Qatar Happening - January 2014 by Qatar Happening

Bilal Penthouses Jan 14.pdf

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Nestled serenely on the 19th and 20th floors, overlooking the azure sea and surrounding landscape, these magnificent penthouses provide their residents with a true haven. Each one is a tranquil, elegant setting for living and relaxing, ideal for romantic evenings and business entertaining alike. Here you will feel connected with the environment around you. The penthouses at Bilal Pearl Suites are in two exclusive options: Duplex Penthouse (4 bedrooms) Penthouse (2bedrooms)

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Table of Contents

pg 82 On The Green At The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

OUT CHECK pening.com

atarhap ion! www.q test informat la for the

JANUARY MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE 7

Chairman’s Letter

Our annual New Year’s address from our Chairman

QH Speaks

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The best of our monthly social media

Top Picks

Rock The Vote!

Viva Brazil

Five-Star Fun

Hit The Decks, Lady!

Events Calendar

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

It Happened

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

Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

TURE ARTS & CUL

Toast the best of the best at this year’s Qatar Choice Awards Eat well, relax and party all weekend at the Oryx Rotana DJ Kinky D brings a whole new breed of sound to Doha’s music scene

Party Hoppin’ Happenings 26

The Laughter Factory is back at the Radisson Blu

Entertainment Listings

We welcome the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture

A Voice For The Ages

Opera star and diva of the stage Sarah Brightman comes to QNCC

A Celebration Of Song

Spreading the sound of music with Moving Young Artists

Arts & Culture Listings 40

Find out everything that’s going on this month

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

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Table of Contents COMMUNITY 41

Top Picks

A Greener Tomorrow

It’s been a year since the CoP18 in Doha. But what’s it’s legacy?

Essence Of Ecuador

Community Listings

Embrace your inner Latino at The Diplomatic Club’s Ecuadorian Festival

Find out everything that’s going on this month

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KIDS CLUB 51

Top Picks

10 Tips For Raising A Reader

When it comes to reading, starting early is best

Kids Club Listings

The Qatar Choice Awards: Rock The Vote!

Fun ideas to do with the kids

ING FOOD & DIN 59

Top Picks

Iron-Clad Excellence 60

A new kid on the block,The Anvil Rooms knows how to do steak. Very well.

A Tasty Treasure

We drop anchor at The Cove for some succulent charcoal grill

Word Of Mouth

Food & Dining Listings

It’s a rainbow of flavours for our contest winner at Market by Jean-Georges in the W Doha. Find out everything that’s going on this month

Top Picks

Meet The Masters

QH Recommends

Fresh-Faced

Our exclusive interview with PGA pro golfer Sergio Garcia

Reasons To Fly

An Educated Approach

Rustic Charm

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Virgin Recommends

We’ve got our eye on the trophy at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

Teeing Off

What you need to know when taking on a personal trainer, from the pros at Absolute Fitness

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing:

Email: editor@qatarhappening.com

Fax:

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Feedback and comments are always welcom Please forward letters to the editor:

info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com

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Have Your Say: e.

IONS QH SENSAT

SPORTS

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

Our favourite monthly must-haves Have you tried the Aroma Visage Facial at Jaula Spa? We give you our take on it Our pick of top destinations If you find yourself in London’s Notting Hill, stop by Book and Kitchen The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Our top five must-see films of the month

102 The Dish On Qatar

Sharpen your mind with these Qatar fun facts

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

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From The Desk Of The Chairman

On the Cover?

Dear friends, January marks the dawn of a new year and I’d like to take this moment to welcome you to 2014 with a look at what lies ahead for Qatar as a nation. This past December 18 commemorated a special milestone for our country as His Highness, our new Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani celebrated his first National Day as our leader. With his strong vision and under his guidance we are set to continue our exponential growth and development in a way that will continue to attract new investors, new skilled immigrants and new visionaries to Qatar. AHB Group and The Art of Business are proud to be a part of that growth, with our mission being to bring the best, most up-to-date events information to all of our Qatar Happening readers, as Doha continues to evolve and broaden its reach as a hub for education and arts and culture. As such, we must look ahead to the crucial work of Qatar Foundation under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, recipient of the George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. The new Qatar National Library, with one of the richest collections of historical prints in the region, is set to open its doors in 2015 and will mark one of the most state-of-the-art educational facilities in the region. The newly inaugurated Hamad bin Khalifa University at Education City continues to be a think-tank of research and development, drawing in new students, faculty and some of the brightest international minds. Her Highness Sheikha Moza’s Education Above All program will also be brought to rural Brazil as part of the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture, where its’ Educate A Child initiative will reach out to marginalized populations. On that front, January marks the start of the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture, continuing the initiative envisioned by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani that commenced with Qatar Japan 2012. Now in its third iteration, the previous Years of Culture and the subsequent ones to follow are indicative of the importance placed on fostering diplomatic and cultural ties with nations that already have strong links with Qatar. They are a beacon for us as a nation, allowing our presence to be seen and heard on the world stage. It’s these highlights, plus many more that give us cause for celebration moving forward into 2014 as Qatar brings itself to the world and we, in turn, want to bring them all to you. For it is our role as a trusted member of the media to share with our readers every triumph and every success. I hope that as you flip through our pages over the next twelve months you will continue to find the kinds of stories and coverage that uplift you, that excite you and that compel you to explore all that our nation has to offer; for we are all a part of its story and hope to continue to be a part for many chapters to come. It is my pleasure to wish all of you a very Happy New Year.

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Chairman

The trophy for this year’s Qatar Choice Awards stands tall Trophy Design & Layout Concept: IFP Qatar & Zahi Srour

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com. Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Finalizer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Lead Designer / Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Listings Coordinator: Marlynne Mallari-Dela Pena 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: Amy Bassett, Ryan Bell, Jacqueline Bodnar,

Leslie Holm, Nadir Khamis, Rico Langer, Sanjaya Munindradasa, Jonny Parr, Charlie Sands, Nitya Shukla, Gerald Tan, Ujwala Thirumurthy

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 11 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group. 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. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50. 2013

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QH Speaks

Tweets Of The Month @qatarday

On this day in 2010, Qatar won the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup…:D

@HuffingtonPost

Sometimes it takes a free burrito to get a student to apply for college.

@Dubaiinformer

#Dubai Expo 2020: More jobs, better salaries?

@alwaleeed

Excited to be at the #Doha Book Fair with @QScience and @BQFP. Make sure to visit our booth to learn more about #openaccess #dohabookfair

@DavidRoads

best of the best We ask, you answer. Here’s the this month, plus from our social media top picks you’re saying! our Editor’s Corner. Here’s what

Editor’s Corner Welcome to the new age! 2014 is here and it’s going to be a blast. I always feel a sense of renewed possibility every January. It’s a month of fresh starts, New Year’s resolutions, or whatever cliché you prefer. But there’s a grain of truth to it – leaving the old year behind and looking ahead does something to a person. I’ve shed a lot of things which I’ve left behind in 2013 and our team and our brand will hopefully continue to grow in every way to make Qatar Happening bigger and even better in the year to come. Speaking of bigger and better, this month we’re proud to announce that the Qatar Choice Awards 2013 will be held at the Renaissance Doha City Center hotel on February 9, 2014 and voting is now open! Log on to www.qatarchoiceawards.com and let your mouse do the talking as you click to vote for your favourites in Doha’s entertainment and hospitality scenes. Best restaurants, best hotels, best clubs, best chefs, best everything! After the success of last year’s event we’re coming back on an even grander scale and want you to be there with us, because after all, the awards wouldn’t happen without you. To find out more about the QCA 2013 flip to our Entertainment section for all the details on how to make your voice heard and your votes count. We’ve got so much more in our pages to offer you this January as well – from interviews with the hippest female DJs currently spinning in Doha, to some of the top-in-the-world golfers who will hit the green at this month’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters tournament, to a very special Qatar-based NGO that’s bringing the sweet sound of music to those who need it most. We hope your New Year gets off to a happening start with us! See you next month,

Ashlee Starratt Editor

Smile, even if it’s fake. Laugh, even if you hurt. Don’t let anyone get to you, you’re beautiful regardless of what anyone says to you

In Your Face we asked our In the spirit of fresh starts, ir New Year’s the at wh Facebook followers be. Here are some of resolutions for 2014 will responses: your inspiring and witty

Lee Davies

To not have to make New Year’s resolutions I can’t keep.

Samrah Shahid To get in shape!

Wonder Claire

Spend more time with my three lovely children

Carole Astin To be happy

Budi Imam Turmudi

My resolutions for 2014: my salary must be increased, getting a job for my brother and sending a visa for my family to visit this lovely country.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

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QCA 2013 AD (Dec 2013) - FTP.pdf

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Entertainment

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

Doha Marriott Pearl Lounge Theme Nights

InterContinental Doha The City Latino @ The City Mondays: Strata. Free dancing classes every Monday from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. and salsa night until closing. QR 65 entrance fee for gentlemen including one drink and free entrance for ladies. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Monday: Ladies Just Wanna Have Fun. Gents QR 100, ladies get 3 free drinks between 9:00 p.m.and 12 midnight. Tuesday: R&B and Funky House. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight. Wednesday: Arabic Night. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight. Thursday: Diva’s Night Out. Gents QR 75, ladies get 3 free drinks between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight. Friday: Chillax. Saturday: Bollywood Meets Hollywood. Ladies get 1 free drink between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight. Sunday: Reggae ‘n Old School.

Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park Happy Hours Daily: Misturado. Don’t miss out on the special happy hour daily 2-for-1 promotion on all house beverages. We dare you to go somewhere else! From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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La Cigale

The St. Regis Doha

Ladies Night

Hollywood Party

Sundays: Madison Piano Bar. Save your Sundays for the vibrant Ladies Night and dedicate your favorite songs to your special one, while 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.

Jan 30 & 31: Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha. Set the scene for a movie event with back-to-back Hollywood-theme party nights at Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Dress to impress! Entry is free, bookings recommended. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

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Entertainment

: s d r a w A e ic o h C r ta a Q e h T

Rock The Vote! By Ashlee Starratt & Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca & Rico Langer

It might be the start of 2014, but this year’s Qatar Choice Awards are set to honour the best in Doha’s entertainment and hospitality industries from the past year. With a glitz ‘n glam gala ceremony to be held on February 9 at the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel it’s time to launch the second round of voting for this year’s finalists! How It Works As the 2013 cycle of the Qatar Choice Awards kicked off in November with a stellar 26 categories for nominees the buzz has started and it hasn’t stopped. With a 100% public voting system, the QCA website at www. qatarchoiceawards.com is where residents of Qatar can go to cast their votes on everything from Favourite Newcomer Restaurant or Hotel, Favourite DJ, Favourite Spa and Favourite Live Music – to name a few. The top five winners and finalists from last year are automatically nominated again in their

respected categories for this year’s event – but it’s up to you to keep them in the top! Some new categories have been added this year as well, such as Favourite Chef, Favourite Fast Food Chain and Favourite Brunch. All new categories are open to public nomination and even the ones from last year too. If you want to try and topple the finalists in any category from last year, there’s an option online to nominate a person, place, event or outlet of your own choice. The first stage of voting ended on December 24 and the top five finalists in all 26 categories will move on to the second stage with launches on

Host Steven Keith Tart kept the show flowing all night long

January 1 and runs all month until January 20. Winners will be determined after the votes are tallied and awards will be announced at the gala on February 9. For a full list of finalist nominees be sure to check out the QCA website! It’s easy – once you go through and vote in each category, you will be prompted to register your details and then, your votes will be validated.

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The Hotel Host

Piano virtuoso Vincent Corver tickles the ivories at last year’s awards ceremony

It was a full house at Al Gassar resort for the 2012 QCA gala

The Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel is one of the premier hotels in Qatar. It’s perfectly located in the West Bay business district, just 15 minutes from Doha International Airport. Gazing out across the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, it’s a destination with a sleek, contemporary edge and a laid-back atmosphere. Like Doha itself, the Renaissance is an elegant mix of modern styling and subtle Arabic influences. You’ll find state-of-the-art technologies and exquisite amenities, yet also a warm welcome and ‘kick-off-your-shoes’ ethos. Whatever brings you here, their navigators will effortlessly connect you with the region’s business and social scene. Step out and explore the 300 stores and other attractions at the City Center Shopping Mall, connected to the hotel. All 257 guest rooms are expressive, yet functionally designed with complete amenities to pamper you. This unique hotel offers an outdoor pool, Vitality Zone fitness centre, Saray Spa and an exciting array of upscale restaurants and bars as well as state-of-the-art meeting facilities. This year’s Qatar Choice Awards will be held in the Renaissance’s majestic grand ballroom, promising the perfect backdrop to a red-carpet, black-tie evening. We hope to see you there!

QCA 2013 CATEGORIES

A Little Bit Of QCA History The Qatar Choice Awards are fully grassroots and homegrown. It’s the only local awards ceremony that recognizes the hard work, talent and genuine effort of the country’s hospitality and entertainment industries. They’ve helped put Qatar on the map as a global destination so it only made sense to make sure the public – those who experience these services every day, have full control of the voting process. After all this is your city, your choice, your lifestyle, your voice. Awards are bestowed in partnership with Qatar Happening Magazine, ILoveQatar.net, IFP Qatar and Naycom and this year’s ceremony is slated to be the biggest and best yet. But we can’t forget our humble roots from only a few years ago when the QCA debuted as part of DIYAFA in November 2011. We hope you’ll make your votes count for this year’s finalists and we’ll see you on the red carpet!

1. Favourite Live Music - Band 2. Favourite Newcomer (Restaurant or Hotel) 3. Favourite Frozen Treats 4. Favourite Delicatessen - Bakery & Chocolate Shop 5. Favourite Family Ambiance 6. Favourite South - East Asian Concept 7. Favourite Themed Restaurant - Creative Concept 8. Favourite Ramadan Tent 9. Favourite Spa 10. Favourite Chef 11. Favourite DJ 12. Favourite Hotel 13. Favourite GM 14. Favourite Individual in Hospitality Industry 15. Favourite Brunch 16. Favourite Arabic Restaurant 17. Favourite Beachfront 18. Favourite Fast Food Chain 19. Favourite Fitness Center 20. Favourite Nightlife Ambiance 21. Favourite Stand-Alone Restaurant 22. Favourite Café 23. Favourite Outdoor Venue -Terrace 24. Favourite Event in 2013 25. Favourite View 26. Favourite Bar, Lounge and Pub

For more information please visit www.qatarchoiceawards.com www.qatarhappening.com www.iloveqatar.net.

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Entertainment Performing At The QCA Ipanema in the Renaissance is famous for serving some seriously delicious and tender meat cuts, but they also have the only authentic Brazilian band in town performing every night except Sundays. Tocandira is the name of the trio who delight diners with their upbeat melodies and Brazilian sounds. Making up the band are Calo Padicha (guitar), Sami Tarik (percussion) and the beautiful Silvia Sol (vocals), and on February 9, they’ll make everyone get up and dance at the gala dinner for the Qatar Choice Awards. Other confirmed artists for this year’s event include, to name a few, concert pianist Sonja Park and Kéyali Mayaga and The Travellers, making sure it will be an unforgettable night of great music and entertainment. The three artists have known each other for a very long time, sharing the same background and passion for music, but it’s in Doha that they finally got together to form a band. If you’ve been to Ipanema then you know that together they have the ability to hypnotize audiences with their rhythms. Calo, Sami and Sol came to Doha in search of a better life, but have found so much more. “We came here looking for security and a better financial situation and safety,” says Calo. “But we’ve fallen in love with the country and our job at Ipanema. We’ve found more creativeness and time to compose our own songs.” This is obvious when you see them onstage as they add that special Brazilian flavour to the lyrics and sounds of everything they play. “We mainly focus [on] Brazilian rhythms such as

Get ready for smooth rhythms and sultry sounds from Tocandira at this year’s Qatar Choice Awards!

Bossa Nova, Batao and Samba, but since we’re in an international environment we also please the audience with jazz, blues and reggae,” says Sami. “I believe we add that special Brazilian touch to those different music styles and people really respond to it.”

Calo “All my family are artists. My mom is a pianist and my father plays the guitar. Music is in my blood. I started playing violin and accordion. I also sing and compose my own songs. I have performed in France and Switzerland and this is my first time in the Middle East.”

Silvia “I started singing when I was very little. My family is full of artists, singers, actors, designers, etc. This is my first time in Qatar and I feel that I am learning so much and growing as an artist. I like being in Doha.”

For this year’s Qatar Choice Awards they promise a unique show completely different to their act in Ipanema. We can’t wait to see and hear what these prodigious musicians have in store – but we’re sure it will have the crowds out on the dance-floor. n

Sami “I don’t remember exactly when I discovered the passion for music, but I know I was very young. I became a professional performer when I was 15 years old. Percussion has always been my thing, but I also play the guitar and sing.”

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Entertainment

A Special Sufi Night By Nitya Shukla

Known globally for his mesmerizing renditions, Qawwali singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is scheduled to perform in Qatar next month. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of his traditional Sufi sounds as we bring you insight into the man behind the music.

akistan has a tradition of producing amazing classical music-based singers who have gone on to attain worldwide name and fame. Singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is certainly not the first however, his illustrious musical lineage goes back 300 years – and his uncle is none other than the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Music is in his genes. Which is what makes a concert by Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, (happening here in Doha next month), an extra special event. Rahat is the sixth-generation musician from his family who continues to sing Qawwali. For the otherwise uninitiated, Qawwali is a form of Sufi music and inspired by the works of Sufi poets such as Rumi and Mirza Ghalib. Rahat was chosen at birth

by his uncle Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan for tutoring in this tradition. Indeed, the late Nusrat has been acclaimed to be one of the greatest voices ever recorded and credited for introducing the Qawwali music form to an international audience up until his death. The burden of carrying forth a legacy surely has its weight, but in the last few years Rahat managed to step out of his uncle’s shadow and create a unique place for himself in the limelight. Besides continuing the tradition of Sufi music and singing Qawwalis, Rahat ended up being a trend-setter in Bollywood after he sang ‘Mann ki Lagan’ from the film Paap (2003), as a play-back singer. His soulful renditions evoked a very strong response in the Indian subcontinent. Within a few months, Rahat inspired filmmakers to incorporate Sufi-based songs on a more regular basis in their films. His songs also made him a multi-award-winning singer, catapulting him to the global arena. All his tracks, like ‘Sajda’, ‘Tere Mast Mast Do Nein’, ‘Tere Or’ and most recently ‘Dil Ka Mijaaz Ishqiya’ from the forthcoming film Dedh Ishqiya have enjoyed a popular reception from his listeners. The Western world has also found ways to collaborate with this talented vocalist, ranging from Massive Attack and Eddie Vedder, to Mel

Rahat’s unique sound has captivated millions

Gibson – Rahat’s vocals were used in the film Apocalypto (2006).In 2013, Rahat conducted a year-long global tour that spanned 30 cities and countless performances. Most reviews of his shows have expansive descriptions of his gayiki (singing). It’s said that the beauty of his singing can be understood without knowing the poetic language or finer nuances of Qawwali music. Rahat’s voice has and continues to evoke a deeply heartfelt response from his audience, surpassing cultural boundaries and making his music universal in nature. Which is why you shouldn’t miss the experience of hearing him perform live. The fact that Qatar is finally ready to host such a talented musician next month is simply a treat to kick-start 2014! Brought to you by Dhoom Events and The Art of Business, for more information on tickets, venue details and show-times stay tuned to Qatar Happening in print and online at www.qatarhappening.com. n

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Entertainment Perk up your weekend with the Friday brunch at Choices

Five-Star Fun By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Oryx Rotana

Conveniently located near the airport, Oryx Rotana has the true spirit of a five-star property. QH stays the night to find out why it’s a go-to destination for business, leisure, and top-notch entertainment any night of the week.

e arrive at the Oryx Rotana on a sunny Thursday morning, ready to explore the food, the nightlife and the ambiance at this downtown destination. The moment we set foot in the hotel we’re greeted by the friendly staff and are immediately enchanted by the opulence of its open-concept, contemporary design. Its location is minutes away from the airport, banking district and the city’s many attractions including the souq and the Museum of Islamic Art. We’re told that the hotel is best suited for business travellers and corporate clients; but in our opinion it caters to everyone, as all its outlets are vibrant, full of energy, and make for a great night out on the town. Before getting the grand tour, we head up to our suite to drop off our bags. The room is elegant and practical, with a living room, separate spacious bedroom, a full bath, second powder

room and a terrace with a view to the city. After we unpack our belongings we get peckish, ready for our first stop on the culinary express which also happens to be one of my personal favourite spots in Doha – the ever-popular The Cellar.

Tapas Time The Cellar opens from 12:00 noon until midnight and the décor is elegant and chic. There are some high tables and some lower ones all around in what seems like a cavernous vault – hence the name. The main attractions of the menu are the Mediterranean tapas. We’re served a wide variety including smoked salmon, tender, juicy beef medallions, succulent Greek lamb chops and yummy albondigas – melt-inyour-mouth meatballs drenched in a rich tomato sauce. A special touch was that The Cellar’s manager used to work in Dubai at a restaurant called La Parrilla in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

The manager there was my aunt and they worked together for six years. This added a very personal touch to the experience and to the service – it’s amazing how small the world really is. All in all it was a wonderful lunch with family and friends. The service is impeccable and the food worthy of seconds and even thirds – the perfect tapas portion sizes definitely make this possible!

Hitting A High Note After leaving The Cellar we go up to our room and rest a little; we have a table booked at the Jazz Club for 7:00 p.m. We’re told the thrumming hotspot holds the reputation as the city’s first official Jazz Club. Slinky and luxurious, the place is ideal for a romantic date or a classy night out. Our hostess Peris rustles up a platter of appetizers for sharing – crunchy coconut shrimp, zesty chicken wings, grilled halloumi and spicy potato poppers. We haven’t been to the club for some time, so we haven’t heard HayWay, their in-house ensemble perform yet. Hailing from Armenia, their combined melodies and stand-out voice of the lead singer are out of this world. For the first half of the night they keep it mellow with low-key jazz classics, but once the midnight hour

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We slept like a baby in the comfy king-size bed in one of the Oryx Rotana’s signature suites

New to The Jazz Club this January: Mane and Cocktails

ORYX ROTANA Location: Al Nahda School Road (Old Airport Road)

Feel like you’re in Spain with a round or three of tempting tapas at The Cellar

hits, they’re all-out rocking our socks off as the space in front of the bar becomes a dance-floor. Now, starting this month in January a new band, Mane and Cocktails, will take over the stage and we can’t wait to come back and check them out as well. After a full-on night of dining and dancing we decide to call it a night and head back to our room.

Spoiled For Choices The next day we wake up to breakfast in bed, tucking in to some omelettes and toast with butter. As all of our meals, the breakfast wasn’t disappointing. A few hours later, after a bit of a lie in, we go down to Choices for brunch. The high ceilings, spectacular modern design,

and plenty of warm natural light add a festive atmosphere for Friday brunch-goers to share, indulge and enjoy. The open kitchen serves up everything from chicken to meat, salads, soups, fish, Indian cuisine, a sushi counter and much more. It’s impossible to try everything, but we do our best. The quality of the food meets a high standard and it’s a family-friendly environment where people from all walks of life can kick back and unwind. All-in-all our stay at the Oryx Rotana could have not been any better -- from the service, to the ambiance, to the quality of the food and the level of entertainment. If you’re passing through Doha on business or want to experience a weekend getaway, Oryx Rotana is the perfect choice. n

Room Rate: QR 800 per night, subject to seasonal variations Contact Info: Call 4402-3333 or visit www.rotana.com/oryxrotana Restaurants & Pubs: • Choices • The Cellar • Sky Lounge • Splash • Jazz Club • Al Nafourah Garden Top Five Things To Do Near The Hotel • Visit the Museum of Islamic Art • Visit the authentic Souq Waqif • Take a walk on the Corniche • Shop at The Mall • Visit Heritage Village

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Entertainment

Hit The Decks, Lady! By Amy Bassett Photography by Leslie Holm

In a club scene dominated by testosterone, Doha has an exciting new resident who’s breaking the mould – DJ Kinky D. We went to find out what all the noise is about.

t’s a Thursday night in 2000 and Kinky D is standing just inside the front entrance to The Candy Bar in Soho, London, perusing a line of more than 100 music-hungry partiers, queuing to gain entry to the most vibing new party on the London scene, ‘Firmed Up’. It’s Kinky’s party, the first club night she’s ever thrown and her first endeavour into the professional DJ circuit. Tonight’s edition is only the third installment of what is to become a wildly popular night out.

This is when Kinky has what many artists would call the ‘Aaaaaaaaaaah’ moment - the moment she realizes that this DJ malarkey could be a ‘thing’, her calling, a career! “The best piece of advice I was ever given was from the guy behind the counter at Wired For Sound, a record store in Hackney. I was in there every week, spending hundreds of pounds on records and I still hadn’t gotten many gigs yet.

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He said to me, ‘Kinky, you’ve got the music, you gotta start your own night”. She hasn’t looked back. Recounting her tales of a DJ’s lifestyle, Kinky D is every bit the energetic and effervescent character that her afro’d silhouette and her playful moniker suggest. I met with Kinky at Lagoona Mall to chat with her about her colourful journey and her grand plans for Doha on a morning after the night before and, we could say, I’ve been perkier. Spend five minutes in Kinky’s company though, whether it’s across a coffee table or in front of the DJ booth and your spirits are instantly lifted. She’s the sort of person who ‘bops rather than walks’ and flashes a megawatt smile with every exchange - the living, breathing definition of joie de vivre! Kinky’s professional career reflects this bubbly nature and supports the ethos that good things happen to good people. Fondly recalling her discovery of music at London clubs and club nights such as Labrynth, Wax Club, Dingwalls, The Wag Club and Soul Weekenders, Kinky took that record store owner’s fateful advice and threw her own party, which was an instant success. Her signature style – flexible and funky – teamed with her ability to mix all genres from 80s, R&B, soul, funk, hip-hop, to disco, house and UK garage led to residencies at legendary clubs Fabric and The End and a whirlwind decade of gigs across the UK, Malaysia, Australia, Mexico, Thailand and at Cannes. Fast forward a few years, back in London and facing burnout, Kinky stepped back from the club scene and jumped into the FM fray at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, presenting ‘Xcess with Kinky D’ four nights a week and rubbing shoulders with many of London’s DJ heavyweights including Benji B, Ras Kwame, Ronnie Herel and Robbo Ranx. “Getting my own show on BBC 1Xtra moved me into the big league. Suddenly I was meeting all the artists whose records I was playing!!”

If you haven’t heard Kinky on the turntables get yourself to the Marriott or the Oryx any given night of the week

Finally, a booking as resident DJ for the Abu Dhabi Film Festival gave Kinky a taste of the sandy lifestyle. A residency at the W Hotel Doha highlighted a gap in the market in Qatar for Kinky’s brand of soulful, eclectic party music and so the decision was made - Doha now has an exciting new resident! “I don’t like EDM. I call it Eternally Disastrous Music. It has no soul and yet it’s what gets played a lot in bars and clubs here. I think people deserve more than this disposable style of music, I think people appreciate higher quality music, better style… One thing I’ve learned over the years – never underestimate your audience!” So she’s here to spread the word, the sound and the good vibes! You can catch Kinky’s all-encompassing party pressure at the Marriott Late Brunch every Friday where she’ll weave her aural treats from a relaxed, brunch-y vibe through to some dance-floor indulgence from 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Should you prefer something a little more laid-back, join in as she

digs deep in the crates for soul, funk and jazz ditties at the Jazz Club at Oryx Rotana every Tuesday. And watch this space! We wrap up our interview and Kinky farewells me to head off for another music meeting with another entertainment manager, to bamboozle another fan with her bouncy personality and trademark grin…..I can’t help but wonder where we’ll hear her next! n Want more Kinky D in your eardrums? Find her on: www.mixcloud.com/KinkyD, www.linkedin.com/in/kinkyd or follow her page on Facebook.

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Entertainment Get your belly laughs with comedian Justin Moorhouse

QH: Are you tweaking your act to be, let’s say, ‘more suitable’ for Qatar or is it no holds barred? JM: I’ll be culturally sensitive, but I’m not writing new jokes for one night! QH: What’s next for you? Are you trying to pursue your TV career any further? If so how is that going? JM: It’s out of my hands. I just work hard and take the chances when they come. QH: If given the chance to play a title role in a movie, who would you star as and why?

Party Hoppin’

Happenings

By Jorge Granda

If you’re in need of a good laugh, there’s absolutely no better place to be this month than at the Radisson Blu. The renowned Laughter Factory is back in town to tickle your funny bone and QH is front row centre.

n January 20-21 some majorly top-notch comedians out of London are hitting the stage to entertain crowds at Shehrazad in the Radisson Blu. We chat with funny-man and main act Justin Moorhouse, to find out more about his special one-night show.

JM: E.T. I look like him. QH: What’s a normal day in the life of Justin Moorhouse? JM: I never have two days the same. QH: Is there anything special you want our readers to know about you? JM: The ear thing in question three. Not true. QH: Can you tell us one of your favourite jokes?

QH: How did you end up pursuing a career in comedy? JM: A lack of talent in doing anything else.

JM: No. You’ll have to buy a ticket. n THE LAUGHTER FACTORY

QH: What do you feel makes you different from other comedians?

Dates: Monday, Jan 20 & Tuesday, Jan 21

JM: If you are true to yourself then that’s all you need. That, and the extra ear.

Time: Show starts at 8:00 p.m.

QH: Tell us about your performance in Doha, what are you bringing to the stage? JM: Nothing except myself.

Venue: Shehrazad at the Radisson Blu Ticket Info: Tickets available at the Radisson Blu’s F&B office or by calling 4428-1673. For more information visit www.thelaughterfactory.com.

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

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KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES MIX & FUSE Happy Hour

Daily: The Lounge. Socialize at The Lounge with the trendiest crowd in Doha while sipping your favourite cocktail and benefit from the 50% discount on selected drinks, cocktails and Tasting & Sharing menu items. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

W DOHA

Half Note Wednesdays

Buddha Bar Night

Jan 31: Wahm Lounge. French-Canadian DJ Nicholas Sechaud is no stranger to the international club and fine-dining scene. Currently resident DJ at the world-renowned Siddhartha Lounge at Grosvenor House Dubai, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nicholas has done a number of residencies across famed bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants worldwide from Italy, Spain, Monaco and Turkey to Uzbekistan and the Philippines. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5323.

PROMOTIONS THE GRAND HYATT Cocktail Classes

Tuesdays: Dunes. The Grand Hyatt presents cocktail classes by celebrity mixologist Anita Stroher, showing off the best classic and modern cocktails for the next party you host. Guests can enjoy the cocktails and a selection of finger food for QR 200. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 7021-8094.

RADISSON BLU Pub Quiz

Mon 27: Shehrazad. Let Geordie Andrew take you through his Pub Quiz challenge. Bring along your team of six players to test your knowledge against the best of Doha. Fantastic prizes for winners!Free entrance. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Omar Sosa Quintet

Jan 6-25: Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha. The home of jazz in the Middle East presents Omar Sosa’s return visit to Doha this January. Don’t miss this energetic and unusual version of jazz that includes Cuban jazz, modern jazz and lots of improvisation! Book early to avoid disappointment. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

W DOHA Lounge & Mingle

Wednesdays: The Lounge. One of the most successful nights out in Doha is back with the upbeat mixes from the DJ Mike Hobson paired with funky saxophone sounds, a trendy crowd and the hip cocktails that have made it the talk-of-the-town night at The Lounge. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Jan 8: Wahm Lounge. Adrien Callier continually amazes the social set, both locally and internationally, with his eclectic style of cross-mixing electronic dance music best defined as nu-disco and house. With a growing number of followers and new projects in the pipeline, he’s definitely the next big name to watch out for in the Middle East. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5323.

Airline Flight Crew Happy Hours

EVERY WEEK

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Rock Star

DOHA MARRIOTT Happy Hour

Daily: The Pearl Lounge. Unwind in chic and elegant surroundings and enjoy their daily happy hour with a 2-for-1 on selected drinks. For more information call 4429-8444.

GOKULAM PARK DOHA Happy Hour

Mon-Sat: D’Illusion. Enjoy a trendy lounge bar with hip aesthetics and chilled-out rhythms. This hangout will have you chilling with its slinky cocktails and delightful snacks. At D’Illusion, socializing will never go out of style. From 6:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. For more information call 4470-8888.

Crew & Hotelier Night

Tuesdays: D’Illusion. Enjoy a night for all crew members and hoteliers. From 6:30 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4470-8888.

Sat-Fri: The Lounge &Aroma. All airline flight crew can enjoy a complimentary 20% discount on the final bill of their dinner 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 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Mondays: Paloma. Join the resident band Connection on stage to perform the songs of your choice. Free drinks for everyone who participates and prizes for the weekly and monthly winners as chosen by the band! For more information call 4484-4444.

Big Night Out

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

Hospitality Night

Sundays: Lava. Rock out to the sounds of DJ Yaser Zain and enjoy a 50% discount on food and beverage for hotel staff. For more information call 4484-4444.

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Entertainment Listings INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Hotelier Night

Tuesdays: Hive. From 6:00 p.m. onwards. Buy-one-get-one free on selected beverages for hotelier staff. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Live DJs

Wed-Fri: Strata. Three themed nights with three talented DJs on the decks from 9:30 p.m. till late. Steve Kz every Wednesday spinning disco, deep and soulful house. Jared McCulloch and friends every Thursday with deep and funky house music and some local guests on selected dates. And finally Sam World and friends every Friday rocking the dance and urban mash-ups. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

ORYX ROTANA Crew Night

Mondays: The Jazz Club. Their crew night gives you more time to bond with those who matter most. Daily from 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Join us and enjoy 20% off on the total bill with the exception of bottled vino and spirits. For more information call 4402-3333.

Hospitality Night

Mondays: The Jazz Club. Every Monday is a great date for our fellow hoteliers, crew members, and all hospitality staff to come and enjoy the best notes of jazz being played by their new in-house band and benefit from a 25% discount on the total food and beverage bill. Be sure to check in early for a great night! Hoteliers can invite up to 3 guests. For more information call 4402-3333.

Diva Tuesdays

Tuesdays: The Jazz Club. Every Tuesday ladies can enjoy one complimentary drink from 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. and after that enjoy a 50% discount on selected cocktails. It’s ladies night at the Jazz Club with buy-one-get-one free on cocktails, selected vino and bubbly and a 25% discount on any giant cocktails. For more information call 4402-3333.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut

Daily: Looking to set sail on the Arabian Gulf, searching for an exclusive dining place or a fun experience? With room for up to 8 people the BBQ Donut will take you along the West Bay shores to enjoy unparalleled views of the city while savouring an exquisite dining experience. QR 180 including chilled juices, mineral water, soft drinks. Rental fees: 1 hour for QR 450, 2 hours for QR 800 and an additional 30 mins for QR 200. For more information call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Ladies Night

Wednesdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Ladies, gather your girlfriends together for a night of cool jazz on a Wednesday evening and receive a complimentary signature cocktail. Buy one cocktail get on complimentary on selected mixed beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

High Heels Night

Wednesdays: Vintage Lounge. Step into the glamourous and elegant Vintage Lounge for a great night out. Ladies enjoy a complimentary second drink between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 50% off selected beverages between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Reggae Nights On The Beach

Wed, Thurs & Fri: Oyster Bay. Get into the rhythm of the Caribbean every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Kick off your shoes, chill out on the beach and enjoy live reggae music by Buggy Nakhente and the Fully Loaded band with singer Rhesa Garnes. Entry is free and on Wednesdays and ladies get a complimentary second drink. Starts at 8:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Louis Armstrong Night

Tuesdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. This is one for the boys! Every Tuesday night, gentlemen receive 50% off on house cocktails. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Hotelier Night

Monday: The Cigar Lounge. Hotel staff can enjoy 30% off their total bill in The Cigar Lounge every Monday evening from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. For more information call 4425-6666.

Happy Hours

Daily: The Sea Lounge & Al Seef. You can save 50% on your favourite brands and house beverages every day at some of our most popular meeting places: Al Seef from 2:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., The Sea Lounge from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and The Cigar Lounge from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

SHERATON DOHA Shisha At The Cove

Daily: Flavourful shisha at The Cove is back! The cool evening breeze and breath-taking view of the lagoon set the perfect ambiance for a relaxed evening with friends. The Cove re-opens offering an aromatic selection of shisha for you to enjoy. Take your pick from grape, mint, cherry, strawberry and melon flavours for QR 100. Open every evening from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

Ladies Night

Tuesdays: Irish Harp. This is by far the coolest ladies night in town. Free entrance for ladies and free-flowing house beverages for ladies until closing. QR 100 for men with one complimentary drink. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

RADISSON BLU Lipstick

Sundays: Qube. Visit Qube every Sunday as they host their famous ladies night ‘Lipstick’ playing a selection of smooth vibes. QR 80, free entrance for ladies before 9.00 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Absolute

Tuesdays: Bubbles on Two. Relax and listen to the tunes of the special guest DJs as they perform a selection of classic R&B every Tuesday night starting at 5:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Text Me Tuesdays

Tuesdays: Qube. New to Qube, make sure you register to ‘Text Me Tuesdays’. You’ll have to come along to see what it’s all about. QR 80, free entrance for ladies before 9.00 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

WEEKENDS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Liquidity Nights

Thurs, Fri & Sat: Liquidity. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays all ladies are entitled for free special cocktails from 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight with live entertainment. Free for ladies, QR 100 for gents. For more information call 4408-7777.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES

Thursdays: The Lounge. The weekend starts at The Lounge. Squeeze Thursday till the last drop, have fun, and experience the most urban European bar in Doha along with beats from the Low Frequency DJs. Try out the cocktails of the future now. Ingredients: Love, fun and class. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cosmopolitan Thursdays

Thursdays: The Square. Starts at 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR300 including selected house beverages and QR 230 including soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

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Bucket Day

Fridays: Hive. Enjoy a bucket of six suds for the price of four, or enjoy a selected bucket cocktail for QR 125 while listening to 70’s music. From 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

ORYX ROTANA Boy’s Night In Town

Saturday: The Jazz Club. It’s finally Boy’s Night Out. Every Saturday gents enjoy a 25% discount on spirit bottles when buying cigars. For more information call 4402-3333.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Barbecue By The Pool

Thurs &Fri: Al Seef. It’s that time of the year again! The heat’s off and the coals are sizzling. Take a seat by the pool and enjoy the finest al fresco dining at Al Seef for QR 215, from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

Crew Night

Saturdays: Cigar Lounge. There’s 30% off the total bill for all airline crew every Saturday in the Cigar Lounge between 8:00 p.m. and midnight. Fly on down! For more information call 4425-6666.

SHERATON DOHA New Band ‘Back To Back’

Daily: Irish Harp. Get ready to party as duo Back To Back performs their rendition of rock chart-toppers. German-born Sabrina mesmerizes with her strong vocals, while Australian Adam accompanies with husky vocals and deft fingers on the guitar. Entrance fee is QR 50 for ladies and QR 60 for men. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

LA CIGALE Friday Night Fever

Fridays: Club 7. Enjoy an exceptional atmosphere and stellar tunes with renowned DJ Roger Choueiry every Friday at Club 7. Ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. Open from 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

RADISSON BLU Lol

Thursdays: Qube. Playing all of your favourite party anthems until the early hours of the morning! QR 80, free entrance for ladies before 9.00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Fab Fridays

Qube. Spice things up with the Cuban resident band guaranteed to warm you up before their special Guest DJ takes the stage. For more information call 4428-1555.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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Entertainment Directory

Nightclubs, Bars & Lounges Bar Rancho’s Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Shehrazad Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel

4446-2222

Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4496-0777

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Liquidity Crowne Plaza – The Business Park

4408-7777

4419-6100

Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

Manhattan Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4425-6666

Club 7 La Cigale

Marina Nightclub Ritz-Carlton Doha

4448-4800

4428-8888

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

Champions West End Renaissance Doha

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

Dunes Lounge Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

Glo Cocktail Bar West End Renaissance Doha Habanos Ritz-Carlton Doha

4419-6100 4484-8000

Jazz at Lincoln Center The St. Regis Doha

4446-0000

Jazz Club Oryx Rotana

4402-3333

4408-7777

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

4429-8888

Qube Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge 4494-8888 Four Seasons The Lounge Kempinski Residence & Suites

4405-3325

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

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Arts & Culture

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

VCUQatar The Gallery Presents Fathi Hassan

Mathaf Maktaba Reading Circle Jan 17: Explore the connection between art and storytelling. This afternoon of readings and activities is suitable for children ages 3-7 years old. Special connections will be made with Mathaf’s current exhibitions. Offered in partnership with the Maktaba Children’s Library Project. From 3:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. with sessions in both English and Arabic. Admission is free, no RSVP necessary. For more information visit www.qma.org.qa.

Museum Of Islamic Ar t Walk-In Gallery Tours Thurs & Sat: Join their museum guides for a tour of MIA’s outstanding collection of Islamic art objects stretching back over 1,000 years and three continents. No booking required, just turn up! Starts at 2:00 p.m.

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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IAID Visual Arts Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. The Visual Arts Program is a progressive course for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced that covers color theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information call 4432-0974 or 4441-1234 or visit www.iaidonline.org.

Jan 15-Feb 27: The Gallery at VCUQatar. In his drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations, Fathi Hassan experiments with the written and spoken word, exploring the theme of ancient languages erased by colonial domination. With invented, Kufic-inspired scripts, he plays with the symbols, textures and calligraphy of his Nubian heritage to explore the space between graphic symbolism and literal meaning in vibrant colours and collage. Open to the public. For more information call 4402-0555 or email Caitlin Doherty at cmdoherty@qatar.vcu.edu.

Mathaf Artist Discussion Jan 29: In a gathering of artists involved in the international residency project ‘From Neighbourhood To Neighbourhoods’, hear their experience of working with the community and the changing city. Featuring keynote speakers Alla Farid, Robert Sember, Malak Helmy, Khalifa Al Obaidly and Amal Khalaf. Starts at 6:00 p.m., admission is free no RSVP necessary. For more information visit www.qma.org.qa.

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Arts & Culture Miguel Blanco Carrasco, Director of Strategic Cultural Relations for the Qatar Museums Authority and Noor Mohammed Al-Chaarani, Project Coordinator for the Office of Strategic Cultural Relations welcome the launch of Qatar Brazil 2014

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By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

January marks the start of the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture, full of vibrant exhibitions, fascinating cinema showcases and so much more. QH explores the ideology behind the movement of Qatar’s push for cross-cultural exchange.

s the 2014 FIFA World Cup gears up to take over Brazil this summer, all eyes are on the Amazonian nation – and Qatar is no exception as it prepares itself for the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture. With strong links already uniting the two countries, the program is as much about education and forging cultural friendships and ties, as it is about diplomacy.

“One of the key objectives of the Years of Culture is to bring people together,” says Miguel Blanco Carrasco, Director of Strategic Cultural Relations for the Qatar Museums Authority. “And culture is one of the best tools to accomplish that goal. People from both countries come together to learn more about each other and experience each other’s cultures, and have a lot of fun in the process.” Qatar Brazil 2014 will mark the third Year of Culture thus far, having grown from an initiative that originated with Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and began with Qatar Japan 2012 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The program blossomed from there, growing and building upon the success of each previous year, the most recent being Qatar UK 2013. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia, China,and Russia are all on the docket as partner countries from 2015 onwards. Though the full roster of events for Qatar Brazil 2014 won’t be announced until later this month, there will definitely be something for everyone. “We are currently preparing our master calendar for Brazil and we have up to 50 events so far,” says Noor Mohammed Al-Chaarani, Project Coordinator for the QMA’s Office of Strategic Cultural Relations. “We’ve mainly focused on activities that were most successful here or in other partner countries. And of course, depending on the relevance for each country there are obviously some things that would be more relevant to Brazil, or to the UK or to Japan etc.” This tailor-made approach isn’t easy – especially when trying to bring knowledge of Qatar to a country as diverse and wide-spread as Brazil.

The logistics can be immensely challenging. “We try to have as wide a geographical reach as possible,” says Miguel. “Again it’s not only about focusing on events in the capital; it’s about reaching out. In Brazil, Sao Paulo, Rio and Brasilia will see a number of activities, but we’re not limiting ourselves to big metropolises. We’re going to other regions as well. For example, we have an exhibition, We Speak Football, which will happen in Joao Pessoa, one of the cities in the north of Brazil. We Speak Football is an exhibition by the QMA and the Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, in partnership with the National Football Museum of Manchester, and it is one of the largest football exhibitions to date. In the year of the World Cup, having such an exhibition coming from Qatar, in partnership with the UK, is a fantastic project.” One of the brightest and most lasting outcomes of the Years of Culture have been the friendships made that transcend all barriers of language and geography. “During Qatar Japan 2012 one of our activities was Qatar Week in Japan – ‘Ferjaan’,” says Noor. “It was a huge event with plenty of Qataris and obviously there was the language barrier. There were some difficulties, so we had set up a volunteer program where Japanese or anyone interested was welcome to assist us. There were approximately 40 or 50 volunteers, and about five of them have already visited Doha. So you see how close our relationship was when we were working one-on-one. They really understood our culture! And that is one of the best highlights; we really got a sense that we delivered Qatar to them and created interest – some of them are even visiting a third time!” In addition to being a platform for emerging artists, the Years of Culture also afford the opportunity to enhance diplomacy and strengthen international bonds, as organizations within Qatar and its partner nations must work closely to sustain the event over the full twelve months.

For Qatar Brazil 2014 we have a really good network of partners and we have the embassies both here in Doha and in Brasilia energetically involved in this programming phase. You can expect some Brazilian highlights here. We want to portray Brazil for what it is – a very exciting, happening, fun place and we hope to succeed in that and bring a bit of Brazil to Doha throughout the year. In Brazil, we want to portray the Qatar of today, as well as the Qatar of the past. That is, we want to emphasize the rich heritage of Qatar and explain what Qatar is about, while also showing the Qatar of the future. We’re doing this through a wide range of programs that include architecture, sport, education and community programs, and of course, there will be art and exhibitions.” To learn more about Qatar Brazil 2014 and to explore the full calendar of activities when it’s announced, visit www.qatarbrazil2014.com. “The Years of Culture is an ongoing project,” says Miguel. “We are already programming for years up to 2022– so we’re quite busy!” We can’t wait to see all the colourful, cultural discoveries that are in store. n

“I’d like first to say that the level of success is not only dependent upon QMA,” says Miguel. “We are the organizers and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa is the originator of the project, but our success is shared between all the different partners that have been working with us throughout the years. Particularly the Ministry of Culture, headed by His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari , has always been a key partner in our projects.

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Arts & Culture

A Voice For The Ages As told to Jorge Granda

They say a star must be a study in contradictions, someone mysterious and difficult to define. If that’s the case, Sarah Brightman strongly qualifies. She is a delicate waif one minute, operatic diva the next. On Sunday, February 9 the world’s biggest selling soprano will perform live in Qatar for the first time at the QNCC. QH has all the details.

arah Brightman is a global recording artist, music icon, actress and humanitarian. She pioneered the classical crossover music movement and is famed for possessing a vocal range of over three octaves. Sarah is the only artist to have simultaneously topped the Billboard dance and classical music charts. Her voice has rung out from theatres, arenas, cathedrals and Olympic stadiums, bringing to life some of the world’s most beautiful music. For the first time in her career she will be visiting Doha with her and bring to the QNCC her Dreamchaser world tour. Sarah’s work transcends any specific musical genre, synthesizing many influences and inspirations into a unique sound and vision. Today, she remains among the world’s most prominent performers, with global sales of 30 million units having received more than 180 gold and platinum awards in over 40 countries. Born and raised in Berkhamsted, England, Sarah began singing and dancing at the age of three. She began her career as a member of the television dance troupe, Hot Gossip and released several successful disco hit singles

as a solo performer. In 1981 Sarah made her West End musical theatre debut in Cats and met composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. She went on to star in several Broadway musicals, including the world renowned The Phantom of the Opera, where she originated the role of Christine Daaé. After many successful years on the musical stage Sarah decided to make a fresh start and resumed her music career with former Enigma co-producer Frank Peterson. Their first release, Dive (1993), was a water-themed pop album. The album gave Sarah her first success as a solo recording artist and garnered a Gold award for exceptional international sales. Sarah and Frank’s second collaboration yielded the pop rock album Fly which catapulted her to fame across Europe with its hit track ‘A Question of Honor’. A subsequent single ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ – which she performed as a duet with tenor Andrea Bocelli became an international success, selling 12 million copies worldwide. Later albums including Eden (1998), La Luna (2000), Harem (2003) and Symphony (2008) all became chart-topping Billboard hits and were accompanied by live world tours.

Super-songstress Sarah Brightman is set to ‘wow’ Doha audiences

Sarah has appeared in several films including Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008), and Stephen Evans’ First Night (2011) starring opposite Richard E. Grant. In addition, she has formed her own production company, Instinct Films, where her first film is currently in pre-production. Brightman will also be part of a three-person crew travelling to the International Space Station on board a Soyuz rocket. Once on the ISS she will orbit the earth 16 times daily and intends to become the first professional musician to sing from space. The final scheduling of her trip to the space station will be determined by Roscosmos and the ISS partners in the coming months. n DREAMCHASER TOUR Date: Feb 9, 2014 Venue: Qatar National Convention Center Timings: Doors open at 7:00 p.m., concert starts at 8:30 p.m. Ticket Info: QR 290 Gold seating Balcony seating QR 390 Platinum seating QR 490 VIP seating QR 750 Tickets are available at Virgin Megastores and online at www.mpremiere.com.

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Arts & Culture

A Celebration Of Song

By Ujwala Thirumurthy Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra & Standard Chartered Bank Location: The Four Seasons Wardrobe: Givenchy dress courtesy of Salam Styling: Maeva Janin & David Martinez for Blue Brush Hair Studio

Moving Young Artists is a Doha-based non-governmental organization (NGO) that is changing the world through the power of music – one note at a time. QH met with founder and concert pianist Sonja Park to learn more.

“T

he best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” One of these beautiful things is the power of music, an art form that is realistic and transcendental at the same time. It is a reflection of the performer, their identity, their emotions. And when music comes from the soul, it can transport you to a mystical world. It can lift your spirits, it can make you melancholic, or it can even make you fall in love.

But few can bring music down to earth like Sonja Park does. A world-renowned pianist, Ms. Park is someone who mirrors the music she plays – honest and from the heart. Since her arrival in Qatar five years ago, she has been giving soul-stirring performances, the most recent one being at Katara with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Her desire to grow and her belief in the healing power of music are translated in the work she

Sonja performs blindfolded at a charity concert event in Pakistan this past November

does through Moving Young Artists (MYA), a non-profit organization founded by Ms. Park and her husband Joris Laenen, along with a dedicated group of like-minded people trying to spread the language of the soul. “We’re here to bring music to people, to guide them and to show them how music can be a great tool of expression,” she says. In a country

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Stealing the spotlight with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

that is constantly reinventing itself, Ms. Park believes that children and youth need proper exposure to arts and culture as a medium for individual and collective change. True to its motto ‘If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you’, MYA plans to tie-up with the Shafallah Center, Dreima Orphanage, hospitals and the Al Noor blind institute in the coming months. Describing her recent performance in Pakistan at a fund-raiser event to tackle avoidable blindness, where she herself performed blind-folded, she says, “The purpose was to experience what music sounds like to someone without sight and how it moves you on many different levels”. Leading a foundation that is just finding its ground in Qatar is definitely a challenge given the tedious approval processes and paperwork. But that’s certainly not a deterrent for Ms. Park. “I’m going to knock on every door and knock until they open, because this is what I believe in, and I’m not giving up”.

MYA has already joined hands with Standard Chartered bank in its global initiative ‘Seeing is Believing’ (SiB) for tackling avoidable blindness and has performed at the charity event held at Katara earlier this year. The foundation has also had great success in partnering with The Four Seasons to support the community’s needs through the passion of music. Apart from being a busy musician, Ms. Park also trains young aspiring talent. “During my time at the Qatar Music Academy, I had 20 students, but I now train from home, and have a small group of six talented, diligent students, one of whom even performed at the recently concluded Ajyal Youth Film Festival. The performance was so impressive that it inspired several Qatari children to come forth and ask about our experiences,” says Ms. Park. MYA aims to reach out to as many schools and universities to help identify young talent and support and encourage them to make music as much a part of their education as academics. It also seeks to collaborate with Qatari musicians as role models for inspiration. Having worked and performed with some of the world’s leading musicians and conductors, Ms. Park believes that the interaction with her audience is what motivates her and deepens her connection with music.

“Whether I’m performing solo or chamber music, the magic of music is inexplicable because it’s an experience we share with the audience. We reciprocate their immediate emotions, and that’s what makes it an out-of-this world performance,” she says. It’s this instant connection that MYA aims to achieve by performing for people everywhere – not just in concert halls or auditoriums, but also at common places like Souq Waqif, parks and museums to share the beauty of music with those who understand it and with those who have never had a chance to experience it. “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness…” Famous English poet John Keats may have written these lines ages ago, but they still hold true. With initiatives such as MYA, the loveliness of music can never pass into nothingness, but will be passed on from one generation to the other. If you wish to learn more about MYA’s activities or Sonja Park’s remarkable journey as a musician, log on to www.movingyoungartists.com or www.sonjapark.org. n

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Arts & Culture Listings RECOMMENDS

Museum Guide

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 MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART MIA Library Visits

Sun, Mon, Wed & Thurs: From 12:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Browse the collection of books and find out more about Islamic art and the museum collections. Visit their dedicated children’s section. For more information visit www.mia.org.qa.

ALRIWAQ DOHA

ONE OF A KIND VCUQATAR Crossing Boundaries Lecture Series

Jan 22: The atrium at VCUQatar. Byung Soo-Eun is founder of VIUM and 212Design, Inc., the first industrial design consulting firm in Korea. Eun and 212Design, Inc. were the driving force behind the exhibition ‘The Vernacular Mirror: Twentieth-Century Design’, which was the major event during ICSID 2001 in Seoul. His seminar titled ‘The Future Is Handmade’ was about Korean craft and its relevance in the contemporary world. He also participated in Seoul Design Festival 2003 where his VIUM-brand products were recognized for the unique way they meld traditional Korean designs with modern interpretations. Starts at 6:00 p.m., open to the public. For more information call 4402-0555 or email Caitlin Doherty at cmdoherty@qatar.vcu.edu.

VCUQATAR MFA Thesis Exhibition by Lina Mahusain

Jan 1-9: The Saffron Hall at VCUQatar. The MFA thesis projects investigate a specific issue or problem in design. They have been synthesized through the development of a design process, investigative research and an individual project of complex scale and scope. The MFA in design studies is the first graduate design program in the Gulf region. Placed amidst a great transformation of the state of Qatar, the program gives students a unique chance to both learn from this historical process and to influence its future development.Open to the public. For more information call 4402-0555 or email Caitlin Doherty at cmdoherty@qatar.vcu.edu.

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

WEEKLY MATHAF Mathaf Voices Tours

Saturdays: Enjoy public tours of Mathaf’s exhibitions every Saturday from 12 noon till 4:00 p.m. Specially-trained local university students give exhibition tours from their own perspectives; perfect for those who believe art says something about our lives. Offered in both English and Arabic, admission is free, no RSVP necessary. For more information visit www.qma.org.qa.

IAID IAID Music Courses

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Offers classes in Classical/ Modern Piano, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and Western Vocals. All music courses incorporate western notations and follow the London College of Music (LCM), University of West London UK syllabus. Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examiners. Non-IAID students are welcome. Call 4432-0974/4441-1234 or visit www.iaidonline.org.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

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

QMA Gallery

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

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

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

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Community

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

Caramel The Sweet Ar t Studios

Sasol & Friends ent Of The Environm

Cake-Decorating Classes

Qatar e-Nature

Learning about the flora and fauna of Qatar is as easy as checking your phone with this new environmentally-focused app launched by Sasol and Friends of the Environment. Free to download on all platforms, Qatar e-Nature is a bilingual resource with a particular focus on students, increasing environmental awareness and containing detailed information and pictures on hundreds of plants, insects and animals, as well as sounds of native and migratory birds. For more information visit www.enature.qa.

Ar ts & Crafts Centre

Doha Mums New Arrivals Coffee Sundays: Hyatt Plaza Starbucks. Starts at 9:30 a.m. Join them in welcoming prospective members to Doha. No need to RSVP - just turn up with a warm welcome for the newbies! For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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Ongoing: Ali Bin Abi Talib Street, New Salata area. Caramel is Qatar’s first comprehensive baking, confectionary and cake-decorating studio.Taught by trained professionals with international experience, get to work on your baking and decorating skills with their one-day workshops. For bookings call 7047-3565 or 4491-5252.

Qatar National Library Heritage Collection Sun & Tues: Come and see Qatar’s heritage! All inquiries related to the visit of the library must be forwarded to the Library Exhibition and Tours officer, who should be able to coordinate and schedule the visits as appropriate. For more information email heritagelibrary@qf.org.qa or call 4454-2555.

Creative Workshops Sat-Thurs: Near Landmark Mall. Starts at 8:30 a.m. till 7:30 p.m. throughout the week and 4:00 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. on Fridays. The Arts and Crafts Centre offers a series of interesting workshops in ceramics, silk painting, glass painting, pencil sketching, oil painting and much more. The aim of the centre is to introduce art in a simple, fun and creative style where everyone can showcase their artistic skills in an enjoyable atmosphere. For more information call 4486-5201 or visit www.artsandcrafts-doha.com.

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Community

A Greener

Tomorrow

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By Charlie Sands

In the year since the international climate change conference CoP18 in Qatar, we speak to environmental group Doha Oasis and Dr. Saif Ali Al-Hajari, founder of the Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC). We asked them both the same question --what is the legacy of the climate change talks in Qatar and how can we build on that legacy to ensure a greener future?

he short answer is: change never happens as quickly as you would like it to. But of course, there is more to it than that, and slowly but surely change is happening to create a real, viable and active environmental network in the country. Co-founder of Doha Oasis, Khalid Al-Mohannadi says: “You know Qatar has been stuck between a rock and a hard place, on the one hand we are told to improve our green credentials, on the other hand the demand for us to produce oil and natural gas has never been higher.” Meanwhile, the ‘godfather’ of the environmental movement in Qatar, according to Khalid, Dr Saif Ali Al-Hajari, who founded the FEC more than three decades ago, expresses his own concerns about climate change: “It is one of the main challenges of human beings. Of course it is a very sensitive issue because without the climate and the environment as we know it, you have nothing. And the solution doesn’t just belong to one country or one group of people but it belongs to everyone, and it requires everyone to change their behaviour.” Although on a positive note Dr Saif says that Qatar is changing fast and is moving in the right direction: “Qatar really invested a lot in COP18,” he says, “because we believe we have a responsibility for the environment. We used to have only a Department of the Environment, but now we have a Ministry. They have created new policies and new laws and they have created new standards for buildings and roads and infrastructure. And we are moving towards solar energy so there are a lot of things going on.” In terms of taking care of the environment and changing habits, the recycling initiative seems a good place to start. Khalid says: “During CoP18 the government officially launched the national recycling initiative Tatweer, but so far there hasn’t been any real push to get this off the ground nationally.”

Attendees pack the auditorium at the Doha 2012 CoP18 U.N. Climate Change Conference

Khalid and his colleague Qasim who runs the events side of the organization Qatar Isis, say the Doha Climate Change Talks were “a bit of an eye-opener” for both of them: “We hardly slept. We spoke to everybody and we learned a lot, and since then we have spent a year researching, visiting other countries and seeking advice on environmental technologies and sustainable solutions.”

“We are Qataris and we have learned that we want to do something to change things.” – Khalid Al-Mohannadi, Co-founder of Doha Oasis So, we are a year on from CoP18, and since then the Qatari president of CoP18 H.E. Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah has handed over the reins to Poland’s Minister of the Environment H.E. Mr. Marcin Korolec, at the recent CoP19 in Warsaw. But what has been the legacy for Qatar? Khalid says: “First of all we have got the support of the government and the private sector and the former Qatar Sustainability Network has been re-launched under the title of Estedama.” Estedama is a new social and educational platform in Qatar that covers all sustainable sectors, with a focus on education, research and community outreach. “And we are now in the process of seeking funds for what will be a nationwide recycling drive under the banner Tatweer,” he adds. Using the latest recycling technologies from Germany with an incentive scheme to encourage people to get on board, the project looks set to deliver one of the most technologically advanced and community-oriented recycling systems anywhere in the world.

Khalid explains: “There will be mini-units in schools, supermarkets and parks, a bit like a vending machine with a bar-code system, where people can go and recycle glass, plastic or cans and they will get points for each item they recycle, which they can turn into rewards. It also sends a signal when it’s nearly full to the head office, so it can be emptied.” The recycling initiative has multiple benefits and add-ons. For example every time one of the units is full Doha Oasis will plant a tree. There are also plans for drive-in recycling stations, where “you don’t even need to get out of your car”. Doha Oasis and Qatar Isis are now planning to help companies now obliged to improve their sustainability credentials, by capacity-building to generate awareness through events and also, to start community outreach programs to educate the next generation. Dr Saif, who runs a weekly FEC camp for kids to discover the flora and fauna of the country, has this to say: “The children who come to our camp are now telling their parents not to throw their rubbish away. This is a start. They are the future.” n

DOHA OASIS AND ESTEDAMA Email: info@dohaoasis.com Facebook: Doha Oasis Twitter: @DohaOasis Website: www.estedama.qa

FRIENDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT 4487-4731 or 4487-4725 The FEC runs a number of programs including A Flower Each Spring, Eco-Kids, and the Hima Fund

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Community Enjoy traditional flavours such as seco de chivo throughout the ten day-long festival

The complex flavours of conchas asados bring the South American seas to your plate

r o d a u c E f O e c n e s s E e h T

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the Diplomatic Club

The first edition of the Ecuadorian Festival takes over The Diplomatic Club this January with its signature flavour. QH has all the details on this Latin celebration of culture and food.

he Diplomatic Club is getting ready to embrace all things Latin as it hosts the first Ecuadorian Festival in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador from January 21-31. The ten day-long fiesta will feature cooking stations with authentic Ecuadorian food and beverages around the pool area, and the themed venue will have traditional artisan crafts displayed all over, submerging guests in a real South American party. Celebrity Chefs Andre Obiol and Juan Naranjo will be flown in from Ecuador to join the culinary team of the club, especially for this event to prepare traditional dishes from their homeland. At the festival many Ecuadorians, Latinos from other countries, and people from other nationalities will enjoy a buffet-style menu, Ecuadorian arts and crafts, folklore customs and much more.

CMY

Chef Andre Oviol will bring a taste of his home country

The Chefs Andre Oviol An award-winning international celebrity chef and published author of numerous cookbooks, Andre was born in Ecuador and has been involved in the food and dining industry since 1994. “I consider myself delivered to service because I inherited the legacy of my parents, who were also involved in the hotel and restaurant business”, Andre says. He is currently the General Manager of COMISERSA, a company dedicated to hotel operations, restaurants, catering, events, seminars and consulting services to public organizations in tourism. He manages 420 employees and sales of over $10 million USD a year. He has also worked as Executive Director of La Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja as evaluator of hotels, restaurants and chefs, as a business consultant specialist in specialized services, higher education, food, hospitality and tourism, among many other prestigious posts.

to Doha this January

Juan Naranjo Chef Naranjo was born in Quito, Ecuador. He is currently the COMISERSA Corporate Chef, operator of Hotel El Conquistador de Cuenca and Hotel Ambato’s Arts de la Table division with a special emphasis on quality, variety, nutrition and health. He began his career in 1990 in Quito’s Swissötel and moved on to become Executive Chef at Dan Carlton Hotel Quito and the Sheraton Guayaquil. He has participated in the Ecuadorian Cuisine Festival at the Park Zug Hotel in Switzerland and at the Cuisine Festival in 2004 at the Sheraton Hotel in Montevideo, Uruguay. He was awarded a silver medal at the 1993 Food Fair in Brazil. n ECUADORIAN FESTIVAL Dates: Jan 21-31 Location: The Diplomatic Club, pool area Price: QR 170 per person, excluding beverages

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CMY

Quality Of Life At Bilal Pearl Suites

Experience luxury in every living space - kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, dining and living area has been intelligently designed to create an experience that stands apart. Luxury two and three bedroom apartments at the most glamorous address in The Middle East â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Pearl , Qatar

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Community

Last year’s Regional Youth Festival opened new paths of dialogue on issues affecting today’s young people

Youth Empowered

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of The Youth Company

Young people in Qatar now have a place to call their own, as The Youth Company offers a nurturing environment to hone their skills and use their creativity to build a brighter tomorrow. QH takes a glimpse at what they’re accomplishing.

ne of the key objectives that The Youth Company (TYC) has been striving to achieve since its establishment in 2010 is to serve as a monopoly for youth-oriented services in the MENA region. Its motto of social enterprise for youth empowerment and development is built on the awareness of certain obstacles that recurrently hamper young people from fully utilizing the resources and opportunities provided to them. TYC addresses five obstacles that can be tackled and help mobilize the youth of the country to a greater level in terms of empowerment and community engagement. These include: transportation, women’s empowerment, environmental action, community engagement, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.TYC has served as a flagship for youth to not only enhance their interpersonal and professional skills, but to also be more actively engaged with community needs and issues, as well as physical well-being through a range of dynamic and fun approaches. “TYC provides not one, but a range of different services for youth who are eager to learn more and develop themselves, “says TYC Chairman and CEO of TYC International, Mohamed Farid. “We offer trainings in professional and

interpersonal skills, such as entrepreneurship and public speaking, internship and volunteer opportunities for valuable professional and community engaging experiences, consulting programs, as well as platforms for youth to step out and bring innovative projects and business ventures to life. However, tailored workshops and jobs form only a part of TYC’s annual agenda of programs,” he adds. “The youth organization also hosts a number of events, competitions and gatherings on a yearly basis that try to place a positive impact on youth and expand their networks within the region.” TYC has been involved with over fifty corporations, organizations and associations, engaged over 27,000 youths and hosts more than six events and workshops annually. Some of its key projects include the Youth Change Everything bi-annual leadership conference, MyQatar: Annual Youth Forum on Environment & Sustainability, the Qatar Sports Film Festival (QSFF) in 2012, Youth in ActionVolunteer Week, and various other initiatives. The largest and most notable project hosted by TYC is undoubtedly the Run The World Festival,

CMY

The 2013 Youth Got Talent event showcased the best young artists and minds

a regional youth sports festival initiated in 2011 and held at Katara beach. Another asset gaining a significant response from the young community is the opening and operation of Youth Hub Qatar, a joint initiative of TYC and Youth Enterprises that is set to be officially launched this month. “Youth Hub Qatar is truly a one-of-its-kind center for youth,” says Mohamed. “Divided into a number of specialized spaces, there’s a studio, a merchandise store, a space for productivity, leisure, and even a fullyequipped gym underway. The facilities in each of these spaces are open for youth to enjoy, and not only will the hub serve as a one-stop shop, but also as an exclusive venue for workshops and events organized by TYC.” n For more information on TYC visit www.theyouthcompany.com.

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AHB Listings - Jan 2014.pdf

12/23/13

9:50 AM

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Community

By The Numbers 52%

If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of your cents, look no further. AES International is here to help, with a regular monthly financial column focusing on personal finance and the global economy. 2013: A Year in Numbers Below we have compiled the approximate performance figures of a number of high-profile stocks, commodities and indices. It looks like there were some interesting results in 2013, especially considering the general conception of what is going on in the financial world. Which numbers surprised you the most?

75%

Apple 10%, Microsoft 48%, Samsung -1%, Google 57%, Vodafone 52%, Facebook 75%

32%

10%

Gold -27%, Wheat -24%, Corn -41%, Oil 2%

Qatar 32%, FTSE 16%, EUROSTOXX 18%, Dow 25%, S & P 29%

-27%

Nikkei 52%, IBovespa -14%, Hang Seng 9% Daimler 61%, Johnson & Johnson 38%, Coca-Cola 10%

16%

38%

11%

AES International is a multi-award winning International Financial Advisory Group. For any extra information concerning expat/ international personal financial planning contact advice@aesinternational.com or visit www.financial-advice.qa.

Sam Instone and John Viney accept a Best Management Team Award for AES International

Shell 5%, ExxonMobil 11%. n

-24%

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ENTER AND WIN! Every month we’ll be running a competition as a bit of fun. This month the prize is dinner for two at the fantastic new La Spiga restaurant at The W Doha. This month’s question is – what was the final score in the prestigious friendly football match held here in Doha between Paris St. Germain and Real Madrid on January 2, 2014? Please send your answers to advice@aesinternational.com and we’ll select and post the winners on our Facebook page at AES QATAR and Tweet the result @AESQatar, so give us a follow.

Dine in style at La Spiga in the W Doha

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ubity Listings mm Clun Cods Ki RECOMMENDS

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

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

Doha Players

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

Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171

French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467

Indian Women’s Association

GREEK COOKING LESSONS Greek Food

Ongoing: Lessons are offered by an experienced cooking instructor in your home for groups of two or three ladies. Throughout the 3-hour long lessons, Mrs. Hara will teach you how to make famous Greek dishes to please your whole family. Printed recipe material is supplied. For more information call 6633-5289.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

VCUQATAR Community Classes

DOHA MUMS Mums Coffee

Jan 5: Do you want to learn the art of design? Book you space now! For more information call 4402-0555 or email info@qatar.vcu.edu.

LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride

Jan 4: Harley-Davidson Shop. The Ladies of Harley meet the first Saturday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the dealership on Salwa Road. Any female Harley-Davidson enthusiast, either rider or passenger, who enjoys socializing and becoming involved with like-minded women can become a member. For more information visit the Ladies Of Harley Facebook page.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

Mondays: Aspire Grand Café. From 9:00 am till 11:00 am. Need a break from the kids? Join us for a kid-free coffee at Aspire Grand Café. No kids please - not even babies! For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

THE TALENTS CENTER Community Classes

Weekdays: Arabic Speaking Lessons For Expats on Thursdays from 11:30a.m. till 12:30 p.m., Lebanese Cuisine on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. till 12:30p.m., Photography For Ladies on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. QR 120 per lesson or QR 500 per five consecutive lessons. Additional classes include Jewellery and Ornaments for Girl Teens on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m., Photography for Girl Teens on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. QR 500 for 8 sessions. For more information e-mail kids@thetalentscenter.com.qa.

4442-4052

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

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598

Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Canadians In Qatar

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

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Kids Club

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

Elite Tennis Academy Mini -Tennis Lessons

Aspire Spor ts Developmen

Sports for Kids Ongoing: Aspire Sport Development is at the heart of a sporting revolution currently taking place in Qatar and around the region. They’re conceiving, promoting and implementing game-changing excellence in sports that is enabling an entire generation of highly-skilled, disciplined and competent young athletes, both Qatari and expat. They’re the country’s premier and the region’s leading sports academy, and their Aspire Active program offers football, agility classes, power walking, fitness games, swimming, boxing, spinning and more. For more information visit www.aspire.qa.

IAID

Doha Mums

Ongoing: Mini-tennis is the best way for children to learn the sport. Research shows it’s essential for children up to the age of 10 to learn the physical skills of running, jumping, balance, co-ordination, throwing and catching, as well as basic tennis skills if they are to reach their full sporting potential. Expect to see lots of these activities in mini-tennis lessons. Allow your children to play in the mini-tennis colour stage that is appropriate to them, this will ensure they enjoy playing the game and gain confidence. For more information visit www.elite-tennisacademy.com.

Cub Scouts

Hip-Hop Classes

All Ages Playgroup

1st Doha Cubs

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

Ongoing: Dar Al Hamam Park. As the weather cools down enjoy some outdoor fun at Dar Al Hamam Park. Undoubtedly one of the best parks in Doha, it’s set far back from the main road and almost all of the play area is covered. Bring drinks, snacks and sunscreen, as they organize a few games on the grass for the kids. Dar Al Hamam Park is next to the Dar Al Hamam roundabout opposite Star Fish Lane Nursery, a few hundred metres from Landmark Mall on Al Markiya Street. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

Thursdays: Doha English Speaking School. This group is part of the British Scouts Association and meetings are from 4:30 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. in the DESS small gym. They provide activities, fun, and games for boys and girls ages 8-10. The Cub program is designed to develop all aspects of a young person’s character and personality. Cubs is run by two fully-warranted Cub Scout Leaders and supported by parents who help when they can. If your child would like to join the worldwide family of Scouting please email Janet Barnett at 1stdohacubs@gmail.com.

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Kids Club

Tips 10 for Raising a Reader

By Jacqueline Bodnar

Kids can learn to become readers with a little effort â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all it takes is a creative nudge in the right direction. We show you how.

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A world of learning and imagination awaits children who cultivate a love for books from a young age

n a society where electronic entertainment seems to be taking centre stage, there’s still hope for such pastimes as reading. Getting children interested in reading regularly while they’re young can help instill a life-long habit that will help them reap plenty of rewards. Reading is good for the brain, as well as the soul. A good book can teach you things, pique your interest, stir your emotions, or make you laugh. Many parents feel their children are always going to reach for a remote control before a book, but there are plenty of ways to help them learn to love what books have to offer.

3. You read, too Even when they are good readers, still take the time to read some stories with them. That way, you can discuss the story afterward and make it a fun activity that you do together. Have a set time each day that you read together, such as right before bedtime. 4. Buy them books Having books in the home at all times encourages reading. Books do not have to be purchased new. You can save a lot of money by visiting used book sales, garage sales and thrift stores.

Here are 10 tips for raising a reader: 1. Get excited Children pay attention to your attitudes, even when you think they don’t. Make reading seem like fun time, rather than a daily chore that has to be done before they can have their real fun. Never treat reading like it’s a punishment or burden. 2. Let them read Even when they first begin to learn how to read, hand the book off to them, so they can read to you. While you may need to help them get through it, they will get better with practice. Scour the library for level-one books (or whatever level they are at) and get them practicing daily.

5. Role model Children need to grow up in a home where they see the adults around them reading. Letting them catch you regularly reading will automatically get them more interested in the idea of doing it themselves. 6. Go to the library often The library is an amazing source for getting kids interested in reading. Take them weekly and let them walk around and explore. Get them a library card so they can start checking out books on their own. 7. Let them choose the books Parents often try to choose the books. This may work for toddlers, but once they are in elementary

school, it may not. Let children explore the shelves and find things that interest them. They are far more likely to read if it’s something they chose and that they find of interest. 8. Create a reading corner Set up a cozy reading corner in your home, complete with a book shelf, bean bag chair, and lamp. Encourage kids to sit there and read. Make it inviting so they will want to visit the corner. 9. Start a kids’ reading club Most people don’t think to do this, but creating a kids’ reading group can be a fun way to get them interested in reading. Just like adult book clubs, they will all read a book, then come together to discuss it. The books can get more challenging as the group progresses in their reading skills. 10. Look for events. Often, author events and story-time events can be found at the library, as well as at performing arts centres. Find some of those to take your child to. They can read the book first, then meet the author, or see the story acted out in a play. n

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Kids Club Sweet and spicy all at the same time, you’ll be craving seconds!

Kitchen Creations Images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha

JeemTV’s celebrity Chef Elias Gemayal from Opal by Gordon Ramsay in the St. Regis Doha gets tangy with a finger-lickin’ good recipe for zesty chicken and honey.

his is an easy week-night meal perfect for older children who want to try their hand at serving up supper to Mom and Dad for change. Coated in honey and ginger and served with a side of crispy garlic crushed potatoes, we can guarantee there won’t be any leftovers!

Zesty Chicken With Honey & Ginger

Ingredients • 1 chicken breast, 1 chicken leg and 2 chicken wings • Zest of 2 limes • Zest of 1 orange • 4 tbsp of honey • 2 tbsp of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into small pieces • Pinch of black pepper • Pinch of salt • 1 red chili – cut and remove the seeds, then cut into fine pieces • 5 pieces of garlic, chopped • 1 large potato, skin on • 1 tbsp butter • ½ cup of corn oil • 2 spring onions, green and white parts finely chopped

Instructions • Wash the chicken pieces in cold water then put them in a big mixing bowl. • Sprinkle the chicken with salt and black pepper • Add 3 tbsps of corn oil and the zest of one orange and one lime, in addition to the lime juice. Then add 4 tbsps of honey. • Peel the ginger and garlic, dice them into small pieces and add to the chicken. • Cut the chili in two halves and remove the seeds. Dice into small pieces and add it to the chicken. • Mix the chicken with the zesty citrus and honey flavours then cover it with plastic wrap. • Put the chicken in the fridge to marinate for at least two hours so it absorbs all the delicious flavours. For extra flavour, leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge overnight. Prepare The Crushed Potatoes • These can be cooked approximately 30 minutes before you are ready to eat. • Wash the potato and keep the skin on, then cut it into medium-sized cubes. • Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover them and a pinch of salt.

• Leave it for approximately 20 minutes to be cooked, or until it becomes soft. • When the potatoes get cooked, take them out of the water and roughly crush them with a fork. • Add 1 tbsp of butter and the sliced spring onions. Keep the potatoes on the side for serving time. • Take the chopped garlic and fry it into a small saucepan with oil. Drain and set aside until the end. Cook The Chicken Chef Elias recommends sealing in all the juices and creating a delicious, golden skin on the chicken, so first you need to cook the chicken on a grill then put it in the oven, as explained in the following steps: • Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. • Heat a grill pan in high temperature. • Put the chicken in that pan and heat each side for approximately 3 minutes. Then put the chicken in an oven tray to be cooked for 15 minutes. Serve • Re-heat the crushed potatoes by putting the saucepan back on the heat for a few minutes. • Put the chicken on a serving platter and scoop out potatoes next to the chicken. • Sprinkle the fried garlic rice on the top of the crushed potato. Use as much garlic as you like to make the crushed potatoes extra delicious! n

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Kids Club The Aqua Park is well worth the drive down Salwa Rd. with wet ‘n wild attractions for the whole family

Family Fun Days Words and images by Charlie Sands

Look forward to some fun days out this New Year with a round-up of ten of the best family-friendly destinations in Qatar. 1. The Sand Dunes Miles and miles of sand, it’s like the perfect sand pit for your kids to play in and mums and dads can enjoy slipping, sliding and gliding down the dunes. So heading off for southern Qatar, whether you go in your own vehicle (a 4x4 is essential here,) or take an organized tour (Arabian Adventures) is a must-do for any visitor to Qatar. Don’t miss the dune bashing, a nerve-wracking yet breathtaking experience and take time to visit the Inland Sea and take a dip away from the noise, stress and pollution of the city – you’ll feel like you’re in another world. In fact, saving the best for last I haven’t actually written about our desert trip yet - so watch this space in future editions of Qatar Happening to see a full review of Qatar’s #1 place of natural beauty. How to get there? Just head to Wakrah, then Messaied and keep heading south until you get to Sealine and reach the end of the road and the start of the dunes.

A bevy of classic cars line the halls of the Sheikh Faisal Museum

2. Aqua Park The Aqua Park ticks all the boxes for a family fun day in Qatar. With splash and slide zones for the tots; to a crazy pirate-themed water adventure with spouts, slides and a giant bucket that fills and spills for older children, plus some hair-raising slides for the adults and teenagers in your party – the Aqua Park is fun fun fun. We went with a few friends, all with kids, making it a little easier for the adults to go and have some fun on the double donut slides: the Boomerango and the Space Boat. To go on these rides you’ll need a special wristband for an extra QR 30 per person, on top of your QR 100 entrance fee for everyone over the age of three. To get there head down Salwa Road out of Doha, take Exit 29, make a u-turn heading back a few hundred metres and turn right. Note: The Park is closed between January and March and only re-opens in April.

3. Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum A very close third, the Sheikh Faisal Museum is the place to go if you want to discover some of the culture and history of Qatar. And although you might think a museum would be boring for the kids, there’s a lot to see here and even young children will enjoy the space to walk around – especially the dozens and dozens of vintage cars and trucks on display. There are also artifacts, weaponry and ornate furniture items housed in some huge halls. Not many people know about this museum and since it’s a half-hour drive out of the city on the Dukhan Highway, we had the place mostly to ourselves. About 20 km past Education City you’ll see a small white sign for the Museum, make a u-turn and drive back towards the city for a few kilometres until you see another white sign where you turn right down a tree-lined avenue to reach the museum.

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Sealine Beach Resort is a great weekend escape from the confines of the city

4. Aspire Zone It was hard to choose a fourth, but since green space is lacking here in Qatar, Aspire deserves some recognition for its wide expanse of grass in Aspire Park, its accessibility and its other facilities, which are extensive. The 880,000 m² Park has large areas of grass centering on an ornamental lake, with two different cafés and several playgrounds. There are plenty of shade-giving trees here and a hill which is great for running up, rolling down and for the views it offers over the park. Spend the day here and you’ll forget you’re in the desert. As such, it’s a very popular place and gets pretty busy on evenings and weekends. And for anyone who likes walking or jogging, there’s a 2.8 km-long rubber-coated track with exercise stations (outdoor gyms) located at several points along the way. There’s also a horse-riding track and football pitches as well as a men’s and a women’s gym and other sports facilities inside the Dome. So if you’re new to Qatar or simply want to see some green, head to Aspire and let the kids run off some steam.

5. Sealine Beach Resort OK so there are lots of beaches in Qatar, and if you really want to get away from it then you might want to try Zekreet or Fuwairit, accessible by 4x4. But what I liked about Sealine was that it was away from Doha, had a nice beach and I could still relax on a sun-lounger and monitor my kids in the toddler pool, plus order some drinks when we got thirsty. Yes, it’s the easy version of a day at the beach, with no need to pack your gazebo, your lunchbox and stock up on supplies. To get there head down the Airport Road, through Wakrah to Messaied, take a right at the first roundabout then follow the signs for Sealine Beach Resort. It gets busy on weekends and the crowds tend to arrive later on in the day, so if you really want to have your cake and eat it too, go early. Sealine also offers jet-skis, sky-boarding and dune buggies, all for an extra fee, and has a gym and two restaurants – one international and one Italian which is next to the pool.

Let the kids roam the jungle gyms at Dar Al Hamam Park

6. Museum of Islamic Art and Park This has to be one of my favourite destinations to spend the day. So much so, that we have spent many days enjoying the park and the walk along the path to the cafés by the sea. The views here of the Corniche are amazing and you’ll enjoy having a drink and a snack, gazing out over the water. The park itself is extensive, with lots of spots for bikes and scooters, a decent playground and lots of shaded areas. There are decent toilet facilities in the park and at the café. Not to miss out on the main attraction, possibly more of interest to adults and older children, is the Museum itself which is absolutely worth a visit. This fantastic homage to art forms in the Islamic world over the centuries has rooms and rooms of artifacts including textiles, china and pottery, jewelry and weaponry from the various periods in Islamic Art history. The building itself is worth a look on its own, with its high vaulted ceiling and iconic design, and its position on a promontory overlooking the bay.

7. Dar Al Hamam Park This is a kids’ park through and through. It has three large playgrounds, a covered one for younger children and another for the five-plus age range and yet another near to the basketball pitch. There are a couple of smaller playgrounds in addition to this. In the middle is a large skating and cycling area where parents can sit and watch their kids do circuits and tricks. And there are a couple of shops selling snacks and drinks, and a flat, terraced area where food vendors come and set up stall in the evenings. Of course in between all the play areas is plenty of grass and some shady trees. To get there head down the D-Ring Expressway and turn left immediately before Landmark Shopping Mall, drive straight and turn right at the first roundabout then right again, the park will be on you right-hand side.

Al Zubarah Fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great day-trip on a Friday or Saturday

8. Simaisma This is a nice beach day out within easy reach of Doha. To get there head north out of the city on either the Al Shamal highway or the Al Khor Coastal Road – either way it’s about 20 minutes after you leave Doha. The beach has plenty shaded areas for families, a couple of playgrounds and of course the sea – which is, like much of this side of Qatar, great for paddling but not that good for swimming because the water is too shallow. There’s a small supermarket if you need to stock up on beach supplies, other than that it’s a one horse town.

9. Northern Qatar OK, so it’s not the desert as in the golden sand dunes of Southern Qatar, but it’s a nice drive through old Qatar, passing fishing towns, some old forts and abandoned villages along the way. And you will definitely feel like you have left Doha. For the best places to stop along the way, check out Fuwairit if you have a 4x4, or Al Ghariya with either kind of vehicle. Both beaches are good places to stop for a break or some lunch. Then, it’s worth stopping at Al Zubarah Fort and the deserted town of Al Zubarah nearby, which was recently added to the World Heritage Site list by UNESCO.

10. Al Wakrah Al Wakrah is an easy 15-minute drive south of Doha and is the nearest stretch of free-to-access sand you will find, since all the beaches in Doha are privately-owned and for paying guests these days. You can park overlooking the beach and take a longish walk to the sea for a paddle, or head to the park which is large, has plenty of grass and a big playground, and above all, has lots of shade. At its centre is a fun fair which gets going at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. There’s also a museum dedicated to marine life and natural history although we could not find it during our visit and information online is scarce. n

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Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS

ONE OF A KIND DOHA MUMS Aspire Park Pre-School Playgroup Ongoing: Join them at the Aspire Park playground for a chat and a chance for the children to run around now that the weather is cooling. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

EVERY WEEK IAID Indian Classical Dance

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Rd. The IAID Indian Dance program is a 7-year certificate course affiliated to the Nalanda Dance Research Centre in Mumbai, India. The course tackles the dance styles of ‘Bharatanatyam’ and ‘Mohiniattam’. Certificates are awarded to its graduates – ‘Prarambhika’ after four years and ‘Kovida’ after seven years. For more information call 4432-0974 or 4441-1234 or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

AL SAMARIYAH EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Horse Riding

Mon-Sun: Opens from 6:30 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. Kids, adults, beginners or advanced, everyone is welcome at ASEC. The riding school is located next to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum on the Dukhan Road in Al Shahaniyah. At ASEC it’s possible to join both group or private lessons. They organize promenades in the forest, competitions, clinics, pony days/camps and lessons as an after-school activity. It’s also possible to celebrate your birthday at ASEC or to have a team-building day with us. For more information call 5525-7203 or email meg_jos@hotmail.com.

HAMILTON AQUATICS Swimming For Kids

IAID Music Courses

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Rd. Offers classes in Classical/Modern Piano, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and Western Vocals. All music courses incorporate Western notations and follow the London College of Music (LCM) syllabus. Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examiners. Non-IAID students are welcome. For more information call 4432-0974 or 4441-1234 or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

Ongoing: They provide quality lessons and training for everyone, from complete beginners to Olympians. Their best swimmer finished sixth at the 2012 Olympic Games. Key features of the program are small class sizes, fully-qualified and experienced teachers and coaches, and a learn-to-swim scheme that allows for individual rates of progression. They currently operate at four locations in Doha: Al Jazeera Academy, Al Maha Academy for Boys, Al Maha Academy for Girls and ACS Doha International School and look forward to helping your children become safe, confident and efficient swimmers. For more information email doha@hamiltonaquatics.ae.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

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Food & Dining

s k c i P p o T â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s This Month

The Grand Hyatt Cooking Classes

InterContinental Doha The City Treat Your Senses Jan 9-31: Prime. Treat yourself with a tailored set menu comprising mouth-watering Prime steaks and get a half-hour massage voucher which can be redeemed in our health club. Set menu for QR 350 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Jan 18: Isaan. The legend is back! Grand Hyatt is pleased to announce the comeback of Chef Wachira Chaipinidnorrachart who has assisted in the opening of the award-winning Thai restaurant, Isaan, and now heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back to join the team in the capacity of Chef de Cuisine. Guests can join Chef Chaipinidnorrachart and his team to learn how to prepare the best Thai recipes in the city for QR 250 including lunch. From 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 7021-8097.

Radisson Blu Win A Fiat 500 Jan 1-April 20: The Italian Job. Dine in the Italian Job and for every QR 100 spent you will be in with a chance to win a Fiat 500! Dinner service starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

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The Torch Doha

The Anvil Rooms

Japanese Food Festival

Signature Steak

Jan 6-12: Flying Carpet. Try out delicacies in Japanese cuisine from the a la carte menu and buffet selection, served from Sunday to Thursday. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

Daily: Choose a signature steak, a side, a sauce and a soft drink for QR 149 available seven days a week. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m., and dinner from 5:30 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685.

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Food & Dining

e c n e l l e c x E d a l C n o r I By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

The Anvil Rooms may be Doha’s newest steakhouse but its menu, presentation and quality of ingredients goes far beyond a simple cut of meat done well, to a level of culinary complexity where every dish tells a story.

igh up on the 28th floor of West Bay’s Tornado Tower – high enough to make your ears pop – waits The Anvil Rooms. Diners are first greeted by a life-size statue of a British bossy as they exit the elevators – part of the restaurant’s clever ‘Follow The Cows’ marketing campaign. But frivolity aside, The Anvil Rooms needs no gimmick, the food speaks for itself and it has much to say. Every attention to detail has been implemented into the design and concept of the space, with its very name evoking a rustic blacksmith’s workshop where cattle and livestock would be fitted for yokes and iron shoes. In fact, a master blacksmith was brought in to craft certain design

elements such as the different-sized anvils on display around the space and the corkscrew iron napkin-holders on every table – each one is unique with a story behind every detail. It’s a quiet evening when we arrive and we’re seated at one of the lush tables next to the bank of windows that wraps itself around the restaurant. The view is spectacular with the bright lights of West Bay and downtown Doha stretching out across the water. Our server Shem is a treat; friendly, vivacious and quick to smile and laugh he brings a relaxed yet attentive element to our experience, answering any question we have and making some winning recommendations.

The first of which is our appetizer. I ordered the crab cake with a celery and shallot aioli, radish salad and spiced tomato sauce while my dining companion revisits the heavenly pumpkin soup with wild mushrooms and a Parmesan crisp for the second time. The soup is rich; sweet, yet earthy from the chanterelles and utterly moreish. The crab cake crumbles under my fork and is imbued with that subtle sweetness indicative of shellfish. The aioli balances the flavour nicely and the radish salad is a cool accompaniment to the kick carried by the dollops of spicy tomato sauce. Everything works nicely together – my only complaint is that I crunched down on a few hunks of crab-shell several times, but that’s par for the course with any crustacean dish. For our mains, my eyes turn out to definitely be bigger than my stomach as my 10-ounce USDA prime fillet arrives. A gorgeous cut of meat, it’s perfectly charred on the outside and deliciously rare and buttery on the inside. Accompanying the steak are some truly delectable side-dishes that we ordered off the menu. The Anvil Rooms

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The USDA prime fillet is 10 ounces of indulgence, with a side of lobster mashed potatoes and crispy fries

Just don’t think about the calories in their New York cheesecake!

has a whole page devoted simply to sides, butters and sauces and it’s hard to tell which steals the show – the meat or its supporting cast of characters. We try the truffled macaroni and cheese, which hands-down I would request, with no exaggeration, as my last meal on Earth, the lobster mashed potatoes, plus a skillet of plump, fragrant wild mushrooms. The truffled mac is burnished with a layer of crunchy, golden cheese and, upon excavation of its molten core, is so creamy and gooey the pasta nearly slides off the spoon. The complexity of the truffle oil adds a dimension that only tender slices of that black gold nugget can. Our lobster mash is also decadent – silky with soft pieces of tender claw meat that offer up a sweet surprise with every mouthful. For my fillet, Shem recommends a sultry Bearnaise sauce and you can’t go wrong with a classic. It complements the meat perfectly and also goes well with the side orders we’ve selected. With all the cream and butter we’ve consumed on our plates tonight, I don’t want to think about the calories!

My dining partner goes for something different and orders the pan-seared sea bass with celeriac, charred leek, mushrooms and baby onions. The presentation is beautiful, with the skin of the sea bass delicately crisp and the flesh flaking away easily on the fork. His silence as he eats tells me he’s savouring and enjoying his food to the max. After our mains are cleared – I left a portion of my steak to take home as it was simply too filling, we take some time to digest and drink in the ambiance before our dessert course. The space is sultry, with dark tones and muted splashes of red. It feels like you’re on top of the world in New York or Tokyo – pure class. Speaking of dessert, though we did not order it this time I feel compelled to mention it – The Anvil Rooms pecan pie is the best slice we’ve ever tried. Laden with candied pralines and dripping with ooey, gooey caramel and a side of home-made cinnamon ice cream, it’s decadence defined and worth the reservation alone. But tonight we try two other creations, their New York baked cheesecake with mixed berries and the piña colada demerara with jelly, pineapple sorbet and coconut espuma. The demerara is the perfect treat to follow a heavy steak dinner; it’s light, foamy, fruity and doesn’t weigh too heavily on your already full belly. The cheesecake, though richer, is equally more-ish with every silken bite.

The pan-seared sea bass is a medley of delicious flavour

Our experience at The Anvil Rooms was reflective of what a restaurant can and should be when attention to detail and quality are the prime objectives. Chef Stuart Collins and his team have taken the basic steakhouse concept and made it extraordinary with their skill, passion and study of what transforms the art of dining, into the art of fine-dining. And that’s no bull. n THE ANVIL ROOMS Location: 28th Floor, Tornado Tower, West Bay Timings: Sun-Thurs: 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. (lunch) 5:30 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. (dinner) Fri & Sat: 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. (lunch) 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. (dinner) Average Meal Price: QR 45 - QR 80, appetizers QR 180 - QR 400, mains QR 16 - QR 25, side-dishes QR 45 - QR 55, desserts Smoking: No Licensed: Yes Contact Info: Call 4499-0685 or www.theanvilrooms.qa.

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Food & Dining

Slice into one of The Cove’s juicy US rib-eye steaks

A Tasty Treasure By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

We drop anchor at The Cove, nestled on the shores of the Sheraton Doha. Reminiscent of a tropical retreat, this outdoor eatery is as much about the ambiance as it is the food.

he Cove may just be one of the city’s best hidden treasures. When I think of the Sheraton, the fiery flavours of Latino or the crowded pulse of the Irish Harp immediately come to mind. Never before had I considered checking out The Cove as a prime dining destination and it’s proven a worthy discovery. Located at the rear of the property past the pool grounds, you follow a palm-lined path to a secluded cove grotto. There you’re greeted by a vibrant Tiki bar that could be straight out of the Seychelles, an open-air kitchen fragrant with the aromas from the charcoal grill and tandoori ovens and the glistening reflection of moonlight off The Cove’s still waters.

of smoked salmon on their Philadelphia roll is succulent, nicely balancing the rich texture of the cream cheese inside. The California roll is a can’t-go-wrong standard and both disappear faster than we can raise our chopsticks. The true stars of the evening are the selections from the charcoal grill. Most of our dining party selects the US rib-eye steak served with red peppercorn sauce, butter-braised bay vegetables and creamy, herbed mashed potatoes. I decide to go for something from the tandoori oven and order the murgh tikka, delightfully tender morsels of chicken marinated in a yogurt base with garlic, ginger and Oriental spices, served with a side of mint sauce and rice.

We’re seated at a small table near the edge of the sand and remark at how pleasant it is to finally be able to sit outside and enjoy a meal now that the good weather is here to stay. There are even some intimate tables set up directly on the beach, chairs in the sand and softly illuminated. There’s quite a nice crowd of people basking in The Cove tonight but the great thing about the space is that it retains its quiet ambiance. Seating arrangements are carefully thought out to allow privacy amongst guests – though later on in the evening a DJ will set up to play, transforming the outdoor terrace into an island party.

Both the steak and the chicken are winners – each of my dining companions admonish how tender the meat is, each cut cooked to their liking and served on a piping hot skillet. The vegetables are steamed, crisp and flavourful, and the potatoes comfort food on a spoon. My chicken packs an equal punch with a barrage of sumptuous spices lending a savoury undertone to the heat of the dish. Nothing beats that delicious, blackened edge to the outer layer of the meat that can only come from a charcoal oven.

For appetizers we start with a choice selection of maki rolls off their sushi menu. The outer layer

For dessert we decide to share the warm chocolate mud cake between us. When it arrives, we attack it with our spoons, making sure to blend each mouthful with heaps of the mixed

Enjoy the spicy kick of the chicken murgh tikka

berry coulis and silken vanilla ice cream. After dessert, we linger, taking in the cool breeze and the luscious smell of shisha coming from the opposite side of the terrace. The Cove recently started offering shisha and it’s quickly propelled its popularity to new heights. Between the palm trees, the soft torch lights, the smells wafting from the grills and the open-fire pit in the centre of the terrace, I feel like I’m at a beach bonfire barbecue back home. The sense of relaxation and enjoyment to be found at this whimsical spot will keep many a guest floating back on the island breeze. n

THE COVE Location: The Sheraton Doha Timings: Sat-Wed: 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Thurs & Fri: 6:00 p.m. till 12 midnight Average Meal Price: QR 45-QR 115, starters & sushi QR 115-QR 185, charcoal grill QR 65-QR 100, tandoori oven QR 30-QR 45, dessert Smoking: Yes Shisha: QR 100, grape, mint, apple, strawberry, watermelon, cherry apple, salloum Licensed: Yes Contact Info: Call 4485-4071 or F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

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Food & Dining Chef Gayantha presides over the kitchen at El Cigar Lounge

Chef ’s Corner Photography by Jessie Palanca

Fancy a gourmet nibble after a long day at the office? Gayantha Rajapaksha Pathiranaga, Executive Pastry Chef at El Cigar Lounge in Katara shows us how to make their signature ECL Burger for the perfect tasty treat. ECL Burger With Crispy Fries And Onion Rings Ingredients • 4 ½ cups flour • ¼ cup butter, room temperature • 3 tbsp sugar • 1 egg, slightly beaten • 2 tsp yeast • 1 ½ cups of milk • 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated • 1 lb ground beef chuck, fatty • ¼ of a head iceberg lettuce • 4 slices of American cheese • 1 fresh tomato • 1 white onion • 4 large potatoes, sliced thick in Weston steak-cut style • 1 dill pickle, sliced • 2 quarts sunflower oil • Dash of salt and pepper Burger Buns • Mix together the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the egg, butter and milk and

mix on low speed until all the flour is absorbed and the dough forms a ball. • Transfer dough to counter and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and supple. Put it back in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap, letting it rest at room temperature for up to 2 hours until the yeast rises and dough doubles in size. • Divide the dough into 3-ounce pieces and shape into round balls. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes in the oven at 204 degrees Celsius. Remove and let cool on rack for an additional 15 minutes. Beef Patties • In a clean mixing bowl add a small dash of sunflower oil to the ground chuck and add in the Parmesan cheese and some pieces of diced onion if you like. Incorporate everything together well, adding in your favourite seasonings and a dash of the salt and pepper. • Shape the mixture into four ½ inch-thick patties and cook in a hot frying pan until meat is no longer bloody inside. Add the American cheese slices to melt on top before removing patties from the pan.

Bite-sized burgers, big-sized flavour

Crispy Fries & Onion Rings • Slice white onion into round ¼ inch circles and dip into the leftover flour mixture until fully coated. Heat one quart of the sunflower oil in a large pot or deep-fryer and add the rings, cooking at 200 degrees Celsius for about 2 or 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove to paper towels to drain any excess oil. Season with salt and pepper. • Rinse the potatoes well and peel. Letting them soak overnight in cold water will help give your fries a better texture. Slice into thick Weston steak-cut style strips and fry in the remaining one quart of sunflower oil at 200 degrees Celsius for 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel to drain and soak up excess oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve fries and onion rings with the hot burger patties and fresh buns. Top with a few leaves of iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato and garnish with your favourite condiments – ketchup, mustard, mayo or relish. We love the special Burgerry sauce used at El Cigar Lounge, but they’re keeping that one a secret! Bon appetit! n

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Food & Dining The roasted butternut squash salad is the perfect blend of sweetness and tang,

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 at a restaurant. It’s our way of giving the community a voice in our pages. This month Karen Campbell samples the offerings at Market by Jean-Georges in the W Doha. Here is her review. QH: What did you order? KC: Appetizers/Soups & Salads: • Tuna tartare with avocado, fennel mignonette, crispy wild rice, QR 90 • Mozzarella, tomato and basil, aged balsamic vinegar, QR 55 • Crispy shrimp, smoked honey mustard, QR 80 • Roasted butternut squash salad, goat cheese, arugula, pumpkin seed, vinaigrette, QR 55

Entreés: • Slowly-cooked salmon, truffle sauce, sugar snap peas, mashed potatoes, QR 125 • Fusilli with mushrooms, lemon cream and Parmesan, QR 65 Desserts: • Raspberry rose pavlova, mascarpone chantilly, raspberry sorbet, QR 50 • Cookie bag, peanut butter, ginger oatmeal, coconut chocolate chip, QR 35

QH: Describe the ambiance. KC: The restaurant décor is chic and modern; the furnishings are stylish and comfortable. The restaurant has achieved the perfect balance when it comes to both lighting and music, with the lighting soft enough to create a pleasant ambiance, yet bright enough to see what you are eating and the music loud enough to hear, but not so loud that it prevents conversation. QH: Describe the quality of the food. KC: Each and every food item that we ordered was scrumptious. The dish of the day for my dining companion was the tuna tartare, which he declared was the best he’d ever tasted. According to the waiter, the restaurant has a secret way of preparing the dish, which could be the reason why it’s so delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed the roasted butternut squash salad, (all the ingredients worked together to create a divine taste sensation) as well as the fusilli with mushrooms, lemon cream and Parmesan, which is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. QH: Describe the quality of the service. KC: The wait staff are attentive without being overbearing. Their knowledge of the menu items is very impressive and anyone with special dietary requirements will be in good hands here as they know the precise ingredients for each dish. The service is efficient and friendly, with the waiters making you feel quite special (and I can attest that on previous visits to this restaurant I have also experienced consistently good service).

QH: Were the prices reasonable? QH: Would you go back? Why/why not? KC: The prices are comparable to restaurants in other five-star hotels, and for the quality of food and service that you receive, the prices are reasonable.

KC: Absolutely. I am already planning my next visit. The quality of food and service cannot be beaten.

Contest winner Karen Campbel l poses with Market’s Culinary Concept Chef Garrison Price

QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? KC: I’m hard-picked to find one favourite thing, as the whole experience was amazing. However, I would like to mention the raspberry pavlova. This is a relatively new menu item, and one that should not be missed. Everybody needs to eat this dessert at least once in their life (but beware, I was informed that it is addictive, so once may not be enough!). QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? KC: I cannot find anything to fault at this restaurant. It is the perfect dining experience. QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? KC: The combination of excellent service, outstanding food and a pleasant ambiance are what makes this dining experience so special. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? KC: I would not change a thing. It was an amazing experience that put a huge smile on my face. Thank you QH and Market by Jean-Georges. n EDITOR’S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in our reader reviews do not reflect in any way those of Qatar Happening Magazine’s staff, directors, management or Editor-in-Chief. All hotel PR food and beverage departments are aware of the content and receive a copy.

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Food & Dining

d n a il a h T : ld r o W t e e w S One Words and images by Gerald Tan

Take your taste buds on a trip around the world without ever leaving Doha as we bring you the sweetest treats from all four corners of the sugar cube. This month we head to Southeast Asia with a traditional Thai dessert that will have you in a sticky situation.

n my first trip to Thailand many moons ago, I was most intrigued by the condiments found on dining tables. Instead of the usual salt and pepper, every host and restaurant offered a four-pot set of seasonings. Designed to help heighten the taste buds, there was dried chili flakes for heat, fish sauce for saltiness, cut chili in vinegar for tang, and sugar. At the time, I found the sugar strangely out-ofplace because I was accustomed to having it only when served tea, not a plate of noodles. I would later learn that the Thai people are serious about sugar. They use it not only to add sweetness to a dish, but also to help soothe the palate when the spice level hits the roof. (As it turns out, coating your tongue with sugar after eating an errant bird’s eye chili is the best remedy available, trumping the usual candidates of iced water, milk and bread). Either way, sugar is an indispensable part of Thai culture. It comes as no shock, then, that the cuisine is brimming with desserts. The sweets of

Thailand are characterized by an overwhelming use of starch and fruit. And unlike the Western traditions, steaming and boiling are the more common preparation methods. Glutinous rice – often called sticky rice because it is the perfect descriptor – appears in every imaginable form. It’s steamed, compressed into balls, grilled in bamboo stalks or banana leaf, and even fermented into a pudding. One popular treat called khao mao tod involves deep-fried bananas coated in glutinous rice flour and grated coconut. The more traditional version uses grains of young sticky rice that are pan-roasted then mixed in with the coconut. Speaking of, coconut is the other staple dessert ingredient. Coconut milk provides a smooth richness and is used much in the same way as heavy cream, except it can’t be whipped. Because coconut cream is also lighter, it often acts as a broth in soupy sweets. Additionally, coconut flesh, which is typically shredded or desiccated, lends fragrance and texture to several desserts. One of the simplest desserts that I love is coconut jelly. The juice of a young coconut is added to an agar-agar solution with sugar then poured back into the empty shell of the fruit to set and serve. On a balmy, subtropical day, one couldn’t ask for more. Naturally, the paramount Thai dessert combines those two elements: glutinous rice and coconut. Loved locally and renowned globally, mango sticky rice or khao neow ma muang is made of cooked glutinous rice, sometimes perfumed with screwpine (pandanus leaf), that’s drenched in coconut milk and accompanied by fresh, juicy mango slices. As a boy, I had my first taste of

Mango sticky rice is a staple on the menu at Isaan in The Grand Hyatt

khao neow ma muang at a street stand in Hat Yai, southern Thailand. It was the perfect introduction to the very sweet world of Thai desserts. n TRY MANGO STICKY RICE HERE: Isaan - Grand Hyatt Doha 4448-1250 Dinner: Daily, 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., Lunch: Friday 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. Asia Live! - Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8472 Dinner: Mon-Sat, 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Jasmine Thai Restaurant - Souq Waqif 5586-0011 Open daily, 3:00 p.m. till midnight

Each month, food journalist Gerald Tan features the desserts of different cuisines and where they can be found in Qatar. Visit his website www.boulangerry.com for recipes and culinary chronicles from his travels or tweet him @geraldotan

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Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS

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Flaming Tiki

Jan 1-31: Trader Vic’s. Warm up this winter in Trader Vic’s and join in for ‘Flaming Tiki’. A variety of flaming dishes will be on offer which will give you an interactive dining experience. For more information call 4423-3333.

THE GRAND HYATT Italian Flair Brunches

THE ST. REGIS DOHA What’s Your Beef?

Sun-Fri: Astor Grill. Astor Grill’s famous 3-course tasting menu features the finest cuts of meat using various cooking techniques that can be paired with a sommelier’s selection. Perfect for meat lovers, tasting classic tender cuts of beef. QR 280 for three courses or QR 380 for three courses with sommelier’s selection. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

PROMOTIONS

DOHA MARRIOTT Re-Launch

CHOWKING Value Meals

Jan 16: JW’s Steakhouse. Featuring a refreshed and re-invigorated interior with new wall displays, enhanced lighting and tasteful soft furnishings, The Marriott is giving the JW’s Steakhouse a new lease on life! Marriott’s signature restaurant and still the best in the city, JW’s Steakhouse offers an exclusive, upscale dining experience. JW’s main courses feature only the finest cuts of US Certified Prime Angus Beef complemented by exquisite spices and sauces. Seafood and salad lovers will not be disappointed by the delicate selection on the menu. For more information call 4429-08499.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA THE BUSINESS PARK Early Bird

THE FOUR SEASONS Chinese New Year Special Menu

Daily: Enjoy dinner for 2 for QR 70-80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call: Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212 Mamoura: 4486-6077 Al Khor: 4411-8816/17 Salwa Road: 4437-1212 Al Sadd St.: 4431-4411 Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/335.

Jan 1-31: Rodizio. Enjoy the unique Brazilian atmosphere and take advantage of their early bird promotion. Just arrive before 7:00 p.m. and receive a 50% discount on the regular all-youcan-eat menu. With daily live entertainment from Tropimambo Trio. QR 265 per adult, QR 130 per child (6-12 years). Children under the age of six dine free of charge. For more information call 4408-7777.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

Jan 31-Feb 6: Nusantao. Celebration will start at Friday Brunch with an emphasis on the Chinese New Year items and then continue with their offer of a set menu which will include a selection of traditional appetizers, soup, main courses and desserts. This menu will be available for both lunch and dinner and the. QR 200. For more information call 4494-8601.

HILTON DOHA Pancake Brunch

Jan 31: Mawasem. Choose from a wide range of freshly-prepared pancakes; enjoy live cooking stations along with delicious carvings accompanied by live entertainment from the house duo. Entertainment for the young ones is available and a pancake-flipping competition will be held. QR 234 per person including unlimited soft drinks and QR 345 per person including unlimited house beverages. For more information call 4423-3112.

Starting Jan 10: Rocca. You like sun-lit brunches but you think January is too cold for outdoors? Rocca brings the sunlight indoors every Friday in January. With its glass walls and the best views of Grand Hyatt’s lovely gardens, pool and the West Bay lagoon this brunch is not to be missed. Book an Italian-inspired brunch at Rocca and indulge in a soft beverage package for QR 280 or a special beverage package for QR 395. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 7021-8096.

Rozhdestvenskiy Dinner & Brunch

Jan 7 & 10: The Grill. Celebrate a traditional Russian Christmas dinner at The Grill. Enjoy a carefully-prepared four-course menu for QR 250 including soft drinks, QR 355 for a special beverage package or QR 125 for children with a selection of traditional appetizers. From 7:00 p.m. till midnight. Then, continue the celebrations on Jan 10 at the Christmas brunch with a live DJ playing the best traditional Russian Christmas tracks. Put your national costume on and get a chance to win an overnight stay at Grand Hyatt Doha for the best costume. Book your soft beverage brunch package for QR 280 or QR 395 for a special beverage package. Ask about your 10% discount for both Rozhdestvenskiy Dinner and Brunch upon presenting your Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) diplomatic ID. For more information call 3000-7513.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER La Galette Des Rois Jan 5-31: Quick Bites. The French tradition ‘La Galette des Rois’ (the flat pastry cake of kings, is available at Quick Bites. Hidden in the cake is a special trinket – will you be the one to receive it? QR 80 for four to six people and QR 100 for six to eight people. From 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Meat & Vine Tasting

Jan 28: Astor Grill. Enjoy an evening of pairing five exquisite red labels with five classic meat dishes. The Head Sommelier will discuss the notes and flavours of selected vinos that work well with different cuts and styles of meat. QR 375 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

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1st Year Anniversary

Jan 16: Hakkasan. Come and celebrate the first anniversary of the award-winning restaurant Hakkasan with supreme cuisine, opulent surroundings and special surprises. From 7:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4446-0170 or email reservation.hakkasan@stregis.com.

THE TORCH DOHA Authentic Indian Specialties

Jan 20-26: Flying Carpet. Savour Indian delicacies served for lunch at Flying Carpet. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

Cooking Classes

Thursdays: The Flying Carpet. Theme nights cooking classes at the Flying Carpet show kitchen. Includes cooking class, themed buffet menu with chilled beverages and welcome drink .QR 250 or QR 300 for Seafood Extravaganza. Maximum number of guests is five per night. From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Chinese New Year

Jan 31: Spice Market. Celebrate the Chinese New Year (Welcome the Year of the Horse), at the iconic brunch in Spice Market, with selected Southeast Asian and Chinese specialties. QR 380 per person including specialty beverages. QR 290 including selected beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

EVERY WEEK CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Phoenician Night

Mondays: Aramede. Enjoy a wide variety of Lebanese and Oriental specialties with live cooking stations and Arabic desserts taking you to the midst of the Orient. QR 150 per adult and QR 75 per child (ages six to 12 years). From 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

By the Sea

Wednesdays: Aramede. Come and enjoy seafood night at their all-day dining restaurant. QR 250 per adult, QR 125 per child (ages six to 12 years). From 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Goose Liver & Vino Promotion

Daily: JW’s Steakhouse. Try something different this month with the delectable ‘Goose Liver & Vino’ promotion only at JW’s Steakhouse. For more information call 4429-8499.

Mexican Cuisine

Sat-Fri: Salsa. Enjoy a lively slice of Mexico at Salsa TexMex Restaurant. Let the authentic, picturesque setting and its colourful charm be an exciting backdrop for an evening full of rich flavours and spices and let our authentic Mariachi Band liven up your dining experience. Whether you opt for your favourite fajita or try something new off the stone plate, at Salsa you’ll find everything you need for the perfect Mexican fiesta. For more information call 4429-8499.

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Food & Dining Listings Traditional Indian Cuisine

Sat-Fri: Taj Rasoi. Elegant yet simple, understated yet rich, these are the characteristics reflected in the authentic Indian ambiance, the tantalizing dishes from various regions of India as well as in the outstanding service at Taj Rasoi. You will be transported into a dining experience full of aromatic herbs and spices, rarely enjoyed elsewhere in the city. For more information call 4429-8499.

THE FOUR SEASONS Authentic Italian Cuisine

Sat-Thurs: Il Teatro. This Italian restaurant is the place to go in Doha for upscale contemporary Italian cuisine. Settle yourself into one of the deep plush chairs and delight your palate with fresh pastas, expertly seasoned sauces and succulent meats. Homemade ice cream provides the perfect finish. Lunch from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m., Dinner from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

Piatto Unico

Sat-Thurs: Il Teatro. Piatto Unico in Italian literally means a one dish meal that is well-balanced, healthy and bountiful. Chef Aldo is delighted to share this unique Italian lunch on a weekly changing basis to suit all tastes. It’s also perfect for those that don’t have much time for lunch and offers great value for a truly Italian experience. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

HILTON DOHA Curry & Creole Nights

Wednesdays: Mawasem. Inviting you to sample the Crazy For Creole menu during the month of January. Enjoy spectacular authentic curry and creole dishes from the heart of the islands. QR 180 food buffet only, drinks packages available. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

Express Breakfast

Daily: Ya Hala Lounge. Enjoy a quick start to your day by having the Express Breakfast at Ya Hala Lounge for QR 49. Enjoy a welcome fresh orange juice, fruit salad, Swiss bircher muesli, a selection of breakfast pastries, jams and preserves and your hot beverage of choice. From 6:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Bakery Happy Hour

Sun-Fri: Gourmet House. The best and most fresh bakery products in the city, on sale every evening from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.! Gourmet House, well known for its products, gives you the chance to purchase them for half-price. For more information call 4405-3326 or email gourmet. doha@kempinski.com.

Camel Milk Chocolate

Sun- Fri: Gourmet Houser. Al Nassma chocolate, the first and finest camel milk chocolate is now exclusively available in Gourmet House! Reflecting the flavours of the region, the premium chocolate uses camel milk as its finest ingredient. From 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3326 or email gourmet.doha@kempinski.com.

Steak & Vino

Sun-Fri: Aroma. The finest meat cuts are paired with a carefully selected glass of vino, taking you on a distinctive gastronomic journey with the Steak & Vino menu at Aroma. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

GRAND HERITAGE Refinement of Ottoman & Modern Turkish Cuisine

Mon -Sat: Agora. Offering modern Turkish and Ottoman dishes inspired by the Black Sea and the Balkan regions with Mediterranean touches. Monday to Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from 1:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Bento Box

Daily: Blue. Lunch-time just got more exciting with Blue’s newly-launched Bento Box. QR 120 per bento box, from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Theme Nights

Sundays: Surf Night (seafood dinner buffet). QR 260 including a glass of house beverage. Tuesdays: Asian Night dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage. Wednesday: Italian night Dinner buffet. QR.225 including a glass of house beverage Thursdays: Phoenician Night dinner buffet. QR 235 including a glass of house beverage. Saturdays: Turf Night dinner buffet. QR 250 including a glass of house beverage Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: International buffet dinner. QR 195 including a glass of house beverage. Friday Brunch: 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. at QR 275 per person including unlimited bubbly, or QR 250 with soft drinks. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Greek BBQ Night

Mondays: Mykonos.Enjoy a variety of mezze with a selection of salads, starters and dips, followed by BBQ freshly prepared on the terrace and end up with a selection of Greek desserts. QR 170, from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Tour of Greece

Tuesdays: Mykonos. Savour a mouth-watering 4-course menu inspired from different Greek regions, from Peloponnese to the Ionian Sea and islands. QR 170, from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Chocolate & Cheese

Wednesdays: Strata. Enjoy a wide selection of cheese and a delicious chocolate display with 2 grape beverages for QR 200. For more information call 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Seafood Night

Wednesdays: The Square. Taste the best seafood dishes in town for QR 350 including selected house beverages and QR 250 including soft drinks and mocktails. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mövenpick Ice-Dreams

Daily: L’espresso Lobby Lounge. Treat yourself to one of the timeless creations of legendary Mövenpick ice cream. Each taste is a masterpiece of culinary inspiration, a work of true gastronomic art. Fashioned with Swiss perfection all the flavours, textures and colours are owed exclusively to natural ingredients. From 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-1111.

Travel The World On A Plate

Mon: Matador Night. Savour enticing Spanish delights with tapas, paella, live cooking and much more for QR 160 per person. Tues: Les Alpes. Enjoy the combination of the finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland for an exclusive gourmet event for QR 160 per person. Wed: TemptAsian. Be tempted by authentic ingredients and aromas. Gather around the teppanyaki table, taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry for QR 160 per person. Thurs: Deep Blue. A simply spectacular buffet of rich, fresh and succulent seafood and fish for QR 180 per person. Fri: Curry, Kare, Kari. Get ‘curried’ away from Southeast Asia to the north of India for QR 160 per person. Sat & Sun: International. Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations for QR 140 per person. For more information call 4429-1111.

RADISSON BLU Raclette

Mondays: Picasso’s. Enjoy a selection of freshcut meats, vegetables and potatoes dipped in scrumptious raclette melted cheese! The perfect evening to share with friends. QR 60, from 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

PAPER MOON Now Open in Doha

Daily: Jaidah Square, Airport Road. A legendary restaurant brand has arrived, delivering a fashionable, relaxed ambiance and luscious Italian food. Yes, Paper Moon’s trademark Italian par excellence in food and service can be savoured in Doha as of now with the opening of its new restaurant at Jaidah Square. From 12:00 noon till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4016-6000.

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ORYX ROTANA Tex Mex BBQ.

Sundays: Choices. Come with your friends to Choices every Sunday and enjoy a special beverage deal with the Tex Mex BBQ night! QR 200 per person including water, soft drinks and chilled juices or QR 280 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try the premium package for QR 320 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. From 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

Asian Night

Mondays: Choices. Every Monday take a culinary journey around Asia as Choices Restaurant features their Asian Night. Watch the expert Thai, Indonesian and Filipino chefs prepare an exquisite buffet of authentic Far Eastern cuisine. QR 200 including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 280 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try the premium package for QR 320 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

Choices Goes Italian

Wednesdays: Choices. Every Wednesday, discover an amazing variety of regional dishes, so well-renowned for the use of fresh classic ingredients while enjoying the live cooking presented by the chefs. QR 200 including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 280 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try the premium package for QR 320 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333 or email oryx.hotel@rotana.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Qanun Player

Daily: The Grill Restaurant. Qanun is a string instrument played in much of the Middle East and is one of the richest-sounding Oriental musical instruments. Join in at The Diplomatic Club every evening for an alluring performance that will entertain you and enhance your appetite. For more information call 4484-7412.

Lobster The Way You Like It

Daily: Al Sayyad Restaurant. Pick out your lobster from the tank and have it prepared in your desired way -- poached, grilled, thermidor, or served over a simple salad. QR 220 per meal. Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activity every Friday (bouncing castle, face-painting) starting on the first Friday of November onwards from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7412.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Gordon Ramsay Classic Menu

Sat, Mon, Tues & Wed: Gordon Ramsay. Experience the magic of Gordon Ramsay as Michelin- starred Chef Gilles Bosquet prepares a 3-course menu featuring an exceptional selection of classic Gordon Ramsay dishes for QR 350. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

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Food & Dining Listings Burger & Pint Nights

Mon, Tues & Wed: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy the tastiest and juiciest burger in Doha! Choose from lamb, fish, Wagyu beef or Opal’s vegetarian burger served with fluffy fat fries and homemade tomato sauce for QR100. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

BBQ Night

Tuesdays: Al Sultan Brahim. Indulge in deliciously-grilled fresh seafood and fish while enjoying the stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Sushi Mania

Mon & Wed: Al Dana. Twice a week choose your favourite from their freshly-prepared sushi, maki and sashimi for QR 185 or QR 215 with sake. Children ages 6-12 years old enjoy a 50% discount off the price of their meals. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information visit call 4425-6666.

Weekly Italian Night

Wednesdays: Al Liwan. The best of regional Italian cuisine, from the fragrant risottos of the north to the sumptuous seafood of the south, it’s all brought together every week for their Wednesday Italian extravaganza. Prego! QR 250 with soft drinks or QR 360 including house beverages. From 6:30 p.m. 11:00 p.m.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Complimentary Antipasto Platter Daily: Cucina, The Italian Kitchen. Order any QR 75 medium pizza or medium pasta and receive a complimentary antipasto platter.For more information call 4419-6100.

Buffet Dinner

Sun-Thurs: Crossroads Kitchen. Indulge in Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Indian and Arabic cuisines prepared at live cooking theatres from QR 195. Valet parking included. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

Indian Night

Wednesdays: Crossroads Kitchen. Enjoy delicious biryani, curry, laksa, koftas, tandoori, samosas and more. Live cooking stations featuring all your favourites from the North, South, East and West. QR 195 includes soft beverages. Valet parking included. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

Gourmet Sushi

Sundays: Glo Cocktail Lounge. All you can eat maki, nigiri and temaki. Excludes beverages. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 195. For more information call 4419-6100.

SHERATON DOHA Pizza & Peroni

Sundays: La Veranda. Delight your palate with delicious pizzas. All you can eat pizza with Peroni and suds every Sunday. For more information call 4485-4071 or www.laverandadoha.com.

Parillada Night

Sun & Wed: Latino. All-you-can-eat Argentinian parillada served at your table including salad and dessert buffet and live entertainment. QR 190 food only or QR 270 with house beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

Al Hubara Themed Buffets

Sun, Mon &Tues: International Night; Wed & Thurs: Seafood Night; Fri: Southeast Asian Night; Sat: Arabian Night. QR 210 Friday to Tuesday; QR 280 Wednesday and Thursday. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

THE TORCH DOHA Tex-Mex Night

Wednesdays: Flying Carpet. Try Latino specialties with a wide selection of steaks, burgers and hot dogs for QR 190. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Game Specialties

Daily: Three Sixty. A favourite throughout the world, experience premium venison tenderloin, duck and goose specialties at Doha’s only revolving restaurant. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Theme Nights At Grand Gourmet

Saturdays: Italian Night. QR 150 per person. Mondays: Far Eastern Night. QR 150 per person. Wednesdays: Seafood Night. QR 200 per person. Fridays: Arabian Night. QR 165 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/333.

WEEKEND DOHA MARRIOTT Gourmet Route

Thursdays: The Gallery. Enjoy something for everyone, with highlights from their specialty restaurants and experience a gourmet buffet taste sensation! QR 225 regular and QR 320 with bubbly. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE Sushi & Steak

Saturdays: Blue. Enjoy a sharing sushi platter along with your choice of US tenderloin steak. An option of Wagyu beef can be upgraded with just an additional QR 50.From 12:30 noon till midnight, for QR 215. Children five years old and younger dine with Blue’s compliments. For more information call 4445-5555.

HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Malaysian Hi Tea

Sat: Lagenda. Enjoy delicious Asian cuisine and free-flowing Tarik tea for QR 110 and QR 55 for children between the ages of 4 to 12 years. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4333.

ORYX ROTANA Indian Flavours

Fridays: Choices. Turn your Friday evenings into a celebration of Indian flavours, colours and aromas for QR 160 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 240 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try their premium package for QR 290 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

Sushi & Sashimi Night

Saturdays: Choices. Head to Choices and enjoy unlimited fresh sushi, sashimi and delectable Japanese treats. Give in to your cravings and indulge in the authentic art of yakitori grilling. There’s simply no finer option than Choices for freshly -made and expertly-created, inventive sushi. QR 200 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks, QR 280 including unlimited selected house beverages or try the premium package for QR 320 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Seafood Night At Al Liwan

Thursdays: Delicious jewels from the ocean depths are displayed in a tantalizing seafood buffet every Thursday evening. If marine delicacies are your taste, then this is sure to please. QR 280 including soft drinks or QR 390 including house beverages from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information visit www.facebook.com/sharqvillageandspa.

W DOHA Burger Nights

Saturdays: Market by Jean-Georges. Choose your favourite burger, your favourite side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection for QR 110. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

Sushi Night

Saturdays: Spice Market. Add some flavour to the start of the week with Spice Market’s comprehensive sushi menu featuring assorted sushi, nigiri, maki and sashimi prepared with the secret condiments of three-Michelin star chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and his expert team. QR 230, from 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

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RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Seafood Night

Thursdays: Crossroads Kitchen. Tiger prawns, mussels, tuna, oysters and the freshest sushi in town! Try the Mongolian stir-fry station where the chef mixes chicken, beef, lamb or seafood with crunchy vegetables. There’s also a delicious chocolate fountain and pastries for the sweet tooths. QR 225 including soft beverages and QR 285 including selected beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Sushi Fiesta

Thurs & Sat: Chopsticks Restaurant. Immerse yourself in an electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters from the sushi bar at Chopsticks, the award-winning restaurant. Try their special sushi made of chicken, beef and duck. Eat as much you can for only QR 129 per person, from 6:30 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4434-3203/3333, or email Fzohrahalably@wyndham.com.

BRUNCH CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Carnival Brunch

Fri: Rodizio. Enjoy the unique Brazilian atmosphere and visit Rodizio to experience the taste of carnaval in Rio. QR 265 per adult, QR 130 per child aged 6-12 years. Children under six years of age dine free of charge. QR 333 per adult including house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Family Brunch

Fridays: Aramede. Enjoy family moments at the Friday family brunch with a lavish Arabic international buffet, including live cooking stations, kids’ play area and live entertainment. QR 205 per adult, QR 105 per child aged 6-12 years, including juices, local mineral water and soft drinks. Children under six years of age dine free of charge. QR 305 per adult including house beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: The Gallery. A culinary journey like no other, discover an array of live-cooking stations and specialties from the Restaurant Gallery, 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, kounafa and more. Now offering a kids’ club zone with a special kids’ buffet and activities. From 12.30 noon till 3:00 p.m. for QR 245 or QR 350 for bubbly brunch. For more information call 4429-8499.

The Late Brunch

Fridays: Marriott Open-Air Dining. Shaking up the Doha Brunch scene join the city’s first and only Late Brunch! Chill out and watch the sunset from your outdoor table with spectacular views across the city and the famous backdrop of the Doha skyline. With cool tunes from funky DJ Kinky D, full grill, buffet and seafood selection, dance the night away under the stars! Includes all-in bubbly and BBQ for QR 380. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. The Late Brunch on January 31 will have a Chinese twist to it with a themed buffet and decorations in celebration of the Chinese New Year! For more information call 4429-8499.

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Food & Dining Listings GRAND HERITAGE Friday Family Brunch

Blue. Enjoy a variety of international dishes in a market-style buffet with your choice of grilled meat or seafood, prepared at the live-cooking stations.Kids get to play and engage in various activities like the bouncy castle and a mascot appearance in the exclusively designed kid’s area adjacent to the restaurant. QR 220 per person inclusive of unlimited beverages, QR 199 for food only. Children five years and below enjoy a complimentary meal and kids ages six till 12 years old enjoy a meal at half the price. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

HILTON DOHA Mawasem Brunch

Fridays: Mawasem restaurant invites you to indulge in a lavish buffet with family and friends. The band will provide you with live entertainment while you take in the beautiful weather by dining at the outdoor terrace overlooking the pool and beach. QR 234 per person including unlimited soft drinks, or QR 345 per person including unlimited house beverages. The kids have their special food corner and a Kidz Paradize for fun activities. For more information call 4423-3333.

HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Dim Sum Brunch

Fridays: D’Chopstix. Enjoy a delicious dim sum brunch with family and friends along with free-flowing Chinese tea. QR 138 and QR 68 for children between the ages of 4 to 12 years. For more information call 4408-4888.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Brunchin’ Paloma

Saturdays: Paloma. Enjoy a truly Mexican buffet and unlimited margaritas for QR 270. From 12:30 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444. Grand Mussel Brunch Friday: Belgian Café. Enjoy the most delicious mussels and Belgian house beverages in town. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. for QR 275.For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Seafood Brunch

Fridays: Fish Market. Indulge in their luxurious buffet and a market display featuring lobsters, oysters and tiger prawns. Choose from a wide range of beverage options to complement your meal while enjoying live music and stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Doha’s skyline. QR 320 including unlimited house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Friday Brunch

The Square. Enjoy a cosmopolitan brunch for QR 330 including selected house beverages and QR 230 including soft drinks and mocktails. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Friday Family Brunch

Seasons Restaurant. The lively Seasons restaurant is all geared-up with more yummy additions to the Friday 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 dessert. Every Friday features an entirely new theme to amuse the little ones, from sly pirates and playful jungle monkeys to some very angry birds and the best of Disney’s classics. QR 215 per person with kids under the age of 12 dining free and from ages 12-16 enjoy a 50% discount. For more information call 4429-1111.

LA VARENNE French Country Brunch

Fridays: Tornado Tower. Their unique French Country Brunch is a success. Join in every Friday from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. to indulge in their interpretation of a table-top brunch. Enjoy a full-course, all-you-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 all for QR 179. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

ORYX ROTANA Jazzy Friday Brunch

Choices.Every Friday no one does it better! Brunch starts at 12:30 noon and ends at 4:00 p.m. offering a wide variety of food and beverages with live jazz music. (Last order for beverages is at 3:15 p.m.) QR 250 including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 325 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information call 4402-3333.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Friday Brunch Ipanema Brazilian Churrascaria. Take a trip to Rio de Janeiro every Friday with a feast of Brazilian meats and the only authentic Brazilian band in Doha. Ipanema is the place to come for a super brunch, flambé desserts and live entertainment. QR 250 includes soft beverages and QR 320 includes selected house beverages. Valet parking included. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Friday Family Brunch

Crossroads Kitchen. Offering a delicious international brunch of Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Indian, Arabic and more. Kids are kept entertained with games, face-painting and movies while you relax with a cocktail in hand. QR 225 includes soft beverages and QR 275 includes selected beverages Children ages seven to 12 dine half price, while children under age six dine complimentary. Valet parking included. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

SHERATON DOHA Friday Mediterranean Brunch

Al Shaheen. Liven up your weekend with a delicious sparkling Mediterranean brunch. The fabulous menu offers a myriad of culinary tastes including a wide selection of desserts of all kinds. Indulge amidst the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. Live entertainment and a spacious kids area available. From 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 110 for children, QR 190 per adult for food only or QR 270 with free-flowing sparkling beverages. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Weekend A La Carte Brunch

Fri & Sat: Opal by Gordon Ramsay .The best of the British brunch experience on a Friday and Saturday! Enjoy a fantastic selection of Gordon Ramsay signature breakfast items. Book a table on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful weather. QR 250 inclusive of soft beverages or QR 375 inclusive of grape, grain and sparkling beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m.You can now extend brunch with an exclusive happy hour from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Friday Brunch

Hakkasan. The incredibly stylish Chinese restaurant offers a dim sum brunch every Friday. Eight different dim sum creations served at your table along with a special dessert for QR 229, QR 399 or QR 600 depending on the choice of beverages.From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0170 or email reservation.hakkasan@stregis.com.

W DOHA Jazz Brunch

Fridays: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a jazz brunch with live entertainment for QR 380 including selected house beverages or QR 290 including selected soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135.

Friday Brunch

Spice Market. Asian street food meets slick city chic at the new up-market weekly Friday brunch. Dine in style while enjoying a backdrop of live, upbeat swing music courtesy of Doha Jazz. QR 380 including selected house beverages and QR 290 including soft drinks. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

BUSINESS LUNCH CHOWKING

Sun-Thurs: Enjoy a delicious meal with the trusted Chowking flavours you love in under 30 minutes. From 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. at all locations. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Sadd St.: 4431-4411. Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/335.

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KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES

Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Stay healthy and select a low-calorie menu option from the revamped Business Lunch by Kempinski. Simple and delicious flavours, carefully selected fresh produce and creative preparation are the ingredients for the finest business lunch in Doha. QR 90 per person with a dessert-to-go option. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA VARENNE

Sat-Thurs: Enjoy a delicious French business lunch at the one and only La Varenne restaurant in Tornado Tower. Indulge in great cuisine and be amazed by the unforgettable view. Two courses for QR 85 or three courses for QR 95. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

Sat-Thurs: The Square. The Square’s threecourse business lunch offers a selection of à la carte starters and main courses including locally-sourced seafood, prime cuts of meat, vegetarian selections and right-sized desserts. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. for QR 88. For more information call 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com.

ORYX ROTANA X’Press Lunch & Dinner

Daily: The Cellar.Every day is quick bite time and everyone is ready for it. Enjoy the Cellar’s three-course set menu including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 89 per person for lunch and QR 145 per person for dinner, guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Express Lunch Sun-Thurs: Cucina, The Italian Kitchen. Choose from five entrees, five mains and three desserts made from the freshest Italian ingredients for QR 85. Valet parking included. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more informaiton call 4419-6100.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Sun-Thurs: Opal By Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy healthy salads, fresh fish and the famous Opal burgers and pizza. For a treat, book early and enjoy lunch on the terrace. QR 100 for a quick and delicious three-course lunch! From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

W DOHA Express Lunch

Sat-Thurs: La Spiga by Paper Moon. Choose your favourite Italian starter, main course and dessert for just QR 95 per person, daily except Fridays. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY

Daily (except Mon & Fri): Chopsticks. The business lunch offers the ideal sdolution for business professionals including a variety of distinctive modern Asian dishes. Indulge in their daily changing set menu of three courses served in 59 minutes. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email Fzohrahalably@wyndham.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge

Jan: Katara Cultural Village. Succulent spit-roasted whole lamb, well-marinated, seasoned to perfection andserved with aromatic traditional Turkish rice for QR 99 per serving, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Red Velvet Cupcakery

Jan: Katara Cultural Village. Decorate Your Own Cupcake! It’s fun and very educational, the best way to spend quality time for families with their children. Each plain cupcake goes with edible decorations for only QR 30. Apron and chef’s hat will be provided. Jan: Come and celebrate your children’s birthday party at QR 60 per child with their Decorate Your Own Cupcake birthday party package. Advance reservation is required.

El Cigar Lounge

Jan: Katara Cultural Village. Experience the vintage club car ride in full comfort and convenience to and from the Katara parking lot. It’s free, daily. For pick-up call 4408-0750 as soon as you arrive. Jan: Hightea at El Cigar Lounge. Come and experience an assortment of exquisite delights, elegantly served in style. From 3:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4408-0750.

L’wzaar Seafood Market

Jan: Experience their Tandoori grill and Thai curry cooking styles for your fresh seafood. Other cooking styles are also available. Please ask the team for assistance. Jan: For every QR 250 spent at L’wzaar Seafood Market, receive a discount voucher to experience El Cigar Lounge. For more information call 4408-0710.

Chac’late

Jan: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy 50% off on Amelia Rope chocolate, handmade chocolates that are all about quality, taste, purity and indulgence. Jan: Enjoy 20% off on Rococo chocolates – gastronomy’s finest, most complex and luxurious of ingredients. Jan: Enjoy their signature breakfast, Parisian or Chac’late. Prices start from QR 30, available from 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0733.

Shawarma Albisana

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

Kunafa Albisana

Jan: Katara Cultural Village. Offering the best traditional kunafa with Nabulsi cheese imported from Jordan for dine-in and take-away at Kunafa Albisana in Katara. For more information call 4408-1200.

leVesuvio

Jan: Katara Cultural Village. Check out their new kids’ menu. leVesuvio is happy to serve all of its guests, especially kids, with its healthful kids menu options. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Jan: leVesuvio serves authentic Italian pizza from 12:00 noon till 11:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For more information call 4408-1500.

Aspire Grand Café

Jan: Aspire Park. Offers more than coffee and sandwiches. Choose from fresh sushi, soups and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages for dine-in and take-away. Jan: Enjoy healthy choices for breakfast while visiting the park. Fresh croissants, sunny-side up or omelette egg dishes and crêpes are available. For more information call 4408-1996.

Burgerry

Jan: Aspire Park. Due to high demand on weekends Burgerry is now open from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On regular days, Sunday to Wednesday, it opens from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. Jan: Take a bite on the ‘B. Majestic’, a perfectlygrilled, juicy Wagyu beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and mushroom sauce on a deliciously soft, buttered potato bun. For more information call 4449-3958.

QUISINE BY GUY SAVOY Chef’s Table

Jan: The chef’s table is ideally located in the kitchen to ensure that you feel, smell and live the truly Guy Savoy experience. The table gives you direct access behind-the-scenes where you can watch the skill and talented chefs.

Private Booking

Jan: The restaurant is available for private bookings on Saturdays upon simple reservation, or one year in advance for other days of the week. For more information call 4002-7245 or email reservations@guysavoy.qa.

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ctory rery cto ngreDi t Di anni urDi sta& Reod Fo American & Tex-Mex American Grill

International

Chinese

4411-0188

Chopsticks 4434-3333

Al Hubara

4485-4444

Chili’s 4466-0663

D’Chopstix 4408-4888

Al Liwan Restaurant

4424-2888

Ipanema 4419-6100

Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill

4433-6777

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Ruby Wu’s

4428-1428

Al Shaheen Restaurant

4485-4444

Latino 4485-4444

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

Animato 4496-6600

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

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

Agora 4445-5555 Al Balad

4491-8692

French

Al Bandar

4431-1818

La Sahtaine

4423-3333

Al Batross

4432-8888

La Varenne

4499-0680

Al Canteen

4433-6666

Al Mourjan

4483-4423

Le Relais de L’Entrecote 4495-3876 ext. 1411

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Maxim 4428-1428

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Quisine by Guy Savoy

Al Tawash

4498-2002

Sormani 4495-3876 Ext. 3222

Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam

4495-3876

Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café

4408-0840

Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma

4466-2616

Liza 4495-3876 Majlis 4448-1234 Marmara Istanbul

4436-2947

Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 The Tent

4432-8888

Turkey Central

4443-2927

Indian

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 Nando’s

4409-4444

Delivery Hotline 4436-0606

The Dining Room (Al Najada Boutique Hotel)

4433-6666

The Dining Room (Fraser Suites Hotel)

4424-3444

The Grill

4448-1234

The Lagoon

4484-8000

Three Sixty 4446-5600

Biryani Hut

4464-1401

Bombay Baiti

4428-1428

Vine 4446-0105

Italian

Chingari 4428-1428 Idyl Factory

6674-1143

Bice Ristorante

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Carluccio’s 4495-3876

Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra 4444-6151 Souq Waqif 4432-3244

Cucina 4419-6100

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

Sukh Sagar

4431-9172

Taj Rasoi

4429-8888

linoem! s opn See au ing.c tarhap en www.q

4002-7245

Blue Brasserie Restaurant

4495-3876

Di Capri

4428-8698

Fabio’s Pizza

4416-5641

II Teatro

4494-8888

La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant

4436-7991

La Veranda

4485-4444

Picasso’s 4428-1428 Porcini 4484-8000 Romano’s Macaroni Grill

4451-7585

The Italian Job

4428-1428

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Japanese

Bar Food

Cafés

Neo 4432-2508

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

De Ozone

4470-8822

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar

4495-3878 Ext. 1311

Sakura 4428-1428

Madison Piano Bar

4428-8888

Al Jalsa

4425-6666

Strata Restaurant & Lounge

4015-8888

Pool Bar

4484-4444

Al Kut Lounge

4434-3203

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

Shehrazad 4428-1428

Al Mandarine

4463-3748

Yen Sushi Bar

4428-8888

The Irish Harp

4485-4444

Atrium Lounge

4485-4444

The Lounge

4405-3325

Bab Al Baher

4423-3333

Mediterranean

Wahm 4453-5353

Aramede 4408-7777

Burgers

Bert’s Café 4495-3876 Ext 1381 Biscoti 4448-1282

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

La Villa

4446-2222

American Grill

Le Central Restaurant

4428-8888

Chili’s 4466-0663

Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

Fuddruckers

4411-0188 4483-3983

Café De Biznez

4470-8822

Café Tasse

4444-7017

Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611

Mykonos 4484-4444

Hardee’s 4467-8750

Coffee Time

4466-7551

Rocca 4448-1234

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Colombiano

4434-2753

4488-7008

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 Villaggio Mall MBCo (The Gate Mall) Al Emaadi Financial Square

4486-2264 4417-8132 4407-7130 4411-7224

Moka and Co

4458-3232

Orangery Café Troittor

4428-8888

Quick Bites

4419-6134

4428-1428

Sarab Lounge

4446-0105

JW’s Steakhouse

4429-8888

Savor 4408-7777

Le Grill

4484-7412

Shisha Garden

4428-8888

New York Steakhouse

4419-6100

Sky Lounge

4402-3333

Prime 4015-8888

Sugar and Spice

4411-4456

The Anvil Rooms

4499-0685

The Courtyard

4433-6444

The Butcher Shop and Grill

4413-5508

The Drawing Room

4433-6666

4446-2222

The Lobby Lounge

4484-8000

The Terrace Lounge

4433-6555

Torch Café

4446-5600

W Café

4453-5353

Ya Hala

4423-3333

The Cellar

4402-3333

Seafood

Persian Grill @ The Village

4444-4700

Southeast Asian Asia Live!

TGI Friday’s

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 Mango Tree

4495-3876

Nusantao: Sea Kitchens

4494-8888

Spice Market

4453-5353

Sri Kebaya

4434-0838

The Noodle House City Center Mall The Pearl

4411-5063 4495-3876

Wok Mee Noodle House

4496-6600

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 4408-0710 Pampano 4495-3876 Pier 12

4428-1428

Steakhouses Bentley’s Grill

The Old Manor Steakhouse

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Sports

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

Sharq Village & Spa Make 2014 The Best Year Ahead Workshop

Aspire Dome 2014 Grand Prix Épée Fencing Cup Jan 16-19: Held for the 11th time in Doha and featuring some of the best fencers in the world, competitors will face off in both the men’s and women’s tournaments. The prestigious event will be taking place at the Aspire Dome from the Jan 16 till 19. For more information visit www.qatarfencing.qa

Jan 15: Do you want to lose weight, get a promotion, or create more abundance and happiness in your life? Do you want to be a better parent, spouse or boss? Do you want to adopt a healthy life-style, be more active and feel more energized? On January 15 your journey starts with this 6-week group coaching program where you will identify what is driving you in life and will learn how you can turn every idea into a success. You will break through the limiting patterns that have held you back in the past, and start living the life you deserve. This group coaching program is limited to 25 people so book your place now. QR 1,450 for 6 sessions and if you book before January 10 you only pay QR 1,200. From 6:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. For more information call 4425-6999.

Lusail International Circuit Porsche GT3 Challenge Middle East Cup Jan 16, 17 & 18: The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East has quickly established itself as the most exciting and professional one-make series on the regional motor-racing calendar. This month the night race will take place at the Losail International Circuit. Free entrance. For more information visit www.qmmf.com.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

QH Jan 2014- FINAL.indd 81

The Diplomatic Club Aqua Dance Fitness Sat & Tues: Captivates the joy of movement and the expression of life through integrating world rhythms and music. The fusion of aquatic fitness with dance-based choreography will give you a movement base free from the boundaries. Saturdays and Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. For more information call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

The Four Seasons Power Yoga Sun, Tues &Thurs: This 75-minute dynamic yoga practice includes strengthening power positions to improve your strength, balance and flexibility. It’s also energizing and detoxifying and improves breathing capacity. QR 80, Sundays from 8:30 a.m. till 9:45 a.m., Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. till 9:45 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. till 8:15 p.m., and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. till 9:45 a.m. For more information call 4494-8801.

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Sports With a keen eye Justin Rose calculates the distance from the ball to the hole in what will prove a critical putt

As told Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Additional photography by Jessie Palanca

The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters returns to the Doha Golf Club for its 17th edition from January 22-25. The premier golf tournament will once again feature a world-class field of established champions and rising stars, with $2.5 million USD up for grabs along with valuable ranking points.

rganized by the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), the Doha Golf Club and Commercial Bank of Qatar, the event sits at the heart of the European Tour’s three-week Middle East swing. Teeing off on a Wednesday for the second year in a row, the prestigious $2.5 million USD prize fund event welcomed almost 25,000 visitors last year in 2013. The tournament benefits from strong local support as one of the highlights of Qatar’s sporting calendar but also attracts many visitors from the UAE, which will host 2014 European Tour events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the weeks before and after the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

What’s New In 2014 World-renowned Scottish band, Texas, will give a headline performance in the bustling Public Village on the Friday night as part of the event’s evening entertainment, making for a festival atmosphere. Seventies ‘Divas of Soul’, Kathy Sledge, the legendary voice of Sister Sledge, and Gwen Dickey, the voice of Rose Royce, will also bring a dose of disco fever to the Public Village with a live show on Thursday evening.

MEET THE

MASTERS

Elsewhere, the Golf Trick Shot Boys will return to amaze kids and adults alike with their outrageous golf show, and the brand-new family fun zone on the lawn beside the clubhouse will allow kids of all ages to try out a number of different sports with mini-basketball, minitennis, mini-golf and mini-football all on offer. The Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2014 will really be an event for all the family!

Event Schedule Mon, Jan 20: Official practice day Tues, Jan 21: Pro-am, pro-am gala dinner Wed, Jan 22: Day 1 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Thurs, Jan 23: Day 2 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Trick shot show by The Golf Trick Shot Boys and evening entertainment from Divas of Soul in the Public Village from 6:00 p.m.

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Jason Dufner takes aim for a meticulous hit

Fri, Jan 24: Day 3 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Trick shot show by The Golf Trick Shot Boys and evening entertainment from Texas in the Public Village from 6:00 p.m. Sat, Jan 25: Day 4 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Trick shot show by The Golf Trick Shot Boys, championship trophy presentation

Ticket Information Day tickets and season tickets for the 2014 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters are available to purchase from Virgin Megastores in Villaggio and Landmark Malls, online at www.virginmegastore.me , or directly from the Doha Golf Club. Season tickets are an exceptional value, offering access to all four days of golf action as well as the Public Village and all evening entertainment for just QR 325 – a discount of 40% when compared to buying individual tickets for each day of the tournament. Evening entertainment is for spectators over the age of 18 only. Adult ticket prices are as follows: Wed, Jan 22: QR 100 Thurs, Jan 23: QR 150 (includes evening entertainment – Divas of Soul) Fri, Jan 24: QR 150 (includes evening entertainment – Texas) Sat, Jan 25: QR 150 Season Tickets: QR 325 (includes Wed, Jan 22 – Sat, Jan 25 event entry and all evening entertainment)

All eyes on the ball as last year’s reigning champion Chris Wood makes a heavy swing

Entry is free for children under 15 years of age. For those looking for an extra-special experience, event hospitality packages are available through the tournament’s official website, www.qatar-masters.com.

Players Chris Wood will return to defend his Commercial Bank Qatar Masters title in 2014, along with a number of other stars to be announced ahead of the tournament. Wood lifted the iconic Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Mother of Pearl Trophy in January 2013, becoming the first ever Englishman to win the title. Check out www.qatar-masters.com to stay up-to-date with further player announcements as they happen. n

COMMERCIAL BANK QATAR MASTERS PAST CHAMPIONS: 2013 - Chris Wood 2012 - Paul Lawrie 2011 - Thomas Bjorn 2010 - Robert Karlsson 2009 - Alvaro Quiros 2008 - Adam Scott 2007 - Retief Goosen 2006 - Henrik Stenson 2005 - Ernie Els 2004 - Joakim Haeggmann 2003 - Darren Fichardt 2002 - Adam Scott 2001 - Tony Johnstone 2000 - Rolf Muntz 1999 - Paul Lawrie 1998 - Andrew Coltart

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Sports

Teeing Off With

Sergio Garcia By Jorge Granda

The world-renowned professional golfer will be in Doha this month for the much-anticipated Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. The Spanish superstar plays in both the PGA Tour and the European Tour. QH talks exclusively with Sergio about his career on the greens and the upcoming tournament. QH: Sergio, how did you first get into the game of golf and at what age? SG: I was three years old and my father was a club professional at our home course in Spain. QH: In your career as a professional golfer what particular victory and what shot stands out the most? SG: There are many shots but perhaps the one behind the tree at the 1999 Medinah is one of my best memories. However, the shot off the tree at Bay Hill this year was good fun as well, I think it´s a hit on YouTube and as far as I´m concerned that shot has close to 8 million viewers.

QH: We read an article where you said that you felt like the wind was against you at the Masters in Augusta. In Qatar the weather is very unpredictable and it could be particularly sandy and windy during January. How are you planning to prepare for the weather here in a way that it will not interfere with your game? SG: With the weather you never know. I actually like to play in windy conditions and I always enjoyed that. When I get to Doha, I will see what the weather is like and will try to adjust the shots that are necessary. QH: Are you doing any specific preparation for the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters? SG: No not really, I just came off a nice victory in Thailand and that always helps the confidence level. I finished second last year and I like the course in Doha…..so let´s see. QH: Who do you think will be your biggest competitors in this tournament? SG: The tournament has usually a strong field and I expect no different this year. I know that Henrik Stenson is going to play, who is perhaps the best golfer on the planet at the moment. I hear that Jason Dufner will be in Doha and Luke Donald as well. There are many good players so it’s hard to say or predict.

PGA pro Sergio Garcia gets ready to swing to victory at the Doha Golf Club

QH: You’ve played around the world and have seen many golf courses. How do you like the layout of the Championship Course at the Doha Golf Club? SG: I like the course a lot and always played good. There are a few challenging holes and normally the course is in great condition. I expect no different this year. QH: What can you tell us about the day-to-day life of a golfer? What’s the training like? SG: Every player has his own kind of thing or routine. I like to get off the course and work out, play football or tennis. I practice more when I’m back home and a bit less when I’m on the road. QH: You’ve been very successful in your game already. What are your future goals and what do you hope to achieve in the remainder of your golfing career? SG: Of course we all want to win majors and the big events. I would like to be on the Ryder Cup Team in 2014 simply because I love the Ryder Cup. If I continue to play well I should be able to win a few more tournaments in the near future. n

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Sports Mid-consultation, Jonny takes the blood pressure of client Hussein Aldobashi

h c a o r p p A d e t a c u d E n A g in in a r T l a n o s r e P o T By Jonny Parr and Ryan Bell Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional image courtesy of Absolute Fitness

Jonny and Ryan are the head honchos at Absolute Fitness. Their aim is to bring a new level of fitness-training expertise like no other in Qatar. No detail goes unnoticed, or is unaccounted for. Dedicated, yes. Obsessed, perhaps. Passionate, most definitely. Here are their tips and advice on what you should expect and look out for when making the decision to take on a personal trainer. The Evolution Of Personal Training Let’s start with some brief history. Personal training (PT) was once touted as only for the rich and famous. Renowned celebrities, or those with a significant amount of disposable income, seemed to be the only people who had the luxury of benefiting from the guidance and expertise of a trainer. Over the past ten years however, this has changed dramatically. Personal training has evolved in terms of price, demand, quality, professionalism and content. PT is now far more accessible, affordable, and adaptable for everyday individuals.

This is best exemplified in Qatar, where the country’s awareness, education and knowledge in relation to fitness and its benefits, has improved significantly. Qatar has experienced a surge in terms of demand, with a large number of personal trainers currently available and growing. This is great news, and will continue for the foreseeable future.

of a university/college degree or a personal training certification from a reputable company. For example, at AF we only employ trainers with a minimum level 3 PT qualification. Admittedly, it’s not hugely difficult to become a personal trainer these days – a little as six weeks in some cases – but the qualification should at least demonstrate that a trainer is competent in fields such as strength and conditioning, biology, biomechanics, and coaching. Don’t ever feel awkward about asking for a trainer’s qualification, as you are completely entitled to do so.

Given this ‘PT boom’, you may be confused as to what to look for or expect from a trainer. What separates the good, the great, the bad, and the darn-right ugly? Here’s the list:

2. Experience: Quality Over Quantity Experience is vital where all good PTs are concerned. This experience does not necessarily refer to the amount (quantity) of time your trainer has been working in the industry, but more to do with the details (quality) of the exact work they have been involved with.

1. Qualifications The starting point for every trainer should be a relevant qualification. This may be in the form

A trainer who works in a results-oriented environment, studies out of hours, attends educational seminars, observes/learns

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A gym on the go, Jonny and Ryan bring all your personal training needs right to your doorstep

from other trainers, will always be ‘more experienced’ than a trainer who may train people every day but has them all follow the same mediocre program, never studies, and can’t wait to go home. One is a career, the other is a simply a job. Your well-being is in the hands of the one you choose, so choose wisely. 3. Initial Assessment & Re-Assessment You are unique. There is no one person like you in the rest of this world. As such, your trainer has to acclimatize before planning your subsequent training. How do we start? Assessment. Collecting data on your strengths and areas in need of improvement is a good starting point before all else is concerned. At AF, we follow a process. Firstly, all our clients fill in a health, lifestyle, and fitness questionnaire. Secondly, one of our trainers will take the client through our health and FMS (Functional Movement Screen). This will evaluate information such as body-fat percentage, blood pressure, movement pattern quality, mobility, and stability.

Using all the above information will allow us to devise and correlate a program based on your needs and goals. Admittedly, throughout your course of training, elements will be tweaked here and there as more information is revealed when actual training takes place. However, every trainer should have a starting point, and an assessment is the best way of doing this. 4. Planning, Recording & Program Content Unsurprisingly, exact program content will be crucial to your success. This content will largely depend on your individual goals and the results of your assessment. Trainers should have a fitness methodology they adhere to when programming. This should also cater for the individual discrepancies that always exist between clients. Too often, trainers don’t plan and record their programs and sessions. This will always compromise a client’s results, as progress is always better when a specified plan is made that allows both you and your trainer to focus on designated areas.

At AF, we have program templates for every fitness goal, ensuring we have consistency across the board from all our staff. Our trainers will always monitor, discuss, and evaluate your development. This helps make you accountable, and more likely to succeed given your fitness goals. 5. Client Care In our opinion, client care is the most important factor for a PT. Trainers have to be able to motivate, communicate, coach, support, and listen to every client. They will have to adhere to your unique situation and circumstances. Building a sustainable relationship with good rapport between the two of you will be a huge pillar to your success. What’s more, trainers should go above and beyond your standard onehour session with subtle actions such as simple texts asking you how you feel after sessions, or with your permission, acknowledgements of your success via social media means. These actions may seem rather miniscule, but I assure you they are vital in helping you achieve a fitter, healthier, and happier you! n

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Sports Listings gorized d s are cate All listing Inclusion is limiteh l. it te w o , h e c r a e p . ility of sp to availabiven to advertisers g ty ri o pri

GOKULAM PARK DOHA Sports & Fitness

Daily: Health Club. Burn off your calories at the state-of-the-art health club with the latest equipment overlooking the city. Or, draw out toxins while soothing weary and aching muscles and joints in the sauna and steam room on the 12th floor. Opening hours are Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4470-8822/33/55 or visit www.gokulamdoha.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Abdominal Workout

THE FOUR SEASONS Cycling

Mon, Wed & Fri: 60-minute Activio cycling class with surprises that target your heart rate to get it in the 60-85% zone. 60-85% QR 60, Mondays from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. till 9:30 a.m. For more information call 4494-8801.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Outdoor Weight-Loss Charity Event

DOHA MARRIOTT LPG Slimming Machine

Jan 18: Six Senses Spa. Hosted by their very own Fitness Manager of the Year, this cardiovascular multi-session combines various activities to keep your heart rate pumping. This activity session will have you sweating off the pounds and feeling great after. Any donations will be provided to the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. QR 60. For more information call 4425-6999.

Motion Restoration Therapy

Jan 16-29: Six Senses Spa. Motion Restoration Therapy for Pain Relief and Improved Performance is a unique combination of detailed clinical chiropractic techniques, soft tissue manipulation, finger pressure and joint movement, developed by internationallyrenowned neuro-muscular consultant Dr. Chet Collins. He can provide you with immediate pain relief and long-term solutions for your physical discomforts. For bookings call 4425-6999 or email reservations-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com.

Daily: Adored by stars all over the world and well-known to the general public, the Cellu M6 Keymodule (the lipo-massage machine) is the new alternative to invasive methods. Special introductory offer: one LPG treatment plus 20% discount on personal training consultation with Adamou. Purchase a course of five sessions and get the sixth treatment valued at QR 300 for free, plus one personal training consultation with Adamou valued at QR 150, plus one Total Workout class valued at QR 35 for free, plus a 20% discount on one seaweed wrap and one coffee wrap. For more information call 4429-8520.

THE FOUR SEASONS Boot Camp

Mondays: Fitness Center. Get your body back, work hard, and gain more in this 60-minute session. QR 85, from 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8801.

Mon, Thurs & Fri: A conditioning workout focusing on toning and strengthening your core muscles. Your instructor will focus on developing and maintaining correct techniques to ensure that you receive the benefits of this workout. Mondays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m., Fridays from 9:00 a.m. till 9:45 a.m. and Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. till 7:45 p.m. Members free / non-members QR 50.

Pilates Sculpt

Sun & Tues: This special class focuses on a series of non-impact exercises designed to develop abdominal strength, flexibility, balance and improved postural alignment. Slow and controlled movements strengthen and lengthen muscles to help re-balance the body. Sundays from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. till 10:15 a.m. Members QR 30 / non-members QR 50.

Boxing Fitness

Fridays: This class combines the principles of boxing such as basic punching, defending and foot work with cardio exercises specific for boxing training. Participants will develop coordination, balance and control. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Members QR 30 / non-members QR 50.

Ashtanga Yoga

Mon, Wed & Sat: This intense form of yoga involves standing and seated poses, back bends and inversions. This vigorous, athletic style of practice appeals to those who like a sense of order and who like to do things independently. This class is 75-minutes long, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. till 9:45 a.m., and Saturdays 3:30 p.m. till 4:45 p.m. Members QR 45 / non-members QR 65. For more information on all classes call 4484-4852.

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Activities & Clubs INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Pilates

Tuesdays: QR 50. From 9:15 a.m. till 10:15 a.m. Core Ball Shape: Tuesdays: QR 50. From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Circuit Class Wednesdays: QR 50. From 9:15 a.m. till 10:15 a.m.

Crunch Time

Wednesdays: QR 40. From 6:00 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. For more information on all classes call 4015-8888.

SHERATON DOHA Indoor Cycling

Fridays: QR 30 members/QR 40 non-members. From 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m.

Zumba

Fridays: QR 30 members/QR 40 non-members. From 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Every Sunday and Tuesday from 12:30 noon till 8:30 p.m.

Yoga & Pilates

Saturdays. QR 80 for both members and non-members. From 9:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m.

Aikido

Sat, Mon & Wed: Adults QR 475, members and non-members. Ages 10-17, QR 375 members and non- members. From 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Fridays: from 3:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. For more information and bookings on all of the above call 4485-4600.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Pilates

Sun, Mon & Wed: Pilates is the system of strengthening and stretching exercises design to develop the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core, mobilize the spine and build flexibility. It teaches you how to train your mind and build symmetry and coordination in the body. From 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m.

Zumba

Mon, Tues & Thurs: A global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance party workout! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a combination of different types of dance styles from hip-hop and Latin to house and even contemporary! This 50-minute cardio workout will have something for everybody! Mondays from 6:15 p.m. till 7:15 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m.

Aqua Dance Fitness

Sat & Tues: Captivates the joy of movement and the expression of life through integrating world rhythms and music. The fusion of aquatic fitness with dance-based choreography will give you a movement base free from the boundaries. Saturdays & Tuesdays. From 10:00 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. For moreinformation on all of the above classes call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

Bike Riding

Sailing

Bowling

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

The Corniche Aspire Park

The Qatar Bowling Center 4432-9178 or www.qatarbowlingcenter.net Gondolania Bowling Center (Villaggio) 4403-9807 or www.gondolania.com Strike Bowling Alley (City Center) 4483-9162

Golf

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

Horse Riding

Al Khor Riding Center 4421-8857 Al Samariya Stables 5525-7203 or qatarracing@gmail.com Al Shaqab Riding Academy 4454-6236 or www.alshaqab.com

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

Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com

Swimming

Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence 4413-6219 or www.aspire.qa Aqua Park 4490-5872 or aquaparkqa@gmail.com

Tennis & Squash

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Walking

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

Ice-Skating

Winter Wonderland (City Center) 4483-9162 Gondolania Ice Arena (Villaggio) 4403-9807 or www.gondolania.com

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QH Sensations

RECOMMENDS

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

ick! P ’s r o t i d E

Ashlee

Lanie

Studio Ghibli

iPad Mini

While working on our November issue a few months ago we did a feature on DFI’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival. (Be sure to check out the photos in our It Happened section this issue.) The theme of the festival was anime, with a spotlight on the works of Japanese animator and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. One of Japan’s most acclaimed directors, animators and manga artists, his production company, Studio Ghibli, has produced some of the genre’s most award-winning feature films. So, one evening after a particularly stressful day I felt like I wanted an escape from reality, so I went online to learn more about Studio Ghibli and downloaded some of Miyazaki’s best features. Most anime fans have heard of Howl’s Moving Castle which was the first one I watched and from there I was hooked. Spirited Away, the tale of a young girl whose family visits an abandoned amusement park only to get swept away to the spirit world is utterly stunning and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. Miyazaki’s knack for infusing his films with rich beauty, whimsy and a sense of engulfing fantasy is timeless. His pictures are ones for the ages and well worth a viewing.

The iPad Mini is the perfect companion for me. It holds what I need every day to help me keep track of my health, wellness and sanity. I can even do my online banking with it! I simply love this gadget because I can easily slip it in my purse and it contains the following apps: a calorie counter and nutritional plans based on your blood type, a daily devotion app that uplifts and inspires me, plus the kids’ story book app for my young son saves me from stress, as I can use it to keep him occupied in the car while I’m driving, and, not to mention the calendar and notes. Available from Apple stores or online from QR 1,089.

Srimani Mövenpick Tower & Suites Fitness Centre This is one of my favourite fitness centres in town. They have the latest cardio-machines and workout equipment, plus well-trained and friendly staff to guide you. Besides, I love the atmosphere of the space – it calms me down and gives a sense of complete relaxation. For more information or to book a session at the fitness centre call 4496-6600 or visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com.

Chet FatGirlSlim Treatment This year I aspire for a healthy and toned body, committing myself to a proper diet and regular exercise. To achieve results better and faster, I tried out the FatGirlSlim treatment at Bliss Spa in the W Doha. The three-part session includes a vacuum slimming treatment, a FatGirlSlim scrub and a Quadruple Thighpass. Hello to a slimmer and healthier version of me! Happy New Year everyone! QR 1,500 for FatGirlSlim session, to book call 4453-5555.

Marlynne Guerlain BB Cream Dark spots are very common to people who are constantly under the sun, so what can you do to defend your skin? Your help comes from Guerlain’s BB Cream SPF 30 – Multi Perfecting Make Up. What I love about this product is it easily glides on the skin (provided you use a wet sponge applicator) and your skin looks fab for more than seven hours. The cream also primes, perfects, hydrates and controls oil, all in a single step! Available at 4U Royal Plaza and City Center Mall for QR 180.

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FreshFaced

QH Sensations

By Ashlee Starratt & Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

We put our best face forward at Jaula Spa at The Grand Hyatt with a facial treatment thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to leave both your skin and your outlook sunny. 92 QH Jan 2014- FINAL.indd 92

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The cool blue waters of the Jaula Spa entry-way beckon guests into a world of sensory bliss

his is our first time at Jaula Spa and we’re ready to get pampered. The cooler winter weather has left us with less than shiny pores; instead we’ve been plagued with dryness, breakouts and redness. We’re told that the Jaula Aroma Visage Facial, part of the spa’s Serene treatment offerings is just the ticket. The space is lush, with a long meditation pool leading up to the entrance and tranquil water features adorned with floating lilies both in the reception area and the relaxation room. We’re both taken to separate private rooms that contain a lush waiting area, a changing room with closet space and an adjacent shower, plus a spacious washroom and main treatment area. It’s a nice touch that makes the experience more personalized – no need to share communal facilities or store your belongings in a locker, instead it’s like the spa belongs to you. Our therapist Judie customizes our treatment based on our skin types, as men and women’s skin are drastically different depending on things like hormones, shaving, and exposure to the elements. The facial begins with a gentle cleansing of the face to remove makeup and any excess oil or impurities. This is followed by an examination and assessment of the skin along with an extraction of any blackheads or acne blemishes. It’s the most uncomfortable part of the procedure but necessary for achieving a glowing end result.

The healing properties of green tea and fig are imbued in the products used throughout the facial treatment

Next, Judie applies a gel toner with green tea extracts to reduce any residual inflammation. All products are from French brand Guinot and contain essential oils that leave the skin hydrated, plump and glowing. After the toner application we receive an ultra-relaxing facial, neck and shoulder massage that could put anyone right to sleep – it’s sheer bliss! Judie then preps the Guinot oxygenating mask; replete with green tea and fig extracts she paints it over our entire face – mouth and eyes included and lets it set for about five to ten minutes. If you’re claustrophobic this part can be a bit unnerving as your only airway is your nose – so make sure you’re not stuffed up! While the mask sets, Judie gives us an incredible scalp massage that melts away all tension and anxiety. When she finally peels off the mask the difference in the appearance and feel of our skin is tangible. It’s dewy, glowing and any blemishes

seem minimized. The treatment ends with the application of a light, gentle moisturizer and instructions not to get our face wet for at least 24 hours to allow the products to fully penetrate the deeper layers of skin. With its tranquil ambiance, knowledgeable therapists and attention to detail with the needs of their clients, Jaula Spa is a haven – and the perfect treat for mind, body and spirit. n JAULA SPA Location: The Grand Hyatt Timings: 9:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily Prices: QR 550, 60-minute Aroma Visage Facial Contact Info: Call 4448-1056/1054 or email jaula.spa@hyatt.com.

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s nce ngrie stipe ssLi on Ex ati on ns ati ns QH Se QHSe RECOMMENDS

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Swedish Treatment

Daily: Effective in ensuring a fast recovery from muscular strain, increases circulation, stimulates skin and soothes the nerves. An excellent treatment for both mental and physical stress. For more information call 4484-7450.

DOHA MARRIOTT Pevonia Facial & Massage

Daily: Formulated to deliver accelerated visible results, Pevonia Essential Treatment keeps skin looking porcelain smooth and youthfully radiant. Special offer of a 20% discount when combining a high-performance Pevonia facial with any full body massage. For more information call 4429-8520.

THE GRAND HYATT Jaula Haute

Daily: Jaula Spa and Club. What better way to start the year than with a facial to make you shine in 2014. For every 90-minute Jaula Haute treatment, Grand Hyatt offers a 30-minute reflexology session on a complimentary basis. Jaula Haute is a customized facial treatment based on your skin type and concerns, with intensive facial, eye and décolleté treatments. For more information and bookings call 4448-1064/1056.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

HILTON DOHA Warm Up This Winter

Daily: Eforea. Warm aromatherapy oils are poured onto the body and massaged into every inch of the skin in long sweeping motions with heated volcanic stones, followed by a hot-oil head massage which keeps your body warm and stimulates the circulation. A must-have treatment to enjoy the heavenly winter weather. 90-minutes for QR 600, includes 30-minutes hot oil head massage and 60-minute hot stone massage. For more information call 4423-3443.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Reflexology Treatment

Daily: Rebalance the harmony to the body by cleaning congested reflexes and help boost the immune system to assist with recovery from illness, boost circulation, increase energy levels and improve mental and emotional processes. It’s very relaxing and creates a feeling of well-being.

Hot Stone Treatment

Daily: Heated black stones are used to massage the whole body, releasing deep-seated tension, working to relieving stress at the deepest level as well as on the body’s energy channel. A holistic and energizing therapy for body, mind and spirit.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA New Year New You - Detox Package

Daily: Remède Spa. Enjoy a 30-minute scrub and a 60-minute detoxifying body wrap.Start the New Year right and renew your body as you get rid of accumulated toxins. For more information call 4446-0300 or email Remedespa.doha@stregis.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Aura Reading & Meditation

Jan 26-30: Six Senses Spa. Shivani is regarded as one of the leading new age well-being consultants in the Middle East and the Gulf peninsula. Find our which colour your aura has, what disturbances are there and how you can overcome them. Align your chakras and truly relax and unwind through meditation, relief and long-term solutions for your physical discomforts. For bookings call 4425-6999 or email reservations-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Glow Package

Daily: Angsana Spa. Wear radiance like a second skin with a 60-minute body massage, 30-minute body polish and 30-minute refreshments and relaxation for QR 404, (normal price QR 550). For more information call 4434-3152/3153 or email spa-wyndhamgrandregencydoha@angsana.com.

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Interior Design Forum Design, Bilal Tower, Al Asmakh Area, 11th Floor. Tel.4456 8716 (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)

Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading & Contracting Co. W.L.L. Bilal Tower, Al Ashmeck Area, 10th Floor. Tel.4442 8877

Restaurant Chowking (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group) Road 4437 1212 hAl Khor 4411 8816 / 4411 8817 hAl Saad St. 4431 4411 hMamoura 4486 6077 hHoliday Villa 4411 5225 / 4411 5335 hSalwa

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QH Sensations Experience ns ing destinatio ome n e p p a h c ti s s nta Escaping to fa rld does wonders. Here are o around the w

Ati-Atihan Festival

Jan 10-19: Philippines This massive street festival is the Filipino version of Mardi Gras as the city of Kalibo explodes with music, colour and culture. There’s street dancing featuring a vibrancy of local tribal costumes, a bodypainting competition, a float parade and delicious local delicacies to be savoured. To take part in the ‘brou ha ha’ plan your holiday at www.kaliboatiatihan.ph.

India International Food Show Jan 19-23: New Delhi

If you like it spicy, skip over to the subcontinent this month and tickle your taste buds at one of the largest food shows in the region. Featuring cuisines from every corner of the globe and pairings of vino from French, Italian and South African sommeliers (just to name a few!), you can forget about going home hungry. Grab your knife and fork and loosen your belt at www.ifows.com.

Jamaica Jazz And Blues Festival Jan 30-Feb 1: Montego Bay

Slip into the rhythm of the islands at the Caribbean’s biggest and best jazz and blues celebration. With 25 musical acts performing over a jam-packed three days, your ears will thank you as the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kenny G, Gladys Knight, Alicia Keys and Damien Marley have all graced past festival stages. Keep an eye out for this year’s line-up of artists at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.

Marrakesh International Marathon

Australian Open 2014 Jan 13-26: Melbourne

In case you didn’t get enough tennis at the Qatar ExxonMobil Tennis Open this month, get yourself to the land down under for the ‘grand-slam of Asia-Pacific’. Featuring the same stars, but new champions it’s anyone’s guess as to who will take home the top prize of nearly $ 2.5 million AUD in the singles category. Place your bets now and visit www.ausopen.com to get court-side seats for the action.

Jan 26: Morocco

Run with hundreds of other competitors under the desert skies at this yearly sporting event. With the cool January climate giving athletes an advantage, the marathon route winds its way through alleys of palm and olive trees and along the old cobbled ramparts of the city, making it one of the most scenic courses on the circuit. Lace up your trainers, go to www.marathon-marrakech.com and sign up to compete.

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QH Sensations

Rustic Charm By Ashlee Starratt Images courtesy of Book and Kitchen

Next time you’re wandering down the cobbles of London’s Notting Hill, pop into Book and Kitchen and feed your belly and your mind at this quaint café with a Qatari connection. We talk shop with owner and proprietor Muna Khogali. QH: Tell us a bit about the time you spent in Doha. Were you also a business-owner here as well?

QH: Who are your clientele? We imagine you see a pretty diverse group of people on a daily basis.

MK: No, I spent three years in Qatar between 2008 and 2012 working in PR for a leading financial company.

MK: That’s right. It’s a nice cross-section of the very mixed community we have here. There are lots of artists, writers and musicians who come by, but also local people looking for something good to read or books for their children. We do also have people just popping in for a coffee or for lunch who are here to enjoy he laid-back atmosphere of the place.

QH: Tell us a bit about Book and Kitchen. It feels like a very open and homey place, right in the heart of London. We love the concept of being able to browse through the shelves, sit and read a good book while enjoying some delicious food. MK: That was precisely the idea – to make a space where people can come and feel at home but get a slightly different atmosphere and experience new and interesting things – both in terms of live events and music, and in terms of books. It’s also a place for people to meet other locals and to read over a coffee or some delicious fresh food. Notting Hill is a very special place with a great international environment and I wanted to add to that and enhance it.

QH: Tell us about your menu. From what we read on the B&K website much of it is light, fresh, health-conscious and locallysourced. MK: Yes, we make things fresh and the menu changes regularly. Most of the food is inspired by seasonal fruits and vegetables which also inform our cakes. For example plums and pears are in season at the moment so many of our cakes are made with them. Our drinks include fresh juice and organic fair-trade coffees and teas from around the world.

QH: Tell us about your job. What were some of the challenges and rewards of establishing a popular shop in one of London’s most prestigious districts? MK: It’s great to be a small-business owner, but it has its own unique challenges as you are responsible for all the details and the days are long. That said, it’s certainly rewarding to see how people react to something you’ve made and to see their enjoyment. QH: Do you have plans for other retail outlets in the future? Perhaps franchising or expanding the Book and Kitchen experience? MK: At the moment I’m focusing on growing the business and getting it established and well-known. But a little way down the line, why not? n If you’d like to know more about Book and Kitchen visit www.bookandkitchen.com and plan a visit next time you’re in London town.

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Luxury

With Etihad Files courtesy of ABODE Magazine

As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Etihad Airways has launched its signature Etihad Pearl Experience, offering business class travelers the opportunity to discover the ultimate heights of luxury travel. QH gets ready for take-off!

reat yourself to a sumptuous getaway this month by jetting on-board the national airline of the UAE. Etihad and its acclaimed Pearl Business Experience will allow you to savour the real meaning of first-class. From priority check-in and visa control, to flatbeds with built-in massage controls and plenty more exclusive services, you’ll feel like royalty from start to finish. You won’t have to worry about a thing, just pack your passport and fly off in style! Sophistication meets comfort in this exclusive business class journey; the attention to detail is unquestionable and your personal requests will be met in no time. Nestled in your privacy shell with plush pillows, throws and accessories, you’ll enjoy welcome drinks including fresh juices while perusing a plethora of in-flight entertainment options on your personal 15-inch

screen. Your assigned food and beverage manager and a five-star menu will take your dining experience to new heights with an a la carte service to satisfy hunger pangs at your beckon. Need computer time? Internet access is available on most aircraft and the flying nanny service will happily attend to all your children’s needs. On the ground, you’ll have exclusive access to executive lounges for pre-flight relaxation; at the Abu Dhabi Business Lounge complimentary 15-minute spa treatments are offered, courtesy of the Six Senses Spa, as well as an international buffet and complimentary Wi-Fi. Add priority check-in, boarding and visa control, a generous 40 kg baggage allowance and limousine service from airport to hotel for you and your goods – travelling can’t get any better! n

Rest, relax and travel the skies in ultimate comfort

For more information visit www.etihad.com.

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Virgin Recommends THE TOP U O Y S G IN R B H Q M THE STAFF PICKS FRO MEGASTORE

NAME: FRANCIS VERGONIA STORE SECTION: MULTIMEDIA

TIME AT VIRGIN: 6 MONTHS

Best Part of My Job:“I love working in multimedia because you have to have a lot of product knowledge. Any new advances for gadgets – all that stuff!”

THE WALKING DEAD: SEASONS 1&2 AMC’s apocalyptic zombie series based off of Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels has become a television sensation, now in its fourth season. The show is as much about the dynamic between the human characters and the monsters inside them as it is about the actual undead ones that surround them. Give this one a whirl and press play if you’re brave enough. Retail price: QR 150 per DVD set.

WWE 2K14 PS3 & XBOX 360 Battle it out with your favourite Wrestlemania stars in this re-vamped release. There’s an Ultimate Warrior challenge and improved game-play features such as more fluid walking, running and dragging motions. There’s even a ‘Streak’ mode where opponents can take on The Undertaker in an attempt to break his 21-0 winning streak. Retail price: QR 269.

FAST & FURIOUS 6 NBA 2K14 PS3 & XBOX 360

Vin Diesel and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson are back in this high-octane franchise that will have you firing on all cylinders. Grossing $780 million USD worldwide, the bad boys behind the wheel must reassemble their crew to take down a criminal boss who commands an international fleet of mercenary drivers. Retail price: QR 85.

This new release marks the first time that Euroleague and FIFA Asia teams will be featured in the game. Hit the court as your favourite player and go hard in the paint with the Path To Greatness mode. There’s also a ton of new features for players and Lebron James selected all the tracks in the game’s musical soundtrack – think Jay-Z and The Black Keys, to Coldplay and Daft Punk. Retail price: QR 279.

CALL OF DUTY: GHOSTS PS3, XBOX & Wii U Told through the eyes of a single character, Logan Walker, this latest installment introduces a new game facet called ‘Squads’. In it, players can use their squad to face-off against artificial intelligence-controlled enemies. There’s also a new four-player combat mode called ‘Extinction’ where players are thrown up against various types of alien enemies and must defend their base, survival-style. Retail price: QR 279.

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Spotlight On Movies

TOP

These five new flicks are sure to kick off 2014 with a bang!

arked Ones Paranormal Activity:The M Horror | Thriller

I, Frankenstein Action | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

Stars: Andrew Jacobs, Molly Ephraim, Richard Cabral

Frankenstein’s creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

QH Fun Fact: This film is a complete spin-off from the story-lines and characters of the first four movies. We still liked the original film the best, but let’s see what this one will have in store!

Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto

In the fifth installment of the terrifying franchise, lead character Jessie is pursued by mysterious forces after being ‘marked’, while his family and friends try to save him.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Action | Drama | Thriller Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack.

QH Fun Fact: When Mary Shelley published Frankenstein in 1818 she was considered one of the first authors of science-fiction – and a female author to boot!

Ride Along

Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley

Action | Comedy

QH Fun Fact: This was famed novelist Tom Clancy’s last film that he wrote before his death on October 1, 2013.

Fast-talking security guard Ben joins his cop brother-in-law James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela, James’ sister.

The Nut Job Animation | Adventure | Comedy Surly, a curmudgeonly, independent squirrel is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life and the rest of the park community as they gear up for winter - Maury’s Nut Store. Stars: Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Brendan Fraser QH Fun Fact: In real life, only tree squirrels collect and store nuts to last through the winter – ground squirrels don’t. So this makes Surly’s behaviour just a wee bit questionable!

Stars: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter QH Fun Fact: Originally producers had planned to have Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson play the role of James, and Ryan Reynolds to play Ben. We guess after Reynold’s film flop in RIPD he wanted to stay away from the cop and buddy roles! 101

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QH Sensations Experience

The Dish On Qatar It’s the first month of the New Year so we thought it might be fun to see if we could learn something new about Qatar. So, we managed to round up some fun facts, trivia and little-known quirks about the country. Read on and fill your head with knowledge!

‘Barwa’ is an ancient word in the Qatari culture. It means ‘document’ or ‘bill’, traditionally kept in a cylindrical bag for protection by early settlers. Today ‘Barwa’ is the name of a new development in Doha ‘Barwa Village’ – a commercial hub of shops, businesses and outlets. Seems fitting to us!

Qatar is home to around 180 nationalities and nearly 69% of the population is between the ages of 25-54 – a sign of a young country with a youthful population to help it grow.

Qatar used to celebrate its National Day on September 3, marking the day when it gained its independence from the British Empire in 1971. In 2007 the date was changed to December 18 to mark the moment in history when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad bin Thani succeeded his father as leader of the tribes in Qatar in 1878.

The unique maroon shade of Qatar’s flag happened by accident. The story goes that the manufacturer who produced the flags was experimenting with a new formula of red dye, so when the flags were raised the reddish shade faded into the maroon colour that we all know. The country’s leaders adopted it as a symbol of the nation and it’s been around ever since.

5 6

According to the Qatar Statistics Authority, the country is home to 33 people who are 100 years of age. Live long and prosper!

‘Katara’, though we know it as the Valley of Culture here in modern Doha, was actually the given name of Qatar since the year 150 CE when geographer Ptolemy identified it as such on early maps of the Arabian Peninsula. The historic name and spelling remained until 1738 CE.

How much do you think you know about Qatar?!

7 8

Aspire Dome is the largest sports stadium in the world at 290,000 square feet. Imagine how many crowds of screaming fans it could hold! Souq Waqif used to be known as ‘Souq Al Maqbarah’, which roughly translates to ‘cemetary market’. This is because it was built next to a graveyard, which is now covered by the parking lot.

If you’ve ever seen Qatari men wearing different coloured scarves on their heads and wondered what they meant, we have the answer. Known as ‘ghutras’ the plain white ones represent ‘pure’, the black and white mean ‘freedom’ and the red and white mean ‘patriot’.

Though most people associate the Gulf nations with oil and gas wealth, Qatar was primarily a fishing country before the discovery of black gold and fish continue to be one of its top natural resources. n

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It Happened

The Father Emir, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani waves at the crowds from his motorcade during the National Day parade

Photo Credits: Nadir Khamis & Jessie Palanca

QATAR NATIONAL DAY The Corniche Dec 18, 2013

People packed along the Corniche in droves to show their national pride and take in the procession

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The closing fireworks on the harbour are bolder and brighter each year

QATAR NATIONAL DAY The Corniche Dec 18, 2013

Adorned in their traditional national dress, young Qatari girls take part in the celebrations

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It Happened

DFI AJYAL YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL Katara Nov 26, 2013

Festival-goers unleash their inner otaku on the red carpet with some awesome anime cosplay

BARNEY LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GO! LIVE ON STAGE! Al Rayyan Theatre Nov 28, 2013

It was a whirlwind of song and dance with Barney and his friends

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Dozens of lucky young footballers had the opportunity to pose with the FIFA World Cup trophy when it made its way to Doha last month

FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY TOUR QFA Technical Committee Dec 13, 2013

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It Happened

H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage (centre) presides over the Dhow Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening ceremony

Photo Credit: Sanjaya Munindradasa

3RD DHOW FESTIVAL Katara Nov 22, 2013

QATAR UK 2013 FASHION EXCHANGE Mathaf Dec 9, 2013

A modern take on traditional Arab design hits the red carpet runway at Mathaf

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LONGINES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR Al Shaqab Nov 23, 2013

Some of the world’s foremost equestrian champions cleared the hurdles at Al Shaqab

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY Sharq Village & Spa Nov 20, 2013

Some fun and fashionable entertainment was the evening’s highlight

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TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY The St. Regis Doha Dec 1, 2013

Standing at more than 10 feet the St. Regis’ tree takes the cake for one of the largest in the city

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY The Four Seasons Dec 1, 2013

A children’s choir lifts their voices up in song

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TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Kempinski Residences & Suites Dec 5, 2013

Waiting for the big man in red to show up is hard work when you’re a kid, but someone’s got to do it!

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Crowne-Plaza Doha The Business Park Dec 7, 2013

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TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Hilton Doha Dec 12, 2013

Forget the sled and reindeer, Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s found a new way to get around!

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY InterContinental Doha The City Dec 11, 2013

The staff choir adds an extra touch of festive flair

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MOVEMBER BRUNCH The W Doha Nov 22, 2013

Even staff who couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow a real one came up with some creative mustachios in support of prostate cancer awareness and charity

FAMILY BRUNCH The Village Nov 9, 2013

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It Happened

MONIN MIXOLOGY CLASS The Hilton Doha Dec 8, 2013

Some of the top execs from Monin turned out for this fun and tasty mocktail master-class

CHOPSTICKS RE-OPENING Wyndham Grand Regency Dec 5, 2013

Wyndham Grand Regency General Manager Mr. Ayman Lotfy cuts the ribbon at the Chopsticks grand re-opening with Thai Ambassador H.E. Mr. Panyarak Poolthup

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BLUE BRUSH FASHION MADNESS The Pearl-Qatar Dec 7, 2013

Fashionistas unite at the ultra-stylish photobooth for some snapshot mementos

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Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel 4445 5555 and Spa Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4220 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 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6115 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 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 4453-5021 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333

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

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

Health / Beauty

Hotels / Restaurants

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

Hospitals/Emergency

Amaoras RelaxationSpa Angsana Spa Bader Chemist Bay View 26, Wellness Centre Bio-Bil Health, Beauty & Spa Ladies Men’s

4493-4433 4483-0989

Bliss 4453-5555 Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 Doha Dental 4431-7766 Doha Marriott Spa 4429-8520 Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 Foot Care Centre Lulu Gharafa 4478-0510 The Center 4436-6275 City Center 4493-0394 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 Frank Provost 4494-8844 Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4483-9100 The Pearl 4495-3876 Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 La Cigale - Ozone Spa 4428-8888 Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Snips Salonon 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

AMBULANCE, POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT DOHA CLINIC HOSPITAL

4408-4085 4434-3152 4441-1888 4496-6410

4434-4496 4436-1461 4467-1200 4462-2777 4422-1888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4466-6635 4440 9666 999

4438-4333

EMERGENCY HOTLINE 4435-5999

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY

4439-2948

AL AHLI HOSPITAL

4489-8000

QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD &

HAMAD GENERAL HOSPITAL

4439-2222

WOMAN PROTECTION HOTLINE 4466-6671 / 72

RUMAILAH HOSPITAL

4439-3333

REAL ESTATE Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com INTERIOR Forum Design 4456-8716 RESTAURANTS Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 4431-4411 Chowking Al Saad St. Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 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 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 Indonesian Embassy Japanese Embassy Nepalese Embassy Philippine Embassy South African Embassy Thai Embassy U.A.E. Embassy

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

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

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