Qatar Happening - February 2015 by Qatar Happening

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg 96 The Qatar Total Open 2015

February 2015 EVERY ISSUE 9

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

ENTERTAINMENT 13

Top Picks

Ed Sheeran Exclusive!

Breaking Bad

The Icelandic Hulk

Cultural Connections

Welcome To Shangri-La

Arts & Culture Listings

QH Speaks

The best of our monthly social media

114 It Happened

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

120 Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

ARTS & CULTURE

We get up-close and personal with the young superstar ahead of his March 3 performance in Doha Game Of Thrones star Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson headlines the first IGN Convention Qatar We take you on a sneak peek tour of West Bay's latest luxury property

We hit the pavement with Doha's B-boy break-dancing crew The Might Jokerz Exploring tradition through dance with Ballet Latino Qatar

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Virgin Recommends

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Entertainment Listings

Our top five must-see films of the month

Find out everything that’s going on this month

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY 51

Top Picks

Doha Goes Red, White & Blue

Discover America: USA Week In Qatar kicks off with a week's worth of events

Summit Of Hope

Raw Vitality

Community Listings

Qatar resident Margarita Zuniga scales the heights for World Cancer Day with renowned Jordanian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh

pg 18

The Raw Health Coach, Nicole Van Hattem shares her story of transformation in the new book Manifesting In High Heels

Stars Of Sci-Fi At The IGN Convention Qatar

Find out everything that’s going on this month

FOOD & DINING

SPORTS

QH SENSATIONS

Top Picks

107 Top Picks

Soul Food

A Lifetime Of Health

108 Island Bliss

A Moroccan Majlis

Chef Marco's Table

It's a symphony of flavours at The St. Regis Doha's Jazz At Lincoln Center

Argan Restaurant offers an authentic taste of tradition

Celebrating fitness, health and happiness this National Sport Day!

The Ladies Are Back

The biggest names in ladies' tennis are back to compete at the Qatar Total Open 2015

100 Yoga Strong

We're proud to launch our new recipe column with The Four Season's Chef Marco Arlotti!

How the ancient practice builds both mind and body – plus step-by-step poses

102 Getting Out Of The Comfort Zone

Be Our Valentine

Let us do the work for you this V-Day with our round-up of romantic dining options

Thailand's Koh Tao region is an adrenaline junkie's paradise

Food & Dining Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

We escape the city at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara's idyllic spa

110 Rotterdam Revelation The Dutch city is giving Amsterdam a run for it's money when it comes to tourism

112 The Dish On Qatar

We celebrate National Sport Day 2015 with a look at the traditional sports from our Bedouin past

104 Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

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

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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’s my pleasure to welcome you to the pages of our February issue. Though the second month of the New Year may be shorter than the rest, it’s no less plentifully packed with events and milestones to share with you. The first is that this February 10 will mark Qatar’s third National Sport Day. Under the patronage of His Highness The Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, it’s a day to practice and promote a healthy lifestyle among Qatar’s residents. A full, active life is something that we all strive for but often fall short of sustaining on a daily basis. To remind and encourage you that healthy eating and regular physical activity are habits to be fostered year-round, we’ve partnered with our friends over at Fitness With Food in our Sports section to bring you everyday tips that you can put into practice in order to maintain your optimal level of health. It is my hope that you’ll make every day your own, personal National Sport Day. Also leaving its mark on Doha in the world of competitive sportsmanship, the 2015 Qatar Total Open will soon be in full swing at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. The biggest names in women’s tennis will return this month for a shot at the title and the coveted falcon trophy. In Sports we bring you a piece of the action with an introduction to some of the tournament’s key players and wild cards. Will 2014’s champion, Romanian Simona Halep be able to defend her title against the likes of Venus Williams and Petra Kvitova? We’ll see you in the stands to find out…

ing to Pop superstar Ed Sheeran is head exclusive! Doha and we've got the interview Photo credit: Viva Press

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 Editor: Ashlee Starratt

I must also take a moment to congratulate and acknowledge the Qatar 2015 team for its incomparable hosting of the 24th Men’s Handball World Championships here in Doha, which ended on February 1. To host an event of this scale is a credit to our nation’s capability and hospitality and we are humbled that Qatar was chosen for such an honour. Flip to our It Happened section to discover all the grandeur of the opening ceremony with our photographic coverage. We hope that more world-class sporting events will continue to bring their teams to Doha in the years leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In the realm of Community, February 4 also marks World Cancer Day – an important milestone for patients, survivors and their families. We bring you the story of one local woman, Margarita Zuniga, who will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in support of cancer care and awareness. She’ll make the trek with her three sons, under the guidance of acclaimed Jordanian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh. He speaks with us about the strength it takes to reach for the heights.

Finalizer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Lead Designer / Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca

New Media Manager: Serah Mary Sampath Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Jacqueline Bodnar, Laura Duncan, Diana Farid,

Mitch Freeley – Studio 88, Anthony Gittens, John Hunt, Jan Janssen, Adam Khalid, Nadir Khamis, Angel Mallari, Jonny Parr, Lynsey Riach, Mostafa Salameh, Rubina Singh, Mimi Teferra, Raytohgraphy

Lastly, we are proud to have an exclusive interview with our cover subject and singer/ songwriter superstar, Ed Sheeran in Entertainment. Sheeran will be performing for the first time in Qatar on March 3 at QNCC. We talk music, life and poetic inspiration with the young musician who just released his second studio album last summer. If this isn’t enough to keep you hooked on this issue for the next four weeks, then we don’t know what is! What we do know is that it’s been our pleasure to bring you every last word. Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 12 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group. The information contained in QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. Readers are advised to confirm details with the event organizers. All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50. 2014

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SPEAKS

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

Editor’s Corner For such a short month with so many events, February could sure use a few extra days! When’s the next Leap Year again? There’s something to pique everyone’s fancy in this issue, starting with our cover boy and musician extraordinaire, Ed Sheeran. Our favourite guitar-playing ginger will be making his Doha début on March 3 at the QNCC. To tease you in advance of the concert we’ve got an exclusive interview with the young superstar – so flip ahead to Entertainment! Also in the line-up this month – and another first for Doha – is the IGN Convention Qatar taking place on the weekend of February 26 and 27. Go behind the scenes of your favourite comic books, and their film and television characters through industry workshops, gaming centres, celebrity panels, screenings, book signings and more! And yes….there will be one very ‘big’ (quite literally!) actor from HBO’s Game Of Thrones making an appearance! Want to find out who? Well, we talk to him on page 18. February also brings us National Sport Day on the 10th, and we’ve partnered with Fitness With Food to bring you tips to help you achieve your optimal health. Then, over in Food & Dining, couples and sweethearts can celebrate Valentine’s Day with our round-up of special events and promotions to mark the occasion. Tuning in to the Arts & Culture frequency, we drop the beat with Qatar’s baddest B-boys on the block – the Mighty Jokerz Crew. Stick with us and mark your calendars for a full-on 28-days-worth of hot happenings. It’s been a blast bringing them to you.

The Hit-Or-Miss List

Qatar Success Stories: Inspiring Women Published last month, we couldn’t wait to grab our copy of local author Caroline Carpentier’s newest book. We hit up its recent launch event hosted by H.E. the Ambassador of France and were inspired to be in the same room as some truly accomplished Qatari women. The book highlights an array of local ladies whose achievements have contributed to the positive economic, educational and cultural growth of Qatar. Girl power! Grab your copy at La Fnac in Lagoona Mall.

Come Sail Away! We’ve found a secret spot where the hustle and bustle of the city just melts away – the Ras Abu Aboud Sailing & Beach Club. We went there for lunch one day and were blown away by the facilities – sandy beach, kayaks and canoes for rent, big outdoor green space, a playground for the kids, outdoor BBQ pits, billiards tables, a killer view and a bright, airy restaurant with good food and dirt cheap prices. The only catch? It’s located on the Qatar Petroleum complex, but employees can invite guests during the weekdays – all the more reason to befriend your local QP mates!

Roundabout Now It’s no secret that Doha’s road layouts are an ever-evolving labyrinth of detours and diversions. But we weren’t prepared for the latest roundabout Ashgal has set up just past the Diplomatic Club on the way to The Pearl. Having closed off the old entrance at the roundabout near The Grand Hyatt, this latest set-up is now the new entrance to get onto the island. But it’s approach has more than a few nasty blind-spots due to road blocks that make it hard to see you’re actually about to enter a roundabout. We nearly blew right on through and had a collision – better signage definitely required!

Theme Nights At The Square The Square restaurant at the InterContinental Doha The City is one of those rare finds – good buffet and drinks at excellent value. We recently went on a Thursday night to celebrate a QH birthday and, for around QR 360, stuffed ourselves to the gills on their all-you-can-eat-and-drink promotion which runs from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Much longer than your standard brunch at a comparable price!

See you next month,

Ashlee Starratt Editor

Top Of The Twitter-Verse @mari_cala

IQ level is higher than any other I'm at Education City and I can sense the me to cross the road! place in Doha. A car actually stopped for

Bend It Like Beckham So how cool was it that the man, the legend, David Beckham, made a cameo appearance at the recent Qatar ExxonMobil Tennis Open? The football great surprised audiences – and champion David Ferrer – as he presented the trophy after the final match. Talk about hush-hush! Word on the street is that he’s been in town inking some deals for the 2022 FIFA World Cup…

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ENTERTAINMENT

Top Picks

DOHA MARRIOTT Valentine’s Party

Feb 14: Pearl Lounge. Their Valentine’s party offers a special couples cocktail promotion and chocolate and strawberry giveaways. Grab your partner and dance the night away! From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4429-8888.

W DOHA Celebrate In Style With DJ Lucy Stone

Feb 26: Crystal. Pure Crystal proudly presents for the first time in Qatar, the resident DJ of Hed Kandi & Soul Kitchen (UK), international female 'DJ Lucy Stone performing live. Strictly reservation and guest-list-only. From 10:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4453-5353.

THE GRAND HYATT New Cocktails

Sat-Tues: Dunes. Join Dunes Saturdays through Tuesdays for the best cocktails in town. Their experienced mixologists will entertain guests with a special package that includes four cocktails for only QR 200. For more information call 7021-8094.

HILTON DOHA Longest Happy Hour In Town

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA 80’s Party

Feb 27: Paloma. The weekend is party time down at Paloma with some funky, old-school disco. Just come down with your friends and enjoy the great cocktails and funky surroundings with back-to-back live entertainment from the band. QR 50 entrance fee for gents and free drinks for ladies. Doors open from 10:00 p.m. until late. For more information call 4484-4444.

Sat-Wed: Zawaya Bar & Lounge. Visit Zawaya Lounge for the longest happy hour with the best view in Doha. Their special happy hour runs from 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. on selected items, and guests can enjoy house vino or a glass of ale for QR 25 with a discount on selected cocktails from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. They also offer special prices on selected beverages along with delicious bites and marvellous views of the Arabian Gulf. For more information call 4423-3333.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Ed Sheeran: A Man And His Guitar

By Jan Janssen Interview and selected images courtesy of Viva Press

Making his Doha début on March 3 with a sold-out show at QNCC, the world just can’t seem to get enough of Ed Sheeran. With his boyish looks and talent on the guitar, the young singer/songwriter has proven that though he may be young, he’s got an old soul when it comes to his lyrical poetry. We caught up with the pop superstar at a concert stopover in Toronto to bring you this QH exclusive!

our years ago, Ed Sheeran was an unknown British singer/songwriter playing in coffee houses and bohemian clubs, sleeping on friends' sofas, and content to be a wandering troubadour. Then he began working with Elton John, writing hit songs for One Direction, touring with Taylor Swift as her opening act, and watching as his debut album ‘+’ (pronounced ‘plus’) went platinum. Suddenly the world was desperately longing for Sheeran and his poignant melodies that saw him play at the Grammys last year and sell out three consecutive shows at New York's Madison Square Garden. This past summer he released his sophomore LP, ‘x’ (pronounced ‘multiply’), to rave reviews and blockbuster sales, and now he's touring the world as part of his emergence as one of the hottest new musical artists of our time.

"I write songs based on life experience," Sheeran says. "I write for myself and my music is raw and straight from the heart. Whenever I've written a sad song it's come from a painful experience that comes from a real place and usually I'll start writing within a few hours of that moment. All my music is deeply personal and I think it's good when you can just be yourself and not worry about what other people think."

Sheeran's new album ‘x’ features tracks that are the result of collaborations with legendary producers Rick Ruben and Pharell Williams, and it's a sign that the 23-year-old artist is anxious to broaden his sound and reach new audiences. Not that he’s neglected his adoring teenage female fans who swoon at his often melancholy melodies about love and heartbreak. One track from the new album – ‘Don't’ – has aroused considerable controversy for its reference to a former girlfriend who cheated on him with another musician friend. Though Sheeran won't confirm the identity, it's clear from a recent interview (with Sirius shock-DJ Howard Stern) that the woman is in fact Ellie Goulding who apparently cheated on him with Ed's friend Niall Horan from One Direction. Sheeran, who eventually confronted his now ex-friend over the affair tells us: “I just thought it was a bit disrespectful. I got over it as soon as the song was done – and the song happened pretty soon after. It’s a difficult conversation to have...he was my mate, so I was just a bit like, 'Um not cool.'" In the meantime, Sheeran is riding a wave of popularity that will doubtless leave him with no shortage of female admirers. He's trimmed

down considerably from his former pudgy self, having lost 35 lbs (15 kgs) as a result of months of ballroom-dance training and eliminating beer from his daily diet for the music video that accompanied the release of his über-romantic ‘Thinking Out Loud’ single. Ed Sheeran grew up in an artistically-inclined family in Suffolk, England where he was raised by an art historian father and a mother who crafted jewelry. Inspired by Eric Clapton's guitar virtuosity, he took up the instrument and soon discovered that songwriting was in his blood. He left home at age 16 to begin pursuing his musical career in London and began gigging at small clubs while recording and pressing up his own CDs. By the time he was 19, Sheeran had saved enough money to buy a plane ticket to L.A. where he performed on Jamie Foxx’s satellite radio channel, the Foxxhole, and crashed at the actor’s house for a few days.

That set in motion a musical career that continues to gather momentum with his three new Grammy nominations. He's also best friends with Taylor Swift, having gotten to know her while he played 58 concert dates with her on the U.S. portion of her Red tour. When Swift, celebrated for calling out her exes on her albums, first heard the accusatory lyrics on ‘Don't’, she told Ed: "'Whatever happens between us as friends, I never want to [tick] you off that much." In conversation, Sheeran is refreshingly candid, thoughtful, and still wears his hair in the same boyish mop that has become his trademark. He is reportedly in a relationship with Athina Andrelos, a chef who works for celebrity cuisinier Jamie Oliver.

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Ed Sheeran's rise to fame started from humble roots â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as a persistent 16-yearold with a guitar and a dream

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ENTERTAINMENT Sheeran released his sophomore album 'x' last June. Featuring the singles 'Don't' and 'Thinking Out Loud' it hit number one on the Billboard 200 charts

advance that it would attract a lot of attention and invite a lot of speculation. I've never stated specifically whether the song is about anyone in the industry at all. I've never confirmed that. I'll let people think what they want to think. I've been honest about things like drinking and drugs and infidelity because I feel that since I'm saying it myself no one can call me out on any of that. It's important for me to be honest about my life and not hide behind walls because I find that that's the best way to live. Just be open and I think you'll be happier. QH: You lost a lot of weight while preparing to shoot the music video for ‘Thinking Out Loud’? [Which features Sheeran doing ballroom-dancing with a young woman.] ES: (Smiles) I worked very hard training and learning the moves and after going through that I can appreciate why dancers are in such good shape. I hired two dancers while I was on tour, Britney and Paul, and they spent five hours a day with me working on the routine that I was going to do for the video.

QH: Ed, you've achieved phenomenal success within a relatively short period of time. Does it ever seem surreal to you? ES: (Smiles) I don't think I've had time to really consider it all. I spend most of my time working on the music and the rest of the time I've been touring or recording in the studio. I'm thankful that my music has meant something to people and the success has been gratifying. But I feel like this is still very early. There's still a lot more to achieve. There are benchmarks which are out there and I'm definitely on the way but I look up to groups like U2 and Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen and what they've accomplished. There's a lot more to do. QH: Your second album ‘x’ has been another massive success for you. You also had legendary figures like Rick Rubin and Pharrell work on the album with you? ES: To be able to work with two legends this early in my career, I'm just very fortunate that they gave me the opportunity. I wasn't intimidated, though both those guys have such a humble approach to things. They really make you feel equal in the studio, even if you're not. And both have a very similar style. They are all about getting the best out of the artist. QH: What were your musical ambitions with ‘x’ as compared to your earlier work?

ES: I've tried to move forward with this record. I wrote it while I was performing in America and I was soaking up a lot of different musical influences and letting them seep into my work. I wanted to also open up to a bigger audience and not just be considered as a balladeer. I'm trying out different things and seeing where that takes me. QH: Your melodies and lyrics seem to have such terrific impact on people. Are you conscious of their emotional effect? ES: I don't really think about that. The new album is a collection of experiences and feelings from the last three years of my life. I only write music for myself because I have to write music. It's for me. It's a personal thing for me to get stuff out. Maybe that sounds selfish but my music is a purely personal reflection on things and I make stuff that is exciting to me on a musical level. It's a bonus that people relate to my music. If a songwriter tells you that they're writing for an audience they're either lying or doing it wrong. QH: A lot of controversy has been stirred up by ‘Don't’, one of the tracks from ‘x’? ES: People will make of the song what they want to. I would rather have people appreciate the song as a good tune rather than speculate about [it] as a news story. I think it's one of the best songs I've written even though I knew in

I had to learn all the moves and take things section by section until I felt comfortable. It was a challenge although it became a grind towards the end because I'm really dedicated to my music and you start wondering why you're spending so much time dancing and doing the training rather than just focusing on your music which is the whole point. But I stopped drinking beer during that time and I lost 35 lbs so that's probably the best thing that came of that. QH: What do your friends think of your dancing in the video? ES: (Laughs)They're all staggered. I sent Taylor Swift some early rehearsal videos and she texted me back right away with a lot of ‘OMGs’. The reaction has been pretty positive. It's also a song that I'm really proud of and I think people will be listening to for a long time. QH: Your career got jump-started when Jamie Foxx saw you at an open-mic night at his club in 2010. What kind of an impact did that have on you? ES: It gave me confidence within myself that if I could do that within a month of being in Los Angeles, I could do it in England. I went back with an added flair. QH: How do you deal with this kind of sudden success? ES: I don't really want to bask in it. I like being able to share it with people, I like being able to fly my family out to places, put them on holidays

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and stuff like that, be able to go to a bar with my friends and being able to just say ‘drink up.’

Photo credit: Ben Watts & Atlantic Records

I still remember the days when I was sleeping on the couch at my manager's place and not having a home for several years. I've been on the road so much that I still don't feel like I live in any one place although it's a lot more exciting to play in big arenas now. That's been the biggest change – a lot more people screaming at you! (Laughs) QH: Who inspired you musically and lyrically growing up? ES: In terms of lyrics, Eminem. He was one of the first people I connected with. [Also] Damien Rice, my Dad's record collection which included Van Morrison, the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Eric Clapton was another major influence and he inspired me to play the guitar. QH: What's your process like when coming up with your songs? ES: The way I explain coming up with lyrics to a song, sometimes I'll have a melody in my head and the lyrics literally fall out to match the melody. I write the music and put it on [a] loop and then mumble stuff over it and then structure that. Sometimes I'll listen to it for months and months until I come up with the lyrics. QH: What are your goals as a musician at this point in your career? ES: I want to be able to do songs and try stuff out and have my finger in every single pie and work with different artists. QH: How do you relax with such a busy schedule and all the touring you do? ES: I love performing and getting to travel, but the promotional work you do can be exhausting. I love being able to go to the studio though. That's probably my favourite way to relax because I love music so much. The rest of the time I like seeing my friends in private or just be at home chilling. n ED SHEERAN LIVE IN DOHA When: March 3, 2015 Venue: Qatar National Convention Centre Timings: Doors open at 7:30 p.m., concert starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: Currently all tickets are sold-out Contact Info: For show updates follow Alive Qatar and Iconic Qatar on Facebook

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ENTERTAINMENT You may recognize Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as Gregor Clegane on HBO's Game Of Thrones

The Icelandic Hulk By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of IGN Convention Qatar

Icelandic strongman, competitor, and film and television actor Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson is coming to Qatar to participate in the country’s first movie, video game and comic festival – The IGN Convention Qatar. QH caught up with the star to find out what life is like as one of the strongest men in the world, and how he feels portraying the brutal Gregor Clegane on HBO’s popular series Game Of Thrones.

afþór Júlíus Björnsson is an absolute mountain of a man. At 2.06m (6ft 7’) tall and weighs 190kg (418lbs), can benchpress 230kg (507lbs), squat 350kg (771lbs) and dead-lift 420kg (925lbs). It’s no surprise that he’s the second strongest man in the world and the obvious choice to play the role of Gregor ‘The Mountain Who Rides’ Clegane in the fourth season of HBO’s Games of Thrones. Björnsson will make an appearance in Doha this month to take part in the IGN Convention Qatar being held on February 26 and 27 at QNCC. Before his arrival, we had a few questions! QH: Are you excited about visiting this part of the world – particularly Qatar – and meeting your fans? HJB: Yes, very much so! The IGN Convention both in Bahrain and Dubai were fantastic...

QH: So what will you be doing?

HJB: I will be signing autographs of really cool photos. It gives me a chance to meet my fans and a chance for them to meet me. QH: You’re a professional strongman competitor. Tell us more about this genre of sport and how you got started. HJB: I was a basketball player, playing at the highest level in Iceland. I got injured and as a part of my rehabilitation program I started lifting weights and I got very good results. I got very strong very quickly and was asked to participate in a strongman contest and I said, ‘why not?’ In the first event, I set a national record and from there I was hooked! QH: Is it true that you can bench press, squat and dead-lift those astounding

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QH: Co-writer Dan Weiss told Entertainment Weekly that the combat scene between Clegane and Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) was one of the best combat scenes they’ve done on the show. Walk us through that scene and why it was so pivotal to the storyline? HJB: Yes, both Dan and David [Benioff] are incredible! It was meant to be one of the most amazing scenes ever made and according to the feedback I got, it is. Everyone had been working so hard to make it as close to perfect as possible and when we were shooting, it was almost like it was real! By working together – all the crew – we managed to make it a masterpiece!

At just 26-years-old Björnsson is already the second strongest man in the world

i panel at the IGN Convention Duba Björnsson (right) on the celebrity ey s and cosplayer Riki (Riddle) Lecot with actor Troy Baker and actres

QH: How is your relationship with the other members of the cast? Do you get along with all of them, and is there anyone in particular that you became good friends with? HJB: They were very warm and inviting, except....no I'm joking! [Laughs] I got along really well with everyone – they’re not only professionals but very nice people too. QH: What was it like working on such a massive Hollywood production? It must be very different from anything else you’ve experienced, right? HJB: Well, The World's Strongest Man is a show in itself. Naturally, I loved it! I love working in front of the camera with a great team of professionals. I think you can’t really describe it in words.

figures above? That’s very impressive. Can you do more than that? HJB: Yes, I can lift these weights but now I am even stronger! I think 2015 will be my year... QH: You have a big role in the fourth season of Game Of Thrones. How did you get the part considering you’d never acted before? HJB: They contacted me and I had an audition that went really well. QH: Tell us about your experience on the show as an actor? HJB: I love it – everything about it! The people I’m working with, the storyline, everything! QH: Were you nervous the first day on-set?

HJB: I would be lying if I said no. QH: Did you have any kind of special training to play the character of Gregor Clegane? HJB: Yes – several weeks of very hard training. It was gruelling work! QH: Did acting come naturally to you once you started, or did you work with an acting coach prior to shooting? HJB: I’ve gotten good tips from professional actors, but I think that all-in-all I’m a likeable guy (at least that's what people tell me) and I just put into the character what I feel is what the character I’m playing wants. I’ve done lots of auditions. There are many directors and producers that want me in their films. I feel that I’m getting better and better at it.

QH: There are rumours that you’re poised to reprise your role in the fifth season of Game Of Thrones. Care to confirm them? HJB: You have to ask [executive producers] Dave and Dan. QH: Do you have any plans to become a full-time actor? Have you got any other proposals for movies or TV shows in the pipeline? HJB: Yes, I had to give up three Hollywood parts last year because I had prior commitments to strongman and other projects, but there are already several I’m working on with my manager and my team. QH: If you pursue acting as a full-time career, would you still remain a strongman competitor? HJB: I love being a strongman.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The cosplayers will be out in full force at this year's event!

Actor Troy Baker (BioShock Infinite, Batman: Arkham City) takes a shapshot with a fan

ntion The artist's alley at the IGN Conve showcases local and regional talent

IGN CONVENTION QATAR 2015 When: February 26 & 27

• Two complimentary celebrity autograph tokens • VIP front-row to the Q&A session and the Cosplay Competition • A goodie bag with celebrity posters and exclusive IGN loot

Where: Qatar National Convention Centre Timings: • 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., Thursday • 12:00 noon till 10:00 p.m., Friday Contact Info: • www.ignconvention.com/qatar • www.facebook.com/ignconvention • Twitter and Instagram: @IGNConME

Ticket Info: Tickets are available online through Virgin and Ticketmaster and through retail at Virgin Megastores. Day 1 Pass: • QR 75 if purchased in advance, • QR 1,000 if purchased at the door Day 2 Pass: • QR 75 if purchased in advance, • QR 1,000 if purchased at the door VIP (two-day pass): QR 500 The special VIP ticket comes with the following perks: • A unique VIP wristband • Separate queue at the Celebrity Village

Over the two days, convention fans will get to take part in activities such as: • Concerts with live video-game music • Arcade, card and table-top games • Free workshops • eSports • Regional artist showcase • Video game exhibitions • Kids’ zone and comics zone An Artist Alley will promote independent regional artists, game developers and filmmakers, while commercial entities will showcase their products on the exhibition floor.

Celebrities Attending: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (The Mountain) Born on November 26, 1988 in Iceland, Björnsson is an actor known for his roles in HBO’s Game Of Thrones, Laser Guided and Zon 261. He competes in the World's Strongest Man competition and began his career as a basketball player until a knee injury at 20-years-old forced him to consider other options. He was Iceland's Strongest Man in 2011 and 2012, and was a top-three finalist in the World's Strongest Man in 2012, 2013 and 2014, losing last year by only one point.

Ryan Hart Ryan Joseph Hart or 'Prodigal Son' is a professional eSports athlete who travels the globe for eSports competitions. He holds three current Guinness World Records and has hundreds of tournament victories worldwide. Born in London, England, Ryan has been competing in fighting game tournaments for 20 years. He won his first UK title in 1996, then his first world title in 1998 in Tokyo, Japan, and since then has been sponsored by big companies such as Namco and Logitech. n

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ENTERTAINMENT

e The rooftop at the Hilton will becom a reggae-soaked dance-floor

he only way to listen to reggae is at a sound system. Ideally, this would be at an open-air lawn in downtown Kingston, where it’s 80 degrees at 2:00 a.m. and the bass-line vibrates your bottle of Red Stripe, but a church hall in Bristol or a house party in Birmingham will do. The whole point is you’re packed in with likeminded people, you have ownership of the music, the rig is such that you feel it before you hear it, the DJ is vibing up the crowd, and every killer tune brings a noisy reaction. Because sound system dances were one of the few things people from the ghetto could call their own, they became central to downtown life, thus a barometer of popular taste. In most cases, once producers started making records for sale, they’d test new styles out on their sound system and nearly every development in Jamaican music – ska, rock steady, reggae, dancehall and so on has been a result of competition between sound men to find something new to pull in the crowds. Doha’s version of Sound System Volume I launched in December 2014 at the Hilton rooftop with Krunkmaster DJ Slik from the Virgin Islands who rocked the crowd with all things reggae and Afro-beats!

Straight from The Big Apple, DJ to Saynomore is bringing his beats Doha only at the Sound System

Sound System

Organizers are now ready to host Sound System Volume II on February 19 with the original concept of Caribbean vibes and Afro-beats, plus a dash of urban music with a twist! From Barbados by way of New York, international DJ Saynomore is famous for his mixes, promising to ‘wow’ the Doha crowd and – as is tradition at every Sound System party – will have plenty of giveaways. With a beautiful white leather couch set-up, great sea view and delicious warm drinks, the Sound System Volume II is going to be the party to be seen at this season. Some might even consider it their post-Valentine party – and why not? Catch you on dance-floor! n

In The House

Sound System Volume II

The original Sound System Volume II is set to rock the rooftop at The Hilton Doha on February 19 with a night of stellar Afroreggae beats from DJ Saynomore, all the way from New York! QH follows the beat…

No membership required. Must have valid Qatari ID required and patrons must be 21 years of age or older to enter. For VIP table reservations call 7030-8303 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. only.

By Mimi Teferra Images courtesy of Anthony Gittens and The Hilton Doha

Date: Thursday, February 19 Venue: The Hilton Doha rooftop Timings: 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Entry Fee: • QR 50 for ladies with a welcome drink • QR 100 for men with a welcome drink

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ENTERTAINMENT

Welcome To Shangri-La Compiled by Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the Shangri-La Hotel Doha

This spring promises to be an exciting one for Doha’s entertainment and dining scene. At least five new hotels will be delighting us with their offerings; one of them being the new Shangri-La Hotel Doha in West Bay. QH takes a sneak peek at the soon-to-beopened luxury property.

est Bay has always held rank as Doha’s most happening neighbourhood. Some of the city’s most popular, lavish restaurants, bars and nightclubs are located inside the many hotels that line the commercial heart of the city. The latest addition to come along is the Shangri-La Hotel Doha. From hot new clubs, fivestar amenities and sophisticated cuisines in seven vibrant restaurants, there’s a world of gastronomy and nightlife discoveries waiting to be explored at Shangri-La. From their interactive all-day dining experience, to authentic South American favourites and signature concoctions, we introduce you to a few of the property's new hotspots.

The Outlets The lively Sridan offers a fascinating all-day dining experience complemented by the melodic

tunes of a resident oud player. The expert culinary team whips up dishes a la minute for guests to enjoy at ten live stations set up in the interior of an Arabic souq, with rich mosaic details and graceful arches. A la carte dining to suit all palates is also available throughout the day. Fuego is the place for the adventurous; this vibrant and stylishly-appointed grill will bring robust Argentine cuisine and authentic South American favourites to Doha, complemented by fiery Latin entertainment. Yabby’s subtle blue hues evoke the underwater bounty for which the Gulf is famous, and the menu is fittingly defined by the fresh, remarkable flavours of the ocean. It will offer Doha’s largest

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The fiery décor of Fuego matches the spicy menu at this Latin hotspot

At Sridan, the flavours of the world come alive in an Arabicstyle souq setting

designed signature pastries served with a wide range of tea, coffee or cold refreshments.

Enjoy dinner with a view at the luxe Shanghai Club

live and fresh seafood offerings, complete with a teppanyaki counter. The hotel’s crown jewel is the entrancing Shanghai Club, slated to open in September 2015, and located on the hotel’s 43rd and 44th floors. Here diners are treated to classic and contemporary Cantonese masterpieces expertly prepared by a skilled team of chefs. As the sun sets, the Shanghai Club transforms itself into a nightspot full of heady allure and mystery, with a DJ to tempt party-goers to indulge in late-night revelry. For mid-day business meetings, a leisurely afternoon spent in the relaxed elegance of the hotel’s Lobby Lounge is a must. Guests are spoiled for choice with a variety of beautifully-

The Shangri-La's Lobby Lounge

At The Den, guests are taken back in time to unwind in the quaint glamour of this distinctly Continental piano bar, featuring classic cocktails crafted to match the tunes of the entertaining pianist. For sun-seekers, the al fresco Pool Bar located on the hotel’s 2,000-square-metre pool deck is surrounded by over 90 trees and serves light snacks, refreshments and home-made ice cream with signature flavours throughout the day for those simply looking for a quick bite in a fresh setting.

All The Extras • The hotel has 272 rooms and suites and 42 serviced apartments. Have you ever wondered the amount of cutlery a hotel needs to operate its outlets? The Shangri-La Hotel Doha has acquired: • 13,800 pieces of crockery • 12,650 spoons • 6,910 forks • 6,325 knives • 2,300 chairs n

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication an official opening date for the Shangri-La Hotel Doha had not been announced. More details on the hotel will be published in future editions of Qatar Happening.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Return Of Compiled by Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

Latino Steakhouse's chic new face-lift

The Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel recently re-opened its doors after nine months of renovations. QH explores the new outlets of the longest-standing hotel in the country, rediscovering the essence of its hospitality.

erched on the edge of West Bay, against the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Sheraton Doha has been restored to its former glory, while preserving the hotel’s authenticity and spirit. Its reinstated Arabesque interior design remains true to the country’s rich heritage, and the hotel’s restorations include cutting-edge amenities and facilities catering to a broad scope of international travelers. Thirty-three years ago – when it first opened its doors in 1982 – up until the present day, the Sheraton Doha has left its mark for being a home-away-from-home for visiting dignitaries, heads of state and celebrities. Everything in the hotel remains the same, but all elements have been revamped in accordance to the original design. The majority of their dining and nightlife outlets still retain that spark we remember, but with a more sophisticated look. The Water Hole is gone and Pirate’s Cove has been turned into a seafood restaurant, while the recreation area has also been given a face-lift with a brand new pool. Splashes of newly-planted greenery, including trees and flowers, breathe life into the outdoor space and we look forward to enjoying the beach-side ambiance.

Get your dose of fresh juice at Allegria Bar

Even though the entire hotel has undergone a complete renovation, we thought it would be more fun to take you on a tour through its reinvigorated restaurants and lounges.

Almaskar The hotel’s new seafood restaurant, Almaskar offers a fresh ocean breeze and retreat-like feeling in the heart of the city. The restaurant has a comfortable dining area with a beautiful terrace and a stylish sitting area around the bar where guests can enjoy a drink. Pop by any given evening and get away from the stress of the daily grind. Dinner: 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Cuisine: French bistro – seafood Dress code: Smart -casual Average Meal Price: • QR 80-QR 90, appetizers • QR 120-QR 150, main courses • QR 50-QR 70, desserts Reservations: Call 4485-3000

Al Hubara Located on the lobby level of the hotel, Al Hubara is the hotel’s all-day dining outlet offering a tempting array of international buffet delicacies. With its ornate, open-concept it’s

easy to see why this beautifully-decorated venue attract hungry diners from far and wide. Breakfast: From 6:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Lunch: From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. Dinner: From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. A la Carte: • From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. • Last food order is at 10:30 p.m. Average Meal Price: QR 250 Capacity: 200 guests Reservations: Call 4485-3000

Sweet Temptations Located next to Al Hubara, Sweet Temptations offers creative cakes, pastries, croissants, tarts, macaroons and cookies. Best known for its signature chocolate cake and its second –tonone umm ali, the venue also caters to large orders for special occasions. Opening Hours: From 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. Reservations: Call 4485-3000

La Veranda La Veranda is the perfect place to experience an authentic taste of Italian cuisine. Dishes range from succulent Italian home cooking, to pizzas baked in a traditional wood-burning oven. The backdrop of the calming sea-view is one of the restaurants main attractions.

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An Icon

Patrons will be hard-pressed to recognize the new Irish Harp

Awash in rainbow colours, the Sheraton Doha lights up the West Bay skyline once again The Arabic elegance of Al Shaheen The hotel's new lobby features new marble floors Almaskar is the hotel's new poolside seafood restaurant

Location: Ground floor, in the Fitness Club building Opening Hours: From 12:00 noon till 11:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: QR 210 Reservations: Call 4485-3000

Latino Steakhouse Home to the authentic flavours of South America, Latino is a fiesta for the senses, serving classics, international favourites and a large selection of succulent Argentine steaks. Find the restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor and indulge in mouth-watering dishes while enjoying the rhythms of their live band. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat from 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight Capacity: • 20 guests, bar • 90 guests, restaurant Average Meal Price: QR 190 Entertainment: Authentic Latino band Reservations: Call 4485-3000

Al Shaheen Serving traditional Lebanese home-style cuisine, Al Shaheen is one of the crown jewels of the hotel. Strategically located on the top floor, guests can enjoy stunning views across the Arabian Gulf. They can also experience a fusion of Arabic dishes and an outstanding selection of drinks while listening to the two-piece music ensemble. Lunch: Daily from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m.

The quaint Italian ambiance of La Veranda

Dinner: • Sat-Wed from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. • Thurs & Fri from 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight Capacity: • 120 guests, restaurant • 56 guests, window seating Entertainment: Arabic and Lebanese musical duo Reservations: Call 4485-3000

Irish Harp Offering the city’s largest selection of draughts, choose your favourite as you catch up with friends or take in the latest sports action on one of their 12 large TV screens. Discover a little bit of Ireland right here in Doha with a menu that includes traditional Emerald Isle favourites and gastro-snacks. Located on the hotel’s ground floor, the Irish Harp is ideal for a mid-week break with friends or a weekday outing – their new band is top-notch! Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Capacity: • 200 guests, indoor, total standing • 35 guests, bar area Average Meal Price: QR 75 (food only) Entertainment: Live rock band Reservations: Call 4485-3000

Atrium Lounge If you’re looking for a casual venue offering light meals in a charming setting, then the lobby-level

Atrium Lounge is the right place. Connect with colleagues, business partners or friends over freshly-brewed coffee, refreshing beverages and baked sweets and international savouries. Through the day, diners can also enjoy live music. Opening Hours: From 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon. Capacity: 120 guests Average Meal Price: QR 70 Entertainment: Live music, except on Sundays Reservations: Call 4485-3000

Pool & Beach Café Nestled on the edge of the West Bay waters, with unbeatable views of the blue sea the Pool & Beach Café adds another tempting international dining and recreation option at the Sheraton. Open all year-round for hearty breakfasts, delicious lunches and tranquil evening dinners, the café is a must-visit for guests who want to enjoy an appetizing alternative in a unique setting. Opening hours: From 8:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Capacity: • 38 guests, indoors • 48 guests, terrace Reservations: Call 4485-3000. n

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ENTERTAINMENT

By Jan Janssen Interview and selected images courtesy of Viva Press

Mila Kunis is no stranger to making us laugh. From her prime-time breakout role as Jackie Burkhart on That 70’s Show, to lending her voice as Meg Griffin on Family Guy, Kunis’ comedic timing has kept us in stitches for more than a decade. The last few years have seen her take on a more dramatic choice of roles, and now she’ll make her début as the title character in the sci-fi action film Jupiter Ascending. QH straps in and goes one-onone with the Hollywood A-lister.

The Rise

ila Kunis has spent over two decades carving out a successful career first in TV and then in film. Her sultry looks and heavy-lidded Slavic persona have proven a potent combination, particularly with men's magazines that regularly swoon over her darkly alluring beauty. At once enigmatic and charismatic, she seems to be the kind of woman whom men will never be able to figure out – not that women can ever truly be understood.

One man seems to know what makes Mila tick, though. Ashton Kutcher has not only become her fiancé, but he's also the father of their brand new baby girl, Wyatt, born on September 30. It's the first child for the happy couple, and it also comes at a time when Kunis is taking on what may well be the most challenging role of her career in Jupiter Ascending, a daring sci-fi adventure saga directed by the Wachowski siblings best known for The Matrix films. Kunis became pregnant shortly after wrapping work on the project, and confesses to having longed to become a mother.

"I have never wanted to be the person who only has business on her mind," Kunis said last summer. "To me, this job has always been a hobby that turned into a great profession, but I don’t eat and breathe acting. I’m sure Meryl Streep has a very different point of view. But I’m excited about being a full-time Mom. Although, give me a year of not working and I’ll see how I feel." Jupiter Ascending sees Kunis play Jupiter Jones, a janitor who suddenly finds herself caught up in a grand interstellar adventure after being

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Mila Kunis and co-star James D'Arcy face off in the Wachowski siblings' Jupiter Ascending

Of Mila tracked down by Caine Wise, Channing Tatum's genetically-engineered space hunter. It turns out that JJ is the descendant of the galaxy's ruling dynasty and is in direct line to inherit control over the Earth. With Caine at her side, Jupiter embarks on a journey that will decide the fate of the cosmos. The cast includes Sean Bean, Douglas Booth (Noah), Tuppence Middleton (Trance), and Eddie Redmayne as the villainous Balem. It's the wildest role yet for the Ukrainian native who was recently seen in Paul Haggis' tangled

romantic drama, Third Person, and is otherwise best known for her work in Black Swan, Ted, and Friends With Benefits.

The 31-year-old Kunis lives with Ashton Kutcher, 36, (whom she first met while starring together on That '70s Show) in Los Angeles where she also remains very close to her parents, both of whom have recently retired. Her father, Mark, an engineer who emigrated from the Ukraine when Mila was 7, drove a cab for a living for over twenty years in L.A., while her mother

Elvira, a former teacher, worked as a pharmacist. With respect to her pending nuptials with Ashton Kutcher, Mila has no doubts about marrying the man of her dreams: "I never wanted to get married," she declares. "From the age of 12, I prepared my parents for no marriage. Then things changed – I found the love of my life. Now my theory on weddings is: Don’t invite anyone. Do it privately and secretly. My parents are okay with that. They’re just excited that I said yes."

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ENTERTAINMENT when I would have rammed myself straight into a camera but he grabbed me and prevented that. QH: You shot most of the film in Chicago. What was that like? MK: I loved the vibe of the city. It's a little bit like New York but with a more laid-back, Midwestern mentality. I also loved the fact that there are no paparazzi in Chicago. I was able to walk out of the apartment where I was staying and not have to worry about the paparazzi and people following me down the street. I didn't have to keep my head down and hide myself which was really great. QH: Are you enjoying the way your career has worked out and getting to be part of different kinds of films like Ted or Third Person and now Jupiter Rising? MK: I've been able to do work on some really interesting and wonderful projects but I'm also glad to be able to take some time off now. When you've been working in this business for over 20 years you eventually figure out that it’s not real life. Even though I love acting, I've always wanted to have a life away from showbiz. QH: You seem to have a very pragmatic approach to life and work?

jump Over the years Mila has made the r dramas from her comedy roots to darke stab at like Black Swan and now, her first sci-fi with Jupiter Ascending

QH: Mila, this is your first sci-fi film. What's the experience been like? MK: I love science fiction. This was also a different story from other kinds of sci-fi films. There's a lot of light comedy mixed in with the action and all the special effects. I loved working on the film. QH: Did you have to do a lot of training for the action sequences? MK: Yes. It was the most challenging role I've ever had, physically, where you train for six months and you're basically working out all day, five days a week. I've never been in better shape in my life and by the time we began shooting I had zero body fat. I thought that nothing would be harder than the kind of preparation I did for Black Swan where I lost 20 lbs, but this was much longer and more rigourous. QH: What can you tell us about your character Jupiter Jones?

MK: Jupiter is living in Chicago and having a lot of doubts about herself and wishing she could do something different with her life. Then Channing Tatum's character shows up and turns her world upside down by taking her on this crazy journey. He explains to her that there’s a higher purpose to her life and that it's her destiny to be part of this new journey. Suddenly she's in a spaceship and dealing with aliens and a world she never thought existed. It's a very smart and fun movie. QH: How was it working with Channing Tatum? MK: If we didn't like each other, this would have been a very difficult movie for both of us. We were basically attached to each other for seven months and Chan was so great to be around, very easy-going, always in a good mood. He's like the big brother you dream about having. He's a guy's guy, but also a very generous and warm and grounded human being...Chan also saved my life, literally, while we were shooting

MK: I think because I started out early in this business that I knew how it worked and not to get too carried away because you see all the ups and downs and how fragile a thing [like] success can be. I've always had this inner instinct that tells me not to let myself get carried away. I also learned a lot by watching other people's mistakes and swearing to myself that I would never let those things happen to me. Work is the thing that keeps me grounded and sane. But I know how to separate my life from my work and I always like to make time for myself and make sure that I take pleasure in the moment and not miss out on everything the world has to offer. QH: In your previous film, Third Person, there's a fairly harrowing confrontation between your character and James Franco's. How do you approach difficult scenes like that? MK: I will live it for those 20 minutes when I’m on set to live it, but it’s called acting for a reason. This is just me…I feel like if I did a good job and I’m emotionally drained by the end of the day, I don’t want to keep living it. I want a glass of wine and I want to go to bed. QH: You've always been very close to your parents. Was it a source of pride to you to be able to help them out over the years?

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Mila's character Jupiter Jones is in an intergalactic fight to claim her rightful place in the planet's ruling dynasty

On the red carpet with co-star Channing Tatum

more or less convinced that I’m doing pretty well and they don’t have to worry about my career prospects any more. (Laughs). QH: Even though you were a child star, you never developed any bad party girl habits that have wrecked many careers?

MK: (Laughs). My parents are very hard-working and proud people. I always tried to convince them to stop working but they never listened to me. Now they've finally retired and I'm so glad because you worry about their health and you care about them so much. Now I'm trying to make sure they stay busy so they don't get on each other's nerves since they're home most of the time. (Laughs). My brother has been trying to get my Dad to play golf but so far that hasn't been very successful. QH: Do you think your humble beginnings in L.A. have been a major motivating factor in your success? MK: I definitely have an Eastern European work ethic and mentality. You never feel secure and you never stop working. My parents worked hard all their life and they're the best example I could have in terms of being as ambitious and motivated as I can be to be successful. You also remember what it's like to have very little and that keeps you very motivated to keep working as hard as you can even when things are good in your life. My parents always gave

our family everything we needed in life. I never felt poor even though we didn't have a lot of luxuries. But our family was very close and supportive of each other. QH: Do you speak to your parents in Russian or English? MK: We speak Russian, although I’m not as fluent as I used to be. But I’m able to do interviews in Russian and actually I’ve done press conferences in Russian to promote my films. Sometimes I meet Ukrainians and we talk about how different life in the U.S. is compared to life over there. QH: How do your parents and family feel about your success? MK: They’re very proud of me, of course. We came to this country with literally nothing and so any level of success is important to us. They never wanted me to become an actress because it’s such an unstable and unpredictable profession. When you’re immigrants, and you have to work hard for everything just to survive, it’s only natural that you worry about having a stable job and income. But I think now they’re

MK: I never wanted to go out and party. I loved being home with my family and friends. I always thought that kind of thing was ridiculous and I would rather be cozy at home at night than [out] at some club. I always felt uncomfortable at clubs and I never thought that was a good way of meeting people or having fun. QH: Would you like your child to follow you and your fiancé into the acting profession? MK: I'm not really worrying about that now... But if my kid could be a doctor or a lawyer, that would be great – because this whole industry is based on rejection. That's the first thing you learn: the word "no!" Acting was never something my parents wanted me to do, so it wasn’t something they pushed me to do. I was only allowed to keep doing it if I got straight A’s in school and stayed in school. It was my after-school activity. QH: Is it true that your original ambition was to be a doctor? MK: Yes, up until the point that I realized I didn't like blood! (Laughs). I also thought of becoming a teacher but then I found I enjoyed acting so much that I knew I had to stick with it. I always loved the idea of play-acting and pretending, and acting was a natural evolution for me and it got me out of school – which of course is the best thing that every kid can hope for! (Smiles). n

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ENTERTAINMENT

Party

Happenings By Jorge Granda

There's no better view to take you into the weekend than from the th 55th and 56 floors at Strata

Photography by Jessie Palanca

For this edition of Party Happenings we’re going fancy, visiting the stylish and upscale Strata Lounge perched atop the InterContinental Doha The City.

that West Bay boasts. Strata could claim, without a doubt, perhaps the best view in the city; also because of its glossy design and chic vibe, for me it really never had that restaurant feeling. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought so, as last summer Strata was re-polished and revamped into a space where the after-work crowd can mingle during the week and the weekend warriors can frolic until the wee hours.

ocated on the 55th and 56th floors of the towering InterContinental Doha The City in West Bay, Strata is a two-story lounge/ bar. The first time I visited was about two years ago, and at the time, it was a rather expensive seafood restaurant.

The overall décor is trendy, yet elegant with black furnishings, dim lighting and impressive chandeliers suspended between the two floors. If you find opulence overwhelming, then maybe Strata isn’t for you; but if not, then you’ll be in heaven.

I remember telling the Marketing Manager that the outlet would work much better as a bar or nightclub, due to its impressive panoramic view

The lounge has become quite popular for its cocktails and theme night parties. We visited on a Tuesday afternoon to try a few delicious

concoctions prepared by their expert mixologist Eugene and, of course, to enjoy the mellow beats from the local DJ. I can’t say I am a big fan of conceptualized cocktails; I’m the kind of guy who would rather sip on a nice glass of red, or a dry martini. But when in Rome, do as the Romans do. We were first served a molecular drink called ‘French 2075’ which is a mix of clear spirits, lemon juice pearl, sparkling vino and gold powder. The cocktail was beautifully-presented and its taste as classy as the name itself. We then we were served ‘The Pearl’ which is a mix of clear spirits, orange liqueur and a lemon juice ‘pearl’. This particular creation was accompanied by an oyster. I have never tried such a drink. The infused pairing between the drink and the oyster is quite novel. You take a sip

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Strata is a choice hangout – the ambiance is fantastic, the drinks are inspired and the crowd is as chic as you can get. I’ve always said that it’s the kind of place you might find Carrie Bradshaw and her gang sipping cocktails and gossiping about their conquests. So be sure to save yourself a table!

The English Breakfast comes with a side of silky panna cotta

Happenings In Strata Pink Wednesday This isn’t your ordinary ladies night – it’s a designer label ladies night! Ladies will enjoy a special complimentary welcome drink from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. every Wednesday along with chances to win fabulous prizes including various designer label items. Want a pair of Louboutins or a Louis Vuitton? Then Pink Wednesday at Strata might be your lucky night! Free entrance for ladies, QR 75 entrance for men after 10:00 p.m. Dress code? Elegant. After Work Evenings De-stress from a busy day at the office with a few cocktails under the stars, with their buyone-get-one-free promotion on a wide range of selected vinos and cocktails every evening from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.

then slurp down the shellfish. The intermingled flavours balanced and complemented each other nicely – though if you aren’t a fan of molluscs, then this isn’t the drink for you. Throughout the night, we also got our hands on a raspberry-licious ‘Campari Noble’, ‘an English Breakfast’ (Earl Grey tea, Drambuie and clear spirits with a cocktail jelly-cake on the side), and an ‘Alchemist’ which is a complex, smoky drink – literally…actual smoke comes out of the drink. I was fascinated by this cocktail. The prices of the drinks are higher than in most outlets in Doha, but taking into consideration their level of creativity and extravagance, it’s worth it to treat yourself. Global DJs personality Jared McCulloch is on the decks from Wednesday till Friday along with other local DJs. The music pumping out of the speakers at Strata is modern and current

A frosty winter concoction, the Campari Noble is almost too pretty to sip

– mellow enough to sink back to and rhythmic enough to sway to. Their selection of bar bites is also worth mentioning. The sample platter we tried featured everything from smoked salmon bites, to spicy edamame and even sweet, braised shredded duck served in miniature cones, though they also serve other small appetizers and canapés.

Gents Night Why should there only be a ladies night? At Strata they think everyone should have a night out –so guys this one’s for you! Grab a brew with your buddies and enjoy selected beverages starting from QR 30. Every Saturday evening from 9:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. n STRATA LOUNGE Location: 55th & 56th Floors, InterContinental Doha The City Opening Hours: From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Smoking: Yes Licensed: Yes Contact Info: Call 4015-8888

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

QH BRINGS YOU THE TOP STAFF PICKS FROM THE MEGASTORE

NAME: ALEXANDROS PAPAZACHARIOU STORE SECTION: ENTERTAINMENT TIME AT VIRGIN: ONE YEAR

Best Part of My Job:“Everything – the excitement of opening boxes every month and getting new releases, checking them online, buying them and playing them. It’s amazing!” WWE 2K15 XBOX 360, PS3, XBOX ONE, PS4 The graphics are amazing in this one and there are new players and new wrestlers coming every year with each release. WWE 2K15 kicks off a new generation of the franchise – it’s got the official logo and seal of the WWE and has progressed to a true wrestling game. There are new chain-wrestling mini-games, improved grapple controls and a new three-tier stamina metre that influences the pace of the match. Retail price: QR 299.

THE CREW PS4, XBOX ONE This is one of our new releases and the first in its series. It’s a car-racing game, but different than the ones you’re probably used to. In it, you rally and form your own crew on the streets of the US and compete with other teams online. Build and customize your hot rod, compete in skill tests, or drive all the way across America – in 45-minutes of gameplay! Retail price: QR 269.

THE EXPENDABLES 3 DVD, BLU-RAY The boys are back in the franchise’s third installment as Barney (Sylvester Stallone), Lee (Jason Statham), Drummer (Harrison Ford) and Trench (Arnold Schwarzeneggar) rally some new recruits in the battle to take down Expendables co-founder and gun-running criminal Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson). With an A-list cast, it’s fun to watch these once-spry Hollywood action heroes prove that they’ve still got it. Retail price: QR 89.

HERCULES DVD, BLU-RAY Can you smell what The Rock is cookin’? In this re-imagining of the infamous Greek legend, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson stars as the mythological Hercules who, after completing his Twelve Labors, is commissioned by the King of Thrace to help overthrow a tyrannical warlord. It’s got drama, adventure, history and a whole lotta action! Retail price: QR 89.

CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE PC, XBOX 360, PS3, XBOX ONE, PS4 This is the latest in the Call Of Duty series, and features character voiceovers from actors like Troy Baker and Kevin Spacey. The first-person shooter follows the single-player storyline of US Marine Corps Private Jack Mitchell who, along with his team, is tasked with eliminating the apocalyptic ‘Manticore’ bio-weapon. Advance your mission and form alliances online to go head-to-head with players from around the world. Retail price: QR 259

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Spotlight On Movies February is too hot to handle with these box-office offerings!

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER Animation | Adventure | Comedy Our favourite pineapple-dwelling sea-sponge goes on a quest to discover a stolen recipe that takes him to out of the depths and into our world. And yes – the movie will once again feature live-action segments! Stars: Antonio Banderas, Clancy Brown, Tom Kenny QH Fun Fact: This is the only Nickelodeon franchise since the Rugrats feature films to ever get a sequel!

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2

FOCUS Comedy | Crime | Drama A veteran grifter (played by the always ‘jiggy’ Will Smith) takes a young woman under his wing to teach her the ropes in a life of crime, but things get complicated when they become romantically involved. Hmmm…don’t they always! Stars: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro QH Fun Fact: Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were originally meant to star in the lead roles but both dropped out, allowing Will Smith to step in for what will be his first R-rated movie since Bad Boys II.

JUPITER ASCENDING

Comedy In case the premise of the first Hot Tub Time Machine wasn’t believable enough, in this sequel Lou (Rob Corddry) – who has become the ‘father of the Internet’ – is shot by an unknown assailant, so Jacob (Clark Duke) and Nick (Craig Robinson) fire up the time machine again to save their friend. Stars: Chevy Chase, Adam Scott, Gillian Jacobs QH Fun Fact: Star John Cusack didn’t want to return for a second round in Time Machine, so actor Adam Scott stepped in to fill the comedic gap!

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

Action | Adventure | Fantasy In the Wachowski siblings’ first sci-fi directorial collaboration since The Matrix series, a young, destitute woman, Jupiter Jones, is targeted for assassination by the Queen of the Universe, marking her destiny to end the Queen's reign.

Comedy | Horror This Kiwi-cast vampire comedy film starring Flight Of The Conchords’ Jemaine Clement, follows batty flatmates Viago, Deacon and Vladislav as they try to overcome the obstacle of being hundreds of years-old, immortal creatures in an everyday world.

Stars: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne

Stars: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh

QH Fun Fact: To portray his character of Caine Wise in the movie, Channing Tatum had to wear a mouthpiece that changed the shape of his lower jaw, preventing him from closing his mouth and making talking troublesome!

QH Fun Fact: In the movie, the hill where the vampires have a run-in with the werewolves is the same one where Frodo and his friends hid from the ring-wraiths in The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Listings

QH RECOMMENDS

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

REGULAR PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT Pearl Lounge Theme Nights

THE GRAND HYATT Doha Hustle

Saturdays: Rocca. The Doha Hustle parties are back! Book your table every Saturday on Rocca’s terrace with DJ Kinky D and enjoy the best soul, funk, disco and deep house tunes while sipping the most refreshing drinks from a specially- customized beverage menu. Entry fee is QR 50 which includes a drink on the house. Don’t forget to leave your card for a chance to win prizes. For more information call 7021-8096.

Mondays: Ladies Just Wanna Have Fun. Gents QR 100, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m.and 12 midnight. Tuesdays: Bollywood vs. Hollywood. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. Wednesdays: Arabic Night. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Thursdays: Diva’s Night Out. Gents QR 75, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Fridays: Khaliji Night. Saturdays: Bollywood. Gents pay QR 75 and get one free drink. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. Sundays: Closed.For more information call 4429-8444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Big Night Out 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 HILTON DOHA Trader Vic’s Happy Hour

Daily: Trader Vic’s. Enjoy 50% off on selected bar bites and 25% off on selected house beverages. Gather with friends and colleagues in the great ambiance of Trader Vic’s for its daily happy hour. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Let’s Get Quizzical

Feb 9: Champions Sports Bar. Join Champions for the best quiz night in Doha with a maximum of six players per team for a chance to win the 1st prize of QR 3,000. Free entry. From 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

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 cocktails before 11:00 p.m. Dress code is dress-to-impress. For more information call 7712-3440 or 7798-2400.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Vino Journey

Feb 27: Level 23. Experience a sumptuous tasting creation perfectly paired with the superb flavours of the hotel ‎sommelier’s best vino offerings, while enjoying the breath-taking views of the Doha skyline. Discover the best of Australia and New Zealand, and immerse yourself in a vino journey paired with mouth-watering canapés for QR 500 per person. From 7:30 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8000.

Wednesdays: Paloma & Lava. It’s Doha’s biggest ladies night with unlimited complimentary selected drinks for ladies. Dance to the tunes of Paloma’s new resident band, Sizzle, followed by two dance-floors with resident DJs from 10:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Lava Theme Nights

Sundays: Hospitality Night. Enjoy a 50% discount on food and beverages for hotel staff and cabin crew with DJ Hossein. Mondays: Urban Diva Night with DJ Shadi. Enjoy two free drinks for ladies and no entrance fee from 10:00 p.m. till late. Tuesdays: Fly Night with Resident DJs! Enjoy 50% off on food and beverages for teachers and free drinks for female cabin crew all night. Thursdays: Vibe Nights with their resident DJ. Fridays: Sparkling Friday with their resident DJ. Saturdays: Themed parties every Saturday Night. Doors open from8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Happy Hour

Daily: Paloma. Enjoy an amazing Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. with selected beverage offerings seven days a week and exclusive food offerings on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with a 50% discount off the a la carte menu. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

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ENTERTAINMENT INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY After-Work Evenings Sun-Thurs: Hive. De-stress with an after-work visit to Hive and make the most of their buy-oneget-one free offer on selected house beverages between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Live DJs

Wed-Fri: Strata. Enjoy three musical-themed nights with two extremely talented DJs on the decks from 9:30 p.m. till late. Every Wednesday and Friday enjoy the disco and deep, soulful house tunes from Steve Kz. Deep and funky house music enthusiasts will enjoy the beats played by Jared McCulloch & Friends every Thursday, with local DJs making guest appearances on selected dates. A mash-up of dance and urban tunes will keep you on the dancefloor the entire night every Friday with Sam World & Friends. For more information call 4015-8888.

Bucket Day

Fridays: Hive. Quench your thirst with a bucket of six brews for the price of QR 175 or a cocktail bucket for QR 150, while listening to funky tunes. Also perform your favourite song for the crowd from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4015-8888.

Super Saturdays

Saturdays: Hive. Gather the boys and get down to Hive on Saturday to enjoy the best the Premier League has to offer, while enjoying a 20% discount on food items and a brew bucket promotion of six bottles for QR 175. For more information call 4015-8888.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Sparkling Fridays

Fridays: The Lounge. Fridays at The Lounge are bright and sparkling! They welcome all ladies with two complimentary glasses of bubbly. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Happy Hour MIX & FUSE

Daily: The Lounge. The Happy Hour at The Lounge is back, more Mixed and Fused than ever! From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., socialize with the trendiest crowd in the city and sip your favourite beverages and cocktails or take a bite from the refreshed options on the menu and benefit from a 50% discount on selected items. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Airline Flight Crew Happy Hours

Daily: All airline flight crew can enjoy a complimentary 20% off their final bill of their dinner and/or drinks in Aroma or The Lounge when presenting their company ID card. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Listings Soulful Sundays

Sundays: The Lounge. Kéyali Mayaga returns, recharged, to The Lounge – ready to relax and chill you every Sunday evening with her magnificent voice. Start the new week in style at The Lounge and revel in blues and soul sounds from the much-loved repertoire of Kéyali. From 9:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Slow Motion Vogue Wednesdays: The Lounge. The hippest night out in Doha returns in September with Longplayer and Kinky D at the decks of The Lounge. The weekend starts early with sophisticated Latin funk, disco-boogie and reedited sounds. Sip the most creative cocktails in Doha and socialize with the trendiest crowd in the city. From 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

9 To 1 At The Lounge

Thursdays: The most chic Thursday night out in Doha arrives back at The Lounge after the summer vacation. Listen to the finest grooves and the slickest of soul, funk, jazz, Afro and soulful house music, sip cocktails of the future and be part of the fun and class. From 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE Ladies Night With DJ Roger Choueiry

Ladies Night

Wednesdays: Glo Cocktail Bar. Ladies can indulge every Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. at Glo, with a selection of house beverages and a special concoction every month. The ladies-only two-for-one Happy Hour runs from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m., with a special drinks menu starting at QR 25 for ladies – plus treats and surprises on your way out! Free entry. For more information call 4419-6100, or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Music Fridays!

Fridays: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant. The sports bar presents evenings of international music and pizzazz with all your favourite songs played by a live band. Entry fee is QR 60 inclusive of one house beverage. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Be Entertained At Jazz Up

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

ORYX ROTANA Hospitality Night

Sundays: Madison Piano Bar. Save your Sundays for the vibrant Ladies Night and dedicate your favourite songs to your special one. Ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

Saturdays: Jazz Club. All hoteliers, crew members and hospitality colleagues can enjoy the best notes of funky jazz music with an 80’sflair, while benefiting from a 30% discount on the total bill. Make sure to check in early for a great night! You can invite up to three guests. Enjoy the night with the DJ spinning from 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

Global DJs

Ladies’ Night

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA After-Brunch Sessions

THE FOUR SEASONS Thursday Beach Party

Thursdays: Club 7. Welcome your weekend in a vibrant atmosphere at Club 7 and join Global DJs every Thursday for an unforgettable night! From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

Fridays: Glo Cocktail Bar. Because brunch without an after-brunch sessions is just a lunch! Go to Glo Cocktail Bar after brunch for an afterbrunch session where guest DJs spin the latest grooves. Free entry. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Tuesday: Jazz Club. Join in ladies and indulge in three complimentary drinks from 5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. After that, enjoy a 50% discount on selected cocktails. Enjoy the night with the jazz band Why Not playing. For more information call 4402-3333.

Thursdays: Beachfront. The highly-popular Thursday party season comes back again. Set up on the beach of The Four Seasons Hotel Doha, it’s got a great atmosphere and some of the best crowds on Doha’s social scene. No cover charge, terms and conditions apply. Doors close at midnight. From 8:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

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THE RITZ-CARLTON Overtime‎

Daily: Level 23. Why limit ‘happy’ to an hour, when you can enjoy 120 minutes of the best overtime ever! Purchase two drinks and pay for one. It only takes 33 seconds to reach Level 23! From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8506, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Hospitality Night

Daily: Habanos. Hotel professionals and airline crews enjoy a 25% savings on selected menu items. From 8:15 p.m. till 12:30 midnight. For more information call 4484-8504, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Cigar Night

Fridays: Habanos. Enjoy 25% savings on all cigar selections. From 5:00 p.m. till 12:45 midnight. For more information call 4484-8504, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA High Heels Night

Wednesdays: Vintage Lounge. Step into the glamourous and elegant Vintage Lounge for a great night out. Ladies enjoy a 50% discount off selected beverages from 6:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0000.

Jam At JALC Doha

Wednesdays: Every Wednesday night JALC Doha gathers an eclectic group of local, regional and international musicians for an exciting and impromptu jam session. Led by JALC Global Ambassador Dominick Farinacci, musicians and vocalists of all styles are brought together in dynamic performances. QR 100 entry per person includes complimentary welcome beverage. From 9:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4446-0000.

W DOHA ‘The VIBE’ Ladies Night

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

Kiss N’ Fly Ladies Night

Wednesdays: Crystal. Every Wednesday, Crystal hosts Doha’s favourite Ladies Night with Resident DJ Tobias Sabido mixing up the latest tunes. Ladies get three free drinks. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5353.

Arabesque Night

Saturdays: Crystal. Crystal proudly presents every Saturday, Arabesque Night featuring LAYALI 1001 NIGHTS with the stars Fadi & Mazen performing all the latest Arabic songs live, while DJ Imran mixes the best of R&B and commercial house. For more information call 4453-5353.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Directory

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

The View Doha Marriott

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

4448-4800

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

Bar Rancho’s Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Beach Bar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

Jazz Up Mövenpick Hotel Doha 4429-1111

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Champions Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4419-6100 Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa Club 7 La Cigale Crystal Lounge W Doha D’Illusion Gokulam Park Dunes The Grand Hyatt Fahrenheit Horizon Manor Hotel

4425-6666

4428-8888

Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton

Qube Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

Shehrazad Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4445-5444 Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

4484-4444 Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4496-0777

4446-2222 Splash Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

4448-4800 Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4428-8888

4470-8888 Manhattan Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4448-1234 Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

4408-7777

4453-5135

4445-5444

4429-8888

4446-0000

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

4405-3325

4408-7777

Glo Cocktail Bar Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4419-6100

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites

Habanos The Ritz-Carlton

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

4484-8000

Hive InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888

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ARTS & CULTURE

Top Picks

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Friday Night Live

Feb 20: MIA Park. The Museum of Islamic Art opens the stage for a series of concerts featuring schools and up-and-coming local musicians. Come and show your support for the musical arts in Qatar. Admission is free of charge and performances are from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information email MIAevents@qm.org.qa.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Layla: Music Of Dana Alfardan

Feb 21: Building 16, Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Come experience a musical celebration with pieces written by Qatari composer Dana Alfardan. Daisy Chute, vocalist, Andy Brown orchestration, with the accompaniment of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are QR 75-QR 200 and can be purchased at Virgin Megastores, online at tickets.virginmegastore.me or at the Katara Opera House. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

ANIMA GALLERY & LOUNGE Ali Hassan: Traces Solo Show

Feb 8-April 30: Parcel 17-30, La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. Qatari artist Ali Hassan is best known for his variations and permutations of the Arabic letter ‘N’ (noon). The exhibition showcases a selection of works from his latest period. Timings are Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 3377-1370, email art@animagallery.com or visit www.animagallery.com.

KATARA Halal Qatar Festival QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Music From Swan Lake

Feb 6: Building 16, Opera House, Katara. Conducted by Dmitrij Kitajenko with Linda Watson on soprano and accompanied by the MDR Radio Choir of Leipzig, the QPO will perform a repertoire from Swan Lake. Featuring Sergei Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky, Op. 78; Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s From Swan Lake: Scene 1, Dance of The Swans, Scent 2, Waltz; Alexander Borodin’s From Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dances. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are QR 75-QR 200 and can be purchased at Virgin Megastores, online at tickets.virginmegastore.me or at the Katara Opera House. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

Feb 28-March 8: Katara Cultural Village. Considered one of the most famous halal festivals in the GCC, Katara will organize the event for the fourth year in a row. With a focus on grazing and livestock (sheep, goats), the festivities will include children’s competitions, games, arts and crafts and traditional food. Registration runs from Feb 1-15 and the festival is open from 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information visit www.katara.net.

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ARTS & CULTURE

For the B-boys in the crew the artistic expression of break-dancing has become a way of life

By Mitch Freeley – Studio 88 Photography by Jessie Palanca

QH hangs out with Doha’s B-boys, the Mighty Jokerz – and they’ve got the moves to beat!

oha isn’t a place you’d typically think of when it comes to break-dancing. However, that’s changing with the Mighty Jokerz Crew who, since 2008 having been 'wow'-ing crowds across Qatar and beyond with their unique dance routines. We caught up with the multinational crew ahead of their first performances of 2015 at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Mighty Jokerz formed in 2010 under the leadership of Egyptian dancer Hakoomy. “I had been in a few crews in Egypt and Qatar. I just wanted to make my own crew, do something different,” he tells us. Hakoomy along with his brother Abdallah and friends Christian and Hamoody set up the crew with the aim of highlighting B-boy culture in Qatar. “I’ve always been into hip-hop and street dancing from a young age – no one got us at the beginning,

we had to represent!” explains Abdallah as he undergoes his rigourous stretching routine ahead of the Mighty Jokerz show at the fan-zone. With a distinctive name which, according to founding member Hakoomy, is inspired by Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in the recent Batman film. “We liked his unpredictable style, we wanted that with the Mighty Jokerz, we also want to leave smiles on the audiences faces too so our name symbolizes what we do!” So, the Mighty Jokerz set out to make a name for themselves in Doha. The crew has a distinct multi-cultural feel which is unique in the B-boy world. To date, ten different nationalities have represented the Mighty Jokerz from Sudan, to Iceland via South Africa. Something that founding member

Hamoody acknowledges is special: “For us all of these nationalities bring something good to the group. Each member has a different style and flow, and we can all learn from what everyone brings to the table.” In the fan-zone, warm-up for the performance is well underway with Sudanese member Jaad catching the eye with some gravity-defying moves. “I’ve been with the Jokerz for a few years now,” he says. “Learning moves and developing my own flow…I love what I do so the chance to perform always is the biggest buzz for me.”

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for The Might Jokerz broke it down the crowd in the Fan Zone at the Open recent Qatar ExxonMobil Tennis

Going for a head spin

Central to the Mighty Jokerz is a sense of community. The group regularly performs at a host of local and international events. “I like to think of the Mighty Jokerz as an extension of my own family,” claims founding member Christian. “We’ve all been good friends for a number of years. When we perform, it’s with your brothers and sisters. That tight bond makes us stronger.” Excitement levels are building the fan-zone as final preparations are made for the show. This March will mark the fifth anniversary of the Mighty Jokerz and they intend to celebrate in style with a number of special events planned, including hosting the 4thannual Middle Eastern qualifier leg of the World B-Boy Classic. Hakoomy assures me that some of the best break-dancers in the region will turn up, with an opportunity to appear at the World B-Boy Classic in Rotterdam on the line. Primed and ready to hit the fan-zone, the crew are bizarrely relaxed; I ask how the group fight off stage fright. “For me we have no time for nerves,” exclaims Abdallah. “We’ve practiced and trained for this moment right now. I’m just so excited to perform and get [to] show people what I love to do.” On the stage the Mighty Jokerz exude confidence and whip the crowd up into a frenzy. Slick, choreographed moves merge seamlessly with innovative freestyle, which is a hallmark of the Mighty Jokerz. Off-stage and the crew are overjoyed with their performance and the crowd’s reaction. “I saw plenty of young faces in the audience today, who really seemed to like the show,” says Hakoomy. “But all I noticed [were] the smiling faces – that’s what the Mighty Jokerz is about.” With a busy 2015 ahead, expect bigger and better things from the Mighty Jokerz Crew. You can check them out online at www.mightyjokerz.com. n

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ARTS & CULTURE

Cultural Connections By Diana Farid Photography by Angel Mallari

In a country as diverse as Qatar, the celebration of culture becomes an important tool in how we present ourselves to the world, teaching one another about our respective backgrounds and heritage. We introduce you to a group of women from Ballet Latino Qatar who, through the traditions of folkloric dance, have become cultural ambassadors for their countries.

o matter how diverse people are, music and dancing are one of the universal things that touch the heart of all. Folkloric dance in particular is an art form that not only entertains us by the beauty of its music, but also narrates the stories of countries, the exquisiteness of cultures and the charm of nations. Since Qatar is a veritable mosaic of expats and locals, it’s a fertile base for folkloric education. One such group is the Ballet Latino Qatar, or ‘Ballet Folclórico Latinoamericano en Qatar’, made up of Latin American expat women

who share a love of their countries’ traditions and their passion for dancing. Most of the Ballet Latino ladies are mothers who also hold down office jobs or run personal businesses, but when it comes to dancing – they make it work. An integral part of their traditions and something they all enjoy, these women banded together to promote their countries and cultures through their vibrant and colourful stage performances. They’ve also got their own Facebook page up and running that’s quickly gaining interested followers. It doesn’t cost anything to join the group or take part in their classes – all that’s required is a passion for dance and the time it takes to commit to the group and participate in their practices and presentations. It all started back in 2009 when Yulyer Prada and Cristina Cobos met at a Spanish Speaking Ladies Group (Amigas de Qatar) meeting. Cobos had already founded a folkloric ballet class named ‘Mexico Lindo’ in Singapore and had the will to start a similar group in Qatar. On the other hand, Yulyer had extensive years of experience as a teacher and a dancer and longed to create an advanced class in Doha, so they both began calling everyone they knew to recruit dancers and get started. Yezenia Navarro, a dancer in the group, explains that the class was founded with the intention of

promoting the Latin American culture in Qatar. “The cultural show boasts energetic, traditional dance performances by Mexican dancers dressed in bright and colourful attire,” she says. “The songs represent the folklore of Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela and other Latin countries.” The non-profit group quickly began making a name for itself, actively participating in both cultural and charity events to great success – appealing to locals and expats with their colourful dresses, toe-tapping rhythm and joyful stage presence. “The group has given all its members the opportunity of not only passing the richness of their traditions and folklore to their families, but to share it with the local and expat community in Qatar,” adds Yezenia. “We performed most of the time [at] charity events and [also] had the opportunity to perform for private events too.” Getting the class off the ground was not an easy job given that many of the accessories required were thousands of miles away. “Costumes were brought to Doha from México as well as Colombia and some of them were tailored or adapted to the local resources of cloths and accessories,” says Yezenia. Finding a suitable place for rehearsals also proved difficult at the outset; the ladies do practice in a lot of compounds or salons where space may not be

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Through traditional dance, the ladies of of Ballet Latino Qatar bring a taste Latin American culture to Doha

regularly available, so practices tend to change location frequently. The group hopes that through raising awareness about their classes they can gain much-needed exposure which will allow them to perform as much as they can. Ballet Latino also hosts social gatherings and activities for the dancers that help foster a tightknit group dynamic – a kind of closeness and friendship that’s reflected on-stage. The group gladly welcomes new members every summer, though the turnover rate is increasing. As Yezenia explains, “Being a group of expatriate women, the ballet is in a constant transition so sadly it loses members when the family is transferred to another country.” Currently the group plans to start a class for kids who will represent their countries the same way the ladies’ class is being carried out, giving youth the opportunity of learning more about their culture and the joy of sharing it with others. As for future plans, Yezenia divulges: “We also dream to dance for charity causes even more in the future so people will enjoy the shows, as well as benefit the community.” n To learn more about Ballet Latino Qatar visit their Facebook page or call Yulyer Prada at 3324-8922, or Cristina Cobos at 7018-1971.

The colourful garments worn by dancers reflect the vibrancy of the Latino heritage

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ARTS & CULTURE

Listings

Museum Guide QH RECOMMENDS

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

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 QATAR MUSEUMS Mal Lawal Exhibition

Until Feb 28: Qatar National Exhibition Centre. Meaning ‘from the old days’ in the Qatari dialect, the second Mal Lawal exhibition will reflect on the personal collections of collectors across Qatar and the GCC. Visual treasures displayed will include artefacts, manuscripts, weapons, Islamic collections, old maps, ethnographic/heritage items, antiquities, jewelry, clothing and accessories. The exhibition is part of QM’s series of programs encouraging audiences to participate in the cultural development of Qatar. For more information visit www.qm.org.qa.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Jazz Concert Series

MATHAF Shirin Neshat: Afterwards

Feb 18: MIA Park. The Museum of Islamic Art partners with Jazz At Lincoln Center at The St. Regis Doha for a series of world-class jazz performances in MIA Park. Take in the smooth sounds of the saxophones and brass while enjoying an unparalleled view of the colourful West Bay skyline. Admission is free of charge, no bookings required; performance is from 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information email MIAevents@qm.org.qa.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Mozart’s 21st Piano Concerto

Feb 28: Building 16, Opera House, Katara. Gianluigi Gelmetti conducts the QPO, featuring Gerhard Oppitz on piano for an evening of the classics. Featuring selections from Ludwig van Beethoven’s Overture to Egmont, Op. 84; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Concert No. 21 in C Major, K. 467; Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major, The Great, D. 944. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are QR 75-QR 200 and can be purchased at Virgin Megastores, online at tickets. virginmegastore.me or at the Katara Opera House. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

Until Feb 15: This is the first solo exhibition in the Middle East by internationally-acclaimed artist Shirin Neshat. Occupying the entire ground floor galleries at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the exhibition features existing and newly-produced works. The show includes the major photographic series The Book of Kings (2012) inspired by the poem Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) by Persian poet Ferdowsi, written between c. 977 and 1010 CE, as well as a selection of video installations, OverRuled (2012) and Turbulent (1998) that collectively comment on historical, cultural and political realities on which the artist has focused on for the past 30 years. For more information visit www.mathaf.org.qa.

QATAR MUSEUMS Yousef Ahmad: Story Of Ingenuity

Until Feb 14: QM Gallery, Katara. Running until February 14, 2015, this exhibition highlights Qatari artist Yousef Ahmad’s body of work through a precise selection of the most striking artworks from his early works in the 1970s up until today. It showcases three phases of his artistic career, from the early oil paintings that include the historic depiction of Al Zubarah Fort, to his mixed media calligraphic pieces where he utilizes and creates local palm tree paper, to his new conceptual artworks presenting his ability of developing an innovative artistic style. For more information visit www.qm.org.qa.

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

ALRIWAQ DOHA

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

QMA Gallery

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

IAID Classical Ballet

Mon-Sat: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Classical ballet is a dance generally associated with graceful and elegant movements. Ballet was developed in Italy and was formed from a type of ballroom dancing. In ballet, turn-out, points, ankles, knees and posture are all important, and ballerinas spend years perfecting them. Designed for both children and adults, IAID’s classical ballet is a graded course using the Russian Ballet syllabus. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

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COMMUNITY

Top Picks

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART MIA Park Bazaar

Feb 7: With a vibrant mix of around 150 stalls, the MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of the old souq tradition. You can browse and buy homemade and handmade products such as jewelry, arts, crafts and clothing, as well as books and souvenirs. Held the first Saturday of the month, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for interesting or unusual gifts, the bazaar offers a wealth of options for both young and old. Admission is free of charge; open from 12 noon till 8:00 p.m. For more information email MIAevents@qm.org.qa.

KATARA Q Talent Store

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all designed, produced and created by local young artists. For more information find them on Facebook or visit www.qtalent.com.

IAID Karate For Kids

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Shotokan, a karate style developed from various martial arts, tackles karate basics, form, patterns of moves and sparring. Affiliated with the Qatar Karate Federation, the course is open for kids and adults. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

QATAR TOASTMASTERS The Art Of Public Speaking DOHA MUMS Chinese Cooking Class

Feb 19: Chopsticks Restaurant, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha. To coincide with the Chinese New Year, the Doha Mums will host a cooking class with legendary Chef Jamel Al Nabititi from 10:00 a.m. till 12 noon. Members will learn how to make popular Chinese dishes such as sweet and sour king prawns, gong boa chicken, dumplings, chow mein and Peking duck pancakes. A buffet of all the dishes will follow the class. For more information visit www.dohamums.com, or email sarah@dohamums.com.

Feb 1 & 15: Looking to develop communication and leadership skills? Want to build your self-confidence? Look no further than Qatar Toastmasters Club. Master the art of public speaking in a supportive, multicultural group. The club meets on the first and third Sunday of the month, all year round. Meetings are at the Radisson Blu Hotel from 7:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 5505-5275 or 5572-5293 or visit www.qatartoastmasters.net.

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COMMUNITY

Doha Goes Red, White And Blue! As told to Jorge Granda Selected images courtesy of AmCham Qatar

This month Qatar gears up to celebrate all things USA! The American Chamber of Commerce Qatar (AmCham Qatar), in partnership with the Embassy of the United States of America, will launch ‘Discover America USA Week Qatar’ from February 16-22. The festival will be an exhibition of American culture, commerce and friendship – and QH takes you there!

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romising a packed program of activities, the one-week festival kicks off on American President’s Day, on February 16. From a high-level forum for business leaders, to an authentic American chili cook-off, Discover America – USA Week Qatar has something for everyone to enjoy.

Time: 5:30 p.m. Where: HBKU Student Center, Education City

“AmCham Qatar has grown into a powerful platform for commerce between Qatar and the U.S., but business aside – our friendship comes first,” says AmCham Qatar Chairman, Robert Hager. “We’re proud to invite families, foodies, golf-lovers and movie-goers to discover America and join us for USA Week Qatar. Building on an expanding portfolio of events for business leaders and decision-makers in Qatar, we hope to grow USA Week into an annual tradition with our partners.”

Distinguished Speaker Series

Discover America – USA Week Qatar Events American Classic Movie Screening Hosted at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Center in partnership with NU-Q, residents are invited to enjoy the magic of the movies at special screenings of an American movie classics, To Kill A Mockingbird (Feb 16), and Jaws (Feb 22), as part of the week’s festivities. Entrance is free. When: Feb 16 & 22

Get your dose of American culture this February!

Ladies Tea Morning When: Feb 16 Time: 10:00 a.m. Where: The Chocolate Bar, The Pearl-Qatar

Rodney Slater will be speaking on US infrastructure and transportation investment opportunities. Rodney was Secretary of Transportation under President Clinton. To register, email info@amchamqatar.org. When: Feb 17 Time: 8:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. Where: Oryx Rotana

Doing Business In The USA Forum A half-day forum in partnership with Qatar Chamber, this event targets Qatari companies and business people looking to invest in the U.S. or expand their business there. The line-up will feature prominent experts offering deep intelligence and insight into the U.S. economy, tax and legal systems. To register, email info@amchamqatar.org. When: Feb 18 Time: 9:00 a.m. Where: The Four Seasons

th Hitting the links at last year's 4 t Annual AmCham Golf Tournamen

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COMMUNITY AmCham Speed Networking When: Feb 18 Where: The Grand Hyatt Time: 7:00 p.m. To register, email info@amchamqatar.org.

US Individual And Company Tax Seminar When: Feb 19 Time: 3:00 p.m. Where: The Grand Hyatt To register, email info@amchamqatar.org.

American Women’s Association Bazaar

ipants The AmCham Forums instruct partic business on how to develop and grow their in the American market

When: Feb 20 Where: Doha Marriott For more information visit www.awaqatar.com.

Chili Cook-off AmCham Qatar and Middle East Business Solutions (MEBS) are hosting the first annual Chili Cook-off, as part of Discover America – USA Week Qatar! Chili will be judged on spiciness, flavour and originality in a blind taste test, guaranteeing a fun day. Additionally two live bands will be performing during the day. When: February 21 Time: From 11:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Where: Doha Marriott To register a team, email chili@mebs-swa.com.

5th Annual AmCham Qatar Golf Tournament The highly-anticipated tournament is held at the Doha Golf Club each year. This year’s event is part of the Discover America – USA Week Qatar celebrations. Approximately 70 golfers will play 18 holes of Texas Scramble, competing for major prizes in multiple categories, including Longest Drive and Closest Shot to the Pin. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, email info@amchamqatar.org. When: Feb 22 Time: From 7:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. Where: The Doha Golf Club

n Gregory Peck stars in the film versio d, of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbir screening at HBKU University

Find out who has the best recipe in Doha at the first annual Chili CookOff to be held at the Doha Marriott!

About The American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar The American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) is the first legally established foreign Chamber of Commerce in Qatar. AmCham Qatar was first launched February 2010 and is registered as a private institution for public benefit. AmCham Qatar is a non-profit, non-governmental and non-political organization dedicated to fostering mutual cooperation and understanding between Qatar and the United States through trade, commerce and investment. n Not all events have been confirmed at the time of publication. For more updates head over to the Qatar Happening Facebook page or visit www.amchamqatar.org.

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COMMUNITY Mostafa Salameh holds the Jordanian flag atop the North Pole

Summit Of Hope By Ashlee Starratt Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Mostafa Salameh

On February 4, the planet pauses in recognition of World Cancer Day. Qatar’s Margarita Zuniga plans to mark the occasion atop Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, where she and her three children will make the trek alongside world-renowned Jordanian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh. QH meets the mountain-climbers.

hatting with Margarita Zuniga, one can’t help but feel uplifted by her energy. When she isn’t applying her creative approach to life at work – Education City’s VCUQatar – the ebullient mother of four is an active member of Qatar’s Ladies of Harley chapter and a staunch crusader for charity. One of her champion causes has always been the fight against cancer – in October 2014 the Ladies of Harley took part in their

annual Pink Ride for Breast Cancer Awareness Month which kicked off at The Ritz-Carlton. It was here that guest of honour and mountaineer Mostafa Salameh also spoke to Pink Ribbon Campaign audiences about his ‘From The Lowest Point To The Highest Point For Cancer’ initiative. But for Margarita, her collaboration with Mostafa began last summer, when he approached her about doing a Kilimanjaro climb in support of World Cancer Day, seeking sponsorship from the community, with all funds being donated to cancer research and support in Qatar. Now that she will make the climb with her children, Salman, Omar and Sarah at her side, the journey has become all the more personal. They will also be joined by Zakiah, a physiotherapist from Saudia Arabia who is climbing for her young sister who survived cancer, and a Jordanian filmmaker who will be documenting their journey. “One of the reasons for this climb is to be a proactive parent, empowering my children to challenge life's opportunities and strengthen their willpower and courage,” she says. “[By] continuously working towards strengthening the family bond, identity and values, it's all about creating and fostering a positive family culture – and not to forget, memories”

as a Margarita Zuniga hopes climbing en family will help empower her childr

A rigourous fitness regime and training schedule, plus the assurance of knowing that their ascent will be planned under the guidance of Mostafa has helped Margarita and her children to be as physically and mentally prepared as possible. Mostafa Salameh is the first Jordanian to summit Mt. Everest and to complete the ‘7 Summits’ challenge – climbing the highest peak on every continent. He tells us more about his life’s passion.

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QH: You’ve probably heard this more times than you can count, but we have to ask – at what point in your life did the mountains begin drawing you to them as a climber?

Cancer Day with her children and friends…and here we are. Soon insha’allah we will be on the top. She is an inspiration and did so much for cancer; I’m so proud to be there with her.

MS: In 2004 I was 34; I woke up from a dream where I was on top of Mt. Everest calling the Athan. It felt so real... and I made it become real. To know what one should be striving for, the best is to project yourself deep into the future and ask: ‘what will I regret not having done?’

QH: Tell us about the route you’ll take to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro. How long will it take to summit and why have you selected this path in particular?

QH: Making the decision to scale a peak for the first time requires a lot of thought and planning. What is your best advice to new mountaineering enthusiasts – to start small? MS: It’s crucial to be brutally honest as you assess yourself and the effort needed to achieve the reinvention you seek. Start on a small peak – I always say Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa, and the one I’m doing with Margarita and her family is the best one to start. QH: Tell us more about your ‘Lowest Point To Highest Point for Cancer’ initiative. MS: In 2012 I launched ‘From The Lowest Point To The Highest Point for Cancer’ (LH4C) initiative, leading a group of 20 individuals to Everest Base Camp in April of 2013 raising $600,000 USD for the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCC), and again in February 2014 where I led another group of Jordanians to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania raising $1,400,000 USD for the benefit of KHCC. The idea started inside the hospital when I was doing a talk to the kids there. One 11-year-old girl could’t come out because her immune system was weak ,so I went to her room and showed her a short video climbing Everest … [and] she told me that she climbs Everest every day. She inspired me and LH4C was born there to help inspire and motivate people with cancer. QH: How did you meet Margarita and end up collaborating on the Kilimanjaro climb for World Cancer Day? MS: Margarita is a wonderful soul, a woman who is eager to make change and help other people. [I met her] when she first applied to climb with a team of Jordanians that I put together to help rebuild schools in Gaza and help the children of Gaza to come back to school – we will be climbing in July to Peru and Bolivia. She came with the idea to help motivate and inspire cancer patients and survivors. Also, for people in Qatar to look at cancer differently and help make a new culture [where] cancer is a disease [that] we shouldn't be embarrassed about – we should help a family member or friend and give them hope. She wanted to climb Kilimanjaro on World

MS: The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best route on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Lemosho is a relatively new route, [and] I prefer it due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit and enjoy the experience overall. It will take us ten days to climb the mountain and the plan is to be on the top for World Cancer Day on February 4. QH: This will be the first peak that Margarita and her sons will be tackling with you as their guide. During a first climb, what are the most common obstacles faced by new climbers that they may not expect to encounter? MS: I always thought climbing is about your mental strength. Of course each one of the team [has] been training hard and doing their best to be prepared, but being in the high mountains for the first time is a challenge. No one knows how they [will] react at high altitude; for me the most important thing is safety, then the summit. My strategy [is] always to go very slow so the body will have enough time to acclimatize. There’s no rush and everyone should enjoy the beauty of the mountains and [the] experience of pushing their limitations in the safest way. I’ve been there five times [Kilimanjaro], I know the mountain, I have a great team of people there and I’m confident to put everyone on the top safely, insha’allah. As the great mountaineer Ed Viesturs said “Going up is optional, coming down is mandatory."

Mostafa Salameh is the first Jordanian to summit Mt. Everest

Margarita and her children have been training in the rough terrain of Zikreet

Mostafa tows his kit across the Pole gruelling expanses of the North

QH: You’re the first Jordanian to summit Mt. Everest and you’ve been a role model for Arab youth who would follow in your footsteps. What is your message to the next generation of young people in the Middle East? MS: I feel proud and excited at the same time as I interact with the new generation of Arab youth – trying to inspire them to believe in their ability to achieve ‘impossible’ dreams. Through my achievements, I seek to promote a positive image of the Middle East and Islam. n

To learn more about Mostafa Salameh, his mountaineering accomplishments and journeys for charity, visit www.mostafasalameh.com.

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COMMUNITY

Raw Vitality By Rubina Singh Photography by Jessie Palanca

Nutritional activist, motivational speaker and RAW Health coach, Doha’s own Nicole Van Hattem can now add ‘author’ to that evergrowing list of inspirational monikers. Having overcome adversity to reclaim her health and quality of life, she recounts her journey in the new book Manifesting in (High) Heels compiled by Christine Marmoy. QH hears her story.

ubbling with vitality and glowing with health, Nicole Van Hattem has literally re-invented herself. Not rediscovered, as that was a corner she turned a few years ago when years in the corporate world and its challenges made her stop, review and revise where her life was going; bringing her to the understanding that health is sure to inspire happiness, she re-invented herself! The transformation, to say the least, was drastic. But where did this transformation come from? To many who have also traversed down the path of discontent, distress and discovery, Nicole is also known as the ‘wellness guru’. Nicole transformed her own body and mind by applying simple principles and small changes that resulted in her dropping three dress sizes, overcoming a long list of ill-health complaints and gaining energy, joy, and success – all without dieting. The ‘CEO of Workplace Wellness Warrior,’ she introduces herself, with an impish smile that belies the wisdom beneath. Wisdom that hails from knowledge, knowledge that comes from exploring the unfamiliar, the actual beneath the apparent; knowing that there is more to life than success and more to success than life as we live it! This ‘CEO’ has redefined ‘success,’ as most of us recognize it. “I was fast approaching forty – painfully overweight, miserable, stressed out of

In her literary contribution, Nicole Van Hattem makes it her mission to inspire others to take charge of their health

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my mind, and destroying the joy in my second marriage. “I had just escaped my corporate life to spend ten days on a raw detox retreat.... I slowly began to realize just how dangerously close I had been to self destruction,” she writes in the opening chapter of the book, Manifesting in (High) Heels. The book, compiled by Christine Marmoy, is an anthology of true life stories and lessons learned by various women who have faced their own individual challenges and travelled the path to the realization that ‘we create our own luck’. “By most people’s definitions, I was a ‘success’ – but it came at a very high price,” writes Nicole, recounting the everyday saga of life in the fast lane. “I fuelled myself on endless cups of coffee, sugary snacks, restaurant and packaged foods, and the adrenaline that comes from achieving corporate goals and big financial rewards. There was definitely no time for work-life balance, or connecting with any powers greater than the corporate machine,” she narrates. “When I left the retreat after three weeks, I was filled with new awareness. Determined and ready to take my hectic corporate life in a new direction, I returned to the ‘real’ world, completely unprepared for what happened next. My dear friend and CEO of the company died suddenly of a heart attack. Dressed in his just-another-day-at-the-office suit, drinking his morning coffee, his life ended at the age of forty-nine. Our fast paced ‘successful’ lifestyles had been the death of him.” “I responded to the shock of my friend’s death by quitting my job. I ran away as fast as I could from the corporate world....I put my Masters degree on hold and instead began to study cleansing and detoxing, raw foods, holistic health, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and coaching.” “I was so excited by what I was learning about how to transform lives that I wanted to share it with the whole world immediately. I dove headfirst into creating a multi-faceted health and wellness business... One day, blinded by a stress-related headache, I realized I hadn’t actually redefined success for myself. All I’d really done was to recreate my crazy corporate life under the guise of a wellness title. So, I stopped, took a breath, checked my ego, and then I closed the company.” “Wiser for the experience, I decided to go on another retreat. I took time to listen within and define my successful life with wisdom, clarity and purpose, as well as implement some basic yet powerful daily routines. From that moment on, doors opened effortlessly to me, and my new business took off. This time I had set myself up for healthy, holistic success.”

We loved Nicole's recipe for Raw Energy Chocolate Balls at Jones The Grocer!

Through the next few pages, Nicole enumerates the strategies she adopted. Keeping your ‘rituals to well-being’ simple and consistent, she promises will make the exercise worth the effort...”Remember that your life is a precious gift, there is a purpose for you being alive, and you are powerful. Your daily rituals will keep you on a track with your life’s purpose, in the flow of manifesting true success, and may even save your life.” n Manifesting In (High) Heels is available for purchase online from Amazon. To learn more about the book visit www.manifestinginhighheels.com. To discover more about the work of Nicole Van Hattem visit www.nicolevanhattem.com.

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COMMUNITY

Caffeine And Toddlers

By Jacqueline Bodnar

From chocolate sweets, to fizzy drinks, to cold and cough syrups, the amount of hidden caffeine our children are consuming may surprise you. We ask how much is too much?

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he vast majority of parents in the world wouldn’t dream of offering their child a drug, even if that drug came from a natural source. However, many parents unknowingly do exactly that on a daily basis, because they simply don’t realize that caffeine is a stimulant and is considered a drug. There is no compelling reason to give children caffeine, and there is evidence suggesting why it should be limited or removed from their diet. While it may not always be easy to tell what contains caffeine and how much is involved, it’s a good idea for parents to become caffeine-savvy. By knowing what it is, how it affects the body and what type of products it’s in, they will be that much more able to keep it away from their kids, or at least limit the amount they get.

Recognizing Caffeine “As a general rule, it’s best to try to keep your children caffeine-free,” says Dr. Maria Kelly, an American pediatric professor at the University of Florida. “Keeping your children caffeinefree is an achievable goal. The easiest way to accomplish it is to eliminate all sodas. Try to offer healthier choices like water, milk, flavoured waters and 100-percent fruit juice.” She recommends if you find yourself in a situation where soda is a must that you opt for the caffeine-free versions that are available. Caffeine is found naturally in products like chocolate, cocoa, tea, coffee, and kola (cola) nuts. Additionally, it has been intentionally added to many products on the market, including energy drinks, some sodas, medications, and other miscellaneous items. Because it’s found in so many products, parents may not even realize that, when kids eat chocolate bars, or drink chocolate milk or hot cocoa, they’re consuming caffeine. Soda is the most obvious product that parents think of, but caffeine is found in many items beyond soda.

What It Does Because caffeine is a stimulant, it usually perks people up, affecting them within about 15 minutes of consuming it. Parents can relate to this by recalling not feeling quite up to speed each day before having their morning cup of

coffee. In children, caffeine has the same impact. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it has many effects on the body’s metabolism, including stimulating the central nervous system. Caffeine can interact with other drugs, so it’s especially important for parents to be aware of it if their child is taking any medication. Caffeine negatively impacts the body and there is no nutritive value or need for it in the diet. Additionally, it can act as an appetite suppressant, leading to children not wanting to eat their food, and it has diuretic properties that can contribute to dehydration.

toddlers can relate to. “I soon realized that it was a mistake to let him take a sip,” she says. “The sip turned into a bigger sip, which then turned into wanting his own Coke, when we would actually prefer him not to have any at all.”

“Caffeine in the diet of your children can cause an upset stomach, headaches, jitteriness, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, and even cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure,” says Dr. Kelly. “Consumption of caffeinated beverages has also been shown to increase the risk of future obesity and dental caries/decay. It can even potentially aggravate undiagnosed heart and neurological problems.” Some people also have caffeine sensitivities and can experience its affects in a more pronounced way.

The United States does not currently have caffeine consumption guidelines for children. Canada does, and they suggest that preschoolers not get more than 45 milligrams per day, which is about the average for a standard soda or 1.5 ounces of chocolate.

How Much Is Too Much? Most toddlers love chocolate milk and candy. Some children this age regularly drink tea, especially those living in warmer southern states. Additionally, some parents do allow their children to drink sodas that contain caffeine. So when it can’t be completely avoided, just how much is too much? For Katty Beard Wozniak, a Naples, Floridabased mother of two toddlers, ages four and two, she takes steps to limit their consumption. “I do allow my four-year-old son to have a Coke on occasion, as a treat, but we do not have it in the house and he is not allowed to have it at school,” she says. “My two-year-old daughter has never had anything with caffeine in it, and drinks juice as a treat.” Wozniak realized that the problem started when she would drink products that contained caffeine, causing her son to want to try them, something that most parents of

They have since learned that it’s best not to order a drink for themselves that the kids can’t take a sip of. Doing so just adds frustration and makes the forbidden drink seem that much more appealing to the child. They also never offer it as an option when they dine out; they simply give their son a choice of milk, juice or water.

Cutting Back And Beyond For those parents with a toddler who is routinely consuming caffeine, and they want to reduce or eliminate it, they need to be aware of the withdrawal affects. Regular usage of the stimulant builds up a tolerance and dependency in the body. When you remove it, the body experiences a sluggish period that may be accompanied by headaches and irritability. This will go away after several days, however. Caffeine is readily available, and parents will need to decide whether it’s something they want to eliminate or limit for their children. But knowing what it is, where it’s found and how it impacts the body is essential information for all parents. n MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE • 8-oz. black tea, 47 • 8-oz. de-caffeinated black tea, 2 • 16-oz. Snapple iced tea, 18 • 8-oz. Sobe Green Tea, 14 • 7UP, 0 • Coke Classic, 35 • Code Red and Regular Mountain Dew, 54 • Sprite, 0 • Pepsi, 38 • Sunkist Orange, 41 • Red Bull, 76 • Dark chocolate, 20 • Chocolate milk, 5 • Cocoa, 4 • Cold relief tablets, 30

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COMMUNITY

Listings

Community Guide QH RECOMMENDS

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

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

Doha Players

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

Egyptian Women’s Association

DOHA MUMS Mini Maestros

Sundays: Location TBA. Join in every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. for a fun, relaxed way to introduce children to music through nursery rhymes and action songs with singing and musical instruments. As well as familiarizing children with music, the group is aimed at introducing literacy and numeracy skills, while giving parents and children an opportunity to meet new people while having fun. The group is open to all children from newborns to pre-school. For further details please visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

IAID Hip-Hop Classes For Kids

DOHA MUMS All-Ages Indoor Swim Group

Sun, Tues, Wed & Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. This popular, high-energy urban class uses the latest music combined with movement and choreography inspired by today’s hottest hip-hop tunes. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

KATARA Dragon-Boat Racing

Ongoing: The Doha dragon-boat team first took to the water in October 2013 and its popularity and number of team members has grown ever since. A unique style of long-boat, dragon-boat racing is found all over the world and is one of the fastest-growing water-sports. Paddlers of all levels and age groups are welcome to join in this fun exercise of teamwork, physical fitness and camaraderie. For more information on the training schedule call Jeff at 7044-3823.

online! See us rhappening.com www.qata

Saturdays: Join the Doha Mums group for a swim play-date held in an indoor, heated pool every Saturday from 5:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com, or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

DOHA TWEETUPS Monthly Networking

Ongoing: If you’re new to Qatar, the Doha Tweetups is a great way to get involved and meet new people. This online community regularly hosts monthly ‘offline’ gatherings where people can network or enjoy themed presentations of local talent. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook to find out when and where the next event will be held, or email them at team@dohatweetups.com.

FANAR ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER Blue Mosque Tour Ongoing: Sign up for a unique tour around Qatar’s state mosque with an emphasis on the aesthetic interior and its history. Visitors will be bused from Fanar to the mosque and back, where a traditional Arabic dinner will follow the evening prayer. From 3:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information or to register, email info@fanar.gov.qa.

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

HILTON DOHA Beach Side Barbeque

Feb: Bab Al-Baher. Cook the restaurant’s premade specialties to your liking with a table of BBQ bite for QR 99, with a wonderful view of the beach. From 6:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4423-3447.

THE ANVIL ROOMS Restaurant Week

Feb 15-28: Every winter and summer, New York City restaurants participate in Restaurant Week. To celebrate The Anvil Rooms’ legacy, the restaurant will be offering a three-course menu at lunchtime for QR 91 and at dinner for QR 138. Lunch from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. Dinner from 5:30 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Take A Trip To Canada

Feb 8-28: Prime. In honour of National Flag of Canada Day, the hotel is bringing in guest chef Andrew Frastacky from Stock Restaurant at Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto. Guests will be celebrating the finest cuisines of Canada, including Nova Scotia lobster and apple salad, Alberta strip-loin, Ontario venison pot pie and Quebec maple pecan tart. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else in Doha. Join them in Prime for a chance to enter and win two round-trip business class tickets to Toronto from Etihad Airways. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Dine And Dance

Feb 14: La Mer Restaurant. Enjoy a night full of romance overlooking the magnificent city skyline, starting with an aperitif at Level ‎‎23 from 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. with piano accompaniment, and continuing with a five-course dinner and optional vino‎pairing. Sophisticated dancing atmosphere performed by a jazz duo will complement the magical e‎ vening. QR 470 per person, or QR 750 with vino pairing. For more information 4484-8506, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com. ‎

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Sharazad Night

Wednesdays: Tangia Restaurant. Tangia opens its doors for ladies-only every Wednesday to enjoy the delicious wonders of their traditional Moroccan cuisine, accompanied by the tunes of mesmerizing music during Sharazad Night. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email wgrf&b@wyndham.com.

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FOOD & DINING

Soul Food By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

At Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha, the sounds and flavours of New Orleans flow together as richly as the tides of the Mississippi. The upscale club at The St. Regis Doha continues to pack a punch with its line-up of award-winning artists, innovative menu, and some truly creative cocktails to wash it all down. QH spends an evening indulging.

he ebb and flow of The Big Easy is alive and well at JALC Doha. A sultry-casual space, patrons come for the music and discover the food as they go – almost by accident. With a repertoire of A-list names from the club’s New York counterpart, it’s become one of the city’s only dedicated live music venues. Under the leadership of musician and JALC Doha ambassador Dominick Farinacci, the brand has branched out into the community, performing jam-packed monthly Jazz In The Park shows at MIA and lately, in-store gigs at Virgin Megastore.

We arrive early as the club opens and are seated at a secluded table at the back with a decent sight-line to the front. Diners with a keen eye will notice the deft attention to detail – the club is laid out in such a way that there are no blockages or bad views of the illuminated centre stage. As we settle in, Dominick’s behind the mic with the Richard Johnson Trio to warm up the after-work crowd, his trumpet issuing rich, staccato notes as Johnson tickles the ivories. Jazz vocalist Akua Allrich is headlining this evening; the Washington, D.C. native finesses the crowd with her velvet voice, and people are clapping and swaying to her powerful rhythm.

Tonight, Chef Jay has prepared a sample of cold bites, hot bites, big bites and sweet bites off their new menu for us to try. As we wait for the first starters to arrive, I notice the wall of striking black and white images behind us of artists that have graced the stage at JALC Doha – it’s an impressive exhibit, ever-expanding. As our server Emma brings us our plates and cutlery I also pick up the attention to detail in their design – funky, colourful and adorned with little musical notes and scales. The first apps to arrive are the smoked salmon cone with capsicum sour cream and the dried, aged Wagyu beef served on a crispy herb baguette, with endive and Parmesan cheese. The presentation of both are top-tier – the

smoked salmon rolled into little ‘ice-cream’ rosebuds on top and the flavour of the aged Wagyu contrasting superbly with sharpness of the Parmesan. Next comes a round of heartier fare, including the club’s popular minicheeseburger sliders with caramelized onion and tomato marmalade, Wagyu beef skewers overlaid on a bed of whipped potato and black pepper sauce, and two huge paper cones stuffed with their signature Cajun-flavoured French fries with truffle oil. I’m not the least bit embarrassed to say (okay… well maybe a little) that I could have polished off both portions of fries myself. From the rich essence of the truffle oil, to their near-perfect ratio of crispness-to-fluffiness, they’re a star accompaniment to the succulent sliders, or on their own. The beef skewers are also flavoursome, if not a little overly-chewy. They also bring us a few mac and cheese balls that come with their own syringe of tomato-herb sauce that you inject directly into the ball. It’s a fun, added touch and a creative way to use your condiments.

For the larger-sized mains we sample a selection that included a layered grilled vegetable tower with tomato and cream sauce, the roasted USDA Prime Angus striploin with spiced potato stick and peppercorn sauce, barbecue short ribs with pickled vegetables and mashed potato, and the

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The grilled vegetable tower is like lasagna without the guilt!

The JALC Doha décor — sultry and lush

club’s famous Jazz Doha jambalaya with scallops, mussels, shrimp and calamari. For the most part, all of the dishes hit the high notes.

Walls of memorabilia hearken back to the hey-day of jazz

Wholesome and filling, the grilled vegetable tower was very similar to lasagna, the flavours intermingling nicely with a tomato base and a creamy Béchamel-style sauce. The striploin was cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth, with the peppercorn sauce giving a robust kick with every bite. The short ribs looked promising on the plate and though their flavour was sweet, the meat was slightly tough – more fat and gristle than anything else, which was a slight disappointment. The jambalaya – a signature New Orleans dish and a staple of Cajun/Creole cooking – was the star of the mains. More like a stew than a true soup, its spicy tomato and rice base provided a solid foundation for the sweet morsels of shellfish and seafood – perfect fare for a cold winter’s night.

Juicy mini-cheeseburgers and some truly sinful Cajun fries

The Jazz Doha jambalaya has the spice of New Orleans

Creole

To finish, dessert was an array of bite-sized sweet endings, all decadent and plated lushly – chocolate fondant adorned with a whimsical ball of white ball of vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce, traditional New Orleans pecan pie, a fresh fruit tart with almond frangipane and custard cream, and a dark chocolate tart with caramel and fleur de sel. All were indulgent but the two standouts were the chocolate fondant and the pecan pie – comfort foods at their best. Chef Jay and his team at JALC Doha have put careful thought into the execution of their new menu, and its nod to the culture and heritage of New Orleans – the home of jazz – adds to the esthetic of authenticity. The service was impeccable, the quality of the preparation and presentation of each dish inspired, and the music…well, you just have to let it whisk you away. To find out more about the line-up of new artists for February and March visit www.jalcdoha.com. n

For those with an appetite — the USDA Prime Angus striploin

Be sure to leave room for dessert!

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER DOHA Location: The St. Regis Doha Timings: • 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. • Band starts at 9:00 p.m. • Closed Sundays Average Meal Price: • QR 65-QR 90, cold bites • QR 1,200–QR 2,500, caviar • QR 35-QR 110, hot bites • QR 95-QR 240, big bites • QR 35-QR 40, sweet bites Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes Contact Info: Call 4446-0226 or visit www.jalcdoha.com

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FOOD & DINING

A Moroccan Majlis By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

The alleys and side-streets of Souq Waqif wind their way like an enchanting Arabic maze through the heart of the old city. Adding to the sights, smells, sounds and allure of its traditional markets, we stumble upon Argan Restaurant in the Al Jasra Boutique Hotel. QH stays for lunch to sample some authentic Moroccan cuisine.

ou’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in the Souq, but the restaurants in its boutique hotels tend to be unjustly overlooked by expatriates who enjoy a glass of vino or a cold brew with their meal. Also, difficulty in finding parking in that area can be a turn-off that keeps hungry patrons at bay. But the food in some of their establishments is so

phenomenal that it’s worth fighting the traffic to get there. Such is the case with Argan in the Al Jasra Boutique Hotel.

In a city that’s experiencing such rapid growth and prosperity, it’s becoming more of a challenge to find traditional eateries in Doha that still embrace that truly Arabic feel. Argan, which takes its name from the famous trees that grow in Morocco, captures that Arabian essence. Its décor reflects the traditional decorative cues of Morocco and celebrates the country’s heritage. Some of its items are handmade by artisans and imported directly from Morocco. The lanterns of different shapes and colours, and the pendants hung at various height levels are a great example of this. Flip a switch and a shadow-box of patterns splashes out into the room. Argan’s modern Moroccan interior is strikingly beautiful – an exciting blend of textures and fascinating furniture rich in hues of purple, orange and yellow. Tables surround a central majlis-style seating area where you can lounge

on cosy couches sipping a tea or coffee. A smaller, more humble – but just as beautiful – terrace opens off the main dining room where guests can also enjoy their meal.

We’ve brought our appetites and are ready to dig in. For starters, we take the chef’s recommendation and order the mezze platter, a combination of four different salads from the menu. A fresh, healthy option, we sample some zaalouk (grilled marinated eggplant), bakoula (rocca lettuce with Kalamata olives and lemon), Moroccan potatoes (with parsley, olive oil and cumin) and taktouka (mixed capsicums grilled and marinated with charmoula, a traditional Moroccan spice blend). Before our starters arrive our waiter, Mohammad, places a basket of Moroccan bread on the table and some sort of oily paste. When I dip a piece of the warm bread I know this is a condiment to savour – it’s so good that I call Mohammad back over to ask him what it is. He explains the paste is called amloo and is a blend of almonds, honey and argan oil.

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The mezze platter arrives, and all four dishes are incredibly tasty with a similar paste-like consistency – perfect for scooping up with the traditional bread. The zaalouk is particularly flavoursome, along with the Moroccan potato salad. Before our mains are served the chef insists that we try his Marrakeshstyle harira soup. He tells us each region in Morocco has its own recipe and this particular one is from his grandmother. The soup is savoury, hearty and filling. You can tell it has plenty of ingredients as I taste the garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, parsley and pepper with each bite. Our mains are finally served and I share three different dishes with my two companions – a seafood tajine, a lamb tajine, chicken with couscous, and a seffa medfouna. The seafood tajine is tomato-based and full of spice, and the overpowering fishy taste that some seafood dishes have is not present here – it tastes terrific. The lamb tajine is also a hit with my companions. The meat is succulent and melts in your mouth, and the sauce is sweet, yet earthy, adorned with baked apricots and prunes. My favourite main is the chicken with couscous. Although I’m not a fan of couscous as I find it very bland, its pairing with the perfectlyseasoned chicken and vegetables makes this dish an absolute winner. The couscous picks up the flavour of whatever you cook it with and it certainly did this time.

of Argan's mezze platter with a side argan traditional Moroccan bread and dip paste d oil, honey and almon

The rich seafood tajine

Remarkably we still have space to try the seffa medfouna which seems like a pastry on the outside, but is filled with rice vermicelli, chicken, almond, icing sugar and cinnamon. Another unbelievable dish, I just can’t stop until it’s gone – the combination of ingredients is truly unique. By this point I’m well on my way to convincing myself that the restaurant could be one of the top Moroccan spots I’ve tried. Unfortunately, this time I didn’t leave room for dessert – but I’m sure the sweet treats at Argan won’t disappoint. n ARGAN

Fragrant chicken with couscous

Argan's lushly conceptualized interior

Location: Al Jasra Boutique Hotel, ground floor Timings: • 12 noon till 4:00 p.m., lunch • 6:00 p.m. till 12 midnight, dinner

Argan's seffa medfouna is a blends sweet and savoury with a dash of crunch

Average meal price: • QR 80, mezze platter • QR 37, harira soup • QR 75, seafood tajine • QR 65, lamb tajine • QR 59, chicken couscous • QR 62, seffa medfouna Smoking: Yes Licensed: No Reservations: Call 4433-6868, valet parking available

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FOOD & DINING Tamarind and lemongrass add a splash of colour to a seared scallop

Chef Henrik Yde has built his culinary empire around the flavours of the Orient

In The Kitchen At Spice Market As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of The W Doha

Renowned Danish Chef Henrik Yde takes over the kitchen at The W Doha’s Spice Market this month to treat diners to an exclusive new Thai menu. QH grabs our chopsticks!

enrik is the founder and brainchild of Kiin Kiin restaurant in Copenhagen – the only Thai restaurant to be awarded a star in the Michelin Guide. The master chef is coming to Doha to present Thai food-lovers with an eclectic menu at Spice Market from February 9-13. “I’m so proud I have the chance to cook for the people in Doha, but personally – as it’s my first visit to Qatar – I can’t wait to get out of the kitchen and see the food markets and try all the spices of the Orient,” he tells us. Chef Henrik owns several Asian-themed restaurants Denmark, with his interest in Thai food carefully fostered during his four-year stay in Thailand where he worked his way through Asian restaurants, collecting recipes and learning hands-on the secrets of Asian cooking. Kiin Kiin is highlighted in the Michelin Guide for its tasteful décor, and Henrik takes great pride in conceptualizing the design of everything for all the restaurants – from the menus, to what chair or plate should be used. He has also played host and judge on the first season of Master Chef Denmark.

Dusted, fried lotus root

A trained chef and sommelier, Henrik has competed for Denmark in several international vino competitions. In all his restaurants, the vino is specially sourced to bring out the best in flavour of Asian cuisine. Since 2012, Kiin Kiin has been producing vino in Pinoso, Spain with an output of around 16,000 bottles. Henrik has also collaborated with Mikkeller to produce ales with profiles that work with Asian ingredients and flavour. The brews have proven very successful and are being exported to various Asian countries. A supporter of fair trade, Chef Henrik has handpicked a little farm in Kenya in collaboration with Coffee Collective, where the beans grown there can be enjoyed in all of his restaurants.

About Kiin Kiin Opened in September 2006 in Copenhagen, Chef Henrik’s Kiin Kiin serves modern Thai cuisine, with everything from the fish sauce to the prawn crackers made from scratch with local products. More restaurants followed Kiin Kiin’s success – in August 2006, Aroii Thai Take Away & Catering; in May 2008, Rice Market Asian Bistro Copenhagen; in September 2009, Dim Sum Modern Chinese Cooking Copenhagen; in September 2010, Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin Modern Thai Cooking Bangkok; in September 201, Chaiwong Asian Brassiere Copenhagen, and more recently in September 2012, Yuma Asian Bistro Copenhagen.

The W Connection Chef Henrik will be cooking his amazing Thai food at Spice Market with a special menu that

incorporates a fusion of traditional Thai flavours and ingredients. As he describes it: “We’ve taken all the familiar flavours of Thai food and modernized the visual look on the plate. I’m also bringing our classic frozen red curry.” n Menu Highlights • Frozen red curry with lychee and lobster • Scallops with tamarind and lemongrass • Larb duck salad with spicy marinade • Quail in tom kha • Pineapple sorbet • Banana cake with salted ice cream Thai Appetizers • Soy meringue with cashews • Miang kham • Prawn toast • Tuna tartar • Chiang Mai sausage Set Menu Price: QR 1,200 Reservations: Call 4453-5353 or visit www.spicemarketdoha.com.

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Food & Dining

Chef Marco's Table Photography by Jessie Palanca

This month QH is proud to introduce Chef Marco Arlotti of Il Teatro at The Four Seasons. With a new monthly recipe column, he’ll be bringing the authentic tastes and culinary traditions of Italy to your plates. For February we start off with a hearty, wintry dish that blends the earthy flavour of morel mushrooms with the richness of veal. A tower of flavour, buttery foie gras adorns a slice of succulent veal fillet on a pedestal of bone

Chef Marco Arlotti has conceptualized a whole new menu of traditional Italian flavour at Il Teatro

Filetto di Vitello in Osso, con Foie Gras, Spinaci e Spugnole (Veal fillet on bone, with goose liver, spinach and morel mushrooms) Ingredients • 170gms veal tenderloin • 20gms potato maxim • 30gms foie gras • 40gms baby spinach • 30gms morel mushrooms • 40gms veal jus • 20gms mashed potatoes • A few sprigs of fresh thyme • Fresh garlic cloves, to taste • Butter • 2Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil • Pinch of salt and pepper Preparation • Roast the veal tenderloin in a pan with butter, fresh thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. Finalize the cooking in the oven at 180° Celsius. • Cut the potato very thinly, season it with extra-virgin olive oil and put in the oven at low temperature until it becomes crispy. • Sautée and season the spinach in a pan with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. For the morel mushrooms, sautée them with salt, pepper and some of the olive oil, then after, mix them with a little bit of veal jus. To finish, roast the foie gras and put it on top of the tenderloin, then place the meat on top of the potatoes and all on the bone. On the side add the spinach and the morel mushrooms with the veal jus, and garnish with thyme. n Cooking classes with Chef Marco are available every last Saturday of the month for QR 500, including a four-course lunch menu. For reservations call 4494-8600.

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Their seafood risotto is the ultimate comfort food

Rocca's prime location – pool-side!

JC: The service was exceptional and truly exudes the ‘Hyatt touch’. The wait staff are extremely nice and were able to explain the dishes served. [Our waiter] was engaging and warm, and he made sure we had everything we need. The manager came by from time to time to ask about the food and if everything was well. The staff went out of their way to make sure we had a nice dining experience. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not? JC: Yes! The food was excellent and delicious, the service was warm and authentic, and the ambiance and décor of the restaurant were lovely. Overall a nice dinner experience. QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant?

Contest winner Jo Anne Campo and guest with Rocca's Chef de Cuisine, Marco Cherobini

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 Jo Anne Campo visits Italy on the plate at Rocca in The Grand Hyatt. Here is her review. QH: What did you order?

QH: Describe the ambiance.

JC: • Eggplant ‘Parmigiana-style’ (Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese), QR 70 • Potato gnocchi (Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts), QR 70 • Seafood risotto (prawns, mussels, cuttlefish, garlic, parsley, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, butter), QR 80 • Veal ossobuco (saffron risotto, parsley gremolada), QR 170 • Sea bass ‘Mugnaia-style’ (butter, lemon, parsley, sautéed spinach), QR 120 • Chocolate mousse (whipped cream, berries), QR 40

JC: From the time you walk into this nicelydecorated restaurant you feel welcomed and appreciated. The décor was nice and elegant, homely to some extent as you can see the open kitchen and bar from the tables. The place has character and we felt comfortable to talk and eat at ease.

QH: Were the prices reasonable? JC: The prices were not written down in the menu Rocca gave us. [Editor's Note: Prices were provided afterwards by The Grand Hyatt staff]

QH: Describe the quality of the food. JC: The food was superb! Each dish has a beautiful presentation. The recipes were simple and traditional, but the mingling of f ine ingredients created a taste that is truly authentic. QH: Describe the quality of the service.

JC: The ‘Mugnaia-style’ sea bass was delectable! QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? JC: It would be nice to have some mellow music in the background. To add some Italian ‘flair’ to the guest’s dining experience. QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? JC: I would say that it’s the ‘Hyatt touch’ that stood out – authentic hospitality partnered with a great menu and good view. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? JC: Yes, add more authentic ‘Italian flair’ to the dining experience so that it stands out in the sea of Italian restaurants in the city. n

For more information on Rocca call 4448-1272 or visit www.restaurants.doha.grand.hyatt.com.

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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Be Our Valentine... From candlelight dinners to special set menus, pamper your special someone this February 14! QH has rounded up all the lush and lovely promotions that will leave you spoiled for choice. CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Love Is In The Air!

Feb 14: Liquidity. Dine with your special someone as Liquidity sets the ambiance for a romantic evening. A special four-course seafood set menu will be available including welcome bubbly for the ladies. The mood will be set by the live duet serenading you with your favourite love songs. Diners will also get a chance to win tickets for two to Paris! From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

DOHA MARRIOTT Valentine’s Day Set Menus

Feb 14: JW’s Steakhouse/Asia Live/Salsa/Taj Rasoi. For a romantic evening with delicious food, the Doha Marriott’s outlets offer special romantic set menus this Valentine’s Day. With favourite dishes including Valentine classics, enjoy a sumptuous selection of fresh oysters, exquisite strawberries and chocolate surprises. Salsa/Taj Rasoi/Asia Live: QR 490 for two people including special welcome drink. JW’s Steakhouse: QR 590 for two people. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Blue Valentine’s

Feb 14: Blue. The cosmopolitan Blue restaurant will serve a four-course set menu inclusive of selected welcome beverages for Valentine’s Day. Indulge with a choice of set menus at QR 299 per person or QR 999 per couple in a gazebo including two set menu dinner. With its terrace overlooking the greenery of Aspire, Blue provides a well-decorated romantic setting to celebrate al fresco dining. From 6:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4445-5555.

LA VARENNE Amour De France

Feb 14: Show someone you love how much they mean to you with ‘Amour de France’ at La Varenne. Take in the glistening city lights of Doha while the restaurant transports you on a romantic journey through France. Five-course tasting menu for QR 280. From 7:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4499-0680.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Valentine’s Walk Of Love

Feb 14: The beachfront. Your ultimate romantic destination for Valentine’s Day, set up on the hotel’s pristine private beach and enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars in one of the lounges. QR 1,000 minimum charge. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Limited number of lounges are available so advanced booking is essential. For more information call 4423-3447.

Feb 14: The Square. Join us at The Square for Valentine’s Day evening dinner and indulge in a romantic journey to each of the four live cooking stations to sample an array of aphrodisiac foods. Then pose with your loved one for with the restaurant’s photographer to capture this memorable evening in a take-home memento. QR 230 per person including soft beverages, QR 360 including red and white vino, brews and bubbly. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Valentine's Under The Sky

LA CIGALE Italian Valentine

HILTON DOHA Blue Valentine On The Beach

Feb 14: Coral. Celebrate Valentine's with your loved ones under the starry sky and enjoy a dinner buffet for QR 375 including unlimited glasses of bubbly, signature cocktails and house vinos with a rose flower for the ladies upon arrival and live entertainment. For more information call 4484-4444.

Feb 14: Di Capri. Experience an Italian Valentine in an intimate ambiance with live music and a flavoursome four-course set menu prepared with the unique touch of Chef Luca Dal Col. QR 400 per person including one glass of Prosecco. For more information call 4428-8840.

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MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Valentine’s Day

Feb 14: Cucina and New York Steakhouse. Choose from two exquisite destinations with the perfect setting to charm your loved one. Make it a truly magical Valentine’s Day and raise a toast at Cucina or New York Steakhouse with bubbles and a lavish three or four-course meal. From QR 700 per couple. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

ORYX ROTANA A Romantic Night

Feb 14: The Cellar. Make this day the most romantic one and celebrate with a special three-course set menu for QR 250 or a black truffle three-course set menu for QR 295. For more information call 4402-3333.

THE ANVIL ROOMS Valentine’s Day

Feb 14: Celebrate this Valentine’s Day at The Anvil Rooms with a selection of special dishes designed to share. The Anvil Rooms offers a truly romantic experience with breath-taking views across the Arabian Gulf. A la carte menu is available. For more information call 4499-0685.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Romance Under The Stars

Feb 14: The Lagoon. This Valentine’s Day experience an outdoor ambiance with your loved ones while enjoying the romantic set-up and soothing sound of the violin. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Three-course set menu for QR 500. For more information call 4484-8512.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Find Your Valentine

Feb 14: The Rooftop. Open your heart for a ‘single’ night of fun at the The Rooftop this Valentine’s Day. This beautiful outdoor space is the perfect venue to escape for some Valentine’s Day excitement. DJ Soph-eye has something special planned – come on your own or with a group of friends for a night of extreme fun. Entry is complimentary and patrons must be 21 years of age with valid Qatar ID or passport required. From 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0226.

THE TORCH DOHA

Feb 14: Torch Tea Garden. Enjoy an afternoon tea buffet at the Torch Tea Garden while taking in the sunset views of Aspire Park and Doha. Includes a variety of treats like red velvet cupcakes and chocolate pralines. For more information call 4446-5600.

THE GRAND HYATT An Evening With Thomene Dilley

Feb 14: Dunes. Come to Dunes and enjoy a jazzy, upbeat night of romance. The lovely Thomene Dilley will entertain guests with the best jazz available. For more information call 7021-8094.

THE W DOHA Valentine’s Day Dinner

Feb 14: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner with a special set menu and glass of bubbly, including entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 295 per person including glass of bubbly, or QR 790 per couple including a bottle of bubbly. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135. n

THE FOUR SEASONS L’amore All’Italiana

Feb 14: Il Teatro. For this special day, Chef Marco Arlotti and his team will take your breath away with a five-course set menu, passionately created with love. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere with Italian music and a beautiful setting. QR 640 including soft drinks, or QR 960 including special house beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

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FOOD & DINING

Listings

QH RECOMMENDS

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Asian Lunar Festival Feb 15-20: Hwang. Celebrate the Asian Lunar New Year at Hwang Pan Asian restaurant. Experience a flavourful tour of traditional cuisine such as mapo tofu, ganpengji and dumpling soup, Guangdong-style. And get ready for special fun and surprises all throughout the festival. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

LA CIGALE Indulge At Di Capri

DOHA MARRIOTT Chinese New Year

Feb 19: Asia Live! The Doha Marriott is celebrating the Chinese New Year of the sheep/ goat. The restaurant’s Chinese Chef Zheng will be preparing a vibrant selection of traditional Chinese cuisine with displays of live cooking so diners can revel in an authentic décor and exciting activities. For more information call 4429-8499.

Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – brunches, business lunches and weekly/daily promotions.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Rio Meets Doha

Feb 11-15: Rodizio. Join the fun and festivity of the biggest Brazilian carnival event this year! Have a taste of Rio with special dishes expertlyprepared by the hotel’s famous Brazilian Chef Mateos. A dedicated caiprinha station is also available. From 2:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4408-7788.

Picanha Challenge

Feb 13: Rodizio. Join the Picanha Challenge! The fastest contestant to eat 500 grams of picanha will get a chance to win a weekend trip to Abu Dhabi with roundtrip tickets and hotel accommodation! For more information call 4408-7788 or visit the Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park’s Facebook page.

Be Social Brunch

Fridays: Aramede. Socialize with friends at this new brunch destination in town and enjoy a selection of international dishes and signature drinks. Entertainment provided by DJ’s streaming live from around the world. QR 255 for all-youcan-eat-and-drink. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

HILTON DOHA Garden Brunch

Fridays: Mawasem. Family time in a family place! Enjoy a picnic on the grass or eat by the pool. Mawasem is perfect for quality family time with a dedicated corner and playground for your children. QR 234 for soft drinks package, or QR 345 for full house beverage package. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3112.

Starbucks And Sweets Pairing Daily: Ya Hala. Ya Hala is proudly serving Starbuck coffee now! Enjoy the new coffee beans from Starbucks along with a delicious piece of cake, croissant or anything of your choice. QR 70 will get you a Starbucks coffee and anything from the goody counter. From 6:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4423-3114.

Daily: Di Capri. The Italian bistro is back with a dazzling new decoration and contemporary menu that boasts the special gastronomic stamp of Italian Chef Luca Dal Col. Open from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m., and from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8840.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Rio Carnival

Feb 13-17: Ipanema. An authentic piece of the Brazilian Carnival celebration comes to Ipanema! Enjoy the samba flair amidst sizzling meats on skewers and Ipanema’s live band Brazuqa showcasing its own samba flair. Price is QR 320. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Carnival Theme Brunch

Feb 13: Crossroads Kitchen. Kick off the Carnival week at the Marriott Marquis with a marching band parade for the Carnival-themed brunch at Crossroads Kitchen. QR 225 including soft beverages and QR 275 with selected house beverages. From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Risotto Promotion

Feb 14-27: Cucina. Try their black-ink risotto, saffron risotto, vegetarian risotto and even a dessert risotto! From QR 90. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

PAPER MOON Never-Ending Pasta Night

Saturdays: Jaidah Square. Come and delight in an endless feast of special Italian homemade pastas at the ‘Never-Ending Pasta Night’. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 120. For more information call 4016-6000.

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THE FOUR SEASONS Chinese New Year

Feb 15-20: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Ring in the Chinese New Year with delicious dishes served family-style. The Chinese set menu includes braised abalone with brown sauce and traditional caramelized glutinous rice ball. QR 300 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

Discover Italy

Daily: Il Teatro. Discover the beauty of Italy, region by region. To kick off the tour, Chef Marco Arlotti, the new Chef de Cuisine, will delight you with special dishes personally created from the region of his culinary origin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Emilia Romagna. Prices start from QR 55. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

Il Teatro New Menu

Daily: Il Teatro. Arriving directly from The Four Seasons Hotel Milan, Chef Marco Arlotti, the new head chef for Il Teatro, has created a brand new a-la-carte menu to tempt the palates of Doha diners. Lunch is served from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m., and dinner from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

THE TORCH DOHA La Vida Lounge

Daily: La Vida Lounge. Their newest outlet features a tea-tasting area with home-made sweets, and an extensive selection of Tchaba teas and accessories including Aroma Path, Hammam, loose teas, theme boxes and teaware. For more information call 4446-5600, or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Eros Brunch

Feb 13: Market by Jean-Georges. Mingle in Market by Jean-Georges for a very special preValentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brunch with special entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 410 per person including house beverages, or QR 295 including selected soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS 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 70-80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Sadd St.: 4431-4411, Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/335.

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Listings

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Phoenician Night

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Modern Turkish Cuisine

Mondays: Aramede. Enjoy a wide variety of Lebanese and Oriental specialties and Arabic desserts, all for QR 150. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Mon-Sat: Agora. Offering modern Turkish and Ottoman dishes inspired by the Black Sea and the Balkan regions, with Mediterranean touches. From 1:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Seafood Night

Surf & Turf

Wednesdays: Aramede. Indulge yourself in their extensive selection of the freshest catch with live cooking stations for QR 195. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

World Of Curries

Thursday: Aramede. Get a taste of authentic Asian flavours as they offer 10 different curries from Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. A traditional Asian tea service is also offered at every table for a truly Asian dining experience. QR 170. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

DOHA MARRIOTT 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 Al Fresco-Style Fri & Sat: The View Pool Bar & Grill. 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 in for their daily Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and enjoy the fantastic views and atmosphere that The View has to offer! Also open daily from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. Happy Hour is from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 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 witha special kids’ buffet and activities. QR 270 for regular brunch and QR 375 for bubbly brunch. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Daily: Blue. There’s something new and amazing and it’s all for you at Blue! Savour a platter of a scrumptious US tenderloin steak with a mouthwatering side of lobster, cooked to perfection by their professional chefs to ensure your satisfaction. From 12:30 noon till midnight. QR 260 per plate. For more information call 4445-5555.

Family Brunch

Fridays: Blue. Enjoy a sophisticated brunch with special kids’ activities in the exclusively-designed area adjacent to the restaurant. QR 220 including one round of soft drinks. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Traditional Greek Menu

Sundays: Mykonos. Enjoy an extraordinary Greek dining experience complemented by a selection of mixed dips and salads, some rustic Greek favourites and finishing with homemade desserts. QR 150 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4074 /4484-4444 or email Mykonos@ihg.com.

Winter Warmer Menu

Mondays: Mykonos. The hotel’s premiere Greek restaurant aims to provide you with a variety of mezze and a selection of salads, starters and dips followed by a mixed grill platter and ending with a selection of Greek desserts. QR 160 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4074/4484-4444 or email Mykonos@ihg.com.

Corporate Dining Menu

Sun-Wed: Mykonos. This month, enjoy lunch away from your desk. Whether you're looking for a private banquet room to conduct an important meeting, or a quick lunchtime prix-fixe to entertain a client, Mykonos is ready to maximize the return of investment. Choose a salad, special-of-the-day, and a Greek dessert for QR 99 per person. From 12:00 noon till 2:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4074/4484-4444 or email Mykonos@ihg.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Best Pan-Asian Food Sun-Fri: Hwang. In the casual yet refined setting of the new pan-Asian restaurant, Hwang, you will enjoy a truly eclectic Asian experience. They offer the finest cuisine from eight different Asian countries. In addition, Hwang is the first five-star hotel restaurant in Doha to offer the unique shabu-shabu hot-pot concept. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Seafood Night

Wednesdays: The Square. Delectable, locally-sourced seafood is served 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 a delectable dessert station will make it a night to remember. 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.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: The Square. Featuring four interactive kitchens specializing in cuisines from Japan, China, India, Thailand, Europe and the Middle East, The Square is the place to be for an indulgent day out. Choose from four distinct seating areas before sampling an array of starters, main courses and sumptuous desserts. QR 330 including selected house beverages, or QR 230 including soft drinks and mocktails. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Signature Camel Burger Daily: Aroma, The Lounge and Gourmet House. The talk-of-the-town signature camel burger is one of Kempinski’s best-selling food items – known for its rich and distinctive combination of tastes that sets it apart from other burgers. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Steak & Vino Menu

Daily: Aroma. Enjoy the most succulent and tender steaks, perfectly combined with superb grilling, tasty accompaniments and a flawlessly matched glass of vino. 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.

Breakfast Eggsperience

Daily: Gourmet House. Considered by many as one of the top breakfast spots in the city, Gourmet House serves the Breakfast Eggsperience. Enjoy coddled eggs with your choice of spinach, bresaola or salmon, your favourite bread roll from their famous selection, a cup of tea or coffee and a scone with cream and jam for a sweet ending – all for QR 50 per person every morning. From 7:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information call 4405-3326, email gourmet.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

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Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Kempinski’s Executive Chef Vinon Yergu has revamped the popular business lunch menu with creative, healthy and fresh options. Savour culinary creations such as thechilled vanilla and orange soup, the vegetable moussaka, and finish off with the sweet indulgence of the lemongrass crème brûlée. QR 95 per person from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Daily: Le Cigalon. Indulge in an extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a la carte option available. Buffet breakfast is QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner with livecooking 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.

LA VARENNE French Country Brunch

Fridays: Indulge in La Varenne’s interpretation of a table-top brunch. Enjoy a full-course, allyou-care-to-eat menu with sharing-style dishes showcasing an array of the best La Varenne classics, along with their hors d'oeuvres and dessert trolleys. QR 179 for regular brunch and QR 379 per person with selected drinks. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

Rotisserie Night

Saturdays: Delight your taste-buds with an unlimited offering of rotisserie chicken, meat and fish with a selection of side orders for QR 179 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Enjoy the most exquisite French business lunch in Doha with two courses for QR 85 and three courses for QR 95. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Design Your Own Sandwich

Daily: Quick Bites. Check out the newest addition to Quick Bites – a live sandwich bar, with your choice of bread, spreads, garnishes and fillings. Quick or To-Go meals couldn’t get better! From QR 38. From 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

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FOOD & DINING Smoking Beef

Daily: New York Steakhouse. For the first time in Doha, treat yourself to their bourbon-barrel, woodchipsmoked beef tartare, prepared and smoked by their brilliant hosts right in front of you! QR 105 from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 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 Chef Jeremy Steele presents 100-gram cuts from the U.S.A, Argentina and Australia on one succulent plate. Treat yourself to three glasses of vino from each homeland carefully paired to perfection. QR 280 and QR 390 including vino 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 andQR 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.

Pizza & Pasta Express

Daily: Cucina. Order any one of Cucina’s pizza or pastas along with a side dish and one soft beverage for just QR 50! From 12:00 noon till 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Business Express Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Cucina. Choose from three entrées, three mains and three desserts made from the freshest Italian ingredients and served in 45 minutes or it’s on them – all for QR 85. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Friday Family Brunch Indulge in an elegant yet casual experience with free-flowing bubbly and enchanting music to complement the tasty buffet delights including fresh seafood, live cooking and sushi, plus an endless assortment of appetizers and desserts. QR 215 per person with kids under twelve dining free and those between the ages of twelve and sixteen receiving a 50% discount. Brunch with bubbles or suds for QR 245. For more information call 4429-1111.

Listings New & Inspired Theme Nights

Daily: Seasons Restaurant. Take your taste-buds on an exciting journey with a variety of new theme nights, plus some old favourites! Les Alpes Mondays The restaurant has combined the finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland to fashion an exclusive gourmet event. QR 160 per person. Lebanese Tuesdays: Savour enticing Middle Eastern delicacies combined with authentic drinks and desserts. QR 160 per person. TemptAsian Wednesdays: Taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry among many others. QR 160 per person. Seafood & Family Thursdays: Tuck into a simply spectacular buffet of fresh and succulent seafood while the kids play their hearts out in the famous Kids Kingdom with an array kiddie treats. QR 180 per person. Naughty Food Gone Good Fridays: Enjoy all your tasty indulgences minus the guilt with an array of health- conscious junk food to choose from. QR 140 per person. International Saturdays & Sundays: Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations. QR 140 per person. For more information on all promotions call 4429-1111.

ORYX ROTANA X'Press Lunch and Dinner

Daily: The Cellar. It’s quick-bite time and The Cellar is ready for it! Enjoy their new threecourse 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.

New Tapas Galore Selection

Tuesdays: The Cellar. Enjoy The Cellar’s array of tantalizing tapas with unlimited selected vinos 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 210 per person food only, or QR 300 including unlimited selected house beverages. Also try their premium package for QR 345 which includes unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. Or, there’s also their unlimited Prosecco package which includes all beverages in the premium package, except sparkling vino for QR 425. For more information call 4402-3333.

RADISSON BLU Paella Night

Mondays: Picasso’s. Visit the restaurant and enjoy the most delicious paella in town. Dishes priced between QR 55 to QR 100. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Weekend Brunch

Fridays: Hyde Park. Let the team of chefs tempt you with fresh seafood, sushi, Chinese, Indian and European specialties. QR 180 per person or QR 210 per person including a little sparkle! From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

THE ANVIL ROOMS Lunch Special

Daily: Choose a succulent and tender signature steak, a side dish, a sauce and a soft drink for QR 149. Friday and Saturday includes a sommelier’s selected drink for QR 179. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

The Blacksmith’s Supper

Sun-Thurs: Choose a signature steak, a side dish, a sauce and a signature drink for QR 149. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

THE FOUR SEASONS Piatto Unico

Sat-Thurs: Il Teatro. ‘Piatto Unico’ in Italian literally means a ‘one-dish meal’ that is well-balanced, 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 88 per person. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

Go Go Bento Box

Sat-Thurs: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. The Go Go Bento Box is a take-away bento box that gives you four different menus for a delicious, easy meal. Boxes have to be ordered in advance over the phone and pick-up times will be advised (allow 45 minutes preparation time). The boxes are composed of four to six dishes, all cooked to order and packed with authentic flavours. From QR 79 for a four-course bento to QR 89 for a six-course bento. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m., and from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Start the weekend on a leisurely note with their Friday Brunch, which offers an array of delicious dining choices to enjoy. The main buffet is a showcase of live Asian cooking stations, as well as hot and cold appetizers and a traditional carvery. Regular brunch is QR 340 and sparkling brunch is QR 425. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

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THE GRAND HYATT Thai Cooking Classes

Saturdays: Isaan. For those looking to uncover the secret recipes of Chef Wachira Chaipinidnorrachart and his team, don’t miss the opportunity to become part of Isaan’s culinary team every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This cooking class includes lunch and is priced at QR 280 per person. For individual and group bookings call 7021-8097.

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 75 per person. For more information call 7021-8097.

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 is available. Enjoy a soft drink brunch for QR 280, a special beverage package for QR 395 and the Moët brunch for QR 680. For more information call 7021-8097.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Seafood Platter

Tuesdays: Admiral’s Club, lower floor. Overlooking the marina, delight yourself in fresh seafood offerings while admiring the perfect surroundings and stunning view. QR 260 per portion which serves up to two people. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8663, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

BBQ Lovers

Mon, Thurs & Fri: Admiral’s Club, lower floor. What better way to savour the perfect surroundings of the hotel’s marina while indulging in a succulent BBQ platter? QR 190 per portion, with an additional QR 50 for fresh lobster. For more information call 4484-8663, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Thursday Barbecue

Thursdays: The Lagoon. There’s no better retreat in the city than the lush and green Lagoon Garden to celebrate the weekend. And, there’s nothing more exciting than having barbecue outdoors with family and friends while the weather is nice! QR 240 per person including soft beverages. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

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FOOD & DINING Friday Brunch

Fridays: 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 260 per person including soft beverages, QR 340 per person including bubbly, or QR 395 for full brunch. Kids under the age of four can dine for free. QR 130 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 4484-8512, 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 and homemade 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 Chilli-Dog Nights

Tuesdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Tuesday night is officially Gourmet Chilli-Dog Night. Enjoy the tastiest chilli-dogs in town served with bubbles or brews 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.

Seafood Extravaganza

Mon-Sat: Al Sultan Brahim. Famous for its fresh and varied seafood Al Sultan Brahim is also the place to enjoy traditional Lebanese mezze favourites all cooked from secret traditional recipes by chefs from Lebanon. From 6:30 p.m.till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Family Brunch

Fridays: Vine Restaurant. Gather with family and friends and experience a lavish buffet with treats for everyone. Parents can relax as children are taken care of with special entertainment and buffet. Live music and breath-taking views from the terrace make this a brunch to remember! Entertainment for children is provided by The St. Regis Doha recreation team and includes fun games, face-painting and lots of creative activities. QR 320 inclusive of soft drinks, QR 420 inclusive of grapes, grain and sparkling beverages. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m.; then enjoy the AfterBrunch Happy Hour with 50% off on selected beverages from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000, or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Listings THE TORCH DOHA Theme Nights At Flying Carpet

Escape To India: Each Monday night try out Indian food platters for only QR 180 per person including selected beverages. Tex- Mex Night: Every Wednesday try Latino specialties with a wide selection of steaks, burgers and hot dogs for only QR 190 per person. Seafood Extravaganza: Every Thursday night find a selection of seafood for grilling, frying, wok and many more for only QR 250 per person including selected beverages. Arabian Nights: Every Friday live the charm of the Orient and indulge in a variety of plates from different Arabic cuisines for QR 200 per person. From 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

Casual Business Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Mezzanine. Served from Sunday to Thursday, enjoy a fantastic business lunch that includes salad buffet plus a la carte sandwiches or pasta, one soft drink or chilled juice and a mini-dessert from QR 80 per person. For more information call 4446-5600, or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

Barbecue Bazaar Brunch

Fridays: Flying Carpet. Choose from a wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, burgers, and hot dogs for only QR 210 per person including selected beverages. From 12:30 noon to 3:30 p.m. Special rate of QR 98 for children between the ages of six and twelve years-old. For more information call 4446-5600, or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA 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 cocktails and drinks alongside a combination of mouth-watering 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 threecourse 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 395 per person including house beverages, or QR 290 including soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Friday Broonch La Spiga. Amplify your flavours with a chic, Italian a la carte brunch. QR 220 per person with selected soft drinks, QR 220 per person with a 25% discount on house beverages, or QR 380 per person with selected house beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Marrakesh Night

Thursdays: Tangia Restaurant. Enjoy an authentic Marrakesh buffet in Tangia Restaurant. Gentlemen pay QR 240 and ladies QR 200. Every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email wgrf&b@wyndham.com.

Celebrate Your Birthday

Daily: Chopsticks & Tangia Restaurant. Celebrate your birthday party at Chopsticks or Tangia restaurants and get a discount equal to your age! From 12:00 noon till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email wgrf&b@wyndham.com.

Artichoke Special

Daily: Tangia Restaurant. Tangia offers a special, seasonal thematic side menu from 12:00 noon till 11:00 p.m. Daily live entertainment between 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email wgrf&b@wyndham.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Red Velvet Cupcakery

Feb: Katara Cultural Village. Get two free drinks tomorrow by spending QR 100 today. For more information call 4408-0700 for more details. Feb: A party celebration at Red Velvet is fun! Celebrate your children’s birthday party at QR 60 per child with their great birthday party package. Advance reservation is required. For more information call 4408-0700. Feb: Ice Cream Sandwich. Enjoy a mouth-watering ice cream sandwich and get a free small bottle of regular water with every purchase. For more information call 4408-0700.

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FOOD & DINING Aspire Grand Café

Feb: Aspire Park. New Grab-To-Go items. Due to business demand, the Aspire Grand chefs have prepared special ready-to-go Middle Eastern flavours up for grabs. Available daily. For more information call 4449-3963. Feb: Try their chicken biryani – a speciallyprepared fresh chicken, well-marinated with traditional Indian spices, cooked with fragrant basmati rice and finely-chopped fresh herbs. For more information call 4449-3963. Feb: Delight your taste-buds with a speciallyprepared dhal curry cooked with Indian spices, tempered with cumin and served with paratha bread. For more information call 4449-3963. Feb: Choose from ready-to-heat soups and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages for dine-in or take-away. For more information call 4449-3963. Feb: Enjoy healthy choices for breakfast while visiting the park, including fresh croissants, sunny-side up or omelette egg dishes, and crêpes. For more information call 4449-3963.

Burgeri

Feb: Aspire Park. ‘B.4.’ Enjoy four new flavourful burgers, B. Hawaiian, B. Fish, B. Ultimate Veggie, and B. Cajun are now available daily. For more information call 4449-3958. Feb: B. Mushroom Melt. A choice of Black Angus, Wagyu beef, or chicken topped with fresh tomatoes, grilled onions and mushrooms, garlic aioli and melted Swiss cheese. Beef burgers are available in single and double sizes for dine-in and take-away.Available daily. For more information call 4449-3958. Feb: Burgeri Fun Meal. Each meal comes in a beautifully-designed Fun Box that includes one fruit juice, an order of regular French Fries, and choice of B. Classic, B. Cheesy, Good Dog or their new B. Bites (served with special sauces). For more information call 4449-3958.

Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge

Feb: Katara Cultural Village. Experience the comfort of their designer VIP beach tents with personalized butler service. Also, their outdoor garden seating is your ideal option to unwind. For more information call 4408-2000. Feb: Enjoy a whole lamb seasoned to perfection, charcoal spit-roasted and served with aromatic traditional Machbous rice for take-away. From 3:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4408-2000.

Chac’Late

Feb: Katara Cultural Village. Their newlydesigned breakfast menu now includes an organic egg breakfast, served fresh and healthy at QR 48. For more information call 4408-0733. Feb: Enjoy a signature Parisian or Chac’Late breakfast with indoor or outdoor seating. Prices start from QR 30. From 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0733.

Listings L’wzaar Seafood Market

Feb: Katara Cultural Village. Sushi Night. Platters of specially-prepared assortments of sushi to share are now available during dinner-time, from Sunday to Wednesday. For more information call 4408-0710. Feb: A fresh selection of cold mezze including classic, mixed or deluxe is now available daily from the a la carte menu. For more information call 4408-0710. Feb: A tantalizing special dish of the day is available during lunch and dinner. For more information call 4408-0710. Feb: Experience their Tandoori grill and Thai curry cooking styles for your fresh seafood. Other cooking styles are also available. For more information call 4408-0710.

le Vesuvio

Feb: Katara Cultural Village. Three-Course Lunch. A special table lunch menu consisting of a starter, a main course and a dessert. Available from Sunday to Thursday. For more information call 4408-1500. Feb: Pizza Home Delivery. They deliver for a minimum order of 20 pizzas. Advance reservation is highly required. For more information call 4408-1500. Feb: Business Lunch. Catering to growing demand, le Vesuvio is now offering a special lunch-table menu consisting of a starter, main course and a dessert. Available Sunday to Thursday. For more information call 4408-1500. Feb: A special a la carte menu for children is available daily. For more information call 4408-1500.

Shawarma Albisana

Feb: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy your favourite chicken or beef shawarma with a cold soft drink for only QR 15. For more information call 4408-1400.

Kunafa Albisana

Feb: Katara Cultural Village. Kunafa Keshda. Enjoy a unique homemade kunafa roll filled with keshda. Available for dine-in and take-away. For more information call 4408-1200. Feb: Savour a unique homemade soft kunafa with Nabulsi cheese imported from Jordan for either dine-in or take-away. For more information call 4408-1200. Feb: Try their new aesh el saraya – a bread pudding recipe with deep flavours of caramelized sugar and hints of rosewater, topped with homemade fresh cream, pistachios, cashew nuts and a dash of cinnamon. For more information call 4408-1200.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Cafe Murano Ground floor. A stylish European gourmet café of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, this new outlet at The Pearl offers a chic and elegant setting to enjoy refreshments throughout the day. Café Murano specializes in European art de cuisine, with a passion for chocolate and petite culinaire. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5555, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.

Bohemia Ground floor. This lounge oozes sophistication and is surrounded by luxury and comfort. Bohemia offers a collection of the finest selection of beverages, paired with a concoction of molecular creations to ensure the experience is as unique and spectacular as the setting itself. Open daily from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5555, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.

Sawa Ground floor. A family-friendly restaurant, Sawa serves a blend of European and Mediterranean flavours, with menus personally curated by Executive Chef Mattias Roock. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5555, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.

El Faro Ground floor. A trendy corner of Spain inside Marsa Malaz Kempinski, El Faro restaurant uses traditional recipes from culinary hotspots across the Iberian Peninsula, serving authentic tapas in a casual and stylish setting around the ambient central tapas bar. Open daily from 6:30 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5555, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.

Al Sufra Blending traditional recipes and flavours from Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan and Palestine, Al Sufra is a Levant-inspired restaurant set to entice guests. With a coffee lounge, open terrace and shisha, as well as a la carte dining, the restaurant can be visited any time throughout the day. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5555, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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FOOD & DINING

Directory

Anima Gallery & Lounge The Pearl-Qatar

INTERNATIONAL

Argan Al Jasra Boutique Hotel

AMERICAN & TEX-MEX American Grill 4411-0188 Burgeri 4449-3958. Caminito 4447-0000 Chili’s 4466-0663 Ipanema 4419-6100 Johnny Rockets 4455-2792 Just Burger 4015-0180 4437-2679 Latino 4485-4444 Oyster Bay 4446-0105 Paloma 4484-4444 Pampano 4495-3876 Ric’s Kountry Kitchen 4443-7846 Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria 4408-7777 Salsa 4429-8888 TGI Friday’s 4488-7008

ARABIC & LEBANESE Agora 4445-5555 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 Sultan Brahim 4446-0105 Al Tawash 4498-2002 Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam 4495-3876 Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café 4408-0840 Kunafa Albisana. 4408-1200 Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma 4466-2616 Liza 4495-3876 Majlis 4448-1234 Marmara Istanbul 4436-2947 Shawarma Albisana 4408-1400 Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge 4408-2000 Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 The Tent 4432-8888 Turkey Central 4443-2927

The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana

CHINESE Chopsticks 4434-3333 D’Chopstix 4408-4888 Royal Bafilyon 4411-4458 Ruby Wu’s 4428-1428 Wok of Fame 4413-4772

CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN Aroma 4405-3325 Astor Grill 4446-0105 Belgian Café 4484-4444 Gordon Ramsay 4446-0105 La Mer 4484-8000 Market by Jean-Georges 4453-5135 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Opal by Gordon Ramsay 4446-0105

FRENCH La Sahtaine 4423-3333 La Varenne 4499-0680 Le Relais de L’Entrecote 4495-3876 ext. 1411 Maxim 4428-1428 Sormani 4495-3876 Ext. 3222

INDIAN Biryani Hut 4464-1401 Bombay Balti 4428-1428 Chingari 4428-1428 Idyl Factory 6674-1143 Royal Indian 4466-6876 Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra 4444-6151 Souq Waqif 4432-3244 Saffron Lounge 3325-8919 Sukh Sagar 4431-9172 Taj Rasoi 4429-8888

Al Hubara 4485-4444 Al Liwan Restaurant 4424-2888 Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill 4433-6777 Al Shaheen Restaurant 4485-4444 Animato 4496-6600 Baraha 4447-0000 Blue Brasserie Restaurant 4472-2666 Choices 4402-3333 Corniche 4429-8888 Cosmo Restaurant 4424-7777 Crossroads Kitchen 4419-6100 De Dine Zone Restaurant 4470-8822 East 4433-6666 Flying Carpet 4446-5600 Grand Gourmet 4434-3333 La Brasserie 4446-2222 La Cigalon Restaurant 4428-8888 Lifestyle Restaurant 4463-2154 Mawasem 4423-3333 Mehfil Restaurant 4409-4444 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 The Dining Room 4433-6666 (Al Najada Boutique Hotel) The Dining Room 4424-3444 (Fraser Suites Hotel) The Grill 4448-1234 The Lagoon 4484-8000 Three Sixty 4446-5600 Torch Tea Garden 4446-5600 Vine 4446-0105

ITALIAN Bice Ristorante 4495-3876 Carluccio’s 4495-3876 Cucina 4419-6100 Di Capri 4428-8698 Fabio’s Pizza 4416-5641 II Teatro 4494-8888 La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant 4436-7991 La Spiga by Paper Moon 4453-5135 le Vesuvio 4408-1500 Paper Moon 4016-6000 Picasso’s 4428-1428 Porcini 4484-8000 Rocca 4448-1272 The Italian Job 4428-1428

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Di Capri La Cigale

CAFÉS

La Varenne Tornado Tower

JAPANESE Neo 4432-2508 Oishi Sushi 4442-8989 Sakura 4428-1428 Strata Restaurant & Lounge 4015-8888 Sushi Minto 4467-5577 Yen Sushi Bar 4428-8888

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

Cucina Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

BAR FOOD Belgian Café 4484-4444 De Ozone 4470-8822 Madison Piano Bar 4428-8888 Pool Bar 4484-4444 Shehrazad 4428-1428 The Irish Harp 4485-4444 The Lounge 4405-3325 Wahm 4453-5353

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

PERSIAN

SEAFOOD

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

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 L’wzaar Seafood Market 4408-0710 Pampano 4495-3876 Pier 12 4428-1428

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

STEAKHOUSES Bentley’s Grill 4428-1428 JW’s Steakhouse 4429-8888 Le Grill 4484-7412 New York Steakhouse 4419-6100 Prime 4015-8888 The Anvil Rooms 4499-0685 The Butcher Shop and Grill 4413-5508 The Old Manor Steakhouse 4446-2222

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar 4495-3878 Ext. 1311 Al Jalsa 4425-6666 Al Kut Lounge 4434-3203 Allegria 4485-3000 Al Mandarine 4463-3748 Anima Gallery & Lounge 4002 7437 Aspire Grand Café 4449-3963 Atrium Lounge 4485-4444 Bab Al Baher 4423-3333 Biscotti 4448-1282 Café Tasse 4444-7017 Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611 Chac’Late 4408-2000 Coffee Time 4466-7551 Colombiano 4434-2753 Dean and Deluca 4451-9780 Dell @ The Village 4444-4700 Gourmet House 4405-3333 Jones the Grocer 4407-7175 La Margarita 4409-4444 Le Gourmet 4436-1789 Lime Café 4496-6600 Maya La Chocolatiere Landmark Mall 4486-2264 Villaggio Mall 4417-8132 MBCo The Gate Mall 4407-7130 Al Emaadi Financial Square 4411-7224 Moka and Co 4458-3232 Orangery Café Troittor 4428-8888 Quick Bites 4419-6134 Red Velvet Cupcakery 4408-0700. Sarab Lounge 4446-0105 Savor Café Lounge 4408-7777 Shisha Garden 4428-8888 Sky Lounge 4402-3333 Sugar and Spice 4411-4456 The Courtyard 4433-6444 The Drawing Room 4433-6666 The Lobby Lounge 4484-8000 The Terrace Lounge 4433-6555 Torch Café 4446-5600 W Café 4453-5353 Ya Hala 4423-3333

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SPORTS

Top Picks

THE FOUR SEASONS Vinyasa Yoga

Upon request. The Spa. Practice 75-minutes of an invigorating and energizing yoga style where movements and postures are connected to the breath. The session is complemented by deep relaxation to release stress and is open to all levels. QR 80 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.

QNCC Qatar Motor Show

Feb 6-10: Qatar National Convention Centre. The Qatar Motor Show is the most important motoring event in the Middle East, attracting more than 150,000 car-lovers and trade professionals. The show brings together some of the most notable international car-makers showcasing their latest models. Exhibitors include many sports, luxury and mid-range car dealers as well as car accessory companies showing the latest auto and performance trends. For more information visit www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Body Combat

Sundays: Fitness Studio. This workout is a high-energy martial arts-inspired workout that is totally non-contact. Punch and kick your way to fitness and burn up to 740 calories in a class. No experience needed. Learn moves from karate, taekwondo, boxing, muay Thai, capoeira and kung fu. Release stress, have a blast and feel like a champ. Bring your best fighter attitude and leave inhibitions at the door. From 7:00 p.m. till 7:45 p.m. Members QR 30/non-members QR 50. For more information call 4484-4444.

DOLPHIN ENERGY Doha Dash

Feb 10: Losail International Circuit. Held in celebration of Qatar National Sport Day, the Dolphin Energy Doha Dash enables runners of all abilities, ages and nationalities to follow in the tracks of Moto GP stars and run the world-famous Losail International Circuit. Organizers have promised that the 2015 event will be bigger and better than ever. For more information or to register as a participant visit www.dohadash.com.

LA CIGALE Spinning

Mon & Wed: Enjoy a fat-burner class using a stationary bike at varying speeds and resistance to strengthen and shape the muscles. Members QR 40/non-members QR 60 per class. Reservations are required. For more information call 4428-8101.

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SPORTS

Hundreds flocked to the Corniche last National Sport Day to partake in the day's events

A Lifetime Of Health By Adam Khalid Additional information compiled by Jorge Granda Selected photography by Nadir Khamis

In anticipation of National Sport Day on February 10 we give you some tips on how to embrace a healthy lifestyle from the folks of Fitness With Food. We also take a glimpse at one of the biggest events taking place on the Corniche in partnership with Qatar 2015. ‘How can I embrace a healthy lifestyle and stick to it?’ It’s a question we ask ourselves once the shine wears off our New Year’s resolutions and the reality of the effort it takes to be consistent sinks in. Being active and incorporating healthier habits into our daily lives doesn’t mean killing ourselves in the gym or depriving our bodies with fad diets. The road to sustainable health may be paved with good intentions as the saying goes, but it’s one that should be walked with baby steps. Starting small is the best approach to getting you where you want to go in the long run.

Identify The Root Of The Problem Of course everybody should embrace a healthy lifestyle – every day we demand so much from

A young taekwondo athlete practices his high-kick on National Sport Day 2014

our bodies and most of us neglect rewarding it with the attention it deserves. Mornings tend to be the busiest part of the day as we exert so much physical and mental energy just to get through it. Stress can be caused from a lack of organization and bad lifestyle habits. For example, not getting enough sleep or bad nutrition are two of the most common scenarios having huge effects on our general mood, persona and daily productivity.

Start With Small Changes Exercising frequently strengthens your mind and body, releasing chemicals in the brain allowing you to feel calm, relaxed and even happier.

These positive effects are life-changing; you’ll be able to manage stress, problem-solving will become first nature, your self-esteem and confidence will begin to grow, and your positive energy will be infectious to others. Creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires dedication and persistence, it’s so much more than drinking a herbal tea and eating an apple every day, followed by your Saturday run when you’ve recovered from your hectic week. I’m sorry to say, you’ve barely scratched the surface – it’s a start and starting is good, not giving up is vital, and wanting to evolve into the best you can be is key.

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A pick-up game of handball on the sand

Mobile treadmills are set up for the public at Katara

QATAR NATIONAL SPORT DAY Qatar celebrates National Sport Day 2015 on February 10 with a full day of fun, family-oriented sports and activities that promote the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle. One of the more prominent events to take place on National Sport Day will be organized on the Corniche, near the Orry statue, by the Qatar 2015 team. You may have already seen the set-up, but organizers are keeping hush-hush on the details of the all-day event, which will kick off at 7:30 a.m.

ced Make your diet healthy and balan and the rest of your life will follow

Now that we’ve touched on why it’s important to embrace and maintain a healthy lifestyle, let’s discuss:

What Not To Do Smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, lack of sleep and bad nutrition will drop you into an early grave. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than non-smokers and are much more susceptible to cancerous growth and heart disease. Consuming too much alcohol can really affect the communication pathways of the brain and as a result can seriously affect your mood and behaviour.

Sleep A lack of sleep is one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to well-being and health. Sleep helps the brain to process and absorb new information through a function called consolidation. Sleep deprivation can also affect the way which our bodies process and store carbohydrates, which in turn effects our weight and metabolism.

Advances in exercise equipment were on display at Aspire Park

The fruits and vegetables we pick up in the supermarkets today have a fraction of the minerals and vitamins they should. As agriculture modernization progresses, the nutritional value of food has been massively decreasing. Farmers are more interested in the volume of their crop – something that isn’t known at the point of sale and has no influence on the price, rather than the nutritional value.

Nutrition

Embracing a healthy lifestyle through managing your exercise, stress, sleep, and nutrition is critical to becoming the best version of yourself. It’s never too late to start, and remember… small changes can have a drastic impact down the line.

The importance of nutrition and food is understood all over the world. In the 400 B.C. Hippocrates said “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” The main message from this statement is that good nutrition will prevent illness and poor diet will provoke or perhaps even cause diseases and ailments.

Now that you’ve armed yourself with the information you need, you can start taking the steps towards a healthier lifestyle. The Fitness With Food team is always on call if you need help, support or motivation! For more information visit www.fitnesswithfood.com. n

“We’re currently preparing an event that will attract the attention of handball fans all around the world and, of course, the sports enthusiasts in Qatar,” Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar 2015 Men’s Handball World Championship Organizing Committee tells us. “For the citizens of Qatar, the National Sport Day is a jollification of sportsmanship, healthy lifestyle and social inclusion –the values that are encompassed in the vision of our committee, and values we shall share with all of those who choose to celebrate with us this special day.” A special fan-zone is in the works, with handball-related games and kids’ entertainment activities, like face-painting and origami, while toys and give-aways will be passed out to individuals and families who come out to take part and show their support. We hope to see more than a few stars of Qatar’s handball team out to mark the occasion! For more information visit www.qatarhandball2015.com.

NATIONAL SPORT DAY ACTIVITY LOCATIONS: Join in the city-wide activities, games and celebrations at locations all across Doha: • The Corniche • Katara • Losail International Circuit • Qatar Olympic Committee Sports Zone • Al Rafaa Street • Aspire Zone • Qatar Olympic Committee Clubsz

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SPORTS

Qatar Celebrates National Sport Day Photography by Nadir Khamis

The crowds came out for last year's fitness festivities. Here are a few of the best shots! Will we see you out and about this February 10? We hope so!

The AHB Group cricket team takes part in the fun

Doing some warmups at Aspire

Katara turns into a basketball court for the day!

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SPORTS

THE LADIES ARE BACK! As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the Qatar Tennis Federation Additional photography by Jessie Palanca

A star-studded line-up of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most powerful female tennis players are confirmed to participate in the 13th edition of the Qatar Total Open, taking place at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex from February 23-28. QH heads court-side to bring you a piece of the action.

he 2015 Qatar Total Open will boast an exceptional list of players who will take to the courts at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex this month. The tournament will feature five players ranked in the top ten and 14 in the top 20, as well as four current or former Grand Slam winners. Defending champion and world No.3 Simona Halep of Romania heads the field with current Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova set to be the second seed at No.4 in the world.

2014 champion Simona Halep will be back in Doha to defend her title

Next is the popular Polish player Agnieszka Radwanska, ranked sixth, followed by German Angelique Kerber, the beaten finalist last year, and Russian Ekaterina Makarova at nine and ten respectively. Former world No.1 Jelena Jankovic is one of many notable competitors in the 20-player direct entries for the 731,000 USD tournament. Alongside her is Venus Williams who is a former world No.1 and a seven-time Grand Slam winner. She will make her debut at the 2015 Qatar Total Open. Williams began the New Year with a title at the Auckland tournament beating Caroline Wozniacki in three sets. Australian Sam Stosur won the US Open in 2011 and is currently ranked 20th. Stosur will make her fifth appearance in Doha; her best was in 2012 where she was a beaten finalist to Victoria Azarenka. Rounding out the field is two-time former Grand Slam winner, Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia with a ranking of 27. Kuznetsova has twice been a finalist in Doha. With Halep returning to defend her title, the tournament has a worthy leading player, especially after she made the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in 2014, the final at Roland Garros where she was eventually beaten by Maria Sharapova in three sets. She also made the semis at Wimbledon and the third round at the US Open in what was an exceptional year, something which Tournament Director Saad

Tennis powerhouse Venus Williams

Al Mohannadi says was a big factor in getting Halep to return. There are 14 nations represented in the 20-player direct-entry list, making the tournament a truly international event where members of the public will almost certainly find an athlete they can support as their own. The tournament will be held at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex from February 23-28, with qualifying taking place from February 21 and 22. Tickets are available at City Center, Landmark, Lagoona, and Villaggio Malls, on-site at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex and online at www.qatartennis.org. n

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OFFICIAL QATAR TOTAL OPEN TOP-EIGHT RANKED PLAYERS Country Rank Name 1. Simona Halep (Romania) 3 2. Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4 3. Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 6 4. Angelique Kerber (Germany) 9 5. Ekaterina Makarova (Russia) 10 6. Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) 11 7. Flavia Pennetta (Italy) 12 8. Andrea Petkovic (German) 13 OTHER NOTABLE DIRECT ENTRANTS Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) 15 Venus Williams (USA) 18 Sam Stosur (Australia) 20 Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) 27

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Petra Kvitová stares down an oncoming serve

2014 – Simona Halep 2013 – Victoria Azarenka 2012 – Victoria Azarenka 2011 – Vera Zvonareva 2008 – Maria Sharapova 2007 – Justine Henin 2006 – Nadia Petrova 2005 – Maria Sharapova 2004 – Anastasia Myskina 2003 – Anastasia Myskina 2002 – Monica Seles 2001 – Martina Hingis

QATAR TOTAL OPEN 2015 Category: Premier 5 Dates: February 23-28 Venue: Khalifa international Tennis & Squash Complex Halep with runner-up Angelique Kerber (left)

Draw Size: 56 main/32 qualifiers/16 doubles

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Evolution Rugby Training Schedule • Sunday: U10 & U12, 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. • Monday: U14 & U16, 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. • Tuesday: Little Ruggers & U8, 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. • Wednesday: U12, U14 & U16, 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. • Thursday: Little Ruggers, U8 & U10, 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.

the best Young rugby players will learn from here in Doha qualified instructors in the sport

Age Group Explanation

The World Of Rugby Rugby is one of the globe’s most popular sports, and its following is growing stronger than ever in Qatar. Evolution Sports is aiming to train the rugby champions of the future and they bring us all the details.

he rugby community in Qatar is large, with senior men’s teams, women’s team, youth, minis, and junior squads playing in Doha. The standards of rugby in the Doha area are high, as more and more people get involved in the sport. This last December saw Doha men’s and women’s teams reach the Dubai 7’s finals for the first time since the competition began. Also the Doha men’s first team began their Gulf Top 6 ARFU campaign with a very convincing 50-10 win over last year’s champions, Abu Dhabi Harlequins.

With the success of the Doha Rugby Club, recent performances on the pitch, and as interest in the sport increases, Evolution Rugby was formed in January 2015 by current Doha Rugby Club captain and former professional player Greg Evans. The aim of the program is to bring professional rugby coaching to junior rugby within Doha, and is open to children and youth ages 5-16 years-old and provides sessions twice a week for each age level at the Doha Rugby Club. The rugby program is open to all levels of skill, from beginner to advanced, and will provide kids with the basic skills needed to play – from passing, running, kicking and tackling. Evolution Sports aims to develop these core skills in a fun, but safe environment to bring the best out in each child. All coaches are fully-qualified and licensed, and guarantee to provide quality and engaging sessions.

• Under 6 – Must be 5 years old as of September 1, 2014 • Under 8 – Must be 6 or 7 years old as of September 1, 2014 • Under 10 – Must be 8 or 9 years old as of September 1, 2014 • Under 12 – Must be 10 or 11 years old as of September 1, 2014 • Under 14 – Must be 12 or 13 years old as of September 1, 2014 • Under 16 – Must be 14 or 15 years old as of September 1, 2014 On top of the rugby program, throughout the year the academy will be holding various rugby camps and festivals aimed at developing rugby within Qatar and bringing the rugby community together. The camps and festivals are a fun way to get involved in the game as they focus on the enjoyment of the sport. n EVOLUTION RUGBY COMPETITION Evolution Sports Qatar is giving away 10 free spaces to their next Holiday Rugby Camp exclusively to Qatar Happening readers. For your chance to win simply answer the following rugby question:

What country will be hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup? Send all answers to Rugby@Evosportsqatar. com along with your name, age and contact details. For more information on Evolution Rugby visit www.evosportsqatar.com, or email Director of Rugby Greg Evans at Rugby@Evosportsqatar.com.

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SPORTS

Yoga

Instructor Lynsey Riach shows us how the ancient practice of yoga can do wonders for our overall well-being

Strong Words and selected images by Lynsey Riach

National Sport Day is here again, igniting the desire to get more active and to move more. But what if you’re already pretty fit and are looking for a new type of exercise to give you a challenge in the New Year ahead?

Could I tempt you to get strong…through yoga? I’m guessing you gasped there. Yoga? Strong? Isn’t it all a relaxation, candles and meditation kind of thing? Well you may be pleasantly surprised to hear that more and more athletes and coaches are realizing that yoga complements everything they’ve been trying to achieve. Whether on the court, in the ring, on the field, or on the dance-floor, a regular, intelligent yoga practice makes you a better mover. It increases flexibility, expands fascial structures which allows muscles to grow, prevents injuries, relieves back pain, strengthens your nervous system for better reflexes, and keeps you grounded, steady, and cool under stress. Like that sound of all that? Well yoga can give you a myriad of benefits but getting strong is one of the best ones if you ask me. As a qualified yoga instructor I practice on my mat each day so I’m aware of how strong my body actually is and in my 34th year on this planet I can honestly say it’s never been so resilient. Daily yoga practice includes a comprehensive system that builds strength in the body and mind so when it takes

some time off due to injury for example, it’s ok with that. It knows you’ll be back. Although I practice yoga every single day, that doesn’t mean I spend hours on my mat, in fact just a simple morning stretch is yoga. Making a routine of moving and stretching out your body regularly will make you feel flexible and when flexible we feel stronger.

So let’s understand the role of flexibility in strength… Strength coaches have realized that yoga’s ability to free up a locked body is unmatched. A lot of exercises that people perform in a gym are muscle shortening (contraction). With a lot of repetition a huge range of motion can be lost! Then, although the muscles have a lot of power, this strength cannot be used effectively because the length of the muscle is restricted. It’s like trying to drive a car with a powerful engine while your foot is on the brakes. If you don’t train flexibility, you lose it. I see this often in the variety of students that walk through my studio door. So many reasons can bring people to try yoga and to practice it long-term. Some come to gain greater flexibility

and some to heal injuries and enhance their performance significantly. I’ve worked with jockeys, runners, dancers and body-builders and although I’ve seen men with defined muscles and clear strength, a lot of them can’t even straighten their legs to touch their toes. Flexibility is essentially the ability of the muscles to lengthen across a joint or group of joints. It's also referred to as range of motion. A lack of flexibility will increase the likelihood of injury because if you don’t have the required range of motion to perform a particular action, then you will force it to happen through improper alignment or inefficient biomechanics. This will lead to instability and the likelihood of injury. For example, if you can’t get extension in the upper back, you’ll create it through the shoulders, creating laxity, hindering performance and increasing the chance of tearing the muscles or ligaments. So flexibility feeds into proper range of movement, which feeds into proper stability, which in turn feeds into proper force output. Because yoga has a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics,

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The Humble Warrior Pose

The Chaturanga Split Pose

The Bound Warrior Pose

physiotherapists often recommend it to their clients, as they know that intelligent yoga practice can deal with pain and rehab in a more holistic way than any other method.

But how can yoga make me strong? Yoga develops your stability because you create with your body a less stable shape on a stable surface. The object you’re pushing against — the earth — is stable, but many yoga postures are shapes that will challenge your body to stabilize itself. This is called a closed chain movement. By holding shapes with your body that have a narrow base of support, e.g. Tree Pose requires you to stand on one leg which will massively strengthen your stabilizer muscles. Lifting a weight requires some stability, but because the body will generally have a wider base of support, and you’re moving an external object, it’s the prime movers that are the major muscles working. This is called an open chain movement. Research shows that this is one of the major benefits of using your body-weight as resistance — your body develops an extremely high amount of stability and control. To help you get on your road to strength, I’ve outlined five key poses to help you hold and build muscle. These poses are some of the key postures that helped me access my inner strength and will help you develop the strength and stamina needed to truly build core power in your Yoga practice.

Practice both sides. From Humble Warrior Pose, pull your body back up and unwrap your arms. Link the same arm as the lunged leg through the leg and meet your other arm behind your back if you can. Stay here and count for five breaths (inhale and exhale). If you’re experienced in this pose, try to bind your fingers or even your wrists together to create added mobility in the shoulder. Look up if you can.

Extended SideHand To Toe Pose

1. Extended Side-Hand To Toe Pose (Builds strength in your entire legs, hips, back and arms) Practice both sides but begin with your stronger standing leg. Try to keep your standing leg strong, straight and firm as you extend your other leg out to the side. If you can straighten your extended leg, bring your hand to touch your foot or toes and count for five breaths (inhale and exhale). If you’re experienced in this pose, turn your head the opposite direction to challenge your balance and core strength. 2. Humble Warrior Pose (Builds strength in your hamstrings, hips, back and shoulders) Practice both sides. Lunge low with your stronger leg and interlace your fingers together behind your back. Pull your arms over your head and body as far as you can. Stay here and count for five breaths (inhale and exhale). 3. Bound Warrior Pose (Builds strength in your hamstrings, hips, back and promotes shoulder mobility)

4. Chaturanga Split Pose (Builds strength in your triceps, biceps, back and hips) Begin in Plank Pose and extend your leg towards the sky. Bend your elbows and lower your body towards the ground while keeping your leg extended. Hold and count for five breaths (inhale and exhale). 5. Side Crow Pose – Advanced! (Builds strength in your triceps and shoulders) This one is only for advanced yoga practitioners and is an extension from traditional Crow Pose. Twist your body so your arms are flush over your outer right thigh. Left elbow is glued to right knee. Tip forward and rest your hips on your triceps. When you have balance and can hold this pose, slowly bring your legs out to the side, hold and count for five breaths (inhale and exhale). Warning - you will get bruises! Strong, flexible muscles help keep your body youthful and your mind energetic. Practice with diligence and be patient. n Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha. You can normally find her walking her dog, on her yoga mat or blending up fruit smoothies. To learn more about her services visit www.andstretchyoga.com.

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SPORTS

Getting Out Of The Comfort Zone By Jonny Parr Selected images courtesy of Laura Duncan and Koh Tao ProVideo

Sometimes you need a change of scenery to break out of your workout routine. On a recent trip to Thailand, Absolute Fitness’ Jonny Parr went exploring the fitness adventures of Koh Tao.

et’s face it. For most people, improving your health and fitness can often feel like a long, tedious grind. We all know it’s important, but the steps to get there often feel like we’re climbing Everest. This ‘boredom’ factor is a major reason as to why I endorse and encourage activities for individuals that are both fun and interesting. At the same time, they should contribute to improving one’s health and fitness. My recent trip to Koh Tao, Thailand encapsulated all these features plus more.

About Koh Tao Koh Tao is a small, beautiful island on the western shore of Thailand. It attracts countless tourists year-round and is largely renowned for being one of the best sites in the world for scuba-diving. The island offers many activities such as those which are relaxation-oriented (i.e. yoga,

Thailand's Koh Tao region is an adrenaline junkie's paradise

meditation) or, as I prefer, those that push physical and mental limits such as rock-climbing, Muay Thai (combat sport), or even cliff-jumping. In essence, there are activities that can stimulate interest for just about everyone. I decided to partake in two popular endeavours – scuba-diving and rock-climbing. Here’s my experience of each.

Scuba-Diving I worked with two different companies, Big Blue (www.bigbluediving.com) and Roctopus (www.roctopusdive.com), plus one fantastic instructor – Irishman Fergal Killalea. I gained two qualifications – Open Water Diver and

Advanced Open Water Diver. Depending on individual circumstances each course can last around 2-4 days. The Open Water course focuses on key underwater skills, academics, equipment usage and generally improving confidence and awareness of being underwater. There are also four open water dives. The Advanced Open Water diver focuses on you becoming more independent via a number of specialties including perfect buoyancy, navigation, learning to use a diving computer and even a night dive. There are five open water dives on this course.

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This is one incredible experience as moving freely at the bottom of the sea is simply mesmerizing. As you’d expect, the sights and sea-life is what primarily attracts people to dive. However you’ll also improve many physical and mental attributes such as breathing techniques and your ability to stay calm and focused in an unfamiliar environment.

Thailand's reef systems are some of the most abundant in the world.

Thanks to Fergal and both dive schools for this amazing experience!

Rock-Climbing I decided to try my hand at rock climbing with a company named Rock Junkie (www.thailandrockclimbing.com) run by Laura Duncan and David Bennett. I did the ‘Give It A Go’ course which involved a half-day climb on three different climb routes under the expert supervision and guidance of the Rock Junkie team. As someone who has a slight fear of heights I openly admit I was completely out of my comfort zone. However, through the expert support and guidance I received from Laura, I managed to somewhat conquer this genuine lifelong ‘fear’.

The Rock Junkie team starts their ascent of the cliff-face

Dave, who has over 20 years experience climbing, elaborated on this notion of fear and anxiety explaining that it’s present for everyone, but it’s all about learning to control it and use it to your advantage. He was completely right. When you’re faced with hanging off a rock-face, learning to control matters such as my breathing, my footwork, and my ability to strategically plan my next route became vital, and I managed to develop these skills over the course of the day. Being someone who has participated in a host of different fitness ventures over the years, I openly admit rock-climbing was one of the most challenging mental and physical activities I’ve ever taken part in. What’s more it was easily one of the most rewarding. Huge thanks to Laura and Dave plus the rest of the ‘team’ – Jeremy, Andy, Chloe, Neil and Dan! Boredom is an inevitable feeling we will experience at many stages of our life including when we try to reach our health and fitnessrelated goals. It’s important to search for new challenges, new adventures, and as often as we can, get out of our comfort zone. As individuals, this is how we develop and you’ll be left with feelings of achievement, satisfaction, confidence and most importantly happiness. I personally managed this via scuba-diving and rock-climbing. It’s up to you to seek, participate, and master similar matters. I have no doubt you can all do it. n

The view from the top is worth the sweating for!

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SPORTS

Listings

QH RECOMMENDS

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

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

LA CIGALE Tone & Shape

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Prenatal Yoga

Wed & Sat: Using gentle, targeted exercises that can be practiced during the first, second and third trimester, prenatal yoga classes generally focus on poses that strengthen and increase the flexibility of the muscles used during childbirth, while also increasing stamina. The relaxation-inducing practice has been shown to lower stress levels, fight depression and reduce inflammation, among other health benefits. And for mothers-to-be, a prenatal yoga practice can not only relieve stress but also contribute to a healthier pregnancy. Wednesdays from 8:15 p.m. till 9:15 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:15 p.m. till 9:15 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

The Ultimate Core

Sun & Tue: Ozone Gym & Spa. An amazing 30-minute workout that focuses on core muscles to stabilize and strengthen the entire body. Sunday and Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Complimentary for members, non-members pay QR 60 per class. For more information call 4428-8101.

Explosive Cardio

EVERY WEEK

Personal Training

Upon request: The hotel’s fitness instructors are fully-qualified to provide expert guidance and motivation for your workout, ensuring the correct technique to help you get the best results. One session is QR 150 and ten sessions are QR 1,350. From 8:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7621 or email recreation.cpdoha@ihg.com.

Upon request: Experience a personal training session tailored just for you, at the Doha Marriott gym. Whether you choose to squeeze in a quick jog before lunch or a non-stop cardio and strengthening workout with the gym’s experienced and dynamic personal trainer, Andrew Martinez, everything you do will guarantee that you’ll have fun and see results. One hour-long session is QR 150, or a package of eight one-hour sessions is QR 1,080. For more information call 4429-8520.

DOHA MARRIOTT LPG Slimming Machine

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Pi-Yo

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Personal Trainer

Upon request: Adored by stars all over the world and well-known to the general public, the Cellu M6 Keymodule (the Lipomassage machine), is the new alternative to invasive methods. Enjoy a special introductory offer of one LPG treatment plus a 20% discount on a personal training consultation with trainer Adamou. For more information call 4429-8520.

Wednesdays: Pi-Yo combines the musclesculpting, core-firming benefits of Pilates with the strength and flexibility of flowing yoga movements. You'll improve your balance and core power with an intense low-impact workout that will burn crazy calories and sculpt your body. From 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Sun & Tue: Ozone Gym& Spa. This 60-minute endurance cardiovascular training session will burn fat, tone muscles and improve fitness capabilities. Sundays and Tuesdaysat 7:00 p.m. Complimentary for members, non-members pay QR 60 per class. For more information call 4428-8101.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Yoga Classes

Daily (upon request): Balance your mind and body at your choice of time and day. QR 65 for a60-minute session, available seven days a week. For more information call 4419-6090.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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QH SENSATIONS

Top Picks

HILTON DOHA Valentine’s Toast

All-month: Eforea Spa. This Valentine's Day don't just say it with flowers or chocolate...say it with a truly indulgent treatment from Eforea Spa. Book any of the following treatments and enjoy a complimentary Trader Vic’s Signature Mai Tai: a 60-minute Meditation Massage, plus 30-minute Express Facial, or a 60-minute Sports Massage, plus 30-minute body scrub. QR 1,200 per couple for each 90-minute treatment. For more information call 4423-3441.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Valentine‘s Delight,

All-month: Six Senses Spa. Treat yourself and your loved one to an indulgent 30-minute chocolate and brown sugar body scrub followed by a 50-minute full-body massage using soothing rose oil. Complimentary Valentine’s cocktails will complete this relaxing experience. QR 1,400 for 80 minutes. For more information call 4425-6999/6995.

LA CIGALE Valentine’s Activities

Feb 1-14: Ozone Gym & Spa. La Cigale will definitely pamper you this Valentine’s! Book any spa treatment for your darling and let Ozone Gym & Spa indulge you with a complimentary 30-minute Body Massage. From 9:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-8888.

THE FOUR SEASONS Winter Magic

THE RITZ-CARLTON Choco Coco Heaven

All-month:‎ The Spa. Immerse yourself in their heavenly, luxurious signature body treatment, with an exclusive signature chocolate-themed body treatment featuring Choco Body Polish. This is followed by a Chocolate Fondue Body Wrap and a 30-minute massage to finish your sweet journey. QR 600 for 100 minutes. For more information call 4484-8000, or email‎rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Until March 15: The Spa. This treatment fights winter damage and helps skin maintain a healthy glow. Start off with an organic green tea body scrub followed by a hot stone massage to promote relaxation and energy channels, and a full Marine Radiance Facial. You can also enjoy your choice of beverage after the treatment in a colour therapy room or relaxation area. QR 1,325 per person, for two and a half hours. For more information call 4494-8888.

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QH SENSATIONS

Island Bliss The spa's central courtyard

By Ashlee Starratt and Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

We take to the high seas in search of a tranquil spa escape at the newly-opened Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Two Tickets To Paradise Just a short 20-minute boat-ride away from its port majlis at Dhow Harbour, Anantara’s longanticipated Banana Island Resort is a welcome respite from the clutter of the city. Its Maldivesstyle layout featuring private bungalows and overwater villas is a first in Qatar, and though the city skyline is never quite out of view – you still feel like you’ve left it behind. Today we’re here as one of the first few visitors to their Anantara Spa. After our journey over, we disembark along with the rest of the passengers from one of the resort’s catamarans – they have a fleet of eight. The trip was smooth and the interior of the boat resembled the cabin of an airplane – flat-screen TV, comfortable chairs, a galley and spacious lavatory. Guest’s first impression of the island when they arrive is the Polynesian-style architecture of the reception

building and adjacent Wellness Centre. Arched, rustic, coconut-husk roofs reach for the sky, while inside the décor is cool, mystic and tranquil with natural elements, water features and dark wood construction throughout. We take a golf cart from the reception building to the spa which is at the opposite end of the island, driving along the narrow pathways between the villas and the beach. As we go along we get quick snapshots of a few of the island’s eight restaurants, the Surf Centre, tennis courts, children’s playground and Cool Mint Kids Club, plus the nine-hole golf course which straddles the road – and is quite a bit smaller than we envisioned.

Natural wood elements and vegetation greet guests at the spa

After a short, five-minute drive we make our entrance at the Anantara Spa. Warm and tropical, it feels like you’re walking through a giant tree-trunk that’s permeated with natural light. There’s a consultation area and room filled with the brand’s lush wellness and beauty products on display, then the rest of the spa branches off from a central open-air courtyard adorned with bubbling fountain and lush greenery.

Sapphire Room. Each treatment room at Anantara is like a sanctuary unto itself and mine has its own sauna and steam-room, bathroom/shower, sitting area, massage table room, plus a private balcony overlooking the water. Pat is from Thailand and she seats me near a basin by the window to begin the foot ritual. Gently washing and exfoliating my feet in cleansing milk, she explains to me that throughout history this was a traditional practice performed upon the Thai royal family as a sign of respect and supplication.

My therapist Pat takes me to the ladies quarters where I’ll be having my treatment in the spa’s

I’ll be trying the Anantara Signature Massage today and before we get started Pat tells

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The striking architecture of the resort's main visitors' lodge

The spa's hammam room is a study in blue

and beautifully decorated and the ambiance tranquil and soothing. Once on the table with my face in the headrest, my therapist wafts a sort of aromatherapy essence in front of my nose to start the relaxation process. He then proceeds to clean my hands and feet with a warm towel. At this point I’m totally in the zone and ready for my message.

me that she’ll use a combination of Thai and Balinese techniques – including knuckling and some light pounding. She uses revivifying lemongrass massage oil and gets started on my feet. A nice touch at Anantara Spa is that during your consultation they provide you with a diagram where you can circle the areas you’d like your massage therapist to focus on and those to avoid – in case of discomfort, injury or recent surgery. Throughout my treatment I have Pat concentrate on the soles of my feet, my back, shoulders, neck and head. The massage tables are some of the most comfortable I’ve rested on and can be lowered or elevated at the touch of foot-pedal. You know you’ve got a skilled therapist when you wake yourself up snoring not once, but twice throughout the 90-minute treatment! Feeling thoroughly relaxed, I finish up with a cup of calming herbal tea before getting ready to catch the boat back to shore.

Back To Basics The Anantara Spa at the recently-opened Banana Island Resort is an incredible place to experience any type of spa treatment. The entrance to the facility is already a clear sign that you’re in for an amazing treat. The architecture is stunning and the staff warm and welcoming. I was given a tour through the entire spa and there’s no other spa in Doha quite like this one – full of options, its menu is extensive. Today I’ll be trying their 60-minute Back Massage, a treatment that targets the muscles of your trunk and shoulders. The massage helps improve blood circulation, relieve stress and optimize relaxation. I was escorted to the treatment room by my massage therapist. Well, it isn’t actually a treatment room per se; it’s more like an overwater mini-suite with its own bed, bathroom, steam-room and a small balcony overlooking the ocean. The room is magnificent

Throughout its duration, the masseur expertly works my back and shoulder muscles – especially the parts where he feels I have the most tension. The pressure is firm, if not a bit hard for my taste, but I can tell he’s working on my knots caused from stress. When the pressure was a bit much for me I expressed it to him and he gently continued with softer movements. As a whole, the experience was very comfy and enjoyable, my therapist was always cordial and very amicable, and the room itself was enough to make you feel in paradise. If you visit Banana Island, you’ve got to go to the spa and try one of the treatments on offer – it’s a memorable experience just on its own!. n ANANTARA SPA Location: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara Timings: 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily Prices: • QR 800, 90-minute Anantara Signature Massage •QR 520, 60-minute Back Massage Contact Info: Call 4040-5050 or email spa.adoh@anantara.com Non-overnight guests must have a reservation at either the spa or at one of the resort’s restaurants in order to take the boat to the island.

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QH SENSATIONS

Words and selected images by John Hunt

Usually if you say you’re headed for The Netherlands, most people assume that Amsterdam is your destination. It’s an assumption that is being confronted by other cities and regions within Holland. One of these cities is Rotterdam, our destination.

otterdam, just 20-40 minutes by train from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, is shaking off its ‘1970s Industrial’ look and reputation and emerging anew as a city of culture and challenging, striking architecture both new and old. The city is home to a slew of tourist attractions for potential visitors. Old favourites include Euromast (QR 40, www.euromast.nl), an observation tower from which you can get unparalleled 360-degree views not only of the city, but for dozens of miles of The Netherlands’ famously-flat terrain beyond. Likewise, the famous and enigmatic Cube Houses are a Rotterdam staple – a collection

of about 40 regular houses tilted through 45-degrees and held up on individual plinths. These are better seen than described – curious, fascinating and (almost) unique. Rotterdam is a working city, the largest port in Europe. The River Maas that bisects the city, out into the North Sea and beyond, is its life-blood. The ever-popular Spido Harbour Tour (QR 48, www.spido.nl) sees you take to the water for a 75-minute tour, featuring commentary about city landmarks and history as you glide up and down the river. Spido gives you a real ‘feel’ of the city, and is good value. By the time we’d finished at Spido the two of us were famished. The Rotterdam dining scene is awash with trendy, new venues but in Café Rodin (www.rodinrotterdam.nl) we found something more typically Dutch: unpretentious, filling and good value. Rodin is famous for its club sandwiches and so a pair of these, stuffed with chicken, egg and salad (QR 34) seemed the apposite choice. They lived up to their lofty reputation. A newer attraction is the Kunsthal (www.kunsthal.nl), a flexible set of halls which, unusually, house no permanent collections, instead showing a variety of concurrent exhibitions: mainly modern art and popular culture. When we visited, there was a James Bond exhibition on (QR 50). Unfortunately, while

The Kunsthal art exhibition centre

there was no shortage of exhibits, they were appallingly presented, they had let far too many people in, and there was the enforcement of a rule designed to get my blood boiling – ‘no photographs’. Nice venue, idiotic curation. Rotterdam’s newest attraction is the impressive Markthal (www.markthalrotterdam.nl). The Markthal is a giant ‘n’-shaped indoor market which houses a huge array (100+) of restaurants and specialty shops. Just about every cuisine type on earth can be found here. As well as ground level, the Markthal runs to several subterranean levels, with access to a metro station. Above ground, the giant ‘n’ is made up of apartments, some of which look into the hall, and some out onto the city (or both, for the fancy ones!)

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Rotterdam's iconic Cube Houses are an architectural marvel

I usually try and take in a football match when on my travels but, by quirk of fate, the main Rotterdam clubs were playing away during the time we were there. Instead, I took an hour’s train south to the charming town of Den Bosch whose 2nd-tier football club –FC Den Bosch – welcomed me to their press box and whose director of facilities, Guido van de Kamp, presented me with one of the club’s home shirts, saying: “Don’t tell anyone!” Fear not Guido, your secret is safe with me! So… who mentioned Amsterdam?

Tower Of Delight I’ve visited Rotterdam numerous times and stayed in some of the city’s finest hotels, but the last half-dozen visits have seen me return to the five-star Manhattan Hotel Rotterdam, (www.manhattanhotelrotterdam.com), in my view the best hotel in the city.

The impressive interior of Rotterdam's new Markthal

The Manhattan is housed in one of The Netherlands’ tallest towers and scores a huge win over its high-end rivals simply by dint of its location: directly (and I mean directly) opposite Rotterdam Centraal Station. No endless trundling of bags down strange streets when all you want is your bed. The rooms have the view you’d associate with a tower, and, while not huge, are very nicely appointed with free and very fast WiFi. For executive guests there is a lounge open 6:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. which has a computer, printer, TV, hi-fi, newspapers, a coffee machine, snacks and free soft drinks available all day. In the evenings, a free bar is served.

The Manhattan Hotel — outstanding!

Café Rodin's famous chicken club sandwich — fresh and filling

Day-trip over to idyllic Den Bosch and take in a football match

A cardio and weights gym is available 24 hours, but a greater draw for me is dinner, served in a highceilinged room looking directly across at the station. The food here has never been anything less than outstanding. An equally impressive and expansive buffet breakfast will set you up for the day ahead. A double room B&B costs upwards from QR 560 per night. Qatar Airways flies daily to Schiphol Airport using the new 787 Dreamliner, starting from QR 3,100 return. n

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The Dish On Qatar QH SENSATIONS

By Ashlee Starratt

National Sport Day on February 10 is Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of encouraging its population to stay active and adopt a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and teamwork. But our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history of sport goes back long before the World Cup or the Asian Games were ever heard of. This month we peer into the past to explore the Arab traditions of sport and competition that kept our ancestors outdoors and active.

The sport of camel racing is a lucrative one, with top owners and breeders spending millions of riyals on a prize animal

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A falcon in its traditional hood

Camel Racing The competitive spirit of this time-honoured ‘sport of Sheikhs’ is still alive and well in present-day Qatar. Drive just a little ways west outside Doha, past the maze of construction detours the mark the outskirts of Al Rayyan, along the stretch of Dukhan Highway…and you’ll eventually reach the camel racing track at Al Shahaniya. From October to April visitors can take in the spectacle of thousands of camels careening around the purpose-built track over the course of the racing season. A bumpier ride than its equestrian cousin, Qatar made the shift from using human jockeys to having robot versions riding camel-back. With titanium fittings and electronic whips, the mechanical jockeys aren’t all that dissimilar to Iron Man (were he to spend a day at the races that is), and their movements are operated remotely by joystick. The track is only a fraction of the broader community that’s built itself around the Al Shahaniya grounds. Just beyond, you’ll find a bustling encampment of camels and riders who often spend the majority of the racing season ensconced on-site, with their ranks growing as trainers, owners and animals from across the GCC arrive to compete in the lucrative end-of-season events. Taking in a camel race is a great way to observe a tradition unique to the Middle East and parts of Asia, and explore one of the cultural highlights of life in Qatar. From crocheted nosebags, to festive saddlery, we especially love the colourful regalia that many of the camels are decked out in!

Falcon Hunting From GCC-wide falconry festivals, to family Friday afternoons spent hunting in the desert, the sport of falconry in the region is an ancient one. Established more than 5,000 years ago in Iran and spreading east and west throughout the centuries, the sport was eventually brought into Qatar with the Bedouin tribes who populated its remote stretches of land and used the raptors for hunting. Today it’s been a tradition handed down from generation to generation, usually from father, to son, to grandson – although that tradition is changing, as witnessed with Qatar’s first female falconer, and last month’s QH cover subject, German expat Laura Wrede.

Races at the Equestrian Club are free and open to the public

The investment in acquiring and training a bird of prey is no small task – especially if the animal is caught in the wild. For those who go the route of buying a falcon, owners can spend tens of thousands of riyals on the purchase and healthcare of their bird. Transporting the animals outside the country can also be quite a process and it’s not uncommon for falcons to have their own GCC passport and to be seated next to their owners right on the plane! Where the sport is often practiced within the nucleus of the family, it’s a tradition that few outsiders get to witness – unless you’re lucky enough to befriend a local who lets you join them on the hunt. But once out in the desert with the wind in your face, it’s a sight to see these majestic creatures released into the air, chasing the scent of prey.

Equestrian Tradition The popular ethos of the Middle East has long been encapsulated by the image of the Arabian horse – a stallion, pure white in colour, who evokes the fine balance between physical strength and fragile beauty. The most priceless animals are sired from lineages that can be tracked back for generations and are worth tens of millions of riyals. In early tradition, Arabian horses were let loose to race and roam across the desert plains; today lovers of the sport can see them in action at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club. Stabling some of the world’s most expensive pure-bred horses, the club has been hosting regional and international competitions since 1975, and this year marks its 40th anniversary. The racing season runs from October to May with events taking place on Wednesdays and Thursdays and, as of 2008, the club has been the official sponsor of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe held in Longchamp, Paris each year. The grandstands are open to the public free of charge on race days (except for VIP sections, which are ticketed), and affords a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see these incomparable animals in action. To check out their current racing calendar visit www.qrec.gov.qa.

Traditional methods of pearldiving were risky. Read on below to find out why!

Pearl Diving This rich cultural tradition has been a part of Qatar’s recorded heritage since the 18th century. With the coastlines of the peninsula offering a bountiful ground for pearlers it was the country’s main source of income and trade prior to the discovery of oil in 1939. A dangerous sport, early divers in the region would embark on monthslong excursions in the hopes of returning with a full net – as only one in 10,000 oysters holds a pearl. Divers had to have the ability to hold their breath for up to two minutes or more and deep dives at depths of up to 200 feet put them at risk for injuries such as decompression sickness – or ‘the bends’ – and even drowning if they became tangled in their lines. Fishermen would go down equipped with nose-clips, gloves and a bag for the oysters, using two ropes to secure themselves as they ascended and descended – a weighted tie around their foot and a harness around their waist. Also, the threat of marine predators was one that lingered close by as sharks, sea snakes and barracudas would sometimes attack pearl divers as they frantically searched the sea-bed for oysters. Today the tradition lives on in local cultural festivals, and visitors and tourists can still see local fishermen mending their pearling nets and displaying their harvest of pearls at the Souq. n

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It Happened!

English football legend David Beckham (second from left) presents 2015 champion David Ferrer (in orange) with the coveted falcon trophy

QATAR EXXONMOBIL TENNIS OPEN 2015 Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex Jan 5-10, 2015

Runner-up Tomáš Berdych played an intense final match against Ferrer

Selected images courtesy of Raytohgraphy

Doubles champs Rafael Nadal (left) and Juan Mónaco

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Branden Grace took home the trophy at the final

COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS 2015 Doha Golf Club Jan 21-24, 2015

2014 winner Sergio Garcia

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It Happened!

Hundreds gathered to watch the pomp and spectacle of the handball opening ceremony

Images courtesy of Raytohgraphy

24th MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HANDBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 Lusail Multi-Purpose Hall Jan 15, 2015

The Qatar national team faces off against Brazil at the first match of the tournament

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with Author Caroline Carpentier (left) Sheikha Athba bint Thamer Al Thani

llier welcomes H.E. French Ambassador Eric Cheva s dignitaries and distinguished guest

QATAR SUCCESS STORIES: INSPIRING WOMEN BOOK LAUNCH The Residence of France Jan 12, 2015

Caroline with Mrs. Ibtehaj Al Ahmadani (right)

Caroline and Amal Al Aathem (left)

h Ambassador Eric Chevallier, L-R: Caroline Carpentier, H.E. Frenc ational Islamic Bank, and Intern of CEO ei, Shaib Al lbasit Mr. Abdu l of Qatar Chamber Mr. Remy Rowhani, Director-Genera

to be a sponsor Our very own AHB Group is proud Women of Qatar Success Stories: Inspiring

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It Happened!

IL TEATRO NEW MENU TASTING The Four Seasons Jan 21, 2015

Coming all the way from The Four Seasons Milan, Chef Marco Arlotti plates up the appetizers

New Year's Eve was a chic affair at the InterContinental Doha The City's party extravaganza!

NYE BASH ON THE BRIDGE InterContinental Doha The City Dec 31, 2014

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en Grand Hyatt GM Christoph Franz (left) and Coco LattĂŠ's Nicholas s Chrisostomou celebrate with guest

UNDER THE STARS: VIVA LA DIVA The Grand Hyatt Dec 31, 2014

American pop-diva Kym Mazelle took the crowd into the New Year with a powerhouse performance

er The Entertainer CEO and found Donna Benton gives guests a sneak peek of the 2015 edition

THE ENTERTAINER QATAR 2015 LAUNCH The Grand Hyatt Jan 12, 2015

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PHONE DIRECTORY HOTELS / RESTAURANTS Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara 4040-5050 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7777 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa 4445 5555 The Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4888 Hilton Doha 4423-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Johnny Rockets Al Emadi Complex 4455 2792 Hyatt Plaza 4460 4210 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale 4428 8888 Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4419-5000 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6600 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 The Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 The Torch Doha 4446-5600 W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5000 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333 Zubarah Boutique Hotel 4447-0000

AIRLINES Air Arabia 4432-2111 Air India 4441-8423 Egypt Air 4435-2901 Emirates 4438-4477 Etihad Airways 4436-6657 Gulf Air 4499-8000 Qatar Airways 4449-6666

HEALTH / BEAUTY Amaoras RelaxationSpa Angsana Spa Bay View 26, Wellness Centre Bio-Bil Health, Beauty & Spa Ladies Men’s Bliss Bottega Verde Coiffeur Française Dados Beauty Salon Diva Lounge Diplomatic Spa Doha Dental Doha Marriott Spa Ebn Sina Medical Foot Care Centre Lulu Gharafa The Center City Center Four Seasons Spa Frank Provost Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. West Bay GoodLife Chemist City Center The Pearl Guerlain Alfardan Spa Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon La Cigale - Ozone Spa Medical Spa Villaggio Patrice Salon Ritz-Carlton Spa Saray Spa Six Senses Spa Snips Salonon

4408-4085 4434-3152 4496-6410 4493-4433 4483-0989 4453-5555 4483-4535 4468-9211 4498-0033 4431-8488 4484-7412 4431-7766 4429-8520 800-2288 4478-0510 4436-6275 4493-0394 4494-8801 4494-8844 4468-9945 4411-7652 4483-9100 4495-3876 4420-8660 4413-0672 4428-8888 4451-7590 4485-4012 4484-8173 4419-5517 4425-6999 4408-4083

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

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

HOSPITALS / EMERGENCY 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 4439-3333 PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY 4439-2948 QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD & WOMAN PROTECTION HOTLINE 4466-6671

AHMED HASSAN BILAL GROUP 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 Saad St. 4431-4411 Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 Chowking Mamoura 4486-6077 Chowking Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 PUBLICATIONS ABODE/QH Magazines

4427-8416

SHOPPING Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 Hyatt Plaza 4469-4848 Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Maya Paris 4495-3876 4495-3207 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245

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

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

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

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

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

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