Qatar Happening - April 2013 by Qatar Happening

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Table of Contents

pg 36

OUT CHECK ning.com

e arhapp mation! t a q . w or ww test inf a l e h t for

The Evolution Of Tea Culture

APRIL

MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE Editor-in-Chief’s Letter

QH’s Editor-in-Chief tells you what’s happening this month

QH Speaks

Top Picks

Latin Fire!

The Evolution Of Tea Culture

Paloma has a new band that will rock your weekend socks off.

The new music masters hit the scene

Events Calendar

Pullout calendar with the city’s do-not-miss monthly events

110

It Happened

QH’s photo gallery of the latest happening events in Doha

Top Picks

Sputnik Lands In Qatar

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The best of our monthly social media

Feelin’ Hot Hot Hot

Low Frequency brings Hot In 82 to keep you dancing

Akon Live In Concert

Entertainment Listings

Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

TURE ARTS & CUL

We get to the bottom of what’s in the cup

Katara’s Spring Outdoor Art Fair

Art in the fresh air, plus more events, exhibits and entertainment for the month

Arts and Culture Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

The Grammy-nominated rapper hits the beach at the InterContinental Doha

Find out everything that’s going on this month

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email info@qatarhappening.com

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Table of Contents

pg 22

COMMUNITY 43

Top Picks

Loving It Local

Akon Live In Concert At The InterContinental Doha

Supporting Qatar’s micro-economy at Souq Waqif

The Measure Of Success

The new book, Qatar Success Stories shines the spotlight on the nation’s business leaders

Community Listings

Kids Club Top Picks

OM Baby

Find out everything that’s going on this month

With yoga, the younger you start, the better

Kids Club Listings

Fun ideas to do with the kids

ING FOOD & DIN

SPORTS

IONS QH SENSAT 93

QH Recommends

Princess For A Day

Reasons To Fly

Top Picks

Heavenly Chac’late

Start Your Engines

We’ve got a sweet tooth for breakfast

A Taste Of Le Grill

There’s more than just steak cooking at the Diplomatic Club

Flavours Of The Sea 88 Enjoy a buy one get one

free dinner voucher at the Mövenpick Hotel Doha

Food and Dining Listings

The 2013 Commercialbank Grand Prix hits the track

Doha 2013

The top names in track and field descend on Qatar

Make A Splash Stay afloat with the H2O Swim Club

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Email: editor@qatarhappening.com

info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:

Get pampered at the new Desert Princess salon

Our pick of top destinations

Welcome To The Shire

We take you behind the scenes of The Hobbit movie set

104

Virgin Recommends

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Spotlight On Movies

Have Your Say: e. Feedback and comments are always welcom Please forward letters to the editor:

Our fave little luxuries of the month

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Our top five must-see films of the month

108 The Dish On Qatar +974 4427 8416 +974 5584 4905 +974 4427 8415

Postal Address: P.O. Box 7848 , Doha, Qatar

We show you where to go to get fit and stay active in Doha

Enjoy...

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k Of The From The Des f Editor-In-Chie

er? On the Cov Cover - FINAL.pdf QH April 2013

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We celebrate everything il! local for the month of Apr Cyclists burn rubber down the track at Losail during the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar.

Dear friends,

CMY

Photo courtesy of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation

ed roster We welcome April with a jam-pack QH is and t men rtain of events and ente insider on top of them all, bringing you on details and need-to-know informati filled funa th mon your e to mak one. Highlighted on our cover we welcome the Commercial Bank of Qatar Grand Prix back to Losail International Circuit. le World-renowned stars of motorcyc us racing congregate at this prestigio international event held annually our every April here in our capital. In up, the Sports section we have the lineon, match schedule and ticket informati red cove are s base your all sure ing mak -speed for maximum enjoyment of this high tournament. Community section proud to feature an article in our As we speak of prestige, we are d by Medeis Al Khaleej, ishe Publ ies. Stor s ces Suc r this month on the launch of Qata most respected featuring profiles of the country’s the book is a consummate resource rman, Chai own very p’s Grou including AHB companies and business-people, launch and had a chance to book lar tacu spec the nded atte Ahmed Hassan Bilal. QH you will find it as entier about the project – we hope interview publisher Caroline Carp interesting a concept as we do. some wonderful l is ‘Going Local’ and we have In other news, our theme for Apri ing the importance of light high ions sect ity mun and Com features in our Arts and Culture der down the back Wan . omy econ l loca supporting the maintaining local traditions and significance of tea in ral cultu and about the historical alleys of Souq Waqif or learn more the region. and recommendations you some great reviews, recipes And, in Food and Dining, we bring of the new Chowking ch laun we are proud to feature the to suit every taste. In particular, rs on ome cust ry hung to s door its ed h open become an outlet in the Mamoura area, whic has e nam king Chow the p, AHB Grou Monday, April 1. A subsidiary of ious menu and affordable prices. institution here in Doha with a delic th. It’s been our ything we have to offer this mon We hope you take a bite out of ever e. issu ling) full (and fulfil pleasure to work towards another your lives. Thank you for making us a part of

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com. Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Lead Designer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca New Media Manager: Susanna Wolfe Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Intern: Tasbih Amin Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Badir Bechara, Jacqueline Bodnar, Andrea Ceccarelli,

Chiara Ceccarelli, Adrian Haddad, Jaimee Haddad, John Hunt, Soné Moriarty, Charlie Sands, Victoria Scott, Gerald Tan, Ujwala Thirumurthy

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 11 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group.

Community

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief Bilal Ahmed Hassan Caroline Carpentier

The information contained in QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. Readers are advised to confirm details with the event organizers.

Caroline Laurence Udo and L-R: Nathalie Parra, hard copies in their hands the first Carpentier hold

Of Success The Measure AHB Chairman

poses with publisher

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

That’s exactly what publisher it take to climb the ladder of success? with her new book. Qatar is booming, but what does was determined to find out and businesswoman Caroline Carpentier Stories. QH turns the page with Qatar Success with the people in

Qatar Success Stories makes its debut! See page 46

full of atar may be small in size but it’s dream entrepreneurs and visionaries who big. Many of those movers and shakers month for the gathered at the Hilton Doha last a first-of-itslaunch of Qatar Success Stories, and connecting kind resource aimed at informing new business ventures with locally-established also a one-stop companies and organizations. It’s nation’s the of some reference tool, highlighting bright minds most prominent and recognizable in business. of Medeis Publisher Caroline Carpentier, for the Al Khaleej tells QH how the concept came to book evolved. “Qatar Success Stories of observing our mind following several years says. “I did a visiting foreign delegations,” she of France as two-year mission at the Embassy Affairs Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural welcome and as with other embassies [we] and many delegations from the business world.” institutional because “People are attracted by Qatar foreign of the country’s wealth, but often information businesses don’t have accurate does what and on who is who, what company

be created,” how bridges of cooperation could not only she continues. “With such a book, and Qatari companies but also institutions coffee embassies can have a sophisticated informative tool table-style book to offer, [as] an corporations that presents some of the major in Qatar.” In its pages are a mixture of demographics;as long-established, and new young and old, in Qatar some of the most historical names history is stand side by side with those whose iconic captains currently being made. Featuring to the of industry, the book is a testament in Qatar. longevity of family enterprise here of AHB Among its many highlights is a profile Bilal Group Chairman Mr. Ahmed Hassan company, owner of Qatar Happening’s parent one of the The Art of Business, and head of empires in the most well-established family-run nation. great For Caroline, the project also had very valuable meaning on a personal level. “It’s minds,” she to meet brilliant and innovative all the met have to says. “I feel very honoured the book or personalities who are featured in

if not met, to have worked directors, charge: communication or marketing secretaries, etc. It is a human adventure: and what you learn a lot about business meet very is happening in Qatar and you interesting people at all levels.”

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.

and her Next in the pipeline for Caroline is a new literary business partner Nathalie Parra, currently in project, Talented Women Qatar, Qatari women the works which will feature 30 Qatar Success who are pioneers in their fields. embassies Stories will be offered to foreign of commerce abroad, business clubs, chambers Success Stories and universities in Qatar. “Qatar it can also be a hope we is a business tool, but adds Caroline. n source of inspiration for youth,”

copy, email For more information, or to buy a qatarsuccessstories@medeisalkhaleej.com or visit www.medeisalkhaleej.com.

2013 3/17/13 5:21 PM

Qatar Happening PQ 200x265

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QH Speaks the best from our social We ask, you answer.The best of r Editor’s Corner. Here’s ou s plu , nth mo s thi ks pic top media what you’re saying!

Our readers love the vegetable wholesale market

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

In Your Face Exploring Qatar’s micro-economy at Souq Waqif

Editor’s Corner I love to shop locally. Back in my native Canada there was no shortage of farmers’ markets, regional merchants’ co-ops and locally-sourced and produced goods from every spectrum imaginable. In fact, it was a whole movement – to eat locally, shop locally and support the local economy. It was fresh, rewarding and sustainable. So, it was with that in mind that I broached the subject of ‘Going Local’ as the theme for this, our April issue. The concept of what might be considered ‘local’ here in Qatar takes on a broader meaning as the country booms with multi-national brand names and a hugely diverse population base. So where does the micro-economy fit in and what does it have to offer? Why choose the wholesale market over the brand-name chain grocery store? Why opt to stroll the stalls of the Souq instead of the brightly-lit malls that dot the city? This month we show you why, in two of our main features. First up in Arts and Culture, we examine the local tea culture in Qatar that is endemic in the region, persisting across centuries and cultures. We look at its significance and its variation and most importantly, where you can find the best local cup of your own. Next up in our Community section, we put names to faces in Souq Waqif as we explore the local shops – many unknown – and the merchants who run them. We hear their stories, learn their trade and hopefully, develop a new appreciation for what’s on offer that’s uniquely local while discovering more about their regional roots. We hope you’ll find some new experiences in our pages and share them with others. After all, we’re all in this together. See you next month,

We also asked you, our Facebo ok followers, to tell us how you support the local eco nomy. Here are some of your favourite home-grown spo ts! “Souq Haraj!There are lots of good deals there, especially for furniture. You can get a smart dining table for less than QR 500. Their prices were amazingly low and you can negotiate with them. It will help you save more money if you have a means of transportation for any furniture you buy, as the delivery trucks there are expensive to rent.” – Chet Chet “The fruit and vegetable souq. They have the best fresh greens in the country and best prices, plus all the products are fresh as they arrive via truckload directly. There’s the greens guy, when you go in from the parking lot, it’s the first stall on the right as you walk in, for example; he has huge bundles of fresh basil that I use to make caprese salad for like, QR 4. Cannot beat that. It was also the place where I found the most amazing pumpkin around Hallowe’en, for a good price vs. the big stores, and it was an heirloom strand. Frosty orange on the outside, bright hearty orange on the inside, and delicious.” - Nina Ridge

See us online! Ashlee Starratt Editor

www.qatarhappening.com

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QH Out & About In honour of International Women’s Day, we attended the How Women Work conference that ran from March 6-7 at the Renaissance Doha City Center. Here are some highlights!

Tweets Of The Month @SherryRajan The Doha sky is so bright at 8:30 pm, that it seems like 6:00 am in the morning ... How is this?

Smiling volunteers hand out participants’ passes for the

@treaclebell

day’s workshops

Venus Williams has pulled out of the Tennis Open starting tomorrow because of injury. Just when I got my tickets!

@John_S_Ezzo View of West Bay tonight with the reflection on the water smooth as glass. Looks better than pictures.

@Javaadpp People are enjoying Spring Festival at Souq Waqif, I can see a huge gallery there.

r How Women Work founder Carolin Zeitle welcomes attendees

@rebeccajgrace Amazing meal at @wokmee @movenpick hotel. Defo recommend this place. Great service and brilliant food. Leadership and mentorship are driving forces at HWW 2013

Believe it or not, men also play an important role in the How Women Work conference

@FitDoha Great game but how terrible was the organization. The lines were huge and made people miss the kickoff. Very disappointing.

to speak at the podium

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Entertainment

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

The St. Regis Doha Jazz At Lincoln Center Mon 1 – Sat 13: Amina Figarova. Mon 15 – Sat 27: Willie Jones III. 9:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Minimum spend QR 250. For more information call 4446-0105.

Infinity Productions & Media Plus Seasons Of Love & Seasons Of Rock Thurs 4 & Fri 5: Radisson Blu Hotel Doha and Regency Red Hall. The Seasons of Love musical concert featuring Filipino superstars Nyoy Volante, Juris Fernandez and Princess Velasco will bring their hit R&B acoustic sensations to the Regency Red Hall on April 5, while Seasons of Rock will kick off at Qube in the Radisson Blue Hotel Doha on April 4. Supported by title sponsors AHB Group and Chowking, both shows are not to be missed. First show runs from 3:00 pm. till 6:00 p.m., second show runs from 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For ticket info call 3395-3228 or 3398-9819. Platinum tickets are QR 300, Gold QR 200, Silver QR 175 and Regular QR 100.

InterContinental Doha

Doha Marriott Hotel The Perfect Fiesta Tuesdays: Salsa. Live music by the Mariachi Juan Trio. Get a discount of up to 50% with every order on cocktails. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Appetizer buffet runs from 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m., QR 40 per person. For more information call 4429-8499.

Sports Event On The Beach r Fri 5: The beach. Register you team now. Outdoor sports e activities, food and beverag nment. rtai ente live DJ and ions stat e mor For . p.m 9:00 till . 2:00 p.m information call 4484- 4851.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

The Diplomatic Club Doha Jazz Band Thursdays & Fridays: Le Grill. Introducing the stunning voice of Danielle Pascoe who has toured internationally for many years with professional bands accompanied by Oleg Polyanski one of the Gulf’s leading piano players. 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470.

for

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Entertainment

will have you Paloma’s new band One Republic groovin’ to the salsa rhythm!

Latin Fire! By Jorge Granda Photography by Badir Bechara

Paloma opened its doors to Doha in 2000 and after 13 years in the business, the restaurant and nightclub still stands as one of the top entertainment venues in the city. QH has the review.

hen I arrived in Doha ten years ago, I asked around for the best place in the city to go out at night for dinner and a bit of dancing. Everyone I spoke to agreed that Paloma was the place. Since then Doha has grown so rapidly and so many restaurants, pubs and nightclubs have opened that sometimes, it’s hard to believe I’m in the same city I landed in a decade ago. It’s equally surprising that Paloma still has the same popularity, attracting an enormous amount of diners and party-goers every night. I guess the secret of its success is that it’s stayed true to its original concept, but also slightly evolving as new trends emerge. For those of us who have lived here for years we may have tried other restaurants or partied in other venues, but there’s something special and enigmatic about Paloma that we always find ourselves going back to where we started.

Oh!!! Paloma For those of you who haven’t visited Paloma, an introduction is in order; and for those of you who haven’t been in a while, let me remind you why you should go back. Paloma is located inside the lobby area of the iconic InterContinental Doha (West Bay next to the St. Regis). Decked-out in wooden elements and Mexican allegories, the space is small, but cozy. Dimmed lights set the atmosphere for an intimate dinner, but also give the vibe of a nightclub. The stage is centred in

a way that everyone can see the band playing no matter where you’re seated and a DJ booth is right next to the stage. The open-concept bar, made out of wood, is positioned right in the middle of the venue making it easy for everyone to grab a drink. We’re told that in April the bar will be re-modeled and brighter colours will be added to the already vibrant decoration.

The Food And The Chef The fare at Paloma can be described as Tex-Mex, but the management and the chef are aiming to introduce different flavours and dishes from all over South America. “The menu has changed over the years,” says Head Chef Salvador Franco.”We started serving fast food when the restaurant opened, but then we started offering more elaborate dishes. We’re now an established restaurant that serves high-end Latin food. We want to meet the expectations of the entire Latin community in the country and show other expats our culinary culture.

Colourful Peruvian cev

iche

I’ve been working in the restaurant for eight years. I love it here because I have all the freedom to cook what I think best suits the overall concept of the restaurant. I have all the support from the management,” he continues.

raps have

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arty beef w Paloma’s he of flavour ck ki a tr ex an

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About Paloma

Chef Salvador Franco serves up a fiesta on a plate with a piping hot burrito

While talking to Chef Franco, he tells me that starting in April the menu will change and will include arepas and empanadas (traditional food from my native Venezuela). We finish our conversation with the chef and are ready to be delighted by his creations. To my surprise the first appetizer he places on the table are empanadas. I couldn’t believe the gesture since they are not yet part of the menu. Of course I was sold, I didn’t need to try anything else; the review was already a success. For our main courses we’re served a juicy steak tenderloin with black beans, followed by delicious tacos with shredded beef and beef wraps and beef burritos. I was in Latin heaven, indulging in what are by far the best South American dishes one can find over here.

the ‘el sabor’ of South America to Qatar. We love Doha and we want to stay.”. After 10:00 p.m. Paloma turns into a big party. The new band is really amazing, not only are the girls a sight for sore eyes, but their voices and tunes are so contagious that it’s impossible not to get up and dance. Singing in four different languages – Spanish, English, Portuguese and Arabic, they can really get the party going late into the night. “Paloma has a friendly and enjoyable environment,” says Assistant Manager Thomas Stoile. “The new band is fantastic, and we’re bringing them on board to give a more Latin vibe to the place because that’s the original concept of Paloma.” See you on the dance-floor Doha! n

The New Band Colombians Franci Nathalie Rios Ramirez, Maritza Orlas Chaux, Cesar David and Cuban Claudia Vega Arias only met a couple of weeks ago when they arrived in Doha to form the band One Republic. “We were contacted by our manager a few months ago and since then we have been working on our repertoire via Facebook and Skype. We felt we were already a family before we even met face to face,” the team says. “We can tell that people really enjoy our music which makes us very happy, but because the audiences here are not aware of our rhythms or understand our lyrics, we notice they feel a bit afraid to hit the dance-floor and that’s something we want to change. We want all the Europeans, South Africans, Americans, Asians, etc. living in Doha to know our culture and our music, that’s our main goal. We want to bring

Location:

InterContinental Doha, lobby area

Timings:

5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

Happy hour:

Daily from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. (50% off on food & drinks)

Average price meal: QR 150

Look Out For:

The new band One Republic New menu starting in April that includes arepas and empanadas from Venezuela and ceviche from Peru

va open their Paloma and La e ednesday for th doors every W ’ ‘Big Night Out

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Entertainment

Akon Live In Concert!

month a legend descends on Doha for Are you ready party people? ‘Cause this n hits the stage live on the beach a night of R&B and hip-hop. Mega-star Ako 12. QH gives you full access to the at the InterContinental Doha on April bal DJs. much-awaited concert sponsored by Glo

orn as Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam on April 16, 1973, in Senegal, Akon has become a famous R&B and hip-hop recording artist, song-writer, record producer and businessman. He rose to stardom in 2004 with the release of Locked Up, the first single from his debut album Trouble. He has since founded two successful record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution. His second album, Konvicted received three Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary R&B Album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for Smack That and I Wanna Love You.

He is the first solo artist to twice hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Akon has had four songs certified as triple platinum, three songs certified double platinum, more than ten songs certified as single platinum and more than ten songs certified as gold in digital sales. A diverse linguist, singing songs in other languages including Spanish and Hindi, Akon was listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the number one selling artist for master ringtones in the world. He often provides vocals as a featured artist and is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs, working with a host of A-list performers such as Michael Jackson, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Whitney Houston, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Gwen Stefani and many more. He’s had five Grammy Award nominations and has produced hits for artists such as Lady Gaga, Colby O’Donis, Kardinal Offishall, Leona Lewis and T-Pain. In 2010 Forbes ranked Akon 80th (Power Rank) in Forbes Celebrity 100 and 5th in their 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa list and in 2011 Billboard ranked him 6th on the list of Top Digital Song Artists of the decade. Now it’s Qatar’s chance to see him live in what will be the hot-list beach party of the month! Joining Akon onstage will be the resident music-makers from Global DJs, plus more talent to be announced. So, let’s get this party started! n

AKON LIVE IN CONCERT Date: Friday, April 12 Timings: Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Show ends at 2:00 a.m. Requirements: Must be 21+ with valid Qatar I.D. or passport required Tickets: For more information including tickets please visit www.facebook.com/iconicqatar

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Experience five new enticing cuisines served Mondays to Fridays at the Seasons restaurant. The enhanced theme nights will get you to dine your way from South East Asia to India and across the Mediterranean to the Swiss Alps and Spain. Choose from Matador Mondays, Les Alpes Tuesdays, TemptAsian Wednesdays, Deep Blue Thursdays and Curry, Kare, Kari Fridays.

Taste the flavours

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Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha Corniche Road, P.O. Box 24220, Doha, Qatar Phone +974 4429 1111, Fax +974 4429 1100 hotel.doha@moevenpick.com

of the world.

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Entertainment

HoT

HoT t T o

Hto hO

t O h

T HoThO h

Ho hOt

CMY

Feelin’ Hot,Hot,Hot The month of April sees some stellar parties hitting town and this is one of them. QH gives you full access to Hot Since 82, shaking the Doha dance-floor on April 25.

Low frequency presents: Hot Since 82. Date: Thursday, April 25 Ticket Price: QR 200

Low Frequency Presents: Hot Since 82 Hot Since 82 is a Leeds-based DJ and producer making some of the finest house music in the U.K. He first came on to the scene in early 2011 with the underground hit Let It Ride on Noir Music. It became an Ibiza anthem picking up support left, right and centre. He’s since gone on to release a number of club hits on Get Physical, Noir Music and Defected as well as Moda Black, and has remixed Shadow Child, Pete Tong, Friendly Fires, Russ Chimes and most recently Yousef which remained at No.1 in the Beatport Deep House Chart for weeks.

Time: 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Warm-up by DJs Madi & Youngs2ar He’s enjoyed huge support from likes of fellow musicians Richie Hawtin, Luciano, Joris Voorn, Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmed, Laurent Garnier, Pete Tong, Heidi, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex and M.A.N.D.Y to name a few. Last year he played some of the hottest clubs in the world, touring South America, Australia, Ibiza and Europe with some killer new productions and interesting new album concepts up his sleeve. Without a doubt, 2013 bodes very well for this particular Yorkshireman. You ready to rock Doha?n

publication venue Note: At the time of ation was not yet and ticket sales inform it confirmed. Please vis or /lowfrequencymusic om k.c boo ace w.f ww date of the to ser clo .co www.lowfrequency details. the event for the latest

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Caribbean 20 x 26.5 cm.pdf

3/23/13

1:50 PM

CMY

THE RHYTHM REALLY IS GONNA GET YOU

Join us at Hilton Doha and transport your energy and taste buds to sunnier times with Caribbean cuisine, lively beats and a vivacious atmosphere during the month of April. From coconut shrimp and Jamaican mix grill to refreshing smoothies and beverages, enjoy the beats and groove of our live DJ Shadi on Fridays. Starting at QR 150 for food only. April 6th, 2013 – Caribbean kick off at Trader Vic’s viewpoint terrace. April 11th & 12th , 2013 – Caribbean on the beach at Bab El Baher. April 18th & 19th, 2013 – Caribbean on the roof at Safina Terrace. April 25th & 26th, 2013 – Caribbean on the roof at Safina Terrace. For reservations, please call +974 4423 3333

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Entertainment

SPUTNIK

Lands In Qatar As told to Jorge Granda

ssing somewhat of With Doha’s nightlife witne ing. Showcasing is ris a revival, SPUTNIK’s star the latest trends in d intelligent dance music an at the party’s all about. visual arts, QH finds out wh

reaking into the city’s nightlife circuit SPUTNIK is a company that stages parties in Doha on a monthly basis in different outlets around town. Starting with their first club night in Doha in September 2012, and utilizing exclusive and unique venues, SPUTNIK strives to exhibit the work of local and international musicians, visual artists, DJ’s and photographers in an intimate setting that accurately translates their creativity. Since its inception in late 2011 the SPUTNIK collective has consistently been rated by locals in the know as the only place to don your party gear when it comes to underground electronic music. Breaking away from commercial sound, SPUTNIK residents will be joined by international artists on every occasion. Bored of done-to-death clubs and over-rated DJs, organizers have forged relationships with some of the freshest record labels around the globe, bringing the finest international and home-grown electronic musical talent to perform at largely unused and unique spaces. Topping it off, SPUTNIK’s sound comes to you via Funktion One sound-systems – the ultimate ear-candy!

Party On This April! Sputnik is bringing Dutch musician Joran van Pol to Doha. Only a few artists have the privilege of releasing their debut release on both Richie Hawtin’s label and his compilation CD as van Pol has. With his track Untitled 2 featured on Hawtin’s New Horizons CD (and released on Minus12), Joran van Pol is now marked as one of the scene’s key talents. Besides his success with his productions, Joran managed to build a solid list of gigs at renowned venues like The Gashouder, Paradiso, Studio 80, Stalker and Paard van Troje. At these parties, he performed alongside names like Richie Hawtin, Dubfire, Loco Dice, Matador, Ken Ishii, Funk d’Void, DJ Rush, 2000 And One and Hobo. He’s also kept the crowds pumping at events like Awakenings, ENTER, Rebellion, Access, Secret Garden Festival and Obsession Outdoor. Also, Joran’s talent didn’t remain unrecognized outside his home base of Amsterdam. With the release of Untitled 2 on MINUS12, both Richie Hawtin and Dubfire have opened nearly all their sets with Joran’s Faded and his upcoming EP on Dubfire’s SCI+TEC. No questions asked Doha, Joran van Pol will bring the party and will bring it hard. Stayed tuned for full ticket and venue details as they’re announced. n

Get ready to rock with Joran van Pol this month!

Joran van Pol Live In Doha Date: Thursday, April 25 Timing: 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Requirements: No membership charges. Photo I.D. compulsory. SPUTNIK reserves the right to refuse admission. Tickets: Venue and ticketing information to be announced soon. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/sputnikparty.

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Entertainment

Fun At The Grand Hyatt Doha

Coco Latté Presents

t company is season. First the entertainmen light of his fans the of nts eve t les coo the of o de Coco Latté is staging tw ha at the Grand Hyatt for the Do to ck ba an nK va ew a. QH has tth bringing British performer Ma with the White Party at Rocc ing spr of g nin gin be the e rat eb and second, party-goers can cel the inside scoop.

An Evening With Matthew vanKan Quintessentially British crooner Matthew vanKan’s last appearance in Qatar was in the ballroom at the W Doha exactly two years ago. Those of you who attended that amazing event will remember Matthew well. His suave good looks, velvet voice and charismatic personality charmed everyone in the room that night. For one night only on Sunday April 21, Matthew returns to Qatar to perform an intimate concert of upbeat jazz and swing classics in the lush gardens of the Grand Hyatt Doha. The playlist will include hits such as Fly Me To The Moon, Under My Skin, The Girl From Ipanema, All Of Me and many more, accompanied by musicians from Doha Jazz. Event: Matthew vanKan In Concert Date: Sunday, April 21 Where: Gardens of the Grand Hyatt Doha Timing: Show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: Tickets are QR 100 each and to ensure that everyone has a great seat on the night only 200 tickets will be sold. For more information call 7021-8096 or check out www.facebook.com/cocolattelondon/events.

White Party White is Coco Latté’s colour of choice for spring and the theme for its monthly themed party on Thursday, May 2 at Rocca, poolside at the Grand Hyatt Doha. Doors open at 10: 00 p.m. with DJs Santiago Vittorelli and Carl Roberts on the decks spinning soulful, uplifting vocal house music accompanied by live percussion and live saxophone. Happy hour drink prices from 10:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. with selected spirits at QR 500 per bottle including mixers. The best-dressed party-goer wearing white will win a one-night stay at the Grand Hyatt Doha for two people including room service breakfast and late checkout. Event: White Party Date: Thursday, May 2 Where: Rocca at the Grand Hyatt Doha Timing: Doors open at 10:00 p.m. Contact info: Table reservations are essential. Call 7021-8096 or visit www.facebook.com/cocolattelondon/events.

Cro

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Brunch QH new.pdf

3/23/13

12:30 PM

DOHA - THE BUSINESS PARK

Enjoy Family Moments at the Friday Brunch at Aramede Every Friday from 12:30-16:00 Enjoy our Special Family Brunch with a lavish Arabic - International Buffet, including live cooking station, kids play area and Live Entertainment. Prices starting from *QR 205 per person including juices and softdrinks

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Entertainment

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HILTON DOHA Caribbean Month This April you can transport your energy and taste buds to sunnier times with Caribbean cuisine, lively beats and a lively atmosphere. From coconut shrimp and Jamaican mix grill to refreshing smoothies and beverages. Enjoy the beats and groove of Trader Vic’s live DJ Shadi on Fridays, starting at QR 150 for food only. Trader Vic’s kicks off the Caribbean month on its viewpoint terrace with a live-show barbeque and salsa rhythms. Bab Al Baher –April 11 & 12 Safina Terrace –April 18 & 19

W DOHA Special Nights At Crystal Pure Crystal: DJ Stephane Karl comes all the way from St. Tropez, Thursday April 4 & 25 from 11.00 p.m. – 2.00 a.m. For more info call 4453-5000. Bring Down The House: DJ DIMIX spins the best of R&B, Hip-Hop & Old School Mix-Up, Tuesday, April 9 from 11.00 p.m. – 2.00 a.m. For more info call 4453-5000. Pure Crystal: Features ‘The Legendary’ DJ TARKAN, Thursday, April 11 from 11.00 p.m. – 2.00 a.m. For more info call 4453-5000.

Safina Terrace –April 25 & 26 Sample fresh delectable tropical desserts at Ya Hala such as Avocado Lime and Coconut Cake and Papaya and Pecan Nut Mississippi Mud Cake and enjoy your favourite Caribbean bites and snacks at Zawaya Lounge. For reservations, call 4423-3333. Offer is subject to availability and is only valid throughout April from 7:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

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RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER

Quiz Night It’s becoming the most famous Quiz Night in Doha and you can find out why. Take five friends with good trivia knowledge to battle it out in six rounds of questions including sports, music and general knowledge, plus three mystery rounds. The winning team receives a first prize of QR 5,000 cash, with various spot prizes during the night. Event: Quiz Night Date: Monday, April 15 Where: Champions at the Renaissance Doha City Center Timing: Arrive early for Champions Happy Times between 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., quiz starts at 7.30 p.m. Dress code: Casual, men must wear long pants and no shorts Entry Fee: Free entry Membership: Not required Reservations: Not required Licenced: Yes

SHERATON DOHA

Happy April Their new house band takes the stage and ladies get the royal treatment this month at the Sheraton’s Irish Harp. From Monday to Saturday starting at 8:00 p.m., enjoy the sounds of Irish Harp’s new house band playing your favourite tunes. Also, every Tuesday ladies have free entrance and free-flowing house beverages until closing, while their male companions will only pay QR 100 and get one complimentary drink. Event: Enjoy The Irish Harp Date: Monday to Saturday, Ladies Night on Tuesdays Where: Irish Harp at the Sheraton Timing: 8:00 p.m. -2:00 a.m. Dress code: Smart casual Membership: QR 50 for Ladies and QR 60 for Men. Qatari I.D. or passport required for entrance. Reservations: 4485-4071 or F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com Licenced: Yes

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES, DOHA

Half Note Wednesdays At The Lounge Funky saxophone sounds, upbeat mixes from the DJ and a unique ambiance, trendy crowd and hip cocktails make up the new talk-of-the-town night at The Lounge. Event: Half Note Wednesdays at The Lounge Date: Wednesdays Where: Irish Harp at the Sheraton Timing: 7:00 p.m. 12:00 midnight Dress code: Smart Casual Membership: Not required Reservations: 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com

THE FOUR SEASONS

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

Heels on Fire Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park is buzzing. If you haven’t checked out this new cool hotel, now you have the perfect excuse. Kick back and enjoy a Brazilian night at Misturado. Ladies get two drinks on the house every Saturday and Monday. Event: Heels on Fire Date: Saturday & Monday Where: Misturado at Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Not required Reservations: 4408-7777 Licenced: Yes

The GRAND HYATT Beach Bar Lounge After a cold winter get ready to welcome the summer. The Four Seasons is setting the mood by bringing back the most popular beach bar in town. Relax and enjoy beverages from the open bar, while chilling to the music and enjoying the panoramic view of Doha at night. Event: Beach Bar Lounge Date: Thursdays Where: Beach Bar Lounge at the Four Seasons Timing: 7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Dress code: Check the weather Membership: Not required

THE RITZ-CARLTON

Art of Cocktail Class Meet the Habanos team for an immersion in the art of creating exciting drinks. Event: Art of Cocktail Class Date: Friday, April 12 Where: Habanos Time: 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Cost: QR 225 per person Reservations: 4484-8504 or rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com or levy.ramirez@ritzcarlton.com

Dunes Divas Ladies are being super pampered at the Grand Hyatt. The hotel has a serious ladies night promotion going on, with signature cocktails completely free of charge all night for you fabulous females every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. ‘til close. So book your girls night out at Dunes and leave your purses at home! Event: Dunes Divas Date: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Where: Dunes at Grand Hyatt Timing: 5:00 p.m. ‘til close Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Not required Reservations: Call 4448-1280 to book a table

LA CIGALE

Enjoy The View La Cigale has a serious party vibe, not only does the hotel play host to two of the most popular night clubs in Doha, but it also has a top-notch, high-end bar. Warm up your nights on the outdoor rooftop at Sky View with musical video shows played on a giant LED screen followed by mixed live tunes with DJ/VJ Tony Schwery. Event: Enjoy The View Date: Daily Where: Ski View at La Cigale Timing: 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Dress Code: Smart casual Entry Fee: No entrance fee and no minimum charges during weekdays. (Rules & regulations apply) Reservations: 4428-8204/8888 Licenced: Yes

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Cigar Night

Sundays: The Lounge. Discover an exclusive selection of Cuban cigars, pair them with your favourite drink and indulge in fine savoury bites along with jazzy sounds from a band. 8.00 p.m. till 2.00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

LA CIGALE Ladies Night with DJ Roger Choueiry

Sundays: Madison Piano Bar. Dedicate your favourite songs to your special one while ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., membership required. For more information call 4428-8665.

GRAND HYATT DOHA W DOHA Buddha Bar Night with DJ Ravin

Fri 12: Wahm. Opening act Bruno Rochart is on from 7:00 p.m till 10:00 p.m. Then DJ Ravin hits the decks from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

ONE OF A KIND GRAND REGAL HOTEL Stardome Entertainment

Thurs 4: Bar Rancho’s. African theme night with their finest, most talented mix-masters. 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4409-4600.

GRAND REGAL HOTEL Stardome Entertainment

Fri 5 & Fri 19: Bar Rancho’s. Catch the best of Bollywood tunes with international DJs. 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4409-4600.

W DOHA Big Friday Night

Fri 5: Crystal. LED percussionist Safix vs. DJ Greg. For more information call 4453-5135.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Sky Night

Thurs 11: The beach. Experience the unique style and vibe as Lava moves to the beach-side for one night only with DJ Chris Hughes and DJ Yasser Zain playing top 40 mixes and mash ups. Ladies drink free from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-4919.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Art of Cocktail Class

Fri 12: Habanos. Meet the Habanos team for an immersion in the art of creating exciting drinks. 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m., QR 225 per person. For more information call 4484-8504.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Salsa & Candela

Fri 12, Fri 26: Cigar Lounge. QR 85 inclusive of a welcome drink from 9:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

WEST END, RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Quiz Night

Mon 15: Champions. Take five friends with good trivia knowledge to battle it out in six rounds of questions. The winning team receives QR 5,000! Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Hennessy & Oryx Cigar Special Edition for Qatar

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Cigar Lounge. QR 99 per set. 6:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

EVERY WEEK CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Happy Hours at Liquidity

Daily: Liquidity. Enjoy a refreshing beverage after a long day with Happy Hours at their rooftop pool lounge. Daily from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., followed by Ladies Happy Hours from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. (except Saturday and Monday). For more information call 4408-7777.

Sundays – Tuesdays: Dunes. Doha’s ladies enjoy signature cocktails completely free of charge all night. 5:00 p.m. onwards. So book your girls night out and leave your purses at home! For more information call 4448-1280.

HILTON DOHA Ladies and the City!

Mondays: Zawaya Lounge. Ladies enjoy two complimentary beverages accompanied by live music and inspiring views. For more information call 4423-3333.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Jazzy Hour

Mondays & Saturdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Receive a 25% discount on your check. 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Happy Hour

Mondays - Saturdays: Pearl Lounge. Happy 3 Hours from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Pay 1 get 2 on selected drinks! Club opens from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

THE TORCH-DOHA Bobby Hamilton

Mondays - Saturdays: Three Sixty. Inimitable arrangements of classic swing, jazz and ballads. 1:00 p.m. till 2:00 pm and 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

SHERATON DOHA New House Band & New Pub Menu

Mondays – Saturdays: Irish Harp. Enjoy the sounds of the new house band playing your favourites tunes, along with their new menu featuring your favourite pub food including fish and chips, steak and Guinness Pie and bangers and mash. 8:00 p.m. till 11:45 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

W DOHA Ladies Night

Wednesdays: Crystal. With DJ Tobia. Ladies get three complimentary drinks from 10:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Vintage High Heels

Wednesdays: Vintage Lounge. Step into glamour and elegance for a ladies night out and enjoy a complimentary second drink with the purchase of a beverage. (Ladies only). 6:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Ladies Big Night Out

Wednesdays: Paloma and Lava. Their live band will kick off the night followed by DJ Shadi. Unlimited free drinks for ladies from 10:00 pm until late. QR 80 entrance for men; ladies enter free of charge. Membership required. For more information call 4484-4444 or 4484-4936.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Be Entertained at Jazz up

Wednesdays & Fridays: Jazz Up. Enjoy contemporary, intimate surroundings while listening to smooth live tunes. For more information call 4429-1111.

W DOHA Urban Night

Tuesdays: Crystal. Resident DJ mixing up the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school with a Crystal special twist. Three free drinks for ladies from 10:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

THE ST.REGIS DOHA Louis Armstrong Night

Tuesdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Authentic New Orleans-style sliders served with French fries and a beverage for QR 100. 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Mashups with DJ Shadi & DJ Chris Hughes Tuesdays: Lava. The two resident DJs presents their unique mash-up sounds from 10:00 p.m. with free drinks for ladies all night. For more information call 4484-4444.

SHERATON DOHA Ladies Night

Tuesdays: Irish Harp. QR 100 for men with one complimentary drink, free entrance for ladies and free-flowing house beverages for ladies until closing from 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

W DOHA Spice Market Late Night Sessions

Tuesdays – Fridays: Spice Market. Enjoy the South East Asian flavours or sip another drink. 11:30 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

W DOHA Chill-Out with DJ Suzee X

Tuesdays - Saturdays: Crystal. Spinning the best of chill-out and funky house music 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hour daily from 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. with 50% discount on beverages. For more information call 4453-5135.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Reggae Nights

Wednesdays - Fridays: Oyster Bay and Beach Bar. Get into the rhythm of the Caribbean. Entry is complimentary and on Wednesdays, ladies get a complimentary second drink. 8:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA L’Aperitif

Wednesdays – Fridays: Level 23. Enjoy the aperitif service for up to two hours with their compliments when you order your first drink from the new cocktail menu. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information call 4484 8506.

WEEKEND

THE TORCH-DOHA Prestige Duo

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Party Rok

THE ST.REGIS DOHA Ella Fitzgerald Night

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cosmopolitan Thursdays

Tuesdays – Sundays: ALMAS and Hotel Lobby. Live piano and violin music. 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 pm and 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

Wednesdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Celebrating women in jazz. JALC will be featuring female jazz artists, plus a special for the ladies - buy one cocktail and receive one complimentary. From 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

Thursdays: Lava. Doha’s most refined house music night with unique music from DJ Chris Hughes. For more information call 4484-4444.

Thursdays: The Square. QR 290 including selected house beverages, QR 210 including soft drinks and mocktails. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

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RECOMMENDS

THE ST.REGIS DOHA Family Jazz Afternoon

Saturdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Weekly music talks from jazz artists curated by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Runs from 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m., Adults, QR 178; Children ages 4–11, QR 88. For more information call 4446-0105.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Family Fun Day

Saturdays: The Lagoon Garden. Children enjoy their own activities and games at the Kids’ Corner while adults indulge al fresco with their favourite hops and festive ambiance. Runs from 12:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m., QR 260 including soft beverages, QR 325 including bubbly. For more information call 4484-8000.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Senoritas’ Nights W DOHA Buddha Bar Night with DJ Ravin

Fri 12: Wahm. Opening act Bruno Rochart is on from 7:00 p.m till 10:00 p.m. Then DJ Ravin hits the decks from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

THE TORCH-DOHA Movie Nights

Thursdays & Fridays: Torch Café. Watch the latest movies on the large screen in addition to national and international sports events while sipping from a signature mocktail prepared live at your table. 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Sophisticated Weekends Thursdays & Fridays: Enjoy the perfect hand-rolled cigar with 25% savings from all selections. 5:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-8504.

W DOHA Arabesque Night

Saturdays: Crystal. LAYALI 1001 NIGHT’s with The Stars JAMIL&FADI performing live. Enjoy all the latest Arabic songs and DJ Imran mixing the best of R&B and commercial house from 10:00 p.m. till 3:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

Saturdays: Admiral’s Club. Regardless if you’re a professional or have never danced before, you’re guaranteed to have a true fiesta. 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-8663.

Saturdays: Bab Al Baher. A traditional weekend barbeque with assorted grilled meats, Arabic mezza and salads on the pool deck for QR 150 per person. Starts at 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

W DOHA Sip & Savour

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Sparkling Fridays

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Heels on Fire

Fridays: The Lounge. Fridays are bright and sparkling! All ladies receive two complimentary glasses of bubbly. 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Salsa Night

HILTON DOHA Beach BBQ

W DOHA Afrobeats

Fridays: Wahm. With the new sound of London underground DJ Bruno Rochart and DJ Steve Paris spinning the decks from 10:00 p.m till 2:00 am. For more information call 4453-5000.

Saturdays & Sundays: Habanos. Ladies’ enjoy one complimentary selected drink from 8:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8504.

Saturdays – Thursdays: Spice Market. Sip one, the second is on the house, together with complimentary snacks. 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

ER T S I G E R Esletter I5N ONeeL w e n kly for the W rhappening.com ta www.qa

Saturdays & Mondays: Brazilian Lounge and Liquidity. Ladies Night - the first two drinks are complimentary for ladies. Happy hour at Liquidity daily from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

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Entertainment Directory

BAR RANCHO’S Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

BELGIAN CAFÉ InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

4428-1428

4419-6100

4425-6666

4428-8888

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

Dunes Lounge Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

4419-6100

4484-8000

4446-0000

4408-7777

Radisson Blu

La Cigale

4428-8888

Spike’s Lounge 4496-0777

Strata Lounge 4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

Ritz-Carlton Doha

The Library

4448-4800

4428-1428

Sky View

InterContinental Doha The City 4428-1428

4428-1428

Shehrazad

Marina Nightclub

4485-4444

Misturado

Radisson Blu

Crowne Plaza – The Business Park 4408-7777

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge

Orion 4428-1428

Four Seasons

4428-1428

4494-8888

The Lounge

Oyster Bay & Bar 4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Doha Marriott

4429-8888

Jazz at Lincoln Center Pearl Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-2222

Manhattan

The St. Regis Doha

Habanos Ritz-Carlton Doha

4484-4444

Radisson Blu

Doha Golf Club

Crowne Plaza – The Business Park

Radisson Blu

Glo Cocktail Bar West End Renaissance Doha

Mercure Grand Hotel

Radisson Blu

Club 7 La Cigale

InterContinental Doha

Liquidity

Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4402-3333

Le Club

Champions West End Renaissance Doha

Oryx Rotana

Lava Lounge

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu

Qube

Jazz Club

Kempinski Residence & Suites

4405-3325

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

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Always Designed With You In Mind..

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Arts & Culture

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Chamber Music Thurs 14: MIA, Purcell’s Abdelazer Suite. No tickets or reservations are required for this performance. For more information visit http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/.

British-Iraqi artist Athier Mousawi

MATHAF

Artist Encounters With Athier Mousawi April 7–18: Mathaf. Historic symbolism, political influences and creative impulses led to the very pure important works of Jewad Selim featured in the exhibition, Forever Now. Athier Mousawi, the British-Iraqi visual artist who utilizes symbolism and geometric Islamic forms, will be responding to Jewad’s piece entitled Mother and Child in a two-week workshop. The use of his four large works entitled Mother, Land, Love and Fear will help participants to create visual elements from writings, interactive discussions, reverse symbolism and visual thinking. These shall be the basis for the creation of works by Athier in the museum space. From 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Katara Art Center

VCUQatar

‘Fingerprints’ - 14th Annual Fashion Show

Tues 16 - Thurs 18: VCUQatar. This celebration of fashion brings together spectators, friends and fashion enthusiasts from the region, not only to judge and/or admire the collections of the students, but also for the unique atmosphere of this grand defilé. Starts at 7:30pm, open to the public. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu.

n Carthage Site Exhibitio

by artist Maria Stabio. Village. A debut solo exhibition Mon 1 – Mon 8: Katara Cultural .kataraartcenter.com. www visit on mati infor ic. For more Entry is free and open to the publ

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

Qatar University

Literature Of The Arabian Gulf Conference

Wed 24 – Thurs 25: College of Education, Conference Hall 223. International conference discussing issues related to Arabic literature in Gulf countries. 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4403-4823.

for

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Arts & Culture “Strange how a teapot Can represent at the same time The comforts of solitude And the pleasures of company.”

The Evolution Of Tea Culture By Ujwala Thirumurthy

We explore the cultural underpinnings of tea here in Qatar and enjoy a taste of history, sip by sip.

f there’s one thing that unites the classes with the masses, it has got to be tea. World over, this steaming-hot, miracle-working beverage is enjoyed by everyone alike – from mothers, to grandmothers (although not as much given their age), to uncles, and more recently even six-year olds. There’s something about tea that is so endearing, and the local Qatari community bears testimony to this. Qatar ranks among the top 20 tea-drinking nations in the world and the tradition of tea drinking reached the Arab world by the 9th century, with cargoes of tea being transported from China by camel caravans along the Silk Road.

Karak, as they call it here, is more of an identity than merely a drink. Very similar to the Indian masala chai, the karak – tea leaves brewed with milk and sugar - has become somewhat of an addiction. For ages now, tea has been closely associated with Arab hospitality. How well one treats his guests is a direct measurement of the person he is. And if you’ve ever been invited to a local community gathering, you’ve seen traditional hospitality at its best.

evening. So, if you’re really not in to smoking the sheesha, karak has got to be it, if you wish to spend a few hours mingling and lingering on a steaming hot cup, late in to the night. If you haven’t already had a taste, I suggest you take to the nearest tea stall at a quiet time of the evening and feel your stress disappear into nothingness. That’s the thing about tea. It not only creates a bond that is cherished for years to come, it also plays Agony Aunt when you need it the most (yes, sometimes you can almost feel the steam from the hot brew melting your worries away.) It gives you an insight into the rich tradition of the local community and it raises your respect for this unassuming, inexpensive hot beverage that speaks for itself. Apart from the several small tea stalls offering the karak, there is also a dedicated restaurant Chapati and Karak at Katara Cultural Village. And then, there’s the Kahwa - Arabic coffee infused with cardamom and saffron – in short,

There’s no problem that a steaming cup of karak can’t solve

A cross-cultural hit, this magic-in-a-cup is enough to set the mood for a delightful social

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Know your spices!

Sharing a cup of traditional ga’hwa arabiya can be a bonding experience Saffron threads

Cinnamon sticks

Cardamom pods

Raw nutmeg

a drink that transports you to another world. In contrast to its cousin, the karak, kahwa is a lot richer in taste and flavour, and you can enjoy it only if you have an acquired taste. There’s no sugar added so as to not interfere with the heavenly blend of spices in the drink. On a cool, breezy night you can almost feel the oriental twist sweeping you off your feet and lingering on your palate well into your dreams. It gives you the Deja Brew – the feeling that you have had this coffee before. But of course, you can brew this piece of heaven in the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is hit Souq Waqif, make your way to the Irani spice market and while you soak up the aromatic blends, pick up the ingredients required to make the best Arabic coffee. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, just ask them for g’ahwa and you’ll have a pack of Arabic coffee in your hands. There are several ways or should we say twists to the g’ahwa arabiya, but the most popular one seems to be with zafran (saffron) and cardamom (h’ail). But remember, whether it’s coffee or tea, drink it reverently, slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future. After all, it’s heaven in a cup. n

Cloves

How To Make Karak Combine a teaspoon of loose black tea and crushed cardamom with a cup of boiling water and boil for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and add milk until the tea becomes a creamy brown colour. Add sugar to your taste. Place back on the heat and boil for another two minutes. Serve steaming hot in a traditional Arabic tea cup. For a richer taste, you can also use sweet condensed milk (instead of regular milk and sugar) and a few saffron threads for an even more intense flavour. How To Make Ga’hwa Arabiya Boil ga’hwa and water on a low heat for 20 minutes Remove from heat and let settle for 2-3 minutes Using a strainer, filter the coffee into a cup or thermos. Add cardamom powder and a few threads of saffron or 4-5 pieces of cloves. Be careful not to add both saffron and cloves as they are both strong in flavour. Serve hot in a finjaan as is, or add less than a tsp of milk if you like. For one litre of water, add 1 finjaan of ga’hwa and ½ finjaan of cardamom powder. You can also add a hint of rosewater for an exotic twist.

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Arts & Culture

Outdoor Art leading up to the Spring ts en ev of vy be a th wi tara April is a busy month at Ka mmer months. We bring you the eclectic scoop! su the o int carrying us through Spring Outdoor Art Fair April 18-20

appropriately numbered or identified as artist’s proofs. Reproductions must be clearly identified, wearable art and fine crafts must be of original design and individually made. For detailed information email: outdoorartfair@katara.net or visit www.katara.net.

Fair and

CAST Harry Bicket (Conductor)

Katara is encouraging all artists to participate by applying for their own exhibition booth and taking advantage of this opportunity to exhibit new works. One of the main objectives of the Spring Outdoor Art Fair is to stimulate the art market in Doha and to support Qatar-based artists through maximizing opportunities for them to both exhibit and sell works that are affordable to a general audience interested in art.

Giulio Cesare The Met: Live in HD April 27 7:00 p.m. Drama Theater

Patricia Bardon (Cornelia)

The Art Fair team is counting on the support of all artists and the artistic community in this ambitious effort towards developing more organized and focused opportunities for artists to be able to exhibit and sell their artwork in Doha in the relaxed and festive Katara outdoors! All artwork must be original, produced by the artists and signed. Limited editions must be

The opera that conquered London in Handel’s time comes to the Met in David McVicar’s lively production. The world’s leading counter-tenor, David Daniels, sings the title role opposite Natalie Dessay, as an irresistibly exotic Cleopatra. Baroque specialist Harry Bicket conducts. With subtitles in English, the show has a total run time of 4 hours and 31 minutes, with two intermissions.

Guido Loconsolo (Achilla)

Natalie Dessay (Cleopatra) Alice Coote (Sesto) David Daniels (Giulio Cesare) Christophe Dumaux (Tolomeo)

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Performers line the stage in formation in the Met’s production of Giulio Cesare

Alighiero Boetti March 7-May 2 Building 13, G1 & G2 Katara Cultural Village Foundation is proud to present the first solo exhibition in the Middle East of works by Alighiero Boetti, one of the most important and influential artists of the twentieth century. This landmark exhibition is curated by Ben Brown, a London-based curator and gallery owner at Ben Brown Fine Arts. Alighiero Boetti was born in Turin, Italy, in 1940. His first works were created in the 1960s and fitted well within the realms of Arte Povera. However, his work became increasingly conceptual. Boetti used simple and often industrial materials, concentrating more on the creative conception of the work and leaving its execution to others - in the case of the embroideries to Afghani women. Following major retrospectives at the Tate Modern, Reina Sofia and the MoMa in New York, this exhibition will provide an extensive look at his oeuvre, including a wide range of embroideries from ‘mappas’ to small ‘arazzi’.

Designed To Win Katara Exhibition in Collaboration with the Design Museum in London, U.K. March 14-June 23 Katara Building 3 Designed To Win celebrates the ways in which design and sport are combined, pushing the limits of human endeavour to achieve records and victories of increasing significance and wonder. The exhibition explores the various ways in which design has shaped the sporting world, celebrating the introduction of revolutionary new materials such as Neoprene and carbon fibre, new technologies, fashions and sporting equipment, all of which have transformed the sporting enterprise.

Designed to Win demonstrates the process of designing sporting equipment and its various influences, including material innovations, sporting constraints, nature and science. With new innovations and continued refinement, athletes have become faster, stronger and fitter, in turn beyond the sporting arena and now encompassing areas as diverse as fashion, advertising, art,film, design, business and politics.

Amal Al Aathem believes that old philosophies have linked the moon, nature and the woman in a symbolic way, believing that the moon is the centre of the universe and the woman is the center of society. The exhibition will be addressing all of the above issues, all of them very relevant within the discourse on/of the condition of women in today’s world, with an emphasis in the Arab and Middle Eastern cultures.

The exhibition explores key moments where design has played a significant role in progressing sport and looks at themes of safety, performance and examples where sporting bodies have intervened to limit the effects of ‘technological doping’ where new equipment is deemed to give some athletes an unfair advantage over others. By examining celebrated sporting moments and the sense of shared celebration and spectacle, the exhibition will look at not just how design can influence sport but also how sport has influenced design, art and culture. Designed To Win also looks at how design has revolutionized sports opportunities for people with physical challenges.

Martin Parr Exhibition March 18-May 18 Building 18, G1 Magnum Photos and the Katara Cultural Village Foundation curators have selected for this exhibition classic Martin Parr projects such as Small World, Parr’s satirical look at global tourism, alongside newer bodies of work such as Luxury, an insight into the world’s super-rich. To celebrate the Qatar U.K. Year of Culture 2013, a wide selection of Parr’s work in the U.K. is on display; a visual exploration of the idiosyncrasies and uniqueness of British culture. n

A Bridge to the Moon Exhibition by Amal Al Aathem March 17-April 27 Building 18, G2 Amal Al Aathem is one of the most prominent and proactive Qatari artists today. Her reputation as a Qatari artist with a real voice and message has won her respect internationally. Her work has been widely exhibited in the region and in different parts of the world. Under the title A Bridge to the Moon, Amal Al Aathem presents artwork resulting from her ongoing project of addressing the condition of women today, through her artistic practice. The artist questions the centrality of the woman and the moon in the universe, directly asking us if “it is still accurate to believe that nature and women declare births and new springs?”

See and do it all at Katara this April with a whole line-up of exhibitions, events and cultural excitement!

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Arts & Culture Listings RECOMMENDS

Museum Guide Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Education City 4402-8855 mathaf_info@qma.org.qa www.mathaf.org.qa Open: Tuesday to Sunday Closed: Mondays

Museum of Islamic Art & Park

Photo credit: Dmitri Torchinsky

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Chamber Music Series: Doha String Quartet Wed 17: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. For more information visit http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/

ONE OF A KIND

WEEKLY

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Richard Strauss’ Alphine Symphony

BRITISH COUNCIL The Selector

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART A Course in Ruqa’a and Naskhi Scripts.

Sat 13: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. For more information visit http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/

Sat 20: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. For more information visit http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Elgar’s Enigma Variations

Fri 26: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. For more information visit http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/

TER S I G E R Esletter I5N w Oe WNeeL e n kly ing.com pen for th atarhap www.q

Mon 1 – Tues 30: QBS Radio. Every Saturday evening an international radio showcase for the best new music from the U.K. For more information call 4425-1888 or visit www.britishcouncil.org/me-qatar.

Sundays – Thursdays: Teachers Room: 2nd floor. Calligraphy workshops at the museum allow adults and educators to experience and learn the historic scripts from a renowned master calligrapher from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information email educationmia@qma.org.qa.

IAID Music Courses

Saturdays - Thursdays: IAID. Offers classes in Classical/Modern Piano, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and Western Vocals. All music courses incorporate Western notations and follow the London College of Music (LCM) syllabus. Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examinees. Non-IAID students are welcome. For more information call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589.

The Corniche 4422-4444 infomia@qma.org.qa www.mia.org.qa Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays

ALRIWAQ DOHA

Museum of Islamic Art Park 4452-5555 Open: Same days as Museum of Islamic Art

QMA Gallery

Building 10, Katara, Cultural VIllage 4408-1255 qmagallery@qma.org.qa Open: Monday--Saturday & Sunday Closed: Fridays

QF Radio 93.7FM Bolded programs in English Bright Morning: 7:00 a.m. International News: 9:30 a.m. Innovations: 10:00 a.m. The Movie Guide: 12:00 p.m. English News: 1:00 p.m. Market Economics: 3:00 p.m. Stars of Science: 3:00 p.m. Green Tea: 4:00 p.m. Therapeutic Fatwas: 4:00 p.m. Voice of the Youth: 5:00 p.m. Raising a Child: 5:00 p.m. Corners: 6:00 p.m. Fashion: 6:00 p.m. Straight Up: 7:00 p.m. Twitter: 7:00 p.m. Legendary Artists: 8:00 p.m. Sport Global: 9:00 p.m.

Sun-Thurs Daily Monday Thursday Daily Tuesday Wed Saturday Friday Thursday Monday Sun--Thurs Saturday Sunday Tuesday Daily Daily

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Community

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Ritz-Carlton Doha Earth Day - Family Fun Sat 20: The Lagoon Garden. Children enjoy their own activities and games at the Kids’ Corner while adults indulge al fresco with their favourite hops and festive ambiance.12:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. QR 260 including soft beverages, QR 325 including bubbly. For more information call 4484-8000.

Global Innovators 2013 ‘Leading and Learning in Technical and Vocational Education’

Thurs 4 – Sun 7: College of the North Atlantic, Qatar. The conference has been designed to call attention to Qatar’s progress in TVET and how this focus is helping the country realize its National Vision 2030 and along with it, the goals of the National Development Strategy. For more information about the conference please visit www.globalinnovators2013.com.

Art Of Abundant Living Green Smoothie Workshop

British Council

Mon 22: Al Ahmadani Centre. Are you busy and would like super nutrition on the go? They will show you how. For more information call 5580-0395.

Springboard Program Ongoing: British Council. A h winning powerful program whic has demonstrated its capacity to empower women to accomplish their goals, develop their skills and their achieve better positions in both For professional and personal lives. or 0 -182 4425 call on mati more infor tar. visit www.britishcouncil.org/me-qa

OUT CHECK ening.com

p atarhap tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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InterContinental Doha South African Freedom Day Thurs 25: The beach. Celebrate with a South African Braai, live cooking stations and live music. For more information call 4484-4919.

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Community The heart of Qatar’s micro-economy can be found along the alleys of Souq Waqif

A local craf

tsman prac

tices his tr

ade

Loving It

Local By Victoria Scott Photography by Jessie Palanca

a life-like works on r Samarae Waqif Art Centre se as N t q Artis at the Sou sculpture

If you stick to the main street of Souq Waqif, you could be forgiven for thinking that Qatar’s historic marketplace is now dominated by big brands and posh restaurants. But dig a little deeper, and there are local gems to be found.

ouq Waqif is a beautiful place in the early morning. As I sit nursing a cappuccino outside a café, birds fly between ornate balconies, the sun casts a strong shadow on the paving, and beautiful Arabian horses parade up and down the main street, ridden by elegantly attired guardsmen. There’s been a market here for centuries. Initially the site of a riverbed which flooded every winter, it got its name, ‘Waqif’ (which means ‘standing’ in Arabic) due to the cramped nature of the space. As Qatar’s population has grown over the years, the souq has also grown in size, and in 2004 His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani decided to completely remodel the market to make it fit for the 21st century. Some buildings were restored and some completely new structures were built, but all

Hidden Treasures

work was sensitively done with local construction techniques, resulting in the atmospheric, attractive souq we shop in today. To start, I decide to wander up an alleyway I’ve visited before, alley number 2, which is The cafe I’m sitting outside, Zaatar w Zeit, is diagonally opposite the Tourist Information just one of many well-known outlets which Centre. If you’re seeking it out, look for the line the souq’s main thoroughfare. Recently, a numbers on the top of the shop fronts – each group of five-star boutique hotels opened here shop is given a street number and a unit number too, heralding a new era of luxury and comfort. (although unfortunately, not all shops display All these high-end offerings might lead you to them.) conclude that the souq is now only a high-end, internationally-focused venue. Immediately on my right as I enter the alley, I spot beautifully embroidered traditional Arabian You’d be wrong, of course. Shooting off this street long winter coats hanging outside Bisht Fahar, is a labyrinth of alleyways, crammed full of small a shop which has been in business in the souq independent shops and stalls which sell a huge since 2007. The coats are made in Syria from range of everyday merchandise: from toys, to sheepskin and lined with fleece, they come in all clothes, to spices and household tools. Not all of sizes, including tiny versions for toddlers. these items are made in the region, of course, but there are some locally-sourced options here, and Most of the rest of the alley is home to I’m going to seek to them out. jewellers. This is a great place to come if you

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Community Artist Wissam Al-Baghdadi’s work

adorns the walls of Al Sendar

Washid ha s been mak ing ornam years at hi ents from s shop in locally-cau the Souq ght pearls

ernalia Fishing paraph

r’s rich history

speaks to Qata

need anything fixed, cleaned or made to your own design. In a shop further up on the righthand side, a man sits cross-legged on the floor, hammering metal into shape. I walk in and meet Nawaz Hamad, who’s from Pakistan. He’s been in Qatar for 25 years, much of it spent in this shop, Sarar Jewellers. He’s seated in the corner of the tiny space, surrounded by pots of gems, thread and beads. He has some ready-made jewels in the window, but it’s a bespoke silver ring he’s making, with a red jewel inlaid in its centre. At the top of the alley is a sign announcing that you’re now entering the souq’s ‘Handicraft Centre’. This new addition to the souq has only been open for a couple of months and it’s a goldmine for locally-produced goods.

A History of Craftsmanship On the left hand side, Bisht Alsalem - which sells traditional Qatari special occasion robes for men - doubles as both shop and workshop. Six men are seated around the edges of the room hand-sewing elegant garments. I meet a Qatari man who’s just bought the robe for his wedding; he tells me he’s very pleased with it. Next, I walk into Doha Models. Here, Fahad painstakingly decorates plaster models of well-known Doha landmarks like Al Zuhoor fort and Fanar mosque, as well as traditional Qatari houses. Some of them even double up as lights and candle holders. They’d make excellent souvenirs and gifts. The next shop I find is Ruby, which is staffed by Mohammed and Ibrahim, who are from Yemen. They make beautiful jewellery, ornate boxes and

for

of pearl diving

ern tourist trade with an

mirrors from leather, silver and coloured stones. I particularly liked the necklaces, and I’ll be going back for one (or two) of their traditional boxes, which I’m hoping to give to female relatives as birthday presents, as they’re ideal for storing jewellery and trinkets.

Tradition meets the mod assortment of trinkets

Further along on the right, I see fish nets hanging from outside a shop, along with an abundance of oyster shells. Here, Washid displays the oysters he’s caught himself, along with any pearls he finds inside. He fishes for them off Qatar’s coast, and when he’s opened them, he glues them back together to make pretty ornaments. At the end of the alley, I find Iraqi artist Wissam Al -Baghdadi drawing intricate calligraphy in his shop, Al Sendar. Its walls are covered with his art, which he produces on various mediums, including leather and glass. He specializes in pyrographs - designs engraved on wood or leather using heat. He’s very happy to take commissions, and can produce drawings based on photos. He tells me more of his art is on display in the Souq Waqif Art Centre, which is just around the corner, so I decide to head there next. The Art Centre is located just opposite Le Gourmet on the souq’s main street. Recently re-opened after a complete renovation, it’s an impressive place. It houses multiple small shops and galleries, and runs an education program for all ages. I spot some eye-catching sculptures in one of the galleries, and walk in to meet the artist himself, Nasser Samarae. I express an interest in a bronze Oryx, which is about two feet high. “These are only the models”, he tells me, which really sparks my interest. He leads me into his studio, which is outside and

across a courtyard. In here are huge pieces of work, including an enormous model of the head of an Arab man from the 19th century. Nasser teaches pupils here, and he’s made a model of one of them, which he unveils for me to look at. It’s made out of clay, and very detailed. He continues to sculpt it while we chat. He tells me he’s open to commissions, as well as selling some of his completed projects. He suggests that he’d like to sculpt my ‘Roman face’ – but with images of huge Roman noses running through my mind, I politely decline. As I emerge from his studio, I realize it’s lunchtime, meaning that the souq is closing for its afternoon break. I reflect on my finds, and I must admit that I’m surprised by just how many locally-produced, unique items I’ve found in just a couple of hours. It turns out that beyond the souvenir stalls and ice cream parlours, there’s a wealth of interesting, handmade merchandise on offer here, if you’re prepared to seek it out. And let’s face it: seeking it out is part of the fun. n

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Community

Bilal AHB Chairman Ahmed Hassan Carpentier

and Caroline L-R: Nathalie Parra, Laurence Udo s in their hands copie hard first the hold r entie Carp

poses with publisher Caroline

s s e c c u S f O e r u s a e The M By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

Qatar is booming, but what does it take to climb the ladder of success? That’s exactly what publisher and businesswoman Caroline Carpentier was determined to find out with her new book. QH turns the page with Qatar Success Stories.

atar may be small in size but it’s full of entrepreneurs and visionaries who dream big. Many of those movers and shakers gathered at the Hilton Doha last month for the launch of Qatar Success Stories, a first-of-itskind resource aimed at informing and connecting new business ventures with locally-established companies and organizations. It’s also a one-stop reference tool, highlighting some of the nation’s most prominent and recognizable bright minds in business. Publisher Caroline Carpentier, of Medeis Al Khaleej tells QH how the concept for the book evolved. “Qatar Success Stories came to our mind following several years of observing visiting foreign delegations,” she says. “I did a two-year mission at the Embassy of France as Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs and as with other embassies [we] welcome many delegations from the business and institutional world.” “People are attracted by Qatar because of the country’s wealth, but often foreign businesses don’t have accurate information on who is who, what company does what and

how bridges of cooperation could be created,” she continues. “With such a book, not only Qatari companies but also institutions and embassies can have a sophisticated coffee table-style book to offer, [as] an informative tool that presents some of the major corporations in Qatar.” In its pages are a mixture of demographics; young and old, new and long-established, as some of the most historical names in Qatar stand side by side with those whose history is currently being made. Featuring iconic captains of industry, the book is a testament to the longevity of family enterprise here in Qatar. Among its many highlights is a profile of AHB Group Chairman Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal owner of Qatar Happening’s parent company, The Art of Business, and head of one of the most well-established family-run empires in the nation. For Caroline, the project also had great meaning on a personal level. “It’s very valuable to meet brilliant and innovative minds,” she says. “I feel very honoured to have met all the personalities who are featured in the book or

if not met, to have worked with the people in charge: communication or marketing directors, secretaries, etc. It is a human adventure: you learn a lot about business and what is happening in Qatar and you meet very interesting people at all levels.” Next in the pipeline for Caroline and her business partner Nathalie Parra, is a new literary project, Talented Women Qatar, currently in the works which will feature 30 Qatari women who are pioneers in their fields. Qatar Success Stories will be offered to foreign embassies abroad, business clubs, chambers of commerce and universities in Qatar. “Qatar Success Stories is a business tool, but we hope it can also be a source of inspiration for youth,” adds Caroline. n

For more information, or to buy a copy, email qatarsuccessstories@medeisalkhaleej.com or visit www.medeisalkhaleej.com.

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Qata

FINAL QHHappening APRIL 2013.indd 47 En.indd 1 Qatar PQ 200x265

3/26/13 1:105:21 PM PM 3/17/13

Community

Researchers at Qatar Biobank examine a diagnostic imaging brain scan

Assessing a blood sample collected from a Biobank volunteer

t n i r p t o o F c Our Geneti By Tasbih Amin Images courtesy of Adrian Haddad Photography

What can one person’s genetic material reveal about an entire population? We find out with a sneak peek at the country’s growing Qatar Biobank initiative.

atar has been a lighthouse for knowledge and scientific research in the region for many years, and this year, Qatar Biobank makes it on to the nation’s list of exceptional achievements. A member of Qatar Foundation’s Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar Biobank is the largest population-based health initiative ever undertaken in the country, giving Qatar once again a leading edge in the medical field. With the support of experts from Imperial College of London and a partnership with the Supreme Council of Health and Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar Biobank is a unique institution to not only enhance biomedical research in Qatar, but also enable the development of medical treatments and disease prevention for the health of future generations. How’s that possible? Qatar Biobank collects and stores biological samples and information on the lifestyles and health of members of the population who are Qatari-born or have been a resident in Qatar for at least 15 years. Biological samples include blood, saliva and urine collection, along with measurements for weight, height, blood pressure, heart and lung function and body composition. With these individual samples, researchers will be able to identify patterns of diseases within the population and experiment with treatment options over the years ahead.

Dr. Eman Nasralla, a PhD student and aspiring Qatari researcher from Qatar Biobank expresses her excitement for her field of study (obesity’s relation to inflammation of bio-markers and insolation sensitivity) saying, “We lack this type of research in the Middle East, so it will be very interesting and will cover a gap in biomedical research in the Arab world. We will even be able to compare our population with other populations in the future.” Currently, the basis for the majority of modern medical treatments have been developed through the examination of Western populations, with a gap looming when it comes to large-scale research based on populations from the Arab region. The most ambitious biobanks in the GCC, the Qatar Biobank will facilitate easier access for scientists conducting research addressing some of the biggest health challenges facing Qatar and the Gulf area including diabetes, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Participants are at the center of Qatar Biobank’s development and protecting their confidentiality and being flexible is a top priority. All information contributed is kept private and volunteers can withdraw at any time from any of the tests or measurements. Althea Salau, a nurse from- the Qatar Biobank team spoke to us about her interaction with

participants. Happy with the rapid developments in medicine taking place in Doha these past few years, Althea described her experience as “new and exciting.” Impressed by how participants were very flexible and helpful during their assessment session, she explains, “Participants are able to opt out of any of the tests, however we have been surprised that they have been receptive to giving their blood samples and other measurements -- everyone has been relaxed and happy to participate.” Qatar Biobank is still collecting samples from participants who donate around three hours of their time to this scientific cause that could lead to a healthier future for the population. Expected to make its official public launch this year, interested volunteers can visit www.qatarbiobank.org.qa to get involved and be part of medical history in the making. n

“We lack this type of research in the Middle East, so it will be very interesting and will cover a gap in biomedical research in the Arab world.” -Dr. Eman Nasralla

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ubity Listings mm Clun Cods Ki RECOMMENDS

Community Guide Australian and New Zealand Business in Qatar Group 6651-1892 www.anzbiq.org

American Women’s Association 5511-8085 www.awaqatar.com

Doha Players

4447-4911 Search ‘Doha Players Lovers’ Group on Facebook

DOHA MUMS Pearl Coffee Break

Wednesdays: The Pearl-Qatar. Calling all Moms on The Pearl to go to Second Cup, near Tower 3 from 3:00 p.m. till 4.30 p.m. for a social catch-up. Colouring books and pencils will be provided for the little ones. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

ONE OF A KIND MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Park Bazaar

Sat 6: MIA. Try some local cuisine, purchase local arts and crafts and enjoy the atmosphere of over 100 stalls in the museum grounds. 12:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information email miaparkbazaar@qma.org.qa.

LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride

Sat 6: Harley Davidson Shop. The Ladies of Harley meet the first Saturday of each month at 6:00pm at the dealership on Salwa Road. Any female Harley-Davidson enthusiast, either rider or passenger, who enjoys socializing and becoming involved with like-minded women can become a member. For more information visit www.facebook.com/groups/76296760681/.

EVERY WEEK DOHA MUMS New Arrivals Coffee

Mondays: Grand Heritage Hotel. Join the Doha Mums in welcoming prospective members to Doha. From 9:30 a.m. No RSVP necessary. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

DOHA MUMS Expectant & New Mums Coffee

Thursdays: Starbucks, City Center & Grand Heritage Hotel. Join other new mums and mumsto-be to talk all things baby! Doha Mums hosts a coffee meet from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. The location varies, so check the Doha Mums website for dates and details. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Raw Food Classes

Thursdays: Al Ahmadani Centre. Raw Fast Foods: delicious gourmet meals in less than 30 minutes. Raw Chocolate: Learn about the ‘real’ food of the gods. Raw Decadent Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth and heal your body at the same time. 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 5580-0395.

TER S I G E R E tter ONLIN newsle 5 Weekly .com for the tarhappening a .q w ww

Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171

French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467

Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052

Qatar National Cancer Society 4447-8128 www.qncs.org

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598

Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Canadians In Qatar

Search ‘Canadians In Qatar’ Group on Facebook to join the community

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Kids Club

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon IAID Hip-Hop

Tuesdays & Thursdays: IAID. A popular high-energy urban class that uses the latest music combined with movement and choreography inspired by today’s hottest hip-hop tunes. For more information call 4432-0974.

InterContinental Doha Overnight Kids’ Camp

Thurs 4: The beach. The evening will be full of fun activities, games, sing-along and marshmallow roasting around the campfire. QR 375 per child between 6-12 years old. For more information call 4484-4444.

Fun City

Doha Mums Toddler Playgroup Wednesdays: Ain Khalid. Bring your toddlers along for a casual playgroup! 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

ygroup Bubbles Pla

Center Mall. 2010 Mondays: City for some fun d ite inv e ar bubs cond Monday. se y er ev playtime p.m. For more :00 12 l 10:00 a.m. til information visit m or email .co www.dohamums m. .co rsvp@dohamums

OUT om K C E H g.c C appenin

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

George V Spa Zumba Class & Pool Usage Thursdays: Dance Studio. 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. On the first floor of Beverly Hills Tower, West Bay. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

for

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Kids Club

Yoga has many health benefits for both Moms and babies. So get stretching!

OM Baby: You,Your

By Jacqueline Bodnar

We show you how introducing yoga to your infant can have lasting developmental benefits down the road.

t seems like the two things everyone knows about yoga are the lotus position and the “OM” chant. Of course there’s a lot more to yoga than that, and you’re never too young to learn – that’s why mommy-and-baby yoga classes are springing up as a popular trend world-wide. But first, what exactly is “OM”? The history of “OM” goes way back past its introduction into Western pop consciousness in the 1960s. Yogis say that “OM”, or more accurately “aum,” is a sound that includes all the sounds of the universe, and that the past, present and future are all included in that one sound.

Mommies, Babies and “OM” For mothers and babies, “OM” and yoga have a different significance: they are calming for both, a way for the mother to take some time for herself, bond with her baby, re-tone her body and rebalance her spirit.

To cite an example from our American neighbours, Baby Om classes in New York City, founded by former dancers Laura Staton and Sarah Perron, begin with three “OM” chants that calm the babies and often even make them smile and laugh. Outside of yoga classes, many mothers say they use “OM” to calm fussy babies or help them fall asleep – and the practice can even start during pregnancy so the baby will be accustomed to the sound and find it familiar and instantly soothing.

the mother goes on to do her own body work as the baby lies on the blanket and watches. Once the warm-up period is over, the mothers do yoga poses together with their babies.

Older babies and toddlers also find the sound soothing, as well as the classes themselves, and love to practice the yoga poses.

How It Works

Mommy and baby yoga classes may begin with a chant, such as “OM”, as the babies lie on blankets beside their mothers. In Baby Om classes, the mother then massages her baby, giving them a chance to enjoy each other before

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Baby and Yoga Other Benefits of Yoga

Beyond the chanting of “OM” – which you can do at any time you need to center yourself or help your child come out of a tantrum – yoga has very real benefits for both mothers and babies: Babies are less colicky, according to many mothers Postpartum yoga targets problem areas such as bad posture due to rounded shoulders and weakened stomach muscles, weakened pelvic muscles, and poor balance. Mommy and baby yoga classes are a good way for mothers to bond with their babies in a fun, relaxing way If you don’t have any mommy and baby yoga classes locally, there are several books available on the subject, such as Baby Om: Yoga for Mothers and Babies, by Laura Staton and Sarah Perron (2002) and Yogababy: Exercises to Help You Bond with Your Baby Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually, by DeAnsin Goodson Parker (2000). Some mothers find it difficult at first to incorporate their babies into yoga poses, but it’s easy to start with some of the simpler aspects of mommy-baby yoga – even if it’s just a soothing “OM” at the right time. n

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Kids Club

Just a hop, skip and a jump away.

Family Fun Days Words and images by Charlie Sands

ah where, iew takes us to Al Wakr This month’s day out rev ch, the fun bea rney you can enjoy the after just a short car jou if you can find it! fair and the museum –

f you look at a map of Qatar you’ll probably notice that Doha is the main city and all other towns look pretty insignificant by comparison. But sooner or later too, you will probably be thinking “I need to get out of this place and see something different for an hour, a day, or a weekend.”If this sounds like you then you’ll be pleased to know that there are places worth a visit outside of Doha, and Al Wakrah, which happens to be just a 15 minute drive south of the old airport, is probably the nearest one. This sleepy little town is for many just a gateway to the desert and the sand dunes towards the border with Saudi Arabia, but it has its own charm and also – a couple of things which make it a fun place to stop off for a few hours as we did one warm spring weekend.

The Beach The main attraction for many is Al Wakrah’s beach. Not because it’s the smoothest, most beautiful, or has the bluest water; far from it, but because it is the nearest FREE public beach to Doha. So if you don’t want to spend your way into some of the city’s five-star hotels to access their beaches, or pay the QR 120 (at last check) price tag to enter the public beach at Katara, then Al Wakrah is the nearest stretch of sand you can enjoy.

There’s no official car park but you can drive onto the hardened ground before the beach begins – without the need for a 4X4. Then it’s a trek of about 10 minutes out to the water’s edge, depending on the tide. Wear plastic shoes if you can as there are quite a lot of rocks, but it’s a nice walk through some shallow pools, which our kids enjoyed paddling in. There’s a sign that says: “Dangerous swimming area for: Children and those who cannot swim (rocks and sea currents)”. But it seems fine for paddling and splashing and for confident swimmers to take a dip.

Al Wakrah Park This park has plenty of grass to enjoy, was bursting with floral displays and neat cuteshaped hedges on my recent visit, and has an amply big playground on a foundation of sand with plenty of benches and shady areas to relax in or enjoy a picnic. As parks go this ranks as one of the better ones I’ve seen and seems to be fairly well-looked after and has decent bathroom facilities. Most families I saw came in the late afternoon with their picnic mats and pots of this and that and enjoyed a family meal together, but there is the option of a snack bar selling teas, coffees, crisps and ice creams if you fancy a bite to eat but didn’t bring your own.

Desert-themed rides

at Marah Land fun fair

All The Fun Of The Fair If you wait until the afternoon to pay a visit you and your kids can enjoy the Marah Land fun fair in the middle of the park, open from 3:00 p.m., complete with mini-rollercoaster, dodgems, various carousel-style rides and some boats.

The Museum This is the interesting part, or would be if I could just have found it! Al Wakrah has a museum which the Qatar Museums Authority website states: “lies in the town of Al Wakrah, about 17 km south of the capital and displays marine life and natural history materials”. After several attempts to find its location on the internet, including calling the number given on the website, I gave up and opted for sheer luck on my last visit to Al Wakrah. However, after two different sets of directions given by willing locals turned up in dead ends I gave up. One lady I asked was adamant that Al Wakrah did not have a museum, but after five minutes of chatting with her friend, agreed that there was, in fact, a new one. So perhaps it is just not well publicized yet.

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Take your family on a stroll through the vibrant flower-beds of Al Wakrah Park

Another website www.doha.mobi, turned up this information: “(The museum) displays old diving equipment, marine life, astronomical and timing objects, old clothing and some antiques, as well as wooden artifacts and gypsum ornamental pieces particular to Al Wakrah,” and is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All the same if you happen to know where it is, and better still, have paid a visit then please let Qatar Happening know your findings, by emailing info@qatarhappening. com or posting on our Facebook page.

Take A Stroll Aside from the beach, park and elusive museum, it’s nice just to take a walk around this little town and look at some of the old buildings and flotsam and jetsam lying around. There’s also a port, which I didn’t visit, but might be worth a look.

The Score Is Out! Taking in the park, the fun fair and the beach, I would rank the day trip a 7 out of 10, simply because there isn’t an awful lot to do here, but it’s a nice place if you have two or three spare hours and want to put your feet in the sea. I think the addition of an interesting museum to visit, if you can find it, would make this a more appealing trip for families with older kids and for mums and dads! Overall then – 7/10. n

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Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL Pool Sessions

Mondays: Pool and beach. 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. The little ones will enjoy the shaded pool and the older kids can explore Doha’s longest private beach. RSVP necessary. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

EVERY WEEK DOHA MUMS Playgroup for Kids Born in 2009 Sundays: Abu Hamour area. Inviting all mums of 2009 toddlers to come and join in for a play, coffee and snacks every Sunday from 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

DOHA MUMS Mums and Babies Playgroup

Wednesdays: Al Waab area. Share your experiences with other mums while the babies play and you have a tea! 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

DOHA MUMS Parachute Play

Wednesdays: Al Waab area. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Parachute play is a positive Co-operative group activity which can be used for different games for ages 18 months to 6 years and is both educational and fun. It’s non-competitive play and teaches agility, body movements, co-ordination and teamwork. Tea and coffee plus snacks will be available afterwards for the mums. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

IAID Modern Jazz For Kids

Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays: IAID. Designed to train students to professional standard with technical exercises and exciting routines. For more information call 4432-0974.

CAFÉ CERAMIQUE

Fridays & Saturdays: The Mall. Have fun with the kids at the weekend and be create at the same time. Paint your own designs. 1:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4467-1100.

TER S I G E R Esletter I5N w Oe WNeeL e n kly ing.com pen for th atarhap www.q

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Food & Dining

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel Now Open For Lunch Mon 1 – Tues 30: New York Steakhouse. Lunch-goers are welcomed with superb service and excellent fare, experiencing the rich tradition of a true American steakhouse. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

Grand Hyatt Doha Songkran Wets Your Appetite

Sun 14: Songkran marks the New Year according to the Thai lunar calendar. The tradition is an example of beautiful Thai culture revealing the joy, generosity, warmth and respect of the Thai people. During Sonkran, Thai people use water and scents to convey appreciation and respect to each other. Grand Hyatt Doha is celebrating this occasion on April 14 with a special event on the hotel’s private 400-metre beach from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., featuring traditional Thai foods accompanied by infused teas and soft beverages for QR 280 per person. For more information call 4448-1250.

Doha The St. Regis

Doha Marriott Hotel Fresh Canadian Lobster Mon 1 – Tues 30: JW’s Steakhouse. Choose from specialties such as Lobster Cocktail in American Sauce, Traditional Lobster Bisque or Lobster Thermidor. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Arabic Influence

. MichelinFri 19: Gordon Ramsay quet invites Bos es Gill f starred Che lavish supper food connoisseurs to a influence. An with an inspired Arabic tasting menu e urs -co five al ion except s of the our flav the h created wit ers. QR 425 Middle East awaits din sommelier’s food only, QR 750 with 11:00 p.m. till . p.m 0 6:0 . ion select l 4446-0105. cal tion rma info For more

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

Mövenpick Hotel Doha A Rainbow Of Ri sotto Mon 1 – Tues 30: Seasons. Choose from a tantalizing menu of seven colourful risottos paired with the perfect glass of vino. QR 115 per person. For more information call 4429-1111.

for

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Food & Dining

A sweet spin on old world

C’est tré bien!

charm

e t a l ’ c a h C y l n e v Hea se indulgent

We fell hard for the

chocolate pastries!

The Parisian breakfast tray.

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

Staying ahead of the curve, Chac’late catches the wave of upscale European pastries done right, displaying an impressive range of original home-made chocolates. QH visits this new exquisite chocolatier at Katara.

hac’late at Katara has the most original concept we’ve seen in Doha. The shop is a visual spectacle – an architectural piece of art one can say, that offers the most delicate pastries and chocolates in town. A trip to Chac’late is a trip to the divine and sublime. It captures the true spirit of a European chocolatier. We visit Chac‘late on a beautiful Monday morning. Awed by the outside design of the shop, its uniqueness is indescribable, transporting us back to the middle of Paris in its 19th century hey-day. The shop has a small terrace where you can sit and look at the imposing Katara Amphitheatre while watching the people stroll by. Heading inside for breakfast, the interior is just as remarkable as the outside, reflecting a great love for detail and luxury. The furniture are historical reproductions and the walls have a dark wooden colour while the chandelier hanging from the ceiling is gold. Stunning chocolate fountains and a multi-dimensional floor add to the overall spectacular design. Chac’late is a real crowd pleaser. One can never imagine what you’ll find inside. After such a great visual experience, we wonder if the pastries and delicatessen will be as good. We’re served a Parisian Breakfast served on a threelevel small chocolate-stand. Each level has delicious goodies such as mini Viennoiseries,

croissants, pain au chocolat, cookies, muffins, Schnecken organic bread rolls, butter, honey and jam. It’s definitely a breakfast worthy of an aristocrat, but the undeniable crowd favourites are the chocolates. There are so many options that the only way to make a conscious decision is to ask the chef for a recommendation. Spanish chocolatier Javier Martinez sits with us to talk a bit more about the overall concept and why Chac’late is so unique. “From the design, to the pastries and chocolates everything about Chac’late is original,” he tells us. “We tried to conceptualize a very distinctive shop and we have succeeded. Every single piece of chocolate is original. I have created innovative and one-ofa-kind chocolate recipes that combine European and Arabic flavours just for Chac’late. We are proud and pleased with the final product.” We highly recommend visiting Chac’late as there’s nothing like it in Doha yet. You can sit there for the entire day just admiring the beauty of the place and trying out the many different kinds of chocolates for every sweet tooth imaginable. Bon appétit! n

Chocolatier Javier Martinez

About Chac’Late Location: Building 15, Katara Timings: 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) 8:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. (weekdays) Average Meal Price: QR 90 Smoking: On the outdoor terrace Inquiries: 4408-0733

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Food & Dining The beef tenderloin topped with prawns will keep you coming back!

l l i r G e L f O A Taste By Jorge Granda dir Bechara Photography by Ba

d stronomic scene years ago an ga ’s ha Do on nce ara pe ap its b made why! Le Grill at the Diplomatic Clu t in the city. QH visits the fine-dining hot-spot to find out ran tau res it still remains a popular

t’s 7:00 p.m. on a cold Thursday night when we arrive at the Diplomatic Club ready for a sophisticated and comfortable dinner. Le Grill is located in the lobby almost right by the entrance of the club. The moment we walk through the door we know we won’t be disappointed – the décor is as elegant as it can get, with gold elements all around, wood tones, mirrors adorning the walls and beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Le Grill is small, but the space is very well distributed, with a small bar near the entrance and no more than ten tables, providing guests an intimate and luxurious dining experience. We’re seated towards the back of the restaurant, very close to the stage where later on we’ll enjoy a performance by the jazz band. From our table we can see the chef in the open kitchen preparing his many specialties. We’re told that Le Grill is famous for its steaks and grilled seafood and those are the dishes we’re ordering. We begin with hand-sliced Scottish salmon accompanied by a salad plated on a tartar cake with chunks of parmesan cheese and char-grilled jumbo Atlantic prawns on the top. The appetizer is divine. The salmon has a beautiful pink colour in the outside and is moist on the inside. The prawns are grilled to perfection; the texture and taste superb, while the salad is fresh with the right amount of dressing. Our starter is followed by a sumptuous beef tenderloin for our main, accompanied by asparagus and mash potatoes. From the first mouthful I can taste the tenderness and juiciness of the meat. Our main course is a true

testament to Le Grills’ popularity for serving exquisite cuts of meat and its fame is more than well-deserved. We are highly pleased by our choice of starters and main course. While we savour a fantastic meal, we’re entertained by the in-house jazz band, performing next to us. Singer Danielle Pascoe’s voice is so soft and well intonated, that our conversation is not interrupted by high volume or distortion. The melodies she sings are wonderful, adding a certain caché to the entire experience – the cherry on top of a great evening of good food, good company and a great atmosphere. n Crisp Scottish salmon

About Le Grill Location: Diplomatic Club, lobby area Timings: Open daily from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight Average Meal Price: QR 300 Smoking: Yes Licenced: Yes Reservations: Call 4484-7412 to book a table About The Band Danielle Pascoe has toured internationally for many years with professional bands and has a stunning voice. Oleg Polyanski is one of the Gulf’s leading piano players and has worked alongside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra as well as other orchestras across Europe.

Danielle and Oleg steal the show Serving it up hot!

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Food & Dining

Flavours Of The Sea By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Badir Bechara

Recently, Seasons has expanded on the concept of providing diners with an authentic international dining experience with their weekly theme nights. Whether it’s Spanish, Indian, or Asian, there’s a regional flavour to fit every palate. This week we try their Deep Blue Thursdays seafood night. We’re seated in a cozy corner of the restaurant and head up to the front to fill our plates. In true buffet-style there are a number of hot and cold stations – though, where this is seafood we’re talking about, the cold stations are the big draw. Moving past the traditional salad bar and cheese platter, I heap my plate with smoked mackerel slices, shrimp and potato salad, smoked salmon

Location: The Mövenpick Hotel Doha Timings: 6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Price: QR 180 per person Smoking: No Licensed: Yes

QH hits up Deep Blue Thursdays at the Mövenpick Hotel Doha, to test drive the catch on offer at their seafood night buffet in Seasons. Tear out the coupon below and head on over! he Mövenpick Hotel Doha has been a go-to staple of the city’s downtown core for years now -- passionately Swiss as their motto says and also passionate about the food they serve. Hotel guests and locals alike have made Seasons restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor, a trusted watering hole, where families congregate for a home-cooked meal and friends gather for after-work drinks or Friday brunch.

About Seasons Restaurant

and grilled zucchini and a generous helping of sushi from their live-prep area. Sushi lovers can rejoice, because the sushi bar at Seasons is one of their biggest stations on seafood night, serving a multitudinous selection of fresh nigiri, sashimi and maki rolls. There are the ubiquitous spicy salmon and tuna rolls and also a few vegetarian options with cucumber and avocado. But my favourite are the tempura shrimp rolls – they’re plump, fresh and delicious. The various hot stations are also serving a variety of ‘fishes dishes’. There’s grilled tilapia fillets in a creamy almond sauce, seafood marinara pasta, battered hammour fillets done Asian-style with sweet and sour sauce and a steaming cauldron of prawn-fried rice. There are also some non-seafood options for lessadventurous restaurant-goers, including roasted chicken in a tarragon cream sauce, paprika beef and mixed grilled vegetables in oyster sauce. Chef Iry also prepares a special Mövenpick Swiss tradition – cheese fondue for us and brings over the steaming, flame-lit bowl right

Reservations: 4429-1111 or www.moevenpick-hotels.com to our table, bubbling with a mixture of seven blends of cheeses. It’s heavy, stick-to-your-ribs indulgent. The only downside to this week’s Deep Blue Thursday is that they are all out of their supply of fresh oysters on the half-shell. Chef Iry tells us that’s one of their biggest draws at the buffet, but due to a shortage from the supplier they aren’t able to have them here tonight. Not to worry – that gives diners who missed out another reason to come back and sample the food all over again! As we finish up, we’re tempted by the live cooking station at the dessert buffet and have to stop off for a small treat – deep-fried tempura banana. With a mixture of molten chocolate, vanilla and strawberry toppings to choose from it’s a fun way to end a full, hearty meal. They also have a wide selection of fresh fruit for the health-conscious and an array of parfaits, cheesecakes, puddings and cakes for the less health-conscious – and all of it hits the spot. I’m eager to come back to sample the other international theme nights on offer here at Seasons in the Mövenpick. Catch you in the buffet line? n

Enjoy a two for one dinner buffet Mondays to Thursdays at the Seasons restaurant by presenting this voucher. This offer is valid until 31st May 2013. For bookings call 44291111. www.moevenpick-hotels.com

Buy one

get one free.

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Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading & Contracting Co. W.L.L. Bilal Tower, Al Asmakh Area, 11th Floor. Tel. 4442 8877

Interior Design Forum Design, Bilal Tower, Al Asmakh Area, 11th Floor. Tel. 4456 8716

Restaurant

Sizzling Hot Pot Tel. 4411 5225 Ground Floor Entrance 7 Holiday Villa Hotel, Doha (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)

Restaurant (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group) Chowking Salwa Road 4437 1212 Al Khor 4411 8816/ 4411 8817 Al Saad St. 4431 4411 Mamoura 4486 6077

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Food & Dining

QH Eats

We get our sushi fix at Midori. But what’s the verdict?

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Srimani Welagedara

We sample the catch of the day at Midori Sushi on The Pearl.

t’s one of those rare rainy days in Doha as we head to lunch at Midori Sushi on a Saturday morning. Meandering along the waterfront at The Pearl it’s mostly quiet, shops empty and Midori is no exception. Nestled away on the far side of the marina there’s only two other families dining in as we head inside and choose a table by the window. The ambiance is quiet and relaxing with traditional Japanese music lulling us as we ponder their lunch offerings.

The Menu

ra The tempu

unch tisfying cr

The maki

lunch set

packs a sa

is some of

the best

There’s no shortage of options for appetizers, soups and noodle dishes but I’m a bit disappointed when it comes to their selection of maki rolls – my favourite. They offer a wide range of sashimi on their lunch menu but no a la carte maki. Instead I have to order the pre-set meal that comes with a choice of only two maki from about four options – spicy salmon or tuna, California roll or a beef teriyaki. I go for the classic spicy tuna and salmon with a side of fresh garden salad. I’m surprised when my lunch set doesn’t come with the usual miso soup so I order it separately along with a serving of mixed vegetable tempura. My colleague orders the chicken teriyaki lunch set with the same garden side salad, but his also includes the miso soup.

ple, yet inviting

t sushi bar is sim

The open-concep

The Verdict When the food arrives the presentation is topnotch, the slices of fish in my maki delightfully fresh with the perfect kick of heat to the spicy mayo and the tempura piping hot and crispy. My companion isn’t as ‘wow-ed’ by the teriyaki lunch set; the slices of chicken over plain rice need a bit of a flavour injection. His order looks painfully small compared to the portions that accompany mine. The service is fairly good, although the waitress forgets to bring us utensils for our soup and when we asked for separate bills our orders were not divided properly. Aside from those small

we’ve tast

About Midori Sushi inconveniences I decide I want to come back to give Midori a second go. My food was delicious, but the lunch menu was limited enough to pique my curiosity as to what might await diners who come for their dinner service. But on a quiet Saturday morning, it’s a nice escape from the crowded rush of the usual weekend brunches around Doha. n

Location: 12 La Croisette, The Pearl Timings: Lunch, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Dinner, 6:00 p.m. – midnight Average Meal Price: QR 65 – QR 80 Smoking: No Contact Info: 4495-3876, Ext 6779

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Food & Dining pages? Want to see your review in our take and e pag Join our QH Facebook ! test part in our monthly con

Word Of Mouth

Photography by Andrea

Ceccarelli

contest where we send This column is part of a monthly e a meal at a restaurant. one of our readers to experienc nity a voice on our pages. It’s our way of giving the commu tested the Friday brunch This month Chiara Ceccarelli rges in the W Hotel. menu at Market by Jean-Geo Here is her review.

relli and

cca Martinez, Chiara Ce L-R: Chef Rodrigo saris Fas s vro Sta er nag Ma

QH: What did you order?

QH: Describe the quality of the service.

CC:The choice was endless but we went for few types of sushi, pizza, fois gras bruleé, calamari ring ceviche and various salads such as eggplant, turkey and mango, and at the end roasted lamb.

CC: All the staff was very friendly and they looked after us all the time. They made our experience very pleasant. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not?

CC: Everything was fantastic, but we would suggest to place the soups and main dishes in a more visible spot as they were by the desserts and we only noticed them at the end of our meal.

QH: Were the prices reasonable?

CC: I definitely would recommend it and will be back for sure, because of the cool atmosphere, outstanding service and quality of the food.

For reservations at Market by Jean-Georges call 4453-5000 or visit www.marketdoha.com. n

CC:There are two prices for the brunch. With house beverages it’s QR 360 and with regular soft drinks it’s QR 90. I think that the difference between the two choices is too big even if the house beverages are unlimited. QH: Describe the ambiance. CC: The ambiance is very elegant for a romantic brunch for two, but it’s also a nice place for families with kids. A band was playing live music and it was very enjoyable. QH: Describe the quality of the food. CC: The food was excellent and I liked the variety and the rich flavours. Our favourite dish was the pizza with tartufo and fontina cheese. The only remark is that the roasted meat was served a little bit cold.

QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how?

QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? CC: I loved the modern design of the restaurant. QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? CC: Although the live music is a great feature, sometimes the music is too loud if you’re seated near the band, so I would advise to request a table further away from them. QH: Was there a special touch of flair to the experience? CC: The presentation of the food was impressive and the desserts in particular represent a ‘wow’ factor as they are prepared by a French patisserie. We also loved the fact that the personnel are very international, coming from 40 different countries.

Editor’s Note:

The views and opinions expressed in our reader reviews do not reflect in any way those of Qatar Happening Magazine’s staff, directors, management or Editor-in-Chief. All hotel PR food and beverage departments are aware of the content and receive a copy.

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Food & Dining

Cool down and stay refreshed with some summer citrus!

t e b r o S g n Spri

Chef Gerald!

By Gerald Tan Photography by Jessie Palanca

We’ve got a sweet spot for sorbet this month as we show you a simple yet delicious way to cool down with this icy treat.

uring the metabolically-forgiving decade of my 20s, I would make gelato pilgrimages to Italy. As part of the ritual, I’d map out my excursions to geographically incorporate at least three renowned gelatteria each day and plenty of time for spontaneous stops. Success was measured by a six-scoop minimum; any new flavour discovery equaled euphoria. And these, by the way, were just the winter trips. As a child of the balmy tropics, I easily justify this voracity for frozen confectionary. Afternoon popsicles from the freezer, playground breaks cued by the Pavlovian music of ice-cream vans, and the plenitude of street stalls serving Technicolour sugared, shaved ice would all form the bedrock of my adult addiction. I love just about every icy, frosty dessert imaginable. The range of textures (what poncy aficionados call ‘mouthfeel’) is achieved by just a slight tweak in the ingredients, giving rise to everything from gelato to sherbet and granita. So how do they differ? Let’s use ice cream as a benchmark: Ice Cream: The mother recipe calls for just cream + milk + sugar. Mix in fruit or flavourings and the possibilities are endless. Frozen Custard: The addition of egg yolks makes this even smoother, denser and creamier than ice cream. Gelato: The same four ingredients as frozen custard, but a higher ratio of milk to cream means less fat than even ice cream, which intensifies the flavour.

Frozen Yogurt: Yogurt replaces the cream and gives it a signature tang. Sorbet: Ditch the dairy altogether; this is just sugar, water and fruit. Granita: Exactly the same ingredients as sorbet, but made without churning so ice crystals form. Sherbet: Straddling two worlds, this is sorbet with a touch of milk added in. As we enter the warmer months, nothing beats having a batch of homemade sorbet in the freezer. With an ice-cream maker, the preparation takes mere minutes. The machine rapidly chills and churns the mixture in a frozen container so ice-crystals that form are broken up. But there’s always the old-fashioned method as well: just freeze the mixture and churn it by hand every half an hour until completely smooth. The real fun of concocting sorbets from scratch is being able to throw in whatever strikes your fancy. Mix lavender water with Earl Grey tea. Add mint to watermelon and lime. Many restaurants even push the envelope by using truffle or blue cheese with this icy delight. I try to keep my sorbets on the fruity side. This way, I get one serving of my five-a-day. And don’t forget it’s fat-free. So basically, we’re talking about an indulgence that’s actually nutritious. Really, do you need another excuse? n

Orange Pineapple Infusion Ingredients: 1 pineapple, peeled and cored 2 oranges ¾ cup water ¾ cup sugar Instructions: Make a sugar syrup. Boil the sugar and water together until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and leave to cool completely. Zest the oranges. Remove the skin and seeds, and put into blender. Add in pineapple pieces and blend together. Add the sugar syrup and blend some more. The goal is to get about 3 cups of liquid. To make sorbet: chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 8 hours then follow instructions on ice-cream maker. To make granita: pour mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Every hour or so, run a fork through the mixture so a block doesn’t form. After about three hours, a consistency of shaved ice is achieved.

Comments, feedback, tips or Kryptonella’s not-so-secret recipes gladly welcome. Do share how the pineapple orange sorbet turns out. I’m on Twitter @GeraldoTan.

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Brings the Best of Asian Cuisine to Mamoura

an associate of ce and quality, Chowking, rvi se in e nc lle ce ex to t en th a brand-new With its commitm to customers on April 1 wi ors do its s en op p, ou Gr Ahmed Hassan Bilal all in Mamoura. location in Dar Al Salam M

howking offers something for everyone as its extensive menu, fast, free home delivery service and reasonable prices make it one of the most popular franchises in Doha for fresh, hot Chinese cuisine. With current locations on Al Saad St. and Salwa Road and also in Al Khor, the popularity of the brand continues to expand as customers looking for a comforting dining experience flock to menu choices that are well-known and well-loved. Established in the Philippines in 1985, Chowking comes from the Chinese meaning ‘above the rest’ and it’s a motto the brand holds dear as each franchise outlet continues to provide diners with a taste of excellence. Some of the most popular menu items that continue to sell out are the iconic ‘halo halo’ dessert – a mixture of shaved ice and condensed milk mixed with a variety of fruits including coconut, mango and jackfruit, topped with ice cream and decadent leche flan.

Other bestsellers include the ‘asado siopao’ a fluffy, light pastry bun filled with steaming beef or chicken – it’s quick, comforting dim sum at its best. The expansion of the brand to Mamoura is a sign of positive things to come, as Chowking continues to make waves across Doha with a diverse customer base built upon its familyfriendly atmosphere and efficient service. Patrons to the new location on Level 1 in Dar Al Salam Mall in Mamoura can look forward to the same delicious menu items they love, in a the restaurant area that can seat 161 people and accommodate both indoor and outdoor functions. Chowking also offers full-service catering for parties and corporate events at both its Al Saad St. and Salwa Road franchises too – the perfect way to enjoy good food and great times with family and friends. n

About Chowking: Locations: Dar Al Salam Mall, Level 1, Mamoura Al Khor Mall, Al Khor (2nd floor food court area) Salwa Road (near Ramada Hotel) Al Saad St. (before Commercial Bank) Timings: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: QR 30 – QR 50 Telephone: 4431-1212 (Delivery Hotline)

4486-6077 (Mamoura) 4411-8816 / 4411-8817 (Al Khor) 4437-1212 (Salwa Road) 4431-4411 (Al Saad St.)

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Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Teppanyaki Offer

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Asia Live! Go with a group of 8 and pay for only 6 people from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HYATT DOHA All Change

Mon 1 – Tues 30: The Grill. Two guests can choose any burger or any sandwich for QR 200 including two soft drinks. For more information call 4448-1240.

GRAND HYATT DOHA Signature Experience

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Rocca. Four courses each carefully chosen by Chef Franco Canzano. Each course paired with a different Mediterranean vino, plus a digestif at the end. QR 300 per person. For more information call 4448-1272.

ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Decorate Your Own Cupcake

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Red Velvet. Create a masterpiece – fun and educational for children and ideal for birthday celebrations. QR 60 per child. For more information call 4408-0700.

PROMOTIONS CHOWKING Value Meals

Daily: Enjoy dinner for 2 for QR 70-80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Saad St.: 4431-4411.

SIZZLING HOT POT First Of Its Kind

Holiday Villa Hotel. The first of its kind in the Middle East, offers visitors a unique dining experience as you and your family can cook your own meal at your tables very own hot pot. For more information call 4411-5225.

FOUR SEASONS DOHA Tapas

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Library and Cigar Lounge. Tapas is a traditionally Spanish cuisine taking influences from the Mediterranean and Latin America. It typically comprises small dishes of no more than a couple of mouthfuls. 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Roast Lamb

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Sukar Pasha. A special treat for the season, enjoy a well-marinated roasted baby lamb, tender and juicy served with traditional Turkish rice from 7:00 p.m. for QR 99. For more information call 4408-2000.

ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Special Main Course

Mon 1 – Tues 30: L’wzaar Seafood Market. Try the recommendation of the day. For more information call 4408-0710.

ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Chac’late Breakfast

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Chac’late. Treat yourself to a unique Parisian breakfast. 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information, call 4408-0733.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Dinner Without Technology

Mon 1 – Tues 30: Al Dana. Any guest who deposits all their mobile devices upon arrival will receive a 20% discount off the total bill. 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., except Sundays. For more information call 3325-6666.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Steamed From The Sea

Wed 3 – Tues 30: D’Chopstix Chinese & Japanese Restaurant. From 11:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. for QR 88. For more information call 4408-4888.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Tasty Promotions

Wed 3 – Tues 30: Kafé Ole and Lobby Lounge. Tropical pie and coffee for QR 25. Strawberrymint soda and papaya coconut smoothie for QR 16. Flavoured teas for QR 16. From 9:00 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4408-4888.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Teppanyaki Week Sat 6 – Thurs 11: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Enjoy lunch from 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

WEST END, RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Canadian Scallops

Mon 7 – Sat 20: New York Steakhouse. Presenting a special seasonal new menu featuring succulent Canadian scallops. Valet parking included. Lunch 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. and dinner 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

WEST END, RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Asparagus

Sun 14 – Sat 27: Cucina. Vegetarians will adore the newest specialties on the Cucina menu. Five colourful additions incorporate fresh asparagus into a flavoursome mix that will satisfy every palate. Valet parking included. Lunch 12:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

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THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Churrasco Week

Sun 21 – Thurs 25: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Brazilian barbeque from 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha

EVERY WEEK

A lifestyle city hotel in the heart of Doha

HILTON DOHA Curry & Creole Night

Sundays: Mawasem. Spectacular authentic Creole and curry dishes from the heart of the islands for QR 190 including unlimited soft drinks. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

W DOHA Grill Night

Sundays: Market. Steak connoisseurs and red-meat lovers can savour their prize cuts of tender meat, fowl and seafood, char-grilled or seared, rare or well done, from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Seafood Buffet Night

Sundays: Al Liwan. 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 250. For more information call 4425-6666.

SHERATON DOHA Parillada Night

Sundays & Wednesdays: Latino. All you can eat Argentinian parillada served at your table including salad and dessert buffet and live entertainment. QR 190 food only, QR 250 with house beverages. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

583 rooms and suites amaze with their variety and style

THE ST. REGIS DOHA A Taste of Astor Grill

Sundays – Fridays: Astor Grill. Enjoy a three-course set menu while watching culinary theatre created in the open kitchen. Price is QR 280. Or, for QR 350 , include a sommelier’s selection or signature cocktails. 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Early Bird Dinner

Sundays - Fridays: Rodizio. QR 265 per person including a complimentary glass of vino. 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Lunch Buffet

Sundays – Thursdays: Corniche. Go with a group of 5 and pay for only 3 people. QR 168 per person. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Brazilian Churrascaria

+974 4428 1428 radissonblu.com/hotel-doha

Sundays - Fridays: Rodizio. Think you can eat meat? For QR 265 per person, test your stamina with their all you can eat service. 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

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Food & Dining Listings THE ST. REGIS DOHA Burger Night

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Les Alpes Tuesdays

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Matador Mondays

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA ‘Ouzeri Night’ Seafood BBQ

Mondays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. QR 100, 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

Mondays: Seasons. Spanish tapas, paella and live cooking for QR 160. For more information call 4429-1111.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Phoenician Night

Mondays: Aramede. Lebanese and Oriental specialties with live cooking stations and Arabic desserts. QR 170 per person from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA ‘Souvlaki Night’ Greek BBQ Mondays: Mykonos. Eat as much mixed grill as you can. Enjoy a live cooking station with buffet of fresh cold mezzedes and salads complemented with desserts. 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 165 per person. For more information call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Sushi Night

Mondays: Strata. Open sushi and sashimi accompanied by a Japanese traditional beverage for QR 250 including one drink, QR 225 for food only. For more information call 4015-8888.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL All You Can Eat Sushi & Sashimi

Mondays & Tuesdays: Asia Live! QR 155 per person excluding drinks. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Closed on Sundays. For more information call 4429-8499.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Early Evenings

Mondays - Wednesdays: Gordon Ramsay. A traditional three-course menu perfectly created by Michelin Star Chef Gilles Bosquet. From 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., QR 375 food only or QR 575 with sommelier’s selection. For more information call 4446-0105.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Seafood Platter

Tuesdays: Admiral’s Club. Overlooking the marina, you’re invited to enjoy a fresh seafood platter of lobster, prawns, fish and squid. 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. QR 260 per portion serves up to 2 people. For more information call 4484-8663.

Tuesdays: Seasons. The finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland for QR 160. For more information call 4429-1111.

Tuesdays: Mykonos. Enjoy Greek delicacies while sharing ouzo on ice with friends from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 175 per person. For more information call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Grapes & Cheese

Tuesdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. The head sommelier opens one of the largest cellars in Doha, inviting enthusiasts for a tasting paired with the finest French cheeses. 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. for QR 300 with 13 exclusive labels and a QR 75 cheese platter (selection of 5 kinds of cheeses). For more information call 4446-0105.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Seafood Night

Wednesdays: Aramede. QR 250 per person from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Tex-Mex Wednesdays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Experience Latino living with a variety of Mexican, Argentinian and Brazilian platters. QR 190 per person, 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Tempt-Asian Wednesdays Wednesdays: Seasons. Gather around the teppanyaki table, taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry for QR 160. For more information call 4429-1111.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Italian Buffet Night

Wednesdays: Al Liwan. 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 250. For more information call 4425-6666.

WEST END, RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Indian Night Wednesdays: Crossroads Kitchen. Step into an authentic Indian experience, complete with Indian music, incense and all the colours and flavours of this rich, diverse nation. QR 195 per person including soft beverages. Valet parking included. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

WEEKEND HILTON DOHA Seafood Extravaganza

Thursdays: Mawasem. QR 225 including unlimited soft drinks. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Seafood Extravaganza

Thursdays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Find the catch of the day and a selection of seafood for cooking for just QR 250 per person. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Deep Blue Thursdays Thursdays: Seasons. A spectacular buffet of rich, fresh and succulent seafood and fish. For QR 180. For more information call 4429-1111.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Malaysian Food Festival

Thursdays: Lagenda International Restaurant. 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 168 per adult, QR 88 per child aged 4-12 years. For more information call 4408-4888.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Gourmet Route

Thursdays: The Restaurant Gallery. A culinary journey that evokes an open food market with spectacular live cooking stations, presenting cuisines from Latin and North America, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., QR 225 per person or QR 320 per person with bubbly. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Indian Night

Thursdays: Flavours. Delectable selection of curries, biryanis, kebabs and bread from the live tandoor oven for QR 199 per person, from 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

FOUR SEASONS DOHA Charcoal-Grilled

Thursdays: Pool Grill. Grilled meat and seafood, served perfectly cooked from the charcoal grill. Starts at QR 170 per person from 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

THE ST.REGIS DOHA Coast Cuisine Evening Buffet

Thursday: Vine. The ultimate evening buffet with an extensive selection of fresh fish and seafood for connoisseurs who desire the finest experiences. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., QR 250 including soft beverages or QR 350 with selected beverages. For more information call 4446-0105.

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CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK La Dolce Vita

Thursdays: Aramede. QR 170 per person from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

WEST END, RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Seafood Night

Thursdays: Crossroads. Enjoy the biggest seafood paella in Doha from QR 225! Valet parking included. Lunch runs from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Mexican BBQ Dinner

Thursdays & Fridays: Al Seef. Buffet dinner by the pool area from 6:30 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. for QR 205. For more information call 4425-6666.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Seafood Night

Fridays: Corniche. The seafood buffet is one of Doha’s highlights for all seafood lovers. QR 225 per person from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For an extra QR 65 choose either one lobster tail or two king crab legs. For more information call 4429-8499.

HILTON DOHA Asian Persuasion

Fridays: Mawasem. A colourful array of dishes from the Far East from 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 190 per person including unlimited soft drinks. For more information call 4423-3333.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Pomodoro & Basilico Fridays

Fridays: Aroma. Gives you the chance to select your choice of pasta or pizza and enjoy as much as you like for QR 160 per person from 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

Creative Casual Cuisine from different Continents

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Barbecue Bazaar Lunch

Fridays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. A wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, burgers and hot dogs for QR 195 per person from 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood BBQ Night

Fridays: Fish Market. Enjoy a seafood BBQ dinner by the beachfront with live cooking stations. 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information please call 4484-4444 or 4484-4747.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Weekend Roast

Fridays & Saturdays: Le Grill. With all its traditional trimmings, the roast comes with many choices of meat. QR 180 per person, QR 220 per person including house beverages. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470.

Daily :

Brand New Menu, 12:30pm to 12midnight

Friday :

Family Brunch, 12:30pm to 04:00pm

Saturday : Chocolate Brunch, 12:30pm to 05:00pm Tel : 4445 5535 / 4445 5555 www.grandheritagedoha.com Aspire Zone, Doha GrandHeritageDoha

GrandHeritageDh

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Food & Dining Listings THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut

Fridays & Saturdays: Set up for 8 people, the BBQ Donut will take you on the West Bay shores to enjoy unparalleled views of the city while savouring an exquisite dining experience. QR 450 per hour, plus QR 180 per person, 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470.

W DOHA Express Sushi

Saturdays: Spice Market. This comprehensive sushi menu features assorted sushi, nigiri, maki and sashimi for QR 230 per person from 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Express sushi lunch is QR 140. For more information call 4453-5135.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Italian Night

Saturdays: Corniche. Take a break and indulge in classic Italian dishes with the freshest ingredients by the new Italian Executive Chef. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., QR 198 per person. For more information call 4429-8499.

HILTON DOHA 1001 Arabian Feast Nights Saturdays: Mawasem. Tantalizing dishes from the Middle East and Gulf region. QR 190 including unlimited soft drinks. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Malaysian Hi Tea

Saturdays: Lagenda International Restaurant. A large selection of Malaysian delicacies and Free-flowing Tarik tea from 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 110 per adult, QR 55 per child aged 4-12 years. For more information call 4408-4888.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Saturday Roast

Saturdays: Admiral’s Club. Enjoy the perfect hand-carved selection of roast meats, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings. 5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., QR 120. For more information call 4484-8663.

W DOHA Burger Night

Saturdays: Market. The tastiest burgers made just the way you like them. Choose your burger, side dish and a dessert for QR 110. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Mediterranean Night

Saturdays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. A selection of plates from different countries. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

BRUNCH GRAND HYATT DOHA

Fridays: Isaan. Nibble on delicate bite-sized canapés with a glass of Möet on arrival, feast on authentic Thai cuisine cooked to order. Then to Dunes Lounge to listen to live swing and jazz performed by Miss Avis Ellis from the States. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. Book a table for six people and the seventh guest is free. For more information call 4448-1250.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Fridays: Vine. An extensive buffet and live cooking stations. QR 275 including soft drinks and QR 375 including a selection of beverages. Lobby Terrace. Enjoy brunch with a view and celebrate any special occasion with live Reggae music and personal service. QR 435 per person for a table of 8 including a selection of beverages. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA

Fridays: D’Chopstix Chinese & Japanese Restaurant. Dim Sum buffet with free-flowing Chinese tea. QR 138 per adult, QR 68 per child aged 4-12 years. 11:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4888.

W DOHA

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA

Fridays: The Lagoon. Live music and buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children’s junior buffet and entertainment. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 240 including soft beverages, QR 325 including sparkling vino, QR 395 for full beverage package. For more information call 4484-8000.

LA CIGALE

Fridays: Le Cigalon. Extended international buffet lunch. QR 200 per person, inclusive of American coffee or tea. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

Fridays: Aramede. Family brunch at all-day dining theatre restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with live music. QR 205 per person. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Fridays: Blue. With a live Latino band and special kids entertainment. QR 240 per person from 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA

Fridays: Spice Market. Asian street food meets slick city chic, to a backdrop of live, upbeat swing music courtesy of Doha Jazz. QR 340 including specialty drinks, QR 285 including soft drinks. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

Fridays: Seasons. Kids will enjoy fun activities including an in-door bouncy castle for QR 215. For more information call 4429-1111.

HILTON DOHA

Fridays: Fish Market. Indulge in the luxurious buffet and a market display featuring lobster, oysters, tiger prawns and sea bass from 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4484 or 4484-4954.

Fridays: Mawasem. With live music and amazing views. QR 222 per person including unlimited soft drinks, QR 333 per person including unlimited house beverages and bubbly, QR 444 per including French bubbly. For more information call 4423-3333.

SHERATON DOHA

Fridays: Al Shaheen. Mediterranean buffet with the best views of the city and a kids area. QR 190 for food only, QR 270 with free-flowing bubbly. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

W DOHA

Fridays: Market. Enjoy brunch with live entertainment by Doha Jazz. Watch fresh, local products and ingredients come together splendidly in the Mediterranean-inspired show kitchen. QR 340 including specialty drinks, QR 285 including soft drinks. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

FOUR SEASONS DOHA

Fridays: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. The main buffet is a showcase of live Asian cooking stations, as well as hot and cold appetizers and a traditional carvery, complemented by a range of salads and freshly-baked bread. The best is left for last with a heavenly dessert spread that includes pastries, hot desserts and cakes. QR 300 inclusive of soft drinks. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

SHERATON DOHA

Fridays: Al Hubara. International buffet featuring local specialties including Ouzi and Oumali, and a kids area with balloons and face painting. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. for QR 205. For more information call 4485-4071.

GRAND REGAL HOTEL

Fridays: Mehfil Restaurant. A sumptuous international buffet and live cooking stations. 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. for QR 149. For more information call 4409-4601.

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WEST END, RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER

Fridays: Ipanema. Brazilian meats and the only authentic Brazilian band in Doha. Ipanema is the place to come for a super brunch with live entertainment. QR 250 or QR 325 including selected beverages. Valet parking included. Lunch runs from 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

Fridays: The Square. QR 320 including selected house beverages, QR210 including soft drinks and mocktails. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Fridays and Saturdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. The first a la carte brunch in Doha! QR 250 including soft drinks, QR 375 including selected beverages. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL

Friday and Saturdays: The Restaurant Gallery. Embark on a culinary journey unlike any other in Doha! The kids club also offers a special buffet and entertainment for the little ones. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. for QR 245 per person, or QR 350 per person with bubbly. For more information call 4429-8499.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

Fridays and Saturdays: Coral Restaurant. Friday brunch: QR 275 per person including unlimited bubbly or QR 250 with soft drinks. Saturday kids and family brunch: QR 250 per person including bubbly or QR 225 with soft drinks. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA

Fridays and Saturdays: Al Liwan. Indulge in a luxurious buffet, live musical performances and a lively, yet relaxed atmosphere. Kids activities are well supervised. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., QR 250 or QR 390 with house beverages. For more information call 4425-6666.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL

Saturdays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Specialties from the Mediterranean, Asia and Latin America for only QR 195 per person including selected beverages.12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. QR 95 for children between the age of 6 and 12. For more information call 4446-5600.

SHERATON DOHA

Saturdays: La Veranda. Enjoy the bountiful seafood buffet with kids corner. QR 190 food only or QR 270 with free-flowing bubbly. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA

Saturdays: Blue. Chocolate brunch with live cooking stations for crepes and waffles, plus a chocolate fountain are among the choices to savour. QR 99 per person from 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

BUSINESS LUNCH

Sundays - Thursdays: Mykonos. A choice of a starter, main course and dessert, ready to be enjoyed both in the tempting outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and the pool, or the indoor cozy lounge area. 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4096 or 4484-4444.

CHOWKING

FOUR SEASONS DOHA

Sundays – Thursdays: Enjoy a delicious meal with the trusted Chowking flavours you love in under 30 minutes. From 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. at all locations. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Saad St.: 4431-4411.

Saturdays – Thursdays: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Longing for a sensational lunch from the Far East but don’t have much time? Tailormake your set lunch to suit your taste and time from an extensive selection of lunch dishes starting from QR 75. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

HILTON DOHA

SHERATON DOHA

LA CIGALE

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Sundays – Thursdays: La Sahtaine. Enjoy a 3-course meal overlooking the waterfront for QR 88. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

Daily: Le Central. Savour three choices of light and healthy appetizers, expertly designed main dishes and irresistible desserts for QR 150. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-8772.

HILTON DOHA

Sundays – Thursdays: Trader Vic’s. Choose 3 main dishes and 1 side dish for QR 95. Served within 45 minutes from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118.

W DOHA

Saturdays - Thursdays: Market. Choose your starter, main course and dessert and get served in only 30 minutes! 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., QR 89 per person. For more information call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA

Saturdays - Thursdays: Aroma. Indulge in the most delicate business lunch in Doha for only QR 90 per person. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

W DOHA

Saturdays - Thursdays: Spice Market. Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. for QR 89. For more information call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

Sundays – Fridays: La Veranda. Three-course business lunch served within 45 minutes for just QR 99. 12:00 p.m. till 2:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

Sundays – Thursdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Discover the Chef’s menu of the day at Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Be it with colleagues or clients, enjoy a delicious three-course lunch with a different Chef-selected menu each week for QR 100. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

WEST END, RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER

Sundays - Thursdays: Cucina. 3-course express lunch. Choose from 6 entrees, 6 mains and 5 desserts for QR 85. Valet parking included. Lunch 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

Sundays – Thursdays: The Square. QR 88 for 3 courses. 12:00 p.m. till 3.00 p.m. For more information call 40155-8888.

TER REGISINE r wslette ONeeL kly 5 ne om W .c for the tarhappening a .q w w w

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Daily: Savor. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. for QR 65. For more information call 4408-7777.

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Restaurant Directory

NEW Beach at The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

AMERICAS Chillis

MEDITERRANEAN

FRENCH

4466-0663

La Varenne

4499-0680

Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

Sormani

4495-3876

La Villa

4446-2222

Quisine by Guy Savoy

4002-7245

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

Le Relais de L’Entrecote

4495-3876

Le Central

4428-8772

Johny Rockets 4455-2792

SOUTHEAST ASIAN

Pampano

4495-3876

INDIAN

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

4443-7846

Biriyani Hut

4464-1401

Idly Factory

6674-1143

ARABIC & LEBANESE

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Shisha Garden 4428-8702

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

Turkey Central

4443-2927

Liza

4495-3876

Layali

4431-0005

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels: 4433-6666 The Courtyard, The Dining Room, Al Canteen, The Terrace, Lounge, East, Al Mataam, Al Matbakh, The Drawing Room, Argan.

CHINESE

INTERNATIONAL Blue Brasserie

4472-2666

De Dine Zone

4470-8822

Lifestyle

4463-2154

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

4451-7585

Le Cigalon

4428-8698

Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

JAPANESE

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

Neo

4432-2508

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

Chowking Delivery Hotline 4431-1212 Mamoura 4486-6077 Al Khor 4411-8816 / 4411-8817 Salwa Road 4437-1212 Al Saad St. 4431-4411 Sizzling Hot Pot

4411-5225

Mango Tree

4495-3876

The Noodle House

4411-5063

ne! i l n o s u e e S w.qatarhappening.com ww

Yen Sushi Bar 4428- 8698

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CMY

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Sports

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon Qatar Olympics Committee Special Needs Sport Festival

Tues 16: Qatar Sports Club. Celebrate the many ways those who have physical challenges take part in a healthy and active lifestyle. For more information visit www.olympic.qa.

QMMF Cross Country Rally 2013

Qatar Volleyball Federation

H.H. The Heir Apparent Volleyball Cup Final Fri 12: Al Arabi Sport Club. Don’t miss all the action across the nets at this fast-paced sporting event. For more information visit www.qvbaen.org.

deration Qatar Tennis Fe

Sun 21 – Fri 26: Sealine. Hit the dunes and get your need for speed with this event. For more information visit www.circuitlosail.com or www.qmmf.com.

Sharq Village & Spa Full Moon Outdoor Yoga p Qatar Davis Cu nis and – Mon 22: Khalifa Ten

Mon 15 s internationallySquash Complex. Thi will bring some of the nt me rna renowned tou to Qatar. For more e top names in the gam w.qatartennis.org. information visit ww

OUT om K C E H g.c C appenin

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

unneondline!for the StaurySpoT rts sectio ming Visit o up on the upco latest info Heir Apparent C 3 1 0 2 L QS

Tues 23: Al Dana Garden. A unique experience; awaken the energy within, leaving you feeling mentally and physically serene. 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. QR 60 non-members, QR 30 for spa members. For more information call 4425-6999.

for

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Sports

Start Your

Engines! As told to Jorge Granda

The Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar is making its much anticipated return to Losail International Circuit this month. QH has the highlights!

f you haven’t been to a Commercialbank Grand Prix, then you haven’t seen some serious MotoGP™races. Don’t miss the chance to experience the opening race of the MotoGP™calendar right here in Doha from April 4-7 at the impressive Losail International Circuit. Grand Prix motorcycle racing refers to the premier category of motorcycle grand prix currently divided into three distinct classes: Moto3™, Moto2™ and MotoGP™.

History MotoGP™ is the premier motorcycle racing World Championship; an eighteen-race series visiting fourteen countries, four continents and with pan-global television coverage. Nine nationalities of the world’s most skilled riders line a grid armed with cutting-edge motorcycle technology and prototype machinery fielded by three manufacturers; Ducati, Yamaha and Honda. Established as a World Championship by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) in 1949, MotoGP™ is now in its 63rd year. It’s the oldest motorsports championship in the world and the premier class of three racing classes that take to the track on a typical Grand Prix weekend. Formerly labeled ‘500cc’, the championship underwent a change in 2002 with new technical regulations permitting the introduction of four-stroke machinery and increasing engine capacity to 990cc, thus

becoming MotoGP™. From 2007 the rules were altered, limiting engine capacity to 800cc, and once again from 2012, setting the maximum engine displacement at 1000cc. MotoGP™ has been administrated by commercial rights owners Dorna Sports under the supervision of FIM since 1992. As well as the premier class there are also two ultra-competitive World Championship Grand Prix categories which form part of MotoGP™. The Moto3™ (formerly 125cc) and Moto2™ (formerly 250cc) World Championships have their own races at each Grand Prix, meaning that by the end of the season three new champions are crowned. On a Grand Prix weekend there is a race in each of MotoGP™’s three categories: Moto3™ – This new 4-stroke, 250cc, single-cylinder class replaces the 125cc GP category, which had its final run in 2011. The maximum age for riders is 28 years (25 for wild-card riders or those newly contracted and competing in a Moto3™ for the first time) and the minimum age is 16 years. Moto2™ – The Moto2™ class replaced the 250cc category from 2010. Honda is the sole engine supplier, and Dunlop provides the tires. The bikes are powered by a 600cc 4-stroke engine, producing around 140hp, and the design and construction of the chassis is free within the constraints of the FIM Grand Prix

Technical Regulations. The main frame, swing-arm, fuel tank, seat and fairing/ bodywork from a non-prototype (i.e. series production road-homologated) motorcycle may not be used. The minimum age for riders is 16. MotoGP™ – The ultimate test for the finest talents in motorcycle racing, in which the maximum engine capacity is 1000cc (4-stroke engine) and the minimum age for riders is 18.

Classes Participating MotoGP™ event is divided into 3 different categories, as previously mentioned: Moto3™,Moto2™ and MotoGP™. In addition to this event there will be a support race, where the 4th round of the local Qatar International Road Racing Championship (QIRRCH), will be held.

Ticket Information Public Area - Grandstand Ticket In the main grandstand you will find giant screens to watch the action live. You’ll also find a gift shop to buy souvenir items to bring home to friends, or keep as mementos and the cafeteria is open for snacks and refreshments. The main grandstand is the place to get a great view of the starting grid and finish line and it’s also where you can see the podium ceremony.

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ium the pod ed n o e b ill pe Who w r’s need-for-s a e y is at th tition? compe

For more information visit: www.motogp.com www.qmmf.com www.circuitlosail.com VIP Village Tickets The VIP Village is the hospitality area above the pit garages, in the paddock section. This ticket includes the following services: Excellent views Paddock tour Gourmet dinner Non-alcoholic beverages and coffee bar

Event: Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar 2013 Dates: April 4-7 Venue: Losail International Circuit, near Al-Khor (North Relief Road), 15 minutes from West Bay.

TIME-TABLE

Privileged parking

THURS, APRIL 4

VIP grandstand

1:45 p.m. -2:30 p.m. -National Superbike Free Practice

Service road tour Club VIP Village Tickets The Club VIP Village is a hospitality tent in Turn 10. This ticket includes the following services: Live action throughout the weekend Giant screens Music All-day appetizers All-day non-alcoholic beverages Exclusive car park close to the tent No paddock access. n TICKET PRICES Grandstand ticket (4 days) - QR 200 VIP Village ticket (1 day - Sunday) - QR 2,550 VIP Village ticket (2 days - Sat & Sun) - QR 3,250 Club VIP Village (3 days -Fri, Sat, Sun) - QR 2,500

7:00 p.m. -7:40 p.m. -Moto3™ Free Practice 3 (40 min) 7:55 p.m. -8:40 p.m. -Moto2™ Free Practice 3 (45 min) 8:55 p.m. -9:40 p.m. -MotoGP™ Free Practice 3 (45 min; timed for qualifying) 10:10 p.m. -National Superbike Race 2 (15 laps) SAT, April 6

Official program

Pit lane walk

6:00 p.m. -6:45 p.m. -MotoGP™ Free Practice 2 (45 min; timed for qualifying)

6:00 p.m. - 6:40 p.m. -Moto3™ Free Practice 1 (40 min) 6:55 p.m. -7:40 p.m. -Moto2™ Free Practice 1 (45 min) 7:55 p.m. -8:40 p.m. -MotoGP™ Free Practice 1 (45 min; timed for qualifying) 8:55 p.m. -9:35 p.m. -Moto3™ Free Practice 2 (40 min) 9:50 p.m. -10:35 p.m. -Moto2™ Free Practice 2 (45 min) 10:50 p.m. -11:20 p.m. -National Superbike Qualifying FRIDAY, APRIL 5 1:30 p.m. -1:50 p.m. -National Superbike Warm-Up 3:00 p.m. -National Superbike Race 1 (15 laps) 4:45- p.m. - 5:15 p.m. -Media Laps

5:00 p.m. -5:45 p.m. -MotoGP™ VIP Village Pit Lane Walk 6:00 p.m. -6:40 p.m. -Moto3™ Qualifying (40 min) 6:55 p.m. -7:40 p.m. -Moto2™ Qualifying (45 min) 7:55 p.m. -8:25 p.m. -MotoGP™ Free Practice 4 (30 min; not timed for qualifying) 8:35 p.m. -8:50 p.m. -MotoGP™ Qualifying 1 (15 min) 9:00 p.m. -9:15 p.m. -MotoGP™ Qualifying 2 (15 min) 9:40 p.m. -10:00 p.m. -Moto3™ Warm-Up (20 min) 10:15 p.m. -10:35 p.m. - Moto2™ Warm-Up (20 min) 10:40 p.m. -11:10 p.m. - BMW Media Laps SUN, APRIL 7 5:00 p.m. -5:45 p.m. -MotoGP™ VIP Village Pit Lane Walk 5:00 p.m. -5:20 p.m. - MotoGP™ Warm-Up (20 min) 7:00 p.m. - Moto3™ Race (18 laps) 8:20 p.m. - Moto2™ Race (20 laps) 10:00 p.m. - MotoGP™ Race (22 laps)

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Sports

Gearing Up For

Doha 2013 As told to Jorge Granda

biggest names in will play host to Doha 2013 as the On May 10 the Qatar Sports Club cked athletics competition. field descend on the city for a jam-pa

oha 2013 is part of the International Association of Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) Diamond League series which encompasses 14 meetings located in 3 different continents. The Doha-based athletics meeting started in 1997 and in 1998 it entered the IAAF Grand Prix II series. In 1999 it was upgraded to a Grand Prix I meeting and in 2000 it was the venue of the IAAF Grand Prix Final. After a short break in 2003 the Doha meeting returned to the IAAF calendar in 2004 under the IAAF Super Grand Prix label. Since 2010 and the inauguration of the Diamond League series which replaced the previous existing Golden League, the Doha meeting is the annual kick-off meeting of the Diamond League season.

The world’s top athletes will run, jump and throw their way to victory at this year’s Doha 2013 competition!

track and

ABOUT DOHA 2013

Prize Money:

Venue: Since 1997 the venue is the Qatar Sports Club’s Hamad Bin Suhaim stadium.

All 32 disciplines have the same prize money with each meeting, for a total of $480,000 USD ($30,000 USD x 16). In each of the 32 events there will be a Diamond Race with points available throughout the season. The athlete with the most points at the end of the series will be awarded a 4-carat diamond and winners of each Diamond Race receive a $40,000 USD cash prize.

Date: Doha 2013 is a one-day event held on Friday, May 10. Official Program/Disciplines (Men’s & Women’s) By the time this magazine went to print the official program had not yet been announced. Stay tuned to find out the details in next month’s May issue. The disciplines that are confirmed with the results counted at the Diamond Race are: Men: 100m, 800m, 3000m or 5000m, 400m Hurdles, High Jump, Pole Vault, Triple Jump, Shot Put and Javelin Throw Women: 200m, 400m, 1500m, 3000, Steeplechase, 100m Hurdles, Long Jump, Discus Throw

The prize money per event discipline at each of the 14 meetings are as follows: Place Prize Money 1st $10,000 USD 2nd $6000 USD 3rd $4000 USD 4th $3000 USD 5th $2500 USD 6th $2000 USD 7th $1500 USD 8th $1000 USD

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Track and field champion, David Rudisha is all smiles on the Doha Corniche

Combine the meeting prize money with the Diamond Race cash and Doha 2013 is offering a total of $8 Million USD in prize money in 2013. Entry List: So far Yohan Blake (100m world champion) and David Rudisha (800m Olympic/ world champion and world record-holder) have been announced. Points per event discipline at each meeting: 1st place 4 points (Final: 8 points) 2nd place 2 points (Final: 4 points) 3rd place 1 point (Final: 2 points) Each of the 32 event disciplines are staged seven times.

Diamond Trophy: Designed exclusively by the Swiss firm Beyer Chronometrie AG for Doha 2013, the Diamond Race Trophy has a classic cup design topped with a large glass diamond with a traditional brilliant cut. Sitting on a black polished granite base, the 4.8 kilogram, 35 cm high trophy features steel supports in the shape of a stadium track, perfectly fusing the sport of athletics with the diamond it carries. The trophy was designed by Carlo Mutschler, head designer and goldsmith at Beyer, a company founded in 1760 and currently the oldest watch and jewelry shop in Switzerland. A family-operated business for eight generations, Beyer owns and operates its own jewelry design atelier and a gold and silversmith workshop. Win Record: U.S. sprinter Allyson Felix has won in all 10 of his appearances in Doha (3 in the 100m, 2 in the 200m and 5 in the 400m), a unique feat. n

DID YOU KNOW? •

Some non-Diamond Race events, along with a youth competition, are added every year.

•

Usually the official program starts at 6:00 p.m. and finishes at around 9:00 a.m.

•

Al Jazeera has been the host television broadcaster for every season.

•

Last season approximately 210 athletes from every continent took part in the athletics meeting.

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Sports

The Sports Festival For People With Specia l Needs celebrates participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unique abilities and promotes a healthy life-style for all!

The Spirit Of Sport This April, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is helping young athletes develop their skills to become an influential part of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports community with the Sports Festival For People With Special Needs.

ot only men and women with extraordinary athletics capabilities can be considered athletes. Individuals with special needs are also taking part in sporting events and leaving their mark behind. The 7th edition of the festival is organized by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) in cooperation with the Qatar Paralympic Committee and will be held at the Qatar Sports Club on April 16. The one-day event will feature the participation of 250 students representing 16 government and private institutions, including Al-Salam School, Al-Mothana bin Haretha School, Doha International School,

Khalifa School, Juwaan School, Al-Shaqab School, Al Shafalah Centre for Children with Special Needs, Rehabilitation School, Al-Noor Institute, Al-Wakra School, AlKhor, Saoud bin Abdulrahman School and Al-Tamakun School. The festival will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will include several sports competitions for children with special needs under the supervision of physical education teachers from participating educational institutions. The festival is a great opportunity for community engagement so come out and support the young athletes as they reach their goal!n

7th Edition of the Sports Festival For People With Special Needs Date: Tuesday, April 16 Timing: Starts at 8:00 a.m. Venue: Qatar Sports Club

ete focuses

A young athl

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Sports

t i h W h

Ma ke

al s 2O Swim p H Club! S he

A T

Strength In Numbers

Looking for a place to put your swimming skills to the test? QH tells you where to go!

he H2O Swim Club was established in September 2008, and has grown to become one of the most extensive swimming programs in Qatar, hosting several local and regional events. This dynamic young swim club has rapidly become one of the most successful swimming instruction establishments in the GCC, demonstrating its commitment to the sport by working alongside the Qatar Swimming Association in promoting swimming as a key activity for the development of children and adults. The club has also collaborated with all the private clubs to establish the Inter-Club Circuit in Qatar. Another one of its key objectives has been the implementation of strategic initiatives to have a meaningful role within the community, and the club now provides swimming lessons for children with disabilities.

The H2O Swim Club program has grown both in size and reach. It currently holds close to 1,000 members annually and continues to grow, with the program currently being offered at the American School of Doha. The leisure swim programs include Parent & Tot, Learn to Swim, Technique Improvement, Swim for Fitness and Developmental groups. Their adult programs include Ladies Only, Adult Learn to Swim, Adult Swim for Fitness and a Masters program. The Academy programs, aimed at competitive swimmers, include Pre-Competitive and Competitive Squads (Divisions 1 to 5). The club is also active in hosting and participating in various competitions, which add to its popularity. Swimmers within the H2O Swim Club program have participated in over 15 competitive events since its inception, including events in the United States, Canada, Oman, the U.A.E, Bahrain, the U.K., Australia and Qatar with stellar performances from all its swimmers. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also hosted several regional and local competitions, including four Spring and Autumn Cups, four inter-club meets and over 12 intraclub events during the last three years. The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international competitions have attracted an average of more than 350 swimmers from over 17 clubs from the U.A.E., Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Scotland, England and Algeria. The key objective of these competitions is to elevate the calibre of swimming in Doha, making it a hub for competition in the region given its outstanding aquatic facilities.

The club is also trying to affiliate with some international universities for academic scholarships, with the goal of assisting swimmers in obtaining academic scholarships to some of the best universities worldwide, already achieving two success stories. One of their swimmers just received a 50 percent scholarship in the United States and another former swimmer received a full scholarship in England.

About The Club The club follows the American calendar. The year runs from September to August. The terms are 3-month terms and run back-to-back, currently running Term 3 of the 2012-2013 season. The club closes in June, July and August for the summer, however they offer a summer program. The summer program is not as extensive as their regular programs in Term 1 (Sept - Nov), Term 2 (Dec - Feb) and Term 3 (March - May). The swim club is divided into 3 categories: Academy (competitive program) Aqua Life 20 (adults program) Water Club (leisure program) For more information on the current H2O Swim Club programs offered in Qatar you can visit www.h2oswimclub.com. n

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Group

H2O WATER SWIMMING CLUB LEISURE PROGRAMS SPRING SCHEDULE: March 2-May 30

Days

Timings

Fee per term

LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM Group A

Sun & Thurs

4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

QR 1,400

Group B

Sun & Thurs

4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

QR 1,400

Group C

Sun & Thurs

5:00 - 5:30 p.m.

QR 1,400

Group D

Mon & Wed

4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

QR 1,400

Group E

Mon & Wed

4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

QR 1,400

Group F

Mon & Wed

5:00 - 5:30 p.m.

QR 1,400

Group G

Tuesdays

3:30 - 4:00 p.m.

QR 1,400

Saturdays

9:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Group H Group I Group J

Tuesday

4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

QR 1,400

Saturday

10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

QR 1,400

Tuesday

4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

QR 1,400

Saturday

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Saturday

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

QR 1,400

TECHNIQUE IMPROVEMENT Group A

Sun & Thurs

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

QR 1,450

Group B

Tuesdays

5:00 - 5:45 p.m.

QR 1,450

Saturday

11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Saturday

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

QR 700

PARENT & TOT Group A (8mths - 3yrs)

DEVELOPMENTAL SWIMMING Group A

Sun & Thurs

5:45 - 6:30 p.m.

QR 1,450

Group B

Mon & Wed

5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

QR 1,450

Group C

Tuesday

4:15 - 5:00 p.m.

QR 1,450

Saturday

10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Improve your swimming skills one stroke at a time

Tuesdays

1:30 - 2:15 p.m.

QR 600

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Sports Listings IAID Aerobics

Saturdays - Thursdays: IAID. Aerobics integrates the modern breakthroughs of Pilates, Zumba and high-intensity interval training. For more information call 4432-0974.

SHERATON DOHA Aikido

Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays: 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Fridays: 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-4600.

IAID Ballroom Dancing

Saturdays & Sundays: IAID. Ballroom dancing, a refreshing dance choice, takes participants through a set of partner dances enjoyed at social occasions. Get into the rhythm of swing, salsa, jive, tango, rhumba, cha cha and samba, while reaping the benefits of health and fitness. For more information call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

QATAR FOOTBALL FEDERATION Under 14 AFC Women’s Football Championship Mon 1 – Wed 3: Aspire Zone. For more information visit www.qfa.com.qa.

ONE OF A KIND QATAR SQUASH FEDERATION GCC Squash Championship

Tues 2 – Sun 7: Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex. For more information visit www.qatarsquash.com.

QATAR ATHLETICS FEDERATION GCC Youth & Senior Athletics Championships

Mon 8 – Wed 10: Qatar Sports Club. For more information visit www.qatarathletics.com.

QATAR SAILING FEDERATION Match Racing International Regatta

Tues 9 – Sat 13: Qatar Sailing Club. For more information visit www.qatarsailing.org.

QATAR OLYMPICS COMMITTEE 12th Arab Water Polo Championship

Wed 10 – Sun 14: Hamad Aquatic Center and Qatar University. For more information visit www.olympic.qa.

QATAR BASKETBALL FEDERATION H.H. the Emir’s Basketball Cup Final Fri 19: Al Gharafa Indoor Sports Hall. For more information visit www.qatarbasketball.qa.

EVERY WEEK DOHA MUMS Couch to 5k Running Program

Mondays & Thursdays: Park next to the Sheraton. Babies and pre-schoolers are more than welcome in jogging-type strollers. The workout will last an hour with cool down and stretching. Starts at 8:15 a.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

CLASSES INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Abs Workout

Wednesdays and Fridays: The Bay Club. The instructors will concentrate on your exercise technique to work the abdominal muscles from every conceivable angle. Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m., Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Free for members, QR 30 for non-members. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Bootcamp

Wednesdays: Doha Marriott Spa. For those who want visible results in no time. Non-stop cardio and strength training, done military style with Adamou. QR 35 (free for spa members). For more information call 4429 8520.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Box Step

Saturdays & Mondays: Fitness Club. Classes at 10:00 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450.

SHERATON DOHA Indoor Cycling

Fridays: 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m., QR 30 for members or QR 40 for non-members. For more information call 4485-4600.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Spinning

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: The Bay Club. Spinning is adaptable to your fitness level. Mondays and Wednesdays 6:15 p.m., Fridays 12:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. QR 25 for members, QR 35 for non-members. For more information call 4484-4852.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Step AO2

Mondays and Wednesdays: The Bay Club. Step AO2 improves both mental and physical fitness, burning away calories while learning fun routines to the newest music. More suitable for intermediate steppers. Starts at 10:00 a.m., QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com.

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SHERATON DOHA Step Power

Activities & Clubs

Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., QR 80 and QR 100 for non-members. For more information call 4485-4600.

MÖVENPICK TOWER & SUITES Swimming

Wednesdays – Mondays: Pool. Lessons for all ages. Book 10 sessions and receive two for free. Adults QR 1,000, children QR 900. Advanced booking is required. For more information call 4496-6410.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA 3/15 Workout

Thursdays: The Bay Club. This class draws on 3 principal exercise components: cardiovascular aerobics choreography, cardiovascular basic step choreography and shaping and toning work, lasting 15 minutes each. Thursdays at 4:00 p.m., QR 30 for members and QR 40 for non–members. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com.

IAID Yoga

Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays: IAID. Yoga relieves stress and meets overall health and fitness. The course focuses on Hatha yoga, which paves the way to a holistic yogic path including physical postures, purification procedures, poses, yogic breathing and meditation. For more information call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

SHERATON DOHA Yoga & Pilates

Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. for QR 80 and QR 100 for non-members. For more information call 4485-4600.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Zumba

Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs: Fitness Club. Classes from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. till 7:15 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information call 4484-7450.

Bike Riding

Sailing

Bowling

Regatta Sailing Academy 4442-4577 or www.regattasailingacademy.com

The Corniche Aspire Park

The Qatar Bowling Center 4432-9178 or www.qatarbowlingcenter.net Strike Bowling Alley (City Center) 4483-9162

Golf

The Doha Golf Club 4496-0777 or www.dohagolfclub.com

Horse Riding

Doha Sailing Club 4443-9840 or www.qmsf.com

Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com

Swimming

Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence 4413-6219 or www.aspire.qa Aqua Park

Tennis & Squash

Al Khor Riding Center 4421-8857

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Al Samariya Stables 5525-7203 or qatarracing@gmail.com

Walking

Al Shaqab Riding Academy 4454-6236 or www.alshaqab.com

Ice-Skating

Park at Museum of Islamic Art The Corniche The Pearl-Qatar (2.5 km) Aspire Park

Winter Wonderland (City Center) 4483-9162

SHERATON DOHA Zumba

Fridays: 10.00am till 11.00am. Sundays & Tuesdays: 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. QR 30 or QR 40 for non-members. For more information call 4485-4600.

ER REGIST E I5N er ONeeL newslett ly k for the W rhappening.com ta www.qa

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RECOMMENDS

your Tell us what you think! Send ing.com reviews to info@qatarhappen

Ashlee - The Wind Through The Keyhole by Stephen King

Srimani ODEL For many people, April in Doha means spring break, with many tourists making Sri Lanka their destination of choice. For intrepid shoppers looking for some vacation bargains, be sure to check out ODEL, one of the country’s most popular department stores. They offer brandname clothing, house-wares, cosmetics, bath products and there’s even a sushi bar and a play section for kids. With more than 15 branches all over the country you can also order online at www.odel.lk.

ick! Editor’s P I love a good read and can devour an entire novel in a matter of days, which is exactly what I did with this one. Stephen King has been my favourite author for years and he rarely disappoints. The Wind Through The Keyhole is the latest installment in his infamous seven-part Dark Tower series. King takes readers into a dark fantasy world, where the last gunslinger of Mid-World, Roland Deschain and his weary band of travelers wander across wastelands and between worlds in search of the elusive Dark Tower. This latest novel is meant as an addendum, delving deeper into events that happen between the fourth book, Wizard and Glass, and the fifth, Wolves of the Calla. A pageturner ‘til the very end, The Wind Through The Keyhole is filled with suspense, fantasy and King’s classic horror as Roland spins a campfire tale from his childhood that sheds new light on the history of this last protector of a crumbling realm. Available online in hard-cover at www.amazon.com for QR 98.

Chet ‘Return to Tiffany™’ Oval Tag Necklace Finally, my very own Tiffany piece! This necklace could emphasize every woman’s face – it’s a head-turner and attention-getter. With a simple, yet classic design it’s a standout piece that, for me at least, got lots of compliments. I would very much recommend it for a gift and I ordered mine online at www.tiffany.com for QR 1,547. You can also check out the Tiffany store in Villaggio Mall too.

Susanna Le Traiteur I love the Le Traiteur area of the food-hall at La Cigale Hotel. It always has exactly what I want with all sorts to choose from all over the world. Whether it’s decadent sweets, braided brioche rolls, festivity cakes, gift hampers or spring flower arrangements, you can find something to please your tastes and budget. For more information give the folks at La Cigale a ring at 4428-8803.

Lanie Couture La La Perfume I’m very selective when it comes to scents, but it was love at first smell with this new fragrance from Juicy Couture –Couture La La! It has a luscious floral/fruity bouquet with an elegant musky background. It opens with sparkling aromas of mandarin, green apple and red currant while the heart is made of lily of the valley and orange blossom mixed with powdery violet leaves. I feel so fresh and clean every time I’m wearing this scent. You can grab a bottle at Salam and 4U stores for QR 451 for 100 ml or QR 317 for 50 ml.

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Tory gets pampered!

By Victoria Scott Photography by Srimani Welagedara

Every colour of the rainbow for every style

Victoria Scott feels more Cinders than Cinderella these days, so we sent her to new beauty salon Desert Princess to help release her inner royal.

omeone told me I looked like the Queen of England the other day. I think they may have been unduly influenced by my sparkly hair band (every girl needs a tiara) because, fabulous as she is, she’s 50 years my senior. But honestly, I must admit I’m starting to feel my age. Is that a wrinkle I see before me in the mirror? Is that a tension headache I feel brewing? I’m afraid it is. Oh dearie me, I need help, luxurious help, fit for royalty (and exhausted mothers in their mid-30s.) Let’s hope the staff at Desert Princess can help me turn the clock back on my tired, toddler-frazzled frame.

The Royal Treatment The salon is located in a large villa just off Salwa Road in Ain Khalid. After a drive around the block (the road network around here is confusing), I pull up directly outside and ring the doorbell. After a short pause the gate is opened by a smiling therapist – my therapist, as it turns out. I’m scheduled for two glorious treatments this morning, the first of which is a relaxation massage with Margarita, who hails from the

Philippines. She leads me into the villa’s entrance hall, which in turn leads into the spa’s hair salon, waiting area and swimming pool. The whole area is elegantly decorated without being fussy, and the hair salon looks the business. Outside, the pool area is very inviting, with sun loungers dotted around and the added benefit of a pool room which you can use to change in and relax. This would be a fabulous location for a spa day hen party. Back inside, I take a seat on a comfy sofa and I’m offered a choice of drinks (there’s even a menu telling you about the drinks they offer, which is a very nice touch.) After I’ve filled in a patient information form I’m led upstairs to the treatment room, which is enormous. It’s decorated in warm tones and has a Far Eastern style. I’m shown into a little side room to get changed, and once robed I’m greeted warmly by Margarita, who asks me to lie down on my back. I close my eyes, and she then asks me to take several deep breaths. A gorgeous surprise; she’s brought over an energizing essential oil which I inhale repeatedly, and it’s delicious, an instant pick-me-up.

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The massage which follows is equally divine. Margarita fuses Swedish and Thai massage styles, and it works brilliantly. I mentioned my tension headaches earlier; I wasn’t jesting – they’ve plagued me for years. My back is knottier than the contents of my sewing box. When she discovers my back is a problem area she uses her elbows to release muscle tension, which sounds uncomfortable, but trust me, it works like magic. I’ve actually had massages which have made my headaches worse, but this worked a treat. After an hour of deep relaxation (bordering on sleep), my massage was over. But joy of joys my morning of pampering isn’t over yet.

Face First I move next door to meet my Estonian therapist Merike for my facial. She asks me to fill in a patient health form, and I’m impressed when she reads it thoroughly and discusses medication, my skin issues and how much water I drink. Then I hop onto the couch and she embarks on face mapping, which is an integral part of a Dermalogica facial. This process divides your face into small zones, and I lie back and listen to the verdict. “This bit is ok,” she says. “No wrinkles.” I feel rather smug and very relieved. I’m told I do have “some lines” near my eyes, but I attribute these to my sunny personality rather than my age. I need to keep telling myself this.

When the mask has been removed, I take a tentative look in the mirror. I’m usually averse to looking at my visage too closely when I’m sans make-up, but honestly, this wasn’t too bad. I didn’t keel over, or anything. She did a great job. Sadly, this was the end of my royal treatment. I headed back downstairs to reception, where I was handed a special loyalty card, called ‘Beauty Spots’. Desert Princess gives its customers one ‘spot’ for each QR 100 they spend, and when you’ve collected 20, you’re given a QR 100 voucher redeemable on any treatment at the salon. This is all the excuse I need to come back for another appointment. My verdict? Desert Princess is luxurious but not too expensive, professional but not too starchy. And they do a great job. Restoring an exhausted Mum’s inner princess is tricky, but they managed it - at least for a little while. Now, where’s my tiara? n

ABOUT DESERT PRINCESS SALON Location: Ain Khalid, just south of Salwa Road Pricing: Desert Oasis Massage 60 mins, QR 250 Dermalogica Facial 60 mins, QR 250 Contact info: Call 4486-4169 for an appointment Facebook: www.fb.com/desertprincessq Twitter: @desertprincessq

Massage room with an Arabic flair

After my face has been ‘mapped’, I’m thoroughly cleansed, steamed and moisturized. Then a face mask is applied, and Merike massages my feet while we’re waiting for it to work its magic. She’s a talented masseuse as well as a facialist, and I’m on the verge of going to sleep again.

Get the royal treatment with the spa’s state-of-the-art pedicure stations

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ations appening destin re some h ic st ta n fa to g ere a Escapin does wonders. H d rl o w e th d n u aro

Art Beijing April 30-May 3: China

One of the largest global art fairs, Art Beijing is a four-day showcase of some of the most talented sculptors, painters and artists from China and around the world. A haven for art enthusiasts and collectors, the exhibition will house works from over 200 art galleries, agencies and art media. Peruse the stalls, make an offer and take home a unique masterpiece! Visit www.artbeijing.net and clear a space on your wall.

Bahrain F1 Grand Prix April 19-21: Bahrain

Get your need for speed this month with a short hop over to neighbouring Bahrain for the 2013 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix. With some of the biggest names in the racing circuit taking part, watch as the horsepower hits the track under the wheels of the world’s best-equipped F1 vehicles. Secure your spot in the grandstands and visit www.bahrain-grand-prix.com for ticket information.

Russian Fashion Week

Until April 2: Russia

Get hot to trot down the runway at Russia’s premiere MercedesBenz Fashion Week. What better city than Moscow for the top designers to unveil their 20132014 Fall-Winter collections? The vibe in the capital will certainly be chic as the crème de la crème of the fashion world rub shoulders with new designer upstarts, against the backdrop of Mother Russia’s wintry wonderland. You can also tune in live to their web broadcast at www.russiafashionweeklive.com and see if supermodels can walk the snowy cobbles of Red Square in stilettos!

Edinburgh International Science Festival Until April 7: Scotland

Global Scavenger Hunt April 12-May 4: Worldwide

It’s The Amazing Race come to life as this three-week international travel adventure competition takes participants to all four corners of the globe. Teams of two will jet off to exotic locations and follow a ‘scavenger hunt’ itinerary that allows them to partake in local cultural activities and customs and see the sights. Every few days there will be a rallying point where competitors can come together and take a short break with the other teams. Grab a map, test your travel IQ and get ready to win the prize money at www.globalscavengerhunt.com.

This is one science fair that lives up to its motto of ‘ discovering the wonder of the world around us’. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the festival and its theme is future-forward – looking ahead at what the next 25 years of scientific innovation can bring. Enjoy incredible exhibits, interactive workshops and kids’ zones and learn all the ways that science is part of our history, our everyday lives and our future. Would-be Einstein’s can visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk to plan their itinerary.

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Welcome to Hobbiton! We take you behind the scenes of the awardwinning films.

Author Soné and her husband Mike welcome readers to a popular piece of movie history

e r i h S e h T o T e Welcom

Words and images by Soné Moriarty

We head to the heart of New Zealand to explore the mystical world of hobbits with a tour of The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit movie set in rural Matamata.

ew Zealand is a country known for its spectacular landscapes, volcanoes, sailing, rowing, surfing and numerous plentiful outdoor activities. Many productions have also chosen to make films in New Zealand such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Yogi Bear, Avatar, King Kong, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and most recently, The Hobbit. Being fans of Peter Jackson’s work for a while now we thought it was time to take the plunge and take a movie set tour in a little town called Matamata to see where Bilbo Baggins once lived. We boarded the surprisingly large bus and were joined by 20 or so others, a mixture of Kiwis (local slang for New Zealanders) and international tourists, most of them clearly quite familiar with both J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpieces and director Peter Jackson’s screen adaptations. The tour began at the bottom of the hill leading up to the illustrious Bag End. Juxtaposed against the hole of a poor Hobbit, is a splendid fake tree with shiny leaves under which Bilbo and Frodo would sit enjoying

A fork in the road leads the way to Bilbo Baggins’ humble abode

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Built as a fully-functioning town, the Hobbiton set has become a beacon for international tourism since the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

many a lazy afternoon. Bilbo’s humble abode is complete with a beautiful door but no windows, as we’re told that apparently the poorer the hobbit, the fewer the windows. Our tour guide took us through each nook and cranny and explained intricate details of how the film was made. A great deal of effort was taken into account for each scene and we’re told that it took three hours to complete the make-up of one hobbit. Any and every detail, from importing sheep and painting leaves for a onesecond scene, was revealed to us on this tour. The tour lasted approximately two hours with plenty of opportunities to snap some fantastic photos throughout its duration. It’s quite common for people to dress up on these tours, and we weren’t disappointed, encountering a tourist dressed up as an elf, as well as a person juggling knives, which made the experience even more memorable. Do make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes and perhaps a water bottle or two as the summer days in New Zealand tend to be hot.

walking in the footsteps of Tolkien as envisioned by New Zealand’s own Peter Jackson in the movie trilogy. Every hobbit hill and winding Shire road came vividly to life in this once-in-a-lifetime experience – a must-see for any true book lover or movie fan. n

Getting There Website: www.hobbitontours.co.nz Location: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata, New Zealand Price: QR 230 per adult from the Shires Rest Café QR 30 per child and QR 117 for youth Other exclusive packages are available Contact: +64 (7) 888-1505

A cozy hobbit hole to call your own?

Flights: From April 1st a Qatar Airways round-trip economy class ticket to Auckland costs QR 11,020 (Subject to variation)

As our tour came to an end a complimentary beverage was offered to each person at The Green Dragon tavern, the local watering hole from the movies where Bilbo, Frodo and their hobbit friends would congregate at the end of a long day. There’s also a café situated on the left-hand side where weary travelers and tourists can sit down for a bite to eat. According to the Facebook page for Hobbiton “it’s a place to drink, a place to meet, and a place to rest your hairy feet”. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Shire,

Weary travelers can take their rest at The Green Dragon Tavern, an icon from the movies

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A Scottish Sojourn Words and images by John Hunt

Edinburgh –Scotland’s capital – is one of the most scenic and cultural cities in Europe. After London, it’s the most visited tourist destination in the U.K. Here are some of the reasons why… What to see: Edinburgh is a city with year-round attractions. Every August for four weeks the city’s population swells when the Edinburgh Festival and Festival Fringe roll into town – the largest arts festivals in the world. Thousands of performers present shows for every taste, from household names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to be ‘discovered’, the Fringe caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, music, exhibitions and more. Lately, the ‘stand-up’ comedy genre has been especially well-represented. Overall, the range is bewilderingly diverse and a good look at the online program is a necessity. Rock Solid Atop the rock which dominates the centre of the city sits Edinburgh Castle, a magnificent

fortress over 1,000 years old and Edinburgh’s most visited tourist attraction: it’s unmissable, both literally and figuratively. Learn about Scottish military history through some numerous displays of ancient uniforms and weaponry, see the famed Stone of Destiny, upon which Kings of Scotland once were crowned and observe the punctual, loud and world-famous One O’Clock Gun. Views over the city, if skies are clear, are breathtaking. Admission is QR 85.

their enclosure for the ‘Penguin Parade’ – a marshalled walk among the visitors. It’s great fun to see the animals waddle past within touching distance, especially for kids, and offers superb photo opportunities. The zoo is also home to the U.K.’s only giant pandas, direct from their Chinese homeland. Admission for adults is QR 90, with a supplement to see the pandas. This is a great day out for all.

Zoo, Too

In Leith, on the city’s northern shore, you will find the Royal Yacht Britannia. One of the world’s most famous ships, Britannia was launched in 1953 and served Queen and country for 44 years, carrying the Royal Family worldwide. In 1998 she docked at Leith permanently, and has been transformed into a floating museum. If you enjoy pageantry, history and matters maritime, then this is for you. It’s been one of Scotland’s top draws since opening. Admission is QR 60.

Take the bus – fast and frequent – to Edinburgh Zoo on the city’s west side. This is one of the finest zoo parks in Europe. It contains a wide range of animals housed very sympathetically. The main draws are the ‘big cats’ – lions and leopards – and also the penguins enclosed in their pen (the world’s largest). Daily, the penguins are let out of

All Aboard!

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Intrepid tourists can make the trek up to the majestic Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city for a glimpse of some breathtaking views

View For You

with the food, beverage and service where the hotel came into its own. Two restaurants The city represents an attraction in itself, a (one fine dining, the other brasserie-style) are three-dimensional mix of stunning medieval, presented under the brand of the French-born Georgian and modern architecture navigable and Michelin-starred Galvin brothers. We opted by foot and, weather permitting, absolutely for the brasserie for dinner and it was superb beautiful to observe. Throughout the year, from start to finish. We went a la carte but there Edinburgh exhibits a global pull in terms of art, is also a prix fixe menu at an absurdly cheap culture and music. The National Museum of QR 105 for three courses. Of particular note Scotland has recently been revamped and tells was the service – knowledgeable, courteous and the story of Scotland from prehistoric times to informative. the present day. Admission is free. In the basement, a spotless gym with brand Where To Stay: new equipment was to be found, as well as an extensive wet area featuring mixed sauna We stayed at The Caledonian – A Waldorf and steam rooms, pool and jacuzzi. There is Astoria (WA) Hotel – which has just had a QR 120 million re-fit and joined the WA stable. also a Guerlain Spa available – the only one in Scotland – for the ladies. Rates for a double You can really see where this re-fit money has room with breakfast start from QR 1,090. gone as everything was close to perfection. Our room was large and beautifully-appointed Edinburgh in the summer can be glorious, with an enormous bed, but it was downstairs but don’t count on the weather, which is very

changeable. There’s a saying in the city that if you don’t like the summer climate, just wait ten minutes and it’ll change. Funny, but true. How To Get There: Qatar Airways flies five times daily from Doha to London ( 6hrs flying time) and, from there, it’s another hour up to Edinburgh. Prices start at approximately QR 4,200 return. To get more of a ‘feel’ of the U.K. itself, consider taking the ‘scenic route’ with East Coast trains rather than flying the final leg. The four-hour train journey north provides stunning views as you travel with first-class tickets (and service to match) costing from just QR 540 return. Book online at www.eastcoast.co.uk. n

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Special Promotion

Al Gassar Resort Marks First-Year Anniversary A strong performance in its inaugural year, Al Gassar Resort delivers on the promise of being a unique luxury waterfront destination

l Gassar Resort, Doha’s iconic luxury waterfront destination, marks its firstyear anniversary this month, highlighting key milestones that have strongly demonstrated the robust performance of the resort, which has established itself as Doha’s waterfront luxury residential and hospitality destination. Al Gassar Resort, a member of Alfardan Group, has successfully become over the past year a popular choice for residents looking for the extraordinary in terms of location, quality and excellence in service; especially with its unique aspect in having a posh, sophisticated internationally-renowned hotel as The St. Regis Doha as the centre-piece of the development. The resort’s luxury-inspired, hotel-styled facilities and services, which have set a new standard in Qatar’s residential and hospitality sectors, have been mainly credited for making Al Gassar Resort a landmark destination in Doha. Al Gassar Resort offers a choice of 422 beautifully furnished, spacious apartments along with rooftop penthouses and terraces,

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all equipped with top-of-the-line furnishing and appliances, and balconies overlooking Doha’s West Bay and the Arabian Gulf. Mohamed Sleiman, Assistant Chief Operating Officer of Al Gassar Resort, said: “The success that Al Gassar Resort has achieved throughout its inaugural year is consistent with the growing reputation of Qatar as one of the world’s most exciting business and lifestyle destinations. Moreover, with its complete range of upscale amenities and world-class services, Al Gassar Resort has succeeded in setting a unique standard for luxury residential dwellings in Doha. It has certainly been a very busy and highly successful first year for Al Gassar Resort and we are deeply grateful to all our tenants and guests who played a major role in consolidating our status as one of the most recognizable brands in the luxury hospitality segment. A very special thanks must also go to the employees and staff who share the vision of unparalleled quality and excellence in service which Al Gassar Resort portrays in every aspect of the development, coinciding with the solid legacy of unmatched luxury offerings Alfardan Group is renowned for. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we will continue new initiatives that are symbolic of our unwavering commitment to service quality and excellence as we move forward with our growth plans in 2013 and beyond.”

Complementing its luxury-inspired hospitality amenities and services, Al Gassar Resort also prides itself with its unique customer-oriented service and hospitality with networking monthly events and occasions exclusive for the tenants and their families. In addition, the development offers top-of-the-range leisure, business and recreational facilities, including several spacious swimming pools, sunbathing areas and tennis courts, as well as state-of-the-art gyms, a food and beverage outlet and a private spa area. The resort also has a dedicated children’s club, 24/7 concierge service, landscaped themed gardens with designated barbeque areas, walkways, and a full-service business centre, among other facilities. Moreover, Al Gassar Resort was also the first residential development in Qatar to offer residents cutting-edge Qtel Fibre services for high-speed internet connectivity.

Al Gassar Resort A member of Alfardan Group, Al Gassar Resort is a key project that serves the rising demand for hotel-styled residential facilities and services in Qatar, while reinforcing Doha’s status as one of the most dynamic cities in the region. Positioned directly on Doha’s pristine coastline, Al Gassar Resort offers a distinctly unique lifestyle with its luxurious services that aim to pamper and exceed expectations of each resident and guest. Equipped with a complete range of hotel-like facilities, it offers exclusive membership to bachelors, business executives and families who are looking to enjoy its promise of a genuinely luxurious waterfront lifestyle in Doha. n

Al Gassar Resort also celebrated the emergence of Al Gassar Ballroom as one of the popular destinations in Doha for corporate and private events alike, as well as high-profile shows throughout the year. Another milestone for Al Gassar Ballroom was the birth of Al Gassar Outdoor Catering due to the overwhelming popularity of the ballroom’s extravagant food and beverage offers and unmatched spirit of service.

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mends om ends mm coec ReR rg inin Virg Vi the top u o y s g in r b H Q m the staff picks fro Megastore

NAME: Elie Youssef STORE SECTION: Electronics

TIME AT VIRGIN: A year and a half

Best Part of My Job: “I get to meet a lot of people from different nationalities. It’s also great to work in the electronic section because I’m always surrounded with brand-new products. Every week or month new devices come in and it’s fun exploring them.” Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker II Virgin just got the newest version of this product; you can connect any device with a Bluetooth connection to the speaker. The speaker has a built-in battery so you can take it anywhere with you and enjoy your music. It also has great sound quality and retails for QR 1,499.

Yamaha Keyboard PSR-5950 This model is the latest in the market right now. You can connect your microphone and sing along with the lyrics displayed on the screen embedded in the device, just like a karaoke machine. You can also create your own music on this device and store them on CDs. This product is all about creativity. Price: QR 3,599.

Sony Alpha SLT- A99 Sonya Xperia Tablet This is a great product for all the photographers out there. This camera is Sony’s latest design, with an amazing 24MP resolution and durable exterior. It also has a tiltable rear LCD screen and a built-in GPS. You can shoot video in high resolution (1080p60) and output uncompressed files. Price: QR 10,499.

This is a very pragmatic device with a unique design (different from Apple’s iPad) because it’s easy to hold and carry around with beautiful HD display (9.4’’). Another exceptional feature is its waterproof screen. Also, you can download various apps from the Android market online to fully enjoy this great device, which retails for QR 3,099.

KD-84x9000 Bavaria HD TV All TVs these days are HD, but this is one is four times full HD, which gives the viewer a great watching experience. You can watch a movie or a game and feel like you’re inside it. There’s also a 3D option for your 3D movies and the best part of this is that, unlike other devices, this one doesn’t lag or cut off. Price: QR 100,000 (Start saving up!)

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ovies Mn Movies ht On liglig ht O Sp Spotot

TOP

Here are your must-see films for spring!

Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey

Dead Man Down

Documentary

Action | Crime | Drama

A documentary on Arnel Pineda, who was plucked from YouTube to become the new singer for the rock ‘n roll band Journey.

In New York City, a crime lord’s right-hand man is seduced by one of his boss’s victims, a woman seeking retribution.

Stars: Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain QH Fun Fact: The original members of Journey released their debut album in 1975, with a career now spanning more than 30 years.

Oblivion Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi A court martial sends a veteran soldier to a distant planet where he has to destroy the remains of an alien race. The arrival of an unexpected traveler causes him to question what he knows about the planet, his mission, and himself. Stars: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Andrea Riseborough QH Fun Fact: Before being made into a film, Oblivion was originally pitched as a graphic novel, also slated to be released in conjunction with the movie.

Trance Crime | Drama | Thriller An art auctioneer who has become mixed up with a group of criminals partners with a hypnotherapist in order to recover a lost painting. Stars: James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel QH Fun Fact: Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle teams up with his old Trainspotting screenwriter John Hodge on the script for Trance.

Stars: Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace, Dominic Cooper QH Fun Fact: Actor Stu Bennett who plays Kilroy in the film is a WWE wrestler in real life. He goes by the stage name, Wade Barrett.

Oz the Great and Powerful Action | Adventure | Fantasy A small-time magician arrives in an enchanted land and is forced to decide if he will be a good man or a great one. Stars: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz QH Fun Fact: Before James Franco was cast, both Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. were both offered the roles of Oz.

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QH Sensations

Getting into a fitness regimen here in Doha is easier than you think!

r a t a Q n o The Dish By Tasbih Amin

This month we show you how to stay fit and healthy with the many great facilities offered around Doha. There’s been a huge focus on fitness in Qatar lately through the various sporting events taking place (most recently National Sport Day) and the many institutions that promote health and fitness in the country. The growing interest and importance placed upon healthy physical activity among residents of Qatar is also leading more people to join clubs, gyms, classes and programs that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Let us share a few of the top ones!

Fitness First Let’s start with fitness classes, which can include yoga, aerobics, strength training and many others. These kind of classes are a good place to start, and help build stamina and increase flexibility, boosting overall body metabolism.

Aspire Academy offers a great selection of cardio and interval exercise programs. These classes target different parts of the body, tackling your major trouble areas, which might include the core, thighs or arms. Aspire offers the classic cardio workouts, spinning and fat-loss workouts that are proven to be effective in enhancing cardiovascular endurance. Other classes focus on toning and shaping the body, like ‘RIPPED’ (weight training) and strength circuit programs. An important part of maintaining your good health are stretch classes that focus on the body’s flexibility and balance. These include the classic yoga, Pilates and recovery classes. Aspire also offers a great aquatics program that includes swimming lessons and an effective water fitness program. For all you ladies who prefer women’s-only classes, don’t worry, Aspire has you covered, offering a great list of fitness classes

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with female instructors and a secure state-ofthe-art facility. Of course, Aspire is not the only option you’ve got. There are many different facilities that provide similar classes, including Curves, Dana Club and the gym at the Six Senses Spa at Al Sharq. If you’re looking for a more intensive and conditioned fitness plan, you might want to check out Bootcamp Qatar. Bootcamp is a one-hour long, group fitness class that uses a range of military-style conditioning and strength training to enhance the body’s stamina and can result in significant weight-loss. This class is coordinated by highly-qualified personal trainers who will guide you to better exercising and training habits to achieve your goals.

A Family Affair It’s great to take care of your own health, but it’s even better when you include your children, as instilling healthy life-style habits early on will pay off later in life. For children, push-ups, squats or running on treadmills might not be the ideal way to start out. Kids need to be motivated and entertained and a sense of competition

is definitely the way to go. There are various sports clubs all over Doha with amazing kid’s programs. Smash is a prominent and popular tennis academy with a remarkable junior program that provides different levels of training for different ages. This academy offers the fundamental skill set and training for aspiring youth who want to make the move into professional tennis, or those who simply want to enjoy the game and make friends. If your young ones are more into soccer, there are several great clubs, like Evolution Soccer and Aspire’s Soccer Academy that will cultivate your child’s inner talent. This is a roundup of all the potential gyms, fitness programs and sport clubs that you might consider joining as a kick-start towards a more healthy and rewarding life-style. These options mentioned will help you stay committed, but if you’re not ready to make the leap yet, don’t worry. You can always start by running or jogging on the Corniche or at Aspire Park until you make it a habit of your own. Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. n

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It Happened

Qatar Luxury Network Launch L-R: Polish Ambassador Robert Rostek and AHB Chairman Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal

L-R: Ana Foltin, former AHB Marketing Executive and Khalid Ahmed Hassan Bilal, AHB Director of Public Relations

Priyanka Kapur, AHB Sales Executive (centre) and Mr. Ifteqar Ahmed (far right), AHB Deputy General Manager represent Bilal Pearl Suites at the Qatar Luxury Network event

Rizon Jet Headquarters March 9, 2013

Fares Ghattas (centre) of Qatar Luxury Network and Captain Hassan Al-Mousawi (far right), CEO of Rizon Jet get ready to cut the cake

L-R: ABODE Magazine’s Francesca, Kaarin and Yves from the St. Regis Doha, Ashlee and Jorge from QH, Deliah Furcoi from ABODE and Ana Foltin from AHB Group

L-R: QH’s Jorge Granda, Seta Imasdounian, Marketing Manager and Ezzat Nasri, Sales Manager from Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

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H.E. Mr. Kenjiro Monji, Japanese Ambassador to Qatar, and his wife chat with AHB Chairman Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal

‘Qatar Success Stories’ Book Launch The Hilton Doha March 5, 2013

L-R: QH Editor Ashlee Starratt, Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal and ABODE Magazine’s Editor Francesca Moser

L-R: Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal and German Ambassador H.E. Ms. Angelika Renate Storz-Chakarji

Nathalie Parra (left) and Caroline Carpentier (far right), from Medeis Al Khaleej, publishers of Qatar Success Stories are all smiles at the launch

L-R: Ana Foltin, former AHB Marketing Executive, QH’s Ashlee Starratt and Laurence Udo, Qatar Success Stories Project Manager

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It Happened

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall take in an exhibition at Katara

His Highness Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker-Bowles are escorted by Minister of Culture Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (left) and General Manager of Katara, Darwish Ahmed (right)

British Royal Visit

Katara, March 16, 2013

His Highness The Prince of Wales shares some smiles as he interacts with children taking part in the Arts and Disability Festival at Katara

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‘A Still In A Land Of Motion’Anima Gallery The Pearl March 10, 2013

QH’s Srimani Welagedara and Ashlee Starratt speak with photographer Maher Attar about his latest exhibit

IKEA Grand Opening

A Swiss tradition, the log-cutting ceremony officially opens Doha’s first IKEA store

Doha Festival City March 11, 2013

L-R: U.A.E. Ambassador H.E. Juma Rashid Saif Al Daheri, H.E. Sheikh Jassim bin John Kersten, IKEA’s Managing Director welcomes customers and dignitaries Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani and H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani

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It Happened

Global DJs presentS Taboo

InterContinental Doha Feb 28, 2013

Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas gets the party started and the crowd pumped

Electric violinist David Vendetta

Legends of Motown

Doha Marriott Hotel March 22, 2013

Original members from the iconic Supremes blow the crowd away

Soul legends The Temptations can still rock it!

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Reggae Beach Party The St. Regis Doha March 8, 2013

The Fully Loaded reggae band keeps the chill at bay with hot songs from the heart of the Caribbean islands

Paloma On The Beach InterContinental Doha March 7, 2013

L-R: Party-goers Fiona Fraser, Nicholas Smith and Tina Michelle Martin

L-R: QHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sales and Communications Manager Jorge Granda and party-goer Suzanne Henderson

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It Happened

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition

Qatar Exhibition Center Feb 26, 2013

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event even came equipped with a fully functional flight simlulator

Vacheron Constantin Timepieces Launch 6 Jewels Boat, The Pearl Feb 26, 2013

ABODE Magazine Editor Francesca Moser holds up a classic Vacheron Constantin timepiece

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Eyes on the track, jockeys lead their horses towards the finish line

The Emirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trophy Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Feb 28, 2013

55th Annual Expatriate Football Game Aspire Dome March 15, 2013

An exuberant Scottish team celebrates their win

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It Happened

Qatar Happening & ExxonMobil ‘Qapture Qatar’ Photo Contest Awards Qatar University Feb 27, 2013

L-R: Yasser Al Qawasmi, Student Development Section, Qatar University, student and 1st place contest winner Ayman Huseen Gad, QH’s Jorge Granda and Editor Ashlee Starratt

Sushi-Making Class Spice Market at the W Hotel Feb 7, 2013

QH and ABODE Magazine’s Marketing Coordinator Chet Tibayan tries her hand at sushi-rolling

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College Night

Photography by Jaimee Haddad

Mathaf Feb 23, 2013

The Mighty Jokerz Crew rev up the crowd with their infectious beats

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Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 4467-7731 Biella Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 4494-8888 Four Seasons 4448-1234 Grand Hyatt 4408-4220 Holiday Villa 4423-3333 Hilton Doha InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 4429-1111 Mövenpick Hotel 4496-6115 Mövenpick Tower & Suites Nando’s City Center Mall 4493-0785 4402-3333 Oryx Rotana Johnny Rockets 4455 2792 Al Emadi Complex 4460 4210 Hyatt Plaza Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 4485-4444 Sheraton Doha Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 4483-1644 St. Regis Doha 4484-7444 The Diplomatic Club W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 4434-3333 Wyndham Grand Regency Red Velvet 4408 0700 4476 5299 Sealine Beach Resort 4428 8888 La Cigale Grand Heritage Doha Hotel 4445 5555 and Spa

Airlines Air Arabia Air India Egypt Air Emirates Etihad Airways Gulf Air Qatar Airways

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

Health / Beauty

Hotels / Restaurants

4432-2111 4441-8423 4435-2901 4438-4477 4436-6657 4499-8000 4449-6666

Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bader Chemist 4441-1888 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre 4496-6410 4453-5555 Bliss Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 4429-8520 Doha Marriott Spa Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 Foot Care Centre Lulu Gharafa 4478-0510 The Center 4436-6275 City Center 4493-0394 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 4494-8844 Frank Provost Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4483-9100 The Pearl 4495-3876 Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 4428-8888 La Cigale - Ozone Spa Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 4485-4012 Patrice Salon Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 4419-5517 Saray Spa 4425-6999 Six Senses Spa

Alpha Tours Arabian Adventures World Wide Destination Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & Tour Victoria Car Rental Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex

4434-4496 4436-1461 4467-1200 4462-2777 4422-1888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4466-6635 4440 9666

Hospitals/Emergency

Doha Clinic Hospital

999

4438-4333

Emergency Hotline 4435-5999

Rumailah Hospital

4439-3333

Al Ahli Hospital

4489-8000

Pediatric Emergency

4439-2948

Doha Dental

4431-7766

Qatar Foundation for Child &

4439-2222

Woman Protection Hotline 4466-6671 / 72

Hamad General Hospital

Publications ABODE/QH magazines

4427-8416

Shopping Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 4469-4848 Hyatt Plaza Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245

Clubs

Tourism / Travel

Ambulance, Police & Fire Department

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com Interior Forum Design 4456-8716 Restaurants Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 4431-4411 Chowking Al Saad St. Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 Sizzling Hot Pot 4411-5225/ 4411-5335

Bridge Club Doha Garden Club Dana Club Doha Golf Club Doha Sailing Club

5554-0873 5523-1650 4496-0600 4496-0777 4443-9840

Embassies American Embassy Brazilian Embassy British Embassy Chinese Embassy French Embassy German Embassy Indonesian Embassy Japanese Embassy Nepalese Embassy Philippine Embassy South African Embassy Thai Embassy U.A.E. Embassy

4496-6000 4483-8812 4496-2000 4493-4205 4402-1702 4408-2334 4465-7945 4484-0888 4467-5681 4483-1585 6622-1552 4493-4426 4483-8880

Websites www.qatarhappening.com www.iloveqatar.net www.justlanded.com/english/Qatar www.qatarliving.com www.qatartourism.gov.qa

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