Qatar Happening - July / August 2011 by Qatar Happening

QH JULAUG 2011 COVER.pdf

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CMY

6/27/11

JULY/AUGUST 2011

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QH FEB 2011 - INSIDE FRONT.pdf

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THE SUMMER ISSUE

CONTENTS SPOTLIGHT ON... ENTERTAINMENT 16 Songs for Summer 18 Ultimate Must-See Movies 24 From Bored to Board! 26 In For A Spin

ARTS & CULTURE 34 Pushing Through Timelines 36 Summer of Culture 38 Captivating Chamber Concerts 40 Creative Collaborations

Rock the Beach Strings and DJ Mazzr arrive in Qatar for the biggest concert of the summer. QH gives you all the details on this amazing show.

COMMUNITY 44 The Meaning of Ramadan 46 Learning Arabic 48 The Coolest Summer Camps in Town 50 Qatar Welcomes Ladies-Only Cinema

QH STUFF 4 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LETTER 6 QH TEAM 13 QH RECOMMENDS

FOOD 54 Seafood Like No Other 56 Where's the Beef? 64 Ramadan Roundup 68 Delivery Guide to Doha

32 VIRGIN RECOMMENDS 114 IT HAPPENED 120 PHONE DIRECTORY

HEALTH AND WELLNESS 74 Flower Power 75 A Sweet Summer Breeze 76 Find Bliss 78 Stay Fit and Healthy During Ramadan

10 0 EVENT LISTINGS HEALTH & WELLNESS

SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

The Perfect 10 Experience the newest nail technology

a Best Frozen Treats in Doh

72 58

QH SENSATIONS LIVE

Summer Staycation Tips 80 Have a wonderful summer

vactation without ever stepping foot on a plane!

EXPERIENCE

Reasons to Fly 88 Our pick of top destinations

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FASHION 82 Fun, Fresh Fashion 84 Summer Shades 85 A Man About Town SPORTS 90 A Forest in Qatar 92 The World of Sports 94 Bowling in Qatar 96 Escape the Heat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Exercise Indoors!

HAPPENING HOTLISTS

Splish Splash! Get beach-ready with these hot board shorts!

30 ENTERTAINMENT 42 ARTS & CULTURE 51 COMMUNITY 52 KATARA 70 FOOD 86 FASHION 98 SPORTS G STORIES, FOR MORE HAPPENIN LOG ON TO:

w w w.qatarhappening

.com

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FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF With the summer season upon us, we are finding more and more reasons to stay indoors. But staying inside doesn’t have to be boring! There are plenty of things you can do inside while beating the heat. This summer, we bring you the ultimate summer movie roundup, giving you plenty of incentive to stay inside and enjoy a fine flick with family and friends. We also take a look at the origins of some of the world’s most popular board games, from Monopoly to Scrabble. If music is more your thing, check out our list of albums to listen to this summer. If you’re looking to get creative indoors, discover some of the summer camps offered at Mathaf: Modern Museum of Arab Art. These classes allow kids to have fun while exploring their artistic sides. If you’re interested in learning a new language, you’ll be pleased to learn there is a variety of Arabic classes taught in Doha over the summer. Ladies also have the opportunity to catch the newest films this summer at the first ladies-only cinema in Doha, offered at Aspire. Another way to deal with summer meltdowns is trying the bevy of frozen treats we reviewed this month for our frozen treats roundup. We scooped up everything from homemade ice cream and classic commercial ice cream to Italian gelato, frozen yogurt and shaved ice treats. If you can’t stand the thought of cooking but don’t want to go out to eat, flip through our handy delivery guide to Doha, courtesy of the Qatar Happening Restaurant and Dining Guide 2011. We are proud to mention that our very own Chowking now delivers. We also bring you a rundown of some of the special Iftars and Sohours taking place in August, so that you can plan your Ramadan accordingly. As we get ready to begin Ramadan, we should be mindful of our health. We bring you tips for eating well and avoiding health issues during Ramadan. In order to stay fit, we try several indoor fitness classes this month, including squash, Nia and yoga. We wish you a happy and healthy Ramadan. Thanks for reading.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal

Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Executive Editor: Sydnee Bryant Senior Correspondent: Jorge Granda Contributors: Moza Alnuaimi, AJ Corey, Charlie Gandelman, Adam Christian Nelson, Victoria Scott, May-Britt Searty, Mary Sebastian, Nitya Shukla, Brian Wesolowski Copy Editors: Sylvia Cole, Greg Weston Senior Art Director: “Boby” Ildiko Francia Photographer: Mikhail Quijano Graphic Designers: Paolo Kurtis Tan, Mikhail Quijano Finalizer/Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara New Media Manager: Jay Panganiban Business Development Consultant: Kristina Helg Sales and Market Manager: Amira Al Najjar Marketing Coordinator: Katrina Senga Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Distribution Assistant: Jaya Gautam Have Your Say: Feedback and comments are always welcome. Please forward letters to the editor: Email: editor@qatarhappening.com info@qatarhappening.com marketing@qatarhappening.com Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:

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

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

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 11 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group of Companies. 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. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 3 each, for orders over 50.

ON THE COVER

Editor-in-Chief

Arabic Lanterns shot on location at Sharq Village and Spa

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Photo by Mikhail Quijano

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QH TEAM

Moona, G

uru

Sydnee, The Editor

This summer, we bring you our annual double issue – twice the fun in one handy package! We know the summer season can be sleepy, but that’s no reason not to have a good time! We’ve filled this issue full of entertaining things you can do indoors, from watching classic movies and playing Scrabble, to rocking out to Ke$ha’s latest CD and ordering some awesome food delivered straight to your door (no sunscreen required). But summer isn’t all about hiding from the sun or eating Snickers ice cream (although we do fully endorse both those activities!); it is also about picking out the perfect pair of board shorts or using the glaring sun as an excuse to drop some cash on (another) new pair of sunglasses. If nothing else, summer is a season to relax and spend time with family and friends.

Mikhail, Photog

Jay, Interwebs guy

Thanks for reading!

The QH Team

iva

ign D Boby, Des

Lanie, Admin Master

Paolo

Hot Rod Biz Wiz Kristina

Sporty Jor

Jaya

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JULY SUNDAY

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

K Brosas and Kim Idol Sheraton Doha

Qatar Photo Exhibition Katara Cultural Village Until the 14th

The Tanabata Festival Ramada Plaza Until the 7th

Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture Opera House, Katara Cultural Village

The White Party at Lava InterContinental Doha

Sizzling Summer Lunch Mövenpick Hotel Doha Until Aug 30th

Gnocchi & Risotto Doha Marriott Until the 20th

Qatar Happening Photo Contest Until the 25th

DJ Night. Ali & Fila Doha Marriott

Summer Workshop at Mathaf Mathaf Summer Art & Design Programs 2011 VCUQatar Until the 28th Katara Arts Exhibition Katara Cultural Village Until the 22nd

Cupcake Cornucopia W Doha

Doha Mums Library Souq Waqif Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Fadi Harb Doha Marriott

Katara Fine Arts Exhibition Katara Cultural Village Until the 19th

11 Asian Night at Choices Oryx Rotana Mondays

DJ Kinky D. W Doha Wednesdays to Fridays

Big Mouth Live! InterContinental Doha Sundays to Fridays

Greek Food and Vino Pairing InterContinental Doha Until the 16th

Traiteur Daily Specials La Cigale Daily

Rock on the Beach feat. Strings and DJ Mazzr Katara Cultural Village

Independence Month Sheraton Doha Mondays to Saturdays

“She” Abaya Exhibition Doha Exhibition Center Curry Night Mövenpick Tower and Suites Wednesdays

Mussels and Fries Sharq Village and Spa Tuesdays

Senior Showcase The Gallery at VCUQatar Until Aug 20th

Rufa Mae Quinto Sheraton Doha Friday Brunch at Brasserie on the Beach Four Seasons Doha Fridays

Friday Family Lunch Kempinski Doha

Pizza and Pasta Night Merwebhotel Central Doha Thursdays

Friday Night Fever: Master J vs Roger Choueiry La Cigale Fridays

Italian Cooking Class Ritz-Carlton Doha

Big Nite Out W Doha

Seafood Night Mövenpick Hotel Doha Thursdays

Seafood Sensation Sharq Village and Spa Fridays and Saturdays

Jazzy Saturdays Grand Hyatt Doha Saturdays Sushi Fiesta Wyndham Grand Regency Doha Saturdays

16 Weekend Family Brunch Mövenpick Tower and Suites Fridays and Saturdays Le Central Business Lunch La Cigale Daily

Winter/Summer Absolut Party Doha Marriott

Respighi’s Pines of Rome Opera House, Katara Cultural Village

Creative Casual Dining Grand Heritage Doha

Quiz Night Ramada Plaza

CALENDAR copy 2

7 Bastille Day Oryx Rotana

Firin Squad with DJ Legacy & Josey Kray Ramada Plaza

Summer Collection 2011 Part 2 Al Markhiya Gallery Until the 29th

23 The International Handicrafts Market Katara Cultural Village Fridays and Saturdays

continue to back...

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

AUGUST

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Cooking Class at Pampano The Pearl-Qatar

Ramadan at InterContinental Doha Daily

Contemporary Arab Art Exhibition Al Markhiya Gallery Until Sep 3rd

8th GCC Junior Football Championship Aspire Until the 13th

Ramadan at Four Seasons Doha Daily

Lunch Discount La Dolce Vita, Souq Waqif Until Sep 15th

Ramadan at La Cigale Daily

Teas from Around the World Grand Heritage Doha Daily

31 Creative Casual Dining Grand Heritage Doha Daily

1 Traiteur Daily Specials La Cigale Daily

Ramadan at Holiday Villa Doha Daily

Curry Night Mรถvenpick Tower and Suites Wednesdays

14 Ramadan at Sheraton Doha Daily

Ramadan at W Doha Daily

12 Weekend Family Brunch Mรถvenpick Tower and Suites Fridays and Saturdays

Ramadan at Oryx Rotana Daily

17 International Display and Live Cooking Grand Heritage Doha Daily

Ramadan at Mรถvenpick Tower and Suites Daily

5 Doha Marriott Brunch Doha Marriott Fridays and Saturdays

Ramadan at Kempinski Doha Daily

Ramadan at Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha Daily

Ramadan at Ramada Plaza Daily

Ramadan at Merwebhotel Central Doha Daily

Ramadan at Ritz-Carlton Doha Daily

Ramadan at Doha Marriott Daily

Ramadan at Sharq Village and Spa Daily

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RECOMMENDS

Feeling the need to spoil yourself? Try some of our new favourite things.

Pure Colour Surf Baby! Surf Baby! Lipglass by MAC is the latest limited line of lip glosses from the always Calvin Klein's new fragrance clever cosmetics giant MAC. Beauty is a sweet, flowery This adorable range of lip fragrance reminiscent of summer. This feminine fragrance glosses includes shades for every cool beach chick, smells like a delicate bouquet including the chocolate brown of lilies, making it ideal for daytime wear. This serene scent Krazy Kahuna, the pale gold Girl on Board, the peachy pink Good has heart notes of “neo-lily” Lovin and the soft coral pink bloom, plus notes of jasmine, cedarwood and Ambrette seeds. Strange Potion. With a subtle, We love it for its modern but not non-sticky shine and sheer but overbearing scent and adorable pretty colour, these glosses are bottle. Wear the eau de parfum poised to become cult favourites. Grab the limited edition Surf spray on days when you want Baby! Lipglass collection by to feel like a lady. Calvin Klein MAC at MAC stores in Landmark Beauty is available at Faces in and Villaggio Mall. Landmark and Villaggio Mall.

Floral Fragrance

Long Lashes Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara by Bobbi Brown is guaranteed to give you long, defined lashes. The special brush is designed to coat every teeny-tiny lash with jet-black mascara, leaving you with inky, perfectly separated lashes that don’t resemble spiders legs in the slightest. As a bonus, this mascara won’t melt or slide off of lashes during the summer heat, leaving you with delicate, pretty eye lashes every day. Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara by Bobbi Brown is available at 4U Perfumery at City Center Mall.

Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks are creamy, moisturizing and above all, full of intense colour. Normally, long-wear lipsticks are drying and leave lips looking cakey and gross. But these lipsticks are full of moisture, guaranteeing that lips stay smooth and hydrated throughout the day. With bright colours, such as Blushing Crème and Abstract Violet Shimmer, you can always find the ideal shade to make your lips pop. One caveat – the highly pigmented intensity of these lipsticks means there is no room for error, so apply carefully, in small amounts. Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks are available at Estee Lauder counters throughout Doha.

GET THE HOTTEST EVENTS IN YOUR INBOX EVERY WEEK!

Drop by www.qatarhappening.com and register for

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QH RECOMMENDS

Planet Pitbull The fun, funky album Planet Pit features tracks you’ll remember hearing in the club (even if you weren’t sure who sang them), such as the bouncing Rain Over Me and the perky Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor). Spanish rapper Armando Christian Pérez, better known by his stage name Pitbull, continues to crank out hit after hit with his latest musical endeavour. Full of songs that will make you shake your hips and sing along, this CD is perfect for driving with the top down or grinding in the club. Planet Pit is available through Sony Music.

Crazy Cocoa The intense, highly satisfying chocolate cake at JW’s Steakhouse is the ultimate treat for chocolate worshippers. This massive slab of chocolate cake is thick, creamy and soft, with sweetness in every bite. Those who really love chocolate can even swirl some dark chocolate sauce over this massive, insanely delicious treat. Each bite is exquisite, making you want to savour every moment you spend with this cake. This amazing chocolate cake can be found on the menu at JW’s Steakhouse, located in Doha Marriott.

Body Butter Soften your skin with Sephora’s Super Supreme Body Butter in Lusty Pleasure. This thick, perfumed lotion sinks into skin effortlessly, leaving your skin as silky as a newborn baby’s. Rub this lotion from head to toe every morning to smell like sweet gardenias throughout the day. While some lotions can be sticky or cause irritation, this cream is dermatologically tested to ensure it will leave your skin silky, not sickly. Sephora’s Super Supreme Body Butter in Lusty Pleasure is available at Sephora in Landmark and Villaggio Mall.

Liquid Lines Aqua Liner Eyeliner Waterproof Haute Precision by Make Up For Ever offers bold, precise colour, perfect for drawing attention to your eyes. This waterproof liquid eyeliner is the newest way to get beautiful eyes, with a formula that won’t budge. This liquid liner is available in 15 colours and three finishes – matte, iridescent and diamond – ensuring you can create any look you like. While applying liquid liner used to be a skill only beauty pros possessed, now anyone can create a precise liquid line with Aqua Liner’s ergonomic applicator. We like the bold range of colours including green, gold and purple. Aqua Liner Eyeliner Waterproof Haute Precision is available at Sephora and Faces in Landmark and Villaggio Mall.

Best Frozen Treat Award

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the award for Best Frozen Treat is PINKBERRY. QH teamed up with ILQ to find out who has the most popular frozen treats in Qatar. ILQ and Dine out Doha (http://iloveqatar.net/ dineoutdoha) polled online users to find out which of the places mentioned in QH’s Frozen Treats Roundup (in this issue) serve the best frozen delights. Thanks to I Love Qatar and Dine Out Doha for conducting the poll and to everyone who voted.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

All CDs mentioned are available through Sony Music.

By Sydnee Bryant

This summer, crank up the volume on your iPod and dance the night away to these great CDs.

The Ultimate Collection Sade

This two-disc album contains 29 of this band’s hits, plus three new songs. Soft lyrics and sweet melodies are the focal points of Sade’s work, as always. Standout songs include Smooth Operator, Jezebel and I Would Never Have Guessed. Sade’s fans will be pleased with this collection of the band’s greatest hits, not to mention the exclusive remixes of The Moon and the Sky (featuring Jay-Z) and By Your Side (Neptunes Remix).

B.T.R.

Big Time Rush

The ultimate guilty pleasure CD, this album is chock-full of sugary sweet pop songs destined to blow up teenage iPod’s around the world. Every track is catchy, bouncy and oh-so-saccharine. You’ll wonder if you’ve stepped back into the late 1990s, when boy bands reigned supreme. But you’ll hit repeat again and again because the songs are upbeat and fun to sing along to. Standout tracks include Till I Forget About You, Nothing Even Matters and Count on You. 16 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 16

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

On a Mission Katy B

The debut album of this British singer/songwriter is all about the beat. Katy B’s silky voice glides over a thumping bass beat to produce some club-worthy tracks. Standout songs include Broken Record, Lights On and Easy Please Me. This fresh artist teams up with several big names for this album – she collaborates with Magnetic Man on Perfect Stranger and Ms. Dynamite on Lights On.

I Am the Dance Commander + I Command You to Dance: The Remix Album Ke$ha

This fierce album contains all of Ke$ha’s most popular tracks, remixed to club perfection. These songs might not evoke deep emotions but they are sure to make you want to get your groove on. Standout tracks include Blow, We R Who We R and Take it Off. The album also includes not one but two remixes of Tik Tok, the hit that made Ke$ha a household name. This is a great CD to dance or workout to.

Songs for Japan Various Artists

Glee The Music: Season 2 Volume 4 Glee cast

This is but one of many fabulous Glee albums but it is definitely one of the best. With guest vocals by Gwyneth Paltrow (Forget You) and a great variety of song choices, this CD provides a hot soundtrack for many occasions. From sweet ballads like Just the Way You Are and The Only Exception, to fiercer tracks such as Forget You and Valerie, the Glee cast continues to crank out one entertaining hit after another.

This two-disc album features some of the most popular artists in the music industry, such as U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Madonna, Katy Perry and Adele, not to mention legendary singers such as John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Sting. Every song in this collection is outstanding, and for a good reason: 100 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of this album will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society. 17

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s themselves to be a er id ns co at th e er th t ou For every one person are utterly clueless at th rs he ot n ze do a e ar ly true movie buff, there cs and which are easi si as cl s is t-m n’ ca e ar about what movies sh. QH consults dietra of es ec pi e bl ta et rg fo Qatar for their picks hard movie experts in of must-see movies.

By Sydnee Bryant

Clueless

Whatever! This movie inspired my love of Jane Austen novels long before I had ever read Emma. Cher, the plucky blonde heroine of the movie, is confident in every situation, believes in self-improvement and always helps others. Cher predates another very important blonde in the chick flick cannon – Elle in Legally Blonde, another film that shows that blondes can have brains behind all that beauty. Lesson: Don’t judge a book by its cover, even if that cover is very, very blonde.

Pretty Woman

This ultimate Cinderella story is one of my favourites. Vivian’s ballsy attitude and determination are spellbinding, starting from the moment she teaches Edward how to drive stick. Plus, who doesn’t love the scene when she tells off the snobby store clerks on Rodeo Drive? Lesson: Love can blossom in the oddest and most awkward of situations.

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QH SENSATIONS LIVE

10 Things I Hate About You

The movie adaption of Shakespeare’s Taming the Shrew always makes me pine for/miss Heath Ledger. I love this film for its witticisms, the chemistry between Ledger and Julia Stiles, and the idea that the “wrong person” can end up being the perfect fit. Lesson: Hate at first sight is not all that different from love at first sight.

27 Dresses

The Notebook

Runaway Bride “It wasn’t over. It still ain’t over!” This “Do you think I’m hopelessly, irreversibly is what Ryan Gosling shouts at Rachel McAdams right before he sweeps her up in screwed up?” That’s what Julia Robert’s character Maggie asks when trying to figure his arms and gives her an award-winning out why she’s left multiple fiancés at the kiss (no, seriously – they won an award alter. In that moment, don’t we all ask the for that kiss). That scene alone makes this same question of ourselves? Maggie is the movie worth watching but it’s also worth ultimate example of why it’s essential to checking out for those scenes of Gosling know yourself before committing to a life rowing on the lake. Lesson: We should all with another person. Lesson: Don’t pretend try to date Ryan Gosling. He’s dreamy. to be someone you’re not just to fit into someone else’s life. Titanic Some may deem this movie cheesy but He’s Just Not That Into You I think it is about much more than just This movie is chockfull of good advice, two people who fall in love in unfortunate mostly as a what not to do guide to dating. circumstances. It is a story about a young woman who finds the strength to be herself. Also, the slightly annoying heroine Gigi, who is always waxing on about how she At the beginning of the film, Rose tries has been waiting forever for the right to jump off the ship but in the end fights person to feel "complete," helped me realize with everything she has to survive because that I don't feel like I need a boyfriend or Jack’s faith in her has inspired her to live a husband to complete me. Lesson: Instead different life than the one planned for her. of trying to figure out if he’s into you, ask Lesson: Love might not conquer all but it yourself if you’re really that into him. has the power to change people. The Holiday

Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black in one film? That right there is a recipe for an awesome flick but on top of that, the plot is adorable and the characters are actually easy to relate to. Winslet’s lovesick character is the ultimate example of why unrequited love blows and should be avoided at all costs, while Diaz’s beautiful, smart and rich character teaches us that looks don’t always equal lucky in love. Lesson: Love always levels the playing field.

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Every woman who has every struggled down the aisle in a puffy pastel bridesmaid dress empathizes with Katherine Heigl’s character Jane. Stuck planning the wedding of her dreams to the man of her dreams for her sister, Jane finally puts her foot down about her designation as a perma-bridesmaid. All brides should be forced to watch this movie before making their closest friends wear ugly dresses, buy expensive shoes and plan ridiculous stag parties. Lesson: Being a bride is hard but being a bridesmaid is harder.

P.S. I Love You

This movie is more about losing love than it is about finding love. Hilary Swank’s character Holly is widowed at a young age and must learn to deal while surrounded by friends that are pregnant and engaged. My heart still breaks every time someone asks Holly what she is doing in a closet and she replies: “Trying to figure out why God killed my husband.” Lesson: Life is not always a fairytale, so plan accordingly. 19

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By AJ Corey

Dirty Harry

Rocky

“Why do you want to fight?” “Because I can’t You’ve got to ask yourself one question, sing or dance.” Rocky was a simple guy. He have you seen this movie? If not, you’re was true to his friends, worked hard and did probably going to lose your man licence. what he loved. He was also an incredible Dirty Harry is a man that gets the job done, underdog who showed us that with hard even if it means upsetting his superiors. A lesson we all may need from time to time! work, determination and tenacity, we can achieve anything. Sure, that may be a lie, but for two hours, you feel like you could Die Hard be a boxing champion (as long as you had a John McClane is one tough SOB. He didn’t friend who worked in a meat factory and a ask for trouble, but he sure isn't going to montage or two to help). just sit back and let some jerk with a bad accent harass his women and hurt innocent people. Throw in a little Carl Winslow Gladiator and you’ve got a film that no guy can miss. “What we do in life ... echoes in eternity,” so “Yippi-ki-yay, Motherbleeper.” you had better watch this quintessential guy film. Russell Crowe plays a general loyal to the final wishes of his Caesar. Of course, Caddyshack things get real when the ambitious son tries Someone actually managed to get to kill him. Crowe takes up butt kicking full Bill Murray, Chevy Chase and Rodney time as a slave and works his way back to Dangerfield in a move together during their Rome. I don’t even know what the lesson is, peaks. AMAZING. So many classic lines. but I learned it. Drinking, pregnancy scares, explosives and they even manage to fit some golf into this movie! “Bond, James Bond” Like, all of them, except for the ones with George Lazenby and Timothy Dalton. These Pulp Fiction movies are basically a hand guide for Uma Thurman, Samuel L., Johnny T. and how to be a man. He dresses like an F-18 Bruce Willis. How could this movie not be good? Well, take good to a new level when while gambling like a winner, toughs it you throw in drug overdoses, needles to the out through jungles, the ocean and space in style, knows how to throw a punch or heart, a crazy S&M scene and a weird kind two and is as witty as they come. It’s like of code of honour. “You know what they watching Groucho Marx, Winston Churchill, call an (awesome guy movie) in France?” Fred Astaire and Evander Holyfield all in one. Pulp Fiction.

Platoon

“Death, what do you all know about death?” Charlie Sheen. Before he was bat poo insane, he was a darn fine actor. Before I watched this movie, I thought Vietnam was riding around in helicopters and shooting guys in funny hats. Not so. This film completely made me rethink the urge that (I’m pretty sure) every guy has to join the army and find him some “Charlie.”

Braveheart

“Every man dies. Not every man truly lives.” Yeah, yeah, it’s a little sappy at times, but the people on fire, horses smashing skulls in and a sword bigger than Mel himself make up for it. Also, we have to admit, family (and girls) are important to us guys and there is something noble about a peaceful man being forced to war and owning it.

Top Gun

This is it. This defined my childhood. I wanted to be Maverick when I grew up; hell, I still want to be Maverick when I grow up! This movie has it all, classic pick up lines (You’ve lost that loving feeling…), action against dirty commies and it pretty much invented the term “wingman.”

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OLD BOY (2003)

By Adam Christian Nelson

THE KILLER (1989)

“Be it a grain of sand or rock in the water ‘‘I always leave one bullet, either for myself – they sink the same.” Directed by Park or for my enemy.’’ Pure stripped down action Chan-wook and based on the Japanese from start to finish, with such a simple manga of the same name, Old Boy is an storyline but so amazingly put together. extremely powerful and intelligent revenge Directed by the master that is John Woo thriller. The film follows the story of a man and starring the legendary Hong Kong who is kidnapped and imprisoned in a room actor Chow Yun-fat, this is a must-see for 15 years without knowing his captor's for all action and crime film fans. The film motives. When he is finally released, his became Woo's stepping stone to write only goal is to uncover who is captor was and direct several Hollywood films and has and why he was locked up. The film goes been a strong influence on many directors, to emotional extremes and includes many including Quentin Tarantino. scenes of graphic violence. The ending is fascinating and leaves you breathless as INFERNAL AFFAIRS TRILOGY the final credits role. The film is quite simply (2002 – 2003) a masterpiece of modern cinema, and one ‘‘Loyalty. Honour. Betrayal.’’ One of the that deserves to be watched by a wide best film trilogies around and co-directed audience and not just fans of Asian fare. by prolific filmmaker/cinematographer Andrew Lau. The Infernal Affairs Trilogy is comprised of three very different films (an A BETTER TOMORROW (1986) exceptionally crafted cop thriller, a pulsating ‘‘If you don't stop pointing that gun, you'll gangster film and a psychological drama). have to use it.’’ A Better Tomorrow is the The first film in the trilogy - Infernal Affairs original Hong Kong gangster classic, which smashed box office records and won several started the highly successful decade-long director/actor partnership of John Woo and awards in Hong Kong, before going on to Chow Yun-fat. The film includes memorable successfully reach a global audience. Some of you may be more familiar with the 2006 action sequences and a cold, hard story. multi-Oscar-winning Hollywood remake The Whilst the average action flick in the Departed, which was directed by Martin mid-80s was focused on the cop eventually Scorsese and starred A-listers such as catching the villain, Woo began elevating Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson. his stories above this tiring formula. However, Infernal Affairs is where the To put it simply, A Better Tomorrow revolutionized action cinema and that American remake was adapted from and, after viewing both, it is easy to see why the alone makes it a must-see for all Hong Kong original is regarded as the best. serious action film fans.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE (2005) ‘‘You can do a hundred things right, but it takes only one mistake to destroy everything.’’ A Bittersweet Life is a cool and stylish South Korean action flick, with fantastic cinematography and soundtrack. The film is a tragic tale of revenge and includes brilliantly choreographed fighting and violence. It features a spectacular performance by Lee Byung-hun as the gangster set out on revenge and a surprisingly beautiful, touching ending.

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By Nitya Shukla

Mr. India (1987)

A superhero hero who turns invisible when his watch is activated? That’s Mr. India for you folks, a beloved superhero played by Anil Kapoor, in what is considered to be one of Bollywood’s most-loved science fiction films. In his regular life, Mr. India is Arun, a simple lad who takes care of about a dozen orphaned kids along with a house helper called ‘Calendar,’ played by Satish Kaushik. One day he discovers a watch made by his father that can turn the person wearing it invisible. His super alter ego is called Mr. India, who fights bad men and romances Seema, played by actress Sridevi, lending the film a glamorous effect. And, like any other superhero film, this film has a super villain called Mogambo (played superbly by Amrish Puri) who lead to the popular pet phrase “Mogambo Khush Hua” (Mogambo is pleased). A hit soundtrack and some superb comic moments helped this one rock the 80s with its original script.

Sholay (1975)

One of the most iconic films in Bollywood film history, Sholay is referred by many as the classic ‘Curry Western.’ Two smalltown criminals hired by a handicapped ex-police officer to kill a ruthless robber. It features the best of Indian talent, including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jaya Bhaduri, Hema Malini, Sanjeev Kumar and Amjad Khan in the legendary role of dacoit Gabbar. Superb performances aside, Sholay is the complete package - action, drama, adventure, tragedy, rollicking comedy, brilliant soundtrack, punchy dialogues and a happy ending for everyone. No wonder it topped the British Film Institute’s poll of “Top 10 Indian Films” of all time. Sholay makes you feel alive and rediscover the joy of love, friendship and revenge. This is as good as classic Bollywood cinema gets!

Dhobi Ghat/Mumbai Diaries (2010)

Director Kiran Rao’s Dhobi Ghat is her personal tribute to Mumbai, a city that always inspires film makers with it complex layers. I won’t lie - this one’s serious, yet often whimsical, and is not the typical Bollywood film you would normally see. A favourite with the critics, DG stars trailblazing actor Aamir Khan, along with newcomer hottie Prateik Babbar. In fact, the city itself can be considered as one of the main characters in the film and presents a look at the contemporary urban life in a sombre light. To present a realisticlooking Mumbai from the view point of the principal characters, the director used guerrilla techniques and no major sets were built for the film. Listen for the soundtrack, composed by Academy Awardwinning composer Gustavi Santaolalla.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Men would do well to take some tips from Raj (Shah Rukh Khan), who falls in love with Simran (Kajol) and then manages to convince his beloved’s disapproving family that he is, in fact, the right choice for their girl. With hit songs, romance, light-hearted comedy and a few tears, this one involves a lot of deep sighs. Ladies, see this one and tell me that you don’t want to be in Simran’s shoes and have a boy so in love with you that he refuses to take the short cut to win your family’s approval. The Indian tradition where marriages were arranged by the family’s elders has always been at crossroads with the choice of marrying for love ... but no other film has a more beautifully dramatic conclusion than this one. Fact: DDLJ ran on the screens for 700+ weeks, making it the longest running film in the Hindi film industry.

Dev D (2009)

Indian director Anurag Kashyap takes a classical novel (Devdas) and cranks out a sarcastic version unlike several earlier films that the book inspired. In this film, love hurts, demands compromises and refuses to be romantic. Dev (Abhay Deol) and Paro (Mahie Gill) are childhood sweethearts torn apart because of misunderstandings. Spurned by Dev, Paro gets married to someone chosen by her family and accepts her destiny. Unable to bear it, Dev escapes his town and meets Chanda, a strong girl who refuses to pity him. Refusing to bow to the happy ending traditions of Bollywood film, all of Dev D’s characters find happiness in a unique conclusion. The hit soundtrack of Dev D won its music director a National Award. Not for the faint of heart! 22

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By Charlie Gandelman Women have the chick flick, and men now have a genre to call our own: the bromantic comedy. These films unabashedly celebrate the fact that males can develop deep, powerful and heterosexual friendships with each other. Most films typically portray male friendship as static and emotionally uninvolved – existing on the periphery or background of the story, if at all. Bromantic comedies aggressively and humorously highlight that male friendship deals with the same ups and downs as any romantic relationship. This genre reached full acceptance with 2008s I Love You, Man, a film whose possibility must be credited to Judd Apatow, king of bromance. Apatow’s earlier movies Superbad, Pineapple Express, and Knocked Up helped launch the genre to prominence. While Apatow's films deserve a central place in the bromantic cannon, other worthy films require recognition. While the movies approach their bromance in different ways, I use one unquestionable qualification for inclusion: the male characters must say to each other, at some point, the words "I love you." THE HOLY TRINITY These three movies are the complete embodiment of the bromance genre. They follow a familiar pattern, but are uproarious and refreshing just the same. The male protagonists, friends or acquaintances at the movie's start, undergo a journey whereupon they realize their relationship is more than just friendship but at the same time, non-romantic. This balance is where bromance lives.

I Love You, Man

The culmination of Apatow's bromantic efforts, this film tells the story of Peter, a devoted boyfriend who must quickly make some male friends to serve in his wedding party at his upcoming nuptials. The story culminates with some proud, unashamed and very touching bromantic confessions.

Pineapple Express

A touching stoner action-comedy with a heart that thumps with the energy of bromance. Dale and his dealer Saul are unwittingly launched into a criminal drug conspiracy. While Dale, unlike Saul, is initially reluctant to consider the relationship as true friendship, it is touching to see their friendship develop into fullfledged bromance. With Saul imprisoned by the criminal mastermind, Dale hazards a valiant rescue operation and proclaims to his dealer, "Now I realize I'm lucky to have you as my best friend. You're the best guy I know… Best **** friends forever, man. Seriously."

THE FRAT PACK Before Apatow and his brand rose to prominence, the Frat Pack - a loose association of comedy actors that join together for movies - paved the way for the genre's actualization.

Old School

The Frat Pack's most enduring hit, the film tells the story of a group of bored and aging men, including hilarious characters played by Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn, desperately clinging to their youth and hard partying ways. They decide to start a fraternity on campus, but you get the feeling that this is just a beard for their true bromantic feelings. They stick by each other through thick and thin, are not hesitant to say they love each other, and above all else, just enjoy each other's presence – the definition of bromance.

Superbad

A story of Evan and Seth, two awkward and romantically frustrated teenage best friends, played by Michael Cera and Jonah Hill, who learn by movie's end that their friendship with each other is more important than chasing girls and getting intoxicated. In one of the last scenes, after Seth proclaims his hetero-love for his best friend, Evan responds with perhaps the anthem of bromance: "Why don't we say that more? It feels good! I love you more than my brother, man."

BROMANCE, REVISITED:

The Big Lebowski

Though the Big Lebowski and its titular character, the Dude, have attained mythical, cult-like status for a variety of reasons, perhaps missing from the analysis is the deep level of love and friendship between the three male characters. It's not your typical bromantic comedy, as the Cohen brothers, masters of dialogue, misdirection and irony, have concealed the convoluted bromance with a mix of bowling, white Russians and bizarre, lazy, gruff, and bewildered characters. But the Dude's desire to stick with his best friend Walter, his refusal to ditch him even when he knows his friend's inclusion will only wield an irreversible path of destruction – and, of course, his uttering the words, even casually, "Walter, I love you," – makes this movie a unique forerunner to the modern bromance genre.

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FROM BORED TO BOARD! By Mary Sebastian

The hottest month in Qatar is finally here. The slightest mention of anything to do with the outdoors will be met with a fretful frown. And rightly so; who wants to spend their precious time being fried under the blistering sun when you can spend it indoors? And what better way to enjoy an afternoon inside than to play a good ol’ board game? QH brings you a list of board games that you can have fun playing and feel smart while you escape the scorching heat outside. Monopoly It is estimated that more than 750 million people have played Monopoly. Qatar’s ultimate fascination for this board game was played out when it recently beat Germany’s Guinness World Record to build the largest-ever Monopoly board! The Monopoly game board consists of 40 spaces containing 28 properties (22 coloured streets, four railroads and two utilities), three Chance spaces, three Community Chest spaces, a Luxury Tax space, an Income Tax space, and the four corner squares: GO, (In) Jail/ Just Visiting, Free Parking, and Go to Jail. A typical turn begins with the rolling of the dice and advancing your piece around the board. With a little bit of luck and strategy, you can become the ultimate property lord or the broke bloke next door!

Chess Did you know that there are 318,979,564,000 possible ways to play the first four moves of a chess game on each side of the board? You’d be a genius if you could figure the first 20! Commonly believed to have originated in India in the 6th century, this sport of the mind is played by two on a 64 square-checkered board arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. Each player begins the game with 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns, and pieces move in different assigned ways to attack and capture the opponent's pieces. The objective is to ‘checkmate’ the opponent's king, whereby the king is under immediate attack and there is no way to move or defend it. Grandmaster Garry Kasparov once said that chess is mental torture. The longest chess game was played by Ivan Nikolic and Goran Arsovic in Belgrade in 1989. The duo played for 20 hours and 15 minutes, ending in a 269-move draw. 24

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

Chutes and Ladders (aka Snakes and Ladders)

Tic-Tac-Toe The earliest known variant originated in the Roman Empire around the first century BC and was called Terni Lapilli. Everyone knows how to play Tic-tac-toe. Most even think it’s a game for children. But don’t let the simplicity of this game fool you. In theory, there are 19,683 possible board layouts and 362,880 different sequences for placing the Xs and Os on the board. When winning combinations are considered, there are 255,168 possible games!

This worldwide classic was actually an ancient Indian board game developed in 2nd century BC by Hindu spiritual leaders to teach children about karma. The snakes represent vices and the ladders virtues. The roll of a die indicates the player’s fate as he moves his token through the board in a sequential pattern sometimes to climb the ladder, and sometimes to descend to a lower number. The player whose token first reaches the last square of the track usually wins the game. This game appeared in England in 1892, and was sold in the U.S. in 1943 by Milton Bradley under the name Chutes and Ladders. So much philosophy has been attributed to this game that the board is now produced with pictures that provide morality lessons. Morals or not, the board does guarantee you one thing: your preschooler will learn basic math and you will have fun climbing the ladders!

Chinese Checkers

Scrabble The best-selling board game in Britain, Scrabble was invented in 1938 by Alfred Mosher Butts under the name Lexiko. It is said that if all the Scrabble tiles ever produced were placed end to end they would reach the equivalent of eight times around the earth! The game is played by two to four players on a board with a 15-by-15 grid of cells, each of which accommodates a single letter tile. The centre square is often marked with a star or logo, where the first word is built. The game contains 100 tiles, 98 of which are marked with a letter and a point value ranging from one to 10. The scoring is calculated according to the number on the tiles that each player has laid. Sold in more than 121 countries, this word game is produced in more than 30 languages and is used all over the world to teach English. Celebrities such as Keanu Reeves, Madonna, Jonathan Ross, Sharon Stone and Charles Saatchi are known to be avid Scrabble players.

Did you know that Chinese Checkers did not originate in China, or, for that matter, anywhere in Asia? In fact, the game was invented in Germany in 1892 under the name “Stern Halma,” that referred to the star-shaped board. Bill and Jack Pressman christened it Chinese Checkers in 1928 after they introduced the game in the U.S. Chinese Checkers may appear to be a simple board game, but it provides a very high degree of mental exercise and stimulation to our brain. The objective of the game is to place one's pieces in the corner opposite their starting position of a pitted hexagram by single moves or jumps over other pieces. Scientific studies prove that Chinese Checkers is mainly a right hemisphere activity because it requires a lot of problem solving skills. It also involves the left hemisphere to some degree because it requires logical pattern formation and sequence formation.

Where to buy All the above mentioned games and more are available in and around Doha in Jarir Book Store, Toys "R" Us and Virgin Megastore. Save some moolah and look for ones that offer multiple board games in one set; for instance, the Toys "R" Us store sells a set of 10 classic board games for just QR 125. Jarir has a “Shaun the Sheep” version of the Chutes and Ladders game, (and three other board games in the same set) for QR 74. But if you’d like to start small, all these stores retail in single set board games with prices ranging from QR 12 for individual sets of Checkers and Chess (in Toys "R" Us); QR 39 for earth-friendly version of the Tic-tac-toe (available in Virgin); to QR 255 for the electronic edition of Monopoly (available in Jarir). Both the Arabic and English versions of Scrabble are available in Jarir (QR 135 each) and Toys "R" Us (QR 149 each). If you fancy Arabic Monopoly, head to Jarir and own it for just QR 135. 25

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

By Sydnee Bryant

International superstar DJ Paul Mendez travels the world playing hot tracks to adoring fans. Now, the famed music man will finally rest in one place, if only for a little while. The DJ, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, will be the resident DJ in Lava Lounge at InterContinental Doha starting July 12. QH: How did you get your start as a DJ? PM: I went to a 12-hour rave in the U.K. and fell in love with the scene and the music. I purchased a set of decks the following day and practised non-stop for two years; I then sent out demo tapes to local venues and got my first gig at 16 years old. QH: What kind of music do you play? PM: My main style is a fusion of house, techno and progressive trance. I also perform, on request, mash up style with house and hip hop. QH: What kind of show can your audience expect? PM: I was the very first international DJ to play in Qatar booked through Global DJs. I have performed in Doha at least five times per year for eight years, so the majority of the crowd know who I am and what to expect. For the newbies in the city, they can expect a world-class international DJ.

QH: How does the DJ scene in Qatar compared to other places you’ve played? PM: The scene in Qatar is still way behind in terms of music, as they tend to still enjoy a lot of old school music. With Global DJs and Jared McCulloch, we have tried to change that by bringing the worlds best DJs to the country. And it has been a success; with new nights and good local DJs, it is getting a lot better. QH: What is the most challenging thing about your profession? PM: For me, it’s the constant travelling [and] living out of a suitcase. I love it but it does get very tiring and can affect my performance, as sometimes I go straight from the airport to a gig, which is not the ideal preparation. QH: What’s the best part of being a DJ? PM: I do a job I love and I have travelled all over the world.

QH: What has been your favourite performance to date? PM: Playing to 25,000 people at one of the U.K.'s biggest outdoor festivals and them chanting my name at the end of my set; and also being asked by [DJ] Tiesto to open for him at his club night in Amsterdam. QH: If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be? PM: I would love to get in the studio with Tiesto, Umek, Dubfire, and a good vocalist, such as Kelly Rowland. QH: What are your plans for the rest of 2011? PM: I will be resident DJ at Lava Lounge and will continue to tour, with dates booked in India, the U.S., Russia, the U.K., South Africa, Italy, Spain, Holland, Canada and many more amazing places. QH: What are some of the goals you’d like to accomplish during your career? PM: I would like to remain a top 100 DJ in the world, get back into the charts with my new music and always be respected for the career I have had.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

What’s happening? Strings and DJ Mazzr in concert Where: Katara Cultural Village When: July 14 Time: Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Ticket price: QR 250 Tickets will be available across Qatar, starting July 26. For more information, check out www.qatarhappening.com Genre: Rock/Pop Refreshments: Provided at the venue

By Jorge Granda

Internationally acclaimed Pakistani pop band Strings and dashing DJ Mazzr will rock the stage at Katara Cultural Village this July. QH tells you all you need to know about the hottest concert of the summer.

ights and sounds will dance in harmony while music lovers come together at Katara Cultural Village to be immersed in a unique experience of musical union. The melodious songs of Strings and FusionTech of DJ Mazzr will merge to create a night to remember. Organized by Apex Business Solution and supported by the Pakistani High commission, the event promises to turn July 14 into the hottest night of the year. This amazing concert is just the first in a long line of events that will come to Qatar. “We have quarterly events planned; the whole idea is to make Qatar's residents ready for [big events], like World Cup 2022. So it is a non-stop events calendar until 2022,” said Saf, director of operations - events and training division at Katara Cultural Village. “Redefining the quality of events in Qatar is the mission that we have set out to accomplish. Our international partnerships and experience will make this happen.”

THE ACTS STRINGS

DJ MAZZR

The band initially started out as a quartet in Karachi back in 1988 but they broke apart four years later. The band then made a comeback in 2000 with two of its original members, Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia. The new formation needed a new revival in the music industry and they decided to take their act across the border to India. After incredible success in Asia, the band took its music to the rest of the world, striking a chord with millions of fans in each corner of the planet. Their success has been as melodic as their lyrics. The band has become an international sensation, winning the Most Favorite Band award at the MTV Asia awards in 2005, and Best Band and Best Album awards at the MTV Music Awards 2009. The group also won Best Live Act in Music at the Lux Style Awards in 2008 and The Most Wanted Band award at The Musik Awards, also held in 2008. Adding to their success was the call from Hollywood to include their song Najanay Kyoun on the soundtrack of the second installment of the Spider-Man series in 2004.

Regarded as one of the best DJs of his generation, DJ Mazzr comes from a non-musical background. Nevertheless, his determination and thirst for musical knowledge threw him into a quest that positioned him on the path to stardom. His sensational career took off in 2006, and, in 2008 international acclaim came his way when he won a competition held by Stereo FX Records in South Africa. He then went on to work with the label, which provided him with the perfect platform for international success. He has spiced up the dance floors of many clubs all over the world. His confidence, loads of energy and realistic approach to music make the Indian-born DJ set new standards for techno music. DJ Mazzr has had numerous recognitions, including the prestigious award of India’s Sexiest DJ and India’s Best DJ Attitude award. He was also recognized by Nokia India for the Best Remix of Nokia NSeries Tune.

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Photos by Jay Panganiban QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 29

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ENTERTAINMENT

HOTLIST

CH www.qat ECK OUT arhap for the late pening.com st informatio

Rock on the Beach feat. The Strings

and DJ Mazzr

July 14th: Katara Cultural Village.

Winter/Summer Absolut Party July 28th: Doha Marriott. This is The Absolut Night to come out! Pearl and Absolut are putting together an incredible night. The Pearl Lounge will be redecorated into an ice bar with snow walls, an igloo-shaped entrance, ice glasses and a lot more! If you have never been to the Absolut Ice Bar, it is coming to you at the Pearl Lounge. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Famous Pakistani pop band Strings and super cool DJ Mazzr will rock the stage during the explosive summer season at the beach site. The melodious songs of Strings and Fusion-Tech of DJ Mazzr will merge to create a night to remember. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out! Ticket price: QR 250. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.qatarhappening.com

Firin Squad

with DJ Legacy & Josey Kray

Rufa Mae Quinto

July 8th: Ramada Plaza. Firin Squad

July 15th: Sheraton Doha. Let Rufa

come to Qube, direct from the U.K. to bring you Summer Mix Tape Mashup! The summer heat is here, so come and cool down with the coolest R&B, freshest hip hop and ice-cold Ragga, all mixed up by the U.K.'s leading DJs. Membership is required, strictly for over 21 only. Ladies enter for free before 10:00 pm. For more information, call 4428-1555.

Mae Quinto, a famous actress, singer and comedian from the Philippines, tickle your funny bone with her antics! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also going to be a surprise performance, in addition to the opening acts. Show schedule: 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets price start at QR 70. For more information, call 4427-9060 or email info@goldenrelations.com

DJ Night

Ali & Fila

July 7th: Doha Marriott. DJs Ali & Fila come to the Pearl Lounge to spin the decks and make you want to get out on the dance floor! For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

Here’s how you can find out what’s hot this month: QH brings you the top selections from Virgin Megastore. And watch for the QH heart in stores!

TANGLED Not many things can go wrong in a movie if it is produced by Disney. Tangled is a clear example of the great creativity and quality of the studio when it comes to creating some of the best animation features in the business. Mandy Moore lends her voice to the character Rapunzel, making the movie fresh and funny. Actor Zachary Levi also lives up to the high standards of the movie. Tangled is an old story told in very contemporary context.

The Dilemma Winona Ryder is definitely back. After a lot of personal drama, the famous actress finally made her much-anticipated comeback in The Dilemma. The movie explores what cheating on your spouse can do not only to the couple, but also to family and friends. The movie has some very funny moments, but all in all, it is closer to being a light drama. The cast also includes funny man Vince Vaughn, Channing Tatum, Queen Latifah and Jennifer Connelly.

Gulliver's Travels Jack Black is back to do what he does best, which is making people laugh. His latest feature film Gulliver's Travels is a hilarious comedy that takes Black’s character to a strange island called Lilliput, where all of its habitants are tiny people.

Life as We Know It Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel's characters seem to have nothing in common, apart from their two best friends being married to each other. For years, they hate each another, but all that changes when their friends die in a tragic accident and they have to take care of their little baby. Both of their performances are solid and there is good comedic timing between the two actors. The movie is fresh and funny.

Shrek Forever After The previous three Shrek movies have been just incredible and the fourth installment of the popular franchise will not disappoint fans. The chemistry between Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas as the voices of the main characters is as good as it can get. The story is very different from the previous movies, but as sharp and funny as ever. Shrek is one of the best masterpieces to come out of Dreamworks.

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By Nitya Shukla

As the new director of the Museum of Islamic Art, Aisha Al-Khater is at the helm of affairs, where the timelessness of Islamic art meets the challenge of engaging the 21st century Qatari audience.

n the day of our interview, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) reached the mark of 600,000 visitors since its opening in 2008. An encouraging number, but for AlKhater, there is still more work to be done. She makes no secret of her ambition to see MIA be much more. In the 21st century, her audience has choices for entertainment that offer instant gratification, as opposed to taking the time out to walk through the galleries to savour mementos from the past. But she is ready to face the challenge. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think MIA is the first museum of an international standard and we have the challenge of making visitors aware of what the museum is, what the activities are that surround the museum, what you can do in a museum,â&#x20AC;? Al-Khater said. Her task is not just to get people to come to the museum, but also to find ways to engage her audience to such an extent that the spaces of MIA becomes embedded into the fabric of the Qatari community.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE

And she is bursting with ideas. “We are “This is a good targeting government and independent way to engage schools. We tailor workshops specifically for their needs,” Al-Khater explained. “We are the community, trying to do more work with the newspapers to make them that Qataris read more.” She is quick to understand dismiss the triumph of having 600,000 visitors. “We don’t have exact demographic and to make figures but just visually, our [number of] them feel like Qatari visitors is very low,” Al-Khater said. “Qataris aren't used to visiting museums they want to regularly and perhaps even the word work in a place museum is a barrier. You know, like [they see] a museum [as] a place filled with old like the MIA.” things but it’s actually much more than that. We are surrounded by activities. Our programs and workshops are for families. have been made by anyone, said Al-Khater. We issue calendars of our activities that “That’s why there has been such an interest change every month. Every month we get in the Islamic art world and that is why even visiting scholars to come research our the prices of the Islamic art objects have collection plus give a talk about Islamic art. gone up tremendously as they have gained We have film nights and exhibitions.” popularity,” Al-Khater explained.

Photos by Jay Panganiban

And while MIA does a lot of work with schools, Al-Khater said she would like to focus on university students to educate them about Islamic art as a resource they can use and also for recruitment purposes. “I think just using the space should be an attraction for the university students, plus the kind of resources we have, which are available for research for art history courses and also for Education City,” Al-Khater said. “This is a good way to engage the community, to make them understand and to make them feel like they want to work in a place like the MIA.” Al-Khater believes the upcoming café and restaurant will also be a big draw for students. Another challenge Al-Khater faces is to make her audience understand that the MIA is not about Islam as a religion, but rather, is an art museum featuring art from the Islamic period between the 7th and the 19th century. Artifacts found in the museum are objects from the Islam world but could

While there won’t be a temporary exhibition during the summer months, MIA has big plans for Ramadan, which include the publication of a special newsletter. “For the Ramadan time, we will be publishing a special newsletter on the Q’uran and how to read script in Q’uran as it will be a very exciting publishing for both the Arabic speakers who will find it interesting,” Al-Khater said. “Also, for the non-Arabic speaker to be able to figure out what the page is saying, we have translated it, so I think it will be a popular book that will be sold in our gift shop.” In addition to the newsletter, special activities are being planned during Ramadan. For the first time, the MIA will be bringing workshops into the gallery spaces so that people are interactively drawing and playing games. In November, the MIA is planning an exhibition coming from Dresden, showcasing jewels from the city's royal palace.

Clearly, Al-Khater is brimming with ideas. When we ask if being a Qatari woman is an obstacle for her to achieve her ambitious goals, she said that, in her case, the opposite is true. “It’s actually made my role here much easier,” Al-Khater said. “I live in Qatar, where women [receive] a lot of respect. Our chairperson is a woman, I’m a woman, the director of the Arab Museum of Modern Art is a woman and so I think we are a strong force.” When asked to show us her favourite place in MIA, Al-Khater lead us to an exquisite carpet exhibited that tells the story of Laila and Majnun (a kind of parallel to the story of Romeo and Juliet). “It’s a pre-Islamic story but then was revived by a Persian poet. This textile is quite rare since you don’t usually find narrative pieces on such large textiles, so this is a unique and rare showing of the story,” Al-Khater said. “I love the expression in it and the combinations and the styles. The table where Laila is sitting has dragon heads, which is a very Chinese influence. It’s full of colour and you can see the condition is worn out but it must have been wonderful at one stage.” For more information about the Museum of Islamic Art, call 4422-4444. 35

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By Jorge Granda

ulture is a very important aspect of our lives, or at least it should be. Being exposed to arts and culture in any medium opens the doors to a whole new world. It gives us a better understanding of how to interact with other cultures and enhances our vocabulary, in addition to providing us with knowledge on many different topics. While living in a country like Qatar, it is very important to have that connection with the outside world, as our day-to-day lives depend on proper communication with many different people from a variety of nationalities.

Exposing children to an environment in which they can develop their own sense of culture will broaden their horizons and teach them to be considerate and accepting individuals. Kids learn by using their senses and art is a perfect path for children to unleash their creativity while learning. They also need a space to express themselves. Mathaf offers children that space, where they can express their creativity and get an overview of the meaning of art. This month, the museum will hold a three-day course program for kids to express themselves through different artistic activities.

PROGRAMS SESSION 1 Kids four to seven years old “Me, Myself, and I” July 10, 12 and 13 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. This session will allow kids to use their own life experiences as an inspiration to create their own artwork. Kids will create painted postcards and self portraits. They will also be able to translate stories into art by bringing the letters in their name to life.

SESSION 2 Kids eight to 10 years old “Experimenting with Expression” July 17, 19 and 20 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. Participants will be exposed to the work of many acclaimed artists, whose collections are being displayed at Mathaf. By looking at the artwork of other artists, kids will experiment with different techniques that will allow them to find their own special way to express what they see.

SWALIF: QATARI ART BETWEEN MEMORY AND MODERNITY The adults of the house can satisfy their artistic side by checking out the SWALIF exhibition, which portrays the different artworks of several Qatari artists. The exhibit, which includes paintings, as well as sculptures by Qatari artists, showcases the development of modern art in the country. The exhibit opens August 14 and will run until Oct 29, 2011.

KIDS PROGRAMS To register, send an email with the session you’d like to register for in the subject title to mathaf_education@qma.org.qa no later than July 5, 2011. Include the number and ages of participants. Space for this free program is limited. Registered participants will receive confirmation. For more information, contact Maral Bedoyan, school programs co-ordinator, at 4402-8827 or email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa.

SESSION 3 Kids 12 to 14 years old “The Museum: inside-out” July 24, 26 and 27 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. Why do museums display exhibitions and what really makes a good artist? These are very interesting and profound questions that kids will be able to answer in their very own way by creating artwork and writings. Teens will be playing the role of artists and art critics, and will work together to reflect the results on their explorations and findings in a final exhibition.

Photos provided by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

This summer will be filled with cultural activities that will allow the entire family to explore their artistic side. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art will offer summer programs for the kids during the month of July, while August will bring the opening of a very special exhibition of work by Qatari artists.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

By Victoria Scott

The variety of live music increases in Doha every year. Since its inception in 2008, the ASD Chamber Music Series has captivated music lovers of all ages in Doha. QH takes a look at the origins of this ground-breaking music series.

It’s this sort of passion for good aking someone cry is not usually music that drove Torchinsky to something to celebrate. But for Dmitri establish the Chamber Music Torchinsky, this was the highlight of this year’s ASD Chamber Music Series. Series. A violinist himself, he came to ASD to meet the Torchinsky, the series’ artistic director, stood backstage and witnessed the chamber musicians teachers in the Fine Arts department. “I was surprised burst into tears during a solo performance by violinist to find such a great auditorium Dora Schwarzberg. “They were all sobbing, and then here. We thought it would be Dora came backstage after she’d finished, and she a fabulous platform for musicians started to cry too,” Torchinsky said. “And they weren’t to be able to put together projects for small groups the only ones; there were misty eyes in the audience – an intimate concert series,” Torchinsky explained. as well.” “We planned it as a series of concerts organized by musicians, for musicians.” The finale of this season’s Chamber Music Series was held at the beginning of June in the theatre at the Originally from Russia, Torchinsky studied music in American School of Doha (ASD). Sponsored by IBQ, it Moscow, Vienna, and at the RCM in London. His featured music by Bach and Brahms, with an injection vision is to incorporate classical, opera, operetta and of Argentinean Tango. “Dora performed probably the traditional folk music, bringing an exceptional class first-ever complete Bach partita Doha has ever heard,” and variety of musical performance to Doha. He aims to Torchinsky said. “She played solo, non-stop for 35 include both locally based musicians and major talent minutes. It was incredible. She spoke to the audience from abroad. on a level far beyond just violin playing.” 38

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For more information about the ASD Chamber Music Serie s, visit ww w.asdchambermusi c.com

After the first series ended, Torchinsky wanted to expand the scope of the concerts, but realized he would need more funds to do so. Enter IBQ, who have been the series' sponsor ever since. Their customers and staff receive a 50 per cent discount on all tickets. “IBQ provides a generous donation to the school so that we have the ability to bring in world-famous musicians,” explained Deborah Welch, the director of ASD. “At the last concert, I heard so many people say that if they were back home - London, New

"It’s great to be able to bring world-class music into the school community." York, Sydney, etcetera – they’d never be able to afford to come to a concert like this. But here we are, able to appreciate this, at a reasonable price.” Welch is keen to use the series as a way of enhancing her students’ musical education. “It’s great to be able to bring world-class music into the school community,” Welch said. “For the students, it was an opportunity to see and hear live performances of a high calibre. It gives them a standard they can aim for.”

hoping to bring in even more children to see the next series.” Musical education goes beyond just introducing children to live performance. “At the last concert I overheard an adult saying that this was the first classical music concert he’d ever been to,” Torchinsky said. “He said he couldn’t believe he’d missed out on so much.”

The organizers are already planning the next series, due to kick off in autumn. It will feature five concerts, and although much is still unconfirmed at this stage, Torchinsky It’s clear that teaching children about promised it will include Arabic folk music, a classical music is something that the family friendly concert, seminars linked to organizers take seriously. Students get a the concerts and themed events. Torchinsky reduced rate for each performance – QR 50 instead of the usual QR 100 – and this year’s is also hoping to bring over a “famous series included a concert specially designed English choir,” but can’t confirm who at this point. “We going to try to do the concerts in for children, a performance of Saint-Saëns’ such a way in that we mix favourites with Carnival of the Animals. “When you looked pieces people haven’t heard yet, so it’s fun in the audience and you saw their faces, it but also educational,” Torchinsky explained. was heartwarming,” Welch said. “You just knew it had made a big impression on them. “And that can work at any level, whether the audiences are children or adults.” They looked completely captivated. We’re 39 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 39

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Creative Collaborations By Brian Wesolowski al to impact The recent launch of Creative Commons in Qatar has the potenti tell QH how artists local l Severa way. dous tremen a in the arts scene in Doha Creative Commons has influenced their art.

alk through any of Qatar’s malls or Souq Waqif and you’ll quickly realize one thing – Qatar is awfully diverse! It’s the true epitome of a city where east meets west, maintaining its traditional Arabic culture, while welcoming in people and ideas from all over the world. It should be no surprise that Qatar’s growing arts scene is embracing this diversity and developing a style all its own.

With the launch of Creative Commons Qatar in May, the local art community now has a platform to embrace the artistic differences here and work together to create works that are uniquely Qatar. Creative Commons Qatar is the local affiliate of the global non-profit that is aimed at maximizing the potential of the Internet by enabling “creatives” to share their work more openly and collaborate with other creators more freely. “Art in many ways is an individual state of mind. Each artist has their own unique style and special way,” said Samar Semaan,

“Creative Commons is an inspirational hub where artists can get inspired by each other’s works,” Alhammadi said. “It’s an opportunity to share artwork from totally different backgrounds, help artists collaborate and also market themselves online.” Alhammadi, who has a degree in chemical engineering and works for Qatar Petroleum, is now pursuing a degree in Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar.

a Lebanese visual artist specializing in typography and graphic design. “But sometimes it is incredibly powerful to combine your ideas and your art with another. By remixing and sharing your art, incredible new works can result that one person simply could not imagine alone. For me, Creative Commons is a way to better connect with other artists and take my art to a new level.” Before Creative Commons Qatar was Semaan, who was born established, Alhammadi was using and raised in Qatar, its principles of sharing and held her first public “For me, Creative collaboration, but didn’t realize exhibit, TypoLyrics, there was an organization Commons is a way to in April. The that shared his values. “Since better connect with other exhibit featured the beginning of my art artists and take my art to traditional Arabic career I have worked on a new level.” typography with collaborative projects. These inspiring song lyrics. days I am working with two different groups of local artists on Semaan is not alone a few projects, one of which is music in her thinking. Qatari artist based, and another that is an art installation, Mohammed Alhammadi, who is about with a third mixing music and painting. as multifaceted an artist as you will Collaborating is really my artistic style,” find anywhere in the world, recently Alhammadi said. started to share some of his digital works, including paintings, graphic designs and Both Alhammadi and Semaan took part music, under Creative Commons licences. in recent Creative Commons Remixing

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Workshops for Visual Artists. The workshops were lead by Beirut-based visual artist Naeema Zarif, who is one of the leading advocates for Creative Commons in Lebanon, one of the most active Creative Commons communities in the region. During the workshops, Zarif shared her experiences in working with other artists through Creative Commons, then held a “remixing party” where attendees had to work together to create collages that reflected their Qatar experience. “I loved the diversity of ideas and approaches in the workshops. You could really see the different cultures and backgrounds come together,” Zarif said. “I can really see that there is a developing artistic community in Qatar and I know Creative Commons can help encourage its growth. Creative Commons has allowed me to do some amazing artistic mixes with artists from around the world, and it has really helped me professionally be recognized for my work.” Zarif was also one of the featured artists at the launch of Creative Commons Qatar at the Museum of Islamic Art in late May. At the launch, Zarif did a life remix of her vintage digital designs with the cartoon illustrations of artist Lena Merhej, who

is based in Germany. “We didn’t know each other before coming to Qatar. I sent her some examples of my work and she sent me some of hers. We started playing with each other’s artwork and our end combined result was something that really surprised both of us. Alone, we never would have developed such an interesting work,” Zarif said. Qatar’s art scene is clearly still developing and many artists are not yet comfortable sharing their works in the digital realm, or collaborating with other artists in an open way. Creative Commons Qatar will be working to help encourage local artists to embrace the power of the Internet to first share their work online, and then move into the truly transforming realm of collaborating and remixing with others. Already, Creative Commons Qatar is exploring cross-cultural digital remixing exchanges with other Creative Commons affiliates, with the first one planned between Qatar and Guatemala. According to Semaan, Creative Commons will be important for artists here because it helps artists feel comfortable sharing their work publicly. “No artist wants their work taken without credit. Creative

Commons licences are a way to ensure people attribute your work to you and they give you the confidence that your work won’t be used in ways you don’t want,” Semaan said. “Being a part of Creative Commons also connects you with a bigger community, meaning you have a network looking out for you as well.” The growing art scene in Qatar is certainly good news for people seeking a bit of creative culture, and if Alhammadi is right, we are just starting to see the potential. “The art scene is growing at a fast pace, especially in the past couple of years. We artists have noticed a great movement that is maybe going to change the art scene in the country,” Alhammadi said. “There are many young talents appearing, and I mean really young, like, teenagers with amazing skills. With a little support and guidance, those kids could be recognized internationally. I believe we will soon have some true art masters in Qatar. We can have our own Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali and maybe even Da Vinci.” Brian Wesolowski is the affiliate lead for Creative Commons Qatar, the Qatar affiliate of Creative Commons. For more information about Creative Commons, visit www.creativecommons.qa.

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ARTS & CULTURE

HOTLIST

Respighi’s Pines of Rome July 9th: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Take a trip to Rome through fantastic music! The concert will be conducted by Nader Abbassi. Soloists from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra: Pavlo Dovhan and Mohammed Sharara on violin, Aleksandr Haskin on flute, Tamás Marschall on clarinet and Ruslan Umarov on cello. Ticket prices: QR 75 to QR 300. Available at Virgin Megastore in Landmark Mall and Villaggio. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org email qpopr@qf.org.qa

Summer Art & Design Programs 2011 July 10th – July 28th: VCUQatar.

Make the most out of the season and let your kids unleash their creativity with three unique workshops that will let them explore and develop their art and design skills. Recommended for kids ages nine to 18 years old. From 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4402-0637 from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. or July 10th – July 27th: Mathaf. visit www.qatar.vcu.edu Unplug your children from the television this summer and let them learn, inspire and be inspired at Mathaf's summer program "In and Out of the Sun." The one-week session, designed for specific age groups, will use the museum setting to foster their July 2nd – July 29th: Al Markhiya cultural, musical, culinary and Gallery. The gallery will be presenting artistic talents. For kids ages seven "Part 2" from its summer collection. to nine years old: July 10th, 12th Established artists Yousef Ahmad and and 13th; for kids ages 10 to 11 years Salman Abbas, as well as emerging artists old: July 17th, 19th and 20th; and for Mahgoub Makbool and Muna Bujassoum, kids ages 12 to 14 years old: July 24th, will be featured. Gallery Hours: Saturdays 26th and 27th. From 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. to Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. To register, email the names and ages of and 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m.; Fridays: children to the program coordinator by July 5th 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. Entry is free. at mathaf_education@qma.org.qa For more information, call 4442-8007.

Summer Workshop at Mathaf

Summer Collection 2011 Part 2

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By Moza Alnuaimi

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind all of the rituals that make up Ramadan? Clueless about how to act properly during the Holy Month? Qatari native Moza Alnuaimi explains the importance of Ramadan and the meaning behind everything from Fajir to Sohour.

aving already hit the right age for a quarter-life crisis, I like to think that I have had enough memories by now to forget some of them. One recurring memory I know I’ll never need to be reminded of, however, is that of my family huddled in front of the television, twice a year, watching Qatar television (a rare occurrence seeing as how we can never agree on what to watch). Those two times always mean that Ramadan is either upon us or is soon to be over.

See, Ramadan never starts on a sure date – it’s always a predication, which never ceases to bring a thrill to my heart. An Islamic month starts with a new crescent and ends with one, thus the arrival and departure of Ramadan are dependent on the phases of the moon. Once a crescent has been observed in any country around the Muslim world, Ramadan officially starts with an announcement that very night (that announcement, to me, is never right without Aqeel

Al-Janahi – a television and radio personality who has been giving that particular announcement for as long as I can remember). All Muslims everywhere are expected to start the fast after the Fajr prayer of the next day and break it after the Maghreb prayer, making that a 12-hour day of fasting, give or take. A normal day in Ramadan starts with the Fajr prayer, the first prayer of the day right before the break of dawn. Prior to that, one would have had a meal to eat called the Sohour to help them with the fasting during the day. Traditionally, following in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it has been believed that milk and dates are very good for warding off hunger. After Fajr, many people like to read a few verses of Quraan to calm their spirits and start the day with the right mindset for the Holy Month.

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

I see it as a time to look at myself and the changes I need to make, to feel the suffering of those in need and practice patience with those around me.

Work and school resume as usual, though the days are expectedly shorter, mostly due to the lack of a lunch break. In public places, such as work, non-Muslims are urged to have their meals in private and, most importantly, to dress with appropriate modesty in order to be considerate and, in some cases, to avoid the embarrassment of someone approaching them about the matter. It’s also good to refrain from smoking or wearing strong perfumes, if you’re working with Muslims who observe the Holy Month. Speaking from personal experience, working with a smoker or someone wearing the entire stock of Chanel No.5 on their person, while on an empty stomach, can be very nauseating. Also, a fasting Muslim is not supposed to smoke as it would break their fast, so it would be inappropriate to smoke around one during the day. Iftar, the meal with which fast is broken, takes place after the Athan for the Maghreb prayer. In some households, fast is broken over a feast. However, not only is it physically harmful to shock one’s body with so much food after a day of none, it’ll also

cause heaviness and laziness that would deter a person from doing the Ramadanspecific night prayer, called Al-Taraweeh. Al-Taraweeh is, at least, eight times longer than the Fajr prayer and contains longer verses of Quraan, so it would obviously require a level of energy that is impossible to maintain should one choose to eat a lot during Iftar. The nights during Ramadan are my favourite time of the year. Everyone is out on the street and the stores and restaurants are open into the dead of the night – most of them remain open until the Fajr prayer, so people can go in and have their Sohour. I love driving around and seeing how lively it is out there and not being the only creature of the night I know, for once. After 29 to 30 days, Ramadan ends with the bittersweet announcement of Eid Al-Fitr - Allah’s reward for those who have observed the Holy Month and gave it its due reverence (if you have noticed the resemblance with Iftar then kudos to you). Eid, too, does not come on a set date and hangs on a sure sighting of a crescent, just like Ramadan. Having been in the presence of Ramadan a good 19 times, I can say with all honesty that there are people who take the Holy

Month as a time to leave work/school early, eat as though food was scarce and spend their days watching the plethora of TV shows that are made specifically to be viewed during Ramadan (something I still fail to understand; why Ramadan instead of all the other 11 months?). I’ve always felt that those people never really understood what Ramadan is and how it’s a month of soul-searching and attempting to fix the flaws in our personalities by being in tune with others and, most importantly, ourselves. Dramas can wait, can’t they? They’re all filled with them same constant wailing and depression, anyway. The way I understand Ramadan is as a month of reflection. I see it as a time to look at myself and the changes I need to make, to feel the suffering of those in need and practice patience with those around me. During Ramadan, a Muslim is encouraged to keep a kind mouth and a good heart, so as not to have spent the month in vain. As the month goes by, the phrase “Allahum Eny Sa’em – O’ Allah, I’m fasting” is probably the most-uttered amongst Muslims. It serves as a reminder of ones duties and of Allah observing them as they are undertaken. No cussing, no badmouthing, no temper tantrums – only patience and kindness. Ramadan, in a nutshell, is the spirit of giving in all is forms. So, in that spirit, I hope you enjoy your summer and have a happy, peaceful Ramadan. 45

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By Jorge Granda

Are you looking for a place to learn Arabic? QH tells you where you can learn one of oldest languages in the world.

For the m onth of August, Stenden Institute will be having a specia l intensiv e Arabic Langua ge cours e.

it is amazing to see how some of the students rabic is one of the oldest and most widelyprogress,” said Lubna Amarin, Arabic spoken languages on the planet. According program co-ordinator. to the Arab League, more than 340 million people speak Arabic as their first language. Living in Qatar gives us the great privilege to Most native Arabic speakers reside in the Middle East and Africa. There is a variety of dialects and differences study Arabic and practise it at the same time. between words from country to country, as there is with Stenden Institute in Doha offers modern standard many languages, such as Spanish and English. However, Arabic courses throughout the whole year. By taking the course, students will learn key skills of the language, standard Arabic is the language taught at schools and such as reading and writing the Arabic alphabet and used in workplaces. Standard Arabic derives from the using Arabic in general conversations, in addition Semitic language group, which has been around for to enhancing the student's knowledge of the Arabic thousands of years. culture. “The easy way for busy people to learn Arabic Most people believe that Arabic is a very hard language is a little at a time but often. So at Stenden, we aim to make it fun and give you a sense of achievement after to learn, but there are others that insist the language a very short time,” Amarin said. “As your knowledge of is easy to study. Teachers at Stenden Institute agree the Arabic language develops, so will your confidence, that learning to speak Arabic is not that hard; it is all giving you a firm foundation for those important about having the right instructors and enough passion conversations with Arabic colleagues, customers for the ancient language. “Arabic is a rich and varied and suppliers.” language. I enjoy working with non-native speakers as

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

ARABIC I

ARABIC II

The Arabic I course familiarizes students with the pronunciation and writing system of Arabic. Students will also have the chance to learn a vast number of greetings, common phrases and everyday vocabulary.

The Arabic II course covers grammar, reading and writing. But the course goes a step further by teaching students about the Arabic culture of the region, which is very helpful for expats new to Qatar. By the end of the course, students will be able to build up enough knowledge to read and write at a basic level.

THEMES

• The Arabic alphabet, reading and writing, with special emphasis on unfamiliar sounds

• Introductions – greetings and introductions

• Joining letters to make up words and phrases

• Talking about yourself and your family

• Listening comprehension

• The home

• Practical drills to learn reading, writing and the alphabet

• Jobs and occupations

• Forms of address in the feminine and masculine

• Describing everyday objects • Expressing thanks and making requests • Ordering snacks and coffee

If you wa nt to learn Ara bic this summer, register a t the Stend en Institu te, located in the castle compou nd behin d Hamad H ospital.

GRAMMAR • Feminine and masculine usage • Possessive pronouns • Nouns in definite and indefinite form • Adjectives, regular and irregular, their agreement with masculine and feminine words • Word order and sentence structure • Simple questions such as: What is this? Whose is it? Where is it?

OTHER SERVICES Apart from the Arabic I and Arabic II courses, Stenden Institute also offers one-to-one private lessons and corporate customized courses.

For more information, email instituteinfo@stenden.edu.qa

UNDERSTAND THE ARAB WAY OF LIFE

THE TEACHERS

For those new to Doha, the institute teaches an Arabic Culture Workshop that provides students with the all the necessary information to immerse themselves into the Arab culture, especially Qatar’s way of life, places of interest around Doha, traditions, food and drinks, social trends and intercultural communication.

All teachers are native speakers of the language. They come from many different parts of the Arab world. The teachers are highly qualified and experienced, especially in the institute’s methods of teaching Arabic. 47

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SUMMER GOLF CAMP FOR KIDS The Doha Golf Club plays hos t to renowned international and local golf tournaments throughout the year, to the delight of golf fans all ove r the country. But this summer, the club will be entertaining a differe nt crowd. Kids between the ages of fou r and 14 years old can learn how to play the famous game at a sum mer camp organized by the Qatar Gol f Academy. DATES: July 1st till July 26t h DAYS: Tuesday mornings TIMES: 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. For more information, contac t 4496-0755, or email academy@dohago lfclub.com

KIDZ4ART BY

By Jorge Granda

CAFĂ&#x2030; CERAMIQUE CafĂŠ Ceramique at The Mall will host the Kids4art summer camp every weekend in July. The kids will be involved in different activities that will trigger their creativity and passion for the arts. Children will be provided with attendance and completion certificates. Meals will be served every day kids participate in the many activities

offered, including ceramic to paint, preparation of mocktails, fun games, prizes and so much more. DATES: July 1st till July 30t h DAYS: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays TIMES: Thursdays and Sat urdays from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m .; Fridays from 2:00 p.m. till 5:0 0 p.m. For more information, contact 3394-8483, or email cafeceramique@gmail.com

Put your kids into their nicest outfits and dancing shoes, as there will be plenty of entertainment in Doha this summer. QH tells you where you can find the coolest summer camps in town for your children.

f a good summer camp is what you are seeking for your children this summer, then look no further - Doha has plenty to offer. The most well-renowned facilities in town will spare no effort in bringing your kids the best entertainment available. The fun will be endless, as activities and field trips will be taking place.

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GYMPANZEE

ELDER TREE SUMMER CAMP Six years ago, Eldertree opened their first school in Al Hilala, with only 15 kids attending. The educational facility now stands as one of the most respectable educational centres for children in Doha. Eldertree has been an integral part in the education of more than 2,000 kids from 50 different nationalities. This summer, Eldertree will combine a mix of educational and recreational activities for all the children attending the summer camp.

Activities will in clude language s, math, water fu n, music, cookin g, storytelling and much more. DATES: July 1s t till July 30th DAYS: Sunday s to Thursdays TIMES: 7:30 a. m. till 2:30 p.m . For more inform ation, contact Hilal at 4455-1 020, Ain Khalid at 4498 -4984 or Markhiya at 44 88-8493, or email info@elde r-tree.com.

KIDS IN MOTION Qmotion promises fun this summer, with the Motion Summer Camp. The five-week long camp offers lots of activities for the little ones of the house to enjoy. All activities will take place at Doha Colleague from Sundays to Thursdays starting at 8:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m. Each week, there will be a different theme for the kids to explore different ways of having fun and expressing their creativity. Some of the most popular themes from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp will be making a comeback this summer, including Pirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treasure, Super Silly Week, Go Green and Camping-out. But the organizers are focusing on bringing even more excitement this year, with new different activities, such as music and

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movements, dance classes, physical fitness, gy mnastics and athletics, ball game s, soccer and basketball, among many other cool games. Field trips will be also part of the ca mp and kids will experience a free fun day at Gondolania.

The main goal of Ki ds in Motion is to allow the kid s the chance to do several fitness activities while having fun, in orde r to improve not only their phys ical fitness, but also their social sk ills. Children will have the chan ce to meet new friends and lea rn the value of team work, spor tsmanship and acceptance of diffe rent cultures. Kids will be groupe d accordingly: four to five years old , six to seven years old and eight to 12 years old. DATES: July 3rd til l August 14th DAYS: Sundays to Saturdays TIMES: 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. For more informatio n visit www.kidsinmotion.c om.qa or call 4411-7911 or 6617-0883.

For the past two years, Gympanzee has promoted good values to many children in Doha. In the short period of time since they have been opened, the facility has managed to build up a reputation as a premiere nursery. The centre is open to children between two and 12 years of age and is located at Villaggio Mall. This summer, Gympanzee will once again open its very successful summer camp. Children participating in the camp will have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of field trips (at least once a week), including visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, the Post Office, Pizza Express and Gondolania. In addition, the little ones will also have the opportunity to enroll in swimming classes once a week. Workshops are also offered at the summer camp. Kids will learn how to create their very own puppets, allowing them to design their facial expressions, gender and age, in addition to putting on their own puppet shows. Other activities include dancing, games, Sport-Zumba kids, yoga bear, movement and a workshop on designing kites. During Ramadan, children will learn about the Holy Month and the traditions that go with it. Teachers will tell stories about Ramadan and on Monday, July 15, children will go for garanga, a tradition in the Gulf where children go from door to door collecting candies. The activity will take place inside Villaggio Mall. Girls will have their hands decorated with henna. Gympanzee is best suited for children who are potty trained. DATES: June 12th till August 31st

DAYS: Sundays to Thursdays TIMES: 8:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact 4413-5993.

6/26/11 12:28 PM

By Sydnee Bryant

Who doesn’t love relaxing by watching the latest flick on the big screen, surrounded by friends or family? Now, women who would like to enjoy watching a movie in a ladies-only environment have a new place to settle in with a bag of popcorn, as Qatar welcomes the first LadiesOnly cinema at Aspire.

s part of its desire to promote culture in Qatar, the Aspire Zone Foundation recently started a unique cinematic concept, a ladies-only theatre in Aspire. The cinema is the first Cinema & Film Distribution (www.qatarcinemas.com), ladies-only cinema in the Middle East. Aspire Zone Foundation (www.aspirezone.qa) and Qatar Happening (www.qatarhappening.com/cinema). The special theatre, which opened at the end of June, The schedule will be available two weeks prior to is located in the Aspire Zone Foundation’s Ladies Club. the screenings, although the schedule may change Women can now enjoy the newest movie releases depending on how popular some films prove to be. being screened in Doha in a private, relaxed setting. With 154 seats, there will be plenty of room for anyone Ladies watching these exciting new films will be able to who wants to catch a good flick. And there will be no enjoy nutritional food and beverages, thanks to Aspire shortage of movies, with three different films being Foundation Zone’s desire to encourage residents of shown every weekend. On Thursdays, Fridays and Qatar to live a healthy lifestyle. Saturdays, movies will screen at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. There will also be an extra movie, chosen with children in mind, shown at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays. Whatever the future holds for the Aspire Ladies Cinema, it is sure to be an amazing opportunity for ladies to The Qatar Cinema & Distribution Co. will distribute all of bond over a chick flick or be immersed in a dramatic flick in a comfortable setting. the movies for the Aspire Ladies Cinema. The company currently runs some of the biggest film outlets in Doha. For more information about Ladies Cinema at Aspire, Eager attendees will be able to find the list of films call 4499-7664 on several websites, including the websites of Qatar 50 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 50

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COMMUNITY

HOTLIST Doha Mums Library Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Souq Waqif. Explore the world of literature with your kids! Come and read, browse, borrow and return books! Monday from 9:30 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

“She” Abaya Exhibition July 20th: Doha Exhibition Center. As the first-ever exhibit organized by the Doha Exhibition Center, this fashionable event will feature the latest and the best abayas, kaftans and evening gowns. This exhibit aims to bring together designers in and outside of the Gulf. For more information, visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa or email info@qatartourism.gov.qa

Doha Mums Complimentary Essence Foot Scrub and Foot Bath Aug 10th, 17th: Essence Spa. Enjoy a complimentary Essence footbath and foot scrub with other moms, as well as herbal tea and snacks, plus a mini tour of the boutique spa. From 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. This is a moms-only event. No children allowed in the spa on the morning. RSVP is essential. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Qatar Happening Photo Contest May 31st – July 25th: Qatar. Want to have your photograph featured on the cover of Qatar’s leading events magazine? Creative Commons Qatar and Qatar Happening are having a photo competition for the cover of QH’s September edition. Now’s your time to definitely shine! For more information, visit www.creativecommons.qa or email creativecommonsqatar@gmail.com 51

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KATARA

HOTLIST

The International Handicrafts Market Fridays and Saturdays: Katara Cultural Village. Learn more about the beauty of handcrafting by visiting this recently-opened international market! It aims to revive the lost art of handcrafting by showcasing the work of artists from Qatar, India, Pakistan, Greece and many other countries. The market will be opened for the public throughout the summer on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. If you are a craftsman or artist, you can get a free exhibition stand. The market will be held in the Katara Esplanade building, gate 15. For more information, contact 3336-3612 or visit www.katara.net

Qatar Photo Exhibition

Quran Competition/ Al Jazeera Channel TV Network Aug 20th – Aug 28th: Katara Cultural Village. See who has what it takes to be the best! This competition will test the reading skills of the participants by judging accent and grammar. It will be held in the Drama Theater after Tarabi prayer. For more information, visit www.katara.net

July 2nd – July 14th: Katara Cultural Village. Catch a glimpse of the past through beautiful antique images, all taken from 1971 to 2011, by locals. The exhibit is at the Qatar Photographic Society Exhibition Hall Building 18. For more information, visit www.katara.net

Doha Film Institute Workshop July 8th – July 9th: Katara Cultural Village. The workshop is at the Doha Film Institute Building 25. From 11:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.katara.net

Katara Arts Exhibition

Katara Fine Arts Exhibition

July 10th – July 29th: Katara Cultural Village. Set your sights on art

July 17th – July 29th: Katara Cultural Village. Take in the beauty

created here in country by both locals and expats. The exhibit is at the Visual Arts Society Exhibition Hall Building 19. For more information, visit www.katara.net

of locally-made paintings here in Doha. The exhibit is at the Fine Arts Society Exhibition Hall Building 13. For more information, visit www.katara.net

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

By Jorge Granda

Located on the beachfront at Katara, L’Wzaar Seafood Market is regarded by many as the best fish restaurant in the country. QH visited the famous seafood market to find out what makes L’Wzaar Seafood Market different from other restaurants in town.

When I arrive, I can’t help but notice how big and bright ven though L’Wzaar Seafood Market in one of the newest additions to Doha’s dining scene, the the place is. L’Wzaar Seafood Market is an impressive restaurant is already one of the busiest and most building, stretching over at least four sections. The popular eateries in the country, attracting about mix of iridescent blue tiles, crème coaches, wooden 600 people a day. The times that I have been at Katara, benches, pink and blue cushions, fish tanks and a I have noticed the big amount of fish enthusiasts inside massive open kitchen, in addition to the music playing at the back, makes the restaurant look and feel like the restaurant, but unfortunately, every time I wanted either a beautiful aquarium or a hip night club. to eat there I was accompanied by friends who do not enjoy a good plate of seafood. I guess the energies I There are waiters and waitresses running around was throwing into the universe were heard by a higher all over the place, greeting and serving the hungry power, as I finally got the chance to eat at L’Wzaar guests. We are told that the chef is coming out to sit Seafood Market. This time, I bring with me one of my with us for a chat. While waiting, a basket of bread colleagues, who is as excited as I am about trying the and a platter with three different sauces (tahini, Thai fresh fish and crustaceans available at the restaurant.

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chili and romesco) is placed on our table. Oscar Torres Diaz is the Chef de Cuisine at L’Wzaar Seafood Market. He takes some time out of his busy schedule to explain to us the concept of the restaurant and why L’Wzaar Seafood Market is becoming so famous. He describes the restaurant as a fish market where people can select from a variety of local fish like hammour and sherry, or other types, such as kingfish, clams, salmon and mussels, for the cooks to prepare the way the guest wants it. Diners can also buy the fish and shellfish to take home. A la carte menu is also available. “I believe the key to our success is that all of our products are fresh. The quality of our seafood is incredible and we cook them in a very simple way, but the final product is absolutely delicious. Every day we get new fish for the market,” said Diaz. “The restaurant is very popular because of our simple, but delicious dishes.” After a nice talk with Diaz, it is time to try those delicious dishes he so proudly bragged about. Diaz promises us he is going to put together something special for us and he sure does. After 10 minutes, the waiter starts to serve us what would turn out to be an epic feast of one starter, three main courses and one dessert. Our first dish is a full platter of sushi, sashimi and maki, that includes sushi tuna, maki California roll, salmon sashimi, sashimi tuna, sushi

tuna, hotate scallop and salmon sushi. This specific plate is not on the menu; however, guests can request it and it will be prepared for them. Our first main course is Thai way (chunks of Segali stir fry with pepper). My companion and I are quite ecstatic with the taste of the dish. None of us have ever tried it before. It is the best lobster I have ever had. Our second main course is a big piece of grilled hammour in lemon sauce. The fish dipped in the sauce is like eating little pieces of heaven. We think nothing can top our two previous dishes, but Diaz manages to do it. Our last dish is the winner of our feast. The mixed seafood paella is too good to be true. Even though my companion and I are literally stuffed, we finish the entire casserole of paella. We just can’t get enough. We are actually surprised how good it is, especially the rice. By the time dessert comes, I am left alone, as my partner in crime has to leave the scene for an urgent meeting. I am served a pistachio lime and a chocolate soul. The chocolate soul is stupendous and so is the pistachio lime, although I can only manage a few bites at this point. L’Wzaar Seafood Market is truly an exceptional restaurant. The service is up to standard and the food is just delightful.

HAMMOUR FILLET Hammour fillet is one of the preferred dishes at L’Wzaar Seafood Market. Diaz gave us a simple, but delicious hammour recipe. INGREDIENTS • 30 g peeled whole lemon • 30 g onion • 15 g garlic • 30 g tomato • 15 g each red and green capsicum • 10 g fresh coriander • 1 tsp cumin powder • 2 tsp coriander powder • 1 tsp Arabic pepper • Salt to taste • 100 mL olive oil PREPARATION Blend 30 g peeled whole lemon, 30 g onion, 15 g garlic, 30 g tomato, 15 g each of red and green capsicum and 10 g fresh coriander into a paste in a mincing machine. Add the rest of the ingredients in the recipe. Marinate the fish in the mixture for 10 minutes before cooking on a flat grill.

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By Sydnee Bryant

Bentley’s Grill, the classic steakhouse located inside Ramada Plaza, may seem like a restaurant strictly for gentlemen with cigars and snifters but don’t be fooled into missing out on this amazing steak joint.

a hint of dry mustard, red pepper and sweetcorn relish. entley’s Grill has a traditional atmosphere; The delicious cakes have mild crispy breading, plus a there’s no doubt about that. The intimate rich and creamy filling. My culinary companion also restaurant has rich interiors, cozy tables and samples the steamed sole and shrimp filled wonton photos of horses adorning the walls. The wrappers with zesty lemon grass and kaffir lime leaf classic interior of the restaurant makes it a great place sauce. The wontons are cooked really well and are not for a business meeting or a date, depending on the at all soggy. The light lemony taste is very refreshing occasion. But the restaurant’s important, high-end appearance can also be intimidating, causing those who and brings the dish to a new level of deliciousness. The wontons are so much more than you could ever expect, would prefer a more casual atmosphere to miss out on exclaims my guest. I savour a starter of duck breast this amazing steakhouse. with soured cherries in Armagnac. The unique flavours of the dish catch my attention, as the fruit flavour But it’s time the people of Doha knew: Bentley’s Grill infuses the duck and brings it to life. The hearty dish is is about high-quality steak, pure and simple. People a fairly big size for an appetizer but is certainly enough go there because they want quality meat. The fact to handle if you love duck. that Bentley’s Grill offers secluded tables, impeccable service and privacy only make it that much more It is tricky to choose a main course, but only because appealing. To eat at Bentley’s Grill is a chance to enjoy there are so many tempting items offered. Bentleys an array of high-end, classic dishes in a somewhat is known for its steaks and that is what we focus our reserved but still inviting environment. We decide attention on. But even once you’ve decided to opt for to spend an average Tuesday night there, no special beef, there are still many decisions to make. Bentley’s occasion required. Grill offers three main categories of beef: USDA, Angus My dining guest starts with the lobster and crab cakes, Australian and Wagyu Australian. Within each category there are several options. If you choose to go for USDA which consist of shredded white crab and lobster, plus

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beef, you can pick beef fillet, rib eye or T-bone steak. If Angus Australian beef catches your fancy, you have the option of ordering tenderloin or rib eye steak. Finally, if you opt for the ultimate high-class cut of steak, the Australian Wagyu, you must then decide if you want a beef fillet, striploin or rib eye. Once you’ve chosen which kind of meat you’d like and to what temperature you’d like it cooked, you still have the chance to customize your steak with one of many special sauces. Some might go for béarnaise, hollandaise or mushroom sauce, while others may opt for truffle butter, garlic butter or herb butter. Those who aren’t afraid of a little spice might even pick the pepper sauce or green pepper Madagascar sauce.

barbeque flavour and actual peppercorns in For my main course, I choose the Wagyu it, which provide little bursts of spice that Australian beef fillet, one of the best are hot enough to pique your interest and steaks available on the extensive menu. keep you gorging on your steak without I order it cooked medium, with pepper making you reach for your water glass. sauce, to ensure that it will come out just the way I like it. I am not disappointed. While our steaks are plenty filling and come The soft, tender meat is perfectly cooked, with a variety of sides, including vegetables with a seared, slightly crispy crust on the and hash browns, we order onion rings outside and a beautifully red middle on the and French fries inside. The sauce to round out our is the perfect The soft, tender meal. The crispy, accompaniment to mild onion rings the steak – slightly meat is perfectly are thickly coated tangy and delicious. cooked, with a seared, and fried to golden It’s not too spicy but deliciousness. it’s still powerful. I slightly crispy crust love every savoury on the outside and a For dessert, I treat bite of this meat. As someone who beautifully red middle myself to the double chocolate mousse grew up on a beef on the inside. in a sugar tuile. A farm, I am well hard dome of dark aware of what chocolate surrounds the sweet chocolate steak is supposed to taste like and this is mousse. A sugary, crunchy peanut brittle it – tender without being weirdly soft, juicy tuile is a part of the dish and complements without being disgustingly bloody and the chocolate nicely. Overall, the dessert raw, and naturally flavourful without being is beautifully presented, filling and sweet overpowered by sauce. enough to put anyone into sugar shock. My dining companion orders the Angus Australian tenderloin, a sweet and succulent My dinner guest tries the summer ice cream Charlotte raspberry parfait, which consists steak with good flavour and a nice texture. of raspberry ice cream in a chocolate crust. The highlight of the steak is the green This saccharine dessert is also a wonder to pepper Madagascar sauce. At my dining look at and is as pleasing to the eye as it is partner’s urging, I steal a taste. Words to the palate. fail to describe this sauce. It has a mild 57

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

By QH Team

QH has ordained 2011 the Year of the Roundup. This means we’ll be scouting out restaurants, coffee shops, cafés and hotels all over Doha to find the best of the best in the food and beverage industry. This month, we focus on the best way to stay cool in the hot summer months – frozen treats. Whether you’re seeking gourmet homemade ice cream, Asian-inspired shaved ice treats or the more traditional ice cream brands you grew up with, you can find just about any kind of ice cold treat in Doha.

La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale

La Cigale is a mecca of frozen delights, with a wide variety of Arabic and Italian ice cream made right there in the hotel. The hotel’s traiteur offers sweet Arabic ice cream in lemon, almond, rose, miskeh, pistachio, chocolate, strawberry and halawa flavours. For Italian ice cream, you can chose from a wide selection, including melon, nougat, pineapple, orange, almond, strawberry, vanilla (the top seller), lemon, mango, coconut, praline hazelnut, tiramisu, and honey. Standout flavours include raspberry, pistachio, peanut butter, coffee, dark chocolate, passion fruit, caramel, blackberry and mint. The dark chocolate and vanilla flavours are available in low-fat versions. The hotel also offers other frozen treats, such as ice cream cake (available in a slice or roll), golden scoops (ice cream shaped into “cupcakes”), heavenly frozen bonbons (chocolate covered ice cream bites), a cassata box (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream layered in one package), frozen cake (cake with ice cream rolled into it), and a merry cream machine, which produces yummy vanilla and chocolate soft serve ice cream. 58 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 58

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

Spice Market W Doha

Executive chef Prakash Seetul assures us that the basics of making homemade ice cream have evolved, to the point where they can make the ice cream softer, with natural, modern techniques. Seetul uses all-natural ingredients and abstains from artificial flavours, colours and aspartame. The Spice Market specializes in making unique frozen treats in-house, such as their amazing summer starter of shaved tuna sushi, with tapioca, coconut and chili sorbet. While we never thought tuna and ice cream were two things that should be in the same dish, Seetul makes it work. The flavours mix incredibly well together, with a hint of sweetness and a kick of chili. Another standout dish is the Thai Tea ice cream with brown sugar meringue. This not-too-saccharine dessert consists of light meringue, delicious raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, and a tasty Thai tea ice cream. Other delightful frozen desserts include the Thai jewels and fruits with crushed coconut ice, condensed milk ice cream, Vietnamese coffee ice cream, green tea ice cream, coconut sorbet, mango sorbet and passionfruit sorbet.

Al Dana

Sharq Village and Spa

The chefs at Al Dana go all out when it comes to ice cream, creating delicate, creamy ice cream from scratch in-house. The mango ice cream is velvety smooth, with a light flavour that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overwhelming. The vanilla ice cream, full of pure flavour, is perfectly matched with the intense but not too sweet chocolate ice cream, made from Valrhona chocolate. The pistachio ice cream is light and soft, an ideal summer dessert after a long day in the hot sun. The coffee ice cream is the perfect pick-me-up, with a mild but distinct coffee taste that is sweet, never bitter. A delightful fruity treat is the raspberry ice cream, which is sweet without being saccharine. All of these ice creams stand out on their own but can be topped with sauce for an extra-rich treat. We scream for these sweet, simple and utterly delicious ice creams.

Le Gourmet

Kempinski Residences and Suites

Le Gourmet makes their special ice cream with nothing but all natural ingredients. Their ice cream is also egg-free, making it ideal for anyone with an allergy to eggs (many ice creams do contain eggs). With over 45 flavours of sweet, delicious ice cream made in-house, you will never fail to find your favourite flavour of ice cream. And if you do? The chefs will make any flavour your heart desires and have it ready for you in only one hour, starting this month. Standout flavours include the intense raspberry ice cream, the spicy black pepper ice cream and the classic green tea ice cream. More traditional favourites include the chocolate ice cream, made from Valrhona chocolate, and the pure vanilla ice cream. Each light and creamy scoop of ice cream, made with love right inside the hotel, is designed to delight your palate but ultimately leaves you wanting more.

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Chowking

Al Sadd and Salwa Road With summer raging on in the next few months, there’s one delicious way to escape it, even if just for a moment. Chowking’s halo-halo (directly translated as mix-mix) is a frozen creation of epic proportions in terms of its ingredients, which makes it stand out in terms of sight and taste. Here’s a rundown of the various delicious elements included in it: shaved ice, milk, jello, jackfruit, ice cream, sweet corn, sugar palm fruit, sweetened beans, pound crushed young rice, flan, taro jam, caramelized plantains, ice cream, tapioca and nata de coco. And when you mix them all up, you get a very festive looking dessert. It’s one great way to cool down this season.

Lagenda Holiday Villa

This restaurant offers a special shaved ice dish called ice kacang, popular in Asian cuisine. This mountain of a frozen treat consists of shaved ice, coconut milk, a variety of fruits and red beans. This sweet, summery dessert is perfect for hot weather and is especially popular in humid countries, such as Singapore. The sweetness of the lychee fruit makes this dessert especially tasty. We like it for its unique mixture of flavours and textures, not to mention its colourful appearance. The huge portion means it is best for sharing but it is so good, you may not want to.

Sri Kebaya Souq Waqif

The concept of desserts hits a new high when you try the Asian version of shaved ice treats at this Malaysian restaurant, the ice kacang and the cendol. A novel concept in Qatar, both of these cold goodies are quite popular in South East Asia and offer a totally new interpretation of iced desserts. The ice kacang came to us as a mountain of shaved ice drenched in colourful palm sugar syrups, coconut milk and evaporated milk and a colourful cornucopia of red beans, sweet corn, crushed nuts (yes, nuts) and cubed grass jelly. We never knew that a combination of coconut milk, beans and ice would be so delightful. The ice kacang is full of surprises and the colours remind us of a Disney film. The cendol, another shaved ice treat, is made with coconut milk, jelly made from rice flour with green food colouring, shaved ice and palm sugar syrup. What sets it apart from the ice kacang is that it has a simpler, cleaner taste. Due to its large size, one serving of each can be shared by up to four people without any fights breaking out. 60 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 60

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

Häagen-Dazs

Various locations, including Villaggio Mall, Landmark Mall and Souq Waqif Considered a premium ice cream brand, the store offers many items, which range from ice cream to sorbets. It’s conveniently located in popular commercial destinations in Doha, such as Villaggio Mall, Landmark Mall and even Souq Waqif, to name a few. What makes their frozen treats fascinating and enjoyable is that you can indulge in their flavourful delights on a regular basis and still enjoy every single bite. If you want a sweet treat to tickle your taste buds, why not try one of their festival cups? Standout flavours include the cookie crunch, brownie explosion and the chocolate caramel sensation. Every bite is pure enjoyment!

Cold Stone Creamery

Various locations including Villaggio Mall, Hyatt Plaza and City Center Mall Located at the food court in Villaggio Mall, this exquisite ice cream shop is filled with different super deluxe types of the delicious sweet indulgence. The butter cake mixed with cinnamon is an original explosion of flavours and extravagant sweetness. At Cold Stone Creamery, you can blend more than one flavour into a super ball of stupendous ice cream, or you can just have them separately placed in an elaborate cookie cone. There are many other flavours you can play with when visiting Cold Stone Creamery, including the basics banana, caramel latte, chocolate, coffee, cotton candy, mint, pistachio, and strawberry or the optional flavours that include bubble gum, cinnamon, dark chocolate, mango, orange dreamsicle and peanut butter. Cold Stone Creamery also offers non-fat, no added sugar and non-dairy, non-fat ice creams.

Baskin Robbins

Various locations, including The Centre and Villaggio Mall Baskin Robbins is simply famous for having 31 flavours and then some. It has become a household name when it comes to ice cream. You need not use summer as a reason to visit their parlour, as the wide selection of tasty flavours is already enough of a reason to grab a spoon. You can have a different kind of ice cream every day! Try their peanut butter ‘n chocolate, jamoca almond fudge and love potion #31. These will surely put a smile on your face and bring out the kid in you. And if that’s not enough, spice it up by choosing to make you own sundae with a fancy selection of cones, cups and waffle bases. Make this day the start of your “31-derful flavours” ice cream journey!

Dairy Queen Ramada Intersection

Dairy Queen is a classic name when it comes to frozen treats. DQ offers a variety of straightforward desserts, such as the basic ice cream cone, either plain or choco-dipped, waffle bowl sundaes, plain sundaes with either chocolate sauce or strawberry syrup, peanut butter parfait, blizzard treats (which you can customize with M&Ms, Snickers, Oreo and so much more!) and don’t forget the ever-popular banana split. Because of these items, the store itself has become an institution when it comes to delicious dairy desserts. Also, it’s open 24/7, so whenever you’re hit by the sudden urge to grab a sweet bit even in the dead of the night, DQ is ready to satisfy your craving. 61 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 61

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Le Gelateria Fina Katara Cultural Village

This adorable gelato shop on the edge of Katara offers a constantly changing variety of amazing homemade sorbets and ice creams. Standout ice cream flavours include Oreo, cheesecake, Snickers (with real pieces of Snickers chocolate bars) and bubble gum. Or enjoy a waffle cone full of Nutella, vanilla, chocolate, coconut, almond or yogurt ice cream. Must-try sorbets include passionfruit, blackberry and strawberry sorbet, but the pomegranate, melon, mango, green apple and lemon flavours are also yummy. Huge portions and reasonable prices make this a great place to stop when you’re craving a cold treat and feeling adventurous. Its close location to the public beach at the Katara means the store is always packed but the friendly staff will let you try every flavour in the shop while you wait.

La Dolce Vita Souq Waqif

Gelato might not be to the top-of-mind sweet treat that people think of when it comes to frozen desserts, but one bite of La Dolce Vita's creamy concoctions can change that. Located in Souq Waqif, this gelatria is simply a gelato heaven! With more than 20 flavours offered, this friendly neighborhood gelato parlour continuously churns new variants depending on the season and the popularity of flavours. Enjoy the chilled-out delights in four different portion sizes and two tumbler options. Better yet, if you want to take home La Dolce Vita's delicious goodness, there are three tub sizes available, which are conveniently packed inside insulated carry bags. Aside from the usual sweet suspects like chocolate, vanilla and tiramisu, there’s also a variety of fruit-based sorbets like melon and mango. But if there’s one flavour that we definitely would love to have again, it’s the Kinder Cereali – packed with kinder chocolate bits and rice puff and covered with chocolate drizzle.

Gelato Mondo

City Center and Villaggio Mall Located at City Center near Carrefour and Villaggio Mall, Gelato Mondo offers an array of different and unique flavours of ice cream. The premium ice cream available at Gelato Mondo are locally produced with ingredients brought in from Italy. The creamy and dense texture of all flavours makes these ice cream particularly tasty. The shop is one of the few in Doha that offers the incredibly delicious and rich-tasting blackberry flavour. The flavours at the shop are as unique as they are mouth-watering, including the Arabic mastika, the ultra-rich cheesecake, the fresh passionfruit, the sweet pomegranate and the always sensational Kitkat.

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt Landmark Mall

Log on to Pinkberry’s website and you’ll be greeted with a song that includes the lines “It doesn't feel like I'm cheating when I'm eating it/ ‘Cuz it's healthy; I'm feeling better already.” True enough, if you want to keep that hot summer body (or are working hard towards that totally elusive goal) but painfully crave a sugar fix, Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt at Landmark is the way to go. Their frozen yogurt is rich and creamy, sans the guilt, and comes in different flavours like green tea and chocolate, which will definitely satisfy cravings. If you’re looking to go all-out though, try their original flavour; it’s just as rich and creamy, but with the right hint of yogurt tang that perfectly complements Pinkberry’s selection of fresh fruits, nuts and other toppings. Now sing it with us: “Sorry, ice cream, we’re on our way to Pinkberry.”

TCBY

Various Locations, including Ramada Junction and City Center Mall TCBY – or The Country’s Best Yogurt – is a pretty big statement to claim, but a single sample of their stuff will really make your eyes open wide from its absolutely rich frozen goodness. TCBY is not just your classic frozen yogurt treat, as they’ve gone all-out in whipping up creative concoctions that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. From totally groovy and fruity (psychedelic sorbet), to delectable and indulgent (vanilla fudge brownie), TCBY offers a wide range of frozen yogurt flavours that will make you wonder if it’s actually yogurt that’s in your cone. Our top pick? The funky blue-and-pink cotton candy flavour. It tastes just like our favourite theme park treat, but is creamier and melts in our mouth like our favourite dessert. Perfect, yes?

InterContinental Doha This hotel is famed for whipping up special homemade ice cream on the spot for VIP guests and special events. While these ice creams are not a part of their regular menus, they can be preordered for large parties. The chefs whip up their delightful ice creams completely from scratch, using fresh ingredients and homemade fruit puree. Their vanilla bean soy ice cream is a particular favourite, especially for people who are diabetic or allergic to dairy. This sugar-free ice cream has a soft texture and pure vanilla bean flavour. If you’re a fan of fresh fruit, order the mango or passionfruit ice cream, both of which are tart and intensely fruity. These ice creams are made without sugar, meaning they have a unique texture and taste, distinguishing them from commercial ice creams. But their healthy nature makes them appealing, since you don’t have to worry about calories while scooping up these healthy sugar-free ice creams. 63 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 63

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

By QH Team

Can’t decide where to break your fast at Iftar or feast at Sohour? QH brings you all the information you need to plan your Ramadan season.

Doha Marriott

Four Seasons Doha

Iftar Buffet Break the fast and indulge in a lavish Iftar buffet at the Corniche Restaurant, offering Ramadan juices, freshly prepared Middle Eastern specialties, carving stations and amazing desserts created by a talented culinary team. Daily from sunset at Corniche Restaurant. QR 155 per person.

A traditional Ramadan experience is made memorable by the Four Seasons Doha’s brigade of international chefs at The Arabica Tent - transformed to create an ambience of Arabic decadence.

Gallery Dinner Buffet After Iftar, the restaurant’s chefs will prepare spectacular Sohour buffets, including the most sumptuous freshly prepared Middle Eastern specialties, carving stations and many more dishes. Daily from 8:00 p.m. at Corniche Restaurant. QR 175 per person. Sohour at The Shisha Terrace The Shisha Terrace offers a special Sohour menu with Middle Eastern delicacies, such as fatayers, mezuzahs and Arabic style light food which you can enjoy accompanied by shisha. Daily from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., The Shisha Terrace. Prices will be a la carte. Daily from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at The Shisha Terrace

The extensive Ramadan buffet will feature exceptional international, local and traditional dishes, as well as freshly baked breads, grilled meats and live cooking stations, which will give diners plenty of choices. Iftar commences at dusk and Ramadan nights will be extended into the early hours of dawn as the sound of the oriental tunes of oud and the aroma of traditional shisha creates an inviting atmosphere at the Arabica Tent. The Iftar buffet starts at sunset and goes until 7:00 p.m. QR 225 per person, including beverages. The Sohour buffet starts at 9:00 p.m. and goes until 12:00 a.m. Saturdays to Wednesdays and 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays. QR 285 per person, including beverages. Shisha is QR 75.

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InterContinental Doha Holy Month of Ramadan The InterContinental Doha invites everyone to experience Ramadan – the Muslim festival of fasting. During this period they will offer Iftar (from sunset till 7:30 p.m.) and Souhour (from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.) at the Al Wajba Ballroom, complemented by a shisha tent and lounge area. Belgian Café will be serving breakfast and lunch, Mykonos will be opened from 12:00 p.m. onwards and the Tea Garden will open after sunset. Paloma and Fish Market restaurants will remain closed for the entire Ramadan period. For more information, call 4484-4919.

Holiday Villa Doha Lagenda International Restaurant Ramadan Food Promotion The Ramadan food promotion runs from August 1 till August 29. The food promotion starts at 6:00 p.m. and goes until 10:00 p.m. QR 140 Per person Sohour Buffet The Sohour buffet starts August 1 and goes until August 30. Sohvwour buffet is from 11:00 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. QR 130 per person.

D’Chopstix Chinese & Japanese Restaurant Ramadan Set Menu The set menu for Ramadan starts August 1 and goes until August 30. This special set menu for dinner is available from 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m.

Kempinski Residences and Suites Iftar in Style The Holy Month of Ramadan brings with it a time to share and care. Engage in rich traditions in a tasteful setting for Iftar at Aroma. Iftar will include a selection of mouth-watering European and Arabian delicacies. QR 160 per person. For reservations, contact 4405-3325, email aroma.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha A Warm Traditional Suhoor End the night with a blend of delicious flavours in Kempinski’s diverse Sohour buffet. It will be a night to remember, with the Arabian setting of Ramadan and European flare of Kempinski. QR 190 per person. For reservations, contact 4405-3325, email aroma.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha

Merwebhotel Central Doha Ramadan Kareem This Ramadan, experience authentic Arabian hospitality with Iftar at Mezza9 Kitchen. Feast on an extensive range of mezze, traditional dishes, Ramadan beverages and mouth-watering desserts for only QR 115 per person. Great discounts are available for groups of 10 and more. For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit www.merweb.com.

La Cigale Iftar at Le Cigalon Restaurant The hotel will offer a delicious Iftar Buffet, served daily at Le Cigalon restaurant during the Holy Month of Ramadan for families and small groups. It features traditional Ramadan delicacies and a wide variety of Lebanese specialties. For more information, contact 4428-8698

Souhour at La Cigale Ramadan Tent Enjoy a delectable Souhour Buffet this Ramadan , while admiring the luxurious interiors and themed decorations at La Cigale Ramadan Tent. Relax with friends and family amid soft live music and aromatic Shishas. For more information, contact 4428-8809 or 4428-8810. 65

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Mövenpick Hotel Doha Seasons Restaurant

Celebrate Ramadan at the Mövenpick Hotel Doha with the daily Iftar buffet harmoniously bringing Arabic and International specialties together. A special Iftar buffet has been prepared amidst traditional setting with irresistible delicacies- hot and cold mezzeh, flavoured salads, stuffed vine leaves, mixed grills barbequed to perfection, and traditional sweets and drinks, all to make your Ramadan special only at the Seasons Restaurant. The Iftar buffet opens at sunset, followed by an international dinner buffet. For more information, call 4429-1111.

Mövenpick Tower and Suites During the month of Ramadan, Animato Restaurant is serving a daily traditional Iftar Buffet at sundown. Featuring hot and cold appetizers and salads, an endless choice of main courses, including the popular Ouzi, ever-lasting shawarma, and much more. Indulge in with mouth-watering Arabic delicacies complemented with traditional Ramadan drinks and Arabic coffee. Savour the flavour of truly Arabic cuisine at Animato for only QR 175 per person. For those who prefer privacy, Movenpick Tower and Suites Doha invites you to experience its special in-room Iftar menu. Sohour adepts can either chose between a light buffet served in Animato before sunrise or the special in-room menu.

Oryx Rotana Doha This year, make your Ramadan even more significant and treat your family and friends to a delectable Iftar buffet in an impressive setting at Choices restaurant. Savour an exceptional spread of traditional and international delights for only QR 190 per person. For Sohour activities, you don’t want to miss the elegant and contemporary 1,001 Night tent around the covered swimming pool. Enjoy unrivalled entertainment and sumptuous Sohour buffet along with flavourful shisha for QR 220* per person *Minimum of 50 person *Shisha is for QR 55 for one Shisha per person or QR100 for unlimited.

Ramada Plaza During the Holy Month of Ramadan, on the sound of the traditional evening cannon, Iftar will be served in the Ramada Plaza’s Hyde Park Coffee Shop. Guests can choose from an array of special Ramadan dishes and a huge selection of desserts and sweets, all specially prepared by a team of renowned Arabic Chefs. For more information or reservations, call 4428-1555. A special Iftar buffet will be served in Chingari this Ramadan, daily from sunset to 8:00 p.m. QR 119 per person. This Iftar is ideal for group reservations. For more information or reservations, call 4428-1555.

Ritz-Carlton Doha Ramadan Tent, Al Wosail Ballroom The Holy Month of Ramadan is a magical time for young and old alike. Located amid the splendor of Al Wosail Ballroom, Ramadan comes alive every evening to the sounds of Arabic musicians and entertainers. Enjoy a variety of flavors in the shisha tent, as well as henna for the ladies and a falconer to entertain the children. Festivities commence every evening from sunset till 1:00 a.m. Iftar is QR 180 per person; Sohour is QR 250 per person; shisha is QR 75 per person; and VIP Tents are QR 3000, including Shisha (min. 10 persons).

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Sharq Village and Spa The Ramadan Tent An exquisitely decorated tent at Al Dasha’s ballroom features private Majlis seating, flavoured shisha, and live entertainment. Comfortably accommodating up to 188 guests seated in traditional majlis settings, guests may look forward to a buffet spread like no other. This feast for the senses includes carving stations and over 45 different dishes from cuisines of the region, as well as a varied array of fresh salads and tempting desserts. From 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Iftar Delicacies For a more convivial atmosphere, opt to enjoy the evenings with family and friends at Al Liwan restaurant. Chef Ali Hadla showcases exquisitely prepared traditional hot and cold dishes, including freshly made breads together with mezze, classic salads, a live cooking station, the perennial favourites Ouzzi and sharwarma, along with grilled meats, seafood and desserts. Sweet Moments For a customary treat, the Arabian Café Al Jalsa serves a dazzling display of special Arabic dessert buffet in the lobby and exotic teas exclusively blended by Tchaba. Savour the aromatic Ameerat Al Sharq tea, the signature blend of Sharq Village & Spa. From 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Shisha Diwan at Al Qareb For those who would like to gather with friends, Sharq Village and Spa offers an exclusive venue during the Holy Month of Ramadan price is inclusive of Shisha, tea, or coffee complimented with oriental sweet.

Sheraton Doha Al Hubara Restaurant Al Hubara Restaurant will hold a traditional Iftar buffet daily after sunset (approximately 6:00 p.m.). The special atmosphere of Ramadan will be completed by traditional decoration in the restaurant and lobby area, to recognize the special spirit of the Holy Month. The team of oriental chefs, led by executive sous chef Mahmoud Kanaan, will prepare a delicious variety of authentic Arabic dishes. The buffet includes mineral water and six different kinds of freshly made Ramadan juices. QR 190 per person; QR 100 for children ages five to 12 years old; children under five years of age eat for free.

Atrium Café Atrium Café will be open daily after sunset and offers a big variety of traditional Ramadan sweets and cakes, making it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed evening with friends and family. Ramadan treats served from 8:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. Also, enjoy the music of Lebanese piano player Issa Daoud, who will play Arabic songs that support the special atmosphere of the night.

Sweet Temptation The cake shop will be open daily from 4:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. It will offer a big variety of Ramadan sweets. The hotel’s pastry team will prepare their famous Eid cakes in order for you to celebrate the exciting and joyful days of Eid Al-Fitr.

W Doha The Ramadan Tent at the Great Room The Ramadan tent will offer many food stations with rich delicacies from around the globe and an extensive Arabic buffet and special signature shisha menu. Entertainment: live Ramadan band from Syria playing traditional Middle Eastern music. Iftar celebrations will take place 30 minutes before Iftar to 8:00 p.m. QR 195, including soft drinks, Ramadan juices, water, Arabic coffee and tea. Children below the age of six eat for free; children below the age of 12 receive a 50 per cent discount. Sohour takes place from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. QR 260 per person, including soft drinks, Ramadan juices, water, Arabic coffee and tea. Children below the age of six eat for free; children below the age of 12 receive a 50 per cent discount.

Wahm Sohour features an Arabic a la carte menu and a signature shisha menu. Entertainment will include live traditional music from a Middle Eastern trio from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. Sohour takes place from 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. (weekdays) and from 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. (weekends). 67

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Arabic Food Al Khaima Restaurant Location: Al Sadd Tel: 4444-6962 Open 24 hours

DELIVERY

GUIDE TO

Al Majiles Al-Arabi Restau rant Location: Al Sadd Stree t/ Behind Landmark Tel: 4444-7417 Open 7:00 a.m. to 2:0 0 a.m.

DOHA The summer heat often leads to an all-too-familiar dilemma – not wanting to cook but not wanting to leave the house to grab food either. In order to enjoy a lovely meal without dirtying a single pot or pan and without stepping outside, simply order a fabulous, cooked-just-for-you meal to your door. Use QH’s handy guide, courtesy of the Qatar Happening Restaurant and Dining Guide 2011, to find out which of your favourite places in Doha deliver.

Lebanese Food

onal i t a n Inter od Fo

Aasha Lebanese Village Location: Grand Hamad St. Tel: 4435-5353/5559-2534 Open 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m .

French Fo

Eli France Location: Salwa Road/City Centre Tel: 4435-7111/4483-9331 ); 9:00 a.m. Open 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Salwa Road er) to 11:30 p.m. (City Cent

Assaha Location: Grand Hama d St. Tel: 4435-5353 Open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Beyt Shami Location: C Ring Road Tel: 4443-3666 Open 7:00 a.m. to 1:0 0 a.m. Manakish Al Basha Location: Ramada Junct ion Tel: 4431-0378/6655-74 61 Open 6:00 a.m. to 1:0 0 a.m. Saba w Masa Location: Salwa Road Tel: 4466-6001 Open Saturday to Tue sday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

ad ay Crepaw : Salwa Ro 8830 n o 5i Locat -5802/446 2:30 a.m. 5 1 6 4 o 4 t .m. Tel: 0:30 a 1 n e Op ad op Diet Sh : Salwa Ro n o i t a c Lo p.m. 95 11:30 66-49 4 o 4 t : . l e m . T a 11:30 Open otel ace H aja Mahar : Qatar Pal on m. Locati -1642 :00 p. 42 4 4 : l . to 11 Te m . a 6:00 Open

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

Asian Food Caravan a Junction Location: Ramad 65-7722 44 1/ Tel: 4465-771 3:00 p.m. and to . m a. 0 Open 11:3 0 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 11:3 Chowking /Salwa Road Location: Al Sadd 4434-3225 Tel: 4434-3333/ to Thursday Open Saturday ay 00 a.m. and Frid 1: 10:00 a.m. to d an . 0 a.m 8:30 a.m. to 11:0 a.m. 00 1: to . m p. 12:30 ina Great Wall of Ch The Centre r ea N n: Locatio Tel: 4431-2812 d . to 3:00 p.m. an Open 11:00 a.m 0 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 11:0 Korean Garden Road Location: Salwa 3 85 Tel: 4442-1 . to 11:00 p.m. Open 11:00 a.m Le Cigalon le Location: La Ciga 8 88 -8 28 Tel: 44 to 12:00 a.m. Open 6:00 a.m. The Noodle House nter/The Pearl/ Location: City Ce Landmark 4495-3876 ext Tel: 4411-5063/ 2531 Shanghai Garden nter Location: City Ce 8 18 -3 Tel: 4493 . to 12:00 a.m. Open 11:00 a.m Sri Kebaya Waqif Location: Souq Tel: 4434-0838 . to 11:30 p.m. Open 11:00 a.m

Chinese Food l

ote nd H

lk mo n Wa . Wok ion: Dia 0 a.m t 6 a c Lo 431-622 . to 12:0 4 m Tel: 6:00 a. n Ope

Italian Food Biella Location: The Mall/City Centre/Landmark Tel: 4467-7731/4493-3838/4493-4515 Open 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. La Dolce Vita Location Souq Waqif Tel: 4436-7991/5573-4809 Open 12:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Indian Food Asiana Curry House Location: Airport Road Tel: 4462-6600/4462-6774 Open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Aryaas Location: B-ring Road, Muntazahy and Al Meera Complex, Mansoura Tel: 4443-9555/4436-0057/4441-9668 Open 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bismillah Royal Tandoor Location: Souq Waqif Tel: 4432-3255 Open: 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Chettinad Curry House Location: B Ring Road Tel: 4443-0951 Open Saturday to Thursday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.; Friday 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Mumbai Chaats Location: Al Meera Complex, Mansoura Tel: 4441-9668 Open 4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Japanese Food Sakura Location: Ra Tel: 4428 mada Plaza-West -1428/44 Wing 28-1555 Open 6:0 0 p.m. to 11:00 p.m . Sushi Mint o Location: Sa Tel: 4467 lwa Road -5577 Open 12:0 0 p.m. to 11:30 p.m .

Star of India Location: Al Markhiya Tel: 4486-3708/4486-4440 Open 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sukh Sagar Location: Diamond Hotel 2 Tel: 4431-9172 Open 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. The Garden Royal Location: The Mall Tel: 4466-6876 Open 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

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FOOD

HOTLIST

The Tanabata Festival July 1st – Thurs 7th: Ramada Plaza. The Tanabata Star Festival is based on a summer love story. The story tells us of two young lovers who get married and are forbidden to see each other by the king. They live on opposite sides of the "Milky Way." Only on the 7th day of the 7th month of every year are they allowed to meet. The two stars meet on a bridge formed across the "Milky Way." It has become a tradition in Japan to write messages of hope and love on colourful strips of paper and hang them on branches of the bamboo plant at this time every year. Come and learn more about the story and enjoy a special sushi and teppanyaki menu for QR 200 per person at Sakura. For more information and reservations, call 4428-1555.

Bastille Day July 14th: Oryx Rotana. Come and celebrate this French national holiday at The Cellar with a special menu of French hors d’ oeuvres, cheese and a choice of traditional French beverages. Sample the world-famous Gallic cuisine for only QR 240 per person. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Sizzling Summer Lunch June 15th – Aug 30th: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. At the Seasons restaurant, a light lunch has been put into place. The summer lunch has delicious delicacies featuring assorted gourmet delights of antipasti, fresh salads, soups and pastas made up of tasty ingredients for a good lunch break. End your meal with delicious French pastries and enjoy the famous Mövenpick coffee, complemented perfectly with the world-renowned Mövenpick ice cream. For more information, call 4429-1111.

Gnocchi & Risotto Independence July 4th – Wed 20th: Doha Marriott. Month The Italian Bistro All’ Aperto offers a special Gnocchi and Risotto promotion. This is the chance for all Italy lovers to get to know all the different variety of Gnocchi and Risotto dishes. Wait and see what the chefs will prepare for you. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Mondays to Saturdays: Sheraton Doha. Join a celebration at Latino that commemorates the independence month with traditional, authentic “rio de la plata” food, prepared by Chef Fernando from Argentina. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4485-4556.

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By Sydnee Bryant

A new kind of nail polish promises to be the salvation of busy ladies everywhere. And now, finally, shellac nails have come to Qatar. QH investigates this trend to find out if it is really possible to have perfect nails for two whole weeks.

love the look of shiny, perfectly manicured nails. But I generally tend to mess up my manicure within minutes of my nails (supposedly) drying. Whether I do my nails at home or head to the salon to let a pro take care of my claws, I never have nice looking nails beyond a day. It’s really no one’s fault but my own. After all, I type for a living. Plus, I text probably as much, if not more, than the average teenager. In short, my nails take a beating every day. And it shows. So when Glow American Salon promises me 14 whole days of chip-free, dent-free, bullet-proof nails, I eagerly accept the challenge, determined to see if these nails could really stand up to my non-stop typing and texting lifestyle. Glow American Salon recently started offering shellac nails, a type of nail polish that goes on top of your natural nails and stays put for two weeks.

When I first sit down with Matilda, Glow’s new nail technician, I am a little embarrassed to show her my bare, chipped nails. But Matilda doesn’t judge me for my neglected nails. Instead, she simply pulls out a case containing a rainbow of shellac nail polishes and asks me to choose one. I go with a light, slightly shimmery pink for my hands and a brighter fuchsia for my feet. Matilda, who moved to Qatar only weeks ago from South Africa, starts by applying a nail primer to my hands. The primer will remove any oil on my nails, allowing the polish to adhere to my nails better. After the coat of primer is applied, Matilda applies a clear layer of shellac with a tiny paint brush designed for exactly this purpose. She does my thumbs first, so that I can properly place them under the UV light machine (similar to the machine used to dry acrylic and gel nails) 72

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without tilting them, as the nails should be kept as level as possible to prevent the shellac from sliding off the nail bed. I carefully and awkwardly place my thumbs under the light, thankful that they only need to be there for thirty seconds. After my clear shellac layer is done drying under the UV light machine, Matilda paints a coat of pale pink on each nail, again starting with the thumbs, then proceeding with the rest of my fingers once my thumbs have done their time underneath the light. She does two coats and each layer gets baked a little longer than the last. Finally, Matilda lacquers on a top coat of shellac to seal in the polish. The second (and I do mean the second) I pull my hands out of the light machine, my nails are dry but a little tacky. This is normal, Matilda assures

I decide then and there that shellac nail polish is the best invention since the Reese Peanut Butter Cup.

me. Matilda wipes each nails off with a solution, which removes the tackiness and leaves my nails perfectly smooth. I am hesitant to touch them, for fear that they will not live up to all of the promises, but they do. My nails are not only dry, they are completely set. I decide to do my best to test these nails. I dig through my purse. Nothing. No dents, no scratches, no pulled polish. I send a few text messages. Nada. My nails look fabulous. Matilda repeats the entire process, only this time on my feet with the bright pink shade. The only difference is that it’s actually easier to do my feet, because I can stick all of my toes into the UV light machine flat, so the process is a little less awkward and a lot quicker. My nails on both my hands and feet emerge shiny and perfectly pristine. I decide then and there that shellac nail polish is the best invention since the Reese Peanut Butter Cup. I am so impressed with my nails that I decide to test them out, full throttle. Over the next few days, I do housework, I type up a storm, I sew by hand and I touch my nails a lot. I basically do everything I can think of that might disprove their awesome staying

power, short of using chemicals (Matilda warned me that bleach or other chemical cleaning products will ruin the shellac, so wear gloves when cleaning). But my nails are resilient. My manicure and pedicure are tough, and refuse to be destroyed by regular means. Apparently the only method of removal that will actually work is soaking the shellac off at the salon. But removing the shellac isn’t my biggest concern. My biggest concern is that soon Matilda will be so booked I’ll be begging to be squeezed in for a new set of nails. After all, I’m hooked. I mean, nails that can actually withstand the daily chaos of life without getting damaged and without damaging your nail beds? It’s actually going to revolutionize the way we all view manicures. Imagine a life where your nails always look perfect, where you never have to worry that pulling the tab on your can of Coke will wreck your polish or that digging for your car keys at the salon will mangle your manicurist’s hard work and waste your hard-earned money. That’s a world I want to live in. And now I do. For more information, contact 4468-9945 (Salwa branch) or 4411-7652 (West Bay branch). 73

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Flower By Sydnee Bryant

Power

The best way to feel refreshed in Doha’s hot, sticky summer? A revitalizing body scrub and massage done with all-natural ingredients. QH spends an afternoon at the spa to investigate the beauty benefits of natural ingredients like flowers and honey.

lowers may be decorative but rough enough to damage skin but are still they also have practical uses. The strong enough to reveal a lovely layer of floral aroma package at the spa at fresh epidermis. Ritz-Carlton Doha uses warm floral sachets filled with natural dehydrated After a quick shower in another room, flowers and Saracen wheat to sooth and I settle onto the table for part two of the relax muscles during this two-hour spa floral aroma package. This portion of the treatment. The spa package is influenced treatment involves a relaxing body and face by traditional Chinese massage. Ivy uses medicine and ayurveda, the heated flower "The combination of sachets to warm my an alternative practice based on the physics of the sweet-smelling muscles and melt five different elements flowers, the warm my tension. The – fire, water, air, earth massage is designed sachets dancing and ether. to relax people into across my weary a state of tranquility The treatment takes and is not meant to body and the pretty be a hardcore, deep place in a peaceful room with low lighting. Ivy, tissue massage. Still, music cause me my friendly massage Ivy does manage to to fall into a near- gently work out some therapist, starts by rubbing a natural comatose state." of the knots in my honey scrub all over my shoulder and neck body. The grainy scrub feels delicious on without causing any pain or discomfort. The my dehydrated skin and smells heavenly combination of the sweet-smelling flowers, – pleasant enough that I notice but not so the warm sachets dancing across my weary strong that I feel overwhelmed with the body and the pretty music cause me to fall scent. Ivy firmly scrubs every inch of dead into a near-comatose state. skin from me, being sure not to use too much pressure or scratch my skin. The The next thing I know, Ivy is gently waking micro-fine particles of the honey scrub are me up and asking me to turn over. She great for exfoliating because they aren’t proceeds to exfoliate and massage my

face with a stimulating facial treatment. Exfoliating is the number one thing a person can do to keep their skin looking fresh and dewy but people often neglect this step in their skin care regime or exfoliate only their body or face but not both. Ivy combines facial reflexology with aromatherapy in order to bring balance to my skin, while removing the icky layer of dead skin that leads to a dull complexion. The result is smooth, healthy-looking skin that glows even without makeup. Afterwards, my previously rough skin feels fresh and even from head to toe. My complexion looks healthy and revitalized. Overall, I feel relaxed and content, with brand new, baby-like skin. For more information, contact 4484-8173.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Summer

Breeze By Sydnee Bryant

Summer’s here and it’s time to start prepping your body and mind for heat and sun dresses. Get your skin in tip top shape with the Summer Breeze at Four Seasons Doha to guarantee a fabulous summer season of smooth skin and happy thoughts.

ummer is a season that requires a lot of prep. The dryness of the cool winter months can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it pale and rough. In order to look your best this summer, head to the spa for some major exfoliation – the kind you can’t do by yourself in the shower. I recently headed to the Four Seasons Doha Spa and Wellness Centre for a summer prep session, known as the Summer Breeze package.

the oil. She works limb by limb, firmly scrubbing away my dead, rough skin.

After the spa therapist exfoliates every inch of my skin (except my face), she asks me to step into the shower, located in the same room as the massage table my exfoliating treatment takes place on. The next phase of my treatment takes me to another room, just down the hall, where a private hydrotherapy tub awaits me. My spa technician leaves me in the cozy room to get settled in the tub, which has jet sprays The Summer Breeze involves several spa and a comfortable head treatments. My spa technician begins my She works limb rest. Normally not a fan of baths or squandering package by outlining by limb, firmly time doing nothing, I am the three parts of my session to ensure scrubbing away my apprehensive about this of my spa session. I am comfortable with dead, rough skin. part But the hydrotherapy tub each. The first step is more like a Jacuzzi tub involves major all-over than a regular bath tub and ends up being exfoliation. The spa therapist rubs oil all quite relaxing. over my skin, leaving it delightfully tingly. She then proceeds to sprinkle a fine mixture I stays in the hydrotherapy tub for of pepper, tea tree oil and peppermint, 30 minutes. Afterwards, I head back to my among other ingredients, on my limbs, one initial treatment room for the remaining by one. The spa technician begins to grind part of my spa session. I enjoy a calming the mixture into my skin, combining it with

massage, complete with a gentle face massage and quick scalp massage. The massage is the perfect finale to the treatment, a soothing way to relax and prepare myself for the busy month ahead. I leave with baby-soft skin from my headband to my sandals, a serene outlook on life and a smile on my face. For more information, contact 4494-8801. 75

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By Jorge Granda

Escape the warm weather in the cool, funky settings of the trendiest spa in town. Discover pure bliss while giving your face, hands and feet a well-deserved treat at the hip Bliss Spa, located in W Doha.

t is a well-known fact that the sun is incredibly damaging to the skin. It not only dehydrates it, but it also alters the look and feel of the skin all over your body, resulting in early aging and dryness. The summer is already upon us and there is no way to escape the direct contact with the sun. For those of us staying in Doha during the summer season, it is very important to take care of our face, hands and feet, as we will be constantly exposed to the sun, whether we are walking to our cars, driving to work or going to the beach. There are many things that you can do to protect yourself from the damaging effects of UV rays, such as using sunblock every time you leave the house. But having a facial, a manicure and pedicure is also highly recommended, as there are a lot of

benefits from having your skin treated by a licensed aesthetician, manicurist and pedicurist.

BLISS To fight the effects of the sun, I decided to try a facial that will help hydrate my skin and give my face that glow we all want to attain. Bliss Spa combines a big menu, with a variety of treatments for men, with a fun, luxurious atmosphere. The spa is cozy, mellow and very sophisticated. Before starting my treatment, I relaxed for a few minutes in the waiting lounge, which is contemporary and decorated with colourful and comfortable couches. While waiting for my treatment, I savoured some of the indulgences available for guests, such as brownies, cookies, water and hot tea.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

She then proceeded with the extractions, which were pain-free. Afterwards, she put fresh cucumbers on my eyes to reduce ‘Homme’ Improvement puffiness. A paper oxygenation mask Maya, an aesthetician at the spa, did my followed. While the mask was on my face, facial. Maya was very sociable and pleasant, I received a 15-minute neck and shoulders making me feel like I was getting a facial massage. After the mask was removed, from a good friend. She first asked me what Maya applied moisturizer and massaged I wanted to get out of the session. I told her my face. I wanted her to work on my fine lines and The results can be seen immediately. The skin tone. After an evaluation of my skin, facial gives your face a great glow, tone, my treatment started with the application elasticity, volume and hydrates your skin. of a cream on my face in order to soften The spa recommends not washing your my skin, before moving forward with the face, doing sports or going out in the sun extraction of dirt and black heads from my pores. The cream is a substitute for a steam until one day after the facial. Apart from the pampering, the massages and mask, machine. I didn’t know a cream could have being in the company of Maya made my the same effect as steam, but it actually worked quite well. Maya told me that steam experience even more enjoyable. My facial was so extraordinarily relaxing that I could is not good for your skin and it has become have stayed at the spa much longer to an old method that the best spas in the repeat the experience over and over again. world are no longer using on clients.

A HEALTHY FACIAL

MANICURE AND PEDICURE Hands and feet are also predisposed to sun damage. The damage is shown in the form of wrinkles, sagging skin, sun spots and dryness. It is important to treat them as nicely as we treat our face and body. At Bliss Spa, you can get a super deluxe manicure and pedicure that will make your hands and feet look better than you ever thought possible. Even though the treatments are not specifically design to protect your hands and feet from the sun, they sure help.

Pictures Provided by W Doha

The Manly-Cure

I can honestly say it was the best manicure My manicure started with the cutting and I have had so far. filing of my nails to trim them and give them shape. Afterwards, my cuticles were pushed The Bliss Pedicure back and dead skin was removed. My hands The procedure for the pedicure was very similar to the manicure. The only difference were soaked in water to soften the skin is that your feet are scrubbed. There are and another round of cuticle removing was four different pedicure scrubs available performed. Almond oil was applied and blood orange, eucalyptus rosemary, vanilla my hands were buffed to further soften and lemon and sage - for both hard skin my skin. The manicurist then proceeded to and sensitive skin. While having your wrap my hands in hot cream to moisturize pedicure, you can read different magazines them. After removing the cream from my or watch TV. hands, my nails were further cleaned by using cotton sticks with acetone. The final My overall experience at Bliss Spa was step was buffing and polishing my nails to really fantastic. I was fascinated by the give them a shiny look and then I got a hand concept and design of the facility, as well massage with cream. My manicure at Bliss as the costumer’s service and treatments was exceptionally good. I was very pleased available for men. with the results. The manicurist was very professional and the place was impeccable. For more information, contact 4453-5555. 77

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STAY FIT AND HEALTHY DURING RAMADAN By May-Britt Searty

The time has come to embrace Ramadan. This is a very unique time of the year and if you follow this simple advice, you will be able to fast comfortably and enjoy all the spiritual benefits of the Holy Month.

uring this period, your diet should not be different from your normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be structured so that you maintain your current healthy weight. On the other hand, if you are overweight, Ramadan is the ideal time to normalize your weight.

The ideal way to handle the long hours of fasting is to consume slow-digesting foods, including fibre-rich foods, rather than fastdigesting items. Slow-digesting foods can leave you feeling satisfied for up to eight hours, while fast digesting foods can only last up to three to four hours.

Slow-digesting and fibre-containing foods are usually grains and seeds, such as barley, whole grain oats, millet, semolina, durum wheat, beans, lentil, whole meal flour and brown rice, or vegetables, such like green beans and spinach.

THINGS TO AVOID • Fried and greasy food • Food that contains too much sugar. • Excessive intake of food, especially during Sohour • Excessive intake of tea during Sohour. Drinking tea makes you urinate more, ridding your system of important salt minerals that your body will need during the day.

RECOMMENDED DIET

Fast-digesting foods include sweets, sugar, white bread, fast foods and chips.

• Eat complex carbohydrates, especially at Sohour, because complex carbohydrates keep you feeling full longer

Eat a well-balanced diet, with foods from each food group - fruit, vegetables, protein – including, lamb, beef, chicken and fish, - as well as grains, nuts, seeds and pulses. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be restricted because they can cause indigestion, heart problems and weight gain.

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Make your own fresh juices or smoothies. • Dates are an excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, calcium and magnesium.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HOW TO

HANDLE COMMON HEALTH AILMENTS DURING RAMADAN HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

REASON: Excessive intake of food. Too much fried and greasy food or foods that produce gasses, such as eggs, cabbage, lentils and fizzy drinks like cola

Excessive sweating, weakness, fatigue, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up into a sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms that tend to occur towards the afternoon.

SOLUTION: Do not eat too much or anything too fatty. Be sure to drink enough water.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR Sudden fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, poor concentration, sweating easily, feeling sickly, unable to perform physical activities, headaches and palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar. REASON: You have consumed too much sugar and refined carbohydrates, especially at Sohour. The body produces too much insulin, which is causes reduced blood glucose. SOLUTION: Eat something small at Sohour and limit foods and beverages containing excess sugar. CAUTION: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan. If necessary, consult with your doctor.

REASON: Reduced fluid intake and decreased salt intake. SOLUTION: Raise your intake of fluid and salt. CAUTION: Persons with low or high blood pressure may need to adjust their medication during Ramadan. You should consult with your doctor.

HEADACHES REASON: Caffeine and tobacco, stress, lack of sleep and hunger. If you have low blood pressure, headaches can be quite serious and can cause nausea before Iftar. SOLUTION: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Drinking herbal and caffeine-free teas will help you to keep a good balance. Restructure your lifestyle during Ramadan so you can get enough sleep.

MUSCLE CRAMPS REASON: Lack of foods containing calcium, magnesium and potassium. SOLUTION: Eat nutritious food with minerals, such as vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat and dates. CAUTION: Those who are being treated for high blood pressure or kidney stones should consult their doctor.

ULCERS, CHEST PAINS REASON: Waxing acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the above conditions. It presents itself as a burning sensation in the stomach area below the rib and can extend up to the neck. Spicy food, coffee, sweets and cola drinks worsen these conditions. People with ulcers should consult their doctor before Ramadan. May-Britt Searty is a natural health practitioner and consultant living in Doha. She can be reached at maybrittsearty@yahoo.com 79

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QH SENSATIONS LIVE

Summer Staycation Tips By Sydnee Bryant

Short on vacation time this summer? Not a problem! Just because you can’t leave Qatar doesn’t mean that you can’t have a wonderful weekend getaway, or even a week-long vacation. You can enjoy a wonderful staycations right here in Doha, without the hassle of dealing with airport security.

nyone who remembers the sweet thrill of summer vacation from school still associates July and August with sleeping in, relaxing on the beach and having fun in a leisurely environment. But going on a vacation doesn’t necessarily mean jumping on a plane and heading to exotic lands. You can enjoy a great summer staycation in Doha without breaking the bank.

STAYCATION IDEAS Check into a luxurious hotel to enjoy a weekend of pampering. Take a solo staycation and enjoy two days of solitude, or pack up the whole family and try everything the hotel has to offer for a weekend of fun. Head to the beach. Some of the best beaches in Qatar can be found at Katara Cultural Village, Four Seasons Doha, InterContinental Doha, Marriott Doha, Grand Hyatt Doha, Sharq Village and Spa and Sealine Beach Resort. Rent a dhow and head out onto the water for a serene afternoon of sunny skies and gentle breezes Buy a bevy of new books at Virgin Megastore. Cozy up on your couch or lounge chair and refuse to get up until you’ve finished all the books you meant to read earlier this year. Katara Cultural Village is still one of the newer attractions in Doha. Spend an ideal morning strolling around Katara, then savour lunch in one of Katara’s many amazing restaurants.

Take scuba diving lessons in the weeks leading up to your staycation. That way, you can head out to New Club Reef for a weekend of exploring the waters. Spend an afternoon exploring Souq Waqif. The souq is full of history, interesting restaurants and fascinating people, not to mention great deals on pashminas and other items.

STAYCATION TIPS Staycations should be tailored to what you want out of your mini break from work and life. If you want to laze about in the lap of luxury, it’s probably a good idea to go to a hotel, or at least hire a cleaning lady for the weekend. But if you plan on doing lots of activities in and around Doha, there isn’t much pointing in blowing cash on a hotel room when you can just crash at home. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun on your staycation. Many hotels in Doha have special offers and summer packages this time of year. Check out hotel rates online to find deals. Day trips are a good way to stay active during a staycation. Take a trip out to the desert for the day, visit the zoo or splash around at the water park. Staycations shouldn’t be stressful – try not to plan more than one or two activities per day. That way, you can experience new things and explore the city while still de-stressing.

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This summer, clean out your closet and add in some fun new pieces. Spice up your existing ensembles with a cute scarf or hot boots, then add in some new staples, such as pretty frocks, flowy skirts, fierce jeans and comfy tops. Mix colours and textures together to create some sensational new looks.

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Splish

Splash! Bored with plain, average swimwear? Make a splash this summer with these fun, trendy board shorts.

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Dolce&Gabbana DG 4111 M

Tiffany Victoria TF 4048B

Dolce&Gabbana DG 4116

Tiffany Victoria TF 3027B

Dolce&Gabbana DG 4121

Summer Shades This summer, protect your eyes from the glare of the sun with these hot shades. Wearing sunglasses is not only good for your skin (squinting equals wrinkles!), but they also add a touch of instantaneous glamour to any outfit. Here are a few fabulous frames from The Sunglasses Hut.

Prada SPR 50N

Ray Ban RB 3447

Ray Ban RB 4152

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QH SENSATIONS LOOK

Every well-groomed man should own certain accessories to add to his ensembles in order to stand out in the crowd. An elegant watch, a funky bag, some unique cuff links, a simple scarf and a classic belt are just a few of the things that should be in every manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closet.

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FASHION

HOTLIST

LOVE The Louis Vuitton Keepall 45,

READ Fifth Sparrow, an adorable blog devoted to fashion. Blogger Louise, a selfdescribed “girl with a crush on fashion,” writes about trends, DIY fashion and everyday fashion. Along the way, she photographs her own stylish but reasonable outfits. Louise documents her fashion journey with smart, self-effacing commentary that suggests she realizes that sometimes an obsession with fashion can lead to priorities and fascinations that others might find strange. But Louise’s confidence and willingness to try new trends, such as cropped tops, inspire followers to try new looks and commit to fashion with a bold flare. Follow Louise’s devotion to fun fashion at www.fifthsparrow.blogspot.com.

a stunning monogrammed carry-on bag guaranteed to make you look chic as you glide through the airport. A part of the Louis Vuitton travel bag collection, this sleek, classy bag has rounded leather handles, a double zipper and a removable ID holder. The monogram canvas is true Louis Vuitton style at its best and the brown canvas lining and cowhide trim only add to the bag’s minimalist chic vibe. This cute carry-on turns going through airport security from an annoyance into an opportunity to show off your elegant style.

BUY A Lacoste Malandrino Drape Dress Pick out a bevy of these dresses in a variety of colours to keep looking sweet and feeling cool all summer long. Lacoste teamed up with French designer Catherine Malandrino to create these fabulous dresses, a part of a new women’s collection. With a relaxed, draped neckline and asymmetrical gathering at the left hip and shoulder, these cute summer dresses are both fashionable and comfortable. This is casual but cool style at its best, taking all the guesswork out of what to wear this summer. Dresses are available in white, navy blue, black, tornado blue and brass yellow.

CARRY A Nova Perspex Tote Bag from Burberry. Everyone needs a fantastic tote bag for summer – why not get one that you’ll also be happy to carry any time of year? This bag has the Burberry Nova check on its coated canvas base, plus a transparent Perspex overlay. The interior Nova check zippered pouch is removable, meaning you can bring the tote to the beach and pop out the pouch when you head out for the evening. The patent leather trim lends a lovely detail to this bright, cute bag. We love it in Jet Blue but it is available in a variety of colours.

SHOP Abroad or online It’s summertime and time to break out of your everyday fashion rut! If you’re travelling abroad, use your trip as a chance to shop at some of the fantastic stores that sell brands not available here in Doha. Pick up a whole new wardrobe in a place you’ve never been before to ensure that you’ll have a unique look when you return to Doha. If you won’t be leaving on a jetplane anytime soon, shop online to bring an element of surprise to your ensembles. Shopping outside of the box means you’ll never risk running into someone at a party wearing the exact same outfit as you (awkward!).

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QH SENSATIONS EXPERIENCE

Escaping to fantastic happening destinations around the world does wonders. Here are some

The World Film Festival Aug 18th – Aug 28th: Canada. The

Copenhagen Design Week ‘11 Sep 1st – Sep 6th: Denmark. With a primary focus on “Think Human,” this year’s design week promises to spark innovation and creativity through design solutions. There will be beautiful showrooms, engaging talks and exciting walks, as well as captivating architecture. For more information, visit www.copenhagendesignweek.com

festival celebrates cultural diversity and promoting the art and beauty of cinema from all over the globe. The Montrealbased festival aims to bring together ideas and creativity throughout the 11-day affair. Through the course of the event, expect to experience a high-profile world competition, the Canadian student film festival, documentaries, tributes, cinema under the stars and so much more. For more information, head to www.ffm-montreal.org

Tango Buenos Aires Aug 16th – Aug 30th: Argentina. Ignite your passion for the dance that originated in Buenos Aires. This year’s event will also include the Dance Festival and World Cup, where thousands will participate for the top position. Celebrate tradition, culture and arts through this festival. For more information, go to www.tangobuenosaires.gob.ar

Singapore Lantern Festival 2011 Aug 29th – Sep 26th: Singapore. Celebrate all-month long with gigantic lanterns and fairy lights spread throughout the city. There’s also going to be streets bazaars selling festive items, mooncakes and lanterns, as well as stage shows featuring both traditional and contemporary entertainment. For more information, drop by www.etour-singapore.com

ADIHEX Sep 14th – Sep 17th: UAE. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition reflects the life and culture of the Emirates, which include horsemanship, fishing, hunting, falconry and arts and crafts. Considered one of the most popular exhibitions in the country, it continuously invites all enthusiasts and amateurs of different levels and ages. For more information, hop on over to www.adihex.net

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

By Jorge Granda

Learn how to ride horses at the Al Samariyah Equestrian Center, located at the astonishing and unique Al Samariyah farm. Whether you are a novice horse rider or an expert in the field, there is something for you at this unusual equestrian centre.

hen you hear about a place with picturesque small valleys, quiet bridleways, open countryside, peacocks running around freely, a museum and friendly horses you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think such a place could exist in Qatar. But there is a farm in the country that has all of that and it truly resembles an enchanted forest. If you love nature, then you will adore learning how to ride horses at the Al Samariyah Equestrian Center. The centre is located at the Al Samariyah farm on the Al Shahania Road that leads to Dukhan, at the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum, approximately 15 minutes outside of Doha. Riding a horse in a beautiful open space is a very liberating and empowering outdoor activity. The experience canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be compared to anything else. There is nothing better than having that particular contact with nature and horses.

This summer you can let yourself go in one of the most serene environments in Qatar, while practicing an ancient tradition. Established two years ago, Al Samariyah Equestrian Center started by offering small riding lessons and hacks (rides in the forest). It currently stands as one of the most renowned equestrian centres in the gulf state.

THE HORSES Strong Arabian horses are usually used for the riding lessons. Ponies and thoroughbred horses are also available. The horses are mainly purchased in Qatar, especially the Arabians. Some of the stallions and mares used to participate in flat racing or endurance competitions. The ponies are exclusively shipped in from Europe. The horses and ponies cater for riders of all levels, beginning with kids four years of age.

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For more information, contact Megan Jones at 5525-7203 or email qatarracing@gmail.com

THE LESSONS The riding lessons take place in two different paddocks, while the hacks take place all over the farm. Lessons are offered daily. During the winter, the centre is open October through May. Classes in the morning start from 7:00 a.m. and run until 11:00 a.m. and the afternoon lessons start at 3:00 p.m. and go until 7:00 p.m. From June till September, the centre opens its doors from 6:00 a.m. till 8:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The centre

offers a 45-minute trial lesson for QR 100. The packages at the school are offered in blocks; when riders buy a membership, they can do a block of 12 lessons - they pay for 10 upfront and get two free lessons. For those who want to experience a bit more than just riding around the farm, the centre organizes several competitions during the season, from September to May. The centre also prepares future riders for endurance, showing and world competitions.

During the summer Al Samariyah Equestrian Center opens its doors from 6:00 a.m. till 8:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The horses and ponies cater for riders of all levels beginning with kids four years of age. The centre is located at the Al Samariyah farm on the Al Shahania Road that leads to Dukhan, at the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum, approximately a 15-minute drive out of Doha.

THE HACKS The outride meanders through various surroundings that lead to beautiful pathways and trails. Both the natural wildlife and awesome splendour of the vegetation add to the tranquility and beauty of the ride. Some of the trails resemble a forest, where the trees only allow an occasional glimpse of the sky. Peacocks, goats and other animals can be spotted near the trails. At any point you can climb off the horse and have a moment to savour the view and stretch your legs. There will always be a friendly hand willing to hold your horse and help you back on.

OTHER SERVICES

THE TRAINERS At Al Samariyah Equestrian Center, four professional and experienced teachers provide the highest quality training, while ensuring all safety measurements are met. All teachers are females from the U.K. with vast expertise in horses and teaching.

The equestrian centre also provides its riders with a variety of different services. Riders can lease a horse for the month if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have their own. This is especially useful for those riders who take weekly lessons and would like to ride at other times during the week. By leasing a horse, riders have the opportunity to treat the horse as if it was theirs and can ride it six times a week, giving one day off to the horse. The centre also offers livery services, which means the centre houses horses for owners who do not have their own stable. 91

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

By Jorge Granda

One of Qatar’s major ambitions is to bring the biggest international sporting events to national soil. At Qatar University, students will be trained to take over the challenging task of organizing and staging such events. QH tells you all you need to know to be part of the sport science program at the University of Qatar.

he world is constantly evolving and every day it becomes more and more demanding. In order to live up to what the world is expecting from us, it is indispensable to have a solid education that will allow us to use our skills and knowledge to the best of our abilities. It is essential to be fully aware of the maximum potential we can reach. Knowing exactly where we want to go in life is crucially important to achieve any goals.

that fire, into an exceptionally gratifying career. Sports are not only about games anymore; there is so much more to be discovered, to study. The world of sports is taking an entirely different direction, one that can lead to glory outside the field. At Qatar University you can learn what sports are all about. The relatively new Sport Science Program offers its students unlimited possibilities. By enrolling in the program, you can study to become a venue manager, director of marketing, public relations and sport communications and many other exceptional professions related to the sports industry.

But, if in addition to knowing the extent of our ambitions we can add a proper education, then we will be able to become the best person we can be. Having a university degree will almost always give us a competitive edge and it will grant a favourable impact “My personal vision for sports in the State of Qatar on our future. Successful individuals frequently say that is that all of these internationally recognized events in order to be successful, a person should do what they taking place in the country will not only be organized and shown for the people of Qatar, but by Qataris, feel most passionate about. particularly graduates from the Sport Science Program,” If you have an attitude for sports, there is a whole world said Dr. Ruben Tobias Goebel, assistant professor of the sport science program. out there for you to explore. You can turn that passion, 92 QH JULAUG 2011 F.indd 92

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

THE SPORT SCIENCE PROGRAM

POTENTIAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The program launched in the fall of 2009. The duration of the program is four years, with 120 credit hours consisting of theoretical and practical sports classes. Students will learn the mental and physical aspects of the sport. They will understand how playing sports can help our bodies and influence our minds. They will receive knowledge on how the body functions in different circumstances and how the body works.

After finishing the program, there are many job opportunities for the graduates, including:

Pictures Provided by Qatar University

Students will also be taught about the social aspect of sports and benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The program aims to meet the highest standards in educational competencies and proficiencies in sports management, exercise and fitness. The Qatar University expects to supply the local market with the best professionals in sport management. The country is organizing major sporting events every year and there is an urgency for the university to increment the number of nationals working in the industry. “This unique program for the whole GCC countries will serve the specialized needs of the labour market in Qatar,” Goebel said. With the implementation of the new sport science program, it is expected that more Qataris will be able to command the market, especially with the World Cup 2022 taking place in Qatar. Another important aspect that the program is striving to tackle is the serious problem of obesity and diabetes that the country is facing. The program will provide the right knowledge to its students to contribute to solutions and to help solve this issue. The university wants the program to become an important tool for the students to use as an awareness channel for the community, as well as support the 2030 vision of the State of Qatar.

• Managers for clubs, federations, events, sport centre. • Directors for marketing public relations and sports communications • Athletes’ co-ordinators • Experts/specialist in institutes and government organizations including Ministries and the Qatar Olympic Committee • Occupation in private and public institutions of preventive health care, private and public fitness, and wellness centres in the area of conception, development of strategies and conduction and controlling • Physical education teachers • Instructors and researches in colleges and universities

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Students who are interested in enrolling in the program must visit the admission page of the Qatar University website. A general education certificate is requested by the university and a minimum of 500 points in the TOEFL and each section of the SAT test. Applicants will be also requested to go under a physical evaluation. The Sports Science Program offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Science (B.Sc). For more information, visit www.qu.edu.qa/sportscience

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

By Jorge Granda and Deliah Amira Furcoi

Every year the Qatar Bowling Federation hosts the Qatar Master, an open tournament for all bowlers in the country. The 2011 edition of the tournament started in May and will run until the finals, which are set to take place in February 2012. If bowling is your sport of choice, you still have time to participate in this exciting bowling championship. QH tells you what you need to do to join the fun.

hether you are a professional bowler or you are just getting started, you have the chance to participate in the most renowned local bowling competition in Qatar. The Qatar Master is an annually held bowling competition taking place at the Qatar Bowling Center. The event runs for eight months, from May 2011 to February 2012. The first and third Wednesday of every month, the Qatar Bowling Center

stages qualification games. This summer can be your chance to play among the best bowlers in the country and secure a place in the final rounds. Only members of the Qatar Bowling Federation can participate in the tournament, but getting a membership is very easy. You just have to come down to the Qatar Bowling Center, fill out a form, present your ID, pay the membership fee of QR 100 and you will be ready to roll the ball down the lanes.

FORMAT AND PRIZE MONEY The Qatar Bowling Master is open for all bowlers in the country. The tournament it is divided into two groups - senior (21 years old and up), and youth (21 years of age or younger). Youth qualification is open to Qataris only. During the eight months of competition, bowlers play twice a month to have a chance to secure a spot in the finals in February 2012. The weekly winner automatically qualifies for the final rounds. Each week, there is a ton of prize money â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the senior category, first place earns QR 2,000 and second place receives QR 1,500; in the youth category, the winner will walk away with QR 1,500 and the runner-up will earn QR 500. If the same player wins for a second time, the next in line will take the position in order to give equal opportunities to all bowlers. However, the prize money will go the repeated winner.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

QATAR BOWLING CENTER

Photos provided by Qatar Billiards & Snooker Federation

The centre has been opened to Qatar’s bowlers for many years as an independent entity. In 2006, the Qatar Bowling Federation gained control of the 32-lane bowling centre. Its debut as a premier international bowling facility took place during the 3rd West Asian Games, back in 2005. A year later the center hosted the bowling competitions of the 2006 Asian Games. The Qatar Bowling Center is located in Central Doha in Al Mannai Roundabout. The centre aims to promote the sport and it is the venue used by the Qatar National Bowling Team to practice. The impressive bowling recreational facility provide players with an automatic scoring system, bumper lanes for kids below eight years of age, billiard and snooker tables, a table tennis, baby football, computer games, restaurants and wide parking spaces. It is the perfect recreational facility for everybody to enjoy a great day out.

GENERAL TIPS FOR BEGINNER BOWLERS

want to play with the big boys, when knowledge of scoring counts.

Bowling is a sport that is suitable for just about anyone. Both the young and the old can equally enjoy the game. Bowling is a sport that can be played individually at a competitive level or just for laughs with friends and family. The aim of the game is to roll a bowling ball down a wooden alley in the hopes of knocking down as many of the 10 pins that you can. The first step in bowling is finding the right ball for you. The perfect ball weight you should be looking for can be calculated as 10 per cent of your total body weight in pounds. So if you are 120 pounds, you ideally should be looking for a ball weighing 12 pounds. Now that you have a ball, shoes are always readily available for rent or purchase. Ordinary shoes cannot be worn, as the under sole needs to be smooth (special bowling shoes are required) as you will need to slide before you ‘release’ your ball at the foul line.

For beginners, it is highly suggested to understand bowling etiquette, as more seasoned bowlers should not be reckoned with. Bowling is always played on lanes next to each other side by side and people need to take turns. If you don’t, you may get socked in the eye or distract another bowler who may be trying to get that extra pin to make a win. Once someone has their foot on the ‘wood’ which is at the beginning of the ball return that person has the right to go first. You cannot just rush and hang around on the ‘wood’ as this is deemed as disrespectful to other bowlers. As bowling is a friendly sport, it is important to take into consideration the ‘high five’ factor. After every turn you must ‘high five’ your team mates. It doesn’t matter if you don’t make a strike or if you ball goes in the gutter the sport was born to ensure that people have fun. So reach out to all your teammates, smile and enjoy the game.

Everything else from there is straight forward, as the scoring system comes up automatically as you play - unless you

For more information about the Qatar Bowling Federation, call 4432-9178 or visit www.bowlinggqa.com

TOUNAMENT NOTES During the Holy Month of Ramadan no weekly tournaments will be taking place. No tournaments will be held during December 2011, due to the Arab Games. Tournament months: May, June, July, September, October, November and January 2012. More than 30 bowlers play on each Wednesday that the tournament takes place. Each player has to play six games on the weekly tournament.

Dates of tournaments taking place during the summer

July 6 July 20 September 7 September 21

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

By Jorge Granda

There are plenty of indoor sports to do this summer in an air conditioned space. QH give you our recommendations for the best sports to try inside.

YOGA

Who hasn’t heard about this ancient practise? Yoga is famous all over the world. However, how many people have actually practised it? For years, I have been hearing about yoga and how great it is. Of course, I was very curious about practising the discipline, but I never really managed to get off my lazy butt and go to a yoga class.

When I was invited by the Sharq Village and Spa to experience a yoga lesson at the Six Senses Spa, I was really excited. I didn’t know what to expect. I just opened my mind and focused on experiencing the class. I did imagine that as a spiritual fitness program the class should take place in a peaceful and relaxing environment in order to enhance the experience. I was right. The Six Senses Spa is quite unbelievable; it’s like being in a totally different country. It has this exotic Arab flavour that reminds me of a luxurious souq. The yoga teacher, who is from India, is a very spiritual person. The class started with very easy positions, making me feel confident and comfortable. But as the class moved on, I performed more complicated and sometimes painful positions. I watched the teacher and

the other students and I felt kind of embarrassed to see how easy it was for them and how difficult it was for me. It made me aware of the fact that I could use a bit more exercise. Running and going to the gym is clearly not enough exercise for me. But the teacher helped me all the way through, which made me feel more confident. Also, there was no judgment from my fellow yoga enthusiasts. Even though the positions were difficult, they were not impossible. I managed to do most of them. You can literally feel how your body stretches and your breathing becomes a more natural process. Yoga is all about knowing every part of your body and how to move them while being aware of your breathing, which helps your elasticity. Contrary to what some people believe, it really is exercise. I was sweating throughout the entire class. For me, yoga is like an intense stretching class, combined with deep spirituality and breathing. After the class finished, I left feeling lighter. I could also feel how the exercise impacted my body. I recommend trying out a few yoga lessons to improve your fitness. There are many classes offered at the Six Senses Spa. For more information, contact 4425-6917.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

NIA

Nia is a new fitness program that was recently introduced in Qatar. The principal of this activity is to have fun while you exercise. Those who encourage people to practice the discipline believe that an exercise regime should satisfy the soul and tackle the emotions. If the human spirit is not satisfied and the exercise program is not fun, it will eventually fail to accomplish what we set out to do. Nia begins by teaching that connection between body and mind. Participants are taught to centre on their physical sensations and how to

move with a clear purpose. As with yoga and some other new fitness programs, Nia does not require any specific training equipment and it is an exercise with no impact. It is recommended to practice the disciple bare footed because, that way, the seven thousand nerves endings in each foot will be stimulated, making the sensation of being grounded more powerful and realistic. Nia aims to heal the mind and spirit. While practising Nia you are fully aware of each movement Squash is a vigorous sport of your body, therefore you will that is also very fun to play. move according to your own This summer, you can try bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way. The Doha out the most famous indoor Marriott is the only sport in the country at the facility in the country Qatar Squash Federation. The that teaches Nia. federation, located at the Classes are on offered Khalifa International Tennis and every Wednesday at Squash Complex, offers eight 8:30 p.m. and will run deluxe squash courts available throughout the summer. to the public. All courts are open For more information, every day except for Fridays. contact 4429-8520. Saturdays, the courts are open from 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. If you are a beginner and need some coaching to perfect your techniques, the federation has six coaches from Egypt and Pakistan ready to teach you all the essentials about the sport.

SQUASH

For bookings and private lessons, contact 4488-7671 or 4490-9692 or visit www.qatarsquash.com.

HOURS OF OPERATION 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Open to the public 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Only four courts open to the public. Remaining courts for the use of the Qatar Squash National Team 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Five courts are open to the public. Remaining courts for the use of the Qatar Squash National Team 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. All courts open to the public 97

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SPORTS

HOTLIST

World 9-Ball Championship Qatar 2011 June 21st - July 2nd: Al Sadd Sports Club. For the second year in row, Qatar will play host to one of the most important international pool competitions in the world. The top players of the game will participate in the 9-ball competition to claim the coveted title and 250,000 USD in prize money. For more information, visit www.qatarolympics.org

Nia Wednesdays and Saturdays: Doha Marriott. Nia brings the body, mind and spirit to optimum health through music, movement and self-expression. Nia is fusion fitness. It creatively integrates the mindfulness of martial arts, the grace and fluidity of dance techniques and alignment of integrative body therapies. Ladies-only class: Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Mixed class: Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information, call 4429-8520.

8th GCC Junior Football Championship Aug 3rd – Aug 13th: Aspire. The time has come to find out who’s the best among the rest. Catch all the sporting competition the features young talents with great football skills. For more information, visit www.qatarolympics.org

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ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

Swing Sundays

Sundays: W Doha. Have a night full of live swing session. The night features a rotating line-up of international swing singers performing classic Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Michael Bublé, accompanied by Doha jazz musicians in the intimate surroundings of the Spice Market. For more information, call 4453-5363

Lebanese Night

JULY K Brosas and Kim Idol

July 1st: Sheraton Doha. K Brosas, a famous comedian and singer from the Philippines, will be the highlight of the evening with her very popular imitations of superstars like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. She will be supported by new comedian Kim Idol. Expect live performances from singers, dance crews and more. Show schedule: 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tickets price start at QR 70. For more information, call 4427-9060 or email info@goldenrelations.com

The White Party at Lava

Fri 1st: InterContinental Doha. Get your white clothes on and come down to Lava for the second instalment of the monthly Colour Parties! It will be all white, all night, with music from resident DJ Laura Love. Free drink on arrival before 11:00 p.m.! For more information, call 4484-444 or 4484-4079 or email lava@icdoha.com

Fadi Harb

July 6th: Doha Marriott. The charismatic crooner is back at the Pearl Lounge with his one-man show. Free entrance for ladies and QR 175 for men. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Quiz Night

July 25th: Ramada Plaza. Becoming more and more popular each month, the original and best pub quiz in town returns. Bring along your team of six to take part in Doha’s favourite Quiz Night! With no entry fee and great prizes to be won, why not get your competitive hat on and come along and have some fun at the monthly quiz night! Starts at 8:00 p.m., free of charge. For more information, call 4428-1555.

Big Nite Out

July 29th: W Doha. Join the in-crowd at Wahm for the last big night before the dry season! The drinks will be flowing non-stop. Prior reservation suggested. For more information, call 4453-5135.

DJ Night with DJ Roger Choueiry

Sundays: La Cigale. Enjoy the best in music from across the globe mixed by DJ Roger Choueiry. Rock out on the floor and dedicate your favourite songs to your special one at Madison Piano Bar. Ladies joining the DJ night will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. No entrance fee and no minimum charge for members. Book your spot now! For more information, call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

Sundays: Doha Marriott. Feel the heat of Lebanese Night every Sunday from 10:00 p.m. onwards. Reserve a table and come early to receive complimentary oriental tidbits. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Big Mouth Live!

Sundays to Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Doha’s best live band, Big Mouth, rocks Paloma every week playing everything from Rock ‘n Roll to R&B! For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4936.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Mondays: Doha Marriott. DJ Joe Mitri welcomes all ladies and couples for a night of dancing and fun at the Pearl Lounge Club! Ladies receive a free welcome drink when entering before 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Maher El Basha, the One-Man-Show

Monday to Saturdays: La Cigale. Experience and enjoy live Arabic music in the Madison Piano Bar that’s decked out in vibrant colours of furnishings with features an eclectic mix of chic and elegance. Savour a wide range of finger food, sushi and sashimi and cigars complement by a selection of fine beverages. Entertainment starts at 10:00 p.m. No entrance fee and no minimum charge on weekdays! For more information, call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

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QH RE MI You mu NDER or over st be 21 to en nightcl ubs. Do ter all n't bring y our ide forget to card or ntification passpo rt.

Phil and the 101 Jazz Band

Mondays to Saturdays: Oryx Rotana. The Jazz Club is glad to announce the great comeback of your favourite performer and drummer, the charming Phil and his new 101 Jazz Band. Enjoy the sounds of passion and emotion and drift away with the sensational voice of the new vocalist Tahirih. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Lava Ladies Night

Tuesdays: InterContinental Doha. Experience a musical journey with World Top 20 DJ Paul Mendez playing his unique Vegasstyle mash up sets. Free drinks for ladies from 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4079 or email lava@icdoha.com

Retro Electric

Tuesdays: W Doha. Let W take you back in time, as your favourite tunes from the golden era are played! DJ Sam World will be on the decks guiding you through the journey. From 10:30 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. Two free drinks for ladies from 9:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Party Tuesday

Tuesdays: Doha Marriott. Be classy with Romanian music and get hip with R&B music mixed by Pearl Lounge Resident DJ Joe Mitri! For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

World Top 20 DJ Paul Mendez at Lava

Tuesdays to Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Starting July 12th, DJ Paul Mendez will be starting his residency at Lava! If you love great music, then come on down to Lava to listen to one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest DJs right here in Doha! For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4079 or email lava@icdoha.com

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ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS QH REMINDER You must be 21 or over to enter all et to nightclubs. Don't forg n tio bring your identifica card or passport.

Beat Da Heat Beach Party

Fridays: Doha Marriott. Enjoy a hot day on the beach and dance away to groovy music with DJ Joe Mitri. From 1:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Bollywood meets Hollywood Kiss N’ Fly

Wednesdays: W Doha. What's that tingling sensation on your tongue? It's Ladies' Night at Crystal, where all ladies get two complimentary drinks between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.! Check-in at Crystal for a special flight with the resident DJ. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Ya Habibi

Wednesdays: Doha Marriott. An event for Arabic music lovers, DJ Imran is the pioneer of Arabic Dance remixes. Let him bring you to an oriental night fever. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott. com

Ladies Night

Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. Doha’s biggest and best Ladies Night every Wednesday at Paloma with live music from Big Mouth, followed by DJ Shadi until late. Unlimited free drinks for ladies from 10:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m.! For more information, call 4484-4444.

DJ Kinky D

Wednesdays to Fridays: W Doha. Dance the night away with music mixed by DJ Kinky D! Wednesdays: 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m.; Thursdays and Fridays: 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

DJ Master J

Thursdays: La Cigale. Welcome the weekend with the hottest party in town with DJ Jared McCulloch at 7. No entrance fee is required and no minimum charge for ladies! For more information, call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

Ladies Party Mania

Thursdays: Doha Marriott. Heat up the dance floor to the tunes of DJ Joe Mitri as he welcomes ladies and couples. Ladies get a free drink when entering before 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Crew Night

Thursdays and Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Unlimited free drinks for airline crew from 10:00 p.m. at Paloma with live music from Big Mouth and Paloma’s resident DJ Shadi! For more information, call 4484-4444.

Friday Night Fever: Master J vs Roger Choueiry

Fridays: La Cigale. 7 presents a special DJ night. With the talented DJs Master J and Roger Choueiry on board, you will to have an unforgettable night. No entrance fee is required and no minimum charge for ladies! For more information, call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

Saturdays: Doha Marriott. Enjoy current and classic Bollywood hits mixed with a touch of house, R&B and memorable pop music expertly mixed by top Indian DJs. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

M-Lounge’s Bollywood Night, Latino Night and Happy Hour

Daily: Merwebhotel Central Doha. Combining the perfect formula for a great night-out, a tasty variety of food, an exotic selection of drinks and a rocking DJ. Happy Hour is from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. daily. Every first Friday of the month is Bollywood Night featuring the best tunes of India by celebrity guest DJs. And be sure to join the Latino Night on Tuesdays for an evening of Salsa, Meringue and Tango dancing. For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit merweb.com

DJ Gill Morad at Sky View

Daily: La Cigale. Enjoy a lovely night out under the stars at the rooftop bar, Sky View. Dine under the stunning Doha's skyline with the hotel’s scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, mouth-watering desserts and the wide range of cocktails, while listening to the best songs mixed DJ Gill Morad. 6:00 p.m. till 3:00 a.m. No entrance fee and no minimum charge on weekdays. Members only. For enquiries or reservations, call 4428-8204.

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ARTS & CULTURE LISTINGS

JULY Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture

July 2nd: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Known for its climactic volley of cannon fire and ringing chimes, this overture is going to be performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Conducted by Nader Abbassi. Special guests Alie Bekirova, Lilya Bekirova, Islam Nour El-Hefnawy on violins, Daniel Hrinda on bassoon, Nicole Preßler on flute and Kamen Nikolov on English horn. Ticket prices: QR 75 to QR 300. Available at Virgin Megastore in Landmark Mall and Villaggio. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org email qpopr@qf.org.qa

JULY/AUGUST Sajjil: A Century of Modern Art

Dec 30th – Oct 1st: Mathaf. Sajjil, an Arabic word meaning the art of recording, features more than 240 paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works made by more than 100 artists, representing pivotal moments in the development of Arab modernism throughout the 20th century. For more information, visit www.mathaf.org.qa

Senior Showcase

Apr 27th – Aug 20th: The Gallery at VCUQatar. This juried exhibition showcases the final thesis projects, plus a selection of the best work of VCUQatar senior students from the fashion, interior and graphic design departments while highlighting their creativity and innovation. The range of media used by students includes illustration, photography, typography and publication. For more information, call 4402-0555, email jsokoly@qatar.vcu.edu or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu

AUGUST Contemporary Arab Art Exhibition

Aug 2nd – Sep 3rd: Al Markhiya Gallery. More than 15 artists will be exhibited, including Qataris Salman Al Malik and Amal Al-Athim, as well as Egyptian Adil El Siwi, Iraqi Karim Saifou and Sudani Islam Kamil. Gallery Hours: 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Entry is free. For more information, call 4442-8007 or 6600-8750.

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Business Lunch

Sundays to Thursdays: InterContinental Doha. Mykonos restaurant just got more delicious and quicker to enjoy. Greek Chef Kostas introduces the new express business lunch menu with a choice of a starter, main course and dessert ready to be enjoyed both in the tempting outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and the pool or the indoor cozy lounge area. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444.

Italian Night

JULY Canada Day

July 1st: InterContinental Doha. Celebrate Canada Day in Paloma. Resident band Big Mouth will entertain you with an array of famous Canadian songs while you enjoy a selection of Tex-Mex canapés. QR 120 per person, including one welcome beverage and unlimited canapés. For more information, call 4484-4936 or 4484-4444.

Gourmet Sandwiches

July 1st - July 15th: InterContinental Doha. Chef Salvador reinvents the sandwich at Paloma with a selection of gourmet sandwiches featuring ingredients such as foie gras, Wagyu beef and truffles. For more information, call 4484-4444.

Cooking Class at Pampano

July 3rd, 31st: The Pearl-Qatar. Spice up your culinary skills and knowledge with this delicious affair. From 11:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. QR 250 per person, which includes lunch and a special give-away. For more information, call 4495-3876 ext. 1221.

Cupcake Cornucopia

July 8th: W Doha. W Café stages its Cupcake Carnival featuring all-you-can-eat cupcakes, including a beverage. There’s also a createyour-own-cupcake stand for you to enjoy! QR 65 for adults and QR 35 for kids. First sitting is from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. Second sitting is from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5385.

Italian Cooking Class

July 9th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. The culinary team unlocks the secrets of great Italian home cooking in the kitchen of their signature Italian restaurant. The finest regional dishes are cherry-picked from around the country and explained in detail with practical demonstrations and tastings. QR 265 per person. Starts at 10:00 a.m., followed by a threecourse lunch. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Mondays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Savour the delicacies of the Italian cuisine, choosing from a wide array of antipasti, live pasta station, pizzas and Italian cheese. Mama Mia! For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

Asian Night at Choices

Mondays: Oryx Rotana. Take a culinary journey around Asia as Choices features its all-new Asian Night. The expert Thai, Indonesian and Filipino chefs will prepare an exquisite buffet of authentic Far Eastern cuisine using only the freshest ingredients imported directly Greek Food and Vino from those tropical countries. Indulge in Pairing the delectable flavours of a rich culinary July 10th – July 16th: InterContinental heritage as you enjoy a wide choice of Doha. Have you tried a Greek vino original delicacies. Savour good food recently? Mykonos restaurant is offering a as you soak in the lush ambience of the three-course Greek–Mediterranean menu, award-winning dining venue. QR 175 followed by a selection of Greek vino. The including unlimited juices and soft drinks three-course menu is QR 135; or if you or QR 240 including unlimited selected wish to have the sommeliers three-glass house beverages. For more information, vino pairing, it’s an additional QR 115. call 4402-3333. For more information, call 4484-4444.

Grill Night

Sundays: W Doha. Steak connoisseurs and red-meat lovers converge upon W Doha’s Market by Jean-Georges to savour their prize cuts of tender meat, along with seafood every Sunday night. Char-grilled or seared, rare or well done, have it your way with your choice of sauce and side dish. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Sushi Temptation

Mondays: Sharq Village and Spa. Foodies passionate about sushi can satisfy their cravings at Al Dana with an unlimited amount of freshly sliced salmon, tuna, red snapper and sushi such as hammour, tuna, cooked prawn or salmon on vinegared Japanese rice or maki rolls including California roll, tempura prawn roll, or spicy tuna. QR 155 per person. For more information, call 4425-6666.

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Meat the Grills

Mondays and Tuesdays: InterContinental Doha. Eat as much as souvlaki BBQ as you can and discover your Mediterranean limits by the outdoor terrace! Enjoy an open buffet with fresh cold mezzedes and salads, complemented with desserts. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 135 per person. For reservations, call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444 or email mykonos@icdoha.com

Swiss Night

Tuesdays: MĂśvenpick Hotel Doha. Indulge in traditional fondue and raclette made with authentic Swiss cheese blended with a variety of flavours to complement a great dining experience that is definitely Swiss-made! For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

Sizzling Steak

Tuesdays: Oryx Rotana. Your size, your cut and your style â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enjoy all the meat you can! QR 185 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 250 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Mussels and Fries

Tuesdays: Sharq Village and Spa. For those who would like to be part of a delightful time at Al Dana, join the Tuesday Mussels and Fries nights! QR 125 per person. 750 grams of mussels per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4425-6666.

Tapas Galore

Tuesdays: Oryx Rotana. For Tapas Lovers, this unlimited night is for you to enjoy! Enjoy a selection of tantalizing tapas with three glasses of vino. QR 220 per person. For more information, call 4402-3333.

1001 Arabian Nights

Wednesdays: Doha Marriott. Sink your teeth into real Arabic Taste and the rich flavours of this culinary tradition. Take a break and indulge in a lavish Oriental buffet and live cooking stations at the Corniche Restaurant. The 1001 Arabian Nights is the promise of a real experience and of an impressively opulent feast. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Dim Sum Brunch

Asian Night

Wednesdays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Take a culinary tour of Asia and discover mouthwatering Peking duck, Mongolian barbeque, Indian curries and Japanese sushi, all to add that extra zing of flavour to your taste buds. For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

Indian Flavours

Wednesdays: Oryx Rotana. Savour an aromatic feast and indulge your senses with authentic Indian flavours. QR 175 including unlimited juices and soft drinks and QR 240 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Tapas Night

Wednesdays: Sharq Village and Spa. Have a night full of traditional Spanish tapas while you enjoy the passionate ambiance that’s perfect to spend memorable moments with friends and loved ones. QR 115 per person. For more information, call 4425-6666.

Gourmet Route

Thursdays: Doha Marriott. The Gallery restaurants have banded together to enrich the palate and enhance the dining experience of its guests, a real feast of the senses. The Gourmet Route is a culinary journey that evokes an open food market with spectacular live cooking stations, presenting cuisines from Latin and North America, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Pizza & Pasta Night

Thursdays: Merwebhotel Central Doha. Taste Italy at the Mezza9 Kitchen as you enjoy slices of oven-baked goodness and rich Italian classics fresh from live pasta stations, all for QR 75. Kids can dine for free! For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit www.merweb.com

Delightful Seafood Night

Fridays: Holiday Villa Doha. Take your taste buds on an oriental culinary trip with delicious dim sum, plus free flowing Chinese tea! QR 130 per person and QR 65 for kids between four to 12 years old. From 11:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 4408-4230.

Seafood BBQ Buffet

Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy grilled fish and seafood by the beachfront freshly prepared by expert chefs, including live cooking stations. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4747.

Thursdays: Oryx Rotana. Experience the bounty of the sea at Choices, the most contemporary restaurant in town with its fantastic pool view and open kitchens. From lobster, prawns and shrimps to freshly shucked oyster on the half shell, enjoy unlimited seafood offerings for just QR 185 per person including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 250 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

New Spice Market Brunch

Seafood Night

Hyde Park Brunch

A Night of Paella and Sangria

Friday Brunch at Brasserie on the Beach

Thursdays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. A sumptuous buffet of fresh seafood treats spectacularly displayed to tempt you away. It’s a truly memorable dining experience. For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

Thursdays: Sharq Village and Spa. Tradition has it that true paella is cooked only by men, over an open fire, fueled by orange and pine branches, along with pinecones. At Al Dana guests can experience delectable Paella nights featuring traditional Paella cooked to perfection by the chef together with one glass of sangria. QR 155 per person. For more information, call 4425-6666.

Fridays: W Doha. Asian street food meets slick city chic at the new up market weekly Spice Market Brunch to a backdrop of sophisticated lounge sounds courtesy of a rotating line of top class European DJs. QR 320 per person including drinks; QR 250 per person without. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Fridays: Ramada Plaza. Start the weekend right and enjoy a very special Friday brunch. Let the team of chefs tempt you with fresh seafood, sushi, Chinese, Indian and European specialties. For more information, call 4428-1555.

Fridays: Four Seasons Doha. Book your favourite table at the outdoor terrace overlooking the beach and enjoy a feast of delectable dishes prepared to perfection. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. Last brunch will be served on July 15th; brunch will not be available during the Holy Month of Ramadan. For more information, call 4494-8888.

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Friday Family Brunch

Fridays: Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha. Invite your family and friends to an unforgettable brunch experience, a culinary celebration of the season. As for the little ones, Barzan Meeting Rooms becomes their playground with a bouncy castle, toys and a special buffet. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

A Super Brunch

Fridays: Merwebhotel Central Doha. Treat your family to a sumptuous Friday Brunch at the Mezza9 Kitchen. Indulge in countless different flavours from the freshest catch to mouth-watering Mediterranean specialties, and live cooking stations, all for just QR 155 per person. With special discounts for kids and a kids-friendly buffet, your little ones will go for more. For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit www.merweb.com

Alpine Stammtisch

Fridays: Oryx Rotana. Excite your tasebuds with flavours coming all the way from the Alps. Drop by the Cellar for a traditional Stammtisch with unlimited special beverage. Get the chance to savor Swiss, German, Italian, French and Austrian dishes for your ultimate Alp journey. QR 220 per person. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Steak Night

Fridays: Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha. Choose your favourite cuts from a display of prime quality meats and fish to conclude your weekend with the best steak in town. For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

Brunch at Market by Jean-Georges

Fridays: W Doha. Watch fresh, local products and ingredients come together splendidly in the Mediterranean inspired show kitchen, where global gastronomy has found its home. The brunch serves international and Mediterranean cuisine. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 320 per person. For more information, call 4453-5135.

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS Sushi Fiesta

Saturdays: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha. Immerse yourself in an electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters from the sushi bar at Chopsticks, the award-winning best restaurant. Eat as much you can for QR 119 per person, including a glass of sparkling date juice. Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email sdesilva@wyndham.com

Sushi Night

Lagoon Brunch

Fridays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Kick back on Fridays and enjoy brunch at The Lagoon. The action starts at 12:00 p.m. with a luxurious buffet overflowing with fresh, homemade goodness. Live cooking stations and a carving station are on display. The relaxed family atmosphere is just the ticket for the weekend and there are lots of fun activities to keep the kids amused too. QR 280 per person. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Friday Family Lunch

Fridays: Kempinski Doha. Savour a delicious meal in the luxury of a European restaurant and the warmth of your family’s company with the Friday Family Lunch. Great flavours offered every weekend at the Aroma restaurant. For more information and reservatiosn, call 4405-3325, email aroma.doha@kempinski.com, or www.kempinski.com/doha

Seafood Sensation

Fridays and Saturdays: Sharq Village and Spa. For those with an appetite for coastal flavours, the chef’s culinary brilliance is Fridays: Grand Hyatt Doha. Experience a highlighted with dishes on the menu such grand weekend! At Issan, the restaurant’s open show kitchens are set in a captivating as the fisherman’s platter. The selection scene with authentic steam, along with grill features fresh whole fish prepared to your liking; the chef recommends salmon either and wok, preparations served in an “allsteamed with soy, ginger and cilantro or you-can-eat” lunch. The Grill is the perfect baked with lemon comfit and rosemary. place for families to enjoy a lavish buffet QR 185 per person. For more information, featuring the freshest ingredients prepared in live cooking stations. Prices set at QR 250, call 4425-6666. including soft drinks and QR 395 including unlimited selected house beverages. From Retail Night 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more details, Saturdays: Oryx Rotana. At the Cellar only call 4448-1250 or 4448-1240. can you enjoy your favourite drink at retail

Grand Weekends

Lunch at Belgian Café

Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Overlooking the Doha Skyline and Arabian Gulf, Belgian Café opens its door for lunch every Friday from 12:30 p.m. Enjoy authentic and exquisite Belgian dishes from the a la carte menu along with a selection of cold cuts and cheese. Accompanied by a pint, whether light or dark, it’s the perfect addition to your lunch. Find out why Belgian Café is the place to be. Friday Lunch Special: A pot of steaming mussles, a Belgian draught beverage and a waffle for only QR 145. For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4954.

price weekly! The all-new tapas menu and the wide selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay will make every Saturday night very special. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Jazzy Saturdays

Saturdays: Grand Hyatt Doha. The Grill will turn into a romantic and cozy experience every Saturday night! Enjoy a new a la carte menu featuring the freshest seafood, best steaks and fine dinning dishes, together with the Doha Jazz Band creating a sophisticated atmosphere. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4448-1240.

Saturdays: W Doha. Add some flavour to the start of the week with Spice Market’s comprehensive sushi menu featuring assorted sushi, nigiri, maki and sashimi, prepared with the secret condiments of three-Michelin star chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and his expert team. From 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5363.

Express Lunch at Market by Jean-Georges

Sundays to Thursdays: W Doha. Choose your starter, main course and dessert and savour Chef Vongerichten’s signature dishes in only 30 minutes! From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 85 per person for a three-course menu. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

Sip & Savour

Saturdays to Thursdays: W Doha. Sip one and the second is on the house, together with complimentary Spice Market snacks, such as chicken skewers, samosas and spring rolls. From 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5363.

Taco Promotion

Daily: Doha Marriott. Tacos are the Mexican equivalent to a hot and spicy sandwich. In other words, it is the generic name for a corn tortilla that is spread with a filling of your choice, folded or rolled up and eaten with the hands. So, take a break and enjoy the popular Mexican snack at Salsa. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Surf & Turf

Daily: Sheraton Doha. It’s more than fish and chips! For the month of July, experience great lobster or shrimps, combined with beef tenderloin or veal kebab at Irish Harp. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4485-4556.

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Steak Nights

Daily: Grand Hyatt Doha. Are you looking for a place to satisfy your cravings for a real steak? The selection of fresh meats in The Grill is sure to impress! Enjoy a variety of prime and Wagyu beef from Australia and New Zealand (VICS “premium” rib eye, Tajima “silver” tenderloin and Pureland “Prime” T-Bone, to name just a few). Specially selected white or red wine from Table Mountain will perfectly match the menu of your choice. QR 180 per person including free-flowing red and white vino. From 6:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information, call 4448-1240.

Le Central Business Lunch

Daily: La Cigale. Le Central welcomes you and your corporate associates for a closed business deal with its specialty Business Set Menu. It will take only few minutes from your office wherever you are in Doha to savour three choices of light and healthy appetizers, expertly designed main dishes and irresistible desserts for only QR 150. For more information, call 4428-8772.

Salads & Sandwiches

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Enjoy a big selection of summer salads like Ruccola with seafood or the Mediterranean Salad Nicoise at the Pool Café. Or if you want something more filling, why not try the fresh sandwiches to beat the heat, like the famous Club Sandwich or a Italian Panini with delicious toppings? From 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 4485-4556.

Escape to Paradise

Daily: Doha Marriott. Frozen, crushed, with fat-free yogurt, with mango, strawberry, banana, healthy or juicy … the choice is yours! The latest craze has arrived at the Doha Marriott and hit the poolside. Ask for your smoothie or frozen cocktail how you like it whilst lounging in the sun or sitting in the lobby. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Magic Wok

Daily: Doha Marriott. Woks can be used in a large number of cooking methods: boiling, braising, deep frying, smoking, steaming and stewing, to name a few! And from traditional Chinese favorites to fresh new taste creations, Asia Live!’s chefs have created a delicious menu with something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Business lunch at The Cellar

Market Tasting Menu

Happy Hours 2.4.1 at JW's

Café Restaurant Theme Nights

Daily: Oryx Rotana. Enjoy the Cellar’s threecourse set menu, including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 85 per person daily – guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. What are you waiting for? Grab your quick bite now! For more information, call 4402-3333.

Daily: Doha Marriott. The Bar at the JW's Steakhouse opens its door at 5:00 p.m. every day, allowing you to unwind the chic and elegant surroundings. Happy Hour is from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Do you like a Trapanes or Ortolana or Porcini e Anatra? Come and experience authentic pizzas prepared by Sicilian Chef Marco and baked in the woodfired oven to perfection. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4485-4556.

Rocca, Pizza and Pasta!

Daily: Grand Hyatt Doha. Throughout July, the Mediterranean restaurant is offering all-youcan-eat pizza and pasta! It’s an unbeatable deal that you cannot miss. QR 170 per person, which includes five malt beverages. For more information, call 4448-1270.

Daily: W Doha. Sample the chef’s favourites! Savour a five-course set menu featuring the most delightful and mouthwatering dishes. This is definitely a must! QR 280 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Daily: InterContinental Doha. Savour a gastronomic food trip around the world with unique and interactive culinary themes. Monday is Far Eastern Night; Tuesday is Italian Night; Wednesday is South Indian Night; Thursday is Phoenician Night; Friday is the Grand Family Brunch; Saturday is Kids’ Brunch with entertainment and Seafood Night; Sunday is Steak Night. Brunch starts at 12:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-4444.

Lagenda Theme Nights

Daily: Holiday Villa Doha. Experience a different taste everyday! Saturday is Italian, Sunday is Malaysian, Monday is Mexican, Tuesday is French, Wednesday is Arabic and Thursday and Friday are Indian. QR 150 per person and QR 70 for kids between four to 12 years old, except for the Indian Night, which is QR 155 for adult and QR 77 for kids. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 4408-4220. 109

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Di Capri Specials Menu

Daily: La Cigale. Order the Di Capri special three-course set menu for only QR 140 and experience flavourful Italian cuisine. Set menu includes Minestrone Genovese perfumed with pesto, penne with mozzarella and Tiramisu Della Casa. Or pamper yourself by ordering an upgraded three-course set menu at QR 245 that includes beef carpaccio with wild fennel, sea bass fillet with mushrooms and Cassata Siciliana. For more information, call 4428-8840.

Traiteur Daily Specials

Daily: La Cigale. Enjoy a healthy lunch with daily specials available for outside orders! The lunch box contains a fresh salad, delectable main dish, homemade dessert and one soft drink. Choose your main dish from different selections, such as poultry, meat or seafood. Prices start from QR 60. Book your meal in advance by calling 4428-8803 or 4428-8820.

International Buffet

Daily: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha. The scrumptious buffet at Grand Gourmet offers different cuisines from around the world, such as Italian cuisine Saturdays, Far Eastern cuisine Mondays, Seafood Wednesdays and Arabian cuisine on Fridays. Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., lunch from 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. The special Friday brunch for the whole family is served between 11:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email sdesilva@wyndham.com

JULY/AUGUST

Weekend Family Brunch

Fridays and Saturdays: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. Relax and enjoy the Lunch Discount sumptuous array of international cuisine June 15th – Sep 15th: La Dolce Vita, including fresh seafood, carved meats Souq Waqif. Experience scrumptious and Arabic delights. A special children’s Italian cuisine and get a special discount area offers their favourite food, along with of 25 per cent on all meals. This offer is face painting, karaoke, Wii and a whole from 12:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more lot more. Brunch is from 12:00 p.m. till information and reservations, call 4436-7991 4:00 p.m. Complimentary access to the pool or 4432-5967. for children and moms from 12:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. QR 199 per person, inclusive of all Chopsticks Business Lunch beverages. Children from six to 12 years of age are half-price and those below six are Tuesdays to Sundays: Wyndham free. For more information, call 4496-6600. Grand Regency Doha. Business Lunch at Chopsticks offers the ideal solution for busy professionals: a variety of The Doha Marriott Brunch distinctive modern Asian Food presented Fridays and Saturdays: Doha Marriott. in an exceptional three-course menu. Enjoy a lavish weekend brunch and spoil Daily changing set menu, which should your taste buds. An array of cuisines is be served in only 59 minutes for offered featuring Asia Live!, Corniche, All’ QR 59. Otherwise, you get it for free! Aperto, Taj Rasoi and Salsa. Indulge in From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more specialties freshly prepared in front of you. information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or Your kids will also enjoy their buffet at the email sdesilva@wyndham.com kid’s club. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or Curry Night email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com Wednesdays: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. With a tantalizing buffet featuring ten kinds of meat, seafood and vegetarian curries from green to red, mild to spicy, the selection will enliven your palate with all the flavours that true curry lovers really want. Priced at just QR 115 per person, reservations are essential. For more information, call 4496-6600.

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Treasures from the Deep

Fridays to Tuesdays: Doha Marriott. Tempt your appetite with a delectable seafood buffet at the Corniche, Mediterranean restaurant. It is one of Doha Marriottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlights for all seafood lovers. They feature a wide variety of local and imported seafood prepared according to contemporary and traditional recipes. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Teas from around the World

Daily: Grand Heritage Doha. The first and only authentic tea lounge of its kind in the Middle East. The lounge offers a variety of over 40 different types of tea, some of which are seasonal and available only during short periods of the year. From 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4445-5555.

Wok Mee Business Lunch

Daily: MĂśvenpick Tower and Suites. For an Asian twist at lunchtime, try the new business lunch menu. The three-course menu spoils you with choice and features favourites such as the traditional Thai Fish Cakes, Nasi Goreng, Green Mango Salad and Toffee Bananas with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. QR 85 per person. Get a 15 per cent discount with the MTS membership card. Free membership with every reservation. For more information, call 4496-6600.

Creative Casual Dining

Daily: Grand Heritage Doha. Blue offers a creative global cuisine, featuring flavours from all the continents, treats guests to an interactive dining experience. From 12:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4445-5555.

International Display and Live Cooking

Daily: Grand Heritage Doha. The all-day dining restaurant offers a warm and inviting environment in which you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can relish an up-to-date reflection of international cuisine prepared in lively show kitchen. For more information, call 4445-5555.

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COMMUNITY LISTINGS AUGUST Book Swap

JULY Breastfeeding Support Group

July 7th: Al Sadd. Join in for a chat and receive some support for nursing your baby. Some find it tough, others find it easy ... it’s nice to meet other moms who are doing the same. Babies and their siblings of any age are welcome. Starts at 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Book Swap

July 11th, 25th: Starbucks, Landmark Mall. Experience a swap of books, mags, and stories from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a coffee, chat and pick up a new book! If you have a passion for reading, or just like to browse through a magazine all you need to do is bring a book or magazine to swap. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Mum’s Night Out

July 25th: The Pearl-Qatar. Feel like a night out, but don’t know very many people in Doha? Want to go out with friends, but don’t know where to go? Then come join the Doha Mums’ Mum’s Night Out at the popular Thai cuisine restaurant Mango Tree. The restaurant offers a mouth-watering array of authentic Thai appetizers such as seafood satays, spicy fish cakes and prawn spring rolls, plus a vast selection of mains like curries, grilled dishes, stir fries, noodles and rice. Starts at 7:30 p.m. RSVP is required. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Toy Swap

July 30th: Al Faisaliya Compoud. Bring used toys or toys your kids no longer need and swap it for the ones they have better use for. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

JULY/AUGUST New Arrivals Coffee

Tuesdays: Hyatt Plaza. Whether you are new to Doha, new to Doha Mums or just want to welcome someone who is, please join a casual coffee at Café de Chalet. There is plenty of room for everyone, and kids are treated to free play on a bouncy castle courtesy of Kiddy Zone. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Children are welcome and there’s no need to RSVP. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Mums-only Coffee Morning

Tuesdays: Landmark Mall. Need a break from the kids? Join us for a kid-free coffee from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. at Paul’s. No kids please - not even babies. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

“Mums of Teens” Coffee

Wednesdays: THE One, Landmark Mall. Meet other moms with teenagers and share stories and advice. Starts at 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Expectant & New Mums Coffee

Thursdays: Various. Join other new moms and moms-to-be to talk “all things baby”! Doha Mums hosts a coffee from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. The location varies so check the Doha Mums website for dates and details. Bring your little ones so everyone can ooh and aah! For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Soccer Break for Dads

Saturdays: Qipco Compound. Take part in a friendly pick-up game with likeminded dads! Starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Aug 8th, 22nd: Starbucks, Landmark Mall. Experience a swap of books, mags, and stories from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a coffee, chat and pick up a new book! If you have a passion for reading, or just like to browse through a magazine all you need to do is bring a book or magazine to swap. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Doha Mums Complimentary Essence Foot Scrub and Foot Bath

Aug 10th, 17th: Essence Spa. Enjoy a complimentary Essence foot bath and foot scrub with other moms, as well as herbal tea and snacks, plus a mini tour of the boutique spa. From 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. This a moms-only event. No children allowed in the spa on the morning. RSVP is essential. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Breastfeeding Support Group Aug 11th: Al Sadd. Join in for a chat and receive some support for nursing your baby. Some find it tough, others find it easy ... it’s nice to meet other moms who are doing the same. Babies and their siblings of any age are welcome. Starts at 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. For further details please visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Mum’s Night Out

Aug 23rd: Wyndham Grand Regency. Feel like a night out, but don’t know very many people in Doha? Want to go out with friends, but don’t know where to go? Then come join the Mum’s Night Out at the award-winning Far Eastern cuisine restaurant, Chopsticks. Enjoy delicious sushi and sashimi plus be tempted with an extensive Chinese menu. Starts at 7:30 p.m. RSVP is required. For further details, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Toy Swap

Aug 27th: Al Faisaliya Compoud. Bring used toys or toys your kids no longer need and swap it for the ones they have better use for. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

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SPORTS LISTINGS JULY

JULY/AUGUST

Full Moon Yoga

Body Groove

Spinning

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: InterContinental Doha. The spinning program is the original and most popular group cycling class. With no complicated moves to learn, a motivating group environment, top-notch instructors and music that begs your legs to pedal. Every class is a little different, but one of the great things about the spinning program is that it is adaptable to your fitness level. Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., Fridays at 12:00 p.m., and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. QR 25 for members and QR 35 for non-members. Schedule might change during Ramadan. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

Sundays: InterContinental Doha. So you think you can dance? Then body groove is for you! Combining all types of dance styles, from hip-hop to Latin to house and even contemporary, this 60-minute cardio workout has something for everybody! Starts at 10:00 a.m. QR 30 for members and QR 40 for non-members. Schedule Gym might change during Ramadan. For Mondays: Doha Marriott. Join health enthusiasts for fun and fitness as we stretch, more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com strengthen and relax the whole body. A short aerobics session will be followed by Abs Workout strengthening (with or without weights) and Kickfit Mondays and Fridays: InterContinental Doha. stretching exercises conducted to either pop Sundays and Thursdays: InterContinental The instructors will concentrate on your exercise Doha. A hi-energy, martial arts calorie or new age music. To round off the class, technique to work the abdominal muscles from burner, Kickfit combines boxing, karate there will a short relaxation session. From every conceivable angle. To give your abs and good 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information, Muay Thai and Capoiera into a fun, yet base of strength and tone, you need to concentrate challenging, total body workout. Using the call 4429-8520. and focus on core strength and stability. The shadow boxing format, this class is great for instructor will check that you constantly maintain all levels of fitness wanting to burn fat and control in the correct area. Join and get the abs Hatha Yoga tone muscles quickly. Sundays at 5:00 p.m. you’ve always wanted! Mondays at 7:15 p.m. and Sundays and Thursdays: Doha Marriott. and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. QR 30 for Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Free for members and QR 30 Yoga is the oldest system of personal members and QR 40 for non–members. for non-members. Schedule might change during development in the world, encompassing Schedule might change during Ramadan. Ramadan. For more information, call 4484-4852 or body, mind and spirit. Yoga combines For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com meditation and breathing techniques with email bayclub@icdoha.com yogic postures for optimum health and

July 15th: Sharq Village and Spa. Immerse yourself with the beauty of nature at night as you engage your whole being with meditative poses of yoga at Al Dana Island. From 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 4425-6999.

peace of mind. Mixed Class: Sundays from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Ladies-only Class: Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information, call 4429-8520.

Step AO2

Mondays and Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. One of the most popular group fitness classes worldwide, Step AO2 improves both mental and physical fitness, burning away calories while learning fun routines to the newest music. More suitable for intermediate steppers. Starts at 10:00 a.m. QR 30 for members and QR 40 for non-members. Schedule might change during Ramadan. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

Circuit Training

Thursdays: InterContinental Doha. Circuit training is widely regarded as the best all-round form of group exercise. It allows each individual to work at one’s own pace but in a group environment. This session is not for the faint of heart; however, if you enjoy a tough workout in a friendly atmosphere with every session different from the last, then this what you’ve been looking for. All you need is a lot of enthusiasm and a sense of humour when it gets tough! Starts at 7:00 p.m. QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non–members. Schedule might change during Ramadan. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

Yoga Open Classes

Fridays to Wednesdays: Yama Yoga Studios. Stay fit this season! Yama Yoga is holding classes to meet the need of all students. QR 60 per class. Morning classes: Sundays and Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Evening classes: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Schedule might change during Ramadan. For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail.com or email www.yamayogastudios.com

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world

IT HAPPENED

Qatar

, Launch ommons C Creative islamic Art Museum of

Creative Commons Qatar officially launched in Doha May 31 at the Museum of islamic Art.

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world environment

Qatar National Theatre

Day closing ceremony

Eco-minded people came out in droves for the World Environment Day closing ceremony June 5.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC Orchestra, Katara Opera House

ith music eir audience w QPO wowed th ring a du n and Vivaldi from Beethove t June 1. special concer

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IT HAPPENED

paloma on the

intercontinental

beach,

hotel doha

Beach de vote last Palom es rocked out duri ng the a on the B each eve season J nt of the une 2.

doha intercontinental , DJ Ian carey Live

Renowned DJ Ian Carey delighted the crow d at InterContinental Doha June 9.

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Inter-hotel Olympics, Seasons Villas

e second Doha hosted th Four Seasons -25. 18 mpics June Inter-Hotel Oly yball, lle vo ed t includ The tournamen . d table tennis swimming an

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IT HAPPENED

james

, W doha brunch bond

sheraton

Stylish brunch-goers enjoyed an afternoo n of delicious brunch and James Bond trivia in The Market June 3.

, w doha carnival cupcake

Kids and adults alike delighted in decoratin g their own cupcakes during the Cupcake Carnival June 3.

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, celebration Day Independence Philippine sheraton doha

Photos by Noel Delos Santos

Doha res idents ce lebrated Independ Philippine ence Day with grea entertain t food, liv ment and e a car sho w June 1 0.

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PHONE DIRECTORY Hospitals / Emergency Police & Fire Department 999 Doha Clinic Hospital 4438 4333 Emergency Hotline 4435 5999 Al Ahli Hospital 4498-8888 Doha Dental 4431-7766

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trad. & Cont. Co.

4442-8877

Interior Design Forum Design

4456 8716

Hotels

Hamad General Hospital Rumailah Hospital Pediatric Emergency Centre Qatar Foundation for Child & Woman Protection Hotline

4439-2222 4439-3333 4439-2948 4466-6671 / 72 / 73

Spas / Salons

Shopping

Al Thuraya Ladies Club 4456-9089 Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre 4496 6410 Bliss 4453-5555 4498-0033 Dados Beauty Salon Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 Doha Marriott Spa 4429-8520 Elie & Jean Salon 4485-4011 4494-8888 Four Seasons Spa Frank Provost 4494-8844 George V Salon 4412-2046/47 Glow American Salon, Salwa 4468-9945 4411-7652 Westbay 4428-8888 La Cigale - Ozone Spa La Coifure Frances 4468-9211 Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Mohamad Al Sagheer Salon 4425-6164 Pace & Luce 4493-4000 4485-4012 Patrice Salon Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Spa Chakra 4499-9250

Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 Blue Salon 4446-6111 City Center Doha 4483-0582 Hyatt Plaza 4469-4848 4487-5222 Landmark Mall Royal Plaza 4413-0000 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-9666 51 East 4425-7777

Al Bustan 4435-2227 Al Seef 4433-2222 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 4448-1234 Grand Hyatt InterContinental 4484-4444 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale Hotel 4428-8888 Mercure Grand 4446-2222 4409-4444 Merwebhotel Central Doha Millennium Hotel 4424-7777 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6600 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Tourism / Travel 4428-1555 Ramada Plaza Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 Alpha Tours 4434-4496 Safir Doha Hotel 4445-5333 Arabian Adventures 4436-1461 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Black Pearl Tourism Services 5555-1169 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Desert Adventures 4436-2455 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 Destinations of the World 4467-1200 W Doha 4453-5353 Discover Qatar 4449-6973 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333 Emirates Airlines 4438-4477 Fox Transport 4462-2777 Gulf Adventures 4431-5555 Qatar Airways 4449-6666 Qatar Airways Holidays 4449-6969 Qatar International Adventures 4455-3954 Qatar International Tours 4455-1141 Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority 4499-1919 Regency Holidays 4434-4444 Travco Qatar Holidays 4442-3703 Victoria Car Rental 4466-6635

Community Australian and New Zealand 6651-1892 Business in Qatar Group American Women’s Association 5511-8085 5554-0873 Bridge Club Doha Garden Club 5523-1650 Doha Players 4447-4911 Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171 Filcom Toastmasters Club 5540-3971 French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467 German Stammtisch 4487-6959 Illonggos 5595-9561 Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052 Qatar Intl. Beauty Academy 4438-0255 Qatar National Cancer Society 4447-8128 Qatar Scientific Club 4458-3780 5520-9294 Red Dotters Qatar Simplemente Amigas 5551-8358 Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598 South African Ladies Association 5589-2366 Spanish Speaking Ladies Group 6664-2094 Talking Matters Toastmasters 5580-7524 Tuesday Ladies Group 5573-5078 Turkish Ladies Group 5550-8026

Clubs Dana Club Diplomatic Club Doha Golf Club Doha Sailing Club

4496-0600 4484-7444 4496-0777 4443-9840

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QH JULAUG 2011 BACK.pdf

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6/23/11

2:01 PM

AD Forum July.pdf

6/26/11

11:37 AM

THE LATEST IN HOME INTERIORS FURNITURE WALL TREATMENTS FABRIC DESIGNS WOOD FLOORS KITCHENS & BATHROOMS ACCESSORIES

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FORUM DESIGN P.O. BOX 7848 DOHA, QATAR TEL. +[974] 44 56 87 16 MOBILE. +[974] 55 10 77 88 www.ahbqatar.com AN ASSOCIATE OF AHMED HASSAN BILAL GROUP OF COMPANIES