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Bilal Pearl Suites DPS - JUNE 2013 - FTP.pdf
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Table of Contents
pg 52
OUT CHECK pening.com
atarhap ion! www.q test informat la for the
JUNE
MENT ENTERTAIN
EVERY ISSUE Editor-in-Chief’s Letter
9
QH’s Editor-in-Chief tells you what’s happening this month
10
QH Speaks
Top Picks
20
Disney On Ice
An exclusive meet the cast interview!
Events Calendar
Pullout calendar with the city’s do-not-miss monthly events
116
It Happened
QH’s photo gallery of the latest happening events in Doha
19
22
The best of our monthly social media
13
124
I Will Survive: Celebrating International Survivors Day
Phone Directory
Need-to-know phone numbers
26
Behind The Scenes With STOMP
We sit down with STOMP co-founder Steve McNicholas
A Touch Of Class
TURE ARTS & CUL 43 44
We visit local jewelry-maker Jamiela Al Baroudi
46
The Art Of Hip-Hop
Mathaf Goes Mobile
32
Party Central
50
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening
From Dubai to Doha Moufdi El Bellaj brings the rhythm
48
37
All That Glitters
Get a taste of Cuba at Katara’s El Cigar Lounge
Pacha Ibiza’s World Tour lands in Doha
Top Picks
Hop on the coolest shuttle bus you’ll ever see!
Arts & Culture Listings
Find out everything that’s going on this month
Entertainment Listings
Find out everything that’s going on this month
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening
For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email info@qatarhappening.com
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Table of Contents COMMUNITY 51
Top Picks
52
I Will Survive
56
A Reason To Give
60
Community Listings
61
Kids Club Top Picks
62
Virtual Mamas
The Ladies of Harley team up with local cancer survivors to raise awareness about the disease
Steve Parenteau and his students at Qatar Academy make a difference with their Laptops 4 Workers program
Find out everything that’s going on this month
64
Ten tips to get you ready for the parenthood blogosphere
Kids Club Listings
Fun ideas to do with the kids
pg 22
Behind The Scenes With STOMP
ING FOOD & DIN
SPORTS
IONS QH SENSAT 97
QH Recommends
100
Total Relaxation
105
Reasons To Fly
106
Going Dutch
110
Virgin Recommends
112
Spotlight On Movies
67
Top Picks
89
Top Picks
68
A New York State Of Mind
90
Come Sail Away
70
We sample the Renaissance’s New York Steakhouse for their new lunch menu
To Market, To Market
The W Doha’s Market by Jean- Georges continues to be the ‘let’s eat’ place to beat
South Pacific Flavour
72
92
94
It’s wind, waves and watersports fun at the Doha Sailing club
Team Up!
Evolution Sports Academy has your full summer activities roster
Sports Listings
Find out everything that’s going on this month
We do brunch, Trader Vic’s-style
76
Find out everything that’s going on this month
Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing:
Email: editor@qatarhappening.com
Fax:
QH June 2013 sri.indd 8
The spa at the Crowne-Plaza Doha delights the senses Our pick of top destinations
We explore Amsterdam, the artistic hub of the Netherlands
The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore
Our top five must-see films of the month
114 The Dish On Qatar
Feedback and comments are always welcom Please forward letters to the editor:
8
Have Your Say: info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com
Food & Dining Listings
e.
Our fave little luxuries of the month
+974 4427 8416 +974 5584 4905 +974 4427 8415
Simple steps to go green in Doha and reduce your carbon footprint at home
Enjoy...
Postal Address: P.O. Box 7848 , Doha, Qatar
5/30/13 3:01 PM
k Of The From The Des f Editor-In-Chie
er? On the Cov
P June is jumping as STOM ar! and Disney On Ice hit Qat Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Daisy welcome you to the Magic Kingdom. Photo credit: Disney On Ice
Dear friends, and We’re now six months in to 2013 ting June may prove to be the most exci two four weeks of the year so far, as all-star events come to Doha and we bring you exclusive in-depth s interviews and behind-the-scene sneak peeks of both. First, The Art of Business/AHB Group is proud to welcome the world-renowned stage C production, STOMP to the QNC first The 6-8. e Jun from Theatre of what we hope will be many at collaborations with our partners first the is MP STO , ects Proj ium Prem The by a Doh to ght brou n major productio department. Art Of Business’s revived events
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
strategic partners, We would like to thank all of our on Productions, The ders Hen is Glyn ns, uctio Prod STOMP Al Muftah Rent A . 2013, The Grand Hyatt Doha and Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar/U.K available at still are ts Ticke es. STOMP to our shor Car for their support in bringing sure to come out with your be so ts outle re asto Meg n Virgi www.qatar-live.com and at young and old. that truly speaks to all age groups, whole family for a performance be transformed into a s, the QNCC Theatre will then After STOMP bids their farewell ical series of recitals from mag a for a Doh in s stop h whic skating rink for Disney On Ice, the love that people month, the allure of Disney and June 13-16. Our cover feature this le scenes and orab mem as s ence audi will reach local out on this have for its hallmark characters miss ’t Don ice. the and new come to life on musical numbers from films old spectacular show. partnered with ivors Day and QH is proud to have June 2 is also International Surv two people who have won of es stori l erfu pow the you the Ladies of Harley to bring o-date info on new ase. We also have the most up-t their own battles against the dise ncil of Health and Cou e rem Sup the from and support approaches to cancer treatment Hamad Medical Corporation. nute info that you’ll es, events, listings and up-to-the-mi to end. This is only a fraction of the stori g nnin begi from us you’ll stay along with find in our June issue. We hope your lives. Thank you for making us a part of
Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Lead Designer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Listings Coordinator: Marlynne Mallari-Dela Pena Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Intern: Tasbih Amin Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Syed Owais Ali, Sarah Al Motairi, Badir Bechara,
Jacqueline Bodnar, Fauzi Hassan, Rabi’ah M., Sanjaya Munindradasa, John Hunt, Charlie Sands, Victoria Scott, Gerald Tan,
Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief
QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 11 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group.
Entertainment
Check out our exclusive interview with STOMP co-founder Steve McNicholas on page 22!
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. STOMP co-founder Steve McNicholas
Behind The Scenes With
STOMP!
By Ashlee Starratt
world stages of New street performers to its rise on the From its roots as a troupe of feisty and all points in between, STOMP is here in Doha for three End York’s Broadway, London’s West QH has an exclusive June 6-8 at the QNCC Theatre. powerhouse performances from on how the show’s unique co-founder Steve McNicholas behind-the-scenes chat with STOMP to reach the heart of its languages, cultures and borders spectacle continues to transcend audience.
as a street QH: From its humble beginnings success, performance to its world-wide appeal? It what gives STOMP its universal say it doesn’t has no words, but that’s not to have a language of its own.
question: there SM: I think the answer is in the seems is a language in STOMP, that everyone there are two to understand… actually, I think which is languages… the language of rhythm, but as universal as breathing, as a heartbeat… the way we also the language of the body… speaking. interact [as] human beings, without STOMP had It was very important for us that Not no dialogue, right from the very beginning. appeal, but so much to ensure international performers to make us as directors, and the and concentrate on communicating anythingand with rhythm with say everything we want to movement.
to use QH: Why does STOMP choose everyday items to create its powerful that? behind rhythms? What is the message
in SM: We didn’t have an explicit message of in terms mind: there is an implicit message that is around recycling [and] re-using the waste thrown away, us, in a world where so much is inspired by I think that’s a given. But we were dancers like the movies from the 1940’s with tap in particular Nicholas Brothers, and one movie a broom, and where Fred Astaire dances with a drum another where he tap dances around that kit. We saw a chance to create something but came from that same source of inspiration, with expanded on it. Instead of tap dancing why shoes, your feet, playing drums with tap everything not use your hands as well and play of around you? For me the biggest messagepeople of the show is showing a diverse group rhythmic working together, using very simple complex building blocks to create something it’s to inspire and exciting. If we have a mission, creativity!
where QH: In terms of choreography, on percussion STOMP is a show that relies is it to flow to tell a story, how challenging no one falls and coordinate each step so out of rhythm? and SM: STOMP is deceptively ramshackle and casual. It’s actually very strictly scored is choreographed. Training and rehearsal have rigorous and demanding. Our performers also move but band, tight-knit a to play like of with split second timing and an awareness around what everyone else on stage is doing choreography them. What is different to dance own is that everyone is in control of their aware of body language, so it’s not just being also being the choreography and timing, it’s with you. aware of which person is on stage co-founder] Luke [Cresswell, STOMP’s other the is a real taskmaster in terms of teaching show, choreography and the music of the experienced and each production has a really Plus we have rehearsal director among the cast. their on very dedicated performers who work
show constantly.
with STOMP? QH: What does it take to tour and rigorous There must be a very unique skill set required? for people with SM: When we audition we ask humour; of a sense of rhythm and a sense of have them course a lot of people think they don’t have and don’t, whilst others think they our auditions them and do! So it’s good to make give it a go. It’s open to everyone who wants to between really about having good coordination A STOMP your head, your hands and your feet. of drummers, mix a cast usually ends up being comedians, percussionists, dancers and physical a little doing but ideally they are all capable of skills. of each other’s in Doha. QH: This will STOMP’s first stop will tell for Tell us what story this show audiences? Middle East, SM: It’s not our first STOMP in the and even Jordan Dubai, Lebanon, we’ve played because there Palestine, which was a challenge but it was was no infrastructure in Ramallah, a way, we learn important for us to play there. In they do about as much about our audiences as of language us. Take away the encumbrance language, and replace it with rhythm and body other. suddenly we all understand each the local QH: Will there be elements of performance? the into culture incorporated and SM: That depends on the performers travel! what they experience where they There is room in the show for improvisation in and introducing elements they discover it’s a local each country they visit, whether or a local newspaper, a local household object, a street Once street sign we can add to the set. there and sign makes it onto our set, it stays travels with us!
troupe QH: How often does the STOMP rehearse before a performance? couple of SM: We re-work the show every The companies years and are always refining it. every show, have ‘warm- up’ rehearsals before and play as if because they have to enter stage they they have already been performing…but the week for also add one extra rehearsal per entire company. moment QH: What is your most memorable from your time with the group?
at the SM: There are so many! Performing But I think Oscars in 1996 was a high point! for me perhaps the most memorable moment We were in was right at the very beginning. our first Adelaide, in Australia, and we had had got sold-out run…suddenly feeling we right! something unique, and got something leaves the QH: When an audience member what do you theatre after a STOMP show, them? want them to take away with SM: Inspiration! n
your time to get There’s still ! Visit details! STOMP tickets e.com for www.qatar-liv
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.
ABOUT STOMP: Date: June 6-8 Location: Qatar National Convention Theatre Ticket Info: Category 4, QR 299
Center
QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.
Category 3, QR 399 Category 2, QR 599 Category 1, QR 799 Tickets On Sale Now any Visit www.qatar-live.com or go to and Virgin Megastore outlet in Villaggio tickets. Landmark malls or order online from virginmegastore.me.
to STOMP in Doha is brought you by The Art of Business/AHB STOMP Group, Premium Projects, Henderson Productions and Glynis partners Productions, with strategic Qatar/U.K. the Qatar Tourism Authority, Doha, The Qatar 2013, The Grand Hyatt Center and Convention National Al Muftah Rent A Car.
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QH Speaks the best from our social We ask, you answer.The best of r Editor’s Corner. Here’s ou s plu , nth mo s thi ks pic top media what you’re saying!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening
In Your Face
We put out the call on Facebo ok to tell us how you do your part to help the environmen t and were thrilled at how proactive you all wer e! Here’s what a few of you had to say: C
Editor’s Corner Welcome to our green issue! I know what you may be thinking as you gaze out the nearest window: “Show me what’s green around here!” Well, ‘green’ can mean many things and we all know that the colour isn’t one that lends itself in abundance to the desert climate. But when it comes to ‘green’ in the eco-conscious, environmentally-friendly sense, the issue has never been more important, as Qatar moves towards its 2030 Vision of implementing new policies and practices that put the environment in the spotlight. So this month, we want to show you how the concept of going ‘green’ is, if you’ll pardon the terrible pun, growing like a weed in Doha. Our Community section is chock-full of stories that show us just that. Did you know that Hamad bin Khalifa University in Education City is set to unveil its first entirely energy-efficient dormitory? We take a tour to give you the first glimpse. Also, recycling is something that should start at home, but what if you knew that by donating your old or gently-used laptops you could be helping those less fortunate connect with their families who are miles away? That’s exactly what staff and students at Qatar Academy are doing with their Laptops 4 Workers program. It’s a feel-good story that we’re proud to be running, as we show you how you can learn more and take part. Finally, we also have a handy guide in our Dish On Qatar column on small things you can do, step-by-step to reduce your carbon footprint at home. We hope you learn something new in our pages this month and put it into practice. Though we live in the desert, we can all be a drop in a bucket. See you next month,
Ashlee Starratt Editor
“In Qatar that means only using the air conditioner when absolutely necessary, at the lowest setting possible and I never leave it on when I’m not at home. Keep showers to under 5 minutes. Take bags to the grocery store and if I forget to take my own bags, then I make sure as few plastic bags as possible are used. Yes, that means keeping an eye on the baggers and making sure they do what I request.” – Christine Gerber Rutt “Lessen the use of plastic and disposable items, especially when buying take-away food. Also, plant trees if possible!” – Jaynie Cabrera
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“Reduce, reuse, recycle! In our house that means making a toy kitchen out of moving-boxes and a playhouse out of the old TV box. Also, we take as many things as possible to nursery and school for arts and crafts.” – Paulien Bay Christensen
“Try to reduce the use of diapers which need at least 500 years to decompose! And yes, planting greens; our children also have the right to live on
this planet.” – Shakirapkk Salih
“Reduce, reuse, recycle in our house as well. It’s a challenge here in Doha, but we take our plastic, glass and tin to the bins at the park. We have a paper box at our compound and they come once a week and empty it. I also try to use all my glass containers for putting things in. For example, spices I buy in large packets and share them out with friends. I use my plastic distilled water bottles when I split my plants and take to the garden club. I take a shopping list with a few days meals planned to cut down on waste. I also try to buy local flowers and veg when in season.” – Tracy Marriott
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AD - QH week-end.pdf
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QH Out & About Mexican hot-spot California Tortilla rec ently opened its doors in the Al Sadd area on May 15 and we were there to grab a bite . We love it spicy!
Tweets Of The Month @GeraldoTan A no-bake strawberry cheesecake as the oven takes its summer vacation. Details in June’s @QatarHappening #Doha.
@robinsomadudley @QatarHappening: One of the best breakfast in town – Shakespeare and Company - Dar AlSalam Mall…unfortunate décor welcome guests to the Salsa rhythms and Tex-Mex tunes
grand opening.
@xtian0013 Just saw my Word of Mouth review of @ RadissonBluDoha Pier 12 @QatarHappening. Nice 2 page spread!
@viveklectic2h Just once, I want a username and password prompt to say, “Close Enough”
@Champofthecamp 7 Days: Labourer singing contest trailer to screen in #AbuDhabi…#documentary #Labor #Song #Humanrights
@SultanAlQassemi2h Qatar newspapers should do a better job than this in covering the progress of the new National Museum construction
@LadyBessa go? There’s a Brave enough to give their Wall of Flame a hundred hot sauces. Spicy!
s attire, California Tortilla host Garbed in traditional Mexican cactus! ering flow A e? insid t’s Wha . hand out gift bags
I’m so proud of my friends they looked so decent last night at QF’s graduation ceremony they showed real respect to Islam & to their parents
@DeeDee_ALM3h Can any woman make a man a millionaire? YES, if he was a billionaire hahahaha nothing is impossible #goodmorning
Turkish ent cuts the opening ribbon with California Tortilla’s managem from right) ond (Sec . Yunt Emre H. Mr. ambassador H.E.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening
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Entertainment
s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon
Radisson Blu Laughter Factory Mon 17 & Tues 18: Shehrazad. Make you sure you don’t miss the last Laughter Factory show before the summer break. As always they have a fabulous line-up of comedians who will leave you in stitches. To find out Junes line up check twitter @RadissonBluDoha. QR 140. Bar open from 5.00 p.m. show starts at 8.00 p.m.
W Doha White Party
Weds 12: Wahm. Lounge and mingle to the tunes of DJ Adrien Callier from Zuma Dubai. Adrien continually amazes the social set, both locally and internationally, with his eclectic style of crossmixing electronic dance music, best defined as nu-disco and house. With a growing number of followers and new projects in the pipeline, Adrien Callier is definitely the next big name to watch out for in the Middle East. Wonderful and witty party-goers dressed in white will be rewarded. Dress code: all white. From 10:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
The Diplomatic Club
Gokulam Park Doha D’Illusion Sat-Thurs: D’Illusion. A trendy lounge bar with hip aesthetics and chilled-out rhythms. This hangout will have you hoppin’ with its slinky cocktails and delightful snacks. At D’Illusion, socializing will never go out of style. From 5:30 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. For more information call 4470-8822.
BBQ Donut bian Looking to set sail on the Ara ve dining Gulf, searching for an exclusi Set for eight place or a fun experience? take you on people the BBQ Donut will including 180 QR res. sho Bay st the We soft and er wat eral min chilled juices, 0 p.m. For drinks. From 8:00 a.m. till 10:0 inquiries call information and rental fee il ema or 50 4484-74 a. spa.recreation@dclub.com.q
OUT om .c CHECaK ppening
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Grand Regal Hotel Happy Hour Sat-Fri: Bar Rancho’s. Happy Hour ‘Buy One Get One Free’ every day from 5.00 p.m. till 7.00 p.m. Bar Rancho’s offers its guests a relaxing way to end the day or to begin an enjoyable Doha night. For more information call 4409-4600 /4409-4444 or email sales@grandregal.com.
for
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Entertainment ee wishes, to Will you make one of your thr Ice? Visit On ney Dis win a family pass for e for your pag ok ebo Fac Qatar Happening’s chance to win!
Doha Welcomes
e c I n O y Disne
Touring the world for decades, Disney On Ice is coming to Doha from June 13-16 at the Qatar National Convention Center. Yes, they’re bringing in several tons of ice to transform the space into a winter wonderland as only Disney can do! QH has exclusive interviews with cast members Jamie Loper, who has been with Disney On Ice for more than 17 years in the role of Aladdin and Shang from Mulan, and Isao Matsuura who has skated for audiences as Pinocchio for more than a whopping 30 years! By Ashlee Starratt QH: When was the first time you put on a pair of skates and was it something that you immediately knew you wanted to do for the rest of your life?
JL: I fell in love with ice skating the first time that I got on the ice. I attended a birthday party when I was 11 and that was it for me. I have loved it all my life and this is what has led me to this profession. IM: I was 10 years old which was pretty late to start training to become a national competitor but after five years, I made it to my first Japanese National Junior competition. I also played baseball until I was 10 years old as most other Japanese boys did. Skating was the first thing I asked my parents to enroll me in. I just loved the feeling of being on the ice.
QH: How much training, rehearsing and practice does it take to put together a Disney On Ice show?
JL: The training for my skating is good, with an hour or two a day to maintain. For the production we require from 10 days to five weeks depending on the touring situation. Lots of long work hours and details go into every single number that we do. IM: Until I became a principal performer of Disney On Ice, I was on the ice for about six hours a day every day, and at the gym for an hour. When I'm on tour, there isn’t much time to practice on the ice so I dedicate myself to training and maintaining myself at the gym. Dory just Nemo and
ming....er,
keep swim
skating!
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QH: How do you become your character when you enter the rink?
JL: Becoming a character comes from knowing your character. You do your homework. Spend time in the mirror working on your actions or facial features. When the spotlight hits me I become that character. I am that character. IM: I just simply, naturally, become that character. I think I have [the ] Pinocchio character in me. QH: How many performers are in the show and what’s the most challenging part of producing Disney On Ice with such a large number of people?
Jamie Loper
JL: We have 47 performers on this show. It’s the largest touring Disney show currently out. The hardest part is just getting everyone on the same page. Knowing what they have to do when show-time arrives. and to run like a machine while on tour. IM: We are all from different countries. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to work with people from different walks of life. It’s definitely not challenging. We are all here to entertain people and it’s something that we all enjoy immensely. QH: Tell us a bit about the costumes, music and set design. You’ve had a chance to work with some incredible professionals such as Art Kempel, Bob Mackie and David Potts.
Isao Matsuura
QH: Disney means magic. How do you bring the magic of the world’s most beloved characters to life on ice?
JL: I believe that the magic comes from the care and expertise of the performer. The character development of the performer is so important. It involves the most care of all. IM: To see the Disney characters in front of you is already amazing and very magical! When I put on the Pinocchio costume, I’m not only playing that role; I simply become Pinocchio. QH: You’ve been with Disney On Ice for an incredible amount of years. Do you ever get tired of it?
JL: I have lived and loved it every day. Every show I skate as hard as I can for everyone in the crowd. It's what I do and I believe that this opportunity was made for me. IM: How could I get tired of doing such an amazing job? I love figure skating and I love making kids smile. I love traveling around the world and discovering new experiences on a daily basis. All in all it is an amazing experience and I can’t imagine the day when I stop touring.
are too many, when I am in a new country it is always exciting anticipating what new experiences I am going to have. This is my first time visiting Qatar and I am looking forward [to] making many new memories. QH: When you’re not touring with the show, how do you like to spend your time?
JL: I spend my down time with my wife Natasha. She’s from Los Angeles so we split our time between east and west. I love soccer so I play as much as I can. hit the gym, maybe a road-trip…whatever the time may bring. IM: When I am not touring, I am a skating choreographer in my home country of Japan. I work with world class skaters, coaching children. Coaching is a totally different experience than performing. I enjoy both very much. QH: Do you think the allure of Disney will ever fade in the hearts and minds of today’s audiences, or is it timeless?
JL: I think that as long as we have imagination then Disney tales will always have a home. IM: Disney is timeless. For example Pinocchio; this movie came out in 1940 for grown-ups but children loved the story just as much, if not more! There is no age for Disney, it is truly for everybody. n
JL: Working with those typse of professionals is amazing. It makes you want to be a better performer when you see what they go through to make you look good! They are all so brilliant in[their] respective fields and it has always been an honour to work with them. IM: To create a magical world, costumes, sets, lights and music is key. So much time and detail has been put into creating the costumes. At the end of the day when the Princes and Princesses come out onto the ice, I always feel like their costumes are made of crystals. The Small World costumes are also extraordinary; each individual costume represents a different country. The lighting is incredibly important. As soon as the light hits the ice, as a performer we are transported to a different world. The Disney music is iconic, not only to the public but also to the performers. It has become a part of our lives, we even sing it backstage! QH: What’s been your most memorable experience traveling the world with Disney On Ice?
JL: Good question. I have had many amazing experiences while traveling the world. I have appreciated this life in every aspect and will never forget its lessons. Single moments would be performing for my family and friends, in particular my mother. IM: To see audiences enjoying the show every day is an amazing accomplishment. With Disney On Ice, borders do not exist. Seeing kids all over the world smiling never fails to move and motivate me. My most memorable experiences
Tickets On Sale Now! About Disney On Ice Dates: June 13- 16 Location: Qatar National Convention Center Number of Shows: 7 Ticket Info: On sale May 1
Early bird ticket prices start from QR 125 until May 15 Ticket prices: QR 150 QR 250 QR 350 VIP QR 500 VVIP QR 1,000
Tickets available at Virgin Megastores or at www.virginmegastore.me
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Entertainment
STOMP co-founder Steve McNicholas
Behind The Scenes With
STOMP!
By Ashlee Starratt
From its roots as a troupe of feisty street performers to its rise on the world stages of New York’s Broadway, London’s West End and all points in between, STOMP is here in Doha for three powerhouse performances from June 6-8 at the QNCC Theatre. QH has an exclusive behind-the-scenes chat with STOMP co-founder Steve McNicholas on how the show’s unique spectacle continues to transcend languages, cultures and borders to reach the heart of its audience. QH: From its humble beginnings as a street performance to its world-wide success, what gives STOMP its universal appeal? It has no words, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have a language of its own. SM: I think the answer is in the question: there is a language in STOMP, that everyone seems to understand… actually, I think there are two languages… the language of rhythm, which is as universal as breathing, as a heartbeat… but also the language of the body… the way we interact [as] human beings, without speaking. It was very important for us that STOMP had no dialogue, right from the very beginning. Not so much to ensure international appeal, but to make us as directors, and the performers concentrate on communicating anything and everything we want to say with rhythm and with movement.
QH: Why does STOMP choose to use everyday items to create its powerful rhythms? What is the message behind that? SM: We didn’t have an explicit message in mind: there is an implicit message in terms of recycling [and] re-using the waste that is around us, in a world where so much is thrown away, I think that’s a given. But we were inspired by movies from the 1940’s with tap dancers like the Nicholas Brothers, and one movie in particular where Fred Astaire dances with a broom, and another where he tap dances around a drum kit. We saw a chance to create something that came from that same source of inspiration, but expanded on it. Instead of tap dancing with your feet, playing drums with tap shoes, why not use your hands as well and play everything around you? For me the biggest message of the show is showing a diverse group of people working together, using very simple rhythmic building blocks to create something complex and exciting. If we have a mission, it’s to inspire creativity!
QH: In terms of choreography, where STOMP is a show that relies on percussion to tell a story, how challenging is it to flow and coordinate each step so no one falls out of rhythm? SM: STOMP is deceptively ramshackle and casual. It’s actually very strictly scored and choreographed. Training and rehearsal is rigorous and demanding. Our performers have to play like a tight-knit band, but also move with split second timing and an awareness of what everyone else on stage is doing around them. What is different to dance choreography is that everyone is in control of their own body language, so it’s not just being aware of the choreography and timing, it’s also being aware of which person is on stage with you. Luke [Cresswell, STOMP’s other co-founder] is a real taskmaster in terms of teaching the choreography and the music of the show, and each production has a really experienced rehearsal director among the cast. Plus we have very dedicated performers who work on their show constantly.
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QH: What does it take to tour with STOMP? There must be a very unique and rigorous skill set required? SM: When we audition we ask for people with a sense of rhythm and a sense of humour; of course a lot of people think they have them and don’t, whilst others think they don’t have them and do! So it’s good to make our auditions open to everyone who wants to give it a go. It’s really about having good coordination between your head, your hands and your feet. A STOMP cast usually ends up being a mix of drummers, percussionists, dancers and physical comedians, but ideally they are all capable of doing a little of each other’s skills. QH: This will STOMP’s first stop in Doha. Tell us what story this show will tell for audiences? SM: It’s not our first STOMP in the Middle East, we’ve played Lebanon, Dubai, Jordan and even Palestine, which was a challenge because there was no infrastructure in Ramallah, but it was important for us to play there. In a way, we learn as much about our audiences as they do about us. Take away the encumbrance of language and replace it with rhythm and body language, suddenly we all understand each other. QH: Will there be elements of the local culture incorporated into the performance? SM: That depends on the performers and what they experience where they travel! There is room in the show for improvisation and introducing elements they discover in each country they visit, whether it’s a local newspaper, a local household object, or a local street sign we can add to the set. Once a street sign makes it onto our set, it stays there and travels with us!
QH: How often does the STOMP troupe rehearse before a performance? SM: We re-work the show every couple of years and are always refining it. The companies have ‘warm- up’ rehearsals before every show, because they have to enter stage and play as if they have already been performing…but they also add one extra rehearsal per week for the entire company. QH: What is your most memorable moment from your time with the group? SM: There are so many! Performing at the Oscars in 1996 was a high point! But I think perhaps the most memorable moment for me was right at the very beginning. We were in Adelaide, in Australia, and we had our first sold-out run…suddenly feeling we had got something unique, and got something right! QH: When an audience member leaves the theatre after a STOMP show, what do you want them to take away with them? SM: Inspiration! n
e to get your There’s still tim s! Visit STOMP ticket ils! .com for deta www.qatar-live
ABOUT STOMP: Date: June 6-8 Location: Qatar National Convention Center Theatre Ticket Info: Silver, QR 299 Gold, QR 399 Platinum QR 599 VIP, QR 799 Tickets On Sale Now Visit www.qatar-live.com or go to any Virgin Megastore outlet in Villaggio and Landmark malls or order online from tickets. virginmegastore.me.
STOMP in Doha is brought to you by The Art of Business/AHB Group, Premium Projects, STOMP Productions and Glynis Henderson Productions, with strategic partners the Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar/U.K. 2013, The Grand Hyatt Doha, The Qatar National Convention Center and Al Muftah Rent A Car.
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Entertainment QH: What are your thoughts on song selections? RS: They’re all great songs; I mean I can’t go into depth about individual songs. They’re all songs that are lyrically very strong, they’re beautiful melodies. They’re well created songs. They’re all from the same era, so I love them all. QH: What do you think accounts for the popularity of the Songbook series? RS: When the third one came out there was a DJ in England who said, “The great thing about this is you can take your girlfriend home,” and you know because he’s still a single man, “and put your album on and it’s romantic.” QH: Can you talk about your recent European tour? RS: Oh the show was amazing, I mean it’s the best tour I’ve ever done. Without spending fortunes, we had a real spectacle on the stage. You know a lot of high energy, a lot of colour. It was just without a doubt the best tour so far, not just on-stage but the vibe behind stage too with all of the band. It’s hard to describe it unless you’ve seen it but its real high energy.
QH Close-Up Rod Stewart needs no introduction. The British singer-songwriter has been making music as a solo artist since the release of Every Picture Tells A Story, which rocketed him to fame in 1971 with hits such as ‘Maggie May’ and ‘Reason To Believe’. At the age of 68, he’s back on the charts with Fly Me To The Moon: The Great American Songbook Volume V. Courtesy of Sony Music Middle East, QH has the exclusive with Rod the Mod. QH: Where did the inspiration for the Songbook series come from?
QH: Can you describe any particularly enjoyable recording experiences:
RS:The inspiration for the Songbooks came around because I always heard these songs, either in the subconscious growing up, you know in movies or from my parents and I’ve always had an ear for melody and I’ve always wanted to record them.
RS: Any particularly enjoyable recording experiences? Well, not really, no, it’s not like recording used to be in the old days doing rock and roll albums where you’d spend weeks and weeks and weeks just getting a drum sound. You know most of the tracks are done with me not being there now. I just give a key, and a tempo, and a feel, and Richard Perry, who’s the number one producer on this album, and most of the others, is just so trustworthy – gets exactly what I want.
QH: Did you anticipate that the series would be as successful as it has been? RS: I didn’t think it was going to be successful; I would have been really pleased even if I sold one hundred thousand. QH: Are there any personal favourite songs that have stood out for you? RS: I wouldn’t record the songs unless they were favourites of mine, but no I don’t think anything in particular. ‘Berkeley Square’ [‘A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square’] probably because it’s the only song, as far as I know, I’ve recorded that is about London. And it was written by an Englishman I believe.
QH: Can you describe what kind of album this is? RS: Oh this album’s absolutely more danceable! It’s a party sort of album, you know, the first five or six tracks every time I play with an audience or a crowd gathered around the house, everybody gets up and starts having a bit of a dance. We’ve done more up-tempo tracks than any of the other albums put together.
QH: Did you include songs from Songbook V in your set list? RS: No, there was no American Songbook in it, that’s a whole different tour. If I do the American Songbook I’ll go out with a different band and orchestra and play small theatres. Which is what I want to do, that’s a dream of mine to do that one day. QH: Did your family join you on the road this summer? RS: All the kids, and my brothers, and my sister, everybody came out to all the shows. It was a wonderful family event actually. Even little Alistair came out on the stage at the 02 set and come out and said, “Hi Tokyo!” “No, it’s not Tokyo!” And he wished his grandmother a happy birthday, it was lovely. He’s fearless, my son, he loves getting on-stage in front of a big crowd. I don’t let him do it too often because he goes home and can’t go to sleep; he’s all excited. And another thing he does, when I’m away and I call home he says to Penny “Is that Rod Stewart on the phone?” But then when I come home I’m ‘Dad’… really funny. You know, he’s only four and I wanted him to come down here today but he went off to go play tennis. He’s going off playing tennis. He has tennis lessons, violin lessons, drum lessons, flying lessons, he does everything. All I had when I was four years old was a box of matches.
You know I’ve got lots of kids and they’re always there in the house, four of them live with me, no three of them live with me at the moment, Kimberly, Ruby, and Alistair. And I make sure I give them lots of attention. And my hobbies, I work out four-five times a week and play football still. QH: How does it feel to be on album five of this series? RS: Yeah, yeah, told you there was another song in the old violin. n
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Entertainment Old-world Havana charm in the heart of Katara!
s s a l C f O h c u A To By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca
With its old-world Cuban charm and mellow ambiance, El Cigar Lounge at Katara is a haven for relaxation and indulgence. QH sinks in.
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ucked away in a spacious corner of Katara’s Amphitheater, El Cigar Lounge is a hidden gem. With its vintage cigar memorabilia, massive leather sofas, vaulted ceilings and polished furniture, it’s reminiscent of an old-world library/study that the likes of Winston Churchill and Sherlock Holmes would equally feel at home in. After fighting cross-town traffic on a Thursday night to get out to Katara, we’re greeted in the parking lot by the Lounge’s vintage club car. A nice little extra touch, it’s the Rolls-Royce of trolleys, decked out with plush leather seats and high-flying hood ornament. In less than two minutes we disembark and get settled in. Dominating the main entrance of El Cigar Lounge is its massive floor-to-ceiling humidor, stocked with only the finest brands of Cubans – Cohiba, Montecristo and Partagas to name a few.
Weekends mean jazz night at El Cigar Lounge and their three-piece ensemble -- Doha Jazz members all, are about to kick off their set. After a quick tour of the space it’s easy to see why it’s the ideal spot, far from the madding crowd, to relax, unwind and exhale. Zack, our ‘maître d’ tells us that the Lounge’s clientele are loyal – there’s even a private humidor where high-end patrons can purchase and store their own selection of Cubans, some of which are even hand-rolled on-site by cigar specialist Armando. As we wait for our hibiscus sangria mocktails to arrive, we drink in the atmosphere. It’s seems quiet but there are people constantly coming and going. That’s the beauty of the Lounge – you have your own little nook so you feel like you have the ultimate privacy no matter what’s going on around you. It’s a welcome respite from the loud hustle and bustle of the usual Thursday
night hot-spots and the ambiance lends itself to the enjoyment of one of their signature Cubans, meant to nursed slowly, unrushed and unhurried. As if ‘indulgence’wasn’t already the ‘mot de jour’, we’re told that El Cigar Lounge also does a great high-tea service with ‘Kopi Luwak’, one of the most expensive coffees in the world, on the menu. Tonight we’re treated to an assortment of offerings off of their ‘Nibbles Menu’. As the music gets takes an up-tempo swing, it’s easy to feel a sense of déjà vu here, of a by-gone era, as the faces of J.F.K., Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Churchill and Sigmund Freud –cigar enthusiasts all, preside over us from the array of portrait paintings adorning the walls on every side. As our bar bites arrive we stub out and tuck in, enjoying an assortment of piping hot lamb fatayers and delicate vegetable spring rolls with
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Members of Doha Jazz prov ide smooth sounds for loun gegoers every Thursday and Frida y night.
a spicy-sweet dipping sauce. Next up is a unique treat – something I’ve never had before: prawn kellage. It reminds me of a quesadilla but with a minced shrimp patty on the inside. They’re followed by chicken and bell pepper wraps that hit the spot perfectly. I feel like I hardly have room for the three-tiered dessert tray that’s on its way. Over-flowing with bite-sized cheesecakes, lemon squares, profiteroles and chocolate tarts it’s a classy touch to top off our sampling menu. As the night progresses, so does the buzz of conversation throughout the lounge and the rhythm and lilt of the music. There’s a Havana haze about the place that engulfs our senses and leaves a lasting impression. This won’t be the last Thursday night we spend in its Cuban glow. n
ture to life
nging the Cuban cul
adorn the walls, bri
Original paintings
About El Cigar Lounge Location: Building 32, Amphitheater, Katara Timings: Daily, 3:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. midnight Contact Info: 4408-0750 (Call for club-car pick-up)
El Cigar’s swank, library-s
tyle feel begs you to sink
back, relax and take you
r time with good friends
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Entertainment
Panther power at Vintage Lounge! This old-school vibe is as funky as they come.
o r t e R o G s ’ t e L By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca
Doha boasts many bars and lounges across the city and it seems that every month a new hangout open. By far one of the most opulent and elegant has to be Vintage Lounge at the St. Regis Doha. QH checks it out!
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hen I enter the Vintage Lounge at the St. Regis Doha all I can see is luxury. There’s so much going on and such attention to detail, that it’s really hard to describe, but I will give it a try. One of the most impressive elements of the place is the amount of black huge vases all around which gives the lounge an extravagant yet elegant appearance. There’s also a black piano in the middle of the room and a black ceramic panther underneath it. It feels like you’re inside a very well-decorated and over-the-top apartment. (Though black never does go out of style!) The walls have a very strong red colour with golden mirrors hanging from them, to give the impression of flames. Some of the sofas and curtains have that powerful red shade as well, and the rest of the furniture is gold. One of the main features is a chimney made out shellfish. Near the bar a painting of Marilyn Monroe can be spotted, accentuating the chic feeling of Vintage. Even though Vintage is super-lavish, it doesn’t look pretentious and instead feels cozy and familiar. Whoever designed the lounge gave the décor their personal touch. I was quite taken by the overall look. Following the prestige behind the St. Regis name, I’m expecting the service, drinks and food
to be just as good as the place itself. The staff is warm and welcoming. There’s always a smile on their faces and the overall experience is a five-star one, as my friends and I are offered signatures drinks, all of them rich in flavour with some creative mixtures. Vintage Lounge is not a restaurant per se, however they offer salads and other small dishes to munch on. While we sip our drinks we’re served a few different kinds of appetizers. Our first course is Wagyu sliders with a molten delice de bourgogne dip. The bite-sized burgers are freshly-made on toasted brioche buns with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, pickled cucumbers and velvet molten cow’s cheese for an extra tang. We also indulge in a smorgasbord of other treats, including grilled chamomile akawi apricots, candied walnuts, preserved fig biscotti, char-grilled spiced ground beef with wholegrain mustard dressing and goat’s cheese and beet mille feuille with a hazelnut dressing. The portions are perfect for sharing and the experience is fantastic. If you’re looking for a high-end hangout to kick back after work as a special treat, Vintage Lounge hits the spot. n
Melt in your mouth
char-grilled spice
d ground beef
What’s On At Vintage Lounge High Heels Night Wednesday night is ladies night at Vintage lounge. Come check out their new band in a space whose ambiance is both glamourous and elegant. Ladies enjoy a complimentary second drink with the purchase of a beverage. Date: Every Wednesday Time: 6:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Location: The St. Regis Doha Contact Info: For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com
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Entertainment
Coco Latté
Presents
Make a splash at the Grand Hyatt this month with Coco Latté’s ‘SIP, SPLASH & TWIRL’ party! Celebrate the longest day of the year pool-side with some of the best tunes from all the way across the pond as London comes calling.
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ondon-based events experts Coco Latté are hosting a high-spec pool party ‘SIP, SPLASH & TWIRL’ at the Grand Hyatt Doha on the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 21. Being flown-in from London exclusively for this event by Emirates airlines will be top British female DJ Philly, together with Coco Latté’s professional party stylist Margaret Tapping. DJ Philly is one of London’s highest profile professional female DJs and has performed at a multitude of top London clubs including Ministry of Sound, ChinaWhite, Fabric and Café de Paris, as well as countless high-profile events, fashion parties and top-class hotels around the globe. She’s spun tracks for parties hosted by Paris Hilton and Puff Daddy and headlined at the Miramax party at the 2011 Cannes International Film Festival. A DJ Philly set can span everything from hip-hop, R&B, indie and old skool, fused with cool London electro, funky, deep and vocal house music. Philly knows how to tailor her music to please each and every crowd, resulting in a steadily growing fan base around the world. So don’t miss her for this one special night at the Grand Hyatt! n
SIP, SPLASH & TWIRL Date: Friday, June 21 Time: 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Where: Poolside at the Grand Hyatt Doha Tickets: Three ticket types will be available: Standard: QR 150 includes entry & one free cocktail Deluxe: QR 400 includes entry, reserved seating and open bar till 1:00 a.m. (limited to 50 tickets) VIP: QR 1000 includes entry, reserved seating, open bar till 1:00 a.m., guest room overnight, breakfast in bed the next morning and 2:00 p.m. checkout (limited to 50 tickets) DJ Philly will hit the decks poolside at the Grand Hyatt
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Entertainment
l a r t n e C y t r Pa
ive party will this June 6. The super-exclus tar Qa to r ove s sse cro r tou The Pacha Ibiza world only! Marriott Doha for one night wave-side on the beach at the
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oha’s very own Marriott Hotel will be the setting for the first Pacha Ibiza beachside event, which promises to be the party of the month. Pacha is an event franchise with headquarters in Ibiza, Spain. The first Pacha club was opened in sites outside Barcelona in 1967. The Ibiza club, located in Ibiza Town, is the bestknown venue today. In a 2012 DJ Magazine poll of the world’s 100 best nightclubs, Pacha rated third. Their resident DJ’s are arguably the best in the world and have included big names like Bob Sinclar, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and Benny Benassito. On Thursday, June 6, Doha’s party people will be sipping drinks, while busting a move on the beach and watching the sun go down as it fades into oblivion. Expect everything from an elegantly-decorated VIP area hosted by Trinity Talent Qatar with white cloth tables and hostess
service, to Pacha’s very own resident dancers strutting their stuff throughout the night. To tip you over the edge, the DJs manipulating the tables and bringing the crowd to their knees will be none other than Pacha Ibiza resident Juan Diaz, Dubai’s number 1 DJ Sabrina Terrence and Malta’s biggest export, Mykill. The Pacha Ibiza World Tour in Doha is brought to you by LOUD Entertainment. The people behind LOUD are responsible for some of the most exclusive events and beach parties Europe has ever seen. They have organized gigs in Malta, Ibiza, Italy, Spain, Germany and also outside of Europe such as Bali, New York and Las Vegas. They are now bringing their talent and expertise to Doha and can promise a wide variety of special events and acts to come. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/loudglobal. n
rock out
Pacha Ibiza Beach Party Location: Marriott Doha Date: Thursday, June 6 Timing: 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Ticket Info: Ladies: QR 200 Guys: QR 250 VIP: QR 350 (only 150 available) Crew: QR 150 Limited tickets are available from Virgin Megastores in Villaggio and Landmark malls and online at ticket.virginmegastore.me, Doha Rocks Café (Beverly Hills Al Rayyan & Airport Road) and from the Marriott Doha hotel reception.
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kes Clubs ma Voucher ve a s o r you t it easy fo money!
t e g d u B A n O n Fu
There’s a new Voucher Club on the scene, offering great discounts on everything from night-life specials to deals on dining out. QH checks out this new, easy-on-the-wallet service.
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oucher Clubs is a new online club that allows its members to save money on a whole range of services in Doha, including health and beauty, dining, days out and entertainment. Voucher Clubs has teamed up with loads of your favourite companies to provide more than 150 different offers. “We launched the website at the start of last year and we’ve had a great response from the public and also from companies wanting to promote their offers,” says Voucher Clubs founder Amanda Parker. “The great thing from a member’s point of view is that they can download our vouchers as many times as they like, we don’t limit them to going only a handful of times to their favourite restaurant.”
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25% off at Carluccio’s
The discounts available to Voucher Clubs’ members are impressive. Here’s just a taste of what’s on offer:
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30% off weekend access to Sealine Beach
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2 for 1 beach access at the Grand Hyatt
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2 for 1 seafood nights on Wednesdays at the Crowne-Plaza Doha
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2 for 1 massage at Sinyan Ladies Salon 2 for 1 facial at Skin & Soul
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25% off weekend brunch at the Doha Marriott Gallery
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2 for 1 hammam at Dados Beauty
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2 for 1 main course at Hippopotamus Steakhouse
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2 for 1 main course at The Grill, Grand Hyatt
As a special offer, Voucher Clubs is giving QH readers the opportunity to join for half price, with a 2 for 1 annual membership. So, join with a friend and pay just QR 95 each! To get this great deal email membership@voucherclubs. com and put ‘QH 2 for 1 offer’ in the subject box. For more details visit www.voucherclubs.com. n
All offers on Voucher Clubs are available only to paid members. A 12-month membership costs just QR 190 and the member’s immediate family can all use the vouchers on one membership.
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Entertainment
’ n i p p s o g H n i y n
Part
e p p a H
Entertain your senses with a lavish mix of international gourmet food, delicacies from their foie gras live-cooking station, sushi and sashimi bar, plus a wide selection of seafood, and an on-going flow of special beverages carefully prepared by our specialists. Sit back and let the breathtaking dance choreographies, wild percussion outbursts and staggering acrobatics of the cast of STOMP steal the show, live, all the way from London Town.
da
Your Friday brunch ritual will have a different meaning on Friday, June 7 with a very special event at The Grill. For one-time only, The Grill will be bringing some very special entertainment from the heart of London’s West End to dazzle you as you dine. We believe in rhythm, so prepare yourself for a brunch spectacle like no other, featuring an exclusive performance from one of the most successful theatrical shows of all time: STOMP!
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Are You Ready To STOMP Up The Tempo At The Grill?
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THE GRAND HYATT
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WEST END RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Celebrate At Champions Champions opens for brunch to show the live broadcast of the British Lions. Every four years the Lions take on the Southern Hemisphere, this time in Australia. Be part of the action as Champions opens early for the live broadcast of each test match. Only 250 tickets available for each Saturday, at only QR 295 including a full British brunch and unlimited selected beverages! You must join the Champions Supporters Club to purchase test tickets. (See the Champions and Quick Bites staff to join.) Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/champions Event: Celebrate At Champions Date: Sat 22, 29 & Jul 6 Where: Champions Dress code: Casual Membership: Not required Reservations: 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/champions
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GRAND REGAL HOTEL
African Night We haven’t been to the Grand Regal Hotel yet, but we‘re sure that this Friday June 7 the party will be on at Bar Rancho’s as club-goers enjoy the finest tunes from dancehall and reggae radio DJ Kriss Darlin. Plus, it will be the perfect opportunity to check out this lounge! Event: African Night Date: Friday 7 Where: Bar Rancho’s Time: From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Door entry: Guys: QR 100, Ladies QR: 80. Free membership for ladies. Reservations: Call 4409-4600/4409-4444 or email sales@grandregal.com.
W DOHA
Party Weekend DJ Aline Magnier and DJ Sune are joining Wahm all the way from Berlin, Germany. This is going to be a weekend to remember in Wahm for all party-goers. Event: Party Weekend Date: June 5 -7 Where: Wahm Time: From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Not required Reservations: Call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
KEMPINSKI RESIDENCE & SUITES Cigar Sunday Nights at The Lounge Discover an exclusive selection of Cuban cigars, pair them with your favourite cocktail and indulge in fine savoury bites along with jazzy sounds from the super cool band. Event: Cigar Sunday Nights at The Lounge Date: Every Sunday Where: The Lounge Time: From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Price: QR 150 Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Not required Reservations: Call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha
HILTON DOHA
Stand Up Comedy Join the Hilton Doha for a night of laughter in collaboration with the Punchline Comedy Club. Tickets for dinner and the show are QR 300 including a welcome drink starting at 7:00 p.m. QH was there for their first comedy night and it was just awesome. Event: Stand Up Comedy Date: Tuesday, June 25 Where: Hilton Doha Time: Starts at 7:00 p.m. Price: QR 300 Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Not required Reservations: Call 4423-3333
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STOMP AD for QH & ABODE (20 x 26.5 cm).pdf
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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS
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411 – Doha
Fri 14: Crystal. Exclusively in Doha ‘The One & Only’ DJ BLISS. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Ministry of Sound
Thurs 19: Crystal. EVO & RST from Ministry of Sound will be getting the dance-floor pumping. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Birthday Club
EVERY WEEK
The Grand Heritage Doha wants to make your birthday a memorable experience! Celebrate with them one week before or after the guest’s birth-date, you will receive a complimentary 1kg birthday cake for a minimum spend of QR 800, from any of the restaurants. For more information call 4445-5555.
PROMOTIONS THE GRAND HYATT Rocca Pool Parties
WEST END RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Champions Quiz Night
With June’s heat wave approaching, there’s no better time to make a splash at Rocca’s pool parties. With a chilled-out atmosphere, funky décor and special audiovisual effects, they promise a different theme, music genre and entertainment every Friday throughout the month of June. From 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. for QR 150. For more information call 4448-1272.
Mon June 10 & Mon July 1: Champions. Win QR 5,000 in cash on Monday, June 10 and Monday, July 1. Enjoy their Happy Times beverage specials from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. The quiz starts at 7:30 p.m. Bring your team for the chance to win first prize of QR 5,000 in cash. Free entry and valet parking included. Open 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/champions.
THE ST. REGIS DOHA Music From The Encore
W DOHA DJ Ravin
Fri 28: The St. Regis Doha. An evening of Spanish music with Tango, featuring the talented international tenor, Neil Latchman and international pianist Amira Fouad. Listen to the strains of some of the greatest Spanish and Latino composers such as Albéniz, Granados, Lecuona and more. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Special dining experiences available in Opal by Gordon Ramsay and Astor Grill. For more information call 4446-0105 or visit diningreservations@stregis.com.
RADISSON BLU Pub Quiz
Mon 24: Shehrazad. The Pub Quiz returns! Bring along your team of six and take part in Doha’s favourite quiz night! With no entry fee and great prizes to be won why not get your competitive hat on and come along and have some fun.
Fri 14: Wahm. Wham will exclusively host DJ Ravin from Buddha Bar Paris, with opening act Bruno Rochart, on first from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. DJ Ravin will then hit the decks from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Pure Crystal
Thurs 6 & 27: Crystal. DJ Stephane Karl coming all the way from St. Tropez. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Bring Down The House
Tues 11: Crystal. DJ DIMIX spinning the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school mix-up. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
THE GRAND HYATT Diva Nights
Sun-Tues: Dunes. Doha’s ladies enjoy signature cocktails completely free of charge all night every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until close. So girls, book your night out at Dunes and leave your purses at home, just ensure to bring your man along. For more information call 4448-1280.
LA CIGALE HOTEL
Sat-Fri: Madison Piano Bar. Experience a new blast of an eclectic mix of chic and elegance. Live Arabic music every night with the talented one-man-show Chadi El Basha, excluding Sundays which is ladies night with DJ Roger Choueiry. From 6:00p.m. till 2:00a.m. Live entertainment doesn’t start before 10:00p.m. For more information call 4428- 8665 or 5518- 8008. Sat-Fri: Sky View. Warm up your nights in the rooftop outdoor bar with musical video shows played on a giant LED screen followed by mixed live tunes with DJ/VJ Tony Schwery. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. No entrance fee and no minimum charges during weekdays. (Rules and regulations apply). For more information call 4428-8204/8888.
GRAND REGAL HOTEL Happy Hour
Sat-Fri: Bar Rancho’s. Happy Hour ‘Buy One Get One Free’ every day from 5.00 p.m. till 7.00 p.m. Bar Rancho’s offers its guests a relaxing way to end the day or to begin an enjoyable Doha night. For more information call 4409-4600/4409-4444 or email sales@grandregal.com.
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Entertainment Listings Power Hours!
RECOMMENDS
Mon: Lava. Dance to the tunes of DJ Xwoolf and enjoy different drink specials every hour. For more information call 4423-3333.
Big Night Out
Wed: Paloma and Lava. Rock out at Doha’s biggest ladies night with unlimited complimentary selected drinks for ladies from 10:00 p.m. till late. Paloma’s new resident band Una Republica takes the stage first, followed by two dance-floors with resident DJs. For more information call 4484-4914/4484-4444.
Fly To Belgium
Mon & Sat: Belgian Café. The bar offers 20% discount on food and beverage for air crews for lunch and dinner. For more information call 4484-4919/4484-4444.
KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Airline Flight Crew Happy Hours
Sat-Fri: The Lounge. 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 I.D. 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.
Ladies Night
Wed-Thurs: Bar Rancho’s. Get ready for an enjoyable ladies night out at Rancho’s Bar. Live entertainment with Mr. Evans (a well-known keyboardist, who can perform songs in 12 different languages) and his band duo from the Philippines. Ladies get free entry, free membership and one free drink. Gents pay a QR 50 entrance fee and get one free drink in the bar. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4409-4600/4409 4444 or email sales@grandregal.com.
HILTON DOHA Vino & Cheese
Sat-Fri: La Sahtaine. Bring your favourite conversational partner for an intimate discussion with some fine vino and an international array of divine cheeses. QR 200 for two people including two glasses of vino per person and a selection of cheese.For more information call 4423-3333.
Joie De Vivre
Sat-Fri: La Sahtaine. Enjoy happy hour in a posh setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf with special discounts on selected beverages. Every day from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.
Happy Hour At Zawaya
Sat-Fri: Zawaya Bar & Lounge. Join in at Zawaya Lounge for the happy hour with the best view in Doha. The lounge offers special prices on selected beverages along with delicious bites and marvellous views of the Arabian Gulf. A happy hour that couldn’t be happier! From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.
Ladies And The City
Mon: Zawaya Bar & Lounge. Zawaya is calling Doha ladies to enjoy two beverages on the house every Monday. A live pianist and beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf will compliment your evening. For more information call 4423-3333.
KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Happy Hour MIX & FUSE
Sat-Fri: The Lounge. Mix and socialize at The Lounge with the trendiest crowd in Doha. Sip on 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.
Half Note Wednesdays At The Lounge
Wed: The Lounge. Funky saxophone sounds, upbeat mixes from the DJ, a unique ambiance, trendy crowd and hip cocktails make up the new 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.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Hospitality Nights
Sun: Lava. Get pumped with DJ Yasser on the decks and enjoy a 50% discount on food and beverage for hoteliers and cabin crew. For more information call 4423-3333.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY After Work Evenings
Sat-Fri: Hive. Every evening from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00p.m. buy-one-get-one free on selected beverages. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Live DJ Rico At Strata
Sun-Fri: Strata. Chill-out music, Buddha Barstyle and funky house music. From 9:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Martini Night
Wed: Strata. Buy one get free beverage and 20 % off food if the table has ladies. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com
ORYX ROTANA The Jazz Club Hospitality Night
Mon: The Jazz Club. A great date for fellow hoteliers, crew members and all hospitality staff to come and enjoy the best notes of jazz being played by the in-house band Crescendo and benefit from a 25% discount on their total food and beverage bill. Be sure to check in early for a great night! Hoteliers can invite up to three guests. For more information call 4402-3333.
Diva Tuesdays
Tues: The Jazz Club. Every Tuesday join in and enjoy a buy-one-get-one free on cocktails, house wine and sparkling. From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4402-3333.
The Cellar’s Sangria Night
Wed: The Cellar. Experience all the flavours and atmosphere of a real Spanish bar, right here in Doha. Unlimited sangria for QR 180 per person, from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333.
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RECOMMENDS
Crazy Monday
Mon: Crystal. Crystal proudly presents a brand new night ‘Crazy Monday’ with resident DJ Tobia and DJ Baz mixing up the best of Monday’s special hits. Enjoy a 50% discount for airline crew and a 25% discount for Crystal members on beverages. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
WEEKEND KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Sparkling Fridays
Fri: The Lounge. Fridays at The Lounge are bright and sparkling! Every Friday all ladies receive two complimentary glasses of bubbly. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
W DOHA DJ Yass
Wed 19: Wahm. Wahm hosts DJ Yass, producer, Parisian re-mixer and the ex-resident DJ at the Queen Club. DJ Yass plays a club-style ‘pumping soulful house’ sound. From 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
RADISSON BLU Ladies Night
Sun: Qube. Doha’s biggest night club introduces ladies night. Every Sunday, ladies will receive two complimentary drinks. Starts at 8:00 p.m., no entrance fee.
High Heel Wednesdays
Wed: Bubbles on Two. Ladies it’s time to put on your best pair of heels and join in Bubbles on Two. Every Wednesday, ladies will receive two complimentary glasses of bubbly or two sparkling cocktails. Starts at 5:00 p.m., no entrance fee.
SHERATON DOHA Ladies Night
Tues: Irish Harp. QR 100 for men with one complimentary drink, free entrance for ladies and free- flowing house beverages for ladies until closing. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.
THE ST. REGIS DOHA Louis Armstrong Night
Tues: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha.This one is for the boys! Enjoy the famous Real McCoy Sliders served with truffle French Fries and grain beverage for QR 100. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.
Ella Fitzgerald Night
Wed: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Every Wednesday night is ladies jazz night, celebrating women in jazz. Buy one cocktail and receive one complimentary selected beverage. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.
Martini Cravings
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Ladies Night
Fri: Paloma. Free selected drinks for ladies from 10:00 p.m. until late with the new resident band and DJ Shadi. For more information call 4484-4914/4484-4444.
Wed & Thurs: Astor Grill. Fashionable in any era, a martini is a sophisticated favourite. Martini Cravings offers eight signature beverages to choose from including: the Manhattan, Black-tini and Raspberry Passion, served with complimentary canapés curated by Chef Roudy. Craving more? Order one martini and receive a second one complimentary. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., QR 70 per person. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.
Lava Love
W DOHA The Vibe
Thurs: The Square. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. sip delicious cosmos. QR 290 including selected house beverages and QR 210 including soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Mon: Wahm. Come at 8:00 p.m. and get three beverages on the house for ladies night. Come at 9:00 p.m. get two and come at 10:00 p.m. and get one beverage. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Sip & Savour
Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Sip one and the second is on us along with complimentary Spice Market snacks. From 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Urban Night
Tues: Crystal. Resident DJ Tobias mixes up the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school. Ladies sip three drinks on the house. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Fri: Lava. Dance to the tunes of DJ Chris Hughes. Try our special Lava Love ‘Couple’ sharing cocktail or get a bottle of the week for QR 500 only including mixers. For more information call 4484-4914/4484-4444.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cosmopolitan Thursdays
WEST END RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Live Band
Fri: Champions. Soundsations take center stage from 7:30 p.m. till 11:30p.m. Happy Times between 5:00 p.m. till 7:00p.m.Entry between 7.30 p.m. till 10:00p.m.QR 60, includes one house beverage. Entry after 10:00 p.m. QR 100, includes one house beverage. Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100, or visit westenddoha.com/champions
CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Liquidity Nights
Thurs-Sat: Liquidity. Relax with DJ KayJay and DJ Xriss lounge music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. QR 100 (including one drink). Ladies enter for free. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-7777.
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Entertainment Directory
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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
Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu
4428-1428
Champions West End Renaissance Doha
Liquidity Crowne Plaza – The Business Park
4408-7777
4419-6100
Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa
Manhattan Radisson Blu
4428-1428
4425-6666
Marina Nightclub Ritz-Carlton Doha
4448-4800
Club 7 La Cigale
4428-8888
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
Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park
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
4428-8888
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
The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge Four Seasons 4494-8888 The Lounge Kempinski Residence & Suites
4405-3325
Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha
4446-0105
Wahm W Doha
4453-5353
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Strategic Partners
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Arts & Culture
s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon
Intercontinental Doha The City Lisa Watson Art Exhibition Until July: The Square. In her art, Lisa seeks to reflect the unseen resonance of the environment in which she is painting; buildings emit their individual energies and people project their unique emotions and spirituality. A talented local artist, her endeavour is to blend these elements together, suffused with the historical and cultural legacy on which they exist. Exhibition is open daily. For more information call 4401-8610.
Qatar Museums Authority Weaponry Museum
Sun-Thurs: The museum houses a spectacular display of weapons and artifacts dating back to the 16th century. The collection has magnificent ceremonial swords that belonged to members of the Gulf’s ruling families: an 18th century gold-encased dagger owned by Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al Thani; a sword belonging to King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; and a khanjar (traditional curved dagger) carried by the famed Lawrence of Arabia. The Museum is in the Al Luqta area of Doha and is open mornings, Sunday to Thursday, by appointment only, after obtaining a letter of authorization from the Museums Authority. For more information call 4486-7473. A visit can also be arranged with a tour company.
Katara
British Council The Selector
Sat: QBS Radio. Every Saturday evening tune in for an international radio showcase of the best new music from the U.K. For more information call 4425-1888 or visit www.britishcouncil.org/me-qatar.
‘Designed to Win’
in collaboration June 2-22: A Katara exhibition, on, U.K., with the Design Museum of Lond ways in which the es brat cele ’ Win to d igne ‘Des ing the push d, bine com are t design and spor eve records limits of human endeavour to achi nce and and victories of increasing significa visit on mati infor more For der. won www.qataruk2013.com.
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atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra ‘Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique’ June 15: Katara Cultural Village Opera House. Rafael Payare, conductor, Fabio Presgrave, cello. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.
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Arts & Culture
All That Glitters
Arabic culture is known for its penchant for decadent jewelry – silver, gold and pearl. Unleash your inner designer with Syrian native Jamiela Al Baroudi, Doha’s jewelry-making guru and creator of Bijou. By Sarah Al Motairi Photography by Jessie Palanca
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ith a passion for jewelry, Jamiela Al Baroudi captivates imaginations with her creativity, techniques, and eye-catching materials that birth unique and individual pieces. QH sits down with the Bijou owner, delving deeper into her luxurious and funky pieces as well and learning more about the ins and outs of jewelry design. QH: Please share with us your background in jewelry design. Did you undertake formal training to become a jewelry designer? JA: After the birth of my daughter I decided to take a break from my full-time job as a consular assistant at the Australian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. I embarked on a short trip to Egypt to spend time with friends. While on vacation in Cairo I came across a short jewelry-making course. I instantly called my husband in hopes of extending my vacation to partake in the course. I think my husband found my out-of-the-blue call a little odd but he did not hesitate to encourage my interest in learning a new craft. From there on out, I have been loyally addicted to jewelrymaking. I still attend jewelry design courses whenever I travel to continually add to my techniques and creativity. QH: What does Bijou mean? JA: Bijou is French for ‘jewelry.’ I adore the French language and found the term ‘bijou’ not only sensual and feminine, but also passionate. QH: What is your design process (tools, design, inspiration, etc.)? JA: Initially I used a select number of tools including pliers, cutter, mandrel and copper wires. However, after undertaking a second jewelry course in soldering my confidence grew, my techniques expanded and my creativity blossomed. I began to incorporate more complicated tools and materials including motors, hammers, saws, torches, beads and gems. QH: What are some of your favourite materials to work and create with? JA: I enjoy working with silver and copper. They are two very different materials and each is authentic in its own right. I also adore gemstones; enjoying every unique aspect of each distinct colour and texture they possess. QH: What would you most like to make that you haven’t so far? JA: The question is rather what material would I love to work with? I would love to work with gold and create high-end pieces of gold beauty. QH: What have been some of your favourite jewelry pieces you’ve designed and why? JA: I love every individual piece I have created but if I must choose I would definitely say my abstract ring collection. I love these pieces because I was able to let my imagination run wild and each piece is unique to my creativity. Anyone who buys an abstract ring from me is sure to be the sole owner of a distinctive piece never to be replicated again.
Artist Jamiela Al Baroudi in her workspace
QH: Which jewelry designers inspire you? JA: Every designer is held highly in my books for individualism and perfection. However, if I must choose I would have to say it’s a tie between the great designers at Tiffany & Co. and George Jensen. Simple elegance is the best way to describe their bold statements.
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QH: What is your goal in jewelry design? Where do you see yourself in the future? JA: I am very ambitious by nature. My dream is to own an intimate shop where I can showcase my passion. I also hope to inspire many through various workshops and classes. QH: Speaking of classes, you currently hold a number of jewelry design classes here in Doha. Can you tell us where? JA: I hold my jewelry classes in a number of places and usually choose locations depending on client make-up and preferences. One of my favourite places to teach is at coffee shops so I can enjoy a more intimate setting with my clients over a cup of coffee. QH: What inspired you to teach jewelry design? JA: First and foremost, I wanted to share my talent for jewelry-making with others. Secondly, as a stay-at-home mother I needed a profession that allowed me to dedicate time to my passion fully, while being allowed to dedicate time to my children fully as well. Teaching these classes gives me that luxury.
With a variety of implements, Jamiela uses a combination of heat and hammering to mold the metal hook of an earring into the bejeweled finished product below
QH: What is the duration of your classes? How many people can join per class? JB: Each course consists of five classes. Depending on the skill level of my clients, classes range from 60-90 minutes. The classes are scheduled as follows: First Class: Introduction to Tools. Various kinds of ear hooks and the creation of a simple earring if time permits Second Class: Revision of Ear Hooks and Detailed Earring Creation. Third Class: Ring Design Fourth Class: Ring Design Fifth Class: Hooks, Pendant and Chain Design. These classes assist clients in building confidence and technique. Classes are limited to four individuals per session. I also offer one-onone classes for those interested. QH: Are your classes child-friendly? JB: Yes. In the past I have taught children as young as four as well as teenagers. I found that all age groups thoroughly took interest in my classes and I enjoyed watching these children unleash their imaginations. The scope of different ideas dependent on age group was fascinating to watch. n For more information on Jamiela Al Baroudi’s classes and workshops contact her at: Mobile: 3310-5326 Email: jamiela@me.com Twitter: @baroudij Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bijoujamiela
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Arts & Culture For Moufdi El Bellaj, hip-hop is a way of life.Want to join his classes? Read on!
p o H p i H f O The Art By Rabi’ah M. Images courtesy of the Xtremer Crew
Renowned Dubai-based hip-hop dancer Moufdi El Bellaj of the Xtremer Crew talks to QH about his shift to Qatar, his dance academy in Doha and aspirations for spreading hip-hop roots in the GCC.
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lessed with a rhapsody and electrifying movements that stretch to the extremes, Moufdi El Bellaj is a highly-talented individual and a popular face in the Middle East when it comes to the art of hip-hop dancing. This Moroccan-born hip-hop dancer has a long history and passion for dance since the age of 12, learning new ways, methods, and the practical, historical and theoretical aspects of dance. With his exciting portfolio and achievements initiating from Dubai where Moufdi spent 15 years of his life, he’s launched a hip-hop dance academy in the heart of Dubai that witnessed remarkable success. His dance troupe, Xtremer Crew, have participated and appeared in international events alongside celebrities, parties, stage performances, and musicals, all spreading the message of dance as an expression of oneself. It wouldn’t be wrong t say Moufdi has revolutionized the hip-hop culture in the Gulf region; he has re-shaped the way it’s perceived and incorporated into the culture. He has
received praise and applause for his breakdancing passion; ask him any question relating to the world of dance, and Moufdi answers with a sense of excitement. It’s obvious he’s truly dedicated not for commercial gain but because he truly admires dance as an art form; it’s a part of who he is. Dubai has proven a success story for him, but he decided to shift to Doha recently, spreading the message of hip-hop and creating an active awareness of the hip-hop culture. He explains: “I wanted to be a part of this upcoming evolution in Qatar and spread the hip-hop cultur.” With his recent shift, his experience in Doha has been very positive, he pretty much enjoys it here he says: “I’ve received a great deal of support from the community here, I guess I will live here longer as compared to what I initially expected. “ Xtremer Crew is a name best associated as Moufdi’s brainchild; it’s considered the premiere hip-hop crew in Dubai and has
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evolved to witness an increase in the number of members joining in their new Doha network. “I’m looking forward to completing our Doha team very soon, we’re planning to initiate new classes [in] Doha and our key emphasis shall be performances which shall be open to the general public and they can watch us perform.” When describing dance, Moufdi passionately explains: “Dance is the mother of arts; everything pretty much initiates with dance for me. If I spend one day without dancing, I feel something is missing; my days starts with the idea of dancing and ends with the satisfaction of training.” In terms of motivation, El Bellaj ecstatically points out it is his very love for dance and the enthusiasm to accomplish his objectives that keep him going: ”I can’t forget the fact I get endless support from every place I go to and this is something highly motivating for me.” When talking about his dance academy in Doha, he explains the response has been remarkable: “Even though it’s in its embryonic stages, the dance classes are going well; all my students belong to different age groups. Each one of them seems to enjoy [themselves] and this is truly motivating for me, this boosts my morale and I get an opportunity to teach them what I know of hip-hop culture.” Even though Doha is clearly different to Dubai in many ways, whether commercial or cultural development; a great deal of progress has been made in recent years, especially from the arts and culture side. Moufdi finds this difference is very minimal: “What is more important for me is how we are doing, putting in our best efforts to make hip-hop a widespread culture, [while] simultaneously maintaining its originality.” In terms of upcoming events and gigs, Xtremer Crew are set to work on an upcoming performance (details still to come!), meanwhile Moufdi is busy preparing for a video displaying his latest choreography featuring the children and teenagers who are his students. With some promising upcoming ventures heading his way, Moufdi is blessed to possess the talent of mastering a unique form of dance and presenting it as an art form to a region not generally accustomed to the Western genre. To Moufdi this remains a challenge which he has eagerly undertaken and has maintained his success, believing one should never give up on their dreams because they might just come true. n
Hip-hop dance requires a mix of agility, flexibility and a natural rhythmic groove
Hip-Hop Dance Class Info Location: The Sheraton Doha Health Club Timings: Sundays at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. Contact Info: Call 7712-3440 or www.facebook.com/xtremerhiphopdanceclass
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Arts & Culture Hot pink and ready to roll! The new Mathaf shuttle bus is a work of art in itself.
e l i b o M s e o G f a Math Getting from the Museum of Islamic Art to Mathaf will now be a breeze with the launch of the Mathaf shuttle bus service. QH finds out more. The Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) has now made it easier for the public to go back and forth between Mathaf and M.I.A., with a new free shuttle service. Two 25-35 seat light buses will pick up tourists, visitors, as well as M.I.A. and M.I.A. Park patrons from allocated bus stops at M.I.A. and Mathaf from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Schools may also benefit from the shuttle service. Michelle Dezember, Mathaf Acting Director is excited about the new endeavour: “Qatar’s cultural landscape is developing at a rapid pace and this free service will facilitate the discovery of the rich and diverse offerings of QMA’s contribution to this growth,” she says. “This iconic bus will connect two of the greatest highlights that tourists and residents have at their fingertips. We are looking forward to welcoming new, first-time visitors, as well as repeat guests.”
arts and culture here in Qatar,” says Stephen Kelly, President and General Manager of Oxy Qatar. “Our support of the Mathaf shuttle bus service exemplifies that commitment. Oxy is proud to play a role in expanding access to the collections and educational activities at both Mathaf and the Museum of Islamic Art.” The new, free shuttle service will also highlight and connect the incredible cultural developments taking place in Qatar, facilitate the discovery of two of the country’s cultural landmarks, and encourage public engagement. n
The team from the QMA and Oxy Qatar are among the first to take a ride in the new shuttle bus
The initiative is sponsored by Occidental Petroleum of Qatar (Oxy Qatar), in an effort to increase awareness and patronage of Mathaf, while adding value to the M.I.A. experience. “One of the focus areas of Oxy’s social responsibility program is to promote the
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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 ‘Ferozkoh: Traditional Arts from Contemporary Afghanistan’
June 2-15: Museum of Islamic Art. Ferozkoh presents a partnership between the Museum of Islamic Art and students and teachers of the Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture in Kabul. For more information visit www.qataruk2013.com.
ONE OF A KIND QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ‘Grieg and Villa-Lobox’
June 6: Chamber Music at the Museum of Islamic Art Atrium. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.
QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ‘Chamber Music Series’
June 12: Katara Cultural Village Opera House. Kirill Bogatyrev, cello and friends. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.
QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ‘Mahler’s Fifth Symphony’
June 22: Katara Cultural Village Opera House. Alastair Willis, conductor, Rami Khalifé, piano, Oumeima El Khalil, soprano. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.
WEEKLY AL RUMEILA Al Rumeila Park Art Gallery
Daily: Al Rumeila landscaped park on the Corniche has an Art Gallery, open from 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. daily. Entrance is free.
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART A Course in Ruqa’a and Naskhi Scripts Sun-Thurs: Teachers Room, 2nd Floor. Calligraphy workshops at the museum allow adults and educators to experience and learn the historic scripts from a renowned master calligrapher from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information email educationmia@qma.org.qa.
IAID Music Courses
Sat-Thurs: IAID. Offers classes in Classical/ Modern Piano, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and Western Vocals. All music courses incorporate Western notations and follow the London College of Music (LCM) syllabus. Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examinees. Non-IAID students are welcome. For more information call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589.
TER REGISINE r wslette ONeeL kly 5 ne om W .c for the tarhappening a .q w w w
The Corniche 4422-4444 infomia@qma.org.qa www.mia.org.qa Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays
ALRIWAQ DOHA
Museum of Islamic Art Park 4452-5555 Open: Same days as Museum of Islamic Art
QMA Gallery
Building 10, Katara, Cultural VIllage 4408-1255 qmagallery@qma.org.qa Open: Monday--Saturday & Sunday Closed: Fridays
QF Radio 93.7FM Bolded programs in English Bright Morning: 7:00 a.m. International News: 9:30 a.m. Innovations: 10:00 a.m. The Movie Guide: 12:00 p.m. English News: 1:00 p.m. Market Economics: 3:00 p.m. Stars of Science: 3:00 p.m. Green Tea: 4:00 p.m. Therapeutic Fatwas: 4:00 p.m. Voice of the Youth: 5:00 p.m. Raising a Child: 5:00 p.m. Corners: 6:00 p.m. Fashion: 6:00 p.m. Straight Up: 7:00 p.m. Twitter: 7:00 p.m. Legendary Artists: 8:00 p.m. Sport Global: 9:00 p.m.
Sun-Thurs Daily Monday Thursday Daily Tuesday Wed Saturday Friday Thursday Monday Sun--Thurs Saturday Sunday Tuesday Daily Daily
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Community
s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon
Community College Of Qatar Program Enrollment Ongoing: CCQ offers programs designed to meet the needs of Qatari students. As an open admissions two-year lower-division undergraduate institution, CCQ has an open door admissions policy. Those with a high school diploma or college-level hours earned at other accredited colleges/universities, are welcome to apply. For more information call 4401-7350.
Al Jasra Club Social Activities
Sun-Thurs: The Al Jasra Social and Cultural Club is located on the Corniche opposite the HSBC building. This club offers cultural and social activities inside the country and abroad. It aims to spread cultural and social awareness, support and encourage young talent and conserve the heritage and traditional customs. For more information call 4432-4134.
& Spa Sharq Village Tapping ormational The Transfar Group Group Qat ational Tapping
in the Transform Spa. June 3 & 17: Jo at the Six Senses weekly meeting bieir ation. This rm fo ns tra Qatar at th ur yo about you and many This group is all holiday stress. As mily, out dealing with fa ab d all an ds it’s h en nt fri mo to go and visit me ho nate g mi vin eli lea to e w of us ar Learn ho th lots of stress. this can come wi n return home after the summer u ca e that stress so yo d refreshments ar relaxed. QR 50 an 999 or email d an d ste re llwe -6 rvations call 4425 included. For rese spa@sixsenses.com. qar -sh ns reservatio
OUT om K C E H g.c C appenin
atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa
Art Of Abundant Living Dairy Workshop Mon-Wed: Al Ahmadani Centre, Najma St. off C -Ring Road. This workshop by the Art of Abundant Living explores the health benefits and misconceptions surrounding dairy. Price: QR 95. For more information call 5580-0395 or email info@artofabundantliving.com or visit their website www.artofabundantliving.com.
VCUQatar BFA & MFA Exhibition Until June 20: VCUQatar Saffron Hall. The BFA & MFA Exhibition is a celebration of the work of all graduating students from VCUQatar’s BFA and MFA programs. Free – open invitation. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/events.
for
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Community
I Will Survive
By Ashlee Starratt a Photography by Jessie Palanc
l stories of Day on June 2 we bring you two powerfu rs vivo Sur cer Can al tion rna Inte of In honour have beaten the odds, raise awareness who s ivor surv cer can l loca two as e hop determination and about the disease.
Sameer Ahmed is a proud two-year cancer survivor
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Community
Having beat ovarian cancer, Suzanne Kanaan poses with her source of strength - her three daughters
T
he first thing I notice about Sameer Ahmed is his smile. At 28 years old, he’s tall, with a bright demeanour and a voice that’s wise beyond his years. To meet him, you’d never know he’s been in remission for two years from recurring Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We’re seated by the window and it’s early, 7:00 a.m. on a rainy, sandy morning at the Ritz-Carlton; where we’re here on a photoshoot with members of the Ladies of Harley, whose community campaign for cancer awareness is one of the most active in the country. Because this is a story about awareness and helping others, Sameer has agreed to share his experiences with cancer – a word that is now a part of his past, but still lingers in the impact it’s had on his life. A stem-cell transplant recipient, Sameer remembers the early days of his diagnosis when he was just 24 years old.
“The funny thing is, the first time I had it you have no idea that you have it because your symptoms are so vague,” he says. “Like you never think that it’s all one thing [because] you have so many different issues. Like, for me, I had night sweats, I had loss of appetite, I had constant fever, I lost a lot of weight, like 30 pounds… but this is all over a period of 3 to 4 months, so you don’t really put it all together. Until I had a swelling in my neck and then I went to the doctor and they just said ‘Oh well, you know, it happens when you have an infection’ and gave me antibiotics. And with cancer you’ll feel better and then you’ll feel worse, and then you’ll feel better again, but it always gets progressively worse.” A university student in Canada at the time, Sameer split his treatments between Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and Al Amal Oncology Hospital here in Doha, as his parents
were living and working in Qatar. “I always felt like ‘Oh I’m getting better’ or ‘Maybe I’m just burning down,” he says. “I kept thinking I’ll get over it. And then I was in university in Canada and I came here on vacation while I still had it—that was when I had the lump and, with my parents, we went to the doctor and to the private clinics and they did a whole bunch of tests. They did three or four days of blood tests… it was pretty messed up.” Upon referral to Hamad and Al Amal, Sameer was told that due to a long waiting list he would have to wait three months to have a biopsy of a lump in his throat. His parents immediately sent him to India to have the procedure. “For something like that, you can’t wait,” he says. “I had to go through two treatments. The second time whenever it recurs they tell you that you have to do a stem-cell transplant. So I was lucky in Canada that in Toronto, they did it. I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it’s a cancer of the lymphatic system, a blood disorder really. What I heard is that it’s pretty common; my hematologist said that if you have to get cancer this is the one you want to get. In terms of treatments, it’s been treated quite a bit so that’s why I say that. With this particular form of lymphoma, it’s the most curable form, even after recurrence.”
A Mother’s Hope Suzanne Kanaan is another shining example of what it takes to be a survivor. Today she’s here with her three daughters and exudes a ‘joie de vivre’ that only someone who has been through the worst and come out the other side can. At 54-years old, Suzanne is a five-year ovarian cancer survivor – a rarity given the devastating nature of what is the one of the deadliest forms of cancer to affect women.
“I was leading a very busy life, I was working and I was moving offices actually at the time I had some symptoms and I thought ‘Oh I’m going to be 50’and I ignored it,” she says. “I had a healthy life. But when I went to the doctor I had actually missed two check-ups that I usually do for my routine every year. For two years I didn’t. Two years I missed the check-up and that’s when it happened. I went to the medical center on a Saturday, I said ‘Oh I will go have my check-up’ and as [the doctor] was doing my ultrasound, she said, ‘Oh Suzanne, there’s something I don’t like. There’s an ovarian cyst and I don’t like it at all.’ And she said ‘Now you have to go to Al Ahli,’ and I said ‘Okay, I’ll go immediately.’” Suzanne underwent treatment both here in Doha and also in the U.S. that included rigorous chemotherapy before finally being advised by her doctors to have a full hysterectomy. “The whole period was very depressing for me,” she says. “The most worrying part I found was when I started going to the internet – because you know nothing about these things. That was the most scary part, if you just browse all these kinds of things you feel like you’re going to die tomorrow. But then I decided, I’m not going to look, I’m not going to read, I’m just going to do whatever I have to do and go to chemo.” It was this proactive outlook that changed the course of Suzanne’s approach to the disease and her treatment options. “They left it to me to decide,” she says. “That’s the only part where you feel like you’re the person who’s in charge. You should decide. Nobody else can tell you what to do.” She didn’t stop working, but continued living her life as normal, only resting the first few days at home after her rounds of chemo. This was a big part of what got her through the process she tells me.
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Community
Moving Forward Both Suzanne and Sameer are grateful to the treatment and support they’ve received here in Doha, but Sameer says he would like to see more awareness about the disease being discussed among the public. “Maybe in the Arabic culture, it’s a taboo or something? I’m not sure,” says Sameer. “But there’s not enough people looking at it in a positive way, but there should be more positive things happening and a lot of people are doing things, like the Ladies of Harley, so as long as there is that positive influence happening where cancer is concerned, it will turn around.” For Suzanne her experiences with local organizations such as the Hayat Cancer Support Group and Al Hiba Qatar proved empowering in helping her through her journey with the
ng spire us to be stro “Survivors, you in rita ga ion alive” – Mar and keep our miss Harley Officer Zuniga, Ladies of
disease. “You speak and you see patients and you share your experiences. I think awareness is very important. They [support group members] go to chemo sessions with new patients…I see them holding their hands, staying with them, taking the time with them. I wanted to do that.” As community cancer awareness continues to grow and treatment services continue to improve in Doha, the future looks bright for Sameer and Suzanne, both of whom have new outlooks on life. “I’m feeling really good,” says Sameer with a smile. “When I first found out [about the cancer], my first response wasn’t ‘Oh, why me?’, it was, ‘What do I need to do to get rid of it?’. So I was always looking for what could be done next and I just went for it, you know. The biggest thing in my mind was that ‘I have so much left to do!’…I have so many things, this can’t be the end of it. I don’t waste time. You know, a lot
of things I was thinking before, I thought, ‘I’ll do them when I’m older’, but you can’t do that anymore, so if you feel like it, go do it.” It’s a seize-the-day mentality that Suzanne shares. “The best advice came from my sister’s friend in Saudi, in Jeddah, [a fellow survivor],” she says. “She told me ‘Suzanne, it’s not scary. I’m ready now if I have another [recurrence] and I will go through this thing again. It’s a wonderful experience. You learn a lot.’ And she’s right. Now nothing upsets me--nothing. And I feel sorry for people who are nervous, who are uptight, who make their life miserable…it’s not worth it. Just be positive, move on, love the people that you’re with, even if they have negatives. Life is too short. Just live it and live it positively.” We can’t think of better words to live by. n
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What’s New? Where To Turn Al Hiba Qatar: 3004-0463 or www.alhibaqatar.com
Hamad Medical Corporation and the Supreme Council of Health are unrolling their updated platform for cancer care, awareness and prevention. Here are a few highlights: •
Over the past two years Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has embarked on a journey to transform how they deliver cancer services to the people of Qatar. HMC is focusing on early detection, rapid and definitive diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and ongoing care (including secondary prevention). One significant change has been the creation of Cancer Multidisciplinary Teams (known as MDTs), that are specific to each major tumour group. To date, HMC has established MDT groups for the following cancers: Breast, Gastrointestinal, Urology, Neurosurgery, Hepatobiliary, Head and Neck, Thoracic, Gynaecology, Dermatology, Hematology, Lymphoma, Pediatrics and Palliative Care. These teams bring together a variety of specialists and clinicians who ensure the right care and treatment at the right time for patients.
•
The Qatar National Cancer Strategy gives clear indication that all suspected cancer referrals should be seen in a specialist clinic within 48 hours of referral. The urgent referral process has been introduced, with all suspected cancers being processed through a fast-track system.
•
HMC works with a range of community groups as well as colleagues at the Supreme Council of Health and Primary Health Care Corporation to provide information and support to those living with the disease and their families. HMC also recognizes that the patient’s experience regarding cancer care is pivotal to the ongoing development of cancer services within Qatar. The Cancer Transformation Team at HMC is conducting a patient experience survey, which aims to capture the patient’s experience from referral to HMC through to the point of discharge on completion of treatment. This survey will be the first of its kind in the Middle East region.
•
HMC has created a new role called Patient Pathway Coordinator which guides cancer patients through the emotional and clinical journey of their diagnosis and treatment. These specialists will play a crucial role in coordinating a cancer patient’s care. They work with the cancer patient on every step of their journey, right from the point of diagnosis, with the goal of ensuring a seamless care pathway, taking into consideration a patient’s non-medical and support needs as well as their medical needs.
•
The Supreme Council of Health conducted the first population-based Cancer Awareness Survey late 2012 and hopes to issue the results during the coming summer. The results will inform future cancer awareness-raising and myth refutation campaigns to reduce ‘barriers’ that prevent individuals from seeking immediate medical help upon recognizing a change in the body that is unusual to them. Early diagnosis of cancer increases the success of cancer treatment which is why public knowledge and awareness of cancer and its signs and symptoms is so important.
•
The Public Health team at the Supreme Council of Health continues to strive to improve awareness of positive healthy life-style choices which can act as preventative measures to the development of cancer. Prevention is better than cure. Take care of yourself!
Hayat Cancer Support Group: 6653-7872 or hayatgroup.qatar@gmail.com Think Pink Qatar: www.thinkpinkqatar.com or @thinkpinkqatar on Twitter Supreme Council of Health: www.sch.gov.qa Hamad Medical Corporation: www.hmc.org.qa
A Message From The Ladies Of Harley® A Message From The Ladies Of Harley® The Ladies The Ladies of of Harley® Harley® (L.O.H.®) (L.O.H.®) continue continueon ontheir theirmission missiontotosave savelives livesbybyspreading spreadingcancer cancerawareness awarenessinina acollaborative collaborativepartnership partnershipwith withthetheSupreme Supreme Council Council of of Health Health and and the the Qatar Qatar Cancer CancerSociety. Society.National NationalCancer CancerSurvivors SurvivorsDay Daymarks marksaaday daywhere wherepeople peopleallallover overthe theworld worldhonour honourthose thosewith witha history a history of of cancer. Ladies of Harley® (L.O.H.®) want to acknowledge everyone who supports survivors in their fight for life. cancer. Ladies of Harley® (L.O.H.®) want to acknowledge everyone who supports survivors in their fight for life. Thank you to all the the families, families, friends, friends,[and [andtotothe the] ]Supreme SupremeCouncil CouncilofofHealth, Health,Hamad HamadMedical MedicalCorporation, Corporation,Primary PrimaryHealth HealthCare, Care,and andQatar QatarNational National Center for Cancer Care Care and and Research. We Research. Wealso alsolike liketotothank Harley-Davidson® Qatar, thank Harley-Davidson® Qatar,Harley HarleyOwners OwnersGroup GroupMENA MENAand andallallthe theH.O.G H.O.G members membersforfortheir their continuous support in in our our efforts efforts to to raise raisecancer cancerawareness. awareness. If you’d like to learn more about the Ladies of Harley®’s (L.O.H.®) cancer awareness campaigns or find out how to become a member of the group please If you’d like to learn more about the Ladies of Harley®’s (L.O.H.®) cancer awareness campaigns or find out how to become a member of the group visit the ‘Ladies of Harley (L.O.H.)’ Facebook page or call Ladies of Harley officer Margarita Zuniga at 5554-7811. please visit the ‘Ladies of Harley (L.O.H.)’ Facebook page or call Ladies of Harley officer Margarita Zuniga at 5554-7811.
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Community
“I have, you don’t, let’s share” – Steve Parenteau
e v i G o T n o s a e R A By Victoria Scott Images courtesy of Steve Parenteau
We meet Steve Parenteau, the inspirational man behind Laptops 4 Workers, a scheme which donates recycled laptops to low wage earners in Qatar.
I
t all began with one man’s plight. American Steve Parenteau met Nepalese Raju when he was cleaning his compound’s clubhouse. Raju had only arrived in Qatar six weeks earlier, so Steve asked him about his new life. “He said, sir, I can’t contact my wife,” Steve tells me. “I have a broken bed, and I have no pillow or blanket.” Steve also learned that Raju had been promised a contract as a plumber at QR 2,000 a month, but on arrival in Qatar was told that he would be working as a cleaner for QR 800 a month instead. Steve went to see Raju’s supervisor, who told him not to get involved. Undeterred, he went ahead and bought Raju a pillow and blanket anyhow. “That was my first awakening” says Steve, who is a Senior School Counsellor at Qatar Academy. “I thought, how is it possible that no one has taken care of his essential needs?” Steve began to look around to see how else he could help the low income workers he met every
day. In the end, he decided to adopt an idea suggested by his students. “Almost three years ago, I sat down with a group of senior students - Salman Al Mohannadi, Omar Al Ansari, Mohammed Al Kuwari and Ali Al Thani - to talk about community projects” says Steve. “They’re an integral part of the school’s International Baccalaureate program. The students told me that the things we’d done in the past, like sponsoring schools abroad, had too little interaction with the people they were helping.” So, the group decided to focus on helping people close to home – low wage labourers, just like Raju. “We realized we were living in a country where almost three quarters of the population are from somewhere else,” says Steve. “And many of them are isolated, without enough money to even contact their home countries. We realized that the number one thing the labourers want to get when they first arrive is a mobile phone or a connection to the internet, because they’re so lonely.”
The group hit on the idea of using their technology skills to recycle old unwanted laptops, and donating them to labourers so that they could keep in touch with family. They called this program ‘Laptops 4 Workers’ and at first they simply donated laptops as and when they were asked for them. “But as word spread and the scheme got more popular, we decided we needed to have a record of everything we did, as we needed to be fair to the applicants.” Steve explains. “So we started asking questions like where do you work, how much do you make? How many dependents do you have? We had to prioritize. So far, we’ve sent 200 computers out into the community.” One of the first recipients of a laptop - and in fact a founding member of the group - was a Kenyan school security guard called Thomas. He worked at a nearby school, and Steve knew he was desperately seeking a laptop. “His dream was to bring a computer back to his village
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ps get set up to Skype with their
Recipients of second-hand lapto
families
Students from Qatar Academy’s Laptops 4 Workers program give a local security guard a new way to stay connected
a with him on ay in touch n can now st his students so g un yo d d an of Steve an Raju’s wife to the efforts basis thanks
and teach them about computers,” says Steve. “So we showed him how to use it, and found a student at the school where he was working to mentor him.” Raju was also one of the first recipients of a laptop, so that he could speak to his family in Nepal. Indeed, this was only the beginning of Steve’s involvement with his story. “I found out a couple of months later that his wife and child were sick” he tells me. “Raju told me he wanted to go home. His employers wouldn’t let him, as his contract hadn’t ended yet, so eventually, I gave him the money for his airfare.” Some months later, Steve and his family visited Raju in Nepal, and met his wife and child, both happily now recovered from their illnesses. His story has become one of the first of such stories which Steve decided to share with his students at Qatar Academy, as part of the blossoming volunteer scheme. “His story really engaged
regular
Steve Parenteau visi ts his friend Raju in Nepal, who’s experie were the catalyst for nces the Laptops 4 Worke rs program
students” he says. “When Raju left Qatar, they followed his story. He was hit by a bus one day and thrown off his bike, breaking a leg. So the students sent money for a new bicycle. The fact that it was a true story, happening right now, really affected the kids.” Laptops 4 Workers became so popular that Steve and his students created a spin-off event, the ‘Friendship Games’. “They come in and play games with us, have a meal, and we give them laptops and other gifts as they leave” says Steve. “It’s a big event. We can help several hundred people at once in this way. Last year, we took the workers to Villaggio for bowling and skating. The school’s director tells me that the Friendship Games is the highlight of his year.”
good hands – its new leader will be Craig Paterson, and Dr. Eric Sands, Qatar Academy’s director, is really excited by the program, so I know it will continue to be a huge success.” A scheme like Laptops 4 Workers takes a huge amount of work, but Steve says he’s driven by powerful belief in common humanity. “For example, my wife and I left our teaching jobs in Buenos Aires when the last financial crash came, because we couldn’t stand being paid ten times more than the other workers in our school” he says. “It’s that type of commitment on our part which draws us into that type of action wherever we are. All my life I’ve been interested in justice and equality. I just think “I have, you don’t, let’s share.”n
It is ironic that just as the scheme is becoming hugely successful, its founder is leaving Qatar. “I’m retiring this year,” Steve tells me, with some regret. “But I’m putting the scheme into
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Community
Going Green
At Education City
By Tasbih Amin Photography by Syed Owais Ali
mentally-friendly Khalifa University are getting an environ The new residence halls at Hamad bin de. to a whole new level. QH takes you insi makeover that’s taking energy efficiency
Q
atar was recently declared one of the countries with the highest per capita consumption rates of both electricity and water. With all the construction and development going on in Doha, many companies and institutions have recognized the importance of maintaining a sustainable life-style as a way to limit our energy-hungry appetites. Qatar Foundation is one of them.
done before in Qatar or the Gulf region. Part of the idea of sustainability is manufacturing or buying material from a closer destination, and in this case, many of the materials were being manufactured for the first time, and because of the design’s stringent standards, it took the project a couple of years to move to the construction phase, which began at the end of 2009.
Beginning in August 2013, university students will start moving into the new residence halls, a new cluster of buildings with a novel design that enhances the sustainable use of Qatar’s valuable resources. In fact, they’re the first of their kind in the region in terms of maintaining sustainability. I talked to two major coordinators of this ambitious project, Christopher Silva and Mohammed Al-Kuwari, to tell us more about the new buildings and walk us through the process of bringing this idea to life.
However, all this hard work and anticipation was worth it in the end. The new student buildings turned out to be a success, saving over 40% of electricity use and 50% of total water consumption. So, how did the design make this possible? First of all, part of the electricity is generated through huge wind turbines and solar panels, which are better options than energy sources that require burning harmful fossil fuels. The buildings also utilize solar water heaters for heating water without the use of electricity. Also, all the light fixtures use much less electricity than what normal bulbs usually consume, while still providing good visibility.
“It all started in 2007, with the design competition looking for the best and more suitable model of student housing that works with our students and campus” says Christopher Silva on the inception of the project. Amongst many contestants were designers (a team comprised of Treanor and Burns & McDonnell) who focused on the idea of sustainability, looking at the local issues of resources and coming up with an innovative design needed to operate a building in a more environmentally – friendly way. The whole project was an immense challenge, mainly because it’s never been
As for controlling water usage, the new student buildings rely on greywater, which is wastewater generated from domestic use such as bathing or dishwashing. This greywater is then re-used again for landscaping irrigation on-site and as toilet water as well. And just like the light fixtures, the water faucets run on lowflow technology where only half of the water usually used is consumed without the student even noticing.
One of the new energy-efficient dorm rooms at Hamad bin Khalifa University
The efficiency and originality of this long-awaited project highlights Qatar’s resourcefulness, demonstrating that it’s possible to live an easy life like any student while still caring for the environment. The new residence halls at Hamad bin Khalifa University seek to achieve the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum level of greenbuilding design certification. Awarded to those institutions maintaining the highest sustainability standards, it provides a great model to follow in this area of the world, where development and modernization run at a break-neck pace. With an eye on the future Mohammed Al-Kuwari still has big plans. “We’re not yet done,” he says. “The new residence halls are not just a place for students to stay, but also an educational tool to keep them constantly thinking of how to go about their lives while saving water and energy.” n
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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
LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride
Sat 1: 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 www.facebook.com/groups/76296760681/.
ONE OF A KIND ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Vision Boards Workshop
June 19 & 22: Al Ahmadani Centre, Najma St. off C-Ring Road. Most of us live our lives by default. How would your life be different if you consciously created it? The Art of Abundant Living team will show you how you can have the life you always dreamed of with a simple tool called a ‘vision board’. For more information call 5580-0395 or email info@artofabundantliving.com or visit their website www.artofabundantliving.com.
EVERY WEEK ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Laughter Yoga Classes
Mon-Thurs: Al Ahmadani Centre, Najma St. off C-Ring Road. Laugh your worries out with the Art of Abundant Living team. Learn how ‘Laughter Yoga’ can be practiced as a physical and behavioural exercise to relax muscles, bring a smile and add confidence, hope and optimism to your everyday life. It’s a complete well-being workout, bringing significant changes in the lives of people from all over the world with physical and even mental disabilities. Price: QR 50 per class or QR 450 for a 10 session card. For more information call 5580-0395 or email info@artofabundantliving.com or visit their website www.artofabundantliving.com.
DOHA MUMS New Arrivals Coffee
Mon: Grand Heritage Hotel. Join the Doha Mums in welcoming prospective members to Doha. From 9:30 a.m. No RSVP necessary. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.
IAID Music Courses
Sat-Thurs: IAID Hilal St. Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. 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 U.K. syllabus. Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examiners. Non-IAID students are welcome. For more information visit www. iaidonline.org.
IAID Visual Arts
Sat-Thurs: IAID Hilal St. Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Visual Arts Program is a progressive course for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced that covers colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information visit www.iaidonline.org.
TER REGISINE r wslette Oe WNeeL kly 5 ne g.com in pen for th atarhap www.q
Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171
French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467
Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052
Qatar National Cancer Society 4447-8128 www.qncs.org
Red Dotters Qatar
5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter
Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598
Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org
Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com
SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar
www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com
Canadians In Qatar
Search ‘Canadians In Qatar’ Group on Facebook to join the community
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Kids Club
s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon Doha Dolphins Swim Academy Sun-Thurs: Opposite Nissan Petrol Station, Bin Omran. Develop your child’s confidence in the water the natural way. By engaging your child’s natural ability and affinity with the water, we offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming. For more information call 6617-0911 or email info@qmotion.com.qa.
Youth Creative Art Center Art Classes
Sun-Thurs: Located on Ali bin Abi Tabib Street (off D Ring Road), the center features classes as well as art exhibitions for children and adults. Open from 8:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4468-8835.
ardens GhanemgG Play roup Baby/Toddler Playgroup
our friendly Mon: Come and join dler play group tod y/ bab mother and en 9:30 a.m. we bet ys held on Monda m Gardens ane and 11:30 a.m. at Gh behind the d ate (loc use Ho b Clu to The Centre Ramada and adjacent n will d range of toys goo a set up and each sessio acks Mall.) There are ekly art activity will be . Sn we fee a cof m, or fro tea a ose es cho for the children to per child and includ ail g. The charge is QR 15 just pop along. For more information em rend with a sing -a-lon iste reg to d nee No se. cha pur for le are availab r.ru or visit a.ontheroad@ramble Lena Kaminskas at len oups. -gr lay s/p kid m/ r.co www.thewordinqata
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atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for
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IAID Classical Guitar Sun-Thurs: The classical guitar, also known as the ‘Spanish’ guitar or ‘nylon string’ guitar, is a 6-stringed instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones. Based on the progressive syllabus of the London College of Music, this is a certificate course that provides students with a rich musical repertoire while enhancing their fingerboard training chords and scales, sight, rhythm and note-reading to technical workouts. For more information visit www.iaidonline.com.
Qatar Minor Ice Hockey Qatar Raiders Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri: Ice hockey for kids. For more information visit www.qataricehockey.com.
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Kids Club
s a m a M l a u t r Vi By Jacqueline Bodnar
The online universe has long been a gathering point for like-minded people to engage on forums and blogs, commenting and interacting on what interests them on a daily basis, and parents are no exception. Blogs from new parents, stay-at-home Dads and working Moms are popping up daily with advice and tips on child-raising, products for kids, coping with multiples and much more. Without a doubt, Mommy bloggers are dominating and cashing in and we bring you 10 tips on how to jump into the ‘blogosphere’ head-first.
D
id you know that ‘Mommy bloggers are what advertisers now have their eye on? It’s true! Moms who have taken to blogging about everything from the brand of diapers they use to what toy they’re buying for their next birthday gift are reaping the benefits. And many of them are not only cashing in and earning money from it, but are also being flown across the country to spa retreats, being sent boxes of toys to review and are receiving a supply of perks that, a decade ago, one could only have dreamed of. Advertisers and companies are realizing what we Moms have known for years: that we are a driving force behind everything from what our families do on a Friday night to what brand of toothpaste is stocked in our medicine cabinet. And with the internet giving a nation of Moms a way to share their thoughts about products, those Moms are helping to influence minds and create trends. If you want to get on the Mommy blogger bandwagon, it’s easier than you think! Just keep these 10 tips in mind:
Choose A Topic You will need to narrow the focus of what you want to blog about. Will it be about children’s products, cooking, or movies? Give some thought to topics that would hold your interest and that others would like to read about.
Identify A Reason Do you want to blog because you’re passionate about a topic or because you want to make money? Some topics will be more lucrative than others, so if you want to blog about something simply because you love the topic although you may not make much money from it, know that from the start.
TypePad.com or WordPress.com. Each offers a different set of features, so research to see which one best fits your needs.
Get A URL While you could use a long domain name that includes the publishing tool you are using, such as Blogger.com, it’s actually much easier and more professional-looking to go with your own domain name, such as yourname.com. You can purchase a custom name for about $10 per year through places like GoDaddy.com.
Start Writing
You will need to be creative and think of a variety of posts to offer your audience. Another thing to consider is how often you would like You will need to decide where you want to set up your to post. Some people post once a week, while blog. There are places where you can do it for free, others post once a day. Typically, a blog post will such as Blogger.com and DoOver.com, and there are be around 200-300 words in length. others that charge a yearly fee, such as
Pick A Platform
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blog is Starting your own parenthood you how w easier than you think.We sho wing. follo to get going and maintain a
Build A Following
Use SEO
You will need to get the word out about your blog. There are many ways you can do this, such as word of mouth, adding the blog name to your e-mail signature, and/or setting up a Facebook fan page. Blogging on a regular basis will also help attract traffic to your site. Some people even offer prizes and contests to keep people interested.
When you write your blog posts, using search engine optimization (SEO) will help bring people to your site. SEO entails using the key words that people would use when they’re conducting a search. Google offers a key-word suggestion tool, so that you can see how many searches per month are devoted to any given term. This is a good way to make sure that you have sprinkled in some of the words you need in order to reach your audience.
Exchange Links The more sites that link to yours, the better, when it comes to search engines. If you can find sites with which you can exchange links, it’s a great way to cause your blog to show up in search engines and to drive more traffic your way.
Stay Legal If you’re making money from the site (as you may if you end up selling advertising space), you will need to keep track of how much you make, versus your yearly expenses. That information
will need to be reported on your taxes (for all those expats in Qatar who must still file a return in their home country.) Also, some governments have made it law that if you’re given something for free to review, whether it’s books or cleaning supplies, you need to disclose that on your site. So if a company sends you a new children’s toy to review, be sure to declare that information when you write the post and check the legal requirements for the country in which you currently reside.
Keep At It The Mommy bloggers who are most successful are the ones who keep at it. If you blog on a regular basis and write about things that interest your audience, you will have a successful blog. Just be patient, be persistent, and give your blog a chance to grow. n
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Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS
TER REGISINE r wslette Oe WNeeL kly 5 ne g.com in pen for th atarhap www.q
ELITE SPORTS QATAR Progressive Junior Tennis
Sun-Thurs: A sport management company based in Qatar, Elite Sports Qatar is dedicated to the highest quality of sport instructional programs. With extensive experience and networks in the industry on and off-court, ESA seeks to provide world-class sports instruction to all ages and levels. For more information on course availability call 5566-4747.
IAID Zumba
Sun to Thurs: Zumba is a dance fitness method based on salsa and other Latin dance moves, performed to Latin and world music beats and choreographed to allow kids to enjoy a fantastic workout. If you think you’d like an exhilarating class filled with good feelings and party-like fun, Zumba makes an excellent choice to support your fitness goals. For more information visit www.iaidonline.com.
EVERY WEEK GIRLS’ CREATIVITY CENTER Arts Club For Girls Sun-Thurs: Located in Mamoura, this is an arts club for young girls and ladies, hosting exhibitions on a regular basis. For more information call 4468-8837.
IAID Western Vocals
Sun-Thurs: The course introduces the aspiring singers to classical music, musical theatre and popular music. Students enjoy a wide repertoire that also includes folk song, art song, sacred vocal music, opera, and oratorio, among others. Each session prepares students through vocal exercises, techniques, sight-reading, aural training and music appreciation at every session. For more information visit www.iaidonline.com.
STARFISH LANE Ballet For Kids
Mon & Wed: Pre-registration is required for all courses. All classes are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. For more information email Tove at: tove.lojander@gmail.com.
YAMA YOGA STUDIOS MTW Mummy And Me Yoga
Sun & Tues: These classes are run by experienced yoga teachers who are also mums, so they understand the demands of small children. MTW mum’s can come along with their babies and toddlers and practice yoga while their children play alongside them in the studio (bring along some toys/books). There are some poses that the children can join in (by being held by their mum), but the classes are aimed at the mum’s. If the babies/toddlers need a feed or a nappy change during the class, the mum’s do this, and then rejoin the practice when the child is settled again. Timings between 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Classes are QR 50, or a series of 10 classes (for any classes at the studio) are QR 450. As the classes are held within Garvey’s, there is also a small playground, a swimming pool and a restaurant which can all be used. For more information email Jodie Winnett at Jodie.Winnett@shell.com or call 5551-0913.
QATAR BOWLING CENTER Bowling For Kids
Sun-Thurs: QBC features 32 synthetic bowling lanes, automatic pin setters with Qubica automatic scoring, four bumper lanes for the children (for kids below 8 years old only please!), other sports facilities and a wide parking space. For more information visit www.qatarbowlingcenter.net.
EVOLUTION SOCCER Sports For Kids
Sun-Thurs: The growth of Evolution Soccer is a direct result of the exceptional coaching staff who conduct insightful and enjoyable training sessions that are completely focused on player development. For more information on course availability visit www.evosoccer.com.
EVOLUTION SOCCER Sports For Kids
Sun-Thurs: The growth of Evolution Soccer is a direct result of the exceptional coaching staff who conduct insightful and enjoyable training sessions that are completely focused on player development. For more information on course availability visit www.evosoccer.com.
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Food & Dining
s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon
The Four Seasons
Fugu Fish at Nusa ntao: Sea Kitchens
Weekly: Nusantao presents the exotic Fugu fish, a very rare fish famous in Japan, The preparation of Fugu is strictly controlled by law in Japan and only qualified chefs who have gone through intense training are allowed to handle it. Nusantao Chef Toshikazu Kato is licensed prepare this uncommon dish. Be one of a select few and join them for their Fugu-tasting menu. For more information and for table reservations call 4494-8888.
California Tortilla Now Open!
Daily: A great Mexican restaurant just opened its doors to all residents of Doha. California Tortilla serves fresh, made-to-order, delicious, award-winning burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads and other Mexican favourites. California Tortilla is located at C-Ring Road, Ramada Junction. Opening hours are Sat-Wed: 11:00 a.m. till midnight, Thurs: 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m., Fri: 1:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4434-4144.
al Doha t n e in t n o C r e t n I
Grand Heritage Doha Brand New Menu! Sat – Fri: Blue. Their re-energized menu features bold flavours for today’s modern palates. The new inventive dishes are cooked to order, featuring sizzling specials and more variety of signature maki. Blue offers great culinary experience, attentive service and unique ambiance filled with flair. For more information call 4445-5555.
anza Seafood Extravag r favourite fish, seafood
ose you Sat-Fri: Fish Market. Cho cooked market-style display – the from s ble eta veg and d– Ban l Sou zy Jaz the o enjoy ale as desired. You can als fem and t nis pia ophonist, the 3-piece band with sax savour the finest you ile wh jazz lful sou ng vocalist. Enjoy live st your eyes on the stunni seafood offerings and fea skyline. Band performs daily Doha display of lights of the For more 6:00 p.m. till midnight. except Saturdays. From . 444 4-4 448 or 919 4-4 information call 448
OUT om .c CHECaK ppening
atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa
Sheraton Doha Peruvian Week Sun 9 – Sat 15: Latino Restaurant. Chef Jorge is ready to take you on a Peruvian journey for a whole week this June. Experience a delightful festive atmosphere with Peruvian food and special Peruvian drinks and live entertainment by the Kanela Trio band. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.
for
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Food & Dining
The Steakhouse’s creamy signature Caesar salad
200 grams of New York sirloin await hungry lunch-goers. Can you see the butter melting?
The soup of the day, a creamy tomato-based broth is filling and warming
A New York
State Of Mind
By Jorge Granda Photography by Badir Bechara
New York Steakhouse in the Renaissance Doha City Center’s West End, débuts its hearty new lunch menu. We tuck in and chow down!
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ith the number of culinary competitors in the city, the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel has fast become the popular kid in the class and we know why. All outlets offer consistently delicious food, spot-on atmosphere and great service. We’ve got a definite soft-spot for its one-stop cornucopia of food and dining options. Cucina is great for that romantic Thursday night Italian dinner; Ipanema has a special vibrant charm, while Quick Bites
offers delicious nibbles, soups, cakes and the best eggs breakfast we’ve tried in years. Let’s not forget Champions, their packed sports bar hang-out where you can grab a Happy Hour drink and scarf some traditional pub grub. (Also, their Quiz Nights are not to be missed!) So, we were eager to visit The New York Steakhouse, the only outlet in the hotel we hadn’t frequented, to try its new lunch service.
The only steakhouse in Doha to carry the weight of the New York name behind it, we’re expecting big things for it to live-up to the quality of its international sister outlets. The décor is impressive and classy, with roomy red leather armchairs and dark wood walls and tables. They manage, even with the luxurious set-up, to make it feel welcoming, although it also looks very pricey (which is not really the case).
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Menu
Sneak Peek! Appetizers And Salads Soup of the day QR 30 Caesar salad Romaine leaves, white anchovies, veal bacon, garlic croutons QR 30/QR 45 Fried calamari Traditional tartar sauce, lemon wedges QR 50
Mains New York fish & chips Hammour, beer batter, fries, tartar sauce, lemon wedges QR 60 Steak and fries U.S. Sirloin 200gr, French fries, steakhouse butter, mixed lettuce QR 120 Orange-glazed salmon Mushy peas, orange supremes QR 90 Chef Moritz Neumann , the mastermind behind the New York Steakhouse’s new lunch menu
We are there to try the new lunch menu, which we are told has just as many offerings as their dinner service. Before sinking our teeth into a juicy steak, we try a few starters -- Caesar salad, seafood soup and fried calamari. The soup isn’t in the lunch menu, but you can also have a dish from the regular menu if you feel like it. The appetizers are very good, piquing our curiosity about the restaurants big star menu items. For our main courses we are served steak and fries, the New York Steakhouse burger and, (just to have variety), New York fish ‘n chips. I know we’ve come for the steaks, but we’re surprised that the fish ‘n chips turn out to be some of the best we’ve ever had. Next up is steak topped with butter, so good, juicy and tender that it should be illegal to be served. It is really is that good, and the burger equally so. We’re stuffed, but can’t leave without having some dessert. The chocolate crème brulée and bread and butter pudding blows our minds. (Someone should have advised us to wear our stretchy pants.) The service is top-notch; all wait staff are helpful and knowledgeable, we can tell they actually know the menu and aren’t trying to guess and answer when we ask them a question, (something that’s very common in many places in Doha). We roll out of the New York Steakhouse feeling like our very own version of the rat-pack; good food, good friends and good times – all over the span of one wellspent lunch-hour. n
About New York Steakhouse Location: The West End, Renaissance Doha City Center Timings:
Burger, Side and Dessert QR 125 New York steakhouse burger Beef, foie gras, caramelized onion, Manchego cheese, rocket leaves, truffle oil
Sides French fries; potato wedges; onion rings; cross-cut potato fries; side salad
Lunch: Sun-Thurs, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m Dinner: Sun-Fri, 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Dress code : Smart casual Smoking: No Licensed: Yes Contact Info: 4419-6100 or www.westenddoha.com Reservations required
ENTER AND WIN! Enjoy a burger, side and dessert for 2 diners, plus non-alcoholic beverages at New York Steakhouse in the West End, Renaissance Doha City Center! Winner will be drawn June 30, offer valid for 3 months. For more information on how to win visit www.facebook.com/QatarHappening.
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Food & Dining
Strawberry shortcake done The Market way. Better than your Grandma’s?
Asparagus salad with creamy Hollandaise sauce
Seared sea bream with pine-nuts and paprika-lemon vinaigrette
To Market, To Market By Jorge Granda
hed it re-vamped new menu. The Market By Jean-Georges at the W Doha has recently launc p to its reputation. QH visits the posh diner to check out if its new dishes can live-u
T
here’s no doubt about Market By JeanGeorges’ high-end status. Getting a reservation on any day (especially on a Thursday night or for Friday brunch) can be a challenge. The reasons are many. The restaurant has a super-stylish, fashionable look, the service is impeccable, the food is exquisite, and off course its located inside the W. A friend and I decide to visit the Market to try the new menu on offer. We’ve both eaten there many times before and have never been disappointed, so we’re curious to sample their new menu items. I know whatever’s served will be terrific, but I want to see if the chefs can actually outdo themselves. We begin our feast with shrimp tempura and crispy shredded crab sushi rolls. Both are amazing, but I have to stress how delicious the crispy shredded crab is. It’s some of the best sushi I’ve eaten. When the manager stops by our table to check on us, I just can’t stop praising the dish. The crab inside is perfectly cooked and the outside is deliciously crispy. I would go to The Market any day just to have it again. Next up for our appetizers we try the crispy calamari with lemon rosemary dip and foie gras brulée with slow-roasted strawberries and aged balsamic vinegar. I don’t think any restaurant could go wrong with crispy calamari, but of course at The Market everything’s just a wee bit yummier. Not a huge fan of foie gras, I’m a little worried I won’t like it, having never been a fan of eating liver from any animal, particularly duck, which I don’t eat to begin with. But the mix of the foie gras with the brulée on top is quite tasty and with a texture similar to cream cheese - I didn’t taste the liver anywhere.
We’re then served fresh Burrata cheese with sundried pineapple and basil. I’ve never tried Burrata cheese in my life, but now wish I could eat it every day. Unfortunately the cheese isn’t available in Doha. I even ask the manager to call the chef to ask him about the cheese, that’s how creamy and delicious it is. To finish we have a warm asparagus salad with Hollandaise sauce, which is also very good, and for our main we try the crunchy baked chicken with glazed baby carrots and tarragon. Instead of tossing the chicken with bread crumbs, the chef uses cereal instead and it tastes gorgeous. As expected The Market By Jean-Georges didn’t disappoint and still tops my list of best restaurants in Qatar. n
Cheese pizza with mushroom and farm egg
About Market by Jean-Georges Location: W Doha Hotel & Residences Timings: Business Lunch, 12:00 till 3:30 p.m., A la carte, 12:00 noon till 11:30 p.m. Reservations: Call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com
Grilled lamb chops with artichoke, fava beans and almond purée
Crispy calamari with lemon-rosemary dip
Fois gras brulée with slow-roasted strawberries and aged balsamic vinegar
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Food & Dining
South-Pacific Flavour By Jorge Granda Photography by Sanjaya Munindradasa
Succulent chicken rubbed with spices of the islands
The Hilton Doha celebrates their one-year anniversary with the introduction of something new and tasty at Trader Vic’s! QH checks out ‘Aina Awakea’ the Hawaiian Family Brunch.
W
e all know that Trader Vics is the place for an all-encompassing night out – the food has zest and the beverages even more so. (Who doesn’t love drinking out of a Tiki statue?!) But when I hear that they’ve also launched a brunch, I know I have to check that out. I arrive at the Polynesian-themed restaurant on a Friday at noon with two friends, as I want to make the most out of the experience and there’s strength in numbers. For those of you who haven’t been to Trader Vic’s, it’s is a Tiki lounge with an Asian-Polynesian feel, decorated like a tropical lodge it aims to capture the spirit of a holiday destination. Tribal artifacts, tapa cloth, woven grass wall coverings and other exotic decorations are the hallmarks of the brand – a really great atmosphere for a laid-back gathering. My friends and I are seated outside on the terrace, with the bright blue waters of the Corniche and Doha’s city skyline as our backdrop. We’re already sold just with the view. Already satisfied with the ambiance, we still need to try the food, since that’s what we came here to do. This is not the typical brunch we’re used to in Doha where you have a hundred dishes to choose from. The ‘Aina Awakea’
brunch is more modest, but succulent none-theless. Served island-style, everything is to share, which is great as my friends and I can try all the dishes on the menu. We start with crispy prawns, crab rangoon, jalapeno cheese balls and chicken wings. The three starters are delicious. The crispy prawns are as crispy as the name suggests; the cheese balls are crunchy on the outside with a beautiful inner layer of melted cheese, while the chicken wings are just as good as expected. For our main we’re served grilled hammour and Mongolian beef. The fish is gorgeous and has a fantastic rich flavour while its texture is so perfectly done that it falls apart under our forks. The beef is also juicy and tender and our knives vanish inside the meat like butter. Before our bellies burst, we also try the vegetable Singapore noodles and are not disappointed either. The brunch is a truly Polynesian culinary experience that broadens our palates. In regards to the service I’m pleasantly surprised how much it’s improved compared to the first time I visited Trader Vic’s. When I first dined at Trader’s, the restaurant had just opened that week, so the service was average but not great. In one short year, it’s refreshing to see how far this popular chain has come. n
Rich Mongolian beef, stewed in its own juices
About Trader Vic’s Location: The Hilton Doha Opening Hours: 12:00 noon till 1:00 a.m. Lunch: 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m. till midnight Cuban Band: Plays from 8:30 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday Price: QR 350, ‘AinaAwakea’ brunch Licensed: Yes Smoking: Outside terrace Contact Info: For reservations call 4423-3118
Hilton Doha is celebrating its first-year anniversary by introducing the first Trader Vic’s Friday Brunch. Book your table for our ‘AinaAwakea’ this Friday for QR 350 per person including unlimited selected beverages.
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Word of Mouth Photography by Sanjaya Munindradasa
ngside
elia Cesin smiles alo Contest winner Cam Chi’zen’s Head Chef.
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 Camelia Cesin tested the menu at Chi’zen, the Asian-fusion restaurant at the Oryx Rotana Hotel. Here is her review: QH: What did you order?
QH: Would you go back? Why/why not?
CC: Appetizers: mango roast duck,QR 42, salt and pepper calamari, QR 36, and crystal prawn dumplings, QR 29
CC: Yes I will. It’s a perfect place to relax as a couple or with your friends, or also to do some business, while having good food and drinks.
Main Course: Hong Kong fried beef, QR 72, Szechwan Kung Pao chicken, QR 52, and vegetable rice
QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant?
Dessert: mango creme brulée, QR 29 and mango cheesecake, QR 26 QH: Were the prices reasonable? CC: Yes, for the quality of the food it was worth every riyal. QH: Describe the ambiance. CC: In general there’s a good ambiance. Starting with good lighting, proper decoration, and music that goes with the restaurant -- a very nice place for a romantic dinner or just to talk about business. QH: Describe the quality of the food. CC: The food was cooked and prepared properly with a very clean presentation. Also the flavour of all the food we ordered was excellent, just as the chef promised. QH: Describe the quality of the service. CC: Prompt and courteous. It exceeded my expectations because I thought they will be friendly, courteous, etc. with me because I won [the contest], so I started to pay attention about the service to the other customers that were there and they didn’t disappoint me. They were as friendly and courteous to them as they were to me!
CC: Definitely the service. The waiters were very professional and know how to attend to the customer. Also, I have to mention that I loved the crystal prawn dumpling, great taste! QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? CC: I think for such an elegant restaurant, the printed menu was kind of cheap. They should improve this.
Hong Kong fried beef, with an Oriental glaze
QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? CC: Yes, the hot towels passed out at the end of the main course and also a shot of watermelon, lemon and ginger to ‘clean’ all the flavours from our mouth. This was a very elegant touch. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? CC: Nothing to complain about, but maybe they should keep an eye on the printed menu and try not to lose the quality of food and service! 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
Szechwan Kung Pao chicken packs an extra punch with whole roasted chilis
receive a copy. 73
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Food & Dining No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
This very berry cheesecake is the perfect summer treat!
Ingredients: 150 grams Marie biscuits, crushed 75 grams butter, melted 400-450 gram strawberries ¼ cup granulated sugar 2 10-gram packets powdered gelatine
Gawking Over Gelatine
¼ cup hot water
By Gerald Tan Photography by Jessie Palanca
Rolling pin
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F
ood history is an infinitely mesmerizing subject. It’s curious how some dishes are the painstaking result of intellect and innovation…perhaps even the desire to impress. Why else would a rack of lamb be so diligently tied up in the shape of a crown if not to convey a regal message?
Others are purely accidental. When French chef Stéphanie Tatin’s apples began caramelizing in butter and sugar, she tried to salvage her pie by covering the fruit with pastry and shoving the entire pan in the oven. Voila, the tarte tatin was born. And then there is the discovery of individual ingredients. Some have become so integral to everyday cooking and yet come from mysterious beginnings. The gelatine is a case in point. Really, who first decided that we should extract collagen from animal products to harness its gelling properties? Talk about utter genius. Gelatine has the remarkable ability to turn liquid into a semi-solid state. Once it became commercially available, cookbooks offered ample ways to suspend fruits, vegetables, even leftover roasts in a translucent jelly and make them into centrepieces from dramatic moulds. High-end kitchens began concocting shimmering aspics from refined consommés, while home cooks, hospitals and university students fueled a jelly (Jell-O for Americans), revolution. Today, gelatine remains every bit as relevant. It holds the key to molecular techniques such
1 lemon, zested and juiced 450 gm cream cheese (2 8ozs packs) ¾ cup whipping cream ½ cup confectioner’s sugar Implements: Springform pan Greaseproof paper Citrus zester Blender
as foaming and spherification – the former transforms flavours from virtually anything into a lather; the latter captures them in squidgy chambers resembling translucent pearls. So the next time you see truffle foam and lychee caviar on a menu, thank gelatine. Many dessert and candy recipes call for gelatine because it’s colourless and odourless, incorporating anonymously into a dish. In most cases, it takes over the role of eggs in baked goods. It’s the secret behind setting a cold dessert and is indispensable to everything from mousses to marshmallow. As home ovens take a respite during Doha’s warmer months, gelatine is the ideal ingredient to have on hand. Whenever I crave cheesecakes during the summer, I turn to this fuss-free, no-bake recipe that shows off fruits at their peak. At its heart, you have a crust made of melted butter and crushed biscuits, a soft bed of whipped cream cheese and sugar, all topped with a fruity presentation glaze. A simple yet stunning tri-colour, tri-layer effect. The recipe can be replaced with virtually any other fruit that pureés nicely. Should you decide on papaya, pineapple, kiwifruit or figs, make sure they are sufficiently cooked, for they contain enzymes in their raw state that will prevent gelatine from setting. Otherwise, throw caution to the wind and experiment away. Just trust the gelatine, and it shall deliver. n
Electric mixer / Wooden spoon Instructions: Put biscuits in a re-sealable plastic bag and crush with rolling pin into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into a springform pan lined with greaseproof paper. Cook strawberries with granulated sugar until soft, then blend. Stir gelatine in hot water until dissolved and add into strawberry pureé. Add juice and zest of lemon. Using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, beat cream cheese until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. Mix in confectioner’s sugar and beat some more. Beat in whipping cream until fully incorporated. Now add only half of the strawberry mixture into the cream cheese batter, mixing thoroughly. Pour this over biscuit base and chill for one hour. Finally, pour the remaining strawberry pureé over the cake to create a third layer and chill for at least four hours before serving.
Comments, feedback, tips or Count Erfeit’s not-so-secret recipes gladly welcome. Do share how the no-bake cheesecake turns out. I’m on Twitter @GeraldoTan.
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Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar
Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading & Contracting Co. W.L.L. Bilal Tower, Al Asmakh Area, 10th Floor. Tel. 4442 8877
Interior Design Forum Design, Bilal Tower, Al Asmakh Area, 11th Floor. Tel. 4456 8716 (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)
Restaurant
Sizzling Hot Pot Tel. 4411 5225 Ground Floor Entrance 7 Holiday Villa Hotel, Doha (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)
Restaurant Chowking Salwa Road 4437 1212 Al Saad St. 4431 4411
Al Khor 4411 8816/ 4411 8817 Mamoura 4486 6077
(An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)
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Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS
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The Classic of Gordon Ramsay
Fri 14 – Fri 21: Gordon Ramsay. An unforgettable culinary, four-course degustation menu of the classic dishes of Gordon Ramsay perfectly tailored by the Michelin-starred Chef Gilles Bosquet. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR 695 food only or QR 1,100 with Sommelier’s selection. For more information call 4446-0105 or visit diningreservations@stregis.com.
Grapes and Cheese Night
W DOHA Summer Brunch
Fri 21: Market by Jean-Georges. W Doha welcomes the first official day of the summer with a special themed brunch. Summer decorations, fruity cocktails and summer flavoured dishes. Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops are acceptable! QR 380 per person including specialty drinks. QR 290 including selected soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
PROMOTIONS CHOWKING Value Meals
Daily: Enjoy dinner for 2 for QR 70-80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Saad St.: 4431-4411.
SIZZLING HOT POT First Of Its Kind
Holiday Villa Hotel. The first of its kind in the Middle East, Sizzling Hot Pot offers a unique dining experience as you and your family can cook your own meal at your table’s very own hot pot. For more information call 4411-5225.
THE GRAND HYATT Eviva España Brunch
Fri 14: The Grill. Join for a magnífico Spanish brunch. Enjoy a real Spanish experience with a lot of tortillas, paellas, and tapas, plus an on-going flow of Spanish house beverages and outstanding guitar tunes playing all your favourite Spanish songs. QR 280 or add another QR 115 and enjoy a non-stop flow of Spanish and selected house beverages. If you present your Spanish passport, you will enjoy a 20% discount for this promotion. For more information call 4448-1240/1241.
HILTON DOHA German Community Gatherings at Trader Vic’s
Sun 2: Trader Vic’s. On the first Sunday of every month, the German community will gather at Trader Vic’s at the Hilton Doha to connect with fellow German expats in Doha. Trader Vic’s offers German- style tapas such as shnitzel Vienna-style and prime boiled beef along with live entertainment by a Cuban band. Starts at 7:00 p.m. Band starts playing at 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Qatar Meets Belgium
Sat 15 – Sun 30: Belgium Cafe. When local ingredients meet traditional flavours, something new appears – Belgian food with a difference. For more information call 4484- 4919 or 4484-4444.
THE ST. REGIS Arabic Influence
Mon 3 – Sat 8: Gordon Ramsay. This June, Michelin - starred Chef Gilles Bosquet invites food connoisseurs to a lavish supper with an inspired Arabic Influence. An exceptional four-course tasting menu created with the flavours of the Middle East. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.,QR 425 food only or QR 750 with Sommelier’s selection. For more information call 4446-0105 or visit diningreservations@stregis.com.
Tues 18: Opal by Gordon Ramsay.Once a month the Head Sommelier opens one of the largest cellars in Doha, inviting enthusiasts for a tasting paired with the finest French cheeses. Places limited, bookings essential. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR 375 includes 10 exclusive labels and a selection of cheese. For more information call 4446-0105 or visitdiningreservations@stregis.com.
Sommelier Night.
Sun 30: Market by Jean-Georges. A special-designed menu paired with the recommendations of the Sommelier. QR 350 per person. From 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reservations only. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
WEST END RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Champions British Lions Brunch
Sat 22 & 29 June – Sat 6 July: Champions. Every four years, the British Lions take on the Southern Hemisphere, this time in Australia. Be part of the action as Champions opens early for the live broadcast of each test match. Only 250 tickets available for each Saturday, QR 295 including a full British brunch and unlimited selected beverages! Must join the Champions Supporters Club to purchase test tickets (see the Champions and Quick Bites staff to join the Supporters Club). Valet parking included. For more information call 4419- 6100 or visit westenddoha.com/champions.
New York Steakhouse Crab Creations
Fri 7- Thurs 20: New York Steakhouse. Sweet crab meat takes centre stage with gorgeous dishes such as crab and asparagus soup, spicy crab risotto and fennel, crab tempura, steamed King crab legs and garlic, as well as U.S.A. tenderloin with green asparagus and crab meat. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/new-york-steakhouse.
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EVERY WEEK CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK All You Can Eat
BLU
Sun-Fri: Rodizio. You think you can eat meat ? All you can eat meat for QR 265, plus enjoy their wide variety of salad bar and seafood items before starting in on the delicious 12 different cuts of meat, along with Cuban entertainment. QR 265 per person, all you can eat. QR 299 with special house beverage package. From 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.
Phoenician Night
Mon: 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 170, from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.
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Tapas Night
Tues & Fri: Misturado. Take a brief break from a normal dinner menu and try out our new tapas menu at QR 45 per serving. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.
Seafood Night
Wed: Aramede. Enjoy live cooking stations with fresh seafood. Chefs await your orders for delicious jumbo shrimp or giant lobsters, including a selection of seafood salads. QR 250, from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.
LA CIGALE HOTEL International Nights
Sat-Fri: La Cigalon. International cuisine, daily extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. A la carte option is available. Buffet breakfast at QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner at QR 200 per person from Saturday till Wednesday and QR 220 per person on Friday and Saturday, inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.
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Italian Nights
Sat-Fri: Di Capri. Celebrate an Italian flair with the exuberant a la carte menu and a wide selection of vino. Enjoy Le Cigalon’s extended buffet lunch every Friday in the intimate setting of Di Capri. QR 200 per person, inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428- 8840.
Sushi Nights
Sat-Fri: YEN Sushi Bar. The best sushi and sashimi served on a special rotating belt with a colour-coded plated formula along with an a la carte menu. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4428-8698.
THE FOUR SEASONS The Perfect Lunch
Sat – Thurs: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Longing for a sensational lunch from the Far East but don’t have much time? Tailor-make your set lunch to suit your taste and time from an extensive selection of lunch dishes. From a two-course lunch to a six-course lunch – Chef Kato’s exclusive Bento Box is a hit. Starts from QR 75, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.
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Salwa Road, Intersection of the C Ring Road Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4428 1428 Fax: +974 4441 0941 E-mail: info.doha@radissonblu.com
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Food & Dining Listings GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Indian Night
Wed: Flavours. Indulge in a vivid buffet dinner that captures the diverse tastes of traditional Indian dishes with a contemporary twist. Choose from a delectable selection of curries and biryanis, kebabs and breads from our live tandoor oven. Be sure to have the traditional mango lassi or hot masala tea to accompany your meal. From 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR 190 including beverages. For more information call 4445-5555.
THE GRAND HYATT Tapas and Paella Nights
Sun & Wed:The Grill. Interested in a trip to Spain, but can’t really skip work? Visit The Grill for a special Spanish-themed June. Every Sunday there’s a ‘Special Spanish Menu’ from 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. for QR 150 or QR 295 for a continuous flow of traditional Spanish beverages. If you prefer paella, then Wednesdays are your days. Only QR 100 and you can enjoy a special paella menu created by Chefs Franco and Christian. For more information call 4448-1240/1241.
GRAND REGAL HOTEL Indian Night
Sat-Fri: MehfilRestaurant. The restaurant servesinternational cuisine for breakfast and lunch and turns into an Indian specialty restaurant for dinner. It offers special Indian dishes such as dumpukhtbiryani, pattarkagosht and haleem. Guests visiting the Mehfil Restaurant can enjoy a warm atmosphere and live performance from an Indian band. From 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4409-4601 4409-4444 or email sales@grandregal.com.
HILTON DOHA Evenings at Trader Vic’s
Sat-Fri: Trader Vic’s. This Juneset out on a South-Pacific culinary experience by the beach, while moving to the beats of the live Cuban band at Trader Vic’s. Choose from delectable AsianPolynesian cuisines and signature drinks served in this island haven, replete with artifact-like tapa cloths, tropical fabrics and tribal masks that pay homage to its Polynesian roots. Lunch service: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m.Dinner service: 7:00 p.m. till 11.30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118.
KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Lunch Break in West Bay
Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Select from the fresh gourmet Business Lunch menu, your choice of starters, main courses and desserts and indulge in the most delectable business lunch in Doha. QR 90 per person. Try the healthy option! From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.
Camel Burger & K Signature Flavours!
Sat-Fri: Aroma & The Lounge. At the Kempinski, they love to try new food. Their culinary team has been playing with new flavours and perfected the recipe of a new K Signature Dish: the Camel Burger. Try it in Aroma or The Lounge and ask any dining assistants for the perfect beverage accompaniment. For more information call 4405-3325 or visit restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Good Mood Food
Sun-Thurs: Mykonos.Express business lunch menu with a choice of starter, main course and dessert ready to be enjoyed both in their tempting outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and the pool or their indoor cozy lounge area. From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Theme Nights At The Square Saturday: Oriental. Indulge in an array of traditional Lebanese food. Sunday: Asian. Captures the spirit and flavours of Asia. Monday: Italian. Typical homemade Italian cuisine, antipasto, seafood, pasta and pizza. Tuesday: Indian. Seduces taste-buds with authentic Indian delicacies. Friday: International food on display From 6:.00 p.m. till 11:00. For QR180. For more information call 4015-8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Sushi Night At Strata
Mon: Strata. Open sushi and sashimi, accompanied by a Japanese traditional beverage. QR250 including one drink and QR225 for food only. For more information call 4015-8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com
Greek BBQ ‘Souvlaki Night’
Seafood Night
Seafood BBQ ‘Ouzeri Night’
ORYX ROTANA Cheese Galore
Mon: Mykonos. Eat as much mixed grill as you can and discover your Mediterranean limits! Enjoy a live cooking station with buffet of fresh cold mezzedesand salads complemented with desserts. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR 165 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444. Tues: Enjoy the best of Mediterranean seafood, grilled or deep-fried made fresh on live cooking stations. Start with a buffet of fresh seafood salads and cold mezzedesand choose amongst a variety of sweet endings from the buffet. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00p.m., QR 175 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
Coral All-Day Dining
With its spectacular views of the pool and sea and its ambient atmosphere, Coral all-day dining offers cuisine from around the world infused with healthy menu options and live cooking stations. Open for breakfast from 5:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., lunch buffet 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. and dinner buffet 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m.
Coral 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. Thursdays: Phoenician night dinner. 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. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
TER REGISINE r wslette ONeeL kly 5 ne om
Wed: The Square. Enjoy a fantastic seafood night every Wednesday. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR350 including selected house beverages and QR250 including soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Sun:The Cellar. If you share a passion for exceptional cheeses accompanied by fine wines, The Cellar invites you to join in for Cheese Galore. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., indulge in unlimited cheese tapas with two glasses of vino with the option to choose from red, white or rose. QR 220 per person. For more information call 4402-3333.
Tapas Galore
Tues: For tapas lovers, the unlimited night is every Tuesday. Enjoy a selection of tantalizing Tapas with three glasses of vino. QR 250 per person. For more information call 4402-3333.
Tex Mex BBQ
Sun: Choices. Come with your friends to Choices and enjoy a special beverage deal with the Tex Mex BBQ night! From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., QR 190 per person including water, soft drinks and chilled juices or QR 270 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information call 4402-3333.
Asian Night
Mon:Choices. Take a culinary journey around Asia as Choices restaurant features their Asian night. Join in as 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. For more information call 4402-3333.
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Steak Night
Tues:Choices.Every Tuesday choose your size, your cut, your style and enjoy all the meat you can! QR 220 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 300 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information call 4402-3333.
Italian Night
Wed: Discover an amazing variety of regional dishes, wellrenowned for the use of fresh classic ingredients while enjoying live cooking presented by the chefs. QR 195 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 275 including unlimited selected house beverages. Choices brings the best of Italy to you. For more information call 4402- 3333.
WEST END RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER New At Crossroads!
Sun-Thurs:Crossroads. Crossroads Kitchen is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Indulge in Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Indian, Arabic and more for QR195. Valet parking included. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Wednesday Indian night from QR195, Thursday Seafood night from QR 225. Friday brunch from QR 225. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/crossroads.
New York Steakhouse Lunch
Sun-Thurs: New York Steakhouse. A select lunch menu of beef tartare, seafood and deluxe burgers, along with fresh salads and fine desserts.House favourite is the QR135 burger, side and dessert option for a speedier meal in this elegant city setting. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/new-york-steakhouse.
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SHERATON DOHA Themed Buffet Specials At Al Hubara Sunday: International buffet Monday: International buffet Tuesday: International buffet Wednesday: Seafood Extravaganza Thursday: Seafood Extravaganza Friday: Southeast Asia buffet Saturday: Arabian Nights QR 205 Friday to Tuesday; QR 275 Wednesday and Thursday. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or visit F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.
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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 250 with house beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.
THE ST. REGIS Monday Night Burger And Pint
Mon: Opal by Gordon Ramsay.Monday night is Burger Night at Opal – genuinely the best burger in Doha at the best price, QR100 for burger and pint. Start the week with this mouth-watering burger served with Gordon Ramsay fries, homemade ketchup and a pint (or mocktail). From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.
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Food & Dining Listings Opal Dazzling Sunset
Wed & Thurs: Opal By Gordon Ramsay.Enjoy watching the sunset in Opal by Gordon Ramsay and viewthe Arabian Gulf with a pitcher of white or red sangria and light bruschetta. QR 280 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.
A Taste Of Astor Grill
Sun-Fri: Astor Grill. The restaurant is a modern interpretation of a New York steakhouse and grill serving the freshest fish and seafood, top quality beef from the charcoalgrill and culinary classics such as Waldorf salad, oystersRockefeller and New York cheesecake. QR 280 or QR 350 includes Sommelier’s selection or signature cocktails. Starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.
THE TORCH Shrimp & Lobster
Sat-Fri: Three Sixty.Experience the ambiance and their exquisite shrimp and lobster menus.
W DOHA Sushi Lunch
Sat-Thurs:Spice Market. Mix up your pulsating selection of sashimi, nigiriandmakirolls for lunch. QR 140 per person. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
WEEKENDS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Italian Night
Thurs: Aramede. La dolce vita every Thursday, Aramede brings you to the streets of Italy. Live chefs preparing your pizzas and pastas await you for a lavishing Italian night buffet. QR 170, from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.
HILTON DOHA Seafood Extravaganza
Thurs & Fri: Mawasem.Book a table and start your weekend with an extravagant selection of fresh seafood favourites. QR 225 per person including unlimited soft drinks. From 7:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.
1001 Arabian Feast
Sat: Mawasem. Join in for the finest Arabian delicacies on Saturday nights at Mawasem with an Arabian oud player and singer, Sultan. Enjoy a feast of tantalizing dishes from North Africa, the Levant and the Arabian Gulf. QR 190 including unlimited soft drinks. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.
HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Egyptian Food Fest
Thurs: Lagenda International Restaurant. Visit the best Egyptian food festival in Doha. QR 168 per adult. QR 88 for children (aged between 4-12 years). From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4888.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood BBQ Night
Fri: Fish Market. Come and join in every Friday for a seafood B.B.Q dinner by the beachfront with live entertainment by the Jazzy Soul Band. Enjoy grilled fish and seafood freshly prepared by the expert chefs including live cooking stations. From 7:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
ORYX ROTANA Seafood Delight
Thurs: Choices.Experience the bounty of the sea every Thursday evening at Choices, the most contemporary restaurant in town with its fantastic pool view and open kitchens. From lobster, prawns and shrimp to freshly-shucked oysters on the half-shell, enjoy unlimited seafood offerings. QR 250 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 325 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information call 4402-3333.
Indian Flavours
Fri: Choices.Turn your Friday evenings into a celebration of colours and aromas with Indian flavours. QR 160 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 240 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information call 4402-3333.
Retail Tapas Galore
Sat: The Cellar.Indulge in endless tapas every Saturday night for QR 160 per person and pay reduced retail prices for selected vino: an offer that’s more than easy to swallow. For more information call 4402-3333.
THE ST. REGIS Coastal Cuisine
Thurs: Vine.Every Thursday evening enjoy the ultimate evening buffet with live cooking stations and an extensive selection of fresh fish and seafood – for connoisseurs who desire the finest seafood experience. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., QR 250 with soft beverages or QR 350 with selected beverages. For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.
W DOHA Sushi Night
Sat: Market by Jean-Georges. 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 Vongerichtenand his expert team. QR 230 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4453 5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
WEST END AT THE RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER HOTEL Seafood Night
Thurs: Crossroads. Enjoy the biggest seafood paella in Doha, alongside tiger prawns, mussels, tuna, oysters and the freshest sushi in town! The newest addition is the Mongolian stir-fry station where the chef can mix chicken, beef, lamb or seafood with crunchy vegetables. Starts at QR 225, from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/crossroads.
WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Sushi Fiesta
Thurs: Chopsticks.Enjoy teppanyaki stations with a selection of seafood or meat, together with the Sushi Fiesta at Chopsticks Restaurant. Eat as much you can for QR 169 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com. Sat: Chopsticks.Immerse yourself in an electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters from the sushi bar at Chopsticks, the awardwinning restaurant. Try their sushi made of chicken, beef andduck exclusively at Chopsticks Restaurant! Eat as much you can for QR 129 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email sdesilva@wyndham.com.
Quintessence Of Morocco
Weekly:Tangia. Discover traditional Moroccan cuisines, artistically-prepared and refreshingly authentic. Dine in style, while the rhythmic beating of the drums and melodies of Moroccan musicians recreates the ambiance of this remarkable country. A la carte menu and special set menu available. Lunch: 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m., Thurs-Sat. Dinner: 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Mon-Sat Thurs & Fri: Hours extended till 12:00 midnight Closed on Sundays A la Carte Menu / Special Set Menu For more information call: 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com.
BRUNCH CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Friday Brunch
Fri: Aramede. Enjoy a scrumptious Mediterranean brunch at the all-day dining theatre restaurant. QR 205, from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.
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THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Week End Roast At Le Grill
Fri:Le Grill. Le Grill puts together the perfect weekend roast for you and your friends to enjoy a special moment. With all its traditional trimmings, the roast comes with many choices of meat. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m., QR 180 per person including soft drinks, mineral water and chilled juices. QR 220 per person including soft drinks, mineral water, chilled juices and house beverages.
THE FOUR SEASONS Friday Brunch
Fri:Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Get the weekend off on a leisurely note with The Four Seasons Friday brunch, offering an array of dining choices to linger over all afternoon. The main buffet is a showcase of live Asian cooking stations, as well as hot and cold appetizers and a traditional carvery, complemented by a range of salads and freshly-baked bread. The best is left for last with a heavenly dessert spread that includes pastries, hot desserts and cakes. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. for QR 300 inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages. For more information call 4494-8888.
GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Family Brunch
Fri: Blue. Experience culinary excellence with an assortment of international delicacies and local delights, complemented with the finest view overlooking the Aspire landscape. The little guests will also be treated to a range of entertaining activities including ceramic painting, in collaboration with Café Ceramique, which then will be glazed for them to keep as a souvenir. Additional charges apply. Special price of QR 160 for children between 6-12 years and includes a choice of Ceramic.QR 240 per person, inclusive of unlimited beverages or QR 199 for food only. Children 5 years and under enjoy complimentary meal and half the price for 6–12 years old. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m, open until weather permits at the terrace. For more information call 4445-5555.
Chocolate Brunch
Sat: Blue. Join in for a chocolate brunch featuring the sinful delights of chocolate. Live cooking stations with crepes, waffles and chocolate fountain are among the choices to savour. From 1:30 p.m. till 4:30 p.m., QR 99 per person. Children three years and under enjoy complimentary treats. For more information call 4445-5555.
GRAND HYATT DOHA Thai Market Brunches
Fri: Isaan. If you prefer an authentic and spicy weekend, book your table at Isaan for a special Thai market. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. You can enjoy an exquisite brunch from all regions of Thailand and there’s no need to study the Thai cuisine as their creative and innovative chefs will assist you in choosing from a variety of live cooking stations. Brunches range from QR 250 including soft drinks to QR 680 for a Moet bubbly brunch. For more information call 4448-1250.
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Food & Dining Listings HILTON DOHA MawasemBrunch
Fri: Mawasem. Join in at Mawasem for a day of fun and indulgence. Indulge in a sumptuous buffet with family and friends served to live music accompanied by amazing views of the pool and beach. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m., QR 222 per person including unlimited soft drinks and QR 333 per person including unlimited house beverages.For more information call 4423-3333.
HOLIDAY VILLA Dim Sum Brunch
Fri: D’Chopstix Chinese & Japanese Restaurant. Enjoy a delicious brunch with free-flowing Chinese tea. QR 118 for adults and QR 68 for children (aged between 4 –12). From 11:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information 4406-4888.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood Brunch
Fri: Fish Market. Indulge in a luxurious buffet and market display featuring lobsters, oysters and tiger prawns. Choose from a wide range of beverage options to complement your meal while enjoying the stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Doha’s skyline and live music by the Jazzy Soul Band. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Friday Brunch Fri: The Square. Enjoy a diverse and delicious brunch from 12.00 noon till 4:00 p.m., QR 320 including selected house beverages and QR 210 including soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or emaildoharestaurants@ihg.com.
ORYX ROTANA Jazzy Friday Brunch
Fri: Choices.Every Friday no one does it better! Choices offers a wide variety of food and beverages with live jazz music. QR 250 including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 325 including unlimited selected house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333. Sat: Choices. Starting June 1, relax with family and friends at Choices every Saturday of the month and enjoy a leisurely feast of delicious international dishes. There’s an extensive buffet with fresh seafood on ice, live cooking stations, grilled meats and Asian favourites, as well as gourmet desserts and luscious sweets. There’s also a kids area to keep the little ones entertained. QR 210 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 290 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information call 4402 3333.
WEST END AT THE RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER HOTEL Friday Family Brunch
Fri: Crossroads. The restaurant offers a delicious international brunch of Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Indian, Arabic and more. Includes Japanese teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi, Indian pakora station, freshly-shucked oysters, Peking duck station, chocolate fountain and live cooking station. QR 225 including soft beverages or QR 275 including selected beverages. Children 7-12 half price; under age six dine complimentary. Valet parking included. From 12:00 p.m. noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/crossroads.
‘Rio’ Friday Brunch
Fri: Ipanema. 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 with live entertainment, feathers, and Ipanema’s very own samba flash-mob. QR 250 includes soft beverage and QR 325 includes selected beverages. Kids aged 7-12 years dine half price and under six dine free. Valet parking included. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/ipanema.
W DOHA Friday Brunch
Fri: Spice Market. Asian street food meets slick city chic at the new up-market weekly Spice Market. brunch every Friday. Enjoy a backdrop of live, upbeat swing music courtesy of Doha Jazz. QR 380 per person including specialty drinks or QR 290 including selected soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Jazz Brunch
Fri: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 360 per person including specialty drinks or QR 290 including selected soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
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.
THE GRAND HYATT
Sun-Thurs: Majilis. You have an hour or two between your meetings and are not quite certain where to have lunch? Give Majilis cafe the pleasure of luxuriously accommodating you with their new promotion and enjoy your choice of a new, diversified lunch menu and soft drinks. From QR 69, and if you fancy a quick smoke of shisha add QR 75. From 12:00 noon till 4:30 p.m. For more information call 4448-1282.
HILTON DOHA La Sahtaine
Sun-Thurs:Step out ofyour office andenjoy a three-coursemealconsistingof a delectablevarietyof starters, maincoursesanddesserts in anelegant brasserie ambiance, overlookingthewaterfront. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.
Trader Vic’s
Sun-Thurs:Create your own delicious three-course business lunch by choosing from a selected variety of options. Start with a healthy salad, followed by your chosen selection and the Trader Vic’s dessert of the day to complete your Hawaiian luncheon for only QR 95. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118.
KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Aroma
Sat-Thurs:Select from the fresh gourmet Business Lunch menu, your choice of starters, main courses and desserts and indulge in the most delectable business lunch in Doha. QR 90 per person. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY The Square
Sat-Thurs:The three-course 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 for only QR 88. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
SHERATON DOHA La Veranda
Sun-Fri: Three-course business lunch served within 45minutes for just QR99. From 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.
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THE ST. REGIS Opal by Gordon Ramsay
Sun-Thurs: Discover the chef’s menu of the day at Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Be it with colleagues, clients or even friends, enjoy a delicious threecourse lunch with a different chef-selected menu each week. A refreshing mocktailcarafe is available to beat the heat of summer for QR 130. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.
Al Sultan Brahim
Mon-Sat: A special business lunch menu featuring a selection of traditional Lebanese mezze, catch of the day and Al Sultan Brahim’s famous Arabic desserts. QR 180 including soft beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:30 p.m. For more information 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.
W DOHA Market by Jean-Georges
Sat-Thurs: Enjoy an elegant three-course meal QR 89 per person. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Spice Market
Sat-Thurs:Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert for QR 89 per person. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
WEST END AT THE RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER HOTEL Cucina
Sun-Thurs: If you like variety, then you will love Cucina’s express lunch, where you can choose from six entrees, six mains and five desserts. Using only the highest quality ingredients, this menu is a favourite with the local Italian clientele, for only QR85. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/cucina.
WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Chopsticks Restaurant
Daily except Mon & Fri:The business lunch at Chopsticks offers the ideal solution for busy professionals; a variety of distinctive modern Asian food presented in an exceptional three-course menu. There’s also a daily changing set menu which should be served in only 59 minutes for QR 59, otherwise you get it for free! From12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com.
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ng &s Dining Listings od Fosti Food & Dining Li SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Sukar Pasha
Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group
June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.Succulent spit-roasted whole lamb, well-marinated with the finest ingredients and seasoned to perfection, served with aromatic traditional Turkish rice for QR 99. From 7:00 p.m. onwards. Their outdoor extension is now fully covered and well-ventilated to welcome guests this summer, an ideal place to enjoy authentic Turkish hospitality. From 12:00 noon onwards. For more information call 4408-2000.
Le Vesuvio
June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village. Le Vesuvio offers an afternoon alternative treat with a coffee break menu consisting of speciallyprepared sweet selections and varieties of hot and cold beverages. From 3:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. Mon - Sat. For more information call 4408-1500.
LA VARENNE Open For Breakfast
Sun-Thurs: Take a mid-morning moment to enjoy breakfast at La Varenne. Relax with a daily newspaper, fresh pastry basket and a delicious cappuccino from 7:00 a.m.till 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.
Red Velvet
June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.Educational fun for children to learn how to decorate their own cupcake. Recommended for birthday parties and any other social fun at QR 60 per child. Advance reservation is highly required. For more information call 4408-7000. June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.Coffee lovers, Red Velvet is giving you a special treat. For every cupcake purchased, enjoy a cup of coffee of your choice, for free. For more information call 4408-0700. June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.A fantastic way of gift-giving is a dozen of cupcakes from Red Velvet with a fabulous 10% discount. For more information call 4408-0700.
TER S I G E R E r I5N wslette ONeeL e n ly k om W .c for the tarhappening a .q w w w
El Cigar Lounge.
June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.A better way to unwind with friends on weekends is with sumptuous savouries and refreshing signature mocktails while listening to the rhythm of classical jazz music from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday. For more information call 4408-0750.
L’wzaar Seafood Market
June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.Their special main course might be your choice. Visit L’wzaar and relish their recommendation of the day. For more information call 4408-0710. June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.With family and friends, come and celebrate any of your special occasions at L’wzaar and capture the moment for a happy and everlasting memory with a free snapshot that will be featured in L’wzaar’s Celebrants book. For more information call 4408-0710.
Chac’late
June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village.Treat yourself with a unique Parisian breakfast or indulge in an exceptional Chac’late breakfast. From 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0733. June 1 – 30: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy 20% off on La Molina Toccochocolate, a hand-made crafted layer of gianduja milk chocolate and dark chocolate, finely flavoured with coffee. For more information call 4408-0733.
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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 Agora 4445-5555 Al Balad
4491-8692
Al Bandar
4431-1818
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
Opal by Gordon Ramsay
4446-0105
French La Sahtaine
4423-3333
Al Batross
4432-8888
Le Relais de L’Entrecote 4495-3876 ext. 1411
Al Canteen
4433-6666
Maxim 4428-1428
Al Mourjan
4483-4423
Quisine by Guy Savoy
Al Sayyad
4484-7420
Al Sultan Brahim
4446-0105
Sormani 4495-3876 Ext. 3222
Al Tawash
4498-2002
4002-7245
Indian
Blue Brasserie Restaurant
4472-2666
Choices 4402-3333 Corniche 4429-8888 Cosmo Restaurant
4424-7777
Crossroads Kitchen
4419-6100
De Dine Zone Restaurant
4470-8822
East 4433-6666 Grand Gourmet
4434-3333
La Brasserie
4446-2222
La Cigalon Restaurant
4428-8888
Lifestyle Restaurant
4463-2154
Mawasem 4423-3333 Mehfil Restaurant
4409-4444
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
Vine 4446-0105
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
Biryani Hut
4464-1401
Bombay Baiti
4428-1428
Chingari 4428-1428
Bice Ristorante
Idyl Factory
6674-1143
Carluccio’s 4495-3876
Royal Indian
4466-6876
Cucina 4419-6100
Majlis 4448-1234
Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra 4444-6151 Souq Waqif 4432-3244
Marmara Istanbul
4436-2947
Saffron Lounge
3325-8919
Tajine 4435-5554
Sukh Sagar
4431-9172
Tangia 4434-3333
Taj Rasol
4429-8888
Liza 4495-3876
The Tent
4432-8888
Turkey Central
4443-2927
Italian
linoem! s opn Sewe.qau ing.c tarhap en
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
ww
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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
The Cellar
TGI Friday’s
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
4402-3333
Seafood
Persian Grill @ The Village
4444-4700
Southeast Asian Asia Live!
4429-8888
Chowking Delivery Hotline 4431-1212 Mamoura 4486-6077 Al Khor 4411-8816/17 Salwa Road 4437-1212 Al Sadd St. 4431-4411
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
Mango Tree
4495-3876
Nusantao: Sea Kitchens
4494-8888
Sizzling Hot Pot
4411-5225
Spice Market
4453-5353
JW’s Steakhouse
4429-8888
Savor 4408-7777
Sri Kebaya
4434-0838
Le Grill
4484-7412
Shisha Garden
4428-8888
The Noodle House City Center Mall The Pearl
4411-5063 4495-3876
New York Steakhouse
4419-6100
Sky Lounge
4402-3333
Prime 4015-8888
Sugar and Spice
4411-4456
Wok Mee Noodle House
4496-6600
The Butcher Shop and Grill
4413-5508
The Courtyard
4433-6444
The Old Manor Steakhouse
4446-2222
The Drawing Room
4433-6666
The Lobby Lounge
4484-8000
The Terrace Lounge
4433-6555
Torch Café
4446-5600
W Café
4453-5353
Ya Hala
4423-3333
Steakhouses Bentley’s Grill
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Sports
s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon Qatar Wrestling Federation
Senior Arab Wrestling Championship
Sat 1–Tues 4: Qatar Sports Club. Watch the best wrestlers in the region battling out for the coveted title. For more information visit http://www.qatar-wrestling.com/.
Qatar Handball Association
Sheraton Doha
Qatar Men’s Junior International Handball Tournament
Hip-Hop Dance Class
Sun & Tues: Enjoy hip-hop dance classes for the first time in Doha. Do you get excited whenever the music is playing and you feel like dancing? If you’re ready to answer this question on the dance-floor, then you’re at the right place! Get in perfect shape and workout your muscles while dancing to energetic tunes. Hip-hop classes every Sunday from 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6:15 p.m. till 7:15 p.m. For more information call 4485-4600.
l Doha InterContinenta Boot Camp ess. A fitness boot camp Fri: The Bay Club Fitn sical training program is a type of group phy ’s personal trainers and gym the by conducted nel. Shape your body son per ry former milita fit aches while getting and feel the burn and for 50 QR , ers mb me for with Wissam. QR 45 at 8:30 a.m. For more non-members, starts 852. 4-4 448 l information cal
OUT om K C E H g.c C appenin
atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa
Mon 17–Fri 21: Al Gharafa Indoor Sports Hall. Enjoy the best junior international handball tournament of the year. For more information visit www.ihf.info/Home/tabid/40/Default.aspx.
Qatar Handball Association
Qatar Men’s Youth International Handball Tournament
Mon 24–Fri 28: Al Gharafa Indoor Sports Hall. Watch the best men of the sport during the most important handball tournament in Qatar. For more information visit www.ihf.info/Home/tabid/40/Default.aspx.
for
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Sports
y a w A l i a S e Com By Charlie Sands Images courtesy of the Doha Sailing Club
With the freedom to travel at your own pace, in your own direction and in your own time, sailing is possibly one of the best ways to get away from it all and do something relaxing and active at the same time, as Charlie Sands discovers after a day at the Doha Sailing Club.
“S
ailing is the best way to relax because when you ‘re sailing it’s just you, the boat and the sound of the water,” says Khalid Bettihthamou, Qatar’s National Sailing Team coach who spends a lot of time on and off the water at the Sailing Club. Khalid, who came in 1996 and set up Qatar’s first National Sailing Team, spends his weekdays training the team and does racing practice on weekends. While the Sailing Club facility is also home to the Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (QSRF), and has all the kit for international and national level competition, the club itself is a members club, catering for all levels of sailor, and taking novices on a course to show them the ropes,
literally, and explain the technique, before setting them off to practice in front of the club. Sailing tuition is given by club members who are all volunteers. Beginners start out on lasers, small single sail boats, and learn how to rig and de-rig (connect all the ropes correctly). They must be able to capsize and right the boat before being given a green helmsman card – which gives them permission to take a club laser out any time the club is open, in light winds. From there sailors can practice, take part in races and eventually, with three races under their belts, progress to the next level, learning Get out on the water and set sail! to sail the bigger laser 420 and 470s, then the Hobbie 16s, a type of catamaran.
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Sports Khalid explains the steps to becoming a pro: “The first thing I teach them is how to sail a boat, you have to be able to sail efficiently and do the manoeuvres easily before you can start to actually use strategy when you sail. Actually there is a lot of strategy involved, it’s like a game of chess, the moment when you tack (turn the boat), the direction you take and knowing how to take advantage of the wind is really important.” “And if you want to sail at a high level you need to be fit, because it’s hard work sailing in strong winds, and keeping the boat level. I do some fitness training with the team but the best way to train is to sail.” Khalid recommends teaching children from the age of eight in the Optimist dinghies available at the sailing club. In addition to sailing, the club has windsurfers, sea kayaks and rowing boats – not to mention its own pontoon (good for swimming off), a small beach and sunbathing area, grassy areas and picnic tables and chairs. Sandwiches, fries and other snacks and soft drinks can be bought all day from inside the club house.
ilable ind ava the w e e r F “ om ite ay” – fr everyd ing Club webs il a S Doha
“The best thing about the club,” says Khalid, “is that once you’ve joined, everything else is free: the use of the facilities, the boats and equipment and the tuition.” n
Doha Sailing Club Factfile: Doha Sailing Club started in 1957 on a site in West Bay.
Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation Factfile: •
The Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (QSRF) comes under the Qatar Olympic Committee and organizes all international regattas.
•
QSRF gives free sailing and rowing instruction to Qatari youngsters.
•
The Qatar National Team recently won three gold medals and two bronze medals in the 5th GCC Sailing Championships in Oman.
•
Find out more about the QSRF at www.qatarsailing.org
The Club moved to its current premises on Ras Abu Aboud - between Oasis Beach Club and the Marriott Hotel, 26 years ago. Anyone interested in sailing can join the club on an annual membership basis, or a three-month basis for temporary residents. Doha Sailing Club is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. To find out more visit www.qmsf.com, email dohasailingclub@gmail.com or call 4443-9840.
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Sports
Team Up!
all over the country major sporting events take place do y onl t No rts. spo ut abo all e of those is It’s no secret that Qatar demies have opened in Doha. On aca rts spo ny ma rs yea two t pas and what they’re up to. almost every month, but in the a look at this dynamic institution es tak QH y. em ad Ac s ort Sp is Evolution
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volution Sports Academy provides a wide variety of professional and tailored sports courses for young people of all abilities, from any school and nationality throughout Qatar. They systematically deliver weekly activities within modernized sports facilities which are safe and secure. Sports courses available are soccer, swimming, basketball, tennis, netball and cricket, including a specifically-tailored soccer program for children aged 18 months to 5 years called Little Ballers. Evolution Sports is continually expanding its schedule with the help of their exclusive sponsor (Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Ltd) to offer
more activities for everyone in the community, including holiday camps, adult swimming classes and alternative programs. This sports provider also conveniently operates in-line with the annual school calendar (September - June) from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Evolution Sports will also be operating a multi-sport summer camp from June 30 at Doha College including soccer and swimming for young people. The professional sports academy will also be expanding its services to a new additional Doha College Primary School campus in West Bay in September 2013 to include more sports and more availability within first-class facilities. n
Evolution Sports currently has the following activities schedule operating throughout June 2013: EVOLUTION SOCCER Midweek Sessions (Lions, Tigers and Cheetahs) Under 7: Sun, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (3G Pitch) Under 8: Sun, 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. (3G Pitch) Under 9: Wed, 4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m. (3G Pitch) Under 10: Wed, 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. (3G Pitch) Under 11: Mon, 4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m. (3G Pitch) Under 12: Mon, 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m. (3G Pitch) Under 14: Tues, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (3G Pitch) Under 16: Thurs, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (3G Pitch) Weekend Sessions Friday U7 Tigers & Cheetahs: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Indoor session) U8 Tigers & Cheetahs: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (Indoor session) U9 Tigers & Cheetahs: 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (Indoor session) U7/U8 (Overspill Group): 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. (Indoor session) U7 / U8 / U9 & U10 Lions: 4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m. (3G Pitch) Saturday U10 Tigers & U12 Tigers: 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Indoor Session) U11 Tigers & Cheetahs: 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m. (Indoor Session) U16B and C: 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. (Indoor Session) U14B+C: Saturday, 2:45p.m.-4:00 p.m. (Indoor Session) U14A: 4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m. (Indoor Session) U11 Lions, U12 Lions and U13A: 4:00 pm.-5:30 p.m. (3G Pitch) U14 Academy, U15 Academy and U16A: 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (3G Pitch)
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LITTLE BALLERS Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 18 months - 5 years 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Doha College Friday & Saturday 18 months - 5 years 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Doha College EVOLUTION SWIMMING Sunday & Tuesday Level 4 - 9 groups (intermediate - precomp) 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Doha College Swimming Centre Monday & Wednesday Water Confidence - Level 4 (Learn to Swim - intermediate) 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Doha College Swimming Centre BASKETBALL Sunday & Thursdays U8s, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Doha College Small Sports Hall U12s, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Doha College Large Sports Hall Wednesday U16s, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. American School of Doha Elementary Gym NETBALL Sunday U10s, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Doha College Large Sports Hall U14s, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Doha College Large Sports Hall Wednesday U17s, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Doha College Large Sports Hall TENNIS Monday & Wednesday U8s, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Aspire Women's Outside Tennis Courts U14s, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information about any of the weekly courses on offer at Evolution Sports please contact 6622-4800 or info@evosportsqatar.com, www.evosportsqatar.com and www.facebook.com/EvoSportsQatar.com.
Aspire Women's Outside Tennis Courts CRICKET Friday U9 - U18, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Doha College Sports Grounds
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Abs Workout
Wed & Fri: The hotel’s instructors will concentrate on your exercise technique to work the abdominal muscles from every conceivable angle. To give your abs a good base of strength and tone, you need to concentrate and focus on core strength and stability. The instructor will check that you constantly maintain control in the correct area. Free for members, QR 30 for non-members, from 11:15 a.m. Join in and get the abs you’ve always wanted! For more information on all classes call 4484-4852.
SHERATON DOHA Zumba
HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Personal Training
Sat-Thurs: Activa Fitness Club. Join in and get your body into shape with the gym’s personal trainer. One session for QR 90. For more information call 4408-4086.
EVERY WEEK GOKULAM PARK DOHA Enjoy The Gym
Sun-Fri: O’Flex Fitness Zone. Burn off your calories at the state of the art health club or draw out toxins while soothing weary or aching muscles and joints at the sauna and steam room. From 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4470-8822/3355.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA The Bay Club Fitness Classes Step Ao2
Mon & Wed: One of the most popular group fitness classes worldwide, Step AO2 improves both mental and physical fitness, burning away calories while learning fun routines to the newest music. More suitable for intermediate steppers. QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members, starts at 10:00 a.m.
Spinning
Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: The spinning program is the original and most popular group cycling class. With no complicated moves to learn, a motivating group environment, top-notch instructors and music that begs your legs to pedal. Every class is a little different, but one of the great things about the spinning program is that it’s adaptable to your fitness level. QR 25 for members, QR 35 for non-members. Mon & Wed at 6:15 p.m., Fri at 12:00 noon and Sat at 9:00 a.m.
Zumba Fitness
Mon, Wed & Fri: Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze taking over the world. Fitness should be fun and that’s exactly what zumba is: a mixture of Latin and international music fused together to create a fun, dance party atmosphere burning between 400-1,000 calories per hour. It’s suitable for all ages, shapes and fitness levels, so why not come along to a class and join in the party? QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members, Mon at 7:00 p.m. and Fri at 10:00 a.m. (mixed class) and Wed at 7:00 p.m. (outdoor).
Core Training
Tues: This class focuses on exercises aimed at developing and maintaining a protective shield for the spinal column and internal organs. Equipment such as fit-balls, light dumbbells and therabands add variation to the sessions. QR 30 for members, QR 50 for non-members, from 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Pilates
Mon & Wed: 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, helping to rebalance the body. (Please note that an advanced class is recommended once adequate strength is gained before attending). QR 30 for members, QR 50 for non members, Wed at 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon and Monfrom 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Tues & Fri: From 10.00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. on Sundays,. 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. on Fridays, from QR 30 for members and QR 40 for non-members. For more information call 4485-4600.
WEEKEND SHERATON DOHA Indoor Cycling
Fridays: From 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m., QR 30 for members and QR 40 for non-members. For more information call 4485-4600.
Yoga & Pilates
Saturdays: From 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., QR 80 for members and non- members. For more information call 4485-4600.
Step Power
Sat, Mon & Wed: From 10:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR 80 for members and QR 100 for non-members/per class. Or QR 500 for members and QR 700 for non-members/monthly. For more information call 4485-4600.
Aikido
Sat, Mon & Wed: From 6.30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., Adults: QR 475 for members and non- members. Ages 10-17: QR 375 for members & non-members. For more information call 4485-4600.
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INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA The Bay Club Fitness Classes Circuit Training
Activities & Clubs
Thurs: Widely regarded as the best all-round form of group exercise. It allows each individual to work at one’s own pace, but in a group environment. This session is not for the faint-hearted however, if you enjoy a tough workout in a friendly atmosphere with every session different from the last, then this what you’ve been looking for. All you need is a lot of enthusiasm and a sense of humour when it gets tough! At 6:00 p.m., QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members.
3/15 Workout
Thurs: This class draws on three principal exercise components of cardiovascular aerobics: choreography, cardiovascular basic step choreography and shaping and toning work lasting 15 minutes each. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m., QR 30 for members, QR 50 for non-members.
Body Shape
Sat: This class is designed to tone, shape and strengthen all body parts. Through a variety of progressive resistance exercises with an array of equipment, the targeted muscles are defined without adding bulk to them. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m., QR 30 for members, QR 50 for non-members.For more information on all classes call 4484-4852.
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
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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
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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AHB Listings - JUNE 2013 - FTP.pdf
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your Tell us what you think! Send ing.com reviews to info@qatarhappen
Ashlee - Jetwing Travels Avani Kalutara Resort, Sri Lanka
Srimani
LaCie Hard Drive
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I recently went to Sri Lanka last month for a short week’s getaway and it was a shock to the senses. After nearly a year and half of living in the Middle East, the lush jungle landscape and the sweeping green vistas was balm for my sand-withered soul. The Sri Lankan people are friendly, helpful and open and the country’s rich cultural and natural history makes it a true hidden gem, only four short hours away from Doha by plane. Once on the island, land travel can be daunting, with road infrastructure still in its infancy. Thankfully we had an amazing tour guide through Jetwing Travels, which we booked through Mannai Holidays here in Doha. In six short days our guide, Udaya, showed us the best of the country took us to every historical and cultural site imaginable and made sure that we saw it all and had everything we needed. Jetwing Travels is a Sri Lankan company that specializes in what they call ‘destination management’, personalizing every detail of the trip according to the things we wanted to see and do. It was amazing to experience such a diverse and enriching country with our own private tour guide and our entire vacation package cost only QR 8,830 for two people. If you want to explore Sri Lanka, Jetwing is the way to do it. Visit www.jetwingtravels.com to plan your own exotic excursion.
Chet Metal Recall This local, up-and-coming Filipino metal band rock the house whenever they perform and Doha’s crowds can’t help but sing, dance and jump with them. Influenced by the likes of Metallica, they’ll take you to that era where rock music truly rocks. For more information and a current gig schedule you can check their Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/Metalrecall.
Lanie Moroccan Hammam For those who want a fun and relaxing spa party, I will highly vouch for a Moroccan hammam at B/Attitude spa. My friends and I truly enjoyed the relaxing experience we had. We started with a dip in the jacuzzi while sipping tea/juices. Then we were ushered into the steam room for 15 minutes, followed by a heavenly body scrub and facial massage. It was really relaxing and after the treatment I felt light and bright with skin so smooth and soft. All of us truly loved the experience. For QR 510 for 60 minutes, it’s a must try for everyone!
As a graphic designer I rarely carry soft copies of my work files. Instead I prefer to store my work on LaCie’s Rugged Thunderbolt Hard Drive. It’s light-weight, high-speed and secure, available in different storage capacities like 120GBs and one terabyte. At QR 990, this external hard drive is one of the most expensive in the local market but is still a worthwhile investment for the busy professional as it keeps your confidential work materials safe and secure. You can buy one from any branch of e-Pro Solutions or visit www.lacie.com for more details.
Marlynne My Favourite Hotel Stress and deadlines are frequent visitors in our jobs, however a little break will do the trick to refresh and unwind the overworked brain. That’s what my family and I did, with an overnight stay at one of our local hotels, the Mövenpick Tower and Suites. We relaxed in their impressive executive suite, jumped into the swimming pool, sampled dim-sum at Wok-Mee and sushi at Animato. One noteworthy mention is the staff’s remarkable service, they seem to understand that we needed a place to put our burdens away and thoughts of work aside, even for just one night! Visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com to book your own stay-cation!
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Bilal Penthouses DPS - June 2013 - FTP.pdf
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additions to Doha’s ever-growing The Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park is one of the latest great start with a number of popular hospitality roster. Being fresh to the market it’s already been off to a some well-deserved relaxation. dining and lounge outlets. This month QH pays a visit to their spa for
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he spa at the Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park is small if you compare it to others in five-star hotels around the city. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good enough to be a great competitor in the market. Located on the 7th floor of the luxurious hotel, the spa has some great facilities that include a state-of-the-art gym and a rooftop swimming pool with a small bar, extension chairs and super comfortable loungers. This time around I’m here to try one of their treatments: the ‘Intense Muscle Release’. When I arrive the manager and massage therapist are waiting for me at the reception. The manager gives me a tour of the premises, explaining the services offered as we go along. I’m tired after a long day of work, so I’m more than ready to go into the therapy room and start my massage. Most spas I’ve been too have different methods of starting their treatments; some recommend you to go into the steam-room beforehand while others start right away, but this is the first time my therapist gently washes my hands and feet in order to prepare me for the process. He tells me that the focus of the massage is for my body and mind to connect and find peace. It’s about relieving tight, stressed, over-worked and aching muscles with the warmth of the ginger and black pepper massage products he’s using today. I have to say that mission was definitely accomplished.
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He starts by applying specific deep-tissue techniques then continues with opening movements for a more effective stimulation of all the muscle groups. Some of the movements are really relaxing and a few are even new to me. He stretches every single part of my body, but in a way that’s not painful or aggravating, which can happen sometimes during the manipulation. During the massage he also applies different types of oils to stimulate my circulation. He really manages to make my body very comfortable and absolutely relaxed – to the point where I have so much ‘inner peace’ that I have to fight with myself not to fall asleep on the table. By the time the session is over, I’m literally exhausted, (in a good way), and ready to go to bed. Next up he tells me to go into the steamroom so the oils can penetrate my body better. The Crowne- Plaza spa’s steam-room is quite different--I have to sit on some kind of futuristic chair; I haven’t seen the likes of it before, so I’m fairly amused. When I come out the manager asks me why do I look so tired? He is concerned I didn’t enjoy it. I explain him that in fact it’s totally the opposite. I’m relaxed in a way I haven’t been in a very long time. I really enjoyed the entire treatment, service and facilities; I can highly recommend the spa.n
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About The Crowne-Plaza Spa Timings: Weekly from 11:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. Price: QR 420, Intense Muscle Release massage Contact Info: For bookings call 4408-7622
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AD - QH Online.pdf
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Father Knows Best! cial Father’s Day yours to one of these spe at tre t no y Wh ! too ng dear old Dad. Dads need pamperi some bonding time with joy en d an 14 ne Ju s promotions thi Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads old and new!
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Special Father’s Day Fri 14: The Square. All fathers can enjoy a succulent brunch at the Square. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
WEST END RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER U.S.A. & U.K. Father’s Day Brunch
Fri 14: Crossroads Kitchen. Dine at Crossroads and all Dads upgrading to the Selected Beverage Package receive two gifts: • A 2-for-1 voucher for the QR 125 Burger, Side and Dessert at New York Steakhouse’s lunch, valid Sun-Thurs until July 9, 2013. (Excludes beverages.) • 1 voucher for 2 complimentary upgrades to the Selected Beverage Package when booking the soft beverage package for Friday brunch prior to July 9, 2013. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m., QR 225 includes soft beverages; QR 275 includes selected beverages; Kids 7-12 years dine half-price, kids under six dine free. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/crossroads.
New! U.S.A. & U.K. Father’s Day Brunch At Ipanema Fri 14: Ipanema. Dine at Ipanema and all Dads upgrading to the Selected Beverage Package receive two gifts: • A 2-for-1 voucher for the QR 125 Burger, Side and Dessert at New York Steakhouse’s lunch, valid Sun-Thurs until July 9, 2013. (Excludes beverages.) • 1 voucher for 2 complimentary upgrades to the Selected Beverage Package when booking the soft beverage package for Friday brunch prior to July 9, 2013. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m., QR 250 includes soft beverages; QR 325 includes selected beverages, kids 7-12 years dine half-price, kids under six dine free. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/ipanema.
Special Treat For All Fathers Fri 14: Prime & Strata. Enjoy a special dessert and digestive to fathers dining in Prime & Strata, plus a raffle draw on valuable gifts. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
RADISSON BLU Father’s Day Dinner
Sun 16: Bentley’s Grill. This Father’s Day why not celebrate a great father with an unforgettable dining experience in Bentley’s Grill. The chefs have prepared a mouth-watering set menu which your father will love, and if you cover his food bill (QR 280) they will help with the drinks! (A free bottle of house red or white vino for a table of four and a welcome glass of bubbly for the adults upon arrival.) Dinner service starts from 6:00 p.m.
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QH Sensations Listings RECOMMENDS
THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Poolside Promotion The Club’s pool and beach have been a favourite Doha escape for years. With their intimate and excellent facilities, it’s ideal for families and singles alike! You can literally put your feet up , soak up the rays and tuck into a great choice of drinks , snacks and light meals served right to your sun lounger. If you thought that was impressive , how about this for a great deal: for the whole summer from June 1-August 30, they’re giving everyone great discounted rates on pool and beach access and letting kids under five in for free! Weekdays: Adults QR 100, Kids (5-17 yrs) QR 50. Weekends: Adults QR 125, Kids QR 70.
Private Membership – Special Prices For June THE ST. REGIS DOHA Remède Spa The Remède Spa at The St. Regis Doha is a journey into a fabulous world of pampered indulgence and glorious serenity. Customized massages and couples treatments are available. Advanced bookings are highly recommended. Open from 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0300 or email remedespa.doha@stregis.com.
CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Spa Club Treat yourself to some indulgent, resultsoriented treatments and book a Hot Stone Massage and Reflexology Massage for QR 400 instead of QR 600. (Offer valid every Sunday to Thursday). From 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.
HILTON DOHA Eforea Spa This June Eforea Spa at Hilton invites you to indulge in The Revelation Treatment. A unique lifting and regenerating appearance is the result of this facial trio package which includes three tailored facials taken in succession to deliver a powerful natural Botox effect. Two treatments of 60 minutes each and one treatment of 90 minutes all for QR 950. For reservations call 4423-3441.
A Fun Day Of Pool, Beach & Gym Relax and have fun in the sun on weekends with access to the pool, beach, fitness centre and thermal lounge for QR 360 per person. A 20% discount on Eforea Spa treatments applies if a treatment is booked on the same day. For more information call 4423-3441.
ORYX ROTANA Unwind your body and mind. Oryx values your presence and want s you to be healthy, so the Bodylines team has created very special membership rates for their valued customers! Appointments will be on a first-come first-served basis.
Bodylines Regular Membership Offer: 10% discount on published tariff. Membership highlights: 24/7 access to the gym, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi, pool access from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m., and a 20% discount on food and beverage, massage and spa treatments. (Conditions apply.) Additional discounts on swimming lessons and personal training. Bodylines Low Tide Membership Offer: 35% discount on published regular membership tariff. Membership highlights: 24/7 access to the gym, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi, pool access from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. till 5:00 a.m., plus a 20% discount on food and beverage, massage and spa treatments. (Conditions apply.) Additional discounts on swimming lessons and personal training. Bodylines Night Membership Offer: 50% discount on published regular membership tariff. Membership highlights: access to gym, steam, sauna and Jacuzzi from 10:00 p.m. till 5:00 a.m., plus a 20% discount on food and beverage, massage and spa treatments. (Conditions apply.) For more information on all promotions call 4402-3333.
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Whether it’s to unwind or workout, the Diplomatic Club offers a wide range of facilities to its members. Membership gives free access to: the state of the art gym, workout studio, squash court, tennis court, private beach, swimming pool and kids club. In addition, membership benefits include access to the member’s lounge, a 25% discount in all their dining options, discounts on spa treatments, personal training, squash, tennis and swimming lessons, aerobic classes and a 20% discount in their beauty centre and men’s salon. Single: QR 9,000 (18 years old and above) Couple: QR 14,000 Family: QR 16,000 (couple + up to 3 children under 17 years old) For more information on all promotions call 4484-7450 or email Membership@dclub.com.qa.
Beauty Center Getting ready for a big night out on the town, a marvelous event or just looking for a new look? In warm settings, have one of our professional hairstylists work their magic to suit your style and personality (in addition to regular hair services, the beauty center does colouring, highlights, hair straightening and up-styles). They also provide nail care and facial treatments. Open Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. and Friday, 10:30 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7407 or email bcenter@dclub.com.qa.
WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Angsana Spa Fusion Massage A blend of Thai and Swedish massage techniques to soothe all aches, unblock stiffness and enhance flexibility. Promotion is valid from June 1- 30, 2013. Includes 60-minute treatment, 30-minute refreshments and relaxation for QR 299. For more information call 4434-3152/3153 or email spa-wyndhamgrandregencydoha@angsana.com.
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Midnight Sun Film Festival June 12-16: Finland
Each year ‘cinephiles’ congregate at the top of the world in Finland’s far north to celebrate the new, the innovative and the brave in modern cinema. Situated in the heart of Lapland, the town of Sodankylä has attracted world class directors over the course of the Midnight Sun Film Festival’s long history. The likes of Jonathan Demme, Atom Egoyan, Wim Wenders and Terry Gilliam have made appearances alongside a host of prominent Finnish filmmakers. Bring your shades and get a front-row seat at www.msfilmfestival.fi.
Glastonbury Festival
Extreme Sports Week June 23-30: Norway
The largest sport and music festival of its kind, ‘Ekstremsportveko’ as it’s known in the local Norwegian tongue, takes over the city of Voss with a flurry of competitions that push the limits of endurance. They don’t call them extreme for nothing! Athletes can take part in motorbike-BMX racing, white-water rafting, kayaking and skydiving, base jumping and paragliding and many more. Less adventurous spectators can push the limits of their eardrums with some of the region’s most heavy-hitting rock bands – think loud! Grab your helmet and an extra set of earplugs and go to www.ekstremsportveko.com for more info.
June 26-30: U.K.
Known as ‘Glasto’ to its die-hard followers, this festival of performing arts is one of the most famous concert events in Britain. The biggest names in the music industry rub shoulders with the hottest new acts on the bill, as tens of thousands of fans hunker down in the mud to take it all in. Previous performers have included U2, Coldplay, Morrissey, Beyoncé, The Wu-Tang Clan and The Chemical Brothers to name a few. Pitch your tent, pack a cooler and head over to www.glastonburyfestivals. co.uk to order tickets.
Summer Spectacular June 21-Aug 31: Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Summer Spectacular is one of the city’s largest tourist events, drawing visitors in droves. It includes a shopping festival, dragon boat race championships on historic Victoria Harbour and the Summer Pop – Live In Hong Kong music extravaganza. There’s no reason not to get outdoors and take it all in under the backdrop of one of the world’s liveliest metropolises. Visit www.discoverhongkong.com to plan your urban festivities.
Ernest Hemingway Needlefish Tournament June 3-7: Cuba
Depending on your literary leanings, Ernest Hemingway may arguably have been one of the most prolific writers of the past century. Whether you agree with that statement or not, one thing about the man is indisputable – his love for deep-sea fishing and Cuba. So, every summer the island nation pays tribute to Hemingway with this international namesake tournament in Havana, as deep-sea needlefish enthusiasts cast their lines in competition for the biggest catch. Watch from the rigs or from the sidelines and go to www.internationalhemingwaytournament.com to hear that story about the big one that got away.
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QH Sensations
Going Dutch By John Hunt
One of Europe’s most notorious cultural and artistic hubs, Amsterdam continues to draw intrepid travelers along its canals and waterways.
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msterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has a strange duality about it. It’s a ‘world city’ in terms of what’s on offer overall in terms of attractions, hotels, infrastructure, size and influence, yet it retains (in the main) a charm that you would associate with a much smaller city. Part of this, I feel, is the almost total absence of ‘steel and glass’ skyscrapers on the skyline and the charm that comes from the abundance of architecture, in places, that is well over 1,000 years old. Amsterdam’s centre and its main attractions are all fairly close together. It’s also very flat, so navigation on foot is to be recommended to an extent. I say ‘extent’ because the city boasts, mainly through its tram network, a world-famous public transport system that can help take the weight off your feet and see the city in its entirety.
What To See: Like most capitals, it has a handful of ‘mustsees’ – attractions that must not be missed – and it’s on these we will concentrate. First up is the Rijksmuseum which describes itself as ‘a journey through Dutch history, from the Middle Ages to the modern-day century. The story of the Netherlands is presented in an international context in chronological order, divided across four floors and 80 galleries.’ ‘More than 8,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, silver, porcelain, delftware, furniture and objects from Dutch art and history are presented alongside each other for the very first time, allowing visitors to experience a sense of beauty and time.’ The renovation of the museum, completed last year, took a decade (twice as long as anticipated) and the not inconsiderable sum of QR 1.9 billion (again, twice the anticipated cost) has made the museum something of a ‘hot potato’.
Of course, this matters not a jot for the visitor (quite the opposite) and the Rijksmuseum certainly lives up to the hype. Entrance is QR 75. Nearby is the world famous Van Gogh Museum, the most visited attraction in the Netherlands and, unsurprisingly, the largest collection of the Dutch master’s paintings on the planet. This place is a magnet for tourists and it’s no surprise why. It’s home to some of the world’s most famous paintings, including the iconic ‘Sunflowers’. Entrance, again, is QR 75. Amsterdam’s not a cheap city but, like the Rijksmuseum, this place is a must-see for the sheer quality (and size) of the attraction. The museum shop is constantly packed and sees prints of van Gogh’s most famous works flying out the door at a rate of knots. If you’re suffering a culture overload and/or seek some more ‘family-themed’ entertainment then this can be found at the Amsterdam Zoo. The summer weather is the perfect time to stroll in
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Townhouses line the waterways of Amsterdam’s historic canals
The airy, yet impo sing interior of the Ri jksmuseum
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an oasis of nature in the midst of the city while you view more than 900 species of animals in a beautiful, compact yet sympathetic setting. See giraffes strolling with wildebeest, zebras, springbok and oryx. Walk among butterflies and experience lemurs up close. The zoo is a truly remarkable place where nature meets culture in a complete family experience. Entrance is QR 75 for kids and QR 90 for adults. If you get decent weather, you’ll have a superb day. As well as seeing the city on foot and by tram, one must not overlook the city’s numerous canals, another aspect of Amsterdam for which it is rightly famous. See Amsterdam from a canal barge tour, offered by any one of dozens of companies. Prices are usually about QR 75 and trips come with a running commentary about the city and its landmarks.
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Where To Stay: Amsterdam’s enduring appeal as a tourist destination for people worldwide means that in terms of where to stay, the options are limitless. For those watching their wallets, there are numerous hostels and budget hotels all the way up to five-star hotels – some of Europe’s finest. The same applies in terms of cuisine. Dutch cuisine is quite plain and relies on breads, meats, cheeses and seafood presented in a straightforward manner. The international nature of the city, however, means you can pretty much get anything you want to eat. As most of you are aware, Amsterdam has a seamier edge for which the city is (in)famous. This being a family publication, we’ll leave it
‘Sunflowers’ is on e of many iconic paintings on display at the Va n Gogh Museum
there but while Amsterdam is reasonably safe, you’re advised to keep your wits about you when out and about.
How To Get There: Qatar Airways does not fly to Amsterdam from Doha International Airport, but Dutch national airline KLM does, direct, with a flight time of about seven hours. n
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QH Sensations
Hey
Big Spender! With files courtesy of Francesca Moser and ABODE Magazine
The third Istanbul Shopping Fest takes over Turkey this June, making it the perfect weekend getaway.
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ombining a cultural break away with one of the world’s biggest shopping festivals sounds like the perfect holiday to us… what about you?
You’ll also be able to enjoy your breakfast overlooking the Bosphorus, the perfect way to start your day! Visit www.legacyottomanhotel.com for more information.
All you need to do is plan your getaway to Turkey between June 8-30 and get your credit card ready for some serious shopping! The Istanbul Shopping Fest is a unique blend of fashion, entertainment, art and culture that’s not to be missed. Shopping fans from all over the world will be welcomed with incredible offers, discounts and fun events for everyone. DJ performances, artists’ exhibitions and prolonged shopping hours till 2:00 a.m. are just few of the exciting initiatives that will take place in Istanbul for 23 days in a row. Istanbul’s historical heritage and cultural richness is the perfect backdrop for this great event, integrating the pleasure of shopping with the natural beauties of the historical town.
Special Events During The Shopping Festival
To make you experience Istanbul and its shopping life to the fullest, the 92 shopping malls in town will offer up to 50% discounts, a real paradise for consumers and all the fashionistas out there! A special ISF traveler pre-paid card will make your shopping easier and secure, while also providing extra discounts and promotions at selected stores. The card will be on sale at the airport and in the shopping centres, so look out for it. Last year 939,508 people visited Istanbul for its Fashion Fest and this year 1.1 million tourists are expected, so join the crowd and enjoy all Istanbul has to offer…let the shopping extravaganza begin!
Where To Stay Opt for an historical and characteristic Turkish Hotel for your stay in Istanbul. The Legacy Ottoman Hotel located in the central area of the Eminönü District is a lovely choice: a charming Byzantine-style building boasting original grand décor and charm. Galata Bridge and the famous Egyptian bazaar are within walking distance.
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The gargantuan Istinye Park Mall
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June 8: Kickoff parade on Istiklal Caddesi Hadise inaugurates the festival at Akbati Shopping Centre June 12-16: Galata Moda Festival at Nisantasi Art Park, organized by the Association of Fashion Designers (MTD). Thirty-two local designers present their limited editions of summer designs, all about neon colours!
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Turkish sweets and delicacies abound along the market streets of Istanbul K
June 16: Patricia Kaas concert with Edith Piaf at Life-Park
Must-Visits Istinye Park: Located in the Istinye area, Istinye Park Mall is a modern shopping centre with 291 stores and a sleek high-end section, with all the top designer boutiques and fashionable cafés and restaurants. The centre also includes an authentic Turkish food bazaar. Sapphire Shopping Mall: Located in the centre of the Levent. This 261-metre high ecological skyscraper with 66 floors provides amazing shopping opportunities and great views over the city. The 4D helicopter ride simulation offers a particularly memorable experience!
Wander along the Grand Bazaar’s labrynthine alleyways
Grand Bazaar: One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar has over 3,000 shops and attracts up to 4,000 visitors daily. You can’t leave Istanbul without experiencing the buzz of shopping in its signature market. Located in the Fatih district. For more information and updates visit www.istshopfest.com.n
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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: Slim Zahi STORE SECTION: Multimedia TIME AT VIRGIN: A year and a half
Best Part of My Job: “I like multimedia because daily there’s something new in technology. I like the Apple brand and every day we receive a different product. Also, I like music and we receive the latest head-sets so I can try all of them!” Amazon Kindle Ion DJ2GO Paperwhite Would-be mix-masters rejoice! With this This latest incarnation of the e-reader is even lighter and more compact than before. With 25% better contrast for text and a 62% increase in pixels for enhanced screen resolution, you can download your favourite reads easily. Retailing for QR 779, toss it in your beach-bag or knapsack and bring it along as the perfect vacation buddy.
handy gadget, you can bring the party with you wherever you go. All you need is your laptop. With software compatible for both Mac and PC formats, the DJ2GO program identifies your computer’s music files and once you attach the mixer panel to your hook-up via the portable USB cable you can toss your tracks and create stellar soundscapes with the best of them. Retail price: QR 330.
Parrot Zik Starck Headphones Beats Pill Speakers Try on these bad boys and you may never take them off! With soft, leather ear-pieces that virtually cancel out all noise, their unique wireless capabilities allow you to adjust volume and scan and change music tracks, at the touch of a finger. Operating remotely in connection with your computer, Android or iPod device, they even have an automatic pause and play function – just by removing them from your head! Retail price: QR 1,599.
This Bluetooth wireless audio system branded by legendary rapper Dr. Dre, is portable, compact and packs a big sound punch. You can change tracks from your phone or Bluetooth device from up to 30 feet away and you can bring the speaker with you wherever you go. It’s the perfect dashboard companion for those long desert road trips! Lightweight and included with its own carrying case, it retails for QR 808.
iPod Touch 5 Thinner, lighter and available in a rainbow of candy-coloured shades, the iPod Touch 5 is cresting the wave of Apple’s top-of-the-line new gadgets. With a sleek new aluminum exterior and a 4-inch retina display, it’s more user-friendly, allowing you to scroll, type and flick through on-screen content with ease. Our favourite part? The new 5-megapixel iSight camera. Its panoramic function allows you to shoot in crisp, clear HD video so you don’t miss a minute of what’s going on around you. Retail price: QR 1,279.
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Spotlight On Movies
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June = blockbusters! Don’t miss these ones.
After Earth
World War Z
Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi
Action | Drama | Horror
A crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father Cypher stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after events forced humanity’s escape. With Cypher injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.
United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, threatening to decimate humanity itself.
Stars: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Isabelle Fuhrmann QH Fun Fact: Will Smith personally hired M. Night Shyamalan to direct the film, marking the first time in 20 years that Shyamalan directed a movie based on a screenplay that was not his own.
Man Of Steel Action | Adventure | Fantasy A young journalist raised by his adoptive parents after being transported to Earth as a child from the dying planet of Krypton, finds himself in the position to save humankind after Earth is attacked. Stars: Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams QH Fun Fact: Ben Affleck was offered a shot at directing this Superman installment, but turned it down because he was not experienced in VFX camera shooting, the style used throughout production.
This Is The End Action | Comedy While attending a party at James Franco’s house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse. Stars: Pretty much every real-life star and comedian imaginable QH Fun Fact: Fact meets film meets fantasy in this reality-style spoof, one of the first feature films ever to have an entire all-star cast portraying themselves on-screen.
Stars: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, David Morse QH Fun Fact: Don’t mess with Hungarian customs officers! Eighty-five stunt machine guns, pistols and rifles to be used in scenes filmed in Hungary were confiscated by counterterrorism officers upon their arrival in Budapest.
White House Down Action | Drama A Secret Service agent is tasked with saving the life of the U.S. President after the White House is overtaken by a paramilitary group. Stars: Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal QH Fun Fact: Before making the jump into modeling and acting, star Channing Tatum previously worked in a number of odd jobs that ran the gamut from construction worker and mortgage broker to cologne salesman and handler in a puppy and kitty nursery. Awwww!!
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QH Sensations
The Dish on Qatar By Ashlee Starratt
Believe it or not, there’s a lot going green around Doha. This month we bring you a few tips on how you can start to lessen your carbon footprint at home.
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irst, a bit of science. (We promise, we’ll be brief.) Every living thing on the planet is made of the chemical compound carbon. Right down to the cellular level, it’s in our bodie; in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the products we use on a daily basis. Ever heard of ‘greenhouse gases’? Well, those emissions we give off into the atmosphere through the over-consumption of fossil fuels and other by-products are carbon-based. As they build-up, they accumulate in the ozone layer creating a thermal maelstrom that’s responsible for climate change and all its nasty fallout – warming ocean temperatures, crop failure, food and water shortage, the withering of natural resources, habitat loss and extinction for animals. That’s the scary part. The good news is that we have the power to reverse those effects through simple, every-day actions that, if done often
enough until they become habit, can have a big impact on the state of our planet for future generations. Never has this push to ‘go green’ been as important as it is for a country like Qatar. With a huge store of natural resources – many of them petroleum or natural gas-based, our developing nation has become a superpower in the region and with that comes a lot of consumer consumption. All of this can translate into bad news for the environment, but every small positive step can help counter-balance those negative effects. Let us show you some simple ways to start.
The 3 ‘R’s Reduce, reuse, recycle is a concept that’s still emerging in Qatar. But its roots seem to already have secured some footholds. With more
recycling bins in public spaces such as malls, it’s good practice to get into the habit and there’s no better place to start than at home. By separating your garbage and household waste into paper products, organic matter and plastics you can do your part for the environment. Want to know more? Check out Doha Plastic at www.dohaplastic.com to learn more about recycling here in Qatar. As for organic compost? It makes the best natural fertilizer for home gardens that we can think of! The same goes for water usage, another finite resource over here; the more you can reduce consumption the better. Try doing laundry in a couple of big loads, twice a week instead of small loads on a daily basis. Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth and look into installing low-flow toilets that use less water when flushed.
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shop ur engine, Shut off yo e your gardening hon ke our locally, or can all ma e w d n a skills ! ener place world a gre
Green Thumbs Up! Qatar may be mostly desert, but much can still bloom believe it or not! By planting a small vegetable patch or cultivating a simple flower bed or flower-boxes on your property, you’re replenishing the air and improving oxygen levels in the environment. Not to mention there’s no better way to brighten up your outdoor living space or enjoy fresh, organic home-grown produce than by doing it yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, the Doha Garden Club is a good place to turn. A community-driven group, its members hold monthly garden tours and can advise new green thumbs on the best choice of plants for the local soil, climate conditions and growing season. Get in touch with them at www.dohagardenclub.com.
Idle No More
Be Proactive
Without a doubt it’s a symbol of status in the Middle East to sport flashy cars and as the large number of Land Cruisers and Jeeps on the road can attest, people in Qatar love their gas-guzzlers. A common practice seen here in Doha is people leaving their cars running, or ‘idling’, as they run inside the grocery store or corner shop. Petrol may be cheap in this part of the world but the toll of emissions on the environment is heavy. Every 30 minutes of idling can cost you one-tenth of a gallon of wasted fuel and nearly three-tenths if you drive an eight-cylinder engine vehicle. Chronic exhaust from tailpipes elevates carbon levels in the environment and harms air quality, which can lead to increased instances of respiratory disease in the population. So the next time you pull over and hop out, make sure your car keys are in your pocket.
Environmental awareness and sustainability is a community issue and it takes a community response to facilitate change. If you want to become involved with like-minded people, Sustainable Qatar and the Friends Of The Environment Center are great resources. Both are volunteer-based, non-profit organizations seeking to raise the profile of eco-conscious matters in Qatar. They both have monthly meetings to tackle issues surrounding public education and environmental conservation. Visit www.fec.qa or www.sustainableqatar.com to learn more about their services and programs. With a little bit of community support and cooperation we can turn the desert green, one household at a time. n
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It Happened
L-R: Christoph Franzen, GM of Grand Hyatt, Ifteqar Ahmed, AHB Deputy General Manager, Martin Hope, Director of the British Council, Priyanka Kapur, AHB Events Manager, Glynis Hall, STOMP Productions, Moona Masri-Whitice, Executive Director, The Art of Business, Chris Van Kamp, Creative Director of Premium Projects
H.E. Mr. Michael O’Neill, British Ambassador to Qatar, (Centre) addresses members of the media as Glynis Hall and Martin Hope look on
STOMP Press Conference The Grand Hyatt May 12, 2013
Chris van Kamp from Premium Projects (Centre) explains what STOMP is all about as Grand Hyatt GM Christoph Franzen and STOMP Productions’ Glynis Hall listen closely
Ifteqar Ahmed, AHB Deputy General Manager gives a few words on what it took to bring STOMP to Doha
L-R: Jorge Granda, QH Sales & Communications Manager and QH Editor Ashlee Starratt greet guests and members of the media
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Aspiring little footballers take to the field for a chance to meet their Heir Apparent Cup idols
QSL Heir Apparent Cup Final 2013 Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium May 4, 2013
Al Sadd celebrate a goal against Lekhwiya
Lekhwiya took home the Heir Apparent Cup championship title this year, defeating Al Sadd 3-2
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It Happened
FC Barcelona and Argentina champion Lionel ‘Leo’ Messi is humble as he greets media, kids and dignitaries in support of his new charitable initiative
Left: H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, Chairman of Ooredoo smiles as he listens to his colleagues address the gathered crowd
Ooredoo & Lionel Messi Press Conference Aspire Academy, May 20, 2013
Young children from across the GCC and Asia were brought here for this special event as they have the chance to ask a question to their football hero
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Doha Diamond League Qatar Sports Club May 10, 2013
Intense focus marks the mens track and field race, with all eyes on the finish line
Eeksha Chamodi performs on-stage with her classmates at their cultural festival school concert
School Concert Day Stafford Sri Lankan School April 26, 2013
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It Happened
QH’s Jorge Granda (Left) and Sara Chakri, Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager for Sheraton Doha (Second from left) pose with members of the Latino team
A traditional Qatari musical performance lights up the night in the desert
Social Hour At Latino The Sheraton Doha May 15, 2013
1001 Arabian Nights Inland Sea April 24, 2013
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Far right: Christoph Franzen, GM of the Grand Hyatt welcomes guests to the special Turkish Tike night at The Grill restaurant
Tike At The Grill Grand Hyatt Doha April 24, 2013
Patagonia Restaurant Opening The Pearl April 23, 2013
Noha and Farah from the Grand Hyatt Sales and Marketing team flash their winning smiles
Second from right: H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, helps cut the cake, marking the opening of Patagonia Restaurant
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It Happened
NU-Q Graduation Ceremony Education City May 5, 2013
Congratulations to the Northwestern University Qatar and Carnegie-Mellon Qatar’s class of 2013 and all those celebrating graduation from Education City!
CarnegieMellon Graduation Ceremony Education City May 6, 2013
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Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4220 Hilton Doha 4423-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6115 Nando’s City Center Mall 4493-0785 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Johnny Rockets Al Emadi Complex 4455 2792 Hyatt Plaza 4460 4210 Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Sealine Beach Resort 4476 5299 La Cigale 4428 8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa 4445 5555
Airlines Air Arabia Air India Egypt Air Emirates Etihad Airways Gulf Air Qatar Airways
Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group
Health / Beauty
Hotels / Restaurants
4432-2111 4441-8423 4435-2901 4438-4477 4436-6657 4499-8000 4449-6666
Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bader Chemist 4441-1888 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre 4496-6410 4453-5555 Bliss Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 4429-8520 Doha Marriott Spa Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 Foot Care Centre Lulu Gharafa 4478-0510 The Center 4436-6275 City Center 4493-0394 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 4494-8844 Frank Provost Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4483-9100 The Pearl 4495-3876 Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 4428-8888 La Cigale - Ozone Spa Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 4425-6999 Six Senses Spa
Publications ABODE/QH magazines
4427-8416
Shopping Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 4469-4848 Hyatt Plaza Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245
Clubs
Tourism / Travel Alpha Tours Arabian Adventures World Wide Destination Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & Tour Victoria Car Rental Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
4434-4496 4436-1461 4467-1200 4462-2777 4422-1888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4466-6635 4440 9666
Hospitals/Emergency Ambulance, Police & Fire Department Doha Clinic Hospital
Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com Interior Forum Design 4456-8716 Restaurants Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 4431-4411 Chowking Al Saad St. Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 Sizzling Hot Pot 4411-5225/ 4411-5335
999
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
4438-4333
Emergency Hotline 4435-5999
Pediatric Emergency
Al Ahli Hospital
4489-8000
Qatar Foundation for Child &
4439-2948
Hamad General Hospital
4439-2222
Woman Protection Hotline 4466-6671 / 72
Rumailah Hospital
4439-3333
www.qatarhappening.com www.iloveqatar.net www.justlanded.com/english/Qatar www.qatarliving.com www.qatartourism.gov.qa
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