SLT - issue 9 by Firefly Communications

sur la terre foreword

Commemorating the FIFA 2010 World Cup, and our sporting theme, we have produced two limited edition covers celebrating former champions Argentina and England.

» foreword

Sur La Terre – Doha

Regional Managing Editor: James McCarthy Senior Editor: Steve Paugh

Deputy Editors: Mina Kavcar, Hollie Parker, Reem Shaddad Regional PR, Sales & Marketing Director: Julia Toon Creative Director: Roula Zinati Ayoub

Art and Design: Rena Chehayber, Lara Nakhleh, Michael Logaring, Rana Cheikha, Charbel Najem, Tarek Dergamoun

Editorial Contributors: Alexander Plwowar, Nathalie Hug, George De Matteis Distribution and Subscription: Michael Javier, Dan Louie Javier

>>> As summertime wraps Doha in its humid embrace, you can trust Sur la Terre, your quarterly catalogue of cool, to offer you a respite from the rising mercury. In this, the first issue of our third year, we continue in our ongoing quest to deliver the best in elite living, and what a platter of perfection we have to offer. With the FIFA World Cup in full flow and dominating Doha’s media, we here at SLT are helping Doha’s disciples of decadence break a mental sweat with a spectacular sports-themed edition. Long after the final goal has been scored and the final whistle blown, soccer will still be the talk of the town as we approach the announcement of the nation who will host the World Cup in 2022. We talk to Hassan al Thawadi, CEO of Qatar’s bid to bring the beautiful game to our shores. In Showcase, we “Back The Bid” with a retrospective look at the major sporting events and the iconic competitors that have placed our peninsula at the top table of global sporting destinations. Keeping the ball rolling are Qatari footballing superstars, Mohamed Omar and Mousa Haron, as they shed their secret identities and slip into something more fashionable to become sporting heroes in our special Star-Crossed photoshoot. In Going Global, we follow the UAE-based Gumball 3000 competitors, Moe and Matt, as they race across continents in a pimped-out Rolls Royce Phantom for charitable causes and those less fortunate. They are not the only ones to be Sheikhing it up on the road this summer, though, as Senior Editor, Steve Paugh, also Rolls with Royce when the Ghost materialises in Doha. Best reach for your fans - it gets hotter; this SLT is as much about running with the bull as dribbling a ball. We head to Spain to tame the Toro and try the new Lamborghini Superleggera. Back on home turf, I step behind the wheel and go flat out in a Bugatti Veyron which, in keeping with our theme, is a Grand Sport model. So as you see, we are always travelling in style; it is just the destination that changes. This time, we head to the epicentre of 2010’s sizzling sporting summer, as Artisans Of Leisure take us somewhere over the Rainbow Nation to South Africa. All this, along with a visit from The 99 in Artopia, an Exclusive Spotlight with Harrods Director, Raine, Countess Spencer and, of course, a very special SLT birthday Society, guarantees that not even the hazy heat of the Doha summer can wilt the wonder of this sumptuous issue of Sur la Terre. So, join us as we sit back and bask in the golden glow of grandeur and enjoy a sultry season of sporting splendour.

Printed by: Raidy Printing Press

Published by: Firefly Communications

P.O. Box 11596, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4340360, Fax: +974 4340359

Please note that from July 28th 2010, mobile and fixed line numbers in Qatar beginning with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 will gain an extra digit. This will be achieved by repeating the first digit in the number.

James McCarthy Regional Managing Editor

Sur La Terre is published quarterly. © 2010 Firefly Communications. All material strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Firefly Communications, is strictly forbidden.

sur la terre content

content

05 in town 14

sur la terre spotlight

Hassan al Thawadi CEO, Qatar 2022 Bid

How did you get involved with the World Cup bid? We understand that you were chosen for the role of CEO. How does it feel to be accorded such an amazing honour, and what do you and your team bring to the table in terms of experience, passion and vision when it comes to paving the way towards 2022? It is a tremendous honour, and I couldn’t be happier than to be representing the hopes and dreams of an entire region. It really is a moving and extraordinary experience to see the younger generation of our people out supporting us throughout the Bid process on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, and at fan zones, because you realise that this isn’t just about bringing a football tournament to your country – it is fundamentally a bid that will energise and inspire the people of Qatar and the entire region in ways we never thought possible, and one that will have a lasting legacy beyond what any other bid can offer.

We know that if Qatar wins, it will be the first Middle East nation to host the World Cup. We know that the event comes with prestige and national pride. We know that it raises the exposure of the host nation and allows for a mass of financial income from the torrents of fans that come to the country. However, if you had to pick just one reason, amongst these or others, what is the most important reason for the World Cup to come to Qatar? Simply put, not only are we as qualified and as capable as any other bidding nation, but we also believe that the time has come for the World Cup to come the Middle East. It is the final frontier for world football – a region where football passion and enthusiasm is rampant and where millions of people are waiting for their turn to show the world what they have to offer. We believe that a World Cup in the Middle East would go a long way towards bridging the cultural divides that have plagued relations between East and West. What we want to do is present a different narrative to the world – one of peace, co-operation, understanding and shared enthusiasm for a sport which we all love. All will be invited, all will be welcome, and all will enjoy their time here. Including its presentation of other sporting events like golf, horse racing and motor sport championships, Qatar has also hosted the 2006 Asian Games. It is also set to host the 2011 Asian Cup. How do all of these things combine to help Qatar’s chances to bring home the cup? Our experience in hosting large international events means that our qualifications and capabilities are beyond question. We are hosting the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, which is the most coveted prize in the largest football confederation in the world. We wouldn’t have been awarded the rights to host this tournament if the AFC leadership wasn’t supremely confident in our ability to handle the organisation process and to be able to host a successful event for all involved. Of course, the World Cup is more of a challenge, but the infrastructure we have in place

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

14 spotlight

SLT “backs the bid” in a chat with Qatar 2022’s CEO, Hassan Al Thawadi < Caption >

and have proposed for the FIFA World Cup, combined with our country’s ambitious plans in fulfilling the Qatar National Vision 2030, is more than sufficient to handle the rigourous demands of a World Cup. The opening of the New Doha International Airport will be able to process travellers from all around the world quickly and comfortably, with Qatar Airways opening new exciting routes to reach new destinations, and the introduction of our highspeed rail network will ensure that all stadia are connected and within one hour of each other. Our newest technologies will lead to an environmentally-friendly tournament. This is a win-win for the world. What do you think are Qatar’s three greatest strengths in the World Cup 2022 bid? Is it the financial robustness of the nation that will allow it to facilitate the size and scope of the tournament, or is it the drive and culture that makes Qatar stand out amongst other bidding nations, which includes heavyweights like England, Portugal/Spain and the United States? Which countries do you believe to be your stiffest competitors in this bidding battle, and why? Our greatest strengths are the legacy that we offer to FIFA and the world, the technological breakthroughs that we are planning to share with other nations, and our people. There has never been a World Cup in the Middle East, even as the region has skyrocketed in its importance for international football. A World Cup in Qatar would expose hundreds of thousands of people to a brand new region, and has the potential to heal old wounds created from decades of mistrust, politics and war. Fans could easily travel to other areas of the region one day and be back in a time for a match the next morning. The centrality of our location and its proximity

to major media markets would make for convenient television viewing times in most areas of the world. I’ve already mentioned that part of our bid centres around technological developments – particularly the carbon-neutral cooling technologies and our plans to build stadia with modular components, so that they could then be deconstructed and transported to other developing countries for use. These technologies will not stay in Qatar; on the contrary, they will be shared with all nations, and will help lead to the growth of football in regions that have generally been inhospitable to year-round sport. All of these things that we offer FIFA and the world help contribute to our confidence. We of course recognise that all bidding nations are qualified, and that they are all bidding out of love and respect for the game, as well as pride in their own countries. We don’t rank the competition – all are strong bids, all are deserving of the opportunity to host the world’s greatest sporting event, and all will work hard for the tournament. We just believe at the end of the day it should be Qatar who is selected. Given the fierce competition, Qatar is still largely seen as an underdog amongst the bidding nations. Why is that, and how does this perceived position motivate you? People have started to take our bid more seriously lately as they start to realise just how seriously we are taking it, but I think our size relative to other bidding nations, as well as our location, makes some people write us off without even examining the merits of our

18 showcase

We kick-off this sporty season with a look into Qatar’s own gaming glory

23 gourmet travel

Discover that there is more to South Africa than just the World Cup

28 unique rides

Battling the Bugatti, lapping the Lambo and Rolling once again in Royce 28

sur la terre unique rides

“Ferdinand Piech, who was in charge of Volkswagen, fought hard to buy Bugatti. He closed the deal in 1998 and almost immediately set about creating this,” Raphanel says, gesturing with his hand as he flicks the 7-speed, double clutch gearbox into what can only be described as ‘warp speed’ and plants his foot firmly into the carpet. The needle of the rev counter leaps to the red area of the gauge, and the full W16 quadturbocharged choir pipes up behind us. All of a sudden the support car, carrying Steve, Mina and Abdullah Benni, our snapper for the day, becomes a quickly receding white dot in the rear view mirror. My eyes, by this point, are somewhere around the back of my head, before Raphanel slams on the anchors to demonstrate the immense stopping power of this extraordinary car. I physically feel all the contents of my skull, including my eyeballs, realigning themselves under the pressure of centrifugal forces that I am pretty sure space shuttle pilots endure when breaking earth’s atmosphere.

Managing Editor, James McCarthy, gets all-consumed by the power of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. Pictures: Brown Image Production

>>> It is a typical Thursday afternoon. The clock seems to have frozen somewhere around the three o’clock mark and I am embroiled in an argument with Senior Editor, Steve Paugh, over whether a chocolate covered Hob Nob is better than its Digestive counterpart. The ringing phone pours water on what is becoming quite a heated debate, and I pick up the receiver to be met by the voice of Libby Thompson from Juliet Jarvis Consultancy in the UK. “Hi,” she trills cheerfully. “Are you interested in covering the Bugatti Veyron for Sur la Terre? It will be in Doha next week.” As my stalled heart begins pumping again, my mouth goes dry and I reply very much in the affirmative.

The biscuit conversation completely forgotten, I return the receiver to its cradle and calmly inform Steve and Deputy Editor, Mina Kavcar, that the SLT Editorial team should not make plans for Monday. We will be busy.

The Following Monday...

So, here I am, sat in the passenger seat of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, the cabriolet version of what is arguably the most thrilling car of all time. In the driver’s seat is the affable Pierre-Henri Raphanel, Pilote Officiel for Bugatti, who concurs with the previous statement wholeheartedly. “This car is one of a kind. Everything came together at the right time to give birth to the Veyron,” he explains above the buffeting of the Doha wind and the Eurofighter Typhoon-esque whining of the giant air intakes behind us.

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For certain, the custom-built carbon ceramic brakes are glowing the same colour orange as the nose of the Challenger upon re-entry as, in tandem with the huge rear wing (which rises after the car hits 200km/h and doubles as an airbrake with the stopping power of a VW Golf), they gently - but quickly - stop the car dead. This is a vehicle that is capable of stopping 0.2 seconds quicker from 100km/h to 0 than the 2.5 seconds it takes to accelerate to that speed. Raphanel looks over at me and grins. “See, it is an engineering masterpiece,” he says with all the pride of an honour-roll parent on graduation day. “If VW tried to start the Veyron project today, it would never happen. Back then, we had the market, the money and, most importantly, Piech. Without him we wouldn’t be sitting here now.” And he is right. When VW undertook ownership of the Bugatti marque, it became an almost obsessive pet project for Piech. Armed with an

unwavering dream and a seemingly unlimited budget, he demanded that a crack team of designers and engineers produce a car that was capable of delivering 1000 metric horsepower with a top speed of 400km/h. It had to be the fastest road car in the world, while remaining true to the three pillars of excellence (Art, Form and Technique) set down 90 years previously by company founder, Ettore Bugatti. No easy task, but in those halcyon pre-credit crunch days, there was an unlimited budget. The only catch? Failure was not an option. Several engineers, a few prototypes and a considerable amount of cash later and the first iteration of the Bugatti Veyron was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999, before moving into production in 2004 and debuting in Sicily in 2005. The Grand Sport took its bow three years later. Weighing in at just under two tonnes, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 boasts a mid-mounted 8-litre W16 quad-turbocharged power plant, that delivers 1,001 metric horsepower (987 brake horsepower) and a top speed of 408.5 km/h.

39 going global

Get “Sheikhen up” by the wild adventures of two Gulfi globetrotters

46 brand history

Fill your tank with the timeless fashion fuel that is Diesel

50 exclusive spotlight

SLT takes tea with Harrods director, Raine, Countess Spencer

52 good tastes

Steve Paugh gets lusciously lost in flavour at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze

sur la terre content

56 star-crossed

The Luxury League battles the Fashion Fiends in our super photoshoot

64 artopia

Up, up & away with The 99, the region’s first homegrown comic book

70 accessories

The latest accessories and trends

75 beauty

We take a shine to summer beauty in Here Comes the Sun Step lively, Fauxpas! They’re right on our tail!

Look, Keeper, those Fashion Fiends have gone for another steal! That's out of bounds!

80 out of the box

sur la terre star-crossed

SLT stubs out its final smoke, and lights up the much healthier E-Cig

84 haute property

Right you are, Striker, old chum! We'd better call Lady Racquet! This looks like a job for THE LUXURY LEAGUE!

We check out Doha’s newest property powerhouse: The Kempinski

Don’t worry yer pretty little head, Knockoff! With this loot, we’re gonna OWN this town!!

86 fashion

The newest fashion trends to grace the catwalks

96 objects

Check out the everyday elegance of the market’s hottest new objects

99 time history

A watch company that stands for more than just the test of time: Oris

Pants HUGo BoSS Shirt/ Jacket/Shoes RALPH LAUREn Belt WASHED UP HoLLYWooD necktie HUGo BoSS Stolen items: necklace PHiLLiP LiM necklace cATHERinE MALAnDRino necklace GUESS Bracelet GUESS Bag RALPH LAUREn Blouse J. MEnDEL

The “Haute Heroes” known as Striker and Keeper aren’t just friends of justice, but also of fashion! Here, they get ready for action in the following styles:

MWAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Keeper: Jeans/T-shirt/Vest DiESEL Shoes PAUL AnD SHARK Watch TW STEEL Bracelets MonT BLAnc Striker: Jeans/T-shirt/Vest/Shoes DiESEL Watch TW STEEL Bracelets MonT BLAnc

sur la terre artopia

Origin Story:

sur la terre artopia

The 99

Self-confessed comic book geek, Senior Editor Steve Paugh leaps at the chance to explore the “secret origins” of the Middle East’s first superhero series, The 99, to find out the truth behind its super-powered rise to popularity

105 in vogue special

Reem Shaddad selects the cream of VCU’s latest crop of fashionistas

110 in vogue

Your guide to the latest trends in fashion and shopping available today

And yet, even though the threat was larger than life, there were no super-powered saviours to respond to it, even those existing fictitiously within a collective Middle East imagination. What, then, do you do when there are no heroes to save the day? What do you do in a world without supermen? You do exactly what Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, creator and founder of Teshkeel Media Group Inc. has done: you create them.

114 special society

With a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in organisational psychology, Dr. Al-Mutawa is someone who, much like the classic crime fighter, The Shadow, knows what lurks in the minds of men. Having studied the global human response that took place after 9/11, he noted a palpable sense of what is now known as “Islamophobia” creeping its way into the collective international psyche. In a bid to combat this encroachment, the Kuwaiti-born, American-educated Dr. Al Mutawa decided to take a uniquely Western art form and apply to it some essential Islamic archetypes.

Relive the tastiest moments from SLT’s Sweet Two-th celebration

118 society

They may be tactless, but they don’t lack taste! This time, the Fashion Fiends, Fauxpas and Knockoff, try to make off with the following brands:

< Qatar’s first superhero, Aleem , augments his power of knowledge with a copy of Sur la Terre as his teammates look on > < Artwork by June Brigman & Roy Richardson >

Of course, the application of religious allegory to the written word is nothing new. Even though the classic comic book style is usually reserved for the likes of Captain America and Superman,

< Cross-cultural heroics: Team members from The 99 f ight to save the world ... in more ways than one >

these stories transcend the truth and justice of solely the “American way,” having their basis in traditional Biblical storytelling. Where Naif’s stories diverge, however, is that they are instead based on Qur’anic archetypes. Instead of a Messianic allegory in the story of Superman, there is a tale about a young Saudi man named Jabbar, who discovers the importance in balancing physical power with moral discretion.

Instead of learning the lesson that, “with great power comes great responsibility” from SpiderMan’s origin, we learn the power and danger in seeking the truth in others from a young Emirati woman named Noora. Instead of following the valorous exploits of the Justice League, the Avengers or the X-Men, thanks to Naif, and his company, Teshkeel Comics, now we can follow the multicultural heroics of The 99.

Evenings out, parties and happenings around town

123 entertainment

The best in chapters, tunes, flicks, clicks and joysticks

128 snapshot

A photograph to inspire and admire

I the agenda

Cultural events around the region

114

sur la terre special society

Sur la Terre’s Sweet TWO-th On a glittering night late in May, Sur la Terre invited the region’s leaders in luxury and disciples of decadence to the W Hotel for a truly epicurean event. Celebrating our first two years, we treated glitterati from the UAE, Bahrain and, of course, Doha, to a sensational night of food, fun and frivolity. With the decadent theme of Chocolate and Vanilla, guests arrived in deep browns and shimmering creams, with more than a splash of pure white. The Spice Market maestros prepared a special Sur la Terre menu, infusing some signature dishes (and creating one or two new ones), with the two luxuriant elements that provided the evening’s theme, to deliver a delicious pre-party repast. Satiated and satisfied by the grand gourmet treats, the guests flowed to the W Hotel’s beautifully prepared ballroom for some seriously sumptuous, deluxe dessert dishes, oozing, once again, with the rich essence of chocolate and vanilla. The sweet treats mixed with the music of the evening’s band, Hanine y Son Cubanos, who whipped revellers into a frenzy of fun and helped augment a heady cocktail of dancing and delight as the party roared on until the early hours of the morning. Those that attended have since attested that, without question, Sur la Terre’s Sweet TWO-th was the “party of the year.” As they say, great things come to those who wait, and after two years of supplying Sur la Terreans with their sybaritic fix, it was about time we said thank you to all involved. So please, as we enter our third magnificent year, raise your glasses and join us in toasting our next era of elegance.

V directory

Your local and regional guide

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sur la terre special society

115

sur la terre in town

Like what you see in our In Town section? To find details about where to find these great products and who to contact about them, flip to our Directory section at the end of this issue!

Cartier’s Trinity Collage

All that glitters isn’t always gold. Well, in the case of Cartier, it usually is. This year’s Trinity collection melds together intricate gold chains accented with delicate diamonds and drapes them over neck, wrist and earlobes. Your subtle features have never been so gracefully pampered. Precious metal ringlets are intertwined to emanate radiance and lustre as they play off each other’s twinkle and shine. Necklaces will have you mesmerised with multiple fine chains that swathe over your décolleté in the same way an artist’s brush glides over his canvas. Several layers combine to form a multi-faceted homage to once popular bulky rings while earrings dabble in things subtle and demure. Though eye catching in essence, the Trinity collection emits class and refinement in true to form Cartier fashion. If you’re looking for a perfect gift for that special someone, these few charms will show you the light, glittering in even the darkest of hours.

The Gate Will Soon Be Open

In the world of film, reference to “The Gate” usually insinuates connotations of the much speculated about doorway to heaven. This interpretation would not be out of place when discussing The Gate – the latest offering from regionally renowned Salam Stores – as it promises to be the ultimate shoppers paradise. In the midst of its architectural and interior finishing, and with prime location in the heart of West Bay, The Gate plans to incorporate the cream of international, high-end luxurious brands, some making their regional debut, right here in Qatar. These will cover accessories, speciality jewellery stores, perfumeries and cosmetics. All these of course stand apart from the world class, infamous food and beverage outlets that will flock to the peninsular and make their home in this newest of lavish entertainment destinations. With the opening date set for February 2011, The Gate is guaranteed to make a name for itself as a visionary market leader in its proposed fusion between the East and the West – offering 7-star hospitality and services, while cherishing and adhering to local values and culture.

sur la terre in town

Chanel’s Summer Bouquet

Delicate and ethereal would probably not nearly do justice to Chanel’s latest line of jewellery. Slender strands of glimmering gold are intertwined to form what is a symphony of rose petals. Unadorned gold or bejewelled with glistening diamonds, Chanel brings spring right to your fingertips. Earrings descend elegantly down your neckline as they are flanked by subtle leaves gilded with diamonds. Your wrist will shine through a golden blooming cuff which, while it may be large enough to cause a stir, is kept graceful through use of the signature flowery interlace. Starring in the leading role are the rings, which drape on your finger ever so gently as they reflect luminous interludes between you and the intricate weaving of a rose garden. Spring has definitely sprung and Chanel is here to make you shine.

Dior Dialling

In a world afloat with iPhones and Blackberrys, it holds true that most consumers worth their money will opt for one or the other. The odd one out might go for the novel Google Android phone but a general dichotomy seems to be well established. Fruitphones aside, fashion savvy, couture-inclined cell phone users now have the it-accessory to call their own for the paltry sum of just QR 18,000 (that is just for the low-end model). Dior has finally launched its very own line of cell phones that simply scream style and sophistication. Available in iconic pinks, whites and of course Dior crimson, Dior phones are more than just a way of communicating, they are a way of life. Aside from a slew of onboard features, users can even delight in the miniature My Dior – a clip-on sidekick to allow you to answer your phone when you don’t feel like rummaging through your massive Dior bag to find it. You have your choice between the basic models that will radiate in a shiny colourful exterior, or you can go all out with diamonds and sapphires. Hey, if you’ve got an extra QR 72,000 lying around, you might as well spend it on a Dior phone.

Wideboy Slim

Over the years, notebooks have become slimmer, lighter and more streamlined, and while many brands have compromised on quality, LG has stood firm and made sure to cater to customer’s expectations. Their newest notebook combines all the features users could want and ask for today. Boasting an Intel Processor Designed especially for Ultra-Thin Laptops, the LG Widebook T280 gives you premium capabilities in a compact package. This fat-fighting computer is just 16.7mm at its thinnest point and weighs in at a mere 1.4 kg, making it lighter than your average purse. Consumers have the choice between a six and nine-cell battery, allowing them to customise their notebook according to their respective power needs. The integrated LED touchpad features hidden lighting and tactile feedback, letting you type and browse in all lighting conditions. Your media needs are accommodated with an 11.6-inch, LED-backlit widescreen giving you that home theatre experience, while features such as a 1.3-megapixel webcam with You-Cam viewer and SRS TruSurround HD sound add to the complete package.

sur la terre in town

Blush, and Make Up. Forever.

Rosy cheeks may possibly be the mother of all beauty tricks when it comes to achieving a young and vibrant look. Sporting a natural blush when you haven’t just run a mile, aren’t extremely embarrassed or haven’t been hanging upside down for ten minutes can be quite tricky though. More often than not, women resign themselves to sub-par blushes that simply look caked on or, worse still, 80’s style extreme. For the rosy-cheek challenged among you, Make Up Forever has just released its brand new High Definition Blush that will solve all your fresh-faced conundrums. Formulated to simply glide on, this cream blush blends in with all skin tones to give you a natural and eye catching flush. Available in eight different shades, you’ll have no problem finding the right tone for your complexion. Now all you have to do is dab on a bit of High Definition for that extra bit of facial oomph.

Making Time for Tennis

There are those of us who like their watches to put considerable weight on their wrists – you know who you are. Then there are those few timepiece enthusiasts who like their temporal arm candy to barely register as mass. For the latter group, one name has stood out from the rest – and that moniker belongs to Richard Mille, a designer who has made an art form out of barely there, weightless watches. His latest complication, the RM 027 Tourbillion, designed for A-list tennis pro Rafael Nadal, weighs a mere 13g (without strap). The titanium and LITAL alloy movement adds up to about 3.83g of horological expertise. Featuring free-sprung balance, a fast rotating barrel and winding barrel teeth with central involute profile, the RM 027 makes sure that you never lose your grasp of time. Highlighting all this engineering and skill is the open dial design of the watch, which allows you to see the movement every time you check what hour it is. An all black design, emphasised with steel-coloured movement warrants the Nadal name, and features prominently on this airy piece of chronographic craftsmanship.

sur la terre in town

Touchy Feely Photos

A picture is said to be worth a thousand words. Not so much if its blurry and out of focus. When trusting your memories to a camera, we’d say Canon’s newest IXUS is the one to choose. Incorporating an oversized touch screen, this camera brings back the quality of previous models but raises the bar with newer features and improved usability. Going the route of most electronics these days, the IXUS 210 features a sizeable touch screen that allows you to get to your desired menu options in a breeze. Image quality takes a boost and arrives at a comfortable 14.1 megapixels with a respectable 24mm ultra-wide angle 5x zoom. Technical specs aside, we wouldn’t just give you some bulky old piece of equipment, so we made sure to feature a real looker of a camera. Small, available in bold colours and of course featuring that touch screen, this camera is for the quality and image conscious.

Whimsical Watches

In the words of Van Cleef & Arpels, “Time is synonymous with poetry.” We couldn’t agree more when looking at their latest collection of wondrous timepieces. Van Cleef & Arpels have catered to the whimsical tastes of the elite for years now and have ceaselessly presented us with pieces that not only warrant a second look, but tell a story as your infatuation slowly deepens. Lady Arpels Extraordinary Hummingbird takes you on a colourful journey as ornate birds go in search of cloying nectar. Traditionally coloured and designed landscapes playfully decorate Midnight Extraordinary Japanese Lacquer. Master dial maker Hakose San skilfully crafts classic Japanese dials to appeal to Van Cleef’s oriental-inclined clientele. The piece that waxes most poetic is Pont des Amoureux. A couple’s midnight meeting in the most romantic city of them all plays out on your diamond encrusted wrist.

Chukka Out ST DuPont POLO

Polo, a game steeped in millennia of tradition now has another French luxury brand to take care of all its outfitting needs. S.T. Dupont has classically reinvented time-honoured polo items with a French twist. The polo shirt comes in a deep navy blue, accented with bold red at the collar, while the polo bag echoes the same colours among a sea of taupe. Navy blue is carried through the accessories as it colours pens, lighters, belts and cardholders. S.T. Dupont has rebranded the classic polo crest to feature a large “D” for Dupont, as well as the brand’s birthplace of Paris. The polo club emblem is flanked by two red mallets and topped with a coronet. Players and enthusiasts can delight in the elegant collection that is sure to make you stand out amongst a slew of other equestrian attire.

sur la terre spotlight

Hassan al Thawadi CEO, Qatar 2022 Bid

sur la terre spotlight

Our team is well aware of the responsibilities that we have in this bid, and this is what motivates us on a daily basis. We all come from diverse backgrounds in terms of previous occupations, education and interests, but we all share a common goal and a common purpose. Of course, we are all passionate about football and our clubs here in Qatar, which sometimes makes for interesting office discussion and debate. We know that if Qatar wins, it will be the first Middle East nation to host the World Cup. We know that the event comes with prestige and national pride. We know that it raises the exposure of the host nation and allows for a mass of financial income from the torrents of fans that come to the country. However, if you had to pick just one reason, amongst these or others, what is the most important reason for the World Cup to come to Qatar? Simply put, not only are we as qualified and as capable as any other bidding nation, but we also believe that the time has come for the World Cup to come the Middle East. It is the final frontier for world football – a region where football passion and enthusiasm is rampant and where millions of people are waiting for their turn to show the world what they have to offer. We believe that a World Cup in the Middle East would go a long way towards bridging the cultural divides that have plagued relations between East and West. What we want to do is present a different narrative to the world – one of peace, co-operation, understanding and shared enthusiasm for a sport which we all love. All will be invited, all will be welcome, and all will enjoy their time here. Including its presentation of other sporting events like golf, horse racing and motor sport championships, Qatar has also hosted the 2006 Asian Games. It is also set to host the 2011 Asian Cup. How do all of these things combine to help Qatar’s chances to bring home the cup? Our experience in hosting large international events means that our qualifications and capabilities are beyond question. We are hosting the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, which is the most coveted prize in the largest football confederation in the world. We wouldn’t have been awarded the rights to host this tournament if the AFC leadership wasn’t supremely confident in our ability to handle the organisation process and to be able to host a successful event for all involved. Of course, the World Cup is more of a challenge, but the infrastructure we have in place

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sur la terre spotlight

bid. Our size is one of the things that make our bid so unique, refreshing and, we think, attractive for a compact World Cup. And yet, to those that are used to World Cups in large countries where you have to travel several hours or more between host cities, our plans strike people as odd. But so what? We value our creativity and we believe we have planned a World Cup that is completely new, one which has the power to revolutionise the world and one which will leave a lasting legacy in a region that needs this tournament more than any other. Also, we know we have the solutions to the challenges that many people usually point out about our bid – the heat, the size, and other factors. We feel that these problems, or drawbacks to our bid or whatever you’d like to call them, are in fact major advantages, because they have allowed us to develop pragmatic, creative solutions which will provide an important legacy for countries facing similar climatic conditions or size constraints. I think if people evaluate our bid on its merits, there is nothing underdog about us. Qatar only just came up short in qualifying for the World Cup this year, but in their absence, who will you be supporting? Is this the same team that you will think will also win? What I can say is that I will be rooting for all the things that make the sport so great – passionate, quality play on the pitch and non-stop enthusiasm in the stands. I don’t think there is a particular team that I will be supporting over another – I am just looking forward to seeing an amazing World Cup tournament. It’s the most incredible sporting event on the planet, and I don’t think there could possibly be a bad result for me. As the host nation in 2022, Qatar would automatically take part. How well do you think the national team would fare against the other big players at the World Cup 2022, and which teams do you think would be the hardest and most rewarding to get through? Our national team has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years, and I have no doubt that by 2022, our national team would have improved tremendously and have its share of successes under its belt. Our world-renowned ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence has been instrumental in developing our young talent, and our country’s growing passion for football is evident in our young players. We are confident that we will

qualify for the 2014 World Cup, and we think that by 2022 we can compete with any team. Of course, we recognise that there are teams that are routinely favourites to win the World Cup, but each tournament produces its fair share of surprises as well – teams that aren’t given much of a chance in the media, yet who still manage to make deep runs in the World Cup. We hope that our team can make headlines of its own in coming tournaments. Any win at the national level is satisfying in its own right, because you are playing against the best that each country has to offer. I don’t think I could name certain countries in particular that we would look forward to playing; the draw determines that, and all we can do is field our best team and let them show the world what they are made of. With only about 200 days left before the announcement of the winning bidder is made, Qatar has seriously ramped up its efforts, releasing the designs for a slew of new stadiums on your website, www. qatar2022bid.com. Can we expect any other developments to be released in the coming weeks and months? Can you give us a glimpse into any exciting news? We are confident that our bid will continue to surprise and impress the world. I’m afraid I cannot reveal any details at this time, but we do have some big announcements and other

plans that we think will help us generate momentum in the lead-up to the December 2nd decision by FIFA’s Executive Committee. Suffice it to say that we have a long way to go before the tournaments are awarded, and in that time we will do everything we can to show that we are deserving and capable. What specifically that will entail, you will have to wait to find out. Other than the expected challenges, such as, most obviously, the heat of Doha’s summers, what other obstacles does Qatar need to overcome in order to truly establish itself as a viable host for the World Cup? What are the foreseeable solutions to these issues? I think one challenge is general perceptions that some hold toward the Middle East. People don’t seem to know that Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world, and that by 2022 we will have some of the most advanced, state-of-the-art transportation networks on the planet. We think that a major benefit to a World Cup in Qatar is that the perceptions of the Middle East will be shattered, but we need to be aggressive in countering these misguided views if we are to be awarded the bid. In the coming months, we have detailed plans to help show the world that not only are we a safe, reliable pair of hands for the world’s greatest sporting event, but we also offer a legacy for the sport that no other bid can match.

sur la terre showcase

When most people think of Qatar, the first thing that comes to mind is, perhaps not surprisingly, gas. It is, after all, the greatest natural resource in the area and the catalyst for the economic boom that has catapulted the country to prominence. The glitz and glamour that have poured forth from the pipes of progress have decanted around the nation in a curtain of wealth, which, while impressive, often veils the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other amazing accomplishments. However, as Sur la Terre has explored previously, there is so much more to this land than gas and sand. >>> We have spoken at great length in bygone issues about Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to its burgeoning arts scene, its celebration of homegrown education institutions and its revival of classic traditions and culture. However, quite possibly its most internationally visible developments, at least in more recent years, are based on another realm entirely. Whether it is a rolling ball careening toward the gaping mouth of an open goal, the hooves of a proud Arabian steed thundering toward the finish line or a roaring engine rumbling the very asphalt beneath it, sport in Qatar takes many forms and has gone through just as many dynamic evolutions as the country itself.

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Sovereign of Sports In terms of sheer popularity, there is no sport that comes even close to rivaling football. The history of the sport in Qatar dates back to the late 1940s, and has gone through many changes of its own. What started when foreign oil company workers began organising games between each other soon turned into a feverish local interest. Such was the popularity amongst the locals that, by 1950, the first permanent football teams were formed, and competitions were arranged. Al Najah was the country’s first football club and the first tournament was played in 1951, won by the host team, Dukhan. Soon after the formation of the Qatar Football Association in 1970, the national team played its first match against Bahrain, which they lost two goals to one. Their biggest wins came in 1984 against Afghanistan and in 1985 against Lebanon, both won by eight goals to nil. Sadly Qatar has never represented Asia in a FIFA World Cup, but they came as close as they ever have in 2009, after a draw with Australia. Despite never qualifying for one, Qatar is currently vying for the honour of being the first Arab country to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. However, Qatar has won the Gulf Cup twice in 1992 and 2004. On both these occasions, Qatar was the host. The national side has also qualified for the Asian Cup finals at least eight times and will be hosting the event again in 2011. One of the national side’s crowning achievements is probably the Gold Medal the team won by beating Iraq by a single goal at the 2006 Asian Games, which were hosted in Qatar. Events Excellence Of course, Qatar is more than just football, as the country has showcased a wide diversity of sporting events over the years. In fact, there is no other place in the Middle East better suited for a variety of sporting excellence than in Qatar. A quick look through recent history yields a great many international events held on the sand-swept streets of Doha. The Exxonmobile Tennis Open, for example, has been held in Qatar since 1993, and has crowned many a world-class champion, such as Stefan Edberg, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and its newest racquet royal, Nikolay Davydenko. With a prize purse of US $1,024,000.00, if you’re not attracted to these sporting kings, then maybe you will be to the prize-winning bling. With every passing year, of course, the tournament garners even more renown, greater star power and thus a more bountiful booty. The same is true for the Commercialbank Qatar Masters tournament, which has seen a meteoric rise to success since its inception in 2001. It has actually existed since 1998, but that was prior to its Commercialbank sponsorship and long before it became part of European and Asian PGA tours. Since then, the Masters has played host to some of the biggest names in the golfing world, including first title-holder, Andrew Coltart, two-time winner Adam Scott and current defending champ, Robert Karlsson. The tourney has seen its popularity soar in recent years, along with the prize winnings, as they have increased from US$750,000 to a whopping US$2.5 million! The other events that Qatar has hosted are nigh innumerable, but paramount amongst these are world-class sporting showcases like the 2006 Asian Games, which truly put Qatar on the map, the 2009 Gymnasiade Games and the 2010 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Indoor Championships. However, even with all of these stupefying sporting spectacles, perhaps Qatar’s greatest claim to athletic fame are not the events themselves, but the rich body of national competitors who participate within them, and every other sport for which the country is becoming so well renowned.

< Raphael Nadal competes in the Exxonmobile Masters >

Individual Icons Nasser Al Attiyah is no stranger to the pages of Sur la Terre, and as the country’s most visible face when it comes to the sport of rally driving, he is just as familiar in the hearts and minds of his people. His accomplishments in rallying are near endless, with an unprecedented amount of wins in Qatar and the entirety of the Middle East, as well as a 2006 Production World Rally Championship (PWRC) win. Recently, he has come one step closer to his goal of winning the vaunted Dakar Rally by only just coming in second place. Arriving a mere 2’12 behind Carlos Sainz, Nasser successfully accomplished the smallest gap between racers in Dakar’s 30+ year history; not bad for the first Arab to ever compete in the race. The Barwa-sponsored star has been just as busy of late, winning yet another Qatar International Rally last January, coming in 3rd place at the recent Corona Rally in Mexico and using his Fiesta S2000 for more success in the Rally de Portugal and a possible challenge in Sardinia. He also recently raced into 1st place in a onetwo-three class victory for alternative power cars at the Nurburgring 24 hour race in a Bio Natural Gas-powered Sirocco GT24-CNG, which is another great accomplishment for him and his country. Like many of his fellow compatriots, Nasser is not just gifted in one area of sporting, but has competed not only in horse racing, for which he is still very passionate, but also at skeet-shooting, for which he has competed five times as a national representative for Qatar at the Olympic games. As a genuine authority within many areas that make up the sports scene in, around and outside of Qatar, Nasser was quick to speak with Sur la Terre about his country’s success. “Only Qatar is in the lead in terms of doing something new,” he says, stating further that his country’s innovative developments and aggressive pursuit of meeting with and exceeding its own sporting ambitions is nothing short of amazing. He says that hosting the above events and preparing the social and sporting landscape of the future is what is driving Qatar’s increasing exposure to the international community. Nasser also maintains that the innovations, both technologically, as well as in the realm of sports

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< Nasser Al Attiyah flies the Qatar flag in the WRC >

< Al Sadd’s Majid Mohammed and QSL’s Fazel Omar vie for the ball >

education and training for the future (with new institutions like the Aspire Academy), are forcing other countries to change their ideas about sport and evolve. In so doing, Qatar is establishing itself at the vanguard of a modern sports revolution. One of the areas Nasser says Qatar is making great progress is its inclusion of women in sport. Probably the most renowned of these women is the now famous Nada Zeidan, whose accomplishments are not only impressive, but represent a sea change in the way that others view Qatar sportsmanship and sporting prowess. As the first woman in the Gulf to gain official sports sponsorship, Nada has since established herself as the archetype of female Qatari athleticism. Much like Nasser, Nada is well-versed in multiple sports. She is the winner of several Ladies Cups in Middle East Championship rallies, and has represented her country proudly in the sport of archery at both the 14th and 15th Asian Games. It seems being multitalented runs in the blood of Qatar. Fresh off of her competition in her first WRC event in Jordan, Nada speaks with Sur la Terre on her own thoughts about her past, present and future, as well as the evolving nature of Qatari sport in general.

< Local vocals: Even heavy traffic can’t halt Qatar’s drive to celebrate sport >

< Nada Zeidan and her trusty rallying “steed”>

< Al Attiyah in skeet shooting garb at the Beijing Olympics >

Nada Zeidan

Sportswoman supreme

< Taking aim: Archery is only one of Nada Zeidan’s skills >

You recently competed in the World Rally Championships in Jordan. As this was your debut on the WRC stage, and being that you are the first woman from the GCC to compete in such an event, it must have been very daunting. What were the biggest challenges about the race? Do you plan on making future challenges to the WRC championship? Definitely! It’s my ambition to win the Middle East Rally Championships (MERC) and thereafter to use my experience from my first WRC event to compete - and I mean really compete – in more WRC events. The WRC event in Jordan was really tough and dangerous. Five teams literally crashed out, but I managed to complete the course. This in itself is an achievement, especially for a WRC novice! I spent up to 8 hours a day in the car, with only ten minute breaks. I clocked up more than 1000km over challenging terrain. However, my challenges started long before I even got to experience the terrain. My biggest challenge was just being able to compete! As an independent (i.e, not supported by a federation or club), I had to pay my own entry and registration fees up front in advance. Thankfully, a good local company, Petroconsult Qatar, finally stepped up and sponsored me for the race. The next challenge was to overcome fear. The WRC Jordan is held in some very mountainous terrain where even a small lapse of concentration or minor mistake can really be fatal. Would I do it again? Yes, of course! I’m proud to compete for my country, for all Arabic sportswomen and for myself.

You have been accorded many honours throughout your career, like being chosen to represent your country (for archery) in the 14th and 15th Asian Games; being named the “Face of the Games” in the latter. You have also won a veritable armada of awards and championships, including the Ladies’ Cup Middle East Rally Championship, not only in Qatar, but also in Dubai, Syria and Lebanon. As so decorated a sportswoman, can you choose one or two achievements for which you are particularly proud? I recall two events in archery in particular. Firstly, there was the 2002 Asian Games in Busan. I was the first woman from a GCC country to ever compete. In 2006, I won a Gold medal in the Malta Open. It wasn’t so much the winning of a fine trophy that sticks in my memory, but the fact that I was sick, had a shoulder injury and competing under extremely blustery conditions. I listened to the wind that day, concentrated, chose my moments well and won. I also recall the Dubai Rally where I won the Ladies’ Cup. I suffered three blow outs, but still managed to finish. It was a tough day! Other times stick in my mind for the sheer occasion such as firing the flaming arrow on live TV to launch Qatar’s 2016 Olympic bid logo in front of HH Sheikh Tamim, the Heir Apparent. It was the last arrow I fired and it brought tears to my eyes. Most memorable of all however, was the dinner at Wajba Palace with HH the Emir and HH Sheikha Mozah prior to the ROTA Gala Dinner in 2005. They were both so inspirational to me, offering me cherished words of support. You are indeed an inspiration, but who inspired you to greatness? Who are your heroes, both past and present, and how did they spur you to glory? Thank you! From the outset my parents were my inspiration. Later on, I drew inspiration from Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, a women of strong personality, great vision and amazing leadership qualities who gave me much needed moral support as my role model. In rallying specifically, Nasser Saleh is a truly multi-talented sportsman and natural winner, who has also inspired me.

What is next for Nada Zeidan? Do you have any projects or events coming up that you can tell your fans about? I’m looking to competing in the Lebanon Rally, the next event on the MERC circuit, but that depends upon securing a sponsor. As the leading lady rally driver from the region, I can definitely provide a sponsor with powerful benefits – maybe you know someone who would like to use the Lebanon event as a practice run for the whole 2011 MERC season? I promise them the drive of a lifetime! Qatar has achieved many sporting victories, such as hosting the 2006 Asian Games in which you participated, as well as the upcoming 2011 AFC Asian Cup. As not only a sporting icon, but a recognised ambassador for Qatari sport, what does it mean for the country to be associated with such gala sporting events? It’s very important for Qatar to be associated with such important global events in order to demonstrate its prowess both on and off the sports field. Moreover, I also see such events as great opportunities for Qatar to show the world its leading attitude towards women and sports. How has the sporting world changed in Qatar and the Gulf since you started? Do you think that the nation’s evolution in sport is approaching a bright future for Qatar, particularly now, with its focus on the 2022 World Cup Bid? I’m very pleased to note the steps taken by the Qatar Olympic Committee to promote opportunities for women in sport in Qatar, be they administrators or athletes. We will even have a new ladies football league from next season! You know, women account for about 50% of the population, and I’m sure more women would attend exciting sports events like football matches if more efforts were made to encourage them. In return, there would be many more people supporting our major bids, such as FIFA World Cup 2022. Hopefully I can do my part to back the bid.

sur la terre gourmet travel

< The Rainbow Nation: South Africa is a dream destination coloured everywhere with unreal beauty >

By the time Sur la Terre goes to print, South Africa will be deep in the throes of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, being the first nation on the African continent to host the event is not its only claim to fame. In fact, South Africa is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a rich history of both tribulation and triumph, a stunning geographical layout that is equally as diverse and a deeply stirring culture that makes many other destinations pale in comparison.

>>> South Africa is a dream destination for travellers interested in amazing culinary experiences, the natural world, culture, history and, most importantly for our purposes, luxury pampering! A perfect itinerary is often hard to come by, but when found, it combines the best of these experiences, including luxury accommodation and private touring in Cape Town and the Winelands, several days on safari at

one or more renowned luxury game lodges, and side trips to spectacular Victoria Falls in Zambia and a luxury game lodge in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. South Africa is well-connected by air to other parts of Africa, making it a gateway to many wonderful destinations in the region, including Mauritius, a great place to relax on a beach for a few days following a safari. Of course, it all begins with a matter of taste.

sur la terre gourmet travel

Dining to die for Fine dining is a highlight of Cape Town, where the restaurants—some of the best in the world—are perfect places to explore the latest dining trends and sample unique South African ingredients, such as wild game and indigenous fynbos plants. Cape Town’s restaurants offer settings that range from open terraces perched along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to historic wine estates in the upscale suburb of Constantia. Cape Town also has great local food shops serving typical dishes that exemplify the best of local cuisine. Trying many different things is a great way to gain insight into the local food culture. The colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood is recommended for learning about Cape Malay culture and perhaps sampling specialties of Cape Malay cuisine, such as curries, rotis and bobotie (minced meat with dried fruit and spices). For food and wine lovers, a trip to the Cape Winelands — the gourmet capital of South Africa and a stunning landscape of vineyards and mountains — is a must. The Winelands have some of the most acclaimed restaurants in South Africa, and resident chefs transform local produce, seafood and game into extraordinary meals. The Tasting Room, for example, is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in the world. The restaurant’s highly recommended eight-course tasting menu includes wine pairings and dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. In addition to great food, many restaurants in the Winelands also offer al fresco dining with expansive views of the bucolic landscape. The perfect itinerary in the Winelands also includes visits to the top wineries around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch to sample fine wines such as Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, and other locally grown varietals.

< Cape Town at sunset >

< South Africa is fringed by miles of beautiful coastline >

Meals at safari lodges are unforgettable on so many different levels. First, there’s the unbelievably romantic setting: a candlelit table under the stars in the middle of the African wilderness. Then, there’s the incredible food and wine. The lodge chefs are at the top of their game (so to speak), expertly preparing meals from local produce and exotic meats such as wildebeest and impala, and matching them with exquisite South African wines from their extensive cellars. It’s also great to go behind the scenes at the lodge kitchens, where possible, and perhaps take a cooking class with the chef. Visitors to South Africa should explore as much of the full range of local food as possible. Some meals are cultural as well as culinary events, such as dining at a Cape Malay restaurant to get a taste for the unique flavors that permeate much of the local cuisine, such as a South African braai (barbecue), a vibrant social occasion for anyone who likes grilled meats, sausage, fish and seafood. Alternatively, the more adventurous can snack on smiley (roasted goat head) during a visit to a township. Among other foods, melktert, a custardy “milk tart,” and koeksisters (a braided doughnut covered in sweet syrup), are favourites among dessert lovers.

A canopy of culture Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is wedged between the Atlantic and Indian oceans, with the stunning Table Mountain as its dramatic backdrop. More than just a pretty face, Cape Town also has a complex and compelling history. A private tour with an expert guide and driver is the best way to experience the city’s beauty and culture. Local guides give visitors an insider’s insight on the city, from the exhilarating heights of Table Mountain, where you can take in spectacular views over the city and water, to the harrowing depths of Robben Island, the prison island that held Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners during the apartheid era. A private excursion to a township is another valuable experience for understanding local culture and the legacy of apartheid. Further touring in Cape Town might include visits to important historic sites and leading cultural institutions such as the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa Museum and St. George’s Cathedral, as well as shopping for South African specialties such as diamonds and ostrich leather products.

sur la terre gourmet travel

< Kruger park offers experiences both blinding and breathtaking >

Cape Town’s top luxury hotels, such as the Cape Grace and Ellerman House, provide the perfect combination of elegance, service, location and views. Amazing destinations surrounding Cape Town offer numerous possibilities for private excursions and overnight trips. A popular day trip is a scenic drive along the coastline of the Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope and back. Wonderful experiences along the way include standing on high sea cliffs overlooking dramatic Cape Point, seeing the turbulent waters where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, watching penguins cavort on Boulders Beach and visiting scenic seaside towns. The Cape Winelands, probably the most popular escape from Cape Town, can be visited as a private day excursion from the city or as a relaxing getaway of several days at La Residence, a luxurious resort hotel in the heart of the rural region. Touring with a private guide in the Winelands is the ideal way to gain an understanding of the history of the region and its winemaking tradition, which stretches back over 300 years. It’s also the best way to avoid crowds and visit smaller, more intimate vineyards and tasting rooms.

Many travellers pass through Johannesburg, a major transit hub and South Africa’s most populous city, at some point during their tour of South Africa. One of the most interesting and educational things to do in Jo’burg, as the locals call it, is to visit the Apartheid Museum to learn about one of the darkest periods in South African history. Another top choice is an insider’s excursion to Soweto, the township that played a significant role in the antiapartheid movement, to visit Mandela House, the former home of Nelson Mandela. Go wild A safari is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the raw wildness and sublime natural beauty of South Africa. Among the top destinations for safari are Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand Reserve, Thornybush Game Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve, which is in a malaria-free zone. These regions offer extremely luxurious game lodges as well as the high likelihood of encountering a rich diversity of animals. Elite lodges such as Molori, Royal Malawane and the Singita lodges are luxurious escapes that offer a sophisticated blend of safari-chic style, modern conveniences, excellent food and South African

< One unforgettable trip is to tour the Cape Winelands >

sur la terre gourmet travel

< Johannesburg >

< An abundance of natural beauty >

< Head out on a wild safari >

wine, superlative service, spas, pampering and optimum game viewing. More specifically, Molori has especially delicious cuisine, thanks to a great young chef, Royal Malawane has one of the best spas in the bush and the Singita lodges are excellent all-around options. Game drives at safari lodges typically take place around dawn and dusk, when visitors have the chance to see classic African safari scenarios such as giraffes stretching their necks to nibble on tender leaves high in an acacia tree, antelopes bounding through knee-high grass, hippos loping to and from a river and brilliantly colored birds flitting in the bushes. Seeing all the “Big Five” animals—lions, elephants, Cape buffalos, leopards and black rhinos—in the wild is a dream for many visitors to South Africa. While nothing is guaranteed, it is certainly possible with ample time in the region to see a pride of lions licking their chops after a meal, a herd of elephants walking single file trunk-to-tail or a leopard lounging in a tree. For the ultimate in exclusivity, visitors might like to opt for private game drives, which allow a greater intimacy with the landscapes and the animals.

< Vineyards in the Cape Winelands >

Timing is everything South Africa is a year-round destination with wonderful touring options at any time of year. Keep in mind that South Africa is a big country and weather patterns vary greatly from one end to the other. Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, in the southern part of the country, have a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Kruger National Park and most of the major game reserves are in the northeastern part of the country and have a subtropical climate. During dry season, it can be easy to spot a wide variety of large game animals as they are forced to use a limited number of waterholes. The rainy season is quieter at the safari lodges. The landscape is lush, and it can be a great time to see baby animals and a wide variety of birds. No matter when you go on safari, there are always amazing things to see—after all, the animals don’t take vacations. Buying time Ostrich leather is a big favourite as a gift or souvenir. A strong material with a distinctive bumpy texture, it’s typically used for highquality, colourful wallets, bags and shoes. Travellers looking for an indulgence might like to consider jewellery, especially diamonds, which is a South African specialty. Quality folk art, such as beaded objects, wooden sculpture and woven baskets, can be great gifts. Antique shops abound in Cape Town and Franschhoek, so be sure to bring an extra bag or two. It’s easy to see that South Africa is itself a world of worlds, holding within its boundaries a galaxy of varying gourmet gauntlets for you to run through and experience. Of course, we don’t expect you to just jump in unprepared; in a country this size, with this many options for opulence, that would be ill-advised. The very best way to see South Africa is via the capable hands of a seasoned team of travel guides. If you want to truly experience Africa’s southernmost nation with the attention to decadence it deserves, Sur la Terre highly recommends contacting The Artisans of Leisure. You will not find a more well-catered and unique private travel experience with anyone else. To contact the Artisans of Leisure, and see what plans and programmes they have in store to make your trip all the more memorable, visit www.artisansofleisure.com

sur la terre unique rides

Managing Editor, James McCarthy, gets all-consumed by the power of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. Pictures: Brown Image Production

The Following Monday...

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sur la terre unique rides

A dream had been realised and the world’s fastest, most expensive road car was brought to bear in a world that had become more focused on hybrid technology and cutting costs. In truth, though, there are not enough superlatives (or column inches) to describe the Veyron. On paper, it is the perfect hypercar. Aesthetically stunning, aurally astounding and mathematically unsurpassed. Top Gear’s Jeremey Clarkson describes it as ‘the motoring world’s greatest science project,’ and earlier this year, named it the programme’s Car of the Decade. It is so well engineered, explains Raphanel, that even in the manufacture of the doors, there is a tolerance of just 0.2mm given to the spacing of the adjoining panels.

The Moment of Truth

We finally arrive at Sur la Terre’s top secret test track and Raphanel just looks over at me with a grin and asks if I am ready. A leather-covered key bearing the famous EB logo is dropped into my eager paw and I sit there staring. This is my Excalibur. Yes, I love Lamborghinis with their brute force and menacing looks and yes, I go weak at the knees every time an Aston Martin glides past me on the commute to SLT Towers, but the Bugatti is something rare. It is altogether more...mythical; a bit like finding a unicorn laying Faberge eggs at the bottom of your garden. As Raphanel explains the readouts, I insert the key (the inverse action of Arthur drawing Excalibur from the stone), turn it and press the big round “start” button. You expect a bit more theatre, but in reality, when that W16 fires up right behind your head, none is required. The air scoops have a Lear-jet like whine as I ease the rolling rocket out onto the tarmac for some ground-level strafing. The first thing that hits me is the ease of the ride. I would expect nearly two tonnes of what is essentially an engine and a 26-gallon fuel tank to be like steering the Queen Elizabeth 2 into the marina of the Pearl Qatar. However, with the double clutch imperceptibly shifting cogs, coupled with the all-wheel drive system (which automatically adjusts and splits torque to the front and rear axles) and power steering, the Veyron feels like a much more nimble beast than its kerb weight suggests. It is only when cornering that you feel the weight of the car. While the Veyron sails smoothly into the apex and shoots out in a clean line, you do feel the enlarged turning circle, which is in part due to the Michelinmade Pilot Sport PS2 tyres, the world’s largest and the only rubber to support a safety guarantee up to 420km/h. However, this does mean that each set of four, with wheels, will cost you around QR182,000. My first tentative tilt in the Veyron is undertaken in the fairly sedate “D” (drive) mode of the automatic gearbox, which is designed to harness the awesome power of the Veyron and temper it to enable the car to pootle around in the traffic of an urban sprawl. The fun starts when you nudge the gearshift one more notch to the right into “S” mode. All of a sudden, the car holds the lower gears longer and allows for a quicker downshift enabling me, should I wish, to “destroy the car in front,” as Raphanel succinctly puts it. On my second pass, I slow the car to a rolling idle and activate the “S” mode. The needle on the rev counter jumps like a tazed cat and the car sounds like a jet about to hit take-off speed. I plant my

loafer on the accelerator and BOOOM! The world becomes a blur as the horizon rushes up to greet me. The speedometer is climbing fast and the double-digits are melting away in seconds. I am soon into the hundreds. Even at this speed, the gear shift is unnoticeable. I am gripping the wheel tight, even though I don’t have to, as you can drive this car with just an index finger - even at this speed; such is the grip of the Michelins and the efficiency of the all-wheel drive in a straight line. However, I am trying to anchor myself, as my pulse is thumping double time to keep my adrenalin in check. I pass Abdullah, desperately snapping away, trying to freeze the moment through a lens, at a face-melting 300km/h. I can hold it in no longer and find myself just bawling out a deep-rooted, almost primal shout of sheer joy. Raphanel is laughing to my right. He has seen this a thousand times before. I am not the first, and most certainly will not be the last, to be acting like the kid picked to pilot the Concorde. Even though you know that this car is incredibly safe at these, frankly, ridiculous speeds, there has to be an element of fear or it just wouldn’t be fun. The rate of acceleration is as mind-boggling as it is relentless. The needle continues rising past 280km/h at the same speed as it did between zero and 100km/h.

sur la terre unique rides

I was shaken from the almost hypnotic sight of the needle completing nearly two-thirds of the dial when I began to run out of straight road and the roundabout that had seemed so far away less than a minute ago was now bearing inexorably down on me. “Don’t worry,” coos Raphanel. “Just hit the brakes hard. You will stop.” Sure enough, I press firmly on the brake pedal and feel the full force of the ceramics and that vast, computer-controlled, surfboard of an airbrake. It allows me to seamlessly flick the shift back into “D” and smoothly-as-you-like ease the Veyron into the turn and carry on as normal. Time flies as quickly as the Bugatti when you are in the driving seat, and Raphanel indicates that it is time to get back on the highway. As we pick our way through the traffic en-route to the Ritz Carlton, I find lesser metals, such as Land Cruisers and Range Rovers, are keen to let us pass for a chance to rubberneck as the Veyron cruises by; for me, this sums up the essence of the Bugatti beautifully. Qatar is an emirate where Lamborghinis, Astons, Bentleys and Rollers are so plentiful that they have become part of the street furniture; a place where Ferraris and Porsches speed past and don’t even garner a second glance from passers-by. In stark contrast, the Veyron will ALWAYS turn heads. It will always command respect on the road simply because the car, like the dream that inspired it, is a rare, paradigmshifting occurrence. That, my friends, is why the Bugatti Veyron, with its status amongst the pantheon of automotive gods already secure, is the most Unique Ride of the lot.

sur la terre unique rides

Pictures: Paul Barshon

For Videos and More Pictures, visit us on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/32pbbb5

sur la terre unique rides

Managing Editor, James McCarthy, travels to the heart of Andalusia’s bull fighting country to put the new Lamborghini Superleggera through its paces and, despite the Spanish rain, finds that this new raging bull is no damp squib. >>> “Crikey!” Exclaims my passenger with a mixture of panic and respect, as I completely miss the apex of the turn I am throttling into and the back end of the Lamborghini I am piloting swings out wildly - complete with tyre squeal, spray from the wet track and the destruction of more than a few little orange cones in the process. Recovering my composure, I plant the accelerator to the floor and, just like a scolded dog, the new LP 570-4 Gallardo Superleggera immediately begins to behave itself again, much to my relief and that of South African-based Business Day motoring editor, Mark Smyth, who had decided (rather regrettably on his part methinks) to sit in with me on my first run around the rain-soaked Circuito Monteblanco in Seville. The southern Spanish town of Seville is famously home to the noble Andalusian Bull, renowned for its bravery and aggression in duelling dandily-clad matadors in the bullfighting arenas of the world. However, the Andalusian Bull’s other claim to fame, and perhaps more relevant to our story, is that it sits proudly on the badge of the car I am swinging, with gay abandon, around a soaking wet racetrack.

Setting The Pace

Within weeks of the latest iteration of Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Sur la Terre received the call inviting us to enjoy the five star hospitality of Seville and to experience the car in the metal, so to speak, under racetrack conditions.

Landing in the wonderful spring sunshine that seems to bring southern Europe to life, hopes were high for a day of petrol-headed hi-jinks with a car that was not only 70kgs lighter than the LP 560-4 that I test drove last summer, but has a larger, more powerful engine and bears all the hallmarks of old school Lamborghini lunacy. With figures that speak for themselves, like a new 5.2 litre V10 engine with 570 horsepower, a top speed of 325kp/h and 540Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, it was shaping up to be Pirelli-pummeling day. Arrival at the track, though, coincided with the onset of a brooding grey sky. The mood of the assembled scribes was quickly starting to match that of the heavens, but was soon offset by the brilliant colours of the automotive guard of honour that met us from the blacked-out Lamborghini VIP bus. As we alighted in the car park of the Circuito Monteblanco, we examined the wild bulls that would be our steeds for the day. The look was all too familiar after my summertime liaison with the standard Gallardo but, as I was to soon find out, the Superleggera was an entirely different bull to ride. Lamborghini is branding the car as “The Pacemaker” and, as we sat in the press lounge waiting for our crack at the beasts lining up trackside, President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann talked us through the reasoning behind the Dirty Harry-esque moniker. He explained that gone are the days when top speed is all that matters in defining a supercar. “You are unlikely to reach 300kp/h on a racetrack,” he explained, “let alone on any road, anywhere in the world. Details such as design, power to weight ratio, acceleration, handling and CO2 emissions will be the benchmarks of future supercars.”

sur la terre unique rides

That is why, claims the company, the new Superleggera is setting the pace. It accelerates from a standing start to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, has a dry weight of 1.3 tonnes - 70kg lighter than the LP 560-4, thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre in the diffusers, underbody panelling and exterior elements such as the rear spoiler and wing mirrors. Conversely, despite the LP-570-4 being lighter than the standard 2009 Gallardo, it is 20kg heavier than the original 2007 Superleggera, due to the increased engine capacity. However, it has a better weight-to-power ratio of 2.35kg (5.18lb) per horsepower, lowering its CO2 emissions by more than 20 percent over its predecessor.

Tracking The Beast

So, finally it was time to tame the growling bulls that sat below us. Lamborghini had organised the day very well, meaning that everyone in the 30-strong group was set to get plenty of time behind the wheel, and your faithful Managing Editor took to the track in the second group. Climbing into the cockpit of the Superleggera, memories of my summer fling with the Gallardo came rushing back. The interior layout hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed at all; the reverse button is still in a confusing place and to set the car in motion is still a chore if you are uninitiated with the Lambo system. My first ride of the day was the sleek, black option, and I immediately felt at home in the reasonably spacious cockpit, though to keep things on the safe side, I decided to attempt my first run in Automatic. We were asked not to mess with the ESP settings too much, so I opted for the conservative choice, putting the car in into Sport mode and, accepting the presets with the push of a button, pulled slowly into the pit lane behind the pace car. Mark, who had already taken his first tilt around Monteblanco, sat to my right. I was tense and unsure of what to expect from a car much lighter, and more powerful than the one I had become so comfortable with six months ago.

The little hiccup (alluded at the start of the article) with the second corner aside, the tension washed away as I became more aware of what a wonderful little lunatic this new incarnation of the Superleggera was. While definitely lighter, the handling was amazing. Even though there was an underlying feeling that the Superleggera could be quite unforgiving if treated with disrespect, any mistake at the wheel was repelled by the superb all-wheel drive and the intuitive ESP systems. In Auto, however, hard braking followed by firm acceleration was repaid with a jarring stutter before the throttle opened and let rip the awesome acceleration of the 5.2 litre V10. On later runs, using the six-speed manual â&#x20AC;&#x153;flappy-paddleâ&#x20AC;? gearbox eliminated the judder and gave for a much smoother ride into, and out of, tight corners. One area that was never in any doubt, though, was the grip. Whatever line you took, the car remained planted on its four Pirelli P Zero Corsa

sur la terre unique rides

tyres (developed specifically for the new Superleggera and closely related to pure race rubber). Performance on the damp track was one thing, but It was after the foreboding, bruised sky finally availed itself of its liquid cargo that the Superleggera really came into its own.

The Rain In Spain

Lunch break became an extended affair, with the assembled motoring hacks toying with the idea of asking if the car park could be converted into a drift pan, and the yellow Superleggera doing laps as the Lamborghini test drivers worked out the best way to keep us on the now waterlogged track. During this hiatus in play, it was time to go out and get the photography. In hindsight, I should have booked the “Seville orange” Lambo for my snaps, as it would have made for better pictures than the gunmetal grey edition, which seemed to now be blending into the sorry monochrome sky and the dull tarmac. Still, who was to know that the rain in Spain would fall mostly on Monteblanco? Obviously, not me when it came to picking my car for the photo session. After a few laps of dodging the photographer’s tracking car, I returned to the press lounge in time for a new briefing from the professionals. The rules of the game had changed, as had the route around the course in order to continue driving, but without the afternoon turning into an aquaplaning hell. In the streaming rain, we assembled in the pits once again, this time for a crack at the bull in wet conditions. While it was not an ideal situation, spirits were not totally dampened when we realised that this was a unique opportunity to give the car a workout in both the semi dry and very wet. This time I mounted a lime green Lambo and took to the track, just me and a pace car driven by none other than top tamer of the raging bull, Max Venturi. We had clear instructions to drive in manual, and to hit the corners in third gear using a progressive, rather than an aggressive braking and acceleration technique. Basically, this meant that downforce would be transferred more to the front of the car than through the rear axle, as it is when just flooring the pedals. In normal circumstances, the power delivered by the V10 is channelled with a ratio of 30:70 to the front and rear axles, while the weight distribution is 43/57 percent front/rear. In summary, this made for a much richer driving experience, as the increased torque of the new Superleggera became evident entering and exiting the corners. It also put the all-wheel drive system properly through its paces, and boy did it respond with flying colours. Traction on the Lambo was relentless, even in the wet, the car just stuck to the road. But alas, there could only be two cars on the track at a time under the new rain-imposed rules, so each of the present press corps, unless they rode shotgun, only got the one run before the big black bus was back and we were being ushered aboard by our attentive hostesses. On the journey back to the wonderful, 82-year-old Hotel Alfonso XIII, we passed by Seville’s riverside bullring, The Toros de la Maestranza, and I pondered the question: is bullfighting a cruel and inhumane blood sport? Not if it is fighting an LP 570-4 Superleggera into a tight corner.

This particular breed of bull might buck a little on the way in and kick a lot on the way out, but with engineering this precise, you get all the thrills with safety of spilling nothing. Except maybe a couple of little orange cones.

A Load Of Bull

The world of bullfighting, and particularly Seville, played a key part in the creation of Lamborghini’s identity. In 1962, Ferruccio Lamborghini visited the Seville ranch of Don Eduardo Miura, a renowned breeder of Spanish fighting bulls. So impressed was he by the majestic Miura animals, that he decided to adopt a raging bull as the now famous emblem of the Lamborghini marque. Car names followed, with the Miura and the Islero, which was named after the bull that killed the famed bullfighter Manolete in 1947. Espada is the Spanish word for sword. The Diablo was also named after a legendary bull, while Gallardo is the name of one of the five ancestral castes of the Spanish fighting bull breed. Reventón is the bull that defeated young Mexican torero, Félix Guzmán, in 1943. Murciélago is the legendary bull whose life was spared by “El Lagartijo” for his brave performance in 1879 and the Estoque concept of 2008 was named after the estoc, the sword traditionally used by matadors during bullfights. Nearly all Lamborghini car names have bullfighting references with the exception of the Countach, which refers to a northwest Italian exclamation of astonishment by men upon sighting a beautiful woman.

sur la terre unique rides

GHOSTbuster II Senior Editor Steve Paugh reprises his role as Rolls Royce’s number one fan >>> A little under a year ago, I wrote my very first article about Rolls Royce. It was a labour of love that ended up being an ode, not just to a car, but to an ideal. I wrote about how the brand influenced (or really, created) my idea of luxury when I was still knee-high to a hubcap... which I am aware does not have knees. I was lucky enough to be whisked away by the Rolls Royce team on a legendary test drive of the entire Phantom range in Doha, Qatar and to a majestic tour around and inside of the Goodwood factory in England. That memory continues to be the highlight of my career.

When I first saw the Ghost, it was still officially under wraps at Goodwood, and spoken of only in whispers using one of its original monikers, the 200EX or the RR4. Even back in those early days, we all knew that this model marked a new direction for the company. The body was the first clue. As designer Ian Cameron has said, the design of the Ghost was based more around a jet intake than its former Parthenon-cued styling. While still taking a liberal ladle of delicious RR traditionalism in elements like the elevated prow, long bonnet and elegant tail, the design team that cooked up the Ghost has peppered into its rich milieu dashes of a

Since then, I have driven many other luxury cars, and while each has been its own rewarding experience, nothing has really come close to the connection I have with Rolls Royce. I have to laugh as I type this, as I never thought I would ever utter or write those words. I, Steve Paugh, have a relationship with Rolls Royce. That’s just silly. It’s a bit like saying, “I have a relationship with Megan Fox”... which I do, by the way, despite what the restraining order says. In any event, I never thought I’d be this close to something that, for the whole of my life, until this point, was so far away. However, it is thanks to this connection that I was lucky enough to be invited to a second round with the good folks at Rolls Royce, this time taking place in both Bahrain and Doha, and with a whole new member of the family. For Videos and More Pictures, visit us on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/32pbbb5

sur la terre unique rides

more modern flavour, like a redesigned front grille, a lower crouch and a more streamlined curvature, all making it much less formal than the tastes of the Phantom range. Having had the opportunity to sit in the Ghost those many months ago in Goodwood, I could immediately feel that it was made to be more driver-centric. Of course it has the luxury you would expect, but it was clear that this was a conscious effort by the designers to get away from the mentality that, unless you were armed with a butler’s hat and a pair of white gloves, Rolls Royces should be ridden in, and not driven. Company representatives continue to stress that, while the Phantom is like a tuxedo, the Ghost is more like your tailor-made business suit, and in that regard, we agree. It still looks and makes you feel great, is a bit more comfortable to wear and contains, in its use, a very similar sense of presence. In fact, even if it is more of a driver’s car, the interior is still as gapingly spacious as you would imagine, particularly in the back. This is in large part thanks to its steel monocoque, which ensures that there is no separation between chassis and body, thus maintaining its space, even though it’s 400mm shorter than its Phantom brethren. Still, not being able to road test the 200EX, I was unable to fully appreciate what the brand was going for in the new model ... that is, until now. The 2010 Leadership Tour held by Rolls Royce snaked its path throughout the Middle East, and was the perfect chance to push the Ghost to its outer limits. The boys at Rolls Royce are very right about the feel of this car: it is NOT a phantom, nor does it in any way pretend to be. Saying that, it is also not attempting to be anything other than a Rolls Royce. Its 6.6 litre twinturbo V12 engine is new to the RR family and is exclusive to the model, making it the most powerful member in its esteemed lineage. That doesn’t mean that the Ghost is some raw brute in a drawing room otherwise full of gentlemen, but rather a burly sort of chap who is confident without being brash, and whose power is tempered by grace, poise and probably a monocle for panache. And oh, how it does have panache! The Ghost is able to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in an impressive 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h), and while that speed and get-up is mystifying in a car of this size and weight (2,435kg), it again doesn’t waste its time or energy showing off in the ostentatious flourish you’d get from other makes. The power of the

Ghost is transmitted through an eight-speed, shift-by-wire, automatic ZF gearbox, and is as steady and as smooth as the paranormal glide of its unearthly namesake. The smoothness of its power and speed is in fact a bit deceptive, making it difficult to gauge your cruising speed and thus causing some potential problems with the local authorities. Its handling is equally satiny in practice, making the ride hypnotically smooth. To help you are features like the Lane Departure Warning, which activates in the steering wheel a soft buzz when your heady position in the authority of the Ghost begins to break free of its boundaries. True to its name, the Ghost represents a new “vision” of luxury in the automotive market. Just as beautiful and as stately as the Phantom range, it is perhaps a bit less stoic and as such, makes it more flexible and fun to experience behind the wheel rather than behind the driver. Rolls Royce has been an obsession for me since I was very young, and while that passion persists to this day, it has now become significantly more focused. The Roller I want the most is without question the brand new Ghost.

sur la terre going global

Sheikhing It Up

< Addressing Adventure: Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Thani, or “Moe” to his friends >

From doing the funky chicken on the peak of Mount Killimanjaro to saving lives and cruising across the world in a luxury car, there’s never a dull moment in the lives of Moe and Matt! >>> There aren’t many people in the Middle East who you can describe as philanthropic adventurers, but we’ve managed to track down two such daredevils that are more than worthy of the title. Affectionately known as Moe and Matt, these two journey-loving lads have acted as true ambassadors for the region in every one of their adrenalin-fuelled escapades over the past few years. While they might be known for their adventuring spirit and their love of action, what most people don’t know is that it’s not all fun and games behind their frivolous façade. In actuality, Moe and Matt work incredibly hard. Sharjah-born Moe is the CEO and Co-founder of Musafir.com, the UAE’s premium travel website, and he also manages Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club. Matt, who calls Dubai home, is currently working on his latest business venture, bringing the Tasti D Lite soft serve ice cream concept (made famous by the girls in Sex and the City) to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

< Moe, Matt and the base camp team on Mt. Everest >

As kids, they never expected to be doing what they do now. They didn’t think that they would be climbing mountains or racing across countries and continents by any means. However, their philosophy that “one has to be grateful for what he has” and that we should “always pray and hope for more” make for a positive outlook that many of us could learn from; after all, it has taken them to many places, with more certainly on the horizon. So how did they get where they are today?

< Laughing in the face of Danger on Mt. Killimanjaro >

It started out as a love of travel. Moe and Matt ventured here and there to satisfy their need to explore new places, discover new things and to simply have fun in everything that they did. They drew up a bucket list in 2007 and have since been sky diving, river rafting, cruising the Côte d’Azur and cliff jumping in Mauritius, in addition to climbing to Base Camp on Mount Everest and going on an elephant safari. They have been featured in a TV series, driven coast-to-coast in America and have taken an F1 car for a spin. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it, right? What started out as a passion has slowly evolved beyond the desire to simply explore. Nowadays, it seems they actually spend more time on their trips than at their ‘real’ jobs, but it appears that the dynamic duo have balanced the seesaw at a point that keeps both aspects of their life satisfied. There’s the undeniable need to push themselves further and test their limits that keeps them going, but also there is the chance to offer something back to the world. This is exactly what they did when they took on the world’s highest free-standing peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, earlier this year. Although they claim that the hike to Mount Everest’s Base Camp was the most difficult thing they’ve done to date, the Kilimanjaro expedition is considered their biggest achievement, and it’s not hard to see why. They joined forces with Zed Al Refai, the first Arab to reach the summit of Mount Everest and to complete the Seven Summits challenge, to make the climb up the 5,895-metre mountain, Africa’s highest peak. It was the biggest physical challenge they had attempted, taking a week to mount the Uhuru peak following the difficult Lemosho Route and battling insomnia, gale-force winds, jungle terrain, all manner of creepy crawlies and frigid temperatures – not to mention altitude sickness and exhaustion. However, it was all in the name of a worthy cause.

< Matt, Moe and friend Raed >

Moe and Matt pledged their support to the Malaria Consortium after learning just how ravaging an effect the disease had on the African community. There are 3.3 billion people at risk of contracting malaria (half of the world’s population), and in Tanzania alone, where Kilimanjaro is stands like a sentinel, a child dies of the disease every 30 seconds. That adds up to over one million lives lost every year, making it an even bigger killer than AIDS. In the end, they raised £6,200 (QR 32,500) for the charity, which would provide protection for 15,000 people. This was no feat to be sniffed at, and definitely provides a solid standing point for them to launch themselves into bigger and better things as they continue to aim higher. Their most recent adventure was participating in the Gumball 3000 driving event for the second year running, after walking away from last year’s road trip with the 2009 Ambassador’s Award. “Neither Moe, nor myself, ever imagined being tied to a desk full time,” says Matt,“but we do work

hard at our offices and doing the Gumball is just one way of getting away from 24/7 work. We’re always full of adrenalin, and we just have to find a way to get it out of our systems.” What better way to do that than by traversing 3000 miles with stops in six countries, across two continents, in eight days, with a pool of 120 drivers, including celebrities such as Eve, Xzibit, Tony Hawk and Idris Elba, among others? They love to experience new things and meet new people, and if the Gumball 3000 is about one thing, it’s about having fun. For this year’s event, the boys chose to use the same 2008 model Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe special edition they drove in 2009, but with a bit of a twist. To make it stand out and as a tribute to their own identity, their car was decked out in black carbon fibre and their own unique ‘shmagh’ design, normally seen on the traditional headscarves worn by Middle Eastern men. The red and white pattern would be synonymous with their GCC origins, so it was their chosen theme for the year in order to educate the people they met along the way about their culture and ethnicity.

sur la terre going global

< Sheikhing the roof: Moe takes point at the top of the world >

Along with the unique livery, they had a team slogan – “One Spirit, No Limit.” “You probably wouldn’t believe us, but these words were amongst a list of slogans that we’d come up with, but not actually combined. We all suddenly came up with it, which shows why we’re always together. We have One Spirit that has No Limits.” The message that Moe and Matt tried to convey through their participation is that you should put all of your effort into becoming the best. “Never hesitate and you will make it,” says a message they have emblazoned, with various others, on items such as rings, key chains and stickers. They hand these items out to fans in various countries who gather to catch some of the Gumball action. They even heard back from one fan that her daughter still wears the band that she got “from the friendly drivers in the Rolls Royce.” Although they didn’t bag any of the awards at the end of this year’s road trip, Moe and Matt reckon they certainly won over the crowd in each city they entered.

< Car Trek: Moe & Matt’s trusty steed, The Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe >

< Moe & Matt are often joined by like-minded thrill-seekers on their adventures >

What do they think of the Gumball rally? After being so impressed with the logistics and planning of the 2009 Gumball 3000, they were eager to get into the game again. The Gumball, to them, is all about the people they meet and the connections they make, and they say that the bonding between drivers this year was even better than their previous experience.

Their favourite moment was hard to narrow down, as the entrance into each city was memorable. However, our adventurers finally settled on their arrival into Quebec City as a highlight, where they say the crowd cheering for them there was just unbelievable. With feet as itchy as theirs, we doubt this is the last

One of the main reasons for that was the route itself, which varied from last year’s crossUSA tour from Santa Monica to Miami, where people took their own time driving and were more spread out because of it. The drivers got the chance to bond this year because they had to travel for eight hours through Germany by bus, due to local authorities banning the Gumball as an “illegal street race.” Since they weren’t being driven, the cars participating in the rally were all loaded up on trailers to meet their owners on the other side. Unfortunately, they turned up late, leaving the Gumballers stranded in an air field for five hours! Of course, even this was just all part of the experience. Even the seven and a half hour plane trip from Stockholm to Boston brought the participants together. It also made for some unforgettable memories, like when the 200-plus Gumballers were treated to the unforgettable sight of rapper Xzibit stepping off the plane and walking through US customs dressed from head to foot in an Emirati headscarf and thobe. Undoubtedly, he was influenced by Moe and Matt.

< Getting ready for Gumball 3000 >

we’ll be hearing of Moe, Matt and their wild adventures across the planet, but whatever it is they get up to, we are sure it will be extreme, stylish and no doubt extraordinary. Keep track of their adventures by checking the boys’ website, www.moenmatt.com.

sur la terre going global

< High hopes: Moe, Matt and friends at Uhuru Peak on Mt. Killimanjaro >

The annual Gumball 3000

< Victory is theirs! >

The annual Gumball 3000 tradition started back in 1999, when Maximillion Cooper, best known for his contributions to the world of fashion (but also as an artist, film director, skateboarder and aspiring racing driver) and his wife, Julie Brangstrup, invited 50 of their friends to drive 3000 miles across Europe in an attempt to merge the music, film, fashion and sports industries. Starting in London with a celeb-heavy bash, the friends set off to travel through six countries and two principalities, covering five Grand Prix circuits and 3000 miles by the time they got back home, with a wild party every night of the way. Since then, Maximillion’s company, Gumball 3000, has organised the event with a different route every year, with 2010 being the 11th race. It’s open to anyone who can afford the entry fee (which changes year by year, depending on the itinerary), but there are limited spots available, which makes it super-exclusive. The drivers

< Adventuring success in traditional dress >

come from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s an eccentric, eclectic mix of thrill-seeking people, from car enthusiasts to celebrities who share one thing in common: a love of the Gumball lifestyle. In the past decade, it has allowed racers to rub shoulders with royalty, party with rock stars, appear on TV, charter the world’s largest aircrafts, raise awareness for charities and, recently, join forces with the United Nations. In a nutshell, it’s the ultimate road trip. Although it might sometimes be labelled as a “race,” there are no prizes for coming first and drivers found encouraging a racing element are eliminated. There are trophies to be won though, which vary from year to year and have titles such as the “Spirit of the Gumball” and ‘Back Seat Driver’ and ‘Best Car,’ not to mention other light-hearted categories. If you would like to participate in next year’s event, visit www.gumball3000.com

HO 2

sur la terre

sur la terre brand history

“Diesel is not my company, it’s my life”

Renzo Rosso

WORDS: George de Matteis

PICTURES: Diesel and Die Gestalten Verlag

From its beginnings as a small brand name in Italian textiles, in the span of 30 years Diesel has become a fashion industry leader, especially when it comes to jeans, its flagship product. It has not taken long for the brand to undergo amazing expansion, thanks in large part to its founder, the shrewd and ingenious Renzo Rosso. Today, Diesel is more than a multidirectional brand: Jeans, ready-to-wear, accessories, etc., it is also an entire universe, encompassing luxury hotels and controversial ad campaigns, not to mention the local products manufactured on Diesel Farm. Diesel, which has pursued a global outlook, broke out of the fashion mould to become an international lifestyle. Sur la Terre wanted to know the reasons behind and the keys to this phenomenal success.

>>> Renzo Rosso, the calm force behind the brand, was born in Padua in 1955 and immersed in the world of textiles from a tender age. He rapidly proved himself to be a man of passion and vision and in 1978, he joined forces with several factories in his region to form the “Genius Group”, which would give birth to famous brands such as Replay, Goldie, Martin Guy, Ten Big Boys, Katherine Hamnett and of course, Diesel. It was not until 1985 that Rosso took control of the brand, buying out his partners’ shares in the Diesel label. He was, for all intents and purposes, the leader of the brand and its symbolic founder. His strength was the will to look further than the beaten track and to give his team the means to do this, too.

sur la terre brand history

< Diesel Denim Gallery >

He has also contributed to the creation of a line that permits people to express their individuality, their independence - Blue Sky Thinking: Thinking without limits perfectly sums up Rosso’s approach. Diesel does not follow fashion; it focuses on detail while delivering quality materials and production techniques. Rosso has centred his brand around a laboratory where ideas blend, fashions are created, and products are born. It is a bit like a pyramid, with Rosso inspiring the philosophy that cascades down and penetrates the heart of the Diesel family.

Diesel Jeans, the dressing mainstay! Today we no longer say “my jeans;” we say “my Diesels.” The Diesel brand has become a household word; proof, if needed, that the product has become part of our daily lives. Jeans are really the product that democratised fashion. Along with the classic collections, in 2001, Diesel launched the “Diesel Denim Gallery Collection” where a few unique limited and numbered pieces are placed on the market each month; a true lesson in marketing! The jeans are 100% made in Italy and represent 40% of the brand’s turnover. In what can be described as a crowning recognition, Karl Lagerfeld recently enlisted Diesel and Rosso to help him create his own brand of jeans, the “Lagerfeld Gallery by Diesel.” The Diesel universe soon became too narrow a domain for a personality like Rosso. He is renowned for juggling multiple projects, which allow him to express his creativity and vision of fashion freely, and all are also formidable tools for communicating his brand. In 1990, he bought the Pelican Hotel in Miami Beach in the heart of the “Deco District.” Built in 1939, Rosso decided to preserve the name and the original façade of the hotel, as well as its 1930s atmosphere. He has created a totally eccentric ambience with a kitsch and extravagant decor. The 28 rooms all have an “American Dream” theme, like the “Psychedelic Girl Room,” harbouring plastic furniture and a 70’s vibe, or the “Best Boudoir,” which is not afraid to welcome guests into a world of eternal nightlife! For the gossip columnists, the $3000-a-night penthouse is exclusively reserved for Rosso when he is in town. The Pelican is also riddled with bizarre details and little secrets reserved for guests alone. The smallest details have been elaborately studied to make your visit as surprising as possible. The hotel is true to the image that Diesel conveys - avant-garde and provocative! The Diesel Farm is a 100-hectare domain located on the hills of Marostica, in the Veneto region, and produces olive oil and wine in the purest tradition. Among the limited grape varieties, is the Bianco di Rosso (Chardonnay), the Rosso di Rosso and the Nero di Rosso, which is a pinot noir. This is also where the president of the brand likes to get together with his teams for brainstorming sessions, informal and surprising business meetings, or even to throw some memorable parties.

sur la terre brand history

< Diesel Denim Gallery >

Diesel Communication, a model for the sector A tireless creator, Rosso has also taken an interest in music, art, video games and in organising competitions for young people, like International Talent Support (ITS), for fashion designers, Diesel-U-Music, Diesel Wall for muralists, where large walls in huge urban centres are made available to them. He has also created some video games (G-Police, Driver 2, Devil May Cry 2), set up a 2,000-page internet site, www.diesel.com, that receives over a million hits a month, where you can find information on the collections, products and the Diesel world. The Diesel Club has more than 300,000 members. However, there is no communication worthy of the name without advertising. That is why the owner of Diesel started his famous advertising campaigns in 1991. More than marketing tools, they form an integral part of the Diesel universe and thus confirm its international stature. Design teams of young people (average age 30) are all brought together in the middle of the Venetian countryside, in Molvena near Vincenza, where they won’t be influenced by the standards of urban fashion.

< Pelican Hotel >

Diesel’s advertising credo is all about provocation and aesthetics; polemical subjects in a groomed setting. In a general way, Diesel appropriates retro ads from the 1950s, where “Consumption improves daily life” become “For Successful Living.” Diesel ad campaigns have received numerous awards, including the Eurobest award at the Cannes Festival, among others. In typical “out of the box”-style thinking, when it came to collecting his prizes at the Cannes Festival, Rosso had the brilliant idea of sending his marketing team, dressed exactly like him, donning curled wigs and “Renzo” masks, to the stage in his stead. The show stupefied the 3,000 people in the audience and proved once again how much he deserved the award, but especially how Diesel is based on teamwork! The work styles are decidedly unconventional, but totally productive, a paradox that is today being researched at University. For Diesel the world has no boundaries and this is proven by its multicultural teams, a guarantee of vitality in a sort of positive globalisation. Diesel is a leader in several fields: The design of new styles, creative methods and quality control.

sur la terre brand history

Diesel, more than a brand, has become a style, leading the way in the street-wear fashion milieu. Diesel fashion has three main lines. Diesel showcases complete seasonal collections for men and women, based on every possible and imaginable variation on jeans. Diesel Kids is a bold and colourful collection for infants through to adolescents, and 55DSL bridges fashion and urban culture and is mainly geared to very young athletes and fashionistas. The strong point of 55DSL, lead by Andrea, Rosso’s son, is its visionary sense, which since 1994 has reflected the sports world in everyday fashion. The year 2005 marked another turning point for the Diesel label, with Rosso facing a new challenge to celebrate his fiftieth birthday in style. To de-multiply the impact of Diesel in the world, he has opened the door to premium (since he rejects the term “luxury”) fashion. His customers have grown up, as he likes to say, and so he wants to offer them higher end and more exclusive products. With Diesel, Renzo Rosso wanted to create an alternative to luxury, and he has built the means to succeed. Lastly, he has created Dieseland, one of the continents of young international culture. Wearing this brand takes on a dimension that surpasses pure fashion. With Diesel, you integrate a state of mind, a thirst for novelty and self-confidence through your clothes. In any event, one thing is certain, Diesel has by far surpassed the goals that its founder had every reason to dream about at the beginning of this adventure. As for the future, only time will tell what will happen to this unusual success story.

sur la terre exclusive spotlight

Raine, Countess Spencer

In May, it was announced that Qatar Holding had purchased Harrods from Egyptian-born owner, Mohammed Al Fayed, for a staggering £1.4 billion. So, when the opportunity arose to take high tea and have an exclusive chat with none other than board member, Raine, Countess Spencer, Sur la Terre got suited and booted and headed for the Four Seasons’ Tea Rooms for an audience with the self-confessed Queen of Harrods’ Shirts & Ties Department.

sur la terre exclusive spotlight

We know this is not your first time in the Middle East, but it is your maiden voyage to Qatar. What are your first impressions and, so far, what has impressed you the most? For six months, now, Harrods Estates was keen to come to Qatar, as we have many customers who buy from us in London, and in view of the recent news, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to come and visit. I know the Qatari Ambassador to London, HE Khalid bin Rashid Al-Mansouri, and he is doing a marvelous job. He is so lovely and everyone in the diplomatic corps adores him. He invited me to a fantastic concert at the Royal Albert Hall given by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. It seems that Qatar is working very hard to build bridges with its art and culture. I went to see the Cultural Village, and saw this amazing project in West Bay. While the houses aren’t quite finished, the opera house is superb, the theatre is just fantastic and the conference hall is quite extraordinary. What impressed me most of all is that they have maintained the feeling of traditional Islamic decoration. I think it is terribly important that, whenever modern buildings are erected in the UK or abroad, they stick to the feeling of the country’s heritage. It is very important for their own integrity. History and tradition is very important when it comes to urban planning. I ran the Historic Buildings Board of the Greater London Council for three years, under which I had 20,000 buildings in my care, one of which was Harrods. Given that, and your status on the board, you must have a pretty in-depth knowledge of the building and the brand. Why do you think it is such a unique retail concept that resonates so deeply with people in the Gulf? Firstly is the building itself, which was built in the late 1800s by a man, not very well known, but who also built Claridge’s Hotel, which is another great London landmark. One of the very unique historical things, and this is something I never knew before my involvement, a lot of shops that grew into larger ones during that period started out as drapers, selling textiles and materials. Harrods, on the other hand, was the only one that started out as a grocer, and still remains, to this day, one of the most famous grocers in the world. What I would like to say, especially to our new owners, is this: There is nowhere in the world that has such a fantastic staff. They are so wonderfully dressed, polite as you can imagine and the trouble they go to for each and every customer is, in my view, unequalled. That is something which is very hard to find in this day and age. Of course, you will have had firsthand experience of this with your work on the shop floor. Is true you muck in with the rest of the staff in the Shirts & Ties department? I know it extremely well as I am not just a director who walks about the floor. I do frequently serve behind the counter. I am the Queen of Shirts & Ties [laughs] and I adore it! We really do have such wonderful fun. Of the 4,000 staff at Harrods, there are 75 different nationalities, and we have the most amazing stories to share and have such fun together. How did such a formidable politician, who famously said that she never shopped in Harrods, but that her late husband (Earl Spencer) who “practically lived there,” end up as a Director, let alone one that serves behind the counter in Shirts & Ties? It is really a rather charming story. Shortly after my second husband and I parted ways (Count Jean-François Pineton de Chambrun) and after a stint in French local government, I moved back to England. One day Diana, Princess of Wales (Countess Spencer’s Stepdaughter), rang me up and asked me to join her for lunch, saying: “I have got Mohammed Al

Fayed and his wife coming over and I need you.” I told her I had plans with a girlfriend, but she pleaded with me. So I managed to postpone the engagement with my friend and off I went. For whatever reason, Mohammed’s wife couldn’t make it, so it ended being Diana, Mohammed and myself and during the course of the lunch, Diana said, “I’m very worried about Raine, because all her life she has done local government and tourism and now she is back from France, she has nothing to do.” Nothing was said until five minutes later, when Mohammed announced he was going to offer me a job. Diana and I fell into hysterical laughter, not taking him seriously at all because he was always the joker, you know. Two weeks later he sends for me. I go to his office and he tells me that he is making me Director of Harrods International. Of course, in the beginning, I didn’t know what the job entailed, or the language of retail, so I got huge book and wrote it all down as I went. I thought I would start at the beginning, so I went to our distribution department at Osterley, where I ended up pricing men’s boxer shorts and ladies bras. After a while you find yourself hating them and wishing they could all be the same size and same colour! Once, I even found myself pricing cat food, at 50 pence a can, called Tasty Bits and professing to be “more delicious than mice!” Being so close to the staff, what is the feeling “on the ground” for the recent sale of the store to Qatar Holding? It is a great wrench, as all the staff adore Mohammed Al Fayed. Obviously it will be different, but he will remain honorary chairman, so it won’t be a complete shock. But everyone is terribly sad to see him go. However, it is all a great adventure, and in my position as Director of Harrods international, I think there is a great opportunity for expansion under the new owners, who will bring new ideas to the table. However, it has to be done properly, to protect the integrity of the brand. Finally, you are here in your role as director of Harrods Estates. What are you hoping to achieve from your visit here? To start with, some of my colleagues are visiting old clients, who we know well, from Qatar. Also, we have brought with us details of our fantastic new development, The Tower, which is a wonderful building developed by St George. It is on the banks of the Thames and offers lovely views of the Houses of Parliament. We are hoping to encourage some of our existing customers to buy off plan, as well as make some new contacts. We are hoping to expand, in a gentle way, and the newly developed bond with Qatar will be good for Harrods Estates. If you are looking for anywhere to buy, it is a huge decision and you need to feel you can trust the agency you choose. Because we have an intensely personal service, including interior design and property management, I think we will resonate with people here that are looking for an investment property.

sur la terre good tastes

< Building a mystery: Chef Robert Daniels puts the final touch on another Maze tongue twister >

Labyrinthine Lusciousness Steve Paugh untwists the intricate indulgence of Gordon Ramsayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maze Doha

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sur la terre good tastes

< Kitchen Cred: Gordon Ramsay looks on approvingly as Chef Daniels takes charge >

>>> A maze is actually a pretty simple thing. In classic examples of Lit. and lore, the countless convolutions in a maze were used to flummox a hero into thinking one way and travelling in another. Saying that, it was also used to imprison the ferocious Minotaur, but that’s beside the point. Mythical man-eating rouncevals aside, a maze is all about confounding and then redefining perceptions and sensations. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that Gordon Ramsay’s international restaurant franchise carries this architectural enigma as its name and symbol. In its first location in the Middle East, Maze Doha contains within its walls a culinary conundrum that is as mind-achingly intricate to behold as it is delightful to devour. Minotaur or not, that’s no bull. In an almost direct contrast to its namesake, the inner sanctum of Maze is replete in an atmosphere that is flattering in its unfettered flavour. Its clean, minimalist environs and open plan are not the least bit baffling, and its distinct lack of puzzling paths perfectly prepares you for its modern take on cuisine. One of its finest features is the big, open kitchen, in which you can see, and just slightly hear, the hustle and bustle din of beehive -like energy that buzzes behind the scenes. At the centre of this storm of almost maniacal

< Chef Chat: Chef Daniels serves up a heaping helping of great stories >

movement, there is one figure that moves with what could be mistaken as “calm,” but in actuality is composed authority. His name is Robert Daniels and, as Executive Chef, he is the acting conductor that stands for order amongst the kitchen chaos. Of course, being the direct representative of Gordon Ramsay in Doha, he also has some pretty big shoes to fill.

sur la terre good tastes

ethos with that of the Gulf region, the Chef set out upon a fact-finding mission well before the restaurant opened, observing various types of restaurants as well as taking a few trips to the local fish and spice markets. Observing the culture around and during eating, they catered parts of the menu in ways they hadn’t before, such as in the Middle East tradition of sharing a portion of food amongst a large party of people.

Chef Daniels has worked with some of the finest British culinary maestros, including not only Gordon Ramsay, but also the former Chef Patron and Executive Chef of the original, Michelin-starred Maze in London and the man now touted as “the next big thing” on the culinary scene, Chef Jason Atherton. Chef Daniels attributes much of his practice and skill to the chefs he has worked with, garnishing his own tremendous talent with lessons learned from the world’s best. Of course, he is also a man of persistent experience, and not just a student of other peoples’ theories. Two days after landing in the UK from his native Australia, he walked straight into a Gordon Ramsay restaurant and, in terms of being with the brand, has never walked out. He has been with the company for eight years, five and a half of which were spent in London at two Ramsay establishments, one of which was the aforementioned Maze London. From there, he was sent to help establish Maze in Prague, and then to do the same in South Africa. After soaking in the culture and setting up the cuisine in Cape Town, he was whisked away to our very own sunny shores of Doha, where he has been working steadily to establish Maze as an indulgent institution since February. One might think that this transition would be fairly “by the book” for Chef Daniels, since he has had a hand in setting up so many Mazes previously, but that is not the case. Even though the Maze concept is international in scope, as Chef Daniels explains, that does not mean that each one is a cookie cutter copy of the last. “For instance,” he says, “Prague is much more about the starter/main/dessert style, while in Cape Town, we did a little more of that tasting style that evolved in London.” Maze Doha, however, is a completely different animal, and one that combines elements from each of its predecessors, while at the same time becoming something new altogether ... sort of like that minotaur I mentioned earlier. Much research went into bringing the Maze concept to The Pearl, but perhaps even more went into making it something special within the Gulf market. “We’re not trying to do an Arabic restaurant,” says Chef Daniels matter-of-factly. “That wouldn’t be fair on us or to the Arab culture. I mean, we’re not going to pretend that we can come here and do it better. We are more just trying to do something which the people here can assimilate.” In an effort to combine the international Maze

This Arab mentality of shared feasting is not only celebrated in main dishes like the slow-cooked leg of Riverina lamb, flavoured with garlic, asfar, zaatar, sauce épice (QR 380), which is more than enough to sate the hunger of two people or more, but also goes hand-in-hand beautifully with the starter menu. It is in these small yet powerfully flavourful dishes that you start to really understand the magic of Maze. SLT Regional Managing Editor James McCarthy and I had a difficult time deciding which ones to sample, but after many inconclusive games of Rock-Paper-Scissors, we finally chose to get two starters each. James went for Cassoulet of magret duck with toasted brioche crumbs and parsley (QR 50), the pleasantly gritty texture and robust, fulsome flavour of which reminded him of a a sunday roast down at the pub. His other choice was the locally sourced (as the name implies) Gulf shrimps with garlic and chili à la plancha (QR 55). These were as toothsome as they were messy. Thankfully for we, the uncouth, they serve a bowl of lemon water to wash up after shucking and devouring the meaty little beasties. Thinking that James was being unnecessarily “shellfish” in his choices (wow, that was bad), I decided to retaliate by going for the Alaskan king crab and Granny Smith apple salad, with avocado and virgin bloody mary sorbet (QR 65). Not to take anything away from the shrimp or the duck, but this was something else. A perfect summer starter, the crisply sweet apple and succulent crab blended organically for two things that I never would have put together, while the avocado bound them together in a rich creaminess that was almost immediately cut and juxtaposed by the frozen acidity of the sorbet. I would come to find out that while many of these flavours were present in the dishes, none of them fell over each other or vied for top billing, allowing each to play off the other. Sometimes mashing things too divergent can lead to a bar-room brawl of piquancy, but this was more like a well-choreographed interpretive dance on my tongue.

< A Dash of Panache: Chef Daniels overseas yet another culinary creation >

sur la terre good tastes

< Not just a mouthful, patrons of Maze also get an eyeful into the open kitchen >

The final appetiser of the evening, in my opinion, was the “STARter of the show.” Having spoken with Chef Daniels before dinner to see what was in store for us, he warned me that I might come across some interesting tandems and strange bedfellows in the ingredients. He told me about an old Maze favourite that deconstructed the very nature of flavour, which took the classic BLT (Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich) and turned it into more of a “BLTini,” consisting of a tomato base, a bacon and onion purée and a garnish of melba toast triangles, all served in a martini glass with a side of lettuce velouté. Now that’s what I call reinventing a classic! In a similar way, Chef Daniels and Maze have taken the classic pea soup and transmogrified it into something else entirely. The chilled pea velouté is tasty enough; sweet as you like with just that little tang of broad beans infused throughout. What really throws your taste buds into a tizzy, however, is the dollop of frozen parmesan parfait. If I may be so bold as to evoke the minotaur again, tasting the chilled pea velouté with broad beans and parmesan parfait (QR 50) was a bit like bumping into one in a labyrinth. On your way, you’re sort of like, “Okay, I’ve read about this minotaur thing, and I’ve heard about it. I’m good.” Suddenly, however, you come face to face with this weird hybrid of a thing and you’re struck by the fact that it’s probably the strangest, most wondrous thing you’ve ever seen. Just when you’re getting your head around the inner workings of what makes it tick, it’s suddenly blasting you in the face with fire breath...or whatever minotaurs do. That was what it was like from first sip to last sup of this soup, and it was every drop incredible. Still reeling from the velouté, we moved onto the mains. As Suzanna Parry, Maze’s amazing Manager told us, the Doha Maze is a combination of the other franchise concepts from around the world. This means of course that the multiple starters of the tasting menu blends into the three course tradition of dining. James went for the 30 day-aged Australian Wagyu sirloin, the melting tenderness of which was matched only by the taste and texture of the side of soft, fatty bone marrow. Not one who is a fan of sauce on my steak, I was literally forced to eat my own words after tasting how the drizzled-on green peppercorn sauce swirled perfectly with the flavour of the steak and the sweetness of the onion marmalade topping (QR 330).

< Simple, stylish and simply stylish, the atmosphere at Maze is minimalist but warm >

Wanting to try something from a bit closer to home, I chose the Gulf red snapper with Szechwan sauce, bok choi and ginger (QR 125). It should be said that while Chef Daniels admits to finding a challenge in sourcing fresh materials here, it is actually easier than we all might think. Not only does he work with the local markets for fresh meat, fish and spices, but thanks to people like Mr. Hussein Alfardan, who invited the chef to his personal farm and helps supply the restaurant with his very own fruits, vegetables and even the occasional chicken egg, the process of finding local ingredients is getting better. Back to the snapper, it was meaty without being chewy, flavourful without being overly fishy and expertly spiced, with every bite being accentuated and made the more refreshing by the infusion of ginger throughout. James and I, as had been the general theme throughout the meal, decided to go down different routes with desserts. He chose the rich Valrhona chocolate fondant, served with salt caramel sauce and an amazing peanut butter ice cream (QR 75), which oozed itself in deliciousness all over his Welsh slate plate. I, on the other hand, opted for the signature Maze black forest sundae (QR 60), the chocolate and berry marriage of which sent me tumbling into a sated sense of contentment the likes of which I haven’t felt since...well, since that chilled pea soup from earlier. We’ve heard that Maze has been getting a bit of a bad press from some quarters, and while we can’t comment on specific incidents, we cannot imagine how anyone could be anything but stunningly impressed with its service, pricing, presentation and of course anarchistic cuisine. It may be a bit experimental, unique and downright strange at times, but in the way that each dish makes you ponder the preconceived notions of your palate, it does not disappoint. Disorientatingly delicious, the Maze restaurant at The Pearl is one place where you will not mind getting lost.

SLT COMICS PRESENTS:

THE FINAL SCORE

Production Firefly Communications, www.firefly-me.com Art Direction Roula Zinati Ayoub, Steve Paugh Photography Peter Richweisz, www.richweisz.com ModelS Keeper portrayed by Mohamed Omar, courtesy of Qatar Sports Club, Striker portrayed by Mousa Haron, courtesy of Al Arabi FC, with thanks to the Qatar Stars League for their support; Lady Racquet portrayed by Patil Kabirian; Fashion Fiends portrayed by Charbel Najem and Steve Paugh Fashion and Image Consulting La Vedette, Maisa Taha Hair Allied Salon at Doha Ritz Carlton

Make-up Debi Mendez at MAC Cosmetics LOCATION W Hotel and Residences, Doha OUTFITS & ACCESSORIES from SALAM Stores for Diesel, Mont Blanc, TW Steel, Paul and Shark, Rocco Barocco, Albano, Catherine Malandrino, Jean Cluade, Times Collection, Noir, Andrew GN, Hugo Boss, Washed up Hollywood, Class Roberto Cavalli, Guess, GF Ferre, D&G, Van Santen, Times, Magrit, Croxe, Armani Collezioni Ralph Lauren 51 East for Maurizio Pecoraro, Phillip Lim, Malandrino, Cerruti, Versace, J. Mendel Blouse Jewellery Salam Stores, 51 East

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sur la terre star-crossed

All is quiet in the luxurious, Dohanamatropolis penthouse of famed sporting icon and anti-crime adventurer Lady Racquet...

WHEN SUDDENLY ...

My “Match-Point Monitor” is warning me that there’s trouble afoot! Well, I won’t allow any fouls in MY court! Time to swing into action!

Lady Racquet’s fashion sense is almost as renowned as her arsenal. Here, she sports the following styles: Pants/Vest/Belt Rocco Barocco Necklace Temperley Rings Jean Claude Necklaces Maurizio Pecoraro/ Catherine Malandrino/ Malandrino/Phillip Lim

Look, Keeper, those Fashion Fiends have gone for another steal! That's out of bounds!

Right you are, Striker, old chum! We'd better call Lady Racquet! This looks like a job for THE LUXURY LEAGUE!

The “Haute Heroes” known as Striker and Keeper aren’t just friends of justice, but also of fashion! Here, they get ready for action in the following styles: Keeper: Jeans/T-shirt/Vest Diesel Shoes Paul and Shark Watch TW Steel Bracelets Mont Blanc Striker: Jeans/T-shirt/Vest/Shoes Diesel Watch TW Steel Bracelets Mont Blanc

Step lively, Fauxpas! They’re right on our tail!

Don’t worry yer pretty little head, Knockoff! With this loot, we’re gonna OWN this town!!

sur la terre star-crossed

They may be tactless, but they don’t lack taste! This time, the Fashion Fiends, Fauxpas and Knockoff, try to make off with the following brands: Pants Hugo Boss Shirt/ Jacket/Shoes Ralph Lauren Belt Washed up Hollywood Necktie Hugo Boss Stolen Items: Necklace Phillip Lim Necklace Catherine Malandrino Necklace Guess Bracelet Guess Bag Ralph Lauren Blouse J. Mendel

MWAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHA!

While looking for the Fashion Fiends in their secret HQ, “The Nefarious Nest,” the Luxury League find many pilfered products & accessories including: GF Ferre/TW Steel/Times/Guess/Croxe/Phillip Lim/ Jean Claude/Noir/Andrew GN

GREAT PELE’S FEET! Just look at all this stuff! Now, where are those dastardly devils?

Curse you, Lady Racquet! You’ll never stop us!!

A-HA! Caught you! Thought we wouldn’t see you sneaking around back there, eh?

sur la terre star-crossed

My trusty racquet، “ACE،” says otherwise, Knockoff! Advantage: JUSTICE!!

Serving up righteousness is no game, but Lady Racquet makes it look good, as she relieves Knockoff of the following items: Lady Racquet Pants/vest/belt Rocco Barocco Shoes MAGRIT Necklace MALANDRINO Rings Jean Claude Earings Croxe Knockoff Pants/Necktie hugo boss Shirt/Vest/Shoes Ralph Lauren Belt washed up hollywood

Give it up, Fauxpas, or face the penalties!

Bah!! Your pathetic powers are useless against me, you dopey do-gooders !!

Fauxpas might have been caught, but everyone during the fight was held captive by the stylings from the following brands: Keeper: Jeans RalpH Lauren Hoodie Armani Collezioni Shoes Paul and Shark Watch TW Steel Bracelets Mont Blanc Vest Diesel Striker: Jeans Ralph Lauren Hoodie Armani Collezioni Shoes Diesel Watch TW Steel Bracelets Mont Blanc Vest Diesel

Think again, crook! Thanks to us, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve officially been side-lined!

sur la terre star-crossed

WE LOVE YOU LUXURY LEAGUE!!!

With Dohanamatropolis once again safe from the sticky fingers of the Fashion Fiends, the thankful citizens celebrate their heroes!

No thanks needed, folks! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all in a days work!

Rarely doing anything by halves (unless itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s half-time, of course), the Luxury League celebrate in style with the following fashions: White Dress/ Gold Jacket Rocco Barocco Belt Class Roberto Cavalli Shoes Diego Dolcini Necklaces/Earrings Guess Watch GF Ferre Bracelets Guess & Jean Claude Sunglasses D&G Keeper: Jeans/Shoes Diesel Shirt Van Santen Jacket Cerruti Watch Times Bracelet Mont Blanc Sunglasses D&G Striker: Jeans Diesel Sunglasses/Shoes Ralph Lauren Shirt Van Santen Jacket Versace Watch Times Bracelet Mont Blanc THE END.

sur la terre artopia

< Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first superhero, Aleem, augments his power of knowledge with a copy of Sur la Terre as his teammates look on > < Artwork by June Brigman & Roy Richardson >

Origin Story:

sur la terre artopia

The 99

>>> Within the dust cloud that loomed like a billowing black leviathan against the ashen backdrop of the felled Twin Towers on September 11th, 2001, there began to stir the nascent malevolence of a great monstrosity. This beast, born in the din of rending metal and scorched earth, grew in secret over the years, fanning the flame of misguided passions in the global populace, infecting them with its sickening power for inciting divisiveness. It hissed into the ears of the fearful that the actions of a fanatical few represented an entire faith. It whispered false proverbs of an impending clash of civilisations with an “evil” Other, and drew lines of what it defined as fundamentally Western morals against what it called the “lack thereof” in the East. If ever there were an ultimate evil against which a collection of mythic heroes could rally, this would be its insidious unseen form. And yet, even though the threat was larger than life, there were no super-powered saviours to respond to it, even those existing fictitiously within a collective Middle East imagination. What, then, do you do when there are no heroes to save the day? What do you do in a world without supermen? You do exactly what Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, creator and founder of Teshkeel Media Group Inc. has done: you create them. With a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in organisational psychology, Dr. Al-Mutawa is someone who, much like the classic crime fighter, The Shadow, knows what lurks in the minds of men. Having studied the global human response that took place after 9/11, he noted a palpable sense of what is now known as “Islamophobia” creeping its way into the collective international psyche. In a bid to combat this encroachment, the Kuwaiti-born, American-educated Dr. Al Mutawa decided to take a uniquely Western art form and apply to it some essential Islamic archetypes. Of course, the application of religious allegory to the written word is nothing new. Even though the classic comic book style is usually reserved for the likes of Captain America and Superman,

< Cross-cultural heroics: Team members from The 99 f ight to save the world ... in more ways than one >

sur la terre artopia

The 99’s plot, like its impetus for existing, begins in rubble and flame. When the Dar Al-Hikima library was razed in 13th century Baghdad by the Mongol hordes, the knowledge therein was in danger of being destroyed and forgotten. In an effort to preserve these values-based powers, the scholars collected them into 99 special stones. These gems were then scattered throughout the world and lay hidden until discovered by those destined to wield them in the never-ending fight against evil. Even on its surface, The 99 has its roots firmly planted in the fundamentals of the Qur’an. After all, the name itself references the 99 names of God as stated inside Islam’s holiest book, as well as the qualities attributed to each moniker. Perhaps just as meaningfully, The 99 also stands in direct contrast to the incidents during 9/11, as well as to the event’s culturally debilitating aftermath. As Dr. Al-Mutawa explains it, he created the comic book series to take back the true meaning of Islam, which the perpetrators of the attacks spoiled in sullied symbolism. “On one level, you have 9 times 11, which is 99,” he explains. “This is obviously a very important number in Islam, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you read 911 from right to left as Arabic letters, rather than left to right as numbers, you have ‘Allah.’” When he saw how these symbols were being used against the very ideal of what, to him, helped establish the fabric of Islam, he felt compelled to step in and save it. “I wanted to go and grab those letters before they got dragged to hell,” he says. In a way, Dr. Al-Mutawa can be compared to the scholars in his story, maintaining the true message of peace, preserving them within 99 chosen vessels and sending them into the world, not to proselytise but to foster understanding. “I don’t care who was behind 9/11,” he says. “The issue for me is that, whoever it was, they were taking down Islam the way I want it to be understood for my children.” Of course, it wasn’t just his children he was considering, nor just the children of Muslim parents. On the contrary, his stories apply to every child, regardless of race, creed or colour, and therein lies its appeal.

< Batina - The Hidden >

As much as The 99 is tied into Islam, both in celebrating the religion’s inherent values and resettling its global image, its creator wants it to transcend religion, and even culture. “I want any kid, regardless of where he is from, and whether he’s a Hindu, a Jew, a Christian, a Buddhist or a Muslim, to see this and say, ‘Wow, I’m like that character!’” To Naif, The 99 is “all about normalisation and mainstreaming; seeing yourself and ‘The Other’ as one, and being surprised.” After all, he says, “that message in Spider-Man (with great power comes great responsibility), is that Christian? Is that Muslim or Hindu? It’s all of them. It’s human!” The fact that The 99 exists in many different cultures and within the strictness of both sides of the religious spectrum (Saudi Arabia and China, respectively), not to mention the fact that it exists in eight different languages, means that its appeal is at once universal in scope and individual in focus.

So, why a comic book? In a story where most of its pro- and antagonists hail from across the planet, why take such a region-specific shape? The comic book form has gained respect as a medium in recent years, with some seminal works even being described as high literature; however, this “sequential art,” as it is more maturely known these days, is still largely a Western phenomenon (with an admitted portion of variant interest coming from places like Japan, where Manga rules supreme). But, again, why a comic book? “In the beginning,” admits Naif, “I wasn’t sure about how The 99 was going to take form.” He was eventually swayed to the medium when an old Columbia Business School associate called and persuaded him to meet with the executives at Marvel and DC, the two biggest comic companies in the world. “They convinced me that my story was a comic book structure, and to me, it just made sense.”

< Darr - The Afflicter >

Financially speaking, the initial investment on a comic book is much cheaper than, say, an animated series, but more importantly, it afforded Naif a bit of creative leeway. “In animation, things like character design are either hit or miss, whereas in a comic book, you’ll see that some of the characters’ looks change over time.” In the end of course, The 99 is, at its core, a story about superheroes, and he would be remiss to not present such a tale in its traditional form. Besides which, Naif had gathered quite a collection of “super friends” over the years, and it would be a shame not to implement their artistic powers. As previous owner of Cracked magazine, Naif had come into contact with some of the former Marvel and DC creative talents that were working there and was able to maintain a relationship with them in the years that followed. From these connections, he was able to hook up with some of the greats in the comic book industry, from artists like John McCrea, who has worked on Spider-Man, Superman and The Hulk, and writers like Fabian Nicieza, who created major mainstream characters like X-Force and Deadpool while supplying witty comic repartee to countless others. The current wordsmith of The 99 is Stuart Moore, who has provided word balloon prose for the likes of Iron Man and Wolverine. These artists and writers, much like the characters that they create in The 99, are from a variety of different cultures, be they from the US, Britain or in Naif’s case, the Gulf, making the team as culturally diverse as its message.

< Capturing hearts and changing minds: the world looks on as The 99 redefines preconceptions through art >

And that message is spreading, not only into more mainstream comic book fare in planned crossover events with characters like The Flash, Green Lantern and Batman of the Justice League, but also in a brand new animated series, which is slated to be aired through new television network The Hub (a shared project between Hasbro and Discovery) and will reach over 60 million American homes in October of this year. We haven’t even mentioned “The 99 Village” amusement park in Jahra, Kuwait, which has been going strong for over a year now, or the soon to be released, feature-length documentary about Naif and The 99 entitled Wham! Bam! Islam! Dr. Al-Mutawa also gingerly hinted at a few other possibilities for expansion in the works, like a feature length movie, possible series spinoffs and more collaboration with bigger brands; but he didn’t want to spoil anything too specific, which we can understand. After all, he IS in the business of cliffhangers. Regardless of super-powered plot twists and shocking thematic turns, one thing that Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa and his multiaward-winning comic series The 99 will not surprise with is unmatched artistic quality and uniqueness, particularly in this culturally untrodden territory. It may not have been bitten by a radioactive spider or come to us from a far away world, but the true power of The 99 is stronger than any mutation or otherworldly ability. Unlike some other projects that boast “edutainment” of some description, in The 99, there is pleasure in its purpose. As the issues fly their

way upwards in number, The 99 may do the one thing that even these greatest heroes of fiction could not hope to do in the real world. It just might save it. Up, up and away...

< Jabbar the Powerful and Noora the Light >

sur la terre artopia

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa of Teshkeel Comics

Is it fair to say that the characters in The 99 were created in a very different social landscape to heroes like Superman and Batman? If so, what exactly would you say defines the origin of The 99?

Superheroes in the West are very much based on biblical archetypes, which is something Joseph Campbell wrote in his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Like the prophets, these heroes are all orphans: Superman’s parents died on Krypton, Batman’s parents died when he was a young boy, Spider-Man lost his Uncle Ben. Also, like the prophets, these heroes have the message delivered to them by a messenger. So, Peter Parker, sitting there in a laboratory taking a picture while a spider descends from above is a metaphor for the Archangel Gabriel coming down to deliver a message from on high. Superman not only came from “the heavens” (Krypton), but he is sent to Earth in a pod like Moses was on the Nile; then, he hears the voice of his father, Jor-El saying to Earth, “I have sent to you my only son.” This, of course, is God from the Bible, which is known as “the greatest story ever told.” And so, storytellers have gone back to the foundation of these archetypes. Of course, the flesh on the bone is more modern and more exciting in its feel, but it still has remnants of that Biblical familiarity. What I do is base my stories on Qur’anic archetypes, which has never been done before. On my website, www.al-mutawa.com, there are many of my personal essays that I have produced over the years. One of them, which was published in the Washington Post, is called “Concentration Camps and Comic Books,” where I talk about how the creators of Batman and Superman, who were Jewish young men and teenagers, created these characters at the height of anti-Semitism. Similarly, The 99 was created at the height of Islamaphobia in 2003. You have to think back to 9/11, which shook the foundations of what Islam meant on many levels. So I went back to the same numbers and the same symbols they used (9/11), and created positive, multi-cultural messages to confuse the system. What I did was take that monkey wrench and stick it right in the middle of the machine to stop it.

You have a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Organisational Psychology. From a psychological perspective, if we can say that, what is it about The 99 that so powerfully resonates with its readers? As it has been translated into eight languages, it also transcends, as art is wont to do, the psychology of variant and quite divergent cultures. Why do you believe that its premise and message have become so popular internationally and over such a dynamic spectrum of taste?

My work as a psychologist, my training, is all about perception: how people see themselves and how they think they are seen by others. The gaps and incongruences between the two are where you make a difference as a psychologist. Seven years ago, I decided to apply my training to Islam. I think that’s what helped me create The 99; I wasn’t playing by other peoples’ perceptions or reality.

I consider myself “bi-cultural.” I’m Kuwaiti, but I went to summer camp in New Hampshire growing up, so I kind of straddled East and West. Similarly, from day one, I created this concept to have international legs. The characters are from 99 countries, and I try to make those characters as appealing to the specific country as possible. For example, I created the Qatari member of The 99 with the attribute of “knowledge,” because of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned’s interest in learning, with developments like Education City. Also, there’s this element of pride. We’re making superheroes for places that never had superheroes before, and I think our readers are beginning to identify with them!

You have received many honours in your short time with The 99, including the Davos World Economic Forum’s Middle East Regional Social Entrepreneurs Award in 2009, the first ever Intersector of Religion Award and being named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world in the same year. Further still, you have just recently returned from a Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship held in Washington DC, where you were given a personal “shout out” by President Obama. Did you expect to receive such a strong positive response when you first set out on the venture-turned-phenomenon that is The 99?

If I had expected this kind of reaction, then I should have been the one locked up at Bellevue, and not the one treating people there. It was pretty grandiose what happened, with awards from the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. It’s been amazing. I think all of us WANT

to change the world. Did I think that I could? Maybe, but did I think that I would? No, not really. You know, it’s not exactly that I WANTED to do this, but it was more that I couldn’t NOT do it. Of course, it’s also a huge responsibility, not only financially, but also to be the one to redefine Islam. I have taken up that role, but it’s a huge responsibility! I take it very seriously, of course, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.

You work with some of the very best and most experimental comic book artists and writers on the scene today. Are there clashes that occur as part of the creative process, or is it a relatively smooth one?

Clashes do happen, but it’s only conflict in that people have different visions for The 99. For example, when Fabian (Nicieza) was writing for us, he wanted to be just a bit too violent, because he thought he was writing for older people. He’s an amazing writer, but we had a different view of who the audience was. On the animation, I had a conflict where one of the seniors in the project wanted to have people praying, which I didn’t want. He wanted to show that the good guys can pray as a Muslim, which is a FANTASTIC message, but that’s not necessarily MY message. I want to focus on the values we all share as human beings, irrespective of our religious belief or lack thereof.

Do you feel that the graphic novel form, or “sequential art” as it is often called, has a place in the politics and societal discussion within the Middle East region, at least in some way. Is this another of the aims of The 99?

I approach politics on the metaphorical level. For example, each of The 99, when they get their stone and their powers, uses them for the wrong thing, whether it’s for revenge or even winning money on game shows. So, the struggle of using what you have for yourself vs. for society is something which each of them deals with. Beyond that, there are conflicts between them in the beginning to show, if you will, the state of Islam in the world today. If you peel that metaphorical onion, you’ll see exactly what’s going on in the Islamic world through creative storytelling. I don’t want to get into specific issues, though. You can get to the heart of issues through metaphor while getting everybody in the world to agree, but once you start defining a world based on politics, you polarise it. I have an idea on what I can get from my characters and, God willing, I can get it without being specific.

“COMING HOME”

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SENSE OF DETAILS Production: Juliette Blondel @ Le Dressing www.julietteblondel.fr Photographs by: ian abela @ Visionairs in Art www.ianabela.com Models: angela Sega @ New Madison Paris Kistoo Raicesh @ Prince Maurice Make-up and Hair: Sarah Leroy Terquem Photograph assistant: José Marques Stylist assistant: Salima Hauguel Special thanks to: “Constance Le Prince Maurice”

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Production: Juliette Blondel @ Le Dressing www.julietteblondel.fr Photographs by: Ian Abela @ Visionairs in Art www.ianabela.com Models: Angela Sega @ New Madison Paris Kistoo Raicesh @ Prince Maurice Make-up and Hair: Sarah Leroy Terquem Photograph assistant: José Marques Stylist assistant: Salima Hauguel Special thanks to: “Constance Le Prince Maurice”

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sur la terre out of the box

Going Vape

Senior Editor Steve Paugh lights up... but not in the way you think.

For over 10 years of my life, I have been a smoker; not just any smoker, but one deeply committed to the cause. I was never one of these folks that could light up only in a social setting, or be content with just one or two smokes a day. Call it an addictive personality if you wish, but my motto was always, “I don’t run from death, I face it head on!” Given that quite a few family members have been afflicted with and even died from lung cancer, however, the joke was eventually going to be on me.

sur la terre out of the box

>>> At my worst, I was smoking about two packs a day, or about 40 cigarettes (for those non-smokers out there). For a while, I smoked so much that I could have been called “the missing link,” not only because my sometimes Neanderthal appearance makes me look like Lothar of the Hill People, but also because of how much I used to chain smoke. Throughout my addiction, I coughed, wheezed, choked and sputtered throughout most of my daily activities ... and it was beautiful. I loved to smoke. I lived for that stiff little kiss in my chest as I drew in each cottony breath. I savoured each flavourful drag, and revelled in the thick, pursed plume that exploded on every exhale. Yes, my love of cigs was strong and long. And yet, there finally came a day in my life when I realised that I was coughing far more than I was breathing; when every day just hurt more. So, I decided to do the one thing that friends, family members, doctors and after-school specials could never inspire: I decided, for my own sake, to quit. I’d like to say that I was cooler than the other side of the pillow during the quitting process, but as most people around me can attest, I wasn’t what you’d call “exceedingly pleasant.” Most studies agree that it takes 72 hours for nicotine to leave the body, and most smokers will agree that the last gasp on that third day is the toughest. So it was, as I stared depressingly into my bowl of soup on the third night of the rest of my life, that I thought to myself, “There has to be a better way.” Not one who puts much stock in things like patches, gum or cold turkeys, I began researching alternatives. You see, it wasn’t that I just missed the feeling of smoking, I missed the act; that tactile nature of just holding the cigarette, the feel of puffing on it and of course, that lovely little donkey kick in the ol’ chest cavity. I thought I would never be able to feel these things again after I quit smoking. Thankfully, I was wrong.

Thanks to copious amounts of online research, I came across something called the “Electronic Cigarette” and was instantly intrigued. From what I initially found online and in my tentative inquiries abroad, the E-Cigarette was billed as being cleaner, healthier and, in a word, better than smoking the conventional cigarette. Originally developed and patented in 2003, the E-Cig has gone through many style and operation transformations, but the general premise and functionality remains fundamentally the same. Essentially, the device, regardless of the particular make, is comprised of a rechargeable battery, an atomiser and a small pocket of liquid nicotine solution. These usually come together in an aesthetically pleasing package, most times looking like a regular cigarette. The practice of “vaping,” as the kids are calling it these days, is basically inhaling the vapour that results during the process of taking a drag, which activates the battery, powering the atomiser and vapourising the solution, thus delivering a relatively small dose of nicotine in a cancer-free hit that was reportedly similar to that of a cigarette. Needless to say, I was more than a bit excited, although equally as dubious, about this prospect. Could this steamy substitute really be the answer to my prayers? There was only one way to find out. To facilitate my curiosity, I decided to get in contact with the good folks over at www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk, which, while being based in the UK, is maintained from right here in Qatar by James Dunworth. I arranged with James to take the E-Cigarette for a test drive, ordering what is called a “Duo Pack” through the website. The package contained the newest model to hit the shelves, the NPRO, which is manufactured by one of the biggest names in the industry, NJOY (www.njoy.com). It contained two batteries (which appear as the white part of the cigarette), a bottle of cartridges (appearing as the brown filters) and a USB/electric socket charger. Before I even took a puff, however, I wanted to know exactly how

< smoke break: with the E-cig, you›ll have no reason to leave the meeting. Sorry! >

sur la terre out of the box

“safe” these E-Cigarettes are, just in case I did actually like them. Luckily, James is a walking treasury of knowledge on the subject, and was more than happy to both answer my questions and send any scientific backup needed to bolster his claims. The nicotine solution itself, which, again, is contained in the brown filter end of the cigarette, is perhaps the biggest bone of contention for those worried about health risks. I would soon find out, however, that this concern is basically groundless. The solution, which has been scientifically tested and analysed not only by companies like NJOY, but also independent researchers, lacks literally all of the hundreds of cancer-causing agents in cigarettes. What it does contain is Propylene Glycol, which may sound villainous, but is actually used in things like fog machines, and, as James told me, was even used for a while to sterilise the air in select children’s hospital wards. Beyond this ingredient, there are certain consumable additives for flavour (of which there are many available, including tobacco, strawberry and coffee) and of course, water. Despite evidence to the contrary, however, there are still some organisations, official bodies, media outlets and even governments that seek to ban the use of E-Cigarettes because of some perceived health risk. It is true that the E-Cig is a new product and that it is still being studied, but what is already clear is that they are over one thousand times better for you than the real thing. Even the amount of nicotine (which most physicians believe may be addictive, but in the small doses delivered by the E-Cig is not overly harmful) varies depending on the strength each smoker craves. This spectrum ranges from High (about the strength of a Marlboro Red) to Zero (about the strength of...well...air). Having heard all of this from James and exploring for myself the scientific research surrounding the issue, most of which can be accessed over the internet and purport the relative safety of the device, I made the rational decision to give the E-Cigarette a go. I watched while the LED light that simulates the red ember of a burning cigarette glowed in response to my pull on the E-Cig, and as I pulled away and breathed in, I fell in love. There was the kick I had been craving; there was the feeling of something in my hand; there was the “smoke” that danced from my mouth like a frozen whisper. There, friends, was satisfaction. Now, the NPRO is not EXACTLY like a cigarette. It is heavier, does not produce as much smoke and, because it is not disposable, is made of stronger materials that may at first feel strange in your grasp. That said, all of these factors soon become secondary and even imperceptible the more you hold it. The “Light” variation of the nicotine cartridge I tried first was sweeter than I was used to in the classic smoke, but not in a bad way. It was tastier, less heavy and accomplished that small twinge in my lungs

< the vocal minority: welsh national opera singer f iona harrison enjoys a vape onstage >

without sending me into a breathless coughing fit. Not only that, but it completely quashed any and all cravings for the real thing that I had been grappling with over the past month. Armed with a charge that lasts pretty much the entire day (depending on how many drags you take) and a cartridge that lasts for about 300 draws from a regular cigarette, my NPRO supplied more than enough crave-killing power to get me through even my most dire urges. Added to this is the surprising value of the E-Cig. For two packs of the Duo (one for Managing Editor James McCarthy), plus two bottles filled with the Zero nicotine cartridges, it was altogether about QR 500, which isn’t too bad as I haven’t even vaped half of my cartridge supply. Most sites maintain that, with E-Cigs, heavy smokers like I used to be will save up to QR 16,500 every year by making the switch. I have been using the E-Cigarette for over two months, and have noticed a marked improvement in my lung capacity during daily physical activities, like going to the gym, as well as what I can only describe as a fierce resistance to picking up regular smoking again. It isn’t perfect, and while still more research is coming in, I, for one, am sold on the E-Cigarette. I am breathing easier, feeling better and neither annoying nor harming everyone around me with my “smoke.” I can take it into elevators, my office, non-smoking restaurants and even airplanes without disturbing the air of anyone around me. So, if you are a smoker, and are looking for a cleaner, healthier and, to be frank, downright cooler way to get your nicotine fix without worrying about “the big C,” this is definitely the way to go. Vape ‘em if you got ‘em, folks!

sur la terre out of the box

It’s A Wrap Mina Kavcar gets wrapped up in her quest for the ultimate beach-beautiful body treatment.

>>> Now that summer isn’t just right around the corner but we’re actually smack dab in the middle of it, we’re all left with the same predicament: we want to look good in our bathing suits and we want beach beautiful NOW! Going to the gym and doing squat thrusts for endless hours certainly doesn’t seem appealing when you’ve got those pesky rolls and cellulite to fight. If only there was a treatment that whipped you right into shape with a combination of massage, body wraps and lusciously smooth lotion. Well, guess what folks? There is! The good people at Spa Chakra have come up with the ultimate flab-fighting system to make you feel both slimmed trimmed and firmed. Rightly named the Slimmed and Firmed Silhouette Treatment, this two-hour spa trip will do more than just relax and soothe you, it’ll make your summer body look so much better with no squats necessary. Thanks to Spa Chakra’s peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, you’ll feel comforted the moment you step out of the elevator on floor 39 of Alfardan Towers. With your own personal therapist leading the way to your treatment room complete with your very own shower, WC and changing area, your better-body journey begins.

The treatment starts with your therapist taking your measurements – not to worry this will only go towards proving results after the slimming and firming cycle is completed. Once the numerical part is over, your therapist will begin exfoliating your every body part with a Guerlain cream exfoliant (in case you’re wondering – Spa Chakra uses exclusive Guerlain products throughout their facility). I must admit that the exfoliation was far more, shall we say, “meticulous” than many of us practice at home – but hey, no pain, no gain (and it’s still better than squats). Once your skin is supple and cleansed, your therapist will start the real deal – the pinching! Pinching, you ask? Yes, pinching - the highly trained and fat-fighting effective form of it, that is. Trained by Guerlain experts, your Spa Chakra therapist will use a specific pinching technique combined with an all over massage to get your fat deposits to loosen. Following the slackening of your chub, you’ll be covered in a Guerlain serum and wrapped up like a lunch sandwich. A true multi-tasker, the serum will detox, firm and tone the skin. Tightly draped in the good stuff, you are then able to relax with a scalp massage as you dream of your firm and fit body to be. Once the cling-film comes off, you put that personal shower to good use washing off all the excess serum. Clean as a whistle, you emerge only to have your gifted therapist lather on either the Success Future Body serum (for firming and shaping) or the Super Aqua Serum (for ultimate hydration). As your two blissful hours come to an end, you’ll feel hydrated, firmed and supple. You can schedule up to two or three treatments a week and should be able to see tangible results after your eighth session. As for booking your own treatment, Spa Chakra offers attractive packages to cater to your many needs. You can either go for a package of four sessions, which will not only include the implied four treatments at a discounted price but will also allow you to enjoy one hour of hydrotherapy, one free fitness consultation and two weeks of access to the gym and pool facilities. Up your purchase to include all eight treatments and you’ll delight in two hydrotherapy sessions, two consultations and three weeks of access to pool and gym. Now that’s what we call an enticing incentive. All I can say is that I truly felt like a queen for that day. If only all my working days were made that much slimmer and firmer with the helping hands of Spa Chakra. One can only dream.

sur la terre haute property

Mina Kavcar goes in search of high-rise luxury living at the immense Kempinski Doha.

>>> For most of us traipsing around West Bay during the past year, there was one ambiguous tower that kept us wondering what it was and what it would one day house. Would it be an office tower? A hotel? A residence? The jury was out. Amidst all the questions one thing was sure - it was huge! In fact, the sheer size of this particular tower made us gasp in awe every time we went by, as it continually grew a few storeys more. Now that it’s all finished, we can proudly report that the gleaming tower that dwarfs both its W Hotel and Somerset Tower neighbours will bear the iconic Kempinski name as it succeeds in both delighting and dominating the denizens of Doha. Measuring in at 62 floors, this behemoth of a tower truly does soar above them all. As the tallest building in Doha, you can be sure that no one will miss this giant when gazing over West Bay’s skyline and, with the veil of secrecy finally lifted, we could not wait to take a peek inside Doha’s newest residential flagship.

In the words of Italian architect and interior designer Giampiero Peia, who also designed the Oyster Pavilion at the Pearl and Spa Chakra at Alfardan Towers, “You can find the same ‘international style’ hotel or residence in any part of the world. To save the tradition you have to reinterpret it with a contemporary vision.” That’s exactly what was done at the Kempinski here in Doha. In fact, we were more than delighted to see a modern and contemporary tower that didn’t give you that “I could be anywhere in the world right now” feeling. Rather than incorporating only contemporary, sleek touches, both Peia and Ibrahim Jaidah, who managed the architectural arm of the project, made sure to give Doha’s tallest building a Qatari feel. From classic Arabic woven screens that feature Peia’s original laser cut design, to white lines flanked by a traditional Middle Eastern rug, the Kempinski is a tale of two cultures.

sur la terre haute property

Residences and suites invite you, with sleek touches and crisp lines, making you feel at home even when you’re miles away from it. Peia wanted to keep frills to a minimum, giving each suite a fresh feeling through light colours and his very own use of “greige” – a combination of grey and beige. When referring to the simplicity, he merely quoted fellow Italian, Giorgio Armani, in saying, “Why is this room so simple? Because the richness has to be discovered in other things.” We couldn’t agree more. Said richness doesn’t just stop at the impeccably designed suites, it is also taken through the rest of the Kempinski and the many amenities that guests and residents can enjoy. When Charné Coetzer PR & Marketing Assistant said, “You have everything at the Kempinski,” she wasn’t kidding. The tower offers everything from a leisure & fitness centre to fine drinks and dining and even a children’s area to entertain, or as Coetzer put it, “edutain” your tots. Your day can begin with breakfast at Aroma, where bakery chef Abbas whips up the best croissants that have ever graced our once Parisian palate. You can delight in other menu favourites or make your way to the leisure & fitness area, where you can either take a refreshing dip in one of the pools or put the brand new gym equipment through a major workout. If you’re feeling less than exercise-stellar and merely want to relax and unwind, then simply delight in spa treatments, steam and sauna rooms, or sip on a freshly made, fruitful smoothie of your choice. Yes, the Kempinski Residences & Suites in Doha truly caters to your every whim. “It’s like staying in a vertical town,” Peia rather aptly noted. Having taken a whiff of what’s available, you may wonder what more there could be to Doha’s tallest tower? Well, we’ve kept the best for last. With 370 suites, there are two standout abodes that, quite bluntly, took our breath away and had us speechless for a good ten minutes. The top floor of the Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha houses two premium Duplex Sky Villas. Imagine the tallest building in Doha, imagine you’re at the top of it, and now imagine that you’re standing in a massive room with floor to ceiling windows that gaze over the entire city. “Astounding,” “overwhelming” and “remarkable” do no justice to what you see before your eyes. With a massive living area, six bedrooms, as well as a bar and kitchen area all sprawled out over two floors, this truly is a dream come true. Our favourite part is most definitely the bathroom, though. It’s such a girly thing to say, but with a spa tub on a marble hill overlooking the city, you will no doubt be inclined to do “girly” things more often. So there you have it: Doha’s newest landmark, done in immaculate Kempinski style. Be prepared to be mesmerised. To see more designs from Giampiero, go to www.peiaassociati.it, and to learn about how you can find your place at the top of the world, visit www.kempinski.com/en/doha

sur la terre fashion

Silk pleated bustier dress BLUMARINE Suede sandals CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Silver and gold metal bracelet K’MO Silver and gold metal ring K’MO

sur la terre fashion

Silk and chiffon dress with encrustation of imitation jewels GEORGES CHAKRA Patent leather sandals CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

sur la terre fashion

Silk top and sarouel KENZO defilĂŠ Suede sandals KENZO Resine bracelets MARION GODART Mask sunglasses JOHN GALLIANO

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Jersey dress ELIE SAAB Metal silver bracelet HELENE ZUBELDIA

sur la terre fashion

HER Silk and mousseline bustier dress BCBGMAXAZRIA Satin and silk mini bag UNGARO FUSHIA Gold metal necklace MARION GODART Leather sandals TSURU by ALEXANDRA STELLA Man straw hat STETSON HIM Cotton shirt THIERRY MUGLER Leather waistcoat SMALTO “Prince of Wales” bermudas SMALTO Silk and barenia veal shoulder bag “Silky city” HERMES Silk scarf ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Leather sandals SMALTO Sunglasses ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Watch, leather bracelet HUGO BOSS

sur la terre fashion

Jersey top and mini skirt GUCCI Patent-leather and varnished straw bag ANYA HINDMARCH

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Satin and silk pleated skirt BURBERRY PRORSUM Thin pleated wool jumper BURBERRY PRORSUM Glass pearls and strassed clasp necklace HELENE ZUBELDIA Leather sandals WALTER STEIGER Sunglasses ESCADA Sun

sur la terre fashion

Silk pleated bustier dress BLUMARINE Silver and gold metal bracelet Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;MO

sur la terre objects

Professional or domestic?

This summer, technology is decked out in festive colours while sticking to a sober and elegant style. Once again, engineers have surpassed themselves in order to defy the norms of visual and sound quality. With these new appliances, comfort and leisure invite themselves to your home…whenever they are not out and about with you.

Philips SoundSphere loudspeakers

Thanks to Philips, the greatest music geniuses will fight their way into your living room. The sound waves are transmitted into space by the SoundSphere loudspeakers just as if the instruments were being played before you. You will not only like the way the sound spreads to fill the room but its quality of pureness and intensity. To the pleasure of listening is further added the sense of sight. Its neat, innovative design further emphasizes its stylishness. The SoundSphere loudspeakers are available in two versions: the first (MCi900) has a colour screen allowing you to easily browse through music files, enabling you to listen directly from digital sources of a hard disk and offering online access to thousands of songs and even photos. The second (MCD900) has the same technical characteristics, without the hard disk. www.philips.ch

sur la terre objects

Sonyericsson Vivaz™Pro

The new Sony Ericsson Vivaz™Pro Smartphone has the same “human curves” design as its predecessor but unlike it, it associates a slideout keyboard to the touch screen and a 5.1 megapixel camera. The keyboard enables a fast and efficient management of texts and messages, emails, SMS, updates on social networks, in short, it gives you a double experience: communication and entertainment! The videos are produced and broadcasted in HD. You may also personalise your mobile thanks to various applications to download via PlayNow™ and on the Symbian Developer Community. www.sonyericsson.com

Nokia C3

BeoVision 10

The new BeoVision 10 TV screen is the finest screen ever created by B&O. It blends perfectly in a living room with walls covered in works of art. The sober square screen in black glass is framed with fine strips of polished aluminium. On the back, a very discreet wall bracket allows you to swing the screen to a 45° angle; thus, when you change your point of view, the screen will follow you! Its ultra slim profile does not stop the BeoVision 10 from giving you the most exceptional sound thanks to speakers with amplifiers and a custom-made bass port in the shape of a trumpet, to eliminate noise pollution. Ten seconds is all it takes to integrally change the face of your TV. The magnetic front cover may be removed in order to change the colour. www.bang-olufsen.com

This year Nokia has designed three mobiles (Nokia C3, Nokia C6 and Nokia E5), which give you mobile access to your emails, instant messaging, chat and social networks. Equipped with a complete Azerty keyboard, the Nokia C3 provides access to these social networks directly from the homepage. You may display, comment, update your status and even share photos and videos on Facebook or Twitter. With Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat, with Nokia C3 you won’t need to resort to a computer for your favorite programmes. It also boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, a twomegapixel camera, a 2.4 inch colour screen and support for up to 8GB of memory card storage. It comes in a wide range of colours and also includes a case in golden white, slate grey and hot pink. www.nokia.ch

Bluelounge Refresh Optoma HD86

With its professional images, mastered contrasts and marked details, and its new Full HD projector, Optoma puts a stop to traditional step-like images with their unintentional defocus effects and dubious colours. The “Pure motion 2” technology enables it to anticipate the movement of objects and projects perfect images with striking fluidity. The Dynamic Black function invites you to adjust the iris as you wish to obtain the shade of your choice. Finally, the ANSI contrast measures the contrast ratio between black and white with an unprecedented precision that only knows one equal: reality. www.optoma.com

The Refresh charging station allows you to charge four devices simultaneously and is both sleek and affordable. It is also “future ready” as it incorporates the micro USB based charging interface, a standard being introduced by most top brands, and is compatible with over 1000 products. It is designed for the office and for every room of your home, as most, if not all, electronic devices can be charged simultaneously. Stay charged, stay connected, stay in-view, stay together and stay accessible. The charging station is compatible with Apple, Blackberry, Creative, Dopod, Eten, Garmin, HP, HTC, i-mate, Insignia, Iqua, iRiver, Jabra, LG, Memorex, Motorolla, Noki, O2, Pal, Philips, Plantronics, Qtek, Samsung, Sanyo, Sidekick, Sony, Toshiba and more. Refresh is available in white, black, and pink. www.bluelounge.com

sur la terre objects

BeoCom2

Its organic shape espouses the curve of your face and its loudspeaker reproduces the most subtle nuances of your voice. Even its exclusive ringtone has made it famous! It is the centerpiece of Bang & Olufsen’s exceptional design: the BeoCom2! This cordless telephone, which enjoyed a well earned success during its launch not long ago, is now available in a new range of colours, you may choose from seven dazzling colours, which will undoubtedly pep up your home design. Don’t miss it! The final polishing gives the phone an intense sparkle emphasising the trend setter within you. www.bang-olufsen.com

Toshiba Satellite U500

The new Satellite U500 fascinates with its technical prowess combined with a quality design based on a new 3D surface structure. Compact as well as tough, it easily slides into your briefcase or your child’s satchel. With its state-of-the-art technology, the satellite U500 will meet your requirements at work and in your spare time. It will now be easy to follow your accounts and control your budget. You can also make the most of Hollywood’s super productions and listen to your favorite music. Alternatively, you can even create videos, a holiday photo album or start a blog! To break through in terms of ecoawareness, all you need to do is press the Eco button to save power. Your everyday life will glow with comfort and fun with Satellite U500! www.toshiba.ch

Toshiba RV733

Samsung Miss Player

An essential fashion accessory for every self-respecting fashion lover, Samsung’s new Miss Player touch-screen awaits you. Its pearly sequined finish, fluid lines and rounded curves embrace the latest trends with an elegant design spiced up by a cushioned dress that will charm you at first glance. The Pink Diamond three-screen menu provides direct access to community portals (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter) and to exclusive applications such as ShoppingList. With the widgets on the homepage, you can also interact with your friends using the social networks of your choice. You can also process your emails, manage your diary and plan your outings by surfing on electronic directories, PagesJanes directory sevice, websites like AlloCine, Mappy and AccuWeather. The extra glamour touch comes in the form of a diamond-shaped navigation pad reminiscent of Samsung’s never-ending eye for detail. www.samsung.com

The RV 733 series is user-friendly and provides high picture quality. It comes with a Full HD 16:9 panel with 1920 x 1080 pixels. To tap the full potential of the Full HD panels, the RV733 TVs feature Toshiba’ s upscaling technology Resolution+. Powered by Toshiba’ s MetaBrain processor Resolution+ upgrades content from standard definition (SD) sources to near high definition quality with improved edge detail and texture. A natural colour reproduction in accordance with movie production standards and the high dynamic contrast ratio of 50.000:1 boost the impression of sharp and brilliant picture quality close to HD level. MetaBrain also drives AutoView, a feature that automatically selects the ideal image setting, be it brightness, contrast, gamma, sharpness or colour saturation during initial setup. You can also permanently adjust the settings according to the ambient light and the displayed content. Anticipating the rising demand for connectivity in consumer electronics home devices, Toshiba equipped its RV733 series with a variety of interfaces. All RV733 TVs are Wi-Fi ready for wireless connection via a USB dongle with WLAN interface. www.toshiba.ch

sur la terre time history

< Frank Sinatra Collection >

Oris upon a Time

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< The Oris Darryl O’Young Limited Edition watch with the Porsche wheel rim pattern on the glass dial. The four Arabic f igures are in Microgramma typeface, the same as on the dashboard of the Porsche cars Darryl races >

< Paul Cattin >

>>> It is 1904 in Hölstein, in this small village in the valley of Waldenburg is where the story of Oris begins when two watchmakers from Le Locle in the Swiss Jura, Paul Cattin and Georges Christian, founded the watch manufacturer in the region of Basel. In 1906, and with only 24 employees, their dazzling - and speedy - success enabled them to open the first of ten branches in Switzerland. Oris carved itself a solid reputation as a manufacturer of high quality products over the years and ranked as the largest employer in the region with more than 300 members of staff.

< Georges Christian >

It was in 1938 that the company enjoyed its first revolution with the pointer calendar; then, in 1941, the company made a new name for itself as a manufacturer of quality alarm clocks. These were best represented by its famous “8-day” alarm clock. The company then continued its expansion, launching in 1952 its first automatic movement with power reserve display (calibre 601). However, it was the 1960s that marked the group’s most thriving era, with a production of more than two million watches per year, delivered by a workforce of 800-strong.

In 1968, the quality of the 652 movement was recognised by the Astronomical and Chronometric Observatory of Neuchâtel, earning it chronometer certification. In 1970, Oris sold its shares to the largest watch group in Switzerland, the former ASUAG group (currently Swatch Group). Towards the late 1970s, the group did not escape the crisis of the Swiss watch industry, which fell prey to competition from cheap Asian watches. Despite an attempt to produce cheaper quartz watches for some time, the company was compelled to downsize. In 1982, a radical break occurred when the factory was taken over by its own executives, Rolf Portmann and Ulrich Herzog.

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< The new Oris Rectangular “Bob Dylan” Limited Edition. As a tribute to Bob Dylan, Oris has created a special edition Rectangular model, limited to just 3000 pieces worldwide. The stainless steel cased watches carry Bob Dylan’s signature on the finely patterned dial. His portrait is engraved on the case back along with the limited edition number of the watch. A small glass window offers a glimpse of the complex mechanical movement with the famous Oris red rotor. >

A new vision for the group This landmark year was a turning point in the company’s history: the workforce shrank from 250 to 45 employees and the new management decided to focus solely on the work of producing mechanical watches. That year, all manufacturing was also abandoned in favour of a collaboration with subcontractors. However, Hölstein maintained the management and marketing headquarters, as well as the brand’s quality control centre, where the assembling and packaging of wristlets was also undertaken. This ambitious new policy was successful, thanks to an increased demand for mechanical watches in Japan at that time. Today Asia still remains the group’s main market, totalling nearly 50% of its sales.

< Oris Ambassador Darryl O’Young, the first ever Double Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) Class A Champion, in his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 997) >

< The new Oris Swiss Hunter Team Limited Edition commemorates the life of the legendary Hawker Hunter jet >

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< The latest Artelier Alarm model from Oris. The “all gold” version features an 18k rose gold top ring, which emphasises the applied rose gold hands and indices. The new model is also equipped with the unique Oris developed ‘sound spring’. >

< The Oris BC3 Sportsman is a redesign of one of Oris’ most popular pilots’ watches, which was first launched ten years ago. The 2010 version has a completely new 42mm case and slick, sporty proportions. >

This success continues to this day as the watch brand stands as a leading producer of mechanical watches in the 4,OOO Swiss franc (QR 12,500) price bracket. brand depth During the 1990s, Ulrich Herzog and his team sought to give a real identity to the products and focused on the design and emotional aspect of the watches. For this purpose, Oris formed an alliance with different figures from four distinct worlds, which are currently part of its range of products. Since 1996, the group has sponsored the London Jazz Festival, honouring famous musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and more recently Bob Dylan. Moreover, the brand is very active in the world of extreme sports such as diving, aviation and Formula 1.

sur la terre time history

< Oris Williams drivers >

The four worlds of Oris Oris associates itself with prestigious fields and legendary names. However, the brand was already historically present in the world of aviation with the creation of the “Big Crown” for pilots of the American Army Air Force during the Second World War. This watch, designed specifically for pilots of that period, was easy to handle, thanks to its crown, despite the thick leather gloves they wore. In the wake of this exceptional partnership, the manufacturer became the official sponsor of famous freediver, Carlos Coste. Thus, Oris watches now have personalised functions according to the field to which they relate, guaranteeing for divers a safe regulation for immersion time and a highly luminous display in the dark. From 2003, the brand has also been associated with the motor racing Williams team, with which it has renewed

its contract in 2010, with Herzog highlighting that, “in this difficult economic climate [...] it is the firm intention to continue developing the image of Oris watches in the highly contested and prestigious Formula 1 field.”

< The famous Oris red rotor >

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< The new Oris Swiss Hunter Team Limited Edition commemorates the life of the legendary Hawker Hunter jet >

< The new Oris ProDiver Chronograph is the ultimate in safety equipment. The rotating top ring has a specially designed grip made of durable, shock resistant, vulcanised rubber. The ring must be lifted before it can be turned: offering twice the protection of a standard divers’ safety bezel >

A successful invasion of Hollywood Harrison Ford in “Random Hearts,” Julianne Moore (now the covergirl for Bvlgari) in “Magnolia,” Meg Ryan in “Kate and Leopold” and Keanu Reeves in “Constantine,” are among the famous actors to have sported an Oris watch on the big screen. On screen, on the tarmac or even in the depths of the ocean, Oris continues along its path to success.

QUICK FACTS Corporate name: Address: Founding date: Industry: Distribution: Sales: Europe Asia America per continent: Characteristic: Ethos:

Oris Plc. Ribigasse 1, 4434 Hölstein Switzerland 1904 High horology 45 countries worldwide 39%, 47%, 12%, Oceania 2% Only produces 100% mechanical watches “Form meets function”

Oris’ “high-mech” Oris’ “high-mech” is symbolised by the emblematic red rotor, visible through the see-through case back of the watch, displaying the mechanism of a goldsmith. It embodies the Swiss savoir-faire of its craftsmen. This term refers to the state-ofthe-art technology and the quality of 100% mechanical watches that characterise the brand. Being the driving power, the red rotor represents the innovation that enabled it to pass from a mechanical watch with a hand winding mechanism to a mechanical watch with automatic movement.

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Out with the old and in with the new?

Reem Shaddad romps down the runway to the annual Virginia Commonwealth University Fashion Show to see what the class of 2010 can deliver. >>> Each year, thousands of stiletto, wedge and brogue-fitted fashionistas make their haute couture pilgrimage to the fashion capitals of the world to witness the grand masters at work, devouring the scene and the latest offerings from the most sought-after and recognised international fashion houses. These lucky and select few then mingle with the glitz and glamour known as fashion week, and kick back to play with the diamondcrusted cream of the industry crop. Each year, Paris, New York and Milan are augmented by flash bulbs of paperazzi cameras as they host week-long affairs, showcasing the geniuses that form the true artisan base of the fashion industry. From Chanel to Calvin Klein, Fendi to Marc Jacobs, Dior to D&G and Cavalli to Versace, these are the top dogs of the fashion food chain. Each brilliant in their own right, with the inspiration, talent, and enigmatic aura that spurs on the dreaming and aspiring minds of wannabe designers, the world over. Of course, these up-and-coming designers have to start somewhere. Their grass root connections to the world around them provide inherent awareness of the need for sustainability and care in the design and production of the fanciful garments that leave fashion lovers lusting for more. This is what 12 fresh faces from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar brought to the table during the 11th annual senior showcase. The dimly lit hallway was set to imitate a classic runway. With the front two rows reserved for the proud families of the graduating talents, the atmosphere was electric. Anticipation was rife, with throngs of young ladies, dressed to impress, and young men queueing up at the entrance where limited access was given to those who had purchased tickets beforehand; it was clear that this was a much-anticipated event. With a brief welcome from the head of the fashion programme, Ms. Sandra Bell Wilkins, the theme was introduced and the anxious audience settled into the ingeniously chosen beats pounding through the walls of the modern structure. Under the title of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One of Many,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; the need to become a more environmentally conscious society was highlighted in the works of the students. The concept, derived from the need for nations to acknowledge the need to assess the use of natural resources in a wiser manner, is what inspired the following innovative showcases. Every single piece in the show was constructed from articles of used clothing and textiles, exemplifying the new life that can be bestowed upon recycled garments.

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Shaikha Al Sowaidi On first impression, the pumping sound of Icelandic wonder, Bjork, flooding through the sound system at the event was enough to make us jump up in excitement. With edgy, offbeat sounds tantalising our ears, you can understand we were expecting big things from Al Sowaidi. Intriguing and offbeat is indeed what we got, as the ‘It’s not just a man’s world’ collection waltzed down the runway with bags of attitude. Models suited up in renovated pieces from a regular man’s wardrobe, clearly accentuated for a feminine touch and giving the feel of an empowered woman. Patterned pantsuits, single pieces in the form of oversized 1980s jackets that have become a staple fixture on the world’s most infamous runways, quirky bow ties and cropped trousers came together for a parade of items that stand out in the sea of sweet dresses on the night of the show. We can’t see these pieces being worn as ensembles in the real world, though we are confident mixing and matching can only lead to good things.

Diana Zachariah

Zachariah draws inspiration from the rich and colourful history of a land bursting with character, flavour and endless endeavours into the world of glitz, glamour and not unnoticeably, the realm of the fashion world. The minute Zachariah’s models hit the runway, we were transported into a festival atmosphere, reminiscent of Holi, the Indian festival of colours. With a love and inherent respect for ethnic wear, as well as a passion driven to incorporate the beauty of such garments as the traditional Indian sari with modern accents, the result was a truly wearable collection. That’s a lot more than we can say for some of the most renowned collections gracing the world’s runways today. Definitely one of the standout collections at the show, this is a promising start from a focused designer who knows all about tapping into market niches.

Dima Ahmed Masoud

Appearing later in the show than some of the other designers’ collections, the minute the dimmed lights were lifted to magically wash over the runway in a soft, enveloping manner, everyone in attendance leaned further forward in their seats in anticipation. Entitled ‘The Secret Garden,’ Masoud’s collection was evocative of just that – a fantasy playground, studded with the designer’s beautifully clad pixies. In reality, the collection was also an impressive feat in its appropriateness for ‘off the rack’ use. Indeed, many of the daintier pieces and in particular the petal inspired nude peach cocktail dress, were ones we are positive will have the local fashionistas rushing to Masoud’s first store opening as she hopefully pursues what appears to be a promising career in the fashion industry.

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Esra Kazem

Truly embracing the concept of both sustainability and the overall theme of the VCU senior showcase in both a practical and fantastical stance, this was perhaps one of the more far-fetched collections. It was a stroke of positive creativity nonetheless. Telling the story of ‘The Unseen’ – two beings, not of this world, exploring and exemplifying the manner through which humans discard one man’s treasure as waste, models strutted down the runway to an eerie rendition of the Requiem for a Dream soundtrack; appropriate for the fashions witnessed. A choice for the adventurous at heart, futuristic pieces were decked with more earthen materials in the form of shin guards and back shields. It may not have been the most practical collection, but it was an innovative display of creativity.

Joanna Milaszius-Dallimore One of the more mature collections within the senior showcase, and under the fitting title of ‘Lady Jane’s Victorian Escapade,’ Milaszius-Dallimore presented an intriguing fusion of themes to the audience’s delight. Amidst a sea of form fitting, demurely toned dresses, the aura of a haunting Victorian Halloween was very much present, with a sinister gothic undertone for a result that was both ladylike and edgy. In spite of the more adventurous adornments in the form of fur and floral print boleros and metallic brooches, the staple garments of ruche enhanced, skin skimming frocks were indeed an ingenious tap into the current Hollywood obsession with the glamorous fifties. Milaszius-Dallimore’s collection has earned her the reputation of a mature Betsey Johnson, mingled with a winter inspired Rocco Barocco feel. We are impressed.

Lama Sardar

We know where Sardar was going with this collection, as it has been a repetitive theme on fall runways for a while now. However, a certain ‘unfinished’ element stopped this designer’s showcase excelling from interesting, to coveted. Inspired by Alexander Byrne’s costume design for the epic tale of a ruler feared and loved by many in ‘Elizabeth: the Golden Age’, Sardar transformed these driving forces into a 21st century interpretation of the historic fashions. The collection was titled ‘Queen Elizabeth 2010’ - a collection designed to empower women not only through the natural shapes of their bodies, but also through the determined, hardened shape of garments they choose to wear. Sharply cinched waists, padding, quilting and heavily textured materials gave this designer the tools to put across the image of an influential, confident woman, reminiscent of Elizabeth herself.

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Selina Farooqi What can we say about this fabulous young lady? Winner of the award for “Most Outstanding Collection” and most deservingly so, we can say with all confidence that Farooqi’s pieces would sell in the instant they would hit any store. Another Indian inspired theme, ‘An Indian Adventure’ did just that, transporting us to a rich, exotic yet incredibly classy, elegant and feminine adventure of the senses. The earthy colours, accentuated with delicious plums, vivid turquoise and bejewelled embellishments, emphasised the designer’s love for detail and her incredible eye for mixing and matching textures and prints. From ruffled taffetas, print velvets, generously-studded necklines and beautiful gold-studded cords defining the waists of the models, an air of indulgence and the unknown filled the air. We must give extra credit to Farooqi, who also designed several handbags for the show, imitating the look of patterned, engraved hairbrushes, with playful tassels to match the striking detailing on the clothing itself. Farooqi is definitely a rising star and one we can very proudly say had her beginnings right here in Doha.

Sacha Picard

Flirtatious, feminine and young are the words that first come to mind when looking over the refreshing photographs of Picard’s collection from the night of the fashion show. Allowing her chosen materials to do the talking, Picard counts herself as lucky to have been so heavily influenced by the beauty of the taffeta fabric that featured in all pieces of her collection. Strutting down the runway to Moby’s ‘Porcelain’, the collection, titled ‘The Coming of Age’ was indeed a fusion of varying eras, with a distinct 80s disco feel, a touch of vintage couture and a futuristic vibe owed to the metallic rainbow hues of the glorious taffeta fabric chosen by Picard. We can definitely see this becoming a favourite with the kooky stars of the Hollywood scene – Zooey Deschanel in Picard? That’s the vision we’re looking at here at Sur la Terre.

Reem Al Thani

Regal, structured, almost military in presence, yet with a distinctly feminine embrace, winner of the award for “Most Outstanding Senior”, Reem Al Thani’s offerings were indeed a construction of ‘Contemporary Traditions.’ Inspired by Islamic architecture and in particular, the divine details that have become internationally renowned for Arabesque flavours, Al Thani managed to incorporate elements of some of the Arab world’s most beautiful structures into her showcase. Simple designs were sharpened and subtle details replaced traditional shapes for a feel strongly reminiscent of the dainty and intricate fine points inherently existent in structures across Egypt from the Ottoman era. Distinctly prim and incredibly well put together, these styles are filled with a bold palette that we have become accustomed to in the Arab world. In our humble opinion, Reem Al Thani is well deserving of her award.

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Sabrina Christensen ‘La Terre Peruviana’ directly translates to ‘the Peruvian earth.’ However, this was not the inspiration behind Christensen’s elfin creations. The Cape Gooseberry, or Physalis Peruviana, is a fruit native to South America yet cultivated mainly in the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. Reminiscent of a grape tomato and often, pale orange in colour, the fruit matures in a soft, nude-coloured leafy casing, until picked and extracted. The correlation between this casing and Christensen’s creations were apparent to even the most untrained eye, where soft, almost ethereal material was draped around the models’ lithe bodies, with distinct detailing on necklines and hems highlighting the importance of the Cape Gooseberry to the overall theme of the collection. Once again, this is a collection we feel can be adapted to grace the red carpets of many a glam Hollywood event, and in all honesty, several of the dresses caught our lustful eyes. Watch out for this one, Paris!

Malak Al Mahmoud Based on the theme of ‘Constructing a Dream,’ this collection delivered what Al Mahmoud promises in her foreword: an array of delicately reconstructed garments that appear to have been ripped apart at their gentle seams and sewn back together to create the beautiful, mystical pieces showcased. Setting the tone perfectly with a faintly industrial, dreamlike and almost childlike soundtrack, models appeared to be floating down the runway in their earth-inspired, palette-toned outfits. Faintly metallic in instances, bedecked with fairytale adornments vaguely evocative of a damaged butterfly and twisted back into beautiful form, the entire collection screamed of whimsy and the comfort of dreams. Whether these fashions, or in particular the wedding dress creation, will make it into mainstream fashions and feature on the red carpet, we’re not so sure; however, there is no question regarding the designer’s commitment to her enchanting theme.

Sahar Mari

An individual in her own right, and particularly in the classification of herself as a design student, Mari was another award winner on the night of the VCU extravaganza.She does not like distinct titles within the diverse field of design, and embraces tasks with the mentality of both a graphic and fashion designer, each in its own right. Mari’s collection, ‘Typographic Clothing,’ is in essence the exact exemplification of the merging of typography, graphic design and fashion. Looking at pieces from the graphic viewpoint of composition, colour, size, scale, context and audience and then moulding this into a representation of fashion, this collection was bold and geometric. This i yet another potential ready-to-wear offering that we can see succeeding on the racks of New York’s most demanding department stores.

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Like what you see in our In Vogue section? To find details about where to find these great fashions and who to contact about them, flip to our Directory section at the end of this issue!

The Northern Chanel In terms of extravagance, opulence and blatant luxury, Karl Lagerfeld has never been one to disappoint. In this instance, however, the legend seems to have taken his efforts to appeal en-masse to the Eastern European Mafioso a bit too seriously. Chanel’s Readyto-Wear 2010/11 fall collection, boasts what Lagerfeld claims are inspirations derived from his upbringing on a humble farm in Hamburg, Germany; we think not. The charming ethnic motifs lining simplistic tweed shifts, and adorning handbags in the form of long armed totes, transport you to the courtyards of the Kremlin, the models styled to wind-swept, winterchilled perfection. Nevertheless, if anyone were to make Russian gangster chic a global phenomenon, it would be Lagerfeld and his trademark ‘fantasy furs.’ Taking a page out of the super villain wardrobeguide – and particularly evil German scientist Baron Zemo; Captain America’s arch nemesis - the furs are layered atop structured suits and embellish soft leather biker jackets and boots. The crowning glory of this crystal and frost-ridden line has to be the fierce fur boots, cleverly fitted with leather or stalactite heels to weather even the wettest fall days… or Lagerfeld’s last choice of runway anyway.

sur la terre in vogue

Dior part and honour the troops Military tin helmets, heavy leather totes, tightly coiffed curls and fresh faced, crimsonlipped models; the ingenious detail is enough to transport you back into a time when air raids were a daily occurrence and tobacco was rationed. The WWII heroine is no doubt the muse behind the cinched waists, soft leather trenches and sky-high suede booties in Christian Dior’s pre-fall collection. Amidst a uniform of high-waist pencil skirts, hard trench coats and leather suits, are subtle lace detailing, pleats, frills and a heavy use of tulle that soften the collection, allowing the wearer the indulgence of feeling like a modern day Vera Lynn. An earthy overtone of sensible khaki, olive and brown is cheated by splashes of peach and flirty pink in the form of both subtle details and full pieces. Special mention goes to our favourite garment of the entire lust-worthy line, the luxuriously fur-trimmed, light salmon hued trench, belted in chocolate brown for a don’t-mess-with ‘The Force’s Sweetheart’ finish. A silver lamé siren, fish-tail number also competes for our attention in the glamour stakes… it wont be difficult calling any soldiers to attention with this number either. We promise!

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A Marc of Elegance “And God Created Woman,” read the programmes distributed at the Louis Vuitton show on the final day of Paris fashion week. Setting the elite audience up for a delectable ode to the more ‘traditional’ shapely woman, the distinguishable Marc Jacobs called on an army of suitable goddesses, some from years of runway dormancy, to model the collection in the Parisian elegance it was designed to convey. Freshfaced beauties including Laetitia Casta, Bar Refaeli and Elle ‘The Body’ Macpherson, were styled with clean, simple make up and young scraped back, high ponytails. As hair bobbed to each playful footstep, the sounds of the 1950s rang out and flashbacks of a luminous Brigitte Bardot echoed in everyone’s minds. A collection of corseted, frilled circle-skirts, cinched neatly at the waist, each finished with a charming bow tie, were showcased, alongside neat square-toed, block heeled pumps, reminiscent of the time. Fur buttons, glittery heels, and details adorning conservative length dresses in the form of satin and metallic thread, make for a girly addition to an already highlighted womanly silhouette.

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Domingo’s Pampano opens at The Pearl

The Pearl, Qatar is quickly becoming THE place for all things culinary, and while there seems to be a new restaurant opening almost every week, we’re sure that there won’t be, as the expression goes, “too many cooks in the kitchen.” The newest celebrity to throw his hat into the ring-shaped island’s eatery scene is none other than operatic overlord Placido Domingo. The world renowned Spanish tenor was at Doha’s man-made island not only to satisfy our appetites for aural enjoyment, but also to delight with the deliciousness of his New York based restaurant franchise, Pampano.

Top left to bottom right: Christian and Gloria Sofia and Ali Placido Domingo makes an imprint of his hands for The Pearl’s ‘Walk of Fame’ Patricia Malos and Lvacho Calcedo Placido Domingo and the Pampona management cutting the Ribbon

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Once voted ‘The Best New Restaurant in America’ by Esquire magazine, Pampano’s Mexican seafood styled cuisine delighted the attending throng of the flavour-following faithful. The hors d’oeuvres that made their way around the event were devoured by Doha’s V.I.P.s as they shimmied and swayed to the tunes of a live band. It was truly a sensory overload to behold.

Top left to bottom right: Japanese Ambassador, Yukio Kitazume, and guests Ernesta and David Spanish guitars and Flamenco dancing entertained guests

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Branson does Doha

Anytime Sir Richard Branson goes anywhere or does anything, you can be sure that it’ll be an event to remember. His recent visit to Doha was no different. The jam-packed day started off with a press conference at the Museum of Islamic Art and continued with the media launch of Virgin mobile at Villaggio’s Virgin Megastore. After thousands of flashes had gone off, and onlookers had basked in the brilliance of the billionaire, Sir Richard hosted a select few of the Doha elite at an after party on The Pearl. Attendees made their way to Gordon Ramsay’s Maze restaurant and enjoyed an evening enriched with live music and several delectable hors d’oevres. Sir Richard arrived, greeted guests in casual blue as he first posed for pictures and then mingled with the VIP crowd over foie gras canapés and sizzling sides. Known to be media friendly, Branson wooed the crowd as the night went on and fresh juices and mocktails tingled the tastes of those in attendance.

Top left to bottom right: Sir Richard Branson peruses the pages of SLT Sir Richard makes an entrance Sir Richard mingles with guests at an exclusive reception held at Maze Guests at Maze were treated to fruit cocktails and great music

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DFI Creation Finally In The Cannes

The international launch event for the Doha Film Institute (DFI) was held at the recent Cannes Film Festival, at the Majestic Beach, a stunning venue situated on the Croisette’s beach front. Celebrated filmmakers, film stars and world dignitaries came together to celebrate the creation of Qatar’s first year-round international cultural film organisation. In attendance were HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fahad Al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jabor Bin Yousef AlThani, both of whom rubbed shoulders with drectors, Martin Scorsese, Elia Suleiman and Terry Gilliam. Guests walked the red carpet to the music of Palestinian singer Dalal Abu Amneh and her band before the evening started with a special message from DFI Founder, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, officially inaugurating the new umbrella organisation that will bring all of Qatar’s film initiatives, including Doha Tribeca Film Festival, together under one banner.

Top left to bottom right: Qatari Filmmaker Mahdi Ali among DFI guests Filmmaker Scandar Copti Director Jean-Jacques Annaud and producer Tarak Ben Ammar Sheikh Jabor Bin Yousif Al-Thani, Executive Director of the Doha Film Institute Amanda Palmer, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fahad Al-Thani, director Martin Scorsese, Faisal Al-Thani and co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises Craig Hatkoff Filmmaker Chadi Zeneddine Actor Khaled Aboul Naga and friend

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Iron Man 2

From the trailer alone, it was clear that Iron Man 2 was going to be good, and it didn’t disappoint. This one has it all: action, comedy, amazing performances put in by charismatic actors, energy whips, romance, pitched robot battles and of course, Scarlett Johansson in a skin-tight jumpsuit. The story takes place, as sequels tend to do, some time after the first Iron Man. Tony Stark, the man behind the metal (played with gusto like a narcissistic maestro by Robert Downey Jr.), has effectively maintained a tentative peace between nations, using his high-tech Iron Man armour as a powerful incentive against war. Ever the beautiful braggart, Stark may have secured peace, but he still has many enemies.This time, his rogues gallery includes new business rival, Justin Hammer (played by the ever-smarmy Sam Rockwell), a disgruntled, laser whiptoting, genius-level Russian inventor named Ivan Venko (portrayed with impressive skill by Mickey Rourke), the American government led by Senator Stern, who demands that the armour be turned over to the Feds and let’s not forget, Tony’s own ailing body, which is further being poisoned, ironically, by his use of the Iron Man armour. In the end, director Jon Favreau continues the ode to his favourite comic character. The casting and acting are peerless, the effects mind-boggling and the sheer entertainment value, definitely amongst the most fun we’ve had this year. NOTE: Remember to keep watching past the credits; as per usual, Marvel continues its incremental plan for something bigger with an easter egg that is truly ... divine.

Cool Runnings

I’m Here

We openly admit that this one is a bit of a strange choice, what with all of the other summer blockbusters coming out this year like Robin Hood and Prince of Persia, but if it’s one thing we have learned in life, it’s that some of the better movies out there don’t make it to the big screen. Besides, this short film, which is directed by no less a talent powerhouse than Spike Jonze, will probably produce much more of an emotive response in its 30 minute run time than the other two will inspire in their collective four hours. I’m Here takes a complex premise, which explores the lives of sentient robots that live under the thumb of an ironically uncaring human race, and makes it simple, grounding it in tender, stolen moments in a young love between two slightly anarchistic, definitely amorous automatons. Its setting in a modern day, Californiaesque suburbia effectively downplays any hardcore Sci-Fi elements and brings it to a level of the sublime, exploring as it does the lengths to which any being (born, fabricated or otherwise) will go through to protect his, her or its most treasured love. More touchingly sweet than overly deep, Jonze (who also wrote the film) proves that he can work within a tight structure to deliver a solid showcase that is as entertaining as it is moving, with impressively dynamic, well-rounded characters. Up and coming actors Andres Garfield and Sienna Guillory delight as love-bots Sheldon and Anne, with a kaleidoscope of chemistry that is further enhanced by the well-chosen backdrop of chilled out indy rock. To see I’m Here, just head over to www.imheremovie.com, click and enjoy!

“Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up! IT’S BOBSLED TIME!” This quote from the 1993 Disney movie Cool Runnings resounded through the office when we finally decided which “classic” sports movie we were going to cover for our June issue. Other options included films like Raging Bull, Rocky, White Men Can’t Jump, Caddyshack and of course, Space Jam, probably the most factual representation of basketball in film. Even in the face of these other options, however, the 1993 classic based on the real-life events surrounding the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team still stood out as a favourite. It’s hard not to get captivated by the simple, innocent fun of Cool Runnings, which sees intrepid Olympic sprinting failures Derice, Junior and (ahem) Yul Brenner team up with the ridiculously named Sanka Coffie (played by the incomparable Doug E. Doug) as they attempt to put the tropical island of Jamaica on the competitive bobsledding map. Probably the highlight of the cast comes from the late, great John Candy, who made this one of his last movies before his untimely death. In the end, Cool Runnings has all of the cliche tropes of early 1990s Disney filmmaking, from cheesy touching moments and montages (complete with melodramatic score from none other than Hans Zimmer), an evil East German and even a slow clap at the end! It’s not “historically accurate,” but then again, neither is Braveheart and you loved that movie! Yup, we just compared Cool Runnings to Braveheart. Worth a watch and a nostalgic giggle, this is still great for some good ol’ family-friendly fun and is sure to have you saying, “I’m feeling very Olympic today!”

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Hail the Villain

Most Awesomest Thing Ever

Neil Diamond Vs. Tacos, Mayan Civilisation vs. the Game Boy, the Tyrannosaurus Rex vs. Pinstripes and Jedis vs. Europe. In most venues, these conflicts may seem asinine at best (apart from Neil and tacos, which are well-known natural enemies), but not when presented on the internet in a combat arena to determine what is, quite simply, The Most Awesomest Thing ... EVER! Despite its title’s questionable grammar, www.mostawesomestthingever.com is a great way to completely waste time. The premise is simple: you are given the option to choose what is cooler between two arbitrarily chosen people, objects, activities or ideals. Because these things are seemingly chosen at random, the resultant battle can be odd, to say the least, like Ashton Kutcher vs. Canada, Gummi bears vs. Altered Beast or The Year 1988 vs. Popsicles. Sometimes, however, the tandem can be oddly appropriate, like Terminators vs. Lasers. We chose lasers! If, for some reason, you don’t know what a certain “thing” is or the value of its inherent awesomeness, the site provides Wikipedia links describing and detailing each. It also shows a list of the top 100 most awesome and the 93 most Inadequate (or leastawesomest) things. At press time, some of the top spots went to the Internet (#1), a Nap (#5) and, of course, Ninjas (#11). On the other side of the spectrum were things like Vegemite (#1182), Arm Pit Hair (#1170) and Gloria Estefan (#1180).

We first got turned on to www.hailthevillain.com via the FWA (Favourite Website Awards), which, with good reason, gave the site a coveted “Website of the Day” award after its launch. In actuality, this is the official website of a Canadian rock band of the same name, and it is used as a vehicle not only to push the band’s music, but also to establish a Hail the Villain universe. The site basically takes you through a gritty, highly stylised and intricately beautiful murder mystery. Almost immediately, you are introduced to the scene of a shady looking man in an alley when, from out of nowhere, a car slams into him. This moment is frozen in time. The user is then invited to investigate, via a very impressive interface, who the players are in this drama and why everything turned out so darn deadly. Interacting with the many angles of the scene is seamless, intriguing and downright fun. By looking through the car, you find pieces of evidence to help you solve the riddle, like telephone numbers that you must then enter into a nearby phone booth and listen for further information. We highly suggest viewing this site with a web cam, as not only is there an area where you can manipulate an image of yourself to look even more villainous, but you can make videos and other images to post on the site. With excellent graphics, amazing animations, a gripping story line, great user interaction and a wide variety of mini games and cool little accents, hailthevillain.com is one of the most impressive websites we have ever seen ... not too sure about the band, though.

Sports Games Online What would a review of all things internet be without a game site review? Of the now seemingly all-inclusive online video/ flash game universe, there are a few genres that really stick out above the rest. Usually, these include things like low-rent versions of classic arcade games (Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Gallaga, et all.) or games based on the hilarity of current events (i.e., the George W. Bush shoe throwing game phenomenon). However, king amongst these categories is definitely the sporting game. You can keep your penguin launchers and stick-man fighting games - give us a virtual ping-pong paddle, a pixelated football pitch or a lo-def billiards cue, and we’re locked in for hours. Not only are these games inherently “more-ish,” they also give us the illusion of activity, so that when our mothers call and say, “What are you doing today,” we can answer honestly, “Ah, you know, shooting some hoops and then kicking the ball about,” and not have to worry about getting the whole “you need your exercise” lecture. www.sportsgamesonline. net is the perfect place to get your virtual dose of activity, with a respectable library of time-wasters, from classics like minigolf, street basketball and table tennis to more extreme fare, like motorcross racing, skateboarding, rally driving and even professional wrestling! Most of the games have some pretty incredible graphics, and all are designed to keep you from doing any real work whatsoever! Why sweat like a sucker when you can get all the exercise that you need right at your desk? It’s double the procrastination in HALF the time!!

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Queen – News of the World MGMT Congratulations

MGMT’s unique blend of neo-psychadelia, synthpop and progressive rock combines to give you a very relaxing and “chilled out” listening experience. You almost feel like taking a pick up truck and driving through the country in the wee hours of the morning. Sure, you may not have a pick up truck nor an upstate environment to drive through, but hey, just a thought. Their newest album, Congratulations, truly does wonders in the positive inertia department. Songs like “It’s Working” and the title track “Congratulations” simply have you drifting off to ponder life’s many questions. “Someone’s Missing” takes you back a few decades to the late 60’s and timeappropriate leisure activities. “Song for Dan Treacy” put a smile on our face, made us bob our head and dare we say it curl up our lip in utter approval. All in all Congratulations is one of those albums that gets played over and over again in the background or simply is put on when you need a mellow afternoon to arrange your thoughts. It’s decidedly retro with a modern twist. Be sure to let the songs play through and maybe see about that truck the next time it’s 10pm and you’re looking to clear your head.

Bone Thugs-nHarmony – Uni-5 The World’s Enemy

Back in the day when Bone Thugs-n-Harmony came out with “Tha Crossroads,” they were on top of their game, spitting lines with such grace and ease, they rippled off their tongue with nothing but, you guessed it, harmony. Lyrics tended to revolve around spiritual and societal issues, which made them stand out from the misogynistic, “my car is bigger than yours” rhymes of other hip-hop stars of the era. It looked like they would go on to bigger and better things, until they went off the radar in the midst of intergroup issues and, of course, the juridical run-in of group member, Flesh-n-Bone. Well, it’s a new decade and new beginnings. This year, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony finally reunite with the fittingly titled album Uni-5. In terms of lyrics and general speed and flow, the album rings true to older tracks of the hip hop group, but fails to conjure up the excitement that previous albums E. 1999 Eternal and Strength & Loyalty did. “Rebirth” starts off with a great beat as Bone delivers on the rapid-fire styles of past tracks. Songs such as “Only God can Judge Me” do nothing but mellow us out to the point of nodding off, but we’re quickly awakened by titles like “See Me Shine” and “Everytime.” With Uni-5, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are finally back and manage to remind us of why we liked them in the first place.

Who hasn’t sat at a football game, a basketball game or another sports outing without participating in the iconic stompstomp-clap that is Queen’s “We Will Rock You?” Similarly, who hasn’t belted out “We Are The Champions” when their favourite team snagged the title or lifted the cup? Two of the most iconic songs in sports history have stood the test of time in remarkable fashion. Queen released both tracks on their News of the World album more than three decades ago and, boy, have they lent themselves well to pretty much any athletic high point since then. News of the World may start off with two all time hits but certainly isn’t limited to just two tracks. Songs such as “Sheer Heart Attack” make side one (for those of you still using vinyl) of the album a high octane, energetic collection that will do anything but put you to sleep. Side two and its more relaxing tunes like “Who Needs You” and “Sleeping on the Sidewalk” and “It’s Late” showcase the extraordinary skills and sounds of Brian May’s guitar work and Freddie’s poignant lyricism. While it may be true that “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions” are News of the World’s major selling points, this classic collection of tracks will do more than just have you rip off your football jersey in delight. Queen has been at the forefront of music way past their height in the 1970s and 80s. News of the World is but one testament to it.

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2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Alan Wake

The story that unfolds for the titular character in Remedy Entertainment’s newest XBox 360 title, Alan Wake, is pretty much the scariest thing that could happen to a writer. Everything in his newly penned supernatural thriller is coming true, which is a shame really, given that he was only recently gripped with debilitating writer’s block, and now can’t shut off his creativity. OH THE IRONY! Of course, brain farts and the melting wall between fiction and reality aren’t the only evils with which Mr. Wake must contend, as his wife has gone missing after bringing him to the small idyllic town of the ominously named Bright Falls. Not only that, but when the lights go out and night spreads like a new stain over the town, the gentle townspeople are suddenly overcome by a dark force transforming them into what is known locally as “The Taken,” and internationally as “really freaking scary.” The only thing that does any significant damage to The Taken is light, which is why you are armed with a flashlight, a flare and various models of painbringin’ boom-sticks. You’re also gifted with an inventive nature, which allows Wake to concoct some pretty elaborate light-based traps for these nefarious neérdowells of the netherworld. The interplay between light and dark is implemented beautifully in Alan Wake, not only within the vivid splendour of achingly atmospheric environs, but also in gameplay; everything seems to get just a bit darker right before you’re set upon by the soulless hordes of darkness, not only visually, but also in the alternatively eerie and stressinducing soundtrack. Gameplay and combat is fluid, intuitive and fun, while at the same time being unique. Alan Wake has been in the works since 2005, and while it has taken a long time to come from out of the shadows, it has definitely made us see the light.

As we have said in the past, football video games are a dime a dozen. Oh, they have evolved into something special over the years, but with advancements as intricate as they are incremental, it’s hard for the casual player to notice the difference between one iteration to the next. However, it is exactly these focused changes that set FIFA’s newest title apart from previous attempts. The newest and most obvious developments in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, the release of which is perfectly timed, are immediately apparent in the visuals and new touches to the gameplay. Everything, from the pitch to the people in the stands, look and act organically. It may not be worlds apart from FIFA 10, but it’s just a bit more well-defined and sharper than its most immediate predecessor, particularly in its attention on close-ups and replays. These heightened graphics, along with the (admittedly repetitive) atmospheric elements like cheering fans and the comings and goings on the sidelines, create a video game verve that is in its own class, towering over previous titles in its attention to detail. This excitement is well brought to a virtual representation of the most watched sporting event in the world, and the feeling of triumph (or sorrow) in winning (or losing) the final match, is actually pretty stirring. Of course, all of the 199 national teams that took part in the World Cup qualifiers are playable, as are all 10 of the stadiums, so even if your team isn’t involved in the actual tourney this year, you can feel free to rewrite history as you see fit. Overall, this is a great game and easily succeeds in winning champion status amongst our personal library.

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!

The innocent days of 1987 brought forth many a world-changing development. We celebrated the birth of The Simpsons, we mourned the death of Liberace and we huddled en masse around our Nintendo Entertainment Systems to play quite possibly the finest sports-based video game ever created: Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out! You can keep your HD boxing simulators of today with their high-falutin’ “realistic gameplay” and “stunning visual accomplishments.” We’d still rather take charge of classic diminutive underdog, Little Mac, and wage war against an army of idiosyncratic racial stereotypes! As you progress through the story of our hero, under the ever-present tutelage of coach Jerome “Doc” Louis, you come face-tofist with the likes of such fictional boxing luminaries as the glass-jawed Glass Joe, the Japanese silent strong man Piston Honda, the obese behemoth King Hippo, the nefarious Russian Soda Popinski and of course, the then world champion, Mr. high-pitched gap tooth himself, Mike Tyson. It was always pretty easy to learn the pattern of each enemy (dodge when Great Tiger’s jewel sparkles), but the sheer re-playability of Punch-Out! is, to this day, largely unrivalled. Still, if you ever got to Mike Tyson (or Mr. Dream, depending on Tyson’s incarceration status), it was quite the achievement, let alone beating the nighimpossible final boss. In the end, this one is a classic that has since been emulated on devices such as the iPhone and adapted in new versions on the Nintendo Wii. Still, even these later iterations haven’t captured the prevailing sense of accomplishment that was so powerful in the original.

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Friday Night Lights: A Town, a team, and a Dream by H.G. Bissinger

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris

“People are really interested in the concept of eternal youth in this plastic-surgery culture,” says author Charlaine Harris to the New York Times, as she explained why her books were so popular as to reach the number one slot on the publication’s Best Sellers list. The admittedly frumpy author of the wildly popular, and now voluminous, series called The Southern Vampire Mysteries has steered her creation toward amazing success. Now, of course, the series is better known by its HBO television programme adaptation title, True Blood, but the plot of its universe is still being driven by the novels. Dead in the Family is the tenth book in the series and explores the trials and tribulations of the narrator and main character, telepathic human, Sookie Stackhouse, throughout all of her trials and tribulations. These include her questionable, yet increasingly loving, marriage to a vampire lord, her place in the fallout of an inter-dimensional war against fairies, the ebb and flow in the power struggle between the socially accepted vampires and the newly outed shapeshifters (which include werewolves) and her own family tree, which has more than a few supernatural fruits hanging from its branches. Perhaps more reserved than its passionate predecessors, Dead in the Family, once again, taps into the sardonic and, if you’ll pardon the pun, “biting” humour of its predecessors and takes a deeper look at the longevity of relationships, particularly those involving near-immortals. It was meant to be her last, but with Harris recently signing up to do at least three more in the series, there are more than enough new plot twists and turns for old fans to start sinking their teeth into.

Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett

It’s hard to go wrong with a bit of Discworld fun. With 37 novels based around the kooky world (flat, round and carried through space on the backs of four elephants on the back of a giant turtle) since its debut in 1983, it’s no surprise that author Terry Pratchett has made a mint from the books and earned himself an OBE and a knighthood in the process; so really, it comes as no surprise that Unseen Academicals lives up to the bar set by the earlier novels. This particular episode is set in the fictional city of Ankh Morpork, where the pathologically lazy and gluttonous wizards of Unseen University face the unthinkable and their budget for food is slashed. In order to solve the matter, the University’s Archchancellor Ridcully must put together a team from the University faculty that can participate in a game of “foot-the-ball”, a rough’n’tumble street-played amalgamation of football and rugby that’s well-loved by AnkhMorporkians. Wizards aren’t exactly known for their fine physiques and love of athletics though, so it’s a tougher challenge than one might imagine, and Camerlengo, Ponder Stibbons, sets about morphing the game into something the magic-men can play. As with every Discworld novel, not everything is that simple. There’s romance blossoming between Trev, the son of foot-the-ball legend Dave Likely, and the kitchen help (and budding model), Juliet, while her boss is falling hard for Mr Nutt, the mysterious character who’s been drafted by UU to coach their team to athletic victory. Sound simple? Not quite. Trev and Juliet support opposing football clubs, Mr Nutt is a trained killing machine and the UU team have to face off with AnkhMorpork United, quite possibly the nastiest team out there in order to win back their former pie allowance. Whether you’re a football fan or not, Pratchett will have you giggling with his interpretations of the sport’s culture. This is one that is perfect for reading on that long flight down to the World Cup!

If it’s one thing that the Gulf can understand, it’s sports-based hysteria. Take a trip down any major road before or after a game in any Gulf nation, and you’ll probably see a veritable deluge of frenzied fans waving their favourite club’s banners, honking their horns and screaming with either the joy of victory or the rattle of defeat long into the night. However, perhaps even this zeal is dwarfed by the sheer fanaticism that engulfs the culture of high school football in the American State of Texas. The best chronicle of this acute passion for sport is Friday Night Lights, a nonfiction work by sports writer H.G. Bissinger, which follows the 1988 Permian High School football team as they vie for the Texas State championship. Bissinger follows Coach Gary Gaines and his team of racially, culturally and philosophically divergent players as they blitz toward their goal of being champions. At the same time, and perhaps more intriguingly, Bissinger turns a harsh light on the culture around the crunching, as both parents and peers weigh down their favourite players with impossibly lofty expectations. The entire city of Odessa is enraptured with the team and each of its players to an obsessive degree, sacrificing not only their personal lives to support it, but also forcing the players to do the same, even at the expense of their own education. Gripping in both its sadness and triumph, Friday Night Lights is an incredibly introspective work that has spawned an equally enthralling film and television series. It is no surprise that it was listed by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 5 sports books of all time. You don’t need to appreciate or even comprehend the rules of American football to tackle this one, just a firm desire to understand how the human condition can tumble and touch down in small-town Americana.

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sur la terre snapshot

Football is going to dominate the summer as the FIFA World Cup kicks off in South Africa. In keeping with our “Sports” theme for this issue, we have chosen one of the event’s most iconic images, capturing the ethos of sport as a whole: friendship, sportsmanship and fair play. The image above shows the incomparable Pele of Brazil and the late, great Sir Bobby Moore of England following a particularly gruelling Quarter Final encounter. It was the 1970 tournament and England were the reigning Champions. However, Brazil went on to win the match by a single goal, knocking England out of the competition. With no hard feelings, Moore sought to congratulate Pele, and to wish Brazil the best of luck for the remainder of the competition, which they went on to win, claiming the trophy for a record third time. This image can be held up as an example to all sportsmen and women, whatever their discipline, that it is respect, fair play and comradeship - not medals and trophies - that really makes them great competitors.

sur la terre cultural agenda

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

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P.O. Box 11596, Doha-Qatar. Tel: +974 4340360 Fax: +974 4340359 e-mail: info@surlaterre-me.com Website: www.surlaterre-me.com

sur la terre the agenda - Doha

Qatar Summer Wonders Festival August 1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30th, 2010

Holy month of RamadanÂ Aug 11th - Sep 9th, 2010

What has now become an annual event is once again approaching! With anticipation building to an almost unbearable peak, the Qatar Summer Wonders Festival will soon be upon us and this year promises to be one of the biggest, the best and the most innovative in this blossoming peninsula. Each year, the programme varies and evolves to ensure crowds return to participate and enjoy all the different activities, events, competitions and shows that are held at numerous venues across Doha. The International Exhibition Centre is one of the more popular stages for the Summer Wonders Festival, where an average of 40,000 spectators flock to witness shows that feature music, dance and circus performances from around the world. There are also re-enactments, parades, fireworks, shopping bargains and a number of cool educational activities. The Qatari Government initially launched this extravaganza with the objective of attracting a greater number of tourists, from both both the wider international community and the neighbouring Gulf countries. Previous features during the time of the festival include a tropical rainforest exhibit,

both camel- and horse-back rides in various locations, an international village showcasing the foods, crafts and culture from around the world, contests, parades and a circus. Opening hours and cost of certain exhibits/events will be exclusive to the location. Details will be released closer to each activityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s launch and will appear in local newspapers and on billboards around the capital.

Ramadan is the Muslim festival of fasting and is one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar. During this period, and with the arrival of the crescent moon in the sky, Muslims across the country, the region and the world, fast during the hours of daylight, which also includes cigarettes, chewing gum and any other similar activities. Fasting is one of the pillars of the Islamic faith and helps remind Muslims of the plight of the poor, sick and needy. Many shops and offices during the Holy month have irregular opening hours, as people tend to sleep during the afternoon, shortening the period of strain before the time of breaking fast arrives at sunset. Iftar is sometimes marked by the firing of a traditional Arab canon near the Corniche area, as well as Imams beckoning people to the mosques for prayer before sharing food with family, friends and the less fortunate. Although visitors are not expected to observe Ramadan, they should show respect for those that do fast by refraining from eating or drinking in public during the day. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period and is a great celebration throughout the Muslim world. Fireworks, functions and various activities occur around the country in celebration. In the evenings during Eid al-Fitr, it is common to get together with friends, families and loved ones for a feast, while cafes and restaurants around Doha fill to the brim with both young and old alike, as they come together and socialise until the early hours of the following day.

sur la terre the agenda - UAE

Summer in Abu Dhabi 24th June – 5th August, 2010

Dubai Summer Surprises 23rd June – 31st August, 2010

Boasting an attendance of over 30,000 during the first week of its inauguration at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in 2009, this six-week family-centric festival, which is now in its third year, promises to bring to the table the best that the capital city of the UAE has to offer. Significantly expanded by its organiser, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the 2010 festival will bring expectant audiences an international entertainment line-up, taking in eight venues across the UAE. This year marks the first time that the festival has reached out to the emirate’s Eastern Region heritage heartland. Among the standout acts that are set to make headlines across the country prior to the event are New York’s award-winning Big Apple Circus, while the highly rated show, Lord of the Dance, is also

in finalisation talks for the festival. Lord of the Dance, will see American-Irish dance sensation, Michael Flately, lead his world-class troupe into the region to the sound of Celtic rhythms. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) will also play host to one of the largest entertainment zones the emirate has ever seen, with a wealth of educational and fun activities for all members of the family. Amongst these is the adventurous Laser Zone, the internationally

inspired Bee Amazed Zone (a replica of infamous Japanese Game Show Takeshi’s Castle) and Dance-tricity, where adults and kids alike can get their dancing feet in check. The Big Apple Circus will perform a one hour, 20 minute show at the recently-launched Abu Dhabi Hall at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from July 23rd – August 3rd. Tickets are available from Summer in Abu Dhabi participating shopping malls and from ADNEC. Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance is due to run from July 23rd - 26th. Tickets are available at www.boxoffice.com, www. timeouttickets.com, www.ticketingboxoffice.com and Virgin Megastores in the UAE. Entry times and cost will vary according to location and the activity itself.

Aimed at entertaining the entire family and providing a variety of activities during a period where both the heat and school vacations can prove draining, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is once again gracing the skyscraping highways of Dubai and its inimitable malls. DSS is an annual festival, with a combination of local and international events and activities that take place at various venues and locations across. This year, DSS promises something new, with many surprises up its sleeve. Hosted by the ever-present Dubai Summer Surprises mascot, Mudhish (named after the Arabic word for amazing, incredible or unexpected), each week of the summer months will feature a different theme and DSS will transform shopping malls into venues for live entertainment, music, dancing, competitions, workshops and numerous interactive programmes in keeping with that particular week’s theme. The different surprises are organised by various government departments, in association with the particular venues. The last themed promotion is always the Back-2-School Surprises, in tow with the time for a return to school and the end of summer for most educational institutions in the country.

sur la terre the agenda - Manama

III

Al Ghalia Give Back

June 14th, September 21st, October 11th, November 2nd, 2010

For the fourth year running, Al Ghalia Group is holding its annual “Give Back” campaign during which, the takings from one of its outlets on a dedicated day each month will be given exclusively to a charity of its choice. On June 14th, visit Cafe Lilou in Al A’Ali Shopping Complex to have the entire cost of your meal dedicated to STEPS, a recently founded charity in Bahrain

that offers unique, intensive therapy to children suffering from Cerebral Palsy, brain injuries, post stroke, spinal cord injuries, neuromuscular disorders and more. Mezzaluna will host the “Give Back” campaign on September 21st in aid of Mother and Child, while Children with Cancer will be the charity benefitting from the October 11th event at Zoe’s. On November 2nd,

Lilou Patisserie will raise money in aid of the Child Care Home. With the summer months comes the Holy Month of Ramadan, and with it, the shine and afterglow of charitable activities. These events will not only prove to be a fun and delicious way to spend an evening out, but will also help local charities with the support that they so rightly deserve. So, if you’re going out to have a bite to eat, you may as well dine for a good cause! More details can be found on www.alghalia.com

around them in order to provide a more balanced life for them and their families. Volunteers will be given a tour of RIA’s facilities before joining in with the teachers and the children for valuable skill-building activities, which will include planting trees in the centre’s garden, baking cookies and cakes and beach activities. Giving back to the community, especially those sections that perhaps have greater or more

specialised means, is not only rewarding for the families that it positively affects, but also for those who choose to selflessly sacrifice a small amount of their time for a worthy cause. If you are interested in volunteering your own time to help the youth of today, and maybe find out something special about yourself, call the centre at +973 17 716 871, and receive further details of how you can get involved.

Children We Care July 20th, 2010

Do your good deed for the day and spend time at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA), where volunteers are encouraged to visit the centre on July 20th to help out with the children who attend. RIA utilises a successful holistic approach towards children who suffer from autism and other communications disabilities, offering the extraordinary youngsters the chance to learn how to interact with the world

4 IV

sur la terre the agenda - Other

17 International Istanbul Jazz Festival TH

1st July – 20th July, 2010

They’ve had 17 years to perfect it, so it’s safe to say that the International Istanbul Jazz Festival, organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, is one of the world’s finest musical gettogethers. There will be over 50 concerts held throughout the city in stunning locations, such as the Hagia Eirene Museum and the Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre, as well as street concerts and the Jazz Boat. From upstart musicians to international stars, this is one festival that musiclovers just won’t want to miss out on. • July 1st – Opening concert featuring Melis Sökmen,

• •

•

Sibel Köse, Fryza Eren, Neset Ruacan and Imer Demirer at The Marmara Esma Sultan. July 2nd – Weekend party at Salon, featuring Larry Graham and Graham Central Station. July 3rd – Tünel Feast, a mini festival within the festival, including the Young Jazz concerts for up and coming musicians. July 4th – Jazz Boat, from Kabatas pier to Anadolukavagi and back, with entertainment from The Panorama Jazz Band and Istanbul Saxophone Quartet July 6th – Martha Wainwright Sings Piaf at Sepetçiler Kasrı

• July 7th – Chick Corea Freedom Band at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre • July 8th – The Stanley Clarke Band featuring Hiromi at the Archaeological Museum • July 9th – Enrico Rava & Stefano Bollani at Hagia

Eirene Museum and Weekend Parties at Salon • July 10th – ‘New Folks’ Imogen Heap at Istanbul Modern and Weekend Parties at Salon • July 12th – ‘Encounters with Masters’, Fahir Atakoglu featuring Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernandez and Alain Caron at Archaeological Museum • July 13th – Lisa Ekdahl at The Marmara Esma Sultan • July 14th – Laura Fygi and Ayhan Sicimoglu Latin All Stars at The Marmara Esma Sultan and The Brand New Heavies at Istinye Park • July 15th – ‘In Memory of Sakir Eczacıbasi’, Tony Bennett with opening act Kerem Görsev Trio at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre • July 16th – Grace Jones at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre • July 19th – Seal at Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre • July 20th – Buika at Sepetçiler Kasrı

Baalbeck International Festival 9th July – 7th August, 2010

Arguably one of the longest running and most prestigious events to grace the age-old stages of the Arab Levant region, The Baalbeck International Festival (FIB) has come round once again with a programme set to entice people of all ages and with every cultural and musical interest. Founded over 50 years ago by former Lebanese President Camille Chamoun, the event is now held annually at the world-renowned Roman Acropolis. Evolving into a major cultural event celebrating classical music, opera, jazz, modern world music, Lebanese Nights, rock and pop music, as well as ballet and theatre, the Baalbeck International Festival has succeeded in showcasing some of the world’s top musical names. This year is no different, with a wide array of performers catering to every taste and tickets already available for purchase at all participating Virgin Megastores in the city. • July 9th - Kevin Mahogany Quintet/ Odean Pope’s All Star Nonet, The Courtyard of the Two Temples • July 17th – Orkiestra Sinfonietta Cracovia, The Courtyard of the Two Temples • July 24th – Boris Eifman Ballet Theatre of St Petersburg, The Courtyard of the Two Temples • July 31st – Naseer Shamma with The House of Oud Orchestra, The Courtyard of the Two Temples • August 5th, 6th and 7th – Too Much Love … Kills, a musical by Melhem Barakat and Ghassan Rahbani, The Courtyard of the Two Temples.

sur la terre cultural agenda

REGIONAL HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS GUIDE ABU DHABI

HOTELS < Al Raha Beach Hotel Al Raha Corniche Tel: +971 2 508 0555 www.danathotelgroup.com < Beach Rotana Hotel and Tower Tourist Club Area 2 Tel: +971 2 697 9000 www.rotana.com/property-4 < Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamdan St. Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.crowneplaza.com < Emirates Palace Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 690 9000 www.emiratespalace.com < Hilton Baynunah Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 632 7777 www.hilton.com < Intercontinental 4171 Bainuna Street near Zayet Tel: +971 2 666 6888 www.ichotelsgroup.com < Le Royal Meridien Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.Starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien < Millenium Hotel Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 614 6000 www.milleniumhotels.com/ae < Oryx Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 681 0001 www.oryxhotel.ae < Sands Hotel Electra Street Tel: +971 2 615 6666 < Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri 308th Road Tel: +971 2 509 8888 www.shangri-la.com < Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Corniche Road & Salam Street Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.Starwoodhotels.com/sheraton RESTAURANTS < Al Birkeh Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 644 6666 www.abudhabi.lemeridien.com Cuisine: Arabic < Al Fanar Le Royal Meridien Tel: +971 2 674 2020 Cuisine: International

< Al Mawal Abu Dhabi Hilton Hotel, Al Khubeirah Tel: +971 2 681 1900 Cuisine: Arabian < Bam Bu! Marina & Yacht Club, Al Meena Tel: +971 2 645 6373 Cuisine: Chinese < Benihana Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers Tel: +971 2 644 3000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: Japanese < Flavours Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Rd East Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.sheraton.com Cuisine: International < Fish Market Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 666 6888 Cuisine: Seafood < Palm Court Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.lemeridien-abudhabi.com Cuisine: International < Peppino Intercontinental Hotel Al Markaziyah Tel: +971 2 626 2200 Cuisine: Italian < Riviera Marina Al Bateen Resort Tel: +971 2 665 0144 Cuisine: Italian < Shuja Yacht Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 695 0539 www.lemeridien.com Cuisine: International < The Wok Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Hamdan St Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.abu-dhabi.crowneplaza.com Cuisine: Asian < Zaitoun Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna Al Ruwais Tel: +971 2 801 2222 Cuisine: Arabian cafés < Al Majlis Emirates Palace Hotel Tel: +971 2 690 7999 www.emiratespalace.com < Zyara Café Near Hilton Residence, Corniche Tel: +971 2 627 5006

DOHA

Hotels < Al Sultan Beach Resort Al Khor Tel: +974 472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com < Four Seasons Al Corniche Street Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha < Grand Hyatt West Bay Area Tel: +974 448 1234 www.doha.grand.hyatt.com < Grand Regency Near Sports R/A Al Sadd Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com

< Intercontinental West Bay Lagoon Tel: +974 484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com < La Cigale Suhaim Bin Hamad Street Tel: +974 428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com < Marriott Ras Abu Aboud Street Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com < Millennium Jawaan Street, Al Sadd Doha Marriott Tel: +974 424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Movenpick Tower & Suites Tel: +974 496 6600 www.moevenpick-hotels.com < Ritz Carlton West Bay Area Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com < Sharq Village Spa Tel: +974 425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com < Sheraton Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com < W Hotel West Bay Area Tel: +974 499 6530 whotels.com\doha Restaurants < Al Borj The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: Pool Snacks & A La Carte < Al Buhayra Al Sultan Beach Resort

Tel: +974 472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: International < Admiral Club Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < Al Dana Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: International < Al Dente Seafood Al Sultan Beach Resort Tel: +974 472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: Seafood with Italian < Al Liwan Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: Arabian and Persian < Asia Live! Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Asian < Bistro Bistro Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: European < Bombay Balti Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Indian < Brasserie on the Beach Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < Chopsticks Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: International < Fauchon Salwa Road Tel: +974 432 4888 www.fauchon.com Cuisine: French < Fish Market Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Seafood < Grand Gourmet Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: Contemporary Global

sur la terre mode

< Greens Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Vegetarian < Il Teatro Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < JW’s Steakhouse Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: International < La Veranda Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Italian < Laffan Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: International < Layali & Neo Salwa Road Tel: +974 431 0005 www.alayanqatar.com Cuisine: Arabian < Le Cigalon La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean < Le Gourmet Al Sadd and Old Souq Tel: +974 436 1789 www.legourmetrestaurant.com Cuisine: Arabian & French < Le Grill The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: International < Le Notre Salwa Road Tel: +974 455 2111 www.lenotre.fr Cuisine: International < Lina’s Salwa Road Tel: +974 436 5488 Cuisine: French < Maze by Gordon Ramsay The Pearl Tel: +974 717 1212 www.gordonramsay.com/mazedoha Cuisine: International < Pool Grill Four Seasons Hotel

Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: International < Porcini Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Italian < Privates Cove Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Seafood’s and Barbeque < Ruby Wu’s Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Chinese < Sakura Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Japanese < Seasons Movenpick Hotel Tel: +974 429 1111 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Cuisine: International < Shisha Diwan Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < The Lobby Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: International < Za Moda Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Italian Cafés < Alkut Lounge Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com < Atrium Millennium Hotel Tel: +974 424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Atrium Lounge Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 < Café Batteel Salwa Road Tel: +974 444 1414 < Lime Café Movenpick Tower and Suites Tel: +974 496 6600 www.moevenpick-hotels.com < Silver Cafe Al Sadd Tel: +974 413 1773

DUBAI

Hotels < Al Murooj Rotana Hotel And Suites Al Saffa Street, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 705 4277 www.rotana.com < Al Qasr Madinat Resort Jumeirah Intersection Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com < Arabian Court Al Soufoh Road, In Front Of Media City Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.arabiancourtyard.com < Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Beach area Tel: +971 4 301 7777 www.jumeirah.com < Crown Plaza Hotel Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Road Tel: +971 4 701 2222 www.crowneplaza.com < Dubai Creek Hilton Beniyas Road Tel: +971 4 227 1111 www1.hilton.com < Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa Jumierah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com < Dusit Dubai 133 Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 3333 www.dusit.com < Grand Hyatt Al Qutaeyat Road Tel: +971 4 317 1234 www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com < Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa Al Sufouh Road, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 5000 www.grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com < Hyatt Regency Dubai Deira Tel: +971 4 209 1234 www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com < Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Next to Endurance Village Tel: +971 4 809 6100 www.jumeirah.com < Jumeirah Beach Club Jumeirah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 348 0000 www.jumeirah.com < Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha Tel: +971 4 341 0000 www.kempinski-dubai.com < Le Meridien Dubai Airport Road Dubai Tel: +971 4 217 0000 www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

< Mina A Salam Madinat Jumeirah Jumeirah Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com < Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai 19th Street Opposite American Hospital Tel: +971 4 336 6000 www.moevenpick-hotels.com < Palace At One And Only Royal Mirage Al Sufouh Road, Almina Siyah Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.oneandonlyresorts.com < Park Hyatt Adjacent to Dubai Creek Tel: +971 4 602 1234 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com < Ras Al Khaimah Hilton Al Muntaser Road Tel: +971 7 228 8888 www1.hilton.com < Renaissance Dubai Salah Al Din Street, Deira Tel: +971 4 262 5555 www.marriott.com < Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers Baniyas Street Tel: +971 4 228 1111 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton < Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 399 5533 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton < Taj Palace Dubai Dubai Creek north bank Deira Tel: +971 4 223 2222 www.tajhotels.com < The Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 332 5555 www.fairmont.com/Dubai < The Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Beach Tel: +971 4 399 4000 www.ritzcarlton.com Restaurants < Antique Bazaar Four Points Sheraton, Bur Dubai Tel: +971 4 397 7444 www.fourpoints.com Cuisine: Indian < Asado The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel), Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 428 7888 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Argentinean Grill < Bistro Madelain Intercontinental Dubai Festival City Tel: +971 4 701 1128 www.intercontinental.com/dubai Cuisine: French

sur la terre mode < Chinese Treasure Oud Metha, Dubai Tel: +971 4 336 3525 Cuisine: Chinese < Choices Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 282 0000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International < Dias Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 283 2832 Cuisine: Greek < Exchange Grill Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 311 5999 www.fairmont.com Cuisine: Intenational < Hunters Room & Grill The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 3333 Cuisine: Contemporary < Jambase Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.madinatjumeirah.com Cuisine: American < Malecon Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com Cuisine: Cuban < Mango Tree The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel) Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 426 7313 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Thai < Nezesaussi Al Manzil Hotel, Burj Dubai Boulevard Off Doha Street Tel: +971 4 428 5888 Cuisine: Australian / Bar Food < Sapphire Lounge Century Village, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 286 8520 www.thesapphiredubai.com Cuisine: Thai < Shahjahan Metropolitan Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 0000 Cuisine: India < Spice Emporium Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 4141 Cuisine: Asian < Teatro Towers Rotana Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 8000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International

< Verre By Gordon Ramsay Hilton Dubai Creek Tel: +971 4 227 1111 www.gordonramsay.com/dubai Cuisine: French

MANAMA

Hotels < Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Sakhir Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com < Crowne Plaza Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 531 122 www.cp-bahrain.com < Gulf Hotel Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com < InterContinental Regency Hotel Manama Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama < Mövenpick Hotel Muharraq Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com < Sheraton Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain < The Diplomat Radisson SAS Manama Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com < The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Seef District Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Restaurants < Al Berdaouni Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: Lebanese < Al Fanar Superr Club Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Arabian < Al Raouché Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Moroccan < Al Waha Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Brazil! Adliya Tel: +973 17 826 686 Cuisine: Brazilian

< China Garden Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 423 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Chinese < Fire of Brazil Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 583 776 www.fireofbrazil.com Cuisine: Brazilian < Fusions Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 427 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Golestan Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Iranian < La Fontaine La Fontaine for Contemporary Art Tel: +973 17 230 123 www.lafontaineartcentre.com Cuisine: French < La Mosaique Crowne Plaza Bahrain Tel: +973 17 531 122 Cuisine: International < La Pergola Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Italian < La Perle Novotel Al Dana Resort Tel: +973 17 298 008 Cuisine: Seafood < Le Bistro InterContinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: International < Mirai Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 113 www.mirai-restaurant.com Cuisine: Japanese < Mondo Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Italian < Nirvana The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Indian < Olivo’s Brasserie Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: International < Plums The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000

www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Primavera The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: European < Rimal Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < Saffron Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: Thai and Asian < Sato Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 429 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Japanese < Soie Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Chinese < Silk Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: International < Takht-e-Jamsheed Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 431 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Exotic Persian < Tamarind Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < The Meat Co. Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Versailles Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: French < Zahle Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 417 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Lebanese Cafés < Al Andalus Lounge Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 < Camille’s Sidewalk Café Diplomatic Area Tel: +973 17 533 808

sur la terre mode

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES DOHA

< Albano Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com www.albano-shoes.com < Artisans of Leisure 18 East 16th Street Suite 301 New York, NY 10003 Tel: +1 800 214 8144 info@artisansofleisure.com www.artisansofleisure.com < ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence Adjacent to Villaggio Mall Tel: +974 413 6000 commincations@aspire.qa www.aspire.qa < Bugatti Dana Motors Al Sadd Street Tel: +974 444 5112 info@bentleydoha.com www.alahmadgroup.com < Canon Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com www.canon-me.com < Cartier Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 450 7798 www.cartier.com < Chanel 51 East, Al Maha Center Tel: +974 425 7777 info@51east.com.qa www.chanel.com < Diesel The Pearl Tel: +974 645 8567 www.diesel.com < Dior Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 413 4665 www.dior.com < D&G Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 413 5222 www.dolcegabbana.com < E-Cigarettes james.dunworth@ecigarettedirect.co.uk www.ecigarettedirect.co.uk

< Exxonmobile Tennis Open Khalifa International Tennis Complex Corner Khalifa and Al Markhiya Street Tel: +974 324 4485 info@qatartennis.org

< Maurizio Pecararo 51 East Salwa Road Tel: +974 442 2815 www.51east.com.qa

< Goan Art Tailors Abdullah Bin Thani Street Mushaireb Tel: +974 442 1233

< Maze The Pearl Tel: +974 717 1212 maze@alfardan.com.qa www.gordonramsay.com/mazedoha

< Hugo Boss Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com www.hugoboss.com < Jean Claude Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com < Kempinski Residences and Suites West Bay, Across from W Hotel Tel: +974 450 3333 info@kempinski.com www.kempinski.com/en/doha < Lamborghini Dana Motors, Al Sadd Street Tel: +974 444 5112 www.alahmadgroup.com < LG Jumbo High Tech Centre P.O. Box 4668 Tel: +974 441 0060/ 436 9916 manis@jumboqatar.com www.jumboqatar.com < Louis Vuitton Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 413 4931 www.louisvuitton.com < Make-Up Forever Faces, Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 450 7189 www.makeupforever.com < Malandrino Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com www.catherinemalandrino.com < Marc Jacobs Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 413 4767 www.marcjacobs.com

< Mont Blanc Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 413 5222 www.montblanc.com < Museum of Islamic Art Al Corniche Tel: +974 422 4444 infomia@qma.com.qa www.mia.org.qa < Oris Watches Al Muftah Jewellery Al Sadd Street Tel.: +974 444 1320 muftahdo@qatar.net.qa www.oris.ch < Pompano Restaurant The Pearl Tel: +974 495 3876 (ext. 1221) www.richardsandoval.com/pampano < Qatar Airways Qatar Airways Tower Tel: +974 449 6000 www.qatarairways.com < Qatar 2022 Bid Christian Fianco Media Manager Tel: +974 566 9340 c.fianco@qatar2022bid.com www.qatar2022bid.com < Qatar Masters Office West Bay Doha Golf Club Tel: +974 496 0712/5 gm@dohagolfclub.com www.qatar-masters.com < Ralph lauren Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery Richard Mille Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 451 7859 www.richard-mille.com < Rocco Barocco Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com

< Rolls Royce Alfardan Towers Al Funduq St. West Bay Tel: +974 447 7577 www.alfardan.com.qa < Spa Chakra Alfardan Tower Level 39, 61 Al Funduq Street West Bay Tel: +974 499 9250/1 www.spachakra.com < S.T. Dupont Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com www.st-dupont.com < Temperley 51 East Salwa Road Tel: +974 442 2815 www.51east.com.qa < Teshkeel Media Group P.O. Box 4707 Safat 13048 Kuwait Tel: +965 229 01699 info@the99.org www.the99.org < The Gate Next to Salam Plaza Al Wahda Street Tel: +974 493 2524 www.thegate-qatar.com < Van Cleef & Arpels Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 451 7859 www.vancleef-arpels.com < Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar Al Luqta Street Education City Tel: +974 492 7200 info@qatar.vcu.edu www.qatar.vcu.edu < Virgin Megastore Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 413 5823 www.virginmegastore.me < W Hotel & Residences West Bay Across from City Centre Mall Tel: +974 453 5353 www.whotels.com/doha