Sur La Terre - Issue 03 Doha (Dec08) by Firefly Communications

sur la terre content

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content 05 in town

Fresh and new, the latest exciting luxury products, launches and accessories to hit the city

24 gourmet travel

Blitzing the glitz of the big apple, New York

28 showcase

Al Shaqab, the bright future of Dohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equestrian past

36 unique rides

The first four door Lamborghini and the Corvette ZR1

46 brand history Bell & Ross, the conquering spirit

52 spotlight

Frits Van Paasschen, CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

54 artopia

Ayyam Gallery, Dubai

58 going global

Zaha Hadid, a novel and arresting architect

65 shining stars

The cutest kids around highlight the brightest and best up-to-date accessories

72 beauty

sur la terre content

76 fashion

The newest fashion trends to grace the catwalks

87 accessories

The latest accessories and trends

94 in vogue

Where to shop and what to look for â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the latest exclusive trends in the fashion and shopping world, available to you locally

102 i feel like... having a dinner party

104 out of the box

Top picks from the vast range that the local market has to offer

110 chapters

The latest literary launches

111 tunes

Musical trends, artists and albums

112 silver screen

The world of films, documentaries and shows

113 small screen

Your favourite shows from your sofa

114 online

Web links for the best downloads, shopping, social and artistic websites

117 society

Highlighting evenings out, parties, openings and private viewings

126 a day in the life...

of Jane Dutton, Al Jazeera English news reporter

128 snapshot

A photograph to inspire and admire

I cultural agenda Cultural events around the region

VII out & about Activities to do in the city

XIII directory

Your local and regional guide

In Town

sur la terre in town

est exciting Fresh and new, the lat hes and luxury products, launc city e th hit to accessories

Still The BOSS

Ten years is a long time to be on top, but the appropriately named BOSS has done so with gusto. Since its launch a decade ago, an amazing 50 million bottles of the classic fragrance have been sold worldwide, and that figure is still growing. There just seems to be something special about BOSS. With bold hints of vanilla, delicious overtones of cinnamon and apple, a cornucopia of full-bodied floral notes and a rich essence of wood and amber, BOSS is decidedly masculine but never overpowering. It is no surprise that it has lasted as an aromatic mainstay for this long. To celebrate its anniversary and success, the BOSS bottle is slipping into something a bit more refined. This year’s Collector’s Edition is completely coated in chrome, no doubt to match the lustrous accessories of the successful modern man. The audacious new bottle swaggered into GCC retailers on November 1st.

BMW New Models at Paris Motor Show

Canon Middle East: Digital IXUS 980 IS

Canon Middle East’s newest digital camera is a testament to stylish form and practical function. The slick external design of the IXUS 980 comes in black or silver and deceptively belies its state-of-the-art nature. Inside the streamlined, yet sophisticated encasing is a bevy of imaging technology, including a 14.7 Megapixel resolution for perfect, poster-sized prints, a DIGIC 4 processor featuring advanced Face and Motion Detection and a 3.7x optical zoom and image stabilizer. The all-new Manual mode, which allows both professional and amateur photographers a greater control of shutter speed and aperture, is ideal for managing lighting and creating unique digital effects. Aspiring filmmakers, however, are not grounded by still life, as the new IXUS 980 IS is capable of capturing amazing VGA movie clips. Canon is a name that is synonymous with imaging excellence, and the IXUS 980 IS is the new standard for photographic style.

BMW recently revealed five brand-new models at the latest Paris Motor Show. The new flagship 7 Series headed the new offerings from one of the world leaders in modern automotive design. Already acknowledged the world over for luxury, performance and comfort, BMW has a new driving force. Its comprehensive EfficientDynamics strategy was created to explore and develop new tactics for reducing the company’s carbon footprint, as well as maintaining its renowned world-class performance. Implementing this strategy in both its 3 and 7 Series models, it can now add “ecological innovation” to its significant list of credits. Even with these inventive new developments, all of the new models retain the classic BMW style, which is and always has been summed up by one word: cool. Other models shown at this year’s show were the 3 Series, the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, the BMW Concept X and the MINI Concept Vehicle.

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ck Bold Limited Edition

Calvin Klein is ready to return to timepiece showrooms this Christmas season. ck Bold is one of the line’s most stylish watches, and this limited edition ups the quality stakes to another level. Elegantly encased in PVD pink gold, the face of this fashionable timepiece is tastefully offset with a black, faux leather alligator band. Featuring day, date and chrono movements, a water resistance of up to 30 meters and the impeccable time-keeping quality of the Swiss-based Swatch Group, this exquisite watch is at the same time luxurious and sensible. It is the ideal accessory for anyone wanting to make a bold fashion statement with a hint of vivacity and a dash of pizzazz. The Calvin Klein brand has always defied the norm of passe fashion trends, while simultaneously establishing its own classic style and unquestionable standard. The limited edition of ck Bold is currently available at Rivoli and Hour Choice showrooms.

Damas

Damas, a leading international retailer of fine jewellery and exquisite time pieces, made its presence felt with indomitable flare at Dubai International Jewellery Week (DIJW). A perennial mainstay at the event, the 101-year old company continued its global renown by showcasing a scintillating array of its superior in-house jewellery, as well as the crème-de-la-crème of its international collection, including Baraka, Fope, Marco Bicego, Calgaro, Carrera y Carrera, Fabergé and Masiera. This selection was joined by an equally dazzling assortment of luxury timepieces from the top watchmakers in the world, such as Parmigiani, Girard Perregaux, Perrelet, Sarcar, Chalyano and Precious. The eyes of connoisseurs, buyers and lovers of the esthetic alike sparkled uncontrollably with Damas’ offerings. The Dubai International Exhibition Centre was awash with style last November, and definitely shone more brightly thanks to Damas.

Estée Lauder: Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara The eyes have ever been known as windows to the soul, but with Estée Lauder’s new Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, they are transformed into a shadow-draped doorway to intrigue. Thanks to this groundbreaking solution, lashes will never again droop or sag. The revolutionary lash suspension system uses “swollen water” technology, which significantly minimizes the use of wax and ensures lush, voluminous lashes without clumping or spiking. Dedicated to making lashes even more lightweight, Estée Lauder has also added new Y-shaped, Micro-Lock fibers that surround lashes in a delicate cushion to provide a decidedly uplifting experience.

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Ford Flex

In a world of vehicular homogeny, Ford has once again shattered the status-quo mold. The new Ford Flex is already turning heads in North America and its arrival in the Middle East is eagerly anticipated. The 7-passenger crossover has a uniquely appealing design, cutting-edge automotive technology and a host of luxurious amenities, making it refreshingly distinct. Powered by Ford’s award-winning 3.5-liter V-6, fuelefficient engine and kept secure by its intelligent all-wheel-drive system, Flex provides an extraordinarily fun and safe driving experience. Even with all of these sensible features, Flex is not short on luxury. Developed by Microsoft, the Bluetooth-based Ford Sync™ system allows the driver hands-free control over the many onboard communication and entertainment systems. Another special feature is the class-exclusive refrigerated console, which can chill seven 12-ounce cans, four halfliter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles, perfect for the seemingly endless summer months. In the Flex, Ford has produced a unique ride offering supreme comfort, unparalleled class and groundbreaking flexibility.

The New Golf GTI

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI has arrived, and it has done so in style. Unveiled with great aplomb at the Paris Motor Show in October, the sixth generation of the global bestseller has already won acclaim for its unique marriage of power and panache. In ideal synchronicity with the 155 kW / 210 bhp-strong turbocharged engine, a retooled suspension and optional adaptive chassis control allow for enhanced agility, greater traction, and optimal fun. With a top speed of 240 km/h, the ability to shift from 0 to 100 km in 7.2 seconds and an average use of 7.5 litres of fuel, Volkswagen once again proves that high-performance luxury can meet seamlessly with ground-level practicality. The instantly recognizable, ultramodern style of the GTI also continues to impress. The sporty interior perfectly compliments its sleek external skin, with a welcome contrast of sharp lines and smooth curves. Set to go into production in the spring of 2009, the new GTI will undoubtedly continue its image as an automotive icon.

Estée Lauder - Chocolate Decadence

Estée Lauder beauty has gotten delectably delicious! While the new collection from the world-famous cosmetics king may not actually be edible, with a name like Chocolate Decadence it does come dangerously close. Drawing inspiration from the temptingly rich hues of chocolate, the new line offers an assortment of colour, from creamy browns to glistening golds that drape the body in succulent tones. The Luxurious Golden Caramel Shimmer face powder, Caramel Truffle eyeshadow and Creme Cordial lipstick all sound good enough to eat, but instead offer a tantalizingly visual feast. All of the new offerings are not only a treat for the eyes, but also on the skin, helping to preserve, protect and highlight natural beauty. With all of these benefits, Chocolate Decadence is the perfect way to wrap yourself in elegant indulgence.

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Nissan At this year’s Paris Motor Show, Nissan unleashed a veritable armada of cool concepts and unbelievable updates. Take, for example, the brand’s solution to the interlocking issues of growing population and shrinking space. The big brains at Nissan designed the compact, 3-meter long NUVU as a nifty new way to zip around the urban landscape of the future. The innovative interior sports an unorthodox 2+1 seating arrangement, which allows a cozy fit without bursting anyone’s personal bubble. Quasi-psychedelic, totally electric, exclusively eco and eclectic, the NUVU comes with a tree - that’s right, a tree - built inside. Leaf-shaped panels on the glass roof provide both shade and solar energy, which travels via its “trunk” through the middle of the car. Talk about going green! In addition, Nissan debuted the new, environmental-conscious Pixo and the technologically improved Note. Also showcased was the Nissan Connect, a new communication and entertainment feature using Bluetooth technology to provide the ultimate in automotive convenience. With all of these upcoming offerings, Nissan is taking ingenuity to a whole new level.

Luminor 1950 8 Ceramic Days Chrono Monopulsante GMT

The Luminor watch, originally produced more than 60 years ago by Officine Panerai, was initially designed for military reasons. It therefore boasts a long tradition of quality materials and durability. However, this legendary sports watch has recently undergone a visual and technological renaissance. While maintaining its utilitarian roots, the new Luminor 1950 8 Ceramic Days Chrono Monopulsante GMT model has been made more artistic and functional. Along with the standard functions of an ultramodern sports watch, this hand-wound timepiece has a power reserve of 8 days with an easy-to-read power indicator. The classic style of the Luminor is preserved in this new model, but its case has never been more durable. The high-tech, black ceramic material is formed by an isotatic pressure process. With a casing five times the strength of stainless steel, a water resistance level of up to 100 meters and a high resistance to shocks and corrosive materials, it is the Superman of the watch world, and a great addition to any intrepid adventurer’s wardrobe.

MINI Crossover Concept

The classic design of the MINI is changing, and change is good. The fourth body variant offers many new firsts, as well as many new fours. Along with the addition of four doors, four drive wheels and four single seats, the new Crossover Concept will, for the first time in its history, extend the MINI to over four meters in length. These new innovations will no doubt prove four-tunate to those drivers seeking a more spacious, versatile and practicality-based ride. Internally, the new MINI is a work of technological art. The revolutionary Center Globe acts as a multifunctional, userfriendly nexus for all of the car’s entertainment, telecommunication and navigation devices. Because of the unconventional design, the globe can also be split into two hemispheres, giving the driver and the passengers complete, individual control. Another new development is the internal Center Rail, which seamlessly connects the front and rear compartments, as well as providing even more storage space. The MINI has always been a timeless piece of automotive history, but this new design has launched it well into the future.

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Nokia N79 and N85 Nokia has released two new models on its popular N series line: the N79 and the N85. Both are fine examples of the glossy, stylish, multi-coloured phones that the world has come to expect from the Nokia brand, but each has a marked improvement in mobile technology. Each phone is packed with multimedia options, including high-speed connectivity, high-quality web browsing, a built-in GPS system, a compact FM transmitter and a 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss camera. The N79 boasts 4GB of memory, while the N85 holds an impressive 8GB, allowing both to hold hours of music and DVD-quality movie clips, thousands of pictures and over 10 N-Gage games. With compact communication and entertainment options like this, who needs a home computer? Both models went on sale in October.

Precious Watches

Precious ladies’ watches have arrived, a perfect choice for women who look for elegance without the excessive designer price tag. These exquisite watches are accessorized with genuine diamonds of the finest quality and precious gems, real leather and stainless steel complemented by precise Swiss movement. There is a watch to suit every mood. With the fall of a new season why not bring out the warmer side of your elegance with the Hearts collection. Pink, red and black models make your wrist drip in sophistication and haute couture. Available at Damas Les Exclusives Boutiques.

The New Rolls-Royce Coupé The new Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé has finally arrived in the Middle East. The name alone conjures in the mind a quintessential picture of luxury and performance. Continuing this sterling reputation, the new coupé looks as slick as ever. The interior contains the lavish design you would expect from Rolls-Royce, and the smooth, almost fluid body continues to inspire regality. Breaching the gap between inside and out is a new feature, which provides the driver with the option to light up the interior headliner with 1,600 fiber-optics, allowing an impressive recreation of the night sky. But the new Phantom is more than just another pretty face. The advanced aluminum chassis is both light-weight and durable, guaranteeing that all passengers will not only ride in style, but in comfort and safety. At the heart of this beautiful beast is a 6.75-liter V12 engine that not only cranks out the power, but literally blazes the trail for new fuel economy technology. The Phantom Coupé will undoubtedly be a luxurious presence on the road in years to come.

Prada Phone by LG Electronics

Long known for being a leader in the luxury clothing goods sector, Prada has since diversified. After joining with LG Electronics, it is now also recognized for its technological innovation and stylish design in its new line of mobile phones. In October, global sales of the Prada Phone reached an impressive benchmark of one million units. The joint venture has led to many visionary developments in cellular phone technology, including the first ever complete touch screen. These breakthroughs have captivated the mobile user community into acknowledging the brand as a leader in the field. Thanks to this worldwide interest, LG and Prada have agreed to team up again and will release their newest handset in Europe. The stylishly simple design and inherent technological edge will no doubt reconfirm Prada’s presence in the global mobile market.

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Saab 9-X Air Concept Car The brand new Saab 9-X Air concept car made an auspicious debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show recently, representing the innovative future of the open-air Saab. The new design utilizes new technology that will change the traditional look of convertibles in the future. Employing a retractable Canopy Top and a glass compartment that wraps around from the windshield to the recessed rear screen, drivers will feel a distinctly dichotomous sense of safety and freedom. The cozy four-seat interior also provides a heightened sense of security while at the same time providing the slick, speedy feel of of a sports car. The exterior facade is based on the classic coupé design and suitably finishes the look of this innovative, but traditionally-rooted machine.

THE One’s Fall/Winter 2008 In an endless sea of home decoration options, there is really only One option for excellence. As per usual, THE One is at the height of home fashion, this time with its Fall/Winter 2008 collection. This season’s style is one that calls for the natural colours of the forest, and THE One does not disappoint. Canopied in rich reds, bold bronzes, alluring oranges, beautiful browns and purples that pop, any room will be dressed for success. Accessorizing with a leather Chestino sofa and a regal Slab coffee table and console is a good way to set the seasonal mood. Adding extra flare with THE One’s earthen-hued candle jars, brightly-coloured “forever fresh” flowers and rustically shimmering cushion covers is an ideal way to set appropriate ambiance for this time of year. Contrasting this style with wandering whites, cantering creams and gliding grays gives a fluid movement to any room. THE One offers its own spin on these lush colors in a wide range of furnishings, perfect for those wishing to swaddle their abodes in harlequin luxury. To discover the perfect mix for your home, visit THE One and upholster your life in opulence.

W Never before has the letter “W” been so fashionable. The world famous W Hotel is coming to Doha, bringing with it a whole new kind of cool. Perched in the center of the happening West Bay area, the W is going to be completely unique to Doha. That is saying a lot given the quality and style of other luxury lodging in the city. Creatively blending contemporary design with local flare, the Doha W will literally be a one-of-a-kind experience. The innovative lighting, colorful fusion and geometric glamor that goes into every one of the 445 rooms, six gourmet restaurants, multiple leisure facilities and numerous other social areas make the feeling of the hotel more than just another mundane episode in accommodation. The “Whatever/Whenever” philosophy of W, which provides peerless indulgence at any time, will undoubtedly assist the world-class decor in engulfing every guest in first-rate luxury. When the W opens, all Doha residents should prepare for their eyes to Widen and for their lips to Whisper Wow!

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Grand Hyatt Doha It was only a matter of time before one of the leading names in luxury decided to set up shop in the fastest growing, most contemporary city in the Gulf. The new Grand Hyatt Doha is the perfect marriage of optimum opulence and ideal location. Set to open in early 2009, the new building will house hotel accommodation and residences within a stone’s throw of the city’s financial and commercial areas, as well as the breathtaking coastline of the Persian Gulf. Its design will reflect the very essence of Doha as a city saturated with tradition, but one that is melding perfectly with the modern world. All of the technology and modern conveniences are housed within a gorgeous Arabian facade that would no doubt be fit for an Emir. It is the ultimate union of luxury and convenience, not to mention unmatched beauty. Bedecked in rich woods and fine materials, the open space of the hotel’s private and public areas are awash with the dancing light of a convocation of chandeliers. The multitude of restaurants, shops, spas and lounges offer an unequivocally interactive experience that is perfect for every individual traveller or fun-seeking family. With a brand like Hyatt, and a place like Doha, an unforgettable experience is almost guaranteed.

Salam Bounian Salam Bounian Development Company has been presented two prestigious CNBC Arabian Property Awards for its excellence in increasing international standards of property development. “The Gate,” the firm’s most recent groundbreaking project, took home a prize in both categories for which it was nominated: “Best High Rise Architecture” and “Best Development”. Always known as a leader in its field since its inception in 2006, Salam Bounian has now further established itself as a key retail and luxury developer in the region. Speaking as the recipient of the awards, the General Manager of the company, Mr. Yesser Hamad, said that, “We have a passion to develop unique mix-used destinations and to be recognized by professionals in the property business. Winning two awards is a matter of great honour and pride to us. We hope that in future, we will gain further recognition not only for The Gate but for our other developments.” The ceremony took place in the Johara Ballroom at Madinat Jumeirah resort with all of the trappings of a sumptuous gala.

Graff Waterfall Collection Graff, one of the world’s most prolific jewellers, has this year captured the fluid essence of the diamond. The appropriately named Waterfall collection exemplifies the untamed rush within fine jewellery in a multi-faceted introspective of brilliant colour and design. Rich golds and verdant greens collide with passionate pinks, and glitter like the sun-tickled mist of a thundering cascade. The hand-picked, expertly rendered stones in the collection’s elegant necklaces and chandelier earrings spill down the neckline in a brilliant trickle of extravagance. From the flawless stones to the impeccable settings, every piece in this collection inspires an unquenchable thirst for natural beauty. Selections from the renowned London jewellery house can be found in its Middle East branches at the Salhiya Complex in Kuwait and Wafi City in Dubai.

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Four Seasons: Churrasco You probably never thought you could get a genuine South American experience in the middle of the Gulf. Well food and culture lovers, think again! The South Brazilian traditional barbeque feast known as Churrasco has come to the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha. The barbeque is more than just sitting down for a nice meal of meat, however; the procedure for eating is a culinary event in and of itself. Guests at the Churrasco are given two coins as they walk in, one painted red and the other green. After the meat is slowly roasted to perfection over the open flame of a fire pit, the Brazilian meat servers, or “passadors” bring the cuts to the diners. This is where the coloured coins come in. Green indicates “go,” and informs the server to continue doling out the delicious meat. Red, on the other hand, means “stop,” thus telling your waiter that you have had enough ... for now. As if the many selections of choice cuts of meat are not enough, there is also a massive salad bar with rice and black beans for the side. Anyone who wants a new, fun and delicious experience should head over to the Pool Grill of the Four Seasons Hotel. The Churrasco happens every Wednesday starting at 7pm.

Bertolucci: STRIA Collection Tapping into the spirit of the Mediterranean, Bertolucci’s new STRIA continues the brand’s commitment to luxurious purity and the subtlety of elegance. The understated watch-face is surrounded by an 18-karat pink gold or steel wreath of delicate ripples, inspiring in the mind the bewitching shells blanketing the endless beaches of the imagination. Held fast with a delicate satin bracelet, the new STRIA is the quintessential timepiece for refinement and class. For a more glamorous affair, the jewelled version twinkles as the sunlight reflects off of the outer shell’s shimmering ripples. Offset by the black opaline or mother-of-pearl face, the watch is a testament to all of the earthly offerings of the Italian Riviera. Long renowned for its blend of Mediterranean style and Swiss craftsmanship, Bertolucci has once again impressed with the STRIA.

Marcello de Cartier Bag Never before has carrying stuff looked so cool. The new Marcello de Cartier bag is back, and its new designs are more exciting than ever. Whether adorned in burgundy-hued alligator skin or covered in silkensoft leather, the Cartier bag is sure to make a star-studded statement at any occasion. With flawless stitching and endless style, each new offering is sure to accentuate your fashionable facade. Each cool carryall, from the ostrich skin travel bag to everyday carrier with the matt leather finish, is as durable as it is desirable. As ever, Marcello de Cartier lets you saunter down the streets with the sway you crave and the utility you demand. Behold the new line for yourself at the Cartier Boutique inside the Royal Plaza shopping center.

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Dior: Milly Carnivora by Victorie de Castellane

One of the greatest fashion icons of the late 20th century, Victoire de Castellane is more than a jeweller; she is an eccentric force in jewellery design. Her latest creation for Dior, the Milly Carnivora collection, carries with it her signature, artistically-manic style. Based on and named after the carnivorous plants and exotic animals of a desert island, each of these ornate creations seem to be ripped from the swirling fantasy world of a child’s mind. Using vividly coloured lacquers to accentuate the yellow golds, diamonds and tourmalines in the collection, Victoire has found an original way to highlight the natural beauty of precious stones and materials. The simple colours of gold are transformed into eruptions of colour like metallic green, vermillion gold and translucent purple. The new collection, which is made up of 37 pieces altogether, was launched at Dior boutiques worldwide last November, including the elegant store in Doha’s own Villagio mall.

Sheraton: Seven Nights The Sheraton is one of the most recognizable and well-established symbols of Doha. Built over 20 years ago, it remains one of the premiere hotels in the city not only for its unmistakable pyramid exterior, but also for its always fresh, never disappointing schedule of events. The newest program is sure to delight guests through an exciting daily exploration of international cuisine. The Al Hubara Restaurant has decided to spice things up with a series of theme buffets every night, which will no doubt tame your ravenous hunger for food and culture. The week kicks off with Monday’s Mediterranean Cuisine night, which brings to the table a bounty of taste from the lands of Napoli and Tripoli. The next night is Tex-Mex Tuesday, a zesty fiesta dancing to your tongue all the way from Mexico. On Wednesday, swim in and savour a sea of flavour with the Catch of the Day Seafood Treat. A Taste of India is on the menu for Thursday nights, with all of the tasty classics from the subcontinent, while Friday is International Flair day. Guests are able to experience 1001 Arabian Nights on Saturdays, wherein all of the offerings of the Arabian world will be presented, and subsequently consumed. To top it all off, Al Hubara takes you for a romantic stroll through the exotic tastes of the Orient, with A Walk Through Asia on Sundays. Regardless of your preference and availability, the Sheraton has something for you.

David Morris Ever since its creation in the late 1950s, David Morris jewellery has been considered a litmus test by which many other jewellery houses test their quality. It is their unparalleled love of high quality and their commitment to artistry of design that sets them apart from the rest. The company is so celebrated that it has won two Diamond International Awards and its creations have starred in one of the most stylish cinematic collections in film history: the James Bond series. Unlike the film hero, however, David Morris prefers to leave you both shaken and stirred with its fine offerings. Born in the past, but bound for the future, the acclaimed jeweller continues to impress its buyers with unmatched elegance in many international boutiques. To spy the sparkle of David Morris in Doha, head over to Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery at Royal Plaza.

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sur la terre gourmet travel

< A yellow cab in Times Square >

sur la terre gourmet travel

< Brooklyn Bridge at night >

New York is a city known by many names. Be it The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, The Babylonian Bedlam or even The City of Superlatives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by any name, New York remains one of the most stylish, attractive and unforgettable cities in the world. It always has been and always will be the premiere port of call for millions of jet-setting glamour buffs. Sur La Terre tells you how to make the most out of Money-Town.

sur la terre gourmet travel

< The classic New York street vendor >

< The hustle and bustle on the streets of NYC >

< The Statue of Liberty >

Be a Star for the Day I don’t often claim to be trendy or even ahead of trends, but watching the Sex and The City movie recently, there was a familiarity to one of the restaurant scenes – the pre-wedding dinner, to be exact. Sometime later, a friend of mine became very animated when the conversation turned to Carrie and friends – in turns out we’d had dinner at the same restaurant on a business trip to New York. This happens a lot in a city where glamour is the name of the game, and where it is actually possible to dine out and enjoy the feeling of being a Hollywood star (for an hour or two at least!) at a ‘place to be seen’ – the restaurants and bars where you just know the celebs go. Following the movie Buddakan, the restaurant in question has generated massive interest from BFFs (that’s “Best Friends Forever” to the tragically uncool) and SATC buffs from around the world. New York City has always had a thriving tourism industry for hopeless romantics and shopaholics, but in recent years it has become more specifically dedicated to unashamed TV addicts wanting to re-live scenes from their favourite shows. In this town that’s easy to do – anything is possible in the Big Apple! Celeb-spotting It’s not unusual to see celebrities walking in Central Park or shopping along 5th Avenue. Spend enough time in the lobby of the Four Seasons

< Central Park South >

and you’re bound to see just about as many famous people as you can handle in a day. While we were there, we saw Eva Longoria in a hotel lobby, Eddie Murphy actually filming a movie scene in Times Square and several other recognisable faces just going about their day. Lunch in Central Park The ‘Boathouse’ in Central Park is a fantastic place for lunch. The seafood dishes are of the highest quality and they have a fantastic selection of great wines. The location, of course, is unmatchable. Shop ‘til you drop Shopping exists in all forms in New York: from buying US$5 ties on the sidewalk, to purchasing million dollar pieces of art at Sotheby’s auction house. Infamous haute couture and up to the minute trends and designs are also another reason people come to New York, as they are ready and waiting at your favourite stores. Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Tiffany’s, Harrods – a shopping fashionista’s idea of heaven! Sightseeing For first-time visitors, New York has the appeal of stepping onto a movie set, or rather stepping into the movie itself, where everything around you is larger than life and as familiar as if you had visited several times before.

sur la terre gourmet travel

< New York Skyline at Dawn >

< NYC: Where celebrities roam >

Everything is recognisable: the streets, Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, yellow cabs, Broadway and, of course, the infamous Brooklyn Bridge. The architecture in New York is also phenomenal, as are the hotels, and not only for their structures. For historical resonance, nothing really can come close to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Presidents, actors and musicians have stayed or even lived there. Every year, the rock’n’ roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony takes place there, and basically all of the famous musical idols you’ve ever wanted to meet have set foot in the great ballroom on the fourth storey of the hotel. It could justifiably claim to be the most sacred place in music. Party the Night Away 230 Fifth is a sprawling club that boasts a rooftop garden bar with the best views of the Empire State Building, great for first timers to New York who are far too VIP to wait in a queue for two hours to get inside the city’s tallest building. Why do that when you can view it from afar, with pretty young things (male and female) in skin-tight black getups serving a range of classic and exotic beverages? This hang-out is popular for the city’s office warriors who frequently meet up after work for a few afternoon drinks and a bit of socialising, and is perfect for the tourist who wants to feel a bit of the real New York. To top it all off, by night 230 Fifth goes supernova and explodes into a pumping party scene.

< 42nd Street with Chrysler Building >

Cruising If you are travelling in a group, then chartering your own boat for a cruise on New York Harbor is a unique and entertaining way to see the city. The NOA Danielle is an ideal place to start. A replica tugboat dedicated to entertaining, the NOA Danielle can cater for up to 49 people, but small groups are also welcome. You can get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty, sail under Brooklyn Bridge or swing by the United Nations Building. Below deck, wood flooring and antiquated décor give the boat an aged appeal, while the upper deck has all the right ingredients for a fun-time floating party. Explore New York City in a sophisticated and pampered setting, with platters of food and an open bar served by friendly waitresses. Operated by a husband and wife team, this boat has featured on Style Network’s ‘Who’s Wedding is it Anyway?’ and is a New York moment not to be missed. New York City is a town where anything is possible. Rub elbows with the fantastically glamorous and super powerful, press flesh with big-time movie stars and beat the pavement taking in the local sights, sounds and smells, making sure to stop into the myriad options of a luxurious life in the city. Whatever you choose, New York has it in spades. A simple line from an old song sums it up nicely: “New York New York ... it’s a wonderful town!”

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Al Shaqab

The Bright Future of Doha’s Equestrian Past

Photography: By Al Shaqab

Trotting from the Past >>> The Arab world is internationally renowned for its long and storied heritage of outstanding horsemanship. This proud A Brief History of Al Shaqab and its Residents tradition of breeding, rearing and training fine Arabian horses Established in 1992 by His Highness Sheikh continues today at Qatar Foundation’s Al Shaqab, the Gulf region’s Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Al Shaqab quickly garnered international acclaim for its excellence premiere equestrian venue. With an 800,000 square metre facility in equestrianism. His Excellency the Emir has in the works and the return of the world’s most famous show long revered the history of Arab culture, as well as the role of equestrianism in it. The farm horse to the ring, Al Shaqab is set to display the rich heritage itself is named after an historic battle in the of Qatar’s past, showcase its present treasures and further the town of Al Rayyan, wherein horsemen of the advancement of equestrian education well into the future. Arabian tribes soundly defeated the invading Turks at the beginning of World War I. But it is not just the site’s victorious past that conjures pride within the hearts of local Qataris. A large part of this pride comes from the noble creature that has carried generations of riders throughout time. The hot-blooded Arabian horse is part of the region’s bedouin history, having been used as integral tools of war as well as close family companions. Long known for its spirited, but affable personality, it has formed an almost mythic bond with locals. Breeding and training Arabians has become a time-honored tradition, and one that has now been perfected by Al Shaqab.

< Born and raised in Qatar, Marwan Al Shaqab is the leading Arabian stallion in the world >

Thanks to this commitment to excellence, Al Shaqab has established Qatar’s modern equestrian historicity by gathering a dizzying array of international championships in shows, as well as a recent second in the World Endurance Championships. The pride of these accolades is no doubt the three, locally-bred World Champion stallions. The crown jewel of these horses is Marwan Al Shaqab, who, after a seven year absence from the region, is poised for yet another world championship in December. Not only is Marwan one of the greatest champions the equestrian world has ever seen, he is also one of the most important national symbols in Qatar, and early next year, the king will be back on his throne.

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< The Two-Time World Champion outf itted in his championship saddle >

Cantering in the Present The Superstardom of Marwan Al Shaqab Only one word truly describes Marwan Al Shaqab: legendary. Never in the history of the breed has there been a more dominant Arabian player. His list of accomplishments reads like an honour roll of supremacy. In 2001, the same year of his debut, he was awarded the Qatari National Championship, which was quickly followed by two consecutive World Championships. From 2003-2005, he was unanimously named the U.S. National Junior Champion Stallion and in 2007, he branched out by winning the world championship for Best Sire. These accolades give him a fabled national status, which seems to grow on a daily basis. As a member of the board for Al Shaqab, as well as the farm’s Breeding & Show Advisor, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani is probably the best individual to speak with about Marwan’s legacy. In an exclusive interview with Sur La Terre, he gave the following thoughts on the illustrious stallion:

“We are very proud of him. We bred both he and his father, Gazal Al Shaqab, in Qatar and from the time he was a baby, we knew that Marwan was not a normal horse; back then, we could already see that he was special. He has always been a mark of Al Shaqab. He has travelled internationally, competing in and winning many different events. Because of this, he has become our ambassador to the world.” That he most certainly has. For the last seven of his eight years of life, Marwan has been outside the country, predominantly in the United States and Europe. In his time as Qatar’s emissary to the equestrian world, he has not only captured titles, hearts and minds, but also fathered a multitude of prize-winning offspring, making him one of the most sought-after sires in the world. The prestige of Marwan is exactly the image that Qatar’s equestrian society wants to share with the world. Despite his many years on the road, however, this champion of champions is finally coming home to undoubtedly trot his way to another victory. He is set to return in February for the Qatar International Championship before finishing his events

< Marwan Al Shaqab is a legend in both the show ring and as sire of international champions >

schedule in Dubai. Marwan will head back to the States after the Gulf events to continue breeding, but His Highness Sheikh Hamad guarantees that this situation is temporary. He says that Marwan shares the destiny of all horses from Al Shaqab: to travel throughout the world before returning to Qatar and bringing international pride with them. Claudia Starr, Director of Al Shaqab, says that, “Marwan is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of Arabian perfection. In the coming years, we will establish Al Shaqab as a name symbolizing perfection in the Equestrian world. Al Shaqab is a part of Qatar’s heritage that we will share with the world – just as we have shared Marwan Al Shaqab and his offspring with the world.” After finishing their careers, the horses return to Qatar to further the nation’s renown by siring quality horses. In order to facilitate exceptional talents like Marwan, and to ensure the promise of future generations, Al Shaqab has made many daring steps at reinvigorating the popular spectacle. Paramount to this evolution into twenty-first century superiority. Al Shaqab is an exciting new project in conjunction with the premiere center for education in the country, The Qatar Foundation.

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< Arena >

Galloping into the Future

< The viewing area will provide luxury and a stunning view >

The New Look of Al Shaqab Residing in the heart of Doha’s impressive Education City, the facility once known as Al Shaqab Stud and Riding Academy was brought under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation in July 2004. Shortly thereafter, in 2006, a massive construction project went underway to upgrade the center for the modern age. The rebranding that occurred in 2007 also included the creation of a new logo, which artistically depicts its three award-winning stallions. The triple-headed symbol not only represents the grace, distinction and pride of the Arabian horse, but also the three ideals of Al Shaqab: excellence, education and preservation. These updates exemplify a renewed commitment to a greater, more focused cultural outreach in Qatar. As Chairman of the Board at Al Shaqab, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani promises that the new facilities will ensure a robust equestrian experience, saying:

“Al Shaqab touches on all aspects of Qatar Foundation’s vision. It will be both an educational resource and a community facility and will be of interest to breeders, equine researchers and the visiting public. It will play a vital role in the vision for Education City by showcasing and preserving a key aspect of Qatari heritage.”

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As entertaining as it is educational, Al Shaqab will appeal to the vast diversity of visitors already making the trip to the famous site. Experienced aficionados who visit the cuttingedge facility will no doubt be impressed by its host of enhancements. These include international competition arenas, ultra-modern stables, an updated equine breeding facility, a state-of-the-art therapy centre and veterinary hospital and a new riding academy. However, those members of the general public not wellversed in the field will still have plenty to enjoy. If viewing the equestrian events in one of the air-conditioned arenas and luxurious show ring does not appeal, guests will be free to discover Al Shaqab’s new visitor centre, entertainment facilities and a museum dedicated to the pride of the desert, the Arabian steed.

Animal enthusiasts will be glad to know that Al Shaqab also has the best interests of its horses in mind. Not only does the complex provide for them a similarly luxurious experience to that of its human visitors, it also seeks to advance the awareness of proper standards in breeding and keeping horses. Environmentalists will also be pleased that the official goals of Al Shaqab now call for the promotion of “environmentally sustainable horse keeping practices.” All of these developments guarantee that no human guest or equestrian resident will be left wanting. Al Shaqab is an immensely intelligent and captivating showcase of equestrianism. Its modern expansion shows a resolve to broaden the knowledge of current trends and techniques in horsemanship into the modern

age, while at the same time maintaining its heritage. The breeding operation’s recognition throughout the world has grown quickly, to the point where older, more established farms visit to learn more about their techniques. As Sheikh Hamad said, “We receive visits from these big operations, some more than 350 years old, to learn things about our breeding techniques and to improve their programmes through us. We have worked hard to receive that kind of respect in such a short time, and we are very proud of it. This makes us different from other operations in the region. It makes us like Marwan; it makes us special.” To see more about Marwan and the new developments at Al Shaqab, visit: www.alshaqab.com.

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An exclusive Q&A with His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani Board Member and Breeding and Show Advisor

< Marwan Al Shaqab’s 2008 All Nations Cup victory with H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani >

Q. You have said that Al Shaqab is special, which is easy to see, but can you tell us more about its specific accomplishments? A. There are many. The highest record in the world today is held by Al Shaqab. We currently have eight world champion horses and hold countless National and International championship titles. There are four championships in the world annually, and we are the only country to get them all in one year. At the 2002 championships in Paris, Qatar swept the championships in every single class, which has never been done before. But we are not completely driven by titles.

Q. What do you mean when you say you are ‘not completely driven by titles’? A. In shows, it is not about winning, but rather displaying class and style.We are more concerned in breeding high-caliber horses than winning shows. For us, it is more important to promote quality. In this, Al Shaqab is the leader in the world. The horses, the prizes, the respect; these things do not just belong to us, they belong to Qatar and to all of its people. Al Shaqab is part of Qatar, so the whole country shares that pride. Q. Do you only breed Arabian horses at Al Shaqab? Yes, breeding pure bred Arabian horses is our specialty. We are not narrow, and have opened our doors to all different bloodlines around the world. We are using the best to prove ourselves. Q. How does Al Shaqab fit the mission of the Qatar Foundation? A. It is very important for us and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned that Al Shaqab be part of an education in Qatari heritage for the new generation of children. We believe that everything about the horse, from its style to its saddle, is art. It should be appreciated and loved by all of its generations, especially the young. In the days of the internet and other modern inventions, it’s necessary to remember our traditions and history. That’s what we want to do with the museum and our riding school, which already has enrolled more than 400 Qatari children. Q. Time for a personal question: Do you have a favorite horse here at Al Shaqab? (laughs) No no, I cannot say. It is impossible to choose! Can you pick your favorite child? Of course not! It is the same way for me here. They are all like my children.

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sur la terre unique rides

ÂŠ Lamborghini

Estoque An Estoque, as you may not know, is the traditional sword used by the Matador in a bullfight. The sheen of its silver flashes through the air in an expertly controlled blur of dancing motion, almost hypnotizing onlookers and making them gasp in amazement. There is no better name then for the brand new super car from the always cutting-edge Lamborghini.

ÂŠ Lamborghini

sur la terre unique rides

>>> The new Estoque is the rapier of the road. Its distinctive lines, low profile, acute angularity and sharp edges have all the markings of a classic Lamborghini, but with an even more dangerously debonair look. But its futuristic, slash-inducing appearance is not the only new development. With the Estoque, Lamborghini is carving out a whole new class of car: the “super sport sedan”. That’s right, for the first time in its illustrious presence in the automotive market, the luxury car brand has gone four-door. This newest innovation adds a never before seen

versatility to the super sport class. Along with its ultra-powerful front mid-engine, permanent all-wheel drive and precision-tuned chassis, the Estoque now boasts an elongated wheelbase, which allows more room and extra luggage space, not to mention the addition of two more doors. These new developments cut free a range of opportunities for those wanting to enjoy the swagger of a sports car with the sensibility of a sedan. Imagine sharing the Lamborghini experience with a group of friends, or even with the family!

sur la terre unique rides

The inside design offers a luxury not often seen in sedans, with high quality Nappa leather stretching across the spacious interior and individual contoured seats, allowing optimum comfort for long or short hauls. It’s safe. It’s comfy. It’s practical and sleek, but don’t forget that the Estoque is also devoted to velocity. Every feature in its phenomenal frame, from the 22 inch wheels to its two large air outlets, is dedicated to a greater power output and the untamed speed that follows. Its low bonnet, arched rear end and curvaceous V-shaped

design not only make it a thing of absolute beauty, but also a lightning-quick saber of the street. While it is still in its concept stages, the Estoque will most likely have an even more powerful version of the world renowned Lamborghini ten-cylinder from the Gallardo LP 560-4, overloaded with torque and with higher revving than almost any other engine on the market. Any way you slice it, the new Estoque is the fundamental combination of form and function. Its double-edged desirability is sure to make it the next big thing.

sur la terre unique rides

ÂŠ Lamborghini

sur la terre unique rides

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chevrolet unleashed its new Corvette unto the world and onlookers were amazed at what they experienced. They knew they would love the classic Corvette design, but it was the car maker’s attention to details that really blew their minds.

sur la terre unique rides

ÂŠ Chevrolet Corvette

sur la terre unique rides

>>> In fact, you might want to sit down. Just looking at the brand new Corvette ZR1 is enough to make your head swim and your knees buckle. Hearing about how much unbridled power it wields beneath its ultracool frame and about all of its slick new features, will undoubtedly kick your internal system into overdrive. Consider yourself warned. At the heart of this archetype of automotive adrenaline is the barely contained power of the supercharged LS9 V-8 engine. Put simply, it is by far the most powerful engine ever made by General Motors. Trampling the tarmac at an incredible 638 horsepower, the specially designed, handmade LS9 is able to propel the new ‘Vette to speeds exceeding 322 km/h. Luckily, the good people at GM have implemented restraint in their rocket.

< 2009 LS9 6.2L V-8 SC (LS9) >

< 2009 LS9 6.2L V-8 SC (LS9) SuperCharger with Intercooler> © Chevrolet Corvette

sur la terre unique rides

ÂŠ Chevrolet Corvette

The heavy-duty yet lightweight chassis is exclusive to the model, which also boasts a six-speed manual transmission with racehardened gears and a dual-disc clutch, allowing the driver to easily control this street torpedo. Don’t be fooled though, this brawny beast also has a boatload of brains, not to mention heart. Working tirelessly to equip their machines with the latest in highperformance technology, GM engineers have successfully made the ZR1 the most fuel-efficient car of its kind.

sur la terre unique rides

Comprehensive test results show that its low maintenance engine equals or far exceeds the current levels of endurance and performance in higher priced cars of its class. All of these factors give the ZR1 a delicious duality not seen in other super cars. Not only is it powerful enough to tear up the racetrack, it is practical enough to navigate the highways and byways of everyday life. Of course, when driving in a Corvette, you are always guaranteed one other thing: style. Putting aside its off-the-scale power and down-to-earth functionality, the new ZR1 just looks cool. The unique design forces a daydream of fluid motion, making you think it will suddenly slip away in a streak of colour. The car itself seems to revel in its own suaveness, blatantly showing off its sensuous contours and sharp lines. Even the engine is sleek, which is probably why designers added a viewing window to the hood. All in all, this machine is a technical and visual feast worthy of sating even the hungriest driver.

sur la terre brand history

< INSTRUMENT BR01 Tourbillon Phantom >

Bell & Ross,

the conquering spirit They have sacrificed everything for their passion. They are young and talented and far from fainthearted. These visionaries have created a watchmaking brand with a strong identity, Bell&Ross for Mr Bell and Mr Ross. Standing out well among others, their watches are designed to conquer the earth, sea and skies! Text: Marie-Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre Photography: All rights reserved

sur la terre brand history

< INSTRUMENT BR01 in 4 colors >

>>> To quote every Bell&Ross catalogue, an epigraph to the philosophy of the atypical, no holds barred watchmaking brand, these few lines make you dream: “Because he wants to touch the stars and dive to the bottom of the seas, because he lives his passions to the extreme, man has always measured himself against time. To turn a few seconds into a moment of eternity”. Needing and enjoying making the most of every moment are qualities that we find in the enthusiasm and buoyancy of the two founders of the brand, Carlos Rosillo and Bruno Belamich. The never-flagging bond between them started at school. Friends turned partners before their thirtieth birthdays, they launched themselves into the adventure in 1992, fired by the same passion - functionalist design watches specific to military applications. The two young men did not hesitate to start from scratch; they quit their respective jobs

to fulfil their childhood dreams. Bubbly and full of self-confidence, Carlos remembers the leap into the unknown, the beginnings of the brand: “It wasn’t difficult, I was 28, unmarried and no children - I wasn’t risking a great deal. I was driven by my enthusiasm and my desire for freedom. It all seemed so obvious.” The two young partners have, for the past fifteen years, formed a lasting bond which has found rhythm and balance: each one has his own personality, expertise and exclusive domain. Carlos, the pragmatic Parisian of Spanish descent, a graduate of HEC and former strategy advisor with a merchant bank, is the Bell&Ross Chairman in charge of its management. To Bruno, the designer from Burgundy who is crazy about new shapes, falls the artistic management. “We trust each other and like to consult each other on all subjects, but if we disagree then the one with the most experience in the field decides!” The ‘&’ in

the logo clearly sums up this harmony, this balance between two partners who extend it as a basic operating principle within their prestigious company. “The union of skills is the basis for our business. It is important to bring together individuals with complementary know-how: engineers, designers, master watchmakers and, of course, professional users for whom the watch is designed. We don’t have a star talent or the idea of a master watchmaker who does everything and who works shut off from the outside world. We have to know how to orchestrate these talents in every specific case, sometimes calling on technical nous and experience from areas outside the watchmaking arena, such as engineers working on black credit cards for the coating.” As part of the modern watchmaking movement, the two founders of Bell&Ross

sur la terre brand history

< BR INSTRUMENT Minuteur Tourbillon Pink Gold >

take their inspiration from anywhere to design their models: “new trades, new materials, what’s going on in the automobile industry, in aeronautics and so on. Bruno has worked on “concept car” instrument panels (imagining the car of the future). There is constant toing and fro-ing between the influences of the watchmaking and the automobile worlds.” The combination of genius and daring from these two demanding, aesthete and visionary partners is making its mark on the world of watchmaking. Their challenge: form part of the finest tradition of Swiss watchmaking to design watches for professional use. From astronauts to deep-sea divers or mine clearance experts, the fledgling brand provides the answers to the requirements of men living on the edge. In the ocean depths, high up in the sky, experiencing exceptional temperatures or superhuman pressures, Bell&Ross watches must be instruments of optimum reliability for the professionals wearing them, even an ally at any one moment.

Four golden rules justify this claim and make the watches unique, satisfying stringent specifications. The first is readability, by repeating the visual principles of aircraft instrument panel dials, meeting the requirements of individuals; the second water resistance, just like the Hydro Challenger model, where liquid silicon has been inserted into the case. Bell&Ross holds the world water resistance record (Guinness Book of Records), with the watches guaranteeing optimum water resistance from 100 to 11,100 m. Accuracy is third, which is absolutely essential for divers and fighter pilots for whom every second counts! Last but not least is functionality, to satisfy professions requiring a suitable tool with specific functions, thought out for particular uses. Four principles which, in that last fifteen years, none of the brands’ watches have failed to abide by. “For us the function dictates the shape. Every detail has its meaning, its utility. Working with professional users, like mine clearance experts or sub-mariners, has influenced the brand’s fundamental precepts.

These professional markets are nevertheless nonrecurring and atypical, but we always work on our product development like that. Even if we are making a civilian watch for a complications enthusiast or simply a lover of elegance, we work with this environment and product constraint.” From professionals to enlightened enthusiasts via collectors, strapping a Bell&Ross to the wrist is joining a club which appreciates the fine references of the brand. “Refining the watches responded to a necessity as the Ministry of Defence and the various professions for whom we manufacture the watches do not have large budgets. They give us cachet!” Chosen as the official watch for the Army and RAID, the brand launches milestone products such as the Space1 in 1994, a re-issue of a first automatic chronograph worn by astronaut Reinhart Fürrer in space during his 1983 Spacelab mission. In 1996, it was the turn of the French Civil Safety Authority to request a specific watch for mine clearance experts.

sur la terre brand history

< Sub-mariner wearing an INSTRUMENT BR02 >

It has an anti- and non-magnetic case with quartz accuracy. It was immediately adopted not only by its sponsor in Civil Safety but also by specialists in NATO and the Air Force.

“Unlike other major luxury brands, we are capable of producing customised watches for these professions.”

< INSTRUMENT BRS Black Ceramic >

Following this success came the HydroMax, designed to meet the most extreme conditions of deep-sea diving. In 2002 it was the turn of complications to enter the lists with the Vintage 123 Jumping Hour, a masterpiece of ingenuity, with sleek lines and a single, central hand to indicate the minutes. Fruits of the collaboration between Bell&Ross and the master Swiss watchmaker,Vincent Calabrese, it combines the complexity of a single movement with the simplicity of a hitherto unseen reading system. Carlos therefore wondered: “How can we convey even more radically our

passion for on-board instruments and create a watch truly different from the others?” The response was the BR (instrument line) in 2004, the brand’s star watch (50% of sales), which converted the watch “from instrument panel to the wrist”, with maximum readability by both day and night. “Right from the start we have been guided by our mascot, an aircraft’s instrument panel. The proof is that we have managed to strap it to the wrist!” Becoming an iconic watch, it is available in several colours, including black, orange and blue, and various models depending on the functions of the mechanism, such as chronograph, large date display, power reserve and tourbillo, with different case materials and finishes, from steel to titanium, carbon and gold. “Look at the BR: it has its own identity without anything being said. We can play with our models and attract a wider public, but we remain loyal to our basic philosophy without being tempted to deviate by one jot nor get carried away by what is fashionable.”

sur la terre brand history

< INSTRUMENT BR01 Pro Titanium >

A clear, no holds barred artistic line. Ironically, Bell&Ross sometimes finds itself well in with fashion without even trying! This amuses Carlos Rosillo. “I think that a brand with a strong DNA finds itself fashionable virtually by chance because all of a sudden the fashion and its genetic code cross paths. But we weren’t looking for this! Today’s fashion is for large watches. We didn’t wait for this to launch our XXL models, for the size of our watches is set by functional criteria. For example, our BR02 watch, designed as a diving instrument and suitable for use by professional sub-mariners, is 44 mm in diameter and 18 mm thick. But it was technically impossible to create a thinner mount to achieve water resistance to 1,000 m with an internal bezel.”

< Pilot wearing an INSTRUMENT BR03 >

In the world of luxury watchmaking, Bell&Ross has immediately sent a strong, unique message and has found its niche. The first collection presented at the Basel Fair in 1995 of watches with black and white dials caught the eyes

of both professionals and collectors. The fifteen leading international points of sales immediately placed unhoped-for orders. “You don’t have the weight of the past when you create a new brand. I knew we had won our wager! Firstly, to enjoy ourselves and secondly, to attract top-notch people from the world of watchmaking with strong products.” Immediately sold worldwide, with top-class sales outlets that are “a bit like Colette for fashion” in Japan, the United States, Belgium, Portugal, Italy and elsewhere, the fledgling brand underwent lightning development. But the two young entrepreneurs, mischievous and determined, were far from astonished they had “programmed in success!” having “worked on our image and philosophy for two and a half years before the launch.” Behind this seemingly offhand manner, the two young partners, for whom everything seems easy - “we function on intuition” - reflected maturely and analysed the market with a clear, long-term vision of what they wanted to do, in a spirit of tremendous complementarity

sur la terre brand history

< INSTRUMENT BR02 Chronograph. Carbon finish steel case. Rubber strap >

and mutual trust. “It’s true that success was fast and the public image expanded. Our story is similar to the production of jeans. At the start, they were working clothes: today they’re everyone’s second skin.” The company has grown from two partners to its current workforce of about fifty, with the opening of a subsidiary in the United States, sales offices throughout Europe and reference distributors in Asia. A meeting with the owners of Chanel was an opportunity for the young company to structure its finances, stabilise its development and share the production unit at La Chaux de Fonds in Switzerland. Today’s priority - and this is the really tricky part - is to cope with the growth: “double growth every year is possible, beyond that it’s dangerous!” Carlos sees the main challenge as succeeding in internationalising the brand. “We have five hundred points of sale in fifty countries. We must remain selective, making sure not to stretch ourselves too far and striking a happy balance in the various countries. A prestigious

brand cannot focus entirely on a single continent. The customers travel and must be able to find us in Hong Kong or Moscow via Paris and even Venezuela!” Another key to their success is the control of the design, which the brand does not wish to subcontract to maintain its strong personality. Vector of identification and legendary object for those who wear them, Bell&Ross watches are expanding today into complications and even feminine watchmaking. “Our new product for 2008, the BRS Ceramic, is not based on the traditional jewel watch concept. We are addressing women whilst remaining ourselves - women who are not afraid to wear a powerful object.” At the end of 2008, after a year and a half of negotiations and design and another year in manufacture, Bell&Ross will be delivering a new watch to the Head of the General Air Force Staff. But what makes Carlos the most proud? “That my partner Bruno and I have not been in conflict; that we have remained friends.”

< BR INSTRUMENT Grand Minuteur >

sur la terre spotlight

Frits Van Paasschen CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

Frits Van Paasschen is the CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which manages some of the biggest names in luxury accommodation. In an exclusive interview, he talks to Sur la Terre about Starwood’s global past, successful present and future vision for Qatar and the entire Middle East. 1. By September 2007, Starwood owned and managed 267 properties in Europe and the Middle East, with 65,098 rooms; how much of that is in the Middle East and, specifically, the Arabian Gulf? Starwood is one of the most globalised hotel companies with 936 hotels in nearly 100 countries, and the Middle East is a crucial component of our growing portfolio. In the Middle East we currently have 50 hotels and resorts operating under five of our nine distinct and compelling brands, including Sheraton, Le Meridien, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton and the Luxury Collection. These properties represent nearly 12,000 rooms in the region. The Gulf region accounts for 77% of our Middle East operation, with 38 properties in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. We look to leverage this established presence as we continue to grow in the region at record rates. 2. In 2006 visiting Starwood officials predicted that Starwood would “double the number” of its properties in the Middle East “in four to five years”. How do you expect those figures to change in the next 5 or 10 years? Starwood is the place to be with a record high pipeline of nearly 500 hotels and 110,000 guest rooms. And while Starwood is based in the U.S., we see that our most substantial opportunity for growth is in international markets. In fact, more than 60 percent of hotels in our robust pipeline are in destinations outside North America. Development in Europe, Africa and the Middle East region is a top priority for us, and we are focused on growing our presence in this key market. We are working to add 110 hotels in the next three years in the region, and we are within striking distance of these numbers. In total, we expect to have doubled the number of hotels by 2013 in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to around 500 hotels. Within the Middle East, we see unprecedented growth opportunity. The wealth creation and accumulation in this part of the world is staggering. It’s like Venice before the Renaissance or London during the British Empire. Text: Gina Coleman

To that end, we now have a record high pipeline with 18 new properties under construction – 12 of which are in the GCC region. Starwood already has an established presence with the Sheraton and Le Meridien brands and we are looking to build on their recognition and regional dominance as we expand our brand portfolio in the region with the introduction of Aloft, St. Regis and W. As we continue to grow in the region, we are fortunate to work with local partners who understand and appreciate our brands, and the types of experiences we look to provide our guests. These partners are interested in working with us with an eye towards long term wealth creation. What’s more, we see great opportunity with the Middle East as a significant origin of outbound travel in the world. As Middle Easterners travel abroad, they look for brands they know, and therefore Starwood’s development in the Middle East today has significant implications for our hotels worldwide. 3. Will Starwood continue to concentrate on opening its ‘luxury’ and ‘boutique’ brands in Qatar and the Gulf or expand its footprint into other market segments? What about brands like ‘Aloft’ and your ‘Element’ long-stay properties, or Starwood ‘Vacation Ownership’ properties? Globally, almost 70 percent of our robust pipeline is in the highly desired upper-upscale or luxury categories. Growth in the luxury segment is a priority for Starwood in all parts of the world, but the opportunity is especially great in the Middle East. The Middle East is a sophisticated market that really understands and appreciates luxury brands. There is a great affinity for our luxury brands like St. Regis and W, even though we’re new to the region. And with 14 luxury and upper-upscale hotels under development, including the four St. Regis hotels and four W’s, we are poised to even further establish our place as the region’s leaders in luxury. While luxury and upscale hotels do represent the majority of our developments in the Middle East and around the world, we have a keen eye on expanding our select service brands in the region as well. We have announced the first Aloft hotel in the Middle East with the signing of the Aloft Abu Dhabi, which will open by the end of 2009. Aloft is infused

sur la terre spotlight

with the DNA of W Hotels and features loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. With more than 100 deals signed before the first hotel ever opened, Aloft is the most successful brand launch in the industry and we are thrilled to introduce this new concept to the Middle East. In 2011, we look to open our first Element in Abu Dhabi. Element was launched to the development community in 2006 and is our extended stay offering inspired by the design and positioning of Westin Hotels and Resorts. This brand is designed to promote balance through smart and sustainable design and serves as the Starwood concept lab for “green” initiatives. Both these brands will further complement our existing Four Points by Sheraton product, which currently has a portfolio of five properties in the Middle East with two more in the pipeline. 4. Is there anything which differentiates Starwood’s presence in the Middle East? Starwood’s distribution and reach in the Middle East is industry leading, and our portfolio includes a healthy mix of both city and resort hotel operations in this region. Starwood has a long legacy in the region as well, dating back to the opening of the Sheraton Kuwait in 1966. Since then we have continued to establish our presence and build great relationships in this region with a highly focused commitment to excel in our delivery of memorable guest experiences. In turn, we are seeing that both developers and consumers are on-board and are excited about the possibilities of what new brands Starwood will introduce to the Middle East next. 5. How do you evaluate Starwood’s current performance and market share worldwide and in the Middle East? Travellers to, and within, the Middle East continue to connect to our brands as evidenced by our performance. This region has been achieving the highest growth rate worldwide with RevPAR growing by 17.9% in 2008 and average daily rate (ADR) growing 15.8% in 2008. Room revenue for the Middle East hotels increased 22.8% in 2008 over 2007. These results clearly demonstrate there is an appetite for Starwood’s industry leading lifestyle brands among consumers, which continues to fuel developers’ interest in our brands. 6. What made Starwood open it’s first W Hotel for the region in Doha? W began as a NYC-centric concept that rapidly grew to become a U.S phenomenon. Today, W is the defining brand in the design driven luxury category and is poised to become a global powerhouse with aggressive plans to triple its footprint in three years. Doha represents an ideal next stop for W on its global expedition as it is the economic and social center of Qatar. Doha is experiencing phenomenal growth and we believe its residents and visitors are hungry for the style, social scene and insider access to fashion, entertainment and night life that have made W such a giant success. As we expand with three additional W hotels in the region, the W Doha will be a fantastic ambassador for the brand in a thriving market that caters to international trend seekers.

7. Can you bring us up-to-date with progress on new Starwood properties in Qatar? We believe the W Hotel is scheduled to open in early 2009; Four Points and St Regis in 2010. Are those dates ‘firm’, and do you have plans for any more properties in Qatar [either Starwood-owned or Starwoodmanaged]? How will the opening of the new Starwood hotels in Qatar impact your existing property ? At Starwood we are focused on brilliant execution and work to open our hotels on time, on budget and full. In that spirit, we are progressing on schedule with plans to launch the W Doha in early 2009. And the beach front St Regis Doha is expected to open in late 2010, along with the Le Meridien Doha and Four Points by Sheraton Doha. Within two years, Starwood Hotels & Resorts will showcase five different brands in Doha, which is remarkable. The opening of new properties in Doha will enhance Starwood’s presence in the region and these distinctive and compelling brands will complement each other by offering a range of services, amenities and design to a very diverse market. 8. How does Starwood market its other worldwide properties to nationals and residents of Qatar? Personal experience is the most effective marketing opportunity we have. Travellers within Qatar have already experienced our Sheraton brand and have a clear understanding of the quality and service offered by Starwood hotels. Outbound travelers from Qatar have likely been introduced to brands, such as W and St. Regis, in other regions and have brought those positive experiences back with them. These satisfied guests are our most important brand ambassadors as we launch new brands and hotels in Qatar. In addition, there are numerous other ways in which we market our worldwide properties to residents of Qatar. Specifically, we connect through advertising campaigns, online marketing, partnerships and the yearly Starwood Middle East Sales Mission that takes place in major cities in the Middle East, including Doha. 9. And finally ... How do you see the overall development of Qatar? How has it changed in the time you’ve been visiting? How do you see the maturing of its leisure and tourism industry and in particular the hotel and hospitality market? We strongly believe in the tourism potential of Qatar. We were one of the first international hotel companies to emerge in Doha 26 years ago with the Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, which has long been a landmark in the city. The signing of the W, Four Points, St. Regis and Le Meridien Doha is another sign of Starwood’s commitment to develop its brands in this fast-growing country in the Middle East. With the growing developments in infrastructure and investments, we see Doha as a lucrative market for tourist projects and are keen to pursue any interesting opportunity that would allow us to further enhance our presence and expand our brand portfolio in Qatar. Qatar’s cosmopolitan outlook and open economy have long attracted foreign investment and many investors will continue to choose Qatar as a gateway through which to access the region from the heart of the Gulf.

sur la terre artopia

Ayyam Gallery Dubai Straight from the heart of Syria to the growing hub of culturally hip and happening Dubai, the new Ayyam Gallery boasts a history of art to be proud of, from contemporary to modern and everything in between. < Ayyam Mezz >

sur la terre artopia

< Artists work displayed at Ayyam Gallery >

>>> So how did the growing legacy of Ayyam Gallery begin? In November 2006, Ayyam Gallery opened its doors to Dasmascus with a five hundred square metre gallery situated in the heart of the Mazzeh District. Its main aim was to promote the best in Syrian art of all forms to the world by representing some of the country’s top established and emerging artists, which it did with rapid, impressive results. Nearly two years on, what started as a hobby for its founder, Khaled Samawi, has become one of the Middle East’s top art galleries, with an impressive roster of more than 30 Syrian artists and a following of critics, buyers and artists from all over the world.“Syrian Art has always been well received in this part of the world”, says Khaled. “A lot of Ayyam’s clients that buy regularly from Damascus are from this region. There has always been a certain mysticism surrounding Syria and Damascus due to its rich history and political climate, and people are always fascinated to see the type of art we sell because it comes from such an interesting place in the world”. Following the amazing success of the gallery in Damascus, Ayyam Dubai opened its doors in May 2008 with a 1000 square metre gallery situated centrally in Al Quoz, and hasn’t looked back since. “We felt that it was important for us to be located here in

< Khaled Takreti >

sur la terre artopia

< Ayyam Gallery Dubai >

“Ayyam Gallery is proving its worth in the weighty world of art and culture not only throughout the region, but around the world.”

< Artists work displayed at Ayyam Gallery >

the middle of the action. We have been coming to the shows and auctions here since we started the gallery so it was always something we were looking to do when the time was right”, says Hisham Samawi, Khaled’s partner in Dubai.“Until recently, all art from the region was just labelled as ‘Middle Eastern Art’. That is slowly starting to change, and one can see niches breaking away and developing in their own right, such as the Iranian art scene. Ayyam Gallery plans to be at the forefront of defining Arab Art across the region”. The Dubai gallery itself consists of a main gallery area with a 10 metre high ceiling, and a secondary gallery located on a mezzanine floor. The interior boasts a series of moveable walls that can be rearranged to create a fluid space, making every show a new experience, and there is also a back gallery that opens up for special occasions and events. Ayyam Gallery’s mission is to promote the best Middle Eastern modern and contemporary art globally, and their philosophy is to deal mainly

in original museum grade art from the Middle East’s top established and emerging artists. In addition to participating in art shows around the world, such as Basel, Paris, Beijing and the United States, not to mention closer to home in Abu Dhabi, Ayyam Gallery will also be a platform for art related events across the region, such as exhibitions, art fairs and events to launch new talent. Their Shabab Ayyam Programme offers the First Ayyam Prize for Emerging Syrian Artists - an award that is garnering prestige and recognition for the chosen few. In addition, Ayyam Gallery supports and promotes their artists by publishing books dedicated to highlighting their unique art, therefore providing not only the artist with literary exposure, but also the artistic world with a literary inheritance of modern and contemporary Syrian art. With plans already underway to open a third Ayyam Gallery in Beirut during the first quarter of 2009, Ayyam are also beginning to expand their offerings to include artists from other Arab countries. Initially starting with artists from Lebanon,

sur la terre artopia

Palestine and Jordan, in addition to their current base of Syrian artists, Ayyam will be opening their doors to artists from around the region. Ayyam Gallerysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; broad but discreet clientele only confirm their success, and loyal customers come from all over the world to deal with them. This may also be because Ayyam offer something for everyone, from works of art for international institutions such as museums, foundations, and global auction houses, to an individual or couple looking for that one piece that will complete their home. No piece is too large or small, and regardless of size they give each piece the same care and attention to detail. So no small wonder then, that Ayyam Gallery, from Damascus to Dubai, is proving its worth in the weighty world of art and culture not only throughout the region, but around the world. For more information and location: Web: www.ayyamgallery.com Email: dubai@ayyamgallery.com Phone: +9714 323 6242

< Artists work displayed at Ayyam Gallery >

sur la terre going global

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid is one of the most novel and arresting architects of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Her works have literally shaped the urban geography of a generation, implementing surreal twists and turns to a once confined landscape. She has been awarded many times over for her innovation and ethic, and is globally celebrated as one of the premiere architects in the world today. >>> To say she is simply an architect, however, is to take too myopic a view, for her tastes and talents merge flawlessly with artistry, and her intelligence is much lauded within the realm of academics. The briefest glance at any of her works allows a deep introspective into function, a fond appreciation of form and the realisation of many years of research. Her professional and educational credentials are some of the most impressive in the architectural world. Born in Baghdad, she later moved to Lebanon to begin her basis in understanding architecture by studying Mathematics at the American School of Beirut. From there, she moved on to the UK, graduating from the Architectural Association School in London and winning the Diploma Prize in 1977. She later became a partner with her former teachers Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, where she continued to develop her ideas and began to give them practical form under the guidance of Peter Rice.

< Zaha Hadid, photographed by Steve Double >

From 1980 to 1987, she ran her own practice in London while teaching at the Architectural Association. After establishing this business venture, she moved primarily into academia, holding among other positions the Kenzo Tange Chair at Harvard, the Sullivan Chair at the University of Chicago School of Architecture, an honorary membership in the American Academy of Arts and a fellowship at the American Institute of Architecture. She has also held many guest and visiting professorships across the world. Hadid is presently a member of the editorial board for the Encyclopedia Britannica as well as a professor at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria.

sur la terre going global

< Kloris >

sur la terre going global

< A design by Zaha Hadid and Patrick Schumacher, Partner at Zaha Hadid Architect’ s, for the Gallery’s world-renowned fundraiser ‘The Summer Party’. >

< Masterplan >

To list all of her accolades, awards and accomplishments would be an impossibility, simply because of the sheer volume. Suffice it to say, she has won a bevy of honours from many professional and academic bodies over the years. Among her greatest known works to date are the Vitra Fire Station, Strasbourg Tram Station, the Peak Club in Hong Kong and the Cardiff Bay Opera House in Wales. After the millennium, she won the international design competition for Singapore’s One-North plan, as well as the competition for the new city casino in Switzerland. She has even won an Olympic Gold Medal in Design in recognition of her work on the Bergisel Ski Jump. In 2004, she was awarded arguably her most impressive honour: the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the architecture world’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize. As the first woman to win the award, Hadid has broken more ground than just that of an architectural project. Hadid’s exhibitions show a grand visualization of modern architectural evolution, showcasing a breadth of offerings from intensive retrospective studies of classic architecture to clinics in deconstructivist art. Her works have swept across the planet, and appear in some of the most exclusive museums and art showrooms in history, including the Guggenheim in New York, the GA Gallery in Tokyo, and the MoMA in both New York and San Francisco. Her paintings and drawings are included in integral texts in the field, and she has widely published her works and findings in leading periodicals and monographs. Zaha Hadid is an inspirational, methodological force of art and has become a major influence in nearly every part of the world. Her current project is no less revolutionary and awe-inspiring. Hosted by Sonnabend and curated by Schachter/ROVE, Hadid unveils her newest large scale sculptural installations in two galleries in New York City. Spanning

sur la terre going global

< Rome Urban Path >

< Stalactites >

until December 31st, the exhibition will once again illustrate Hadid’s rare ability to subtly bridge the gap between art and architecture. Constantly redefining the relationship between the two worlds, Hadid has conceptualized a marriage of differential terrain. Utilizing the mediums of sculpture, reliefs and paintings, she offers a contrastive conflict of a utilitarian pragmatism with an air of artistic wonderment. No space in the two exhibitions is left unturned or untouched by her mind’s eye, as anti-gravity grottos exist simultaneously with liquid-like desks that flow from the walls and chairs that grow organically from the ground. Stoney scales rip across ceilings as fleshy lacerations in the preexisting fabric of residential normalcy, while liquid-metal stalactites hang mid-drip like the unfurling viscera of a melting concrete sky. In these unique exhibitions, Hadid has effectively merged functionality with the fantastic. This is not a showcase devoted solely to each one of Hadid’s talents, but a demonstration that her overlapping interests are more than the sum of their parts. As Kenny Schachter of ROVE said about the showcase, “Each installation offers elements from Hadid’s 30-year explorations into an architecture of fluidity at all scales, but also attempts to integrate art, design and architecture via Hadid’s signature style of fluidity and organic systems of organisation. Hence, the show is not solely art, design or architecture, but rather a hybrid quoting from all three.” Hadid’s newest exhibition will take place simultaneously at both the Sonnabend Gallery on 536 West 22nd Street and 168 10th Avenue at 21st Street in New York. Doors open at 10am and close at 6pm. The shows are continuations of the popular Mobile Art: Chanel Contemporary Art Container exhibition and are sure to broaden the horizons and imaginations of all those lucky enough to attend.

< Wall Relief Villa >

< One of Zaha Hadid’s infamous works >

HO 2

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sur la terre shining stars

Shining Stars Photography: Jorell Lagaspi Production: Firefly Communications Stylist: Chantel Mossess Hair: Jad from Pace e Luce Make-up: MAC Location: Ramada Plaza Doha, Ramada Junction, Doha A big thank you to our shining stars Adriano, Abdullah, Jana, Tala Cars courtesy of Jaidah Motors ‘Tahoe and Corvette’ All accessories from stores within the luxurious Royal Plaza, Al Sadd Street, Doha. Branded retail outlets within Royal Plaza Givenchy, Titto Bluni, Boudoir, Angel, Nouran and Veleno Retail outlets with additional brands who participated in the shoot include Ali bin Ali Audemars Piguet, Graham, Cartier, Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermès, Panerai, De Witt Fuji Samsung and Fuji Al Jaber Opticians Bulgari Limited edition, Versus, Chanel and Emporio Armani Paris Gallery Yves Saint Laurent, Guerlain, Giorgio Armani, Guerlain Homme, Chanel Allure, Britney Spears, Estée Lauder, Chanel, Christian Dior, Lancôme, Tom Ford, Kathy Van Zeeland and Tonini Lamborghini

ADRIANO Tie worn GIVENCHY Ties in the background TITTO BLUNI Watch worn GRAHAM Watch not worn AUDEMARS PIGUET Cufflinks GIVENCHY L’HOMME Eau de Toilette YVES SAINT LAURENT L’HOMME Healthy Look Moisturiser YVES SAINT LAURENT L’HOMME - Touch Eclat YVES SAINT LAURENT L’HOMME - Anti Fatigue Treatment YVES SAINT LAURENT L’HOMME - Perfumed Deodorant YVES SAINT LAURENT Eau De Toilette GUERLAIN HOMME Eau De Toilette GIORGIO ARMANI Eau De Toilette CHANEL ALLURE - EDITION BLANCHE

sur la terre shining stars

TALA Tiara NOURAN Hair accessories BOUDOIR Palette Duo YVES SAINT LAURENT - THE BOW COLLECTION Gold & pink earrings BOUDOIR Pink skirt LESY Black & pink layer bag LESY Black fur scarf LESY Black satin shoes GIVENCHY Gold & white bag BOUDOIR Rings BOUDOIR

Perfume, BRITNEY SPEARS MIDNIGHT FANTASY Perfume ESTéE LAUDER - SENSOUS Perfume CHANEL NO. 5 Make up base GUERLAIN - L’OR Perfume CHRISTIAN DIOR Jewellery on stand BOUDOIR Cream for the face DIOR - L’OR DE VIE Scarf GIVENCHY Red fur shawl BOUDOIR

sur la terre shining stars

JANA White dress LESY Gold shoes GIVENCHY Yellow handbag GIVENCHY Yellow patent shoes GIVENCHY Earrings BOUDOIR Scarves GIVENCHY Lipstick CHANEL Everlong Mascara YVES SAINT LAURENT Bracelet BOUDOIR Lip Gloss LANCOME

sur la terre shining stars

ADRIANO Sunglasses TOM FORD Watch HERMĂ&#x2C6;S Blue & grey camera FUJI INSTAX 200

TALA Bag VELENO Jewellery set; necklace, earrings & ring CARTIER White dress LESY Black shawl LESY

sur la terre shining stars

JANA Skirt with top LESY Shoes BOUDOIR Bag CARTIER Sunglasses VERSUS Necklace & bangle CARTIER

sur la terre shining stars

JANA Dress LESY Jacket LESY Shoes BOUDOIR Shoes LESY Sunglasses BULGARI - LIMITED EDITION Watch with matching ring VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Necklace VELENO Ring VELENO Clutch bag GIVENCHY Pink camera FUJI J-12 Blue & grey camera FUJI INSTAX 200

ABDULLAH Sunglasses DIOR Tie GIVENCHY Cufflinks VELENO Watch PANERAI White camera SAMSUNG 18 Silver camera SAMSUNG 1-80

sur la terre shining stars

ADRIANO Watch, DE WITT Tie, TITTO BLUNI

JANA Dress LESY Watch SCHREINER Silver bracelet with charms DIOR Ring DIOR Silver handbag KATHY VAN ZEELAND

TALA Dress LESY Necklace, earrings, & bracelet set DIOR Beaded bag VELENO Rings VELENO Metallic shoes GIVENCHY ABDULLAH Watch TONINI LAMBORGHINI Tie GIVENCHY

sur la terre beauty

Sunglasses and scarf CHRISTIAN DIOR Highlighting primer serum, perfecting silky veil, ultimate glow correction BY TERRY High definition serum foundation n째030 DIOR Diorblush 739 pink copper DIOR Diorshine powder 003 copper diamond DIOR High shine lip lacquer N째5, rich et pure color, luxurious shaping volume, micronized ruby extracts BY TERRY

Production: Sandra Jeannin Photographs by Ian Abela @ Visionairs In Art www.ianabela.com Models: Sal Taylor @ KARIN Paris AlyssaH @ IMG Paris Make-up: Sandra Jeannin @ Powder & Shine

sur la terre beauty

Scarf CHRISTIAN DIOR Lumi diffusing n째5 soft beige, ultra correcting liquid foundation BY TERRY Palette 2 colours Tropical look n째375 DIOR Palette 5 colours iridescent leather n째539 DIOR Eyeliner pencil iridescent khaki n째363 DIOR

sur la terre beauty

THE ALL NEW NO!NO! The No!No! is the first professional-quality epilator for use at home. Its exclusive technology uses heat to reduce hair density - no razor, no wax, no pain and no ugly new hair. The No!No! reduces pilosity and hair coarseness pampering the skin. It is easy to use, not to mention cute - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential! Available only at Sephora.

sur la terre fashion

Production: Juliette Blondel Stylist assistant: Johanna Ikeng Photographs by Ian Abela @ Visionairs In Art www.ianabela.com Photographic assistants: Alexia Nghe-Un Make-up: Sandra Jeannin @ Powder&Shine Hair: Lucie Musci Models: AlyssaH @ IMG Paris Sal Taylor @ KARIN Paris Location: Studio PIN-UP Paris

Pullover and skirt KRIZIA défilé Tights FALKE Shoes CHRISTIAN DIOR Necklace “Cehry Torq” grey gold TIFFANY & CO Ring “Grosse boule” grey gold DE GRISOGONO Ring “Cartouche” grey gold DE GRISOGONO

sur la terre fashion

Shirt, tank top, trousers, tie KRIZIA UOMO Hat “Impertinent” HERMÈS Shoes CHRISTIAN DIOR Watch CHOPARD automatic steel Ring “La Dona” CARTIER

sur la terre fashion

Trousers, jacket, KENZO for men Silk pullover FALKE Wool and silk stole ETRO Silk breast pocket ETRO Hat in felt “Monday” Motsch at HERMÈS Belt ETRO Necklaces and rings SWAROVSKI

sur la terre fashion

Superfine wool pullover, wool blouse, wool skirt and boots YVES SAINT LAURENT Necklace SWAROVSKI Bracelet “Spirale” in white gold HERMÈS Tights FALKE Bag WALTER STEIGER

sur la terre fashion

Jacket EMANUEL UNGARO Trousers HUGO BOSS Shirt FALKE Tie “Tika” HERMÈS Necklace “Cleo” white gold PASQUALE BRUNI Ring “Luce” turquoise, white gold and diamonds PASQUALE BRUNI Ring “Segreti divigni” white gold, diamonds and kogolong PASQUALE BRUNI Ring “Luce” Falcon eye, diamonds and white gold PASQUALE BRUNI

sur la terre fashion

Satin dress CHRISTIAN LACROIX Tights FALKE Shoes WALTER STEIGER Ring “Cartouche” grey gold DE GRISOGONO Ring “Allegra” grey gold DE GRISOGONO Ring “Grosse boule” grey gold DE GRISOGONO

sur la terre fashion

Trousers and shirt ETRO Wool waistcoat EMANUEL UNGARO Silk scarf “Perspective II” HERMÈS Men’s watch in stainless steel, Bead TIFFANY & CO Silver bracelet “Torsade” HERMÈS

sur la terre fashion

Black dress and metallic strings GIAMBATISTA VALLI Shoes WALTER STEIGER Tights FALKE Earrings “Cartouche” grey gold DE GRISOGONO Ring “Cartouche” grey gold DE GRISOGONO Ring “Allegra” grey gold DE GRISOGONO

sur la terre fashion

Cashmere coat “Silex” AKRIS Watch CHOPARD Gloves AGNELLE

sur la terre accessories

Uptown Girl

Production: Sandra Benbaruk @ Swap Management Photographs: Ian Abela @ Visionairs In Art www.ianabela.com Models: Cisa @ Ford NY Make-up: Sandra Jeannin @ Powder & Shine Hair: Michele Salvadori @ Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Atelier NYC for John Sahag Salon NY

Calfskin black pumps, white & black pearl necklace CHANEL

sur la terre accessories

White high waisted trousers and white cotton top ARMANI EXCHANGE Pendant with gemstone and sterling silver necklace VERSANI White gold bracelets LOVE de CARTIER

sur la terre accessories

Pink swimsuit top J-Lo par JENNIFER LOPEZ Platform sandals CHRISTIAN DIOR Sunglasses DOLCE & GABBANA Rose clutch bag CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

sur la terre accessories

Shoes LANVIN Lighter CARTIER Sterling silver watch VERSANI Money clip in sterling silver VERSANI

sur la terre accessories

Silver leather bag EMANUEL UNGARO Knit white top ARMANI EXCHANGE Wool crepe black trousers and fancy glass & strass belt CHANEL Emerald & onyx collar CARTIER Weave Cuff “Simply Silver” VERSANI

Sur La Terre International S.A. Head office: 26 avenue de la Praille – 1227 GENEVA – SWITZERLAND Tel: + 41 22 310 48 00 | Fax: + 41 22 310 48 01

sur la terre in vogue

In Vogue at to look Where to shop and wh ive trends in for – the latest exclus ilable the fashion world, ava y all to you loc

Titto Bluni Autumn Winter 2008 Collection

Titto Bluni has demonstrated its commitment to both formal and casual menswear for the past 50 years, and it shows no signs of stopping in today’s world. Beginning its legacy in Spain, the company has since gone global, including five stores in the Gulf region. The Doha branch at the Royal Plaza Shopping Mall proudly presented Titto Bluni’s new Autumn Winter 2008 collection, which once again epitomized men’s seasonal fashion. Employing a well-blended symphony of bright colors, rich earth tones and classic customization, the new collection gives off a refined air while at the same time being daringly fresh. The selection is a must for the modern professional man.

sur la terre in vogue

Aida Sanchez

Aida Sanchez is the product of the modern age of free-thinking, nonconformist fashion. She has taken the knowledge and experience from working with big name brands like Geoffrey Beene and Oscar de la Renta, and implemented her background into an original style that breaks away from tradition. Following this philosophy, Aida Sanchez Accessories rejects the status quo of fashion, choosing colours and styles that do not follow the company line of seasonal restrictions. The exclusive shawls, scarves and other high-end acutramént of her Donna collection add a deeply colorful, liquidly-flowing wisp to any attire. This year’s Fall/Winter collection focuses almost exclusively on fashionistas in the Middle East, employing lightweight drapes of material with a silken metallic sheen and soft lace trim. Her Spring 2009 collection, on the other hand, is a powerful explosion of bright color and radiant shine. Her imagination, upbringing and disavowal of archaic fashion ideals makes the Accessories line timeless, revolutionary and most of all, elegant. To learn more about Aida’s philosophy and style, go to: www.aida-sanchez.com.

Warehouse New Collections

Warehouse has recently released an imaginative new clothing line influenced by the colours, shapes and materials of everyday life. The eight new looks interweave an unorthodox combination of style, sometimes starkly contrasting each other for a truly unique feel. For example, Architectural uses leather, lace and ruffles to give off a structured look with a stylishly skewed symmetry, while Street Chic is a relaxed study in grungy comfort. Seasonal breathes a 1970’s flair back into fashion, with rustic colors, faux fur and varying concepts for fitting the human form. Muse uses a similar era, but a divergent style-set, as it channels a decidedly bohemian spirit. Deco and Spotlight, on the other hand, are deeply inspired by the 1920’s, using heavy pleating, drop waists, waterfall ruffles and fluted sleeves for the always trendy vintage look. High Society is similarly retro, but has a feel of sophistication and poise, with slim fitting dresses and closely cropped sleeves. Gloss rounds everything out with a simple but electrifying look of disco-era fluidity. With all of these contrastive styles, Warehouse offers a whirlwind of fashion, the breadth of which allows its customers an exciting choice of eight new ways to be bold.

sur la terre in vogue

SHINE with Patricia Rubod In today’s fashion-savvy world, trends change seemingly between the tick and tock of your designer watch, so it’s almost impossible to keep up-to-date and contemporary. But now every woman, from budding fashionista to walking fashion faux-pas, will finally have the professional assistance they need and the personal attention they crave. SHINE is an original idea from Patricia Rubod, a legend of the fashion world who has modelled and advertised for the biggest names in the history

of style. The concept of SHINE is simple: individually-catered, consulting sessions to help make your journey through style easier. Patricia is a well-trained trendsetting icon, so she knows how to adopt an equally analytical and objective eye to every fashion decision, and we do mean EVERY fashion decision. Whether it’s what to wear to a professional engagement, which makeup to use for a first date or even just how to most efficiently pack your suitcase, Patricia knows exactly what to

do. No matter what your body type, background or prior knowledge within the vogue world of style, SHINE will help at every level, from raw materials and last minute accessories to how much everything is going to cost. The most important thing for SHINE is making you comfortable with every facet of fashion. As Patricia says, “There is in each person an inner beauty ... SHINE helps them bring it out.” And that’s just what she’ll do for you.

Sergio Rossi/Puma Collaboration Legendary Italian designer Sergio Rossi and permanently-cool footwear king PUMA have teamed up to produce one of the most unique examples of contemporary women’s fashion to ever grace the shelves. At no time in recent memory has there been a more intriguing fashion hybrid. The cleverly named “ChicSneak” merges the comfort and sportiness of the iconic “Clyde” sneaker and the femininity of a classic pump. While admittedly unorthodox, this joint effort is a funky way to take a bold step into fashion’s future. Mixing such diametric styles is an impressively audacious move for both brands, though given the creativity of each, it is not a surprise. For arguably more conventional fare, PUMA also offers the original Clyde design with an eye-popping color range from Sergio Rossi. Regardless of the style, both of these pieces of artistic footwear are bound to add bounce to the step of the fashion-savvy sportswoman.

sur la terre in vogue

The new collection from Principles is one steeped in glamor, sophistication and romance. The new looks all exude maturity and style, a perfect combination for the successful working woman. The Berlin statement taps into the strength, poise and polish of the modern woman, implementing decisive cuts with stronger shoulders and higher waists. Hutton combines being casual and glamorous, using buoyant colours like orange, toffee and camel to accent elegant fabrics and classic cuts. The Urban Lux line is a portrait in reds and blacks, and grips a military mentality of modernity, while Country Chic is an equestrianstyled tapestry of rich leathers and tweeds. Sleek harnesses the power of the 70’s with graphic prints on silk for a smart, sophisticated look, and Dandy garners its appearance from Victorian society, saturated in sophisticated smokey overtones with a subtle emphasis on shimmering highlights. These are but a handful of the new offerings from Principles, all of which are sure to expand the mind and delight the senses.

Principles

Façonnable Winter 2008 Collection

This winter, Façonnable will take you on a festive stroll through a world of colour. Drape yourself in a silhouette of rich burgundy, bask in a sea of violet and simmer in a subtle sunset of orange. All the colours of the season glow from within warm natural fibers of cashmere and wool. Soft leather in beige and brown supply an earthy feel of comfort and class. Each ensemble is an elegant collision of classic suave and modern style. From clean-cut glamor to casual cool, the diverse collection achieves greatness in each look. With Façonnable, you can carry the distinct feel of the French Riviera wherever you go this winter.

sur la terre in vogue

ZAI

The prestigious Zai store held a special preview reception recently for the newly released Fall/Winter Collection at their location in the luxurious Sharq Village & Spa. The collection included the trendiest names in contemporary fashion, including Lanvin, Elie Saab, Loewe, Longchamp, Paule Ka, Essa, Azzaro, Nina Ricci, Zilli, Costume National, Citizens of Humanity, Manish Arora and Karl Lagerfield. As a bonus treat, Zai offered a glimpse of the top brands of the fall/winter season, all of which appeared in Qatar for the first time. Some of the brand

names present in this exclusive unveiling were Halston, Philip Lim, Dirk Bikembergs, 6267, Alexander Wang, Requiem and Vanessa Bruno. Attendees enjoyed perusing all of the stylish offerings within the elegant venue, and the event promised good things in the future from Zai.

Emporium: Borbonese

This year, the Emporium in Doha is hosting a stylish travel through the fabric of time. This year’s Autumn-Winter collection at the Borbonese boutique is a showcase of the elegant purity of the 1940s, with a decidedly modern twist. The spirit of the distinctive period is preserved, and if anything, enhanced by enticing elements of contemporary design. Implementing an assortment of rare materials like ottoman, baby alpaca, velour mélange and hand-woven satin, Borbonese has updated the classic look of the era’s sleek dresses and refined suits for the modern woman. Evening dresses sparkle with a tapestry of intricate embroidery and crystal highlights,

while sophisticated coats are blanketed in soft furs of shaved lapin and mink. To accessorize the retro look are the chic Borbonese Luxury Bags, expertly crafted in the finest materials, like python, napa leather, mink and printed horse fur. The finishing touches come through the wide range of fashionable footwear and a myriad of leather accessories. The earthy tones of the season are offset in all apparel and accessories by flashes of colour, making this classic collection simultaneously in vogue. For a decidedly unique style this winter, take a trip to Borbonese at the Emporium, and get whisked away by the brand new polish of the “Roaring Forties.”

sur la terre in vogue

KENZO AutumnWinter 2008 The newest collection from the Japan-based KENZO fashion house is inspired by the country’s first and arguably most important fashion model: Sayoko Yamaguchi. The embodiment of emotion, style and movement in fashion, Sayoko defined the “Wabi-sabi” philosophy in Japanese culture. Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic synthesis of modern simplicity and an appreciation for the traditional past, all of which are defined in the new KENZO heritage collection. Modernity is interwoven with history using a variety of rich materials such as satin, silk, organza, tweed, herringbone

and mohair. Printed fabrics flood the seams with colour in floral and graphic designs as calligraphic brushstrokes glide down images of rose gardens, wreathed in patterns of subtle curves and contours. The entire spectrum of colour explodes, melting pinks and fuchsias with rich blacks and cloudy grays. Accentuated with beads, sequins, scales and kimono knots, each offering of the KENZO heritage collection exudes the identity of Japan as a country with one foot in tradition and the other in ultramodernity. Check it out at the KENZO boutique at The Emporium in Doha.

Karen Millen

Karen Millen has released upon the world yet another fine offering of women’s fashion. The Autumn/Winter 2008 collection focuses on the natural beauty feminine form. Using sculptured, figure-fitting cuts to accentuate the alluring curves of an hourglass frame, the many facets of the new line offer a sundry choice in style. As ever with the edgy label, asymmetry is key to a unique look. Elaborate arrangements in ruffles and lace punctuate tight cuts, sharp edges and deeply rich colors to make an irresistibly chic contrast. But comfort does not always submit to style - the granola gobbling bohemians among us can stay smart while keeping comfy in knitted cardigans and soft denims. With the new collection, angles and curves simmer, and melt together in style.

sur la terre

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sur la terre i feel like...

I Feel Like...

Having a dinner party >>> One of the most daunting, nerve-shattering tasks in the world of formal entertaining is the oft-dreaded Dinner Party. Many times, it is not the menu that causes cold sweats, clammy palms and bitten fingernails, but rather the scope of preparation that goes into creating the perfect mood and ambiance of your formal feast. To allay any lingering celebration trepidation, Sur la Terre is here to tell you exactly what you need to make even the most banal dinner pop with prestige.

sur la terre i feel like...

Food, Glorious Food

Are you somewhat lacking in the culinary arts? Fear not! Many hotels have excellent catering services available for most occasions, as do cafés such as Fauchon, Le Nôtre and Lime Tree Café. Passing off the repast as your own is your call; but don’t worry, we won’t tell!

Eat in Style

Neither plastic nor paper have any business being near a formal setting, unless you’re wondering how to pay the bill. Always ensure that your table is adorned with only the finest materials. Villeroy & Boch offers exquisite tableware for every occasion, from crystal glasses to china dinner sets, whilst Christofle has a luxurious and elegant range of silverware. Tavola is also a great place to pick up a selection of tableware for any dining event.

Spruce Up Your Table

Don’t be boring and don’t be predictable. Your guests will appreciate even the littlest additions to your setting. THE One has fantastic candles and holders to suit any table shape or size, as well as funky decorations to add a little individuality. To add a splash of colour, try a table runner from Zara Home, or a swanky tablecloth from Frette. Baccarat has magnificent hand-crafted crystals that will surely be the perfect centerpiece for any design. Flowers also add a touch of class to any sit down meal.

Where to Shop Catering Five star hotels Fauchon Le Nôtre Lime Tree Café

Cutlery and Silver Ware Villeroy & Boch Christofle Table Cloths and Runners Zara Home Frette Flowers Interflora Table Decorations THE One Zara Home Frette Baccarat Tanagra Tavola

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sur la terre out of the box

< Chili Bar Restaurant >

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay The Gulf is known for its opulence, especially when it comes to hotel accommodation. Because of this ubiquitous luxury, it is easy to grow jaded to the ridiculously extravagant amenities and world-class services. However, there are still a few vestiges of unexplored territory, and one spa in particular is doing its best to reinvigorate the heavy hearts of the weariest of travellers. Prepare for the replenishment of all five of your senses ... and maybe one or two more that you never even knew you had.

< Zighy Spa pool Villa Exterior >

sur la terre out of the box

< Dinner on Beach Retreat >

>>> One of the premiere retreats to grasp prominence in the region within the past few years is the appropriately named Six Senses Resorts & Spas. The flagship of their elegant empire is the Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay. Tucked away like a rare jewel in the hidden pocket of Oman, Zighy Bay rests far away from prying eyes in the Sultanate’s Musandam Peninsula. A secluded fishing village, the area is surrounded by a sharp contrast of high mountains and still seas and is known regionally as “The Norway of the Middle East” for its extraordinary resemblance to the natural beauty of stretching fjords. Though the view may be the initial surprise awaiting visitors at Zighy bay, it is only the first among many. Even the journey to the resort is filled with amazement, as guests are given the option of arriving via speed boat, in a car through an intrepid drive over the hilltops or soaring through the air as a passenger with the Hideaway’s personal paraglider. From there, relaxation-craving vacationers will gush at the 82 villas, each radiating a rustic local charm and twenty-first century convenience. The public facilities in this heavenly haven surround lodgers with a keen sense of relaxing recreation, with everything from a large swimming pool to the paradisal beach. Paramount to these offerings is the world-famous Six Senses Spa, which offers nine rooms in which to rejuvenate with a variety of new and traditional treatments perfect for a dreamy escape into a soft world of reinvigoration. The professional hosts are available at any time to fulfill every wish and cure every ill of your beckoning body and mind. Along with the internationally renowned treatments at the spa, including those using Hammam, there is also the signature four-handed Sensory Spa Journey, which must be experienced to be believed. As is the case in

< Deluxe Pool - Villa Exterior >

< Wine Tower Cellar wine Tasting >

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sur la terre out of the box

< The Retreat Pool >

all Six Senses Spas, each excursion is a physical and mental trip through ancient techniques, contemporary facilities and the timelessness of healing through harmony, all delivered by the most expert hands in the country. The philosophy of holistic health is alive in every treatment, and the effect acts as the centerpiece to the entire Six Senses encounter.

< Hilltop Restaurant >

After your spa experience, indulge in some culinary delights, which are second to none at Zighy Bay. With your mind and body in a heightened state of relaxation, you will be free to tantalize the former torpor in your taste buds. Take a meal at any time of day or night within the privacy of your villa with the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s butler service. Picnic near the breaking waves on the beach or indulge in a romantic repast at the top of one of the hills overlooking the village. In any case, Six Senses is able to satisfy your every physical desire. The Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay is a whole different world than what most travelers are used to. The sumptuousness in seclusion it offers is without compare, and it will assuredly renew your faith in unexplored territory. Get ready to once again fall in love with losing yourself.

< Resort Aerial View >

sur la terre out of the box

< Dining at Waterfall >

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< Six Senses spa >

Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa: Jordan The Evason Ma’In Hot Springs location exemplifies the unorthodox philosophy of Six Senses. Snuggled away in the northwestern part of Jordan, near the city of Madaba, Evason Ma’In is a quick but scenic jaunt away from most of the country’s amazing historical sites and places of natural beauty. Surrounded by a mountainous landscape, the retreat has direct access to bubbling hot springs, which pour forth in therapeutic torrents from a number of precipices. This natural wonder of the main waterfall can be seen from many of the 94 luxurious rooms and suites, while others have a breathtaking view of the valley below, and of course the famous Dead Sea. This unique experience culminates with the Six Senses Spa, perched directly beneath one of the waterfalls. The 10

Six Senses Doha

One of Doha’s main pleasure points of relaxation rests within the extravagant Sharq Village. The location’s Six Senses Spa is the ultimate place to escape from the hustle, bustle and pulsating rhythm of Qatar’s capital city. As is evident in its other global locations, Six Senses is decidedly unique from other spas due to its Arabian feel and a focus on holistic therapy. Its 23 treatment rooms offer a diverse mixture of relaxing methods including Hammam, Thai, dry flotation, steam treatments and plunge pools. Along with these offerings, the spa also has a large, hightech fitness gym, prayer rooms and an assortment of relaxation rooms. All treatments, be they massages, body polishes, body wraps, bath rituals or one of the many facial treatments, are catered specifically for the individual, with professional hosts available to facilitate every decision. Expertly trained personal trainers and fitness instructors are also on hand to teach classes on yoga, Reiki and Tai-Chi or to hold one-on-one consultations with each guest. Whether private or in classes, trainers use these meetings to motivate guests and put them on the true path to permanent wellness and universal enlightenment. Implementing the latest in specially formulated products using all-natural ingredients in both new-age and traditional treatment, Six Senses Spa is dedicated to a higher, longer-lasting feeling of well-being.

intimate treatment rooms and steam cave offer the ideal experience for personalized relaxation. The signature therapies of the spa combine with Hammam treatments to ensure a comprehensive experience wherein all of the worries of the world dissolve and fade into wisps of smoke. Using the natural mineral waters surrounding the spa, as well as the therapies drawing on the healing power of the sea, the speciallytrained therapists will send you into a placid world of quiet pleasure with a variety of different treatments from the Far East to the Middle East. Taking a guided trip to the Dead Sea and other relaxing locations is the perfect way to further melt into a still pool of satisfaction, a state that can only be reached with Six Senses.

< Majlis >

For more details, including price guides, room specifications and reservation information, go to www.sixsenses.com.

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sur la terre out of the box

< Mashel Al Naimi >

Qtel Endurance FIM World Championship

The sound of roaring thunder once again pounded through the streets of Doha, but there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a cloud in sight. The clamour came not from the sky, but from the Losail International Racetrack.

< Podium in Superstock with authorities >

< Podium with QMMF President, Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, Rashid Al Mannai on Left, Mashel Al Naimi and Anthony Delhalle >

>>> From the 6th to the 8th of November, Qatar played host to the finals of the Qtel Endurance FIM World Championships. Going into the grueling eight hour race, the nine-time world champion Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) maintained their world-renowned reputation as a dominant driving force before the race even started by securing an unbeatable score in previous races during the season. Other teams, like the Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) and those sponsored by Honda and Kawasaki also rounded out the season by doing well in the finals. At the end of the day however, it was indeed the SERT team that took home the EWC title, despite a decisive victory by the YART team in the final round of the Doha 8 hour event. But, since this is a Qatar-based publication, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to focus on the home team! Led by Meshal al-Naimi, Rashid al-Mannai and French rider Anthony Delhalle, the Suzuki-sponsored Qatar Endurance Racing International Junior Team (QERT IJT) landed top honours by taking home the FIM Superstock World Cup with a total of 165 points. Despite many dramatic changes and to-and-fro action all night, the QERT IJT team held

sur la terre out of the box

< QERT IJT 2nd place on Podium in Superstock at Le Mans, France >

< QERT IJT 1st place on Podium in Superstock at Albacete, Spain >

a commanding lead for the entire eight hours of the race and brought the house down with an emotional home victory. “The World Cup victory is a dream come true for us,” said team member Rashid al-Mannai. This level of performance is exceptional, considering the team was created just last year as part of an initiative of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), the chief sponsor of the event. Integral in securing this victory was the team’s training at the Le Mans Academy in France, which all team members agreed was the right step in the momentous title grab. Mishal al-Naimi stated that the training was, “exactly the reason for us achieving in the very first year a goal that we had hoped to achieve in three years.” QMMF President Nasser bin Khalifa al-Attiyah also noted that the victory would propel the sport of endurance riding in Qatar to an even higher level, saying, “It is an exciting moment for us at the federation. The success of our riders in the very first year of their training stint with a French riding school is encouraging and will help in spreading the culture of endurance racing.” The next step will be to establish a second team to compete in the next Endurance World Championships, with a keen eye on winning the 600cc category of MotoGP in 2010.

< QERT IJT Complete at Le Mans, France >

Final Championship Standings EWC

- Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) 109 pts - Yamaha Austria Racing Team (YART) 95 pts - Yamaha Folch Endurance 72 pts

< Rashid Al Mannai >

FIM Superstock World Cup

- Qatar Endurance Racing IJT, 165 pts - Team LTG 57, 120 pts - Endurance Moto 45, 92 pts

For more about the Endurance FIM World Championships, visit http://www.fimendurance.com/index.php, and to read the latest developments from the local QERT team and all projects under the QMMF, go to www.qmmf.com.

< Suzuka 8 Hours - Suzuka Circuit, Japan >

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sur la terre chapters

A Brief History of Time

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Eat, Pray, Love

A Brief History of Time attempts to explain a range of subjects in cosmology, including the Big Bang, black holes, light cones and the superstring theory, to the nonspecialist reader. Its main goal is to give an overview of the subject but, unusual for a popular science book, it also attempts to explain some complex mathematics. An editor once warned Hawking that for every equation in the book the readership would be halved, hence it includes only a single equation: E = mc². The book also simplifies matters by means of illustrations throughout the text, depicting complex models and diagrams. First published in 1988, A Brief History of Time became a best-seller and has sold more than 9 million copies. It was also on the London Sunday Times best-seller list for more than four years. The book is considered by many to be an “unread bestseller”, which is described as a book many people own but few have finished.

Swedish author and journalist Stieg Larsson uses the tropes of both Scandinavian and British crime fiction in his Millennium Trilogy. The first book is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a thriller that focuses on a complex financial fraud and a powerful family’s sinister secret. Forty years earlier, Harriet Vanger disappeared from the family’s private island with no sign of a disturbance, and no body. Her uncle, however, is convinced that a family member murdered her. A journalist, Blomqvist, takes on the investigation of the disappearance and almost immediately sees a link with a number of other murders taking place around the same time. With no assistance from the family and with his investigation blocked in every direction, he joins forces with the namesake of the novel - an angry punk rocker with few social skills. Together they form an incongruous but believable bond as they work to uncover the forty year old mystery. Larsson’s trilogy was published to great acclaim between 2005 and 2007, after his tragic death in 2004, and has since become something of a bestseller. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo won the prestigious Glass Key for the best Nordic crime novel of 2005.

By the time she turned thirty, Elizabeth Gilbert had everything a modern, educated, ambitious American woman was supposed to want; a husband, a house in the country, a successful career. Instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, however, she was consumed with panic, grief and confusion. Following a divorce,a subsequent failed love and a crushing depression, she took a radical step in order to find out who she really was and what she really wanted. Gilbert quit her job, left her loved ones behind and started a year long journey encompassing three countries, where she learnt the arts of pleasure in Italy, devotion in India and love in Indonesia. An intensely articulate, moving and funny memoir of self-discovery, Eat, Pray, Love is about what can happen when you claim responsibility for your own contentment. Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of a story collection, Pilgrims (a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award), a novel, Stern Men, and, most recently, The Last American Man (a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award). For the last five years she has worked as a journalist at GQ, where her feature writing earned her three National Magazine Award nominations.

by Stephen Hawking

by Elizabeth Gilbert

by Stieg Larsson

sur la terre tunes

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Lessons to be Learned

A Hundred Million Suns

Closer

Gabriella Cilmi, at 17-years-old, recently became the youngest ever solo artist to top the ARIA charts in Australia. In October 2008, Cilmi claimed all six awards she was nominated for, including Best Female Artist, Best Pop Release and Breakthrough Artist: Album, for her debut album Lessons to be Learned. Her breakout smash hit Sweet About Me, which was released in March 2008 and is the song she is best known for, clinched Highest Selling Single, Breakthrough Artist: Single, and Single of the Year. With a fruity and happy pop blend, Gabriella Cilmi has climbed pop charts around the world, especially in the UK and Australia, recording top 10 hits in 10 countries.

A Hundred Million Suns is the fifth album by Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Snow Patrol, one of the biggest selling UK bands this decade. The album was released in Ireland on October 24, 2008, in the UK and the rest of Europe on October 27, 2008, and in the US on October 28, 2008. The album, written by Snow Patrol and produced by Garret Jacknife Lee (Bloc Party, REM, U2), was recorded throughout the Summer of 2008 in Berlin and at Grouse Lodge deep in the Irish countryside. The band believe it is ”musically, lyrically and sonically the best record we’ve ever made”, which is saying something considering their previous seven-times platinum album, Eyes Open, achieved awards across the world from the US and Canada to Germany, Australia and beyond, selling over 4.5 million copies worldwide. Their single Chasing Cars has also just received its 2 millionth download in the US.

Released in October 2008, grammy Award winning, multi-platinum recording artist Sarah McLachlan claims the number 11 spot with her first ever ‘greatest hits’ collection, Closer - The Best of Sarah McLachlan, marking her 5th Top 15 charting album. Since joining Arista two decades ago, every one of Sarah McLachlan’s studio and live albums and videos have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA. The new album, which contains 14 classic tracks personally selected by Sara McLachlan from her award-winning catalogue, as well as two newly recorded and previously unreleased songs, seems destined to follow the same path, having already received critical acclaim since its recent release.

by Gabriella Cilmi

The Best of Sarah McLachlan

by Snow Patrol

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sur la terre silver screen

Burn After Reading

Traitor

Ghost Town

Burn After Reading is a 2008 black comedy film written, produced and directed by the Cohen brothers, Joel and Ethan, and is the first to follow their Academy Award winning Best Picture, No Country for Old Men. The film stars John Malkovich, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt, and was released in the USA on September 12, 2008 and October 17, 2008 in the UK. Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich), a CIA analyst who quits his job after being demoted ostensibly because of his drinking problems, writes a memoir about his life in the CIA. His wife, pediatrician Katie Cox (Tilda Swinton), wants a divorce and, following her lawyers advice, copies many of his personal and financial files onto a disc. In a comic blunder, Katie’s divorce lawyer’s receptionist accidentally leaves the disc at Hardbodies, a workout gym. An employee of the gym, Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt) obtains the disc and, after ascertaining that it contains classified government information, decides to blackmail Osbourne with the help of his fellow employee Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand), who wants the money for plastic surgery.

Traitor is a 2008 spy thriller film, based on an idea by Steve Martin (who is also an executive producer), and written and directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. The film stars Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce, and was first released in the United States on August 27, 2008. When straight arrow FBI agent Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) heads up the investigation into a dangerous international conspiracy, all clues seem to lead back to former U.S. Special Operations officer, Samir Horn (Don Cheadle). A mysterious figure with a web of connections to terrorist organisations, Horn has a knack for emerging on the scene just as a major operation goes down. The inter-agency task force looking into the case links Horn to a prison break in Yemen, a bombing in Nice and a raid in London, but a tangle of contradictory evidence emerges, forcing Clayton to question whether his quarry is a disaffected former military operative - or something far more complicated. Obsessed with discovering the truth, Clayton tracks Horn across the globe as the elusive ex-soldier burrows deeper and deeper into a world of shadows and intrigue.

Directed by David Koepp and starring Ricky Gervais and Greg Kinnear, Ghost Town is a comedy that was released on September 19, 2008 in the US and October 24 in the UK. Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) is a cantankerous dentist who dies for seven minutes whilst having a general procedure done, then wakes up to find he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts - and they all want his help. A man whose people skills leave much to be desired, Pincus is adamant he won’t help until a particularly persistent ghost, Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear), pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen with hilarious, if slightly twisted, results.

sur la terre small screen

Pushing Daisies Pushing Daisies is a ‘dramedy’ created by Bryan Fuller, which premiered in the U.S. on October 3, 2007, on ABC and stars Lee Pace, Anna Friel and Chi McBride. It centers on the life of Ned, a pie-maker gifted with the mysterious ability to bring dead things back to life by touching them. There are, however, conditions to this somewhat unwanted talent - they can only stay alive for a minute or someone else of similar ‘value’ dies. A second touch will render the person dead again, unable to be revived. When PI Emerson Cod accidentally discovers Ned’s gift, they start working together - Ned wakes up those who have died under suspicious circumstances to get information, and they split the reward money. The scheme succeeds until they learn that Ned’s childhood sweetheart has been murdered on a cruise. When her body is shipped back home, Ned revives her, but can’t bring himself to touch her a second time. She is grateful at receiving a second chance and starts to truly appreciate life, which in turn brings Ned out of his lonely shell. Due to the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, the show completed only nine episodes for its first season but was still nominated for twelve Emmy awards, of which it won three. The second season premiered on October 1, 2008.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is a science fiction series produced by Warner Bros. Television and C2 Pictures and staring Lena Headey, Thomas Dekker and Summer Glau. Spinning off from the Terminator series of films, it revolves around the lives of Sarah and John Connor following the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The pilot episode is set in 1999 and introduces Sarah, her son John, and Cameron, a Terminator that has been reprogrammed to protect John. They are being pursued by a Terminator sent back through time to assassinate John and also by FBI Special Agent James Ellison, who believes Sarah is a deranged criminal. Sarah, John, and Cameron make a temporal leap to the year 2007 where, realising that their nightmare isn’t over, Sarah resolves to go on the offensive against Skynet. But the world in 2007 proves complex: Skynet has sent additional Terminators back in time to support its own creation, the resistance movement has sent back its own fighters to interfere, and they must find an intuitive chess computer which may be a precursor to Skynet. The show opened mid-season on January 13, 2008 on the Fox network in the US with a shortened run of nine episodes, and was the highest-rated new scripted series of the 2007-08 television season. Its second season began on September 8, 2008 and will show a full 22 episodes.

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My Own Worst Enemy

My Own Worst Enemy premiered on October 13, 2008 on NBC, is produced by Universal Media Studios and stars Christian Slater. Henry Spivey, a middle-class efficiency expert, lives a typical suburban life, right down to the wife, two kids, dog, and minivan. In contrast, Edward Albright is a lethal, multilingual operative for the CIA who speaks 13 languages, runs a four-minute mile, and is trained to kill. It would seem the two men have nothing in common - except for the fact that they inhabit the same body. When the carefully constructed wall between them breaks down, Henry and Edward are both thrust into unfamiliar territory where each man is dangerously out of his element. My Own Worst Enemy explores the duality of a man who is literally pitted against himself, a la Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde. And it raises the question: who can you trust when you can’t trust yourself?

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sur la terre online

www.facebook.com

www.spendamillion.com

Facebook’s name refers to the paper facebooks depicting members of a campus community that some US colleges and preparatory schools give to incoming students, faculty, and staff as a way to get to know other people on campus. It is a social networking website that was launched on February 4, 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg while he was a sophomore at Harvard University. Membership was initially limited to Harvard students; however, due to its popularity, it was expanded to other colleges in the Ivy League, then further to include any university student, then high school students, and finally, in September 2006, to anyone aged 13 and over. Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with other people. You can add existing friends, make new friends, send messages, upload photos, join groups, keep up to date with your friends’ movements and update your personal profile. You can also notify your friends of your current actions, mood or ‘status’. An international phenomenon, the website currently has more than 110 million active users worldwide, and as of October 2008, has set up its international headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.

Ever wondered what you would spend all that money on if you won the lottery? Well, wonder no more! www.spendamillion.com gives you a virtual £1,000,000 with which to daydream and build your very own millionaire wishlist. There are nearly 300 items from 15 categories to choose from, such as bling, clothes, cars, gadgets, holidays, homes, yachts, business, investments and even cosmetic surgery or life changes. If you’re feeling generous, there’s also a charity category. Once you’ve got your wishlist you can edit it as often as you like, and of course share it with friends, or put it on your blog.

www.luxuryculture.com Created to share the art of living well, www.luxuryculture.com offers insights, advice and tips from the world of luxury. From top of the range brands to artistic masterpieces; fabulous fashion to wonderous city guides and dazzling jewellery to elegant architecture, the site keeps you up to date on worldwide launches of a whole range of items. A unique ‘window shopping’ page also informs you of up-to-the-minute, ‘must have’ trends from around the world.

sur la terre society

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Qur’anic Garden Inaugural Ceremony

This year, the seeds of Education City’s Qur’anic Garden were officially planted. A major UNESCO initiative, the garden was created to educate visitors about the importance of ecology within the Holy Qur’an, while at the same time providing a breathtaking natural reserve. In an Inauguration Ceremony held on September 17, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned dug in the first shovel on the groundbreaking project by planting a sidra tree in the area next to Education City. As Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Her Highness was joined earlier in the day for a press conference at Texas A&M University by Vice Chairman Dr. Saif Al Hajari and Scientific Advisor Dr. Kamal El Batanouny to explain the importance of the site’s message.

Top left to bottom right: Dr Kamal El Batanouny and Dr Saif Al Hajari with Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned at the inauguration event The Qur’anic Garden Logo Dr Kamal El Batanouny, Scientific Advisor for Green Projects and Dr Saif Al Hajari, Vice Chairman of Qatar Foundation at The Qur’anic Garden Inauguration Ceremony Press Conference

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Museum of Islamic Art Opening

The bated breath of anticipation in every art lover turned to soft sighs of awe last month, as His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani officially inaugurated The Museum of Islamic Art to great fanfare. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M.Pei, the radiantly imposing structure offered a rare glimpse at its interior treasures during its November 22nd launch. Encapsulating 12 centuries of artistic work from three different continents, the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s institution was led by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Trustees. Its purpose is to usher in a new age of Islamic art appreciation and education in the State of Qatar, as well as the global community.

Top left to bottom right: Abdulla Al Najjar, CEO of the Museum of Islamic Art, Craig Hatkoff, Co-Founder of the Tribeca Film Festival and Her Excellency Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani Speakers address the audience at the VVIP section at the Gala opening Dr Oliver Watson, Islamic Art Museum Director I. M. Pei, architectural designer of the museum, speaking with a member of the design team Guests taking in the museums atrium Silk Road Ensemble performing live at the inauguration Performer from the Silk Road Ensemble Hollywood actor Robert De Niro addressing the congregation at the opening

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are thrilled to be able to display more than 800 pieces in the inaugural installation of our permanent collection, including many masterpieces of Islamic art that have rarely or never been exhibited before,â&#x20AC;? said museum director Oliver Watson. The landmark opening of the museum was exclusively attended by Heads of State, foreign dignitaries, leading academics, members of the international press and high-profile celebrities. Lucky invitees enjoyed the inaugural festivities, which included musical performances by The Silk Road Ensemble and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, not to mention the breathtaking fireworks display. The museum opened its doors to the general public on December 1st.

Top left to bottom right: Beginning salvo of the fireworks display at the opening event I. M. Pei with members of the international press Speaker introducing one of the many festivities of the evening Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble Fargana Qasimova performs with the Silk Road Ensemble Guests touring the 18 galleries at the inaugural event Grand finale of the museums inauguration

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Privatdrive

Ferrari. Maserati. Ducati. Bentley. Rolls-Royce. It doesn’t get more luxurious than this list of names, and all of them were present at this year’s Privatdrive Super Car Show. Held as one of the inaugural events at the Porto Arabia Boardwalk section of The Pearl, the show was like a virtual kaleidoscope of vehicular cool. The jaws of onlookers dropped in awe as the biggest names in Doha’s automotive world unveiled their newest offerings, saturated as they were in starlight and camera flashes. Those uninterested in the day’s display of motoring glitz still had plenty with which to keep themselves occupied, including a golf simulator, live music, plenty of cafe stands, a resplendent VIP area and, of course, the ultraswanky Sur la Terre lounge.

Top left to bottom right: VVIP Opening Ceremony by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, second from left, with left to right Michael Amzi-Loe, Khalil Sholy, Omar Hussain Alfardan and Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani Ragheb Alameh and guest Mercedes - Benz CLS 63 AMG BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé Rolls Royce Phantom Coupé Corvette Z06 427, Limited Edition Margot Scheuer, Ahmed Yassim, Khalid Chuaibi and Sabine Meyer Ian Hession, Saher A. Baaj and Guy Caquelin

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In attendance at the event were a retinue of high-profile socialites and business leaders, including His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani; Alfardan Automotive Group president and CEO, Omar Hussain Alfardan, His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Ahmad bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman & Managing Director of Dana Motors and HE Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khalid Al Thani of Nasser bin Khaled (NBK) Automobiles.

Top left to bottom right: Ayman A. Mohamad-Ali, Mohamed Arab Oghli and Salman Nasser Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani Omar Hussain Alfardan Pagani Zonda F Roadster Amir Iftekar and Lee Scheele Lamborghini LP 560-4 Bugatti Hermes Rob Buckner, David Sigel and Michael Craig Evening overview of the Privatdrive Super Car show Porto Arabia Broadwalk, The Pearl

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Porsche 911 Carrera

Last October, Al Boraq Automobiles realised the fruition of a three-year dream as they officially opened the 1,500 square metre Doha Porsche Center and Showroom. On hand at the event were Klaus Berning, Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Porsche AG, and Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa. Also present was Salman Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman & CEO of the new Doha center, which is the third largest Porsche dealer in the world in retail sales. The star of the show, however, was the new 911 Carrera, which boasts a cavalcade of new amenities, including enhanced power and performance, re-tweaked traction and suspension systems and higher fuel efficiency. As Chairman Mr. Al Darwish said at the opening event, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Porsche engineers have done a fine job to make an already wonderful car even more enjoyable to drive. The new features of the Carrera range take this legendary nameplate to an even higher level.â&#x20AC;?

Top left to bottom right: Artist New Porsche 911 Carrera Models Mr. Yousef Jassem Al Darwish Salman Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman & CEO of the Porsche Centre Doha - Al Boraq Automobiles Co. and Klaus Berning Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Porsche AG Ahed Dawood, Brand Manager of the Porsche Centre Doha - Al Boraq Automobiles Co. and Deesch Papke, Porsche Middle East & Africa Managing Director Aline Younes, Asia Al Shishany and Ahed Dawood Mohammed Jassem Al Darwish, Yousef Jassem Al Darwish and Klaus Berning Salman Jassem Al Darwish

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VCU Qatar: Kimono Exhibition

Last October, the Doha campus of Virginia Commonwealth University hosted an artful evening that brought the stylish culture of the Far East all the way to the Middle East. Entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Generations - Tradition and Continuity in Kimonos from Japanâ&#x20AC;? and curated by Sandra Wilkins, this lecture series and exhibition was a historical and stylistic exploration of Kimono culture. Prof. Yumiko Mizutani, professor of Intercultural Studies at Yamaguchi Prefectural University, explained the venerable lineage and cultural importance of the ceremonial dress, while renowned industrial artist Sosaku Manabe taught a painting workshop during the exhibit. All of the pieces in the show were lent from the private collection of Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Yukio Kitazume. The month-long exhibition was well-received and delighted all attendees.

Top left to bottom right: Youth modeling the Kimono for children Models showing the detailed artwork of Kimonos Models display the Kimonos on stage Left to right Assistant Professor Graphic Design Pornprapha Phatanateacha, Ambassador Yukio Kitazume, Dean Allyson Vanstone, Gallery Director Jochen Sokoly and Exhibit Curator Ms. Sandra Wilkins Professor Yumiko Mizutani from the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies at Yamaguchi Prefectural University (YPU) dazzles the audience with a wealth of knowledge about the history of the Kimono The models take a bow at the conclusion of the fashion show entitled: Tradition and Continuity in Kimonos from Japan A modern design inspired by the traditional Kimono

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Mercedes-Benz GLK Debut

The new Mercedes-Benz compact sports utility vehicle, the GLK, officially rolled into Qatar on November 3 with an event hosted by NBK Senior Sales Manager Talal Abdullah, Regional Marketing Manager Ashraf Tamim and NBK General Manager Ayman A. Mohamad-Ali. The newest advancements shown at the event were the GLKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s optimum climate control in the Thermotronic 3-zone system, the new Agility Control suspension and 4MATIC fourwheel drive, all of which ensure comfort and performance on and off the road. With an amped up navigation system and upgrades to the Pre-Safe safety concept, the GLK made quite the splash at its debut. The redefinition of the compact SUV is available in Doha at Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles MercedesBenz showroom on Salwa Road.

Top left to bottom right: The GLK-Class The GLK-Class Mr. Ashraf Tamim, Mr. Jack Saba, Mrs. Katia Abboud Saba and Mrs. & Mr. Joseph Antoine Angelil Mr. Brian Meilleur, Mr. Salman Nasser, Mr. Ayman A. Mohamad-Ali and a guest Mr. Ayman A. Mohamad-Ali Mr. Khaled Shaaban, Mr. Ayman Khalil and Mr. Issam Jaradat Mr. David Contreras and Mr. Philippe Leclercq

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sur la terre a day in the life...

‘A Day in the Life... of Jane Dutton’

< Jane Dutton - News reporter (Doha) - Al Jazeera English >

sur la terre a day in the life...

< Nepal April 2008 >

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< Jane Dutton >

What do you do to relax? Relax is a dirty word in our house. My parents, who are both in their 70’s, still scuba dive and travel a lot, and my mum’s addicted to spinning classes. I’ve definitely inherited their genes, as you’ll see below! Do you have any hobbies or a particular passion outside of work? I play squash, backgammon, water-ski and spoil many a good walk with a round of golf. The trick in Doha is to get 18 holes in before you start to melt after 10am. A sun-visor is just not enough here! The Yogi at Sharq has managed to convince me to slow down occasionally though. < Nepal April 2008 >

Where do you work, and what is your job title? I work for the Al Jazeera news network as a senior news presenter / reporter. What does your job involve? Presenting the news on set or reporting live from the location of a breaking news event and filming stories that hit the headlines. Can you take us through a typical working day? Fired up on a cup of coffee, I listen to the latest news pod casts on my way to work. 3 hours before I go on air I meet with the programme editor to discuss the day’s stories and angles we wish to take. On any day I could find myself speaking to a world leader – like Nelson Mandela…a U.S soldier in Baghdad or a rape victim in Sudan. I have to know the subject and how to approach them. I research any interviews by reading all the news sources I can find and talking to our correspondents / producers on the ground. Makeup takes around 45 minutes – an essential on high definition Al Jazeera. I go on set about 15 minutes before broadcast to practice any difficult camera moves in front of our enormous 15 metre long plasma screen with the director, making sure I know how to pronounce the myriad of names and cities that might pop up on the autocue. Then its countdown to the bulletin - filled with interviews, press conferences, breaking news and correspondents from around the world. We jump from continent to continent. Then after an hour on the spot in front of the camera….I immediately start preparing for the next! How do you balance business and family life equally? I read an interview with Meryl Streep and she said she has a holistic need to work and to have huge ties of love in her life. She can’t imagine separating one for the other – and neither can I. It’s a balancing act but you try and make it work.

What book/s are you currently reading? Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. An incredible tale, beautifully told of 2 boys who set up a comic strip during Nazi times. It was a recommendation by an editor friend of mine – brilliant. Also anything on Madagascar; I’m going there to report on stories I believe have not been told before. It should make fascinating viewing! What is your favourite holiday destination? I have been in love with Japan since I was a small child. My parents recall me telling our neighbours in South Africa all about the Kyoto house that I grew up in when in fact I’d never even been there. I was devastated when they broke the news that I’d spent most of my childhood in Sasolburg, SA. I love Japan for its strange quirkiness, its beauty and the people for their polite honesty. And of course the food... going there for the first time was quite emotional. What characteristics do you find most appealing in other people? In the words of Oscar Wilde; “I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies”. If you could be anyone else for a day, who would you be? Marge Simpson; great hair, married to a good man and mother of independently minded children. (Anyone know a good hairstylist in Doha?) What is your favourite type of food? Fusion food is my favourite – I love the mix of different herbs and flavours. And I can’t resist a croissant with my coffee. And of course, sushi… Tell us one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you. My name in Xhosa (African dialect) is Ntombentle – beautiful girl.

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sur la terre snapshot

This â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Celosiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flower is taken from my collection of XRay Flower images. I first exhibited an edition of these at the opening of The Great Western Hospital in the UK in 2002. When I originally created these pictures I was enthralled by the beauty of the internal architecture of the flowers, not seen before by the human eye. They have since won prestigious awards, including a Gold Medal from the British Royal Horticultural Society, and are in many public and private collections worldwide. Camera: XRay equipment Photographer: Boo Beaumont

www.boobeaumont.org

sur la terre cultural agenda

THE CHECKLfISthTe biggest A detailed directory o events and coolest activities in the region !

Subscription form

2008 / 2009

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sur la terre cultural agenda

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

March 11th, 09 - March 16th, 09

Abu Dhabi Classics Concerts Until May 7th, 09

Classical music lovers in and around Abu Dhabi are feasting their ears on something a bit unexpected in the region. Led by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage is in its first season. The inaugural event took place at the Emirates Palace on October 24th with an opening gala dubbed “Journey of Emotions.” Hosted by Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, the night was a historic, geographic and stylistic odyssey through love, intrigue and elegance via the medium of music. The night included an array of different musical styles created by some of the finest virtuosos in the world today, including Hungarian violinist Roby Lakatos, American soprano Indra Thomas and Egypt’s Musicians of the Nile. The next night was led by the world’s foremost Wagner-conductor, Christian Thielemann, accompanied by the highly regarded and world famous Bayreuth Festival Orchestra. Impressive though this roll call already may be, it is but a small sampling of what is to come for the 2008-2009 Classics Season, which will stretch well into next year. Along with the magnificent concerts, there will also be a series of educational events, planned in conjunction with

the Abu Dhabi Classics Academy. The series as a whole will provide both musical enlightenment and enjoyment to all in attendance, whether they are old fans or newcomers to the scene. For a more complete list of shows and to find out where to buy tickets, go to www.abudhabi-classics.com

Earlier this year, KITAB, the company that was born after the business marriage between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and the Frankfurt Book Fair, laid the groundwork for the 2009 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the sequel to last year’s ADIBF is going to be bigger, better and more expansive than any of its predecessors. During a high tea event hosted by KITAB last October, ambassadors, council association officials and university representatives from many nations came together and discussed the ambitious schedule of the upcoming fair. There are many advancements to this year’s show, which are guaranteed to tickle the fancy of many a bookworm. For the first time, the fair will boast a superb collection of antique tomes, as well as a colorful assortment of mouthwatering cookbooks. Also at the event will be a conference about the future of educational publishing, an enhanced professional program and a series focusing on piracy, distribution and the importance of publishing translations. The main focus of the 19th annual book fair, which goes from March 11-16, is to promote literacy in both children and adults, but it is also about having fun through reading. Event organizers and patrons expect a fantastic turnout and an excellent time. For more information about the ADIBF, go to their website at www.adbookfair.com

sur la terre cultural agenda

Arnaud Rivieren January 20th, 09 - February 12th, 09

Art Dubai

March 18th, 09 - March 21st, 09 Despite what you may think, it is no surprise that the Middle East is fast becoming the world’s newest hub of art. That the cultural growth of the region coincides with its increase in economic wealth is no fluke. Rather, it is a concerted effort by a growing number of area businesses to ally themselves with art houses and cultural events. These admittedly strange bedfellows have come together in order to strengthen cultural involvement within the community and increase the global appeal of the region. Thankfully for the art community, this means that the level of patronage will also grow, and that means bigger, more expansive arts events. Art Dubai has been one major art house to enjoy impressive growth thanks to this unique collaboration, and it has since become an integral institution of regional art. As co-founder and partner of Art Dubai, Benedict Floyd said, “Although Art Dubai is a focal point to understanding the seriousness of the region’s cultural ambitions, it also enables companies to contribute substantially to the development of the region’s arts community.” The leading company involved in this art sponsorship is Abraaj Capital, whose new $1 million art prize will be given during the 2009 Art Dubai program.

The award was created to provide a new level of opportunity for artists across the region, and will foster future development of the arts in the Gulf. The third edition of this exciting program will take place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai from the 18th to the 21st of March. It is expected to attract up to 6,000 art lovers from around the world, and further the Gulf’s incredible blossoming. For more information, click over to www.artdubai.ae

Lines of Control January 15th, 09 - February 8th, 09

Co-hosted by the Green Cardamom, a Londonbased arts organization that supports artists from South and Central Asia as well as the Middle East, Lines of Control is an ongoing exhibition that focuses on the artistic visual culture of the Indian

Arnaud Rivieren is the true man of steel. Born in Brussels, but based out of Dubai, this enticingly innovative industrial artist bends stainless steel and other various metals to his every whim, creating some of the most refreshingly unorthodox pieces in the region. Dipping into the bubbling pools of his searing imagination, he pulls inspiration from nearly every aspect of life - from popular music to his own memories. He has solidified these thoughts in a variety of different shapes to less tangible ideas; abstract, emotive, and forever frozen in the wild contortions of unforgiving steel. He scours local steelyards for his preferred medium of recycled scrap metal, transforming the used and forgotten bones of old structures into enormous portrayals of unique ingenuity. His solo exhibitions at the B21 gallery in Dubai have become stuff of local legend, and his latest is no different. Capturing unusual movements in bright fluorescent colors, he appears to have taken the neon bull by the horns. The show will leave his audience blissfully beguiled at the B21 gallery this winter. For more information, check out www.b21gallery.com

subcontinent after the partition in 1947. The exhibit will showcase an array of important artists from the region and will delve deeply into the emotional response of lines drawn, both real and imaginary. There will be many mediums through which these ideas are expressed, including material art, film screenings, symposiums and an education program. The event will take place from January 15th to February 8th in Dubai, and it will be simultaneously shown in London.

sur la terre cultural agenda

III

I Don’t Want Your Money Honey, I Just Want Your Love December 13th, 08 - January 8th, 09

It goes without saying that pretty much everyone is sick and tired of the credit crisis right now. Luckily in an attempt to fight back against the global economic meltdown, The Third Line art house is putting on a very special show cleverly entitled I Don’t Want Your Money Honey, I Just Want Your Love. All small or medium works of art on display at the exhibition will be priced under 5,000 AED, so your quickly shrinking wallet can finally get the break it deserves amidst all of this financial turmoil. Artistic works from a great collection of emerging and established artists will be on display, including pieces from Abbas Akhavan, Amir H Fallah, Doa Aly, Emna Zaghal, Golnaz Fathi, Lamya Gargash, Laleh Khorramian, Rana Begum and Shezad Dawood. The dates for the event are December 13th - January 8th, making it the ideal market for cultural shopping this holiday season. For further information, please contact The Third Line by telephone at +971 341 1367, email art@thethirdline.com or visit their website, www.thethirdline.com

Executive Jet, Luxury Yacht & Elite Car Interiors Exhibition 2009 March 3rd, 09 - March 5th, 09

This March, the three worlds of luxury transportation will cross paths for one of the most unique gatherings the Gulf has ever seen. The Executive Jet, Luxury Yacht & Elite Car Interiors Exhibition in Bahrain’s capital city of Manama is set to be a saturation of style for all attendees wanting to see the latest in elegant interior design. Taking place from March 3rd to the 5th, the expo will host a series of one-to-one meetings between high-end suppliers and interested buyers, which will provide personalized attention in identifying regional market trends and individual consumer decision-making. There will also be an informative

conference exploring recent and future business developments organized by the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA), The Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Business Conventions International (BCI). Coordinators expect to have over 150 exhibitors and around 5,000 visitors at the event, which promises to be a comprehensive clinic on the beauty, extravagance and appeal of mobile interior design. This is the first exhibition of its kind, and it will no doubt prove to be the paramount venue for the VIP travel industry in the future. Interested parties can learn more by visiting www.gulfvip.bh

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Bahrain Horse Racing October 24th, 08 - April 24th, 09

New Years Eve, Banyan Tree Ballroom - Kathem Al Saher December 31st, 08

In his amazing career, Kathem Al Saher has been given many impressive monikers. Known throughout the Arab world as both “the Elvis and the Robbie Williams of the Middle East,” the Mosul-born Saher has also been called “Iraq’s Diplomatic Ambassador to the World” and “Iraq’s Ambassador for Peace.” After first making a name for himself near the end of the Iraq-Iran War with admittedly controversial material, he later spread his own recognition throughout the world, even performing before the Unites States Congress and the United Nations after the first Gulf War. Since then, he has collaborated with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Sarah Brightman, Paula Cole and Karina

Pasian. He has worked with platinum producers, national poets and international committees to become one of the most recognizable faces in the Arab world of music. This coming New Year, he is bringing his definitive style, grace and renown to the select Banyan Tree Al Areen resort in a rare and exclusive show. Those familiar with Banyan Tree already know about its unique ability to relax the mind, body and spirit of all its guests; with the addition of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it will also be able to soothe your savage beast with the power of Kathem Al Saher. For more information about the event, contact Abeer Al Khan at +973 3605 1115.

As is true with most places in the Gulf region, Bahrain has a long tradition of breeding, training and racing Arabian horses. Not only is it a growing part of the country’s world of sport, but it is also a piece of their tradition. In 1948, the first attempt to organize horse racing in the country was accomplished and finally established in 1977 by the Emir of Bahrain. The Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Bahrain has been officially recognized by the government as well as the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities and the Asian Racing Federation. The two turf tracks and one sand track are now some of the finest in the Middle East, and the grand stand is able to sustain a crowd of over 3,000. The facilities once stood in Manama, but have since been moved to Raffa, which is only a short drive from the capital city. With a brigade of about 300 horses, those in attendance are sure to see a variety of steeds stomping to the finish line, from pure-bred Arabians to specially-imported thoroughbreds. The racing season lasts from October until April, so this winter is the absolute best time to get in on the hoof-pounding action. The races happen six times a day, one day a week with an average of nine horses for each race. For more information about how to take the reigns in Bahrain this winter, visit the following website: www.bhhorseracing.com

sur la terre cultural agenda

SM Architecture: Syncretic Until December 31st, 08

The Bahraini art world is about to be rocked down to its very foundations. The La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary art in Manama is proud to present the Fantastic Four of the structurally artistic world. SM Architecture is made up of a quartet of quirky construction kings hailing from four very different points on the globe: the UK, Malaysia, Finland and Kuwait. The two married couples, Maysaa Al-Mumin and Thomas Modeen, and Eng Ling Ho and Paul Brady originally came together in 2001 to win a prestigious design competition and decided to stay together for the benefit of the architectural community. All of the members combine their impressive talents and unique backgrounds to explore global conceptions of individuality, the cultural aesthetics of society and how these factors affect, shape and redefine the man-made world around us. Their newest show is entitled Syncretic, and refers to the organization of contrasting ideas into a single, complex network of concepts. In this case, hand-woven textures meld together with cutting edge technology to combine the worlds of art, architecture, design and many others into a purely palpable artistic experience. Incorporated into and newly adapted for Syncretic is the widely popular “Papercuts” series; using water jet steel sheets to create a

fabricated “forest,” the artists divide space and juxtapose place within the rigidity of the business world. “Snakeskin” taps the newest technology of texture in order to give patrons a uniquely tactile experience in the gallery by encouraging them to experience the works through the sense of touch. SM Architecture’s Syncretic will last until the end of December, and is sure to expand upon all five of your senses. For more information, go to www. lafontaineartcentre.com.

Golnaz Fathi: Doha Series No. 1 January 1st, 09 - February 1st, 09

Trained in traditional Iranian calligraphy, Golnaz Fathi is best known for her abstract expression of both geographic and architectural space. Her work incites rampant ambiguity through broad movement, harsh strokes and the juxtaposition of rich color and the gaping silence of white space. Fathi revels in the obscurity of her work, regularly incorporating her calligraphic training with the inclusion of nonsense languages. This indiscernible writing gives each piece an ethereal quality, beckoning the audience to interpret the meaning of each painted dream without focusing on textual analysis. It goes without saying that viewing Fathi is an exercise in independent realization, and one that should not be missed by true art aficionados and culture lovers alike. Her most recent work will be on display from January to February at The Third Line venue within Waqif Art Center in Doha. For more, go to www.thethirdline.com

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sur la terre cultural agenda

Lamya Gargash

Lamya Gargash is one of the brightest talents rising from the UAE. Predominantly working in photo and video, her work has won multiple awards and international acclaim. Her latest photographic exhibition is called Presence, which is a title both apt and ironic. Focusing her keen lens on the old homes deserted after the oil boom in the Gulf, Gargash exposes a portrait of abandonment and, in clever contrast of the collectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s title, a gaping absence. The cacophony of images in Presence is not a collage of a lost youth, but a fading image of a generation that decided to move on, leaving in its wake a crumbling mass of forgotten identity. The exhibition, which began on November 23rd and will continue until January 3rd, coincides with the launch of a new book that documents the series from conception to implementation.

November 23rd, 08 - January 3rd, 09

Doha Cultural Festival

February 1st, 09 - March 1st, 09

Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition February 17 , 09 - February 22 , 09 th

The time has once again come for the Doha elite to gape in wonder at the best that local, regional and international jewellers and watchmakers have to offer. The 6th annual Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition is set to take place from the 17th to the 22nd of February and will feature an even bigger retinue of world class exhibitors. Under the expert patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani and organised by the Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (QTEA),

this economic showcase of the finer, shinier things in life has grown exponentially to become the only exhibition of its kind in the region, and one of the finest in the world. This winter, the twinkling lights in Doha will not reside in the sky, but in the diamonds, gems and precious metals on display at the Doha International Exhibition Centre. For further information about the event, contact the QTEA at +974 499 7499 or visit their website at www.qatartourism.gov.qa

Early next year, the Doha Cultural Festival comes back to Qatar! It is probably the most anticipated annual event not only in the State of Qatar, but in the entire Gulf region as well. Those in attendance of this one-of-a-kind gathering can expect a delicious smorgasbord of culture. Taking place over a number of venues, including the Visual Arts Center, Alwaseel auditorium, the corniche and many of the local shopping malls and hotels, the festival is an unforgettable showcase of regional and international talent. The sheer range of different events and breadth of diversity is stunning. You can find almost every discipline of art, education and heritage during the festival. From costume shows to musicals, operettas to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theater, calligraphy to concerts, symposium panels to poetry readings and flamenco to fireworks, the Doha Cultural Festival literally has it all. The 2009 show, which takes place for an entire month, from February to March, will be the 8th installment of the event, and if the previous years are any indication, this is something you are not going to want to miss. For the latest updates about schedules and show times, go to www.dohafestival.net

sur la terre cultural out &agenda about

Ice Skating We know what you’re thinking. Ice skating? In the Gulf?? You’re kidding! But take heart, dear reader, we wouldn’t lie to you. Fellow globetrotters, prepare to be dazzled! Those wishing to glide, or in some cases, tumble down the ice should skate over to either the opulent Villagio (+974 413-5444) or the family-oriented City Center Mall (+974 483 9990), which houses a public rink as well as one reserved just for the ladies. The cost is a very reasonable QR35, but the experience of skating around a frosty rink in the middle of the desert is absolutely priceless.

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The Laughter Factory Doha visitors and residents wanting to snicker, titter or even guffaw need look no further than The Laughter Factory at the Ramada Hotel. The venue is THE place to go to in Qatar to crack a smile and bust a gut. Visiting jokesters come from all over the world to ply their comedic trade at the venue, so no matter what your funny bone craves, there will be something for you. For more information, go to thelaughterfactory.com or call +974 428 1673, and let the giggle-fest begin.

Scuba Diving The Persian Gulf is one of the most captivating scenes from the shores of Qatar, but to truly appreciate its beauty, it is absolutely essential to pierce its emerald surface and view it from below. Scuba diving in the warm waters around Doha is relatively easy. First-time divers can obtain their certification through any number of PADI or NAUI-certified trainers, or by contacting the Doha Sub Aquatic Club at www.dohasubaquaclub.com. The two dive shops in the city, Pearl Divers (+974 444 9553) and World Marine Center (+974 436 0989), will provide equipment and point you in the direction of the best spots. The two best are the Old Club Reef and the New Club Reef just outside of Doha near Sealine Beach Resort. For more details, call Sealine at +974 476 5299 or fax at +974 476 5235.

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Khor Al Adaid: Doha’s Inland Sea Located in Qatar’s south-east area, Khor al Adaid is one of the most unique natural reserves in the world. Not only does it contain within its rolling dunes and sparkling sea an amazing menagerie of rare plants and wildlife, it is also geologically special, being the only lagoon of its type in the entire world. The area is almost completely undeveloped, and impossible to reach without 4-wheel drive, so adventure enthusiasts seeking to survey a wilderness largely untouched by man will revel in the freedom of exploration. Those with a more “extreme” flair should enquire about the heart-pumping regional hobby of dune bashing, where a local driver dashes and crashes on top of and around the dunes at breakneck speeds in an SUV. The best way to get there is by contacting the nearby Sealine resort at +974 476 5299 or fax at +974 476 5235, or by contacting one of the local tour companies like Alpha Tours (+974 483 7815, info@alphatoursqatar.com), Qatar International Tours (+974 436 1461, info@qit-qatar.com) or Gulf Adventures (+974 431 5555, info@gulf-adventures.com). Regardless of your tastes, Khor Al Adaid is an absolute must for residents and visitors alike.

Qatar Football Football (alternatively known as soccer to some) has been a popular sport in Qatar since its establishment in the late 1940s. Since then, football culture has come a long way. After officially joining the FIFA organization in 1970, it has grown into one of the state’s favorite spectator sports. Despite its small size and population, Qatar is consistently listed within the top 100 in FIFA rankings. After a victory at the newly renovated Khalifa Stadium, don’t expect a reserved celebration from the locals. Their custom here is to careen down the corniche happily shouting, honking their horns and setting off fireworks in raucous celebration. To be a part of the excitement, contact the Qatar Football Association by telephone (+974 494 4411), fax (+974 494 4414) or by emailing them at football@qatarolympics.org

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Falconry Falconry has been a longstanding tradition in Qatar, harkening back to the days when bedouin nomads roamed the desert, employing the majestic birds of prey in their unending search for food. The keen eyesight, surprising power and eye-blurring speed of this bird-of-prey allows it to chase and capture animals of every size and type. The official hunting/sports season is from October to March, but before and after the season, it is not an uncommon sight to behold falconers training their birds. Alternatively, take a wander through the alleys of the Spice Souk to view the proud birds at rest in a few exhibition sites and falconry equipment shops. Also, most hotels during the winter will wow guests with a falcon master right at the door, who will allow you to hold the large, yet deceptively light bird. For more about the history of Falconry in the region, go to www.qmsf.com/falcon/wind2.html or www.qatarvisitor.com

ÂŠ Qatar Tourism Authority, Private Image Gallery

Dar Al Founoun Art School, Souq Waqif, Doha Waqif Art Center is proud to bring to the city of Doha a further appreciation of and education in the finer arts. Located in the middle of Souq Waqif, the new Dar al Founoun offers a wealth of art education and appreciation, as well as fostering creativity and imagination. Housing ultramodern facilities within a traditional oriental facade, the school combines classic and contemporary techniques to give a comprehensive artistic experience. Offering classes at every level, from beginner to advanced, Dar al Founoun also provides training within many mediums, including painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, textiles and printing. The regular workshops, visiting artists and other frequent events are sure to appeal to the little Rembrandt in all of us. For more information about the studio, please contact info@waqifartcenter.com

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Qatar Masters This winter, golf swings back to the Gulf. The twelfth Commercial bank Qatar Masters will take place from January 22nd to the 25th at the luxurious Doha Golf Club. In years past, the event has been free of charge to the general public, which is largely unheard of in European tournaments. But the free entry by no means indicates a lack of star power. If prior years are any indication, spectators can anticipate players like current title holder Adam Scott and former champions Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, not to mention a small army of European Ryder Cup players. This is a grand event where the purse is large and the profile is high. For more information, check out www.dohagolfclub.com

Qatar Flying Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away! Old Blue Eyes may not have been talking about the Gulf in this classic tune, but even he would be impressed that in Qatar, aviation enthusiasts can learn how to surf the skies. While still something of a rarity, it is possible for even the most grounded individual in Doha to take flight. The best way to kiss the sky is to contact Qatar Aeronautical College, which offers courses that lead to a Private Pilots License (PPL), not to mention more advanced classes for those wanting to fulfill their dream of becoming commercial pilots for the world renowned Qatar Airways. To find out if you have what it takes to get your head in the clouds, fly over to the college’s website at www.qac.edu.qa

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MotoGP Do you feel the need ... the need FOR SPEED? Well if so, get ready to be shown the definition of haste. In 2009, two world championship races are coming to Qatar at Dohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Losail International Circuit. The FIM Superbike and Supersport World Championships are slated to roar in on March 14th, while the MotoGP World Championship series will race into Doha on April 12th. For more information about the events and the latest news about racing in Qatar, put the pedal to the metal and speed over to www.circuitlosail.com

QREC Horse racing and equestrianism has long been a favorite pastime in Qatar and its popularity is still going strong. Interested spectators wanting a day at the track should trot on over to the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) at the new Al Rayyan Park. The season started in October and the packed events schedule stretches far into late winter. There are regular events starting at 4 p.m. every Thursday and once a month, there is a Wednesday race. The biggest high-profile races are the Qatar Day National Trophy race on December 18, and the Heir Apparent Trophy ceremony for excellence in shows taking place on January 29. With weekly drawings for amazing prizes like luxury cars and trips, you too can get in on the glitz and glamour of the sport of kings. Take a break from the heart-pounding action with a refreshing bite to eat at the Fauchon cafe and let the kids get in on the action with a pony ride near the playground. There is something for everyone at QREC, and the whole family is sure to have a blast! For a more complete events calendar, go to www.qrec.net.qa or call +974 480 6011.

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Tuesday Ladies Doha Yoga The Tuesday Ladies Group is a Doha institution. Started about 35 years ago, the TLG has grown from a handful of intrepid women meeting for coffee into an established charitable organization now sponsored by the Ramada Hotel, which has since become their base of operations. Welcoming expatriate women from across the globe, the group is dedicated to developing a culturally enriched experience in Qatar by hosting guest speakers, organizing informative trips around the region and by participating in a variety of local and international community relationship programs. The lovely ladies at the TLG have various fairs and bazaars during the year, and three special brunches during Christmas, Easter and at some point during the summer. The annual membership fee is QR70 plus an extra QR25 for various refreshments at meetings, but non-members are also encouraged to stop by for a charge of QR35. There are not many other groups in Doha that are as uniquely social and civic minded as the TLG. For more information, visit www.tuesdayladies.piczo.com

Yoga has been one of the most globally popular exercises in mind, body and spirit for centuries, so it is no surprise that one of the oldest and most respected traditions has made a strong presence here. The philosophical discipline has enjoyed an increased growth of interest in recent years. In fact, most hotels in Doha offer Yoga classes, including the Marriott (+974 429 8520), the Ramada (+974 441 7417), the Sheraton (+974 485 4600) and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Moksha class at the Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village (+974 425 6666). Pepka Yoga is also dedicated to the practice, and can be visited at www.pepkayoga.com. Those wanting more than just a day spent working out at the gym or running along the corniche can instead get transcendental training while increasing flexibility, core strength and stamina. There are many different types and levels of Yoga, so make sure you discuss with your instructor which one is best for you, and then get started in expanding your horizons.