FACT Qatar March 2013

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FIND INSIDE: know All you need to incoln about Jazz at L arch Center from M ith a gift to May 2013 w voucher for

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MARCH 2013 | VOL 2 | ISSUE 11 | QR10 | BD1

ADDING UNCOOKED FOOD TO YOUR DIET IS NO NEW CONCEPT BUT IT IS STARTING TO GET MORE OF A REP IN DOHA. SO, WE GOT THE 411 FROM OUR LOCAL EXPERTS PLUS. NEW EXHIBITS . CHRIS TUCKER . BLACKBERRY Z10 & MUCH MORE THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR

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FACT QATAR MARCH

CONTENT

NOTEWORTHY CULTURE 28. Raw Food Movement We speak to Doha’s most knowledgable about the latest craze for uncooked fare that’s now making an appearance in Qatar

ART 34. Trawling Museums There are three great exhibitions launching this month worth visiting

38. Head to Art Week The UAE is a hive of artistic activity and we tell you why

TECHNOLOGY 48. BlackBerry Z10 We got out hands on one at the launch so, naturally, we reviewed asap!

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58. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo It’s part family sedan, part track monster, says Ali

Tasmeem Doha: Hybrid Making An international art and design conference is in town and they’re discussing the future of the industry and how it will aid Qatar’s development

FASHION 64. Modern Day Edge

16 Chris Tucker in a Nutshell

Muna Yateem talks about her funky brand Haraka

8F QSPmMF UIF 3VTI )PVS TUBS BOE BMM SPVOE GVOOZ man ahead of his show at the Sheraton

66. Summer Lovin’ 20 Speaking with Ducasse & Starck

We look at hot styles from the catwalk this season

8F NFU CPUI NFO CFIJOE UIF OFX mOF EJOJOH restaurant at the Museum of Islamic Art

FACT Magazine M.E. FIND INSIDE: know All you need to about Jazz at Lincoln Center from March a gift to May 2013 with voucher for

25% off

MARCH 2013 | VOL 2 | ISSUE 11 | QR10 | BD1

ADDING UNCOOKED FOOD TO YOUR DIET IS NO NEW CONCEPT BUT IT IS STARTING TO GET MORE OF A REP IN DOHA. SO, WE GOT THE 411 FROM OUR LOCAL EXPERTS PLUS. NEW EXHIBITS . CHRIS TUCKER . BLACKBERRY Z10 & MUCH MORE THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN QATAR

| Qatar Edition | MARCH 2013

Chairman 0XEDUDN %LQ 5DVKHG $O Khalifa COO Rami Khalil Editor-in-Chief 7RQ\ 6LGJZLFN (editor@factlive.com) Editor Katy Gillett NDW\#IDFWOLYH FRP

Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Fashion Writer 1HIHOL &KULVWRĂ€GHV

Creative Director Paula Leal Designer Rashed Bindaina Photography Contributors Rashed Bindaina Creative Designs Regional Head of Sales Laura Alvarez Sales Manager Johanna Romero ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 7HO E-mail: laura@factlive.com Distributed in Qatar by 'DU $O 6KDUT

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Volume 2, Issue 11

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. 2IĂ€FH %XLOGLQJ 5RDG %ORFN 6HHI

www.fact-magazine.com 6FDQ WKH 45 &RGH WR JHW DOO WKH XS WR WKH PLQXWH news on FACT magazine and the people behind it...

FACT QATAR MARCH

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THE EDITOR

My favourite story this issue FROM BURGER KING TO SHERATON... One of the funniest men from Hollywood is visiting the Sheraton Doha this month. We loved him in Friday and certainly can’t forget him from the Rush Hour trilogy (will

there be a fourth?) but have missed KLV SUHVHQFH RQ RXU VFUHHQV IRU ÀYH ZKROH \HDUV :H ZHQW DERXW ÀQGLQJ out where on earth he’s been and why he’s back all of a sudden.

Is Eating Taking Over? Katy Gillett Editor katy@factlive.com

W

e have to admit that a lot of our social lives in Qatar revolve around food and drink. In fact, much of our social life, full stop, is spent around a dinner table. That’s why we have to carefully consider our meal choices, but it’s also why making healthy ones is so much harder, especially if you have diehard carnivores, fast food junkies and incessant chocoholics surrounding you all the time. But, it is always possible, no matter how hard you think it actually is. In this issue we speak to raw foodist Layla Al-Dorani and health and wellbeing guru Nicole van Hattem (pages 28 to 31) about how we can all make more healthy choices, not only with food, but also in life in general. I can’t say I’m opposed to the odd spot of indulgence here and there though! And I do have to admit, with all the amazing dining options, my mission to eat moderately is sometimes like trying to drive a Nissan Sunny to the Inland Sea. Among the venues that are making it harder for me this month is IDAM by Alain Ducasse (interviews on pages 4

FACT QATAR MARCH

20 and 21), Trader Vic’s (Chef ’s Table on 72 and 73), and La Varenne (read our review on page 74). But, still, there are those other occasions; you know the ones that don’t include food? Like trawling around art galleries or watching comedians. Luckily for us, there are exhibitions and comedy shows a-plenty in Qatar this month. You can read about all of these events and many more in our new events calendar on pages 14 and 15. If, at the end of all that entertainment, you still feel the need for a bit more old-fashioned immoderation though, then you can always head out to one of the many shindigs going on for Easter, Mother’s Day and St Patrick’s Day (read more on pages 10and 11). Because overall, as much as I believe in being as healthy as you can be, sometimes, and I quote my mother here: “A little bit of what you fancy does you good”.

So, be well and have fun this month Doha!

News from the FACT Penthouse We were very excited to receive a signed letter from Chef Guy Savoy, all the way from Paris, France! He thanked us for our interview with him last December after he opened Quisine in the Pearl. It’s a keeper!

Image of the Month

With International Women’s Day (8th) coming up, this image of Qatari tennis player, Olla Mourad, from the Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport exhibition at QMA Gallery inspires me.

A slap on the wrist for us... Erm, so sometimes we make a boo boo. Last month we referred to UCL Qatar as a branch of the University of Central London when we meant University College London. Awkward or what?!

FACT QATAR MARCH

5

NOTEWORTHY

Roman Turczyn, director at the Center for Research, Design and Entrepreneurship

TASMEEM 2013 CAPTION TASMEEM DOHA 2013: HYBRID MAKING

at VCU

Dr Naif Al-Mutawa, creator of The 99, speaking at Tasmeem Doha 2011

Q

“

atar is heavily dependent on other parts of the world not only for its day-to-day existence, but also for its identity,â€? said VCUQatar’s executive director of communications, Meike Kaan when we asked her about the goals of Hybrid Making: Tasmeem Doha 2013. She continued, “We believe that creativity and the act of making are key FRPSRQHQWV LQ IRUPLQJ DQG GHĂ€QLQJ a nation’s culture and character. Therefore, this iteration of Tasmeem focuses on the creative processâ€?. So, the intent of Tasmeem Doha 2013, which is a biennial event now in its eighth year, is to open up this discussion to the academics and the local community. This time, the conference is organised into three phases: a production period RI XS WR Ă€YH GD\V RQ VLWH LQFOXGLQJ laboratories and workshops, that will ultimately end with the production of various works of ‘art’ from performances WR Ă€OPV WR ZDON LQ VFXOSWXUHV 0DUFK 10th to 14th); a day of rest and/or preparations (15th); and two days of 6

FACT QATAR MARCH

Let’s Discuss

DESIGN‌ With the aim of developing local creativity in Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University is holding an international art and design conference this month called Tasmeem Doha and it will mainly focus on ‘hybridisation’ and ‘making’. dissemination in a symposium-style conference (16th and 17th). Running throughout the entire month, as well, is a series of exhibitions that will be held in the various spaces of The Qatar Foundation Student Center. Made in Qatar is one that has been curated by Constantin Boym, and will feature invited designers collaborating with local craftsmen to examine Qatari customs and traditions through the ‘act of making’.

The various programmes at VCUQatar will also display works that have been created within their departments to highlight the notion of ‘hybrid making’. It’s not just the students either, as there will be a faculty showcase, curated by VCUQatar exhibition and speaker coordinator, Caitlin Doherty which will also incorporate work made during the Tasmeem Faculty Workshops. Plus, galleries from the local community,

NOTEWORTHY People registering for Tasmeem Doha 2011:

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Synapse: Designer As Link

“There is an emphasis on nature tourism and we are preserving several traditional spots in the country with this view… We are exploring all tourism spots, especially the islands.” Students present their workshop,

Qatar Tourism Authority chairman Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, speaking to Al Sharq newspaper, about new bylaws being written around the tourism industry.

Managing Life at Tasmeem 2011

LATEST TWEETS

StandUpComedyQatar @ SUCQatar Who would you guys like to see in #Qatar? We’re planning some more big events for the future! A section of the audience

Khalifa @KKAlThani Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? - A conversation between an owl a parrot

at the Tasmeem Doha 2011 conference

Jack Thomas Taylor @ MrJournalJunkie @FACT_Qatar @NicoleHHC I eat raw carrots... and green smoothies? I’m waiting for someone to make me one :-) Global DJs @GlobalDJs Get ready for Global DJs in 2013.. massive LED screens and way more production than 2012 is coming your way....

such as Al Markhiya Gallery, Anima and Katara Art Center, have been invited to exhibit as well. On top of all this, following the earlier laboratories, there will be an exhibition that documents the processes the student/faculty teams underwent through photography and video, which will be held in time for WKH ÀQDO WZR GD\ FRQIHUHQFH And as if that’s not enough, the Tasmeem Film Festival, will be hosted, which will explore both themes of Made in Qatar and Hybrid Making. Parallel to this, the Tasmeem Exploration Platform will also facilitate discussions, papers and presentations,

as well as workshops and extensions RI WKH ÀOP IHVWLYDO DQG OHFWXUHV Meike says this year’s themes are “essential for Doha’s ongoing and substantial transformation… Design and art form holistic structures from parts; juggling, blending, merging and crossbreeding; matter, concepts, techniques and technologies to form products, performances or services.” She concludes, “Design and art, therefore, hold important roles in the development of Doha’s sustainable future.” Q GO Tasmeem Doha will run from March 10th to 17th at Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar. For more information and to register, visit www.tasmeemdoha.com

Mohammed Fahad Kamal @ mohd_fk If aliens saw us walking our dogs and picking up their poop, who would they think is in charge?

FACT Bahrain @FACTbahrain Super impressed with the new BlackBerry 10! We are live from Dubai at the launch @ ME_BlackBerry who wants to see it?? vladchoc@vladchoc For job interviews, your best bet is to dress as a pizza delivery person, march in and say “Who ordered DILIGENCE and ATTENTION TO DETAIL!?” FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACT_QATAR

FACT QATAR MARCH

7

NOTEWORTHY

ZARA’S QUESTION OF THE MONTH

“Is  enough  really  enough?â€?  My  battle  with  dreaded  nicotine I still wish, to this day, that I had never started and although we should never regret things in life, this is probably my biggest. Saying that, there is now a OLJKW DW WKH HQG RI P\ VPRNH Ă€OOHG OXQJ rattling tunnel.

After years of wasting my hard-earned cash, I can safely and happily say that I am now a non-smoker. Yes I know I have said this before and yes, I know have failed every single time‌ but this time is different. This time I want to remain a non-smoker. I remember when it all started: aged 12 and bored in an all-girls boarding school LWŇ‹V QRW DOO SLOORZ Ă€JKWV \RX NQRZ , GHFLGHG to venture out into the woods with a friend DQG VDPSOH P\ Ă€UVW HYHU 0DUOERUR /LJKW 7HUULĂ€HG WKDW D WHDFKHU ZRXOG FRPH DQG discover us, we puffed this cigarette down in four minutes before returning light-headed and reeking of smoke to the classroom. I remember thinking to myself afterwards ‘I am totally cool now’‌ how wrong I was!

It has been almost two months now since I picked up a cigarette. Within four days, according to the experts, all the nicotine had left my body and the idea of wanting a cigarette was a mere illusion. Now I was craving the idea rather than the taste and feeling. Having spent the past month surrounded by friends enjoying themselves, I now wake up feeling cleaner. My mouth no longer feels like I have been chewing dusty cotton balls all night; my energy levels are up; my bank balance is healthier and, for the ÀUVW WLPH LQ \HDUV , DFWXDOO\ IHHO OLNH , am breathing properly. It has been \HDUV VLQFH , KDG P\ ÀUVW smoke‌ here’s to the next decade. (QRXJK LV GHÀQLWHO\ HQRXJK Q

Hate  It :LOO 6$56 ,QĂ€OWUDWH"

THE SCOPE

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FACT QATAR MARCH

The BBC reported that UK health PGmDJBMT UIJOL UIF OFX 4"34 related virus that infected two people coming from Qatar in 2012 can be transmitted between humans, rather than animals. This comes after a new case was diagnosed in the UK, that is linked to indirect travel to our region, as a close family member had recently WJTJUFE VT 5IF PGmDJBMT TBJE UIFSF T no need to worry just yet but we’re thinking one more case and the surgeon’s mask goes on!

Love  It

Can’t  Believe  It

How’d You Like These Footballs?

Qatar to Establish a Space Centre

Qatar is now the proud owners of not one, but two, Guinness World Records and both of them were broken on National Sports Day. There was a giant football which beat Oman’s previous record by over 200kg. Then the largest number of QMBZFST JO B mWF B TJEF OPO stop football match that took 11 hours and 58 minutes and 523 players, beating the 464 that it took in the UK last year.

We’re over the moon with this (pun intended, sorry)! The Gulf Times reported that the government is considering a proposal for a space centre, planetarium and other observational thingies. Speaking to the paper, Dr ,IBMJE "M 4VCBJ BMTP TBJE they’ve already discovered two planets, Qatar 1 and Qatar 2, and there’s a possible two more as well!

NOTEWORTHY

THE DOHA MINUTE

“For  families,  I  like  the  safe  environmentâ€?  Rachid Aouzal is the director of Oryx 5RWDQDŇ‹V IURQW RIĂ€FH VR OLIH LV KHFWLF +H VWLOO gets to experience the real Qatar though‌ How long have you lived in Qatar?

, DP OLYLQJ LQ 4DWDU IRU ÀYH \HDUV QRZ , ÀUVW DUULYHG ODWH DQG LW ZDV P\ ÀUVW *&& H[SHULHQFH ZKLFK , HQMR\HG YHU\ much. I left for more excitement in both UAE, in Dubai, where I have made many friends and had the chance to discover the beauty of the UAE, and I then went to Kuwait for two years before I decided to return back to Qatar early August of 2010 when I joined the opening team at the Oryx Rotana hotel. What do you like most about living here?

Qatar is a multi-cultural environment where a lot of expats are living together so one can make friends and learn a lot about other cultures. For families, I like the safe environment, shopping options that are increasing day by day - I love Souq Waqif and the public beaches on weekdays! And least?

Being on the road daily from and to work. I really feel driving in Qatar is becoming an issue but I can see that a lot is being done to reduce this rage. Also, the sponsorship system is just unbelievable in today’s world‌ What do you do to switch off and relax?

I am so attached to my family - my wife Angela and my little boy Youssef are my best friends. I feel very relaxed when I am with them. I enjoy playing with my son and watch him growing up, surf the Internet and listen to music. I often like to go to Katara for a meal and walk around. I like to taste every cuisine and this is causing me to go on a diet to catch up with my weight. Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.

I love technology, especially the new updates on phones and tablets. It’s incredible how this is developed and being competitive. I am also fond of new cars and try to catch up with what is new in the world of the strong engines. Q FACT QATAR MARCH

9

NOTEWORTHY

BRUNCH, DINNER AND AFTERNOON TEA @ FOUR SEASONS On both Good Friday and Easter Sunday, choose from a range of appetisers, entrees and desserts. There will be plenty for the little ones to do, from egg to treasure hunting and much more. There are brunches in the hotel, a four-course Italian menu at Il Teatro and afternoon tea on offer at Seasons Tea Lounge (with a chocolate fountain!). Prices for meals start at QR330 with child discounts.Call 4494 8888

GET YOUR EGG HUNT ON

Call The Lagoon at Ritz-Carlton on 4484 8512

Easter’s coming up and there’s loads of fun for all the family to be had. For those of you who celebrate this occasion, check out what’s going on in our round-up‌

BRUNCH AND ACTIVITES @ HILTON DOHA Head over to the Hilton Doha venues for brunches and dining experiences all round, and enjoy Easter-inspired activities going on in the hotel, from an Easter bunny visit to a massive egg hunt. Prices of packages start from QR222 in Mawasem, La Sahtaine and Trader Vic’s. Call 4423 3333

be there! Costs start from QR260 to QR415 and QR130 for the kids.

THANK GOODNESS IT’S FRIDAY (AND SUNDAY) @ THE GRILL RESTAURANT Start the weekend with an international brunch in Grand Hyatt for the adults and a big egg hunt throughout the hotel’s gardens for the kids. On Sunday, enjoy a traditional Easter dinner menu designed by chef de cuisine Christian Rodriguez, priced at QR250 with soft drinks or QR395 with selected beverages. Call 4448 1240

TREATS @ LA CIGALE

ACTIVITIES @ INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Head over to Coral, the all-day dining destination, for a buffet brunch with unlimited bubbly and soft beverages at QR345 per person. Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities such as face painting, egg hunting and movie watching from 12.30pm to 4pm. In Mykonos there will be a special Easter brunch with live entertainment and more children’s activities for QR295. Then, at the Fish Market, there will be a fantastic seafood spread with entertainment and activities, too, for QR375 with a glass of bubbly. Call 4484 4444

BRUNCH @ VINE Tuck into the taste of St Regis, showcased in an extensive buffet, live cooking stations and a special children’s buffet, alongside Easter activities on the terrace including an egg hunt, face painting and a bouncy castle. It’s from 12.30pm to 4pm for QR345 with soft drinks or QR395 with a selection of beverages. Call 4446 0105

Starting from 21st March, gourmet foods a-plenty are available at La Cigale Traiteur, from traditional Easter lamb to chocolate bunnies and eggs, gift hampers to special

FAMILY FUN DAY

THE BRUNCHES @ THE WEST END DOHA At Brazilian Ipanema, enjoy Easter activities and live tunes, with sizzling PHDWV VHDIRRG RQ VNHZHUV DQG Ă DPEp desserts from 12.30pm to 3.30pm for

spring flower arrangements (Call 4428 8803). Then challenge your family and friends with an Easter hatch egg competition during the brunch at Le Cigalon on 31st (noon to 3.30pm, QR 250 net, including coffee or tea). Call 4428 8698

@ THE LAGOON GARDEN Gather all the family and hop over to the green and lush Lagoon Garden to celebrate Easter Eve on the 30th from noon to 4.30pm. Live entertainment, BBQ fare and an egg hunt are among the highlights. Plus, the Easter bunny will

QR250 with soft drinks and QR120 for the kids. Then, in Crossroads Kitchen indulge in the wide spread of food including a dedicated kids’ buffet and entertainment area. From noon to 3.30pm for QR225 per person with soft drinks. Call 4419 6100

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FACT QATAR MARCH

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FACT QATAR MARCH Ξ ,ŝůƚŽŶ tŽƌůĚǁŝĚĞ ϮϬϭϯ͘ ΎKīĞƌ ŝƐ ƐƵďũĞĐƚ ƚŽ ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘ EŽƚ ǀĂůŝĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶLJ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉƌŽŵŽƟŽŶ Žƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ĚĞĂů͘ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ϲ ĂŶĚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ĚŝŶĞ ĨƌĞĞ͕ ϳʹϭϮ LJĞĂƌ ŽůĚƐ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ Ă ϱϬй ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ͘

11

NOTEWORTHY

Get tropical at Trader Vic’s with Cuban tunes

thank  your  mother!

It’s coming up to that one day of the year when you can thank your mum for everything she does for you (don’t deny it, it’s been quite a fair bit over the years). Here’s how you can do something lovely for her in Doha this 21st‌ DINNERS @ HILTON DOHA Have dinner at French restaurant La Sahtaine as a special menu is on offer with a welcome beverage for QR250. Over at Trader Vic’s enjoy a specially prepared tropical menu to the sounds of the live Cuban band. Call 4423 3333 CELEBRATE @ LA CIGALE %X\ LPSUHVVLYH à RUDO DUUDQJHPHQWV DW WKH à RZHU VKRS RU SLFN VSHFLDO FDNHV DW /D Cigale Traiteur. Alternatively, you can take her for a luxurious buffet lunch or dinner at Le Cigalon restaurant. Call 4428 8888

a special a la carte menu prepared only to make this day memorable for your mama. Mothers pay half and Grand Hyatt Doha will take care of the other half! Call 4448 1285 IT’S SPECIAL @ THE LAGOON

The Lagoon at Ritz-Carlton will set a sumptuous buffet indoors and a wide international barbeque selection outdoors, all with a backdrop of live music and a festive atmosphere. Children can also enjoy the ‘Kids’ Corner’. Prices start from QR180. Call 4484 8512 GO PHOENICIAN @ CORAL

INDULGE @ BISCOTTI Chill out and enjoy a day out at Biscotti with

Coral, InterContinental Doha’s all-day dining destination, will put on a Phoenician

Night Dinner for the occasion with an international and seafood buffet, sushi bar and live cooking stations. There will also be live entertainment by one-manshow Antoine Akkari. Open from 7pm to 11.30pm. Call 4484 4444 BRUNCHES @ WEST END DOHA

At Crossroads Kitchen, every mum receives a special cake parcel and silver handbag holder to take home, after the delicious international brunch for QR225 per person with soft drinks from noon to 3.30pm. There’s also a children’s entertainment zone. Plus, a special deal on at Brazilian outlet Ipanema with kids’ activities, too. Call 4419 6100

Paint the Town Green It’s every Irishman’s favourite day (and to be fair many other people’s too). On 17th March it’s St. Patrick’s Day and there’s a couple of things you can do for it right here. WRITE OFF THE WEEK @ CHAMPIONS Enjoy the live Irish band, Shamrog, who will entertain the crowds at Champions in the West End of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel. Entry is QR50 from 13th to 16th, 12

FACT QATAR MARCH

leading up to the main event on the 17th, when entry will be QR100. Open 5pm to 2am. Call 4419 6100 SHAMROCKS @ ADMIRAL’S Celebrate Paddy’s Day on the 16th in green

hats with a lively atmosphere and good company at Admiral’s Club in Ritz-Carlton from noon to 4pm. Live entertainment will accompany the traditional Irish food fair, along with customary Irish beverages. Call 4484 8663

FACT QATAR MARCH

13

Getting Out and About THIS MONTH IN QATAR

01

FRIDAY

Four Seasons kicks off their cheese fondue month, with Swiss, French and Italian cheeses, followed by a tasty chocolate fondue. From 5pm-12am at Library and Cigar Lounge. Call 4494 8888

02

SATURDAY

Head to the Hilton Doha’s pool deck, Bab Al Baher, from 4pm for a traditional weekend barbeque with assorted grilled meats, Arabic mezze and salads for QR150. Call 4423 3333

06

WEDNESDAY

Lounge and mingle to the tunes of DJ Adrien Callier from Zuma Dubai at the White Party in Wahm, W Doha and don’t forget to dress in white (you’ll be rewarded from 10pm to 2am)! Call 4453 5135

07

THURSDAY

Paloma at InterContinental Doha is moving to the beach for one night only. Enjoy a huge Mexican buffet and live entertainment until the early hours. Call 4484 4444

03

MONDAY

TUEDAY

The Art of Abundant Living is hosting a raw food class to teach you how to make healthy but decadent desserts. Classes are at either 9-11am or 5-7pm near TV roundabout for QR175. Call 5580 0395

14

11

MONDAY

Call 4428 1673

SUNDAY

From the woodlands of Europe, Al Dana at Sharq Village & Spa brings you a fourcourse menu designed to showcase the WDVW\ WUXIÁH. On until the 9th from 6.30pm to 11pm for QR499. Call 4425 6666

05

SUNDAY

The international art and design conference at Virginia Commonwealth Qatar University, Tasmeem Doha: Hybrid Making starts today and runs until the 17th. For more information and to register, visit www.tasmeemdoha.com

The Laughter Factory is back at Shehrazad in Radisson Blu. Wayne Deakin, Jeff Innocent and Markus Birdman are sure to make you giggle. Show starts 8pm on 11th and 12th.

Choose Cuban cigars, your favourite cocktail and savoury bites, and sit back to the jazzy sounds of a live band at cigar Sunday nights in The Lounge, Kempinski. Starts 8pm until 2am. Call 4405 3325

04

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FACT QATAR MARCH

08

12 FRIDAY

The Caribbean has come to Qatar in the form of a Reggae Beach Festival at St Regis beachfront from 3pm to 11pm for QR150 per person or QR350 for VIP tickets (limited seats). Call 4446 0105

09

SATURDAY

Go to QMA Gallery at Katara Cultural Village to check out Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport, which features a series of photos of 90 Arab sportswomen. It runs until May. Find out more on page 36

TUESDAY

Now get involved with something sporty. From 7pm to 8pm for QR50 (members) or QR60 (nonmembers) join a Kangoo Jumps mixed class at InterContinental Doha’s Bay Club. Call 4484 4852

13

WEDNESDAY

High Heels Night at Vintage Lounge in St Regis, from 6pm to 1am, gives women a complimentary glass of bubbly with every drink they buy, along with 25 per cent off snacks and beverages! Call 4446 0105

14

THURSDAY

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar are hosting an evening of music by C Street Brass from 6pm to 7pm. Their sound is eclectic and their stage presence is dynamic. Plus, it’s free! Call 4454 8400

THERE ARE SO MANY EXCITING EVENTS GOING ON IN DOHA THESE DAYS. SO, WE’VE PUT TOGETHER AN EVENTS CALENDAR FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH, JUST FOR YOU! IT’S VARIED, IT’S INTERESTING AND IT’S NEVER BORING… THIS IS WHAT FACT RECOMMENDS (AND YOU CAN STILL FIND EVEN MORE THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE MAG!).

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FRIDAY

The United Nations of Comedy tour comes to the QNCC auditorium with comedians Maz Jobrani, Aron Kader, Nemr Abou Nassar and Mike Batayeh. Doors open from 7pm and silver tickets are QR150. Buy tickets online at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me

16

SATURDAY

Art of Abundant Living are putting on a series of workshops (9th, 16th, 19th, 26th) to help you change some of your family’s unhealthy eating habits. Call 5580 0395

17

WEDNESDAY Over Over at at the the Museum Museum of of Islamic IslamicArt, Art, the the Ferozkoh: Ferozkoh: Tradition Tradition and and Continuity Continuity in in Afghan AfghanArt Art exhibition exhibition will will kick kick off off today, today, and and run run until until 22nd 22nd June June with with various various activities activities throughout. throughout. Find Find out out more more on on page page 34 34

SUNDAY

The Global Art Forum, part of Art Dubai, kicks off at Mathaf: Arab Musuem of Modern Art from today until the 18th with live talks and performances. Find out more on page 38

22

FRIDAY

Enjoy a night of ancestral soul with a blend of deep house and modern Congolese rumba, West African voices, urban r ‘n’ b and Afro-Cuban rhythms by Boddhi Satva at Wahm in W Doha from 10pm to 2am. Call 4453 5135

23

SATURDAY

Today and on the 24th, world-renowned performer and composer, Yanni will be at Qatar National Convention Center. Call 4470 7000

18

MONDAY

Fancy a boogie tonight? Exclusive Urban with Mr Shef Codes is on at Crystal Lounge, W Doha. It’s something to look forward to at the beginning of the week! Call 4453 5000

19

TUESDAY

Innovate Qatar is being held from 18th to 20th at Doha Exhibition Center. It aims to bring the world’s leading tech producers to Qatar, under one roof, to show us what is possible. Visit www.innovateqatar.com for more

24

SUNDAY

Check out the Hawaiian Barbeque at Trader Vic’s, Hilton Doha. Sit on the terrace, enjoy signature beverages, a salad bar and a mixed grill, alongside lively music. From 7pm. Call 4423 3118

25

MONDAY

Chef Ricardo Acquista at Porcini, RitzCarlton will demonstrate the preparation of a special dinner in his Chef’s Table. 7pm for QR450 per person. Call 4484 8000

information

21

THURSDAY

It’s Indian Night at Flavours in Grand Heritage Hotel. Choose from your favourite dishes with a twist. 7.30pm to 11pm for QR199 with soft drinks. Call 4445 5555

26

TUESDAY

Relax and feel the rhythms of the full moon as Vishnu, at Six Senses Spa in Sharq Village, takes you through a full yoga session outdoors from 7pm at Al Dana Island. Call 4425 6999

27

WEDNESDAY

Over at The Square in InterContinental The City hotel, Wednesday nights mean fresh seafood. Then head to Strata for buy one get one free offer on drinks for ladies. Call 4015 8888

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THURSDAY

Slava’s Snow Show - a performance that will remind you “that no one is ever too old to enjoy clowns” (according to Evening Standard newspaper). It’ll be at Qatar National Convention Center, 8pm, from QR306. Call 4470 7000

29

FRIDAY

Rise of the Afrobeats hits Wahm tonight with the new sound of the London underground from DJ Bruno Rochart and DJ Steve Paris. It’s on from 10pm to 2am (also on the 8th). Call 4453 5135

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MONDAY

Have a burger and a pint in Opal by Gordon Ramsay for just QR100 on Monday nights! Served with fries and Opal’s special ketchup from 6pm to 11pm. Call 4446 0105

31

TUESDAY

Olympics – Past & Present will be displayed at Al Riwaq Doha from 28th March to 30th June, showcasing original objects from Olympia (Greece) and pieces from the last 48 Winter and Summer Olympic Games. Find out more on page 37

FACT QATAR MARCH

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FACT QATAR MARCH

NOTEWORTHY

You’ve all seen the Rush Hour trilogy, right? If you haven’t then you should be ashamed. It only happens to be a hugely grossing 86 ER[ RIĂ€FH KLW DQG PDGH VWDU Chris Tucker, who played cop James Carter, the highest paid actor in Hollywood. He apparently received a whopping US$25 million (approximately QR91m) for the third installment of the series. Chris has been in some other pretty epic movies over the years WKRXJK WRR ² VFL Ă€ DGYHQWXUH The Fifth Element, Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, cult comedy classic Friday, and most recently, the romantic comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbook with Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro (you may have already caught a screening of it at Doha Tribeca Film Festival last year). %XW WKLV ZDV KLV Ă€UVW Ă€OP LQ Ă€YH \HDUV DV KH KDG WDNHQ D JLDQW step back from the big screen for a while. In an interview with

“I  did  this  one  because  I  thought  it  was  a  great  movie  dealing  with  mental  illness.  It  intrigued  me  because  I  was  learning  at  the  same  time,  you  know,  playing  his  character.â€? Hermione Hoby for the Guardian newspaper in November about his new role, Chris said the main reason for his absence is because he’s a perfectionist. “It’s real hard for me to do something when I don’t feel it’s fresh and new,â€? he said. “I did this one because I thought it was a great movie dealing with mental illness. It intrigued me because I was learning at the same time, you know, playing his character.â€? The star didn’t get back into stand-up comedy touring until 2011 either and, according to The Daily

Beast who also interviewed Chris in November, this could actually have been associated with a rather publicised financial mess he had found himself in. He reportedly owed the government over US$12 million in back taxes. Journalist Marlow Stern cheekily probed him about it. “I can’t tell the details of it,� he responded. “I wish I could. But stuff happens, you learn, and you just take care of it.� Financial mess or not, he’s best known for being a funny man and all-round comic genius, not unlike his idols Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. Because it wasn’t actually Rush Hour that took his career to new heights. He was making regular appearances on Def Comedy Jam years before that. Then, in 1995, he was Smokey in F. Gary Gray’s nowcult comedy Friday, alongside Ice Cube and thus he was propelled to comic legend status. And to think it was all started in Georgia, America

“From  Burger  King  Georgia  to  the  Sheraton  Doha  and  with  this  World  Tour  and  his  latest  movie  role;Íž  it  signals  a  whole  new  era  for  Chris.â€? Chris Tucker is making a pit stop in Doha on his latest tour, which comes just after D UHWXUQ WR WKH VLOYHU VFUHHQ DIWHU D Ă€YH \HDU UHVW 6R ZKHUH KDV KH EHHQ DQG LV WKH possibility of 5XVK +RXU more than just a rumour? where he was born and where he once worked as a janitor in Burger King (you’d probably need a sense of humour to get through the day in that job!). Well, luckily for him, he’s gone from Burger King Georgia to the Sheraton Doha and with this World Tour (which actually kick starts in the Middle East and ends in America), and his latest movie role, it all signals

a whole new era for Chris. Yet we do secretly hope it’s an era that also includes the rumoured Rush Hour 4. He told Stern that he and costar Jackie Chan are “talking about� it, but then admitted to Hoby that he would love to do more serious movies, “Because people haven’t seen me do a lot of that�. We’re thinking after the show in Doha, however (or at least we’re

hoping anyway!), we’ll be laughing so KDUG LW¡OO EH GRZQULJKW GLIĂ€FXOW IRU him to ever convince us in a serious role. We’re more than happy to watch him try though. Q GO: Chris Tucker will perform at Sheraton Doha Al Dafna conference hall on 3rd March. Buy tickets from Virgin Megastores online or in Villagio and Landmark, from Sheraton Doha and Crepaway. Tickets cost between QR250 and QR550. Doors open at 6pm and show starts at 8pm.

FACT QATAR MARCH

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NOTEWORTHY

Opulent Regal Indulgent Pure Astonishing Luxury We’re well aware that most of you (and us) will never be able to afford such indulgence, but it is too fantastic not to mention‌ Ladies and gents, we bring to you, the Royal Villa.

The ‘Treat You’ Package Many of us who live in Doha will not have already stayed in the Ritz-Carlton, but the business travellers among us will almost certainly have done so at one time or another, particularly on the &OXE OHYHO 7KH LQVSLUDWLRQ RI WKH Ă RRU is one of comfort and luxury, where the seasoned traveller can feel at home in D VXLWH WKDW GULSV ZLWK $UDELDQ LQĂ XHQFH and hospitality. Now, with the Treat You package that is valid until December 30th, access to suites on this level, and the extravagant Club Lounge, come at a bargain when you stay two nights because you get one totally free. So why not try it? GO: Prices start at QR 1,640 with roundtrip airport transfer. Call 4484 8000

Sharq Village and Spa have gone all out with their %HLW $O 6K\RXNK or House of Royalty, which is 2,099 square metres of pure opulence. It has numerous suites, a majlis, study, dining room, roof top and amazing bathrooms with Jacuzzi baths. Its two storeys are decorated Orientalstyle with authentically Qatari details, right down to the handrails and inlaid mosaics (which are veined with 18-karat gold!). Across from the villa there’s an exclusive sanctuary, which has an indoor pool (with a two-storey high waterfall), chef’s kitchen, rain forest showers and a heated stone massage bed in the wet treatment room, which opens onto a veranda. Services that come with it include a chauffeur driven BMW, a personal chef and trainer, shisha with 25 types of tobacco – to name but a few. All of that and more will set you back around QR50k-80k a night. GO: You wish.

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FACT QATAR MARCH

Last Chance for Tea with Nefertiti This is the last month you can catch this amazing exhibition at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Tea with Nefertiti: The Making of the Artwork by the Artist, the Museum and the Public takes you on a fascinating journey that explores our perceptions of an artwork from the three perspectives. It brings together antiquities, modernist works, archives, and 26 international contemporary artists and artist collectives. We recommend you check it out while you still can because it’s a good’un. GO: It’s on until the 31st at Mathaf: Arab Musuem of Modern Art near Qatar Foundation. Call 4402 8855

NOTEWORTHY

Amari Opens its Doors

Symphonies of Brahms

7KH ÀUVW $PDUL hotel in the Middle East has opened in Doha. To all of us living here, that just means new venues to visit! So this property has an all-day dining option that has a menu of popular international dishes, a lobby lounge that offers light snacks and pastries, and a rooftop pool bar with snacks and refreshing beverages. It also has the Breeze Spa with a Jacuzzi, Vichy shower room, Turkish EDWK VDXQD DQG VWHDP URRP VZLPPLQJ SRROV DQG ÀWQHVV centre.

As per usual, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is in full swing this month, as March is marked by the complete symphonies of Brahms over two concerts. Head over to Katara Cutural Village Opera House on the 3rd, enjoy symphonies one and two, then, on the 6th, Michalis Economou will conduct the third and fourth symphonies. Finally, on the 30th, go for Schubert’s Great Symphony, which, in orchestral circles, is said to arguably be his ÀQHVW )RU WKLV JXHVW FRQGXFWRU $NLV %DOWDV ZLOO EH MRLQHG by organist Jean-Charles Gandrille, for the world premiere of his double concerto. The concert opens with three charming Slavonic Dances by Antonin Dvorak.

GO: Call 4433 8888

GO: Find out more at qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

FACT QATAR MARCH

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NOTEWORTHY

ARABIC LITERATURE MEETS FRENCH CUISINE

No stone has been left unturned in the quests of Haute French Chef Alain Ducasse and renowned French designer Philippe Starck to achieve perfection and create something inspirational. They share their insights with Josie Hill into the making of IDAM, one of 'RKDҋV QHZHVW DQG ÀQHVW UHVWDXUDQWV WR GDWH

Alain Ducasse

Philippe Starck

Alain Ducasse, who has gained 21 Michelin stars for his many restaurants GRWWHG DURXQG WKH JOREH ZDV WKH Ă€UVW chef to gain three stars for any single restaurant in 1987. 6SHDNLQJ DW WKH RIĂ€FLDO ODXQFK RI WKH restaurant in Doha, the famous French chef told FACT about the creation of IDAM, saying, “It’s all new, the design is unique, the architecture, the menu was started from scratch. What we have done is brought together food and brilliant design with the PDJQLĂ€FHQW YLHZ RI WKH VHD “The combination of all these elements and the experience of what you will have here are something truly unique. “Myself and Philippe have worked together for a very long time - we have known each RWKHU IRU \HDUV VLQFH KH GHVLJQHG P\ Ă€UVW restaurant in London. When we sat down together to work on this project we knew we wanted to do something very elegant and very particular.â€? $V WKH Ă€UVW $ODLQ 'XFDVVH UHVWDXUDQW LQ the region, the chef admits it has been at WLPHV FKDOOHQJLQJ ´,W LV DOZD\V GLIĂ€FXOW DV you are entering into unknown territory,â€? he says. “But we have a very good team. Our executive chef Romain Meder is very modest but he is a very, very talented chef.â€? Overall, it’s about the full experience, he says. “People have to come here with this wish and desire to discover the location, the food, the whole thing.â€?

Philippe Starck VKRZHG D Ă DLU IRU GHVLJQ at an early age. Since then, he has designed objects as simple as a toothbrush to complex buildings and mega-yachts. Talking to us at the opening of the new restaurant, the simple yet exquisite design of which is entirely down to the man himself, Philippe explains his inspirations. “It is very personal for me,â€? he says. “I have two passions in my life - my wife who is Arab and Arabic Literature.â€? Inside the plush restaurant, guests will Ă€QG SRHWU\ DQG SDVVDJHV IURP WKH WDOHV of the 1001 nights inscribed on the carpet and embroidered onto the leather chairs, as well as two walls dedicated entirely to OLWHUDWXUH ZLWK Ă RRU WR FHLOLQJ ERRNV DQG portraits of great Arab writers. Philippe explains the idea for a restaurant like IDAM goes back several years, following a discussion about evolving Arabic food, and it was he who brought Alain Ducasse into the project, “because he is a good friend and because he is the bestâ€?. The texts were then picked with the Ministry of Culture “because the 1001 Nights is a bridge between Arabic and Occidental Literature. “In a museum you feed your brain and now in this restaurant, too, you can feed your brain. But the brain is part of the body [and] that’s why it was so important to bring Alain Ducasse here to see if we can make an education of Arabic cooking and bring it into modernity.â€?

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FACT QATAR MARCH

“I have two passions in my life - my wife who is Arab and Arabic literature� - Philippe Starck

“[We] brought together food and brilliant design� - Alain Ducasse

WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT

“It’s all new, the design is unique, the architecture,

Together with Executive Chef Romain Meder, Alain Ducasse presents a sophisticated menu of original creations. They include delicate chestnut soup, FUD\ÀVK DQG KDOORXPL UR\DOH WHQGHU RFWRSXV ZLWK SRWDWRHV OLJKWO\ à DYRXUHG ZLWK VDIIURQ FKDPED RI ORFDO ÀVK DQG VRIW crunchy Egyptian rice; seared line-caught UHG VQDSSHU DQG VKHOOÀVK WHQGHU FDPHO ZLWK GXFN IRLH JUDV WUXIà H DQG VRXIà pG SRWDWRHV and Awais lamb with beetroot, curly kale and pumpkin. Alain Ducasse’s signature Cookpot dish comprises seven vegetables lightly spiced, promising a unique, palatepleasing creation. Desserts also form an essential part of the menu, from the chocolate and honey shortbread with saffron and pine nuts to the milk pastilla and JUHHQ WHD PLQW JUDQLWH 5KXEDUE UDVSEHUU\ and beetroot variations and an old style macaroon stuffed with orange and saffron marmalade are beautifully presented.

the menu was started from scratch� - Alain Ducasse

GO: Call 4422 4488. IDAM is open for dinner only Wednesday to Sunday, 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

FACT QATAR MARCH

21

A MUSICAL

WEEKEND AT THE

ST. REGIS! St. Regis is one of the most prestigious hotel brands in the world, and Doha is one of their newest properties. FACT’s Tony Sidgwick spends a weekend living the high life in Qatar…

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FACT QATAR MARCH

NOTEWORTHY

T

he St. Regis Doha has now opened all of its planned venues, from the Gordon Ramsay restaurants to the world-famous Hakkasan concept and the Lebanese Al Sultan Brahim. However, there’s also a raft of musical experiences to be had as well, most notably thanks to Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha, but also the live pianist who graces the Vintage lounge, and the Reggae BBQ nights down by the pool and beach on the through the week . We were invited to the St. Regis for a two-night stay to experience all this for ourselves, and I was more than happy to oblige! I’d visited the hotel on numerous occasions for various launches and events, but had never had the opportunity to actually stay there as a guest. I wasn’t disappointed. I was met at the airport by the St. Regis representatives, who whisked me off into the back seat of a luxurious Jaguar XJ-L for the journey WR WKH KRWHO ZKLFK ZDV D ÀWWLQJ start to the experience as a whole. A purring, smooth and comfortable limousine with shaded windows, ample rear legroom and soft leather seats is a perfect place to refresh with a cold towel and read one of the newspapers provided during the halfhour transfer to the hotel. THE HOTEL

As you’d expect from a St. Regis anywhere, it is an exercise in opulence and splendour. From the expansive driveway and the vast lobby with its tall, marble pillars to the individual sit-down check-in desks, you know that here they like to do things with an added touch of class. A spectacular addition to the lobby is the vintage Rolls Royce Silver Ghost that sits resplendent on display in the lobby itself. It was built for the famous 1911 Delhi Durbar, one of the biggest Royal ceremonies of Imperial Britain. It then passed through ownership of several famous Rolls Royce collectors before being bought by Rolls Royce of Qatar and

Left: A graceful pianist also plays in the lobby by the Sarab Lounge

Right: The room interiors are light, airy and very lush

Below: Drive up in a nice car or risk feeling the fool

loaned to the St. Regis for display. It’s a truly impressive sight. After a brief check-in, I was shown to the comfortable and well-appointed room. Every room in the hotel is assigned a ‘butler’, who will come and introduce themselves to you once you’ve settled in. They’ll take care of anything for you, from booking tables in the restaurants or treatments in the spa to taking items of clothing for ironing (up to two free, and then you’re charged). THE ASTOR GRILL

In the evening, I decided to sample the delights of the hotel’s Astor Grill

“As  you’d  expect  from  a  St.  Regis  anywhere,  it  is  an  exercise  in  opulence  and  splendour.â€?

restaurant, which is a tribute to New York’s ‘Golden Era’, combining the very best of New York and French cuisines. The menu is a wildly tempting selection for a dedicated carnivore like myself, although the prices are, as you’d expect, eye-wateringly expensive. It’s worth getting there a little earlier, and choosing from the ‘Early Dining’ set menu, which is available from 7pm to 9pm. In this menu, you get three courses for just QR280, as opposed to spending around QR180-200 for a single main item off of the normal menu. And if you think this would be a compromise, then read on to see what was actually ordered: For the starter, I chose the Wagyu steak tartare, which was absolutely phenomenal. The rich Ă DYRXU RI WKH SUHPLXP PHDW ZDV greatly enhanced by a delicate dressing and the quail egg on top, and I enjoyed every last mouthful. For the X FACT QATAR MARCH

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main, I had the 180g Australian $QJXV Ă€OOHW VWHDN ZLWK D GHOLFLRXV horseradish sauce and French fries on the side. For dessert, I had the ParisDoha, a collection of three different LFH FUHDP Ă DYRXUV RQ RQH SODWH Overall, it was an excellent culinary experience. The following day was spent lounging around the temperature-controlled pool in the morning, before heading off into Doha for a photoshoot in the afternoon, and back for a much-needed massage in the Remède Spa. The expert hands of the masseuse worked all the aches and pains out of my tired PXVFOHV EHIRUH , Ă€QLVKHG RII ZLWK D spell in the steam room and Jacuzzi. Feeling much rejuvenated, I went back to my room to prepare for an evening at Jazz at Lincoln Center. JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

This concept comes from the world famous jazz department of the Lincoln Center for performing arts. With the only permanent venue outside of NY City at the St. Regis Doha, created under the supervision of artistic director Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center brings world-renowned jazz musicians from across the globe to Doha for two to three-week residencies. The dark, cosy and intimate venue boasts various comfortable booths and tables placed around a stage, upon which the jazz musicians perform. This fantastic musical performance is FRPELQHG ZLWK Ă€YH VWDU GLQLQJ WR FUHDWH an unforgettable experience overall. The PHQX LV VWURQJO\ LQĂ XHQFHG E\ FXLVLQH from New Orleans, where jazz and blues music itself is thought to have originated from. Before our meal, we were treated to VXFK GHOLJKWV DV SRSFRUQ Ă DYRXUHG ZLWK WUXIĂ H RLO WKH EHVW SRSFRUQ ZH¡G ever had!) and Creole spiced nuts. I opted for the seafood jambalaya, a rice dish something like a spicy risotto originating from Louisiana in the US, whilst a friend who joined me for dinner had the hugely popular beef ribs, which Wynton Marsalis himself said were some of the best ribs he had tasted! Both dishes were, as expected, excellent. 24

FACT QATAR MARCH

Top: The pool is where Oyster Bay is and the Reggae Nights are held Middle: The plush interior of every carnivore’s dream, Astor Grill Right: Sip up at the swanky bar in JALC and enjoy a great view of the stage

REGGAE BY THE SEA

Following our meal, we wandered down to the hotel’s expansive beachfront for yet another memorable musical experience. Normally held at the Oyster Bay & Bar venue by the poolside, the Reggae Barbeque Nights take place every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with live reggae music accompanying the sumptuous barbequed feast served up by the hotel’s grill experts. When the weather’s suitable, the whole Reggae Barbeque relocates to the beach, where comfortable beach tables are set up around a stage, and

you can eat, drink and enjoy the music with the sound of the surf behind you! I strongly advise you to go and catch this experience before the weather heats up too much. The St. Regis Doha manages to accomplish something that not many hotels manage to do. It provides a ÀYH VWDU SOXV H[SHULHQFH ZLWK WKH quality of service and attention to detail really setting it apart in its class, but it manages to do so without being pompous or stuffy. You’ll enjoy the world-class experience, but you’ll always feel relaxed and at home. It’s not a cheap trip, but if you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed. Q

FACT QATAR MARCH

25

CULTURE.

GETTING UNDER QATAR’S SKIN THIS MONTH

It’s not all just salads and seeds on the raw food diet. If you know what you’re doing it can actually be very tasty.

We spoke to two Doha experts about how we can all incorporate the diet 26

FACT QATAR MARCH

into our lives a little more.

FACT QATAR MARCH

27

EAT 28

FACT QATAR MARCH

RAW

CULTURE

THERE’S BEEN A BUZZ IN THE AIR OF LATE ABOUT HOW THE RAW FOOD MOVEMENT HAS HOMED IN ON DOHA. WE WERE INTRIGUED, SO WE WENT TO INVESTIGATE‌ WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? Basically, in a nut shell (no pun intended), a diet of lots of uncooked fruit, veggies, seeds, nuts, dehydrated goodies and so on. The idea is that all of these foods are packed full of great vitamins and minerals, but once they are heated above 42°C, all the goodness gets depleted. So, the more raw it is, the better it is for your body. Not that anyone is asking you to JUD]H IURP WKH Ă€HOGV IURP QRZ RQ though. There are actually different degrees of raw foodists, depending on your beliefs and life goals. Some go all the way (think along the lines of Hugh Grant’s fruitarian date in Notting Hill) and some incorporate it as much as they feel is realistically possible. In terms of packing your diet full of fruit and veg, it’s common sense that this will lead to a healthier wellbeing and that all-important weight loss, but is going all-out raw actually good for you, we asked? :HOO VFLHQWLĂ€FDOO\ VSHDNLQJ ZH IRXQG that survey results are mixed on the KHDOWK EHQHĂ€WV RI WKH IXOO UDZ IRRG GLHW There is evidence to show that eating raw vegetables helps to reduce the risk of various cancers such as gum, throat and stomach. It is also proven to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as, of course, increase your intake of many nutrients because you no longer kill them through cooking. However, it is important to be aware of what you eat as, in particular, a vegan raw food diet can be very low in vitamin B12, which can generally only be found in animal products (there are products such as nutritional yeast that do provide

THE RAW FACT’S

1/3 How many more vitamins and minerals raw food contains than cooked

5 The minimum portions of fruit and vegetables you should eat a day

B12

The vitamin vegans must be wary of EHFRPLQJ GHĂ€FLHQW LQ

3 The number of raw IRRG YHJDQ RXWOHWV Layla Al-Dorani plans to have in Qatar

75% The percentage of this diet that is typically made up of fruits and vegetables

2 Â 1/2

The amount of hours per week of exercise on average you should be getting too

10

The number of schools Nicole van Hattem hopes to run educational programmes in

it though). There are also studies being done about whether the diet leads to low bone mass because of drastic weight loss. On another point, we found that some nutrients are actually better absorbed when cooked. Lycopene, for example, which plays a role in disease prevention, is found in deep-red fruits such as tomatoes, and its content is higher when they are heated. In the end, however, it may seem as though the raw food diet is relatively new in popularity but if we think about it, the cavemen certainly weren’t sautÊing onions and garlic with a medley of veg that had been plucked from the bushes earlier that morning. These foods come from the earth, and so it does make a lot of sense that they be consumed in their natural state. While the pros and cons are still EHLQJ VWXGLHG DQG GLVFXVVHG LQ VFLHQWLÀF circles, we have come to the conclusion that the best thing to do, if you’re considering going raw, would be to learn all you can about it beforehand, start slow and then make sure you’re getting all the nutrition you need. To help you on your way, we found out more from a couple of experts living right here in Doha‌ X

“Cavemen  certainly  weren’t  sautĂŠing  onions  and  garlic  with  a  medley  of  veg  that  had  been  plucked  from  the  bushes  earlier  that  morning.â€?  FACT QATAR MARCH

29

CULTURE

NICOLE VAN HATTEM Who?

Founder of the Art of Abundant Living How raw is she?

She says we should be at least 51%. Nicole is a bundle of enthusiastic energy when she speaks about her passion for health and wellbeing, but not so long ago, she was living in the fast lane of a corporate career in human resources. “I was doing what everyone else does,â€? she tells us, “which is work harder, work smarter, but I didn’t take care of the balance.â€? This was until she reached a real low point and jetted off with a friend to a retreat in Thailand where they did fasts, juice cleanses, colonic irrigation, yoga, meditation, and plenty of other rituals she had not been exposed to before. “To say it was life changing sounds really ‘oh yeah I’ve heard that before’ but it was!â€? she exclaims. “And it wasn’t at that moment it was life changing but it was more when I went ‘Oh! This is how your body is supposed to function. This is how your mind is supposed to be calm and clear. Wow’.â€? Once she came back to real life, she wasn’t sure how to use her newfound knowledge, but the death of a colleague pushed her over the edge and she decided to change her life forever. This was when she founded Art of Abundant Living, a company that is designed to help its clients ‘live life well’. Her services include ‘raw un-cooking’ classes, workshops, kids programmes, KHDOWK FRDFKLQJ DQG VKH IRFXVHV RQ Ă€YH main areas: food (“because you’re made of it,â€? she says); movement (“because we feel better when we move, but I didn’t say exerciseâ€?); spiritual connection (“whatever that means to themâ€?); relationships; and the work-life purpose (“doing what you love and if you can’t do what you love, loving what you doâ€?). Nicole encourages her clients to eat healthily and ‘more raw’ - “The thing is to get your diet 51 per cent or more raw because that nutrition is so much more bio available,â€? she says. But she isn’t an allout raw foodist. She eats animal products and cooks some of her food because she 30

FACT QATAR MARCH

believes it’s about balance. “Eighty per cent of the time you can make awesome choices and you will love it and you will heal, you will look gorgeous and you will have energy,� she explains. “Then give yourself 1020 per cent of things you know are not good for you and have a good, serious look at what is in your food system because you’re in control of it.� In the near future, Nicole is planning plenty of expansion, around Qatar and the region. She says she ultimately wants a wellbeing centre close to everyone’s home, where you can do yoga, have cooking classes, see a health coach, get organic products and generally learn more about living life well. She sums up, “When you give [your body] the raw materials - and I mean ‘raw’ materials - it knows exactly what to do with that and miracles happen.� GO: Visit www.artofabundantlivin

A RECIPE FOR ALMOND MILK 0LON LV ´PXFXV SXV Ă€OOHG KRUPRQH antibiotic juice from‌ a bovine breastâ€? says Nicole. It may be graphic, but it’s something to think about. Here’s a recipe for a very natural alternative: ‡ 6RDN D FXS RI DOPRQGV LQ WZLFH DV much water overnight ‡ 5LQVH RII WKH ZDWHU DQG WKHQ EOHQG the soaked almonds ‡ :KHQ WKH Ă€EUH LV Ă€QH WDNH HLWKHU D metal strainer or get a muslin cloth and, over a bowl in the sink, strain the liquid (which looks just like milk!) ‡ <RX FDQ GU\ WKH SXOS LQ DQ RYHQ RQ D ORZ heat and sprinkle over cereals and salads WE WENT TO NICOLE’S RAW FOOD CLASS. READ OUR EXCLUSIVE ONLINE REVIEW AT ::: )$&7 0$*$=,1( &20 4$ RIGHT NOW!

CULTURE

LAYLA AL-DORANI Who? Founder of Raw ME How raw is she? She estimates

around 60% What is most striking about QatariAmerican entrepreneur Layla Al-Dorani, is her pure determination to her cause and her business – Raw ME. Layla was born LQ WKH 86 EXW KDV VLQFH OLYHG LQ Ă€YH RWKHU countries and travelled to over 30. It was after she lived in Thailand and India, where she trained as a yoga teacher, that she came back to Qatar with the aim of setting up the company she had been envisaging for a while. The idea was to set up a dedicated raw food and beverage company in the Middle East. “[Here] everything is over processed, over cooked, over everything,â€? she tells us. “We need to go back to nature and keep it as pure as possible. Even if it’s just one meal a day.â€? At the moment, she has a production facility in Barwa where her team produce cold-pressed juices, various juice kits, and where they will soon make pre-packaged dehydrated snacks and raw desserts. The MXLFHV ZKLFK FRPH LQ PDQ\ Ă DYRXUV VXFK as ‘green junkie’ (parsley, cucumber, apple, lemon, spinach, lettuce) and ‘cool crush’ (pineapple, mint, apple) – are 100 per cent natural. As of last month, these are now available to order for delivery. The inspiration behind it all comes from Layla’s own health journey and her interests in yoga. “I wanted to make my practice better and have a cleaner mind, body and spirit,â€? she explains. “Through yoga, I found an awareness basically of trying to take care of myself. “One was the diet... and I realised we have to go back to the basic question of ZK\ ZH HDW LQ WKH Ă€UVW SODFH Âľ We eat to gain energy, and just as with everything else, there is a positive and a negative. Foods that have not been cooked, she says, are alive and therefore positive. So, if you eat them, you will have more energy. “This is compared to getting dead meat, which is dead energy.â€? She has noticed a “global awakeningâ€? around the world among people who are trying to live healthier and longer, and this is why she believes her business plan will work. “This wave of consciousness

FACT’S FIND: RAW FOOD DIET PRO (IPHONE APP), AVAILABLE FOR $1.99

– the idea that you need to take more action into what you’re doing to yourself – [is spreading] because blaming other industries or other things for your cause RI LOOQHVV LV QRW EHQHĂ€FLDO Âľ To back up her case she cites obesity statistics from Qatar: “Locals being SHU FHQW RYHUZHLJKW RQH LQ Ă€YH DUH diabetic.â€? She says hiring doctors to do liposuction is not the answer. Layla admits Qatar is doing great in the sporting arena, but exercise is only part of the solution. Now she wants to help with the other parts. She’s already started but she wants to move into Qatar Foundation and The Pearl, too. In The Pearl, in particular, she wants to make a more educational site that is made of recycled materials and is entirely eco-friendly using shipping containers and solar panels. “It sounds futuristic but it’s possible. “People have done it all over the world, it’s just that people haven’t done it in Doha.â€?

2

Philips Juicer for the health conscious raw person at home. Available Carrefour (QR340).

3

Excalibur Dehydrator. Raw food is not cooked above 40oC so we use this to make our yummy snacks, granola bars, cookies, crackers. Available to order from www. excaliburdehydrator.com.

4 5

A food processor, as a lot of recipes call for one. Available at Carrefour (starting from QR269).

GO: Call 6613 9882 or like Raw ME on Facebook

The Citrus Juicer is one of my best buys. I use it almost every day, it is very easy to use and to clean up. Available in Carrefour (starting from QR79).

GETTING STARTED

6

LAYLA RECOMMENDS

1

The Vitamix Blender, aka the superman of all blenders, but it’s on the expensive side. Available at Kitchenco on Salwa Road by Decoration Roundabout (preparation blender – QR5,055; drinks (1.4 litres) – QR3,668).

Ice Cream Maker – not a necessity but fun to have. Remember to use the substitute kremes and mylks though! Available in Lakeland (electrical starts from QR300).

7

Spiral Slicer. You don’t have to go without ‘pasta’ as this can help you make ‘noodles’ out of vegetables. Available at Amazon.com for USD$35 (QR140). FACT QATAR MARCH

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FACT QATAR MARCH

ARTS.

KEEPING QATAR’S EYES, EARS AND MINDS IN SHAPE

THIS MONTH YOU MUST...

WOMEN IN SPORTS A new Doha exhibition launches, alongside a few others READ

ESCAPE FROM CAMP 14 BLAINE HARDEN

This story about the only survivor and escapee of a North Korean prison is KDUURZLQJ DQG H\H RSHQLQJ $ GHÀQLWH PXVW read in our opinion! LISTEN

WATCH

THE ABBEY RD SESSIONS

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES

KYLIE MINOGUE

Thankfully not a Beatles tribute album but all her greatest tracks, re-recorded with full orchestral backing. Pretty cool.

$3*.& %3"."

+RW SHRSOH LQ D ÀOP that could have won Oscars. Yes siree. FACT QATAR MARCH

33

ARTS

Naser Mansori runs a woodworking workshop in Kabul which provides employment for many young people in the city

FEEDING YOUR MIND, One Exhibition at a Time

There are some fascinating exhibitions being launched by the Qatar Museums Authority around the country this month. We give you the lowdown‌

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FACT QATAR MARCH

ARTS

Detail of a pair of carved, walnut-wood doors by Naser Mansori and his workshop

Detail of al-Fatiha, hand-painted by artists

from four great dynasties with connections to Afghanistan. These Tamim Sahebzada are the Ghaznavids, Timurids, Mughals and Safavids. The other half of the main exhibition will be taken up by works that have been created specifically for it by Turquoise Mountain students - who work to revive traditional Afghan arts, crafts and architecture - in response to the collection. The sideline events that are also Ferozkoh: Tradition and being organised are varied. On Continuity in Afghan Art March 20th (4pm to 7.30pm) and Afghanistan may be known as a 21st (10am to 7pm) there will be an troubled country, but when it comes academic conference at the Museum to culture, it has one of the richest of Islamic Art Auditorium, which will and deepest landscapes in the world. cover relevant themes. This includes This new exhibition, which will run artistic production within each of from 20th March to 22nd June, aims the four dynasties and investigations to showcase this through a range of into cultural heritage issues in interesting events. contemporary Afghanistan. Speakers The main theme running and experts from all over the world throughout is the preservation of will attend from institutions such as traditional arts from the Islamic Scotland Yard, Harvard University, world in modernity, and the role the Metropolitan Museum of Art and of education in its transmission the British Museum. and translation. It is an overall Following that, the Ferozkoh Kite collaboration between the Museum Festival will be held on 22nd March of Islamic Art and the students and from 12pm to 6pm at the Museum of teachers of the Institute for Afghan Islamic Art Park. Arts and Architecture in Kabul. 7KLV ZLOO EH D GD\ ÀOOHG ZLWK WUDGLWLRQDO All throughout, historical pieces Afghan celebrations and activities for from the Museum of Islamic Art’s all the family, including traditional food, collection will be showcased, OLYH PXVLF NLWH à \LQJ VWRU\WHOOLQJ FUDIW Aref Gholami and

“The  main  theme  running  throughout  is  the  preservation  of  traditional  arts  from  the  Islamic  world  in  modernityâ€? workshops and face painting for kids. Then, on April 11th to 12th, June 6th to 7th and 20th to 21st (dates VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH D VHULHV RI Ă€OPV relating to the exhibition will be screened by the Doha Film Institute at the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium. These will also include question and answer sessions with the directors. We’re positive this will open minds and help us see the real Afghanistan.X GO: For more information visit www.mia.com.qa

FACT QATAR MARCH

35

ARTS

Kaltham Almutawa,

Maryam Al-Boinin,

Tae Kwon Do, Qatar

Equestrian, Qatar

Nadine Wahdan, Gymnastics, Qatar Nadia Mohammed Wafa Arkaji, Swimming, Qatar

HEY’YA: ARAB WOMEN IN SPORT A stirring series of large-scale photographs depicting 90 Arab sportswomen by Brigitte Lacombe will be on show at the QMA Gallery in Katara from March 7th to May. It includes images of Olympic competitors and non-Olympians, from 20 different Arab countries, shown alongside videos created by the artist’s sister, Marian Lacombe. 7KLV H[KLELWLRQ ZDV ÀUVW VKRZQ LQ London during the 2012 Olympic Games, although it originated in Qatar at the Arab Games’ Athlete Village in December 2011. Photographer Brigitte and GRFXPHQWDU\ ÀOP PDNHU 0DULDQ had set up an outdoor studio to work side by side with female athletes. They then traveled to 20 other countries, from the Gulf to North Africa, documenting women in sports, from beginners to Olympians. Vanity Fair said of the London 36

FACT QATAR MARCH

exhibition that the images “offer a glimpse into the personal stories that make female Arab athletes’ resurgence in the international spotlight all the more inspiring.” Following on from the recent development of Qatar and Saudi $UDELD VHQGLQJ WKH ÀUVW HYHU IHPDOH sports stars to compete on their behalf in the 2012 Olympics, this exhibition becomes all the more relevant to us and the world. QMA have said they conceived the exhibit as part of their mission to educate and spark debate about sports, as well as to encourage more girls to participate. They want, and we quote from one of their press releases, to “show the modern, engaged face of Arab women, and initiate a wider discourse on gender and sport in the Arab world.”

[ LET’S HEAR IT FROM THE SPORTS STARS] Maryam Al Boinin, equestrian, Qatar, with her sister Mai: “I got into riding from my sister. I used to think I wanted to be a businesswoman, but now I want to have a ranch, I want to be a gold medallist. If I’m having a bad day, or going through a rough time, horse riding takes it all away. When my sister started riding, girls didn’t have clubs or the chance to do sports. Now Qatar is different than before and there’s lots of opportunities for girls to ride. What boys can do, girls can do. I’m so lucky and I thank my sister for sharing WKLV KREE\ ZLWK PH µɑɑ Sarra Besbes, fencing, Tunisia: “ I love when you get an adrenalin rush, and everybody’s cheering and supporting, you feel like everybody’s depending on you.” Nada Mohammed Wafa Arkaji, swimming, Qatar: “I started swimming when I was nine years old.

GO: The QMA Gallery is in building 10 at Katara Cultural Village. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 8pm, on Friday at 3pm to 9pm and closed on Sundays.

“I’ve always loved the water... I feel free.”

ARTS

OLYMPICS PAST & PRESENT Carrying on the sporting theme, this new exhibition at ALRIWAQ, Doha will showcase some fantastic and unique pieces from Olympia, Greece (aka the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games), as well as objects from the last 48 Winter and Summer Olympic Games, from 27th March to 30th June. Apparently it will be the largest exhibition of its kind, including 1,400 original objects from the QMA’s collection in addition to pieces from Greece, France, Germany and Italy. On top of this, it will also highlight the earliest sports games, the participating of Qataris and women in the Olympics, as well as shed light on the modern Olympic Games as a social, political and cultural phenomenon. “This exhibition underlines Qatar’s commitment to become a global sports hub,â€? said Edward Dolman, QMA acting CEO and executive director, in the initial announcement. “It is therefore important to give the Qatari community an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Olympics.â€? It was around 2,700 years ago that WKH Ă€UVW DQFLHQW 2O\PSLF *DPHV were organised by the Greeks as part of cultural-religious celebrations. From then, Olympia fast became known in Greece as a hub, not only for athletics, but also for political and intellectual exchange. After the 6th century CE they were all but forgotten, however, and it wasn’t until 1896 that the modern Olympic Games, as we all know and love them today, were re-established in Athens. Now, the games are popular all over the world and those who participate become ambassadors for their countries. Dr Christian Wacker, director of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

The re-establishment of the modern Olympic Game in Athens, 1906

Usain Bolt winning the 100 metres at the 2008 Olympic Games

FRPPHQWHG VD\LQJ ´)RU WKH Ă€UVW WLPH an exhibition showcases the cultural history of the ancient and modern Olympics on such a scale, not to mention a special section on Qatar’s participating in the world-class event.â€? The subject is even more important to Qatar as they continue their bid to host the Games in 2024. This

“This  exhibition  underlines  Qatar’s  commitment  to  become  a  global  sports  hubâ€?  â€œWe  think  that  if  we  can  keep  doing  that,  one  day  the  dream  will  happen  to  host  the  Olympics  in  the  Middle  Eastâ€?

The disk thrower of Myron is a masterpiece of Greek art

comes despite the knock backs they’ve endured for the 2016 and 2020 Games due to concerns over climate (mainly). They won’t give up though, as Qatar Olympic Committee’s general secretary Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said at the Aspire4Sport business conference last year, “Every time we bid, we are listening and learning to see how we can make our bid stronger‌ We think that if we can keep doing that, one day the dream will happen to host the Olympics in the Middle East.â€? In the meantime, we can learn all about the history of one of the most important events on the world sporting calendar, and our country’s role within in it, right here, no matter the weather. GO: It will be held at ALRIWAQ exhibition space, located beside the Museum of Islamic Art, from 28th March to 30th June.

FACT QATAR MARCH

37

ARTS Bzawech [Fledgling] by

THE WORLD’S CANVAS IN THE UAE

Atef Maatallah for Tunisia’s Galerie El Marsa. In Art Dubai

ALL THE CREATIVE BIGWIGS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE WILL BE TRAVELLING TO THE REGION THIS MONTH FOR ART WEEK. THROUGHOUT THE UAE, AND EVEN HERE IN DOHA, THE PROS WILL SHOWCASE FASCINATING NEW WORKS AND SCRUTINISE. WE BREAK DOWN THE BEST EVENTS. ART DUBAI

Art Dubai has become the go-to place in the MENASA region for art professionals all over the world to attend. Every year it gets bigger and better, and Art Dubai 2013 will feature 75 galleries from 30 countries and showcase works from over 500 artists. It also has – among other additions D VWURQJ QRQ SURÀW SURJUDPPH RI curatorial and educational projects; a OLYH UDGLR VWDWLRQ FXUDWHG ÀOP DQG YLGHR screenings; and a set of curated concept stands known as Marker (this year focusing on West Africa). A new programme to be launched this year is Sculpture on the Beach, which will feature an exhibit of large-scale works on Mina A’Salam beach. All this comes alongside the regular Art Dubai Projects, of which there are many. It’s no wonder this event has garnered a reputation for being “a cornerstone of the region’s booming contemporary art community”. GO: Taking place on March 20th to 23rd at Madinat Jumeirah, Art Dubai is mostly open to the public for QR50 and free for under-16s. www.artdubai.ae

38

FACT QATAR MARCH

GLOBAL ART FORUM_7

This one is not strictly under the banner of Art Week but comes as an Art Dubai fringe event, and part of it is held in Doha! The Global Art Forum has fast become the region’s leading platform for cultural discussion and debate. It is presented by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and is held in partnership with our very own Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. This year, the forum is being called ‘It Means This’ and explores ¶'HÀQLWLRQLVP· LQYHVWLJDWLQJ FOLFKpV

and misunderstandings of the art world DQG DWWHPSWLQJ WR UH GHÀQH SKUDVHV and ideas for the modern world. It features over 40 contributors through commissioned projects and research, as well as six days of live talks by notable artists, musicians, museum directors, writers and thinkers. Speakers include REM lead singer Michael Stipe and Saudi female artist Manal Al Dowayan. GO: The Doha leg kicks off the forum on the 17th18th at Mathaf, before it continues at Art Dubai from WKH WK WR UG ZZZ DUWGXEDL DH JOREDO DUW IRUXP

ARTS

GET THER

Flydubai le E ave at various tim s es throughout the every day, day, fro Doha to Du m ba Call 4422 7 i. 350

Belonging - Leopold Bachini by Camille Zakhariya for Bahrain’s Al Bareh Art Gallery By London’s Based Upon in Design Days Dubai

DESIGN DAYS DUBAI

A relative baby in comparison to the other events at just two years ROG 'HVLJQ 'D\V 'XEDL LV WKH Ă€UVW fair in the Middle East and South Asia to dedicate itself fully to collectible and limited edition furniture and design objects. It’s unique in that it features design installations, public workshops, talks, and mentorship sessions. As buys of this kind become safe investments and evermore popular the world over, Design Days 2013 will be unveiling new works, as well as featuring vintage and classic pieces from the 20th century from 29 galleries across six continents. “In less than two years, Design Days Dubai has become one of the world’s most diverse international design events, underscoring Dubai’s status as a meeting point for established and emerging collectors, gallery owners and designers,â€? said Cyril Zammit, Fair Director of Design Days Dubai. GO: Anyone interested can attend the fair, which takes place this year from the 18th to 21st. www. designdaysdubai.ae

Freccia by Michelangelo Pistoletto for Galleria Continua in Italy. Part of Art Dubai

John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough II by Kehinde Wiley for Paris’ Galerie Daniel Templon

A molecular chair by Industry Gallery in Design Days Dubai

SIKKA ART FAIR

The Sikka Art Fair is one for the emerging local artists and offers them a fantastic platform while all the world professionals are around. It also provides onlookers a fascinating insight into contemporary art in the country and how it differs from and compares with international talent. Now in its third year, Sikka 2013 will feature a commissioned visual arts programme from Emirati and UAEEDVHG DUWLVWV HQFRPSDVVLQJ Ă€OP PXVLF the performing arts, and other creative initiatives. Salem Belyouha, the projects and events director at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said the aim is to highlight the creative potential of local artists. “In the next edition,â€? he comments, “we look forward to see our city’s aspiring artists push the frontiers to develop bolder works.â€? X GO: The event is taking place this year at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood from the 14th to 24th. www.sikka.ae

FACT QATAR MARCH

39

ARTS

[ Â MORE Â TO Â ENJOY...]

Sharjah Biennial

Image by Peter Hurley Image by David Nightingale

The opening week of Sharjah Biennial 11 (13th to 17th) and the March Meeting (14th to 17th) are just around the corner. The Sharjah Art Foundation, founders of the Biennial (which runs until 13th May), have involved 100 artists this year with the theme Re;emerge. SB11 curator Yuko Hasegawa, inspired by the courtyard in Islamic architecture where public and private lives intertwine, has proposed a new cultural cartography that reconsiders the relationships between the Arab World and other regions. GO: www.sharjahbiennial.org

Qasr al Hosn Festival

GULF PHOTO PLUS

If you’re passionate about photography then Gulf Photo Plus is a must to improve your skills and learn techniques from the world’s very best. It’s the region’s biggest and only photography festival, and this year it runs until the 8th with contributions IURP RI WKH ZRUOG¡V Ă€QHVW photographers. The opening event is the notable Photo Friday – a full day of seminars. Then the closing ceremony on the 8th is known as The Shoot Out, when three visiting photographers have a battle of the lenses. They have 20 minutes to shoot and process their image of an undisclosed subject live 40

FACT QATAR MARCH

on stage, with commentary from their fellow photographers. This event is free to attend and open to anyone. On top of all the classes and workshops for those who have signed up, there are plenty of free events open to the public too, such as evening talks, exhibitions, and product showcases with special offers and promotions to take advantage of all week. You certainly don’t have to be a professional to attend anything, just have a love of this art form. Q GO: GPP2013 will run from 1st to 8th at Dubai Knowledge Village. Make sure you book yourself into the classes as soon as possible. www.gulfphotoplus.com

The oldest building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn Fort, has turned 250 and to commemorate, the Tourism and Culture Authority of Abu Dhabi is running the Qasr Al Hosn Festival from 28th February to 9th March. This includes a programme of events such as a historical exhibition, workshops, family activities, and a unique show, created by producer Franco Dragone. Twenty performances of the show, dubbed Story of a Fort, Legacy of a Nation, will run throughout the festival, bringing to life the rich history of this fort through drama. Tickets are available to buy online. GO: www.qasralhosnfestival.ae

Festival of Literature This is the Middle East’s biggest celebration of the written and spoken word. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, held from the 5th to 9th at the InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City, brings people of all ages and nationalities together with authors from all over the world. There are literary debates, readings, workshops, sideline fringe events and children’s activities. GO: XXX FBJn DPN

FACT QATAR MARCH

41

ARTS

NEW ALBUMS, ARTISTS, AND AUDIOPHONICS

CHOICE TUNES Kylie Minogue: In her 40s and still going strong, this album proves she has more vocal talent than people give her credit for...

Pop

THE ABBY RD SESSIONS BY KYLIE MINOGUE

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios, after which one of The Beatles’ most acclaimed albums was named, this collection from Kylie is thankfully not a Beatles cover compilation.

In association with Virgin Megastore

It is, in fact, a collection of some of Kylie’s most successful tracks, SF SFDPSEFE MJWF XJUI ,ZMJF TJOHJOH unenhanced by studio effects, and backed up by a full orchestra. &WFO UIPVHI ,ZMJF JT CZ OPX B GVMMZ nFEHFE QPQ JDPO VQ UIFSF XJUI UIF likes of Madonna, she’s never been widely credited for her vocal abilites. Which is why it’s surprising that vocally she pulls this off so well! And it’s amazing how much drama a strings section adds to a track like ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’, and A$POmEF JO .F JT FMFWBUFE UP ESBNBUJD levels almost worthy of a Bond movie opening sequence! .PSF MJHIU IFBSUFE CVU TUJMM FOKPZBCMF is ‘All the Lovers’, which remains as uptempo as the original, despite the classical underpinnings. For Kylie fans, this is an essential purchase, giving a fresh angle to all IFS HSFBUFTU XPSLT 'PS OPO ,ZMJF fans, it’s an alternative collection of very classy pop that will go well with any sophisticated social occasion.

Pop

Jazz/Blues

Hip-Hop

ORIGIN OF LOVE

GLAD RAG DOLL

FOOD & LIQUOR II, pt. 1

BY MIKA

BY DIANA KRALL

BY LUPE FIASCO

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

MIKA himself describes his third studio album as a ‘coming of age’ work, as opposed to his previous ‘adolescent’ offerings. And this is a pretty apt description by the singer. Less autobiographical, and less infused with his apparent inner turmoils, The Origin of Love sounds like an album by an artist that has come to terms with himself, his fame and his talents as a songwriter. Perhaps this angst added something to his previous albums, however. Origin of Love lacks anything as outrageously catchy as ‘Grace Kelly’, for example. While it can often be quite cheesy, with bubbly disco being the overriding UIFNF PWFSBMM UIJT JT B XFMM QPMJTIFE BOE SBEJP GSJFOEMZ PGGFSJOH UIBU JT JO equal parts camp and uplifting.

DIANA Krall is a musician widely credited for broadening the appeal of jazz and blues, bringing them to a larger audience. Glad Rag Doll is perhaps the best example of this to date, with a DPMMFDUJPO PG XFMM LOPXO DPWFST from the 20s and 30s sung in her sultry vocals and backed up by a collaboration with Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire) for the video of ‘When the Curtain Comes Down’. Buscemi replaces Krall’s husband Elvis Costello in his speaking part on the album track. For those curious about the genre, then this is a fabulous introduction. For those who are already fans, then this will make a good addition to your collection, although not a must.

To make things somewhat confusing, this is part one of Food & Liquor II, XIJDI JUTFMG JT B GPMMPX VQ UP UIF mSTU Food & Liquor from 2006. In a recent announcement, the release of part two of Food & Liquor II was cancelled, so this this will, in fact, be the only part. Got it? Good. The album itself features the TPQIJTUJDBUFE FOHBHJOH BOE UIPVHIU provoking lyrical talents of Lupe Fiasco, which are let down somewhat by unoriginal, lacklustre and simplistic backing tracks that in no way do justice to Fiasco’s lyrics. This is a shame, because if this wasn’t the case, it could really have lived up to its full title, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Part 1, and part two might not have been cancelled.

42

FACT QATAR MARCH

ARTS

QATAR’S BEST READS THIS MONTH BY GENRE

CHOICE WORDS

In association with Virgin Megastore

Non-Fiction

ESCAPE FROM CAMP 14 BY BLAINE HARDEN

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Already a huge hit worldwide is this

This harrowing narrative is one of endurance, courage and survival

title which tells the shocking story of the only person to have been born inside a North Korean political prison and to have escaped and survived. Blaine Harden tells the tale of Shin %POH IZVM BT IF VOMPDLT UIF TFDSFUT of the world’s most repressive, totalitarian state. Knowing nothing of civilised existence, Shin describes his cruel life within the prison as well as witnessing the execution of his entire family. This harrowing narrative of Shin’s life and escape is one of endurance, courage and survival while also offering the world an unequalled inside account of one of the world’s darkest and most secretive nations.

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

The fact that this book has already won a French literary award and has been published in 23 languages goes to show just how much of an extraordinary tale it is. How Shin survives the brutality of the camp is impossible to conceive. From watching classmates being beaten, his mother and brother being executed to being tortured over hot coals at the age of 13 and suffering starvation for the first 24 years of his life, Shin’s existence on earth is breathtaking. Although the book is short, there is more than enough content for you to appreciate the gravity of the situation in North Korea while also appreciating life as you know it.

Non-Fiction

Fiction

Autobiography

HOW TO THINK LIKE SHERLOCK HOLMES

THE KILLING

UNBELIEVABLE

BY DAVID HEWSON

BY JESSICA ENNIS

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Based on Sherlock Holmes and his unequalled powers of thought and observation, this book is about how we can learn to cultivate his extraordinary intellectual abilities and improve our lives at home and work. Psychologist and journalist Maria Konnikova unpacks the mental strategies that lead to clearer thinking and deeper insights.

Sarah Lund is looking forward to her last day as a detective in $PQFOIBHFO XIFO ZFBS PME student Nanna Birk Larden is found raped and brutally murdered. With her plans on hold, Lund pairs up with fellow detective Jan Meyer to take on a twisting and tortuous investigation. While the family struggles to cope with their loss, links between City Hall and the murder suddenly come to light and the case takes an entirely different turn.

Despite an injury on the eve of the Beijing Games in 2008, when Jessica Ennis thought her career was over, she made an extraordinary comeback. This is the story that ultimately leads to her becoming one of the best female role models in the world. The girl next door, who became London’s poster girl, Ennis reveals the truth of her rise to fame.

BY MARIA KONNIKOVA

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Conan Doyles’ most infamous character has been with us since 1887 and still captures public imagination. This book offers a great twist on a popular subject and also explains how we spend too much time with Watson, where we pay little attention leading to hasty decisions. Overall an interesting SFBE CVU BMTP B TVCTUBOUJBM POF EPO U try to read it in one sitting!

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

David’s book form of the television series takes you straight into the minds of the key characters. Plots BSF SF TIBQFE UIF DPODMVTJPO JT questioned and readers are gripped PO FWFSZ QBHF %FmOJUFMZ XPSUI B CVZÞ

WHAT’S IT LIKE:

Like many autobiographies out there, this one is fundamentally about following your dreams and the obstacles faced along the way. Saying that, Jessica Ennis is not your average girl. This book gives you a real insight JOUP BO BUIMFUF T MJGF B CFIJOE UIF scenes into the biggest games on earth BOE B SFWFBMJOH BDDPVOU PG IFS MPWF hate relationship with her coach. FACT QATAR MARCH

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ARTS

TOP FILMS SHOWING THIS MONTH IN QATAR

ON SCREEN

Even with peroxide locks Ryan Gosling will be sure to keep sales up for Fifty Shades of Grey!

The Place Beyond The Pines WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING:

Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling) is a motorcycle

Well one reason is that this shows Gosling ('ULYH 7KH 1RWHERRN) and Cianfrance join forces once more since 2010’s Blue Valentine. Reckless and unsympathetic, this version of Gosling is one that is

where the story goes from generation to generation, taking surprising turns, even though some are slower than others. Lengthy at two hours and 20 minutes, this crime thriller is a great one for character study. Themes such as guilt, revenge and

stunt rider who turns his attention to robbing banks as a way to provide for and desperately connect with his lover, Romina (Eva Mendes), and his newborn child - an act that ultimately puts him on a collision course with a copturned-politician Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper). This sweeping drama unfolds over 15 years.

hard to shake off, despite the fact he RQO\ DSSHDUV LQ WKH ÀUVW SDUW RI WKH ÀOP Saying that, the handing off to Cooper (6LOYHU /LQLQJV 3OD\ERRN 7KH +DQJRYHU), E\ QR PHDQV PDNHV WKLV ÀOP DQ\ OHVV captivating. Cianfrance’s picture is split into three parts,

justice are explored while the supporting characters have been praised for their admirable perfomances. Shame this is too late for the Oscars, especially as Cooper delivers one of his best performances to date. This is undoubtedly a ‘MUST watch’.

D: DEREK CIANFRANCE C: RYAN GOSLING, BRADLEY COOPER, EVA MENDES, ROSE BYRNE, RAY LIOTTA

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

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ARTS

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone D: DON SCARDINO C: STEVE CARELL, JIM CARREY, STEVE BUSCEMI, OLIVIA WILDE, ALAN ARKIN

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Longtime Las Vegas fave, magician Burt Wonderstone (Carell) and his sidekick Anton (Buscemi) split after their thunder is stolen by guerilla street magician Steve Gray (Carrey). It takes Burt’s original mentor (Arkin) and adoring assistant (Wilde) to get Burt back on track and rediscover the zeal and passion he had for magic as a youngster.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: The cast includes a collection of some of the funniest and talented actors out there (excluding Wilde). For this reason, you could justify parting with a little bit of dosh. Among the three leads, it’s Carrey who is in need of a desperate comeback. Gone are the days of Ace Ventura and Dumb and Dumber, and although some have labelled this latest comedy as ‘incredible’ this is probably not the answer he is looking for to put the once bankable star’s name back on the map. Saying that Buscemi and Carell are on form... again!

Jim Carrey with the dip-dye effect... not a great look

Dead Man Down

Even after years of success, Dominic Cooper can still only afford Adidas

D: NIELS ARDEN OPLEV C: COLIN FARRELL, NOOMI RAPACE, DOMINIC COOPER, TERRENCE HOWARD

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Victor (Farrell) is an enforcer to a New York City crime boss who was responsible for the deaths of his wife and daughter. When his boss is under threat, Victor turns detective while also seduced by Beatrice (Rapace) who is searching for vengeance of her own. WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: $IWHU )DUUHOOҋV UHFHQW ÀOP 6HYHQ Psychopaths, it would be a shame to follow on with a shocker. Noomi Rapace, however, has really upped her game and this marks a theatrical debut for director Niels Arden Oplev. With performances from Academy Award nominees Cooper DQG +RZDUG WKLV ÀOP LV OHDYLQJ XV RQ WKH IHQFH D OLWWOH 0D\EH KDYH DQRWKHU ÀOP DV a back up... you never know!

[ SYNOPSIS] Oz the Great and the Powerful, sees a small-time circus magician Oscar Diggs (James Franco) hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz. After meeting three witches (Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Willliams), he is drawn into epic problems facing the Land and its inhabitants. Oscar must put his magical arts into practice and transform himself into not only the powerful Wizard of Oz but a better man as well.

Stoker is based on a girl called India (Mia Wasikowska), who has recently lost her father. The peace of her existence is upended by the sudden arrival of her Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode). After moving in with her and her emotionally unstable mother (Nicole Kidman), India comes to suspect that this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives. Instead of feeling outrage, her infatuation grows.

FACT QATAR MARCH

45

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TECHNOLOGY.

KEEPING THE PEOPLE OF QATAR STATE-OF-THE-ART

WE REVIEW BBZ10 ,WҋV ÀQDOO\ out and this is the review you have all been waiting for (go on, admit it, we know you have!).

LAB TEST

THE NEW NESPRESSO MAESTRIA WE REVIEW

The perfect coffee machine for amateur baristas and caffeine ÀHQGV :HҋUH DOUHDG\ DGGLFWHG PLUS MORE... AND ALSO...

BENTLEY MULSANNE

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO X

WE DRIVE

HIGH SPEED

Ali Driver tests out the Evo X before it QR ORQJHU H[LVWV UXPRXUV 6XIÀFH WR say, he has a lot of fun!

We aren’t convinced Ali can pull this car off but he doesn’t care, as he enjoyed the ride waayyy too much...

FACT QATAR MARCH

47

TECHNOLOGY

An exclusive review of RIM’s new smartphone...

BLACKBERRY Z10 THERE HAS BEEN a great deal of hype and fanfare over the launch of the new BlackBerry Z10, with celebrities like Stephen Fry singing its praises before it was even launched globally, and Alicia Keys signing up as a brand ambassador. The global marketing campaign has been colossal, with pre-launches and sneak previews building momentum ahead of the massive global launch last month. We were lucky enough to be invited over to Dubai to take part in said launch, which was co-ordinated via video stream with launches in the US and Asia. Most impressive, perhaps, was the goodie bag containing the Z10 itself, and everyone in WKH RIÀFH ZDV VFUDPEOLQJ WR SOD\ ZLWK LW DV soon as we returned. So, what are our impressions? Well, let’s start by looking at the specs. The Z10 boasts a 768x1280 pixel 4.2-inch multitouch display, putting it slightly ahead of the iPhone 5. It boasts 16GB of internal storage, with 2GB RAM. However, storage can be upgraded to 64GB with a MicroSD card, unlike other smartphones, which require you to pay for the more costly option if you want more memory. It’s powered by a dual-core 1.5GHz Krait processor, and boasts a claimed 10 hour battery life in talk-time. So, on paper, the hardware looks very good. 48

FACT QATAR MARCH

As for the user experience itself, apparently, for the dedicated BlackBerry user, it represents a HUGE jump from previous BlackBerrys, whilst still retaining a familiar feel to the operating system, making it god’s gift to BlackBerry users. However, this particular reviewer happens to have never owned a BlackBerry before, so it is, in fact, being compared directly to iPhones and Androids. This is, perhaps, the most useful comparison, as BlackBerry aren’t trying to win over existing users – they’re trying to steal market share from Apple and Android. Initial impressions weren’t great, to be honest. Appearance-wise, it simply looks like a slightly less-stylish version of the L3KRQH LQ WKDW LW GRHVQŇ‹W KDYH WKDW Ă DVK\ DOXPLQLXP JODVV FDVLQJ DQG LWV VFUHHQ isn’t as big as the Galaxy SIII. However, the display is sharp and vibrant, and the phone response is very quick and Ă XLG ZLWK QR MHUNLQHVV ZKDWVRHYHU Our main reservation was with the OS. It took a while for an Android user to get used to it. There is no ‘back’ button, LQVWHDG KDYLQJ WR VZLSH \RXU Ă€QJHU XS WKH VFUHHQ $W Ă€UVW LW ZDV 9(5< Ă€GGO\ DQG proved quite frustrating until we got used to it. Even then, we didn’t like some aspects as much as iPhones or the Galaxy SIII. Instead of going to the home screen,

It’s a huge jump but retains a familiar feel, making it god’s gift to BlackBerry users who love the brand

TECHNOLOGY

scrolling up from the bottom of the screen simply minimises the current app, where you can either close it, or keep it open and scroll right to the home screen. It boasts a similar app grid display with sliding panels – however, it differs slightly in that when you open an app, or several, you have to manually close them rather than simply exiting back to the home screen. This might be good for people who want to have several tasks on the go, and don’t want to have to exit and re-enter an app whenever they want to do something else. 2IÀFH GRFXPHQW VRIWZDUH FRPHV ZLWK the phone; you can edit and view GRFV SSW [OV ÀOHV HWF DV ZHOO DV Adobe Reader, further strengthening BlackBerry’s status as the preferred choice for business users. You’ll see this even further when you look at the apps that come standard with the phone, such as Dropbox, Newsstand, LinkedIn, and so on. Another good app is Print To Go, where you can wirelessly

transfer documents from a laptop to the BlackBerry so you can take important stuff with you, like PDFs and word documents. The Z10 has a LOT of catching up to do with regards to apps – soon all the famous apps will be available for it, but at the time of going to press, the software was still being developed. So it might be worth waiting a few months if you want things like Whatsapp, Instagram, and so on. It’s clear when you use the Z10 what BlackBerry wants it to be, which is the choice for people who want a business phone, but prefer iPhones to Blackberries. It’s for the many people who have both – a BlackBerry for work and an iPhone for social. RIM want their new phone to be both, thereby stealing a march on other smartphones. What the Z10 does very well is give users the best of both worlds. It is THE touchscreen smartphone of choice for the business user. We therefore think it will be a huge success. Q

DID YOU KNOW Alicia Keys was one of the A-list brand ambassadors that RIM rolled out to promote their new offering...

It has a lot of catching up to do with regards to apps so we’d wait a few months before splashing out on it

FACT QATAR MARCH

49

TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

INDIFFERENT: “While you can connect most things to it, the single CD player and lack of AUX jack lets the system down slightly.�

PLEASED: “The speakers are massively powerful, even if it is a case of quantity over quality.�

SONY DJ SHAKE SOUND SYSTEM AVAILABLE: 51 EAST (QR2,399)

THIS NEON MONSTROSITY is the Sony LBT-SH2000, a home audio system whose main selling point is the whopping 2000W output. That’s enough audio power for a small nightclub, so imagine how the neighbours are going to feel! It’s a very simple and straightforward unit – for your money, you get those two massive speakers, and that stereo in the middle. On the stereo, you get four analogue audio RCA ports, two 86% SRUWV RQH &' SOD\HU )0 $0 radio and MP3 playback. A glaring omission from the whole setup is an AUX port, which would’ve made connecting MP3 players and mobiles to it much more easy, but you still have the USB ports which should handle most devices. So, let us start by saying the power from this system is immense! The bass literally shook the building and had the windows rattling, and we’re sure that people in the building next 50

FACT QATAR MARCH

door could hear what we were playing when we cranked it up! The sound quality was decent, especially given the levels involved, but you don’t get that crystal clarity \RXŇ‹G Ă€QG ZLWK PRUH SUHPLXP DXGLR brands like Bose, Harman Kardon and the like. While we’re sure the built-in LED lights on the speakers and stereo will appeal to teenagers and living-room DJs, we couldn’t help but feel it gave the unit a slightly tacky quality. The living-room '- VWDWXV LV FRQĂ€UPHG ZLWK WKH IHDWXUH of four “DJ-like sound effects including Flanger, Isolater, Sound Flash and Phaserâ€?. It really smacks of rich teenagers throwing house parties and playing at being Tiesto. However, we shouldn’t be too snobby here. At this price, it’s an excellent piece of kit for youngsters or amateur DJs who aren’t trying to be professional, but want to be able to throw a good house party with their CDJ setup. In that case, you simply won’t get more for your money! Another great feature is the USB

recording option, where you can plug in a USB and record directly to it from a CD playing in the drive. You can also select a variety of speaker lighting and colour patterns, to create various lighting effects. The light show creates instant atmosphere for home entertainment. The lack of the AUX jack is a drawback, as is the fact that you can’t customise the system or add speakers. However, if you want a simplistic and user-friendly stereo system that can bring down light aircraft with its sound output, then this is your match. If you’re looking for anything more sophisticated, then no. *RRG IRU EHGURRP '-V EXW GHÀQLWHO\ not pro grade. Q

PROS . Massively powerful. . Can connect most things to it.

CONS /DFN RI $8; MDFN $XGLR LVQŇ‹W RI WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\

TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

NESPRESSO MAESTRIA BLUE SALON ON C RING ROAD. REGULAR: (QR2,800); GRAND: (QR3,500)

AFTER A MEMBER of the FACT team ZDV JHQHURXVO\ Ă RZQ RYHU WR 'XEDL WR attend the launch of this latest product, we WKRXJKW LW ZDV GHĂ€QLWHO\ ZRUWK D UHYLHZ DV one of our Lab Techs. Nespresso excelled itself, proving to be more than just a coffee brand and more of a market leader. The Maestria range combines impressive engineering with function and form, all inspired by that ever-familiar ritual of coffee preparation. Available in retro red or dark grey titanium and made completely of aluminum, this nifty new PDFKLQH Ă€WV SUHWW\ HIIRUWOHVVO\ PLJKW we add, into any and every home, while bringing a professional touch into your kitchen. Its streamlined appearance adds a nod to retro bar style and the ‘hands on’ FRQWUROV DIĂ€UP WKDW 1HVSUHVVR DUH SXOOLQJ RXW WKH VWRSV WR UHLQYHQW WKHLU GHĂ€QLWLRQ RI delicious coffee. During the launch, Nespresso presented two models of their latest product: the 0DHVWULD DQG WKH *UDQ 0DHVWULD 7KH Ă€UVW doesn’t feature the Aeroccino but does integrate a steam wand, allowing you to froth your own milk the way a typical cappuccino machine does. Meanwhile, WKH JORULĂ€HG 0DHVWULD IHDWXUHV DQ integrated Aeroccino for easy automatic milk frothing, with not one but four settings for hot milk, cold milk, stiff froth and velvety froth. The larger model also has the additional function which pre-heats the cups, just in case you or your guests are fussy drinkers. The best thing about both of these PDFKLQHV LV WKDW WKH\ DUH WDLORUHG WR Ă€W into our modern lives. A wraparound cable storage section under the base means that it can be tucked away (not that you would really want to hide a machine such as this); there is a large capacity water tank of 1.4 liters and a capsule container that can hold up to 14 capsules and it even has a light warning

that tells you when they need descaling. It is energy-saving, too, as it powers off after nine minutes of inactivity. Plus, the Maestria can also be set to be compatible with hard, medium and soft water. On top of all this, Nespresso has once more collaborated with design studio Andree Putman to create the perfect tools required for a barista. For the ultimate cup of coffee at home, this is what you need. Q PROS . Nifty, fashionable and functional . Easy-to-use and energy-saving

CONS ,I ZH KDG WR EH SLFN\ LW LV D OLWWOH SULFH\

PLEASED “Nespresso has really proved itself to be a market leader.�

IMPRESSED: “The Maestria range combines impressive engineering with function and form, all inspired by UIBU FWFS GBNJMJBS ritual of coffee preparation.�

VERY IMPRESSED: “For the ultimate cup of coffee, this is the model that should be on the top of your list.�

FACT QATAR MARCH

51

TECHNOLOGY

QATAR MOTOR SHOW AUTOMOTIVE PERFECTION! The Qatar Motorshow was a resounding success, with a host of regional and global premieres of stunning models drawing the international media and crowds over the week-long event. Here are a few of our favourites‌ 800Nm of torque, which will propel the Speed from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, and on to a top speed of 330km/h (205mph). This makes the Speed is the fastest Bentley ever, which in itself is impressive, especially given the levels of luxury you’ll enjoy whilst driving it!

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED

+"(6"3 ' 5:1&

Debuting in Qatar was the Bentley Continental GT Speed, the very top of the GT range. Featuring an up-rated version of the normal Continental’s 6.0l twin-turbo W12 engine, the Speed boasts 616hp and

A much-anticipated model made its regional debut in Qatar – the Jaguar F-type. Considered by many to be the Jaguar XK’s little brother, it is, in fact, a smaller, harder and more aggressive counterpart to the XK’s big GT

52

FACT QATAR MARCH

status. The F-Type is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive roadster which will have a choice of a supercharged 3.0l V6 or a 5.0l supercharged V8, both of which promise to be a helluva lot o’ fun!

TECHNOLOGY

FERRARI F12 BERLINETTA Making its Qatar debut at the motorshow was the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta – the most powerful and highperformance road-going Ferrari in the company’s history. Boasting Ferrari’s awesome new naturallyaspirate 6.3l V12 engine, the F12 puts out 730hp and 690Nm of torque. As a result, it has an impressive 0-100km/h time of 3.1 seconds, but even more impressive is the staggering 0-200km/h time of just 8.5 seconds, which gives you some idea of the awesome power this car boasts throughout the gear ratios. Top speed is in excess of 340km/h.

Bertone’s Jaguar B99 concept - a reation of absolute beauty!

BERTONE, JUST IN GENERAL! Bertone is the Italian design boutique and coachbuilder responsible for some of the most impressive and iconic car designs of the past century, including the 1968 Lamborghini Muira Roadster, the 1972 Maserati Khamsin, and many more. At the motorshow, they were

showcasing four concepts: the Jet – an Aston Martin hatchback; the Pickster – a racing pickup concept; the Nuccio – a design almost like a sculpture; and the Jaguar B99. Pictured is the breathtaking Jaguar B99 – a car of such exceptional beauty we stood staring at it for quite a while... Please make this car Jaguar, you won’t regret it!

THE BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR

LAMBORGHINI VENTADOR -1 30"%45&3

THE LYKAN HYPERSPORT

This is a Brabus. Which means it’s actually a Mercedes on steroids. And in this case, it’s a Mercedes G65 AMG tweaked from a ‘measly’ 612hp to a whopping 800hp! This huge tank of an SUV will therefore go from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds – the same as a Jaguar XKR-S – and on to an electronically-limited speed of 155mph. The G Wagen has its critics, but QR RQH FDQ GLVSXWH WKDW WKH Ă€JXUHV RQ this one are seriously impressive for a vehicle of this size. Just don’t try and take it off road...

Making its global motorshow debut, DQG RQH RI LWV Ă€UVW SXEOLF DSSHDUDQFHV anywhere, is this absolute work of art – the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster. The 700 in the model name stands for the 700 horses under the bonnet; the four stands for fourwheel-drive; and the ‘Roadster’ means it’s convertible. The Aventador is the V12 offering in Lamborghini’s line-up, built on a FDUERQ Ă€EUH PRQRFRTXH FKDVVLV ZLWK a 6.5l V12 engine that will propel it from 0-100km/h in just 3 seconds, and on to a top speed of 350km/h.

$ VLJQLĂ€FDQW coup for the Qatar Motorshow was the global unveiling of the much-anticipated Lykan +\SHUVSRUW 7KH ZRUOG¡V Ă€UVW $UDE made supercar, it’s borne of a collaboration between UAE-based W Motors, international engineering company Magna Steyr, and RUF, a German company famous for designing supercars based on Porsche models. It’ll cost around US$3 million, and will be powered by a 750hp twin-turbo Ă DW VL[ ZKLFK ZLOO SURSHO WKH FDU IURP 0-100km/h in a scorching 2.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 394km/h! FACT QATAR MARCH

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TECHNOLOGY

ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT

“The Bentley Mulsanne is like a luxury ocean liner on wheels!” Ali Driver spent the weekend feeling much less like an English country gentleman than the stable boy who stole his car…

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FACT QATAR MARCH

TECHNOLOGY

This picture, taken on my Samsung Galaxy S3 at the top of Jebel Hafeet, is the only evidence of my epic journey...

L

ast month, I went on a journey. No, an ‘odyssey’ is perhaps a better word to describe a weekend spent in a Bentley Mulsanne. It is a car that adds a sense of grandeur to even the most mundane of drives, so you can imagine what it added to a six hour jaunt through the Emirati desert and up a winding road to the top of a mountain range. 7KH %HQWOH\ 0XOVDQQH LV WKH ÁDJVKLS luxury saloon in the prestigious automaker’s range that replaced the Bentley Arnage. It is a colossal vehicle, weighing in at well over two tonnes, and EHLQJ ÀYH DQG D KDOI PHWUHV ORQJ DQG almost two metres wide. It is, as you’d expect, the absolute epitome of luxury and British stateliness. Take, for example, the generous lashings of Birds Eye Maple veneer covering any surface that wasn’t already adorned by leather or chrome – it must add a lot of weight to the already hefty car, but it also adds such a touch of class. Bentley were generous enough to give me this behemoth for a weekend during a recent visit to Dubai. A whole weekend, in Dubai, with a Bentley… the potential for ‘blingery’ was endless! So, I picked it up from the Habtoor Motors Bentley showroom in Dubai Marina on Thursday morning, and commenced to drive. I accessed the very competent and user-friendly navigation system, and selected a random route that took me out towards Sharjah, and then a sharp turn southwest straight through the middle of the desert to Al Ain, where a turn further southwards took me to the foot of Jebel Hafeet, and the start of one of the best roads in the world… literally! X

The stunning attention to detail is one of the many factors that make this car so incredibly opulent. And despite its colossal size, it’s surprisingly agile and jaw-droppingly quick, handling high speeds with minimal fuss.

FACT QATAR MARCH

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TECHNOLOGY

As I got further out into the desert, Dubai 92FM began to fail on me, and the cheesy pop synths of Katy Perry, Will.I.Am and Britney Spears began to crackle and fade. Scrolling through the stations available revealed that the only station that reached us was Abu Dhabi Classic. Now, you’re talking about Ali ‘Rock of Ages’ Driver here, but as the sounds of the strings and woodwind sections of some unnamed composer boomed out from the awesome 14-speaker sound V\VWHP , EHJDQ WR Ă€QG LW VWUDQJHO\ Ă€WWLQJ This is a Bentley after all. When in Rome, and all that‌ So, I settled back, with the cruise control set, and a long, undulating road slicing through the vast and scenic Emirati sand dunes and mountain ranges stretching out before me. With only minimal input on the steering wheel required, the Bentley wafted me along in a cloud of comfort and serenity – the windows open, the sun shining in a blue sky, the gorgeous weather blowing a cool desert breeze in to the car – sublime! Then my journey brought me to Al 56

FACT QATAR MARCH

Ain, and past it to the start of the worldfamous Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road. This glorious stretch of tarmac winds its way up the mountain for almost twelve kilometres, rising 1.2km along the way. It boasts no less than 21 steep turns and three lanes of immaculate tarmac, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest driving roads in the world. Well, where else would you take a Bentley? In actual fact, this giant luxury limousine is not the perfect car for this trip. A BMW M3 or something like that would be much more fun. However, it ZDV DQ LQWHUHVWLQJ H[HUFLVH WR ÀQG RXW how the Mulsanne hauls its considerable bulk along a twisting road like this. The results, to be honest, are very impressive. Despite its massive size and weight, the Bentley handles with an DJLOLW\ WKDW GHÀHV WKH ODZV RI SK\VLFV Going uphill, the massive amounts of power from the 6.75L twin-turbo V8 ensure that the two-tonne car never feels sluggish. In fact, overtaking trucks in short distances is a doddle, which is perfect for those twisting English country lanes.

The interior is an exercise in luxury and splendour, like WUDYHOOLQJ ÀUVW FODVV on the QE2

TECHNOLOGY

The famous Bentley ‘Six and Three Quarters’ engine puts out 530bhp and a whopping 1050Nm of torque, and comes with a story of its very own. One of Britain’s most famous engines, it has been in use in various stages of development since 1968, making it one of the longest-running V8 engines of all time! 7KH ÀUVW WKLQJ , IHOO LQ ORYH ZLWK ZDV the dynamic cruise control, especially in the speed camera-ridden UAE. The best way to avoid speeding tickets is to set the cruise control at the speed limit, and forget about it. The Bentley will expertly maintain two car lengths (which can be adjusted to three, four or more) between it and any car in front at all times, making everything so effortless. You do not drive a Bentley Mulsanne - it chauffers you, regardless of whether you’re the one holding the wheel or not. However, as I returned to Dubai and began to cruise round the city, it soon became very apparent to me that I do not suit this car. Maybe, just maybe, if I stopped wearing un-ironed t-shirts and scruffy jeans, I could pull off the Continental GT. If premiership

footballers can drive then, then so can I! The Mulsanne, however, is a different story. This is a car for English gentry and European aristocracy. It’s a car for people who like to display their wealth in an understated manner. I’d even go as far as to say that it might not be ostentatious enough for many in this region, where bling is king. So, I generally elicited a few nonplussed stares when I climbed out of the Mulsanne in the valet drives of various hotels and malls. There’s no doubt about it – you need class to pull off this car. I didn’t care though – not one iota. Because I was enjoying myself, a lot! The sheer elegance, the opulence and the power just overwhelm you. As you can imagine, the comfort levels are supreme. It drives as it it’s wafting along on a cloud – practically no vibration or noise from the road makes it into the car, resulting in an almost eerily silent interior. Even at higher speeds, there is a calmness and tranquillity inside the car that’ll honestly fool you into thinking you’re only doing 140km/h, when in

actual fact you’re doing something more like 180! However, at a hotel we shan’t name right now, an unfortunate incident with a valet service soured the whole experience somewhat. When I took that car back from the attendant, it wasn’t until I’d returned to my accommodation with a friend that he suddenly pointed out something rather unpleasant: a huge scratch that went halfway around the hugely expensive alloy wheel! I think, at that point, I must have resembled Edvard Munch’s The Scream. “NOOOOOOOO….” This led to a rather awkward episode back at the Habtoor Motors showroom on Saturday. They were politely unimpressed with my explanation, but were good-natured enough to wave it off in a “These things happen” kind of way. It did, however, teach me a valuable lesson: There are only two people in the world you can trust with a BD150,000-odd car - you, and your chauffer. Because you are the only two people in the world who will really care about how close your wheels are getting to that curb! Q FACT QATAR MARCH

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TECHNOLOGY

ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT

“The Evo X is part family sedan, part track monster, and does both very well!â€? Our Mystery Motoring Expert, $OL 'ULYHU Ă€QDOO\ KDV D JR LQ WKH 0LWVXELVKL Lancer Evolution, and loves every minute!

T

he Mitsubishi Lancer EX is an affordable, economical, mid-size family sedan. The Evolution X is the Lancer EX on steroids, basically. We should start by saying that as an economical Japanese car tuned for motorsports-style performance, the Lancer Evolution is not particularly UHÀQHG 7KHUH LV YHU\ OLWWOH LQVXODWLRQ from the engine and road noise, principally to save weight. The ride isn’t particularly smooth, thanks to the sports-tuned suspension, and the interior does have the slightly plasticky feel of a Japanese economy car, despite the 58

FACT QATAR MARCH

OHDWKHU ÀQLVKLQJ RQ WKH GRRUV DQG dashboard. So what DO you get with the Lancer? Well, you get those marvellous 18inch BBS alloy wheels, and serious stopping power courtesy of those Brembo brakes. Both brands are well established in motorsports as industry leaders. You also get that fantastic body kit, with the huge spoiler, and front airscoop with that enormous radiator in the front to cool the engine when you’re giving it big beans. Then there’s the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with three

“The Evolution is the Lancer EX on steroids, basically�

TECHNOLOGY

settings - tarmac, gravel and snow - mated to Mitsubishi’s impressive traction control system that’s been developed throughout its many years of motorsports success. Inside, you get the standard Lancer interior, only with the added spice of body-hugging Recaro front bucket seats (another industry-leading racing EUDQG DQG OHDWKHU Ă€QLVKLQJ RQ WKH doors, steering wheel and dashboard. 2Q WKH VWHHULQJ ZKHHO \RX¡OO Ă€QG the cruise control and Bluetooth controls for the phone. Another standard feature is the remote keyless

entry and start. And then there’s the rather swish Rockford Fosgate audio system, connected to a 6-CD changer and radio with MP3 connectivity. The most important thing that the Lancer Evolution provides, though, is the experience – it is an absolute BLAST to drive! For starters, it’s MANUAL, a delicious feature for the true driving enthusiasts which is all too rare in the Middle East these days, further boosting this car’s motoring cred. However, much of the fun also comes from the scrappy 296hp 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo engine, which can rocket the Evo X from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds if you get the gear changes right, and you’ll have a whole lot of fun trying it too. You’ll revel in the racy growl of the 2.0l turbo engine as you power through the gears, and feel the shove as the turbo kicks in and a bucketload of power throws you towards the horizon. The steering is phenomenal – almost supernaturally responsive, with superb feedback telling you exactly what’s happening on the road surface. And the handling’s excellent too. Even with the traction control off, you can throw it round a corner, and the back end will kick out just enough to give you a thrill before \RX EULQJ LW EDFN LQ OLQH ZLWK D Ă LFN of the wheel. With the traction control on, even the most unruly manoeuvring is reigned in with little fuss. It made me long for a circuit or twisting mountain road with all my being. Alas, there are no mountain ranges in Qatar, and the Losail circuit was closed to me, so my desires went XQIXOĂ€OOHG So basically, what you get is a racing car that doubles as a family sedan. ,W¡V VSDFLRXV HQRXJK IRU Ă€YH SHRSOH and there’s plenty of room in the boot for shopping and luggage, etc. However, on the weekends, you can take it to the Losail International Circuit for a track day and have a huge amount of fun in it. ,W PLJKW QRW EH WKH PRVW UHĂ€QHG X FACT QATAR MARCH

59

TECHNOLOGY

car in the world, but if that’s what you want, then you’re going to have to fork out for a BMW M3 sedan, I’m afraid. And that’ll be about four times the price! When it comes to the Lancer, you simply won’t get an all-rounder family car like this that’s so much fun for less money. At QR155,000, it’s an absolute bargain! The demo car is at the Mitsubishi showroom on Salwa Road now. Check it out while you can, because this might be your last chance to get your hands on the Evo X. Rumours from Japan are that this model has been discontinued, and that once the current stock is sold off, there will be no more! It’s slated to be replaced by a hybrid diesel version which, in my humble opinion, could never live up to the epic 2.0l turbo it has always been, but for that we’ll have to wait and see. For now, we’ll lament the end of an icon… Q

Who is Ali Driver? 1. He lives in Qatar and says he grew up on the streets of Doha, but we think he’s actually from a rich family. 2. He says his car skills are self-taught, but we’re sure ZHҋYH VHHQ D FHUWLÀFDWH IURP WKH /RVDLO ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &LUFXLW on his wall.

60

FACT QATAR MARCH

3. He drives cars better than anyone we know (but don’t ever tell him). 4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under 4 minutes, but we’re sure that’s only when his wife helps him.

FACT QATAR MARCH

61

We are now online...

www.fact-magazine.com

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FACT QATAR MARCH

FASHION.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN QATAR

SUMMER LOVIN’ With summer just around the corner, it’s about time we started preparing for a much needed wardrobe overhaul. As we pack up our winter gear, ready to go into storage, we run through the season’s major trends and most anticipated looks. We have big plans for this summer, starting of course with our style. FACT QATAR MARCH

63

FASHION

MODERN DAY EDGE Inspired  by  young,  creative  entrepreneurs  around  the  Middle  East,  Muna  Yateem  is  a  fresh,  quirky  and  talented  new  designer.  Zara  de  Haldevang  PDQDJHV WR FDWFK D PRPHQW RI KHU WLPH WR ÂżQG RXW PRUH about  her  brand,  Haraka. Muna Yateem may only be 26 years old, but her wealth of education and experience are two achievements to be proud about. She told us “My LQWHUHVW LQ IDVKLRQ Ă€UVW VWDUWHG ZKHQ I was doing my masters in Urban Design in London. I went to go and see an architecture exhibition of Zaha Hadid, and she had designed a handbag for Louis Vuitton – I then realized that the lines between architecture and fashion are blurred and the only difference is a matter of scale.â€? ,QVSLUHG DQG LQĂ XHQFHG WR SXUVXH her passion, Haraka was launched in 2012 – a design brand encompassing a range of products including caps, bags, t-shirts and watches. Why the name Haraka? Muna said “Haraka is an Arabic colloquial term that my friends and I always use. It means something that is different, fun

64

FACT QATAR MARCH

and comical – this is exactly what I wanted my brand to be.â€? Each of the items are colourful and affordable, while all representing different moods and styles. When asked about the response so far in Bahrain, where she is currently based, Muna said that, “Everyone has been so supportive here – I love meeting new people and seeing them enjoy my products‌ it’s been a lovely experience. The most rewarding part is seeing my designs come to life. To see a print on a t-shirt or a watch go from 2D to 3D is amazing.â€? 0XQD Ă€QLVKHG E\ DGGLQJ ´2QH thing I have learnt being a designer is that anything is possible and achievable – it takes a lot of hard work and dedication.â€? Q GO: Haraka products can be ordered on the online shop www.haraka.com. To get more involved with the brand’s plans, follow them on Twitter (@myharaka) and Facebook.

FASHION

“Haraka is an Arabic colloquial term... It means something that is different, fun and comical”

FACT QATAR MARCH

65

LETTHE SUN SHINE Sunlight leaking though RXU ZLQGRZ LV WKH ¿UVW VLJQ that it’s time to go on the hunt for an all-­new summer wardrobe. Enriched with an overzealous optimism, Spring/Summer 2013 comes to life through a bouquet of vibrant colours, playful textures and unexpected silhouettes. Every summer has a story… make this your best one yet.

H&M Shopping for sunglasses is one of the best parts of the lead-up to summer. With their round frame, this pair by H&M have a funky vintage feel perfectly suited to the festival season.

KENZO Immersed in a print, that can only be described as psychedelic foliage and constructed with accents derived from harsh uniform tailoring, this jumpsuit stole the show and with it our hearts.

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FACT QATAR MARCH

FASHION

MOSCHINO Runways were painted with stripes this season, making it one of the biggest stories to come out of Fashion Week SS13. With its unfussy silhouette allowing the multidirectional stripe print to take centre stage, the Moschino collection truly does this textile trend justice.

TOPSHOP We seem to be coming down with a case of jungle fever, and we’re loving it! &KDQQHO QDWXUH¡V Ă€HUFHVW with this cropped jumper by Topshop.

H&M An unlikely pair, these white stilettos with sportswear soles strike all the right notes, incorporating the season’s preferred colour palette through subtle strokes of iridescent colour. Head to H&M and hurry, we can’t get them on our feet fast enough.

KENZO Every girl’s ideal summer companion, Kenzo’s snakeskin satchel will hang by your side throughout a business day and any situation from there onwards.

MISS SELFRIDGE The stigma with which UXIĂ HV ZHUH SUHYLRXVO\ associated no longer exists. Through exaggerated size and unexpected SODFHPHQW UXIĂ HV KDYH gone from wrong to right. This skirt by Miss Selfridge is just the thing to ease yourself into the trend.

TOPSHOP Topshop sparks a 90’s revival with a grungy take on the season. Look online or head to their store for tips on how to best interpret the trend. FACT QATAR MARCH

67

THE FUTURE ISBRIGHT As  it’s  time  to  start  foraging  for  an  all-­new  summer  wardrobe,  we’re  taking  you  through  the  key  trends  for  Spring/Summer  2013.  The  seasonal  changeover  sees  us  primarily  embracing  simplicity  in  comfort  through  laid-­back  sportswear  inspired  silhouettes.  Collections  ZHUH KHDYLO\ LQĂ€XHQFHG E\ VHDVRQDO FOLFKpV VXFK DV Ă€RUDO SULQWV QDXWLFDO themes  and  vibrant  colours,  while  evening  and  outerwear  sport  heavier  military  inspired  accents.

NEW LOOK Say what you want but boring they are not; these sunglasses by New Look are our preferred protection from the suns rays this season.

PAUL SMITH Completely faultless, this casual look by Paul Smith has it all, from the unassuming sportswear inspired T-shirt to the digitally printed pants.

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FACT QATAR MARCH

FASHION

NEW LOOK Update your offduty wardrobe with this fun and amusing t-shirt by New Look. What’s not to love? Pop colours and a catchy slogan make this a garment that exudes a hyper magnetic force full of boyish charm.

TOPMAN The brand is known for taking uninteresting wardrobe staples and uplifting them through print and colour. With it’s graphic repeat print and colour scheme, this tee is a winner.

H&M Board shorts are the new summer staple, so give your legs some room to breathe by embracing the shorter shape. We’re loving this pair by H&M - their simple design is elevated by the topical leaf print.

KENZO Entirely minimalist in their design, these loafers by Kenzo make a statement of their own through their overbearing clinical simplicity.

KENZO Taking us on a Safari adventure with their spring/summer 2013 showcase, Kenzo captured the untamed nature of Thailand’s wild life. Our favourite stand out piece is this colour-blocked jacket.

H&M Socks & sandals were met by much controversy, as this fashion faux-pas made an appearance on runways from London to Milan. Find this leather pair in H&M. FACT QATAR MARCH

69

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INDEX The beautiful pool at Sharq Village and Spa has recently been done up

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

71

THE CHEFS TABLE

Chef Karim whipped these babies up pretty sharpish and he knows you and I could too. They tasted great!

S

ince the launch of Doha’s Trader Vic’s just under a year ago, this bar and restaurant has become very popular, particularly as a weekend night spot. But it’s not just the fantastically unique cocktails they’re famous for; it’s also their delicious food menu. We met with Chef Karim, who has worked for Trader Vic’s for 12 years now in the US, UK, Bahrain and now Doha, DQG LV PRUH WKDQ TXDOLĂ€HG WR H[SODLQ WKH inspiration behind the brand. “Trader Vic’s is a multicultural concept,â€? he says. “This is why I stayed for so long with this company – it’s never boring!â€? +H WHOOV XV WKH PHQX KDV LQĂ XHQFHV IURP Asia but also includes classic European dishes, French-Polynesian Creole cuisine, and many items are cooked in their Chinese barbeque oven, too. “So that’s why the range is huge to come up with ideas. It’s interesting for me as a chef to try things out‌ I like to go for more

Chef   Karim  Aghai,  Trader  Vic’s

We headed down to everybody’s favourite Polynesian WKHPHG RXWOHW Ҋ7UDGHUVҋ WR ÀQG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH WDVW\ fusion dishes they serve. The menu is based on many-a cuisine but, in the end, the main idea is to be tropically tasty.

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FACT QATAR MARCH

THE CHEFS TABLE

The prawns were so succulent and Chef says it’s tasty when served with rice, veg or bread, too

WURSLFDO WKLQJV ZKLFK LQ P\ RSLQLRQ Ă€WV more into the conceptâ€?. A number of the items of the menu here and at the other regional Trader Vic’s venues are actually a creation of Chef Karim. He says these often come about when he’s inspired to make a dish and then test it out on the punters as a ‘Chef ’s Suggestion’. If it sells well and he gets good feedback, he goes through the processes of getting it implemented on the menu, which means sending the UHFLSH WR WKH FRUSRUDWH RIĂ€FH One such recipe is the braised lamb shank in tomato and turmeric sauce, which is served with basmati rice, dill and broad beans - a best-seller on their Eid menu. This is actually a dish his German mother used to make for him and his Iranian father as he was growing up. He has also recently helped to revamp the Doha branch menu with dishes he knows to be popular from previous

experience. These include the pink peppercorn crusted tuna; Prawn San Francisco, which is sautÊed prawns in Chardonnay cream sauce with croutons, spinach and wok-fried rice; prawns a la planchard (garlic and coriander butter sauce); and a brand new addition is the ÀUVW HYHU YHJHWDULDQ VDQGZLFK NQRZQ DV Vic’s Veggie Burger. On the day we visited him, Chef Karim decided to keep it relatively simple but entirely delicious, by making a spinach soup for starter, prawns in rougaille sauce for main, and the ginger parfait for dessert, which also happens to be one of his own creations. As he cooks, making everything look so easy and natural, he gives us great tips, such as to use frozen spinach instead of local because it retains more vitamins, and to never overcook the soup as it will lose its wonderful colour. For the prawns in rougaille sauce, he tells us it’s important to never overcook the seafood, too, because it becomes chewy quickly. He sautees them all for a couple of minutes on each side and, just like that, they’re perfectly cooked and ready to serve. As we stand by and watch, we see everything works like clockwork in the kitchen. Everything is in order and the other 13 staff members are all friendly and not at all stressed (at least not while we were there anyway!). Chef Karim explains the importance of behind-thescenes teamwork at a restaurant:

“I always compare my job with sports, in particular football. You have a team to lead - you have good times, you have bad times. You have success, you have no success. We are the ones in charge, so if the kitchen fails, what’s going to happen is they’re going to remove the coach‌ People coming, people going – you negotiate with other chefs to bring them in. It’s very similar in many ways. “And the audience in the stadium are our guests in the restaurant.â€? It is an interesting analogy, which we’ve never KHDUG SXW TXLWH OLNH WKDW EXW RQ UHĂ HFWLRQ we see how true it is. Our meal may have been simple but it was cooked perfectly and tasted amazing. So, we made our decision there and then, to cheer on Team Traders and root for Coach Karim. Q FACT’S ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Get the recipes for our starter and main on our ZHEVLWH ZZZ IDFW PDJD]LQH FRP TD

FACT QATAR MARCH

73

EATS

VENUE REVIEW

La Varenne 28TH FLOOR, TORNADO TOWER, WEST BAY (4499 0680)

T

COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

BODIES

LEISURE

SPORTS

NIGHTS

raditional yet contemporary; sophisticated yet edgy; sharp yet friendly - it might sound somewhat poetic, but in terms of décor, ambience and cuisine, La Varenne is certainly something new for Doha. This French-style brasserie opened just over a month ago in Tornado Tower, West Bay for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We went one Sunday lunchtime and it was bustling and full. The fantastic wall-to-wall windows on one side of the restaurant give the appearance that it goes on forever though, so you never feel crowded. On arrival, the friendly staff were very attentive and steered us quickly to our seats. We were given the menu, which is large but simple to navigate, and I chose the three-course business lunch package. My guest ordered a la carte so we got a real taste for everything on offer. We both started with a tart – I with the goat’s cheese and leek and my guest with the tomato and aubergine with balsamic dressing – which were served promptly. Both were delicious and hearty but not too heavy as a starter. We wolfed those down (in a classy way of course) and not long after were served our mains, which were just the right size – not pretentious but not overwhelming. I had gone for the pan-seared sea bream with ratatouille and basil oil. This was light and crispy with the herbs and spices in the ratatouille making a great accompaniment for the ÀVK 0\ GLQQHU JXHVW FKRVH WKH GXFN a l’orange with sprouting broccoli and turnips, with a side of boulangere potatoes (sliced and cooked in duck fat with onions). This was also very tasty, and by the time we were done, our plates were sparkling clean. Each week, La Varenne changes the business lunch menu and also tries to offer something a little special.

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FACT QATAR MARCH

“Each week, La Varenne changes the business lunch menu and tries to offer something special”

[ THE BILL ] 3 course business lunch

QR95

Tomato and aubergine tart QR30 Duck a l’Orange

QR95

Boulangere side dish

QR18

Crepes

Free

(with lunch deal)

Americano Coffee

QR18

Still water

QR18

TOTAL

QR274

While we were there, they were celebrating ‘Chandeleur’ week with a crêpe trolley that had a wide range of toppings to choose from. While I tucked into a more-ish peppercorn spiced roast pineapple with lemon sorbet, my guest hit the crêpes and ÀOOHG WKHP ZLWK FKRFRODWH 7KHVH were absolutely fantastic. Overall, we have to say the experience was great and we’d GHÀQLWHO\ JR EDFN IRU WKH EXVLQHVV lunch, but we’re dying to try the GLQQHU ÀUVW Q

Angus and succulent seafood. Chef Moritz is inspired by his own personal tastes, which he says, revolve around pure products. “I usually like to let the simplicity of certain ingredients feature, so that their natural integrity shines through,” he says. So relax into your leatherback chair or enjoy a speedier meal in this elegant and authentic American steakhouse setting in the ambient dim light or with the sun shining down. It’s open from Sunday to Thursday at midday to 3pm and on Sundays to Fridays from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

NIGHTS SPORTS

Over at the West End of the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, New York Steakhouse is now launching a special lunch menu. Well-known for its sumptuous steaks, the venue will have daytime treats such as lamb with sambal mayonnaise, New York VW\OH ÀVK DQG FKLSV DQG GHOX[H EXUJHUV Sous Chef Moritz Neumann has tried unique spins on classic dishes and it’s paid off, as they appeal to both international and local punters. Both vegetarians and meat lovers have a wide variety to choose from, like fresh salads, imported Kobe, Wagyu, Black

EATS

New York Steakhouse Offers Lunch

Call 4419 6100

LEISURE

exclusive ‘Brunch With a View’ for QR3,500 per table (includes soft drinks and bubbly). Over at Opal by Gordon Ramsay, Monday nights mean a burger and pint for just QR100 from 6pm. Then Tuesdays is for Grape and Cheese, when the sommelier RSHQV WKH FHOODU DQG SDLUV ZLWK ÀQH )UHQFK

menu prices). Finally, at Al Sultan Brahim, the new Lebanese business lunch has been launched every day except Sundays from noon to 4.30pm for QR180 including soft drinks.

IURP WKH %ODFN 6HD UHJLRQ LQÁXHQFHG by Balkan cookery, as well as some Mediterranean touches. Grand Heritage also has international venues Flavours and Blue, and the tea lounge Victoria.

GO: Call the hotel on 4446 0105

Call 4445 5555

FACT QATAR MARCH

COMMUNITY

cheeses (QR300 per person, QR75 per platter from 6pm to 8pm). At Astor Grill from March to June their Chef invites you to the ultimate gastronomy experience – an entirely customised fourcourse menu for up to eight people served in the private dining room (based on the

Fresh Dining Delights at St Regis

TRAVEL

The St Regis has some new and special deals on this month that are worth taking a look at. At Vine, there’s a new seafood dinner buffet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm to 11.30pm for QR250 per person with soft drinks or QR350 with selected beverages. Then on Fridays, it’s the

Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa is opening a new restaurant, Agora this month and it will be open each evening from 6pm to midnight. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word, also commonly used in Turkey, for ‘gathering place’. Turkish-born Chef Emre, who has transformed traditional Turkish dishes with contemporary twists, will head the kitchen. It will RIIHU D ÀQH GLQLQJ H[SHULHQFH ZLWK D difference as the cuisine is inspired by a blend of light spice from the Ottoman Imperial Court era, cuisine

BODIES

A New Turkish Venue Launches

75

RESTAURANT LISTINGS EATS

BISTRO 61

BISTRO BISTRO

NIGHTS

LA SAHITAINE

PICASSO’S

Being Heart-Healthy at Hilton

LEISURE

SPORTS

Four venues at the Hilton Doha - Bab Al Baher, Mawasem, Ya Hala and Zawaya - will all have healthy options on their dedicated menu throughout the whole month. This includes heartconscious meals such as shrimp cottage cheese and pink grapefruit salad, grilled chicken breast with eggplant and roasted pepper caviar, and marinated exotic fruits with lemon sorbet.

They also have a rucola, artichoke and parmesan salad, a steamed or roasted seabass on cucumber and tomato caviar, and yoghurt parfait with strawberries. On top of all that, there is a range of drinks like a rosemary, cucumber and lemonade concoction, or the wonderfully-named Pineapple Fantasy.

SORMANI

BELGIAN CAFÉ

FINE DINING THE DINING ROOM

GORDON RAMSAY DOHA

GO: &DOO WKH KRWHO RQ

BODIES

LA MER

NORTH AMERICAN

NUSANTAO: SEA KITCHENS

APPLEBEE’S

)RXU 6HDVRQV

FRENCH

Four outlets across Doha

LA VARENNE

&LW\ &HQWHU 0DOO

ASIA LIVE!

CHILI’S

Doha Marriott

Four outlets across Doha

6DOZD 5G

CHOPSTICKS

DAIRY QUEEN GRILL’N’CHILL

Wyndham Grand Regency

Three outlets across Doha

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NOODLE HOUSE

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Two outlets across Doha

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DALLOYAU

LE RELAIS DE L’ENTRECÔTE

PAUL BAKERY & RESTAURANT

MAXIM

TRAVEL

6DOZD 5G

ROGER’S DINER

BRAZILIAN

C Ring Road

IPANEMA BRAZILIAN CHURRASCARIA

INDIAN

West End Doha

BOMBAY BALTI

AFRO-PORTUGUESE

CHINGARI

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TSE YANG

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76

STAR OF INDIA

EUROPEAN

SPICE MARKET

AROMA

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FACT QATAR MARCH

TAJ RASOI

SARANGI

6W 5HJLV 'RKD

Grand Heritage Hotel Doha

OPAL BY GORDON RAMSAY

6W 5HJLV 'RKD

FLAVOURS

FLYING CARPET

Grand Heritage Doha Hotel

The Torch Doha

LE CIGALON

YUM YUM

La Cigale Hotel

. %RXWLTXH +RWHO

NIGHTS

VINE

BLUE

EATS

INTERNATIONAL

AL CANTEEN

DI CAPRI

THE SQUARE

/D &LJDOH +RWHO

InterContinental The City

CUCINA

Renaissance City Center Hotel

COSMO

Millennium Hotel

LAGOON RISTORANTE

6HDOLQH %HDFK 5HVRUW

ANIMATO RESTAURANT

0RYHQSLFN 7RZHU DQG 6XLWHV

IL TEATRO

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CHOICES

CARLUCCIO’S

Oryx Rotana

7KH 3HDUO 4DWDU

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CROSSROADS KITCHEN

THE ITALIAN JOB

Renaissance City Center Hotel

Radisson Blu

BONBINI RESTAURANT

LA DOLCE VITA

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6RXT :DTLI

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6KHUDWRQ 'RKD 5HVRUW

MAWASEM

and Convention Hotel

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AL DANA

AL MOURJAN

6KDUT 9LOODJH 6SD

Corniche

AL WANIS TERRACE

AL TABKHA

6KDUT 9LOODJH 6SD

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BURJ AL HAMAM

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COMMUNITY

ZAMAN

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LEBANESE

There is plenty going on at $XVWUDOLDQ FDIp VSRW MRQHV WKH grocer. They’ve got their salad specials with options such as chargrilled chicken with couscous DQG JULOOHG ÀVK ZLWK PHVFXOLQ If you don’t have time to hang around though, lunchers can now grab a takeaway box, which includes a sandwich, crisps or salad, two macaroons and a bottled organic drink, all for QR50. $ QHZ À[WXUH RQ 6XQGD\V WR Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm is ‘High Tea’, when you get a choice of four menus that include classic items such as scones with jam and clotted cream (QR35 for a selection), or sandwiches, sweet pastries and scones (QR95). All served with tea or coffee. On the shelves, too, there’s a new range of gluten-free products and homemade marmalades have also been launched, with choices including Seville orange, and lemon and lime.

BODIES

Ritz-Carlton

New on the Menu at jones the grocer

LEISURE

ITALIAN

6RXT :DTLI

SPORTS

$UXPDLOD %RXWLTXH +RWHO

GO: &DOO

FACT QATAR MARCH

77

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

NIGHTS

EATS

THE WEEKEND BRUNCHES

Enjoy a Brazilian style brunch at Ipanema in the

SPORTS

Renaissance City Center hotel

IPANEMA @ West End Doha

LEISURE

)ULGD\V IURP SP WR SP 45 VRIW GULQNV RU 45 KRXVH EHYHUDJHV &DOO

CROSSROADS FAMILY BRUNCH @ West End Doha )ULGD\V IURP QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 VRIW GULQNV &DOO

THE SQUARE @ InterContinental The City

BODIES

)ULGD\V IURP QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 VRIW GULQNV RU 45 KRXVH EHYHUDJHV &DOO

FISH MARKET @ InterContinental Doha

TRAVEL

)ULGD\V IURP SP WR SP 45 KRXVH EHYHUDJHV

&DOO

LE CIGALON @ La Cigale Hotel )ULGD\V IURP QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 $PHULFDQ FRIIHH RU WHD

&DOO

COMMUNITY

NUSANTAO: SEA KITCHENS @ Four Seasons )ULGD\V IURP QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 SHU SHUVRQ &DOO

AL LIWAN @ Sharq Village and Spa

FULGD\V DQG 6DWXUGD\V IURP SP WR SP 78

FACT QATAR MARCH

45 DGXOWV DQG 45 FKLOGUHQ DJHG VL[ WR

&DOO

AL SHAHEEN @ Sheraton Doha Resort )ULGD\V IURP QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 IRRG RQO\ RU 45 (house beverages) &DOO

OPAL BY GORDON RAMSAY @ St Regis Doha

RESTAURANT GALLERY AND CORNICHE @ Doha Marriot )ULGD\V IURP QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 VRIW GULQNV RU 45 (house beverages) &DOO

THE LAGOON @ Ritz-Carlton )ULGD\V DW QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 VRIW GULQNV RU 45 (house beverages) &DOO

)ULGD\V DQG 6DWXUGD\V IURP QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 VRIW GULQNV RU 45 (selected beverages) &DOO

CHOICES @ Oryx Rotana

VINE @ St Regis Doha

MARKET BY JEAN-GEORGES @ W Hotel

)ULGD\V IURP SP WR SP 45 VRIW GULQNV DQG 45 (selected beverages) &DOO

)ULGD\V DW QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 VRIW GULQNV RU 45 KRXVH beverages) &DOO

)ULGD\V DW QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 KRXVH EHYHUDJHV

&DOO

THE GRILL @ Grand Hyatt

SPICE MARKET @ W Hotel

)ULGD\V IURP SP WR SP 45 VRIW GULQNV RU 45 (house beverages)

)ULGD\V DW QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 KRXVH EHYHUDJHV

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MAWASEM @ Hilton Doha ISAAN @ Grand Hyatt )ULGD\V IURP SP WR SP 45 VRIW GULQNV 45 KRXVH EHYHUDJHV RU 45 LQF D ERWWOH RI EXEEO\ &DOO

)ULGD\V DW QRRQ XQWLO SP 45 VRIW GULQNV 45 KRXVH EHYHUDJHV DQG 45 French bubbly). &DOO

STRATA

/D &LJDOH +RWHO

InterContinental The City

SAKURA

5DGLVVRQ %OX

FISH MARKET

YUZU

InterContinental Doha

6ZLVV %HOKRWHO

MIDORI

PAMPANO

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& 5LQJ 5RDG

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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

The Ritz Carlton, Doha NIGHTS

SEAFOOD

YEN SUSHI BAR

EATS

JAPANESE

CONTACT NO: +974 4484 8000

What’s new this March... Lunch @ Admiral’s Admiral’s Club is now open for lunch every Friday and Saturday from noon for a sumptuous lunch al fresco or in the intimate lounge. For reservations, call 4484 8663.

L’WZAAR

Katara - Valley of Cultures

LE CENTRAL

/D &LJDOH +RWHO THE GRILL

'RKD *UDQG +\DWW

ARAMEDE

PRIME

Crowne Plaza Doha

InterContinental The City

MYKONOS

NEW YORK STEAKHOUSE

InterContinental Doha

Renaissance City Center Hotel

THE CELLAR

BENTLEY’S GRILL

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ASTOR GRILL

Doha Grand Hyatt

6W 5HJLV 'RKD

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The Torch Doha

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LE GOURMET

LATINO

6RXT :DTLI

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PALOMA

0XVKHLUHE %RXWLTXH +RWHO

InterContinental Doha

6RXT :DTLI

THAI

ISAAN

AL HUBARA

Doha Grand Hyatt

6KHUDWRQ 'RKD

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Doha Grand Hyatt

RKISHSUKAR PASHA

Katara Valley of Cultures

POLYNESIAN TRADER VIC’S

Hilton Doha,

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

Chef’s Table @ Porcini by Chef Ricardo $OO IRRG DÀFLRQDGRV DUH LQYLWHG WR WKH VKRZ NLWFKHQ as Chef Ricardo Acquista demonstrates the preparation of a special dinner around the theme of the majestic valleys of Piedmonte and Lombardia. It will include commentary on each dish and he will answer all your questions. It takes place on 25th March at 7pm for QR450 per person. For reservations, call 4484 8000.

MORE TO ENJOY‌ Seafood Platter @ Flamingos Every day you can choose a la carte and enjoy a seafood selection by the pool, while sipping on -DXOD 6SD DW WKH *UDQG +\DWW RQH RI 'RKDҋV PRVW house beverages. From Sunday to Thursdayluxurious it’s on from noon to sunset and on Fridays and Saturdays it’s on from 11.30am to sunset. To reserve a spot, call 4484 8512. Overtime # /HYHO It’s 120 minutes of the best overtime ever! Purchase two drinks and pay for one. It only takes 33 seconds to get to Level 23 as well (trust us, we’ve tried it!). It’s on from Sundays to Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Call 4484 8506 to reserve a spot.

FACT QATAR MARCH

79

COMMUNITY

6W 5HJLV 'RKD

AL MATAAM

Master Class @ Porcini with Chef Ricardo Head over to Porcini on the 16th at 10.30am and get a cooking class from Chef Ricardo Acquista, too. This class will also include a three-course menu and focus on basic techniques, proper equipment needs and plate presentation. Costs QR265 per person. To reserve a place, call 4484 8000.

TRAVEL

MIDDLE EASTERN

Master Class @ Porcini with Chef Olivier Chef Olivier Catora will show you how to impress your loved ones with new cooking skills. This class will include a three-course menu and focus on basic techniques, proper equipment needs and plate presentation. It takes place on the 11th March at 10.30am for QR265 per person. To reserve a place, call 4484 8506.

BODIES

STEAKHOUSES

$O 0LUTDE %RXWLTXH +RWHO

LEISURE

EAST

Saturday Family Fun Day @ Lagoon Garden Head to the lush and green Lagoon Garden to celebrate the weekend with your family. Children can enjoy games and activities at the Kids’ Corner while adults indulge al fresco. Enjoy live entertainment while savoring a sumptuous selection of BBQs from around the world. It’ll be on every Saturday from noon to 4.30pm for QR260 per person with soft drinks and QR335 including bubbly, or QR415 with a full brunch. Kids 4-12 years old eat for QR130, and kids under four dine free. Call 4484 8512 to reserve your spot.

SPORTS

MEDITERRANEAN

NIGHT LISTINGS LOUNGES

EATS

GETTING IN THE PARTY SPIRIT...

HIVE

THE LOUNGE

NIGHTS

GLO COCKTAIL LOUNGE

WAHM

Jeff Innocent

Markus Birdman

Wayne Deakin

Are You Ready for a Laugh?

LEISURE

SPORTS

The ever-popular Laughter Factory is back this month at its home in Shehrazad, Radisson Blu on the 11th and 12th. The show starts at 8pm. The line-up includes a star on all continents, Wayne Deakin, who is currently based in London working for the Comedy Store, Jongleurs and Glee Clubs while also touring Asia, the Middle East (obviously!) and the Isle of Man (how exciting). Then we have Jeff Innocent who is described like so: “As evangelists for the ethical, eco-friendly movement go, Jeff Innocent must be the most unlikely. He’s as far from the Guardian-reading, sandal-wearing hippy stereotype as you

could hope to get – a reconstituted East End geezer complete with regulation shaved head and nononsense cockney bluff.â€? Well, we can’t wait to see him in his “vividly colourful outsized traditional Keyan shirtâ€? he wears as a symbol of his newfound global awareness, apparently. And then there’s Markus Birdman who has been described as “the all-round package; witty controversial, hip, topical and silly,â€? by the BBC. You may have already seen him on many a TV show. We’re pretty sure you’re going to be howling at this event. GO: 7LFNHWV DYDLODEOH DW ) % RIĂ€FH RU 6KHKUD]DG )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO

TRADER VIC’S

PEARL LOUNGE

THE LIBRARY

SEA LOUNGE

M-LOUNGE

CIGAR LOUNGE DUNES

HABANOS

LIBRARY AND CIGAR LOUNGE

BODIES

VINTAGE

CIGAR LOUNGE

EL CIGAR LOUNGE

TRAVEL

BARS DUNES

COMMUNITY

It’s Exclusively Crystal, Daahling

80

On the 5th DJ Dimix brings a special blend of r’n’b, hip hop and old school to the club, while the 8th brings DJ Bliss for the Doha

Night with MasterStepz. Wrapping up the month’s special events very nicely is the hectic sounds of EVE&RST from Ministry of Sound.

MADISON PIANO BAR

Exclusive 411. The 14th will see the legendary DJ Jojo hit the decks, followed shortly afterwards, on the 18th, by Mr Shef Codes for an exclusive urban night. Then, on the 22nd is the Big Friday

Don’t forget to Chill Out with DJ Suzee X from Tuesday to Saturday, with a happy hour on each of those days, too, from 8pm to 10pm. Plus, Ladies Night falls on a Tuesday!

CHAMPIONS

FACT QATAR MARCH

GO: &DOO : 'RKD RQ IRU PRUH LQIR

SKY VIEW

IRISH HARP

ADMIRAL CLUB AND MARINA CLUB

MEZZO BAR

HAPPY HOURS Level 23 @ Ritz-Carlton Sun-Tues from 6.30-8.30 Buy two get one free on selected beverages

Lava @ InterContinental Doha Daily from 20.00 - 22.00 Get 50% off selected beverages and food

Paloma @ InterContinental Doha Daily from 17.00 - 19.00 50% off food and drink

Habanos @ Ritz-Carlton Sat, Mon-Wed from 17.00 - 20.00 Get two for the price of one

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

Crystal Lounge @ W Hotel From 20.00 – 22.00 Get 50% off selected beverages

Jazz Club @ Oryx Rotana Daily from 18.00 – 20.00 Buy one get one free

Zawaya Bar & Lounge @ Hilton Daily from 17.00 - 20.00 Buy one get the same one free

Champions @ West End Renaissance City Center Daily from 17.00 – 19.00 QR28 on selected beverages

Wahm @ W Hotel Buy one get one free everyday from 17.00 – 20.00

EATS

BELGIAN CAFE

OYSTER BAY

MANHATTAN

DOHA RUGBY CLUB BAR

ORION

TRADER VIC’S

KROSSROADS

CLUBS JAZZ CLUB

LAVA

Irish Harp @ Sheraton Doha Daily from 17.00 – 20.00 QR25 on selected beverages Admiral’s @ Ritz-Carlton Saturday to Wednesdays,17.00 – 19.00 Buy one get one free on selected beverages

Dunes @ Grand Hyatt All day on Sunday Half price on selected beverages Sea Lounge @ Sharq Village and Spa Daily from 17.00 - 20.00 Half price on regular brands and beverages The Lounge @ Kempinski Residences & Suites Daily from 17.00 - 19.00 Half price on selected beverages and food menu items

BODIES

CLUB 7

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

LEISURE

MISTURADO

SPORTS

SHEHRAZAD BAR AND IRISH TERRACE

NIGHTS

BUBBLES ON TWO

CRYSTAL LOUNGE

TRAVEL

WINDOWS

QUBE

COMMUNITY

FAHRENHEIT

IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE HERE THEN DO TELL US ASAP!

FACT QATAR MARCH

81

SPORTS LISTINGS EATS

ARE YOU A SPEED FREAK TOO?

GYMS / FITNESS CLASSES

NIGHTS

AL MASSA ACTIVE

An aerial view of Losail International Circuit

Give it up for the Track Days

LEISURE

SPORTS

It’s all go at the Losail International Circuit this month with four events going down. They kick off their activities with the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East. Qatar are hosting rounds nine and ten, before the teams head off back to the Bahrain International &LUFXLW IRU WKH ÀQDO URXQGV On the same days, the circuit will also host the Qatar National Road Racing Championship round 2. This is organised by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and is composed of seven events. Round 3 will also take place this month, RQ WKH QG DQG UG ZLWK WKH ÀQDO IRXU events set to happen in May and June

this year. We’ll keep you posted on the updates. On that weekend the Qatar International Road Racing Championship, round 3, will also take place. This is the national event’s global brother. Each month, track days are also organised, and in March it will fall on the 16th. It means the public is allowed to drive or ride on the track and follow in the tyre prints of world champions. Prices range for timings and whether you take a car or bike (check their website for more information).

ASPIRE ACADEMY

BOOT CAMP QATAR

CONTOURS EXPRESS

CURVES

ÉNERGIE FITNESS CLUB

FITNESS FIRST

DANA CLUB

GO: 9LVLW ZZZ FLUFXLWORVDLO FRP RU ZZZ TPPI FRP for more information

BODIES

HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB

SWISS BELHOTEL GYM AND POOL

GRAND HYATT GYM, POOL AND BEACH

TRAVEL

OZONE GYM

COMMUNITY

Shaping Global Sport Agendas

82

We hope you’re not sick of hearing about major sporting conferences going on in Qatar because on the 18th-19th, global

Conference, Securing Sport. ,QĂ XHQWLDO GHFLVLRQ PDNHUV practitioners will advise on best practice in a bid to shape

H[SHUWV ZLOO EH Ă \LQJ LQWR 'RKD WR discuss sport security and integrity at Khalifa Stadium. This will be in the name of the already-established annual International Sport Security

ZRUOGZLGH DJHQGD LQ WKHVH ÀHOGV Last year’s event brought in over 300 participants to discuss collaborations and network in this unique forum.

FACT QATAR MARCH

GO: Visit www.securingsport.com

PURE LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE

BAY VIEW 26 WELLNESS CENTRE

VITALITY ZONE HEALTH CLUB

POOL, BEACH AND FITNESS FACILITIES

Learn to sail, young and

EATS

old alike, at the Doha Sailing Club

NIGHTS SPORTS LEISURE

QATAR BOWLING CENTER

DOHA SUB-AQUA CLUB

SWIMMING POOL

$O %LGGD 6WUHHW

1HDU 6KDUT 9LOODJH 'RKDVXEDTXDFOXE FRP

QATAR CRICKET

PEARL DIVERS

THE BAY CLUB

ASSOCIATION

InterContinental Doha

Near Doha Golf Club TDWDUFD#KRWPDLO FRP

TRIPS THROUGH SHERATON DOHA

QATAR CYCLING FEDERATION

West Bay Lagoon

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

The Diplomatic Club SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

6KHUDWRQ 'RKD 5HVRUW DQG &RQYHQWLRQ +RWHO

4DWDUFI RUJ QATAR CHAIN REACTION

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QATAR SEA ANGLING ASSOCIATION

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ARE YOU ENJOYING A QUIRKY SPORT THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HEARD OF? ARE YOU A COACH, LOOKING FOR SOME READY AND WILLING STUDENTS?

TDWDUEDGPLQWRQDFDGHP\#JPDLO FRP City Center Doha

QATAR DIVERS

ARE YOU LOOKING TO JOIN A CLUB OR TEAM IN DOHA BUT CAN’T QUITE FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

GONDOLANIA BOWLING CENTER

QATARSUB

THEN CONTACT US AND WE’LL TRY

Villagio Mall

6RXT :DTLI

OUR BEST TO HELP YOU OUT!

By Doha Marriott Hotel

FACT QATAR MARCH

COMMUNITY

dohadartsleague.com &DOO (OVD RQ ORKELLING

QATAR BADMINTON ACADEMY

TRAVEL

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

BODIES

FITNESS CENTRE AND

83

SPORTS

NIGHTS

EATS

SPORTS LISTINGS

Go swimming in the DIplomatic Club’s snazzy

LEISURE

pool located by the Pearl. Call 4484 7450.

FOOTBALL

QATAR HOCKEY ACADEMY

FALCON TAEKWONDO ACADEMY

EVOLUTION SOCCER QATAR

4DWDU +RFNH\ )HGHUDWLRQ

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BODIES

(YRVSRUWVTDWDU FRP QATAR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ASSOC.

HORSERIDING

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AL KHOR RIDING CENTER

The International Academy for Intercultural Development

AIKIDO

FLYING

AL SAMARIYA STABLES

QATAR AERONAUTICAL COLLEGE

6KHLNK )DLVDO ELQ 4DVVLP $O 7KDQL IDUP

6KHUDWRQ 'RKD

5DV $EX $EERXG 6WUHHW

AL SHAQAB RIDING ACADEMY

MOTORCYCLING

$OVKDTDE FRP

DOHA QATAR CHAPTER HOG

DOHA ULTIMATE FRISBEE

QATAR RACING AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB RIDING

QATAR MOTOR AND

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4UHF JRY TD

MOTORCYCLE FEDERATION

FRISBEE

TRAVEL

KARATE

+RJGRKDTDWDUFKDSWHU FRP

Losail International Circuit

COMMUNITY

KITESURFING GOLF

FLO KITE SCHOOL

PARASAILING

DOHA GOLF CLUB

&DOO )ORUD 3HVWUH RQ

SHERATON DOHA

West Bay

KITEBOARDING QATAR

&DOO %DVVHO RQ

.LWHERDUGLQJTDWDU FRP

HOCKEY

84

ASPIRE ACADEMY

DOHA HOCKEY CLUB

MARTIAL ARTS

LQIR#GRKDKRFNH\FOXE FRP

KOREA TAEKWONDO CENTRE

WANDERERS HOCKEY CLUB

$O 0XWKDQQD &RPSOH[ RSS -DULU %RRNVWRUH

Bosco_menezes@hotmail.com

FACT QATAR MARCH

PILATES ZZZ DVSLUH TD GOT A SPORTY STORY TO SHARE? THEN EMAIL THE EDITOR NOW & TELL US ALL!

Doha Rugby Union FC

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

Doha Rugby Club, near Doha College

The Diplomatic Club

EATS

BE EQUINE-FRIENDLY...

RUGBY

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

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DOHA BAY RUNNING CLUB

Dohabayrunningclub.webs.com

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

QATAR HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

DENXZ#\DKRR FRP

ELITE TENNIS ACADEMY

QTHLETICS

6DPU\D *DUGHQ &RPSRXQG DQG 'RKD &ROOHJH

$O 6DGG 6SRUWV &OXE _

Elite-tennisacademy.com

SAILING

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

DOHA SAILING CLUB

&RUQLFKH _

TRAMPOLINING

REGATTA SAILING ACADEMY

GYMNASTICS ACADEMY DOHA

,QWHU&RQWLQHQWDO 'RKD _

'RKD (QJOLVK 6SHDNLQJ 6FKRRO

SQUASH VOLLEYBALL

(PDLO :LOOLDPV#TS FRP TD

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KHALIFA TENNIS AND SQUASH COMPLEX

'DIQD _ LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

WAKEBOARDING/WATERSKIING

The Diplomatic Club

LEISURE AND SPORTS FACILITIES

The Diplomatic Club

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

6KHUDWRQ 'RKD 5HVRUW DQG &RQYHQWLRQ +RWHO YOGA

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

YAMA YOGA STUDIOS

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

6DOZD 5RDG :HVW %D\ DQG $O 'DQD

PURE LEISURE AND WELLNESS CENTRE

'DIQD EHKLQG 4DWDU 6SRUWV &OXE

FITNESS FACILITIES AND CLASSES

Ritz-Carlton Hotel

DOHA DOLPHINS

'RKD &ROOHJH DQG +DPDG $TXDWLFV

SIGNATURE SHERATON FITNESS

(Aspire Zone)

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ENGLISH SWIM CLUB

SIX SENSES SPA

lessons@englishswimclub.com

6KDUT 9LOODJH DQG 6SD

H2O SWIM CLUB

ASPIRE ACADEMY

$PHULFDQ 6FKRRO RI 'RKD

TENNIS KHALIFA TENNIS AND SQUASH COMPLEX

Dafna

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS INCLUDED IN OUR LISTINGS CONTACT THE EDITOR. IF YOU NOTICE A MISTAKE IN ANY OF OUR LISTINGS THEN PLEASE LET US KNOW IMMEDIATELY!

COMMUNITY

.HPSLQVNL 5HVLGHQFHV 6XLWHV

DANA CLUB

TRAVEL

SWIMMING

BODIES

A new horsey tournament will be launched in Qatar from 27th to 30th March by Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar Foundation. CHI AL SHAQAB 2013 is not only a first for the country, but also one of a kind in Asia. Basically, it will host competitions in three equestrian disciplines over four days, including show jumping, dressage and endurance. Some of the most prominent show jumping riders in the world will be invited to compete, such as Christian Ahlmann (ranked first) and London 2012 champion Steve Guerdat. Top dressage riders will also attend, including Isabell Werth, who has won five Olympic gold medals and leading regional riders will be involved, too. Luckily for us, the event is open to the public and includes a range of family-friendly activities. A ‘Spectator Plaza’, extending across 9,000 square metres will have an equine and fashion exhibition and trade market, a food court, kids’ zone, pony rides, horse shows vaulting demonstration and games for all ages. Director of Al Shaqab, Fahad Saad Al Qahtani said at the announcement, “We are pleased to be organising this unique international event honouring Qatar’s centuries-old tradition of equestrian excellence.�

LEISURE

DUFFERS SQUASH LEAGUE

Our Equestrian Competition SPORTS

5DV $EX $EERXG 6WUHHW

NIGHTS

RUNNING

GO: )LQG RXW PRUH DW ZZZ DOVKDTDE FRP

FACT QATAR MARCH

85

NIGHTS

EATS

LEISURE LISTINGS

WORTH YOUR TIME

SPORTS

Francophone Cinema Week by Katara DFI Cinema ZZZ GRKDÀOPLQVWLWXWH FRP

7th to 13th March: Celebrating Francophonie Month, DFI bring the best of modern cinema from the French-speaking world. Films include Oscar nominated, Amour DQG ER[ RIÀFH KLW ÀOP The Intouchables

LEISURE

Where? Katara Drama Theatre, building 16

GALLERIES AND STUDIOS

ARAB POSTAL STAMPS MUSEUM

AL MARKHIYA GALLERY

%XLOGLQJ .DWDUD &XOWXUDO 9LOODJH

6RXT :DTLI

FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL-THANI MUSEUM

SOUQ WAQIF ART CENTRE

$O 6DPDUL\DK

6RXT :DTLI

BODIES

$UWFHQWHUVRXTZDTLI FRP

BEACHES

HILTON DOHA

ST REGIS DOHA

KATARA ARTS STUDIOS

HERITAGE

Katara Cultural Village

Qatar has around 200 forts, castles and

HGXFDWLRQ#NDWDUD QHW

heritage sites worth checking out.

KATARA ART CENTER

Here we have listed a few. For more

Katara Cultural Village

information visit qma.com.qa.

TRAVEL

LQIR#NDWDUDDUWFHQWHU FRP VISUAL ART SECTION

AL KOOT FORT

%XLOGLQJ .DWDUD &XOWXUDO 9LOODJH

Al Bidda

AL WAJBAH FORT

QMA GALLERY AT KATARA

Al Rayyan

DOHA MARRIOTT

%XLOGLQJ .DWDUD &XOWXUDO 9LOODJH

FANAR: ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

1H[W WR 6RXT :DTLI

Education City

BARZAN TOWER

([KLELWLRQV TDWDU YFX HGX

8PP 6DODO 0RKDPPHG

COMMUNITY

AL KHOR TOWER AND MUSEUM

86

MUSEUMS

Al Khor, north of Doha

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART (MIA)

AL WAKRAH MUSEUM

Corniche

$O :DNUDK VRXWK RI 'RKD

0LD RUJ TD

MARWAB FORT

MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

:HVW FRDVW RI 4DWDU

Education City

AL ZUBARAH FORT

$URXQG NP ZHVW RI 'RKD

FACT QATAR MARCH

SHARQ VILLAGE AND SPA

QATAR UNIVERSITY

Ras Abu Abboud Road

&ROOHJH RI $UWV DQG 6FLHQFHV

KHOR AL DAID

MUSIC

AL FARKIYA

DOHA SINGERS

Al Khor, north of Doha

dohasingers@gmail.com

AL WAKRA BEACH

JAZZ

$O :DNUD VRXWK RI 'RKD

'RKDMD]] FRP

KATARA BEACH

Katara Cultural Village

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR MUSIC

9LOOD $KPHG ELQ +DQEDO 6WUHHW QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

DOHA FILM INSTITUTE

The Opera House, Katara Cultural Village

GRKDĂ€OPLQVWLWXWH FRP

4DWDUSKLOKDUPRQLFRUFKHVWUD RUJ

ASPIRE LADIES CINEMA

DOHA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

Dohaorchestra.com

CINEMA LAND

ITERATURE

/DQGPDUN 0DOO

QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY

Various branches

GRAND CINECENTRE

City Center Doha

PHOTOGRAPHY

QATAR PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

THE CINEMA PALACE

4SV FRP TD _

SPORTS

FILM

A new exhibition showcasing contemporary designers’ takes on Middle Eastern crafts is currently at Katara Art Center until 2nd April. Conceived by Lebanon’s Carwan Gallery, the project pairs designers with local artisans to create something new, highlighting the richness of the region’s craftsmanship, as well as making it relevant to modern design. KAC artistic director and curator, Mayssa Fattouh, says, “The aim is not just to show that contemporary design is compatible with traditional crafts from the Middle East, but rather a holistic way of approaching the two based in a collaborative approach.�

NIGHTS

7KH ,QODQG 6HD VRXWKHDVW WLS RI 4DWDU

Artisans’ Designs

EATS

OASIS HOTEL AND BEACH CLUB

GO: Katara Art Center is at Katara Cultural Village.

LEISURE

Royal Plaza MALL CINEMA

The Mall, D Ring Road THEATRE DOHA PLAYERS

BODIES

Amateur dramatics group Doha_players@yahoo.com KATARA AMPHITHEATRE

Katara Cultural Village Corniche QATAR NATIONAL THEATRE

National Theatre roundabout

FANAR: QATAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE

ZZZ IDQDU JRY TD BERLITZ

E Ring Road, Mesaimeer QATAR EASTERN LANGUAGE CENTER

6DOZD 5RDG INCEPTION LANGUAGE CENTRE

(TXHVWULDQ 6WUHHW RU STENDEN INSTITUTE

)HUHHM %LQ 2PUDQ

There’s a brand new frequency on the airwaves. Okay, so it was there before, but now it’s more than just a play list of random tunes played for

dedicated channels. The new radio station is very hi-tech and they’re trying as much as possible to utilise local and young talent.

six months stretches. You know what we’re talking about – 91.7 aka QF Radio. In mid-February, the team at Qatar Foundation launched a whole host of Arabic and English programmes for us listeners to engage with on two

Shows on innovation, technology, sport and current events are among the topics of new shows, and all are produced inhouse, giving a very customised feel to the broadcasts. GO:7XQH LQWR )0 RU ORJ RQ WR ZZZ TI RUJ TD to ÀQG RXW PRUH

FACT QATAR MARCH

87

COMMUNITY

RU

It’s Not Just a Playlist Anymore: QF Radio Revamp

TRAVEL

LANGUAGES

BODIES LISTINGS EATS

WHERE TO GET A GOOD PAMPERING...

SPAS JAULA SPA

DADOS SPA

NIGHTS

OZONE SPA

PURE SPA

SPORTS

SARAY SPA

An Alternative Treatment

ANGSANA SPA

"/5* "(&*/( 304& $3:45"- 4"."%"3" '"$*"-

BLISS SPA

FOUR SEASONS DOHA HOTEL (CALL 4494 8888) 100 MINUTES FOR QR2,110

LEISURE

Nothing beats the ultimate facial, especially one which is brand new. So we had to check this one out at Four Seasons and were seriously glad we did. Words by Johanna Romero

COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

BODIES

The Four Seasons has raised the bar in the world of Doha facials. On a recent trip to the hotel, I found out the secret behind the perfect facial: and it comes in the form of the Rose Crystal Samadara. Although I’m admittedly used to a spot of pampering, I have to VD\ WKLV VSD LV GHÀQLWHO\ RQH WKDW left a resounding tick in my mind. From the moment I stepped in the treatment room, I was greeted with rose petals and an ever-so-welcoming ambient atmosphere. The treatment I was there for involved using rose quartz crystals to help the products penetrate my skin and improve my circulation. The colour pink, too, was highlighted as it promotes inner harmony and emotional balance. The products used are from Sodashi, a Sanskrit word meaning wholeness, purity and radiance. These are 100 per cent free from chemicals and made with plant essences and allnatural ingredients. All Sodashi products are based on ancient philosophies and natural 88

FACT QATAR MARCH

healing traditions. The range of the products for the face includes balance, calm, rejuvenate, mankind and everyface, and each of them has been formulated to help each and every skin type. A full 100 minutes in total, my treatment’s results last up to two weeks and, as it is a maintenance treatment, the experts recommend it to be repeated every four to six weeks. First, you begin with aromatherapy and UHĂ H[RORJ\ WR UHOD[ \RX EHIRUH KDYLQJ your eyes and skin cleansed. The next step is to exfoliate the skin with a liquid consisting of lemon and oil, and then to moisturise it with an anti-oxidant lotion. Following this, a hot mask is placed on the face for 25 minutes, where it is heated to 30 degrees, as the therapist massages and exfoliates your arms. She then works her magic with a 20-minute face massage to close the pores. With such natural products, you really can’t go wrong, and I was left feeling incredibly rejuvenated and relaxed. Plus, the lasting results were amazing. ,¡G GHĂ€QLWHO\ JR EDFN Q

CHANTARA SPA DOHA

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA

EFOREA

DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPA

GUERLAIN ALFARDAN SPA

DOHA MARRIOT SPA

FOUR SEASONS SPA AND WELLNESS CENTRE

THE BAY CLUB

SIX SENSES SPA

REMEDE SPA

BE BLOOM BEAUTY CENTRE AND SPA

$O 0LUTDE $O -DGHHG

HABIBS HAIR N BEAUTY SPA

STYLO LADIES BEAUTY CENTER

$O 6DGG

$O 6DGG

LADY SIAM MASSAGE

NARA SALON

$O .LQDQD 6WUHHW

Al Waab

LUCIE SAINT-CLAIR

LE SALON and LA SALON

Royal Plaza

Alfardan Towers, West Bay

The Lavender gift set from L’Occitane, created specially for your mum on Mother’s Day. Available for (QR514)

The Best of Provence gift package for

HABIBS HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON

BEAUTY SALONS

9LOOD 0XQWD]D URDG $O +LODO $UHD

THE BEAUTY CENTER

Mother’s Day from L’Occitane. Available for

The Diplomatic Club GLOW AMERICAN SALON

(QR1,036)

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR LISTINGS, CONTACT THE EDITOR.

SPORTS

NIGHTS

STUDIO 1

%LODO 6XLWHV

EATS

BIO-BIL HEALTH BEAUTY AND SPA

6DOZD 5RDG DQG :HVW %D\ DQG AL SAYYAD GENT’S SALON

GREAT SPA DEALS THIS MONTH!

Wyndham Grand Regency CAROLINE

Oryx Rotana DIVA LOUNGE

$O .LQDQD 6WUHHW

JACQUES DESSANGE

LA DUREE

La Cigale Hotel

Two of a Kind @ eforea Mum and daughter, or two ladies, can get a personal lifestyle consultation, 30-minute aromatherapy back and neck massage, 15-minute scalp massage, 15-minute foot massage and 30-minute eye treatment for QR490 per person. &DOO

Grand Hyatt Hotel CUT BY ALEXANDRE ZOUARI

W Hotel PATRICE

/DQGPDUN 0DOO DQG 6KHUDWRQ +RWHO

Ozone Gym & Spa @ La Cigale Get one free Basic Facial Treatment or 40 per cent off a Soothing Eye Care Treatment when booking any facial; When getting most membership packages, get one additional month; Save 50 per cent on the MineralReplenishing body mask when booking any other body massage; Finally, get 10 per cent off when booking two a la carte spa treatments. &DOO

PINKIES

The Centre

Oil indulges your senses. 180 minutes at QR800. Call 4484 8173 Mother & Daughter Retreat Package @ The Ritz-Carlton Spa Mum and daughter can enjoy a full body massage and hair treatment, in the spa and swimming pool facilities for 90 minutes at QR550. Call 4484 8173 Spring Festival @ Saray Spa Book a Saray Spa body treatment after 5pm and get a free express facial. Open seven days, 9am to 9pm. Call 4419 6090 Vitality Zone @ Renaissance City Center Hotel Doha Buy three one-month memberships this month for the discounted price of

MARIE CLAIRE

6DOZD 5RDG

polishes the skin, while the Exotic Body

COMMUNITY

DQG

A traditional Middle Eastern recipe with

TRAVEL

YAHYA ZAKARIA

Carlton Spa

outdoor pool cabana, plus usage of the

PORTO SALON

7KH 3HDUO 4DWDU

Middle Eastern Delight @ The Ritz-

BODIES

6DOZD 5RDG

wellbeing just by its smells. Call 4446 0300

honey, dates, Mung bean and spices

FRANCK PROVOST

)RXU 6HDVRQV +RWHO

It aims to reduce stress and improve

LEISURE

Total Healing @ eforea Book your 90-minute Total Healing Body treatment, which is followed by a one-hour hot stone massage and get it all for QR850 this month instead of QR1,220. &DOO

Remède Spa @ St Regis A brand new treatment has been launched – the 90-minute Dark Chocolate & Passion Fruit Indulgence.

QR3,200 at Renaissance’s Health Club. This includes discounts on treatments, use of the 35-metre rooftop pool, steam, sauna and Jacuzzis. Call 4419 5517

FACT QATAR MARCH

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TRAVEL LISTINGS EATS

WHERE ELSE COULD YOU BE THIS MONTH? TRAVEL AGENTS JAULA SPA

NIGHTS

SPACE TRAVEL

MANNAI HOLIDAYS

DARWISH TRAVEL BUREAU

Dublin has a fantastic

QATAR TOURS

SPORTS

theatre scene too

Experiencing the Real St. Patrick’s BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIES EVERY DAY FROM DOHA TO LONDON HEATHROW

REGENCY TRAVEL AND TOURS

TRANS ORIENT TRAVEL & TOURISM

AND ON TO DUBLIN AIRPORT CALL 4432 1434

LEISURE

ALI BIN ALI TRAVEL BUREAU

Ireland’s capital is the kind of place you feel right at home in and never want to leave, and in March, with St Paddy’s coming up, the sociable Irish will go all out.

COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

BODIES

At any time of year, Ireland, and more particularly, Dublin, is a great place to visit. It’s bustling, it’s dynamic, it’s steeped in history (which hasn’t been overwhelmingly overtaken by obvious modernity), and it’s a helluva lot of fun. There’s Temple Bar Street where plenty of good times are to be had in the pubs where traditional Irish bands play and people jig. If you’re into your literature, then Dublin Writers Museum is a fascinating place to go. It’s based in an 18th century house and takes you through the history of Irish novelists such as Joyce, Yeats and, of course, George Bernard Shaw. The epic Dublin Castle is well worth a visit, too, and Kilmainham Gaol is interesting if you want to get a feel for the city’s history. If you’re with the whole family then the 90

FACT QATAR MARCH

interactive Dublinia and Viking World is a great day out, with its exhibitions that explore life as it was in medieval and Viking times. But, we chose this month specifically to write about Dublin, because what better time could there be to visit than when St Patrick’s Day is on? St Paddy’s, as it is more commonly known, is celebrated on March 17th and initially started out as the saint’s religious feast day and the anniversary of his death. It was when Irish families throw caution to the wind during the month of prohibition, Lent, and would dance, drink and eat what they want. It’s definitely still a time to dance, drink and eat and the Irish take this day pretty seriously. With their unsurpassable bubblyness, innate sense of how to have fun, and penchant for mischief, we’re 100 per cent sure you’re bound to have an amazing time. Q

AAMAL TRAVEL

AL JABER TOURS AND TRAVELS

AL JASRA TRAVEL

AL BATEEL TRAVEL

ALSHAMEL TRAVEL AND TOURISM

AL SULAIMAN TRAVEL

FALCON TRAVEL

KANOO TRAVEL

MILANO TRAVEL

BON VOYAGE QATAR

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES

ZZZ NXZDLWDLUZD\V FRP

www.saudiairlines.com

LUFTHANSA

SRI LANKAN AIRLINES

www.lufthansa.com

ZZZ VULODQNDQ FRP

MEA

SYRIAN AIR

www.mea.com/lb

www.syriaair.com

OMAN AIR

TURKISH AIRLINES

www.omanair.com

ZZZ WXUNLVKDLUOLQHV FRP

AIRLINES AIR ARABIA

www.airarabia.com AIR INDIA (and AIR INDIA EXPRESS)

www.airindia.com AIR FRANCE / KLM

ZZZ NOP FRP

PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL

BAHRAIN AIR

www.piac.aero

www.bahrainair.net

www.biman-airlines.com BRITISH AIRWAYS

www.britishairways.com CATHAY PACIFIC

CYPRUS AIRWAYS

www.cyprusair.com

ZZZ TDWDUDLUZD\V FRP FDOO FHQWUH

ROYAL JORDANIAN

ZZZ UM FRP

IF YOU WANT TO BE IN OUR LISTINGS THEN PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS YOU CAN!

HOT NEW CITY HOP

DOHA TO CHENGDU

LEISURE

ZZZ FDWKD\SDFLĂ€F FRP

QATAR AIRWAYS

HAVE A GREAT TRAVEL STORY TO SHARE? DON’T HOLD BACK! EMAIL THE EDITOR AND LET US KNOW AND WE MIGHT EVEN SHARE IT HERE.

SPORTS

BIMAN BANGLADESH

AIRLINES

NIGHTS

KUWAIT AIRWAYS

Al Gharrafa Complex

EATS

DANA TRAVELS & TOURISM

)520 0DUFK WK 4DWDU $LUZD\V ZLOO ODXQFK WKUHH Ă LJKWV D ZHHN WR WKH ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ aka Chengdu, China. GO: Call 4449 6666

DELTA AIRLINES

www.delta.com EGYPT AIR

BODIES

www.egyptair.com EMIRATES

www.emirates.com ETIHAD AIRWAYS

www.etihadairways.com

TRAVEL

FLYDUBAI

ZZZ Ă \GXEDL FRP GULF AIR

www.gulfair.com IRAN AIR

COMMUNITY

www.iranair.com IRAQ AIRWAYS

ZZZ LT DLUZD\V FRP JET AIRWAYS

ZZZ MHWDLUZD\V FRP

FACT QATAR MARCH

91

COMMUNITY LISTINGS EATS

PARTNERS FOR CHARITY...

ANIMAL WELFARE CATS IN QATAR

'D\WLPH QXPEHU *LOO RQ (YHQLQJV DQG ZHHNHQGV 9LFNL RQ QATAR ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY

ZZZ TDZV RUJ

NIGHTS

2ND CHANCE RESCUE QATAR

ZZZ QGFKDQFHUHVFXH FRP .DWKDULQH %RG\

QATAR PET RELOCATORS

ZZZ TDWDUSHWUHORFDWRUV FRP QATAR VETERINARY CENTER

SPORTS

2II $O :DDE 6WUHHW PAMPERED PETS KENNEL AND CATTERY

Both teams together at their collaboration during 2012 Ramadan

ZZZ SSNGRKD QHW QATAR BIRD CLUB

%LQ 2PUDQ _

LEISURE

DOGS IN DOHA

The Ritz and Red Crescent

dogsindoha@gmail.com

7KH ÀYH VWDU OX[XU\ KRWHO WHDP DQG RXU ORFDO KXPDQLWDULDQ ZDUULRUV have teamed up to bring Doha a bunch of events to better ourselves.

PARKVIEW CENTER

LQIR#SDUNYLHZFHQWHU QHW RU HPHUJHQFLHV

QATAR PET REGISTER

COMMUNITY

TRAVEL

BODIES

The teams at Ritz-Carlton, Doha and Qatar Red Crescent, a local humanitarian organisation, have joined forces this year to engage and support social communities. The partnership works well as Qatar Red Crescent works to raise awareness of their causes, SURYLGH ÀUVW DLG WUDLQLQJ DQG RIIHU opportunities for, and encourage, volunteer involvement. Throughout the year, the RitzCarlton will be holding various events in light of the partnership that will particularly focus on Qatar Red Crescent’s activities in education services, international relief and disaster management. Such events include an educational session on cancer prevention and improving the quality of a patient’s OLIH DGYDQFHG ÀUVW DLG ZRUNVKRSV the annual meeting of the shelter work group; and a training course on standards in disaster response. Saleh Bin Ali Al-Muhannadi, secretary general of Qatar Red 92

FACT QATAR MARCH

Crescent, said, “The mission of Qatar Red Crescent is to assist and empower communities in need, regardless of their place and origin by increasing disaster preparedness and response, improving health and care, social rehabilitation and capacity building and above all preserving human dignity.� The Ritz are fairly well known for their charitable activities, and Hoss Vetry, cluster general manager of the hotel, said this arrangement is particularly important to them. “The Ritz-Carlton, Doha believes that we should be aligned with the issues that are important to the communities and it is important to give back to them since we are part of the society as well,� he said. “We have been working on numerous good-cause initiatives with Qatar Red Crescent and it has been an honor for us to be a partner of such reputable international organisation.� We look forward to joining in! Q

ZZZ TDWDUSHWUHJLVWHU FRP LQIR#TDWDUSHWUHJLVWHU FRP

CHARITIES / SOCIAL WELFARE QATAR CHARITY

EUDQFKHV DFURVV 'RKD PDLQ

QATAR RED CRESCENT

2OG 6DODWD _ QATAR FOUNDATION FOR COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CENTER

C Ring Road NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE

6DOZD 5RDG REACH OUT TO ASIA

Education City THE YOUTH COMPANY

info@theyouthcompany.com BEST BUDDIES QATAR

ZZZ EHVWEXGGLHV RUJ TD

HAMAD GENERAL HOSPITAL

FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT CENTER

Bin Omran

WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

SUSTAINABLE QATAR

ZZZ VXVWDLQDEOHTDWDU FRP .DWULQ 6FKRO] %DUWK 3UHVLGHQW

AL AMAL (ONCOLOGY) HOSPITAL

UHVSRQVLELOLW\#PRH JRY TD

AL AHLI HOSPITAL

SOCIETIES THINK PINK QATAR

7KLQNSLQNTDWDU FRP Contact through online submission form

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

A Better World Quick! Apply to get funding for one year before the 7th under Vodafone’s ‘Better World’ initiative. As long as you’re someone who wants to make a positive change in Qatar by supporting a local cause or addressing a social issue then you’re in with a chance. The fund has already helped four people achieve their selfless goals.

NIGHTS

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

EATS

ENVIRONMENT

GO: $SSO\ RQOLQH DW ZZZ YRGDIRQH TD ZRG

SPORTS

CANCER SURVIVORS AND SUPPORTERS GROUP

DOHA MUMS

A PRODUCT FOR YOUR CONSCIENCE

www.dohamums.com info@dohamums.com

SOAP FROM WOMEN OF BURKINA FASO

AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

ZZZ DZDTDWDU FRP Contact through online submission form FRENCH SPEAKING WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

INDIAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

ZZZ LZDTDWDU FRP

CLUBS

LEISURE

The French Cultural Centre

Every year, to mark International Women’s Day, L’Occitane creates soap dedicated to the women of Burkina Faso, and for the past three \HDUV WKLV VRDS KDV DFWXDOO\ EHHQ PDGH E\ %XUNLQDEp ZRPHQ ZKR ZRUN in a traditional soap factory in the town of Leo. They have picked up their trade and skills, thanks to the training provided by L’Occitane, and have since been able to generate income for their households. This year, the soap is made using a gentle formula that contains shea EXWWHU DQG \RX FDQ UHVW DVVXUHG WKDW SHU FHQW RI WKH SURÀWV IURP WKH sale will go to the L’Occitane Foundation to help build literacy centres there. Remember, every soap sold pays for three bricks to help build a literacy centre.

QATAR CHESS ASSOCIATION GO: $YDLODEOH IRU 45 VRDS J IURP 0DUFK WK LQ /Ò‹2FFLWDQH VWRUHV /DQGPDUN 5R\DO 3OD]D 9LOODJLR &DOO IRU WKH /DQGPDUN EUDQFK

BODIES

Corniche, Al Bidda Tower QATAR NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

ZZZ TQKJ RUJ FKDLUPDQ#TQKJ RUJ 5RE 5RVV

QATAR PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

0HOLVVD 0LWFKHOO 43(1 OHDGHU ,QIR#TSZQ RUJ

TRAVEL

QATAR TOASTMASTERS

ZZZ TDWDUWRDVWPDVWHUV QHW TUESDAY LADIES GROUP

Tlgindoha@gmail.com QATAR EXPATS

COMMUNITY

ZZZ PHHWXS FRP 4DWDU H[SDWV Online sign-up MEDICAL QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD & WOMAN PROTECTION

KRWOLQH

FACT QATAR MARCH

93

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

your Qatar IQ! WHAT’S YOUR QATAR IQ

It’s St Patrick’s Day on the 17th and some Irish friends of yours have invited you to theirs for the evening. Are you:

We’re all talk about the raw food diet in this month’s issue. Are you:

Our editor-­in-­chief was invited to review the St Regis for a weekend of luxury, music and all-­round indulgence. Are you:

a. a. a. b. b. b. c. c. c. Shaking in your boots? You’ll never be able to keep up with Irish folk on St Paddy’s of all nights. You’re going to die and you know it…

Confused? St Patrick’s Day? Never heard of it.

Already sewing shamrocks on your green hat and looking for a leprechaun to accompany you with a pot of gold chocolate coins?

94

FACT QATAR MARCH

Gagging even at the thought of eating vegetables, never mind raw ones!? It’s Burger King all the way for you…

Intrigued? You’re thinking you might actually start eating more raw food… alongside your sizzling steak that is.

Grazing on grass as you read, and planning to dance under the light of the full moon later on, too?

Literally green with envy? You need to track this guy down now and ask him how he gets such an invite. HOW?!!

Not bothered? You’re already a regular of the St Regis and don’t need to read about someone else’s experience to know how fabulous it is there.

Whatevs. You’re dancing in the moonlight with raw food in your belly. Life is already wonderful.

FACT QATAR MARCH

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