Qatar Happening - March 2013 by Qatar Happening

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Table of Contents

pg 78

OUT CHECK ning.com

e arhapp mation! t a q . w or ww test inf a l e h t for

MARCH

MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE

Editor-in-Chief’s Letter

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

QH Speaks

Events Calendar

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

104

It Happened

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

Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

TURE ARTS & CUL

Top Picks

Slava Polunin’s Snowshow Storms Doha

The best of our monthly social media

112

6th Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup At Aspire

The famous Russian clown troupe brings their show to the National Convention Center

Top Picks

Picking Up The Baton

New Music Director Ha-Na Chang brings her vision to the QPO

Katara Springs To Life

Party In Style

We review the re-vamped Madison Piano Bar at La Cigale

Our top picks from the Cultural Village for March

Legends of Motown

Get creative at the Museum of Modern Art

The Supremes & The Temptations perform at the Doha Marriott

Backstage Pass

Entertainment Listings

Premium Projects partners with The Art of Business to bring first-class entertainment Qatar

March At Mathaf

Arts and Culture Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Find out everything that’s going on this month LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email info@qatarhappening.com

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Table of Contents COMMUNITY 47

Top Picks

Going Global

Off The Page

Community Listings

Kids Club Top Picks

Making Memories

InterNations brings expats together here in Doha

A sneak peek at the new Qatar National Library

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Make a family scrapbook now and cherish the memories later

Kids Club Listings

pg 20 Clowning Around With Slava Polunin’s Snowshow

Fun ideas to do with the kids

ING FOOD & DIN 61

Top Picks

A Taste Of Luxury

We sample ‘la nouvelle cuisine’ at Guy Savoy

SPORTS

IONS QH SENSAT

Top Picks

6th Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup

Turkish Delight

Gymnasts from all over the world descend on Aspire

Word Of Mouth

Off To The Races We take you inside the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

Cricket For A Cause

Sukar Pasha at Katara tempts our tastebuds One QH readers reviews Animato at the Mövenpick Tower and Suites

Food and Dining Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Our very own parent company, AHB Group, took to the field for National Sport Day

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

e. Feedback and comments are always welcom Please forward letters to the editor: Email: editor@qatarhappening.com

info@qatarhappening.com marketing@qatarhappening.com

Time To Treat Your Hair

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:

+974 4427 8416 +974 5556 5046 +974 4427 8415

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

We try out the men’s hair treatments at Snips in the Holiday Villa

Mother’s Day & Easter

Our round-up of all the latest events to celebrate both occasions this month

Reasons To Fly

Luxury At Kempinski

100

Virgin Recommends

102

Spotlight On Movies

Have Your Say:

QH Recommends

Our fave little luxuries of the month

Our pick of top destinations

We take a weekend break to neighbouring Bahrain at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Our Academy Award analysis

Enjoy...

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k Of The From The Des f Editor-In-Chie

er? On the Cov

ts It’s all about the best in ar and culture this March!

ats Row Se Get Front Artistic For The 6th

World Cup Gymnastics

March 2013

QR 8

aser: Palate Ple Guy Savoy Quisine by At The Pearl

With ening An Evrem es and

Dear friends,

The Sup ions The Temptat

a great In this, our spring issue we have o line-up of events, features and phot e spreads to catch your eye. Our them and for March is cultural awakening we have some great highlights from the world of arts and culture in our pages. Our cover story this month is the internationally-renowned Slava Polunin’s Snowshow, making its début at the Qatar National Convention Center from ved March 28-31. One of the most belo with par on , nces orma perf circus ing Cirque du Soleil, the show is a shin ce placed example of the level of importan in Qatar. upon cultural appreciation here with the view inter e usiv excl We also have an r Philharmonic new Music Director of the Qata youngest person to have Orchestra, Han-Na Chang, the rtant arts events impo of lth wea a in Doha, plus the honour of holding this title here happening at Katara and Mathaf. tics World Cup the return of the Artistic Gymnas In the world of Sports, 2013 sees d’s best artistic worl the of crop 27. The cream of the at Aspire Dome starting March world tune in to the live the of eyes the as her anot one gymnasts will compete against mation to ensure you petition schedule and ticketing infor behind us, we are broadcast. We have the full com Day rt Spo l iona Nat with action. Also, on the Ahmed get a prime viewing spot for the ion sect ts Spor our in and photo spread February 12. on proud to feature a special editorial nd Grou et ch held at the West Bay Crick Hassan Bilal Group cricket mat ness Sheikh Tamim to upholding the vision of His High led to watch our As a company we are committed thril were and ni for National Sport Day bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Tha t. even filled funthis in part management and employees take ming opening of our p is proud to announce the upco In other company news AHB Grou look forward to welcoming We 1st. il Apr on oura Mam new Chowking franchise in to this, our newest branch. all our readers and their families ure article on brate Qatar’s diversity with a feat In our Community section we cele in a host of different ches bran With ity. mun com t st expa InterNations, the world’s large you know how you ng letti a, Doh in here dor p’s ambassa whether you’re countries we speak with the grou e, hom from y awa e more like a hom can get involved to make Qatar feel long-term. new to the country or here for the happening as we do content as engaging, exciting and I hope you will find this month’s l. Apri in g you back to our pages and we look forward to welcomin Thank you for making us a part of

The New tional Library: QatarnNa Book An Ope

E BRING IN TH S: CLOWN s in’

The expressive nature of its clowns are one of the hallmarks of Slava Polunin’s Snowshow. Photo courtesy of Snowball Productions by arrangement with SLAVA and Gwenael Allen

Slava Polun Arrives In Doha ‘Snowshow’

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com. Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Lead Designer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca New Media Manager: Susanna Wolfe 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: Badir Bechara, Jacqueline Bodnar,

Charlie Sands, Victoria Scott, Gerald Tan, Lisa Travell

your lives,

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 11 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group. The information contained in QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. Readers are advised to confirm details with the event organizers.

Sports

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief

Crowds gather to cheer on the teams

unites for The AHB team Day! National Sport

lds AHB Group Upho Day Vision The National Sport

Left: Iqbal Zariwala, AHB I.T. Administrator waits to go up to bat

on to the field Group took past February. Hassan Bilal Grounds this ent of Ahmed West Bay Cricket and managem match at the Employees Day for a lively National Sport

Cricket for a cause! See page 82

for ebruary 12 marked a special day Bilal members of the Ahmed Hassan with Group head office. As Doha teemed along crowds enjoying a wealth of activities many the Corniche and at Katara and Aspire, businesses across the city also organized special events for their employees. sport in Since cricket is a hugely popular match was Doha, the decision to organize a way to put forth at AHB head office as a Day actively participate in National Sport His forth by and acknowledge the vision set Tamim bin Highness, The Heir Apparent, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

our gratitude “We as a company want to express and show to His Highness, The Heir Apparent, Sport our unwavering support for the National Hassan Day,” said AHB Chairman Mr. Ahmed is of Bilal. “The health of Qatar’s population begin must utmost importance and education lifestyle at a young age. Instilling healthy that the trend habits in our children will ensure – is carried on throughout future generationsvision accomplishing the goal of His Highness’s for a healthy and prosperous nation.”

employees were Playing throughout the day, AHB enjoying the able to keep fit and have fun, fully to make active participation as they contributed

Khalid Ahmed Manager and Aldred, AHB General Relations observe the L-r: Kenneth of Public AHB Director Hassan Bilal, field action on the

AHB Finance Left: Kushagra Mehta, the pitch Manager steps up to

better than this year’s National Sport Day even the last. in some small “It’s an honour for us to contribute nation,” said Mr. way to the greater vision of the Editor-in-Chief. Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal, QH’s awareness “Through diligence and the constant bring, we that events like National Sport Day toward as a country move one step forward good achieving our collective goal of sustained health.” hope you enjoy Cricket fans, grab your bats. We team! n the photo highlights from the AHB

AHB employee Ramesh Deen practices his football technique

All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.

AHB team members show off their new National Sport Day T-shirts

CriCket Fun FaCts Kids of all ages took part, winning some spectacular trophies

Ages, lumps of heavy Originating in England in the Middle cricket balls. sheep’s wool were used as the first players to pitch the ball in the • In the 1760s, it was common for curved to straight. air, so the bat shape evolved from of 100 runs, it’s known as a • When a player achieves a score accomplishments in the sport. ‘century’ and is one of the highest was in 1939 as England and • The world’s longest cricket match straight, with the match South Africa competed for two weeks finally ending in a tie. on the field and one off the • Cricket uses two umpires, one out at a time, at the umpire’s run field, but only one player can discretion.

•

Happy National Sport Day!

Hashim Khatri, AHB Head of Human Resources enjoys the festivities with his son AHB employees keep

an eye on the score

2013

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International Women’s Day

A Place of

Honour March 8 is International Women’s Day, so we take some time to acknowledge the unparalleled accomplishments of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who’s drive, dedication and vision are making our country a better place.

H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser As Qatar’s First Lady, Her Highness has revolutionized the country’s education system and extended her advocacy into the most impoverished nations, improving primary education access for the world’s poorest youth – especially girls. She’s a UNESCO Special Envoy on Basic and Higher Education and a huge supporter of Qatar’s booming arts and culture scene. She spear-heads the yearly WISE Summit for Education, the United Nations ‘Educate A Child’ program, is the Chairperson for Qatar Foundation and is a cultural style-icon to boot! We thank her High Highness for being a shining example for all women here in Qatar. To learn more about the work of Sheikha Moza visit www.mozabintnasser.qa.

Photography by Maher Attar / HHOPL

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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!

A traditional dhow boat on the water near

Traditional Qatari antiques in Souq Waqif are emblematic of our cultural history

Editor’s Corner When we think of spring we think of things blooming, waking up from the lull of the winter months and taking off with a bang. This month we welcome March with the theme of cultural awakening. Art means different things to different people; that’s the beauty of it - its subjectivity to the viewer. And Doha certainly doesn’t lack for choice, offering something for everyone. For being one of the smallest nations in the GCC, Qatar packs a punch with the scope of its arts and culture scene. We’ve played host to some of the best international artists and musicians this past year alone: Takashi Murakami, James Blunt, Cirque du Soleil, Yusuf Islam (formerly known as Cat Stevens), Stars of the Russian Ballet…the list goes on. But at the root of any form of artistic appreciation is a drive to learn more, to seek out meaning and above all, to educate ourselves about our understanding of the world around us. In our pages this month we have a feature on the new Qatar National Library in our Community section, a dynamic project that will expose the world to Qatar and Qatar to the world, with its brilliant resources and cultural and historical treasure trove. Also join us as we explore the passionate persona of Han-Na Chang, the youngest Music Director to ever take the helm of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and walk the halls of Mathaf and Katara with a wealth of workshops, exhibitions and events. In our Food and Dining section, we even explore food as an art form in itself at the newly-opened Quisine by Guy Savoy, as the man who revolutionized ‘la nouvelle cuisine’ takes it to new heights. We hope you’ll enjoy this month’s offerings as much as we do! See you next month,

Ashlee Starratt Editor

the Corniche

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

In Your Face We asked our Facebook follo wers what they loved most about the cultural scene in Doh a and here’s what you had to say:

“Souq Waqif for its ambiance; it always gives us a varied perspective each time!” – Jish Ams “I like the row of dhow boats anchored at the Corniche!” – Sherry Susan Rajan “MIA. Absolutely my favourite, so proud to work there soon!” - Kata Kezsmarki

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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QH Out & About We ring in the Chinese NewYear at Wok Mee in the Mövenpick Tower and Suites, Feb 10, 2013. Tweets Of The Month @Chief Random25

First time to pass by #SalwaExpressway. Nice#graffiti.

n with and Suites GM, cuts the ribbo Jan Kaiser, Mövenpick Tower Chinese Ambassador Gao Youzhen

@ThePearlQatar Did you know #thepearlqatar boasts a laundry pick-up & delivery service in 16 La Croisette?

Alessandra ll, M arketing & CommunicaBe tions Man er welcomes guag ests

@felixleiter007 Cars and motorbikes racing around Qatar Pearl Tower 1 and 2. Not clever just disrespectful and tiresome. Grow up children.

@zakiadian smiles with PR Alessandra and Jan are all

ese Mrs. Youzhen, wife of Chin

Executive Aprille Balbin

Would you guys watch QH TV if we had an English-only channel?

@NUQatar

Ambassador

Congrats to NUQ students Tasbih Amin, Syed Owais, Aisha Jassim, winners of the Exxon Mobil/@QatarHappening essay competition!

@Girlindoha The lamb tagine at Tangia is to die for!

Salam’s Marck Angeles and Analiza Galutera enjoy the food

Qatar Happening’s Srimani, Lanie and Imran fill their plates

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Turf Nights-QHad.pdf

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Entertainment

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

The St. Regis Doha Reggae Beach Festival Fri 8: The Caribbean comes to Qatar! Enjoy sunset on the beach listening to top reggae music by resident band Fully Loaded. 3:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 150. For more information call 4446-0105.

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park St Patrick’s Day Sun 17: Misturado. Day with special promotions and designated drinks. For more information call 4440-8777.

Grand Hyatt Doha

Ritz-Carlton Doha St Patrick’s Day Sat 16: Admiral’s Club. Dig up your shamrocks and green hats! Live entertainment will accompany traditional Irish food fair and just as traditional beverages. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8663.

ic Week Swiss Gastronom In association with the

Starts Thurs 28: The Grill. by new GM Christoph Swiss Embassy and hosted runs until Saturday, April 6. ek We c omi tron Gas Franzen, ing live every evening with orm perf d ban Enjoy a 5-piece itional Swiss alphom, trad the two musicians playing (litt eli le bells). A variety accordion and geisseglögg will be served, including es dish ss Swi al of tradition with a sweet tooth can let se Tho . ette fondues and racl from Gruyere with double e ingu loose on carac and mer land’s finest chocolate. cream and lashings of Switzer 40/41 or email 8-12 444 call tion rma info For more thegrill.ghdoha.@hyatt.com.

Intercontinental Doha The City 180@Hive

OUT om g.c CHECK

nin arhappeformation! t a q . w ww test in for the

Wednesdays & Thursdays: Hive. Cheese and vino accompanied by three glasses of vino for QR 180 per person. 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

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Entertainment

Slava Polunin’s

Snowshow Storms Qatar

As told to Jorge Granda

n’s Snowshow arrivesce ni lu Po a av Sl as n lio a e lik March will come in time.The internationally-acclaimed performan in Doha for the first Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) will take place at the 1. QH takes you backstage! from the March 28-3

lava Polunin’s Snowshow is a fun-filled theatrical experience that will bring out the audience’s inner child. Organized by Snowball Productions, and going where few clowns have gone before, the show’s creators have crafted a performance piece that lends a burst of inspiration to the traditional ‘circus’ atmosphere. Delving deeper inside tragicomedy, Snowshow measures the extent to which one can fuse drama with laughter and the degree to which a meek, indecisive character, bemused and bedazzled, can appeal to a contemporary audience. The award-winning spectacle came to life in 1993 and since then, has been performed thousands of times for millions of spectators, winning critical acclaim on the international stage.

About Slava Polunin Polunin is one of the world’s most celebrated living clowns and is the founder of the ‘Academy of Fools’. His Snowshow is rated as a classic of the 20th century. When asked how difficult it is to carry the burden of worldwide fame on one’s shoulders, Slava usually answers that the difficult bit is not so much to carry it, as to keep it there. This is perhaps the reason why haphazardness has no place in his life: everything he does is thorough, carefully thought through and weighed,

no matter how crazy, inconceivable and adventurous it may be. ‘Eccentric pantomime’, which he has lovingly dubbed “the idiotics of expression”, has brought him exceptionally wide recognition: every major concert at the time included a performance by the Slava Polunin and his then stage partner, Alexander Skvortsov. As a teenager, he left his native Novosil, a small town in the Orel region of Russia, to see Leningrad. There he dropped out of a university course in power engineering and began to study the art of pantomime.

For audiences eager for the crazy pace of the circus ring, with its endless kaleidoscope of events, colours, sounds, spaces and times, Snowshow is a real treat. The characters are epic and lyrical, tender and passionate, wise and naïve. As the show evolved so too did the characters’ costumes and make-up. Their outfits are huge and shabby, their face-paint expressive, as regular white ovals of surprise around the eyes and the mouth were replaced by dark, muddled shapes; the features of the whole face sink, and the pert snub nose turned into a drooping plum. Polunin’s Snowshow continues to surprise and puzzle audiences with the innumerable mysteries it conceals. It can make people joyful and sad, make spectators laugh or be moved to tears, but one thing is certain – you will be entertained.

Fun and frivolity meet pensive and melancholy

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“Slava’s Snowshow is to clowning what Cirque du Soleil is to the circus… It’s as theatrical as it is simple, as involving as it is inspiring.” - Variety Magazine One year later his clown persona, ‘Asisiai’ was born: the funny and touching little man in yellow overalls and fluffy red slippers. It was the birth of a pensive, tender, poetic character, who had inherited the sad lyricism of Engibarov’s clownery, the philosophical refinement of Marceau’s pantomime, the humane and poignant comedy of the great Chaplin – all of them whom Polunin considers to be his teachers. ‘Asisiai’ first appeared with his two brightlycoloured inflatable telephones before an audience of several million spectators in 1980 on the New Year’s Eve television show The Blue Flame. Initially he was a character of many faces: he could be gentle and naïve and the next moment ironic, or resolute and unbending when proclaiming “Zia!” (Can do!). Soon the idea cropped up that each facet of his persona was a basis for a separate character. It eventually led to the creation of a clowns’ theatre, with a troupe where each clown looked different from his neighbour, yet was familiar and easily recognizable by anyone in the audience. This mixture of characters became the Litsedei theatre (‘Histrionics’ or ‘Face-Makers’). But for Polunin it wasn’t enough to engage in street theatre. He wanted to share this passion with other clowns, freshly-trained young pantomime artists whom he had swiftly and smoothly converted to clownery. This took the form of the first festival

Blending art with theatre, Snowshow isn’t your average circus performance

of street theatre in 1987, called Litsedei-Lyceum, and the next year he decided to mark the 20th birthday of the Litsedei with a national ‘Fools Congress’. The Snowshow has become legendary over the years and its admirers from every part of the globe now follow it from one country to the next, in order to experience, again and again, an immersion into the marvellous world of dreams and imagination, the world of childhood. Spectators from many countries, including Britain, France, Mexico and Korea, Italy and Russia greet the show nearly every year as a familiar and beloved feast for the senses. Now this month, Doha will be added to that list.n

Slava Polunin’s Snowshow Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Dates: March 28-31 Shows: Two shows per day as follows: Thurs, March 28 – Opening show at 8:00 p.m. Fri, March 29 – Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Sat,March 30 – Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Sun, March 31 - Show starts at 8:30 p.m. TICKET INFORMATION Tickets will be sold at Virgin Megastores in Villaggio and Landmark Malls and online at www.virginmegastore.me. Prices: QR 250 Silver, QR 500 Gold, QR 750 Platinum, QR 1000 VIP

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Entertainment ? me KNOW ted the crè U O DIDY ue has hos tists ntal ar Alame, en v ie r e O h f T o eb rème s Ragh de la c g superstar ce Dib! ra in includ Zbib and G n e Aym

Party In Style

A playful colour palette highlights the interior

By Jorge Granda Photography by Badir Bechara

When the Madison Piano Bar at La Cigale Hotel opened its doors to party-goers a few years ago, the bar became an instant hit on Doha’s club scene. Madison was recently revamped and QH checks out why it remains one of the city’s ultimate entertainment venues.

hadn’t visited Madison Piano Bar since its make-over last summer, but had been hearing from friends and colleagues how fantastic the new look and feel was. I decided it was time to pass by and find out for myself. I arrived with my editor and some friends on a Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. to enjoy a delicious dinner in the private dining area before hitting the dance floor. As soon as you step inside you can tell that a major transformation has taken place. Madison looks much bigger and much more sophisticated and the improvement is evident from the décor to the furniture and bar

area, the revamped look has turned the spot into a fantastic party spot. Its design is chic, decked out in vibrantly coloured furnishings and highlighted by a huge diamond chandelier and several big TV screens in different corners. The overall assembly helps set the ambiance for an unforgettable night-out on the town. All of these elements together give Madison Piano Bar that special touch of sophistication and distinctiveness proper of a happening hub. I'm also impressed by how spacious the place is. There are enough chairs and sofas to easily

Chic lighting adds an ultra-modern vibe

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About Madison Piano Bar

An assortment of zesty hor d’oeuvres

Membership: Original copy of passport or a valid Qatari I.D. are required to apply for membership Membership is valid for one year. Membership cost is QR 100 Membership is not required in the dining area from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. No entrance fee and no minimum charges applicable 7 days a week!

For enquiries or reservations call: Funky pop art installations adorn the walls

Diners can relax in comfort and style

4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

Timings: 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Average Meal Price: Starters & Salads : QR 60 Sandwiches & Burgers : QR 75 Main Courses (Chicken & Seafood) : QR 140

L-R: Chadi El Basha, Hala El Hayek: La Cigale PR & Communications Executive, DJ Roger Choueiry

accommodate more than 300 people and the music by talented one-man-show Chadi El Basha is so powerful that you won’t be able to remain seated for long. When the DJ starts playing all you want to do is hit the dance floor and rock it. After indulging in a fabulous feast that included salads, finger food (fried kebbeh, mini-burgers, shrimp cocktails, hor d'oeuvre sandwiches), main courses (buttery hammour, roasted chicken, steak and mixed grill) and an assortment of desserts, we're ready to dance off the calories.

The music at Madison is the real deal, with a wide repertoire of Arabic tunes and the latest commercial hits, getting your body on the dance floor won’t be a problem. It's definitely a place I will keep coming back to every time I have a chance. If you like clubbing I would highly recommend you visit Madison Piano Bar at La Cigale Hotel, especially on Sundays and Thursdays. n

THIS MARCH AT MADISON PIANO BAR Sunday’s DJ Night with DJ Roger Choueiry. Enjoy the best in music from across the globe mixed by DJ Roger Choueiry. Save your Sundays for the vibrant Ladies Night and dedicate your favourite songs to your special one while ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. No entrance fee; no minimum charge!

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Entertainment

n w o t o M f o s Legend As told to Jorge Granda

Iconic legends from the 1960s, The Temptations and The Supremes hit the stage, live in Doha on Friday March 22!

njoy an elegant evening at the splendid Doha Marriott Hotel garden with the legends of the 60s and 70s. The original acts are coming directly from the U.S. for this special evening under the star-lit skies of Doha. After the show, you can dance the night away to the tunes of the Motown DJ. THE TEMPTATIONS The Temptations are an American vocal group known for their success in the 60s and 70s at Motown Records. Over the span of their 50 year career, the group’s repertoire has included R&B, doo-wop, funk, disco, soul and adult contemporary sounds. Known for their recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy on-stage suits, The Temptations have been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to pop and rock. Having sold tens of millions of albums, they're one of the most

successful groups in music history. As of 2010, The Temptations continue to perform and record for Universal Records with its one living original member, Otis Williams, still leading the way.

An Evening with The Temptations and The Supremes

THE SUPREMES

Where: Doha Marriott Hotel Garden

The Supremes were an American female singing group and the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s. Originally founded as the Primettes in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, they made their mark with the doo-wop, pop, psychedelic soul, and disco genres of the time. The Supremes are to date, America’s most successful vocal group with 12 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. At their peak in the mid-1960s, they rivaled the Beatles in worldwide popularity and their success made it possible for future African-American R&B and soul musicians to find mainstream success. The Supremes archived massive success with inimitable lead songstress Diana Ross at the helm.n

General Info: Doors open at 7:00 p.m., VIP dinner and pre-show DJ starts at 8:00 p.m. and the main show starts at 9:00 p.m.

Date: Friday, March 22

Tickets: Available at all Virgin Megastores outlets, Doha Marriott Restaurant Reservations Desk (4429-8499), Ric’s Kountry Kitchen and Doha Marriott Hotel Lobby Also available online at www.ticket.virginmegastore.me.

•

QR 295 regular, with a welcome drink and banquet-style seating for 8.

•

QR 595 VIP single ticket price, with a 3-course dinner

•

QR 4,500 VIP package-deal, with banquet-style table for 8 people available upon request

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Hop-over to the Seasons restaurant on Sunday March 31st for an Easter brunch thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guaranteed fun for the whole family. As you revel in the bountiful buffet, the little ones will enjoy exciting activities including egg colouring and a quest in search of the secret treasure. www.moevenpick-hotels.com

MĂśvenpick Hotel Doha Corniche Road 24220 Doha, Qatar Tel +974 4429 1111, Fax +974 4429 1100 hotel.doha@moevenpick.com www.moevenpick-doha.com

www.moevenpick-hotels.com

Easter

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Entertainment

Flip Your Wig! Coco Latté gets funky with one of the most flamboyant parties of the month at Rocca in the Grand Hyatt. Forget best dressed! At the Wig Party it’s all about the best headdress!

arty powerhouse Coco Latté has earned its reputation in Doha for throwing some of the hippest soirées on the scene at Rocca and this month is no exception. The Grand Hyatt hotspot will be transformed into a happening headspace with their Wig Party on Friday, March 29, so come prepared with your biggest and best bouffant. Hit the dance-floor to the funky, uplifting vocal house music and shake your beehive with DJs Carl Roberts and Santiago Vitorelli, and musicians Henry on saxophone and Patrick on drums. The biggest wig wins a free meal for two, so show us what you’ve got! No wig, no entry. But don’t worry, you can buy one at the door for QR 50 each. Tables are likely to fill up fast so book your reservation ASAP and come join the Coco Latté crowd for a night of fun and funk. n About Coco Latté’s Wig Party Location: Rocca at the Grand Hyatt Doha Date: Friday, March 29 Timings: Party starts at 8:00 p.m., free entry by midnight for wig wearers Requirements: Must be 21 and over with valid photo I.D. Reservations: 4448-1272 or 7021-8096

Talk about turning heads at Rocca! Come decked out in your best faux head-piece!

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Entertainment

with Premium Projects Creative Director Chris van Kamp

, AHB Sales Executive Priyanka Kapur and while AHB Deputy General Manager Ifteqar Ahmed

Backstage Pass

AHB Chairman, Ahmed Hassan Bilal shakes hands Premium Projects’ Christoph Helbig look on.

Entertainment powerhouse Premium Projects has partnered with The Art of Business, a subsidiary of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group in an alliance that aims to bring top-notch international entertainment to Qatar.

atar’s entertainment and festival scene just got a major boost with the recent announcement of a new partnership between production powerhouse Premium Projects and local event and media company The Art of Business. Based out of Germany, Premium Projects has made its mark around the world with over 20 years experience in the large-scale entertainment production industry, working the concert circuit with heavy-hitting celebrities such as U2, Coldplay, José Carreras and Justin Timberlake. The Art of Business has also established itself as Qatar’s premier brand for events-planning and media arts, and is the parent company of Qatar Happening Magazine and QH Online. Bringing a unique local perspective to the hottest news, activities and events taking place in Qatar, The Art of Business is perfectly poised as an on-theground link with Premium Projects, with their finger on the pulse of the trends and interests of the local public. “Our partnership with The Art of Business is key since their experience in the local market will allow us a connection to it and to the local culture,” says Premium Projects MD/Creative Director Chris van Kamp. “We will be staging one-of-a-kind large-scale shows every other month, according to the season, with a focus on family entertainment, concerts and events that would be of interest to expats and the local community.”

With Premium Projects, Van Kamp and his business partner Christoph Helbig also have a strong background in hosting functions, congresses, opening ceremonies, celebrity weddings and private events, most recently overseeing the successful production of the Qatar Choice Awards at Al Gassar Resort in October 2012. “The Art of Business is thrilled to enter into partnership with a company of Premium Projects’ stature,” says AHB Group Chairman Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal. “It is our goal to elevate the arts and entertainment sector in Doha to a level in line with Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser’s vision for a vibrant society where culture is upheld and promoted thanks to her tireless efforts. It is a great source of pride to be a part of that.” The partnership between the two companies would also not have been possible without the facilitation of AHB Director of Operations and Finance, Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal. Mr. Nasser was instrumental in approaching Premium Projects from the get-go, as was The Art of Business and Print Communications’ Executive Director Moona Masri-Whitice. Stay tuned in the following months for announcements in our pages on upcoming joint ventures between the Art of Business and Premium Projects. Whether it’s festivals, concerts, galas or roadshows, Doha will be at

the centre of it all. For more information on both companies visit www.ahbqatar.com and www.premiumprojects.com. n

Coming This June! CIRKAFRIKA A unique stage spectacle of sheer beauty. World-class circus acts including jugglers, acrobatics, aerial acts, African dance, music and masterful puppetry will grace Doha with a performance that’s not-to-be-missed! Pick up Qatar Happening each month for more information on this and other events brought to you by The Art of Business and Premium Projects.

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Entertainment

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St. Patrick‘s Day Join the atmosphere of lively fun with shamrocks to shenanigans and drink, sing and wear the green to feel the ‘craic’ of St. Patrick’s Day. Try Kilkenny’s fish and chips for only QR 75 per person. Event: St. Patrick‘s Day Date: Sunday, March 17 Where: Mövenpick Hotel Doha Dress code: Casual Membership: No Reservations: 4429-1111

ST. REGIS DOHA

High Heels Night Wednesday night is ‘Ladies Night’ at Vintage Lounge. Ladies can enjoy a complimentary welcome glass of bubbly with the purchase of beverages and 25% off on delectable snacks and beverages. Event: High Heels Night Date: Wednesdays Where: Vintage Lounge at The St. Regis Doha Timing: 6:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Dress code: Casual Reservations: No

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA

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W DOHA

EVO & RST from Ministry of Sound The hottest nightclub in town, Crystal at W Doha, proudly presents EVO & RST From Ministry Of Sound. The crowds will definitely be entertained during this very special night! Event: EVO & RST from Ministry of Sound Date: Thursday, March 28 Where: Crystal at W Doha Timing: 10:00 p.m. -2:00 a.m. Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Yes Reservations: 4453-5000

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CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

Relax at Liquidity Liquidity at the Crowne Plaza Doha -The Business Park is an unpretentious rooftop lounge by the pool where you can kick back and relax while sipping your favourite drinks. Event: Relax at Liquidity Date: Daily Where: Liquidity at the Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Timing: 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight, then on Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. till 12 midnight Dress code: Casual Membership: No Reservations: 4408-7777

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER St. Patrick’s Week St. Patrick’s Week at Champions kicks off on Wednesday, March 13 with the Irish band, Shamrog, each night until Sunday, March 17. Come along for contemporary Irish ballads, glasses of black gold and a sea of green. Sunday night climaxes with a full night of giveaways, face-painting and Irish celebrations. Event: St. Patrick’s Week Date: March 13-17 Where: Champions Sports Bar Timing: 5:00 p.m. -2:00 a.m. Dress code: Green, lots of green. Buy a Champions green St.Paddy’s 2013 shirt for QR 75 before the big night, to ensure you receive your preferred size. Price: Wed-Sat, QR 50 includes live band; Sunday, QR 100 includes live band, face-painting and party packs. Membership: No Reservations: No KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES, DOHA

Sparkling Fridays at The Lounge Fridays at The Lounge are bright and sparkling! Every Friday, all ladies receive two complimentary glasses of bubbly. Event: Sparkling Fridays at The Lounge Date: Every Friday Where: The Lounge at Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha Timing: 8:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Dress code: Smart casual Membership: No Reservations: 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL

Girls Just Want to Have Fun The Pearl Lounge at the luxurious Doha Marriott Hotel welcomes ladies every Monday for a very special ‘Ladies Night’. Ladies can enjoy free drinks from 9:00 p,m. till 12:00 midnight and one free drink after midnight till 1:00 a.m. Event: Girls Just Want to Have Fun Date: Every Monday Where: The Pearl Lounge at the Doha Marriott Hotel Timing: 9:00 p.m.-2:45 a.m. Dress code: Smart casual, Dress to impress Price: QR 100 for gents with one free drink. Free entrance for ladies Membership: Registration as per QTA rules Reservations: For table bookings call 4429-8444 or 6605-4192 or email pearlloungedoha@marriotthotels.com

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cosmopolitan Thursdays at The Square The InterContinental Doha The City has come up with a fresh new concept to entertain the crowds every Thursday. If you want to get away from the noise of nightclubs, but would still like to have a drink and nice food, then ‘Cosmopolitan Thursdays’ at The Square is the place for you. For only QR 290 you can spend the night sipping away at your favourite beverages and eating delicious food. Event: Cosmopolitan Thursdays at The Square Date: Every Thursday Where: The Square at Intercontinental Doha The City Timing: 6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Dress code: Smart casual Price: QR 290 with selected house beverages and a delicious buffet QR 210 with soft drinks and mocktails. Membership: No Reservations: 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com

THE FOUR SEASONS

Beach Bar Lounge It’s been the talk of the town and now The Four Seasons is bringing back their famous Beach Bar Lounge. Relax and enjoy their selection of Caribbean and South American-inspired snacks and beverages from an open bar, while chilling and enjoying the panoramic view of Doha at night. Event: Beach Bar Lounge Date: Every Thursday Where: Beach Bar Lounge at the Four Seasons Timing: 7:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. Dress code: Smart casual Membership: No Reservations: No

HILTON DOHA

Evenings at Trader Vic’s This February set sail with 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 Asian-Polynesian dishes and signature drinks served in this island haven, replete with artifacts like tapa cloths, tropical fabrics and tribal masks that pay homage to its Polynesian roots. Event: Evenings at Trader Vic’s Date: Every day Where: Trader Vic’s at the Hilton Doha Timing: Lunch service: 12:00 noon -3:00 p.m., Dinner service: 7:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Bar: 12 Noon -12:30 am Dress code: Casual Membership: No Reservations: 4423-3118

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

Big Night Out The Smart Casuals will kick off the night followed by DJ Shadi. Unlimited free drinks for ladies from 10:00 p.m.until late. Event: Big Night Out Date: Every Wednesday Where: Paloma, The InterContinental Doha Price: QR 80 entrance fee for men, Free entrance for ladies Membership:Yes Reservations: Call 4484-4444 or 4484-4936

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

EVERY WEEK KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Cigar Night

Sundays: The Lounge. Discover an exclusive selection of Cuban cigars, pair them with your favourite drink, indulge in fine savoury bites along with jazzy sounds from a band. 8.00 p.m. till 2.00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

LA CIGALE Ladies Night with DJ Roger Choueiry

Sundays: Madison Piano Bar. Dedicate your favourite songs to your special one while ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK St Patrick’s Day Sun 17: Misturado. Special Promotions and designated drinks. For more information call 4408-7777.

ONE OF A KIND W DOHA DJ Bliss

Fri 8: Crystal. DJ Bliss Doha Exclusive With The One&Only. For more information call 4453-5135.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Women’s Day

Fri 8: Liquidity. Ladies, its your day! 50% off on your drinks. 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Six Nations Rugby Championship

Sat 9, Sun 10, Sat 16: Shisha Terrace. Follow the action while enjoying poolside atmosphere and light snacks specially prepared for the event. For more information call 4429-8499.

W DOHA DJ JOJO

Thurs 14: Crystal. Pure Crystal with the legend DJ JOJO. For more information call 4453-5135.

W DOHA Mr. Shef Codes

W DOHA Big Friday Night

Fri 22: Crystal. With MasterStepz. For more information call 4453-5135.

GRAND HYATT DOHA Gold Finger

Thurs 28: Dunes Lounge. Top Vegas singer Miss Avis Ellis and Juan Pestana on keyboards. QR 250 per person includes your own reserved table, unlimited Martini’s (shaken not stirred) and finger food all night. For more information call 4448-1280.

W DOHA Afrobeats

Fri, 8, 29: Wahm. With the new sound of London underground DJ Bruno Rochart & DJ Steve Paris spinning the decks. 10:00 p.m till 2:00 am. For more information call 4453-5000.

W DOHA Buddha Bar Night with DJ Ravin Fri 15: Wahm: Opening act from Bruno Rochart, 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. DJ Ravin on the decks from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

HILTON DOHA Ladies and the City!

Mondays: Zawaya Lounge. Ladies enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling accompanied by live music and inspiring views. For more information call 4423-3333.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Happy Hour

Mondays - Saturdays: Pearl Lounge. Happy 3 Hours from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Pay 1 get 2 on selected drinks! Club opens from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

W DOHA Urban Night

Tuesdays: Crystal. Resident DJ mixing up the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school with a Crystal special twist. 3 free drinks for ladies from 10:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL The Perfect Fiesta

Tuesdays: Salsa. Live music by the Mariachi Juan Trio. Dice your discount with every order on cocktails up to 50%. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Appetizer buffet 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m., QR 40 per person. For more information call 4429-8499.

W DOHA Spice Market Late Night Sessions

Tuesdays – Fridays: Spice Market. Enjoy the South East Asian flavours or sip another drink. 11:30 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

Mon 18: Crystal. Exclusive urban with Mr. Shef Codes. For more information call 4453-5135.

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cosmopolitan Thursdays

Thursdays: The Square. QR 290 including selected house beverages, QR 210 including soft drinks and mocktails. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

FOUR SEASONS DOHA Beach Bar Lounge

Thursdays: Beach Bar. Caribbean and South American-inspired snacks and beverages from an open bar, with panoramic views of Doha at night. 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Party Rok

Thursdays: Lava. Doha’s most refined house music night with unique music from DJ Chris Hughes. For more information call 4484-4444.

THE ST.REGIS DOHA Louis Armstrong Night

Tuesdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Authentic New Orleans-style sliders served with French fries and a beverage for QR 100. 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Mashups with DJ Shadi & DJ Chris Hughes

Tuesdays: Lava. The two resident DJs presents their unique mash-up sounds from 10:00 p.m. with free drinks for ladies all night. For more information call 4484-4444.

W DOHA Chill-Out with DJ Suzee X

Tuesdays - Saturdays: Crystal. Spinning the best of chill-out and funky house music from 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hour daily from 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. with 50% discount on beverages. For more information call 4453-5135.

THE ST.REGIS DOHA Ella Fitzgerald Night

Wednesdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Celebrating women in Jazz. JALC will be featuring female jazz artists, and have a special for the ladies - buy one cocktail and receive one complimentary. 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

W DOHA Ladies Night

Wednesdays: Crystal. With DJ Tobia. Ladies get three complimentary drinks from 10:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Half Note Wednesdays

Wednesdays: The Lounge. Funky saxophone sounds, upbeat mixes from the DJ and a unique ambiance. 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY 180@Hive

Wednesdays & Thursdays: Hive. Cheese and vino accompanied by three glasses of vino for QR 180 per person. 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Be Entertained At Jazz Up Wednesdays & Fridays: Jazz Up. Enjoy contemporary, intimate surroundings while listening to smooth live tunes. For more information call 4429-1111.

WEEKEND THE ST. REGIS DOHA DJ Night

Thursdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Happy hour from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m., a 20% discount on beverages. Small a la carte canapés menu will be available. For more information call 4446-0105.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Sparkling Fridays Fridays: The Lounge. Fridays are bright and sparkling! All ladies receive two complimentary glasses of bubbly. 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405- 3325.

W DOHA Arabesque Night

Saturdays: Crystal. LAYALI 1001 NIGHT’s with The Stars JAMIL&FADI performing live. Enjoy all the latest Arabic songs and DJ Imran mixing the best of R&B and commercial house. 10:00 p.m. till 3:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Heels on Fire

Saturdays & Mondays: Brazilian Lounge and Liquidity. Ladies Night - the first two drinks are complimentary for ladies. Happy hour at Liquidity daily from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

TER S I G E R Esletter I5N w Oe WNeeL e n kly ing.com pen for th atarhap www.q

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ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTORY

BAR RANCHO’S Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

BELGIAN CAFÉ InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

4428-1428

4419-6100

4425-6666

4428-8888

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

Dunes Lounge Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

4419-6100

Habanos Ritz-Carlton Doha

Crowne Plaza – The Business Park

4484-4444

4446-2222

4484-8000

4408-7777

Manhattan 4428-1428

4446-0000

Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

Spike’s Lounge 4496-0777

Strata Lounge 4015-8888

The Irish Harp

Marina Nightclub

Sheraton Doha

Ritz-Carlton Doha

The Library

4448-4800

4428-1428

Shehrazad

InterContinental Doha The City

4485-4444

Misturado

Radisson Blu

Crowne Plaza – The Business Park 4408-7777

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge

Orion 4428-1428

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Jazz at Lincoln Center Pearl Lounge The St. Regis Doha

Radisson Blu

Doha Golf Club

Radisson Blu

Glo Cocktail Bar West End Renaissance Doha

Mercure Grand Hotel

Radisson Blu

Club 7 La Cigale

InterContinental Doha

Liquidity

Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4402-3333

Le Club

Champions West End Renaissance Doha

Oryx Rotana

Lava Lounge

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu

Qube

Jazz Club

Doha Marriott

Four Seasons

4494-8888

The Lounge Kempinski Residence & Suites

4405-3325

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4429-8888

4428-1428

4446-0105

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

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Arts & Culture

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

Chamber Series: Bob Ross Conducts QPO Brass

Wed 13: Opera House, Katara 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

Carnegie Mellon C Street Brass Performance

Thurs 14: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar are hosting an evening of music to be enjoyed by all. C Street Brass was founded in 2007 and has recently been appointed Ensemble in Residence at Carnegie Mellon University. With their distinct interpretations and unified sound, the quintet has quickly established itself as a leading ensemble.Placing a premium on concert presentation, C Street Brass’ vast repertoire is drawn from the standards of brass quintet literature, classical pops, contemporary music, as well as unique transcriptions from all genres.The group’s dynamic stage presence coupled with wildly entertaining theatrics quickly establishes a strong, personal connection with audiences. Thursday, March 14, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., free admission. RSVP to http://www.qatar.cmu.edu/c-street-brass

British Council

IAID Visual & Studio Arts Saturdays – Thursdays: IAID. Visual and Studio Arts Program is a progressive course from Beginners, Advance, Fine Arts 1 & 2 that covers colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception, portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information call 4432-0974/6671-0589.

Arts & Disability Festival Fri 15 – Sun 31: Katara. The program includes live music and by dance performances accompanied ns llatio insta art and films exhibitions, created by leading British deaf and on disabled artists. For more informati visit or 8 -188 4425 call www.britishcouncil.org/me-qatar.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

Al Markhiya Gallery Hanging Garden Tues. 5 – Sat 30: Souq Waqif. Art exhibition by Moroccan artist Hassan Bourkia. Saturdays - Thursdays 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. Fridays 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. or by appointment. Free admission. For more information call 4442-8007.

for

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Arts & Culture

As her facial expressions suggest, Han-Nan Chang pours her soul into her art

Picking Up The

Baton By Victoria Scott

n-Na Chang, new Music Director, Ha ’s nic mo ar ilh Ph tar Qa We speak to the g minated world of conductin do lema the in e ris ric teo me The Qatar Philharmonic is a young orchestra in two senses. First, it’s only just over four years old and second, its members are also youthful at its founding, the average age of its musicians was just 30.

when I was 11 years old, almost 20 years ago. Sincere dedication to music is what is most important to me.”

It seems fitting, then, that its new conductor, Korean Han-Na Chang, is the same age. It’s unusual for a conductor to be appointed to such a responsible post at such an early stage in their career, but Chang is not remotely concerned by suggestions that her youth may count against her. “For me, music making has never been about age” she says. “My own career started

Chang will also be the orchestra’s first female Music Director, another rarity in the competitive, male-dominated world of conducting. She says she’s yet to encounter any issues, however. “I can honestly say I am not aware of any problems so far”, she says. “The important thing is to be a good conductor, to be sincere and passionate and that is what will break

Girl Power

about her

down the barrier between the orchestra and the conductor. When the conductor does what a conductor is supposed to do, it no longer matters whether it is a he or a she.” Chang discovered her love for music as a small child, taking up the piano at the tender age of three. “But I didn’t really enjoy it!” she tells me. “So my mother gave me the cello as a gift when I started school at the age of six. When I met the cello, that is when I became serious about making music myself, and the dream to become a musician was born inside me.”

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sic avering passion for mu Sheer focus and an unw cess suc ’s -Na Han ind are driving forces beh

It’s a dream that’s been all-encompassing ever since, says Chang. “Being a musician is a way of life”, she says. “It’s not a job that you can put on and take off, but rather it is your whole being. From an early age, I loved performing and I wanted to share the joys of classical music with as many people as possible and that has led me to where I am today.” When she was eleven, her family moved to the U.S.A., where she enrolled in the junior department of the world-renowned Juilliard School of Music in New York. In the same year, she won both the First Prize and the Contemporary Music Prize at the Fifth Rostropovich International Cello Competition in Paris. A sparkling career as an international soloist was to follow, with bookings all over the world, and two Grammy nominations to boot. Given her huge success as a soloist, some may find it odd that she’s decided to relinquish her cello in favour of a baton. Chang has no such qualms. “It was a natural transition for me”, she says. “There is a very small repertoire for the cello and I found myself drawn into the vast orchestral repertoire created by all the great composers. And the soloist is always a guest, whereas a music director has a ‘musical family’. What I value the most about conducting is that you form a connection with the musicians. Anything is possible. The conductor is communicating with individual musicians’ hearts and minds, and this give-andtake relationship makes music-making a true collaboration and all the more rewarding.” Chang made her conducting debut in 2007 and since then she’s worked with a long list of world-class orchestras that includes the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Royal

Liverpool Philharmonic and the Singapore, Tokyo, Trondheim and Tivoli symphony orchestras. She also guest conducted the Qatar Philharmonic for two weeks in June 2012, which was when she was first approached about taking on the Music Director role. “Some members of the orchestra approached me and asked me if I would be potentially interested in the music directorship” she says. “I was very flattered and happy because it showed me that not only was I having a great time, so were the orchestra! I think this is the highest compliment an orchestra can pay a conductor. And when I was asked officially, I naturally said “yes of course!” ”

Chang’s energy and love for her job is infectious. At the heart of this motivation is a belief in the impact music can have on every single one of us. “A great piece of music is a true inspiration, and it lets us know that we can also create something that is positive and inspires people” she says. “Human beings are creative beings and as such, we are inspired by creative things. So, by inspiring each audience member, an orchestra is in a special position to unlock the creative DNA in each one of us, young and old.”n

The Path Ahead Chang tells me that she hopes the QPO will continue to grow artistically during her tenure. “The musicians of the QPO are truly exceptionally talented – and I’m not just saying this to be nice. They all went through a rigorous auditioning process when the QPO was first being formed. So I know they are all talented and as such they have tremendous potential for growth and development.” Chang will guest conduct for the QPO in June, but her first concert in post as Music Director will be in September. “The main piece will be Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7” she tells me. “Beethoven is the composer I admire and love the most and his music has a rare enduring quality, celebrating life and giving an amazing positive force to the musicians that perform his music. This unique power is a testament to the strength of his spirit - a deaf-composer creating sounds! It just shows us that nothing is impossible.”

“When the

conductor does what a conductor is supposed to do, it no longer matters whether it is a he or a she.”

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Katara

Arts & Culture

Springs To Life ing with a host of exhibits, Get your dose of culture this spr ltural Village. showcases and events at The Cu Parsifal (Wagner) March 2

Martin Parr March 18

Joans Kauffman stars in the title role of the innocent who finds wisdom in Francois Girard’s new vision for Wagner’s final masterpiece. His fellow Wagnerian luminaries include Katarina Dalayman as the mysterious Kundry, Peter Mattei as the ailing Amfortas, Evengy Nikitin as the wicked Klingsor and Rene Pape as the noble knight Gurnemanz. Daniele Garri conducts.

In the second event of a year-long Magnum Photos collaboration with Katara Cultural Village, British photographer Martin Parr presents an exhibition of selected works. It includes classic projects such as Small World, a satirical look at global tourism, alongside newer bodies of work such as Luxury, an insight into the world of the super-rich.

Designed to Win March 7 A Katara exhibition, in collaboration with the Design Museum of London, U.K., Designed to Win celebrates the ways in which design and sport are combined, pushing the limits of human endeavour to achieve records and victories of increasing significance and wonder.

Francesca Da Rimini by Zandonai HD live opera March 16

Prince’s School of Traditional Arts Workshops April 4 Katara Art Studios A series of Islamic Arts workshops facilitated by The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, which specializes in teaching, researching and promoting the practice and theory of the arts and crafts of the world’s great traditions. In each of these workshops, participants will be inspired by the art and architecture of the Islamic world, learning the principles of design behind their beauty. n

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HD live screening that will be aired live from the Metropolitan Opera of New York for the first time in Qatar.

Take part in everything Katara has to offer this month and discover something new!

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7th March - 16th June 2013 C

QMA Gallery 10, Katara

Principal Sponsor

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Arts & Culture

f a h t a M t A h Marc It’s a full month of artistic events at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. We’ve got the highlights to mark on your calendar. Art in Cairo Monuments: Public g in ct ru st on ec D In Conversation: March 24, 6:30 p.m. How do public art and monuments visually represent national identity? Artists discuss their own investigations of Egypt’s monuments, from the placement of ancient and modern sculptures in public places in Cairo in the early 20th century, to the recent toppling of monuments by the Muslim Brotherhood and graffiti in Tahrir Square. Artists Iman Issa, Susanne Kriemann and Taha Belal in conversation with curator Sam Bardaouil.

losing Celebrati

ti C Tea with Neferti

March 30, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 .pm. Come celebrate the closing of the exhibition Tea with Nefertiti at Mathaf with a full day of activities including art-making for all ages, gallery games, music, film screenings and more. No RSVP necessary.

Global Art Forum

March 17-18 The Global Art Forum brings together a diverse line-up of participants, including artists, curators, musicians, strategists, thinkers and writers for two days of live talks and performances in Doha (March 17-18), followed by four days in Dubai (March 20-23). Founded and produced by ArtDubai, Global Art Forum is presented by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and is held in partnership with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art (Qatar Museums Authority). In 2013, the 7th iteration of the Global Art Forum is directed by Istanbulbased writer/editor H.G. Masters, and commissioned by writer/ curator Shumon Basar. Entitled ‘It Means This’, the forum explores the concept of ‘definitionism’ – investigating the words, terms, clichés and misunderstandings that proliferate in the art world and beyond. The Forum attempts to (re)-define words, phrases and ideas we think we know, and those we need to know, to navigate the 21st century. For more information check out: http://artdubai.ae/global-art-forum.

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Artist Encounters

with Taha Belal

March 24 -30, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. ‘Appropriation’ and ‘identity’ are two themes explored in artist Taha Belal’s work featured in the exhibition, Tea with Nefertiti. Join Taha for a one-week workshop investigating the historical concept of appropriation through contemporary approaches. Work by artists such as Richard Prince, Cindy Sherman, Wade Guyton and Seth Price will be examined alongside relevant texts that expand and develop on these themes. In addition to class conversations, participants will create new work expanding on the ideas discussed in the workshop. Participants will primarily be using drawing and collage as well as digital methods to create new pieces.

Tasmeem Laboratories at Mathaf March 10-31 Free and open to the public. The Tasmeem Hybrid Making Laboratories are full-scale explorations done through the very act of making. For five days, groups made up of 20-25 students and faculty, led by invited international designers and artists, will design and create full-scale semi-permanent structures (walk-in sculptures), performances or other catalytic interventions. The outcomes of the labs will remain on view at Mathaf through March 31. The laboratories are part of Tasmeem Doha, the international design conference held biennially at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. The 2013 conference addresses the dual themes of hybridization—interdisciplinary or collaborative work—and making—the production of an outcome or deliverable to be disseminated in the final phase of the conference. The 2-day conference portion of Tasmeem Doha 2013 will take place at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Student Center in Education City on March 16 and 17. For more information, visit www.tasmeemdoha.com Participating artists in the laboratories are:

• • • • •

Kristin Bille

•

Roger Kemp & Anthony Fryatt (RMIT University, Melbourne)

• • • • • • •

Ashley John Pigford

Lynne Bruning Corin Hewitt Josh Hoeks & Ryan Rasmussen Kelly Hutzell,Rami El Samahy, Mary-Lou Arscott & Mark Gross (Carnegie Mellon University)

Steven Pippin Sara Shafiei and Ben Cowd Alex Schweder La Sigríður Sigurjónsdóttir Jeff Turko Simone Muscolino, Jorell Legaspi & Jordan Gushwa

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FD march 2013.pdf

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Arts & Culture Listings RECOMMENDS

Museum Guide Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Education City 4402-8855 mathaf_info@qma.org.qa www.mathaf.org.qa Open: Tuesday to Sunday Closed: Mondays

Museum of Islamic Art & Park

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Brahms Symphonies 3 and 4 Wed 6: Opera House, Katara. 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

ONE OF A KIND

WEEKLY

BRITISH COUNCIL The Selector

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART A Course In Ruqa’a And Naskhi Scripts.

Fri Feb 15 - Tues April 30: QBS Radio. Every Saturday evening an international radio showcase for the best new music from the U.K. For more information call 4425-1888 or visit www.britishcouncil.org/me-qatar.

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY Biennial Art & Design Conference

Sun 10 – Sun 17: VCUQatar. Tasmeen Doha hybrid-making. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Family Concert: William Tell Overture

Fri 15: Opera House, Katara. Bob Ross conducting. 5:00 p.m. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

Sundays – Thursdays: 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

Saturdays - Thursdays: 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 4432-0974/6671-0589.

TER REGISINE r wslette ONeeL kly 5 ne om W .c for the tarhappening a www.q

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

Indian Women’s Association International Women’s Da y Wed 21: Caravan Banquet Hall. H.E. Mrs. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa will be the chief guest. Enter a talent show and enjoy the release of their annual magazine; Expression. 5:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. For more information visit www.iwa-qatar.com.

How Women Work Qatar How Women Work Conference 2013

Wed 6 & Thurs 7: Renaissance Doha City Center. Join this interactive two-day event empowering women to grow and succeed. Workshops, seminars and guest speakers will help attendees explore their potential and actualize talent. For corporate ticket orders email info@hwwqatar.com or contact Carolin Zeitler at 6688-7572. All other attendees can purchase tickets at Virgin Megastores or online at www.virginmegastore.me for QR 700 and register online at www.hwwqatar.com.

otel Doha Marriott H

Doha Garden Club Annual Doha Garden Tour Sat 16: Doha. Every year the Doha Garden Club organizes its Annual Garden Tour where locals and expatriates invite the public to their very own private space. 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. QR 100 per person. Free of charge for children aged 12 years and below. For more information email najlamounir@hotmail.com.

Slim & Fit for Life

Fri 1 – Sun 31: Doha Marriott Spa. K is The ‘taster’ SLIM STARTER PAC ity to rtun oppo the you r offe to gned desi ts tmen trea and s cise explore the exer that suit you and your lifestyle – results. constructive change with lasting and Slim 0, 1,50 QR : Pack ter Star Slim more Fit for Life Pack: QR 15,300. For information call 4429-8520.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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Sherborne School Honk The Musical Tues 26 & Wed 27: Al Rayyan Theatre, Souq Waqif. Sherborne School Qatar presents their version of the award-winning musical Honk – an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling. 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at Virgin Megastore. Adults QR 60, children QR 40.

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Community

Going

Global By Lisa Travell Photography by Jessie Palanca

Hundreds of thousands of people from all corners of the globe flock to Qatar, making it one of the world’s highest immigrant-populated countries per capita. But there’s one organization helping them stay connected: InterNations – the world’s biggest expat community.

“We want to pay something back to this community, to this country that has given us jobs.” - Mark Thomson

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ost of us remember how it feels to have no friends, no network - to be the new kid on the block. Be it our first day at school or arriving scared and lonely in a new country, all of us wanted nothing more than to fast forward to the day we were no longer the ‘newbie’. That’s just the aim of InterNations, an international members-only network that helps people become part of the community, supporting their needs through an on-line forum and regular events. There are even numerous local splinter groups where shared interests can be pursued such as tennis, squash, cycling, boating, fishing and (my particular favourite) the Doha Food Lovers!

unique nature of InterNations is what makes it stand out from other groups. “Look at the calibre of people we have as members; heads of banks and hospitals, doctors, pilots, dentists, vets, artists, photographers and people from all walks of life. These people are just amazing; people you can learn from, that give you advice on any difficulties you might have. At an event, one minute you’re talking to a pilot, the next to a doctor, the next to a skydiver! It’s fantastic – the variety of people is really enriching for your life experience here. There’s also no age limit, we have senior and junior people too. I’m not being biased but I think it’s the best group in Qatar!”

A Social Connection

Many established members of the group would now like to give something back to the community and Mark details the next step for InterNations Qatar. ‘We would like to get involved in charities; go and visit orphanages and old people’s homes. We want to pay something back to this community, to this country that has given us jobs. I hope this article will highlight the fact that we are willing to give up our spare time to help, so please do get in touch with us.’

Mark Thomson runs InterNations here in Qatar and explains how he became an ambassador for the group. “I came here from Dubai, where I had a massive social circle. When I arrived I quickly realized I needed a support system. I was out one day and noticed around forty people standing together, they said they were from InterNations and I joined them, then started organizing my own events. When I was asked to take over by the head office in Germany, I took it to a whole different sphere.” In two years Mark has expanded the group from 350 to nearly 5,000, which includes over 47 different nationalities. Widely traveled, it’s a role that Mark is more than qualified for. “I’ve lived in 14 countries; although I come from a British background, I’m half Arab. I consider myself a cultural mix and I speak Arabic in four different dialects,” he explains.

InterNations boasts 670,000 members worldwide and if you leave Qatar your membership goes with you. Mark adds, “Once you’re a member you can attend events anywhere in the world. Wherever you go you can look for news and information in that community and contact the ambassador and join events.” So really, you need never feel lonely again. n

InterNations At A Glance Sign up at www.internations.org and join for free Search by nationality to find expat communities in Qatar from your corner of the globe Learn more about living and working in Doha with their handy Qatar Expat Guide Join the InterNations Forum and interact with fellow expats online Find out the latest info on InterNations events in your neighbourhood

It’s a voluntary role that can be time consuming; however Mark finds his compensation in helping others. “What I’ve tried to do is use my knowledge and expertise in the region to provide people with a support system where they can come and ask questions, to me or on the website. I always answer all of the questions. It takes up a lot of my private time but I feel like I’m giving something back to the community; introducing the country and the culture to people and alleviating worries and lack of knowledge about religion, culture, people, habits and conditions.”

Get Involved The group is open to everyone and there’s a five Euro monthly fee with many of the events being free or subsidized. “I try to provide value added services by organizing events with free food and free entrance to venues,” explains Mark. He attends all events and is key in ensuring everyone’s included and no one feels intimidated. “When a new person walks in I introduce them to people and bring them into the group. I also work as a link between people, so I know who can help in any given situation, for example, people that are looking for a house, a school, healthcare etc.” It’s evident that InterNations is not just your average expat group as it includes a complete cross-section of people. Mark believes the

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Community

Off The Page

“This country cannot have enough in terms of activities to get By Charlie Sands children to read.” Photography by Srimani Welagedara - Dr. Claudia Lux QH brings you a first look at the new Qatar National Library and its mission to bring learning and history to life.

r.Claudia Lux sits at her desk in the Qatar National Library (QNL) office in Education City, with a diary chock full of to-do lists and an unwavering enthusiasm about the project, and considers the task ahead. The new QNL Project Director says: “We are currently bringing all the strands together and planning for the opening in 2014. Some people think that’s a long time away, but it’s not long considering the amount of work to be done.” As the former Director General in charge of overseeing the coming together of the East and West Berlin Libraries into the Berlin Central Library in Germany, who better to take on this massive project of establishing a single central library for all of Qatar’s diverse population to enjoy? “In some ways the projects are similar,” says Dr.Lux. “There I had a collection of 3.5 million items, with 320 staff and three buildings to handle. Here we currently have 35 staff but will probably have 180 by the time it opens, not to mention plenty of volunteers.” Although originally conceived as the universities’ own library, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, announced in late 2012 that the library would become the new National Library for all of Qatar. Dr Lux explains: “The main purpose for us is for the library to function in three ways: one, as the universities’ central library; two, to house all the historical and national collections; and three, as a public library.” Although she was not on board when the vast building was designed, (it’s 120 metres long by 120 metres wide), Dr.Lux has had a hand in adapting some of the sections inside.“I wanted to make it more child-friendly and make the children’s library bigger and also have a coffee shop, which I think is really important these days,” she says.

With such a big space to fill Dr.Lux outlines some of the areas mapped out already and how they will be used: “There will be a heritage section in the middle to do research and a museum housed in the same area, with materials brought in from the existing heritage library on Al Luqta Street. There will be a general collection spread out with places to sit and chill out. There will be a section for gaming near to the coffee shop, and also a section for newspapers and journals. In all areas there will be digital material alongside books.” For those wanting to get an early look at what’s available, the digital library is already up and running at www.qnl.qa where people can access full books and also catalogues and databases, plus a section specifically dedicated to children. Inside the children’s library itself will be spaces for reading and play, as well as the opportunity for kids to take part in a myriad of activities such as baby and toddler group singing, rhyming and storytelling sessions. “We think it’s really important to have these activities for the young ones and we’ll be training people, whether they are mums and dads, nannies or childcare workers, to do these activities with their children. This country cannot have enough in terms of activities to get children to read. But we have to work together to get the initiatives for people to do this.” Aside from all the materials: books, DVDs, digital databases and digitized collections, there will be spaces dedicated to performance, debate and discussion, watching movies, a music library, music rooms and so on. At the centre and bottom of all these areas will sit a wide open-plan space designed as a multipurpose gathering and performance area. Next to this is a smaller space which can be closed off for theatrical shows.

Dr.Lux says: “We want this library to be a place to meet freely for everybody, where people don’t have to spend money like at a shopping mall; it should be a democratic open space for all. You cannot develop a knowledge economy without having children exposed to books and educational information and without having collections for everybody from different or young people, students and for older people to learn how to use the internet, to learn exactly how to do research, how to use Google and other web tools.”

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Dr.Lux’s vision for the library doesn’t stop at the doors of this impressive building but extends across Doha and Qatar altogether. She explains: “They’ve been discussing for a while what to do with the old National Library and it’s now going to be renovated to become one of the branches of the [new] library and ultimately, become one of a network of branches all over the country.” Although 2014 seems a long way off, people can already get involved in a number of ways. Dr Lux says: “You can already become a member by going online to www.qnl.qa And registering via the link ‘New to the National Library’. But you can also pay a visit to one of the existing libraries such as the Heritage Library (Al Luqta St), the old National Library (‘Dar-al-Kutub’ on Ras Abu Abboud St) or the Al Khansa Library for Women (D-Ring Road).”n

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RIDE THE WIND OF HORSE SPORTS

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International Equestrian Competition Experience the excitement of watching international horses and riders compete in 3 disciplines of Show Jumping, Dressage and Endurance while enjoying fun activities for the whole family in the only one-of-its-kind arena in the world.

Al Shaqab Arena 27-30 March 2013

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Main Sponsor

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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

ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Raw Food Class: Sweet Indulgence Tues 5: AAL Villa near TV Roundabout in Madinat Khalifa South. Learn to make healthy and life-giving foods. QR 175 per class. 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 5580-0395.

ONE OF A KIND LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride

Sat 2: 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

ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Couples Relationship Workshop

Fri 22 & Sat 23: Al Ahmadani Centre. 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information call 7773-0750.

ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Sugar Blues Workshop

Mon 18: Al Ahmadani Centre. Be free from sugar addiction. A fun, informative and interactive workshop. 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information call 7773-0750.

SEALINE BEACH RESORT Rang Barse

Fri 29: Sealine Beast Resort. Get smeared in colours and pay tribute to the Indian Festival of Colours. 2:00 p.m. For more information call 4476-5249.

SUMANSA EXHIBITIONS Indian Property Show

Fri 29 & Sat 30: La Cigale Hotel. For the first time in Doha, the largest contingent of Indian developers converge for property exhibition. For more information email anu.mukher@gmail.com.

EVERY WEEK BRITISH COUNCIL Springboard Program

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

Ongoing: British Council. A winning powerful program which has demonstrated its capacity to empower women to accomplish their goals, develop their skills and achieve better positions in both their professional and personal lives. For more information call 4425-1820 or visit www.britishcouncil.org/me-qatar.

www.twaq.org

DOHA MUMS New Arrivals Coffee

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Mondays: 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.

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar 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 Museum Of Islamic Art Into the World of Pattern Thurs 7, 14, 21: MIA. This 3-day hands-on course will allow young artists to explore geometry, symmetry and patterns inspired by Islamic Art. Students will use paint as the sole medium to freely express themselves. For more information visit www.qma.org.qa.

Doha Marriott Hotel Pool and Beach Days

Fri 1 – Sun 31: Doha Marriott Spa. Children (and adults) get to enjoy the pool and beach weekdays and weekends for only QR 100. For more information call 4429-8520.

I A ID

g for Kids s: Pop Singinda ys & Thursday

Saturdays, Mon e kids citing class wher as IAID. Fun and ex ch su s ue niq ch g te learn basic singin stage presence, n, tio dic , vocalization For & more. 4-6 yrs. facial expression ll 4432-0974. ca n more informatio

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa

ACS School Arabic Reading Group for Children Saturdays: Doha Mums Library. This group is suitable for kids who can read and understand simple sentences in Arabic. 1:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

Rays Reef Fun Time Tuesdays & Sundays: Royal Plaza. Located on the 2nd floor from 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. It’s a fun and clean area with lots of options for your kid(s) to choose from, suitable for different age groups. RSVP is required. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

for

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Kids Club Do-it-yourself projects for the whole family!

Making Memories By Jacqueline Bodnar

Getting Started Want a special gift for Mom this Mother’s Day, one that money can’t buy? We show you how to get scrap-booking and photo-journaling as a family and why the memories it preserves are so important.

Such Significance

ccording to Webster’s encyclopedia, history is a chronological record of significant events. One walk through the history section of any large bookstore shows just how important events are. While books filled with historical events line the shelves of every bookstore and school in the country, they are no more important than the preserved history of your own family. People may never stand in line to purchase your family history books, but the impact it has on future generations can still be invaluable. Knowing why it’s important and learning how to create and capture memories will help you head in the right direction when preserving your family history.

Most of us take photos at one time or another, even if it’s only at holidays and birthdays. But many people don’t realize just how easy it is to do something meaningful with them after pushing the button on the camera. Today, it’s simpler than ever to take those memories and use them in a multitude of ways, to better share them with others. “Photos are a connection to who we are, who we’ve been, who we’ve come from,” says Mary Nemitz, a senior consultant for Creative Memories in the United States. “It’s a way to remember our children as cute little toddlers, and the funny things they did. It’s a way to remember when we were young and that we were never as fat as we thought we were.”

“Creating memories requires looking to the present and the future. It’s proactive,” explains Charlyce Altom, owner of American company All About Photos. “Through writing and photographs, we choose what we will remember. Creating memories is not accidental. In essence, we must plan to create those memories.” And most of us do, by remembering to grab the camera as we head out to a family reunion or the birth of a new baby. We also do things like arranging for group family photos, keeping diaries and journals. All of this is our effort to remember those things that are special to us and that we want the next generations to know about. The first step is to decide what memories you want preserved and in what method you want them saved. Some things make more sense to photograph, while others will be better preserved with a video recording. It’s a good idea to save memories in a variety of ways.

Precious Preserves Snapping the photos is probably the easiest part of the entire process and one of the quickest. But unless you actually do something with those memories, it’s like burying treasure in your backyard: it’s only valuable if it’s dug up, so that someone actually gets to see it, learn from it and enjoy it. With today’s technology, there are many options available for preserving memories. Some of the more popular ones include scrapbooking, journaling and creating albums. At one time, most people thought of scrapbooking as something done by Moms

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with a lot of time on their hands. Many mothers interested in the pastime were a little intimidated if they took a walk into a scrapbook store. There they saw aisle after aisle of things that looked really neat, like special papers, cut-outs, tools, glue guns, etc., but their lack of knowledge about where to start and how to use everything made it all seem a bit overwhelming. Today, scrapbooking has been made simple through classes, workshops, crops and even the use of online digital software, which can be used to create custom pages in minutes that can then be printed and put into albums. Journaling often goes hand in hand with scrapbooks. Many people journal without adding photos or other mementos, but it’s an easy way to add a reminder to the information in an album page. A picture may say a thousand words, but it never hurts to add a few more of your own about what was happening in the photos. “When people go back and look at pictures of themselves, they can see the friends and family around them,” says Nemitz. “When a person journals, writing about the photos, the event or their feelings about the people in the pictures, the album becomes more meaningful.”

Going Digital and Online If you have a computer, you have a wide range of options at your fingertips for preserving memories. Some of the options available for projects like this include: Software – While it may require a short learning curve, the software that’s available will end up saving you time in the long run. There are programs for scrapbooking, storing photos and creating photo-books. The programs also allow you to enhance your pictures by removing red-eye, cropping and even changing the picture’s rotation. Getting Creative – Sites like Snapfish.com not only allow you to print and have your pictures delivered to your house, they also allow you to easily and quickly turn your photo memories into unique and meaningful gifts. Within minutes, you can put your favourite images on objects like mugs, posters, ties and mouse pads. Publishing – Web sites like blurb.com, picaboo.com and photoworks.com are all user-friendly avenues that let you create customized bookstore-quality photo books that will look just like those history books in the stores - and for about the same cost!

Sharing With Others “What a joy it is to see my children open their albums and talk about their life moments,” says Jackie Draper, a Creative Memories consultant. “Sharing and documenting special moments allows them to feel special, feel connected and it helps build self esteem in a world that isn’t always happy and positive.” Creating and preserving memories allows us to enjoy that happy experience for years to come and to pass it on to others. It’s also a great opportunity to sit back with a good cup of tea and reminisce about the different chapters of your life. But whatever you do, be sure to share the memories with others, since that’s where the greatest fun and reward come in. Your choices are endless, you can create a favourite family recipe collection or a belly cast during pregnancy. Whether you’re recording the birth of your child or video interviewing Grandpa about how it was in his younger days, it’s sure to be a source of joy, later on. “In short, there’s no better time than now to get started, both in capturing today’s memories and in collecting and preserving memories from the past,” adds Altom. “Incredible advances in technology make it not only possible, but tremendous fun. Ready, set…go!”n

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Kids Club

s y a D n u Family F By Charlie Sands

For families in Doha looking for a one-stop shop as park as playgrounds are concerned, look no further than Dahl Hammam Park.

“M

um, can we go to the blue park again please?,” says my three year old on a regular basis, which pretty much sums up how most kids feel about this park. Opened in 2004 and located near to Landmark shopping mall, just off the Madinat Khalifa roundabout, Dahl Hammam or ‘cave park’ has playgrounds and pitches, paths and entertainment areas catering to kids of all ages - making it an attractive option for a family day out in Doha. Playgrounds and Play Areas Since you have a choice of playgrounds and activities on offer here, the best way to find the bits that suit your family’s needs is to start by taking a walk around the park to check out the different areas, which include a playground for children up to age five, a playground with bigger equipment for older children, a skate/ scooter/ bicycle park, a basketball court, a multi-purpose games pitch, an outdoor theatre, plus ample paths for cycling, scooting, roller skating etc. Starting off with the little ones, there’s a nice covered playground near the south entrance and tea shop, with a good selection of play equipment all sitting on sand and plenty of benches alongside for mums and dads to enjoy a well-earned rest. There’s another smaller playground for young ones a short walk away.

Leaving here and heading further into the park you’ll come to a big paved square, where food stalls and toy stalls pop up later in the day and next to this is another playground where slightly older children can climb, slide, and swing to their hearts’ content. On the other side of this is where the ‘blue’ bit comes in. It’s a concrete area, painted blue, with meandering curves, bumps and underpasses to make it fun for kids on wheels of any kind. In the middle of this is a grassy knoll which offers a panoramic view of the blue area -- meaning you can keep your littler children in view at all times. Next to this is the skate park with ramps, for those kids who know no fear, and on the other side is a basketball court. Heading back from here towards the southeast side of the park, you’ll come across a multi-purpose auditorium, another playground and also the cave, which is where this park gets its name. The cave is fenced off and is not accessible to the public, although you can see the entrance as you pass by. Ticking Boxes You have to hand it to the designers here, for creating a park and play space with so many options for the kids while retaining its spaciousness. Everything is a minute or two’s walk away and yet there is still plenty of space to sit and chill and not feel hemmed in.

The other thing that immediately springs to mind is the tidiness of it all. There’s a team of cleaning staff on hand to keep the park looking nice and the bathroom facilities are cleaned regularly. There are also several bathrooms meaning you are never that far away from reaching one of them. Food wise, if you haven’t opted to bring your own, there are a couple of permanent tea and snack outlets in the park and later in the day you’ll find a lot of local ladies bringing a selection of hot food to sell at stalls on the paved square near the parking lot at the west side of the park. They sell things like pasta or rice, chickpeas and lentils among other things and its cheap too – QR 5 to QR 10 per portion depending on size. Finally, although I haven’t tried it, I’m told the park has free Wi-Fi – another box ticker for the family. The Score Is Out I’d give Dahl Hammam a 10 out of 10 for kids here, as it has to be the most child-focused park of all I’ve seen to date in Doha. For cleanliness and tidiness I’d rate it a 9 out of 10, the best I’ve witnessed so far in the city. It’s easy to get to along the D-Ring Road but, of course, at the wrong times of day it could take you a while depending on where you are coming from, so for location it’s a 9 out of 10. Overall then – 9/10. n

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Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

FUN CITY Bubbles Playgroup

Mondays: City Center Mall. 2010 bubs are invited for some fun playtime every second Monday from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

EVERY WEEK INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL Pool Sessions

Mondays: Pool and beach. 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m.. The little ones will enjoy the shaded pool and the older kids can explore Doha’s longest private beach. RSVP necessary. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

IAID Hip-Hop

Tuesdays & Thursdays: IAID. A popular highenergy urban class that uses the latest music combined with movement and choreography inspired by today’s hottest hip-hop tunes. For more information call 4432-0974.

DOHA MUMS Toddler Playgroup

Wednesdays: Ain Khalid. Bring your toddlers along for a casual playgroup! 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

DOHA MUMS Parachute Play

Wednesdays: Al Waab area. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Parachute play is a positive co-operative group activity which can be used for different games for ages 18 months to 6 years and is both educational and fun. It’s non-competitive play and teaches agility, body movements, co-ordination and teamwork. Tea and coffee plus snacks will be available afterwards for the mums. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com.

GEORGE V SPA Zumba Class & Pool Usage

Thursdays: Dance Studio. 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. on the first floor of Beverly Hills Tower, West Bay. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

IAID Modern Jazz For Kids

Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays: IAID. Designed to train students to professional standards with technical exercises and exciting routines. For more information call 4432-0974.

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Food & Dining

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Hilton Doha Tapas Mariscos Fri 1 – Sun 31: Mawasem, Bab el Baher, La Sahtaine. Andalucian-style seafood tapas. QR 65 for a trio. For more information call 4423-3333.

Qatar Tourism Authority

Qatar International Food Festival 2013 Thurs 28 - Sun 31: Museum of Islamic Art Park. Join in a celebration of culture, food and fun at this year’s festival. With 50+ food tents represented by the top hotels and restaurants in Doha, the event is co-sponsored by Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways. Signature activities include dinner in the sky, BBQ Donuts on the harbour, dinner on a dhow, the Qatar Airways Cooking Theatre and a Junior Master Chef. There will also be a VIP area, family area and live entertainment. For more information on ticket prices and opening hours visit www.qifoodfestival.com.

oha Holiday Villa D

The Diplomatic Club Peruvian Food Festival Wed 13 – Sat 23: Le Grill. Looking to try a new gastronomy? Hurry up and book your places now. Festival in collaboration with the Embassy of Peru. For more information call 4484-7470.

Japanese Steamed Boat stix Sun 3 – Sun 31: D’Chop taurant. Chinese & Japanese Res 11:30 a.m. QR 228 for two people. till till 3:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. rmation 11:00 p.m. For more info . 888 8-4 440 l cal

Crowne Plaza Doha -The Business Park Women’s Day

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

Fri 8: Aramede. Dinner is 50% off for all ladies. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

for

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Food & Dining It’s French ‘nouvelle cuisine’ the Guy Savoy way!

Crispy sea bass with sweet spices

A Taste of

Luxury

The Pearl dessert

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

The recent opening of Quisine by Guy Savoy on The Pearl marks another milestone in Doha’s gastronomic circles, as the three Michelin-starred chef brings his sumptuous ‘nouvelle cuisine’ to Qatar. QH tucks in to bring you the review.

t’s 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday night and we’re the only other table at the restaurant at Quisine by Guy Savoy. Located one floor below Megu on The Pearl, the hallowed French brand has made Qatar its first home in the Middle East. With iconic restaurants les Bouquinistes, Ateliers Maître Albert and Le Chiberta in Paris, plus a new outlet recently opened in Las Vegas, Chef Savoy made a personal appearance in Doha a few months ago to oversee the launch of Quisine. The ambiance inside is as chic as it gets, with cool grey, earth tones and wood accents with splashes of ‘art nouveau’ adorning the walls.

There’s a cigar lounge section separated from the rest of the main dining area by a floor-toceiling wood divider complete with post-modern fireplace burning brightly in an elevated horizontal line. It’s warm, calm and inviting.

The Concept A visit to a Guy Savoy restaurant is as much about the service as it is the cuisine. From the moment we step inside we’re waited on hand and foot, and Savoy’s team is impeccable. Chairs are pulled out for us, fresh serviettes draped in our laps, footstools brought over so that our handbags may rest as comfortably as ourselves.

The process repeats itself each time we get up from our seats or leave the table. Restaurant Director Alexandre Gaillard comes over to welcome us, and walk us through the menu. The concept of ‘la nouvelle cuisine’ as perfected by Chef Savoy is about taking the familiar and revolutionizing it through the enhancement of texture and natural flavour, pairing the simple, yet unexpected for a burst of gastronomic creativity. Classic meets postmodern in comfort food with an artsy twist in the form of miniature molecular amuse-bouches, foams and in the absence of a sommelier, some truly wild infusion pairings.

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The Quisine We begin with Chef Savoy’s signature starter, the artichoke and black truffle soup. Served with a side of mushroom brioche and truffle butter the appetizer is filling and heavenly. Blended to a soft, creamy texture the soup is garnished with a layer of thinly-sliced Parmesan cheese and velvety black truffles. Our server Dragan rolls over a heaping bread trolley with fresh loaves of every sort imaginable. Each course is served with a bread pairing to complement the flavour of the dish and we tear into chunks of fresh buckwheat as he explains how all items are baked locally in the traditional French style. All ingredients in the kitchen at Guy Savoy are seasonal and of the highest quality, imported every three days from France. Nothing is prepped any further in advance than the morning of or the evening before a dinner service, ensuring the freshest, most flavourful experience for diners. Our soup starter is followed by a lobster course, served in a quirky, sieve-like platter full of holes. A cold dish, the bottom is layered with ice and as the wait staff pour hot water into the platter, it drains through the holes creating a cauldron-like dry-ice effect, infusing the shellfish with a sumptuous smokiness. There’s a tender lobster carpaccio on top, resting on a caramelized sesame-type disc and a delightful lobster salad underneath. For me, coming from Atlantic Canada, the fresh lobster is a welcome taste of home.

Delicate lobster carpaccio

Lobster consommé foam

There’s also a side of lobster consommé foam that’s a little too briny for our palates, so we pass on that incarnation of the crustacean. We order the turbotin for our main, as it says on the menu that it’s enough for two or three people to share. A kind of flat-fish, it comes roasted with a herb bread crust and a hint of apricots. Restaurant Director Alexandre filets it off the bone right at our table, serving it overtop a bed of baby vegetables and a generous drizzle of ginger beurre blanc. The best part? He removes the succulent meat of the tubotin cheeks and orders it sautéed it with earthy chanterelle mushrooms. It is absolutely to die for. It’s enough food to feed an army, but Dragan assures us it’s not over yet as he wheels up to the table with a very…fragrant…cheese trolley. The idea of trolley service at the table is quintessentially French and the cheese is meant as a palate cleanser before dessert. I try a small selection of medium-bodied goat cheese with cherry jam and a nutty apricot loaf. We’re at the point where we can only nibble at the offerings because we’re so full, but Alexandre insists we have to at least try something small for dessert. We go for the signature creation, aptly named The Pearl, a white chocolate ball with a glistening pearlescent sheen. Dragan drizzles hot pineapple sauce over top and it instantly implodes upon itself, revealing an interior of chopped pineapple and passionfruit sorbet. It’s a refreshing combination of flavours and the

Roasted turbotin with herb bread crust

The elegant décor

About Quisine by Guy Savoy perfect way to end one of the most spectacular meals in recent memory. When the dessert trolley is rolled over, laden with macarons, petit fours, clafoutis, crème caramels, ice creams, tarts and puddings, our eyes virtually pop out of our heads and we politely decline, storing the inventory on board away in a mental filing cabinet for a return visit. We will admit that Quisine by Guy Savoy is not inexpensive, but for the exceptional experience you will have it’s a worthwhile investment for a special occasion. The atmosphere, level of service and quality of the food are a testament to Chef Savoy’s Michelin-stars. n

Location: Unit 109, Parcel 4, La Croisette, The Pearl Timings: Sunday-Friday, 7:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Average Meal Price: A la carte: QR 800 Set menus: QR 845 and QR 1,050 Smoking: Yes, in lounge area and outdoor balcony only Reservations: 4002-7245 or www.guysavoy.qa

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Food & Dining

Ornate and regal, Sukar Pasha is delight for the eyes

Delight n is a feast for the senses

The hot mezze selectio

Turkish

Chef Musa displays his culinary creations

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge is a popular gathering point for visitors at Katara. With its authentic Turkish cuisine and regal décor, the restaurant embodies the essence of cultural crossroads. QH has the review.

t’s a brisk afternoon at Katara; and with the cool weather, the terrace at Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge beckons. Couples and families are gathered in the afternoon sunshine enjoying a meal or some shisha on the sprawling banquette seating. We head inside to get a table, walking past a huge coal-fired roasting spit where diners can enjoy cuts of meat from a whole-roasted lamb, done in the traditional Turkish style.

The interior of the restaurant is majestic. With mirrored crystal accents throughout and lush Turkish cushions on every chair, you can easily sink in and stay for hours. We are greeted by Assistant Restaurant Manager Yahia Merhij who explains to us the concept behind the architecture. The domed ceilings are resplendent of the grandeur of the palaces of the Ottoman Empire and so are the paintings adorning the walls – commissioned specifically

Sinfully sweet Turkish dessert platter

for the restaurant and imported direct from Turkey. There are even a selection of ornate private rooms for special occasions, each with its own unique design and feel – complete with large flat-screen TVs mounted on the walls.

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A vibrant salad with a Turkish touch

Flavours Of An Empire As we settle in, Sous Chef Musa Akatay comes over to greet us and gives an introduction to each dish on the menu he’s prepared. He explains that Turkish cuisine differs from its Arabic cousin in subtle, yet distinct ways – and Ottoman cuisine even more so. It’s evident in the preparation and flavour of each item. The use of fragrant all-spice and cinnamon add an unexpected sweetness to traditional standbys such as kebbeh and chard leaves stuffed with rice and sour cherries. Sesame and sumac are other prevalent ingredients used both as a garnish and flavour enhancer for cold mezzes and baked into the crust of the pides -- a wonderfully light pastry dish. We tuck into the hot and cold mezzes, pairing hummus, mastabe (a dip of yogurt, chard leaves and mint), saksuka (fried eggplant mixed with potato, bell pepper and tomato sauce) and cerkezziye (a char-grilled red pepper dip with walnut, cheese and cumin). Served with fresh Turkish bread, each starter is light, refreshing and flavourful. Followed by a selection of hot mezzes, Sous Chef Musa prepares a sampling platter of hands-down the best kebbeh we’ve

Hot fresh pides go nicely with a lemon mint

tasted in ages, (stuffed with succulent ground lamb, pine nuts, all-spice and tomato sauce), along with an assortment of pides topped with soudjouk sausage, beef kavurma, spinach and cheese. We also try the mucmer, a fried vegetable patty cooked with marrow and served with a garlic yogurt sauce, and Musa’s own creation: fried spinach with Turkish cheese inside a crust of light panko breadcrumbs. The mezzes are a meal on their own, but the piece de resistance of Sukar Pasha is its mixed grill platter. It comes with rich Turkish rice, Beyti kebap (grilled lamb loin medallions), Adana kebap (char-grilled lamb kofta, perfectly seasoned and spiced), Kuzu prizola (delicate lamb chops on the bone), Lamb liver seasoned with thyme and pepper spice, and Tavuk Yidegor (charcoal cooked chicken kofta). The meat is tender and moist, retaining all its natural flavour and juices. Musa tells us this is because the meat is prepared fresh daily and sourced locally – and believe us when we tell you they go through a lot of meat each day. He also informs us that the majority of ingredients they use are imported from Turkey, ensuring diners have the most authentic taste of the culture as possible.

The ultimate after dinner jolt: Turkish coffee

A Sweet Tooth As we wait for the dessert platter, he tells us that Sukar Pasha has a staff of thirty people working in the kitchen – all with Turkish roots. If you want to open a restaurant that serves Turkish food, you have to have Turkish chefs on board, he says. We enjoy a heart-stoppingly potent Turkish coffee with our sweets, taking small sips between bites of irmik hulviyyat (roasted pine and semolina balls), sakizli firin sutlac (baked milk pudding), rose, pistachio and curd ice cream, and traditional baklava. Musa tells us that they have one chef devoted solely to baklava, who works overnight preparing fresh batches for the following day’s consumption. These ones are heavenly to say the least. Sukar Pasha is a real treat for the senses and a welcome variation on the traditional Middle Eastern fare. Though they share a host of cultural attributes, the Ottoman Turkish cuisine stands alone and Sukar Pasha easily offers one of the best examples of its regional delicacies here in Doha. n

About Sukar Pasha Location: Building 31, Katara Timings: Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.(weekdays) 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat) Dinner: 6:00 p.m. -11:30 p.m. (weekdays) 6:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. (Fri & Sat) Shisha, pides, sandwiches & drinks available from 12:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Average Meal Price: Starting from QR 60 for main courses. Smoking: Yes Bring your appetite when tackling the mixed grill

Reservations: 4408-2000 or www.sukarpasha.qa

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Food & Dining pages? Want to see your review in our take and e pag Join our QH Facebook ! test part in our monthly con

Word Of Mouth

ders to t where we send one of our rea tes con ly nth mo a of t par is n This colum a voice in our s our way of giving the community It’ t. ran tau res a at al me a e enc experi the menu at Animato, the all-day ted tes ck rin mb Co a ny Ta pages.This month her review. ick Tower and Suites. Here is np ve Mö the at t ran tau res ing din

poses with Our winner Tanya rd Chef Adrian Upwa

QH: What did you order?

QH: Describe the ambiance.

QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant?

TC: We had some of the dinner buffet. There was a huge variety of Middle Eastern and Western dishes.

TC: The restaurant is stylish and dynamic with elegant décor and dimmed lights and soft music playing in the background, suitable for a nice romantic dinner.

TC: There was no one there to carve the roasted lamb leg; you had to do it yourself.

Soup: Cauliflower Pasta: Spinach ravioli with prawn and tomato Arabic: Kebbeh bil laban, Kofta, Lamb and vegetable salona Rice: Saffron rice Indian vegetable: Matar paneer Indian bread: Paratha Indian: Tandoori chicken International: Hammour salsa, Chicken cacciatore, beef stew Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, Pomme purée Stew/Braised: Chicken gong bao Carvery: Roasted lamb leg Sauce: Pepper sauce Salad bar Dessert station: Wide selection of traditional Arabic desserts and Western cakes and tarts I also had a scoop of their signature Blackberry ice cream (not included in the buffet) Drinks: Ginger delight (ginger and lemongrass), Mövenpick coffee QH: Were the prices reasonable? (Please write down cost of each item ordered) TC: Yes, prices were reasonable. Dinner buffet: QR 135 per person Mövenpick ice cream: QR 15 per scoop

QH: Describe the quality of the food. TC: The buffet offered a nice variety of items. All the salads were excellent, especially the prawn salad. The beef stew and roasted lamb leg were of high quality. The only disappointment was the spinach ravioli. I found it to be very dry. QH: Describe the quality of the service. TC: Friendly staff and very helpful and happy to recommend items the restaurant has to offer. The staff was attentive and cleared plates without having to be asked. Staff kept checking if we were happy and satisfied with our food and drinks, but not in an annoying kind of way. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not? TC: Yes. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. There is a good food selection. I would like to go back and try some of their other food on the set menu. QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? TC: It was not over-crowded. There are big spaces between the tables that allow some privacy.

QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? TC: The ice cream was really nice and creamy and the presentation was fabulous. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? TC: Yes. The restaurant could have someone there to carve the meat, especially for ladies. It would also be nice if there could be some extra sauces for the fish and pasta dishes. For reservations at Animato call 4496-6666 or email tower.doha@movenpick.com.n

Editor’s Note:

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

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Food & Dining

Mint

Madness

By Gerald Tan Photography by Jessie Palanca

mon nal drink of Qatar, le ks tio na e th ke ta d an mar onth We get minty this m ake form with a fab recipe that gets full pc cu in mint, reviving it for refreshment.

hat’s Dolce without Gabbana… Rodgers without Hammerstein…or Ben without Jerry for that matter? They all made such a mark as a double act, it makes one wonder what their careers would have been without the other – Jerry’s Cherry Garcia just doesn’t have the same ring as an ice-cream flavour, does it? These luminaries complement and bring out the best in each other. When their respective characteristics merge, a magical duo is formed. This same synergy is the holy grail of the kitchen. Chefs are always seeking to create, if not re-create that perfect flavour combination. We now rely on so many familiar pairings because they just work: tomato and basil, apple with cinnamon, chocolate hazelnut (did someone say Nutella?) Shortly after moving to the Middle East, I fell in love with the ubiquitous lemon mint. On a scorcher of an afternoon, a tall, frosty glass of the magnificent elixir refreshes instantly. The addition of mint infuses this blended lemonade with a light, peppery menthol fragrance. And the resulting specks of bright leaves gives the drink its signature brilliant green.

An Inventive Method While trying to come up with a tea-time menu one day, I wondered if a lemon mint cake would work. I searched the baking standards from the likes of Julia Child to Delia Smith and Christopher Kimball but struck out. The flavour combination just isn’t pervasive in the West,

Gerald’s cupcakes are to die for. Trust us!

Fluffy Lemon Mint Cupcakes Ingredients: 3 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar, divided into 2 equal portions ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 42 mint leaves 2 lemons, zested and juiced 1 teaspoon vanilla

where lemons are more often paired with blueberry or poppy seeds, while mint gets the chocolate or watermelon treatment.

50 gms sugar

Then came along this recipe from TV chef Giada de Laurentils via trusty Google. I liked her concept of separating the eggs and whipping the whites into a meringue. This produces an airier, fluffier cake, which absorbs the lemon drizzle at the end. Apart from adding more mint to the original recipe, I just baked them in cupcake pans for prettier presentation and serving ease.

Implements:

This is a simple, wonderful recipe with satisfying results. It’s also the ideal introduction to working with egg whites for novices because there is more lee-way if the meringue isn’t as full-bodied as needed for a dessert such as pavlova.

Don’t Muck Up The Meringue When making meringue, remember to start with a spotless glass or metal bowl. The presence of grease will fetter the whites from gaining volume. In the same vein, even a streak of errant yolk in the meringue can wreck it, so be careful when separating the eggs. The meringue is ready once glossy peaks form, normally around three to five minutes with electric beaters. These lemon mint cupcakes taste best while still warm, with steam rising from its soft centre and the drizzle slightly sticky. The cake, of course, goes splendidly with a cup of tea – because that is always a winning combination.n

1 tablespoon water 2 mixing bowls 1 hand mixer Instructions: Zest the lemons and reserve the juice. Finely chop about 30 mint leaves. Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with ½ cup of sugar and oil in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the vanilla, lemon zest and minced mint to combine. Sift in the flour, salt and baking powder and mix together until you get a thick batter. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with remaining ½ cup of sugar until a smooth, glossy meringue forms. Fold into the batter. Pour batter into 12 cupcake or individual cake molds. Bake at 180 decrees Celcius for about 20-25 minutes. Melt 50 grams of sugar with juice from lemons and a tablespoon of water in the microwave. Drizzle the syrup over cakes while still warm from the oven. To serve, garnish with a mint leaf. Best consumed warm.

Comments, feedback, tips or Signor Dundeway’s not-so-secret recipes gladly welcome. Do share how the lemon mint cupcakes turn out. I’m on Twitter @ GeraldoTan.

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Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS The new Chowking branch in Mamoura is opening April 1st so mark your calendars!

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Sushi-Saki Fri 1 – Sun 31: Seasons. Dive into a sushi platter complemented by free saki. For more information call 4429-1111.

FOUR SEASONS DOHA Cheese Fondue

Fri 1 – Sun 31: Library and Cigar Lounge. Swiss, French and Italian cheese fondue followed by a delectable chocolate fondue, perfect for sharing with friends and family. 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Chocolate Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream

Sun 3 – Sun 31: Kafé Ole. QR 25 per person. Arabic coffee with dates QR 20. 12:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-4888.

CHOWKING Salwa Rd, Al Saad, Al Khor. From piping hot asado siopao, braised beef, ox-tail in peanut sauce and crispy fried chicken to cool, refreshing halo halo, Chowking delivers the best taste at the best price. For more information call Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Saad: 4431-4411 or Al Khor: 4411-8816/8817.

ONE OF A KIND INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Tsiknopempti

Mondays: Mykonos. Meat Day before fasting. Buffet QR 145. For more information call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Chef Olivier Catora Master Class Mon 11: Porcini. The class will include a threecourse menu. QR 265 per person. 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4484-8000.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Traditional Bouillabaisse Night Fri 15: Gordon Ramsay Doha. Provençal fish stew originating from the port city of Marseille, a succulent 4-course degustation night by Michelinstar Chef Gilles Bosquet. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 425 food only and QR 750 with Sommelier selection. For more information call 4446-0105.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Chef Ricardo Acquista Master Class

Sat 16: Porcini. The class will include a threecourse menu. QR 265 per person. 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4484-8000.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA St Patrick’s Day Sun 17: Seasons. Lively fun with shamrocks to shenanigans. Drink, sing and wear green! Try Kilkenny’s fish and chips for QR 75. For more information call 4429-1111.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA Earth Hour Celebration

Sat 23: Chopsticks Restaurant. Candle-lit dinner with sushi fiesta and a la carte menu. 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Chef’s Table by Ricardo Acquista

Mon 25: Porcini. The theme is the majestic valleys of Piedmonte and Lombardia. QR 450 per person. 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8000.

PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Samundari Khazana

Fri 1 – Sun 31: Taj Rasoi. Aromatic, tantalizing dishes created by Chef Marcel and his team at Samundari Khazana or Treasures of the Sea. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Cake or Dates with Coffee Promotion Sun 3 – Sun 31: Lobby Lounge. Mint chocolate cake, plus coffee QR 25. Arabic coffee with dates QR 20. 9:00 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4408-4888.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Dinner & Vino Promotion

Tues 5 – Sun 31: Fish Market. Four-course set menu with vino pairing. QR 475 per person, live entertainment by Jazz Trio. For more information please call 4484-4444 or 4484-4747.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA Italian Week

Sun 24 – Sat 30: Grand Gourmet Restaurant. Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere with live authentic pizzas and pastas. QR 159 per person. 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203.

EVERY WEEK HILTON DOHA Curry & Creole Night

Sundays: Mawasem. Spectacular authentic Creole and curry dishes from the heart of the islands. QR 190 including unlimited soft drinks. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Mediterranean Night

Sundays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. A selection of plates from different countries. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

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W DOHA Grill Night

Sundays: Market. Steak connoisseurs and redmeat lovers can savour their prize cuts of tender meat, fowl and seafood. Char-grilled or seared, rare or well done. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA A Taste of Astor Grill

Sundays – Fridays: Astor Grill. 3-course menu specially designed. QR 280. 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Early Bird Dinner

Sundays - Fridays: Rodizio. QR 265 per person including a complimentary glass of vino. 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Burger Night

Mondays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. QR 100, 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Matador Mondays Mondays: Seasons. Spanish tapas, paella and live cooking. QR 160. For more information call 4429-1111.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Phoenician Night

Mondays: Aramede. Lebanese and Oriental specialties with live cooking stations and Arabic desserts. QR 170 per person. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Sushi Night

Mondays: Strata. Open sushi and sashimi, accompanied by a Japanese traditional beverage for QR 250 including one drink, QR 225 for food only. For more information call 4015-8888.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA ‘Souvlaki Night’ Greek BBQ

business LUNCH

Mondays: Mykonos. Eat as much mixed grill as you can. Enjoy a live cooking station with buffet of fresh cold mezzedes and salads complemented with desserts from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. at QR 165 per person. For more information call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444.

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Food & Dining Listings WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA Dinner at Tangia

Mondays - Saturdays: Discover traditional Moroccan cuisine artistically prepared and refreshingly authentic.7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Location: lobby level. For more information call 4434-3687.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA International Buffet

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays: Grand Gourmet. Italian cuisine Saturdays, Far Eastern cuisine Mondays, Seafood Wednesdays and Arabian cuisine on Fridays. Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., lunch from 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. The special Friday family brunch is served between 11:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Seafood Platter

Tuesdays: Admiral’s Club. Overlooking the marina, you’re invited to enjoy a fresh seafood platter of lobster, prawns, fish and squid. 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. QR 260 per portion serves up to 2 people. For more information call 4484-8663.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Les Alpes Tuesdays Tuesdays: Seasons. The finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland. QR 160. For more information call 4429-1111.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA ‘Ouzeri Night’ Seafood BBQ

Tuesdays: Mykonos. Enjoy Greek delicacies while sharing ouzo on ice with friends from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 175 per person. For more information call 4484-4074 or 44844444..

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Seafood Night

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Tempt Asian Wednesdays

THE ST.REGIS DOHA Seafood Dinner Buffet

WEEKEND

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Seafood Night

Wednesdays: Seasons. Gather around the teppanyaki table, taste the creativity of Japanese sushi or the tang of a Thai curry. QR 160. For more information call 4429-1111.

HILTON DOHA Seafood Extravaganza

Thursdays: Mawasem. QR 225 including unlimited soft drinks. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Seafood Extravaganza

Thursdays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Find the catch of the day and a selection of seafood for cooking, QR 250 per person, 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m . For more information call 4446-5600.

Fridays: Corniche Mediterranean restaurant. The seafood buffet is one of Doha’s highlights for all seafood lovers. QR 175 per person. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For QR 75 extra choose either one lobster tail or two king crab legs. For more information call 4429-8499.

HILTON DOHA Asian Persuasion

Fridays: Mawasem. A colourful array of dishes from the Far East. 7:00 p.m.till 10:30 p.m., QR 190 per person including unlimited soft drinks. For more information call 4423-3333.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Deep Blue Thursdays

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA A La Carte Friday Lunch

Thursdays: Seasons. A spectacular buffet of rich, fresh and succulent seafood and fish. QR 180. For more information call 4429-1111.

Fridays: Aroma. For all those that are tired of buffets! 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Indian Food Festival

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Barbecue Bazaar Lunch

Thursdays: Lagenda International Restaurant. 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 168 per adult, QR 88 per child aged 4-12 years. For more information call 4408-4888.

Fridays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. A wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, burgers, hot dogs. QR 195 per person. 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Gourmet Route

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Brazilian Churrascaria

Thursdays: The Restaurant Gallery. A culinary journey that evokes an open food market with spectacular live cooking stations, presenting cuisines from Latin and North America, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. QR 225 per person, QR 320 per person with bubbly. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Indian Night

Wednesdays: Aramede. QR 250 per person. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Thursdays: Flavours. Delectable selection of curries, biryanis, kebabs and bread from the live tandoor oven. QR 199 per person. 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL Tex-Mex

FOUR SEASONS DOHA Charcoal-Grilled

Wednesdays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Experience Latino living with a variety of Mexican, Argentinian and Brazilian platters. QR 190 per person, 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

Thursday: Vine. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. QR 250 including soft beverages. For more information call 4446-0105.

Thursdays: Pool Grill. Grilled meat and seafood, served perfectly cooked from the charcoal grill. From QR 170 per person. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4494 8888.

Fridays: Rodizio . You think you can eat meat? QR 265 per person, all you can eat. 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood BBQ Night Fridays: Fish Market. Enjoy a Seafood BBQ dinner by the beachfront with live cooking stations from 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information please call 4484-4444 or 4484-4747.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Weekend Roast

Fridays & Saturdays: Le Grill. With all its traditional trimmings, the roast comes with many choices of meat. QR 180 per person, QR 220 per person including house beverages. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470.

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THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut

Fridays & Saturdays: Set up for 8 people, the BBQ Donut will take you on the West Bay shores to enjoy unparalleled views of the city while savouring an exquisite dining experience. QR 450 per hour plus QR 180 per person, 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA Sushi Fiesta Saturdays: Chopsticks Restaurant. Eat as much you can at the award-winning best restaurant for QR 129 per person, including a glass of sparkling date juice. 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203.

W DOHA Sushi Night

Saturdays: Spice Market. A comprehensive sushi menu featuring assorted sushi, nigiri, maki and sashimi QR 230 per person. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Sushi & Steak

Saturdays: Blue. Unlimited sushi and prime quality steak grilled to your preference served with rustic chips and a sauce of your choice. QR 195 per person. 12:30 p.m. tillÂ 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Arabic Night

Saturdays: Corniche. Take a break and indulge in the lavish Oriental buffet and live cooking stations. 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., QR 175 per person. For more information call 4429-8499.

HILTON DOHA 1001 Arabian Feast Nights

Saturdays: Mawasem. Tantalizing dishes from the Middle East and Gulf region. QR 190 including unlimited soft drinks. 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Malaysian Hi Tea

Saturdays: Lagenda International Restaurant. A large selection of Malaysian delicacies and free-flowing Tarik tea. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., QR 110 per adult, QR 55 per child aged 4-12 years. For more information call 4408-4888.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Saturday Roast

Saturdays: Admiralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club. Enjoy the perfect handcarved selection of roast meats, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings. 5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., QR 120. For more information call 4484-8663.

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Food & Dining Listings W DOHA Burger Night

Saturdays: Market. The tastiest burgers made just the way you like them. Choose your burger, side dish and a dessert for QR 110. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

BRUNCH The St. Regis Doha

Fridays: Vine. An extensive buffet and live cooking stations. QR 275 including soft drinks and QR 375 including a selection of beverages. Lobby Terrace. Enjoy brunch with a view and celebrate any special occasion with live Reggae music and personal service. QR 435 per person for a table of 8 including a selection of beverages. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA

Fridays: D’Chopstix Chinese & Japanese Restaurant. Dim Sum buffet with free-flowing Chinese tea. QR 138 per adult, QR 68 per child aged 4-12 years. 11:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4888.

W DOHA

Fridays: Spice Market. Asian street food meets slick city chic, to a backdrop of live upbeat swing music courtesy of Doha Jazz. QR 340 including specialty drinks, QR 285 including soft drinks. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

HILTON DOHA

Fridays: Mawasem. With live music and amazing views. QR 222 per person including unlimited soft drinks, QR 333 per person including unlimited house beverages and bubbly, QR 444 per person including French bubbly. Children 6 and under dine free, 7–12 year olds receive a 50% discount. For more information call 4423-3333.

W DOHA

Fridays: Market. Enjoy brunch with live entertainment by Doha Jazz. Watch fresh, local products and ingredients come together splendidly in the Mediterranean-inspired show kitchen. QR 340 including specialty drinks, QR 285 including soft drinks. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA

Fridays: The Lagoon. Live music and buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children’s junior buffet and entertainment. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 240 including soft beverages, QR 325 including sparkling vino, QR 395 for full beverage package. For more information call 4484-8000.

LA CIGALE

Fridays: Le Cigalon. Extended International buffet lunch. QR 200 per person, inclusive of American coffee or tea. 12:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA

BUSINESS LUNCH

Fridays: Aramede. Family brunch at all-day dining theatre restaurant, serving Mediterranean cuisine with live music. QR 205 per person. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Saturdays: Flying Carpet Restaurant. Specialties from the Mediterranean, Asia and Latin America for only QR 195 per person including selected beverages.12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. QR 95 for children between ages 6 and 12. For more information call 4446-5600.

Fridays: Chopsticks Restaurant. A delightful lunch buffet of Chinese, Japanese and Thai food for only QR 129 per person. (Children ages 6-12 pay only QR 65). For more information call 4434-3203.

HILTON DOHA

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA

Fridays: The Square. QR 320 including selected house beverages, QR 210 including soft drinks and mocktails. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA

Fridays: Blue. With a live Latino band and special kid’s entertainment. QR 240 per person. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Fridays: Seasons. Kids will enjoy fun activities including an indoor bouncy castle. QR 215. For more information call 4429-1111.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

Fridays: Fish Market. Indulge in the luxurious buffet and a market display featuring lobster, oysters, tiger prawns and sea bass. 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4484 or 4484-4954.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Fridays and Saturdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. The first a la carte brunch in Doha! QR 250 including soft drinks, QR 375 including selected beverages. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL

Friday and Saturdays: The Restaurant Gallery. Embark on a culinary journey unlike any other in Doha! The kids club also offers a special buffet and entertainment. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m., QR 245 per person, QR 350 per person with bublly. For more information call 4429-8499.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

Fridays and Saturdays: Coral Restaurant. Friday brunch: QR 275 per person including unlimited bubbly, QR 250 with soft drinks. Saturday kids and family brunch: QR 250 per person including bubbly, QR 225 with soft drinks. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484 4919.

Sundays – Thursdays: La Sahtaine. Enjoy a 3-course meal overlooking the waterfront for QR 88. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

Tuesdays – Sundays: Chopsticks Restaurant. An exceptional Asian three-course daily changing set menu served in 59 minutes for QR 59 … otherwise, you get it for free! 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203 or email sdesilva@wyndham.com.

LA CIGALE

Daily: Le Central. Savour three choices of light and healthy appetizers, expertly designed main dishes and irresistible desserts, QR 150. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-8772.

HILTON DOHA

Sundays – Thursdays: Trader Vic’s. Choose 3 main dishes and 1 side dish for QR 95. Served within 45 minutes. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118.

W DOHA

Saturdays - Thursdays: Market. Choose your starter, main course and dessert and get served in only 30 minutes! 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., QR 89 per person. For more information call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA

Saturdays - Thursdays: Aroma. Indulge in the most delicate business lunch in Doha for only QR 90 per person. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325.

W DOHA

Saturdays - Thursdays: Spice Market. Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., QR 89. For more information call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

Daily: Savor. QR 65. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

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INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

Sundays – Thursdays: The Square. QR 88 for 3 courses. 12:00 p.m. till 3.00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

THE TORCH-DOHA HOTEL

Sunday - Thursday: Flying Carpet. Includes salad buffet, sandwich or pasta and hot beverage with signature praline for only QR 75. 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600.

GRAND HYATT DOHA

Sunday – Thursday: Majlis. Fresh chicken shwarma with salad. QR 66 including healthy option. For more information call 4448-1282.

SEALINE BEACH RESORT

Fridays: Bonbini Restaurant. A unique blend of European and Asian cuisines. QR 160 per person. 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4476-5249.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

Sundays - Thursdays: Mykonos. A choice of a starter, main course and dessert, ready to be enjoyed both in the tempting outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and the pool or the indoor cozy lounge area. 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4096 or 4484-4444.

PROMOTIONS LA VARENNE

Tornado Tower, West Bay. New French restaurant is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Sundays until Thursdays. To book a table or to request more information about their menus please call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

SIZZLING HOT POT

Holiday Villa Hotel. The first of its kind in the Middle East, offers visitors 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.

AMERICAS Chillis

INDIAN 4466-0663

Biriyani Hut

4464-1401

Johny Rockets 4455-2792

Idly Factory

6674-1143

Pampano

4495-3876

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Ric’s Country Kitchen

4443-7846

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

ARABIC & LEBANESE Turkey Central

4443-2927

Liza

4495-3876

Layali

4431-0005

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels: 4433-6666 The Courtyard, The Dining Room, Al Canteen, The Terrace, Lounge, East, Al Mataam, Al Matbakh, The Drawing Room, Argan.

CHINESE Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

INTERNATIONAL Blue Brasserie

4472-2666

De Dine Zone

4470-8822

Lifestyle

4463-2154

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

4451-7585

JAPANESE Neo

4432-2508

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

MEDITERRANEAN Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

FRENCH

La Villa

4446-2222

Sormani

4495-3876

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

Quisine by Guy Savoy

4002-7245

Le Relais de L’Entrecote

4495-3876

SOUTHEAST ASIAN Mango Tree

4495-3876

The Noodle House

4411-5063

linoem! s opn Sewe.qau ing.c tarhap en ww

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Sports

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon IAID Dances of India

Saturdays: IAID. Dance your way to fitness! Have fun learning various Indian dances inspired by the Bollywood film industry. For more information call 4432-0974/6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

Qatar Cycling Federation

55th Annual Expatriate Football Game

Qatar Women’s International Cycling Tour

Scotland vs. England

Friday 15: Aspire Dome. It’s a head-to-head competition between U.K. rivals Scotland and England as expat teams from both countries face off at Aspire. Sure to be a fun-filled game, the annual event is now in its 55th year, uniting legions of local expat communities and football fans on the pitch. Kick-off is at 2:00 p.m. at Aspire Dome. For ticket information visit www.aspirezone.qa.

deration Qatar Sailing Fe

Fri 1 - Sun 3: See top female cyclists hit the road. For more information visit www.qatarcf.org.

QMMF ional Qatar Internat onships pi am Ch ng Saili waters of West

FIM Motocross World Championship

Tue 12 – Sat 16: The with competitors. For Bay will be teeming it www.qatarsailing.org. more information vis

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa

Fri 1 – Sat 2: Losail Motocross Track. MX1/MX2 - Qatar Round. For more information please visit www.circuitlosail.com or www.qmmf.com.

for

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Sports

Artistic

Gymnastics World Cup

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

Around 150 of the most prominent gymnasts in the world will gather in Doha this March to participate in the 6th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup. The sporting event is one of the biggest to be held in the country in 2013. QH has the inside scoop on this very special world-class competition.

he 6th edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup 2013 will take place in and around the stunning Aspire Dome from March 27-29. The event will bring together some of the top male and female gymnasts from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France and Qatar, among many other countries. The biggest gymnastic competition in the Middle East, in 2012 the event attracted over 2,000 spectators and more than 106 million viewers watched it at home on all five continents. The Artistic Gymnastics World Cup is very important to Qatar and to the country’s vision to become a major player on the worldwide sporting scene. The competition is the sole Artistic Gymnastics world class event in the region and one of only six meetings in the new FIG World Cup Event in 2013. Viewers in attendance can watch world-class male and female gymnasts compete over six apparatus events for men and four apparatus for women.

Men's Apparatus •

Floor exercises

•

Pommel Horse

•

Rings

•

Vault

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Parallel Bars

•

Horizontal Bar

Women's Apparatus

Competition Schedule Wednesday, March 27 2:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Qualifications Six Apparatus for Men Artistic Gymnastics Four Apparatus for Women artistic Gymnastics

•

Vault

•

Uneven Bars

Thursday, March 28

•

Balance Beam

4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.

•

Floor exercises

Apparatus Finals

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Strength, agility and flexibility will determine the final outcome as competitors go head-to-head

Event: 6th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Dates: March 27-29, 2013 Venue: Aspire Dome Where to find tickets: Landmark Mall and City Centre Mall Three Apparatus for Men Artistic Gymnastics: Floor – Pommel Horse – Rings Two Apparatus for Women Artistic Gymnastics: Vault – Uneven Bars Friday, March 29 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Apparatus Finals Three Apparatus for Men Artistic Gymnastics: Vault – Parallel Bars – Horizontal Bar Two Apparatus for Women Artistic Gymnastics:

TV Coverage Al Jazeera Sport and Al Kass Channel will be the host broadcasters for the 6th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Across this dedicated coverage, a potential cumulative audience of 106 million viewers is expected Middle East: nine hours live broadcast with 18 million potential viewers. North Africa: nine hours live broadcast with 30 million potential viewers. East Asia: 58 million potential viewers. n

For More Information visit www.dohagym.com Artistic Gymnastics World Cup meetings around the world March: Cottbus (Germany) March: Doha (Qatar) April: Zibo City (China) April: Maribor (Slovenia) April: Osijek (Croatia) June: Ghent (Belgium)

Balance Beam – Floor

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Sports

The traditional stallions of Arabia can be worth millions to the right buyer!

! s e c a R e h T Off To By Tasbih Amin

The Middle East is home to some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most coveted pure-bred horses. The image of the white Arabian stallion has long been associated with the mystique and tradition of the Arab culture. QH takes you inside the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club to learn more about their events and services.

he Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC) is an organization that was established in 1997 by a group of Qataris who had a great passion for pure Arabian horses and wanted to organize a training centre for their own horses as well as racing and beauty shows for the public to enjoy. Contrary to popular belief, the Equestrian Club is not a riding school. The club has a giant stable with 400 boxes, where Qatari owners can keep their horses for training. The club is also equipped with a huge swimming pool for the horses, a veterinary clinic, a massive race-track and soon, they will open a clubhouse. In short, the Equestrian Club is an amazing facility for

training and pampering horses in Qatar. Also, the club has a riding school for Qatari children who are interested in this traditional Qatari sport.

free! Visit www.qrec.gov.qa to view the full lineup of races and cup events and join the crowds in the grandstand! n

The riding season starts mid-October and ends at the beginning of May. During this time, the club organizes race meetings twice a month for the riders to gather and discuss upcoming events.

About the Equestrian Club

Last month the club hosted the biggest event of the season: Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Equestrian Festival. The event included a competition for pure Arabian horses, a competition for Egyptian horses, and also a three-day international race with horses from all around the world. These events at the club are all open to the public for

Location: Al Rayyan, Doha Timings: Subject to variation so be sure to call in advance Contact Info: 4480-8122 or www.qrec.gov.qa

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Sports

The AHB team unites for National Sport Day!

AHB Group Upholds

The National Sport Day Vision oup took to the field on med Hassan Bilal Gr Ah of nt me st February. ge na ma d icket Grounds this pa Employees an Cr y Ba st We e th at a lively match National Sport Day for

ebruary 12 marked a special day for members of the Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group head office. As Doha teemed with crowds enjoying a wealth of activities along the Corniche and at Katara and Aspire, many businesses across the city also organized special events for their employees. Since cricket is a hugely popular sport in Doha, the decision to organize a match was put forth at AHB head office as a way to actively participate in National Sport Day and acknowledge the vision set forth by His Highness, The Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

“We as a company want to express our gratitude to His Highness, The Heir Apparent, and show our unwavering support for the National Sport Day,” said AHB Chairman Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal. “The health of Qatar’s population is of utmost importance and education must begin at a young age. Instilling healthy lifestyle habits in our children will ensure that the trend is carried on throughout future generations – accomplishing the goal of His Highness’s vision for a healthy and prosperous nation.”

this year’s National Sport Day even better than the last.

Playing throughout the day, AHB employees were able to keep fit and have fun, fully enjoying the active participation as they contributed to make

Cricket fans, grab your bats. We hope you enjoy the photo highlights from the AHB team! n

lid Ahmed General Manager and Kha L-R: Kenneth Aldred, AHB Public Relations observe the of ctor Dire AHB l, Hassan Bila action on the field

“It’s an honour for us to contribute in some small way to the greater vision of the nation,” said Mr. Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal, QH’s Editor-in-Chief. “Through diligence and the constant awareness that events like National Sport Day bring, we as a country move one step forward toward achieving our collective goal of sustained good health.”

Hashim Khatri, AHB Hea enjoys the festivities d of Human Resources with his son AHB employ

ees keep an

eye on the sc

ore

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Crowds gather to cheer on the teams

AHB employee Ramesh Deen practices his football technique

Left: Kushagra Mehta, AHB Accounts Manager steps up to the pitch

Left: Iqbal Zariwala, AHB I.T. Administrato r waits to go up to bat

AHB team members show

Kids of all ages took

rt Day T-shirts

Cricket Fun Facts

part, winning some spe

Happy National Sport Day!

off their new National Spo

ctacular trophies

•

Originating in England in the Middle Ages, lumps of heavy sheep’s wool were used as the first cricket balls.

•

In the 1760s, it was common for players to pitch the ball in the air, so the bat shape evolved from curved to straight.

•

When a player achieves a score of 100 runs, it’s known as a ‘century’ and is one of the highest accomplishments in the sport.

•

The world’s longest cricket match was in 1939 as England and South Africa competed for two weeks straight, with the match finally ending in a tie.

•

Cricket uses two umpires, one on the field and one off the field, but only one player can run out at a time, at the umpire’s discretion.

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Sports Listings IAID Aerobics

Saturdays - Thursdays: IAID. Aerobics integrates the modern breakthroughs of Pilates, Zumba and high-intensity interval training. For more information call 4432-0974.

IAID Ballroom Dancing

Saturdays & Sundays: IAID. Ballroom dancing, a refreshing dance choice, takes participants through a set of partner dances enjoyed at social occasions. Get into the rhythm of swing, salsa, jive, tango, rhumba, cha cha and samba, while reaping the benefits of health and fitness. For more information call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Bootcamp

Wednesdays: Doha Marriott Spa. For those who want visible results in no time. Non-stop cardio and strength training, done military style with Adamou. QR 35 (free for spa members). For more information call 4429 8520

QMMF Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Fri 8 – Sat 9: Losail International Circuit. For more information please visit www.circuitlosail.com or www.qmmf.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Box Step

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

QMMF Qatar National Road Racing Championship

DOHA MUMS Couch to 5k Running Program

Fri 8 – Sat 9: Losail International Circuit. Round 2. For more information please visit www.circuitlosail.com or www.qmmf.com.

QMMF Track Day

Sat 16: Losail International Circuit. For more information please visit www.circuitlosail.com or www.qmmf.com

QMMF Qatar International Road Racing Championship Qatar National Road Racing Championship

Fri 22 – Sat 23: Losail International Circuit. Both round 3. For more information please visit www.circuitlosail.com or www.qmmf.com

Mondays & Thursdays: Park next to Sheraton. Babies and pre-schoolers are more than welcome in jogging-type strollers. The workout will last around an hour with cool down and stretching. Starts at 8:15 a.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

CLASSES INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Abs Workout

Wednesdays and Fridays: The Bay Club. The instructors will concentrate on your exercise technique to work the abdominal muscles from every conceivable angle. Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m., Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Free for members, QR 30 for non-members. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com.

Activities & Clubs

Bike Riding Swimming The Corniche Aspire Park

Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence 4413-6219 or www.aspire.qa Aqua Park

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Bowling

The Qatar Bowling Center 4432-9178 or www. qatarbowlingcenter.net Strike Bowling Alley (City Center) 4483-9162

Saturdays & Mondays: Fitness Club. Classes at 10:00 a.m till 10:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Spinning Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: The Bay Club. Spinning is adaptable to your fitness level. Mondays and Wednesdays 6:15 p.m., Fridays 12:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. QR 25 for members, QR 35 for non-members. For more information call 4484-4852.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Step AO2

Mondays and Wednesdays: The Bay Club. Step AO2 improves both mental and physical fitness, burning away calories while learning fun routines to the newest music. More suitable for intermediate steppers. Starts at 10:00 a.m., QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com.

Horse Riding

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

Sailing

Doha Sailing Club 4443-9840 or www.qmsf.com Regatta Sailing Academy 4442-4577 or www. regattasailingacademy.com Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com

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QATAR HAPPENING 1-2 PAGE 18-2-2013.pdf

18/02/2013

13:44

MÖVENPICK TOWER & SUITES Swimming Wednesdays – Mondays: Pool. Lessons for all ages. Book 10 sessions and receive two for free. Adults QR 1,000, children QR 900. Advanced booking is required. For more information call 4496-6410.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA 3/15 Workout Thursdays: The Bay Club. Cardiovascular aerobics choreography, cardiovascular basic step choreography and shaping and toning work, lasting 15 minutes each. Thursdays at 4:00 p.m., QR 30 for members and QR 40 for non–members. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com.

IAID Yoga

Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays: IAID. Yoga relieves stress and meets overall health and fitness. The course focuses on Hatha Yoga, which paves the way to a holistic yogic path including physical postures, purification procedures, poses, yogic breathing and meditation. For more information call 44320974/6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

YAMA YOGA Yoga

Daily: Garveys & Asas Twin Towers. For all levels. For more Y information call 6617-5802 or visit www.yamayogastudios.com. CM

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Zumba

Mondays: The Bay Club. 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 400-1000 calories per hour. Suitable for all ages, shapes and fitness levels. From 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com.

CMY

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Zumba

Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs: Fitness Club. Classes at 6:15 p.m. till 7:15 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information call 4484-7450.

DOHA RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Doha vs Bahrain Fri 1: Rugby Club. Men’s friendly rugby match. For more information visit www.doharfc.com.

Golf

Tennis & Squash

Ice-Skating

Walking

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

Winter Wonderland (City Center) 4483-9162

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Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Park at Museum of Islamic Art The Corniche The Pearl-Qatar (2.5 km) Aspire Park 2/24/13 3:47 PM

AD - QH Online.pdf

12/20/12

12:12 PM

Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trad. & Contracting Co. Bilal Tower, Al Ashmeck Area, 11th Flooor . Tel. 4442 8877

CMY

Interior Design Forum Design, Bilal Tower, Al Ashmeck Area, 11th Flooor 4456 8716 (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)

Restaurant

Sizzling Hot Pot 4411 5225 Ground Floor Entrance 7 Holiday Villa Hotel, Doha (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)

Get Noticed! Advertise Here

Book your Space Today:

Restaurant ChowkinghSalwa Road 4437 1212 Saad St. 4431 4411 hAl Khor 4411 8816/ 4411 8817 hAl

Jorge Granda Sales & Communications Manager, QH Magazine The Art Of Business And Print Communications, An Associate Of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group Tel: +974 4427-8416 Mob: +974 5584-4905 Fax: +974 4427-8415 P.O. Box 7848, Doha, Qatar

(An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)

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QH Sensations

RECOMMENDS

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

lette Ashlee - Sephora Makeup Pa

Chet and her kids, Sam and Angel, enjoying the pool

Chet

Staycation at Mövenpick Tower and Suites

ick! Editor’s P I received this makeup set from Sephora for a birthday present a few months ago and it’s easily one of the most useful gifts a girl could ask for. With 50 shades and colours to choose from I’m never at a loss when it comes to ‘putting on my face’ in the mornings. With looks that work for day-time and loads of sparkly, glam shades for night, the Sephora Palette includes eye-shadows, gel eyeliners, bronzers, blushes and lip glosses. I particularly love the little slide-out hidden compartments that house the lip and cheek colours and with a big mirror on the inside and an easy handle for carrying, you’ll be smudge-proof for life! Available at Sephora in Villaggio Mall for QR 155.

Srimani

Susanna

Interflora Co. Want to let your Mum know you’re thinking of her this Mother’s Day? Why not send her a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to tell her how much you love her. Call Interflora Co. at 4432-2717 or 4441-8256 or email interfloraqatar@yahoo.com. Go on, make her day!

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Ever since I tried this lotion by L’Occitane I feel like I’ve found the right product for my skin. It’s enriched with shea butter to help protect and soften the texture of your skin. Enhanced with a floral fragrance evoking sugar-coated rose petals, it leaves my hands soft and smooth with no oily traces and can be applied as often as needed. Order yours at www.sephora.com and choose from their wide selection of varieties.

When we had to leave our flat for two days, nothing beat our stay at the Mövenpick Tower and Suites! My kids enjoyed the room and the amenities of the hotel. They had fun at the kid’s playroom while my husband and I had a wonderful time at the Bayview 26 pool area. If you want a stress-free weekend don’t hesitate to check them out as they have nice staff who are willing to assist you with all your needs. Visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com to book your own staycation!

Zahi

Galaxy Chocolate Cake Bars With four different flavours to choose from – chocolate, vanilla, caramel and hazelnut, these Galaxy bars are the perfect combination of sweet chocolate and fluffy cake. Perfect for those stressful days during production week here at QH! It’s such a flavour rush my brain sometimes gets overloaded and I end up with a sugar headache! Sold at pretty much any convenience or grocery store, wait are you waiting for?

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QH Sensations Need a manly makeover? You’ll find it at Snips.

Re-Bonding Hair re-bonding is a hair-straightening procedure, which means chemically treating your hair to make it fall straight. The chemicals used alter the structure of the inner layers of curly hair, giving it that poker-straight look. The Process The re-bonding process starts with the application of a cream softener or relaxant designed to break down the normal structure of your hair. This is followed by the application of a softening lotion and neutralizer which restructures your hair and makes it straight. The effects of re-bonding last from six to 12 months. After the procedure, it’s advised you not wash your hair for 24 hours to three days, or use any hair accessories to bind it. Re-bonding can be a harsh treatment for the hair shaft and follicles because of the chemicals that make it work. So it’s crucial to look after your re-bonded hair; it’s especially weak and fragile at this stage and even a simple action like brushing can cause damage. How to Care for Re-Bonded Hair Hair that has undergone re-bonding shouldn’t be exposed to hot water or even a warm water wash. Use only cold water on your hair. Also avoid heated flat irons, curling irons and hairdryers. If you have to blow-dry your hair do it on the cold-air setting. Leave-in conditioners are like life-giving nectar for your hair, so feel free to use them generously and regularly after a re-bonding treatment. Occasionally using a clarifying shampoo to clear out any residual products in your hair is also good advice. Steps:

Time To Treat Your Hair!

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

If you’re looking for hair treatments specially customized for men, then Snips at the Holiday Villa is the spot. The men’sonly salon offers top-notch grooming services for guys so QH put their innovative approach to the test.

here aren’t many men’s-only hair-care centres in Doha, so when I heard that the Holiday Villa recently opened Snips (a stand-alone male-only salon), I was very curious to find out more about the place. Decked out in black leather furniture and black and white walls, Snips successfully fuses beautiful aesthetics with modern masculine elements, and their equipment is of the highest quality. After having a long conversation with the General Manager about the different types of grooming packages I decided to try some hair re-bonding, a Seaweed Scalp Treatment, a Snips Revival 6 Hair Treatment and a haircut.

Shampoo Towel blot/ finger-dry hair until 50% dry Soften the hair with a softening lotion Softening application takes 5-10 minutes Wait for 15-30 minutes for the chemicals to work Rinse the softening lotion Finger-dry 100% Iron the hair section by section with BABYLISS straightening iron Apply a neutralizer and leave for 10 minutes Rinse (make sure no excess product remains) Home Care: Collagen Aqua Cleanser Collagen Care Mask Part 2 Leave-In Treatment

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Purchase your own Seaweed Scalp treatment products for homecare at Snips

Seaweed Scalp Treatment This treatment is designed for people with psoriasis eczema, dermatitis, an irritating, itchy scalp or very dry scalp conditions due to stress or bad weather. This deep cleanse unclogs pores and removes all toxins and impurities from the skin/scalp. The seaweed contains pure, natural ingredients your scalp needs to flourish and is suitable for all skin types, from very sensitive to normal.

Jorge’s hair starts to go from curly to straight

Procedure: Use treatment bowl and brush for application Apply the seaweed directly to the scalp using professional treatment brush Gently spread out the seaweed evenly. Flip the hair side by side to ensure coverage on all parts of the scalp Gently massage the scalp seaweed is fully absorbed To ensure an even distribution, use a comb to gently run through the hair several times until the product spreads Rinse with warm water Steps: Scalp analysis Cleanse with scalp-cleaning shampoo Application 3-5 minutes

the hair. These penetrating treatments, often called restructurings, are designed to repair the physical structure of the fibers within the cortex and damaged areas of the cuticle layers. Apart from smoothing the hair and adding shine, it makes the whole hair structure much stronger. Procedure: Combine two different mixtures of Revival 6 containing Collagen, Keratin & Moisture Use treatment bowl and brush for application Apply the Revival 6 treatment directly to the hair using professional treatment brush Gently spread the solution evenly. Flip the hair side by side to ensure the Revival 6 coverage to all parts of the scalp Gently massage the hair until the product is fully absorbed

Scalp massage

To ensure an even distribution, use a comb to gently run through the hair several times until the product spreads

Rinse

Rinse with warm water

Hydra-mist machine 10-15 minutes

SNIPS REVIVAL 6 HAIR TREATMENT This treatment consists of six major elements: hair collagen, moisture, mineral, mono fiber etc, to improve texture and improve chemicallystressed hair. They enter the hair shaft through the cuticle layer and are deposited into the cortex by capillary action. This suction of the products is like a natural magnetism, drawing the solutions into the cellular spaces within

STEPS:

Letting the re-bonding chemicals do their job

The Final Look Although a haircut at Snips is a bit pricier than the usual corner barber shops around town, it’s cheaper than some of the other male salons in Doha. On the hair front, I must say that my stylist succeeded where many others have failed. After the barrage of treatments my scalp just went through, she cut my hair the exact way I wanted it. A relaxing head massage and a chair that massages your back while your hair is being washed, (a first in Doha), sealed the deal. The overall experience was just awesome. n About Snips Salon Location: The Holiday Villa Hotel Timings: Sat-Thurs, 11:00 am. -10:00 p.m. Fridays: 2:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Hair analysis

Prices: Haircut, wash & blow, QR 70

Cleanse with shampoo

Hair re-bonding, QR 300

Application 3-5 minutes

Seaweed Scalp Treatment, QR 150

Hydra-mist machine 10-15 minutes Hair massage

O2 Revival 6 Hair Treatment, QR 200 Contact Info: 4408-4083/4078 or visit www.holidayvilladoha.com

Rinse

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QH Sensations

Easter And Mother’s Day Events Whether you’re on a hunt for the biggest Easter egg, or want to do something special for Mom this March, look no further. We’ve got the info on all the happening spring holiday events!

Mother’s Day HILTON DOHA Fri 29: La Sahtaine. Enjoy musical numbers played on the grand piano by Lily, amidst beautiful views and an elegant setting. Special menu including a welcome beverage for QR 250. For more information call 4423-3333.

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Thurs 21: The Lagoon. Buffet indoors and BBQ outdoors, Kids Corner in the garden with live music from 6:30 p.m., QR 180 per person. For more information call 4484- 8512.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Fri 22: Le Grill. Enjoy a warm roast family lunch, (complimentary meal for Mums), plus a free facial session at the splendid beauty salon. QR 180 per person, QR 220 per person including house beverages. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Thurs 21: Seasons. Treat your mum to a seafood-themed dinner. QR 160. For more information call 4429-1111.

Thurs 21: Aramede. Special Oriental buffet, with a gift for every mother. QR 170 per person. 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Fri 8: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Each Mom will receive a special Mother’s Day rose and voucher for The St. Regis Doha Reméde Spa while enjoying the weekend a la carte brunch. QR 250 including soft drinks and QR 375 including a selection of beverages. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

LA CIGALE

GRAND REGENCY DOHA Thurs 21: Grand Gourmet Restaurant. Special dinner buffet for QR 150 per person. For more information call 4434-3203.

Thurs 21: Flower Shop, La Traiteur. Special cakes with different flavours and shapes. Le Cigalon Restaurant. Luxurious buffet lunch or dinner. For more information call 4288-8888.

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Easter CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

MARRIOTT HOTEL DOHA

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Sun 31: Aramede. Special Easter brunch and kids go free. QR 225 per person. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Sun 31: Restaurant Gallery. An ‘egg-stravagant’ Easter brunch buffet from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. Regular price QR 245, QR 350 with bubbly. For more information call 4429-8499.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA

RITZ-CARLTON DOHA

Fri 29 & Sun 31: Outside brunch. Kids activities on Good Friday: Treasure hunt, bouncy castle, face painting and balloon twisting. Kids activities on Easter Sunday: Easter egg hunt, bouncy castle, face painting and balloon twisting. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

Sat 30: The Lagoon Garden. Live entertainment and BBQ as well as an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., QR 260 per person. For more information call 4484- 8512.

Fri 29: Vine. An extensive buffet and live cooking stations with a special children’s buffet and Easter activities on the terrace including egg hunt, face painting and jumping castle. QR 345 including soft drinks and QR 395 including a selection of beverages. 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105.

HILTON DOHA

Sun 31: Seasons. Kids will enjoy fun activities including egg colouring and a quest in search of the secret treasure. QR 215. For more information call 4429-1111.

Fri 29: Trader Vic’s. Easter Bunny, face painting and an Easter egg hunt, live music and amazing views. Starting at QR 295 per person including unlimited soft drinks. For more information call 4423-3333. HILTON DOHA Fri 29: Mawasem. Easter Bunny, face painting and an Easter egg hunt, live music and amazing views. Starting at QR 222 per person including unlimited soft drinks. For more information call 4423-3333.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Fri 29: Set up for 8 people the BBQ Donut will take you on the West Bay shores for an exquisite dining experience. QR 450 per hour plus QR 180 per person, 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470.

SEALINE BEACH RESORT Fri 29: Bonbini Restaurant; Join Bunny and friends for a special Easter brunch. 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m., QR. 160 per person. For more information call 4476-5249. LA CIGALE Sun 31: Le Cigalon. Challenge your family and friends with an Easter hatch egg competition. QR 250 including American coffee or regular tea. 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.

HILTON DOHA Fri 29: La Sahtaine. 4-course brunch with Easter Bunny, face painting and an Easter egg hunt, live music and amazing views. Starting at QR 222 per person including unlimited soft drinks. For more information call 4423-3333.

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QH Sensations Experience

ations appening destin re some h ic st ta n fa to g ere a Escapin does wonders. H d rl o w e th d n u aro

Abu Dhabi Festival

March 3-11: U.A.E.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Abu Dhabi Festival boasts a wealth of star-studded artists and performers at this cultural hub, honouring the country’s booming arts scene. Sign up for art classes or creative workshops and get your tickets in advance for top-notch artists such as Placido Domingo and the Russian Mariinsky Ballet. Walk the cultural mile at www.abudhabifestival.

Tokyo International Anime Fair March 21-24: Japan

Dig out your old Sailor Moon manga comics and pack light for the Land of The Rising Sun, because after a trip to the Anime Fair your suitcase will be bursting on the way home with new, funky finds. Meet your favourite anime cartoon voice actors, peruse the stalls at the exhibition centre for rare collector’s editions and, most importantly of all – don’t forget to dress up! Pounce over to www.tokyoanime.jp and get ready!

Long Night Of The Museums March 16: Germany

As its name suggests, the German town of Stuttgart is taken over by one long night of museum appreciation in this, one of the city’s most eventful cultural happenings. Attracting more than 27,000 visitors, the long night will see museums, galleries and exhibition spaces open for 24 hours straight. Join the wandering flow of this pedestrian-friendly all-nighter and head to www.lange-nacht.de for the full schedule.

Canadian Film Fest March 28-21: Canada

Dubai World Cup March 30: U.A.E.

Nope, not football…but, wait for it… equestrian racing! The Dubai Racing Club plays host to some of the most high-stakes horse-play on the planet. Sponsored by Emirates Airlines the top prize-winner of the climactic ‘Group 1 Flat Race’ takes home $10 million USD. See some of the world’s best-bred horses and top jockeys take to the track. Get your racing binoculars out and go to www.dubairacingclub.com for more info.

Toronto will be overrun with the best in Canuck film this spring, so join the thaw and hit the theatres to see some true gems of Canadian new cinema in the cultural capital of the North. Short films, feature films, premiere parties and galas, you just might run into some Canadian celebs, eh? Visit www.canfilmfest.ca to save your front-row seat.

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Breathe sophistication into your events. Catering by Regency Halls brings together a collection of wonderful venues, innovative cuisines and seamless planning to create truly extraordinary occasions, whether catering for 20 or 2,000, every event is tailored to perfection. From seminars to soirĂŠes and from a grand banquet to an intimate birthday celebration, whatever the theme or the scale of the event, our team can advise on every aspect crafting an unforgettable atmosphere and a lifelong memory.

www.regencyhalls.com Regency Halls I P.O. Box 22253 I Doha, Qatar Phone: + 974 4465 7776 I Fax: +974 4465 2226 I Email: sales@regencyhalls.com

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QH Sensations The palatial lobby with its inviting banquette seating

At Home At

The Hilton By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

t lity scene, the Hilton Doha is fas pita hos g nin geo bur ’s city the o ont One of the newest hotels to launch food and dining outlets and other amenities. QH spent the night new of alth we a making its mark with to bring you the review.

Home Away From Home Pulling up to the Hilton Doha, from the outside the first thing that draws my eye is the retrofeel of the exterior. Situated on West Bay’s rolling beachfront, there’s a lot of history in the Hilton brand and it comes across in its vintage-Riviera nuances. The staff are friendly as I check into a deluxe room for the night, giving me the password for the free in-room Wi-Fi and even offering to charge my cell-phone at the concierge desk when I realize I’ve forgotten my charger. It’s a Thursday night and I get settled in quickly. They’ve upgraded my room to one with a gorgeous marina view – another nice touch, and I set about exploring every nook and cranny. The décor is sleek and early modern, but somehow still has that ever-present retro vibe. The office area, complete with desk, ergonomic captain’s chair and arcing long-necked lamp could be straight out of the TV series

Mad Men. There’s a cozy couch/lounge area, flat-screen TV and a lush fall-flat-on-your-face king-size bed. It’s homey, comfortable and unpretentious – which is something I like about the Hilton. It’s a five-star brand, with every amenity and service you’d expect but its luxury is subtle and less in-your-face. It feels like a place you can call your own, rather than a hotel where you have to keep the kids on a leash and wear your best tux and heels to dinner. After a bite to eat I plan to meet some friends at Trader Vic’s, so I head into the massive ensuite bathroom to freshen up. It’s easily the most impressive part of the room. A stand-alone old-fashioned soaker tub dominates the space, juxtaposed beside a modern, spacious walk-in shower. It’s luxurious, with every attention to detail taken into consideration.

Dining At

Hilton

Included in my night’s stay is a full board package that includes dinner and breakfast

Spacious and modern furnishings

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A comforting space to call home for the weekend

at the Hilton’s all-day dining restaurant Mawasem. Located on the ground floor opposite the Eforea Spa, the hostess tells me it’s their Seafood Night so I head inside and grab a table. The restaurant isn’t as busy as I thought it would be for a Thursday. It’s a classic buffet-style spread with numerous hot and cold stations, salad and mezze bar and dessert section. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m a bit late, arriving at 8:30 p.m., (dinner is served until 10:00 p.m.), but I’m not terribly impressed with the food. Many of the dishes in the hot stations are not warm at all, but rather room temperature instead, which is a bit off-putting. They have a nice sushi station for their Seafood Night and I make up for it by loading up on maki and smoked salmon. Their grill station is heaped full of deliciouslooking charred prawns and lobster on the half-shell. I grab a piece of lobster and some accompanying shrimp tempura and take it back to my table to tuck in. The lobster is cold and rubbery and the shrimp tempura equally soggy. Not to be deterred I head back to my room, determined to arrive earlier for breakfast tomorrow to catch the food service while it’s hot and fresh.

Dip your toes in the pool then head to nearby Trader Vic’s

The next morning I keep discovering little added touches all around my room. In my rush to pack I forget another item yet again – my hair-dryer; but discover a complimentary one nestled in one of the drawers in the hall closet. Each time I had a question or concern regarding amenities in my room or the hotel at large, the front desk staff were incredibly accommodating and always did their best –whether it was a bucket of ice, a reservation at Trader Vic’s (we struck out), or a cell-phone charger. Breakfast was at Mawasem again and was served until 10:00 a.m. and again there was much room for improvement. I can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining a proper temperature in the hot station dishes. Again, the beef bacon, turkey sausages, baked beans, pancakes and waffles were all room temperature or cold. But they had a fantastic breakfast bar station with fresh fruits, cheeses, yogurts, cereal, smoked salmon and juice that I filled up on instead. Overall I would rate my stay at the Hilton Doha an 8/10. Major points for top-notch customer service, friendly, accessible staff and a luxurious room with attention to detail. The only detraction was the less than appetizing dinner and breakfast buffets at Mawasem.

Ya Hala restaurant is the perfect spot to relax

About The Hilton Doha Location: West Bay area Room Rate: QR 1,160 per night, deluxe room Extras: Free Wi-Fi service Free overnight valet parking Full-board meal package included Reservations: 4423-3333 or www.doha.hilton.com

However, the hotel has some incredible dining outlets including La Sahtaine and the iconic Trader Vic’s – one of my favourite new spots in the city. The Hilton was nice break away from home amidst the hustle and bustle of West Bay and a spot I will certainly come back to for a night on the town with friends. n

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QH Sensations

Luxury AtKempinski By Ashlee Starratt

We hop over to Bahrain for a weekend break at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre, exploring how the iconic five-star hotelier is making its mark in the heart of Manama.

Unwind in style with a perfect weekend getaway at Kempinski.

t’s a short flight from Doha to Bahrain – less than 30 minutes – but a whole world of difference lies within that quick span. With its tropical feel and wide-open vistas it’s hard to believe that you’ve left one desert region for another. A series of super-highway bridges connect the island of Muharraq with the capital city of Manama, a short ride from the airport. It’s a country that’s built its modern vision on a foundation rich in history – one which we’ll have ample time to explore over the next two days. For travelers in a crunch for time, that’s one of the best conveniences about the island nation; its small geographical area allows you to explore the bulk of it over relatively short distances. And, as we soon discover, its people are warm, welcoming and above all proud to show off all that makes Bahrain a special place to live, work and visit.

A Five-Star Feel The Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre is one of the newest hotel developments in the country. Open for only a year and a half it’s already become a popular destination for locals and tourists simply on word of mouth alone. Its advantages are first of all, location. Attached to the Bahrain City Centre Mall, the hotel is a one-stop destination in itself, immersed in luxury and surrounded by down-to-earth staff. Every attention to detail is made at the Kempinski, from the décor, to the architecture, to the added touches that make you feel at home. We check into a deluxe room on the 15th floor with a view that spans the Manama cityscape. It’s something I quickly come to love – how you can see for miles at a time from any elevated vantage point in this country. Glittering skyscrapers give way to maze-like neighbourhoods and traditional houses in subtle juxtaposition. The rooms at Kempinski are designed with class and comfort in mind, striking a balance between both that is nothing less than elegant. Decked out in cool dark wood tones with a mauve colour palette, the walls above the bed are adorned with silver floral decals and matching bedside lamps. There’s a huge flat-screen TV, a seating area, mirrored dressing table and a huge walk-in closet that’s roomy enough to store a suitcase while your clothes can be stored in the chest of drawers that line the inside wall. Without a doubt the signature feature of the room is the open-concept bathroom. Equipped with ‘smart-glass’, the encased walls go from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch, depending on the level of privacy you want. It has to do with the electrical current running between the panes of glass that create the effect and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen this feature in a hotel. There’s a deep free-standing soaker tub, a spacious walk-in shower with massaging rain shower-head and a brightly-lit sink and mirror area where I can do my make-up. The stark white tones of the bathroom give the whole space an incredibly modern feel, paired with the lush dark palette of the bedroom area. The idea of being able to have a bath while looking out through the smart-glass at the sprawling lights of the city below is appealing to say the least. Bizarre Lounge’s Arabian-chic

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A place where you’ll easily feel at home

We’re greeted by Public Relations Manager Sari Mabire, who has a full itinerary planned for the weekend and she escorts us to their all-day dining restaurant Saveur for a lovely Valentine’s dinner. The restaurant is beautifully open-concept – an architectural feature that’s repeated throughout much of the hotel. With its open-air kitchens and buffet stations, tonight they’re serving a special set menu for Valentines’ – a selection of tartares, a soup course, a delicious stuffed-veal main and a mouth-watering crépe Suzette for dessert, made at the table. It’s a really nice way to start the weekend. As we tour the hotel the following day I begin to have a better understanding of what it means to be part of the Kempinski brand – and just how much design, planning and preparation went into to every facet of the hotel. Consisting of two towers, the Grand and the Ixir, both are located adjacent to one another with convenient access through the Bahrain City Centre Mall. With a total of 460 rooms, including 79 suites between both buildings, the overall site is massive. While the Grand tower is more modern in its design and architecture, the Ixir has a distinctively Arabian feel to the décor. We hit up the Ixir’s ultra-chic Bizarre Lounge – a hotspot on Manama’s nightlife scene, and enjoy a tantalizing dinner at Baharat, the Ixir’s signature Arabic restaurant. Serving traditional dishes from a multitude of Arab countries, there’s something to tempt everyone’s tastebuds – we recommend the signature home-made strawberry ice cream for dessert after sampling some traditional Bahraini shrimp biryani and freshly-made shwarmas. (Be sure to say hello to hostess Maha, she’ll make sure your every need is taken care of!) They also have a lovely traditional Oriental dance performance starting at 10:00 p.m. each evening to entertain guests as they dine.

Sari also shows us the conference centre on the second floor of the Grand tower. Fullyequipped with state-of-the-art technology, there’s a room for every kind of meeting or function imaginable. After a quick tour we head off to the Pure Spa on the third floor for a relaxing massage treatment. There’s a spacious gym and outdoor access from the spa reception area to the pool lounge, shared between both towers. Though it’s still a bit chilly to swim, that hasn’t stopped a few people enjoying the breezy sunshine on the terrace. It’s an infinity pool, with adjoining hot tub and there’s also a children’s playroom and a fully-stocked bar area where patrons can imbibe in a beverage poolside.

‘Smart-glass’ is a unique touch to every bathroom

A Hotel With A Heart Earlier in the day I have the pleasure of speaking with Executive Assistant Manager Florian Willes during lunch at the Mezzanine Lounge. Overlooking the lobby the Lounge is a popular gathering spot; with a high amount of foot traffic funneled through from City Centre Mall, visitors or guests can grab a bite to eat in luxury, either in a private booth or one of the Lounge’s curtained media pod areas, complete with television, Wi-Fi access and DVD player – perfect for a quick lunchtime business meeting. The décor is rich and lush, looking out over the

Comfort meets style in each room

Back indoors the Pure Spa is tranquil, with natural water and rock elements. I have an aromatherapy massage complete with rose-petal foot bath. My therapist is Thai and her technique is impeccable. It’s been a busy day and I have a bit of headache, so she focuses on my neck, head and maxillofacial areas, using a variety of essential oils to revive my muscles and invigorate the senses. Baharat restaurant’s sleek interior

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QH Sensations wide atrium down to the lobby below. Tucked in behind the Mezzanine Lounge is Boudoir, one of the hotel’s signature outlets, perfect for grabbing a night-cap. Sari tells us it’s been a hub for various fashion photo shoots and we can definitely see why; its lush ornate décor, plush seating and crown molding remind us of something out of a sultan’s palace or a czar’s play-room. We enjoy a platter of bite-sized tapas for starters at Mezzanine and chat with Florian about what makes the Kempinski Grand & Ixir stand apart in a world of luxury hotels. Aside from the quality of the service – staff members take care to learn each guest’s name and the level of luxury accommodations, we learn that a big part of what makes a difference are its green initiatives. “Because we are a relatively new building most of those things have been built in already,” says Florian. “Other things we’re working on. You might have seen in your room a little tree placed in your dressing area? Basically people have the opportunity to place that tree on the bed if they don’t want to have the linens exchanged for that day, to save on water consumption. Water is obviously very valuable here. That is one of our initiatives. Another is our in-room directory. We don’t have a printed directory, it’s all on the TV, so if you have any questions about the services you can find it online to save on printing and paper.” The Kempinski Grand & Ixir also practices composting and recycling throughout the facility, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible. Sari also goes on to tell us that they were one of the only hotels in the city to have a real Christmas tree in their lobby this year. After the holiday season, instead of discarding the tree, they had it chopped down to firewood and distributed to local communities and families who needed kindling to heat their homes or businesses. It’s these kinds of added touches that make the Kempinski a hotel with a heart and it’s not hard to see why its staff and management take such pride in what they do. Bahrain is a country full of history and natural beauty and one that we will definitely come back to visit for a longer period of time. Rest assured the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre will be our first choice for accommodation on a return trip, as it’s now a home away from home.

city. Explore the souq stalls, stumble upon traditional bakeries, take in the unique architecture and be sure to say hello to the locals! Bahrain International Circuit: Formula 1 fanatics will get their fix out at the track, about a 25-minute drive from the city centre to Sakhir at the edge of the desert. If you’re traveling to Bahrain during April book your tickets early for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Explore the visitor centre, pose next to a genuine F1 race-car, walk through the stands and get some great shots of the circuit from above. Adliya, Block 338: The hub of Manama’s restaurant and nightlife scene, take your pick of global gastronomy at one of the many culinary outlets, enjoy a relaxing beverage on an outdoor terrace or put on your party shoes and hit up the local nightclubs, where the crowds are hot and the beats even hotter. The Bahrain Farmers’ Market: A real treat for those who don’t mind rising early on a Saturday. Located in the gardens of the Ministry of Agriculture about a 15 minute drive outside of the city limits, it’s one of the first of its kind in the Middle East. Local farmers, merchants and families gather to buy fresh local produce, date juices and extracts and enjoy a traditional Bahraini breakfast at the many food stalls set up along the winding paths of the botanical gardens. It’s a perfect spot to grab a healthy bite and mix and mingle in the local culture. Qala’at Al Bahrain: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qala’at Al Bahrain is one of the oldest forts and archaeological sites in the country. Bahrain was the heart of the Dilmun civilization, dating back to 3,000 B.C. and the site is a sprawling area filled with the ruins of ancient homes, temples and artifacts. Built over-top of the site is a 16th century fort that visitors can walk through – be sure to take some snapshots from the top as the views of the old civilization set against the backdrop of modern Manama is striking. The site and accompanying museum are free to visit and located in the Al Seef area, less than a 5-minute drive from the city centre. n

Day-Trippers

Fancy a ride in this F1 speed machine? L-R: Kempinski Public Relations Manager Sari Mabire gives QH’s Ashlee the grand tour

BAHRAIN QUICK FACTS: Accommodation: Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre Room rate: BHD 110-130 or QR 1,062 -1,255 (depending on the travel season)

We managed to see and do a lot in two days, thanks to Sari at the Kempinski who graciously played tour guide. Having lived and worked in Bahrain for 20 years, she was the ideal person to show us the sights. The country is relatively small so with a well-planned itinerary you can cover a lot of ground. Here are a few must-see highlights: The traditional neighbourhoods of Muharraq: Less than a 15-minute drive from central Manama, cross the bridge over into Muharraq and lose yourself for hours in the narrow alley-ways of the old

Ancient archways in the Qala’at Al Bahrain fortress

Reservations: 973+ 1717-1000 or www.kempinski.com/bahrain Currency converter: 1 BHD = QR 9.65 Airfare: QR 630, Qatar Airways round-trip economy class

Only the freshest local produce at the Bahrain Farmers’ Market

Visa info: Visas for most nationalities can be purchased upon arrival at Bahrain Int’l Airport. To check your eligibility online visit www.evisa.gov.bh.

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mends om ends mm coec ReR rg inin Virg Vi the top u o y s g in r b H Q m the staff picks fro Megastore

NAME: Paul Dela Cruz STORE SECTION: Games & Video

TIME AT VIRGIN: 3 Years

Best Part of My Job: “Well basically I love games, especially PlayStation. I consider my PlayStation as a hobby and as a buddy, so it’s really nice to work in this section. I get to test a lot of the games, since I have to know them to tell people which to choose and which are the best.” Grand Turismo 5 PS3 I love car racing and with GT5 you have all the varieties of cars to choose from including, F1 and GT racing. This latest installment also has the first online feature of the series where players can go up against virtual opponents.

Call Of Duty Black Ops 2 PS3 & XBox This is a crowd favourite and also my favourite. It comes with a multiple-player campaign mode where you can go online and play with other people. And it comes with a zombie-mode where you take on legions of the undead - it’s really amazing.

Halo 4 XBOX The Campaign I love shooting games and you’ll have some Warner Bros. great encounters with aliens in this one. Halo 4 is the first installment of a new trilogy called the ‘Reclaimer Trilogy’. The storyline begins four years after the ending of Halo 3, as the Master Chief goes up against an alien race called The Covenant and a group of ancient warriors called the Prometheans.

Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis are firing on all cylinders in this side-splitting film. Ferrell plays an ultra-conservative and ultra-hilarious presidential candidate while The Hangover’s Zach Galifianakis is the meek-mannered underdog who goes up against him. Be prepared to laugh until you cry!

Brave Disney-Pixar This family-friendly movie from Disney-Pixar has all the hallmarks the Magic Kingdom is known for: fantasy, comedy, great music and a strong message. Set in the Scottish Highlands, fiery-haired princess Merida must rely on her wits and archery skills to break a curse she brought upon her family.

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Movies ovies Mn On O ht ht liglig Spotot Sp

Oscar Look-Back

By Tasbih Amin pete each year and only a few chosen to com There are thousands of movies produced our you give We demy’s Best Picture trophy. for Hollywood’s most elite award: the Aca e the cut! mak inated for 2013. See what it takes to low-down on all nine films that were nom

The Life of Pi Other nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing and Best Visual Effects. What makes it special? This enchanting story of survival will keep you captivated and you won’t even notice those two hours go by. The beautiful graphics and CGI were breath-taking and are what made this film quite unique and exciting. No wonder it got nominated for Best Cinematography and best Visual Effects; this film is all about vivid imagery and a powerful message in the end. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Argo Other nominations: Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Original Score. What makes it special? Ben Affleck did it again! The young Hollywood director was able to bring a real life story and make it into a wild, out-of-this-world movie that will keep you glued to your seat for hours. The plot follows the boiling point of the Iranian Revolution during the 1970s and the risky plot to extract six American embassy workers from the country.

Silver Linings Playbook Other nominations: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing. What makes it special? Comedies don’t usually have a shot at the Oscars Best Picture category, but this film obviously captured the Academy’s attention. It follows two mentally-unstable people connecting and helping each other out through the messes they’ve made of their lives. The film wouldn’t be that remarkable without its outstanding cast who were able to entertain audiences every minute of the movie. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Django Unchained Other nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound Editing and Best Cinematography. What makes it special? You know it’s a great movie when a director like Quentin Tarantino is at the helm. And just like any Tarantino film, Django Unchained is all about guns, blood and intense action scenes. Also the plot is powerful and fascinating, as Jamie Foxx plays a freed slave on the hunt to rescue his wife from a life at the hands of a violent plantation owner, leaving you with an incredible adrenaline rush afterwards. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88% 102 FINAL QH MARCH 2013 FF .indd 102

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Amour Other nominations: Best Actress, Best Director, Best Foreign Film, Best Original Screenplay What makes it special? If you’re a fan of art-house cinema and heart-rending movies, then this film should definitely be on your list. The striking, passionate relationships and extremely compelling human emotions are perfectly embedded in this film. Don’t let the language barrier prevent you from watching it, Amour is a must-see!

Zero Dark Thirty Other nominations: Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing. What makes it special? Zero Dark Thirty has raised many eyebrows in term of its bold and controversial plot. The film follows the biggest manhunt in history as a top-secret intelligence team strives to capture Osama Bin Laden. The film showcases a marvellous production that will both engross you in suspense and leave you amused and utterly intrigued by its controversial ending. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Lincoln Other nominations: Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score. What makes it special? Steven Spielberg is back with another strong film that follows Abraham Lincoln’s final months as he strives to end the Civil War, unite the country and abolish slavery. It’s films like Lincoln that are worth watching to truly appreciate great figures in history

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Beasts of the Southern Wild Other nominations: Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress What makes it special? The little girl, (Hushpuppy), in this film is certainly what makes it special. We all love a hero and Hushpuppy is an extraordinary one who doesn’t possess any special superpower, but has an inspirational optimism that will sure give you goosebumps by the time the credits roll. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%

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Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

Les Misérables Other nominations: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Song, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design. What makes it special? Who doesn’t like a good musical? No one! Les Misérables is a refreshing film that brings theatrical elements to the big screen. The singing, the choreography and powerful acting are all what make this film a memorable spectacle as the classic story gets revisited, Hollywood-style. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%

Want more top scores or full-on flops? Visit www.rottentomatoes.com for the hottest movie reviews and critics’ choices.

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It Happened

Masts are raised and ships set sail on National Sport Day

Welcoming participants to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities

National Sport Day The Corniche & Katara Feb 12, 2013

QHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lanie Fillo-Pana enjoys the day with her husband Ricky and son Aziel

A young boxer gets some guidance in the ring

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Champion Victoria Azarenka faces her opponent

Runner-up Serena Williams means business on the court

Crowds fill the stands to capacity

WTA Total Ladies Open Khalifa Tennis Complex Feb 11-17, 2013

Agnieszka Radwanska waits for the serve, ready at the offensive

Anastasia Rodionova in the heat of play

Romina Oprandi runs to catch an inbound hit

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It Happened

And they’re off! Participants hit the pavement at Losail International Circuit

Celebrating a successful finish!

The Dolphin Energy Doha Dash Losail International Circuit Feb 12, 2013

Family fun was top of the list at this year’s inaugural event

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Songstress Natasha Bedingfield performs for a full house

Commercial bank Qatar Masters 2013 The Doha Golf Club Jan 23-26, 2013

Sizing up the distance from the ball to the hole, every angle counts

Spain vs. Uruguay Khalifa Stadium Feb 6, 2013

Spain’s captain and veteran player Carles Puyol receives a trophy for his 100th international game

Manolo ‘El Bombo de España’, Spain’s ultimate fan who hasn’t missed a game since 1982

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It Happened

DJ Edward Maya,

Crystal, The W Doha Hotel Feb 1, 2013

DJ Edward Maya grabs the mic and gets the crowd pumping

Doha Jazz CD Launch The W Doha Hotel Feb 9, 2013

Channeling the Blues Brothers, Doha Jazz members liven up the W Hotel at their CD launch party

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Auto enthusiasts drool over the latest models concept cars from Jaguar, Ferrari, BMW and more

Qatar Motor Show National Exhibition Center Jan 29, 2013

Red Bull Car Drift National Exhibition Center Feb 1, 2013

Second from right: QHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zahi Srour gets up close with the Red Bull drivers

Getting some major air with the stunt bike

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It Happened

Media gather for a briefing as IDAM restaurant prepares to open its doors

IDAM Grand Opening Museum of Islamic Art Jan 26, 2013

The man himself, Chef Alain Ducasse is all smiles at the launch of his latest outlet

Mediterranean Night The Holiday Villa Hotel Feb 7, 2013

Diners enjoy the full spread of Mediterranean delicacies

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General Manager Jan Kaiser and his staff celebrate their achievements over the course of the year

Annual Staff Party, Mรถvenpick Tower & Suites, Jan 30, 2013

Alessandra Bell, Marketing & Communications Manager watches the stage performance

An Oriental dance routine gets toes tapping and feet moving

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Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 4467-7731 Biella Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 4494-8888 Four Seasons 4448-1234 Grand Hyatt 4408-4220 Holiday Villa 4423-3333 Hilton Doha InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 4429-1111 Mövenpick Hotel 4496-6115 Mövenpick Tower & Suites Nando’s City Center Mall 4493-0785 4402-3333 Oryx Rotana Johnny Rockets 4455 2792 Al Emadi Complex 4460 4210 Hyatt Plaza Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 4485-4444 Sheraton Doha Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 4483-1644 St. Regis Doha 4484-7444 The Diplomatic Club W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 4434-3333 Wyndham Grand Regency Red Velvet 4408 0700 4476 5299 Sealine Beach Resort 4428 8888 La Cigale Grand Heritage Doha Hotel 4445 5555 and Spa

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 4485-4012 Patrice Salon Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 4419-5517 Saray Spa 4425-6999 Six Senses Spa

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

Doha Clinic Hospital

999

4438-4333

Emergency Hotline 4435-5999

Rumailah Hospital

4439-3333

Al Ahli Hospital

4489-8000

Pediatric Emergency

4439-2948

Doha Dental

4431-7766

Qatar Foundation for Child &

4439-2222

Woman Protection Hotline 4466-6671 / 72

Hamad General Hospital

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

Ambulance, Police & Fire Department

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

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

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

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

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

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

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