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TABLE OF CONTENTS
pg 58 Five-Star Fusion: Nobu Doha
September 2015 EVERY ISSUE 5 6
Editor-In-Chief's Letter
QH's Editor-in-Chief tells you what's happening this month
ENTERTAINMENT 11
Top Picks
35
Top Picks
12
Defected Is In The House
36
Embracing Qatari Life
14
Reggae Roots
38
Culture, Frame-By-Frame
16
Fiesta Cubana
40
Arts & Culture Listings
QH Speaks
The best of our monthly social media,
plus the Hit-Or-Miss List
8
The QH Grab-Bag
96
It Happened
Our monthly prize corner for your chance to win QH’s photo gallery of the latest happening events in Doha
100 Phone Directory
Need-to-know phone numbers
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening
ARTS & CULTURE
26
Britain's premiere house music label drops the beat at the Sheraton Doha's Indigo VIP The St. Regis Doha's reggae music man, Buggy Nhakente, answers our burning questions From the shores of Havana to the dunes of Doha, The Sugar Kings hit the stage at The Grand Hyatt
The Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture goes behind the lens and across the continents with a new photographic exhibition coming to Katara Find out everything that’s going on this month
Virgin Recommends
The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore
28
Spotlight On Movies
31
Entertainment Listings
Our top five must-see films of the month
Find out everything that’s going on this month
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening
For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email info@qatarhappening.com QH Sep 2015 - FINAL.indd 3
Embrace Doha is a grassroots group that's bridging communities through the celebration of local culture
CHECK OUT www.qatarhappening.com for the latest information
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TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY 43
Top Picks
44
The Pilgrim's Route
46
Head Of The Class
48
Education: Thinking Globally
With Eid Al Adha just around the corner, we uncover the intricate preparations and time-honoured traditions of the Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj It's back-to-school bootcamp, QH-style!
Our sneak peek inside the prestigious Qatar Global Education Fair
52
pg 16
Knowing Your Child's Learning Style
Visual, aural, tactile or a combination of both, how your child processes and retains knowledge is a skill set they'll carry for life
54
Fiesta Cubana: The Sugar Kings Live In Doha
Community Listings
Find out everything that’s going on this month
FOOD & DINING
SPORTS
QH SENSATIONS
57
Top Picks
79
Top Picks
89
Top Picks
58
Five-Star Fusion
80
Fridays With Vishnu
90
From Roots To Tips
62
Benvenuto In Italia
82
Detox For Life
92
Shave And A Haircut
64
A Taste Of The Deep
84
The Science Of Coaching
94
Perth, Perfected
66
Word Of Mouth
86
Sports Listings
68
Nobu Doha lives up to its Hollywood hype (and price-tag!) at The Four Seasons We discover how Antica Pesa goes beyond a family restaurant with a history QH goes fishing for flavour with South Africa's most famous seafood franchise, Ocean Basket It's an island brunch with a twist at Trader Vic's in the Hilton Doha
Food & Dining Listings
QH spends a spiritual afternoon at the Radisson Blu with yoga master Vishnu Prasad EVOLVE – Mind/Body/Soul breaks down the common household products that are making us sick When it comes to training and weightloss, Absolute Health & Fitness' Jonny Parr shows us the teaching methods that do the trick
roots salon is making waves in Doha through its holistic approach to beauty and wellness We go for a trim-to-remember at the newly-opened Barbershop in Marsa Malaz Kempinski QH heads Down Under to explore the isolated, yet anything-but-lonely capital of Western Australia
Find out everything that’s going on this month
Find out everything that’s going on this month
Have Your Say: Feedback and comments are always welcome. Please forward letters to the editor: Email: editor@qatarhappening.com info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com
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Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:
+974 4427 8416 +974 5584 4905 +974 4427 8415
Postal Address: P.O. Box 7848 , Doha, Qatar
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From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief
On The Cover?
Defected Records makes it's Doha up loud! début and we've got it turned by Photo credit: Conceptualized Lindsey Steenkamp
About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com.
Dear friends,
S
eptember is always one of our most long-awaited issues of the year and I’m proud to welcome you to the 2015 edition. After the long heat of the summer, once again our fair city is waking up – with some very special events in tow. From musical happenings, mouthwatering restaurant reviews and your monthly dose of culture, there’s plenty to keep you going each and every week. First I must take a moment to wish all of our readers a blessed Eid Mubarak in the wake of the upcoming Eid Al Adha celebrations this September 23 and 24. Marking the time of pilgrimage for the sacred journey of Hajj, this celebration of devotion is one that each and every able-bodied Muslim must strive to complete at least once during his or her lifetime. In this month’s QH Sensations, we share with our readers the preparations that take place ahead of such a expedition and what those making the pilgrimage from Qatar can expect to encounter along the way. September also marks our annual back-to-school issue and our Community pages are packed with all your scholastic essentials. From our survival guide to keep you at the head of the class, to information on the upcoming Qatar Global Education Fair that’s heading to Doha, and the importance of understanding your child’s learning style from a young age, be sure to bookmark these engaging features. In Arts & Culture we check in for September with the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture, interviewing two Turkish photographers taking part in a very special cross-cultural exchange in a new exhibit called Artistic Journeys: New Angles, New Perspectives on now at Katara’s Qatar Photographic Society. As we speak of cross-cultural appreciation and understanding, we’re also proud to bring you this month a feature on the cultural community group, Embrace Doha. Seeking to bridge the gap between locals and expats, these dedicated good samaritans organize monthly events that introduce the traditions of Qatari culture to those from other countries. We bring you the full story on page 36.
We hope that you take your September copy of Qatar Happening out in to your neighbourhood and let our stories inspire you to do some good yourselves. After all – we’re all in this together, building a strong community hand-in-hand – over one cup of karak at a time. Thank you for making us a part of your lives,
Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor: Ashlee Starratt Art Director / Production Manager: Lindsey Steenkamp Lead Designer / Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Sales & Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Sales & Marketing Manager: Marisela Paesano New Media Manager: Serah Mary Sampath Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Interns: Aisha Javaid Administrative & Marketing Coordinator: Marisol Vinculada Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Shahmim Akram, Tasbih Amin, Cameron Black,
Coco Latté, Defected Records, Jacqueline Bodnar, Jan Janssen – Viva Press, Megapolis, Jonny Parr, Lynsey Riach, Dr. Steffen Sommer
QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 12 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group. The information contained in QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. Readers are advised to confirm details with the event organizers. All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements.
Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal
QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 10. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.
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SPEAKS
QH Our ‘hot-or-not’ picks of the month, social media snippets, plus our Editor’s corner.
S
eptember’s here and we’re decking the halls with streamers and glow-sticks, because party season is back in Doha, folks. We’ve bid the summer scorcher farewell (okay…almost!) and our sandy city is slowly but surely coming back to life – as I’m sure we can all attest from the bumper-to-bumper back-to-school traffic. Hot off the presses this month we bring you the sultans of sound as Defected Records makes its Doha début for a one night show with Indigo VIP at the Sheraton Doha coming up on October 1. Ibiza kids will know the signature label by heart, but for the uninitiated, get ready for some stellar tunes as this is one Defected In The House party that’s not to be missed. Spinning will be techno-percussionist Shovell, fiery vocalist DJ Rae and Defected founding father Simon Dunmore. We can’t think of a better line-up to kick off the season!
The Hit-Or-Miss List
Up-Market Chic As if the W Doha wasn’t our favourite haunt already, we’re swooning over Market’s new facelift. Having just re-opened over Eid Al Fitr, restaurant regulars will notice new punches of warm wood accents cradling the space. Gone are the greenish-gold lightboxes adorning the walls, and in are fruity, eye-popping artworks. The vibe is fresh and refined, while the food – well, it’s still better than ever.
Need For Speed We can’t tell you how much we’ve been gritting our teeth during our daily commute these last few months. The population may have cleared out during the summer but it seems like all the cars left on the roads congregated on the Doha Expressway. A more congested artery of traffic we’ve yet to encounter, as the recently-reduced speed limit of 80-kms per hour also carries with it the risk of driver impatience…not a good combination when there’s a Land Cruiser bearing down on you in the rearview mirror. I guess we’re not the only ones concerned, as the Traffic Department has announced that it will soon be reverting back to the old speed limit of 100-kms per hour. Victory!
What else is on the docket in Entertainment this month you ask? Well, if flipping the page isn’t your thing… then I guess I can give up the goods here. Reggae nights are back on the beach at The St. Regis, we take you out for a night on the town at the W Doha's ultra-glam Crystal, and Hollywood veteran Johnny Depp chats to us about what it’s like playing notorious gangster Whitey Bulger in the new bio-pic Black Mass. QH was also lucky to snag a reservation at the illustrious Nobu, and over in Food & Dining we bring you our review. Or, if a taste of Italy is more your style, then stick with us as we spend an evening at the newlyopened Antica Pesa restaurant at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski. The foodie scene in Doha has never been better... In fact, our very own AHB Group's restaurant division is bringing two exciting new concepts to Qatar in the next few months – healthy juices and fresh salads from Crunch Cantina at Nova Cinema, and a taste of the British seaside at Harry Ramsden's World Famous Fish & Chips. Flip to our It Happened section for a sneak peek of the green goodness we sampled at a very special tasting for Crunch Cantina! From spa reviews at roots salon, to a master yoga class with the renowned Vishnu at Radisson Blu, and a sneak peek at a world-class educational fair that's setting up shop in Doha, our September issue is firing on all cylinders. Hope you can keep up! See you next month,
Jonesing For Jones This QH staffer loves a good dose of Jones The Grocer on a Friday morning – but so does every single other person in the rest of the city it seems. Trying to get a table on any given weekend can be an exercise in patience – or brunch rage, depending on how hard the hunger pangs are gnawing. So when we got a tip that Jones The Grocer is opening a second branch on The Pearl we jumped for joy. The new space and updated menu promises to be bigger, brighter and bolder – and we can’t wait.
Let’s Go To The Mall… Ashlee Starratt Editor
Top Of The Twitter-Verse @creativedesignq
The Earth without ‘art’ is just ‘eh’.
Or actually, let’s not. Though shopping seems to be as popular as ever, it also begs the question – does Qatar really need yet another mall? If it’s an exclusive, high-end luxury one then perhaps– because we don’t know about you, but we don’t get out of bed to go shopping unless it’s for a new set of Louis Vuitton or Gucci ice-cube trays. And that’s exactly what the new Al Hazm shopping centre (slated for a December opening) promises – all luxury, all excess, all the time. We can think of some more exciting uses for Qatar’s land however…like a museum, science centre or outdoor recreational space perhaps?
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The focal point of El Faro's main dining area – a Picassoinspired street-art mural
This month’s QH Grab-Bag is all about flavour, as we’re giving you and a friend the chance to learn how to cook authentic paella in a private class for two with Chef Raùl Cob, Head Chef at Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s El Faro restaurant! To participate head over to the Qatar Happening Facebook page where the winner will be selected on September 12.
Selected images courtesy of Marsa Malaz Kempinski Additional photography by Jessie Palanca
E
l Faro, meaning ‘the lighthouse’ in Spanish, is the true Spanish beacon of light in Qatar. Located at Doha's premier destination Marsa Malaz Kempinski, El Faro offers guests an exciting and fun dining experience, serving delicious and authentic tapas from across the Iberian Peninsula. The restaurant has a metropolitan feel with Picasso and street-art-inspired murals, a central tapas counter and a fun, yet cosy restaurant side. El Faro also boasts an outdoor terrace overlooking the skyline of The Pearl-Qatar and the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.
El Faro Head Chef Raùl Cob is ready to take you and a friend into the kitchen!
As a native Andalucían, Head Chef Raùl Cob is proud of his culinary heritage. He works only with the freshest ingredients available and uses as much local produce as possible. At El Faro, Chef Raùl prepares traditional mouthwatering recipes from culinary hotspots across his home country, including authentic tapas, pintxos and original paella. Among the most popular dishes at El Faro you’ll find pan Catalana (grilled Spanish bread with tomato and garlic), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce) and three types of paella: seafood, fideuà (vermicelli noodles) and paella del dia (paella of the day), to mention but a few. With homemade breads and flavoursome dishes, guests and foodies alike are set for a real Spanish fiesta at El Faro. n
Paella is the national dish of Spain — this is El Faro's sumptuous seafood variety
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ENTERTAINMENT
Top Picks
HILTON DOHA New Blanco Lounge
Daily: Blanco Lounge. Chill out with your favourite beverage and feel the vibe of Café Del Mar chill-out music at an indoor venue with a view. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 5536-0347, or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.
RADISSON BLU DJ Jennifer Lee
Sep 10: The Qube. Back by popular demand, DJ Jennifer Lee will bring the party to Doha’s ultimate entertainment venue. Ladies arrive early to enjoy your complimentary entry. VIP entry is QR 160 for gents and QR 130 for ladies, and QR 50 entry fee for ladies after 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.
MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Bohemia Sessions
Wed & Thurs: Bohemia. Bohemia Sessions have arrived at The Pearl-Qatar, every Wednesday and Thursday with cool vibes by DJ Longplayer & B Sound. Spread the word and join the fun! From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
DOHA MARRIOTT Pearl Lounge Re-Opening!
Ongoing: The Pearl Lounge. The trendy and popular Pearl Lounge has taken on a new look! Join in style for the re-opening of the Pearl Lounge night-club. With beautiful pearlescent highlights, elegant and quirky wall art, find yourself immersed in a classic a la mode setting. Don’t forget to show off your best dance moves together with the cool funky tunes of the highly-regarded in-house DJ! Join in for the daily Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and indulge in selected beverages for only QR 27. For more information call 4429-8444.
SHERATON DOHA Salsa Night
Wednesdays: Irish Harp. Enjoy salsa dancing and music all night long! Prepare your dancing shoes and join in every Wednesday at the Irish Harp. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4485-3000 or visit www.irishharpdoha.com.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Defected
Is In The House! As told to Jorge Granda Selected images courtesy of Defected Records
The fall party season is back with a bang as Indigo VIP brings the top names in Defected-label house music to the Sheraton Doha. We go behind the decks with Simon Dunmore, Shovell, DJ Rae and more!
D
efected is one of the most internationallyrecognized dance labels in the world with a reputation built on a love of music. Since ‘99 Defected have been releasing tunes that have defined the scene – if you've been at a club, bar or house party where the DJ was spinning house music, it’s likely that at least one of the records you heard was signed to Defected. Every year, more than half a million people across more than 40 countries attend Defected In The House events around the globe. With millions of records sold globally, the label has worked with some of the biggest names in the business and is responsible for introducing talents such as Bob Sinclar, Junior Jack, ATFC, Sandy Rivera and Copyright to an ever-hungry audience. From its first release to its last, Defected’s sound has been deeply rooted in classic soul and disco, and while it’s developed over the last decade, their firm belief in the essential musicality of house has never faded.
ARTISTS PERFORMING IN DOHA Shovell Although Shovell started his professional music career with Natural Life, a band from southeast London who were signed by Hollywood Records in 1990, he’s probably best-known as a band member and percussionist in multi-platinum-album-selling band M People. Joining the group in 1992 they toured the world’s biggest arenas, sold over 11 million records and earned many awards along the way, including a Mercury Prize, an Ivor Novello Award and two Brit Awards. Being part of this whole experience allowed Shovell to shape his art – and indeed himself. Shovell has performed and recorded with acts as diverse as Hearsay, Atomic Kitten, Manic Street Preachers and Primal Scream. He’s also shared the stage and the recording studio with Soul II Soul, Nightmares On Wax, Boy George, Chicane, Sting and The Chemical Brothers, and is now the premier percussionist in the world of dance music. Not only can he be seen playing alongside the world’s best DJs, in the world’s biggest clubs, but it’s all done in the guise of his alter-ego ‘The Drum Warrior’, which sees Shovell decked out in the most vibrant tribal clothes and face-paint. Shovell believes that this tribal aspect allows his performance to tap into the mystic power of the drums – a real special sight to see and hear. He’s released many dance-floor favourites such as ‘Bulo’, ‘One Drum’ and ‘Warrior Dance, Yema Ya’ and has also made the leap into the world of television, presenting alongside Fearne Cotton on the BBC’s Record Breakers and Lisa Rogers on ITV2’s 45-Minutes football program.
Simon Dunmore
As head of one of the world’s longest-running and most influential record labels, Simon Dunmore’s legacy is already assured. The man behind Defected has cultivated a unique position within the dance music industry, being one of very few who can lay claim to spearheading a diverse platform that has a list of successes and achievements to rival most of the majors. As a DJ his prowess and knowledge of house music is unsurpassed, and he has maintained long-standing relationships with some of the dance scene’s biggest names including Dennis Ferrer, MK, Sandy Rivera, Masters At Work, Osunlade, Dimitri From Paris, Copyright, Sonny Fodera, Bob Sinclar and many, many more. Over the years he has signed hits like Bob Sinclar's 'Love Generation' and 'World, Hold On' and Kings of Tomorrow’s seminal ‘Finally’ as well as Dennis Ferrer's 'Hey Hey', the ubiquitous 'Coma Cat' by Tensnake and, more recently, MK’s huge remix of ‘Look Right Through’ by Storm Queen, which topped the UK charts. On top of this, Defected holds two hugely-popular Ibiza residencies, one of which is now in its 13th season, and regular events around the globe from Singapore to Brazil. Established 16 years ago – initially in partnership with Ministry of Sound – Defected Records’ success was immediate; their very first release – Soulsearcher’s ‘I Can’t Get Enough’ – reached No.8 on the UK singles charts, forming the foundation for the label's future successes and musical direction. In fact, his years of hard work were acknowledged at the International Music Summit (IMS) in Ibiza in 2012, when he picked up the Outstanding Achievement Award.
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House vocalist and performing artist DJ Rae
home to another iconic Ibiza club – Space, taking charge of the Terrace on a weekly basis. Besides that, Simon is also lending his knowledge and years in the game to one of the industry’s most famous labels, Strictly Rhythm. Taking the reins from Mark Finklestein, a man he cites as a mentor, Simon aims to continue the label’s legacy with Defected supplying a strong foundation for it to flourish once again. So the label – and Simon – continue their forward motion, adapting, evolving and paving their own way in a business where few enterprises have lasted so long. It’s a formula that has kept him in the driving seat for 16 years and will no doubt keep him there for many more.
DJ & Vocalist Rae Staying true to her house roots, Rae has built a global following thanks to a keen devotion to house music, an unfaltering passion and a healthy dose of idiosyncratic productions. She’s established herself with a succession of quality releases on Defected Records such as the classics ‘Hide U’ and ‘Can’t Stop’ with Sandy Rivera/Kings of Tomorrow, the anthem ‘Another Day’ and the recent ‘Take Me Away’ alongside DJ S.K.T. – currently one of the biggest house records of 2015. Rae is one of the few female artists in the house world to deliver self-penned clubland hits, solo productions and a flawless live-show combining powerful vocals with a captivating DJ set.
Defected Records founding father Simon Dunmore
House music percussionist Shovell
In 2014 the label celebrated 15 years in the business with a huge global tour, commemorated with a cover feature with the world’s biggest dance music magazine, Mixmag and a complete overhaul of the label’s branding, directed by renowned designer Trevor Jackson. The label tour took in a mind-boggling list of high-quality festivals and club spaces including; Avalon (Los Angeles), Womb (Tokyo), Watergate (Berlin), Air (Amsterdam), Pacha (Sydney) and UK festivals Global Gathering and WeAreFSTVL, plus many more. Simon’s qualifications go beyond label owner, music curator and A&R, permeating into his role as a DJ. His dexterity and technical ability is of a supremely high level thanks to 25+ years of service on the wheels of steel. Other developments concern Defected’s all-important Ibiza exploits, which this year will take place at the legendary Amnesia Terrace. After successful seasons at Booom in 2013 and 2014, with plaudits from across the board, including positive reviews from Resident Advisor and Essential Ibiza. On top of this, Simon’s other venture, Glitterbox, moves
Based between Ibiza and London, Rae was the first DJ and singer to perform at Ushuaia Ibiza for Defected, with a summer residency in its opening year and regular sets at the world-renowned Pacha Ibiza throughout the summer. n Indigo VIP will operate every Thursday evening featuring local and international artists on selected dates throughout the fall.
DEFECTED IN THE HOUSE Date: October 1 Location: Indigo VIP at Sheraton Doha Timings: From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Ticket Info: Tickets are QR 200 per person and are available via www.iloveqatar.net/defected. Contact Info: For more information on Defected visit www.defected.com, follow Defected Records on Twitter or like Defected In The House on Facebook.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Reggae Roots the Buggy's back! And he's bringing more Fully Loaded band with him for reggae than you can handle
By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha
QH: Who’s the person you trust the most and why?
Since 2012, Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loaded Band have brought their unique sound and reggae melodies to Oyster Bay Beach at The St. Regis Doha. The band is back this September for another season of island grooves and QH gets up-close and cheeky with the main man himself – Buggy Nhakente.
BN: I trust myself because I only know for sure what I would do in any situation.
T
QH: Where was the last selfie you took with your phone? BN: At the annual carnival in Barbados. QH: Do you know any real gossip about someone really famous that you can share with us? BN: If I told you I might have to kill you.
he award-winning Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loaded Band are returning to Qatar as the resident reggae band at The St. Regis Doha. Having toured Canada, the UK and the US, and named Barbados’ Reggae Artist of the Year, Buggy is currently one of the most successful reggae voices on the scene. A three-time winner of the Best Reggae Single and Best Video, he has shared the stage with mega-stars like Ja Rule, Ashanti, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Queen Ifrica, Anthony B. and many more.
QH: What was the last lie you told?
We’ve spoke to Buggy before about his career and music dreams, but this time we thought we’d try something a little bit different and get some ‘hard-hitting’ answers to a few burning questions…
BN: I told my friend I was 10 minutes away from rehearsal and I hadn't left home yet.
BN: I'd be three-years-old. I'd get to say whatever was on my mind about anything and no one would be offended. QH: What kind of questions you do not like to answer? BN: Religious, political or intimate. QH: If you could switch bodies with someone who’s relevant right now, who would you pick and what would you do? BN: Lewis Hamilton, and I'd then take Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loaded Band on my world tour called Music and Machines. QH: Who or what cheers you up most in life and why?
BN: Vegetarian.
BN: When I hear a song that gives me goose-bumps, because I stop thinking of anything else I'm doing and get lost in the moment. Most of my friends are used to it now.
QH: What was your first thought when you woke-up this morning?
QH: Are you addicted to social media and if you are, what’s got you hooked?
BN: I was in the mood for some old-school music.
BN: Not at all. I'm told I need to get more into it.
QH: If you could be any age for a day, what age would you be and why?
QH: Which is the best party you have been to and why?
QH: What’s your favourite pizza?
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Feet in the sand and reggae in the air equals weekend bliss
BN: Breakfast parties are best – there's good food, great music and the sunrise.
QH: What’s your best memory in life so far?
QH: What’s the worst thing you have ever eaten and where?
QH: Has anything ever happened to you that you couldn’t explain?
BN: I couldn't make the rest of my memories jealous by choosing one. I have lots of great memories.
BN: Fast-food in America.
QH: If you could retire tomorrow, what would you do?
BN: No… n
BN: A few things...I just conclude that it's my guardian angel. QH: Do you have a hero? BN: Bob Marley.
BN: Retire, get married and take a world adventure.
QH: Do you like clowns?
REGGAE NIGHTS WITH BUGGY NHAKENTE AND THE FULLY LOADED BAND Location: Oyster Bay Beach, The St. Regis Doha
ENTER AND WIN!
Dates: Every Thursday & Friday. (Except during the 10 days leading up to Eid Al Adha)
Each week QH, in cooperation with The St. Regis Doha, is giving away two reserved seating areas for eight people, plus welcome beverages and snacks. Two lucky winners will be selected each week. Enter to win by visiting www.facebook.com/QatarHappening.
Regulations: • ID scanning is required and guests must over the age of 21 to enter • Couples and mixed groups door policy • QR 200 minimum spend per person for VIP tables only – maximum of 8 people per table
Timings: Band starts at 10:00 p.m.
Contact Info: Call 4446-0000 or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com
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ENTERTAINMENT Band leader and percussionist Flavio Correa
By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of Coco Latté
The Grand Hyatt is bringing some Cuban savor to Qatar with renowned band The Sugar Kings as they hit the stage from September 30-October 1. QH goes one-on-one with band leader Flavio Correa to learn more about their signature brand of sound.
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usic man Flavio Correa is an acclaimed percussionist and singer who grew up in Havana, Cuba. Surrounded by music since childhood, Flavio forged his symphonic path in life, founding his own band The Sugar Kings in 2006 which quickly earned world-wide acclaim. The Kings have performed across London at The National Theatre, Ronnie Scott’s and The Royal Albert Hall jazz series. They’ve toured all over Europe, made TV appearances and graced the stages of international jazz festivals and private events – and now they’re about to leave their mark on Doha. QH: Will this be your first time performing in the Middle East? FC: Actually our second! We had a short visit for a football friendly between Uruguay and Spain a few years ago. QH: What are your expectations about playing in Qatar? FC: I hear from the best sources that the people are welcoming, happy and love good music. QH: Where do The Sugar Kings roots come from?
Fiesta Cubana!
FC: I love traditional Cuban music so I created The Sugar Kings. In the 1950’s, the local minor-league baseball team that my grandparents supported was called ‘The Havana Sugar Kings’. Befitting to the era of music, and in honour of my neighbourhood, I named my band after them. QH:Do musicians have a hard time getting their music produced back home in Cuba? FC: The difficulty is only to do with resources. There is an abundance of talent and commitment, but without equipment and funding it’s tough to produce music. Cubans are very resourceful people though. We will make music from anything! QH: Describe your sound for us.
The quartet in action!
FC: The Sugar Kings quartet plays happy music! We’re a classic mix of Cuban tres guitar and vocal har-monies with percussive rhythms and lead trumpet, with styles like son montuno, guaracha, mambo, cha-cha-cha, bolero. This music was made famous by the Buena Vista Social Club in recent years.
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ngo' Trumpet player Rolando 'El Domi brass section Dominguez leads up the band's
Cuban tres guitarist Daniel Carnago
QH: How has the band evolved over the last decade? FC: Bands in Cuba rehearse and play together every day in a set format. In a busy city like London [where the band is now based], we must adapt. We’ve created many formats of The Sugar Kings – from a duo to a nine-piece, in order to develop and grow. We’ve recently recorded an EP A Lo Cubanglo, available on iTunes. This is a collaboration with the wonderful jazz singer, Caroline Loftus. QH: How heavy is the African influence in Cuban music? FC: Like most Cubans, my heritage is from Spain and Africa. We have a strong African influence in all aspects of society, but music is the strongest manifestation of this part of our culture. Its rhythms are the heartbeat of all Cuban music. QH: Have you visited Africa? FC: No, I would love to go. It would be interesting to discover the land of my ancestors.
QH: Do you like to collaborate with other musicians to produce new rhythms? FC: Collaborating with musicians allows new perspective to create and experiment with sounds and styles. It’s amazing to constantly learn from musicians all over the world. I’ve recently been performing with the legendary Cuban violinist, Omar Puente. We are incorporating the folklore of traditional bata drums with Latin jazz. QH: What are your earliest memories of Cuban music? FC: My Dad was a drummer in a local band. I used to love going to rehearsals in a theatre near Plaza de la Revolucion and would proudly watch him play. QH: Does the music of The Sugar Kings transcend political and cultural borders? FC: Absolutely. Our music is for all to enjoy with abounding positivity!
QH: Have you gone back to visit Cuba after you left?
Bass player Elpidio Alegria
FC: I love Cuba. My grandparents were alive until recently and I go whenever I can.
QH: How do you reflect your cultural background in your music and lyrics?
QH: What’s hot in Cuban music right now?
FC: Music has always been its own force in Cuba. It is our strength, our joy, our heritage, our culture. Before the revolution there were many other historical situations – music transcends all of these.
FC: The most popular band in Cuba right now is Habana de Primera. They’ve been playing contemporary Cuban music since 2008 and people love them! QH: Which musical forefathers have had the most impact on your own creativity? FC: Beny Moré is my hero. Born in 1919 in the province of Cienfuegos, he was a great singer and natural musician who went on to perform with many popular big bands of the 1940’s. In the 1950’s he formed the Banda Gigante, one of the leading Cuban big bands of the time. He was a master of traditional Cuban popular music and is revered by Cubans of all generations.
QH: What are you wishes for Cuba? FC: Peace, prosperity, freedom for all, to continue to be independent and strong. And that it never sees a McDonalds! n The Sugar Kings will be performing at The Grand Hyatt Doha from September 30 – October 2, including a Cuban-themed brunch at The Grill. For more information call 7021-8094, or visit Coco Latté London’s Facebook page at facebook.com/cocolattelondon/events, or www.thesugarkings.com.
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
M
egapolis is a 6,000-square-metre family entertainment centre located in the heart of Medina Centrale at The Pearl-Qatar. Designed as a complete family leisure destination, Megapolis has an array of games, attractions and activities including bowling, indoor golf, darts, billiards, karaoke, flight and rally simulators, a hightech gaming arcade, a dedicated action zone, and much more – all under one roof. The extensive range of one-of-a-kind attractions at Megapolis includes Boeing F16 fighter jet and Cessna flight simulators that recreate the experience of flying an aircraft, complete with real-time take-off and landing scenarios, as well as F1 Race simulators. The simulators are replicas of those used by professional race-car drivers for training purposes, and allow you to feel the adrenaline rush of real-time racing. The state-of-the-art centre also features an indoor golf simulator (the only one in the world!) that takes
Mega-Fun
For All! Images courtesy of Megapolis
A state-of-the-art entertainment centre is opening soon in Doha. Located at The Pearl-Qatar, Megapolis is an entertainment city that offers a unique experience to guests of all ages with a super-charged array of games and attractions. QH has the inside scoop. The kid-centric colours of Cool de Sac
Hit the lanes and practice your aim in their ten-pin bowling alley
the concept of indoor golf to new levels with hightech course accuracy and visuals, and a fully-fledged gaming arcade where you can enjoy the latest in Xbox and PS4 consoles and games to be played by yourself, against another player, or over the internet with your friends on the other side of the world. Guests can also look forward to enjoying a variety of games and activities such as bowling, billiards, snooker, darts, Sega games, karaoke and more. In addition to its multitude of games and excitements, other attractions include Cool de Sac, an exciting concept that combines children’s entertainment and eating out – two integral elements of the urban family lifestyle, along with an eclectic mix of F&B outlets featuring leading international and local food brands. Plus, there's also Cool Cut, a unique professional hair salon specially-designed for kids. To learn more about Megapolis visit www.megapolisqatar.com. n
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ENTERTAINMENT By Jan Janssen Interview and selected images courtesy of Viva Press
Johnny Depp is a true chameleon – and really, you have to be in order to maintain longevity as an actor in Hollywood. From 90’s bad-boy heartthrob, to swash-buckling Captain Jack Sparrow and director Tim Burton’s personal muse, there’s a not a role the versatile thespian hasn’t tackled with his signature quirky aplomb. QH recently met with the A-list star to go behind the mask of what might be his darkest role yet, portraying notorious U.S. mobster Whitey Bulger in September’s Black Mass.
Here’s Johnny 20
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"What's all the fuss about?" That's Johnny Depp's reaction to the commotion that surrounds him as he’s led past fans and curious onlookers to do press. Unlike his earlier, more tormented self in the 90’s, Depp has evolved into an exceedingly polite, selfeffacing gentleman whose personality has become infinitely more relaxed over the course of his storied film career. Though there's still some anxiety when it comes to talking about himself, he seems to have buried most of the demons that haunted him as a young man who pumped gas in Florida and then arrived in Los Angeles as an aspiring musician who sold pens in a call-centre. "My identity crisis is long over – something that I struggled through as a teenager and in my early twenties," Depp recalls. "Now, if I look back, I'm a flower by comparison. As a young man I was restless and tormented. Today my children are my medicine and I'm leading a much healthier life. I have a small island in the Caribbean where I can get away from the world when I want and generally I keep myself happy by playing the guitar, reading, and working. I'm at peace with myself." Johnny's latest film is Black Mass, a dark underworld tale about the life of Boston mobster/ FBI informant James ‘Whitey’ Bulger who headed up a major crime-ring and was one of the most feared criminals in modern American history. Depp is almost unrecognizable in the role, his hair dyed grey and shaved on top to mimic Bulger's balding appearance, and the look adds to the formidable sense of menace that Johnny brings to his performance. Directed by Scott Cooper (Out of the Furnace), the true-life story unfolds from the 70’s to the 90’s and interweaves Bulger's life of crime with that of his politician brother Billy (Benedict Cumberbatch) and their childhood friend John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) who became an FBI agent and protected Bulger by having him work as a secret government informant. The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast in Dakota Johnson, Kevin Bacon and Corey Stoll. In February of this year, Johnny married stunningly beautiful blonde actress Amber Heard (Magic Mike XXL, 3 Days to Kill) in an intimate ceremony at their home in Los Angeles, having first become engaged in 2012. They first met while they co-starred together in the 2011 film The Rum Diary and subsequently fell in love while Johnny's 15-year relationship with French pop-star Vanessa Paradis was breaking down. "She's a wonderful girl," Depp said of Heard, who next stars in London Fields. "She's sharp as a tack. A southern belle and sweet as can be, and very good for me." Depp lives in Los Angeles and remains a doting father to his two children with Vanessa Paradis – Lily-Rose, 16, and Jack, 13. QH: Johnny, in Black Mass you play James ‘Whitey’ Bulger, a very vicious criminal. You've only played a criminal once before when you played John Dillinger in Public Enemies although he was a kind of romantic figure. Bulger is much more evil – what drew you to the role?
Edgerton Depp and Black Mass co-star Joel olly and (left) as federal agent John Conn r FBI informant James 'Whitey' Bulge
JD: There was a reason to play it that was obvious to me. He's a fascinating character. I don't think it's like anything I've done before on that level. QH: To play Bulger you once again undergo a radical transformation of your appearance, something you've done many times throughout your career including characters like Captain Jack and Willy Wonka. You must enjoy the idea of being a chameleon as an actor? JD: I love being able to change my look and totally hide behind my characters. I hate playing the same kind of guy and I always try to create a unique personality every time I do a film. I enjoy being able to surprise audiences and give them something different with every performance – even though that scares the [heck] out of the studios. I was sure I was going to get fired from Pirates of the Caribbean because my Captain Jack was very, very far from what they were expecting and in the end it turned out to be one of my favourite characters and audiences loved him. QH: Does Whitey Bulger represent a challenge for you in that you've never played as vicious as character as him? JD: Every character is a challenge. This past year I've gone from playing Whitey Bulger to returning to playing the Mad Hatter [in Alice Through the Looking Glass, the sequel to Alice in Wonderland] and playing Captain Jack again. I just love transforming myself and that's the biggest kick I get out of acting. QH: Amber Heard is a big part of your life now. What was it about her that drew you to her and made you want to marry her?
JD: Every day, every year that you get a little bit older, you get a little bit wiser. You have an easier, better look at what's going on in your life. Then you meet someone. I am everything that she wouldn't want to be with. In a lot of ways, she's everything that I wouldn't want to be with because with actors and actresses, it's not an easy deal. But she has a very good perspective on her career. It's an interesting thing when you realize that you’re at a point in your life where you’re able to dedicate your life to one person, to love that person. As you do your children. So yeah, I guess it's a little combination. She's a wonderful girl and I'm very lucky. QH: What kinds of qualities stand out to you about her? JD: On one of the first times I sat down with her, just talking to her after we first met [in preparing to shoot The Rum Diary], I was astonished at how smart she is. She's a real strong, brilliant woman who has a lot to say. When you have that combination it's pretty devastating. And also, she has the ability to bring up the names of old blues guys, like Slim Harpo, Tampa Red or any of these somewhat obscure guys. She has great knowledge of that and country music. It was just… there was no way around it. QH: You've often spoken about how your children have healed you and changed you. What are your kids like? JD: I am more and more proud of them. The kids have turned out so well. They are good, smart kids. They are polite and caring. My boy Jack has always been a very talented draftsman. He draws really super-well. He also plays music very well. He's got a good feel for that. Aside from school plays and things, he hasn't shown any desire to become an actor. Whew!
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ENTERTAINMENT
My daughter, on the other hand, is one of the smartest human beings I have ever known. She has far surpassed myself and my friends. She is just a genius. Lily-Rose is interested in the arts. She is interested in acting, possibly entertaining and singing as well. She's got the goods. She can certainly deliver. They are both great talents. I wish I could shy them away from the entertainment world because it's not going to be easy for them just because of their parents and all the expectations and focus that will be on them...But the kids are going to make the decisions. If that's what they want to do, then it's what they want to do. QH: You've also acted opposite your daughter Lily-Rose recently in your new film Yoga Hosers [a horror-comedy directed by Kevin Smith]? JD: I've never been more nervous or emotional than I was working with my daughter. Her presence on the set was such a beautiful and extraordinary [experience]. I was amazed watching her work. I wasn't even worried about her on the set because I could see right away that she's a better actor than I am! (Smiles) QH: With respect to your own acting career, you've tended to play characters on the margins of society as well as oddballs. Do you still feel like an outsider in some ways? JD: (Laughs) I think I will always feel like an outsider. It's the kind of feeling that sticks with you somehow. I have a good life, I have wonderful children and people I care about. But I've never thought that I've made it no matter how much success I've had as an actor. For me, my career has been pure luck. QH: What draws you to roles where many critics have said you have this ability to project a childlike sensibility?
JD: It's probably ignorance. I might just be really dumb, I don't know. What keeps you childlike more than anything else is your own kids and hanging around them, watching them experience things for the first time and seeing how they develop their intelligence and letting their imaginations flourish. I find it very easy to enter a child's world and their way of thinking. I trust kids far more than I do adults. Their perspective on the world is pure. It's not filtered by all the manipulation and distortion we adults accumulate as we go through life. That's why having my own children opened up the world to me again on so many levels and raising my first child, my daughter, made me re-experience the world in a very beautiful way. QH: Is it hard to maintain a more innocent perspective on things despite all the trials life throws at you? JD: For me, being a man is being someone who has kept the child inside him. I think most of us have long childhoods and adolescences and we're only really ‘men’ for a short period in middle-age and then we're grandfathers for a long time. At least that's what I hope is in store for me. QH: Do you feel you've managed to enjoy your life despite the constant attention that comes with being a huge celebrity? JD: It's a compromise. I can't really do things like take the kids to Disneyland with a lot of planning or walk on the beach whenever I feel like it. I don't go out very much anymore unless I'm on the road promoting a film or playing guitar on-stage once in a while. I'd rather play with my kids or relax with a good book and enjoying a bottle of vino at the end of the day. It's not a hard life. QH: You've stated many times in the past how you felt like an outsider growing up in Kentucky and then in Florida. Do you feel like less of an outsider now?
JD: I don't know. I've always felt a disconnect. I've had this sense of being an outsider for as long as I remember. I have bad memories of high school and teachers picking on me and on other people and I've been involved in enough films to know that the business can be very cutthroat. I felt so out of place growing up that I don't even know if I knew there was an easier life or a better life to fit into. You grow up a bit damaged and broken and then you have some success but you don't know to feel good about the work you're doing or the life you're leading. But I got lucky. I straightened myself out, and got to lead a good life. Things became very easy and you wonder what the hell was the matter with you for so long. I still can't understand why it was all such a struggle for me. You look for some purpose and something that will make all the ugly thoughts disappear.
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QH: Clearly the rough times you went through with your family gave you a distorted view of the world? JD: I suppose so. My Mom and Dad fought a lot and we always lived in small houses and sometimes it was really [hectic] and you don't know what to do. So us kids [Depp and his siblings] kind of bond together and learn to live with it. I try not to think about those times too much because it's just kind of sad and twisted and there's nothing you can do to change the past... QH: Did moving around constantly also prove unsettling? JD: It was just the way it was. My Mom was always looking for a better place to stay and if she decided we needed to move then we would move. But she's a strong woman and she gave me some of the best advice I ever got when I was young: "Don't take [expletive] from anyone!" I've tried to follow those instructions ever since. (Smiles) QH: Music was very important to you when you were growing up, wasn't it? JD: Music was my way out of my misery when I was growing up. I just thrived on it and felt connected to it. I started listening to a lot of Bob Dylan, the soundtrack from Last Tango in Paris, different stuff… My brother [ten years Depp's senior] was a huge influence on me and introduced me to a lot of great music. So my guitar became my best friend and I just threw myself into learning all the chords and riffs from all the best groups that I was listening to at the time. If I hadn't got into acting, I would have loved to have become a musician and just played the guitar for a living and just toured and enjoyed life on the road. That's how I wound up going to L.A. But when my band broke up, acting was just an opportunity that came up and my life went in a different direction. QH: In recent years you've been jamming more and more on-stage with a lot of big bands. Is music and playing the guitar still something you thrive on? JD: Music is total liberation for me and has this immediate impact. You get up on-stage and play and let loose. You feel this great vibe with the audience while you're playing and it kind of overtakes you and you're there purely in the moment. I never have that feeling when I'm spending five or six months on a film-set and you're shooting different parts of different scenes every day and then you wait a year until it comes out in the theatres. I never see any of my films. But with music there's this instant connection you feel with the other musicians, the music itself, and with the audience. QH: Was Hunter S. Thompson, whose book, The Rum Diary, you turned into a movie a few years ago, a kindred spirit for you?
Newly-weds Depp and wife Amber Heard
JD: Hunter and I were very close. He knew that I had a wild streak in me and we were able to indulge that from time to time. He also had a very clear notion of right and wrong in life and a desire to expose fraud and treachery wherever he found it. Hunter hated profiteers and hollow politicians. Hunter is one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. He defined a new style of journalism and even though his taste for having fun sometimes went beyond reasonable limits he always maintained his sense of humour and irreverence. I spent a lot of time hanging out with Hunter over a period of ten years and the real Hunter was a true southern gentleman and a man of impeccable principle and high morals. He hated dishonesty and corruption and pretentiousness. He was also incredibly shy and hyper-sensitive which is why he indulged in extreme selfmedication. He would then retreat into that anesthetized version of himself as a way of protecting himself because he was scared for some reason to reveal himself to people he didn't know. I'm also quite shy and that's probably why I've indulged in chemicals. QH: You had a life-threatening experience while shooting Rum Diary in Puerto Rico, didn't you? JD: Bruce [Robinson, the director of Rum Diary] and I were on a small plane and suddenly the engine cut out and all the lights went out in the cabin. It was total silence and Bruce and I just looked at each other in this blank way…It was very eerie. The plane then went into an uncontrolled descent and I started thinking to myself that this looks very
bad. I looked at Bruce again and said something to him like: "Is this it?" And that triggered hysterical laughter on both our parts as we held onto the hand-rests on our seats while presumably plunging to our deaths. But after what was ten or twenty seconds – although it seemed much longer when you're experiencing it –the pilot managed to re-start the engines and we pulled out of the dive. It wasn't a particularly enjoyable moment! (Laughs) QH: You've tended to be something of a rebel, someone who likes to march to his own beat. Is that your stamp on life you want your fans to appreciate? JD: Remember that you make your own reality. You don't have to stay in a little shell that was hammered out for you from childhood. We're all conditioned to live the way our parents want us to live, and that turns people into serial killers sometimes. At a certain point you have to come out and live your life the way you want to live it. I had to fight to retain my individuality. I'd get agents who'd say, “Well, what are you fighting against? Why are you going against the grain?” But I knew that if I continued on in the way that they wanted me to, it was death. It's just a question of standing straight and saying, “No. I'm not going to be what you want me to be. I'm going to be what I want to be.” QH: Do you feel any different in your fifties? JD: No. I feel the same now as I did when I was 40 or 30. Except that I have more experience in life. And a lot more back pain to go along with that! (Smiles) n
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ENTERTAINMENT Images courtesy of the W Doha
It’s Thursday night and you want to hit the town; when ranking club criteria there are a few nonnegotiable must-haves – glittering lights, loud music and max-factor entertainment. Crystal nightclub in the W Doha ticks pretty much all the boxes. QH goes behind the velvet rope for a solid night of partying.
C
Party Happenings By Jorge Granda
Crystal's sleek brand of sound and of ambiance have kept it at the top the charts for Doha's scene-sters
rystal first opened its doors more than five years ago and still remains a point of reference for Qatar’s club kids – right from the beginning it emerged as a major player on the nightlife circuit. The legendary hotspot still hosts some of the loudest and flashiest parties in Qatar and brings in top-notch DJs from all over the world almost on weekly basis. The vast space, lavish design and unique entertainment offered every week have made it a club standard stand-out – and let’s face it the fact that it’s got the W brand behind it doesn’t hurt. It had been a while since my last foray to Crystal, so on a recent night out I was pleasantly surprised to see the crowd remains as trendy and posh as always. The music, ambiance and vibe of Crystal are still superb, while the service continues to be top-notch. With a capacity of 800 people, three bars, a DJ booth, secluded VIP area, impeccable personalized service and a stunning chandelier valued at QR 500,000, Crystal is designed for club-goers to have an awesome time. I enjoyed it so much on my latest night there, we even came back the following two weekends. Before hitting the dance-floor to party with the pretty people, I’d recommend first stopping by the lounge area to enjoy some nice refreshments during the happy hour. From 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. you can sit back, chill-out and order some food while sipping away at your favourite beverages at a 50% discount. Crystal is an unmistakable option if you’re in the mood to boogie down with some high-quality entertainment.
This Month At W Doha #411 Nights’ Exclusive Urban Night Get those grooves on at Crystal’s Urban Night every Tuesday featuring different international DJs. Arrive early to catch resident DJ Masse’s pumping opening set. Ladies receive two complimentary refreshments between 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. The Balkan Beats Crystal presents their brand new Monday theme night, with Crystal’s own DJ Masse mixing up the best Balkan Beats from around the world. Guests receive 50% off on all regular beverages from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. There’s plenty more to discover at Crystal. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com. n
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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS
QH BRINGS YOU THE TOP STAFF PICKS FROM THE MEGASTORE
NAME: MICHAEL ABHE ABCHO STORE SECTION: ELECTRONICS TIME AT VIRGIN: 11 MONTHS
Best Part of My Job:“I love working in the electronics and Apple section and becoming familiar with all their products and other technologies as well – I’m always updating myself.”
PLAYSTATION 4 Though not technically a new release, the PS4 is still one of Virgin’s bestsellers – their latest batch of consoles boasts three games and an extra controller included in every box. So what sets this gamers’ delight apart that it continues to sell-out more than two years after hitting the market? How about its visceral graphics quality, automatic background updates, the ability to play games as they’re being downloaded, and the capacity stream your game-play live? We’ll take it! Retail price: QR 1,999.
BEATS SOLO2 HEADPHONES Trying to unravel a set of tangled headphone cords is as mind-numbing as solving the Gordian Knot! That’s why we’re in love with this nifty set from Beats by Dre – they’re full-on wireless, are built for sound and comfort, and come in every colour of the rainbow. We’re also fans of their RemoteTalkTM technology that allows you to change songs, adjust volume or answer a call hands-free! Retail price: QR 1,299.
NEW MACBOOK PRO Every year there seems to be a bigger, better, faster model – and Apple’s 2015 MacBook Pro is no exception. Twenty times faster than before, choose from either 13 or 15-inch retina displays, Intel Core i5 Turbo Boost processors up to 3.3GHz and built-in 10-hour longlife battery. With their sleek silver colour they’re as chic an accessory as any designer hand-bag. Retail price: QR 5,449 to QR 10,379 depending on size and number of gigabytes.
KENU AIRFRAME Any gadget that cuts down on dangerous texting and driving deserves more than a mention here. We’re hooked (pardon the pun) on Kenu’s latest Airframe portable smart-phone car-mount. The handy spring-loaded device easily snaps onto your car’s dash or door-mount at eye-level, meaning no more glancing down to check the GPS – all eyes on the road! Retail price: QR 99.
ION BLOCK ROCKER BLUETOOTH Lovers of loud can roll this baby out at their next BBQ or beach party and let the decibels take over. The latest in portable speaker technology, the ION Block Rocker is Bluetooth-equipped and when charged can keep you on the sound-circuit for up to 72 hours as you stream your music wirelessly. With wheels and a retractable handle it’s as easy to transport as a carry-on bag. Retail price: QR 1,249.
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Spotlight On Movies The fall equals big blockbusters – and September's going to be a good month indeed...
MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS
EVEREST Action, Drama, Thriller Based on the harrowing true events of 1996, a climbing expedition on Mt. Everest is devastated by a severe snowstorm, and every minute at high altitude means walking the razor’s edge between life and death.
Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller After having escaped the Maze, the Gladers now face a new set of challenges on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, Robin Wright
Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
QH Fun Fact: The film is a composite of various accounts of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster where eight people died summiting when a blizzard struck. Most notably the movie draws its basis from John Krakauer’s Into Thin Air and survivor interviews.
QH Fun Fact: For fans of author James Dashner’s Maze Runner trilogy, The Scorch Trials will see the death of one of the characters…but without giving too much away, let’s just say it mirrors the book pretty closely!
Action, Thriller In their new overseas home, an American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup, and they frantically look for a safe escape in an environment where anyone caught on the run could mean paying with their life. Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson, Lake Bell
NO ESCAPE
QH Fun Fact: This film is funny-man Owen Wilson’s first non-comedic role since 2001’s Behind Enemy Lines.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 Animation, Comedy, Family When the old-old-old-fashioned vampire Vlad arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together, Hotel Transylvania is in for a collision of supernatural old-school and modern-day cool. Stars: Selena Gomez, Adam Sandler, Kevin James QH Fun Fact: Cee-Lo Green wasn’t able to reprise his role as the voice of Murray The Mummy after he was arrested on charges of drug possession. No one likes a bad boy Cee-Lo…
Biography, Crime, Drama This film tells the true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf. Stars: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson QH Fun Fact: James ‘Whitey’ Bulger had been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for 12 years before he was finally arrested in 2011.
BLACK MASS
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ENTERTAINMENT
Listings All listings are categorized per hotel. Inclusion is limited to availability of space, with priority given to advertisers.
QH RECOMMENDS
THE GRAND HYATT Sugar Kings Weekend
Sept 30-Oct 2: Dunes. The Grand Hyatt Doha presents a Cuban weekend with Cuban quartet The Sugar Kings at Dunes on September 30, at The Grill on October 1 and The Sugar Kings brunch on October 2. For bookings and more information call 4448-1234.
REGULAR PROMOTIONS INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Paloma Bandoke Night Comedian Kyle Grooms Photo credit: Punchline Comedy
THE GRAND HYATT Chuckle Club
September 7: Dunes. The Chuckle Club brings the best international comedians to Doha. Have a laugh with American comedian Kyle Grooms and British comedians Bruce Devlin and Tom Toal on September 7 at 8:00 pm at Dunes. Ticket priced at QR 120. Happy hour from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For bookings and more information call 7021-8094.
Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – including special offers and weekly/daily regular promotions. Please note that all promotions will not be available during the ten days leading up to Eid Al Adha.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS HILTON DOHA Happy Hours
Daily: Blanco. Blanco rooftop lounge is your new after-work haven. Enjoy relaxing lounge music, shisha, refreshments and gourmet bites with unbeatable views of the Gulf. Enjoy a 50% discount on selected beverages and complimentary snacks. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3413.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY House of Africa September 3 & 15: Strata. House of Africa is back again at Strata with special guest DJ Schooly. QR 100 entry charge on that evening and groove away to the sublime beats of all their guest DJs specially brought in from House of Africa. For more information call 4015-8888.
MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Quiz Night
September 28: Champions.Participate in this awesome quiz night with a maximum of six per team to win the 1st prize of QR 3,000. From 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
Rugby World Cup
Sept 18-Oct 31: Champions. Enjoy great atmosphere and watch the biggest rugby event of the year on over 40 TV screens. Check Champions Facebook page for date and time fixtures. Entry fee may apply on select days. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
RADISSON BLU DJ Candy
September 25: Qube. Enjoy a variety of rhythms into the night with DJ Candy at Doha’s ultimate entertainment venue. Ladies arrive early to enjoy your complimentary entry. QR 160 for VIP, QR 130 for gents and QR 50 for ladies after 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.
Quiz Night
September 28: Shehrazad. Get a group of friends together, come along to enjoy quiz night and win dinner vouchers. Quiz Master Andrew will wait for you from 8:00 p.m. onwards. Free entry. For more information call 4428-1555.
Mondays: Paloma. If you think you’ve got the talent to sing, this is your night to shine! Calling all talent-‘less’ voices of Doha – if courage is what you’re missing, Paloma gives you a ‘flaming’ special refreshment for all singers before or after your performance! Also, enjoy a selection of nachos with a pitcher of frozen beverages starting at QR 128. For more information call 4484-4444.
Taco Tuesday
Tuesdays: Paloma. Tuesday night is Taco Night! Chef Salvador brings you the authentic flavours of real Mexican tacos. Choose five different varieties from the taco menu and top it up with a signature Mexican refreshment for QR 128. For more information call 4484-4444.
Girls Night Out
Wednesdays: Paloma. Girls Night Out is back! Every Wednesday bring your girlfriends along and enjoy a complimentary fruity, frozen Mexican refreshment from 8:00 p.m. till late. But a party isn’t a party without a mystery piñata, and all the girls are welcome to stand a chance to bring home exciting prizes. QR 80 entrance fee for men. For more information call 4484-4444.
Thursday Vibes
Thursdays: Lava. With the resident DJ on the decks with his awesome tunes, Thursdays will become the only night you can possibly think of going to and, most importantly, leave with the excitement of coming back the next week! For more information call 4484-4444.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Blue Mondays
Mondays: Strata. Why are there only ladies nights? With this all-new gents’ night, now you can enjoy a welcome refreshment for everyone, an extended buy-one-get-one-free offer from 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. and, for the gentlemen, a chance to win a high-end designer item like a suit or Armani sunglasses. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
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ENTERTAINMENT Pink Wednesdays
Wednesdays: Strata. Welcome to Doha’s only Pink Wednesday – a girls’ night out where the ladies receive two welcome refreshments on arrival and can groove away to the tunes of R&B, soul and funk, along with a fantastic chance to win a high-end designer item like a Louis Vuitton bag and more! For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
After Work Evenings
Sat-Thurs: Hive. De-stress with an after-work visit to Hive and make the most of the buyone-get-one-free offer on selected house refreshments between 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Bucket Day
Fridays: Hive. Quench your thirst with a bucket of six beverages for the price of four on selected refreshments for QR 125, while listening to funky tunes from the ‘70s. From 5:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Extended Happy Hour
Daily: The Lounge. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. enjoy a surprise highlighted beverage experience with a 50% discount. For more information call 4405- 3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
Cosmopolitan Ladies Night
Mondays: The Lounge. At ladies night at The Lounge, ladies enjoy 50% off the special refreshments menus and a complimentary choice from the nibbles menu. From 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
Loose Tie
Sundays: The Lounge. Imagine Cuban flavour surrounded by well-aged oak barrels and a touch of perfection...sounds tempting? Come and join your fellow connoisseurs on Sunday evenings at The Lounge from 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
Gents Night Out With DJ Kinky D
Wednesdays: The Lounge. Gentlemen can enjoy a 20% discount on selected refreshments and signature burger items. Entertainment by DJ Kinky D. Complimentary entrance. Wednesdays from 9:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
Deep House Night Out
Thursdays: The Lounge. Enjoy a tech-house and deep-house night out with DJs Hamad Al-Obaidly, Tough Stuff and CrazyU. Thursdays from 10:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
Listings LA CIGALE Brand-New Sky View
Daily: Sky View. Aren’t you excited to catch a glimpse of the striking, newly-renovated Sky View? Guess what? La Cigale has introduced a new double-floor indoor section, where you can cherish the nights all year round. Enjoy the most vibrant mixes while savouring light snacks, house beverages and sushi. No entrance fee and no minimum charges during weekdays. (Rules and regulations apply). For more information call 4428-8204/888.
MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA After-Brunch Sessions
Fridays: Glo. Because brunch without an after-brunch sessions is just a lunch! Come to Glo after brunch for an after-brunch session where guest DJs spin the latest grooves. Free entry. From 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
Weekend Vibes
Thursdays: Glo. Glo brings you the finest DJs spinning the latest in house and tech music to start your weekend! Free entry. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
Bounce Arenas
Wed, Thurs & Fri: Champions. Champions presents evenings of international music and pizzazz with all your favourite songs played by their live band. QR 50 entry fee. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Bohemia Sessions
Wed & Thurs: Bohemia. Enjoy signature ambiance, innovative refreshments and chilled tunes and vibes from DJs Longplayer and B Sound. Spread the word and join the fun! From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Be Entertained At Jazz Up
Fridays: Jazz Up. This is a charming spot where sports and music-lovers can chill-out in intimate and contemporary surroundings. Listen to soothing tunes and indulge in their refreshment selections and snacks. Catch all the major sporting events live on the big-screen, plus sizzling performances by the Doha Jazz Club every Friday from 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4429-1111.
SHERATON DOHA Midnight Happy Hour
Sun-Wed: Irish Harp. In the Irish Harp from Sundays to Wednesdays, 11:00 p.m. till midnight, enjoy selected refreshments starting from QR 25-QR 30. For more information call 4485-3000.
Salsa Night
Wednesdays: Irish Harp. Hit the floor for some salsa dancing and music all night long. Prepare your dancing shoes and join them every Wednesday. For more information call 4485-3000.
THE GRAND HYATT A1 Nights By Xtremer Entertainment Fridays: The Grill. Do you want to feel ‘A1’? Xtremer Entertainment presents ‘A1 Nights’ at The Grand Hyatt every Friday onwards from 9:00 p.m. until late. Xtremer’s official DJ Rage will rock the house along with top international DJs performing the best hip-hop, R&B, UK garage and soul music. Ladies enjoy free refreshments before 11:00 p.m. Dress code is dress-to-impress. For more information call 7712-3440 or 7798-2400.
House of Groove
Thursdays: Dunes. It’s all about house music every Thursday at Dunes with a night celebration of house music from resident DJ Santiago and guest DJs on rotation. Free entry and no minimum charge. For more information call 7021-8094.
After Office With Kinky D
Mondays: Dunes. Throw out your work shoes and join Dunes every Monday to enjoy Kinky D’s finest tunes. Happy hour from 5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 7021- 8094.
W DOHA ‘The VIBE’ Ladies Night
Mondays: Wahm. Enjoy a night of deep-house and Afro-beats with resident DJ’s Bruno and Savino. Ladies sip two refreshments on the house from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Strictly reservation and guest-list-only. For more information call 4453-5323.
After Work Aperitivo
Sat-Fri: Wahm. De-stress and head down to Wahm for an after work aperitivo with 50% off on all refreshments. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5323.
Arabian Nights
Saturdays: Crystal Club. Crystal proudly presents Arabesque nights spinning popular Arabic numbers along with DJ Imran mixing the best of R&B and commercial house throughout the night. From 10:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4453-5323.
Dance N’ Fly Ladies Night
Wednesdays: Crystal. Ladies, gather your girlfriends and head to Crystal club’s Dance N’ Fly Ladies Night featuring resident DJ Masse mixing up the latest tunes to make the night fabulous. Ladies receive three complimentary refreshments from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4453-5323.
See us online! www.qatarhappening.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton
Directory
Jazz Up Mövenpick Hotel Doha
Glo Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
Let us help you make the most of your weekend with our comprehensive directory of the hottest nightlife spots throughout the city. So grab your friends and head out for a night on the town! Admiral’s Club The Ritz-Carlton
Beach Bar Lounge The Four Seasons Belgian Café InterContinental Doha Bohemia Marsa Malaz Kempinski Bubbles On Two Radisson Blu Champions Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa
4448-4800
4494-8888
4484-4444
4035-5555
4428-1428
4419-6100
4425-6666
Crystal Lounge W Doha
4453-5135
D’Illusion Gokulam Park
4470-8888
Dunes The Grand Hyatt Fahrenheit Horizon Manor Hotel
Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana
Jazz Up Mövenpick Hotel Doha Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton
Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park Madison Piano Bar La Cigale
4484-4444
Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott
4429-8888
Qube Radisson Blu
4428-1428
Rocca The Grand Hyatt
4448-1234
Shehrazad Radisson Blu
4428-1428
Sky View La Cigale
4428-8888
4446-0000
4402-3333
4429-1111
4445-5444
4484-4444
4446-2222 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
4448-4800
4408-7777
4428-8888
4448-1234 Manhattan Radisson Blu
Paloma InterContinental Doha
4428-1428
4445-5444
The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge The Four Seasons
4494-8888
Glo Marriott Marquis City Center Doha
4419-6100
Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park
Habanos The Ritz-Carlton
4484-8000
Orion Radisson Blu
4428-1428
Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha
4446-0105
4015-8888
Oyster Bay The St. Regis Doha
4446-0105
Wahm W Doha
4453-5353
Hive InterContinental Doha The City
4408-7777
The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites
4405-3325
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ARTS & CULTURE
Top Picks
Photo credit: Qatar Museums PO.1018.2009
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART The Hunt: Princely Pursuits in Islamic Lands
Turkish photographers Prof. Ali n Muhammet Bay and Hasan Yelke Photo credit: Qatar Museums
QATAR TURKEY 2015 Artistic Journeys: New Angles, New Perspectives
Sept 16, 2015-Jan 9, 2016: Special Exhibitions Gallery, 1st Floor. Rich with symbolism and pageantry, hunting was an essential activity in the lifestyle of princes, sultans and pashas throughout the Islamic world. As such, images of the hunt in almost every medium are commonly found in Islamic art, whether in lavishly illustrated Shahnameh manuscripts, inlaid metalwork or colourful mina’i ceramics. This exhibition draws on such artworks to explore and celebrate hunting and the related activities of polo, feasting and fighting. Free entry. For more information call 4422-4444 or visit www.mia.org.qa.
Sept 1-30: Qatar Photographic Society, Building 18, Katara. This photography exhibition is a unique visual interpretation of this year’s Qatar Turkey Year of Culture. Four photographers from two different Muslim nations documented their journeys as moments captured in time, engaging in an inspiring exchange of artistic discovery and cultural dialogue. The exhibition features works by Qatari photographers Sara Al Obaidly and Saleh Al Marri and Turkish photographers Prof. Ali Muhammet Bay and Hasan Yelken. Free entry. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information visit www.qatarturkey2015.qa.
IAID Visual Arts
Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. IAID’s Visual Arts program is a progressive course for beginners, intermediate and advanced that covers colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information call 4432-0974/ 4441-1234, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.
QATAR TURKEY 2015 Magnificent Century: The Exhibition
Sept 17-Dec 12: QM Gallery, Building 10, Katara. The Magnificent Century series has become a television legend, a historical soap opera on the life of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent that has now been watched by 300 million viewers in 54 countries. In this Special Edition: Harem Al Sultan, a unique exhibition brings the costumes, sets and ambiance of the series to Doha, revealing the stories behind the life of the Turkish conqueror and his love for the humble and beautiful Harem Sultan. Exhibition visitors will be transported back to the glorious world of Suleiman the Magnificent and see the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and decors of the series. Free entry. For more information visit www.qatarturkey2015.qa.
DOHA YOUTH & JUNIOR CHOIRS Choir Auditions
Sun & Wed: The Doha Youth Choir and the Doha Junior Choir are now holding auditions for singers ages seven to 10-years-old and 11 to 18-years-old. Choir teachers are experienced and dedicated to the cause of sharing their knowledge and passion for choral music. They rehearse Sunday and Wednesday afternoons in Al Waab. For more information email info@dohayouthchoir.com, or visit www.dohayouthchoir.com.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Embracing Qatari Li f e
By Shahmim Akram Images courtesy of Embrace Doha
Are you new to Qatar and confused about its customs and culture? QH was recently introduced to local organization Embrace Doha which provides Qatari cultural sessions for expats.
to provide cross-cultural communication through mutual respect and understanding. While studying at Qatar University, Al-Shammari developed Embrace Doha as a way to build bridges between locals and expats. She has made great strides in developing her concept, winning business and entrepreneur awards along the way, including funding and support from the Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC).
or new expats, living and working in the Arabian Gulf region can be a daunting experience with potential for misconceptions about religious, cultural and societal differences. Embrace Doha provides ‘Qatari Culture’ and ‘Business Etiquette’ sessions in order to make the settling-in process easier for expats and visitors alike.
Through her personal experiences Al-Shammari realized that many expats have genuine misunderstandings about Qatari culture and lifestyle. This confusion is further propagated due to the language barrier and inaccurate assumptions and stereotypes. Her solution was to provide a more interactive environment with casual discussions that would allow expats to meet locals, to ask questions and to experience true Qatari hospitality for themselves.
Embrace Doha is a relatively new start-up founded in 2014 by Ms. Amal Al-Shammari, whose goal was
Embrace Doha’s team of consultants possess in-depth knowledge about the Middle East region
F
Getting close to falcons at the Souq
and Qatar, and are able to communicate succinctly on many topics that are of interest to expats – from Qatari local dress, to Ramadan and Eid celebrations. The team organized an innovative ‘How to be Qatari in 3 Steps’ event which introduced many elements of Qatari life and behaviour to expats. Step one, Hayak, introduced Arabic coffee within the majlis setting; step two, Blaafya, provided guests with a complete Qatari meal experience; and step three, Ekshakh, provided an opportunity to dress up in the Qatari bishtor thobe nashal and have their picture taken. The organization is currently based at Fakhroh House in Souq Waqif where they’ve been arranging their events including their recent Qatari Culture Awareness Sessions. During the Holy Month they also organized and arranged an ‘Embrace Ramadan’ event which introduced Ramadan to expats. Attendees were given an introduction to topics
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Discovering the tradition of henna
Ms. Amal Al-Shammari with a guest at a recent event
A traditional welcome of Arabic coffee
Celebrating Ramadan and Garangao
such as the meaning and significance of the month, tips on Ramadan etiquette, and an explanation of local traditions like the popular children’s festival Garangao. Guests also took part in the breaking of the fast with dates and Arabic coffee, and enjoyed a traditional Qatari meal which included harees, margoogah, chicken majboos and the sweet desserts luqamat and khanfarosh. Guests were also treated to expert calligraphy and henna artistry, and were gifted traditional treats of nuts and sweets to celebrate Garangao. Although the team arranges and provides public cultural awareness sessions, their services can also be customized for private businesses and corporate organizations. Embrace Doha’s Cultural TeamBuilding sessions are designed to enable fellow employees to work together on team activities and encourages the formation of stronger bonds through learning about the local culture in an informal setting. It also handily introduces expats to many tourist and cultural hotspots in the country through team exercises such as locating the main cities in Qatar. Embrace Doha also arranges seasonal cultural trips, many of which occur during the winter season, and
Enjoying Qatari cuisine in a traditional majlis
help to provide an authentic experience of Qatari culture and heritage. Guests can take a guided tour of Souq Waqif with locals providing a more friendly experience of this busy market. The organization also arranges dhow cruises, Bedouin-style desert trips, and visits to see traditional camel-racing and falcon and sloughi-dog hunting shows.
Helping a young child try on the ghutra
Throughout all these events the emphasis is on educating expats and providing them with some historical and cultural context for these activities and their current role in contemporary Qatari society. Al-Shammari aims for Embrace Doha to become the primary cultural resource for those interested in learning more about Qatar and the Qatari way of life. Ultimately community engagement is vital to break down barriers between locals and expats, and everyone is encouraged to be more open and embrace the cultural traditions of Qatar. For more information on Embrace Doha call 6627-7712, email contact@embracedoha.com, or visit www.embracedoha.com to get involved. n
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ARTS & CULTURE
Turkish photographer Prof. Ali Muhammet Bay Qatari photographer Saleh Al Marri tries on some traditional Turkish attire in Istanbul
Culture,
Frame-By-Frame By Ashlee Starratt Images courtesy of Qatar Museums
The Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture will launch its Artistic Journeys: New Angles, New Perspectives exhibition this month at Katara as photographers from both nations set out to capture the history, people and culture of the other’s home country. QH was fortunate to learn more from Turkish photojournalists Prof. Ali Muhammet Bay and Hasan Yelken. QH: What new ways of understanding one another’s culture do you hope will come out of your photographic journey through Qatar? AMB: Living a culture is the best way [of] understanding another’s culture. It was a great experience for me photographing Qatar with a guide. I was not familiar about the culture, although I am a Muslim man. Our guide Faisal was great – he made many photographic opportunities very easy to shoot. Through the desert to the skyscrapers, it was a great experience for me to live a culture via my camera.
HY: I got excited when I had the chance to know a country that’s in the Persian Gulf –and also a lot hotter than Turkey. I tried to express Qatar by taking photographs as much as I can. QH: Tell us a bit about your background as a photographer – how did you discover you had an eye for it? AMB: I was born in Bayındır-Izmir in 1967, which is a small town, and completed my primary, secondary and high school education in Tire-Izmir. I was very interested in photography during my childhood. There was a tradition at that time in Turkey where families gave kids a type of apprenticeship work during summer-time. I was 10 years old when I became a photographer’s apprentice in Tire for Photo Isık. It was a great inspiration from which I decided to study photography. I graduated from Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Cinema-TelevisionPhotography Department. Right now I’m still working at Trakya University, Faculty of Fine Arts, as an academic staff [and] Faculty Dean. HY: Being a photographer was a big turning point in my life. It makes my life more meaningful. I divide my life [into] two parts: before photography and after. After photography, I started to explore the life of people, other cultures and occupations. QH: Behind the lens, what subject matter entices and intrigues you the most?
AMB: [The] most important thing is learning how to see photographically. We all live in a variety of cultures and different types of backgrounds. What we have in our past and what we learn during life improves our knowledge. I always ask myself why I need photography and what makes me shoot images. First of all, I really like esthetical deformations with the lens – this intrigues me a lot and I try to catch these types of images through a 10mm lens. Second, I love social documentaries – great stories about different cultures of people and how you can experience their life through the lens. HY: People's different lives get my interested. Also, I hope I can take more photos of desert…for me, desert life is so exciting and a different culture from the one I know. QH: What has been a memorable photographic experience for you here in Qatar? AMB: Spending time in the desert, riding on a camel, and making images come first. It was a great experience for me – I wish I could spend some more time there. Secondly, I would say Katara and Souq Waqif and Qatar Museums. It was a great experience making images in these areas. HY: Taking photos of the desert, the skyscrapers, and combining Qatar's modern architecture with its local one. QH: Do you feel cultural partnerships between nations is important? AMB: Cultural partnership is very important between nations – especially [when] building our educational future we can use a variety of shared cultural values. I wasn’t sure about Arabic culture before – I only knew what I read. But living a culture teaches people a lot. I’ve been to the UAE before, but now, spending time in Qatar, my cultural vision [has] expanded a little bit more. Visiting Qatar University in particular was pretty impressive, therefore I would really like to build [an] educational bridge between Qatar and Turkey…maybe a teaching and learning exchange program.
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The photographers share a traditional Qatari meal
life – traditional Qatari foods, how they eat and live etc. We brought these experiences back to tell our friends about in Turkey. QH: How do Qatar and Turkey differ – and how are they the same?
Moonrise over Istanbul's Bosphorus River
AMB: Well, I would say [there are] lots of differences between the two countries. I also saw a commercial here which says Qatar deserves best! I would add Qatar and Turkey in a brotherhood deserve the best. HY: Both countries are developing, and both languages have common characteristics. For me, the most important difference between Turkey and Qatar is the temperature – and how it affects Qatar’s daily life. QH: Where will the photos taken from your trip to Qatar be on display? AMB: There will be a great exhibition in September in Doha, and then it will be held in Gaziatep – one of the best cities in Turkey—as well. I hope it will also be [on display] in Edirne where I live and where great historical areas are. I also would like to have a multimedia presentation of images of Qatar to share in the European countries I visit as a Dean of the Fine Arts Faculty of Trakya University. I hope the images [could] also became a book as well – no matter how much the internet and online systems are used in the world, books are still the best source of cultural values and outlet for photography. HY: In Turkey and also in Qatar, there are going to be displays – and I'm also going to hold a [personal] exhibition called Pearl of Gulf. n
n Turkish photographer Hasan Yelke at the Museum of Islamic Art
HY: People who live far away from each other can learn more about other cultures by meeting – and photography is also a learning method. QH: What will you take back to Turkey from this trip and pass on to others about your experience? AMB: A lot. First of all I’m taking back great friendships – knowing Faisal, who works for Qatar Museums, Aref who is a member of the Qatar Photographic Society, Muhammed who gave us a traditional Friday feast, and witnessing how Qatar’s
government gives importance to art. I saw an old fire station that’s become an art gallery and I really admired that. Also, Qatar Museums is a great place for both learning and spending time – it’s a wideopen learning field. From now on Qatar is the pearl of Gulf to me and hopefully I will take my family here this month for the exhibition opening so they can also witness the great country I photographed. HY: We tried especially hard to get into and find out about local life in Qatar. Thanks to our friends Faisal and Aref, we learned more about the local
ARTISTIC JOURNEYS: NEW ANGLES, NEW PERSPECTIVES Dates: September 1-30 Location: Qatar Photographic Society, Building 18, Katara Description: This is a photographic exhibition of the landscapes and people of Qatar and Turkey as seen through the eyes and lenses of photographers from each country. Featuring works by Qatari photographers Sara Al Obaidly and Saleh Al Marri, and Turkish photographers Prof. Ali Muhammet Bay and Hasan Yelken. Contact Info: For more information visit www.qatarturkey2015.qa.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Listings
Museum Guide
For a complete list of timings visit www.qma.org.qa/en/exhibitions
QH RECOMMENDS
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Education City 4402-8855 mathaf_info@qma.org.qa www.mathaf.org.qa Open: Tuesday to Sunday Closed: Mondays
Museum of Islamic Art & Park The Corniche 4422-4444 infomia@qma.org.qa www.mia.org.qa Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays
The Fire Station & Garage Gallery VCUQATAR Community Classes
Ongoing: Education City. VCUQatar offers a choice of over 40 community education classes related to art, design and crafts, three times a year. Every fall (October to December), spring (February and March) and late spring (late April to mid-June) you can enhance your knowledge about photography and filming, glimpse into Islamic pattern construction or Arabic calligraphy and explore the world of fashion or interior design. For more information on registration for the 2015/2016 calendar year call 4402-0555, or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/community.
ONE OF A KIND
EVERY WEEK
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Turkish Treasures Gallery Trail
IAID Music Courses
All-Month: Museum Of Islamic Art. Turkey has played a major role in the arts and cultures of the Islamic world. From the rule of the Central Asian Saljuq Dynasty in the 11th century, until the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, Turkey was the cradle as well as the crossroads of a rich variety of Islamic art made for sultans and viziers as well as ordinary patrons. This self-guided tour reveals the beautiful and significant works of Turkish art in the collections of the Museum of Islamic Art. A tour pamphlet is available free of charge in Arabic and English at the museum. For more information call 4422-4444 or visit www.mia.or.qa.
QATAR TURKEY 2015 Archaeology & Heritage Conservation in Turkey Lectures Sept-Nov 2015: UCLQatar, Education City & Museum of Islamic Art. This is a lecture series organized in partnership with UCL Qatar University that introduces the work of key Turkish experts in the fields of Archaeology and Heritage Conservation. Topics covered will include Neolithic cultures of Eastern Anatolia, the challenges of preserving the World Heritage Sites of Bursa and Cumalikizik, and underwater archaeology in Turkey. For more information visit www.qatarturkey2015.qa.
Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Offering classes in Classical Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and Western Vocals. All music courses incorporate western notations and follow the London College of Music (LCM), University of West London, UK syllabus. Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examiners. Non-IAID students are welcome. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, email enquire@iaidonline.org or visit www.iaidonline.org.
QATAR MUSEUMS Now Open: The Fire Station
Ongoing: The renovated Civil Defence Building, known locally as Doha’s Fire Station, has recently been transformed to host a new artists-inresidence program. Fire Station: Artists in Residence fulfills a key part of Qatar Museum’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent by offering local artists opportunities to develop best practice by providing a platform for the exchange of ideas. The artists-in-residence program, due to open later in 2015, will support local artists by providing 20 studios and gallery spaces. For more information visit www.firestation.org.qa.
Old Civil Defense Roundabout contact@firestation.org.qa www.firestation.org.qa. Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays
ALRIWAQ DOHA
Museum of Islamic Art Park 4452-5555 Open: Same days as Museum of Islamic Art
QMA Gallery
Building 10, Katara, Cultural VIllage 4408-1255 qmagallery@qma.org.qa Open: Monday to Saturday & Sunday Closed: Fridays
MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Qajar Women: Images Of Women In 19th Century Iran
Ongoing: Temporary Exhibitions Gallery, 4th Floor. This exhibition demonstrates the centrality of women in the artistic expression of 19th century Iran and how it continues to inspire contemporary artists. The most popular representations of the Qajar era have been of male sovereigns, whose life-size portraits exaggerate masculinity to depict power. Yet this era also saw a period of artistic modernization in Iran, particularly in paintings and photography, in which depictions of women became essential elements of the scenes. Showcasing women at the court, and in private, alongside images of female musicians and aristocratic women, this exhibition explores rarely-told narratives of the Qajar artistic tradition. Free entry. For more information call 4422-4444 or visit www.mia.org.qa.
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COMMUNITY
Top Picks
DOHA MUMS Mummy & Me Yoga
Ongoing: Mummy & Me Yoga is a fun way to reconnect with your body while enjoying time with your baby. It’s a great way to take part in an understanding community of other new Mums. Classes are very fluid so feel free to participate fully or stop and rest, play or feed your baby as needed. Most importantly just relax, enjoy and have fun! For more information or to join email rsvp@dohamums.com.
LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride
Sept 5: 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.
IAID Zumba
Sun-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze spreading fast worldwide. This upbeat workout is fantastic for kids and adults alike. Zumba is an exhilarating class filled with good feelings and party-like fun – perfect for your fitness goals. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.
Comedian Tom Toal Photo credit: Punchline Comedy
PUNCHLINE MEDIA The Chuckle Club
QATAR ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY Become A Volunteer
Ongoing: Whether you’re a pet-owner or simply a lover of animals – especially those in need –the Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) is always looking for volunteers to help out. With up to 100 animals in their care, every hour of donated volunteer time counts. Whether it’s dog-walking, animal socialization, kennel cleaning or administrative work, QAWS could use the extra hand. For more information on becoming a volunteer call 5539-6074 or visit www.qaws.org.
Sept 7 & 8: The Chuckle Club is launching its second season of non-stop laughs in September. The exciting line-up of hugely-talented international comic imports – Bruce Devlin, Kyle Grooms and Tom Toal – will be heading to Doha on Monday, September 7 at Dunes in The Grand Hyatt, and on Tuesday, September 8 at the Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park. Shows start at 8:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at Platinum List, Virgin Megastore, Q-Tickets and Ticketmaster for QR 120.
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COMMUNITY
The Pilgrim's Route
By Tasbih Amin
With Eid Al Adha upon us this September 23 and 24, QH walks you through the steps every able-bodied Muslim must go through in preparation for the journey of a lifetime – the Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj. 44 QH Sep 2015 - FINAL.indd 44
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Supplicants throng in the square of Mecca's Al-Masjid al-Haram age Mosque during The Holy Pilgrim
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here comes a time at each Muslim’s life to fulfill one of Islam’s five main pillars, which is the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Due to its financial and physical demands, the trip to Hajj is only required once in a Muslim’s life; Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) himself performed the holy journey only once. For this reason, when one is determined to take the trip to Mecca, he/she must make sure to plan at least two or three months ahead for travel convenience. In this special edition of the Dish on Qatar, we give you a simplified guide of the provisions you should take into consideration when making the journey.
Vacation Time Once you’ve made the intention to Allah to perform Hajj, you must reveal your plans to everyone you know right away. Your employer should be informed of the amount of time to perform this religious obligation – which usually takes about three weeks to complete. Since Qatar is an Islamic state, requesting a Hajj leave is not an issue (even if you’re a student, professors will not oppose your absence). It’s also important to discuss your intentions to family and friends. A spiritual pre-requisite for Hajj is to ask for forgiveness and also to forgive others so you may leave with a clear conscience. Also, you must issue your last will and testament in the least likely scenario that you might not return from your journey.
Travel Agents Many people prefer to make the trip on their own and strategize their accommodations and meal
plans for the long journey. These people, usually, know Mecca inside-out and are familiar with the Hajj rituals. My advice to you is to consult a travel agent – even if it’s not your first time performing Hajj – because obtaining a Hajj visa, and finding decent accommodations and transportation has become more complicated and expensive the last couple of years. Travel agencies here in Doha provide a wide selection of Hajj packages with great, inexpensive deals to suit every budget. We suggest contacting a travel agency that you trust, or try agencies like Labbaik Qatar or Al Rayan Travel who specialize in providing the best arrangements for the Hajj season. Don’t skimp; Hajj is a once in a lifetime journey, which is why you need to invest in a good package as much as you can to ensure your comfort and enjoy the experience. Hajj packages usually range from $8,000 USD (QR 29,133) and above.
Legal Documents Obtaining a Saudi visa might take time, but can be relatively easy to obtain depending on how early you apply and what passport you hold. However, what’s even more important to obtain is the Tasreeh Al Hajj (Hajj visa). We can’t stress enough on the importance of receiving this visa. There are people who only apply for the Saudi visa to travel to Mecca without applying for a Hajj visa due to time convenience and low expenses. Those caught without the Hajj visa, are sent back to their homes and are not allowed to perform the pilgrimage. You might think this is a harsh penalty, but these regulations are exercised for a reason. With the current construction taking place
in Mecca for the expansion of Masjid Al Haram, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is limiting the number of Hajj visas around the world to avoid congestion and unbearable traffic, as well as avoiding any disease outbreaks among travelers.
Vaccinations To obtain your Hajj visa, you need to be immunized from certain diseases. My advice is to consult with your travel agency as to which immunizations you’ll need, as Saudi Arabia has a strict immunization policy. The most common shots are for meningitis, cholera, typhoid, pneumonia, malaria, polio and tetanus. It might be a hectic process, but it’s worth avoiding an unwanted illness that might ruin your whole experience.
Shopping You need to shop for clothes; ihram cloth for men, and loose dresses or abayas for women, along with headscarves. Also, bring along unscented hygiene items such as shampoo, deodorants and soaps. During Hajj, everyone should dress the same and even smell the same to encourage unity among all pilgrims, with no differentiation between rich and poor.
Keep Calm And Travel On Don’t stress about the crowds of millions coming to Hajj, or the group of people you’re traveling with, or even the many rituals you will perform. Hajj is a unique spiritual experience that you might not be able to perform again, so put your mind at ease, enjoy the journey, and ask Allah for a blessed and safe pilgrimage.n
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COMMUNITY
Head of
the Class
By Aisha Javaid
September’s here and that means students across Qatar will be looking sharp and getting back to the daily grind. Whether graduation is looming at the end of the next ten months, or you’re walking those hallowed university halls for the very first time, we have some tips to get you through that you don’t need to study for!
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ack-to-school…ah yes, the one bittersweet part of every student’s life. Summer is great but we all need some sort of routine after a while right? In this month’s issue we’re talking about different things to take into consideration when going back to school.
After all, there are so many people to see and things to do! But before that, you might want to help yourself get back into the scholarly habit with a few simple things – let’s start with the basics.
A.) Fixing your sleeping schedule Now let’s be honest here – we’d all be lying if we said our sleeping patterns were in check. During the summer it’s not uncommon for us students to go to sleep when the sun rises and wake up at 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon! As sad as it may be, this needs to end. It’s crucial that you take time to fix your sleeping schedule before school starts. When I say ‘before’, I mean a week or so prior to your first day. Top tip: Pick a day and try and plan to sleep early. Exercise a few hours before the time you want to sleep, read a book, or drink some warm milk even. These are all ways you can try to fall asleep naturally. If this doesn’t work, then set an alarm for an early time and force yourself to wake up! Yes,
this might leave you a little groggy or un-rested, but it will also encourage your body to go to crave sleep at a decent hour later that night.
B.) Shopping Back-to-school is the perfect excuse to hit the mall. Just as it’s important to get into the right mindset to head back to the classroom, it’s equally important to look and feel like you’re ready to be back too! Top tip: Make sure to purchase clothes that are stylish yet easy to quickly slip on early in the morning. Most stores in the malls have sales this time of year, so head over and get your summer save! One thing for new college students in Doha to keep in mind is that though it’s very hot outside, the ACs inside might just freeze you. T-shirts, skirts and dresses (that are modest and respect the culture of Qatar) are a great choice, but be sure to have a cardigan or light jacket in case you find yourself breaking out in goose-bumps.
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Start adjusting that sleep schedule − summer's over!
Shop 'till you drop, but don't break the bank
C.) Change your eating habits and exercise Of course when we’re on summer vacation, we don’t really think about counting calories, nor do we focus on exercising. Especially if you’ve spent the summer in Qatar, the temperatures can get way too hot for you to actually go outside and get in a workout. The only movement you were probably doing was going to the kitchen to get more snacks to accompany your Netlfix – not that there’s anything wrong with that! As fun as this may be, it’s most definitely not going to work once you go back to school! Top tip: Once the school bell rings, you’ll need to help your body get back into a normal routine that includes the proper nutrients to function successfully throughout the school-day. For starters, don’t skip breakfast! Skipping breakfast is a crime that many of us commit, when in fact it’s the one of the most stressful things we can do to our bodies. It’s important to jump-start our metabolism in the mornings so our body can be ready to face the day.
In addition, we should be drinking at least 9-12 cups of water a day. As for exercise, it’s recommended that we try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise into our daily routines. By exercising, not only will you stay in shape, but you’ll feel better too. We all need a healthy outlet after an overloaded day at school, and even the simplest sports activity with a few friends can count. If you can’t play a group sport, plug in your earphones and go for a jog! If you’re not able to do so, or feel like it’s too hot, there are countless workout videos on YouTube that you can try from the comfort of your own home.
Factoring in time for daily exercise will help you remain alert
Well friends and neighbours, this is our brief and simple overview of how to get back into the swing of another school year without the subsequent crash and burn. These tips may seem simple, but they’re key to keep in mind if you want to get back into a solid studious routine after the long summer break. From the whole QH team we wish you a triumphant year at the head of the class!. n
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Education is for life − that's why exploring your post-secondary options are essential
Education:
Thinking Globally This October, Qatar will play host to the most important international education event of the year as the Qatar Global Education Fair arrives in Doha. QH takes you inside for a sneak peek on why it’s never too late to keep learning.
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ach year more and more Qatari students and children from professional expatriates are making the decision to study abroad to learn a new language or obtain an international qualification. The UK, USA, UAE and mainland European countries are among the most popular destinations – the USA alone had over a 20% increase in its rate of international students in the last year, while Dubai has over 400 Qatari residents studying at its universities. However, Qataris are travelling to almost every major country in the world with the help of the government. Many of the most talented Qatari students receive scholarships from the Qatar government to study at local universities or abroad. The aim of this initiative is to send students abroad to study at the best post-secondary institutions and for them to return with an international qualification which they will
use to obtain better jobs at home and help in the development of Qatar. This increasing interest in finding out about the best courses both in Qatar and abroad is one of the main reasons that the Qatar Global Education Fair will take place in Doha on October 27 and 28. The event is the best place for students and professionals to learn about thousands of courses available at universities in Qatar and also overseas. Students and parents visiting the event will be able to meet and talk directly with teachers, directors and representatives of some of the best educational institutions in Qatar and from around the world. Comprehensive information will be available on almost every type of course including: undergraduate and postgraduate (Masters and PhD) programs, high schools, boarding schools, summer programs, language courses, and many more. The visitors to the event will be able to find out about the application process and deadlines of each institution, visa requirements, and program costs. In addition, there will be seminars every thirty minutes regarding the most popular destinations for Qatari students, and covering topics such as the costs of living, cultural differences, and the education systems.
Although many people now use the internet to search for almost anything, the reality is that people (and especially parents) prefer to speak to someone in person from the institution they’re interested in attending. Therefore, the Qatar Global Education Fair presents the ideal opportunity to ask key questions and receive accurate and detailed information about their future course and educational institution. The event is also being supported by the Supreme Education Council which will have a stand at the fair’s entrance and will provide information on the Qatar Government Scholarship Program and how to apply. Entrance to the event is free of charge by pre-registering at www.globaleducationfairs.net/qatar. Register now to receive regular updates from participating institutions and to make sure you don’t miss out on the most important educational opportunities of a lifetime! n
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Doha College welcomes Principal Dr. Steffen Sommer for the fall term
West Meets East
By Dr. Steffen Sommer, Principal of Doha College Images courtesy of Doha College
From the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, to the colourful hustle of the Qatari desert, Dr. Steffen Sommer joins Doha College as its newest principal – and he’s more than a little excited to start the September school year!
A
bout to take to the skies I can’t help but reflect on the journey ahead and the excitement of our new life in Doha. Having been appointed Principal of Doha College in March 2015, my wife and I have been full of anticipation ever since. While it’s by far not our first move abroad, it’s certainly the most exciting one. After significant spells in the UK, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland this venture constitutes something else. Having grown up on the other side of the Iron Curtain, we are no strangers to discovering new worlds. Indeed we seem to have made a habit of it by moving around Europe in recent years. The cultural diversity and the different educational approaches we have seen have added dimension and strengthened my view on what’s required of schools to equip our youngsters with the right skills to do well in today’s fast-changing world. While British International Schools seem to have a lot in common wherever they are in the world (some say that even the accent of the kids is similar!), there’s something immensely appealing about Doha College. It’s not just the comfort of it being one of the oldest British schools in the Middle East where
tradition (in a very British way) is just as important as innovation – keeping up with time, creating something new, opening doors for opportunities that allow our students to shine and adding value to whatever career they go into. The acquisition of up-to-date skills in tandem with learning and manipulating knowledge in a vast array of subjects, all supplemented by an immensely enriching extracurricular program of sports, drama, music and other academic pursuits are a guarantor of success at Doha College. With all the academic and personal successes the school has celebrated over the years, we will soon also be setting the pace in the realm of state-ofthe-art facilities for teaching and learning. Our new Al Wajba campus, which is scheduled to open in September 2018, will enable the students of Doha College to learn and thrive in a truly 21st century environment. The new facility will feature spacious classrooms fully-equipped with modern technology, and will be couched in a stunning set-up of breathtaking sports, drama and music facilities that aim to further improve upon the achievements of recent years.
In many ways, Doha College has been growing with Qatar. We therefore very much identify ourselves with the process of rediscovery of our host country and the recent growth of its capital city. The Qatar National Vision 2030 has crystallized the country’s priorities for the future and, with it, started to make Doha a place to be. A building program of unprecedented scale and an infrastructure fit for the demands of a 21st century metropolis are sure to impress and arouse global interest which will endure well beyond 2022. Like Switzerland, Qatar has started to make its mark by employing smart power strategies, a very efficient way of exercising economic strength in a world that’s increasingly
HRH Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani speaks with youth during a private viewing at their GCSE and A-Level exhibition in June Photo credit: Doha College
Young students learn the traditional art of basket-weaving n during a school exploratory sessio
interconnected and interdependent. In the world of British International Schools, Doha College has made its own mark as a beacon of excellence in the Middle East. Motivation is the main driving force of achievement in society, and also in schools where it encourages good learning. I’m immensely looking forward to joining a team of highly-inspirational teachers and middle/senior leaders who have all contributed to Doha College’s story so far and who, together with the school’s governors and the community as a whole, will want to get started on the next chapter. I am certainly ready for it. n
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COMMUNITY
Knowing Your Child's Learning Style By Jacqueline Bodnar
For little learners, starting kindergarten or elementary school marks one of the first milestones in their young lives. Having a clear understanding of how your child explores his or her environment and interacts with their surroundings can help maximize knowledge retention in the classroom.
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hen you read a book to your son does he listen or need to see every picture as you go along? Does your daughter talk to herself as she tries to work through a task? Knowing the answers to questions like these can help you determine how your child learns best. When you understand your child’s learning style you will have a powerful tool to help them understand and succeed.
What Are Learning Styles? A preferred learning style is something we all have, some of us learn best through reading, writing, talking or actually touching something. As an adult you have probably identified the style that you learn best through, even if you have never actually given it any thought, and you most likely seek out
information that fits that style. Identifying your child’s learning style is an effective way to help them learn, especially for children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Although children learn through using all of their senses, they often have one or two styles that they learn best through. Learning styles include seeing, hearing and touching. Visual learners like to see things like pictures, puzzles and watching mom’s body language as she talks. Those that prefer listening and talking activities learn best through an auditory style. Kinesthetic learners are those that like to touch things and prefer a tactile, hands-on approach to learning.
Using Styles “Some students may learn best through their visual sense and others through their auditory sense,” says Dr. Rhoda Cummings, Professor of Counseling and Educational Psychology at the University of Nevada in Reno, USA. “Because student learning styles may differ, teachers who present information using a multi-sensory approach to instruction – by presenting material that employs as many of the senses as possible – are most likely to reach all learners in the classroom.” If your child is struggling to learn a subject in school you may want to try to help them with their homework by presenting the information to them in their learning style. For example, if your child is
having a hard time with a reading assignment and is primarily an auditory learner you could encourage him to read the assignment aloud or tape-record himself reading it and then play it back and listen.
Identifying Them “Notice how your child reacts to new information,” says Dr. Cummings. Doing so will help you to identify the method that your child learns best in. After you know your child’s learning style try not to concentrate on that method alone but use it as a way of encouraging learning through their strengths when necessary. Children need to use all their senses to learn and grow, so avoid limiting the way information is presented to them. Children also benefit from understanding their own learning style. If something is presented to them in a way that they can’t comprehend, then they’ll be more likely to seek out information in their learning style. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses will give them a good understanding of themselves and to help build their confidence. They should become comfortable asking for additional information on a subject that is in their learning style. For example, if they are struggling to understand something they can ask if there are pictures, demonstrations or for verbal clarification. “Most children figure out what way they learn best and take information in using that style,” says Dr. Cummings. The key for parents is simply to listen, observe, and let their child show them the way that works best for them. n
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COMMUNITY
Listings
Community Guide Australian and New Zealand Business in Qatar Group
QH RECOMMENDS
6651-1892 www.anzbiq.org
American Women’s Association 5511-8085 www.awaqatar.com
Doha Players
4447-4911 Search ‘Doha Players Lovers’ Group on Facebook
Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171
French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467
Indian Women’s Association
DOHA GARDEN CLUB The Green Box
4442-4052
Ongoing: Gardening gurus and green-thumbs rejoice! The Doha Garden Club is now offering members a 10% discount on Green Box home deliveries valid until September 30, 2014. Filled with locally-sourced fruits, vegetables and poultry, the Green Box comes to your home twice a week so that you and your family can enjoy the health benefits of fresh produce. The Garden Club is also planning their next field trip for members on April 20. For more information visit www.dohagardenclub.com to become a member, or visit www.thegreenbox.me.
Qatar National Cancer Society 4447-8128 www.qncs.org
Red Dotters Qatar
ONE OF A KIND
EVERY WEEK
5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter
DOHA MUMS Friday Family Brunch
IAID Karate Courses
Silver Dhow Association
Ongoing: Join the Doha Mums for a Friday brunch with the whole family – a way for the adults to relax and for the kids to socialize. The venue for this event will change each week. For more information or to join email rsvp@dohamums.com.
Kids Cooking Class
Sept 5: Join the Doha Mums for a fun, friendly and informal kids cooking class at a well-known restaurant on September 5 at 10:00 a.m. For more information or to join email rsvp@dohamums.com.
DOHA TWEETUPS Monthly Networking
Ongoing: If you’re new to Qatar, the Doha Tweetups is a great way to get involved and meet new people. This online community regularly hosts monthly ‘offline’ gatherings where people can network or enjoy themed presentations of local talent. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook to find out when and where the next event will be held, or email them at team@dohatweetups.com.
Sun, Tues & Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadmon Signal, D-Ring Road. Shotokan is a karate style developed from various martial arts and tackles karate basics, forms or patterns of moves and sparring. Affiliated with the Qatar Karate Federation, this course is open for kids and adults. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, email enquire@iaidonline.org, or visit www.iaidonline.org.
KATARA Q Talent Store
Now Open: Gate 17, Katara beachside. Q Talent is a local company that focuses on finding, connecting and promoting Qatari talented youth. They provide services for employers who are looking for Qatari talent, while providing opportunities for young artists and entrepreneurs to grow and prosper. The Q Talent store features clothing, books, arts and crafts, perfumes, accessories and more – all designed, produced and created by local young artists. For more information find them on Facebook or visit www.qtalent.com.
4435-2598
Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org
Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com
SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar
www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com
Canadians In Qatar
Search ‘Canadians In Qatar’ Group on Facebook to join the community
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FOOD & DINING
Top Picks
THE ST. REGIS DOHA Saturday Aaeliy
Saturdays: Vine Restaurant. Aaeliy brings together the perfect combination of old and new recipes. Gather with family and friends while discovering a delightful feast of mezze, music and refreshing beverages. QR 350 including soft drinks. For more information call 4446-0105, or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com.
MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Eid Celebration Brunch
1st Day of Eid: Sawa Restaurant. Signature sweet and savoury recipes from around the world by Executive Chef Mattias Roock, fine live entertainment and a children’s corner on the lawn are the elements of the first and only five-star Friday brunch experience at The Pearl. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m., QR 330 per person including soft drinks and QR 425 per person with house beverages. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Oystermania
Sundays: Fish Market. Who doesn’t like oysters? Fish Market brings a revolutionary night every Sunday from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. where you can enjoy unlimited oysters at cost price. Top it up with a 50% discount on all beverages. For more information call 4484-4444.
THE RITZ-CARLTON Friday Brunch
Fridays: The Lagoon. Wake up to a wonderful, sunny day and celebrate Friday with an extravagant Friday brunch journey. Savour in a selection of cuisines prepared at live cooking stations, complemented by signature beverages and Latin tunes. While you enjoy the amazing buffet stations, kids can divide their time between the cute playground areas and the special food corner exclusively for them. From 12:30 p.m., QR 305 per person including soft beverages and QR 395 per person including house beverages, or QR 425 for full brunch. Kids under the age of four dine free, QR 150 for kids ages 4-12-years-old. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.
HILTON DOHA Theme Nights
Wed-Sat: Mawasem. Taste the world with the hotel’s theme nights – Wednesday steak night, Thursday and Friday seafood extravaganza, and Saturday Asian night. QR 250 with soft drinks and QR 350 with special beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3112 or email doha.restaurants@hilton.com.
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FOOD & DINING
Five-Star Fusion By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca
We raise a glass and say ‘kampai’ to Nobu – the globally-renowned brand of Michelin-starred Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa – where savants of sushi take refuge amidst inventive Japanese flavours and piquant pairings of South American spice. Newly-opened at The Four Seasons, QH books a table at Nobu Doha for some very, very fresh fish.
D
ining at Nobu is like a play in three acts – each course an exercise in theatre. From the chorus of wait-staff crying out ‘irasshaimase!’ in unison as they greet guests, (it’s Japanese for ‘welcome’), to the rhythmic chop and silvery flash of knives in the open-air kitchen, chefs’ fingers fly over delicate balls of sushi rice like they’re tickling the ivories. Nobu is a completely immersive experience. The road to fame and fortune for Nobu’s founding father, Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, began with humble roots. Born and raised in Tokyo’s Saitama Prefecture, Chef Nobu attained his skills as a sushi master during an exacting apprenticeship at one of the city’s plentiful sushi bars. His desire for travel and exploring new ways of uniting divergent flavours in his gastronomy eventually led him to South
America, where he opened his first sushi bar in Peru. After three years spent there and in Argentina, the undercurrent for what would become Nobu’s eclectic marriage of Japanese and South American ingredients took shape. His next step was Matushisa restaurant which opened in Beverly Hills in 1987 and put Chef Nobu’s name in lights over Tinseltown. It was during this time that he began his decades-long friendship with business partner Robert De Niro and a global brand was born – one that would go on to earn the unassuming chef from Saitama four Michelin stars. Since its soft opening at The Four Seasons earlier this spring, Nobu Doha already has more than a few bragging rights under its considerable belt. To much
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The restaurant's signature design stands sentinel along The Four Seasons' marina
Chilean sea bass with jalapeño dressing
We first make our way upstairs for a pre-dinner aperitif in the White Pearl Bar & Lounge. Sleek chaises and opalescent light fixtures lends credence to its namesake, while off a cloistered hallway adjacent to the bar are Nobu’s private dining rooms where Doha’s elite can dine and be dazzled in seclusion.
Nobu Doha's opalescent White Pearl Bar & Lounge
acclaim it’s the largest free-standing Nobu in the world, with three levels spanning 26,000 square-feet and can accommodate 422 guests between its main dining room, sushi counter, private dining areas, the White Pearl and Black Pearl Bar & Lounges and its outdoor rooftop terrace that coils skyward. Tonight, we’re here to drink in the architecture of the space as much as savour the decadent dishes that await us. Conceptualized by award-winning architect firm Rockwell Group, the restaurant is an interpretation of a nautilus shell, replete with shimmering bronze-work underscoring prismatic river-stone that enhances the beauty of its natural elements. We feel like wide-eyed interlopers who have stumbled into a mermaid’s grotto.
As we’re escorted to our table in the restaurant’s atrium-style main dining room, the staff greets us heartily as their usual custom – ‘irasshaimase!’ – echoes from the floor-to-ceiling picture windows. As we get settled, our affable server Cesar takes our drink orders and advises us to brace ourselves for the assault on our taste-buds that’s coming – we’ll be trying a collection of dishes from Executive Chef Andrew Bozoki’s extensive menu and prepared under the supervision of Sous Chef Toshikazu Kato. Too plentiful to describe each one in detail, I’ll try to highlight some of the night’s signature standouts. We begin our culinary tour with delicate slabs of dried miso whitefish – a dish that gives a nod to Chef Nobu’s South American influence with a flavour that’s imbued with citrusy-spice reminiscent of ceviche. All the plates at Nobu are light, refreshing and never leave you feeling heavy. Next up are a duo of salads – lobster with spicy yuzu dressing and (my favourite!) a lobster spinach salad with dried miso. The kick of spice adds gusto to the dish and I take my time savouring the plump shiitake mushrooms dotted throughout.
A delicate portion of dried miso whitefish
Lobster salad with spicy yuzu dressing
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FOOD & DINING
Wagyu beef sliders with creamy truffle and tofu bun
Aerial view down into the 134-seat main dining room
Grilled langoustine with chili shiso salsa
our dessert in the Black Pearl Bar & Lounge. If the White Pearl Lounge below is effervescent chic, then this one is all New York glam, with dark, private banquette seating and the glimmering lights of West Bay scattering their jewels into the waters below. It’s the perfect après-dinner retreat, and what room we have left is quickly filled with an assortment of green tea macha ice cream, caramelized vanilla cake and an off-menu item unique to Nobu Doha – chocolate haromaki. A delicate, crispy eggroll engorged with molten chocolate, it’s dusted with icing sugar and served with tapioca sauce. To attempt to put into words how utterly more-ish these were is a task this writer just isn’t up for – you must simply request this off-menu item yourself. Nobu's signature assortment of sashimi and maki rolls
The verdict on Nobu Doha? Brilliance served with a side of chopsticks. n Coming on the heels of our salad course are Nobu’s version of Waygu beef sliders – one of the most inventive creations that, quite literally, think outside the bun. Tender tidbits of beef melt in our mouths amidst a creamy truffle sauce, shiitake mushrooms lightly seared with daikon, and caramelized onions on a buttery tofu ‘bun’. ‘Wow’ doesn’t even begin to describe it – there’s so many different textures vying for a lead at the tango.
Tuna tartare with black pearl caviar
Rock shrimp tempura in a creamy ponzu sauce
My hands-down favourite creation of the evening (we polished off two baskets worth!) is the ‘popcorn’ rock shrimp tempura tossed in an unctuous chili-garlic aioli – sinfully addictive. We’re also served a family-style sharing portion of brick-oven roasted Mediterranean sea bass drizzled in a piquant jalapeño salsa emulsion, while a slab of Australian rib-eye steak comes encrusted in a vibrant Peruvian anticucho sauce of yellow and red aji panka peppers. The beef is buttery and succulent, while the pepper sauce and a side of hijiki-marinated seaweed add acidity and complexity that off-set the sanguine cuts of meat. After a few more courses and a few rounds of drinks and laughter, we head up to Nobu’s top floor to take
NOBU DOHA Location: The Four Seasons Timings: • 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., daily for a la carte dinner • 6:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m., daily for White Pearl and Black Pearl Bar & Lounges Average Meal Price: • QR 320, grilled langoustine with chili shiso salsa • QR 110, Nobu Wagyu beef sliders • QR 95, whitefish sashimi with dry miso • QR 220, lobster salad with spicy lemon dressing • QR 135, rock shrimp tempura with creamy chili-garlic aioli • QR 200, sea bass with jalapeño dressing • QR 260, Australian rib-eye anticucho Smoking: Yes Licensed: Yes Contact Info: Call 4494-8888, or visit www.fourseasons.com/doha and www.noburestaurants.com/doha.
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FOOD & DINING
Benvenuto In Italia By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca
and unique experience that will re-define Qatar’s Italian culinary scene.”
From the cobbles of Rome to the tables of the rich and famous, an iconic Italian eatery with humble roots is now calling the Marsa Malaz Kempinski home. QH stops by for a family dinner at Antica Pesa that’s anything but ordinary.
Erected proudly next to Toro Toro, Antica Pesa features elegant furniture and iconic artwork by Andy Warhol, De Chirico and photos by Helmut Lang. The restaurant also offers guests beautiful views of Qanat Quartier and the Arabian Gulf, and a spacious terrace for those who prefer to dine under the stars. The wall by the entrance is lined with photographs of Hollywood A-listers like Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Richard Gere, Mick Jagger, Nicholas Cage, Quentin Tarantino, and the extremely talented Meryl Streep arm-in-arm with Francesco.
L
ocated in the grounds beside Marsa Malaz’s towering horse sculpture, Antica Pesa has built its bread and butter on a variation of authentic Italian food based on traditional Roman recipes. The dishes are seasonal and crafted around the availability of locally-sourced organic products. Italians are famous for being cheerful yet humble, but there’s nothing reserved about this restaurant – expect perhaps a table on a Thursday night. Adorned with dark wood features Antica Pesa is brilliantlydesigned and evokes comparison to a stately mansion. This isn’t a bad thing at all; the lavishness of the place is what makes Antica Pesa a hit – after the food. “We’re excited to open the doors of Antica Pesa to local food-lovers offering ‘real Italia’ cuisine,” explains owner Francesco Panella. “The artistic design features, world-class food and beautiful setting of the restaurant make for a truly authentic
Four generations of Panella’s family have managed Antica Pesa for almost a century, and have stayed true to its family-focused roots for 93 years. I’m told the inspiration for the restaurant’s name (‘antica pesa’ means ‘ancient scales’) comes from its origins as a 17th century Vatican customs post that collected taxes on grain in Rome – with coins being weighed on the namesake scales. To appease the many hungry peasants who passed through, the tollhouse began offering bread and vino and, starting in the 19th century, the customs post was replaced by a real restaurant. Doha is a city with certainly no shortage of Italian restaurants, but Antica Pesa must be in the top best three – its concept, food and service are unparalleled. The waiters look like they belong in the pages of Vogue Italia, but most importantly they’re very well-trained, making every customer feel like one of the movie stars that adorn the foyer walls.
On a culinary level, Antica Pesa exceeds expectations. A starter like the bresaola with warm smoked buffalo mozzarella wrapped in crispy pastry is an absolute delight that can please the most ornery of palates. This treacherously addictive blossom of cheese is simply sensational and the perfect pairing to the salty-smoke of the cured beef bresaola, which is as fresh as you can get. Another dangerously delicious starter are the arancini breaded rice-balls, so perfectly crispy on the outside and tremendously juicy on the inside they’re almost a sin to eat and, for those who enjoy seafood, the fried calamari with bergamotto zest is also a must. For the main course I had the pleasure of savouring the spaghettoni cacio & pepe. The secret of this magnificent dish lies in its simplicity. The delicate strands of pasta with Roman Pecorino cheese and black pepper is just that – simple yet refined. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I asked Executive Chef Marco Calcaterra to give me the recipe. He did more than that – he took me into the kitchen to show me how’s done. After the pasta is cooked you blend it with a bit of the water it was boiled in, add the Pecorino cheese and pepper and that’s it. I’m struck at how such a flavoursome dish could be this easy to make and make a mental note to try and recreate it at home. Pasta is an entity that can be challenging to present in a way that gives proper credit to the efforts of the chef, but it’s a feat Chef Marco manages to beautifully. I also recommend trying the pappardelle all’ Amatriciana with smoked beef bacon in a rich tomato sauce – another signature creation creation of Chef Marco.
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Chef's signature − spaghettoni cacio & pepe
Room with a view – Antica Pesa's ge outdoor terrace has a prime vanta point overlooking The Pearl Fresh insalata Mediterranea
The molecular presentation of the smoked pea risotto
French toast − Italian-style!
Enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif in the restaurant's lush upstairs lounge
The other plates around the table are equally enticing as my dining companions try the smoked risotto with peas, Gorgonzola and walnuts, which is served under bell-jar swirling with tendrils of smoke, and a sea bass fillet encrusted with coffee (yes, coffee!) and hazelnuts and served with a lemon ‘air’ foam. One of my colleagues even goes for the grilled lamb chops served with aubergine, paprika and a chickpea pureé – Antica Pesa’s nod to the local Middle Eastern gastronomy. Grilled lamb chops − a nod to the Middle East
Papardelle all'Amatriciana
To finish my meal I opt for a classic tiramisu. Served in a delicate cappuccino mug with toasted coffee beans and topped with delicate latté ‘foam’, it was silky and full of sweet richness. Four hours later and the last plates are cleared off our table, marking the end of a memorable experience at Antica Pesa. From the staff, to the service, to the quality of the cuisine – there’s a reason the brand is frequented by the many discerning celebrity diners that decorate its wall of fame. Also, Chef Marco is a charming and charismatic personality – and if you’re lucky enough, he may pass by your table and give you a culinary show. Buon appetito! n
ANTICA PESA DOHA Location: Marsa Malaz Kempinski Timings: • 12 noon till 10:00 p.m., daily for downstairs dining room • 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., daily for upstairs lounge Average Meal Price: • QR 120, bresaola with smoked buffalo mozzarella • QR 100, fried calamari • QR 95, spaghettoni cacio & pepe. • QR 95, pappardelle all’ Amatriciana • QR 280, grilled lamb chops • QR 180, sea bass fillet • QR 60, tiramisu Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes Contact Info: Call 4035-5011, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or follow @anticapesa and @marsamalaz on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
has Every Ocean Basket restaurant feel that picnic lunch by the seaside
A Taste Of The Deep Seafood lovers can rejoice as South Africa’s largest seafood chain, Ocean Basket, will cast its net into Qatar in 2016. QH brings you the catch.
F
rom the waters of the African cape to the tides of the Arabian Gulf, Oryx Group for Food Services, a leading F&B franchisee and service provider in Qatar, has announced a new partnership with the largest, internationally-acclaimed seafood chain in South Africa, Ocean Basket. As part of the franchise agreement, Oryx has plans to launch eight outlets carrying the authentic brand’s name, the first of will open in the Mall of Qatar in 2016. This new foray into Qatar’s culinary market aims at enhancing Oryx’s position as the leading casual-dining operator in Qatar. “We’re extremely delighted to see our brand in Qatar, which now joins 11 other countries where 189 Ocean Basket stores currently operate,” says Grace Harding, Ocean Basket’s CEO. “Our unique seafood concept is sought after by a large clientele base around the world, and we look forward to receiving the response of the Qatari clientele to this concept. As a pioneering seafood restaurant group, with nearly 20 years of experience, our focus has always
been on providing seafood lovers a meal they deserve, at a price they can afford.”
About Ocean Basket Ocean Basket opened its doors in 1995, the year that South Africa held its first democratic elections. The air was charged with optimism and apprehension. Owner Fats Lazarides saw this year as an opportunity to establish a restaurant that would serve delicious and affordable seafood. Back in the day, seafood restaurants were reserved for the upper class, and a portion of prawns was a real extravagance. But Fats was determined to change that. The first Ocean Basket in Menlyn Park Centre, Pretoria was a measly 60 square-metres, with just six tables. The menu offered only a handful of dishes, including prawns, hake, calamari and kingklip. Fats had to face a lot of challenges including the landlord’s restrictions on what could be sold. Fats could only serve a small selection of house beverages and soft drinks to his customers. In true Ocean Basket spirit, Fats invited customers to bring their own refreshments and even their own salads. Fats was born to serve and was convinced that Ocean Basket would be a success. He knew every customer by name and would taste their meals himself to ensure that they were delicious. In
Ocean Basket's signature seafood platter with prawns, mussels, calamari and catch-of-the-day
the kitchen the chefs were cooking up delicious tastes. They would bound out of the kitchen to grab handfuls of lemons and garlic from the deli to use in the preparation of the meals. Soon, Pretoria had fallen in love with this loud, crazy, Mediterranean deli and restaurant. Today there are over 189 stores in 11 countries around the globe. From Dubai to Durban, Nelspruit to Nigeria, you’ll find people who share a love for Fats’ delicious seafood, the irresistible creamy lemon sauce for a very affordable price. For information on Ocean Basket restaurants visit www.oceanbasket.com. n
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FOOD & DINING
A rainbow assortment of mixed sushi
Take a culinary trip to the South Pacific in a tiki island ambiance at Trader Vic's
Contest winner Tristan Cavanagh with Head Chef Simon Chen
The Trader Vic's signature salad
TC: [I] would go back for a work celebration or party group for the [fruity beverages] but would not go back solely for the food. QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? TC: [I] also loved all the food being brought to the table unlike the usual buffet-style – very nice touch.
Word Of Mouth Photography by Jessie Palanca
QH: Were the prices reasonable?
This column is part of a monthly contest where we send one of our readers to experience a meal in a restaurant. It’s our way of giving the community a voice in our pages. This month Tristan Cavanagh caught the island wave at the Trader Vic’s Friday tiki brunch in the Hilton Doha. Here is her review.
TC: [It was] QR 395 for brunch – a little on the expensive side as the food quality was not five-star.
QH: What did you order? TC: All menu items are served at the Friday brunch – classic Caesar salad, Trader Vic’s salad and mixed sushi platter, plus Barbarie duck, Singapore noodles, mixed chili seafood, seafood parillada with saffron butter, volcano prawns, kung pao chicken, grilled prawns, and chocolate pudding, coconut ice-cream and fresh fruit.
QH: Describe the ambiance. TC: Tropical, relaxing Polynesian ambiance, [with] beautiful views and a warm, lively atmosphere. QH: Describe the quality of the food. TC: Tasty food, lovely presentation, [although] appetizers were a little out-dated (fried and oily). Some dishes [were] better than others – standouts were the fresh, succulent seafood. Lovely food, but not fine-dining. QH: Describe the quality of the service. TC: Lovely friendly staff, pleasant and courteous. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not?
QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? TC: Every dish was served to the table instead of allowing guests to choose which dishes they wanted from the menu. QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? TC: [The] lovely live band helped create atmosphere. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? TC: [The] experience would be better if guests could select the items they wanted instead of having all items brought to the table. That way there would be less wastage and guests would order their favourite dishes only. n For more information on Trader Vic’s Doha call 4423-3118, or visit www.tradervics.com.
Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed in our reader reviews do not reflect in any way those of Qatar Happening Magazine’s staff, directors, management or Editor-in-Chief. All hotel PR food and beverage departments are aware of the content and receive a copy.
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FOOD & DINING
Listings All listings are categorized per hotel. Inclusion is limited to availability of space, with priority given to advertisers.
QH RECOMMENDS
W DOHA Eid Brunch
2nd Day Of Eid: Market by Jean-Georges. Celebrate Eid in style at Market by Jean-Georges with a sumptuous brunch and live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 295 including select soft refreshments and QR 410 per person including house refreshments. For more information call 4453-5135.
REGULAR PROMOTIONS ANTICA PESA DOHA Pranzo All’ Italiana Brunch
MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CANTER DOHA Brazilian Independence Day
September 4 -7: Ipanema. Enjoy a four-day celebration culminating on the Brazilian Independence Day. Come and experience the sounds, moves and flavours of Brazil! Live Brazilian Samba band, capoeira performers, Bahia-inspired food buffet, signature refreshments. QR 299. For more information call 4419-6100.
Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’ve categorized all our listings per outlet – including special offers and weekly/daily regular promotions. Please note that some promotions may not be available during the ten days leading up to Eid Al Adha.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS ASPIRE GRAND CAFÉ AGC Avocado Shake
During Eid: Aspire Park. Enjoy a shake made of freshly-sliced avocado fruit, vanilla ice cream, crushed ice and cream. For more information call 4449-3963.
BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Eid Buffet
During Eid: Azraq Restaurant. Azraq sets the mood for a fantastic Eid Al Adha celebration. Showcasing an amazing spread of traditional Arabic and international dishes, along with an awesome selection of Arabic sweets, live cooking stations, and complete with the rhythms of a live Moroccan band. This is surely one Eid lunch and dinner to remember. Kids will be well-catered for with yummy treats while they participate in activities such as face-painting, balloon-bending and entertaining games. For more information call 4040-5050.
BURGERI Triple Stack
During Eid: Aspire Park. Turn any double Black Angus Beef burger into a triple for only QR 5 extra. For more information call 4449-3958.
RADISSON BLU Pinchos
September 5-28: Picasso’s Spanish Restaurant. Enjoy great varieties of Picasso’s Perfect Pinchos every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Various packages available from QR 60QR 190. For more information call 4428-1555.
Dine & Paint Event
September 29: Picassos Spanish Restaurant. Have a go creating your very own painting while indulging on tasty tapas with selected refreshments. Carry away your own painting with you. QR 225 per person. For more information call 4428-1555.
THE GRAND HYATT Hawaiian Brunch
September 11: The Grill. It’s a luau! Wear your favourite Hawaiian shirt or grass skirt and celebrate the tropical way at The Grill’s Hawaiian brunch from 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. Soft refreshments package QR 295, house refreshments package QR 420 and special brunch for QR 725. For more information or for bookings call 4448-1240/7798-2400.
Fridays: Enjoy signature Roman recipes at this simple and classic a la carte Pranzo all' Italiana brunch.A la carte prices available. Brunch starts at 12 noon. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
Friday Sommelier's Tasting
Fridays: A taste of four Italian grapes selections plus one after-dinner refreshment.QR 200 per person, excluding food. Starting at 12:00 noon. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
In The Cucina Of Chef Marco
Tuesdays: Learn the basics of the oldest and one of the most-loved cuisines in the kitchen of Antica Pesa’s Executive Chef Marco Calcaterra. QR 380 per lesson, or QR 1,500 for the full month. From 11:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5300, email info@anticapesadoha.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA ‘Naan’-Stop Tandoori
Wednesdays: Azraq Restaurant. Enjoy an authentic Indian buffet serving tandoor cuisine, prepared and served at live cooking stations. The textures, flavours and expressive range of Indian cuisine are sumptuously brought alive. Diners can choose from a selection of seafood, meat and vegetarian Indian food options in Azraq Restaurant. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4040-5050.
Seafood Night Fiesta
Thursdays: Azraq Restaurant. Let your taste-buds run wild at Food Fantasy's spectacular seafood buffet at Azraq Restaurant. Situated in the middle of the sea, Anantara brings you the most succulent ‘catch-of-the-day’ seafood where quality and diversity are the key words for an exceptional seafood buffet. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4040-5050.
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Ultimate New Friday Brunch Azraq Restaurant. Every Friday at Azraq, savour a truly bespoke brunch experience with an endless display of the choicest seafood, grilled delicacies, live cooking stations and decadent desserts complemented with a captivating live contemporary band. Complementing the personalized culinary journey are highly-skilled mixologists preparing tantalizing beverages such as the signature Arabian Snapper mocktail. This fantastic restaurant welcomes families with children and has a children’s area designed especially for even the youngest discerning guests. From 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4040-5050.
CHOWKING Indo-Chinese Menu & Value Meals Daily: Tuck in to the new flavours at Chowking with their delectable Indo-Chinese menu. Also, enjoy dinner for two for QR 70-QR 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: 4411-5225/5335.
DOHA MARRIOTT Business Lunch
Sun-Thurs: Corniche Restaurant. It’s time to mix business with pleasure! Enjoy a light lunch in a bright setting at Corniche Restaurant with their new Express Business Lunch. With a weekly menu rotation, sample Mediterranean favourites and regional specialties with highlights including homemade tortellini, Oriental skewers and classic lamb flatbread. Delight in the carefully selected three-course set menu together with an unlimited salad bar, all for QR 95. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.
JW’s Steakhouse
Daily: Marriott’s signature restaurant and still the best in the city, JW’s Steakhouse offers an exclusive, upscale dining experience reflected in the sophisticated atmosphere and classic décor. JW’s main courses feature only the finest cuts of US Certified Prime Angus beef complemented by exquisite spices and sauces. Seafood and salad are also available. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.
Weekend Brunch
Fri & Sat: Restaurant Gallery. Discover an array of live stations and specialties featuring favourite dishes from around the globe. Highlights from the weekend brunch include a wide selection of fresh sushi, Peking duck, fajitas, Oriental grills, pizza, curries, biryanis, fresh seafood, ice cream and more. Now offering a kids’ club zone with a special kids’ buffet and activities. QR 270 for regular brunch and QR 375 for special brunch. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.
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FOOD & DINING The Late Brunch Is Back!
Fridays: The View Pool Bar & Grill. Experience the awesome re-vamped outdoor Late Brunch starting on September 25! Shaking up the Doha brunch scene, join in for Doha’s first and only Late Brunch! Chill out and watch the sunset by the pool with spectacular views across the city and the famous backdrop of the Doha skyline. With funky tunes, full grill, buffet and seafood selections, dance the night away under the stars! Including ‘all-in’ refreshments and BBQ! From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 380. For more information call 4429-8499.
GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Modern Turkish Cuisine
Mon-Sat: Agora. Offering modern Turkish and Ottoman dishes inspired by the Black Sea and the Balkan regions, with Mediterranean touches. From 1:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.
Family Brunch
Fridays: Blue. Enjoy a sophisticated brunch with special kids’ activities in the exclusivelydesigned area adjacent to the restaurant. QR 220 including one round of soft drinks. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA The Drunch
Fridays: The Fish Market. For those who prefer to enjoy the pool or beach and always miss the brunch, they have an alternative for you – an indulgent Friday Late Brunch with all your seafood favourites alongside a beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea. From 6.30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. for QR 375 with unlimited house and soft beverages, freshly-brewed coffee and selection of tea and juices. Kids dine for QR 160. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
Hellenic Chill-Out
Daily: Mykonos. Every afternoon from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m., Mykonos transforms their outdoor terrace into a truly Mediterranean chill-out lounge where you can enjoy a selection of refreshments while listening to the best house music. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
Ocean Basket
Mondays: Mykonos. Every Monday Mykonos brings the Mediterranean Sea to your table. Enjoy a mezze selection (including salads, starters and dips), followed by an indulgent grilled mixed seafood platter. End with a sweet note and try the ice cream selection. QR 150 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
Go Greek Once a Week
Sundays: Mykonos. Enjoy an extraordinary Greek dining experience complemented by a selection of mixed dips and salads, some rustic Greek favourites and end up with a homemade dessert. QR 150 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.
Listings INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY The Business Lunch
Sat-Thurs: The Square. Take time out of your busy work schedule and enjoy a three-course business lunch. The a la carte menu offers a wide selection of delectable starters and mouth-watering main courses, including locally-sourced seafood, prime cuts of meat, vegetarian options and a dessert. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. QR 88 for three courses, inclusive of one soft beverage. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Daily Theme Nights
Daily: The Square. Feast on an exciting array of international dishes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Then, Mondays offer the best of the Mediterranean and include authentic Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Moroccan, French and Greek delicacies. Or, take a trip to Asia every Tuesday where Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian favourites take centre-stage. Experience the theme nights daily from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 180 excluding beverages, or QR 250 including unlimited house beverages from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Cosmopolitan Thursdays
Thursdays: The Square. Celebrate the beginning of the weekend with dinner and refreshments with friends at The Square. Enjoy international popular dishes on the buffet from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. along with your favourite house beverages. Priced at QR 300 including selected house beverages or QR 230 inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
Seafood Night
Wednesdays: The Square. Delectable locally-sourced seafood is on offer every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Cold seafood salads, fresh seafood cooked a la minute at the live cooking stations and an enviable dessert station will make it a night to remember. Priced at QR 350 per person, including selected house beverages, or QR 250 per person inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.
KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Chef's Table Surprise Menu
Daily: Aroma. Join a theatrical performance of the culinary team as they create art right in front of you on your dining table. A surprise menu for six people is available with prior reservation in Aroma. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-332, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha
Greek Seafood Fiesta
Daily: Aroma. A Greek seafood extravaganza menu is available throughout September in Aroma. Taste traditionally-prepared flavours such as grilled octopus, marinated sardines, steamed black mussels, and fish such as scorpion and cod. Finish the meal with Greek desserts such as karidopita. Set menu price at QR 345 including vino pairing, or QR 250 including soft beverages. A la carte menu is also available. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
Steak & Grapes Menu
Daily: Aroma. Enjoy the most succulent and tender steaks, perfectly combined with superb grilling, tasty accompaniments and a flawlessly matched glass of grapes. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
Business Lunch
Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Aroma offers a creative business lunch menu by using fresh and locally-farmed ingredients. Mixing flavours from around the globe, a few dishes to name are the Apulian burrata, the Angus beef medallions and the sweet indulgence of a fruit-forest honey parfait. QR 95 per person from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.
LA CIGALE International Cuisine
Daily: Le Cigalon. Indulge in an extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a la carte option available. Buffet breakfast is QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner with live-cooking stations is QR 220 inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.
Sushi Mania
Daily: Yen Sushi Bar. Partake in the best sushi and sashimi served on a special rotating belt and colourcoded, plated formula along with an a la carte menu option as well. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4428-8698.
LA VARENNE Brunch
Fridays: Join La Varenne every Friday from 1:00 p.m. 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. QR 235 per person including soft beverages and QR 395 per person including house beverages selection. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.
Business Lunch
Sat-Thurs: Enjoy the most exquisite French business lunch in Doha with two courses for QR 85 and three courses for QR 95. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.
MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Brunch & Tunes
Fridays: Crossroads Kitchen. Start your weekends out right with live tunes, an interactive international brunch buffet and activities to keep the kids entertained. Prices start from QR 245. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
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Sweet & Savoury Crêpes
Daily: Quick Bites. Enjoy the authentic finesse of France with this delectable artistic treat. Choose from the finest selection of sweet and savoury crêpes at Quick Bites for QR 40. From 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
Three Countries, One Platter
Daily: New York Steakhouse. Taste three origins of beef tenderloin as Chef Jeremy Steele presents 100-gram cuts from the U.S.A, Argentina and Australia on one succulent plate. Treat yourself to three glasses of vino from each homeland carefully paired to perfection. QR 280 and QR 390 including sommelier's pairing. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
Tomahawk – Can You Handle It?
Daily: New York Steakhouse. Can you handle the largest steak in Doha? This is definitely the talk of the town! Choose from 1kg or 2kgs of flavourful Tomahawk Wagyu rib-eye. QR 690 for 1kg and QR 1,280 for 2kgs. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.marriottmarquisdohadining.com.
MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Sawa Goes Mediterranean
Thursdays: Sawa. Every Thursday Sawa transforms into a Mediterranean culinary haven. Explore a buffet with authentic starters, salads and cheeses from the region, grilled fish and meat, oysters, live pasta cooking stations and even real Italian gelato! QR 220 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
Tandoori Vs. Wok
Fridays: Sawa. Tandoori ovens battle with wok pans over your appetite in Sawa! The buffet offers a large selection of curry dishes, ranging from traditional Indian recipes to curry dishes from Thailand along with delicacies freshly-prepared on wok pans. QR 220 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
Tapeo After Work
Wednesdays: El Faro. Enjoy your favourite beverage with a complimentary selection of inimitably authentic Spanish tapas and pintxos. From 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
Paella Tuesdays
Tuesdays: El Faro. Every Tuesday, (or Martes in Spanish!) taste the only authentic paella in Doha and receive a complimentary pitcher of sangria. The offer is valid on every paella for two people. From 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
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FOOD & DINING 1001 Nights Chef's Choice Menu
Daily: Al Sufra. This surprise feast menu takes you on a journey through the Levant cuisines, designed by Al Sufra's Head Chef Julien Al-Khal. QR 900 for two people including soft beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4035- 5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
Listings Friday Family Brunch
International Brunch
Indulge in an elegant yet casual experience with free-flowing refreshments and enchanting music to complement the tasty buffet delights including fresh seafood, live cooking and sushi, plus an endless assortment of appetizers and desserts. QR 215 per person with kids under the age of 12 dining free and those between the ages of twelve and sixteen receiving a 50% discount. Brunch with house beverages for QR 245. For more information call 4429-1111.
Fridays: Al Hubara. Spend quality time with your loved ones. Dine and enjoy an array of international specialties at Al Hubara Restaurant. QR 350 per person inclusive of unlimited soft beverages, with a 50% discount for kids between the ages of six to 12-years-old, while children below the age of six dine for free. Every Friday from 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000.
Mon-Sat: Al Sufra. The rich, traditional Arabic recipes of Al Sufra are now available for lunch. Have a relaxing break from work and indulge in comforting, homemade food, prepared by the expert culinary team at Al Sufra. From 12.30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4035-5011, email restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
ORYX ROTANA X'Press Lunch & Dinner
Weekend Brunch All'Italiana
MONTE’S
Tuesdays: The Cellar. Enjoy The Cellar’s array of tantalizing tapas with unlimited sommelier's selection for only QR 300 per person, or QR 160 per person for food-only. For more information call 4402-3333.
Levant Lunch
Sun-Sat: Ground Floor, Tornado Tower. At lunchtime buy any pre-packed sandwich or wrap plus crisps or cookie and a soda or water for only QR 48. Or, any a large salad plus soda or water for QR 45. For more information call 4499-0689.
MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Burger Express
Daily: L’Espresso. Why get one burger when you can have three? Stop by at L’Espresso, the bustling heart of the hotel, and dive into a tasty Burger Sampler. Three burgers – beef, chicken and veggie make for one hearty meal. This experience will leave nothing to be desired. Grab the Burger Sampler at L’Espresso for only QR 55. For more information call 4429-1111.
New & Inspired Theme Nights
Daily: Seasons Restaurant. Take your taste-buds on an exciting journey with a variety of new theme nights, plus some old favourites! Les Alpes Mondays The restaurant has combined the finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland to fashion an exclusive gourmet event. QR 160 per person. Lebanese Tuesdays Savour enticing Middle Eastern delicacies combined with authentic refreshments and desserts. QR 160 per person. TemptAsian Wednesdays Taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry among many others. QR 160 per person. Seafood & Family Thursdays Tuck into a simply spectacular buffet of fresh and succulent seafood while the kids play their hearts out in the famous Kids Kingdom with an array of kiddie treats. QR 180 per person. Naughty Food Gone Good Fridays Enjoy all your tasty indulgences minus the guilt with an array of health-conscious junk food to choose from. QR 140 per person. International Saturdays & Sundays Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations. QR 140 per person. For more information on all promotions call 4429-1111.
Daily: The Cellar. It’s quick-bite time and The Cellar is ready for it! Enjoy their new three-course set menu including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 95 per person for lunch and QR 150 per person for dinner, guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.
Tapas Galore Selection
Latin Night
Sundays: Choices. Enjoy a unique concept and indulge in a Latin American buffet from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. for QR 215 per person for food only, or QR 305 including unlimited selected house beverages. Also try their premium package for QR 350 which includes unlimited special refreshments. For more information call 4402-3333.
RADISSON BLU Friday Brunch
Fri & Sat: La Veranda. La Veranda’s Italian Chef Federiko Carsili creates an irresistibly sumptuous weekend buffet every Friday and Saturday for brunch. The weekend brunch includes barbecue and pasta à la minute, live stations, fresh seafood and salad-bars, house-made sandwiches, antipasti and cold-cuts buffets, Doha’s most generous variety of imported Italian and French premium-quality cheeses, and a rich selection of artisanal pastries and desserts. Top up your culinary experience with free-flow special beverage packages. Starts from QR 290. Kids between the ages of six and 12-yearsold will receive a 50% discount, while children below the age of six can dine for free. For more information call 4485-3000.
Pizza Class With Chef Federico Carsili
Saturdays: La Veranda. Want to be a pizza chef? Join in for a pizza class at La Veranda, hosted by Chef Federico Carsili –a fun tutorial for all pizza-lovers that’s not to be missed. Every Saturday from 4:30 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. Advance bookings must be made. QR 150 per person, with a maximum of 15 attendees. For more information call 4485-3000.
THE ANVIL ROOMS The Blacksmith’s Lunch
Hyde Park. This Friday brunch caters to the tastes of each guest with over 30 dishes from around the world. The hotel provides extensive children’s activities and games along with supervising staff that will take care of the kids while the adults are entertained by a live band. QR 160 per person (buffet only) and QR 210 per person inclusive of special refreshments. From12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.
Daily: 28th Floor, Tornado Tower. Choose a signature steak, a side, a sauce and a soft drink for QR 149 available seven days a week. Fridays and Saturdays include a sommelier’s selected refreshment for QR 179. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.
SHERATON DOHA A Trattoria Dinner
SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Weekend Brunch
Thurs & Fri: La Veranda. Create magical moments with your friends and loved ones every Thursday and Friday with dinner in the authentic Italian trattoria, while enjoying live music and a stunning view over the mystical Arabian Gulf. Come to La Veranda and create memories of a life-time. Prices are a la carte. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000.
Seafood Night
Wed & Thurs: Al Hubara. Enjoy a sumptuous Seafood Night with a lavish buffet selection prepared with the finest ingredients. QR 330 inclusive of unlimited soft beverages, with a 50% discount for kids between the ages of six to 12-years-old, while kids below the age of six dine for free. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-3000.
Fri & Sat: Al Liwan. Unwind with friends and family and indulge in a luxurious buffet featuring the freshest seafood, Middle Eastern favourites and international classics. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. QR 250 per person or QR 390 inclusive of selected beverages. QR 125 for children ages six to 12. For more information call 4425-6666, email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage.
Sushi Mania
Mon & Wed: Al Dana. Enjoy masterfully and freshly-prepared platters of sushi, maki and sashimi at their special open sushi night every Monday and Wednesday for QR 215 per person. From 6:30 till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666, email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com, or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage.
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THE FOUR SEASONS Piatto Unico
Sat-Thurs: Il Teatro. ‘Piatto Unico’ in Italian literally means a ‘one-dish meal’ that’s well-balanced, healthy and bountiful. The chef is delighted to share this unique Italian lunch on a weekly changing basis to suit all tastes. Perfect for those who don’t have much time for lunch and offers great value for a true Italian experience. QR 99 per person. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.
Sapore Italiano
Fridays: Il Teatro. Their infamous family-style lunch has to be experienced by the whole family! Their talented chefs have created an Italian four-course menu using fresh ingredients to satisfy your palate. QR 250 per person including regular refreshments. QR 350 per person including special refreshments. Served every Friday from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.
THE GRAND HYATT New A La Carte Menu
Daily: Rocca. To find authentic Italian food without leaving your neighbourhood, look no further than Rocca restaurant with Italian Chef Marco Cherubini’s new menu. For more information call 4448-1272.
Curry Nights
Mondays: Isaan. The Thai restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat curry night. Every Monday from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., you can order a variety of unlimited curry to share, with your choice of fish, beef, chicken, mussels or vegetables. You can share up to five curries per round, for only QR 85 per person. For more information call 7021-8097.
Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch
Fridays: Isaan. Get an outstanding Thai Chatuchak Weekend Market experience, every Friday for brunch from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. Walk around and explore the colourful array of live cooking stations and market-like stalls. A range of options are available. Enjoy a soft drink brunch for QR 280, a house beverage package for QR 395 and the special brunch for QR 680. For more information call 7021-8097.
Friday Brunches
Fridays: The Grill. Enjoy every Friday from 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. one of the finest brunches in town with themed concepts almost every week. Soft refreshments brunch for QR 295 or QR 420 for a special refreshments brunch. For more information call 4448-1240/7798-2400 for bookings and enquiries.
THE RITZ-CARLTON Friday Brunch The Lagoon. Bring all the family for a relaxing weekend brunch. Live music complements the delicious buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children have their own junior buffet and entertainment. QR 305 per person including soft beverages, QR 395 per person including house beverages, or QR 425 for full brunch. Kids under the age of four can dine for free. QR 150 for kids ages 4 -12 years-old. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. Last order for beverages is at 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.
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FOOD & DINING
Listings
Saturday Roast
Panorama Special Set Menu
Business Lunch
THE ST. REGIS DOHA Burger & Pint Night
Tex-Mex Night
Jazz Brunch
Signature Burgers & Snacks
Vietnamese Sundays
Saturdays: Admiral’s Club. Enjoy a lavish platter to end the weekend situated in the perfect setting by the marina at Admiral’s Club. QR 120 per portion. From 1:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.
Mondays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy the tastiest and juiciest burger in Doha! Choose from lamb, Wagyu beef, or Opal’s vegetarian burger served with fluffy fat fries and homemade tomato sauce all for QR 100. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000, or email opalbygordonramsay@stregis.com.
Gourmet Chilli-Dog Nights
Tuesdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Tuesday night is officially Gourmet Chilli-Dog Night. Enjoy the tastiest chilli-dogs in town served with special refreshments and includes ice-cream for dessert, all for QR 125. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000, or email opalbygordonramsay@stregis.com.
BBQ Night
Thursdays: Vine. Ring in the weekend and experience a wide selection of BBQ classics while enjoying breath-taking views from the terrace. Follow dinner with a trip to The Rooftop for a nightcap and music from their resident DJ. QR 320 with soft beverages, or QR 420 including grapes, grain and special beverages. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0107.
THE TORCH DOHA Rotisserie Night
Tues-Sat: Panorama. Enjoy a delightful Rotisserie Night at the newly-opened Panorama, featuring roasted Black Angus cuts served on a carving trolley by the table with daily selection of sauces and sides. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
Fondue Bourguignon Night
Mondays: Panorama. Enjoy a Fondue Bourguignon Night prepared with your choice of canola oil or vegetable broth, lightly-seasoned and served with a choice of beef tenderloin, chicken or shrimp and a spiced fish or Surf & Turf combination. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
Mediterranean All The Way
Daily: Three Sixty. This beautiful revolving restaurant located on the 47th floor at The Torch Doha, offers panoramic views of the city. Open daily for lunch from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. and for dinner from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
Mon-Wed: Panorama. Enjoy a special menu at QR 225 including your choice of appetizer, main and dessert with coffee or tea. Located on the 50th floor the restaurant offers panoramic views of the city. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
Wednesdays: Flying Carpet. Enjoy Latino specialties with a wide selection of steaks, burgers and hot dogs, plus welcome drinks and soft drinks for QR 200 per person. Served from 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
Daily: Sky Lounge. The lounge presents an array of specialty ‘bistronomy’ including home-made burgers and sandwiches, presented in a relaxing ambiance at Sky Lounge. The restaurant offers breathtaking views of Doha's skyline from the 51st floor. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
Seafood Extravaganza
Thursdays: Flying Carpet. Indulge in an array of fresh seafood for grilling, frying, or done in the wok, plus a wide selection of Italian seafood antipasti and more for only QR 250 per person including welcome drinks and soft drinks. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
Barbecue Bazaar Brunch
Fridays: Flying Carpet Friday. Drop in for a sizzling experience and choose from a wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, and burgers for only QR 210 per person including a welcome drink, still water, selected soft drinks and chilled juices. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a special rate of only QR 98 for children under the age of 12. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.
W DOHA Pitcher Perfect
Sun-Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy signature Market by Jean-Georges refreshments served in pitchers with your favourite bites at this awardwinning restaurant – all for QR 160. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135, or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Burger Night
Sundays: Market by Jean-Georges. Start your week with your favourite burger, side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection – all for QR 125 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations. wdoha@whotels.com.
Sip & Savour
Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Try Spice Market’s signature refreshments alongside a combination of mouth-watering snacks with a 50% discount on selected beverages. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Sat-Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert in just half an hour at QR 95 for a three-course meal. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135, or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Fridays: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a delicious brunch with live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 410 per person including house beverages, or QR 295 including soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
Sundays: Spice Market. Inspired by the vibrant street-life of Southeast Asia, Spice Market introduces an all new Vietnamese Night. It’s all about the balance of flavours, the yin and yang, the sweet and salty, the fresh and fermented, spread across eight courses prepared every Sunday at Spice Market. QR 150 per person. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.
WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Business Lunch
Sun-Thurs: Tangia Restaurant. Enjoy an authentic Moroccan Business Lunch in Tangia Restaurant with a three-course set menu for only QR 87 per person including beverages. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.
Moroccan Brunch
Fri & Sat: Tangia Restaurant. Tangia Restaurant presents a traditional Moroccan brunch with a variety of tagines, salads and Moroccan bread for only QR 149 per person. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.
Chinese Bliss
Thursdays: Chopsticks Restaurant. Chopsticks is serving a delightful Chinese-food dinner buffet for only QR 169. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.
Sushi Fiesta
Saturdays: Chopsticks Restaurant. Chopsticks is serving a delightful miso soup followed by a Sushi Fiesta. Eat as much you can for only QR 169 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Immerse yourself in an electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters and try their sushi made of chicken, beef and duck exclusively at Chopsticks, the award-winning restaurant. For more information call 4434-3203/3333, email wgrf&b@wyndham.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.
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SPECIAL LISTINGS
HDC RESTAURANTS AT THE PEARL-QATAR
ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY
Al Tabkha
ASPIRE GRAND CAFÉ Bagel Day, Every Day!
Daily: Aspire Park. Aspire Grand Café’s latest addition to the menu is a new bagel experience. For more information call 4449-3963.
CHAC’LATE Tahini Bomb
Daily: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy hazelnut cake and tahini ice cream enclosed in a dark chocolate shell, garnished with cookie crumbs and fresh berries. Accompanied with mouthwatering warm dark chocolate syrup. For more information call 4408-0733.
Ice Berry Tisane
Daily: Katara Cultural Village. Delight you palate with a fresh orange and lemon juice, garnished with slices of fresh orange and berries. For more information call 4408-0733.
BURGERI Hail Caesar
Daily: Aspire Park. A new, scrumptious Caesar salad is available at Burgeri for QR 30. For more information call 4449-3958.
B. Mighty
Daily: Aspire Park. Get your hands on a choice of meat topped with strips of smoked turkey, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions and melted smoky cheddar cheese. For more information call 4449-3958.
RED VELVET CUPCAKERY Summer Quencher
Daily: Katara Cultural Village. Buy a mouth-watering cupcake of your choice and a refreshing lemon ice tea for QR 25. For more information call 4408-0700.
L’WZAAR SEAFOOD MARKET Teppanyaki Dinner
Daily: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy fresh meat and seafood dishes with options to choose from off of the a la carte menu or seafood market counter. For more information call 4408-0710/11.
Set Menu
Daily: Katara Cultural Village. A convenient, reasonably priced option for groups that includes starters, mains and desserts. Advance reservation is highly recommended. For more information call 4408-0710/11.
LE VESUVIO Three-Course Meal
Sun-Thurs: Katara Cultural Village. An ideal option for busy executives, available from Sunday to Thursday at lunchtime for QR 75. For more information call 4408-1500.
A fast-casual restaurant concept offering healthy home-made Lebanese cuisine in a family-friendly environment for dine-in, takeaway or delivery. They offer a Friday buffet for QR 95, falafel combo for QR 30, chicken shawarma for QR 20, daily specials for QR 50, take-away and delivery from QR 65 and dine-in breakfast set menus from QR 45, QR 55 and QR 70. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. till midnight. Located at Croisette 18, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 5874/5875.
Burj Al Hamam Offers a wide range of Lebanese traditional dishes and fresh seafood specialties with breath-taking marina views of The Pearl-Qatar. Open daily from 12:00 noon till midnight, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. till 12 midnight. Set menus start from QR 200/QR 300/QR 400. Average meal price per person is QR 170. Located at Croissette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495 3876, Ext: 1291.
Tse Yang An elegant, chic and high-end Chinese restaurant overlooking a breath-taking marina. Open daily from 12:00 noon till midnight. Located in Croisette 6, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 2071.
Megu A high-end Japanese restaurant providing an exclusive experience second-to- none. Open from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. for lunch, and from 7:00 p.m. till midnight for dinner. Located at Croisette 6, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 2101.
Pampano A refined, modern Mexican cuisine concept in partnership with Chef Richard Sandoval and Maestro Placido Domingo. Open daily from 12:00 noon till midnight. Featuring live Latin music on Thursdays and Fridays from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Located at Croisette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 1221.
Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar A slick, chic and stylish café offering salads, desserts, decadent chocolates and ice-cream, alongside dishes that are a delicious choice for lunch, dinner and breakfast. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m. Located at Croisette 1, Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar. For more information call 4495-3876, Ext: 1311.
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FOOD & DINING
Directory
Al Sufra Marsa Malaz Kempinski Porcini The Ritz-Carlton
SPANISH & TEX-MEX Aceite 4018-8894 Caminito 4447-0000 Chili’s 4466-0663 El Faro 4035-5555 Ipanema 4419-6100 Latino Steakhouse 4485-3000 Oyster Bay 4446-0105 Paloma 4484-4444 Pampano 4495-3876, Ext: 1221 Picasso’s 4428-1428 Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria 4408-7777 Salsa 4429-8888
ARABIC & LEBANESE Agora 4445-5555 Al Balad 4491-8692 Al Bandar 4431-1818 Al Batross 4432-8888 Al Canteen 4433-6666 Al Mourjan 4483-4423 Al Sayyad 4484-7420 Al Shaheen Restaurant 4485-3000 Al Sufra 4035-5555 Al Sultan Brahim 4446-0105 Al Tabkha 4495-3876, Ext: 5874/5875 Al Tawash 4498-2002 Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam 4495-3876, Ext: 1291 Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café 4408-0840 Kunafa Albisana. 4408-1200 Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma 4466-2616 Majlis 4448-1234 Marmara Istanbul 4436-2947 Shawarma Albisana 4408-1400 Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge 4408-2000 Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 Turkey Central 4443-2927
INTERNATIONAL
Latino Steakhouse Sheraton Doha
CHINESE Chopsticks D’Chopstix Royal Bafilyon Ruby Wu’s Tse Yang Wok of Fame
4434-3333 4408-4888 4411-4458 4428-1428 4495-3876, Ext: 2071 4413-4772
CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN Aroma Astor Grill Belgian Café Gordon Ramsay La Mer Market by Jean-Georges Nando’s Delivery Hotline Opal by Gordon Ramsay Panorama
4405-3325 4446-0105 4484-4444 4446-0105 4484-8000 4453-5135 4436-0606 4446-0105 4446-5600
FRENCH La Sahtaine La Varenne Le Relais de L’Entrecote Maxim Sormani The French Olive
4423-3333 4499-0680 4495-3876 Ext. 1411 4428-1428 4495-3876 Ext. 3222 4444-4777
INDIAN Biryani Hut Bombay Balti Chingari Royal Indian Royal Tandoor Al Souq St., Jasra Souq Waqif Saffron Lounge Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor Sukh Sagar Taj Rasoi
4464-1401 4428-1428 4428-1428 4466-6876 4444-6151 4432-3244 3325-8919 4019-8877 4431-9172 4429-8888
Al Hubara Al Liwan Restaurant Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill ForKnife Baraha Blue Brasserie Restaurant Choices Corniche Crossroads Kitchen Flying Carpet Grand Gourmet La Brasserie La Cigalon Restaurant Lifestyle Restaurant Mawasem Mehfil Restaurant Nando’s Delivery Hotline The Dining Room (Al Najada Boutique Hotel) The Dining Room (Fraser Suites Hotel) The Grill The Lagoon The Village Souq Waqif Three Sixty Torch Tea Garden Vine
4485-3000 4424-2888 4433-6777 4496-6600 4447-0000 4472-2666 4402-3333 4429-8888 4419-6100 4446-5600 4434-3333 4446-2222 4428-8888 4463-2154 4423-3333 4409-4444 4436-0606 4433-6666 4424-3444 4448-1234 4484-8000 3331-1558 4446-5600 4446-5600 4446-0105
ITALIAN Bice Ristorante Carluccio’s Cucina Di Capri Fabio’s Pizza II Teatro La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant La Spiga by Paper Moon La Veranda le Vesuvio Paper Moon Porcini Rocca The Italian Job
4495-3876 4495-3876 4419-6100 4428-8698 4416-5641 4494-8888 4436-7991 4453-5135 4485-3000 4408-1500 4016-6000 4484-8000 4448-1272 4428-1428
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Bentley’s Grill Radisson Blu The French Olive Barwa Building, C-Ring Road
Agora Grand Heritage Doha
BAR FOOD
JAPANESE Neo Oishi Sushi Sakura Strata Restaurant & Lounge Sushi Minto Megu Yen Sushi Bar
4432-2508 4442-8989 4428-1428 4015-8888 4467-5577 4495-3876, Ext: 2101 4428-8888
MEDITERRANEAN
PERSIAN
American Grill Burgeri Chili’s Fuddruckers Hardee’s Johnny Rockets Ric’s Kountry Kitchen TGI Friday’s
4411-0188 4449-3958. 4466-0663 4483-3983 4467-8750 4455-2792 4443-7846 4488-7008
SEAFOOD 4444-4700 4425-6666 4015-0190.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN Asia Live! Chowking Delivery Hotline Mamoura Al Khor Salwa Road Al Sadd St. Holiday Villa Isaan Mango Tree Nusantao: Sea Kitchens Spice Market Sri Kebaya The Noodle House City Center Mall The Pearl Wok Mee Noodle House
Belgian Café 4484-4444 De Ozone 4470-8822 Madison Piano Bar 4428-8888 Pool Bar 4484-4444 Shehrazad 4428-1428 The Irish Harp 4485-4444 The Lounge 4405-3325 Wahm 4453-5353
AMERICAN & BURGERS
Aramede 4408-7777 Bistro Bistro 4428-1428 La Villa 4446-2222 Le Central Restaurant 4428-8888 Medi @ The Village 4444-4700 Mykonos 4484-4444 Sawa 4035-5555 The Cellar 4402-3333
Grill @ The Village Parisa Prince Of Persia
CAFÉS
4429-8888 4431-1212 4486-6077 4411-8816/17 4437-1212 4431-4411 4411-5225/335 4448-1250 4495-3876 4494-8888 4453-5353 4434-0838 4411-5063 4495-3876 4496-6600
Almaskar Al Dana Al Dente Seafood Restaurant Al Sayyad Al Sultan Brahim Fish Market L’wzaar Seafood Market Pampano Pier 12
4485-3000 4425-6666 4472-2666 4484-7420 4446-0105 4484-4444 4408-0710 4495-3876 4428-1428
STEAKHOUSES Bentley’s Grill JW’s Steakhouse Le Grill New York Steakhouse Prime The Anvil Rooms The Butcher Shop and Grill The Old Manor Steakhouse
4428-1428 4429-8888 4484-7412 4419-6100 4015-8888 4499-0685 4413-5508 4446-2222
Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Ba 4495-3876, Ext. 1311 Al Jalsa 4425-6666 Al Kut Lounge 4434-3203 Allegria 4485-3000 Al Mandarine 4463-3748 Anima Gallery & Lounge 4002 7437 Aspire Grand Café 4449-3963 Atrium Lounge 4485-4444 Bab Al Baher 4423-3333 Biscotti 4448-1282 Café Murano 4035-5555 Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611 Chac’Late 4408-2000 Coffee Time 4466-7551 Colombiano 4434-2753 Dean and Deluca 4451-9780 Gourmet House 4405-3333 Jones the Grocer 4407-7175 Le Gourmet 4436-1789 Maya La Chocolatiere Landmark Mall 4486-2264 Villaggio Mall 4417-8132 MBCo The Gate Mall 4407-7130 Al Emaadi Financial Square 4411-7224 Moka and Co 4458-3232 Monte's 4499-0689 Orangery Café Troittor 4428-8888 Quick Bites 4419-6134 Red Velvet Cupcakery 4408-0700. Sarab Lounge 4446-0105 Savor Café Lounge 4408-7777 Shisha Garden 4428-8888 Sky Lounge 4402-3333 Sugar and Spice 4411-4456 Sweet Temptations 4485-3000 The Courtyard 4433-6444 The Drawing Room 4433-6666 The Lobby Lounge 4484-8000 The Terrace Lounge 4433-6555 Torch Café 4446-5600 W Café 4453-5353 Ya Hala 4423-3333
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SPORTS
Top Picks
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Kids Karate
Saturdays: The Bay Club. Karate is a dynamic, explosive and highly-rewarding martial art that combines physical fitness with mental and spiritual training.When you begin your karate journey, you are throwing down a challenge to your mind, body and spirit that will build strength of character and help you overcome your fears. Members’ children QR 50, non-members children QR 80. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.
THE RITZ-CARLTON Rugby World Cup
Sept 18-Oct 31: Admiral’s Club. What a perfect way to mark off the fall at Admiral’s Club. Experience the celebratory atmosphere and watch the Rugby World Cup live. No entry fee, group bookings available at Admiral’s upper floor. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.
SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Wellness Sunday Workshops
Sept 6, 13, 20 & 27: Six Senses Spa. These workshops are designed to enhance the guests’ knowledge about health and wellness-related topics. Each week a different practitioner will speak about ways in which participants can take their health back into their own hands, enabling them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. From 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information call 4425-6999.
MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Water-Sports DOHA MARRIOTT Boxercise
Tues, Thurs & Sat: Enjoy self-defense that is safe and, most of all, fun! Great for body-conditioning and weight-loss, core strengthening and toning. Push yourself to the limit with this more intense and advanced boxing class that will make you burn more, sweat more and release all the stress built-up after a busy day. Advanced Boxercise, Tuesdays and Saturdays; Beginner Boxercise, Thursdays. From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8520.
Daily: Private beach. Numerous water-sports activities are available at the private beach of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, including MasterCraft boat rides, pedal boats, kayaking, wake-boarding, water-skiing and donut rides. Prices start from QR 70 per person. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
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SPORTS
fridays
Wit h Vi shnu By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca
We head to the Radisson Blu to rebalance our chakras with one of the Middle East’s most respected yoga masters – Vishnu Prasad. QH explores how his holistic approach to the ancient practice strengthens mind and body in equal measure.
S
ince the first yogis arched their bodies to salute the dawn in the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, no era has seen the evolution and spread of the ancient Indian tradition quite like the frenzied span of the 20th century. From the psychedelic 60’s when The Beatles sang ‘hare krishna’, to new-age practitioners and Hollywood hipsters teaching celebrities to stand on their heads, the reception of yoga in the west has been heavily commercialized. In a way, its’ most simplistic roots have been (pardon the pun) twisted out of shape and context; to practice is a deeply personal journey…a quest for balance, breath, peace and consciousness. To commoditize yoga as a profitable trend is to reduce it to fad status. That’s why we’re here today in the airy dance studio that doubles as a yoga classroom at the Radisson Blu to meet Vishnu Prasad who will bring us back to the basics of its customs. Greeting us at the door dressed in cool, white linen, Vishnu strikes a welcoming manner. At age 32 he’s been training and studying the art of yoga since he was 15-years-old, when he and his father would practice together. Vishnu then went on to seek out the teachings and training of his first guru Acharya Swami and later trained under His Holiness Swami Mahadevanandji Maharajah.
brand of Vishnu's gentle methodology and ades across swasthi yoga has earned him accol oom the region and acolytes in the classr
A practitioner of the branch of swasthi, which is based around the principles of hatha yoga, Vishnu offers classes in Detox Complete Purification, Transformation and Slimming Power yoga. Today we begin the class with some pranayama breathing techniques to clear our minds and focus the flow of our life’s energy throughout the body. It’s a calming, yet intense exercise as Vishnu has us hold our hands over our solar plexus while inhaling and exhaling deeply and forcefully through our nostrils. It’s enough to make you light-headed at first but Vishnu explains that the pressure of the exhalation is to cleanse the
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Practicing some breathing and stretching pranayamas
lungs and sinuses of toxins and to oxygenate the blood for maximum benefit during the session. We breathe in deeply with our thumb over our right nostrils, then block the left and exhale through the right. Vishnu tells us to let our awareness of the rest of our bodies go for the time being and focus only on our nostrils. After five minutes of practice it feels like I’ve taken the world’s most potent decongestant – each breath is like drawing in a purifying dose of fresh mountain air. It’s an invigorating way to ease into the next phase of Vishnu’s instruction – the asanas, or ‘poses’. Between the two of us, my colleague and I have limited experience with yoga – an intimidating core yoga class my only previous initiation. But Vishnu begins with the basics, modifying poses where necessary and encouraging us to only exert as much as we can until our bodies become more flexible through practice. What results is an uncomplicated introduction to yoga that’s as energizing as it is soothing. We start in lotus position, arms upraised; Vishnu then takes us through a series of stretches that include half-moon (upright with arms clasped above head and body bent to one side), cobra (stomach down with shoulders and neck extending up), down-dog (on all fours with hands and feet spread and back arched), extended triangle (leg extended forward with arm bent down towards ankle while opposite arm is held upright), twisting awkward (crouched with knees bent and upper body twisted to the side with hands clasped to chest), and many more. Vishnu explains that with each pose, a different organ or system of the body is being affected. For example, in the twisting awkward pose, we are bent at the midriff, cutting off oxygen
to the stomach briefly and allowing food and toxins to be flushed downwards, aiding in digestion and eliminating waste. As the class progressed, Vishnu, with his gentle guidance, had us standing on our heads – literally – in sirasana pose. We naturally responded to his hands-on approach; standing next to us he would assist us in untangling our limbs to correct our posture and positioning, while inviting us to be aware of the muscle groups that were being worked on with each pose. Probably the most challenging part of yoga for beginners is maintaining a constant awareness of and rhythm to your breathing, which is one, if not the, most critical aspect of yoga. Vishnu steered our legs as we kicked skyward into headstands, supporting our ankles as they were in the air. The feeling of being able to perform a move like this during our first class left us both amazed. Vishnu’s style of teaching has a way of making you second-guess your limitations…realizing that they’re all in your mind and once the wall comes down, only then can your chakras find balance. We finish our session with Vishnu with a meditation exercise. Lying prone on the mat in savasana pose, arms at our sides, palms facing up, we allow the energy to flow into our bodies through our chakra meridians and out through the current of our breath. Vishnu speaks and chants softly as we go deeper into a state of introspection. If the goal is to fall asleep you’re so relaxed, consider it met. Our foray into yoga proved worthwhile with Vishnu; we left with a sense of accomplishment, lingering waves of energy, a soothing sense of calm and – most satisfying – a calling for more…n
YOGA CLASSES WITH VISHNU Location: Cabana Club, Radisson Blu Timings: • 7:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m., Wednesday • 8:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m., Friday • 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m., Saturday Price: QR 60 per 90-minute class Contact Info: Call 4428-1621/1622 or visit www.vishnuswasthiyoga.com and www.radissonblu.com/hotel-doha
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
When choosing a re-usable water in bottle make sure it doesn't conta the carcinogen Bisphenol-A (BPA)
We've soured on artificial sweeteners
Detox
For Life By Cameron Black
From the food we consume and the products we use, to the very air we breathe, our bodies fight a daily battle against environmental toxins. Here, the team at EVOLVE – Mind/Body/Soul shows us how to reduce our toxicity by throwing away these five things for better health.
E
very day we come in contact with a large number of items containing chemicals. These chemicals may appear harmless, but in actual fact are accumulating within us and are a growing health issue. There’s a long list that could be made for sure, but we’ll stick to five everyday items that you’d be better off without.
1. Plastic food containers and bottles Bisphenol- A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, and everyone should be reducing their exposure to it. Your endocrine system is a vital instrument in regulating thousands of physiological functions such as tissue growth, reproductive processes, and metabolism. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been
The harmful pathogens in household cleaners leach into every surface we touch
linked to adverse effects including: -Hyperactivity -Cancer of the breast, prostate, and thyroid -Reproductive health problems Plastic-food containers, especially when heated, (water bottles left in the sun, food getting microwaved) can leech these chemicals into your food or water and, once ingested, disrupt your physiology. This is why it’s always good practice to use glass bottles, containers and jars whenever possible!
2. Commercial cleaning products Commercial cleaning products can just as easily get into your body whether through your skin or your food. You can avoid quite a few toxic chemicals by simply replacing commercial cleaning products with the following few simple ingredients. -Baking soda -White vinegar -Liquid castile soap -Lemon juice -Hydrogen peroxide Vinegar and water make an excellent window cleaner, and vinegar combined with hydrogen peroxide works very well as a disinfectant and sanitizer.
3. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners (ex: aspartame and sucralose) are not as good as you think they are. Although you may think that you’re bypassing our good old friend sugar, you’re actually tricking your body into storing fat and increasing your risk for diabetes.
Artificial sweeteners are what they are – artificial. These are man-made chemicals which can have negative health implications. The only ‘artificial sweetener’ worth considering is Stevia as it’s naturally-derived from a plant. It has no known metabolic effects and has been used for over 1,500 years.
4. Antiperspirants Many antiperspirants are aluminum or chemicalbased which are absorbed through your sweat glands and effective at reducing sweat. Unfortunately, these chemicals can have adverse effects on your health and increase your toxic load. You can easily find many antiperspirants that are chemical-free, organic, and effective – and these are generally a much healthier option.
5. Cosmetics From shampoo, to moisturizers, to hair-gel, these chemical products are all highly absorbable through the skin. It may only be small doses of chemicals each day, but the amplification over time can have severe implications. Take parabens for instance – a common preservative found in many cosmetics. Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function; they mimic estrogen by binding to receptors on cells and therefore cause a perceived increase in normal levels of estrogen. Parabens have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. There are many natural and organic cosmetic providers out there that have been able to find effective alternatives and provide parabenfree products. Visit the Skin Deep database at www.ewg.org/skindeep to measure the toxicity level of your products today! n Get yourself on the track to optimal health by learning more about EVOVLE – Mind/Body/Soul’s services. For more information visit www.evolvemindbodysoul.com.
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SPORTS
The Science Of Coaching By Jonny Parr
What does it take to become a qualified fitness instructor or personal trainer? As Absolute Health & Fitness’ Jonny Parr explains, physical fitness is only one element of becoming an exceptional coach. As for the rest, let’s head back to the classroom… Learning From School-Teachers Whether you’re a personal trainer, fitness coach or body transformation guru, we can all learn from primary and secondary school-teachers. As a physical education (PE ) teacher for many years, the process of becoming one and putting those skills to practice is an amazing and hugely worthwhile learning experience.
I admire teachers on a number of levels. From what I’ve experienced and witnessed, the job is difficult, challenging, and hugely productive. The skills teachers possess and have developed are nothing short of inspiring. Here are some that us fitness professionals can learn from.
Preparation Teachers in schools prep for everything. Whether it’s lesson plans, pupil assessments, self-assessments, or arranging a safe working environment for students, no area of preparation is disregarded. The same has to be true within fitness. Firstly, assessing clients is important before they embark on a program. Usually this is in the form of a health consultation, fitness tests and a movement screen. Collecting data will aid the programs you prescribe and, importantly, make your client aware of their current state of affairs and the process they’re about to commit to.
Re-assessment is also important in order to gauge whether clients are actually getting results. Re-assessing their body-fat or fitness test results will identify whether the program is working, next steps and, crucially, help motivate clients. Accountability for all concerned is also vital if clients are to reach their goals and re-assessing keeps both coach and client enthused to do so.
Environment I’ve been to the Doha English Speaking School (DESS) a number of times and what immediately strikes me are their humbling classrooms. They’re always filled with an abundance of colour, with displays recognizing each student’s achievements. The lighting is always bright and teachers carefully collaborate the positioning of their furniture and resources. All in all, their classrooms are the perfect learning environment as they facilitate a child’s motivation, mood and the tools necessary to teach their learning objectives.
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a Trainer Jonny Parr (right) leads k corporate training session with Maers Oil employees at Al Jazi Compound Photo Credit: Jessie Palanca
for my PGDE and they ‘pounded’ us with countless CPD classes on an array of topics such as making the most of our resources, different teaching and learning styles (Mosston’s), and the importance of integrating with other teaching departments. Learning more is hugely advantageous from both a personal and work perspective. The fitness industry changes every day with new information, whether good or bad. Keeping up to date by learning new material and, importantly, filtering through the junk is essential for your development. This may be in the form of certifications such as the Westside Barbell or Precision Nutrition’s certifications – both available online. Additionally, more hands-on certifications include those provided by International Fitness Alliance. TRX classes, kettlebell classes, whatever interests you. Building an arsenal of qualifications will leave you in good stead.
Fitness professionals can learn from this given the environment we coach in. Whether it’s a gym or outdoor location, safety-checks should be the priority before any client arrives. Are there dumbbells lying in a hazardous area? Is the air-con working? Do clients have access to water? It may seem extreme, but a safety checklist is a great means of organizing and making sure you have all initial welfare bases covered. Another matter of consideration is the general aura of where your clients train. Is the gym intimidating? Do meatheads curl in the squat rack? Does your client get embarrassed in front of others? Getting to know your client or clients goes a long way and you have a responsibility to build an environment where they feel motivated and above all else safe and secure.
CPD (Continuous Professional Development) Continuous self-improvement and learning is essential in all professions. I can remember studying
Reading as often as possible is also a great way to develop professionally. Free online articles are available from reliable sources such as T-Nation (fitness), Precision Nutrition or Tim Ferris (lifestyle). Great books include Engineering The Alpha by John Romaniello and Adam Bornstein, and The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris. Whatever you decide, studying should never stop – whatever your age or circumstances. In doing so, both you and your clients will benefit massively.
Teaching/Coaching Styles I previously touched upon Mosston’s Spectrum of Teaching Styles – every PE teacher has probably heard of this guy. For those who haven’t, he developed a range of learning styles that aimed to cater for all students. Everyone learns by different means. In its’ simplest form, we tend to adopt some of the following: • Visual: pictures, images, spatial understanding • Verbal: words, writing, speech • Aural: sound, music
• Physical: use of body, touch • Logical: reasoning, systems • Social: group settings, working with people • Solitary: working alone, self-study In the fitness domain, clients learn differently. Physical learning methods are perhaps recognized as the most effective in our industry but avenues such as key visual cues can be just as important. For example, recording and playing back particular exercises of a client performing them can help aid in key coaching points. Importantly, much like teaching it’s best to have only two or three maximum coaching points per session. Overburdening a client will lead to confusion and frustration. Making clear the points you see as most important will pay dividends in their performance. Your clients will also likely prefer to learn in a social (CrossFit) or solitary (one-on-one PT) setting. The aural style of learning can also be important as there’s no denying specific music can help a client concentrate and remain motivated. The take-away point is to be aware that individuals learn differently. Your ability as a coach/trainer to differentiate by whatever means necessary will help your clients immensely. Teaching is an awe-inspiring profession that everyone – particularly fitness pros –can learn from. The level of interaction and experience they have from working with individuals and groups of people is hugely commendable. There are countless areas in which we can learn from teachers – their preparation, environment, CPD and teaching/ learning styles are only four of a very long list. Now, let’s forgive them for their unfair summer-long holidays! n Jonny Parr is the founder and CEO of Absolute Health & Fitness. For more information on personal training options call 3385-2696 or visit www.absolutehealthandfitness.org.
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SPORTS
Listings All listings are categorized per hotel. Inclusion is limited to availability of space, with priority given to advertisers.
QH RECOMMENDS
LA CIGALE Tone & Shape
Saturdays: Ozone Gym & Spa. This 60-minute total-body workout combines low to mediumintensity cardio and weight-training exercises. Starts at 11:00 a.m. Complimentary for members,non-members pay QR 60 per class. For more information call 4428-8101.
BoxFit
Ongoing: Ozone Gym & Spa. A stress-releasing workout, this 60-minute class uses boxing techniques that involve the muscles of the core, upper body, shoulders and hips to improve strength, endurance and agility. Complimentary for members, non-members pay QR 60 per class. Private classes are QR 200. For more information call 4428-8101.
BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Splash Surf Pool Happy Hour
All-Month: Cool down and hit the waves at Splash Surf Pool during the happy hour between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For every 30 minutes of pool time at QR 150 per person, guests will receive an additional 30 minutes complimentary. For more information call 4040-5050.
EVERY WEEK BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA Diving Lovers
Sept 1-Oct 31: Even with the sun, sand and indulgence, diving lovers will be looking for something more...This is why Anantara is inviting all certified open-water divers to come and join in with their special offers. Day-Dive Experience: two dives with full equipment, QR 500 per person; two dives without equipment, QR 200 per person. Night-Dive Experience: one dive with full equipment, QR 550 per person; one dive without equipment, QR 400 per person. For groups of four divers minimum. Prior booking is recommended due to limited availability. For more information call 4040-5050.
Bowling Happy Hour
All-Month: Summer is heating up, so why not stay cool on the lanes? Play one game for QR 50 per person and the second one will be on them. From 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. during weekdays from Sunday to Wednesday. For more information call 4040-5050.
DOHA MARRIOTT Boot-Camp
Mondays: Are you looking for a new way to get your heart pumping? Why not take on the challenge with Doha Marriott’s weekly boot-camp class! Get your heart racing with explosive exercises that are designed to level up your overall fitness and aerobic capacity and put you on your way to a new and healthier you! From 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8520.
INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA TRX Fitness
Sun & Tues: Another name for this challenging class is suspension training. Participants will be working against gravity using their own bodyweight and TRX equipment to complete a series of exercises. It helps to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. Members, QR 30/non-members, QR 50. Sundays from 10:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m., and Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. till 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.
Fitball
Sundays: Fitball is an effective body-conditioning class for all fitness levels andhas been a huge success in changing people’s lives, making them feel stronger, prepared for more physical-impact exercises, and overcoming physical and emotional barriers. The Fitball sessions are welcoming with a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. All classes are small and friendly. Members QR 30/Non-members QR 50.From 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4484-4852.
Core Strength
Thurs & Fri: The best core exercises may surprise you. It's not enough to just do abs-crunches and sit-ups. To build a strong core you need to exercise a variety of muscles from your hips to your shoulders. A strong core improves athletic performance and postural imbalances. Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m., and Fridays from 7:00 a.m. till 7:45 a.m. Members QR 30/Non-members QR 50. From 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4484-4852.
Explosive Cardio
Sun & Tues: Ozone Gym & Spa. This 60-minute endurance cardiovascular training session will burn fat, tone muscles and improve fitness capabilities. Sundays and Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Complimentary for members, non-members pay QR 60 per class. For more information call 4428-8101.
MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Fitness Classes
Daily: The Health Club. Numerous fitness classes are available, including body-pump, boot-camp, abs workout, Pilates, body-weight, Zumba, yoga, push-up challenge and more. Classes start from QR 75 per person. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
Tennis
Daily: Make use of their outdoor tennis court on the island grounds, with private or group lessons with coaches. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
SHERATON DOHA Spinning Join in Sheraton Fitness for spinning classes at QR 50 per class. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.
Martial Arts Join in Sheraton Fitness for aikido and kick-boxing classes at QR 50 per class. For bookings and reservations call 4485-4601/4600/4609, or email HRC.sheratondoha@sheraton.com.
THE FOUR SEASONS Cycling Enjoy a60-minute Activio cycling class that targets the 65-85% heart rate zone. QR 60 per person. For more information call 4494-8888.
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Activities & Clubs Bike Riding The Corniche Aspire Park
Bowling
The Qatar Bowling Center 4432-9178 or www.qatarbowlingcenter.net Gondolania Bowling Center (Villaggio) 4403-9807 or www.gondolania.com Strike Bowling Alley (City Center) 4483-9162
Golf
The Doha Golf Club 4496-0777 or www.dohagolfclub.com
Horse Riding
Al Khor Riding Center 4421-8857 Al Samariya Stables 5525-7203 or qatarracing@gmail.com Al Shaqab Riding Academy 4454-6236 or www.alshaqab.com
Ice-Skating
Winter Wonderland (City Center) 4483-9162 Gondolania Ice Arena (Villaggio) 4403-9807 or www.gondolania.com
Sailing
Doha Sailing Club 4443-9840 or www.qmsf.com Regatta Sailing Academy 4442-4577 or www.regattasailingacademy.com Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com
Swimming
Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence 4413-6219 or www.aspire.qa Aqua Park 4490-5872 or aquaparkqa@gmail.com
Tennis & Squash
Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666
Walking
Park at Museum of Islamic Art The Corniche The Pearl-Qatar (2.5 km) Aspire Park
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QH SENSATIONS
Top Picks
SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Motion Restoration Therapy
THE FOUR SEASONS Autumn Escape
Sep 10-23: Six Senses Spa. Motion Restoration Therapy is a unique combination of detailed clinical chiropractic techniques, soft-tissue manipulation, finger pressure and joint movement, developed by internationally renowned neuromuscular consultant Dr. Chet Collins. He can provide you with immediate pain relief and long-term solutions for your physical discomforts. For more information call 4425-6999.
Sept 15-Dec 15: Spa & Wellness Centre. Indulge with a soothing and invigorating green tea salt and aroma massage that builds the immune system, and a mini-facial for ultimate pampering. QR 1,325 per person, for 2 ½ hour treatment. Available daily from 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8802 or email spa.doh@fourseasons.com.
THE GRAND HYATT Contour Cryotherapy
Daily: Jaula Spa & Club. Contouring and firming for mature, dry and dehydrated skin, using cryotherapy cubes and neuro-cosmetic products that hydrate deeply and uplift. QR 650 for 60 minutes. For more information call 4448-1056.
WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Fusion Massage MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI Relaxing Body Wrap & Body Polisher
Daily: Spa By Clarins. This wrap will make your skin more supple and radiant by providing it with a boost of vitamins and minerals. While wrapped in mineral-rich, plant-based mud, you’ll enjoy the benefits of gentle detoxification while relaxing with a therapeutic scalp and foot massage. QR 950 per person. For more information call 4035-5555, email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/marsamalaz.
All-month: Angsana Spa. Enjoy a cuisine for the soul with this 60-minute treatment, plus 30-minutes of refreshments and relaxation. A blend of Thai and Swedish massage techniques soothe all aches, unblock stiffness and enhance flexibility. Price is QR 325. Promotion is valid from September 1-30. For more information call 4434-3152/3153, email spa-wyndhamgrandregencydoha@angsana.com, or visit www.wyndhamgrandregency.com.
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QH SENSATIONS
From Roots To Tips By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca
Facials, pedicures, hair treatments and more, QH spends an afternoon of discovery at roots hair and beauty, pampering ourselves pretty to find out why this contemporary beauty parlor is turning heads with every blowout.
B
efore setting foot in roots salon its’ reputation was already ringing in our ears. Having opened on February 1, 2015, word of mouth saw clients flocking to the salon’s state-of-the-art villa near Landmark Mall. Offering a remarkable range of hair, beauty and esthetic treatments, roots boasts a talented roster of staff and stylists from across the UK. The ethos of roots is simple – for founder and owner Debbie Algosaibi it’s all about a heightened level of client experience…and that meant staffing the salon with some of the bestqualified technicians she could find. Today I’m here for some much-needed hair and beauty maintenance – my tresses are dry and
frizzing and my skin is only just recovering from a fresh crop of blemishes, so it’s feeling a bit dull to say the least. I’m greeted by the smiling Onagh at the reception desk upon arrival; she fetches me a glass of water and has me fill out one of the most detailed client questionnaires I’ve come across. Because I’ll be having a microdermabrasion facial I was asked to come to the salon a day before the treatment to do a patch test on my inner arm to make sure I wouldn’t have an allergic reaction to the product. In all my years of testing out five-star spas for this magazine – not one of them has ever requested a patch test for due diligence. Already I’m impressed by their thoroughness.
My esthetician, Linsey Blair, walks me through the salon and up the stairs to the treatment rooms above. The décor of roots is sharp, striking a balance between fresh-and-feminine, and minimalist chic. High ceilings and a stark white colour scheme with splashes of hot pink make for an eye-popping, yet equally relaxing, cool ambiance. The washing stations, treatment rooms and nail bar are all state-of-the-art, with the latest industry offerings, products and equipment. There are crisp, clean restrooms on all floors with toiletries from The White Company, and Linsey tells me that on the second level there are even changing rooms and a
spacious shower for guests who are coming straight from work and want to freshen up before or after their treatment.
From Fife, Scotland, Linsey has been working in the beauty industry for 18 years and as a client I appreciate her level of product knowledge and professionalism. The treatment room where I’m having my facial is bathed in soft pink light and as I get comfortable on the bed, Linsey walks me through the process of microdermabrasion. At roots they use a SkinBase microdermabrasion machine, along with creams, serums and masks from French brand Thalgo which specializes in skin products with bio-marine compounds. Linsey begins with a makeup removal and assessment. Because I have problem areas with patchy dryness and others with oily pores, the microdermabrasion will help exfoliate and rejuvenate my skin. Less intense than regular dermabrasion treatments, there’s no need for numbing cream – in fact it feels like my face is being gently suctioned or ‘sanded’ by a vacuum on a low setting. But what the machine is really doing is using a spray of tiny aluminum crystals to remove the skin’s outer layer.
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Afterwards there’s a slight itching and stinging sensation but nothing incredibly unbearable. Though my face was red, it wasn’t the fiery, peeled tomato I expected it to be and Linsey instructs me on the proper after-care – no heavy make-up for 12 hours, no direct sun exposure for 24 hours and to always, always make sure I have SPF on and to moisturize. After the microdermabrasion, Linsey applies a cooling bio-marine mask for sensitive skin then gives me a neck and shoulder massage while it sets, finishing the treatment with an application of Thalgo smoothing cream with SPF 50. Next she turns her attention to my feet as we head to the pedicure station and I hop up onto the footbath massage chair. I’m having the deluxe pedicure and Linsey gives my feet a good scrub-down with CND brand foot scrub and their peppermint and eucalyptus foot mask. The smell is incredible and the cooling sensation divine. As she applies a layer of sparkly-pink Shellac polish the massage chair goes to work on my lower back – and I’m on cloud nine! Tootsies taken care of, I’m off downstairs to meet senior stylist Lauren Campbell. Lauren’s bubbly personality belies a passion for hair-care that I’ve yet to come across anywhere else. In her own words she says “I get emotional over hair” – she loves it that much. And, we might add, she is very, very good at what she does. Today I’m having a bespoke scalp treatment, wash and blowout. Lauren begins with a scalp analysis and we quickly determine that mine is
super-dehydrated. Using L’Oreal salon line products, Lauren mixes up a secret cocktail of ingredients to create a customized mask for my hair, and my hair alone. Before she applies it she first massages a bespoke combination of essential oils into my scalp. Made in-house by Lauren’s colleague Kim Simpson, the oil is a mixture of soothing tea tree, grapeseed and eucalyptus essences and clients can purchase bottles to take home as well. After a lovely scalp massage, Lauren coats my strands in the deep-hydration mask she’s concocted and lets it sit for ten minutes before rinsing vigourously and re-applying a second layer. Then I’m ready for my blowout – and can this girl ever work some magic with a hair-dryer! As she twists and curls my strands at record pace, Lauren tells me that she used to work at a blowout bar in London where clients would come in for her signature styles. Today she’s given me a blowout that’s added volume and bounce to my hair, taming wayward tendrils that I didn’t think were possible. My afternoon of pampering at roots was nothing short of spectacular. A cleaner, more professional quality salon outside of a five-star hotel you’d be hard-pressed to find. The staff treats you like an old friend from the moment you set foot through the door, and the level of knowledge and skill of each one of their stylists and estheticians is second to none. There’s no doubt that roots has positioned itself not only on the cutting edge of the local hair and beauty market – but on the leading edge too. n
Lay back and relax in the salon's facial treatment room
ROOTS HAIR AND BEAUTY Location: Umm Lekhba St., behind Landmark Mall, off of Environment St. Timings: • 9:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m., Sat, Sun Mon & Thurs • 11:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m., Tuesday • 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m., Wednesday • Closed Friday Prices: • QR 600, 60-minute Microdermabrasion Facial • QR 150, 60-minute Deluxe Pedicure with Shellac • QR 150, Bespoke Hair Treatment • QR 175 Wash & Style Contact Info: Call 4411-4463, visit www.rootshair.net or like the roots Facebook page
roots' spacious nail bar and pedicure station
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QH SENSATIONS
Sleekness meets masculinity in the salon's décor
Shave And A Haircut By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca
This one’s for the fellas as QH gets lathered up in the barber’s chair in the newly-opened men’s salon at Marsa Malaz Kempinski.
F
or guys who enjoy a good grooming, (and really which one of us doesn’t?), the new barbershop in Marsa Malaz is as luxurious a one-stop option as you’re likely to find. Located on the lower level of the hotel, the space closely mimics the atmosphere of the rest of the property – gleefully grand. Endowed with rich notes of dark wood, the barbershop salon successfully fuses its beautiful aesthetic with modern, masculine elements. But you can’t solely judge a place on interior design alone; the most important criteria are the services it offers – and at Marsa Malaz they celebrate gentlemen’s grooming and beauty. Apart from haircuts and shaving amenities, nailcare, waxing, shaping and threading, the facility also doles out an extensive variety of hair treatments. Upon entering, the space is extravagantly large, clean and fully-equipped with hair stations, and manicure and pedicure stations. Guests can also nip next door to have a massage or facial at the exclusive Spa by Clarins.
At the moment, because the salon is so new, there’s only one barber taking care of clients – something which should change soon. When they bring in more staff I hope they’ll be of the same calibre as Sahbi Ben Mahdhi, because he is the best hair-dresser I’ve easily had in the last eight years. An excellent, consummate professional, I don’t recall having such a good haircut, shave or hair treatment in many months. I told Sahbi I wanted my hair to be very short on the sides and to use the electric clippers on setting number one to just trim it on the top. He told me no, because that type of cut wouldn’t go well with the shape of my face and he thought it would be better to have it cut on the side (slightly) with scissors and on the top as well. The results were fantastic and completely in tone with the shape of my face as he said they would be – perfectly even on the sides and perfectly trimmed on the top.
Barber Sahbi Ben Mahdi goes in for a close cut
my eyebrows before moving on to the 30-minute hair treatment, where a relaxing head massage at the end sealed the deal. The whole barbershop experience took about two hours due to Sahbi’s meticulousness – not only is he a perfectionist but he’s an absolute master at his craft. The new barbershop at Marsa Malaz Kempinski earns a well-deserved two thumbs up. For men who take pride in looking sharp while being treated like a king, the price-tag is worth every penny. n THE BARBERSHOP Location: Lower level, Marsa Malaz Kempinski
After cutting my hair, Sahbi gets ready to shave my face. I have sensitive skin and usually when having a straight-razor applied to my face I end up with rashes or in-grown hairs. This time was the complete opposite; the experience was smooth and clean. After using the straight-razor, Sahbi applies an aromatic powder on my skin and goes over my face again with an electric razor to get rid of any remaining stubble, leaving me smooth like a baby. He also waxes some hair off my cheeks and trims
Timings: 12 noon till 9:00 p.m., daily Prices: • QR 180, haircut • QR 80, eyebrow threading & shaping • QR 80, shave • QR 80, waxing of cheeks, nose and neck • QR 200, normal hair treatment Contact Info: Call 4035-5555 or email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com
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QH SENSATIONS
Perth, Perfected… By Lynsey Riach
If Perth were a person, this far-flung capital of Western Australia would be that relaxed, tomboyish fashionista who doesn’t even know how beautiful she is…
W
ithout a doubt, Perth is a real beauty set on pristine beaches in Western Australia (WA). In fact the WA coast stretches 21,000 kms with 19 beaches calling Perth home. In terms of location, Perth is often mistakenly overlooked for its more famous city counterparts on the East Coast but with the title of most-isolated capital city in the world it takes the crown for sunniest too (eight hours a day on average). Oh and did I mention the sunsets over the Indian Ocean here? With close proximity to travel to Asia, this place deserves much more recognition.
Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, in Perth you can uncover a myriad of restaurants and cultural activities all vying for attention. When you want to chill-out, it's easy to do so thanks to Perth's pristine parkland, nearby bush, and rivers and ocean beaches. No wonder so many people emigrate here to call it home. Basing myself in the trendy suburb of Subiaco or Subi for short (my dog is actually named after this place), it’s an easy hop on the train to head into the city for some shopping or out to the beach for some surfing. The beach won. I headed to Cottesloe, home to the surfer pack slurping their smoothies, but also to those with serious dollar as they perch out on their balconies looking over the Indian Ocean. Perth is a city of suburb; like veins they sprawl and spread out from the main artery and each has its own character and crowd. Heading my way back to the city, modern skyscrapers begin to surround us as the train draws closer. I see nearby Kings Park. It seems Perth is an outdoorsy kind of place where
health and happiness take priority. It’s not a huge daunting place – it’s friendly and feels familiar. So where to eat? WA is becoming more well-known for their farm-to-table approach to food with chic farmers’ markets popping up at weekends and on-trend restaurants opening (and closing) just as fast. I head to Balthazar, a low-lit, discreet and sophisticated joint with a hipster soundtrack. I hear Chop Shop is also a firm fave amongst the carnivore crowd, serving exclusively Aussie produce located on St. Georges Terrace where it welcomes suits and surfers alike. My next day begins with a trip to the Mount Lawley area just to try the chocolate donuts that every blogger in Perth is excited about. Mary Street Bakery is a cutesy café with artisan bread and creative baked goods. Spacious and sunny, it's a good way to start the day before exploring the neighbouring shops. For your caffeine fix try Sayers Sisters, then hop on your rented bike and get exploring!
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The idyllic waters of Mindarie Marina
Get your koala closeups at the Perth Zoo
Cottsloe Beach
Tuna with kohlrabi at Balthazar Restaurant
Mt. Lawley's Beaufort St. Festival
As the afternoon rolls in a calming wind (known locally as the ‘Fremantle Doctor’) settles some of the heat. I decide to check out its namesake neighbourhood and also, Perth’s oldest suburb. There’s some serious history here (including a jail) and serious architecture. Browse the markets, head to Little Creatures for stunning harbour views and try The Mantle for some fine fare. For a day-trip away from the mainland (or stay overnight if you like), hop on the ferry to Rottnest Island where you can bike the entire perimeter, kick back on the beach, eat yet more food and laugh as the happiest creature on the planet bounces past – not a kangaroo but a quokka. Think rat/cat but friendly! Rottnest is their home and they’re everywhere. If it’s kangaroos you’re after, then no trip Down Under would be complete without a sighting of one or a koala right? Head to Perth Zoo to cement your souvenir snap and don’t forget to try that Aussie ‘love-it or hate-it’ food – vegemite. My taste-buds
fall into the ‘hate-it’ category but Perth – you’ll love…Safe travels and happy holidays! Qatar Airways flies direct from Doha to Perth daily. For more information on Perth visit www.australia.com n
The view from Kings Park
A kangaroo lounges on the sands of Lucky Bay
Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha normally walking her dogs, on her yoga mat or on her travels. To learn more about her services visit www.andstretchyoga.com
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IT HAPPENED
The team from the new Crunch Cantina, a subsidiary of AHB Group, prepares a tasting menu of fresh treats
CRUNCH CANTINA FOCUS GROUP Salwa Road August 16, 2015
on The Pearl-Qatar, Crunch Opening soon at Novo Cinema options for movie-goers – Cantina will feature only healthy sample their creations! and the QH team was the first to
za is Our contest winner Nastassia D'Sou into more than a little excited to check Suite! The Grand Hyatt's Royal
THE QH GRAB-BAG ROYAL SUITE WINNER The Grand Hyatt August 13, 2015 96 QH Sep 2015 - FINAL.indd 96
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DJ Longplayer gets the crowd swaying
HOUSE OF GROOVE LAUNCH The Grand Hyatt July 30, 2015
The Grand Hyatt's Noha Belhaj and u Coco LattĂŠ's Nicholas Chrisostomo
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IT HAPPENED
H.E. Mr. Sanjiv Arora, Indian Ambassador to Qatar lights a ceremonial candle inaugurating the event
IHG CULINARY JOURNEY Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park August 12, 2015
MEDIA NIGHT BURGER-TASTING The Four Seasons Aug 18, 2015 98 QH Sep 2015 - FINAL.indd 98
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PHONE DIRECTORY HOTELS Al Gassar Resort Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara Crowne Plaza The Business Park Doha Marriott Hotel Four Seasons Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa The Grand Hyatt Holiday Villa Hilton Doha InterContinental Doha InterContinental Doha The City Kempinski Residences & Suites La Cigale Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Marsa Malaz Kempinski Meliá Hotel Doha Mövenpick Hotel Mövenpick Hotel West Bay Doha Oryx Rotana Radisson Blu Sharq Village & Spa Sheraton Doha The Ritz-Carlton The St. Regis Doha The Torch Doha W Doha Hotel & Residences Wyndham Grand Regency Zubarah Boutique Hotel
4424-4881 4040-5050 4408-7777 4429-8888 4494-8888 4445 5555 4448-1234 4408-4888 4423-3333 4484-4444 4015-8888 4405-3333 4428 8888 4419-5000 4035-5555 4019-9999 4429-1111 4496-6600 4402-3333 4428-1555 4425-6666 4485-4444 4484-8000 4446-0000 4446-5600 4453-5000 4434-3333 4447-0000
HEALTH / BEAUTY
AHMED HASSAN BILAL GROUP
Amaoras RelaxationSpa 4408-4085 Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre 4496-6410 Bio-Bil Health, Beauty & Spa Ladies 4493-4433 Men’s 4483-0989 Bliss 4453-5555 Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Coiffeur Française 4468-9211 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Doha Dental 4431-7766 Doha Marriott Spa 4429-8520 Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 Frank Provost 4494-8844 Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4483-9100 The Pearl 4495-3876 Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 La Cigale - Ozone Spa 4428-8888 Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Snips Salon 4408-4083
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
AIRLINES Air Arabia 4432-2111 Air France 4444-5101 American Airlines 4499-5737 Air India 4441-8423 British Airways 4432-1538 Cathay Pacific Airways 4445-8319 Delta Airlines 4483-0725 Egypt Air 4435-2901 Emirates 4438-4477 Etihad Airways 4436-6657 Fly Dubai 4422-7350 Gulf Air 4499-8000 Lufthansa German Airlines 4431-0212 Oman Air 4432-0509 Qatar Airways 4449-6666 Royal Jordanian 4443-1431 Sri Lankan Airlines 4444-1217 Turkish Airlines 4443-3027
TOURISM / TRAVEL Alpha Tours Ambassador Travel Arabian Adventures Cleopatra Travel Continental Tourism Darwish Travel World Wide Destination Fanar Travels Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Mosafer Travels Mowasalat Karwa Taxi Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & Tour Tourist Travel Bureau Victoria Car Rental
4434-4496 4445-7788 4436-1461 4443-9333 4462-2122 4441-8666 4467-1200 4441-3428 4462-2777 4422-1888 4432-0121 4458-8888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4443-5050 4466-6635
HOSPITALS / EMERGENCY AMBULANCE, POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT
999
DOHA CLINIC HOSPITAL 4438-4333 EMERGENCY HOTLINE 4435-5999 AL AHLI HOSPITAL 4489-8000 HAMAD GENERAL HOSPITAL 4439-2222
RUMAILAH HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD & WOMAN PROTECTION HOTLINE
4439-3333 4439-2948 4466-6671
SHOPPING Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 Hyatt Plaza 4469-4848 Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245
EMBASSIES American Embassy Bahraini Embassy Belgian Embassy Brazilian Embassy British Embassy Canadian Embassy Chinese Embassy Egyptian Embassy French Embassy German Embassy Greek Embassy Indian Embassy Italian Embassy Japanese Embassy Jordanian Embassy Korean Embassy Kuwaiti Embassy Lebanese Embassy Nepalese Embassy Philippine Embassy Polish Embassy Russian Embassy Saudi Arabian Embassy South African Embassy Spanish Embassy Sri Lankan Embassy Turkish Embassy U.A.E. Embassy
4496-6000 4483-9360 4493-1499 4483-8812 4496-2000 4419-9000 4493-4205 4483-2555 4402-1702 4408-2334 44128150 4425-5777 4483-1802 4484-0888 4483-2202 4483-2238 4483-2111 4493-3330 4467-5681 4483-1585 4411-3230 4483-6231 4483-2030 6622-1552 4483-5886 4467-7627 4495-1300 4483-8880
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