Qatar Happening - April 2016 by Qatar Happening

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg 12 We Walk 500 Miles For The Proclaimers

April 2016 EVERY ISSUE 5 6

Editor-In-Chief's Letter

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

ENTERTAINMENT 11

Top Picks

Miles Of Music

Art, Examined

¡Yo Amo A España

It's flamenco with flair at the Hilton Doha for the return of the Spanish April Fair

The Music-Makers

An Acoustic Night Out

Sound And Soul

Virgin Recommends

Arts & Culture Listings

QH Speaks

The best of our monthly social media,

plus the Hit-Or-Miss List

The QH Grab-Bag

It Happened

Our monthly prize corner for your chance to win QH’s photo gallery of the latest happening events in Doha

104 Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

ARTS & CULTURE

Scottish sensations The Proclaimers bring down the house at the InterContinental Doha

We get cozy in The Backyard at the Sheraton Grand Doha for a night of local talent and tunes The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Entertainment Listings

Hitting all the right notes with the Doha Jazz ensemble How local artist and classical violinist MAias Alyamani is ushering in a new wave of Arab music Find out everything that’s going on this month

Our top five must-see films of the month

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 QH April 2016 - FINAL.indd 3

Exploring the state of Chinese contemporary art at Gallery Al Riwaq with What About the Art? curator Cai Guo-Qiang

CHECK OUT www.qatarhappening.com for the latest information

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY 45

Top Picks

Doha's Digital Media Maestro

A look at how Social Media Solutions is changing Doha's business landscape

The Closers

Choosing An International School

All you need to know about wheeling and dealing your way though Qatar's tough second-hand car market

Things you need to know before you make the big decision

Helping Children Handle Grief

pg 76

Jacqueline Bodnar takes a look at perhaps one of the most important life lessons we all face

Community Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Qatar Cup: Hometown Heroes

FOOD & DINING 55 56

SPORTS

Top Picks

Big, Bold, Brunch

Qatar Cup: Hometown Heroes

Fresh-Faced & Fabulous

At the World’s Edge

A Metropolitan Getaway

The Dish on Qatar

We head to The St. Regis Doha for a brunch to rule them all

Take a look at our cup preview to see who this year's main contenders will be!

58 Savour The South

Saddle up as QH devours some delicious South American fare at Latino Steakhouse

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QH SENSATIONS

Eylin Perez explores the numerous benefits of this ancient Indian practice

My Armenian Kitchen

Check out Mamig's recipe for an all-time Armenian classic: fishne steak

Word of Mouth

This month’s reader review takes us to Open Restaurant at the new Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Old Town

Yoga & Therapy: The Perfect Match

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Food & Dining Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Have Your Say: Feedback and comments are always welcome. Please forward letters to the editor: Email: editor@qatarhappening.com info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:

+974 4427 8416 +974 5584 4905 +974 4427 8415

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

Jaula Spa & Club at The Grand Hyatt reveal its secrets to keeping your mind zen and your face radiant A luxury break in Oman at The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa QH took a staycation break for a little rest closer to home at the InterContinental Doha The City

Abigail Villarroel gives us his tips and tricks on how to navigate your way through Doha's transport system – effectively!

From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief

On The Cover?

Malaz All the world's a stage at Marsa Kempinski's new Illusion. Jessie Palanca Photo credit: Photography by nkamp Conceptualized by Lindsey Stee

About Us Dear friends, This month we welcome spring in true QH-fashion – with one of our biggest, boldest issues yet. This edition reflects the wave of growth taking place across our fair city as an unprecedented number of concerts, events, exhibitions and sporting tournaments stake their claim on the month of April. First up we bring you a rich Arts & Culture section as we celebrate the launch of the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture flagship exhibition What About the Art? at Gallery Al Riwaq. Featuring the work of 15 living, contemporary Chinese artists and curated by the renowned Cai Guo-Qiang, we walk you through its post-modern tapestry of pieces that speak to the important contributions of Chinese creativity. For musically-inclined readers, we find out what’s new with the Doha Jazz ensemble and catch up with local QPO violinist MAias Alyamani, whose career as a solo artist is hitting all the right notes across the MENA region and Europe. In our Community pages we shine the spotlight on Qatar’s local entrepreneurs in a feature interview with Social Media Solutions’ CEO Mohammed Al Muhanadi. With a finger on the pulse of the nation’s trends in technology and social media usage, Mohammed and his team are finding new ways to revolutionize the way we communicate online. Finally, our April issue wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the biggest football tournament of the season – the Qatar Stars League Qatar Cup. We bring you the full match line-up, info on all the teams and their top contenders, plus a bit of history about the most prestigious match on the QSL calendar. We hope to see you in the stands, rooting for your favourites. As we celebrate our love of football, we’re also proud to bring you an insightful feature on the Qatar national team’s bid at the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With their sights set on Russia, ‘The Maroons’ have already made the cut for the 2019 Asian Cup, and have jumped 32 points ahead in the FIFA rankings. Here’s hoping that our squad of champions can carry the flag forward to Moscow for 2018. This is just a taste of what’s waiting for you in our pages this edition. We hope you’ll keep your copy ever at your side. Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

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 Editorial Director: Ashlee Starratt Editor: Ashlee Starratt Art Director / Production Manager: Lindsey Steenkamp Lead Designer / Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Sales & Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Sales & Marketing Manager: Marisela Paesano Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager: Marian Nagy Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Intern: Abigail Villarroel Administrative & Marketing Coordinator: Mirasol Vinculado Distribution & Accounts: Carmela Yao Contributors: Shahmim Akram, Sarah Al Motairi,

Antony D. Antoniou, Ahmad Ayaz, Jacqueline Bodnar, Dawn Gibson, Mousa Haroon, John Hunt, Jan Janssen – Viva Press, Alexandra Kavoura, Khalid Nabil, Eylin Perez, Rubina Singh,

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 12 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group. 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. All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 10. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.

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SPEAKS

The Hit-Or-Miss List

Our ‘hot-or-not’ picks of the month, social media snippets, plus our Editor’s corner.

All Thai’ed Up We can’t get enough of the new Sabai Thai restaurant at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa! One of the most authentic Thai options on offer in the city, we love its regal ambiance and sumptuously fiery menu. Nestled alongside the hotel’s pool villas towards the back of its outdoor garden terrace, its construction is like a Thai temple, while the décor inside is as lush at they come. The chef’s table features an intricate, artist-carved wood motif imported directly from Thailand, and with gorgeous sight-lines across the gardens and wave pool, Sabai Thai is the perfect spot to celebrate Songkran Thai New Year this April 13 with good company and great cuisine.

he only constant in life is change. It comes when we least expect it; making its presence known with every flutter in our stomach, through the small voice in the back of our minds and yes, sometimes, even on the wind. After nearly four and a half years in Doha, that moment of change has finally come for me. This will be my last issue as Editor of Qatar Happening and I want all of you to know what a ride it’s been. These four years in Qatar have been some of the best in my life. From the people I’ve met and the friends who have become family, to the ways in which my time abroad in the Middle East has changed my outlook on what it means to build and foster a community. There’s no place quite like this part of the world and Qatar has carved out a very special space in my heart. It’s been my absolute pleasure to work with such a fantastic team of staff and contributors at QH to bring you the places, faces, events, people and stories you care about each month. To all our loyal readers, thank you so much for making us a part of your lives as your trusted guide to the city. Throughout it all, you are the ones who matter most. This edition we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate what is undoubtedly our biggest party issue yet. With so many big bashes hitting our city for April we just had to make it our cover feature to fit them all in! First up we’ve got Iconic Qatar’s line-up, as Scottish hit-makers The Proclaimers travel at least 5,000 miles to get the Doha crowds rocking. We also head outdoors for music under the stars as The St. Regis Reggae Nights are back and bouncing at Oyster Bay, and discover how the new Backyard at the Sheraton Grand Doha is the place to stake your claim on a Friday night. We also bring you an exclusive feature on one of Doha’s newest theatrical nightclubs and lounges that has the glitterati buzzing – Illusion at Marsa Malaz Kempinski. From acrobats to silk-climbers, and fashion like you’ve never seen it, this is one cirque you’ll have to be there to believe.

Maki Mania If you haven’t been to the W Doha’s Spice Market on a Saturday night for their all-you-can-eat sushi promotion, stop what you’re doing, pick up the phone and make a booking. Seriously. Go ahead, we’ll wait. On a recent excursion with friends, one previously uninitiated QH staffer discovered a whole new world of many, many maki – and more! For QR 250 you get a full-course meal of miso soup, Asian salad, mixed hot starters and a selection of chef’s specials before you even get to the main event – platter after platter of never-ending sushi. We stuffed our face with maki rolls, sashimi, and nigiri until we grew gills – but somehow we still found room for a helping of their signature misocaramel pudding for dessert. GO NOW!

Finally, we round out our Entertainment bonanza with an exclusive one-on-one interview with Hollywood hunk and actor extraordinaire Idris Elba as he stars as the voice of evil tiger Shere Khan in the upcoming Disney live-animation adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. We're also giving away a pretty sweet staycation for two at the InterContinental Doha The City as part of our monthly QH Grab-Bag contest. We'll draw the winner on April 12 on our Facebook page and one of you will be checking into the high life for an overnight stay, five-star dinner and chef's cooking class at Prime restaurant. April’s going to be a blast – and you know QH will be there every step of the way. See you down the road…

Ashlee Starratt Editor

Top Of The Twitter-Verse @qatarairways

ated We’ve flown more than 100 horses on dedic AQAB. #Qatar. freighter aircraft to Doha for #CHI_ALSH

Have You Ever Seen The Rain? Let us answer that old refrain from Creedence Clearwater Revival with a resounding yes! In fact, it’s been too long. We couldn’t get enough of the crashing thunder, white-hot flashes of lightning and the drumming crescendo of rain that took Doha, quite literally (if you’ll pardon an awful pun) by storm late last month. There’s something apocalyptic about the way the city grinds to a halt as the puddles rise – what’s quite normal in many parts of the world, feels like a collective adventure to get from Point A to Point B here in Doha. Aside from the rainy-day traffic snarls, we love every drop of the wet stuff!

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The modern minimalism of Westin's well-appointed rooms

This month’s QH Grab-Bag is all about experiencing one of the newest hotels in Qatar! We’re giving away a onenight weekend spa getaway for two at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. The lucky winners will stay in an Executive Room and enjoy a delicious breakfast in Seasonal Tastes, a 50-minute Heavenly Massage for two, followed by a 30-minute back massage lesson from one of their talented spa therapists. Finally, the winner will be treated to a sumptuous dinner for two in Sabai Thai – excluding house beverages. To participate head over to the Qatar Happening Facebook page where the winner will be selected on April 12.

Images courtesy of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

About The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Stay Well The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa strives to ensure your stay will be truly memorable. They realize that proper relaxation in an invigorating setting is the only way to make you feel good at all times. Their attention to detail is a cut above the rest as they go the extra mile to ensure your time with them will be pleasing in every aspect – that you rest well, and leave well-nourished. From the moment you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is how good it feels to be within the hotel’s walls. With a host of innovative facilities, feel free to savour the renowned Westin experience – a genuine haven of wellness and serenity. Endless Possibilities Rest assured the hotel’s 365 generously-sized, modern guestrooms and suites feature their signature Heavenly Bed, 48" flat screen TV, BOSE music system and Wi-Fi access. Enjoy exclusive access to the Westin Executive Club Lounge when you book an exquisite Executive Room, an extravagant Suite, or a sumptuous Pool Villa. The well-appointed bathrooms contain a separate bath and rainforest shower with pampering White Tea by Westin bath amenities, while other enticing facilities include a tea and coffee station, a well-equipped refreshment centre and an in-room safe.

Modern decor fused with Thai elements creates an enticing atmosphere for diners

Fitness And Free Time The hotel’s energizing Westin workout Fitness Studio offers state-of-the-art cardio machines, strengthtraining equipment and free-weights. Power up and stay in peak condition with Run Westin and Westin Gear Lending, or wind down and discover serenity at the outdoor infinity pool or relaxing wave-pool. For the children, there’s the Westin Family Kids Club and while they’re being entertained by the professional staff, you can seek mental and physical renewal when you relax in one of nine treatment rooms in Qatar’s very first Heavenly Spa. You’ll soon discover that each signature treatment has been specially designed with a better you in mind. Eat Well The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa offers a tantalizing balance of healthful and indulgent dining, with nutritious SuperFoodsRX options and over six delectable restaurants and lounges to choose from. Try Sabai Thai, an authentic Thai restaurant; Seasonal Tastes, the all-day dining restaurant, or their contemporary Hunter’s Room & Grill restaurant, which offers delightful, healthy options impossible for the palate to resist. Their in-room menu brings tasty and wholesome choices to the comfort of your room, 24 hours a day. By day, Waves Pool Café & Luxe Lounge provide the perfect setting for those looking to simply sit back and relax, serving coffees, afternoon tea and delicious and nourishing options. By night, MIX Bar, Lounge & Terrace is a lively, soulful affair that gives a new heart to Doha's social scene. Their playful approach belies an uncompromising commitment to quality. Watch their mixologists work their magic while you find a corner and fill it with friends. This is where Doha comes to play. n For more information on The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa call 4492-1555, or visit www.westindoha.com.

Indulge in one of their Heavenly Spa's signature treatments

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ENTERTAINMENT

Top Picks

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Kizomba & Bachata Nights

Mondays: Latino Steakhouse. Come to Latino for the only kizomba and bachata night in town. Their resident DJ will be playing a sizzling mix of the greatest and latest bachata and kizomba tunes. Come out and enjoy with happy hour beverages all night long. For more information call 4485-3000.

W DOHA Pure Crystal With ‘The Star Nalaya’

April 7: Crystal. Spanish diva Nalaya is considered one of the great voices of today's electronic circuit. Influenced by rhythm and blues, jazz, soul and Latin music, musician and composer Nalaya’s first success was in 2008 for the party 'SuperMartXé’ a dance radio success across Europe and South America. Her hits have reached No. 1 on three national radio electronic music stations in Spain (‘SuperMartXé’, ‘Do Not Stop Till You Get Enough’, ‘Let You Go’). From 10:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4453-5353.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Quiz Night

April 11: Champions. Participate with a maximum of six people per team to win the first prize of QR 3,000. From 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-5000.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Friday Post-Brunch Party DOHA MARRIOTT Café Del Mar

April 8: Renowned for its annual chill-out compilations, the Doha Marriott is bringing you the second edition of Café Del Mar in Doha! Relax beachside and enjoy the sweet Balearic tunes of Café Del Mar while watching the sunset. Featuring exclusive tracks from some of the most iconic local and international artists of all time! Tickets are available for purchase on Q-Tickets. For more information call 4429-8444.

Fridays: MIX Lounge And Terrace. After savouring a succulent brunch, pass by the newly-opened MIX Lounge And Terrace and enjoy 50% off on selected refreshments from the beverage menu from 4:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4492-1555, email dining.doha@westin.com, or visit www.westindoha.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT

By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Iconic Qatar

Scottish dynamic duo The Proclaimers are bringing their signature hits from the 80’s and beyond to the InterContinental Doha on April 29 courtesy of Iconic Events. Best known for upbeat chart-toppers such as ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, ‘Sunshine On Leith’ and ‘I’m On My Way’, identical twin musicians Charlie and Craig Reid haven’t stopped the music since the release of their first studio album This Is The Story in 1987. QH caught up with Charlie Reid to talk touring, fame and future.

QH: Welcome to Doha Charlie! Will this be your and Craig’s first trip to this part of the world? CR: We've played in the Mid-East several times – it’s always enjoyable. QH: So where have you guys been touring?

CR: We’ve retained our desire to write new songs and perform…some people lose it. QH: ‘I’m On My Way (500 Miles)’ was the anthem for the late 80’s. How do you credit its hit longevity three decades later? CR: The song is simple and easy to sing – people enjoy singing along.

CR: [We’re] always touring. This year [it’s] Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and Canada.

QH: Is there a track that has the most sentimental value for you and Craig?

QH: What’s been the best part of The Proclaimers’ musical ride so far?

CR: For our songs, ‘Sunshine On Leith’. It has personal memories for both of us.

CR: Touring and performing are the best parts.

QH: Did fame change your life?

QH: Why do you think your music speaks to people across so many different nationalities?

CR: Fame is ok. Success is more important – fame comes and goes.

CR: I hope our music is positive and it’s made to be sung along to!

QH: Of all the little moments throughout your career, what’s been the most gratifying?

QH: After nearly 30 years and ten albums your energy certainly hasn’t dwindled.

CR: Hard to choose a moment…just keeping a band working is the most gratifying thing.

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Miles)' was Iconic single 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Reid on written in 45 minutes by Charlie een their way to a performance in Aberd

QH: In three words, what do you feel when you walk on-stage? CR: Happy, nervous and alert. QH: Is there anything you and Craig have wanted to accomplish as artists that you haven’t yet? CR: The ambition is always to write better songs! QH: What’s next for The Proclaimers? CR: After the tour ends, we'll get back to writing new material. QH: Celebrity isn’t new for you, but have you ever been star-struck? CR: [I was] only star-struck when I met [English mid-fielder] Sir Bobby Charlton – a proper hero. n THE PROCLAIMERS LIVE IN CONCERT Location: InterContinental Doha Date: Friday, April 29 Timings: • Doors open at 7:00 p.m. • The Proclaimers are on-stage at 9:30 p.m. • DJ Legacy will perform before and after The Proclaimers with his infectious style of funk, soul, old-school disco and R&B.

The Proclaimers' 1988 album single anthem 'Sunshine On Leith' became an all Club − for Edinburgh's Hibernian Footb fans of which the Reid brothers are avid

Ticket Info: QR 250 including one welcome beverage. Must be 21 years of age or older with valid Qatar ID or passport. For VIP inquiries email info@iconic-qatar.com. Contact Info: Visit Iconic Qatar on Facebook for the latest updates on ticket sales.

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ENTERTAINMENT

From traditional music, to contemporary Latin songs, and Topati’s original touch of modern guitar, bass, drums and keyboard, these guys know how to make you dance. For the last year they’ve performed across Andalusia’s renowned music halls, sharing a stage in concert with the likes of India Martínez, Los Rebujitos, David De María, Los Sopas, Grupo Falua and more. Their light-hearted stage vibe and limitless repertoire of Spanish-Latin music, blends seamlessly with their distinctly Spanish sense of humour, making Topati the perfect musical number to bring down the house at this year’s Fair.

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Anayet Events

he Spanish Fair is one of the most celebrated and legendary events in the history of Spain’s Andalusian capital of Seville. Held in April and lasting for six consecutive days, from 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 a.m. the following morning, the streets and fairground tents come alive with crowds partying and dancing the Sevillana, sipping rebujito, and indulging in platters of famous Spanish tapas.

Doha shows its love for Spain for the third year in a row at the Spanish April Fair. Held on the Trader Vic’s terrace at the Hilton Doha this April 14, get ready to dance with live Spanish band The Entertainment Topati Live Band Topati and acclaimed DJ Diego Directly from Cádiz, San Fernando y Aguas, from Marchica, Formigal. Chiclana in Spain, these six talented friends Taste authentic tapas and sip some are offering up some musical treats to Spanish signature Spanish delights at one April Fair-goers, showing off the best of flamenco and Andalusian music to the of the city’s most festive party Doha audience. events. QH says ‘Olé!’

DJ Diego Aguas DJ Diego has more than 20 years experience behind the decks, performing at Spain’s most renowned nightclubs and touring with the likes of famed musician Carlos Jean, and laying tracks for some of Europe’s most prestigious sporting competitions such as the Kite Surf World Cup in Tarifa.

Just The Fair Facts! Seville’s April Fair has a long and colourful history in Andalusia. Here are a few facts and figures about its past and present traditions. Turning On The Fair No one who visits the Seville April Fair can avoid the Gateway – called the Portada in Spanish. Huge structures gracing the entrance to all the big fairs are an important part of the Fería (Fair) decoration and are considered works of art. Seville’s is modelled after the entrance to the University of Seville, which used

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DJ Diego Aguas is back on deck at the 2016 Spanish April Fair

their curtains pulled back from 12:00 mid-day till 8:00 p.m. and also while the lighting is turned on.Horses and carriages are also expected to abide by the rules and are only allowed to parade about the grounds from 12:00 noon till 8:00 p.m. after which time everyone should be inside the caseta tents, curtains closed, getting down to the real business of dancing and merriment! Feria Paraphernalia All decorative elements used in Seville’s April Spring fair have their own unique history. The paper lanterns strung across the fairgrounds first made their appearance as far back as 1877, while the trademark caseta tents were first set up in 1893, and the fireworks lit up the feria skies in Seville 152 years ago in 1864. n THE SPANISH APRIL FAIR Date: Thursday, April 14 Location: Trader Vic’s terrace, Hilton Doha Dress Code: Flamenco-Spanish outfits Best Outfit Award: There will be a raffle for one open return Turkish Airlines flight to anywhere in Europe from Doha, plus the award for Best Female Spanish Outfit.

Live all the way from Cádiz, Spain, Topati is set to rock the dance-floor flamenco-style!

to be a tobacco factory. The fair officially begins with a lighting ceremony where the mayor fires up 22,000 bulbs that adorn the Gateway. From there, the rest of the fairgrounds light up, section by section, in a wave that’s become a tradition – making newspaper headlines across Andalusia.

Feria Rules The Seville Fair might be all about dancing and parading about on horseback, but don’t think for a minute this means there are no rules for participants. In fact, the rules are very strict (and serious!). For example, the caseta tents must have

Ticket Info: QR 260 including one welcome beverage, buffet dinner, live band performance, raffle, and other event amenities and promotional gifts. Contact Info: Call 5572-3345 for table bookings, or visit www.q-tickets.com to purchase tickets for the event.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Backyard is one of the only venues in Doha where local talent can shine

An Acoustic Night Out As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Alexandra Kavoura and Khalid Nabil

It’s Friday night and you’re craving some refreshing beverages in a scenic spot where you can take your friends and feel the wind in your hair. Might we ask why The Backyard at the Sheraton Grand Doha isn’t already on your weekend roster? QH goes unplugged at Doha’s newest outdoor garden music space.

ur city’s nightlife scene continues to progress – from pubs, clubs and lounges – everyone’s stepping up their game.

The Backyard, for one, has returned, opening its doors to acoustic aficionados, boasting a one-ofa-kind concept that’s offering a new vibe to the entertainment scene. Held every Friday at the Sheraton Grand Doha’s island garden, it’s a rustic venue – adorned with fairy lights, comfortable beanbag seating, and a taste of acoustic music – just

the right mix and mood to keep you cosy throughout the night. Launched just last month, its laid-back ambiance makes for a chilled-out Friday atmosphere that’s winning the hearts of Doha’s party-going night-owls. Plopping the cherry on top, The Backyard offers a platform for stellar performances from local artists such as Music Vending Machine, Doha Band, Keyali & Co., and Bluestone, plus international artists throughout the season. One of the main attractions of The Backyard is a knock-out view of the bright West Bay lights, while their food and beverage service is fast and friendly with an array of reasonably-priced refreshments and snacks. So if it’s good music, great vibes and fresh air with friends you’re after, step into The Backyard. n

Crowds lounge on the grass, enjoying an intimate picnic-style treats event with live artists and tasty

THE BACKYARD Location: Sheraton Grand Doha gardens Date: Every Friday, 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Entrance Fee: • QR 65 for ladies, QR 100 for men • Free entry before 8:30 p.m. • Happy hour is from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Contact Info: Call 4485-4444.

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ENTERTAINMENT

St. Regis guests soak up the reggae rhythm

concert at the Paul McCartney Auditorium, earning him the distinction of being the first reggae artist to ever perform there. His latest first occurred with an inspiring November performance in Denmark for the remembrance of Danish reggae artist, Natasha. His ever-evolving talent has seen him, along with band-mates Elvis Edwards, Jamal Browne, Daniel Medford, Tabitha Johnson and Rhesa Garnes, (Fully Loaded) become a popular feature at Barbados’ premier reggae events – Reggae on the Hill and Hennessy Artistry.

Buggy Nhakente & the Fully Loaded Band bring the chilled-out vibes beach-side

Ocean Breeze, Island Beats

This season, Reggae Nights at The St. Regis started in late February, and Oyster Bay will be offering live cooking finger-food and beverage menus every Thursday and Friday from 8:00 p.m. till late. Seating is the usual arrangement of 10 VIP tables of 8-10 seats, each with minimum spend of QR 2,000 per table (reservation is required). Or 6 VIP tables of 4-6 seats, each with a minimum spend of QR 1,000 per table. Sun-beds, bean-bags and cocoons are available on first-come-first-served basis. n OYSTER BAY LIVE Dates: Thursdays & Fridays Location: Beachfront at The St. Regis Doha Timings: From 8:00 p.m. onwards Entertainment: • DJ sets from 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. • Buggy Nhakente & the Fully Loaded Band play three sets from 10:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. Dress Code: • Casual, yet in-line with the local rules and regulations. • National dress and swim-suits are not permitted.

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha

Reggae fans rejoice as the everpopular Buggy Nhakente & the Fully Loaded Band are back in Doha for another beachfront season at The St. Regis’ opulent Oyster Bay. We leave our shoes in the sand and sway to the rhythm.

hree years on and Oyster Bay Live continues to top the weekend to-do lists of Doha partygoers and this comes as no surprise – as it’s one night out that’s stood the test of time. Featuring

the sweet melodies of 2016 Reggae Artist of the Year, lead singer Buggy Nhakente & the Fully Loaded Band are back with a fresh repertoire of island tunes and reggae favourites to take you into the night. A talented artist and reggae ambassador, Buggy Nhakente continues to connect with the spirit of his audience, performing across Canada, the U.K. and in over 50 cities in the U.S. Sharing a stage with celebrities such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Queen Ifrica, Buju Banton and more, Buggy has the distinction of being the first Barbadian artist to perform at Jamaica’s premiere conscious reggae show – Rebel Salute in 2009. In April 2011, he also completed a short tour in Liverpool, England where he gave a scintillating

Age Restriction: • Must be 21 years or above. • Qatari ladies are not permitted to attend. Entry Fee: • Entrance is complimentary from 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. • QR 100 entrance fee after 10:00 p.m., with one complimentary selected beverage. • Food service is from 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. • Beverage service is from 8:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. Rules & Regulations • Dancing is allowed around the tables and sunbeds, but there is no dance-floor • Only original Qatari ID, Qatari driving license, GCC ID and original passport will be accepted • Couples and mixed groups only, no single males Contact Info: Call 4446-0105, email diningreservations@stregis.com, or visit www.oysterbaydoha.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Idris Elba, Uncut

With lead roles in six new films star coming out this year, Idris Elba's r in Hollywood has never been hotte

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r moment with Mowgli (Neel Sethi) shares a tende the new Jungle wolf Raksha (Lupita Nyong'o) in tiger Shere Khan Book. Elba does the voice of evil

By Jan Janssen Interview and selected images courtesy of Viva Press

role as the villainous Krall in the upcoming summer blockbuster, Star Trek Beyond, co-starring Chris Pine as Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Mr. Spock.

On-screen, Idris Elba has walked the line from villain to hero. Audiences loved to hate him as the ruthless Stringer Bell in HBO’s award-winning series The Wire. They held their breath as he took his turn at history in the bio-pic Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. Today, his name in Hollywood has never been hotter, with leading roles in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond and The Dark Tower films. In theatres this month, Elba lends his voice to sharp-toothed adversary Shere Khan in the new Disney adaptation of The Jungle Book. QH sits down with the man of the hour.

In his new film, The Jungle Book, Elba is "thrilled" to be voicing the legendary character of Shere Khan in the new live-action/animated Disney remake of the beloved Rudyard Kipling tale. The original 1967 film was his "favourite" movie as a kid, and was especially fond of Baloo, the exuberant, insouciant singing bear. Elba was a logical choice to lend his booming baritone vocals to Shere Khan, adding a commanding gravitas to the fearsome tiger. The rest of the impressive cast includes Bill Murray as the voice of Baloo, Scarlett Johansson (Kaa), Lupita Nyong'o (Raksha), Christopher Walken (King Louie), and Neel Sethi as Mowgli. As part of the process of creating Shere Khan, Disney employed a revolutionary new motion-capture technology to incorporate Elba's facial expressions into the animated rendering of his tiger alter -ego.

dris Elba may or may not become the next James Bond, but in the meantime his career is soaring amid a massive wave of popularity. Though controversy ensued when he failed to garner an Oscar nomination for his charismatic performance as an African warlord in Beasts Of No Nation, he did manage to collect two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards in January – Best Supporting Actor for Beasts and Best Actor in a Limited Series for Luther, the longrunning BBC TV series in which he plays the titular role. He recently signed up to play The Gunslinger opposite Matthew McConaughey in the big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's The Dark Tower, for which he will be paid a reported $10 million, and the new, fourth season of Luther is drawing the highest ratings in the history of the series. He also has a major

"They filmed me, but only just to see what my face is doing – they didn't mirror that to the character," Elba said. "So the tiger doesn't look like me, but there are certain things that its face will do and voice will do at the same time as mine. That's one of the challenges of suddenly having talking animals: how do you humanize that? I basically sit there for a few hours just making silly voices and reading stuff and trying to scare the [expletive] out of my microphone." The Jungle Book is merely one of three major Disney features to be released this year which feature Elba's velvety British brogue. Zootopia, which opened in March, saw Elba voice Chief Bogo, the truculent water buffalo whom the actor describes as "a tough man, but [who is] sometimes quite soft and funny." Finally, Elba will complete his Disney trifecta in Finding Dory, the aquatic comedy adventure which is the long-awaited sequel to 2003's Finding Nemo. The dashing 6'2" British actor originally hails from Hackney, the product of a father from Sierra Leone

and a Ghanaian mother. A cult figure in the U.K. as Luther, for which he won the Golden Globe in 2012, Elba has co-starred in several major Hollywood films including Prometheus, Thor, and Pacific Rim. He first gained global attention as Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013). Elba also has a parallel career as a DJ, going by the name Big Driis the Londoner. Having worked as a DJ since he was 14, Elba hit the big-time when he worked with Jay-Z on his American Gangster (2007) album, loosely inspired by the Ridley Scott film of the same name in which Elba also had a minor role. Elba also earned rave reviews for playing cold-blooded gangster Stringer Bell in the American TV series, The Wire. The 43-year-old Elba divides his time between homes in London and Los Angeles. He is currently single, having reportedly separated in January from his girlfriend of the past two years, Naiyana Garth, with whom he has a 2-year-old son, Winston. Elba also has a 14-year-old daughter, Isan, from ex-wife Kim Norgaard. In January, while protests mounted in the U.S. over the failure of any black actors to be nominated at this year's Oscars, Elba addressed the British Parliament on the issue of the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry: "We need to count up what everybody has, see the lay of the land, see who has which careers in TV, who makes TV, who's allowed on TV. You have to ask the question, 'Are black people always playing petty criminals? Are women always the love interest or always talking about men? Are disabled people ever seen at all?' The reason I went to America is because the U.S.A. has the most famous diversity policy of all, and it's called the American dream. The problem is the gap between the dream and the reality. To champion diversity is to champion the American dream. That's the guarantee I want here in Britain. Where's the British dream?"

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ENTERTAINMENT ation The live-animated Disney adapt this of The Jungle Book hits theatres month with an all-star cast

QH: Idris, suddenly you're a vocal legend with your work in three big, new Disney films including The Jungle Book...? IE: (Laughs) I'm very proud to be doing these films. Jungle Book was a film that I watched many times as a kid and it's hard to believe that I'm voicing Shere Khan, although I have to admit that Baloo was my favourite character! (Laughs) QH: Do you still follow animated films? IE: Of course. I have two kids and I've spent a lot of time watching cartoons with my son lately. I've always loved cartoons. They give a lot of joy to young people and they spark their imagination. It's beautiful to watch their faces light up when they watch them. I love the fact that my kids will be able to watch these animations and hear their father's voice. It means a lot to me. QH: What do you make of all the talk about your being a leading candidate to be the next James Bond? IE: (Laughs) If human beings want to know if there's any connectivity between all of us, the one thing I've heard around the world universally is that, "You'll be great at James Bond." If it should happen, that's proof there's connectivity amongst human beings. If everyone wants something, they can make it happen. (However) it's all rumour-ville. I'm not speaking to the James Bond people. They are not speaking to me. So if it was to happen, there you go – the will of the nation. QH: You're currently appearing in Season 4 of Luther. You've often stated that Luther changed your life? IE: Prior to Luther, I was doing sort of like drop-in film work: Obsessed, Takers, This Christmas – films that were sort of more in a space that was ‘skewed urban’, if you like, and smaller films. Good parts, but smaller.

With Luther, I bring American sensibilities to an English character. Luther is way bigger in his manner than an English cop would ever be. He's very American-esque in that way. I think part of the TV show's popularity in England is that it's sort of ridiculous to see an Englishman play that big in a lot of these scenes. But it actually works because of how grandiose some of the crimes are. QH: What makes Luther such an iconic TV character? IE: Even though he's very British, it's larger than life and larger than the usual for British TV. I think that weird conundrum of elements is what makes Luther a bit special. You kind of forget that you're watching a police officer when you're watching Luther. He almost takes on a superhero quality – I mean, he never changes his clothes, he never sleeps. That's what really appealed to me. The writing is so good and so dark. It's like watching a comic book version of Columbo. It's slightly cooler, and just as weird and troubled. I love Luther. QH: Your career seems to be on a roll of late. This summer we're also going to be seeing you in the new Star Trek movie? IE: Things are going pretty well. I'm having a lot of fun and I'm looking for more great roles and stories to come. I'm still very ambitious and I have a lot I want to accomplish. QH: You won a SAG award for you portrayal of the Commandant in Beasts of No Nation. What did that role mean to you? IE: It's been an amazing journey for me. I'm so proud of this film and the reaction so far has been tremendous and very gratifying. I had a great working relationship with Cary (Fukunaga) who knew exactly how he wanted to explore the relationship between my character and the child. What was critical was to be able to show how it's possible to recruit children

and make them believe in some cause that they are really too young to even make sense of and make them do horrible things. But that's the reality, unfortunately. It's such a heart-breaking and deeply sad thing that has been going on and telling this story will show what it means to become a child soldier. It's almost impossible to imagine the kind of psychological damage that is inflicted in that process and I felt a responsibility to help bring this story to life. As an actor, you can have a great impact by helping get a film like this made and exploring these kinds of issues. QH: Many scenes in the film were shot in Ghana which is your mother's homeland. That must have been particularly meaningful to you? IE: We shot mainly in Accra, which is the capital of Ghana and my Mum's birthplace. I'd never been to Ghana before because my Mum left there when she was 12 and moved to Sierra Leone where my Dad is from. That's where they met and after they were married they decided to move to London and that's where I was born. QH: Was it very emotional for you when you first arrived there? IE: It was emotional because I took my Mum with me and it was the first time that she had been back in Ghana in 20 years. The people in Accra know who I am and have been following my career so it was unbelievable to connect to them and I felt so welcomed. What was really beautiful was to see how proud the people there are of me and what I've accomplished, and so coming to Ghana and making the film there has been a very important moment in my life. I also got to meet a lot of my Mum's family and sisters. It was very special. QH: Your role in the film attracted as much attention for your performance as for the fact that you didn't receive as Oscar nomination. What do you make of all that?

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IE: I think we need to address the issue of diversity as a whole. Films and TV need to reflect a broader spectrum of society and blacks need to be part of the picture. I've been very fortunate in my career but more progress needs to be made to open up more places and stories for black people, for women, and all branches of society. Things need to change. QH: A few years ago you gained a lot of attention for playing Nelson Mandela. Do you enjoy playing heroic figures like Mandela and then getting to play nasty villains like the Commandant and now the bad guy Krall in Star Trek Beyond? IE: (Laughs) Playing Nelson Mandela was one of the great moments in my career and it gave me a lot of pride and confidence. I kind of felt that I had entered the upper echelon of my profession – but that's a separate thing.

as the ruthless Commandant Snubbed at the Oscar's for his role been vocal on the disparity of in Beasts Of No Nation, Elba has in Hollywood recognition for actors of colour

Elba stars as a veteran homicide detective in the hit BBC crime series Luther

When it comes to playing bad guys, it's often more interesting to play those kinds of characters because they allow you to explore many different and intense emotions. Heroes and good guys can be flat and boring on an acting level, at least. But when you play a villain there are often so many layers to the character as in the case of the Commandant that are a lot of fun to dig into and which allows you to let your imagination run wild. QH: You yourself grew up in some fairly rough areas as a child. Did that make you more determined to succeed in life? IE: You learn to defend yourself and not be pushed around. When my family moved from Hackney to Canning Town I stood out because I was black and tall and I was immediately picked on by the best fighter in the school. It wasn't easy for me and you learn from those tough times. I used to get into fights all the time with white kids and I got a reputation as someone who wouldn't take any [expletive]. I never looked for trouble, but you can't back down from it either. But I was fortunate that my teacher, Miss McPhee, thought that I had talent and she pushed me towards acting. QH: What kept you out of trouble or getting involved with some of the street gangs that were fixtures in the areas where you grew up in London?

QH: Is DJ-ing still a big part of your life? IE: It's my secret hobby and it's been a big part of my life. I supported myself working as a DJ while I was struggling to make it as a young actor and when I went to the States (in the late 90’s) I was able to make good money to pay the bills until I start getting enough work in TV. Then, when I did my album, people would see me as an actor making music and they're like. "What do you think you're doing, stick to what you know." I think a few people were surprised when they enjoyed it. QH: How did you start out as a DJ?

IE: I had parents who were very protective and looked out for me. They knew what was going on in the streets and I wasn't allowed to spend time on the street hanging out with any of those people. They told me, "You're not going to be one of those boys." I'm very grateful to my parents for that and I always had a lot of respect for how hard they worked to provide for our family. I learned how important it was to work hard and not complain. I may have been a very big and strong kid, but it was being mentally tough that really helped me succeed.

IE: I worked with my uncle. I would do African weddings, lots of calypso and African music, the electric slide. I still get asked all the time, "Mr. Elba, can you come DJ at my wedding?" (Laughs) My life as a DJ and as an actor are very different and they're like separate identities. Two years ago, I shot Beasts of No Nation for six weeks while living in Ghana and I was completely immersed in my work on that film. Then, as soon as we wrapped that film, I went to Ibiza for a night and DJ’d there. They're two opposing worlds and two completely different parts of my personality. But they're both very much a part of who I am.

QH: You're now putting out your own clothing line, Superdry + Idris Elba, and you're considered to be one of the bestdressed actors in the business. What drew you to fashion? IE: When I was little, maybe around the age of 10, I had to wear what my Mum said, and she had a great taste for clothes. Dad also had great style and I wanted to be like my old man. So as a boy, I began to wear really elegant jeans, classic shoes instead of sneakers. I've kept up my interest in style ever since. I would say that I like simple, straightforward clothes, but ones which have a lot of attention to detail. I like clothes that feel and look good on me. I love blues, grays and blacks, but in summer I often choose bright colours. QH: You used to be a man that partied hard. Is that still important to you? IE: (Laughs) No, I'm a father these days. I had a lot of fun in my 20’s but I didn't really know what I was doing in my life back then. I started to grow into myself in my 30’s and now in my 40’s I have a really good grasp of who I am and what I want to do with my life. It's also a lot more interesting when you feel like things are falling into place. That's where the real fun comes from! n

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ENTERTAINMENT Illusion's ethereal ambiance is a door to a different world

Party Happenings By Jorge Granda

Photography by Jessie Palanca

Marsa Malaz Kempinski welcomes you to the ball at Illusion, its newest rooftop funhouse where nothing is as it seems. From the masterminds at Demind Holding, the lifestyle group behind Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE and The Act Dubai, comes a sensory overload of glitz, glamour and sound. With its impressive décor, out-of-thisworld entertainment, captivating acrobatic performances and truly high-end cuisine, Illusion will leave you wondering if you didn’t just dream it after all…

or months, the city has been abuzz about Illusion. Rumour had it that Marsa Malaz’s newest venue would offer a breathtaking supper club experience; but so has been the promise of many new nightclubs and lounges that have opened in the last year – each one vying to be the new hotspot. And while some of the new additions have proven their mettle, others have left Doha’s intrepid weekend warriors with a bland taste in the mouth; until Illusion came along and exceeded all expectations…the lounge concept with a big-top twist.

Unparalleled in Qatar, the consensus in the room on the night of its grand opening soirée was that none of us had seen anything quite like it – in Doha. You enter inconspicuously from the underground basement parking lot, walking down a dimly-lit hallway where a dark figure at its end stands clad in lace. A living statue, there’s a mirror behind her that might as well be Alice’s looking glass into Wonderland. Smoky and dark, it’s a bit unnerving, but in a way that intrigues – not scares. Languidly she comes to life, pointing silently towards the shaft of elevators that will whisk us up to the rooftop. Then it’s through another set of doors and into a curious limbo – a circular room lined with imposing wooden doors, some leading places, others going nowhere. At the centre is a chaise lounge where

mysterious figures come to life. There’s a woman in black sitting stock-still, a lamp-shade covering her face. There are flappers with feathers in their hair and fringe on their frocks pacing to and fro, imploring you to follow them towards Door Number 1. There’s a dapper gentleman practicing the namesake art of illusion, making cards hover in your hands, spinning them until you don’t quite know which way is up. Illusion is divided into three distinct experiences where, from the moment you arrive, you enter a world of fascinating fantasy and thriving hospitality. No detail has been overlooked, adding a level of authenticity behind every door that allows you to submerse yourself in a dream world, where the speakeasy scene of the 1930’s meets the eclectic New Age.

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The Garden Terrace Step through Door Number 3 and into a world apart. Hands down one of the most stunning outdoor nightlife spaces in the city, the Garden Terrace at Illusion is a Wonderland of lush corners, secluded grottoes, water features and maze-like pathways leading to plush hidden seating areas. This aweinspiring rooftop balcony lounge boasts 360 degree views out over the water and The Pearl, while its nooks and crannies enchant the discerning guest who values privacy over publicity. The Garden Terrace is not the kind of place you go to party hard – in fact its ethos is the exact opposite. It’s a haven, a refuge, a retreat, with its chilled music, vast beverage menu and delicious bites setting the mood for an unforgettable rooftop experience. Timings: Tues-Sun, 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Capacity: Seats 170 people.

1933: The Grand Hall Step through Door Number 1 and back in time – for here is where the real party happens. Set under the spectacular grandeur of Marsa Malaz’s main dome, 1933 is part circus cabaret meets Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Its giant striped dome evokes a dizzying feeling of being under the big-top, while the performers hearken back to the glory days of Prohibition-era speak-easy’s. The men are dapper in their suspenders and stripes, while the ladies are lusciously adorned in ensembles that are best described as post-modern vintage with a touch of the surreal. After 9:00 p.m. is when the acrobats come out to play and guests can crane their necks skyward to the heart of the dome to watch silk climbers, aerial artists in divine costume putting on a show that could only draw comparison with Cirque du Soleil. Later on there’re dance numbers on the elevated stage, while contortionists and illusionists make table-top magic. It’s the pinnacle of spectacle with performances so unconventional you’d be forgiven for asking yourself if you’ve stepped into one of filmmaker Tim Burton’s eccentric worlds. Are you ready for it? Timings: Thurs & Fri, 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Reservations only

The Private Lounge Selected guests can escape through Door Number 2 where a masculine world of rustic leather and oak awaits discerning patrons. The Private Lounge at Illusion is a refined, discreet hideaway of indulgence, offering everything from decadent appetizers, to handcrafted beverages from the liquid nitrogen cart. Access is granted by fingerprint only and it has its own private entrance through to The Garden Terrace. Entry is by invitation only.

Living artwork in living colour

Sleight of hand as magic fills the air

Luscious Cuisine Focused around a sharing concept, Illusion serves up an assortment of world-inspired cuisine, including lobster arancini, sweet potato bravas with a honey-jalapeño glaze, a variety of seafood options and a selection of pizzas. For more information on Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s Illusion, visit www.illusiondoha.com. ■

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

QH BRINGS YOU THE TOP STAFF PICKS FROM THE MEGASTORE

NAME: RICARDO GALLARDO STORE SECTION: VIDEO GAMES & DVDS TIME AT VIRGIN: 2 YEARS

Best Part of My Job:“Definitely the gaming section! When I was young I was so interested in games, so when I first saw the gaming section it was like a gamer’s haven.” CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS III PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE, MICROSOFT WINDOWS

MORTAL KOMBAT X PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE, ANDROID, MICROSOFT WINDOWS

The legendary Call of Duty series continues with its third installation. With updated weapons, new abilities, and fully-customizable warrior features, the PlayStation 4 experience is sure to be one of the most immersive. An arenamultiplayer mode, upgraded war zones and a zombie-mode for the brave, Black Ops III definitely will not disappoint. Retail price: QR 269.

The latest addition to the iconic fighting game, Mortal Kombat X upgrades its ever-proven formula by joining the PlayStation Network and globalizing its fighting format. Encouraging players to join this online championship, with multiple versions of each character to vary fighting styles and strategies, this version of the series wins the challenge against its past incarnations. Retail price: QR 299.

STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA DVD, BLU-RAY Featuring all six episodes of the worldwide phenomenon, this collection unites every feature film in high-definition with the most sophisticated sound quality for the first time-ever. Feeling a bit out of the galaxy loop since Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens hit theatres? This might be the ideal catch-up treat for a movie night. Retail price: QR 540.

THE MARTIAN DVD, BLU-RAY Based on the number one best-selling novel by Andy Weir, The Martian sees astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) fighting for his life after being wrongfully left behind on the Red Planet. Enjoy this Oscar-nominated dramaticcomedy in Blue-ray quality. Retail price: QR 89.

EA SPORTS FIFA16 PLAYSTATION 4, XBOX ONE, ANDROID The virtual football experience takes it to the next level, allowing players to be more personalized than ever before. With increased control in-field, this 2016 re-vamp of the classic series brings you all the official, licensed clubs along with their updated players so you can score that winning goal. And, for the first time ever, the game will mark a milestone with the inclusion of 12 international women’s teams to bring you the ultimate football experience. Retail price: QR 299.

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Spotlight On Movies April showers bring May flowers, and this month there’s more than a few blockbusters in that bouquet – here are our top five!

THE BOSS Comedy The comic-genius of Melissa McCarthy returns as a psychotic bankrupt boss trying to re-brand herself after losing everything. However, turns out she’s still haunted by past employees who aren’t too quick to forgive. Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage QH Fun Fact: Talk about talent – Melissa McCarthy not only stars, but also co-wrote the film’s script along with her husband Ben Falcone and long-time collaborator Steve Mallory!

MILES AHEAD

THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR

THE JUNGLE BOOK Adventure, Drama, Fantasy With the help of wolves, a bear, and a black panther, a young orphan boy is raised in the jungle, but remains in peril as he crosses paths with hungrier, more dangerous animals around him. Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, Bill Murray QH Fun Fact: While the characters don’t sing like in the 1967 Disney animation The Jungle Book, Bill Murray’s Baloo whistles the song ‘The Bare Necessities’ and Scarlett Johansson’s Kaa says “Trust in me” as a reference to the original song.

Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy Two evil sisters prepare to go to war with each other’s kingdom and it’s The Huntsman and his lover’s duty to stop them in this epic fantasy. Stars: Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Charlize Theron QH Fun Fact: Studio execs originally planned to craft the film as Snow White and The Huntsman 2, but when the film’s star, Kristen Stewart, dropped out, they opted to make Liam Hemsworth’s Huntsman character the focus of this prequel.

Biography, Drama, Music Jazz legend and music icon Miles Davis gets his long overdue film biography in an exploration of his life and music, packed with the tough realities of the music industry in 1979.

Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller When the memories and skills of a CIA agent are transplanted into the mind of a dangerous convict, there’s no telling what could happen when he escapes the CIA.

Stars: Don Cheadle, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Ewan McGregor

Stars: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Ryan Reynolds, Tommy Lee Jones, Alice Eve

QH Fun Fact: Multi-talented, Don Cheadle starred and also directed the entire movie – making it his directorial début.

QH Fun Fact: Nicolas Cage was originally asked to play the lead role but turned it down. C’mon Nick! Beggars can’t be choosers...

CRIMINAL

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ENTERTAINMENT

Listings All listings are categorized per hotel. Inclusion is limited to availability of space, with priority given to advertisers.

QH RECOMMENDS

W DOHA Ibiza Sensations

April 7: Wahm. Celebrate in style with the master of chill-house and deep house music, DJ Luis del Villar as he brings Ibiza Sensations to Wahm. Ibiza Sensations is definitely the next big name to watch out for in the Middle East. Strictly reservation and guest-list only. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT Happy Hour

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Salsa Night

Wednesdays: Irish Harp. Hit the floor for some salsa dancing and music all night long. Prepare your dancing shoes and join the throngs. QR 50 entry fee for men, free entry for ladies. For more information call 4485-3000.

Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – including special offers and weekly/daily regular promotions.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT New Pearl Lounge!

Daily: The Pearl Lounge. ‘Pearls don’t lie on the sea-shore – if you want one, you must dive for it’ – Chinese proverb. The trendy and popular Pearl Lounge has had a revamp, so join them for the nightclub’s re-opening and unwind in chic and elegant surroundings. Happy hour daily from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8444.

LA CIGALE Brand-New Sky View

Daily: Sky View. Pique your curiosity and catch a glimpse of the striking, newly-renovated Sky View. Guess what? La Cigale has introduced a new double-floor indoor section, where you can party the night away all yearlong. Enjoy the most vibrant mixes while savouring light snacks, house beverages and sushi. No entrance fee and no minimum charges during weekdays. Rules and regulations apply. For more information call 4428-8204/888.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA The Backyard

Fridays: Stretch out on the grass at the Sheraton Grand Doha while listening to the band play your favourite tunes with a warm unplugged acoustic setup. The night is lit up with fairy lights and candles and you're surrounded by amazing food, enormous company, and a long set of great music. QR 100 for men and QR 65 for ladies, including one standard beverage. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4485-3000.

THE GRAND HYATT Viva Cuba

April 26-28: Dunes. Enjoy Cuban nights and revel in the fiesta! April 26 will see a special performance by the Sugar Kings and DJ Santiago. While April 27 has the Slick band and DJ Santiago, and April 28 is all about Cuban-themed DPOP. For more information call 4448-1280, or 7021-8094.

Laughter Factory

April 12: Dunes. Be sure to check out the best international comedians. Have a laugh with British comedians John Fothergill, Adam Bloom and Jojo Smith. For more information call 4448-1280.

Songkran Festival

April 13: Hotel Garden. Songkran marks the New Year according to the Thai lunar calendar. Celebrate beautiful Thai culture and observe the joy, generosity, and warmth of the Thai people. During Songkran, the Thai use water and scents to convey love and amity to each other. For more information call 4448-1250, or 7021-8097.

Daily: The View Poolside Restaurant. The View is a beautifully-designed terrace-style space located directly on the pool deck with excellent views over the Doha cityscape. Enjoy your weekend brunch under the sun at the only outdoor pool terrace in Doha. Stop by with a friend and join the daily happy hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. and sample the fantastic atmosphere The View has to offer. For more information call 4429-8499.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Taco Tuesday

Tuesdays: Paloma. Tuesday night is Taco Night. Chef Salvador brings you authentic flavours of Mexican tacos. Choose five different varieties from the taco menu and top them up with a signature Mexican refreshment for QR 128. For more information call 4484-4444.

Girls Night Out

Wednesdays: Paloma. Girls Night Out is back! Bring your girlfriends along and enjoy a complimentary fruity, frozen Mexican refreshment from 8:00 p.m. till late. But a party isn’t a party without a mystery piñata, and all girls stand a chance to bring home some exciting prizes. QR 80 entrance fee is applicable for men. For more information call 4484-4444.

Thursday Vibes

Thursdays: Lava. With the resident DJ providing an awesome set, Lava will become the only place you can possibly think of going to and, most importantly, leave with the excitement of coming back the following week! For more information call 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Pink Wednesdays Wednesdays: Strata. Welcome to Doha’s only Pink Wednesday – a girls’ night out where the ladies receive two welcome refreshments upon arrival and can groove away to the tunes of R&B, soul and funk, along with a fantastic chance to win a high-end designer items and much more. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT After Work Evenings

Sun-Thurs: Hive. De-stress with an after-work visit and make the most of the buy-one-getone-free offer on selected house refreshments between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Bucket Week

Daily: Hive. Quench your thirst with a bucket of six for the price of four for QR 175. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Happy Hour Daily: The Lounge. The Lounge reveals their refreshed classic Happy Hour and extends it from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.! Enjoy your favourite selected beverages and nibbles for only QR 30. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Grapes & Formaggio With Kéyali

Sundays: The Lounge. Enjoy an exceptional selection of grapes, paired with the best selection of cheeses from around the world. Prices start at QR 150 per platter plus grapes. Enjoy smooth live entertainment by Kéyali Mayaga and her band from 9:30 p.m. till11:30 p.m. Complimentary entrance. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

G&T Social

Tuesdays: The Lounge. Taste a premium selection of G&T mixes and indulge with a performance by Kéyali Mayaga and her band as they take the stage. All G&T mixes starting from QR 50. From 9:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA After-Brunch Sessions

Fridays: Glo. Because brunch without an afterbrunch session is just a lunch! Come to Glo for an after-brunch session where guest DJs spin the latest grooves. Free entry. From 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Listings MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI HH Bohemia

Daily: Bohemia. Head to Bohemia for their after-work happy hour promotion featuring a selection of delicious special refreshments at QR 35 from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Molecular Mondays

Mondays: Bohemia. Indulge in the perfected molecular mixology at Bohemia and enjoy a flight of three flavoured refreshments for QR 90 per person. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

‘Hora Feliz’ Happy Hour

Daily: El Faro. Hola amigos! Unwind in the authentically Spanish ambiance of El Faro and get the chance to enjoy the buyone-get-one offer on selected signature beverages, delicious tapas and refreshments. Plus, they’ve extended the Hora Feliz on Fridays and Saturdays for more afterbrunch fun! Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more informationcall 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Be Entertained At Jazz Up

Fridays: Jazz Up. This is a charming spot where sports and music-lovers can chill-out in intimate and contemporary surroundings, listen to soothing tunes and indulge in their wide selection of refreshments and snacks. Catch all the major sporting events live on the big-screen, plus sizzling performances by the Doha Jazz Club every Friday from 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4429-1111.

NOIR LOUNGE & CLUB Ladies At Noir

Tuesdays: Meliá Doha. Ladies night, enjoy three free refreshments from a select menu. Get your urban grove on with great R&B and hip-hop tunes. From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5596-1414, or email info@noirdoha.com.

Weekend Vibes

Gents At Noir

Bounce Arenas

Happy Hour

Thursdays: Glo. Glo brings you the finest DJs spinning the latest in house and tech music to start your weekend! Free entry. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Wed, Thurs & Fri: Champions. Champions presents evenings of international music and pizzazz with all your favourite songs played by their live band. QR 50 entry fee. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4419-6100, or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Mondays: Meliá Doha. Gents night, enjoy two-for-one refreshments from a select menu and enjoy a unique vibe from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5596-1414, or email info@noirdoha.com.

Daily: Meliá Doha. After-work beverages, anyone? Choose anything off the menu and Noir will pay half your bill! Come and enjoy the offer from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 5596-1414, or email info@noirdoha.com.

The Weekend At Noir

Thursdays: Meliá Doha. Dance to some R&B and hip-hop, while all ladies receive a complimentary welcome refreshment. From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5596-1414, or email info@noirdoha.com.

NOZOMI DOHA Happy Hour

Thursdays: Lounge only. Refreshments starting from QR 30 and bar snacks from QR 25. For more information call 4035-5089, or email info@nozomidoha.com

ORYX ROTANA Scarlett Tuesdays

Tuesdays: Jazz Club. Calling all ladies! Be part of the ladies’ night re-launch at the Jazz Club and enjoy four complimentary refreshments, tantalizing snacks and get a chance to win at their weekly raffle from 5:00 p.m. till midnight. After that, enjoy a 50% discount on selected beverages. Enjoy the night with the Jazz Band. For more information call 4402-3333.

Hoteliers’ Night

Saturdays: Hoteliers receive a special offer of a 50% discount on both food and beverages. From 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

N2 Jazz Club Band

Sun-Fri: Jazz Club. Feel the super jazzy atmosphere with their new N2 Band which starts playing from 9:00 p.m. onwards. (Sunday to Wednesday) and from 9:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. (Thursday and Friday). For more information call 4402-3333.

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL DOHA Happy Hour

Weekly: The Den. Experience the longest happy hour in town at Doha’s first non-smoking lounge with beverages from QR 30 from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. The Den is open from 5:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekends. For more information call 4429-5295.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Midnight Happy Hour

Sun-Wed: Irish Harp. From 11:00 p.m. till midnight, enjoy selected refreshments at a special price in Doha’s only Irish pub. For more information call 4485-3000.

THE GRAND HYATT Dunes D-POP

Thursdays: Dunes. After the major success of the Liquid Brunch, The Grand Hyatt introduces D-POP; a musical journey through some of the best pop hits over the years. From Abba’s ‘Dancing Queen’ up to Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it Off’ and The Weeknd’s ‘Can’t Feel My Face’, Resident DJ Santiago Vittorelli joins forces with the sensational Slick Band to give you the hottest hits from the 70’s all the way up to the new millennium. Ladies enjoy free entry all night and gents until 10:00 p.m. A fee of QR 100 will be charged to gents inclusive of a beverage of choice. For more information call 4448-1280 or 7021-8094.

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Happy Hour

Daily: Dunes’ happy hour has been extended to three hours, because two hours are never enough! Make sure you visit Dunes every day except Fridays, between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for the best beverages in the city. For more information call 4448-1280, or 7021-8094.

Liquid Brunch

Fridays: Dunes. Spend Fridays the right way and join Doha’s one-and-only after-brunch from 4:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. featuring resident DJ Santiago Vittorelli. A regular refreshments package is priced at QR 200 (which includes unlimited selected refreshments), a house beverages package is QR 300 and a premium package is QR 499 (which includes unlimited select refreshments). For more information call 4448-1280, or 7021-8094.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Sway Ladies Night

Wednesdays: The Rooftop. Luscious fruit skewers will be served during this ladies’ night promotion till 11:00 p.m. A photo-booth will also be installed where guests can get the chance to have their photo in a branded photo-frame. Premium booth bookings are QR 4,000 and premium table bookings are QR 2,000. Their in-house photographer will be available from 9:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4446-0105, or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE FOUR SEASONS Carnaval

Daily: Library & Cigar Lounge. South America comes to Doha! Savour pleasant bites such as chicken chimichangas and sip on fruitflavoured refreshments only at the Library & Cigar Lounge, starting from QR 55. From 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4494-8600, or email dining.doh@fourseasons.com.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA MIX Lounge And Terrace

Daily: MIX Lounge and Terrace is a lively, soulful affair that adds to Doha's eclectic social scene. Their playful approach belies an uncompromising commitment to quality. Watch their mixologists work their magic while you find a corner and fill it with friends – this is where Doha comes to play. For more information call 4492-1555, email dining.doha@westin.com, or visit www.westindoha.com.

Z LOUNGE BY ZENGO Ladies First

Mondays: Kempinski Residences & Suites. Special entertainment plus all ladies receive two complimentary beverage vouchers from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3561.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Directory

Noir Lounge & Club Meliá Doha

The Den Shangri-La Hotel Doha

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

Let us help you make the most of your weekend with our comprehensive directory of the hottest nightlife spots throughout the city. So grab your friends and head out for a night on the town! Admiral’s Club The Ritz-Carlton

4448-4800

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

4446-0000

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

4429-8888

Beach Bar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana

4402-3333

Qube Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Jazz Up Mövenpick Hotel Doha

4429-1111

Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

Bohemia Marsa Malaz Kempinski

4035-5555

Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Shanghai Club Shangri-La Hotel Doha

4429-5000

Boston's City Center Rotana

4445-8888

Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton

4448-4800

Shehrazad Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Bubbles On Two Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

Champions Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa Crystal Lounge W Doha

Dunes The Grand Hyatt Glo Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Habanos The Ritz-Carlton

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

4419-6100

4425-6666

Manhattan Radisson Blu

4453-5135

4448-1234

4484-8000

4408-7777

Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

4419-6100

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

4015-8888

The Den Shangri-La Hotel Doha

4429-5000

The Irish Harp Sheraton Grand Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4428-8888

4428-1428

4408-7777

MIX Bar, Lounge and Terrace Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

4492-1555

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

Noir Lounge & Club Meliá Doha

5596-1414

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites

4405-3325

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

4453-5353

Hive InterContinental Doha The City

4015-8888

Oyster Bay The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Wahm W Doha

Illusion Marsa Malaz Kempinski

4035-5757

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Z Lounge by Zengo Kempinski Residences & Suites

4405-3333

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ARTS & CULTURE

Top Picks

VCUQATAR 17th Annual VCUQatar Fashion Show

April 12-14: SALAM, The Gate Mall. The 17th Annual Fashion Show showcases the work of VCUQatar fashion design sophomores, juniors and seniors. The show will highlight a line-up of distinct looks that students researched, experimented with, and will now present. Tickets are required so check their website for updates. For more information call 4402-0555, or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/events.

QATAR MUSEUMS What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China

Until July 16: Gallery Al Riwaq. Artist Cai Guo-Qiang returns to Qatar, this time as a curator, to present an exhibition featuring 15 contemporary Chinese artists and collectives working in a variety of mediums. As part of the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture, the exhibition is set to be a major highlight. Entry is free, so be sure to check it out. For more information visit www.qm.org.qa.

IAID Indian Classical Dance

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. The course tackles the dance styles of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam, with certificates awarded to graduates. The IAID Indian Dance program is a seven-year certificate course affiliated to the Nalanda Dance Research Centre Mumbai, India. For more information call 4432-0974/ 4441-1234, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Beethoven & Mendelssohn MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART FOCUS: Works from Mathaf Collection, Vol.2

Until Sept 4: Education City. The exhibition presents a collection of unique works by Emirati artist Hassan Sharif in his first solo display at Mathaf as part of its ongoing series –FOCUS: Works from Mathaf Collection, featuring artists from the museum’s permanent collection. The first five exhibitions featured Farid Belkahia (Morocco), Saloua Raouda Choucair (Lebanon), Faraj Daham (Qatar), Inji Efflatoun (Egypt) and Abdulhalim Radwi (Saudi Arabia). In this second rotation of the exhibition, Focus: Volume 2 will present the first four of these artists alongside a unique presentation of works by Sharif. Entry is free and opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays. For more information call 4402-8855, or visitwww.mathaf.org.qa.

April 7: Museum of Islamic Art. This quartet featuring Elizaveta Hesse, violin, Dmitri Torchinsky, violin, Michael Hesse, viola and Ivaylo Daskalov, cello, will perform Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1. The piece was originally inspired by the tomb scene from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The quartet will then play Felix Mendelssohn’s: String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80. The performance starts at 6:00 p.m. and entry is free. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

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ARTS & CULTURE

By Shahmim Akram Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Qatar Museums

In 2011 Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang brought his solo exhibition to Doha and now returns as a curator to showcase the works of 15 contemporary Chinese artists. The criticallyacclaimed artist spoke candidly to QH about his latest exhibition, What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China.

Renowned artist Cai Guo-Qiang heads up the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture's flagship exhibition at Gallery Al Riwaq

ake a walk through Gallery Al Riwaq and you’ll see a variety of contemporary art pieces, including 600 clay figures, an interactive video-game, a 40-tonne steel tank, and a 24-metre sea monster. Between these disparate artworks the only common theme is an “expression of artistic language”.

About the Art? Contemporary Art from China – it’s not contemporary Chinese art. The subtle difference is that it’s not about China, it’s about art. What I’m asking here is can we treat these Chinese artists the same way we treat an artist from the U.K. or Brazil or India, as an individual artist?”

As the exhibition curator: “I am the questioner – to question, challenge and to direct the artist...instead of always talking about the content and the context of the art works [and] to focus on the craftsmanship and the expression.”

It took Guo-Qiang three years to research Chinese exhibition history and to narrow down over 200 artists to the 15 selected for this exhibition. He wanted to take the attention away from sociopolitical issues and return the focus to “individual creativity and the artistic language of these artists…What I’m trying to do is cast off the Chinese veil of these artists and return to their individual art. If you go back to the title, it’s What

“In the global art world today we see a lot of large-scale exhibitions that are often vague and disguised…using popular vocabulary and themes such as terrorism, environment and refugee issues. All of these social issues come and go and there are always new issues that are coming up. So what’s left in history is only how artists made full use of their creativity to effectively respond to these issues with their unique expressions of art.”

Despite taking an inquisitive scholarly-approach Guo-Qiang believes that he “still curated this exhibition from the perspective of an artist. When I talk to artists I’m interested in discovering the challenges they’re facing, their source of joy and how they turned their thoughts into form. As an artist what’s your unique, individual expression of language? What is truly yours? What did you add to art history?”

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d bin Khalifa H.E. Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hama VIP opening Al Thani inaugurates the exhibition Photo credit: Qatar Museums

“I keep telling artists that emphasizing and focusing on your individual voice and personality is not an act of avoiding politics. On the contrary this is politics – if we reach a point in society where everyone has their individual voice and thoughts and can voice it, then the society is healthy.”

Conceptual artist Liang Shaoji

The gallery has been laid out thoughtfully by Guo-Qiang from the first room of clay sculptures which “reminds everyone of the raw passion and pleasure of making art…to the last space, the education room, a space for kids to jump into their own creation. As an artist I’m a big kid – and I imagine the kids running through these galleries and getting so excited and inspired by all these different expressions by each artist!”

Interdisciplinary visual artist Jennifer Wen Ma Artist Liu Wei

Guo-Qiang hopes that “this exhibition can inspire and impact local artists to pursue their own expressions. Qatar and China both have a very long history and rich culture, and the artists here face similar challenges of how to reconcile their socio-cultural background while voicing their individual creativity.” In addition to the gallery space there is a 500-page companion reader and an exhibition documentary. These additional resources help to provide an insight into the artistic process and methodologies of the individual artists. For some visitors this will be invaluable, while others may prefer to explore the gallery independently. But Guo-Qiang hopes “that they can see the joy…that all the artists are paying full attention to the journey they’re taking in their life. The artworks in this gallery are perfect proof of the answer to this question ‘What About the Art?’” To learn more about the What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China exhibit, or the QatarChina 2016 Year of Culture visit www.qm.org.qa. n

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ARTS & CULTURE

By Rubina Singh Images courtesy of Doha Jazz

As one of the city’s most popular live ensembles, Doha Jazz has made a name for themselves with their vibrant stage presence. A talented roster of musicians, the group’s ethos is as much about music education as it is entertainment, and from concerts to charity events their smooth sounds speak to all ears. QH catches up with group founder Chris Coull.

atar’s ability to attract and inspire artistic talent from all corners of the world is indeed laudable; but even more commendable is its ability to inspire a sense of belonging. It’s not surprising then to see that music of all kinds has found a loving home here, as is the case with jazz from New York and New Orleans! St. Regis Hotels and Jazz at Lincoln Center are an unprecedented global partnership, bringing two New

Doha Jazz, playing in Qatar since 2001

York icons together in concept to create a series of jazz clubs around the world – The St. Regis Doha being the first of these venues. Doha Jazz was formed by British musician Chris Coull who moved to Doha in 2000. Starting as a leader and provider of jazz bands, Chris quickly grew the company to accommodate several genres of jazz and, subsequently, onto other styles such as blues, Arabic and classical music. Led by the group’s Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, the bands programming provides both the novice and aficionado the opportunity to experience world-class jazz, learn about its rich history, and understand its cultural value in a modern, authentic and bespoke way. Marsalis, an internationally-acclaimed musician, composer, band-leader, educator and leading advocate of American culture, is the world’s first jazz artist to perform and compose across the full jazz spectrum from its New Orleans roots, to be-bop, to modern jazz. By creating and performing an expansive range of brilliant new music from quartets to big bands, chamber music ensembles to symphony orchestras, tap dance to ballet, Wynton has expanded the vocabulary for jazz and created a vital body of work that has earned him a place among the world’s finest musicians.

With Doha Jazz as the premier provider of all types of live music in Qatar since 2001, playing at openings, events, launches, corporate parties and public gigs, their professional musicians have set the standards in crafted musicality. Over the years Doha Jazz has played for The Father Emir H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, H.H. Sheika Moza bint Nasser, the Duke & Duchess of Cornwall, H.H. Sheika Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Al-Attiyah, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Sir Richard Branson, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Lord Mandelson, Crown Prince Haakon, artist Damien Hirst, actor Kevin Spacey, maestro Placido Domingo...the list goes on! Showcasing the group’s ability in a small, intimate quartet and quintet setting, Doha Jazz recently launched their second album Doha Jazz: Jazz from the Sands last year, which followed up on their debut album in 2012 entitled Blues on the Corniche. New musicians appear on average every 2-4 weeks to guest-star with the ensemble – the majority of hailing from New York. Each artist is personally selected by Wynton Marsalis and is chosen to represent a wide range of world-class jazz music.

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“[We] now play a six-night-a-week residency at the new Urban Jazz Kitchen on The Pearl,” says Chris, enumerating the various venues people can savour their music. “This new, funky venue offers the best in modern cuisine and fantastic live jazz, with different groups performing on each night of the week.”

Doha Jazz: not afraid to experiment and innovate

Emphasizing the band’s focus on providing novelty, Chris continues, “Doha Jazz is always welcoming new faces, as musicians come and go in and out of Doha. Our newest member, Jean de Cea, [is] a fabulous saxophone player from Paris. While all our events strike a chord with the audience, perhaps the most famous is the live Friday Jazz Brunch at the W Doha, featuring three different groups in their Market, Spice Market and La Spiga outlets.” The group is also actively involved in ongoing charity work, having raised over QR 150,000 for cancer research, with the figure expanding as sales of their two CD’s grow rapidly. Recently the group was also involved in the men's ExxonMobil tennis tournament and the ladies WTA tour in January and February. Lovers of jazz music can also catch them at ‘Trafalgar Night’ coming up for the Royal Naval Association, where the decadent eight-piece Big Band will be performing the swing hits of the war-time era. In keeping with its tradition of bringing forth quality music, Richard Johnson, Global Ambassador for Jazz at Lincoln Center New York, has a spectacular lineup for 2016 with world-class artists set to bring live music embracing the diverse and inclusive musical culture, soul and creativity of New Orleans and New York right here to the heart of Doha. For more information on Doha Jazz and their upcoming performances visit www.dohajazz.com. n

Showmanship and genuine talent equals a big hit in D-Town

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ARTS & CULTURE

MAias Alyamani and the MAqam Ensemble: the new storytellers in Arab music

Sound And Soul By Sarah Al Motairi Images courtesy of MAias Alyamani

Once again, QH had the honour of sitting down with Syrian-born solo violinist, MAias Alyamani, who continues to develop his musical ideas through a mastery of structure and orchestration.

Aias Alyamani was born in Damascus and comes from a family with a rich musical history. His parents are musicians, as are his uncles. His grandmother was a singer. His love for music radiates in every expression and gesture he selflessly shares. Last year, MAias released his album: Off Stage, captivating us with Oriental melodies and enchanting us with Middle Eastern orchestration. Today, MAias is back to mesmerize us once again, with his new project: One Way Ticket. One Way Ticket brings to its audience a fresh, vibrant feel; a new musical program that marks a shift from MAias’ classical orchestral sound, to a more hip, jazz resonance in collaboration with classical melodies. “Our audience will be charmed by a down-to-earth, new sound that resonates with one’s soul. One Way Ticket shies away from a smaller, classical musicloving audience and transcends to a wider, more diverse audience who has a love for jazz. It’s a project that highlights the evolution of musical tastes and trends,” shares MAias.

MAias isn’t new to this sound as he was curator for Arabic Nights at Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha in 2014, where he débuted traditional music in collaboration with JALC artists. “So far, we’ve performed in Paris and Lyon, France, as well as Doha, Qatar. Our next stop is Austria, then Germany, thereafter moving on to other parts of Europe.”

On the heels of One Way Ticket, it would seem only natural that the next big step would be a double album highlighting over ten years of MAias’ hard work. In 2006, he established the MAqam Ensemble. With over 200 concerts performed in 22 countries around the world, MAqam have landed an opportunity that most musicians only dream of. “We’ve been blessed to have been given a full grant from the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC). We’re extremely grateful to AFAC for its support for our vision. The grant covers our vision to create a double album, highlighting MAqam Ensembles' tireless ten years of dedication and composition,” says MAias. With a reputation as one of the Middle East’s most famous ensembles, MAqam will record over 20 of the most memorable pieces composed over the past ten years, compiling a very impressive double album. MAias beamingly continues, “It is such an honour. Audiences will have the opportunity to listen to 20 musical pieces as we have evolved over the past decade.” Moving into a new, fresh sound has allowed MAias to work with artists of different genres. “I’m

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The MAqam Ensemble on tour in Italy

On-stage during Arabic Nights at JALC Doha

currently working closely with local musicians and composers. Music is about dialogue and exchanging ideas. Our visions of music are quite different, albeit [through] those differences we’re able to create a beautiful unity in our music,” He continues: “Usually 90% of compositions are my music and 10% of other composers. With this album, there will be more from fellow Arab composers. This adds a fresh element to the album. You will hear sounds from Basel Rajoub and many more established musicians and composers –all in all, making this a unique project.” The CD will be recorded in Qatar at the prestigious Katara Studios. “We’re looking to release the album around October 2016. Post-

release, we’ll partake in a number of launch concerts in Qatar. Of course, we’ll then prepare to launch globally through a series of concerts in different countries.” n MAias has a Master's Degree from Vienna University of Music in solo violin performance. In 2006, he established MAqam, an ensemble of talented musicians that specialize in performing modern, classical Arabic music in an innovative and fresh light. MAias settled in Doha in 2008.

For more information on MAias, the MAqam Ensemble, tour dates and locations, visit www.maiasalyamani.com.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Listings

Museum Guide

For a complete list of timings visit www.qma.org.qa/en/exhibitions

QH RECOMMENDS

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

The Fire Station & Garage Gallery MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Qajar Women: Images of Women in 19th Century Iran

Until June 16: A temporary exhibition showcasing a wide variety of artworks from the Qajar period, all of which feature Persian women as the main subject to highlight their importance in the visual arts in 19th century Iran and contemporary movements. Free entry. For more information call 4422-4444, or visit www.mia.org.qa.

ANIMA GALLERY & LOUNGE Diffusion: A Solo Exhibition by Peter Zimmermann

Until April 18: Parcel 17, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Peter Zimmermann’s first solo exhibition in Qatar and the Gulf features a selection of the artist’s best work. Characterized by using computers to colour and compose his pieces, his work became notorious in the late 80’s and is now iconic in contemporary art circles. Opening hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 3377-1370, email art@animagallery.com, or visit www.animagl.com.

IAID Visual Arts

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. IAID’s Visual Arts program is a progressive course for beginners, intermediate and advanced that covers colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information call 4432-0974/ 4441-1234, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

KATARA Origami Family Workshop (Animal Origami)

April 2: Katara, Art Studio B19. Spend the afternoon learning the ancient art of origami. Ideal for families with young children, this workshop runs from 3:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Tickets are QR 100 and registration is required at www.katara.net.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Family Concert: Carnival of the Animals April 22: QNCC Theatre. This concert is part of ‘Festival of Music in QNCC’. The work is a musical suite of fourteen movements by the French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns. It was written originally for private performance by an ad-hoc ensemble of two pianos and other instruments, and lasts around 35 minutes. Take note, audience members with shorts or beach-wear will not be seated. Tickets are QR 50 and are available at www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

VCUQATAR Liquid Crystal + Polymer

April 10-16: Education City. A showcase of the work of VCUQatar fellow Gina Hunt. Each year the program selects two artists at varying stages of their careers to become artists in residence at VCUQatar. While in residence, Hunt has been researching screens of different scales, from the barely perceptible grid of the digital screen, to the small, tessellated grid of the warp and weft of textiles, to the architectural patterns of window screens, which our bodies inhabit and physically encounter. The exhibition will feature a new body of work initiated and completed while in residence at VCUQatar, including large-scale paintings and installations. Entry is free and the exhibition opens from 6:00 p.m. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu.

Old Civil Defense Roundabout contact@firestation.org.qa www.firestation.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 to Saturday & Sunday Closed: Fridays

Community Classes

Ongoing: Education City. In addition to its summer programs, VCUQatar offers a choice of over 40 community education classes related to art, design and crafts, three times a year. Every fall (October to December), spring (February and March) and late spring (late April to mid-June) you can enhance your knowledge about photography and filming, glimpse into Islamic pattern construction or Arabic calligraphy and explore the world of fashion or interior design. For more information on registration for the 2016 calendar year call 4402-0555, or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/community.

online! See us rhappening.com www.qata

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COMMUNITY

Top Picks

DOHA GARDEN CLUB How To Plan Your Garden

April 17: Holiday Villa, Building No. 5. The Doha Garden Club will be holding a garden planning workshop for those looking to spruce up their backyards before the end of spring. This is a great chance to learn about garden design and botany. Reserve before April 10. Guest fee QR 90, member fee QR 80. For more information email dohagardenclub@gmail.com, or visit www.dohagardenclub.com.

SARANG PLUS Korean Cultural Classes

Ongoing: Located off of Onaiza Street near the International School of Choueifat. For those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough of the K-wave, Sarang Plus is the place for you. Learn Korean, or try a traditional hanbok costume, learn to cook like a Korean master or keep fit with some taekwondo classes. These and a whole lot more is available at the centre. For more information visit their Facebook page at Qatar_Korea Culture Center.

DOHA MUMS Hotel Pool Session

Mondays: New in town? Join the Doha Mums for a pool playgroup at a hotel from 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. If you want to make new friends and keep active, then this is for you. The little ones will enjoy the shaded pool and older kids can explore Doha's longest private beach. For more information email rsvp@dohamums.com, or visit www.dohamums.com.

FANAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER Arabic Language Lessons

April 6: Fanar Islamic Cultural Center. Dive into the wonderfully rich and lyrical world of the Arabic language. Course duration is two and a half months/twice weekly (Sunday & Tuesday, or Monday & Wednesday). Courses start from 8:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For admission and enrolment call 4425-0175 (gents), or 4425-0173/289 (ladies). For more information email info@fanar.gov.qa, or visit www.fanar.gov.qa.

SOUQ WAQIF ART CENTER Art Education

Ongoing: Located in the lovingly restored Souq Waqif, the Art Center has an array of Arab-based art education classes to keep even the most creative among us busy for months. You can learn calligraphy, painting, drawing and even ceramics. For more information follow them on Facebook.

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COMMUNITY

Social Media Solutions CEO Mohammed Al Muhanadi

By Dawn Gibson Selected images by Mousa Haroon

Imagine getting paid to spend all day using social media. Mohammed Al Muhanadi explains how he runs his own business and does just that.

t sounds like an absolute dream. You work from a pleasant office villa, using Facebook, Instagram and other big social media platforms to connect clients with their targeted audiences. All you need is a coffee or two, a laptop and fast WiFi, and you’re ready to land your next big business deal. However, making that dream into a reality takes more than internet know-how and a bit of luck – it also takes an entrepreneur’s flair, top notch communications skills and leadership qualities.

At just 27, Qatari digital media whizz Mohammed Al Muhanadi seems to have got the formula right. He and his partner Ammar Mohammed started Social Media Solutions three and a half years ago, and, as Chief Executive Officer, he has overseen the expansion of the social media company to include 18 members of staff and a rapidly growing client list. He sat down with QH to give us an insight into his work. QH: Where did the idea for your business come from? MAM: We noticed there was a big gap in communications – many organizations in Qatar want to communicate with a specific audience but they don’t have the right links. They may have a product that could be valuable to a certain market, but that market is not aware of it, or they hold an event or conference but find it hard to attract their target audience.

Our business involves helping organizations to communicate with their target audience through digital channels – websites, social media platforms and mobile apps. We’re delivering content, we’re publishing it and we’re interacting with their target audience. We are the bridge between the organization and their target audience. QH: What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

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MAM: I have a lot of different roles and duties. My main role is to deliver overall strategy and to make sure we are reaching our milestones, as well as developing relationships with partners and clients.

communication skills and be able to be assertive. I also have to spend a lot of time on social media! I have accounts on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, about. me, Ask, Vine, Pinterest, Flickr and Google+, as well as a YouTube channel.

As a CEO, I have to understand project management and operational management, have good

QH: How do you see yourself as a businessman? MAM: I’m a strategic person, not a detail-oriented person – I look into the overall view of everything. I like to give directions. I’m an entrepreneur, so I’m always coming up with new ideas and can seize opportunities easily.

I’m also an extroverted guy, so I’m always meeting and talking to new people. I don’t get shy selling our products and services. I talk to everybody actually! QH: What advice would you give to other young people in Qatar who’d like to work in your field? MAM: The digital marketing and social media sector is so new, so I taught myself a lot of the skills I needed. That said, I would suggest studying media, communications or a related topic like journalism, digital journalism or strategic communications. Make sure you have a vision for yourself. What do you want? What would you like to be doing 20 years from now? Once you’ve figured this out, you can put in place the practical steps to reach your goals. Also, don’t be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone sometimes. QH: What are your long-term plans? MAM: I have an ambitious vision – I’d like to be the head of the board of directors for a big communications company. Check out Social Media Solutions online at www.socialm.qa, or on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram under ‘socialmqa’. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

The Closers So the time has come to sell your car for good or upgrade to a newer model. Moving your vehicle on the Doha market can be a shot in the dark – from creating adverts, being on-call round-the-clock for viewings, to haggling over a price, it can be a full-time chore. Having a good broker is key. QH chats with Cars In Doha CEO Mohamad Wehbi to find out how they can help. QH: Tell us about Cars In Doha? MW: Cars In Doha was set up almost six years ago when we identified a real gap in the market for buying and selling used cars in Qatar. We knew that the car market was expanding among locals as well as expats, so we went about creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for all things to do with cars and driving in the city. If you look at the website itself, you’ll find information on taxis, breakdowns, car insurance and driving schools, as well as daily news keeping people abreast of road closures and information from the Government Traffic Department. We also hold monthly competitions for our visitors where they can enter and win various prizes, including tickets to driving events and car accessories.

QH: If I want to sell my car, what do I do?

MW: Selling your car can be tricky in Doha and usually depends on the brand of car as well as the actual time of year. If you contact us to advertise your car for sale, then one of our team will arrange a time and place to meet you. They will then take professional photographs as well as record all the car information and details. There are two types of adverts – the first costs QR 100 and includes a basic listing on the website, while the second costs QR 250 and includes a premier listing on the website and social media support. Both are a one-off fee, which means that your advert remains on the website until your car is sold. You can contact one of our representatives at 5520-3158, or 7778-8132.

QH: If I’m new in the country, where do I start in regards to driving? MW: We get many phone calls asking this exact question! We realize that it can be quite daunting for those new to Qatar to know where to start when it comes to driving here. The first big thing to determine is whether you want to rent a car, lease a car or buy your own car. Each option has its pros and cons but once you’ve decided what’s best for you, then you can begin the process. Depending on your nationality and profession, you will need to take a driving test. Have a look at the website for more details.

QH: If I don’t have time to sell my car, can you help?

QH: And finally, what else does your website offer its visitors?

MW: Yes we can. We also offer an exclusive service where we sell the car on your behalf. This is perfect for people who are too busy to attend viewings and deal with potential buyers, as well as those who aren’t very ‘car literate’ and don’t know how to get the best deal. We’ll arrange and attend all car viewings, take the car for inspections and also sort out the Traffic Department on your behalf. If you’d like to experience this service then please get in contact to receive more information regarding the fee and how it all works.

MW: We like to give our visitors content and articles to read. Recently we did a big feature interviewing various ambassadors in Doha. We asked them a variety of questions ranging from what they thought about driving in the city to what their favourite cars are. We also interview celebrity racing and drifting drivers from time to time. For more information on Cars In Doha call 5520-3158 or 7778-8132, email info@carsindoha.com, or visit www.carsindoha.com. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION By Dr. Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College Images courtesy of Doha College

Expat parents can feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the best school for their child. The choice of schools in Qatar has increased significantly, so how do parents select the right school? We weigh in with the experts at Doha College.

Choosing An

International School

e all want our children to be safe, happy, to have friends, and to make the most of their abilities so they can have the best possible future. Schools, as we know, have a huge role to play in shaping our children and developing their careers. Making the right choice of school becomes essential when students approach their final examination years. These years help determine a child’s further education choices and start to build their future careers. So what should you be looking for in a good school? Firstly there are the simple facts: what track record can the school provide? How long has the school been established? Have a look at the examination results – are the children performing well at examinations across all subjects? Good schools will be transparent and will have their examination results available on their website so parents can compare schools. Most schools will also undertake an accreditation by independent inspectors. These inspectors will rank a school on several factors including school management, student welfare, academic results and extracurricular activities. Again, quality schools should have these inspection reports readily available for prospective parents.

In the science lab at Doha College

A well-rounded education is critical for students determining their career path

Teachers will be constant in your child’s life. Make sure the school you choose employs qualified teachers who receive regular professional development and training and can implement best practices. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak to the teachers, or take advantage of open days to meet teachers and students. If fact it's essential you visit any potential school, make sure you are shown classrooms and technical areas such as science laboratories and art and music rooms. Make sure you ask to view the available IT and library facilities. Most schools and libraries now have access to a host of online resources for students, which will be especially important as your child prepares for their exams. Don’t forget to consider the alumni of the school too. Are students from this school getting accepted into good universities, and how many alumni have chosen the careers your child is likely to follow? Not every student wants to be a doctor or an engineer; does the school offer a broad choice of subjects for your child to follow? Finally, ask to speak to the students. You can always ensure an honest and often different perspective on a school from its pupils. n

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COMMUNITY

Helping Children Handle Grief

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By Jacqueline Bodnar

Two of the harsh realities of life are death and loss. As adults, we know and understand the life-cycle, even if it’s something we aren’t comfortable thinking about. But when it comes to children, no matter where they are developmentally, dealing with death or a loss can be a very confusing time. While there’s nothing we can do to remove the sad truths of the world, there are some things we can do to help children through those troubled times. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions pertaining to children dealing with death, grief and loss. Should I talk to my child now about death, or is it better to wait until something happens and I have to? “It’s important to understand that we do a poor job in our society of preparing young people to handle death,” explains Dr. John Mayer, a Chicago-based psychologist and author of several books, including a recent text for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) entitled Creating a Safe and Welcoming School (UNESCO, 2007). “This poor preparation has many other sideeffects. Dealing with death is a part of the whole concept of loss, which also involves transitions and change.” Before there is any death in the family or a loss of a pet, it’s best to teach children the lifecycle. At an early age, they begin to realize that things die; however, depending upon their age and developmental level, they may not realize that those they love around them will die, or that their pet will die. Helping them reach an understanding of sorts about death before having to face it will remove some of the uncertainties. “Teach them early on that it’s a part of life, and that it’s sad. Sadness is a part of life,” adds Dr. Mayer.

Should I tell my child that their dog or loved one died, or should I say they went away for a while, or that the pet ran away? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should never shield your child from a

death. Yet they point out that many parents believe that it’s better for children not to be exposed to it and, as a consequence, they should be kept away from funerals. While the intentions of these parents are well-meaning, they’re counterproductive. Even when it comes to small children, the AAP suggests death should never be covered up or hidden.

Should I allow my young child to attend a grandparent’s funeral, or would it be better to skip it? “In general, let your child attend at least some bereavement rituals,” explains Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, psychologist and author of several books, including What about Me? Twelve Ways to Get Your Parents’ Attention without Hitting Your Sister (Parenting Press, 2005). She points out that parents are often reluctant to allow their children to attend bereavement rituals because they want to protect them from that. “But death is an inevitable part of life,” she says, “and there is a lot to be gained by allowing children to be present at these rituals.” By letting a child attend grandma’s funeral, she’s learning how society says goodbye to someone, shows respect and acknowledges the loss. Usually, children that attend the funeral find it helpful; if they don’t go many children eventually regret it and may feel resentment toward those that kept them from attending. Of course, parents will need to keep in mind that small children probably won’t have the patience to sit through a whole service. Those are all issues that should be worked out and handled individually.

We had a family member die, and my child didn’t even cry. Is this normal? “Accept that your child’s understanding of death is not the same as yours,” says Dr. Kennedy-Moore. “There are developmental stages in how children understand death. Your child’s developmental level will affect how your child reacts to the death of a loved one.” While younger children think death is temporary, as they get older they realize that it’s permanent. Around the age of nine, they will begin to realize that death is relevant to them. Children often mimic how the adults around them show their emotions. Parents should openly express their feelings around their children. In doing so, they should explain the feelings, so their child can learn how to express their feelings, as well. “Then teach them techniques on how to cope with their sadness and to seek happiness,” says Dr. Mayer. Coping strategies he suggests include talking about feelings, celebrating good memories, and talking about how your religious beliefs play a role. “Teach your child that all relationships live in our hearts and minds, and that nothing can take away the thoughts, memories and feelings we had for a lost loved one.”n

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COMMUNITY

Listings

Community Guide Australian and New Zealand Business in Qatar Group

QH RECOMMENDS

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

Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171

French-Speaking Ladies Group

IAID Modern Jazz For Teens

5559-7467

Mon, Wed & Sat: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Modern Jazz covers the basic steps, vocabulary, and variations of dances commonly used in the musical theatre and commercial entertainment industries. For more information call 4432-0974, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

DOHA MUMS Friday Family Brunch

Ongoing: Join us for a Friday brunch with the whole family, a way for adults to relax and for kids to socialize. The venue for this event changes week to week. For more information email rsvp@dohamums.com.

New Arrivals Coffee

Tuesdays: Landmark Mall. Whether you’re new to Doha, new to Doha Mums, or just want to welcome someone who is, please join them for a casual coffee at Starbucks in Landmark Mall from 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. Children are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP. For more information email rsvp@dohamums.com, or visit www.dohamums.com.

IAID Hatha Yoga For Adults

Sun, Tues & Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Widely practiced around the world, hatha yoga consists of physical postures and exercises aimed at reducing stress. Join along in this class for adults with renowned Qatar yoga instructor P.B. Shine. For more information call 4432-0974, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

line! See ushapon pening.com www.qatar

QATAR ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY Become A Volunteer

Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052

Qatar National Cancer Society

Ongoing: Whether you’re a pet-owner or a lover of animals, the Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) is always looking for volunteers to help out. With over 100 animals in their care, every hour of donated energy to help these animals counts. Dog-walking, kennel-cleaning, animal socialization or administrative work, QAWS can always use a helping paw! For more information on becoming a volunteer call 5539-6074, or visit www.qaws.org.

4447-8128 www.qncs.org

QATAR TOASTMASTERS The Art Of Public Speaking

4435-2598

April 3 & 17: Radisson Blu. Looking to become a great orator? Want to build your self-confidence? Look no further than the Qatar Toastmasters Club. Master the art of public speaking in a supportive, multicultural group. The club meets on the first and third Sunday of the month, year round. Be there for 6:30 p.m. For more information call 5580-3801, or 3369-5874, or visit www.qatartoastmasters.net.

RADISSON BLU Pub Quiz

April 25: Shehrazad Pub. Frazzle your neurons at a traditional Pub Quiz. Bring six friends and see if your general knowledge is as ‘general’ as you think it is! For those who win, fantastic prizes await. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the quiz starting at 8:00 p.m. Entry is free and over 21’s will be required to present their Qatari ID. For reservations please call 4428-1555.

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 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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FOOD & DINING

Top Picks

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Bohemian Week

April 5-8: Coral All-Day Dining. Come enjoy the taste of Central Europe with spectacular views of the pool and sea in an ambient atmosphere. Coral All-Day Dining offers cuisine from around the world infused with healthy menu options and live cooking stations. QR 225 including one welcome refreshment. For more information call 4484-4919, or 4484-4444.

NOZOMI DOHA Tsukuyomi Friday Brunch Buffet

Fridays: Welcome to Doha's most premium sushi brunch! Peruse their sushi island as Nozomi Doha creates an unparalleled experience with their on-hand staff guiding you through the weekly selection. Choose from hot dumplings, warm kushi skewers, and a dezato table for all your sweet delights. QR 320 per person, including soft drinks and mocktails, Yamato package at QR 375, including house beverages, and Oroichi package at QR 150 for children ages four to 12. Children up to age three eat for free. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. Casual dress and families welcome. For more information call 4035-5089, or email info@nozomidoha.com.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA New York Steakhouse Tasting Menu April 1 -30: New York Steakhouse. Introducing a great way to sample the restaurant’s signature dishes through their newly-introduced four-course Tasting Menu. A carefully chosen sommelier’s pairing is also available upon request. Four-course Tasting Menu is QR 390, plus an extra QR 150 for sommelier’s pairing. For more information call 4419-5000, or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Thai Journey

Daily: Sabai Thai. Discover the authentic taste of royal Thai cuisine in Sabai Thai, the new signature restaurant at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. The textures and flavours of Sabai Thai’s authentic cooking make for a delicious dining affair. Thai food is known for its complex tastes and Sabai Thai’s inventive yet authentic menus showcase the season’s finest ingredients at their irresistible best. Guests can enjoy kitchen theatrics of flaming woks and furious chopping as the chefs prepare culinary delights at two live cooking stations. A business lunch will also be served during weekdays. For more information call 4492-1555.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Month Of Flavours From Valencia

Daily: El Faro. A special Spanish five-course menu created to reflect the regional flair of Valencia is now on offer for the month of April in El Faro. QR 245 per person, with items also available a la carte. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

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FOOD & DINING

Big, Bold, Brunch By Ashlee Starratt Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha

Friday brunch isn’t just an experience – it’s an institution. In a city like Doha where you have myriad mouth-watering options clamouring for your appetite, its battalion of foodies are constantly on the hunt for the next ‘big thing’. And if ‘big’ isn’t enough to float your boat anymore, might we suggest ‘grand’? QH books a table at the new St. Regis Grand Brunch where sumptuous gastronomy and great tunes are the life of the party.

pulent décor and an historic pedigree make The St. Regis Doha synonymous with luxury. With 11 food and dining outlets spread out across the resort, discerning diners are spoiled for options – so much so, that making a choice can prove tricky. Feel like Cantonese tonight? Grab a booking at Hakkasan. Want to sample some Gordon Ramsay classics? Try Opal. Craving soul food with a side of silky sounds? Head upstairs to Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. So, we were more than excited when we heard that The St. Regis was collecting the best morsels off their (vast!) menu and combining them into one grand affair. As its name suggests the brunch is epic in scale. With 25 food and beverage stations spanning all-day dining restaurant Vine and out across the massive outdoor terrace into neighbouring Opal by Gordon Ramsay, it’s hands down the biggest offering on the market.

It’s a cloudless Friday noon-hour when we pull up to the hotel, its towering oryx statues greeting us upon arrival. The hour is five minutes to brunch ‘o clock and there’s a massive queue stretching from the entrance

to Vine all the way out to the lobby. In all my years of brunching in Doha, this is a first. The crowds are out in their Friday finery and you’ve got families, couples, and groups of friends all eagerly waiting for the doors to open. It’s a nice mixture of people and, as we’re led to our table on the terrace overlooking the sprawling pool, gardens and beachfront, our hostess tells us today they’re booked for 700.

It seems an unfathomable number of people to feed at one sitting, but once we drink in the scope of the place we’re quick to see that, yes, actually it is possible. As we’re seated our waiter is quick to fill our glasses before giving us gold-coloured bracelets that allow us to pass by for a top-up at any one of the nine libation stations scattered throughout the brunch. The day is perfect, the sky is blue, and there’s a fleet of sailboats dotting the water out to sea. We decide to do a walkabout of the place to get our bearings, though the ‘brunch-guide’ place-mats on every table are a huge help when it comes to navigation – they’re a virtual map of every station at every location. Working our way onwards from Vine we pass by succulent towers of cold seafood,

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With 25 mouth-watering stations, brunch-goers are spoiled for choice

d band Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loade e party turned the afternoon into a regga

canapés and pungent cheese-boards, while out on the terrace each of The St. Regis’ 11 outlets is represented in bustling and fragrant live cooking stations. I wander past skewers of lamb kofta and chicken kebabs at the Arabic grill, breathe in the mouthwatering aroma of their Friday roast carving station complete with Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings, until my ears hear the unmistakable hiss of a fryer. I christen my plate with golden filets of freshly battered fish and a heaping helping of fluffy fries. The tartar sauce is puckery-sweet and of the authentic variety. Next it’s on to the offerings from Jazz at Lincoln Center at the soul food station, where slow-cooked, sticky-barbecue short ribs are served up with a side of New Orleans-style grits and toothsome prawns in a creamy sauce. Behind the live stations is a children’s play-area and dessert corner serving up all the fixings from flavoured gelato and candy-floss, to crème brûlée and every variety of cake and pie under the sun. Back at the table we dig in, savouring our comfort food and soaking up the sun. Cutting a course across the clear blue yonder is a rainbow-hued parasailor gliding effortlessly in the light breeze.

The vibe today is distinctly Caribbean – from the turquoise-blue water and lush palm trees in the gardens below, to Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loaded band as they gear up to grace our ears with some down-home reggae. I can’t stress enough how they take the whole show to another level. The band is supremely talented, playing the best of reggae icons Bob Marley, Steel Pulse and Midnight, while adding their own signature touch to covers from contemporary artists like Rihanna. With the band jiving and the weather fine, we head out for round two, making our way towards Opal by Gordon Ramsay, stopping at Hakkasan’s dim sum and dumplings station along the way where we stock up on Peking duck rolls with fresh cucumber, spring onions and hoisin sauce. We pass a burger station where they’re grilling Opal’s signature chili-dogs and head into the cool confines of the restaurant. Indoors there are healthful salad and crudo stations (try the feta and endive salad with fresh peaches, pomegranate and mint dressing!) and an icy sushi station and oyster bar for those craving a taste of the deep. Outside the party’s thumping and people are starting to take to the dance-floor in front of the stage as

Buggy and band are in full swing. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, and with so many people you’re bound to strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line for seconds. We count four rounds of ‘Happy Birthday’ being sung, as four glossy cakes adorned with sparklers are brandished. Mickey and Minnie Mouse have made an appearance and it’s not just the kids clamouring for pictures. It feels like we’re at the world’s largest wedding reception and it’s a vibe that sticks nicely. There’s a feeling of togetherness that surpasses even the lure of the food. Our hunger slayed, we head to the dance-floor to burn off some calories before capping it off with a trip upstairs for an after-brunch session at The Rooftop. Friday’s never felt so grand. n THE ST. REGIS GRAND BRUNCH Location: Lobby level, The St. Regis Doha Timings: Fridays from 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: • QR 350 with soft drinks • QR 450 with enhanced beverages Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes Contact Info: Call 4446-0105, or email diningreservations@stregis.com

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FOOD & DINING

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

From sizzling parilladas and sultry dulce de leche, to lively Latin rhythms, Latino Steakhouse in the Sheraton Grand Doha is a fiesta for the senses. QH brings our appetite and our dancing shoes.

South American culinary adventure you say? Well, they don’t come much more authentic than Latino Steakhouse – from the service right down to the side orders and splashy beverages, they take their food seriously. It’s been a while since we sank our teeth into a taste of the South; in fact we’ve not been back since the Sheraton Grand underwent its much-talked-about renovation last year. Walking into Latino now, its new rustic décor is typical of a classic South American steakhouse with splashes of vibrant colour a backdrop to its equally fiery menu. We’re greeted like old friends by the restaurant manager and warm staff. As we’re led to our table the ambiance reminds us of a churrascaria in Argentina, Colombia or Venezuela. The staff are

on-hand to walk us through the mouthwatering menu and are keen to offer suggestions. Latino keeps their menu nice and simple, and features popular Latin dishes such as empanadas, parillada grills, burritos and paella. Weight-watchers take note – although South American cuisine is superdelicious, with all the rice, tortillas and arepas it can be fairly carb-heavy. We start our meal with a trio of empanadas. This appetizer is a samosa-like, deep-fried pastry filled with either humita (a native mixture of corn and dough from pre-Hispanic times), chicken or beef. We try all of them, popping them into our mouths with a satisfying crunch. The texture of the pastry and the incredible mix of flavours in each mouthful make for a perfect bite, while a dollop of zesty pico de gallo adds just the right amount of spice. But the winning starter is the sweet-corn cream soup. What. A. Delight. It’s the creamiest, tastiest soup I’ve tried in years and my dining companion agrees. Its flavour is rich, so if you’re keen to try a few of the appetizers, I recommend sharing the soup as it’s more than enough for two. Another starter (which for some could also be a main course given its size) is the burritos. This Tex-Mex staple is a must-try; lightly-grilled on the outside, it’s filled with either chicken or seafood and slathered with lettuce,

salsa, cheese and guacamole. The burritos at Latino are very light – not as heavy as expected – and we enjoy every bite. As we linger, waiting for our mains and enjoying a few frosty glasses of traditional beverages, folks trickle in…tables fill and the band takes the stage. A duo from Colombia – he on guitar and she on vocals and percussion – they ignite the atmosphere with a Latin sound that pretty soon has the salsa dancing class that’s filed in from the Sheraton Recreation Center up and dancing in the aisles. This has officially become a party – completely spontaneous, which is always the best. We see our mains looming on the horizon: an absolutely heaping seafood paella for two, piled high with prawns, lobster, kingfish and mussels, and a seafood and mixed grill parillada. The presentation of the paella is an Instagram foodie’s dream – the thing doesn’t have a bad angle. The shellfish is sweet and sumptuous, delicately balanced by a bed of saffron-hued rice. All colours are vibrant and rich – a testament to the freshness and quality of the seafood. Our second course is another South American classic – a sizzling parillada laden with skewers of hammour, King prawns, cubes of toothsome rib-eye

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Traditional, understated décor immediately creates a welcoming ambiance

Sweet-corn cream soup

A Colombian duo sweeten the night with songs of home

and beef sirloin. All flavours are deep and slightly smoky from the flame – there’s nothing quite as satisfying as food cooked over fire, it adds a distinct characteristic to every dish and Latino nails it well. Because no cut of meat (or seafood!) is complete without some more-ish sides to share, we scan the menu for options and end up ordering a trio of fluffy steak fries doused in sea salt and cracked black pepper, gratinated creamed spinach and grilled wild mushrooms tossed in truffle oil. From the saucy side of the menu, we go for a red pepper Hollandaise and a green peppercorn and red vino jus –which work well as a complement to both the seafood and the red meat.

Sizzling parillada laden with skewers of succulent surf and turf

To die for: dulce de leche cheesecake

The party’s still heating up in the background as the band hits the stage again after a short break. Back at our table we’ve reached our limit, verging on food coma, but it would go against all tenets of South American hospitality not to order dessert. Craving caramel over chocolate we order a lush dulce de leche cheesecake which is so good it should be illegal – creamy, scrumptious, lush. We also sample a traditional panqueque de plátano y dulce de leche. A mouthful to say and to eat, it’s a delicate crêpe-like pancake with a sweet filling of friend plantain and oozing with dulce de leche. As a Latin-American who knows about good South American food, Latino Steakhouse gets an ‘A’ for doing it well and doing it right. Spectacular offerings at reasonable prices with an ambiance and atmosphere that’s nothing less than mucho caliente. n

A seafood paella that's as colourful as South America itself

LATINO STEAKHOUSE Location: Lower level, Sheraton Grand Doha Timings: Open daily from 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Average Meal Price: • QR 50-QR 85, appetizers • QR 340, seafood paella for two • QR 275, meat and seafood combo parillada • QR 25-QR 50, desserts Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes Contact Info: Call 4485-3000, or visit www.latinodoha.com.

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FOOD & DINING

Chef Zarmig welcomes us into her kitchen for a taste of Armenian tradition

My Armenian Kitchen Photography by Jessie Palanca

Mamig and Aziza restaurants’ Chef Zarmig goes back to her roots and the hearty flavours of simple Armenia with one of her most famous recipes – fishne steak with a succulent-sweet cherry sauce. Pull up a chair, grab a plate and take notes! Fishne Steak

dark Fishne sauce is made from rich cherries and is a staple in many Armenian comfort food dishes

Ingredients: • 240 gms sliced beef • 1 cup Armenian fishne sauce (cherry sauce) • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil • 4 Tbsp vinegar • 1 piece of lemon • 1 red bell pepper • 1 green bell pepper • Slices of bread • Salt, pepper and dill, to taste Directions: • Marinate the beef with the oil, vinegar and dill, keeping it in the fridge for one hour. • Grill the green and red bell peppers, peel them and cut into slices. Put them on a plate with a half-quantity of the vinegar. • Heat the Armenian fishne sauce with salt and pepper. • Grilled the marinated beef until medium-well. On the side, cut the bread into diamond shapes and arrange them on the plate. • Spoon the fishne cherry sauce over the cooked beef, garnish with the grilled bell peppers and serve. n For more information on the restaurants of Chef Zarmig, visit www.mamigdoha.com and www.azizadoha.com.

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FOOD & DINING Photography by Jessie Palanca

This column is part of a monthly contest where we send one of our readers to experience a meal in a restaurant. It’s our way of giving the community a voice in our pages. This month Wendy Briggs samples the culinary offerings at Open Restaurant in the new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Old Town. Here is her review. QH: What did you order? WB: Cecil Jones had a starter of country-style tomato soup with juniper berries, followed by a main course of Australian beef rib-eye steak, well-done and garnished with a peppercorn sauce, with freshly-grilled al dente vegetables. Dessert was apple crumble with vanilla sauce and ice cream. Julie Jones had an organic fine salad starter followed by a main course of Australian beef rib-eye steak medium cooked, garnished with a peppercorn sauce and freshly-grilled al dente vegetables. Dessert was an amazingly decorated cheesecake. Emma McCormick started her meal with an Indonesian-style beef satay, with peanut sauce, crackers and onions. She also chose the Australian beef rib-eye steak, which was superbly cooked to her taste of rare to medium. This too was served with a peppercorn sauce and grilled al dente vegetables. Her choice of desert was a chocolate fudge cake. Wendy Briggs, had a starter of masala sole and quinoa salsa, with coriander cress and chat masala. Her choice of main was a Thai chicken curry served with white rice, crackers and a side portion of carrots and cucumber. And for dessert she chose the date crème brûlée. QH: Were the prices reasonable?

Word Of

Mouth

WB: The prices were very reasonable, at very competitive rates. The prices reflected the high-quality food that was served. The starters ranged from QR 45 and the main courses ranged from QR 85 to QR 150.The portion sizes were extremely generous. QH: Describe the ambiance? WB: The restaurant was open-plan and the atmosphere was conducive to fine-dining, yet within a casual setting. The kitchens were visible to the customers, enabling them to observe Shaik Aslam Basha, the Executive Chef, at work. Customers could also watch the entertaining staff, shake and make a wide range of beverages. The atmosphere had a pleasant and soothing setting, and allowed you to have an informal dinner. The lighting and soft music made you feel relaxed and created a calming mood.

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Masala sole with quinoa salsa

Australian beef rib-eye, cooked to perfection

Sleek, fresh décor complement the modern menu at OPEN

QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? WB: The special touch to the experience was the manager himself. He was extremely attentive to us and all his customers. He offered to take photographs, bring blankets and add a touch of pepper to our meals, using the biggest pepper grinder we’ve ever seen in our lives!

family Contest winner Wendy Briggs and Basha with Executive Chef Shaik Aslam

QH: Describe the quality of the food.

QH: Would you go back? Why/why not?

WB: All the food was absolutely delicious and really enjoyed by every one of our group. The quality and presentation of the food was excellent and invited one to eat every succulent mouthful. The steaks, cooked to perfection and to our individual palates, were extremely tender and succulent. The Thai chicken curry was tasty and mouth-watering, and the accompaniments of crackers, chilli-paste, and chopped, fresh vegetables with suitable dressing all complimented the Asian flavour.

WB: To return to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Old Town, is an absolute must and, most certainly, for really special occasions that require that ‘wow’ factor. The awesome view from the rooftop is supplemented by having ideal seating arrangements, heaters, cushions and blankets when required. This certainly gives that extra-special touch. The restaurant ranks with the best that Doha can offer. QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant?

QH: Describe the quality of the service. WB: The first-class service was second to none. The waiters and waitresses were courteous, attentive and knowledgeable about the wide selection of dishes on the menu. Nothing was too much trouble. All the dishes were served with a smile and even the manager gave a helping hand to make sure that extra-special service was delivered.

WB: The wide-ranging menu is obviously the most favourite aspect of the restaurant. There’s something for everyone. Secondly – the ambiance of the setting, in which one can dine in elegance and where staff is attentive and friendly. Both these are key factors in our returning to this venue and telling our friends of its existence, as it’s really very new to Doha. QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant?

In both the PURE lounge on the rooftop and the Open Restaurant downstairs, the special touch was the manager himself, who gave his full attention to his customers.

WB: The experience was fantastic and one cannot imagine what the least favourite aspect would be.

The PURE lounge on the top floor produced the most awesome experience for our group. Anyone and everyone would be certain to absorb and enjoy the magical views of Doha at night –especially the coloured lights of the Corniche with a sea of reds, purples and blues. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? WB: Everything the restaurant offered was absolutely excellent and of extremely high-quality. Live music for the extra-special occasion would be a welcomed bonus, but this is already on their agenda. n For more information on Open Restaurant at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Doha – Old Town call 4034-3333, or visit www.doubletree.hilton.com.

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

Listings All listings are categorized per hotel. Inclusion is limited to availability of space, with priority given to advertisers.

QH RECOMMENDS

Roast Night

April 18: Prime. Every third Monday of the month, come to their monthly Prime Club and indulge in ther carvery experience for a taste of good homecooking and succulent cuts of meat. Priced at QR 350 inclusive of amuse bouche, appetizer, unlimited carving, dessert and coffee. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Prime Rib National Day

April 27: Latino Steakhouse. Prime ribs have never tasted better than the ones Chef Luciano has prepared to tempt your palate for Prime Rib National Day. Join in and indulge some of thetastiest basted with South American spices and sauces. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Al Jalsa Garden Lounge Express Lunch

Daily: Al Jalsa. Join in for an express lunch and shisha at the city’s modern garden. QR 99 inclusive of food and single-flavour shisha. From 12 :00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – including special offers and weekly/daily regular promotions.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Michelin-Starred Chef Dirk Schroer Live

Starts April 2: Q Lounge and Restaurant. The restaurant will introduce a taste of German gourmet dishes for the whole week with Chef Dirk Schroer. This one-Michelin Star and 17 Gault Millau-points German Chef, will showcase his passion and some of his culinary arts through an exquisite a la carte menu focusing on ingredients using white asparagus. For more information call 4040-5050.

CITY CENTRE ROTANA National Shrimp Scampi Day

April 22-29: Boston’s. National Shrimp Scampi Day is celebrated annually on April 29. During this week Boston’s will honour the delicate flavour of shrimp using butter, garlic and lemon juice paired with your choice of house beverages for only QR 85. For more information call 4445-8888, or email to fb.citycentre@rotana.com.

DOHA MARRIOTT Q-Brunch

Saturdays: Restaurant Gallery. Doha Marriott is presenting the true flavours of the Middle East at their Saturday Weekend Brunch, offering traditional camel meat unique only to the Doha Marriott hotel. Enjoy a mouth-watering array of dishes including Arabic mezze, Persian BBQ, live shawarma station and traditional Qatari cuisine! Head over to their famous Restaurant Gallery and indulge in an Arabic-inspired menu with live cooking stations and other delicious cuisine from around the globe. QR 240 with soft drinks, or QR 335 with special refreshments. For more information call 4429-8499.

THE GRAND HYATT Sicilia Promotion

April 10-17: Rocca. No need to hop on a plane to have the best of what Italy has to offer! Rocca will present a special Sicilia promotion with Italian Chef Marco who will introduce his new masterpieces from a mouth-watering Sicilia-inspired menu. For more information call 4448-1272, or 7021-8096.

Sugar Kings Brunch

April 29: The Grill. The Grand Hyatt presents a Cuban brunch with Cuban Quartet The Sugar Kings at The Grill. Book your soft beverage brunch for QR 305, house beverage package for QR 420, enhanced beverage package for QR 430, or an unlimited special premium package for QR 850. For more information call 7712-3440, or 7798-2400.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Be Part Of The Club

CHOWKING Indo-Chinese Menu & Value Meals

Cheese &Grapes Night

CITY CENTRE ROTANA Olive Oil Dinner

April 4: Prime. Every first Monday of the month, come to their monthly Prime Club and experience their Chef’s Table with a menu designed by Chef de Cuisine Morad Benmchich. Dont miss out, as only 14 lucky guests will have the privilege of joining. Six-course set menu perfectly paired with grapes for QR 900, and six-course without pairing for QR 650. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

April 11: Prime. Join their monthly cheese and house beverage experience. QR 129 for all-you-canenjoy cheese from their largest cheese bar, or QR 355 for all-you-can-enjoy cheese and three glasses of grapes. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Daily: Tuck into new flavours at Chowkingwith their tasty Indo-Chinese menu. Also, enjoy dinner for two for QR 70 (QR 80 including soft drinks). Available at all restaurant locations, serving quality Asian fare at the best prices. For more information call delivery hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/5335.

All week (except Thurs & Sat): Olive Oil. Enjoy the restaurant’s international buffet dinner selections for QR 119, soft drinks included. For more information call 4445-8888, or email fb.citycentre@rotana.com.

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Fisherman’s Night

Thursdays: Olive Oil. Dive into a fantastic array of seafood delights that the ocean has to offer. An unmatched spread of the finest oysters, mussels, shrimps and many more exquisite delicacies await, including ceviche and a tartar station. QR 235 inclusive of soft drinks, and QR 299 inclusive of selected house beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-8888, or email fb.citycentre@rotana.com.

Business Lunch

Daily: Caramel Lounge. Break time has never been this exciting... If you need a boost of energy and a relaxing atmosphere at the same time, the Caramel Business Lunch is the ideal solution for hardworking professionals. They know that time is precious so they’ve designed a perfect menu, a 30-minute express lunch for QR 70 including pasta, sandwich and a decadent pastry selection. Take some time out from your demanding business schedule, or hold talks in an atmosphere of comfort and style. For more information call 4445-8888, or email to fb.citycentre@rotana.com.

DOHA MARRIOTT Steak Happy Hour

Daily: JW’s Steakhouse. Introducing the one and only Steak Happy Hour where you can enjoy 20% off all steaks from 6:30p.m. till 8:00.pm. daily. Appreciate the finest cuts of U.S. certified prime Angus beef along with their selection of mouthwatering side dishes. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming Canadian Lobster promotion at JW’s Steakhouse throughout April.For more information call 4429-8499.

Street Food

Thursdays: Restaurant Gallery. Thursday nights just got a whole lot better at Doha Marriott’s new street food offering.Enjoy a selection of your favourite street foods from India, Southeast Asia, Mexico and plenty more at only QR 335 per person including unlimited beverages. Let the sizzle and aroma of the hotel’s live cooking stations entice your senses,and bring back fond travel memories of far off places. For more information call 4429-8499.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: Restaurant Gallery. A culinary journey like no other, discover arange of live stations and specialties from the Restaurant Gallery, with famous dishes from around the globe. Highlights from the weekend brunch include a wide selection of fresh sushi, Peking duck, fajitas, Oriental grills, pizza, curries, biryanis, fresh seafood, ice cream, kounafa and more. Now offering a kid’s club zone with a special buffet and activities. QR 270 with soft drinks and QR 375 including house beverages. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Business Lunch

Daily: Agora. A business lunch for discerning professionals, enjoy a three-course set menu meal with one soft beverage for just QR 99. Open from 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

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FOOD & DINING Anatolian Table

Sun & Wed: Agora. Dig in to scrumptious Turkish flavours with the Anatolian Table at Agora. Enjoy a special three-course set menu with one soft drink and Turkish tea or coffee for QR 149. From 12:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Sushi & Steak

Saturdays: Blue.Treat yourself to an experience like never before. With a succulent combination of sushi and steak, be sure to get the best of both worlds, only at Blue, all from justQR 215. Starts 12:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

All-You-Can Eat Sushi & Teppanyaki Buffet

Fridays: Blue. Be sure to make room for a Japanese food feast. The land of the rising sun is famous for its culinary fare and at QR 199 you get value for money, including water and soft beverages. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m.For more information call 4445-5555.

HOLIDAY VILLA BBQ Themed Buffet Dinner

Thurs-Fri: Lagenda. Indulge in an al fresco barbeque-themed dinner where you can enjoy a hot Mexican fiesta, or the smoking Hawaiian grill. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4220, or visit www.holidayvilladoha.com.

Dim Sum & Japanese Brunch

Fridays: D’Chopstix. Enhance your weekend with inspiring dim sum flavours. Discover and savour your favourites with innumerable choices. From 11:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4230, or visit www.holidayvilladoha.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Meat & More

Sundays: Mykonos. Enjoy an authentic Greek dining experience complemented by a selection of mezze dishes and salads, followed by rustic Greek barbeque. Be sure to finish with some truly magnificent homemade desserts. QR 180 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

The Drunch

Listings Cosmopolitan Thursdays

Thursdays: The Square. Celebrate with friends the beginning of the weekend with dinner and refreshments. Enjoy popular international dishes on the buffet from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. along with your favourite house beverages. Priced at QR 255 with soft drinks, QR 355 with selected house beverages, and QR 390 with special house beverages.For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Seafood Night

Wednesdays: The Square. Delicious locallysourced seafood is on offer from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Cold seafood salads, fresh seafood cooked à la minute at the live cooking stations, and an enviable dessert station will make it a night to remember. Priced at QR 255 with soft drinks, QR 355 with house beverages, and QR 390 with special house beverages. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES European Brunch Fridays: Aroma. Pamper yourselfat a boutique, contemporary European brunch buffet selection. On offer is a variety of breakfast classics, salads and starters, along with roasts and main courses, topped off with delicious sweet treats. Children can enjoy fun activities and a special mini-buffet corner. QR 195 per person including soft beverages, or QR 300 per person, including selected beverages. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Ladies Breakfast

Sun-Thurs: Aroma. Ladies can enjoy the Kempinski breakfast buffet at Aroma for only QR 75 per person on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Fridays: The Fish Market. For those who prefer to be pool-side and always miss the brunch, the InterContinental Doha have an alternative for you – an indulgent Friday late brunch with all your seafood favourites alongside a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Gulf. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. for just QR 375 with unlimited house and soft beverages, freshly-brewed coffee and a selection of tea and juices. Kids dine for QR 160. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Sip & Bite Early Dinner

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Daily Theme Nights

Saturdays: Aroma. Join a theatrical performance from the culinary team as they create art right in front of your dining table. A themed surprise menu for six, available every Saturday with prior reservation and 48 hours’ notice. Tailored menus starting from QR 385 per person. From t7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Daily: The Square. Every night features live stations preparing dishes a la minute and divine dessert selections. Experience the International theme on Friday/Saturday and Sunday, and an Indian theme on Mondays. QR 180 excluding beverages, or QR 290 inclusive of unlimited selected house beverages. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Sat-Wed: Aroma.Enjoy a selection of Chef Vinon’sfamous culinary dishes all at QR 30, paired with an exceptional selection of grapes in the sophisticated setting of Aroma. From 6:00 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Chef's Table

Steak & Grapes Menu

Daily: Aroma. Enjoy the most succulent and tender steaks, perfectly combined with superb grilling, tasty accompaniments and a flawlessly matched glass of grapes. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405- 3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Daily: Le Cigalon. Treat yourself to an extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, an a la carte option is also available. Buffet breakfast is QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner with live-cooking stations is QR 220 inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.

Sushi Mania

Daily: Yen Sushi Bar. Partake in the best sushi and sashimi served on a special rotating belt with colour-coded plates, or choose from the a la carte menu. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4428-8698.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Brunch & Tunes

Fridays: Crossroads Kitchen. Start your weekends right with live tunes, an interactive international brunch buffet and activities to keep the kids busy. Prices start from QR 245. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100, or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Sweet & Savoury Crêpes

Daily: Quick Bites. Enjoy the down-right yumminess of French cooking with this delectable sweet treat. Choose from the finest selection of sweet and savoury crêpes at Quick Bites for just QR 40. From 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Three Countries, One Platter

Daily: New York Steakhouse. Taste three origins of beef tenderloin as New York Steakhouse presents 100-gram cuts from the U.S.A, Argentina and Australia on one succulent plate. Treat yourself to three glasses of grapes from each homeland, carefully paired to perfection. QR 280 and QR 390 including sommelier's pairing. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Burger Mania

Wednesdays: Sawa. Calling all burger lovers in Doha! To help you get through the week go to Sawa for the tastiest burger menu. QR 100 for a tantalizing burger and a selected beverage. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

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La Pizza Mondays

Mondays: Sawa. Enjoy an evening of freshlybaked thin and crispy authentic pizzas in Sawa. Make sure to taste Doha's latest addiction. QR 100 for authentic pizza with your favourite toppings and a selected beverage. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4035- 5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Weekend Brunch Collection Family Late Brunch

Thursdays: Sawa. Start the weekend with your family at the Thursday Family Late Brunch in Sawa. Indulge in live cooking stations and if you enjoy the finer things in life, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll upgrade you to the unlimited Wagyu experience, with at least eight cuts of only the best Australian Wagyu meat in the city. QR 225 per person including soft beverages, or QR 425 per person including Wagyu meat and soft beverages. For more information 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Friday Brunch Sawa. Make merry on the weekend with the only five-star brunch experience on The Pearl. Enjoy live cooking stations around the restaurant and its terraces, showcasing signature delicacies from around the world. A large selection of appetizers, main courses, grilled meat and seafood, oysters, sushi and more, paired with great beverages, outstanding live entertainment and authentic service. A mini-corner is available for the younger guests. QR 330 per person including soft beverages, or QR 425 per person including house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Seafood Brunch

Saturdays: Sawa. Savour a premium array of fresh seafood delicacies. Spoil yourself with Gulf king prawns, mussels, lobsters, crabs, oysters and their unbeatable selection of sushi. Finish your meal with a visit to the sumptuous dessert buffet. QR 330 per person including soft beverages. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Spanish Brunch

Saturdays: El Faro. Bienvenido a EspaĂąa! Indulge in a casual Saturday afternoon Ă la carte brunch with an array of authentic tapas and starters, an unlimited choice of paella, delicious desserts and great live music. Continue the fiesta with the Hora Feliz one-for-one offer, starting at 3:30 p.m. QR 240 per person including soft beverages, or QR 380 per person with special Spanish beverages. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

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FOOD & DINING MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA The Great Sunday Roast

Sundays: Seasons. Seasons honours the age-old family tradition of the hearty Sunday roast dinner. Bring the whole family and tuck into a rich buffet filled with your homemade favourites, from roast beef, to Yorkshire pudding with gravy so good it will transport you back to the good-old days. QR 160 per person. Add QR 65 for an additional three refreshments or two glasses of house beverage. For more information call 4429-1138.

Taste The World

Mon & Tues: Seasons. Dip into a colourful collection of international creations. Each week Mövenpick Doha’s talented chefs draw inspiration from many cultural cuisines to present a wide variety of authentic flavours and aromas from around the world. You’lll be spoiled for choice while exploring dishes from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and so much more. QR 150 per person including three refreshments or two glasses of house beverage. For more information call 4429-1138.

Jazz Marché Brunch

Fridays: Seasons. Inspired by the popular Marché theme, Seasons boasts an extravagant market-like concept with a variety of creative live cooking stalls using only the freshest and most wholesome ingredients. Expect premium-quality selections of cheeses, roasts, sushi and desserts, not to mention a dedicated station offering a special beverage-of-the-day. Their live jazz band adds to the chilled-out vibe to ease you into the weekend. Kids can go crazy in their very own Kids Kingdom with a special kids’ buffet, face-painting, bouncy castle, games and much more. QR 200 per person. Add QR 30 for soft beverages, or QR 75 for special refreshments. For more information call 4429-1138.

NOZOMI DOHA Lunch Menu

Listings X'Press Lunch & Dinner

Daily: The Cellar. It’s quick-bite time! Enjoy their new three-course set menu including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 95 per person for lunch and QR 150 per person for dinner, guaranteed to be served all three courses within 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.

Tapas Galore Selection

Tuesdays: The Cellar. Enjoy the tantalizing tapas with unlimited sommelier's selection for only QR 300 per person, or QR 160 per person for food-only. For more information call 4402-3333.

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL DOHA Business Lunch

Weekdays: Yabby. Dive into a selection of the freshest catch and get hooked on the yabbylicious creations at QR 85 for a two-course lunch menu, or QR 95 for a three-course menu from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. on weekdays. For more information call 4429-5295.

Buffet Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Sridan. Enjoy your lunch break with ten live stations featuring authentic cuisine from the Middle East and across the globe for QR 99 per person. Starts from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-5295.

Adults-Only Friday Brunch Yabby. Experience the first adults-only Friday Brunch in Doha starting from 12:00 noon to 3:30 p.m. for just QR 320 including soft drinks, or QR 440 including premium refreshments. For more information call 4429-5295.

Ibn Battuta Friday Brunch Sridan. Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Arabian explorer Ibn Battuta and enjoy ten live-action stations from around the world and live entertainment for QR 285 with soft drinks, or QR 385 with premium beverages at Sridan. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-5295.

Fridays: Al Hubara. Spend quality time with your loved ones while dining and enjoying an array of international specialties at the all-day dining restaurant. QR 315 per person inclusive of soft drinks, or QR 415 per person with their special Top-Up package. Kids between the ages of six to 12-years-old receive a 50% discount, while children under the age of six dine for free. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000, email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com, or visit www.alhubararestaurant.com.

Weekend Lunch

Fri & Sat: Almaskar Restaurant. Chef Angelos has created an appetizing new menu for seafood lovers in the city. Join in and experience the traditional aromas and taste of Mediterranean cuisine set in the most contemporary style. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000.

THE FOUR SEASONS Express Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Elements. The go-to restaurant for your weekday buffet lunch or express lunch! Experience a delicious range of four different cuisines, Asian, seafood, Arabic and Indian. You will certainly satisfy your palate. In a hurry? Try their express lunch set menu which includes a two-course menu option and three-course menu. Buffet lunch is QR 175 per person including water. Express lunch is QR 85 per person for a two-course menu, or QR 95 per person for a three-course menu. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8600, or email dining.doh@fourseasons.com.

Kanpai At Nobu

Daily: Nobu Doha. Sip, savour and enjoy happy hour with a selection of Nobu’s specialty dishes and signature sips, at special prices. From 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

Nobu Brunch

Thurs & Fri: Sridan. Enjoy a seafood night with ten open kitchens for QR 210 in an authentic Arabian souq atmosphere. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-5295.

Fridays: Nobu Doha.The famous Japanese eatery is now offering an elite brunch with a wide selection of Nobu’s specialty dishes. Start the weekend with a sumptuous buffet from sushi stations to foie gras, oysters and the black cod with yuzu miso. Regular brunch at QR 355 and special brunch at QR 495. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Seafood Night

THE GRAND HYATT Ora dell' Aperitivo

Sun-Thurs: Katsu curry was introduced to Japan in 1868 by the British, and this staple of AngloNippon food history is now available for QR 80 at Nozomi Doha’s new lunch menu. Open from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. Casual dress and families welcome. For more information call 4035-5089, or email info@nozomidoha.com

Seafood Buffet

ORYX ROTANA Choices Surf & Turf Night

Wed & Thurs: Al Hubara. Enjoy a sumptuous seafood experience- all-day dining restaurant with a lavish buffet selection. Food is prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients to tantalize your taste-buds. QR 295 per person inclusive of soft drinks, or QR 395 per person with Top-Up package including selected beverages. Kids between the ages of six to 12-years-old receive a 50% discount, while children under the age of six dine for free. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000, email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com, or visit www.alhubararestaurant.com.

Mondays: Choices. Check out the sumptuous selection featuring a wide variety of seafood and meat dishes served in an open buffet or prepared to your liking by the chefs at live cooking stations. Packages start from QR 270 per person for food only, QR 360 including unlimited selected house beverages. Better yet, try Choices’ premium package for QR 390 including unlimited special selected refreshments. Children aged six to 11 dine for QR 140. For more information call 4402-3333.

International Brunch

Sat-Wed: Rocca. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.enjoy a taste of Italy. Rocca will serve you a selection of beverages and small Italian bites at a reduced price, starting at QR 25. Included is your first beverage of your choice. For more information call 4448-1272, or 7021-8096.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: The Grill. This sumptuous eatery offers different brunch packages starting at QR 299 for soft beverages, QR 399 for house beverages, and QR 850 including premium beverages. For more information call 4448-1240, or 7798-2400.

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Curry Nights

Mondays: Isaan. The Thai restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat curry night. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., you can order a variety of unlimited curries to share, with your choice of fish, beef, chicken, mussels or vegetables. You can share up to five curries per round, for only QR 95 per person. For more information call 7021-8097.

Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch Fridays: Isaan. Get an outstanding Thai Chatuchak Weekend Market experience with brunch from 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. Walk around and explore the colourful array of live cooking stations and market-like stalls. A range of options are available. Enjoy a soft drink brunch for QR 290, a house beverage package for QR 399, or a special brunch package for QR 850. For more information call 7021-8097.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Burger & Pint Night

Mondays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy the tastiest and juiciest burger in town! Choose from lamb, Wagyu beef, or Opal’s vegetarian burger served with fluffy fat fries andhomemade tomato sauce all for QR 100. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000, or email opalbygordonramsay@stregis.com.

Chef’s Table

Daily: Astor Grill. Book the Chef’s Table, get up close to the Astor Grill culinary team and enjoy the theatre of the kitchen! Chefs will create a bespoke menu at QR 390 for five courses, or QR 600 with sommelier’s selection. For more information call 4446-0105, or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

BBQ Night

Thursdays: Vine. Ring in the weekend and experience a wide selection of BBQ classics while enjoying breath-taking views from the terrace. Follow dinner with a trip to The Rooftop for a nightcap and music from their resident DJ. QR 320 with soft beverages, or QR 420 including grapes, grain and special beverages. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0107.

Trio Lunch

Mon-Thurs: Al Sultan Brahim. Enjoy a super trio lunch for QR 125 per person inclusive of food, shisha and soft drinks. From 12:00 noon till 4:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105, or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE FRENCH OLIVE Business Lunch

Sun-Fri: Enjoy a succulent two-course business lunch from 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m., for QR 50,or three courses with coffee and beverages at QR 85. For more information call 4444-4777.

Pastry Happy Hour

Daily: Enjoy a happy hour on breads and breakfast pastries from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4444-4777.

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FOOD & DINING THE TORCH DOHA Chocolate Master Classes

Mondays: Sky Lounge. Starting from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. learn how to make chocolate. The class includes all-time favourite chocolate truffle preparation and signature chocolate fondant for QR 150. Price includes menu recipe, praline box and welcome refreshments. Advanced booking required. Maximum of eight people. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Prime Cuts & Fine Steaks

Tue & Thurs: Three Sixty. Indulge in Chateaubriand steak roast sharing platters, T-bone cuts, Black Angus short ribs, Wagyu filets and Angus Black steaks at Doha’s only revolving restaurant. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Land & Sea Night

Listings Hook & Catch

Wednesdays: Spice Market. Experience regal portions of the freshest catch at Spice Market as the restaurant’s inventive kitchen team dishes out culinary pieces that will whet the appetite of any ocean gastronaut. Menu offerings include salmon teriyaki sashimi, Omani lobster and pineapple curry. Priced at QR 250. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4453-5353.

W T-Time

Daily: W Café. Come and enjoy the W afternoon tea and cream tea with a 10% discount for SPG members. QR 120 per person. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5353.

WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Global Cuisine

Wednesdays: Panorama: Enjoy a delicious menu featuring meat and seafood duos like King prawns and rump steak, short rib and seafood spaghetti. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Daily: Seasonal Tastes. Located on the ground floor, the restaurant serves popular international fare and local Arabic specialties throughout the day. Featuring live cooking stations on the buffet line-up, and an a la carte menu available 24 hours a day. For more information call 4492-1555.

Latino Vs.Italiano

Lobby Lounge

Wednesdays: Flying Carpet: Enjoy a wide selection of steaks, burgers, hot dogs, mini-pizzas, Italian antipasti, fresh pasta, paella and live stations for QR 200 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Crab Thursdays

Thursdays: Panorama. Specialty chefs present an array of dishes influenced by crab. On the menu you’ll find crab-cakes, roasted and baked crabs, spicy black crabs and much more. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Weekend Late Lunch

Fridays: Panorama. Enjoy a perfect weekend afternoon with family overlooking Doha’s spectacular skyline, with some special treats for kids. Enjoy their tailored a la carte and children’s menus where you can find snacks, seafood specialties and plenty besides. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Daily: Luxe Lounge. This modern space located in the hotel lobby welcomes guests in a cozy atmosphere and a relaxing setting. The outlet’s philosophy encompasses organic gourmet food and beverage offerings. Enjoy a choice of pastries, petit fours, chocolate pralines, a unique selection of quality coffees and a variety of aromatic and herbal Oriental teas. For more information call 4492-1555.

See us online! m www.qatarhappening.co

TORO TORO DOHA Brunch

Fridays. Enjoy the most fabulous and authentic South American brunch in town at the super stylish Toro Toro Doha. QR 490 including house beverages. For more information call 4035-5101.

W DOHA Supper Club

Ongoing: Market by Jean-Georges, La Spiga by Paper Moon, and Spice Market. Wrap up the day with all your dinner essentials in a three-course menu for QR 100 for food-only, or QR 120 with a special sip. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

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FOOD & DINING

Directory

Spice Market W Doha

INTERNATIONAL Cucina Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

SPANISH & TEX-MEX Aceite 4018-8894 4466-0663 Chili’s El Faro 4035-5555 Fuego 4429-5000 Ipanema 4419-6100 Latino Steakhouse 4485-3000 Oyster Bay 4446-0105 4484-4444 Paloma Picasso’s 4428-1428 Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria 4408-7777 4429-8888 Salsa Toro Toro Doha 4035-5101

ARABIC & LEBANESE 4445-5555 Agora Al Balad 4491-8692 Al Bandar 4431-1818 Al Batross 4432-8888 Al Canteen 4433-6666 Al Mourjan 4483-4423 Al Sayyad 4484-7420 Al Shaheen Restaurant 4485-3000 Al Sufra 4035-5555 Al Sultan Brahim 4446-0105 Al Tabkha 4495-3876, Ext: 5874/5875 Al Tawash 4498-2002 Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam 4495-3876, Ext: 1291 Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café 4408-0840 Kunafa Albisana. 4408-1200 Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma 4466-2616 Majlis 4448-1234 Marmara Istanbul 4436-2947 Shawarma Albisana 4408-1400 Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge 4408-2000 Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 Turkey Central 4443-2927

Yabby Shangri-La Hotel Doha

CHINESE Chopsticks D’Chopstix Hakkasan Royal Bafilyon Ruby Wu’s Wok of Fame

4434-3333 4408-4888 4446-0170 4411-4458 4428-1428 4413-4772

CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN Aroma Astor Grill Belgian Café Gordon Ramsay La Mer Market by Jean-Georges Nando’s Delivery Hotline Opal by Gordon Ramsay Panorama

4405-3325 4446-0105 4484-4444 4446-0105 4484-8000 4453-5135 4436-0606 4446-0105 4446-5600

FRENCH La Sahtaine La Varenne Le Relais de L’Entrecote Maxim Sormani The French Olive

4423-3333 4499-0680 4495-3876 Ext. 1411 4428-1428 4495-3876 Ext. 3222 4444-4777

INDIAN Biryani Hut Bombay Balti Chingari Royal Indian Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra Souq Waqif Saffron Lounge Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor Sukh Sagar Taj Rasoi

4464-1401 4428-1428 4428-1428 4466-6876 4444-6151 4432-3244 3325-8919 4019-8877 4431-9172 4429-8888

Al Hubara 4485-3000 4424-2888 Al Liwan Restaurant Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill 4433-6777 Baraha 4447-0000 4472-2666 Blue Brasserie Restaurant Choices 4402-3333 4429-8888 Corniche Cosmo 4424-7777 4419-6100 Crossroads Kitchen Elements 4494-8888 4446-5600 Flying Carpet Grand Gourmet 4434-3333 La Cigalon Restaurant 4428-8888 4408-4220 Lagenda Mawasem 4423-3333 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Panorama 4446-5600 4445-8888 Olive Oil Pool Bar 4429-5000 4494-8600 Pool Grill Seasonal Tastes 4492-1555 Sridan 4429-5000 The Dining Room (Al Najada Boutique Hotel) 4433-6666 The Grill 4448-1234 The Lagoon 4484-8000 3331-1558 The Village Souq Waqif Three Sixty 4446-5600 Torch Tea Garden 4446-5600 Vine 4446-0105

ITALIAN Antica Pesa Doha Carluccio’s Cucina Di Capri II Teatro La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant La Spiga by Paper Moon La Veranda le Vesuvio Paper Moon Porcini Rocca The French Olive The Italian Job

4035-5011 4495-3876 4419-6100 4428-8698 4494-8888 4436-7991 4453-5135 4485-3000 4408-1500 4016-6000 4484-8000 4448-1272 4444-4777 4428-1428

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Elements The Four Seasons

JAPANESE Neo 4432-2508 Nobu 4494-8600 Nozomi 4035-5089 Oishi Sushi 4442-8989 Sakura 4428-1428 4015-8888 Strata Restaurant & Lounge Sushi Minto 4467-5577 Megu 4495-3876, Ext: 2101 Yen Sushi Bar 4428-8888

MEDITERRANEAN Aramede 4408-7777 Bistro Bistro 4428-1428 La Villa 4446-2222 4428-8888 Le Central Restaurant Medi @ The Village 4444-4700 Mykonos 4484-4444 Sawa 4035-5555 The Cellar 4402-3333

PERSIAN Grill @ The Village 4444-4700 Parisa 4425-6666 Prince Of Persia 4015-0190.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN Asia Live! 4429-8888 Chowking Delivery Hotline 4431-1212 Mamoura 4486-6077 Al Khor 4411-8816/17 Salwa Road 4437-1212 Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 Isaan 4448-1250 Mango Tree 4495-3876 Nusantao: Sea Kitchens 4494-8888 Spice Market 4453-5353 Sri Kebaya 4434-0838 The Noodle House City Center Mall 4411-5063 The Pearl 4495-3876 Wok Mee Noodle House 4496-6600

Sakura Radisson Blu

Rocca The Grand Hyatt

BAR FOOD Belgian Café Library & Cigar Lounge Madison Piano Bar Pool Bar Shehrazad The Irish Harp The Lounge Wahm

CAFÉS 4484-4444 4494-8600 4428-8888 4484-4444 4428-1428 4485-4444 4405-3325 4453-5353

AMERICAN & BURGERS American Grill 4411-0188 Burgeri 4449-3958. Chili’s 4466-0663 Fuddruckers 4483-3983 4467-8750 Hardee’s Johnny Rockets 4455-2792 Ric’s Kountry Kitchen 4443-7846 TGI Friday’s 4488-7008

SEAFOOD Almaskar 4485-3000 Al Dana 4425-6666 Al Sayyad 4484-7420 4446-0105 Al Sultan Brahim Fish Market 4484-4444 Harry Ramsden's World Famous Fish & Chips 4468-3231 L’wzaar Seafood Market 4408-0710 Pier 12 4428-1428 Yabby 4429-5000

STEAKHOUSES Bentley’s Grill Fuego JW’s Steakhouse Le Grill New York Steakhouse Prime The Anvil Rooms Toro Toro Doha

4428-1428 4429-5000 4429-8888 4484-7412 4419-6100 4015-8888 4499-0685 4035-5101

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar 4495-3876, Ext. 1311 Al Jalsa 4425-6666 4434-3203 Al Kut Lounge Allegria 4485-3000 Anima Gallery & Lounge 4002 7437 Arabica 4494-8600 4449-3963 Aspire Grand Café Atrium 4424-7777 Atrium Lounge 4485-4444 4448-1282 Biscotti Café Murano 4035-5555 Caramel Lounge 4445-8888 Chac’Late 4408-2000 Gourmet House 4405-3333 Jones the Grocer 4407-7175 4436-1789 Le Gourmet Lobby Lounge 4429-5000 Luxe Lounge 4492-1555 Maya La Chocolatiere Landmark Mall 4486-2264 Villaggio Mall 4417-8132 MBCo The Gate Mall 4407-7130 Al Emaadi Financial Square 4411-7224 Monte's 4499-0689 Orangery Café Trottoir 4428-8888 Quick Bites 4419-6134 Red Velvet Cupcakery 4408-0700. Sarab Lounge 4446-0105 Savor Café Lounge 4408-7777 Seasons Tea Lounge 4494-8600 Shisha Garden 4428-8888 Sky Lounge 4402-3333 Sugar and Spice 4411-4456 The Courtyard 4433-6444 The Drawing Room 4433-6666 The Lobby Lounge 4484-8000 The Terrace Lounge 4433-6555 Torch Café 4446-5600 Vitamine Café 4035-5011 W Café 4453-5353 Ya Hala 4423-3333

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SPORTS

Top Picks

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Sports Arena

Daily: Looking for the best place to watch your favourite games? There’s no better spot in front of the big-screen than the InterContinental Doha’s Sports Arena by the beach. What are you waiting for? For more information call 4484-4919.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Cricket World Cup 2016 Hit Six Madness

April 1-30: Champions. Watch all the action of the Cricket World Cup 2016 on over 47 LCD screens and two projectors at Champions awarding-winning pub. Hit a six out of the park with their exclusive bucket promotion where you can buy a bucket of six bottled beverages for QR 220. For more information call 4419-5000, or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Squash

Daily: Sheraton Doha Health & Recreation Center. Come and play squash on their indoor squash court with private lessons. Classes start from QR 100 per hour. For more information call 4485-4600.

W DOHA MIHA Bodytec

Daily: Bliss Spa. The way MIHA Bodytec works is revolutionary, simultaneously stimulating the body’s deeper-lying muscles with electrical impulses. This enables users to gently and effectively train both specific muscle groups, as well as their whole body. The effect can be seen and felt in no time at all. MIHA Bodytec is more than merely a training tool – it’s a fully thought-through system, inviting you to submerge into a new dimension of full-body workouts. One 20-minute session is QR 300. For more information visit www.blissdoha.com/miha-bodytec.

THE GRAND HYATT Fitness Classes

Daily: Jaula Spa & Club. Get motivated and enjoy group classes with professional coaches. For each five paid classes, get one class complimentary, plus one day-pass for the beach and pool access valid for a week. For every ten paid classes, get one free class, and an additional one day-pass valid the whole week. For more information call 4448-1060.

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SPORTS Lekhwiya players lift the Qatar Cup aloft after a tough fight with El Jaish in the 2015 Final

By Antony D. Antoniou Images courtesy of Doha Stadium Plus

The glitzy Qatar Cup is once again upon us and QH has everything you need to know about the Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) premier competition. The tournament marks the QSL’s end-of-season finale, as the top four teams once again fight it out to hoist the trophy. We take you pitch-side. First, Some History The tournament has a colourful past stretching back to the 1994/95 season when it was first launched. Back then, it was known as the Golden Square Cup. The first edition of the Cup was contested by Al Shamal, Al Gharafa, Al Arabi and, the eventual winners, Al Rayyan. The following season, the competition was rebranded as the Heir Apparent Cup in order to add some much needed regal prestige. Al Rayyan can boast to be the first team crowned champions of the Heir Apparent Cup when they lifted the

trophy in 1995. They won again the following year and enjoyed an early hold over the competition. Al Sadd has won the tournament the most times with five wins, though Al Rayyan is close behind with four, and Qatar Sports Club has won it on three occasions. The last team to have the honour of lifting the Heir Apparent Cup was Lekhwiya when they beat Al Sadd 3-2 in the 2012/13 season. El Jaish was the first team to lift the newly re-branded Qatar Cup trophy, beating Lekhwiya in dramatic fashion on penalties in the 2013/14 season. Last season’s final was a repeat of the inaugural competition, but this time it was Lekhwiya’s turn as they managed to restore some pride in a tense final. The Red Knights eventually won 1-0 as they lifted the Cup for the first time in their brief history.

Tournament Format The top four teams in the Qatar Stars League automatically qualify for the Qatar Cup. The winners of the league face the team who finished fourth in the first semi-final. The runners-up play the team who finished third in the other semi-final, after which, the two teams qualify for the final where they will battle it out for the prestigious Qatar Cup trophy.

2016 Qatar Cup Fixtures Semi-Finals: • Friday, April 24: 1st Vs. 4th Venue: Al Sadd • Friday, April 24: 2nd Vs. 3rd Venue: Al Sadd Final: • Friday, April 29: Winner 1 Vs. Winner 2 Venue: Al Sadd

Last Season’s Qatar Cup Results Semi-Finals: • Sunday, April 26: Al Sadd 1-3 El Jaish • Sunday, April 26: Lekhwiya 5-0 Qatar Sports Club Final: • Friday, May 1: El Jaish 0-1 Lekhwiya

Qatar Cup Winner’s List • 2014 – El Jaish • 2015 – Lekhwiya • 2016 – TBD

Qatar Cup Trivia The trophy design was inspired by the Qatari flag –specifically the white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side of the flag. One side of the trophy has the map of Qatar etched into it, and on the other side is a verse from the Qatar National Anthem.

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TEAMS IN CONTENTION AL RAYYAN Nickname: The Lions Head Coach: Jorge Fossatti Key Player: Rodrigo Tabata Captain: Rodrigo Tabata Al Rayyan has already wrapped things up in the Qatar Stars League, winning their first QSL Shield with five Rounds to spare. This was the Lions first title win since the 1994/95 season and it sees them going into the Qatar Cup as strong favourites.

EL JAISH Nickname: The Soldiers Head Coach: Sabri Lamouchi Key Player: Abderazak Hamdallah Captain: Wesam Rizq The Soldiers know what it takes to win the Qatar Cup, having won the very first edition after the trophy’s re-vamp. They will once again be looking to this competition to salvage some pride after yet another underwhelming season (by their high standards) in the QSL.

LEKHWIYA Nickname: The Red Knights Head Coach: Djamel Belmadi Key Player: Yousef Msakni Captain: Luiz Martin In recent years Lekhwiya has been the major powerhouse in the league. They have won pretty much everything there is to win in Qatar. However, they’ve just been dethroned by newlypromoted Al Rayyan who won the league at a canter. For Lekhwiya, the Qatar Cup takes on even more significance as their search for silverware continues this season.

AL SADD Nickname: The Wolves Head Coach: Jesualdo Ferreira Key Player: Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan Captain: Xavi Hernandez The most successful league club in Qatar, Al Sadd have had a lot of success in the competition, but have yet to win the trophy since it was re-branded back in 2014. Big-name signing Xavi Hernandez has certainly added some star-quality to their line-up, but at the back they continue to leak goals yet again this season.

r Lekhwiya defender Ahmed Yasse go & Jaish striker Magid Mohamed shoulder to shoulder!

UMM SALAL Nickname: The Orange Fortress Head Coach: Bülent Uygun Key Player: Yannick Sagbo Captain: Jawad Ahnash In the last three years the men in Orange have finished fifth, then seventh, and last season they managed a respectable sixth place. They’ve often looked like possible Qatar Cup contenders but have just fallen short come the ‘business end’ of the season. With their current unpredictable form, it looks as if they might struggle to qualify for this year’s Qatar Cup.

Please continue to check the official QSL website for updates and to buy tickets online at www.qsl.com.qa. Follow the QSL on: www.flickr.com/photos/qatarstarsleague/ www.youtube.com/user/QatarStarsLeague www.instagram.com/qslofficial/ www.twitter.com/qsl www.facebook.com/QatarStarsLeague

AL SAILIYA Nickname: The Peregrines Head Coach: Sami Trabelsi Key Player: Faouzi Aaish Captain: Mirghani Al Zain Under Head Coach Sami Trabelsi the Peregrines have definitely been a tough team to beat. The Tunisian managed to get his men into the first edition of the Qatar Cup. However, they were beaten by Lekhwiya in a tough match that went to penalties (4-2) in the semi-finals. Sailiya had a poor start to this season, but in the second half they steadily picked up the points and could yet make a late surge into fourth position. n

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SPORTS

Mission: Possible? Words and selected images by John Hunt

When Qatar were awarded the 2022 World Cup the cry went up that they’d never qualified for the competition in ten attempts and would only make their début as hosts. While the former is true, the latter is still very much up in the air…

redibility is an intangible but very valuable commodity. Cast your mind back to December 2010 when it was announced that Qatar would host the 2022 World Cup. Amid the whirlwind of grumbling that followed, there were actually a couple of sensible points made. It was argued by some that by never having previously qualified for a World Cup, the Qatar national football team (‘The Maroons’) – and by extension the peninsula – didn’t have the ‘credibility’ to host the championships.

That Qatar has never qualified for the World Cup is inarguable, and whether or not you buy into the credibility argument is a matter of personal choice; but it’s also a fact that most people outside Qatar believe that they’ll make their début in the World Cup as 2022 hosts. These same people may yet have to reconsider, given The Maroons' rapidly improving form and faultless results in their 2018 qualifying group. In last year’s Asian Cup in Australia, Qatar fell at the first hurdle, losing all three of their group games to Iran, the U.A.E. and Bahrain, scoring just two goals in the process while conceding seven. It was hard to take any positives from the tournament and the early exit cost manager Djamel Belmadi his job.

Changing Faces, Changing Fortunes Belmadi, it should be pointed out, was Qatar’s fifth manager since the late Bruno Metsu was released following his side reaching the quarter-final of the 2011 Asian Cup, which was of course played in

Qatar. So with yet another manager having been shown the door, the onus was on the Qatar Football Association (QFA) to make the right appointment this time round. In came an all-Uruguayan, five-strong coaching staff headed up by José Daniel Carreño, a manager with 16 years of experience and an impressive pedigree with success in his native Uruguay and most recently with a League and Cup double with Saudi outfit Al-Nassr in 2014. Carreño only started work with the QFA on June 1 last year and, in the interim, Qatar have played nine matches – three friendlies and six competitive games. The competitive games have taken place in the joint qualifying section for both the 2019 Asian Cup, and the 2018 World Cup. Of the six competitive games, Qatar has won the lot, and has qualified for the Asian Cup with games to spare. Six games, six wins – pretty good stuff. In the interim, Qatar’s FIFA ranking has climbed from 112th in 2011 to 80th last month.

The Maroons

Qatari starlet Akram Afif struts his stuff for Belgian club Eupen

Moscow's 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium the venue for the final of the 2018 World Cup

Qatar’s perfect record has propelled The Maroons into one of the 12 (two leagues of six) spots in the third round of qualifying for Russia 2018. Of these 12 teams, four (the top two in each league) progress straight to the next World Cup. The two third-placed teams go into a play-off, the winners of which faceoff against the winner of the third-placed play-off from another Confederation, and the coveted last spot in Russia… It may sound a bit convoluted, but so swiftly have Qatar polished off their qualifying group that they have become the second team into the World Cup play-off third round. The team that made it there first was South Korea – a country with nine appearances at World Cup Finals already to their name, so Qatar are keeping good company at present.

Crash The Party So after a disappointing 2015 Asian Cup, a change of management personnel has seen a remarkable – and pleasing – change of fortune. It’s hard to think of a more piercing riposte to those who question/ ed Qatar’s credibility as hosts than if they were to

qualify for the World Cup in two years’ time and make 2022 their second World Cup appearance. Winning six competitive games on the spin – even against some very mediocre opposition – can do nothing but build confidence for the World Cup playoff round, and while there will be some big-hitters filling up the remaining spaces in the two leagues of six, it seems as if The Maroons are starting to (finally) punch their weight. Could The Maroons crash the World Cup party four years before everyone suspected they might? At the moment, it would be premature to rule it out. n

SPECIAL PROMOTION As the sportiest variant of the C-Class, the Coupé displays its driving enjoyment-oriented character in an emotive yet formally distinct design. A sporty striking front section featuring diamond radiator grille and long bonnet – the new Coupé is 60 millimetres longer than its predecessor between the firewall and front axle alone – gives way to a crouched greenhouse which flows into a bold and powerful-looking rear-end incorporating the genes of Mercedes coupés. A high beltline and frameless doors with free-standing exterior mirrors underscore the sporty character.

The C-Class Coupé: a modern icon from Mercedes-Benz

The interior is likewise a statement of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity that combines emotion with intelligence. Although it exudes athletic and youthful charm, it has grown in maturity. Driver and passengers enjoy an ambiance that leans toward the interior of the C-Class Saloon, yet raises it to a new, sporty level. Flowing forms characterize the centre console as well as the door and rear side-paneling, which smoothly merge into one another to emphasize the coupé character. A seating system including integral sports seats designed specifically for the Coupé offers sporty comfort. An automatic belt extender also offers convenience. The choice of materials and the workmanship have a hand-crafted feel with highclass appeal and deliver a new take on modern luxury: sportiness without compromising on comfort and exquisite style.

n A refined yet intuitive interior desig road makes for smooth sailing on the

A Class Of Its Own Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensuous design of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. QH hits the streets in style.

he new C-Class Coupé is one of the latest models to join the Mercedes Benz family. Its interior elevates beauty and style to a sporty level. A dynamically configured chassis, with optional air suspension forms the basis for a high level of suspension comfort, low road roar and tire vibration, agile handling, and driving pleasure. Lightweight construction to reduce weight, excellent aerodynamics and highperformance, efficient engines likewise play their part. A host of assistance systems provides safety of the very highest calibre. With its high-class appeal and generous interior, the new C-Class Coupé sets the new standard.

The unique position of the new C-Class Coupé is emphasized by the special upholstery colour combinations of saddle brown and black, porcelain and – in the Edition 1 – nut brown and black with turquoise top-stitching. With an 80 millimetre longer wheel-base, the C-Class Coupé is 95 millimetres longer and 40 millimetres wider than the predecessor. The increased vehicle volume above all creates more spaciousness for the driver and front passenger, with more shoulder-room, elbow-room and head-room on all seats. Drivers can choose the character of their Coupé at the push of a button: sporty, comfortable or consumption-optimized. To this end, the driver can select one of five driving modes using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch: ‘ECO’, ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Sport +’and ‘Individual’. Selecting ‘Individual’ allows the driver to customize the vehicle settings to personal preferences. Powerful and efficient four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with ECO start/stop function provide for sporty performance and driving pleasure. All are compliant with the Euro 6 emissions standard. Compared with their predecessors, they consume up to 20 per cent less fuel. There are initially four petrol engines available for the Coupé. The C300 comes with a displacement of two litres but with an output of 180 kW/245 hp. Power is sent to the road via either a 6-speed manual transmission, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission, or the new 9-speed 9G-TRONIC. For more information on the new Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupé visit www.mercedesbenzme.com/qatar. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Yoga & Therapy:

The Perfect Match By Eylin Perez – Yoga Teacher & Personal Trainer With EVOLVE

With its myriad health benefits and improvements to our quality of life, there’s no doubt that yoga’s popularity in the West came as a result of what the East discovered centuries ago. Its gentle practice and routines can be developed for supporting the treatment of diseases from chronic illnesses to stress injuries…balancing not only the body, but also the mind and soul. What is yoga therapy? According to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Yoga Therapy is defined as the “process of empowering individuals to progress towards improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of yoga.” In other words, the practice of yoga creates a better and higher quality of health.

Which kinds of problems can be supported?

Yoga therapy is usually applied to manage a wide range of chronic diseases. Since chronic conditions can be long-lasting with low remission rates, the regular practice of yoga helps boost the body’s immune processes. However, yoga is rarely used as an aid to acute illnesses such as infections, colds, or coughs, for which medication or rest are the best options. Chronic diseases can be classified in two main groups: 1. Psychosomatic illnesses: where psychological factors such as stress play a major role in physical conditions. Some common examples are respiratory ailments like asthma, eczema, or allergies. 2. Chronic degenerative illnesses: in which the organs deteriorate over time and are often related to poor dietary habits and lifestyle – such as diabetes, high blood-pressure, or certain types of cancer. On this basis, yoga therapy is highly recommended for managing both of these chronic disease types.

At the same time, it’s important to consider that there can be an overlap between the two groups, as psychosomatic diseases can lead to chronic degenerative diseases, while many other degenerative conditions have a strong psychological background associated with them. Yoga therapy is commonly used nowadays as part of the management strategies for heart disease, high blood-pressure, back pain (mainly lower back), asthma, sinusitis, digestive disorders, diabetes, anxiety and depression.

The many benefits of yoga Awareness of the many physical, emotional and psychological benefits of yoga has seen an upsurge over the last ten years, and yoga is now practiced around the world more than ever before. So what are you waiting for to sign up and join a yoga class? Once you do, you’ll start feeling all the advantages that yoga brings to your mind, body and soul. n Get yourself on-track to optimal health by learning more about EVOLVE – Mind/Body/ Soul’s services. For more information call 5040-3234, email info@evolvemindbodysoul.com, or visit www.evolvemindbodysoul.com.

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SPORTS

Listings All listings are categorized per hotel. Inclusion is limited to availability of space, with priority given to advertisers.

QH RECOMMENDS

LA CIGALE New Zumba Class

Mon & Wed: Ozone Gym & Spa. Join the most energetic Zumba class given by certified instructorReineBaddoura from 8:30 p.m. Let the South American Zumba vibes move you! Come and release your stress, sweat, burn calories and enjoy! For more information call 4428-8101.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Fitness Classes

Daily: The Health Club. Numerous fitness classes are available, including body-pump, boot-camp, abs workout, Pilates, body-weight, Zumba, yoga, pushup challenge and more. Classes start from QR 85 per person. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

The Gym BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Splash Surf Pool Happy Hour

All-Month: Cool down and hit the waves at Splash Surf Pool during their happy hour between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For every 30 minutes of pool time at QR 150 per person, guests will receive an additional 30 minutes complimentary. For more information call 4040-5050.

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Diving Lovers

All-Month: The resort is inviting all certified open-water divers to come and join in with their special offers. Day-Dive Experience: two dives with full equipment, QR 500 per person; two dives without equipment, QR 200 per person. Night-Dive Experience: one dive with full equipment, QR 550 per person; one dive without equipment, QR 400 per person. For groups of four divers minimum. Prior booking is recommended due to limited availability. For more information call 4040-5050.

DOHA MARRIOTT One-On-One Boxing Training

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA TRX Fitness

Sun & Tues: Participants will be working against gravity using their own body-weight and TRX equipment to complete a series of exercises. It helps to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. Members, QR 35/nonmembers, QR 60. Sundays from 10:30 a.m. till 11:15 a.m., and Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. till 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Swasthi Yoga

Upon request: The Doha Marriott is now offering personalized boxing classes! Their highly-trained instructor Andrew will take you through all the ropes, offering individualized training. QR 160 per session or QR 1,200 for a course of eight classes. Pre-booking is essential. For more information call 4429-8520.

Wednesdays: You’ll be guided along each pose to open up the entire diameter of your body much quicker than standard yoga poses, making the practice much easier, safer and faster to master. This allows you to test your limits, see and feel changes only after a few classes. Members QR 45/non-members QR 65. From 8:30 a.m. till 9:50 a.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Boxing Class

Boxing Fitness

Tues &Thurs: Enjoy self-defence that’s safe and most of all fun! Great for body-conditioning and weight-loss, core strengthening and toning. Push yourself to the limit with this more intense and advanced boxing class that will make you burn more, sweat more and release all the stress built up after a busy day. From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Pre-booking is essential. For more information call 4429-8520.

Fridays: This class combines the principles of boxing such as basic punching, defending and foot-work, with cardio exercises specific for boxing training. Participants will develop coordination, balance and control. Members QR 35/non-members QR 60. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Daily: The Health Club. A state-of-the-art space with female-only and mixed fitness areas, the latest Technogym equipment, two fitness group studios, a personal training studio and male and female wet relaxation areas. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Tennis

Daily: Make use of their outdoor tennis court on the island grounds, with private or group lessons from the coaches. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

RADISSON BLU Bulgarian Folk Dance Class

Tues & Sat: Cabana Club. How many different ways can you move? With more than ten years’ experience in Bulgarian folk dance, Velislava Metodieva is happy to share his Bulgarian cultural traditions through its many dances. Members: QR 50 per class and QR 350 for eight classes. Non-members: QR 60 per class and QR 400 for eight classes. From 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1621/1622.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Zumba

Ongoing: FitnessCentre. Join in Sheraton Fitness for Zumba classes at QR 50 per class, Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.

Martial Arts

Mon & Wed: Fitness Centre. Join in Sheraton Fitness for aikido and kick-boxing classes at QR 70 for kids and QR 80 for adults per class. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.

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THE FOUR SEASONS Cycling

Ongoing: Enjoy a 60-minute indoor cycling class using Activio systems to monitor your heart rate throughout the session. With an intensity ranging from 65% to 85% of your maximum heart rate, find yourself pedalling through hill climbs, sprints and many other challenging drills and exercises. Join this great low impact workout to boost your cardiovascular capacity. QR 60 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.

Vinyasa Yoga

Ongoing: Practice a 75-minute invigorating and energizing yoga session where movements and postures are connected to breath. The session is complemented by deep relaxation to release stress and is open to all levels. QR 80 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.

Special Abs

Ongoing: This is a 30-minute class that primarily targets the abdominal area, designed to increase the tone, strength and flexibility of your mid-section. This class uses various positions, stations and/or equipment to firm up your front, back and oblique abdominals. QR 60 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.

THE GRAND HYATT Fitness Classes

Ongoing: Jaula Spa & Club. Daily classes are available at QR 50 for Jaula membersand QR 65 for non-members. Yoga classes are priced at QR 60 for Jaula members and in-house guests, QR 75 for non-members. For every five paid classes, one class will be offered free; for every ten paid classes, three will be offered free. For more information on other classes, days, and timings call 4448-1060.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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QH SENSATIONS

Top Picks

DOHA MARRIOTT LPG Facial

Upon request: This fabulous facial will improve your skin’s texture and tone. Price is QR 420 and pre-booking is essential. For more information call 4429-8520.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Spring Into It!

Sun-Wed: Spa by Clarins. Ready, set, relax! Designed with you in mind, this spa package helps flush lactic acid, aids lymphatic drainage, and tackles sore muscles to reduce pain and fatigue. At the heart of this experience is a brisk 60-minute Oil Massage with a special focus on the legs and back. You’ll be running back for more! For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Shine From Head To Toe

All-Month: Anantara Spa. Offering a unique exclusive Ladies Day experience where you can reward yourself with the lavish attention of professional therapists while indulging in a 25% discount on all spa journeys, including luxury catamaran transportation. Complimenting your treatment, relax in soothing surroundings at the Spa Garden area as you savour a delectable collection of Arabian Tea Time treats including coffee, mint teas, pastries, locally-grown dates and a selection of fine snacks. For more information call 4040-5158, or email spa.adoh@anantara.com.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Massage & Pool Pass Offer

All-Month: Heavenly Spa by Westin. Book a massage at Heavenly Spa by Westin and enjoy complimentary pool access at Doha’s downtown sanctuary. For more information call 4492-1680, or email heavenlyspa.doha@westin.com.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Experience A Royal Bath

Upon Request: Saray Spa. Pamper yourself to a private 75 or 90-minute Moroccan Hammam Bath and revisit a tradition that’s been cherished for centuries. Rejuvenate and feel the benefits of Saray Spa’s timeless remedies, starting from QR 600. To embark on your serene journey call 4419-6090, or email sarayspadoha@marriotthotels.com.

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QH SENSATIONS

By Ashlee Starratt and Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

We discover the art of the facial and more at the ultra-serene Jaula Spa & Club at The Grand Hyatt with two unique treatments that will have you putting your best face forward. The Guinot Glow It’s late afternoon, there’s rain-clouds over West Bay, traffic’s teeth-gritting and I need a sanctuary. As I inch my way closer towards The Pearl, the silver lining on an otherwise thunderous day is that I’m headed in the direction of The Grand Hyatt and the open arms of its Jaula Spa & Club. I’m already more than ten minutes late for my spa appointment by the time I arrive, splashing through puddles and ducking for cover from the open skies.

Housed on its own in a cabana-like building adjacent to the main hotel, it’s a tranquil space with high ceilings, dotted with serenity pools and water features. As its doors close behind me, I start to breathe a little easier. The lobby is fragrant with the sweet aroma of essential oils and to my left is a cozy boutique selling the latest creams, toners and potions from names such as Guinot. In fact today I’m here to test drive the French brand’s Double Ionization Facial, but first I’m led to the poolside relaxation area to fill out my pre-treatment form – which I do laying back on one of their chaise lounges next to a grotto of plunge pools. My therapist Mukti guides me to a private spa room, where a sliding wood door opens on to a lush little retreat. There are no locker or change rooms at Jaula Spa – each treatment room comes fullyoutfitted with its own changing area, shower and bathroom. A second wood-screen divider separates the massage table and treatment area from the rest of the room.

Mukti offers me a welcome glass of kiwi, cucumber and mint juice before I slip into a fluffy robe and head to the treatment table. For the uninitiated, Guinot is a French luxury skin-care brand that pioneered the use of light, galvanic currents to penetrate the skin’s deeper layers for ultimate cleansing and a replenished appearance. After a quick skin analysis, Mukti – who hails from India – determines that I’ll benefit most from a Hydrating option. She begins by cleansing my face with Guinot’s Hydra Fraicheur nourishing milk, followed by a refreshing toner infused with lavender and mint essential oils. Then she gently applies their Hydrazone moisturizer to my face and prepares the ionization wands for the massage. If you’ve never had a Guinot facial with the galvanic current, no need to be nervous – it’s painless. The wands buzz slightly and you’ll feel a slight electric tingling sensation on your skin but no more than that. It’s a bit ticklish however and those with fillings in their teeth may feel a heightened sensation.

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Serenity awaits the moment you step into Jaula Spa & Club

and revive your tone and complexion. It kind of feels like a massage, but instead of using oil they apply a cream-based scrub. It’s a relaxing treatment that leaves my skin soft and glowing.

Mukti lightly massages my face with the wands, using the mellow force of the current to penetrate the moisturizing cream into the deep layers of my skin. The effects from the current help oxygenate the skin while also serving an anti-bacterial purpose, clearing out microbes and impurities that clog our pores. After two applications of the Hydrazone moisturizer, Mukti cleanses my face with a hot towel before applying a cooling mask that leaves my skin dewy and quenched. While the mask sets (not hardening like most), she treats me to a lulling scalp massage that quickly leaves me dozing. The facial treatment ends with a final round of moisturizing cream and an SPF gel for my eyelids and lips. Afterwards my skin is glowing and feels radiant (I don’t think my pores have ever looked so fresh!) and the results last well into the week, minimizing my need for foundation or concealer. Next time you’re on the hunt for a dose of youthfulness for your skin, look no further than Jaula Spa & Club for that Guinot glow.

Scrub-Down To Bliss This month I had the opportunity to experience one of Jaula Spa & Club’s lush Royal treatments. This isn’t my first time to get pampered at The Grand Hyatt’s state-of-the-art spa, and I’ve always been more than satisfied with the quality of its treatments and professionalism of their staff. This visit was no different. ‘Jaula’ means ‘journey’ in Arabic, and the locale’s irresistibly modern design is fresh and thoughtful, with a palpable aura of peace and calm – like every great spa should elicit. Today I’m experiencing two different treatments, the Sea Salt Polish and the Jaula Aromassage – an hour and a half of bliss for the ultimate pampering afternoon. The Sea Salt Polish is a smooth, but deep body exfoliation powered by sea minerals. The procedure is very simple – the therapist scrubs your entire body from head to toe, removing dead skin cells to refresh

By the time the scrub is finished, I’m already extremely chilled-out and the best part is yet to come – the Jaula Aromassage. A completely customized treatment, it’s tailored to suit your individual massage preferences and choice of rich essential oils. I tell my therapist to apply the lightest pressure possible as I’m not a fan of deep-tissue massage – today, I’m in relaxation mode. I got exactly what I was looking for. The therapist’s touch was gentle and the pressure delicate and soothing. Combine this with soft background music and a serene atmosphere and I was asleep on the massage table in 20 minutes flat. Though I snoozed through most of the hourlong treatment, I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing. Both the Body Polish and the Aromassage were the perfect blend of zen for your body, mind and soul. My only criticism? I wish I could have one every day. n JAULA SPA & CLUB Location: The Grand Hyatt Timings: 9:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily Pricing: • QR 700, 75-minute Guinot Double Ionization Facial • QR 600, 60-minute Jaula Aromassage • QR 250, 30-minute Sea Salt Body Polish Contact Info: Call 4448-1056/1060, email jaula.spa@hyatt.com, or visit www.doha.grand.hyatt.com

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QH SENSATIONS

By Ashlee Starratt Images courtesy of the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Where the sea meets the sky against the backdrop of Muscat’s towering red cliffs, nature speaks just a little louder. The Sultanate of Oman is about as unique a landscape as you’ll find in the GCC; lush and in places tropical, it’s an oasis among an otherwise barren region of shifting sands. The jewel in its crown? The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. QH steps in to luxury.

ometimes, you have to get lost to find yourself. For the weary world wanderer, Oman folds you in its arms and rocks you back to nature in the slow breath of its ocean breezes and the quiet peace of its rugged beauty. In a region built upon glittering skyscrapers and fast-paced metropolises, Muscat seems frozen in time. It’s rustic, white-washed buildings hug the coastline, while its souqs, museums and cultural attractions are a tether to tradition. Oman’s stunning geography makes it a haven for tourists; its soaring cliffs and crashing ocean a cradle for the languid beaches nestled in between. In its southern regions, during the summer khareef

season, the hillsides and wadis become awash in a spreading tapestry of greenery that carpets the landscape for miles. Omanis are known across the GCC for their down-to-earth hospitality. They’re the smiling tour guides, the drivers behind the wheel of every taxi, and the first faces you’ll see at the front desk of your hotel. It’s mid-morning when I land in Muscat and the sun casts a buttercup glow as it winks through the clouds on the drive from the city up into the mountains and towards the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. A 45-minute drive from the airport, the resort is sequestered between the rock ridges that wend their way along the spine of Muscat. From the highway, were there no sign, you’d never know it’s there. It’s winding driveway courses downward to a vista view, as the resort sprawls out over 124 acres of land and 600-metres of pristine beachfront. One of the largest resorts I’ve set foot on, there are three hotels, each offering three unique experiences for guests. Al Waha, meaning ‘the oasis’ is the Shangri-La’s prime destination for families, with its Adventure Zone playground, whimsical pools and Cool Zone Kids Club. Then, there’s Al Bandar, or ‘The Town’, nestled at the heart of the resort where a 500-metre lazy river winds its way around its outdoor pools, restaurants and foot-paths – and you bet I grabbed an inflatable tube and laid right on back…This hotel is perfect for business or leisure travelers. We were lucky to stay in the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah’s third and most exclusive hotel, Al Husn

– or ‘the castle’. Nestled on a rock ridge above the beach it stands sentinel over the rest of the property – a fortress encasing luxury. Reserved exclusively for adults, no children are allowed at Al Husn. Heightening its level of exclusivity, guests of Al Waha and Al Bandar do not have access to the facilities and amenities at Al Husn – such as its 100-metre private beach, lush infinity pool, library, 24-hour gym and hospitality lounge. But, Al Husn guests are free to use all the facilities at any of the other two properties. As we pull up to its circular drive-way, the bell service staff quickly whisk our luggage away. The hotel lobby is opulent – all glass, windows and light. A delicate lagoon water-feature is home to sculpted bronze flamingoes and cranes, while the whole space is redolent of frankincense – that golden treasure of Oman – burning lightly from a carved silver thurible. Glasses of sparkling juice appear as we wait to check-in and as I tread the light hallways with their ornate offerings of artwork it strikes me – the sound of silence. I’ve arrived, quite literally, in Shangri-La. My lodging at Al Husn is a Deluxe Sea View room, lushly-appointed with dark wood furnishings, Oriental accent pillows and upholstery, a rich, open-concept bathroom/walk-in closet area and a stunning outdoor terrace complete with sofa, table and chairs. Mini-bar service in the room is complimentary exclusively for Al Husn guests. It’s here where I can watch the waves crash over the sand and the sun sink behind the escarpment of cliffs. This is a place that time forgot – and I’m in no rush to go searching for her any time soon.

With its sprawling pool terraces, Al Waha is a haven for families

Splendour in rugged surroundings at Al Husn's Deluxe Sea View Room

Seafood with a sea-view is what's for dinner at Bait Al Bahr

The regal luxury of Al Husn's infinity pool by moonlight

Children and the young at heart will enjoy a leisurely float down the resort's Lazy River

QH SENSATIONS

Watch the sun set by candlelight on Al Husn's private beach

The resort is vast, with a total of 640 rooms spread out across the three hotels. The property also boasts its own marina, business centre, Omani heritage village with traditional shops and activities, the Al Mazaar Souk – an entertainment centre with retail shops, cafés and restaurants, tennis courts, gift shops, an art gallery, and a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheatre. With 21 food and dining outlets scattered across the resort, there’s no excuse not to find something to tempt your fancy. Tonight we’re heading to beach-side seafood grill Bait Al Bahr for some fresh catch-of-the-day. One of the hotel’s most popular outlets, it feels more like a beach hut on stilts, set above the sand with clear sight-lines out over the water. Tonight the moon’s reflecting off the glassy surface of the waves as we head up to the restaurant’s roof-top for some Happy Hour libations at their lounge. A fish market concept, you can select your preferred fresh catch straight from their ice-box display and have it prepared to your liking – grilled, baked or fried. There’s also an extensive menu to tease your palate and ample more sides to choose from.

his A traditional basket weaver plies e trade in the Omani Heritage Villag

We start with a few appetizers – some of the largest and plump King prawn tempura I’ve dined on, with a side of kaffir lemongrass aioli; a delicious duo of smoked salmon served two ways, and macadamiacrusted soft-shell crab with sweet papaya relish. All hit the spot and warm us up nicely for the main course. I choose a filet of sheri, locally-caught that morning, grilled with a side of steamed vegetables, and the silkiest, truffled mashed potatoes I’ve ever tasted. It’s a long, lingering meal over impeccable food, with good beverages and even better conversation. The laughs last us long into the night. The next morning we’re up with the dawn for breakfast at Al Husn’s all-day dining restaurant Sultanah. Featuring live-cooking stations and a sumptuous buffet, their special eggs menu is served a la carte and we load up on eggs Bennie, fresh fruit and muesli, smoothies and cups of rich, piping hot coffee to start our day. Designed to look like the prow of a ship, the restaurant is adorned with sails and has a large wrap-around terrace with views out over the ocean. It’s a tranquil way to wake up. On this morning the sky is bright and sunny though the wind is high and the waves choppy. I’m due at the front desk at 8:30 a.m. for a transfer to their marina for a dolphin-watching excursion which, sadly due to the rough seas, is canceled. Instead I make the most of the free time to wander through the resort on the way to the beach at Al Bandar where I spend several glorious hours drinking in the rays, people-watching, and thumbing through a dog-eared novel that ordinarily never leaves the bottom of my bag. Before I start feeling the burn too much, I slap on some factor 50 and head for a spin around the resort’s lazy river – just to say I did it once and felt like a kid again. Lunch is a cheap and cheerful order of fish and chips back near the sand at Circles Pool Bar. After my morning of leisure, that afternoon is booked for the same with some relaxation and pampering at CHI, The Spa. The Shangri-La brand’s signature spa and wellness concept, the facilities at the Barr

Al Husn's all-day dining restaurant against Sultanah offers exquisite cuisine a mountainous ocean backdrop

Find your zen in the opulent luxury of the resort's CHI, The Spa

Al Jissah resort are a mini-retreat all their own. Sequestered from the rest of the bustling beach area in the tangle of lush greenery towards the back of the resort, the spa is a small village of 12 private treatment villas and a lush pre-treatment wet area and gift shop. I make the most of their ice shower, steam-room and Jacuzzi wave-pool before my therapist escorts me through the lush zen gardens outdoors to my treatment villa. The space is huge – and as luxe as you might fathom. There’s a living area, screened Jacuzzi tub, washroom/change-room, and the décor is dark, lush and Oriental. I’m treated to a luxurious 60-minute Philippine Hilot Massage using virgin coconut oil that’s meant to unblock any stagnant energy within my body. It does the trick. I fall asleep and wake up like jelly – just lush. Itching to explore a bit of Muscat before dinner I hop on the hotel shuttle from the resort to the Muttrah Souk and shopping district. The drive down from the mountains at sunset was radiant as we passed by the royal palace, the national museum and mosque until we reached the lively Corniche. A veritable warren of stalls, shops and vendors, Muttrah Souk is a hub for frankincense -lovers – they quite literally sell it on every corner. It’s also a great place to people-watch and enjoy a taste of Omani culture and tradition. I spent a good two hours getting lost among its colourful clamour. Back at the resort I head to Asia restaurant for some fire in my belly for dinner. You can feel the heat from their open kitchen and the dishes equally pack a punch. I opt for a sweetly-scorching Thai green curry that gets better with every spoonful, and a fragrant Indonesian nasi goreng – flavoursome rice tossed with prawns, topped with a fried egg, three skewers of sumptuous beef satay and a side of spicy peanut sauce. On the walk back to Al Husn the stars are out and twinkling. As I arrive inside the lobby we can see that the outdoor terrace courtyard is packed with reclining couples sipping libations. Al Husn offers a complimentary Happy Hour for guests every evening before dinner – a special touch that, clearly, hasn’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated among these discerning few.

Hawksbill turtle hatchlings are a common sight across the shores of Oman

Take your taste-buds on a fiery trip to Asia restaurant

It’s my last night at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah and I sleep as I’ve done since I arrived – with the terrace door open; the sound of the sea and the crashing waves the only lullabye I’ll need. I have an afternoon flight the next day so my morning is spent at Al Husn’s stunning infinity pool. From the water’s edge you can see out past the breakers to the vast stretch of the Sea of Oman. Azure blue it engulfs all else, making you feel, once again, small and somehow at peace. After a weekend at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, I’ve found what it means to reconnect with the world around me. Here, at the world’s edge, I’ve found my centre. n For more information or bookings for the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa call (+968) 2477-6666, or visit www.shangri-la.com/muscat/barraljissahresort.

QH SENSATIONS

A Metropolitan Getaway By Jorge Granda Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of The InterContinental Doha The City

If you’re not flocking to Hamad International Airport anytime soon, but still want to feel like you’re on holiday, take a break this month and re-charge your batteries with a weekend staycation at the InterContinental Doha The City. QH packs our bags and checks in.

tanding sentinel as one of the tallest buildings in West Bay, the InterContinental Doha The City has left its mark on our metropolitan hub, well-known for its hospitality and boasting an array of fine-dining outlets, luxurious rooms and five-star nightlife offerings. A stay at the InterContinental Doha The City is a cosmopolitan experience. The property showcases three international restaurants, three lounges – including the newly-opened Al Jalsa Garden Lounge, ultra-modern suites and top-notch facilities that include a soothing spa, and a sky-high swimming pool with a one-of-a-kind view. And with a wellequipped gym for work-out enthusiasts, there’s plenty to do in this hotel for those who want to have a holiday experience in the heart of Doha.

Room To Spare

A Taste Of Asia

It’s a Wednesday afternoon when I arrive at the hotel for a much-needed break and overnight stay. After a very fast check-in, I’m escorted to my Deluxe Suite situated on one of the highest floors in the property. Stepping inside my eye is draw right away to the astonishing view and sleek, modern décor. I can see all of West Bay and the beautiful, turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf from my window. After drinking in the view, I start checking out the space and getting settled. The modern, wood-accented motif carries over from the furniture, to the TV, creating a cozy overall ambiance. The room is tastefully decorated, generously sized and well-equipped, with a gigantic bed and feather-soft mattress. The texture of the pillows and duvet is soft and plush. The spacious bathroom is ornate, with a grey glass door, a tub and a stand-alone shower. The overall space is sumptuous and well-distributed, making it the ideal contemporary room/apartment.

After a couple of cold beverages our bellies are growling and we’re ready to sit down and enjoy a leisurely dinner at Hwang, one of the hotel’s newest dining outlets. Also located on the first floor, Hwang t has a causal, yet refined setting, serving mouth-watering delicacies from Thailand, Korea, Japan, China, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Start The Night With A Sip After I get myself settled, I head downstairs to meet a friend and enjoy a few refreshments at Hive. The only pub in the hotel, it lives up to its name – buzzing and bustling on the first floor next to Prime restaurant. The lounge is stylish and welcoming, but gets very busy around 5:00 p.m. due to the happy hour. The lounge has a distinctive vibe, with an initial crowd made up of business-people popping in for an after-work beverage. But, at around 7:00 p.m., a more mixed crowd of young people takes over. Hive also serves small bites and cheese platters.

The restaurant is small, but exquisitely decorated with lacquered wood elements, splashes of red, and intimate table settings against a back-drop of paintings by French-Canadian artist Jacinthe Lamontagne. The different sizes and shapes of the wooden tables catch my attention and I’m told the décor follows the pan-Asian theme with its bright colour scheme dotted with earthy tones. We try an assortment of dishes including the mixed satay, Thai shrimp salad, prawn wasabi (spectacularly delicious!), spicy somen noodles, wok-fried spicy Wagyu, stir-fried Asian chicken, and Yangchow-style fried seafood rice. Without a doubt, the star signature dish of the restaurant is the Japanese shabu-shabu hot-pot, which is often referred to as the Asian version of fondue.

Into The Strata-Sphere After our feast we’re ready to dance the calories away at Strata. On Wednesdays Strata welcomes party-goers to its ever-popular Pink Wednesdays. This lounge/nightclub on the 56th floor of the property has an ultra-chic vibe where you can

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Featuring Doha's only enclosed roof-top pool with its striking vistas out over West Bay

s Unwind in sumptuous surrounding in a Deluxe Suite room

Garden Puff away the hours at Al Jalsa outlet Lounge, the hotel's newest shisha

Mid-week head to Strata for their popular Pink Wednesday night

enjoy a great selection of different refreshments in stylish and opulent surroundings. On Pink Wednesdays the DJ’s repertoire is full of classics from the 90’s and early 2000’s, as well of some of the most popular R&B and pop tracks currently on the airwaves. Ladies receive two complementary refreshments and a chance to win a high-end designer item like a Louis Vuitton bag, or other fashionable accessories. And if all that dancing has you peckish, Strata offers a selection of seafood platters and Japanese-inspired fusion sashimi, as well as mini-burgers and other small dishes. Its unbeatable view over the stunning West Bay vista makes Strata one of the best and certainly most exquisite hangouts in Doha.

More To Experience The Square This is one of my favourite restaurants in Doha and my first choice if I need to plan a birthday for a friend or myself. I’ve visited The Square plenty of times for lunch, dinner and brunch, and the food is always of the highest standard. This eclectic all-day dining restaurant is welcoming and quite big – offering a huge selection of international dishes including pizzas, pasta, Indian and Arabic cuisines.

Sports, Recreation & Leisure There’s nothing better than to start the day in a rooftop pool with an eagle’s-eye view out over the city. Nestled on the 46th of the hotel, the InterContinental Doha The City lays claim to the highest pool in West Bay. I spend my morning sitting in its cool waters, gazing out the window, and taking in the sunrise while enjoying a relaxing soak. What’s New: Al Jalsa Garden Lounge This lush shisha terrace joins the ranks of new al-fresco options across the city where you can indulge in an adult-appropriate beverage. Some have been hits, while others...not so much; but a few have managed to ‘wow’ the crowds. This is true in the case of Al Jalsa Garden. This latest newcomer opened its doors on the lobby level of the hotel and boasts a particularly lavish terrace. Its shisha-friendly open space offers a variety of Arabesque food options to complement a roster of house beverages. During the week you can enjoy an express lunch and shisha for QR 99, while on Thursday nights there’s live entertainment from 8:00 p.m. till midnight. The lounge opens daily during the week from 12:00 noon till 2:00 a.m., and Thursdays and Fridays till 4:00 a.m.

Tease your palate with spicy pan-Asian delicacies at Hwang

Take a break on high at the hotel's sky-view Executive Lounge

For more information on the InterContinental Doha The City and all its outlets call 4015-8888. n

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QH SENSATIONS

The Dish On Qatar

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By Abigail Villarroel

As a new expat in Qatar, one of the most overwhelming aspects of the city might be how to find your way around with (or without) a car. Doha is a vehicle-centric city, and without one newcomers will find out the hard way that public sidewalks aren’t always pedestrian-friendly. With long distances, ever-changing roads and diversions, QH is here to break down Doha’s current transport situation, and highlight future transport developments.

Impossible to miss, the colourful Doha Bus takes visitors to all the major sights

Driving & Being A Driver The first thing to consider is the most logical answer for most expats – driving your own car. The demand for vehicles is great enough to see car retailers all around the city showcasing the newest and most affordable models from your brand of choice. Doha however, is a young city, so consider unexpected traffic, overnight diversions and messy driving part of the city’s growing pains. Also, because GPS systems have a hard time keeping up with road-works, as a resident you’re encouraged to explore and take advantage of the new roads. After all, construction works tend to also mean shortcuts, wider roads and faster arrival time to key parts of the city.

Scheduled for 2019, Qatar Rail will radically transform Doha's public transit system

Taxis If you’re new to Doha and need a way to get around before taking a stab at driving, taxis can be found outside the airport, prominent malls, hotels, hospitals, big supermarkets and generally doing rounds around the city. It should be noted, waiting on the side of a highway for a taxi is not common practice and might take some perseverance before you’re able to flag one down. Consequently, finding ‘freelance’ taxis is not uncommon in Doha. Tariff-wise however it’s safer to go with the official line of blue Karwa taxis if you’re not familiar with distances and routes. Doha’s official line of taxis and buses go by the name of Karwa, and fall under Qatar’s official transport service Mowasalat. Their unmistakable bright aquamarine colour can be seen all over the city and they can be booked in advanced by getting in touch with their call centre at 4458-8888. Early booking is key though!

Uber A thriving service in Doha, Uber has become a common and efficient way to travel in Doha. Uber is a cell phone application where you can book a driver to your exact location at the touch of a button, giving you exact updates as to how far your driver is from your current location, to estimates on how much the ride might cost. The service works with credit card information and, due to a large fleet of drivers roaming the city, it’s not uncommon to have very short (6-10 minute) waiting times.

Handy app Uber makes getting around a breeze

If you’re familiar with roads and have a preferred route, always feel free to direct your Uber drivers. The alternative is possibly paying more for a longer route that you knew could have been avoided. So keep in mind – not everyone can be as savvy to the quickest way home as you might be.

Buses & Shuttles The Qatar Bus Network is officially run by Mowasalat, and aquamarine buses can be seen all over Doha, taking residents around the city. Smartcards are needed to use these buses, and they can be purchased in the main Al Ghanim bus station, or at certified retailers. It should be noted that the bus service is mostly used by construction workers to go to and from areas in development. Therefore shuttles are another option to navigate Doha’s more frequented areas. The West Bay Shuttle

for instance, was a free service which runs to key places like City Center Mall, and the InterContinental Doha hotel. It was announced just last month that there will now be a nominal fee to use the shuttle service, though at the time of publication the exact figure had not yet been announced. The Museum of Islamic Art also runs a free shuttle service to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Education City and, in that vein, the Doha Bus provides sight-seeing tours to new arrivals and tourists!

The Future Of Doha Transport The 2022 World Cup will be a test to Doha’s transport capabilities. With the Doha Metro rail system currently under construction and slated to open in 2019, plus bigger expressways on the way, Doha’s commitment to innovation will see one of the most sophisticated transport systems come to fruition right in front of our very eyes! n

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IT HAPPENED

A strong stomach is vital for those dining while suspended in mid air!

Martha Stewart makes a special appearance to promote healthy eating

QATAR INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL 2016 MIA Park March 22-28, 2016 96 QH April 2016 - FINAL.indd 96

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Qatar H.E. Dana Shell U.S. Ambassador to the State of ica − USA Week Qatar Smith inaugurates Discover Amer

U.S. Ambassador to the State of Jerry Qatar H.E. Dana Shell Smith with Presley Schilling, personal friend of Elvis

DISCOVER AMERICA – USA WEEK QATAR 2016 Across Doha Feb 15-22, 2016 97 QH April 2016 - FINAL.indd 97

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IT HAPPENED

CHI AL SHAQAB 2016 Education City March 2-5, 2016

d Hassan Coffee Planet, a subsidiary of Ahme Katara expo Bilal Group, makes its debut at the

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Runner-up Jelena Ostapenko

Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro reigned supreme at this year's tournament

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IT HAPPENED

Images courtesy of Ahmad Ayaz

Dutch Grammy Award-winning DJ Tiësto on decks to celebrate th Global DJs 10 anniversary

TIËSTO LIVE IN CONCERT Sheraton Grand Doha Feb 25, 2016

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL DOHA GRAND OPENING City Center Feb 24, 2016 100 QH April 2016 - FINAL.indd 100

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SHREK THE MUSICAL QNCC March 9-19, 2016

THE GREAT BRITISH FESTIVAL QATAR 2016 Across Doha March 6-19, 2016

Mr. Ajay British Ambassador to Qatar H.E. the British Sharma (right) with Director of Council Qatar Mr. Frank Fitzpatrick

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IT HAPPENED

ILLUSION GRAND OPENING Marsa Malaz Kempinski Feb 23, 2016

MADE IN ASIA EXHIBIT AT HWANG InterContinental Doha The City March 16, 2016

omte with French Artist Jacinthe Lamontagne-Lec Chevallier Ambassador to Qatar H.E. Mr. Eric

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PHONE DIRECTORY HOTELS Al Gassar Resort Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara City Centre Rotana Doha Crowne Plaza The Business Park Doha Marriott Hotel Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa The Grand Hyatt Holiday Villa Hilton Doha InterContinental Doha InterContinental Doha The City Kempinski Residences & Suites La Cigale Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Marsa Malaz Kempinski Millennium Hotel Doha Mรถvenpick Hotel Mรถvenpick Hotel West Bay Doha Oryx Rotana Radisson Blu Shangri-La Hotel Doha Sharq Village & Spa Sheraton Grand Doha The Four Seasons The Ritz-Carlton The St. Regis Doha The Torch Doha W Doha Hotel & Residences Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Wyndham Grand Regency

4424-4881 4040-5050 4445-8888 4408-7777 4429-8888 4445 5555 4448-1234 4408-4888 4423-3333 4484-4444 4015-8888 4405-3333 4428 8888 4419-5000 4035-5555 4424-7777 4429-1111 4496-6600 4402-3333 4428-1555 4429-5000 4425-6666 4485-4444 4494-8888 4484-8000 4446-0000 4446-5600 4453-5000 4492-1555 4434-3333

AIRLINES Air Arabia 4432-2111 4444-5101 Air France American Airlines 4499-5737 Air India 4441-8423 British Airways 4432-1538 Cathay Pacific Airways 4445-8319 Delta Airlines 4483-0725 Egypt Air 4435-2901 Emirates 4438-4477 Etihad Airways 4436-6657 Fly Dubai 4422-7350 Gulf Air 4499-8000 Lufthansa German Airlines 4431-0212 Oman Air 4432-0509 Qatar Airways 4449-6666 4443-1431 Royal Jordanian Sri Lankan Airlines 4444-1217 Turkish Airlines 4443-3027

HEALTH / BEAUTY

AHMED HASSAN BILAL GROUP

Amaoras RelaxationSpa 4408-4085 Angsana Spa 4434-3152 4496-6410 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre Bliss 4453-5555 Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Coiffeur Franรงaise 4468-9211 4498-0033 Dados Beauty Salon Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Doha Dental 4431-7766 4429-8520 Doha Marriott Spa Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 4494-8801 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8844 Frank Provost Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 4483-9100 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4495-3876 The Pearl Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 4492-1555 Heavenly Spa La Cigale - Ozone Spa 4428-8888 4451-7590 Medical Spa Villaggio Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Pure Spa 4424-7327 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Snips Salon 4408-4083

REAL ESTATE Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com INTERIOR Forum Design 4456-8716 RESTAURANTS Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/4411-8817 Chowking Mamoura 4486-6077 Chowking Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 German Bakery Company 4442-8877 Harry Ramsden's World Famous Fish & Chips 4468-3231 PUBLICATIONS ABODE/QH Magazines 4427-8416

TOURISM / TRAVEL Alpha Tours Ambassador Travel Arabian Adventures Cleopatra Travel Continental Tourism Darwish Travel World Wide Destination Fanar Travels Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Mosafer Travels Mowasalat Karwa Taxi Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & Tour Tourist Travel Bureau Victoria Car Rental

4434-4496 4445-7788 4436-1461 4443-9333 4462-2122 4441-8666 4467-1200 4441-3428 4462-2777 4422-1888 4432-0121 4458-8888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4443-5050 4466-6635

HOSPITALS / EMERGENCY AMBULANCE, POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT

999

DOHA CLINIC HOSPITAL 4438-4333 EMERGENCY HOTLINE 4435-5999 AL AHLI HOSPITAL 4489-8000 HAMAD GENERAL HOSPITAL 4439-2222

RUMAILAH HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD & WOMAN PROTECTION HOTLINE

4439-3333 4439-2948 4466-6671

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

EMBASSIES American Embassy Bahraini Embassy Brazilian Embassy British Embassy Canadian Embassy Chinese Embassy Egyptian Embassy French Embassy German Embassy Greek Embassy Indian Embassy Italian Embassy Japanese Embassy Jordanian Embassy Korean Embassy Kuwaiti Embassy Lebanese Embassy Nepalese Embassy Philippine Embassy Polish Embassy Russian Embassy Saudi Arabian Embassy South African Embassy Spanish Embassy Sri Lankan Embassy Turkish Embassy U.A.E. Embassy

4496-6000 4483-9360 4483-8812 4496-2000 4419-9000 4493-4205 4483-2555 4402-1702 4408-2334 44128150 4425-5777 4483-1802 4484-0888 4483-2202 4483-2238 4483-2111 4493-3330 4467-5681 4483-1585 4411-3230 4483-6231 4483-2030 6622-1552 4483-5886 4467-7627 4495-1300 4483-8880

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