Qatar Happening - July 2014 - Ramadan / Summer Issue by Qatar Happening

Table of Contents

pg 16

Disney On Ice Rocks Doha This Fall!

OUT CHECK pening.com

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

JULY: Ramadan/Summer MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE 9 Editor-In-Chief's Letter

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

QH Speaks

118

128

15 16

Top Picks Disney Rocks Doha!

We meet some of the stars of this fall's Disney On Ice: Rockin' Ever After

The best of our monthly social media

Events Calendar

Hugh Jackman: In The Hot Seat

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

It Happened

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

Phone Directory Need-to-know phone numbers

We go in-depth with the X-Men: Days Of Future Past star

The Silver Touch

TURE ARTS & CUL 39

Top Picks

Visionary Voices In her new book local author Caroline Carpentier introduces us to Qatari ladies making a difference

The Mind's Eye

Silver Envelope Islamic Parties shows you how to throw your very own iftar or sohour

Spotlight On Movies

Virgin Recommends

picks from the Megastore

Our top five must-see films of the month

Artist Rachel Gadsden is changing the perception of disability in the GCC with the Al Noor -- Fragile Vision project

The Sound Sculptors

We meet the talented musicians of Doha's very own Awakenings Ensemble

Arts & Culture Listings The best monthly entertainment Entertainment Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

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For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email info@qatarhappening.com 7

Table of Contents COMMUNITY 51

Top Picks

Exploring Islam The Fanar Islamic Cultural Center introduces us to the basics of the holy faith

56 Summer In The City Let us plan your 'stay-cation' for you with a host of summer camps, programs and five-star indulgences 60

Community Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

KIDS CLUB 63

Top Picks

The Right Notes

Bang a gong with your little ones at Music Together Qatar

Kids Club Listings

pg 80 Ramadan Kareem: Iftars, Sohours & More

Fun ideas to do with the kids

Top Picks

The Best Of Brunch

A Taste Of Asia Hwang opens its doors at The InterContinental Doha The City

Ramadan Kareem

Your guide to the iftars and sohours of the Holy Month!

Food & Dining Listings

Top Picks

107

QH Recommends

Our favourite monthly must-haves

Sporty Summer Camps 108 The Road To Stay active till September with Relaxation

The Doha Marriott has the one to beat and we show you why!

IONS QH SENSAT

SPORTS

ING FOOD & DIN

our list of summer programs

100

Pure Power We test drive the new Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 and trust us, it's a sweet ride!

104

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

We take the afternoon to unwind at The Grand Heritage Hotel & Spa

113

Reasons To Fly

114

A Day Out, Down Under

Our pick of top destinations

We hit up the Southern Hemisphere at the hippest city in Oz: Melbourne

118 The Dish On Qatar

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

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

Summer safety tips to survive the Doha heat

From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief

On the Cover?

Dear friends, A heartfelt Ramadan Kareem and Eid Mubarak to all of you as we embrace the Holy Month once again. This is always a special time of year for us at Qatar Happening, myself and my family included. As we spend more time in supplication and reflection, we look forward to welcoming and embracing our friends and loved ones who will join us in celebration. Ramadan is a time that is both deeply spiritual and personal, but also one where we unite as a community to support and uplift one another. We are proud to dedicate our summer issue to the Holy Month with many inspiring and eye-opening features in the pages ahead. In our Entertainment section we introduce to you a local Islamic events planner who will show you how to host a beautiful iftar or sohour of your own. From what to bring, how to decorate, and exploring the traditions associated with breaking one’s fast, we will guide you step-bystep. Then, in Community, we introduce our non-Muslim readers to the basics of Islam – sharing our faith in order to inform and foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of its important tenets. We also have the Eid Al Fitr holidays that mark the close of Ramadan to look forward to at the end of July. This is an especially momentous time, as we celebrate The Festival of Breaking Fast with family and friends. For new expats who may not know the ins and outs of this, the first Eid, we have an entire article in Community dedicated to explaining just that. We also have dozens of special Ramadan event listings throughout this issue so you’ll never be at a loss deciding where to go for iftar or sohour. Whether you break your fast at home with loved ones, in the glimmering atmosphere of a five-star hotel, or under the warm night sky at the Souq, you will find a location to suit your tastes. Marking another special moment in our nation’s history, as Editor-in-Chief I must take this opportunity to reflect upon the recent one-year anniversary of His Highness, our Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani taking the reins of our nation from his beloved Father Emir. Under his patronage, vision and leadership, we have continued to enjoy the peaceful, prosperous quality of life which we value dearly, while maintaining our growing levels of economic expansion and educational progress. We hope that you will turn to us as your guide throughout the Holy Month and the rest of the summer season to come. It has been our immense pleasure to put together this issue so that you, our readers, will continue to be informed, enlightened, entertained and inspired by all that Qatar has to offer in the months ahead. Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

A traditional Ramadan dancer spins at The Renaissance Doha City Center's 2013 sohour Photo Credit: Jessie Palanca

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

Caroline Carpentier, George Delfino, Chantelle D’Mello, Diana Farid, Jessica Furseth, Alice Hartley, Tim Hayton, Jan Janssen, Ali Kaukas, Jonny Parr, Charlie Sands, Gerald Tan, Ujwala Thirumurthy

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 11 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group. The information contained in QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. Readers are advised to confirm details with the event organizers. All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50. 2014

QH Speaks Tweets Of The Month @DavidRoads

No matter how long you have traveled in the wrong direction, you can always turn around.

@qatarliving

Do you complain about #DohaTraffic a lot? At least #Doha is not a top-10 most traffic-congested cities in the world.

@HuffingtonPost

Your empty Facebook profile is a sign that you’re not lonely.

@iloveqatar

Hey @dominos why don’t you deliver to West Bay/The Pearl? @pizzahut and Yellow Cab are pwning you.

@HIAQatar

DID YOU KNOW: #HIAQatar has a land area in excess of 29 square kilometres? This is about a third the size of #Doha.

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

Editor’s Corner I love this time of year. Having never experienced Ramadan before moving to Qatar, I really had no idea what it was all about…but over the past two and a half years I’ve come to look forward to it. There’s a sense of calm that takes over the city; traffic slows down, people slow down and we all take a moment, Qataris and expats alike, to breathe a little deeper and reflect on the things that matter to us. Then, there are the long Ramadan nights full of family, friendship, iftars and suhours. Whether you choose to celebrate at a friend, relative or loved one’s house, or at one of the sparkling Ramadan tents across the city’s five-star hotels, Doha does it best without a doubt. In this month’s Ramadan summer issue we introduce you to everything related to the Holy Month – just think of QH as your complete guide! From listings for iftars and suhours, to understanding Eid, to even just finding out which shops and restaurants are open during the day for non-fasting expats – we have you covered. We also have loads of other useful stories to keep you going throughout the summer months. If you’re a parent with children, or an adult who’s looking to join a summer program, we fill you in on what’s going on around Qatar. From sport camps, to summer arts courses and music programs, let us help you plan your Doha ‘stay-cation’! Also, Disney On Ice skates back to the rink at QNCC this September, so we’re proud to bring you our exclusive advance coverage with a list of show-times, ticket info and prices, plus an interview with some of the Magic Kingdom crew that will keep you Rockin’ Ever After. From all of the QH team we wish you our biggest Ramadan Kareem and a jam-packed summer ahead! See you in the fall,

In Your Face

followers what We asked our Facebook the most this they’re looking forward to wers definitely ans r You . Eid and n Ramada joy! h filled us wit

Sameera Noor

To overcome our weaknesses, bringing ourselves closer to the rights of The Creator and His creation, seeking forgiveness if we have done wrong to others, and pardoning others even if they aren’t asking for it, but purely for the sake of Allah. Also, giving alms and feeling the hunger and thirst of our brothers and sisters in Islam who have lack of food, or no food at all, and including everyone in our supplications. [This] is a month of training for the rest of the 11 months. Alhamdullilah.

Kaiseray Jahan

Ramadan and Eid makes you humble and brings out the good in you!

Lee Davies

To really experience the true nature of this local culture.

Muhammad Nasir

Hoping to make use of the blessed month to dedicate more time for my Lord, be a better Muslim and insha’allah spend the Eid with family back home.

Hüsñy Åhäméd

[I] wish I could do a pilgrimage, insha’allah may Allah give me wealth to do my first pilgrimage. Ashlee Starratt Editor

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Entertainment

s k c i P p o T ’s h This Mont

Please note that selected promotions will resume only after Ramadan and will run through the month of August

Renaissance Doha City Center

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park

Champions Re-Opening

More Screens, More Giveaways & More Fun! Till July 13: Misturado. Watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup at Misturado Brazilian Lounge. There will be plenty to keep you entertained, (if the World Cup isn’t enough), including special promotions, noise-boxes and lots of giveaways. Starts at 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

The Grand Hyatt

Kempinski Residences & Suites

Happy Hour Sat-Thurs: Dunes. Leave work worries behind and switch off at Dunes. In August, Dunes is resuming their amazing Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. So you can enjoy two-for-one specials. For more information call 7021-8094.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

Second day of Eid: The World Cup is over, but the world of sports has much more to offer. Celebrate the re-opening of Doha’s best sports bar on the second day of Eid with a Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

W Doha 411 Doha Exclusive Jun 29, Aug 12 & 26: Crystal Lounge. Crystal presents, coming all the way from the hottest parties of Dubai ,the one-and-only one DJ Bliss who will be mixing it up on the decks with real ‘flava’ and a special twist. For more information call 4453-3135 or BBM: 2ADD2715.

Mix & Fuse Happy Hour Daily: The Lounge. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. mix and socialize at The Lounge with the trendiest crowd in Doha while benefiting from the up to 50% discount on selected beverages and Tasting & Sharing menu items. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Entertainment

Disney Rocks Doha! QH: How did you start with Disney On Ice? MS: I grew competing, and after competitions there’s really nothing else to do than ice skating shows, which is great because it’s a lot of fun. So I made a video and prepared a skating résumé and I sent it to Disney On Ice. There aren’t many ice skating shows; apart from Disney there’s only like two more. It’s a very small world. I also knew a lot of people who have worked for Disney and loved it. After graduating from high school I got the job and I have been on the road since. QH: Why this path?

L-R: Maria Starr and Taylor Firth -- two of Disney On Ice's leading ladies!

MS: I really didn’t want to go to college...I wanted to do something with my skating. A lot of people skate their whole lives and then they go to school and they are done with skating. My parents spent a lot of money – it’s a very expensive sport. Now I get to do something with it and travel and see so many places and it’s all because of skating. QH: Did you get to pick the character you play in the show? MS: Judy Thomas, the woman who hires us, is great and she knows what’s best for everyone – so I’m just given the role she knows I will do best. It’s the same for the rest of the skaters. She really knows what role we fit in.

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Disney On Ice

Travelling to more than 30 cities on its North American tour last year, the latest Disney On Ice extravaganza, Rockin’ Ever After, will be coming to Qatar this September. We recently caught up with cast members Maria Starr and Taylor Firth, who play Belle from Beauty & The Beast, and Princess Merida from Brave, to find out more about their careers, their passion for skating and what it’s like to hit the ice every night! 16

QH: How long have you been skating as Belle? MS: For two years – this role was built around my skating skills and choreographed for me, which is amazing.

Maria Starr: The ‘Belle’ Of The Ball QH: How did you get into figure skating? MS: I grew up in Minnesota which is like the Midwest of the USA. We have cold winters – nothing like here...there’s lots of snow. So in the winter people are always looking for something to do. My parents put me in figure skating lessons just to keep me busy, but it turned into a little bit more than that and soon enough every day after school I was skating for two hours. I started when I was six years old and now I’m almost 22 – so I’ve been skating for a long time.

QH: What’s the rehearsal process like? MS: When we build the show, we rehearse for about six weeks. Once we have the show [ready] we rehearse from two to three weeks before we go on-stage. We usually practice every day from sometimes 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. QH: What’s your relationship with the other cast members? MS: You work and live and hang out with the same people. There are a little bit less than 40 skaters, so we’re together all the time. Actually my partner who I skate with, my prince in the show, he’s from Estonia, and is also my prince in real life.

This will be the first time Brave's Princess Merida hits the ice with her cast of characters

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Taylor Firth: A ‘Brave’ New Wo QH: How did you find yourself in the rink with Disney On Ice? TF: It’s a great company to work for – they really take care of their employees. The characters alone are so much fun and loved by so many people. It’s something very fun for me to bring to life. QH: Is Princess Merida from Brave a new role for you? TF: I’ve been [playing] Merida for two years now. QH: What are your first impressions of the Middle East? TF: I didn’t know what to expect. I haven’t heard much [about] Qatar. I was expecting that it would be very difficult to communicate with people... that nobody would speak English. But I got here and everyone speaks English and it’s so easy to get around. I come from New York which is very much business, but here people take care of you which I find very refreshing. QH: What’s your favourite part of the show? TF: I love the Beauty & The Beast segment – it’s elegant, it’s beautiful, it’s figure skating. There’s a lot of speed and athleticism. It’s very cool for people to see the sport [aspect], but also the beauty of it. QH: Why is the world still so much in love with Disney? TF: There are timeless stories. All characters listen to their hearts and don’t do what other people want them to do...and I think that clicks with audiences. The message is always to make a life for yourself – go after your dreams. QH: Can you say that you’re living your dream? TF: Oh absolutely – I think I’m living every little girl’s dream! I love every minute of it. I get to

bring to life characters that people love. Even though we do the same [show] every day, the reaction of people is different every time, because for them it’s new.

Star Mickey Mouse introduces Doha audiences to Rockin' Ever After!

QH: Apart from being an athlete on the ice, you’re also assuming the role of an actress. Do you have an acting coach who helps guide you through the routine? TF: When we’re learning the show, at the very beginning there’s a lot of directors and people from Disney and they make sure it’s authentic to the movie, in order to make it as close as possible to the story and characters. But we do have character trainers [who] help us throughout. QH: Would you consider going into movies or TV? TF: In 2009 and I was in the remake of Ice Castles. I got to skate and act – the movie is on Netflix. QH: What’s your favourite Disney Movie? TF: I love Brave, but I have to say my favourite is Frozen. The story is about two sisters finding each other and finding love. I have three sisters and this story is very close to my heart because I’m very close with [them]. QH: What’s been your most rewarding experience as part of the Disney On Ice cast? TF: It’s hard to say, but I can mention a couple of meet-and-greets that I’ve done with kids – especially in hospitals. The experience can be heart -aching...it’s very hard to see kids sick and suffering but being able to bring them joy is so rewarding. It’s amazing to bring something special to their lives. n

DISNEY ON ICE: ROCKIN’ EVER AFTER Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Dates: September 24-27 Ticket Info: • Starting from QR 175, QR 275 & QR 475 • VIP: QR 1,000 • Rink-Side Royal: QR 2,000. Tickets are available at all Virgin Megastores and online at tickets.virginmegastore.me.

Entertainment A classically trained actor, renowned as much for his work on Broadway as on the big screen, we discover the real Hugh in a candid one-on-one.

Hugh Jackman In The Hot Seat By Jan Janssen Interview and images courtesy of Viva Press

After the recent release of his smash summer hit X-Men: Days Of Future Past, QH caught up with Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman, to talk family, filming and all things X-Men! 18

A screen-shot from the upcoming film features a re-vamped Hugh in the role of Wolverine -- ready for action

Sporting his Wolverine fighting pose, and with a fresh bandage to boot, Hugh attends the premiere of X-Men: Days Of Future Past

ugh Jackman is one of those exceptional human beings whose personality is endlessly goodnatured and gracious. Though he admits to having been an angry young man during his teens, he found a way to channel his darker sides into his work. He even admits to having a temper, although he only shows it when his children drive him to distraction on occasion. But when he plays Wolverine, as he does for the seventh time in the upcoming X-Men: Days Of Future Past, there’s no need for Hugh to put on a happy face. "Wolverine is very determined and visceral – it's not just anger that drives him although he obviously uses anger to his advantage," Jackman says. "I don't get angry while playing him, I get more annoyed in the months leading up to the start of filming and having to go on this insane diet and training regimen in order to put on 25 lbs and bulk up. You'd be angry too if you were eating 6,000 calories a day and bench-pressing 350 lbs.” [Smiles]. Jackman returns to the big screen as Logan/ Wolverine in X-Men: Days of Future Past, directed by Bryan Singer and co-starring Michael Fassbender as Eric Lehnsherr (the young Magneto) and James McAvoy as the young Charles Xavier. The film is the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2011 film, X-Men: First Class, which first introduced audiences to the younger versions of the future X-Men selves. The star-studded cast includes Jennifer Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Nicholas Hoult, Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Peter Dinklage and Omar Sy. The 45-year-old Jackman lives most of the year in New York together with his wife and fellow Aussie, former actress Deborah-Lee Furness, and their two adopted children, Oscar, 13,

and Ava, 8. In person, Jackman is the most amiable man alive. Though he claims to "hate chicken" because of his usual high-protein diet of five chicken breasts per day, Hugh still likes to get up at dawn each day to do 45-minute workout sessions that help him maintain his fabulous physique. For our chat Hugh was wearing a bright blue linen shirt and black pants and looking slightly bleary-eyed. QH: This will be your seventh time around as Wolverine. Is it getting time to hang up the steel claws? HJ: I have the feeling that there isn't much more left to explore with Wolverine and that he's had a good run. But it's a character I've loved coming back to and if there's a very good story left to be told I'd be willing to step back into the role again. Some people might think that you get tired of playing the same character, but I honestly enjoy playing Wolverine more now than I first did because I feel I have a better understanding of what I need to do justice to the character and that's been very satisfying to me. QH: Is it enjoyable to get to revisit your friendships with the other X-Men actors? HJ: That's one of the best feelings you can have as an actor when you get to work with people you've developed friendships with in the past. It feels like a wonderful reunion the first few weeks you're back on the set with the other actors and we had a very good time shooting this film. I'm immensely grateful to have the chance to be part of these films and I will always remember that Wolverine was my first big role in America. QH: What can we expect from this latest installment of the X-Men? HJ: The stakes are much higher now…and probably as high as they can get. This is the

greatest threat that all the X-Men are facing and it's a truly epic tale. What makes things more interesting is being able to combine both X-Men worlds and audiences will be fascinated by that as well as by the overall scope of the story. QH: Does playing Wolverine take any toll on you psychologically? HJ: No, I don't go back to my hotel at night looking for a fight or anything like that. [Laughs]. Prisoners, for example, was much more stressful for me because my character in that film was functioning at such a high level of tension and rage that it would wear me down. I'm very comfortable playing Wolverine although my body is pretty beaten up by the end of the shoot. That's why I don't know how long I can carry on in the role.

Entertainment Family man, father and Broadway thespian, Jackman's acting career has spanned a lifetime of choice roles

Jackman in character with his claws out as Wolverine

QH: You've admitted to having accomplished a lot of your acting goals after playing in Les Misérables. What worlds do you have left to conquer? HJ: Oh, quite a few I hope. I'm looking to push myself further in the coming years. I feel much more confident about my work now than I did ten or even five years ago and I want to play many different kinds of characters. I'm ready to challenge myself in ways that I wasn't prepared or willing to do before and that's kind of exciting for me. My wife thinks I have a strange fixation on wanting to keep inventing some sort of new mountain to climb and I have to keep assuring her that it's just healthy ambition! [Laughs]. QH: Where do you think your drive and ambition comes from? HJ: My father. When I look back and think about how he was able to look after my brothers and I after our mum left. It's staggering to imagine how he dealt with having a very important job and then being able to have the energy and willingness to be there for us. Whatever strength of character and determination I have in life I get from Chris. [Jackman calls his father by his first name]. He wasn't the most giving man, emotionally, although that was his nature more than anything else and he also probably needed to be as quietly strong as he could in order to handle the stress. I come close to losing my temper with my own kids for a lot less trouble than my brothers and I caused in the house. My father had to basically look after five kids on his own for several years (until he remarried-ed).

When I think about all that - it's given me an even greater sense of admiration and respect for my father. I could never have coped the way he did and every day I spend with my wife Deb at home makes me feel very grateful that I have a beautiful and caring wife with whom I can share the parenting duties. I'm a much better father simply because I have Deb alongside me. QH: You seem to be eternally good-natured. Do you ever get down on yourself? HJ: I can’t say I’ve ever been depressed. I did go through one week of stage fright in the middle of performing The Boy from Oz (his one-man show about the life of Aussie singer-dancer Peter Allen) in 2004 where it crept up on me one night. My voice had cracked on one note and then the next night it really cracked. And for the next week I was very anxious whenever that moment in the show would arrive and I cracked every night on the same note and it became more and more terrifying. I was resigned that I was going to have to go to therapy about it, but then, all of a sudden, on the very last show, I remembered the 101 principle of acting – ‘It’s not about you!’ I was singing a song about Judy Garland and all of a sudden I was freed up and I felt my breath returning and all that anxiety began to disappear. I was literally on stage crying. It was the most inappropriate moment to cry but it was like this release of fear. It was one week of my life, but about as bad as it could have gotten.

QH: Has it been hard to insulate your children from the kind of fame and fortune that you enjoy as an actor? HJ: I've tried to teach my children to have respect for people and to be aware that the privileges they enjoy and security they have is something they should be very grateful for. I've been very lucky as an actor to have enjoyed the kind of success that I've had and that our family has been blessed to have material security and not have to worry about paying bills. My kids have been taught to appreciate those things and they understand the importance of studying hard and learning to stand on their own feet. QH: What do you enjoy most about being a father? HJ: I love making pancakes for them on Sundays. When I'm at home, I love taking my kids to school for lunch, I love meeting them for lunch sometimes, and I also love being able to pick them up after school. I also help them with their homework, things like that. We play Monopoly, football – it's so much fun for me to be able to have that kind of closeness to my kids. Even though kids can be hard work at times, there's nothing more beautiful than being part of their lives and seeing that they're happy. n Hankering for more Hugh? The Aussie star is currently shooting the upcoming 2015 release Pan, where he’ll play notorious pirate Blackbeard. He’s also slated for the next X-Men installment, X-Men: Apocalypse where it was recently announced that he’ll once again reprise his role of Wolverine.

Entertainment

Raana Smith has made her living by bringing a smile to the faces of her clients with her unique Ramadan and Eid party favours

The Silver Touch By Chantelle D’Mello Images courtesy of Silver Envelope

As we celebrate the Holy Month, we meet artisan and party planner Raana Smith, whose company Silver Envelope: Islamic Party & Stationery is bringing us back to our roots of handmade invitations and printed RSVPs. Here she tells us more about her unique creations, along with her top ten tips for hosting your own iftar at home!

e live in a world where paper has become almost obsolete. We communicate in terse messages sent through WhatsApp, Facebook, or Twitter. No pause punctures our steady stream of conversation. We’ve shed its value in the economy of words because talk is cheap, and texting even more so.

For some people however, keeping alive the lost art of writing and gratitude has become a career. For Ranna Smith, 40, the imperfections of a handwritten note are art; the feel of paper is real; the act of physically sending messages – priceless. Her Pakistani and Southern Baptist American roots have lent themselves to a deep respect of script, and community.

Gone are the days of red circles in calendars, clandestine notes passed between friends in classrooms and thank you cards. We’ve forgotten how much can be communicated in the texture of a page – glossy, matte, rugged. We’ve forgotten how ink blotches and pen smudges add to the authenticity of our messages.

The owner of Silver Envelope, an Islamic stationary and party supply company, Smith says that writing is a way of life; a means of bringing people together. What began in California in 2001 as a gesture to friends has now grown into a burgeoning enterprise, with operations spanning continents.

She attributes the business to growing up with parents from two different worlds – Pakistani Muslim, and Southern Baptist Christian. “Growing up with the Southern Baptist family part, I realized that we had great gatherings with the Christian part of my family, especially during the usual holidays,” she says. “I felt like I had to do the same for the Muslim side of the family. There was a void in my community for a homegrown, authentic Islamic product. We wanted to help people celebrate the holidays in a way that they hadn’t before.” The company had humble beginnings. “It began in my garage,” she tells us. “I stocked the supplies there, and would do the work – writings on ribbons, cards, etc. – myself. My husband and I invested in the business ourselves. I even learned HTML so that I could code the website!”

Entertainment Whether it's decorative bunting, cards, stationery, boxes or cupcakes, Silver Envelope can create it for you

Despite her one-woman-show, Smith remains resolutely humble. She speaks about her work with the love a mother, and the acumen of a businesswoman. Her patterns draw on influences from an eclectic blend of the Far East, Spanish architecture, and science fiction. Currently, the company has around twelve whole lines, encompassing invitation cards, wrapping paper, cupcake kits, bags, cookie kits, bunting kits, treat bags, greeting cards, craft activities, ribbons, DIY projects, and buttons. While her original designs featured puns, Islamic textures, and patterns, her new children’s line, launched at Ramadan last year, draws on inspiration from popular culture. These party kits feature Ayoub the sci-fi robot, Fatima the strong, determined giraffe, Khalil the elephant, Aameena the ladybug, and Sulayman the lion. They’re original characters, dreamed up by Smith herself, with added details that make them indigenous. Aameena and Fatima wear hijabs, Sulayman, a taqiyah. The circus tent in one of her designs features a striped mosque dome. “We’re looking for the giggle, the ‘a-ha’ moment,” she says. With Ramadan coming up, Silver Envelope has special products lined up – a moon-sighting calendar, an Eid countdown calendar (in the likes of an advent calendar), and a paper lantern kit. “What we decided to do then was take ideas from the west – like cards, stationary, party supplies – and make it our own. We want our products to instill a sense of community,” she said. “You can do the countdown kits or the paper chain kits with your kids. It’s a fun way to bring the family together.”

Her mature collections feature collaborations with artists from all over the world like Peter Gould, an Australian artist, and Haji Noor Deen, a Chinese Muslim calligrapher, who lent his skills to a special line of Ramadan and Eid cards with an Oriental feel. The newest products, including three of the children’s lines, are printed on 100 percent recycled paper. “We’re well received with the expat community here, but limited in access to the local community. Here, people visit each other; they don’t really send cards as much.” Nevertheless, Smith remains wholly invested in her work. “We want to bring back the element of surprise and whimsy you get when you receive an invitation in the mail. We want to evoke emotion.” That, to her, is worth it. Despite her success, what is most striking is the kind-heartedness and sincerity that permeates through her speech. Disarming and endearing, she is the woman with a kingdom of paper; her hijab a fitting crown.

Ten Tips For Hosting An Iftar: 1. Plan ahead! Make your menu and compile your shopping list a few days in advance. Shop the day before and start cooking the night before so that you can taste as you cook. 2. Keep the menu simple, yet elegant. It’s better to have a small amount of delicious favourites rather than a large spread of dishes that may not be enjoyed. 3. Hire help or ask a friend to assist you with cutting, prepping, cleaning and other timeconsuming tasks.

4. Keep the guest list manageable, taking into account the fact that you’ll want to spend quality time with each guest. Also consider the size and seating capabilities of your home as you make your guest list. 5. Have all dishes and drinks prepared and ready prior to all guests arriving. Have all plates and utensils laid out and water in the kettle ready to boil. 6. Beautify your home with festive Ramadan decorations. 7. Give personalized party favours to each guest or family as a memento of your iftar. We love crescent-shaped cookies packed in clear cello bags! 8. Do a group activity that involves the remembrance of Allah and teaches about Ramadan. Do this prior to breaking the fast, in order to ensure a more attentive audience. 9. Have a craft activity or story-time for children to keep them occupied. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, enlist the help of a friend or a teenager. 10. Take a moment by yourself prior to guests arriving to take a deep breath and pray for a successful gathering and blessed month. n To learn more about Silver Envelope: Islamic Party & Stationary visit www.silverenvelope.com. Large, all-inclusive party kits start at QR 400.

Entertainment Yogis greet the new day at a sunrise yoga class during Wanderlust

e d i u G n u F l a v i t s e F By Amy Bassett Images courtesy of Ali Kaukas and Wanderlust Yoga Festival

Summer is a time of awakening. We breathe deep, yearn to be outside and, just maybe, our feet start twitching to get out there and explore. This month we introduce you to Wanderlust – a festival of the body, mind and soul that blends yoga with the big, blue yonder of the outdoors.

oga is one of those crazes that never passed; a phase that didn’t fade; a trend that remains…trendy. Unlike Pilates, Taibo and the myriad of other exercise regimes that eventually fall side-of-stage, yoga remains firmly in the spotlight worldwide. In the modern age of social media and online fitness programs, the practice has remained on solid footing and, seemingly, will not be shifted. Yoga endures. Similarly, as a raft of spiritual practices rise and fall in popularity, yoga continues to grow from strength to strength. Open your eyes to the goings-on and you will immediately become aware of its ubiquity

– it’s everywhere. So, inevitably, I find myself presenting a yoga festival as this month’s feature.

the playfulness of living and to share in fostering common qualities of connectivity, consciousness and community. ‘Namaste’, or, ‘I see the light in you’, as they say. Festival organizers bring together leading yoga teachers and wellness experts over four days (typically) to share insights on the practice, promote wellness and have fun. As the Wanderlust promoters put it:‘Wanderlust Yoga Festivals are all-out, ecstatic celebrations’.

Wanderlust is a yoga festival that has entered into existence at full force. The first edition was announced in May 2009 and held a mere two months later in the stunning surrounds of Squaw Valley, California. Since then it has expanded to visit Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Chile as well as holding festivals in its homeland of Cali.

So how is it different from your typical yoga retreat then? Difference numero uno: it’s a travelling festival, hence the name. Building on this foundation, organizers have taken the typical ‘retreat-model’ and thrown a ‘bucket-of-festival’ at it. Because no matter how deep you are in your yoga practice, there’s always room for music and mischief!

At its bones, Wanderlust is a retreat – a gathering of yogis to practice yoga, to celebrate

Reaching into the communities that it visits, Wanderlust fleshes out its offering

Practicing a solitary pose in a field of wild-flowers in Vermont

Wanderlust even hits the beaches of Oahu in Hawaii

by inviting the community that hosts it, to participate. Combining a local contingent and international experts, the festival now becomes a smorgasbord of side-events and activities, expanding on those basic theories of connectivity, consciousness and community, and actually putting them into practice. ‘Speakeasy lectures’ are mini TEDx-like talks where you’ll hear experts wax lyrical on holistic medicine, film, technology, sustainability, and even creative business – sharing knowledge. Meditations are held in scenic areas surrounding the festival – you could push off from shore on a stand-up paddle board at sunrise for a floaty savasana or sit in padmasana in the forests atop a mountain while a violinist plays a piece for you – consciousness. Local artisan food producers host stalls in the food market, giving you and your tastebuds the opportunity to trial green-conscious foodstuffs that are locally made – sustainability and community. And as the sun sets over your new-found community, you can reward your yogi efforts by catching a musical performance in the evenings – playfulness. Artists that have graced the stages include Fela Kuti, Michael Franti, Soul Rebels (squeal!), Polyphonic Spree, Jurassic 5, Moby, Common and a never-ending list of lesser- known yet hugely intriguing artists – there’s no shortage of quality entertainment when all of your hard work on ‘the mat’ is done. So if the phrases ‘Melting Heart’, ‘Half Lord of the Fishes’ or ‘One-Legged King Pigeon’ stir your senses, itch your feet and inspire a sense of wanderlust in you, then head to www.wanderlustfestival.com and book your next adventure within n Wanderlust Yoga Festival 2014 Dates: • July 17-20, Squaw Valley, California, USA • July 31-Aug 4, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada • August 21-24, Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

It's a block-party for all things yoga and where all things are one

Tickets: From $100 USD (1 day) To $900 USD (8 days including 4-day teacher training) Flights: Pick your destination and book away! Accommodation: Will vary depending on the event, camp lake-side or atop a mountain, book a cabin nearby or freestyle it. Don’t Forget: Yoga is a continual, challenging practice and everyone remains a beginner, no matter how long you practice. Why Wanderlust? Take a holiday of self-discovery and personal transformation. Spend a few days immersing yourself in… yourself, then come back to the desert physically and mentally refreshed! Contact: For more information

Spotlight On Movies

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes Action | Drama | Sci-Fi A growing nation of genetically-evolved apes is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who emerges as Earth's dominant species. Stars: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis QH Fun Fact: Star Judy Greer revealed in a recent interview that she and her husband are such big Planet Of The Apes fans they even had a chimpanzee caketopper at their wedding!

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For Action | Crime | Thriller In this long-awaited sequel, the town's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more reviled inhabitants, igniting a streetwar that can only end in destruction.

Guardians Of The Galaxy Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan.

Stars: Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Stars: Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana

QH Fun Fact: Since the release of the first Sin City film seven years ago, actors Brittany Murphy and Michael Clark Duncan both passed away, forcing director Robert Rodriguez to re-cast their roles.

QH Fun Fact: Leading actor Chris Pratt went on a strict diet and training regimen to play Star Lord Peter Quill, eventually losing a whopping 60 pounds and getting a six-pack for the role.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Action | Adventure | Comedy Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O'Neil and her cameraman Vern Fenwick to save the city and unravel Shredder's diabolical plan. Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Johnny Knoxville QH Fun Fact: The August release of the film coincides with the 30th anniversary of the 1984 launch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles saga. 28

When the heat becomes too much, head inside and sweat to the action of these top-five summer smashes!

Hercules Action | Adventure Having endured his legendary twelve labours, Hercules, the Greek demigod, has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord. Stars: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane QH Fun Fact: Before he broke onto the wrestling scene as ‘The Rock’, Dwayne Johnson – who is of African-Canadian and Samoan descent, was studying criminology at the University of Miami. Smart and strong!

Virgin Recommends u QH brings yo f picks the top staefgastore from the M

NAME: Rea Morales STORE SECTION: Red Box Department

TIME AT VIRGIN: 4 ½ years

Best Part of My Job:“The excitement that it gives me every time we open up new items and the challenges we face in making sure we know our products and display the merchandise to its fullest.”

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty Coming in a range of crazy colours (think glow-in-the-dark and Creature googly-eyes), this soft, rubbery dough can do pretty much anything. Bounce it, stretch it, plaster it or squeeze it, kids will love it for the shapes they can make and adults will reach for it as a stress-reliever. Retail price: QR 49-69 depending on size.

Sands Alive In the newly-expanded Red Box section at Virgin Landmark, the majority of their most-popular items are kid-centric. This fun little sandbox is made up of actual sand, but minus the mess. With a special added ingredient to keep the grains from becoming clumpy, it doesn’t stick to your hands and you won’t track it all over the house. Perfect for the little ones it’s like bringing the beach indoors! Retail price: QR 99.

GoVinci Backpacks Tots can head to school or day-care in style with these vibrant little cartoon-animal cases. They carry a selection of trolleys, backpacks and lunchboxes all made out of durable plastic. Open up the front slot and kids can display their own drawings, finger-paintings and artwork in the window! Retail price: QR 99-QR 200 depending on the make and model.

Guinness Book Of World Records: Build Your Own Sets Unleash your inner engineer with these brain-teasing sets. A step up from your average Lego or Connector sets, Guinness World Records challenges you to beat their score with the construction of model planes, catapults and rubber band cars. Retail price: QR 39-59 depending on the size, make and model of each set.

Fuzion Caps This blinged-out headgear is especially popular with the locals! With rhinestones, bold embroidery and a funky, trucker-style design, they’re the ultimate fashion statement and one of Virgin Red Box’s best-sellers. Retail price: QR 199.

Entertainment Listings

AUGUST SUMMER SNEAK PEAK

We've got the scoop in advance on all your August listings and events, so make us your guide for summer! Welcome to our new listings format! Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now categorizing all our listings per outlet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; brunches, business lunches and weekly/ daily promotions. Please note that all offers will resume after Ramadan.

Entertainment Listings SPECIAL PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT Mind The View

Daily: The newest addition to Doha’s social scene, The View is a brand-new food and beverage outlet that’s joined the Doha Marriott family. A beautifully-designed terrace-style space located directly on the pool deck, The View menu provides a wide selection of fare for all palates, from the famous Marriott burger to a fresh and delicious tomato and mozzarella salad. Stop by with a friend and join in for their daily Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Regular hours are from 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Strataspheric Funk Night Eid: Strata. Celebrate the second day of Eid at Strata on the 55th floor. Deep and funky house music enthusiasts will enjoy the beats played by Global DJs. Let them take you higher as you journey into the stratosphere! From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Glo Cocktail Bar Re-Opening Second day of Eid: Glow Cocktail Bar. Join Pedro and his team of mixologists on the second day of Eid and enjoy his new cocktail menu. Happy Hour from 5: 00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

W DOHA DJ Jojo Live

Aug 31: Crystal Lounge. W Doha proudly presents, from the heart of Beirut, Mega DJ and producer, resident at Sky Bar Beirut and owner of Chocolate Bar Beirut, the legendary DJ Jojo performing live with an opening set by the master of house music, DJ Lilo. From 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-3135 or BBM: 2ADD2715.

‘Big Friday’

Aug 29: Wahm. French-Canadian DJ Nicholas Sechaud is no stranger to the international club and fine-dining scene. Currently resident DJ at the world-renowned Siddhartha Lounge at Grosvenor House Dubai, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nicholas has done a number of residencies across famed bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants worldwide, from Italy, Spain, Monaco, Turkey to Uzbekistan and the Philippines. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5323 BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

London Beats

Happy Hour

REGULAR PROMOTIONS

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY After-Work Evenings

Aug 22: Wahm. The London Beats boys are Klaus Macedo and Ameet Jugnauth, and together they bring you a live concoction of electronic and acoustic beats for a ‘Mad Friday’. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5323 or BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Don’t Be Late

Daily: Misturado Lounge. Don’t miss out on this very special happy hour two-for-one promotion on all house beverages. They dare you to go somewhere else! From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Pearl Lounge Theme Nights

Mondays: Ladies Just Wanna Have Fun. Gents QR 100, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m.and 12 midnight. Tuesdays: Salsa Night. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Wednesdays: Arabic Night. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Thursdays: Diva’s Night Out. Gents QR 75, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Fridays: Khaliji Night. Saturdays: Bollywood Meets Hollywood. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. and 12 midnight. Sundays: Closed. For more information call 4429-8444.

Daily: Paloma. Enjoy an amazing Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. with selected beverage offerings seven days a week, and exclusive food offerings on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with 50% on the a la carte menu. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Sat-Thurs: Hive. De-stress with an after-work visit to Hive and make the most of their buy-oneget-one free offer on selected house beverages between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Karaoke

Tuesdays: Hive. Calling all wannabe recording artists! Sing to your heart’s content every Tuesday for a chance to drink for free – if you’re crowned the best singer of the evening. Selected beverages are also on offer for QR 25 from 8:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4015-8888.

Bucket Day

Fridays: Hive. Quench your thirst with a bucket of six brews for the price of four on selected beverages for QR 125, while listening to funky tunes from the ‘70s from 5:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4015-8888.

Super Saturdays

Saturdays: Hive. Gather the boys and get down to Hive on Saturday to enjoy the best the Premier League has to offer, while indulging in a 20% discount on food items and selected beverages for QR 25. For more information call 4015-8888.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Big Night Out

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Sparkling Fridays

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

Fridays: The Lounge. Fridays at The Lounge are bright and sparkling! They welcome all ladies with two complimentary glasses of bubbly. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Lava Theme Nights

LA CIGALE Ladies Night With DJ Roger Choueiry

Sundays: Hospitality Night. Enjoy a 50% discount on food and beverages for hotel staff and cabin crew with DJ Hossein. Mondays: Urban Diva Night with DJ Shadi. Enjoy two free drinks for ladies and no entrance fee from 10:00 p.m. till late. Tuesdays: Fly Night with Resident DJs! Enjoy 50% off on food and beverages for teachers and free drinks for female cabin crew all night. Thursdays: Vibe Nights with their resident DJ. Fridays: Sparkling Friday with their resident DJ. Saturdays: Themed parties every Saturday Night. Doors open from 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-4444

Sundays: Madison Piano Bar. Save your Sundays for the vibrant Ladies Night and dedicate your favourite songs to your special one. Ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

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Friday Night Fever

Fridays: Club 7. Every Friday, party the night away in an exceptional atmosphere with hot tunes from renowned DJ Roger Choueiry. Ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER DJ Beats Thurs-Sat: Glo Bar. Glo’s very own resident DJ May Tox spins the finest beats on the dance-floor! Entry is free. From 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Ladies Night!

Saturdays: Glo Bar. Ladies indulge at Glo with a selection of house beverages and a special concoction every month. For ladies only, enjoy a two-for-one Happy Hour from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. There’s also a special drinks menu starting at QR 25 for ladies and some surprise treats on your way out. Open from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Music Fridays!

Fridays: Champions. The sports bar presents evenings of international music and pizzazz with all your favourite songs played by a live band. Entry fee is QR 60 inclusive of one house beverage. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

W DOHA Theme Nights At Crystal

Mondays: Mad Night. Enjoy a new edition of Mad Monday’s with Crystal’s DJ Lilo mixing up the best deep and progressive house hits with that Crystal special twist. Enjoy a 50% discount for airline crew on beverages and a 25% discount for Crystal members on beverages. Tuesdays: Urban Night. Party every Tuesday and welcome back resident DJ Tobias Sabido mixing up the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school with a Crystal special twist. Two free drinks for ladies from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. Wednesdays: Kiss & Fly. Doha’s favorite ladies night at Crystal is back! Ladies enjoy three free drinks from 10:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information on all theme nights call 4453-3135 or BBM: 2ADD2715.

ret Directory en ltu nm Cu ter&tai Ents Ar

Admiral’s Club The Ritz-Carlton

4448-4800

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

Bar Rancho’s Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Champions West End Renaissance Doha Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4419-6100

4425-6666

Club 7 La Cigale

4428-8888

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

D’Illusion Gokulam Park Dunes The Grand Hyatt

Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton

Qube Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

4445-5444 Shehrazad Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4484-4444 Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

4446-2222 Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4429-8888

4446-0000

4496-0777

4448-4800 Splash Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

4408-7777

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888

Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

4428-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4470-8888 Manhattan Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4448-1234

Fahrenheit Horizon Manor Hotel

4445-5444

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

Glo Cocktail Bar West End Renaissance Doha

4419-6100

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3325

Habanos Ritz-Carlton Doha

4484-8000

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

Hive InterContinental Doha The City

4408-7777

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge Four Seasons 4494-8888

Arts & Culture

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Mathaf Etel Adnan in All Her Dimensions

Al Markhiya Gallery Summer Collection 2 August 4-29: Souq Waqif. The gallery’s annual Summer Collection 2 exhibition will feature over ten artists from across the Arab world. Works from artists such as Bader Mahasneh (Jordan), Hamza Bounoua (Algeria), Iman Hasbani (Syria), Islam Kamil (Sudan), Jamal Abdul Rahim (Bahrain), Khaled Farhan (Bahrain), Manar Al Muftah (Qatar), Mohamed Abou El Naga (Egypt), Salman Al Malik (Qatar) and Shawki Youssef (Lebanon), will be on display. Gallery hours are from Saturday till Thursday, 10:00 a.m. till noon and 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m, or also by appointment. Admission is free, and they are closed on Fridays. For more information call 6600-8750 or email heather@almarkhiyagallery.com.

IAID Music Courses Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Offers classes in Classical/ Modern Piano, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and Western Vocals. All music courses incorporate western notations and follow the London College of Music (LCM), University of West London UK syllabus. Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examiners. Non-IAID students are welcome. Call 4432-0974/4441-1234 or visit www.iaidonline.org.

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atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

Museum Of Islamic Ar t Rare Books Library Ongoing: With over 2,000 priceless tomes and manuscripts in both English and Arabic, the Rare Book Collection at MIA offers a glimpse into our region’s past. Many of the items in the library’s catalogue have been digitized for easy viewing, allowing visitors to peruse rare copies of the Qu’ran and the Muwatta. The Muwatta is the first written collection of hadith, comprising the subjects of Muslim law, compiled and edited by the Imam, Malik ibn Anas. To view the Rare Book collection you must submit an application to be approved 24 hours in advance to MIA. For more information www.mia.org.qa.

Until July 6: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art presents an exhibition of the work of Lebanese-American visual artist, poet, playwright and essayist Etel Adnan in All Her Dimensions, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist. Similar to nature consisting of many dimensions, the artistic and literary oeuvre of Etel Adnan contains many different aspects. Through the exploration of this artist’s multidimensionality, the exhibition will highlight the diversity in her work. Providing an extensive overview, the display at Mathaf will include Adnan’s paintings, drawings, leporellos, tapestries, writings and films from the 1960s onwards. For more information visit www.mathaf.org.

Katara Ramadan Festival 2014 June 28-July 27: The Cultural Village celebrates the Holy Month, coming alive as the sun goes down with a host of activities, workshops, displays and family-friendly events. This year’s them is ‘Astronomy and the Qu’ran’, so expect to see lots of events surrounding the moon and stars. This even includes an exhibition on meteors that have fallen in Qatar, plus this year’s festival will also feature the use of dhow boats for the first time. Gather your family and be sure to take in the full schedule of events. For more information visit www.katara.net.

Arts & Culture A nod to Qatar's own tradition of pearling, the Pearl fountain along the Doha Corniche is a city landmark

d l r o W e h T f O s l r Pea By Ashlee Starratt Selected images courtesy of Qatar Museums

It’s no secret that the waters of the Gulf hold a rich trove of some of the world’s most precious pearls – in fact before oil was discovered here, Qatar made its living from the pearling industry. Now, a new exhibit showcasing some of the rarest specimens is making its way to São Paulo this summer as part of the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture. QH spoke with curator Hubert Bari to learn more about the display. QH: Tell us how pearling became a cultural tradition in Qatar and how are pearls harvested/collected? HB: The Gulf waters are unique for their abundance of oysters, and in particular the ‘Pinctada Radiata’. In many of these oysters it’s possible to find a pearl formed due to the intrusion of a living organism – in most cases a larva; pearls are in fact never made around a grain of sand as people might think. Archaeological excavations confirmed that oyster pearls were being fished in the Arabian Gulf at least 7,000 years ago and traded with Northern

Europe and China since 3,000 years ago. Even though pearl-diving used to be a very difficult and dangerous job, the pearling industry flourished in the Gulf region reaching its best years between 1850 and 1920 and unfortunately collapsing with the Great Depression in 1929.

Maxima’, can be found. For example the renowned Peregrina Pearl, the most famous of all pearls, was found along the Pacific coast of Panama in the 16th century.

QH: In which bodies of water or regions of the world can some of the largest pearls be found?

HB: The most important quality is symmetry: a sphere, a perfect drop, a perfect button. Pearls without symmetrical axis are called ‘baroque’ pearls. They can be valuable as well when the shape can be used as the body of [for example] little birds or humans in special jewelry or art

HB: The largest pearls are usually from the Pacific Ocean, where a big oyster, ‘Pinctada

QH: What determines the value of a pearl?

objects. The second criteria is the perfection of the ‘skin’, the last layer of calcium carbonate covering the pearl – this must be without defects, shiny and, in the case of Gulf pearls, purely white. QH: What causes the variations in colour between pearls (black, yellow, pink etc.), and which ones are the rarest and most valuable? HB: Pearls can be black, pink, green, orange etc,. but they are rare. The colour of the pearl is determined by the colour of the shell making it. For example the pink queen conch shells from the Caribbean Sea are pink and produce pink pearls; the Tahiti oysters, characterized by their black shell rich in melanin, produce black and peacockcoloured pearls.

This iconic tiara from the collection features seven unique specimens in its crown

QH: Which pieces in the exhibit’s collection are some of the most notable in terms of value and history of the collection item? HB: The collection of tiaras (head ornaments) is probably the most important series of jewelry exhibited; seven of them represent the ultimate achievement in Western pearl jewelry. A Russian icon embroidered with white pearls reminds us that fresh-water pearls were very common in Russia. My favourite pieces are all the rare natural pearls presented in four curiosity cabinets. Nobody can imagine such a variety of colours and shapes. It shows that all mollusks with a shell, without exception, can produce pearls. Even the famous land snail, famous in France as a delicacy, can produce pearls!

Hanging on to tradition, a vendor in Souq Waqif goes through his catch of the day looking for valuable pearls

About The Pearls Exhibition Location: Brazilian Museum of Art, São Paulo, Brazil Date: July 20-Sept 28, 2014

A classic from the exhibition, a cluster of natural pearls adorns this satin bag -- giving it the likeness of a flower

‘Pearls’ is organized by Qatar Museums (QM) and sponsored by Shell and Qatar Petroleum as part of the Qatar Brazil 2014 Year of Culture. The exhibition will be a unique scientific, historical and cultural journey into the realm of pearls, showcasing around 200 works of art between historical objects and sumptuous jewelry, demonstrating how pearls are formed and their relationship with societies throughout history. Along with the collection from Qatar Museums, artifacts on view at the exhibition will be from the exquisite collections of Mikimoto and Co, Yoko London and a private Tibetan art collection. n

Arts & Culture

s e c i o V y r a n o i s Vi By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Caroline Carpentier

Hot on the heels of last year’s best-selling Qatar Success Stories, author and businesswoman Caroline Carpentier is working on her second follow-up release due out this fall. We get a sneak peek at Qatar Success Stories: Inspiring Women, a new book that shines the spotlight on the ladies of Qatar who are shaping the country’s future.

atar’s story is one of perseverance. In a matter of decades this Gulf nation has grown into one of the world’s wealthiest and thriving economies – and doing so has taken firm determination and a clear vision. There are plenty of leaders who have left their mark on development across all sectors and over the years more women have emerged in new roles, contributing their skills, intellect and creativity to build Qatar from the ground up. It’s these women that author Caroline Carpentier sought to highlight in her latest endeavour Qatar Success Stories: Inspiring Women. No stranger to the world of publishing, and a long-time resident of the Gulf, this is Caroline’s third book following the previous releases of Leaders Of Qatar, and Inspiring Women’s predecessor, Qatar Success Stories. “With Inspiring Women I wanted it to be less corporate, [and] more about the women themselves and their own contributions and role,” she says. “I wanted to give it a design sophisticated enough to put it in places like museums, galleries and bookstores, [and] to display it in a way that will not only highlight women’s contributions [to Qatar] but also change the image of the country. [It’s] good timing as next year is the World Expo 2015 in Milan – where Qatar will have a pavilion.” Inspiring Women will be published in Qatar at the end of this year through Medeis Al Khaleej,

Author Caroline Carpentier is bringing the contributions of women in Qatar to the forefront in a new book due out this fall

A sneak peek inside Qatar Success Stories: Inspiring Women

directed towards the international community, and will highlight women across three sections – Officials, Accomplished and Promising. Readers will learn about the lives, careers and efforts of Qatari women in government and leadership roles, the corporate sector and the creative sphere. Caroline spent months preselecting and researching more than 30 women to reach out to for a feature in the book, and the feedback she received was overwhelming. Caroline says: “I did a lot of research and crossed recommendations and suggestions to put together a list of ladies from all sectors and with all kinds of backgrounds and experience. The ladies were very supportive and willing to be featured and to help me out with their own contacts, as they felt it was something indeed necessary to have the recognition.” Meant as an educational tool that can also be presented to visiting dignitaries or foreign delegations, informing the world about the people who are making a difference in Qatar, the book is as much a labour of love for Caroline and a tribute to the country she’s called home for the past seven years. In her search for funding of the book, she’s proud to call Qatar Luxury Group, ExxonMobil and International Islamic Bank as joint bronze sponsors. However, one of her staunchest allies since the beginning has been AHB Group, who lends its

support to Inspiring Women as silver sponsor. “It’s my honour to support Inspiring Women as one of its key sponsors,” says Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman of AHB Group. “As we continue on our path towards the National Vision 2030, we uphold and value all women at the forefront of innovation and ingenuity as they propel Qatar towards the future.” “AHB Group has always been very supportive of my initiatives,” adds Caroline. “He [Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal] was in my first book, Leaders Of Qatar, and he was in Qatar Success Stories, and he’s here as a silver sponsor of this initiative. He even intervened in terms of support even before I was sure I could do this!” Caroline also tells us that there will be a contest run in conjunction with the book where the most deserving project presented by a Qatari woman will earn the Be Inspired Award. The winning female candidate and her initiative will be featured in the Promising Women section of the book and will have a unique opportunity to be mentored by some of the other ladies featured within. Applications for the contest are open to Qatari ladies up until September 1, 2014 and submissions can be made at www. qatarsuccessstories.com. Project pitches can range from educational and creative, to scientific

and sports, with the winner being recognized at the book launch to be held in November. Caroline is hoping to distribute the publication across Doha, and also at the international level through ministries and embassies, making it accessible for everyone to pick up the volume and learn about the Qatari women who have stood up to stand out. From H.H. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the nation’s pillar of inspiration for all Qatari ladies, to H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the book is an eye-opening account of the influential power of women, from the foundation already built by local businesswomen, to the generation of future leaders, and many more across various sectors. For Caroline it’s her way of helping to shift perceptions in the rest of the world. “They are all Qatari women and are all working towards developing and contributing to Qatar’s society,” she concludes. “This is their role as women from the Gulf, and it’s important enough to be featured in a book. Here I wanted to really show their strength, vision and skill, because there are a lot who are doing so much for Qatar.” n To learn more about Qatar Success Stories: Inspiring Women or to register for the Be Inspired contest visit www.qatarsuccessstories.com, or email info@medeisalkhaleej.com.

Arts & Culture Visual artist Rachel Gadsden at work in her studio. Rachel believes that through art those with disabilities can thrive and be nurtured

The Mind’s Eye By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Tim Hayton

Art is born from within. It flows and dances to its own rhythm and speaks with its own unique voice. The Al Noor – Fragile Vision project, in partnership with The British Council, is an outlet for young artists with disabilities in Qatar and across the GCC to express themselves through creativity. We speak with Artistic Director Rachel Gadsden to discover how art is much more than what we see with our naked eye.

t’s a quiet, sunny afternoon at The British Council when I’m introduced to English artist Rachel Gadsden; sitting down to talk, my first impression is of a vibrant individual, articulate and passionate about her life’s work. The first thing I don’t notice is that she has a disability. Rachel lives with a chronic lung condition that requires constant injections from a syringe-driver to keep her breathing; it’s something that she has coped with throughout life but refuses to let it define or limit her capabilities. It wasn’t until she began to lose her sight seven years ago that she began to question what that meant for her method of artistic expression. “As a visual artist that was quite a traumatic experience, but very quickly I realized that

actually your vision has very little to do with your eyes,” she says. Armed with a confidence shaped by this new perspective Rachel set out on a personal journey to connect communities across the Middle East through the Al Noor – Fragile Vision project. Working with young, mostly female artists, the initiative seeks to use art as a doorway to crucial dialogues on the perception of disability across cultures. Working with inspiring young women from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, Rachel found a community outreach partner in The British Council and undertook a residency program here in Doha. She’s been working since then with students and artists from the Al Noor Institute, Qatar University and Ruqyya Preparatory Independent School on a series of creative

workshops held at the Museum of Islamic Art, Ruqyya, and Hope Qatar. “The young girls we’re seeing here – a good proportion of them have a very severe visual impairment,” explains Rachel. “And so the whole notion of the Al Noor – Fragile Vision project is to convey the viewpoint that they have an identity and, actually, they can see beyond their sight. We do lots of tactile artistic projects –drawing is another way of communicating and just because they can’t see everything exactly on the page doesn’t mean they can’t draw, because actually it’s a physical activity and they’re all very capable of that.”

On a field-trip to the Souq, Rachel guides young girls from Al Noor and Ruqyya who are experimenting with portraits

In fact the whole project came about as a result of an exhibition of Rachel’s work that was curated last year at Katara. The Arts and Disability Festival was part of the 2013 Qatar UK Year of Culture and it marked a turning point for Rachel, eventually becoming the genesis of Fragile Vision. For the young girls from Al Noor who showed up to the exhibition it offered a refreshing glimpse of hope for the future. “They were mystified to find out I was visually-impaired, because an awful lot of the young people in this group were [also] visually-impaired,” says Rachel. “Immediately they said ‘Are you married?’, and I said, ‘Yes, I’m married’… ‘Did your husband know about your disability?’, and I said ‘Of course!’” “Very quickly I realized there were huge issues around how they saw their future and they’ve all been lucky to be in Qatar,” she emphasizes. “They’ve been receiving fantastic educations – there’s not a limitation as to what resources they have or what their education is, but they just said to me ‘We don’t feel we have any future, because we’ll never marry because of our disabilities – it’s not an acceptable situation in our culture. We won’t get any jobs because there aren’t any jobs at the moment where we could be considered [for] the workplace – so we don’t have any hope.’” It became Rachel’s mission to take these girls under her wing and unlock the creativity inside each of them, showing that hope can blossom. When she approached The British Council about collaborating on The Fragile Vision project they were eager to get on board. “When I showed [them] my application they said ‘This is something that really fits in with our agenda’ – and they’ve given me tremendous support,” she explains.

“Many disabled people in Gulf countries experience unique challenges associated with public perception towards their disability, and this can hinder their chances of achieving full participation in all aspects of life,” says Martin Hope, Country Director for The British Council Qatar. “At The British Council we believe the arts transcend language, inspire curiosity and increase confidence. The arts enable us to work with people of all ages – and this is why we’re using the transformative power of the arts to inspire people to think differently about disability. We hope Al Noor – Fragile Vision will make a lasting impact by changing perceptions of disability across the region.” For Rachel, who grew up in the Middle East and spent her formative years in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, this project is a labour of love – a way to give back to the people living in a region she still identifies as home. For the young artists participating in the program, it’s been a chance for them to show the world who they are inside – above and beyond any outward disability. A selection of their works, plus a contingent of new pieces by Rachel will be displayed this month at the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival and also later on in the fall at the Disabled and Deaf Arts Festival (DaDaFest) in the UK. Rachel has also been working with long-time friend and collaborator, filmmaker Abigail Norris, to create an abstract narrative art film. They have also created a second film that documents the process and progress of Fragile Vision in Bahrain and Qatar. The two films will be screened at DaDaFest 2014 in November. When she speaks of Fragile Vision’s legacy, Rachel says it’s about changing the way people confine their world-view of others based on their

Young women such as Omani artist Sophia (left) see Rachel as a mentor, encouraging their own creativity

capabilities. If you’re disabled she says, “You almost have to prove to the whole world that you’re as good as everyone else, and that has a sort of victim/hero mentality – and that’s not the story we want to tell. Because they shouldn’t feel like victims, and the hero story is quite limiting. Because who’s a hero – all of us are just normal people.” n To learn more about the Al Noor – Fragile Vision project and the work of artist Rachel Gadsden and The British Council, visit www.rachelgadsden.com or www.britishcouncil.qa. To find out about the upcoming arts festivals in the UK go to www.arabartsfestival.com or www.dadafest.co.uk.

Arts & Culture We caught up with the band for an impromptu jam session at JALC Doha

The Sound Sculptors By Ujwala Thirumurthy Photography by Jessie Palanca

If music is one of the keys to unlocking our mind’s third eye, then The Awakenings Ensemble is a group that makes sure it stays wide open. We caught up with these homegrown musicians at JALC Doha to learn more about the chemistry behind their sound. “The good thing about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

Music Series, the Awakenings Ensemble is a jazz band with a difference.

And when jazz hits you, it’s surreal. It’s as if the artist were speaking to you through his or her music. So, when such a group of talented artists performs in harmony, the result is nothing short of magic. The Doha-based Awakenings Ensemble is a multinational music group deeply rooted in jazz but combining Arab and Oriental music to give audiences a new level of high. Performing regularly to packed crowds at

We spoke with Australian composer, performer and founder of the group, Michael Pignéguy to find out about the inspiration behind its inception and what it takes to create those magical moments on-stage.

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha in The St. Regis, and at highly-acclaimed shows with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and the ASD Chamber

“Jazz is my core language, but I’ve always been interested in combining different styles to create a sound that’s sophisticated, yet clear,” he explains. “When I was commissioned to be the Artistic Director of the Jazz Meets Mozart project in 2005-2006 in Australia, it gave me tremendous opportunity to reinforce my skills as

Mike 'The Sound Sculptor' Pignéguy

a musician and also opened up opportunities to explore different styles of music. When I moved to Qatar four years ago, I was fascinated by the rhythmic arrangement of Oriental music, which I found was very similar to that of Latin music. It was then that I decided to add the wonderful element of Arab and Oriental music to jazz.” Pignéguy’s work at the Qatar Music Academy has allowed him to meet a diverse range of highly-skilled musicians from the Arab music scene, and the classical and jazz worlds. But what inspired him to create something as unique as the Awakenings Ensemble?

“Coming from a jazz background, improvisation means a lot to me,” he tells us. “It means blending different styles and different techniques both stylistically and sonically to create music that speaks to you. And the best way to do that is to bring in people from around the world who specialize in particular forms of music and create a sound that is out of the ordinary.” However, working with such a diverse group means that you have to be respectful of all the elements you’re bringing in. Sensitivity is important, and that’s what makes the Awakenings Ensemble work so well. “There’s a natural understanding between the players which helps the music flow effortlessly, and the result is electrifying. The reaction from an audience only doubles the energy on-stage,” says Pignéguy. Formed in 2011, the unique feature of the Awakenings Ensemble is that there’s no one particular set of musicians playing all the time. Mike tells us it varies with each performance, but the bigger the group, the bigger the palette to draw from sonically and stylistically. Many of the Ensemble’s members also play with other groups and orchestras in the city, thus widening the scope of honing new talent. When the group was offered to play at the Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha in The St. Regis, they settled for six members – which is neither too big nor too small for a stage performance. The group’s début CD Speak (out now in stores) features artists from the US, Australia, Egypt, Syria, Ukraine, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia and Canada who create an unusually delightful symphony. It’s said that to be a good musician, you need to live the music – it won’t just come out of your horn. And for someone who breathes his music, Pignéguy has big plans for The Awakenings Ensemble. “My dream is to have the group perform in the European and American festival circuits,” he says with a gleam in his eye. “That will be a real show of synergy. Apart from upcoming performances in Australia and America, [our] next CD will be a compilation of the music from the Jazz Meets Mozart program as well as a quartet CD due for release later this year. ”

The Awakenings Ensemble consists of Dominick Faranacci, Richard Johnson, Matthew Rybicki, Mike Pignéguy, Hassan Moataz, Dmitri Torchinsky, MAias Alyamani, Victor Sumenkov, George Oro, Oleg Polyanskiy and Yassine Ayari

Until then, plug in those earphones, turn up the volume and drown in some jazz. n For more information on The Awakenings Ensemble’s touring schedule for the summer, check out their Facebook page for up-to-the-minute details. To sample some tracks off their new début album Speak, visit www.theawakeningsensemble.bandcamp.com.

Arts & Culture Listings RECOMMENDS

Museum Guide

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

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

Museum of Islamic Art & Park The Corniche 4422-4444 infomia@qma.org.qa www.mia.org.qa Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays

AL MARKHIYA GALLERY Summer Collection 1

July 1-27: Souq Waqif. The gallery’s annual Summer Collection 1 exhibition will feature over ten artists from across the Arab world. Works from artists such as Ahmed Al Bahrani (Iraq), Ahmed Anan (Bahrain), Amr El Kafrawy (Egypt), Hussein Madi (Lebanon), Marwa Adel (Egypt), Mohammed Abla (Egypt), Rashed Diab (Sudan), Serawan Baran (Iraq), Walid Rashid (Iraq), Yousef Ahmed (Qatar) and Zahed Taj Eddin (Syria) will be on display, featuring drawings, paintings and sculpture. Gallery hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan are Saturday till Thursday from 7:00 p.m. till midnight. Admission is free and they are closed on Fridays. For more information call 6600-8750 or email heather@almarkhiyagallery.com.

ONE OF A KIND

EVERY WEEK

MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART Ceramics Of Al-Andalus

KATARA Al Gannas Association

July 1-Aug 30: Focusing on rare and beautiful ceramics from Spain, the objects on display exemplify the blending of Muslim and Christian artistic motifs. Through the display of Andalusi ceramics, the exhibit highlights our philosophy of collecting and conserving key objects in the history of Islamic art to show why and how a museum collection is developed. For more information call 4422-4444.

QATAR MUSEUMS Richard Serra

Until July 6: Al Riwaq Doha. Richard Serra brings together sculptures and drawings from different periods of Serra’s fifty-year career, including works from the seminal One Ton Prop (House of Cards) of 1969, on rare loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York, to a new sculpture created for this exhibition. Al Riwaq will house Serra’s new work, Passage of Time, which has been made especially for the space that spans a total area of 5,000 square-metres. The sculpture is made up of two 66.5-metre-long and 11.5-metre deep steel curves that snake diagonally through the site, and was fabricated in Germany at one of the very few steel mills that can take on such monumental steel works. For more information visit www.richardserraqatar.qa.

Ongoing: Building 33, Katara Cultural Village. Open from 7:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. A cultural association for hunters, Al Gannas was founded in 2008. Dedicated to promoting traditional Arabic hunting, Al Gannas represents Arab hunters in international and regional contests, organizing events and providing support. The association includes the best facilities and equipment required for hunting and encourages research and studies in the field. For more information on becoming a member call 4408-1490.

The Writing Exchange

Ongoing: The Katara Arts Center, Building 5. Creative minds looking to express and develop their ideas and inspiration can come share their writing with a like-minded group. Writer’s block or too shy to share? Interactive and engaging exercises and activities aim to bring out the inner creative writer in everyone. Perfect for adults, university-aged and up. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., open to all and free to attend. For more information on dates and schedule visit www.katara.net.

ALRIWAQ DOHA

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

QMA Gallery

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

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

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

Community

Photo Credit: Alice Hartley

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Dohnates Charitable Collection

Katara Dragon-Boat Racing Ongoing: The Doha dragon-boat team first took to the water in October 2013 and its popularity and number of team members has grown ever since. A unique style of long-boat, dragon-boat racing is found all over the world and is one of the fastest-growing water-sports. Paddlers of all levels and age groups are welcome to join in this fun exercise of teamwork, physical fitness and camaraderie. For more information on the training schedule call Jeff at 7044-3823.

The Raw Health Coach Raw Start Classes Ongoing: An introductory course that’s perfect for those who are new to the idea of raw food ‘un-cooking’, or are ready for a refreshing new approach to how raw food can transform their health, energy and weight. Try raw food samples and learn the basics in this delicious, informative and inspirational class. Individual and group classes available, each session is an hour and a half and can accommodate up to six people. For more information visit www.therawhealthcoach.com.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

Until July 31: This newly-launched charity drive seeks to help those less fortunate this Ramadan and Eid. With their goal of improving the lives of construction workers in the Industrial Area, Dohnates is accepting collections of items ranging from clothes, furniture, kitchen supplies, shoes, storage items etc. for delivery to the workers’ camps. You donation could help put a smile on the face of one of the 834 labourers living in first accommodation selected for delivery. Dohnate volunteers will drop off the items during Eid Al Fitr. For more information visit www.dohnates.com or email dohnates@outlook.com.

Dubizzle Qatar VCUQatar Distorted Portraits July 13-17: This summer Art Exploration community class is aimed at children ages 11 to 12. Instructor Verity Watkins guides students through a variety of media as they have the opportunity to take part in creative and engaging art activities. This course focuses on portraiture using clay sculpture with a group exhibit at the end of the five-day session. Highlights include drawing, painting, collage, experimentation with different art materials and a museum visit. QR 1,100 for five days from 8:45 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu.

Just Launched! Ongoing: If you haven’t heard of Dubizzle then perk up, as they’re now up and running in Doha! Launched out of the UAE, the Dubizzle website has been bringing together buyers and sellers across the GCC for the last eight years. An online marketplace where you can post your pre-owned items for sale, Dubizzle connects people with the products they want. It’s free to use for individuals and you don’t have to worry about purchasing online – instead, you post an ad for the item you want to sell, wait to be contacted by an interested buyer, then meet up face-to-face for the exchange of sale. For more information and to get started visit www.qatar.dubizzle.com.

Community

Exploring

Islam By Charlie Sands

For the many residents and migrant workers who call Qatar home, Islam is a faith they may just be discovering and learning more about. Here's a little insight from those in the know.

hether you’re a newbie or a long-term resident on this peninsula we call Qatar, many of us who aren’t Muslim have barely scratched the surface of Islam – that fundamental set of beliefs which guide our Muslim associates, neighbours, colleagues and friends.

ARC: It’s complete submission to the will of God – following the Qu'ran and the prophetic tradition which is the path for all Muslims to follow.

We headed over to the Fanar Islamic Cultural Center to shed a little light on Islam for those of us who haven't spent much time in a Muslim country before and are experiencing their first Holy Month of Ramadan.

ARC: We follow the five pillars of Islam: Shahadah which is the belief that Allah is the one true God and the Prophet Mohammed is the final prophet and messenger – then Salat which is to pray five times a day. The prophet taught us that we must pray five times to have direct communication with the Creator. The third pillar is Zakat which is that all Muslims must give money to the poor or needy. Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan, and Hajj, the fifth pillar, is the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims should make once in their lifetime.

A Q&A With Our Muslim Friends Introducing Abdulla Ramos Cote from the Philippines, who is a propagator of Islam at the Fanar Islamic Cultural Center (the funnel-shaped building near Souq Waqif), and whose job it is to introduce the objectives of the Center to visitors. QH: Can you tell us what the essential elements of Islam?

QH: How does work in everyday life and how do people practice their faith?

QH: Tell us more about praying five times a day. Is it at specific times and what happens if you're late? ARC: There are set times for prayer but in general people have a period of time to pray so

Explore the passages from the Holy Qu'ran

they try to pray within that period of time. And of course if you miss a prayer because of an important job or commitment that shouldn't be a problem, you can actually catch up later. It's about doing the best that you can do really. QH: We’d like to know more about some of the Muslim customs that we see here. Sometimes we’re not sure if it’s okay to shake people's hands, or how to refer to people. What is okay and what isn't, generally speaking? ARC: We follow the Sunna which dictates how we practice Islam. It’s the example which the Prophet set us which taught us not to shake hands with women. And other things like the wearing of the Hijab which is about preserving women's modesty and chastity. But being modest and dressing modestly is something which all Muslims must do, male or female.

The Fanar Islamic Cultural Center in downtown Doha is a great resource for expats to learn, discover and appreciate the teachings of Islam

QH: How does Islam view men and women? Are they considered equal? ARC: Very much so. In Islam we are all equal. When women marry they keep their name and they have the right to everything. And in Islam we believe that it is your mother who you should confide in three times before your father, such is the respect that we have for our mothers.

Introducing Eman, a British Muslim residing in Qatar, whose family comes from Morocco. QH: What is the most important thing about Islam for you?

Introducing Reem from Qatar, Hassan from Iran and Sabah from Somalia who were all born in Qatar and who all work for the Qatar Tourism Authority. QH: What is Islam to you? Sabah: I have to live my life according to the Qu'ran. I believe in Allah as the one true God, and Mohammed as the final messenger. Reem: The most important thing for me is to believe in just one God. QH: How do you incorporate that into your everyday life?

Eman: For me Islam is a religion of peace. QH: So how do you incorporate that into your everyday routine? Eman: For me it's just become part of my daily routine...it's become part of me. I grew up with it in the West and for me I don't see a change here. I think the only difference here is that people respect the religion more, because they understand it better. While there are specific things we should do as a Muslim, at the same time nothing in our religion is forced upon us. Even prayer – like if you are ill and you’re not able to [go to mosque] then you’re not able to. So it's all about your mind really. QH: What is acceptable dress for a Muslim? How modest is modest? Eman: When it comes to modesty there are different interpretations; you don't need to wear an abaya. I mean, I interpret modesty as being covered from head to toe including wearing a headscarf, as I wear in London. Here I choose to wear an abaya for many reasons...it's simple, it's modest, it's easy to wear, and I prefer not to stand out.

Hassan: When you believe, you don't focus on your daily life, but for your eternal life...the next life. So what you do now is not important. Sabah: Living Islam on a daily basis is about being kind and merciful, being respectful in your personality, your dress, your ablutions (washing), sticking to what is halal and haram (what you are allowed and not allowed to do). Reem: For me it’s to think about God in everything I'm doing. It's a way of life, with Islamic rules.

The Holy Ka'aba at Mecca marks the epicentre of the holy Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj

QH: How are men and women viewed in Islam? Reem, Sabah: Islam puts women in a very high place. Hassan: From the days of the prophet Mohammed women have been given great respect. QH: Finally, what advice would you give to foreigners who come to Qatar and are unfamiliar with the culture and unfamiliar with Islam? Sabah: I think just to be respectful, and also perhaps to learn a little about our culture and our religion. You can find out more at the Fanar Islamic Cultural Center. If they do this then they will understand us better. n

The Five Pillars Of Islam

Fanar Islamic Cultural Center

• Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith

The Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Center is a non-profit organization that works on motivating society to become more informed about Islam. 'Fanar' is a colloquial Qatari term, meaning the fluorescent floodlight mounted on a high tower as a beacon used in guiding open-sea navigators back to safe shores. They offer workshops, seminars and courses in all things related to the Arabic culture and Islamic faith. For more information call 4425-0250 or visit www.fanar.gov.qa.

• Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way, five times each day • Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy • Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan • Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

Community Eid is a time for celebration with family and friends after a month of reflection and supplication

A Tradition To Cherish By Sarah Al Motairi

Marking the end of the Holy Month, Eid Al Fitr is set to fall on or around July 28 this year. This celebration of the Festival of Breaking Fast is a time for closeness, charity and goodwill amongst family, friends, and the wider community. We take a walk down memory lane with author Sarah Al Motairi to learn more.

fondly reminisce about the celebratory atmosphere that filled the air a week ahead of Eid Al Fitr. My mother would proudly remove her finest china and cutlery from the aged walnut sideboard, meticulously shining and polishing to display on Eid, filled with aromatic dishes and signature sweets. My father would rush to the tailor choosing the finest material for his Eid thobe while he sorted through a shelf of freshly-pressed shamaghs (red and white checkered head cloths worn by Gulf men) to match. My parents would spend two to three days rattling through clothes racks in some of Riyadh’s finest stores to make sure their five daughters were prim and proper in the most elegant Eid dresses with bells and whistles to

match. There was a feeling of joy, unity and love. However, all of the above were merely the trimmings that came with a very important and religious holiday spirit. Eid Al Fitr, literally translating to ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’, is a time for Muslims to celebrate the completion of the lengthy, Holy Month of Ramadan. Eid Al Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal –the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is three days galore of festivities, family, food and religious remembrance. For centuries, Eid Al Fitr has begun with the sighting of the new moon. Narrated Abdullah bin Umar (RA), Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) mentioned Ramadan and said, “Do not observe fasting

unless you see the crescent moon (of Ramadan), and do not give up fasting till you see the crescent moon (of Shawwal); but if the sky is overcast and you can’t see the moon, then act on estimation (i.e. count 30 days each for Shaban and Ramadan).” Most countries await the announcement of the sighting of the new moon from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, while others prefer to await the sighting of the new moon within their respective countries. This year, Eid Al Fitr is expected to fall on or around July 28, 2014. Muslims begin their Eid with a compulsory act known as Zakat Al Fitr (charity of breaking fast). Every able Muslim is required to give a cash donation in order to support less fortunate Muslims with their celebrations for Eid Al Fitr. The proceeds may assist in providing food and clothing for Eid day celebrations for those less fortunate. Zakat Al Fitr must be donated before the start of Eid day, preferably a few days before the end of Ramadan. The first day of Eid Al Fitr begins in worship and both men and women are highly encouraged to attend the

morning prayers. Eid prayers differ from the daily compulsory five prayers in a number of ways: 1. Eid prayers are voluntary. 2. In accordance with the Sunnah (following of the Prophet Muhammed’s way), Eid prayers should be offered shortly after sunrise. 3. There is no adhan (call for prayer) for Eid prayers. 4. The sequence of prayer differs slightly from the daily obligatory five prayers.

Performers take part in the Eid celebrations last year in Souq Waqif

Young Qatari men perform the traditional sword dance in honour of Eid Al Fitr

5. Eid prayers are followed by a short sermon similar to that of Friday prayers. Upon completion of the above religious duties, Muslims observing Eid Al Fitr begin their morning by visiting family, friends and neighbours to wish them a happy Eid. Most families decorate their living room coffee tables with baskets of nuts, baklava, chocolates, pastries and Turkish delights. Family and friends blissfully chatter, while donning their finest clothes, sipping on freshly-brewed tea and coffee. Children gleefully skip up and down the halls and gardens, dressed to impress, while they politely await their Eidiya (Eid pocketmoney). Ladies and gentleman, if there is any tradition worthy of mentioning during Eid, it’s the giving of Eidiya to anxiously polite children. As a young girl, I can vividly smell the aroma of cardamom-based coffee in the air and visualize the special layout of sweet platters and pastries. The scent of musk and perfume swirled through the air while laughter and wishes of Eid loudly echoed through the halls. I would patiently wait for my uncles and aunties to greet me – and with a smile, as cheeky as ever, I would await my Eidiya. I knew it was coming – a five riyal note here, a 50 riyal note there, and all the tens in between. As I got older, the notes got bigger. Over the three days of Eid, as our visits continued, my pockets bulged. Ah, the beauty of Eidiya.

Traditional Arabic sweets and pastries are common treats at family homes during Eid

Qatar hosts a number of events to celebrate Eid Al Fitr. From grand Eid buffets to colourful firework displays, everyone is welcome. Every night, over the three nights of Eid, a number of locations boast colourful and ambitious firework shows. However, one of my favorite displays is at Katara, which can be viewed from the Katara esplanade. If you’re in Qatar during the month of July, check updated listings for firework timings and locations. Whatever your plans for Eid Al Fitr, wish those celebrating, a hearty Eid Mubarak, partake in charitable events, enjoy the savoury and sweet delights and don’t forget to make children very happy with the very important Eidiya. Eid Mubarak! n

Community The Museum of Islamic Art has a host of summer programs and workshops to keep kids entertained during the hot months

y t i C e h T n I r e m m Su By Chantelle D’Mello

Whether you’re in Qatar this summer to bask in the sun’s glory, to stock up on some R&R, or to catch up on work, QH has you covered on things to do while you’re here! From art workshops to five-star offers, we have everything you need to make your summer ‘stay-cation’ a memorable one. Get Artsy Grab your does of culture this summer with a host of events on offer! The Museum of Islamic Art is hosting a variety of exhibitions that span the summer. Building Our Collection – Ceramics of Al-Andalus, an exhibition on why the MIA collects Islamic art and how doing so strengthens our understanding of Islamic art through connections between regions of the Islamic world will run until August 30. The museum will also hold tours during Ramadan, every Monday starting from 9:00 p.m. They will also hold a series of talks and lectures. Join MIA conservators in the Behind the Scenes: Carpet Conversation talks, which will be held from July 30-August 6. Additionally, adults can

also learn the Ruq’ah script, the last calligraphy invented at the Ottoman Court, every Saturday from August 9-30 from 9:00 a.m. till 11.00 am. MIA will also hold an Instagram Meet-up on August 4, where people are invited to share their Instagram experiences of the museum. Each monthly meet-up has its own theme and hashtag. For more information visit www.mia.org.qa.

Watch From The Sidelines While the World Cup may be the reigning sports tournament of the season, ‘stay-cationers’ can indulge in a wide range of sports-related activities. Aspire will hold a Ramadan Sports Festival – a two week extravaganza featuring eleven different sports for men and women.

Tournaments will feature basketball, volleyball, handball, and radio-controlled car races. Also, the AFC U22 Championship Qualifiers will be held from July 15-31 at various stadiums in Qatar. ‘Stay-cationers’ can also attend the 5th Qatar International Handball Tournament, which will be held from August 1-6 at the Al Gharafa Sports Club, or the 1st Qatar U18 Basketball Championship, held from August 2-6 at the same venue. The FINA Swimming World Cup,

Dive into swimming lessons or watch some championships from the sidelines at the Hamad Aquatic Center

class, which will be held on July 7 and 14 from 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Book-lovers over 16 can also learn the forgotten art of book-binding in a two-day workshop on July 13 and 14 from 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Younger readers can also join the Library Story Time for Children, an interactive half-hour story time with activities on August 16 at 11:00 a.m. Additionally, budding artists and curators ages 5-8 will have the chance to spend a Week at MIA from August 24-28, where they will be introduced to different pieces of art at MIA, learn about their historical and artistic background, analyze each piece, and create pastiches of the work viewed. For more information, visit www.mia.org.qa.

a two-day event gathering world-class swimmers, will start in Qatar this year, before moving on to Dubai, Hong Kong, Moscow, Beijing, Tokyo, and Singapore. The event will be held on August 27 and 28 at the Hamad Aquatic Center. For more information visit www.olympic.qa or www.lifeinaspire.qa.

Katara lights up at night -- a perfect way to spend a summer evening exploring its many shops and galleries

Children & Youth Children aged 3-5 and 9-12 will be able to create their very own pieces of artwork at the MIA’s Little Da Vincis & Persian Portraiture and Inspired like Picasso! workshops, held on July 3, 6 and 13, which will on glass-painting using floral designs and inspiration from Picasso. MIA will also hold a Wooden Tile – Animals in the Woods workshop for children aged 5-8 on July 7 from 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. While youth ages aged 9-12 can also join in on the experience with the Arabesque Wooden Tile two-part workshop on July 9 and 16. Children ages 16 and over can learn how to gild with real gold leaf at the MIA’s Gilding the Lily

Celebrate Ramadan Book the ultimate 'stay-cation' indulgence at the Caroline Astor suite in The St. Regis Doha. Photo credit: The St. Regis Doha

Enrich yourself this Ramadan with workshops on the special season – with a focus on astronomy, offered by Katara as part of their Ramadan festival every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. during the Holy Month. For more information visit www.katara.net.

5-Star ‘Stay-cations’ To ‘stay-cation’ in style, The St. Regis Doha is offering sea-view superior rooms at just QR 985 per night, with the world-famous St. Regis butler service and various amenities offered. Members of the Starwood Preferred Guest Program can also enjoy a 20% discount in selected St. Regis restaurants and lounges, and their Ramadan tent. For more information call 4446-0000 or visit www.stregisdoha.com. n

Community QatART founder Dominikia Bozic had a vision for a community art exchange like no other

The Art Of Crafts By Diana Farid Images courtesy of QatART

Local community group QatART is a place where Doha-based artisans can showcase their handmade products to the public. QH recently attended their last expo at the Radisson Blu to learn more about the wealth of talent in this grassroots collective.

f you love home-crafted items, then you’re sure to enjoy the work of QatART, a local community-driven handicraft group who does all their work by hand. This includes meticulously-crafted items from jewelry, accessories, paintings, illustrations, craftkits, bags, clothes, home décor, accessories, photography, handcrafted cards and boxes, to homemade food and party supplies. The QatART community blossomed in 2011 under the vision of Dominika Bozic and Gabi

Pezo who shared a common interest of creating a community of hand-crafters in Qatar. It started when Bozic was participating in her first market with her paintings, art prints and illustrations. There she discovered there were lots of people selling products imported from abroad. “To me that didn't feel right,” she tells us. “I expected the market to be filled with products that are made locally by people who live in Qatar.” With Pezo having the same urge to foster a community of artisans, they both joined forces and decided to take the idea forward. Despite

the difficulty of finding the right people and getting the needed support, Bozic and Pezo brought QatART to life, and it now consists of 53 registered members. The way they kicked-started their project was simple and smart; they made use of the markets they attended to gather information about the vendors participating, and created a virtual community over email first. “During our first market participation, I went around the room and collected business cards from people who were making handmade products,” says Bozic. “Gabi and I created a mailing list and started sharing information about upcoming markets in Qatar. We had over 200 people on that mailing list – then we created a Facebook page where we shared their work’s photos.” The QatART community aims to “provide a platform for like-minded people to gather, share

Amira Rashed sells her homemade preserves as part of Amira's Kitchen

Ibtihaj El Morr sells her unique artwork

Tea Worall shows off her Dainty Jewellery

Artisan Catalina Francia showcases her original works of jewellery

and support each other’s creative endeavours” explains Bozic. Their goal is to see the community play a pivotal role in Qatar’s creative development and contribute successfully to the craft scene in Doha – a reason why QatART aims to “capitalize on members’ professionalism and skills through workshops and classes, grow its numbers and include a broad variety of products.” They also hope to see their members enjoy recognition for their products in Qatar and also on an international level, exposing its artisans to a wider public audience who can appreciate their artwork.

Now the group is maintained by a board of six members, including Bozic, since Pezo recently had to leave Qatar for good earlier this year. According to Bozic, leading such a community with people from all over the world is “both rewarding and challenging”. One of those learning curves has been a language barrier which she describes saying, “Through experience one gets to know each culture, how to approach each member and what can be said and what can’t be said.”

Besides providing a platform for handmade artists, the group also organizes free workshops for members to help them improve on important skills that will allow them to grow their business. "We're working hard to give our members the knowledge to develop their skills by organizing marketing workshops with professionals,”adds Bozic. "We also keep members informed about any upcoming markets in Qatar, as well as organizing our own handmade markets.”

A recent milestone in QatART’s journey was being welcomed by arts-and-craft school Inspiration Station late last year. Manager Mel Schade offered them support to build their membership. “She provided us with space, knowledge and she joined our board team immediately to help us maintain the group along with the other five board members,” notes Bozic. “We now have 53 registered members from all around the world and we keep growing.”

Visit Tutu Corner and Doaa Ryad will help you find the perfect gift for your little girl

QatART has also had successful collaborations with the Katara Art Studios in March and April of this year. They were offered beautiful space at their courtyard for organizing the Katara QatART Handmade Market. QatART’s aim is to keep growing and look for more success and partnerships; Bozic wants the community to empower handcrafters all over Doha and build sustainable friendships among its members. “We’re also working on our website and that will be a great platform where we’ll be able to present our group, our activities and our members along with our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,” she concludes. Those interested in joining or learning more about QatART can email infoqatart@gmail.com or visit their QatART Community Facebook page. n

Community Listings RECOMMENDS

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

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

Doha Players KATARA

Bedaya Center

Sun-Thurs: Building 30, Katara. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Bedaya Center is a lively, enjoyable place to be, where you can network, get good career advice, learn new ideas, find out how to start or expand a business, get information when needed and share ideas with other young people in Qatar. The center provides access to range of youth services, training programs and activities each month. During the day, in the evenings and on weekends, they’ll help you achieve your career goals, develop your skills and accelerate your entrepreneurial spirit. For more information call 4454-8158.

ONE OF A KIND LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride

July 5 & Aug 2: Harley-Davidson Shop. The Ladies of Harley meet the first Saturday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the dealership on Salwa Road. Any female Harley-Davidson enthusiast, either rider or passenger, who enjoys socializing and becoming involved with like-minded women can become a member. For more information visit the Ladies Of Harley Facebook page.

EVERY WEEK DOHA TOASTMASTERS CLUB The Art Of Public-Speaking

Saturdays: Overcome your fear of speaking in front of a group and learn how to command the room with the Doha Toastmasters. The group meets every first and third Saturday of the month from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Villa Hotel. For more information on how to join call Subair Pandavath at 5597-4462.

FANAR CULTURAL CENTER Spoken Arabic Lessons

Sun & Tues: The spoken course is a personalized to the level of each student and will focus on communicative functions required in the day-to-day language. These include greetings and getting to know people, asking and answering essential questions, numbers and other topics that help for a better understanding of the society. In this course all the above-mentioned conversational topics are written by transliteration – Arabic words written in English letters. For more information call 4250-1732.

DOHA GARDEN CLUB The Green Box

Ongoing: Gardening gurus and green-thumbs rejoice! The Doha Garden Club is now offering members a 10% discount on Green Box home deliveries valid until September 30, 2014. Filled with locally-sourced fruits, vegetables and poultry, the Green Box comes to your home twice a week so that you and your family can enjoy the health benefits of fresh produce. The Garden Club is also planning their next field trip for members on April 20. For more information visit www.dohagardenclub.com to become a member or visit www.thegreenbox.me.

QATAR ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY Become A Volunteer

Ongoing: Whether you’re a pet-owner or simply a lover of animals – especially those in need, the Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) is always looking for volunteers to help out. With up to 100 animals in their care, every hour of donated volunteer time counts. Whether it’s dog-walking, animal socialization, kennel cleaning or administrative work, QAWS could use the extra hand. For more information on becoming a volunteer call 5539-6074 or visit www.qaws.org.

e! s onlig.cnom See urha ppenin www.qata

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

Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171

French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467

Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052

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

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598

Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Canadians In Qatar

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

Kids Club

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Perform Doha Shakespeare For Kids

Museum Of Islamic Art Tie The Sultan’s Turban July 6, 10, 13 & 17: This summer program for children is a fun way to beat the heat this July! Kids are invited to meet the MIA’s powerful men and women who lived and ruled during the Islamic golden age and to see the lavish headdresses they wore. Afterwards they’ll get to make their own royal headdress in a one-of-a-kind creative workshop. From 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. For more information or to register email dzada@qm.org.qa.

July 6-10: Doha Players Villa (near Education City). This summer camp is run by professional UK actress Samantha McGill and allows kids the chance to discover the wonderful storylines, eccentric characters and hilarity of the Bard through improvisation and drama games, as well as original script. Open to children ages eight to 12-years-old, sessions run from 9:30 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. daily, ending with a small performance on the final day for friends and family. The course fee is QR 850, including PERFORM T-shirt. There are only 15 spots open on a first-comefirst-served basis. For more information and to book your place call 5560-9253 or email performdoha@gmail.com.

Katara Garangao Festivities July 11 or 12: One of the most well-loved children’s festivities is back at Katara – Garangao! Held on the 14th night of Ramadan, kids and their families can come to the Cultural Village starting at 7:00 p.m. and take part in this fun-filled family event. There will be surprises, candy, gifts and mascots and much more. For more information visit www.katara.net.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

Doha Mums Museum Of Islamic Ar t Ramadan Family Tour Mondays: Join their Museum Guides for a family tour of MIA’s outstanding collection of Islamic art. No bookings required, just turn up! Tours start from 9:00 p.m. every Monday during Ramadan. For more information visit www.mia.org.qa.

Cool Summer By The Pool Ongoing: This is a new playgroup for kids ages 7-10-years-old. Join the Doha Mums for the day by their wonderful, shaded compound pool and meet new friends. Starting from 10:00 a.m. onwards this playgroup is for Doha Mums members only and will run throughout the summer. For more information visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

for

Kids Club

The Right Notes By Diana Farid Images courtesy of Music Together

Exposing your child to music at a young age – or even before they’re born, has a positive impact on brain development that we’re only beginning to understand. We introduce you to Doha-based instructor Myriam Astrid who’s harnessing that power for youngsters across Qatar through the Music Together program. “No matter how old we are, music is the common language we all speak and understand; it surely plays a very important role in our lives especially our children. Children are proven to be musical creatures from birth,” says Myriam Astrid. Whether young or old, music enriches us and sustains us all throughout life – it’s even been proven that newborn babies react and respond to its rhythms and melodies. The Music Together program here in Doha capitalizes on the benefits of song and sound, allowing the opportunity to enjoy music with your little ones in a friendly, cozy setting with other parents and kids. “Music Together is a chance for parents with young

children to bond musically in a non-formal, non-performance-oriented setting, using songs, chants, rhymes, and movement with music on a wide variety of tones, rhythms and tempos,” explains Myriam Astrid, a Swiss expat who founded the program in Qatar. “It aims to lay the foundation of BMC (basic music competence) which means being able to sing in-tune and keep a steady beat.” An international program that originated in New Jersey in the late 1960’s, Music Together is heavily concentrated in areas like the US, Canada, Japan, Europe, India, China, and Italy, with new facilitators trained for the program every year around the world. For Astrid, her

Music Together Qatar's founder Myriam Astrid

interest started when she underwent her training in Bologna, Italy which, according to her, “Was the closest training spot at that time”. When settling on Doha to start up a new branch, it was challenging at first to find the right venue. “With the support of some parents who attended the program in the US and wanted to keep the program going, Music Together was soon on its feet,” she tells us. “Things grew and two years later, between my colleague Kasia Montgomery and me, we hold classes in four different locationsto make it easily accessible for parents who wish to join.”

Circle time allows both parents and their children to practice simple musical rhythms

The program is based on the fact that all children are musical. “The participation and modeling of parents and care-givers, regardless of their own musical ability, is essential to the child’s musical growth,” she adds. Astrid encourages parents to “actively participate in class with the singing, chanting, playing and moving to music, which I try to facilitate and make directly accessible”. It doesn’t matter how good Mum and Dad are during the session, what matters is the team-work and bonding experience of doing a musical activity together. Overall it’s an amazing learning experience that can also be further enforced through take-home material of a CD and a song-book that starts in the 10th week of the program. The foundation offered by Music Together helps develop skills that can serve a child well later on if he or she chooses to pursue a formal education in music. Taking part in such a program at an early age can play a vital role in empowering a child to view music as a valid choice of profession. “The technical aspect of learning to play an instrument can be challenging,” says Astrid. “Children who have already been exposed to musical concepts and are able to ‘internalize’ or ‘think music’ will have a head-start. These kids will have acquired a

Kasia Montgomery, Astrid's business partner, with baby Sam. Kasia first attended Music Together in Houston, Texas and is now an instructor

love and a certain music-making confidence that will last for the rest of their lives.” Continuing, Astrid explains: “Research shows that there’s an unequalled window of opportunity in the early years, until the age of about eight and this keen ability for learning and absorption is usually accompanied by a great interest in music and movement which makes it an ideal time.” However Astrid plans to get the program off the ground for older kids as well. Music Together’s Big Kids classes are “the next step after the parent/child mixed-ages classes,” she says. “There are pre-music literacy exercises with flashcards, team singing, improvisation and more individual development and exploration in the musical context.” Given the fact that Doha is constantly changing and new families are coming in, the demand is increasing. Astrid emphasizes a constant need for new facilitators – and the training is available, you just need to reach out and contact them through their website. She also points

It's all about an easy beat that a child can follow

out that it doesn’t matter how professional your voice is or how good you are at singing, as long as you have the ability to sing in-tune – to join the classes all that’s required is a passion to express yourself and entertain children. “Maybe too much exposure to recorded perfection [ex: on the radio] at times stands in the way of us expressing ourselves through singing,” she concludes. “The tendency to leave it to the ‘experts’ [is there], but singing is a way of expressing oneself and ones’ feelings – which is everyone’s right.” n To sign up or get involved with Music Together Qatar email musictogether.sy@gmail.com or visit www.musictogetherinmotion.com.

Kids Club

Kitchen

Creations

o make this family favourite dessert, it’s as easy as boiling rice. You can also try to make it with different flavours such as grated orange, raspberries or chocolate, and top it with honey.

Ramadan Rice Pudding With Saffron And Pistachios

Simple, sweet and perfect for the Ramadan season, this rice pudding is a taste of tradition

Images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha Chef Elias preps his ingredients in The St. Regis kitchen

Kids can get into the spirit of Ramadan in the kitchen this month with JeemTV’s celebrity Chef Elias Gemayal from Opal by Gordon Ramsay in The St. Regis Doha. His step-by-step recipe for luscious Ramadan rice pudding is a no-fail hit for any iftar or sohour!

Ingredients: • 1 cup single (pouring) cream • 1 teaspoon of saffron soaked in a little water • 1 tablespoon of berry jam • Chopped pistachio nuts as garnish • 1 cup of rice • 4 cups of milk • 10 tablespoons of sugar • 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped • 1 teaspoon rosewater Instructions: To make the rice pudding put the rice, milk, sugar and vanilla in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 25 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Add the cream, saffron and rosewater to the cooked pudding and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cool, then spoon over the berry jam and top with the chopped pistachio nuts. n

ENTER AND WIN! Starting July 1, head over to the Qatar Happening Facebook page and enter our Kitchen Creations contest to win a private pizza-making class for up to 6 people in Opal by Gordon Ramsay at The St. Regis Doha with Chef Elias Gemayal!

Kids Club Stay active by enrolling your child in these great summer camps and programs we've got lined up!

Family Fun Days By Diana Farid

With the mercury sky-rocketing and the sweltering heat of the Doha summer making us all sweat, you might feel hard-pressed to find activities to keep the kids entertained until school starts. QH makes it easy for all the parents out there with our round-up of indoor, air-conditioned summer camps and programs for the little ones! Oxford Learning Summer Fun “When children are not active academically during the summer, they can lose up to 2.5 months of their academic proficiency levels in English and math,” says Linda Obel, founder of Oxford Learning in Qatar. “Therefore it’s important to engage in such activities for the benefit of children. Non-native English speakers also commonly refrain from using the English language during vacations; this results in what is called ‘holiday back-sliding’. So even just a few hours a week of tutoring can make a difference and really help all students to be academically active during the summer vacation.” The Oxford Learning centres will keep students’ momentum going all summer, helping them stay motivated until it’s time to hit the books again. The summer program runs from June 29 until September 4 for children and teens

from ages four to 18. Oxford courses include fun activities for all kids such as achievement awards, contests, dress-up days, surprise pizza parties and fun-filled Mad Science afternoons. For more information 4491-0777 or email qatar@oxfordlearning.com for complete details of the different courses and camps offered.

VCUQatar Summer Camps “For the past six years, VCUQatar has run their highly-popular summer programs for children and high school students of various age groups,” explains VCUQatar’s Annette Wendling. “There are two sections of Art Fun classes for very small children ages four to five and six to eightyears-old, and two sections of Art Exploration for high school students ages nine and ten and 11 to 12-years-old. Creative Discovery is an intense two-week program for 13 to 15-yearolds who are more serious about art and Design

Introduce your little ones to the art of ballet

Intensive for teens ages 16 and above is a full-on three-week art camp for high school seniors who consider making art and designing their career path. Most of the programs not only offer an intense classroom experience but also include a museum visit. All courses culminate in an exhibition of the students’ artwork open to family and friends.” Camp schedules starting in July are as follows: Art Exploration 1 held July 6-10 for students ages nine to ten-years-old; Art Exploration 2 held

Is your child the next Picasso? Find out by joining an art program this summer!

July 13-17 for kids ages 11 to 12-years-old. Both camps run from 8:45 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. and cost QR 1,100. For older teens, there’s the Creative Discovery camp for youth ages 13 to 15-yearsold held from July 6-17 for QR 2,125. And lastly there’s the Design Intensive camp from July 1-17 held from 8:45 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. for QR 3,250. This camp is for teens ages 16-years-old and above who will have the opportunity to visit a gallery during the program. For more information email awendlingwil@vcu.edu, call 4402-0555 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/comunityclasses.

Arts & Crafts “Arts & Crafts opened in October 2013, as an art centre providing high-quality ceramics and a wide range of art workshops such as silk-painting, oil-painting, sketching, and kids programs,” says manager Lina Lofti Moabi. “We have a well-prepared schedule for each week to keep kids occupied and expose them to various kinds of arts and kids crafts. We welcome a maximum of 18 kids to the summer camp. The Art & Crafts sessions are run until August 14 with classes taking place from 8:30 a.m. till 2:00 p.m., catering for kids ages four to 12-years-old for QR 900 per week. We also offer a siblings discount.” Each session is on a separate time-frame so you can check the details depending on what’s more convenient for your kids. The aim of their workshops is to challenge and develop students’ critical-thinking and advance their sense of proportion through creations of self-portrait collages using mixed media and photography. Students will not only learn about the subject in each painting, but also about new gemstones

Let you teen discover their love for Science Made Fun

such as pearls and rubies, as well as the representation of jewels in royal portraiture. For more information call 4486-5201 or 5580-1627 or email arts-crafts@live.com.

IAID Summer Workshops 2014 For Kids IAID is the first-of-its-kind performing arts academy in Qatar, pioneering workshops in the country since 2001.They’re offering summer workshops in dance, music, arts and fitness. There will be three summer sessions taking place July 1, 15 and 29. Workshop hours are from 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. for children and teens ages four to 18-years-old and are QR 300 per session. For more information call 4432-0974, 4441-1234, 6671-0589, email enquire@iaidonline.org or visit www.iaidonline.com.

Museum Of Islamic Art MIA is offering a wide range of free, interesting art camps for kids this summer that are worth checking out. The Wooden Tile: Animals In The Woods camp offers youngsters a chance to discover the animals and floral designs throughout MIA in this two-part workshop. Students will learn about the objects then paint on wood to produce two beautiful pieces of art. This two-hour camp ends on July 7 and is ideal for children ages five to eight-years-old. There’s also the Arabesque Wooden Tile camp for older children ages nine to 12-years-old, running from July 9-16. Each workshop is inspired by the patterns and floral designs in MIA and will allow kids to learn about the history of objects and geometry in Islamic Art, while creating their own pieces by painting on wood. For

more information call 4422-4416, email nqussini@qma.org.qa or visit www.mia.org.qa.

Science Made Fun For kids and teens ages four to 15-years-old, Science Made Fun is offering sizzling science summer camp programs that bring a fun, handson educational experience to your kids. The experience will transform the camp into a living laboratory through a unique, discovery-style learning approach. Children of all ages will be engaged in 30 minutes of non-stop, hands-on scientific exploration using materials that are concrete, safe and relevant to the everyday lives of children. Upon completion of the program, each child will receive a cool science certificate and a chance to bring their ‘make-and-take’ experiments home. For more information call 3399-6665, visit www.sciencemadefun-qatar.net, or email info@ScienceMadeFun-Qatar.net.

Enana Ballet Academy For children interested in gymnastics, pop-dance, acting, yoga, ballet and art classes, Enana Ballet Academy has something for all ages. Offering all of these choices of summer programs, the school will also serve children a healthy breakfast and refreshments throughout the day and all participants will receive a DVD of their final performance at the end of the camp. Classes run until July 27 from 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m., and are suitable for children between the ages of five to 12-years-old. Parents also have the flexibility of signing their kids up for a class one day a week for the full term for only QR 200, or they can take part six days a week for a total of 24 sessions at QR 3,000. For more information call 6677-7399, 4444-1399 or email ballet@enanadance.com. n

Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS

EVERY WEEK ELITE SPORTS QATAR Progressive Junior Tennis

Sun-Thurs: A sport management company based in Qatar, Elite Sports Qatar is dedicated to the highest quality of sport instructional programs. With extensive experience and networks in the industry on and off-court, ESA seeks to provide world-class sports instruction to all ages and levels. For more information on course availability call 5566-4747.

DOHA MUMS Horse Riding Lessons

Ongoing: Al Samariyah Equestrian Centre (ASEC). Doha Mums members with children ages three-years-old are invited for some horsebackriding fun at ASEC. Located next to the Sheikh Faisal Museum on the Dukhan Road, lessons are 30-minutes long with Session 1 running from 3:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. and Session 2 running from 3:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

Bounce And Rhyme

QATAR BOWLING CENTER Bowling For Kids

Sun-Thurs: QBC features 32 synthetic bowling lanes, automatic pin setters with Qubica automatic scoring, four bumper lanes for the children (for kids below 8 years old only please!), other sports facilities and a wide parking space. For more information visit www.qatarbowlingcenter.net.

GYMNASTICS ACADEMY DOHA Classes For Children

ONE OF A KIND IAID Summer Workshop 2014

June 28-Aug 14: Hilal St., Al Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Running from Saturday to Thursdays throughout the summer, let your kids experience the fun of discovering their talents and developing their skills in Dance & Fitness, Music, Arts and Personality Development with trainers specially flown in to Qatar for the workshop! Transportation available for residents in Doha, Al Khor and Mesaieed. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

‘Bollywood Mania’ Summer Workshop

June 28-Aug 14: Hilal St., Al Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. This summer camp runs from Saturday till Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. Designed for children ages four-yearsold and above, experience a fusion of formal and folk with Indian traditional music and dance combined with Middle Eastern techniques. It’s a highly energetic dance form for kids, and also serves as a fitness activity, burning calories while dancing to fun and popular Bollywood tunes. For more information call 4432-0974/ 4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

Tuesdays: This is a fun activity for parents, care-givers and newborn to pre-school-aged children. With action songs, rhymes and stories that help children develop their literacy and numeracy, Bounce And Rhyme is a great way for parents to brush up on their nursery rhymes! From 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more details visit www.dohamums.com.

‘Let’s Talk’ Socializing & Teamwork

June 28-Aug 14: Hilal St., Al Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Designed for kids ages six to ten-years-old, the course is a valuable workshop with exercises that involve teaching children how to build their own self-esteem in order to be able to communicate with the outside world and make their own friends. It also includes exercises teaching basic interpersonal communication, teamwork and leadership building, helping participants combat nervousness so that they may be encouraged to speak for themselves in any situation. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234, visit www.iaidonline.org, or email enquire@iaidonline.org.

DOHA MUMS Twins & Multiples Get-Together

Mondays: If you have twins or more and would like to get together with other multiple Mums then please join us each Monday from 10:00 a.m. till 12 noon for a coffee and a chat. For more information or to reserve your spot visit www.dohamums.com or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

Ongoing: The academy caters to young gymnasts of different abilities, over the age of four. It follows the British Gymnastics floor and vault syllabus but also trains on bars, beam and trampolines. They have excellent equipment including air tracks, landing inflatables, two trampolines, beams, junior bars, tumble tracks, vault and a full floor. For more information on gym locations, schedules and fees visit www.gymacademydoha.com.

IAID ‘I-Sing’ For Kids

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

online! See us ppe ning.com www.qatarha

Food & Dining

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Grand Heritage Doha Eid Al Fitr Celebrations

Doha Marriott JW’s Steakhouse Open Throughout Ramadan Ramadan: JW’S Steakhouse. Marriott’s signature restaurant and still the best in the city, JW’s Steakhouse offers an exclusive, upscale dining experience which is reflected in its sophisticated atmosphere and classic décor. JW’s main courses feature only the finest cuts of US Certified Prime Angus Beef complemented by exquisite spices and sauces. Seafood and salad lovers will not be disappointed by the delicate selection on the menu. The presentation, paired with impeccable service and mouthwatering flavours promises an unforgettable evening. For more information call 4429-8499.

Renaissance Doha City Center Eid Lunch Eid: Crossroads Kitchen. Indulge with an international buffet featuring traditional Arabic favourites, interactive cooking stations and delectable desserts, all for QR125. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

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Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Enjoy Eid Eid: Aramede. Celebrate Eid Al Fitr with a sumptuous family brunch at Aramede. You’ll be served all of your traditional favorites, along with activities for the little ones and live entertainment. QR 225 including soft drinks, juices and mineral water, or QR 325 including selected house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Eid: Flavours. This year the hotel has created a rich choice of culinary delights and family entertainment to make this year’s Eid Al Fitr truly memorable. Flavours will offer a special upgraded Eid Brunch buffet featuring Arabic specialty dishes with live cooking stations and entertainment for children. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m., on the first and second day of Eid. QR 220 per person including one round of soft drinks, and 50% off for children between the ages of 6-12 years old. For more information call 4445-5555.

Kempinski Residences & Suites Eid Family Lunch Eid: Aroma. On the day of Eid, the culinary team at Aroma brings the buffet to your table with a four-course family lunch menu. Reflecting the Arabian hospitality, the menu is ideal for sharing with your loved ones and features traditional luscious dishes. QR 195 per person including Ramadan juices, from 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Food & Dining The airy, bright interior of their Corniche Restaurant In Circle: A selection of mouth-watering satays hot off the grill

The Best Of Brunch By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

Few hotels in Doha have enjoyed the same longevity as the Doha Marriott. With one of the city’s largest selection of food and dining outlets, every Friday they roll them all out in one mouth-watering display of world flavours for their weekend Restaurant Gallery Brunch. We grab our plates and take a stroll down this culinary causeway.

f brunch is considered an institution in Doha, then the Doha Marriott is one of its original pioneers. There’s not a flavour you can’t find at any one of its more than seven stations spread out across the bright atrium gallery. It’s noon-time on a bustling Friday and we’re seated inside Asia Live! restaurant –one of the fun perks of brunching at the Marriott is you can sit inside any one of their themed restaurants

while enjoying the brunch buffet set up in the corridor. In Asia Live! they have some masterful teppanyaki theatrics on the go as the chef slices, dices, tosses and sizzles an array of meats, veggies and noodles. Outside, the bright gallery is thrumming with people, sumptuous scents and eye-catching dishes. I head to Taj Rasoi’s Indian station first and fill my plate with chicken biryani, lamb tikka masala and a spicy dal curry. Then, to keep all the spice on the same plate, I pass next door to Salsa Mexican restaurant where they have a fajita station set up outside. The flavours of all items are fresh, savoury and, most importantly, hot. This is where some brunches tend to flop – by not maintaining food at the proper temperature and an otherwise robust dish is left to fall flat in a warming tray for hours on end. I notice that here at the Marriott, the food doesn’t last long enough to go cold and the kitchen staff make sure to re-fill any depleted items regularly. Next up we pass by the sushi station set up outside of Asia Live! where the chef is just bringing out some fresh maki rolls. I stock up on some shrimp tempura and a deep-fried salmon roll, with a healthy side of wasabi just for kicks.

Then it’s on to the Mediterranean section, which also happens to be the largest. Branching out across the Corniche all-day dining restaurant, there are rows of cold mezzes and salads, a fresh pasta station – made to your liking, a hot shish-tawook and fresh seafood grill, a selection of piping hot soups (I ladle up some comforting cream of asparagus), and of course – the quintessential pizza station. What I enjoy most about the weekend brunch at the Doha Marriott is that the variety and selection are as upbeat as the ambiance. Today DJ Kinky D is on the decks spinning some light funk for brunch-goers and there’s more than 300 people tucking in today – a full house. I’m told by one Marriott employee that they’re already roughly half-way full and counting for the following Friday as well. This says something in

Fresh seafood awaits hungry diners who venture over to the Mediterranean station

a town where deciding on a brunch location can be as complex as solving the Gordian knot. The Marriott’s popularity continues to be steadfast – and the reason why seems pretty clear. The food is a standout, the service above-par and the price is by far one of the most affordable in the city. As we linger over our empty plates, stuffed, we know we have to save room for a sweet ending. Just past the JW’s Steakhouse grill station, the dessert section trickles around the corner into the main lobby area where towers of cakes, tarts and custards await. I go for the hot-pots and scoop up a mound of gooey, warm chocolate fudge cake, some cherry cobbler and a small ramekin of crème brûlée. There’s also a made-to-order waffle station and an ice cream counter with a half-dozen flavours to tempt you, plus toppings. Without a doubt the Doha Marriott’s weekend brunch offers budget-conscious diners a decent value for money without cutting corners or scrimping on quantity, variety and flavour. We leave feeling pretty full around the middle but not too light in the pocketbook…the great food, great friends and great fun we had was just the cherry on top. n

Only the freshest sushi rolls and sizzling teppanyaki dining (above) mark Asia Live!'s contribution to brunch In Circle: Traditional Arabic roast lamb falls off the bone and right on to your plate

Can you say 'fajita'? Doesn't matter. Go grab some hot ones from Salsa's Mexican station!

Restaurant Gallery Brunch Location: Doha Marriott, lobby level Timings: • 12 noon till 4:00 p.m. • Fridays only until September • Fridays & Saturdays from September onwards Price: • QR 245 with soft drinks • QR 350 with house beverages Please note that no alcohol will be served during the Holy Month of Ramadan Contact: For more information call 4429-8499 or visit www.marriott.com.

Food & Dining

A Taste Of Asia

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

For lovers of Far East cuisine, there’s a new pan-Asian dining destination in Doha – so dig in! Hwang restaurant at The InterContinental Doha The City has opened its doors and the QH team were some of the first to sample it’s menu, featuring dishes from eight different Asian countries.

estled on the hotel’s first floor Hwang is West Bay’s newest restaurant and the InterContinental brand’s first foray into the world of Asian cuisine in Qatar. In a glamourous, yet unpretentious atmosphere, it offers up a foodie’s delight of dishes from Thailand, Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

It’s dinnertime on a Thursday night when we arrive and my expectations are high since I’m a big fan of Asian food and finding new options in Doha’s five-star hotels are almost non-existent. Hwang is small but beautifully-decorated; its lacquered wooden tables are different in shape and size which gives the décor a unique and much-welcome flair. The colour yellow has a strong presence throughout the restaurant’s elements, and I’m told the décor follows a panAsian theme, mixing pops of bright shades with contrasting earthy tones. The striking artwork on the walls is by local French-Canadian artist Jacinthe Lamontagne-Lecomte, and reflects the people of Asia. It’s an authentic setting, as restaurant manager Ally guides us to our table to start our feast. He’s incredibly attentive and cordial, clearly knowing his craft and his love for the restaurant is apparent. We begin with four starters: an assortment of satays, Thai shrimp salad, wasabi prawns and spicy somen noodles. They’re all indulgent and tasty, but nothing can compare to the wasabi prawns. Their taste is indescribable – a mix of

The balanced sweetness and spice of the roasted duck red curry

sweetness (it’s topped with dragon-fruit) and the strong kick of the wasabi make this starter unique, rich and superb. I don’t need to try anything else, I’m already sold – no matter what comes next I already know I’ll come back just for those prawns again. For our mains we’re served a wok-fried spicy Wagyu beef, stir-fried Asian chicken, red curry with roast duck (gaeng phed yang) and Yangchow-style seafood fried rice. The Wagyu is flavoursome, balanced with a snap on the tongue from the chilli, and the dish is accompanied by paprika-spiced vegetables. The meat is tender and soft – very well-cooked. I eat it with heaping spoonfuls of the seafood rice, creating the perfect combination; the mix of sauces from the Wagyu and the rice are outstanding. The chicken is also a nice dish, but

Every vibrant colour in Hwang's décor has a special meaning

The Thai shrimp salad is cool and refreshing

I’m more impressed with the beef. I don’t eat duck, but I can see my companion hooked on the red curry with roast duck (gaeng phed yang), enjoying every succulent bite, bathed in what he describes as a perfectly-cooked curry sauce. The star dish of the night is undoubtedly the shabu-shabu, which is often referred to as the Asian version of fondue. It’s a pot of boiling stock with a variety of broths and dipping sauces, along with meats, seafood, vegetables, rice and noodles. Tonight we’re savouring a mix of chicken, shrimp, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, shiitake and oyster mushrooms, and delicatelymarbled beef. Taste-wise, it’s a beautiful combination of flavours from the vegetables and meat, while the broth is simply delectable. I like the fact that we prepare the food at the table and the side sauces for dipping pack an extra punch.

Duo of green tea mousse and ice cream In Circle: Deep-fried tempura banana A selection of satays with spicy peanut sauce

Hwang Restaurant In ancient Chinese culture, Hwang means yellow – the colour of nourishment. It’s said that this shade generates yin and yang, meaning that yellow is the centre of everything – much like how the family is the centre of society. Sticking to this philosophy, Hwang's shabu-shabu is served family-style. We’re full after such a feast and politely decline dessert, but their most-popular selections are the duo of green tea-flavoured mousse and ice-cream, and banana tempura. Hwang is the first five-star restaurant on the block that serves dishes from a whopping number of eight Asian countries – so if it’s a taste of the Orient you crave, Hwang is a prime spot to indulge your palate. n

Location: 1st floor, The InterContinental Doha The City Timings: 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Sun-Fri Hwang is open during Ramadan Average Meal Price: • QR 55 - QR 70, starters • QR 100 - QR 165, mains • QR 340, shabu-shabu • QR 30, desserts Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes, smoking area adjacent to the restaurant Contact: Call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Food & Dining

Sautéed seafood and broccoli in a zesty Szechuan sauce

Contest winner Joanne Redmond with Ruby Wu's Chef Austing

Word of Mouth Photography by Jessie Palanca

QH: Were the prices reasonable?

This column is part of a monthly contest where we send one of our readers to experience a meal at a restaurant. It’s our way of giving the community a voice in our pages. This month Joanne Redmond visits the Far East at Ruby Wu’s restaurant in the Radisson Blu. Here is her review.

JR: Yes, prices were very reasonable. QR 45 -QR 65 for entrees, QR 130-QR 140 for mains a nd QR 40 each for both desserts. QH: Describe the ambiance. JR: The décor is Asian-inspired with authentic touches and warm lighting. QH: Describe the quality of food. JR: Fantastic! Well-cooked, fresh and well-presented. Each meal had the chef's own unique touch.

QH: What did you order? QH: Describe the quality of the service. JR: Entrees: • Deep-fried prawns with mayonnaise and black sesame seeds • Steamed chicken and shrimp Siew Mei dumplings Mains: • Sautéed seafood and broccoli in Szechuan sauce • Roasted Peking duck breast with pancakes, leeks, cucumber and duck sauce.

JR: Excellent! Very attentive and helpful without being in the way. QH: Would you go back? Why/why not? JR: Yes – great food and service.

QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience? JR: Yes, the desserts were especially excellent. QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how? JR: Yes, they could reduce the noise levels between the two restaurants. n

QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant? JR: The level of service.

Dessert: • Spiced crêpes, caramelized pineapple and honey ice cream. • Warm rice cake with mango in Pandan syrup and bittersweet chocolate.

The Siew Mei dumplings with black sesames are bursting with flavour

QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant? JR: The noise from the adjoining restaurant.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in our reader reviews do not reflect in any way those of Qatar Happening Magazine’s staff, directors, management or Editor-in-Chief. All hotel PR food and beverage departments are aware of the content and receive a copy.

Food & Dining Delicious saffron ice cream with a drizzle of rosewater, the tasty treat pictured here is from Parisa restaurant in The Sharq Village & Spa

One Sweet World: Faloodeh Words and images by Gerald Tan

This cool, sweet, Persian treat is a tasty antidote to the temperature spike of summer, while its delicate nuances of syrup and rosewater give a nod to the quintessential flavours of Ramadan. Let us pass you the spoon as we dig into the indulgent history of faloodeh.

ave you given much thought to how long your favourite foods have been around? Akin to clothing, certain items fall in and out of fashion, while others stay popular in perpetuity. One example is the doughnut, which northern Europeans invented in the medieval times. So loved is this deep-fried yeast dough that it’s given rise to arguably the most viral dessert spinoff in history: the cronut. Loosely described as the offspring of a croissant and a doughnut, this pastry exploded onto the scene at New York’s Dominique Ansel Bakery in May 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. Call me a pessimist, but I just can’t imagine the cronut having the same longevity as a timehonoured sweet from Iran called faloodeh. This icy dessert has witnessed the rise and fall of empires since its creation around 400 BC. We’re talking about two and a half thousand years of satisfied customers.

Faloodeh is simple in its composition, comprising rice vermicelli, rosewater, syrup, and lime juice. The ingredients are mixed together, frozen, then shaven or raked with a fork to be served with a granita-like consistency. Hold up, you say. Did I just gloss over icy noodles? Hear me out. This is something worth trying. There is a surprising level of sophistication with faloodeh. The chewy noodles provide intriguing contrast to the crunch of the ice. Flavour-wise, the sweetness from the rosewater and syrup is balanced by the citrusy sharpness of the limes. And that’s just the basic recipe. Faloodeh is often served with pistachios, which add a roasted, nutty facet to the dish. At finer establishments, expect it to be topped with a scoop of saffron ice cream for a woody counterpoint. Another traditional accompaniment is sour cherries, or even sour cherry syrup – perfect for those who enjoy more tang. Although faloodeh is widely available in ice cream parlours and dessert shops across Iran, it is synonymous with Shiraz, one of the oldest surviving cities of ancient Persia. Therefore, don’t’ be surprised when it appears on menus as faloodeh-e-Shirazi, and not just in Iran but also in neighbouring Pakistan, where it remains popular. In this world of culinary copycats, it’s no wonder that faloodeh has a spinoff, too. The very similar sounding dessert drink falooda is widespread in South Asia and the Middle East. Vermicelli and

rose syrup are joined by a hodgepodge of other soft and squidgies, including jelly, basil seeds, and tapioca balls. All layered with shaved ice, ice cream and milk. I concede: even looking at it can be daunting. I remain a fan of the original edition, which I find particularly refreshing on a hot day. Something about the exotic, floral notes in faloodeh never fails to transport me to one sweet and ancient world. n TRY FALOODEH HERE: Parisa Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Weekday Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Weekend Lunch: 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., daily Hasht Behesht Palace Souq Waqif 4441-1494 Lunch: 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m., daily Dinner: 6:30 p.m. till 12:30 a.m., daily Shiraz Garden Al Muthana Complex, Salwa Road 4466-6213 Open Daily: 12:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m.

Each month, food journalist Gerald Tan features the desserts of different cuisines and where they can be found in Qatar. Visit his website www.boulangerry.com for recipes and culinary chronicles from his travels or Tweet him @geraldotan.

Food & Dining Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar – a time when Muslims all over the world fast from dawn until sunset. In Qatar, both locals and expats celebrate the occasion at the many Ramadan tents across the city, indulging in delicious iftars and suhours as they break their fast. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy with family and friends this year!

Ramadan

Kareem!

ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge Ramadan Tent

Iftar: Wide varieties of cold starters to be served on the table followed by a soup and hot starter. The main course is a choice of chicken, prawn or lamb, with a special dessert included. QR 175 per person inclusive of soft drinks. From 6:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. For more information call 4408-2000. Sohour: Indulge in a specially-created a la carte menu featuring charcoal-grilled chicken chops, kuzu cevirme served with dane-i–tahil rice, or braised veal served on a bed of harissa. A sahlab pudding with berries and starch leaves will be offered for dessert. From 8:30 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. For more information call 4408-2000.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK A Unique Ramadan

Events Center: For private or corporate iftar and sohour buffets, the hotel’s team is ready to cater to your needs at the Events Center that can hold up to 450 guests. They will also cater for your gatherings during the Holy Month in the comfort of your own home with their exquisite outside catering services. Iftar: QR 155, sunset till 8:00 p.m. Sohour: QR 135, 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Iftar & Sohour

Corniche Restaurant: Head to the Doha Marriott and come together in the celebration of iftar and sohour in a Souq-style décor at the one-and-only Corniche restaurant. Appreciate their chefs wonderful, specially-prepared Arabic sweets and traditional hot dishes and create long-lasting memories in celebration of Ramadan. For more information call 4429-8499.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Shahrazad Tent

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Ramadan Iftar & Sohour Join in for a taste of scrumptious delicacies from their Iftar and Sohour buffet located in the hotel’s Oriental indoor Ramadan tent setting. Offering Arabic specialties with Ouzi and shawarma there’s a range of live cooking stations to suit your taste. In addition, the ‘Saj Bread Master’ is back this year! Iftar buffet is available from sunset till 9:00 p.m., and sohour from 9:45 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. with special live Oud entertainment. Buffet is QR 210 per person, including Ramadan beverages, with 50% off for children ages 6-12 years-old. For more information call 4445-5555.

HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Ramadan Iftar Buffet

Lagenda Restaurant: This Ramadan, enjoy a delicious iftar featuring Asian and Arabic cuisine for QR 138 and QR 78 for children between the ages of 4 to 12-years-old. From 5:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. For more information call 4408-4220.

Al Wajba Ballroom: Savour the traditional sohour with Oriental hot and cold mezzedes, Ramadan specialties and international cuisine prepared at live-cooking stations. Served in the elegant atmosphere of Shahrazad Tent, traditional Arabic splendours are combined with modern extravagance and complimented with authentic Arabian performances. Sohour is served from 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. at QR 225 and QR 115 for kids below the age of 12. Children between the ages of 4-12 will enjoy a 50% discount, while children under the age of four will dine for free. Shisha service is also available for QR 85. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

LA CIGALE Ramadan Tent

The Square: Celebrate Ramadan at a delicious iftar with friends and family. Enjoy traditional Arabic dishes daily on the buffet from sunset to 9:00 p.m. along with your favourite Ramadan beverages. QR 190 including selected Ramadan beverages. Special offers available for groups. For more information call 4015-8888.

Customized to reflect the blessed spirit of the occasion, the La Cigale Ramadan Tent is considered a centre of attraction, with an exclusive ambiance featuring an extravagant souhour buffet, wide variety of traditional Arabic and international dishes, live cooking stations and a daily themed cuisine zone. Indulge in mesmerizing sweets, flavoursome Shishas, and live traditional Arabic entertainment. Sohour buffet is QR 250 per person, inclusive of mineral water, Ramadan juices and soft drinks. For more information call 4428-8709/10.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Iftar Menu

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Iftar Dining & Giving Back

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Ramadan Special Iftar

Aroma: Experience the classic ambiance of Aroma as it transforms for the Holy Month of Ramadan. Savour the Iftar menu with a four-course selection of Arabic and European delicacies, ideal for sharing with your loved ones. QR 160 per person including Ramadan juices. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Seasons Restaurant: The hotel’s traditional iftar buffet at Seasons makes this restaurant a great place to break your fast during Ramadan for only QR 140 per person. With Middle Eastern specialties as well as an international buffet, there are delicious varieties for all. Bring the whole family and inquire about their group discount for 10 or more guests. For more information call 4429-1111.

Food & Dining

ORYX ROTANA Iftar Dinner Choices Restaurant: During the Holy Month of Ramadan, enjoy a lavish Oriental dinner every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with ouzi, cold mezzeh, shawarma, a live mixed grill station and more for QR 195 per person. Buffet includes local water, Arabic juices, Arabic coffee and Moroccan tea. For more information call 4402-3333.

PAPER MOON Enjoy Ramadan

Jaidah Square: Get together this Ramadan at Paper Moon and celebrate the Holy Month with friends and family. Set-up includes a buffet of Italian delicacies with Arabic touches. Iftar is from sunset till 8:15 p.m. for QR 160 per person. Sohour is from 9:00 p.m. onwards for QR 160 per person. For more information call 4016-6000 or email info.doha@papermoonmilano.com.

RADISSON BLU Ramadan Offerings

Hyde Park Coffee Shop: This year, celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Radisson Bluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iftar. Guests can choose from an array of special Ramadan dishes and a huge selection of desserts and sweets, all specially-prepared by their team of renowned Arabic chefs. QR 140, inclusive of soft drinks. For more information call 4428-1555 or email info.doha@radissonblu.com.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Ramadan Tent

Ballroom: Celebrate the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan with a spirit of kindness and hope. Step inside a Middle Eastern wonderland and watch their Tanoura dancer as he twirls unstoppably over live Arabic music in their lavish ballroom. Have your Shisha while watching the FIFA 2014 World Cup football matches and savour the Arabian flavours with live cooking stations offering indigenous Ramadan specialties. QR 235 for iftar or sohour, including mineral water, soft drinks and Ramadan juices. QR 125 for kids ages 6-12-years-old and complimentary for kids ages 0-5 years. Dream Card holders receive a 15% discount off the regular price. For more information call 4419-6100 or email doha.restaurant.reservations@renaissancehotels.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Iftar & Sohour

Al Sayad Restaurant: Join in during the Holy Month of Ramadan for a delicious buffet every evening in Al Sayad Restaurant. Guests are welcomed for iftar starting from 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. for QR 190 per person. Sohour timings start from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Le Grill and Al Borj will be closed during the Holy Month of Ramadan. For more information call 4484-7412 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

THE FOUR SEASONS Ramadan Tent

Garden Terrace: Enjoy a true, authentic Ramadan experience in the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusivelydesigned tent located in the Garden Terrace. Open every evening, guests can enjoy an extensive iftar buffet with a wide selection of international food. Mohamed Khairy and his Syrian Halabi band, along with the legendary Ahmed Doughan, will delight your Ramadan nights with the finest music during sohour. For football lovers, a big screen will feature the World Cup games at the tent. Iftar is QR 225, from 6:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m., and sohour is QR 275, from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4494-8888.

THE GRAND HYATT A Grand Ramadan

Ramadanak: Located in the heart of their Arabian Palace, Ramadanak is back this year after winning the Qatar Choice Award for best Ramadan Tent in 2013. The full atrium is converted into an Arabian palace, bringing together all the chefs de cuisine from their acclaimed restaurants, joining forces for an international buffet with flavours catering to all tastes. Book your iftar and sohour buffet for QR 250 and indulge in the many international and Arabic choices. For more information call 4448-1234.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Ramadan Tent

Al Wassail Ballroom: Ramadan gets bigger and better at The Ritz-Carlton’s Ramadan tent, with the mesmerizing sounds of exotic music and traditional Arabic atmosphere of the Souq. Bring home traditional Arabic crafts for your loved ones and enjoy iftar from sunset till 8:00 p.m., and sohour from 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Iftar is QR 210 and sohour is QR 265, including Ramadan juices only. Special offers apply for groups. For more information call 4484-8000, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Ramadan Experience

Ballroom: Gather with friends and family in The St. Regis Ramadan Tent and share in the spirit of Ramadan at the finest address in Qatar. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet and live cooking stations including a dedicated dessert area with many traditional Arabic sweets. Private cabanas are available for up to eight people and there will be live music during Sohour. Iftar is QR 230 per person from sunset till 7:30 p.m. and Sohour is QR 270 per person from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0000 or visit www.stregisdoha.com.

THE TORCH DOHA Iftar & Sohour Flying Carpet

Iftar: Served daily from Maghreb prayer until 8:00 p.m. for QR 210 per person including Ramadan juices. Sohour: Served daily from 11:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. for QR 180 t per person including Ramadan juices. Book your private corporate Iftar or Sohour at one of their ballrooms during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Buffet menu starts from QR 170 net per person. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Sultan’s Tent

Great Room: The Sultan’s Tent will offer live food stations, and extended Arabic buffet, live Ramadan band playing traditional Arabic instrumental music and an extensive shisha menu. Doors will open 30 minutes before iftar time. Iftar buffet is open until 8:15 p.m. at QR 220 per person, and sohour is open from 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. for QR 274 per person. For more information call 4453-5135. n

Food & Dining La Spiga by Paper Moon in The W Doha

What’s On, What’s Open For non-fasting expats, there are still options to get you through the work-day. We’ve rounded up a selection of spots that will be open for breakfast and lunch throughout the Holy Month.

RESTAURANTS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Aramede

Breakfast: 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Lunch: 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. Contact: 4408-7777 or www.crowneplaza.com/doha

DOHA MARRIOTT Corniche Restaurant

Breakfast: 6:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Contact: 4429-8888 or www.marriott.com

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY The Square

Business Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Closed on Fridays Contact: 4015-8888 or www.intercontinental.com

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Aroma Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Contact: 4405-3333 or www.kempinski.com/doha

Gourmet House

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Quick Bites All-Day Dining: 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. Contact: 4419-6100 or www.westenddoha.com

Crossroads Kitchen

Breakfast: 6:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Contact: 4419-6100 or www.westenddoha.com

Cucina

Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Contact: 4419-6100 or www.westenddoha.com

THE FOUR SEASONS Nusantao: Sea Kitchens

All-Day Dining: 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. Contact: 4405-3333 or www.kempinski.com/doha

Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Contact: 4494-8601 or www.fourseaons.com/doha

LA VARENNE 28th Floor, Tornado Tower

THE GRAND HYATT Rocca

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Closed Fridays Contact: 4499-0680 or www.lavarenne.qa

Breakfast Buffet: 6:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. A La Carte: 10:30 a.m. till 12 midnight Contact: 4448-1270 or email rocca.ghdoha@hyatt.com

Nusantao: Sea Kitchens at The Four Seasons

La Varenne Restaurant, Tornado Tower

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Opal by Gordon Ramsay

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m. Contact: 4446-0116 or www.opalbygordonramsaydoha.com

Family Food Center

W DOHA Market by Jean-Georges

Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Lunch: 12 noon till 4:00 p.m. Contact: 4453-5135 or bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com

La Spiga by Paper Moon

Lunch: 12 noon till 4:00 p.m. Contact: 4453-5135 or bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com

W Café

All-Day Dining: 10:00 a.m. till 12 midnight Contact: 4453-5135 or bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com

SUPERMARKETS & STORES CARREFOUR

Daily: • 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m., Villaggio, City Center, Landmark & Dar Al Salaam Malls • 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m., Lagoona Mall

FAMILY FOOD CENTER Sat-Thurs: • 8:30 a.m. till 5:45 p.m. • 7:30 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. Friday: • 8:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. • 12:30 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. • 7:30 p.m. till 12 midnight

GEANT STORES

Daily: 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m.

LULU HYPERMARKETS & EXPRESS

Daily: • 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 a.m. • Closed on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.

LULU CENTER

Daily: • 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. • 7:00 p.m. till 12 midnight • Closed on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. n

Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS

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DOHA MARRIOTT Social Sushi

Daily: Asia Live! Choose between California maki, Prawn tempura maki, spicy tuna roll or dynamite roll for your perfect combination of sushi and bubbly! Four pieces of sushi including one drink for only QR 50. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Sushi & Steak

Saturdays: Blue. Enjoy a sharing sushi platter along with your choice of US tenderloin steak for QR 225. An option of Wagyu beef is available for an additional of QR 50. From 12:30 noon till 12:30 midnight. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood Brunch

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Eid Brunch

Eid: Seasons. Indulge in their lavish celebration brunch on the first day of Eid Al Fitr, featuring a wide range of Middle Eastern and international specialties served from outstanding buffets and live cooking stations. QR 215 per person, or QR 265 including coffee, tea, soft drinks and bubbly. Children under the age of 12 eat free and those between the ages 12 and 16 get 50% off. From 12 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-1111.

Special Eid & August Listings Welcome to our new listings format! Making it easier to navigate at your fingertips, we’re now categorizing all our listings per outlet – brunches, business lunches and weekly/daily promotions. Please note that all offers will resume after Ramadan, starting from Eid.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK It’s Payback Time

June 1-Sept 30: This summer the hotel is giving you one more reason to visit their property. Get your QR 20 payback voucher for every QR 100 spent at any of the restaurants and lounges. Payback vouchers are valid on your next visit until September 30, 2014. For more information call 4408-7777.

Fridays: Fish Market. Indulge in a luxurious buffet and market display featuring lobsters, oysters and tiger prawns. Choose from a wide range of beverage options to complement your meal. QR 350 including unlimited house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Eid Dinner Celebration Eid: The Square. Celebrate the first day of Eid by enjoying dinner and drinks with friends and family. The Square will be serving a wide variety of international popular dishes on the buffet from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. along with your favourite house beverages. QR 300 including selected house beverages or QR 230 inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mövenpick Ladies Morning

Daily: Seasons. Girls night out is never complete without a luxurious breakfast to re-cap the night’s events. Dine in style with your ladies and pay only QR 55 for a delicious breakfast buffet. Available at Seasons restaurant from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information call 4429-1111.

ORYX ROTANA Latin Night

Sundays: Choices. Enjoy a unique concept and indulge in a Latin American buffet. QR 210 per person with food only or QR 300 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try their premium package for QR 345 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

RADISSON BLU Eid Brunch

Eid: Ruby Wu’s & Bombay Balti. Come celebrate the first day of Eid with brunch in Ruby Wu’s and Bombay Balti. Let their team of chefs tempt you with fresh seafood, sushi, Chinese, Indian and festive Eid dishes. QR 160 per person, or add a little sparkle QR 210 per person. For more information call 4428-1555.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Ladies Night

Tuesdays: Le Grill Restaurant. Enjoy a very special ladies night where all ladies can have any meal for half the price, excluding beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4484-7412 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

THE GRAND HYATT Main Restaurant During Ramadan

Ramadan: Rocca. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, please note that Rocca will be the hotel’s main restaurant. A lavish buffet breakfast will be served from 6:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., and lunch and dinner will remain a la carte Italian by Chef Marco. Please note that Isaan, Dunes, Al Maha and Biscotti will be closed and The Grill and Majlis will be open from sunset until 2:00 a.m. to serve iftar and sohour. For more information call 7021-8096.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Join The World Cup Experience

Till July 13: The Lagoon Restaurant. Enjoy the thrill of the 2014 FIFA World Cup this summer at the Ritz-Carlton, with an array of food and beverage offerings, a perfectly-appointed sports setting and incomparable luxury service. Discover all the intensity and emotions of the matches, and find out who will walk away the champions. For more information call 4484-8512, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Eid Al-Fitr

Eid: The Lagoon Restaurant. On the first and second day of Eid, bring all the family to this special celebration and festive brunch. Live Arabic music complements the delicious buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children have their own junior buffet and entertainment. Brunch starts at 12:30 noon. For more information call 4484-8173, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

Food & Dining Listings THE TORCH DOHA Torch Wellness Initiative

Daily: All outlets. Come celebrate the launch of their new healthy concept empowered by the Aspire nutrition team. A la carte specialties including healthy options are available in all restaurants, lounges and in-room dining. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Summer Promo

Daily: Flying Carpet. Reserve a table for four people or more for dinner and enjoy a special discount of 20% on your total bill. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant. reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Refreshing Fruit-Infused Water

Daily: Torch Tea Garden. There’s nothing like a fresh glass of lemongrass and pineapple water, basil and lime, or strawberry and orange to cool off in the summer heat – freshly-made by their expert mixologists. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Eid Brunch

Eid: Spice Market. Indulge in one of the most iconic brunches in Doha with Asian street food-style cuisine and melodic sounds from the Doha Jazz band. QR 380 per person including house beverages. QR 290 including selected soft drinks. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

Tasting Menu

Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Designed to help you understand what’s behind the Southeast Asia cuisine experience, in five courses you’ll discover ten beautiful flavours for QR 250 for a minimum of two people and a maximum of eight. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Offer includes a bottle of vino per pair. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

REGULAR PROMOTIONS CHOWKING New Indo-Chinese Menu & Value Meals

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

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK The Deal Is Done

Sat-Thurs: Aramede. Combine business with pleasure at Aramede restaurant and unwind from your heavy working hours with a healthy and quick business lunch for QR 95 per person including local mineral water. From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

You Think You Can Eat Meat?

Sun-Fri: Rodizio. Meet up at their awardwinning restaurant Rodizio and experience the taste of Brazil. Dig into all-you-can-eat meat starting at QR 265, or QR 369 including selected house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: Restaurant Gallery. Discover an array of live stations and specialties featuring favourite dishes from around the globe. Highlights from the weekend brunch include a wide selection of fresh sushi, Peking duck, fajitas, Oriental grills, pizza, curries, biryanis, fresh seafood, ice cream and more. Now offering a kids’ club zone with a special kids’ buffet and activities.QR 245 for regular brunch and QR 350 for bubbly brunch. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Modern Turkish Cuisine

Mon-Sat: Agora. Offering modern Turkish and Ottoman dishes inspired by the Black Sea and the Balkan regions with Mediterranean touches. From 1:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Spanish Tapas

Daily: Blue. Channel the vivacious spirit of Spain with the restaurant’s delicious contemporary tapas lunchtime menu. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Family Brunch

Fridays: Flavours. Enjoy a sophisticated brunch with special kids’ activities in the exclusivelydesigned area adjacent to the restaurant. QR 220 including one round of soft drinks. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Mezze Day

Sun, Tues & Wed: Mykonos. Enjoy a sharing platter of Greek mezze accompanied by a glass of house beverage, all day long for QR 145 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Theme Nights At Coral Restaurant

Sundays: Turf Night dinner buffet. QR 250 including a glass of house beverage. Mondays: Sushi Boutique dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage. Tuesdays: Asian Night dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage Wednesday: Italian Night dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage. Thursdays: Phoenician Night dinner. QR 235 including a glass of house beverage. Fridays: Coral Goes BBQ dinner. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage. Saturdays: Surf Night seafood dinner buffet. QR 260 including a glass of house beverage. Saturday Kids and Family Brunch from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. QR 250 per person including bubbly and QR 225 with soft drinks.For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Grand Mussel Brunch

Fridays: Belgian Café. Indulge in a truly Belgian experience and have unlimited mussels and Belgian house beverages alongside Belgian salads and a dessert buffet for only QR 275. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Seafood Night Wednesdays: The Square. Delectable locallysourced seafood is served every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. Cold seafood salads, fresh seafood cooked ‘a la minute’ at the live cooking stations and a delectable dessert station will make it a night to remember. QR 350 per person including selected house beverages, or QR 250 per person inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888.

Friday Brunch

Fridays: The Square. Featuring four interactive kitchens specializing in cuisine from Japan, China, India, Thailand, Europe and the Middle East, The Square is the place to be for an indulgent day out. Choose from four distinct seating areas before sampling an array of starters, main courses and sumptuous desserts. QR 330 including selected house beverages, or QR 230 including soft drinks and mocktails. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888.

Theme Nights

Daily: The Square. Feast on an exciting array of international dishes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Mondays offer the best of the Mediterranean and include authentic Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Moroccan, French and Greek delicacies. Then, take a trip to Asia every Tuesday where Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian favourites take centre-stage. QR 180 excluding beverages or QR 250 including unlimited house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

JUST BURGER Now Open!

Daily: Parcel 11, La Croisette 18-20, The PearlQatar. Just Burger is a home-grown concept in the category of casual-dining. The restaurant serves burgers, American-style food, steak and many more. Open from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4015-0180 or 4437-2679, or email info@justburgerme.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Signature Camel Burger Daily: Aroma, The Lounge and Gourmet House. The talk-of-the-town signature camel burger is one of Kempinskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-selling food items â&#x20AC;&#x201C; known for its rich and distinctive combination of tastes that sets it apart from other burgers. For more information call 4405-3325,email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Bakery Happy Hour

Daily: Gourmet House. Well known for its products, Gourmet House gives you the chance to purchase them at half-price. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Carefully-sourced produce, talented preparation and cozy, delicious flavours are the ingredients of the finest business lunch in Doha. QR 90 per person, from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Daily: Le Cigalon. Indulge in an extravagant buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with a la carte option available. Buffet breakfast is QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner with live-cooking stations is QR 220 inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698. Sushi Mania Daily: Yen Sushi Bar. Partake in the best sushi and sashimi served on a special rotating belt and colour-coded, plated formula along with an a la carte menu option as well. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4428-8698.

See us onlinem! www.qatarhappening.co

Food & Dining Listings LA VARENNE French Country Brunch

Fridays: Indulge in La Varenne’s interpretation of a table-top brunch. Enjoy a full-course, allyou-care-to-eat menu with sharing-style dishes showcasing an array of the best La Varenne classics, along with their hors d'oeuvres and dessert trolleys. QR 179 for regular brunch and QR 379 per person with selected drinks. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

Rotisserie Night

Saturdays: Delight your taste-buds with an unlimited offering of rotisserie chicken, meat and fish with a selection of side orders for QR 179 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

ORYX ROTANA Asian Night

Mondays: Choices. Every Monday take a culinary journey around Asia as Choices Restaurant features their Asian Night. QR 200 per person for food only, QR 290 including unlimited selected house beverages or try the premium package for QR 335 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

Oriental Seafood Night

Wednesdays: Choices. Indulge in traditional Middle Eastern-style seafood in a perfect family ambience. QR 220 per person for food only, QR 310 including unlimited selected house beverages or try the premium package for QR 355 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Enjoy the most exquisite French business lunch in Doha with two courses for QR 85 and three courses for QR 95. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mövenpick Ice-Dreams

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

Travel The World On A Plate

Monday: Matador Night. Savour enticing Spanish delights with tapas, paella, live cooking and much more for QR 160 per person. Tuesday: Les Alpes. Enjoy the combination of the finest delicacies of France, Italy and Switzerland for an exclusive gourmet event for QR 160 per person. Wednesday: TemptAsian. Be tempted by authentic ingredients and aromas. Gather around the teppanyaki table, taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry for QR 160 per person. Thursday: Deep Blue. A simply spectacular buffet of rich, fresh and succulent seafood and fish for QR 180 per person. Friday: Curry, Kare, Kari. Get ‘curried’ away from Southeast Asia to the north of India for QR 160 per person. Saturday & Sunday: International. Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations for QR 140 per person. For more information call 4429-1111

X'Press Lunch & Dinner

Daily: Enjoy the Cellar’s three-course set menu including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 89 per person for lunch and QR 145 per person for dinner guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.

PRINCE OF PERSIA Now Open!

Daily: Parcel 5, Unit 135 and 7 La Croisette, The Pearl-Qatar. Prince of Persia is a finedining, authentic Iranian cuisine restaurant that represents a mix of home-style, fresh and delicious Persian dishes focusing on a variety of stews and grills. Open from 12:00 noon till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4015-0190 or email princeofpersia@nas-food.com.

QUISINE BY GUY SAVOY ‘Introduction To Gastronomy’ Menu Mon-Sat: Quisine by Guy Savoy and Al Safwa Farm have partnered up to give you the best of Qatari agriculture. All the vegetables in this menu are organic and grown in Qatar. Three-course menu for QR 380. For more information call 4002-7245 or email reservations@guysavoy.qa.

RADISSON BLU Sushi Time

Sundays: Sakura. Indulge to your heart’s content with a selection of sushi, tempura and delicious meats and fish cooked in front of you. QR 230 for food only or QR 290 inclusive of house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

After Work Tapas

Daily: Picasso’s. The restaurant introduces a regular tapas night, so sit back and relax with a glass of vino and enjoy the chilled-out music beats. QR 160 inclusive of tapas and three glasses of vino. From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Weekend Brunch

Fridays: Hyde Park. Let the team of chefs tempt you with fresh seafood, sushi, Chinese, Indian and European specialties. QR 180 per person or QR 210 per person including a little sparkle! From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Tomahawk – Can You Handle It? Daily: New York Steakhouse.Can you handle the largest steak in the city? This is definitely the talk of the town with 800 grams of flavourful Tomahawk Wagyu rib-eye – only at New York Steakhouse. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Business Express Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Cucina. Choose from three entrees, three mains and three desserts made from the freshest Italian ingredients and served in 45 minutes or it’s on them – all for QR 85. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Summer Coolers

Daily: Quick Bites. Feeling hot and in need of a cold refreshing beverage? Come and visit Quick Bites and discover their iced tea selection! Starting at QR 20 from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

Pizza & Pasta Express!

Daily: Cucina. Order any one of Cucinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pizza or pasta along with a side dish and one soft beverage for just QR 45! From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Sushi Mania

Mon & Wed: Al Dana. Choose your favourites from their freshly-prepared sushi, maki and sashimi twice a week. QR 185 per person with a 50% savings for children ages 6 to 12. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

THE ANVIL ROOMS Lunch Special

Daily: Choose a succulent and tender signature steak, a side dish, a sauce and a soft drink for QR 149. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

The Blacksmithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supper

Sun-Thurs: Choose a signature steak, a side, a sauce and a signature drink for QR 149. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut

Daily: With room for eight people, the BBQ Donut will take you along the West Bay shores to enjoy unparalleled views of the city while savouring an exquisite dining experience. QR 180 per person including chilled juices, mineral water and soft drinks. Rental fees are QR 450 for one hour, and QR 800 for two hours with an additional 30 minutes for QR 200.For bookings call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

Pure Opulence

Daily: Le Grill. This elegant and comfortable restaurant serves the best prime steaks and grilled seafood in town. You can see the chefs prepare your food in the open kitchen on the live cooking station. Le Grill is featuring a Qanun player in the evenings except for Sundays. From 12:00 noon till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4484-7412 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

THE FOUR SEASONS Go Go Bento Box

Sat-Thurs: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. The Go Go Bento Box is a take away bento box that gives you four different menus for a delicious easy meal. Boxes have to be ordered in advance over the phone and pick-up times will be advised (allow 45 minutes preparation time). The boxes are composed of four to six dishes, all cooked to order and packed with authentic flavours. From QR 79 for a four-course bento to QR 89 for a six-course bento. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

Food & Dining Listings All-Day Dining

Daily: Il Teatro. Doha’s award-winning restaurant, Il Teatro serves buffet breakfast, followed by lunch and dinner (a la carte). Delight your palate with a wide selection of international options. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8631.

THE TORCH DOHA Corporate Lunch At Heights

Daily: Three Sixty. Planning for a business lunch or corporate gathering? Book your event at Three Sixty, the only revolving restaurant in Doha. Groups of six and above get a three-course set menu including selected beverages starting at QR 190. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Casual Business Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Mezzanine. Served from Sunday to Thursday, enjoy a fantastic business lunch that includes salad buffet plus a la carte sandwiches or pasta, one soft drink or chilled juice and a mini dessert from QR 80 per person. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant. reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Homemade Signature Ice-Cream

Daily: Torch Tea Garden. There’s nothing like a fresh pomegranate sorbet, berries delight, honey and yogurt or chocolate ice-cream served at Doha’s trendiest tea lounge. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Burger Night

Sundays: Market by Jean-Georges. Start your week with your favourite burger, side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection – all for QR 110 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Sip & Savour

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

Jazz Brunch

Fridays: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a delicious brunch with live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 380 per person including house beverages, or QR 290 including soft drinks. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Friday Broonch

La Spiga. Amplify your flavours with a chic, Italian a la carte brunch. QR 220 per person with selected soft drinks, QR 220 per person with a 25% discount on house beverages, or QR 380 per person with selected house beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY L’wzaar Seafood Market

Ramadan: Katara Cultural Village. For the first time, L’wzaar is open during Ramadan from 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0710.

Chac’Late

Until July 13: Katara Cultural Village. It’s World Cup fever! Support your favourite team and don their colours with Chac’late’s World Cup lollipop shirt. For more information call 4408-0733.

Burgerry

July/Aug: Aspire Park. Indulge with a healthy choice of spiced carrot salad, coleslaw and classic potato salad. For more information call 4449-3958. July/Aug: Introducing the new Burgerry Fun Meal! Each meal comes in a beautifullydesigned Fun Box and includes one fruit juice, an order of regular French fries, and choice of B. Classic, B. Cheesy, Good Dog or their new B. Bites (served with special sauces). Ramadan timings are 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4449-3958.

Kunafa Albisana

July/Aug: Katara Cultural Village. Try their new traditional Middle Eastern pudding, perfected with fresh dates, honey and pistachio. For more information call 4408-1200.

Red Velvet Cupcakery

Ramadan: Katara Cultural Village. Try their featured flavour cupcake for Ramadan, dates and pistachio – a spiced date cake topped with a rich pistachio-honey buttercream! For more information call 4408-0700. July/Aug: Get two free drinks tomorrow, by buying QR 100 worth today. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0700. July/Aug: The Mint Lemonade is the new treat to beat the summer heat! From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-0700.

Aspire Grand Café

July/Aug: Aspire Park. Enjoy a speciallyprepared fresh chicken marinated with traditional Indian spices, cooked with fragrant basmati rice and finely-chopped fresh herbs. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-1996.

Business Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert in just half an hour at QR 95 for a three-course meal. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

e! See us onlinom www.qatarhappening.c

ctory rery cto ngreDi t Di anni urDi sta& Reod Fo American & Tex-Mex American Grill

International

Chinese

4411-0188

Chopsticks 4434-3333

Al Hubara

4485-4444

Chili’s 4466-0663

D’Chopstix 4408-4888

Al Liwan Restaurant

4424-2888

Ipanema 4419-6100

Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill

4433-6777

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Ruby Wu’s

4428-1428

Al Shaheen Restaurant

4485-4444

Just Burger 4015-0180 4437-2679

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

Animato 4496-6600

Latino 4485-4444 Oyster Bay

Contemporary European

4446-0105

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

4443-7846

Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria

4408-7777

Salsa 4429-8888 TGI Friday’s

4488-7008

Aroma 4405-3325 Astor Grill

4446-0105

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Gordon Ramsay

4446-0105

La Mer

4484-8000

Market by Jean-Georges

4453-5135

Nando’s

Delivery Hotline 4436-0606

Opal by Gordon Ramsay

Arabic & Lebanese Agora 4445-5555

4446-0105

French

Al Balad

4491-8692

La Sahtaine

4423-3333

Al Bandar

4431-1818

La Varenne

4499-0680

Al Batross

4432-8888

Al Canteen

4433-6666

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

Al Mourjan

4483-4423

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Al Tawash

4498-2002

Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam

4495-3876

Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café

4408-0840

Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma

4466-2616

Liza 4495-3876 Majlis 4448-1234 Marmara Istanbul

4436-2947

Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 The Tent

4432-8888

Turkey Central

4443-2927

Maxim 4428-1428 Quisine by Guy Savoy

Sormani 4495-3876 Ext. 3222

Indian

4472-2666

Choices 4402-3333 Corniche 4429-8888 Cosmo Restaurant

4424-7777

Crossroads Kitchen

4419-6100

De Dine Zone Restaurant

4470-8822

East 4433-6666 Flying Carpet

4446-5600

Grand Gourmet

4434-3333

La Brasserie

4446-2222

La Cigalon Restaurant

4428-8888

Lifestyle Restaurant

4463-2154

Mawasem 4423-3333 Mehfil Restaurant Nando’s

4409-4444

Delivery Hotline 4436-0606

The Dining Room (Al Najada Boutique Hotel)

4433-6666

The Dining Room (Fraser Suites Hotel)

4424-3444

The Grill

4448-1234

The Lagoon

4484-8000

Three Sixty 4446-5600

Biryani Hut

4464-1401

Bombay Balti

4428-1428

Chingari 4428-1428 Idyl Factory

6674-1143

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Torch Tea Garden

4446-5600

Vine 4446-0105

Italian Bice Ristorante

4495-3876

Carluccio’s 4495-3876

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

Cucina 4419-6100 Di Capri

4428-8698

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

Fabio’s Pizza

4416-5641

Sukh Sagar

4431-9172

II Teatro

4494-8888

Taj Rasoi

4429-8888

La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant

4436-7991

La Veranda

4485-4444

linoem! s opn Sewe.qau ing.c tarhap en ww

4002-7245

Blue Brasserie Restaurant

Picasso’s 4428-1428 Porcini 4484-8000 Rocca 4448-1270 Romano’s Macaroni Grill

4451-7585

The Italian Job

4428-1428

Japanese

Bar Food

Cafés

Neo 4432-2508

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

De Ozone

4470-8822

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar

4495-3878 Ext. 1311

Sakura 4428-1428

Madison Piano Bar

4428-8888

Al Jalsa

4425-6666 4434-3203

Strata Restaurant & Lounge

4015-8888

Pool Bar

4484-4444

Al Kut Lounge

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

Shehrazad 4428-1428

Al Mandarine

4463-3748

Yen Sushi Bar

4428-8888

The Irish Harp

4485-4444

Atrium Lounge

4485-4444

4405-3325

Bab Al Baher

4423-3333

The Lounge

Mediterranean

Wahm 4453-5353

Aramede 4408-7777

Burgers

Biscotti 4448-1282

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

La Villa

4446-2222

American Grill

Le Central Restaurant

4428-8888

Chili’s 4466-0663

Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

Fuddruckers

Mykonos 4484-4444 The Cellar

4402-3333

4411-0188 4483-3983

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

4434-2753

TGI Friday’s

4488-7008

Dean and Deluca

4451-9780

Dell @ The Village

4444-4700

Gourmet House

4405-3333

Jones the Grocer

4407-7175

La Margarita

4409-4444

Le Gourmet

4436-1789

Lime Café

4496-6600

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

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

Moka and Co

4458-3232

Orangery Café Troittor

4428-8888

Quick Bites

4419-6134 4446-0105

Al Dente Seafood Restaurant

4472-2666

Prince Of Persia

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Fish Market

4484-4444

Southeast Asian

L’wzaar 4408-0710 Asia Live!

4429-8888

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

Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611 4466-7551

Parisa 4425-6666 4015-0190.

4444-7017

Colombiano

4425-6666

4444-4700

4470-8822

Café Tasse

Coffee Time

Al Dana

Grill @ The Village

Café De Biznez

Hardee’s 4467-8750

Seafood

Persian

Bert’s Café 4495-3876 Ext 1381

Pampano 4495-3876 Pier 12

4428-1428

Steakhouses

Isaan 4448-1250

Bentley’s Grill

4428-1428

Sarab Lounge

Mango Tree

4495-3876

JW’s Steakhouse

4429-8888

Savor 4408-7777

Nusantao: Sea Kitchens

4494-8888

Le Grill

4484-7412

Shisha Garden

4428-8888

Spice Market

4453-5353

New York Steakhouse

4419-6100

Sky Lounge

4402-3333

Sri Kebaya

4434-0838

Prime 4015-8888

Sugar and Spice

4411-4456

The Noodle House City Center Mall

4411-5063

The Anvil Rooms

4499-0685

The Courtyard

4433-6444

The Butcher Shop and Grill

4413-5508

The Drawing Room

4433-6666

The Pearl Wok Mee Noodle House

4495-3876 4496-6600

The Old Manor Steakhouse

4446-2222

The Lobby Lounge

4484-8000

The Terrace Lounge

4433-6555

Torch Café

4446-5600

W Café

4453-5353

Ya Hala

4423-3333

Sports

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

Hamad Aquatic Center 2014 FINA Swimming World Cup

Qatar Handball Federation 5th Qatar Junior Handball Championships August 1-6: Al Gharafa Sports Club. Come watch the 5th Qatar International Handball Tournament for Men (Youth) hosted by the Qatar Handball Federation and root for Qatar to bring home the glory! For more information visit www.asianhandball.org.

Qatar Basketball Federation 1st Qatar Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l U18 Basketball Championships August 2-6: Al Gharafa Sports Club. Keep score at the 1st Qatar U18 Championship for Basketball and watch some of the most prominent players in action. For more information visit www.qatarbasketball.qa.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

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Qatar Basketball Federation 23rd FIBA Asia U18 Basketball Championships August 20-29: Al Gharafa Sports Club. This is the 23rd edition of FIBA Asia's youth championship for basketball. The games will be held in Doha and will feature some of the best up-and-coming new players in the game. For more information visit www.qatarbasketball.qa.

August 27-28: Launched in 1979, the FINA Swimming World Cup gathers world-class swimmers in a series of two-day meets organized between August and November each year. Across seven or eight locations, the circuit is structured in clusters (Middle East, Europe and Asia) and distributes total prize money of $2 million USD. Thirty-six events are on the competition program, including two mixed relays. For more information www.fina.org.

Qatar Football Association GCC Junior Football Championships August 10-19: All Qatari stadiums. The GCC Champions League, formerly known as the Gulf Cup for Clubs, is an annually organized football league tournament for teams from the Arabian peninsula. The tournament was first organized in 1982 and is currently in its 28th edition. For more information visit www.qfa.com.qa.

Sports Keep the whole family active this summer by enrolling them in team sports!

s p m a C r e m m u S y t r o Sp Compiled by Jorge Granda

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning to spend your summer break at home with the kids, there are still loads of fun activities to make sure the whole family has a memorable summer in Doha. Here are a top few that are worth signing up for! EVOLUTION SPORTS QATAR Soccer Camp

THE RITZ-CARLTON Kids Camp

With the 2014 FIFA World Cup capturing our attention this summer, what better way to be part of the football fever than enrolling your child in a soccer camp? Evolution Soccer Camps are a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and techniques from the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UEFA-certified coaches, while meeting new friends who have the same passion and desire for the game as you do. To reserve a space, fill out an application online through their new website at www.evosportsqatar.com. Camps are open for kids between the ages of four and 16-years-old. Payment can be made online or before the start of the camp.

More than just a short break from school during the summer vacation, kids will explore new pioneering activities at The Ritz-Carlton in a fun, secure and illuminating setting where they can meet other children and develop new friendships. Activities range from sports (basketball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, karate, etc.), to movie-time and fun games.

Dates: July 6-9 Location: Doha College, Al Waab St. & West Bay campuses Timings: 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. Price: QR 150 per day, or QR 750 per week Contact: info@evosportsqatar.com

Dates: June 29, July 24-Aug 2 (Eid break), and August 3-28 Timings: 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. Price: QR 250 per child, per day. A special discount will be offered for two or more siblings at a price of QR 200 per child. A five-day package is QR 1,000 per child, or QR 1,500 for two children. Contact: For more information call 4484-8173.

Wellness Bonanza Kids can discover a fun way to experience new recreational activities with up to three hours of craft activities, sports and games complemented by food and beverage offerings. Dates: Every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. Cost: QR 300 per child, or QR 500 for two children. Contact: For more information call 4484-8173, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

ASPIRE ZONE Ramadan Sports Festival This two-week festival will feature eleven different sports for men and women, including beach soccer, basketball, football, junior football, flag football, volleyball , and table tennis for special needs athletes. The festival will run from July 2 till 16 at Aspire. For more information and registration procedures, visit www.lifeinaspire.qa. n

Sports

Pure Power

The ultimate in power performance and stamina the Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 is sleek both inside and out

By Jorge Granda Selected photography by Jessie Palanca

For decades Audi has been a symbol of luxury, thrilling generations of motorists with a clear sense of style and comfort. QH goes for a test drive and gets behind the wheel of the Q7 Quattro 3.0 V6.

can’t say I’m a car expert, but I can definitely tell what looks and feels good. I’m also not usually a fan of unnecessarily big SUVs, but I must say that the Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 V6 (333hp) is a heck of a vehicle – it’s not only a looker but is blissfully comfortable too. For two days I had the opportunity to drive the Q7 through the streets of Doha. This particular model is garnet red with a pearl sheen effect. Like its exterior, the car’s interior design is sleek and smooth. Unlike other, similar cars in the market, the Q7 focuses on an unforgettable driving experience, rather than accessorizing the vehicle with an unlimited number of fancy gadgets. Don’t get me wrong – the Q7 is as luxurious as it can get, but with a perfect sense of practicality. One of the aspects I appreciated most during the test drive is the sensation of safety and power it gives the driver. Even though the car is very spacious inside, it gives you a sensation of total privacy – you can’t hear any noise filtering in from the outside, so it’s like you’re completely alone on the road, ensconced inside a highly-secure vault. It also gives the driver a feeling of flying over the pavement as the Q7 steers so well and accelerates at the slightest touch of the gas pedal.

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The Audi Q7, in my opinion, is a superior every-day use car, more-so than any of its counterparts in the market. Its stability on the road is more than impressive, and when it comes to the roundabouts in Doha the car sticks to the pavement in a way not many do (even if you’re doing 80 km/h). Driving over rocky ground and uneven terrain is also effortless with the Q7 with its strong suspension and sleek performance. Next time you’re looking for a vehicle that can (literally) go the distance, Audi should be top of your list.

Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 V6 Specifications Exterior Colour Garnet red with pearl sheen effect Interior Colour Black and pale grey Equipment • Adaptive air suspension • Black roof rails • Black window surrounds • In-lays in Tamo ash dark brown • Headlining in black cloth • Leather package

• Customized fitting by Quattro GmbH • Audi exclusive cast aluminum • Wheels, 5-segment spoke design, titanium look, 10J x 21, with 295/35 R 21 tires • S-line exterior package • Audi exclusive leather design package with climate-controlled comfort seats • Styling package • Basic package II for AGCC/Rest of Middle East n For more information or price enquiries on the Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 V6 call 4445-2333 or visit www.audi-me.com.

Sports The team from Maersk Oil takes part in a session led by Absolute Fitness instructors in Al Jazi Compound

Workout At Work! By Jonny Parr Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Absolute Fitness

The idea of corporate wellness is a band-wagon that more companies and businesses are getting on board with lately. Making time during the work-day for fitness has multiple benefits, from relieving stress to making us more productive as a team. The pros at Absolute Fitness show us how wellness in the workplace is changing Qatar’s future for the better.

eeply engrained in Qatar’s 2030 National Vision is that of a ‘Healthy Population’. With this bears some responsibility for public and private institutes such as hospitals, sports clubs, and fitness companies - such as Absolute Fitness (AF). With a rise in our awareness and understanding of the issue, it’s becoming more apparent that companies have to take charge of the health, fitness and well-being of their employees. How they do this varies depending on circumstances within the firm itself, such as staff needs/ demands and the company’s values and ethos.

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As Qatar develops rapidly, a growing and welcomed trend is companies taking corporate wellness initiatives and the well-being of their staff seriously as they look to tackle health concerns and mitigate healthcare costs.

corporate clients we provide for. The exact activities and strategies we provide for them vary, as they’re completely unique to their company. Generally however, they tend to take the shape and form of the following:

This is vital if Qatar’s 2030 National Vision is to be realized, as these corporations are in a strong position to educate, engage, support and empower an extremely large percentage of the population to make informed decisions in relation to their health and fitness.

1. Workplace Fitness Sessions These can vary depending on the interests and goals of employees and their company. Popular classes include boot-camp, yoga, Pilates and more. The notion of Workplace Fitness Sessions is making fitness opportunities easily and readily available for employees, while improving physical and mental attributes such as fitness,

At Absolute Fitness we have a number of

Hitting up Aspire Zone for some body combat exercise routines

confidence, and self-esteem. Also, the social setting advances areas such as rapport, teambuilding, motivation and camaraderie. 2. Events (Full-Day or Half-Day) At AF we’ve hosted a large number of events including Qatar National Sports Day and Reach Out To Asia. These are hugely-popular and target a large audience. This is a great way to get important information and messages across to the public. For example, we’re heavily involved in supporting and delivering Maersk’s ‘Action on Diabetes’ campaign. We’ve delivered a number of fitness initiatives – aerobics, body combat, yoga – and also sporting activities – football, volleyball, basketball. This has proved extremely successful in helping the people of Qatar. 3. Lunch and Learn Series Our team has presented to a number of firms in Qatar for the past three and a half years. The aim of these seminars is to educate, support and empower employees. Common topics have included ‘Stress Down Days’, ‘Active in the Workplace’, ‘Designing your own Fitness Program’, ‘Nutrition Do’s and Don’ts’ and ‘Relaxation Series’.

Practicing some roll-outs with a medicine ball

4. Health and Movement Consultations Creating a starting point or gauging ones current health status is essential before plans can be made to progress. With this new-found data also comes accountability and motivation – two key components if individuals are to improve their health. At AF, we’ve provided many companies and employees with these tests or ‘blueprints’ measuring areas such as body composition and blood pressure , while assessing movement via a FMS (Functional Movement Screen). Assess, act, re-assess and act again! For many companies, corporate wellness initiatives can prove essential to both the employer and employee. By implementing strategies and activities that support the values of the company, everyone is a winner. The employee becomes healthier, fitter, more productive, motivated and in general – happy. The company will reap the benefits of reduced healthcare costs, more productive and appreciative staff, absenteeism will be reduced and all in all, they will profit from a far more social, friendly, and welcoming workplace. Such a workplace attracts more skilled staff and therefore more developmental opportunities. So, what are you waiting for? Go team, go! n If you’re interested in learning more about Absolute Fitness and the corporate solutions they can offer you and your company call 3385-2696, visit www.absolutefitness.me or email info@absolutefitness.me.

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Ashtanga Yoga

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Special Summer Offer

Summer’s here and that means holidays, hot weather and summer clothing! So the club wants to help you make the most of it. Whether it’s the chance to lose a few pounds, take a quick dip in the pool or spend some time with your friends, you won’t find anywhere better! Apply for a one-year private membership during the Holy Month of Ramadan and you’ll get one month’s free membership extra whether you apply for a single, couple or family membership. For more information call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

ONE OF A KIND GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Fitness Center Membership

Sign up for a two month fitness centre membership and get the third for free! QR 3,000 per person. The state-of-the-art Fitness Center featuring Technogym equipment will inspire your workout. Membership includes use of indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, a 15 % discount on F&B outlets and spa treatments and a 15% discount on rooms and suites (based on best available rates and subject to availability). For more information call 4445-5555.

EVERY WEEK CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Personal Trainer

Upon request: The hotel’s fitness instructors are fully-qualified to provide expert guidance and motivation for your workout, ensuring the correct technique to help you get the best results. One session is QR 150, and ten sessions are QR 1,350. From: 8:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7621 or email recreation.cpdoha@ihg.com.

DOHA MARRIOTT Boxing

Daily: Join boxing classes and enjoy learning the art of self-defence in a safe, fun environment. This course is great for body-conditioning and weight-loss, core strengthening and toning. Improve your stamina, strength and agility, plus discover balance and enhanced hand-eye coordination.De-stress and build self-confidence! Members pay QR 35/non-members QR 45. For more information call 4429-8520.

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INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Wing Chun

Mon &Fri: The Bay Club. Wing Chun is widely-accepted as the most effective martial art and taught to special forces and military personnel across the world. The most famous figure of Wing Chun is Bruce Lee. Techniques learned will give you practical skills on how to protect yourself through self-defence disciplines and is suitable for all ages. Parents and children can enjoy this program and its benefits together. Mondays from 8:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m., Fridays (kids and adults class) from 1:00 p.m. till 2:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Mon, Wed & Sat: The Bay Club. This intense form of yoga involves standing and seated poses, back bends and inversions. This vigorous, athletic style of practice appeals to those who like a sense of order and who like to do things independently. This class is 75-minutes long, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. till 9:45 a.m., and Saturdays 3:30 p.m. till 4:45 p.m. Members pay QR 45/non-members QR 65. For more information call 4484-4852.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Yoga Classes

Daily (upon request): Balance your mind and body at your choice of time and day. QR 65 for a 60-minute session, available seven days a week. For more information call 4419-6090 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Pilates

Sun & Wed: Pilates is the system of strengthening and stretching exercises designed to develop the body’s core, mobilize the spine and build flexibility. It teaches you how to train your mind and build symmetry and coordination in the body. From 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450, or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

Zumba

Sun &Tues: The Bay Club. This special class focuses on a series of non-impact exercises designed to develop abdominal strength, flexibility, balance and improved postural alignment. Slow and controlled movements strengthen and lengthen muscles to help re-balance the body. Sundays from 9:30 a.m.till 10:30a.m.,Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. till 10:15 a.m. Members pay QR 30/non-members QR 50. For more information call 4484-4852.

Sun, Mon, Thurs & Sat: A global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance-party workout! It’s a combination of different types of dance styles from hip-hop and Latin to house and even contemporary! This 50-minute cardio workout will have something for everybody! Sundays from 11:00 a.m. till 11:45 a.m., Mondays from 5:05 p.m. till 5:45 p.m., Thursdays from 11:00 p.m. till 11:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450, or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

Boxing Fitness

Aqua Dance Fitness

Pilates Sculpt

Fridays: The Bay Club. This class combines the principles of boxing such as basic punching, defending and foot-work, with cardio exercises specific for boxing training. Participants will develop coordination, balance and control. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Members pay QR 30/non-members QR 50. For more information call 4484-4852.

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

Activities & Clubs Bike Riding The Corniche Aspire Park

Bowling

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

Golf

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

Horse Riding

Al Khor Riding Center 4421-8857 Al Samariya Stables 5525-7203 or qatarracing@gmail.com Al Shaqab Riding Academy 4454-6236 or www.alshaqab.com

Ice-Skating

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

Sailing

Doha Sailing Club 4443-9840 or www.qmsf.com Regatta Sailing Academy 4442-4577 or www.regattasailingacademy.com Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com

Swimming

Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence 4413-6219 or www.aspire.qa Aqua Park 4490-5872 or aquaparkqa@gmail.com

Tennis & Squash

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Walking

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

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RECOMMENDS

your Tell us what you think! Send ing.com reviews to info@qatarhappen

ick! Editor’s P Jessie GoPro Hero 3+ Black

Ashlee Avène Products In my quest for battling my breakouts and improving the appearance and texture of my skin I think I’ve finally found a winner. For the past two and a half years now since I first moved to Doha I’ve been going to Coiffeur Francaise Salon on Salwa Road. I go as much for the amazing ladies who work there as I do for the quality of the services offered. Recently they became the first ladies salon in Qatar to carry the French dermo-cosmetic brand Avène. With an array of skincare products to suit all skin types and ailments – dry, oily, acne-prone, ingrown hairs etc, they have a plethora in stock to choose from. I recently picked up a tube of their Akérat 10 Body Cream for QR 63 and have been slathering on its cooling gel to soften rough, dry patches and reduce inflammation around my breakouts. Visit them at Haya Complex on Salwa to grab your own samples and be sure to stick around and get pampered! To book an appointment call 4468-9211.

Srimani

Zahi

Blue Brush Hair Studio

Waze

If you’re in the market for a haircut worthy of the catwalk, you need to head to Blue Brush in the Hilton Doha. Hairdresser David Martinez is one of the best, with more than 15 years experience styling strands for some of the biggest names in the Paris fashion industry. I recently had my hair and make-up done at Blue Brush by David and his team and the results were amazing – my colour is ultra-glossy and the cut frames my face beautifully, giving me a boost of killer confidence. Book your own time in David’s chair by calling 4423-3022 or visit www.bluebrushhairstudio.com.

This is one of the handiest navigation apps you’ll ever download – it’s more like an online community than just a Point A-to-Point B map. You can sign up, have your own profile, save your favourite locations and connect with other commuters for live updates. You can also report traffic accidents, road detours and construction works and upload pictures. Waze has some really cool animations and will also give you a number of route options to your destination based on four different search engines – and the best part? It’s free to download. So you’ll never be lost with this handy gadget!

This gadget is one of the most incredible action cameras to hit the market and as a photographer I had to get my hands on it! There are many different shooting modes to capture whatever you want to point your lens at! On the high end you can shoot in 4k at 12 frames per second. There’s also a variety of modes for wide or narrow shooting angles. In WVGA mode you can even shoot at 240 frames per second allowing you to really slow down a recording. The GoPro Hero 3+ Black will also take photographs and even has a built-in option for time-lapse photography and video. You can also take single shots or use burst mode which can capture up to 30 photographs in a single second. To top off this nifty device, it also has wireless capabilities and can sync up with your smart-phone. Sold at Virgin Megastores for QR 2,245 it’s worth the investment for every professional shutterbug.

Jorge Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi So Justin Timberlake recently made a stopover in Abu Dhabi on his world tour, so I hopped a flight to the UAE for the weekend to catch the show. My friends and I stayed at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi which is an impressive property. Located in a secluded area of the city, its sea views are striking, as are both swimming pools and all the restaurants. It’s a hidden paradise in the middle of a growing and cosmopolitan city, so if you’re visiting the Emirati capital take a drive to the hotel – you won’t be disappointed. Our spacious room was QR 1,600 per night. Book your own at www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com or call +971 2407-1234.

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The Road To

Relaxation By Ashlee Starratt & Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

In our search for the ultimate stress-reliever this month, all roads led to The Grand Heritage Hotel & Spa. Set in the quaint, green surroundings of Aspire Zone, this chalet-style hotel has a hidden gem of a spa. We get into our zen zone with their Grand Signature Massage for men and ladies. Ladies Get Pampered Sometimes good things come in small packages. Such is the case with the spa at The Grand Heritage Hotel. Cozy and comfortable, it’s a place where you can leave all pretentions aside and just indulge in what they do best – massage. Adorned in cool, rich earth tones, the spa has extensive facilities to enjoy while you wait for your treatment. Receptionist Rose and spa manager Nilanthi walk me through the ladies section, with a spacious dressing area full of amenities, a sauna, steam-room and Jacuzzi, plus shared access to the hotel’s lengthy indoor swimming pool. When it comes time for my massage I’m escorted back through the waiting area to the treatment room, where my massage therapist, Nina is waiting for me. Hailing from Thailand, she has extensive training in a variety of

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techniques that target the body’s pressure points. She explains to me that the Grand Signature Massage combines both Swedish and Balinese techniques and is tailor-made to target my specific problem areas. I explain to her that I have frequent headaches and also carry some pain in the lower lumbar region of my spine, so she gives extra attention to both. Using a series of long, sweeping movements she works out the knots in my shoulder-blades and neck with a touch that carries years of practice behind it. It’s quite painful at times, but most massages are when you’re working out the kinks, and you can always ask for less pressure to be applied. Using oil infused with grapeseed and sunflower, she also works my arms, legs and abdomen with a medium-pressure technique to boost circulation. While working on my back she uses a distinctly Balinese method of running

her hands up my spine along the body’s energy meridians and pounding lightly on my back, the soles of my feet and the palms of my hands. My favourite part is the scalp massage that marks the end of the treatment – ultra-relaxing it takes away any residual traces of the headache I came in with and lulls me into a near-dozing state on the table. Once she finishes the scalp massage she asks me to sit up on the table and drapes a hot towel over my head and down my back. The heat is scintillating, limbering up my muscles and inducing a feeling of intense calm. She then gets up on the table and stretches my arms, my neck and cracks my back for me. This is something that I’ve only experienced in Shiatsu massage before so I’m surprised when she does it here. I leave feeling a little sore, but much less tense, and definitely relaxed and rejuvenated for the weekend ahead.

Unwind in their sauna after a dip in the steam-room

Compact and cosy, The Grand Heritage Spa evokes a strong sense of warmth

warms up the muscle tissue, releases tension and gradually breaks up any knots. From the start I feel very relaxed and in my comfort zone. Alex first works on my back, using various massage strokes which include stretching and tapping. When he finishes on my back he works the calves of my legs and also my feet. Then I turn around and he tackles the front of my legs before moving on to both arms and finishing with a very relaxing neck, shoulders and head massage. The treatment lasted for about an hour, and Alex – who was always very polite and accommodating, made me feel comfortable and stress-free throughout. In general it was a good experience; the massage was performed nicely, the staff are friendly and the surroundings clean and hygienic. With a wide selection of treatments from their menu, the spa at The Grand Heritage makes the cut as a tranquil and affordable spot to unwind for a well-deserved day of indulgence. n

Go for a few laps in their lengthy indoor swimming pool

The Grand Heritage Hotel & Spa

Just For Men For the past two months I’ve mainly focused on hydrating my skin in preparation for Qatar’s hot summer months. But after a few facials I decided it was time for a massage. I visited the spa at The Grand Heritage for the first time to explore my options. Upon arrival I’m greeted by the spa manager and Alex, my therapist for the day. Looking around, the facilities look clean and tranquil and I can tell I’m in for a good experience. Alex escorts me to the changing room where there’s a sauna, steam-room and showers inside. There’s also a swimming pool in the facility which, since I forgot to bring my swimming shorts, I couldn’t use this time.

Moving on to my treatment I also opt for the spa’s signature massage, which can be slow and gentle or vigourous and bracing – it all depends on the therapist’s style and your own personal preferences and areas of concentration. I personally prefer a very gentle and soft amount of pressure, and I make sure to tell Alex upfront. Like most spas, the treatment room is cosy and small with soft, ambient melodies playing in the background. Alex has me lay face-down on the table with my head in a U-shaped cradle and the treatment begins with an application of warm massage oil. Alex’s technique incorporates a series of firm, lengthening movements, which he tells me

Location: Aspire Zone, spa is on the ground-floor Timings: • 1:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m., daily for treatments • 6:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., daily for use of facilities Price: • QR 500, 60-minute Grand Signature Massage • QR 650, 90-minute Grand Signature Massage Contact: For more information call 4445-5555 or visit www.grandheritagedoha.com.

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QH Sensations Listings RECOMMENDS

THE GRAND HYATT Ramadan Treat

During Ramadan: Jaula Spa. Pamper yourself this Ramadan and help your skin maintain its youthful glow with this 90-minute treatment. The package includes a full-body dry-brush to clean dead skin cells, a honey body mask to hydrate and moisturize, a 30-minute back and neck massage to de-stress, and a paraffin wax treatment for your hands – all for QR 600. Offer is available for a limited time. For more information call 4448-1056/1064.

DOHA MARRIOTT Fantasy Tan Spray

Daily: The Spa. Fantasy Tan is a fake-tan application using a spraying technique for a fast and effective application of colour. It gives a striking appearance of a golden, natural and even-looking tan without the damaging effects of the sun. The desired results are seen within eight hours and the tan lasts for approximately 5-7 days. Full-body, 45-minute spray tan application is QR 280. For more information call 4429-8520.

Pevonia Facial & Massage

Daily: The Spa.Formulated to deliver accelerated visible results, the Pevonia Essential Treatment Facial keeps skin looking porcelain smooth and youthfully radiant. Enjoy a special offer of a 20% discount when combining a high-performance Pevonia facial with any full-body massage.For more information call 4429-8520.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Reflexology Treatment

Daily: Rebalance harmony in your body by cleaning congested reflexes and help boost the immune system. The practice of reflexology can assist with recovery from illness, boost circulation, increase energy levels and improve mental and emotional processes. It’s very relaxing and creates a feeling of well-being. For more information call 4484-7450.

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Hot Stone Treatment

Daily: Heated black stones are used to massage the whole body, releasing deep-seated tension, working to relieve stress at the deepest level, and balance the body’s energy channels. This is a holistic and energizing therapy for body, mind and spirit. For more information call 4484-7450.

Swedish Treatment

Daily: Effective in ensuring a fast recovery from muscular strain, this massage increases circulation, stimulates skin and soothes the nerves and is an excellent treatment for both mental and physical stress. For more information call 4484-7450.

THE FOUR SEASONS Summer Breeze

July/Aug: Energizing and refreshing, this treatment starts with a foot ritual followed by jojoba body polish and sun-soothing facial that prepares your skin for the summer rays. QR 1,295 per person. For more information call 4494-8802.

THE GRAND HYATT Ramadan Treat

Rejuvenate Your Body

July/Aug: Jaula Spa. Their experts at Jaula Spa put together a great package to help you rejuvenate your skin from the summer sun. The 75-minute treatment includes a full-body mud mask for rejuvenation, a lavender body lotion for relaxed skin, a mini-facial to make you shine, and the prefect treatment for smooth hands – all for QR 450. Book now as the package is available until the stock ends. For more information call 4448-1056/1064.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA The Refinery Treatments For Men Daily: Remède Spa. Introducing The Refinery treatments, products made by men, for men. Try a cutting-edge treatment for body, face and back, from 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0300 or e-mail remedespa.doha@stregis.com.

W DOHA Bliss Spa Special Offers

Daily: Indulge with 20% off on Hydra-facials plus a complimentary Hot Cream Manicure at 60-minutes for QR 2,000. Or, book the Fabulous Foot Patrol and receive the Callus Conqueror add-on on for a 75-minute total treatment for QR 330. Last but not least, pamper yourself by booking a course of five FatGirlSlim treatments, perfect for body-toning, and receive the sixth treatment complimentary. Each 75-minute FatGirlSlim treatment is QR 600 per session. For more information call 4453-5555.

Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar

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

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

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

QH Sensations Experience g destinationsme in n e p p a h c ti so ntas Escaping to fa rld does wonders. Here are o around the w

Tour de France

July 5-27: Europe

The world’s best long-distance cyclists will put their wheels to the road in Yorkshire, England as this 3,656 km endurance race kicks off in the British heartland. Traveling across the English Channel and around France’s mountainous perimeter, competitors will pass through Belgium and Spain along the route, crossing the finish line at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. With 22 teams, nine new cities and six mountain stages, visit www.letour.fr to follow the course, plan your trip and watch from the sidelines.

Creamfields August 22-24: UK

Britain’s biggest tribute to electronic music recently won Best Dance Event at the UK Festival Awards and with good reason – with tens of thousands of club kids packing the fields at Daresbury and getting amped to the likes of Fatboy Slim, Calvin Harris, Pete Tong, Deadmau5, Steve Aoki and Laidback Luke. This year’s line-up promises more of the same so camp, glamp and pitch your tent for a bank holiday weekend of stellar EDM. Check out www.creamfields.com for ticket info.

Byblos International Festival July 3-August 19: Lebanon

Without a doubt the Lebanese know how to party – and when they do, they make a summer out of it. Starting from the beginning of July right up until the third week in August, the historic city of Byblos gives itself over to all things musical. Put on your shades for this year’s star-studded line-up as Massive Attack, Yanni, Lang Lang, Epica and Beirut are some of the A-list acts that will take the stage. Secure your tickets at the head of the pack by visiting www.byblosfestival.org.

Comic-Con

Obon Lantern Festival August 13-17: Japan

This national Japanese celebration commemorating family ancestors is one of the country’s most honoured times of the year. Believing that the spirits of their loved ones return to visit during Obon Week, Japanese families prepare their homes in welcome, offering food to nourish their souls and hanging lanterns to guide them to their door. In Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo and many of the large metropolises there are also firework displays, parades and a lantern ceremony to mark the end of the celebrations. Thousands of lanterns are set afloat in the rivers, oceans and waterways of Japan to guide ancestral spirits back to their world. To learn more about planning a visit during the Obon holidays visit www.jnto.go.jp.

July 24-27: USA

Whether you’re a bona-fide geek or not, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a festival as wide-ranging and popular as Comic-Con. Over four days each summer the San Diego Convention Center becomes headquarters for some close encounters of the celebrity kind. Featuring workshops, star panels, gaming centers and one epic costume contest, don’t be surprised to find yourself rubbing shoulders with the Game of Thrones cast, Mulder and Scully, Star Trek legends and many more. Cos-play is a must – if you don’t come dressed up as your favourite sci-fi or comic book character you’re considered the weird one! Tickets and accommodation go warp-speed fast so stay glued to www.comic-con.org and snag that VIP collectors pass!

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QH Sensations A walking-friendly city, head to Melbourne's downtown core for an afternoon of exploration Lower Left: The rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road

A DAY OUT Down Under The Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building In Circle: Melbourne Federation Square

Words and selected photography by Jessica Furseth Additional images courtesy of The Langham, Melbourne

Easy-going, welcoming and oh-so-cool, Melbourne’s personality isn’t found in grand monuments, but in its coffee-houses and alleyways. Australia’s second city is sure to charm you. 114

t’s impossible to get a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne – at least that seems to be the case in a city that is very serious about its black brew. There seems to be an un-ending supply of great little coffee shops dotted around Melbourne’s streets and alleys, and visitors are advised to try as many as they can: St. Ali in South Melbourne, The League of Honest Coffee downtown, Slowpoke in Fitzroy – the list goes on. Of course, the coffee-house experience isn’t just about the stuff in the cup, but a vital slice of Melbourne life. Sitting at the edge of the world on Australia’s south coast, the second-biggest city in the land Down Under knows how to kick back and enjoy itself. Breakfast is a serious affair, with many locals getting up early just so they can enjoy some time in a café before work. Later in the day it’s all about the outdoors, starting with cycling or kite-surfing at St. Kilda beach, and ending with a neighbourly barbecue. Visitors to Melbourne will find a city that’s welcoming and easy to like. The weather is mild but changeable, often moving from hot to cold and back again within the same day. Downtown Melbourne, is easily walk-able, although the city is also home to the world’s largest tram network. Hop on one of these to visit the seafront promenade in St. Kilda, or to browse the vintage outlets and design shops of Fitzroy. The Dandenongs mountain range is easily visited on a day-trip from the city, with highlights including the Healesville Sanctuary (adults QR 100, kids QR 44). This park offers the chance to get close to Australian best-loved animals like kangaroos, koala bears, dingos and emus. The Dandenong Ranges National Park (free entry) is a natural beauty, with mountain ash trees, fern gullies, and native birds such as kookaburras and lyrebirds. The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most beautiful scenic drives, and Melbourne makes a natural starting point. A highlight is the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks sitting just off the coast, near Port Campbell. Long-haul visitors may even find it’s worthwhile hopping over to Sydney, it’s only a two-hour flight from Melbourne and local carriers cover the distance several times a day (about QR 500 roundtrip with JetStar). In the capital, the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge will provide some of the more obvious photo opportunities that Melbourne lacks, although locals would argue Melbourne more than makes up for this with its free-spirited atmosphere. Travelers with children will enjoy Melbourne’s ArtPlay, a free creative arts studio for children and their families in Birrarung Marr Park. The Melbourne Museum (adults QR 33, kids free) is dedicated to the Victoria region, with particular attention paid to its natural history. The section devoted to living bugs of all shapes and sizes may thrill kids more than adults, but everyone will like

One of the city's landmarks, The Langham Hotel gets points for comfort and prime location

People-watch from the steps of the Melbourne State Library In Circle: Do a day-trip to Sydney and visit the Opera House

the butterflies. History buffs may be interested to visit Captain Cook’s Cottage (adults QR 11, kids QR 8) in Fitzroy Gardens; this cottage belonged to Cook’s parents back in England and was shipped over to Melbourne in 1934. No one should miss the Ian Potter Museum (free entry), which has an impressive collection of Australian art, including an interesting section of indigenous Aborigine art. Melbourne won’t leave you hungry, with plenty of restaurants and styles of cooking to choose from. Dinner could consist of meat from a local animal such as an emu, kangaroo or crocodile, or a barramundi or John Dory fish. Locals will often suggest going for dumplings, offered in style at the Hutong Dumpling Bar or another of the city’s numerous excellent Southeast Asian restaurants. Or just grab a couple of sushi hand-rolls from a hole in the wall; you’ll find these all over the city. Then maybe a Flat White coffee and a slice of Pavlova cake to round it off? Or a Bundaberg ginger beer, a local non-alcoholic favourite. It’s all a bit mix-and-match, but that’s Melbourne for you – the city has a bit of everything.

Fly And Sleep Qatar Airways flies direct to Melbourne from Doha daily, for about QR 8,000 return. The

Idle over a brew at one of the city's popular coffee shops

Langham Melbourne is a luxurious option for accommodation, at about QR 1,800 for rooms overlooking the Yarra River. Or opt for the Swanston Hotel downtown with rooms around a more budget-friendly QR 470. n To plan your own Down Under getaway head to www.visitmelbourne.com and search your best flight options at www.qatarairways.com or www.qantas.com.au.

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QH Sensations

The Streets Of

Philadelphia

By Ashlee Starratt

With the recent launch of its daily flight service to Philly, Qatar Airways marks its fifth US destination and we can’t think of a better place to hang out this summer! Here’s our top-ten list of must-see, must-do things in ‘The City of Brotherly Love’.

Valley Forge National Historic Park critical site during the Revolutionary War of Independence it was here at Valley Forge where George Washington camped out for the winter in 1778. They lost about 2,000 soldiers to hunger, disease and the bitter elements, only to emerge in the spring and win battles that changed the course of American history. Now, visitors can wander the nature trails, explore the restored fortifications and step into the past.

Yup, The Cheesesteak Without a doubt Philly’s foot-long claimto-fame tops the list. So you’re fresh off the plane and you’re starving? Make a beeline for Pat’s King of Steaks, home of the original Philly cheesesteak sandwich since 1930. Tony Luke’s, Geno’s Steaks, and Shank’s Original also get honourable mentions. Be warned – you’re gonna need a lot of napkins! Grab Your CityPASS This handy all-access ticket gets top billing. Allowing you access to the city’s top-five attractions you can check out the National Constitution Center, The Franklin Institute, the Trolley Works, the Adventure Aquarium and the Philadelphia Zoo. Valid for nine days upon purchase the CityPASS will save you 46% on combined admission to all venues. Buy it online at www.visitphilly.com or in person at the Independence Visitor Center – QR 217 for adults and QR 136 for children.

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Follow In The Footsteps Of Champions Okay, well a fictional champion still counts right? Rocky fans will remember the famous scene from the first film where Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa reaches for the sky at the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art – all set to the tune of ‘Eye Of The Tiger’. Recreate the scene on your own and snap a selfie with the larger-than-life bronze sculpture of the most famous boxer on the big screen.

Adventure Aquarium Explore unique exhibits, get up close with hippos and walk through a tunnel of sharks at one of Philadelphia’s most family-friendly attractions. With more than 8,500 aquatic species calling the aquarium home, visitors can view the largest collection of sharks on the US East Coast. It’s also the only aquarium in the world to display hippos – normally the amphibious mammals are only found in captivity in zoos.

The Franklin Institute This interactive science museum takes its name from one of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Known for his inventiveness as well as his political acumen, his inquisitive legacy lives on at the Institute, home to North America’s second-oldest planetarium, a fullyfunctioning weather station, the virtual-reality Sports Challenge, a 3D theatre and indoor SkyBike. It’s also the most-visited museum in Philly!

The Philadelphia skyline at sunset In Circle Below: A room of optical illusions at the Please Touch Museum

Learn about the creatures of the deep at the city's Adventure Aquarium

The iconic Franklin Institute

How To Get To Sesame Street? When in Philly, follow the signs to Sesame Place theme park, where Jim Henson’s Muppets come to life. Kids will love it and so will all those who are young at heart! An homage to the award-winning Sesame Street children’s show, explore The Count’s Splash Castle water park, Elmo’s World, the new Cookie’s Monster Land and take in the daily Neighborhood Street Party Parade with all the colourful, furry characters from your childhood. All ticket packages include a free kids meal breakfast or lunch with Elmo & Friends for every adult ticket purchased. Grab yours at www.sesameplace.com.

The Italian Market Foodies will fit right in at Philadelphia’s version of Little Italy. One of North America’s oldest and largest open-air markets, lines of vendors and stalls stretch over ten city blocks across Ninth Street, offering up an eclectic taste of South Philly’s diverse palate. With the market’s namesake Italian heritage still proudly on display, there’s really nothing you can’t find at this gourmand’s haven. Travel the world on a plate and grab a classic cheesesteak to go, indulge at one of the market’s Mexican taquerias, or go for some sit-down, family-style Korean barbecue – the options are endless.

The Liberty Bell Center No trip to the City of Brotherly Love would be complete without a trip to see the Liberty Bell. Forged in London and shipped to America for the Liberty State House (now known as Independence Hall) this massive structure of copper and tin weighs in at a whopping 2,080 pounds. Gaining notoriety for cracking on its first ring, the bell was repaired and re-cast twice before being stored away – eventually becoming a national historic artifact and symbol of freedom for many civil rights and suffragette movements across the United States.

The Rocky Balboa statue in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art In Circle Above: Parade time at Sesame Place theme park

The Please Touch Museum This award-winning children’s museum has been around since 1976, catering to kids with exhibits that allow them to explore, touch and delve into without parents worrying they’ll have to cover the fee for breaking that hundredyear-old vase! Each section of the museum has a different theme so the little ones can have tea with the Mad Hatter in ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’, sail a mini Delaware River at ‘Nature’s Pond’ and go for a spin on the fullyrestored 1908 Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel – originally built in Philly! n For more information on flights and activities in Philadelphia go to www.qatarairways.com and www.visitphilly.com.

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QH Sensations

The Dish On Qatar By Ashlee Starratt

Summer in the Middle East is a scorcher, with temperatures rising as high as 50+ degrees Celsius. Things shut down, people move inside and stay there – or they escape the region altogether, opting for cooler climate holidays. However, if you find yourself in Doha during the dog-days of July and August, know that you can still enjoy that beach-trip or pool party and beat the heat – so long as you’re armed with the proper knowledge to enjoy the sun safely.

A walk along the Doha Corniche can be an exercise in staying hydrated during the hot summer months

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Try to stay in the shade when you can and drink as much water as possible. Certain fruits and veggies can also help you stay cool based on their water content

Keep The Max Factor Handy The most common sense tip comes first. Though the sun’s rays have their benefits – giving us a Vitamin D boost that helps our bones absorb calcium – soak up too many and your skin falls prey to cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays. When we’re exposed to damaging ultraviolet light it causes us to become sunburned – shocker! Therefore a high factor sunscreen block is crucial (at least SPF 50 or 60). If you know you’re going to be outside by the pool or doing some yard-work for the bulk of the day, it’s best to apply protection 30-minutes before exposure and keep re-applying every hour or so – especially if you’ve been in the water. This goes double for children whose delicate skin is more susceptible to damage – also, fair-haired and lighter-skinned people tend to burn or freckle more easily due to a lack of melanin, or pigmentation, in their skin – so slather it on, wear a hat outside and take frequent breaks from the sun!

Stay Hydrated Another seemingly common sense word of advice, but it’s one that actually very few people follow properly. It’s Chemistry 101 that when you sweat you lose water that helps your body function – your kidneys don’t flush themselves the way they should when you’re dehydrated, our heads become dizzy, we can’t think clearly and our stomach and muscles cramp up. Though it’s recommended we drink at least eight large glasses of water a day, this amount increases during the hot GCC summer. If you’re a man who is exercising or spending the day outside during the summer that number increases to 13 glasses a day, and for women – especially those who are pregnant – the figure is nine glasses. But always be sure to go with what your body’s telling you – chances are if you’re drinking only when you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Also, alcohol

does not hydrate your body – in fact it has the opposite effect and can impair its natural ability to regulate temperature.

Same Goes For Our FourLegged Friends If we’re making sure to drink more water ourselves this summer then why wouldn’t we do the same for our pets? Leaving an animal outside in the summer or in a hot car is a major no-no, and it’s a good habit to get into of leaving them with plenty of accessible drinking water during the day. If they’re left alone while you’re at work, have a neighbour, friend or someone else you trust come by to check on them, making sure they’re staying hydrated during the sun’s peak hours of the day – 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

Listen To Your Body Heat exhaustion or sunstroke can happen quickly in the high summer temperatures –and you don’t have to be doing strenuous activity to feel its effects. Even just lounging by the pool for an afternoon can add up to sun-related illness, so you should make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms. A sustained increase in body temperature, a lack of sweat on the skin, nausea and vomiting, headache, disorientation, dizziness and muscle cramps can all indicate that the body has lost enough water to be classified as in the stages of heatstroke. Should you experience two or more of these symptoms, remove yourself from the sun immediately, place ice packs or cold, wet towels on your head, neck, armpits and groin and try to get in front of a fan. More serious cases may require medical attention – especially when vomiting is present and a person can’t retain liquids, rehydration with IV fluids may be necessary.

Cool Down From The Inside Out Our bodies have a built-in air-conditioning system. Much like how a dog pants to regulate its body temperature, humans are also naturally built to maintain a core temperature of roughly 36 degrees Celsius. Through a complex heat transfer system of radiation, conduction, convection and evaporation (sweat!), we manage ourselves from the inside out without even realizing it. Obviously staying hydrated when we’re over-heated plays a big part in this as mentioned above, but also what we eat and the amount we consume can have a helpful effect too. If you’re going to be spending an active day outside in the summer sun then eating light, well-balanced, regular meals can help keep you cool. Light meals are easy to digest while spicy foods will help you sweat more, thus cooling the body down even more. Also, water-dense fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, celery, cucumber and watermelon provide extra hydration for your cells – though they aren’t a substitute for a tall, cool glass of H20! So, now that you have our handy list of top tips for summer sun-safety all that’s left to do is tear it out, pack it in your beach-bag, grab a few friends and a well-stocked cooler and hit the beach! n

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It Happened

L-R: German Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Mrs. Angelika Storz-Chakarji, Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman of AHB Group, and Nese Yavuz, Managing Director of the German Bakery Company

Mr. Carsten Fritz (centre), General Manager of The Sharq Village & Spa, his wife and fellow guest

GBC Market Launch Event The W Doha June 16, 2014

Mr. Gordon MacKenzie, GM of the Radisson Blu, listens to the GBC presentation alongside Mr. Bader Al-Daffa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (far right), and Mr. Artisom Karabanau, Supply Chain Manager of the Qatar Aircraft Catering Company (centre)

Distinguished guests sample the fresh array of GBC's baked goods

Mr. Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal, (second from left) and Mr. Hassan Ahmed Hassan Bilal (centre) attend the presentation alongside family and friends. AHB Group are partners with the German Bakery Company in this new venture to bring authentic Bavarian baked goods to Qatar

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Festival coordinator and Gcoupon founder Paloma Garralda is front and centre

Seville Spanish Festival The W Doha May 29 & 30, 2014

At the end of the night there was a competition for the best flamenco dress

Flamenco dancers straight from Seville show the rest of the party-goers how its done

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It Happened

Crowds went wild at The Crowne Plaza to watch Brazil face-off against Croatia in the World Cup opener

2014 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Crowne-Plaza Doha â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Business Park June 12, 2014

Emirates Palace Contest Winner Kempinski Residences & Suites June 11, 2014

Contest winner Linsay Roberts receives her certificate for a weekend stay at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi from Kempinski GM Florian Wille (left), while her husband James and Kempinski PR & Marketing Manager Nikolaos Foskolos (right) look on.

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CarnegieMellon Graduation QNCC May 4, 2014

A massive congratulations from the QH team to all the new grads from Carnegie-Mellon!

Mangrove Clean-Up Al Khor May 30, 2014 Photography by George Delfino. Courtesy of I Love Qatar

Hundreds of volunteers turned out during the last weekend of May to help with I Love Qatar's clean-up project for Al Khor's beleaguered mangroves. Three cheers to a job well done!

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It Happened

Poses For Paws Sharq Village & Spa June 14, 2014

L-R: Lynsey Riach of 'and stretch yoga' and a colleague from 2nd Chance Rescue teamed up for a good cause in their yoga fundraiser to help the shelter

Images courtesy of The Doha Players

The Doha Players: Les MisĂŠrables Qatar National Theatre May 17, 2014

After a stellar performance the cast is all smiles at the curtain call

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Presidential Suite Reception The Ritz-Carlton May 21, 2014

L-R: The Ritz-Carlton GM Mr. Hoss Vetry, Amena Tena and colleague Gomaa welcome guests to the new Presidential Suite

Hwang Restaurant Opening InterContinental Doha The City May 28, 2014

The team from The InterContinental Doha The City are proud to welcome guests to Hwang

L-R: Susanna Wolfe, Victoria Ferraris and Jennifer Annunziata

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It Happened

Greek Festival Sharq Village & Spa May 25, 2014

A host of dignitaries and special guests came together to celebrate the launch of the Greek Festival at Al Liwan restaurant

Executive Chef Giuseppe Pressanl shows a gathering of media how to prepare the Turkish dishes of his homeland

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Chef Master Class Paper Moon Restaurant June 4, 2014

Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa 4445 5555 Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4220 Hilton Doha 4423-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Johnny Rockets Al Emadi Complex 4455 2792 Hyatt Plaza 4460 4210 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale 4428 8888 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6115 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 The Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 The Torch Doha 4446-5600 W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333

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

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

Health / Beauty

Hotels / Restaurants

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

Hospitals/Emergency

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

4493-4433 4483-0989

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

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

Ambulance, Police & Fire Department Doha Clinic Hospital

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

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

4438-4333

Emergency Hotline 4435-5999

Pediatric Emergency

4439-2948

4489-8000

Qatar Foundation for Child &

Hamad General Hospital

4439-2222

Woman Protection Hotline 4466-6671 / 72

Rumailah Hospital

4439-3333

Al Ahli Hospital

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

4427-8416

Shopping Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 4469-4848 Hyatt Plaza Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Maya Paris 4495-3876 4495-3207 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245

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

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

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

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

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