry: “Many new designers have emerged and are hungry for blogger collaborations and vice versa,” she says. “At the same time the industry is quite small, which makes it easy to connect with the right people.” Bana’s experience of interning at a fashion PR agency in New York followed by gaining a fashion marketing degree from Parsons New School for Design have, no doubt, given her the knowledge and skills to run her blog – www.sidenotebanaa.com – which has gained her the nomination for Blogger of the Year by Living Well magazine in Jordan. When asked what her favourite high-street brands are, Bana gets straight to it: “Zara, of course! No need to explain here,” she says. “& Other Stories has definitely become one of my favourite fast-fashion brands. Anything you wear from there, makes you look super polished. I also love that they have really cool jewellery, cosmetics and shoes.” She also can’t survive a single fashion season without Topshop denim - we don’t blame her! Well-versed in all things trendy, Bana is looking forward to the velvet, prints and coloured fur trends for the upcoming AW16 season, and just like her dedicated 10k+ followers, we’ll be keeping a watchful eye on her insta feed to see how she incorporates these looks into her everyday style. ✤

“Many new designers have emerged and are hungry for blogger collaborations and vice versa.”

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

ALI AL BANA @IMALIALBANA BAHRAIN

here’s something to be said about passion, talent and natural flair when you’re designing your own collection at the age of 14 to participate in a fashion week. For Ali, this was his reality when Bahrain – as small as it may be – hosted its own fashion week back in 2010. It was here that he won first place in the emerging talent category, however, it was also this same event that caused Ali to realise the challenges within a relatively small market. After juggling school with producing a collection, and facing a lack of financial support, Ali decided that his best, most feasible and practical way of keeping a foot in the fashion world, was to write about his style experiences and reviews, and so came www.imalialbana.com. He describes his personal style as: “Imagine a male version of the late Isabella Blow, may she rest in peace, on a budget. My style revolves around emotional provocation, and I find that it appeals to my readers and followers because, in the words of Isabella Blow, ‘People want to look, they want to be amused’.” It’s no surprise then that Ali’s three go-to accessories for a trendy day-to-evening look are a black leather murse (the fashionable term for a ‘man bag’), a classic, statement 20

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watch, and three personalised bracelets. Ali’s cool and contemporary style definitely has his own personal touch, but when he does go out on the prowl for the next big fashion buy, he likes to shop at Cos for its minimal and beautiful, almost buttery fabric; French brand Kenzo for its Parisian chic niche, and H&M’s Conscious Exclusive and Studio collections. Ali’s the first to admit that being a blogger still comes with its challenges. “People need to understand that what bloggers do isn’t easy, and it’s not to be taken lightly,” he explains. “It’s not just about taking photos and coming up with captions, nor is it about getting dressed up for an event where the goody bag contains a USB or a key chain that’s as big as your phone with the designer’s initials on. It’s a lifestyle and it’s hard work,” he adds. “And overcoming this main challenge is still in the works.” On the other hand, being a male fashion blogger has also allowed Ali to learn new things in a new way. “Be it from applicable fashion sense, to the way people perceive your elaborate articles and interests,” Ali says. “You acknowledge the stability of your confidence. I mean, sure, all the flashes from the media can be an ego booster but being comfortable in your own shoes, that’s what you figure out and get accustomed to.” For AW16, Ali wants to see more risks being taken with leather harnesses, backpacks, murses and structured jackets for men - “A little bit of kink never hurt anyone, yeah?” he says, playfully.

Perhaps his most poignant piece of advise to budding bloggers is something so apparent in his own work: “Create content with an educated perspective. Don’t just follow a hype and don’t rely on fluff. Know your content, research, and develop it,” he advises. It’s this very reason why Ali’s 2k+ insta followers have grown to love his humble, provocative and utterly unique approach to fashion. Watch this space, we predict big things in the fashion future for Ali! ✤

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

CHIARA AMODEO @BONJOURCHIARA DOHA, QATAR

robably one of the most fun fashion bloggers in the region, Chiara doesn’t always take herself seriously, and this is also an element of her lively style. “My style is girly, quirky, feminine and colourful,” she says. “It’s a mix of designer pieces, high street brands and creations from new talents. I like playing with clothes, accessories and colours but always putting together outfits that are really wearable,” Chiara adds. “I think my followers love my style for that.”

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There are two trends that have already caught Chiara’s attention for the AW16 season embroidered clothes and velvet shoes. And where is she picking up the pieces to put these looks together? “I love Zara because it always has the power to catch the latest trends and make them affordable,” she explains. “The quality is also pretty good. I’m also a big fan of Topshop’s shoes and I like buying basic pieces and jewellery from & Other Stories.” Chiara loves the multiculturalism that is present in Doha, with people from all over the world living and working in the city. “This inspires me so much,” she says. “And it also influences my idea of fashion. Furthermore, the fact that the country is growing so fast and that the blogger scene isn’t developed as much as neighbouring countries, creates a lot of opportunities.” It has worked to Chiara’s advantage that her blogging journey started at a time when sharing fashion tips and advice online and through social media, wasn’t really a BIG deal in Qatar. Now, she’s amassed 17k+ followers through her blog www.bonjourchiara.com and is one of the most well-respected female fashion bloggers in Doha. This, however, does come with its challenges. “Sharing outfits in this weather and with certain cultural rules makes it hard, sometimes, to choose the right look,” she explains. “You’re not totally free to wear what you want or sometimes there are trends that you can’t follow here even if you wanted to. I like turning this challenge into an opportunity to build up a look that is respectful of rules but stylish at the same time,” Chiara says. Her enthusiasm and adoration for fashion in the Gulf is also a creative drive for Chiara. “I’m constantly impressed by the talents of GCC-based designers,” she says. “For example, Saudi designers are so sophisticated and chic, and they really create haute couture pieces. While UAE-based designers are glamourous and they know how to rock the street style scene. In general, I think GCCbased designers are amazing at mixing traditional details with modern trends.” Chiara’s most useful piece of advice has to be: “Don’t be scared, no one is an expert at the beginning,” she admits. “You’ll improve your skills and learn so much with time. But what really matters is to find your own voice and your own style. Be different and you’ll be successful.” Amen to that! ✤

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

USHI SATO @THESHADESANDSCARF DUBAI, UAE

hen Ushi left the Philippines for Dubai eight years ago, his role as an assistant designer for a local fashion house was exciting and interesting not only for him, but for his family and friends back home as well. So, the idea of having one place where he could share his fashionable experiences and whereabouts naturally led to the creation of his blog www.theshadesandscarf.com. “The main content of The Shades and Scarf is all

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about my personal love affair with fashion,” he says. “But as the blog evolved over the years, it also now discusses interesting topics about arts, shopping, lifestyle and travel.” Fashion has been the foundation of Ushi’s career and his blog is a fancy curation that works as a representation of his personal style. “I’m a maverick in terms of style choices,” Ushi tells us. “I know when to take risks and when to be a minimalist. I love to mix and match the old and the new, the simple and the bold. And storytelling through clothes is what I love to do,” he adds. You can see this throughout Ushi’s insta and blog posts – there’s colour, creativity and a canvas for distinctive trends. “I share well researched posts and most of the topics are relevant, informative and relatable,” he says. Something his 5k+ followers really value. With Dubai having quite a saturated fashion

blogger scene, Ushi manages to stand out by always embracing the advantages that his digital platform has to offer. “Being a blogger, I have the freedom to share an independent perspective to influence and inspire readers and followers,” he explains. “You’re able to share your passion and connect with others, and show them to be positive about their sense of style.” Ushi also loves the fashion in this region, describing it as “young and adventurous. It stand’s out because there’s a defined taste of elegance yet there’s also a hint of playfulness.” It’s all about accessories for Ushi, who admits that he doesn’t actually spend much on clothes. “I’m more practical in terms of shopping, that’s why fast fashion with great quality and reasonable prices is perfect to rely on,” he shares. “I do shop in H&M, Topman, River Island and Gap. I like how most of their products look basic but you can create a different vibe by playfully styling the pieces.” See, it IS possible to look uber on-trend without spending your whole salary on clothes! It’s also no surprise that for AW16, Ushi is looking forward to the different accessories like hats, caps and scarves, ready to hit the high street. “With accessories your whole wardrobe can embody a different mood,” he says. “It’s also one of the fashion staples that men can easily pull off.” On that, we agree! On surviving in the busy blogger world, Ushi advises: “Be consistent and original and know your target readers. Do it because you’re happy doing it.” It’s this postive outlook that we’re sure will keep The Shades and Scarf going for many years to come! ✤

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT

ELMIRA KAHROBAIE @ELMIRASWORLD doha, Qatar

lmira’s love affair with fashion started many years ago when her mother would make her cute dresses from Borda Magazine and her father would bring home new clothes and shoes for her, from his travels overseas. And it just so happens that Elmira’s journey into the blogosphere was somewhat accidental as much as it was coincidental. “I started posting pictures of my new shoes, or a selfie of what I was wearing, on instagram, tagging #Doha #Qatarfashion, and that’s when everything started,” she recalls. It’s safe to say that the power of hashtags is very real! Elmira’s everyday style is a mix of sport chic and modern classic, and you’ll see from her posts just how much she loves colour and prints. “Fashion is a way to express and experiment,” she says. “You can still look glamorous in jeans; you don’t need to match your shoes and bag, and if it’s risky then risk

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it, because that’s going to be YOUR style. “The best way to accessorise, for me, is with prints, fabrics and details. I believe my followers appreciate my way of putting looks together and the idea of how to do certain things, because I always share how to do it in my own way,” she adds. Elmira’s fashion individualism really does make her stand out in what has become an overcrowded digital world where #OOTD sis everyone’s go-to tag for style inspiration (and admiration). She’s come a long way from the days of the useful hashtags, which have gained Elmira a loyal following of 5k+ instagrammers. So, does she face any challenges? “Definitely. Expressing and satisfying people with different nationalities and styles as well as accepting the different culture is not always an easy thing, but I found that the best way to overcome this is to keep doing what you really love,” she says. On the other hand, Elmira really adores and believes that it is the very culture in the Gulf that feeds the many creative fashion minds. “The uniqueness of the fashion in the Gulf region and lots of creative minds, especially the local designers is incredible,” she says. “They make amazing clothes, for example, abayas designed to make every woman want to own one. The type of fabrics and prints and the beautiful accessories is what I always enjoy in this region,” Elmira adds. For AW16, Elmira wants to see lots of shiny fabrics, metallic and silvers, velvets, greens and chokers – well, if our trend report is anything to go by, her fashion stars have proved lucky! If that fashion forecast wasn’t enough to show how on top of her game Elmira is, then take her advice instead: “Express your signature style. Find it. Build it. There are always lots of others but no one like you.” ✤

FASHION SPOTLIGHT

Ashwathy Shyamkumar @askthestylecouncil BAHRAIN

ne look at Ashwathy’s insta profile and you’ll see just how fashion-oriented this beautiful young lady is. Her personal style is a reflection of her mood, and over 8k followers get an insight into this every day. “Some days I’m in trainers, leggings and an oversized tee and some days you’ll catch me in six inch heels with well tailored dresses,” Ashwathy says.

Photography by @Lenssway (instagram)

Her blog – www.askthestylecouncil.com – was initially started with a friend and only discussed designs and trends, but Ashwathy’s strong passion for all-things fashion, food and beauty led to a more focussed progression into the lifestyle arena. Her biggest challenge is actually not being able to do more shoots and coverage for the blog due to her full-time job. She only has weekends to delve into the creative side. Still, Ashwathy manages to strike a chord with local and regional fashionistas who look to her everyday style for inspiration.

“stay focused, be passionate, don’t just do it for the freebies, learn to ignore the negative comments... BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.” “I love that I get good responses from my readers; it’s what keeps me going,” she says. “I love the fact that I can inspire them and give them tips on styling without spending too much money. “I want to be the kind of blogger they can look at and say – “She’s slaying in that jacket, I want to own it too” – and just

like that, they can!” Ashwathy explains. Some of her favourite high street brands include Mango, Quiz, Topshop, and Zara, and she’s excited for the Sports Luxe trend, which incorporates boxy slogan tops, fun prints and relaxed trousers, to come in for the AW16 season. “The looks are getting more androgynous and I love the fact that trainers can be worn with anything and everything,” she says. But it’s not just street style that Ashwathy admires, she loves the mix of Arabic and western trends in the Gulf. “Modest bloggers even show us how to look stylish without showing skin,” she tells us. “Now that’s really something and I think the Middle East has so much to offer in the fashion scene. What’s even better is that we have Vogue Arabia coming out soon. It’s about time,” she adds. One of the best experiences for Ashwathy, which came as a result of her blog and following, has been the chance to become the brand ambassador for two noted brands in Bahrain – last year it was Gloss Salon & Spa, and this year it’s Hunkemoller. And if you want to follow in her fashion footsteps, Ashwathy advises to “stay focused, be passionate, don’t just do it for the freebies, learn to ignore the negative comments” and, perhaps the most important thing, “believe in yourself.” ✤ fact magazine

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8/31/14 11:13 AM

MEET DEBORAH HENNING fact magazine

FASHION interview

L iving yo u r dream after working for over a decade to achieve yo u r fashion goals is every yo u ng designer ’ s wish and for D eborah H ennin g it ’ s become a reality after her move to D u bai fo u r years ago . H ere , she tells FA C T ’ s S habana A dam abo u t her own minimalist collection , why ethics in fashion is important and what it really takes to get to where she is today …

hen you’ve worked for noted brands like Alexander McQueen and Ghost in one of the world’s biggest fashion capitals, it can either prepare you to take on the industry or throw you off completely. Luckily, for Deborah Henning, her experience in London and also with Sass & Bide in Australia was an invaluable learning curve that has helped her to create a beautiful, fresh collection. “The right kind of experience is super important,” Deborah says. “For me, it was always my ambition to start a brand and learning all the skills needed to do this allowed me to develop the kind of brand that I wanted.” But, this wasn’t always the case as Deborah had previously launched a brand under the same name in London, back in 2007. “It was like prints and colour and dresses, and silks,” she recalls. “Basically the polar-opposite of what I do now. I was young and I wanted to make nice things for girls.” Fast-forward seven years and Deborah’s new line of clothing has a defined contemporary and edgy look. “When I moved here, I’d matured as a designer and took two years to figure out the market in Dubai and exactly what I wanted and what the customers wanted.” The result is a minimalist line that uses three of fashion’s most simple and chic colours; black, white and grey. “Again, the polar-opposite of the city I’m in,” Deborah smiles. “But it’s worked quite nicely as it’s come at a time when people want something fresh and new, clean and simple, that can still be luxury and still be contemporary. For me, it’s a lifestyle brand.”

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i t ’ s tak e n D e b o ra h some serious h o u rs a n d h ard w o rk t o g e t t o t h i s stag e . “ I was n ’ t b u i lt f o r anything else, I was mad e t o d o t h i s ,” s h e say s .

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Style is not the only thing that’s different in Dubai, so is the fashion business. Where designers face heavy competition in places like London and Paris to get the attention of magazines, stores, bloggers, and even customers, Dubai has its pros for up and coming brands. “Here, the media and the stores are easier to get in touch with, to speak to and they’re a bit more open,” Deborah tells us. “Stores like my brand because it’s contemporary and offers flexibility; the quality is good enough to wear a piece in the daytime, to then style a top with a necklace for the night time, and it’s also comfortable and cool to travel in.” All of these mix and match elements infused in a playful, adrogynous collection, with the option to dress your Deborah Henning piece up or down, is something that the brand’s customers have fallen in love with. Next to the pros, there are some challenges with launching a brand out of Dubai too. “This business is a bit of the wild west here, in 32

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that people work differently and it’s probably not as organised as other places,” Deborah shares. In order to keep the balance, she advises: “The strategy, the mind set, the time scale, everything – you have to really be on it, really hassle people and really know what you’re doing. You have to be dedicated to doing it the right way.” Quality is of the utmost importance to Deborah and she has spent the past two years sourcing the best fabrics from the UK, Italy, Japan and Hong Kong. “For me, it’s about all things working in unity,” Deborah says. “The clothing has to be well-designed, has to be fashion-forward, and has to have incredibly good quality fabric and stitching.” It’s utterly refreshing to hear Deborah talk about certain issues in the fashion industry that many high-end designers and fast-fashion brands find too sensitive to address. “Fast fashion can be a complete designer killer because they take what’s on the runway and some produce it to a decent

quality,” Deborah says. “Even I wear Zara, H&M and Cos. I think my customer is the type of girl who really buys into the quality of my brand, but who might team one of my pieces with Zara trousers, for example. And that’s ok. “I do appreciate slower fashion though, from a conservative point of view,” she continues. “My problem isn’t with what fast-fashion brands produce but how it’s produced and how they run their business, in terms of working conditions and pay for factory workers and the amount of fabric and clothes that go to waste. That’s my major issue.” Suppliers are put under pressure to produce cheaper, quicker, faster, and stronger – something that Deborah doesn’t condone from an ethical perspective. She uses organic cotton and sustainably-sourced material; she regularly visits the factory that makes her clothing to check that workers’ conditions are good, that they’re paid at least minimum wage and, most of all, that they’re happy. “There’s a big amount of ethics in what I do,” she says. “It’s not just about making money. At the end of the day I’m giving people jobs and I want them to stay in that job and also do a good job. If you put out and do good, you’ll get it back - I try to keep that in mind for the whole ethos of the brand.” For all those who want to learn from Deborah, who need some creative guidance, and especially anyone who’s starting a brand but feels overwhelmed, Deborah is currently running two-day workshops to give advice on structure, strategy and everything from licensing to promotion. “To have a fashion brand you really need to be focussed and switched on, and know a thousand things at once because this industry is ruthless,” Deborah admits. “The business side can stump you from being creative. These workshops give a helping hand to stop people from going nuts! The weekend course can literally change the path of people’s careers.” With 13 years of experience and a brand that is honest, sincere and super stylish, it’s taken Deborah some serious hours and hard work to get to this stage. “I wasn’t built for anything else, I was made to do this,” she says. And the proof is in the product. ✤ GO: Pictured is the AW16 Deborah Henning lookbook. Visit www.deborahhenning.com for more information on the two-day workshops and the Deborah Henning collection.

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AUGUST 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 3 QR10

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Canvas, colour, Creativity

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VISUAL DAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AWA Aiming to challenge certain modern-day perceptions, Rashed Ahmed Al-Araifi puts an innovative spin on narrative art with sketches and paintings inspired by contemporary issues. FACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shabana Adam sits down with the Bahraini artist to learn more about his unorthodox approach and how architecture and the social sciences play a big role in his artwork.

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arts interview

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arts interview

“Being exposed to contemporary art at such a young age enabled me to find and adapt my own technique. In my opinion, art should have a function and what better function than education.”

I 1. Visual Da’awa: Path 2. Visual Da’awa: Sightless 3. Visual Da’awa: Expansion 4. Visual Da’awa: Humble GO: Follow Rashed on instagram @rashedalaraifi to keep up with all the latest from his Art-chitect pursuits.

n all of our time in the GCC, we’ve come across some truly exceptional artists. However, nothing could’ve prepared us for the chills and “wow” moment when we first saw Rashed Ahmed Al-Araifi’s work. It’s far from the traditional. Rashed, who recently returned from studying in London where he completed a degree in architecture, is not your typical artist. His admiration for the social sciences and solving socio-political, cultural, and in some cases, random issues, through art and design are the ideas often discussed in his work. From humanitarian matters, to emotional subjects of the human heart; themes of love, time, and death can be evident. These topics also act as the ultimate creative drive for Rashed, providing a deeper context for him to soak up new knowledge and translate his perspectives into an interesting visual. “What’s good about architecture and what I admire about the profession is that it encompasses all the sciences,” he says. “Like sociology, politics, economics, and you’re exposed to anthropology too, not just the design aspects, and that’s what I like about the creative industry.” He describes himself as, simply, an artistic nomad who shares his opinions visually. Rashed believes in the power of narrative and tries to use his art as a catalyst to add value to modern-day issues. “I’m a nomad, a man of the desert, a wanderer,” he says. “Being exposed to contemporary art at such a young age enabled me to find and adapt my own technique. In my opinion, art should

have a function and what better function than education,” Rashed adds. His latest series, pictured on these very pages, and on the magazine’s front cover, is titled Visual Da’awa, and it’s a fine example of his vision of using art to educate people about certain social, cultural, and religious issues, amongst other things. “The pieces from the Visual Da’awa series are basically a translation of particular verses in the Quran,” Rashed tells us. “I try to give a sense of dynamism to the verse because it has so much depth and so many layers, and it could be read in so many different ways. At some point I would like to make a children’s book so I’d educate people with simple visuals like these and show them just how rich the religion of Islam is,” he says. For anyone viewing Rashed’s work for the first time, the Visual Da’awa series may just be the furthest thing from simple. But, for Rashed, having 3,636 verses to reference means his work is open to interpretation for both young people and more artistically mature viewers too. “You’re exposed to so many different levels of audiences but in a way I try to make a universal artistic translation,” he says. “I sometimes do work like a six-year-old by, simply, translating thoughts into visuals – that’s my equation.” Rashed zones in on a particular issue, finds the missing variable, and then offers a new translation on that subject. The missing variable is, often, whatever he believes is lacking from the topic in question.

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ARTS interview

“I appreciate all art, but sometimes there’s not enough to take in... I need to be a sponge, that’s why people like Imam Al-Ghazali and Ibn Al-Haytham are the people whose literature and hypothesis I look to for inspiration.”

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“When it came to the Visual Da’awa series, I saw a missing variable in explaining a verse from the Quran through imagery,” he explains. “People have seen so much of the traditional styles of calligraphy, for example. My art presents them with something more unorthodox, but, also, it’s not just about translating a verse, it’s a mix of realism, proportion and beauty.” Take the artwork titled Visual Da’awa: Path, which took nine hours straight to complete. This image is a translation of one line – Ihdinas-Siratal Musta-qeem (guide us to the straight path) – from Surah Al-Fatihah. “As a Muslim, I read that verse everyday, five times a day, so it rings in the heart,” Rashed

shares. “That line in particular was a very significant turning point in terms of my Visual Da’awa series. It’s a very simple line, composed of very simple words that anyone can understand, but at the same time it has many different layers that give it a sense of richness,” he continues. “It’s powerful and surreal and its translation to a visual shows the head of a young person reflecting on himself, forecasting the future, and begging God to keep him on the straight path until he’s an old man.” As someone who is just as much the architect as he is an artist, sometimes it can be challenging for Rashed to find the balance between linear drawings and

arts interview

emotional portrayal. “When it comes to the actual expression, I believe in the holiness of the art,” he says. “That translation is not linear because it comes from the heart and I try to deliver work in its purest form, with visual responses that reveal my opinions, perceptions, and experiences of the world we navigate through.” After being exposed to art his whole life – Rashed’s father is a noted interior designer and his uncle is none other than the master of art himself, Rashid Al-Oraifi – it’s fascinating to learn that Rashed himself started drawing as just a hobby, with his biggest interest being Japanese animation. Now, most of his work is conceptual,

with a main focus of trying to bridge functionality and narrative, and building upon that foundation whilst maintaining an innovative artistic expression. Unlike many mainstream talents, Rashed doesn’t look to other artists for inspiration. Instead, he values the work of anthropologists, sociologists, leaders, economists and even the study of semiotics, specifically how to relate sound and imagery, to develop his work. Why? Because, it’s all about context. “I appreciate all art, but sometimes there’s not enough to take in,” he says. “I need to be a sponge, that’s why people like Imam Al-Ghazali and Ibn AlHaytham are the people whose literature

and hypothesis I look to for inspiration.” Rashed projects his stream of opinions through architecture, painting, sketching, and other creative pursuits. His problemsolving skills, eye for connotation, and ability to translate opinions through visuals are all the things that keep his unique artistic flair alive. “The main goal is to challenge the viewer and tell their mind to think,” he explains. “This kind of art will have challenges at first but I think it will pave the way for a more dynamic audience and new contemporary artists to come forward.” We’ve got just one question: How did the Visual Da’awa series challenge you? ✤ fact magazine

REVIEWs

Big Screen Sully What’s it about: Based on true events, this is the story of Chelsey Syllenberger, the pilot who became a hero after landing his plane in the Hudson River, New York, after the aircraft suffered engine failure at low altitude. His efforts saved the lives of all 155 crew and passengers onboard. Director: Clint Eastwood cast: Tom Hanks, Anna Gunn, Laura Linney Why it’s worth watching? There are so many reasons why this film is going to be worth watching – the suspense, emotion, the build up, Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks in the driver’s seat (oh, pun), and because everything you see actually happened. It was January 15, 2009 when US Airways flight 1549, an Airbus 320 jet, made the remarkable emergency water crash landing after both of its engines crippled at a lower altitude than any jet in aviation history. Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III used his 40-year training, experience and discipline as a glider pilot to safely glide the aircraft onto the Hudson River, in what is famously known as “a miracle on the Hudson”. Not only are we looking forward to seeing what occurred during the aftermath of this heroic and historical event, we’re even more excited to see Tom Hanks take on the role of the real-life pilot. After all, the man has a phenomenal talent for portraying highly-intense, real-world, situations on the big screen (remember Captain Phillips?). Our favourite line of the film is: “I’ve spent 40 years in the air, but in the end I’m going to be judged on 208 seconds,” now, if that’s not powerful, we don’t know what is!

Highlights “Not only are we looking forward to seeing what occurred during the aftermath of this heroic and historical event, we’re even more excited to see Tom Hanks take on the role of the real-life pilot.”

Queen of Katwe What’s it about: Also based on a true story is the fantastic book-to-film drama Queen of Katwe. A poor single mother is raising her 10-year-old daughter in rural Uganda. The young girl’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets a missionary teaching local children how to play chess, and discovers she has a natural talent for the game.

– Sully

“The film addresses many real-life scenarios... we hear awards season buzz. ” – Queen of Katwe

Director: Mira Nair cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo Why it’s worth watching? It’s been a hot while since we’ve seen Lupita Nyong’o beautiful and expressive face in front of the camera (her two biggest recent roles, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Jungle Book have kept her behind the screens), but she’s making a comeback with a bang. The film addresses many real-life scenarios; life in a poor African village, the uplifting power of chess, the will and determination of young women, and the struggles to achieve your dreams. Expect touching stuff and a fantastic find in the unknown lead actress, Madina Nalwanga. We hear awards season buzz!

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REVIEWs

on the record

Fully Booked

MYSTERY & CRIME

An Untimely Frost By Penny Richards

FOLK-POP INDIE/ALT

Wild World

By Bastille

The last four years have been pretty ridiculously amazing for Bastille. They’ve toured extensively, released some hugely successful tunes and become the go-to alt-pop band of the decade. The list of their achievements so far goes on and on: from four million albums sold to a British Breakthrough BRIT Award, Grammy nominations, platinum-selling singles, duets with top artists, and sold-out festivals and concerts, the South-London quartet has come a LONG way. In Bastille’s true intimate, synth-pop, and bombast style, the band announced the coming of Wild World in a 120-minute trailer called Hello. If the chilling yet soothing sound and vocals in the video don’t give you goosebumps, we don’t know what will. It’s only surprising that the group hasn’t released a studio album since their debut Bad Blood in 2013 – guess you can’t rush perfection after all. Fans will absolutely love it!

Young As The Morning Old As The Sea

We’re in 1881 Chicago where the idea of a female detective is completely unheard of. That is until famed crime buster Allan Pinkerton opens his agency’s doors to a handful of women. One intrepid actress with her own troubled past is driven to defy convention and take on a new and dangerous role. This is the first book in the Lilly Long mystery series and it’s packed full of twists that you won’t see coming. You will learn and grow with the character of Lilly who begins with something simple, but turns out to be complex. An enjoyable read!

By Passenger

Another British export, Passenger, a.k.a singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg, is releasing his seventh studio album this month and, truthfully, it is nothing short of a serene dream. The lead single Somebody’s Love is a mellow, melodic jewel. His angelic voice tells the story of a person pushing away those around her, but then wanting people around her when she comes back. This is a song about burning bridges, and whilst Passenger’s voice would make it very easy to sing about the happy side of love, he brings a real emotion to Somebody’s Love – something we’re hoping will seep into the rest of the album. We’d highly recommend ordering the deluxe version of Young as the Morning Old as the Sea, for the acoustic gems on the CD. Passenger along with his trusty guitar has more beautiful sounds coming your way.

HISTORY/SCIENCE

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World By Rachel Ignotofsky

It’s a scientific fact that women rock and this book is about to prove to you how true that is! A charmingly illustrated and educational book, Women in Science highlights the contributions of 50 notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. It’s full of trailblazing thinkers, fascinating doers and both well-known and less prominent pioneers too. A great read for knowledge and inspiration.

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357 42

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

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The 84 Perspectives: A Trip to Thailand Packed with palaces, temples, gardens, markets and some of the best beaches in the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thailand is a hugely popular destination, and for good reason. FACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gareth Woods took in the sights, sounds and tastes of Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Lampang on a mega media trip to the beautiful country, visiting some of the initiatives and projects inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

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globEtrotTer

Getting There Every travel experience begins with a voyage, one that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. I was fortunate enough to fly with Qatar Airways, who offer daily flights to Bangkok which will get you there in under seven hours from Doha. Even flying economy class, the experience was a comfortable one, especially in the new Airbus Industrie A380-800 Jet. With that little bit of extra leg room and adjustable headrests, the flight seemed to pass by serenely whilst I enjoyed the premier movie selection on the inflight entertainment system. The attentive and friendly staff were always on hand to ensure the passengersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comfort. With plenty of air hostesses present on the flight, it felt as if there was ample attention to go around, with no such thing as a long wait to be seen to. The food was nothing short of tasty and filling; a menu came with options for both meat eaters and vegetarians too. To my surprise, we also received a second snack later in the flight, assuring that we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hit the ground running on an empty stomach â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bonus! 44

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GLOBETROTTER

Beautiful Bangkok As the largest and most populated city in Thailand, this capital is about as alive as it gets. Dating back to the 15th century, there’s no end to the culture and history on offer. Seething with a chaotic energy and thousands of stimulants for each of the senses, some time spent in this central location is a must. Whether travelling by metro, bus, taxi, tuk tuk or boat, this intricate maze of streets and canals is a vibrant adventure waiting to happen. I was lucky enough to be escorted on a half day tour of the heart of Thailand, beginning with a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River. Even as the journey first began, the contrast between tradition and progression was easy to notice. Temples stand alongside five-star hotels and old wooden boats cruise alongside their modern tour counterparts. Our first land stop was the Grand Palace. It’s difficult to describe something which can only truly be appreciated in person. The majestic structures dwarf the thousands of tourists visiting this site on a daily basis. The sheer grandness of the historic architectural offerings is overwhelming and at times, I had to pause in order to fully take in what was in front of me. The intricacies of the details are absorbing as every wall tells a story of Thailand’s history. Soon afterward I found myself racing

through the streets of Bangkok in a tuk tuk (three-wheeled taxi) towards The Queen’s Gallery. Both the King and Queen of Thailand have been working tirelessly for decades to improve the plight of the common people and are beloved by the country’s citizens. This particular undertaking by her majesty Queen Sirikit, serves as a space for Thai artists to display their talents. A rich offering of fabrics, paintings, sculptures and other artisan creations are what can be enjoyed at this location. As always, a glimpse of traditional Thailand is presented alongside contemporary talent within these displays. An art-filled hour, one coach ride and another boat trip later, I landed at Supatra River House. This two-storey traditional Thai house on the bank of the river offers a charming atmosphere and scrumptious menu. A most satisfying way to end a half day tour of a magical city.

“

Both the King and Queen of Thailand have been working tirelessly for decades to improve the plight of the common people and are beloved by the country’s citizens.

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globEtrotTer

Bangkok: Where to Stay The Shangri-La Hotel

There are countless options when it comes to places to stay in Bangkok. From backpackersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hostels to lodges and simple hotels or five-stars, there is accommodation to suit any budget. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was kind enough to set me (and the other 83 media guests) up at one of the top locations in 46

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the city, the Shangri-La Hotel. This fivestar venue offers an experience second to none. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, the lavish rooms offer large beds, a comfortable window seat to look over the passing boats, a flat screen TV, mini bar and a bathroom complete with shower and bath. Immediate comfort is the result. The hotel boasts a stylish gym area complete with plenty of useful equipment. Yoga and other classes are on offer too. Various massages are also an option for those who wish to experience one of Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous exports. The dining options are abundant too. With a buffet that never seemed to end, the choices available were extensive and delicious. One lap around the cuisine circuit never proved to be enough, as scores of dishes and desserts called out, ready to be devoured. A beautiful deck area on the river is the perfect spot to relax and to enjoy these culinary offerings. Thailand is a country of a million smiles, many of which are housed in the ShangriLa Hotel. The staff are some of the friendliest and most proactive employees I have experienced. Always ready to help and to predict your needs. With great security and options for travel from the hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel enables you to get quickly settled and get out and about, to whatever point in the city your heart desires.

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globEtrotTer

Northern Stars: Chiang Mai and Lampang

Having travelled to Thailand before, I’ve experienced the amazing beaches of the South. From Phuket to the Islands, there is no end to the beauty of the oceanside locations. This time however, I was to venture to the North toward the mountainous regions closer to the country’s borders with Burma and Laos. And am I glad I did so!

- Top 5 Experiences Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden These botanical gardens are a creation of the queen in order to preserve the invaluable plant resources of the country. Situated in the foothills of the Doi Suthep-Pui Mountains of Chiang Mai, the location is massive in size and truly beautiful to behold. The Natural Science Museum holds an explanation of the project, showcasing what its presence is achieving. The lushness of the surroundings sets the stage for the curated gardens and numerous greenhouses, filled with all kinds of flora of Thailand. Lastly, the country’s longest canopy walk takes you on a journey above the treetops, gifting a bird’s eye view of the majestic surroundings.

Temple Viewing in Lampang

Thailand is steeped in rich history, which is most apparent when taking in the array of historic temples. An hour and a half drive from Chiang Mai, you’ll find the picturesque town of Lampang. This quieter location houses several temples, all of which are impressive in their own way. The architecture and intricacies of these structures are to be admired. Skilled craftsmen were responsible for their construction and they were no doubt a labour of love. From Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the most revered temples in Thailand, to the smaller temples of Wat Pratu Pong and Wat Pongsanuk, various style influences are apparent, showcasing further examples of the country’s diversity.

Horse Drawn Carriage Through Lampang

Lampang, also known as “mueang rot 48

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ma” in Thai, means “Horse Carriage City”. This is apparent when you see the amount of brightly decorated, single horse drawn carriages on the roads. This mode of transport has been used for hundreds of years in the region and is still widely utilised to this day, not only for tourism but for local travel too. A trot through the quiet streets of Lampang is a real treat as it gives you the time to notice the finer places of interest. The carriages are covered, so you’re shielded from the elements. Fitting two to four people, this quaint experience is a must as it draws you closer to the local culture and way of life.

Chiang Mai Night Tour

Chiang Mai comes alive after dark. The hustle and bustle of the streets seems to amplify as the sun disappears below the horizon. A night tour is a great way to experience the other half of the local lifestyle. Waroros Market is a buzzing indoor and outdoor market complete with resident shops, freshly prepared local

GLOBETROTTER dishes, clothing, flowers, souvenirs, trinkets and more. From haggling over the prices of desired items to partaking in the range of tasty food, an entire evening could be dedicated to this location, but there is more. Continue on to Thai Phae Gate, which is the reconstructed main entrance to the old walled city. Carry on until you reach Wat Chedi Luang, the most important temple located in the ancient walled part of the city. Walk past the small but interesting temple, Wat Phan Toa, towards Anusawari Sam Kasat (The Three Kings Monument), and you’ll have completed a full evening of new experiences.

Afternoon Biking Tour Through Chiang Mai

“

This time however, I was to venture to the North toward the mountainous regions closer to the country’s borders with Burma and Laos. And am I glad I did so!

There’s nothing like a peaceful pedal through a lush and green neighbourhood on a sunny afternoon. After hoping on a bicycle at Ban Rai Kong Khing village, proceed to Wat Ton Kwen, the most perfect example of old Lanna architecture remaining in the North of Thailand today. Charming villages in the Hang Dong district allow a passing glimpse into real local living. Tunnels of trees enclosing the roads is a surreal escape into nature as the circular route flows past a temple on the way back to the quiet village.

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globEtrotTer

Chiang Mai: Where to Stay Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa The Staff

From the moment you step out of your vehicle, staff at Siripanna are exactly as you would want them to be, friendly and helpful. They’re ready to assist you in any way to ensure your comfort. Checking is handled quickly and efficiently, allowing you to get to your room within minutes of your arrival.

The Room

There are many room types on offer, all of which are luxurious in nature. Spacious and stylish, the comfortable beds and large bathrooms provide a homely base for your travels which you always look forward to returning to after a day of exploring.

The Food

With a buffet serving restaurant, offering a wide selection of both traditional and international dishes, there is reason to get excited at least three times a day. Each meal comes with an assorted offering of fruit juices and hot beverages. Once again the friendly service is always readily available and an enjoyable experience is virtually guaranteed.

The Facilities

A beautiful moat-like swimming pool surrounding a large wooden deck area is a welcome addition to the hotel. A swim in the warm waters is just what is needed after a long day of seeing the sites. A spa is also present where you can enjoy the talents of skilled masseurs. Bookings for these heavenly sessions can be made through reception. Security is also taken seriously at this venue and you’ll always feel well looked after. ✤ 50

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Travel Tips SIM Card Get yourself a sim card at the airport. There are many stations near the exit where one can do so. If you buy a seven day sim, you receive free internet for that week. Cover up When visiting many of the historical sites in Thailand, certain dress codes apply. Often sandles are not allowed. Uncovered shoulders or skirts above the knee are also not allowed at certain locations. Woman are not allowed to wear pants at certain locations. To counter all of this, carry a sarong or a shawl to cover exposed areas or unfitting attire. Umbrella Thailand’s weather can be unpredictable. One moment you are baking in the sun and next you are being rained on. A small umbrella provides protection from both. Mosquito repellent Thailand has a tropical climate which is ideal for mosquitos, especially in the warmer months. Don’t forget to pack some repellent to avoid those annoying itchy bites. GO: Fly to Bangkok with Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com). Visit www. tourismthailand.org for more information on things to see and do in Thailand.

SEPTEMBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 4 QR10

For the culture-savvy in Doha

VISUAL DAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AWA: A WORK OF ART-CHITECT

september Edition available now on issuu.com/factmagazine fact magazine

SOCIETY

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

Partygoers in Doha were taken on an extra special ride when Strata Lounge hosted a night of pure revelry with their now-famous HedKandi nights. Every last Friday of the month, Strata brings the international clubbing brand HedKandi, along with its famous djs and live acts to all the music lovers in Doha. The fun-loving crowd was there for a good time and guests were seen enjoying themselves to the max! Since its inception, 16 years ago, HedKandi has developed from hosting boutique parties into a globally recognised lifestyle brand. 52

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Luxury Living at Four Seasons fact magazine

HOTEL HOTSPOT

When the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay opened its doors to guests, the industry was abuzz. The five-star hotel brought with it a spectacular location, fabulous dining options, excellent recreational facilities and a new height to hospitality in the region. FACT spent the weekend at this stunning property to see if it lived up to the hype…

n a region where five-star means the utmost luxury, a brand like the Four Seasons definitely has its work cut out to meet high expectations. Firstly, let us say, it’s the towering architectural façade that had us excited about this Bahrain property – it’s completely unique – there’s no other hotel that looks like it in the GCC. On top of this, the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is set on its own exclusive island – close enough to the airport as well as most major Bahrain attractions and areas of exploration. This makes it extremely convenient for both business and leisure travellers who want the best of both worlds – innovative facilities for work, and lavish amenities for relaxation. Our journey began on a relaxing Friday afternoon.

Premier & Plush Upon entering our Premier Twin Room on the 24th floor, we were awestruck with the level of comfort and serenity. Let’s begin by telling you that the views through the floor-to-ceiling window were beyond breathtaking – a pleasant sight to wake up to, for sure. The room itself is large and spacious with ample storage options, and it’s decked out in what we dubbed “stateof-the-art elegance” – the beds were a great size and adorned in down duvets and pillows which made for some of the best night’s sleep that we’ve had in a long time; the LCD Plasma screen was massive, and we were pleased to learn that you can request a DVD player or Playstation/XBox if you’d like too; and the refrigerated private bar, in-room safe and big marble bathroom (which we wouldn’t mind at home!), made this room choice the epitome of luxury. Now, let’s get one thing straight – this place is pure decadence – and only if you immerse yourself in it, completely, will you truly enjoy the incredible amenities that the room offers. We particularly appreciated the top up of complimentary water as well as snacks like chocolate and fruit on a daily basis. Housekeeping staff are friendly and helpful, keeping the room immaculate everyday.

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“Now, let’s get one thing straight – this place is pure decadence – and only if you immerse yourself in it, completely, will you truly enjoy the incredible amenities that the room offers.”

HOTEL HOTSPOT

Foodie First One thing you won’t have to worry about during your stay at the Four Seasons is food. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, or in-room dining, no matter what time of day, the hotel has an impressive seven restaurants and bars that can cater to your foodie needs. Enjoy elegant dining at one of three venues by Wolfgang Puck – re Asian Cuisine is our favourite. Breakfast is served in the sprawling Bahrain Bay Kitchen with yummy sweet, savoury and organic options. We’d highly recommend doing lunch or dinner at the hotel’s newest venue – Vento. A beautiful poolside grill by day and a wonderful, familyfriendly trattoria by evening, the freshness and quality of Mediterranean fare here, left us pleasantly surprised. Try the Mozzarella Tomato Caprese Salad, or the Salad Nicoise with romaine leaves, baby potato, Yellow Fin Tuna confit and olives – both full of lovely flavours and textures! Go for the Red Pizza Margherita, cooked in the wood-fired oven. Its base is beautifully thin and the pizza itself is a fail-safe delicious option. fact magazine

HOTEL HOTSPOT

For dessert, the homemade ice cream and sorbet selection is a dream – we particularly loved the coconut and the dates flavour. Now that the weather is perfect, Vento is also a popular spot for enjoying shisha with family and friends – what more could you ask for?

Spa Secrets There are spas, and then there’s The Spa at the Four Seasons! Built around a concept of peace and tranquility, the spa is a labyrinth of calm and relaxation (we could easily live in it!), encompassing four interconnected buildings woven together with pathways and gardens with modern design filled with natural light, reflecting Moroccan and Turkish influences. The expansive changing area has absolutely everything that you could want, from premium toiletries to large shower and changing areas with 56

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“If you’re seriously looking for topnotch facilities and indulgent amenities, or if you’re wanting to treat a loved one (or yourself) to a staycation with all the five-star comforts of home, the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay will definitely deliver.”

plenty of privacy, stunning relaxation areas and fantastic facilities like a salt inhilation room, a cool mist room, a steam room, and a whirpool – and that’s all to use even before the treatment starts. We opted for the 90-minute Invigorating Oud Massage which was complete bliss from start to finish. The deep-tissue massage used slow strokes and firm pressure to ease stress – just what we needed! The treatment uses Sodashi’s luxurious oud oil, rich with rose and frankincense and the signature massage is then complemented by an exclusive facial massage using ancient Australian mineral stones that balance and harmonise the body and mind. This is THE treatment for all you busy-bodies out there who need to take some me-time and unwind. Don’t forget to make use of the hotel’s not one, but five, swimming experiences – we particularly enjoyed the indoor pool, though hoped the water would have been a little warmer. Our stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay was pretty much perfect. The service throughout the hotel, from the housekeeping to the dining outlets, the spa staff and everyone else we encountered, was welcoming and attentive. If you’re seriously looking for top-notch facilities and indulgent amenities, or if you’re wanting to treat a loved one (or yourself) to a staycation with all the five-star comforts of home, the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay will definitely deliver. ✤

GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com/bahrain or call 1711 5000 for reservations and more information.

Villaggio Mall Tel. 44959060 â&#x20AC;˘ Landmark Mall Tel. 44565340 Spinneys The Pearl - Medina Centrale Tel. 44959070 â&#x20AC;˘ Hamad International Airport Tel. 44150442 virginmena

virginmena

virginmegastoreme

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CITY RIDES

The New

BMW X6 Delivers 58

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CITY RIDES

The latest offering from the BMW X collection excels in extravagance, power and athleticism - IT'S the complete package.

MW is synonymous with precision and beauty when it comes to both the design and performance of their motor creations. Always pushing the envelope to improve on previous models, the BMW X6 does not fail to deliver on this mantra. Visually, the gregarious design seamlessly balances the vehemence and versatility of what one would expect of a BMW X model, with the characteristic sporting grace of their coupĂŠs. Not only does one find substantial internal space on offer, but a lavish layout of aesthetic beauty, complete with model-specific sport features and equipment packages. A real beauty to behold. The first-class accents of both the interior and exterior of the vehicle are no less than stunning. It takes a few minutes of admiration to truly absorb the artistry of this creation. The M Sport package adds attention-grabbing elements which assist in setting the BMW X6 apart from would be rivals.

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CITY RIDES

The new BMW X6 showcases an array of exclusive equipment, openly displaying the evolution from its predecessor. These include: 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, automatic tailgate operation, bi-xenon headlights, as well as two-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The stylish leather trim cannot be forgotten either. The enhancement to functionality needs to be appreciated. The 40: 20: 40 split/folding rear seat backrests allows the load compartment capacity to increase by 75 litres on the previous model, taking it from 580 litres to as much as 1,525 litres. A massive upgrade! Now for what motor enthusiasts want to hear. More power! And with great power comes great response abilityâ&#x20AC;Ś. or at least it should. The creators at BMW understand this concept and have applied it poetically, infusing brutish strength with control and driving comfort. So what do these supped up engines have to offer? Nothing less than the latestgeneration V8, developing 450 hp for the BMW X6 xDrive50i with the BMW X6 xDrive35i 306 hp. Impressive. What is even more impressive is the ability of the BMW TwinPower Turdo technology saving the consumer an average of 22% when it comes to fuel consumption. The standard-fitted eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission, extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, weightsaving optimisations and enhanced aerodynamics all play their part in ensuring a cost-effective driving experience. So how could one improve on the package so far? Include a standard (and permanently active) intelligent all-wheeldrive system, of course. With BMW xDrive, not only is traction performance optimised, but so too is directional stability and cornering dynamics, helping to keep you safely on the road. Good to know. Want more? Dynamic Performance Control combined with Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation as part of the Dynamic adaptive suspension package, helps you to effectively handle this sporty 60

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CITY RIDES

inclusion to the BMW X family. Air suspension at the rear axle and Dynamic Damper Control enhances comfort and is included in both the Comfort adaptive suspension package and Adaptive M suspension (part of the M Sport package). Modified, sports-oriented suspension tuning is also included in this line-up of substantial offerings. In truth, another page could be written, dedicated solely to further features and offerings of this luxurious motor vehicle. It is hard to put on paper, what needs to be experienced in person, for a real understanding of what the designers at BMW have achieved this time round. Perhaps a test drive is the logical next step in your introduction to the new BMW X6. I seriously doubt anyone would be disappointed. â&#x153;¤

GO: Call Alfardan Automobiles, the official BMW dealer in Doha, on 4447 7577, to book a test drive. fact magazine

Motoring news

All-New Infiniti Q30 At an exclusive event in Beirut, Infiniti Middle East unveiled the hotly anticipated all-new Infiniti Q30. The Infiniti Q30 active compact is a new type of premium vehicle for a new type of consumer. Representing Infiniti’s first entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment, the Q30 will play an important role in continuing to drive the growth of the brand here in the region. Juergen Schmitz, Managing Director, Infiniti Middle East, said: “When we first debuted the Infiniti Q30 to the region at the Dubai International Motor Show last year – it was met with widespread critical acclaim. The Infiniti Q30 is a completely new segment and direction for the Infiniti

NBK’s Amazing Mercedes Deal The luxurious pre-owned 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now available at a special rate at Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. Starting as low as QR289,000, this limited time offer on the entire S-Class MY 2015 model range with low mileage, the S-Class comes with an outstanding array of exclusive benefits, including free registration, finance options, a dedicated team of certified service experts, a 12-month warranty, multipoint technical check, a full-service history and 24-hour roadside assistance. Talking about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class special offer, Khalid Sha‘aban, General Manager, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, said: “The pre-owned 2015 S-Class is an outstanding automobile and represents the best of Mercedes-Benz. This unique offer from NBK, provides car enthusiasts with the greatest possible chance to purchase one of these remarkable vehicles. “It is time to stop dreaming about owning a Mercedes-Benz and time to start driving one. We encourage every luxury connoisseur to visit our showroom and leverage from this unique opportunity. We are confident that every single new owner will marvel at its superior handling, superlative performance and its impeccable design,” he added. 62

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brand and we are confident that this vehicle will continue to deliver Infiniti’s premium experience to a new segment of customer.” The Q30 takes Infiniti’s signature design cues and evolves them into new dynamic shapes. The double-arch grille with 3D mesh, for example, has grown from the Q50, with a more fluid movement into the headlamps. The dramatic curves and turbulent lines flow up the bonnet, over the fenders and across the body line into the strong shoulder of the car. Book your test drive at your nearest Infiniti dealership!

Motoring news

BMW’s Powerful M Models Alfardan Automobiles welcomed the eagerly anticipated BMW M4 GTS and BMW M2 models to Qatar in July. Bringing motor racing genes wrapped in an exciting design and coupled with unlimited everyday usability, these exceptional M models offer a combination that has defined the character of the M automobiles from the start and mustering a large following of loyal M fans globally. The BMW M4 GTS is a special edition limited to 700 units to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3. The new model combines powerful, motor sport-inspired looks with highperformance technology to further enhance the capabilities and appeal of the BMW M4. The limited edition model comes with a six-cylinder in-line turbo engine with innovative water injection technology to give the 3.0-litre unit a substantial power boost. The water injection system raises the engine’s output significantly – to 368 kW/500 hp – and increases torque to 600 Nm (442 lb-ft), giving it the ability to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds, hitting a limited top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph). The driver can also select gears manually using either shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever. The Drivelogic shift

programs and Launch Control have been retuned to the engine’s increased output. The weight-minimised, exclusive M light-alloy wheels in star-spoke 666 M Styling are forged and polished, and come in Acid Orange. Joining the limited edition M4 GTS is the model that made its Middle East debut at the Qatar Motor Show – the BMW M2 Coupé. It comes as a successor to the BMW 1 Series M Coupé and continues the tradition of the compact high-performance BMW sports cars that started over 40 years ago with the BMW 2002 turbo. With the M2 Coupé’s powerful six-cylinder in-line engine with either automatic or manual gearbox producing, 272 kW/370 hp and 465 Nm, rearwheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, it has all the ingredients to deliver sheer driving pleasure. fact magazine

PLUGGED-IN

F ryin g H i g h

FA C T c h e c k s o ut t he bra nd ne w P hi lip s Viva Collection Airfr yer Tu rb ostar – yo ur ne w inno va t ive way to h ealth y eatin g .

he conversation surrounding food and healthy eating has been at an all-time high, especially in the GCC, so you can only imagine the excitement when we got our hands on the brand new Philips Viva Collection Airfryer Turbostar – an incredible foodie feat for anyone who loves cooking (and eating).

WHAT IS IT? This new Airfryer uses unique Turbostar Technology to produce fast, healthy meals and snacks. You can fry, bake, roast or grill everything from chicken wings to muffins, French fries, quiche, meatballs, prawns, bread and so many more delicious foods. All of this and more can be cooked using little to no oil – how awesome is that? HOW DOES IT WORK? Mimicking the properties of a turbine to improve airflow circulation, the appliance’s new TurboStar technology swirls hot air continuously throughout the whole cooking chamber, resulting in fair heat distribution for evenly cooked food. This constant, circulating heat ensures all food is cooked through simultaneously, without the need for turning. In addition to this, powerful direct heat from above quickly crisps the food on the outside, while the inside remains tender, for great tasting dishes every time. Throughout every stage of the process, the new Airfryer TurboStar has been developed to make your life easier. There’s no need for pre-heating meaning it is ready to use immediately, and 64

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you can have perfectly cooked food in less time (more time to eat!). WHY SHOULD YOU GET IT? We used the Airfryer to make roast potatoes with tuna and Mediterranean chicken nuggets with fries (both yummy recipes that you can find on the Philips website). Perhaps the most surprising factor is that food STILL tastes just as good, if not better, and the whole cooking experience feels revolutionary, especially when you get tasty fries and chicken without the greasiness of oil – we love it! It’s a much safer alternative to frying with oil and it also helps to eliminate the pungent odour caused by deep-frying. Additionally, with the QuickClean basket – which includes a removable non-stick mesh – cleaning it is super easy. If you’re a culinary enthusiast and also like things to be nice and neat, you’ll be happy to know that this Airfryer is 20 per cent smaller, making it space efficient whilst allowing you to fry up to four servings at a time (800g of food). What more could you ask for? THE VERDICT After using the Philips Viva Collection Airfryer Turbostar to cook a number of dinners, all we can say is that the technology does what it says. You can enjoy all your favourite foods without the guilt or hassle of cooking with excess oil. Best of all, you won’t be compromising on flavour, taste or texture. It’s time to change your eating habits today and switch to the Airfryer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed. ✤

plugged-in

App-licious L e t ’ s s e e w h at ’ s o n t h e smartp h o n e ag e n da f o r S e pt e m b e r …

WAZE

DUOLINGO

The day most of our team landed in Doha, they downloaded this app to their phone and have never looked back. Waze is the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app, with over 50 million active monthly users globally. So how does it work? Millions of drivers interact with the app, reporting road hazards, traffic jams, speed cameras, accidents and much more. In this way, you are always one step ahead of the traffic and can always select the best route currently available. Best of all, it’s free! Just insert your desired destination and drive with the app left open on your phone. If you spot something worth reporting, wait until it is safe to do so and enter in the data. The app is very easy to use and voice assisted. We would literally be lost without it.

Need an easy and convenient way to learn a new language? Well the app Duolingo offers you a chance to learn any of nine European languages, absolutely free. The creators used a scientific approach to ensure retention of information. The art of gamification has been applied, which encourages learning through speech, audio, photos and typing. One of our team has been learning Spanish through the app and will attest to it being user friendly. They quickly picked up the basics and are improving each day. The app monitors and stores your process and will even send you reminders to practice each day if you ask it to. You earn points as you progress through the levels and can exchange these points for items at the virtual store. Interactive, fun and effective. Duolingo es muy Bueno.

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AW16

Trend

Report:

Women

A new season calls for new styles and, ladies, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the hottest runway trends with the best high-street buys to get your look perfect for the months ahead!

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FASHION focus 4

Loud Prints Look-at-me hues and prints took over the AW16 fashion weeks with many collections presenting full-on, daring designs. Psychedelic, contrasting colours with clashing patterns as well as futuristic, floral and renaissance influences put forward bold fashion to go hard, or go home.

On the runway:

1.Fausto Puglisi 2.Gabrielab 3.Dolce & Gabbana 4.Koche 5.Samuel Yeung 6.Fausto Puglisi 7.Gucci 8.Tsumori Chisato 9.Emilio Pucci

DUNE

New Look

Topshop

H&M

Accessorize

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FASHION focus 1

2 13

Metallic Mad It was all about the sequins, shimmer and sparkle on the catwalks. Whether you go headto-toe gleam or take a more subtle approach with a statement glitter piece, make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re shining with the party glamour this AW16 season. 7 9

On the runway:

Aldo

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REPLAY

MISS SELFRIDGE

TOPSHOP

1.Aigner 2.Dolce & Gabbana 3.Sorapol 4.Gucci 5.Ashish 6.Gucci

7.House of Holland 8.House of Holland 9.Lanvin 10.Preen by Thornton Bregazzi 11.Lako Bukia 12.Sorapol 13.Michael Kors

dune

Bershka

FASHION focus 4

On the runway:

1.Temperley London 2.Alexander McQueen 3.Roksanda 4.Fendi 5.JW Anderson 6.Luisa Beccaria 7.Lanvin 8.Prada 9.Gucci

Romantic Ruffles Frills, pleats, bows, and ruching continued to make a comeback on the AW16 runways. Hems, collars, sleeves, and even accessories were adorned in this romantic style. Try a billowy skirt, blouse or full-on dress to slay this look.

Accessorize

Marks and Spencer

Miss Selfridge

Dorothy perkins

Topshop

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FASHION focus 1

Gothic Glamour Showing a taste for the darker and classier side

of fashion, this season sees more sombre hues and a classic 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silhouette with cinchedin waists, frilled bibs, and whimsical prints and patterns. Black is key, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to mix

On the runway: 1.Alexander McQueen 2.Alexander McQueen 3.George Shaghashvilii 4.Alexander Wang 5.Michael Kors 6.Mulberry 7.DKNY 8.Erdem 9.DSquared2 10.Erdem 11.Topshop Unique 12.Giorgio Armani

it up with different materials and cut-outs.

topshop

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monsoon

Marks and Spencer

Debenhams

New Look

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AW16

Trend

Report:

Men

Prints, colours, textures and individuality make up some of the best menswear trends for the AW16 season ahead. Here are just some of our favourites for your wardrobe!

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FASHION focus 1

Check Mate

A trend that never gets old made a heavy appearance for AW16 looks. Long checkered coats, dense sweaters, trousers, jackets and accessories, all took over the runways as checks were given a colour boost and a pattern twist. This trend is no doubt the perfect choice to stay fashionsavvy and cosy at the same time! On the runway:

1.Acne Studios 2.Burberry 3.Fendi 4.Bottega Veneta 5.Etro 6.Junya Watnabe 7.Michael Kors 8.Pringle of Scotland 9.Vetements 10.Pringle of Scotland 11.Pyer Moss 12.Valentino

REPLAY

F&F

m&cO

Pull & Bear

Topman

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FASHION focus 1

Pink Parade Pops of rosy hues made pink a dominant 2

colour on the AW’16 men’s runway.

Bubblegum, blush, coral, and magenta all took over head-to-toe looks as well as outerwear and trousers. Whether you go for a statement pink piece or attire with floral or patterns, autumn is when real men wear pink! 5

On the runway: 1.Julien David 2.Paul Smith 3.Raf Simons 4.Gucci 5.Off-White 6.Vivienne Westwood 7.Christopher Shannon 8.Kenzo 9.Moschino

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS

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BERSHKA

H&M

HOUSE OF FRASER

ZARA

TOPMAN

FASHION focus 4

On the runway:

1.Ermenegildo Zegna 2.James Long 3.KTZ 4.Prada 5.J.W. Anderson 6.Alexander McQueen 7.Saint Laurent 8.Topman 9.Missoni

Arts & Crafts In an ever-evolving fashion world, this menswear trend really stood for individualism on the AW16 runways. Bright colours, dark colours, patterns, prints, slogans, textures, material and stitching, all brought to the forefront how to wear different trends. This oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for you to play around with and find your own style!

Mens at Dune

House of Fraser

H&M

Pull & Bear

Topman

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FASHION focus 1

Space Age

Gleaming metallic and chrome designs played a part in popular fashion week collections, with On the runway: 1.Calvin Klein 2.Emporio Armani 3.Dsquared2 4.Katie Eary 5.Nasir Mazhar 6.Versace 7.Hogan 8.J.W. Anderson 9.Versace 10.Xander Zhou 11.Y-3 12.Phillip Plein

pea coats, bomber jackets, crinkled trousers and coats, and astronaut-inspired boots all completing a futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of the Space Age. Pick your glossy piece and start shining like the man on the moon!

Aldo

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French Connection

H&M

Topman

Marks and Spencer

matalan

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STYLE

Rosy Days

The seasonal change has put us in a mellow fashion mood this month. Ladies, swap out your bright fuchsia shades for warm pastel pinks, bubblegum and blush tones. Try headto-toe hues for a high impact look, or add complimenting white or gold, or mix and match fabrics, for a subtle nod to the trend.

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01. Accessorize 02. Bershka 03. Debenhams 04. Dune 05. Miss Selfridge 06. H&M 07. M&S 08. ORIGEM 09. Topshop 10. Aldo

STYLE

Retro Feelin’

This year’s festival crowd pulled off some truly eclectic looks with all sorts of retro inspiration in their outfits. Gone are the days of ultra-skinny jeans, as tailored trousers are the latest headliners. Couple these with crisp floral shirts fresh from the 70s and tasteful 90’s sportswear, and you’re winning.

01. zara 02. French Connection 03. Debenhams 04. M&Co 05. Mens at Dune 06. PULL & BEAR 07. Marks and Spencer 08. Call it Spring 09. Matalan 10. Topman

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beauty box

Clarins S haping F acial L ift R ange

e-contour your face and open up your amazing complexion! Prominent beauty brand, Clarins, is back in the game with a new facial contouring beauty range. Total V contouring serum combines three powerful plant extracts, which helps to slim visibly puffed areas and lifts facial contours. Meeting the expectations of olive, tan, Asian and darker skin tones better than ever, this new range challenges a new facial reshaping programme for the women of today.

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grooming box

Bottega Veneta P arco P alladiano C ollection

ottega Veneta introduces Parco Palladiano, a new collection of fragrances for men and women inspired by the Palladian gardens of the Veneto region of Italy, where Bottega Veneta was founded in 1966. The six fragrances are a collaboration with three perfumers. Each scent captures different moments and experiences in a Palladian garden. The Parco Palladiano collection is numbered by simple Roman numerals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I, II, III, IV, V, VI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to reflect the classical heritage of the Palladian villas. From magnolia to cypress leaves, azaleas, pear, rosemary, sage and laurel, there are captivating scents to please every perfume connoisseur.

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beauty checklist

1 Final Summer Beauty Hacks

Sephora Jumbo Shadow Liner Change your eye beauty game and go for something fun and easy! These jumbo pencils create a range of cool and pretty effects, from bold lines to blending out eye shadows, so you can have a one-stop eye product on-the-go. the pencils are also resistant to water, heat and humidity, with a high-pigment formula that applies smoothly. 82

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We’re give summer its last run with these amazing products to take your beauty routine to the next level.

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MAC Transformed Huggable in Flaming Lips Forgo a heavy lippie and take your pout to another world of perfection. With a gel-like feel and a rich, glossy shine, this super hydrating lip colour lasts up to six hours. So, don’t worry about keeping your lips neat from day to night, because it’s time to get playful for every time of day!

OPI Soft Shades in One Chic Chick While summer is still here, pave the way with soft and pastel shades. Get creative in the nail department as OPI delivers the very best for end-of-summer nails. Go funky and wild with some nail décor, too, or keep it fresh and feminine with one bright colour to match your outfit. Go on, get your nail cred on point.

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Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer With so much humidity these days, lock your look and set everything with this summer-friendly primer. No sweat, no gain! Make sure to dab a small amount all over your face and make your foundation last up to seven hours with this genius product. Perfect for day to evening wear. We love it!

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Balancing Softener Enriched Stay hydrated with this wrinkle-resisting, age-defying softener, which contains effective ingredients to challenge visible signs of aging. Remove the excess surface cells with this cult beauty product as it also, deeply moisturises for smoother, rejuvenated skin.

Starskin The Master Cleanser Foam Detoxify your skin with this luxurious rich cleanser and keep your skin nourished. Infused with active marine extracts and sea kelp, it also combines pure glacier water with a potent blend of sea kelp leaves, brightening green caviar seaweed, softening sea cucumber and nourishing Spirulina. Go get radiant!

grooming checklist

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Final Summer G ROOM I NG Hacks Great for the humid days to come, here are the top products for men to step up their grooming game!

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THE BODY SHOP Shea Body Butter It’s one of the most-loved products from The Body Shop, and it works a treat! Much like your face, the skin on your body needs moisture – especially, the knees, calves and elbows which have fewer oil glands. This vitamin E-rich moisturiser has been putting the lustre back into skin for some time now. Moisturising is a breeze!

DAVIDOFF Cool Water Davidoff Cool Water is now leading the way to help protect the ocean, so we thought it was only fitting to give this fail-safe fragrance a shout out. The brand and its ambassador Scott Eastwood are working to safeguard one of the world’s most endangered natural resources. Plus, it smells amazing too – bonus!

CLINIQUE FOR MEN Oil Control Mattifying Moisturiser Moisturising your skin is essential to keep it looking and feeling smooth and healthy. Achieve a matte, shine-free complexion with this product. Ideal for daily use, the fastabsorbing cream soothes shaving irritation and cools razor burns for longlasting comfort.

NIVEA Nivea Men Crème Pulling triple duty, this crème cares for the skin on your face, body and hands, by giving it a boost of hydration. The light formula is non-greasy, non sticky and absorbs quickly. It’s also the perfect size to throw into your gym bag and it works to feel good ON your skin so you can feel good IN your skin.

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GILLETTE Fusion ProShield Razor ProShield Lubrication before and after the blades, lays down a protective layer to shield from irritation whilst shaving – basically, you’ll evict more whiskers in fewer strokes! Five precision blades provide less tug and pull for incredible comfort – in fact, this might just be the “closest ever” shave of your life!

JACK BLACK Hair & Scalp Conditioner Not only will it give you a fresh, minty jolt in the morning, to kick-start your day obvs, this product will also fortify follicles and stimulate hair growth. The lightweight conditioner detangles and adds shine, even to graying, curly, and coarsely textured hair as well as deeply moisturising the hair and scalp. fact magazine

HOME STYLE

Technicolour Lines Playful colours are making an interior splash right now with rainbow shades appearing on everything from bookshelves to oven gloves, vases and towels. Bring some bright, bold, and colour-filled vibes into your abode with our top picks for the home this monthâ&#x20AC;Ś

Debenhams

dotcomgiftshop

M&Co

Marks & Spencer

Zara Home

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Zara Home

HOME STYLE

Lakeland

Fabulous Fondant

FAIL-SAFE FONDANT DESSERT KIT Nothing beats a perfectly baked sponge encasing a gorgeous, gooey centre, and you can’t go wrong with the new Fondant Dessert Kit from Lakeland. Thoroughly tested to guarantee great results and give you absolute peace of mind, it’s a sure-fire way to impress and make every single spoonful a truly melt-inthe-mouth experience. Comprises six individual silicone pudding moulds and a silicone tray to make up to 12 fondant centres. Includes five recipes. Oven safe up to 240°C. | QR150 fact magazine

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Wahm: New and Improved Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy an evening out at a classy location with excellent food and first class service? We at FACT certainly do, so when we were invited to experience what the newly refurbished Wahm at W Doha Hotel & Residences has to offer, we happily accepted.

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venue review

pon entering this fine dining venue, we immediately noticed the changes to the décor. A sleek new look has been implemented, creating a feeling of ambience and class. We were seated in a booth, offering privacy from the popular bar area. We settled into our comfy seats with a beverage, completely unaware of how spoilt we were about to become. It wasn’t long before the friendly staff began to deliver the extensive range of pre-selected dishes to our table and the offerings were visually appealing to say the least. To begin, a portion of deep fried calamari. The twist to this favourite was the inclusion of chilli in the mayo dip, along with coriander and lemon. A tasty treat to start us off. Soon, our presence was graced with both the tuna and salmon ceviche. The freshness of the produce was very apparent. With the cured tuna, cucumber, avocado and lime were included and with the Scottish salmon, lime, coriander and roasted nuts. We couldn’t decide on which one we preferred. Next up, the battered fish and chips. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the freshness of the fish was outstanding. Even after a solid battering, the scrumptious interior melted in the mouth. This combined with fries, soft in the middle and crispy on the outside, even the English couldn’t have done better. The Chimichurri! This had to be a favourite of ours. Robata grilled primed beef with cilantro and homemade guacamole. The meat was prepared to perfection and the inclusion of red chillies added a little bite to the already stimulating flavour. Niçoise was to follow, seared tuna with green beans, tomato, olive and potato. The vegetables were bursting with flavour and the perfect cuts of tuna were a delight to the palate, yet another pleasing dish. At this point we were beginning to feel the fullness of our bellies, however Wahm was not done with us yet, further courses were to follow and whispers of dessert were already reaching our ears. For a change of pace we were to sample the spinach and gruyere quiche next. A softer and tastier quiche has never been served. 88

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“A sleek new l o o k h as b e e n i mp l e m e n t e d , cr e at i n g a f e e l i n g o f am b i e n c e a n d c l ass . ”

Paired with a green salad boasting both apples and grapes, this course was a table pleaser and kept us motivated for the two further pre-dessert dishes to come! To finish up the main course, both the Caprese flatbread and mini burgers were placed in front of us. One bite and we had no problem finishing both of these dishes off with real foodie gusto. Lastly, the dessert. As you well know, there’s a separate stomach in the human body which deals with dessert (or so we like to tell ourselves), so despite having consumed our bodyweight in food, we were still able to partake in the sweeter side of the menu. Both the W chocolate brownie and the cheese cake were selected and neither of them were anything less than divine. The ample-sized soft brownie was served with homemade vanilla ice cream and a generous helping of hot chocolate sauce. The cheesecake was completed with an exotic berry coulis and raspberry sorbet. Perfection! By the time the last mouthful of dessert was spooned into our mouths, we were groaning at the sheer amount of deliciousness we’d consumed over the course of the evening. The new menu on offer at Wahm is well thought out and exceptionally tasty. We can’t wait to go back for seconds! ✤

GO: Visit Wahm at the W Doha Hotel & Residences, West Bay. Call 4453 5323 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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Food for the Soul

G r e at pa i r i n gs c a n be a beautiful thing. T h e J a z z C l u b at t h e O r y x Ro ta n a D o h a h a s b l e n d e d a f i r s t c l a ss m e n u wi t h L O V ELY, sou l f u l sou n ds . fact magazine

FOODIE CORNER

“The two things you can’t fake are good food and good music.” – Etta James There are many places to eat out in Doha. Plenty of which offer great menus boasting an array of options and flavoursome dishes. What is more limited however, are great locations to eat whilst being entertained by a wonderful live band. The Jazz Club at the Oryx Rotana Doha is offering just this. With a scrumptious menu and a live act imported from the shores of South Africa, an enjoyable evening is a given. In an effort to keep the entertainment fresh, the venue brings in a new band almost every three months. We were eager to experience this dining venue, and said yes to the delightful invitation which promised a fun evening ahead. As we made our way through the entrance, we were already captivated by the crisp sound of the performers on stage. Being seated where we were sure to have a great view of the band, we ordered beverages and 92

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the house salad, otherwise known as the jazzy salad. Black Velvet are the six piece, versatile jazz band whose turn it is to excite and entertain Doha this time around. The talented musicians integrate various genres to form a unique sound of their own. Tapping into both old school and the new, they showcase their impressive instrumental and vocal abilities. A real treat for the ears. With the stage set and the background music flowing, it was time to taste the menu. The jazzy salad turned out to be just what you want from a salad. A fresh musculan mix with cherry tomato, avocado and baby mozzarella. This is topped off with bread crostini and a balsamic vinegar dressing. We had two helpings , and we’re not afraid to admit it. We were to sample not one, but two steaks next. The Australian black angus tenderloin and the Australian black angus rib eye. Both were requested medium and were delivered so. Succulent cuts of meat are what met the palate, complete with

soft mashed potato and mushrooms. We sampled the mushroom and creamy peppercorn sauces and both proved to be excellent steak companions. Roasted eggplant and peppers complimented the tasty ensemble. The culinary team certainly knew what they were doing! Lastly, deep friend ice-cream! Whilst we were still pondering the science behind this concept, a large rounded helping of smooth ice cream covered in a sweet batter was produced, topped with freshly cut strawberries. We soon forgot about how they make it and focussed on why we don’t have deep fried ice cream more often. A great way to end a superb meal. Leaving the venue, we were pleased to learn that Black Velvet will be performing at the Jazz Club for a few more weeks to come, so you still have time to enjoy this amazing offering from Oryx Rotana Doha. ✤ GO: Call Oryx Rotana Doha on 4402 3300 for reservations and more information.

FOODIE CORNER

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Eid Deals

Eid Goals With Eid Al-Adha taking place this month, Dohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotels and restaurants have some wonderful ways for you to celebrate the occasion. WHAT: Eid Al-Adha Brunch WHERE: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha WHEN: September 14 & 15 Tuck into signature sweet and savoury recipes from all around the world and a corner for the little ones so they too can experience one of the best 5-star brunches in town, and the only one of such high culinary caliber at The Pearl. Taking place from 12.30pm to 4pm, for QR195 per person, including soft drinks. Call 4035 5011 for reservations and more info.

WHAT: Eid Al Adha Brunch WHERE: Al Liwan Restaurant, Sharq Village & Spa WHEN: September 11 to 13 Indulge in a lavish buffet featuring a broad collection of Middle Eastern mezze, traditional Qatari dishes and international cuisine that satisfies all palates. Available for the three days of Eid al Adha, this lavish brunch awaits for you at Al Liwan Restaurant. From 12.30pm to 4pm, priced at QR375 per person, inclusive of a welcome juice. Call 4425 6666 for reservations and more info.

WHAT: Eid Al-Adha Brunch WHERE: The Square, InterContinental Doha The City WHEN: First and second day of Eid Al-Adha The Square will be serving up a very special Eid brunch with authentic regional and international dishes for the whole family to enjoy. QR220 inclusive of soft beverages and QR320 inclusive of house beverages. Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more info.

WHAT: Eid Special WHERE: Hunters Room & Grill, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa WHEN: Over Eid Al-Adha Meat-lovers, get your foodie fix at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa as Chef Bulent prepares a signature lamb menu for the Eid celebrations. The magnificent delights 94

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Eid Deals

will be a feast for your eyes and your soul, with traditional specialities cooked to perfection. Call 4492 1555 for reservations and more info.

WHAT: Eid Brunch WHERE: The Gallery, Doha Marriott Hotel WHEN: First and second day of Eid Al-Adha Join in and celebrate this special occasion with your friends and family during the first two days of Eid Al-Adha, at the famous Gallery Brunch! Enjoy an array of your brunch favourites including live stations, fresh Sushi, Peking duck, Fajitas, oriental grills, pizza, fresh seafood, ice cream, and more! From 12.30pm to 4pm for QR270 for the soft package and QR375 for the bubbly package. Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more info.

WHAT: Brunching Experience WHERE: The Spice Route, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara WHEN: September 13 to 17 This Eid Al-Adha, experience The Spice Route’s festive brunch, with it’s relaxing and family-friendly ambience. Feast on an authentic tandoori dish, live carts featuring Asian salads, a satay station with spicy dips, and spiced sushi rolls alongside Asian dishes from the wok. There are delicious Middle Eastern delights too as well as the rhythms of a live Moroccan band. Runs each day from 1pm to 4pm, for QR350 per person for outside guests including luxury boat transfer; QR275 for in-house guests; QR200 for outside children aged five to 11-years-old; and QR150 for in-house children aged five to 11-years-old. Call 4040 5050 for reservations and more info.

WHAT: Eid Brunch WHERE: Olive Oil – All Day Dining, City Centre Rotana Doha WHEN: Three days of Eid Al-Adha For three days, this entire restaurant turns festive, offering a land and sea brunch featuring an extensive buffet with a live sushi station, oyster and king crab bar, roasted prime beef station and, of course, mouthwatering traditional Arabic delicacies and treats. Mark this important occasion at Olive Oil for QR145 inclusive soft drinks, QR245 inclusive of selected house beverages and QR279 inclusive of sparkling beverages and spirits. Call 4445 8888 for reservations and more info. fact magazine

doha delights

Brazilian Independence Week

Tandoori vs Wok Buffet

Mediterranean Seafood Delights

Join in the Latino fun at Ipanema, Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha, and celebrate Brazilian Independence Week like no other place in Doha! This annual highlight will see you sampling the best food as you listen to the greatest hits from Brazil by Sambaqa and sip on your refreshing Caipirinha while the chefs prepare sizzling meats to end a perfect night! From QR299, food only, from September 14 to 22. Every evening from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

Blending two of your favourite foods, Sawa at Marsa Malaz Kempinski is inviting diners to indulge in a Friday feast of the cuisine greats as the tandoori oven battles it out with the wok pans. Whet your appetite with a massive selection of curry dishes ranging from traditional Indian recipes as well as authentic flavours from Thailand. There are tons of yummy delicacies to help make up your mind about tandoor vs wok. QR220 per person, from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Enjoy a collection of delectable Mediterranean dishes finely prepared by Chef Liakouris, where healthy fresh ingredients and seafood are enlivened with a creative and contemporary approach. Food connoisseurs should head down to Al Dana Restaurant in Sharq Village & Spa for this wonderful a la carte dining treat. You can follow the preparation of their meal through the show kitchen, or experience a customised evening at the Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table. Open daily from 6.30pm to 11pm, closed on Sundays.

GO: Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information.

fact magazine

GO: Call 4035 5011 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 4425 6666 for reservations and more information.

Filipino Food Festival Now in its second year, Kulinarya Qatar 2016 is staging a three-day event under the theme of Tightening the Bond with the Filipino Community, through food and cultural activities. Of the 35 Filipino restaurants in Qatar, so far, more than 15 have confirmed their participation in the event that will be held at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa from September 13 to 15, from 10am to 10pm. Fashioned as a Filipino Community Family Day & Food Festival, the Kulinarya Qatar main event will feature Glow Zumba with celebrity artists, Little Miss Kulinarya Qatar Finals, Junior Master Chef finals, Pasiklaban fruit-carving, the best of Kulinarya Qatar menu, celebrities shoot for a cause, dance workshop, health and fitness activities, Batang Pinoy play area, and other entertaining programmes. GO: Call 4492 1555 for reservations and more information.

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Charly Dagher

General Manager of Maserati and Ferrari at Alfardan Sports Motors

Doha Insider Tell us three things that keep you excited about living and working in Doha. Under the guidance and leadership of The Emir oF Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Vision 2030 is one of the most ambitious and effective plans to look forward to. Doha is a very family oriented place, and my wife and daughter enjoy being here. It is also considered to be one of the safest countries in the world, which is one of the key factors that any family seeks when working abroad. 98

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The growth and potential of Qatar is still at its early stages. I want to be here, and be able to contribute to the boisterous growth that the Qatari economy is witnessing.

contemporary Mediterranean designs of the buildings here, which is intriguing to be around.

What are some of your favorite local culture hotspots in Doha and why?

One of my major professional goals would be to conclude the year by achieving our pre-specified targets that were set at the start of the calendar year. Another goal would be to sustain our growth in the market for the next calendar year by placing benchmarks and guidelines starting from Q4 of 2016.

The Pearl-Qatar. Not just because it is where my office is located, but because it is a melting pot of cultures. Furthermore, you can see the traditional Qatari aspects integrated into

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

DINNER SHOW 3-course set menu for 2 with a bottle of house beverage QR 695

THE DINNER SHOW Discover The Club at The St. Regis, a destination for refined live music connoisseurs. Judi Jackson, Gregory Generet among others will put on a lively performance as you enjoy a buzzing, cosmopolitan atmosphere while savoring tasty delicacies. From Tuesday to Saturday 7pm to 2am for reservations or enquiries please call +974.4446.0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com fact magazine

ARE YOU READY TO

Asian cuisine inspired by the world travels of Chef Richard Sandoval. Chic, Modern, Stylish; the perfect setting to savor Zengoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acclaimed cuisine.

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