Qatar Happening - December 2015 by Qatar Happening

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg 28

From Broadway To Doha: Disney's Beauty and the Beast

December 2015 EVERY ISSUE 13 16

Editor-In-Chief's Letter

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

ENTERTAINMENT 27

Top Picks

A Tale As Old As Time

'Intolerance': What Do You See?

The QH Grab-Bag

Our monthly prize corner for your chance to win

120 It Happened

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

132 Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL 18

From The Desk Of The Chairman

'My Qatar'

The youth of Doha College share their love for Qatar in words and images

We Love Qatar!

The Broadway spectacular of Disney's Beauty and the Beast is heading to a QNCC stage near you!

The paintings of Belgian artist Luc Tuymans have us questioning the world around us as presented by the media

Return Of Our Jedi

As Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens storms theatres, we re-visit the galaxy in an exclusive interview with Mark Hamill

Virgin Recommends

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Cheers To 2016!

Entertainment Listings

An address to the nation

ARTS & CULTURE

Journey Into Arab Art

Arts & Culture Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Our top five must-see films of the month

All the parties, all the countdowns, all the music, all the merriment. Let us be your guide to the ultimate New Year's Eve Find out everything that’s going on this month

National Day events listings FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

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It's culture in Focus at Mathaf's latest exhibition of Middle Eastern perspectives in art

CHECK OUT www.qatarhappening.com for the latest information

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY 59

Top Picks

Arabic: Where Writing & Art Collide

We explore insights into the written script at VCUQatar's Sixth Biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art

Celebrating December

Treating Kids Sports Injuries

Doha College looks back at another year of learning and honours its young winners of the Qatar Happening 'My Qatar' essay and photography contest

How nine times out of ten prevention is better than cure!

pg 18

Community Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Celebrating Qatar National Day 2015 FOOD & DINING

SPORTS

QH SENSATIONS

Top Picks

111 Top Picks

Maritime Bounty

Doha Tees Off

112 No Worries, All Wellness

Edible Art

Waterside Elegance

Harry Ramsden's World Famous Fish & Chips has docked at The Pearl-Qatar and we're there to sample the catch!

We're back on the green for the upcoming 19th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

100 Extreme Horsepower

The philosophy of Japanese cuisine gains an innovative edge at Marsa Malaz Kempinski's Nozomi How Almaskar restaurant is quickly becoming the new jewel of the Sheraton Doha

Holiday Helpings

Turkey with all the trimmings and a side of Christmas pudding? We show you where to go this season for some choice festive feasting

Food & Dining Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

We take you behind the wheel of Ferarri's new 488 GTB luxury vehicle

104 Feel The Burn...

Beat the bulge this holiday season with Crunch Doha's dynamic range of personalized fitness programs

106 Muay Thai: The Science Of 8 Limbs EVOLVE – Mind/Body/Soul introduces us to the ancient art of Thai boxing

108 Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

We knock out some stress in the quaint quiet of the Grand Heritage Hotel & Spa's treatment facility

114 Pregnancy Strong

How pre-natal yoga can help your body put its best foot forward towards a healthier delivery

116 Oh Tulum, How Sweet Thou Art!

We leave our cares behind and strike out for the wellness capital of Mexico's Mayan Riviera

118 The Dish On Qatar

Put your knowledge of the nation to the test with some fun facts and trivia about Qatar's culture, geography, statistics, history and more!

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

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Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:

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

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

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From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief

On The Cover?

Dear friends, It feels like only a short time ago that I was bidding you farewell to 2014 and ushering in the 2015 New Year. It seems as though we’ve come full circle again as we prepare to usher in 2016. Though time passes more quickly with every year of age, some things remain the same. Foremost is our devotion to the country we are proud to call our home, as we look ahead in reverence and celebration towards Qatar National Day on December 18. We acknowledge with honour our beloved Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his auspicious work and dedication toward the cause of our National Vision 2030. His prowess as our leader continues to elevate Qatar’s presence on the world-stage as a peace-maker, key economic player and a nation that seeks to grow by investing in its infrastructure and its people. It is with our utmost respect that we offer our thanks and gratitude to His Highness. It is also with great pride that we bear witness to the growth and prosperity of our nation. Each year Qatar's population continues to rise as waves of new expats grace our shores, bringing with them their unique skill sets and contributions to our country's infrastructure, knowledge economy and community. This in itself may indeed be one of our most shining achievements – a sense of true community, as from so many different nationalities we become united under the flag of Qatar, the place we all call home, the place where we stake our livelihoods and the place where our dreams for the future take flight. From across all sectors Qatar shines in a way only it can. From our rich heritage of cultural tradition, to our love of sport and its development – which has earned us our spot on the global stage as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup – to our cultivation of education, our pursuit of scientific progress and endeavour, and- our national appreciation for arts and culture that draws world-class artists, musicians, authors and luminaries to our galleries, museums and lecture halls, Qatar deserves the best. This last year has also seen a shift in Qatar Happening as the January 2015 issue marked a new era for the publication with a change in paper, gloss, design and colour quality. Hot on the heels of this was the March 2015 edition which saw the magazine grow in size, becoming larger and more indepth in order to stand out and bring you the stories and events that matter to your community.

for We celebrate our shared vision Qatar National Day 2015! by Photo credit: Conceptualized Lindsey Steenkamp

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com. Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal 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 Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Administrative & Marketing Coordinator: Mirasol Vinculado Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Shahmim Akram, Emily Alp, Tasbih Amin,

This year QH is also proud to mark a new milestone in light of Qatar National Day, through an exclusive partnership with Doha College for the ‘My Qatar’ essay and photography competition. We asked the students of Doha College to describe ‘their’ Qatar, instructing them to express themselves through words and pictures. The submissions we received were overwhelming and I must extend my grateful appreciation to all who took the time to participate. And to the competition winners, Fathima Faaiza Feroz and Hanna Habib, whose essay and photography compositions are published in this issue, I offer you both my sincerest congratulations.

Jacqueline Bodnar, Raviv Cohen, Francesca Cruz, Rowad Ehlela, Fathima Faaiza Feroz, Fasttrack Middle East, Dawn Gibson, The Gulf Times, Hanna Habib, John Hunt, Jan Janssen – Viva Press, Samim Qazi, Lynsey Riach, Dr. Steffen Sommer

From festive round-ups, to the latest news in Arts and Community, and a very special review of AHB Group’s very own Harry Ramsden’s World Famous Fish & Chips, we hope you’ll stand by us throughout our pages, as we honour our nation this Qatar National Day and bid a fond farewell to 2015. Here’s to a New Year full of continued growth and blessings for you all.

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 12 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group.

Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

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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This month’s QH Grab-Bag is all about pampering as we give away a weekend stay for two with brunch and a spa treatment at the Millennium Hotel Doha. To participate, head over to the Qatar Happening Facebook page where the winner will be selected on December 12.

Images courtesy of the Millennium Hotel Doha Additional photography by Jessie Palanca

About The Millennium Hotel Doha

Located in the centre of Doha’s Al Sadd area, the Millennium Hotel is a second home for the city’s residents and international travelers. Offering up the famous warmth of its Arabian hospitality through an array of promotions like the popular Monday Seafood Night and the Friday Family brunch, there’s something for everyone. Live cooking stations and a barbecue on the hotel’s lush ‘café trottoire’-style terrace are also available.

Cosmo Restaurant

Make time to enjoy Cosmo’s exciting blend of international ‘A La Carte’, and a sumptuous variety of dazzling dishes offered at their all-day buffet. For a memorable experience in food, service and atmosphere it the family-friendly place to visit. One of the most welcoming hotel restaurants in Doha, Cosmo’s prompt, attentive service complements outstanding food, while offering a variety of different theme nights to enrich your dining enjoyment. Opening Hours: Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Lunch: 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. Dinner: 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

Check-in in style and get ready for a weekend retreat at the Millennium Hotel Doha

The pool area at Pure Spa

Pure Spa

Located on the hotel’s 7th floor, Pure Spa offers guests a range of services that contribute to a rejuvenating experience. Open seven days a week (with bookings in advance), exclusive services are available for both men and women. An indoor swimming pool and a state-of-the-art gymnasium, located on the rooftop, both offer panoramic city views and are ideally located for those who wish to relax under Doha’s warm sun. A certified personal trainer is also available to provide personalized individual training programs, along with a large selection of body-massage treatments and membership packages for both singles and couples.

Amenities

• Spa, sauna, steam-room and pool are open from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. • Gymnasium is opened 24/7 • Turkish bath (hammam) • Full-body massage • Body treatments • Indoor pool • Steam-room • Sauna • Jacuzzi For more information about the Millennium Hotel Doha call 4424-7777. n

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NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman of AHB Group

From The Desk Of The Chairman Dear friends, As we bid farewell to the end of another year, it’s with buoyant anticipation that we look ahead with clear eyes to the dawn of 2016. Yet, a moment of pause is in order; to take stock of the last 12 months and to determine if we are ending the last weeks of 2015 in a better place – as a people, as a community and as a nation. This last year has continued to see Qatar uphold itself on the world stage – from the exemplary diplomatic leadership of our beloved Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to Qatar’s tireless humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts, we have sustained our reputation as an advocate for peace and diplomacy within the region and on an international scale. It is with immense pride that I have had the opportunity to witness the birth and growth of our nation during my lifetime. From humble roots we have sprung, holding dear our traditions of culture, family and loyalty that have served us well as time changes and the fast-pace of the modern era propels us forward. It is our goal, through our National Vision 2030, to reach the pinnacle of success as a nation, as a people and as a society that values its development, while retaining a firm grip on its history and culture.

The driving force of Qatar is, indelibly, its people; those who flock to our borders in the pursuit of professional advancement, and who share a part of their knowledge and skill to help strengthen the bonds of development and community within a nation that welcomes them with open arms. For this we must express our collective gratitude once again to our beloved Emir for allowing us to shine in a way that benefits our society as a whole, while taking our nation forward as a global leader. At home, Qatar also furthers its reach once again into the realm of arts and education, as our national institutions continue to draw the best and brightest minds who come here to learn and to give back to our great country all that they have acquired. From the world's leading halls of education at Hamad bin Khalifa University, to Qatar Foundation's quest towards progress for all, to the renowned works of Qatar Museums, we are fortunate to call all of these our own. Equally, Doha is growing; always seeking to outpace itself in the race towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the realization of the Qatar National Vision 2030. This last year witnessed some incredible national milestones as Qatar played host for the first time to the 2015 World Men’s Handball Championship. We looked on as teams and fans

from all corners of the globe descended on Doha in anticipation of this world class event – which brought with it some of the most famous names in music to perform at the half-time shows. We’ve also observed unprecedented growth in the construction of the national Qatar Rail system over these last 12 months, as sites all over Doha move one step closer to completion. Revolutionizing the movement of people and traffic in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup, the new railway infrastructure will be a jewel in the city’s crown. So as we join in celebration this Qatar National Day, it is my hope that you will continue to remember with pride all we stand for as a nation. For all of us here at AHB Group, it is our privilege and our civic duty to uphold the course of progress that our beloved Qatar is on, while respecting the cultural traditions and family values we stand for as a people and as a community. It is my hope that this December 18 you’ll do your own part to honour our Qatar – today, tomorrow, and every day henceforth as we look ahead to a promising 2016. Ahmed Hassan Bilal Chairman, AHB Group

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National Day fireworks light up the night sky over West Bay

Every year on December 18, Qatar looks back on its history to celebrate National Day. The date marks the commemoration of the nation’s 1878 tribal unification and battle against the Turkish Empire. It was on this day, after victory, that tribal leaders pledged allegiance to the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. Now, 137 years later, Qatar still remains a united front, facilitating progress and growth for itself and the region. This and every National Day onwards we uphold the vision for our nation set forth by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. We offer him our utmost respect and commitment, for under his guidance and vision Qatar can only continue to prosper by leaps and bounds.

How To Spend Qatar National Day From stunning fireworks displays, crowds and cars decked out in Qatar’s national colours and insignia, to a glittering military parade along the Corniche, National Day is jam-packed from sunrise to sunset. t Corniche Events • Parade: 8:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Audiences must be present along the Corniche by 7:00 a.m • Laser Show: 6:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. • Fireworks: 10:00 p.m. till 10:10 p.m. Please look for updated information on the events of the day on: www.qatarhappening.com www.qatar.qa www.dohanews.com

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NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL

with Tailors and basket-weavers work designs fine precision to craft traditional

By Fathima Faaiza Feroz

This month, QH was proud to partner with Doha College to launch a special competition for Qatar National Day. We asked students to describe what ‘My Qatar’ means to them through words and photos. First-place essay winner Fathima Faaiza Feroz captures the growth, culture and beauty of the country she calls home, as she shows us what Qatar means to her.

orn and raised in Qatar, I have been enriched by a culture so intricate that it has helped shape the person I am today. I have witnessed every change – major and minor – that Qatar has gone through in almost two decades: every success; every setback; every drop of sweat and tears. Needless to say, Qatar continues to develop in extraordinary ways, making me proud to be a part of

such a spectacular and inspiring country. Although renowned for being the richest state in the world from an economic perspective, my perception is not an economic one. Instead, my Qatar is about its people, its culture and its hospitality. Yes, undeniably, from this perspective too it is richest state in the world. Living in the same country for 17 years, a country that is not your own, one would perhaps expect life to be somewhat mediocre and lacklustre; however, I have been extremely fortunate to walk on the front lines of innovation and growth in a country that is continuously making global headlines. People may also expect that, having lived here for 17 years, I would know Qatar like the back of my hand – but no. Unlike my palm, the country is constantly changing and developing, pushing boundaries and endeavouring to become the benchmark for global society. I feel exhilarated to be part of a nation that has undergone such rapid change from its humble origins. As a citizen of Qatar, I feel responsible to ensure that my own standards keep up with those of my Qatar. Being a student at an international school has enabled me to be at the forefront of cultural

diversity, helping me to expand my knowledge and be more considerate of other people’s values and cultures. Each day I have walked to school on the exact same path, but every day has been different from the previous one. Generally, I take a shortcut to school through a sandy wasteland, but over the last few years that same wasteland has transformed into a playground for innovation through the construction of state-of-the-art skyscrapers. As I have grown older, Qatar has developed and flourished all around me. Both my Qatar and I are in constant evolution, striving to become visionaries of society. When I was younger, I remember City Center being the hub of Qatar; every weekend friends and family flocked there to enjoy the shopping delights. Since then, numerous malls such as Royal Plaza, Landmark, Villaggio and The Mall have been brought to the attention of the people of Qatar, quickly becoming places of enjoyment and relaxation and, more importantly, places for people of my Qatar to meet and connect with each other. Qatar however is not only about connections and consumerism; the country is a prime example of one in which stereotypes of women are challenged.

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rn backdrop as dhow The past lives on against a mode off The Corniche fishing boats take to the waters

Women are treated equally to men and have the same, if not better, opportunities both in the educational and professional worlds. In the past, the women of Qatar were hidden behind fragile veils, not daring to voice their opinion or display their capabilities in a traditionally male-dominated society. Her Highness Sheika Moza bint Nasser, the wife of the Father Emire, broke down many of these fragile frontiers for women, revolutionizing their lives and proving that they are not just objects of beauty and domesticity. Her Highness’ ambition to develop education and open broader horizons for the youth of the nation – both male and female – has been one remarkable success that has put my Qatar, as a nation, on the world’s radar.

st 'My Qatar' first-place essay conte won winner Fathima Faaiza Feroz has a one-month internship with QH! Photo credit: Jessie Palanca

The colours of Souq Waqif draw to thousands of locals and tourists city the old bazaar in the heart of the

Qatar is a country that aspires to rapidly progress onwards, while preserving their rich cultural identity, rather than becoming just a face in the global crowd – a desire with which I can identify. Qatar has given me the inspiration and determination needed to forge my own path, to follow my own dreams, just like, as a country, it continues to do each day. This is my humble and most sincere tribute to my Qatar: the nation that bore me and has continued to nurture me. n Editor’s Note: Qatar Happening Magazine and Doha College would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to all finalists and runners-up for the ‘My Qatar’ essay competition: 2nd Place: Eshar Bola 3rd Place: Craig Lough Honourable Mentions: Emily White and Ben Palfreeman-Watt

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NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL

West Bay sparkles at night

The sentinel spire of the Fanar Islamic Cultural Center

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Photography by Hanna Habib

We received dozens of photography submissions as part of QH’s ‘My Qatar’ competition in partnership with Doha College. Each student used his or her unique eye to create thought-provoking original compositions that capture the essence of the country we call home. Hanna Habib’s winning photographs speak to our nation’s history and natural landscape, while zooming in for a close-up on its promising future that’s emerging into frame.

A porter rests on his wheelbarrow in Souq Waqif

'My Qatar' first-place photography winner Hanna Habib who has won a onemonth internship with QH! Photo credit: Jessie Palanca

Editor’s Note: Qatar Happening Magazine and Doha College would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to all finalists and runners-up for the ‘My Qatar’ photography competition: 2nd Place: Yi Ian Lim 3rd Place: Adrianna Alam Honourable Mentions: Sara Tomerak and Holly Whelan

Contrails of light mark the flow of traffic along Doha's highways

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NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL

We Love

Qatar! Photography by Jessie Palanca

We love it so much in fact, that we’ve put together some very special offerings to help you and your family honour Qatar National Day this December 18. So come celebrate and show off your patriotic pride! ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Traditional Cuisine

Dec 18: Sukar Pasha. Enjoy their well-marinated baby lamb liver skewer, grilled and served on thin bread with rocket salad, grilled vegetables, and sautéed potatoes. For dessert, indulge with a pasha katmer served with traditional curd ice cream. Each item is individually priced. For more information call 4408-2000.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Celebrate National Day

Dec 18: Lobby & Coral Restaurant. Treat yourself this Qatar National Day with a special cake and Arabic coffee offerings in the lobby followed by a special Qatari traditional buffet at Coral Restaurant, priced at QR 175. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Arabic Indulgence

Dec 18: Sawa. Marsa Malaz Kempinski celebrates Qatar National Day with a great selection of Qatari dishes along the renowned Sawa brunch buffet, plus cheerful activities for the younger guests. QR 330 per person, including soft beverages and QR 425 per person including special refreshments. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011.

THE FOUR SEASONS National Day Treats

Dec 12-19: Seasons Tea Lounge. Celebrate Qatar National Day with a special arrangement of the hotel’s delicious afternoon tea, inspired by Arabic ingredients at Seasons Tea Lounge, all for QR 195. From 3:00 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8600.

THE GRAND HYATT National Day Promotion

Dec 18: Majlis. Celebrate Qatar National Day with a bit of indulgence and join in on this special occasion to enjoy a variety of local and Arabic cuisine from Majlis’ tailor-made à la carte menu. Starts at 3:00 p.m. Throughout this commemorative day, Qatari guests can benefit from a 25% discount at all outlets. For more information call 4448-1282 or 3039-5396. n

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ENTERTAINMENT

Top Picks

DOHA MARRIOTT Christmas Carols

Dec 20-24: Lobby. Enjoy special daily performances by the Marriott Choir and bring the whole family along this Christmas and enjoy a warm, festive spirit. Don’t forget to check out their unique gingerbread house! From 7:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

NOIR LOUNGE & CLUB Now Open!

Mon-Sat: Meliá Doha. Chill early and party later in opulent surroundings, combining elements of bothlounge and deep-house club. No entry charge. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5596-1414.

THE FOUR SEASONS Sip & Bites At Sunset

Daily: Arabica Terrace. Enjoy Happy Hour offerings at Arabica Terrace with a selection of your favourite finger-food plus one complimentary refreshment, or, sip on an array of refreshments at special prices. The ambiance at their terrace is second-to-none and the Arabian Gulf sunset will refresh you after a long day at work. QR 120 including finger-food and one refreshment. For more information call 4494-8888.

ANTICA PESA LOUNGE Sundowners HILTON DOHA Society Lounge

Daily: Don’t miss the beats of their resident DJ Laura Love, along with other outstanding international DJs every weekend. Ladies night is every Monday with open refreshments from 9:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. and guest DJ Mayounah on the decks. For more information call 5539-0937, or 6644-6125.

Saturdays: Relax with your favourite refreshment and catch the stunning views as the sun sets over The Pearl’s Qanat Quartier. Prices are a la carte. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

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ENTERTAINMENT y and Cast members of Disney's Beaut Premium The Beast with organizers from held Events at a recent press conference at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel.

A TALE AS OLD AS TIME As told to Jorge Granda Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Triple Two

That one-and-only Disney magic is returning to Doha with the 20th anniversary celebration of the Beauty and The Beast Broadway stage production hitting the stage at QNCC from December 10-19.

isney’s Beauty and The Beast is one of the most successful musical productions of all times. Since its premiere on Broadway in 1994, the show has played to more than 30 million people in nearly 120 cities worldwide. Its international tour sees the show’s original Broadway creative team reuniting to bring the beloved Disney classic to life. The musical is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Tony Award®-winning Ann Hould-Ward. The show will make its Doha début thanks to Premium Events.

Based on the 1991 Academy-Award winning animated feature film, Disney’s Beauty and The Beast premiered on Broadway in 1994, where it was nominated for nine prestigious Tony Awards® and ran for 13 years. It still ranks as one of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time. Since its début, the show’s visibility and success have expanded globally, with stage productions hosted in 22 countries around the world, seen by more than 35 million people, and translated into eight different languages with over 28,000 performances.

“We’re very happy that the first ever original Broadway musical coming to Doha is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” says Premium Events Christoph Helbig. “Qatar has been waiting for this beautiful show for so long and we’re proud to make that happen.” The show tells the touching story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as a punishment for his cruel and selfish behaviour, and an adventurous young woman named Belle whom

he imprisons in his bewitched castle. In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle's love before it's finally too late. With her good heart and her natural grace she wins the hearts of the Beast’s servants before the beast himself falls for her. Set in a provincial French town, the Beast has spent his years trapped in a spell placed over him by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self – but time is running out. If the Beast doesn’t learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. The musical boasts music by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Tangled) and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), with additional songs with music by Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice (The Lion King). The story of Beauty and The Beast has also been adapted into a book by Linda Woolverton (screenwriter of The Lion King, Alice In Wonderland and Maleficent).

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Briana Rapa will play leading heroine Belle

Be our guest, be our guest!

Actor Mark Beyer who plays the role of The Beast

Performance Schedule • Thursday, Dec 10: 8.30 p.m., Premiere • Friday, Dec 11: 3:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. • Saturday, Dec 12: 11:00 a.m., Family Show 3:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. • Tuesday, Dec 15: 8:30 p.m. • Wednesday, Dec 16: 3:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. • Thursday, Dec 17: 3:00 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. • Saturday, Dec 19: 11:00 a.m., Family Show 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Ticket Info

Iconic bully Gaston, as portrayed by Brian Crawford Scott

Tickets are available in the following categories: • PLATINUM: QR 1,499 • GOLD: QR 1,199 • SILVER: QR 899 • CAT 1: QR 499 • CAT 2: QR 349 • CAT 3: QR 199 Families can enjoy a discount of 15% off the original ticket price for the Family Show appearances (Saturdays, 11:00 am). Tickets are on-sale at Virgin Megastores in Villaggio and Landmark Malls and at Spinney’s on The Pearl-Qatar. Or, tickets can also be bought online at ticktes.virginmegastore.me. n For more information visit www.beautyandthebeastdoha.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Cinema Overkill? By John Hunt

How much is too much of a good thing? We all know Hollywood is a sucker for the sequel – but since when has a remake ever trumped the original? QH heads to the theatre in search of some quality programming.

And it is just three, separate, little words which tell us where Hollywood is, words that strike fear into the heart of any person who takes film remotely seriously. These words are: ‘sequel’, ‘remake’ and, perhaps the most insidious of the trio – ‘reboot’. Before my time, Hollywood studios, in the main, would slate a film, make it, release it, and hopefully garner box office returns (and awards) if it was any good. Then move on to the next project.

et’s not be naïve and pretend that for more than a century, the studios (now mostly global entertainment corporations) which produce what are generally known as ‘Hollywood’ films have ever been anything other than a business.

A subtle shift occurred in the 1980’s when we began to see the emergence of the sequel. An original film made money? There’s zero artistic integrity in so doing, but if there’s money to be made from the name, let’s get a sequel out pronto!

However, there is a difference between businesses which are run on even the loosest of altruistic grounds, and money-making machines which care only for turning a profit. This latter definition is where Hollywood’s been heading for some time now, and significant evidence suggests that the destination has actually been reached.

In the main, audiences were disappointed. A superb film like Airplane! was followed by its execrable sequel, etc., and though both Alien and The Terminator were followed (seven years apiece later) by Aliens and Terminator 2: Judgement Day (both arguably better films than their precedents), they seemed to be the exception that proved the

rule (and notable for handing leading roles to powerful, nay, utterly lethal, leading roles to female actors). We’re still in the early 1990’s here – a generation ago – but it wasn’t really until the turn of the century that the rot set in. Comic-book hero Spiderman had had a vaguely amusing TV outing in the late 70’s but hadn’t been seen on the big-screen before Tobey Maguire donned the ‘Spidey-suit’ in a trio of Spider-Man films released in 2002, 2004, and 2007. These films were received with favour by audiences and critics alike, and massive commercial success followed as a result. Good work. So on we move to something else. Or not. As in 2012, a massive five years later, characterowners Sony decided to ‘reboot’ the ‘franchise’ with a new Amazing Spider-Man (Maguire presumably having failed to be amazing enough) and a new man in the suit, Andrew Garfield, who took to the set having successfully completed the world’s first charisma bypass.

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Garfield’s painful lack of chemistry with his ‘love interest’ – the hugely-talented Emma Stone – led to two further Spider-Man films (four, five, whatever,) where the lack of chemistry between the two leads was most conspicuous. The poor financial (and critical) response to both films put the further four (yes, four) films that were slated into hiatus. Shame. Later this year, The Hunger Games reaches its conclusion with Mockingjay – Part 2, the fourth film in the franchise. Now, I’ve not read the books, they’re not really aimed at the likes of me, but I did enjoy the films, well, the first two at least. The decision to split the final chapter into two films displayed – and not just to this writer – a real disdain for the cinema-going public.

Jamie Foxx stars as Max Dillon aka the evil Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Could RoboCop live up to its remake?

Mockingjay – Part 1, set the scene for the final installment, and at QR 50 for something that didn’t

Elizabeth Banks (left) and Jennifer Lawrence in the penultimate installment of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay − Part 2

offer any new insight as to where we were going with the story as a whole, probably became the most expensive and wallet-insulting trailer of all time. I will of course watch the final episode later this month, but in retrospect, I should have just downloaded Mockingjay I from a file-sharing site. I’m a firm believer that the only place to watch a film on first release is on the big-screen but – note to Hollywood – you can’t moan about illegal downloads when you steal from the customer like this. Sadly, this modus operandi seems to be becoming the norm now. One wonders where it will end. Oh, and on a side note, while musical covers are, of occasion, superior to the original (Roxy Music’s cover of ‘Jealous Guy’ springs to mind), please don’t ever remake another classic film like 1987’s RoboCop into the meaningless goo you re-heated and served up last year. I won’t buy that for a dollar.

g Terminator 2: Judgement Day, starrin rd Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Edwa better Furlong, is a rare sequel that did al at the box-office than the origin

Let's hope that when The Force Awakens for what will be the seventh episode in the Star Wars saga, the concept of the 'reboot' will get a much-needed shot in the arm in terms of quality and originality... n

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ENTERTAINMENT

ark Hamill is alive and well and enjoying his return to the spotlight. Attending the recent ‘Star Wars Celebration’ promotional gathering in anticipation of the December release of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Mark Hamill was happy to talk about re-visiting his iconic role as Luke Skywalker, explaining that never in his wildest imagination did he ever expect to rejoin the beloved film franchise.

Mark Hamill made his début as Luke de I − Skywalker in 1977's Star Wars: Episo to A New Hope, which would go on film g become one of the top-grossin franchises in sci-fi history

"I never thought [it] would happen, never in a million years," Hamill says. "George Lucas had told me that he wanted to do some more Star Wars films even though he wasn't going to be doing them himself, and I assumed that I wasn't going to be coming back because our story had a beginning, middle, and an end. My story was finished. But then George told me that I could return to the role if I wanted to and if I didn't they would write me out of it. [Laughs] Of course, there was no way I was going to turn that chance down. It wasn't like I had a choice. Can you imagine all those fans forming a mob around my house protesting that I had turned down the chance to do another Star Wars? I decided I didn't want to go from beloved icon to most hated man in fandom!" In the first installment of the new sequel trilogy, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, J.J. Abrams takes over from George Lucas and introduces audiences to a new, younger set of heroes and villains while also bringing back Luke Skywalker, Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) into the mix. The Force Awakens is set roughly 30 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, and the new CGI work will represent an extraordinary upgrade on the original and then path-breaking, special effects work that George Lucas and his original team created for the previous Star Wars films.

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At the conclusion of the Anaheim convention, a second teaser trailer featured some old favourites such as Han Solo (Harrison Ford), a voice-over from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and a burned and scarred mask of the fallen Darth Vader. Audiences went wild, however, when the clip showed Han Solo turning to his faithful, furry friend Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and said, "Chewie, we're home." The seven Star Wars movies, including 2008's animated The Clone Wars, have raked in $4.4 billion worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing franchise in box-office history, second only to Harry Potter and James Bond.

By Jan Janssen Interview and selected images courtesy of Viva Press

Mark Hamill at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con

Even though he admits that it was impossible for him to overcome his iconic stature as Luke Skywalker in George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy, Hamill likes reminding fans that he never left showbiz and has carved out a successful career as a voice actor in numerous animated series including his work as The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, Ultimate Spider-Man, and this past December's NBC animated musical adaptation of the 2003 Will Ferrell film and subsequent Broadway show. He's also been seen in human form as The Trickster in The Flash TV series as well as in Kingsman: The Secret Service. The 63-year-old Hamill lives with his wife Mary Lou in Los Angeles. They have been happily married for 36 years and have three adult children, Nathan, Griffin, and Chelsea.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Mayhew will reprise their Actors Harrison Ford and Peter in The Force Awakens roles as Han Solo and Chewbacca

QH: What did you think of the first trailer that was released? Were you surprised you weren't in it? MH: No, because the new film is meant to develop and introduce a new generation of characters. I'm in the movie along with the other original cast members as a way of supporting the new characters just as Peter Cushing and Alec Guinness were established as iconic figures who were there to lend their gravitas in support of us. This is a new chapter and a new approach to Star Wars and people have a lot to look forward to. QH: How did you feel about meeting the new cast members? MH: They're all wonderful actors. I think they've done such a great job of not only the characters themselves, but the people they've picked to play them. John Boyega is just wonderful and I just think the world of [him] and Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac and Andy Serkis.

QH: Mark, it must be incredible to think that you're returning to the role of a lifetime? MH: It's still a strange thing for me to be able to talk about being in another Star Wars movie. But I'm proud of the legacy we left and I'm happy that new generations of fans will get to see me and Harrison and Carrie back in the roles that people loved so much. It's also interesting to see how a new generation of fans will get to enjoy the new generation of characters that we're helping to introduce. QH: Is it a strange situation to be in, where there's so much speculation and anticipation about the return of Star Wars and particularly your return to the franchise along with Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and others?

MH: The hardest part is not being able to talk about it because everyone is dying to know plot details and how we figure into the mix. It's exciting, though, and I can tell you that it was very moving for me to see how people reacted to the first trailer [released in December].. My daughter played me a video of fans watching the trailer and it was incredible to see the reactions on their faces. That showed me that people are still very emotionally invested in Star Wars and it's marked their lives the same way it's marked my life. I had forgotten the kind of impact and meaning that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had on people who first came out to see it and then on so many young people who've also grown up with Star Wars. It's a beautiful thing.

This [film] is in very, very good hands. I'm vicariously very proud of them even though I have no justification for being able to be proud! QH: What kind of vibe does J.J. Abrams bring to his way of directing the new Star Wars film as compared to the way George Lucas directed you? MH: J.J. is much more upbeat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he loves the process...George was always pretty calm and thoughtful. He had the whole story in his head and he cast the actors whom he knew would be right for each part. He wouldn't say a lot to you except to let you know when he wasn't happy. [Laughs] He was very professional and created an atmosphere where we could bring to life his vision.

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QH: What were your expectations or concerns going into the process of returning to your old role as Luke Skywalker? MH: When I thought about it, my first thought [was]: ‘Don't try and toy with this’. I wouldn't go back if it wasn't right. Perspective gives you scope. But George always envisioned this going on a long time and the characters aging. I wouldn't have done this though unless Harrison and Carrie were involved. QH: Was there any sense of strange nostalgia or eeriness to returning to a character that had been such a big part of your life? MH: No. It's a thrill to be back. Once I had got my head around to the idea that I was [returning to the role], which was a shock in itself, it didn't seem strange to me at all. A lot of time has passed. I had spent a large part of my life putting Star Wars behind me so I could move on and do other things with my life, enjoy my family, do voice- work, and step away from everything that came with being part of a very famous film franchise. QH: A lot of people might not know it, but you've had an incredible parallel career and success as a voice actor over the years. Why did you choose to go in that direction? MH: It's just fun. I feel so lucky to be involved in projects that are things that I loved when I was a kid. I remember watching Walt Disney, where they would show you how cartoons were made, with Clarence Nash doing Donald Duck. So at seven or eight years old, I thought, ‘Wow.’ It made me watch cartoons in a completely different way. Or like, that guy on Jack Benny! That's Bugs Bunny! I recognized Mel Blanc, I bought comedy records, I learned the names of June Foray and Daws Butler and people that I really loved. I aspired to do cartoons. I got to it fairly late in my career. I did one when I was a teenager but then I didn't work in animation for twenty years and then I did Joker. But boy, is it a great job! It's the ultimate lazy actor's job: You don't have to memorize your lines, you can come in looking like [heck]. They don't care how you look; they care about how you sound. And the people involved are just so grounded. They're just so talented. It's cutthroat like any part of show business but I think proportionately, there's a lot of really nice people in voice-over and I love it.

antagonist Adam Driver stars as Dark Side Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens

Abrams (holding microphone) The Force Awakens director J.J. at Comic Con's panel Wars Star of s droid the by is joined

QH: When you look back on your experience with Star Wars and becoming this iconic character of Luke Skywalker, does it feel unreal? MH: It's kind of like Scrooge on Christmas morning. 'Oh my God, this time I'm going to appreciate it in a way I wasn't able to as a young man. The fact that it is so special to so many people. It's hard to believe you could take something for granted like that. We knew it was special, but returning for the new trilogy reminded me of taking out a pair of trousers from the back of the closet and discovering a $20 bill in the pocket. [Laughs] n

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ENTERTAINMENT

Good food and great vibes make for a Friday night like no other at the Late Brunch

DJ Laura O'Shea lets the music flow well into the night

Party Happenings By Jorge Granda

Photography by Jessie Palanca

Whoever said you shouldn’t eat after 8:00 p.m. clearly hasn’t experienced the foodie fiesta that is the Doha Marriott’s Late Brunch. Part culinary journey, part laid-back lounge, it’s a flavourful way to spend a Friday evening. QH hit the buffet line (and the dance-floor!) for a dose of great music and mouthwatering food.

he cool winter weather is here and, with it, Doha’s desire to celebrate the outdoors in as many ways as possible. One of our favourite standbys is a visit to the Doha Marriott’s original Late Brunch, hosted every Friday from 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. at their newly-renovated View Poolside Restaurant. Arrive early, catch the sunset by the water and drink in the atmosphere as the sparkling towers of West Bay light up the night’s embrace.

The vibe and scenery of the Late Brunch is laid-back chic; the music sets the mood and, apart from the allure of its food offerings, this particular brunch crowd goes there to start the party (after a few platefuls) and dance the night away. The fare at the Late Brunch isn’t as varied as you’ll find at their Restaurant Gallery’s day-time Weekend Brunch, but that doesn’t mean what’s on offer isn’t fresh, filling and delicious. There’s a buffet with salads and cold seafood selection, while the BBQ grill station fires up the finest Angus beef New York striploin, tender barbecued chicken and grilled prawns. I like that the food isn’t the overwhelming focus of the Late Brunch, but rather a sumptuous accent to what’s essentially a lounge-like party. The point is not only to go and indulge in a culinary feast – but equally to revel in the party atmosphere. Local DJ Laura O’Shea (one of the hottest up-andcomers on the Doha scene) keeps the tunes fresh and the vibe funky to the delight of party-goers. After a few sets of spins from Laura, the ambiance heats up a notch and soon you’ll notice people trickling out onto the dance-floor where, before long, you’ve got yourself a crowd.

If you’re still digesting and aren’t quite ready to bust a move, lest you bust a seam, the newlyexpanded View terrace is roomy, with plenty of soft sofas to lounge upon and tables to prop yourself up at. If you’re keen to come out and see what the Late Brunch fuss is all about, but are worried about your wallet, we’re here to tell you the price-point is more than reasonable – clocking in at a cool QR 380 including full buffet and house refreshments. The Doha Marriott is also offering a special promotion to stay overnight and enjoy a luxurious room with complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast and access to the hotel beach and pool. Room packages start at QR 1,200 per room and include two Late Brunch tickets. Hey, why not make it a weekend we say? n THE LATE BRUNCH Location: The View Poolside Restaurant, Doha Marriott Timings: Fridays from 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Price: QR 380 per person including buffet and house beverages Contact Info: Call 4429-8499

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

QH BRINGS YOU THE TOP STAFF PICKS FROM THE MEGASTORE

NAME: MARWA BUNRHOUNA STORE SECTION: RED BOX DEPARTMENT TIME AT VIRGIN: 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS

Best Part of My Job:“I’m happy here! Before starting in Red Box I was on the cash counter for a year, so I’m still new to this section. But every day is a new experience and I love it!”

STARTER BLACK LABEL HATS ‘Cause nothing says ‘cool’ like a low-rider brim. Long a staple on the urban apparel market since the 1980’s, Starter’s Black Label range of caps still sell like hotcakes. So, exactly which famous heads have worn them? How about Chris Brown, Run-DMC, Sean ‘Puffy Daddy’ Combs, and Lil’ Wayne for starters? (No pun intended!) Retail price: QR 249.

SPITFIRE SUNGLASSES These optical grade frames will have you channeling your inner Top Gun Tom Cruise – for a fraction of the price those pair of Ray-Bans would cost! Iridescent, sleek and dare we say…hipster…choose from an eye-catching array of styles to match your mood and your outfit. Retail price: QR 149-QR 159.

SAZAC KIGURUMI APPAREL This brand from Japan is all about creature cosplay! Equal parts costume and comfy pajamas, their line of whimsical onesies comes in every character imaginable. We love the ‘fierce’ dinosaur and cuddly Japanese monkey versions – and yes, they’re for grown-ups! Hey, Miley Cyrus has sported them and her trend game is always on-point. Retail price: QR 229.

ONEPIECE APPAREL This Norwegian brand has cornered the market when it comes to alpine chic. We love their line of colourful woolly jumpsuits, hoodies, sweaters and pants. Okay, so winter in Qatar isn’t quite the same Nordic deep-freeze, but we’re willing to overlook that for the sake of fashion. Retail price: QR 600.

XD DESIGN SPIRE KITCHEN TOOLS Ergonomic, sleek and modern. We don’t know about you, but that’s exactly how we’ve always envisioned our cheese graters! XD Design has a whole range of kitchen implements that blend form with functionality in the best way possible. From their Spire cheese graters to their Pesta mortar and pestles, it’s dinner prep revolutionized with these handy gadgets. Retail price: QR 129.

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Spotlight On Movies Get your festive follies with QH’s top-five flicks for the merry month of December.

MACBETH

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS

Drama, War Shakespeare lives on in this gritty re-telling as Macbeth, a Thane of Scotland, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.

Action, Adventure, Fantasy Set thirty years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi, The Force Awakens, directed by J. J. Abrams, follows the continued escapades of our favourite defenders of the galaxy. Until the film’s release this month there’s been virtually zero plot spoilers!

Stars: Michael Fassbender, Elizabeth Debicki, Marion Cotillard

Stars: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher

QH Fun Fact: Leading man Michael Fassbender is the fourth actor from the X-Men series to play the doomed Macbeth – James McAvoy, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen have all portrayed the role on-stage.

QH Fun Fact: Forget about any CGI Jar Jar Binks reoccurrences; J.J. Abrams stayed as true as possible to the original Star Wars ethos of using real locations and miniature models throughout the film’s production.

LEGEND

DADDY’S HOME Comedy A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepdad to his wife's two children, but complications ensue when their free-wheeling and free-loading biological father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids. Stars: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini QH Fun Fact: Boarding legends Tony Hawk and Mike McGill stood in as stunt doubles for the movie’s skateboarding scene. Gnarly bro…

Biography, Crime, Drama This film tells the story of identical twin gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray, two of the most notorious criminals in British history, and their organized crime empire in the East End of London during the 1960’s.

Western Quentin Tarantino’s on a roll with his string of spaghetti Westerns! In The Hateful Eight, set in post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Will they survive?

Stars: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Taron Egerton

Stars: Channing Tatum, Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson

QH Fun Fact: Ever the family man, Tom Hardy not only brought his wife to the film’s red carpet premiere – but also his dog too. No barking in the theatre!

QH Fun Fact: To emulate blizzard conditions while filming, the cast and crew worked in a -1 degree Celsius refrigerated set. That’s a cold call Quentin!

THE HATEFUL EIGHT

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ENTERTAINMENT

Cheers To 2016! As Doha gets ready to countdown the New Year, we’ve kicked into gear to bring you our top round-up of events that will give you extra reason to celebrate. From lush five-star dinners, to parties that will have you swinging from the chandelier as the bell tolls midnight, there’s no shortage of ways to give 2015 a proper send-off! ANTICA PESA DOHA Capodanno All’Italiana

Dec 31: Celebrate the year ending and welcome the new one in style with an exquisite five-course dinner to be enjoyed with friends and family. The lounge will open from 9:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of QR 100 inclusive of one welcome refreshment. For lounge bookings, please provide copies of valid Qatar ID over email when booking is made. QR 450 per person, including soft drinks and QR 550 per person including house beverages. For more information call 4035-5011.

DOHA MARRIOTT Restaurant Gallery

Dec 31: Start the New Year off with a bang! Join in for an extraordinary line-up of your favourite dishes and live cooking stations, party until the early hours and enjoy the moment. For more information call 4429-8499.

HILTON DOHA New Year’s Menu

Dec 31: Trader Vic’s. A special menu will be served during the evening and you can dance to the sounds of live band and DJ performances. QR 250 entry fee, without dinner. Price starts at QR 550 including dinner. For more information email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA New Year’s Eve

Dec 31: Lava. Party the night away with their special guest DJ; QR 150 entry fee includes one refreshment from 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. After 11:30 p.m. there will be a QR 200 fee for entrance only. Doors will be open between Lava and Paloma so guests can move freely between the two dance-floors. For more information call 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Ring In The New Year

Dec 31: Strata. Put on your best party dress and join the chic crowd to ring in the New Year, cabaret-style at Strata, featuring live DJ performances. Strata welcomes you with two refreshments to choose from while their chefs prepare a tasting menu for two of typical isakaya dishes. All guests receive a complimentary entry ticket to The Bridge After Party, plus one welcome refreshment. QR 450 per person inclusive of two refreshments. QR 150 per person entry fee applicable if no isakaya menu was purchased. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Countdown Party

Dec 31: The Lounge. Celebrate the New Year with a Gatsby-themed countdown party! Skip the crowds and step into a real Gatsby-style atmosphere and shift to the New Year in elegance, while dancing the night away like a celebrity to the hot beats of their live entertainment. From 8:30 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Dress code is stylishly formal. QR 950 per person, QR 1,800 per couple, or QR 3,500 for a group of four people, inclusive of welcome canapés, open beverage consumption from their special NYE menu, midnight snacks and premium refreshments at the countdown. For more information call 4405-3325.

LA CIGALE Ring In 2016

Dec 31: Sky View. Enjoy a breathtaking view at their revolving rooftop, while grooving to the latest partymix by renowned DJ Said Mrad and percussionist Raymond Hajj. For more information call 4428-8204 or 4428-8550.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Neon New Year’s

Dec 31: Glo. Prepare to glow on in 2016 at the city’s special neon-themed party featuring an international resident DJ on the decks! Shine bright with glowsticks, UV paint and much more; dress code is neon colours. Entry fee is QR 50 for ladies and QR 100 for gents, inclusive of one refreshment. For more information call 4419-5000.

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MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Toast To The New Year!

Dec 31: Bohemia. Let's sparkle this New Year! Share a sparkling toast and step into 2016 in the sheer, sophisticated ambiance of Bohemia. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the smooth vibes of DJ Longplayer. Entrance is QR 120 per person, including refreshments at the countdown. Dress code is stylishly formal. For more information call 4035-5011.

NOIR LOUNGE & CLUB New Year’s At Noir

Dec 31: Meliá Doha. This New Year’s at Noir will be an homage to the underrated fashion accessory – the bow-tie. Encapsulating both formality and fun, there will be priority entrance for those donning a bow-tie, plus competitions, inspired giveaways, themed beverages, nibbles, and a special one-night-only guest DJ. QR 150 per person inclusive of two complimentary glasses of refreshments. Table prices on application. For more information call 5596-1414.

ORYX ROTANA A Jazzy New Year

Dec 31: The Jazz Club. Have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve at The Jazz Club and ring in 2016 in style with an exclusive dinner. This VIP experience on includes a delectable three-course plated dinner, featuring some contemporary steak favourites, served from a set menu for QR 450 with a welcome refreshment. Countdown to 2016 in an intimate, stylish setting and shake the night away to live jazz performances. QR 250 for entrance only, including one welcome refreshment. Receive a complimentary pass for their ‘In The Midnight Hour’ New Year’s Eve party at the Oryx Rotana ballroom when booking a New Year’s Eve package in any outlet. For more information call 4402-3333.

RADISSON BLU Rockin’ 2016

Dec 31: Qube. Get ready to party with DJ Melody from the U.K., and don’t miss the Qube’s New Year’s bash guaranteed to make it a night you’ll never forget. There’s midnight merriment and all the fun of bringing in the New Year with live entertainment and DJ’s spinning the decks into the early hours of 2016.Ladies, arrive early to enjoy your complimentary entry. VIP entry fee is QR 160, gents entry fee is QR 130 and ladies entry fee is QR 50 after 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

THE FOUR SEASONS Kampai To 2016!

Dec 31: Nobu Doha. Celebrate the New Year with style and enjoy the last few hours of 2015 at the world’s most recognized Japanese fusion restaurant, Nobu. Experience New Year’s Eve dinner with their omakase-style menu which includes slow-cooked sea bass with red jalapeño dressing and caviar, lobster spinach salad with shaved Alba truffle, as well as the umamimarinated Chilean sea bass and Wagyu beef and foie gras with karashisu miso. Seven-course menu is QR 700 per person, or QR 750 per person including one special refreshment. For more information call 4494-8888.

THE GRAND HYATT Party Like It’s 2016!

Dec 31: Al Silia Ballroom. On the last night of the year, join in a celebration unlike any other, toasting the stroke of midnight and welcoming the New Year. Get ready for Grand Hyatt Doha’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza, featuring live performances and a luxurious buffet — the perfect end to 2015! Priced at QR 895, or QR 995 for VIP access. For more information call 4448-1123.

THE RITZ-CARLTON New Year’s Eve

Dec 31: La Mer Restaurant. Indulge in a fivecourse dinner menu for QR 600, inclusive of one welcome refreshment and another at the countdown. From 7:30 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-8000.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA A New Year’s Touch Of Class

Dec 31: JALC Doha. The Dinner Show at JALC Doha is a two-hour performance of world-class jazz musicians from 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Special offer for couples priced at QR 695, includes a special three-course menu and a bottle of house refreshment, or for QR 290, includes a special three-course set menu for food only. For more information call 4446-0105, or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE TORCH DOHA New Year’s Eve Dinner

Dec 31: Panorama. Located on the 50th floor overlooking the Doha skyline, Panorama’s specialty chefs will present an exclusive buffet of salads, appetizers, a sushi corner, cold seafood corner and carving stations. Choose a main course from the a la carte menu in addition to a dessert and selection from the carving station. QR 260 per person including cold beverages. Open from 7:30 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Spice Up Your New Year

Dec 31: Spice Market. Spice up and slip into 2016 with a sumptuous feast from Chef Lui and entertainment by Lexter Smart. QR 750 per person including selected refreshments. For more information call 4453-5135. n

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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

REGULAR PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT Never Miss A Game!

Daily: Pearl Lounge. Calling all sports fans! Catch your favourite sporting events including football, rugby, cricket and more! Join in at the Pearl Lounge from 5:00 p.m. till late! Enjoy delicious light bites and select beverages while cheering on your favourite teams. Happy Hour is from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8444.

Happy Hour Musician Nemanja Stevanivic

THE GRAND HYATT Yu Nights

Dec 13: Dunes. Mark December 13 on your calendars and enjoy a true Balkan night at Dunes with a special performance by Nemanja Stevanivic. For more information call 4448-1280 or 7021-8094.

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 ANTICA PESA DOHA Happy Hour

Mon, Tues & Wed: Enjoy your favourite beverages with a 50% reduced menu price. Prices start from QR 40. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

LA CIGALE Brand-New Sky View

Daily: Sky View. Aren’t you excited to catch a glimpse of the striking, newlyrenovated Sky View? Guess what? La Cigale has introduced a new double-floor indoor section, where you can cherish the nights all year-round. 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.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Ladies Night

Sundays: Ladies can enjoy welcome beverages, along with the sounds of a DJ, at the stylish first-floor lounge in Antica Pesa Doha. Prices are a la carte. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Tuesdays: Jazz Up. It’s mid-week and the weekend seems just too far away. Grab your girls, ditch the heels and hit ‘play’ on blowing off some Tuesday steam. With one free beverage on arrival and 25% off the tempting refreshments menu, Jazz Up is undoubtedly the perfect, cozy setting for a chat with your crew. From 5:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4429-1138.

DOHA MARRIOTT New Pearl Lounge!

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Oyster Bay Live

Ladies Night

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 taken on a new look, so join them in-style for the nightclub’s re-opening and unwind in chic and elegant surroundings. For more information call 4429-8444.

Thurs & Fri: Oyster Bay beach. Every weekend, the resident reggae band gets the crowd grooving to their foot-tapping beats on the beach. Minimum spend QR 2,000 for VIP tables only. For more information call 4446-0105, or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com.

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 City Skyline. 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 enjoy the fantastic atmosphere that The View has to offer! For more information call 4429-8499.

HILTON DOHA Ladies Night

Tuesdays: High Heels. Don’t miss ladies night with open consumption from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. every Tuesday. Listen to the best Arabic beats with DJ Imran and DJ Karim and don’t miss the Moroccan and Khaliji nights with Arabic singers. For more information call 5536-0347, 4423-3413, or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.

Happy Hour Combo

Daily: Zawaya. Can you be tempted by a burger and happy hour selected beverage for QR 85? If so, then Zawaya’s got many options for you, with a happy hour on selected refreshments for QR 25. For more information call 5536-0347, 4423-3413, or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Paloma Bandoke Night

Mondays: Paloma. If you think you’ve got the talent to sing, this is your night to shine! Calling all talent-‘less’ voices of Doha – if courage is what you’re missing, Paloma gives you a ‘flaming’ special refreshment for all singers before or after your performance! Also, enjoy a selection of nachos with a pitcher of frozen beverages starting at QR 128. For more information call 4484-4444.

Taco Tuesday

Tuesdays: Paloma. Tuesday night is Taco Night! Chef Salvador brings you the authentic flavours of real 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.

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ENTERTAINMENT Girls Night Out

Wednesdays: Paloma. Girls Night Out is back! Every Wednesday, 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 the girls are welcome to stand a chance to bring home exciting prizes. QR 80 entrance fee is applicable for men. For more information call 4484-4444.

Thursday Vibes

Thursdays: Lava. With the resident DJ on the decks with his awesome tunes, Thursdays will become the only night you can possibly think of going to and, most importantly, leave with the excitement of coming back the next 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 item like a Louis Vuitton bag and more! For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

After Work Evenings

Sun-Thurs: Hive. De-stress with an after-work visit to Hive and make the most of the buy-one-get-onefree 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 Cosmopolitan Ladies Night

Mondays: The Lounge. Enjoy a QR 20 promotion on any item from the cosmopolitan special refreshments menu, plus a complimentary choice from the nibbles menu. Entertainment by DJ Laura O'Shea. Ladies receive complimentary entrance, gentlemen pay QR 50, including a welcome beverage. From 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Sparkling Wednesday

Wednesdays: The Lounge. Enjoy 50% off the house refreshments and enjoy the entertainment by the DJ. Special refreshment menu starts from QR 30. Complimentary entrance. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Deep House Night Out

Thursdays: The Lounge. Enjoy this tech and deephouse night out with DJs Hamad Al-Obaidly, Tough Stuff and CrazyU. It’s the best Thursday night out. Entrance fees for ladies are complimentary, while gentlemen pay QR 60, including a welcome beverage. From 10:30 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Listings LA CIGALE DJ Night

Saturdays: Madison Piano Bar. Liven up your Saturdays and enjoy the latest Arabic mixes by DJ Chadi Axen along with a special guest DJ, and relish a wide spread of electric beverages and delicious food. No entrance fee and no minimum charge. For more information call 4428-8888.

Karaoke Night

Mondays: Madison Piano Bar. If you’re adept at singing, Madison Piano Bar invites you every Monday for the ultimate karaoke night, where you can show off your talent in a cheerful ambiance and choose from a wide variety of English, French, Arabic, Khaleeji, Italian and Spanish songs. Membership is required. No entrance fee and no minimum charge. For more information call 4428-8888.

Flashback Night

Tuesdays: Sky View. Sway the night away in a sparkling themed ambiance while the DJ spins vibrant disco tracks. Take a trip back to the 80’s and 90’s every Tuesday with the best English, French and Arabic hits, plus one welcome free beverage is offered to all ‘Flash-backers’. No entrance fee and no minimum charge. For more information call 4428-8888.

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.

Weekend Vibes

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.

Bounce Arenas

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.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Bohemia Sessions

Wed & Thurs: Bohemia. Enjoy a signature ambiance, innovative refreshments and chilled tunes and vibes from DJs Longplayer and B Sound. Spread the word and join the fun! 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.

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 bigscreen, 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 Bonnie

Tuesdays: Meliá Doha. For ladies night, enjoy three refreshments from a select menu, for all the femmes fatales. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5596-1414, or email info@noirdoha.com.

Clyde

Wednesdays: Meliá Doha. For gents night, enjoy two-for-one refreshments from a select menu, for all the chivalrous knights. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5596-1414, or email info@noirdoha.com.

Prologue

Thursdays: Meliá Doha. The resident DJ ‘W’ presents a night of smooth, vocal deep house. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5596-1414, or email info@noirdoha.com.

SHERATON DOHA Midnight Happy Hour

Sun-Wed: Irish Harp. In the Irish Harp from Sundays to Wednesdays, 11:00 p.m. till midnight, enjoy selected refreshments at a special price. For more information call 4485-3000.

Salsa Night

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

THE GRAND HYATT A1 Nights By Xtremer Entertainment Fridays: The Grill. Do you want to feel ‘A1’? Xtremer Entertainment presents ‘A1 Nights’ at The Grand Hyatt every Friday onwards from 9:00 p.m. until late. Xtremer’s official DJ Rage will rock the house along with top international DJs performing the best hip-hop, R&B, UK garage and soul music. Ladies enjoy free refreshments before 11:00 p.m. Dress code is dress-to-impress. For more information call 7712-3440 or 7798-2400.

Mystique Band

Daily Except Tuesdays: Dunes. Meet Mystique! Dunes welcomes its new band Mystique, which will perform every night except Tuesdays. From R&B and hip-hop, to classic rock and blues, there’s virtually no genre with which this band cannot enchant the crowd. For more information call 4448-1280, or 7021-8094.

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Liquid Brunch

Fridays: Dunes. This year’s brunch gets right to the point! Spend Fridays the right way and join Dunes for 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 199 (which includes unlimited selected refreshments), a house spirits package at QR 299 and a premium package is priced at 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.

W DOHA ‘The VIBE’ Ladies Night

Mondays: Wahm. Enjoy a night of deep-house and Afro-beats with resident DJ’s Bruno and Savino. Ladies sip two refreshments on the house from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Strictly reservation and guest-list-only. For more information call 4453-5323.

After Work Aperitivo

Sat-Fri: Wahm. De-stress and head down to Wahm for an after work aperitivo with 50% off on all refreshments. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5323.

Arabian Nights

Saturdays: Crystal Club. Crystal proudly presents Arabesque nights, spinning popular Arabic numbers along with DJ Imran mixing the best of R&B and commercial house throughout the night. From 10:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4453-5323.

Dance N’ Fly Ladies Night

Wednesdays: Crystal. Ladies, gather your girlfriends and head to Crystal club’s Dance N’ Fly Ladies Night featuring resident DJ Masse mixing up the latest tunes to make the night fabulous. Ladies receive three complimentary refreshments from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4453-5323.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Misturado ess Park Crowne Plaza Doha - The Busin

Directory

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

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

Beach Bar Lounge The Four Seasons Belgian Café InterContinental Doha Bohemia Marsa Malaz Kempinski Bubbles On Two Radisson Blu Champions Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

4448-4800

4494-8888

4484-4444

4035-5555

4428-1428

4419-6100

Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4425-6666

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

D’Illusion Gokulam Park

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana

Jazz Up Mövenpick Hotel Doha Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

Dunes The Grand Hyatt

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

4429-8888

Qube Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

Shehrazad Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

4402-3333

4429-1111

4445-5444

4484-4444

4448-4800

4428-8888

4470-8888 Manhattan Radisson Blu

4484-4444

4446-0000

4408-7777

Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4428-1428

4448-1234

Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4496-0777

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Fahrenheit Horizon Manor Hotel

4445-5444

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

Glo Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

4419-6100

Noir Lounge & Club Meliá Doha

5596-1414

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites

4405-3325

Habanos The Ritz-Carlton

4484-8000

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

4015-8888

Oyster Bay The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

Hive InterContinental Doha The City

4408-7777

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

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ARTS & CULTURE

Top Picks

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Bach, Vivaldi & Handel

Dec 12: Building 16, Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Includes Johann Sebastian Bach: Cantata BWV 84, I am content in my good fortune; Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto in C Major for two trumpets and strings, RV 537; George Frideric Handel: From Music for the Royal Fireworks, HWV 351: Ooverture; and more. Tickets are QR 75-QR 200 and can be purchased online at tickets.virginmegastore.me, at any Virgin Megastore outlet, or directly at the Katara Opera House. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

ANIMA GALLERY & LOUNGE Resinification: A Solo Exhibition by Mauro Perucchetti

Until Sept 30, 2016: Parcel 17, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Mauro Perucchetti’s work unites pop aesthetics with social commentary, addressing some of the most pressing and difficult issues in today’s society in a way that’s subtle and accessible, without being trite, shocking, or obscure. 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 Contemporary Dance For Ladies

Fri & Mon: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Contemporary dance is a deconstruction of ballet and modern dance forms – even though it draws from the methods of both. Considered a ‘concert’ dance it combines the elements of discipline and focus. Students will be encouraged to push new boundaries, discover versatility, and minimize tension in the search for clarity and fluidity. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

DOHA FILM INSTITUTE Ajyal Youth Film Festival

Until Dec 5: Katara Cultural Village. The third annual Ajyal Youth Film Festival will consist of daily public screenings of local and international films, the popular ‘Made in Qatar’ section dedicated to showcasing home-grown talent from Qatar, Cinema Under the Stars, family weekend, special events, exhibitions and more. Ajyal’s youth jury will see hundreds of young people between the ages of 8 and 21 watch and discuss shorts and features and decide on the winning films. The festival will open on November 29 with the Middle East’s premiere of The Idol, from Academy Award-nominated Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad. For more details and the full line-up and schedule visit www.dohafilminstitute.com.

DOHA YOUTH & JUNIOR CHOIRS Choir Auditions

Sun & Wed: The Doha Youth Choir and the Doha Junior Choir are now holding auditions for singers ages seven to 10-years-old and 11 to 18-years-old. Choir teachers are experienced and dedicated to the cause of sharing their knowledge and passion for choral music. They rehearse Sunday and Wednesday afternoons in Al Waab. For more information email info@dohayouthchoir.com, or visit www.dohayouthchoir.com.

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ARTS & CULTURE

'Wonderland'

‘Intolerance.’ What Do You See? By Shahmim Akram Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Qatar Museums

Luc Tuymans’ Intolerance art exhibition at Al Riwaq Gallery is the first solo show by the Belgian artist in the Middle East. It highlights one man’s view of the world while also encouraging visitors to consider and discuss how the media chooses to represent world events. QH took a tour with Qatar Museums’ Education Specialist Deena Hammam to learn more about this thoughtprovoking exhibition.

et within the large and stark spaces of Al Riwaq Gallery are almost 200 pieces by Luc Tuymans, representing the vast body of his work. The majority of his paintings take photographic imagery and use different perspectives, filters and focuses in order to show his point of view. However, he is fastidious when

it comes to choosing images and, in a recent Qatar Museums talk, he stated that the “visual has to be significant in the first place; it has to have tension enough for me to make it.” What he doesn’t want is for people to see the world through one perspective alone, but rather with “a different twist which can make people think.” Tuymans’ paintings highlight an increasingly complex discourse about the representation of world events by the media. By choosing to crop photographs he is actively filtering the flat image of an event and adding his own nuances to it. He has commented that it was “unknown ground for me too. It’s about Western image-building…I’m opening this dialogue to see how the work will resonate.” He titled his show Intolerance so that he could also incorporate the opposite idea of tolerance: “My work is not just one thing, it’s several things… when I make a painting of Condoleeza Rice it’s not just to criticize her, it’s also because I am genuinely intrigued about the fact that she is so contained.” The painting Tuymans refers to is his 2006 oil on canvas titled ‘The Secretary of State’, which is based on an official photograph taken of the former U.S. Secretary of State while visiting Belgium in 2005. The painting shows a cropped version of the photograph with a close-up of Rice’s face that forces the viewer to pay more attention to her facial movements and her

hard gaze. Ultimately, his focus is to question the role she played within world politics. However, while the media may use photographs with detailed text in order to present a particular viewpoint, Tuymans is careful not to over-explain a painting. He stated that it’s “more interesting to see what other reactions can come up, what other ideas it can trigger.” The ‘Egypt’ painting is a fantastic example of an image that can be interpreted differently depending on how much the viewer knows about the background of the painting. In that work Tuymans has chosen to paint a close-up of a press photograph of two men sitting on armchairs. The main focus is on their body language, with the eye drawn to the differences between the men’s hands, with one seen to be in a dominant position over the others’. It’s only when one learns that the men are Colin Powell and Hussein Mubarak that we realize the painting is actually representing an important political moment before the Gulf War. Tuymans stated that:“You see the hand of Colin Powell which is stretched; you see the glass rim; you see the hand of Mubarak which is sort of defeated and lying down…I was interested really in the language between the hands and…the failure of diplomacy. Thus a work of art can have a special political stance at a given moment in time…perception changes all

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'The Shore'

'Egypt'

Artist Luc Tuymans painting on-site at Al Riwaq Gallery

'Secretary Of State'

the time.” Just to be clear, Tuymans is not changing the content of the original photograph – rather he’s choosing to change the image’s perspective by cropping and focusing on one particular element. d H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hama bin Khalifa Al Thani tours the ng exhibition on its grand openi Photo credit: Qatar Museums

It may seem strange to imagine cropping images as a form of interpretation, but we do it all the time on social media platforms, particularly on Instagram. No one thinks twice about using the crop function to present a particular version of an event. For Hammam, the exhibition “raises questions” and she works hard to encourage visitors, young and old, to consider what that means for them. Have you considered that by cropping images you’re also becoming an editor and presenting your own viewpoint of the world around you? And, if we are all such adept editors within our own experiences, then perhaps we should use that editorial eye to question how the media too crops and edits to present its preferred viewpoint of the world. So, what do you see? Intolerance by Luc Tuymans will be on display at the Al Riwaq Gallery until January 30, 2016. For more information visit www.qm.org.qa. n

Artist Luc Tuymans (far right) presents his collection to H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Photo credit: Qatar Museums

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ARTS & CULTURE

Journey Into Arab Art By Dawn Gibson Photography by Jessie Palanca

Works by five of the Arab world’s most significant modern and contemporary artists are currently on show at Mathaf. QH takes a tour and finds out why Focus is one collection you don’t want to miss.

rt lovers in Qatar are often spoiled for choice when it comes to exhibitions. The industrious efforts of Qatar Museums over the past few years has resulted in major Doha shows for huge international names like Damien Hirst and Luc Tuymans, as well as dozens of events showcasing contemporary and traditional art from the region. With such a wealth of options, an exhibition of some of the works from the permanent collection of Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, may skip past the notice of many art aficionados – and that would be a crying shame. Focus: Works From The Mathaf Collection is one of the most interesting, engaging exhibitions you could hope to attend if you have an interest in modern and contemporary art from this part of the world. The scale is relatively small and the concept

simple – five artists, five solo shows, five curators – but the result is a thought-provoking exploration from multiple approaches of major topics of modernity, including sense of identity, invention and experimentation in art, through the eyes of some of the most influential modern artists from the Middle East and North Africa. Mathaf Director Abdellah Karroum, one of the curators, hopes visitors will gain a more in-depth understanding of the museum’s permanent collection. “The role of this exhibition series is not only to conserve art over time, but to suggest paths for re-visiting, re-experiencing, and seeing the selected artworks in light of current events and curatorial readings,” he says. Fittingly, Focus begins with recent works by internationally-acclaimed Qatari artist Faraj Daham, one of the founders of the Qatar Fine Arts Society and a regular participant in solo and group exhibitions locally, in the U.S., Europe and Asia. In what is his first major exhibition at Mathaf, Daham confronts the viewer with paintings which refuse to fit neatly into a genre, combining abstract and figurative images, social commentary, bright splashes of citrus colours and an underlying preoccupation with the artist’s exploration of present time and space. The room dedicated to Egyptian painter, feminist and political activist Inji Efflatoun is equally striking. Raised in an upper-class family in Cairo during the 1920’s and 1930’s, Efflatoun was concerned

with political and social issues from a young age. Secretly arrested and imprisoned for four years, she continued to paint while incarcerated, depicting the daily struggle of working class people, especially women, as well as the reality of life in jail, through her emotionally-charged works. The paintings of Saudi Arabian artist Abdulhalim Radwi, who established the first art centre in Jeddah in the 1960’s, are crackling with political and social themes. His darkly confronting ‘Palestine’, painted in 1997, is hard to look away from, despite the lure of his lighter, brighter abstract works positioned directly across the room. Focus is rounded out with iconic works from one of Morocco’s most significant and prolific artists, Farid Belkahia, renowned for his use of copper and leather, along with the remarkable abstract sculptures of Lebanese artist Saloua Raouda Choucair. The scale and physicality of the works of both artists adds a dramatic dimension to the exhibition. While getting to Mathaf is undoubtedly more of a mission that heading to the Museum of Islamic Art or Katara, Focus makes it well worth the journey, for both those well-versed in modern Arab art and those who want to become more acquainted with it. It’s well-curated, providing a starting point for further exploration of the ideas and practices which have shaped the regional art scene from the 20th century to now. n

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rks Egyptian artist Inji Efflatoun's artwo reflect strongly social elements

ese The geometric installation of Leban artist Saloua Raouda Choucair

inates Qatari artists Faraj Daham's Coord paper series of drawings and collage on

FOCUS: IN BRIEF • Focus: Works from the Mathaf Collection is open daily, except Mondays, until February 14, 2016. Entry is free. • The exhibition is presented by Qatar Museums under the leadership of its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. • Five curators worked on the show: Mathaf Director Abdellah Karroum, Mathaf curators Laura Barlow, Fatma Mostafawi and Leonore-Namkha Beschi, and independent curator Mayssa Fattouh. • For more information visit www.mathaf.org.qa.

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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

QATAR PHILHARMONICA ORCHESTRA Music Of Johann Strauss’ Vienna

Dec 3: Museum of Islamic Art atrium. This special Chamber Music series features violinists Alie Bekirova, Lilya Bekirova, violist Victor Sumenkov, cellist Ruslan Umarov, and flautist Aleksandr Haskin. The ensemble will perform a selection from the works of Johann Strauss, Jr. including Tales from the Vienna Woods, Op. 325; Fledermaus Quadrille on a motive from the operetta, Op. 363; Unter Donner und Blitz (Thunder and Lightning), polka schnell, Op. 324; and A Set of Polkas. Entry is free and the performance starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

IAID Classical Ballet

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St. Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Classical ballet is a dance that is generally associated with graceful, elegant movements. Developed in Italy, it was originally formed from a type of ballroom dancing, but moved on to incorporate a focus on turn-outs, pointes, ankles, knees and posture – which ballerinas spend years perfecting. IAID Classical Ballet is a graded course using the British Theatre Dance Association syllabus and is designed for both children and adults. For more information call 4432-0974/ 4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Focus: Works from Mathaf Collection

Until Feb 14, 2016: Ground-Floor Galleries. Offering a glimpse into some of its most iconic works, the museum’s Focus exhibition presents five solo shows highlighting a selection of key artists in its collection. Among them are some of the Arab world’s ground-breaking modern and contemporary artists – Saloua Raouda Choucair (Lebanon), Inji Efflatoun (Egypt), Farid Belkahia (Morocco), Faraj Daham (Qatar), and Abdulhalim Al-Radwi (Saudi Arabia). 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 visit www.mathaf.org.qa.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART The Hunt: Princely Pursuits in Islamic Lands

Sept 16, 2015-Jan 9, 2016: Special Exhibitions Gallery, 1st Floor. Rich with symbolism and pageantry, hunting was an essential activity in the lifestyle of princes, sultans and pashas throughout the Islamic world. As such, images of the hunt in almost every medium are commonly found in Islamic art, whether in lavishly illustrated Shahnameh manuscripts, inlaid metalwork or colourful mina’i ceramics. Frequently commissioned and exhibited for royal display, such artworks form a significant component of collections held by prominent Qatari and Turkish museums. This exhibition draws on such artworks to explore and celebrate hunting and the related activities of polo, feasting and fighting. Free entry. For more information call 4422-4444 or visit www.mia.org.qa.

QATAR MUSEUMS Luc Tuymans: Intolerance

Until Jan 30, 2016: Al Riwaq Gallery. Belgian artist Luc Tuymans is one of the key figures of a new generation of figurative painters, widely credited with having contributed to the revival of painting in the 1990’s and recognized as one of the most important living painters today. This exhibition is a comprehensive survey of his work – his first solo show in the Gulf region – and will include a series of wall paintings and a new body of work, 'The Arena', created specifically for the show. The exhibition will be curated by Lynne Cooke, Senior Curator of Special Projects in Modern Art at the National Gallery of Art Washington. Entry is free. For more information visit www.qm.org.qa.

The Fire Station & Garage Gallery

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

QATAR TURKEY 2015 Magnificent Century: The Exhibition Ongoing: QM Gallery, Building 10, Katara. The Magnificent Century series has become a television legend, a historical soap opera on the life of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent that has now been watched by 300 million viewers in 54 countries. In this Special Edition: Harem Al Sultan, a unique exhibition brings the costumes, sets and ambiance of the series to Doha, revealing the stories behind the life of the Turkish conqueror and his love for the humble and beautiful Harem Sultan. Exhibition visitors will be transported back to the glorious world of Suleiman the Magnificent and see the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and decors of the series. Free entry. For more information visit www.qatarturkey2015.qa.

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COMMUNITY

Top Picks

AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION QATAR Falcon & Saluki Demonstrations

Dec 3: Museum of Islamic Art Park. In collaboration with Al Gannas, the Museum of Islamic Art presents demonstrations of falcons and salukis. See these exquisite animals in action and learn about their use in hunting, their care and their continuing importance in the life of modern Qatar. From 1:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information visit www.awaqatar.com.

DOHA GARDEN CLUB The Green Box

Ongoing: Gardening gurus and green-thumbs rejoice! The Doha Garden Club is now offering members a 10% discount on Green Box home deliveries valid until September 30, 2014. Filled with locally-sourced fruits, vegetables and poultry, the Green Box comes to your home twice a week so that you and your family can enjoy the health benefits of fresh produce. The Garden Club is also planning their next field trip for members on April 20. For more information visit www.dohagardenclub.com to become a member or visit www.thegreenbox.me.

THE YOUTH COMPANY Run The World Festival 2015

Dec 17-19: Location TBA. Celebrating its 5th year, the Run The World Festival is a program designed for youth ages 16 to 29. The festival revolves around sports and culture of all mediums. It serves as an exciting platform for youth to celebrate their talents and capabilities, while emphasizing the importance of healthy living and leadership for a better society. Its value as a flagship festival lies in the celebration of five key elements around the world that bring youth together to craft a constructive impact: arts, culture, entrepreneurship, technology and sports. For more information visit the Run The World Festival Facebook page or www.theyouthcompany.com.

TOURS IN QATAR Zikreet Film City Tour

Ongoing: Get picked up by their 4X4 vehicles and drive 80kms to visit the Film City ‘set’, which mimics a mini Arabic town in the desert, complete with traditional mud-brick houses, a mosque, gates and walled ramparts with a look-out. From 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. including travel time, minimum of four people per tour. QR 350 for groups of ten or 12, QR 375 for groups of seven to nine, and QR 410 for groups of four to six. All prices are per person. For more information call 3325-3421 or 5579-8273.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Festive Tree Lighting Dec 7: Hotel lobby. Seasonal holiday tunes, a surprise appearance by Santa, cookies and hot chocolate around a big Christmas tree in the middle of the lobby create a magical, festive moment for you and your family. Enjoy their signature traditional German stollen fruit bread at a special price. Tree lighting starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com.

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COMMUNITY

Arabic:

Where Writing Art Collide By Emily Alp Photography by Raviv Cohen

With the recent Sixth Biennial Hamad Bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art fresh in our minds, we head to VCUQatar to explore how the symbols of the Arabic script express as much to the eye as an art-form, as they do a language.

rom about 100 to 600 AD the Arabic language gradually grew out of Greek and Aramaic expression and scribbling and the use of a dot system. The embraced revelation of the Islamic religion, in 632 CE, and subsequent development of the Qur’an was the catalyst for standardizing the language. Since then, its history, development, uses and many dialects inspire loads of study and discussion. Even among casual observers, one need not know how to read it to grasp Arabic’s visual appeal. It’s dramatic lines, curves and fluidity have for ages gracefully brought design to building walls, tiles and shop fronts, and meaning to sultan’s

seals, stamps, logos, calligraphy and manuscripts. Recently, Qatar hosted a packed symposium, gathering experts from six continents to discuss Arabic as a form of artistic expression. Specifically, the Sixth Biennial Hamad Bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art—‘By the Pen and What They Write: Writing in Islamic Art and Culture’— drew 12 of the world’s leading Islamic art experts and more than 400 people to Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art to share information and network. “As the leading design program in the Middle East and the top-ranked public university arts and design program in the United States, the main objective of VCUQatar was to host one of the world’s leading conferences on Islamic art and culture,” says Dina Bangdel, director of VCUQatar’s Art History program. Arabic is a robust language, with its 28 letters weaving a massive vocabulary that is difficult, if not impossible, to count accurately because of the structure of words, their variations (it is said there are at least 100 ways to say ‘lion’ in Arabic!) and the many dialects. As a mode of communication used by more than 255 million people, according to the World Almanac, Arabic allows for precise levels

of expression unattainable in other languages with fewer words to illuminate concepts. Professor Sheila Blair, the co-organizer of the conference, in her keynote speech noted: “The seminal importance of the revelation meant that the script used for writing Arabic was also adopted for many of the languages spoken in areas that embraced Islam, from Persian and Turkish, to the Austronesian languages of Malay and Malagasy. The result is that Arabic, after Roman script, is today the most frequently used segmental script in the world.” Beyond this, Blair noted in her talk, ‘Writing as a Signifier of Islam’, the potency of the script itself—how the physical form was an outward manifestation of the word’s meaning, i.e., one doesn’t need to read the language to recognize and appreciate the value of the Arabic script. The symposium lectures—from more than 70 speakers, with 75 research fellows in attendance— highlighted the language’s roots as well, as Robert Holyand discussed Arabic as a language that existed long before the script itself, and in presumably many different dialects. His talk ‘The Birth of Arabic on

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Panelist Jonathan Bloom speaks on how paper changed Islamic literary and visual culture

Stone’ highlighted the early notions of Arabic as it moved from Greek characters to those used in the Nabatean Aramaic script. “For me the biggest takeaway of the conference is the continuities of tradition, from the ancient rock inscriptions, to the contemporary manifestation of calligraphic writing as neon art,” Bangdel says.

) Iranian artist Shirin Neshat (right speaks at the 2013 symposium held in Italy

VCU’s symposia venues over the years were chosen to highlight key locations in the Islamic world, and places where Islamic art and culture have had significant influence, Bangdel explains. These have included Cordoba in southern Spain and the Iberian Peninsula, as well as Palermo, Sicily, all places representing cultural exchanges of Islamic culture and the West. Interestingly, Palermo was in fact part of the Emirate of Sicily, under Islamic rule from the 9th to the 11th centuries. The next symposium is scheduled to take place at VCU’s home campus in Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A. All the speaker presentations will be available on the VCU Islamic Conference website as podcasts. For more information visit www.islamicartdoha.org. n

5th Keynote panelists from the 2013 light on the biennale symposium shed new calligraphy evolution of Arabic writing and

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SPECIAL PROMOTION By Dr. Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College Selected images courtesy of Doha College Additional photography by Jessie Palanca

December is a month of celebration in Qatar. One of the key dates on the calendar is Qatar National Day, when we pause to recognize and celebrate the unique aspects of this extraordinary country. This year students at Doha College have further cause to celebrate Qatar with the finalization of a fantastic competition with one of the country’s leading magazines. Dr. Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College (centre)

n the education sector, December brings a welcome holiday from school for students. The academic year is marching forward and examinations will soon be upon us. However, for now we have a short time to reflect and celebrate our achievements over the past 12 months and prepare for the arrival of 2016. For many of us in Qatar, December is also a time of festive celebration. While usually a time to gather with family and friends, expat life often means we find new ways to commemorate old traditions. No greater opportunity exists to explore your new environment and appreciate all that Qatar has on offer.

Celebrating

December nts the awards to the finalists The Qatar Happening team prese graphy competition of the 'My Qatar' essay and photo

In fact, it was this question which we posed to students at Doha College recently. In collaboration with our friends at Qatar Happening, we ran a fantastic essay competition in preparation for this edition of the magazine. We asked our students to communicate in words or through photographs what Qatar means to them. Entitled ‘My Qatar’, the competition attracted many entries, all of which articulated the elements they treasured about the country. The winning written essay by Fathima Faaiza Feroz and the winning photo essay by Hanna Habib have been published in this edition. I am extremely proud of these two students, along with Eshar Bola and Craig Lough who placed second and third respectively for the written essays, and Yi Ian Lim and Adrianna Alam for the photographic essays. I would like to thank Qatar Happening for the opportunity they have offered the students at Doha College, especially as the first prize includes a month-long internship with the magazine for the students. A special mention must also go to Aspire Katara Hospitality for providing refreshments and treats to our students at the presentation ceremony recently. The internship at Qatar Happening is an extraordinary opportunity for Fathima and Hanna – just one more reason to be grateful and celebrate during this wonderful month. As we say farewell to 2015, I wish you all a very safe holiday and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year. n

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COMMUNITY

Treating Kids Sports Injuries By Jacqueline Bodnar

An active child is a healthy child, and participating in team sports and activities is an essential part of their physical and emotional development. When minor injuries occur on the football field or basketball court, as parents our first reaction shouldn’t be immediate panic. QH explains why.

f you have a child under the age of 16, there’s a good chance that he or she engages in some sort of organized sport. Millions of children do, and it provides a host of benefits. One downside, however, are the injuries that may result, and there happen to be quite a few of them. In fact, according to the

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3.5 million children each year experience sports-related injuries. When it comes to sports injuries, prevention is key. Experts believe that most sports-related injuries are the result of improper training, physical stress, and/ or equipment that is either missing or doesn’t fit the child correctly. To address these issues, parents will want to ensure that their child has all the necessary, properly-fitted gear for the sport they’re playing, that their coach has them warm-up and cool down for their practices and games, and that kids don’t develop overuse injuries caused by the physical strain of playing too much or too hard. While it’s good to try to prevent injuries, there’s no doubt that some are still bound to happen. That’s when knowing what to do is important. It’s estimated that five per cent of all those annual kids’ sports injuries result in broken bones. Such incidents call for immediate medical intervention.

The same goes for dental emergencies that may occur. If you are not sure whether your child’s injury warrants medical attention, try the ‘RICE’ approach to addressing the injury: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Many children are also susceptible to concussions when playing sports. According to the U.S. National Center for Sports Safety, around 21 per cent of all traumatic brain injuries in children stem from sports and recreational activities. A concussion is a brain injury and is a serious situation caused by a blow to the head. There is usually no loss of consciousness, but kids may act ‘out of it’ or confused. If a concussion is suspected, the child should stop playing and be evaluated by a physician. Make sure that kids use the proper gear, drink plenty of water, properly stretch, and take a couple of days off per week. And, when in doubt, never be afraid to seek the advice of your doctor. 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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Festive Light-Up Ceremony

Dec 10: Main lobby. This holiday season, guests will be transported to an enchanting Christmas wonderland. The magic begins in the main lobby atrium, fully-adorned with all the traditional trimmings. Immerse yourself with their impressively-decorated Christmas tree gently illuminating the lobby with festive cheer and joy. Then, prepared to be ‘wowed’ as you move into their Lobby Lounge coffee shop, where you’ll be welcomed into their life-size gingerbread hut. Surround yourself with the spicy-sweet aroma of gingerbread as you sip on a beverage and sample a selection of decadent cookies, cakes and other festive delights. You can also purchase one of their special holiday hampers to take a little piece of the magic home. From 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

COUNTRY CONNECTIONS QATAR Relocation Services For Expats

Ongoing: If you’ve just made the move to Qatar, it’s only natural to experience some culture shock at first. Country Connections Qatar is a local company that offers settlement and relocation services to help newcomers adjust to life in Qatar. With a range of options to suit every budget they offer a number services that include assisting with accommodation and school searches, spousal support, city orientations, to providing information on necessities such as arranging childcare and medical appointments. For more information call 3353-7452, email support_ccq@hotmail.com, or visit www.countryconnectionsqatar.com.

IAID Zumba

Sun-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadmon Signal, D-Ring Road. Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze and is spreading fast worldwide. This upbeat workout is fantastic for kids and adults alike. Zumba is an exhilarating class filled with good feelings and partylike fun, that’s perfect for your fitness goals. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

KATARA Q Talent Store

Ongoing: Join the Doha Mums for a Friday brunch with the whole family – a way for the adults to relax and for the kids to socialize. The venue for this event will change each week. For more information, or to join, email rsvp@dohamums.com.

Now Open: Gate 17, Katara beachside. Q Talent is a local company that focuses on finding, connecting and promoting Qatari talented youth. They provide services for employers who are looking for Qatari talent, while providing opportunities for young artists and entrepreneurs to grow and prosper. The Q Talent store features clothing, books, arts and crafts, perfumes, accessories and more – all designed, produced and created by local young artists. For more information find them on Facebook or visit www.qtalent.com.

DOHA SCOTTISH DANCING CLUB Dance Classes

QATAR ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY Become A Volunteer

DOHA MUMS Friday Family Brunch

Dec 7 & 14: Doha English Speaking School. Those with an interest in participating in one of Scotland’s most traditional forms of dance can join the Doha Scottish Dancing Club for lessons. Classes are held from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. on Mondays every month. The cost is QR 20 per class and there is no additional registration fee or membership requirement. Bring soft shoes and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. For more information email dohascottishdancing@gmail.com, or request to join the club’s Facebook page.

Ongoing: Whether you’re a pet-owner or simply a lover of animals – especially those in need –the Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) is always looking for volunteers to help out. With up to 100 animals in their care, every hour of donated volunteer time counts. Whether it’s dogwalking, animal socialization, kennel cleaning or administrative work, QAWS could use the extra hand. For more information on becoming a volunteer call 5539-6074 or visit www.qaws.org.

Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171

French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467

Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052

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

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598

Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Canadians In Qatar

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

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FOOD & DINING

Top Picks

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Cookie Decorating

Dec 12 & 19: Quick Bites. Lift the little ones’ spirits and build the excitement early with a fun gingerbread-decorating session at Quick Bites for kids ages five to ten-years-old. Registration required. From 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. QR 75 inclusive of snacks and refreshments for kids. For more information call 4419-5000.

THE FOUR SEASONS Boxing Day Dinner

Dec 26: Elements. Make Boxing Day a stress-free and indulgent day. Visit The Four Seasons newest restaurant, Elements. Experience a unique dinner with an array of modern tapas, signature dishes served in trolleys, complimented by an optional free flow of mocktails and house beverages. QR 245 per person, or QR 125 per child. For more information call 4494-8631.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Turkey Takeaway

Dec 20-31: Victoria Tea Lounge. Enjoy a festive dinner at home with a traditional feast prepared by their chefs. Simply pre-book you turkey 48 hours in advance and enjoy a roasted turkey served with traditional accompaniments of winter vegetables, potatoes and a selection of cranberry and giblet gravy sauces. QR 450 per turkey. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Christmas To Go

DOHA MARRIOTT Recovery Brunch

Jan 1: Restaurant Gallery. It’s the start of the New Year! Welcome in 2016 and start the year in style with the famous Marriott ‘recovery’ brunch! Featuring a mouthwatering breakfast selection and your favourite ‘dayafter-the-night-before’ dishes! From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Dec 13-26: The famous turkey-to-go comes again this year, along with Christmas hampers and other specialties available for take-away at the gingerbread house in the lobby. Pre-order with your turkey menu available at the Tea Lounge. Daily Christmas afternoon tea in the Tea Lounge starts at QR 95 per person for food only, or QR 125 per person including festive refreshments. For more information call 4015-8888.

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FOOD & DINING

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

he British tradition of fish and chips is as historic a part of its national identity as the many coastal towns, piers and boardwalks that dot the shores of the island nation. From trade to ship-building, the maritime seafaring culture that permeated the British Isles brought with it a bounty all its own. The waters of the English Channel and the icy North Sea were rich with cod, haddock, plaice and scampi; so naturally, what ended up in the nets of trawlers and fishing vessels ended up on the table.

Founded in 1928, Harry Ramsden’s has an 87-year history as one of the most iconic names in fish and chips, and Britain’s longest-running restaurant chain. A family business, its first establishment opened in a white wooden hut in Guisely, West Yorkshire, serving simple, fresh catch-of-the-day, lightly battered over a helping of hand-cut chips and a dollop of Britain’s well-loved mushy peas. As word caught on (no pun intended), Harry Ramsden would go on to open 40 restaurants throughout the UK and Ireland, and serve up to four million meals annually. It’s with that very same ethos in mind that Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group, also a family-owned business, sought to import the iconic Harry’s brand to Qatar – serving fresh quality ingredients to produce simple, food that packs flavour and elicits smiles. It’s lunch-time when we arrive at the restaurant at Medina Centrale; for first-timers, the location is near to the Spinney’s and Strongbox Gym. We’re greeted by AHB Group’s GM of Food and Beverage, Louise Mortlock, who leads us to our booth. The décor inside is fresh; white-washed walls pick up the sky-blue accents of the booths and chairs. Splashed across the restaurant to our left is the iconic ‘Heritage Wall’ where floor-to-ceiling vintage flashbulb photographs of Harry Ramsden himself –

and his restaurants over the decades dominate the space. We get settled in at our table and order a round of fresh iced teas as we look over the colourful food menus – which are done up to look like retro-style news-bulletins. To start, we order a platter of Fishbite Forks and the Favourites To Share combo which comes with salt and pepper squid, mozzarella melts, chicken wings, King prawns and some saucy sides. Served on a bed of creamy tartar sauce, the Fishbite Forks are delightful, pop-in-your-mouth morsels – perfect with a squeeze of lemon. The sharing platter also disappears quickly; the squid are chewy without being overly tough, while the King prawns are seasoned to perfection. What really surprises me are how good the chicken wings are – saucy and spicy, they go down a treat. It should be noted that although Harry’s has built its brand empire on its seafood, they also know how to do a range of other offerings very well. They’ve got salads and burgers on the menu, their signature spatchcock chicken and, in a nod to the local palate, even a halloumi burger. Having whet our appetites we’re already rumbling for our mains – a selection off the Harry’s Heroes

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r is Harry's deep-fried halloumi burge an homage to the local cuisine

side of the menu. There’s the World Famous Cod & Chips, Haddock & Chips, Scottish Single Whole-Tail Scampi and, just to keep it healthy, one of their Classic Caesar Salads with griddled red snapper. There are also the prerequisite side dishes – every platter comes with tartar sauce and a ramekin of mushy peas, but you can also order a host of other options to satisfy whatever you’re craving.

Harry Ramsden's World Famous c Cod & Chips with a side of classi mushy peas and baked beans

As my haddock and chips arrive, I brace myself. The fish is huge, while the mountain of chips below threatens to break free from its moorings and escape over the edges. I’ve ordered a side of Harry’s Slaw, made with fresh cabbage, carrot and a tangy, zip of sauce and, also, a bowl of piping hot gravy – because (for me) no platter of chips is complete without it. The fish is succulent – lightly battered and with very little oil or grease. You know those portions of fish you get where you can pull off the batter like a banana peel it’s so thick? You won’t find that here. At Harry’s the fish is the standout star, as it should be. The tartar sauce is proper British-style, tangy yet with the perfect balance of sweetness, while the coleslaw is crisp and the gravy – well, it’s spoon-worthy let’s just say. When Louise tells me it’s actually vegetarian I’m floored – you could have placed a bowl of Sunday roast drippings in front of me and I wouldn’t have known the difference, it’s that flavourful. My colleagues are making short work of their own plates as well – the cod gets another two thumbs up, while the scampi are the ideal fingerfood – nicely seasoned and succulently sweet. The red snapper that tops the Caesar salad is grilled so that the skin is lightly crunchy, while the fillet melts in your mouth. After a feast worthy of any ship’s captain, there’s just not enough room left to sample the dessert menu – though Harry’s offers a traditional malt shoppe selection of parfaits, floats, ice creams and traditional puddings to tempt you. To say that Harry Ramsden’s World Famous Fish & Chips is a taste of home to the many expats who grew up on its boardwalk delights, is only half the legacy its new branch in Qatar could have. The restaurant is a first of its kind in Doha and with it comes the opportunity to introduce some of the best-loved flavours of British tradition to the Qatari market. We hope they’ll be eager to reel them in. n

The restaurant's prime real estate in Medina Centrale

Pop-in-your-mouth profiteroles for a sweet ending!

Malt shoppe strawberry milkshake

Scottish Single Whole-Tail Scampi

HARRY RAMSDEN’S WORLD FAMOUS FISH & CHIPS Location: Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar Timings: • Sun-Wed, 12 noon till 10:00 p.m. • Thurs & Sat, 12 noon till 11:00 p.m. • Friday, 1:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: • QR 25, Fishbite Forks • QR 85, Favourites To Share Platter • QR 55, Caesar Salad With Griddled Red Snapper • QR 70, World Famous Cod & Chips • QR 70, World Famous Haddock & Chips • QR 60, Scottish Single Whole-Tail Scampi • QR 8-QR 15, Side Dishes Contact Info: Call 4468-3231 or visit www.harryramsdens.co.uk

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FOOD & DINING

Edible Art By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

Having opened a mere two months ago, Nozomi Doha at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski is quickly earning its accolades. GCC celebrities, international ambassadors and even the most high-profile members of Qatar’s Royal family are only a few of its A-list regulars. This is Japanese nouvelle cuisine at its finest, and QH managed to snag a coveted reservation.

ihanna is known to frequent Nozomi’s chic domain in London’s trendy Knightsbridge, while Cristiano Ronaldo has his very own table at the restaurant’s buzzing locale in Riyadh. And now, marking the brand’s third international franchise and its second in the Middle East (take that Dubai!), Nozomi founder and brand ambassador Marios George has brought his upscale izakaya concept to Qatar. The third and final of Marsa Malaz’s stand-alone restaurants to open on the island’s annex, Nozomi, at first glance, appears the most unassuming. It doesn’t have the stateliness of Antica Pesa, nor the golden opulence of Toro Toro; instead, its beauty – and its appeal – lie in the subtleties of its décor.

Here, the cuisine and its immaculate presentation is the standout showpiece – but the lacquered black wooden elements, sky-blue leather chairs, and ‘shattered bamboo’ chandeliers are welcome eyepleasers, while floral arrangements in the Japanese ikebana-style are a nod to the ancient traditions of a culture that prides itself on form.

As the breeze brings the tide to shore, we’re lulled by the outdoor area’s ambiance and calypso vibe – thanks to the bespoke music creations flowing through the speakers from Nozomi London’s in-house DJ. A mixture of trance-y island rhythms and surreal tribal beats, it’s like the wind has woke and found its voice.

Upstairs, in the restaurant’s lounge-cum-nightclub it’s a world apart. The décor is a throwback to 80’s Parisian art deco, and the domed ceiling casts a kaleidoscope of colour patterns that would be right at home at any rave. This place is going to be thrumming, and Nozomi Doha’s General Manager Richard Mackay is quick to put the bug in our ears about which (secret-for-now!) concepts await at what he hopes will become the most exclusive nightclub in Doha.

We’ve also found our appetites, and after a few signature refreshments, Richard looms on the periphery with our first round of appetizers – sweetly-spicy, melt-in-your-mouth rock shrimp and spicy edamame with yuzu, kimchi and white truffle butter. We make short work of both, just in time to see three canoes floating through the air towards our table. Each is filled with an artfully-presented delicacy; there’s yellowtail hamachi with jalapeño, marinated akami adorned with neon-purple pickled daikon radish, and a chef’s selection of mixed nigiri. The delicate slices of tuna, unagi (eel) and hamachi are almost buttery and the flavour profile, the definition of fresh.

Nozomi also boasts the largest outdoor seating area in the Marsa Malaz annex, with room for 120 – and tonight the weather’s cooperating so we choose to sit under the stars overlooking the palatial expanse of the lit-up hotel. GM Richard offers us a special tasting menu of Head Chef Takeumi Hiraoka’s specialties – many of which involve the delicate composition of white truffle, a nod to Hiraoka’s time spent studying in France. We also learn about Sushi Master Tarana Malikova of Azerbaijan, who holds a special pride-of-place at Nozomi Doha, due to the rarity of her skill. Malikova is one of the only women in the world to have been accepted into, and undergone the arduous training to become a Japanese-certified Sushi Master.

These are followed by the cheeky presentation of the soft-shell crab spider roll and the Gulf prawn tempura roll – each one stretched out to look like a dragon or sea creature. They’re fabulously more-ish and between the three of us, only rumours of their existence are left on the plate. We also have the luxury of sampling the signature Nozomi black cod, coming all the way from the cold Atlantic waters of Newfoundland and wrapped in a banana leaf. It’s succulent, fleshy and dissolves on the tongue with the sweetest hint of miso. The next two dishes

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The sleek, undulating décor of the interior dining room

on Cap off the night with a libation e Nozomi's breezy upstairs terrac

A citrusy palate-cleanser of smoked salmon and avocado

Popcorn of the sea: Nozomi's addictive rock shrimp

The seared Kobe beef fillet is a treat worth savouring

Earthy notes of white truffle lend depth to Nozomi's signature salad

that appear on the horizon earn the evening’s gold stars – the Kobe beef tataki, served rolled with micro-green shoots and infused with white truffle, and the Nozomi crab salad with asparagus spears and miso-truffle vinaigrette. Let me first impress upon you that, yes, this is real, certified imported Kobe beef from Japan – the first time we’ve had the pleasure of indulging in the real thing in Qatar. Favouring imported Wagyu varieties from Australia or the U.S., Kobe beef was banned for import for a long time. I can only surmise as to the logistical obstacle course the team at Nozomi Doha endured to get it on the menu. Richard explains that every morsel goes through stringent radiation screening and must pass a slew of approvals before it makes its twice-weekly shipment to Qatar. Beautifully-marbled, the meat is pillowysoft and when the seared slices of fillet make their appearance, Richard explains to us that the flesh must hit the grill cold, for if left at room temperature its delicate veins of fat would quickly liquefy and the shape of the meat would disintegrate. The crab salad is neck-in-neck with the Kobe for my favourite element of tonight’s tasting. Who would

have thought the pairing of sweet crab-meat with lightly earthy white truffle would be the perfect marriage? Chef Hiraoka, that’s who – and it’s a match made only at Nozomi. For dessert, comes a smoking table-length boat adorned with edible sculpture. An array of vibrant tropical fruit is punctuated by Nozomi favourites for a surreal sweet ending to share. There’s the raspberry and almond bavarrois, miso-white chocolate and date-ripple ice creams, a milk chocolate fondant that’s as molten as Mt. Fuji, and a strawberry and white chocolate panna cotta for a light, refreshing zing. The entire presentation is adorned with a blue peacock and his sugar tuile ‘fan’, golden-brown corkscrew sugar sculptures reminiscent of narwhal horns, and little origami ‘peace’ crane sugar confections that dot the sweet cornucopia. Nozomi is an assault on the senses and yours will be pummeled, beautifully, from all directions – sight, sound, smell, texture and taste. Some of us like our art where we can see it – hanging on the wall. I like mine where I can taste it – on the plate. Just leave the curating to Nozomi. n

Nozomi's soft-shell crab spider roll

NOZOMI DOHA Location: Marsa Malaz Kempinski Timings: • Tues-Sun, 12 noon till 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., restaurant • Closed Mondays • Tues-Wed, Sat & Sun, 6:30 p.m. till 1:00 a.m., lounge • Thurs & Fri, 6:30 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., lounge • Nozomi Friday Brunch: 12 noon till 4:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: • QR 97, rock shrimp • QR 160, Nozomi crab salad • QR 90, Gulf prawn tempura maki • QR 69, Soft-shell crab spider roll • QR 212, Kobe beef tataki • QR 405, Kobe beef fillet Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes Contact Info: Call 4035-5089 or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz

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FOOD & DINING

Waterside Elegance By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

We can see Chef Angelos hustling between the kitchen and the dining tables, approaching us with a smile and warm welcome to explain the menu he’ll be sharing with us this evening. Wanting us to sample as many dishes as possible, it’s clear it’s important to him that we have a clear understanding of Almaskar’s concept and ethos. He’s passionate about the menu he and his team have worked to create and he tells us that he’ll bring small, tasting menu portions of a variety of his best dishes for us to try.

For our main courses we sample small portions of the Argentinean giouvetsi with red shrimp (normally Almaskar serves this dish with langoustines), and a spectacular red snapper presented atop a bed of leek and lentil stew, with a pink grapefruit and celeriac purée. Both dishes are superb, but the red snapper is exquisite – the flavour profile is perfectly balanced and the contrast of textures in the dish, divine. The filet is perfectly-seasoned – I don’t have to add salt and pepper – and the delicate skin is crunchy and thin.

The first items to arrive on our table are the feta cheese with chili and the melitzanosalata dips – both are mouthwatering and a great start to our meal. We plunge our hot, fresh bread in deep for the perfect, appetizing bite. The cheese is more-ish, while the melitzanosalata is the Greek equivalent of the much beloved babaganoush.

So far, for this foodie, the top-sellers at Almaskar are the scallops and the red snapper; running a close third is the shrimp saganaki. Chef Angelos and his team have achieved a certain level of artistry in every dish, between their presentation and balance of flavours – unpredictable, yet beautiful. We finish with a sweet trio of home-made ice creams and sorbets, a punchy, yet refreshing portion of compressed fruit with lime sorbet, and the best panna cotta we’ve spooned up in recent memory – made with Greek yogurt and served with a honey gel and preserved kumquat.

With an ambiance reminiscent of a seaside Mediterranean café somewhere in Greece, Almaskar serves freshly-caught, succulent seafood imbued with flavour profiles from both East and West. It’s apparent early on in our meal that the intention is to create a unique seafood restaurant using simple elements in terms of design and fresh, quality ingredients.

Next is a starter of fresh Greek salad with tomato, pickled red onion, green capsicums, Kalamata olive tapenade, soft-serve feta cheese, compressed cucumber and oregano. The salad is refreshing and all elements marry together nicely; however it’s not the most outstanding starter of the night. The scallops served with sweet corn risotto, red cabbage purée and beluga caviar wins the appetizer round. The risotto is cooked to perfection and the scallops, delicate, with succulent flavour. In addition to the shellfish, other must-try items off the starter menu include the sweetly-rich shrimp saganaki and toothsome baby octopus served with fava beans, cured lemon peel, arugula purée and avgotaraho (cured grey mullet roe-sacs).

Almaskar, the Sheraton Doha’s newest culinary centrepiece, is one of those coveted rare escapes. From its Mediterranean-inspired menu, elegant marine décor and unbeatable waterfront perch, it’s a lush option for those craving an intimate locale and hearty, yet delicate fare. t’s a cool, breezy Wednesday evening when my friends and I arrive at Almaskar, ready to savour some succulent seafood. After being escorted through the main dining area, with its earthy driftwood décor, blue-gray colour palette and shimmering accent wall of ‘sea-glass’ dishes, we settle in on the outdoor terrace at a comfortable wooden table overlooking the water. There’s a gentle wind cooling our necks and the sound of the ocean laps gently in our ears. All the while, the bright lights of West Bay stand watch.

Chef Angelos tells us that Almaskar won’t only be a restaurant for die-hard seafood lovers. Coming soon are some brilliant options for those who crave something other than fish. In terms of price-point, there’s no need to flinch when reaching for your wallet, as the prices are more than reasonable – especially for such high-quality variety. There’s a lot to love about Almaskar. n

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Scallops served atop a bed of sweet-corn risotto

Salmon 104°F with paperthin, sliced pickled beets

etsi Beautifully-plated Argentinean giouv with orzo and tomato sauce

Almaskar's cooked-toperfection red snapper

ALMASKAR Location: Pool and beach area, Sheraton Doha Timings: • 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., daily for dinner • 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m., Fri & Sat for lunch

salad Almaskar's take on a fresh Greek Octopus with avgotaraho and arugula purée Succulent shrimp saganaki Amuse-bouche of chocolate mousse and honey 'caviar'

Average Meal Price: • QR 30, Feta cheese & melitzanosalata dip • QR 75, Greek salad • QR 95, scallops with sweet corn risotto • QR 85, shrimp saganaki • QR 75, baby octopus with avgotaraho • QR 185, Argentinean giouvetsi • QR 135, red snapper • QR 40, Greek yogurt panna cotta Smoking: Yes Licensed: Yes Contact Info: Call 4485-3000, email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com, or visit www.almaskar-restaurant.com.

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FOOD & DINING

Prime's rich array of succulent cold seafood delicacies

We wish we had enough space to show you every inch of the 2-metre-long Yule log cake!

A Festive Feast

By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the InterContinental Doha The City

A delicious turkey, scrumptious seafood platter, a two-metrelong Yule-log cake and some deliciously-decorated edible gifts are a few treats in store for the holiday season at the InterContinental Doha The City’s standout restaurant, Prime. Christmas came early as QH gets a sneak peek (and taste!) of their Festive Menu.

he festive season is a time when the pace of life in Doha once again slows down, while Hamad International Airport bustles with expats traveling home for the holidays. If a plane ticket home to celebrate a family turkey dinner with all the trimmings isn’t in the cards for you, rest assured you won’t go hungry. The InterContinental Doha The City is serving up one of the most mouthwateringly lush festive dinner feasts at Prime – and the best part? You’re not the one who has to bother with the fuss of cooking, or the mess of cleaning up. Prime tops our list if you’re on the hunt for holiday fare that will satisfy a crowd. We had the pleasure to be invited to their Christmas dinner preview and left impressed, with our belly’s full to bursting and – most importantly – in the early festive spirit. From the Yuletide décor, to the presentation and flavour of the food (almost most as good as Mom’s home-cooking), to the festive carols and tunes that set the atmosphere, the menu is varied, traditional and perfectly palate-pleasing. We even had the fun of donning our cook’s whites and

chef’s hats for an (extra-competitive) gingerbreaddecorating contest.

The dinner starts with a mouth-watering mise en bouche in the form of a perfectly-wrapped smoked salmon ‘Christmas ball’, with avocado mousse and wasabi tobikko. All the elements in this peculiar starter work together in delicious unison. Then we moved on to an incredible cold seafood selection served on a carved ice platter heaping with fresh oysters, lobster, clams, crab, shrimp, sea-snails, whelks and mussels. Served with sides of traditional cocktail sauce, French mayonnaise, aioli, shallot vinegar, and an Échiré butter, it’s rich yet delightful. The star of the night is by far the main course of salt-crusted turkey stuffed with truffles and served with cranberry sauce and gravy. Though turkeys can’t fly, it’s true, this bird is out of this world. Everyone at the table agrees that it’s a chart-topper. Prior to roasting, the meat is drizzled with a good glug of olive oil while a few sprinkles of salt and pepper are rubbed all over the skin to make sure every part is perfectly-seasoned and turns crispy. The blend of gravy and cranberry sauce adds a succulent depth of flavour to the superbly-cooked meat, while the accompanying sides of mashed potato, sweet potato with hazelnuts, roasted winter vegetables, stewed dates and a buttery cromequis d foie gras, add to the uniqueness of this incredible main course. Each combination of elements is deliciously different, and no two bites are the same. Just as impressive as the starters and the main course are Prime’s Festive Menu dessert offerings. The bûche de Noël, your choice of chocolate, orange, cinnamon or hazelnut caramel crunch is superb. So is the smorgasbord of mince pies, Christmas puddings, gingerbread cookies, German stollen bread and traditional Christmas cakes that adorn the giant platter that’s carried to the middle of the table at the end of the meal.

The array of festive sweets is endless − so be sure to save some room!

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you won’t find it here in Doha. But if it’s a Christmas feast that’s disrupting your sleep with visions of sugarplums, look no further – Prime at the InterContinental Doha The City has heard your call. So…dig in!

Other Christmas Happenings • The Lobby Lounge starts off as your main attraction for the season with a festive Gingerbread Hut in the central reception area, where you can delve into the holiday spirit. The hut will be on display from December 10, 2015 till January 7, 2016. • For companies, they can enjoy tailor-made offerings for smaller or private groups in Al Jawhara ballroom or The Square restaurant. Festive menus are available to celebrate the season. This offer runs from December 10, 2015 till January 7, 2015. • Kids can also enjoy special festive season activities as they decorate the festive kids’ gingerbread house. This event will take place on December 12, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. n The cost of the Festive Menu at Prime is QR 550. For reservations call 4015-8888, or email icdohatc.reservations@ihg.com.

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FOOD & DINING

My Armenian Kitchen Photography by Jessie Palanca

December means festive feasting and we can’t think of anything sweeter as Mamig and Aziza restaurants’ Chef Zarmig whips up an Armenian holiday staple – a honey walnut cake that gets better with every bite.

Chef Zarmig with her cookbook of classic Armenian recipes, published in 2013

Honey Walnut Cake Ingredients: • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup sugar • 6 eggs • 200gms butter • 6 Tbsp honey • 1 cup walnuts (chopped) • 1 cup orange juice • 2 Tbsp baking soda For the cream: • 2 cups yogurt • 100gms melted butter • 1.5 cups powdered sugar • 1 Tbsp. vanilla • 1 cup walnuts (chopped)

Sticky-sweet indulgence – the perfect centrepiece to any festive table

The festive season in Armenia means a taste of tradition and well-loved family favourites

Directions: • In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs with the baking soda and mix with a wooden spoon. Gradually add in the sugar, flour, orange juice, walnuts and melted butter, mixing well using an electric hand-mixer or wooden spoon until all elements are combined. • Preheat the oven and grease the bottom and sides of four rectangular baking pans. Pour the cake batter equally into the four baking pans, spreading it evenly in each tray until you reach a 1 cm thickness. Bake the four trays for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. • Mix the ingredients for the cream together and let it cool down, storing it in the refrigerator for one hour. On a serving plate, put one layer of cake, spread the cream on top of it and then put another layer of cake over top, repeating the process until the four layers are covered with cream. Decorate with walnuts 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

Delcious morsels of skewered beef cooked in traditional Turkish spices

The light and refreshing Yörük salatası

MH: Yes, we like Turkish cuisine and would absolutely go back to Sukar Pasha again. QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? with her husband Cosmin Contest winner Monica Horobeanu de Cuisine Baran Yucel (far right) and Sukar Pasha's Chef

Word Of Mouth 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 Monica Horobeanu explores the ancient cuisine of Turkey at Katara’s Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge. Here is her review.

• Baklava (sweet filo pastry filled with chopped nuts, honey and syrup)

MH: [Editor’s Note: Monica left this question blank. So perhaps she didn’t have a least favourite thing about the restaurant.] QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience?

QH: Were the prices reasonable?

MH: Yes, the staff made us feel special throughout the whole meal.

MH: The prices were acceptable for the main dish, excellent for the appetizer and fair for dessert.

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

QH: Describe the ambiance.

MH: It would have been nice to have some music to create more of an ambiance. n

MH: The restaurant was romantic and luxurious, with ample privacy. QH: Describe the quality of the food. MH: The food was very tasty and full of flavour – and the portions were big. QH: Describe the quality of the service. MH: The service was excellent.

• Saslık (tender beef kebabs served with grilled peppers and potatoes)

QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant?

• Coffee, water and lemon-mint juice

QH: What did you order? MH: • Yörük salatası (Tomato, cucumber, radish, mint leaves, white cheese, green onion, black olives, Romaine lettuce, and sumac served with lemon and olive oil dressing)

MH: Its good location, right on Katara Beach – and of course the tasty food!

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

For more information on Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge call 4408-2000 or visit www.sukarpasha.qa.

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

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FOOD & DINING

Holiday Helpings Enjoy the festive season in style this December as Doha’s five-star hotels pull out all the stops in an array of dinners and brunches that will have you embracing the spirit of the season and all its trimmings!

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Christmas Day Brunch

HILTON DOHA Christmas Eve Dinner

Dec 24: Join in at Antica Pesa for a traditional festive celebration with a set four-course dinner menu for guests to enjoy. QR 500 per person, including festive gift. Reservations only. For more information call 4035-5011.

Dec 24: Mawasem. Savour a sumptuous dinner buffet this Christmas Eve with family and friends. QR 250 including soft drinks and QR 350 including house refreshments. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.For more information call 4423-3112, or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.

Dec 24: The Square. ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through The Square, family and friends gathered for good cheer and delicious fare. Join the hotel’s Christmas Eve at The Square where they’ll be featuring a full buffet of all-time Christmas favourites such as roast beef, turkey with all the trimmings, a decadent Christmas log and more. They’ll also have kids’ activities to keep the little ones in the holiday spirit. QR 275 per person including soft beverages, and QR 450 including special refreshments. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

DOHA MARRIOTT The Big Day

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Christmas Buffet Dinner

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Christmas Eve Dinner

ANTICA PESA DOHA Cena di Natale

Dec 25: Restaurant Gallery. Featuring a fine selection of traditional Christmas roasts, seasonal holiday desserts and festive refreshments, the Doha Marriott is the perfect choice for your family Christmas brunch! There’s also a kids’ entertainment room featuring bouncy castle, games and more. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Dec 25: Blue. Wake up to a joyous Christmas with a glorious family brunch set against the breath-taking views of Aspire greenery. Celebrate the day with a delicious selection of rich seasonal dishes. QR 220 per person. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Christmas Eve

Dec 24: Coral. Enjoy a special Christmas Buffet Dinner for QR 395 including special beverages. Children pay QR 200 for food and soft drinks. Live entertainment including a Christmas choir, visit from Santa and kids activities will be available. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Dec 24: Aroma & The Lounge. The gourmet three-course dinner menu created by Executive Chef Vinon Yergu, the live Christmas rhythms and the elegant festive decorations, promise a remarkable jolly experience. QR 295 per person. Refreshments a la carte. For more information call 4405-3325.

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RADISSON BLU Christmas Eve Dinner

LA CIGALE Christmas Menu

Dec 24 & 25: Di Capri. Feel the warmth of a Christmas gathering and savour exquisite Italian flavours from a special signature menu courtesy of Chef Luca Dal Col. For more information call 4428-8840.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Christmas Brunch

Dec 25: Ipanema. Dressed in red, celebrate Christmas with some Brazilian flare on your plate, along with live music, party packs and much more. Feliz Natal! Brunch is priced at QR 325. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Feliz Navidad

Dec 24: El Faro. ‘Noche buena’ and ‘navidad’ are Spanish words referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Celebrate Christmas in El Faro with the ‘Noche Buena’ four-course set menu and some live Spanish entertainment. Their classic à la carte menu is also available. QR 295 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Refreshments à la carte. For more information call 4035-5011.

ORYX ROTANA The Night Before Christmas

Dec 24: Choices. Experience an extravagant dinner buffet on the night before Christmas! Book your table at Choices and sit down to a luxurious spread of traditional Christmas dishes including turkey with all the trimmings. The Christmas spirit is brought to life in a magical restaurant, with its festive décor, sparkling lights and beautifully-decorated tables. For their younger guests, there will be a visit from Santa with a present for every child. Christmas Eve dinner is QR 280 (food only), QR 370 (including house refreshments) or QR 425 (including unlimited house refreshments). For more information call 4402-3333.

Dec 24: Maxim & Bentley’s. Doha’s finest restaurants offer you a mouthwatering set menu at your choice of venue for this special evening. Their professional team invites you to an exquisite dining experience priced at QR 360. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

THE FOUR SEASONS Christmas Eve

Dec 24: Il Teatro. Escape for a truly memorable evening on Christmas Eve and celebrate fine food, good friends and the spirit of the holidays at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Il Teatro. Enjoy a fourcourse dinner created by Italian Chef Marco Arlotti. QR 410 including soft beverages and amuse bouche. For more information call 4494-8600.

THE GRAND HYATT Christmas Brunch

Dec 25: The Grill. Christmas is all about being merry, joyful and sharing good times — and what better venue for this than Grand Hyatt Doha’s Christmas brunch? Little guests will be spoiled for choice too, and can look forward to a surprise visit from Santa! For more information call 4448-1240 or 7798-2400.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Family Brunch

Dec 25: Vine. Celebrate the most special day of the year with family and friends. QR 555 including soft drinks and QR 655 including enhanced refreshments. For more information call 4446-0105, or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Christmas Day Brunch

Dec 25: Lagoon Restaurant. Festive family brunch can never be this jolly – with festive decorations everywhere and a gingerbread aroma in the air to evoke your most cherished childhood ‎memories.‎ A visit from Santa Claus will cheer the little ones with special Christmas surprises. QR 350 per person inclusive of soft beverages and QR 550 per person with full refreshment package. Kids ‎under the age of four can dine for free, while those ages four to 12 years-old can dine at half-price. For more information call 4484-8000.

THE TORCH DOHA Festive Lunch

Dec 25: Panorama. Enjoy a festive lunch with carvings and a pasta corner from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. at QR 225 per person including welcome drink, still water, selected soft drinks and chilled juices. Children between the ages of six to 12-yearsold dine for QR 98. Visit their website and print the Festive Season discount voucher for a 20% discount on your total bill when dining in Panorama restaurant from December 25-30. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Christmas Eve Dinner

Dec 24: La Spiga by Paper Moon. Celebrate Christmas at the W Doha’s magnetic Italian hotspot, with four courses from Chef Diego De Rosa and entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 250 per person for set menu. A la carte menu also available. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135. n

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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

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Festive Turkey-To-Go

Until Dec 25: Order a delicious turkey for QR 990 for eight to ten people. Order needs to be placed 48 hours in advance. For more information call 4446-0105, or e-mail turkeytogo.doha@stregis.com.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS ANTICA PESA DOHA ‘Pranzo All'Italiana’ Brunch

Fridays: Indulge in signature Roman recipes at this simple and classic a la carte ‘Pranzo all' Italiana’ brunch. Starts at 12 noon. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visitwww.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Grapes Tasting KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Christmas Turkey In A Box

All-Month: Gourmet House. Enjoy a calm and hassle-free celebration at home! Order a ready-made, warm, mouth-watering roast turkey with Chef Vinon's signature stuffing and traditional condiments perfectly prepared by the culinary team of Kempinski. Place your order 48 hours in advance of your desired pick-up time. QR 1,350, serving 6-7 people. For more information call 4405-3325.

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 The Late Brunch Is Back In Town!

Fridays: The View. Every Friday at the View Poolside Restaurant, experience the awesome, re-vamped outdoor Late Brunch! Shaking up the city’s brunch scene, join in for Doha’s first and only Late Brunch! Chill out and watch the sunset by the pool with spectacular views across the city and the famous backdrop of the Doha skyline. With funky tunes, full grill, buffet and seafood selections, dance the night away under the stars! Including ‘all-in’ refreshments and BBQ! QR 380 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Don’t Be A Chicken – Order A Turkey-To-Go

All-month: Throughout the month of December the hotel’s skilled chefs will be preparing turkeys roasted perfectly and served with all the trimmings. Enjoy the perfect Thanksgiving celebration with your family, right at your home. Order a turkey today and arrange for pick-up until December 31! QR 860 for 5-6kgs, and QR 1,200 for 7-8kgs. For more information call 4429-8499.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Turkey To Go!

Till Dec 26: Quick Bites. Whoever said you should have to cook, when you can host brilliantly without the hassle? Fill in the Turkey To Go order form and pick up your sumptuous Christmas turkey, festively plated, with all the trimmings to complete your table, only at Quick Bites! From QR 450. Order to be placed 48 hours prior to pick-up time. For more information call 4419-5000.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Traditional Turkey In A Box

From Dec 17: Enjoy a cozy and peaceful celebration in the comfort of your home! The culinary team of Marsa Malaz Kempinski will prepare a succulent traditional roast turkey with their signature onion and sage stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, rosemary potatoes and honey-glazed root vegetables. Please place your order 48 hours in advance of your desired pick-up time. QR 995, serving 5-6 people. For more information call 4035-5011, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.

THE GRAND HYATT Thai Cooking Classes

Saturdays: Isaan. Isaan’s team will teach guests how to prepare different Thai recipes every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Classes are QR 280, including lunch. For more information call 4448-1250, or 7021-8097.

Fridays: A taste of four Italian grape selections plus one after-dinner spirit. QR 200 per person, excluding food. Starts at 12:00 noon. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA ‘Naan’-Stop Tandoori

Wednesdays: Azraq Restaurant. Enjoy an authentic Indian buffet serving tandoor cuisine, prepared and served at live cooking stations. The textures, flavours and expressive range of Indian cuisine are sumptuously brought alive. Diners can choose from a selection of seafood, meat and vegetarian Indian food options in Azraq Restaurant. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4040-5050.

Seafood Night Fiesta

Thursdays: Azraq Restaurant. Let your taste-buds run wild at Food Fantasy's spectacular seafood buffet at Azraq Restaurant. Situated in the middle of the sea, Anantara brings you the most succulent ‘catch-of-the-day’ seafood, where quality and diversity are the key words for an exceptional seafood buffet. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4040-5050.

Ultimate New Friday Brunch Azraq Restaurant. Every Friday at Azraq, savour a truly bespoke brunch experience with an endless display of the choicest seafood, grilled delicacies, live cooking stations and decadent desserts complemented with a captivating live contemporary band. Complementing the personalized culinary journey are highly-skilled mixologists preparing tantalizing beverages such as the signature Arabian Snapper mocktail. This fantastic restaurant welcomes families with children and has a children’s area designed especially for even the youngest discerning guests. From 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4040-5050.

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CHOWKING Indo-Chinese Menu & Value Meals

Daily: Tuck in to the new flavours at Chowking with their delectable Indo-Chinese menu. Also, enjoy dinner for two for QR 70-QR 80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/5335.

DOHA MARRIOTT Express Business Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Corniche Restaurant. It’s time to mix business with pleasure! Enjoy a light lunch in a bright setting at Corniche Restaurant with their new Express Business Lunch. With a weekly menu rotation, sample Mediterranean favourites and regional specialties with highlights including homemade tortellini, Oriental skewers and classic lamb flatbread. Delight in the carefully-selected three-course set menu together with an unlimited salad bar, all for QR 95. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

JW’s Steakhouse

Daily: Marriott’s signature restaurant and still the best in the city, JW’s Steakhouse offers an exclusive, upscale dining experience reflected in the sophisticated atmosphere and classic décor. JW’s main courses feature only the finest cuts of US Certified Prime Angus beef, complemented by exquisite spices and sauces. Seafood and salad are also available. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: Restaurant Gallery. Discover an array of live stations and specialties featuring favourite 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 and more. Now offering a kids’ club zone with a special kids’ buffet and activities. QR 270 for regular brunch and QR 375 for special brunch. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Friday Family Brunch

Fridays: Blue. With so much fun under one roof, enjoy the variety of their international dishes in a market-style buffet with your choice of grilled meat or seafood, prepared at the live cooking stations. Your little ones will want to spend every Friday at the kids’ play area, where they will be spoiled for choice with activities like a bouncy castle and mascot appearance in the exclusivelydesigned kids’ area adjacent to the restaurant. QR 220 per person. Children five-years-old and under enjoy a complimentary meal, while children between the ages of six and 11-yearsold dine half-price. For more information call 4445-5555.

Sushi & Steak

Daily: Blue. Enjoy a sharing sushi platter along with your choice of US tenderloin steak. QR 215 per person. For more information call 4445-5555.

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FOOD & DINING HILTON DOHA Theme Nights

Wed- Sat: Mawasem. Indulge in a lavish family buffet, or taste the world with their theme nights. Wednesday is steak night, Thursday and Friday seafood extravaganza, and Saturday is their Asian night. Regular price is QR 250 with soft drinks, or QR 350 with special beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3112 or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.

Mussels Promotion

Daily: Trader Vic’s. Indulge in your favourite mussels with a choice of three sauces with steak fries and one house refreshment for QR 99, or all-you-can-eat for QR 165. For more information call 4423-3112, or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA The Drunch

Fridays: The Fish Market. For those who prefer to enjoy the pool or beach and always miss the brunch, they have an alternative for you – an indulgent Friday Late Brunch with all your seafood favourites alongside a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. for 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.

Hellenic Chill-Out

Daily: Mykonos. Every afternoon from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m., Mykonos transforms their outdoor terrace into a truly Mediterranean chill-out lounge where you can enjoy a selection of refreshments while listening to the best house music. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Ocean Basket

Mondays: Mykonos. Every Monday, Mykonos brings the Mediterranean Sea to your table. Enjoy a mezze selection (including salads, starters and dips), followed by an indulgent grilled mixed seafood platter. End with a sweet note and try the ice cream selection. QR 150 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY The Business Lunch Sat-Thurs: The Square. Take time out of your busy work schedule and enjoy a three-course business lunch. The a la carte menu offers a wide selection of delectable starters and mouth-watering main courses, including locally-sourced seafood, prime cuts of meat, vegetarian options and a dessert. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. QR 88 for three courses, inclusive of one soft beverage. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Listings Daily Theme Nights

Daily: The Square. Feast on an exciting array of international dishes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Then, Monday offers the best of the Mediterranean and includes authentic Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Moroccan, French and Greek delicacies. Or, take a trip to Asia every Tuesday where Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian favourites take centre-stage. Experience the theme nights daily from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 180 excluding beverages, or QR 250 including unlimited house beverages from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Cosmopolitan Thursdays

Thursdays: The Square. Celebrate the beginning of the weekend with dinner and refreshments with friends at The Square. Enjoy international popular dishes on the buffet from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. along with your favourite house beverages. Priced at QR 300 including selected house beverages, or QR 230 inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Seafood Night

Wednesdays: The Square. Delectable locallysourced seafood is on offer every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Cold seafood salads, fresh seafood cooked a la minute at the live cooking stations and an enviable dessert station will make it a night to remember. Priced at QR 350 per person including selected house beverages, or QR 250 per person inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Chef's Table Surprise Menu Daily: Aroma. Join a theatrical performance from the culinary team as they create art right in front of you on your dining table. A surprise menu for six people is available with prior reservation in Aroma. QR 950 per person. 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.

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.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Experience their newly redefined business lunch menu, brought to you by Executive Chef Vinon Yergu. Aroma offers a creative two or three-course menu by using fresh and locallyfarmed ingredients. The finest business lunch in Doha is available from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. QR 75-QR 95 per person. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Daily: Le Cigalon. Indulge in an extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with an a la carte option 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 and colour-coded, plated formula along with an a la carte menu option as well. 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 out right with live tunes, an interactive international brunch buffet and activities to keep the kids entertained. 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 authentic finesse of France with this delectable artistic treat. Choose from the finest selection of sweet and savoury crêpes at Quick Bites for 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.

Tomahawk – Can You Handle It?

Daily: New York Steakhouse. Can you handle the largest steak in Doha? This is definitely the talk of the town! Choose from 1kg or 2kgs of flavourful Tomahawk Wagyu rib-eye. QR 690 for 1kg and QR 1,280 for 2kgs. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Barbecue By The Beach

Thursdays: Amwage Beach Restaurant. Celebrate the weekend with a delicious barbecue dinner in Amwage, right on the beach. Sample starters and ask for your favourite meat or seafood to be grilled at their barbecue. End the evening with a sweet treat from the dessert menu. QR 295 per person, including soft beverages, starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

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Tandoori Vs. Wok

Fridays: Sawa. Tandoori ovens battle with wok pans over your appetite in Sawa! The buffet offers a large selection of curry dishes, ranging from traditional Indian recipes to curry dishes from Thailand, along with delicacies freshly-prepared in wok pans. QR 220 per person. 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.

Tapeo After Work

Wednesdays: El Faro. Enjoy your favourite beverage with a complimentary selection of inimitably authentic Spanish tapas and pintxos. From 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

À La Carte Brunch

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

1001 Nights Chef's Choice Menu

Daily: Al Sufra. This surprise feast menu takes you on a journey through the Levant cuisines, designed by Al Sufra's Head Chef Julien Al-Khal. QR 900 for two people including soft beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Levant Lunch

Mon-Sat: Al Sufra. The rich, traditional Arabic recipes of Al Sufra are now available for lunch. Have a relaxing break from work and indulge in comforting, homemade food, prepared by the expert culinary team at Al Sufra. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA The Great Sunday Roast

Sundays: Seasons. Every Sunday, Seasons celebrates 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 at Nana’s house. QR 160 per person. Add QR 65 for an additional three refreshments or two glasses of house beverage. For more information call 4429-1138.

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FOOD & DINING Taste The World

Mon & Tues: Seasons. Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations. Each week their talented chefs draw inspiration from many cultural cuisines to present a wide variety of authentic flavours and aromas from around the world. You will 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. Experience the wholesome freshness of the all-new Seasons Friday Brunch. Inspired by the popular Marché theme, Seasons boasts an extravagant market-like concept with a variety of creative live cooking stations 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 to keep them entertained. QR 200 per person. Add QR 30 for soft beverages or QR 75 for special refreshments. For more information call 4429-1138.

NOZOMI DOHA Now Open!

Daily Except Mondays: Nozomi is the awardwinning contemporary Japanese lifestyle restaurant and celebrity hotspot travelling from the heart of London to Marsa Malaz Kempinski. Nozomi subtly fuses entertainment with dining. Its culinary style is best described as contemporary Japanese infused with European subtleties. Nozomi offers a wide selection of sushi, its famous black cod and tender Kobe beef, and its world-class lobster tempura and vegetarian dishes. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5089, email info@nozomidoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

ORYX ROTANA X'Press Lunch & Dinner

Daily: The Cellar. It’s quick-bite time and The Cellar is ready for it! 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 in 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.

Tapas Galore Selection

Tuesdays: The Cellar. Enjoy The Cellar’s array of 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.

Latin Night

Sundays: Choices. Enjoy a unique concept and indulge in a Latin American buffet from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. for QR 215 per person for food only, or QR 305 including unlimited selected house beverages. Also try their premium package for QR 350 which includes unlimited special refreshments. For more information call 4402-3333.

Listings RADISSON BLU Friday Brunch Hyde Park. This Friday brunch caters to the tastes of each guest with over 30 dishes from around the world. The hotel provides extensive children’s activities and games along with supervising staff that will take care of the kids while the adults are entertained by a live band. QR 170 per person for buffet-only, and QR 235 per person inclusive of special refreshments. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: Al Liwan. Unwind with friends and family and indulge in a luxurious buffet featuring the freshest seafood, Middle Eastern favourites and international classics. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. QR 325 per person including soft drinks, and QR 420 inclusive of selected house beverages. Children ages 12 and under dine complimentary. For more information call 4425-6666, email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage.

SHERATON DOHA Seafood Night

Indian Barbecue By The Pool

International Brunch

THE FOUR SEASONS Piatto Unico

Wed & Thurs: Al Hubara. Enjoy a sumptuous Seafood Night in Al Hubara all-day dining restaurant with a lavish buffet selection prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients to tantalize your taste-buds. QR 330 per person inclusive of soft drinks. 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.

Fridays: Al Hubara. Spend quality time with your loved ones while dining and enjoying an array of international specialties at Al Hubara all-day dining restaurant. QR 350 per person inclusive of soft drinks, or QR 450 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. QR 450 per person with the ‘Top-Up’ package. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000, email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com, or visit www.alhubararestaurant.com.

Churrasco Night

Wednesdays: Latino Steakhouse. If you’ve never experienced churrasco before, prepare yourself for a unique culinary experience every Wednesday in Latino Steakhouse! Churrasco is a Brazilian-style barbecue laden with mouth-watering spit-roasted meats cooked in a churrasco grill and served from a sword-sized skewer to your table. All dishes are accompanied by a wide variety of fresh salads, choice of two side dishes and desserts served from their buffet. QR 220 per person inclusive of soft refreshments, QR 320 with ‘Top-Up’ Package 1 and QR 350 with ‘Top-Up’ Package 2. For more information call 4485-3000.

Weekend Lunch

Fri & Sat: Almaskar Restaurant. Chef Angelos has created a delectable 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 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Oyster Feast

Mon & Thurs: Al Dana. Sourced directly from the cold waters of Northern Europe, your favourite catch is prepared in a varied selection of flavours and sizes. QR 15 per piece. For more information call 4425-6666, email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage.

Thurs & Fri: Al Seef. Take a seat by the pool and discover the vast range of ancient Indian cuisine. From the fragrant infusions of the north to the exciting and punchy ¬flavours of the south, plus the exotic flavours of its grilled specialties from the tandoori oven, there’s something to excite every palate from their culinary team, complemented by live entertainment. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. QR 215 per person excluding beverages. For more information call 4425-6666, email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage.

Sat-Thurs: Il Teatro. ‘Piatto Unico’ in Italian literally means a ‘one-dish meal’ that’s wellbalanced, healthy and bountiful. The chef is delighted to share this unique Italian lunch on a weekly changing basis to suit all tastes. Perfect for those who don’t have much time for lunch and offers great value for a true Italian experience. QR 99 per person. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

Sapore Italiano

Fridays: Il Teatro. Their infamous family-style lunch has to be experienced by the whole family! Their talented chefs have created an Italian fourcourse menu using fresh ingredients to satisfy your palate. QR 250 per person including regular refreshments, and QR 350 per person including special refreshments. Served every Friday from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

Al Fresco Breakfast

Daily: Pool Grill. Head to the Pool Grill for their breakfast concept. Served on rustic cast-iron plates, you can choose from Western and Middle Eastern breakfast items, to healthy and glutenfree, or even indulge in a delicious Dutch pancake. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind breakfast with the alluring Arabian Gulf as a backdrop. Starting at QR 70 from 8:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

THE GRAND HYATT Curry Nights

Mondays: Isaan. The Thai restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat curry night. Every Monday from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., you can order a variety of unlimited curry 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.

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Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch

Fridays: Isaan. Get an outstanding Thai Chatuchak Weekend Market experience, every Friday for brunch from 12:30 noon 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 280, a house beverage package for QR 395 and the special brunch for QR 680. For more information call 7021-8097.

Pizza & Suds

Wed-Sat: Rocca. Feast on unlimited amounts of Chef Marco’s delicious pizza, served with a house beverage, available Saturday to Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. for only QR 185. For more information call 4448-1272 or 7021-8096.

THE RITZ-CARLTON The Backyard

Thursdays: The Lagoon. There’s no better retreat in the city than the lush and green Lagoon Garden to celebrate a longer weekend. The party invites guests to enjoy live entertainment while savouring a sumptuous selection of BBQs from around the world. The well-known MVM band will respect the multicultural spirit of the city while playing your favourite songs. What’s more exciting than having an outdoor barbecue with family and friends while the weather is nice? From 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Friday Brunch The Lagoon. Bring all the family for a relaxing weekend brunch. Live music complements the delicious buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children have their own junior buffet and entertainment. QR 305 per person including soft beverages, QR 395 per person including house beverages, or QR 425 for full brunch. Kids under the age of four can dine for free. QR 150 for kids ages 4-12 years-old. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. Last order for beverages is at 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Burger & Pint Night

Mondays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy the tastiest and juiciest burger in Doha! Choose from lamb, Wagyu beef, or Opal’s vegetarian burger served with fluffy fat fries andhome-made 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.

Gourmet Chili-Dog Nights

Tuesdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Tuesday night is officially Gourmet Chili-Dog Night. Enjoy the tastiest chili-dogs in town served with special refreshments and includes ice-cream for dessert, all for QR 125. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000, or email opalbygordonramsay@stregis.com.

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FOOD & DINING 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.

THE FRENCH OLVIE 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.

THE TORCH DOHA Fine Steaks & Prime Cuts

Tues & Thurs: Three Sixty. The restaurant introduces a selection of fine steaks and prime cuts served every Tuesday and Thursday including a Chateaubriand beef roast sharing platter, T-bone steak, Black Angus short ribs and Wagyu filet at Doha’s only revolving restaurant. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Land & Sea Night

Wednesdays: Panorama. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., the restaurant features an extensive buffet of salads, appetizers and carvings. Indulge in a choice of main course from the a la carte menu, in addition to an array of delicious dessert selections. QR 240 per person including a welcome mocktail, still water, selected soft drinks and chilled juices. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Tex-Mex Night

Wednesday: Flying Carpet. The restaurant serves a wide selection of steaks, burgers and hot dogs at QR 200 per person including soft drinks and chilled juices. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

TORO TORO DOHA

Mon-Sat: Toro Toro is a creative blend of Pan-Latin flavours and one of the most successful and growing concepts of celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval. Toro Toro showcases the most authentic recipes from Mexico to Argentina in a vibrant atmosphere, giving to its eclectic and selected guests a full Latin experience including the acclaimed ‘rodizio’ experience. From 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5101, email info@torotorodoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Listings W DOHA Pitcher Perfect

Sun-Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy signature Market by Jean-Georges refreshments served in pitchers with your favourite bites at this award-winning restaurant – all for QR 160. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135, or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Burger Night

Sundays: Market by Jean-Georges. Start your week with your favourite burger, side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection – all for QR 125 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Sip & Savour

Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Try Spice Market’s signature refreshments alongside a combination of mouthwatering snacks with a 50% discount on selected beverages. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert in just half an hour at QR 95 for a three-course meal. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135, or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Jazz Brunch

Fridays: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a delicious brunch with live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 410 per person including house beverages, or QR 295 including soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Vietnamese Tuesdays

Tuesdays: Spice Market. Inspired by the vibrant street-life of Southeast Asia, Spice Market introduces an all new Vietnamese night. It’s all about the balance of flavours, the yin and yang, the sweet and salty, the fresh and fermented, spread across eight courses prepared every Sunday at Spice Market. QR 150 per person. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Business Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Tangia Restaurant. Enjoy an authentic Moroccan Business Lunch in Tangia restaurant with a three-course set menu for only QR 87 per person including beverages. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/ 3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.

Moroccan Brunch

Fri & Sat: Tangia Restaurant. Tangia restaurant presents a traditional Moroccan brunch with a variety of tagines, salads and Moroccan bread for only QR 149 per person. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/ 3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.

Chinese Bliss

Thursdays: Chopsticks Restaurant. Chopsticks is serving a delightful Chinese-food dinner buffet for only QR 169. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.

Sushi Fiesta

Saturdays: Chopsticks Restaurant. Chopsticks is serving a delightful miso soup followed by a Sushi Fiesta. Eat as much you can for only QR 169 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Immerse yourself in an electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters and try their sushi made of chicken, beef and duck exclusively at Chopsticks, the awardwinning restaurant. For more information call 4434-3203/3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY ASPIRE GRAND CAFÉ Breakfast Time

Daily: Aspire Park. Enjoy their new breakfast menu in the park, now made better than ever. For more information call 4449-3963.

CHAC’LATE Tahini Bomb

Daily: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy hazelnut cake and tahini ice cream enclosed in a dark chocolate shell, garnished with cookie crumbs and fresh berries, and accompanied with mouth-watering, warm dark chocolate syrup. For more information call 4408-0733.

Ice Berry Tisane

Daily: Katara Cultural Village. Delight you palate with fresh orange and lemon juice garnished with slices of fresh orange and berries. For more information call 4408-0733.

BURGERI Burgeri Bus

Daily: Aspire Park. The Burgeri Bus, a new mobile kitchen concept, is the first of its kind in Qatar. Follow them in selected locations across the city by downloading the mobile app from Google Play Store or Apple Store. Burgeri Bus is not available on Sundays. For more information call 4449-3958, or 3399-9100.

SUKAR PASHA Fresh Menu

Daily: Katara Cultural Village. It’s Katara Kashta time once again! Enjoy fresh air and a specially-prepared, sumptuous menu under the stars in one of their Kashta located by the beach or the hills. Open daily. Advance reservation is highly recommended. For more information call 4408-2000.

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RED VELVET CUPCAKERY Cupcake In A Jar

Daily: Katara Cultural Village. Their new Cupcake In A Jar is a perfect gift for any occasion. Send any of these home-made morsels of happiness to someone special. Available daily. For more information call 4408-0700.

HDC RESTAURANTS AT THE PEARL-QATAR Al Tabkha A fast-casual restaurant concept offering healthy home-made Lebanese cuisine in a family-friendly environment for dine-in, takeaway or delivery. They offer a Friday buffet for QR 95, falafel combo for QR 30, chicken shawarma for QR 20, daily specials for QR 50, take-away and delivery from QR 65 and dine-in breakfast set menus from QR 45, QR 55 and QR 70. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. till midnight. Located at Croisette 18, Porto Arabia, The PearlQatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 5874/5875.

Burj Al Hamam Offers a wide range of Lebanese traditional dishes and fresh seafood specialties with breath-taking marina views of The Pearl-Qatar. Open daily from 12:00 noon till midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. till 12 midnight. Set menus start from QR 200/QR 300/QR 400. Average meal price per person is QR 170. Located at Croissette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495 3876, Ext: 1291.

Tse Yang An elegant, chic and high-end Chinese restaurant overlooking a breath-taking marina. Open daily from 12:00 noon till midnight. Located in Croisette 6, Porto Arabia, ThePearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 2071.

Megu A high-end Japanese restaurant providing an exclusive experience second-to- none. Open from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. for lunch, and from 7:00 p.m. till 12 midnight for dinner. Located at Croisette 6, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 2101.

Alison Nelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chocolate Bar A slick, chic and stylish cafĂŠ offering salads, desserts, decadent chocolates and ice-cream, alongside dishes that are a delicious choice for lunch, dinner and breakfast. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m. Located at Croisette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 1311.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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FOOD & DINING

Directory

Trader Vic’s Hilton Doha Nobu The Four Seasons

SPANISH & TEX-MEX Aceite 4018-8894 Caminito 4447-0000 Chili’s 4466-0663 4035-5555 El Faro Ipanema 4419-6100 4485-3000 Latino Steakhouse Oyster Bay 4446-0105 Paloma 4484-4444 4428-1428 Picasso’s Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria 4408-7777 Salsa 4429-8888 4035-5101 Toro Toro Doha

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 4495-3876, Ext: 5874/5875 Al Tabkha Al Tawash 4498-2002 Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam 4495-3876, Ext: 1291 4468-5089 Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 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

INTERNATIONAL Antica Pesa Marsa Malaz Kempinski

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

4434-3333 4408-4888 4411-4458 4428-1428 4495-3876, Ext: 2071 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 Al Liwan Restaurant 4424-2888 4433-6777 Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill Baraha 4447-0000 Blue Brasserie Restaurant 4472-2666 Choices 4402-3333 4429-8888 Corniche Cosmo 4424-7777 Crossroads Kitchen 4419-6100 4424-7777 Executive Club Lounge Flying Carpet 4446-5600 Grand Gourmet 4434-3333 4428-8888 La Cigalon Restaurant Mawasem 4423-3333 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Panorama 4446-5600 Pool Grill 4494-8600 The Dining Room 4433-6666 (Al Najada Boutique Hotel) The Grill 4448-1234 The Lagoon 4484-8000 The Village Souq Waqif 3331-1558 Three Sixty 4446-5600 4446-5600 Torch Tea Garden Vine 4446-0105

ITALIAN Antica Pesa Doha Bice Ristorante 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 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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Toro Toro Doha Marsa Malaz Kempinski

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

MEDITERRANEAN Aramede 4408-7777 Bistro Bistro 4428-1428 La Villa 4446-2222 Le Central Restaurant 4428-8888 4444-4700 Medi @ The Village 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 4495-3876 Mango Tree Nusantao: Sea Kitchens 4494-8888 4453-5353 Spice Market Sri Kebaya 4434-0838 The Noodle House City Center Mall 4411-5063 The Pearl 4495-3876 Wok Mee Noodle House 4496-6600

The Anvil Rooms Tornado Tower Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel

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

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 Dente Seafood Restaurant 4472-2666 Al Sayyad 4484-7420 Al Sultan Brahim 4446-0105 Fish Market 4484-4444 Harry Ramsden's World Famous Fish & Chips 4468-3231 L’wzaar Seafood Market 4408-0710 Pier 12 4428-1428

STEAKHOUSES Bentley’s Grill JW’s Steakhouse Le Grill New York Steakhouse Prime The Anvil Rooms The Butcher Shop and Grill The Old Manor Steakhouse

4428-1428 4429-8888 4484-7412 4419-6100 4015-8888 4499-0685 4413-5508 4446-2222

CAFÉS Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Ba 4495-3876, Ext. 1311 Al Jalsa 4425-6666 Al Kut Lounge 4434-3203 Allegria 4485-3000 Anima Gallery & Lounge 4002 7437 Arabica 4494-8600 Aspire Grand Café 4449-3963 Atrium 4424-7777 Atrium Lounge 4485-4444 Biscotti 4448-1282 Café Murano 4035-5555 Chac’Late 4408-2000 Gourmet House 4405-3333 Jones the Grocer 4407-7175 4436-1789 Le Gourmet 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 Troittor 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 Sweet Temptations 4485-3000 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

QATAR DRAGON BOAT ORGANIZATION Qatar International Dragon Boat Festival

December 4: The Grand Hyatt. The muchanticipated dragon boat race is back for another thrilling edition. The best crews in Qatar will battle it out at The Grand Hyatt. The competition is open to corporate/recreational crews. The race is expected to last from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided to all participants after the competition. For more information call 7044-3823, or email QatarDragonBoat@gmail.com.

WEILL CORNELL MEDICAL COLLEGE IN QATAR The Color Run

January 9: Starting point at QNNC. Following last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thrilling introduction to Qatar, where more than 5,000 fun-loving residents took excitement to a new high, The Color Run, the original 5-kilometre colour-powder race, will return to Qatar. For more information visit facebook.com/TheColorRunQatar.

RADISSON BLU Zumba Dance Classes

Tues & Fri: Cabana Fitness Club. Get ready to kick off and start the Zumba classes at The Radisson Blu. This is one training routine you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss, so mark your calendar for Tuesday or Friday and get ready to dance. Members pay QR 50 per class, or QR 350 for eight classes. Non-members pay QR 60 perclass, or QR 400 for eight classes. Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon. For more information call 4428-1621/1622.

QATAR TENNIS FEDERATION Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016

Jan 2-9: Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. Some of the top tennis players on the planet will land in Doha to start their ATP World Tour this January. The event provides players the chance to get a footing on the circuit before traveling to the Australian Open, held two weeks later. Thirty-two players in the singles competition and 16 doubles teams will battle it out for the prize money and the title. For more information visit www.qatartennis.org.

LA CIGALE Spinning

Ongoing: Ozone Gym & Spa. Spinning is a fat burner class using a stationary bike at varying speeds and resistance to strengthen and shape the muscles. Members pay QR 40 per class; non-members pay QR 60 per class. Reservation is required. For more information call 4428-8101.

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SPORTS

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Fasttrack Agency

QH looks ahead to the 19th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, as the most preeminent names in the sport hit the links at the Doha Golf Club on January 27-30 for four days of intense competition. Preparations for the tournament are well underway and we take you out on the green.

he Commercial Bank Qatar Masters is one of the must-attend sporting and social events of the year, bringing together the world’s best golf talent such as the likes of Branden Grace, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson – all of whom have all competed for the top $2.5 million USD grand prize.

The championship tournament will tee off on a Wednesday, just in time to take fans into a full-on weekend of music, festival atmosphere, and great game-play. Last year’s 2015 competition welcomed a whopping 26,000 visitors and was beamed directly into the living rooms of 400 million TV audience households’. The tournament benefits from strong local support as one of the highlights of Qatar’s sporting and social calendar. It also attracts many visitors from the UAE, which will host 2016 European Tour events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the weeks before and after the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Since 1998 the tournament has been hosted at the Doha Golf Club and sponsored annually by Commercial Bank. Held at the beginning of each year as part of The European Tour, many of the world’s best golfers convene on Doha to compete on the Club’s unique and challenging, desert-type Championship Course – proven to be one of the longest par-72 courses on the tour.

Designed by Peter Harradine and unveiled in 1997, the 7,374-yard Championship Course features eight strategically positioned lakes, 65 giant cacti, numerous imposing limestone rock formations and an abundance of lush and lengthy green fairways, presenting a startling contrast to the desert that lies beyond.

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Past Champions 2015 – Branden Grace 2014 – Sergio Garcia 2013 – Chris Wood 2012 – Paul Lawrie 2011 – Thomas Bjørn 2010 – Robert Karlsson 2009 – Alvaro Quiros 2008 – Adam Scott 2007 – Retief Goosen 2006 – Henrik Stenson 2005 – Ernie Els 2004 – Joakim Haeggmann 2003 – Darren Fichardt 2002 – Adam Scott

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The Golf Trick Shot crew in action

Simple Minds are set to rock the fairway!

Village as members Jim Kerr, Charlie Burchill, Mel Gaynor, Andy Gillespie, Ged Grimes and Sarah Brown, perform their greatest hits for thousands of spectators as part of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters concert series.

2001 – Tony Johnstone 2000 – Rolf Muntz 1999 – Paul Lawrie 1998 – Andrew Coltart

Entertainment Much more than four days of international golf action, there’s a range of family fun that’s not to be missed. The Public Village The most popular social area of the event, the Public Village is located off the 9th fairway of the Academy Course, will provide a huge range of entertainment – from outstanding food and beverage options, to big screens, tournament radio and live scoring, as well as an exclusive shopping boulevard experience with a wide selection of accessories, apparel, and new brands for 2016. Simple Minds Live! On Friday, January 29, world-famous Scottish pop-rock band Simple Minds will light up the Public

The family atmosphere of the Public Village

2015 champion Branden Grace turns up the sod

The ever-popular Golf Trick Shot crew also makes a comeback to entertain kids and adults alike with their action-packed daily golf show at the driving range. The Family Zone on the lawn beside the clubhouse will allow kids of all ages to try out a range of sports like mini and soft-golf alongside gourmet food offerings. The Family Zone also features school workshops with the Doha Golf Club Academy and the launch of a new Academy program aimed at new beginners. The Players The 2016 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters will feature a field of established European Tour champions and rising stars, with a prize fund of $2.5 million USD up for grabs along with valuable ranking points. The tournament’s list of champions includes former world number ones Ernie Els (2005) and Adam Scott (2002 and 2008), Ryder Cup stars Sergio Garcia (2014), Thomas Bjørn (2011), Henrik Stenson (2006), Paul Lawrie (1999 and 2012) and Robert Karlsson (2010), and two-time U.S. Open Champion Retief Goosen (2007). Qatar’s top two golfers will be invited to take part in the tournament as wild card entries. To stay up to date with the player announcements visit www.qatar-masters.com.

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SPORTS

ble Children enjoy the activities availa in the Public Village's Kids Zone

Michelin-starred Chef Theo Randall will create a special menu for VIP guests at this year's tournament

2014 champion Sergio Garcia takes y a swing near the iconic Pearl Troph

Event Schedule

Ticket Information

Sunday, January 24 • Official practice day

Tickets are on sale now at Virgin Megastores (online and in-store), Ticketmaster, Time Out Tickets, Q Tickets, and in person at the Doha Golf Club.

Monday, January 25 • Official practice day, pre-event press conference and challenge match featuring the top nine Qatari amateur players paired with the top three players of the tournament in a 9-hole shotgun shootout Tuesday, January 26 • Pro-am competition Wednesday, January 27 • Round 1, two tee start. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. Thursday, January 28 • Round 2, two tee start. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. Friday, January 29 • Round 3, one tee start. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. • Trick shot shows at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. • Evening concert in the Public Village after play, 7:00 p.m. • onwards – Simple Minds live on-stage Saturday, January 30 • Final round, one tee start. Gates open at 6:00 a.m. • Trick Shot Shows at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. • Prize presentation on the 18th green immediately after final putt

Wednesday, January 27 • General admission ticket: QR 150 Thursday, January 28 • General admission ticket: QR 150 Friday, January 29 • General admission ticket including public access to Simple Minds live music concert: QR 250 • VIP concert ticket - general admission to the golf course, access to a designated exclusive tented area at the Simple Minds concert, canapés and one free beverage: QR 500 Saturday, January 30 • General admission ticket: QR 200 Wednesday-To-Saturday Season Pass • Includes general admission on all four days and access to the Simple Minds concert on Friday, January 29: QR 450 Entry is free for children under 14 years of age and each ticket purchased entitles the holder to one free round-trip journey to and from the Doha Golf Club by event partner UBER.

Hospitality For those looking for an extra-special experience with the best views of the course and an exclusive culinary experience created by Michelin-starred Chef Theo Randall, hospitality packages are available to purchase through the tournament’s official website www.qatar-masters.com/hospitality. n 19TH COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS Dates: January 27-30, 2016 Location: The Doha Golf Club, West Bay Lagoon Prize Fund: $2.5 million USD Contact Info: Visit www.qatar-masters.com, or follow Commercial Bank Qatar Masters on Facebook and @CBQatarMasters on Twitter. Official hash-tag for the event is #MyCBQatarMasters.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Extreme Horsepower Forty years on from the unveiling of Ferrari’s first-ever mid-rearengine V8 Berlinetta, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history. The Ferrari 488 GTB’s name marks a return to the classic Ferrari model and QH gets behind the wheel.

he new Ferrari 488 GTB not only delivers unparalleled performance, it also makes that extreme power exploitable and controllable to an unprecedented level even by less expert drivers. An exceptional engine and sophisticated aerodynamics, combined with refined vehicle dynamic controls radically improve the already razor-sharp responsiveness of Ferrari’s road cars to near-track level. The 488 designation in its moniker indicates the engine’s unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. With 670 cv of power under its hood and vehicle response times of 0.8 s and 0.06 s respectively, the Ferrari 488 GTB has a unique character guaranteeing unmatched pleasure behind the wheel to drivers of all abilities. To achieve this result, Ferrari drew on its experience in both F1 and GT racing, in which the 458 holds the WEC title and has won its category in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new model also fully exploits the know-how gleaned by Ferrari engineers over the last decade through the

XX program, which makes extreme track-only cars available to gentleman test-drivers.

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s all-new 3902 cc V8 turbo is at the top of its class in terms of power output, torque and response times. It delivers 670 cv at 8,000 rpm and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds (at 2,000 rpm in third gear), making it the new benchmark for this kind of architecture, thanks in part to innovative work carried out on the turbine to reduce friction and inertia. Ferrari’s engineers have perfected the car’s sound too, creating a new soundtrack that is full, clear, progressive and totally distinctive, as expected from any Prancing Horse engine. Aerodynamics also make a pivotal contribution to performance: the car’s 1.67 E index figure is a new record for a production Ferrari, and is the fruit of 50 per cent more downforce than the previous model, along with lower drag. The greatest challenge was achieving these two goals simultaneously. Several innovative elements were specifically developed for this purpose, not least a double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes and, at the rear, active aerodynamics coupled with a revolutionary, Ferraripatented blown spoiler design. The design of the sophisticated aerodynamic under-body is derived from the 458 GT and incorporates vortex generators. Thanks to subsystems and electronic controls that make its power and performance instantly available and controllable, the Ferrari 488 GTB is the most responsive production model there is, with blisteringlyfast response times comparable to those of a track car. Specific gear ratios combined with Variable Torque Management deliver incredibly fast shifts and acceleration, with progressively greater torque values

The sporty luxe interior of the new Ferrari 488 GTB

in higher gears. The evolved version of Ferrari’s side slip angle control system (Side Slip Control 2 - SSC2) is more precise and less invasive, providing greater longitudinal acceleration out of corners. Aside from integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, the SSC2 now also controls the active dampers that render the car’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable. These cutting-edge solutions are reflected in the car’s styling which accentuates its sporty character yet retains the pure, elegant lines typical of Ferrari tradition. The cockpit-style cabin design is inspired by Formula 1 and focuses on fully immersing the driver in the driving experience. For more information on Ferrari dealerships in Qatar contact Alfardan Sports Motors at 4420-8788 or visit www.doha.ferraridealers.com. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

volution Sports Qatar is famous for organizing fantastic holiday camps and clinics throughout the year, ensuring that time off from school doesn’t mean the Evolution Sports experience stops too. Since 2007, Evolution Sports Qatar has set the standard of excellence for youth sports camps in the country. With an emphasis on total player development, your child will receive the highest level of coaching in a fun and safe environment. With a 1 to 12 coach-to-player ratio, their UEFA-qualified soccer coaches, ASA swimming coaches and EB basketball coaching staff are able to evaluate individual players and focus on developing your child's technical, tactical, athletic and team-building skills. But, most importantly, they’ll make sure your child has fun.

all Learn the basics of pro-level footb s and much more at Evolution Sport Qatar's unique training camps

Starting from December 13, the sports academy will be offering a variety of development clinics for players of all levels across a range of sports including soccer, swimming and basketball.

‘Train Like A Pro’ Development Clinics Each clinic will take place from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. over a three or five-day period at their Al Waab or West Bay locations. Here, the focus is on individual development, where core skills are taught in a more challenging environment built to replicate a professional club experience. All sessions are led by the most experienced coaches who are supported by well-qualified assistants to ensure each player is given the attention they deserve. All clinic fees include a T-shirt, an evaluation and medal, or certificate. Weekly places can be purchased online, but for those who prefer a little more flexibility, daily passes can be purchased at the Al Waab office. Places are limited and will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information visit www.evosportsqatar.com, email camps@evosportsqatar.com or, if you’re already a member, speak to your child’s coach. n COMPETITION TIME!

Train Like A Pro Images courtesy of Evolution Sports Qatar

Evolution Sports Qatar will be operating camps this holiday season with some of the biggest football clubs in the world. QH heads to the field and joins the team.

For a chance to win a free placement in one of their ‘Train Like A Pro’ clinics, please answer the following question: What is the colour of the Evolution Sports Qatar soccer kit? A – Blue B – Yellow C – Red Submit your answers to toyan@evosportsqatar.com. Good luck!

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Feel The Burn… QH hits the gym to explore Crunch Doha’s workout regime and their approach to a healthy lifestyle.

‘C

runch’ is a physical training workout that focuses on doing hard-core weight training so your body is strengthening its muscles, while building a healthier and stronger physique. The 12-week program is aimed at not only transforming your body, but also your mind – building up your self-esteem and improving your overall well-being. Nuwaid Pocker founded Crunch Doha two years ago, gaining a loyal following of clients whose goals were to transform their lives and improve their health. He hasn't looked back since.

The Crunch Doha Approach When someone loses a huge amount of weight in a short period of time, if the body is not toned properly, their skin can sag as a result. This has a direct impact on self-esteem, because the body doesn't feel, nor look, as great as they’d hoped. The Crunch program works in a way that while the individual is losing weight, they’re also toning their body.

The workout training regimen of one hour, three times a week, is purely weight-training, designed to cover every muscle group in one day – so that by the end of the week the whole body is worked on. The trainers at Crunch Doha do a combination of isolated and compound movements to get the best results. It’s an intense training program that not only pushes physical boundaries but, those equally crucial mental boundaries that take you from saying ‘I can't pick this much weight’, to lifting up three times more in as little as three weeks. The program aims to reinforce a person’s faith in themselves when they’re able to achieve what they once thought impossible. It also adds an extra element of cardio, which means our stamina is being improved and we no longer huff and puff when doing everyday chores such as taking the groceries from the car to the kitchen, climbing steps, or playing with the kids.

Benefits Of The Program Strength training pushes a person’s mental ability at the gym and gives them a boost of confidence to be able to tackle whatever life throws their way. This is what Crunch Doha aims to achieve in the 12 weeks of the program. The commitment to stay ontrack encourages and motivates individuals to apply

these new self-discoveries in their work and home life. A strong physique can also keep chronic diseases at bay. After people lose weight, it’s recommended they continue any kind of exercise routine to maintain their weight and body-tone. If you stop taking care of your body – no matter what activity you’re doing – you’ll start putting the weight back on. You might ask, ‘But when I do weight-training, my weight doesn't drop on the scale?’ Correct; because muscles weight more than fat. You can weigh 60kgs and look totally different depending on how you’ve worked on shaping your body. When weight-training, you must look at the scale, yes, but also at your measurements and how you appear in the mirror – this is very important when evaluating progress and change. The Crunch Doha approach has worked for hundreds of clients in Qatar, so it’s time for you to hit the gym, feel the burn, and work towards body you’ve always dreamed of. For more information on all programs and services visit www.crunchdoha.com. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Muay Thai:

The Science Of 8 Limbs

By Rowad Ehlela

We hit the ring with EVOLVE – Mind/Body/Soul to discover the benefits, physical and mental, of the ancient art of Muay Thai.

uay Thai (also referred to as ‘Thai boxing’) took shape as a martial art originally known as Muay Boran – designed for use in the battlefield. As a result, its movements were fashioned to ensure that one’s opponent could no longer get up. Having a trained army skilled in Muay Boran was essential in ancient Southeast Asia, as centuries ago the region was a hotspot for inter-kingdom wars…which meant militaries were constantly being called on to utilize fighting arts and systems to ensure their nation’s safety.

changed and notice was taken of how effective Muay Thai was in real-life situations, as well as when used against other martial arts styles.

Its practicality, simplicity, and the fact that those who practice it are treated with respect, without the need for belts or grades, drew a host of new followers to the sport. Compounded by the rising popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where the majority of the best fighters use Muay Thai as their stand-up striking skill, revolutionized its popularity worldwide. So how are the benefits of Muay Thai applicable to the average person? To start, it comes down

During times of peace however, having a martial art where many of the moves are deadly stops soldiers from practicing to stay sharp and fit. Instead, a new format was developed that introduced rules and maneuvers that replicated the battlefield as close as possible – and thus Muay Thai was born. Fast-forward to the 1960’s onwards where the sport held rank in all its modern glory, as the basic tools that used in battle were now transferred to the ring. Muay Thai is unique in that it lets the practitioner use the following weapons – punches, elbows, knees and shin-kicks; add to this the skill of upright grappling and you have a very complete fighting system. When people think of martial arts, they usually have initial exposure to traditional Chinese or Japanese arts, which have a strong focus on patterns/tradition/belt or grading systems, and moves and graceful display of movement. As Thailand began to open its doors to the West, public perception of the sport

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to one of the main attractions of the sport – whether you’re looking to fight competitively or not, the training protocol is the same. Muay Thai differs from almost all other martial arts in the fact that major emphasis is placed on the physical conditioning of the fighter. Take a look at some of the points below to see what this really means to you: • Muay Thai emphasizes being physically fit. Conditioning by running and circuit-training using body-weight exercises, means that your fitness levels increase in a functional way. Being able to do lots of core work and squats is great as it transfers well to other movements you’d do in a normal, daily routine. Sitting down and standing up is a squat. Sitting correctly all day engages your core and looks after your spinal health. So Muay Thai by its very nature has a strong focus on correct human posture. • Hitting the Thai pads at maximum power with very short rest periods is basically High Intensity Interval training. Research has shown that training in this style improves your body’s capability of burning calories for a longer time-period compared to longer, grueling exercise such as running for an hour. Hitting the Thai Pads for 3-minute rounds with a 1-minute break over five rounds is enough to leave anybody sweating buckets.

• Using every part of your body to complete the movement means that no one body part develops or lags behind the other as you become stronger. The human body relies on balance. Each muscle group has a push-and-pull element (your bicep and triceps for example control the closing and opening of your forearm). Using traditional methods of training such as bicep curls and then neglecting the triceps means that the body begins to develop out of sync. As a result, if you simply work one body part with maximum intensity and ignore the opposing muscle group, you end up creating imbalance which can lead to posture issues down the line, or cause injuries such as muscle pulls. • Training like a professional fighter means that the intensity of your sessions is very high and delivers physical changes in your body over a quick timeperiod. From personal experience, when I began the sport I was shocked how hard I had to work and ended up after two months of doing only Muay Thai, I dropped 8kgs in weight and my resting heart-rate was in the low 60 beats per minute range. (Resting heart rate is a simple overall indicator to see if your cardiovascular health is good.)

• Muay Thai involves teamwork as you’re in the ring work with a pad-holder in a class environment. Teammates offer motivation for each other, while putting in the hard work brings a tremendous buzz. Smiling and congratulating one another after a hard session brings immense enjoyment and feelings of accomplishment. • Respect without pretentious behaviour. Muay Thai is very practical, and those who take up the sport are quickly taught the mindset of ‘anybody can beat anybody else, no matter what their experience level.’ This breeds a fantastic approach of respecting everyone you meet and being willing to learn from them – a great life skill in any capacity. • Self defence benefits. Fighting in public is not condoned within the Muay Thai community, nor is bullying – and most who take up the sport end up shying away from physical altercations. With this in mind, many people specifically want to learn how to defend themselves if a situation occurs. Why do those who practice Muay Thai seem to be better at defending themselves? The art is simple and direct – no need to learn patterns and throw a strike that’s too fancy. Also, the fact that physical fitness and sparring is encouraged strongly means that students of Muay Thai are experienced at receiving strikes as well as doling them out. As a result, the confidence built from Muay Thai is one that’s practical and applicable across our daily lives. • Stress management. We all lead busy lives and have daily experiences that can begin to increase stress levels. Muay Thai is primal in its approach, and the effect of striking a pad forcefully and continuously till you’re shattered is a huge release valve for stress. My students explain to me that this is a primary reason they chose the sport and why they keep coming back, as they notice they’re more relaxed during their daily life. This is a benefit for everyone you come into contact with, as it helps increase your work capacity, your relationships with loved ones, and allows you to be more focused on happiness. After reading the above, you should feel confident to at join us at EVOLVE to give Muay Thai a go. There’s no other sport on Earth like it and its benefits are countless. n MUAY THAI CLASS SCHEDULE B/Attitude Spa: • Sun & Wed, 7:30 p.m. • Friday, 11:00 a.m. The Grand Hyatt: • Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. Get yourself on track to optimal health by learning more about EVOLVE – Mind/Body/ Soul’s services. For more information 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

Core Strength

Thurs: The best core exercises may surprise you. It's not enough to just do abs-crunches and sit-ups. To build a strong core you need to exercise a variety of muscles from your hips to your shoulders. A strong core improves athletic performance and postural imbalances. Classes are offered on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. Members QR 30 /non-members QR 50. For more information call 4484-4852.

LA CIGALE Tone & Shape

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Tennis

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

BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Diving Lovers

All-month: Even with the sun, sand and indulgence, diving lovers will be looking for something more. This is why Anantara 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.

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.

DOHA MARRIOTT Boot-Camp

Mondays: Are you looking for a new way to get your heart pumping? Why not take on the challenge with the Doha Marriott’s weekly boot-camp class! Get your heart racing with explosive exercises that are designed to level up your overall fitness and aerobic capacity and put you on your way to a new and healthier you! From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8520.

Boxercise

Tues, Thurs & Sat: 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! Advanced Boxercise: Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Beginner Boxercise: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8520.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA TRX Fitness

Sun & Tues: Another name for this challenging class is suspension training. Participants will be working against gravity using their own bodyweight and TRX equipment to complete a series of exercises. It helps to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. Members, QR 30/non-members, QR 50. Sundays from 10:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m., and Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. till 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Fitball

Sundays: Fitball is an effective body-conditioning class for all fitness levels and has been a huge success in changing people’s lives, making them feel stronger, prepared for more physical-impact exercises, and overcoming physical and emotional barriers. The fitball sessions are welcoming with a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. All classes are small and friendly. Members QR 30/non-members QR 50. From 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Ozone Gym & Spa. This 60-minute total-body workout combines low to medium-intensity cardio and weight-training exercises. Starts at 11:00 a.m. Complimentary for members, non-members pay QR 60 per class. For more information on days and timings call 4428-8101.

BoxFit

Ongoing: Ozone Gym & Spa. A stressreleasing workout, this 60-minute class uses boxing techniques that involve the muscles of the core, upper body, shoulders and hips to improve strength, endurance and agility. Complimentary for members, non-members pay QR 60 per class. Private classes are QR 200. For more information call 4428-8101.

Explosive Cardio Ozone Gym & Spa. This 60-minute endurance cardiovascular training session will burn fat, tone muscles and improve fitness capabilities. Sundays and Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Complimentary for members, non-members pay QR 60 per class. For more information on days and timings 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, push-up 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

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.

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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 with Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse community his cultural traditions of Bulgaria through its dance. 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 DOHA Spinning

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

Martial Arts

Mon & Fri: 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.

THE FOUR SEASONS Cycling

Ongoing: Enjoy a 60-minute Activio cycling class that targets the 65-85% heart rate zone. 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 members and 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

THE GRAND HYATT Head-To-Toes

Upon request: Jaula Spa & Club. Prepare for end-of-the-year celebrations with a refreshing citrus body-scrub, a detoxifying massage with warm ginger oil and an Aroma Visage facial, which will deliver a perfectly hydrated, nourished and cleansed complexion. The treatment ends with a complete foot regimen, including a scrub, massage, and paraffin mask that will leave your feet feeling warm and silky. QR 1,000 for 150 minutes. For more information call 4448-1056.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Rejuvenating Package

Upon request: The Spa. This treatment helps to revitalize and dehydrate skin damaged by the effects of weather and an arid office environment. Enjoy a hydrating facial that restores your natural glowing skin with marine ingredients. Complimentary head massage encourages blood circulation and balances activity, helping to relieve head tension and nourishing your scalp. The spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complimentary well-being facilities include an indoor pool, separate heat treatment facilities, steam-room, sauna, and whirlpool for our ladies and gentlemen guests. QR 400 for a 45-minute facial and 30-minute Imperial Head Massage. For more information call 4445-5530.

LA CIGALE Hammam Treatment

Upon request: Ozone Gym & Spa. Looking for an unforgettable hammam treatment experience? Ozone Spa has introduced new Moroccan products for an ultimate rejuvenation. For more information call 4428-8101.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Qatar National Day Treatment

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA New Year, New You

Upon request: Six Senses Spa. Prepare yourself for the New Year with this all-in-one package. Exfoliate and cleanse with a full-body scrub, followed by a full-body oil-based massage to release the tension, and complete your journey with a refreshing mini-facial. Leave the spa rejuvenated and with glowing skin. QR 915. For more information call 4425-6999/6995, or email reservations-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com.

Dec 18-31: Spa by Clarins. The spa is celebrating Qatar National Day by offering you the chance to receive QR 100 off your next visit when booking any 90-minute spa treatment. Experience the spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive treatments and therapies, infused with natural elements from the garden and delivered by expert professionals. Offer is valid from December 18-31. The voucher is valid for one month after the 90-minute treatment. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

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QH SENSATIONS

No Worries, All Wellness By Ashlee Starratt and Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

We head to the soothing retreat of The Grand Heritage Hotel & Spa to de-stress with two signature spa treatments that have us leaving our cares by the wayside in the pursuit of harmony. From Face To Feet The Grand Heritage Hotel & Spa is a unique spot. In fact it’s one of the few locales in the city that takes you out of the desert environs. With its sprawling green lawns, chalet-style architecture and prime spot in the heart of Aspire Zone, it’s a top destination for visiting sports teams, locals who come to indulge in its legion of culinary offerings, and, stressed-out magazine editors craving a break from it all.

Today I’m in search of just that – peace and quiet with a side of muscle tension release. What I enjoy about their spa facility is its coziness. Unimposing and unpretentious, it’s tranquil, home-y and welcoming, with a marine colour palette and warm wood accents. My therapist Maleen leads me down the winding hallway to one of the largest treatment rooms at the very back, where I’ll be having their 45-minute Basic Purity Facial followed by a 30-minute Foot Reflexology Massage.

For the purposes of this feature I wish I could tell you more about the experience – but I fell asleep. Which I guess is proof-positive that the treatments had their intended effect. What I do remember is this: the room was lit with a glow like candlelight, the treatment table was plush and warm and the music gentle notes of the Orient. As Maleen began to restore my skin using Thalgo’s purifying marine line of products, I begin to drift while she gently scrubbed, cleansed and moisturized my face. As she moved on to the facial and scalp massage, I went completely under.

By the time I rouse myself awake I feel a warm gel on my feet and Maleen is well underway with her Reflexology Foot Massage. If you’ve never seen a reflexology chart, each region on the sole of the foot is linked to a different organ or limb throughout the body. Have a headache? Administer pressure to the back of the big toe. Stomach been acting up after too much indulging? Press under the arch on the right-hand side of the foot. This massage might be a challenge for those with ticklish tootsies, but for me it’s as relaxing as they come.

As the treatment ends, Maleen helps me sit up before giving me a final neck and shoulder rub-down complete with a hot towel scrub. I hobble out, legs like jelly and still half-asleep, where I enjoy a cup of reviving green tea in the spa’s spacious steam and relaxation facilities. I take my time, reveling in the small moments of comfort that make each return trip to The Grand Heritage spa the ultimate ‘me-time’ pleasure.

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Guests of the spa have complimentary access to its steam-room and sauna facilities

Relax, Just Do it It’s been almost a year since I’ve set foot inside the spa at The Grand Heritage. Though not necessarily as large or luxurious as other facilities throughout the city, the quality of treatments on offer and the level of qualification of their staff is remarkable – and both are used to the advantage of each and every guest. As I arrive, I’m given a small tour of the premises since it’s been a while since my last visit. I’m then introduced to my massage therapist, Alex, who takes me into the men’s changing room to get ready for my 60-minute Grand Signature Massage and my 30-minute Head Massage treatments. Once I’m nestled in comfortably on the table, face-down, Alex softens his hands and starts with a foot-rub. Placing a warm towel over my feet, he massages each foot before moving on to the rest of my body. He starts by kneading my back with long, light strokes and I start drifting away in a matter of seconds. In less than a minute I know this treatment will be one-of-a-kind in terms of relaxation. Alex leans on the heels of his palms and applies soft pressure onto my back muscles while kneading with his fingers. This technique goes on for more than 10 minutes, and I’m incredibly relaxed and enjoying every bit of it. He then slowly moves down to my arms and legs, applying the same soft, light pressure; a technique that I really like is how he rolls his fingers back and forth while moving his hands up and down my muscles, paying attention to the part where the muscle meets the bone. The massage is by far one the top two best I’ve had at a spa here in Doha. To finalize my terrific experience, I’m treated to a 30-minute head massage. By this point I’m so relaxed that I pass out after the first five minutes – so I don’t remember most of it. This probably had to do with the fact that he massaged my ears as well – a unique touch that knocked me right out! Afterwards, it’s a wrap, and all I can say is that today’s spa experience at The Grand Heritage is superb and their qualified staff who make you feel right at home are the icing on the cake. Two thumbs up! n

Luxuriate post-treatment in the spa's sunny indoor pool

All roads lead to relaxation in a mixture of comfort and simplicity

THE GRAND HERITAGE HOTEL & SPA Location: Aspire Zone, ground floor of the hotel Timings: 6:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily Prices: • QR 400, 45-minute Basic Purity Facial • QR 300, 30-minute Foot Reflexology Massage • QR 500, 60-minute Grand Signature Massage • QR 300, 30-minute Imperial Head Massage Contact Info: Call 4445-5530 or email spa@grandheritagedoha.com.qa

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QH SENSATIONS

Pregnancy Strong Words and images by Lynsey Riach

Taking care of our bodies during pregnancy is paramount to a healthy delivery – and exercise plays an important role. Yoga instructor and new mother Lynsey Riach shares her story to explain why.

t the beginning of 2015 I wrote an article for this magazine (complete with matching, beautiful black-and-white photos) discussing strength in our bodies and minds through regular yoga. The piece was titled ‘Yoga Strong’ and I genuinely had never felt physically stronger than that time in my life. Six weeks later, I ran around our house screaming to my husband that I was pregnant (out the window went my cute pregnancy reveal idea then...). After such joyous news in which we indulged of course secretly, I found myself back on the same mat I had always stood on suddenly frozen – unsure of how to move my body. There was a tiny seed growing inside of me that was fragile and would require my energy and my love; but what about what I required? I wouldn’t stop my yoga would I? How could I when it had given me so much… I knew that so many others before me had continued with their own practice. I had even

seen photos of women close to delivery in sirsasana (headstand) so a quick Google search should let me know the basics because, surprisingly, in my teacher training we only really glossed over pregnancy in yoga and I had never actually taught a pregnant student before. The whole thing utterly consumed me. I was flooded with news, apps and websites that told me to definitely hit the mat as apparently when you’re pregnant that’s the sponsored exercise (we’ll get to that…). Back to Google and, as I should have known, I was delivered with a tsunami of contradictions. Don’t twist, yes twist, don’t back-bend, sure you can backbend! It was a mess. Pregnancy lasts ten months not nine (think about those 40 weeks divided by four…) and your body will constantly change – so of course your activities and style of movement will too. The information was overwhelming so I

figured there was nothing for it but to slow it down and go through some Sun Salutations. I was bored, frustrated and gave up. It just wasn’t my regular style and I couldn’t fully ‘get into’ the place I would normally be at. So, I attended some local pre-natal classes; one was awesome and taught by an inspiring teacher who had two children and whom I naturally connected with. I trusted her knowledge, she knew how to move through all stages of pregnancy, and I loved her challenging classes that gave me confidence to know what I could and couldn’t do. Unfortunately she moved overseas so I ended up with a new teacher who offered up, quite frankly, what I imagine most pre-natal classes to be - a whole lotta breathing and not a whole lotta backbending… It was dull and nothing like my regular energetic flow, which troubled me to think that most pregnant ladies who are new to yoga probably feel this is what they have to do. You don’t.

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As I’ve detailed through my journey, I kept up to a level I could never have imagined on that day when I first stood in tandasana (Mountain Pose) unsure of what asana to do next. The weeks rocketed by and, with daily practice, the benefits came flooding in. I never experienced any nausea (thank you!) or stretch marks (no really, thank you!). Just what exactly are puffy ankles meant to look like? I had endless energy, I walked at the same speed, tiredness or sleeplessness wasn’t really a big issue. Towards the end my lower back started to ache but it was nothing a divine recline into ustrasana (Camel Pose) couldn’t fix. It wasn’t all easy though – I dedicated time (an hour a day) to my yoga, I moved regularly throughout the day walking our dogs and went swimming when it wasn’t 50 degrees Celsius outside (most of the summer it was…). But I always offered gratitude to my mind for giving me discipline to practice each day and thanks to my body for co-operating and growing our healthy baby boy with no complications. And, at 36 weeks gestational, I was overjoyed that I could shoot the very same beautiful black-andwhite shots that I had previously used for my ‘Yoga Strong’ piece but now with a beautiful bump on board. Like each soul on Earth and each baby in the womb, every pregnancy is unique; so it would be sanctimonious to suggest that yoga is what has given me a healthy and happy pregnancy because I don’t actually know that but a big part of me believes that without my practice I would surely have felt far more side-effects. I genuinely spent most days feeling not just grateful but quite frankly, astounded that I could possibly feel this good, pregnant. Who’d of thought it? Or is it just that we are fed and conditioned to believe these things must come hand-in-hand with being pregnant and, of course, an ordeal of a birth too?

Websites, books and doctors all dish out pre-natal/ pregnancy yoga as the ‘go-to’ exercise regime the minute you see that positive test result. But did you know that if you’ve had no prior yoga experience then it might not be just what the doctor ordered? Not to scare anyone away from yoga (why would I?) but I want you to be aware that it’s more than just exercise – it’s a whole community, an industry where it often takes a little time to just ‘get it’. So showing up to a super-slow class where they talk in a strange language and do funny things with their noses and breathing may well scare some mamas-to-be away! Instead you have to be open-minded and give it a try a few times before making your decision to continue or not. Yoga will certainly offer beginners a gentle exercise practice during a special time in your life but it doesn’t have to be all slow-with-the-flow. If, like me, you’ve been practicing for some time you can keep to your normal level of practice with a few

variations and make sure you go to a class that’s in line with your level so you can still be challenged. As for thoughts of your centre of gravity changing as your bump grows – I remain the same pillar of strength in standing balances. I may wobble a little in Dancer’s Pose but it’s nothing to be scared of or shy away from; it’s like normal practice, but I’m pregnant, that’s all. As I retreated back to my own space and felt a burst of acceptance for my growing body, week-by-week my practice continued at the same level. Some days I was more energetic than others but every single day I did one thing – I listened to my body. If it felt achy, I targeted that part, if I had energy or wanted to get stronger, I worked on that. I didn’t give up; I met my mat and offered thanks after pranayama. Beautifully, at 20 weeks lying in savasasana, our baby kicked for the very first time – was this karma? It sure felt sweet enough to be…

Yoga is more than just exercise or movement. Those stretches every day sure do help make tying your shoes easier but proper breath-work (pranyama) and meditation kept me at ease and calm at a time when many pregnant women become anxious about the changes that will soon ensue. This can also help us with birth. As yoga has always taught me to tune into my inner self and tune out the noise of this world, you too can utilize these tools whenever the time is right to do so. If you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, have practiced yoga before or not – I suggest by all means giving it a go. Do your research and only go to a class you feel would suit you and your personality or exercise style. Listen to your body daily and reward it with movement and it will reward you. And when it comes time to birth your baby, use everything you have learned through your yoga journey to believe in yourself that no feeling is greater than you, for it is you. Namaste.. n Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha, normally walking her dogs, on her yoga mat, or on her travels. To learn more about her services visit www.andstretchyoga.com.

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QH SENSATIONS

Oh Tulum, How Sweet Thou Art!

Words and selected images by Francesca Cruz

body and mind will be revitalized with a zest rare and unique to this part of the world.

The destination on the global map for the traveler with wellness and a rustic paradise on his or her mind? Spellbinding Tulum, Mexico.

Wanting to experience a bit of everything, I opted for the Ana y Jose Charming Hotel & Spa, on the Carretera Cancun-Tulum Boca Paila—think Savile Row for hotels. Rustic with a 'barefoot simple' feel, the wooden deluxe cabanas sit on the sand adjacent to the beach and are stocked with all that’s needed for pampering.

he perfect way to set about seeing or experiencing a place like Tulum, in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico, and on the southern tip of the Mayan Riviera, is to set off on your jaunt with three things to keep in mind—sort of like a battle cry, well, more like an adventure cry—and those three things are: nature, discovery and wellness. Considered a bit of a hippie outpost, the sleepy beach town has become an oasis for fashionable travelers with yogi-esque tastes and aspirations. All of Tulum caters to wellness—it’s the ideal ecodestination with spoonful servings of luxury. It’s a spot on the map for those in-tune with fitness and a healthy lifestyle, yet a taste for pomp and posh. There’s an assortment of tours provided: by hotels, by tour services, online—all associated with yoga and new-age endeavours. I opted to do my search online and then allowed the energy of Tulum and its enchantment to lead the way as to what I needed to experience while there, a bit off the grid—so apropos for a place like this. Be prepared to travel here with the idea in mind that once you return from this destination your: heart,

Ana y Jose is just an eight-minute walk to Yoga Shala. This boutique hotel sits on the jungle side facing the beach and offers daily yoga classes under a wooden palapa on the sand. If you have time to fit in a class with Itzel Olvera, the yogi in residence, you’ll be in for an inspirational treat. Part sage, part yoga instructor, she’s as sweet and soothing as the local honey. It must be something in the air here or in the water, or perhaps it’s associated to the energy emanating from so many archeological sites within, and bordering, the area: Tulum’s Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo, lounging on a cliff with the most extraordinary views of the Caribbean Sea. And, of course, Coba, dating back to 600-900 A.D., and ChichénItzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, both in neighbouring Yucatan. During the past decade, stylish expats have set up shop in Tulum, working with local craftspeople to build chic hotels—still honouring the Mexican folklore and flare. They’ve teamed up with yoga instructors and chefs establishing a global wellness hotspot.

Carved out of the jungle some 50 years ago, Tulum exists in a space where the ideals of the ‘flower-child’ generation of the late 60’s nuzzle and affectionately cuddle with the 21st-century practices of eco-tourism and sustainability. Solar panels provide electricity, the sea breeze is what cools surroundings, most boutique hotels have open spaces, sandy floors, and thatched roofs, and visitors and locals walk or ride bikes for the most part. Candles, flashlights or the full moon are used as nighttime lighting. Life is simple yet comfortable in Tulum. It’s certainly a place for the spa-lover, and with this in mind I headed to Yäan Wellness Energy Spa, within the Be Tulum Beach Spa & Resort. Founded by psychologist, counselor, energy healer and one of the pioneers of acupuncture in the United States, Dr. Bobby Klein, he considers it a wellness temple, and it is. The second you walk up the wooden path leading to the slab of open concrete encompassed by plenty of green foliage, your heart settles into blissfully still mode. I recommend the Aztec Chakra Balancing Massage, which includes floral oils and crystals to detox the body and energy field. An excursion through Tulum isn’t the same without a leisure bike ride through the town. You can venture down the Boca Paila toward the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. An UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it’s committed to protecting the fragile ecosystem of the area. Swim in the blue waters; go for a kayak ride, or bird-watch. You’ll fall in love with Tulum after spending a day here and even more so if you catch the setting sun. With an active day comes the prize of sitting at a table to enjoy the harvest. You’ll find plenty of

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The Mayan pyramid of ChichénItzá

The cavernous grottoes of Grand Cenote

Dolphins at Sian Ka'an

Tulum's picture-postcard views along the Mayan Riviera

restaurants that incorporate organic and sustainable gastronomy. Fellow writers have been raving about Posada Margherita to me for months now, “the best pasta ever” they exclaimed. Well, it is! This rustic Italian gem with its sandy floors and whitewashed patio features a menu of homemade pastas, fresh vegtables and charcuterie.

Fresh ceviche at Puro Corazón

If you’re more inclined to enjoying Mexican, Puro Corazón is an artisanal restaurant that fuses traditional regional Mexican food with modern cuisine—the raw tuna with fresh cucumbers and hummus, or the shrimp cocktail are worth writing home about. If you’re more in the mood for a combination of both continental and Mexican fare, with a beatnik twist, Gitano’s is the place for you. Dimly lit with candles and chandeliers dangling from branches, they incorporate locally sourced products and the freshest fish you’ll find—this is the bohemian enclave for the foodie with hipster appeal. Tulum will cast a spell over you and your senses. The second you set foot here the smells of citronella, copal, salt water and cinnamon are spellbinding. The ocean is welcoming, and the locals treat you like family. It’s the perfect place to contemplate serenity as it spills forth from within you. You’ll never be the same after Tulum, and how sweet that is. n

Beachfront beauty at the Be Tulum hotel

Yoga Shala boutique hotel

Tulum's Temple of the Frescoes

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The Dish On Qatar QH SENSATIONS

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By Tasbih Amin Photography by Sanim Qazi

December 18 is Qatar National Day and this year we’re marking the occasion by asking you, ‘How well do you know Qatar?’ From its culture, landscape, history and national statistics, we’ve compiled a few fun facts about our nation that we can all be proud of!

ecember is this wonderful time of the year where we say our last goodbyes to 2015 and celebrate the much-anticipated Qatar National Day, commemorating the country’s unification in the late 1800’s. People will be crowding the streets on the 18th of this month, either to take part in the National Day parade, or watch the beautiful fireworks lighting up the Doha skyline. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and celebrate National Day indoors, we’ve got you covered. We gathered some trivia about Qatar that you might not have heard of, and divided it into three categories: ‘Culture, Geography, Stats’. Gather around your family and friends, and see who knows Qatar best!

Culture The Qatari Flag Let’s start with an easy one. Do you know what the Qatari flag represents? The Qatari flag is a representation of the nation’s independence: the maroon symbolizes the blood shed in Qatar’s early tribal wars, white stands for peace, and the ninepointed edges signify Qatar as the ninth member of the ‘reconciled emirates’ during the Qatari-British treaty of 1916. Qatar’s Earliest Settlement If you think a geographically small island like Qatar couldn’t have been inhabited before the advent of air-conditioning, think again. According to carbon dating of organic remains, the earliest settlements took place on the northwest coast called Wadi Debayan, which dates back 7,500 years! Qatar’s National Animal, Bird & Flower Qatar shares the Arabian oryx (al reem) and the falcon as the national animal and bird, however, Qatar has its own national flower. Al shafallah is a delicate wild-flower that thrives in the harsh conditions of the desert, which is why it’s considered a symbol for hope and perseverance.

in The Darb El-Saai cultural village rs the Al Sadd area bustles with visito ahead of Qatar National Day

The Legend Of Abu Al Ein One of the most popular urban legends in Qatar, Abu Al Ain is a mysterious creature that lives in a well near a Qatari fishing village. Legend has it that the creature feasted on sailors when no one was looking, so villagers decided to offer large amounts of food to keep the monster from preying upon their fishermen and sailors. Yep, Abu Al Ein is Qatar’s ‘boogey-man’.

Geography The Purple Island This bit I had to share, because this Island is one of the most beautiful camping sites in Qatar. Located in Al Khor, the ‘Purple Island’ is known for its own special eco-system, with an unprecedented density of mangrove trees and unique flora and fauna. The island gets its name from the purple dye made from shells found on its shores. Qatar’s early inhabitants used this dye 3,000 years ago to colour primitive fabrics. Jaws In Qatar Yes, Qatar is one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries. During the summer, massive amounts of sharks of different species enjoy the warm waters off its shores, including the famous whale shark, which can be glimpsed in the vicinity of the Al Shaheen underwater oil-field. But, no need to worry, as there haven’t been any dangerous encounters with sharks off the coasts of Qatar before, so you can still have fun and make a splash while swimming! Zero Natural Disasters In 2014, the United Nations officially named Qatar the world’s safest country in terms of natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis and floods. With a disaster risk index of 0.1, Qatar has never seen a natural disaster in its history, and will hopefully never encounter one in the near future.

Stats Girl Power During Michelle Obama’s recent visit to Qatar for the 2015 World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) a couple of months ago, it was revealed that 69% of college students in Qatar are women. This important statistic has been mirrored in the stratification of the nation’s workforce these last couple of years, and as of 2015, women make up 35% of the Qatari workforce. Girl power! Top Social Media App If you think it’s Facebook or Twitter, then you’re wrong my friend. On December 2014, ICTQatar released its latest survey results on the nation’s social media consumption, revealing 97% of participants use WhatsApp, making it the number one app used by both nationals and expats. Busiest Airport Just a few months ago, American mogul and presidential candidate Donald Trump described Hamad International Airport as one of the most beautiful airports he’s ever visited. In just one year, Hamad International Airport managed to earn the ranking of the 20th busiest airport in the world! How many did you get right? We hope you enjoyed this little game of trivia about Qatar and now have an expanded knowledge about this booming nation we all call home. Happy National Day! n

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IT HAPPENED

WISE 2015 Qatar Foundation & QNCC Nov 3-5, 2015

Nasser Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint d States, welcomes First Lady of the Unite ation ahead of Michelle Obama, to Qatar Found Education 2015 for the World Innovation Summit Photo credit: Qatar Foundation

ssa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Her Excellency Sheikha Al Maya Luc Tuyman's at a private Al Thani speaks with Belgian artist in the Middle East ition exhib solo first his of g viewin esy of Qatar Museums Photo credit: Selected images court

LUC TUYMANSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; INTOLERANCE EXHIBITION GRAND OPENING Al Riwaq Gallery Oct 19, 2015 120 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 120

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IT HAPPENED

the People's Republic of L-R: H.E. Li Chen, Ambassador of man of Alfardan Group, China, Mr. Hussain Alfardan, Chair man of AHB Group and Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chair

L-R: Mr. Ahmed Jaidah of Jaidah Group, and Mr. Bader Al-Dafa

r of India, Mr. Ahmed L-R: H.E. Sanjiv Arora, Ambassado , and Mrs. Arora Hassan Bilal, Chairman of AHB Group

man of AHB Group, L-R: Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chair of Alfardan Group and Mr. Hussain Alfardan, Chairman

man of AHB Group, L-R: Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chair er of State, and Mr. Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, Minist People's Republic of China H.E. Li Chen, Ambassdor of the

FISH & CHIPS PARTY Bilal Pearl Suites Nov 25, 2015

L-R: Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman of AHB Group, and Mr. & Mrs. Gianrico Esposito

r of India, and L-R: H.E. Sanjiv Arora, Ambassado of Alfardan Group Mr. Hussain Alfardan, Chairman

man of AHB Group, L-R: Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chair ration - Chowking and Mr. Dennis Flores, Jollibee Corpo

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with Essay winner Fathima Faaiza Feroz tt QH's Editorial Director Ashlee Starra

to submit original essays and Doha College students were asked what Qatar means to them ting reflec ns ositio comp y photograph

'MY QATARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; AWARD CEREMONY Doha College Nov 10, 2015

Hanna Habib First place photography winner

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IT HAPPENED

QATAR GLOBAL EDUCATION FAIR Sheraton Doha Oct 27 & 28, 2015 124 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 124

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Images courtesy of The Gulf Times

RED BULL CAR PARK DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP Losail International Circuit Nov 6, 2015

2015 IPC ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Oct 21-31, 2015 125

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IT HAPPENED

Commerce, H.E. the Minister of Economy and mmed Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Moha 2015 Al Thani (centre) inaugurates QIBS

QATAR INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW Mourjan Marina Nov 10-15, 2015 126 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 126

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ess partner Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and busin to the largest Robert De Niro welcome guests ns Doha Seaso Nobu in the world at The Four

NOBU DOHA GRAND OPENING The Four Seasons Nov 7, 2015 127 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 127

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Images courtesy of Iconic Qatar

IT HAPPENED

THE STEREOPHONICS LIVE Sheraton Doha Nov 10, 2015

NOIR LOUNGE & CLUB GRAND OPENING Meliรก Doha Nov 5, 2015 128 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 128

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SAWA MEDIA BRUNCH Marsa Malaz Kempinski Oct 30, 2015

ISAAN MEDIA DINNER The Grand Hyatt Oct 27, 2015 129 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 129

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IT HAPPENED

COUNTRY CULINARY WEEK Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Nov 1, 2015

MALAYSIAN CULINARY MONTH LAUNCH InterContinental Doha The City Oct 25, 2015 130 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 130

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GLOBAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION WEEK Doha Marriott Nov 3, 2015

MONTE’S GRAND OPENING Tornado Tower Oct 25, 2015 131 QH Dec 2015 - FINAL.indd 131

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PHONE DIRECTORY HOTELS Al Gassar Resort Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara 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 Sharq Village & Spa Sheraton Doha The Four Seasons The Ritz-Carlton The St. Regis Doha The Torch Doha W Doha Hotel & Residences Wyndham Grand Regency Zubarah Boutique Hotel

4424-4881 4040-5050 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 4425-6666 4485-4444 4494-8888 4484-8000 4446-0000 4446-5600 4453-5000 4434-3333 4447-0000

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 4435-2901 Egypt Air Emirates 4438-4477 Etihad Airways 4436-6657 4422-7350 Fly Dubai Gulf Air 4499-8000 Lufthansa German Airlines 4431-0212 Oman Air 4432-0509 Qatar Airways 4449-6666 Royal Jordanian 4443-1431 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 4428-8888 La Cigale - Ozone Spa Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 4485-4012 Patrice Salon 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 Crunch Cantina 4442-8877 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 4483-0582 City Center Doha 4469-4848 Hyatt Plaza 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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