QH JUNE 09 COVER.pdf
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QH JUN 09 INSIDE FRONT.pdf
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In Suzanne's Words
They say that the only constant in life is that life is constantly changing. This year unexpected changes have altered how people live around the globe. Within our small community, in the labs at Qatar Foundation, the leaders of tomorrow are quietly creating and developing innovative ideas which will impact change globally one day. In this issue we take a close-up look at one new invention, the Robo Receptionist. An interesting concept which begs the age old question: will we really be replaced by computers one day? There are a few other lighter changes to ponder in Qatar as we bid fond farewells to people who left their marks on Doha. Ellen Van Vloten Dissevelt, wife to the Dutch Ambassador, is one such person who leaves behind the legacy of an expat art scene she personally helped to inspire. We feature her exit gift to the community, and share the fruits of her vision, which could never have been created by a computer, as we cover her final and exquisite art exhibition at her residence.
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Table of contents
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Credits
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Calendar of events
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Feature Robo-Receptionist
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Spotlight on arts Waiting for Godot
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Arts
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Spotlight on entertainment Sharq Rock
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Entertainment
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Spotlight on sports Hot Yoga
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Sports
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Close encounters Going Dutch in Doha
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Community
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Gourmet guide Surf, Turf and Pie... Oh My!
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Restaurant promotions
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Kids Club Drama Club
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Conferences
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Social
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It happened
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Telephone directory
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ON THE
COVER Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editor: Suzanne Grant Acting Editor: Jessica Davey-Quantick Head of Design and Photography: Jorell Legaspi Photography Assistant: Ahmad Oustwan Graphic Designer: Paolo Kurtis Tan Contributors: Fiona Murray, Jessica Davey-Quantick Marketing Manager: Moona Masri-Whitice Client Relations Executive: Michael Dale Whitice Distribution and Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pa単a Qatar Happening available at: QDC, Landmark Mall Kiosk, Mega Mart - The Centre, THE One, Virgin Megastore, Doha Marriott Hotel Bookshop and the concierge of distinguished hotels Letters to the Editor: Your feedback and comments are always welcome. Please forward your letters to the Editor at the address below. Contact Details: Tel: +974 491 0565 Fax: +974 491 0570 Postal Address: P.O. Box 7848 , Doha, Qatar E-mail: editor@qatarhappening.com info@qatarhappening.com Web page: www.qatarhappening.com The information contained in Qatar Happening is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. You are advised to confirm details with the event organisers. Please visit www.qatarhappening.com for more information Artwork by Willemien Mansell. Going Dutch in Doha. Photo: Jessica Davey-Quantick 6
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Calendar of events
June 2009 Mon 1st – Wed 10th
Dutch Art Exhibition
pg 16
Italian Food Festival
pg 51
Tues 2nd – Fri 12th Wed 3th
Qatar Natural History Group Meeting
Thurs 4th – Fri. 5th
Waiting for Godot
Fri 5th
Hed Kandi
Sun 7th
Whose Line is it Anyway?
Sun 7th
Phillippine Independence Day
Mon 8th
Jazz Night
Sun 14th
The Laughter Factory
Sun 14th
HH The Emir Volleyball Cup
Tues 16th
Medicine and U: Depression
Sat 27th
Beauties, Heroes and Villians
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pg 40
pg 38
pg 24
pg 24
pg 24
pg 26
pg 26
pg 30
pg 56
pg 18
Feature
Robo Receptionist By Jessica Davey-Quantick “Yes hello, what can I do for you?” It’s not very often a blue face in a box starts a conversation. This is Hala, the latest creation at Carnegie Mellon Qatar, funded by Qatar National Research Fund’s National Priorities Research Project Grant. And she’s about to have her first birthday. “Her main functional role is to act as a receptionist, to engage people, and to answer some useful queries. You can ask her who she is, where she’s from, who built her. She can tell you what the weather is, how to get around the building, phone numbers,” said Senior Systems Scientist Brett Browning, the Computer Science faculty member on the project. “But really what the project is about is to allow us to study human robot interaction.” To do that, they plan to deploy Hala in the main reception at Carnegie Mellon, then anonymously log the conversations she has with people. 9
Feature
“If you’ve got a robot up on Mars, then it doesn’t need to interact with people. But there’s a much larger range of robot applications where they will be in and around people,” said Browning. “Can they interact as a team mate when human and robots are working together on a task? Can they interact effectively with people when they’re not team mates- you imagine a robot that’s cleaning the floors or so on, it needs to be able to know when it should avoid people and when it should tell people to get out of its way. “
Part of the challenge is getting Hala to work in a crosscultural setting. “We have a Western setting, but we also have an Arabic setting. Hala is actually able to speak in both languages, English and Arabic, and trys to interact in slightly different ways depending on the language,” said Browning. “When people have conversations in Arabic, there’s a very different conversational flow. The sort of rules of the interaction are a little bit different. Things like personal distance, the kinds of things you will say. How do we build the human robot interaction system to take those things into account?” There’s also the issue of her not making people flee in terror. According to Browning, that’s cultural as well. “That’s where actually this cultural thing really gets intriguing. In the U.S. a lot of people have mixed feelings about robotics; some people are like ‘oh my god, Terminator.' But if you go talk to someone in Japan though, they have a very different view. They grew up with things like Astro Boy that really focused on robots being friends, robots being helpers. So for them, building a humanoid is wonderful, that’s cool, just in it’s own light. And that’s why a lot of humanoids are built in Japan.” 10
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Feature
But there’s a thin line between awesome and apocalypse when it comes to humanoid robots. “There’s this problem people have studied called 'the uncanny valley.' That is if we make her look very very realistic but we don’t get it quite right, it tends to be disturbing,” said Browning. “So her face is a little cartoonish, she has blue hair, her skin is blue, she’s very clearly not blood and flesh like everyone else. But she has a feminine form, so it’s something you can relate to. She’s representative of a human. What it really means is you have to either get it right spot on, or you don’t want to be anywhere too close. Because if you’re in that area nearby, it tends to disturb people more than anything.” Still, despite the visions of a Skynet-style army of angry secretaries taking over the world, the team at Carnegie Mellon has given her layers of personality that go beyond telling someone how to find a professors office. They’re working on giving her a back-story and interests that will range from what her robo-friends are doing on Mars to what she got up to on the weekend. “The idea is to be engaging. So if you come in and all she does is tell you the weather or how to get to someone’s office, it becomes kind of boring after a while,” said Browning. “We’re involving students in coming up with her personality and her back-story. Who is she, where is she from, what does she do? That’s where we’re trying to create this personality that’s consistent. So when you come in and ask what she did on the weekend, it fits with what her personality is – like you would expect from a normal person.” You know, except one that’s blue. 12
Spotlight on arts
Waiting for Godot By Jessica Davey-Quantick Doha doesn’t have to wait anymore: Godot has arrived, courtesy of The Thunderbird Theater Group's production of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ on June 4th and 5th. “It’s one of the most famous plays of the contemporary repertoire,” said Alice Safran, stage director. The play centers around two men’s quest to do anything ‘to hold the terrible silence at bay’, as they each wait for a man they admit they wouldn’t recognize if he stood in front of them. In typical Beckett style, the play manages to make the audience laugh and cry, at almost the exact same time as it makes them ponder the meaning of life and every other existential puzzle the brain is capable of conjuring up. 13
Spotlight on arts
“The play is about waiting, friendship, loneliness and the meaning of life. Two tramps are waiting for a mysterious man, Godot, and this hope helps them to stay in life, and go on, even if life doesn’t seem to have any sense,” said Safran. “It's still the most joyful play by Beckett, his first play, and a well-known one, with a great sense of humour.”
The levels audiences have connected with this play is what makes it one of Beckett’s most famous. “These characters are playing all the time in order to kill time, it's an allegory of mankind. Either the audience will get bored, or they may be enthusiastic with this hypnotic waiting,” said Safran. Staged in it’s original French, Safran expects the show to create a new experience for theatre-goers in Doha. “It's a real challenge to produce this kind of theatre here, it's new to rehearse and create this here, and a new way here for culture,” she said. “It's an artistic challenge: we'll be creating a desert of sand on stage, we'll try to find funny characters, and understand what's the meaning of Godot nowadays, here in the desert. There may be some interesting surprises.” The show will take place on June 4th and 5th at the Qatar National Theatre. For more information, call 576-5201 or visit www.qatarhappening.com for further details as they are released. 14
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Arts
Kid’s Art
Fridays: Movenpick. Children from prestigious schools in Doha compete in expressing the way they perceive the world of cartoon movies in this special painting exhibition, open from noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 429-1111.
Faraj Abbo Al Numan
Mon 1st – Thurs 4th: Waqif Art Centre. Retrospective exhibition of the leading Iraqi artist Faraj Abbo Al Numan’s work Faraj Abbo was born in Musul-Iraq in 1921. His talent appeared since his early childhood and some of his early paintings and sculptures decorated some of Musul’s old churches. The value of his painting is by marking a period of time in Iraq and preserving images of its landscaping that unfortunately doesn’t exist anymore. For more information, check out www.waqifartcenter.com
Dutch Art Exhibition
Mon 1st – Wed 10th :Grand Hyatt. Grand Hyatt Doha presents a collection of the latest works of Dutch artist Linda Nijenbandring de Boer in an exhibition in the Al Maha lobby extension. For more information, call 448-1234.
Marionettes
Mon 1st – Wed 10th: The Third Line, Souq Waqif. New works by Hayv Kahraman where her inspiration is women and the oppression found in the everyday, in a series of works focused on women and domestic life. For more information, check out www.thethirdline.com
Salman Al Malik
Tues 2nd– Thurs 4th: Waqif Art Center. Solo Exhibition of the Qatari artist Salman Al Malik. When creativity unifies with experience, the result is nothing less than a memorable exhibition. Salman Al Malik exploits the ultimate freedom in using colours; he turns contradiction to attraction and strength to warmth and affection. With equivalent procedural emancipation, Salman allows his characters to share with us the intimacy of the moment and attract us into an enticing visual dialogue. For more information, check out www.waqifartcenter.com
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Arts
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra
Sat 6th: Aspire Hall. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) presents Beethoven’s Symphony 6, Khatchaturian Violin concerto, and Balakirev’s ‘Islamey’ at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from QR 50 to QR 200, available from QPO, Centerpoint and Villagio box offices from 3:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. daily. For more information call 520-6319.
A Musical Journey through Europe
Sat 13th: Aspire Hall. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) presents works by Offenbach, Chabrier, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, J Strauss, and M Khalife, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from QR 50 to QR 200, available from QPO, Centerpoint and Villagio box offices from 3:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. daily. For more information call 520-6319.
The Third Line Doha Summer Show
Mon 15th – Sept 12th: The Third Line, Souq Waqif. The Third Line Doha will showcase an impressive line-up of pieces from its represented artists. In this first edition of a Summer Show, around 30 smaller pieces by some of The Third Line’s best-selling artists will be available in Doha - don't miss this opportunity to own a unique piece by acclaimed artists Laleh Khorramian, Youssef Nabil and Fouad Elkoury, among others. An exhibition not to be missed! For more details contact the gallery at doha@thethirdline.com
Arabic Musical Journey
Sat 20th: Aspire Hall. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) presents a selection of Arabic works by contemporary composers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from QR 50 to QR 200, available from QPO, Centerpoint and Villagio box offices from 3:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. daily. For more information call 520-6319.
Beauties, Heroes and Villians
Sat 27th: Aspire Hall. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) presents a musical celebration of Hollywood at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from QR 50 to QR 200, available from QPO, Centerpoint and Villagio box offices from 3:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. daily. For more information call 520-6319. 18
Spotlight on entertainment
Sharq Rock By Jessica Davey-Quantick The Sharq Village and Spa wants to rock you. Every Friday night all summer long, the Cigar Lounge gets it’s glam on with Classic Rock Night. “U2, ACDC, we’ve got some Cure, Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, the rock of the 80’s and the new wave stuff of the 80’s. All the stuff people love to listen to in the bar,” said Matthias Terrettaz, executive assistant manager of food and beverage at the Sharq. While DJs, house and hip-hop are thick on the ground in Doha, rock and roll can be as hard to find as a long-haired rocker with eyeliner wandering the Corniche. “Nobody does this in Doha,” said Terrettaz. But it’s something people want. “We did St. Patrick’s Day, and we put a couple of U2 songs on for St. Patrick’s Day. And one guest was like ‘wow, U2 put it louder, you should play that more!’ and then I’m like ‘good idea’. So it’s the guests that gave us the idea, and we decided to do it every Friday all summer long,” he said. “We’ve been doing it since after St. Patrick’s Day and we keep doing it because people love it.” For more information, call the Sharq at 425-6666. 19
Entertainment
Ranin El Shaar
Daily (except Sundays): Madison Piano Bar, La Cigale. Madison Piano Bar welcomes back the popular International Singer Ranin El Shaar from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., QR 200 per person on Thursdays and Fridays only. For more information, call 428- 8888.
Food and Fun in the Sun
Daily: Sharq Village and Spa. Lounge by the pool or beach and enjoy a selection of Sharq Bites all summer long! Day passes are available from Sunday to Thursday for QR 150 and QR 75 per child 12 and under. Weekends are priced at QR 250 per guest. For more information, call 425-6666.
Advanced and Beginner Salsa Classes
Saturdays: Doha Marriott. Beginner class from 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m., Advanced class from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., organized by Salsa N Candela for QR 75 per person. For more information, call 504-7010.
Salsa Night
Sundays: Paloma, InterContinental Doha. Dance salsa, munch on paella and enjoy a half-liter of sangria for QR 300 a couple. For more information, call 484-4444.
Salsa Classes
Sundays: La Cigale Hotel. Beginner Salsa classes organized by Salsa N Candela every Sunday from 9:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. for QR 70 per person or QR 120 per couple. The rest of the night is reserved to try out your new skills! For more information, call 504-7010.
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Entertainment
Rueda De Casino Class
Mondays: Doha Marriott. Learn this sassy dance every Monday, hosted by Salsa N Candela from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. for QR 75 per person. For more information, call 504-7010.
Diva Ladies Night
Mondays: Pearl Lounge, Doha Marriott. Ladies receive free entrance all night long plus two free drinks when entering before 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 429-8888.
Sparkling French
Tuesdays: W. Grab your entourage and head over to the Crystal lounge for some sparkling French bubbly and French musical classics, complete with a free glass for the ladies from 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 453-5453.
Happy Hour
Tuesdays to Sundays: Admiral’s Club, Ritz-Carlton Doha. Enjoy the refreshing ambience of Admiral’s Club while you dine with friends on the terrace overlooking the spectacular view of the Marina waterfront. Two drinks for the price of one from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 484-8000.
Brahms & Co
Tuesdays to Fridays: W. Dive into the Crystal Lounge to the sounds of the DJ duo from Paris Brahms and Co. For more information, call 453-5453. 22
Entertainment
Live DJ on the Terrace
Tuesdays to Fridays: Doha Marriott. Sway with the breeze of the Arabian Gulf and feel the rhythm of a DJ from noon till midnight. For more information, call 429-8888.
100% Arabic
Wednesdays: Pearl Lounge, Doha Marriott. A night full of traditions and belly shaking, from 9:00 p.m. till close. For more information, call 429-8888.
Sundowners
Thursdays to Sundays: Admiral’s Club, RitzCarlton Doha. As the sun sets over the Marina, enjoy a bucket of prawns and a bottle of suds for QR 160 from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 484-8000.
Pool & Beach BBQ
Fridays to Saturdays: Doha Marriott. Can’t decide what to do this weekend? Escape at the Marriott pool and beach, complete with bbq made to order from 11:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 125 for members, kids six-12 QR 75, QR 225 for nonmembers, kids six-12 QR 175. For more information, call 429-8888.
Waiting For Godot
Thurs 4th – Fri 5th: Qatar National Theatre. The Thunderbird Theatre presents Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting For Godot in its original French. For more information, call 576-5201 or check out our Spotlight on Entertainment feature on page 13. 23
Entertainment
Hed Kandi
Fri 5th: Qube, Ramada Plaza. Hed Kandi lights up the Qube with solid beats all night long! Gates open at 8:00 p.m. Tickets sell for QR 150 or QR 300 for VIP. Ladies get in free before 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 441-7417.
Strawberry and Asparagus Cooking Class Sat 6th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Learn to use seasonal produce to create the perfect spring menu, for QR 244. For more information, call 484-8000.
Whose Line Is It Anyway? Sun 7th: Ramada Plaza. Stephen Frost brings to Doha two hours of the very best improvisational comedians on tour. No tricks. No safety nets. Just your suggestions and off they fly! Sit back and watch the comedy unfold before your very eyes for QR150. For more information and tickets, call 428-1555.
Philippine Independence Day Celebration
Sun 7th: Qube, Ramada Plaza. Filipino artists Rico Blanco and Rica Peralejo will be in Qube hosting the celebration with songs, dancing and games. Tickets are QR 100. For more information and tickets, call 428-1555.
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Entertainment
Vino Club Meeting
Mon 8th: La Mer Wine Bar, Ritz-Carlton Doha. Open to members of La Mer Wine Bar, new members welcome. The cost is QR 2,500 for couples of QR 1,350 for singles. For more information, call 484-8000.
Jazz Night
Wed 10th: Habanos, Ritz-Carlton Doha. Habanos features James Kent (trombone) who teams up with long time Doha jazz man Chris Coull (Trumpet) for an evening of be-bop classics from the likes of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, starting at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 484-8000.
Art of Cocktail Making
Sat 13th: Habanos, Ritz-Carlton Doha. Learn to make some of the most exciting cocktails, for QR 210 starting at 4:00 p.m. This month’s theme: berries with a twist. For more information, call 484-8000.
The Laughter Factory
Sun 14th & Mon 15th: Ramada Plaza. The Laughter Factory returns with new tricks up their sleeves! Come and enjoy the best of International stand-up comedy, featuring world-class comedians direct from the comedy store in London. Both evenings are now non smoking, and shows start at 8pm. QR 110 per person, including one drink. For more information call 441-7417.
Quiz Night
Mon 29th: Shehrazad, Ramada Plaza. Bring along your team of 6 to take part in Doha’s favorite Quiz Night. No entry fee and great prizes to be won starting at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 441-7417.
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Spotlight of sports
Hot Yoga By Jessica Davey-Quantick It’s getting hot in Doha, inside and out. The Six Senses Spa at the Sharq Village and Spa offers four classes a week in Hot Yoga – a yoga class done in a room heated up like a sauna. And even as the thermometer rises outside, people are still flocking to the classes to spend even more time covered in sweat. “The premise is to get the body relaxed from the get go,” said Shannon Barry, the instructor. He’s been doing yoga for 7 years, teaching it for the last two. “So the minute you walk in your muscles are looser, you’re not as prone to injury as if you were to do it bone cold. So from the very minute you start to warm up the body from the inside and you sweat it out.” Sweat is an understatement. 27
Spotlight of sports
The room should ideally be heated to around 40 degrees Celsius: the room at Six Senses currently doesn’t usually top the mid-30’s, but by August Barry jokes he won’t even need the space heaters dotted around the room. “In summer for sure once the humidity is high, and we open the doors, it’s sweltering in here,” said Barry. That doesn’t stop people coming though. “I think people think that it’s going to be cooler inside, so they’ll actually get a reprieve from the heat!” he said. “It’s been steadily popular. I teach four classes a week and it’s packed to the rafters. I think it’s getting busier, and ironically it’s gotten busier as the heat has risen.” They’re sweating it out for a reason. Yoga itself has numerous health benefits, and many believe that heat only adds to that, throwing in a detoxification element as you literally sweat out your bodily sins. “The skin is the largest organ in the body, so in Hot Yoga, we’re not only moving the muscles we’re sweating profusely. I’m saturated and I’m only the teacher, I only did a couple of postures!” said Barry. “Obviously I teach Hot Yoga, I’m a believer in Hot Yoga. I think if you compare the studies or the facts or what this does for you, I personally feel it’s much better for the body. It’s a more all over conditioning workout, you sweat profusely and if you’re coming here for health then that’s the quickest way to it to get the toxins out. You definitely will get healthy from yoga.” Classes run Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Friday at 10 p.m. Each class costs QR 50, which includes towels, mat, water, and use of the facilities afterwards. For more information, check out www.grassrootsyoga.com or call the Six Senses Spa at 425-6999. 28
Sports
Swimming Gala
Mon 1st: Hamad Aquatic Complex. Starting at 4:00 p.m., this monthly swimming gala is for new swimmers. For more information, contact Yosry Omar at 494-4218.
First Clubs Age Groups Relay
Mon 1st: Hamad Aquatic Complex. A swimming relay, starting at 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Yosry Omar at 494-4218.
Handball Cup Final
Wed 3rd: Al Sadd Club. The Handball Federation presents The Handball Cup Final HH The Emir. For more information, check out www.olympic.qa
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Sports
HH The Heir Apparent Volleyball Cup
Mon 1st, Wed 3rd: Al Arabi Club. From 5:00 p.m. till 6:45 p.m.. For more information, contact the Volleyball Federation at qatarvolleyball@olympic.qa
HH The Heir Apparent Volleyball Cup Finals
Fri 5th: Al Arabi. Game starts at 6:45 p.m. For more information, contact the Volleyball Federation at qatarvolleyball@olympic.qa
HH The Emir Volleyball Cup Qualifications Sun 6th: Al Arabi Club. First two qualifying games from 5:00 p.m. till 6:45 p.m. For more information, contact the Volleyball Federation at qatarvolleyball@olympic.qa
HH The Emir Volleyball Cup
Mon 8th, Wed 10th, Thurs 11th, Sat. 13th: Al Arabi Club. 5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6:45 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, contact the Volleyball Federation at qatarvolleyball@olympic.qa
HH The Emir Volleyball Cup Final
Sun 14th: Al Arabi Club. The Volleyball Federation presents the Volleyball Cup Final HH The Emir. For more information, check out www.olympic.qa
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RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN Arts & Culture •••
Leisure & Sport •••
Community •••
Visitor Attraction •••
Nightlife & Food •••
Health & Wellness •••
Fashion •••
Travel
Accepting nominations from 15 June, 2009 For more information, contact awards@qatarhappening.com
TEL +974 491 0565 • FAX +974 491 0570 • P.O. BOX 7848, Doha, Qatar
www.qatarhappening.com
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Sports
Dance Classes
Sundays to Thursdays: Ramada Plaza. The Ramada Plaza is offering ballet, jazz, hip hop and tap classes for children, teens, and adults. For more information, call 428-1621.
Salsa Classes
Saturdays: Doha Marriott Hotel. Beginner and intermediate Salsa classes, QR 50 for members, QR 75 for non-members. Beginner classes run from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m, Intermediate from 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 429-8888.
Sundays: InterContinental Doha. The International Music Centre in Qatar will host salsa classes at Paloma’s in the InterContinental Doha every Sunday after 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 467-1354 (after 2:00 p.m.) or e-mail salsa-qatar@hotmail.com
Yoga
Sundays and Tuesdays: Doha Marriott Hotel. Stretch out from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Free for hotel guests and members, QR 50 for non-members. For more information, call 429-8888.
Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy Yoga on the beach at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays and at 7:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Open for members and non members. For more info contact the Bay Club at 482-4852 or email sportsclub@icdoha.com
Pilates
Mondays: Doha Marriott Hotel. Push yourself with Pilates from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free for hotel guests and members, QR 50 for non-members. For more information, call 429-8888.
Body Combat
Sundays, Tuesdays & Saturdays: InterContinental Doha. Combining powerhouse moves and stances developed from a range of self-defense disciplines including Karate, kickboxing, Tai Chi and Tae Kwondo, in a “take no prisoners”, adrenaline-pumping routine. Classes are Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. For more info contact the Bay Club at 482-4852 or email sportsclub@icdoha.com 32
Sports
Body Conditioning
Tuesdays: Doha Marriott Hotel. Tighten up from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free for hotel guests and members, QR 50 for non-members.
Aqua Aerobics
Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays: InterContinental Doha. This great workout will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. on Fridays. It’s open for members and non members. For more info contact the Bay Club at 482-4852 or email sportsclub@icdoha.com
Abs Workout
Mondays & Fridays: InterContinental Doha. This challenging class is open for members and non members and takes place at 7:15 p.m. For more information contact the Bay Club at 482-4852 or email sportsclub@icdoha.com
Bums and Tums
Wednesdays: Doha Marriott Hotel. A focused workout from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free for hotel guests and members, QR 50 for non members. For more information, call 429-8888.
Step Aerobics
Mondays & Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. This class takes place at 9:00 a.m. It’s open for members and non members. For more info contact the Bay Club at 482-4852 or email sportsclub@icdoha.com
Spinning
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m., Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and Fridays at 12:00 p.m. This class is open for members and non members. For more info contact the Bay Club at 482-4852 or email sportsclub@icdoha.com 33
Sports
Circuit Training
Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. Classes are weekly starting at 7:00 p.m. Open for members and non members. For more info contact the Bay Club at 482-4852 or email sportsclub@icdoha.com
Mixed Cardio
Mondays: Doha Marriott Hotel. Break a sweat from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free for hotel guests and members, QR 50 for non-members. For more information, call 429-8888.
Karate Class
Thursdays & Saturdays: Ramada Plaza. These classes are open to the public and take place from 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays and 9:00 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call 428-1621.
Kids' Tennis Clinic
Friday: Ritz-Carlton. Kids beginner tennis classes. QR 50 for members and non-members. For more information, call 484-8000.
Tennis Social
Saturday: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Three hours of social tennis, free for members, QR 50 for nonmembers. For more information, call 484-8000. 34
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Close encounters
GOING DUTCH IN DOHA By Jessica Davey-Quantick Women’s eyes stare out of veils, splashed across brightly coloured backgrounds. Around the corner, sailboats float towards abstract splashes of bright colours. Seven Dutch artists came together recently in Doha to exhibit their work for two-days only. Ellen Van Vloten Dissevelt, wife of the Dutch Ambassador to Doha, organized the event, both to give artists a chance to display their talent, and as a goodbye to Doha as her family prepares to move to Venezuela after four years in Qatar. “There’s hardly any opportunity to exhibit. And I think it’s also important that foreign women or foreign artists should have the opportunity to exhibit like all the others here,” she said. “Art opens doors for everyone. And that’s why it should not be limited only to Islamic art or to foreign art, it should be a combination of all kinds of art together. That’s where the need is here. That’s also what it is- bridging the cultures through art.” 36
Close encounters
Several hundred people attended the exhibit, which Van Vloten Dissevelt says is a positive sign. “It’s not such a common thing at the moment yet. Like with music a few years ago, I organized a few concerts as well, it was very unusual. It’s come up, and now we have lots of possibilities to go to orchestras, to enjoy musical concerts,” she said. “And I think with exhibiting as well, it will come. But it will maybe take a few more years.”
But it’s something Qatar is actively striving towards. First with the Museum of Islamic Art, and with the coming Cultural Village, Qatar is positioning itself to be the cultural and artistic heart of the region. “That sets an example for everywhere here in the region,” she said. “There’s a lot of energy here, there’s a lot of positive energy amongst everyone. And also, it’s a peninsula, you’re in the sea, and when you’re at the sea, things go more smoothly.” Although not an artist herself, she says that’s never stopped her from diving head first in the artistic pool in Doha. “I'm not an artist, no! But I like art very very much. And that’s what I say- if you have a passion in life, you go for it. I like it! And I think if you have a passion then you can achieve everything. That’s my whole motto in life,” she said. “Art should be part of the culture, it’s within everybody’s soul.” 37
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Community
Talking Toastmasters Club
Mon 8th & Mon 22nd: Les Roses 1 Clubhouse. “The friendly place where inhibitions are shed to communicate effectively" meets twice this month at 7:00 p.m. New members welcome. For more information, contact Paul Easy at 580-7524.
Theme Dance
Fri 12th: Tebah Gardens Compound. SASCOM hosts an informal theme dance. For more information, including times released closer to the date, check out their webpage at www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com
Qatar Natural History Group Meeting
Wed 3rd: Doha English Speaking School. The final meeting for the 2008/2009 season includes a presentation by Environmental Engineer Katrin Schol-Barth on ‘Green Infrastructure in Qatar and the Middle East.’ For more information, email gillespi@qatar.net.qa
Q-SMARTS Program
Sun 28th – July 2nd: WCMC-Q. This program delivers a fun-filled week of interactive educational activities to advance students from grade 7-9 skills in math, reading and writing. For more information check out www.qatar-weill.cornell.edu and click on Summer Enrichment Programs.
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Gourmet guide
Surf, Turf and Pie... Oh My! By Jessica Davey-Quantick I rarely drool over big slabs of meat. But the steaks on offer at JW’s Steakhouse at the Marriott made me salivate one recent lunchtime, something that would probably make my vegetarian mother cringe. I’m not an old hand at steaks, having rarely eaten them, but there was something about the peppercorn sauce that really made me want to ask for seconds. That is, if I could have found room after also sampling the crab cakes and filling up on their perfectly garlicky Caesar salad.
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Gourmet guide
Thankfully, the decor lends itself to lingering, full of plush leather arm chairs and dark wood. The calm atmosphere aid digestion, even if some of the platters have horns. What really sold me however wasn’t even the meat- although my co-diners told me it was tender and this close to mooing- it was the side dishes. I could have made a whole meal of the side dishes alone, filling up on their creamed spinach and potatoes. I’m a potato snob: I like them in all their forms, and JW’s doesn’t disappoint. From their crispy-onthe-outside, squishy-on-the-inside steak fries, to their garlic mash potatoes, I was in root vegetable heaven.
The proof is always in the pudding, and JW’s pulls through with a traditional favoriteapple pie and vanilla ice cream. It was the right combination of tart and sweet, with lots of apples and cinnamon to round off a meal that’s perfect for a stressful workday or when you’re trying to impress a client with some high-class comfort food. JW’s is open for lunch Sunday-Thursday from noon till 3:00 p.m., and again for dinner all week long. For more information or reservations, call 429-8499. 42
Restaurant promotions
Sharq Riyals
Daily: Sharq Village and Spa. From May 15th till Dec. 30th the Sharq offers a special rebate in the form of special Sharq Riyals on bills from Al Dana, Al Liwan, the Cigar Lounge, and Al Seef. Diners can use the ‘money’ at their next visit. For more information, call 425-6666.
Summer Special
Daily: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy a three-course meal at Za Moda for QR 165 all summer long. Choose from the summer set menu, including one house beverage. For more information, call 484-4444.
Summer Fiesta
Daily: Al Mourjan. Al Mourjan sparkles all week long with fresh new ideas. Every night enjoy something different: experience Lounge music on Sundays, Tropical music on Mondays, French music on Tuesdays, Spanish music on Wednesdays and International music on Thursdays and Fridays. For more information, call 483-4423.
Strawberry Promotion
Daily: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Throughout June, Porcini presents a culinary display of the strawberry in its various forms. For more information, call 484-8000.
Daily Seafood Buffet
Daily: Doha Marriott Hotel. Tempt yourself with the flavours of the sea from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. daily at the Corniche Restaurant. For more information, call 429-8888. 43
Restaurant promotions
The Grill
Daily: Grand Hyatt Doha. The Grill offers a selection of meats, seafood and vegetables prepared in three show kitchens for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6:00 a.m. till midnight. For more information, call 448-1234.
Wireless Coffee at Sharq
Daily: Sharq Village and Spa. The Sharq offers free wireless Internet. Enjoy a beverage and light snack at the Lobby Lounge, Al Jalsa or the Cigar Lounge while surfing the net. For more information, call 425-6666.
White Asparagus
Daily: Sheraton Doha. Al Shaheen Restaurant offers White Asparagus Specialties for dinner. For more information, call 485-4556.
Steak and Vino
Daily: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy 10 oz beef tenderloin, with veggies and potatoes for QR 150, including a beverage on the house at Paloma. For more information, call 484-4444.
Turkish Coffee
Daily: Ritz-Carlton Doha. The Lobby Lounge offers up chocolate, vanilla and hazelnut flavoured Turkish coffee for QR 45. For more information, call 484-8000.
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Restaurant promotions
Summer Extravaganza
Daily: InterContinental Doha. All summer long, each QR 500 spent in Za Moda earns you QR 100 to be spent on your next visit to Za Moda.
Le Central Business Lunch
Daily: La Cigale Hotel. Seal your business deals and enjoy a break with your corporate associates at Le Central Restaurant with three choices of appetizers, main dishes and desserts for QR 150. For more information, call 428-8888.
Crepes
Daily: Sheraton Doha. Celebrate crepes with a selection of tempting creations this whole month of June. For more information, call 485-4556
Traditional Thai
Daily: Grand Hyatt Doha. Isaan presents authentic Thai cuisine served mezze style. Open for dinner, from 7:00 till 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 448-1234.
Bento Box
Daily: W. Grab a quick lunch with Spice Market’s Bento Box, a 20-minute express lunch including desert for QR 80, from noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 453-5363.
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Restaurant promotions
Chi-Thai Seafood Brunch
Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy a seafood buffet prepared by chefs from Thailand and China every Friday from noon till 3:30 p.m., complete with free flowing bubbly for QR 240. For more information, call 484-4444.
A La Carte Seafood Brunch
Fridays: Sharq Village and Spa. Chef Christophe and his team prepare eggs and his signature seafood dishes along with other main courses from noon till 4:00 p.m. for QR 222-444. For more information, call 425-6666.
Friday Brunch
Fridays: Movenpick Hotel. Enjoy a seasonal brunch buffet, including a special playground for the little ones complete with a bouncy castle, videos and their favorite food, from noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 429-1111.
Grand Weekends
Fridays: Grand Hyatt Doha. The Grill and Isaan both offer special Friday lunches, perfect for the whole family. Open show kitchens make it tasty and entertaining, from 12:30 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 448-1234.
Seafood Buffet
Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy a seafood buffet for QR 240 every Friday at the InterContinental Doha. For more information, call 484-4444.
Cigalon Buffet
Fridays: La Cigale Hotel. Le Cigalon Restaurant offers a lavish seafood buffet in addition to a selection of oriental and international dishes, and sweets. For QR 245 per person. For more information, call 428-8888.
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Restaurant promotions
Friday Brunch at Market
Fridays: W. Enjoy Friday Brunch at Market for QR 260, including bubbly. For more information, call 453-5373.
Sushi Bar
Fridays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Admiral’s Club offers up freshly made sushi every Friday from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information, call 484-8000.
Tapas and Sangria Night
Fridays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Habanos serves up Tapas and Sangria at live cooking stations from 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 484-8000.
Friday Brunch at The Café
Fridays & Saturdays: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy brunch at the Café Restaurant from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. all weekend. Saturdays include children’s entertainment and cooking classes and cost QR 215, including a house beverage. Fridays cost QR 240 with free flowing bubbly. For more information, call 484-4444.
Weekend Gallery Brunch
Fridays and Saturdays: Doha Marriott. Enjoy a lavish brunch every Friday and Saturday with an array of cuisine in the Restaurant Gallery, and maybe even a glass of bubbly, from noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 429-8888.
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Restaurant promotions
Very Important Kids Brunch
Fridays and Saturdays: Sharq Village and Spa. Al Liwan promises their most important guests a jolly brunch every Friday and Saturday. A children’s buffet spread is available free of charge for children aged 12 years and under when accompanied by an adult from noon till 3:00 p.m. Adult brunch costs QR 234. For more information, call 425-6666.
Seafood Night
Saturdays: InterContinental Doha. Indulge in seafood from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. at The Café Restaurant for QR 215, including a house beverage. For more information, call 484-4444.
Far East Buffet
Mondays: InterContinental Doha. Experience specialties from Thailand, China, Japan and Malaysia for QR 195, including a house beverage. For more information, call 484-4444.
Uniquely Persian
Tuesdays: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy Iranian specialties at The Café Restaurant for QR 195 including a house beverage. For more information, call 484-4444.
South Indian Experience
Wednesday: InterContinental Doha. Taste a piece of India with South Indian cuisine prepared by Indian chefs for QR 195 including a house beverage at The Café Restaurant. For more information, call 484-4444.
Italian Food Festival
Tues 2nd – Fri 12th: Doha Marriott. Celebrate the National day of Italy at All’ Aperto Restaurant from 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. with unique Italian dishes. For more information, call 429-8888. 51
Kids club
Drama Club By Fiona Murray Children are naturally dramatic, see adolescent stock phrases: “I hate you!” and “You’ve ruined my life;” not to mention: “Nobody understands me!” Now there is a positive outlet for all Doha’s divas at the new Doha Youth Theatre. The club, which was started in February by two drama teachers at Doha College, fills a big gap – while there are plenty of good sports clubs, there’s no outlet for kids interested in acting. Doha Players regularly has children in productions, but only the few who pass the audition. “We’d just done ‘Hairspray’ at the College and it was a fantastic success and we realized there was nothing for anyone interested in drama and performing,” said Paul McCracken, who is one of the Doha Youth Theatre’s founders. It’s proving pretty popular and already has around 50 members. There are several classes a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, with sessions for 7-10 year olds; 11-14 year olds and 15-18 year olds. 52
Kids club
“With the younger ones we do a lot of work on key skills, improvisation and working in groups,” said Paul. The older children work on basic stage skills like voice techniques, facial expressions and movement. But even if your child doesn’t end up in a Hollywood blockbuster, acting classes can have very positive benefits. “If they only leave with confidence, that will stand them well in other areas of life.
“We’ve already had parent feedback that when it comes to reading to the class or standing up and doing something in assembly, their kids are more willing to do that now. For the younger ones, it will also stand them in good stead for moving on to secondary school.” Each group is now busy working on its end of term shows, which will be performed for parents. “We have some very talented students, particularly in the older group. “I think they will be very proud of what they produce – they’ll certainly love having an audience.” From September the club will be run by new staff, as Paul moves on to a new job in Singapore. The classes are held at Doha College, but are open to children from any school. For more information contact Paul McCracken on 531-5753 or Kelly McCracken on 508-4223 or email dohayouth@gmail.com 53
Conferences
Arabic for NonNative speakers Graduation
Thurs 11th: Qatar University. Graduation ceremony for students who have completed the Arabic for Non-Native speakers program. For more information, contact abbdouabbdou@qu.edu.qa
College of Arts & Sciences Annual Ceremony
Thurs 18th: Qatar University. End of the year annual ceremony for the College of Arts & Sciences. For more information, contact dory.alkassis@qu.edu.qa
College of Education Annual Ceremony Thurs 18th: Qatar University. End of year annual ceremony for the College of Education. For more information, contact h.albinali@qu.edu.qa
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Conferences
Videotryfest 2009
Mon 15th – Wed. 17th: Qatar University. Qatar University holds Videotryfest 2009. This event is open to all students. For more information, contact ahmed.selim@qu.edu.qa
Medicine and U: Depression
Tues 16th: WCMC-Q, Lecture Hall 4. The latest in this public lecture series in a talk on depression presented by Dr. Ziad Kronfel at 7:00 p.m. For more information, email nah2008@qatar-med.cornell.edu
Environmental Biotechnology Workshop
Sun 28th: Qatar University. Qatar University hosts this workshop, open to all students. For more information, contact smurali28@qu.edu.qa
Conference on Action Research
Tues 30th: Qatar University. The second annual conference on Action Research. For more information, contact nancya@qu.edu.qa
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Social
AIESEC Qatar
The Qatar chapter of the world’s largest student-based association, focused on leadership development and international exchange. Open to current university students and recent graduates. For more information, contact Qatar@aiesec.net.
American Women’s Association
For information or membership, contact Jeannine at 511-8085 or Marilyn at 514-9752.
Bridge Club
Meets every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. All welcome. Contact 554-0873 or email rosaleengarvey@hotmail.com.
Canadians in Qatar
The Canadians in Qatar Association organizes regular activities and events. For more information and details, visit www.canadiansinqatar.com
Doha Garden Club
The club meets on the second Sunday of each month from September to May, and holds an annual charity tour in March that visits exceptional private gardens in Doha. Annual membership fee is QR 100. For more information, email dohagardenclub@yahoo.com or call 602-8059 or Paula Riebe at 523-1650.
Doha Players
An amateur dramatics group that produces plays and musicals. Call 447-4911 or 575-5102 on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., or email doha_players@qatar.net.qa or visit www.dohaplayers.com for information on forthcoming shows or membership.
Dutch-speaking Association of Qatar (DSA)
Welcomes all Dutch speakers living in Qatar. Email Caroline at info@dsaqatar.org or visit www.dsaqatar.org.
Egyptian Women’s Association
The ladies from Egypt hold reoccurring get-togethers. For more information, contact Mai Shawky at 572-4171.
Expat Women
Your magazine online, designed for women by women. Visit us at www.expatwomanqatar.com or email lisa@expatwoman.com
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Social
Filmcom Toastmasters Club
Filmcom Toastmasters Club fosters effective communication and leadership skills. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Contact Jonathan Holland at 540-3971 for further information.
French-Speaking Ladies Group
Contact Marie on 559-7467 or Rana on 572-6938. E-mail cercelf@gmail.com or visit www.vivreauqatar.com.
German Stammtisch
Monthly social gatherings organized by the German community. Contact 487-6959 or email germany@qatar.net.qa.
Ilonggos
A creative group of “Ilonggos” committed to the growth and active participation of the Filipino Community in Qatar. They showcase every member’s talent and creativity to contribute ideas that can be generated into concrete projects and can benefit Filipinos both here in Qatar and the Philippines. Contact 595-9561 or email adonis@atiprodaksyun.com.
Indian Women’s Association
Contact Seetha Krishan on 442-4052 or 551-6018, email seekrish3009@gmail.com or visit www.iwaqatar.com.
International Ladies Potluck Group
This group meets once a month. For more information, email Ruth Sabry or Totta Thomas at int.potluck@gmail.com.
Lebanon Expats
Become a volunteer and stay updated about the forthcoming activities and events of Lebanese expats in Qatar. Send an e-mail to Qatar@moghtarebeen.com, visit www.lebanonexpats.org or www.moghtarebeen.com.
Qatar Natural History Group
Discover the four corners of Qatar. Contact Fran Gillespie, Social Coordinator, via e-mail at gillespi@qatar.net.qa for more information.
Qatar Quilt Guild
For more information write to qqguild@hotmail.com
Qatar Scientific Club
Over 4,000 members attend classes and seminars in 13 interest groups including scuba diving, remote-control aero modeling, astronomy, electronics, etc. Children aged 6-12 years are welcome to join the Children’s Club. Call 458-3780, 458-3827 or 458-2087.
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Social
RedDotters@Qatar
Meet other Singaporeans living in Qatar and enjoy regular get-together sessions. Contact Annie Tan, Secretary, at 520-9294 or send an e-mail to annie_tlc@yahoo.com.sg.
Simplemente Amigas
A new Latin ladies social group. For more information, contact Ceci Dur at 551-8358 or e-mail simplemente.amigas@yahoo.com.
Silver Dhow Association
This multi-cultural, multi-national ladies group holds monthly dinner meetings on the second Monday of each month. For further details, contact Ellen Thompson at 435-2598 or 587-0133 or e-mail silverdhow@hotmail.com.
South African Ladies Association
For detailed information, go to www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com, contact Lody by e-mail at welgemoeds@qatar.net.qa or telephone 589-2366.
Spanish Speaking Ladies Group
Regular meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month. For more information, contact amigas.qatar@yahoo.com or Rocio Fielder at 664-2094 or Claudia Mayela at 589-3457.
Talking Matters Toastmasters
Develop into an excellent communicator, leader, and human being. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at the Pearl Lounge, Aalishan Restaurant at 7:15 p.m. Contact Paul Easy at 580-7524 for further information.
Tuesday Ladies Group
Open to women of all nationalities, this group meets on alternate Tuesdays and includes a guest speaker or a planned activity. For more information, contact 573-5078 or send an e-mail to tlgdoha@binternet.com.
Turkish Ladies Group
Interested participants can contact Mrs. Senyurt on 550-8026 or Mrs. Ataol on 546-8309.
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It happened
The second commencement exercises of the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar took place at the Ritz Carlton. Seventeen new doctors were welcomed into the world of medicine by their family, peers and faculty.
Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Qatar) conducted its inaugural commencement exercises at the Museum of Islamic Arts on the 9th of May, 2009. US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi delivered an inspirational address to the Class of '09. 61
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The annual VCU-Q fashion show highlighted the cutting edge designs of its senior students. 62
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Global DJs brought the sizzle back on the InterContinental beach. Doha party fans cheered on for world renowned music mixers Yves Larock, Judge Jules and vocalist Chris Willis.
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