Qatar Happening - May 2015 by Qatar Happening

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg 20 Disney On Ice Presents: Princesses And Heroes

May 2015 EVERY ISSUE 13 14

Editor-In-Chief's Letter

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

Top Picks

Doha Welcomes Disney Royalty

Doha's First Man Of Jazz

Expressions On Canvas

Arts & Culture Listings

The Magic Kingdom Crew are back at QNCC in Princesses And Heroes

The best of our monthly social media,

Reggae 101

Drop The Beat

The QH Grab-Bag

Our monthly prize corner for your chance to win

112 It Happened

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

120 Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

ARTS & CULTURE

QH Speaks

plus the Hit-Or-Miss List

ENTERTAINMENT

The Wailers are coming to the Sheraton Doha so it's time to brush up on your reggae knowledge! The best dancers in the biz break it down at the World BBoy Classic qualifiers

Local artist Bouthayna Al Muftah's creations are a reflection of the heritage and culture she holds dear

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Virgin Recommends

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Entertainment Listings

Our top five must-see films of the month

Find out everything that’s going on this month

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For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email info@qatarhappening.com QH May 2015 - FINAL.indd 11

The music is the message for JALC Global Ambassador Dominick Farinacci

CHECK OUT www.qatarhappening.com for the latest information

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TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY 51

Top Picks

Leadership Through Self-Discovery

Be it life, health or business, we learn how coaching is making waves in Qatar

So You Think You Can Dance?

We kick up our heels with the Doha Scottish Country Dancing Club

The Dilemma Of Day-Care

Community Listings

QH goes inside one Ministry of Social Affairs-approved nursery that's taking the stress out of child-minding

pg 90

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Countdown To The Doha Diamond League 2015 FOOD & DINING

SPORTS

QH SENSATIONS

Top Picks

Where The Family Gathers

Top Of Their Game

100 French Elegance

Italian Meets French

Massage Matters

102 Return To Paradise

At The Ottomans' Table

3 Tips To Naturally Boost Testosterone

106 Sicily: The Eyes, The Belly, The Heart

We explore the regions of the Levant all at one table at Marsa Malaz Kempinski's Al Sufra Culinary worlds are collding to make magic at the newly-opened French Olive

Agora in the Grand Heritage Hotel and Spa puts a new spin on the traditional tastes of Turkey

Food & Dining Listings

It does more than just relax you, it also does wonders for your lymphatic system as QH learns

The pros at Absolute Health & Fitness show us why this male hormone is crucial to strength and muscle development in both men and women

World On A Plate

We show you some local hotspots that will satisfy your global taste on a shoe-string budget

The best athletes in track and field take their marks at the IAAF Diamond League 2015 in Doha

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Top Picks Recharge your batteries at the new Spa by Clarins at Marsa Malaz Kempinski QH jets off on Qatar Airways for a weekend retreat at the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah in Oman

We roam the antiquated cobbles of the Italian isle in search of some killer cannoli

108 Pet Smarts

So you're moving to Qatar and want to bring along your furry family member? Let QH be your guide on the ins and outs of importing and exporting your pet

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?

e to Cinderella's glass slipper is a salut month Disney On Ice as it returns this with Princesses And Heroes by Photo Credit: Conceptualized Lindsey Steenkamp

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.

Dear friends, Welcome to our May edition of Qatar Happening – the last issue before the summer weather engulfs us. So we say goodbye to the spring season with a full month of activities, events and up-to-theminute information for the month of May. On the family entertainment scene, Disney On Ice is back once again at QNCC from May 27-30 with their latest installment, Princesses And Heroes. Young and old alike can revel in its magical world as the cast of Frozen leads the show with their début on ice. We were lucky to have some time with Costume Designer Ilona Somogyi as she takes us inside the imaginative process of bringing each Disney princess and her prince to life. We also introduce you to a young Qatari artist in Arts & Culture, Bouthayna Al Muftah, whose vibrant paintings reflecting the inspiration of her local heritage and culture have put her on the art-world’s radar both at home and abroad. Most recently, her canvases were on display in Alriwaq as part of the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture’s Here There exhibition. It’s also my privilege this issue to bring you a travel feature in Sensations on Oman after a recent press trip to the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah. The perfect weekend getaway, Salalah is a slice of paradise – tropical, lush, friendly and, best of all, only an hour and a half flight from Doha. Thank you, Qatar Airways! Finally in Sports, Doha is gearing up for one of the globe’s most prestigious athletic meetings as the IAAF Diamond League 2015 is slated for May 15 at the Qatar Sports Club. Olympic stars and top-oftheir-game athletes will compete in men’s and women’s long jump, track and field races, discus, high jump and steeplechase competitions – plus many more. We take you front row with a full schedule of events and an introduction to some superstar athletes to watch. With many more hot happenings waiting to be shared in this issue, we hope you make the most of May with Qatar Happening as your guide to discovery. Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

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 Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi New Media Manager: Serah Mary Sampath Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Shauki Alazzam, Sarah Al Motairi,

Bouthayna Al Muftah, Diana Farid, Shaad Fotos, Jessica Furseth, Jan Janssen – Viva Press, Dawn Gibson, Rodger Gillen, Mark Leppard, Pamela Martinez, Monica Bommer Neuner − Motography, Abdelhakim Omar, Jonny Parr, Amara Photos, Lynsey Riach, Antoine Schirer, Brian Schwartz, Lindsey Steenkamp, Ujwala Thirumurthy, Paul van Dal – Prodance.TV

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 10. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.

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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

Uptown Funk’s Gonna Give It To Ya! How awesome was Grammy Award-winning DJ Mark Ronson’s show at the Sheraton just a few short weeks ago? We were shaking our money-makers with the best of ‘em to ‘Uptown Funk’ and couldn’t be more proud of the calibre of artists that Jared McCulloch and Iconic Qatar have brought our way these last few months. Also, it’s good to see the Sheraton jumping into the mix as a true party venue with its new Indigo concept. Big ups to them both and here’s looking forward to The Wailers on May 22!

Editor’s Corner As the outdoor beach parties and club nights prepare to wave their last hurrah before the summer, we simply had to make sure our May issue would knock your socks off with events. So, what’s on the docket you ask? We’ve got Disney On Ice returning to QNCC from May 27-30 to give Doha audiences the royal treatment in Princesses And Heroes, then some world-class breakdancers will kick it old-school at the international World BBoy Classic qualifiers on May 8, while Bob Marley’s legendary band The Wailers bring it on home with their signature sound on May 22 at the Sheraton Doha. We keep the music theme rolling over into Community this month as well with a feature profile on Doha’s one-and-only Scottish Country Dancing Club, who are bringing a slice of the Highlands to Qatar while keeping our toes tapping. If you’re looking for some fun times with a great group of people then there’s no warmer welcome than a Scottish welcome – we show you how to sign up and get involved!

Late Equals Great So we recently stopped by the Doha Marriott to try their new Late Brunch – but to say we were blown away would be verging on cliché. For starters they’ve moved the brunch from the beach-front to The View Poolside Terrace and the ambiance has increased tenfold. With a space-age DJ booth, lit up palm trees and a whole re-vamped menu from new Executive Chef Oliver Weber, it felt more like an upbeat outdoor lounge with great food, a stellar DJ from Pacha Ibiza Dubai and a markedly improved concept.

If you’re anything like me – always on the hunt for my next great meal – then May’s Food & Dining section is what I like to call a real stomach-growler. We dine al fresco, sampling the Levantine cuisine of Al Sufra in the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, indulge in a taste of Europe at the new French Olive, and show you how to travel the world on a plate (and on a budget!) at some of Doha’s best little-known spots. If the world can’t be your oyster this month then we hope that at least Doha could, with a little help from QH. So go ahead – enjoy every page. See you next month,

A Long-Awaited Opening Yes, finally – after years of delays, Nobu restaurant opened its doors on April 17 at The Four Seasons. The largest branch in the world of celebrity Chef Nobu Matushisa’s namesake establishment, we can’t wait to sample his unique fusion of traditional Japanese delicacies and South American ingredients. And really, what other restaurant in the city could possibly beat that over-water view? Yeah, didn’t think so.

Ashlee Starratt Editor

Top Of The Twitter-Verse @dldoha

of a new @Diamond_League Four Fridays to go to @dldoha and the start their way to Qatar! on are world the of tes athle best season! The

Auto Woes So, May is vehicle registration renewal time for one QH staffer and that means trekking out to the Industrial Area for a safety inspection – which we nearly failed because of a few scratches on our fender by the way. Who knew they were so strict – or that you need to go through the hassle of getting a police report for every little bump and bruise before any insurance company or garage will even think about paying for and slapping on a new coat of paint – whether caused by an accident or simply a bad parking job! Seems like a lot of bureaucratic red tape to us…

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The Spanish hotelier is the newest five-star property to t grace West Bay's financial distric

This month’s grab-bag is all about new experiences, as the newlyopened Meliá Doha in West Bay is treating one QH fan to a two-night, fullboard stay for themselves and a friend. To participate head over to the Qatar Happening Facebook page where the winner will be selected on May 12! A meeting room in the hotel's conference facility

Images courtesy of the Meliá Doha

The regal Amiri Suite

t the Meliá Doha elegance blends with a contemporary Spanish style as each of its magnificent 317 rooms and suites have been designed to ensure a complete Meliá experience. The hotel also boasts a selection of amenities including a fully-equipped health club with cutting-edge technology and cardio, weights and gym areas. It also has three restaurants to please all imaginable culinary tastes, ranging from Indian-fusion to Spanish specialties. Or, enjoy a delicious cocktail in its lively bar, which promises to become one of the city’s favourite meeting places. Meliá will cater to your every need, ensuring they surpass all expectations. Here’s a sneak peek at the culinary offerings of the hotel – they take gastronomy seriously!

Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor

Sanjeev Kapoor’s latest venue proves why he’s the new celebrity chef in town. Serving modern Indian cuisine with strong, traditional influences, this stunning restaurant innovates with every dish, offering authentic India specialties with a twist. Here, dishes steeped in tradition are transformed for a unique experience in modern gastronomy.

Aceite

This Spanish signature restaurant knows what olive oil is really all about! Get ready to experience Spain with sophistication and style, understanding its cultures and traditions in one sitting. Aceite educates its diners with extravagant tapas and well-researched recipes that bring out emotion through flavour.

A Jacuzzi tub in the Grand Suite

Noir

This cocktail bar is a cut above. They don’t simply sell dishes or drinks – and they don’t sell just cocktails either. Instead they’re there to sell the whole experience, as everything is created according to their motto of taking care of the customer’s needs and offering a range of beverages prepared with passion.

The Level Lounge

Nidaaya

The hotel’s all-day dining venue provides guests with scrumptious dining options and a vast array of delicious foods to choose from. Unlike some other restaurants, which tend to focus on one particular cuisine or type of food, Nidaaya offer an eclectic mix of cuisine that caters to any and all appetites, with an incredible assortment of foods, drinks and desserts on display. There’s much more to discover at the newest hotel to grace the West Bay skyline – as one lucky will soon find out!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Top Picks

SHERATON DOHA Midnight Happy Hour

Sun – Wed: Irish Harp. Located at the ground level, Irish Harp is a great place to catch up with friends or watch the latest sports action on one of the 12 large TV screens. Discover a little bit of Ireland right here in Doha with its dining menu that includes Irish favourites. Irish Harp is ideal for a mid-week break with friends or a weekday outing. From Sundays to Wednesdays enjoy a late happy hour from 11:00 p.m. till midnight. Selected beverages start from QR 25 and QR 30. For more information call 4485-3000.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Pink Wednesdays

Wednesdays: Strata. It’s Doha’s most fashionable night! Go to Strata for Pink Wednesdays. Ladies will enjoy two special complimentary welcome drinks from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. every Wednesday along with chances to win fabulous high-end designer label items. Free entrance for ladies, QR 75 entrance for men after 10:00 p.m. Dress code is elegant. For more information call 4015-8888.

DOHA MARRIOTT Happy Hour

Image courtesy of www.chantaecann.com

Daily: Pearl Lounge. Unwind in chic and elegant surroundings at the Pearl Lounge. Join in for their daily Happy Hour and indulge with selected beverages for only QR 27. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8444.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA The Dinner Show

May 4: Jazz At Lincoln Center. The popular jazz and soul vocalist Chantae Cann, originally from Georgia, will be playing the jazziest versions of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and many other legends. No entrance fee applies – Chantae will be playing at The Dinner Show. Dinner reservations from 7:00 p.m., show is from 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-0226 or e-mail jazzatlincolncenter.doha@stregis.com.

LA CIGALE The Star Shady El Basha Is Back

Daily: Madison Piano Bar. Don’t miss exceptional Arabic entertainment with this renowned Arabic one-man show! From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. No entrance fee and no minimum charges applicable seven days a week! Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

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ENTERTAINMENT Sleeping Beauty's Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip

Costume Designer Ilona Somogyi

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Feld Entertainment

For the third year in a row, the magical kingdom of Disney On Ice is back in Qatar from May 27-30 at QNCC – this time with the skating extravaganza Princesses & Heroes. QH learns how the magic comes to life with Costume Designer Ilona Somogyi. QH: A Disney On Ice show wouldn’t be complete without the stunning costumes. Tell us about the line-up for Princesses & Heroes.

Doha Welcomes

Disney Royalty

IS: I would say that they’re very true to the original Princess films – they’re colourful and enchanting while still being skate-able. Because we’re telling the stories of the dreams of seven princesses and heroes being fulfilled and wishes coming true, there’s a great variety in what the costumes look like, but all are imaginative and beautiful and contribute to the overall ‘dreamy’ feeling of the show. QH: Can you walk us through your creative vision for their design? IS: My vision involved coming up with creative ways to overcome the design challenges that were inherent in taking these princes and princesses from the beloved films to the ice. For instance, the show’s skating sequences feature very advanced, worldclass skating. Unfortunately, the skaters wouldn’t have been able to perform these skills in the long gowns of the films, so I had to come up with a way of creating skirts that would safely allow them to do the show’s exciting lifts, spins and leaps while staying true to what the audience expected the princesses to look like. Ensuring consistency with the clothing from the movies was a sewing challenge as well. For

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Snow White takes to the ice with Dopey, Doc, Bashful and Grumpy

instance, in the films the bodices of the dresses don’t have seams, so I had to figure out how to make seamless bodices in real life – a dressmaking feat! QH: What was your favourite part of the production experience? IS: I’ve enjoyed all of it, but my favourite part was watching the films for research with my parents and my grandmother, who’s in her nineties. We just had such a tremendously fun time watching the classics like Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella.

IS: In general, we needed to use fabrics that were very durable and wouldn’t weigh down the skaters or make them hot. The textiles and textures that were used in the show were also carefully chosen to bring each scene to life. For example, in the marketplace from Aladdin I used a lot of pinks, terracottas and coppers to evoke the streets of Agrabah. One of my most exciting textile achievements was creating fabrics that looked very home-spun with big open weaves, but in fact they are printed and very light and airy.

QH: Where did you draw the most inspiration for your designs?

QH: How was this experience working with Disney On Ice different from your past costume work?

IS: First and foremost were the films, which I watched many times to get a sense for what the original artists had intended. I also had other sources of inspiration for specific scenes. For instance, the ‘Under the Sea’ number had some Elvis Presley and Carmen Miranda in there – a very fun ‘Vegas extravaganza feeling’ – and for the Cinderella ball, Fabergé eggs were the basis for the graceful waltz dresses. The other underlying inspiration were the little girls who come to see our other Disney On Ice shows – when I saw them, it took me back to when I was that age, and I tried to think about what it was that dazzled me as a little girl.

IS: Princesses & Heroes was different from my past theatrical work because it’s a compilation of pieces taken from different films, and our most important goal was to create an overall tone that was wishful, inspirational and exciting. In a way it’s very similar to what our task was on Spamalot, where we also used a very well-known film with many beloved characters as our primary resource. Obviously, one huge difference is that Princesses & Heroes is geared towards young children – especially girls. The responsibility to prolong the innocence and imaginations of young girls is one that I took very seriously.

QH: What textures/textiles did you use to express the different fantasy worlds and time periods?

QH: Was there one scene in Princesses & Heroes that you took extra pride in designing?

IS: It’s a close call – I really enjoyed doing the Vegas-inspired ‘Under the Sea’ number, but I also really had a great time doing the Cinderella waltz dresses for the ballroom scene. When I was a little girl, I would draw little line-ups of princesses with different variations of tops and skirts, which is exactly what I did for the waltz dresses. It was really fun to finally realize the things I did as a little girl, thirty years later. n DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS PRINCESSES & HEROES Location: Qatar National Convention Centre Dates: May 27-30 Show-Times: • Wed, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. • Thurs, May 28, 3:30 p.m. (after-school special) & 7:30 p.m. • Fri, May 29, 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. • Sat, May 30, 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Ticket Info: • QR 150, bronze • QR 250, silver • QR 450, gold • QR 1,000, VIP • QR 2,000, Royal Bronze, silver and gold tickets for the Thursday, May 28 after-school special show at 3:00 p.m. will receive a 25% discount. Tickets are on sale at all Virgin Megastores and online at www.virginmegastore.qa. For more information visit the ‘Disney On Ice ME’ Facebook page.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Wailers bassist Aston 'Family Man' Barrett Photo Credit: Brian Schwartz

Peter Tosh

Reggae icon the late Bob Marley

Reggae 101 Compiled by Jorge Granda

Legends of reggae The Wailers will be touching down in Qatar for a one-night concert on May 22 at the Sheraton Doha. After our exclusive interview with Wailers front-man Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett in our April issue, school is in session as QH teaches you a little bit about those island rhythms and roots.

eggae music found its footing in Kingston, Jamaica in the late 1950s. Its instrument base is wide, featuring the sounds of instruments like the organ, guitar, drums, bass and brass. Over the decades its musical net has widened to embrace many other sub-genres of its original incarnation – including roots reggae, lover’s rock and reggae en Español. Here are a few other juicy tid-bits and interesting facts the culture and music of reggae:

Reggae music was very much influenced by traditional calypso, while rhythm and blues and American jazz also played a part in its development at a later stage.

Its dominant rhythm is played by a bass guitar and you can always hear its heavy, thick sound in any reggae song.

There are several dialects that artists use to sing reggae and can include Jamaican English, Jamaican patois and lyaric – or dread-talk, common among the Rastafari community.

Most lyrics in reggae talk about social criticism, though lighter issues like socializing and love are also popular themes. Reggae en Español is one of its most popular sub-genres, finding huge momentum in Venezuela, Guyana and other parts of South America as well as the Caribbean.

Reggae music gained widespread public attention in the UK at the end of the 1960s and most early international reggae artists began their journey up the charts there, drawing inspiration from the UK’s burgeoning Caribbean and Jamaican community.

Reggae was invented partially by an accident when a reverb on a guitar amp mimicked the chord on the offbeat – marking the birth of that signature sound. The best-selling reggae album of all time is Bob Marley’s Legend – a testament to how much influence one man had on an entire genre of music.

Many old reggae artists from Jamaica were shot in gang-related incidents. Even Bob Marley was shot on December 3, 1976 two days before performing at the Smile Jamaica concert, but thankfully he survived his injuries.

There are over 200 reggae festivals worldwide each year – and the majority are held in the US.

In the 1980s, the popularity of reggae was solidified in Africa when reggae legend Bob Marley made his first visit to Zimbabwe. There are several important reggae artists who shaped the course of music history. They include Charles Edwards, Leonard Howell, Archibald Dunkley, Peter Tosh, Mortimer Planno, Bob Marley and Joseph Hibbert.

UB40 was the first British pop-band which focused on reggae music, gaining huge popularity in the 1980s and 90s. The Birmingham-based group dominated the reggae scene in Britain at that time with chart-topping hits ‘(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You’, ‘Kingston Town’, and ‘Red, Red Wine’.

The Queen of England presented Jamaican musician Beenie Man with the Reggae Artist Of The Year award. In 1978 Bob Marley managed to get opposing Jamaican national political candidates to get on-stage during the One Love peace concert and shake hands. n THE WAILERS LIVE IN CONCERT When: Friday, May 22 Where: Indigo at the Sheraton Doha Ticket Info: QR 250, VIP packages available Contact Info: For more information visit Iconic Qatar’s Facebook page

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ENTERTAINMENT

e the The ice rink at City Center Mall becam dancing talent hottest proving ground for break ers at last year's WBC Middle East qualifi

Jordan, Kuwait, and Egypt to battle the beat – and each other – with all eyes on the prize. B-boying is a style that has more of a ‘breaking’ element to it than other forms of urban dance – they pick a spot, play the music and drop it to the floor.

e East Contestants from across the Middl BBoy-style! descend on Doha to throw it down

Organized by local BBoy troupe, Mighty Jokerz Crew and Urban Roots Society in collaboration with Network Events and Advertising, this year’s competition will be held at the ice rink in City Center Mall. All competitors have one thing in common – a love for music and amazing rhythm, so selecting the best two from a range of different energies and styles of movement ensures that the judges have their work cut out for them. The top two will then travel to The Netherlands where they will compete against the best break-dancers in the world at the finals on June 6 in Eindhoven. The World BBoy Classic is a two-on-two Dutch breaking competition founded that was originally founded in 2009 in Rotterdam. How it works is that an hour before the competition begins, all participating BBoys are randomly assigned a partner, so that each duo is judged on who has the best chemistry when performing with someone they haven’t trained with.

Drop The Beat As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Antoine Schirer and Paul van Dal – Prodance.TV

Spin it, drop it, crank it, bring it. Youth from around the Middle East will be doing just that as they take City Center Doha by storm on May 8 in the qualifying round of the World BBoy Classic 2015. QH breaks it down to the rhythm.

our average ‘BBoy’ might tell you breakdancing isn’t just an art-form; it’s a lifestyle – one that’s spreading at the speed of sound across the MENA region. Back in May 2012 the World BBoy Classic (WBC) Middle East qualifiers were held for the first time in the history of its international competition, with a slot up for grabs for the two best dancers at the world finals in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

The first ever WBC qualifiers started in Doha back in 2012, with ten each held in 2013 and 2014. The competition features four primary elements of play – top-rock, down-rock, power moves, and freezes. The BBoy dance-style has found its niche in the UK, Japan, Germany, France, Russia and South Korea where it’s typically danced to hip-hop, funk, and break-beats. So now – who’s ready to bust a move with the best of them at City Center? n WORLD BBOY CLASSIC DOHA 2015 Date: May 8 Location: Ice rink, City Center Doha Timings: All-day

The last three years saw the competition gaining momentum as more than 1,000 attendees turned out to prove their moves. Dancers flew in from KSA, Oman, Bahrain, Dubai, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia,

Entry: Free Contact Info: For more information visit www.worldbboyclassic.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Comedy’s

By Jan Janssen Interview and selected images courtesy of Viva Press

Ever since her screen breakthrough in Bridesmaids, Australian actress Rebel Wilson has been creating laughter around the world. The uninhibited, fearless comedienne has leveraged her wide-bodied physique into a winning public persona. It was her outrageously funny and delightful performance as Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect (2012) that turned her into a Hollywood star and with its sequel, Pitch Perfect 2 due out in theatres this month she hasn't looked back since.

hen interviewed on red carpets or on talk shows, Rebel is just as loud and exuberant as the over-the-top characters she plays in her films and it's hard to imagine her as anything but her manic self. However, the irrepressible Aussie star recently admitted that she dials down the volume in private. "Most people who know me know I'm not switched on all the time. I don't like to be like that in real life, because it's draining," she says. "If I'm how I am as Fat Amy all day [and] I can be sometimes, I'd be a psycho if I was like that 24/7...You gotta chill out and just be normal a bit, I say." Wilson's legion of fans will be pleased to see her returning to her fabulous Fat Amy character in Pitch Perfect 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the

original film that was a surprise box-office hit in 2012, earning $112 million worldwide on a very modest (by Hollywood standards) budget of $17 million. The story of the Bellas, an a capella singing group that features Fat Amy (Wilson) as one of its prime vocalists, Pitch Perfect 2 sees every star player from the original movie pick up their microphones once again in the sequel. The story follows Fat Amy and Anna Kendrick's Beca and the rest of her sassy singing sorority as they travel to Europe to take on some of the best a capella teams from around the world. In addition to Rebel, the cast includes Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Adam DeVine, and Elizabeth Banks. Interestingly, Banks, who returns to her supporting role as an acid-tongued TV commentator, is the driving force behind the Pitch Perfect films,

having served as producer on both installments and now makes her directorial debut with the sequel. In Pitch Perfect 2, things get off to a rocky start for the Bellas while they’re performing for the president and first lady in Washington, D.C. While serenading the commander in chief with a rendition of Miley Cyrus's ‘Wrecking Ball’, the charismatic alto Fat Amy suffers an ill-timed wardrobe malfunction and ends up flashing the entire country. It's a showstopping performance, but not the one the Bellas were anticipating. The Bellas are summarily suspended from their world tour and replaced by their European rivals, the Sound Machine, but fearless leader Beca (Kendrick) secures a deal in which the Bellas will be reinstated if they win at the a capella World Championships.

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Golden Girl

Rebel Wilson earned her singing , chops in the Pitch Perfect series breaking new ground in her career as an actress

Naturally, Fat Amy will be leading the way back to redemption. Rebel Wilson, 29, was born in Sydney, Australia and later trained at the Australian Theatre for Young People and with the Second City comedy troupe in the U.S. After a successful stage and television career in Australia, Wilson is now one of Hollywood's most sought-after comedy stars and was recently seen in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, in which she co-starred opposite Ben Stiller, Ricky Gervais, Steve Coogan, Owen Wilson and the late Robin Williams. She recently completed filming on Sacha Baron Cohen's new comedy, Grimsby, co-starring Cohen, Penelope Cruz, and Isla Fisher. Rebel is also rumoured to be up for one of the lead roles in the planned female remake of Ghostbusters.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Taking home her Teen Choice Award at the 2013 Fox Network event

RW: I'm so busy it's ridiculous! It's very satisfying. I'm very grateful and thrilled to be getting all these opportunities. Look at all these breakout female comedies people are really responding to...We need to work harder and have better jokes but Bridesmaids showed that women can be hilariously funny. QH: How excited were you about getting back to your now iconic role of Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect 2? RW: I couldn't wait to play her again. It’s meant so much to me in my career and it's given me the kind of recognition I might never have gained had people not responded to the film and to my character the way they did. I'm very proud of Fat Amy because she proclaims who she is and is the kind of person who just goes for it in life. ct L-R: Rebel Wilson with Pitch Perfe co-stars Anna Kendrick, Alexis Knapp and Brittany Snow

QH: Rebel, before we start talking about your work, can we ask you about your name. Did you take it from the David Bowie song, ‘Rebel Rebel’? RW: No, nothing as cool as that, although I should probably stick to that story. My parents decided to call me Rebel after a little girl named Rebel sang at their wedding. My Mum is really big on theme names like that – my sisters are called Liberty and Annachi and my brother is named Ryot. [Laughs] I think I actually did pretty well by comparison. [Laughs]

QH: Did you ever sing in any groups in school growing up in Sydney?

QH: Do you derive any added inspiration from your name? RW: I love it.You can't be a shrinking, timid little violet if you have a name like Rebel, now can you? It gives me an edge, something to rise up to, be different, not give in to your fears. I try to live that way. QH: You've managed to make your mark in Hollywood as one of its top comic actresses. How do you feel about your incredible success of late?

RW: I was actually part of an a capella group. It was called Twelve Boys because there were twelve girls in it. I was like yeah, how original. I went to a Christian school and so we'd sing church songs at people's weddings and funerals and stuff. They were kind of really pretty, but we'd have to wear these peasant blouses and these disgusting long velvet skirts. We were 15-year-old girls and we'd have to stand like this, kind of like what we do in [the original Pitch Perfect] in the Ace of Base song. We'd just be belting out these songs in the churches. At least it was good for singing. You got good practice. I was an alto in that group and in the Bellas I'm playing alto as well which is good.

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QH: Are you friends with the other members of the Pitch Perfect cast? RW: We're like a big gang. We've stayed in touch since the first film and it was incredibly fun to get back together again and do some serious partying. Elizabeth Banks is kind of our party leader and we all kind of look up to her because without her these films would never have been made. QH: What made you go after the role of Fat Amy in the first place? RW: I pick up the roles other actresses don't want. When there [are] movies where there are two sisters and one's the uglier sister, there's always no actress that wants to go for it. I'm like, why not? They're the best roles! t[Laughs] QH: You've spoken out in the past about wanting to give some confidence and help empower other women who don't fit the image of how women are supposed to look? RW: There's a lot of pressure on women, especially younger women, to conform to the thin body image. Not everyone can be that way and no one should be ashamed of how they look or suffer bullying and other forms of abuse because of their size and shape. I'm a very unique case in Hollywood because there are very few women who look like me and are working a lot in movies. So if women –and young women in particular – can see me in interesting roles, being brave and bold and having fun in life, that can be a big help and help their self-image and self-respect. I take my responsibility seriously that way and I want to do everything I can to present a positive and intelligent image for women who should be proud of their spirit and energy which will overcome any negative perceptions about how women are expected to look. QH: Even though Pitch Perfect gave you incredible recognition, it was actually Bridesmaids that really jump-started your Hollywood career… RW: Bridesmaids was my first job in America. I was so close to getting a couple of movies, and I'm so glad that it was Bridesmaids that was the first one. I went in and improvised for them, with Kristen Wiig, for an hour in a room. Suddenly, Judd Apatow (the producer) said, "Tell Kristen about your love life. Go!," and I said, “But, I've prepared the script." And I just kept going for an hour while they filmed it all. I went for Melissa McCarthy's role, but I was a bit too young for that. But, they really liked my audition, and so they added me as the roommate. There was never a female roommate in the script. They just added it in because they liked my audition. And then, of course, when the movie came out ...it was just like, ‘Bang!’ I booked five movies within a week or two, and Pitch Perfect was one of them. I was the first person to be cast in Pitch Perfect. Because it was such a specific role, I was cast months before anyone else.

Wilson has used her position in the limelight as a role model for girls to embrace a positive outlook on body image

(Screenwriter) Kay Cannon said she'd really like me to read the script and consider playing Fat Amy. I had actually played a character in Australia called Fat Mandy, so I was like, "Yeah, I have experience! I could totally do that!" And then, when I read the script, I was like, "This is so funny!”, and I knew I had to do it. QH: In your previous film, Night at the Museum, you had a chance to get to know the late Robin Williams, didn't you? RW: I treasure the fact that I did get to meet him because he's such a comedic legend. I had spent two nights here with him in London and we talked extensively about comedy. He gave me some really great advice. I love how he was doing comedy and really great dramatic roles – that’s something I'd like to emulate.

I feel very lucky I got the chance to chat with him... He was such a warm and kind man. QH: Why do you think audiences have responded with such warmth and enthusiasm to you and the characters you've played? RW: I think it's because I have a lot of drive and energy and I don't take things too seriously. I used to be very shy as a child and my mother would have to push me into drama class and not let me come out. I still remember when the drama teacher asked my name, and I told her it was ‘Rebel’, except I said my name with an American accent. It was that moment that I discovered how easy it was to speak up, provided I had a character I could play. So my life is about speaking up, not being afraid, be proud of who I am, and just see how far that takes me. n

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ENTERTAINMENT

Party Happenings

Thursdays at The Ritz just got hotter!

By Jorge Granda

Photography by Jessie Palanca

There’s been no shortage lately of open-air venues in five-star hotels hosting some of the most extravagant parties in Doha each weekend. This month we go behind the velvet rope at Ultra Thursday in The Ritz-Carlton.

or years, The Ritz’ name in Doha has been synonymous with luxury – from its exclusive restaurants and superb facilities, it’s a haven for upscale elegance. After a recent partnership with Ultra Events, The Ritz is stepping up to bat with the rest of the nightlife heavy-hitters with its new Ultra Thursday outdoor club experience. Ultra nights have been happening for some time now – they’re not new on the scene – but I hadn’t been out to any of them until recently. With so many al fresco parties taking place every weekend around the city I wasn’t expecting anything too over-thetop...I was only looking to have a good time with friends. But I have to admit, I was surprised. The venue where Ultra’s taken up shop is located on the sea side of the hotel and though the space isn’t vast, it is perfect to host the right amount of

people –the décor is as sophisticated as the hotel itself. White is the colour the organizers went with from corner-to-corner, from the curtain canopies to the loungers, giving the space a look and feel that’s über-chic.

The Ultra DJs on-deck spinning the freshest weekend sounds

In terms of music, the selection varies from old hits to the most recent chart-toppers. The DJs have a good library and know how to please the audience. The crowd is trendy and mixed – think late 20s to mid-30s – which is a good thing if you’re not a fan of the sometimes overly-enthusiastic younger crowd. Everyone is here to have a good time and experience a more high-end style of party. I didn’t order any food, but the usual snacks are available. In regards to drinks, the selection is also nice and the prices are competitive. Before you head out to Ultra check if there’s any special event or themed party on the go for that night, as the entry fee may change. Also, try to head over around 10:00 p.m., as before that there’s not much going on and the ambiance is fairly quiet. If you haven’t checked it out as of yet, Ultra Thursday’s worth a go – they’re doing a decent job with the set-up and ambiance and the vibe is different from some of its competitors. For tables or VIP reservations call 3361-8959 or email booking@ultraeventsdoha.com. n

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

QH BRINGS YOU THE TOP STAFF PICKS FROM THE MEGASTORE NAME: RAM LAMSAL STORE SECTION: RED BOX DEPARTMENT TIME AT VIRGIN: 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS

Best Part of My Job:“I love interacting with the kids who come into the store…there are a lot of toys and kids’ stuff in Red Box, so it’s never boring. We don’t usually just stand here and wait for the customers – it’s a very fastpaced section!”

CRAZY AARON’S THINKING PUTTY You can bend it, bounce it, snap it or knead it – but you’ll never run out of creative ways to mold it. Little artists love a good glob of Thinking Putty, while for adults there’s nothing quite squeezingly satisfying as a stressreliever. With colour-changing, transparent, glow-in-the-dark and magnetic versions, variety is the spice of life. We love their Creatures, Huge Handful and Super Illusions lines! Retail price: QR 49-QR 69.

MICRO & MAXISCOOTERS These hot little numbers are the only way for fun-loving youngsters to get around! With two different adjustable sizes, each scooter collapses easily for quick storage – just be sure to remember that helmet! Retail price: QR 389 for Micro, QR 611 for Maxi.

THE TRASH PACK PLAY-SETS We guess you could call these the Garbage Pail Kids for the new generation! Collect all the different Trashie toy sets to build your garbage empire! Kids can put their imaginations to use with a range of character cards, glow-in-the-dark figures and metallic dump-truck. Smells like fun to us! Retail price: QR 30QR 115 depending on size of play-set.

MARLEY CRUZ SKATEBOARD We love the retro vibe of these long-boards – one of their bestsellers among kids and teens. Made from durable plastic for a modern touch, they still have the funky look and feel from the golden age of skateboarding. With an electric rainbow of neon colours there’s sure to be a hue for you! Retail price: QR 179 for small, QR 229 for large.

BRICK CAPS Think of these funky hats as Lego for your lid. They come with small pieces of ‘brick’ that allow you to customize your brim with your own unique design or monogram. With a range of colours from red, blue and metallic, the good folks at the Virgin Red Box department can even put it together for you – while more creative types can work on their masterpieces at home! Retail price: QR 399 for leather, QR 299 for synthetic fabric.

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Spotlight On Movies The month of May is bursting at the seams with stellar cinema – here are our top five!

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

SAN ANDREAS

Action, Adventure, Fantasy When Iron Man Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it’s up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans.

Action, Drama, Thriller In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescuechopper pilot makes a dangerous journey across the state in order to rescue his estranged daughter.

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans

Stars: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Alexandra Daddario, Carla Gugino

QH Fun Fact: Scarlett Johansson who plays Black Widow was pregnant at the time of filming and it required three stunt doubles to hide her baby bump on-screen!

QH Fun Fact: In real life, the San Andreas fault-line zone runs through most of California – with scientists predicting ‘the big one’ is only a matter of time.

Comedy, Music Collegiate a cappella group the Barden Bellas enter into an international competition that no American team has ever won. Stars: Rebel Wilson, Anna Kendrick, Hailee Steinfeld

PITCH PERFECT 2

QH Fun Fact: The 30-second ad for the movie which aired during the 2015 Super Bowl cost the production company $4.5 million USD – roughly 20% of the entire budget for the film!

SPY Action, Comedy A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer…and prevent diabolical global disaster. Stars: Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law QH Fun Fact: This is the second film collaboration for actresses Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne who starred together in 2011’s Bridesmaids – also helmed by Spy director Paul Feig.

Action, Adventure, Thriller In a post-apocalyptic world where people fight to the death, Max teams up with a mysterious woman, Furiosa, to try and survive. Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Zoë Kravitz QH Fun Fact: In this remake of the 1979 original, it’s rumoured that Mel Gibson will make a cameo appearance as a drifter on-screen.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

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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

THE GRAND HYATT An Evening With Matthew vanKan May 19: Dunes. Get ready to spend an evening with British swing star, Matthew vanKan on May 19 at 9:00 p.m. For more information call 7021-8094.

Up Close & Personal With Nicola Emmanuelle

May 19: Dunes. The Grand Hyatt welcomes back Nicola, 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 1960’s. For more information call 7021-8094.

House of Groove

Thursdays: Dunes. Get funky every Thursday at Dunes for a night full of groove and the best disco music with DJ Santiago. For more information call 7021-8094.

ORYX ROTANA DJ Night

Saturdays: Jazz Club. One of Doha’s best DJs will be playing all the hot new tunes and introducing a new twist to the Jazz Club. For more information call 4402-3333.

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

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS HILTON DOHA Happy Hours

Daily: Blanco. Blanco rooftop lounge is your new after-work haven. Enjoy relaxing lounge music, shisha, drinks and gourmet bites with unbeatable views of the Gulf. Enjoy a 50% discount on selected beverages and complimentary snacks. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3413.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Let’s Get Quizzical

May 11: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant. Join Champions for the best quiz night in Doha with a maximum of six contestants per team to win the first prize of QR 3,000. Free entry. From 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Be Your Own DJ

Daily: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant. Connect and play your choice of music with their new Juke-Box application. Free entry. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

Bounce Arenas

Wed, Thurs & Fri: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant. The bar presents evenings of international music and pizza with all your favourite songs played by a live band. QR 50 entry fee. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Signature Molecular Creations

Daily: Bohemia. Bohemia oozes sophistication and is surrounded by luxury and comfort. The lounge offers the finest selection of molecular creations to ensure the experience is as unique and spectacular as the setting itself. Bohemia is the-place-to-be for those who dare to explore and experiment during their beverage adventures. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Perfect Match

All-Month: Jazz Up. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of the finer things in life, sit back and relax at Jazz Up while sipping one of their fine imported vinos. For every bottle of vino purchased in May, guests will be presented with a complimentary cheese platter and a rich variety of international cheeses and condiments. Vino prices start from QR 145 per bottle. For more information call 4429-1111.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA #Shout Vol. 4 At The Rooftop

May 15: The Rooftop. #Shout at The Rooftop is an all-day Friday session with international guest DJs to keep you entertained until the sun goes down. Special guests include DJ Nina, DJ Malaika, DJ Miss Monique, DJ Liv Knight and DJ Anna Love. QR 150 for gents including one welcome drink, while ladies enter for free. From 1:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4446-0226 or email rooftop.doha@stregis.com.

Gregory Generet Is Back!

May 18-23: Jazz At Lincoln Center. Featuring a Mo’ Better Blues theme, Gregory covers the Jazz and Blues greats and belts out engaging numbers with his usual style. No entrance fee applies – Greg will be playing at The Dinner Show. For more information call 4446-0226 or e-mail jazzatlincolncenter.doha@stregis.com.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Shaken Or Stirred?

Mondays: Liquidity. The hotel invites you to chillout at Doha’s favourite rooftop lounge while sipping freshly-made drinks and listening to funky beats from their resident DJ. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4408-7788.

Ladies First

Thurs, Fri & Sat: Liquidity. It’s lovely being a lady! Find out why every weekend at Liquidity. QR 50 for the ladies with unlimited sips plus one bite, and QR 100 for the gents with one sip and one bite. From 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4408-7777.

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ENTERTAINMENT INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Big Night Out

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: Lava welcomes you to the world of Arabian nights. DJ Alex is on the decks to play the best of khaliji hits, 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: Your Tuesday night is about to get much hotter. Lava offers an open bar for all female cabin crew with DJ Shadi on the decks playing the latest top house music mash-ups. Thursdays: Vibe Nights with their resident DJ. Fridays: Martini Madness with DJ Shadi playing his top-class house music, mash-ups, R&B and hip-hop. Come down to every Friday night as they bring you an evening of high-quality music alongside the usual quality cocktails and service from Lava! (Ladies get two Lava special martinis all night). 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 their a la carte menu. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY After-Work Evenings Sun-Thurs: Hive. De-stress with an after-work visit to Hive and make the most of their buy-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.

Listings KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Cosmopolitan Ladies Night Mondays: The Lounge. At ladies night at The Lounge, ladies enjoy 50% off the Cosmopolitan special drinks menus and a complimentary choice from the nibbles menu. From 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

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 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.

'The Secret House Party'

Wednesdays: The Lounge. Psssst, it’s a secret! Come and see DJ Kinky D performing next to the signature bar of The Lounge. From 9:00 p.m. till 12:0 0.a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Deep House Night Out

Thursdays: The Lounge. Enjoy a tech house and deep house night out with DJs Hamad Al-Obaidly, Tough Stuff and Crazy U. Thursdays from 10:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Tuesdays With Kéyali

Tuesdays: The Lounge. Kéyali Mayaga and her co-performers take the stage at The Lounge and are set to captivate you with a collection of her favourite songs. Join them by the candle-lit bar with its signature ambiance for nights of true musical indulgence. From 9:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Ladies Night

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

After Brunch Sessions

Fridays: Glo. Because brunch without an after-brunch sessions is just a lunch! Join in after brunch at Glo Cocktail Bar for their After Brunch Sessions where guest DJs spin the latest grooves. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100, or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

MELIÁ DOHA Spanish Happy Hour

Daily: Aceite. Enjoy a Spanish happy hour in Aceite at the ‘barra’ from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., with a buy-one-get-one-free drink and free tapas. Also enjoy a 10% discount with your Spanish ID. For more information call 4018-8894.

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 their 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 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.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Sundowner Sessions

Fridays: Al Dana terrace. The much beloved lounge night makes its comeback on the Al Dana terrace. Doha's sunset spot comes to life every Friday with very special DJs and guests. Entry is free. From 4:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

Beirut Nights

Thursdays: Al Dana terrace. Enjoy the best of local specialties and expertly-crafted cocktails as the DJ sets the scene with the latest dance music. 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.

SHERATON DOHA Salsa Night

Wednesdays: Irish Harp. The Irish Harp will have a lot of salsa dancing and music all night long. Prepare your dancing shoes and join in the Latin madness. For more information call 4485-3000.

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

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THE RITZ-CARLTON 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.

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-one-get-one-free (choice of selected beverages). From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000.

Ladies On The Roof

Wednesdays: The Rooftop. Enjoy a fabulous ladies night al fresco on the one-and-only Rooftop. Buy-one-get-one-free on selected beverages. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. 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 and 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.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Directory

Champions Sports Bar r The Renaissance Doha City Cente

Wahm Lounge The W Doha

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

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

Beach Bar Lounge The Four Seasons Belgian Café InterContinental Doha Bohemia Marsa Malaz Kempinski Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu Champions Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa Club 7 La Cigale Crystal Lounge W Doha D’Illusion Gokulam Park

4448-4800

4494-8888

4484-4444

4035-5555

4428-1428

4419-6100

4425-6666

4428-8888

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana

Jazz Up Mövenpick Hotel Doha Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

Dunes The Grand Hyatt

Qube Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

Shehrazad Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

4402-3333

4429-1111

4445-5444

4484-4444 Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4496-0777

Splash Oryx Rotana

4402-3333

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge The Four Seasons

4494-8888

4405-3325

4446-2222

4448-4800

4408-7777

4428-8888

4470-8888 Manhattan Radisson Blu

4429-8888

4446-0000

4453-5135 Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

4428-1428

4448-1234

4445-5444

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

Glo Cocktail Bar Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

4419-6100

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites

Habanos The Ritz-Carlton

4484-8000

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

4015-8888

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

Fahrenheit Horizon Manor Hotel

Hive InterContinental Doha The City

4408-7777

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ARTS & CULTURE

Top Picks

ANIMA GALLERY & LOUNGE A2 Anima Annual Group Exhibition

May 13-June 30: Parcel 17-30, La Croissette, Porto-Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. The A2 Anima Annual Group Exhibition provides and opportunity for young, innovative artists in the MENA region to showcase their work at Anima Gallery. Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m., Sun-Thurs. For more information call 3377-1370, email art@animagallery.com or visit www.animagl.com.

EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA Eduardo Tami’s Trio: Tango & Folklore Music and Dance

May 21: Katara Drama Theater. Join the Argentine community in celebration of their National May Week as the Embassy of Argentina in Qatar, in conjunction with Katara Cultural Village, hosts an unforgettable evening of Argentine Tango and Folklore. Starts at 7:00 p.m. with no entrance fee. Children under the age of 12 will not be admitted. For more information email eqatr@mrecic.gov.ar.

IAID Contemporary Dance For Ladies

Fri & Mon: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Contemporary Dance is a modern version of ballet that incorporates expressive movement, improvisation and physical coordination. Considered a ‘concert’ dance it combines the elements of discipline and focus. 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.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Art Walk-In Workshops

Saturdays: Special Exhibitions Gallery. Inspired by the MIA’s special exhibition, Marvellous Creatures: Animal Fables in Islamic Art, you can make your favourite animal characters. Create a mask and choose the right colours to mimic different animal parts. Free of charge, all ages welcome. From 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information visit www.mia.org.qa or visit www.qm.org.qa/education.

May 30: Building 16, Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. John Neschling conducts, with the QPO performing selections from Carl Maria von Weber’s Overture to Oberon, Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Op. 45. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are QR 75-QR 200 and can be purchased online at tickets.virginmegastore.me, at any Virgin Megastore outlet or directly at the Katara Opera House. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Doha’s First Man Of Jazz

By Dawn Gibson Images courtesy of Amara Photos

The headliner of Qatar’s swinging jazz scene, Dominick Farinacci, talks to QH about being the first ever Global Ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. 44 QH May 2015 - FINAL.indd 44

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Dominick will play alongside a talented roster of musicians at JALC's new Dinner Show, starting this month

It will feature the trumpeter playing with leading international musicians on an eclectic selection of popular hits, such as Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ and Cream’s classic ‘Sunshine of Your Love’, along with originals, such as ‘Doha Blues’, written by Farinacci during a trip to the desert and featuring elements drawn from Arabic music. For Farinacci, jazz is a tool from which music's power to transform lives can be taught

n the talented hands of trumpeter Dominick Farinacci, jazz is so much more than beautiful music. It’s the way he brings a slice of the Big Apple onto the plates of Qatar music fans, drawing the audience in night after night at Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha at The St. Regis Doha. The first satellite centre of New York’s famous Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) in the world, JALC Doha has cemented itself as the leading light of the rapidly growing regional jazz scene since it opened in 2012 as a partnership between the JALC, The St. Regis Doha and the hotel’s jazz-loving owner, prominent Qatari businessman Omar Alfardan. Front-man Farinacci recently added another tune to his song-sheet, appointed the first Global Ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln Center by JALC’s Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, one of the world’s most famous jazz musicians and Farinacci’s longtime mentor. Meeting Farinacci over coffee at The St. Regis, he explains that the role involves a lot of international travel to help integrate jazz into different musical scenes as well as a focus on jazz as a medium for education, in line with Marsalis’ vision. “Wynton’s so great on the educational front, and so accessible in terms of mentoring young students, which is something that’s an inherent part of jazz music,” he says.

“There are two objectives to our educational approach. One is, of course, geared towards current music students – teaching them how to be more efficient on their instruments, about different elements of jazz and, most importantly, how things you learn in jazz translate to any type of music that you’re playing. The other tier is performing for students who aren’t necessarily musicians, encouraging some of them to pick up an instrument and play.” Farinacci first got involved in music education in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where he created a mentorship program which involved artists from New York regularly travelling to Cleveland to work with students (Farinacci lived in New York for 13 years before moving to Doha). In the Gulf, JALC has forged a relationship with schools and other educational institutions, including Qatar Music Academy, the American School of Doha and the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar. So committed is Farinacci to jazz education that his next album is being recorded at his former college in Cleveland, where students can observe the recording sessions, attend master classes, and even play a role in the recording process. Produced by multi-Grammy-Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, who has worked with the likes of Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis and Paul McCartney, the album is Farinacci’s eleventh studio release.

The album is due out next year and, in the meantime, Farinacci is concentrating on the JALC Doha’s new Dinner Show, a two-hour set, six nights a week, featuring a compelling line-up of international jazz vocalists and musicians. “The very special thing about jazz music is that it’s all about being ‘in the moment’”, he says. “It happens, and it will never happen again in that same way. So, whether we’re performing for two people or 20,000, we still have the same dedication to making sure the audience who come feel like family and that they’re really part of the evening.” n THE DINNER SHOW AT JALC DOHA Enjoy international jazz with a side of New Orleans-themed cuisine. Here’s the May line-up: Until May 2 – Introducing Chantae Cann Jazz and soul vocalist Chantae Cann from Atlanta, Georgia, brings together jazz, soul, gospel and R&B. May 4-16 – Chantae Cann Singing the jazz side of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and more May 18-23 – Mo’ Better Blues: Jazz & The Blues New York-based Gregory Generet garners rave reviews from critics and audiences. The New York Times says of him, “A voice that’s so sultry you might get burned.” May 25-30: Gregory Generet New Orleans: The Soul Of Jazz For more information call 4446-0226 or visit www.jalcdoha.com.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Qatari artist Bouthayna Al Muftah

s n o i s s e r p Ex

s a v n a C On T By Diana Farid Images courtesy of Bouthayna Al Muftah

At 27-years-old, local artist Bouthayna Al Muftah is painting the world as she sees it, one brush-stroke at a time. We caught up with the rising artist to explore the meaning of the masterpiece.

o look at the work of Bouthayna Al Muftah is to get lost in the beauty of her brush-strokes, the divine colour combinations and the feelings her artwork evokes. As an emerging Qatari artist, Bouthayna is taking the national art scene by storm with her conceptual pieces and is looking forward to continue nurturing her talent at home. With a background in graphic design, illustration and printmaking, Bouthayna creates a world of colour with culturally-rich inspirations. “My work is conceptual, depicting unique and distinctive qualities from our culture in a somewhat abstract form,” she divulges.

She traces her aptitude for art back from a very young age when she began using her skills as an outlet for her creativity and genuine passion for art. Her art journey was challenging and fulfilling as she describes it. “In high school I started to hone my abilities and document the artistic and design process with journaling and experimentation. Journaling allowed me to look back at my process, and that became my own reference book which showed a story of my artistic approach.” Her journaling process became an art in itself and a very important milestone showcasing the story of herown artistic development.

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Her experiences in both high school and university were the catalyst for her artistic movement and encouraged her to start appreciating the process of its production. The aspects of carrying out everything by herself from beginning to end is something she loves. “This included my black and white photography art, which is where I learned to develop photographs myself,” she tells us. “It was in this particular process where I gained a certain respect for art – which didn’t rely entirely on the use of today’s technologies.”

Faces Quirky, colourful portraits from her q series, recently on display in Alriwa 2014 Brazil Qatar Doha as part of the it Year Of Culture's Here There exhib

Bouthayna’s portfolio is not only confined to paintings but also printmaking, as she’s started producing fabric prints on cushions, cards, handbound books and hand-printed wrapping paper. “Many details and illustrations were inspired from my surroundings in Qatar. I combined both past and present cultural elements in my work,” she describes. Bouthayna’s appreciation for her surroundings and her love for Qatar’s rich heritage are reflected in her modern designs. “Most of my pieces that I produce have a cultural reference,” she smiles. “The concepts are always derived from my heritage and past traditions. I feel we have a very rich culture from our past and present in the Gulf, and I enjoy incorporating that into my work.” Preserving cultural elements in her creations makes her feel connected to each piece she designs, while embedding them in her artwork is an homage to her appreciation of the richness of Qatar’s cultural background. “I find inspiration in stories of my heritage and in remnants of the past,” she says. “The elements of culture that are preserved here are a huge influence and inspiration to my artistic approach.” Looking at her different collections, there’s a unique story behind each one of them – yet all remain inspired by Qatar.

Bouthayna's sketchbooks reflect her observations of Qatari culture

One of our favourite collections is her Faces series which is full of life, colours and strong brush-strokes that paint a distant picture from the past. In this series Bouthayna interestingly tries to “create a reflection of a past version of ourselves.” Since she loves to express emotion in each piece, she explains that “this series was painted with spontaneity and gestural free-flowing strokes.” The pictures are drawn in a way so that each one tells a story – so those who look at them may relate to each in their own way. A selection of portraits from her Faces

series was recently on display at the Here There exhibit at Alriwaq Doha as part of Qatar Museums’ Qatar Brazil 2014 Year Of Culture. Another of Bouthayna’s prominent series is her Lailat Khamees collection, which means ‘Thursday night’. This series was inspired by the traditional family gatherings that take place on Thursday. Since family is an important part of Arabic culture, Bouthayna felt she wanted to capture that in this collection. Women choose to dress in their finest clothes during these gatherings, an aspect represented in Lailat Khamees’ fine detail that “should not be overlooked, but embraced for all its exquisiteness,” she explains. Putting her dreams and aspirations into words isn’t an easy task for Bouthayna as she determines where her artistic passion will guide her – but she assures us that Qatar’s culture will remain the most inspiring element in her canvases. At the moment she’s feeling motivated to keep forging ahead, because deep inside she knows that with her art she is doing the right thing to hone her skills and creativity. You could say she’s got a blank canvas pointed at the world. For more information on the work of Bouthayna Al Muftah visit www.emergeast.com/bouthayna-al-muftah. n

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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

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.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

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

MATHAF Mathaf Collection: Summary, Part 1

Ongoing: 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.

QATAR MUSEUMS Now Open: The Fire Station

Ongoing: The renovated Civil Defence Building, known locally as Doha’s Fire Station, has recently been transformed to host a new artists-in-residence program. Fire Station: Artists in Residence fulfills a key part of Qatar Museum’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent by offering local artists opportunities to develop best practice by providing a platform for the exchange of ideas. The artists-inresidence program, due to open later in 2015, will support local artists by providing 20 studios and gallery spaces. For more information visit www.firestation.org.qa.

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.

IAID ‘I-Sing’ For Kids

Saturdays: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. ‘I-Sing’ is an introductory course to IAID’s Western Vocals Program. The course is designed for kids 5-7 years-old that focuses on pop-singing. Students will learn basic music theory, breathing techniques, fun vocalization, singing with vowels and consonants, and group exercises that will develop their musicality, confidence and style. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

The Fire Station & Garage Gallery

Old Civil Defense Roundabout contact@firestation.org.qa www.firestation.org.qa. Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays

ALRIWAQ DOHA

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

QMA Gallery

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

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

Ongoing: 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.

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COMMUNITY

Top Picks

DOHA MUMS Twins & Multiples Mums Get-Together Mondays: If you have twins or more and would like to get together with other Mums of multiples, then join the Doha Mums each Monday from 10:00 a.m. till 12 noon for a coffee and a chat. For more information and to inquire about reserving your spot visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

DOHA MARRIOTT The Chuckle Club

May 9 & 10: Pearl Lounge. The Chuckle Club keeps on chucklin’ around the Middle East with another superb comedy trio for May brought to you by Punchline Media. This month’s line-up of hugely-talented international comic imports will be heading to Doha for two nights only and features comedians Tiff Stevenson, Gareth Richards and Billy Wayne Davis. Come on down to enjoy an evening of laughter and hilarious entertainment! Tickets are on-sale now at www.q-tickets.com. For more information visit the Doha Marriott and Punchline Media Middle East Facebook pages.

IAID Talent Development For Toddlers

Saturdays: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. This program allows kids to explore their musical side. Curious as they are, this will be a great start to stir their imagination and creativity by introducing basic foundational musical concepts – most importantly, practice. Children will develop their skills in a fun way while fostering a lifelong appreciation and love for music. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

QATAR TOASTMASTERS Youth Public Speaking Championship Finals EMBASSY OF ARGENTINA Argentine Meat Week

May 27-June 2: Latino Restaurant, Sheraton Doha. Taste the flavours of Argentina as part of the National May Week celebrations. In partnership with the Embassy of Argentina and the Sheraton Doha hotel, they’ll be hosting a week of Argentine gastronomy where Argentine tourism and typical products will also be on display. From 6:00 p.m. till 12 midnight. For more information call 4485-3000 or visit www.latinodoha.com.

May 8: Since 2000, the Qatar Toastmasters have been hosting this yearly English-language championship for youth between the ages of 13 and 18. The final round of the 18th Qatar Open Public Speaking Championship will be held on May 8. The regular monthly Qatar Toastmasters meetings will be held on May 3 and 17 at the Radisson Blu from 7:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. To register visit www.qatartoastmasters.org.

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COMMUNITY Genviva's Rachel Petero

Leadership Through

Self-Discovery By Sarah Al Motairi Images courtesy of Pamela Martinez & Monica Bommer Neuner − Motography Additional photography by Jessie Palanca

Whether you’re looking to discover yourself in the workplace, at home, with your children or in personal relationships, coaching can be your path to reaching your full potential. QH had the pleasure of speaking with Qatar’s very own inspirational coaches; Empower World founders, Jeanine Bailey and Marie Quigley, Genviva founder, Rachel Petero, and Holistic Health Coach, Nicole Van Hattem.

answers within themselves, for themselves. “Coaches are not counselors,” clarifies Rachel Petero (www.RachelPetero.com), a leadership and career coach based in Doha. She continues, “Coaching is about looking inside yourself first. With our clients, we are coaching the whole person…understanding their beliefs, their purpose. What do they want from life? What are they looking for from the coaching session in that moment?” By discovering one’s inner purpose, by unleashing one’s full potential through a series of questions and conversations, coaching allows for people to come up with their own solutions, proving a positive approach to exploring goals and solving problems.

Jeanine and Marie

oaching is the new buzzword heard all over Qatar lately. So, with International Coaching Week coming up from May 18-24, we set out to learn what exactly it is? After speaking with our inspirational Qatar-based coaches, coaching can simply be defined as a useful tool to help develop people’s skills and abilities, assisting them in reaching their full potential. A coaching session typically takes place as a conversation between the coach and the individual being coached (the coachee, if you will).

This power duo had me at ‘hello’. In a busy Jones the Grocer setting, I was immediately taken aback by their warm smiles. They’ve worked hand-inhand with clients such as Ooredoo, HMC and HEC Paris in Qatar.We got straight to business as they described what motivated them to create Empower World. “Empower World is about coach training. We coach people to be coaches.”Jeanine and Marie are ICF-accredited and certified coaches. Through Empower World they give individuals the opportunity to become accredited and certified coaches through the International Coach Federation (ICF). “We are the only coach training program in Qatar,” shares Jeanine. Empower World provides leadership and training programs aside from executive coaching programs. “It provides the foundation of coaching to all that attend. From there, one can become a life coach, an executive coach, a relationship coach, a parent coach, or a teacher coach, and so on.”

The coach will probe the coachee through a series of self-exploring questions to help them discover

Jeanine and Marie both had successful coaching practices before they moved to Qatar. Marie focused

more on life coaching while Jeanine was practicing a mix of life and executive coaching. Upon meeting in Qatar, they realized the opportunity to start something that would benefit Qatari’s and expats alike. “We believe we’ve had a great impact on Qataris and non-Qataris alike. We worked with Ooredoo, coaching over 80 employees within the organization. Senior leaders from CEO level to senior leadership level. For the senior level staff, it was about helping them to identify their career development path and therefore their development needs.”Jeanine and Marie are constantly developing programs and workshops to assist employees in developing their skills and reaching their highest potential. “With Ooredoo, we helped staff of all levels identify what qualities they possessed to be successful leaders.” Jeanine and Marie both agree that it is about creating awareness…being out-of-the-box thinkers. “Often we work with people who feel disconnected. We work with them to support them to identify their purpose, their values, and their long-term goals. People learn to take 100% responsibility for their outcomes; especially for their team.” With a high percentage of Qataris participating in coaching programs with Empower World, the outcome has been positive. “Qataris coach with us, taking their coaching skills to the workplace. The shift is inspiring. They take these skills to their teams –it’s a ripple effect, they listen to their staff, work with their staff to find solutions through asking questions and listening.” Jeanine and Marie hope to see Qataris take on roles of independent coaches outside of the workplace in hope to work with Empower World to better serve the Qatari community. They believe that everyone wants

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bank, Nicole has experienced many different types of management styles. “As HR Head, I started to have a good idea of what type of a leader I wanted to be…I was overweight, sick and successful. I was also burnt out. I needed to transform my body and mind. I decided to go on a retreat to Thailand undergoing a complete detox.”

L-R: Marie Quigley and Jeanine Bailey of Empower World

Holistic Health Coach Nicole Van Hattem

It was then and there that Nicole knew she wanted to coach people, help people make changes for themselves. After Nicole returned, her boss died suddenly and she took it as a sign to live life to the fullest and to the best way possible. “I few months later, I left my corporate job, went back to the retreat and within a few days discovered the Institute of Integrative Nutrition based in New York.” Here began Nicole’s journey to holistic wellness: well-being, food, movement, spiritual connection, relationships and life purpose. While actively creating leadership development programs for Qatari nationals, Nicole realized that she was looking for a deeper meaning. While she was completing her nutritional coaching course, Nicole was introduced to a coach-training program with an international consultancy. “I knew my space was in between these two realms. But how was I going to bring a unique part of Nicole to holistic and professional coaching together?” It’s here that she developed several wellness programs with a focus on sustainable success in bringing the human element into the corporate world. “I did my NLP, coach training and then began to prep for the ICF with Empower World. I will continue to explore and finesse that.” Nicole also hosts her very own podcast, Hot & Healthy that can be found on iTunes. Tune in for fun, healthy and honest discussions.

to make a difference, regardless of culture and nationality. Through coaching they hope to inspire people so that barriers fall and the workplace is an open, productive environment for all. Jeanine and Marie host their own podcast on iTunes called Empower World. Tune in for an inspiring and positive perspective on life.

Rachel Petero “Would you like to sit by the pool or indoors?” Rachel courteously asks. The weather was lovely and sunny that day so we both decided on outdoors by the pool. Rachel is warm, energetic and strong. She explains how she casually fell into coaching during a morning jog with her good friend and cofounder of Empower World, Jeanine. “I was in the process of rebranding my business and Jeanine and I were out for a morning walking on the Corniche. She began to talk to me about coaching and how it impacts one’s life. I said, ‘I can fit in the training courses, let’s do it.’ I’m glad I invested in myself.” Rachel believes that a leader has to be able to coach his/her team. Her core focus is talent and corporate coaching. “You can’t be a leader through

commanding and controlling your team. I work with leaders such as Bouthaina Al Ansari. She provides leadership styles through example. She embraces coaching and applies her learned coaching styles into her workplace, with her team.” Rachel loves the flexibility of coaching. Everyone has their own way of doing it so long as the basics are practiced. Rachel is currently in the process of rebranding her company, Genviva. “I am looking to create an online marketing coaching program. I will focus on attracting my clients through my online brand and using that for my coaching within the corporate world. I want to get away from coaching by the hour. My goal is to register my clients through six month and 12 month programs creating a deep relationship with my clients.”

Nicole Van Hattem Welcoming me with a giant smile and a warm handshake, Nicole led me to her in-home office space. The scent of musky candles over took the air, creating a comforting environment. “Would you like some tea?” Nicole asks. I was more than happy to hold the interview over a warm cup of tea. As head of Human Resources for an international

Coaching is means to an end. Old school techniques of ‘do through demand’ without room for debate or discussion no longer finds room in our organizations or homes. Such Draconian methods do not encourage people to think for themselves. In turn, these same individuals cannot transform themselves into productive members of a team. The quality of team leadership is becoming increasingly important. A healthy corporate and home environment can be developed through the creation of better leaders. Better leaders can be created through strong coaching communities. It’s because of leaders like Jeanine Bailey, Marie Quigley, Nicole Van Hattem and Rachel Petero that tomorrow’s corporate and social environments are promised a healthy and productive future. n For more information on the International Coach Federation, visit www.coachfederation.org. For more details on certification and coaching programs with Jeanine and Marie through Empower World, visit www.empower-world.com. For more information on Nicole Van Hattem’s Holistic Health Coaching, her Hot & Healthy podcasts and other tidbits, visit www.nicolevanhattem.com. For more information on Rachel Petero’s coaching and leadership programs, visit www.RachelPetero.com..

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COMMUNITY

So You Think You Can Dance? By Ujwala Thirumurthy Photography by Jessie Palanca

of them turned up in kilts and tartans made it that much more exciting.

All you really need is an open mind, a fun attitude and the willingness to learn something new.

We tap our toes alongside Qatar’s only Scottish Country Dancing society as this lively troupe of expats brings a taste of highland culture to our local community.

Richard Henderson who has been running the club for nine years now, gathers the group, explains the dance (yes, there are different types of Scottish dancing), takes them through the steps and patterns verbally, and finally sets the music. What followed was a treat to watch!

"The school management has been very kind in allowing us to practice here ever since the beginning of the club in the 1970’s. But in the past nine years that I've been teaching here, I've met people from at least 30 countries including Canada, India, Iran, England, Pakistan and Ukraine," says Richard pointing out the group’s cross-cultural reach.

f you've been in Doha long enough, you’ll know that there's a lot that this seemingly quiet city has to offer…the catch is knowing where to look. For example, you wouldn't think that a place like the Doha English Speaking School (DESS) takes on a groovy atmosphere when the Doha Scottish Country Dancing Club holds its classes on various Mondays throughout the month from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. for a fee of QR 20 per session. But, you'd better believe it – as we went to one of their practice sessions to check out how it all works.

"Scottish Country Dancing is always evolving, so we thought it to be a good idea to give people a chance to be part of this distinctive culture by actually teaching them the moves," says Richard, who was very accommodating despite being whisked away for a few minutes to talk about the club. While a couple of experienced dancers cover for him, I prod on. What does the club aim to achieve?

The room (which is actually the school's gym hall) started to fill up with people in their midtwenties to late fifties, all gearing up to have some fun in the next two hours of what could have been a boring Monday evening. The fact that some

"Scottish Country Dancing is a form of social dance, and that's what we want to focus on,” he explains. “We want people to have some fun, make new friends and hopefully take away something new at the end of a session.” Now, one would imagine the club being exclusively for Scottish folks – but it’s not.

Given the per-session fee structure, the club sees new members every week. How does that work in terms of learning a new dance if you've only attended one session while a few others have attended four? "The sessions are informal and we dance the traditional favourites to suit beginners and the more experienced dancers,” Richard tells us. “It’s performed in groups of couples (four or more) in a pattern of progressive steps. It's fun. It's a good workout plus a great way to calm an over-worked body and mind." I see what he means. The 25-odd dancers in the room are bursting into peals of laughter when they know they got a sequence wrong but they continue

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Scottish Country Dancing differs in style from other forms such as Celtic or Highland

anyway, learning as they go along. Although the club performs at a few formal functions, they like to keep it low-key. "The techniques around Scottish country dancing can get a little complicated. We keep it simple and easy to pick-up even if it's just a couple of sessions you've attended. We don’t even insist that you come back the following week. We know you will if you’re having fun. There is no dress code. There is no age limit,” says Richard. Despite its history and the rich cultural heritage of the Scots, the Doha Scottish Country Dancing Club scores high on its simplicity and genuine desire to bring people together through one of the most revered universal art forms – dance! So, if you've had a severe case of the Monday blues, stop complaining, and get to DESS at 7:00 p.m. to make new friends and dance the stress away. The club conducts classes most weeks of the year, subject to school and local holidays. Dancers show their Scottish pride in traditional tartan kilt

If you need more information, feel free to call Richard Henderson at 5523-9861, email him at dohascottishdancing@gmail.com or request to join the Doha Scottish Dancing Club Facebook page. n

and Group leader Richard Henderson al his accordian provide the music e backdrop for his enthusiastic troup

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SPECIAL PROMOTION By Mark Leppard, Principal of Doha College

As exam season fast approaches, stress levels can rise as students, parents and teachers become anxious. Anxiety is normal as it shows we want to do well – however, becoming overanxious can lead to a decline in performance. The good news is that there are ways to help young learners cope.

Following a healthy lifestyle routine with a balanced diet and adequate sleep can have a great impact on academic stress

Coping

With

Exam

Stress Practicing revisions with your child can help them feel a sense of preparedness, rather than anxiety

uring exam time, a clear, well-planned and detailed revision program is important to ensure students are prepared. It should have a logical layout and be easy to follow – anything other than this will mean lost time and will only add to the pressure of the situation. How we revise is something that will support us when we approach an examination. Revision is not passive – reading past notes will not lead to greater understanding and in fact is unlikely to stick in the mind. Re-writing them in a more concise way will help. I say to my students, if someone gave you a price for something and you wanted them to make that item cheaper, you would ask them to ‘revise’ their quote. You would hope it comes back smaller. This is exactly the same for lesson notes. The student revises them and makes them briefer, eventually memorizing a small amount of information, but understanding a great deal more. When revising, it’s important to take regular short breaks and to reward yourself for completing tasks. I recommend a 15-minute break every hour, but this will vary for individuals. There are other things that can reduce levels of anxiety – for example, hydration is a huge factor. Mild dehydration can make tasks seem more difficult as well as lower concentration. If tasks are perceived as difficult, anxiety levels will increase. Therefore, it’s important to stay hydrated. Eating healthily and at appropriate times will aid concentration and make exam preparation more effective. A balanced diet with an avoidance of fast foods and fizzy drinks will support both energy levels and concentration. Regular sleep patterns will help you. Sleep is the only time the body can rejuvenate, repair and prepare itself. Make sure you avoid the use of mobile electronic devices just before bedtime. Not only does answering a late night email increase tension in the body, but the ‘glow’ from electronics works against quality shut-eye. The glow causes a delay in the release of the sleep- inducing hormone, melatonin. Finally, to reduce the stress of exams, it’s important for the person writing the test to know that they have family support and someone to talk to in a nonjudgmental way. This will allow them to talk about concerns and, as we know, a problem shared is a problem halved. n

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COMMUNITY

of a child At Little Academy, development ce is key through nurturing their independen hed with Editor's Note: All images publis Little of parental permission and consent Academy Nursery

The Dilemma Of

Day- Care By Sarah Al Motairi Photography by Jessie Palanca

Due to the lack of full-day operating nurseries in Qatar, working mothers Roula Haddad and Manal Hassiba founded Little Academy Nursery in 2006. Following high-demand and two branches later, it’s a place of trust, fun, love and safety. QH makes a play-date with Madinat Khalifa branch manager Fatima Kassir to learn the ins and outs of what makes this nursery a top-five Ministry of Social Affairs -approved school.

will never forget my overwhelming search for a nursery for my then one and a half year-old daughter. Like a mother eagle protecting her young, I swooped from nursery to nursery with a list of questions and a constant scrutinizing eye. With my daughter in tow we visited each and every one, all the while, me being attentive to my daughter’s reactions to each place. She never failed to show me where she felt comfortable and where she was skeptical. I began to second-guess our decision to enroll her in nursery all together. Was she too young? Can we trust them? How safe is my child? She can’t use her words to express herself yet; maybe I’ll wait another year. And then Little Academy Nursery happened. It was our fifth nursery visit that week and all the managers I’d met in other establishments seemed pushy, cold and almost military. Some were professional, others not so much, but none fit what I was looking for as a parent – until Little Academy.

Co-founder, Roula Haddad, is an architect, and her vision and work is apparent in every nook and cranny. Each classroom is custom-designed and individuallyequipped with a child-sized bathroom. Bright, fun colours are animated in every classroom, while the hallways boast quotes out of our favourite children’s books – there’s even a tee-pee with a friendly crocodile welcoming all in the reception lobby.

The Learning Experience What allows Little Academy Nursery to stand out is its strong curriculum. It boasts an American educational brand called Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, headquartered in Boston’s Back Bay. “We adjust the curriculum to suit Qatar’s culture and weather. For example, we include events such as National

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Sport Day and Qatar National Day while ensuring that themes such as spring are conducted in cooler weather in the months of February versus April,” says Madinat Khalifa branch manager Fatima Kassir. Little Academy accepts students ages eight months to four-years-old (in accordance with the Ministry of Education). Fatima assures that in some cases, children as young as six months are accepted if Moms are working and need a safe, trusting environment to leave their children for the day. “We are not just a business but a service to the community as well,” she states.

Dance class is in full swing

With a flexible schedule for working parents, enrollment is available in two options: 7:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Classes are divided into four age groups: 8 months to 12 months, 12 months to 24 months, two to three’s, and three to four’s. Upon enrollment students are assessed so teachers can gain a better understanding of their individual level and needs. “During the assessment we may see that a child knows their shapes and numbers well but may need to strengthen their gross motor skills. In such cases, we work with the child by using chubby crayons, Play-Doh, gym time and chalk,” says Fatima. “We work together with our students to make sure they reach their full potential through independence with a little help when needed.” An example Fatima gave was that when children are in play, teachers watch how well they do while socially interacting. “If a toy is taken from a child, we watch how that child handles the situation. Does he/she fight back? Does he/she let it go? This method of independent problem-solving helps children gain self-confidence. We intervene only when necessary. We leave them to develop at their natural pace.” The daily timetable is designed to help children prepare for kindergarten. Structured in a way that incorporates math and problem-solving, arts, music, story-time, dance, developing gross and fine motor skills, gym and healthy eating habits, Little Academy Nursery provides an effective method of teaching through play. “Children leave Little Academy being able to recognize numbers, shapes, colours, objects. Teachers develop their own lesson plans in accordance with our curriculum, so they may use finger-painting to draw out letters and numbers. Or binoculars and shakers to help children recognize seeing and hearing senses. These skills help children to move smoothly into school and into phonics-based curriculums,” Fatima continues.

Children foster their creative instincts during an art session

Little Academy doesn’t just focus on cognitive and academic activities but also pays attention to physical and social development. The children’s daily schedule incorporates gym time. “We have a room set up with obstacle courses. Plastic handprints and footprints are placed on the ground and children learn balance by using their hands and feet to follow the course. Our three to four-year-olds may trace in forms of zigzags, curves and straight lines on laminated pages to develop fine motor skills,” says Fatima. One activity that drew me to Little Academy Nursery was dance class and how happy those little faces were, twirling and swirling, wiggling and singing.

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COMMUNITY The nursery accepts children as young as eight months, up to four-years-old

Giving Back

Safety And Security All teachers go through the necessary screening process. Referral letters are a must before hiring and all teachers and teachers’ assistants are qualified with previous experience. Upon selection, teachers must attend a three-day trial. Day one is spent sitting in on a full day. Day two is spent interacting with the children. On day three, the teacher must present the school with a 30-minute circle time presentation and a 30-minute art activity that he/she has created. Fatima continues, “It’s here that we analyze her work. Does she encompass the basics? Can she control her class? Does she interact well with the kids? Is she fun to be around? Once we have made a decision to hire, we then proceed with the formal two to three weeks training program provided through our nursery in accordance with the Ministry of Education.” All teachers are native English speakers, with optional second language classes offered in French and Arabic. “We are very proud to share that we were awarded a certificate for one of the top five nurseries in Qatar by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Salwa Al Obaidly, head of the Family Development Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs handed the certificate to us by hand,” Fatima proudly shares. Little Academy takes the safety of their children and staff very seriously. They work closely with Civil Defense to stay up-to-date with the latest policies and procedures. As Fatima explains, “We have a fire policy and procedures manual that all staff must follow. We carry out monthly fire drills. The Civil

Defense is alerted every month before we carry out a drill. We set off the alarm so that the children and staff are aware of how it sounds, what to expect and procedures to follow. We have a monthly record sheet where we register our monthly drills and the time it takes us to evacuate in case of an emergency. Every classroom has its own emergency fire exit.” There is one security measure that Little Academy Nursery boasts that was a decision-maker for me: CCTV monitors – everywhere! As soon as you enter the reception of the school you’ll notice a wall fully covered in screens with views of every single room in the nursery. Such transparency is hard to find in most nurseries in Qatar. The CCTV covers all the nursery grounds from classrooms, to playgrounds, to alleyways, to the car park. “I have access to security cameras on my iPhone at all times,” says Fatima. “If I’m late to work or am out on a training course, I can check in remotely via my iPhone to ensure everything is running smoothly. It allows me to sleep better at night.” I can’t forget to mention the very efficient iCare app the nursery has set up for us parents. Parents receive daily reports from the head teacher of the class detailing what your child has eaten, how long your child has napped, how often your child has used the bathroom, the mood of your child, and what activities your child has participated in for the day. Furthermore, the app supports a daily gallery where teachers upload daily pictures of your child at school. In addition, the app also provides an events calendar, instant messaging between administration and parents, daily schedules and other shared files.

Little Academy Nursery is a ‘green’ nursery Fatima tells us, “[With] recycling bins on-site, policies in place to reduce waste, recycled materials integrated into our art and crafts activities, and garden areas for children to enjoy the opportunity of planting.” The nursery also participates in clothing drives, toy drives, book exchanges and so on. Fatima shares: “We are in negotiations with an animal rescue shelter. We will send out a letter to parents for approval and then hopefully have the kids meet some animals and learn about rescue missions. Parents will be able to donate to the rescue mission in Qatar.” All in all, Little Academy Nursery is my peace of mind when I am away from my daughter while at work or running errands. I know my daughter is safe in their hands. I know they provide the best for my baby girl. I am left without worry (well, as much as my mind allows when my children are away from me) and with a lot of trust in these loving and dedicated souls we call teachers, caregivers and friends. Please keep an eye on the Little Academy Nursery Facebook page for enrollment in their upcoming July and August 2015 Summer Camp. n LITTLE ACADEMY NURSERY Contact Info: • Al Mamoura Branch: 4460-2713 or email admin@littleacademy.qa • Madinat Khalifa Branch: 4411-0027 or email LA2_admin@littleacademy.qa Website: • www.littleacademy.qa • www.facebook.com/Little.Academy.Nursery Please contact the nursery for fees and corporate discounts

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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

IAID Ballroom Dancing

5559-7467

Sat & Sun: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Ballroom dancing is a refreshing dance choice that takes participants through a set of partner dances enjoyed at social occasions. Get into the rhythm of swing, salsa, jive, tango, rhumba, cha cha and samba, while reaping the benefits of health and fitness. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

ONE OF A KIND DOHA SCOTTISH DANCING CLUB Dance Classes

May 4, 11 & 18: Doha English Speaking School. Those with an interest in participating in one of Scotland’s most traditional forms of dance can join the Doha Scottish Dancing Club for lessons. Classes are held from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. on Mondays every month. The cost is QR 20 per class and there is no additional registration fee or membership requirement. Bring soft shoes and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. For more information email dohascottishdancing@gmail.com, or request to join the club’s Facebook page.

EVERY WEEK 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 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.

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.

Craft Club

Ongoing: If you have Pinterest boards bursting with projects you’d like to do, but never quite get round to them, then come along and work on your latest creations with some company to get you motivated and inspired. This club is for Doha Mums members only. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

DOHA TWEETUPS Monthly Networking

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

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

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Aaeliy, A Time For Family

Saturdays: Vine. This new all-afternoon authentic Arabic buffet is just the ticket for a family weekend gathering. Bring the kids and settle in for a feast. QR 350 inclusive of soft drinks. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0107, or e-mail Vine.Doha@stregis.com.

THE TORCH DOHA French Delights

Mon-Sat: Panorama. The Torch Doha is introducing a chic combination of French bistro with a gastronomical twist. Open from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY South Korea Comes To Doha! May 18-June 8: Hwang Pan-Asian Restaurant & The Square. InterContinental Doha The City welcomes three top chefs from The Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas and InterContinental Seoul COEX to infuse Doha with the culture and culinary flavour of South Korea. The selection of dishes includes classic Korean favourites. Try authentic japchae, dubu kimchi, jeonbokjuk and more! For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood Brunch

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 stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Dohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skyline at QR 375 including unlimited house beverages tea, coffee and juices. Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; package available at QR 160 with soft drinks. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

SHERATON DOHA Asian Seafood Night

Wednesdays: Al Hubara Restaurant. Enjoy a sumptuous Asian Seafood Night with a lavish buffet selection prepared with the finest ingredients. QR 330 inclusive of unlimited soft beverages, QR 165 for kids ages six-years-old and above. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000.

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FOOD & DINING

Where The Family Gathers By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

Honouring the culinary landscape of an entire cultural region is no easy feat for any restaurant. Though, to its credit, Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s Al Sufra is no ordinary dining destination. Encompassing the traditional cuisines of the Levant, fortunate foodies can travel the world on a plate with a menu that’s essentially a gastronomic tour of nations.

n a city where Arabic restaurants are a dime a dozen, standing out from the culinary crowd requires ingenuity, peak-quality ingredients and preparation that reflects a keen understanding of authenticity. There can be no cutting corners. Therefore, Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s Al Sufra restaurant is ambitious to say the least as Chef de Cuisine Julien Alkhal strives to evoke invigorated flavours from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Cyprus and Palestine throughout his menu. Raised in Lebanon and trained in Greece, Chef Julien and his team seamlessly execute traditional regional dishes to suit the modern palate.

It’s early on a Wednesday evening when we arrive for our dinner reservation; at the restaurant we’re guided to the outdoor terrace overlooking the tennis courts and the water where we can enjoy the cool breeze. ‘Al sufra’ means ‘the dining table’ in Arabic – the heart of where the family gathers, and the restaurant’s concept reflects this ethos. Drawing images of the Levantine Sea to mind, the element of water is very much present throughout Al Sufra with its array of fountains and cascading water features. The plush décor is Tiffany-blue, with intricately-carved wooden panels lending privacy to the dining areas. The restaurant is vast – with indoor seating for 195 guests and another 40 on the outdoor terrace. It’s a popular spot for locals and tonight the terrace is nearly full. As we’re seated, Chef Julien pops out to greet us, while restaurant manager Samir Awwad from Jordan informs us that the kitchen will be preparing a sample of dishes from each region of the Levant for us to savour. First is a spread of hot and cold mezze served sharing-style and featuring a selection of fattouch debss el remin, kibbeh with cheese and pomegranate, marinated artichoke, a trio of unique hummus variations, grilled halloumi, smoky moutabel, makanek sausages, shrimps mutaffa and spicy herbed potatoes. The spread is a full meal in itself, as each tiny dish bursts with its own unique flavour. We particularly loved the kibbeh, the sweetly succulent makanek sausages and the spicy hummus served with

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Filling and fragrant − clay pot hammour

Massakhan chicken spiced with sumac

freshly-made Arabic bread. The moutabel gets top marks for presentation, served beneath a bell-jar swirling with liquid smoke. I’m the only one at the table who seems to enjoy the silky fibres of the marinated artichoke which comes drizzled in olive and mandarin oils. The halloumi is fresh and so wellgrilled it bubbles and squeaks with each bite. For our main courses we’re presented with a trio of dishes served throughout the Levant. First to arrive is the chicken makloubeh, a traditional staple of family dinners in many an Arab household. Tender pieces of chicken are baked with cauliflower, eggplant and potatoes underneath a bed of short-grain rice. Makloubeh means ‘upside down’, which we quickly discover as Samir holds a plate overtop the cauldron and flips the whole thing over. The result is a heap of meat and veg atop a steaming mountain of rice. It’s home-cooking at its finest and comfort food at its best.

It's 'not-your-average' hummus with Al Sufra's spicy-savoury trio

The presentation of the osmaliyah reminded us of a sweet bird's nest

The second dish to arrive is the hammour in a clay pot, preceded by its sweet-scented fragrance. Slowcooked with tomatoes and fresh herbs, the fillet is like butter, falling off the bone and served over a bed of golden aromatic rice. This is quickly followed by a portion of massakhan chicken, which is my favourite item of the night. Though phonetically the name is very similar to the Greek dish moussaka – which is how I originally interpreted it – the two delicacies couldn’t be further apart. In the massakhan, marinated morsels of chicken are stewed with onion and perfumed sumac, with traditional saj bread. For a Western palate, sumac is a foreign flavour – but the spice derived from this regional flowering plant has a tart essence used for contrast in a variety of Arab dishes. The meat is succulent and the saj becomes the perfect implement to sop up its rich juices. There’s a refreshing night breeze blowing across the Marsa Malaz inlet as we linger over our drinks, laughing and having a chat. There’s only one thing left to bring this indulgent evening full circle – and that’s dessert. Samir decorates our table with dish after dainty dish – there’s the green pistachio bouquet of karabich, (a decadent maamoul served with Oriental meringue); the burnished gold strands

Al Sufra's smoky moutabel

The hawalet al Jibn is a creamy indulgence

of osmaliyah, (a caramelized kunafa filled with ashta cream), and the creamy halawet al Jibn, (an Oriental cheese roll stuffed with ashta cream). We arrived at Al Sufra as guests, but were welcomed and fed like family – a clear sign that where Arab hospitality meets the calibre of the Kempinski name, great moments will happen. n AL SUFRA RESTAURANT Location: Ground floor, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Qatar Timings: Open Mon-Sat 5:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., dinner Average Meal Price: • QR 35-QR 50, mezze • QR 110, massakhan chicken • QR 180, hammour in clay pot • QR 160, chicken makloubeh • QR 50-QR 60, for dessert selections Smoking: Yes Licensed: Yes Contact Info: Call 4035-5011 or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com

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FOOD & DINING

Italian Meets French By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

When it comes to the flavours of Europe’s esteemed culinary capitals, finding a restaurant in Doha that emulates the classic style of both is a first. That’s where The French Olive stands out from the rest in a major way. QH visits the gourmet destination where two of the continent’s most coveted cuisines meet under one roof.

hen it comes to the flavours of France and Italy, Doha’s dining options have leaned towards the ultra high-end – which can sometimes appear inaccessible to the average diner. Thankfully The French Olive has emerged on the scene to shift the culinary standard. Located in the Barwa Building on C-Ring Road near the Al Sadd area, the restaurant doesn’t seem to be much from the outside. But upon entering you’ll

find a striking, contemporary open space with eclectic finishes and playful colours. The décor is a testament that simplicity with a quirky twist can sell – and even win – over extreme luxury. More along the lines of the rustic, rudimentary style, it’s a welcome change for a city that demands a certain level of excess. The French Olive comprises several themes – the French bakery or patisserie, the Italian dining section, and a coffee area. The restaurant also boasts exquisitely designed private rooms full of vibrancy and natural light. The menu has high ambitions to serve authentic Italian and French food with a focus on quality of ingredients (as many of them as possible imported from Italy), rather than overly-lush and pretentious dishes. The French Olive’s calling card – the one it means to build its reputation on – is in my opinion its Italian fare. Now, after browsing through their image-driven iPad menu, it’s time to test the food. For starters, we’re served a pretty-looking and colourful Caprese salad. The buffalo mozzarella is of the highest quality you can find in any restaurant and is accompanied by Roma tomatoes and delicate sprigs of basil. You just need to add a pinch of olive oil, and you have the perfect combination of fresh elements.

We also try one of their unique menu items – the polpette. This minced beef and veal dish doesn’t look or taste like the traditional meatballs we all know. Though small in size, they’re full of flavour. You can taste the oregano, garlic, Parmesan and pine nuts in every bite. Make sure to dip them in lots of the rich tomato sauce for a better marriage of strong seasoning and flavour. A platter of perfectly-breaded calamari fritti arrives next – and they stand out. The tender rings of squid come with a choice of marinara sauce or aioli and are fried to perfection...not tough or chewy as you might find in a casual joint. Next up is the French onion soup – and what a delight. Unfortunately, there aren’t many places in Doha that can serve a good French onion soup. Lucky for me, today that’s not the case. From the moment it’s set on the table I can smell the fragrant beef broth wafting up through the bronzed crust of Gruyère cheese. The onions are perfectly caramelized, the stock so well-seasoned that I don’t need to add salt or pepper, and the cheese gratin gives that punchy element to the soup. For our main courses, we are first served a bubbling, baked lasagne. Its beef and veal Bolognese has a

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a The lobster thermidor bathed in gratinated mushroom sauce was s come it as rich and creamy as

The French onion soup makes for a hearty bowl

One of the restaurant's spacious private dining rooms

A chocolate fondant worth digging into!

sweetness that works well with the silky, al dente layers of pasta and Béchamel sauce. The cheese is beautifully gratinated and the dish in general has a very good level of spice. Our second main course is the lobster thermidor. Its filling is well-presented and true to the French esthetic, with hand-chopped, succulent mushrooms tossed with pieces of lobster in a tarragon, Béchamel and mushroom sauce. Even though this dish is rich in taste, it’s not over-bearing – I can tell the chef paid as much attention to the balance of flavour as he did to the presentation. I love the level of sophistication of this dish – it has all elements of a winning combination. To finalize a fantastic feast I go for the chocolate fondant with dessert. Made to order, you have to wait 20 minutes to have it served – but it’s completely worth it. The warm chocolate cake with vanilla gelato is an explosion of pure bliss on a plate. What The French Olive does best is translate fresh ingredients into phenomenal dishes. Diners who are drawn to the restaurant seem like they’d be more than happy to keep the place to themselves. The only downside is that the parking is a little bit of a hassle. n

s An Italian classic, The French Olive' tiramisu is a bowl full of luxury

THE FRENCH OLIVE Location: Barwa Building, C-Ring Road, Al Sadd Area Timings: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: • QR 90, Caprese salad • QR 70, polpette • QR 65, calamari fritti • QR 55, French onion soup • QR 75, lasagne • QR 235, lobster termidor • QR 50, chocolate fondant Licensed: No Smoking: Outdoor terrace Contact Info: Call 4444-4777 or visit www.thefrencholive.com.qa

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FOOD & DINING

Agora's harira soup is a warm, filling starter

At The Ottomans’ Table By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

The food at Agora in The Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa is a true tribute to Turkish cuisine – in particular, flavours from the Ottoman Empire. QH headed over one lunch-hour to treat ourselves to a royal feast.

f all the Turkish restaurants I’ve visited in the last year, there are three that stand out as sensational culinary experiences. One of them is Agora in The Grand Heritage Doha. The hotel resembles a castle in the middle of England – if you block out the bustle of the surrounding Aspire Zone that is – and, richlyappointed inside and out, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. The food and beverage outlets have a very ‘British’ ambiance to them – including Agora ironically enough. The restaurant isn’t particularly lavish or elaborate, but its simplicity makes it cosy – even charming. It’s evident the space isn’t designed to be the main attraction, fascinating patrons with its décor. Instead, it’s the food at Agora that keeps people coming back for more. We arrive for lunch without knowing the feast that awaits us. We tuck in to a selection of cold and hot mezzes. The first entrée to arrive is a charcoalgrilled eggplant salad with roasted red capsicums. It looks gorgeous when it comes to the table – very contemporary presentation – but looks aren’t everything and it tastes lovely too. The combination of the eggplant and capsicum blend well in this dish. (The taste is a bit bitter, but it works.) We’re also served a tomato, cucumber and walnut salad with chili flakes, rocket leaves and pomegranate dressing. The vegetables are fresh and the dressing brings everything to life.

We continue with grilled halloumi cheese and fresh herbs smothered in tomato sauce, and stuffed peppers and eggplant with mincemeat cooked in a clay pot and served with yogurt. From my end of the table I’m loving the halloumi bathed in sauce. It’s an inventive hot mezze, full of flavour and texture – it’s technically spot on and the sauce is well-suited to the cheese. The stuffed eggplant is also mouth-watering and both are the perfect start to a three-course meal. As we move on to our mains, my companion orders a Kuzu shish kebab which is char-grilled lamb loin served with bulgur rice and grilled vegetables. I don’t eat lamb, but my companion has nothing but praise for the dish. I ordered a Beyti chicken kebab, with folded saj bread, cheese, yogurt and tomato sauce. It’s phenomenal; the creamy quality is unique and the plating doesn’t do justice to how well it actually tastes. Fully flavour-driven, it’s some confident cooking; the chef did an excellent job with the composition of this dish as the chicken just melts in the mouth. It’s rich, delicious and comes served with rice and French fries.

Kuzu shish kebab served with bulgur rice

Grilled Halloumi enrobed in rich tomato-herb sauce

Agora restaurant is a magnificent tribute to Ottoman and modern Turkish food. Whether you’ve travelled to Istanbul or Antalya and long for the memories that linger on your taste-buds, or you simply enjoy this type of cuisine, Agora is a must-stop destination on your culinary tour of Doha. n AGORA RESTAURANT Location: Ground Floor, The Grand Heritage Hotel and Spa

Rich and saucy − the Beyti chicken kebab

Timings: 1:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., daily Average Meal Price: • QR 55, mezze starters • QR 130, main courses • QR 50, desserts

Piping hot skillets of lamb kofta baked in tomato and yogurt

Smoking: On outside terrace only Licensed: No Contact Info: Call 4445-5555 or visit www.grandheritagedoha.com.qa

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FOOD & DINING

Savoury, succulent and comforting − this is one pasta dish you'll look fork! forward to twirling around your

• Vegetable broth • Extra virgin olive oil For the prawns • 200gms prawn tails • Extra virgin olive oil • 1 thyme sprig • Dash of salt and pepper For the garnish • 4 fried thyme sprigs

Preparation:

Chef Marco with a handful of freshly-made tonnarelli

Chef Marco’s Table Photography by Jessie Palanca

Spring heralds some of the best seasonal ingredients to awaken our taste-buds. Chef Marco Arlotti of The Four Seasons’ Il Teatro offers us a recipe for succulent prawn tonnarelli enhanced with a thyme-sensitive secret ingredient!

For the tonnarelli Sieve the flours and pour them into a bow, leaving a hole at the centre. Add the eggs. Knead by hand, spinning the bowl clockwise. Adjust the mixture density by adding a little quantity of white vino. Pour the dough over a wooden board and finish kneading until it gets smooth and elastic. Cover with a transparent cling-film and leave to rest for 15 minutes. Roll out the pasta into a 2 mm-high layer, dispose it over a wooden board and leave to rest, taking care that it doesn’t become too dry. Cut using a pasta ‘guitar’. For the pasta seasoning Cook the tonnarelli in salted water, then drain and pour it into a bowl. Gently stir out of the flame with oil, broth, cacio cheese and pepper until the mixture becomes creamy.

Homemade Tonnarelli Pasta with Cacio, Pepper and Seared Prawns

For the prawns Season the prawn tails with olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper, then brown them in a very hot pan.

Ingredients: (Serves 4)

For the presentation Serve the pasta onto plates, dust with grated cheese and arrange browned prawns on top. Garnish with the fried thyme. n

For the tonnarelli • 350gms Semolina wheat flour • 150gms Italian 00 flour • 4 whole eggs • Dash of white vino For the cacio (cheese) • 100gms Roman cacio and black pepper

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 QH: What did you order? FS: My wife and I were offered a buffet, so for soup we took lentil soup and it tasted delicious – then there were different kinds of salads which we ate…mixed bean salad, chicken salad, okra salad, hummus and moutabel. For the main course we had chicken a la King , beef stew, shish taouk with tomato sauce and [one] with a yogurt paste and lamb kofta. Everything was delicious. Finally with dessert we had oum ali and a dark chocolate tart. QH: Were the prices reasonable?

Word Of Mouth

FS: It was QR 205 per head [for the buffet] – so it was quite reasonable. QH: Describe the ambiance. FS: It was lavishly amazing and very comfortable.

Photography by Jessie Palanca

QH: Describe the quality of the food.

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 Fouad Shafiq sampled the array of delicacies on offer at Al Liwan in the Sharq Village & Spa. Here is his review.

FS: The food was very delicious – each item had its own aroma and very fine taste to it.

Contest winner Fouad Shafiq and Al Liwan's Executive Sous Chef Jarardar

QH: Describe the quality of the service. FS: [The] service was friendly and very good. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not? FS: Yeah, we will surely go back! QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? FS: The environment was the best thing we liked about the restaurant – it was amazingly designed. And everything was very organized. QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? FS: Nothing – everything was really good. QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience?

Delicate berry clafoutis on the dessert table

Guests at Al Liwan can choose from an extensive array of cold salads and mezze, plus hot and live cooking stations

FS: I’ve visited and experienced many restaurants, and yeah [there] was a special touch to it. It will be remembered by us and we feel honoured by being there. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? FS: It was an amazing experience there – everyone was very welcoming and friendly, especially the chef himself. What else would someone need? So the overall experience was quite good and there’s no need of improvement. n For more information on Al Liwan call 4425-6666 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage

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 Classic pad Thai

World On A Plate! By Rodger Gillen

On first impression, Doha may not be the first destination that pops to mind when it comes to sampling some of the unique culinary experiences from around the world. However, it has got a number of great secret spots to eat out on a budget! QH decided to hit the road to snoop out Qatar’s best cheap meals from around the globe! Al Habesha Our first choice has to be Ethiopian eatery Al Habesha, which is located in Al Muntazah. Their huge injera bread is a real tasty treat – especially served with a wide range of stewed dishes in a large sharing platter suitable for four people. The friendly

staff is always on hand to help new customers with advice in choosing the best dishes. Ethiopian is a fascinating mixture of Arabic, African and Indian flavours, with a wide range of vegetarian and naturally gluten-free options. The tearing and sharing of the injera makes for a unique communal eating experience. Timings: 6:00 a.m. till 3:00 a.m., daily Contact Info: Call 6679-0019

Thai Smile If Ethiopian isn’t for you, then perhaps a visit to Thai Smile could interest your taste-buds. We just love the café feel in their Umm Ghuwailina branch. Their huge menu is jam-packed with Thai favourites at reasonable prices. While from the outside the restaurant may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, we really enjoyed the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere we received from the staff who were busy tending to a crammed restaurant on a Wednesday lunchtime. Big servings of pad Thai and Thai Green curry where quickly served to us, which were full of flavour. Even more

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Ethiopian injera bread

perhaps the lack of vegetarian options, with our server explaining that they only have one vegetarian dish. However, for meat lovers, the lamb is a must-try – covered in spices and then slowly cooked in a Yemeni taboon which is similar to a Tandoori oven. The freshly-made bread is also worth grabbing and works as a handy spoon to shovel down the fluffy biryani rice. Timings: 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m, Sat-Thurs 12:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Friday Contact Info: Call 4437-5503 or visit www.bandaraden.com

Nepali momo dumplings

Nepali Kitchen Yemeni borek

impressive was the bill we received which ran out at a reasonable QR 165 for two people. Timings: 11:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily Contact Info: Call 4431-6466 or 4441-5222

Bandar Aden Souq Waqif rightly has the reputation as one of the culinary hot-spots in Doha. But one of its lesser known food outlet is worth a visit whenever you’re free. Bandar Aden is located at the back of the Souq, well away from the main row of eateries and is well worth the adventure off the beaten track. The restaurant specializes in Yemeni food, and when QH visited it was rammed with both Qataris and expats alike enjoying slow-cooked chicken or lamb (handi) served with biryani rice. For a more authentic experience you can take off your shoes and sit down on the floor in their many communal areas that makes for a unique culinary treat. The menu is relatively small, but what they have is made to the highest standard. One small problem is

The final stop on our Doha world food tour has to be the imaginatively titled Napali Kitchen in Msheireb. This small eatery has been serving the Nepali community for over 15 years in Doha, and is a real pillar of home for its expats. For a measly budget you can eat fantastically well. Our favourite dish has to be the traditional Nepali momo, which can be served either fried or steamed with chicken or vegetarian varieties. We also munched down on some tasty, if slightly spicy buffalo curry. It’s a real authentic experience, and well worth the trip to Msheireb, especially when four people can feast on several courses for just QR 150. Timings: 10:00 a.m. till 12 midnight, daily Contact Info: Call 7758-4376 So from Ethiopia to Thailand via Yemen, Doha has a huge range of cheap and tasty food options to sample. The food on offer is wholesome, enjoyable and ultimately gives you an insight to the cultures that call Doha their home. 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

Brazilian Brunch

Fridays: Ipanema. Take a trip to Rio de Janeiro every Friday with a feast of Brazilian meats and the only authentic Brazilian band in Doha – Brazuqa. Ipanema is the place to come for a super brunch, flambé desserts and live entertainment. QR 260 includes soft beverages and QR 335 includes selected beverages. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

THE GRAND HYATT DJ Hughie Brunch

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Sushi Fiesta

Every Saturday: Chopsticks Restaurant. Chopsticks is serving a delightful miso soup followed by a Sushi Fiesta. Eat as much you can for only QR 169 per person. Immerse yourself in an enticing range of original and sensational sushi platters, plus try their sushi made of chicken, beef and duck exclusively at Chopsticks, the award-winning restaurant. Live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email wgrf&b@wyndham.com.

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 Mexican Fiesta Month

All-Month: Hola – It’s party time! In celebration of Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo, The Doha Marriott is giving you a whole month to enjoy the delights of Mexico. Join in for their Weekend Brunch throughout May as they go ‘all-out’ Mexican. Enjoy the strums of the Mexican guitar courtesy of their famous Mariachi band from Salsa. Try your luck with their piñata competitions and try the hottest wings in town. Are you brave enough? QR 375 per person all-in bubbly. Fridays and Saturdays from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

American-Style Mother’s Day Weekend Brunch

May 9 & 10: Celebrate International Mother’s Day at the Doha Marriott’s weekend brunch! Be entertained by live cooking stations from their talented chefs and an elaborate buffet full of favourites from around the globe, with special Mother’s Day surprises. Your mother will be spoiled by the delightful Mother’s Day-inspired desserts made specially to make all mothers feel unique. All Mums will receive a 50% discount on their brunch! QR 375 per person all-in bubbly. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

The Late Brunch Is Back!

Fridays: The View Pool Bar & Grill. Experience the awesome, revamped, outdoor Late Brunch in an all-new location! Shaking up the Doha brunch scene, join in for Doha’s first and only Late Brunch! Chill-out and watch the sun set by the pool with spectacular views across the city and the famous backdrop of the Doha skyline. With funky tunes, a full grill, buffet and seafood selections, dance the night away under the stars! Including ‘all-in’ bubbly and BBQ for QR 380. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Summer Melon Menu

Daily: Aroma. Executive Chef Vinon Yergu has created a new summer menu with a creative melon twist. Taste delicate melon flavours in appetizers, salads, main courses and desserts. The summer melon menu is available throughout May in Aroma. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Mother’s Day Brunch

May 8: Crossroads Kitchen & Ipanema. Celebrate the most important woman in your life with a lavish themed buffet on Mother’s Day at Crossroads Kitchen or Ipanema. All Mums will receive flowers and a discount voucher from Saray Spa! QR 245. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.

May 8: The Grill. The Grill invites you to a very special brunch with legendary DJ Hughie, flown in from London to play some funk and disco. Book your soft beverage brunch for QR 295 or QR 420 for a special beverage brunch. All British residents will enjoy a 10% discount upon presenting your Qatari ID. For more information call 7798-2400.

Liguria Promotion

May 10-17: Rocca. Looking for authentic Italian cuisine in Doha? Rocca will present a special promotion with their Italian Chef Marco introducing his new mouth-watering, masterpiece menu inspired by Liguria, a well-known food region of Italy famous for its vino. For more information call 7711-1385.

ORYX ROTANA Tapas Degustation Menu

Thursdays: The Cellar. The restaurant will offer you a great selection of five or ten tapas by Chef Angel at a rate of QR 160 per person for ten tapas, or QR 85 per person for five tapas from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

Spanish Brunch White Party

May 16: Choices. Oryx Rotana proudly presents the Spanish Brunch for QR 225 (food only) per person or top it off with the beverage package including unlimited Sangria or Agua de Valencia at QR 325 per person. Lose yourself with the best sounds of Ibiza from their resident DJ playing till sunset on the Choices terrace. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Mom & Me Cooking Class

May 9: Al Dana. Scrumptious cakes, cookies, and all that is sweet await your special culinary touch. QR 345 per mother and child. Starts at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch. For more information call 4016-6000.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Chef’s Table

Sun-Fri: Astor Grill. Book the Chef’s Table, get up close to the Astor Grill team and enjoy the theatre of the kitchen! Chefs will create a bespoke menu of five courses, served with or without grape selection. QR 390 for five courses, QR 500 with Sommelier’s selection. For more information call 4446-0211 or email Astorgrill.Doha@stregis.com.

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THE TORCH Cooking Classes At Heights

Mondays: Panorama. Each Monday at Panorama, participate in a cooking class with the chef. Learn how to prepare Mediterranean cuisine showcasing Italian, French, and Belgian food. QR 200 per person including menu, recipe, food preparation and tasting, cold beverages and a Torch apron. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. Each class is for a maximum of five people and prior reservation is required. For more information call 4446- 5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS CHOWKING Indo-Chinese Menu &Value Meals

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

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Arabic Night

Wednesdays: Aramede. Savour 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 for all-you-can-eat and drink. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7788.

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FOOD & DINING DOHA MARRIOTT JW’s Steakhouse

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

Weekend Brunch

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 270 for regular brunch and QR 375 for bubbly brunch. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Al Fresco Brunch

Fri & Sat: The View Terrace. Experience the hotel’s outdoor dining terrace at The View poolside restaurant, with stunning views across the Doha skyline! Join in for a unique al fresco brunch every Friday and Saturday as the hotel extends their famous Weekend Brunch poolside! QR 270 for regular brunch, QR 375 for bubbly brunch. 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 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.

HILTON DOHA Brunch At Trader Vic’s

Fridays: Trader Vic’s. A new food menu with twenty-five new cocktail drinks is introduced to Trader Vic’s. Gather with friends and colleagues in the great ambiance and indulge in their newest offerings of food and drink. QR 375 including unlimited selected cocktails. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118 or visit www.facebook.com/tradervicsdoha.

Listings Brunch At Mawasem

Steak & Vino Menu

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Saturday Brunch

Business Lunch

Fridays: Mawasem. Spend some quality time with family and friends with a unique brunch at Mawasem. QR 234 including soft drinks and QR 345 Including house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3112 or visit www.facebook.com/Hilton.Hotel.Doha.

Fish Market. Enjoy this Saturday brunch with special Lebanese seafood delicacies from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. QR 325 including house beverages, QR 295 with soft drinks, and QR 160 for kids with unlimited soft drinks. Live entertainment will be provided by the Bouzouki band. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Romance Under The Stars

Daily: Fish Market. Enjoy dinner by the beach including a four-course, rich seafood menu with a bottle of exclusive Lanson Rose bubbly. QR 3,000 per couple with private butler service. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY The Best of Prime

All-Month: Prime. In May, join in the awardwinning Prime steakhouse for a savoury journey with a five-course degustation menu. Enjoy sampling the finest cuisine with each course specially paired with the perfect vino. QR 699 per person. For more information call 4015-8888.

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

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.

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.

Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Aroma offers a creative business lunch menu by using fresh and locally-farmed ingredients. Mixing flavours from around the globe, a few dishes to name are the Apulian burrata, the Angus beef medallions and a sweet indulgence of the fruit forest honey parfait. QR 95 per person from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

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

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Three Countries, One Platter

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

Tomahawk – Can You Handle It?

Daily: New York Steakhouse. Can you handle the largest steak in Doha? This is definitely the talk of the town! Choose from 1kg or 2kgs of flavourful Tomahawk Wagyu rib-eye. QR 690 for 1kg 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.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Saturday Roast Lunch Buffet Sawa. Taste an extensive buffet with live cooking stations and a delicious sweet corner, and enjoy your Saturday lunch-time with family and friends in the bright and ambient environment of Sawa. QAR 190 per person, including soft drinks. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Tapeo After Work

Daily: El Faro. Enjoy your favourite beverage with a complimentary selection of inimitably authentic Spanish tapas and pintxos. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Paella Tuesdays

Tuesdays: El Faro. Every Tuesday, (or Martes in Spanish!) taste the only authentic paella in Doha and receive a complimentary pitcher of sangria. The offer is valid on every paella for two people. From 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4035- 5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

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FOOD & DINING A Traditional Levantine Experience

Mon-Sat: Al Sufra. With a blend of traditional recipes and flavours from Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Jordan and Palestine, the Levant-inspired restaurant Al Sufra – ‘the dining room’ in Arabic has a timeless charm. 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. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Al Sufra Now Open For Lunch

Mon -Sat: Al Sufra. The rich traditional Arabic recipes of Al Sufra are now available for lunch. Have a relaxing break from work and indulge in comforting, home-made food, prepared by the expert culinary team at Al Sufra. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Al Fresco Dining By The Beach

Daily: Amwage. Meaning ‘the wave’ in Arabic, Amwage serves a selection of fresh and flavoursome seafood and BBQ options in a casual setting by the beach, next to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Raising the standards for the best al fresco dining in the city, Amwage offers cool tunes, great comfort cuisine and relaxed, yet attentive, service. From 11:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, or email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

MELIÁ DOHA New Concept

Listings 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 of kiddie treats. QR 180 per person. Naughty Food Gone Good Fridays: Enjoy all your tasty indulgences minus the guilt with an array of healthconscious 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 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 the age of 12 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.

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.

Daily: Nidaaya. The Meliá Doha proudly presents a new concept that will entice guests at Nidaaya – a Josper Charcoal Oven grill that will add enhanced flavour to any dining experience. For more information call 4018-8894

New Tapas Galore Selection

Indian Offer

Latin Night

Daily: Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor. All Indian nationals can rejoice as the exclusive Indian restaurant Signature at the Meliá Doha is offering a 10% discount with your Indian ID. Don’t miss out on this great promotion valid until Ramadan. For more information call 4019-8877.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Burger Express

Daily: L’Espresso. Why get one burger when you can have three? Stop by at L’Espresso, the bustling heart of the hotel, and dive into a tasty Burger Sampler. Three burgers – beef, chicken and veggie make for one hearty meal. This experience will leave nothing to be desired. Grab the Burger Sampler at L’Espresso for only QR 55. For more information call 4429-1111.

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.

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

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 for food only, or QR 305 including unlimited selected house beverages. Also try their premium package for QR 350 which includes unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

RADISSON BLU 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.

SHERATON DOHA Seafood Experience

Daily: Almaskar. The hotel’s new seafood restaurant Almaskar offers a fresh sea breeze and retreat-like feeling. Simplicity, quality of design and finishes are essential in making the difference by embracing the resort-like feeling away from the stresses of daily life. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information visit www.almaskar-restaurant.com.

Churrasco Night

Wednesdays: Latino Steakhouse. If you’ve never experienced Churrasco before, prepare yourself for a unique culinary experience every Wednesday in Latino Steakhouse! Churrasco is a Brazilian-style barbecue laden with mouth-watering spit-roasted meats cooked in a Churrasco grill and served from a sword-sized skewer to your table. QR 280. Latino Steakhouse is open daily from 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000 or visit F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

Brunch All'Italiana

Fridays: La Veranda. Every Friday enjoy the Brunch All'Italiana, a family brunch with a stunning sea-view, including live entertainment, cooking stations, traditional Italian pasta, risotto, pizza and delicious dolci. From 12:30 noon till 3:00 p.m., QR 350 per person, QR 165 per child. For more information call 4485-3000 or visit F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

THE ANVIL ROOMS The Blacksmith’s Lunch

Daily: 28th Floor, Tornado Tower. Choose a signature steak, a side, a sauce and a soft drink for QR 149 available seven days a week. Fridays and Saturdays include 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: 28th Floor, Tornado Tower. 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 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.

Barbecue By The Pool

Thurs & Fri: Al Seef. Embrace the outdoor vibe with a nice breeze while the weather is warm, overlooking the magnificent sea. Experience Western-style barbecue at its best with a side of shisha. QR 215 per person. From 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Barbecue is also available during lunchtime on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at QR 150 per person. For more information call 4016-6000.

Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: Al Liwan. Unwind with friends and family and indulge in a luxurious buffet featuring the freshest seafood, Middle Eastern favourites and international classics. QR 250 per person, or QR 390 inclusive of selected beverages. All kids below 12-years-old dine complimentary. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4016-6000.

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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 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 all-you-can-eat curry night. Every Monday from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., you can order a variety of unlimited curry to share, with your choice of fish, beef, chicken, mussels or vegetables. You can share up to five curries per round, for only QR 85 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.

Barbecue Nights:

Thursdays: Majlis. Enjoy the outdoors on Majlis’ poolside terrace with barbecue and shisha nights, every Thursday. Don’t miss a night of delicious foods grilled to perfection, alongside popular exotic shisha flavours. For more information call 3039-5396.

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FOOD & DINING 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 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 nightcap, 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.

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.

Listings THE TORCH DOHA Rotisserie Night

Saturdays: Panorama. Enjoy a delightful Rotisserie Night at the newly-opened Panorama, featuring grilled-chicken carving trolley service by the table. Open from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446- 5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Fondue Bourguignon Night

Mondays: Panorama. Enjoy a Fondue Bourguignon Night prepared with your choice of canola oil or vegetable broth, lightly seasoned and served with a choice of beef tenderloin, chicken or shrimp, and a spiced fish or Surf & Turf combination. For more information call 4446- 5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Mediterranean All The Way

Barbecue Bazaar Brunch

Fridays: Flying Carpet Friday. Drop in for a sizzling experience and choose from a wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, and burgers for only QR 210 per person including a welcome drink, still water, selected soft drinks and chilled juices. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a special rate of only QR 98 for children under the age of 12. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Burger Night

Sundays: Market by Jean-Georges. Start your week with your favourite burger, side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection – all for QR 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.

Daily: Three Sixty. This beautiful revolving restaurant located on the 47th floor at The Torch Doha, offers panoramic views of the city. Open daily for lunch from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. and for dinner from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Sip & Savour

Panorama Special Set Menu

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.

Mon-Wed: Panorama. Enjoy a special menu at QR 225 including your choice of appetizer, main and dessert with coffee or tea. Located on the 50th floor the restaurant offers panoramic views of the city. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Wednesday Tex- Mex Night

Wednesdays: Flying Carpet. Enjoy Latino specialties with a wide selection of steaks, burgers and hot dogs, plus welcome drinks and soft drinks for QR 200 per person. Served from 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Signature Burgers & Snacks

Daily: Sky Lounge. The lounge presents an array of specialty ‘bistronomy’ including home-made burgers and sandwiches, presented in a relaxing ambiance at Sky Lounge. The restaurant offers breathtaking views of Doha's skyline from the 51st floor. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Seafood Extravaganza

Thursdays: Flying Carpet. Indulge in an array of fresh seafood for grilling, frying, or done in the wok, plus a wide selection of Italian seafood antipasti and more for only QR 250 per person including welcome drinks and soft drinks. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

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

Business Lunch

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.

Sharazad Night

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

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SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Red Velvet Cupcakery

May: Katara Cultural Village. 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. May: Ice Cream Sandwich. Enjoy a mouth-watering ice cream sandwich and get a free small bottle of regular water with every purchase. For more information call 4408-0700.

Aspire Grand Café

May: Aspire Park. Try their chicken biryani – a specially-prepared fresh chicken, well-marinated with traditional Indian spices, cooked with fragrant basmati rice and finely-chopped fresh herbs. For more information call 4449-3963. May: 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. May: 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. May: 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.

Burgeri

May: Aspire Park. Burgeri Fun Meal. Each meal comes in a beautifully-designed Fun Box that includes one fruit juice, an order of regular French Fries, and choice of B. Classic, B. Cheesy, Good Dog or their new B. Bites (served with special sauces). For more information call 4449-3958. May: 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. May: 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 and 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

May: Katara Cultural Village. Reserve a kashta and enjoy sumptuous food and magnificent views for a minimum order of QR 1,500. Daily from 3:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-2000. May: For only QR 200 enjoy a rich and traditional Turkish breakfast, daily. From 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-2000. May: 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. May: 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.

May: 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.

HDC RESTAURANTS AT THE PEARL-QATAR Al Tabkha

May: Katara Cultural Village. Their newly-designed breakfast menu now includes an organic egg breakfast, served fresh and healthy at QR 48. For more information call 4408-0733. May: 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.

A fast-casual restaurant concept offering healthy home-made Lebanese cuisine in a family friendly environment for dine-in, takeaway or delivery. They offer a Friday buffet for QR 95, falafel combo for QR 30, chicken shawarma for QR 20, daily specials for QR 50, take away and delivery from QR 65, and dine-in breakfast set menus from QR 45, QR 55 and QR 70. 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.

L’wzaar Seafood Market

Burj Al Hamam

Chac’Late

May: Katara Cultural Village. 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. May: A tantalizing special dish of the day is available during lunch and dinner. For more information call 4408-0710. May: 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. May: 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

May: 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. May: Pizza Home Delivery. They deliver for a minimum order of 20 pizzas. Advance reservation is highly required. For more information call 4408-1500. May: A special a la carte menu for children is available daily. For more information call 4408-1500.

Shawarma Albisana

May: 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

May: 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. May: 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. May: 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.

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. Set menus start from QR 200/ QR 300/QR 400. Average meal price per person is QR 170. 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 Pearl-Qatar. 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 Nelson’s Chocolate Bar A slick, chic and stylish café 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.

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FOOD & DINING

Directory

New York Steakhouse Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

INTERNATIONAL Rocca The Grand Hyatt

SPANISH & TEX-MEX Aceite 4018-8894 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

Al Mourjan The Corniche

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 Panorama

4405-3325 4446-0105 4484-4444 4446-0105 4484-8000 4453-5135 4436-0606 4446-0105 4446-5600

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

4423-3333 4499-0680 4495-3876 Ext. 1411 4428-1428 4495-3876 Ext. 3222 4444-4777

INDIAN Biryani Hut Bombay Balti Chingari Royal Indian Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra Souq Waqif Saffron Lounge Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor Sukh Sagar Taj Rasoi

4464-1401 4428-1428 4428-1428 4466-6876 4444-6151 4432-3244 3325-8919 4019-8877 4431-9172 4429-8888

Al Hubara Al Liwan Restaurant Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill ForKnife Baraha Blue Brasserie Restaurant Choices Corniche Crossroads Kitchen 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 The Village Souq Waqif Three Sixty Torch Tea Garden Vine

4485-3000 4424-2888 4433-6777 4496-6600 4447-0000 4472-2666 4402-3333 4429-8888 4419-6100 4446-5600 4434-3333 4446-2222 4428-8888 4463-2154 4423-3333 4409-4444 4436-0606 4433-6666 4424-3444 4448-1234 4484-8000 3331-1558 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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Tangia Wyndham Grand Regency

BAR FOOD

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

CAFÉS

Aramede ess Park Crowne Plaza Doha – The Busin

Coral InterContinental Doha

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Karate

Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: The Bay Club. The result of true karate is natural, effortless action, that results in confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through the perfect unity of mind and body. Karate is not a game of points, weight classes or showy demonstrations. It’s a martial art and way of life that trains a practitioner to be peaceful. Adult classes held Monday and Wednesday from 8:15 p.m. till 9:15 p.m., and kids classes are held on Fridays from 3:30 p.m. till 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

THE GRAND HYATT Sports Calendar

All-Month: Rocca. Don’t miss Rocca’s new sports calendar. You can cheer on your favourite team and watch the English Premier League. Just don’t forget to bring drums, whistles, positive energy and enjoy the five-star service, special beverages and finger-food. For more information call 7711-1385.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Get in Shape

Sun-Sat: Vitality Zone. At the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha you can enjoy outdoor swimming, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi for QR 180 during the week and QR 200 on Friday and Saturday. For more information call 4419-6090.

LA CIGALE Champions League Matches

All-Month: Le Central Restaurant. Be part of the Champions League finals, nominate the winning team and enter the draw for lots of prizes. That’s not all – you can enjoy Le Central’s famous salad bar for only QR 99 with complimentary drink. For more information call 4428-8772.

SHERATON DOHA TRX

All-Month: Fitness Center. Join in Sheraton Fitness for TRX classes at QR 50 per class. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.

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SPORTS Reigning IAAF Athlete of the Year, pole vaulting champion Renaud Lavillenie

Top Of Their Game

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the IAAF Diamond League

Olympic and World Championship medalists will kick off the 2015 IAAF Diamond League campaign here in Doha on Friday, May 15 at the Qatar Sports Club. QH takes you track-side at the most-anticipated track and field event of the year!

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he Qatari capital will play host to IAAF’s one-day meet series on May 15 at the Qatar Sports Club arena. For the first time ever Doha will welcome the reigning IAAF Athlete of the Year, Renaud Lavillenie. The Frenchman achieved what seemed like the impossible last year – breaking Sergey Bubka’s legendary pole vault record with a 6.16 metres-high jump back in February 2014 in Donetsk, Ukraine. At 28-years-old, Lavillenie has won the Diamond Race Trophy in each of the series’ first five seasons and is the biggest name in men’s track and field at the moment. “I’m really looking forward to competing in Doha. The conditions at the Qatar Sports Club can be very good for pole vaulting so I’ll certainly try to win and beat the meeting record,” he tells us. The field will also include Konstantinos Filippidis of Greece, the 2014 World Indoor Champion who raised the Doha meeting record to 5.82 metres in 2013, marking a national record. Indoors this year he cleared a season’s best 5.75 metres to finish fifth at the European Indoors. The men’s pole vault will also feature current World Outdoor and Indoor Champions, Rafael Holzdeppe and Konstantinos Filippidis.

In the most popular race, the 100-metre dash spectators will have the chance to see the fastest man on earth for 2014 –Justin Gatlin – who is also the 2013 World’s silver medalist. Gatlin is expected to be challenged by three world-class sprinters: 2013 World’s bronze medalist, Nesta Carter; the 4th fastest sprinter in the world for 2014, Mike Rodgers; and Kim Collins, one of the most consistent top-class sprinters. In the Triple Jump competition the line-up includes reigning World Champion, Teddy Tamgho and Olympic Champion, Christian Taylor. Another superstar landing in Doha is double Olympic and World Champion Mo Farah who will kick off his 2015 IAAF Diamond League campaign here in Qatar. Farah will headline the 3,000-metres contest in the opening leg of the 14-meeting series, marking the 32-year-old Briton’s first appearance in the Doha leg of the Diamond League. “I’ve heard so many great things about the track, the crowd and the competition in Doha,” he divulges. In women’s 100-metre hurdle event, Olympic gold medalist and former IAAF Athlete of the Year, Sally Pearson, and bright new star, reigning World Champion Brianna Rollins and 2008 Olympic Gameswinner and fastest hurdler in the world for 2014, Dawn Harper-Nelson will be participating in the 2015 edition of the Doha Diamond League.

Double Olympic and World Champion Mo Farah

In the 400-metres Doha will host the best athletes in the world, including last year’s number one, Francena McCorory, and Olympic Champion and former IAAF Athlete of the Year, Sanya RichardsRoss both from the US. The IAAF Diamond League Doha 2015 will be held on Friday, May 15 at 15,000-capacity Suhain bin Hamad Stadium on the Qatar Sports Club's home ground, starting at 5:30 p.m. Additional disciplines for boys and girls, amputees and Asian male athletes will also be held. For more information including ticketing, visit www.doha.diamondleague.com. n

Sprinter Justin Gatlin (left) currently holds the record as the fastest man on Earth

THE 2015 DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE SCORING DISCIPLINES MEN

WOMEN

• 100-metres • 800-metres • 3,000-metres • 400-metre hurdles • Pole vault • Triple jump • Shot put • Javelin throw

• 200-metres • 400-metres • 1,500-metres • 3,000-metre Steeplechase • 100-metre hurdles • High jump • Long jump • Discus throw

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SPORTS

Massage Matters By Lynsey Riach

Can a massage really help us detox..naturally? If, like me, you enjoy a relaxing rub-down every now and then, you’ll be delighted to hear the benefits of that pampering spa day may run deeper than just your deep tissue…

fter a recent trip to my favourite spa in town, Bliss at the W Doha where I was tightly wrapped up like a burrito (not for the claustrophobic!) my therapist tried to calm me down by telling me of all the benefits of being baked in foil and the word ‘detox’ was somewhat, overused. I understood the sweating aspect sure – but that’s only my body cooling down, although many people believe when they sweat, they detox. You don’t, you just cool down – but what she then told me was nothing short of fascinating… But before I get to that, let’s take care of that overused word that’s being thrown around a lot right now – ‘detox’. Unfortunately, the fact is that detoxing isn’t a ‘thing’ but actually it’s a complex process your body does for you naturally without

any effort on your part thanks to your wonderful and astounding liver which, after the skin, is the body's largest organ. Your liver has evolved to put up with a great deal of biological abuse, and the way it works is nothing short of incredible! As your liver is the body’s largest gland used for detoxification, it’s responsible for purifying blood and creating bile, which helps your body to digest fats. Without a properly functioning liver, you can become over-encumbered with toxins and pesticide residues that cannot find an exit, only to re-circulate into your blood leaving you looking and feeling ‘toxic’. So then, with the word ‘detox’ thrown around so much and with a vital organ that actually does this for us with no effort or cost on our part, how can we keep this detox machine running without a hitch? Quite simply: sleep, drink water, exercise and eat a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals. Oh but there is one more little thing…massage. That’s right! You now have a guilt-free pass to enjoy regular massages as a crucial part of your detox program to keep your system working efficiently and that’s because there is an important system in your body that works in conjunction with your liver to keep the detox process moving– your lymphatic system. And if you don’t know what your lymphatic

system is then here goes…Ever felt one leg puff up more than the other? Perhaps you’ve been on a long flight and your ankles have swollen? Or survived the Qatar summer but felt your fingers puff up so much your rings become tight? Well that is your lymphatic system kicking into action and without it we’d be in some serious trouble…

The Lymph System Most people are familiar with the body’s vessel system that carries blood to and from the tissues, but few understand there’s another, equally vital system of vessels that removes cell wastes, proteins, excess fluid, viruses and bacteria. The lymph system picks up fluids and waste products from the spaces between the cells and then filters and cleans them. Like the roots of a tree, the lymph system starts as tiny vessels—only a single-cell wide— that eventually branch into larger and larger tubes that carry these fluids back to the bloodstream. This network of delicate vessels and lymph nodes is the primary structure of the immune system. The lymph nodes act as check-points along the pathways of the vessels. They filter the fluid (called lymph) and serve as the home for lymphocytes— little Pac Man-like cells that attack and destroy foreign bacteria, viruses and even abnormal cells, like cancer cells.

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is applied to them from increased fluid build-up, muscle contractions, or the pressure of a therapist's hands. By using very light pressures in a rhythmic, circular motion, a massage therapist can stimulate the lymph system to work more efficiently and help it move the lymph fluids back to the heart. Furthermore, by freeing vessel pathways, lymphatic massage can help retrain the lymph system to work better for more long-term health benefits. Massage therapists can often identify the rhythm, direction, and quality of the lymphatic flow and remap drainage pathways. Burcu tells me lymph massage can benefit just about everyone. If you're feeling tired and low on energy, or if you've been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track, lymph massage would likely serve you well. After a sports injury or surgery, lymph vessels can become overwhelmed with the demand placed on them. When tissues are swollen, deep tissue techniques may actually cause damage to the lymph vessels and surrounding structures. Massage is often the treatment of choice because it helps the body remove proteins and waste products from the affected area and reduce the swelling. This helps reduce pressure on cells and allows them to reproduce faster to heal the body. And by encouraging lymph flow and removing waste products, this gentle form of bodywork can help restore immune function and improve vitality. All massages and facials help with lymph flow but specially targeted ones that really concentrate on it and are available at Bliss Spa at the W Doha include The Quadruple Thighpass, The Love Handler and The Deep Tissue.

W Doha's Bliss Spa Photo Credit: Jessie Palanca

Why Does Massage Help My Lymphatic System? Back to me and my burrito-style massage… As I was swaddled like a newborn baby and the heat was cranked up to encourage my body to sweat, my lymphatic system had to work a little harder to push circulation around my body, resulting in a little ‘finetuning’ of my circulatory and respiratory system, not to mention how the beautiful raw ginger peel that was seasoned upon me relaxed and relieved my muscles. But it didn’t end with me being baked… I was then unwrapped much to my delight, hosed down and then the real work started – a lymphatic massage. Burcu Duzguner, Manager at Bliss Spa at the W Doha tells me when the lymph system works well, we feel healthy and have a strong defense against illness. When it’s sluggish or blocked—say after surgery or an injury—we can have swelling, feel tired, and be more susceptible to colds and infections. Massage may help the lymph system do its job better. By understanding the anatomy and function of this delicate system, your massage therapist can assist your body in clearing sluggish tissues of waste and swelling.

The body's lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels that purify toxins and waste from the body

Though lymph vessels are found throughout the body, most of them (about 70%) are located just below the skin. These fragile vessels work to pick up fluids between the cell spaces when gentle pressure

Facials also stimulate lymph production so I decided to try the much-talked-about Triple Oxygen Facial which at a pricey QR 750 has in fact got me hooked! I used to think facials were a waste of money – you glow for an hour then your face returns to normal; but lately I’ve realized it’s more about regular upkeep and work on your face to keep it young-looking, clean and revitalized. This facial was indeed super special. It lasts nearly two hours and involves complex cleaning and exfoliating, an enzyme pack and of course, the special ingredient of oxygen is added to give you that lasting glow. During my treatment, the therapist gently massaged my face to help improve lymph flow. When lymph is moving freely in the face, you'll have clearer, healthier skin without a buildup of toxins and fluids. So, if you're feeling a bit sluggish, experiencing mild to moderate swelling, recovering from a sports injury, or interested in optimizing your lymph system for stronger immunity, ask your massage therapist about lymphatic massage. It can have a powerful impact on your body's ability to heal and you may just leave feeling a little more zen in the process… n Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha normally walking her pugs, on her yoga mat or blending up fruit smoothies. To learn more about her services visit www.andstretchyoga.com.

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SPORTS Exercises such as squat variations trigger an elevated chemical response, pushing the body to produce more testosterone.

3 Tips To Naturally Boost Testosterone By Jonny Parr

Improving testosterone levels has huge benefits as we learn from the experts at Absolute Health & Fitness. You can expect higher energy levels, renewed motivation, enriched mood and, of course, performance in your fitness endeavours will dramatically progress.

n essence, boosting your testosterone plays a vital role in our standard of life and overall development. Here are three tips to help you advance and make the most of this powerful hormone.

1. Exercise This is perhaps the most recognized method of increasing testosterone levels. When muscles become stimulated, they naturally release the hormone. Activities, whether in the form of resistance training, fitness classes or playing sport will all contribute to increasing natural levels of testosterone.

With specific relation to exercises you should be doing in the gym, compound lifts such as deadlifts, squat variations, bench press, overhead press and pull/chin up variations will elicit the best chemical response. Why? These movements require greater muscle activation and tension due to the multi-joint nature and demands they entail. Put simply, these are your top â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bang for your buckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; practices that are best incorporated into a typical training day at the beginning of sessions. This is vital as they can be challenging in terms of technique. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a beginner, pay close attention to your form. Perform your warm-up sets, select a weight that is low to medium, and start by performing anywhere between 3-5 sets of 5-12 reps.

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The Vitamin D found in fresh orange juice naturally boosts hormone production

the major muscle groups of the body, but again, a full-body approach is more valuable.

3. Nutrition

Bench-presses are great way to effectively improve the body's release of testosterone

By incorporating compound lifts, your testosterone levels will increase significantly and areas such as muscle mass, bone density, coordination and more, will intensify.

2. Rest And Recovery Easily the most overlooked component of improving testosterone and also refining your fitness is that of adequate rest and recovery. Everyday activities— particularly if you exercise –cause muscle fibres to break down. It’s only after this time that the recovery process begins. There are many factors you can incorporate to promote the rest and recovery process.

Nutrition is vital given any circumstance and helping boost your testosterone is no different. There are some particular key food sources you should consider – namely fats, calcium and vitamin D. • Sleep – It’s commonly recommended that you should aim for 7-8 hours every night. However, it’s fundamental that this is ‘good quality’ sleep. In other words, if you’re restless and regularly wake up during the night, you may not be getting the ‘quality sleep’ you need. Simple changes such as temperature control and even your bedding/mattress can all contribute to improved sleep. Another consideration is that of mid-day naps as many studies suggest snoozing for around 20 minutes can help recovery and therefore advance testosterone levels. The key point regarding this tip is quality of sleep, so try the above pointers if you feel this isn’t happening for you. • Care For Your Body – Much like a car, it’s vital to maintain and fuel the stresses your body experiences. Proven physical methods to achieve this are good nutrition (see Tip 3) and restoration routines such as static stretching and soft-tissue therapy. You can easily manually stretch yourself by performing a series of stretches on the whole body. Major muscle groups such as the hamstrings and quads generally require more attention but overall stretching of the full body is hugely advantageous. With relation to soft-tissue practices, massage is excellent but you can also get benefits from foam rolling. Again much like static stretching, most people will benefit from targeting

• Fats – Fat has a bad name but please don’t confuse bad fats with those that are good. As is always the case, you should aim to eradicate bad fats such as saturated and trans. Instead you should aim for a steady supply of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which can be found in fish, nuts (i.e. almonds), soy milk, avocado and even my favourite, natural peanut butter. • Calcium – I mentioned bone density as important earlier in this article and calcium most definitely contributes to this. What’s more, calcium will also play an important role in your muscular and nervous system. Good food sources include ‘healthy’ cheese, milk and even broccoli. • Vitamin D – I thought this was a good one as Qatar can most definitely supply you with your daily dose! This vitamin is important for fighting off illnesses, colds and reducing stress. These all negatively affect your levels of testosterone. The sun is the most obvious method of getting your vitamin D but you can also get it via foods such as fish, ‘some’ fresh orange juice, and supplements. To get the most out your life, improved levels of testosterone can pay dividends both mentally and physically. Three natural remedies to tackle this issue include exercise, rest and recovery and nutrition. Try and address these issues and you can look forward to a life more appreciated, fulfilled and ultimately happy. n Jonny Parr is the founder and CEO of Absolute Health & Fitness. For more information on personal training options call 3385-2696 or visit www.absolutehealthandfitness.org.

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SPORTS

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

QH RECOMMENDS

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Fitness Classes

Daily: The Health Club. Numerous fitness classes are available, including body-pump, boot camp, abs workout, Pilates, body-weight, Zumba, yoga, push-up challenge and more. Classes start from QR 75 per person. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

The Gym

Daily: The Health Club. A state-of-the-art space with female-only and mixed fitness areas, the latest Technogym equipment, two fitness group studios, a personal training studio and male and female wet relaxation areas. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

Tennis

SHERATON DOHA Spinning

Join in Sheraton Fitness for spinning classes at QR 50 per class. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.

EVERY WEEK DOHA MARRIOTT New Personal Trainer

Upon request: The Marriottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive gym offers more than just regular treadmills and resistance equipment. Here they integrate equipment and personal training and include variety and creativity to help you explore and enjoy what suits and works for you. The experienced, new generation certified personal trainer, belonging to ACE (American Council on Exercise), Coach Andrew, will keep you engaged and motivated with his invigorating and results-driven methodology. Enjoy one 30-minute consultation with Coach Andrew for free. Valid until April 30, 2015. For more information call 4429-8520.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA 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 10:30 a.m. till 11:30 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 peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 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.

BoxFit

Ongoing: Ozone Gym & Spa. A stress releasing workout, this 60-minute class uses boxing techniques that involve the muscles of the core, upper body, shoulders and hips to improve strength, endurance and agility. 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.

Daily: Make use of their outdoor tennis court on the island grounds, with private or group lessons with coaches. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

SHERATON DOHA Martial Arts Join in Sheraton Fitness for Aikido and kickboxing classes at QR 50 per class. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.

Squash Visit Sheraton Fitness for squash court rentals at QR 100 per hour. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.

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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Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar

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

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

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

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Top Picks

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Skin Renewal Package

All-Month: Saray Spa. Treat yourself to a back, neck and shoulder massage followed by a bodymask and scrub to rejuvenate your skin this summer. That’s not all – enjoy spa products from them on your way out. QR 646. For more information call 4419-6090.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Wellness Sunday Workshops Six Senses Spa. These complimentary workshops are designed to enhance ones knowledge about health and wellness related topics. A different practitioner each week will discuss ways in which to take your health back into your own hands, enabling you to have a healthier and more fulfilling life. For bookings call 4425-6999, or email reservations-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Compress Massage Healing Ritual

All-Month: Remède Spa. This is the ultimate Thai experience, including a Tropical Detox Heating Hydro-Therapy, followed by a Herbal Compress Hot Oil Immune-Boosting Massage and the famous Oriental Foot Reflexology Soothe & Heal Therapy. On top of that you’ll also get a complimentary Remède Spa Afternoon Tea served in the Spa Relaxation Lounge and a voucher for a 30-minute Express Mani or Pedi. QR 1,488 for couples, QR 888 for individuals (including 2 extra benefits). From 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. (Subject to therapist availability). For more information call 4446-0300/0303, e-mail remedespa.doha@stregis.com, or visit www.remedespadoha.com.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Pure Luxury

Daily: Spa by Clarins. This 3,000 square-metre European spa features legendary products and treatments by Clarins. It also boasts 23 treatment rooms, male and female wellness areas and wet relaxation areas, laconiums, saunas and steam-rooms and two indoor pools (male and female). For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.

THE GRAND HYATT All Inclusive Summer Promotion

All-Month: Jaula Spa & Club. Benefit from a one-hour treatment or longer during May and enjoy free, full beach access, including the indoor pool, valid for use within 30 days! For more information call 4448-1056.

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French Elegance By Ashlee Starratt and Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

No one shines at skin-care quite like the French. In fact, their national Rolodex contains a who’s who of veteran names in beauty from the last century – house of Guerlain, Lancôme, Yves Rocher, L’Occitane…and Clarins. So when the Marsa Malaz Kempinski snagged the sweet luxury of being the first hotelier in the country to host a Spa by Clarins, we just had to put our best face forward and try it. Simply Radiant There’s nothing more cheekily indulgent than capping off your Thursday afternoon at the spa. On this day, that spa just happens to be in the most opulent hotel in Qatar right now – the new Marsa Malaz Kempinski. And…said spa just happens to be Clarins. Located on the hotel’s lower floor, it’s a sprawling 3,000 square-metres of state-of-the-art pampering. I easily get lost in its winding corridors and need help to eventually find my way back to the reception

desk after my treatment. I must admit, upon arrival in the spa lobby I guess I was expecting a bit… more. But as I fill out the usual paperwork, Assistant Spa Manager Pallavi Patil tells me they’re still waiting on the deliveries of the lush carpets and art installments for the foyer – which explains a lot. By the time you’re reading this, all loose ends should be neatly tied in terms of décor. I’ll be sampling the Clarins Facial today, customized specifically for my skin-type by my therapist Camilla. As she walks me through the facility to my treatment room we pass an as-yet unopened spa café which she tells me will be serving guests fresh, healthy snacks and juices. We pause briefly for a quick tour of the modern hammam room which will use sun-bed-style steam ‘pods’ for guests as part of the ritual. Throughout the spa’s labyrinthine corridors, natural light bathes the hallways, while vibrant artworks offer splashes of colour. The ladies’ relaxation sauna area includes a luscious plunge pool with two great red roses on the bottom painstakingly assembled from mosaic tile. My treatment room is equally grand – more like a hotel room – with private bathroom and changing area and mosaic tile shower. The ceilings are cathedral-like, making the whole space feel deceptively cavernous. Camilla, who is from South Africa gets me settled on the bed, face-up, to begin her skin assessment. Using only her hands, she gently pats my face to test my skin’s level of puffiness – which can be a sign of dehydration –

circles my forehead and chin to determine its texture and then gently pinches my cheeks to check its elasticity. I’ve never had a facialist assess my skin this way before – with no bright, harsh surgical lights blazing down in my eyes or painful black-head extraction process. From her expertise, Camilla determines that I have combination skin – dry and flaking in some areas and oily in others. So she recommends the Clarins Radiance facial for hydration and balance. Using only Clarins products she first cleanses my skin, and applies their Multi-Active Serum plus Soothing Facial Supplement to plump and nourish the skin’s outer layers of cells. This is followed by a lovely face, neck and décolleté massage with their Shaping Facial Lift Massage Formula and Blue Orchid Face Treatment. The smell is heavenly and I feel completely lulled. After the massage Camilla applies their Pure and Radiant Mask with Pink Clay to rejuvenate and lock in moisture and finishes up with an application of their HydraQuench Cream. Afterwards my skin is left glowing and dewy to the touch – free from all dryness and impurities. Camilla’s experience and knowledge of her craft was much appreciated and I leave with my skin feeling fresh and clean, and with her product recommendations in mind.

Stretch Like An Athlete There’s no doubt that Marsa Malaz Kempinski is currently one of the most stunning properties in the

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an understatement. Once you put them on you feel like you’re walking on air and the softness of the robe’s fabric is out of this world. In regards to the treatment, the massage therapist was polite and very attentive, making you feel right at home. I requested him not to apply too much pressure even though I know he needs to work on my joints – I don’t enjoy high-pressure massages. His light technique was enjoyable and effective, with an aim to cover a large surface area with light, smooth movements that are not hurried. He did gradually increase the pressure as the massage progressed – but not to a point that it was uncomfortable. He used a calming oil to warm up each area he massaged, acclimatizing my sensitivity and relaxing every muscle.

Each area of the spa reflects the influence of Arab art and design

country – everything about it breathes pure luxury. The same applies for its Spa by Clarins…from the moment you walk in, you know you’re in a five-star facility. Even though the spa wasn’t fully ready at the time of our visit, it is operational and features male and female wellness areas, 23 treatment rooms, indoor plunge pools, relaxation, steam and sauna areas. I’d wanted to try a treatment there since the hotel opened and finally got the chance to visit recently and try their Sports Massage. These types of massages are usually given to athletes after an intense workout and, though not an athlete, I have been working out regularly – so my body is in much need of a good massage. I didn’t request a specific technique for the treatment…I just wanted a massage for my entire body with a bit more focus on my back. The treatment rooms in the male area are quite striking and modern – even the toilet is kind of futuristic. I’ve been told that the flip-flops and robes in the hotel are particularly comfortable. That was

The hammam room's futuristic steam pods

The wet relaxation area in the men's quarter

With a firm touch, he pushed upwards from the bottom of the back all the way to the neck. This range of motion towards the heart is significant as it’s the direction of blood-flow and promotes healthy circulation. He then lightly brought his hands down the outside of the back keeping them in contact with the skin but not applying pressure. He repeated a similar chain of movement across all areas of the body with the massage lasting around one hour. Overall the experience was comfortable and relaxing. My experience at Spa by Clarins was stop –notch – truly an outlet that lives up to the standards behind the history of its name. n SPA BY CLARINS Location: Lower level, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Qatar Timings: 9:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily Average Price: • QR 800, 60-minute Radiance Revival Facial • QR 700, 60-minute Sports Massage Contact Info: Call 4035-5555 or email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com

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Return To Paradise By Ashlee Starratt Images courtesy of the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah and Qatar Airways

Just a short 90-minute flight from Doha, Salalah, Oman is a world apart. Lush, tropical and rugged it’s the beating heart of the Sultanate’s touristic Dhofar region. We hop aboard Qatar Airways for a weekend retreat at the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah.

etting foot outside the airport in Salalah two elements engulf the senses – the enveloping early-spring humidity and the blissful peace and quiet. To be fair it is 6:00 o’clock in the morning, but after a night of airport delays and a searing sandstorm back in Doha, thoughts of all former chaos evaporate in the wake of Salalah’s tropical solitude. The second largest city in Oman and the capital of its Dhofar Province, Salalah still retains its historic 13th-century roots when it was the epicentre of the global frankincense trade.Over the next few days we come to discover and embrace its leisurely pace of living – the locals smile and greet you, the traffic along the coastal highway slows for crossing camel herds, and the cool refreshment of a newly-opened coconut tastes so much better when you pause to actually savour it.

wadis From July- September the hills, verdant and rivers of Salalah run lush and n during the khareef monsoon seaso

Salalah reminds its visitors to bide their time and truly own every moment. A short 10-minute drive from the tiny airport is the Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, where we’ll be spending the next two nights. As we pass through the sleeping city centre the horizon’s already brightening over the tall stands of coconut palms lining the roadside as the slow climb to sunrise begins. A similar scene could be playing out in Thailand or Sri Lanka, the topography and climate is that familiar.

Salalah is one of the few places in the Arab peninsula with a near-tropical climate and accompanying monsoon season – called khareef. When the rains start in July and carry on till September, a rolling wave of green vegetation blankets its hills and wadis and its rivers run full to bursting. This is peak season for the resorts as tourists come from near and far to sink their toes into the icing sugar sand of Salalah’s beaches, observe its unique wildlife and bask in a land of plenty.

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The terrace at Darbat Restaurant

The resort's lush pool grounds

Delicate beads of freshly-harvested frankincense

With a full morning buffet, we took our table outside on the long terrace and filled our glasses with fresh beet and orange juices – plus fresh coconut water, while our plates we heaped with helpings from their international selection. Think custom-made omelettes, crêpes, beef bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and muesli –the usual morning staples, plus some truly scrumptious vegetable curry and paratha bread.

The Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah's Royal Suite

A Jungle Oasis You can count the number of five-star resorts in Salalah on one hand – and the Crowne Plaza holds the honour of being the first to have broke ground, standing sentinel along its stretch of coastline since 1978 when it was under the name of Holiday Inn. As our suitcases are unloaded, we make our way up the stairs into the sprawling atrium lobby where guests have been checking in for the last 37 years. I love a hotel with a history and its elegantly vintage vibe is redolent of the tropics – from the rich wooden textures, to the palm topiaries and extended bank of picture windows that look out over the grounds with the ocean twinkling in the distance. After a breezy check-in we head to our Deluxe Garden View and Sea View rooms to catch up on a bit of sleep. Located on the lower ground floor of the hotel just past the gift-shops, the rooms are nicelyappointed with a king-size bed in one and two doublebeds in the other. My room has a spacious living area with sofa, coffee table, chair and television, and both have sliding glass balcony doors that lead out to a small garden terrace. I’m out like a light, only to wake up close to noon and discover that my friend has already been roaming the endless beach and exploring the grounds. Immediately, fear of missing out kicks in and in about ten minutes I’m out the door.

The Crowne Plaza Salalah strikes a good balance between leisure and fun. Families with kids can make use of the three large pool areas that trail down towards the beach, book an excursion at the hotel’s dive centre, or splash around in the kids’ playground fountains. Those who like to stay active while on holiday will enjoy the resort’s nine-hole golf course, driving range, tennis courts and full gym and health club facilities, plus yoga in the garden. For us, all those long, serene miles of beach were enough to keep us up and moving. If being a beach bunny is more your style then you can kick back like we did under the palm-frond umbrellas on the sand and watch the waves crash against the shore. The Crowne Plaza Salalah ensures that a lifeguard is always on duty and they use a coloured flag system (which we thought was pretty smart) to indicate if it’s safe to venture out into the water. When you’ve had enough sun, you can head to the infinity pool and the shaded confines of its swim-up bar to cool off with a cocktail! When all that fresh air leaves you peckish, the resort has two main dining outlets – Darbat Restaurant and the Dolphin Beach Restaurant serving both a la carte and buffet options. Darbat, located just off the hotel’s main lobby, was our go-to breakfast spot.

By night we chose to spend our evenings beachside at the Dolphin Restaurant. This lovely little waterfront venue offers guests a different daily theme night and live music on Friday brunch! The ambiance is breezy, the cocktails classic tropical and the food pleasantly varied. We were able to try their International and Arabic nights with their steaming tureens of pasta, Thai red curry beef rolls and freshly-grilled hammour to name a few, plus a live grill and shawarma station, decent cold salad bar and dessert table. The service was always friendly and polite – albeit a bit slow at times, but we were happy to linger and listen to the tide roll in, observing the fruit bats flicking across the face of the full moon and – to our complete surprise – watch as three white horses came frolicking down the beach to splash in the foam at the water’s edge…the picture of Arabia. It was, indeed, a memorable dinner. "Salalah is truly like an oasis of the Middle East with its lush greenery, white, pristine, sandy beaches and many natural attractions like Wadi Darbat, Al Mugsayl Beach blow-holes and the list goes on,” Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, General Manager Manuel Levonian tells us. “It turns into a real wonder of nature during the khareef monsoon period when the temperature goes down to 18-20 degrees Celsius, while the rest of the Middle East is 45-50 degrees. A green carpet spreads through the mountains and the river flows through Wadi Darbat, making it ideal for family get-togethers with BBQ’s and boat-rides.”

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Wild camels roam the beaches

the fragrant essence has been confined to tales of ancient Wise Men following a Northern star. But Abdullah explains to us that the precious buds of sap actually come from trees that grow in abundance in Oman – particularly in Salalah. In fact, they’re everywhere we look as we drive along, hugging the steep hill-sides and holding their treasures close.

A road-side fruit stall displays the bounty of Salalah Photo Credit: Lynsey Riach

The famous blowholes of Mugsayl Beach Photo Credit: Ashlee Starratt

Discover Dhofar The following morning had us up with the dawn as we had a tour of the area booked with local guide and resort employee Abdullah. Day-trip tour packages can be arranged through the hotel’s concierge and many natural and historic sites are within an hour’s drive from the city. During the khareef season the region surrounding Salalah becomes lush and verdant and nature-lovers can keep their eyes peeled for flocks of flamingoes, herds of Arabian gazelle and even an elusive Arabian leopard. As we head out of the city we pass the royal compound of His Highness Qaboos bin Said Al

Said, Sultan of Oman, as we make our way towards the highway that will take us along the rugged coastlines towards Mugayl Beach. Born in Salalah, His Highness maintains a summer palace set amidst lush grounds – and though while not open for public tours, is still worth a drive around to view. They didn’t seem to mind us taking pictures either. As we wound our way out of Salalah, the change in the landscape was immediately perceptible – the terrain became rockier, more elevated, and we left the lush palm groves behind. At one point we came to a halt to allow a caravan of seemingly wild camels cross our path, heading towards the beach where they rolled and bathed in the sand while two young calves nursed from their mothers. It wasn’t an uncommon sight to see them walking along the shoulder along the sides in straight formation, oblivious to passing cars – though Abdullah tells us the roaming herds belong to Bedouin tribes. After a 30-minute drive we reached Mugsayl Beach, where the towering cliffs of the rocky coastline meet the tides. It’s a popular spot for tourists who come to see the phenomenon of its blowholes. As we carefully make our way out over the rocky plateau, a below-ground cave system and holes in the rock light up in salt-spray geysers that will happily soak the unwary visitor. We make our way back to the car a little damper than before, and Abdullah steers us back on the road to follow the Frankincense Trail. My knowledge of

We pull over by a nearby stand of trees and Abdullah shows us how the frankincense is harvested. Producing a traditional trowel-like tool he strips back the bark to expose the dripping pearls of frankincense and gently plucks them from the heartwood. They remind me of primordial orbs of amber with a scent that’s as rich as it is ancient. As we make our back towards the resort, we listen to Abdullah laugh and tell us the stories of his time living and working in Salalah, where he’s been employed at the Crowne Plaza for more than 20 years. I’ve come to appreciate the friendliness and openness of the Omani people – their work ethic, their welcoming spirit and the sense of pride in their history and culture. We stop at the local souq, though where it’s Friday most of the shops have yet to open. Abdullah finds a small vendor and buys us some small jars of frankincense to burn over coal. It’s a thoughtful gesture that speaks volumes. Our last stop is a visit to the string of road-side market stalls that line the fruit plantations. Each farmer’s wares are piled high in abundance and once again Abdullah treats us to quenching fresh coconut, papaya and tinysweet Omani bananas. I’m amazed at the range of produce grown – there are bags of betel nuts, taro root and fresh turmeric in addition to mangoes and pomegranates. We return to the Crowne Plaza feeling like Salalah has given us something to treasure for times ahead, and the memories made from our few short days spent exploring its hospitality we will call to mind with a smile.

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piping hot and with proper silver cutlery. Dessert is an over-indulgent Ladurée soyeux – a biscuit base layered with white chocolate mousse and exotic fruit compote. Every course was rich, decadent and certainly five-star!

Get there in luxury on Qatar Airways' A320 business class direct service to Salalah

The Sky’s The Limit We took off and touched down in Salalah on Qatar Airways’ Airbus A320 aircraft and were fortunate to enjoy its business class service both ways. Qatar Airways flies eight times a week direct to Salalah having launched the route nearly two years ago. With their claim to fame as the world’s only five-star airline, as business class passengers our expectations were high – and quite literally the attention to service began as soon as we set foot in Hamad International Airport (HIA). Check-in was a breeze with a separate line-up for business class (complete with red carpet – kidding you not!) and our baggage had priority loading and unloading so there was no waiting around in the queues upon arrival. Business class passengers also have complimentary access to Qatar Airways Oryx Lounge at HIA. Far from the madding crowd, the lounge is a sanctuary for premium clients and harried travelers who are looking for a respite from the departures terminal. Diners Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club cardholders can access the lounge for free, while economy class passengers can enter for a fee of QR 140. It’s an ideal spot to kick-

As my travel companion dozed off, I kept myself occupied with the latest celebrity glossies – where it was only an hour and 40-minute flight. On longer haul trips, passengers can take advantage of the hundreds of movies, TV series, games and children’s programming available on the airline’s extensive in-flight Oryx Entertainment system. If there’s a new release fresh out of the theatres, Qatar Airways will have it. They also offer cutting-edge air-mobile service and USB and laptop power-port capabilities right at your seat. From our flight, hotel stay and experience interacting with the wonderful people we met along the way, the memories from our trip to Salalah are still calling our name –and just as sure as the rains of khareef will return, so will we. n

back with the free Wi-Fi and enjoy fresh beverages and some indulgent pre-boarding treats. On both legs of the trip we were practically the only passengers in the business class cabin. We had our own shuttle-bus to the aircraft and the seats were spacious, reclining ergonomically, while the stewardess handed out eye-patches, noise-canceling head-phones and Italian Frette blankets. I loved the ample leg room we had and the selection of current magazines and reading material – I’d brought my own, but to my pleasure realized there was no need. We were offered a hot towel and a welcome drink before take-off and as the cabin lights dimmed once airborne, the stewardess came round to take our dinner orders. Qatar Airways business class has its own five-star menu conceptualized by an exclusive roster of Michelinstarred chefs that include Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Ramzi Choueiri and Vineet Bhatia. The appetizer is a trio of Arabic mezze – a standard classic – but for the main course I select the goat cheese and roasted vegetable tart, which is served

CROWNE PLAZA RESORT SALALAH Room Rate: • Deluxe Garden View & Sea View Rooms • Starting from OMR 60 + taxes (QR 567) per night • Starting from OMR 110 + taxes (QR 1,040) per night during khareef peak season Exchange Rate: OMR 1 = QR 9.4 Immigration: • Residents of more than 60 countries are eligible for entry visa on arrival • GCC nationals do not require a visa for entry • For more information visit www.omantourism.gov.om Contact Info: Call +968 2323-8000 or visit www.crowneplaza.com/salalah

Qatar Airways offers daily direct service from Doha to Salalah. Round-trip fares start from QR 2,610 for economy class and QR 6,150 for business class, subject to seasonal variation. To book visit www.qatarairways.com.

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Sicily:

The Eyes, The Belly, The Heart

The azure blue waters of the Sicilian coastline

By Jessica Furseth

Sicily’s overwhelming Baroque architecture will fight hard for your attention, but in the end it’s the food that will win you over. The pasta – yes, and certainly the gelato, but best of all… the cannoli.

ou think Sicily is going to be similar to the rest of Italy, but it really isn’t. This island is a different creature, a unique culture found across the water from the boot-shaped mainland. Sicilia may be an Italian island, but its soul is its very own. There’s a lived-in feel to Sicily, creating an atmosphere far more homely than the polished squares of northern Italy. Sicilian village squares fill with ladies in black at lunch-time, and coppola-clad men at dusk, as the locals claim these spaces as their own. The backdrop to this neighbourly charm is its gorgeous, elaborate Baroque architecture, which is found all across the island. Curvy, deep façades host dozens upon dozens of stone sculptures, showing us the detailed faces of the saints, the cuddly cherubs, the swooning angels.

Sunset over the Baroque-style houses of Sicily's Taormina

Antiquity meets modernity in Syracuse amidst the ruins of the Temple of Apollo

Three thousand-year-old Palermo remains a cityin-the-making, proud and ready for its next heyday. Sicily’s biggest city is a little worn around the edges, sure, but it’s got better things to do than to stay on top of all this upkeep. So many little churches, all those charmingly narrow streets, not to mention the massive cathedral and the Norman palace – the latter not just an historical attraction but also the seat of the Sicilian Assembly. Don’t miss the Fontana Pretoria, a Renaissance concoction of nymphs rummaging around in the water. When it was built in 1573, the spectacle shocked the church-going locals to the extent they named it the Fountain of Shame. The pride of the newer part of Palermo is the Teatro Massimo, the third-largest 19th century opera house in Europe and a symbol of Sicily’s key heritages: cultural creativity, Old World bureaucracy, and Mafia influences. All the travel books are clear on this: Don’t mention the Mafia! But sometimes a friendly local, eager to set things right, will bring it up: “You do what

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you can and try to make an honest living,” one man said. “Sicily is so much more than just the Mafia.” Like the food. The food! The Sicilians may have invented the Mafia but they also created the wonder that is gelato ice cream. This island has gelato shops the way the rest of the world has tobacco shops, always there to provide a hit of creamy, sweet goodness in a whole alphabet of flavours. Ask for black chocolate, Sicilian almond, or maybe best of all, the local pistachio. The best gelato is found on Sicily’s east coast, which is two hours from Palermo by car. Noto is a little town boasting a stunning little historical centre, but the star attraction is possibly Corrado Costanzo, supposedly one of the best ice cream shops Sicilian gelato in the entire world. Try the almond and cinnamon and eat it while swooning up the street, taking in the stone buildings which glow red as the sun is setting.

Come for the culture, stay for the cannolis.

Another medieval hillside town worth a visit is Modica, where you’ll exhaust yourself climbing the steep streets, passing a cattedrale here, a chiesa there. While Noto is the place for ice cream, Modica’s claim to fame is its chocolate, specifically that of Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. Everything is made from traditional recipes in the kitchen behind the counter, creating bold chunks of chocolate flavoured with vanilla or lavender, or maybe have some with chili pepper that goes straight to your head. But the star of Sicily’s east coast is probably the Ortygia peninsula in Syracuse. Ortygia looks like it’s been dug out of yellow stone, stacked within the walls like a perfect timepiece. Myriads of alleys open onto little piazzas, where espresso is served to patrons stood at the counter, one foot resting on the low-slung rail. The Siracusa cathedral incorporates columns from the Greek temple which once stood in its place, renowned throughout the ancient world for its large golden statue of Athena. Mary stands in her place today. Make sure to stick around in Syracuse until dinner, maybe for a plate of tomato-salty linguini topped with piles of clams, or go for the gnocchi—it’s made not from potato but from clouds. Then, round off the evening with a trademark cannoli: the crispy pastry, ricotta cream, and a sprinkle of pistachio will be the highlight of your day. You may not speak Italian, but this is a language you’ll instantly recognize.

Fly + Sleep Qatar Airways flies from Doha to Palermo daily, via Rome. In Palermo, the Centrale Palace Hotel is located in an 18th century palazzo in the historic centre. In Syracuse, Alla Giudecca is a charming, part-medieval building the Ortygia peninsula, a mere stone’s throw from the sea. n

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QH SENSATIONS

Pet Smarts

By Lynsey Riach Photography by Jessie Palanca

To many of us, we consider our furry friends to be part of our family. So when it comes to moving your entire world either into or out of Qatar, how do we ensure our pets are part of our safe journey? 108 QH May 2015 - FINAL.indd 108

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Little Cole (left) and big brother Subi (right) were both imported to Qatar from the UK

ell, hopefully you’ll be comforted to know that I speak from experience on the whole moving your pet thing and it’s not as easy as perhaps you would like it to be… Upon our arrival to Qatar four years ago, our dog Subi (who is a pug) was flown as cargo by Lufthansa. As those who have snubbed-nose cats and dogs know, it can actually be quite challenging to find an airline willing to fly these breeds (but we’ll get to that). What a lot of people aren’t aware of is that animals flying as cargo actually take a lot longer to fly than we do, for starters they have to have regular toilet and meal breaks, (you won’t see them making a dash for a final boarding call) and the route that Subi took through Frankfurt airport meant he had to actually stay the night in their ‘animal hotel’. So before Subi left us, we had a lot of work to do. We had to ensure we had a suitable-sized animal crate that is IATA approved. This should be measured specifically to your animal allowing them enough room to stand up, turn around and sleep, but not much more. There has to be substantial ventilation and your beloved cannot travel with any toys that they could destroy so Subi’s oldest soft toy (a rat of all creatures) had to be swapped for a rubber bone that he didn’t care much for. You can put an item of clothing or a blanket that perhaps smells of you to keep your angel feeling connected to you on their journey, as let’s face it – the dark hold of an airplane can be a scary place especially on a long journey. The exporting and importing of animals takes serious organization, perfect planning and of course expense. For Subi, we chose to use a reputable company based in Scotland who really took all the stress out of his passage to Qatar. As Subi made his way to us over the course of three days, I can tell you I was with him every part of the way. I worried,

I got excited, I checked the tracking number hourly until I read ‘last seen at carousel 4’. “He’s not a bag!” I screamed. We were reunited as if years had gone by much to the entertainment of the workers in the cargo unit at the old Doha Intl Airport. Although the process at times seem quite de-sensitized and clinical, it was actually very rigourous and of course this meant our Subi arrived here in his new home a little confused but, thankfully, in one piece minus a near fall from the forklift…

The Tale Of The Lapdog I’ll tell you another story about our other pug, Cole. She’s a little puppy that we only just recently brought to Qatar and she happened to enjoy a different, more comfortable travel experience than Subi, travelling as accompanied hand baggage not cargo. As she is a puppy, she weighs less than 8kg which meant she qualified to travel in the cabin as you guessed it, a lapdog. Sounds fun doesn’t it? As we exported her from the UK to Qatar, I asked Nicky Roffey from Qatar Pet Travel to help with the documents Qatar side. She was fantastic and took care of every aspect of what is required to bring a dog into the country. With more than seven years of experience and many tales to tell she really knows her stuff, puts you at ease and is always on call to help. All I had to do was take care of things on the British side, which wasn’t too complicated. First you need to contact DEFRA and complete paperwork. A vet then checks and certifies that the dog is fit for travel and an Export Permit is produced. You should confirm all of this with your chosen airline beforehand and make sure they are aware you will carry a dog in the cabin with you. If you’re to or from Qatar the first thing you need to think about is what type of animal you have, then the breed, then the route you’ll travel. I mentioned

earlier that pugs are deemed snubbed-nose or ‘brachycephalic.’ Bulldogs, boxers and Persian cats also fall under this category and can often be (excuse the pun) snubbed by many major airlines for fear of them suffering breathing problems at high altitudes. From Qatar, there are currently only a handful of operators who will help out – Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Emirates but there are weather restrictions in place so if you intend to attempt the process alone then you must check with each airline and plan for enough time to arrange all travel for your pet.

What Vaccinations Are Required For My Pet To Travel Abroad? It’s a good idea to keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date regardless of whether the country of destination specifically requires them. If required, rabies vaccinations generally need to be done more than 30 days prior to your pet's travel. Other vaccination times will vary, so it’s important to consult with your vet before booking any flights.

Importing Requirements Importing pets into Qatar is possible as long as you follow the rules and regulations. All dogs and cats need to be micro-chipped and vaccinated against rabies, as well as the other booster shots needed. You’ll need to get your pet an import licence from Qatar in order to bring them and they can enter as manifested cargo, or they can travel with you as accompanied baggage. Your pet will also need certain health certificates from the departing country before entering Qatar, and this varies country to country. Your vet in the departing country can often help with these papers. Make sure to have all the correct papers in hand with spare copies before flying into Qatar as you don’t want any issues with customs!

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QH SENSATIONS Full Vaccination Records All vaccinations must be given at least 30 days and maximum of 12 months before pet can travel. a. Dogs: • Rabies vaccination – given at 3 months • DHPPL/distemper, hepatitis, parvo-virus, parainfluenza and leptospirosos – given at 2 ½ months b. Cats: • rabies vaccination- given at 3 months • Feline flu – primary can be given at 2 ½ months old and the booster shot after 3-4 weeks. Before travel, your pet must be at least four months old and hold a Health Certificate acquired from a local vet in your country of origin that indicates that pet has been examined, is fit to fly and is free of worms.

Banned Breeds Please be aware that although you may have heard of leopards and cheetahs roaming the estates of Qatar, there’s actually a list of banned dog breeds. The following breeds require special documents or else they’re not allowed to enter the country: • Japanese Akita • Shar Pei • Great Dane • Doberman Pinscher • Boxer • Bulldog • Mastiff • Rottweiler • Bull Terrier • American Staffordshire Terrier • Staffordshire Bull Terrier • Afghan Hound

Subi's cargo carrier has all his information required for a safe journey in the skies

Exporting Requirements When it comes time to leave Qatar, you’ll need time to get everything ready so please remember this when deciding to leave. Some countries need only rabies vaccinations and a micro-chip, while others might need blood tests, quarantine stays and many other treatments. Every country has different regulations so it’s best to get in touch with a professional pet re-locator in your destination country to ask them for advice. Some countries allow pets to enter as accompanied luggage but some do not and the pets must travel as manifested cargo. The same rules for vaccination records, Health Certificate and age of travel apply as above. An Export Permit from the Ministry of Environment’s Department of Animal Resources is also required before your pet can leave the country. Also, remember to be sure to check with your airline as often there are weight limits, baggage restrictions and, normally, only a few animals per flight allowed to fly.

Help Me Move My Pet! Members of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transport Association), an international network of concerned pet shippers, both Qatar Pet Travel (www.qatarpettravel.com) and Parkview Pet Center (www.parkviewpetcenter.net) here in Doha offer excellent service including: IATA approved kennels, import/export documentation, pet boarding, health check. Their Door-to-Door Delivery Service is a

Because pugs are a snub-nosed breed and often have breathing problems, they require special Qatar documentation before entering

complete package where all export documentation, flight arrangements, final vet checks, delivery to airport and custom clearance is included.

Give An Animal A New Home, Overseas…

fee. Paperwork and permits for exporting is also free of charge if the adopted animals are then sent overseas, normally travelling with a volunteer chaperone taking them as accompanied baggage. Flight fees are shouldered by the new owner adopting the animal in the destination country.

2nd Chance Rescue and QAWS (www.qaws.org) in Qatar both offer dog and cat adoption services to those living overseas in an effort to help with the growing number of abandoned animals in the country. Parkview Pet Center and 2nd Chance Rescue offer dog and cat adoption that includes vaccination, micro-chip, spay/neuter and de-worming for a flat

At present, 2nd Chance Rescue has over 150 dogs and 50 cats for adoption. With this overseas adoption system we can help with the issue of strays in Qatar and find new loving homes for these animals. For more information please contact 2nd Chance Rescue or Parkview Pet Centre directly. n

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IT HAPPENED

A display of strength on the parallel bars

Young athletes and Olympic hopefuls from around the world took part in ten different apparatus and floor routines

8TH ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP Aspire Dome March 25-27, 2015 112 QH May 2015 - FINAL.indd 112

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British Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Mr. Nicholas Hopton

Gearing up for a quick photoshoot at the Harry Ramsden's World Famous Fish & Chips booth!

, Harry Brought to Qatar by AHB Group in Ramsden's will soon be opening Pearl! The Medina Centrale on

Some fishy fun with the Harry Ramsden's mascot

THE BRITISH FESTIVAL, QUEENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BIRTHDAY PARTY The British Embassy April 1, 2015 113 QH May 2015 - FINAL.indd 113

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IT HAPPENED

man of AHB Group; Mr. Christoph L-R: Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chair Doha ; Mr. Safak Guvenc, GM of The W Franzen, GM of The Grand Hyatt

e Planet in Qatar and the brand AHB Group is the sponsor of Coffe Qatar Hospitality Summit was proud to take part in this year's

Nese Yavuz, Managing Director of the German Bakery Company

Photo Credits: Imran Khan, Shaad Fotos & Shauki Alazzam

ed Mr. Tareq Derbas, GM of The summit advisory panel includ of left); Mr. Christoph Franzen, GM The St. Regis Doha (second from (left) Julian Crane of The Four Seasons The Grand Hyatt (centre) and Mr.

QATAR HOSPITALITY SUMMIT 2015 The Grand Hyatt April 22, 2015

Mr. Safak Guvenc, GM of The W on the speakers' panel

Doha,

Guests enjoy a hot refreshments from Coffee Planet, brought to Qatar by AHB Group

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Photo Credits: Imran Khan

n Anna and Elsa from Disney's Froze to will be two of the newest characters s grace the ice in Princesses and Heroe

DISNEY ON ICE MEDIA LAUNCH InterContinental Doha The City April 19, 2015

Photo Credits: Imran Khan

With a new location and re-vamped culinary concept, we're lovin' the new Late Brunch!

THE LATE BRUNCH Doha Marriott April 17, 2015 115

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IT HAPPENED

Photo Credits: Srimani Welagedara

The newest Italian eatery to open at Marsa Malaz drew all the media moguls!

ANTICA PESA GRAND OPENING Marsa Malaz Kempinski April 15, 2015

Doha's glitterati wore their best beach chic at Saint-Tropez's recent White & Gold Party

SAINT-TROPEZ BEACH PARTY Hilton Doha April 2, 2015 116 QH May 2015 - FINAL.indd 116

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Staff from Isaan Thai Restaurant fill up the water-soakers and make a splash!

SONGKRAN THAI NEW YEAR The Grand Hyatt April 12, 2015

al Everyone's favourite colour festiv was back, bigger and better!

RANG BARSE 2015 Doha Marriott March 27, 2015 117 QH May 2015 - FINAL.indd 117

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IT HAPPENED

Photo Credits: Imran Khan

Spanish band Calle Botica takes the stage

SEVILLE APRIL FAIR Hilton Doha April 16, 2015

Photo Credits: Imran Khan

is' Guests enjoy the Marriott Marqu new pool-side shisha terrace

AN ARABIAN EVENING Marriott Marquis City Center Doha April 19, 2015 118

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PHONE DIRECTORY HOTELS

HEALTH / BEAUTY

Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara 4040-5050 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 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale 4428 8888 Marriott Marquis City Center Doha 4419-5000 Marsa Malaz Kempinski 4035-5555 Meliá Hotel Doha 4019-9999 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha 4496-6600 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 The Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 The St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 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

HOSPITALS / EMERGENCY

AHMED HASSAN BILAL GROUP REAL ESTATE Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com INTERIOR Forum Design 4456-8716 RESTAURANTS 4437-1212 Chowking Salwa Road 4431-4411 Chowking Al Saad St. 4411-8816/ Chowking Al Khor 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

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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