Woman Today by Oryx Group of Magazines

2010 September

September 2010

contents

September 2010

Vacation or Vexation Getting back from a well-spent vacation is always painful. Woman Today gives you tips to ease your return.

THE ART OF MOVIES

hania Mroue, the new Programme Coordinator at Doha Tribeca Film Festival talks about her kind of movies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; art movies,

Roll out the Locks

Follow the styles of your fav star

Deconstructing Cravings

Cravings are just messages sent from your body, says Nicole Van Hattem in this new Woman Today column, and can be dealt with effectively.

2010 September

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a woman of substance

while Kempinski Residences can take pride in being Qatar’s tallest building, We meet its general manager Emel Atikkan – the only female GM in the country's hotel industry.

BUenos aires

40 health & fitness

Prevent the ‘silent thief’ from striking

more than just fair wind

work wise

WHAT IS SUCCESS TO YOU?

Is success defined by the amount of wealth we amass or is it using opportunities to the best?

Rita Mansour, a dietitian at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital gives the lowdown on Osteoporosis.

When A Positive “NO” works

Setting reasonable limits for yourself and your workplace peers will not only ensure you a much more lucid state of mind but will also boost your focus, and thereby your workplace productivity! Read along...

style stop

VOLUME V / ISSUE 8

september 2010

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Yousuf Jassem Al Darwish Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Sehgal Executive Vice President Alpana Roy Vice President Ravi Raman

Managing Editor Vani Saraswathi Deputy Editor Sindhu Nair assistant Editors Ahmad Lotfy Ali John Hunt Editorial Co-ordinator Cassey Oliveira Contributor Shalinee Bharadwaj Art Director Venkat Reddy Asst Director – production Sujith Heenatigala assistant Art Director Hanan Abu Saiam Senior Graphic Designers Ayush Indrajith Sampath Gunathilaka M D Managers – Marketing Mohammed Sami Zulfikar Jiffry Senior Media Consultant Chaturka Karandana Media Consultants Victoria Ferraris HASSAN REKKAB Marketing research & support executive amjeth ali

Accountant Pratap Chandran

sr. distribution Executive Bikram Shrestha Distribution Support Arjun Timilsina Bhimal rai

Published by Oryx Advertising Co WLL P.O. Box 3272; Doha-Qatar Tel: (+974) 44672139, 44550983, 44671173, 44667584 Fax: (+974) 44550982 Email: wtoday@omsqatar.com website: www.omsqatar.com Copyright © 2010 Oryx Advertising Co WLL

Address all your correspondence to Woman Today, Oryx Advertising Co WLL, P.O. Box 3272; Doha-Qatar Tel: (+974) 44672139, 44550983, 44671173, Fax:(+974) 44550982, email: wtoday@omsqatar.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for advertising contents. Licensing/ Republishing WT content: To obtain permission for text syndication in books, newsletters, magazines, newspapers and web or to use images/pictures carried in Woman Today, please contact our syndication and licensing department on the numbers given above. Permission is also required to photocopy a WT article for classroom use, course packs, business or general use. Custom reprints: Published article/s to be used as stand-alone pieces can be reprinted by us on special request. The reprint cost is based on the length of the article and the quantity ordered. Contact our custom publishing division on the numbers given above for more information.To subscribe to Woman Today call our subscription department on the numbers given above.

September 2010

FROM THE EDITOR

July and August saw outrageous temperatures in Doha, the highest recorded in 50 years. It was so hot, a woman baked cookies in her car. Humorous, yes, if you are reading this in the comfort of your air-conditioned office, but not so if you have to endure a few moments under the scorching sun. Gulf Times reported that both Muslims and non-Muslims were seen working at noon in the harsh weather conditions despite the midday work ban during the summer months and during Ramadan. While some Muslim workers said they had chosen to work extra for overtime pay, others were not even aware of their rights. The government has imposed strict rules but some organisations were finding way to work around them. Enough of the heat and the hassles that come along with it, we at Woman Today, talk about other vexations, ones that bombard us when we get back to the grind. Read on to know how to handle your post vacation blues... And if you are planning to get away for Eid, we bring you a few suggestions that will help you decide where to head to. Eid Mubarak to all our readers.

GO GREEN

letters Pure Indulgence

Nokia E63

Woman Today invites readers’ feedback Share your views on the magazine or any issue connected to Qatar. One lucky reader will win a Nokia E63. Write to: The Editor, Woman Today, PO Box 3272, Doha Fax: (+974) 44550982, email: wtoday@omsqatar.com

Woman Today reserves the right to edit correspondence. Views and opinions expressed in the published letters may not necessarily be that of the publication. Prizes sponsored by:

September 2010

For me, Woman Today is a relaxing indulgence after a long tiring day. Every article seems to be related to me in some way or the other. The August issue carried an article on ‘Gender Blender’. I simply enjoyed it. I have a son and a daughter and it gets difficult at times to comply with their needs. Woman Today covered this issue beautifully and it helped me a lot. I also enjoy reading about the lives of successful women. It is amazing to read, how a woman can fight against all odds to climb the ladder of success. So a big THANK YOU for a wonderful issue. Jenny Furtado Fun Issue The August issue of Woman Today was thoroughly enjoyable. I couldn’t agree more with the articles on ‘Gossip’. Gossip is a part and parcel of her life. We simply cannot contain any juicy rumour within ourselves. It has to be spread around. But unfortunately, we don’t realise that behaviour have their repercussions too. The 11 commandments were useful too. Overall, Woman Today is definitely fun to read. Rachel Ibrahim A treat to the eye Woman Today has always fascinated me with its well-written articles, colourful layout and superb designing. Every issue is a treat to the eye. I like the way you guys cover a woman’s life. For instance, the August issue covered stand-up comic

Maysoon Zayid, jewellery expert Daniela Mascetti and fashionista Rana El-Sakhaway. It is truly inspiring to read about their struggles and how they successfully managed to reach the position they are in at present. Their passion is well reflected through the articles. Keep up with the good work and continue to inspire women with your beautiful magazine. Shehnaz Hassan Women and gossip I have always enjoyed reading Woman Today and the August issue, like the others, was a fascinating one. Women and gossip are inseparable. It is amazing to learn about the different perspectives, that of a man and a woman regarding juicy news. Even the article on ‘Celebrity Gossip’ was worth the read. Everybody would agree that celebrity gossip is a part of routine. The August issue was rocking and I am waiting for the next issue of Woman Today. Reena Mehra Fitness Streak Woman Today is definitely a treat for every woman. I am a fitness freak, so the section on ‘Health and Fitness’ is always read with vigour by me. ‘Packing a Punch’ was a good article. Even I agree that nowadays, woman don’t need a man to act like their knight in shining armour. I would advise every woman to learn some form of self-defence for their own good. Frieda Anne Nash

short

Craze for nips & tucks increases

he statistics, released by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), shows that cosmetic surgery is becoming popular in countries with emerging economies, such as India and China. ISAPS President Foad Nahai in Atlanta said, “Countries like China and India with emerging economies are generating a lot wealth and as that wealth is passed around, people are choosing to spend their discretionary income on aesthetic procedures.’’

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s

Top 10 Countries 1. United States 2. Brazil 3. China 4. India 5. Mexico

Monthly

Music affects longevity

misery M alters brains

Menstrual cramps are often dismissed as a mere nuisance, but new research suggests the monthly misery may be altering women’s brains. Researchers in Taiwan used a type of brain scan known as optimised voxel-based morphometry to analyse the anatomy of the brains of 32 young women who reported experiencing moderate to severe menstrual cramps on a regular basis for several years, and 32 young women who did not experience much menstrual pain. Even when they weren’t experiencing pain, women who had reported having bad cramps had abnormalities in their grey matter (a type of brain tissue), said study author Dr Jen-Chuen Hsieh, a Professor of neuroscience at the Institute of Brain Science at National Yang-Ming University in Taipei, Taiwan.

September 2010

6. Japan 7. South Korea 8. Germany 9. Turkey 10. Spain

usic has a long history of therapeutic use – from playing a traditional role in healing rituals around the world to its recent use as an integrative Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Find out how music to your ears can add on years. For thousands of years, music has been used in medicine. Ancient Greek philosophers believed that music had healing effects on the body and soul. Singing and chanting have been a part of Native American healing ceremonies for millennia. In the Ottoman Empire, mental illnesses were often treated with music. A more formal approach to music therapy began after World War II when the positive effect of music on emotionally disturbed veterans was observed. To date, there is evidence that music therapy can reduce high blood pressure, depression, and sleeplessness. In Alzheimer’s patients, music therapy was shown to significantly reduce anxiety and aggression. While there are no claims that music therapy can directly cure diseases like cancer, medical professionals do believe that music can reduce certain symptoms, help with healing, improve physical movement, and enrich a patient’s overall quality of life. Music therapy is often used in combination with meditation and visualisations.

Yahoo!

Wealthy but dissatisfied W

omen control 22 percent of wealth in the Middle East and need a targeted approach from wealth managers to meet their financial needs, according to a new study by The Boston Consulting Group. The fact that women, as a group, are overlooked or undervalued belies their significance as wealth management clients. According to the study: Women controlled an estimated 27 percent, or about $20 trillion, of the world’s wealth in 2009. In the Middle East, women are estimated to control 22 percent, or about $0.5 trillion of the region’s wealth. The percentages were highest in North America (33 percent), Australia and New Zealand (31 percent), and Asia (29 percent, ex Japan), and much lower in Latin America (18 percent), Japan (14 percent), and Africa (11 percent). In Europe, the percentage was higher in Western Europe (26 percent) than in Russia (21 percent) and Eastern Europe (19 percent, ex Russia).

Maktoob launches Ramadan features

ahoo! Maktoob, the Arab world’s leading online media destination, has announced the launch of new Ramadan features to its website to better connect with all those celebrating the spirit of Ramadan. The newly updated website will provide richer content as well as new additions that will provide Ramadan participants with a platform to interact and find out the latest news during the holy month. The Ramadan micro-site contains three main sections addressing ‘Spiritualities’, ‘Ramadan and People’ and ‘Entertainment’ which enable Yahoo! Maktoob to successfully engage for the Arabic speaking world. “Through these new features, we hope to provide a customised platform for people practicing the spirit of Ramadan and introduce regionally relevant content to our users in order to provide an engaging online experience during the holy month of Ramadan, “ said Ahmed Nassef, VP and Managing Director of Yahoo! Middle East. Visit the Yahoo! Maktoob Ramadan website at: http://ramadan.maktoob.com

New look for MySpace

The once-dominant social network MySpace is revamping its home page. It’s looking a little more like its more popular and populous rival, Facebook, even as it attempts to set itself apart.

2010 September

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Fasting risky for

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women who fast during Ramadan could be putting the health of their unborn baby at risk, according to a new study. Fasting during the month is one of the five pillars of Islam, although pregnant women are exempt if it poses a risk to their health. However, some Muslim women still choose to fast, despite the health implications. A study by scientists in the United States, based on census data from the US, Iraq and Uganda, found that pregnant women who fast are likely to have smaller babies who are more prone to learning disabilities in adulthood. The researchers from Columbia University found that this trend was most marked if mothers-to-be fasted early on in their pregnancy and during the summer when longer days meant they went more hours without food.

Woody

elbows out the green ogre Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 climbs above Paramount/DreamWorks’ Shrek 2 to become the top-grossing animated film worldwide. Walt Disney Studios announced that Toy has taken in $920 million at the global box office, topping Shrek 2's $919.8 million. Globally, it’s Disney’s fourth-highest-grossing film, trailing two of the installments in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Deadly waistlines

en and women with large waists are at increased risk of dying young, a US study has found. This is true regardless of their body mass index (BMI), research published in Archives of Internal Medicine suggests. But very high waist measurements equivalent to UK size 24-26 in women and XXXXL in men appear to double the risk of mortality. For the study researchers tracked more than 100,000 men and women aged 50 and older over nine years. They also found that in women, the link between a larger waist and a higher risk of death was strongest for those of normal weight. “Even if you have a normal BMI and a big tummy then you are just as much at risk as someone who is classified as obese with a large tummy,” says Dr David Haslam of National Obesity Forum.

Mystery of

Rubik’s cube unraveled

n international team of researchers using computer time lent to them by Google has found every way the popular Rubik’s Cube puzzle can be solved, and showed it can always be solved in 20 moves or less. The study is just the latest attempt by Rubik’s enthusiasts to figure out the secrets of the cube, which has proven to be altogether far more complicated that its jaunty colours might suggest. At the crux of the quest has been a bid to determine the lowest number of moves required to get the cube from any given muddled configuration to the colour-aligned solution.

September 2010

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women

Photo Courtesy: Tony Elieh

Art movies are made from personal experiences, without any commercial back-up. But they are usually very artistic and don’t make any compromises in the way they are made.

the art of movies By Sindhu Nair

September 2010

ania Mroue, the new Programme Coordinator at Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF), is soft-spoken and shy. Not what you would expect considering she is from the world of showbiz. Talk about Arab movies and you can see the change. A sparkle lights her eyes as she talks animatedly with gestures interspersing her answers. Like how she holds both her hands on her heart before she talks about art movies. Her love for the movies doesn’t have any inspiring stories behind it. “It was a gradual process,” she says. “After the civil war in Lebanon, a few film festivals were being held and I started seeing movies that were not commercial hits. I was intrigued with this kind of movie.” As she was drawn to the ‘parallel cinema’, she also started noticing the absence of Arab movies in the

area. And that was soon to become her focus. “I started thinking, European movies are great, their art movies are fantastic, but there is this huge disparity in the quality and quantity of Arab movies. I wanted to do something to improve our movie culture.” This passion gave way to the formation of a club of like-minded people. “Eleven years ago, with a group of friends we started a small association in Beirut and organised an Arab film festival.”

Parallel movies Thus was formed Beirut Cinema Days, the first Arab independent film festival in the region, of which Hania is Director. Beirut CD also established the website, arabcinemadirectory.com, the first online database for

Arab cinema. “Movies that didn’t see the light of the day, small movies that were not screened at any cinemas, all had an opportunity for an opening at this film festival.” It started a movement of sorts that heralded more interest and thus more cinema of this genre. “A network of Arab cinema makers was formed and the more one networked, the more like-minded talented movie makers were brought into the loop.” “We wanted to produce films that talk about us and our society,” she says, “the kind of films you don’t see on TV, on screen, because there are no arthouse cinemas and no distributors promoting them. Yet this cinema is important because it’s a mirror of our society and can question our system and our taboos.” And then it becomes like an addiction, admits Hania, and thus she was hooked to this world of parallel cinema. The film festival, though successful in itself, raised new parameters. Now the movie-addicts couldn’t wait a year to see the next screening. “We needed to create a movement around these movies. Awareness for these kinds of movies was slowly seeping in, and the long intervals would trim down the effect these movies had on the audience.” This began Metropolis, the arthouse cinema – in the historical commercial district of Hamra – that took years, and great risks, to get off the ground. But was an effort ’that paid back in more ways than one’. It also put Hania’s name among prominent art enthusiasts in the world and the very reason that she is now part of DTFF. “We work a lot with schools, younger generations. Our audience is young. We encouraged talks after screening and there is a lot of interaction.” Metropolis also has its name written in history books with the commercial release of documentaries, which, says Hania, “was never done before, at least in the Arab world.” Funding, she says, was the most difficult part. “There is no public fund to support independent/ art films. We depend a lot on European funds, which were quite unreliable.” But what is the essential difference between the two forms of movie making, the commercial and the art/independent movie? “Art movies are made from personal experiences, without any commercial back-up. But they are usually very artistic and don’t make any compromises in the way they are made. Commercial movies have a formula to follow, one that might appeal to the masses.” What about small-budget movies which appeal to

the masses? Do they not succeed? Bollywood and local Indian films that don’t follow the strict ‘commercial formula’, yet are commercial hits, and are examples of this genre. Hania agrees completely, “Indian film is a different model. We don’t have a film industry as such. For us, it is either American movies or nothing at all. There might be a single local commercial release or some European movies that are shown in the region. We have a limitation. Caramel was the first feature film by a Lebanese director that was a huge success. I wish we had more films like that.” Though Egypt does produce ‘good’ films, Hania says that they don’t play in the local theatres in Lebanon as these theatres are owned by huge American film distribution companies, who are not prepared to take any risks in screening ‘fresh’ efforts. This was another reason behind the formation of Metropolis, she says, “Metropolis has became a platform, and now since it has became a success of sorts, people have become aware of the art of telling stories the different way and efforts are on to keep encouraging this movement.”

The story so far... Was the course of Hania’s life charted early on, did she know she would be leading a life of movie appreciation, from her young days? “No,” she says, laughing. “It wasn’t that simple, there were not many movies to be seen in my childhood. The civil war was raging in Lebanon and we never had the chance to see any movies then.” But considering all that was happening around her, in her country, she did have a “very normal childhood”. “I wanted to be a pianist in the beginning,” she says, “But after my graduation I danced with a profes-

“There is no public fund to support independent/art films. We depend a lot on European funds, which were quite unreliable.”

sional dance company for around 13 years.” That explains her elegant gestures, which on reflection is the trademark of a talented dancer. Though, Hania wasn’t sure of the form of arts that she would pursue as a career, there was one thing she was sure of, “that I would always do something that was related to the creative arts.”

Role in DFI On her role in Doha Film Institute and the much awaited DTFF, she says, “I have a commitment to the Arab film makers, to the industry. I have to tell people about the film festival, give them a chance, to bring their talent to Doha.” She doesn’t stop at that, her passion to promote the Arab movie industry, is evident. “DTFF brings the best of Arab cinema. I want all of my contacts, to make use of the educational tools in DFI, promote their movies through the festival, form collaborations between DFI and these talents; generate a lot of interest in their movies through the festival, get distributors...build something for the future of Arab cinema. The potential is immense and I want them to explore all of it.” For DTFF, she will be trying to bring the best of Arab cinema, she promises. Arab cinema has a great potential, she predicts, with the advent of new technology of filmmaking to make movies with diminutive budgets. “We do have very good cinemas but they need a chance. The festivals help because then the distributors hear more of the movie and their risk factor reduces.“ Metropolis had a hand in the success of one such movie, The One Man Village, which was first screened at the Metropolis and later on gained much acclaim at all international festivals were it was screened. “We organised a press event around this movie. Opened it to the public and we were stunned with the reaction. The film was released in Germany. We also released the DVD. The filmmaker is going to make his second movie, all of this was because of our effort to publicise the movie. “ This movie was a huge boost to the sagging morale of Arab filmmakers, she says and now there is hope for them. So how does Metropolis work, what are its funds? “We get some support from private donors. All of us do it for the love of movies and we struggle a lot...” And does she see herself directing her own alternative movie? “No. After seeing such talents, I am frightened to do something on my own...I am happy promoting them.” 2010 September

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women

Awoman

ofsubstance By john hunt

September 2010

“People, especially today, are far more concerned with what you have to offer in terms of your competence, your politeness, how you treat people.”

eep in the heart of West Bay, The Kempinski Residences & Suites pokes further into the cloudless Doha sky than any other building in the country. How long that remains the case is subject to the notoriously unpredictable whims of the construction industry but one would imagine it won’t be too long before Kempinski is surpassed. There is another reason why Kempinski is out of the ordinary though, and this – one hopes – should have a little more longevity than the title as Qatar’s tallest as the building is home to the only female General Manager (GM) in the country’s hotel industry, Emel Atikkan. Atikkan, a native of Istanbul, has been working in hospitality for “over 30 years. It’s the only industry I know,” she says. The eldest of two sisters, Atikkan grew up in Turkey enjoying what she describes as a “happy” childhood, one in which she learned from her parents about “the finer things in life – the pleasure of an antique piece of furniture, a beautiful sunset, a great painting, the ‘sound’ of fine crystal – small things like these stay with you when you’re growing up, and somewhat shape your expectations and approach to life later on, as it did mine. Came very handy, by the way, in the industry I’m in,” she says. “From my mother, I learned to treat people with the same respect, regardless of status, gender, race and so on.” How did you come to find yourself working in the luxury hotel industry? “Pure chance. When I graduated from college, I applied for two jobs. One was a hotel, and the other an airline. The hotel replied first, and I accepted. The rest is

history!” she says. Atikkan describes herself as, “Ambitious, demanding, fair, exacting and a perfectionist with a lot of stamina.” Asked as to how others would see her, she replies, “Hmm... depends on the eye of the beholder!”

First among equals She certainly seems unconcerned at her status as the country’s only female GM when she says, “I think I’m the only one here,” but seems more interested in highlighting that “I was definitely the first female GM in the Kempinski group, though,” and returns to the relevance of this point later on. The issue of the sex of those occupying the most senior roles has been a thorny issue since, at a conservative estimate, the 1960s, especially in western markets where discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of gender has been legislated against for decades. Last month, the UK’s Independent newspaper ran a series of articles regarding ‘gender gap’ in the boardrooms of British companies. It found that of the 329 individuals at CEO/COO level in the companies that make up the FTSE100 index, just 20 were female. That equates to 6 percent. How much of an issue has being female mattered in Atikkan’s progress over the last 30-plus years, here and elsewhere? “My career has taken me all over the world: the UK, Lesotho, the UAE, China, Germany, Malta, Mali,” she says. “This has exposed me to many different cultures and different ways in which the ‘woman’s role’ is viewed and I would have to say that it’s still not easy for women to succeed and reach the highest levels in

their chosen field. “Unfortunately, that’s especially true in the hotel industry although there are many more female GMs as a percentage in the US. European hoteliers are more ‘conservative’ in this regard [Kempinski is originally a German company, headquartered in Switzerland] but the cliche remains: you have to work twice as hard as a man to get noticed. You also have to show that you have the strength to play in a man’s world,” she says. Is it still a man’s world, then? “Not as much as it was. I never felt that being a woman was a disadvantage. Sometimes, it’s even an advantage in terms of the qualities that women have – an appreciation of aesthetics, attention to detail, decoration and knowledge of what makes a home. These are all relevant in the hospitality industry,” she says.

An international vision Atikkan is keen to promote Kempinski’s efforts in bringing a bit more gender equality into the highest positions. “Our current CEO has an international vision and is very forward-looking. When I showed an interest in reaching the ‘upper levels’ of hotel management I was given the opportunity. “It has happened for me and, I like to think as a direct result, there are now three more female GMs within the group. I did sometimes get the feeling I was being watched, though! ‘is she going to be ok?’ ‘is she going to fail?’,” she says, laughing. Do you ever feel like a pioneer then? “I am a pioneer!” she says, still laughing (something she does a lot of). “but I am glad I have achieved some 2010 September

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“You have to work twice as hard as a man to get noticed. You also have to show that you have the strength to play in a man’s world.” A Room with a View

Kempinski Residences & Suites opened its doors in June. The decision to debut at the start of the low season was, says Atikkan, a deliberate one and akin to a ‘soft launch’. “Opening in June gave us a few months to get things right before we get really busy,” she says. The building stands 62 storeys tall, with ‘double height’ floors available towards the top of the property. The top two floors, 61 and 62, hold a pair of vast suites, one facing the bay, the other the city. Work continues on the latter to complete what will presumably be the most expensive accommodation available at the residences, while the former is currently in use as an entertainments venue for small gatherings. Qatar Today attended a Vodafone Qatar press event at this suite in August and was impressed. Seven-foot tall windows let the light flood in to

September 2010

an open-plan meeting space with 20-foot ceilings above. Needless to say, the views are pretty sensational. “It’s the ideal space for groups of 30, 40 people,” says Atikkan. “We’re really happy with how the space has been utilised thus far and there has been a lot of interest from businesses in Doha. “Some of the brands that are using the facility are pretty special and we like to think that between us we can build partnerships whereby both parties gain advantage from association. Companies using the facility can utilise the reputation that comes with what will be the finest residences in the city, and Kempinski can also say: look which companies trust us to help deliver their message. We see a niche, and an opportunity to do something slightly different with this unique space,” Atikkan adds.

success, as I did feel like I was being observed from time to time, not solely on the basis of my ability and performance, but also because of my gender.” In the middle of a region noted for more ‘traditional’ interpretations of the societal role occupied by women, have you noticed any extra pressure, or, indeed, hostility as a woman in a senior role? “I’ve got significant experience of working in the Arab world so I come prepared,” she says. “I have to say it doesn’t bother me and, no, it’s never really been an issue. Perhaps it sometimes bothers men that I meet but it’s maybe more a case that I am viewed as something of a curiosity than there actually being a problem. Once they get to know you, it’s something that is quickly moved on from. “Thirty years ago, things might have been different, but you have to remember that people all over the world now are so much better travelled, have been exposed to multiple and differing cultures and of course there is the internet as well. No-one is surprised anymore that women are claiming senior roles,” she says. If there is a ‘message’ you could give to other women who covet senior roles, what would it be? “Don’t concentrate on your gender, just be the person and concentrate on how you present yourself. People, especially today, are far more concerned with what you have to offer in terms of your competence, your politeness, how you treat people. Across all cultures, it’s as simple as treating people with respect, that is all. Treat others as you would I like to be treated yourself. “To be honest, I worry more about developing myself as a person than worrying about the fact that I am a woman. I think life is all about learning, moving forward, trying to better yourself. People always respond the same way to courtesy, regardless of where you are in the world,” she says. “There is a thread of respect that runs through all countries.”

work

wise

When A Positive “NO”works

am utterly over-worked but cannot possibly mention it to my boss! I have so many things on my plate but still cannot get myself to say ’no’ to my colleagues! My to-do list for this week has exceeded all expectations, and is still getting longer by the minute! So many things to do, so few resources and so little time! I am stressed out but I just cannot get myself to say NO! What if I lose my job? What if my boss gets infuriated with me? My colleagues will never ask for my help again!” These are random statements we often hear ourselves/colleagues/friends say. William Ury, author of The Power of a Positive No declares people often tend to say “yes” when they actually want to say “no”. This illusion that working professionals are doomed to get 'blacklisted' should they dare say 'no' in the office haunts their minds today, probably more than ever before, with the economic crunch forcing many organisations to lay off people and thus, adding more responsibilities to remaining staff. Bayt.com’s recent ’Employee Motivation at the workplace’ shows 57 percent of Middle East professionals who have participated in the survey tend to suffer from excessive work pressure in the workplace, 32 percent of whom state the pressure they endure is almost on a daily basis. Work pressure, more often than not, stems out of a combination of factors that include extended working hours, newly increased responsibilities, tight deadlines and a lack of clarity on expected procedures or outcomes. All the above can be regulated

September 2010

with a crystal clear plan of where you stand, what you can offer, how much you can stretch yourself and what are the resources you require. Setting reasonable limits for yourself and your workplace peers will not only ensure you a much more lucid state of mind but will also boost your focus, and thereby your workplace productivity!

What can you say “NO” to at work? Getting buried with job responsibilities you cannot handle all at once: Most professionals dread saying no to the boss so that the fragile ’boss/ employee’ relationship keeps flowing smoothly. This is unfortunately a potential quagmire. Managers do not usually get involved in every tiny little detail of your working schedule and thus cannot possibly realise on every occasion that they are placing too much on your plate. You need to ’manage your manager’ and professionally and calmly point it out. The equation here is very simple: Is there balance between your working schedule and the job tasks assigned to you. Are you working extra hours already and in danger of having to work weekends with an incremental project you have just been assigned? Managers do understand that work overload might eventually lead to poor quality of work, so lay your cards on the table loud and clear and respectfully backed with solid facts to support you. Based on Bayt.com’s recent Middle Eastern Professionals Motivation Survey, 91 percent of Middle Eastern professionals state a work -life balance is crucial for their motivation levels and

consequently productivity at work. Should you be a usually productive and committed employee, your boss will not judge you or provoke you; he/she will instead appreciate your transparency, your commitment to optimal efficiency and the timely wake-call. Being asked to complete a task that does not relate to your scope of work at all: Middle Eastern working professionals have stated in Bayt.com’s recent survey ’Employee Motivation in the Middle East’ that 32 percent of them are mostly motivated at work when they have the opportunity to develop their skills. Does that entail you taking charge of filing employee leave applications when you are actually a graphic designer? Or maintaining the company’s blog when you are in fact the company accountant? As useful as the above might turn out to be, eventually perhaps, to your long-term career development plans, analysing the short run and taking into consideration the amount of time each task could consume of your working day may well warrant raising the issue calmly and openly to your management. It is, of course, both challenging and flattering to be entrusted with novel and interesting job tasks, even when they are in an entirely different department or field of work, but acquiring the relevant knowledge and resources could entail a considerable time investment, on top of the time you are required to allot to your regular job activities. If you are certain your schedule will not allow it right now, convey the message promptly and professionally to the executive concerned.

take a bit of weight off your shoulders and help you abide by more reasonable set of deadlines. Thirty two percent of Middle Eastern professionals who have participated in Bayt.com’s ’Employee Motivation Survey’ stated the support of their line manager is crucial for boosting their motivation at work. Turning to your line manager whenever you are stuck will show you are committed, trustworthy and sincerely care about the wellbeing of your professional reputation and his/ hers as well!

Getting pressured by deadlines that risk leaving you wounded: Task 1 is quite urgent (needed end of week), task 2 is even more urgent (needed end of day). Task 3 and 4 have just been thrown into your plate (needed yesterday). You can definitely complete all four tasks, and complete them with pride

and professionalism, but the deadlines are a bit too unrealistic. You fully understand the key here is prioritising but since all four are matters of urgency to your management, you might want to turn to your management for help in prioritising these specific tasks. This gesture will not only be appreciated, but will also

Getting asked to do personal favours during work time: Pick up the boss’s laundry, dog and children during work time when that isn’t part of your job description? Run errands for your associate as she’s stuck in meetings all day and busy preparing for her glamorous party after work? Set your own priorities straight first and then, should you wish to take pleasure in stretching yourself a bit further and doing people favours in the office, make it clear that this cannot and will not interfere with your working schedule. Its great being helpful, flexible and cooperative in times of need, providing of course your favours are recognised and appreciated as such, but job responsibilities come first. Everything else can wait. Learn to politely refuse such requests should they repeat or become chronic. Indicate politely that your schedule does not allow you to entertain social favours while piles of urgent work under your direct responsibility accumulate at your desk. NO, it is not being rude: it is being frank and realistic! To conclude, the workplace today is probably more hectic than ever before, and as much as you would want to please your colleague/boss/upper management, you should first make sure your important deliverables would not be adversely affected. Do not entertain out-of-this world requests when your performance is at stake. Always ask yourself if the request is reasonable first, if your time allows it, if it aligns with your goals. Do not feel urged to profusely apologise or make excuses that weaken your position. Do not allow for manipulation or feelings of guilt or fear to rip you into pieces. You need not be provocative, you need not stress. Instead, stay calm but firm: Saying NO is not a taboo in the workplace any more than it is in real life. You will, interestingly enough realise, at the end of the day, learning how to say NO can very much be a winwin situation for all parties concerned

From the Career Experts at Bayt.com, the #1 job site in the Middle East with more than 30,000 employers and over 3.5 Million registered job seekers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the globe, representing all industries, nationalities and career levels. Post a job or find jobs on www.bayt.com today and access the leading resource for job seekers and employers in the region.

2010 September

work

wise

What is

Success to you

Is success defined by the amount of wealth we amass or is it using opportunities to the best? In her new session, Caroline Zeitler, defines what success is all about...

September 2010

One definition of success is...

... that you have opportunities to utilise your talents, your skills, your knowledge and your intelligence.

was lucky because I grew up in a family with many amazing women role models. There was my greatgrandmother, a true matriarch, the head of the family, who was very strict and held the family to the highest standard, yet she would also gather everyone around her to tell stories and find time to listen to everybody’s woes and worries. Although she passed away many years ago, she still lives on as the authority that influences a lot of my family’s decisions. ‘What would Granny have done?’ is a frequently asked question. There was my grandmother, a femme fatale who made great sacrifices to go her own way, to pursue the path less travelled, always turned out impeccably, an air of natural elegance about her. There was my great-aunt, single head of a household of four kids, two dogs and three cats, while running a boarding kennel for cats and dogs on her little farm. She had no maids, no driver, not even a car. Yet she always had a smile and an open ear for us when we came to visit. And then of course there is my mother. A sports ace, a rebel and a woman ahead of her time, endlessly resourceful in finding ways around the limitations that society (in the 50s and 60s!) and life tried to impose on her. Even when, at only 35, she got a brain tumour and has consequently been disabled ever since (the effect was very similar to that of a stroke), she picked herself up, learned many things over again and has now got her disability

so much under control that most people don’t realise and are genuinely surprised when they find out about it. So I guess it is only natural that I have always felt drawn towards strong women and consequently have many friends that are just as fascinating as my relatives. In my eyes all of these women are extremely successful. They are successful at living a life worth living. They are successful at pursuing their dreams, living according to their values, being honest, teaching by example, liberating other women around them, raising amazing families and new generations of inspiring

Key behaviours: Attitude: Rather than saying “Poor me, poor me” say, “It’s up to me to change what I’m not happy with.”

Interaction: Listening to the people around you and to your gut feeling. Asking friends and family about your strengths and talents, as well as reflecting on them yourself.

Flow: See how your strengths fit into the bigger picture. What is needed in your ‘system’ (i.e. your work place, your family, your town...etc.)? How can you, with your strengths and talents, provide something that is needed and wanted?

women (and men). Yet, for the most part, society would not class them as ‘successful’. ‘Why?’ You may ask, ‘When they lead or led such exemplary lives?’ It is because most of them never made a lot of money. And success, in the eyes of most, is defined by how much money we make. As that is a limited – and indeed limiting – view of success, I had the idea to dedicate six issues of this column and the next How Women Work Conference (in March 2011) to the topic of ‘success’, what it means to us women and how we can generate and acknowledge more of it in our lives.

So let’s start with this month’s story, the story of Sara: Sara used to work as the Managing Director of a small but successful accounting firm. She was good at her job and earned a decent salary. Unfortunately, the job did not allow much creativity, though, and Sara did not feel challenged. Through a social contact of hers she heard about, and consequently took on, the job of a store manager for a small, extraordinary boutique. Some of her friends thought she was crazy to change for a job with less pay and less prestige but Sara loved the boutique and its special atmosphere. It was one of these places where you come in and feel at home. She knew that the owner had 2010 September

work

wise

What did Sara do to make it happen?

She demonstrated self-reflection, initiative and drive. She realised when she had come to a dead end and made a change. She found a way to make up for her lack of experience in the field by using her strengths and talents and developing a concept in accordance with her values.

taken quite a bet on her, a novice to the fashion business, and wanted to repay the trust invested in her by keeping the business going well. Being the enterprising woman that she is, she thought about how to best make use of her talents to benefit the boutique. For this purpose, she listened more closely to what the customers asked about. She watched her own shopping behaviour and observed her own need for information and help with the products. After she had been to a fair-trade store one Saturday, she realised that it was important for her to know where things came from and to be sure she wasn’t supporting any exploitation with her purchases. But naturally, she did not have the time or the inclination to do research on every item she needed to buy, so she appreciated the convenience of the fairtrade store and the information that was provided there. On doing some research, she was thrilled to find out that all the clothes sold at the boutique were made by qualified professionals who worked regular hours and got paid above-average wages for their work. She collected some data on it and put it forward to the owner, suggesting that it be used in their advertising – something along the lines of ‘Shopping with a clear conscience’. The resultant advertising campaign brought quite a few new customers to the store. These new customers, like Sara herself,

September 2010

liked to make conscious choices, which meant they asked a lot more questions when they were in the store. Some wanted to know how the raw materials were farmed and how they were processed, others asked who had sewn and designed the clothes. Sara enjoyed providing the answers and helping her customers to make informed choices. She started speaking to the suppliers, to find out more about their products, and building a good rapport with them. She made a point of training the sales staff on all the details of production and quality. Then she published this information in the store. Every design label had its own

How can that apply to your life? Whenever and wherever you feel bored, dissatisfied or not sufficiently challenged, ask yourself: What exactly bugs me about it? How can this task/job/position become more satisfying for me? Which of my strengths and talents can I use to make it more satisfying? If there is no valid answer to the last two questions, it might be time for a change.

information board listing everything from where the seed for the cotton or flax came from to what the seamstress was paid to sew the clothes together and how the ware had been shipped to the store. As store manager, Sara really got the chance to utilise her talents and skills. She loved the creative challenge and the constant call for resourcefulness that the day-to-day interaction with the customers and staff necessitated. She continued listening carefully to what the customers wanted and loved coming up with new themes and schemes to satisfy their needs. Not every one of her ideas took off, of course, but the owner learned to trust her judgement and give her a free hand in running the boutique. She knew she could trust Sara to ask for help or advice when she needed it

The writer is the Director, Founder & Initiator of Arcata Interactive Communication Coaching. She combined the skills and experience she gained from being Personal Coach, Dance Therapist and Managing Director for many years to create unique coaching programmes for private and professional people. Arcata offers public courses, tailor-made in-house coaching and one-to-one coaching sessions for professional and personal development. For more information please visit www.arcata.cc

Vacationor vexation 26

September 2010

e might not know much about Karl Hakkarainen, but the writer/blogger sounds like he has taken a fair share of vacations in his lifetime. Here’s his take: ”No vacation goes unpunished” he says. That kind of insight could only come from someone who knows the pleasure and the pain, the thrills and the spills that come with vacations. All of us, at some time or the other have spent all our time before our vacations revving to go, bouncing with excitement and joy at the thought of the 'x' number of days or weeks we intend to spend away from our humdrum routine. A few weeks down the line, back home from vacation we wish we’d never gone at all, or our moods are so low that it would have been better to have stayed put and continued with our monotonous lives. Freshly back from vacation, I can definitely say that I am on the verge of plunging head long into what psychologists officially call Post Vacation Blues or Post Travel Depression (PTD). The planners among us usually plan our holidays down to the very last snack we buy at the airport before boarding our flight back home. But we rarely prepare for the feelings of sadness, regret and sometimes even loss, that we experience once we get home. As expatriate workers, if we have been to our home countries on holiday we miss our families and friends, we regret all the weight we have put on by indulging in all that delicious food, we regret those impulse purchases we made that have thrown our carefully planned finances completely out of sync and we dread the thought of getting back in routine, unpacking and settling down into our ’normal’ lives. Psychologists have this to say about the post vacation blues (or just vacation blues) or less commonly, PTD. ”It is a type of mood that persons returning home from a long trip (usually a vacation) may experience.” They go on to explain that, in general a person may suffer from post vacation blues after returning home or to a normal routine from a long holiday, especially if it was a pleasurable one. The longer the trip, the more intense the blues, they say. Post vacation blues may also result in tiredness, loss of appetite, strong feelings of nostalgia, and in some cases, depression. Another observation made is that jet lag may intensify in persons suffering with post vacation blues. When it comes to that dream vacation you planned at that out-of-this-world location, you undertake weeks of preparation followed by a nerve wracking blastoff, followed by a number of days or weeks of weightless floating around out there with nothing to hold you down. This is followed by the harrowing re-entry into your ’normal atmosphere’ where the force of everyday life pulls you down to earth with a thud like the force of gravity. Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way! With a little extra planning before your vacation you can ensure that your return is less traumatic than it generally is. There are two sets of tips to help ease those post vacation blues. One set deals with your physical re-entry into normalcy and the other is to do with emotional re-entry. I have learned from experience that following these steps do really help the blues upon returning from holiday.

Tips to ease physical return * Clean before you leave

I know it’s hard to find the time with all the pre-vacation excitement and rush, but if you can clean up your home before you leave, it will definitely help your state of mind when you return. Clean and mop the floors. Change bed linen, make up your bed and then cover it with dust covers. This way all you do is strip the cov-

Here’s the good news: With a little extra planning before your vacation you can ensure that your return is less traumatic than it generally is.

er off and you have a neatly made bed with fresh sheets on your return. Place air-freshners around the house to fight the musty smell of a closed up house. If you do switch your air-conditioners off before leaving, organise for a friend to drop by and switch them back on 24 hours before your return. All this helps your state of mind when you walk in through the door. You don’t look around and think “HELP!!! I need to start cleaning right away!”

* Organise meals for at least the first day home If you are as lucky as I am, you may have friends who are willing to stock your refrigerator with cooked meals to last you two days after your return, but if your friends don’t cook, then cook and freeze some food before you leave, enough to tide you over at least the first 24 hours. Alternatively, you can have take-out food on the first day, this gives you time to get your act together before you turn on the stove and crank up the oven and gives you time to get your groceries.

* Cut your vacation short This isn’t as drastic as it sounds. What I mean is, cut down your vacation by one or two days at the most, so that you don’t need to go back to the office the day after you get back home. Let your system readjust, get over the possible jet-lag, hang loose and unwind before you go back to your workplace. Maybe ease yourself into routine by checking your email on your return and deleting the unnecessary and lining up the mails you need to pay attention to once back at your desk. Since this can be done at leisure but still has to do with work, it will help your mind gradually acclimatise to dealing with work. As tempting as it is, don’t stretch your vacation out until the last possible moment, returning just the evening before you are due back at your desk or the kids are due back in school. I have found there is nothing like going back to work or school while suffering from jet-lag, to bring on the vacation blues.

* Leave some money behind This sounds a little strange but it’s practical. You do need to pay the delivery guy when he delivers that pizza, don’t you? Leave some cash in your drawer at home. This gives you time to change your currency and it reduces the chance of you using your already exhausted credit card once again. Empty pockets and maxed out credit cards have been found to be great contributors to the post vacation blues. So coming home to some cash in the drawer helps. It has been advised against leaving it in the bank, because not only does that mean making a trip to the ATM on the way home from the airport, but in this day and age of automated banking 2010 September

The peak moments of your vacation were critically important parts of your life and reflect how you live your life even when not on vacation. y o u are likely to have used up what’s in the bank during your holiday.

lamenting, rejoice that you saw what they are capable of being like and try and recreate instances when they can behave like that even at home.

* Talk about your vacation and share experiences Get friends and family together and talk about your holiday. You are sure to have come back with piles of interesting stories and anecdotes, so share them. Make up a photo album, and share it with others. Show them the various things you did on your holiday. Encourage them to take a trip to the same place, and share details and tips with them.

* Integrate new experiences into your everyday life

Did you learn a new language while on vacation? Continue to use it. Did you try new foods? Try and recreate dishes at home. If culinary expertise isn’t your thing then try and find a restaurant that serves that type of food and visit it.

* Unpack at leisure When packing to return put all the stuff you will need immediately i.e. toiletries, make-up, baby feeding items, favorite toys etc, in one bag so that you have easy access to them, put any dirty laundry into laundry bags and pack them in there too. This way you need to unpack only one bag on the day you arrive. You can take your time and unpack the rest of the bags slowly. You can even do a bag a day. That way your home doesn’t look like a tornado has struck it with clothes, shoes, toys, gifts etc strewn all over the place.

Tips To Ease Emotional Return * Appreciate what was

It requires a bit of a cognitive shift, but it is really possible to appreciate the wonderful things from your vacation and yet, not let it get you down. Try and understand that those peak moments of your vacation were critically important parts of your life and reflect how you live your life even when not on vacation. If you had a really great time with old friends and family, appreciate the fact that even though you live away from them, the old ties still remain. If you made a holiday trip to a foreign country appreciate the fact that you could afford to do it.

September 2010

* Use memories as a stress reliever When you need to unwind and de-stress, try and conjure up memories (the happy ones) of your vacation. Psychology Today says, “Studies in neuroscience have shown that merely by mentally picturing yourself where you felt good yields a salubrious effect. Imagery, when knowingly used to get yourself in a pleasant mind state (but not to indulge in negativity or resentment for your current locale and its philistine inhabitants), can propel you to heights of good feeling and smooth over frayed edges of anxiety and distress.” So indulge in memories and make yourself feel good.

* Use the derealisation effect to enhance how you look at others Derealisation effect refers to that sort of ’unreal’ feeling you get while on holiday. Everyone and everything seems dreamlike and fantastic. Once back in your normal life, these very people might seem less exciting and quite boring. You might find yourself yearning for that attentive relaxed spouse, or you might find yourself wondering where those well behaved kids suddenly vanished to. The fact is that like you, they were also relaxed on vacation, back at home the same stressors that affect you affect them. Instead of

* Use new feelings or expe riences as an impetus for change A change of scenery even for a short time can be a mind broadening experience. Now that you are relaxed and re-energised use these feelings to makes positive changes in your life. Your mind is likely to be clearer, letting you think things out better. So after vacation is possibly the best time to make big decisions.

* Take a closer look at the life you lead now Very often after vacation our normal life seems so boring in comparison. But take a closer look. Being able to accept the value of what you do have becomes much easier when you bring some of your comparisons down to earth and recognise that you really cannot have it all – at least not all at once or in one particular place. Vacations are meant to be times of relaxation and enjoyment, so what is the point of taking one if, once you get back you are going to be more stressed out than before? Try and ease yourself back into normal life and follow the tips of re-entry and you will hopefully experience a smooth, turbulence-free landing into ordinary life...until you return again to your favourite ‘other’ place

Dana Haidan

the holidays are over!

Some are raring to get back to work; some have sleepless nights over the first day in office after the long break, while others take it cool. Woman Today scouts around and finds out how Dohanians are dealing with post-vacation blues...

Suzi Mirgani

Publications Coordinator Centre for International and Regional Studies Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar

“

This summer we went to South Africa to watch some of the World Cup games. The country was beautiful and the atmosphere was fabulous; a carnival of colours. When we got back to work, we cheated...we went away on holiday again. It’s the best recipe for getting work and holidays mixed up so you don’t have to worry about the pressures of the first day back. And the vuvuzelas are not as bad as you think...Ayoba!”

Baseera Banu

Volunteer Qatar Museum Authority

“

To me it’s surprising how every time I get back to Qatar from a break, I actually need some adjustment to the life here, considering I have lived here for the most part of my life. This time when I returned from my holiday, I especially had a difficult time dealing with the weather, since it was unusually hot, and with Ramadan right around the corner, it was definitely a challenge to get back into action.”

September 2010

Social Investments Coordinator QatarGas

“

The difficult transition into work mode after a long break is challenging, for one reason or another. It could be because of going back to seeing the same people every day or the endless stream of emails. I’m definitely no exception. After getting used to waking up and sleeping whenever I want, having the whole day for myself and doing things at my own leisure, going back to the work routine is something I definitely dread. The first couple of weeks is the hardest, because I found myself working a lot, yet not getting any new tasks out of the way because I was working on the things that piled up while I was on leave. Simple things can make a huge difference. For instance, I get back to my sleep routine as I get back a few days before I join and it makes my life way easier when I get back to work. Also, checking my email a few days earlier and making a list of priorities help make me more organized and that way I will be more efficient and get things done faster. These two steps prepare me mentally and make the transition to work mode smoother!”

Anirban Lahiri

Caroline Zeitler

Senior Assistive Technology Specialist MADA Qatar Assistive Technology Centre

Director & Founder Arcata Interactive Communication

“

This time it took me a while to get back into the rhythm when I returned from my holiday. The leisurely pace of the holidays was still in my system and coming back, I just couldn’t find the switch to get back into ‘work mode’. What helped me in the end, was going through the ‘rituals’, through the steps I go through on work days to make the transitions easier. Although my daughter wasn’t yet back to school, I got up early every day, took the dogs for a walk, had a shower, had my breakfast and then started work. That really helped me to find my rhythm again. Now my daughter is back in school and all is easier, it puts some structure in my days and weeks. Since I’ve been working on many things and with many people simultaneously, I’ve become a sucker for structure, something I used to despise when I thought it hampered my creativity. Now I’ve come to realise that there is some truth in the adage ‘discipline sets you free’ – as much as it still makes the ‘free spirit’ in me cringe.

“

This year my summer vacation was short and exiting to say the least. It comprised of a two week stay in Birmingham and London. The time spent in London was actually like being home away from home. Many areas of the city were crowded with people from the Gulf who were spending their summer there. Similar was the scenario in major shopping malls like Harrods. My visit to Birmingham was quite a different experience as this seemed to be one of those cities that gets relatively busy at night. It was one of those places where there was a potential to temporarily escape from reality. No worries, no scheduled meetings, no baggage of anxiety, all relaxing and rejuvenating. The two weeks flew by like a breeze and it was time to return back. The first day back at work was certainly easier to get back in the ’groove’ due to the shorter working hours for Ramadan. The vacation certainly helped me return to work all refreshed.”

Fatma Al-Remaihi

International Promotions Doha Film Institute

“

In most businesses, taking a holiday is the best way to relieve work-related pressures, but when you work at the Doha Film Institute (DFI), it’s a different story. I’m lucky enough to work among a group of people, where I’m always learning something new and being challenged to be creative in ways I didn’t think I was capable of. I work in international promotions, where we work with film festivals all over the world to educate them about the work of DFI, and being in a great working environment with people that make you laugh during hard times, makes me feel that I don’t need a holiday. Nevertheless, I still do enjoy a

holiday, spending quality time with my husband and three children, and that’s as important to me as the work itself. When I come back from any holiday, I’m excited to get back to work because I’ve missed my job and can’t wait to see all my friends and colleagues at work. After a holiday, I’m more rested and confident and know that I can handle all of the pressures and challenges that await me. Sometimes it is nice to escape from the workplace pressures, responsibilities and deadlines, but with me, I still find that I’m meeting my own deadlines, even when I’m on holiday!”

Cristina Schroeder

Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer Al Massa Active Gym

Janniss Palma- Gurel Administration Department Mannai Corporation

“

First day of work is really excruciating. This is the day when I have to wake up early again after weeks of relaxing. Inside the office, all I want to do is to drink coffee and talk about my grand vacation, but no! I have to finish the pending issues piling on my table. Anyhow accepting the reality that I need to work to support my leisure helps me get back to grind in a jiffy.”

“

There are two separate words for ‘job’ and ‘work’ in Brazil, where I’m from and where I spent my vacation this summer. The difference is that the word for ‘job’ translates into something that you have to do every day from 7-3. I don’t call what I do a ‘job’; I call it my ‘work’, because the word for ‘work’ means something you want to do, you don’t have to do. You do it for pleasure and you do it because you love it. And coming back to Doha after spending my summer in Brazil with my family, to do something I do with my heart and soul, made my way back easier. I hit the ground running – I arrived in Doha in the morning and was teaching my first Spinning class back in the afternoon!” 2010 September

the new you Back to the same drab routine? Spice it all up with a new image...

By cassey oliveira

ll of us are born with an innate desire to look good. Some of us are bestowed with enough perseverance to carry off the glam look almost everyday – the hair seems to be patiently straightened and combed, the clothes look new and stylish, and the shoes with their gloriously pointed peaks looking sizzling hot. While they successfully remain the subject of envy, the rest of us tend to get bored, uninspired and lazy to pamper ourselves and as a result, end up looking like a total mess. If you fall into the second category, it is time to take some time off from your busy chaotic life. It’s time to go for a new look! And the best time is when you’re back from the holidays, with fresh zest to face the daily grind, but need something to give you a jolt of confidence. With these tips, grab the new look and get out of your post vacation blues, FAST!

Enhanced looks Working on your hair is the perfect way to enhance your appearance. Seek a good hairstylist who will

September 2010

suggest the perfect hairstyle that suits your face type. Let the experts do their work. There’s nothing more worth in investing than on a gorgeous hair-do.

Wardrobe Reassessment Whenever you are blessed with ample time, head to your wardrobe, and pull out all your clothes which have been lying there for ages. Try out each one of them and judge yourself. How much does it flatter you? Does it highlight your toned chest or lays emphasis on your flabby stomach? Muster courage and ask your fellow colleagues or friends, what they think of your wardrobe. It is always better to get a nod of approval from a second person. You don’t have to change your entire wardrobe, but throw away any unflattering and old-fashioned outfits.

Play with colours Bring in colours to your wardrobe. Don’t stick to boring monochromatic shades. Who said formal wear should comprise of greys and blacks? Add a touch of bright colours to your blazers and shirts, and see yourself looking vivacious for that formal meeting. Also try experimenting with fabrics. Try out satin shirts or silk trousers.

slug

name

For a beter you.... Never overdo things

Too much of anything, kills the look. Too much make-up will make you look fake. Too much jewellery will make you look like a walking market. Keep it simple.

Highlight your assets

If you have beautiful eyes, stress more on it with a smokyeye effect or colourful eye-shadow. If you have well-defined lips, highlight them with gloss. If your legs are shapely, show them off in short skirts or half-length pants.

Go natural

Sometimes, a nude look brings out your natural beauty. Apply a thin eye-liner and light coloured lipstick to show-off your natural features.

Eat right

What you eat is ultimately reflected on you. Eat healthy – your skin and hair need nutrients to look healthy. Eat proportionately – you don’t want to carry excess baggage. Play with colour, fabric, length; they will work wonders to your look. At times, when your outfit looks dull and drab, add a chunk of jewellery or perhaps a bright scarf to add spark to your look. Pick up a cute pair of earrings or jingling bracelets from the market, to wear along. Don’t leave your neck bare, if you are wearing a low neck-line. A beautiful necklace will do the trick. Team up your trousers with fancy belts, to match your shoes. Try out scarves with blazers, to exude a more elegant side of you. Throw away your old granny bags, and carry

Feel beautiful along a much more sophisIt is important that you feel good about yourself. This will ticated bag. A little accesenhance your beauty – outer and inner as well. You are sory here and there can make a beautiful! significant difference. A change gives you an unprecedented confidence, an inner joy and contentment to see the new and beautiful you, staring right across the mirror. It gives you an excitement to go out and socialise, because you know you are looking good. A change is definitely welcome, it makes you happy!

2010 September

Roll out the Locks Hillary Kozma, Master Stylist at Glow American Salon & Spa, gives her tips...

Image sourced from AFP

Queen Rania of Jordan

er majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah always looks polished and elegant. This style icon has glossy chestnut brown hair which frames her delicate features. Soft, defined waves definitely suit

her, and are also very flattering on almost any face shape. To achieve these royal locks at home, you need about 30 minutes and a few products. I will share a technique I picked up recently when I was in Budapest, Hungary, from the stylists who created the Boudoir hair collection. Boudoir hair is all about being soft, feminine and sensual – the perfect example being Queen Rania’s gorgeous waves. This style works best on medium to long lengths. Deep condition your hair with an intense treatment weekly to keep it strong and healthy. Prep damp hair with a bit of volume product, like Schwarzkopf’s light volume cream. Take large three-inch sections of your hair, and gently blow dry with a round brush, lifting at the scalp for subtle volume. When each section is dry, wind hair under from ends to scalp to form the letter “O”. Secure at the scalp with a pin curl clip or bobby pin. Let the hair set for 10 minutes, then release the clips. Flip hair upside down, and lightly finger comb a small dallop of shine serum about the size of your pinky nail, mid hair to ends.

George Clooney

verall, George’s style statement is sophisticated, streamlined and tailored. George has always been handsome, but he gets better with age. The best part of George’s look? His salt and pepper hair is absolutely striking. It makes him look quite distinguished and adds to his sex appeal. Guys: Going silver? Don’t try to hide it! The trend now is to let some silver show. If you must colour, ask your stylist to leave a bit of silver through the perimeter of your hairline including side burns and temple. Also, well placed highlights and lowlights can help blend initial silver hair for a more attractive look. It may be a bit of a transition to not cover your grey, but you will be happy you did. Not convinced? Other celebrity men have joined the silver trend: Robert De Niro, Anderson Cooper, Jon Stewart, Taylor Hicks, Harrison Ford, Ben Stiller.

Image sourced from AFP

Follow the styles of your fav star.

Rock your silver:

Silver hair is more prone to showing ugly gold tones. These are caused by minerals in tap water that can build up in the hair, or chemicals like chlorine. To prevent this, be pro-active by shampooing daily with a silver shampoo. I suggest Schwarzkopf’s silver color protection shampoo. It neutralises the gold tones and keeps silver pure and vibrant. Fake a tan. A little faux tan can go a long way to really make your silver pop. Smooth a little faux tanner (I like Guinot Auto Bronze) over skin a few times a week. Don’t forget to protect your skin with SPF. Ask your stylist to tint your eyebrows one shade darker than your hair. And the most important? Wear your silver with confidence.

September 2010

The author is the owner and master stylist at Glow American Salon & Spa. Call her at these numbers: Salon +974 44689945, Salon Mobile +974 66864221, Hillary +974 66864220 Location: Near Mercedes Show Room, Villa #10 Email: www.glowamericansalon.com

GETAWAYS The festival of Eid is here, and celebrations are in full swing. It’s the best time of the year to pack your bags and embark on a journey with your family. Have a sneak peek of what these cities have to offer, away from home....but still at home!

cairo The land of the River Nile holds a catalogue of mysteries with its pyramids, tombs and its magical past. Unlock the secrets as you tour the fascinating and mysterious Egypt, with the shadows of the dead enchanting you all the way..... Egyptian Museum: Egypt’s history is revisited with a trip to the Museum, the largest in the world, housing an extensive collection of Egyptian relics. Khan El-Khalili: An ancient shopping bazaar sprawling with cafes, shops, vendors and artefacts. A sundry display of handicrafts and souvenirs will keep you engrossed as you walk along the narrow streets, sipping into traditional tea.

River Nile: Walk across the banks of the river to witness the birth of a great civilisation. Eid in Egypt: In Egypt, a special sweet called feast sweet or Kahk is generally prepared for Eid which is exchanged within families. A part of the celebrations also require the Muslims to pay for a special charity called ‘sadaka’ through which the poor will be bought new clothes and sweets.

Cairo Tower: The city’s most famous landmark offers you a 360-degree view from the top.

Hotels to Stay: Concorde El Salam Cairo, Intercontinental Cairo Citysta, Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo Helio, Ramses Hilton, Fairmont Towers Heliopolis, Kempinski Nile Hotel Garden City Cairo, Iberotel Cairo Hotel and Casino, Fairmont Nile City Cairo, Intercontinental Cairo Semiram, Marriott Cairo Hotel and Casino.

Pyramids of Giza: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, a trip to Giza cannot be missed to marvel at these towering structures.

How to get there? Qatar Airways flight to Cairo would cost approximately QR2260.

2010 September

Kuala Lumpur

Istanbul The city is an architectural marvel with motley influences of the Greeks, Byzantines and the Romans. Traversing through the lanes, the city reflects its historical past as you enjoy the bustling city while taking in hot sips of Turkish tea... Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi): Spices, lanterns, ceramics, fabric, and jewellery – you can find anything and everything possible as you shop through the huge crowded market in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace: Once the residence of Ottoman Sultans, today this magnificent palace throws open its doors to tourists to catch a glimpse of its beauty. Blue Mosque (Mosque Sultan Ahmed Camii): Owning to the blue tiles adorning the interiors, the Mosque has been given the famous name. The Bosphorus: Acting as the body of division between Europe and Asia, catch a ferry over the waters while taking a view of the city. Cemberlitas Hamam: Enjoy a cleaning experience with Turkey’s famous baths offering a hot exfoliating scrub followed with a soothing massage. Eid in Turkey: In Turkey, the first day of Eid Al Fitr is marked with Seker Bayram which means ‘sugar festival’. It is traditionally celebrated with chocolates and sweet foods. Hotels to stay: Grand Star Hotel, Grand Cevahir Hotel and Convention Centre, Best Western Senator Hotel, Sultan’s Eye Comfort Hotel, Ramada Istanbul Old City, Istanbul Inn Hotel, Paradise Hotel, Taksim Feronya Hotel, Suite Home Hotel Changir, Istanbul Suadiye Hotel. How to get there? Qatar Airways flight to Istanbul would cost approximately QR2340.

September 2010

male As soon as you step foot on this blissful patch of serenity, you are suddenly captivated by the breathtaking sceneries, lush foliage and a calm and composed atmosphere. The beautiful landscapes and a bunch of smiling faces will keep you enthralled as you immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Male... Markets: From garments to electronics, from fruits to fishes – the local markets of Male is a shopper’s stop to feel the fresh and vibrant aura of the stalls. National Museum and Sultan’s Park: A part of the Sultan’s Palace, the museum stores priceless collections of the ancient Maldivian culture – ornaments, stones, paper, manuscripts and much more. Old Friday Mosque: The first ever Mosque to be built in Maldives using corals. Carvings and patterns all over the stones reflect the timeless beauty and accuracy of this religious structure. Whale Submarine: Hop into the submarine, and you will be immediately transported

into the deep blue waters of the sea revealing exotic creatures of the deep. Artificial Beach: Though Maldives is known for its fabulous beaches, Male doesn’t seem to be endowed with one. Thanks to the artificial beach, one can indulge in the same fun as in any other natural beach. Eid in Maldives Known as Kuda Eid or Fithru Eid in Maldives, people celebrate the festival with vigour. In rural islands, traditional dances like Bodu beru are performed while the urban areas witness parades across the streets. Hotels to stay: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Ihuru, Bandos Maldives, Angsana Velavaru, Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Naladhu Maldives, Banyan Tree Madivaru, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Holiday Inn. How to get there? Qatar Airways flight to Male would cost approximately QR3320.

A city with a cosmopolitan touch, Kuala Lumpur serves as a hotspot for tourists to the country. Serving as a commercial and financial centre for the South East Asian region, the city still boasts of its cultural vibrancy which is evident in every corner of the town. Mixed culture and an amazing nightlife, Kuala Lumpur is never a miss... Petronas Twin Towers: The world seems at your feet, as you look across from the sky bridge of the 41st floor, connecting the two iconic towers to offer a panoramic view of the city.

houses everything under the roof. Kuala Lumpur Bird Park: Witness the unbelievable sight of 160 exotic species of birds flying around a massive park. Nature at its best! Eid in Malaysia: In Malaysia, Eid is more commonly known as Hari Raya Idul Fitri or Hari Raya Puasa which means ‘celebration day’. In rural areas, pelita or panjut (oil lamps) are lit and special dishes like ketupat, dodol, lemang (rice cake cooked in bamboo) are prepared.

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa: Surrounding Lake Titiwangsa, this park is a relaxing area for enjoying the splendid view of the lake. The park also has tennis courts and squash courts with a boating facility on the lake. Masjid Negara: This gigantic mosque is the centre for all Malay devotees. With its blue-tiled roof and massive form, it reflects a sacred silence.

Hotels to Stay: Doubletree By Hilton, Luala Lumpur Hilton, Le Meridian Kuala Lumpur, Prince Hotel and Residence, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel, Cameron Highlands Resort, Westin Kuala Lumpur, Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside

Petaling Street Market: Don’t be fooled with the high-end goods appearing in the stalls. These fakes sell like hot cakes in the noisy street market which

How to get there? Qatar Airways flight to Kuala Lumpur would cost approximately QR3600.

Casablanca There is everything here, for Casablanca is a modern city. Despite its metropolitan appeal, the city still attracts visitors to feel, breathe and learn about the past with a unique display of modernity and hints of tradition... Hassan II Mosque: Rising above the ocean, this minaret is the world’s third largest mosque which offers a breathtaking view for worshippers and visitors alike. Villa des Arts: A gallery exhibiting the fine talent of contemporary Moroccan and international art, enough to keep you intrigued. Jewish Museum of Casablanca: While boasting of being the only Jewish museum in the Islamic world, it provides a vivid reminiscence of the thriving Jewish civilisation of the region. Place Mohammed V: A grand centrepieces, this square is lined on all sides with beautiful French architecture, around a central fountain spurting

water with a myriad of colours. Boulevard de la Corniche: The entertainment hub of Casablanca attracts the hip and the happening around the world with its line of beach clubs, restaurants and bars. Eid in Morocco: A typical breakfast for Eid Al Fitr usually constitutes of typical Moroccan pancakes such as Baghrir and Melwi, devoured happily by the family after the prayers. Hotels to stay: Hyatt Regency Casablanca, Novotel Casablanca City Centre, Complexe Lakal Bouznika, Diwan Casablanca, Washington Hotel, Anfa Port, Casablanca Appart Hotel, Pullman Royal Golf El Jadida, Business Hotel, Hotel De LA Corniche How to get there? Qatar Airways flight to Casablanca would cost approximately QR3180.

AMMAN The capital city of Jordan, Amman is almost between the desert and the Jordan valley, offering a blended view of sand and grass. As you make your way through the city, fleeting glimpses of the Roman rule will leave you mesmerised in this vibrant city. From glass buildings to stone houses, savour every view with a laidback attitude... Citadel: Perched on the highest hill of Amman, the Citadel contains the enormous Umayyad Palace. Despite being partially destroyed due to an earthquake, this structure still continues to amaze visitors. Roman Theatre: Serving as a reminder when Roman Empire was at its peak, this 6000-seat theatre was once of great religious significance to the people. The best view is at night, when it gets flooded with light providing a spectacular view. Dead Sea: A short trip from Amman will land you at the lowest point on earth. Floating on the Dead Sea is an experience, you definitely can’t miss. Darat Al-Funun: To view Jorda-

nian art at its best, there is no better place than Darat Al-Funun. This art gallery flaunts the works of great Arab artists and also holds workshops for sculptors and painters. King Abdullah Mosque: The blue-domed mosque is the only one in Amman which is accessible for nonMuslims. The octagonal prayer hall is spacious enough for 7,000 worshippers. The mosque also houses a small Islamic museum. Eid in Jordan: Jordanians believe in mass celebrations, as families come together on the joyous occasion of Eid. Hotels to Stay: Kempinski Hotel, Holiday Inn, Sadeen Amman Hotel, Intercontinental Jordan Hotel, Movenpick Nabatean Castle Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Jordan, Amman International, Golden Tulip Amman, Evason Main and Six Senses Spa, Crowne Plaza Petra. How to get there? Qatar Airways flight to Amman would cost approximately QR2300.

2010 September

health &

fitness

Healing L the inner self By cassey oliveira

ive the life to the fullest, do not indulge” – is what Dr Pramod Kumar, Health Science and Yoga Specialist, strongly advocates. The holistic physician of Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is now visiting its sister hotel – Grand Hyatt, Doha where he will be consulting on specific rejuvenating treatments, along with yoga sessions at the signature Jaula Spa. During his stint at the Jaula Spa, Dr Pramod has a two-fold objective. “I will be imparting training to the Jaula Spa team on the basics of ayurveda treatments. Through these trainings, the team will be able to use the principles in various treatments without having an ayurvedic physician. While in Doha, I am developing custom-made ayurveda-based treatments using the natural ingredients readily available in Qatar.” Alternative medicine has always loomed in the backdrop of conventional medicine. Lack of scientific evidence pertaining remedies, often renders them as baseless and ineffective. Despite the hazy situation, alternative medicine has proven to be a preferred choice of treatment for many. While conventional medicine combats ailments with formulations, alternative medicine takes on a slower path, intending to wipe out the disease from its roots. “Ayurveda believes in the concept of healing with nature and its principles. It promotes a positive way of life by the prevention of an imbalance and by the right management of ailments and diseases. Even though ayurveda acts as a medical science, it proves to be a science of life.”

What is alternative medicine?

Dr Pramod Kumar Health Science and Yoga Specialist is on a visit to Doha's Grand Hyatt.

September 2010

A broad terminology ‘alternative medicine’ encompasses a variety of remedial treatments such as naturopathy, herbalism, ayurveda, homeopathy, meditation, hypnosis, etc. The basic underlying difference between ayurveda and homeopathy is that while the former aims at preventing the disease, the latter aims at curing the disease. This simply means that in ayurveda, the toxins from the body are extracted through herbal medicines to free the body from any disease; whereas in homeopathy, symptoms similar to the disease are introduced in the body, in a more diluted form to enable the body to neutralise the disease, ultimately curing the body. Even the medicines differ – ayurveda uses the plant or flower or root or fruit as a whole, but homeopathy uses the diluted extract or a principle of a plant.

Forms of ayurvedic treatment offered at Jaula Spa:

A holistic approach

This complete body hot fomentation treatment uses a herbal poultice to relive neurological disorders, muscle spasms or stiffness, rheumatism/arthritis, and different kinds of aches and pains.

Back in India, at the Sereno Spa, Dr Pramod takes on a holistic approach while consulting patients. But what is this approach all about? “Holistic approach simply means a deeper understanding. If you consider an individual, an ayurvedic approach is to treat the physical, mental, social and spiritual entities of life. Ayurveda doesn’t simply focus on treating a disease or ailment, but de-roots the cause of a disease through specific purification methods. Also, this approach helps in reducing the relapse of the condition,” he says. “Being a holistic physician, I take into consideration four aspects in a person’s life – eating habits, time and form of exercise, sleep and digestion pattern.”

Synchronised Abhyangam:

Yoga, an essential tool

This traditional Indian massage is performed with synchronisation and a specific rhythm by two therapists to generate heat in the body, soothe muscles and nourish body and mind.

Ayurveda is never complete without yoga. The power of yoga is known by all and it works wonders in stress management. While dealing with yoga and stress, Dr Pramod explains, “Stress is the mental, physical and emotional reactions you experience as a result of the demands of your life. Hence yoga helps to understand and balance the reality of life and living. Stress could be effectively managed through yogic practices." “I too have experienced stress many times but as I accept the reality as it is, it doesn’t turn out to be a stressful condition. The practice of yoga and ayurve-

Udwarthanam:

This powder massage is a classic anti-cellulite treatment to mobilise unwanted fat and reduce cellulite, and is a treatment best practiced to combat obesity in association with diet, Yoga and/or exercise.

Choornaswedam:

Indian Head Massage: This classic Indian head massage uses specific herbal oils to stimulate the pressure points on the scalp and face to energise and revitalise the hair.

da has helped me to combat stress in my day-to-day life.” Gone are the days when spas focussed solely on pampering and relaxing their patrons. Commenting on the current trend of holistic remedy as the next ‘in’ thing for spas, Dr Pramod says, “Spa is one of the upcoming industries in the hospitality sector. Even though the spa concept has a European influence, alternative systems of health and healing has overpowered the basic spa concept of healing through water. Recently, the Indian traditional healing systems like ayurveda and yoga, have amalgamated with the spa concept to become a complete health and wellness industry in the last two to three years.” On his choice of profession, Dr Pramod attributes his ayurvedic career to his father. “I have always had a fascination for nature; this probably owing to the fact that my father is an ayurvedic doctor who, from an early age, instilled this passion within me. It is now my continued endeavour to spread the awareness of healthy living through the holistic approach of ayurveda and yoga through the spa industry.” Patience seems like a forgotten virtue. We are in utmost need of quick results in everything we do which ultimately takes a toll on our health. In such a chaotic situation, healing one’s inner self will serve as a good remedy. Dr Pramod and his patients would surely agree! 2010 September

health &

fitness

Deconstructing

Cravings Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself Cicero

Cravings are just messages sent from your body, say Nicole Van Hattem in this new Woman Today column, and can be dealt with effectively.

he body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat, digesting whatever food you put in it and maintaining homeostasis. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline? I’d like to suggest that cravings are not a problem. They are critical pieces of information that tell you what your body needs. The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too restrictive or devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water or more love in your life. The key to stopping the

September 2010

sugar craving is to understand and deliver what your body really needs. No book or theory can tell you what to eat. Only awareness of your body and its needs can tell you. Of all the relationships in our lives, the one with our body is the most essential. It takes communication, love and time to cultivate a relationship with your body. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body’s cravings, you will create a deep and lasting level of health and balance. Working with a health coach can help you to tune in to your body’s signals and create balance in all areas of your life. A big part of what a health coach does is look beyond what you put in your mouth, at what nourishes your heart and soul, then guide and support you to live life the best way. The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of a weakness.

Try these tips to respond to your body: Have a glass of water and wait 10 minutes. Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet or root vegetables. What is out of balance in your life? Is there something you need to express, or is something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving? When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savour it; notice its effect. Then you will become more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time.

Food Focus: Natural Sweeteners Who among us doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love sweets? The sweet flavour releases serotonin in our brains, the chemical responsible for our sense of well-being and contentment. But when it comes to sweeteners, not all are created equal. There are side effects and health risks from refined sweeteners like white table sugar and highfructose corn syrup, and from artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet, saccharin and Splenda. Since refined sweeteners have been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fibre, they can spike blood sugar, which can often lead to cravings and mood and energy fluctuations. Instead, using naturally and minimally processed sweeteners can reduce cravings for sugary things. Here are a few natural sweeteners to substitute in drinks, food and baking. Since they are all approximately 1.5 times sweeter than refined sugar, you can use less. You can find them in most supermarkets or natural food stores. When replacing sugar with liquid sweeteners in a recipe, reduce the amounts of other liquids.

Raw Honey Everyone seems to love honey, one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the market. Honey will have a different flavour depending on the plant source. Some are very dark and intensely flavoured. Wherever possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and contains small amounts of enzymes, minerals and vitamins.

Recipe of the Month:

Maple Fruit Compote with Honey-Ginger Toasted Nuts

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Serves

Ingredients:

2-3 apples 2-3 peaches or pears 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1/2 cup raisins juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup walnuts or nuts of your choice 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Wash, core and chop fruit into slices or chunks.

Place in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water. Add the maple syrup and raisins. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice and cinnamon. Cook for another 10 minutes, until soft. While fruit is cooking, place chopped nuts in a skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Drizzle honey over the nuts and add ginger, but keep stirring since the honey can easily burn.

Top warm fruit with toasted nuts and enjoy!

Agave Nectar Agave is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a 'sugar rush'. It has a delightfully light and mild flavour.

Maple Syrup Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavour to foods and drinks. Make sure to look for 100 percent pure maple syrup, not mapleflavoured corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best

The writer is an Executive Wellness Coach and CoFounding Director of Art of Abundant Living. Art of Abundant Living provides Corporate Wellness Programmes, Executive and Career Coaching, Nutrition, Cooking and Lifestyle classes, and one-to-one wellness coaching that transforms lives. Special Offer; free Initial Consultation for WT readers with Nicole. This free 45 minutes to one hour session includes a full discussion of your health history and health goals, a chance to get your questions answered and the opportunity to find out more about a personalised health programme, completely catered toward your busy lifestyle and needs. For a complimentary Health History consultation please contact nicole@artofabundantliving.com or visit www.artofabundantliving.com

2010 September

health &

fitness

Rita Mansour, a dietitian at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital gives the lowdown on Osteoporosis.

Prevent the

‘silent thief’ from striking

uch has been written and said about osteoporosis which is also dubbed ’the silent thief’ as it reduces bone mass without any visible symptoms. This leads to an increased risk of fracture, significantly affecting life expectancy and quality of life. These fractures commonly occur in the vertebral column, hip, wrist and rib. Research proves that women are more susceptible to Osteoporosis than men. In fact, 40 percent of women with osteoporosis will suffer from a fracture sooner or later. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the causes of Osteoporosis and how you and your loved ones can prevent it with a few simple lifestyle changes. It is never too late.

Causes There are two different set of risk factors for osteoporosis. One set is determined by our lifestyle and general health and we have control over. These include dietary habits (i.e. calcium and vitamin D

September 2010

How you can beat Osteoporosis While age and gender may be beyond our control, still here are a few ways you can decrease your risk of Osteoporosis.

Fitness, Fitness, Fitness

Sure, everyone talks about it and we all promise ourselves to hit the gym tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. But our resolve disappears and we blame it on time, traffic, work, TV and any excuse we can grab hold of. According to Rita, “All it takes is regular weight bearing exercises such as brisk walking or jogging. However if you suffer from osteoporosis, you should always discuss it with your doctor.” Weight-bearing exercises are those that increase pressure on the bones through gravitational thrust. This helps our body produce more bone mass. Staying fit also reduces the body fat percentage which helps your body absorb Vitamin D better.

Eat Right People in the age group of 19-50 are recommended to consume about 1,000 mg of calcium per day and the new recommendation for vitamin D is 400 to 800 units per day. Dairy products are the richest sources of calcium. If you’re lactose intolerant, there are non-dairy products such as soya bean products like tofu, as well as sesame seeds, nuts, white bread, dried fruit, pulses, green leafy vegetables, enriched orange juice or lactose free milk products. While the best source of Vitamin D is sunshine, the searing heat makes it impractical to get out and

intake) and exercise regime. It has also been well established that regular smokers and drinkers are at higher risk of osteoporosis. There’s a high incidence of osteoporosis among those people who are under long term cortisone-therapy. Cortisone diminishes the calcium absorption in our body. Vitamin D deficiency is also a leading cause of Osteoporosis. Then there are the other set of risk factors that are predetermined and beyond our control. These include genetic make-up and ethnicity, age and gender. We examine some of these causes to understand how we can thwart the ’silent thief’.

and Sports Medicine Hospital explains, “If you’re out in the sun and wearing an SPF 15 sun-block lotion, your lotion will block 99 percent of the Vitamin D absorption.” She added, “Even your skin colour determines your absorption of Vitamin D. People with fairer skin are likely to absorb more Vitamin D in the same amount of time than people with darker skin.” Vitamin D is also fat soluble, which means, “If you’re obese or have a higher body fat percentage, there is a sequestration of the Vitamin D in your body fat reducing its availability to the rest of your body.”

Age D for deficiency In spite of being blessed with abundant sunlight in this region, scorching temperatures tend to keep us in for most of the day. However, sunlight is the richest source of Vitamin D as your skin produces the vitamin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Rita Mansour, a dietitian at Aspetar Orthopaedic

Rita shed some light on how age affects our risk of Osteoporosis, “Our body produces two types of bone cells: Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts. Osteoblasts help in the formation of bones while Osteoclasts break down bones. While we’re younger, our body produces more Osteoblasts, but after the age of 30, Osteoclasts take over in number. This increases the risk

about in the sun. Rita says, “Oily fishes like tuna, sardines, mackerel, salmon are easy to find and are rich sources of Vitamin D.” All major brands of milk, buttermilk are all enriched with Vitamin D. She added, “One cup (250 ml) of milk gives you 100 units of Vitamin D”. If your diet does not provide these recommended values, there is always a calcium and vitamin D supplement that can be taken. Get started by adhering to the dietary guidelines of your age group.

TREATING OSTEOPOROSIS:

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has seen some success among women in preventing osteoporosis by replenishing the estrogen in their body and thereby inhibiting bone mass breakdown. Rita also warns, “This isn’t suitable for everyone. Your doctor would look into your family history and see if you are an optimal candidate for HRT.“

Biphosphonate therapy Much like estrogens, this group of drugs can inhibit bone breakdown and preserve bone mass. Moreover, this therapy will even increase bone density in your spine and hip, reducing the risk of fractures.

of osteoporosis as we grow older. The importance of a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium at an early age would build up the bone mass.”

Gender “Women who reach menopause sooner or undergo hysterectomy increase their risks of suffering from osteoporosis,” said Rita. Estrogen helps calcium to be absorbed by the bone. When the body stops producing estrogen, we’re at higher risk of getting Osteoporosis because of the augmentation of bone loss. While Osteoporosis isn’t usually reversible, there are ways to manage the disease through medication, exercise and diet. Since bone mass is at its highest during adolescence, it is important to have a proper diet and exercise regime at a young age. It is important to incorporate this into your lifestyle before you reach menopause to ensure you’re building a strong and high level of bone mass to reduce your risk of osteoporosis later on 2010 September

health &

fitness

Salute to

the Sun

Salutations

was 23 when I took my first yoga class and my teacher was in her 80s. She was lean and supple and had a long silver plait hanging over her right shoulder. What she taught me in the week I spent with her has stayed with me to this day, most importantly her approach to the sun salutations. She said if you only ever practice one yoga pose make it the sun salutation; if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to practice, practice the sun salutation; if you are feeling down practice the sun salutations, oh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and as you get older, make sure your daily practice includes one salutation for each of your years. She was adamant that if you just did the sun salutations and stayed with the sun salutations, it was a practice enough in itself. Time and more knowledge and understanding of the body have only proved her more correct. The yoga sun salutations are a graceful sequence of 10 to 12 yoga poses linked by

a continuous flowing motion and accompanied by a steady flow of inhalations and exhalations. These poses are ordered so that they alternately stretch the spine backwards and forwards and so that each position counteracts the one before. In modern terms the sun salutation combines both resistance (weight lifting) and cardiovascular (cardio) training and has the added advantage of being a meditation practice as well. This results in innumerable benefits. A regular practice of sun salutes can increase blood oxygenation, stretch and tone just about every muscle group, clean elimination channels and help rid the body of toxins. It can also stimulate the Endocrine system, tone abdominal muscles, and increase spinal health and range of movement. As a meditation practice that uses the breath as a focusing technique the sun salute practice can increase concentration, reduce de-

pression and stress and basically contribute to well being and mental ease. To start a sun salute practice it is always best to work with a teacher, even just once or twice, but if time does not allow this then there are innumerable step by step descriptions on the web or on Youtube. There are various variations to explore as well. Some salutations include a step back and are done on first one side and then the other whereas others emphasise a more vigorous approach and use a jump to link certain poses. Whatever you decide be sure to start your practice slowly with three to five rounds, gradually building up to 10 or 15, then perhaps to your age and finally to the traditional number of 108. But like my very first teacher said, if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this then just do one. The 30 to 40 seconds you spend on a morning salute to the sun will really make a difference. Namaste

Valerie Jeremijenko is the Director of the Doha-based Yama Yoga Studios which offers over 25 yoga classes a week. For more information see www.yamayogastudios.com

September 2010

globe

trot

Buenos Aires

more than just fair

wind By Vani Saraswathi

2010 September

globe

trot

week is not enough. And I sincerely doubt if even a month would do, to take in all that Argentina has to offer. After the first few days, you begin to wonder if the whole country is on something illegal – how can just about every person you meet be upbeat, funny (if a bit selfdeprecatory), good-looking and well-groomed? Then just to ensure that you didn’t doubt their reality, you run into creepy cabbies. (Which begs the question, are there cabbies anywhere in the world who are not a. annoying; b. creepy; c. rude?) We are told that some perfect-looking creatures may have had a little help from Dr Scalpel and Nurse Botox. But my pedestrian observation is more for the attitude, the poise and flair for good clothing, all thanks to the rich gene pool created over centuries of foreign influences. Entertainment, sports, good food and a nice group of people to hang out with – if only it were not so far from much of the world and not so expensive to get there, Argentina would be overrun with tourists. Now it attracts just about two million tourists annually, a majority of whom are from the US. For the eighthlargest nation in the world with the kind of attractions it has to offer, that’s a few million too few. In 2009, Argentina received almost two million foreign tourists (14 percent fewer than in 2008) who spent an estimated $2.7 billion. On the other hand, five million Argentines travelled overseas and spent $4.4 billion, which is a billion dollars higher than what incoming tourism left in the country, according to

September 2010

Where to stay Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires

Located in the fashionable Recoleta shopping and residential district, it combines a restored Palace with the new Posadas building. The Palacio Duhau was built in 1934 by French architect Leon Dourge, and is one of the few remaining palaces representing the city’s traditional and exclusive Portena aristocracy. www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com

Estancia Villa Maria, Equestrian & Golf Estates – Resort

Located only 15 minutes from Ezeiza International Airport, the 624 hectare estancia – one of the few still surviving in the province – would serve well as a weekend getaway. While there you can take in some polo lessons, or just spend your day at the golf course. Email: info@estanciavillamaria.com Alvear Palace Hotel

www.alvearpalace.com

official Argentine statistics. Getting there is no doubt an expensive, tiring and time-consuming exercise. Unless you are a journalist on an all-expenses paid business class passage in a five-star airline (more of that later). If geared-up right, the almost-18-hour-long flight from this part of the world need not necessarily be torturous. But then, the first thing that will hit you, as it did the bedraggled bunch of us on arrival at Buenos Aires is the display of skinny jeans tucked into glamorous boots. A knee-length leather extravaganza smartens up any outfit, it seems. All we wanted to do was escape into the confines of a hotel room, and emerge in something a little more elegant than flipflops, tracks and tees. Of course, we didn’t realise that before we could find solace in our rooms, we had to get past the imposing corridors of the Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, an erstwhile palace, still resplendent and reeking of history.

History on show For those of us coming from the land of sparkling new, largest, tallest and shiniest, Buenos Aires is refreshingly well-aged – that’s the difference; but it is extravagant and ostentatious too, and that’s the similarity. Even regular buildings boast of exaggerated domes and intricate pillars. And nowhere else is the need for that show more visible than in the La Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Peron finally found a resting place. A guided tour of the cemetery is akin to a brief course on the sometimes bloody and often disruptive history of the nation. The details of that history are to be found in how the northern and southern parts of the town are laid out (one catering to more recent

beware

immigrants and the other to the elite), in the Spanish architecture rubbing shoulders with French and English influences, and from sculpted memorials at crossroads. Spanish invasion, the hope of mountains of silver (giving the country its name), military coups, exiles, civil unrests, an attempt to first disassociate from the Spanish past and then to embrace it, the cult of Juan Peron and now an active democracy... some say Argentina has achieved a lot despite its troubles, while the naysayers say that despite its achievements, it flirts with trouble all the time.

Just as you would be anywhere else, be careful! We were given a flyer by the hotel that listed ‘suggestions’ when walking around Buenos Aires. Not something you should give faint-hearted guests visiting the country for the first time. “If you are attacked, do not resist,” “Be attentive when using public transport” and “do not accept help from strangers for supposed ‘stains’ on clothing, etc.” the flyer warned. A good set of rules to follow wherever you may travel. But I guess what distinguishes the Argentine thief is his brand consciousness: “Thieves can come by on motorcycles to grab watches (mostly Rolex) and purses.” Finally a reason to feel good that I don’t own a Rolex.

Takes two to... Sometimes, not. Ask the average Argentine if he or she tangos, and the answer is likely to be ‘no’. The older generation did and still do tango, but the younger lot bred on discotheque culture look at it as an art that only some learn to perform. It’s not the dance of the masses, it seems. While tango performers can be seen in many squares and streets like La Boca, it would be a good idea to go for a proper tango show. We went to the Carlos Gardel Tango show, where the split-level stage houses a live band above and the tango dancers below.

2010 September

Iguazu National Park and Waterfalls: A day with the rainbows Argentina is a long sprawling country, with terrains and attractions in every province. We flew north on Austral (the national airline) to the Brazilian border for a break from the city. The Iguazu National Park and Waterfalls is one of the contenders for the new seven natural wonders contest. Straddling three countries – Brazil, Argentina, Paruguay – the national park covering an area of 67,620 hectares, boasts of over 2,000 varieties of native flora species, 450 bird species, 80 species of mammals and 275 waterfalls. The waterfalls however only cover Brazil and Argentina. Standing at the majestic and aptly named Devil’s Throat – the highest and biggest of the group of waterfalls – one can have a view of Brazil through the mist of water. Iguazu is the right fix for those seeking adventure. In the national park, canopying and rappelling can be tried. And at the falls, long hiking trails, rafting

and a rather scary speedboat ride into the curtain of water are not to be missed. Keep your camera handy, because you never know when a rainbow will present itself. We landed in Iguazu on the day Argentina took on Mexico in the pre-quarterfinal match. And the guide who took us around the national park made it amply clear what a huge sacrifice he had made by choosing to be with a bunch of awestruck tourists, instead of watching his national team get to the semi-finals. I for one am glad, that I was nowhere in Argentina or near an Argentine during the quarterfinals.

Where to stay

Iguazu Grand Resort Spa & Casino The hotel is a mere 10 minutes from the Puerto Iguazu airport and 15 minutes from the National Park. It has a Casino, Cafe Magic – French-style the-

atre featuring evening shows, spa and play areas, that makes it ideal for a family vacation. Email: reservations@iguazugrand.com Panoramic Hotel www.panoramic-hoteliguazu.com

Career option Earning pocket money? Extra income? Maybe a career choice? Dog walking seems to be a popular vocation. Everywhere – no exaggeration – you turn, you will find backpack toting dog-walkers with fists tightly around at least half a dozen leashes. Buenos Aires breathes through its sprawling green expanses of parks, meant for both man and his best friend. It takes a little getting used to, all those well-disciplined fellas walking around, and not showing any inclination to nip at their walk buddies.

Getting There Qatar Airways flies daily to Buenos Aires via Sao Paulo. So if you have time on hand, covering both countries would be a good move. The airline hosted journalists from the region and the Far East to fly to the two destinations on its inaugural flight. With these two, Qatar Airways international network is up to 92 destinations across six continents.

Qatar Airways’ maiden flight to South America arrives to a traditional water salute in Brazil’s largest city Sao Paulo.

Madres de Plaza de Mayo The May Square, the main square downtown, is where much of that ‘trouble’ or political movement finds a voice. Since the revolution in May 1810, Plaza de Mayo continues to be the main site for political demonstrations and gatherings. To date, weekly, mothers and grandmothers of those who disappeared during the military dictatorship between 1976 and 1983 (the Dirty War) march in the square. While hopes of reuniting with their abducted children have all but vanished, they continue to march seeking recognition of the losses and demanding an apology. Many children born in prison were given away in adoption. Now, a campaign calls for those who doubt their parentage to submit to DNA testing, to be reunited with their biological families. The Madres movement stands for more than what it started out to be. It is one of the strongest human rights movements in the world.

A complete fest – food, shopping and entertainment While all that contributes to a thrilling historical tour of the city, the experience is incomplete without the Argentine staples – Food (steaks, empanadas and dolce de leche), tango, polo, ranches, matte (a local tea), football (including Maradona look-alikes and wannabes). The one place where you can savour most of those is at La Boca, where an afternoon must be dedicated to the colourful, festive cobblestoned streets that fan out in a triangular formation. Touristy souvenirs, bargains, tango on the pavements, thirst quenchers, crispy empanadas, street performers and artists all conspire in setting apart La Boca from what lies in the neighbourhood surrounding it. When a crabby cabbie off-loaded the bunch of us in an alley abutting La Boca (because we enquired about receipt for the fare), we saw firsthand what we’d rather have not. Eerily deserted streets, de-

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker with government and airport officials at an airlinehosted reception at Buenos Aires International Airport.

crepit buildings, and ‘get-out-of-here-quick’ vibe in the air. San Telmo, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, is a must visit as well. There, in quaint courtyards and boutiques can be found antique furniture and curios. In the squares, pretty and inexpensive jewellery handcrafted by the indigenous people can be had at a bargain. While you are on shopping, get your hands on some leather. Factory outlets are cheaper, but you need an insider to get you to a good one. It is slightly preposterous to attempt a travelogue after only a sniff of the goods, so treat it as a sampler 2010 September

Style

stop

Cu Co t M u s a t , n u g r o e ... .

From a budding designer in Beirut to a well-known name at the red carpets, Zuhair Murad has come a long way.

The Mango collection Speaking about his collection for Mango, in which the inspiration from the 70s is quite apparent. “The look is inspired by the 70s, but the design is created in a modern way with new fabrics, embellishment, details and accessories,” claims Zuhair who simply loves the silhouette of that period especially the fabrics like chiffon which exude sensuality.

shows for many years now, has been collaborating with Mango since 2005, designing the collection Mango by Zuhair Murad, which has had international success. Born in Beirut, Zuhair pursued studies in art and design after which he launched his own store where he presented to the masses his unique blend of Eastern and European cuts. His sense of style and calibre as a designer soon caught the attention of the media and the high-society of his hometown which led to his foray into the world of fashion.

ne look at his collection and you will be wondering how sensuality, glamour, elegance, and femininity could be embedded together to churn out an enviable set of apparels. This is no easy game, as it takes days of toil – drawing, sketching, fitting, and cutting fabrics along with a heavy dose of talent and imagination to set a mark as stunning as the Lebanese designer, Zuhair Murad. Woman Today caught up with the designer when the brand presented its new womenswear and menswear collections for Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul. The designer, who has been showing his collections during the Paris Haute Couture

September 2010

when did the association with Mango begin? It all started with a phone call, says the designer. “Mango called my office in Paris for a meeting and they asked me to design for them a limited and exclusive collection for one year and I accepted right away,” he says. Mango’s project was like a challenge for the designer which made him shift from his genre of couture, red carpet work to a more massappealing production. With this, Zuhair earned an opportunity to study the market and work with pret-a-porter evening as well as casual wear. Moreover, Zuhair became a long lasting name for the brand.

Influences from the region Despite coming from an Arab region, his designs have never been completely influenced by tradition, but are approved from women coming from his side of the world. “In the end these women are modern, educated, travel a lot, and are good clients even to European designers. It gives me pleasure to see them happy when wearing my clothes,” says Zuhair who understands the needs of Arab women, keeping in mind the tradition and culture aspect while designing.

The future and more.. Keeping Zuhair busy these days are his future projects. The designer is preparing for the next pret-a-porter summer 2011 in Paris. He also plans to open a store in Dubai at the Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue and a showroom in New York. While his boutiques have fared excellently in Paris and Beirut, the new ones at Dubai and New York too seem promising. While his collections are eyed and analysed by the media and the high-end audience at fashion shows, one might wonder what goes on in the Zuhair’s mind, when he sees his collection on the runway. “It’s a nice feeling. I feel proud. I am a critic myself, so I check if there is something else that I can do with them. It makes me happy.”

MANGO

AUTUMN/ WINTER

2010

COLLECTION Spain’s most international fashion brand – Mango presented its new womenswear and menswear collections for Autumn/Winter 2010 at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul. The collection is a refreshing take on British classic country style – trench coats, double-breasted jackets and well-tailored coats, without forgetting both basic and thicker chunky handmade knits. Drawn towards the 70s era, rich textures of tweeds, corduroy and furs, combined with flowing silks and gold highlights, create a contrast between masculine and feminine, giving a new meaning to wardrobe classics. Playing with proportions, this collection emphasises the waist, combines flowing blouses with structured outerwear, and brings longer skirts and wider trousers. A perfect combination between elegant and traditional camel, grey and navy blue forms the base for this seasonís colour palette, with hints of more countryinspired tones such as warm browns and winter reds. The menswear comprises the first line City Workers – wool fabrics, tweed on blazers with greys and blues creating a semi-uncoordinated look. While the second line Retro Mountain is a casual and relaxed look with classics like cheviots and checked flannel with shades of green, camel, pumpkin and mustard. A classic revival of the 70s with a subtle touch of nature 2010 September

Style

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“Splash” of Designs

utumn/winter 2010 sees Splash deliver a new design philosophy through five distinctive themes. The ‘Military/ Biker’collection looks back at traditional military garments from different eras such as aviator jackets and military inspired coats contrasted with layered lace skirts, georgette dresses contrasted with sturdy tweed blazers, and coats with fur detailing contrasted with biker jackets, give the line an edgy yet feminine look. The ‘Country Club Ski’ collection for women is drawn from the early 60s and 70s retro look with its mismatched-length skirts teamed with neat belted knits or aviator jackets and redefined highwaist trousers. The sheath dress, the trench, skinny fit-and-flare pea coats with shirt dresses, tailored shorts and bow-tied blouses are key highlights of this collection. The ‘Urban Gangster’ line for men draws inspiration from the classic gangster fashion. Clean slim shapes are mixed with torn and bruised detailing adding a military inspiration to the ensemble. Heavy sweaters and long trench coats with fastenings are the highlight pieces in this line. The ‘Nu Ski’ collection for men comprises heavy outerwear like knitted trench coats and sweaters with fleece and fur for an adventurous outing. Denim shirts, long-structured trench coats, khaki chinos and aviator bomber jackets are key pieces from the ‘Men at Arms’ line with badges and gold cast emblem buttons. Choose from any of these five distinctive themes to give your wardrobe a facelift!

Moulin Rouge Collection by Make Up For Ever

Back to School collection from

Babyshop

abyshop stores are all set to woo kids with their latest offering ‘Back to School’ collection comprising of all school essentials including funky lunch boxes, trendy school bags, attractive pencil cases and striking stationery with charming Disney characters. Additionally, Babyshop also introduces sports uniforms like track pants, hooded vests and shorts along with formals like white shirts and long pants in standard colours like white, navy blue and grey. Going back to school is now more fun!

nspired by the Moulin Rouge show, the new collection by Make Up For Ever screams ‘red!’ through its four new products. The Moulin Rouge Artist Lipstick is highly pigmented and has a rich and creamy texture. Its formula is long-lasting and remains comfortable on the lips, with a satin red shade. Glossy Full Moulin Rouge colours the lips in its red vibrant shade while nourishing the surface of the lips to create a plumping effect. Moulin Rouge False Eyelashes features a natural pattern adorned with a red-glittered eyeliner strip to emphasise and highlight the eyes, making them look naturally spectacular. Composed of pure Swarovski crystal beads, Moulin Rouge Strasses come in white, red and black, adding the final touches of a precious and irresistible look. Show off your glamorous side this season with the Moulin Rouge collection.

Scalp Treatments by

ĹOreal Professionnel

ĹOreal Professionnel now provides two in-salon scalp treatments – ‘Scalp Destress Treatment’ for sensitive scalps and ‘Scalp Detox Treatment’ for suffocated scalps. Both treatments reverse the negative effects of the Middle East region’s climatic conditions on the scalp, thus preventing it from becoming suffocated, itchy and sensitive. These treatments are administered by professional hair stylists in-salon who manage and maintain the condition of the scalp resulting in the decrease of scalp irritations and a balancing of scalp moisture for a healthier look and feel to the hair. Alternate between a scalp shampoo and cosmetic shampoo prescribed by L’Oreal Professionnel for a healthy scalp and beautiful hair.

Nuxe’s T

Tonific for a beautiful skin

he Tonific line of Nuxe presents a variety of care-products for women wishing to have a slim and firm body. Each care is enriched with Amazonian plants and traditional plants from Africa and the rest of the world, with amazing exfoliating, slimming and toning properties. Tonific is available as body scrub and exfoliating soap which leaves your skin velvety soft. The firming lotion keeps your body toned. The deodorant leaves your skin dry all day long without staining the clothes. Massaging your body with the oil produces a slimming effect while the cream gel leaves your skin moisturised and radiant as ever.

Heavenly scent of Tous

eaven just came closer with Tous in Heaven Her/Him perfume. The women’s scent is fruity with top notes of pineapple, apple and a citrus cocktail. The floral heart gives way to the woody base notes with a touch of patchouli exuding a mysterious fragrance. The men’s scent is an amalgamation of citrus fruits, pineapple and cardamom, and a bottom musky note of moss. A fusion for courage!

2010 September

around

town

CMUQ wraps up summer college preview programme

Closing ceremony of CMUQ's Summer College Preview Programme

orty students, 27 high school seniors and 13 juniors celebrated the last day of classes of the three-week Summer College Preview Programme (SCPP) at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ) with a festive closing ceremony. ”The SCPP gives students the opportunity to explore an academic area of interest, while learning how to prepare for the highly competitive college admissions process,” said Bruce Volstad, Manager of pre-college programmes at CMUQ. The SCPP is designed to introduce academically motivated students to the demanding curriculum of highly selective universities such as the ones in Education City. In the English courses, students learned writing process and public-speaking skills and in the math courses, students were given a diagnostic test to determine the appropriate level of calculus or algebra they would study during the summer. The SAT preparation course provided students with key content and strategies to be successful at taking standard tests. CMUQ staff and students served as peer tutors and counsellors, helping students with coursework, special projects and answering questions about life at Education City.

Starwood Hotels launches road campaign

Garangao fest at Dohaland

Garangao at Dohaland in 2009

'Road to Awareness' campaign – bike ride participants from 2009

tarwood Hotels & Resorts begins its third annual ’road to awareness’ campaign with UNICEF, the United Nations’ children’s agency, to raise money so that children in South Africa can realise their right to a basic, quality education, with a special emphasis on helping the most disadvantaged young people to stay in school. Guido de Wilde, Vice President and Regional Director, Starwood Middle East, will join a team of 24 cyclists and fundraisers for the arduous journey. During the trip, the avid cyclists will cover a total of 360km, racking up between 120km and 150km per day while spending an average of six hours in the saddle, and traversing some steep gradients over the course of the campaign. The funds raised from this year’s campaign will help UNICEF support 1,500 orphans and vulnerable children in five rural schools in South Africa, allowing them to complete their primary education. It will also help improve the quality of schooling by training 70 teachers in child-friendly education methods and fund the implementation of sports programmes in 18 schools to enhance children’s physical and psychological development.

September 2010

ohaland hosted a traditional Garangao festival for children and families, featuring a number of heritage games. The revival of games played by past generations is in line with the company’s commitment to maintaining community interaction and preservation of traditional Qatari heritage. Qatari traditional games include Al Qais, Ad Dawwama, Tilah and many others. The event was organised at the Heritage Village, and was accompanied by recitals of traditional songs and various activities. Participants witnessed a demonstration of the games and took place in competitions and won prizes. Garangao bags, prizes and gifts as well as traditional Qatari food were available. Speaking on the initiative, Dohaland Communications Manager Jawaher Al-Khuzaei said, ”Hosting Garangao for the second year running is a delight for Dohaland. Celebrating Garangao is the perfect opportunity to promote our heritage and pay tribute to the history of these traditional games and have fun.” The event is part of Dohaland’s corporate social responsibility programme which aims to enrich the lives of people and promote social activities and interaction among members of the community.

Doha students learn at WCMC-NY

Nora, Abdulaziz‎and a staff member at the WCMC-NY

ora, 17, and Abdulaziz, 16, both high school juniors from Doha, received an invaluable experience in the laboratory and lecture hall at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York (WCMCNY) for two weeks, after winning the Doctors of The Future Scholarship. Entrants in the scholarship programme wrote essays discussing the most pressing medical issues in

their home countries. Abdulaziz wrote about how a sudden influx of wealth in Qatar has created an environment where ‘western diseases’ such as obesity and hypertension are starting to flourish. Nora’s essay examined Doha’s transformation into one of the world’s busiest travel hubs and the potential for visitors to introduce new illnesses to the country. During their stay, Nora and Abdulaziz learned basic laboratory skills, including pipetting and antiseptic techniques. Once familiarised with the laboratory, they were able to participate in ongoing experiments, including culturing cells and photographing the various stages of the cells’ growth. Before wrapping up their stay, both made a presentation on cell differentials and various staining techniques. They also reported on their experiments with pulmonary diagnostics and lung function testing, as well as the screenings of several patients involved with clinical trials.

Modern Art exhibits at Christie's

IBQ begins 'Do Good Deeds' campaign

Al Yusr Tent of IBQ in partnership with W Hotel & Residences

n the occasion of Ramadan, International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) kick-started its annual ’Do Good Deeds in the Month of Charity’ campaign with several community-oriented initiatives. For the third consecutive year, Al Yusr Islamic banking service of IBQ commenced activities with the Al Yusr tent located on Mansoura Street in Doha. This year, the tent is in partnership with W Hotel & Residences and welcomes 150 Ramadan observers for daily Iftar banquets. A considerable number of volunteers representing IBQ, Al Yusr and W Hotel & Residences have signed up to assist with service. IBQ, Head of Islamic banking, Hassan Al-Mulla said, ”We, at IBQ and Al Yusr Islamic banking service, are conscious corporate citizens committed to furthering the welfare of our community. Our ’Do Good Deeds’ campaign has touched the hearts and lives of many and has encouraged us to invest the effort and the time necessary to broaden its outreach. The tent will be followed with various other community engagement activities, reiterating our promise to society at large.”

R Ayad, Musicians and dancers

hristie’s has announced its support for the Arab Capital of Culture 2010, an initiative undertaken by the Arab League and UNESCO to promote and celebrate Arab culture in the region. Christie’s international senior management team will host a public art exhibition at the Four Seasons Hotel over three days from October 3-5, 2010, showing highlights of modern Middle Eastern art from the collection of Dr Mohammed Said Farsi, the first Lord Mayor of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of Middle East’s great patrons of visual arts.

H Nada, Dancer and the pipe

”We are delighted to see the presence of Christie’s in Qatar, since their sales events are opportunities for learning, appreciation and acquisition. Their forthcoming exhibition in Doha is further evidence of Qatar’s emergence as a focus for the arts and culture in the Middle East,” said Roger Mandle, Executive Director of the Qatar Museums Authority.

A Mad Woman, 1958

2010 September

around

town

Royal iftar at La Cigale Hotel

s t n e T east f A traditional tent at The Ritz Carlton Hotel

September 2010

A tent at the Museum of Islamic Art

Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top hotels had offered the people a savoury array of fun and feast during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Culture met tradition while one indulged in the festivities that each of the tents had to offer

A suhoor tent at the Sharq Village & Spa

2010 September

around

town

InterContinental Doha

opens doors

on enhanced

wellness centre

Asela Jayaweera, Recreation Manager, Bay Club

nterContinental Doha has recently opened its new and improved Health and Fitness Centre at The Bay Club. The hotel’s wellness centre, the first fitness facility of its type in the Middle East, features 17 state-of-theheart cardio machines and 15 resistance training machines imported from Italy. The Bay Club’s Recreation Manager Asela Jayaweera regarded the makeover of the 10-year-old wellness facility as a milestone which highlights the hotel’s commitment to the well-being of its patrons. “We take pride of not only being the first in the region to have such an advanced fitness facility but to be

able to keep up with the growing popularity of ‘health consciousness’ among expatriates and locals. Our new facility enables us to closely monitor the fitness progress of our clients and their personal chart via an online system while they get to enjoy working out given the advanced functions of our machines,” Jayaweera said. The hi-tech fitness machines feature a built-in touchscreen which enables users to watch TV or listen to the radio while keeping track of their exercise progress. Soon, the facility will be hooked up to the internet which means the users can browse their emails and Facebook accounts while shedding

those extra pounds. Jayaweera added, “We want only the best for our clients so we keep up with the latest and the best in the health and fitness industry and we try to bring the technology here.” The Bay Club’s Health and Fitness Centre is open 24 hours a day and has dedicated fitness instructors. It also features a sauna, steam room, plunge pool and other amenities. Aside from the use of the fitness equipment, members are also entitled access to the other facilities of the club such as its pool and beach area. Ladies’ Day is every Wednesday when reduced rates are in operation

Fitness Classes at The Bay Club for September (after Eid) and October: Body Groove

Abs Workout

Circuit Training

Kickfit

Step AO2

Spinning

Sundays at 9am (QR30 members, QR40 non-members)

Mondays at 7:15pm and Fridays 11:15am (Free for members, QR30 non-members)

Thursdays at 7pm (QR30 members, QR40 non-members)

Sundays at 5pm and Thursdays at 9pm (QR30 members, QR40 non-members)

Mondays and Wednesdays at 9am (QR30 members, QR40 non-members)

Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:15pm, Fridays at 12 noon and Saturdays at 9am (QR25 members, QR35 non-members)

September 2010

net

Pick up your running shoes

or those who fret and whine over their increasing calories, running is a good option to burn those extra kilos. The benefits of running are a known fact. It keeps you fit, reduces stress, increases circulation and keeps you active. Despite being aware of it all, we reluctantly get up from the couch and drag ourselves out of the house for a quick run, jog or even a walk! Maybe you be slightly more motivated if you knew there are a whole bunch of runners out there, who enjoy running. If this is the case, www.mapmyrun.com

talk

www.MapMyRun.com is a site to check out. This site is for runners and joggers who want to stay fit and active and also make new friends who inspire you to run. Once you have registered on to the site, you can track your run using GoogleMaps. You have to just type in your current location and a map of the area will open up. As you draw your route, it tracks your mileage, shows you the route elevation change, and allows you to enter locations for water stations, first aid stations, and other points of interest along the route. Once the route is complete, it can be saved and either made public, allowing everyone to search, find, and use your route, or kept private, just for you. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to start a new run, you could view running tracks posted by other members. An activity log table will keep track of how many calories youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve burned and the amount of miles you have travelled. There is also a training calendar, which keeps an account of your running schedule and weight changes. When it comes to networking, you have that option too. You can search for members residing in the same locality as yours. You could team up and go for a group run, just to make running much more enjoyable. Moreover, members can comment on a particular running track, share their experience and suggest newer tracks. There are forums and discussion boards on topics pertaining to fitness. So you can either read through or contribute with a few anecdotes. The only drawback regarding the site is that its iPhone application could get slow while uploading your details, leading to a miscalculated time. But, with a free membership and new and challenging routes, this site is worth a try for those of you who enjoy staying fit 2010 September

Slug

name

MOVIES you can’t miss

Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D

You Again

o matter how old you are, you never get over high school. Successful Public Relations pro Marni (Kristen Bell) heads home for her older brother’s (Jimmy Wolk) wedding and discovers that he’s marrying her high school arch nemesis (Odette Yustman), who’s conveniently forgotten all the rotten things she did so many years ago. Then Marni’s not-so-jet-setting mom (Jamie Lee Curtis) comes face to face with her own high school rival (Sigourney Weaver), who happens to be the bride’s aunt. The claws come out and old wounds are opened in this crazy comedy about what happens when you’re reunited with the one person you’d like to forget.

Genre: Action/Adventure/3D

n a world ravaged by a virus infection, turning its victims into the undead, Alice (Milla Jovovich), continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. Her deadly battle with the Umbrella Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some unexpected help from an old friend. A new lead that promises a safe haven from the undead leads them to Los Angeles, but when they arrive, the city is overrun by thousands of undead and Alice and her comrades are about to step into a deadly trap. Now in 3D, the movie will surely keep you engrossed!

September 2010

Genre: Comedy

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

Genre: Family/Fantasy/3D

cclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder makes his animation debut with the fantasy family adventure Legends of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, based on the beloved books by Kathryn Lasky. The film follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, a mythic band of winged warriors who had fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil Pure Ones. While Soren dreams of someday joining his heroes, his older brother, Kludd, scoffs at the notion, and yearns to hunt, fly and steal his father’s favour from his younger sibling. But Kludd’s jealousy has terrible consequences – causing both owlets to fall from their treetop home and right into the clutches of the Pure Ones. Now it is up to Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave young owls. Together they soar across the sea and through the mist to find the Great Tree, home of the legendary Guardians of Ga’Hoole – Soren’s only hope of defeating the Pure Ones and saving the owl kingdoms.

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BOOKS you must read

The Time Traveller’s Wife By Audrey Niffenegger

he book is a unconventional story of a man named Henry De Tamble with a rare genetic disorder known as Chronic Displacement Disorder that causes him to involuntarily travel in time, drop in and out of various moments in his life – sometimes back to the past, sometimes forward to the future. His wife Claire has to suffer the sadness of his absences as well as the danger in many of his journeys. This is the author, Audrey Niffenegger’s debut novel that became a national bestseller in 2003. The passion between the lovers, the timelessness of their love, the intensity of a love story that has endured centuries (so it seems) becomes the focus of the book. And the author conveys all these different layers of love between the two, the innocence of the young Claire, the audacity of the teenager and in the end the concern of the wife and the timelessness of their love, beautifully. This clever and inventive tale works on three levels: as an intriguing science fiction concept, a realistic character study and a touching love story. The book alternates between Henry and Claire’s points of view, and so does the narration. The author portrays the emotions of Claire, the longing of the one always left behind, the frustrations of their unusual lifestyle, and above all, her overriding love for Henry, very well.

The Atonement By Ian Mcewan

he whole book revolves around one small incident, one that rewrites the course of life for two innocent people. Atonement is set in 1935, when 13-year-old Briony Tallis, a girl on the cusp of womanhood, becomes the reason an innocent man, (Robbie, her older sister’s beau) is convicted of a crime that occurred on her family’s estate. Years later during World War II, Briony is trying to atone for her guilt by working as a nurse tending to the mountainous piles of wounded that are arriving from Dunkirk, where Robbie himself is fighting. This is the faint outline of a novel about childhood, love, and war by acclaimed British novelist Ian McEwan that has garnered high praise from all quarters. The author takes us through the various stages in Briony’s life but sadly there is no atonement for her, which makes the whole book a rather tragic one.

Bel Canto

By Ann Patchett

he book starts with a kiss and goes on to more serious matters. It talks about an incident, somewhere in South America, at the home of the country’s vice president, where a lavish birthday party is being held in honour of Hosokawa, a powerful Japanese businessman. Roxanne Coss, opera’s most revered soprano, has mesmerised the international guests with her singing. It is a perfect evening – until a band of gun-wielding terrorists breaks in through the air-conditioning vents and takes the entire party hostage. But what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds and people from different countries and continents become compatriots. Friendship, compassion, and the chance for great love lead the characters to forget the real danger that has been set in motion and cannot be stopped. A beautiful book with an excellent character sketch of all those who attended the party.

2010 September

Amal

What Stifles with

Qatari Women–2

In the second of a three part series, Dr Amal Al-Malki ponders the question that seems to have

no straight answers.

September 2010

he national vision of Qatar 2030 lists “Modernisation and preservation of traditions” as the first challenge that the nation faces and needs to achieve to fulfil its aim of becoming “an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for its entire people.” The challenge of balancing between traditions and modernity is certainly not an easy one and has been the subject of many debates and the topic of numerous books since the 1960s following the independence of most Arab countries. In the new cultural order in Qatar, the blending between modernity and traditions isn’t, as it is usually is, straightforward. Modernity has new rules; however some

aspects in the traditional culture are so immune to change. Some of these traditional aspects can be the very ones that still stifle women and obstruct them from achieving leadership positions. While the government is opening up leading positions for both genders, women from the outset looks like they are shying away from assuming such positions. Why? There exists a gendered perception of leadership that is so entrenched in the traditional culture and still lingers until today. This perception stems from a belief that women are not fit to lead men and consequently the community because of their inherited inferiority to men. Women’s inferiority starts with the creation of all mankind. Eve is believed to be a secondary creation, thus ‘inferior and subordinate to Adam; and Eve was created simply and solely to be the helpmate to Adam’.

(Hassan, Riffat, Made from Adam’s Rib – The Issue of Woman’s Creation). While the whole myth that Eve was created from Adam’s rib is so entrenched in the Islamic tradition, it was never mentioned in the Quran but instead in the Bible. This belief, although without religious foundation, has been the base upon which some Quranic verses and prophet’s sayings were interpreted. Following the prophet’s life, which was one of the most enlightening and liberating eras for women, women status had started deteriorating. Women have been forbidden to assume leadership positions and were especially forbidden to become religious leaders or judges – alienating them from the powerful arenas of politics, religion, and the legal system. This recently has changed. Locally, this year has witnessed the appointment of the first woman judge in Qatar. Internationally, Amina Wadud, an American-born convert and Muslim feminist, has led a mixed prayer in 2008. In a culture that has inherited the belief that leadership positions are off-limit to women, the issue becomes much more complicated especially today when both genders are requested to work side by side to help in modernising the country. Women have been obtaining high degrees in all areas and are now as qualified or even more than men. Still, women in Qatar are distant from decision making positions and are limited to specific areas like education and family affairs, while women in politics have almost no weight to talk about. In 1998, women were given the right to vote and run in the municipal election. Although women got excited which was reflected in their strong participation in the elections of March 1999, only six women ran and none

Main obstacles to women reaching leading positions: customs and traditions – 23.7% husband’s disapproval – 22.9% mixing with males – 15. 8% long hours spent outside the house – 15.7% institutions’ lack of interest and trust in hiring women for leading positions – 13.5%. AND 68.3% of the sample preferred their direct boss to be a man rather than a woman. 54.1% affirms that the main challenge that faces a woman when she reaches a leading position is acceptance. (Al-Ghanim, Kaltham, Obstacles against Qatari Women Achieving Leading Positions, survey, 2007)

were able to get enough votes to be elected. The failure of first time runners seems to be a common theme across the Gulf area. Women failed in the elections of 2006 and 2008 in Kuwait and in 2007 in Oman. What has failed women was not only their inexperience in running their own campaigns, but the culture that stifled them from reaching out to the public, both men and women. The cultural restrictions that affect women’s mobility and interaction with other members of the community

The writer is an Assistant Teaching Professor of English in Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. Her research interests include the negotiation of identity between the Muslim world and the west, media representations of Arab women and postcolonial literature. She has published articles in numerous

have undermined their credibility and thus people’s trust in them. The traditional culture that is prejudiced against women has won back then, but things took a positive turn in 2003 when one female candidate won the second election of the municipal council. She remains the only women in the council until this day. A survey commissioned by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and based on a sample of 1015 people, of which 459 were men and 556 women, states reasons such as customs and traditions, husband’s dissapproval, mixing with men, etc. to be the main obstacles to women reaching leading positions. Other challenges are women being uncomfortable working with men, worrying about rumours affecting their reputation because of their mixing with men and being visible in the media, and the fear of being stalked. No one can deny that despite such gendered perception and prejudice, strong female role models have emerged assuming leading positions, still in limited realms. Women leadership creates a point of reference in the modern history of Qatari women and present excellent examples for the younger generation. However, their efforts can be undermined by being marked as elitists – which can widen the gap between the ordinary Qatari woman and such successful examples making the development and empowerment of women look cosmetic and limited to a certain class or sector. No one yet denies that Qatari women in leadership positions, although limited in number, are helping in breaking stereotypes about Qataris in general. Such women are the perfect images exemplifying the balance between tradition and modernity

journals in the US and UK. Her upcoming book will be published in 2010 and is on women representations in translated Arab news. She is also a member of the Qatar National Competiveness Council. You can also read her views at www.amalalmalki.com

2010 September

speciality health services

self care and well-being

dining Al BORG MEDICAL LAB

44472224

Aljawhara Chemist

44429924 44666009

Alexandre Zouari salon

44535353

Al Emadi Hospital

Al-Qatar Massage

55968467

Al Raed Dental Center

44509673

Be Bloom

44554422

Annab Lab & Radiology

44373880/1

Bellissima

44438843

Bader Chemist

44411888

Body Glaze

44659092

City Center Chemist

Bottega Verde City Center Cloud 9

44834535 44933057

Foot Care Centre The Center

44620012

44854444

Doha Specialized Dental Center

44568585

Almaharah (Arabic)

44415959

Dr Fahad Abdullah Center

44688228

Applebees (American)

Franck Provost Salon

44948801

44582020

Gloria Hotel Doha

44236666

Dr Mohammed Ameen Febeit

44685444

44323900 44507897

Dr Mohammed Ameen Zebeib (Consultant Physician)

Hongkong Body Care Center

44665816

Jean Louis David

44327990

La Reine Skincare Center

Dr Tamim Malas (General Dentistry)

44669988

Dr Tarek S Abdl El Azim (Oral Medicine)

44671118

Family Medical Clinics

44514557 44874771

44685444 44502929/44504848

Marinaa Beauty Saloon

44582319

First Dental Center

Moulay Yaaqoup Beauty Center

Future Dental Center

44580800

44553465

GoodLife Chemist - Alsadd

44447943

Salon at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel 44848000

GoodLife Chemist - City Center 44839100 GoodLife Chemist The Pearl 4495 3876 ext. 1171

Saloon Osraa

55708742

Gulf Dental Center

44670701 / 44670702

Sehati Beauty Mall

44683831

Gulf Dental Centre

44670701/44670702

44697840/44580193

shopping and malls Centre Point Mall

44421766

City Center-Doha

44933355

HYATT PLAZA

44694848

Landmark Mall

44875222

ROYAL PLAZA

44130000

The Centre

44440202

The Mall

44678888

Villaggio

44135222

44854444

Doha Chiropractic Centre

Dr Mariam S Al Mahmied (Diagnostic Ultrasound)

Slim Line

44256666

Atrium Lounge

44447417

44930394

Sightly Beauty Salon 44567144

Al Jalsa Café

44311818

Al Shaheen (Sheraton)

Dr Jean-Claude Saade (Dental Surgeon)

Salon at Intercontinental Hotel 44844444

33315999

Al Bandar (Seafood)

44839200

44366275

Layal Beauty Saloon 55521356

Aalishan (Indian) Al Majiles Al-Arabi Restaurant (Arabic)

Dr Hassan Al Abdulla Specialised Dental Clinic

Foot Care Centre city Center

lounge & cafes

International Specialized Dental Center

44507897

Mr Mohad A Elwadia Dental Clinic

44661947

Najat Dental Clinic

44474656

Obstetrics&Gynecology Clinic

44423923

Pediatric Dental Cllinic

44366311

Tamima Medical Complex

44875515

44360747/ 44934880

Asia Live (Marriott)

44298499

Biella (Italian)

44677731/44933838

Café Batteel (Salwa Road) 44441414 Café Joud

44429944

Cigar Lounge

44288888

Cigar Lounge (Sharq Village)

44256222

Cioconat Lounge (The Mall)

44666167

Habanos (The Ritz Carlton) 44848503

Bismillah Royal Tandoor (Indian)

44323255

Inch Café (City Center)

Bukhara (Indian)

44833345

Madison Piano Bar (Live international music) 44288888

Chilli’s (American)

44445335/ 44660663

44633054

44417417

Manhattan (Ramada)

44281428

44343333

Orangery Café’ Trottoir

44288888

44417417

Piano Piano (Movenpick)

44291111

Qube (Ramada)

44281428

Le Cigalon (international buffet) 44288888

Sky View (La Cigale)

44288888

Le Central (Mediterranean cuisine) 44288888

The Admiral’s Club (The Ritz Carlton)

44848000

The Coffee Beanery (Ramada Junction)

44657800

Chingari (INDIAN) Chopsticks (CHINESE) Green’s (Vegetarian) Khazana (Indian)

44341700/ 44341200

Le Gourmet (Meditteranean/Arabic)

44371743

Le Pain Quotidien

44135245

Lo Spaghetto (Italian)

44341601

The Coffee Cottage (Near Chili’s Ramada Junction) 44839042

Nandos (MEXICAN)

44442345

The Irish Harp (Sheraton) 44854444

Patchi (Chocolates)

44864101

The Waterhole (Sheraton) 44854444

Shanghai Garden (CHINESE)

44933188

Tajine (Moroccon)

44444171

Wok Mee (Movenpick Tower)

Tanjore (Indian)

44320333

The Great Wall (Chinese)

44312812

The One (Continental)

44888669

Yen Sushi Bar (Japanese)

44288888

expat groups

44966444

pet care Pampered Pets Kennel & Cattery

55884132

Qatar Animal Welfare

security

American Women’s Association British Council & Information Centre

Total Security Solutions

September 2010

44441941

44128177 44251888

Chelsea Football Club Supporters 66696524

Society

55396074

Qatar Pet Relocaters

55286335

Qatar Pet Travel

44808458

Qatar Veterinary Centre

44877144

The Veterinary Surgery

44367187

health and fitness

Al Dana Club

hospitals

44960666

Al Khor Riding Center

play schools and nurseries

communities and entertainment groups

44323245/66610527

AL Massa Active (ladies)

44444161

Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence

44136208

Badminton

44417417

Contours Express (ladies only)

44980099

Curves

44699955

Al Ahli Hospital

44898888

Cycling

44475522

Al Amal Hospital

44397830

The English Kindergarten

44680641

Diplomatic Club

44839000

Al Emadi Hospital

44666009

Apple Tree Nursery

44812147

Busy Bees Nursery

44472319

Creative Child

44795916

Doha Hockey Club

44428198

Doha Netball

55855703

Al Saad Paediatric Emergency Centre

44392948

Doha Rugby Union

44683771

American Hospital

44421999

Doha Sailing Club

44439840

Gold’s Gym

44666622

Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sport Hospital

44132000

Gymnastics Federation

44655667

Hamad General Hospital

44394444

Qatar Medical Centre

44440606

Rumaillah Hospital Womens Hospital

Intercontinental Doha’s Bay Club 44844852 Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex

44409666 66806768

Qatar Golf Academy

44960755

Qatar Minor Ice Hockey Association

55063526/ 55034649

Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Riding Club

44807413

Regatta Sailing Academy

55507846

German Ladies Coffee Morning

55236579

Sports for Women

44931024

SqubaDiving

55836240

phones and support 44910666

Nokia repair services

44910666

French Nursery

44980639

44393333

Indian Women’s Association

44425937

Little Angels

44602713

44396666

Qatar Toastmasters

55547248

Little Cherubs Nursery

44113803

Redotters@Qatar

55209294

Mulbery Bush Nursery

44502545

Rising Stars Kindergarten

44673069

Silver Dhow Association

44352598/55870133

Turkish Women’s Association

spas and wellness

55468309

Life Time Nursery

44110953 44551010/ 44551212

Starfish Lane Kids 44875939/ 44110355 Sunbeam Kindergarten

44440108

Tots Corner Nursery

44688008

local tour operators

home decor Four Seasons Spa

Elder Tree 44551020/ 44984984/ 44888493

IAID Instrumental and vocal classes 44320974

44948888

Intercontinental Doha Spa 44844444 Marriott Spa

44298520

Millenium Hotel Doha Spa

44247777

La Cigale’s Ozone Spa & Gym 44288888

Nokia phones and accessories

55336851

Harley Davidson motorcycle group 55323680

Royal Yatching Association 6 6749254/55279198 Sandsport-Blo-karting

55574671/ 55315745

Fun First Nursery

Korea Taekwondo Center 44659066/55563305 Pepka Yoga

Doha Singers

Ramada Plaza

44281621

Ritz Carlton Spa Six Senses Spa

Arteligno Interior Designers 44361580 Home Centre

44839400

ID design

44678777

44848503

Indoors Decorators (almuftah)

44699920

44256999

Pioneer Interiors

44342150

Salam Industries Wll

44600692

The One

44888669

Spa Chakra (Alfardan Towers)

44999250

Habib’s Hair & Beauty Lounge

44130672

Al Mazaya Tourism

44318440

Arabian Adventures

44361461

Black Pearl Toursism

44357333

Gulf Adventures Toursim

44221888

Qatar International Adventures

44553954

Qatar International Tours 44551141

To list your services in the Woman Today Directory, please mail wtoday@omsqatar.com

2010 September

thinking

aloud

My eyes go on my BlackBerry, on the table. Its black, how boring! Couldn’t they have come up with a PinkBerry?

thoughts of a

I glance at my open wardrobe! Oh! Clothes and clothes...Only if ‘SALE’ was an all year round event, wouldn’t life be much better?

My jewellery box is open with my gold ring flashing. Pity...No diamonds though. If all diamonds are Stones; couldn’t every stone be a diamond?

I hear my dad asking if dinner is ready. He is the man, the breadwinner of the family. When will men become the ‘bread makers’ too?

September 2010

As I lie on my bed, staring aimlessly all over my room, my mind cannot help but get infiltrated with thoughts, thoughts as random as could be...

I suddenly spot a magazine with a famous man on its cover. They say behind every successful man is a woman. Alas, every successful woman doesn’t need a man!

By cassey oliveira

I hear the sound of a car coming to a screeching halt. I see a man at the driver’s seat and still men think women can’t drive. I would like to meet a man who never had an accident.

As I move out of bed, I feel happy that today men and women are considered ‘equals’ But then, why do I hear “Ladies First”? I guess a little chivalry doesn’t hurt...

I am hungry now and my hunger pangs are quite audible. They say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Then, I suppose, ladies were born without stomachs!

2010 September

September 2010