Qatar Happening - November 2013 by Qatar Happening

Table of Contents

pg 28 One Direction Exclusive!

OUT CHECK pening.com

atarhap ormation! q . w w w nf latest i e h t r fo

NOVEMBER MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE 11 Editor-in-Chief’s Letter

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

QH Speaks

122

128

The best of our monthly social media

Top Picks

Barney Live!

Events Calendar

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

It Happened

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

Phone Directory Need-to-know phone numbers

TURE ARTS & CUL 41

Top Picks

Our favourite purple dinosaur performs with all his friends at the Al Rayyan Theatre

The Best Of Britain Your monthly dose of Qatar/UK Year of Culture events

It’s Showtime

Fabric Of History

DFI is back with a hot new film festival aimed directly at youth -- with an anime twist

Preserving the past, one Dior dress at a time

Film Culture In Doha

Do You Believe In Magic?

Mystifiers Adam and Selina will wow audiences at QNCC

Party Hoppin’ Happenings

Qatar’s burgeoning movie scene continues to flourish

Arts & Culture Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

It’s twice the beachfront fun at The Doha Marriott this month!

Entertainment Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

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Table of Contents

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COMMUNITY 49

Top Picks

A Virtual Dialogue

Celebrating DFI’s Ajyal Youth Film Festival

Understanding Qatar’s social media culture and it’s role in society

Level Up Stay glued to your console at the The Gaming Lounge in Al Sadd

Community Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

KIDS CLUB 59

Top Picks

Family Fun Days

Sun, sand and family-friendly fun at Sealine Beach Resort

Kids Club Listings

Fun ideas to do with the kids

ING FOOD & DIN 69

Top Picks

A Touch Of Class

ASPIRE4SPORT

Creative cuisine at the St. Regis Doha’s Astor Grill

Morning Magic

Wake up to breakfast at Aspire Grand Cafe

Word Of Mouth

Our Facebook contest winner gets meaty at JW’s Steakhouse in the Doha Marriott

Food & Dining Listings

The premiere conference is back and bigger than ever!

Set Sail Luxuriously The first Qatar Int’l Boat Show opens at the Lusail Marina

Let’s Play

A look back at Qatar’s history as a sporting nation

102

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

105

QH Recommends

106

Awaken The Senses

113

Reasons To Fly

114

Turkish Temptation

116

Virgin Recommends

118

Have Your Say:

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

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing:

Email: editor@qatarhappening.com info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com

Fax:

IONS QH SENSAT

SPORTS

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

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

Our favourite monthly must-haves Step back in time for the ultimate in relaxation at the Six Senses Spa Our pick of top destinations Antalya is the jewel in southern Turkey’s crown and the perfect weekend getaway The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Our top five must-see films of the month

120 The Dish On Qatar

Money matters: banking in Doha

From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief

On the Cover?

Dear friends,

The Mystifiers Bring The Magic Photo Credit: Vogue Project Management

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all of you back to our pages after last month’s Eid Al Adha holidays. I hope that you spent this special time well, celebrating with family and friends and honouring the importance of that holy occasion. Hot on the heels of our last issue, we bring you an even more jam-packed month of November. For the first time in QH history we have the pleasure of presenting to our readers two exciting covers that highlight the month’s biggest events and attractions. First up in Entertainment is the Barney Let’s Go! Live On Stage! production which will take over the Al Rayyan Theatre in Souq Waqif starting on the 28. A beloved children’s character, Barney continues to bring colourful, musical, family-friendly entertainment to audiences around the world and for the first time he will do the same here in Doha. Secondly, Mystifiers Adam and Selina will stun audiences with their stellar brand of magic at the Qatar National Convention Center. Their show will run from November 27-30 and is not to be missed. Hailed as one of the world’s best contemporary magic acts, the Mystifiers will pull out all the stops with a stage performance that will include illusions, sleight of hand and death-defying escapes. In Sports news this month, we have a particularly interesting feature on sports culture here in Qatar. With National Sport Day only a few months away, we get a head-start on looking at the roots of sport and competition in our nation’s history and how we have built ourselves up into a modern sporting powerhouse through great achievement. In Food and Dining news, we are proud to announce the official opening in the Holiday Villa Hotel compound of AHB Group’s latest Chowking restaurant – their biggest outlet yet. Celebrating last month at the grand launch we bring you a full review of the new location, with room for up to 150 guests and large enough to host party celebrations and corporate functions, it’s prime real estate for the popular brand. We hope you and your family will come join us for a hearty meal.

Barney And His Friends Are Here To Entertain You Photo Credit: State Media

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com. Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Finalizer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Lead Designer / Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Listings Coordinator: Marlynne Mallari-Dela Pena Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Mai Akkad, Aisha Al Musallam, Tasbih Amin,

Amy Bassett, Jacqueline Bodnar, Jessica Furseth, Brigitte Lacombe, Francesca Lombardo, Jonny Parr, Charlie Sands, Victoria Scott, Gerald Tan, Ujwala Thirumurthy

I know you’ll discover much more to your liking throughout our November issue and I hope that our stories make you smile, make you think, and most of all, make you get up and get out there to explore your city. We’ve worked hard to bring you the best of the best and we will continue do so in the months to come. Thank you for making us a part of your lives.

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

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief

All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50. 2013

QH Speaks

Tweets Of The Month @Qatar_NSD1h “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”-Lou Holtz

@qatarliving2h An average of 13,773 new cars on the road each month this year –up from 5,138 per month last year. #DohaTraffic

@Toryscott1

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

Editor’s Corner Wow, another month, another issue. It’s like I blink and four weeks are gone, as one edition rolls off the presses we’re already working ahead on the next. November is a spectacular month for hot happenings here in Doha and we’ve got some pretty sweet exclusives – so many in fact that we had to have not one, but two covers! On the entertainment scene we’re chomping at the bit for you guys to check out our interview with megastars One Direction as they chat about life in the band, their world tour and what it’s like to be captured on the big screen in their new film One Direction: This Is Us. Barney Let’s Go! Live On Stage! also hit the stage at the Al Rayyan Theatre this month in a show that’s fun for the whole family, and we have an exclusive interview with Art Director Richard Manson. Mystifiers Adam and Selina will also bring their stage spectacle to the Qatar National Convention Center and we go behind the scenes with both to find out how the magic happens. On the community front, our theme for November is social media and tech culture in Doha. Qatar has one of the fastest-growing social media user rates in the GCC, with the younger generation using it as a platform to make their voices heard. We bring you an in-depth analysis of this trend and how it’s contributing to an engaged social dialogue in our region. And, for all you gamers out there, grab your joy-sticks and pound back some Red Bull as a new 24-hour gaming lounge opens its doors in the Al Sadd area. Consoles are provided, as are the games – or, you can even bring your own and go solo or face off in a head-to-head tournament. We’ve got the scoop! November also marks the American Thanksgiving holiday, (although us Canadians celebrate it in October just to be different), and we have a full turkey round-up with all the trimmings in our Food & Dining top picks and listings. So, if you’re more likely to burn your bird and hide the evidence under dollops of cranberry jelly, we’ve got you covered. We hope you love all QH has to offer this issue and stay tuned for next month, when we’re set to get more than a little patriotic!

Fabulous performance by the BBC Symphony @ kataraqatar last night. Music for the soul. And very, very British

@GeraldoTan You know service is impeccable when you sit down, the server remembers you’re left-handed & switches cutlery over @la_varenne #Doha #Qatar

In Your Face

pkin pie and It’s the month of turkey, pum shake a stick at, more stuffing than we can und. We asked our as Thanksgiving rolls aro they’re grateful for the at wh ers ow Facebook foll to say: had you at most and here’s wh

Sara Nader “@Qatar Happening: family, travel and the chance to live a safe life. #Thankful”

Doaa Jabir “A new perspective [and] amazing restaurants here so I can food blog! :)”

Yvonne Karsten-Triebele “I’m extremely thankful for my husband. He’s the best!”

Izabela Olewaka “I’m thankful for family”

See you next month,

Esraa Alkhatib AlHabash “I’m grateful for Qatar because it’s the place where I met my husband”

Ashlee Starratt Editor

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

Entertainment

s k c i P p o T ’s h This Mont

InterContinental Doha The City

Mövenpick Doha

After Work Evenings

Be Entertained At Jazz Up Fridays: Jazz Up. The perfect spot to chill out in the contemporary yet intimate surroundings while listening to smooth tunes and indulging in quality drinks, creative cocktails and an extensive snacks menu with live entertainment on Fridays. For more information call 4429-1111.

W Doha

Kempinski Residences & Suites

Chill Out Friday Nov 28: Wahm Lounge. Jose Padilla is best known for his work as DJ in the Café del Mar, Ibiza, and is considered responsible for popularizing electronic chill-out music. For more information call 4453-5323.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

Sat-Thurs: Hive. Unwind and relax after a hard day at work at Hive. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., buy- one- get-one free on selected beverages. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

The Grand Hyatt Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrivé Nov 21: Dunes. Now serving fresh oysters and Beaujolais Nouveau vino from a specially-customized a la carte menu with live tunes by Natalie and Chass. For more information call 7798-2394.

Soulful Sunday Nights Sundays: The Lounge. Discover the talented voice of Kéyali Mayaga the new singer of The Lounge, next to the piano and the bar. Revel in blues and soul sounds, sip your favourite cocktail and sample fine savoury bites. From 9:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Entertainment

Barney Live! By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of State Media

The internationally-popular and best-loved children’s character, Barney will wow Doha when his Barney Let’s Go! Live On Stage! performance hits town this month. We catch up with Art Director Richard Manson to find why the big purple dinosaur is an icon for the ages. QH: Tell us a little bit about the history of Barney Let’s Go! Live On Stage!

QH: What inspires you about the production?

RM: Let’s Go! Live on Stage was created by HIT Entertainment, who are the global owners of the Barney brand. There are a few Barney shows that have been created for live-touring which have been performed all over the world; however the ‘Let’s Go!’ live show is in the GCC for the first time.

RM: I just love the Barney brand and what it stands for; it manages to incorporate fun, laughter, educational values and great family entertainment at the same time. I get inspired every time I see the delight on a child’s face when Barney appears.

QH: If you had to describe your job what would you tell our readers? RM: I produce the show, meaning I am responsible for everything from casting, crew employment, budget, logistics, direction, all the way to making sure the curtain goes up on time!

QH: What career path eventually lead you to Barney? RM: I’ve been in the ‘showbiz’ profession all my life one way or another; about a year ago Sunshine Events (who are the MENA exclusive licensees of the Barney brand) approached me and asked if I would like to join them.

QH: How many versions of the show are staged all over the world? Is this version tailored to Gulf audiences? RM: The ‘Let’s Go!’ live show is produced in other parts of the world – Barney is popular everywhere! We’ve tweaked [it] a little for the Gulf region but not much. Our main objective was to employ the best talent from around the world to take the show theatrically to the next level. QH: What do you take pride in the most about the show and your job? RM: I love the show because I know how hard everyone has worked to make it so good and such a success. We also have great fun on tour! I’m just very lucky to have such a great team around me.

Barney Let’s Go! Live On Stage! Where: Al Rayyan Theatre, Souq Waqif When: Nov 28-Dec 2 Timings: Nov 28 -2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Nov 29- 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Nov 30 -2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Dec 1- 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. Dec 2- 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.

Barney and his dinosaur friends dance their way into the hearts of

audiences young and old

QH: Do you have a favourite on-stage scene? RM: I suppose my favourite scene is ‘Rock and Roll Star’ at the end of Act One, we go a little crazy with the lights! Although [the] runner-up would be when Barney sings ‘I Love You’ and everyone in the audience is singing along, sometimes as many as 3,000 people, it’s quite powerful! QH: What’s a typical day in the life of an art director? RM: In my job I don’t really have a routine as such, when I’m in the Dubai office I have to start the day with a cappuccino. QH: In your opinion what makes Barney so popular all over the world?

RM: I think the great success of Barney other than him being a lovable character with strong values such as sharing and the importance of friends and family is that the songs are so catchy. Nearly everyone who comes to the show whether young or old knows the words and sings along! QH: Were you a Barney fan before coming onboard with the production of the show? RM: Until I was involved with the Barney show he kind of by- passed me. Now [that] I know him, I’m his number one fan! QH: Any last words for our readers? RM: Come and see the show, I promise if you weren’t a fan before, you definitely will be after… n

The Show: • Brand new line-up featuring Barney, BJ, Babybop and Riff. • All-British cast of 10 performers • Visually-amazing set and props • Running time of 60 minutes with a 20-minute intermission • Unique merchandize available (unavailable at any other retail outlet in MENA) Ticket Info: QR 500, VIP QR 350, gold QR 250, silver QR 150, general admission Tickets available at Virgin Megastores or online at tickets.virginmegastore.me The Story It’s always nice to share your toys, but in a rush to share their playing things with the audience, Barney’s friends, BJ, Riff and Baby Bop accidentally break them all. Thankfully Barney knows just the place to go and takes everyone to visit a magical toy factory where the toys can be repaired by the imagination Machine – a fantastic device which powered by the children’s imagination.

Entertainment

I t ’ s Sho

wtime!

A still image from Horus: Prince of the Sun, screening at this year’s

QH: Ajyal is the first youth film festival to come out of DFI. Can you tell us a bit about its background and what festival-goers can expect during the event?

Compiled by Jorge Granda

The Doha Film Institute is hosting the first Ajyal Youth Film Festival from November 26-30. A first of its kind in the region, the week-long event will celebrate the voice of the younger generation in cinema through screenings, activities and programs. QH spoke with Festival Director Fatma Al- Remaihi to learn all about it. 22

FA: Qatar is a very young country full of young people. We at DFI feel there’s a need to create avenues for our youth to express themselves and tell their stories. We want to create a platform for our youth to discover new things and be adventurous. This is the idea behind the festival. It’s a festival to celebrate life and family. We are expecting all residents of Qatar to participate and support Ajyal. QH: As Festival Director you must have an amazing opportunity to view many works from young filmmakers. What criteria must a film pass for inclusion in the festival?

Ajyal Youth Film Festival

FA: I have seen wonderful work and hope to see more. The festival is all about the young people expressing their views on issues that affect them or they feel related to. It’s also about discussion of these issues and finding solutions for them. There isn’t a specific criteria. We are looking for educational and entertaining work. QH: Tell us about the jury of the festival and how they will be selected? FA: The jury will be formed by several hundred young people that we will give the opportunity to decide which are the best works and decide the winners. We select the jurors based on the answers to a question we will ask. The writers of the best essays will be the chosen ones. The jury will be presented in three ageappropriate programs:

• Mohaq (New Moon) for jurors 8 – 12 years of age (Short Film Competition, Documentary or Narrative) • Hilal (Crescent) for jurors 13 – 17 years of age (Feature and Short Film Competition, Documentary or Narrative) • Bader (Full Moon) for jurors 18 – 21 years of age (Feature and Short Film Competition, Documentary or Narrative)

FA: The submissions are shorts, not features. They are done by adult filmmakers, but they are family and youth-oriented.

FA: Sharing ideas, working with the community and most importantly seeing people having fun.

QH: Will the festival feature both local and international submissions from youth?

QH: Are there any plans to make to collaborate with Ajyal on any Hollywood projects?

FA: For this festival it will not happen, but for the second edition, definitely yes. QH: Why is fostering a film culture in Qatar – especially among the younger generation so important?

FA: Yes. Ajyal has a special focus on anime culture.

FA: We need to tell our own stories. Sometimes the West presents Arabs in a way that isn’t true to our real beliefs and behaviours. We need to have the chance to tell who we really are, what we are capable of and the beauty of our culture.

QH: The submissions you’ve received – have they come from youth who are mostly amateur filmmakers?

QH: What has been your favourite part of working bringing Ajyal to the world as a Festival Director?

QH: Are there any over-arching themes in this year’s festival?

FA: There are a few projects in the pipeline. We will announce them in the right time. QH: What are the future plans for the festival? FA: Go better and bigger. QH: Is there anything else you want our readers to know? FA: We want everyone to come and participate. This festival isn’t only about five days, we have year-round activities that we want people to enjoy and engage in. Ajyal is only the celebration of all those activities.

Festival Director Fatma Al-Remaihi. Photo Credit: Brigitte Lacombe

Entertainment

AJYAL YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL Where: The Cultural Village Katara When: November 26-30 Tickets: Box office opens on November 13. Visit www.dohafilminstitute.com for more information and details. About: The five-day festival consists of the Doha Film Experience – which includes a Feature Narrative (41 mins and over) competition and a Short Film (under 40 mins) competition, and the Made in Qatar/Students sections. The festival also features family-friendly special screenings, thematic retrospectives and tributes, while master classes for students of all ages, workshops for children, parents, teachers and industry professionals and panels will aim to enhance film education and appreciation.

BE A JUROR Are you passionate about film? Are you between the ages of 8 and 21? Here’s your chance to become a film juror and vote for the award-winners at the inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival. Previously known as the DohaGiffoni Experience, the newly expanded Doha Film Experience is at the heart of Ajyal, a new film festival for and about young people.

This year’s Ajyal jury members will be made up entirely of bright, young minds

Doha Film Experience jurors will watch and discuss films and participate in exciting events throughout the festival, including workshops and Q&A sessions with directors and stars. Then, at the closing night awards ceremony, each jury will give awards to the films they have voted as the most outstanding. To find out more and to register please visit us online at www.dohafilminstitute.com/dfe or email dfe@dohafilminstitute.com.

The Castle of Cagliostro continues to be an anime classic

FESTIVAL LINE-UP SNEAK-PEEK Anime Tribute Opening Film: ‘The Wind Rises’ by Hayao Miyazaki Katara Drama Theater Tuesday Nov 26, 7:00 p.m.

Other Tribute Films Panda and the Magic Serpent by Taiji Yabushita & Kazuhiko Okabe Katara Open Air Theater Wednesday Nov 27, 7:00 p.m.

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises will open the

five-day festival

sterling tribute to the complex and numerous streams of the innate Japanese form of art. The building will be re-purposed to display Otaku art, where each participant within the exhibition will be given a window to assimilate their art works into the overall theme.

The Castle of Cagliostro by Hayao Miyazaki Katara Open-Air Theater Thursday Nov 28, 7:00 p.m.

• Otaku Cosplay: A highlight of the ‘Otaku Exhibition’ will be the ‘Otaku Cosplay Event’ (costume play) on November 29, 2013.

Horus: Prince of the Sun by Takahata Isao Katara Open-Air Theater Friday Nov 29, 10:00 p.m.

• From November 29-30 bring the whole family to enjoy activities and fun during two days of Ajyal Youth Film Festival. All events at Family Days are free and offer activities for kids of all ages.

Festival Exhibition: • Otaku: Held from November 27-30 at Building 6, The Cultural Village Katara, ‘Otaku’, which refers to people with an increased passion for the theme of anime and manga works, pays a

Family Days:

• Offerings include free storytelling, video games, music, dance, shows and performances from talented local youth and international talents and lots of other surprises.

Unleash Your Inner Otaku!! Doha otaku take note – Ajyal has a special focus on anime culture this year, so come on out and celebrate this immensely popular art form with us. You’ll be surrounded by anime artwork by regional artists and immerse yourself in nostalgia for your favourite anime shows as well as some new classics. DJs will be on hand to play favourite tunes from anime classics from Japan, the Arab world and just about everywhere else – and don’t forget to check out our anime workshops for all ages. And on November 29 come to Ajyal’s anime cosplay event dressed as your favourite character from a movie or cartoon and compete to win exciting prizes! There are all kinds of award categories, from best female and best male, to best choreography and fan favourite. Get your imagination working and unleash your inner otaku on Doha! n

Entertainment

Do You Believe In As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Vogue Project Management

Adam and Selina are two of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most captivating mystifiers and a lethal combination on-stage. This November 27-30 theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll entertain audiences in Doha with their electrifying show. QH reveals the secrets behind the spectacle. 26

Get your tickets for Adam and Selina now before they do a disappearing act and sell

or entertainers Adam and Selina, performance is in the blood. The brother and sister team stage some of the most cutting-edge magic, illusions and deadly escapes in existence today, along with comedy, dance, and theatrical lighting and sound to provide the ultimate entertainment experience for modern audiences. “Unlike the traditional magician and assistant combinations, we’re actually on-stage equals who both have an equally important role to make the magic and the impossible unfold on-stage,” Adam explains. “We’re both super excited to come to Doha with the opportunity to share our special brand of magic and illusions with everyone,” adds Selina. “What makes this show even more special is that we’ll be debuting a number of never-before-seen illusions here in Doha which have been three years in the making, so we hope you like it!” Adam first got started in magic at the age of six; since then he has practiced, studied and mastered its myriad genres. Selina later joined the show to help take it to the next level. They began working together to create, invent and rehearse everything from close-up magic and mentalism, to escapes and illusions. The most unique feature that separates them from their contemporaries is that they’re a brother and sister team, blending their own individual talents and skills together to bring out the best

out!

in each other in order to accomplish feats of the seemingly impossible. “When audiences come to our shows, we welcome everyone into our magical world, where everything and anything is possible,” says Selina. “The most important thing to us is not to have our audiences think how great we are, but more about all the amazing things that happen around us – and most importantly how that makes our audiences feel,” adds Adam. We [want them] to feel amazement, feel the drama and suspense and also make them laugh and feel fantastic – hopefully even inspire people to go and chase their dreams and conquer their deepest fears.” For the last 14 years they’ve performed together at numerous events and venues, from intimate private gatherings and corporate affairs, to entertaining audiences at worldclass casinos and resorts, theatres, festivals and luxury cruise ship, and have been featured on national top-rated television shows. More recently, they became Grand Finalists of the Channel Seven ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ show in 2010 and have headlined at the 100th Anniversary of Canada’s Calgary Stampede in 2011– the event billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth”. They’ve also won numerous

awards over the years, becoming the ‘Magic Slam Champions’ in 2008, winning both the Judges and Audience Favourite award, and winning the prestigious ‘Magicians Of The Year’ award in 2006, 2007 and 2010 presented by the Magicians Society. Today, Adam and Selina continue to create new and exciting illusions for their shows and strive to advance their production in every possible way. Their performances are edgy, modern, fun and most of all, unique. Audiences will experience lots of variety, from extremely visual magic, worldclass sleight of hand, witty and light-hearted comedy, audience participation, spectacular grand illusions and death-defying escapes that are unlike anything spectators have seen before! The scale is massive, the impact is tremendous and the experience is absolutely unforgettable. n About The Mystifiers When: Nov 27 – 30 Where: Qatar National Convention Center Timings: 7:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m., daily Ticket Info: Tickets are available at Virgin Megastores, The Hilton Doha, and at City Center and Lagoona Malls

Entertainment

The One Direction boys hit up the red carpet at the Jingle Bell Ball at London’s O2 Arena. Photo Credit: Alexandra Glen/Featureflash

Boys On Film By Francesca Lombardo Images courtesy of Dreamstime/Featureflash

Some might argue that British boy-band One Direction have become the Beatles of the new generation. Consistent chart-toppers with throngs of screaming fans, these young lads now have a new feature-length film currently on the big screen. QH sat down for an exclusive catch-up with Niall, Louis, Liam, Harry and Zayn.

hey’re regarded as one of the biggest musical phenomenon of all time. After auditioning on the X Factor, a popular UK talent music show helmed by music mogul Simon Cowell, and being initially rejected, these five young boys from a provincial background took the world by storm, building an audience of millions of screaming teenagers around the world, just through word of mouth. The now massively famous boy band is One Direction, formed by five cute and talented guys who only had one dream – to sing.

After a few intense years of touring around the world, amassing concert after concert and hopping into planes to travel around the world just as we would hop into a taxi, the boys of One Direction have made their debut on the big screen in a documentary film helmed by Oscar-nominated director and producer Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, Where In The World Is Osama Bin Laden, Freakonomics). Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson simply play themselves in the featurelength film One Direction: This Is Us.

More than just a filmed concert and tour documentary, director Spurlock has followed them around the globe for about 6 months, and says that this film is the chance to get to know the real ‘golden boys’ of the most famous band in the world. “Don’t expect sex, drugs and rock and roll”, he says. “This film is all about five hard-working young boys who work effortlessly to keep up with their name, to please their global fan-base around the world and to make good music.” Crying fans are replaced by the band’s teary-eyed Mums who mourn their

massively popular kids’ disappearance from home. “These kids have been incredibly wellraised by their families, and I wanted this film also to be about family values,” adds Spurlock. “In the past few years, we have gone back home only three times. There was just not time, but we are very close to our families and speak to them every day” says Louis Tomlinson. But this is also about friendship between the five boys who come up with fun pranks while touring (which make it into the film!), joking around with their entourage and large staff. ‘”We try to have fun, and the most important thing is that we are friends,” says Zayn Malik. “We have recreated a new family and are as close as brothers could be. When you work hard as we do, it’s important to have support and we do support each other all the time” Any fights though? “Sometimes we argue, but little things, we forget them soon”. Despite, their stratospheric fame and the hundreds of concerts around the world, things can get hard at time for the boys. “Sometimes we get tired and we think if this is all worth it,” says Louis Tomlinson.“Then we say to ourselves, you must be crazy. We’re living the dream and wouldn’t never want this to end for anything in the world.” The One Direction boys are now working on a new album with songs written by some of the members. And guess who’ s their biggest fan now? None less than director Morgan Spurlock, who had this to say: “These kids are seriously talented. I have seen thirtyplus One Direction concerts at this point. I can say that I’m a hardcore Directioner now!”n Going gaga for One Direction? Visit www.onedirectionmusic.com to read up on all the latest band news, album releases and much more. Check your local theatre listings for screenings of One Direction: This Is Us.

Looking dapper in black at the 2013 Brit Awards in London. Photo Credit: Steve Vas/Feature flash

Front-man and heartthrob Harry Styles at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Paul Smith/Featureflash

Entertainment

Festival Fun Guide

By Amy Bassett

If you’re looking for a music festival in December then you’re begging for a visit to the South Pacific. Join us for the musical ride why don’t you?

ustralia and New Zealand enjoy long, hot summer days from December through February, which is also the antipodean Christmas and New Year summer break. Accordingly, at this time of year these Southern isles are awash with music festivals large and small. With both countries boasting enviable beaches on endless runs of coastline, a December spent down-under promises the best of the outdoors – sun, sand, BBQs and a riot of music from all across the world.

recognizable Opera House is an artistic, architectural and aesthetic triumph. Although the design marvel was completed 10 years late and spectacularly over-budget amidst much controversy, the building has become the quintessential Australian landmark. Sitting plum on Bennelong Point and looking across the waterscape to another famous landmark, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the revolutionary performance venue is a must-visit tourist destination.

Homebake

It’s also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Party here, shall we? Yes please.

Our pick from the Australian calendar is Homebake, a local music, film and arts festival, which celebrates its 18th birthday in style this year by touting the legendary Sydney Opera House grounds as their venue! The instantly

Homebake’s line-up is all-Australian, so you, dear festival-goer, can look forward to a real slice of Aussie pie. The musical line-up focuses

more on live music acts – Miami Horror; The Presets; You Am I - so you can be sure to avoid neon-wearing, molly-chomping raving hipsters here. The R18 event runs for three days from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 December, kicking off each day around 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon.

Rhythm and Vines A quick hop across the Tasman and there’s really only one choice - the big cheese of festivals – Rhythm and Vines. This massive three-day fullnoise event has a tale of charming beginnings. In 2003, three university buddies decided to throw a small party on a friends’ family vineyard to celebrate their graduation and bring in the New Year. This ‘small bash’ attracted 1,800 people and so the festival monster was created. Ten years later, Rhythm and Vines attracts a crowd

Drawing crowds by the masses, the Rhythm and Vines festival is a pop explosion

big names who have made the trek to see in the New Year in ‘Middle Earth’. Ask any Kiwi and they’ll bleat on (pun!) about the quality of NZ music. Case in point, 16-yearold Auckland artist Lorde currently sits atop the US Billboard Hot 100. So alongside the crowdpulling international acts, visitors to the country can look forward to discovering a whole new playlist of NZ music for the iPod. The iconic Sydney Opera House shows off its festive lighting for the Homebake Festival

of more than 30,000 and completely transforms the usually sleepy New Zealand seaside city of Gisborne for the week.

Campground concerts and side-events are another highlight of Rhythm and Vines. Headline acts will be seen at the main vineyard venue, but there are also a slew of cameo appearances, pop-up performances and sly side-gigs at the campgrounds and local pubs in Gisborne and around Auckland city as artists enter and leave the country. It’s a music lovers’ playground.

Temporary campgrounds in the city centre accommodate thousands of the eager, right across the road from one of New Zealand’s most beloved beaches; a beach that was, until 2011,(when Samoa moved east of the international dateline), the first place in the world to see New Years Day.

So there you have it – there’s only one part of the world to get to if you’re festival hunting next month. If you’re going to do it and take the plunge (read: 20 hour flight), and head for the South Pacific, then do as the Aussies and Kiwis do, take a couple of weeks or more to have a look around.

The line-up brings artists from all genres and parts of the world to perform on multiple stages in a natural amphitheatre smack-bang in the middle of a vineyard. Public Enemy, Disclosure, Shapeshifter, N.E.R.D., Mylo, Franz Ferdinand, Santogold and Biffy Clyro are a fraction of the

Prepare yourself for a tidal wave of fresh air, mind-blowing scenery, nectar-of-the-gods feasting and party hospitality. One word of warning from the wise - Oceania is seriously lacking in ozone layer so remember to take sunblock – and use it! n

Homebake 2013 Must see acts: Aboriginal singer-songwriter Gurrumul; new pop favourites Sheppard and stalwarts Architecture in Helsinki. And of course, enjoy the Opera House experience too! When: Dec 6-8 Where: Sydney, Australia Tickets: $110 AUD per day Flights: QR 6,000 from Doha Website: www.homebake.com.au

Rhythm and Vines Must-See Acts: International acts: Wiz Khalifa, Rudimental (DJ set), Empire of the Sun. NZ acts: Shapeshifter, @Peace, P-Money. When: Dec 6-8 Where: Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne, New Zealand Tickets: $229 NZD, three-day pass $429 NZD, three day pass with camping Flights: QR 7,000 from Doha QR 1,500 from Sydney Website: www.rhythmandvines.co.nz

Entertainment

Party Hoppin’

Happenings

DJs Aly and Fila will get the crowds pumping

DJ SEHEREZADE hot on the decks

By Jorge Granda

Loud Entertainment is gearing up to stage two of the coolest parties this month at the Doha Marriott beachfront. We’ve got your need-to-know info! Sundown Beach Gathering – Featuring Aly & Fila The Sundown extravaganza will take place on Thursday, November 21 from 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Party-goers will have a full day of music and dancing. Superstars Aly & Fila, ranked 19th in the world out of the top 100 DJ’s by Mix Mag 2012, will be performing at the kick-off of the party. This first edition of a series of monthly events promises to bring a new unique concept to Doha, with the evening getting off to an early start with a beautiful sunset over the West Bay skyline. As the night unfolds the resident DJs will be gearing up from a more relaxed vibe early on, then it’s all systems go for a full-on dance atmosphere with Aly & Fila as the night progresses. This is an exclusive event with a limited amount of tickets, so make sure you purchase early and join Doha’s party people in listening to some amazing tunes while watching the sun fade into oblivion!

Sundown Beach Gathering Venue: Marriott Doha beachfront Date: Thursday, November 21

Sunglasses At Night – Doha Edition This unique and stylish event promises to kick off the beach party season with a bang! The Marriott Doha Hotel’s sandy beach will be the setting for this awesome night out where party-goers will have the chance to show off their swag with the coolest shades this side of the GCC. Judges will decide on the night’s most outrageous pair of sunglasses and one lucky person and his/her friends will be invited to their very own free bubbly VIP table. Headlining the event will be one of the world’s top female artists – DJ SEHEREZADE from Hungary. Having only started her career a few years ago she quickly rose to fame playing clubs all over the world from her native Hungary to the Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Algeria, Dubai, Hong Kong and the Philippines and many other destinations. Her calendar has been fully booked since the beginning of her DJ career. Her charming face, personality and technical knowledge on the decks have made her a coveted crowd-pleaser. Just last year she started her work as a producer and in December released her first video and track called ‘Feel’. n

Time: 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Ticket Prices: QR 75, early bird QR 200 for guys & QR 100 for girls, late purchase Ticket Outlets: • Virgin Tickets Online tickets.virginmegastore.me • Virgin Megastores (Villaggio & Landmark) • Marriott Doha Hotel Reception • For VIP table bookings call Daniel 6655-2596 or Jacob 6667-2659

Sunglasses At Night Venue: Marriott Doha beachfront Date: Thursday, November 7 Time: 6:00 p.m. till 2:00a.m. Ticket Prices: QR 200 for guys & QR 100 for girls Ticket Outlets: • Virgin Tickets Online tickets.virginmegastore.me • Virgin Megastores (Villaggio & Landmark) • Marriott Doha Hotel Reception • For VIP table bookings call Daniel 6655-2596 or Jacob 6667-2659

REGGAE NIGHTS RETURNS WITH MORE MUSIC AND FUN As the sun goes down, The St. Regis Doha private beach rises to the beats of reggae. The cool white sand, starlit sky and shimmering Arabian Gulf create an intimate setting for guests to enjoy live reggae music whilst savoring Caribbean inspired beverages and snacks. For an unforgettable evening with friends, guests can book a VIP table for eight and enjoy great moments in a private space.

for reservations, please call 974.4446.0105 or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com al gassar resort at west bay 974.4446.0000 stregisdoha.com

Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

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Pearl Lounge Theme Nights

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

GOKULAM PARK DOHA Happy Hour

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

After Sunset

Sat-Tues: Oyster Bay. Sit back and relax at Oyster Bay with their happy hour from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Enjoy chilled-out music and a selection of bespoke treats available throughout the night. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

PROMOTIONS

EVERY WEEK

THE GRAND HYATT Relight My Fire Party

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Happy Hours

Nov 29: Rocca. Party people book your spot at Rocca for the party of the month hosted by DJ Katie Smiles all the way from London. Enjoy a night of house music. Starts at 8:00 p.m. For more information call 7021-8096.

W DOHA Afro Beats

Nov 8: Wahm Lounge. Enjoy a night of ancestral soul with a blend of deep house and modern Congolese rumba, West African voices, urban R&B and Afro-Cuban rhythms by BoddhiSatva. For more information call 4453-5323.

Big Friday Night

Nov 15: Wahm Lounge. French-Canadian DJ Nicholas Sechaud is no stranger to the international club and fine-dining scene. Currently resident DJ at the world-renowned Siddhartha Lounge at Grosvenor House Dubai, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nicholas has done a number of residencies across famed bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants worldwide, from Italy, Spain, Monaco and Turkey to Uzbekistan and the Philippines. For more information call 4453-5323.

Daily: Misturado will re-open its doors one hour earlier for you at 4:00 p.m. to broadcast more live sport events this coming season. Don’t miss out the special happy hours daily 2-for-1 promotion on all house beverages. We dare you to go somewhere else! From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Late Brunch

Fridays: Marriott Beach. Join in for Doha’s first and ONLY Late Brunch! Chill out and watch the sunset over the Doha skyline from your beachside table. Includes ‘all-in’ bubbly and BBQ for QR 380 per person. From 5:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Happy Hour

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

Mon-Sat: D’Illlusion. Enjoy a trendy lounge bar with hip aesthetics and chilled-out rhythms. This hangout will have you chilling with its slinky cocktails and delightful snacks. At D’Illusion, socializing will never go out of style. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., QR 30 for three-month membership. For more information call 4470-8888.

Crew & Hotelier Night

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

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES MIX & FUSE Happy Hour

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

Half Note Wednesdays

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

Entertainment Listings Airline Flight Crew Happy Hours

Hospitality Night

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA New Happy Hour

Diva Tuesdays

Sat-Fri: The Lounge & Aroma. All airline flight crew can enjoy a complimentary 20% discount on the final bill of their dinner or drinks in Aroma or The Lounge when presenting their company ID card. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Daily: Paloma. Enjoy their new happy hour with a special Tex-Mex express menu at unbelievable prices. Make your choice from a selection of appetizers, mains and desserts, and complement it with a selected beverage. Try a 3-course Tex Mex Express Dinner Menu at QR 99 only with 50% off on all beverages by the glass. Offer is valid from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. only, last order at 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Big Night Out

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

Hospitality Night

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

House Hunters Night

Mondays: Lava. Dance to the tunes of the resident DJ and enjoy a 50% discount for hoteliers, plus a special drink every hour. For more information call 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Hotelier Night

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

ORYX ROTANA Crew Night

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

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

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

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

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut

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

THE RITZ-CARLTON Salsa

Sundays: Admiral’s Club. Come and dance to the beats of Latino live band, Salsa and Kizomba at Admiral’s lower floor. For more information call 4484-8663 or email dilip.kumar@ritzcarlton.com.

Retail Night

Tuesdays: Habanos. Enjoy a 30% value on your bottle of vino or spirits. For more information call 4484-8504 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Ladies Night

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

High Heels Night

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

Reggae Nights On The Beach

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

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Hotelier Night

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

Happy Hours

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

SHERATON DOHA Shisha At The Cove

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

WEEKENDS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Liquidity Nights

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

THE FOUR SEASONS Beach Bar & Lounge

Thursdays: The most awaited Beach Bar & Lounge is back. The perfect place to chill, relax and start your weekend right. Offering a wide selection of beverages matched with our relaxing lounge music. Every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cosmopolitan Thursdays

Thursdays: The Square. Starts at 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 300 including selected house beverages and QR 230 including soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Disco Night

Thursdays: Hive. The resident DJ will spin the decks from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. QR 50 entrance for men. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Bottle & Bucket Day

Fridays: Hive. Enjoy selected bottles at QR 500 and bucket offers from 5:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Gents Night

Saturdays: Hive. Enjoy any drink for only QR 30 for men on selected beverages. From 9:00 p.m. till 1:30 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

ORYX ROTANA Boy’s Night In Town

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

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Barbecue By The Pool

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

Crew Night

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

SHERATON DOHA New Band ‘Back To Back’

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

Ladies Night

Tuesdays: Irish Harp. QR 100 for men with one complimentary drink and free entrance for ladies and free-flowing house beverages for ladies until closing. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

Entertainment Directory

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

4425-6666

Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Champions West End Renaissance Doha

Liquidity Crowne Plaza – The Business Park

4419-6100

Manhattan Radisson Blu

4428-1428 4448-4800

Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4425-6666

Club 7 La Cigale

Marina Nightclub Ritz-Carlton Doha

4428-8888

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

Dunes Lounge Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

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

4419-6100 4484-8000

Jazz at Lincoln Center The St. Regis Doha

4446-0000

Jazz Club Oryx Rotana

4402-3333

4484-4444

Shehrazad Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4446-2222

Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4496-0777

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City

4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4408-7777

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

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

4405-3325

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

4484-4444

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

4429-8888

Qube Radisson Blu

4428-1428

Arts & Culture

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra School Concerts: Dance With The Orchestra

Qatar Museums Authority The Museum Of Crying Women Oct 7-Nov 30: QMA Gallery, Katara. For his first exhibition in the Middle East, Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli will bring together his most striking portraits of iconic female figures of the last century, including Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor and Lady Gaga, in a celebration of femininity. Presented by the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), The Museum of Crying Women will be on view from October 7 till November 30. For more information visitwww.qma.org.qa.

Museum Of Islamic Ar t Make Your Own Flag: 5 Years Of MIA Celebratory Family Workshop Saturdays: MIA Atrium. From 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. throughout the month of November. Come on a treasure hunt and then design your own flag to celebrate ‘5 Years of MIA’, using the amazing objects you found as inspiration. No booking required.

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Museum Of Islamic Ar t Hajj – The Journey Through Art Special: Conservation Labs ‘Behind The Scenes’ Nov 11: From 9:30 a.m. till 11:00a.m. An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the work of the conservation team in preparing rare and ancient objects for the exhibition display. For more information please RSVP to falhitmi@qma.org.qa.Photo credit: A brass Qibla indicator from the MIA’s Hajj -The Journey Through Art exhibit. The Museum of Islamic Art, MS.452.2007

Nov 6 & 7: Qatar National Convention Center, Auditorium 3. From 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 am. Bob Ross, conductor, Elizaveta Hesse, violin. Program: Henry Purcell: Rondeau from Abdelazer Suite, Z.570; Johann Sebastian Bach: Bourree from Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, BWV 1069; Max Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 2: Third Movement; Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker, Op. 71; Aaron Copland: Hoe Down from Rodeo. Attendance by schools must be arranged with Khalid Al Naemi. For more information call 4454-8184 or email kalnaemi@qf.org.qa.

VCUQatar Thread Installation Art By Kate Terry Oct 6-Dec 24: The Gallery at VCUQatar. London-based artist Kate Terry creates thread installation art that is nearly invisible at first. Using coloured thread, she creates a subtle, yet spectacular presence in an empty space. Kate Terry teaches at Camberwell College of Arts and CCW. Open to the public. For more information call 4402-0555 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu.

Arts & Culture

Artist Ben Barbour’s life-like sketches capture life on-board an LNG vessel bound from Doha to the UK

n i a t i r B f O t s e B e h T Images courtesy of Qatar UK 2013

The Qatar UK 2013 Year Of Culture continues with a jam-packed roster of cultural goings-on between Doha and London this November. We’ve got your go-to guide for a full-on month of lectures, exhibitions and events. Relics: Damien Hirst Exhibition Oct 10, 2013-Jan 22, 2014 ALRIWAQ Doha Since 1988, when he conceived and curated his first exhibition, Damien Hirst has developed to be the most prominent British artist of his generation. Hirst is known for his famous artworks “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Minds of Someone Living” and “For the Love of God”, his spin paintings and other major installations, such as “In and Out of Love”. QMA is hosting the artist’s first solo exhibition in Middle East.

Café Scientifique: Can We Reach the Stars?

Nov 1, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Museum of Islamic Art Café Dr. Maggie Aderin–Pocock from Science Innovation Ltd. looks at what has driven us through the space era to date. In terms of us getting out there, what are the chances of making it to space in our lifetimes and what if one wanted to travel further than the ISS (International Space Station), to the very stars themselves? Is this possible with current technology, and if not what is in the pipeline now that would enable such a journey in the future? Can such travel ever be worth the expense and risk and what will we find out there?

Traditional Afghan artworks, jewellery and other cultural mementos are preserved in London’s Ferozkoh exhibit

Scotland Day Nov 14, 6:30 p.m. Katara Cultural Village As part of Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture, The British Council and the Scottish Government are hosting ‘Scotland Day’ at Katara. This cultural event will include all things Celtic. Enjoy an early St. Andrew’s Day celebration with music from Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson bands, dance culinary treats and kilts.

Ferozkoh: Traditional Arts From A Contemporary Afghanistan

Nov 14, 2013-Feb 23, 2014 Leighton House, London Part of the Nour Festival, this is an exhibition at Leighton House Museum of traditional arts from contemporary Afghanistan. It explores the preservation of the arts from the Islamic world in modern times and the role of education in their transmission and translation.

Ben Barbour Exhibition Oct 23-Nov 15 Katara Cultural Village In July-August 2013 Ben travelled from Qatar to the UK on an LNG vessel, depicting his journey in drawings. This exhibition will showcase the Doha-based resident artist’s work during the three-week journey.

A wood-cut map of the Gulf offers a different perspective of the region, much like the Old Doha Prize seeks to view Qatar in new and inspiring ways

Hajj – The Journey Through Art

Oct 9, 2013-Jan 5, 2014 Museum of Islamic Art This Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)-curated exhibition, in collaboration with the British Museum, takes visitors on a journey exploring and illuminating the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj. It presents artworks from MIA and objects from Qatari collections, many of which have never before been displayed in public. The exhibition focuses on the history of this pilgrimage through the centuries, examing the rituals of Hajj as depicted through art, the routes taken and the experiences of pilgrims upon their return. The exhibition also includes a special section dedicated to the oral histories and objects of pilgrims from Qatar. An outdoor photography display featuring unique visions of Hajj by five international photographers will run in conjunction with the exhibition. Hajj – The Journey Through Art is complimented by a full program of activities including guided tours, art workshops, lectures and film screenings.

Now open at ALRIWAQ Doha, Damien Hirst’s Relics exhibition is a controversial and thought-provoking anthology of the artist’s most well-known works

Old Doha Prize Nov 17-24 Across Doha The Old Doha Prize is bringing together architects and designers based both in the UK and in Qatar for a Week-long design residency in Doha.

Women in Science Day Nov 27, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Qatar University Bringing together female experts from Qatar and the UK to celebrate the importance of science in their lives. Join in for a 90-minute journey which will revisit great science memories, revealing careers which truly allow new discoveries, contributions to making a difference and improving the world. The second part of the day will be a workshop aimed at Qatari female scientists. n

Kick up your kilts to the sound of bagpipes at Katara’s ‘Scotland Day’ celebrating all things Gaelic

Arts & Culture

Conservator Frances Hartog gently treats the Dior garment during the restoration process

By Victoria Scott Images courtesy of the Qatar Museums Authority

The golden age of fashion comes to life this month at the Orientalist Museum’s Past to Present: Art Conservation Conference sponsored by the QMA. QH takes you down history’s catwalk.

n this age of throw-away fashion, Textile Conservator Frances Hartog is taking a stand. For her, every stitch, every mark and every cut of an outfit tells a story. “Textiles tell us so much about the way people lived and live now; their culture and traditions, as well as often being beautiful objects in their own right,” she says. A senior conservator at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Hartog’s job involves conserving a huge range of textiles on show at the worldrenowned British arts and design museum. This month, she flies to Doha to share her expertise at the Orientalist Museum-organized Past to Present: Art Conservation conference, which will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art. The focus of her talk in Doha will be a 60-yearold outfit which certainly has a tale to tell. Made of bright pink cellulose acetate, the Zemire – an elegant, full-skirted, almost theatrical outfit (it was inspired by an 18th century opera based on the story of Beauty and the Beast) - was designed by Christian Dior in 1954. Hartog explains why it has such an important place in fashion history: “It was commissioned by Agota Sekers, whose husband Miki owned a textile factory,” she tells me. “Dior agreed to make the design using one of her husband’s fabrics, instead of the catwalk design, which had been pale grey silk satin with mink trim. It’s so valuable, because it’s unique.”

It was originally thought that no examples of the design had survived, until a V&A curator saw the outfit at an auction of couture in Paris in 2006, realizing its true identity immediately. Once the height of fashion and elegance, the Zemire was now dirty, watermarked, and almost unrecognizable. Based on its condition, specialists speculate that it may have been damaged by flood water from the Seine, and later, badly altered for use as a stage costume. Once purchased and transported to the V&A, Hartog’s team were given the challenging task of restoring it to its considerable former glory. “I was asked to conserve the outer garments, the skirt and jacket, for the V&A exhibition ‘The Golden Age of Couture’ in 2007, and then I conserved the under-dress for the re-display of the Costume Gallery at the V&A in 2012, where the two parts were re-united,” explains Hartog. “The main problem was the heavy soiling, and how to clean it. The costume is made-up from several different fabrics and these had different reactions to different solutions. The other major difficulty was the clumsy alterations to the skirt and how to re-model it, to return it to Dior’s original vision. For the treatment, the key to success lay in tests to ascertain the optimum conditions required to attain the best result. The re-modelling of the skirt relied on trial and error.”

The stunning end result

Hartog’s job is painstaking and intensive, but she clearly loves it. “I like the remarkable variety of textiles I work on,” she tells me. “I could be working on an 8th century Coptic sock from Egypt one day, or a 1950s couture dress the next. The work is an enjoyable mix of practical hands-on treatments with a little chemistry and some art history thrown in. And our curatorial colleagues, with whom we work closely, are extremely knowledgeable and generous with their expertise.” Hartog says she’s greatly looking forward to her first visit to Qatar. “From pictures I have seen, the architecture of Doha looks very exciting” she says. “And I’m particularly keen to visit the Museum of Islamic Art, as I worked on the textiles for the Islamic Gallery at the V&A. And if I’m lucky, perhaps I may even have time for a quick trip to the souq.” n Past to Present: An Art Conservation conference When: Thursday, November 28. Where: The Museum of Islamic Art auditorium

Arts & Culture

Film Culture

In Doha

By Tasbih Amin Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of DFI

With two new local film festivals getting ready to launch, we’ll share with you some background about the Doha Film Institute and the rapid growth of the homegrown film industry.

apturing and documenting events has long been an important part of any culture. The moving picture has always captivated audiences for decades, with its vivid imagery and entrancing story-lines. People tend to relate to films, and it’s marvelous how this culture has grown locally developing within a few years into a massive industry representing many nations around the world.

Youth from DFI’s student programs take part in celebrations at Italy’s

In 2009, the Doha Film Institute was founded by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to enhance the film culture in the country and open up Qatar to the international eye. The institute took further steps over the years to educate the public that film is not just about superheroes, fast cars and unrealistic romantic stories; its more about the humanistic aspects that touch us through

Giffoni Film Festival

the struggles and emotional battles experience by the protagonist. The institute’s year-round screenings have attracted a growing community of film buffs who love to watch and talk about film. DFI also provides funding for many promising and upcoming filmmakers to create and develop their first features, as well as providing a platform for young Arab filmmakers to showcase their creations.

the first time in the country. One of the major productions was a collaboration between DFI and the great French director Jean-Jacques Annaud on the major motion picture Black Gold, an ambitious film spectacle following the story of warring tribes in Arabia at the time when oil brought prosperity to the region. The film was a huge success in the GCC, encouraging Arabic storytelling in the Middle East and inspiring many Arab filmmakers to follow suit. In recent and more interesting news, DFI has officially announced the launch of two new film festivals: Ajyal Youth Film Festival and the Qumra Doha Film Festival, taking place this year. Ajyal is a five-day film festival starting November 26 that celebrates the work of young filmmakers and students in Qatar. Films from shorts to features, documentaries and narratives will be screened for the public to watch and even judge the films themselves. Similarly, the Qumra Film Festival also hails upcoming filmmakers, but this time on an

international scale. The eight-day festival will launch on March 19, 2014 and will explore different films for emerging international filmmakers aiming to make it big in the industry. Aside from its festival line-ups, DFI has started a series of workshops and labs to educate the public about the film industry and train aspiring filmmakers by giving them the tools and knowledge to perfect their films. The workshops are given by established filmmakers from all around the world who give advice and assist emerging talents in creating and polishing their first features. The workshops also provide training in several aspects of film craft, such as screenwriting, directing, editing and cinematography, among many other aesthetic and technical parts of production. These labs are open to the public and held year-round, so if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in learning about the craft or even a little curious about films, visit www.dohafilminstitute.com/education for more information and to sign up for the workshops. n

Not only has DFI developed a sustainable film industry in the country, it also brought Qatar to the international film scene through the Doha Tribeca Film Festival. The festival was an annual event initiated as a cultural partnership between the Doha Film Institute and Tribeca Enterprises founded by none other than Robert De Niro himself. The first edition of the festival was launched in October 2009 and ran for five days, screening a variety of films from different nations around the world. It also attracted over 50,000 guests, including Hollywood mega-stars like Martin Scorsese, Sir Ben Kingsley and Robert De Niro promoting their own films. The Doha Tribeca Film Festival ran for four years, helping Qatar establish a name for itself on the international film scene and resulted in the production and development of various films for

Egyptian actress Youssra walks the red carpet at the 2012 Doha Tribeca Film Festival

Arts & Culture Listings RECOMMENDS

Museum Guide

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

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

Museum of Islamic Art & Park Keynote speaker and Iranian-born artist Shirin Neshat at work in her studio.

QATAR FOUNDATION Hamad Bin Khalifa Symposium On Islamic Art

Nov 9-11: Teatro Politeama, Palermo, Italy. VCUQatar and Qatar Foundation present the fifth biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art. Adressing major themes in Islamic art and culture, the 2013 symposium investigates the topic of light from a wide range of perspectives, from the imagery of light in the Qur’an and in the literature of the Islamic lands, to light’s role in buildings, paintings, and other works of art. Keynote speaker will be the acclaimed visual artist, Iranian-born Shirin Neshat, whose photographic and videographic work is literally created with light. Entry is free but prior registration is required. For more information contact symposium coordinator Marisa Brown at mabrown@vcu.edu or call 4402-0555.

ONE OF A KIND VCUQATAR Crossing Boundaries Lecture Series

Wed 20: The atrium at VCUQatar. Myles Pepper’s lecture on ‘Cementing Relations At Home And Developing Relations Abroad’, is presented in association with the Global Entrepreneurship Week. Pepper’s career spans over four decades in the field of arts and culture. Having studied at the School of Jewellery and Silversmithing in Birmingham Polytechnic in the early 1970’s he has been established in North Pembrokeshire ever since. After running a series of workshops, including training apprentices, he established his first gallery in Fishguard in 1983 before expanding to larger premises in 1987, which enabled the presenting of a wider arts program including music performances and lectures. Starts at 6:00 p.m., entry is free but prior registration required. For more information call 4402-0555 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Thursday Lates: 5 Years Of MIA Tours

Thursdays in November: Starts at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate 5 years of MIA with their expert curators, for a relaxed and informal evening tour of MIA’s Collection at the end of your working week. For more information RSVP to falhitmi@qma.org.qa.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Cultural Flavours Of The Sacred Journey

Wed 6: Auditorium. From 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. ‘Social, Poetic And Narrative Prisms Of The Hajj’. Public lecture hosted by Ni’mah Isma’il Nawwab For more information RSVP to falhitmi@qma.org.qa.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Words Of Power And The Power Of Words: The Sword Of Ali Dinar Wed 13: MIA classroom. From 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. Public lecture hosted by William Greenwood. For more information RSVP to falhitmi@qma.org.qa.

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Flowers Of Paradise: Gardens In Islamic Art

Wed 20: Auditorium. From 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. Public lecture hosted by Professor Attilio Petruciolli. For more information RSVP to falhitmi@qma.org.qa.

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

ALRIWAQ DOHA

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

QMA Gallery

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

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

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

Community

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

How Women Find Work Job-Seekers Conference

Qatar Diabetes Associati

Walk For World Diabetes Day Nov 15: Aspire Park, lake area. Come out and support people living with diabetes or those who are at risk. Free T-shirts, caps, healthy snacks and water will be provided at the event. Starts at 3:00 p.m. For more information visit www.qda.org.qa or visit their Facebook page.

Northwestern University Qatar Ajyal Film Festival Nov 26-30: Ajyal Film Festival for the Young with joint NU-Q/DFI events and screenings. For more information visit www.qatar.northwestern.edu.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

American Women’s Association International Holiday Bazaar Sat 9: Grand Hyatt Doha. From 12:00 noon till 8:00 p.m. Celebrate Doha’s largest holiday shopping event. Advance tickets are QR 10 or QR 20 upon entrance. For more information visit www.internationalholidaybazaar.org or email holidaybazaar2013@gmail.com.

Sat 9: InterContinental Doha The City. From 9:00 am till 3:00 pm. Offered in partnership with the Qatar Professional Women’s Network and several leading recruitment agencies. A How Women Find Work event, they are offering a potent accumulation of experience in finding jobs here in Doha. Join in for a day of inspiration and motivation, advice and hands-on practice. Leave the conference with a new and improved CV and lots of inside knowledge about the job market in Qatar. Whether you’re married or single, Qatari or expatriate, fresh graduate or experienced professional, there will be a lot on offer for you. Tickets are on sale now for only QR 150 each at Virgin Megastores or online at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me.

Northwestern University Qatar ‘Emerging Journalists From The Muslim World Report’ Nov 4-6: A panel lecture, workshop and class visits with special guests from the Pulitzer Center in Washington, D.C. For more information visit www.qatar.northwestern.edu.

Community

By Jessica Furseth

With one of the highest social media user-rates in the GCC, Qatar is leading the way online. From Facebook, to Twitter, to local online news outlets, Qatar’s residents are finding a platform to make their voices heard. QH logs on to find out the impact it’s having on the way we connect

s the internet is becoming a part of daily life in Qatar, Twitter is well on its way to becoming the venue of choice for exchanging ideas. 3.8% of the Qatari population now uses Twitter, according to the Arab Social Media Report from the Dubai School of Government, a rise from just 1.5% two years ago. A search on Twitter reveals the Damien Hirst exhibition in Doha and the 2022 World Cup

as the two biggest topics in Qatar at the time of writing. But tomorrow’s search may reveal something completely different as a usergenerated space such as Twitter has a knack of breaking news and tapping into public sentiment far earlier than any established news source. “The Twitter community in Qatar is still fairly small, but growing. Those who use it know it’s invaluable: it’s a key source of news, events,

and ever-changing views here,” says Victoria Scott, assistant editor of Doha News. Tweeting at @ToryScott, she hopes to see more people in Qatar join Twitter, as she considers it a great leveler.”I’ve met so many people from so many different countries on Twitter, and it’s how I’ve met all my Qatari friends,” she says. “It helps us bypass our individual cliques. Twitter is a great example of multiculturalism and cultural exchange at work.”

Especially for an international community like Qatar, Twitter can provide an invaluable shortcut for meeting like-minded people who move in different social circles. And while Twitter will be a brilliant venue for introductions, the biggest reward often comes when people put away their computers or mobile phones and continue the conversation over a cup of coffee. This was the thought behind Doha Tweetups, an online community aimed at linking people together for offline events. “@DohaTweetups was founded to bring the community together. A great many partnerships have been formed and we’ve brightened many individuals’ futures with our events,” says Hani Arif, who co-founded Doha Tweetups in 2010. The project has grown from a handful of people meeting in a café, to a few thousand and growing. “The mission remains the same: offering something of value to the people who attend. We’ve also started taking on interns to nurture them into becoming event and social media professionals.” Tweetup events take place around once a month, either as basic networking nights or as speaker events focused on specific issues such as sustainability, sports, and technology. The events attract people from all walks of life, as anyone can come along. “Doha101 is an annual event where we target newcomers to the city by giving them a chance to hook up with volunteer-

intensive community organizations,” adds Arif, who tweets at @HaniArif. Qatar now ranks first among Arab states in terms of internet availability, according to the UN’s development index, which puts Qatar in 30th place globally. Qatar is also hard at work at improving its broadband infrastructure, intending to invest US $550 million over the next five years to provide affordable and reliable high-speed internet for all its two million inhabitants, according to the UNESCO Broadband Commission. Increasingly, Qatari businesses are braving Twitter in a capacity that goes beyond advertising to also interact directly with the public. The W Hotel (@WDoha) is one example of how a company’s direct dealing with people over social media fosters positive feedback, and Bread & Bagels (@BreadAndBagels) now even takes orders via Twitter. While facing customers directly on Twitter can lead to criticism, businesses are waking up to the fact that direct contact can be beneficial for customer relations when issues are handled openly and swiftly. Not all issues can be solved via 140 characters though, as Arif notes: “Even before the end of summer, people started tweeting how they dreaded the traffic would be bad. Nowadays, Twitter becomes a traffic channel in the morning, and in the evening it becomes more about burning and gaining calories.”

As Twitter enables instant publication, it’s also a place to voice more controversial and critical opinions. Frustration over traffic jams due to construction is one recurring topic, and a search at the time of writing shows the issue of conditions for migrant workers remains hotly discussed. Arif believes people will usually exercise self-censorship, before adding that the most prominently critical voices on Twitter rarely depend solely on their day jobs and hence are less concerned about what their bosses may think. When it comes to sensitive topics, Scott believes people in Qatar are usually a little worried about speaking out, regardless of what forum they’re in. These fears are usually unfounded though, she adds: “As a journalist here, this is something I’m very familiar with. Having said that, I think Twitter users in Qatar are pretty free with their views, and I’ve certainly witnessed many a plain-speaking, outspoken argument.” While the quick and easy nature of social media adds an air of informality, accounts such as ‘Mr Q’ at @iLoveQatar show how Twitter can be used to voice a mix of news, insights, trivia and critical opinion. As increasingly more people in Qatar are discovering Twitter as a source for information, connection and occasionally blowing off some steam, the forum is becoming not just a medium of expression but also one for organization. n

Community

Level Up

By Mai Akkad Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of The Gaming Lounge

Are you a video game junkie? Do you want to meet with people who share your passion and even compete at an international level? If so, The Gaming Lounge may be the right place for you.

t is not unusual to see parents running out of options for places to take their children during weekends or leisure time. However, with the recent opening of The Gaming Lounge (TGL), the venue is already proving to be popular among youngsters.

Gamers who are interested in more privacy can also rent the VIP room for QR 100 per hour. “We encourage lady gamers as well,” said Fahad Qureshi, TGL partner. “We have a few lady gamers and they participate in tournaments.”

Located in Al Sadd next to Commercial Bank, the dim-lit, state-of-the-art lounge is open 24/7. For only QR 15 per hour, gamers can play any PS3, Xbox, Nintendo Wii and/or PC for online gaming or LAN parties. Monthly memberships are also available for QR 800, where members can play for up to 65 hours. After that, any additional hours in front of the console will cost only QR 5.

TGL holds tournaments on a weekly basis. The tournament awards gamers with not only prizes but also ranking points that allows them to turn professional and participate in international competitions. TGL will sponsor the gamers with the highest-ranking points to represent Qatar in tournaments across the Middle East.

Intense focus and sore thumbs are the hallmarks of a hardcore

TGL CEO, David Brodine says, “We want to offer an entertainment service that’s a low price for a high-quality return on experience. From competing in a Call Of Duty tournament to just wanting to use an individual PC and hang out with some friends while playing.”

What Do The Gamers Say? The lounge is now home to a diverse group of customers. We talked to some regular gamers about their experience TGL so far.

gamer

Gaming Lounge owner and founder David Brodine (far right) rewards some tournament champions with the latest Call Of Duty video game.

Mohamed Al-Romaihi, an 18-year old from Qatar, has been a regular customer since TGL opened. “It’s really social here,” he says. “My friends come in here and we play all sorts of games...we get all kinds of fun that we need as teenagers.” 16-year old Steeve Boulamd from France is impressed by the intensity of the competition in TGL. “The level here is so high. It’s much better to play here than at home because I can improve my level.” His fellow French friend Theo Coing-Boyat agrees that playing against other gamers in TGL is more beneficial than playing at home. “I used to play a lot of video games at home,” he says. “I think it’s better to play here (TGL) because the competition is higher. I hope to represent Qatar one day.” Also, 18-year-old, Yousef Abdual Hawa from Palestine did not have an easy pass when he competed against the staff members. “It was a neck-to neck battle. They are highly skilled.” And for 18-year-old Ahmed Osama from Egypt, he finds the lounge a place where he can relate to other like-minded people. “When you come here, you don’t feel alienated because everyone enjoys

Each cubicle at The Gaming Lounge allows for maximu m privacy and minimum distraction during the heat of competi tion

video games, whereas at home my family would look at me as if I am weird,” he says. Whether it’s the socializing, the competition or just a meeting place that you could relate to, TGL seems to cater to all the different needs that youngsters look for when they’re out having fun.

Safety Parents needn’t be worried about their children’s safety when they drop them at the lounge. TGL is the first non-smoking gaming centre that offers a clean and comfortable environment for all types of gamers. There are also CCTV cameras installed in several places in the building. In addition, TGL has zero tolerance to inappropriate language and misbehaviour.

Future Goals TGL’s goal is to be the main venue for all PS3, Xbox, Nintendo Wii and PC professional gaming here in Qatar. With over 70 gaming stations and the current most up-to-date accessories needed for highly competitive gaming, TGL will develop and recognize all the top talent that Qatar has in the gaming industry. As David Brodine says, “Our goal as a company is to offer another side of entertainment to Doha and be a part of the future of Qatar throughout its growing youth from now into the next 20 years.” n For more information call 4414-6073 or visit www.TGLQatar.com or The Gaming Lounge TGL Facebook page.

Community

The More You Know By Ashlee Starratt

November 15 marks World Diabetes Day, so we thought it was time to shed some more light on the issue of the disease in Qatar. We spoke with Dr. Amal M. Adam of the Qatar Diabetes Association who had some important advice to help you on your way to being the healthiest you can be. QH: Due to increased awareness and a greater push for healthier lifestyles, would you say thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a decline in diabetes diagnoses in Qatar?

QH: Are there special services for children who have Type 1 diabetes in Qatar? (Education programs, diabetes management, etc.)

Dr. A: Yes indeed, through the awareness programs for people with diabetes and people at risk there is a greater push for healthier lifestyles in reducing the risk for diabetes as well as delaying or preventing the complications [from] diabetes.

Dr. A: There are different programs organized by the QDA. We have programs for the newlydiagnosed [where] itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done by meeting the parents and the child, and then the second session is done in groups called support groups. The groups have proved to be successful in managing all the issues that might happen. Also, we have annual international camps which are mainly educational. These programs build confidence and motivate people with diabetes to do self-management.

QH: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 11 diabetes? Dr. A: Type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent while Type 2 diabetes there is insulin secretion from the pancreas but due to resistance it is not effective to control the blood glucose levels. QH: What are some of the risk factors for diabetes and what are some of the easiest ways to reduce those risks? Dr. A: Risk factors are obesity, family history of diabetes and physical inactivity. Studies have proven that people who do not lead an active life are at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

The QDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dr. Amal M. Adam

QH: Tell us about some of the activities the Qatar Diabetes Association has in store for November? Dr. A: There is the Diabetes at Work program on November 11 at The Pearl-Qatar, risk assessment clinics set up on November 20 at Northwestern University and the Diabetes Awareness Program for boys (November 25) and girls (November 27) scheduled to be held at Qatar University. n

To learn more about living with or managing diabetes and healthy lifestyle tips for prevention, visit the Qatar Diabetes Association website at www.qda.org.qa.

Special Promotion

Former British military officers Sam Instone and John Viney left the forces behind to pursue careers in financial consulting. The result? The successful AES International

AES International

Lands In Doha What do you feel when you hear the term ‘financial planning’? Excited about tackling the next stages of your life with confidence, or apprehensive perhaps because you may find out things you didn’t want to know? AES International can help.

hen dealing with unfamiliar subjects many individuals reach for a reference guide – often Google! Our experience is that with such an individual, and important issues as financial security and independence, there can be no ‘off-the-shelf’ instruction manual. As a result, financial strategies may often be developed and based on fear, misinformation from sales agents, or ignorance - all of which rarely lead to any positive outcomes. This can be accentuated when working overseas as the laws, regulations and protective structures within developed economies simply don’t exist in many less developed markets. As a result people are left feeling very frustrated, short-changed and fearful about their long-term financial security. Our view at AES is that no one knows as much about your finances as you do. As such, you need to be the Chief Executive of your own financial destiny and a financial advisor should act as your Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Your CFO uses their professional knowledge to help inform, advise and guide you to develop your own financial road map based on your specific situation. This encompasses many aspects such as attitude to investment risk and your objectives, using the CFO’s skills in taxation, budgeting, investments, forecasting, product types/availability and financial planning.

Initially, it’s key to make sure your finances are structured properly. The ‘ABC’ rule of all expatriate financial planning is that if you come from country A and live in country B – make sure you bank in country C. A good advisor will be able to tell you what sort of bank and what sort of jurisdiction will suit your needs and probably be able to help you open an account within a few days. They will typically make sure your existing financial position is adequately protected by ensuring your will is valid, estate planning is in place, your finances are tax-efficient and insurance correct before talking about any form of savings and investments.

About AES AES International was formed by Sam Instone, CEO, and John Viney, COO, two British military officers who, unhappy with the practices of the international financial services environment they had entered into, set about creating a new firm whose mission would be to introduce positive change into the international marketplace. The AES ethos evolved as they sought to move away from the then accepted and established industry norms, to pioneer a new business model based upon the strong core cultural values of complete transparency, high-quality service, teamwork, clear leadership and a clientfirst approach.

Initially specializing in advising clients in highrisk locations and professions with services such as specialized private banking and insurance, they then broadened their reach to advise all clients with multi-jurisdictional, cross-border, offshore, expatriate, inpatriate and UK-domiciled needs. AES is now a UK-based PLC-structured company operating globally, with offices in Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Dubai and Qatar. Today AES is a multi-award-winning company recognized by Sir Richard Branson, Ernst & Young, and Lord Young, Enterprise Advisor to David Cameron. AES Private Client Advisors help clients all over the world, with their financial planning needs, savings and investments, including (but not limited to) health and life assurance, education fee planning and, retirement planning. On a corporate level, they assist many companies with business insurance, corporate planning, private banking and international employee benefits. AES International Financial Services LLC opened its doors in September 2012 to export UK best practice, under the AES umbrella, into Qatar. Licensed by the Qatar Ministry of Economy and Trade to provide investment consultancy service, the Qatar office is located in the Commercial Bank Plaza in Doha’s Education City. For more information or details email advice@aesinternational.com or visit www.financial-advice.qa n

ubity Listings mm Clun Co Kids RECOMMENDS

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

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

Doha Players

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

Egyptian Women’s Association

LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride

Sat 2: Harley-Davidson Shop. The Ladies of Harley meet the first Saturday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the dealership on Salwa Road. Any female Harley-Davidson enthusiast, either rider or passenger, who enjoys socializing and becoming involved with like-minded women can become a member. For more information visit the Ladies Of Harley Facebook page.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

THE DOHA PLAYERS 40th Annual Pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk

IAID Visual Arts

Nov 27-30: Qatar National Theatre. The Doha Players are pleased to present their 40th annual pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. For more information email admin@thedohaplayers.com or visit www.thedohaplayers.com/panto.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY QATAR NU-Q Symposium: ‘The Rise And Impact Of Big Data’ Nov 18-19: For more information visit www.qatar.northwestern.edu.

DOHA MUMS Mums2MumProgram

The Mum2Mums program is designed to assist mums and anyone else who needs a short-term loan of baby/toddler equipment or could use some ‘moving to Doha’ advice. It also provides incoming residents with a direct line to mums who are here on the ground and have volunteered to answer questions and offer opinions about specific subjects, such as nurseries, schools, compounds and areas of town. Don’t have everything you need for your sister’s visit? The Mum2Mum Borrow program allows you to borrow pieces of equipment, such as car seats, travel cots, high chairs and strollers in return for a donation to the Doha Mums Children’s Library. For more information www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

Sat-Thurs: IAID Hilal St., Al Tadamom Signal, D-Ring Road. The Visual Arts program is a progressive course for Beginners, Intermediates and Advance that covers colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information visit www.iaidonline.org.

DOHA MUMS Depression Support Group

Wed: For those of you who are feeling low and don’t know what is wrong and need someone to talk with please join us every first Wednesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon at our Depression Support Group. This group will by no means be a cure but it will hopefully give you someone to talk to and let you know where to get professional help. Please get in touch if you could use the support of others who are in the same boat; together we can talk through this! For more information email dsg@dohamums.com.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

5572-4171

French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467

Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052

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

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598

Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Canadians In Qatar

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

Kids Club

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Ray’s Reef Entertainment For Kids

Café Ceramique Ceramic Painting Sat-Thurs: The Mall. Who said you can’t paint your cup and drink from it too? This is a great place to take children to paint their own ceramics. Come join the fun Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon. For more information call 4467-1100.

Doha Mums Mums Night Out Feel like a night out but don’t know very many people in Doha? Want to go out with friends but aren’t sure where to go? Then come join the Doha Mums for a Mum’s Night Out every month at a fun location. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

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Ghanem Gardens Playgroup Baby & Toddler Play Mondays: Come and join our friendly mother and baby/ toddler playgroup from 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. at Ghanem Gardens Club House located behind the Radisson Blu and adjacent to The Centre Mall. There are a good range of toys for the children to choose from, a weekly art activity will be set up and each session will end with a sing-a-long. The charge is QR 15 per child and includes a tea or coffee. Snacks are available for purchase. For more information email Lena Kaminskas at lena.ontheroad@rambler.ru or visit www.thewordinqatar.com/kids/play-groups.

Sat-Fri: Royal Plaza. Ray’s Reef has become one of the most popular entertainment facilities for babies, toddlers and young children in Qatar. Ray’s Reef is all about fun and creativity. Ray the sting-ray is the boss of the reef, and if you’re lucky, you may see him visiting at times. Ray’s other friends can also be sighted including the glamour girl Polka Dot Polly, the Octopus Big Al, the friendly shark Chocky, the cheeky star fish Elvis, the cool lobster and Helen the very shy Hermit. Opening hours are: Sun-Wed, 12:00 noon till 10:00 p.m. (earlier during school holidays, but call to check first); Thursday 12:00 noon till 11:00 p.m.; Friday 3:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. Private school visits are available during the week. For more information call 4413-0000 or 4413-1122.

Mums The Word Events H2O Swimming Lessons Fall Term: ASD Outdoor Pool & InterContinental Hotel Pool. Mums The Word has partnered with H2O to organize swimming lessons for kids. All lessons start immediately and the term lasts for 3 months. Group A: 8 months to 3 years old, Saturdays, 8:45 a.m. till 9:15a.m, QR 600.Group B: 2 years to 3 ½ years old, Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m., QR 600. Group C, Age Groups: 8 months to 2 years old, Sundays, 9:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m., QR 750. For more information visit www.h2oswimclub.com.

Kids Club

Listen Up!

By Jacqueline Bodnar

With the cold and flu season in full swing, it’s not uncommon for young children to come down with ear infections as a secondary effect of a virus or bacteria. For concerned parents, we bring you ten things you need to know when caring for a sick child whose ears just won’t stop aching.

s the cooler months roll in, parents across the country will not only experience hot chocolate and cold noses; they will also handle their fair share of ear infections. Whether your child has already experienced one or you haven’t yet seen the first, it’s a good idea to know a little about them so you’re prepared. As parents, we may not be able to stop them from happening, but we can be at the ready when they do. Here are 10 things to know about ear infections: 1. Ear infections are the most common reason that young children visit the doctor and receive antibiotics, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. It’s so common, in fact, that roughly 90 percent of all children will experience one before they begin school, with them happening most often between the ages of six months and four years. 2. There are two kinds of ear infection: acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME). The most common type is OME, which often follows viral infections and colds, and usually clears up on its own. 3. Ear infection signs and symptoms may include pain, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, fever, trouble hearing, balance problems and ear drainage. If your child has liquid coming out

of their ears, which may look clear, yellowish or even slightly bloody, it’s probably not an emergency, but you should take them to the pediatrician. 4. Usually, ear infections go away on their own without treatment. But if they are severe or recurring, a trip to the doctor’s is warranted. Some children may need pain relief, as well as antibiotics. 5. Some natural remedies may provide relief for ear infections that are not severe. If there is no high fever, severe pain or complications, consider trying a natural product like Hyland’s Homeopathic Earache Drops or Tablets, which can be purchased over the counter in most pharmacies. Another option is to press a warm water bottle against the ear. Before using herbal remedies, consult your doctor first. 6. Those with ear infections, or those who have just gotten over them, need to be especially careful while swimming, because water pollutants can enter the ear and create complications. The best thing to do is avoid swimming until the ear is completely healed after draining. 7. If your doctor says that your child has experienced an ear rupture,

they are referring to a condition called ruptured acute otitis media. This is when there is drainage that comes from the ear canal, which can last for a couple of days. During the time that it’s draining, gently wipe off what you can, but do not put anything down inside the ear to clean it out. 8. Ear infections are caused when the Eustachian tubes become clogged and then swollen, causing a build-up of fluid. Many things can cause them, including colds, sinus infections, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, allergies, and the excessive saliva and mucus that is present during teething. There’s also a higher risk for them if children drink from a sippy-cup or bottle while lying down. 9. Ear infections themselves are not contagious. What is contagious, however, is the virus that brought it on, such as a cold, flu or respiratory infection. 10. Swimmer’s ear, known as otitis externa, is an ear infection usually brought on by spending a lot of time in the water. You can help to prevent this by wearing ear plugs when swimming, and drying the ears after getting out of the water, by using a low-setting hair dryer held about a foot away from the ears, or tipping the head to one side to allow the water to drain out. n

Kids Club

Kitchen Creations

Grab a spoon and dig in!

Images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha

This month celebrity Chef Elias from Opal by Gordon Ramsay is sharing his recipe for easy hand-whipped vanilla ice cream with scrumptious cinnamon bread. Yum!

arents, fear not! No ice-cream machine is needed for this recipe, just some strong arm muscles and a few minutes is all it takes to whip together this delicious dessert. For a special treat, serve the ice cream on top of warm cinnamon bread with chopped nuts and your favourite chopped fruit.

Easy Hand-Whipped Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Ingredients: • 2 cups heavy cream • 1 xcup whole milk • 2/3 of a cup white sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 vanilla bean (this makes the ice cream super-delicious) • Enough ice to fill 1 large mixing bowl

To Make The Ice Cream: You will need one large mixing bowl, one medium mixing bowl and a whisk. Fill the large bowl with ice and put the smaller bowl on top. This will help create a creamy smooth texture similar to an ice cream machine.

In the smaller bowl put the cream, milk, vanilla extract and vanilla bean and whisk until blended and smooth or until your arms hurt! (It might be good to take it in turns with someone.) Once mixed, cover with clear wrap and put in the freezer for an hour or until firm, then it’s ready to eat! Garnish with your favourite topping – Chef Elias recommends chocolate sauce, nuts and fresh fruit. For an extra special dessert you can scoop the ice cream on top of delicious cinnamon bread.

To Make Scrumptious Cinnamon Bread: Ingredients: • 1 slice of bread, crusts removed • 1 teaspoon butter • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder • 3 tablespoons of milk

Cut the crusts off the bread or cut into a circle with a cookie cutter. Put the milk and cinnamon into a shallow bowl and add the bread. Turn

Chef Elias mixes up a storm with a bowl of homemade ice cream

once and let soak while you melt butter in a frying pan. Once the butter is hot carefully add the soaked bread and cook until brown, turning over so it’s cooked on both sides. Top with homemade ice cream and your other favourite toppings -- things like crushed nuts and chopped fresh fruit. n

Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading & Contracting Co. W.L.L. Bilal Tower, Al Ashmeck Area, 11th 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

Kids Club

s y a D n u F y l i Fam By Charlie Sands Images courtesy of Sealine Beach Resort

Getting away from it all doesn’t require a plane or even a fourby-four. Kick back at Sealine Beach Resort and you can enjoy a pristine convenience, a very nice brunch and a sun lounger by the sea.

ridays, a day for washing your worries away and putting the stresses and strains of the working week behind you. A day to unwind and let the whole family blow off some steam. This month’s day out review really couldn’t have come quickly enough for the Sands’ family who wanted a truly relaxing experience in a place that was both kid and adult-friendly and preferably as far away from the big city as possible.

Getting There It’s an easy trek from Doha – just head towards the Old Airport Road then turn right on Al Matar Road adjacent to the airport and head for Al Wakra; keep going straight through the town

With its Arabian-style feel Sealine is the perfect weekend getaway

and on to Messaieed. Once in Messaieed take a right at the first roundabout then go straight through two roundabouts and right at the third roundabout, following the sign for Sealine Beach Road. Keep going on this road through two more roundabouts and across a big highway. Just keep going following signs for Sealine Beach straight on and after a while you’ll leave Messaieed behind and travel a few kilometres further on until you get to the end of the hard road where the sands dunes begin. Here you turn left for the resort, (it’s straight on to visit the beach, which is nice enough but has no facilities).

On Arrival When you get to the gate you can pay the security guards for your entrance. For adults and children over 10 it’s QR 135 on weekends or QR 235 for your entrance with a seafood buffet. During the week (Sunday to Thursday) the entrance fee costs QR 65 per adult and children over 10. An alternative to the indoor international restaurant is the Italian restaurant by the family pool serving pizzas and pastas. A word to the wise regarding food – you’re not allowed to bring your own food into Sealine Beach Resort and although in the past plenty

Enjoy a balcony dinner with a view of the seashore

of people have done this and got away with it, these days you are likely to be told to take your food out by the on-site security guards.

What You Get For Your Money

Kayaks can be rented for family fun

Did you know that Sealine Beach Resort is one of the older hotels in Doha, being 18 years of age? Still the facilities are well-kept and the lay-out of the recreation area is easy and accessible. Once you’re through the lobby and into the outside again you’ll have a choice of two pools; well, three actually if you count the baby pool. There’s a single and couples pool to the right-hand side and a family pool and baby pool to the left. There are plenty of sun loungers with umbrellas to spread out on, whether you like to be pool-side, beach-side or further away from the noise - it’s up to you.

I’d certainly recommend it for an overnight stay whether you want some time off with friends or as a family. In fact the resort is well-known for its weekenders and its parties, making it hard to get a room on weekends and holidays, so book early if you’re considering over-nighting at the resort. Other facilities include a reasonable-sized gym and a spa with a range of treatment options, plus two tennis courts which, (according to my better half who had a game there), are in reasonable condition.

Cleverly the baby pool and part of the big family pool are shaded which means during hot weather or the middle of the day you can stay out of the sun. There’s also a playground, and not to mention the beach to keep those little ones happy and, preferably, tired out by the end of the day. I spotted but didn’t partake in a shisha bar, and the resort is also licensed if you want to have a beverage during your visit. Also worth mentioning is the evening entertainment which includes special movie nights for kids and live band music at the Zouk Lounge. For us the location, the facilities and the seafood brunch were just what the doctor ordered and our kids had a ball playing in the pools and up and down the slides. The location is what makes Sealine Beach Resort so appealing, because you can stare off into the big blue yonder and really feel like you’re a million miles away.

And before I forget, for the truly adventurous of spirit, the real action takes place down on the beach where you can go horse-riding, camel-riding, jet-skiing, and...wait for it... sky-boarding. Yes, even our toddler gawped in amazement and shrieked with delight at this weird-looking pastime not knowing whether to say “boat”, “car”, or “plane”, he eventually chose to say “wow”. Clearly these activities cost extra and here is the information on prices I got at the time of writing. The horse and camel-riding costs QR 200 per hour, banana boating costs QR 400 per hour, jet skiing costs QR 500 – QR 800 per hour depending on the capacity of the jet-ski. Sky-boarding meanwhile costs QR 1,500 per hour. Dune-bashing is also available through a third party called Sand Dunes at the entrance to the resort.

The Score Is Out It was a great day out and we all enjoyed it. The staff were friendly and accommodating and the facilities were ideal for our family. I think with older kids you could explore some of the more adventurous activities, perhaps even try out some dune-bashing or dune-buggying too. All in all I’d give Sealine Beach Resort a resounding 9 out of 10 for the three F’s – family friendliness, facilities and food. n Sealine Beach Resort Prices: QR 135 day pass for adults on weekends, children under 10 are free QR 65 day pass for adults on weekdays, children under 10 are free Bed and breakfast from QR 1,250 to QR 4,250 on weekends Bed and breakfast from QR 850 to QR 3,250 on weekdays Spa treatments can be booked in advance and cost between QR 350 for foot reflexology to QR 1,050 for the Amouge package, a luxury pampering treatment lasting a full two hours. Sealine Beach Resort also offers annual membership plans for its outdoor facilities, gym and tennis courts and costs QR 10,000 for families, QR 8,000 for couples and QR 6,000 for singles.

Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS

DOHA MUMS Expectant And New Mums Night Out

Looking to meet other expectant mums, or mums with small babies? Or just looking for an excuse to have a night out with new friends? Let’s meet for a chance to talk and get advice. Being a new mum can be scary and wonderful; it’s always nice to talk to people that are going through the same things as you. Venue to be determined. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

THE TALENT CENTER Classes And Programs

Weekdays: Arabic-Speaking Lessons For Expats: Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.; Lebanese Cuisine: Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.; Photography For Ladies: Mondays from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. QR 120 per lesson or QR 500 per 5 consecutive lessons. Jewelry And Ornaments For Teen Girls: Tuesday from 6:30p.m. till 7:30p.m.; Photography For Teen Girls: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m., QR 500 for 8 sessions. For more information e-mail kids@thetalentscenter.com.qa.

DOHA MUMS Breastfeeding Support Group

Wednesdays: Please join us on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. for a chat and receive some support for nursing your baby. Some find it tough, others find it easy – it’s nice to meet other moms who feel the same. Babies and their siblings of any age are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

DOHA MUMS Children’s Library

The Doha Mums Children’s Library is relocating to a new site in Al Jazi Compound. The library contains more than 4,500 books for children up to age 12. Members are invited to come read, browse, borrow and return books! Open three days per week. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

DOHA MUMS New Arrivals Night Out

Have you been in Doha for less than a few years? Or are you a new mum? Join other newbies for a casual dinner. Mums only please - no babies or kids. Takes place the first week of every month. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

Food & Dining

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

The Ritz-Carlton Doha Thursday Thanksgiving Barbecue

The Diplomatic Club Spanish Brunch Fridays: Le Grill. Every Friday starting Oct 25 enjoy a rich and fantastic Spanish buffet with tapas, paella and many other traditional Spanish dishes for only QR 160 including water and excluding any other beverages from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7412 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

Mövenpick Hotel Doha Thanksgiving To Go Nov: Throw a lavish dinner party and dazzle your guests with an unforgettable Thanksgiving spread without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply order your meal and let the chefs prepare it to perfection. From whole roasted turkey to pumpkin pies, sit back and relax, they’ve got it covered. For more information call 4429-1111.

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The Torch Doha Barbecue Bazaar Brunch Fridays: The Flying Carpet. Choose from a wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, burgers and hot dogs for QR 195 per person including selected beverages . From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. Special rate of QR 95 for children between the ages of 6 and 12 only. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

Nov 28: The Lagoon. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude over family gatherings and holiday meals; a time for turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Take the family out for a lavish Thanksgiving barbecue and relish those quality moments. QR 240 per portion including soft beverages; QR 315 per portion including bubbly beverages; QR 120 for kids ages 4-12 years old. Children under the age of 4 can dine for free. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8512 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Enjoy Thanksgiving Nov 28: Aramede. Celebrate Thanksgiving by enjoying a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner buffet at Aramede, including your traditional favourites and live entertainment. QR 170 per adult, QR 85 per child (6-12 years) including juices, local mineral water and soft drinks. Children under age 6 dine free of charge. QR 299 per adult including house beverages. For more information call 4408-7777.

Food & Dining

A Touch Of Class By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

From signature steaks to succulent pumpkin soup and salads, The St. Regis Doha’s Astor Grill adds glamour to flavour. QH has our knife and fork at the ready.

stor Grill at the St. Regis Doha is a slick affair, where diners can enjoy some truly great cuts of meat amidst an elegant, chic décor. The dining room is comfy, featuring black, red and grey furniture and walls. The open kitchen offers up a prime view at the chef’s table – a high-end counter-style arrangement where hungry patrons can see their food prepared right in front of them. It’s one of the most exclusive areas in the restaurant, aside from the private VIP dining room nestled away at the rear of the space. Chef Rudy Petersen greets us and makes sure we’re seated comfortably at the chef’s table. Delightfully charming, he personally places every plate in front of us, explaining the ingredients and method of preparation and engaging in some nice meal-time chit-chat. This personal touch adds to the quality of service to be found at the Grill. First up, we’re served a crunchy, fresh Waldorf salad with green apple, walnut, celery and blue cheese. It’s mouth-watering and the fusion of flavours is fantastic. This is followed by a baby pumpkin soup with black truffle and Parmesan cheese. It’s absolutely divine and one of the best silky, yet hearty bowls we’ve tasted in a while. Our feast continues with a crab mini-burger and a platter of beef carpaccio. We’ve never had a crab burger before, but we’re feeling adventurous and are pleasantly surprised at how delicious it is. The chunks of crab meat are tender and the patty melts in your mouth, while rounding out the flavours are some crispy sweet potato pomme frites with a side of tartar sauce.

Astor Grill’s luxe interior is awash in rich, warm tones

The carpaccio is just as tasty, topped with vibrant pesto and fragrant shaved horseradish.

For our mains we settle on an Angus strip-loin. Like the starters, the main course is beautifully presented with a side of mashed potato, with both the meat and veg cooked to perfection. Seared medium-rare, the cut is beautiful, tender and robust, accompanied with a béarnaise and pepper sauce. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the steaks. After a bit of a rest between courses, it’s time for dessert. We’re already full, but when Chef Rudy presents the offering we can’t resist. By far the most visually unique dessert creation we’ve seen, it’s a cheesecake in the form of a cigar with shortbread cookies in the shape of matches tipped with red chocolate. Rich, decadent and filling it’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Overall our dinner experience at Astor Grill was top-notch, and really it’s hard to expect anything less from The St. Regis’ team. The service was high-end and the restaurant is a pleasure to visit for the ambiance, décor and amazing food. Next time you go, be sure to say “Hi” to Chef Rudy – he’ll make you feel right at home. n Astor Grill Location: The St. Regis Doha Timings: 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: QR 420 Smoking: At the bar area only Licensed: Yes

A lively presentation: cheesecake cigar and shortbread matches

Truffle-laced pumpkin soup

Garnished with sprigs of rosemary the Angus striploin begs to be sliced

Food & Dining

Happiness on a plate: banana and nutella crêpes

Morning Magic By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

We kick-start our day with breakfast at Aspire Grand Café, celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. Whether you want to bask in the sun over coffee, or enjoy a fresh plate of sunny-side ups, it’s an ideal spot to forget the daily grind.

irds chirp, sunlight reflects off still water, and there’s not a car engine to be heard for miles. This is one of the perks of the Aspire Grand Café; with its prime location in the heart of Aspire Park there’s something to be said for the back-to-nature peace and quiet. Today we’re here early – 9:30 a.m. and the sun is already heating up the day, filtering in through the windows to reflect off the natural wood beams that line the ceiling and bounce off the slabs of slate that line the serving counter. We’ve been told that breakfast is one of the best times to experience a tranquil start to the day at Aspire Grand, so we tuck into one of the comfy tables by the window and get settled. The menu is simple, but each dish is health-conscious and hearty. We start with some freshly-squeezed orange juice, pulp and all, plus some piping hot lattes to jolt us awake. Right off the bat Chef Anoop treats us to a variety of warm pastries, baked fresh and brought from the bakery at Katara early that morning. There’s pain au chocolat, cheese croissants, fruit and cinnamon Danish and enough butter and jam to spread over all. The pastries are soft and pillowy and the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of caffeine. Next, Chef Anoop asks us how we like our eggs and brings us a selection to sample. There’s a turkey and cheese omelette and some bright

Fluffy, fresh and hot egg and cheese omelette

sunny-side ups served with chicken sausage and triangular wedges of hash brown potatoes. I splash some Tabasco hot sauce over my eggs and blob some generous lashings of ketchup on the side for the hash browns and dig in. The eggs are perfect – not too runny but not over-cooked either, and the chicken sausages are really some of the best we’ve tasted. I normally don’t like chicken sausage, finding it rubbery and flavourless but these ones are generously portioned, piping hot and smoky. The only thing that’s missing says the Canadian part of my brain, is a little bit of maple syrup! An assortment of delicious Danish

To finish we try their signature banana and nutella crêpes topped with slivered almonds. An amazing combination if there ever was one – the crêpe is airy and almost bubbles in my mouth, while the flavours of banana and hazelnut chocolate dance a tango with my taste buds. My only caveat? More nutella! If you ever find yourself wandering through Aspire Park with a gnawing in your belly, make the Aspire Grand Café your stop. In addition to their regular menu they also serve a wide variety of fresh, healthy sandwiches, sushi, salads, yogurt and fruit in their cold case for take-away. Grab and go, or stay and re-connect with the sunnier side of life for a while – the choice is yours. n

Aspire Grand Café Location: Aspire Park Timings: 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. (Sun-Wed) 7:00 a.m. till 12 midnight (Thurs-Sat) Average Meal Price: QR 8-QR 18 Smoking: No Contact: 4449-3900 or info@aspiregrandcafe.com www.aspiregrandcafe.com, www.facebook.com/Aspire.Grand.Cafe

Food & Dining

Choice At Their signature halo halo dessert is colourful and refreshing

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

With their grand opening last month in the Holiday Villa Hotel compound, Chowking, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group continues to reign supreme in the Oriental quick-food market here in Doha. We were there for the launch and tucked in to their famous flavours of the Philippines.

throughout the space. Particularly striking are artist Angelo Maristela’s large paintings that adorn the walls – you can’t miss the striking colours of the ‘Chili Overload’ mural! Hungry for some spice ourselves we’re finally seated and get ready to head to the special buffet line that’s been set up to celebrate the opening. Before we can join the queue, the attentive staff bring us over some special plates heaping with Chowking specialties.

We dig in to warm and fluffy vegetable rice, crispy chicken spring rolls, Canton noodles tossed with wilted bok choy and a crunchy piece of their fried chicken supreme. My favourite is a special dish brought to us by the chef of their signature chop suey – delicious pieces of chicken sausage and diced chicken liver mixed with stir-fried cabbage, bok choy, carrots and mushrooms in a savoury sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the vegetable rice, or poured over the Canton noodles.

The décor is vibrant, with the brand’s distinctive red tones splashed all over the walls and Asian-inspired scrollwork in the wood paneling

I’m too full to make the rounds for dessert, but I drink in the ambiance as diners float by our table with bowls of creamy leche flan – a sweet treat that’s a cross between a milk tart and a custard, and hunks of the chocolate celebration cake prepared specially for the grand opening. I make a mental note to come back another time for some of their famed halo halo dessert. As we make our exit, guests continue to stream

t’s opening night and there’s not a seat left in the house when we arrive at the new Chowking outlet in the Holiday Villa compound. Located at Entrance #7 on the hotel’s ground floor, the place is packed and the air is buzzing with the sound of cutlery clinking on plates and fragrant with the scent of hot food. Marking their fifth franchise in Doha this newest outlet is the largest, with seating for up to 150 plus a spacious banquet and party area.

in and as one group of diners leaves, another takes their place at the table. Without a doubt this newest Chowking location is sure to be a veritable gold-mine, catering to Doha’s large Filipino community in particular. It’s spacious, upscale and tastes, for many diners here tonight, like home. n Chowking Location: Holiday Villa Hotel (Entrance #7, Ground Floor, Muntaza) Salwa Road (near Radisson Blu Hotel) Al Saad St. (before Commercial Bank) Al Khor Mall, Al Khor (2nd floor food court area) Dar Al Salam Mall (Level 1, Mamoura) Timings: Holiday Villa location: 10:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m. (Sat-Thurs) 8:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. (Friday) All other locations: 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. Average Meal Price: QR 30-QR 50 Telephone: 4431-1212 (Delivery Hotline) 4411-5225/335 (Holiday Villa Hotel, Muntaza) 4437-1212 (Salwa Road) 4431-4411 (Al Saad St.) 4411-8816/4411-8817 (Al Khor) 4486-6077 (Mamoura)

Food & Dining

Word of Mouth

Contest winner Taimy Fiallo poses with Chef Linus Gomes

Photography by Jessie Palanca

This column is part of a monthly contest where we send one of our readers to experience a meal at a restaurant. It’s our way of giving the community a voice in our pages. This month Taimy Fiallo tucked in to the dinner menu at JW’s Steakhouse at the Doha Marriott. Here is her review. QH: What did you order?

QH: Describe the quality of the food.

TF: • Seafood bouquet • JW salad • Iceberg salad • Filet mignon, side order of asparagus • NY steak, side order of garlic mash potatoes • Cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

TF: The quality of the meat and side dishes were excellent. The JW salad was amazing, [but] the Iceberg salad could be better.

QH: Were the prices reasonable? TF: The prices were reasonable based on the quality of food and the location. •Seafood bouquet - QR 125 • JW salad - QR 75 • Iceberg salad - QR 50 • Filet mignon, side order of asparagus - QR 250 • NY steak, side order of garlic mash potatoes - QR 250 • Cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream - QR 50 QH: Describe the ambiance. TF: The ambiance of the restaurant is the expected fine steakhouse feel of dark wood and leather chairs. It was dark but at the same time lit enough to be very pleasant.

QH: Describe the quality of the service. TF: The service was excellent. The waiter was close enough to be attentive to our needs but far [away] enough to let us have a private conversation. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not?

The JW salad pleases both mea t and veggie-lovers

QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? TF: I personally liked the attention from the service staff. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how?

TF: I would definitely go back. QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? TF: The ambiance was my favourite part of the dinner. QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? TF: Everything was right on target; if there’s anything I would add it’s more options to the dessert cart.

TF: The overall experience was excellent. [But] adding some additional dessert items would make it better. n Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed in our reader reviews do not reflect in any way those of Qatar Happening Magazine’s staff, directors, management or Editor-in-Chief. All hotel PR food and beverage departments are aware of the content and receive a copy.

Food & Dining

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

What’s In A Name? By Gerald Tan Photography by Jessie Palanca

We forgo the traditional pumpkin this Thanksgiving in favour of a pie of a different sort – the whoopie pie. Add a little of fall’s favourite orange squash into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for whimsy.

y stage name is Rhubarb Santiago, Esquire. An identity revealed only to strangers, he is my alter ego: a polkadotted bowtie-clad gastronome who blitzes the globe recycling oil from deep fryers into engine fuel, composting food scraps into fertilizer, and making sure well-mannered kids receive secret ice cream treats in bed. Admittedly, R.S.,Esq. is not the most thrilling of superheroes. But on the basis of this name alone, it isn’t a stretch to imagine his being a gourmet at heart, saving the world one cupcake at a time. Names mean everything. The success of books, movies, even individuals often hinge upon a name. Marilyn Monroe shirked Norma Jeane Mortenson and became a top-billing screen siren. The culinary world is no different. It’s the reason we pay five dollars for milky coffee when it’s called a latte. The naming of dishes intrigues me infinitely. Often, there is no mucking around – order fish ‘n’ chips or chocolate cake, and you know what you’re getting. But then come such delights as the lyrically sibilant succotash (a corn and bean stew from the American South) or the blush-inducing British pudding spotted dick. It makes me stop to wonder how these names came to be. There seems to be a pattern. Where something comes from plays a role: hamburgers from Hamburg, Black Forest cake, the Singapore

Sling. Who started eating it is another: the 4th Earl of Sandwich ordered roast beef between toast; chef Alfredo Di Lelio created a pasta sauce of cream, butter and Parmesan; while ballerina Anna Pavlova received a dessert in her honour during a tour of the Antipodes. And then, curiously, how a food sounds. Bubble and squeak became the appropriate epithet for Sunday roast leftovers as they stewed away in a pan. But my favourite of these etymological tales is that of the whoopie pie. Half-cake, half-cookie and filled with a creamy centre, it’s said that Amish farmers would let out the jubilant cry “Whoopie!” whenever they discovered this hand-held dessert packed in their lunches. Whoopie pies are customarily made with a chocolate batter baked into small domes. Two mounds are then sandwiched together with a fluffy vanilla icing; heavenly with a glass of milk or for a sugar hit on the go. Another variant of whoopie pie involves a pumpkin base with cream cheese frosting. This confection emerges especially around now when pumpkins are abundant and particularly sweet. It’s easy to fall for the autumnal flavours punctuated by the earthiness of cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a hint of orange and this is a winner with afternoon tea. I could go on forever about the sheer mirth a whoopie pie can bring. But it’s only once you try it for yourself that you’ll know what I mean. Besides, the name alone says it all. n

Ingredients: 1kg pumpkin (or 2 cups of pureed pumpkin) 1 cup brown sugar ¾ cup sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground allspice or cloves 2 ounces butter 8 ounces cream cheese 2 cups icing sugar, sifted zest from 1 orange Instructions: Cut pumpkin into wedges. Remove seeds and bake for 45 minutes. Scoop out flesh from skin and use a blender to make a puree, adding water if necessary. When pumpkin puree is cool, whisk in sugars, oil, eggs and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients in a separate large mixing bowl. Then add puree and stir to combine. The batter should be thick and heavy. Drop batter into small mounds about 3 inches in diameter onto a greased baking sheet, leaving an inch of room between each mound. Bake at 180 degrees Celcius for 15 minutes, as the top of the cookie begins to crack. Remove from oven and cool completely. For the filling, beat butter to remove lumps. Add cream cheese and orange zest then continue beating until smooth. Gradually mix in icing sugar to combine. Put a dollop of cream cheese onto the centre of one cookie and sandwich with another, pressing together until the filling spreads to the edge. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Comments, feedback or Dosy Dora’s notso-secret recipes gladly welcome. For more dessert ideas, check out my website: www.boulangerry.com.

Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS zed categori ngs are sion is limited ti s li ll A l. Inclu e, with per hoteability of spac rtisers. il e a v v d a a to given to priority

THE GRAND HYATT The Aussie Promotion

Nov 1- 9: The Grill. A call-out to all Aussies in the city. Book a table now to enjoy an outstanding a la cartedinner menu created by Chef Adrian Ross of Hyatt Regency Perth who flew all the way from Australia to make guests feel at home in Doha. For more information call 7021-8093.

Melbourne Cup Breakfast

DOHA MARRIOTT Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov 28: Il Teatro. Celebrate the abundant joys and blessings of the season with a buffet spread where you can feast with family and friends, of course turkey and all its trimmings will be part of the evening. QR 260 (inclusive of soft drinks) and QR 380 (inclusive of vino). For more information call 4494-8888..

PROMOTIONS CHOWKING Value Meals

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

DOHA MARRIOTT Turkey To Go!

Nov 19-Dec 27: Whole roasted turkey to go! Relax this festive season and pre-order your festive turkeys, freshly prepared using only the finest ingredients for QR 790. For more information call 4429-8499.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov 28:The Gallery. Celebrate with the family this Thanksgiving with a lavish buffet featuring traditional turkey dishes, seasonal favourites and a warm atmosphere for QR 225 or QR 320 with bubbly. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

THE FOUR SEASONS White Truffle Dinner

Nov 7: Il Teatro.An exclusive dinner presenting ‘TartufoBiancod’Alba’ or Alba White Truffle for one night only. Experience a delectable four-course set menu for QR 500 with soft drinks or QR 700 with a premium vino pairing. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

HILTON DOHA Sommelier Night

Nov 19: La Sahtaine. Meet vino expert Julie Jackson, who is flying over for one evening to present the finest vinos of Chilean Casa Silva for the first time in Qatar. Book your table to enjoy a delectable four-course expertly prepared dinner that will accompany the superb selection, including the finest Casa Silva Altura.QR 395 per person including vino, four-course dinner, water and coffee.Starts at 7:30 p.m.For more information callcall 4423-3333

Thanksgiving Brunch

Nov 29: Mawasem. Join in for a marvelous Thanksgiving brunch at Mawasem restaurant. Indulge in a sumptuous buffet with family and friends served to live band music accompanied by amazing views of the pool and beach. Let the children enjoy fun activities at the Kidz Paradise. QR 250 per person including unlimited soft drinks orQR 360 per person including unlimited house beverages. For more information call 4423-3333.

Nov 5: The Grill. It’s that time of year for the race that stops the Australian nation. The Grill invites guests for a special breakfast to watch the famed Melbourne Cup and indulge in a great buffet with an inspired Australian menu by Chef Adrian Ross. For more information call 7021-8093.

Turkey-To-Go

Nov 14-29: Biscotti. Guests can celebrate Thanksgiving just like home, but without the hassle of getting all the required ingredients for the feast. Biscotti offers turkey with all the trimmings and gravy to-go according to your preferred size of turkey. For more information call 4448-1285.

Loi Krathong

Nov 17: Isaan. Guests are invited to celebrate the Thai Festival of Light at our favourite Thai restaurant. QR 280 or QR 395 with special beverages.Starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 7021-8097.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Turkey In A Box

November: Gourmet House. Enjoy a hassle-free celebration at home! Order a ready-made, warm, mouth-watering roast turkey with signature stuffing, vegetables, potatoes and sauce perfectly prepared by the culinary team of Kempinski. Please place your order 48 hours in advance. For more information, contact 4405-3326 or gourmet.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER AntinoriVino Pairing Dinner Nov 5: New York Steakhouse. Capturing the true essence of fine cuisine, French Chef Didier Quennouellecombines an innovative 5-course menu with Italian grapes for a night that’s sure to impress. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

Magnificent Mushrooms

Nov 7-20: New York Steakhouse. French Sous Chef Didier Quennouellecaptures the essence of this wild field delicacy by combining complementary flavours and natural ingredients in dishes such as warm tart of portobello mushrooms with burratta cheese and tarragon foam; mushrooms with white asparagus, soft egg and truffle vinaigrette. For more information call 4419-6100.

Succulent Lobster

Nov 14-27: Cucina. Chef MassimilianoAscione puts an Italian spin on this succulent seafood, with dishes such as lobster rucola and tarragon salad; lobster risotto with pumpkin, chives and hazelnuts; raviolini with lobster and porcini mushrooms; grilled lobster with foiegras; and traditional Thermidor lobster. Buon appetito! For more information call 4419-6100.

SHERATON DOHA Bella Italia

Nov-Jan: Dine with the Sheraton and when you spend a minimum of QR 500 you will have the chance to enter and win a 2-night stay at The Westin Excelsior in Florence, Italy. Raffle draw will be held on January 31, 2014. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov 28: Al Dana. Traditionally a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, this festival has become a grand family affair in the United States. Join in for a four-course Thanksgiving dinner of roast turkey with all the trimmings, pumpkin pie and more as we celebrate good fortune and friends. Four-course set menu for QR 280. From 6:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m. For more information visit www.facebook.com/sharqvillageandspa.

Take-Away Turkey

Nov 28: Al Jalsa. Why cook at home when our chefs will be happy to take care of it for you. Each turkey serves 6 to 8 diners including the trimmings and dessert. QR 1,000, minimum 48 hours advance order. For more information visit www.facebook.com/sharqvillageandspa.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Thanksgiving Dinner

Nov 28: Astor Grill. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a modern Astor Grill twist. QR 350 for four courses, or QR 550 with sommelierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Grapes And Cheese Night

Nov 19: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Once a month the Head Sommelier opens one of the largest cellars in Doha inviting enthusiasts for a tasting paired with the finest selection of gourmet cheeses. Places are limited, bookings essential. QR 375 per person and includes 10 exclusive labels and a selection of cheese. From 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more reservation call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

Food & Dining Listings THE RITZ-CARLTON Thanksgiving Tasting Menu

Nov 28: La Mer. Experience a sumptuous six-course dining creation by Chef Ricardo Acquistaand celebrate Thanksgiving with breath-taking views of Doha’s city skyline. QR 400 per person for Tasting Menu only, or QR 700 per person with vino pairing. From 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information contact 4484-8506 or hulya.pasin@ritzcarlton.com.

W DOHA Movember Brunch

Nov 22:Market by Jean-Georges. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches around the world. With their ‘Mo’s’ men raise vital funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and mental health. As an independent global charity, Movember’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. All guests coming with a moustache will receive a voucher for a complimentary Xpress Lunch. QR 380 per person with selected house beverages and QR 290 per person with soft drinks only. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Thanksgiving Dinner

DOHA MARRIOTT Goose Liver & Vino Promotion

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

DUNIA Persian Or Middle Eastern

Daily: Villaggio Mall.Enjoy an innovative restaurant concept with a trendy fusion of Iranian and Oriental Cuisine. For more information call 4450-7259.

THE FOUR SEASONS The Perfect Lunch

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Theme Nights

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Taste of Southeast Asia

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

You Think You Can Eat Meat?

Sun- Fri:Rodizio. Eat as much meat as you can and try a wide variety from their salad and seafood stations before you start in on the delicious 12 different cuts of meat accompanied by Cuban entertainment. QR 265 with soft drinks, or QR 359 including house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Mon-Sat: Agora. Enjoy a contemporary Turkish family dining experience with a difference from 6:00 p.m till 11:30 p.m. Open for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:30 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

HILTON DOHA Señor Pico’s Latin Grill

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Phoenician Night

By the Sea

GRAND HERITAGE Turkish Delight

Indian Night

EVERY WEEK

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

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

Sat-Thurs: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Longing for a sensational lunch from the Far East but don’t have much time? Tailor-make your set lunch to suit your taste and time from an extensive selection of lunch dishes, from a two-course lunch to a six-course lunch – Chef Kato’s exclusive Bento Box.Savour the most exquisite pan-Asian culinary experience at the city’s newest theatrical dining venue. Starts at QR 55, from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

Daily: Trader Vic’s. Señor Pico is yet another great concept invented by Trader Vic’s. It transports the cuisine of Latin America to your neighbourhood. The menu is contemporary Latin American comfort food and an exploration of the regional flavours and cooking styles from all around South America. Starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

Nov 28: Market by Jean-Georges. Electrify your Thanksgiving in style with a special set menu. Reservationsare required. QR 280 per person. For more information call 4453-5135 or bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Steak & Vino

Daily: The Lounge. November is the month of Southeast Asian flavours in The Lounge. Traditional and funky bits and bites are mingled in a tasting platter ideal for sharing alongside fashionable cocktails and infused drinks. From 5:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

Bakery Happy Hour

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

Camel Milk Chocolate

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

Wednesdays: Flavours. Indulge in an irresistible, vividly-presented buffet that captures the diverse tastes of traditional Indian dishes with a contemporary twist. Enjoy an enticing variety of curries and biryanis, kebabs and breads from a live tandoor oven and fabulous appetizers, salads and desserts from the main central buffet. QR 199 including selected beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Sushi Night

Mondays: Strata.Open sushi and sashimi, accompanied by a Japanese traditional beverage for QR250 including one drink and QR 225 for food only. For more information call 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Chocolate & Cheese

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

Seafood Night

Wednesdays: The Square. Taste the best seafood dishes in town for QR350 including selected house beverages and QR250 including soft drinks and mocktails. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com.

LENÔTRE

Daily: Villaggio Mall & C-Ring Road. Café Lenôtre restaurant provides contemporary food in a modern atmosphere as well as a boutique with a variety of pastries and imported chocolates. Now offering two business lunch specials; one for QR 65 and one for QR 95, from 8:00 a.m. till 11:45 p.m. For more information call 4450- 7255.

MAGNOLIA BAKERY They Deliver!

Daily: Dar Al Salam Mall. Enjoy savoury treats and the biggest selection of freshly-baked desserts under one roof! Enjoy your favourite desserts delivered to your doorstep, Minimum order QR 300. From 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4450-9407.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mövenpick Ice-Dreams

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

Travel The World On A Plate

Mon: Matador Night. Savour enticing Spanish delights with tapas, paella, live cooking and much more for QR160 per person. Tues: Les Alpes. Enjoy the combination of the finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland for an exclusive gourmet event for QR 160 per person. Wed: TemptAsian. Be tempted by authentic ingredients and aromas. Gather around the teppanyaki table, taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry for QR 160 per person. Thurs: Deep Blue. A simply spectacular buffet of rich, fresh and succulent seafood and fish for QR180 per person. Fri: Curry, Kare, Kari.Get ‘curried’ away from Southeast Asia to the north of India for QR160 per person. Sat & Sun: International. Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations for QR 140 per person. For more information call 4429-1111.

PAPER MOON Now Open in Doha

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

ORYX ROTANA Tex Mex BBQ.

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

Food & Dining Listings Asian Night

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

Tapas Galore

Tuesdays: The Cellar. For tapas lovers, the unlimited night is every Tuesday. Enjoy the selection of tantalizing tapas with unlimited selected vinos for QR 300. Or, enjoy the experience for QR 160 inclusive of unlimited tapas galore and soft drinks. For more information call 4402-3333 or email oryx.hotel@rotana.com.

Choices Goes Italian

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

ROGER’S DINER All-American Classics

Daily: Suhaim Bin Hamad St. Al Sadd, C-Ring Road. Take off with a sizzling menu of American favourites in a unique aviation-themed atmosphere. Now offering a three-course business lunch for QR 55, from 12:00 noon till 3:00 pm. Sunday-Thursday. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. till 11:45 p.m. For more information call 4455-2333.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Qanun Player

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

Lobster The Way You Like It

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

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Gordon Ramsay Classic Menu

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

Burger & Pint Nights

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

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Sushi Mania

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

Weekly Italian Night

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

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Theme Nights At Grand Gourmet

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

WEEKEND DOHA MARRIOTT Gourmet Route

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

GRAND HERITAGE Sushi & Steak

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

HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Thailand Food Festival

Thursdays: Lagenda. Delight your palate with typical Thai food for QR 168 per person and QR 88 for children between the ages of 4 to 12 years. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4333.

Malaysian Hi Tea

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

ORYX ROTANA Indian Flavours

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

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Seafood Night At Al Liwan

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

THE RITZ-CARLTON Paella WithPepe

Saturdays: The Living Room. Enjoy Spanish paella from the talented kitchen of Chef Pepe while chilling out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon overlooking the Gulf Sea. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m.For more information call 4484- 8525 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

W DOHA Burger Nights

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

Sushi Night

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

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Seafood Night

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

SHERATON DOHA Parillada Night

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

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Sushi Fiesta

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

BRUNCH CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Carnival Brunch

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

DOHA MARRIOTT Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: The Gallery. A culinary journey like no other, discover an array of live-cooking stations and specialties from the Restaurant Gallery, featuring favourite dishes from around the globe. Highlights from the weekend brunch include a wide selection of fresh sushi, Peking duck, fajitas, Oriental grills, pizza, curries, biryanis, fresh seafood, ice cream, kounafa and more. Now offering a kid’s club zone with a special kid’s buffet and activities.From 12.30 noon till 3:00 p.m. QR 245 or QR 350 for bubbly brunch. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE Friday Family Brunch

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

Food & Dining Listings HILTON DOHA Friday Brunch

LA VARENNE French Country Brunch

HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Dim Sum Brunch

ORYX ROTANA Jazzy Friday Brunch

Mawasem.Every Friday join in at Mawasem for a day of fun and indulgence. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with family and friends served to live music accompanied by amazing views of the pool and beach. QR 222 per person including unlimited soft drinks. QR 333 per person including unlimited house beverages. The Kids have their special food corner and a KidzParadize for fun activities. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4423-3333.

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Grand Mussel Brunch

Friday: Belgian Café. Enjoy the most delicious mussels and Belgian house beverages in town. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. for QR 275.For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Seafood Brunch

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

Fridays: Tornado Tower. Their unique French Country Brunch is a success. Join in every Friday from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. to indulge in their interpretation of a table-top brunch. Enjoy a full-course, all-you-care-to-eat menu with sharing-style dishes showcasing an array of the best La Varenne classics, along with their hors d’oeuvres and dessert trolleys all for QR 179. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

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

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

Friday Family Brunch

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

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

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Friday Family Brunch

SHERATON DOHA Friday Brunch

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Friday Brunch

Seasons Restaurant. The lively Seasons restaurant is all geared-up with more yummy additions to the Friday brunch. Indulge in an elegant yet casual experience with free-flowing bubbly and enchanting music to complement the tasty buffet delights including fresh seafood, live cooking and sushi, plus an endless assortment of appetizers and dessert. Every Friday features an entirely new theme to amuse the little ones, from sly pirates and playful jungle monkeys to some very angry birds and the best of Disney’s classics. QR 215 per person with kids under the age of 12 dining free and from ages 12-16 enjoy a 50% discount. For more information call 4429-1111.

Al Hubara. For QR 205 indulge in their international buffet featuring local specialties such as Ouzi and Oumali, plus a kid’s area (balloons, fac- painting), from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

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Friday Mediterranean Brunch

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

W DOHA Jazz Brunch

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

Friday Brunch

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

BUSINESS LUNCH CHOWKING

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

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES

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

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

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

ORYX ROTANA X’Press Lunch & Dinner

Daily: The Cellar.Every day is quick bite time and everyone is ready for it. Enjoy the Cellar’s 3-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.

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

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Sun-Thurs: Opal by Gordon Ramsay.Be it with colleagues, clients or friends, enjoy a delicious three-course lunch. A different chef-selected menu available each week for QR 100.From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m.For more information call4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

W DOHA Express Lunch

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

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY

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

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge

Nov: Katara Cultural Village. Succulent spit-roasted whole lamb, well-marinated, seasoned to perfection andserved with aromatic traditional Turkish rice for QR99 per serving, starting at 7:00 p.m. Nov: For every QR250 spent at Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge, receive a discount voucher to experience El Cigar Lounge. Available daily. For more information call 4408-2000.

Red Velvet

Nov: Katara Cultural Village. Decorate Your Own Cupcake! It’s fun and very educational, the best way to spend quality time for families with their children. Each plain cupcake goes with edible decorations for only QR 30. Apron and chef’s hat will be provided.

Nov: Come and celebrate your children’s birthday party at QR 60 per child with their Decorate Your Own Cupcake birthday party package. Advance reservation is required. Nov: One cool promotion. Get a free small bottle of water with every purchase of an ice cream sandwich. Nov: Purchase one cupcake and receive a free aromatic complimentary coffee. Available daily from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight. Nov: Grab your favourite cupcakes and take advantage of the 10% discount on a dozen. This offer is extended until December 2013. From 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4408-0700.

El Cigar Lounge

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

L’wzaar Seafood Market

Nov: Katara Cultural Village.Their special main course might be your first choice. Visit L’wzaar and relish their recommendation of the day. Available for lunch and dinner daily. Nov: With family and friends, come and celebrate any of your special occasions at L’wzaar and capture the moment for a happy and everlasting memory with a free snapshot featured in the L’wzaar Celebrant’s Book. Nov: Experience their Tandoori grill and Thai curry cooking styles for your fresh seafood. Other cooking styles are also available. Please ask the team for assistance. Nov: For every QR250 spent at L’wzaar Seafood Market, receive a discount voucher to experience El Cigar Lounge. For more information call 4408-0710.

Chac’late

Nov: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy 50% off on Amelia Rope chocolate, handmade chocolates that are all about quality, taste, purity and indulgence. Nov: Enjoy 20% off on Rococo chocolates – gastronomy’s finest, most complex and luxurious of ingredients. Nov: Enjoy their signature breakfast, Parisian or Chac’Late. Prices start from QR30, available from 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0733.

leVesuvio

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

Aspire Grand Café

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

Burgerry

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

QUISINE BY GUY SAVOY Dining Room

Nov: The Pearl-Qatar, Parcel 4, Unit 109. The main dining room offers patrons three potential private dining areas which can each welcome up to eight guests. The private dining rooms can also be opened up to create one large room and/ or two private dining rooms, depending on the needs of your party.

Chef’s Table

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

Private Booking

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

ShawarmaAlbisana

Nov: Katara Cultural Village.Enjoy your favourite chicken or beef shawarma with a cold soft drink for only QR15. For more information call 4408-1400.

KunafaAlbisana

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

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International

Chinese

4411-0188

Chopsticks 4434-3333

Al Hubara

4485-4444

Chili’s 4466-0663

D’Chopstix 4408-4888

Al Liwan Restaurant

4424-2888

Ipanema 4419-6100

Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill

4433-6777

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Ruby Wu’s

4428-1428

Al Shaheen Restaurant

4485-4444

Latino 4485-4444

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

Animato 4496-6600

Oyster Bay

4446-0105

Paloma 4484-4444 Pampano 4495-3876 Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

4443-7846

Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria

4408-7777

Salsa 4429-8888 TGI Friday’s

4488-7008

Arabic & Lebanese

Contemporary European Aroma 4405-3325 Astor Grill

4446-0105

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Gordon Ramsay

4446-0105

La Mer

4484-8000

Market by Jean-Georges

4453-5135

Nando’s 4436-0606 Opal by Gordon Ramsay

4446-0105

Agora 4445-5555 Al Balad

4491-8692

French

Al Bandar

4431-1818

La Sahtaine

4423-3333

Al Batross

4432-8888

La Varenne

4499-0680

Al Canteen

4433-6666

Al Mourjan

4483-4423

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

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim Al Tawash

4424-7777

Crossroads Kitchen

4419-6100

De Dine Zone Restaurant

4470-8822

East 4433-6666 Grand Gourmet

4434-3333

La Brasserie

4446-2222

La Cigalon Restaurant

4428-8888

Lifestyle Restaurant

4463-2154

Mawasem 4423-3333 Mehfil Restaurant

4409-4444

Nando’s 4436-0606

4424-3444

4446-0105

Quisine by Guy Savoy

The Grill

4448-1234

4498-2002

Sormani 4495-3876 Ext. 3222

The Lagoon

4484-8000

4495-3876 4408-0840 4466-2616

Majlis 4448-1234 4436-2947

Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 The Tent

4432-8888

Turkey Central

4443-2927

4002-7245

Indian

Vine 4446-0105

Italian

Biryani Hut

4464-1401

Bombay Baiti

4428-1428

Bice Ristorante

4495-3876

Chingari 4428-1428

Carluccio’s 4495-3876

Idyl Factory

6674-1143

Cucina 4419-6100

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Di Capri

4428-8698

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

Fabio’s Pizza

4416-5641

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

Sukh Sagar

4431-9172

Taj Rasol

4429-8888

ne! i l n o s u e e S w.qatarhappening.com 88

Cosmo Restaurant

The Dining Room (Fraser Suites Hotel)

Liza 4495-3876 Marmara Istanbul

Corniche 4429-8888

Maxim 4428-1428

Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma

Choices 4402-3333

4433-6666

Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café

4472-2666

The Dining Room (Al Najada Boutique Hotel)

Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam

Blue Brasserie Restaurant

II Teatro

4494-8888

La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant

4436-7991

La Veranda

4485-4444

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

4451-7585

The Italian Job

4428-1428

Japanese

Bar Food

Cafés

Neo 4432-2508

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

De Ozone

4470-8822

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar

4495-3878 Ext. 1311

Sakura 4428-1428

Madison Piano Bar

4428-8888

Al Jalsa

4425-6666 4434-3203

Strata Restaurant & Lounge

4015-8888

Pool Bar

4484-4444

Al Kut Lounge

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

Shehrazad 4428-1428

Al Mandarine

4463-3748

Yen Sushi Bar

4428-8888

The Irish Harp

4485-4444

Atrium Lounge

4485-4444

4405-3325

Bab Al Baher

4423-3333

The Lounge

Mediterranean

Wahm 4453-5353

Aramede 4408-7777

Burgers

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

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

La Villa

4446-2222

American Grill

Le Central Restaurant

4428-8888

Chili’s 4466-0663

Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

Fuddruckers

4411-0188 4483-3983

Café De Biznez

4470-8822

Café Tasse

4444-7017

Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611

Hardee’s 4467-8750

Coffee Time

4466-7551

Rocca 4448-1234

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Colombiano

4434-2753

The Cellar

TGI Friday’s

4488-7008

Dean and Deluca

4451-9780

Dell @ The Village

4444-4700

Gourmet House

4405-3333

Jones the Grocer

4407-7175

La Margarita

4409-4444

Le Gourmet

4436-1789

Lime Café

4496-6600

Maya La Chocolatiere Landmark Mall Villaggio Mall MBCo (The Gate Mall) Al Emaadi Financial Square

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

Moka and Co

4458-3232

Orangery Café Troittor

4428-8888

Quick Bites

4419-6134 4446-0105

Mykonos 4484-4444 4402-3333

Seafood

Persian Grill @ The Village

4444-4700

Southeast Asian Asia Live!

4429-8888

Chowking Delivery Hotline 4431-1212 Mamoura 4486-6077 Al Khor 4411-8816/17 Salwa Road 4437-1212 Al Sadd St. 4431-4411 Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 Mango Tree

4495-3876

Nusantao: Sea Kitchens

4494-8888

Spice Market

4453-5353

Sri Kebaya

4434-0838

The Noodle House City Center Mall The Pearl

4411-5063 4495-3876

Wok Mee Noodle House

4496-6600

Al Dana

4425-6666

Al Dente Seafood Restaurant

4472-2666

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Fish Market

4484-4444

L’wzaar 4408-0710 Pampano 4495-3876 Pier 12

4428-1428

Steakhouses Bentley’s Grill

4428-1428

Sarab Lounge

JW’s Steakhouse

4429-8888

Savor 4408-7777

Le Grill

4484-7412

Shisha Garden

4428-8888

4419-6100

Sky Lounge

4402-3333

Prime 4015-8888

Sugar and Spice

4411-4456

The Butcher Shop and Grill

4413-5508

The Courtyard

4433-6444

4446-2222

The Drawing Room

4433-6666

The Lobby Lounge

4484-8000

The Terrace Lounge

4433-6555

Torch Café

4446-5600

W Café

4453-5353

Ya Hala

4423-3333

New York Steakhouse

The Old Manor Steakhouse

Sports

s k c i P p o T â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s h t This Mon

InterContinental Doha 12th InterContinental Mixed Open

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

Nov 29-30: The Doha Golf Club. The tournament is open to all amateur golfers from the Gulf region and abroad in teams of two. DGC/QGA members QR 950 per pair, Academy members QR 1,050 per pair and visitors QR 1,150 per pair. Price includes 18-hole practice round on Nov 28, a 36-hole tournament; buggies and brunch on tournament days and grand prizes for the top five pairs, plus novelty hole prizes and a cocktail party at the InterContinental Doha on Nov 27. Registration starts on Nov 28 from 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. at the Doha Golf Club. Entries close on Nov 17. For more information call 4496-0712/5.

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 2013 Qatar Classic Squash Tournament Nov 8-15: The best squash players will take the courts of the Khalifa Complex by storm. For more information visit www.qatartennis.org.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

Qatar Equestrian Federation

Al Rayyan Spor ts Club

Qatar International Equestrian Championships

West Asian Hockey Cup

Nov 5-19: The most powerful Arabian horses will race to qualify for the tournament to the Olympic Youth Games. For more information visit www.qrec.gov.qa.

Nov 5-10: Al Rayyan Sports Club. Watch the masters of hockey battle it out in the rink at the Al Rayyan Sports Club. For more information visit www.fih.ch/en/home.

Sports

Superstar football coach Rafa Benitez gives a keynote address at the 2012 ASPIRE4SPORT conference

ASPIRE4SPORT

Is Back

ASPIRE4SPORT is the region’s premiere networking event that provides access to the sports business decision-makers, with a demonstration of the latest advancements in the industry. This November QH celebrates with all things sporty. This year’s ASPIRE4SPORT 2013 Congress and Exhibition will take place from November 16-19 at the world-renowned Aspire Dome. The event is set to contribute to a diversified economy that fulfills Qatar’s 2030 vision. Now in its fourth edition, this successful exhibition has established itself as the leading regional platform for businesses, sports entities, athletes and decision-makers to discover the latest sports products, services and technologies, while discussing hot-button industry trends and topics.

What’s In It For Me? Qatari businesses will have a chance to benefit from a world-class initiative that will take their interests to another level. As the sports industry in the Middle East grows, it’s essential for local companies to participate in another episode of success, and to contribute to the diversification of the economy. Increasingly, ASPIRE4SPORT is being used as a forum for launching new sports technologies,

Aspire Dome is transformed into a flurry of stalls and booths as hundreds of sporting industry giants set up shop over the four-day event

announcing tenders and signing agreements, in addition to what it already represents as a leading regional B2B match-making platform. In 2012 over 170 companies from 20 countries participated in the exhibition. Through the use of purpose-built business-to-business meeting rooms, those companies held over 250 scheduled intimate discussions with key stakeholders from the region’s sports industries, including the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, the Qatar Olympic Committee, the UAE Olympic Committee and Aspire Zone Foundation. In addition, the B2B online match-making forum witnessed great success that contributed to the overall growth of the sports industry in the region.

Who’s Who? Behind the management of this premiere event, is a true sports fan who has shown passion to every single detail of the exhibition. Hamad Saif Buhindi, Executive Director of ASPIRE4SPORT said: “The sports industry in the Middle East continues to grow and provide opportunities to a vast number of businesses. ASPIRE4SPORT has established itself as the gateway to the sports industry in the region, and in alignment with the 2030 National Vision, we aim at becoming the leader of this flourishing industry on an international level.”

Thought Leaders This year’s round of ASPIRE4SPORT will bring the world-class sports facilities conference, Coliseum SUMMIT to Doha. With exclusive presentations, case studies and interactive panel discussions, the Coliseum SUMMIT is the pre-eminent conference in all stadium-related aspects and brings to the fore key figures and personalities in the industry, together with their projects and key issues. These include stakeholders involved in the planning, development and execution of the facilities in the sports industry, from city-planning councils to sports venue professionals. The summit is a conference and networking event dedicated to the various challenges and solutions related to the sports venue sector around the world. Part of the event is an international conference with exclusive presentations, case studies and interactive panel discussions. n ASPIRE4SPORT When: November 16-19 Where: Aspire Dome Timing: From 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. Tickets: Not required

Sports

y l s u o i r u x u L l i a S Set This month sailors can rejoice as the first Qatar International Boat Show arrives in Doha, attracting a plethora of international exhibitors. QH has all the details on a line-up that’s sure to make a splash!

he very first edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS) will drop anchor at Lusail Marina from November 12-16, and has already secured numerous international shipyards and maritime companies who will take part. Here’s a sneak peek at the list of luxury participants: • The Ferretti Group represented in the region by Gulf Yachts and ART MARINE, whose most notable customers have included the likes of Richard Burton, Brigitte Bardot and Sophia

Loren, is an Italian shipbuilding company specializing in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts. • Sunseeker International is a UK luxury motor yacht manufacturer, making motor boats since 1979 in Poole Harbour, England. Its vessels have featured in a number of James Bond films including The World Is Not Enough, (chasing up the Thames in the pre-credits sequence), Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace (which featured the Sunseeker 37, the Superhawk 43 and the Sovereign 17). • Princess Yachts International is a French majority-owned British motor yacht manufacturer, based in Plymouth, England. Its current model line-up includes a range of fly-bridge yachts ranging from 42 to 64 feet, motor yachts from 72 to 98 feet, M Class super yachts from 105 to 130 feet and a series of V Class sports yachts ranging from 39 to 85 feet. In 2010 Princess became the first major European boat-builder to be awarded ISO14001.

• Azimut Yachts is an Italian yacht-manufacturing company based in Avigliana, Turin. Established in 1969, the company has a range of yachts between 39 and 140 feet. Their largest, the Azimut Grande 140, has 6 cabins and 4 crew cabins. Today, Azimut Yachts serves its customers at over 130 sites worldwide. • Sea Ray was founded as an independent company in 1959 in Detroit, USA. It manufactures boats ranging from 5.2 metre power cruisers to over-18 metre yachts, including the Sundancer brand. Sea Ray now operates two factories in Tennessee and two in Florida, producing more than 40 different models. • Sanlorenzo is the third shipyard placed in the world rankings of the top 20 builders over 24 metres. Set up in 1958, Sanlorenzo yachts are customized accordingly to each owner’s request. In 1995, by introducing its SL100, Sanlorenzo became a niche player in the mega-yacht

The Lusail Marina will play host to more than 100 companies taking part in the first annual QIBS

You never know, that might just be James Bond’s speedboat you’re

open yachts, from 17 to 50 metres, with waterjet propulsion). With an annual production of 20 to 30 boats, the FIPA Group has recently added a new specialization in boat maintenance and storage for vessels up to 40 metres, providing customers with after-sale assistance. industry and by 2011 it was notably the only shipyard to have maintained the same number of units and the same length in terms of feet built and ordered, in comparison with the pre-crisis period. • Benetti has a history going back 140 years with close to 300 boats built over 300,000 square metres of production facilities at six boatyards in Italy and with 36 yachts under construction at the present time, including a 90-metre mega yacht. It’s a success story confirmed by the ranking drawn up by the prestigious Show Boats International magazine which, for the ninth year running, has crowned Benetti as the world’s leading builder of custom mega-yachts. • Overmarine will be exhibiting the largest boat at this year’s QIBS exhibition. Measuring 50 metres in length and with a top speed of 40 knots, the Mangusta 165 is the fastest composite maxi-open yacht ever to be built. • FIPA Group will be represented at QIBS by two of their brands – the Maiora (traditionally-styled fly-bridge yacht built in fibreglass, with lengths ranging from 20 to over 50 metres) and AB Yachts (specializing in fast

• Sunreef Yachts is a leading designer and builder of luxury sailing boats, power catamarans and super-yachts ranging from 60 to 200 feet. In 2002, construction halls were leased in the famous Gdansk shipyard in Poland, with construction work commencing soon afterwards. Today more than 60 Sunreef yachts, both sailing and power, are cruising worldwide and the company is now a world leader in the design and construction of large, customized luxury catamarans. • The Bilgin Shipyard based in Istanbul, Turkey, spans five generations of successful boat builders. It builds every type of luxury and standard motor yacht in steel/aluminium and wood composite/cold-moulded construction with customized interiors and exteriors according to customer specifications, up to 80 metres. It has launched over 50 motor yachts in the past 45 years. • The Cranchi Shipyard was established in 1870 on Lake Como, in San Giovanni di Bellagio producing fibreglass boats. Currently Cranchi has three manufacturing plants in Italy located in Lombardy and Friuli Venezia Giulia, a marine test centre, a dock for launching and hauling

eying!

yachts larger than 50 feet and a shipyard on the sea able to do refitting. Cranchi now exports to 68 countries in the world comprising more than 80% of the company’s production. Faysal Mikati, Vice President of Snow Comms Conceptual Communications & Events, which is organizing the Qatar International Boat Show, says the number and quality of the international companies that have signed up for the show is a testament to their confidence in its organization and execution. “Snow Comms has visited all the major boat shows around the world for the past two years and we have taken on board many of the lessons learned – both good and bad – about each event,” he explains. The exhibition comprises shows both on land and in the water, with 5,000 square metres of water basin surface and more than 12,000 square metres of land exhibition and outdoor areas. There will be 40-50 boats in the water and 100 international exhibitors. n Qatar Int’l Boat Show Dates & Timing: Tue, Nov 12: 3:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Wed, Nov 13: 3:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Thurs, Nov 14: 3:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Fri, Nov 15: 3:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Sat, Nov 16: 3:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Venue: Lusail Marina Ticket Prices: QR 100 for adults QR 20 for children

Sports

Off To The Races

By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of QREC

The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) is gearing up to kick off the 2013-2014 racing season. QH hops in the saddle to bring you the details.

orse racing aficionados can finally take to the tracks of the QREC and watch their favourite jockeys ride some of the most powerful Arabian horses in the region. After a five-month absence QREC, the home of racing in Qatar, will open the 2013-2014 season on Thursday, October 31, 2013 running up until Thursday, May 1, 2014. The new season will encompass 55 race meetings, 37 of which will take place on the turf track and 18 on the sand track. Racing usually

takes place every Wednesday and Thursday evening under the lights. A few ‘triple-headers’ will happen on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during major events like the Qatar International and the Emir’s Sword & Trophies Race Day. A total of approximately 439 races have been programmed for the season with a significant increase in prize money compared to previous years. The last couple of seasons the QREC has worked intently on introducing innovations such as the sand track program, with 18 race meetings held on sand and the expansion of the racing season from 43 to 55 race meetings. In 2010 two meetings took place on the sand track to gauge the suitability of the program. The results were a success, allowing the addition of more meetings and the inclusion of the full sand track program. Some of the major races due to be held throughout the season are:

Who will be first past the finish line for the 2014 season?

• Nov 14, 2013: Qatar Guineas Day • Dec 3, 2013: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy • Dec 4, 2013: Qatar Derby Trial Day • Dec 18, 2013: Qatar National Day Trophy • Dec 25, 2013: Qatar Derby & Oaks Day • Dec 26, 2013: Qatar Derby & Nursery Day • Jan 15, 2014: P/A Sprinter Championship • Jan 16, 2014: Sheikh Abdulla Day • Feb 6, 2014: The Heir Apparent Race Day • Feb 25, 2014: Qatar International Invitation Cup • Feb 26, 2014: Qatar International Cup & Qatar International Trophy Day • Feb 27, 2014: HH The Emir’s Sword & Trophies Race Day. n For full race schedules, timings and information for spectators visit www.qrec.gov.qa.

Sports

Let’s Play! By Ujwala Thirumurthy

With an Olympic bid, a National Sport Day, a World Cup win, and some controversial statues on the Corniche, there’s no doubt that Qatar is pulling out all the stops to foster a thriving sports culture. QH examines its roots and where it’s all headed.

A 3D conceptualization of one of the many stadiums slated for construction in Doha for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

ATP World Tennis Championship hosted, every football cup won, there’s simultaneously a silent revival of age-old games that were the only source of entertainment for early Qatari settlers.

But what’s more commendable is that the country strives to maintain its cultural identity in the midst of all the rapid development. On the one hand it encourages Qatari female athletes on the international scene, and on the other it supports organizations that promote classic, traditional games dating back to centuries before oil was even discovered here. For every

Take a walk through Souq Waqif and you’ll likely find local enthusiasts mulling over a game of dama, a traditional board game requiring strategy and finesse. Bearing a few similarities with chess, dama is played by two players with 16 pieces, or hatab, the soldiers in the game. Each player cleverly maneuvers his soldiers through to the last row of the board to turn him into the King, thus winning the advantage over his partner. Dama in some ways seems to be an

f there’s one thing to be admired about Qatar (yes, despite the traffic and endless road-works), it’s the country’s efforts to be recognized nationally and globally. Be it in education, arts, economic reforms, industrial development, or more recently than ever, sports.

apt metaphor for the skillful maneuvering by the country itself through its policies and programs, to mark its territory on the global map. Another laudable effort in this direction is the recently concluded exhibition Olympics: Past & Present, organized by the Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum (QOSM) under the Qatar Museums Authority. Showcasing both ancient and modern Olympic Games, the exhibition highlighted the growing number of Arab Women in sport through the ages and featured Qatar’s Olympians Nada Wafa (swimming), Aia Magdi (table tennis), Noor Al-Malki (athletics) and Nawal El Moutawakel, the first Arab woman

destination for the international sports industry. Clearly, it’s a step in the right direction to propel the country’s future in sports, particularly after Qatar having won the bid to host the 2022 football FIFA World Cup. While popular sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, badminton and even cricket are gaining steam, you’ll be surprised to know that young Qataris on some level still love to play their traditional games such as hide-andseek, marbles, throwing hoops or horse-shoes to name a few favourites, apart from word games such as taq taqieh where children sit on the ground in a circle, facing inwards, while one member of the group walks or runs around the outside, singing ‘taq taqieh’. He or she then drops an object (originally a taqieh, the crocheted or embroidered cap worn by boys on its own or under the ghutra or head-dress), and races away, while the one behind where it was dropped has to pick it up and chase after them, trying to get round the circle and sit down in the vacated space. Whoever is left standing takes the object and the game starts over again. It’s almost like a Qatari version of the traditional European and Western children’s game of ‘duck-duck-goose’.

First past the post -- wander through the ages at the Olympics: Past & Present exhibition

Such games are a reflection of the way children in the early years used simple or discarded objects to create a game. In order to record these traditional past-times before they disappear, a few years ago a project to document them was mounted by Qatar’s Youth and Sports General Authority in conjunction with the Arab Gulf States Folklore Centre, which also made a pictorial record. Being the only Arab country to embrace the idea of a National Sport Day (the second Tuesday of February), it’s clear that for every step towards globalization, there’s also a step towards maintaining the cultural landscape that sets this tiny Gulf state apart from the rest of its neighbours. n A track and field installation from the Olympics: Past & Present exhibition

to win a gold medal. The Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum (QOSM)aims to preserve, store, investigate and exhibit sports and sports objects of this country and the Arab world. On the other hand the museum deals with the inclusion of Qatar in the international sports community and its positioning as a host for international sports events. Qatar’s Aspire Zone is another great example that houses some of the world’s finest sport stadiums and venues, offering a unique sport, sports medicine, research and education

Similar to checkers, the traditional game of dama brought out the competitive spirit in many early settlers to Qatar

Sports

Burn Fat In 30 Minutes Or Less!

By Jonny Parr Photography by Jessie Palanca

Qatar is experiencing a major health epidemic. In a recent report published in the UK’s Daily Mail, by scale Qatar is the fattest nation on Earth with half of all adults obese and 17% suffering from diabetes. What’s more the dilemma is getting worse with an influx of fast food chains and less people being active. Fear not, QH and Absolute Fitness are on the case.

dditionally, we live in an image-conscious society where stripping away unwanted fat is somewhat deemed a necessity. Many people generally want to be slim or lean, looking fairly like their modern day iconic figures. Names such as Katy Perry, Beyonce, Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig, all sport great physiques that others wish to have. The broad consensus is that a healthy, great-looking body exudes strength, confidence, and respect. All these traits can be greatly influenced and developed via sound nutrition and fitness. Let’s delve into our expert tips and fitness routines!

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It’s All About What You Eat Nutrition is paramount to any success where fat loss in concerned. No matter how hard and how often you train, you cannot out-train a poor diet. To lose unwanted fat, you will have to create a calorie deficit all the while eating proteins (chicken, fish) and healthy fats (nuts, fish oils). I often prescribe clients to eat ‘paleo’, which consists of natural foods such as vegetables, plants, and meat. It refrains from food sources like dairy products and grains.

Absolute Fitness’ Jonny Parr shows you how to blast fat easily, at home or outdo ors

More information can be found here at www.thepaleodiet.com. Admittedly, the Paleo Diet will not be for everyone, such as those with specific diet requirements, but generally eating healthy fats, proteins and vegetables will pave the way for effective fat loss. To summarize, eat natural foods as often as possible, all the while tailoring your choices based on your diet needs and requirements.

Make Your Body A Furnace Revving your metabolism will be the key ‘fitness’

aspect to losing fat. Therefore, we need to elevate your metabolic rate as often and for as long as possible. Steady static exercise such as jogging, cycling, or swimming at a steady pace for a long duration only has a minimal effect on metabolism. Short and intense bouts of exercise will elicit a higher response, where your metabolic rate will be elevated for hours, sometimes as much as 48 hours. This is known as EPOC (Exercise Post Oxygen Consumption). In other words, this refers to the amount of energy and calories you burn while at rest. This is great, as you can literally watch your favourite box-set all the while torching fat! To summarize, long duration, boring, steady static exercise is out, and short, exciting and intense exercise is in. The below routines target the major movements and muscle groups of your body, in order to stimulate a high metabolic demand. Let’s get to it.

Workout Routines • The Home Workout This simple yet highly effective routine can be performed in the comfort of your home and with no equipment. In order, you will perform all five exercises for the prescribed number of reps, with no rest or as little as possible. That’s one round. Complete as many rounds as you can in 15 minutes. To make the routine easier or more difficult, you can either decrease or increase the number of reps for the exercises, or decrease or increase the total workout time (i.e. 10 or 20 minutes). Remember to record the number of rounds you complete, so you can try and beat your score the next time you perform the routine. 1. Burpees x 5 2. Towel hamstring curls x 10 3. Push-ups x 10 4. Bodyweight squats x 15 5. Sit-ups x 20

Personal trainer Coral uses a rope in a partner exercise that targets the upper arms

• The Outdoor/Park Workout This can be performed at most parks such as Aspire or even on the Corniche. You’ll need two pieces of equipment – a TRX (www.trxtraining.com) and a battle rope. You can buy a TRX at GoSport and a battle rope online at www.Amazon.com. It’s also possible to buy your own rope here in Qatar -- just make sure it’s polypropylene. You‘ll perform each exercise with good form, for as many reps as possible in 30 seconds before immediately moving to the next. Once you have completed all exercises, that’s one round. You will then rest for 60 seconds before performing the same routine again. Complete for a total of 5 rounds.

To make the routine easier or more difficult, you can either decrease or increase the amount of time for each exercise (i.e. 20 or 45 seconds) or decrease or increase the total number of rounds (i.e. 3 or 8 rounds). You could also change your rest period to be longer or shorter. 1. Battle rope up-down waves x 30 secs 2. TRX squats x 30 secs 3. TRX push-ups x 30 secs 4. TRX curls x 30 secs 5. Battle rope side-to-side waves x 30 secs If you have any questions or comments about the routines or exercises, be sure to let us know by ‘liking’ and commenting

on our community Facebook page, www.facebook.com/absolutefitnessqatar. All that’s left to say is work hard, enjoy, and reap the benefits of burning that stubborn fat! n Jonny Parr is the founder of Absolute Fitness in Qatar (www.absolutefitnessqatar.com). If you’re interested in individual or group personal training, please phone 3385-2696 or email info@absolutefitness.me.

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Sports Listings

gorized d s are cate All listing Inclusion is limiteh per hotel. ility of space, wit . to availabiven to advertisers priority g

Crunch Time

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

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Events & Classes

Nov 20: ‘Tapping into Abundance’ workshop with Jacob Melaard. In this 90-minute workshop you align yourself with your desires and dreams and break through the unconscious blocks that keep you from experiencing true abundance. QR 150. From 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6999.

Six Senses Spa Fitness Promotions

GOKULAM PARK DOHA Sports & Fitness

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

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

HAMAD AQUATIC CENTER 5th International Swimming Championships

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Boot Camp

Nov 14-16: The swimming championship that everyone is waiting for is finally here. For more information visit http://qatarswimming.wordpress.com.

AL RAYYAN SPORTS CLUB Doha Hockey Friendly Festival

Nov 18-22: Al Rayyan Sports Club. Enjoy a friendly hockey festival. For more information visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/alrayyansc.

AL GHARAFA SPORTS CLUB 9th Volleyball Senior Championships

Nov 21-30: Al Gharafa & Al Arabi Sport Clubs. Witness the power of volleyball right here in Doha. For more information visit www.sportday.qa.

24th Men’s & 10th Women’s Arab Beach Volleyball Championship Nov 4- 9: Al Gharafa Sports Club. Head to Al Gharafa Sports Club and watch the best volleyball players in action. For more information visit www.sportday.qa.

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Fridays: This class takes place outdoors and is a group fitness workout designed to build strength and develop fitness through a variety of intensive interval exercises. Feel the burn while getting fit! From 8:00 a.m. till 9:00 a.m. Members QR 30 / Non-members QR 50.

Body Combat

Sun & Thurs: This class focuses on a variety of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching exercises. You’ll get a total body workout while developing your cardiovascular system. Sundays from 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m., Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Members QR 30 / Non-members QR 50. For information on all classes call 4484-4852.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Pilates

Tuesdays: QR 50. From 9:15 a.m. till 10:15 a.m.

Core Ball Shape

Tuesdays: QR 50. From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.

Circuit Class

Wednesdays: QR 50. From 9:15 a.m. till 10:15 a.m.

Daily: Stay fit and healthy with Six Senses Spa at Sharq Village & Spa. Buy 20 personal training sessions and get 2 sessions free. Buy unlimited one-month partner training sessions and get 3 additional PT sessions free. Buy 10 power shakes and get 2 sessions free. For more information on all classes call 4425-6999/6995 or email reservations-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com.

SHERATON DOHA Indoor Cycling

Fridays: QR 30 members/QR 40 non-members. From 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information and bookings call 4485-4600.

Zumba

Fridays: QR 30 members/QR 40 non-members. From 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Every Sunday and Tuesday from 12:30 noon till 8:30 p.m. For more information and bookings call 4485-4600.

Yoga & Pilates

Saturdays: QR 80 for both members and non- members. From 9:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4485-4600.

Step Power

Sat, Mon & Wed: QR 80 members / QR 100 non-members per class and QR 500 members / QR 700 non- members monthly. From 10:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information on all classes call 4485-4444.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Adult Tennis Clinic – ‘Improve Your Serve’

Fridays: Serve like a pro with personal coaching lessons focused on improving your tennis serve. Maximum three people per class. Qualified tennis instructors, equipment provided if required. QR 150 per person. From 9:00 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. (limited space). For more information call 4446-0304 or email recreation.doha@stregis.com.

Snorkelling Adventures

Activities & Clubs

Fri -Mon: The luxury speedboat departs from the private jetty at The St. Regis Doha as you enjoy a scenic tour of the coastline, then snorkel in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. Snorkelling gear provided (mask, fins, tuba). Water and towels also provided. Reservations required. QR 230 per person. From 10:15 a.m. till 11:15 a.m. For more information call 4446-0304 or email recreation.doha@stregis.com.

Sunset Cruise

By reservation only: The luxury speedboat departs from the private jetty at The St. Regis Doha as you enjoy a scenic tour of the coastline, the MIA Park and Dhow area before heading out to Sand Island. Reservations required. QR 230. From 5:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-0304 or email recreation.doha@stregis.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Zumba

Mon, Tues & Thurs: A global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance party workout! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a combination of different types of dance styles from hip-hop and Latin to house and even contemporary! This 50-minute cardio workout will have something for everybody! Mondays from 6:15 p.m. till 7:15 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

Water Sport Activities

Daily: The blue waters of the West Bay Lagoon beckon to all who love to ride the waves. An array of water sports activities are available on request ranging from wakeboarding, kayaking, screamer rides, banana boat rides, fishing and leisure boat trips, to dinghy sailing. From 10:00 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. For more information on all Diplomatic Club activities call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Perfect Figure Fat Burning Studio

Sat-Thurs: Perfect Figure Fat Burning Studio at Wyndham Grand Regency Doha is one of a kind in Qatar. Perfect Figure Therapy is a natural and effective alternative to surgery and the aim is to eliminate cellulite and burn fat. Results are obtained through exercising under low atmosphere pressure, which optimizes the results. From 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. To book your course or for more information call 4434-3446/3333.

TechnoShape

Sat-Thurs: New advanced body-shaping technology from Europe. Fast inch-loss from the stomach waist and hips. A healthy alternative to a tummy tuck surgery. A slimmer, flatter stomach for that special occasion, holiday or just to look great. Suitable for both men and women. Incredible results with a course of sessions. From 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. To book your course or for more information call 4434-3446/3333.

Bike Riding

Sailing

Bowling

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

The Corniche Aspire Park

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

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

Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com

Swimming

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

Golf

Aqua Park 4490-5872 or aquaparkqa@gmail.com

Horse Riding

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

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

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

Tennis & Squash

Walking

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

Ice-Skating

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

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Ashlee Neo Restaurant If you’re a sushi lover like I am you’re cheating your taste buds if you haven’t tried Neo. It’s the one place I keep coming back to for consistently awesome rolls. Located just past Jarir Bookstore on Salwa Road, Neo has long been an institution on Doha’s dining scene. Though best known for their sushi they also offer a range of international cuisine – Italian, American, pizza, pasta, burgers, you name it. But their sushi is the show-stopper. With one of the largest selections of maki rolls, the presentation is creative, the ingredients fresh and the variety wide. There’s the Canadian roll, the Godzilla maki, the Playboy roll, all with fun and funky interpretations of the standard fare. I love the classic shrimp tempura and the spider maki bursting with unagi (eel) and soft-shell crab. Every Tuesday is their all-you-can-eat sushi night and I challenge you to make it through even one brimming platter. Reservations are a must! Call 4432-2508/2539 or visit www.neorestaurantqatar.com for more information.

Srimani Apple EarPods I was having problems with my old earphones not working when I plugged them into my MacBook Pro. So I finally switched to the Apple EarPods and the difference in sound is crystal clear. The EarPods are unlike traditional, circular earphones in that they’re defined by the geometry of the ear. They’re super-comfortable and they don’t fall out! Also, they come with a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control playback or answer calls with a pinch of the cord. Available at any Apple retailer for QR 165.

Jessie Powerball This cool new gyroscope will pump up your arms in no time. When I’m too busy to get to the gym this is the perfect, grab-and-go gadget for a quick tricep and bicep workout. Using inertial force and with a built-in speed meter, you can race against yourself to beat your highest score. The Powerball generates between 1-40 lbs of resistance depending on the rotor speed, helping tone your arms and wrists and build muscle. To order online visit www.powerball-germany.com.

Lanie Clinique Moisturizer I’ve finally found the answer to my moisturizing quest! Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Plus suits my dry skin, keeping it hydrated and soft all day. It also smoothes and improves the texture of your skin and penetrates quickly during application. For those with oily skin, try the gel solution! Available at 51 East and 4U stores for QR 140 for 50mls and QR 273 for 125mls.

Zahi CLEAR App This nifty smart-phone application is your very own interactive checklist. It’s perfect for people who want to get organized with minimal effort. It’s simple, quick, user-friendly so if you’re a bit disorganized or in-over-your-head with work it can ‘simplify your life’ as its slogan says. The only downside? You can’t give your wife or husband anymore excuses for forgetting stuff!

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Awaken

The Senses By Ashlee Starratt & Jorge Granda Images courtesy of The Sharq Village & Spa

The Six Senses Spa at The Sharq Village & Spa is unlike any other health and wellness facility weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve experienced. From the rugged natural beauty of its architecture, to its constant stream of visiting practitioners, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place where you can step back in time and into relaxation. 106

The cool and tranquil relaxation room where guests can enjoy their post-treatment bliss with a cup of ginger tea

lready a gorgeous property, the Sharq Village & Spa boasts an expansive view of the Gulf, amenable facilities and tantalizing food and dining outlets. But by far the jewel in its crown is that it’s home to Qatar’s only Six Senses Spa. The world-renowned luxury wellness brand has its quarters nestled in the back courtyard of the sprawling resort, beckoning ‘ohm’-seekers to step through its massive wooden doors and back into time. Designed to replicate a traditional Bedouin souq with cool stone floors and walls, open ceilings drenched in sunlight and a host of glistening plunge pools and water elements it’s both calming and revitalizing at once – forget about the planes from the airport across the street taking off overhead, in here there’s only solace. Today we’re booked in early and the rays of the morning sun dapple the rough stone floors in puddles of refreshing light. We’re in for a treat, as we both prepare for one of their Signature Massage therapies. I’m led through to the ladies section and into the rustic changing area, with its dark wood cabinets to store my belongings. We pass by the sauna and steam rooms, the relaxation room with its sun loungers on the tranquil mezzanine terrace and the glistening grotto that houses the plunge pools, where calm turquoise waters of different temperatures await the tired muscles of spa-goers. I’m told by the hostess that when you book a treatment it also includes free use of these facilities, along with the second-floor gym and yoga studio.

De-Stress Signature Massage Bathrobe and slippers at the ready, my therapist Merce leads me down the hall and outside into the sunshine, through several doors and archways in what can only be described as a gorgeous maze until we finally reach the private treatment room. It feels like I’m stepping into someone’s house – but it’s all part of the lush design of the Six Senses, where privacy is paramount and luxury the cherry on top. Inside is a gorgeous ensuite with every amenity and Merce, who hails from Spain, quickly gets me comfortable atop the massage table. She starts out by spritzing the Six Senses Uplifting Essential Oil into the air. Replete with grapefruit essence it’s a delicious pick-me-up and the oil she uses is exactly the same. Something I really like about Merce’s technique is that she doesn’t use too much pressure throughout the massage. This is a common occurrence sometimes and I usually have to ask for the pressure to be lighter, otherwise it can become quite painful. But for the De-Stress massage, the movements are light and relaxing – exactly what the objective is meant to be! She also does this amazing reverberating crescendo up my spine, lightly pinching each vertebra one by one and then sweeping downward from neck to tailbone with a vibrating movement. It’s toe-curling!

The grand pool greets spa-goers as they enter

The 50 minutes goes by much too fast for my liking but there’s also an 80-minute version that guests can book as well. As I head to the showers I make a mental note to come back again when I have more time to experience the longer treatment – I would have loved for her to have spent more time on my arms, legs, neck and scalp. That, plus a nice poolside cocktail afterwards at the Sharq’s outdoor terrace equals paradise!

Oriental Signature Massage This treatment was just that – a treat. Though simple, the technique was effective and thoroughly relaxing. My therapist was Thai and he was incredibly adept in his movements, focusing particularly on my back and all the spots where I carry my tension in knots. The massage started off by having my hands and feet washed with a hot towel – simple, yet the feeling of being clean and warm was very calming. Using a silky oil, he worked over my legs, arms, shoulders and neck, loosening the stiffness in my joints and deep muscle tissue. The pressure was on the softer side, which I prefer and it wasn’t long before I felt myself dozing off on the table I was in such a state of relaxation. The treatment ended with a blissful scalp massage that left me feeling light-headed (in a good way!), and anxiety-free after the session. In terms of attentiveness, quality of treatment, comfort and aesthetics, the Six Senses knows how to pull out all the stops. n

Getting ready to have a soak in the deep stone

tub

Six Senses Spa Location: The Sharq Village & Spa Timings: 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. (gym & wellness facilities) 9:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m. (spa treatments) Open 7 days a week Prices: QR 480 for both 50-min De-Stress & Oriental signature massages Contact Info: 4425-6999/6990 (mixed) 4425-6995 (ladies) gso-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com or www.sixsenses.com

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s nce ngrie stipe ssLi on Ex ati on ns ati ns QH Se QHSe RECOMMENDS See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Reflexology Treatment

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

Hot Stone Treatment

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Royal Treat Package

Daily: Angsana Spa. Indulge in the Royal Treat Package at a reduced price of QR 555 from the normal price of QR 900.Treatment includes a 30-minute body polish, 60-minute body massage , 30-minute foot massage and 30-minute refreshments and relaxation. Promotion is valid from November 1-30. For more information call 4434-3152/3153 or email spa-wyndhamgrandregencydoha@angsana.com.

DOHA MARRIOTT Sorisa Skinlight

Daily: Revitalize and rejuvenate your skin with Sorisa Skinlight for effective treatment of wrinkles, pigmentation, hydration and improvement of skin tone and texture! The first of its kind in Doha!Special offer of a 15% discount on all Sorisa treatments. For more information call 4429-8520.

THE GRAND HYATT Hot Stone Treatment

Daily: Jaula Spa. Combining heat with botanical oils and allowing warmth to penetrate the body, the hot stone treatment opens up energy flow and allows you to escape to total relaxation. Book now and enjoy a 10% discount on your next 90-minute treatment. For more information please call 4448-1064/1056.

HILTON DOHA I Spa

Daily: Eforea Spa. I spa because I am a woman, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother and a colleague. By taking care of myself and treating myself to some relaxation from time to time, I find that I am a better person inside out. That is why, I Spa.This November, make sure to spa by booking this transformative journey of the senses that includes an instant glow body polish followed by hot stone body massage and completed by a customized facial. Enjoy a discounted price of QR 950 instead of QR 1,660 for a 160-minute treatment. For more information call 4423-3441.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Winter Warmer Daily: Saray Spa. Prepare your skin for winter with Saray Spa’s organic mud wrap and antiaging facial. The mineral-rich body mask renews and refreshes, while the age-defying facial diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s the ideal treatment to re-mineralize your body and restore radiance. Reduced price of QR 750 for November only. For more information call 4419-6090.

Treat Yourself

Daily: Saray Spa & Jean-Louis David Spa. Guys or gals enjoy a full body massage, manicure and pedicure with paraffin for only QR 450 during November. For more information call 4419-6090.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Six Senses Spa Experience Promotion

Daily: Six Senses Spa. Cleanse and detoxify your body and feel like a new you after experiencing this exclusive package, which includes a Refresh & De-Stress 100 minute treatment for QR 1,050 This duo of Moroccan hammam and signature massage starts with a ritual cleansing of the entire body, using our signature Moroccan black soap and loofa. The hammam ritual is completed on a heated marble bed to purify the body and leave you refreshed. After, you will experience one of our signature de-stress treatments, an oil-based, aromatic, medium-pressure massage to get rid of all tension in the entire body. This mini-package is ideal for anyone seeking something quick and effective. For more information call 4425-6999/6995.

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

Swedish Treatment

Daily: Effective in ensuring a fast recovery from muscular strain, increasing circulation, stimulating the skin and soothing the nerves. An excellent treatment for both mental and physical stress. For more information on all treatments call 4484-7450.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Ortigia Products From Italy.

Daily: Remède Spa. Just in time for the festive season the Remede Spa at The St. Regis is now stocking the luxurious Ortigia products from Sicily. Made from indigenous Italian ingredients they have a vast range of amazing scented products from eye masks to room scents. Perfect gifts starting from QR 120 to QR 220. From 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0300 or email Remedespa.Doha@stregis.com.

W DOHA Bliss Spa

Daily: At Bliss’ first Middle Eastern location you can expect 8,000 square feet of tension-fighting facilities, featuring a retail beauty boutique, a luxe nail lounge with three manicure and two pedicure stations equipped with personal TVs, nine designated treatment rooms for men and women — including one ‘BIP’ (that’s Bliss Important Person) room where guests can enjoy a ‘spaahh’-inspired soaking tub, plus men’s and women’s lounges. Trademark bliss touches - a cleverly compiled menu of super effective services, rhythm and blues tunes and legendary brownie buffet set a fun, upbeat tone to top off the space. From 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5555/ 4453-5554 or email Bliss.doha@whotels.com.

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Special Promotion

Alfardan Properties’ Commercial Towers: Stars in Doha’s skyline and an icon of excellence Alfardan Towers, Alfardan Centre and Alfardan Plaza are among Qatar’s most successful commercial properties.

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lfardan Properties has distinguished itself as a premier provider of a comprehensive range of real estate solutions, ranging from world-class properties to professional property management services in Qatar. Alfardan Properties has been behind some of the most prestigious and exclusive residential and commercial property developments in Qatar. Its creations have been renowned for their technical superiority and distinct creativity, featuring an inspired combination of the traditional beauty of Arabic architecture, modern design concepts and cutting-edge technology. Alfardan Properties, an innovative leader in Qatar’s real estate industry, has remained on the forefront as the ideal choice for top organizations when selecting a commercial office hub in Doha, driven mainly by a growing interest in high-level luxury offerings that cater to the specific demands of the most discerning corporate organizations and businesses in Qatar. The company has credited its vast experience as a long-time market leader and innovator in real estate solutions in Qatar for its ability to design and deliver iconic properties that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of its clients. Alfardan Properties Commercial Properties’ uniqueness lies in the exquisite benchmarking of state-of-the-art facilities, top-quality luxury finishing and flexibility of office space; not to mention the locations of the Commercial Properties distributed in the prime business hubs around Doha. Some of Alfardan Properties’ popular commercial buildings renowned for their excellence in service and quality within Qatar’s corporate sector are projects that have achieved considerable success; Alfardan Towers, Alfardan Centre and Alfardan Plaza, among others.

Alfardan Properties has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification on QMS (Quality Management System) in 2011 by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance, reaffirming the company’s commitment to quality project development, leasing and property management services.

excellence. Exuding an air of lavishness and exclusivity, the Commercial Tower is connected to the Residential Tower by a podium at its base, which is home to posh boutique retail outlets featuring some of the finest names in luxury brands, designer labels and a gourmet restaurant.

Muhibullah Mani, COO, Alfardan Properties, said: “Alfardan Properties continues to capitalize on the company’s extensive market experience and professional expertise to fully understand client requirements and respond to evolving market demands. With this approach, we have been able to develop and maintain the quality of our innovative and luxurious commercial properties that complement Qatar’s reputation as one of the most dynamic and lucrative business destinations in the world. We have taken into consideration prime factors such as location, current corporate market requirements and contemporary design in the development of these Commercial Properties. This strongly reaffirms Alfardan Properties’ uncompromising commitment to excellence in developing Commercial and Residential Properties that exceed expectations in terms of quality, luxury and location.”

The 30-storey Commercial Tower offers up to 1,084sqm of office space per floor; private secured access for employees and visitors; eight high-speed elevators and raised flooring for maximum flexibility, among other amenities.

Established as a brand synonymous with luxury and excellence, Alfardan Properties real-estate continues to soar with new and innovative projects that are in line with the changing dynamics of Qatar’s property market. The Alfardan Towers, well-known for being one of the finest commercial towers in Doha, soar 40 stories above the West Bay commercial district and are a symbol of Alfardan Properties’ continuous efforts towards luxury and

The 6-storey Alfardan Plaza is a modernday landmark with a fusion of traditional motifs blended with clean post-modern lines. Strategically located in the heart of Doha city in the vibrant Al Sadd area, Alfardan Plaza office building is home not only to the prestigious Alfardan Premier Motors and Land Rover Showroom, but also to several prominent companies and enterprises. Alfardan Centre, located at the beginning of Doha’s Bank Street, serves as the Alfardan Group’s Head Office as well as being home to Alfardan Exchange and Alfardan Jewellery branches. Renowned for being one of the first buildings in the area, Alfardan Centre is located adjacent to the historic Souq Waqif, one of Doha’s biggest cultural attractions, in addition to being nearby major banks, financial institutions, the Doha Securities market and the city’s famous Corniche. For more information on the above and other properties, please contact +974 4440-8308 or visit us on www.alfardanproperties.com. n

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QH Sensations Experience ons ning destinati some e p p a h c ti s ta n Escaping to fa rld does wonders. Here are o w e around th

Abu Dhabi Science Festival Nov 14-23: UAE

Learn how science makes the world turn – right down from the smallest atom to the largest and most complex eco-systems. Now in its third year, this weeklong science-fest will take over Abu Dhabi’s du Forum on Yas Island and the Corniche East Plaza with workshops, shows and interactive exhibits geared at engaging and educating youth – the next generation of scientists! Brush off your lab coat and visit www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae for more information.

Big Apple Film Festival Nov 6-10: USA

Showcasing the best of New York’s independent film community, the Big Apple Film Festival takes over the iconic Tribeca Cinemas for a week of screen gems. There’s also a pretty decent quotient of star-studded sightings to be had as Hollywood celebs forgo the blockbusters and flex their indie film prowess. Get your fill of screenings, premieres, feature films, shorts and documentaries at www.bigapplefilmfestival.com and make sure you’ve got your tickets in hand.

Japan Cup Nov 24: Japan

Tokyo’s premiere equestrian event showcases the world’s best thoroughbred horses as they go head-to-tail and neck-to-neck on the track. Part of the 2013 Japan Autumn International horse-racing series, one of Asia’s largest, jockeys and their mounts will vie for a top cash prize of $5.8 million USD. Featuring a range of Southern Hemisphere breeds, a maximum of 18 animals will participate in the event as thousands of spectators fill the stands. Secure your view of the finish line and visit www.japanracing.jp for more information.

Dusseldorf Carnival

Africolor Music Festival Nov 16: France

Paris comes alive with the beats and rhythms of Africa at this music festival celebrating the most diverse sounds to come off the continent. Marking its 25th milestone at this year’s event, the festival is as much about the history of Africa, spread across the four corners of the globe, as it is about the music. Stories are told through song and rhythm and dance, with artists such as Ali Amran and Rachid Taha performing songs of exile while younger voices plug into the current of Electric Africa. Visit www.africolor.com and get swept up by the sound.

Nov 11-13: Germany

Catch the next plane to Deutschland for this, the nation’s second-largest party event after Oktoberfest. With more than 300 carnival sessions and costume balls hosted all over the city leading up to Ash Wednesday, every day’s a party and every night’s a bash. Culminating in the Rosenmontag Parade, it’s a take-to-the-streets Mardi Gras-style celebration of song, dance, costume and revelry. Visit www.karneval-in-duesseldorf.de and strategically plan your party route across this German state capital.

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QH Sensations

Turkish Temptation Words and images by Amy Bassett

The sparkling seaside city of Antalya, Turkey can rival any Mediterranean coastal paradise. We set off for adventure down its bustling byways.

urkey is not a travel destination that you can just drop through for the weekend. The country has so much to offer spread out over a massive expanse of land that borders seven countries and three seas, boasts the Bosphorus and is home to the one city in the world that bridges two continents. From the steaming coffee pots, colourful nightlife and looming presence of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, to the rolling green landscapes, al-fresco dining and fresh mountain air of Ankara,to the steep, seaside neighbourhoods and beachy goodness of Bodrum, it seems you could spend a lifetime travelling Turkey and always find something new to awe and inspire.

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The Lower Duden Waterfall spills its conten ts into the shimmering sea

But it’s when you reach the southwestern city of Antalya that you can begin to appreciate the many marvels and wonders that Turkey has to offer. Last year Antalya was the third mostvisited city in the world, beat out only by the always-popular Paris, followed by London. This place has it all: beaches, mountains, waterfalls, valleys and lakes. Kaleici is the historic heart of the city; a labyrinth of steep and winding cobbled alleys that rise from the marina up to the old city walls. On each corner and down every alley is a ‘pansyon’, a family-run bed-and-breakfast that provides simple yet charming accommodation for travelers wanting that authentic lodging

experience – and you’ll often find rooms at better rates than anything on Airbnb.com! Amongst the pansyons, cafes, restaurants and bars of Kaleici are the stallholders. No cars are allowed in these narrow alleys so you must navigate your way out of the neighbourhood on foot and run the gauntlet of hawkers. Be sure to practice your bartering and take your A-game if you want to snatch a bargain. The city of Antalya boasts two very welcoming yet vastly different beaches, one east and one west of the old town. To the east, the soft, golden sands of Lara Beach fit the resort bill, with five-star hotels lining the sands and

Traditional ferries and fishing vessels clog Antalya’s historic port

umbrella’d sun-loungers taking up the real estate between the hotels and the crystal clear waters. To the west, the pebbled Konyaalti beach runs seven kilometres from Kaleici to the feet of the mighty Central Taurus mountain range, which cuts a breathtaking figure with peaks of over 12,000 feet above sea level. There are dive centres, boat trips and banana rides galore at both beaches if a day of tanning and beach cocktails is not enough action for the daredevil in you. If you prefer more altitude, head for the hills. Take a jeep safari across the summit of the Taurus mountain range or pull on your hiking boots and soak up some scenery along with a lungful of crisp mountain air. If you head for Antalya in the winter, you have a choice of two ski resorts if you want to hit the slopes, or you can simply take a ride to the top and enjoy a hot chocolate at one of the high-altitude eateries. The Duden Falls are a marvel of nature right in Antalya City. The Upper Falls are a collection of gentle, watery descents in a peaceful city park. Take a wander down a spiral staircase and you’ll

find yourself behind a drape of falling water with a remarkable view of the park. The Lower Falls mark the end of the Duden River as it pitches off the city cliffs at a height of 50m, straight into the Med, providing a spectacular roar and an incredible eyeful. Day trips from the city offer more adventure – archeology buffs and fans of natural history will want to visit the ancient ruins of Perge, or those with travel weary bones would enjoy a day soaking in the terraced hot springs of Pamukkale in the ancient city of Hierapolis. Both are reachable by bus and make a good day mission out of the city. Antalya is no longer the bargain basement deal it once was but you can still get your fill on a reasonable budget. The people are friendly, the food is fresh and fantastic and there is enough to explore to keep you entertained for as long as you decide to stay. n Flights: QR 2,800 from Doha Accommodation: Home-stays from $40 USD per night including breakfast

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mends om ends mm coec ReR rg inin Virg Vi the top QH brings you m the staff picks fro Megastore

NAME: Mary Anne Toledano STORE SECTION: Literature

TIME AT VIRGIN: 5 years

Best Part of My Job:“I’m amazed because with all the electronics and advanced technology out, people are still reading books – especially kids.” Inferno Dan Brown Fiction: Professor of symbology Robert Langdon is back in Brown’s latest installment of historical intrigue that began with the Da Vinci Code. This time round, Langdon is drawn into a dark world of secrets surrounding the literary work of Dante’s Inferno. Set against the modern backdrop of Italy and Turkey the novel weaves ancient manuscripts and modern science together in a race to stop an unparalleled force that has its eye set on global destruction. Retail price: QR 137 for hardcover.

The Casual Vacancy J.K. Rowling Fiction: Her first adult work of fiction, the Harry Potter series author brings fans a big story about a small town. As council-man Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties the bid for his parish council seat unearths dark truths about the small town of Pagford, where everyone is at war with one another it seems. There’s scandals, lies, duplicity and intrigue in this page-turner, all brewing to a boiling point under the surface of this seemingly quaint suburb. Retail price: QR 58 for paperback.

Manuscript And The Mountains Found In Accra Echoed Paulo Coelho Khaled Hosseini Fiction: The acclaimed Brazilian author is back with his latest novel. A compendium of wisdom for the ages, it’s a tale told in a non-linear style through the findings and accounts of a people under siege to a wise man from whom they seek counsel. Though the format is different, the message of spiritual understanding, enlightenment and the discovery of universal truths is classic Coelho. Retail price: QR 72 for paperback.

Fiction: The author of critically-acclaimed novel The Kite Runner is back with his latest work, a novel about the bonds of family and how we recovering what we’ve lost from ourselves. Beginning in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1952 the story is told from the point of view of nine different, yet interrelated characters, eventually spanning the decades as a brother searches for the sister he lost. Retail price: QR 115 for hardcover.

Unstoppable: The Incredible Power Of Faith In Action Nick Vujicic Non-Fiction: This moving account of Australian motivational speaker Nick Vujicic will help put your own life’s travails into perspective. Born with a rare genetic disorder called tetra-amelia that left him with no limbs, Vujicic hasn’t let the not-so-small matter of mobility get in his way. In Unstoppable, he uses his experiences to offer up new perspectives on how we can handle and overcome adversity in our own lives. Retail price: QR 64 for paperback.

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Spotlight On Movies

TOP

These top five films are worth waiting in line for!

dom

Mandela: Long Walk To Free Biography | Drama | History A chronicle of Nelson Mandela’s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Stars: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto QH Fun Fact: Leading stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris share more than just a role as husband and wife Nelson and Winnie Mandela on-screen. The actors also share a birthday in real life – September 6.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi In this much-anticipated sequel, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem. Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth QH Fun Fact: While filming an action scene, star Jennifer Lawrence hit herself with a bow mid-sprint, falling into a pool of water jets on-set. The accident left her partially deaf for six days.

Frozen Animation | Action | Adventure Fearless optimist Anna teams up with Kristoff in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter. Stars: Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel QH Fun Fact: The story is based off a Hans Christian Anderson fairytale that was a favourite of Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark Margrethe II. 118

Last Vegas Comedy Three sixtysomething friends take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal. Stars: Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman QH Fun Fact: The combined age of the three leading actors is 215 years old and they’re still lookin’ good!

Thor:The Dark World Action | Adventure | Fantasy Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save them all. Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christopher Eccleston QH Fun Fact: The props department made 30 different hammers for Thor’s character using various materials. The main one used is made of aluminum.

QH Sensations Experience

The Dish on Qatar By Ashlee Starratt

This month, it’s all about money in the bank! If you’re new to Qatar, one of the first things most ex-pats do upon receiving their residence permit is open a bank account. Here are some tips on what you need to know to get you started.

To open an account you will need to have a valid residence permit number. Even if you don’t have your Qatari I.D. yet, you will need to show your passport with the 11-digit R.P. number stamped in it. A person’s spouse or children can also open an account with their permission as they are under family sponsorship and don’t require a letter from an employer.

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You will also need proof of employment from your company. This usually comes in the form of a salary statement with an official company stamp. Most banks will also want photocopies of important documents to determine your proof of residency. These can include your passport, Qatari I.D., phone or utility bill or a copy of your tenancy agreement if you are renting or leasing a property.

There are two types of standard accounts offered by financial institutions in Qatar – a savings account and a current account. You have the option to open one or both, but chequebooks can only be issued to a current account and most debit cards issued are also linked to current accounts, unless you only have a savings account. You can request for your salary to be deposited into either account, but any loans or mortgage repayment will be deducted from whichever account your salary is deposited into.

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A note on issuing cheques in Qatar – it’s a criminal offense to write a cheque with insufficient funds in the account. A bounced cheque can elicit legal action from the recipient individual or company, so always double-check that you have enough money to make sure it clears.

Facilities offered for ex-pats at most standard financial institutions include personal loans, vehicle loans, debit/credit cards, money transfers, mortgages and some specialized services such as VIP, ladies and student banking.

Islamic banking is also available at the following institutions: International Islamic, Qatar Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan and Barwa Bank. Islamic banking follows the principles of sharia, or Islamic law. These include profit-sharing and the waiving of riba, or interest fees.

Operating hours for most banks are generally from Sunday to Thursday, although a select few such as Commercial Bank, HSBC, IBQ or QNB will open for limited hours on Friday and Saturday if they are located in one of the major malls such as City Center or Villaggio. Throughout the week, teller service and financial consultations are available on a split shift basis, with many banks opening between 7:00 a.m.

Always take extra caution to protect your debit card pin number when using ATMs

or 8:00 a.m. in the morning, closing at noon or 1:00 p.m., and re-opening from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. or in some instances slightly later.

Bank transfer fees are usually fixed and kept relatively low. The standard rate for a local or overseas transfer is QR 10 and QR 15 respectively. This is in part due to a push from the Qatar Central Bank to keep service charges to a minimum on transactions that many customers use on a daily basis.

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Qatari banknotes have special tactile features that are recognizable to those with visual impairments and also incorporate security threads. Check with your banking institution to see if they offer mobile banking services or apps for smart-phones. They provide you with access to your accounts right at your finger-tips and you can transfer money, or pay your Ooredoo or Kharamaa utility bills on the go, plus most are free to download. n

It Happened

AHB Group’s Director of Finance and Operations, Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal (centre) poses with Mr. Abdul Majeed of Ooredoo (third from left) and members of his extended family at the Chowking launch

Chowking Grand Opening Holiday Villa Hotel Oct 1, 2013

Chowking chefs dish up piping hot food to a packed crowd at the Holiday Villa location’s grand opening

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AHB Group’s Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal (third from right) smiles with members of the AHB Group and Chowking teams

Damien Hirst Relics Exhibition ALRIWAQ Doha Oct 10, 2013

Artist Damien Hirst poses for media at the opening tour of his Relics exhibition

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Additional photography by Srimani Welagedara

H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser enjoys a private tour of the Relics exhibition with Damien Hirst, curator Francesco Bonami and H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Photo Credit: Aisha Al Musallam HHOPL

It Happened

Photography by Srimani Welagedara

Al Jawhary Salon Launch The Coral Hotel Oct 8, 2013

The ribbon-cuting ceremony for the grand opening of the Al Jawhary Salon

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Designer Aisha Fonte (centre) is all smiles as her new line Que Me Pongo makes its debut at the launch

Astor Grill’s Chef Rudy Petersen cooks up some flavour with a little help from the musicians from Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha

Cooking With Jazz The St. Regis Doha Sept 23, 2013

JALC trumpet-player Dominick Farinacci hits all the right notes

Mövenpick Tower & Suites Corporate Gala Katara Sept 25, 2013

General Manager Ghada Sadek (centre) poses with her staff at the corporate gala at Katara. Great job team Mövenpick!

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It Happened

Thirty years young!

General Manager John Northen oversees the celebration cake-cutting

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30-Year Global Celebration Courtyard by Marriott Doha Oct 15, 2013

L-R: Luciano Lopez-Salazar, Spanish Ambassador H.E. Carmen De La Peña and Arafat Hernandez

The Sheraton Doha’s Sara Chakri (second from right) poses with Latino’s new salsa band

Spanish Week At Latino The Sheraton Doha Oct 7, 2013

Chefs Pepe and Marc pose over the biggest vat of paella we’ve ever seen!

Hats off to another year at the biggest and best Oktoberfest in Doha!

Oktoberfest InterContinental Doha Oct 3, 2013

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Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa 4445 5555 Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4220 Hilton Doha 4423-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Johnny Rockets Al Emadi Complex 4455 2792 Hyatt Plaza 4460 4210 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale 4428 8888 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6115 Nando’s City Center Mall 4493-0785 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 The Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333

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

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

Health / Beauty

Hotels / Restaurants

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

Hospitals/Emergency

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

4493-4433 4483-0989

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

Tourism / Travel Alpha Tours Arabian Adventures World Wide Destination Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & Tour Victoria Car Rental Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex

Ambulance, Police & Fire Department Doha Clinic Hospital

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

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

4438-4333

Emergency Hotline 4435-5999

Pediatric Emergency

4439-2948

4489-8000

Qatar Foundation for Child &

Hamad General Hospital

4439-2222

Woman Protection Hotline 4466-6671 / 72

Rumailah Hospital

4439-3333

Al Ahli Hospital

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Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com Interior Forum Design 4456-8716 Restaurants Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 4431-4411 Chowking Al Saad St. Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 Chowking Mamoura 4486-6077 Chowking Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 Publications ABODE/QH Magazines

4427-8416

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

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

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

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

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

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