FACT Qatar September 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 04 QR10

You Need A Digital Detox

UNPLUGGED

HOTEL GOALS

Can social media addicts press pause on the virtual world?

The best insta accounts to follow in Doha’s hospitality scene fact magazine

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Unparalleled Dining Embark on a unique culinary journey with the variety of exceptional venues located at The Finest Address in Doha. Whether you are looking for New York style steakhouse at Astor Grill or the freshest catch of the day at Al Sultan Brahim, your senses will be captivated by the exquisite flavours presented with passion by our Executive Chef.

Š2017 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

For reservations, please visit stregisdoha.com or call +974 4446 0105 West Bay, Doha, 14435, Qatar

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CONTENTS PAGE 08 FACT FINDS: Life With Cacao has opened its doors for chocolate fans.

PAGE 23 UNPLUGGED: How difficult can it be to take a digital detox?

PAGE 32 SOCIAL MEDIA 101: The most popular platforms to get your fix.

PAGE 46 #KEEPITREAL: We talk to regional influencer Azza Al Mughairy.

PAGE 51 HOTEL GOALS: Fact rounds up the best hospitality insta accounts.

PAGE 71 FASHION FOCUS: Ted Baker’s AW’17 collection is major envy.

PAGE 85 CULINARY SPOTLIGHT: We take a seat at Debs W Remman for dinner.

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• THE EDITOR

STATUS: POWER OFF “ “Do more things that make you forget to look at your phone.”

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ave you ever thought about what life would be like living off the grid? No phone, no tablet, no hashtags and, probably, no hassle. You’d have less FOMO every day and more of the simple things to enjoy in life - sounds blissful, right? So then WHY is it so difficult for people to press pause and take a time out from all the likes and shares and just live in the moment? After all, YOLO (that’s the first and last time you’ll see me use that acronym).

We turn to our digital personas for various reasons; escapism, validation, boredom and often just for the sake of not feeling left out. When a platform can give you all of these things, and more, why would you want to switch off?

As hard as that might be for many to do, we all need a temporary closure for spiritual maintenance and so, in this month’s issue we give you some food for thought on the ultimate tech dilemma that every millennial has faced disconnecting from social media. Turn to p23 and join the conversation in Unplugged - have you had a digital detox before? Or, is it something you could never dream of doing? Do you want to sign out but crave the addiction of your insta feed? We delve deep into this saturated virtual world to try and find the answer to why being offline is now the new luxury.

When all’s said and done, the online community serves millions of people, daily. For those who want to stay on top of their game, check out Social Media 101 starting p32 for the top ten platforms to get your digital fix. We’ve also got a special Q&A with UAE-based influencer Azza Al Mughairy who talks about her online experiences with keyboard warriors and coming out at the other end as a stronger, more confident social media user (p46).

September has way too many awesome things waiting for you to explore in Doha and beyond. As always, you can enjoy a lowdown of the best and latest in the local food scene alongside fashion, cultural events, travel, home and entertainment.

For those of you who still haven’t gotten over THAT Game of Thrones finale, fear not. We’re here to help take your mind off it with a jam-packed issue shall we begin?☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 4

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition • SEPTEMBER 2017 VOLUME 04, ISSUE 04

CHAIRMAN KHALIFA BIN MUBARAK AL KHALIFA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEr GREG HUGHES GENERAL MANAGER HUSSEIN A. ZREIK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR PAULA LEAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SUDHI KOLLAROTH CONTRIBUTORS CRAIG FERRIMAN PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD SALES DIRECTOR SAMAR KALLAS (samar@ohlala-magazine.com) OFFICE ADMIN PRADEEP KUMAR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES samar@ohlala-magazine.com PRINTED BY UNITED PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication.

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

FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

instagram

twitter

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FACT Qatar

5,219 followers

@FACT_Qatar Page Not Found No Internet Connection You Need A Digital Detox

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 04 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 celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Qatar in local supermarkets now!

UNPLUGGED

HOTEL GOALS

Can social media addicts press pause on the virtual world?

The best insta accounts to follow in Doha’s hospitality scene

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.

facebook

tweets Noor Rana @NOORRANA2592 Cold. Hot. Cold then hot again, then cold. Then hot and then back to being cold again. The many shades of Monday blues. #NooRants #workdiaries

FACT Qatar 19,960 likes Keep up with all things Qatar as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine. Send us a message – we love to hear from our readers!

Sara A. @SARAAWHO I caught the bouquet last night at my friend’s wedding & my mom is still celebrating.

OUR FAVE FEATURE AUGUST 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 03 QR10

Mahmood Zeyad @MAHMOODZEYAD If my two friends that like doing early breakfast can come back to Bahrain already, that’d be nice.

DO NOT DISTURB

DOHA’S BEST ROOMS AND SUITES TO BEAT THE HEAT

Sarah @ZEYTWZA3TAR My little sister yelled “JESUS” and my nephew said “you’re Muslim” so she yelled “SAYEDNA 3ISSA”

Mohamed AlSahlawi @M_SAHLAWI I had Tikka and kebab with mozzarella and mushrooms, what a time to be alive.

issuu.com FACT Qatar 52,378 reads of the August issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Qatar.

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

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Livin’ The Chocolate Life GIVING CHOCOL ATE AND DESSERT LOVERS IN QATAR A SWEET REASON TO SMILE, THE THE MUCH-LOVED KUWAITI GOURMET DESSERT CAFÉ, LIFE WITH CACAO IS NOW OPEN AT THE MALL OF QATAR.

AURA HOSPITALITY & FOOD SERVICES has launched the popular Kuwaiti fine dessert concept, Life with Cacao, and our inner chocolate maven is ready to indulge! The all-day café ambience comes to Qatar following five successful outlets in Kuwait, where Life with Cacao has grown in popularity to be known as a destination of choice for personal occasions or business engagements.

Renowned for using the freshest quality ingredients such as Swiss covertures and 100% natural Malagasy vanilla, the café makes an ideal spot for a hearty breakfast, gratifying lunch or healthy dinner with a menu that, aside from delectable chocolate creations, includes dishes ranging from Turkey eggs benedict topped with classic hollandaise sauce, its signature hazelnut paste and ice cream popsicle fondue and even homemade ice cream and country salad, amongst many other selections.

Charbel Mhanna, CEO, AURA Hospitality & Food Services, said: “We are committed to enhancing Doha’s position as a gastronomic hub by introducing brands that will resonate with the local community for their culinary offerings and relaxing ambience, through their unique character.

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“Specialising in chocolate creations and eclectic dessert varieties, Life with Cacao is an extension of the founders passion for creating sweet experiences for their guests through gourmet chocolate craftsmanship and attentive hospitality, and we are confident the café will make a welcome addition to Doha’s vibrant food scene,” he added.

Inspired by its founders love of chocolate and their passion for living deliciously, Life with Cacao is more than just a dessert café. A trendy ambience perfected by stylish aesthetics and a friendly vibe, a wide variety of choice in fine desserts and chocolate creations, and welcoming service makes Life with Cacao a fantastic spot for a casual outing, special celebrations or even a business meeting.

If that’s not enough, the café’s motto “Live Deliciously” will have you through its doors in no time! ✤

GO: VISIT LIFE WITH CACAO AT MALL OF QATAR. OPEN DAILY FROM 9AM TO MIDNIGHT. FOLLOW @LIFEWITHCACAO ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

ISLAND VIBES

NANDO’S LOVE DOHA FESTIVAL CITY, THE country’s newest entertainment, retail and hospitality destination, welcomed a new branch of the foodie favourite – Nando’s! The flame-grilled PERiPERi chicken restaurant is the first dining outlet to welcome visitors at the newly opened ‘casual dining’ area on the first floor, adjoining VOX Cinemas and what will be the cuttingedge Family Entertainment Complex.

In its 16th year of operation in Qatar, this is the ninth restaurant located in pockets across Qatar. Nando’s, the South African restaurant chain with over 1000 restaurants world-wide, of which 40 are in the region, is famed for its flame-grilled PERiPERi chicken and its warm and ambient interiors inspired by its Afro-Portuguese heritage. The new Nando’s at Doha Festival City will also be home to 31 bespoke pieces of art, sourced specifically for the restaurant from up-and-coming South African artists, to complement the bold design that is synonymous with the brand.

Trevor Hill, General Manager, Doha Festival City Mall, said: “Our new casual dining area is set to welcome several new outlets over the next few weeks, but we are delighted to be kicking it off with Nando’s which we know is a popular crowdpleaser here in Qatar. The restaurant design as per Nando’s trademark also has unique quirks that can only be seen here at Doha Festival City - including the beautiful pieces of art which makes the restaurant a real feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!” ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.FESTIVALCITYDOHA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 10

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SEPTEMBER SEES MORE AMAZING deals at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara and we’re excited to share some of our favourites with you! Check out the unbelievable Island Brunch at Azraq restaurant. Explore world cuisines at this weekend paradise brunch. Every Friday and Saturday, indulge in everything from sushi, seafood and barbecue grills to Italian, Indian, American and Arabic delicacies. In-house guests pay QR250 per person, including luxury boat transfer; visiting guests pay QR300 per person, including luxury boat transfer and it’s QR175 for children aged five to 11-years-old.

Why traipse through an airport to sandy shores when a beautiful pure-sand private beach awaits at this stunning resort? Bask in turquoise waters, sample great food and enjoy the fantastic weather just 25 minutes from mainland Doha. For QR350 per person you get Pool and Beach Access; credit of QR200 per person to enjoy a meal at any of the restaurants; credit of QR50 per person for your choice of any recreational activities and luxury boat transportation to and from the resort. How awesome does that sound? ✤

GO: CALL 4040 5131/32 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

TRIPLE THREAT: THE ST. REGIS DOHA WINS BIG! The St. Regis Doha, one of Qatar’s finest 5-star addresses, has been awarded three accolades at this year’s World Luxury Restaurant and Spa Awards 2017.

AL SULTAN BRAHIM WALKED away with the award for Best Lebanese Restaurant in the region, whilst Hakkasan took home Best Chinese Restaurant in the region; and Remède Spa has, once again, received the World Luxury Spa Award as Country Winner for the Best Luxury Urban Escape. The prestigious ceremony for the awards was held in Hanoi, Vietnam and gathered the crème de la crème of the luxury wellness and fine dining industries.

The World Luxury Restaurant & Spa Awards inspire excellence and ignite healthy competition in the luxury restaurant and spa industry. Voting is based on the complete food and spa experience combined with aspects of service excellence, quality and menu choices. Votes are predominantly cast by guests, but also by industry professionals that approve and support the nominated establishments.

Mr. Tareq Derbas, General Manager of The St. Regis Doha, said: “We are extremely proud to have received these prestigious awards. We are delighted to have been internationally recognized as a benchmark in the hospitality industry and we will continue to build on the success that we have achieved,” he added. “These accolades are a testament to the dedication of our teams and we hope to remain the leading restaurants and spa in Doha far into the future.”

The original Al Sultan Brahim restaurant was founded in 1968 in Jnah, on the coastline of Beirut by three El-Ramy brothers.

Visitors to the award winning Al Sultan Brahim at The St. Regis Doha can savour legendary Lebanese cuisine prepared by 12

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Chef Wael Jaafar, who trained with the master team at Jnah.

Furthermore, The St. Regis Doha features the renowned Hakkasan, offering guests a world-class culinary experience, and setting the bar high for the Middle Eastern culinary scene.

Overseen by Head Chef Lai Min Wei, the menu is a modern interpretation of authentic Cantonese cuisine, using the finest ingredients and expert techniques.

The hotel’s Remède Spa includes 18 treatment rooms, hydro pool, steam room, a pedicure and manicure room with cuttingedge technology chairs as well as a relaxation room. The exclusive spa is a mystical sanctuary for the mind, body and soul offering a comprehensive menu of facials, massages and body treatments.

Three well-deserved awards for a fabulous hospitality giant in Doha – congrats to The St. Regis Doha team! ✤

GO: CALL 4446 0000 OR VISIT WWW.STREGISDOHA.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

MOVIE MAJLIS EXPERIENCE Unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before, Novo Cinemas is raising the bar for luxury entertainment with the launch of its spectacular Movie Majlis Experience at the Mall of Qatar, and we can’t wait for you all to try it out!

THE ULTRA-EXCLUSIVE CONCEPT, Movie Majlis, is only available in the cinema’s ATMOS theatre which features the world’s best surround-sound system to further enhance the immersive viewing experience. The ATMOS screen has its own carefully-curated schedule of movie screenings, ensuring that guests can watch the latest releases with the highest level of luxury and service.

Ahmed Al Mulla, COO Entertainment, Elan Group, said: “Novo Cinemas is a pioneer in the development of luxury cinema innovation. We are delighted to be expanding our VIP screening options, further cementing us as leaders in exclusive, bespoke entertainment solutions.”

Guests will enter the Majlis via their very own private entrance where their personal butler is ready to ensure their comfort and enjoyment. Inside the theatre there are five spacious twoperson suites, complete with full size dining table for guests to relax and dine on a delicious meal whilst enjoying the latest in movie entertainment.

In addition to a welcome drink and snacks, VIP film-goers can select a four-course meal from a specially designed menu featuring classic dishes from both the East and the West. Guests will be able to choose from tasty appetisers, sumptuous mains

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and tempting desserts.

The Movie Majilis defines the standard for luxury cinema in Qatar once again, building on the reputation Novo already holds as one of the region’s top leaders in premium entertainment experiences through the launch of the 7* cinema concept at The Pearl and the Mall of Qatar.

CEO of Novo Cinemas, Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, said; “The launch of the Majlis experience at the Mall of Qatar reaffirms Novo’s position as the leader in luxury entertainment. We are constantly striving to enrich our cinema experience for our customers and believe the Majlis is the perfect offering in the Qatari market for those wishing to elevate their viewing a movie to an occasion to be savoured and shared.”

The Movie Majlis experience at the Mall of Qatar is priced at a very cool QR475 for the two-person luxury suite inclusive of food and drinks. It’s time to start dropping those birthday, anniversary and date night hints! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.NOVOCINEMAS.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

JOURNEY THROUGH ASIA MOUTHWATERING TASTES IS WHAT life’s about this month as P.F. Chang’s takes guests on a food adventure through China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Thailand with its limited-time menu that celebrates a Journey Through Asia.

The menu showcases the mastery of P.F. Chang’s’ chefs, whose expertise in high-temperature wok cooking brings out the full flavour of each ingredient for an authentic experience.

Jim Dunn, P.F. Chang’s Vice President, said: “We say Journey Through Asia because this menu truly represents our passion for the wide variety of flavours, textures and colours of Asian cooking that we want to share with our guests. Featuring original new recipes inspired by the region’s most popular trends and innovative cuisines, these dishes transport guests to new places where they can experience Asia with their loved ones without leaving their own hometown,” he added.

Try everything from China’s Fire Cracker Chicken to Vietnam’s Duck Summer Roll, Korea’s Kanpung Sau Shrimp and Thailand’s Tom Yum Chicken & Shrimp Soup.

P.F. Chang’s also introduces new blended summer refreshers to perfectly complement the limited-time menu; Passion Fruit Cooler, Strawberry Mojito, and Berry Blast are all refreshing concoctions to keep you cool!

To enjoy the full adventure, P.F. Chang’s founder Philip Chiang, suggests that guests order several appetisers and entrees to share, in the Asian tradition of combining a dish from the sea, one from the land and another from the sky, paired with fried rice or noodles. Sounds delish! ✤

GO: FOLLOW @PFCHANGSME ON INSTGRAM FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION.

HELLO, JWALA! DOHA’ FOOD COMMUNITY IS given one more reason to rejoice this month as Jwala, a contemporary Indian restaurant in Megapolis, Medina Centrale is coming to take the culinary scene by storm! Jwala represents a creative combination of classic and contemporary Indian Street food. Its menu reflects the cultural diversity of the country’s cuisine, influenced by a modern take on traditional Indian favourites.

Jwala’s dining experience promises a tasteful journey through the world of Indian flavours and spices, all complemented with the perfect blend of authenticity and innovation, accompanied by vibrant street art and interiors setting the ideal stage for a relaxed and joyful dining experience. ✤ 16

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Discover the taste of Thailand with the relaxed Saturday Brunch at Sabai Thai. Indulge in award-winning and authentic royal Thai cuisine and beverages created by our skilled Thai Chefs and mixologists using the finest Thai ingredients. An ideal setting to catch up with friends and family and a great way to tantalize the palette with new authentic flavours.

Every Saturday 12:00 to 4:00pm QR 130 with soft drinks QR 245 with selected beverages FOR MORE INFORMATION +974 3359 8514 dining.doha@westin.com sabaithaidoha.com

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©2017 Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preffered Guest, SPG, Westin and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms & conditions, visit westin.com/doha

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• LISTEN UP

DINING DEALS FACT’s pick of September’s best foodie offerings…

Experience The City THE SQUARE, INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Launching on September 7, every Thursday you can enjoy some of the tastiest food the cities of the world have to offer right here in Doha. This fantastic new interactive Thursday evening dining experience lets diners immerse in the flavours of five different cities, with a varied choice from week to week.

You can even suggest the cuisine from a city of your choice – just leave a note on the City Suggestion board! Starts at QR215 for food only with various beverage packages available.

Served from 6pm to 11pm.

CALL 4015 8888 FOR MORE INFO.

Bring Your Bibs, We’ve Got Ribs…

SANTA MONICA BREAKFAST CLUB, GRAND HYATT DOHA We all deserve a cheat day once in a while, but what about a cheat month? Get your hands dirty at SMBC as the venue brings you an eclectic mix of American, Korean, Chinese and Indian style ribs to ignite your taste buds. The carefully mastered recipes are sure to leave you craving more of the meaty madness. It’s time to relax, unwind and get stuck in.

Available daily from 12noon to late – prices are a la carte.

CALL 4448 1240 FOR MORE INFO.

The Burger Hunt HUNTERS ROOM & GRILL, THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Join in the hunt to find the best burger in town! Tuck into the juiciest meat as Hunters takes you on a culinary trip from Mexico to the US and back to the Middle East in an attempt to give you the biggest, most creative burger menu that Doha has ever seen. Available daily from 5pm to 8pm for QR75 with a side.

CALL 3359 8514 FOR MORE INFO.

Sakura Sundays SAKURA, RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DOHA When the Japanese food cravings come calling, there’s one place in town to satisfy the taste buds and fill your bellies.

Enjoy a lavish Japanese buffet with a selection of crispy tempura, assorted sushi and sashimi and flaming teppanyaki dishes along with the warm hearty Miso Soup. Available on September 3, 10, 17 and 24, from 6pm to 11pm. QR170 per person for buffet only and QR220 per person with selected vino and hops. ✤ CALL 4428 1555 FOR MORE INFO. 18

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QR BREAKFAST BUFFET

EVERYDAY from 7:00 to 11:30 am

Start the day with a rich and balanced breakfast with a wide variety of international and local breakfast specialties.

4433 6666

Souq Waqif, P.O. Box 3496, Doha, Qatar. fact magazine T +974 4433 6666 F +974 4433 6660 E souqwaqif@minor.com

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• LISTEN UP

RE-IMAGINED LUXURY The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Doha has been given a new lease of life to offer the city’s most contemporary and new indulgent spa experience.

THE UNIQUE SENSORY EXPERIENCE at The Ritz-Carlton Spa is inspired by the secrets of the sea and the pearls of the Arabian Gulf, paying homage to Qatar’s traditional pearling heritage and Doha’s revered ‘Pearl’ development. This culturally immersive spa experience includes seven secluded treatment rooms and a new fitness centre that boasts state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength equipment by Technogym and a designated private ladies section, all with the stunning view of the opulent marina.

The all-new Tuscany marble and mosaic tile wet areas offer guests a true moment of pampering and delight by exclusive ESPA products and treatments, curated specifically for The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The contemporary design dazzles with Mother of Pearl walls, swirled tile floors and the pallets of 20

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neutral shades enhances the new Ritz-Carlton Spa journey.

Staffed by a large team of professional therapists, the spa treatments are available daily from 9am to 9pm with over 30 unique services to choose from, featuring the signature Pearl Body Scrub, a personalised journey with the combination of natural crushed pearls and natural sea salts with rich minerals and calcium to soften, smooth, and renew your skin.

There’s no better time to escape the humidity and get yourself pampered than now! ✤

GO: CALL 4484 8000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

, Every Friday

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• SOCIETY

# N B K # H O L D I N G # L A U N C H E S # N AT I O N A L # C A M PA I G N Nasser bin Khaled Holding launched its new national campaign ‘The Journey of Glory” allowing the people of Qatar to sign Mercedes-Benz vehicles used as billboards to support ‘Tamim Is Glory’. The campaign joins national sentiment to show solidarity with His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in face of the current geopolitical issues. As a first in Qatar, NBK Holding has created two bespoke mobile ‘billboards’ using two Mercedes-Benz cars, the S-Class and the Vito. Inaugurated today at the headquarters of Nasser Bin Khaled Holding on Salwa Road, Sheikh Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled, Chairman and CEO of NBK Holding, was first to sign the cars at a special ceremony along with Sheikh Nasser bin Nawaf, second Deputy CEO, in the presence of NBK Holding staff and valued partners.

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DIGITAL DETOX: HOW DIFFICULT CAN IT BE? Does the thought of not posting a daily insta story give you anxiety? Or do you dread the little red notification every time you log onto Facebook?

Shabana Adam digs into the depths of social media to find out when an online cleanse is long overdue and why switching off is not as easy as it seems.

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• UNPLUGGED

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here comes a point in my daily routine – usually in the late afternoon – when I’ve exhausted all my creative and competent will for the day.

I need a time out. My sluggish mind and body, the onset of writer’s block and the half-hour-long meme sprees make this very clear. Not to mention the many cups of tea.

So, it got me thinking – what are the signs for when we need a break from the digital world? Whether we like it or not, we are creatures of social media. The Arab Social Media Report 2017 found that 90 per cent of the online population in most Middle East countries use social networking sites, daily.

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

But what happens when all the noise gets a bit too much? For me, being in the magazine industry where a huge part of the job responsibility is your brand’s social media, switching off seems almost deviant.

Yet, I’m convinced that many of us have had the urge to sign out and forget about hashtags and stories for a little while. I know I have. And though I love letting the rebel in me out to play, disconnecting is easier said than done.

Dilemma number one: as much as I’ve wanted to take a hiatus every now and again, there’s just something SO addictive about scrolling through your feed and taking in all the new content from your friends

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and followers. Yes, I want to see who’s had a baby, who’s on holiday in the Maldives, and who’s had a healthier lunch than mine. I probably (definitely) don’t care, but I want to see it nonetheless. So, the question is, what makes it so HARD to step AWAY from our digital platforms?

Lena Dobschall, an Abu Dhabi-based Lifestyle Blogger, who goes by the name mondayonfleek, believes that social media can create short elusions from the real world, which users find easier to handle.

“You see all these nice pictures of palm trees or videos of baby cats, and everything is always AH-MAZING,” she says.

“THE DIGITAL WORLD SEEMS TO BE SO MUCH EASIER SOMETIMES, AND EVEN THOUGH IT’S OBVIOUSLY PRETENTIOUS, WE STILL TEND TO LIKE AND BELIEVE WHAT WE SEE THERE.” - LENA DOBSCHALL

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he Middle East especially, has seen a staggering growth in social media activity. We Are Social’s newest report, Digital in 2017 Global Overview, revealed that social media use overall saw an impressive leap of 47 per cent in the past 12 months, with mobile social media up 44 per cent.

To put things into perspective, that’s 93 MILLION active social media users in this region alone. Imagine the amount of new conversation topics, funny memes and viral videos you could be witnessing on the hour? Now, if that doesn’t give you major FOMO (fear of missing out) then I don’t know what will.

“People want to be constantly in the know,” says Hassan Saraya, a Gulf-based Public Relations Executive at Four Seasons Hotels.

“You want to be part of the “it” conversation and so your real life experiences start to get replaced by virtual ones.”

Lena adds: “Our generation is constantly worried about missing out on something, so spending time online seems to be the best way to keep up to date with everything from pop culture to news.

“And because things change so fast, you get new updates every time you log on which means you want to basically stay online all the time in order to keep up!” she says.

This infinite cycle of wanting to know about everyone and everything the second that it happens, could be the core reason why the majority of social media users find it difficult to disconnect from their online personas.

“PEOPLE WANT TO BE CONSTANTLY IN THE KNOW... YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE “IT” CONVERSATION AND SO YOUR REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES START TO GET REPLACED BY VIRTUAL ONES.” - HASSAN SARAYA

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From behind a screen you can consume all the gossip you want, comment on posts and pictures with opinions you don’t have to justify and, essentially, be whoever you want to be for your followers. The real pros, I’m sure, will have also played detective a fair few times. I mean, if you haven’t casually ‘stalked’ a crush’s feed all the way back to 2012 or gone through your childhood friend’s brother’s wife’s holiday album, or spent an hour saving links to recipes you’ll never make, are you even doing social media right?

And so, we come to dilemma number two: as much as I’d love to sign out from my devices for days at a time, browsing the discover page on Instagram or checking out the latest trending topic on Twitter, and even taking a hundred different pictures using new Snapchat filters, is all part of my daily escapism – these are the places where I can choose and control which parts of my life I want people to see. Which leads to the next big question, is your digital IDENTITY the REAL you?

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

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“PEOPLE CANNOT REALLY DISTINGUISH BETWEEN YOUR MEDIA PERSONALITY, A.K.A YOUR JOB, AND YOUR REAL PERSONALITY. THEY WILL JUDGE YOU ONLY BY WHAT YOU PUT OUT THERE.” - LENA DOBSCHALL

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ena suggests that this aspect of social media, the fluidity of online identity and the attachment of stereotypes, is also one of the negatives of having the status of ‘influencer’. Why? “People cannot really distinguish between your media personality, aka your job, and your real personality,” she explains. “They will judge you only by what you put out there. For example, the role of a make-up blogger may be stereotyped by some as being superficial or unintelligent, but it can be a very lucrative job, where you have to be smart, extremely organised and consistent,” Lena adds. “But on YouTube, all you might see them doing is dabbing their concealer on, which is the only side of them that you’ll know.”

For Hassan, much like myself, and any other profession that requires keeping a

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constant eye on your follower engagement and competitor’s online moves, social media is a whole different arena of endless possibilities.

“It’s crazy, because less than a decade ago, social media was just a trend,” Hassan recalls. “Now it’s a critical component of any business marketing programme as well as for personal connections too.

“You create your own persona in a saturated world. Anyone can be anyone on social media, so why would you want to switch off from that?” he says.

Here comes dilemma number three: the honest truth is that if I want to excel in my job, social media has to be my best friend – at all times of the day (and night).

Even if for a few hours, detaching from the digital world means that I could miss out on the next big story or insta opp, both personally and professionally. Final question: do we just continue to let the NOISE of social media take over for the sake of workplace COMMITMENTS or is that just a good excuse to stay online?

“YOU CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONA IN A SATURATED WORLD. ANYONE CAN BE ANYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA, SO WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SWITCH OFF FROM THAT?” - HASSAN SARAYA

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• UNPLUGGED

“

The truth is that as the working environment evolves in the GCC, more and more employees are relying on technology and social media in particular to keep connected,” Hassan explains. “As a result, we are in a constant always-on mode. I even see this in my own social media because my posts on both work platforms and my personal accounts have a similar style, albeit within brand guidelines for work.”

IT’S A BLURRED LINE; WORK LIFE AND REAL LIFE, WHERE T H E RO L E O F S O C I A L M E D I A M E A N S T H AT YO U A R E T H E B R A N D A N D T H E B R A N D I S YO U.

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It’s a blurred line; work life and real life, where the role of social media means that you ARE the brand and the brand is YOU. This might be a positive thing for those who want to stay ahead in their career game and dedicate every waking moment to their followers, but it can also be a negative for those who wish to turn off their notifications and can’t always do so, because they’re either too afraid of missing out on something important or, simply, their digital platforms have become such a sacrilegious part of both work and home life.

On the other end of the spectrum, it’s important to recognise that social media can also be a positive and beneficial tool.

It’s an excellent place to voice opinions for causes that need attention and to reach a big audience, fast. It’s also packed full of free skills, advice and information on every topic you could think of – holistic wellbeing, DIY hacks, fashion updates, education empowerment, political movements and so much

more – as well as giving you a closer, raw insight into the lives of celebrities, athletes, CEOs and other world movers and shakers for inspiration or for pure pastime. There’s networking sites like LinkedIn which is possibly the greatest tool for making career connections, browsing, applying and in many cases, landing your next job.

The digital world might just be the biggest catch 22 for millions of people, and we haven’t even touched on topics such as profile privacy and how exactly being online affects people’s psychology.

For some, social media sells happiness and gives the level of validation they crave. For others who want to avoid faceto-face interaction, social media allows them to express their feelings without dealing with the consequences.

My truth is, I can live WITH it more than I can live without it. Ultimately, only YOU will know if and when you need a digital detox.

I think my time to press pause is slowly creeping up. But first, let me take a selfie. ✤

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA 101 AANCHAL DUGGAL GIVES YOU THE LOWDOWN ON THE MOST POPULAR PLATFORMS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD…

Facebook

Instagram

FOUNDER(S): Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes

FOUNDER(S): Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger

NUMBER OF USERS: 2 billion monthly active users WHY IT’S POPULAR: If you’re anything like us, passively scrolling through your Facebook feed has manifested into a bedtime ritual you just can’t seem to shake off! Offering a fascinating milieu of friends, family, colleagues and a whole lotta memes, Facebook has successfully cemented its position at the top of the social media ladder. From insanely cute puppy videos and keeping in touch with long lost friends to getting the deets on the latest gossip in your circle and around the world- Facebook is on top of it all! With the influx of newer and cooler social media, it will be interesting to see how Facebook matches up.

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NUMBER OF USERS: 400 million daily active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: If you’re a sucker for drool-worthy food art and FOMO inducing vacay snaps- Instagram should be right up your alley! Coming at us with a host of fitness goals, food envy, beauty hacks, travel inspo and more, Instagram presents to us an ideal image of life and society; it’s escapism at its finest. Apart from setting some unrealistic yet entertaining standards, your favourite celebs and media influencers are just a DM away. A reservoir of selfies, hashtags and filters, the photo sharing app has managed to create the perfect illusion of the world. Love it or hate it- we just can’t get enough of the ‘gram!

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

Snapchat

Twitter

FOUNDER(S): Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, Reggie Brown

FOUNDER(S): Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, Evan Williams

NUMBER OF USERS: 173 million daily active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: Changing the face of the digital world, literally one filter at a time, Snapchat has introduced us to a side of social media we never knew we needed! Making communication incredibly raw and customised, Snapchat lets you control your content to a much greater extent than other platforms. But what make this app so distinguished and one of a kind are its unique and playful filters. Be it the basic dog filter or everybody’s favourite flower crown filter, documenting your life has never been this creative. Revolutionising the way we use our phones to connect within our social circles, as well as the daily world Snapchat story and news articles, Snapchat is a gift that keeps on giving and we can’t wait for every new filter that’s coming.

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NUMBER OF USERS: 100 million daily active users WHY IT’S POPULAR: A haunt for intellectuals, politicians and celebrities alike, Twitter attracts unfiltered criticism, adulation as well as other miscellaneous witticisms and commentary from all walks of life. Providing us with the wider pulse of the world, the data and current events that we glean from the app in realtime are actually game-changing. A form of citizen journalism, it helps keep track of the events from normal people on the ground, all within the platform’s 140-character limit! Letting individual opinions into the global cyber-canvass, Twitter is the easiest way to join the conversation and form a sense of community. It’s also your best bet at finding different opinions and real-time info.

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

Tumblr

LinkedIn

FOUNDER(S): David Karp

FOUNDER(S): Reid Hoffman, Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly, Jean-Luc Vaillant

NUMBER OF USERS: 550+ million active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: Giving a whole new meaning to “your vibe attracts your tribe”, Tumblr makes finding your kind of people super easy and fun! The hotbed for youth activity, what makes this microblogging site so popular is its selectivity and security through obscurity. Ideal for people who are not into lengthy blogs, it lets you post short texts, multimedia, quotes and lots more about anything and everything. Featuring everything from fact to fiction, it allows you to connect with and follow people who are obsessed with the same things as you and form communities based on these interests. The best place to vent, connect and get inspired!

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NUMBER OF USERS: 500 million members WHY IT’S POPULAR: In our ferociously competitive society, establishing a professional identity can be exhausting and any help is always a welcomed sight. Thankfully for us, LinkedIn makes stepping into the professional realm more precise and fuss-free! While it may not be the most happening social media platform around, it is definitely the most important when it comes to building a professional network. A go-to service for professionals of all ages, it links employers posting jobs with job seekers posting their CVs. Offering a whole world of opportunities, LinkedIn is definitely one of the best recruitment tools around.

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

Reddit

YouTube

FOUNDER(S): Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian

FOUNDER(S): Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim

NUMBER OF USERS: 250 million users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: A clever play on the words “I read it”, Reddit is an assorted collection of subreddits representing every subject imaginable. From news, science and music to fitness and unsolved mysteries, Reddit has a thread for your every mood and intellect! The availability of an open and diverse user community has made it a safe place for users to raise attention and foster discussions on a wide range of subjects.

Feeding on people’s desire to be constantly inthe-know, it helps users achieve certain goals of viewership or simply attain answers to interesting questions. This is definitely the kind of social media platform to air out your Area 51 theory or talk about the next diet fad - basically, spending hours upon hours browsing, reading and posting!

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NUMBER OF USERS: Over 1 billion users WHY IT’S POPULAR: Beauty tutorials, daily vlogging and music videos from around the world- that’s YouTube for you!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, this video sharing site must be your go-to app for all things entertainment. With over 300 hours of video uploaded to the site every minute (seriously!), it’s beyond debate that YouTube’s influence has totally changed the world. Independent creators have turned this video giant into a money-making machine by amassing huge followings and raking in a lot of moolah! YouTube’s face-to-face engagement concept has led to a whole different ball game that continues to dramatically grow and evolve. If you’ve got the subscribers then you’re doing it right!

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• SOCIAL MEDIA

Pinterest

Google+

FOUNDER(S): Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp, Ben Silbermann

FOUNDER(S): Larry Page, Sergey Brin

NUMBER OF USERS: 150 million active monthly users

NUMBER OF USERS: 111 million active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR:

WHY IT’S POPULAR:

Inspiring users to “go out and do that thing” since 2010, Pinterest‘s visual orientation has made it everybody’s favourite catalog of ideas. With your lifestyle at its core, Pinterest lets you draw inspiration from a host of pretty pictures as you ‘pin’ your way to visual nirvana! Sharing your likes and interests lets you connect with likeminded people and create a visual bookmark of everything from recipes and style inspiration to home hacks and crafts. The option of creating multiple pinboards is ideal for people who crave a little organisation!

Another social media platform where you can while away the hours, this time with a bundle of creative inspiration.

An integrated social networking platform focused on bringing all of Google together, Google+ is a more niche channel in this sea of booming media platforms. While Google+ lets you post photos and status updates to the stream and interest based communities, what makes it stand out is its ability to post unobstructed high resolution images. It also lets you implement high-quality photo editing features, which is a treat for amateur photographers and lifestyle bloggers. Staying connected is made super easy with Hangout, its video calling service that lets you talk to 10 people at once. Google+ might not be in the spotlight, but it is definitely worth your attention!

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• ACRONYMS

FYI, SOCIAL MEDIA IS #BAE Not hi n g s ays s o c i a l m ed i a - s av v y like a good acrony m. Abbreviat ion s go ha nd- in - h a n d w i th th e d i g i t al world wh ere t y pin g ou t a wh ole s enten ce i s j ust too u n cool . In s tea d , c a pt i on s an d h as ht ags are packed wit h eas ier (l a z i e r) ways of s ay i n g w h at yo u mean . Here are s ome of t h e f requ ent ly u s ed tex t cu lprit s …

AMA – Ask Me Anything BAE – Before Anyone Else BFF – Best Friend Forever BFN – Bye For Now BRB – Be Right Back BTW – By The Way CYL – See You Later DM – Direct Message FF – Follow Friday FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out FTW – For The Win FYI – For Your Information FWIW – For What It’s Worth FYA – For Your Amusement GTG – Got To Go GR8 – Great HBD – Happy Birthday ICYMI – In Case You Missed It IDC – I Don’t Care 42

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IDK – I Don’t Know ILY – I Love You IMO – In My Opinion IRL – In Real Life JELL – Jealous JK – Just Kidding KMT – Kiss My Teeth LOL – Laughing Out Loud LMAO – Laughing My A** Off LMK – Let Me Know MYOB – Mind Your Own Business NBD – No Big Deal NBC – Nobody Cares NVM – Never Mind NSFW – Not Safe For Work OBV – Obviously OG – Original Gangster OMG – Oh My God

OMW – On My Way OOTD – Outfit Of The Day PDA – Public Display of Affection PPL – People QOTD – Quote Of The Day ROTFL – Rolling On The Floor Laughing SMH – Shaking My Head SRLSY – Seriously TBH – To Be Honest TBT – Throwback Thursday TMI – Too Much Information TYT – Take Your Time TTYL – Talk To You Later TYVM – Thank You Very Much WTH – What The Hell YOLO – You Only Live Once YGTR – You Got That Right

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DISCONNECT 5 WAYS TO SWITCH OFF

ARE YOU CONSTANTLY SCROLLING ON YOUR SMARTPHONE? YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEED COULD BE SPIKING YOUR STRESS LEVELS AND TAKING A TOLL ON YOUR WELLBEING. HERE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS FOR YOU TO UNPLUG AND LIVE IN THE MOMENT.

1. FOCUS: MINDFULNESS It might sound straightforward, but training your brain to stop multitasking and focus on one thing at a time can do your health wonders. This technique promotes breathing exercises found in yoga which encourages individuals to step back from their busy thoughts and emotions in order to view things from a disconnected perspective. The best (and probably ironic) thing is that you can now download mindfulness guides from online sources such as www.bemindfulonline.com.

2. CONNECT: FACE-TO-FACE Actually get up, get ready and go to see your family and friends. Yes, it sounds so simple, but more and more people have become accustomed to “checking-in” with their loved ones over a Facebook message or Insta DM. If you find yourself regularly cutting out REAL human-to-human interaction, it’s time to take a social media vacation and start making plans to meet up with the people in your life.

3. DO NOTHING: BREAK TIME Possibly the easiest decision you can make is to take a time out. Actively breaking away from posting on social media for a few days can create new breathing space whilst knowing that your account is still visible and searchable even when you’re not posting.

Take this a step further and deactivate your account as a temporary solution to pressing pause on your daily screen time.

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4. SILENCE: HIDE IT When meeting up with friends, turn off notification or better yet, put your phone on silent, and leave it in your bag. No bag?

Turn your phone over so you can’t see the screen. We’ve all got that one friend who keeps their phone attached to them like a glove – we might even be that friend – but this is seriously rude. Fight the urge to check emails and messages, and to insta your food (that might be a little harder), you’re guaranteed more good convo and laughs this way.

5. CLEANSE: HOLIDAY Yes, posting on social media when you’re off on your travels is an absolute must – why would you not want to show off the beach you’re lounging on when your besties are all doing the nine-to-five grind?

The solution: plan a holiday that actually allows for down-time and detaching from your devices – for example, health retreats, wildlife trips, volunteering days, spa vacays and more – you can take all the pics you want and post them when you’re back. The key is to LIVE IN THE MOMENT. ✤

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• INFLUENCER Q&A

#KEEPITREAL WE’VE HAD AN ATTEMPT AT TACKLING THE ISSUE OF BALANCING OFFSCREEN LIFE WITH ONLINE PERSONA, AND THERE’S ONE LADY WHO IS INSPIRING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE REGION TO BE THEMSELVES BOTH ON THEIR INSTA FEED AND OUT IN THE REAL WORLD. FACT MEETS ABU DHABI-BASED SOCIAL

Hi Azza! Give us a brief snapshot of your personal journey with social media?

I started in the media world 10 years ago, on the radio. I was an MC for a lot of local and international events, and three years ago when I joined the TV world, I decided to open a social media account but wasn’t very active and didn’t believe in it a lot to be honest. It all started two years ago when I left TV and launched my own online radio and started speaking about issues and topics that got huge attention from people. Having these conversations noticed pushed me to start being more active on Instagram and Snapchat with videos. So, I would say that my social media journey began almost a year and a half ago.

MEDIA INFLUENCER AZZA AL MUGHAIRY TO TALK POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF HAVING A DIGITAL PRESENCE, HOW TO DEAL WITH KEYBOARD WARRIORS AND HER TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING SAFE ONLINE…

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In what ways has the introduction and use of social media impacted your life – both positively and negatively?

Social media did change me a lot; it’s made me realise things about myself, helped me to reach people and to grow and learn in the process. And yes, it has negatives too, which have somehow helped me to be stronger so I can’t really complain, as it really can make or break you – and it did make me.

The positives for me is that I had a message that I wanted to spread and reach people with, and social media has helped me to do that. It has opened a lot of doors for me and so my work is more

recognised in the UAE – be that exposure through events or a good response from people. I wanted my radio discussions and my topic videos to get people talking more openly about different life issues, to talk to me and ask me things. Thankfully, I have the most AMAZING followers who look up to me and that is just incredible.

Getting random hugs from people I don’t know and all the love is amazing. And when I get a mother or a lady stop me to say that one of my videos or snaps made them feel stronger, like they had someone to lean on – this makes me SO happy.☺ The negatives played their role too. In the beginning when I was new to social media, I wasn’t really aware of the bad side of it – BULLYING. Then I was being called names and waking up to negative messages and hate – it was shocking for me. As strong as you are, it’s hard to keep it together all the time because these things will affect you. But with time, it honestly got better and less or I think I grew thicker skin, at least.

I opened the door for people to speak to me since I started talking about topics that aren’t so widely discussed in the public sphere, so I started getting people trusting me, who would come to my office or randomly stop me in the mall and have a chat. I absolutely love it, but the fact is that sometimes I’ll hear a lot of negative stories about problems in the community and all I can do is listen because help is

INFLUENCER Q&A •

beyond my control – and this really got me down at one point that I fell into a state of depression. I really had to tell myself, “Azza, they just need an ear or need you to talk about it with them” but ultimately, it’s not your problem. So, I had to learn not to take everything personally which was hard but I’m getting used to it.

Have you ever been the subject of online bullying or harassment and how have you dealt with this?

Yes, I got my fair share of that for a full year and, to be honest, I didn’t know how to deal with it. I went through a phase where I didn’t like my face and my body and was really feeling down and not confident, it just made me feel down and one day I just woke up and said “no, this is enough” – which was followed by this amazing video about how I felt. I then started doing talks at schools and at events and I was shocked by how many people get that kind of abuse on a daily basis.

So I made a call to actually support this cause and try to make a change by talking about it and spreading awareness. I can’t really express how grateful I am for the support from the media and other

“

“I am here for anyone going through online nastiness – it did affect me for sure but I decided to take a stand and speak about it.”

organisations who just helped me to spread the word. This made me stronger and it was now my responsibility to actually make sure that I don’t let bullying affect me, and make sure I help others and remind them to love themselves. I am here for anyone going through online nastiness – it did affect me for sure but I decided to take a stand and speak about it. I found great love and response so, why would I care about the haters?

What is your opinion on social media stereotypes and the pressure that is created to be a certain way through platforms such as instagram?

Ahh one of my main topics always is people judging and stereotyping and I always promote to people to start with them self first. We all have a tendency to judge; even I learned to work on this side of myself by showing, through my radio and social media, how you can be different being khaleeji and break barriers, and I made it with respecting and not judging anyone. That’s what made people trust me and talk to me, and I’m very thankful for that as I really worked on me, first and that’s made me stronger. fact magazine

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• INFLUENCER Q&A

Describe your relationship with digital platforms – how do you keep it REAL? (Smiles) #KeepitrealwithAzza. Well it’s very hard but I will make it simple; when you post without thinking what other people will think or say, and you just post what you want and what you feel with no script, not to get followers and likes, but just as YOU, and I mean the real you without any acting and boundaries - that’s when you reach another level of realness. I made mistakes in my social media experience that may cost me a lot with me being real and sometimes TOO real. I’ve lost a lot but am so happy and I don’t regret it as I may have closed doors for being so real but opened so many other doors for me that accept the real Azza who is doing what she loves.

Share with us your top five tips on keeping safe and being yourself online, regardless of people’s expectations…

- BE real, don’t try to be on social media for likes and followers as when you think that way people can see it, trust me.

- Post content to do with any field you want it to be in.

- Have a good schedule of your posting with what to post and when.

- Be consistent with what you always post – don’t just do everything and confuse followers, and also don’t just disappear make sure you always give to your followers for them to stay.

- Have your touch or mark that you’re known for and most importantly, HAVE FUN. ✤

AZZA AL MUGHAIRY IS AN EMIRATIOMANI SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY BASED IN ABU DHABI, UAE. FOLLOW @ AZZAALMUGHAIRY ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 48

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• SOCIETY

# O P E N I N G # O F # R E N O W N E D # L I F E # W I T H # C A C A O # AT # T H E # M A L L # O F # Q ATA R Located in Mall of Qatar, the Kuwaiti local fine dessert concept Life with Cacao opened its doors last month. In celebration of the outlet’s Qatar debut, AURA Hospitality & Food Services hosted an inaugural ceremony attended by members of the local media and Mall of Qatar shoppers who were given a glimpse of the café’s eclectic range of sweet creations highlighted by the restaurant’s expertise in chocolate art.

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#HOTELGOALS

They use social media to showcase their rooms, restaurants and dining deals, to run competitions and to give you all the holiday inspo you need – that’s right, Doha’s hotels really bring their A-game on instagram! FACT rounds up some of our favourite accounts to follow for your very own staycay muse!

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• HOTEL GOALS

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Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha

@fsdoha

@marsamalaz

Shangri-La Hotel, Doha

InterContinental Doha The City

@shangrila_doha

@icdohathecity

fact magazine

HOTEL GOALS •

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

@ritzcarltondoha

@marriottmarquisdoha

Grand Hyatt Doha

Oryx Rotana Doha

@grandhyattdoha

@oryxrotana

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• HOTEL GOALS

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

InterContinental Doha

@bananaislandresort

@intercontinentaldoha

The St. Regis Doha

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

@stregisdoha

@westindoha

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HOTEL GOALS •

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

@sheratongranddoha

@radissonbluhdoha

DoubleTree by Hilton Doha - Old Town

Sharq Village Hotel & Spa

@doubletree.doha

@sharqvillageandspa

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• HOTEL GOALS

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City Centre Rotana Doha

Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park

@ccrotanadoha

@crowneplazadohabp

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

Doha Marriott Hotel

@souqwaqifboutiquehotels

@dohamarriott

fact magazine

HOTEL GOALS •

Centro Capital Doha

Hilton Doha

@centrocdoha

@hiltondohahotel

Fraser Suites West Bay

Movenpick Hotel Doha

@frasersuiteswestbay

@movenpickhoteldoha

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• HOTEL GOALS

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W Doha Hotel & Residences

Mondrian Doha

@wdoha

@mondrian_doha

Fraser Suites Doha

Movenpick Hotel West Bay Doha

@frasersuitesdoha

@movenpickwbdoha

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For the culture-savvy in Qatar

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Grand

EXPECTATIONS AS THE MERCURY LEVELS SOAR, FACT’S CONTRIBUTING WRITER CRAIG FERRIMAN COOLS OFF AT THE ST. REGIS DOHA WHILE INDULGING IN A LUXURY STAYCATION. fact magazine

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• HOTEL HOTSPOT

“

“The hotel is like a castle. Long corridors with crisp white walls, separate wings and many outlets.”

L

ots of properties in Doha could be somewhere else.

However, The St. Regis stands for everything that Doha is and it makes for the ultimate staycation.

I think of hotels in London and how in a costconscious world, things once taken for granted, are now considered unnecessary frills. Well, rarely in Doha and certainly not when you stay at The St Regis Doha. We were treated like customers from the moment we checked in and as soon as we had arrived in our wonderful room the doorbell rang and we were acquainted with Alex the butler. I’m not kidding. He gave us his card and offered to tend to our needs for the duration of our stay. I have never had that before!

The hotel is like a castle. Long corridors with crisp white walls, separate wings and many outlets.It’s easy to get lost in it. I went to find the spa hidden away in a dark cavern in the basement and treated myself to a four-hands massage. This was also a first for me.

Two therapists massaging you at once in harmony. Oh my goodness, it was partly painful, mostly pleasurable. This massage pressed into parts of the body in ways I had not experienced before and at one point, with a thumb in both sides of my neck, I was starting to be worried but honestly, it eased muscle tension and rejuvenated the skin. Though I felt broken by the end, I felt brand new the next day!

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

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“

“The signature of this restaurant is that you can go and select the fish you want and they’ll gut it and grill or fry it for you.”

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

“

“The bed was so comfortable that I’m considering investing in new pillows and a better mattress at home.”

The two therapists were incredibly talented, truly did work in synchronicity and their sense of discretion was notably commendable.

After my massage and now feeling relaxed, I checked out their pool party which runs all summer. It’s called ‘Splashdown’ which made me think of a water park but it was much more chilled than that. Families filled the pool area showing it off to be a relaxed atmosphere where kids can feel at home but adults too can unwind. A DJ plays house beats and chart hits and you bathe in the summer sun at the Oyster Bar and Bay. Impressive cocktails are served at the bar area by the DJ along with cold beer and a decent selection of light snacks and pool dishes. The beach is still open through the

summer and you still feel the vibe from there.

I lay back on a sofa on the sand while teens lobbed a volleyball back and forward over a net and couples dipped their feet in the sea and had a swim and more adventurous types hired jet skies and put their feet down on the pedal!

There is no shortage of restaurant options in the The St. Regis Doha. I opted for the awardwinning Al Sultan Brahim which won Best Lebanese restaurant at the 2016 FACT awards.

Starters are rich in flavour and deeply tangy a reminder of why Lebanese cuisine is world class food. The signature of this restaurant is that you can go and select the fish you want and they’ll gut it and grill or fry it for you. Not ideal if you don’t like seeing the eyes in the fish

but I wasn’t bothered about that. I chose a red snapper locally caught from the Persian Gulf and it was absolutely delicious. Cooked with simplicity and so tasty; cooked in salt, pepper and a little lemon. Unfortunately, during the summer months, it’s rather obligatory to sit inside but I noticed many Lebanese diners there which is always a sign that the food is of authentic quality. Come the fall, I will definitely be returning to dine under the stars outside.

The room is classically designed. The bed was so comfortable that I’m considering investing in new pillows and a better mattress at home. I had forgotten how comfortable a great night’s sleep could be. I had a king size bed with a sea view on the tenth floor. The bath had a TV above it and the lavatory and shower were all separated by glass doors. The finishings were of a high standard but it also felt traditional and homely. Clean white walls, beige sofas, white bedding and marble and glass in the bathroom.

Breakfast at The Vine is a cut above most hotel breakfasts. The staff are seven star in my view.

I lost my watch after my massage. My brain had totally switched off but they went out of their way to find it, track me down and return it to me. The St. Regis Doha display standards at their absolute highest. ✤

CALL 4446 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Alpha WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Following a failed expedition 20,000 years ago in Europe, during the Upper Paleolithic period, a young caveman is forced to struggle against the elements on his journey home. As he learns to survive and navigate his way through the unforgiving wilderness, he forms an unlikely alliance with a lone wolf. The film follows the pair as they try to find their way home against all odds.

DIRECTOR: Albert Hughes CAST: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Leonor Varela, Jens Hulten

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

While the intriguing relationship between humankind and our canine counterparts has been the subject of our fascination since the beginning of time, it never ceases to amaze us. Albert Hughes’ newest offering, Alpha, touches upon this intriguing bond in a unique theatrical offering. When a hunting expedition goes awry, a young man is left to fend for himself in the harsh wilderness after being presumed dead. As he tries to find his way back to his tribe, he grows closer to a wolf abandoned by his pack and together they embark on a journey of epic proportions! The prehistoric adventure lays more emphasis on the action sequences, immense primal world and the silent moments featuring this symbiotic partnership. This wide-ranging survival story showcases the harmony between man and beast in a sense of monumental importance never witnessed before.

Highlights

“

The prehistoric adventure lays more emphasis on the action sequences, immense primal world and the silent moments featuring this symbiotic partnership.

Victoria and Abdul WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Constricted in the confines of her royal duties, Queen Victoria strikes a loyal and devoted friendship with her Indian attendant, Abdul Karim. As the servant opens the Queen’s eyes to a world hitherto unseen, history’s most unlikely friendship is born.

– Alpha

DIRECTOR: Stephen Frears CAST: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Shedding light on British history’s most scandalous and admirable friendship, Stephen Frears’ latest biographical drama is a tale of impending dilemma and unshakable loyalty. As the British Empire celebrates Queen Victoria’s 50-year reign, Abdul Karim, a young clerk from India is also in attendance and forges a friendship that ruffles a lot of feathers. Based on Shrabani Basu’s novel of the same name, the period piece focuses on the monarch’s later life and the unique predicament that stems from her long-held position. The effortless balance between humour, wit and drama really reels you in and gives you a closer look into the royal way of life.

Go and watch it for the brilliant retelling of an unconventional union!

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ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

So Much I Want to Tell You: Letters to My Little Sister

By Anna Akana

ALT/INDIE-POP

FREEDOM CHILD

By The Script

The Script is back with a brand new album that will hit you right in the feels! Almost three years after their last release, Freedom Child sees the band showcasing a selection of timely, urgent and future-facing anthems.

Rain, a stunning juxtaposition of music and message is very different from anything they have ever released and is definitely our summer song of the year. The infectious tune features bursts of piano-tinged pop along with the band’s trademark irresistible chorus - you’ll certainly be belting it out at the top of your lungs! The Irish trio has called their newest record a progression of sorts and a reaction to the ever-changing musical climate. The album takes us on a journey of both real-life events and real-time sonic adventurism with their honest lyrics and modern sounds. With freedom being the underlying theme, the band has definitely tried to break out of their mold and push their indie-pop-rock sound to a new level with lighter, refreshing music.

COUNTRY/ POP

NOW

YouTuber Anna Akana shares an inspirational collection of life lessons dedicated to her sister who tragically died from suicide.

Akana continues to share words of wisdom she wasn’t able to pass on, using insight she’s gained through her challenges and successes. A beautifully worded, witty, heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

By Shania Twain Get ready to kick it back to the good old times with Shania Twain’s muchawaited LP - Now! It’s been1 5 long years since the country-pop songstress released an album and she’s finally gearing up to get back into the musical scene. Calling her newest album a growth in independence, the diva plans on wowing fans with a record that’s more diverse and soulful than her previous sound. Life’s About to Get Good, a bouncy, energetic number is all about moving from troubled times to happier days. Acknowledging the good and bad of life, the track features a delightful arrangement of mandolin, fiddle and hand claps and is a Shania Twain song through and through. Offering a fun mix of painful and melancholy ballads and triumphant and upbeat songs, the album gets up close and personal and we’re totally feeling this new vibe!

FICTION

GOODBYE, VITAMIN

By Rachel Khong When her fiancé decides to leave her for another woman, Ruth hesitatingly accepts her mother’s invitation to move back home.

Seeing her father in the throes of dementia makes her reflect on her entire life. She decides to move in for a year to help out and what follows is a family’s journey through difficult and good times.

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• PLUGGED-IN

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

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News Republic

Gather Journal

Be it juicy celebrity gossip or current affairs and politics, News Republic is your one stop destination for the latest and hottest global stories! With the very best news from all the world’s top sources, News Republic provides you with all the stories YOU WANT TO READ, in one place. Personalised and super easy to use, it gives you a customised newsfeed based on trends and preferences. With the latest news from the most recognised media outlets in the world and in-depth analysis on top stories, you’ll always be in the know!

Take your dinner game to an insane new level with the exquisite Gather Journal recipe app! An essential extension of the James Beard magazine, the app uses seasonal ingredients to transform your food into gastronomical works of art.

Featuring everything from delectable main courses to killer cocktails, it lets you explore recipes by course, topic or issue and provides useful mealtime inspiration. With stunning photography and an easy-to-navigate formula, finedining is just a click away!

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PLUGGED-IN •

PICTURE-ON-WALL Technology ceases to amaze us; things are ge tting smal l e r and thinne r, and less intrusive as time go es by. Keeping up with the l ess-is-more trend is LG’s brand new Signature Ol ed TV W that promises to change how you watch your favourite fi lms and TV shows!

With “Netflix and Chill” becoming an indispensible part of our lives, we’re always looking for better and efficient ways to enhance our viewing experience. Adding to the already booming television market, LG has introduced their Signature W-Series Wallpaper TV. LG’s newest addition makes your TV shows and films look SUPER REAL, while seamlessly blending into your living room.

Its cutting edge design has a futuristic feel to it while being so impossibly thin that you can actually bend it without breaking it!

Apart from being one of the thinnest TVs to ever grace our homes, it’s also incredibly aesthetically-pleasing. The TV’s “picture-onwall” design amplifies your entertainment experience and makes you feel like you’re looking out of the window than watching a TV screen. Emphasising the window effect is the inbuilt Gallery Mode that lets you play either photos of famous artworks, family pictures or any other looped videos – this is wall art at its finest!

Measuring just 2.57 millimeters thick and weighing only 7.7 kg, the television is available in 65 inch and 77 inch versions and can be fitted directly on the wall with magnetic brackets. The super

sleek design is achieved by eliminating any internal speakers and enabling volume out of the TV from the included soundbar.

Boasting an out-of-the-box Dolby Atmos configuration, the soundbar is actually pretty impressive and supports 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB connections and an optical audio port. But what really blew us away was the OLED technology that produces colours that look far more explosive and dynamic along with increased colour range and volume. Supporting both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the performance is immaculate on both, with Dolby Vision content looking a bit sharper. LG has also claimed to improve peak brightness by 20-25% and the stunning, newly punchy HDR highlights are truly a delight to the eyes.

When it comes to OLED W7, LG has stayed strong with the efficiently versatile and easy-to-operate webOS3.5- making content searching super flexible. As far as your favourite shows are concerned, LG offers a number of options to keep you busy for days. From Netflix, Amazon and YouTube to Vudu, Hulu and Google Play Movies- the OLED W7 has got you covered! If you’re an Android or Windows user, you can always switch to the Screen Cast function to mirror your mobile device for more options.

Offering highly advanced features along with some of the best colour, clarity and contrast in any screen available, there’s no doubt in our minds that it is certainly a bona fide product.

If you’re someone who’s seeking to treat their senses to an outof-this-world audio-visual experience, then your search ends right here! ✤ fact magazine

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357 70

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

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10/22/15 2:30 PM

ONE GIANT LEAP BLAST OF F FOR A NE W FASHION F RONTIE R WITH TE D BAKE R’ S AW’1 7 COLLECTION.

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• FASHION FOCUS

T

ed Baker and NOSA (No Ordinary Space Agency) have embarked on a special voyage to bring you a new lifestyle on Sateen. This far-flung, universally welldressed planet offers an elegant way of living. As well as being light years ahead style-wise, Ted’s luxury space community has all the mod cons, not least a personal droid to simulate the day’s optimum outfit. So, come on up to Sateen – a world apart.

Advance your style into the next dimension with clean silhouettes, crisp shapes and a celestial use of fabrics.

Inspired by galactic glamour of the highest order, Ted’s AW’17 womenswear has been designed to take your wardrobe on a luxury trip into hyperspace.

Ted has summoned an interstellar cast of textures from across the Galaxy this season, from high shine satins and rich metallic jacquards to heavy compact crepes and soft, fluid knits. Buttery leather jackets and updated versions of Ted’s signature pieces add an intrepid sense of drama, while graphic colour blocking, intricate embroidery and asymmetric cuts will catapult you into high-style orbit.

Accessories for the season have gone into supernova, with Ted beaming in rich fabrics like velvets and metallic inspirations from the main collection and combining them effortlessly with classic cues like rose gold detailing, oversize bows and embellished accents.

Key pieces for the season clearly reflect the phenomenal theme: caged silver heeled boots, statement jewellery, and two new handbag shapes: a deconstructed suede lock bag and a moon-shaped metallic clutch for outfits that radiate first-class elegance from head to toe. ✤

GO: SHOP TED BAKER’S AW’17 COLLECTION IN STORES NOW. 72

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FASHION FOCUS •

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM TED BAKER’S AW'17 COLLECTION FOR HER

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN TED BAKER STORES ACROSS THE GCC. 74

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• BRAND FOCUS

ERDEM X H&M FU LL O F NA RRATIVE S ME MORIE S AND S TO RIES , ERDEM X H&M IS A DE E PLY P E RS O NA L CO LLEC TION THAT LOOKS BACK TO T HE DES IG NER’S YO UTH, AND TO THE CO DE S THAT HAV E DEFINED HIS WORK OVE R THE PA S T DECADE .

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BRAND FOCUS •

WOMEN The inspiration for Erdem is the romantic dresses he saw in English films, his father’s coat that his mother draped over her shoulders, or the cool style of 90s TV and music videos. To create ERDEM x H&M, he imagined the dream English countryside getaway, mixing gowns with tailoring, functionality with drama, as different generations and backgrounds interpret the wardrobe with each individual’s own style. With exquisite statement pieces, a burst of floral prints, the precision of tailored lines and covetable essentials as well as vivid accessories to go with every outfit.

MEN In a world exclusive, Erdem has created his first ever menswear collection for ERDEM x H&M, inspired by childhood memories, his design signatures, and Erdem’s own personal style. Sharp tailoring has echoes of his father’s suits and coats, fleeces were a functional necessity of cold Canadian winters, while expressive florals show Erdem’s love of the English countryside. It’s a complete wardrobe that’s totally unique to H&M, with Erdem’s sharp and poetic take on menswear staples – herringbone suits, tweed coats and the perfect hoodie. ✤

GO: EACH PIECE IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR H&M, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AROUND 220 STORES WORLDWIDE, AS WELL AS ON HM.COM, FROM NOVEMBER 2.

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• BEAUTY BOX

LIPSTICK QUEEN:

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

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s much as we all love our ontrend matte lips, they have certainly gained a reputation of fading ungracefully and drying out the perfect pout.

Thanks to Lipstick Queen’s Famous Last Words collection, all your lipstick woes are a thing of the past! Made up of six vibrant shades, the collection offers a smooth and hydrating formula that is going to last on your lips all day long. The incredibly light formula is enriched with Vitamin E and natural oils that provide rich pigmentation in a single swipe. From vibrant coral and rich ruby reds to vampy and bright pinks- there’s a shade for your every need. Pucker up!

GROOMING BOX •

AESOP

PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT SKINCARE KIT

S

ix highly effective products to provide a complete facial care regimen. Aesop’s Parsley Seed skin care is the result of extensive research and development into the most effective way to deliver anti-oxidants, vitamins, and other actives to the skin. Each product contains Parsley Seed extract, and offers significant restorative properties. Includes the gentle, non-abrasive Facial Cleansing Oil; the lavender and blue chamomileinfused Facial Toner; a hydrating Serum to moisturise and protect the skin; an intensive, richly nourishing Eye Cream; as well as a clay-based Cleansing Masque; and a high-potency hydrating and protecting Facial Treatment. You needn’t look elsewhere for all your skin wants!

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• BEAUTY CHECKLIST

BeautyEssentials AS THE HUMIDITY SETTLES, NEW SKINCARE AND MAKE UP IS NEEDED TO FRESHEN UP YOUR EVERY DAY LOOK!

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Organic Pharmacy PURIFYING SEAWEED CLAY MASK

With summer upon us, it’s time to bring out the big guns when it comes to skincare. Organic Pharmacy’s Purifying Seaweed Clay Mask with antioxidants and Vitamin C has us totally obsessed this summer! The refreshingly clay mask is designed to draw out impurities from the skin while banishing black heads.

With seaweed as an active ingredient, it helps calm redness and gives the skin an energizing boost.

3

Aesop PARSLEY SEED FACIAL CLEANSING OIL

Your nighttime routine just got a lot simpler with Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleasing Oil! An irresistible blend of Avocado, Sweet Almond, Rice Bran and Macadamia oil melts away your makeup while leaving skin feeling refreshed and supple. Its gentle, antioxidant rich formula removes dirt, makeup and grime without aggravating your skin. Removing makeup has never been this easy!

Sephora HIGH COVERAGE CONCEALER

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Been burning the midnight oil? Beat those annoying dark circles and fake a good night’s sleep with Sephora’s High Coverage Concealer! Packed with nourishing and revitalising avocado and evening primrose oils, it completely conceals dark circles and blurs imperfections. Its weightless texture and ultra-natural finish feel like a second skin and provides 10 hour long coverage.

Well-rested skin in seconds!

Guerlain LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE BLACK PERFECTO

2

Embrace the sexy rocker chick in you with Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Black Perfecto! The seductive new notes with a striking character give this Eau de Parfum a beautiful freedom of tone. Top notes of Bulgarian Rose Water are followed by delicate notes of a Rose Essence along with the more sensual and powerful notes of a precious Grasse Rose Absolute. We just can’t get enough!

Smashbox PRIMED TO PERFECTION SET Get airbrushed poreless perfection with Smashbox’s Primed to Perfection Set! Achieve the perfect canvas for makeup application with this trio of bestselling LA photo studio-developed primers.

Including the Photo Finish Foundation primer, Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer and the Photo Finish Primer Water, it blurs pores, smoothes flaws and boosts radiance for a flawless finish.

4

Rodial SMOKEY EYE BRUSH While getting the perfect smokey eye can be tricky, Rodial’s high performance Smokey Eye Brush makes the process a whole lot easier!

The efficiently soft and dense brush is ideal for placement of intense eye shadows and pigments. The short bristles allow precise and easy blending of makeup into the eye sockets while creating more definition and a stunning smokey eye look.

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GROOMING CHECKLIST •

Grooming Essentials THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT TAKING EXTRA CARE FROM HEAD-TO-TOE WITH PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE YOUR REGIME!

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Aesop PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT FACIAL TREATMENT

Give your skin the royal treatment with Aesop’s Parsley Seed AntiOxidant Facial Treatment! A highpotency hydrating and protecting treatment blend, it gives your skin the power to fight aging and degrading skin cells. Packed with 9 anti-oxidising actives like Parsley Seed, Blackcurrant Seed, Rosehip oil and Carrot Seed oil, it leaves skin feeling supple and lends it a much-needed oomph!

3

Paul SPECIAL TEA TREE SHAMPOO

Like so many people out there, we swear by the healing properties of Tea Tree oil when it comes to skin and hair. Paul Mitchell’s Special Tea Tree Shampoo is enriched with special ingredients and Tea Tree oil that rid hair of impurities and leave it feeling lustrous and full of vitality. The invigorating peppermint soothes the scalp while lavender leaves hair smelling oh so good!

Lab Series MULTI-ACTION FACE WASH

5

Naturally healthy looking skin is certainly the best accessory you can wear and Lab Series’ MultiAction Face Wash makes sure you never go out of style! Formulated with gentle exfoliating beads, it helps wash away dirt and grime for a brighter, healthier-looking appearance. Ideal for normal to dry skin, it helps smooth dry and patchy skin while preparing the skin and beard for shaving.

Dolce & Gabbana LIGHT BLUE INTENSE POUR HOMME

2

Dive into the magnetic blend of freshness and sensuality with Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue Intense Pour Homme! With top notes of refreshing mandarin and frozen grapefruit along with aromatic ginger provide the fragrance a cool and elegant twist.

While vibrant amber woods wrapped in musks extend the radiance and staying power of this masculine blend.

The only scent you need this summer!

Estee Lauder ENLIGHTEN DARK SPOT CORRECTOR NIGHT SERUM

4

While the road to perfect skin can be long and grueling, Estee Lauder makes it a tad bit easier with the Enlighten Dark Spot Corrector Night Serum.

Taking skin tone correction to a whole new level, the intensive serum helps reduce the look of uneven skin tone with its comprehensive correcting technology. It effectively removes dark spots and redness to reveal a fresh and hydrated complexion.

Perricone MD CHLORO PLASMA PURIFYING MASK If you’re looking for some hardcore skin loving- Perricone MD’s Chloro Plasma Purifying Mask is the skin treatment you need! From one of the world’s leading dermatologists, this revitalising treatment mask addresses everything from loss of radiance and dull and fatigued skin to enlarged pores and fine lines. Microcapsules infused with phytonutrients release chlorophyll and blue algae for an envy-inducing, blemish-free complexion!

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• INTERIOR ENVY

Zara Home VASE GOALS Every home is made beautiful with fresh blooms, statement décor and unique interiors – one way to help create the mood you want in the house is with the perfect vase.

Zara Home has a stunning collection and we picked our favourites to inspire your next home overhaul.

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Cath Kidston IKEA

Debenhams

M&Co Next

Marks and Spencer

Laura Ashley

Debenhams

Marks and Spencer

HOME STYLE •

Flower Power Never underestimate the décor vibes and breezy inspiration that florals can bring to any home!

Here are some of our favourite picks… fact magazine

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FROM THE TEAM THAT BRINGS YOU THE FACT DINING AWARDS: WE PRESENT THE FIRST LOCAL LUXURY AWARDS HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST OF THE HEALTH AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY THAT DOHA HAS TO OFFER.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

LEGENDARY LEBANESE CUISINE

Debs W Remman (meaning pomegranate in Arabic) is situated in the heart of Medina Centrale on The Pearl and brings Lebanese cuisine front and centre for local residents. FACT’s Craig Ferriman went to try it out! fact magazine

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

O

n a lovely summer’s evening, we went to test out the food and service at Debs W Remman, which I’ve heard great things about from Lebanese friends – always an encouraging thing.

We dined with Charbel Mhanna who is the CEO of AURA Hospitality & Food Services which run several successful restaurants across the city. A proud Lebanese chef who hasn’t lived in Lebanon since 1990 but who has always felt a little closer to it by cooking great Lebanese dishes for other people. Once a chef and now someone who opens new restaurants - his imprimatur is implanted on the concept through his design of the menu through to its execution by training excellent staff and working on the feel and vibe of the 300-capacity venue.

We were immediately made to feel welcome by the friendly staff and from the moment we entered we didn’t feel like we were in a restaurant so much as an oldfashioned Lebanese home in the village.

It was decorated with photographs on the walls from halcyon days and the place was set up with a rustic and traditional homely feel with brick walls and high ceilings. It also wasn’t long before we sat down that the table quickly filled with food and it never depleted until we left.

First impressions count and when the bread came out, I had a good feeling about the evening. Everything that they boasted about; freshness and flavour, started to ring true as the bread was warm, puffed up beautifully and tasted really fresh perfect with their excellent hummous. The fattoush and tabbouleh were refreshing and yummy.

You expect to go and receive a cold mezze in a Lebanese restaurant but my expectations were exceeded and the flavours were just divine. From the vine leaves to the beetroot hummous through to their marvellous moutabel. We also tried what was some of the team’s first kibbeh nayyeh (raw meat) – which if you’ve never tried it before is closest to a steak tartare. An incredibly delicate taste and one that Lebanese food lovers salivate over, especially a good one, and this was a GREAT one!

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT • The chicken liver and the spicy potatoes were two of many standouts in the hot mezze offerings.

Mixed grills are really only ever as good as the meat available to cook with. We were told that the meat was acquired fresh from Baladna farm which is the largest livestock farm in the GCC and located 50 kilometres north of Doha.

The lamb kofta, chicken taouk and the shawarma were all deeply delicious.

Oh and how can we forget the typical mezze and meghli pudding - it’s a rich silky rice dessert with anise and cinnamon.

The vision of the chain’s CEO, he told us, was to eventually take the Debs W

GO: VISIT DEBS W REMMAN AT THE PEARL OR THE MALL OF QATAR . CALL 3333 4663 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Remman brand to Lebanon itself. For now, it remains a piece of the rural Levant proudly serving hungry diners in the Gulf with classic dishes from the Bekaa Valley and the snow covered mountains. ✤

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For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Alice temperleY and the

art Of rOmantic chic

SecretS to Younger Skin + the best Of aw17 beauty

THE BIG FASHION EDIT Our runway repOrt + trends + what tO buy nOw www.Ohlala-magazine.cOm september 2017 | issue 75 Qatar | Qr20

Ohlala Cover September Qatar.indd 1

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www.ohlala-magazine.com

SpectAculAr Sri lAnkA: An intimAte & StYliSh eScApe 27/08/17 15:14

September Edition available now on issuu.com

FOODIE CORNER •

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

In a belly-expanding experience, Craig Ferriman takes to lordly portions at Santa Monica Breakfast Club in the Grand Hyatt Doha. fact magazine

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• FOODIE CORNER

I

’m often told how difficult it is to keep up with the ever-evolving dining scene in Doha with new restaurants opening up all the time and existing ones rebranding under a different guise. The Santa Monica Breakfast Club falls into the latter category. I remember dancing to R&B hits only a couple of years ago when the space used to be the A1 night club but it has morphed into a couple of things since and in its current manifestation, the Grand Hyatt Doha proudly welcome you to their new all-day dining venue. It’s a large space decorated in Californian design with campervans and trailers painted on the walls along with other emblems of the golden state. From the moment you walk in, you know straight away it’s the right side of casual. It’s the perfect place to spend a chilled evening in the company of friends comforted in the knowledge that the food does the talking for itself.

The restaurant is laid out in a vast space with a quadrangle bar in the middle where the salads are prepared and breakfast items like eggs, pancakes, waffles and crepes get made. At the back end of the restaurant behind glass, are the grills where the work of the burger making gets done. And though they do everything well, their burgers are the thing you remember most. They can really cook a good burger. Some places bamboozle you with their never-ending options on the menu but here, quality trumps quantity. Their number one burger is called Prime Time featuring gruyere, roast onions, scallions, hash browns, one fried free-range egg and brioche. Another burger they offer is the Black Angus Benedict which is similar to prime time but has cheddar instead with avocado and tarragon hollandaise with the poached free-range egg! It’s kind of the concept of breakfast but thinking outside the box!

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“

Some places bamboozle you with their never-ending options on the menu but here, quality trumps quantity.”

FOODIE CORNER •

It is a dining venue as synonymous for its eggs as it is for its burgers. Their egg plates work as well for lunch or dinner as they do at breakfast time itself. The crab deluxe is a total hit comprising salt-water crab, green asparagus, honey-roasted ham, sweet pepper chives and sriracha hollandaise on two poached eggs. The other memorable dish is unsurprisingly the classic salmon which is again two poached eggs mounted by Smoked Scottish salmon, sauté baby spinach, crushed avocado, hollandaise, caper dressing and scallion hash brown.

Their milkshakes are out of this world. My vanilla, almond and cinnamon milkshake had half a doughnut sat on top of it.

Dessert lovers will be in heaven when their very large and generously sized portions are served. Mama’s original cheesecake is one of the best I’ve eaten in town. Cookie Heaven is a dessert to only eat as a special treat as it comes as a very large chocolate chip cookie, vanilla ice cream and caramel toasted almonds.

If you’re up for a real calorific intake, there is the dessert that literally embodies this.

It’s like a giant chocolate sundae - vanilla ice cream, caramel and candied walnuts with hot fudge as you dig your spoon deeper into a long, tall glass.

Decently priced, good service and a warm and friendly atmosphere with a strong menu where you can trust that every dish is of a high standard. Go for it! ✤

CALL 4448 1240 FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION.

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Ohlala Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East

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VENUE REVIEW •

Pan Asian PERFECTION

Craig Ferriman indulges in a swirl of flavours as he tucks into an Asian feast like no other at InterContinental Doha The City’s Hwang restaurant. fact magazine

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• VENUE REVIEW

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t’s hard to sum Hwang up. A friend I took for dinner there thought we were going for Chinese which is not entirely false as they cook cracking Chinese dishes but I was sure I’d emphasised the great Indonesian items they have after I went to the highly successful Indonesian festival there earlier this year. It’s not actually an Indonesian themed restaurant either.

Or Thai. Or Vietnamese. It is a much more holistic celebration of south east Asian cooking and it is not elite. Yes it’s located in a five star restaurant, the service and the staff are utterly superb and the decor and quality is five star but the design of their menu is actually inspired by good old fashioned street food so you can actually tuck into the grub of the people.

My mission on my visit to Hwang was to sample their greatest hits if you will. I tried a couple of their appealing appetisers but they taste even better than they sound. The Lumpia Medan was served to us and the easiest way I can describe them are like Indonesian spring rolls, though that doesn’t quite do them justice. Deceptively small but oozing with flavour, they consist of minced chicken, bamboo shoots, spring onions and tonnes of other healthy stuff. The other starter of note are the Wasabi Prawns which are very good.

There are lots of enticing excuses to Hwang these days. Tuesday is the dedicated curry night and you can tuck into a rage of curries all for QR128! I tried their Malaysian Chicken Kapitan 94

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The design of their menu is actually inspired by good old fashioned street food so you can actually tuck into the grub of the people

GO:CALL 4015 8888 FOR RESERVATION AND MORE IMFORMATION. Curry and their hot and spicy Chicken Gulai but the real winner, and for that matter, Hwang’s most popular curry is the Beef Rendang which is pretty darn hot but rich in flavour and the meat is so tender and succulent.

Another hot new promotion filling the place with punters now is the Soul in a Bowl deal.

I tried their steamed dumplings which tickle you in the mouth. The Mongolian Stir Fried

Chicken is the stand out bowl with a lot of soul for me but the gimmicky dish that is worth a go is the Chow Mein fried noodles. I say gimmicky but not unkindly because they use dry noodles and have a great sauce at the bottom so we were shown how to mix the noodles in with the soy sauce.

They do good stuff with fish too as the Fried Hammour in Thai Chilli sauce excellently exemplified.

Desserts are authentically Asian and decently varied. Hwang is great for groups because it offers intimate little partitioned areas for half a dozen or so people to have a get together in semi-privacy while still getting waited on by extremely friendly and attentive waitresses. I sat in the heart of the restaurant and saw plenty of people around me from families to couples and the vibe was relaxed and it was not too noisy. It seems word is spreading that Hwang is the place to hang! ✤ fact magazine

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• SPA & WELLNESS

PURE LUXURY The new Spa InterContinental at the iconic InterContinental Doha brings ultimate luxury and bespoke wellness treatments to Doha. Get ready for pampering on a whole new level…

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midst well-appointed surroundings with separate areas for ladies and gentlemen, the breathtaking spa features 16 private single and couple treatment rooms, the first-of-its-kind Spa Wave Bed and Quartz Bed, indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, a healthy juice bar, and relaxation rooms for some me-time, pre and post-treatments.

When it comes to products and techniques, only the best made the cut! Each beauty and wellness treatment is meticulously crafted using only European premium brands, including: Intraceuticals – The only brand to offer a treatment with a pure hyaluronic acid serum to be infused deep into the skin with oxygen under pressure, a favourite of many Hollywood A-listers.

Natura Bissé – One of the world’s most exclusive brands and an innovative leader in the development of high performance skin-care products that are formulated with maximum concentrations of new ingredients and emulsions, to help all skin types restore their beauty and radiance.

Baija Paris – A natural and sensorial cosmetic brand with organic ingredients that is inspired by emotions – a journey, a childhood memory, a fragrance, and a familiar face. Signature treatments are the Spa InterContinental Experience by Baija Paris, which includes a 60-minute body scrub and a 60-minute body massage.

Pedi:Mani:Cure by Bastien Gonzalez – Famous worldwide for his glamourous and unique approach to hand and foot treatments, and enjoyed by worldfamous celebrities. His pedicure and manicure treatments are performed in the most luxurious hotel spas in the world, by selected therapists trained by Bastien himself.

The team of experienced, certified spa therapists are highly trained to ensure that guests experience ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation, leaving the spa feeling pampered like never before. The renowned hair salon, Shape & Style is also located in Spa InterContinental; providing styling and hair care treatments to a long list of clients, gained since its opening.

This is your one-stop shop for head-to-heel relaxation and rejuvenation! ✤

GO: VISIT THE SPA AT AL JASRA BOUTIQUE HOTEL, SOUQ WAQIF. OPEN FROM 10AM TO 10PM. CALL 4433 6878 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 96

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DOHA INSIDER

Alexander Trager

Chief Operating Officer, AURA Hospitality & Food Services

Tell us three things that make Aura Hospitality & Food Services special?

Aura Hospitality & Food Services is a Qatari company bringing diversified F&B and Entertainment offerings to Doha, focusing on top-notch service and quality ingredients and food.

We pride ourselves of our in-house concepts and brands (not franchise), which represent 90 per cent of our wide portfolio (currently 23 brands and 44 outlets).

Our group is very reactive to the market by constantly offering innovative concepts and new offerings to meet the latest trends and needs.

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Share with us your favourite cultural hotspots in Doha and why...

I love art and creative spaces in general, galleries and museums are always on top of the list for me and my family. Lately Doha has been stepping up its game on this front so the options are endless, but one of my favourite spots is Doha Fire station as it offers unique exhibitions from local and international artists.

What’s coming up for Aura Hospitality & Food Services?

I’m looking forward to the launches of three key brands for our group: the opening of our unique Qatari fine dining restaurant SMAT above our award-winning Orient Pearl restaurant on the Corniche, followed by the launch of another exciting brand, our new Indian outlet Jwala, a contemporary Indian street food concept, located in our entertainment centre Megapolis in The Pearl, not to mention the opening of our Baladna Park at Baladna The Farm, which will offer organic and home-grown food and entertainment options for the local community.

Doha Festival City 1st Floor, Gate B

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