Qatar Happening - March 2015 by Qatar Happening

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg 86 The 8th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup

March 2015 EVERY ISSUE 5

Editor-In-Chief's Letter

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

QH Speaks

The QH Grab-Bag

The best of our monthly social media, plus the Hit-Or-Miss list

ENTERTAINMENT 11

Top Picks

Big, Bold And British

The Voice Of Art

Let's Swing It!

A Jewel Of A Find

We bring you an exclusive interview with legendary comedian Will Ferrell for his new movie Get Hard, in theatres now

Great Scots!

Virgin Recommends

Arts & Culture Listings

Our monthly prize corner for your chance to win

110 It Happened

QH’s photo gallery ofthe latest happening events vin Doha

120 Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

ARTS & CULTURE

A big thumbs-up for the UK as The British Festival 2015 is back with a whole month of fun-filled events! The Grand Hyatt goes gaga for the glory days of jive with the first Swing Week 2015

The King Of Comedy

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Entertainment Listings

From clothing, artwork, books and pottery, Katara's Q Talent shop is a treasure trove of local gems We go behind the scenes and back in time with the Doha Players' latest production of Shakespeare's Macbeth Find out everything that’s going on this month

Our top five must-see films of the 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 QH March 2015 - FINAL.indd 3

We learn how the Definitely Able Conference & Ilham Art Exhibition is providing a platform for artists with disabilities to shine

CHECK OUT www.qatarhappening.com for the latest information

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY 47

Top Picks

The Business Of Change

Irish Life In The Desert

Community Think-Tank

10 Ways To Make Money From Home

Exploring the roots of the annual How Women Work conference with founder Carolin Zeitler In recognition of St. Patrick's Day we look at the important work of the Irish community in Doha 7ayak Hub is providing a space where young entrepreneurs can grow, one idea at a time

pg 20

Expanding your own business from home doesn't have to mean giving up on family time

Community Listings

QH Exclusive: King Of Comedy Will Ferrell

Find out everything that’s going on this month

FOOD & DINING

SPORTS

QH SENSATIONS

Top Picks

101 Top Picks

Social In The City

Ring Of Champions

102 Embracing The Elements

A Tradition Of Taste

Shooting For The Stars

104 Through Irish Eyes

Grounds For Optimism

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Aramede's Be Social Brunch at The Crowne Plaza Doha puts the focus on quality time The Pearl-Qatar's Burj Al Hamam restaurant offers family-owned recipes that showcase the best of Lebanese cuisine

Tempt Your Taste-Buds

We go on an F&B Adventure at the Wyndham Grand Regency

Treat Your Mama Right

Spoil the woman who loves you most this Mother's Day with our delicious round-up of offerings

Food & Dining Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

We head to Aspire for the 8th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup There's much on the horizon for the Qatar Stars League and we bring you all the new developments A sneak peek at the issue of stadium security ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup

Splash And Swim

Sports Listings

We head to the pool with Evolution Sports Qatar

We go crazy for chocolate at Al Jasra Boutique Hotel's Elements Spa Head to the Emerald Isle for a glimpse of Dublin like you've never seen

106 A Swedish Treat

Art and nature collide in Stockholm− we take you there

108 The Dish On Qatar

Rent, rules and roommates... everything you need to know about accommodation in Qatar

Find out everything that’s going on this month

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

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Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:

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

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

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From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief

On The Cover?

Dear friends, It’s my privilege to welcome you to the March edition of Qatar Happening. We’ve been working hard to bring you exclusive content that you’ll only find in our pages and are excited to show you what the next four weeks have in store. Over in Entertainment and on the cover,The British Festival makes its début on March 3 and, building upon its success of last year, promises to be even more jam-packed with cultural goings-on. We bring you an introduction to the events line-up which will feature contributions from the worlds of music, sport, food, film and trade. With Qatar as a huge supporter of and investor in the UK, we hope that this cultural exchange continues to be a fruitful partnership between nations. Linking in with the UK connection, flip to our Arts & Culture section to learn more about a unique exhibition that’s providing disabled artists with a creative platform to express their interpretations of Islamic art. The Ilham exhibit will be hosted from March 18-27 at the Museum of Islamic Art as part of the Definitely Able Conference & Art Exhibition in partnership with The British Council and Sasol Qatar. We speak with the organizers to learn more about the unique artists-in-residency program that brought disabled artists from the GCC and the UK to Qatar for an inspiring two weeks of artistic empowerment. International Women’s Day on March 8 is an important occassion for many expats and I’m honoured to acknowledge the tireless contributions to the realms of education and the arts from Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, both of whom have led by example to inspire our nation’s young women. In our Community section we explore the role of women in Qatar’s job market through a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming How Women Work conference, which offers a platform for female entrepreneurs and employees to connect and learn from one another.

bringing Scotland's Breabach troupe is val 2015! their sound to The British Festi e arlan Macf ie Arch it: Cred o Phot

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com. Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor: Ashlee Starratt Finalizer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Lead Designer / Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca New Media Manager: Serah Mary Sampath Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Sarah Al Motairi, Amy Bassett, Jacqueline Bodnar,

Diana Farid, Mitch Freeley – Studio 88, Jessica Furseth, Dawn Gibson, Rodger Gillen, John Hunt, Jan Janssen, Nadir Khamis, Mark Leppard, Archie Macfarlane, Jonny Parr, Carl Roberts, Mimi Teferra

These are only a sample of the engaging features to be found in our March issue – and no, we haven’t forgotten about Mother’s Day on March 15, celebrated by many in the expat community. We’ve got a whole round-up of special brunches, lunches and tasty offerings for the whole family (especially Mom) to enjoy! As always, we hope to see you back here next month with your copy in hand. Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

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

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal

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

2014

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SPEAKS

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

The Hit-Or-Miss List

We’re Juiced! This is the second time we’re giving Raw ME’s three-day juice cleanse a go – and do we ever need it! Healthy, fresh and made-to-order, their range of cold-pressed juices are made locally and come in a variety of six punchy flavours all designed to detox, hydrate and heal. We’re in love with the minty pineapple freshness of their Cool Crush, the creamy goodness of their Go Nuts cashew milk and the ultra-dose of veggies in the carrot-infused Mega Beta. We also love the fact that they’ll deliver anywhere, anytime right to your door. QR 250 per day. Visit www.raw-me.com and grab some bottled sunshine of your own.

Editor’s Corner Welcome to the mayhem that is March; but not to worry, it’s all good! There’s so much happening this month that we had to make ourselves just a wee bit bigger – literally! 2015 has been the year of changes for QH with a new layout, new look, new paper and, now, a new size. More room on the page means more information at your fingertips and we’re immensely proud to unveil ourselves to you once again. Hot off the presses in our March issue, and one of the biggest events in the sport, the 8 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup will feature former Olympians and reigning world champions competing in men’s and women’s floor routines, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and more. Tickets are free, so we’ll catch you in the front row. th

March is also the time of year when the days start to get warmer and the nights – well, they just heat up. In Entertainment we welcome the spring launch of Sundowner Sessions on Al Dana terrace, reggae on the beach at The St. Regis, and a whole lotta soul at the first inaugural Swing Week 2015 at The Grand Hyatt. Talk about spoiled for choice – not a single one of us has any excuse not to find a party for the weekend! Also, readers with a keen eye may have noticed that we removed our monthly events calendar from last month’s February issue. That’s because we had big plans in store for the space, so, starting this issue we’re excited to introduce The QH Grab-Bag. Each month we’ll be giving away top-notch prizes to our lucky readers and social media followers, starting with a private, in-home cooking class for two from the Doha Marriott’s new Executive Chef Oliver Weber. This is just the tip of the iceberg for events and hot happenings over the next four weeks – so hang on to your hats folks, because March is coming in like a lion. See you next month,

Ashlee Starratt Editor

Top Of The Twitter-Verse @wigginprime

-bear wearing a welding mask? #Selfie at Doha airport with a giant teddy gs. #travel #wow #amaze undin #Art is about questioning your surro

Pamper Time Each month, after the magazine goes to print and the tornado that is Production Week has keeled us over, we need a day to just unplug. A recent trip to Diva Lounge Spa in The Gate mall was just the ticket – the space is vibrant, the staff friendly and their spa menu extensive. We pampered ourselves with a pedicure, some threading and their toe-curling Ancient Shiatsu massage – all for a little over QR 500. Great deal! Visit them at www.divaspaqatar.com.

Ticket Fiasco So, the good news is that we, (like pretty much all of Doha), were pumped when Iconic Qatar announced that it was moving the March 3rd Ed Sheeran concert to a larger, standing venue at QNCC and would release more tickets. The bad news is that actually getting the tickets in-hand still proved a bit of a headache after they were released online at 9:00 a.m., rather than 10:00 a.m. as advertised. Then, after technical delays and waiting for upwards of 2 ½ hours at The Grand Hyatt we finally got them in our clutches. The things we do for musical red-heads!

High Heels Hotspot We’ve always got our ear to the ground to hear tell of a new restaurant, nightclub or outlet opening. In a city as small as Doha there’s only so many places you can keep going for happy hour after work, so when a new kid on the block shows up, all eyes turn. Such is the case with the new High Heels Lounge at the Hilton Doha – with three unique spaces (lounge, restaurant and rooftop), it’s already hosted some top-tier parties and if you don’t have a table reservation on a Thursday night, you’re probably not gonna get in the door. To book call 4423-3333.

Doha Dustbowl What’s with the sandstorms blowing over our fair city and obliterating the West Bay skyline since last month? (Yeah, yeah, besides the fact that we live in a desert!) From the smog of sand that cast a pall over the recent Qatar National Sport Day, to the fact that we can’t even bother getting our car washed lest there be a scrim of dust covering it from fender-to-bumper an hour later, we’ve had enough! Surely, we’re due for some rain soon? No? Okay. Time to become a hermit.

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JW's Steakhouse

Doha Marriott Executive Chef Oliver Weber

So here’s the scoop. We’re launching a brand-new contest corner where our loyal readers will have a chance to win a different five-star prize from our monthly grab-bag! This March, the Doha Marriott welcomes their new Executive Chef Oliver Weber to the hotel. To celebrate, they’re giving one lucky winner the chance to have an exclusive cooking class for two, in the comfort of their own home with Chef Oliver! To enter visit the QH Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ QatarHappening. The winner will be selected on March 12. Good luck and bon appétit!

The vibrant band at Salsa Tex-Mex Restaurant

About Chef Oliver Born in Germany, Chef Oliver started his career as a hotel management trainee at a small family-run hotel. He realized that cooking was his passion and decided to learn the art in a Michelin star-rated restaurant. “I was eager to learn and live my passion for cooking with a clear vision to accomplish my goals,” he tells us. “At the age of 25, I decided to leave my country to discover the world with all its fascinating cultures and peoples, in search of new ingredients, spices and varieties of cuisine it has to offer.” Oliver has traveled the world and started his culinary journey in the UK. “At first, my journey took me to Scotland where I perfected my English and learned that Scotland has much more to offer than just fish and chips,” he laughs. “Then I had the amazing opportunity to join Cunard to launch the Queen Mary 2 on its maiden voyage – an experience I truly did not want to miss, as it was an experience of a lifetime… working with some great chefs coming from all over the world, having the opportunity to meet and work besides chefs like Daniel Boulud, Todd English and Jean Marie Zimmermann.” Continuously striving to seek a new challenge Oliver thought Dubai would be a good move – an amazing city and melting pot with various cultures and cuisines from all over the world, where he stayed for six years.“My first assignment was at the JW Marriott where I developed my leadership and managerial skills in a large food and beverage hotel operation where I became Executive Sous Chef,” he recalls. “Nevertheless, the most important was the immense array of cuisines, spices, flavours and odours that triggered me the most.” He was very fortunate and happy to be part of the team creating the Chef’s book New Arabian Cuisine, awarded with the Gourmand Book Award in 2008, where an array of chefs from the Orient and Occident created over 200 recipes using Middle Eastern ingredients and cooking styles presented in a modern way. After another assignment on Dubai’s prestigious Palm Jumeirah, he moved on to open the futuristic Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi hosting the Formula 1 Event

Asia Live! Restaurant

in 2009. Experiencing Asia remained one of his deepest desires and when the chance knocked on his door, he flew to Shanghai to join the JW Marriott at Tomorrow Square as Executive Sous Chef. “This beautiful cosmopolitan city with its amazing food culture…I gained a lot of knowledge and it became one of my greatest experiences,” he says. “I’ve learned that in China food plays, most likely, the biggest part in everyone’s life. The majority of different offerings from all over the country is just immense and amazes me every day all over again. It’s a non-stop learning process where there’s always something new to discover.” Another great opportunity arose at the end of 2013, the opening of the second JW Marriott in Seoul, South Korea – an amazing and restless city with an even more fascinating food scene. Now, the Doha Marriott Hotel is proud to welcome Chef Oliver to Qatar! n

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ENTERTAINMENT

Top Picks

THE RITZ-CARLTON DOHA St. Patrick’s Party

March 17: Admiral’s Club. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Admiral’s Club and be part of the festive atmosphere. Several bands will perform during the night from 5:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-8663, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA St Patrick’s Day

March 17: Jazz Up. March marks the widely celebrated Irish tradition of St Patrick’s Day. Jazz Up is going green for this occasion, with fully-themed decorations and imported Irish brews, Kilkenny and Guinness. Do a little shuffle on the dance-floor to Irish music or enjoy authentic fish and chips on the side-lines. Either way, this will be one spirited party to remember. For only QR 85, you get one Irish beverage with delicious fish and chips. Doors open from 5.00 p.m. until late. For more information call 4429-1111.

ORYX ROTANA St. Patrick’s Celebrations

March 17: Jazz Club. This year, have a rollicking time with friends at the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the Jazz Club. Live entertainment is brought to you by the resident band ‘The Band’ performing traditional Irish dance music and songs. Don’t miss out on trying their special St. Patrick’s-themed cocktails. For more information call 4402-3333.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA 80’S Party MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA St. Patrick’s Week

March 12-17: Champions Bar. Spread the Irish spirit for six days straight with live entertainment as wellknown Irish band Shamrog returns to Doha for St. Patrick’s Week at Champions. That’s not all – look forward to Irish food, plenty of Guinness and Shamrocks galore. QR 60 entry fee applicable on select days, inclusive of entry and one house beverage. From 5:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

March 27: Paloma. The weekend is party-time down at Paloma for the Funky Old School Disco. Just come down with your friends and enjoy great cocktails and funky surroundings with the Back To Back band live entertainment. QR 50 entrance fee for gents, and free drinks for ladies. Doors open from 10:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4484-4444.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Award-winning Scottish troupe Breabach will be the musical highlight at this year's festival

Big, Bold And British! Images courtesy of The British Festival 2015

The British Festival is back! And following its hugely successful inaugural year in 2014, this year promises to be another amazing event! QH puts on the Union Jack colours to bring you all the details.

his year’s edition of The British Festival features over 30 arts, educational, science, sporting, commercial, and culinary events taking place between March 3 and April 5.The festival is sponsored by BAE Systems, Ezdan Holding Group, Qatar Shell, Vodafone Qatar, Charles Russell Speechlys and Al Balagh Contracting & Trading Company and is supported by numerous local Qatari and British partners.

The festival is organized by the British Embassy in partnership with the British Council, and aims to include all the communities resident in Qatar in its activities, demonstrating the connections and common interests between the two countries. The festival is being run in association with the UK government’s ‘GREAT’ campaign, which aims to showcase the very best of what Britain has to offer.

One of the standout events of The British Festival 2015 will be a concert by award-winning traditional Scottish band, Breabach, who will be performing alongside local Qatari musicians at a concert taking place in Souq Waqif on April 5 at the Al Rayyan Theatre. As one of the UK’s most dynamic and influential bands, Breabach will deliver a thrilling and unique brand of contemporary folk music. Tickets for the concert will be available to buy from Virgin Megastores and online soon.

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Other exciting events include: Study In The UK Exhibition Radisson Blu Hotel March 16-18: Students interested in studying in the UK will have the opportunity to explore the wide range of courses available and meet representatives of UK universities.

The Circle Of Sound concert performance at the 2014 British Festival

But wait, there’s more... • A debate between top UK and Qatari university debaters in partnership with Qatar Debate, Debate Mate, and Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar. • The inaugural Hadaf five-a-side school football tournament for Qatari and British schools at the International School of London. • Also, as part of the British Festival Qatar 2015, a number of hotels will be running exciting festival promotions and events between March 3 and April 5. These include The Grand Hyatt, Th W Doha, the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, The St. Regis Doha and the Oryx Rotana. n To find out the latest information and details of all the events and promotions taking place during the British Festival Qatar 2015, visit www.facebook.com/ukinqatar, or www.facebook.com/BritishCouncilQatar. David Batchelor Flatlands Exhibition VCUQatar Gallery March 25-April 21: David is a Scottish artist and writer who primarily explores the notion of colour and our own responses to colour within society. His work revels in the brilliant hues of artificial colour and illuminated light, often hinting at the urban landscape. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu.

Parkour performers The Urban festival Playground closed out last year's -gym. by making Souq Waqif their jungle

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Night Of The Proms Building 16, Katara Opera House April 3: Scottish-born conductor Bob Ross will direct the Philharmonic through a British-style Proms night program featuring surprise special guest appearances.

Café Scientifique Qatar University March 30: Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, one of the UK’s leading space scientists, will celebrate the International Year of Light 2015 at this special event.

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ENTERTAINMENT

What till you see what happens to this tranquil terrace at Al Dana when the sun goes down...

The new season launch party and first birthday bash will showcase the skills of L.A.-based DJ/producer and two-time Grammy Award-nominee, Carmen Rizzo. He’s worked alongside some of the world’s top artists including Paul Oakenfold, Tiesto, Coldplay, Seal, Perry Farrell, Alanis Morissette, Dido, Jem, AR Rahman, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Khaled, Michael Nyman and Pete Townshend, as well as with record producers Trevor Horn, Rob Cavallo, David Foster and Marius De Vries to name a few. Loads more surprises are in store for the night including Sundowners’ birthday give-aways from various supporters and special entertainers.To add to the festivities they’ll also be having a second sound-system inside the lounge/indoor bar to get you grooving.

Kick-Off To

Sundowners! By Carl Roberts Images courtesy of Mimi Teferra

Sundowner Sessions is coming back bigger and better at the terrace at Al Dana in the Sharq Village & Spa. Doha's sunset spot, resident DJ Carl Roberts and special guests, will hit the decks every Friday starting March 6 from 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

he team who transformed Sharq Village’s Al Dana terrace into the city’s top Friday night destination are back with a bang with their First Anniversary Full Moon Party on March 6. The terrace has become entrenched as the coolest sunset vantage point in the city next to the azure waters of The Corniche, becoming a sanctuary away from the traditional nightspot hub in West Bay. For the last year, it’s proven to be the perfect place to continue your Friday brunch with signature cocktails and light bites prepared by the critically-acclaimed Al Dana chefs.

For the last 12 months, the cream of Doha’s DJ-ing talent were enlisted for the most diverse and entertaining sounds in the city. This season will have more of the same, plus top names from around the world, and collaborations with other top promoters in the city for some very special events. Sticking with their core ethos, the evenings will be themed to add a unique flavour to each Sundowners experience and, in addition to weekly guest DJs, there will be live-session musicians added to the mix to kick off the toast to Friday. For the month of March there will be the launch and First Anniversary Full Moon Party on the 6th as well as an urban, funky house session, and their special ‘Chicks On Deck’ ladies night on consecutive Fridays. The new Sundowner Sessions season on the Al Dana terrace is the ultimate open-air sunset and Friday night experience. With a relaxed atmosphere and casual dress code, they’ll once again be introducing no entrance fees. It’s where you’re warmly invited to enjoy the Arabian sunset accompanied by the hottest soundtrack and some icy cold drinks – the perfect antidote to that Friday feeling. So come out and embrace the Sundowners motto: no entrance fees, no VIPs, no attitudes – because lounging is a right, not a privilege. n For more information visit the Sundowners At Al Dana Terrace Facebook page.

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ENTERTAINMENT Crooner Matthew vanKan will be in the house at the Hyatt for Swing Week 2015!

wing lovers can rejoice as the first Swing Week in Qatar is happening this month. The event is set to take place at The Grand Hyatt Doha from March 22-28, and will bring some of the biggest names from the captivating music genre to the hotel’s gardens and Dunes Lounge.

Swing Week 2015 Opening Night Matthew vanKan Live & Swinging British swing star Matthew vanKan will be performing a special up-close-and-personal outdoor concert, in the lush gardens of The Grand Hyatt, accompanied by Gabriel Piers-Mantell on piano. The year 2014 saw Matthew vanKan entertaining guests for HRH The Earl of Wessex’s 50th birthday in the presence of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as HRH The Duke of York and HRH The Princess Royal. He gave an impromptu performance of ‘Moonriver’ at the House of Lords overlooking London’s River Thames in the presence of HRH Crowned Prince Alexander of Serbia and entertained at London’s American Embassy, The Savoy Hotel, Rosewood London, The Hospital Club in Covent Garden, The Crazy Coqs Cabaret on Piccadilly Circus and world-famous Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho. Swing Week marks the beginning of a string of international dates for Matthew in 2015, including shows in America in the second half of the year. When: Sunday, March 22 Where: The Grand Hyatt gardens Time: 8:00 p.m. Ticket price: QR 100

Thomene Dilley

Let’s

Swing It!

Images courtesy of Coco Latté

This March The Grand Hyatt and Coco Latté events are bringing Swing Week 2015 to Qatar for the first time! The star-studded event will kick off on March 22. QH has all the toe-tapping details.

Thomene was born and raised in South Africa with a guitarist for a father who was her biggest supporter when it came to her music and encouraged Thomene’s love for singing. She featured on the club hit ‘Free Your Mind’ which reached number three in the South African charts and also featured on The Future Sound Of Cape Town produced by Kim Saville. She has played at various venues around South Africa and fronted a few bands. Her trademark music style is a fusion between jazz/funk, blues and swing, touching on country, and she’s passionate about re-inventing herself and is open to trying anything musically as long as it’s enjoyable. When: Monday, March 23 Where: Dunes Lounge Time: 9:00 p.m. No entry fee

David Tughan Singer David Tughan studied at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Singing jazz and swing for twenty years now, David has worked worldwide with the best and brightest of today’s UK musicians. David’s debut album, Just In Time, was name-checked ‘CD Of The Week’ by The Guardian’s Dave Gelly, who also described David’s follow up album, Builders Brew, as “One of the most swinging and delightful combinations imaginable.” Meanwhile Clive Davis of another prestigious UK broadsheet, The Times, described the London launch of Builders Brew at premier Soho jazz club Pizza Express as, “The spirit of Sinatra”. To learn more about David’s music visit www.davidtughan.co.uk.

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Nicola Emmanuelle

Caroline Loftus S-J

When: Tuesday, March 24 Where: Dunes Lounge Time: 9:00 p.m. No entry fee

S-J S-J is one of London’s most glamourous singers, with a voice that’s been likened to a cross between Peggy Lee and Nina Simone. Sarah-Jane’s career started at 18-years-old with a stint in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Since then she has performed swing and jazz all over London at many famous venues including Kensington Roof Gardens, The May Fair (hotel), The Soho Revue Bar and Belgraves Hotel, regularly playing alongside well-known keyboardists Alex Hutton, Jonathan Gee and Sean Hargreaves.

David Tughan

Sinatra Brunch With Matthew Vankan

S-J’s effortless ability to convey a song marks her out as one of the leading new ladies on the London jazz and swing scene. For Swing Week 2015 S-J has chosen to sing some less performed ‘gems’ to deliver a genuine 40’s & 50’s swing night. When: Wednesday, March 25 Where: Dunes Lounge Time: 9:00 p.m. No entry fee

Suave and slick do not adequately describe sophisticated swing singer Matthew vanKan, who delivers classics from the 1930's and beyond with the ease and charisma of a youthful Sinatra. A unique live concert and brunch by the British celebrity crooner will feature a life stage performance and a special two-part show featuring a medley of Frank Sinatra’s best loved songs. When: Friday, March 27 Where: Dunes Lounge Time: 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. Price: QR 295 with soft drinks and QR 420 with house beverages.

Caroline Loftus

Nicola Emmanuelle

Hailed as having “a voice like honey”, Sydneyborn Caroline Loftus signed a record deal within months of realizing music was her future. Writing and recording with some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians, exciting opportunities in Hong Kong soon opened new doors and led her to London. Caroline has released three solo jazz albums, collaborated with a number of artists and performs around the globe at international venues including Sydney Opera House, Royal National Theatre, Ronnie Scotts and Netherlands Dance Theatre as well as exclusive private events. When: Thursday, March 26 Where: Dunes Lounge Time: 10:00 p.m. No entry fee

Nicola is the first London-born daughter of a swing and jazz dynasty, carrying on the fine tradition of vocal excellence her parents brought with them from South Africa in the 60’s. Over the years Nicola has had the honour of performing with countless music legends, including Jonas Gwonga, George Fenton, Phil Fearon, Pete Townshend and Mike Oldfield at some of the most revered venues including The Royal Albert Hall and Ronnie Scotts. Nicola has an effortless jazz and swing spirit and specializes in singing acapella, often throwing down incredible scat solos when the mood takes her. When: Friday, March 27 Where: Dunes Lounge Time: 9:00 p.m. No entry fee

Thomene Dilley

Putting On The Ritz Closing Night Gala Bring your dancing shoes for this special gala evening of up-tempo tunes performed live by three of Europe’s hottest jazz and swing talents; Matthew vanKan, Thomene Dilley and Nicola Emmanuelle, accompanied by Gabriel Piers-Mantell on piano. When: Saturday, March 28 Where: The Grill Gardens Time: 9:00 p.m. Ticket price: QR 100 n For more information on all Swing Week 2015 events call 7798-2400 or visit www.facebook.com/swingweek.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loaded band are back at the beach e with their stellar brand of regga

Groove To The Rhythm

Now the evenings are warming up, front-man Buggy Nhakente is back with the Fully Loaded band members, and vocalist Rhesa Garnes is also lining up for March. In case you need reminding, Reggae Nights elicit a slow, relaxed and unwinding feeling – just right for the end of the week celebrations – but the energy builds through the night when the DJ hands it over to the band. When Buggy gets the bit between his teeth, the Fully Loaded band belt out everyone’s reggae favourites, as well as their own material to an appreciative crowd.

Images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha

This season, Oyster Bay Bar is offering enhanced finger-food and beverage menus at the Reggae Nights which are on Thursdays and Fridays only, from 8:00 p.m. until late. Seating is the usual arrangement of eight VIP tables of 8-10 seats, each with a minimum spend of QR 2,000 per table (reservation is required). Sun-beds are available on a first-come-first-served basis. n

March marks the vibrant return of Reggae Nights on the beach at The St. Regis Doha. QH has all the details for you to catch that island wave!

t all started in 2012 with just 10 avid reggae devotees on the beach, swaying to the live music at the Oyster Bay Beach Bar. Now in its third year, Reggae Nights at The St. Regis have become one of the hotel’s most popular events, with more than 200 enthusiastic reggae-goers hitting the rhythm-filled sand at the end of last season.

Asked what he loves most about playing at Reggae Nights, Buggy tells us: “We give energy to the crowd and we get plenty back in return every night – it really is a great atmosphere.”

REGGAE NIGHTS Location: Oyster Bay Beach Bar, The St. Regis Doha When: 8:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m., Thursdays & Fridays Entry: • Free of charge • Food service is from 8:00 p.m. till 12 midnight • Beverage service is from 8:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. • DJ set is from 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. • Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loaded band play three sets from 10:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. Rules & Regulations • Dancing is allowed around the tables and sun-beds, but there is no dance-floor. • Accepting only original Qatari ID, Qatari driving license, GCC ID and original passports. • Dress code: Casual, in-line with the local rules and regulations. National dress and swimming suits are not permitted. • Age restriction: Must be 21 years of age or above. Qatari ladies are not permitted to attend. • Couples and mixed groups only, no single males. Head to the Oyster Bay beachfront, watch the sun go down and catch that island rhythm!

Contact Info: For more information call 4446-0105, email oysterbaydoha@stregis.com, or visit www.oysterbaydoha.com.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The King

Of Comedy By Jan Janssen Interview and selected images courtesy of Viva Press

From quirky elves and dueling stepbrothers, to more than a decade of laughs on Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell’s physical comedy has entertained a generation. We caught up with him at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival to talk about his newest comedy Get Hard, hitting theatres this March, where he plays a crooked businessman facing time behind bars alongside co-star Kevin Hart.

ill Ferrell fits the definition of the term ‘funny-man’ probably as well as anyone on Earth. When he's not playing oddball, sleazy, and lunatic characters in films like Anchorman, Blades of Glory, Talladega Nights, and Zoolander, he's maintaining his absurdist aura by throwing basketballs in cheerleaders' faces (it was actually a large Nerf-ball), raising money for charity in a spirited ‘drum-off’ with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer and lookalike Chad Smith on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, or, in the guise of his Anchorman persona Ron Burgundy, singing Loverboy's ‘Working For the Weekend’ as a campaign song on behalf of Toronto's beleaguered then-mayor, Rob Ford.

saying will hit you like a ton of bricks and then I'll lose it. But you try not to do that because often there's no turning back and you're just a giggling mess! I have an image to uphold." Will Ferrell will undoubtedly be making it impossible for audiences to control their laughter in his new film, Get Hard, in which he plays James King, a crooked hedge-fund multi-millionaire who, after being sentenced to ten years in San Quentin prison for fraud and embezzlement, hires a black man (Kevin Hart) to train him to be tough enough to survive life behind bars. Part of the comic premise is that co-star Kevin Hart's character Darnell is not at all a tough guy – he's merely the only black man that King happens to know because he washes cars where the hedgefund manager normally parks. And after the judge gives James 30 days to get his affairs in order, he turns to Darnell to school him in the ways of bad-boy criminals. Ferrell is married to 45-year-old Viveca Paulin, a Swedish actress/producer, whom he met in the mid'90s during a summer acting program at the South Coast Repertory Theatre in Orange County. They married in 2000 and live in Los Angeles with their three sons, Magnus, 9, Mattias, 6, and Axel, 3. In the interview that follows, the tall (6'3") and gangly Will Ferrell tries to lace his delicious deadpan irony with a few sober observations. In addition to Get Hard, Ferrell will also be re-teaming with his former buddy cop co-star Mark Wahlberg (The Other Guys) in Daddy's Home.

It's this engaging manic sensibility that has made the 47-year-old Ferrell one of the most popular and beloved comedians of his time. Even though he almost never tells a joke, his collection of dead-pan facial expressions and pompous arrogance are all that it takes to incite instant laughter from anyone who watches him while he's indulging in his preening, selfimportant, and madcap alter-egos. How does Will Ferrell ever manage to maintain a straight face through all this? "I'm pretty good at staying in character and not breaking up," Ferrell explains. "I enjoy being part of the atmosphere you create with other actors and you try not to spoil that process. Of course, sometimes the absurdity of what we're doing and what we're

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Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart star in the prison-buddy comedy, Get Hard in theatres now

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ENTERTAINMENT QH: Why do you pick Kevin Hart's character to train you? WF: He's the only black man I know and my character engages in racial profiling. He picks Darnell because he just assumes that every black guy is a criminal or belongs to some gang. Of course, he has no idea that Darnell is not at all a tough guy but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s put through what Darnell calls his prison readiness program and deals with issues like how to survive a prison riot, putting on a mad-dog face, and prison courtyard protocol. It's very rigourous training. QH: You've enjoyed tremendous success with your work in the Lego film. Is it fun to play animated characters like Lord Business? WF: The great thing is that you just let your imagination run completely wild and invent a lot of strange fantasies to keep you in character. Although as a very devoted method actor, in this case I didn't stay in character when I went home at night although my children would have probably enjoyed that. n in Get Hard who turns Ferrell plays a shady business tycoo help turn him into the to Hart) Kevin by d (playe ll to Darne to survive behind bars gangster he needs to be in order

QH: You've also produced a film, Welcome to Me, with Kristen Wiig. Do you like being a producer? WF: Yes. I was tyrannical on set. I would scream and torment everyone as often as possible. QH: Let's talk about some of your greatest comic creations. Is Ron Burgundy one of your favourite characters? WF: I have deep affection for Ron, but his popularity is something that goes way beyond anything we felt at the time the film was released. It was successful, but not a big smash [upon Anchorman's release in 2004], and things began to snowball over the years. People would be talking about Ron more than any of the other characters I played â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ricky Bobby (from Talladega Nights) is very jealous! QH: You've enjoyed staying in character as Ron Burgundy while promoting Anchorman 2. Is that kind of pretense part of what you enjoy about comedy?

QH: Will, are you the funniest man on the planet? WF: Yes. There's been several key studies made on the subject and I come out on top every time. It's like global warming, 99.99% per cent of the scientific community backs me. I'm shocked and disappointed that you even ask me this kind of a question. It's an outrage. QH: Let's talk about your new film, Get Hard. Who do you play in the film? WF: I play this truly deceptive, manipulative hedge fund guy who's like a Bernie Madoff character. I've

stolen from everyone and now I've been sentenced to prison by a judge who doesn't want to give me the Club Med kind of treatment. He doesn't want me to be one of those white-collar criminals who go to very swanky garden clubtype prisons where you play croquet and discuss philosophy on wooden benches surrounded by oak trees. This judge makes an example of me and sentences me to ten years of hard time in San Quentin. It's not pretty. So I have to find someone to train me to survive in prison where my character would probably not be looked on favourably by the other gentlemen serving time.

WF: It's part of my nature. When I was in first grade, I started making other kids laugh by pretending to bump into things or imitate the teachers. I also saw that humour was a good way to make friends and be accepted. Not that I was worried very much about being bullied because I was always the biggest in my class and stronger than anyone else. QH: Any other funny moments from your school-days? WF: I had like one day in high school where I decided to go to school wearing my pajamas, just for no good reason. Just so people would go, "What are you doing?" And just to see if I could stand the withering looks of people going, "That guy's a weirdo." And it was a good test, psychologically. I kind of like to do odd things and they often turn out to be great kind of stepping stones for really being

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committed to what you're doing and not let anything stop you from following that track. That's the kind of attitude I had which I think laid the groundwork for being committed to character and which is the only thing I think I really do well. Once I lock into a character I'm pretty much that person. QH: Were you a class clown in school? WF: Apart from the pajama episode, I was a pretty serious student. I had a talent for making my friends laugh and I grew to enjoy doing that. It was also a good way of meeting girls. But I wasn't the kind of guy who was seeking attention by being funny. It was something that came naturally to me. I knew I had a different sense of humour though, especially when I brought my javelin to physics class one afternoon and asked the teacher whether he could help me achieve a better trajectory. QH: Where do you think you your comic sensibility comes from? WF: I developed a general love of comedy from my parents, in a way. And then I loved the first, original cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL). I just thought that was a collection of five or six comedic actors that were so good that it's amazing to think they were on the same cast. QH: Any other specific comedians who influenced you? WF: My dad turned me onto Peter Sellers as a kid. I loved the fact that he was a unique combination of being extremely subtle and over-the-top all at the same time, and that's a hard thing to do. I admire that. The other influence is Steve Martin. When he came on the scene, he was doing silly comedy that didn't follow a linear path â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if you were to write down what he was going to do, it wouldn't make sense. I think that's inspired my generation. QH: Was that way of maintaining a serious side while doing something obviously funny or outrageous always your approach to comedy? WF: My idea was always about trying to stay real to whatever it is youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing even though the actual situation is completely messed up and stupid. It's all about maintaining that commitment without trying too hard to be funny. I knew there were so many funny people out there but I figured, well, the one thing that no one will beat me at is being committed, and having total commitment to a scene or a premise regardless of how ridiculous it is. When I joined SNL that kind of became my calling card on the show. The writers knew that, you know, if they cast me in their sketch I'd give it literally a hundred and ten percent. QH: Do you enjoy it when fans come up to you in the street? WF: I'm very flattered, but I find that I let them down because they're expecting me to be funny

Will Ferrell has been making the world laugh since his glory days on Saturday Night Live, where he stole the show from 1995-2006.

or immediately revert to one of my characters. They start thinking, "What are you going to do? Do something! Are you sure that's him? He's not doing anything!" I worry that they're not very impressed with me! QH: Do you like to clown around with your three kids? WF: They're pretty good at it on their own. My wife and I will go to bed at night laughing over what the heck just happened today? It's kind of blissful chaos in our house. The kids don't really care about what I do for a living. I think they think it's just a job I do. They've seen some of the films I've done but not a lot. They're still pretty little. They think it's cool but otherwise I'm just their Dad. n

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ENTERTAINMENT

It was a full house at the opening night launch party!

Party Happenings By Jorge Granda

Images courtesy of The Hilton Doha

If you’re a party animal who enjoys good drinks, awesome music and mixing with beautiful people, then the new High Heels Lounge at The Hilton Doha is worth checking out.

he Hilton isn’t known for being a party hub – in fact it’s actually one of the quietest hotels in buzzing West Bay. Yes, it’s hosted some nice events in the last couple of years, but nothing that stands out off the top of our head. For Doha partygoers the Hilton has yet to become the preferred choice when it comes to weekend nightlife. That’s about to change. Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard that the hotel recently opened a new nightclub lounge called High Heels. The name’s a bit deceptive – conjuring up images of a girly hangout that only serves Cosmopolitans or Shirley Temples. But you’d be remiss to think that – High Heels is quickly singling itself out as the city’s newest and choicest nightlife spot. Located on the first floor of the hotel, the lounge is chic, funky and just plain awesome, divided into three different sections –a restaurant, lounge and a white-washed rooftop space. Although I didn’t visit the restaurant this time round, I’ve heard they have what sounds like some pretty decent food options and a live band. The design of both the lounge and the restaurant is seductive, vwith the colour red predominant throughout. The space isn’t overly large, but when not too crowded it’s the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. High Heels merges the opulent with state-of-the-art modern design. The interaction between these two elements makes it a distinctive nightlife destination, offering party-goers access to a fairly unique ambiance. Guests can choose to either sit at one of the very comfortable tables, stand by the bar or by the high, large podiums near

the windows that offer a panoramic view of the hotel’s beach and city coastline. For table bookings you need to make a reservation and the minimum consumption charge for a table of four or six is QR 3,000. For larger groups it’s QR 6,000 or more, so make sure your party is aware of this before heading out. The sound and music is as good and varied as it can get, from techno to pop and Latin music, the DJ plays it all. The most impressive aspect of High Heels is its massive white roof lounge. The imposing area is magnificent, offering choice views West Bay nestled between The Four Seasons and its other surrounding towers. It’s an ideal spot to chill, see, and be seen – you feel like you’re partying somewhere in New York or St. Tropez. The vibe is irresistible and the music isn’t as loud as inside the lounge, but still just as good. There’s also a bar where you can get your drinks without having to leave the roof area. High Heels is worth a weekend visit – I’ve been twice so far and I must say The Hilton is doing it right. On the down-side, the management needs to be a bit more organized in terms of providing people with the right information. The last time I went, I had to talk to four different staff members in order to get the right price for the table. Also, a special party was taking place and they failed to tell my friends and me that to get in that night you had to have a reservation – it wasn’t even mentioned on the lounge’s Facebook page or on the flyer for the event. Once they have these few operational snafus sorted we’re sure it will continue to be onwards and upwards for High Heels. n

HIGH HEELS LOUNGE Location: The Hilton Doha Timings: • 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., restaurant • 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., lounge • 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., white roof lounge Dress Code: Smart – no sports shoes or sportswear, no caps or shorts Happy Hour: From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. daily, with 50% off of drinks, plus one free item from the Happy Hour Menu. Contact Info: Call 4423-3333 or follow High Heels Lounge on Facebook.

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

QH BRINGS YOU THE TOP STAFF PICKS FROM THE MEGASTORE

NAME: JUVY FLORES STORE SECTION: MULTIMEDIA TIME AT VIRGIN: 6 YEARS

Best Part of My Job:“I enjoy my job a lot because every day I learn something new, and I encounter all kinds of customers who have different ideas about gadgets and technology.”

KINDLE VOYAGE This 4GB device is the latest touch-screen e-reader – perfect for book-lovers. You can download the latest novels at a cost of about 80% less than buying a hard-copy in-store. You can also borrow books online for free from the Amazon library. With a new high-resolution paper-white display and reimagined page turns, you can carry a whole bookshelf in your bag! Retail price: QR 1,299.

LOOQ 2 G REMOTE SHUTTER The ‘selfie stick’ is the latest craze among Facebook fanatics and Instagram junkies! Looq’s 24-inch extendable version is compatible with all smart-phones with no battery, WiFi or Bluetooth required. When you download the Looq app, all you need to do is connect the cable to your mobile, extend, click and make memories! Retail price: QR 249.

NIKE+ FUELBAND SE You won’t lose sight of your fitness goals with this smart-gadget! The slim wristband helps keep track of how much movement you’re doing throughout the day, giving real-time feedback on how many calories you’re burning, calculating the amount of steps you’re taking and even tracking your sleeping habits. Just download the accompanying app and sync up your FuelBand to store all your data so you don’t miss a beat. Retail price: QR 799.

BEATS PILL 2.0 This is the latest creation from Dr. Dre’s line-up of sound accessories and it’s not just a portable, wireless speaker but also a USB charging station for iPhone and Android devices. With a built-in speakerphone and seven-hour rechargeable battery, it’s got a cool new function called Beats Bond – tap two Beats Pills together for double the decibels! Retail price: QR 849.

iPAD AIR 2 Apple’s latest darling, the iPad Air 2 is 18% thinner than its predecessor and weighs under a pound. It’s got a 3.1 million pixel display and a special coating gives it bragging rights for having the least reflective display of any tablet on the market. With a 128GB processor, ten-hour battery and fingerprint recognition technology for unlocking the device, it comes in white, gold and space gray. Retail price: QR 2, 799.

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Spotlight On Movies March madness hits the theatres with these spring blockbusters!

HOME

THE GUNMAN

NSURGENT

Animation | Adventure | Fantasy When Oh, a loveable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Tip who is on a quest of her own.

Action | Crime | Drama A former Special Forces soldier and military contractor suffering from PTSD tries to reconnect with his long time love, but first he must go on the run from London to Barcelona and across Europe in order to clear his name.

Stars: Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin

Stars: Sean Penn, Idris Elba, Javier Bardem

Stars: Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller, Kate Winslet

QH Fun Fact: Did you know that the longest actor Sean Penn has gone without an Oscar nomination is five years? Shocking, we know! But there was a dry spell between 2003’s Mystic River and 2008’s Milk.

QH Fun Fact: After chopping her hair off for The Fault In Our Stars, lead actress Shailene Woodley refused to wear a wig when Divergent began filming – even though her character’s hair was never meant to be short.

QH Fun Fact: The lead character of Tip Tucci (voiced by Rihanna) marks a milestone as the first black protagonist in a feature film by DreamWorks Animation.

CINDERELLA

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi In the second film adaptation of Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy, lead character Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart.

GET HARD

Adventure | Drama | Family Disney’s back on the big-screen in this live-action retelling of the timeless fairytale about a servant step-daughter who wins the heart of a prince.

Comedy When millionaire James King is nailed for fraud and bound for San Quentin penitentiary, he turns to Darnell Lewis to prep him to go behind bars.

Stars: Lily James, Hayley Atwell, Helena Bonham Carter

Stars: Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie

QH Fun Fact: This is the second of three live-action remakes of Disney classics – the first was 2014’s Maleficent and The Jungle Book will be next to hit theatres!

QH Fun Fact: True to the film, actor and stand-up comedian Kevin Hart once did time in jail at age 17 – we hope it was just a misdemeanour!

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ENTERTAINMENT

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

QH RECOMMENDS

Guinness Week

March 13-20: Dunes. At Dunes bar, St. Patrick’s celebrations will last for a week with the best of Guinness. Visit Dunes between March 13-20 and order a bucket of five cans for QR 175 only. For more information call 7021-8094.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT Happy Hour At Pearl Lounge

Daily: The Pearl Lounge. Unwind in chic and elegant surroundings at the Doha Marriott’s conveniently located, exclusive Pearl Lounge. Enjoy their daily happy hour with 2 for 1 on selected drinks from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 44429-8444.

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

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

Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – including special offers and weekly/daily regular promotions.

Shaken Or Stirred?

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

LA VARENNE Happy Hour Aperitif

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK St. Patrick’s Week

March 16-21: Misturado. Celebrate this traditional Irish festival at Misturado and enjoy their selection of special drinks and sips – just the way you like it! From 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., daily. For more information call 4408-7777.

The Race Is On!

All Month: Misturado. Misturado brings you the opportunity of a lifetime to see one of the region’s Formula 1 Grand Prix races live – and watch the season final this November 2015. All you need to do is make a pit-stop at Mistuardo at least 12 times this Formula 1 season and get your stamp during any of the 20 races to win 2 VIP tickets for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix including flights, accommodation and race tickets. For more information call 4408-7788.

Mondays: Liquidity. We invite you to chill out at Doha’s favourite rooftop lounge while sipping freshly-made drinks and listening to funky beats from their resident DJ. Starts at 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

Sun-Thurs: 28th Floor, Tornado Tower. Enjoy a selection from the signature hors d’oeuvres and dessert trolley with a selected beverage, all for QR 40. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680.

THE GRAND HYATT Doha Hustle

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

Celebrity Mixologist Danzel Heath

March 1-7: Dunes. All the way from South Africa, mixologist and head trainer of Thirst Bar Academy, Danzel Heath will join forces with the Dunes team this March. For more information call 7021-8094.

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

Lava Theme Nights

Sundays: Lave welcomes you to the world of Arabian nights. DJ Alex is on the decks to play the best of khaliji, plus the latest Arabic and English commercial dance mixes to move you all night. Enjoy and have fun till late with the best in Oriental and English music, alongside the usual quality cocktails and service from Lava. Mondays: Urban Diva Night with DJ Shadi. Enjoy two free drinks for ladies and no entrance fee from 10:00 p.m. till late. Tuesdays: Fly Night with Resident DJs! Enjoy 50% off on food and beverages for teachers and free drinks for female cabin crew all night. Thursdays: Vibe Nights with their resident DJ. Fridays: Sparkling Friday with their resident DJ. Saturdays: Themed parties every Saturday Night. Doors open from 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Happy Hour

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

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ENTERTAINMENT INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Pink Wednesdays Wednesdays: Strata. This isn’t your ordinary ladies nigh – it’s a designer label ladies night! Ladies will enjoy a special complimentary welcome drink from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. every Wednesday, along with chances to win fabulous prizes including various designer label items. Want a pair of Christian Louboutins or a Louis Vuitton? Then Pink Wednesday at Strata might be your lucky night! Free entrance for ladies, QR 75 entrance for men after 10:00 p.m., dress code: elegant. For more information call 4015-8888.

After-Work Evenings

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

Bucket Day

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

Super Saturdays

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

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Loose Tie

Sundays: The Lounge. Imagine Cuban flavour surrounded by well-aged oak barrels and a touch of perfection...sounds tempting? Come and join your fellow connoisseurs on Sunday evenings during March at The Lounge from 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Cosmopolitan Ladies Night

Mondays: The Lounge. Cosmopolitan ladies night at The Lounge offers 50% off on the cosmopolitan special drinks menus and a complimentary choice from the nibbles menu. From 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Happy Hour MIX & FUSE

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

Listings LA CIGALE Ladies Night With DJ Roger Choueiry

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

Global DJs

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

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA After-Brunch Sessions

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

Ladies Night

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

Music Fridays!

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

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

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Be Entertained At Jazz Up

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

ORYX ROTANA Hospitality Night

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

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

THE GRAND HYATT DOHGA A1 Nights By Xtremer Entertainment

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

THE FOUR SEASONS Thursday Beach Party

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

THE RITZ-CARLTON Overtime‎

Daily: Level 23. Why limit ‘happy’ to an hour, when you can enjoy 150 minutes of the best overtime ever! Purchase two drinks and pay for one. It only ‎takes 33 seconds to reach Level 23! From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.‎For more information call 4484-8506, or email ‎rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Hospitality Night

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

Cigar Night

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

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Ladies Night

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

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Jam Night

Wednesdays: Start your Wednesday night out with your friends at Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Led by trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, musicians and vocalists of all styles come together for an impromptu and eclectic jam session. Changing every week, Wednesdays are full of musical surprises! Buy 1 get 1 free (choice of selected beverages). From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000.

Ladies Night

Wednesdays: The Roof Top. Ladies get a voucher, which should be presented to get a second drink free. The drinks included in the offer: Stolichnaya red, JW Black Label, Asahi, Estrella, Bacardi White, Bacardi Black, Bombay Sapphire, Jose Cuervo Platinum, Jim Beam, Bottega Prosecco, Sauvignon Blanc, Wakefield Promised Land Shiraz, Forbidden Fruit cocktail , Green Velvet cocktail, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Moscow Mule. For more information call 4446-0226, or e-mail rooftop.doha@stregis.com.

W DOHA ‘The VIBE’Ladies Night

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

Kiss N’ Fly Ladies Night

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

Arabesque Night

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

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Directory

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

The View Doha Marriott

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

4448-4800

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

Beach Bar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Jazz Up Mövenpick Hotel Doha 4429-1111

Bohemia Marsa Malaz Kempinski

4035-5555

Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel

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

4425-6666

4428-8888

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

Qube Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

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

4428-8888

4484-4444 Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4496-0777

4446-2222 Splash Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

4448-4800 Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4428-8888

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

4408-7777

4453-5135

4445-5444

4429-8888

4446-0000

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

4405-3325

4408-7777

Glo Cocktail Bar Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4419-6100

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites

Habanos The Ritz-Carlton

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

4484-8000

Hive InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888

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ARTS & CULTURE

Top Picks

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2

A painting depicting the Great Mongol Shahnameh

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Marvelous Creatures: Animal Fables In Islamic Art

March 6: Opera House, Building 16, Katara Cultural Village. Guenter Neuhold conducts, with violin solo by Sayaka Shoji. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492; Sergei Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 63, and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 in E Minor, Op. 93. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are QR 75-QR 200 and can be purchased at Virgin Megastores, online at tickets.virginmegastore.me or at the Katara Opera House. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

March 4-July 11: Special Exhibitions Gallery, 1st Floor. This exhibition focuses on the real and mythical animals that appear in the legends, tales and fables of the Islamic world. Divided into the natural quadrants of earth, air, fire and water, these marvelous creatures introduce timeless stories such as the well-known and beloved classics Shahnameh, Kalilawa Dimna, and The Thousand and One Nights. The variety of objects presented in this exhibition – manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, glass and metalwork – ranging from the 10th to the 19th centuries, demonstrates the enduring appeal of these characters and stories across diverse cultures. Entry is free. For more information call 4422-4444 or visit www.mia.org.qa.

MATHAF Mathaf Collection: Summary, Part 1

Ongoing: Permanent Exhibitions, First-Floor Galleries. The collection of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is the largest of modern and contemporary art in the region. Established in the early 1990s, it continues to grow and today contains more than 8,000 objects from the Arab world, Iran, Turkey and other regions historically connected to the Arab Peninsula. Summary, Part 1 inaugurates the permanent display of Mathaf’s collection in the second-floor galleries with a first selection of 100 artists to give an overview of its breadth. The curatorial concept looks beyond traditional linear histories of art to highlight diverse attitudes, and contextualizes intellectual production within multiple modernities. For more information visit www.mathaf.org.qa.

KATARA Qatari Handcrafts Outdoor Market IAID Contemporary Dance For Ladies

Mon & Fri: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Contemporary dance is a modern version of ballet, featuring expressive movement, improvisation and physical coordination. Considered a ‘concert’ dance, its elements of discipline and focus logically follow those associated with ballet. Students will be encouraged to push new boundaries, discover versatility and minimize tension in the search for clarity and fluidity. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

March 26 & 27: Building 19, Katara Art Studios. Explore the artistic practices of Qatari handcrafts and peruse the outdoor traditional market where local artists and craftspeople will be displaying their wares for sale. Examples of embroidery, crochet and msabih, almdood and pens, and delicate wool bracelets will be available for purchase. Market runs from 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information visit www.katara.net.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Culture In Focus

Selected images courtesy of Qatar Museums

The Qatar Turkey 2015 Year Of Culture heralds the month of March with a line-up of events that explore and celebrate the shared heritage of both nations. QH brings you all the need-to-know info. International New York Times Art For Tomorrow Conference: Qatari Card Series Exhibition The W Doha Hotel Lobby

The 2015 EMPOWER 2015 Youth people Conference will connect young world from Qatar, Turkey and all over the

Turkey's famous Taksim Trio will light up the stage at Katara this March

March 13-April 13: Due to be opened by one of the world's strongest arts and culture advocates, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the inaugural Art For Tomorrow conference will focus on the role of art and architecture in building communities, developing commerce and enriching lives across the world. Complementing this conference, Qatar Museums will showcase the work of Hessa Al-Ali a Qatari graphic designer and the person behind the Qatar Turkey 2015 logo and brand. Hessa collaborated with Aziza Iqbal to present the Qatari Card Series for this exhibition. Visitors will be able to appreciate an alternative view of Qatar’s culture through these very playful and interesting playing cards on display in The W Doha hotel lobby.

Qatar International Food Festival MIA Park

March 24-28: Visitors to this year’s Qatar International Food Festival can explore the Qatar Turkey 2015 Zone, where they can indulge in a number of delicious Turkish dishes including kebabs, pastries, salads, ice cream, or even a traditional Turkish performance. Internationallyrenowned chefs will join many of Doha’s top restaurants to celebrate food made with the freshest ingredients and latest trends, as well as healthy-eating options. Guests can also enjoy the exciting live cooking shows featuring famous Turkish chefs as part of the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture activities in this year’s Qatar International Food Festival.

A Turkish-Arabic Music Concert Roman Arena, Katara

March 14: Taksim Trio, in collaboration with the Siwar Choir, will be performing Arabic and Turkish songs. The Taksim Trio, who are an instrumental band made up of three artists: Hüsnü Senlendirici, Ismail Tunçbilek and Aytaç Dogan, are the guest artists at the Jeem Children’s Siwar Choir. This event is part of the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture.

ROTA EMPOWER 2015 Youth Conference

The upcoming Qatar International Food Festival is a gourmand's paradise and will feature a section dedicated to the traditional tastes of Turkey

Qatar Foundation Student Center March 12-14: The three-day event includes a combination of seminar panel discussions, keynote speeches, small group workshops, seminars, off-site activities, exhibitions and youth artistic expression. Since 2009, EMPOWER has developed a reputation for being the first youth-led conference to focus on equipping young people in Qatar to take active roles in building their communities and having a voice on global issues. Qatar Turkey 2015 will be inviting five Turkish students to take part in the conference. n

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Voice Of Art By Ashlee Starratt Images courtesy of The British Council and Sasol Qatar

The Definitely Able Conference & Ilham Art Exhibition is highlighting a body of inspired works from deaf and disabled artists and will be held over two days at the Museum of Islamic Art on March 18 and 19 with artworks on display until the 27th. An initiative in partnership with The British Council and Sasol Qatar, the conference explores how art empowers those who embrace it, to find their voice.

s human beings we assign a value to all we encounter in the world around us. Consciously or unconsciously we take our daily mental inventory, compartmentalizing the people, places, objects and events we encounter. We label those compartments with a price tag that has nothing to do with money, but everything to do with a very different concept of ‘worth’. But by what

subjective indicators (superficial or otherwise), do we determine this ‘value’? By the clothes we wear and the car we drive, or by our contributions to society and our compassion towards others? We are constantly trying to prove ourselves – but to whom?

For those living life with a physical or cognitive disability, the challenge of making their voices heard and their presence felt is compounded when a community is hesitant towards embracing their value. This is where art can open the door to dialogue and empowerment – as creative expression comes from every unique mind’s eye, through which the story of the individual and their outlook on the world is told. This is the catalyst behind the upcoming Definitely Able Conference & Art Exhibition. A platform for shifting perceptions of disability through art and discussion, the event is a joint initiative between The British Council and Sasol Qatar, building upon the successful Arts and Disability Festival that took place as part of the Qatar UK 2013 Year Of Culture, and tying in with Sasol Qatar’s Definitely Able community outreach campaign. The two-day conference and exhibit will showcase new and existing works from disabled Qatari and international artists.

“I was so inspired by the determination and creativity of the artists, who showed mutuality and understanding to other cultures and Islamic art. I would like to encourage you all to visit the exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art from March 18-27,” says Waseem Kotoub, Head of Arts and Creativity at The British Council. In February, artists from the UK and Oman arrived in Doha for a residency program facilitated through The British Council and Sasol Qatar, and curated by Khalifa Al Obaidly of the Msheireb Arts Centre and Ben Fredericks of London’s Shape Arts. Exploring and drawing inspiration from Qatar’s heritage of Islamic art and architecture, each artist used their own talented perspective to create a unique piece of art that reflects their understanding and appreciation for Islamic culture. These will be the centre-pieces that anchor the Definitely Able Conference’s Ilham ( “) art exhibition at MIA. “Ilham explores the impact Islamic art has had on newly-commissioned work by the seven artists being showcased,” curator Ben Fredericks explains. “Juxtaposed with work from their usual artistic practice, it shows a journey of inspiration that offers an intriguing new perspective on ancient artefacts from the Museum of Islamic Art’s collection. The subtext of the exhibition compliments the objectives

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y Artist Juan sets up a photograph e shoot at the Msheireb Arts Centr ce gather with curators The Definitely Able artists-in-residen ireb Arts Centre. Mshe the at staff cil Coun and British

of Islamic influence in architecture The team explores the intricacies re) curator Khalifa Al Obaidly (cent at the Msheireb Arts Centre with

of the Definitely Able conference, as all the exhibiting artists are disabled. By showcasing these artists, we’re highlighting the talent and diversity of perspective that disabled people can bring through equal access. Through this, we’re hoping to inspire people to make access a priority and create an inclusive society that will enrich the lives of everyone.” For Sasol Qatar, the conference was a natural extension of a community campaign whose roots run deep. Their Definitely Able program was launched in 2012 in partnership with the Qatar Olympic and Paralympic Committees as part of an effort to raise community awareness that disability is not an impairment towards achievement. By changing perceptions, Definitely Able helps to demonstrate that everyone is 'definitely able' to be what they want to be, regardless of their disability. The initiative has hosted events including Chairs vs. Champs in conjunction with the South African Paralympic wheelchair basketball team, and the Run Like The Wind event with South African Paralympian runner, Oscar Pistorius. "Supporting the disabled community in Qatar is a long-term commitment of Sasol, as part of our support to the communities where we operate,” Jack Saba, GM of Public Affairs for Sasol Qatar tells us. “Through our Definitely Able initiative,

we’ve partnered with Qatar-based organizations to demonstrate the ability of people with disabilities to thrive in all aspects of life. This year, the Definitely Able Conference and Ilham Art Exhibition, created in partnership with The British Council, heralds the latest focus of the initiative –art and culture as a means to generate understanding. Because a society that is more inclusive of all people…of all talents… is key to Qatar's development." Guiding the exhibition’s artists along the journey of exploring Qatar’s cultural sites and the intricate beauty of Islamic art is Qatari artist and curator Khalifa Al Obaidly of the Msheireb Arts Centre. “It's my pleasure and honour to work on this project with such creative artists,” he smiles. “Artistsin-residence programs always have a special atmosphere because it's gathering different artists’ thoughts in different places, with the same subject. It creates a great atmosphere where you can feel the creativity and innovation in arts.” For Khalifa, the opportunity to showcase the rich heritage of his home country, while working alongside artists from the disabled community was especially empowering. “As a local Qatari artist, I lived for two weeks with an amazing group of artists and they inspired me with their artworks,” he says. “In fact, the way they’re thinking and creating their artworks…as curator, this experience I had will

Using a modified implement, artist Sophie sketches her creations

reflect on the exhibition we’re working on, and as an artist it may reflect on my next art project. I wish we can arrange more art projects with such creativity and quality. I want to thank The British Council for involving me in this project, MIA for the support, and the Msheireb Arts Centre for providing the space and studios for the artists. The Ilham Art Exhibition will be on display from March 18-27 as part of the Definitely Able Conference which is being held at the Museum of Islamic Art on March 18 and 19. For more information visit www.britishcouncil.qa and www.definitelyable.com. To learn more about the work of Ben Fredericks and Khalifa Al Obaidly visit www.shapearts.org.uk, and www.msheirebartscentre.serversure.net. n

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ARTS & CULTURE Each of Kholoud Al Ali's whimsical paintings have their own unique story behind them

A Jewel Of A Find Whether it's a unique gift or a rare find, the Q Talent shop is a treasure trove of creativity from Qatar's young, local artists.

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Q Talent founder Maryam Al Subaiey holds the two children's folktale books that she recently authored.

Fatima Al Kharaz's company, Shadda, produces T-shirts with funky graphic prints − all for sale at Q Talent

entrepreneur driven to help other young artists establish their careers. Maryam was inspired by community-run art spaces she had seen during her travels, including a trip to Northern Ireland as part of a British Council project for the Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture.

By Dawn Gibson Photography by Jessie Palanca

A new gift store stocked with unique products from Qatari designers is the latest chic spot at Katara Cultural Village. QH talks to 28-year-old founder Maryam Al Subaiey about helping young artists get ahead through Q Talent.

hile there’s no shortage of shops in Qatar, it can be hard to find products that are truly different. So, it’s not surprising that the opening of an imaginative gift boutique at Katara is creating a buzz among shopaholics and culture vultures. Right on the beachfront where Katara’s new cultural markets are held, across from the popular Mamig Restaurant, the Q Talent shop is a treasure trove of unique goods designed by Qatari artists, starting from a modest QR 50. Wares include funky T-shirts and opulent evening gowns, fine gold jewelry, perfumes, paintings, home décor and accessories. We’re shown around by Q Talent founder Maryam Al Subaiey, a Qatari poet, writer and

The shop is only one aspect of Q Talent, which is at its core an online platform. “There’s an online market, which gives our talent an opportunity to sell not only in Qatar but also internationally, as everything can be shipped abroad,” Maryam says. “We offer creative recruitment, so companies looking for talent can simply upload their requirements. We also have an events and special projects section.” Initial funding came in the form of prize money from winning the professional category of the 2014 Al Fikra Business Plan Competition. The young entrepreneur is also ploughing her savings into the grassroots enterprise. Maryam says starting a shop wasn’t part of the original plan, but Katara’s management offered her a much better deal than she could find in Doha’s malls so she seized the opportunity.“I want to thank Katara management for their support – they’ve been so helpful and have provided everything I need here at the cultural market,” she says, adding that her “small, efficient team” of five full-time staff, assisted by interns, was crucial to realizing her dream. Q Talent doesn’t charge artists upfront fees or rent, instead taking a small commission on sales. “A lot of people, especially those in the fashion industry, don’t have shops because they can’t afford the rent,” Maryam says. “These people

Artist Mohammed Sharif uses an iPad and some big imagination to create his animestyle cartoon drawings

are just starting out and they want to make a living out of their talent. We really have to give them a better opportunity.” Among those taking up the baton are digital artist Mohammed Sharif and painter Kholoud Al Ali. Twenty-one-year-old Mohammed uses an iPad to create his distinct anime-style artwork, which he has made the basis for children’s colouring books. Meanwhile, Kholoud’s somewhat surreal, often whimsical paintings take pride of place at the Katara store, an autobiographical exploration of emotion that she hopes strike a chord with other Arabic women. Graphic designer Fatima Al Kharaz, 26, says she and her business partner Dawood Al Anwari have twice sold out their stock in a matter of months through Q Talent. Their company, Shadda, produces T-shirts with unique prints. Maryam is now angling for a bigger space in Katara. “The whole concept of the creative economy is quite new to Qatar, but it’s growing bit by bit and it has big potential because it can generate new jobs for young people and new investment opportunities,” she adds. The Q Talent shop is open from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday. For online sales go to www.qtalent.com or look for Q Talent on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. n

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ARTS & CULTURE

s Rowan L-R: Actor David Pearson, actres e, stage Denny, director Mione van der Merw and actor manager Rebecca Wood-Wyatt ) round Richard Henderson (in backg

Great Scots! By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

The Doha Players are bringing Shakespeare to life in an upcoming production of Macbeth, running from March 12-19 in the HBKU Student Center’s Black Box Theater. QH sat in on rehearsals as the troupe trains for the curtain call to one of The Bard’s darkest masterpieces.

t’s 6:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening and the drama halls at Qatar Academy ring out and echo in a chorus of Scottish brogues. A new king has taken the throne of Scotland and his subjects are on bended knee, pledging allegiance. The witches’ prophecy has come to pass and Macbeth’s fate is sealed. Then, with a cry of “Cut!” director Mione van der Merwe breaks the scene and a dozen black-clad actors melt into laughing grins as they stand up and shake it out, getting ready for another round. This isn’t The Doha Players’ first foray into Shakespeare but it is their first stab at one of his iconic tragedies – the infamous ‘Scottish play’.

Theatrical superstition tells of a Scottish ‘curse’ whereby calling the play by its rightful name of Macbeth inside the theatre will bring about disaster. But here tonight, the only ‘disasters’ are a couple of flubbed lines and early entrances. The rehearsals are progressing well and the 30-member cast is gelling in their roles with one another. For Mione, this isn’t her first turn in the director’s chair – she was at the helm of last year’s musical production of Les Misérables and also at the recent Shake It Up Shakespeare Festival held in the gardens of Qatar Academy. Having lived in Qatar for 15-odd years, Mione trained and studied theatre in the UK and first appeared on-stage with The Doha Players at the age of twelve. She says the public appetite for Shakespeare is resurging in Qatar. “There’s actually quite a large demand for it,” she says. “So with this production we’re actually doing a lot of community outreach. We’ve reached out to the schools and we’ve offered them free Shakespeare workshops so we’ll be teaching them how to approach a Shakespeare text as an actor and [also] a Q&A session. The community’s really excited about the opportunity to have that kind of experience – which is not very common.” The concept of community is precisely what The Doha Players are all about – what is a play

if not a group of people coming together in a form of community story-telling? The troupe’s doors are open to anyone with an interest in theatre or drama and the time it takes to commit to a production. “We welcome everyone and anyone,” Mione tells us. “So [for] some of the people in this production, it’s actually their first time on-stage and some have had tons of experience. We have one actor who used to act alongside Sir Ian McKellen at university and we have people who have come from theatre companies in the UK or Dubai and they’ve come over here and joined. So it’s the full range, and the actors really have an opportunity to learn from each other. “ For lead cast members David Pearson and Rowan Denny, who play the doomed Macbeths, the task of bringing Shakespeare to life in a way that’s accessible to audiences is driven by a deep passion for the art. “You know there’re a few roles out there that are every actor’s dream and Macbeth is one of them,” David says with a smile. “So when I knew the play was going to be done, I spent weeks and weeks preparing for auditions and then, I got lucky. I really got lucky. Because it’s as much about the chemistry between the actors as it is an individual person’s ability.”

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Luckily David and Rowan have been friends for a long time – creating a rapport that translates naturally to their characters. Rowan, a teacher from Toronto, Canada, says it’s critical to have a certain level of comfort with your onstage counterpart – especially in such an intense role. “I’m trying to find the balance of bringing out that power, that viciousness that Lady Macbeth has, while still trying to find a well-rounded character…a fully fleshed-out, fully human character within such a famous villain – someone who is so evil in many regards, yet very human in others,” she confesses. “She is so incredibly flawed, but I think that’s what makes her so complex and so fascinating – is to try and imagine what led her to this place. Because, weirdly, the Macbeth’s relationship is one of the happiest marriages in Shakespeare…in one of his darkest plays.” David gets in character as Macbeth at the group's first dress rehearsal

David, who holds a Masters degree in English Literature, is a native of North Carolina, USA and has been a member of The Doha Players for eight years. He says that working on Macbeth gave him a whole new appreciation for Shakespeare’s poetic style of iambic pentameter – the number of syllables in each line and the emphasis placed upon each one. “Before this show I did Les Misérables – and I thought that was the hardest show I’d ever done,” he divulges. “This is harder. Once you get into the iambic pentameter, it’s almost like Shakespeare has told you what you need to do. Once you understand it, the metre tells you which words are important, which ones to stress. And the way he does the metre – whether it’s regular or irregular – it tells you how your character feels emotionally.” The troupe has been in rehearsals for Macbeth since January, though production planning began as far back as June 2014. The experience is well-rounded and members have the opportunity to try on many job hats over the course of a production. It’s not uncommon for actors to also be involved in costume planning and helping behind the scenes with sound, lights and props. Mione hopes that the Players’ hard work will pay off by creating new theatre fans who will experience Shakespeare for the first time. “It’s nothing like what you would expect when reading it,” she laughs. “I think most people have quite a negative experience when they first come across Shakespeare – it’s in the curriculum, you have to study it! It’s not very accessible, but as soon as you see a Shakespeare piece well-done in the theatre it just blows your mind. And there’s no going back from that – you just get it.”n

ice for actors L-R: It's practice, practice, pract Dr. Chris Parnell Paul Cooper, Daniel Saretsky and

The cast goes through some g warm-up exercises before gettin down to business in rehearsals

THE DOHA PLAYERS PRESENT MACBETH Dates: March 12-19 Location: The Black Box Theater, HBKU Student Center, Education City Tickets: At the time of publication ticket prices were not yet confirmed, but have ranged from QR 75-QR 100 for past productions. Visit The Doha Players’ Facebook page for up-to-date ticket sale announcements.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Listings

Museum Guide

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

QH RECOMMENDS

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

Museum of Islamic Art & Park The Corniche 4422-4444 infomia@qma.org.qa www.mia.org.qa Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays

ALRIWAQ DOHA

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

QMA Gallery QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Grieg Piano Concerto

March 14: Auditorium 3, Qatar National Convention Centre. Dmitrij Kitajenko conducts, with Andreas Haefliger on piano solo. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46. and Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, and Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are QR 75-QR 200 and can be purchased at Virgin Megastores, online at tickets.virginmegastore.me or at the Katara Opera House. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

ONE OF A KIND MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Qajar Women: Images Of Women In 19th Century Iran

March 25-April 9: Temporary Exhibitions Gallery, 4th Floor. This exhibition demonstrates the centrality of women in the artistic expression of 19th century Iran and how it continues to inspire contemporary artists. The most popular representations of the Qajar era have been of male sovereigns, whose life-size portraits exaggerate masculinity to depict power. Yet this era also saw a period of artistic modernization in Iran, particularly in paintings and photography, in which depictions of women became essential elements of the scenes. Showcasing women at the court, and in private, alongside images of female musicians and aristocratic women, this exhibition explores rarely-told narratives of the Qajar artistic tradition. Free entry. For more information call 4422-4444 or visit www.mia.org.qa.

KATARA Halal Qatar Festival

Until March 9: Katara Cultural Village. Considered one of the most famous halal festivals in the GCC, Katara will organize the event for the fourth year in a row. With a focus on grazing and livestock (sheep, goats), the festivities will include children’s competitions, games, arts and crafts and traditional food. The festival is open from 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information visit www.katara.net.

EVERY WEEK ANIMA GALLERY & LOUNGE Ali Hassan: Traces Solo Show

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

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

IAID Visual Arts

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. The Visual Arts program is a progressive course for beginners, intermediate and advanced that covers colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various mediums. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

KATARA Q Talent Store

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

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COMMUNITY

Top Picks

DOHA MUMS Walk At Aspire Park

Sundays: Mums with or without children in strollers can come and enjoy the good weather and a great walk around Aspire Park every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. The meeting place is at the Burgeri restaurant parking lot at 8:30 a.m. sharp. For more information visit www.dohamums.com, or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

IAID Zumba For Kids

Tues & Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze and is spreading fast worldwide. This upbeat workout is fantastic for kids and adults alike. Zumba is an exhilarating class filled with good feelings and party-like fun that’s perfect for kids as they learn how to move and engage in activities while exercising and discovering how being fit can also be fun. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

QATAR TOASTMASTERS Youth Public Speaking Championship Prelims

March 27: Since 2000, the Qatar Toastmasters have been hosting this yearly English-language championship for youth between the ages of 13 and 18. The preliminary round of the 18th Qatar Open Public Speaking Championship will be held on March 27, the semi-finals will be held on April 17, and the finale on May 8. To register visit www.qatartoastmasters.org.

SCOTS IN QATAR Annual General Meeting

THE GRAND HYATT Dragon Boat Festival 2015

March 6: Beachfront. Dragon boat racing has evolved from a purely Chinese festival into a worldwide phenomenon. Having developed into a serious modern sport from its ancient roots, it’s become an important event on the sporting calendars of many countries around the world. Often known as the ‘ultimate team sport’, competitors must paddle together as a harmonious unit to power the boat forward. To register your team for the festival visit www.dohadragons.com.

March 8: Radisson Blu Hotel. Representing one of Qatar’s oldest social groups, the Qatar Caledonians were established in 1974. The group welcomes people of all nationalities to join their annual events marking Scottish holidays and traditions and encourage participation. At the Annual General Meeting, all members can stand for election to the committee and can vote for those standing. If you’re not a member but are interested in joining, email scotsinqatar@gmail.com for more information.

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COMMUNITY

The Business

Of Change

By Sarah Al Motairi Photography by Jessie Palanca

As an ode to International Women’s Day on March 8, QH revisits the success of Qatar’s very own entrepreneur and leadership coach, Carolin Zeitler, as she shares with us her achievements at Tataowar Coaching and Consulting and the organization of the annual How Women Work conference.

ounded in 2009, How Women Work (HWW) continues to blaze a trail of success and empowerment for women in Qatar. As with most success stories, HWW grew out of necessity. Carolin contributes her success to the many volunteers and supporters who stand by How Women Work “When I came to Qatar, there was nothing for professional women. There was a gap,” she states. “The nice thing about Qatar is people are often open to forming partnerships and working together for the community.” How Women Work grew out of support to empower women in Qatar. “Empowering women is a concept a lot of people care about and rally behind. We have a wonderful advisory council, [the] majority Qatari, who support us endlessly – Amal Al Malki, Aya Abu Issa, Buthaina Al Ansari, Khalifa Al-Misnad, Khalifa Haroon and Razan Suliman – they are all active parts of our council. They direct and advise us when needed and we are grateful to them for their views and support.” Expat wives often find themselves globetrotting the world alongside their husbands in search for greener grasses. However, women often find themselves caught in a web of household responsibilities and children’s activities with a career left behind. Redefining one’s purpose is often tricky and sometimes frustrating. Through the HWW community and its events, Tataowar Coaching and Consulting provides opportunities for women to feel empowered and re-boost their career goals. Carolin shares: “One of the things we focus on is how women can find portable careers. Moving to Qatar can be seen as an amazing opportunity to go back to school, start a small business, find what works for you as an individual.” She goes on to state, “for a lot of women, moving to Qatar means they don’t have to work. It’s an opportunity to take advantage of time you may not have had in a country where you may have needed two incomes to make a family work.” The annual How Women Work conference is currently 300 strong. With seven breakout sessions running in parallel, HWW has its hands full in providing quality and tailor-made programs for its participants. “We are focused on quality rather than quantity,” says Carolin when asked if the numbers have increased since 2013. This year’s HWW conference will be held in May with a fitting theme of ‘Be the Change’.

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Carolin kicks off the 2014 HWW conference at The Crowne Plaza Doha

“It’s very important that you take the initiative and become the change that you want to see in the world,” Carolin passionately states. “Get up and make change, however small,” she continues. “Qatar has an active community. It’s small but powerful and it’s possible to have access to almost anyone in Qatar. You can make change. One of my favorite quotes is ‘If you think you’re too small to make an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room’ by Anita Roddick.” Carolin often uses this quote as a source of inspiration and believes it to be true. Her story illustrates this well, “I was one crazy woman with an idea. There was nothing here for professional women; I knew I needed to provide a service. I communicated my idea to a few people and before I knew it, I had so much support. I couldn’t have done this without support, but this very idea required a catalyst to start and then keep it alive. I can’t begin to thank all those who have supported us over the past five years – an innumerable number of volunteers and supporters, all because they believed in the cause.” The motto of How Women Work is to empower women to grow and succeed. This comes full circle every year when the HWW conference takes place. “Our volunteers consist of women who can’t commit to full-time jobs due to the responsibilities of home, yet they want to contribute to their community and meet other like-minded women. We work towards the conference over a period of a year by providing tasks in parcels that can be delivered between 3-10 hour work-weeks. Volunteers can commit from anytime [up] to 3-12 months. It allows women looking for a sense of achievement outside of the home to feel empowered,” Carolin expresses. Qatari women have also benefited tremendously. They turn to Tataowar Coaching and Consulting as individuals or in groups. With an impressive 30% of Qatari participants [as] part of the HWW conference

and an additional 5% participation in workshops and coaching programs, Carolin is particularly happy: “Qatari women are extremely keen to evolve and develop into even better leaders. They realize their potential and their employers recognize their thirst and ambition to pursue careers to the best of their ability.” How Women Work has blossomed into more than just an annual conference with monthly activities occurring throughout the year. In 2014, for the fifth anniversary of How Women Work, the team illustrated a sequence of success stories highlighting the accomplishments of a number of women in Qatar. For National Sport Day HWW created a video accentuating women pioneering in sports in Qatar. In February 2015, HWW took to the desert for a day to partake in a Resilience Retreat to highlight the ten steps on ‘how to increase your resilience.’ For International Women’s Day in March 2015, HWW has planned a ‘Walk For A Cause’ event where all participants will write a note on how they choose to make change, then tie it to a balloon and release it into the sky. “The note will include a message asking those who find it to post it to social media so it can come back to us,” says Carolin. HWW has also created support groups to encourage unity throughout the year in-line with the annual HWW conference, with workshops such as Mastermind and Soul Sisters. In addition to the aforementioned activities, Carolin and her team are busy with other interesting endeavours such as a research project to determine the results of Tataowar Coaching and Consulting. “This year, we’re partnering with Qatar University and Carnegie Mellon University Qatar to measure how executive coaching impacts the leadership, confidence and skills of female leaders in Qatar,” she tells us. “We’ve been working on this project for over a year now with the support of Buthaina Al Ansari. This research project will allow us to work with 80 decision-making women in leadership roles.

that Breakout groups explore issues t affect women seeking employmen t in Doha's evolving job marke

We will provide one-to-one coaching to 40 of the 80 women while the other 40 are a control group. Each chosen candidate will undergo an in-depth interview with an additional three to five coaching sessions. We will then ask five to six of their employees to provide us with feedback over a span of two to six months on how these coaching sessions may have impacted these leaders.” As busy as Carolin’s schedule may be, she finds it crucial to find time to rejuvenate, offering a word of advice for all women alike: “Find balance between work and life. Be you a mother, a career woman or both. It’s about balance. If I’m busy for two weeks with work, I make sure that I give myself two weeks to relax at home with my family. I find it easier to find balance over a longer period of time rather than on a daily basis. We are all busy with a lot of responsibility. Switch off, listen to the sea, enjoy a walk…relax.” For more information visit the new How Women Work website at www.hwwqatar.com. Tickets and venue for the How Women Work Conference 2015 will be updated on the website, once finalized. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Top Of The Class With the academic year flying by, many parents are beginning to look for schools for their young children to attend, or for slightly older children transferring from primary to secondary institutions. Mark Leppard, Principal of Doha College gives parents some pointers.

hen it comes to choosing the right school to enrol your children, it’s important to do your due diligence when it comes to research. This can be a stressful and intimidating time as the final choice will have a significant impact that may be life-changing. However, some things can be focused upon when looking at a choice of school that will help parents identify quality. School accreditations and inspections are one way in which parents can gain a clear picture of a school’s strengths. There are a number of school accreditation bodies. These independent organizations visit schools and scrutinize their performance, focusing on teaching and learning, student safeguarding, as well as policies and procedures. The accreditation reports should be

available on the school website for prospective parents to read.

Another element to look at are examination results for the past few years. Here you want to be seeing a consistently high level of achievement. Again, quality schools will be willing to share this information. Quality schools will not only be involved in the education of the student, but also where students are heading next. For secondary or high schools, looking at university destinations is a strong indicator of a high-performing school. Education should be a holistic activity that goes well beyond just the academic. Therefore, parents who believe in this approach should also try to find out about the extracurricular opportunities available to students. Music, sport, and the arts, as well as more unusual activities, should be evident to gauge the quality of the educational experience your child will receive. Finally, if parents are able, you should ask about staff retention. As a parent you want your child to have teachers who will be able to support their educational journey and this becomes more difficult if staff turnover is greater than 15 per cent.

Mark Leppard, Principal of Doha College

These are just some indicators parents should look for when looking for a quality of school for their most prized gift – their children. For more information on Doha College visit www.dohacollege.com. n

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

government applications after a thorough evaluation of 411 apps with 76 entries qualifying for the final phase. Qatar e-Nature won the award in the environment category with Dewa’s smart-phone app and My-ENV from Singapore winning in the UAE and international levels respectively. The m-Government award aims to motivate government agencies to provide innovative solutions in the fields of smart-phone applications, mobile websites and SMS, and is open for UAE government entities and to governments from the Arab region and the around the world. Criteria include efficiency and effectiveness of the application, ease of use and innovation.

Qatar, L-R: Marjo Louw, President of Sasol Friends Dr. Saif Al-Hajari, Chairman of the Jack Saba, of the Environment Center, and GM of Public Affairs, Sasol Qatar

t of the Friends of the Environmen L-R: Dr. Saif Al-Hajari, Chairman bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vicemmad Moha h Sheik H.H. r, Cente the United Arab Emirates and President and Prime Minister of ent of Sasol Qatar Ruler of Dubai, Marjo Louw, Presid

Dr. Al-Hajari commented on the award by saying: “It’s an honour to be recognized by specialists in mobile government to receive this award for the Qatar e-Nature application. The award reinforces what we already know based on the strong demand for the application – it’s a useful and go-to resource for information about the rich diversity of Qatar’s nature. We thank Sasol for its partnership in supporting this effort, contributing to greater understanding of our environment, particularly amongst children”. Launched in December 2013, the Qatar e-Nature app is a first of its kind smart-phone application highlighting plant, bird, insect, mammal and reptile life in the country. Sasol and Friends of the Environment Centre developed the app, which features content in Arabic and English. The app aims to support the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 to promote sustainable development by contributing towards an environmentally aware population.

Nature’s Prize

Doha’s very own Qatar e-Nature Application, produced in partnership with Sasol Qatar and the Friends Of The Environment Centre, recently won the Best Mobile Government Award in Dubai. We discover how this home-grown smart-phone app is shifting our education and understanding of our natural surroundings.

asol and Friends of the Environment Centre received the Best mobile-Government Service Award in the environment category on a regional level for their Qatar e-Nature application. The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dr. Saif Al-Hajari,

Chairman of the Friends of the Environment Centre, and Marjo Louw, President of Sasol Qatar accepted the award at a ceremony held on February 11. The award, presented during the UAE’s Government Summit and held under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’, was selected by specialists in

Sasol Qatar President, Marjo Louw, says, “The Qatar e-Nature application has been a great success story. Winning this award demonstrates the important role that the private sector can play in conjunction with the public and NGO sectors to realize projects that serve the community. Sasol is proud to have the Friends of the Environment Centre as partner on this award-winning project. We also thank the Supreme Education Council for supporting the application and bringing nature to the fingertips of students in Qatar”. The user-friendly Qatar e-Nature app is available for download free of charge on Apple App store, Google Play store for Android, and Windows Phone Store. A web version of the app (www.enature.qa) is also available for desktop access, while information on the Qatar e-Nature schools contest can be found on contest.enature.qa and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The application is updated regularly, having added mammals and reptiles earlier this year. Future updates will include marine life to further benefit users of the application. For more information visit www.sasol.com, or www.fec.qa. n

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COMMUNITY

Irish Life

In The Desert By Rodger Gillen Selected images courtesy of the Qatar Irish Society and Irish Dance Arabia

Doha is home to a wide range of cultures from all around the world. QH caught up with members of the Irish community ahead of St Patrick’s Day on March 17 to find out how important it is to have a slice of Ireland in the Middle East.

raditionally the Irish tend to travel and work around the world. Qatar is no exception, with the Irish community steadily growing over the last decade; to date there are over 2,000 Irish expats calling Doha home.

At the heart of Irish expat life in Doha is the Qatar Irish Society. The group was founded over thirty years ago and serves as a vital link with the community, providing assistance and advice for Irish expats. We caught up with chairperson Ciaria McGeoch to find out more about the group and the Irish population in Qatar.

of the Irish community with any issues that living in Qatar might throw at them. “We have a great group on Facebook in which anyone can join and the members help out with any problems. Luckily we have strong links with the consulate in Abu Dhabi who are regularly over to help out with any passport or documentation issues.”

“Well I first came to Qatar on a two-week business trip back in 2006, things developed with my job and I have stayed here ever since!” says Ciaria, who has been chairperson of the Irish Society since 2011.The biggest highlight of the year for the group is undoubtedly the St Patrick’s Ball, which is being held this year on March 12 at The Grand Hyatt. “It’s the biggest St Patrick’s Day event in the Middle East, and we are growing! This year we’re expecting 800 people to the ball.”

Along with the good work of the Irish Society in the community, Qatar is home to a host of Irish groups eager to provide their slice of the Emerald Isle to expats. Irish Dance Arabia is one such organization, teaching traditional Irish dancing to people of all ages. We met with dance teacher Rachel Franzen to find out more.

Aside from the ball, the group also runs a number of children’s parties along with helping members

“I started teaching Irish dancing in 2000 because I missed home and Irish dancing was a hobby that I'd done since I was five years old, so it was my connection to home!” she says. Rachel has been

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Members of Celtic Rhythm Doha at the 2013 Irish Ball

Traditional dancers kick up their heels at an Irish céilidh

running Irish dancing groups across the GCC for 15 years now, with Qatar as her base. “We have many, many different nations represented in the group,” she tells us. “To date we have had students from all over the world including Qatar, Canada, Serbia, and of course Ireland. I really enjoy that my classes introduce kids to Irish dancing, and they then take it on with them to their next home, or back to their home country, and for many, it’s a very unique skill.” The group also trains an adult dance troupe named Celtic Rhythm who are set to perform at the Irish Ball on March 12. “Preparations are well under way for the group – the Irish Ball is a great way to celebrate the Irish community in Qatar. A special routine has been created just for this night, and everyone is excited to perform.”

Aside from the Irish Society and Irish Dance Arabia, Doha is also home to an adult and junior Gaelic games team. The Oryx of Ireland team is GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) affiliated, with the club having both Gaelic football and hurling teams. Formed in 2004, the club is fast gaining a reputation as one of the most feared teams in the Middle East and beyond. The group is based at the Doha Rugby Club and regularly hold training sessions, with all abilities welcome.

rish Dance Arabia Instructor Rachel Franzen with a young award recipient at the 2014 Hong Kong International Championships

Talking to Ciaria from the Irish Society, you get a feeling that plans are well and truly underway for the biggest Irish celebration in Qatar. “You wouldn't believe the work the group has to put in each year for the ball!” she smiles. “Each year we are getting bigger, and the pressure grows a little bit more to deliver a fantastic night, but I think the society can pull it off!” With a growing community, and a host of clubs to join, a friendly welcome is assured for Irish expats in Qatar. n • To find out more about the Qatar Irish Society visit www.qataririshsociety.com. • Details of Irish Dance Arabia can be found via www.facebook.com/IrishDanceArabia. • Want to join the Qatar GAA? Check out www.qatargaa.com.

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COMMUNITY

7ayak Hub offers a welcoming to environment for creative minds connect, build and grow their ideas

Community Think-Tank By Diana Farid Images courtesy of 7ayak Hub

Qatar’s natural resources have made it one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, but it’s also abundant in currency of another kind – knowledge. We spend an afternoon at 7ayak Hub, the first co-working space in Doha where great minds and big ideas meet.

ith the rise of entrepreneurs, people in the creative industry, startup owners and freelancers, there comes the need for a space that can host them as well as provide access to resources and networking. Welcome to 7ayak Hub (the ‘7’ is pronounced like an ‘h’), which is, according to its owner and CEO of The Youth Company, Mohamed Farid: “The first co-working space in Doha supporting a community of change-makers.”

“7ayak Hub aims to give them access to creative space, educational content and an active network,” he says. “By ‘change-makers’, it means anyone who understands the benefit of working in the same place, collaborating on various projects, and sharing the costs of resources.” Mohamed has always been busy with youth development, empowerment and leadership so 7ayak Hub is one of many youth-related initiatives that he he’s spearheaded over the past few years. “I started to be concerned about youth since university, until I established The Youth Company, which now offers various training, volunteering and event opportunities for youth in Qatar,” he adds. After working with this segment for some time Mohamed reached a conclusion that not only youth in schools and universities need the support, but also new graduates and entrepreneurs. “That's how the idea of a co-working space was born. We set it up in the middle of 2014, opening our doors to customers from the beginning of September,” he explains.

7ayak is not the first organization in town to support youth, but its team has realized that there was a gap in the market where youth not only needed a space, but rather an energetic community to belong to. “Youth lack a vibrant community of like-minded individuals where they can share all their failures and success, as well as constant support from established entrepreneurs or business professionals who are ready to invest their time in growing, younger generations,” Mohamed says. The team has always been fascinated by the outputs of collaborative work and how amazing ideas can be born out of brain-storming sessions and are big fans of co-working themselves.

The hub sets itself apart by not only providing a physical space but also, according to Mohamed, by “offering a set of educational events including training, workshops, talks, conferences, networking sessions, all curated to meet the needs of those trying to set-up their own business, regardless of the industry.” The team does their utmost to select and share practical, hands-on content, tips and tricks

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a youth What began in January 2014 as where hub, has developed into a space big young professionals can dream

which can be easily implemented as they go along. They’re also very picky when it comes to selecting trainers or speakers, striving to provide an outstanding learning experience to all their visitors – which is sometimes challenging but worth the hassle. The journey of setting this up was never a smooth one but rather “a long trip of trials, reflections and realizations,” as Mohamed explains it. The team has started back in January 2014 as a youth hub which offered training, working space and various activities such as dancing and music classes. “The feedback we got helped us to better understand the needs of youth and, accordingly, narrow the target audience and fine-tune the activities to be offered,” adds Mohamed. Having refined their services, they re-named the space and re-opened the doors as 7ayak Hub later that same year. They consider Salam International to be their biggest supporter this first year, with an elite sponsorship that helped them overcome their initial start-up struggles. The team keeps studying other success stories of co-working hubs in the region and worldwide so they can implement whatever is relevant to the market in Doha. They also plan to experiment with a lot of ideas and events for 2015 and, depending on

the feedback they get, will decide what activities to continue and which ones to drop. “We’re eager to work closely with other organizations, companies, authorities, universities and anyone in the field to see how we can solve the current challenges of start-ups,” Mohamed tells us. They also aim to promote the concept of Corporate Entrepreneurship Responsibility which was introduced by Fadi Ghandour, chairman of Wamda and founder and vice-chairman of Aramex, almost two years ago. The concept calls on the private sector to play an active

role in supporting entrepreneurs – so everyone and anyone can join the hub. If you have entrepreneurial ideas and want to share or brainstorm with other enthusiastic, young minds, 7ayak Hub is the place to go. Prices vary for the use of their services from QR 50 a day, to QR 2,000 a month, to even higher rates for office usage. The hub is located near Immigration Roundabout in Madinat Khalifa South. For more information visit www.7ayakhub.me. n

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COMMUNITY

Ways To Make Money From Home

By Jacqueline Bodnar

For busy parents, there are many career fields that that can be done from home. Selecting one is the hard part! This month we give you some pointers on how to get started.

f you’re looking for a way to make money from home, you’re not alone. Take our neighbours in the US for example: according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 5.7 million people in America work from home – and they run the gamut of various ways to earn this money. If you’re ready to get in on the action and start making some money, now is a great time to give it a shot! Whether you want to make a living or simply earn some monthly entertainment money, it can be done. You just need to get started by nailing down which option suits you best. Here are 10 different ways you could make money from home:

Sitting Services Whether you’re providing babysitting for children or pet-sitting services, this can be an easy way to earn extra money. Bringing in just one extra child per week can help you earn around $100 per week, or you can start a home daycare and make much more.

Blogging The great thing about blogging is that it’s a field that is open to everyone, regardless of experience. The ‘mommy bloggers’ of today are making money, earning free products and being schmoozed by marketing companies, making it an easy way to earn some extra dough.

Typing If you have some typing skills, you can find freelance jobs providing transcribing and word processing skills. These can often

be found at online job sites, and they provide plenty of flexibility in working your way through the project.

Virtual Assisting Having secretarial skills puts you in a position to make a good yearly salary by providing virtual assistant services to businesses across the country. Work can be found at online job sites (like oDesk and Elance).

Planning Parties Those who have a knack for planning great parties can focus on a party-planning business. You can offer your services for everything from children’s birthday parties to corporate parties and even wedding receptions.

Cleaning Up Knowing how to get stains out of carpets and marker off the walls can come in handy when starting your own cleaning service. To add to that, you can offer home or garage organizing to your list of services.

Selling There are plenty of sales opportunities for those who want to work from home. Opportunities include selling small products, hosting sales parties, and even being a freelance salesperson for magazine ad sales.

Designing If you have graphic or webdesign skills, you can easily offer these services to businesses. Work-for-hire jobs can be found at online job boards and usually offer a good wage.

Creating Think about skills you may have for making crafts, gardening, sewing or even baking. You can tap into those and start selling products – whether it’s creating children’s clothing or baking cakes for parties.

Snapping There are opportunities in freelance photography that allow people the chance to sell photos. This can be done outright to magazines or even to stock photography sites. Making money from home isn’t nearly as difficult as choosing how to do it, for most people. Whether you want to become a freelance birthing coach or start the next ‘green’ cleaning business, there’s something for everyone. As you research, just be cautious of scams, as many people prey upon those looking to work from home. Never put out a lot of money for information or products to get started, and always remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. n

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COMMUNITY

Listings

Community Guide Australian and New Zealand Business in Qatar Group

QH RECOMMENDS

6651-1892 www.anzbiq.org

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

Doha Players

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

Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171

French-Speaking Ladies Group

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Kids Calligraphy Workshops

Ongoing: Informative and entertaining for kids, the MIA offers a range of walk-in sessions, individual workshops and special courses in calligraphy and art education. During each session, students will explore the MIA’s collections and create beautiful artworks and calligraphy. Try out traditional and modern techniques, learn about the great artists of the past and engage with historic works of art. For more information visit www.mia.org.qa.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

QATAR TOASTMASTERS The Art Of Public Speaking

IAID Karate For Kids

March 1, 15 & 29: Looking to develop communication and leadership skills? Want to build your selfconfidence? Look no further than Qatar Toastmasters Club. Master the art of public speaking in a supportive, multicultural group. The club meets on the first and third Sunday of the month, all year round. Meetings are at the Radisson Blu Hotel from 7:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 5505-5275 or 5572-5293 or visit www.qatartoastmasters.net.

DOHA MUMS Out Of Sync Coffee Morning

Tuesdays: The Doha Mums offer support group coffee morning for parents of children with special needs every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. Please email rsvp@dohamums.com for location details.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART MIA Park Bazaar

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

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

DOHA TWEETUPS Monthly Networking

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

online! See us rhappening.com www.qata

5559-7467

Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052

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

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598

Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Canadians In Qatar

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

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FOOD & DINING

Top Picks

PAPER MOON Frutti Di Mare Night

Fridays: Every Friday at Paper Moon Doha, enjoy a selection of freshly-prepared seafood by Chef Fabrizio and his culinary team. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4016-6000.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Friday Brunch Sawa Restaurant. Signature sweet and savoury recipes from all around the world prepared by Executive Chef Mattias Roock, fine live entertainment and a children’s corner on the lawn are the elements of the first and only five-star Friday Brunch experience at The Pearl. QR 330 per person, including soft drinks and QR 425 per person, including white and red vino. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Currylicious

All-Month: Seasons Restaurants. Take your taste-buds on a culinary journey around the world of curries, as Seasons Restaurant celebrates these Oriental wonders throughout the month of March. Choose from a variety of rich, intense curry flavours and aromas from Indian to Thai, combining the finest authentic ingredients to make a spectacularly delicious dish. Curries start at QR 40 per dish. For more information call 4429-1360.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Mushroom Hunters

All-Month: The Lounge & Aroma. This March, enjoy inimitably authentic hand-picked mushrooms in Aroma. It’s the perfect season to taste wild mushrooms in dishes such as slow-roasted Wagyu beef cheeks or cornfed chicken with creamy mushroom sauce. The menu can be accompanied with a matching vino or cocktail in the relaxing ambience of Aroma and The Lounge all month long. For more information call 4405-3325, or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

ORYX ROTANA Festival De La Tortilla

All-Month: The Cellar. Every day during March their authentic Spanish restaurant will be offering different kinds of tortillas all day. For more information call 4402-3333.

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FOOD & DINING Brunch-goers can grab a coffee, a welcome drink and some small nibbles upon arrival in Aramede's lounge

Social In The City By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

We experience Friday brunch of a different kind at Aramede restaurant in the Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park. Their Be Social concept puts the focus on flavour, friendship and funk (music that is!), in a setting that begs you to put down the phone and connect over a great meal.

hen weighing your weekend brunch options, the standard heavy-hitters tend to overshadow the up-and-comers; which is unfortunate, because in a city full of ubiquitous Friday brunches, there are some true undiscovered gems. The new Be Social brunch at the Crowne Plaza Doha is a prime example. We arrive amidst the noon-time rush of hungry handball fans – the hotel had a slew of French and Polish fans staying with them while the handball was in town, giving the restaurant a bustling, jovial ambiance – a place to see and be seen. But the Be Social concept is about more than simply Tweeting and Instagramming one’s food. In fact it’s

the complete opposite. Here, technology takes a backseat in favour of social interaction. Diners are encouraged to leave their distractions at the door and indulge in the company of family and friends. Located in the hotel’s bright atrium, Aramede has a vibrant, lively vibe – its colour palette plays on the Brazilian theme of its other outlets, Rodizio and Misturado, and enough natural light streams in through its winding bank of windows that there isn’t a dim, dark corner to be found. As we wait for our table, we’re seated in the comfortable waiting area near the bar, where a welcome drink is offered upon arrival. On our left, where two large palm trees reach for the ceiling, is the kids’ corner with play-area and their own minibuffet. Adjacent to this is a large floor-to-ceiling screen where a DJ is performing on a live-stream feed directly from Louisiana, USA. He can see us and we can see him – and he waves and smiles at diners as he spins a beat. I’m struck by this – the idea of live-streaming a different international DJ each week is a first, but it works. There’s the benefit of having a different artist on the decks in constant rotation, keeping the sound fresh for the brunch crowd, and it also ties in with the Be Social concept of unique interaction with one another. I like the fact that the music isn’t so loud that you can’t carry on a conversation – which is sometimes the case with a live set-up.

Under the culinary guidance of Chef Dominique Morin, the brunch is spread out around a central, circular live cooking station with surrounding offshoots. There’s a delectably pungent array of cheeseboards near the entrance, side-by-side with a display of fresh bread to get you started. After the waiter takes our drink orders I get up, grab a plate and start to wander… realizing that we’re going to be spoiled for choice. My friend makes a beeline for the fresh sushi and sashimi station with its rainbow-bright colours, while I meander around the hot stations with their tureens brimming with shish taouk, sweet short-ribs, stewed crab in spicy black bean sauce

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and warm, buttery vegetables, past the live juicing and cocktail station, until my nose picks up the fragrant aroma of curry. A bit of a curry fanatic, I’m eager to try their sumptuous okra and dhal variety, along with some red Thai chicken and an earthy yellow curry with jumbo prawns. All three bowls are rich and earthy, their delicate combination of spices anchoring the meat and veg. Aramede is having a World Of Curries promotion running throughout the month of March where, for QR 175, guests can try twelve unique regional varieties from India, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, prepared by twelve different chefs. Aramede's colourful array of sushi gives a whole new meaning to 'rainbow' maki

A sample of flavourful delights from the Asian hot station

Filling up your plate is thirsty work − grab a refreshing mocktail from the juice bar station

We love their unique cupcake creations and may or may not have gone back for seconds!

The brunch also features a fresh display of cold starters, antipasti and mezzes, from your standard moutabel and muhammar, to smoked salmon pinwheels and leafy salad greens – there’s no excuse not to get your five-a-day fix here. An added feature of the Be Social brunch is that it combines both buffet and a la carte service. So while I’m off loading up my plate at the carving station, the waiter brings a platter of savoury cheese-bread and hummus to our table and then, a little later on, a crackling platter of chicken satay with peanut sauce. Aramede saves the best for last though, with a dessert section that takes up a quarter of the space at the back of the restaurant. Presiding over the sweet offerings is their one-of-a-kind cupcake wall, a colourful light-box stacked to the rafters with freshly-made cupcakes of all shapes, sizes and flavours. There’s coffee caramel, classic red velvet, death by chocolate… all for the taking. There’s also a small crowd of kids at the popcorn and cotton candy station where both are made fresh – and the smell is amazing! A chocolate fountain and a delicate array of cheesecakes, brownies, baklavas, crème caramels and myriad other cavity-inducing assortments round out the selection. A good twenty minutes pass before we realize that the brunch has ended, the music has stopped and they’re clearing up the place settings for the dinner service. It’s a mark of a good afternoon when you’re so engrossed in conversation and laughter that time slips by unnoticed. It’s also a clear-cut sign that the Be Social brunch accomplishes what it sets out to achieve – a common connection that we all crave for good friendship and even better food. n ARAMEDE BE SOCIAL BRUNCH Location: Lobby level, Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Timings: Fridays from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: • QR 255, soft drinks package • QR 333, with selected house beverages Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes, in outdoor area Contact Info: Call 4408-7777 or 4408-7788

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FOOD & DINING

A Tradition Of Taste By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

The Pearl-Qatar is one of the most luxurious projects in the country, but given its opulent attraction most outlets seem to struggle when it comes to customer foottraffic. Not so for Burj Al Hamam, which has seen a steady flow of patrons since it opened – and for good reason. We stop by for lunch to try some authentic Lebanese cuisine at this refined franchise with a family-owned history.

urj Al Hamam is located in Croisette 1, Porto Arabia near Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar. The restaurant isn’t your typical Lebanese venue found in other areas about town. Burj Al Hamam exudes a modern and luxurious vibe with a Westernized décor that doesn’t seem very true to its Lebanese roots. This isn’t a bad thing – it’s actually what makes the restaurant stand out from the rest, offering diners a different experience.

First of all I was impressed by the vast size of the space – blue and aubergine-coloured chairs and wooden tables are perfectly placed under a canopy of high ceilings, while two enormous, white chandeliers add to the plush atmosphere of the restaurant. You can sit inside and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf or outside by the terrace if it’s not too dusty or hot.

Guests can choose from a wide range of Lebanese home-cooking and fresh seafood. There are dozens of cold and hot mezzes on the menu to navigate and a big array of main courses. In most Lebanese restaurants you can’t go wrong if you order the fried kibbeh, tabbouleh, grilled halloumi cheese, deep-fried cheese-rolls and, of course, hummus with fresh Arab bread. This is exactly what my companion and I ordered and, as expected, we aren’t disappointed. The fried kibbeh is particularly tasty – well-made from fresh ingredients and fried to perfection. It’s always one of my favourite items and Burj Al Hamam does it well, so I enjoy it very much. The halloumi cheese is grilled beautifully and I’m surprised that it isn’t overly salty – which is typical. It’s satisfyingly rich and squeaky.

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We love the cool colours and regal décor of the restaurant interior

because she’s making little mixed grill ‘sandwiches’ with the triangles of tomato-slathered pita bread, dolloping them with garlic sauce and hummus, then topping them off with a piece of meat and a smattering of tabbouleh.

to From Lebanese-style sausages, e muhammara and fatoush, the mezz at Burj Al Hammam hits the spot

We finish with some assorted desserts, and though I’m not particularly keen on Arab pastries as I find them too sweet for my taste, those who enjoy them will stumble upon an impressive selection of some of the best at Burj Al Hamam.

There are other variations of mezze for more adventurous diners, which I didn’t try this time since I already knew exactly what I wanted. I would recommend familiarizing yourself with Lebanese cuisine before you go, as a lot of the items on the menu aren’t easy to figure out what they are unless you know your Lebanese food. If you’re not careful (or don’t ask your waiter) you may end up ordering something that isn’t to your liking.

Surprisingly the prices at the restaurant are downright reasonable given the lavishness of the place. For an entire meal you can spend less than QR 200.Overall, the experience is more than gratifying, although I would advise the management to update the chairs and tables as they’re starting to show some signs of wear. Nevertheless Burj Al Hamam ticked all the boxes for a rich, satisfying taste of Lebanon with good service and, most importantly, incredible food. n

y We devoured all of these cream and sticky-sweet Arabic desserts

BURJ AL HAMAM

We continue our meal with an unbelievably delicious shish tawouk with garlic sauce. It’s definitely the star dish; the chicken is juicy and not at all tough, instead melting in your mouth. It’s been braised wonderfully – usually when I try this dish in other restaurants I have to add salt to the chicken, but not in Burj Al Hamam. It’s common for shish taouk to be served with French fries in a Lebanese restaurant, but here if you enjoy your chicken with fries you need to order them separately.

Location: Croisette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar

My dining companion orders the mixed grill platter which comes with juicy cubes of perfectly-skewered beef, kofta and chicken. I can tell she’s enjoying it

Shisha: Yes

Timings: • 12 noon till 12 midnight, Sun-Thurs • 9:00 a.m. till 12 midnight, Fri & Sat Average Meal Price: QR 170 Set Menus: QR 200, QR 300 and QR 400 Vino: No Smoking: Yes Contact info: Call 4495-3876, Ext. 1291

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FOOD & DINING

We loved the bento box concept at Chopsticks

Who needs anything but a chocolate fountain for dessert?

Tempt Your Taste-Buds By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

The Wyndham Grand Regency is well-known for offering diners unique and distinctive food and beverage promotions. This month the hotel is going all-out with their Wyndham F&B Adventure package. QH stops by for a succulent feast

’ll admit – I’ve been known to enjoy a good meal at the Wyndham from time-to-time, namely at Chopsticks or Tangia, the latter of which is within the top two Moroccan restaurants in the city in my opinion. So when I found out about the hotel’s newest promotion I was more than eager to give it a go. The Wyndham F&B Adventure consists of having different courses served in different restaurants. You can start with having appetizers in Chopsticks, a main course in Tangia (or vice-versa) and dessert in Al Kut Café. We start our feast at Chopsticks, and the Asianthemed restaurant is beautifully-decorated and cosy. The service is impeccable as the waiters seem to know their jobs very well and are overly attentive. We’re served their bento box selection which features a delicious vegetable tempura, a fresh avocado salad, their signature shredded chicken maki rolls and a superbly juicy beef teriyaki, which is definitely the star of the meal. The beef is perfectly cooked and accompanied by an outstanding Asian sauce and white rice.

We then make the move over to Tangia Moroccan restaurant – one of their stand-out signature outlets. The décor and atmosphere is authentic Marrakesh, and here we get our hands on two heaping tagines of fish and lamb couscous and a spicy harira soup. We’re also served an array of different Moroccan appetizers with the star of the show being their unique interpretation of grilled cheese. To end our feast we finish up at Al Kut Café where there’s a chocolate fountain with all the trimmings, some unique ‘cupcake’ burgers and their newest offering – spaghetti ice cream. I finish up with coffee served in a cup the size of a soup bowl and a few nibbly bits of cookies. If you’re feeling peckish but can’t decide whether you want Asian, Moroccan or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, the F&B Adventure at the Wyndham gives you the best of both worlds. Bon appétit!

Wyndham F&B Adventure Bronze Treatment: QR 199 • Starter from selected menu at Chopsticks restaurant • Main course from selected menu at Tangia restaurant • Coffee/tea/ dessert as per guests request at Al Kut Café Silver Treatment: QR 299 • Starter from selected menu at Tangia restaurant • Main course from selected menu at Chopsticks restaurant • Coffee/tea/dessert as per guests request at Al Kut Café • Angsana Spa treatment discount voucher for 50% off • Tangia voucher for 50% off

Mussels and prawns, fresh from a's the ocean, can be found in Tangi seafood tagine

Gold Treatment: QR 699 • Starter from selected menu at Chopsticks restaurant • Main course from selected menu at Tangia restaurant • Coffee/tea/ dessert as per guests request, plus selected cigar at Al Kut Café • Limousine pick-up • One-hour Angsana Spa treatment • Tangia voucher for 50% off • 50% off on room- rate, plus breakfast included Diamond Treatment: QR 1,100 • Starter from selected menu at Tangia restaurant • Main course from selected menu at Chopsticks restaurant • Coffee/tea/dessert as per guests request wishes, plus selected cigar at Al Kut Café • Limousine pick-up • One-hour Angsana Spa treatment • Chopsticks voucher for 50% off • Standard room, plus breakfast included • Selected cigars: Romeo Y Julieta Romeo No.2, or Punch Coronations • Selected cigars: Romeo Y Julieta Romeo No.2, or HDM Petit Robusto Offer valid from 1:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. on selected packages. Every course is served in a different restaurant. For more information call 4434-3333. n

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FOOD & DINING

Preparation: For the farfalle pasta • Sieve the two flours and pour them into a bowl, leaving a hole in the centre. Add the eggs and knead by hand while swinging the bowl clockwise with the other hand. Add a little quantity of white vino to adjust the density. • Pour the mixture over a wooden board and finish kneading until the pasta gets smooth and elastic. Cover with a transparent film and leave it to rest for 15 minutes. • Roll out the pasta, dust it with powdered tomato and basil and spread it out over the board. Cut the pasta into 4x6cm rectangles and crush the lateral edges with your fingertips, shaping them into small butterflies – farfalle. Lay them out on a clean board to dry.

With an array of fresh herbs at his disposal, Chef Marco prepares the flavourful monkfish broth

Chef Marco’s Table Photography by Jessie Palanca

We take a trip to the coastline of Italy with Il Teatro’s Chef Marco Arlotti of The Four Seasons as he blends the Italian traditions of seafood and pasta in a sumptuous creation of farfalle with stewed monkfish. Farfalle Pasta with Tomato, Basil, Stewed Monkfish, Rosemary and Broccoli Ingredients: (Serves 4) For the farfalle pasta • 350gms, Durum wheat semolina • 150gms, white flour • 4 whole eggs • Splash of white vino (optional) • 5gms, tomato powder • 5gms, thinly-cut fresh basil

For the monkfish broth • 1gm, coarse salt • 20gms, butter • 400gms, monkfish bones (cut into small pieces) • 20gms, diced shallots • 20gms, diced white celery • 20gms, diced fennel • 20gms, diced leeks • 5gms, garlic (cut into quarters) • 1gm, parsley stems • 50gms, white vino (optional) • 1 fresh bay leaf • 1 small bunch of thyme • 300gms, peeled and diced potatoes • 100gms, ice • 2 litres, water For the stewed monkfish • 200gms, monkfish pulp (cut into small pieces) • 200gms, blanched broccoli • 1 gm, chopped rosemary leaves • 1gm, garlic (cut into small pieces) • ½ gm, thinly-cut fresh chili pepper • 20gms, white vino (optional) • 10gms, extra virgin olive oil • Salt to taste

For the monkfish broth • Pour the butter into a casserole dish with the coarse salt. Heat the casserole, adding the monkfish bones and leaving to grill over a low flame for 8 minutes without stirring. At a low temperature the salt absorbs the liquids, causing the albumins in the bones to leach out into the sauce to create the perfect base in colour and taste. • Turn the bones with a spoon and finish grilling. Add the shallots, leeks, celery, potatoes, fennel, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and parsley stems. • Add the ice, white vino and water. Bring to a boil and leave to simmer for 20 minutes to eliminate any impurities that rise to the surface. • Remove from the heat and leave to rest for 20 minutes before filtering the mixture through a chinois, reducing it until it thickens. For the monkfish stew • Cut the monkfish into irregular slices and season them with salt and pepper. Heat a pan with extra virgin olive oil and add the garlic, chopped rosemary, chili pepper and stew together. • Add the monkfish slices and brown them quickly. Moisten the pan with white vino and the monkfish broth. Add the previously blanched broccoli, sauté for a couple of minutes and add salt and pepper to taste.

To Finish: • Cook the pasta in a pot with salted water. Drain and pour them into a pan with the monkfish stew and incorporate them with some extra virgin olive oil. • Serve the farfalle pasta on plates with the stewed monkfish. n Cooking classes with Chef Marco are available every last Saturday of the month for QR 500, including a four-course lunch menu. For reservations call 4494-8600.

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FOOD & DINING

Word Of Mouth Photography by Jessie Palanca

This column is part of a monthly contest where we send one of our readers to experience a meal in a restaurant. It’s our way of giving the community a voice in our pages. This month Cathy Rodrigues slices into some juicy cuts at The Anvil Rooms in Tornado Tower. Here is her review.

• Chive and Parmesan tater-tots, smoked garlic cream cheese, QR 25

Dessert: • Rasberry mille-feuilles, vanilla pastry cream, QR 40 • Cocoa sorbet and vanilla ice cream sundae, cherry compote, nut brownie, QR 40 QH: Were the prices reasonable? CR: The prices were worth the food selection they provide – money worth spent! QH: Describe the ambiance.

QH: What did you order? CR: Appetizers: • Poached shrimp salad, cocktail sauce, QR 60 • King crab cake, radish salad, celery and shallot, soy and truffle dressing, QR 80

Soups: • Oxtail soup, braised oxtail, chives, QR 45 • Lobster bisque, maple syrup, QR 50 Main Courses: • AACo master Kobe Wagyu sirloin, QR 560 • Greater Omaha prime T-bone, QR 400 Sides: • Sautéed wild mushrooms, QR 20 • Lobster macaroni and cheese, QR 25 • Truffle creamed potatoes, QR 25

CR: The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for intimate dining and special occasions, [with] dimmed light atmosphere, huge leather seating , soft jazz playing in the background and the breathtaking view from the 28th floor of the Tornado Tower where the restaurant is located. The interiors are beautifully-crafted and [feature] designs by the award-winning blacksmith Nigel Barrett, from bronzed room dividers that creatively hide the outline of a cow among its lines, to chandeliers, table-wares and furnishings.

Contest winner Cathy Rodrigues tt and Chef de Cuisine Chris Basse

QH: Describe the quality of the food. CR: Starting from the fresh bread basket to start the evening, the food provided is of excellent quality and prepared to perfection – compliments to the chef. There’s an amazing selection of meat, side dishes

and desserts – one of the best in town, especially the King crab cake and the Wagyu sirloin. The presentation is worth noting, especially the side dishes in small pans and metal casseroles that can be shared among each other.

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QH: Describe the quality of the service. CR: The service was excellent, starting with a warm greeting while we were comfortably placed in our seats. The waiter, Chem, who brought the menus was well-trained in explaining the menu and recommending to us some favourites of the restaurant. He even briefed us on a little history about the place, the interiors and the founding Executive Chef Stuart Collins – very attentive service. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not? CR: Yes I definitely will go back as I enjoyed every minute of what The Anvil Rooms had to offer. You are royally treated from the moment you enter and it makes one of the best steaks in town. QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? CR: The completely beautiful décor in the restaurant – which was very ‘un-Doha’ but still capturing the very essentials of a steak house with the furnishing of anvils and bronzed dividers forged with the outlined cow hidden. Also, the panoramic view of the stunning city and the waters, good quality food selection and ingredients, plus the service was friendly and professional and they had a very good wine list.

With an ambiance rich and lush, The Anvil Rooms spares no detail in its décor

QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? CR: A little uncomfortable seating – the leather sofas were a bit heavy to push in. The prices are expensive at the end of the day, but worth it! I wish they offered smaller portions of meat as we weren’t able to finish the steak after the delicious appetizers and bread basket. QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? CR: I absolutely enjoyed the warm welcome by the staff and the waiter, Chem. It was extra special when the Chef De Cuisine Chris Bassett came over and inquired about how we were enjoying the experience and had a brief chit-chat about the restaurant and the excellent selection of meat they offer. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? CR: I think the service was very enjoyable. The menu was impressive and the sides and desserts were served perfectly. The ambiance was welcoming and quiet, with a subdued lighting that really creates the mood. I think it’s already shown great improvements compared to earlier reviews. n

The star-of-the-show AACo master Kobe Wagyu sirloin − succulent and sumptuous!

Sweet and light, The Anvil Rooms' poached shrimp salad is a refreshing starter

For more information on The Anvil Rooms call 4499-0685 or visit www.theanvilrooms.qa.

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

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FOOD & DINING

Treat Your Mama Right! She does so much for you, so why INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY THE ST. REGIS DOHA Mother’s Day Tea Arabic Mother’s Day Brunch not do something extra special March 15 & 21: Sarab Lounge. Afternoon tea is March 21: The Square. Treat your mother at The for her? Pamper your Mom this a St. Regis ritual; a joyful occasion to gather with Square to a lavish brunch of traditional Arabic fare family and friends. Celebrate Mother’s Day and Mother’s Day with an exceptional prepared home-style with classic Arabic drinks. In share a bespoke afternoon tea with live music and a addition, ladies will take home a sweet surprise lunch or dinner at some of the surprise gift for all Moms. Reservations are required. after the brunch. Book before March 15 for a chance city’s best, five-star restaurants. to win dinner for two at The Square. QR 200 includes QR 299 per couple. From 2:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For We’ve lined up a list of top options buffet and soft beverages. QR 330 includes buffet more information call 4446-0126. to help you celebrate the occasion! and selected house beverages. For more information CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Mother’s Day

March 19-21: Aramede. Delight your mom with a hearty meal of international flavours with their special set menu. Mom will receive a surprise gift and a complimentary meal if dining with a minimum of four persons. For more information call 4408-7788.

Treat Your Mom

March 19-21: Rodizio. Treat Mom with our signature eat-all-you-can meat promotion and she can get a chance to win a relaxing massage from The Spa. For more information call 4408-7788.

DOHA MARRIOTT British Mother’s Day Brunch

March 13 & 14: Restaurant Gallery. Celebrate British Mother’s Day at the Doha Marriott’s Weekend Brunch! Be entertained by live cooking stations as the talented chefs prepare your favourite dishes. An elaborate buffet full of British treats awaits you as they spoil all mothers with a 50% discount. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Mother’s Day At Blue

March 21: Blue Restaurant. Mother’s Day is one of the most important days of the year. Give your Mom the gift of dining out at Blue Restaurant and have a 15% discount off your total bill, plus a special giveaway for Mom. From 12:00 noon till 12 midnight. For more information call 4445-5555.

call 4015-8888.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mother’s Day Brunch

March 21: Seasons Restaurant. Treat the Mums in your life to a lavish themed buffet on Mother’s Day at Seasons Restaurant. Expect to see an impressive international spread and tons of family fun. Bring your Mum and receive a 15% discount off your total bill at the end of the evening. Lucky mothers who are celebrating their birthday on March 21 will receive a complimentary voucher to the hotel’s famous Friday Family Brunch. For more information call 4429-1360.

ORYX ROTANA Mother’s Day Celebration

March 21: Choices. Celebrate the most important woman in your life with Oryx Rotana's ‘Dinner At Choices’ – specially created for Mother's Day. What better way to show their appreciation than treating all mothers to a wonderful complimentary Sushi and Sashimi Night dinner while dining with the family – because Mums eat free on Mother’s Day! Terms and conditions apply. Enjoy the buffet for QR 205 per person for food only, QR 295 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try the premium package for QR 340 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

THE RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Mother’s Day At Porcini

March 15 & 21: Porcini. All mothers will become enchanted in Porcini, with authentic Italian dining by Chef Daniele Vacca who will orchestrate an evening to delight the palate in a relaxed atmosphere. QR 350 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

W DOHA UK Mother’s Day & Qatari Mother’s Day March 15 & 21: Spice Market. Come and join the celebration for this special occasion. The restaurant has designed a menu to enhance the precious moments spent with your loved ones. QR 280 per person. For more information call 4453-5000. n

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FOOD & DINING

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

QH RECOMMENDS

PAPER MOON Never-Ending Pasta Night

Saturdays: Jaidah Square. Come and delight in an endless feast of special Italian homemade pastas at the ‘NeverEnding PastaNight’. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 120. For more information call 4016-6000.

THE FOUR SEASONS Il Teatro New Menu

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood Brunch

THE GRAND HYATT Ladies Who Lunch

Fridays: Fish Market. Indulge in a luxurious buffet and market display featuring lobsters, oysters and tiger prawns. Choose from a wide range of beverage options to complement your meal while enjoying the stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Doha’s skyline at QR 375 including unlimited house beverages and QR 295 with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Kids package available at QR 160. Enjoy live entertainment by jazz singer Laurel Moore. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – including special offers and weekly/daily regular promotions.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT British Festival Month

All-Month: The View Poolside Restaurant. This month the Doha Marriott celebrates all things British! Working alongside the British Embassy during their British Festival month, visit The View Poolside Restaurant where they’ll be offering a selection of fine British fare from traditional fish and chips, to steak and kidney pie! For more information call 4429-8499.

HILTON DOHA Garden Brunch

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

Starbucks And Sweets Pairing

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

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Earth Hour

March 28: Celebrate Earth Hour in any of the hotel’s restaurants and participate in the global movement as a symbol of your commitment towards our planet. Dine at New York Steakhouse and savour a three-course set menu with minimum carbonfootprint ingredients supported by a candle-light environment. Continue your pledge towards the environment at Glo Cocktail Bar with unplugged live entertainment and a special Earth Hour cocktail. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Coast-To-Coast

March 14-27: Cucina. Embark on yet another delectable culinary journey as Cucina takes you to the coasts of Italy. Rediscover traditions from Italian cooking with a modern twist, starting from QR 80. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

All-Month: Rocca. Ladies can indulge in a three-course lunch for only QR 95 at the hotel’s Italian poolside eatery as part of their Ladies Appreciation Month. Enjoy the sunshine through the glass windows overlooking the landscaped gardens and pool. For a true afternoon of leisure, you can enjoy two glasses of house wine for an extra QR25. The promotion is available on weekdays from 12:00 noon to 3:30 p.m. For more information call 7021-8096.

Single Malt Dinner

March 31: The Grill. Indulge in a world of luxury with the best single malts from across the globe. The Grill team will prepare a set menu to complement the taste of the aged single malt served on this glorious evening. For more information call 7798-2400.

The British Brunch

March 20: The Grill. The best of British cuisine will be served at The Grill, accompanied by the best of British pop with DJ Santiago. Book a soft beverage brunch for QR 295 or QR 420 for special beverages. For more information call 7798-2400.

Irish Brunch

March 13: The Grill. Indulge yourself with an inspired Irish buffet with exquisite menu created by the Park Hyatt’s Executive Chef Michael Clinton and a fun Irish dance competition supervised by acclaimed Irish choreographer Ms. Rachel. The Grill will be serving the Irish community free Irish shots upon presenting their ID. Book a soft beverage brunch for QR 295 or QR 420 for special beverages. For more information call 7798-2400.

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REGULAR PROMOTIONS CHOWKING Indo-Chinese Menu &Value Meals

Daily: Tuck in to the new flavours at Chowking with their delectable Indo-Chinese menu. Also, enjoy dinner for two for QR 70-80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Sadd St.: 4431-4411, Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/335.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Arabic Night

Wednesdays: Aramede. Savor authentic Lebanese and Oriental specialties including traditional mezzes and grilled meats available at the live cooking stations. End your meal with Arabic coffee, dates and other sweets including umm ali and kunafa. QR 175 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

Seafood Night

Thursdays: Aramede. Enjoy the bounty of the sea with their international selection of seafood dishes, including the daily catch from the local market. The dedicated sushi live station offers sashimi, nigiri and our chef’s signature maki. QR 215 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

World of Curries

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

Be Social Friday Brunch

Friday: Aramede. Socialize with friends at the newest brunch destination in town and enjoy their selection of international dishes and signature drinks. Entertainment provided by DJ’s streaming live from around the world. QR 255, all-you-can-eat and drink. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

DOHA MARRIOTT JW’s Steakhouse

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

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FOOD & DINING Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: Restaurant Gallery. Discover an array of live stations and specialties featuring favourite dishes from around the globe. Highlights from the weekend brunch include a wide selection of fresh sushi, Peking duck, fajitas, Oriental grills, pizza, curries, biryanis, fresh seafood, ice cream and more. Now offering a kids’ club zone with a special kids’ buffet and activities. QR 270for regular brunch and QR 375 for bubbly brunch. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Modern Turkish Cuisine

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

Surf & Turf

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

Family Brunch

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Traditional Greek Menu

Listings Seafood Night

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

Friday Brunch

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

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Signature Camel Burger

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

Steak & Vino Menu

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

Daily: Aroma. Enjoy the most succulent and tender steaks, perfectly combined with superb grilling, tasty accompaniments and a flawlessly matched glass of vino. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Saturday Brunch

Breakfast Eggsperience

Saturdays: Fish Market. Enjoy special Lebanese seafood delicacies for QR 325 including house beverages. Kids package for QR 160 with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Greek Grills

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Assorted Mixed Grill

Daily: Prime. Due to popular demand, Prime is bringing back their assorted mixed grill promotion. Choose from the finest cuts from Australia, America and Argentina brought to your table sizzling-hot on a miniature grill. Then, get ready for a truly sensory dining experience as fresh herbs and spices gently smoke and infuse the meat with even more flavour – all for QR 300. For more information call 4015-8888.

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

Business Lunch

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

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Daily: Le Cigalon. Indulge in an extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a la carte option available. Buffet breakfast is QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner with live-cooking stations is QR 220 inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.

Sushi Mania

Daily: Yen Sushi Bar. Partake in the best sushi and sashimi served on a special rotating belt and colourcoded, plated formula along with an a la carte menu option as well. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4428-8698.

LA VARENNE French Country Brunch

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

Rotisserie Night

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

Business Lunch

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

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Design Your Own Sandwich

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

Smoking Beef

Daily: New York Steakhouse. For the first time in Doha, treat yourself to their bourbon-barrel, woodchip-smoked beef tartare, prepared and smoked by their brilliant hosts right in front of you! QR 105 from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Three Countries, One Platter

Daily: New York Steakhouse. Taste three origins of beef tenderloin as Chef Jeremy Steele presents 100-gram cuts from the U.S.A, Argentina and Australia on one succulent plate. Treat yourself to three glasses of vino from each homeland carefully paired to perfection. QR 280 and QR 390 including vino pairing. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

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Tomahawk – Can You Handle It?

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

Pizza & Pasta Express

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

Business Express Lunch

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

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA New & Inspired Theme Nights

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

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

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FOOD & DINING ORYX ROTANA X'Press Lunch and Dinner

Daily: The Cellar. It’s quick-bite time and The Cellar is ready for it! Enjoy their new three-course set menu including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 95 per person for lunch and QR 150 per person for dinner guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.

New Tapas Galore Selection

Tuesdays: The Cellar. Enjoy The Cellar’s array of tantalizing tapas with unlimited selected vinos for only QR 300per person, or QR 160 per person for food-only. For more information call 4402-3333.

Latin Night

Sundays: Choices. Enjoy a unique concept and indulge in a Latin American buffet from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. for QR 215 per person food only, or QR 300 including unlimited selected house beverages. Also try their premium package for QR 350 which includes unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. Or, there’s also their unlimited Prosecco package which includes all beverages in the premium package, except sparkling vino for QR 425. For more information call 4402-3333.

RADISSON BLU Paella Night

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

Weekend Brunch

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

THE ANVIL ROOMS Lunch Special

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

The Blacksmith’s Supper

Sun-Thurs: Choose a signature steak, a side dish, a sauce and a signature drink for QR 179 with a sommeliers selected drink. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Arabic Gourmet Seafood

Thursdays: Al Dana Terrace. Enjoy the best of local specialties from the ocean’s depths. A la carte and regular menus are both available. From 6:30 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

Listings Sushi Mania

Mon & Wed: Al Dana Terrace. Tantalize your taste-buds with these bite-sized morsels of culinary perfection. Enjoy fresh selections of sushi, maki and sashimi from their sushi counter. QR 185 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4016-6000.

All You Can Eat Fish & Chips

Thurs & Fri: Cigar Lounge. Enjoy the unlimited signature taste of Great Britain every Thursday and Friday for QR 55 per person. From 5:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4016-6000.

THE FOUR SEASONS Piatto Unico

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

Go Go Bento Box

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

Wagyu Beef

Daily: Il Teatro. The Four Seasons brings you the opportunity to experience the exquisite flavour of Japanese Wagyu beef here in Doha. Chef Marco, the hotel’s Chef de Cuisine will satisfy your palate with exclusive dishes showcasing tasty Wagyu beef with an Italian touch. Prices start from QR 120. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Start the weekend on a leisurely note with their Friday Brunch, which offers an array of delicious dining choices to enjoy. The main buffet is a showcase of live Asian cooking stations, as well as hot and cold appetizers and a traditional carvery. Regular brunch is QR 340 and sparkling brunch is QR 440. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

THE GRAND HYATT Curry Nights

Mondays: Isaan. The Thai restaurant offers an allyou-can-eat curry night. Every Monday from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., you can order a variety of unlimited curry to share, with your choice of fish, beef, chicken, mussels or vegetables. You can share up to five curries per round, for only QR 75 per person. For more information call 7021-8097.

Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch

Fridays: Isaan. Get an outstanding Thai Chatuchak Weekend Market experience, every Friday for brunch from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. Walk around and explore the colourful array of live cooking stations and market-like stalls. A range of options are available. Enjoy a soft drink brunch for QR 280, a special beverage package for QR 395 and the Moët brunch for QR 680. For more information call 7021-8097.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Seafood Platter

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

BBQ Lovers

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

Friday Brunch

Fridays: The Lagoon. Bring all the family for a relaxing weekend brunch. Live music complements the delicious buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children have their own junior buffet and entertainment. QR 260 per person including soft beverages, QR 340 per person including bubbly, or QR 395 for full brunch. Kids under the age of four can dine for free. QR 130 for kids ages 4-12-years-old. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. Last order for beverages is at 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8512, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Burger &Pint Night

Mondays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy the tastiest and juiciest burger in Doha! Choose from lamb, Wagyu beef, or Opal’s vegetarian burger served with fluffy fat fries and homemade tomato sauce all for QR 100. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000, or email opalbygordonramsay@stregis.com.

Gourmet Chilli-Dog Nights

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

BBQ Night

Thursdays: Vine. Ring in the weekend and experience a wide selection of BBQ classics while enjoying breath-taking views from the terrace. Follow dinner with a trip to The Rooftop for a night-cap, and music from their resident DJ. QR 320 with soft beverages and QR 420 including grapes, grain and sparkling beverages. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0107.

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Weekend A La Carte Brunch

Fri & Sat: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Delight you taste-buds with everything you can eat from our a la carte brunch menu designed by famous Chef Gordon Ramsay. Sit on the terrace and while away a lazy weekend. QR 295 with soft beverages and QR 395 with selected beverages. For more information call 4446-0116 or e-mail opal.Doha@stregis.com.

THE TORCH DOHA Theme Nights At Flying Carpet

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

Casual Business Lunch

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

Barbecue Bazaar Brunch

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

W DOHA Burger Night

Sundays: Market by Jean-Georges. Start your week with your favourite burger, side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all for QR 110 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Sip & Savour

Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Try Spice Marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature cocktails and drinks alongside a combination of mouth-watering snacks with a 50% discount on selected beverages. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Business Lunch

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

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FOOD & DINING Jazz Brunch

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

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Marrakesh Night

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

Celebrate Your Birthday

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

Business Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Chopsticks Restaurant. Chopsticks Restaurant offers Business Lunch with three-course set menu including Evian or Perrier water. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. for QR 89 per person. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email wgrf&b@wyndham.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Red Velvet Cupcakery

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

Aspire Grand Café

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

Listings Burgeri

March: Aspire Park. ‘B.4.’ Enjoy four new flavourful burgers, B. Hawaiian, B. Fish, B. Ultimate Veggie, and B. Cajun are now available daily. For more information call 4449-3958. March: B.Mushroom Melt. A choice of Black Angus, Wagyu beef, or chicken topped with fresh tomatoes, grilled onions and mushrooms, garlic aioli and melted Swiss cheese. Beef burgers are available in single and double sizes for dine-in and take-away. Available daily. For more information call 4449-3958. March: Children can now enjoy Burgeri’s Crazy Golf. Play and have fun on a 9-hole mini-golf course this spring by dining at Burgeri. For more information call 4449-3958. March: A new level of dining experience is now open daily at the Burgeri Rooftop. Open Sun-Wed from 11:00 a.m. till 12 midnight, Thurs & Sat from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m., and Friday from 12 noon till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4449-3958.

Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge

March: Katara Cultural Village. Experience the comfort of their designer VIP beach tents with personalized butler service. Also, their outdoor garden seating is your ideal option to unwind. For more information call 4408-2000. March: Enjoy a whole lamb seasoned to perfection, charcoal spit-roasted and served with aromatic traditional Machbous rice for take-away. From 3:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4408-2000. March: Indulge in the Sukar Pasha breakfast for only QR 80 and enjoy a rich, traditional Turkish breakfast daily. From 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-2000. March: Take a real creative break and enjoy the new Turkish Business Lunch at Sukar Pasha for only QR 85. From 12 noon till 3:00 p.m., daily. For more information call 4408-2000.

Chac’Late

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

L’wzaar Seafood Market

March: Katara Cultural Village. Sushi Night. Platters of specially-prepared assortments of sushi to share are now available during dinner-time, from Sunday to Wednesday. For more information call 4408-0710. March: A fresh selection of cold mezze including classic, mixed or deluxe is now available daily from the a la carte menu. For more information call 4408-0710. March: A tantalizing special dish of the day is available during lunch and dinner. For more information call 4408-0710. March: Experience their Tandoori grill and Thai curry cooking styles for your fresh seafood. Other cooking styles are also available. For more information call 4408-0710. March: Come to L’wzaar and take in their new Marine Life art exhibit, with masterpiece paintings available for sale starting from QR 500. For more information call 4408-0710.

le Vesuvio

March: Katara Cultural Village. Three-Course Lunch. A special table lunch menu consisting of a starter, a main course and a dessert for only QR 75. Available from Sunday to Thursday. For more information call 4408-1500. March: Pizza Home Delivery. They deliver for a minimum order of 20 pizzas. Advance reservation is highly required. For more information call 4408-1500. March: Business Lunch. Catering to growing demand, le Vesuvio is now offering a special lunch-table menu consisting of a starter, main course and a dessert. Available Sunday to Thursday. For more information call 4408-1500. March: A special a la carte menu for children is available daily. For more information call 4408-1500.

Shawarma Albisana

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

Kunafa Albisana

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

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

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

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

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

HDC RESTAURANTS AT THE PEARL-QATAR Al Tabkha A fast-casual restaurant concept offering healthy home-made Lebanese cuisine in a family friendly environment for dine-in, takeaway or delivery. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. till midnight. Located at Croisette 18, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 5874/5875.

Burj Al Hamam Offers a wide range of Lebanese traditional dishes and fresh seafood specialties with breath-taking marina views of The Pearl-Qatar. Open daily from 12:00 noon till midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. till 12 midnight. Located at Croissette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495 3876, Ext: 1291.

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

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

Pampano A refined, modern Mexican cuisine concept in partnership with Chef Richard Sandoval and Maestro Placido Domingo. Open daily from 12:00 noon till midnight. Featuring live Latin music on Thursdays and Fridays from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Located at Croisette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 1221.

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

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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FOOD & DINING

Directory

Anima Gallery & Lounge The Pearl-Qatar

INTERNATIONAL The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana Argan Al Jasra Boutique Hotel

SPANISH & TEX-MEX Caminito 4447-0000 Chili’s 4466-0663 El Faro 4035-5555 Ipanema 4419-6100 Latino Steakhouse 4485-3000 Oyster Bay 4446-0105 Paloma 4484-4444 Pampano 4495-3876, Ext: 1221 Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria 4408-7777 Salsa 4429-8888

ARABIC & LEBANESE Agora 4445-5555 Al Balad 4491-8692 Al Bandar 4431-1818 Al Batross 4432-8888 Al Canteen 4433-6666 Al Mourjan 4483-4423 Al Sayyad 4484-7420 Al Shaheen Restaurant 4485-3000 Al Sufra 4035-5555 Al Sultan Brahim 4446-0105 Al Tabkha 4495-3876, Ext: 5874/5875 Al Tawash 4498-2002 Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam 4495-3876, Ext: 1291 Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café 4408-0840 Kunafa Albisana. 4408-1200 Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma 4466-2616 Majlis 4448-1234 Marmara Istanbul 4436-2947 Shawarma Albisana 4408-1400 Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge 4408-2000 Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 Turkey Central 4443-2927

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

4434-3333 4408-4888 4411-4458 4428-1428 4495-3876, Ext: 2071 4413-4772

CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN Aroma Astor Grill Belgian Café Gordon Ramsay La Mer Market by Jean-Georges Nando’s Delivery Hotline Opal by Gordon Ramsay

4405-3325 4446-0105 4484-4444 4446-0105 4484-8000 4453-5135 4436-0606 4446-0105

FRENCH La Sahtaine La Varenne Le Relais de L’Entrecote Maxim Sormani

4423-3333 4499-0680 4495-3876 ext. 1411 4428-1428 4495-3876 Ext. 3222

INDIAN Biryani Hut Bombay Balti Chingari Idyl Factory Royal Indian Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra Souq Waqif Saffron Lounge Sukh Sagar Taj Rasoi

4464-1401 4428-1428 4428-1428 6674-1143 4466-6876 4444-6151 4432-3244 3325-8919 4431-9172 4429-8888

Al Hubara Al Liwan Restaurant Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill ForKnife Baraha Blue Brasserie Restaurant Choices Corniche Crossroads Kitchen De Dine Zone Restaurant Flying Carpet Grand Gourmet La Brasserie La Cigalon Restaurant Lifestyle Restaurant Mawasem Mehfil Restaurant Nando’s Delivery Hotline The Dining Room (Al Najada Boutique Hotel) The Dining Room (Fraser Suites Hotel) The Grill The Lagoon Three Sixty Torch Tea Garden Vine

4485-3000 4424-2888 4433-6777 4496-6600 4447-0000 4472-2666 4402-3333 4429-8888 4419-6100 4470-8822 4446-5600 4434-3333 4446-2222 4428-8888 4463-2154 4423-3333 4409-4444 4436-0606 4433-6666 4424-3444 4448-1234 4484-8000 4446-5600 4446-5600 4446-0105

ITALIAN Bice Ristorante Carluccio’s Cucina Di Capri Fabio’s Pizza II Teatro La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant La Spiga by Paper Moon La Veranda le Vesuvio Paper Moon Picasso’s Porcini Rocca The Italian Job

4495-3876 4495-3876 4419-6100 4428-8698 4416-5641 4494-8888 4436-7991 4453-5135 4485-3000 4408-1500 4016-6000 4428-1428 4484-8000 4448-1272 4428-1428

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Di Capri La Cigale

CAFÉS

Cucina Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

La Varenne Tornado Tower

BAR FOOD

JAPANESE Neo Oishi Sushi Sakura Strata Restaurant & Lounge Sushi Minto Megu Yen Sushi Bar

4432-2508 4442-8989 4428-1428 4015-8888 4467-5577 4495-3876, Ext: 2101 4428-8888

MEDITERRANEAN

AMERICAN & BURGERS

Aramede 4408-7777 Bistro Bistro 4428-1428 La Villa 4446-2222 Le Central Restaurant 4428-8888 Medi @ The Village 4444-4700 Mykonos 4484-4444 Sawa 4035-5555 The Cellar 4402-3333

PERSIAN Grill @ The Village Parisa Prince Of Persia

American Grill Burgeri Chili’s Fuddruckers Hardee’s Johnny Rockets Ric’s Kountry Kitchen TGI Friday’s

4411-0188 4449-3958. 4466-0663 4483-3983 4467-8750 4455-2792 4443-7846 4488-7008

SEAFOOD 4444-4700 4425-6666 4015-0190.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN Asia Live! Chowking Delivery Hotline Mamoura Al Khor Salwa Road Al Sadd St. Holiday Villa Isaan Mango Tree Nusantao: Sea Kitchens Spice Market Sri Kebaya The Noodle House City Center Mall The Pearl Wok Mee Noodle House

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

4429-8888 4431-1212 4486-6077 4411-8816/17 4437-1212 4431-4411 4411-5225/335 4448-1250 4495-3876 4494-8888 4453-5353 4434-0838 4411-5063 4495-3876 4496-6600

Almaskar Al Dana Al Dente Seafood Restaurant Al Sayyad Al Sultan Brahim Fish Market L’wzaar Seafood Market Pampano Pier 12

4485-3000 4425-6666 4472-2666 4484-7420 4446-0105 4484-4444 4408-0710 4495-3876 4428-1428

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

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

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Ba 4495-3876, Ext. 1311 Al Jalsa 4425-6666 Al Kut Lounge 4434-3203 Allegria 4485-3000 Al Mandarine 4463-3748 Anima Gallery & Lounge 4002 7437 Aspire Grand Café 4449-3963 Atrium Lounge 4485-4444 Bab Al Baher 4423-3333 Biscotti 4448-1282 Café Murano 4035-5555 Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611 Chac’Late 4408-2000 Coffee Time 4466-7551 Colombiano 4434-2753 Dean and Deluca 4451-9780 Gourmet House 4405-3333 Jones the Grocer 4407-7175 La Margarita 4409-4444 Le Gourmet 4436-1789 Lime Café 4496-6600 Maya La Chocolatiere Landmark Mall 4486-2264 Villaggio Mall 4417-8132 MBCo The Gate Mall 4407-7130 Al Emaadi Financial Square 4411-7224 Moka and Co 4458-3232 Orangery Café Troittor 4428-8888 Quick Bites 4419-6134 Red Velvet Cupcakery 4408-0700. Sarab Lounge 4446-0105 Savor Café Lounge 4408-7777 Shisha Garden 4428-8888 Sky Lounge 4402-3333 Sugar and Spice 4411-4456 Sweet Temptations 4485-3000 The Courtyard 4433-6444 The Drawing Room 4433-6666 The Lobby Lounge 4484-8000 The Terrace Lounge 4433-6555 Torch Café 4446-5600 W Café 4453-5353 Ya Hala 4423-3333

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SPORTS

Top Picks

QATAR RACING CLUB QRC Street Drag Championship Round 4

March 12-13: Qatar Racing Club. The Qatar Racing Club is the home of Drag Racing in the Middle East and this is Round Four of the National Street Drag Racing Championship! QRC provides access to the best drag racing strip in the world, and in this event full of adrenaline participants will unleash the power of their tuned street cars and bikes in the league -based competition. For more information visit www.qrczone.com.

AL SHAQAB Chi Al Shaqab 2015

March 2-7: Al Shaqab Arena. The world’s top riders and horses will be landing in Doha this March for six days of show-jumping, dressage, vaulting, endurance and for the first time in Asia, para-dressage. Children’s passes are QR 15 and adult passes are QR 35. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. For more information visit www.chialshaqab.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Core Strength

Thurs & Fri.The best core exercises may surprise you. It's not enough to just do ab crunches and sit ups. To build a strong core you need to exercise a variety of muscles from your hips to your shoulders. A strong core improves athletic performance and postural imbalances. Free for members/Nonmembers QR 50. Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45, and Fridays from 7:00 p.m. till 7:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-4444.

THE GRAND HYATT Extreme Exercise LA CIGALE Power Toning

Upon request: Ozone Gym. Experience a variety of strength-training combined with cardio exercises to tone and shape the body. Complimentary for members, non-members QR 60 per class. For more information call 4428-8101.

Upon request: The Studio by Jaula. Fitness is not 60% diet and 40% exercise — it is 100% dedication! After a very successful season, The Grand Hyatt is partnering again with Fitness with Food and offering more exciting fitness classes. For enquiries and a schedule call 4448-1060.

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SPORTS

RING OF CHAMPIONS By Jorge Granda Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation

The biggest gymnastics event of 2015 arrives in Qatar this month as some of the globe’s most talented athletes gear up for competition in the 8th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup. QH has your front-row access to this world-class event.

South Africa, the United States and Vietnam, are set to take the Aspire Dome by storm. All athletes will compete over six apparatus for men and four apparatus for women. The gymnasts are invited based on their results from the previous World Championships or Olympics Games and the winners will be awarded prize money. For the second year in a row organizers will build a 200-square-metre ‘Fun Zone’ for kids and a DJ is set to rock the decks and entertain the crowds throughout the show. Balloons and white-boards will also be handed out to all children to support their favourite stars.

he 8th edition of the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series 2015 will bring the best 93 male and 69 female gymnasts from around the world to Doha. The mega-event is set to take place from March 25-27 at Aspire Dome. The competition currently stands as the biggest and most relevant gymnastic event in Qatar and the region.

Last year’s event was attended by more than 2,500 spectators, making it the most successful gymnastic competition ever to be staged in Qatar. This year, organizers are planning a much bigger and better event, so get ready for the action and join the biggest athletes of the sport this March.

Gymnasts from countries including Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar,

Get your free tickets for the 8th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup by emailing martin@qatargym.com. VIP tickets are also available.

Ticket Info Qatari gymnast Shaden Wahdan begins her routine on the balance beam

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home Fans come out to support their hip event nations at last year's champions

8th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Program Men’s Apparatus • Floor exercises • Pommel horse • Rings • Vault • Parallel bars • Horizontal bar Women’s Apparatus • Vault • Uneven bars • Balance beam • Floor exercises

Competition Schedule Wednesday, March 25 3:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. • Qualification competition for men (six apparatus) and for women (four apparatus) Thursday, March 26 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Apparatus Finals • Men’s competition: Floor exercises Pommel horse – Rings • Women’s competition: Vault - Uneven bars

home Fans come out to support their hip event nations at last year's champions

Friday, March 27 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Apparatus Finals • Men competition: Vault - Parallel bars Horizontal bar • Women: Balance beam - Floor exercises

Artistic Gymnastic World Cup Meetings Around The World • March 25-27: World Challenge Cup, Doha (Type: C III - Apparatus) Athlete's competing will showcase some of the highest level of skill in the sport

• April 3-5: World Challenge Cup, Ljubljana (Type: C III - Apparatus) • May 1-3 : World Challenge Cup, São Paulo (Type: C III - Apparatus). • May 7-9: World Challenge Cup, Varna (Type: C III - Apparatus) • May 21-24: 39th Turnier der Meister World Challenge Cup, Cottbus (Type: C III - Apparatus) • September 17-20 : World Challenge Cup, Osijek (Type: C III - Apparatus) n 8th ARTISTIC GYMNASTIC WORLD CUP Dates: March 25-27 Venue: Aspire Dome Category: Only senior gymnasts Extras: A lucky draw for fans will be organized. Registration will be held at the welcome desk.

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SPORTS

tor of Khalifa Al Haroon, Executive Direc the QSL Marketing & Communications for

Shooting For The Stars By Mitch Freeley – Studio 88 Selected photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of the Qatar Stars League

Qatar's national football competition, the Qatar Stars League, is gearing up for the second half of the season, which will come to an exciting climax in March. QH caught up with two members of senior management to find out how technology and talent are aiding the league’s bold vision for football in Qatar.

halifa Al Haroon is hoping his entrepreneurial spirit and start-up experience can further grow the expanding Qatar Stars League (QSL) brand. He’s recently been appointed the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, and has

big plans to globalize the QSL. “We have the goal of being the most popular league in the region, which is something we can realistically achieve,” he says. “People have different definitions of the region, but we want [them] to know about the Qatar Stars League!” Part of Al Haroon’s remit for his new role is to add to the match-day experience, encouraging fans to enjoy the whole event of watching football. “For us at the Qatar Stars League, we’re looking to grow the fanbase through creating a better match-day experience that will encourage people to return. You only have to look at American sports such as baseball and how they make it an all-day family event – that’s my aim with the Qatar Stars League.” Central to Al Haroon’s goal for the league is to foster a sense of community with the players and fans, which is being achieved through collaborations with the teams. “We have great innovations in terms of technology for ticketing, and pricing which is deliberate to welcome everyone to the stadium,”

he divulges. “Football is such an inclusive sport and we think that through implementing our new marketing and communications plans we can grow the reputation of the league. Our team is reaching for the stars on this one!”

“We want the best young, technical talent here, so we can say that they played in Qatar before they became true footballing stars.” – Ahmad Al Harmi While Khalifa Al Haroon is looking at the entertainment aspect off the pitch, Ahmad Al Harmi is focusing on the football development of

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Al Khor (in blue) goes in for a tackle from Al Sadd

tor of Ahmad Al Harmi, Executive Direc nt for the QSL Competition & Football Developme

Al Jaish (in red), defends the ball against Muaither

Al Jaish (in red) goes head-tohead against Al Wakrah

manager Pep Guardiola, World Cup-winning defender Marcel Desailly and, recently, Spanish striker Raúl have all played in the QSL. “It’s fantastic that such amazing players have been in Qatar – I don’t think many people know that,” admits Al Harmi. “For the future of the league however, the clubs are looking to develop more talent from around the world, with the aim of moving them on to clubs in Europe. We want the best young, technical talent here, so we can say that they played in Qatar before they became true footballing stars!” Talk then turns to the competition element of the league – something that Al Harmi is very impressed with. “The league itself is close at the top with two teams leading the way, Lekhwiya and Al Sadd,” he points out. “Since the first week they’ve been close, so we’re excited to see who will win the league when we reach our completion in March.” So through technology, world class facilities and a dedicated management team, the Qatar Stars League looks set for success – with their goal of being the largest league in Asia still on-track. The league reaches its climax this month, and QH advises you on catching the action before the new season resumes this coming August. The dynamic duo of Khalifa Al- Haroon and Ahmad Al Harmi have struck up a good partnership, ensuring the success and development of the league both on and off the pitch. n of the league in his role as Executive Director of Competition & Football Development. “Our aim in two years is to be the most technologically advanced league in the world,” he claims. “This is the best way in creating talent for the league – each club uses the latest football technology such as Prozone, which can be used to give analysis and feedback to develop players.” When pushed on the future development path for QSL, Al Harmi has some ambitious plans. “I think

that we have the infrastructure in place to make sure the league is the best in Asia and beyond. We have to be looking to be like the established leagues in Europe like the Premier League, Bundesliga and La Liga. Big teams regularly use the Aspire Zone training facilities…it’s amazing, we can certainly learn from them.” Players are also a huge draw for fans to the league, with some footballing greats calling Qatar home over the last decade. The likes of Bayern Munich

QSL FACTS Season: August to March. Teams: 14 Current champions: Lekhwiya Notable stars: Vladimír Weiss, Chico Flores, Khalfan Ibrahim, Lisandro López To find out more about the league visit www.qsl.com.qa.

SPORTS

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SPORTS Tens of thousands of fans crowd ro Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janei at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Grounds For Optimism By John Hunt

As stadium construction continues to get underway ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we explore the all-important issue of crowd-control and security as Qatar readies itself to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

t barely seems like it, but it’s now well over four years since Qatar’s name was on the card pulled out of the envelope at FIFA headquarters, announcing the peninsula as the venue for the 2022 World Cup.That leaves seven years until the tournament proper will be gearing up for the big kick-off. Seven years sounds like a long time, but with Qatar attacking the World Cup from a virtual ‘standing start’ it means that time, in this instance, is far from a luxury. Construction is well underway on the 40,000-capacity Al Wakrah Stadium, and this should be the first new ground to be completed, given that

2015 was earmarked for the delivery of the first stadium. What is it, in any case, that defines the success or otherwise of a World Cup? The quality of the football is an obvious start, but very high on that same list list is the fan attendance and experience, and this is certainly the case for Qatar 2022. One imponderable remains that will have an undoubted effect on fan experience, and that’s the time of year the tournament takes place. The Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) insist, as has always been the case, that they will be ready to deliver a summer World Cup. We’ve no reason to dispute this claim, so let’s have a look at what fans can expect in and around the grounds. Unfortunately, and recently, we’ve seen some terrible tragedies in club football abroad which have resulted in multiple fatalities. Similarly, some domestic and European (and South American) tournaments have seen organized fan violence before and after games though, significantly, not within the grounds themselves. I don’t think it’s complacent to say that this is not something we can expect to see in Qatar. While there will doubtless be a large number of European (and South American) teams represented at 2022,

the idea of running battles on the Corniche seems a complete fantasy.

The World Cup has evolved into very much a ‘family affair’ and one can be certain that the shiny, new stadiums that will make up the 2022 roster will be equipped with not only the latest security devices, but that the capacity for anti-social behaviour will largely have been ‘designed out’ of the venues. Further, because Qatar is so far away from the traditional black spots of football violence (such as they still exist) one wonders if troublemakers will bother travelling. Qatar, like many other Middle Eastern states is known for having a rigid penal code and that may well deter anyone who is travelling with ill intentions. So l don’t think it’s naïve to suggest that Qatar 2022 is likely to be 99% trouble-free. That fraction of a percent that might not go to plan could be drink-related, with the vast majority of football fans from without the area known for enjoying a few, and occasionally with disappointing results. The much vaunted and separate ‘fan zones’, where FIFA has stipulated that adult beverages must be on sale, should keep any

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Artist's rendering of the upcoming Bayt Stadium in Al Khor

any 2014 World Cup champions, Germ celebrates their triumph in Brazil

potential warring factions (i.e. a hypothetical Netherlands v. England game – a ‘high-risk’ fixture) apart both inside and outside the stadium. Inside the stadiums, as well as the journeys to and from, and time spent within, fans will be looking for top-class football, with the skills of the world’s finest players on display, and they want to do so while being protected from the furnace-like temperatures of the Qatari summer. This is where the highlytouted cooling technology comes in.

Al Wakrah Stadium was the first new construction unveiled in the plans for Qatar 2022

As far as this writer is concerned, something is missing from the mass of preparations taking place ahead of 2022. And that is…updates on the mass of preparations taking place ahead of 2022. There’s a lot going on, and very little being heard about it. The idea of a summer World Cup is still raising eyebrows worldwide but this can be discounted with one event: a well-publicized, full-capacity stadium watching a game in August, to show that what has been promised, can be delivered. With a demonstration of this sort, fans are likely to know what they are going to get in terms of a 2022 experience, and simultaneously silencing the many critics out there. Here comes the summer – let the world see that a summer World Cup can indeed be delivered, and demonstrate that the promised fan experience will be matched by reality. It’s the only way to finally shake off a still-aggressive media. n Editor’s Note: We approached a number of clubs in the UK and also the Qatari Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of the 2022 World Cup for comment. No response was forthcoming from any party.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Splash And Swim

Evolution Swimming is looking to make waves in Qatar. With its new Director of Swimming, John Evans in place, Evo has exciting plans to expand in the near future.

With John’s arrival, Evolution Swimming is now in a position to press forward with the opening of its new swimming pool located at Doha College’s West Bay campus. The Evo team are all currently working hard to open the new program in April and swimmers can be among the first to enjoy the brand-new facilities.

Evolution Swimming will also be introducing lessons for parents to bring their babies/toddlers along to help develop their water skills before they’re old enough for lessons without Mum or Dad. The lessons will be kept light-hearted, enjoyable and entertaining for the babies/ toddlers while all the time developing those vital water skills. Coming to Evo Swimming in April, parents will be able to enrol for lessons taking place on a Saturday morning in half-hourly sessions between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

“I’m thrilled to be here in Qatar working with Evolution Sports. There are some exciting times ahead for the swim program and I look forward to playing a key role in its development,” John says.

With a huge focus on children’s swimming, it’s only right that Evo begins to look at adult lessons. For many adults, swimming is something they have never been involved in and many harbour a fear of the water. The understanding coaching staff at Evo Swimming have the skills to help overcome these fears and help your water confidence go from length-to-length.

rofessional swimming coach John Evans relocated to Qatar in January to take up his new position within Evolution Sports Qatar and is already enjoying meeting the new swimmers. An experienced swim-school manager and coach of many years, John has previously been employed at the prestigious Cardiff International Pool in the UK and will now work to make Evolution Swimming accessible to all.

“My vision is to open Evo Swimming to all ages, to have a program that caters for babies of just a few months old, toddlers, children and also adults. Swimming is a vital life skill and I look forward to helping those of all ages in achieving this. Whatever your age, level or ability, please get in touch. Evolution Swimming is the place for you.”

Young swimmers will have the chance to get their fins wet with Evolution Sports' newest program

For more information please contact the Evolution Sports swimming program directly by emailing swimming@evosportsqatar.com. n

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SPORTS

Building A Successful Team

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er and How we interact with one anoth ctions the cohesiveness of those intera as a team determines our success or failure

here is no ‘I’ in team’ is a popular phrase used across various avenues. Whether this is associated with matters such as business, fitness or sport, it’s generally accepted that a successful team reaps better results across the board. This may be in regard to social relations, health and fitness status, or even financial gain for all those concerned. This is particularly true here in Qatar where a number of companies are looking for methods to improve and optimize staff productivity, stress management, health, fitness and general wellness. A popular solution for this lies with team-buildingfocused initiatives.

How Do We Tackle Team-Building? At AHF, we use a series of interventions that support the aims and goals of the organizations we work with. Team-building primarily focuses on four main areas: 1. Goal-setting 2. Problem-solving 3. Relationship management 4. Role clarification

By Jonny Parr

How we work together determines the success or failure of our endeavours across all aspects of life – sportsrelated or otherwise. We give you a few tips of advice from the pros at Absolute Health and Fitness (AHF) on how to maximize your group potential.

Given the history of AHF and the genre of services we deliver, we generally deliver team building interventions focused predominately around health/ nutritional topics, fitness activities and specificallyselected games. A few great examples include: 1. Sit-down volleyball (hilarious!) 2. Minefield 3. Orienteering

The Benefits Are Countless The results of team-building are scientifically proven in every way imaginable. We’ve regularly been informed of improved togetherness and the ability of individuals to process information in a more effective manner. This of course leads to improved performance in work and personal fields. What’s more, participants have often reported to us a higher appreciation of their self-worth both from

a social and working perspective. It’s important to understand that we’re all unique, complex individuals who need to be challenged on a number of various fronts in order to develop. Importantly, this leads to feelings ofachievement, which we tend to seek in all areas of our lives. This is a somewhat natural instinct that has engrossed our lives from as early as childhood. Effective team-building programs can clearly highlight and individual’s roles and their importance to the companies they work with. Another significant advantage of our program is the education we administer with regard to fitness and health. In most cases, we like to dispense active solutions for employees. This may simply involve them moving in designated areas or, as I previously mentioned, playing activities such as sit-down volleyball or even sit-down yoga. Generally the activities aren’t overly competitive and don’t’ over-exert, but offer various fitness and health benefits such as improved posture and joint health. By far the most advantageous component of these types of activities is fun, which will further knock down social walls and encourages employees to work together.

Next Steps It’s way too common to become stagnated in our careers and there’s no denying an effective teambuilding program can positively affect individuals by offering renewed motivation, confidence, improved health/fitness, and togetherness. Working as a team has proved one of the most important factors in determining the success of companies and individuals. If this can be achieved, everyone is a winner – improved health, fitness, productivity, performance and above all, happiness. This is something we should all aim for and be proud in doing so. Why not start today? n Jonny Parr is the founder and CEO of Absolute Health and Fitness. For more information on personal training options call 3385-2696 or visit www.absolutehealthandfitness.org.

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SPORTS

Listings

QH RECOMMENDS

DOHA MARRIOTT Personal Training

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

EVERY WEEK DOHA MARRIOTT LPG Slimming Machine

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Pi-Yo

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

TRX Fitness

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

Fitball

Sundays: Fitball is an effective body-conditioning class for all fitness levels and has been a huge success in changing people’s lives, making them feel stronger, prepared for more physical-impact exercises, and overcoming physical and emotional barriers. The Fitball sessions are welcoming with a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. All classes are small and friendly. Members QR 30/Non-members QR 50. From 8:30 a.m. till 9:30 a.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

LA CIGALE Tone & Shape

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

The Ultimate Core

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

Explosive Cardio

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

All listings are categorized per hotel. Inclusion is limited to availability of space, with priority given to advertisers. MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Yoga Classes

Daily (upon request): Balance your mind and body at your choice of time and day. QR 65 for a 60-minute session, available seven days a week. For more information call 4419-6090.

THE FOUR SEASONS Power Yoga This is 75 minutes of dynamic yoga practice including strengthening vinyasa positions. Energizing and detoxifying, the practice improves balance, strength and flexibility. QR 80 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.

Cycling Enjoy a 60-minute Activio cycling class that targets the 65-85% heart rate zone. QR 60 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.

Boot Camp

Enjoy a 60-minute outdoor workout that combines body-weight exercises, interval training and strength exercises, resembling a military workout. QR 80 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.

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Activities & Clubs Bike Riding The Corniche Aspire Park

Bowling

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

Golf

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

Horse Riding

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

Ice-Skating

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

Swimming

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

Tennis & Squash

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Walking

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

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QH SENSATIONS

Top Picks

THE FOUR SEASONS Chocolate Delight

Upon request: Enjoy a coffee scrub and chocolate massage. A great option for chocolate lovers, this treatment was designed for special occasions. QR 995 per person, for 90 minutes. From 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Couples’ Escape

Upon request: Now you can privately unwind in our warm whirlpool spa tub for the ultimate relaxation before using the Eucalyptus-infused steam-room and sauna facilities while enjoying fresh fruit cocktails and traditional Moroccan sweets. Privatization available after 10:00 p.m. QR 800 per hour. For more information call 4445-5530.

THE RITZ-CARLTON The Ritz-Carlton Harmony

Upon request: At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, they incorporate techniques inspired by therapeutic muds, pure essential oils, and refreshing waters designed to enliven one's senses that will carry relaxation and rejuvenation to the body and spirit. QR 600 for 100 minutes. For more information call 8848-8000 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

W DOHA Mother’s Day Treats ORYX ROTANA Massage & Spa Treatments

Upon request: Bodylines. Relax your body at the hands of the spa’s experienced therapists. Bodylines offers Swedish, Bodylines Signature massage, Reflexology, Jet Lag Massage, Back & Shoulder Massage, Body Scrub and Sea Weed Body wrap. For more information call 4402-3333.

Upon request: Buy a traditional 75-minute hammam and Blissage massage treatment for QR 1,100 instead of QR 1,350. Also, pamper Mom this Mother’s Day with a Bliss Spa treatment such as the Triple Oxygen Facial for QR 750, or the Blissage massage for QR 550. For more information call 4453-5555.

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QH SENSATIONS

Embracing The

Elements By Ashlee Starratt and Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

Souq Waqif’s Al Jasra Boutique Hotel is making a name for itself. From the understated glamour of its sleek, post-modern design, to its fivestar food and dining experiences, there’s a new discovery with every visit. This time round we check in for a heavenly retreat at their Elements Spa, where earth, air, fire and water meet.

promotion, I couldn’t think of anything more indulgent to test-drive.

move to the massage table which has been draped in a plastic wrap – because believe me, when you’re painting with chocolate it’s delectably messy work!

A Sweet Escape

Located on the hotel’s third floor, Elements has a cool, earthy ambiance that falls in line with its name – they even have special Ceremonial spa packages tailored to the four elements. Adjacent to the reception area and overlooking the Souq, is the spacious gym facility where this afternoon a personal training class is underway. I quickly head inside to get changed before my therapist, Hue, guides me to a cosy sauna room where I’m left to bake for five minutes in order to open my pores ahead of the chocolate wrap. Ordinarily I’m no fan of saunas or steam-rooms as I find the cloying heat takes my breath away – but today the temperature is set at a manageable level and the woodsy interior has me daydreaming about the traditional saunas in Finnish Lapland.

Hue starts with the chocolate scrub which smells as good as it feels. She deftly uses a massage technique to exfoliate my entire body with a special focus on my legs, feet and back. Next she drizzles a decadent chocolate mixture all over, painting the mask on my body from head to toe. By this time my stomach’s growling because I’m pretty sure it’s literally just pure melted chocolate and I’m tempted to ask her if it’s actually edible. Once I’m as brown as a Hershey bar she swaddles me in the plastic wrap, covers me with a blanket and I’m left to marinate in sweetness for the next 20 minutes. During this time Hue gives me the most toe-curling face and scalp massage and I feel myself drifting towards sleep.

If you asked me for my views on the adage that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, I’d chuckle knowingly and ask if you’d ever felt the liquid silk of a good piece of Valrhona chocolate melting on your tongue. Sparkly rocks don’t even come close! (Okay...well maybe a little bit.) So when I discovered that Al Jasra’s Elements Spa was offering a chocolate scrub and body wrap

Soon enough I’m done like dinner and Hue comes to collect me and we head to the treatment room. The space is warm and inviting with tranquil tunes piped in at a comfortable level. There’s a foot-bath in the corner and a full, spacious tiled shower. Hue, who hails from Hanoi, Vietnam, begins by scrubbing and polishing my feet in a warm bath before having me

Feeling quite cold after Hue unwraps me from all that chocolate-y warmth, I hop into the steaming shower to rinse off. Then, to finish, she massages a calming jasmine lotion into my skin to hold in the moisture from the wrap. My skin feels incredibly soft after the treatment and I smell like chocolate and flowers for hours – definitely good enough to eat!

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Traditional Luxury For my turn at Elements Spa, I tried their Royal Hammam because I’m a big fan of this particular treatment. I decided to explore their spa after having lunch in one of the restaurants at the hotel a few weeks back, which left me feeling quite taken by the food and the facilities. Elements is small, but quite beautiful and impeccable – the Arab/Moroccan décor is palpable in every corner, adding a special touch to the overall experience. For those of you who don’t know what a hammam is it’s the Turkish variant of the Roman bath – a steambath or sauna with a unique focus on the use of water instead of steam. It’s a method of traditional cleansing where you’re literally bathed from head to toe. The room where the bathing takes place is heated by a continuous flow of hot, dry air, allowing you to perspire freely.

ted The spa's Thalgo products, impor from the UK, are packed with rich, hydrating marine ingredients

It’s natural to experience some initial awkwardness the first time you experience a hammam, but once you relax and start enjoying it, it becomes the ultimate pamper experience. The techniques applied in the hammams in Doha vary and some of the rooms are more modern than others. In Elements the room is as traditional as it can get. I haven’t been to Morocco, but based on the pictures I Googled, their hammam room is the closest I’ve seen in Qatar to those found in Morocco. Instead of hoses, the therapist uses a bucket to retrieve water from a small bath-tub to cleanse your body. The Royal Hammam is designed to discover head to toe bliss as they say. It’s a deep cleansing and exfoliation ritual followed by a mineral-rich mask for soft and silky skin. It starts with five to ten minutes in a steam-room. Afterwards the therapist cleanses my entire body with a Moroccan black soap, which he then washes off with warm water and proceeds to apply a kessa body exfoliation and a body-mask made out of clay. He then rinses me off and washes my hair with shampoo and conditioner. Throughout the entire ritual the therapist makes sure I feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible – he is extremely respectful and attentive. After the hammam is finished I’m escorted to another treatment room for a relaxing 30-minute facial. The entire process last around 90 minutes. I do love the hammam; it’s definitely the most ultimate pampering experience you can get. Afterwards I’m left to relax with a pot of sweet ginger tea and a bowl of golden raisins and raw almonds – the perfect sweet treat to cap off an afternoon of luxury. n ELEMENTS SPA Location: 3rd floor, Al Jasra Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif Timings: Open from 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily Average Price: • QR 650, 90-minute Royal Hammam • QR 480, 80-minute Chocolate Scrub & Body Wrap Package Contact Info: Call 4433-6878 or email spa@swbh.com

A marbled pathway evoking the elements leads to the spa's sauna

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QH SENSATIONS Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge spans the River Liffey

Through Irish Eyes… Words and selected images by Amy Bassett

If you know and love an Irishman who spins a humourous tale, then perhaps your next jaunt should take in the infamous streets of the silver-tongued raconteur. Welcome to Dublin!

t’s very fitting, sitting here pondering how to begin an article about a city of storytellers. Just how do I spin you a yarn about the city of yarns? How do I weave you a fable of the home of fabulists? Dublin – walking her streets is a lively experience. A quiet stroll can quickly morph into continual dialogue with your fellow pedestrians – should you open yourself up to the exchange. Dubliners are not shy and, as mentioned, they love a good old-fashioned

yarn. Complete strangers won’t hesitate to holler at you in the street, comment on the weather or compliment your garb. And the sing-song chat can be utterly charming, with the marriage of the much-admired Irish accent and the local penchant for poetic slang. The city renowned for turning out some of history’s finest writers – James Joyce, Bram Stoker, William Butler Yeats – provides more than enough entertainment and activity for fans of the arts. Take a Ulysses-inspired tour of the city, visit the Writers’ Museum to soak up the history of the written word or wile away a day in the grounds of world-famous Trinity College – a spacious sanctuary in the hustle and bustle of the city’s heart. The Trinity College Library should be top of the list for bibliophiles and history buffs alike. Teetering antique bookshelves overflowing with printed

works reach for the ceiling, creating a mystical, Potter-esque atmosphere. The library is also home to the Book of Kells, a travellers’ must-see, famous for its antiquity, beauty and ornate Celtic decoration. Photographers will enjoy the magical roominess and photogenic facade of Ireland’s largest library as much as linguists and literature fans will enjoy its Dewey decimal system. The city is sprawling with theatres – most notably Yeats’ Abbey Theatre – so there’s plenty to take in on a rainy day, as the weather is pretty likely to be. Museums in Dublin have as much of a sense of humour as the city’s patriots do…check out the Wax Museum or the National Leprechaun Museum for a giggle with your historical download. If you prefer fresh air to the musk of the indoors, take your trip in the summertime. Yes, the winters are dreary and as such, the city’s stunning greenery

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Hit the cobbles and grab a pint in Dublin after dark

An Irish coffee makes for a great pit-stop

is often overlooked –Dublin has more park space per square kilometre than any other city in Europe. Boast, boast! And the main city park, Phoenix, is the largest in Europe at over 700 hectares, providing green acreage galore for all you outdoorsy types. Lay in the grass and count clouds, or take a picnic and soak up the park-life. Hire a bike and hike up the heart-rate, chase local deer around the park and then head off to the Guinness Factory or the Jameson Distillery for a palate cleanser once your pedal power is spent. Gastronomically, Dublin has come a long way from its potato hey-day (or lack thereof). You may have been told to hit the Temple Bar to fill the hunger gap, but head instead for local favourite South Williams St. and you’ll find all the food-and-beverage fancy your taste-buds can handle. Pubs, brasseries, restaurants and eateries wind through this inner-city

suburb with a flavour for every food-crawler. The highlight for myself was JoBurger: a late-night, eat-in joint, serving up fancy burgers and seriously good music until the wee hours. And, of course, you can expect no shortage of random conversation with effervescent locals!

Explore the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College Library

If you’re after a more luxe experience, Grand Canal Dock – or the Dublin Docklands –in the city centre will provide. Canal-side cafés and rooftop restaurants offer a variety of bites and buffets for travelling foodies. The Marker Hotel rooftop is the perfect spot to take in the inner-city vibe, enjoy a creative beverage and snap the perfect cityscape selfie. There’s plenty to see and do, taste and eat, enjoy and explore, in Dublin. And of course, if you get stuck, just ask a local, they’ll surely be happy to advise! n

While you're visiting the capital, head for a jaunt through Dublin Castle

Flights: QR 2,700 (www.expedia.com) Accommodation: Dublin has some great www.airbnb.com options – prices vary. Good conversation: Free!

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QH SENSATIONS Stockholm's colourful heritage buildings surrounding the Gamla Stan, or 'Old Town' pier

A Swedish Treat By Jessica Furseth Selected images courtesy of Visit Stockholm

The cobblestoned old town, the royal castles, the Södermalm cafés, and the archipelago wilderness just at its doorstep – Stockholm is the picture of Scandinavian cool.

s Stockholm the best little city in Scandinavia? The capital of Sweden is certainly a hot contender: a picturesque town with yellowtoned buildings and cobblestoned streets, surrounded by water as the city spreads out across the neighbouring islands. Stockholm feels like a metropolis, but any local will tell you that the skärgård is possibly the best part: over 30,000 rocky islands make up an archipelago ripe for discovery. Landscapes vary widely across the archipelago, from ancient villages where many Stockholmers have summer houses, to coves, beaches, lush greenery, and big flat rocks. Waxholmsbolaget runs a comprehensive ferry service around the archipelago (adults around QR 65, children over six, QR 43), with the five-day ticket as the top choice to really get a chance to explore the historic community at Dalarö, the nature reserve at Grinda, and the cradle of Swedish porcelain at Gustavsberg.

The capital's historic Old Town is one of it's most walkingfriendly neighbourhoods

But there’s plenty to charm you in downtown Stockholm too, starting with the Gamla Stan neighbourhood. The city was founded here in 1252, and today it’s a popular place to eat, drink, shop and wander. The winding cobblestoned streets require sturdy shoes, but it’s worth it for the scenery

of sagging buildings in shades of yellow, red and orange. A walk around Gamla Stan will take you to the Nobel Museum (adults, QR 43, children, free), which has the story of the prize and its founder, Alfred Nobel. The Swedish chemist and engineer held 355 patents, and his legacy continues to

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honour men and women around the world for their achievements in science, literature and peace. Stockholm’s Royal Palace (adults, QR 65, children over seven, QR 32) is located downtown, but the most impressive royal experience is the Drottningholm Palace (adults, QR 52, children, free), a quick boat-ride away. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle is the home of Sweden’s King and Queen, but in true Scandinavian spirit, part of the building and the grounds are open to the public. The beautifully-manicured gardens are worth the trip alone. ABBA fans can get their fill at the ABBA Museum (adults, QR 85, children over seven, QR28), which has everything and then some: all that elaborate clothing, lots of gold records, Benny’s piano, and the helicopter from the Arrival cover. You’ll walk in, promises the museum, but you’ll dance your way out. Sweden’s world-class art museum is the Moderna Museet (adults, QR 52, children, free), with its excellent collection of art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors will find works from big names such as Picasso, Dalí, and Irving Penn, and benefit from the museum’s tradition of keeping close relationships with artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol. This mix of worldly connections and Scandinavian cool is typical of Stockholm, whose cutting edge style still manages to remain true to its traditions. Look for the Dalahorse to take home as a souvenir – this distinct shape has become a symbol of Sweden. Visit around midsummer and you’ll experience something uniquely Swedish: tall may-poles are raised as the country pretty much shuts down, as everyone gathers to sing, dance and eat on the lightest night of the year. While it’s not the cheapest place to travel, Stockholmers will go a long way to compensate with their friendly, polite manner. A good place to meet them is the thriving Södermalm district, which has some of the best coffeehouses and watering holes in the city. Try a jam tart at Gildas Rum, browse a haven of vinyl records at Pet Sounds Bar, or a burger and fancy beer at Akkurat. Local treats such as lingonberry jam, crayfish, crispbread, and pickled herring are ones to look out for, plus the classic Princess cake topped with green marzipan. Most Swedes speak great English, but you may want to learn a few words: hej (hi), tack (thank you), and fika—the latter is untranslatable but provides a vital clue into the Swedish way of life. Practically speaking, fika is a coffee and a sticky cinnamon bun, but it’s all about the spirit of sitting down and taking a moment to enjoy life.

With a multitude of islands on the archipelago to explore, Stockholm is a nature-lover's retreat

Cherubic statues frolic on the grounds of the Millesgården Museum

Fly & Sleep Qatar Airways flies from Doha to Stockholm daily (around QR 4,000 return). For a sleep fit for royals, the Grand Hotel (doubles around QR 1,400) sits on the waterfront opposite the Royal Palace; it has a suite with a 360-degree view and a Jacuzzi open to the sky. Or there’s the more budget-friendly Hotel Rival (doubles QR 660) owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson, overlooking leafy Mariatorget with its art deco bar and vintage movie theatre. n

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The Dish On Qatar QH SENSATIONS

By Ashlee Starratt

So youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made the decision to move abroad â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but getting settled into a new country requires a bit of planning in advance. Those who are lucky to have company accommodation waiting for them upon arrival tend to have a much easier go of it. But for those who must fend for themselves, we bring you some top tips to navigating the housing market in Qatar. 108 QH March 2015 - FINAL.indd 108

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ering So the big city, with all its glimm you lights is your new home? We give d. some pointers on getting settle

s one of the wealthiest nations in the world, it’s to be expected that the cost of living in Doha is always mounting. Its luxury lifestyle, pricey commodities and burgeoning population all play a role in the ever-fluctuating real estate market. With everything boiling down to location, location, location, when you’re new to a country it pays to do your research in advance. What you’ll shell out for a two-bedroom apartment in West Bay could get you a four-bedroom villa in Al Wakrah for example, and with the yearly rate of inflation ballooning, value for money is crucial. Speaking from experience – when I arrived in Doha three years ago I spent the first month in a hotel until I could sort out my accommodation. I had friends already established here and they were indispensible in helping me navigate the process of finding roommates and getting a flat. All companies hiring expats in Qatar are required by law to provide them with either staff accommodation or a monthly housing and transportation allowance factored on top of their base salary. This was my case so I had the opportunity and freedom to choose where I wanted to live and with whom. Some expats coming over to work in lucrative sectors such as oil and gas, finance, development and contracting have full accommodation provided by their companies at no extra cost for themselves and their families. For others, especially those who are single or have made the move without their families, the leg-work of finding a place to live falls on the individual –like anywhere else in the world. A big advantage when starting your search is that Doha is an ever-revolving door of people coming and going – so there’s always someone out there looking for a flat-mate. When I arrived, I was pointed in the direction of some local websites that proved helpful in my search – www.qatarliving.com, www.iloveqatar.net, www.justhere.qa. All sites have listings for available accommodations across the city and you can also post a classified ad for free with your contact details, price range and kind of apartment or villa you’re looking for and if you’re

seeking roommates. Other sites such as www.expat-blog.com, www.justlanded.com and www.internations.org have similar services – and it never hurts to cast your net as wide as possible. So now you’ve found a place and you’re ready to sign a lease. There are a few things you should first be aware of before initialing on the dotted line. As per the Qatar Rent Law, only single male or female bachelors or married couples can have a lease in their name – so technically this makes having roommates outside the boundaries of the law. It’s a caveat that’s little understood by the majority of expats who do not have accommodation provided by their company, or who are not here with their families. With the cost of living at a premium, flat-sharing is the most economical way to go and everyone does it. As a result many real estate agencies and rental companies will turn a blind eye – but when a tenancy issue or dispute arises, in some cases this clause can be held against the tenant. For example – I used to live in a large compound owned by one of the city’s largest realtors. My roommates and I had an issue with the rental office regarding tenant parking and were told that because we were living together as three single women – even though the lease was in only one person’s name, that we had no ground to stand on in the dispute because we technically weren’t even supposed to be living together. Co-ed roommates are also not allowed by law either, and unmarried couples are technically prohibited from officially renting together, with some agencies even requiring proof of a marriage certificate. If you want to know more about your rights as a tenant, a copy of the Qatar Rent Law No. (4) is available to download from the Hukoomi website at www. gov.qa. Real estate brokers and individuals who encounter a dispute between parties can bring their case to the government’s Rental Dispute Committee offices located across from the Holiday Villa Hotel off of C-Ring Road.

Generally the duration of the leases offered in Qatar are for one year terms with the option to renew, although some agencies and properties may occasionally ask tenants to sign a two-year agreement. Less common are monthly term agreements, although they do exist – but require some digging to find. In order to sign a lease you must have a proof of employment and salary letter from your company, and a current account with your bank from which cheques may be written and cashed. It’s always a good idea before signing anything to confirm with your agent or rental company that there is an escape clause factored in to the fine print. This ensures that if anything happens where you must vacate the country unexpectedly – such as an illness, family emergency, or termination of employment, then you will not be liable for payment of the full duration of your lease so long as the appropriate amount of written notice is given. For 12-month leases this is usually three months, minimum. If your rental company is flexible it can also be possible at times to have someone else take over your lease – but always check before making any kind of commitment in writing. If the thought of going it alone in the search for your new abode seems daunting, there are a number of real estate agents and brokers who can help – www.directqatar.com, www.propertyfinder.qa, www.professionalrealestateqatar.com. Having an agent do most of the leg-work for you can bring you peace of mind – but remember it comes with the cost of their service fee. Also, if shifting your worldly possessions take up more space in your vehicle than you have room for, you have options when it comes to moving companies – www.alliedpickfords.qa, www.emoversqatar.com, www.gac.com for starters. Nothing goes further towards helping you feel settled abroad than having a place to call home – for however long that may be. So, when’s the housewarming party? n

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IT HAPPENED

Sheikh Hamad bin Their Highnesses The Father Emir, bint Nasser attend the Khalifa Al-Thani and Sheikha Moza nal Sport Day 2015. Qatar Foundation events for Natio Photo credit: AR Al-Baker/HHOPL

bin His Highness The Emir Sheikh Tamim the Qatar Hamad Al-Thani, with children from s in Al Duhail Sport Federation for Special Need cy Photo credit: Qatar News Agen

NATIONAL SPORT DAY February 10, 2015

cy Photo credit: Qatar News Agen

Hamad Al-Thani, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint For Qatar visits the Founder and Chairperson of Teach National Sport Day organization's space at Katara on Photo credit: Qatar Foundation

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IT HAPPENED

) AHB Group Director of Mr. Khalid Ahmed Hassan Bilal (right y to a winning team member Public Relations, presents the troph

the West Bay cricket The AHB Group team headed to nal Sport Day. grounds for a lively match on Natio

NATIONAL SPORT DAY February 10, 2015

Group General Manager, presents Mr. Ifteqar Ahmed, (right) AHB of achievement for this team Iqbal Zariwela with a certificate

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Holmes Olympic champion Dame Kelly for the led the crowd at the starting line Dolphin Energy Doha Dash at Lusail

NATIONAL SPORT DAY February 10, 2015

The Corniche turned into a racetrack on National Sport Day

Aspire was the prime spot for day family activities throughout the

Selected photography by Nadir Khamis

et The team from Lulu Hypermark celebrates National Sport Day

in Some young participants sparr a a friendly boxing match at Katar

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IT HAPPENED

first Participants kick off Qatar's very w Run with every shade of the rainbo

Color

THE COLOR RUN QNCC Feb 7, 2015

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ed as hutters flew and cameras snapp its newest Alfardan Automobiles revealed models at the Qatar Motor Show

QATAR MOTOR SHOW QNCC Feb 5, 2015

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IT HAPPENED

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI GRAND OPENING The Pearl-Qatar Jan 25, 2015

The newest address for luxury on The Pearl is now open!

DISCOVER AMERICA CHILI COOK-OFF The Doha Marriott Feb 21, 2015

extra hot, teams From spicy, to savoury, to extra, ss as part of came out to test their chili prowe 's event Discover America: USA Week Qatar

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and HE Qatar's Minister of Culture, Arts Kuwari Heritage, Dr. Hamad Abdulaziz Al h Ambassador (fourth from left) and HE Turkis from right) to Qatar Ahmet Demirok (third

QATAR TURKEY 2015 YEAR OF CULTURE LAUNCH Museum Of Islamic Art Jan 27, 2015

PINK WEDNESDAY LAUNCH InterContinental Doha The City Jan 21, 2015

Head to Strata every Wednesday for a chance to win some serious luxury prizes!

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IT HAPPENED

All the way from Brazil, the steel drum sound of the Ipanema band rocked the house!

RIO CARNIVAL CELEBRATION Marriot Marquis City Center Doha Feb 13-17, 2015

The Crowne Plaza team welcomes the first media guests to their new lunch service − yum!

MISTURADO MEDIA LUNCH Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Jan 28, 2015

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PHONE DIRECTORY HOTELS / RESTAURANTS

HEALTH / BEAUTY

Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara 4040-5050 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7777 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa 4445 5555 The Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4888 Hilton Doha 4423-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Johnny Rockets Al Emadi Complex 4455 2792 Hyatt Plaza 4460 4210 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale 4428 8888 Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4419-5000 Marsa Malaz Kempinski 4035-5555 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6600 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 The Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 The Torch Doha 4446-5600 W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5000 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333 Zubarah Boutique Hotel 4447-0000

Amaoras RelaxationSpa 4408-4085 Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre 4496-6410 Bio-Bil Health, Beauty & Spa Ladies 4493-4433 Men’s 4483-0989 Bliss 4453-5555 Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Coiffeur Française 4468-9211 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 Doha Dental 4431-7766 Doha Marriott Spa 4429-8520 Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 Foot Care Centre Lulu Gharafa 4478-0510 The Center 4436-6275 City Center 4493-0394 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 Frank Provost 4494-8844 Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4483-9100 The Pearl 4495-3876 Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 La Cigale - Ozone Spa 4428-8888 Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Snips Salonon 4408-4083

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

TOURISM / TRAVEL Alpha Tours 4434-4496 Arabian Adventures 4436-1461 World Wide Destination 4467-1200 Fox Transport 4462-2777 Gulf Adventures 4422-1888 Qatar Airways Holidays 4449-6969 Qatar International Adventures 4455-3954 Qatar International Tours 4455-1141 Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority 4499-7499 Regency Travel & Tour 4434-4444 Victoria Car Rental 4466-6635 Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex 4440 9666

AHMED HASSAN BILAL GROUP REAL ESTATE Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com INTERIOR Forum Design 4456-8716 RESTAURANTS Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 Chowking Al Saad St. 4431-4411 Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 Chowking Mamoura 4486-6077 Chowking Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 PUBLICATIONS ABODE/QH Magazines

4427-8416

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

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

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

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

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

WEBSITES HOSPITALS / EMERGENCY AMBULANCE, POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT

999

DOHA CLINIC HOSPITAL 4438-4333 EMERGENCY HOTLINE 4435-5999 AL AHLI HOSPITAL 4489-8000 HAMAD GENERAL HOSPITAL 4439-2222

RUMAILAH HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD & WOMAN PROTECTION HOTLINE

4439-3333 4439-2948 4466-6671

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

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