DUNES MAGAZINE | ISSUE 05

DUNES

N’05

NAJLA ALFARDAN

ABDULLA ALGHAFRI QATAR MOST RENOWNED INFLUENCER & ENTREPRENEUR

IS CHANGING THE WAY WE LOOK AT BEAUTY

MODISH

ORESTE DEL RIO SANDOVAL

DISTINCT ABAYA STYLE FOR TODAY’S ARAB WOMEN

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

A SUPPLEMENT OF MAQINA

Welcome home to Hilton The Pearl Everything you want in a hotel filled with everything you need in a home.

+974 4492 4444 info.thepearlresidences@hilton.com thepearlresidences.hilton.com Abraj Quartier, Pearl Boulevard, Tower AQ 07 Doha, Qatar, PO Box: 9154

4

L I F E ST Y L E

ONE-STOP BEAUTY SHOP The EQUO store is a chic and trendy shop that offers the best quality products for all your needs ranging from hair care, skincare, makeup, nail art, to beauty tools. We have curated and personally handpicked a wide range of European products that ensures only the highest quality.

Ezdan Mall - Al Gharrafa www.equotrad.com

L I F E ST Y L E

5

MODISH www.instagram.com/modish.abaya

P.56

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

P. 20 L I F E ST Y L E —

Henry Jacques New Frangrances Maserati MC20

I N T E RV I EW —

ABDULLA ALGHAFRI Oreste Del Rio Sandoval Najla Alfardan Nathalie Sader

P.22 WAT C H E S & J EW E L L E RY —

Miss Audrey & Monsieur Bovet adorned in green guilloché dials

Audemars Piguet

releases three new versions of the royal oak offshore

Chanel Fine Jewelry

P.50 FA SH IO N

P.100

—

MODISH Distinct abaya style for today’s Arab women JHOE LINA A name synonymous to classic and elegance

P. 104 B E AU T Y —

EQUO STORE Healthiest choice for all your beauty needs

P.8 6 H E A LT H & F I T N E S S —

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Exercising tips with coach Richard How to deal with a breakup by Mary Bohan

P.112 T R AV E L & HO SP I TA L I T Y —

COUR DES VOSGES STEEPED IN HISTORY

P.16

P.24

D U NE S M A G A Z IN E I S S U E N ’05 - 2020

ED IT O R IA L N ATAL I L E O N OVA Co-Founder/Managing Director TAR E K H AWC H AR Editor-in-Chief D R. M AR I E AB O U R AC H E D Lifestyle Editor HELENA GORDON Watches & Jewellery Editor CELINE FIELDS Health & Fitness Editor M ARY B O H AN

WELCOME — It is indeed hard to imagine a time like this in recent history. Since this magazine is all about events, fashion, lifestyle, and travel, we have been significantly affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. After a few months’ pause, we are back on track, doing what we do best: sharing memories and exploring all the great things the Middle East has to offer.

In this issue, we have a touching interview with Qatar’s most renowned influencer Abdulla Alghafri— the businessman who owns cafés, restaurants and many other companies under the “QQQ” trademark.

We have another exclusive interview with Oreste Del Rio Sandoval, the former Ambassador of Panama to the State of Qatar.

When we asked clinical psychologist and vegan chef Nathalie Sader to tell us more about her hit book and journey to becoming a life and health coach, little did we know the stories she would reveal.

Another eye-opener in this issue is the successful entrepreneur, nutritionist & skincare expert Najla Alfardan talking to us about Qatar’s first Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) studio and about the launch of her lifelong dream project – Qiyorro, the first-of-its-kind conscious beauty platform in Qatar We also highlight a selection of Modish’s abayas to illustrate just how diverse your abaya fashion choices are these days—something for every taste, for sure!

And finally, Richard Palmer brings years of his own workout experience to the table by sharing some exercise tips with Dunes’ readers.

Enjoy the issue

Editor O L G A LY S I AN C H E N KO Travel Editor M AR I A OV S YAN N I KOVA Head of Photography AL I N AB O U S H Social Media Manager H A S AN AL S H AH WAN Digital Editor

P R O D UCT ION I G O R H I D KO Creative Director VIKTOR BLASHUK Art Director H AN A G H E M R AW I Graphic Designer C OV E R I M AG E Bylo Production

C O NT A CT US T:

+961 76 555132

E:

info@dunesmagazine.com

W:

www.dunesmagazine.com

@dunesmagazine

/dunesmagazine

A SUPPLEMENT OF MAQINA Not for sale - Subscribers only MAQINA LP +961 76555132 | info@maqinaonline.com REG#3014059 Liban-Nord , Jummayzat, Baydoun Bldg

N ATAL I L E O N OVA Co-Founder/Managing Director

GCC Rep: MSW Trading & Services Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without permission.

All rights reserved

FRENCH HAUTE PARFUMERIE

HENRY JACQUES INTRODUCES THREE NEW FRAGRANCES TO LES BRUMES

H

enry Jacques has introduced three more iconic fragrances to its Les Brumes line: Correspondance, Chalain and Xantor. A lighter expression of its signature and most loved line of essences, Les Brumes offer a more casual and modern way of enjoying great perfumery with a unique ‘Splash & Spray’ convertible flacon.

Xantoris modern and masculine, a youthful scent with a hint of freshness balanced perfectly by deep, smoky Amber and Vanilla. Sicilian Lemon and Bergamot wrap around Cinnamon, Cedar Wood and Patchouli. With a spirit of adventure, Xantor is a complex and unique fragrance which transforms through the different seasons, making it easy to wear throughout the whole year.

Correspondance is a love letter to the spirit of travel within the Orient, a place where romanticism is conjured with precious flowers and woods. It is crafted from components of tremendous value: Rose Damascenia and Oud invoke the Orient’s greatest elegance, whilst Iris bestows a traditional European touch. Intensity is contrasted with scents of the simplest beauty, with touches of Apricots and Rose de Mai placing a distant Provence in perspective, before Vanilla joins the Oud within the trail.

Chalain captivates with a fusion of crisp florals, aromatic accords, spices, and fashionable Iris – with a trail of Musk and Vanilla. Smoky undertones nod towards the Orient, yet at the same time, the scent is very “Parisienne”. It is feminine but refuses to be stereotyped and can be enjoyed by all. It is perfume that could be traditional and filled with history, but its layers make it extremely current and fresh in its approach.

L I F E ST Y L E

11

Haytham Sharrouf

Born in Venezuela and raised in Lebanon Haytham Sharrouf is an architect, designer and visual artist. His art involved in architecture , digital art, furniture design and oil paintings and the interplay between genres and medium.

Sharrouf is always willing to explore uncharted territories to come up with eccentric and visually challenging art objects that go beyond traditional art practices.

His inspiration lies in exploring the effect of architecture on humans, finding means to implement architectural concepts, lines and forms with human relations and to recontextualize landmark buildings across architectural boundaries.

Doha inspired me to embark on a new multidisciplinary series of artwork in which I try to capture hidden souls of people, architecture, and the city itself. In which I materialize personalities and personalize the materials to come up with a futuristic creation that pushes the traditional boundaries of painting, architecture, graphic art and installation, through the intersection between architecture, philosophy and technology.

Architecture: is what I do Technology is how I do it. Philosophy is why I do it.

12

L I F E ST Y L E

Architecture is about function but I want to remember a rewriting of this phrase by Bernard Tschumi (FORM FOLLOW FUNCTION) and I want to propose a completely different quality( Form follows Fiction).

If forms follows fiction we could think of architecture and building as a space of stories, stories of the people that live there, and of the people that work in these buildings. And we could start to imagine the experiences our buildings create. Our buildings are prototypes, ideas for how the space of living or how the space of working could be different and what a space of culture or a space of media could look like today.

Recently I realized how I practice architecture as a language in itself as creating narratives with objects in spaces in order to create physical realities with conceptual possibilities, and also the process of making it.

Thus I was creating visuals that speaks about social distant and self-isolation through architectural fictional forms and elements that creates a narrative dialogue with metaphysical illusion through figures and space.

L I F E ST Y L E

13

By Noelia Escrivá

Lighting The hidden element in our lives WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF LIGHT ?

Light is an intangible element of nature, essential for our existence. It has unparalleled and extraordinary quality, following our biological rhythm, the ability to change our emotions, our state of mind; for instance, it’s the difference between summer and winter, between warmth and cold, existence and the absence of it.

Since life exists, humans tried to recreate sunlight qualities the best way they could to be able to “see” during the night, and therefore avoid darkness.

Through time, we have also tried to improve artificial light techniques that would enhance the quality of life and better perceive the reality during the night.

Artificial light has evolved from fire, to candles, gas and oil lamps and light bulbs. In the mid 20th century, the discovery of LED (Light Emitting Diode) changed everything. For the first time, humans could replicate sunlight with good accuracy.

Throughout light technology, there are some concepts very important to understand in order to select the best light typology to be used. The following are some of the most relevant concepts to have in mind.

WHAT IS COLOR IN LIGHT AND HOW WE APPLY IT ?

Our perception of light and its colors are linked with sensations and feelings.

The lighting color spectrum is commonly used in lighting to evoque sensations, since they influence our mood and emotions, and have an impact on our sense of well-being or uneasiness.

For example, when we are in a green space, we feel calm. The reason why is that green, transmits balance and harmony in essence and possesses a soothing influence upon the body. In lighting, we apply this knowledge by using different products with either LED RGB sources (Light Emitting Diode in Red Green and Blue colors) or using filters, that will transform and enhance white light into any color of the spectrum.

WHAT IS COOL OR WARM LIGHTING ?

This is the tone of the white light as we see it, called color temperature.

Warm light has a red to yellowish appearance while cold light has a bluish appearance.

A specific color temperature of the light will be selected depending on characteristics such as the type of space and its application.

For example, when we are in a fast food restaurant, cool light temperature is used.

This ensures customers stay for short periods of time, which is a good leverage for the establishments because short-term stay and high flow of customers equals high revenue.

As explained previously, understanding light is very important to apply it properly into a interior or exterior space, private or public. Knowing the space, brainstorming the possible solutions to light the areas and recognizing the customer needs and what light can provide, is a dialogue necessary to meet with project and client needs.

Here are some examples of Noelia’s work on how to apply light and transform spaces with the use of white and color light.

14

L I F E ST Y L E

 QANAT QUARTIER, DOHA, QATAR Softscape light art Inspired by nature, this art installation it’s a public interactive landscape that follows the morphology of a tufted hairgrass and explores the relation between people, technology and space. Situated alongside Qanat Quartier gardens, this hybrid of nature and technology is composed of large amounts of fiber optic cables. These fibers brighten when people touch them, inspiring people’s curiosity.

It also triggers communication between themselves by sharing the experiences they have interacting with the light art installation.

 KATARA OPEN PROMENADE, DOHA, QATAR Transforming an architectural facade with color light Inspired by the artwork of Mark Rothko, this concept is designed to transform the skin of an Amphitheater building into a dynamic canvas. A combination of complementary colors creates a vibrant look that transitions between color schemes. The color schemes are combinations of the following colors: violet + green (to stimulate imagination and harmony) and orange + violet (to stimulate intuition and bring enthusiasm). These color combinations are an expression of human basic emotions and therefore stimulate people’s minds by changing the perception of an architectural space. This concept is an example of what a estatic surface can become as a canvas for imagination, an artist layout where attractive images and colors can be displayed to attract people and activate their imagination. Noelia is currently located in Qatar and provides Lighting Consultancy services to Architects, Interior Designers and Construction companies for indoor and outdoor projects.

 LUSAIL SOUTH PROMENADE, DOHA

 AL ASMAKH OFFICE BUILDING, DOHA

Hardscape lighting

Vertical garden landscape

The South Promenade, located at the North of Doha, is one of the five Promenades that configure Lusail Marina’s Promenade in Lusail City. The light on the Promenade beautifies the area during the night and enhances its architectural forms. Architectural levels on the pier result in a natural division on the lighting arrangements with high and low levels. Luminaires designed for projecting effects onto the pathway are in use on a high level.

Situated in the district of West Bay, these vertical gardens are a sophisticated landscape that emerge from the concrete city context. Following trends in lighting, the structure is lit with a dramatic effect from the bottom of the structure to the top, with an integrated light source on the cement floor. The gradual light is attractive to people to look at and creates awareness of the vertical garden in an environment surrounded by skyscrapers.

The projected light is disseminated on the floor, creating soft spots of light and a comfortable ambience to walk into the promenade. The lower level is at the same time subdivided architecturally in two areas: long continuous steps and staircase steps. The long steps are enhanced with a continuous light that creates a strip of light and remarks the edge of the steps. The staircase steps have a different approach, with lines of light leaving spaces in between.

This setup is a dynamic effect that becomes informative, since pedestrians differentiate easily where the staircases are located.

If you are interested to contact Noelia to explore lighting solutions please check www.noeliaescriva.com.

L I F E ST Y L E

15

16

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

ORESTE DEL RIO SANDOVAL FMR AMBASSADOR OF PANAMA TO QATAR

By Natali Leonova

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Oreste Del Rio Sandoval; I am from Panama and have been living in Qatar for almost 5 years, since 2015. I’m a lawyer and political science expert. I became Panama’s ambassador to Qatar in 2016, before that I was Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy.

Living in Qatar, I have had the chance to promote the exchange of expertise in different fields such as education, culture, the commercial sector, and importantly: in cooperation. Last year (2019), I married Maria Fernanda in Qatar. We had two weddings: a civil one with 35 people and then we had an amazing gift from the Ministry of Culture and Sports to celebrate our wedding in the traditional Qatari way, more than 200 people attended. I finished my term as ambassador in September last year, and I’m very proud to say that I’m still living in Qatar, but now, I’m working for the government of Qatar as an advisor.

“

I’m very proud to say that I’m still living in Qatar

Q. How did you get into the diplomatic field?

I love politics and from a young age, I used to work with youth from different countries in Latin America. There I realized my love of exchanging knowledge and experiences in different fields for the benefit of our people. I was working on the campaign for the election of the former president of Panama H.E. Juan Carlos Varela and after he became President of the Republic of Panama, he decided to give me the honor and privilege of joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Director of Foreign Affairs and furthermore Director of International Economic and Political Relations. It was then decided that I should go abroad and so I was appointed Economic and Political Counselor of the Embassy of Panama to the UAE and later on, one of the greatest honors of my life, I became Ambassador to Qatar.

INTERVIEW

17

Q. What inspired you to write the book?

“

The Ministry of Culture and Sports helped to make this possible

I truly believe that when we have the chance to know different cultures, behaviors, and knowledge more closely we are all called to exchange and share with our people the things we learn. That’s why I decided to write this book; thinking first to share with my region the amazing things I learned from the gulf region, particularly from this beautiful country, so this is how and this is why I wrote Warriors In Times Of Sacrifice.

It is my humble gift to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to my new family: the Qatari people.

Q. How long did it take to finish the book?

I started writing the book in August 2018 and we launched it in January 2020. The complete writing process took around one year.

Q. Who supported you to accomplish this achievement and how?

I have been supported by a lot of people, (alhamdullillah!)—from friends and family in Panama, to universities in Europe.

Many friends in Qatar, my wife, the President of the Pallas Arts Alvaro Mejía, Carlos Rey, Dalia Higuera, Lusail Publishing Agency, and our family from The Ministry of Culture and Sports helped to make this possible.

Special support came from the internationally renowned artist, Olga Sinclair, mentioned by Forbes Magazine as one of the most influential women in Latin America; who did a piece of work specifically dedicated and inspired by Qatar for the cover of the book.

Also, I had the honor of having the foreword of the book written by Doctor Mehram Kamravah, Director of the Center for International and Regional Studies of Georgetown University Qatar.

Q. To whom do you dedicate this book and why?

My Grandma Leticia, my Mom Isaura, and my wife Maria Fernanda!

They are the motors of my life, the reason that pushes me to be the best version of me every day.

Q. What is your favorite place to visit in Qatar?

There are so many beautiful places, to pick one! My wife and I enjoy the Museum of Islamic Art and the Qatar National Museum very much. But I think in Qatar it depends on the season, so I will say that I love when it’s winter and we can enjoy desert places such as Zekreet or Sea line, and in summer Katara and Mahjlis with friends!

I’m very much impressed with the exquisite job that Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser is undertaking in Musherib as well; I love that place.

18

INTERVIEW

“

The complete writing process took around one year Q. What is your next project?

“

Special support came from the internationally renowned artist, Olga Sinclair

We have just started our family in Qatar and I think the best project we can have in life as human beings is to be happy in our profession. Right now our goal is to keep supporting Qatar as much as we can to continue making our regions, cultures, and people closer. We think that being close to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani is the best way to learn from the very best and in future, to use our knowledge to help in our countries.

I also want to support my wife in some great ideas she has, that I love, but you will need to do an interview with her to know the details.

Q. Where can people buy the book and is there a digital version?

Warriors In Times Of Sacrifice is available in different bookstores such as Fnac and Jarir, and also on the website of Lusail Publishing Agency.

INTERVIEW

19

MC20, A DYNAMIC CULPTURE, HERALDING MASERATI’S ENTRANCE INTO THE NEW ERA

H

ow do you become what you already are?

It all began back in 1926 with the legendary Tipo 26, the first

MC20 stands for Maserati Corse 2020 and

race car displaying Maserati’s Trident logo. In the same way,

marks the Brand’s entrance into a new era,

MC20, created in 2020, will be the first car of a new Era. A design

the rediscovery of its original sporty DNA, its

that expresses pure performance and matches it in elegance. A

dynamic roots and essential audacity. Maserati long known for

design that transcends the confines of mere appearance giving

its comfort and elegance on the road, now strikes back with

way to this dynamic creature. We have moved beyond sartorial

ferocity on the track: a car that runs but doesn’t sweat. MC20

costumes and coverings, and can see only raw beauty.

represents the pure form of speed, with Maserati panache: a

20

L I F E ST Y L E

work of sculptural engineering seemingly hewn, piece by piece,

The form of MC20, which will also be available in convertible

from a masterfully chiselled block of raw carbon, showing the

and electric versions, is composed of a chorus of elements

way to the Brand’s aesthetic future. Created through a process

singing in mechanical perfection. The racing beauty of 2020.

of elimination, there are no frills and no excess: just energy.

Sharp edges generate friction, a slowing action, while the

MC20 is an archetype, carved for speed, so pure one seems to

sublime sinuosity of the monocoque carbon-fibre frame allows

hear the hallmark Maserati sound even with the engine off.

the air to flow freely across it.

Side vents are present but not visible. Even the Trident, symbol

Even the interiors, comfortable, luminous and luxurious, in

of the Brand, has been reduced to its essential, archetypal

keeping with the Brand’s image, exude a sense of dynamism.

truth. Remaining a perennial source of graphic inspiration: the

From the laser-generated textural effects to the seats in

perfect number three, with a central element and two lateral

Alcantara leather, as colours appear in all their kaleidoscopic

ones, also returns to adorn the rear window and wheels. The

glory in one place, only to shade toward black in another. The

butterfly doors open dramatically, wings that unfurl upward to

infotainment system features a high-resolution screen similar

facilitate getting in and out for drivers and passengers, despite

to a tablet, providing a total user experience. The audio system

the low-slung attitude, revealing an eagerness to spring into

is the result of a 100% Italian collaborative effort involving

action. Kerb-proof wings. The lower part of MC20, always

the craft-based Sonus faber, renowned for its meticulously

dark, in exposed carbon fibre or black paint, is the uncontested

engineered acoustic speakers.

realm of engineering. Here the process of elimination has even been applied to the question of colour: what remains is pure

The heart of MC20 is a V6 twin turbo petrol engine, entirely

technology.

produced at the Modena plant, the first in over twenty years and another important Maserati patent. Located at the rear of

However, in the spirit of contrast and harmony, colour comes

the vehicle, in keeping with traditional racing configurations,

back to capture the spirit of movement: in the new Bianco

this unique engine features Formula 1 technology, propelling

Audace, MC20 shimmers with iridescent blue undertones

the Brand toward the exciting world of racing. This historical

when exposed to the light. The Blu Infinito tone gleams with

piece of engineering is called Nettuno and compresses all the

a ceramic brilliance that only sunlight can capture. And the

energy of 630 CV into 3000 cc of displacement. A magnificent

Grigio Mistero hue recalls the mesmerizing beauty molten

god of the sea, brandishing a trident and out to conquer new

metal. Then again, there are six different options that include

lands, will bring that sweet Maserati sound to its maximum

Rosso Vincente, Giallo Genio and Nero Enigma, that showcase

expression on both the open road and racing circuits.

the distinctive features of speed, infusing them with life.

L I F E ST Y L E

21

TAG HEUER INTRODUCES THE NEW GENERATION OF ITS LUXURY CONNECTED WATCH

22

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

The Swiss Luxury Watchmaker Combines Elegance And Craftsmanship With New High-Tech Features For A Customised Physical And Digital Experience Focused On Performance.

TAG Heuer pioneered the luxury connected watch segment in 2015 and has since introduced a variety of models, most recently the Connected Modular Golf Edition in 2019. With the third generation of its visionary Connected timepiece, TAG Heuer makes a design and technological statement that further solidifies its position as leader of the luxury connected watch category for the long term.

The TAG Heuer Connected watch is a unique combination of the refinement and elegance of a chronograph-inspired timepiece crafted in the purest watchmaking tradition, with a state-of-the-art, custom-designed digital experience geared towards performance. It offers customers a striking and versatile wristwatch to enhance their individual lifestyle, from daily connected services offered from Wear OS by Google, to immersive sports experiences thanks to the new TAG Heuer Sports app, which provides detailed tracking for golf, running, cycling, walking, fitness and other sessions, thanks to the watch’s built-in GPS and heart-rate monitor, among other sensors. The experience on the wrist is complemented by a newly developed TAG Heuer mobile companion app that allows for even greater personalisation and insights into the wearer’s achievements.

TAG Heuer’s Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, Frédéric Arnault, who has led this ambitious project since its start eighteen months ago, explains: “The TAG Heuer Connected watch was designed and engineered with the same passion and attention to detail as our mechanical watches. Quality of execution is paramount in everything we do, and we never compromise on aesthetics or emotion. The Connected watch is not only a beautiful timepiece, it’s a truly immersive experience, as it now sits within a complete TAG Heuer digital ecosystem geared towards performance and sports. The navigation has been deeply refined so the product is as intuitive and easy to use as possible, both in everyday life and during sports sessions. It expresses the brand in a completely new way and offers limitless possibilities in terms of innovation for the future. Thanks to the talent and dedication of our teams, the new Connected is a truly brand-defining product that will lead the way into a new era for TAG Heuer.”

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

23

MISS AUDREY & MONSIEUR BOVET ADORNED IN GREEN GUILLOCHÉ DIALS

I

n 2020, green dials are being showcased across all the collections.

The iconic Miss Audrey and Monsieur Bovet are just two of the many designs adorned in this color.

In many cultures, green is the symbol of hope, luck and growth and Islam was undoubtedly the first to associate green with nature. Today this link symbolizes environmental protection. In this respect, what cleaner energy is there than energy that powers a mechanical watch movement or what eco-friendlier approach than storing this energy in a barrel that is able to provide this function for decades, if not centuries ? It is therefore entirely in keeping that this color now appears on BOVET dials.

Since its launch in 2015, Monsieur Bovet has become the symbol of timepieces featuring the iconic Amadéo® convertible case. Its elegance, understated design and two faces make it a fitting timepiece for every moment in the life of the modern man. Over and above an utterly uncompromising aesthetic and finishings, it is powered by a movement that is entirely manufactured in the manufacture’s workshops. The movement offers seven days’ power reserve, drawing its energy from a single barrel. This extraordinary power reserve demonstrates how BOVET’s technicians and watchmakers have perfectly mastered the art of energy.

The guillochage motif on Monsieur Bovet’s two dials is an extension of the Maison BOVET’s symbol since 1822: a lotus flower with twelve petals symbolizing the twelve hours counted on the dials. It is decorated with fine appliqué Arabic numerals.

Women have also been given pride of place in the 2020 Collection. As demonstrated by this new edition of the Miss Audrey timepiece. It now features a green guilloché dial, whose starry motif reflects sumptuous shades. This timepiece is also housed in the Amadéo® convertible case, crafted in steel in this instance with a 36-mm diameter. The bezel and the iconic bow are set with white diamonds that beautifully enhance the shimmering dial.

The case’s convertible feature allows the timepiece to be worn on the wrist, transformed into a table clock or turned into a majestic pendant without needing to use a tool. To match the dial in perfect harmony, BOVET has designed an original long jade bead necklace that falls to highlight the refinement of the timepiece. Miss Audrey is powered by an automatic movement displaying the date at 6 o’clock.

BOVET 1822’s craftsmen have once again skillfully combined their talents to create these two pieces. Several months’ development and fine-tuning were required to accomplish the end result. The process that they follow to achieve excellence is extremely demanding. Each dial is guillochéd and then lacquered on a metal plate whose diameter is greater than the finished dial. It is only once the different layers of lacquer have been applied that they carry out the drilling and machining operations.

These procedures are extremely delicate yet guarantee the legendary excellence of the dials and timepieces that Maison BOVET 1822 has been manufacturing for almost two centuries.

24

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

25

H5 Striking. Energized. Empowered.

M

oment by moment, element by element, the red H5 by HYT raises the curtain on the theater of fluid time. Just as fire puts its own dramatic slant on natural erosion, the color of life’s elixir is a powerful narrator of the ongoing transition between the past and future. Three-dimensionality and transparency from the trusted design language of this 25-piece limited edition. As the red liquid flows through the ultra-fine capillary, life’s story continues.

The unity of diversity Horologically speaking, the heart of the matter is the HYT propriety 501 caliber. This multilayered system is the result of groundbreaking mechanical and fluidic innovation. Layer by layer, time’s true substance is revealed. Apparent opposites attract in the H5 and form a union to enable the visualization of time’s constant motion. A hand-winding unit sets a perfectly consistent pace. It releases exactly the right quantity of energy for the red and the clear immiscible liquids to show the recent past and near future respectively. This mesmerizing theater can be enjoyed via a see-through sapphire case back. The sophisticated cam presents thirteen possibilities for adjusting and indexing the hour and minute indications so that they always operate as a seamless whole. An over-sized, curved lever connects the movement’s collaborating elements. This orchestrates a complex chain reaction. The masterful 501 presses against a regulating bellow four times thinner than a human hair to start the next twelve-hour chapter of time’s unfolding story.

Transience shows its true colors The red core theme of the new H5 finds the perfect visual protagonists in the predominantly anthracite, silver and black color scheme of the case and dial. An extra touch of dynamic vitality comes from distinctive white Super-LumiNova® touches. The detailed view made possible by the domed sapphire glass invites the eye to take in and contemplate each component as it proudly displays its contribution to the shared task of reflecting time’s passage. Fluidity looks to be here to stay.

26

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

27

AUDEMARS PIGUET RELEASES THREE NEW VERSIONS OF THE ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH, EACH PRESENTED IN A BLACK CERAMIC CASE

T

here are two distinctive realms in which craftsmanship, know-how and rarity would be nothing without passion, creativity and concern for details. Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture share this same vocation, continuously reinvented by the artisans working behind the scenes. Égérie was born from the conjunction between these two fields of expertise.

Haute Couture instilled a sophisticated style, subtly paired with the asymmetrical aesthetic faithfully perpetuating the Vacheron Constantin heritage. Imbued with this two-fold inspiration, the new Égérie collection weaves the face of watchmaking femininity according to Vacheron Constantin. A watch featuring a classic look “draped” with a mischievous touch reflecting today’s women: inspiring, independent and charismatic.

A delicate interplay of textures and intertwined shapes, alternating flat and subtly raised areas; a pleated effect reminiscent of fabric; a singular asymmetry borne by a fluid aesthetic: such is the exquisite aesthetic of the Égérie watch. A feminine name for a watch inspired by women, from the famous nymph Egeria recurrently featured in Roman mythology to the contemporary muses who inspire artists, designers and other creative talents. Infused with an exquisitely feminine sensibility, the new Vacheron Constantin collection draws its refinement from the world of Haute Couture. A dial featuring a pleated pattern. A diamond ‘halo’ resembling slender braiding and accentuating the feminine shape of the case. And above all, sophistication in each and every detail, expressed through pleasingly harmonious geometry punctuated by 18-carat gold Arabic numerals, daintily scalloped like lace. Égérie is also the modern interpretation of aesthetic codes cherished

by Vacheron Constantin, which has been offering off-centre displays since the early 19th century, notably by playing on two intertwined circles. Égérie has made this its signature touch. The date or moonphase integration is thus part of a subtle diagonal line formed by the Vacheron Constantin logo and the crown daringly taking its place between 1 and 2 o’clock. Depending on the model, the latter is adorned with a cabochon-cut moonstone or a rose-cut diamond. This creative freedom is driven by a bold spirit that makes all the difference.

The mischievous Égérie has a strong character and this elegant watch is firmly embedded in its era. A watch that is a daily companion and a confidante of the most precious evenings.

28

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

29

INSPIRING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN

AUDEMARS PIGUET AND RALPH & RUSSO

S

wiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet is delighted to announce its partnership with British luxury fashion house, Ralph & Russo. Pursuing Audemars Piguet’s commitment to fostering dialogues among creative fields, this collaboration brings together two family-owned companies driven by a strong spirit of independence and dedication to age-old craftsmanship, creativity and reinvention.

Audemars Piguet’s latest Royal Oak and Royal Oak Concept models will complement Ralph & Russo’s Spring/Summer 2021 Prêt-à-Porter collection this fall to mark the beginning of the partnership. These unique pairings will highlight how the two brands’ latest collections mirror one another in savoir-faire and refinement.

The encounter between Ralph & Russo and Audemars Piguet will provide an exclusive lens into the natural synergies between the world of Haute Horlogerie and luxury fashion. Combining inventive designs with the technical precision of age-old skills, savoir-faire remains at the heart of both brands. With teams of highly trained artisans, each expert in fields old and new, Ralph & Russo and Audemars Piguet consistently reinterpret and develop coveted skills to set pioneering trends within their industry, while bringing people together all over the world through a unique language of emotions.

NEW ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING MODELS FOR THE SMALLER WRISTS To complete Ralph & Russo’s Prêt-à-Porter collection, Audemars Piguet presents its latest Royal Oak Selfwinding models in 34 mm conceived for the smaller wrists. This new line includes 4 models in stainless steel and/or 18-carat pink gold which will appeal to different styles. The 18-carat pink gold model is adorned with a diamondset bezel and a silver-toned guilloché “Grande Tapisserie” dial. The dial’s guilloché design—which has become one of the Royal Oak’s trademarks—is achieved through a complex manufacturing process based on a rare in-house know-how no longer taught in horology school. Little squares are carved out on the dial’s thin metal plate by an engraving machine dating back to the 1970s that reproduces the motif of a pattern. Small diamond shapes are simultaneously cut out in the thin grooves separating the squares in a seamless “weave” that creates a tapestry appearance. This process requires extreme dexterity and precision.

30

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

31

The two steel models are enhanced by a silver-toned or blue-grey “Grande Tapisserie” dial. The blue-grey watch is embellished with a diamond-set bezel.

The Manufacture also presents an elegant two-tone model combining a stainless steel case and bracelet with an 18-carat pink gold bezel and bracelet links. This model comes with a silvertoned “Grande Tapisserie” dial.

These four references are powered by a new selfwinding movement, calibre 5800, endowed with a dedicated oscillating weight specifically developed for this new 34 mm version which complements the Manufacture’s existing Royal Oak Selfwinding and Quartz collection.

A NEW FEMININE LOOK FOR THE ROYAL OAK CONCEPT FLYING TOURBILLON Ralph & Russo’s new collection is further enhanced by a new take on the Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon, which pursues the Royal Oak Concept’s interweaving of refined feminine aesthetics and complicated micro-mechanics.

Available in 18-carat pink or white gold, the new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon combines the case’s shimmering Frosted Gold finish with a contemporary dial composed of multiple layers.

For the first time, the Royal Oak Concept’s case is adorned with Frosted Gold—an ancient Florentine jewellery technique revisited by jewellery designer Carolina Bucci and adapted to adorn the Manufacture’s watches. Tiny indentations are created on the gold surface with a diamond-tipped tool, giving a sparkle effect similar to that of precious stones, like diamond dust. Superposed to the bezel’s polished bevels, this finishing highlights the watch’s design codes, while capturing attention from a distance.

The shimmering case nicely frames the multi-layered dial composed of four juxtaposed circles of increasing size and graded hues of blue emanating from the flying tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock.

The graded nuances and sunburst motif further accentuate the dial’s depth and refinement. The flying tourbillon cage also presents a modern design with openworked gold-toned circles topped with an elegant touch of brilliant-cut diamonds. No hourmarkers have been included on the dial to enhance the purity of this contemporary design.

Combining tradition and modernity, these watches are powered by hand-wound Manufacture calibre 2964. The flying tourbillon—a high-end complication compensating for the effect of gravity on a watch—is today considered as of one the greatest expressions of watchmaking art. Only a few expert watchmakers retain the necessary skills for its realisation. The movement’s circular motif, visible through the sapphire caseback recalls the dial’s pattern. The alternation of sandblasting and satin-brushing also echoes the finishes of the Frosted Gold case and sunburst dial.

The two highly contemporary models are adorned with a blue “large square-scale” alligator strap for an elegant contrast. The strap is complemented with a folding clasp adorned with Frosted Gold for a Couture look to the slightest detail.

32

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

“ Audemars Piguet has always developed crossdisciplinary collaborations that have fuelled the creativity of our artisans. Our partnership with Ralph & Russo came together naturally. I was struck by Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo’s warm welcome when we first met; they represent talent at the highest level mixed with simplicity and authenticity. The fun part was when we actually realised that our watches had already been paired with their exceptional designs many times by clients in real life who didn’t need to wait for this partnership to match our two brands!

François-Henry Bennahmias, Chief Executive Officer

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

33

The Gulf Institute Of Gemology in The Middle East Your Trusted Gemology Partner

U

pholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism through education, research and special instrument development. Gaining your trust one gem at a time.

The first all-inclusive gemology institute in the Middle East now open in Muscat has plans to become a strategic hub for all things gem related in the region. The innovative establishment consists of three core principals; a Gem Lab, an Advanced Research Department and Gemological Education Academy, assisting you with your everyday gem challenges.

The GIG is fully equipped to respond to the everchanging market of consumer luxury goods not only in the region but the world raising awareness on the global power of luxury goods.

One of the institutes core missions is to spread the correct knowledge of gemology, jewellery and goldsmith art, raising awareness on the global power of luxury goods. It also has the technological capacity to support independent jewellers and operators in the jewellery sector.

The niche services provided by GIG include comprehensive analysis reports and quality assessments for all kinds of gems and minerals divided into the following categories: natural diamonds, coloured diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, melee, coloured gemstones and jewellery.

34

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

35

CHANEL F I N E J E W EL RY

ROUGE INCANDESCENT EARRINGS IN WHITE GOLD, RUBIES AND DIAMONDS.

ROUGE INCANDESCENT RING IN WHITE GOLD, RUBY AND DIAMONDS.

ROSE TENDRE RING IN WHITE GOLD, PINK GOLD, CARVED PINK Q UA RT Z , CU LT U R E D PE A R L S A N D D I A M O N D S .

36

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

ROUGE INCANDESCENT TR ANSFORMABLE NECKLACE, IN WHITE GOLD, RUB IE S A ND DI A MONDS . D E TACH A BLE C A MELLI A MOTIF TH AT M AY BE WOR N A S A BROOCH , A ND R E V E A L S A NOTHER O P E N W O R K C A M E L L I A M O T I F.

ROUG E INC A ND E SCENT TR A NSFOR M A BLE BR ACELE T, IN W HITE GOLD, PINK GOLD, RUB IE S A ND DI A MONDS . D E TACH A BLE C A MELLI A MOTIF TH AT M AY BE WOR N A S A BROOCH , A ND R E V E A L S A N O T H E R O P E N W O R K C A M E L L I A M O T I F.

1.5 1 CAMÉLIA. 5 ALLURES As Gabrielle Chanel’s emblematic flower, the camellia is one of her icons. With no fragrance, and no thorns, she was seduced by its simplicity. To the opulence of a rose, she preferred its sobriety, its almost geometric roundedness and the classic ordering of its petals in a perfect regularity. It was a white camellia that became one of her emblems. With her taste for opposites, she would wear it like a jewel, in stark contrast on a little black dress or sweater. Diamonds, pink sapphires, rubies and rose gold imbue themselves with the most subtle brilliance on these pieces of jewelry with ethereal volumes that express all the strength, the expertise and the creativity of CHANEL Fine Jewelry.

ROSE TENDRE TR ANSFORMABLE EARRINGS, IN WHITE GOLD, PI N K G O L D, C A RV E D PI N K Q UA RT Z , CU LT U R E D PE A R L S A N D DI A MONDS . D E TACH A BLE CH A IN A LLOW S FOR LONG OR SHORT ROSE TEND R E TR A NSFOR M A BLE BR ACELE T, IN W HITE GOLD,

WEAR (AS STUD EARRINGS).

PI N K G O L D, C A RV E D PI N K Q UA RT Z , CU LT U R E D PE A R L S A N D DI A MONDS . D E TACH A BLE C A MELLI A MOTIF TH AT M AY BE WOR N A S A BROOCH, AND RE VE AL S ANOTHER PAVE C AMELLIA MOTIF WHEN IT IS REMOVED.

WATC H E S & J E W E L L E RY

37

38

INTERVIEW

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH “QQQ”

ABDULLA

ALGHAFRI Qatar’s most renowned social media influencer and entrepreneur

INTERVIEW

39

U

ndoubtedly, the rules of celebrity have been rewritten. Where once only Hollywood stars, singers, rappers, or maybe high-end Western fashion models would fit in this classification, social media influencers are now literally pulling the rug out from beneath their feet! Younger generations are now looking to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and, most recently, Snapchat, searching for their

idols. Qatar’s most renowned influencer Abdullah Al-Ghafri is a prime example of how an entrepreneur can establish himself outside of the standard channels, using platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

The businessman who owns cafés, restaurants, fashion studios, and many other companies—under the “QQQ” trademark—has granted Dunes Magazine an in-depth interview, where he speaks about how he became one of the most affluent and renowned influencers in Qatar and the GCC countries. He also reveals more secrets about the online success story that eventually led to him becoming a business tycoon in Qatar.

40

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

41

Q. Tell us a bit about your background

“

MY DREAM CAR NOW IS THE ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN

Since I was a kid, my ambition was to be famous: an actor, singer, or broadcaster.

At the age of 20 I was living in Lincolnshire, England. I studied Business and Management at Lincoln University. I was lucky to study abroad as I learned how to deal with people from different nationalities and backgrounds.

Studying in the UK was the best thing I ever did in my life.

I believe in the idea that if a person works hard enough to reach their goals, everything is possible. Back then, no one knew me. When I returned to Qatar, I decided to enter the realm of social media. I think it was in 2015; I was obsessed with Snapchat. At first, I talked seriously about many topics like people’s bad habits, and so on. A few videos went viral, and I became famous overnight. It kind of all happened by accident. People started stopping me on the street to take pictures with me.

42

INTERVIEW

Q.Why Snapchat?

Q.What is the story behind the QQQ nickname?

Snapchat allowed many people a share of the spotlight. Unlike other

Well, I wanted to put my copywrite name on my videos. My real

social media platforms, Snapchat allows users to send messages,

name is long, and I just wanted a 3-same-letter name that would

photos, and videos directly to their friends or to everyone who

be simple to memorize, catchy, and easy. A thought suddenly

follows their account. Its one-person-with-a-cellphone setup

came to mind and I shared the idea with friends: what about the

makes it easier to do everything on your own, unlike on YouTube,

QQQ nickname? In fact, any 3-same-letter nickname on Snapchat

for example, where you might need people in production or

is hard to find. But I found someone who owns the nickname in

videography to assist you. Also, in real life, there are bullies all

Dubai, and I had to pay a fortune to get it from him. After digging

around us, but on Snapchat, there are no bullies as comments don’t

around on Instagram, I found out that a Saudi guy owns it. Again,

appear in public. That is one thing I really like about Snapchat.

I bought his account. Now, my goal is to have the QQQ nickname on Twitter, but it is very hard.

Q.What is the one piece of advice that you would give to people who want to follow in your footsteps?

My advice is to be natural and do what you love. On social media, consistency is very important. For the last six years, I have had to show up every day on Snapchat. That was very hard, but I had to do it, even when I was tired or sick.

INTERVIEW

43

44

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

45

MY ADVICE TO OTHERS IS TO BE NATURAL AND DO WHAT YOU LOVE Q.Tell us more about how you managed to be a top business tycoon in Qatar A smart entrepreneur knows where to invest and doesn’t put all his eggs in one basket. To be honest, one day, a thought struck me: What would happen if Snapchat closed, or became but a distant memory like Nokia and Blackberry?

I said to myself, “I have to invest in other things.” I managed to explore different businesses in different categories, like cafés, restaurants, and fashion studios. My piece of advice to my fellow influencers is to go viral with businesses, as social media has helped my businesses grow and reach out to a larger audience. One more thing, I am fortunate to be a Qatari citizen, as the government is very supportive, and I hope to return the favor one day.

46

INTERVIEW

Q.We know that you have a fondness for luxury cars, so tell us about your first car and your dream vehicles My first car ever was a six-cylinder Mitsubishi Magna. Then, I got a Toyota Land Cruiser VXR. That was before entering the realm of social media. Back then, my dream car was a Lexus. After having a Lexus, I wanted to have a Range Rover. Now, my dream car is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. When I buy a Cullinan one day, my mother will be the first person I take for a ride.

Q.What will be the next step in your personal and business life?

I would certainly love to get married and have a family. On a professional level, I won’t bother myself about the number of followers I have on social media. Some people keep asking me, “why don’t you break into acting?” My answer is no. Many TV channels have approached me to get into acting, locally, I mean. But I still see social media as more powerful than TV. The same goes for standup comedy; I won’t do it right now. As for becoming a YouTuber, I won’t start on YouTube either. Not before having a production team to assist me. Again, Snapchat and Instagram are on fire right now, so why would I go to other platforms?

Q.What are the bright and dark sides of social media?

Social media is a double-edged sword. People can use it for good or bad. I choose to use it for good and raise donations, for example. During the Nepal crisis, I managed to collect donations of 200,000 QR in 20 minutes. That was a good example of how to use social media. On the other hand, there is a dark side to social media—digital drama and negative online user behaviors, such as cyberbullying and trolling.

In the beginning, I used to reply to every question and comment by myself, now I am very busy. A few people might consider that arrogant, but in fact, I have a life to live, just as they do. Others are obsessed with fabricating stories about me, like I am disrespecting women, which is a blatant lie.

“

SOCIAL MEDIA IS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD. PEOPLE CAN USE IT FOR GOOD OR BAD, I CHOOSE TO USE IT FOR GOOD

INTERVIEW

47

Q.How did you manage to create content during the COVID-19 quarantine?

I used to create about 90% of my social media content while I was in my car. That was before the COVID-19 outbreak.

During the pandemic, the situation didn’t change drastically. I used to go to my car; sit behind the wheel; go live on Instagram, and run contests and giveaways. Better yet, I was giving advices about protection and precautions to be taken and delivering the right information to my audience.

Q.What would be your last message to the readers?

Be honest, try to love what you are doing, and believe in yourself.

About Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge The Rolls-Royce Black Badge family is completed with the introduction of Black Badge Cullinan: the darkest and most urban statement of Black Badge yet. Black Badge is for those who reject conformity and live on their own terms.

It’s for the innovators, trailblazers, rule-breakers — and above all — those who dare.

The Rolls-Royce of SUVs did much to reach a new group of clients looking for unfettered access to the world’s wildest places and most enriching experiences. Yet, within this group exists a subset of individuals who seek to subvert the motor car’s domineering presence by permanently cloaking it in the night. Cullinan has conquered the world’s wildest reaches.

Now it is time for Black Badge Cullinan to conquer new urban frontiers.

Engine: 6.75-litre V12 engine now delivers increased power (592 HP) and torque (900NM).

Photography: Bylo Production Car: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha Make-up: Rimma Polovynka - Franck Provost Salon Special thanks: Qatari Diar - Lusail Marina Food Arena

48

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

49

50

FAS H I O N

MaxMara Fall/Winter 2020

TAKE IT TO THE

TUX FAS H I O N

51

52

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

53

54

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

55

56

FAS H I O N

Photos Maria Ovsyannikova

MODISH

DISTINCT ABAYA STYLE FOR TODAY’S ARAB WOMEN

Ă€ LA MODISH As an interior designer fascinated with the Art Deco era, our brand, Modish seamlessly reflects the characteristics of this period in all collections. All my inspiration comes from the contrast of colors, abstract shapes and patterns, and other pieces of art, paintings, and drawings. I basically seek to find the differences and variations, and then stitch them into a piece of beauty that one can own and keep.

FAS H I O N

57

The abaya will always remain a cultural statement that symbolizes tradition and modesty.

Our Doha-based brand is for young and contemporary Arab women who want to feel unique, powerful, stylish, successful, and exclusive.

Our collection of abayas - be it luxury, plain, everyday, or occasion abayas are an epitome of timelessness, trendiness, and ultimate luxury. They add character to every woman’s wardrobe.

58

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

59

The abaya will always remain a cultural statement that symbolizes tradition and modesty

We always follow what’s on-trend in terms of colors and embroidery, aiming to cater for women who want to respect the culture while also looking nice and stylish.

With that in mind, we are keen to offer designs that feature rich embroidery and vivid colors.

60

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

61

The Qatari abaya is a statement that is held in high regard by the community

While Qatari ladies are always on trend in their fashion choices and abaya styles, our abaya designs help them to reflect the culture they are coming from.

Our brand is renowned for creating elegant, sophisticated, and feminine abayas that are also respectful of tradition.

62

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

63

We focus simply on unique details and material From modern shapes to sophisticated silhouettes, we always strive to offer an abaya for every woman and every occasion - bringing in elegant overlays and streamlined designs to fit women’s changing tastes. We focus simply on unique details and material. Success for us is when a woman searching for a beautiful fashion item finds what she’s looking for in one of our abayas.

Incorporating exquisite fashion into traditional wear is our ultimate aim.

64

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

65

66

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

67

JHOE LINA A N A M E SY N O N YM O U S TO C L ASS I C A N D E L E G A N C E

B

orn with the passion for making dresses and creating lavish designs. Filipino fashion designer Jhoe Lina couture gown was planted, created and bloomed where he had worked more than 15 years of exposure to Arabian art, culture, fashion and history.

Since its inception in the Qatari fashion industry in 2013, keen eyes can easily distinguish a commercially designed garment from a detail-oriented usually hand-made beading, embroidery and tailoring which were carefully done by talented artisans from India, Nepal and Philippines, who are quite known for their crafts. This is where Jhoe Lina Couture gown stand out from the rest.

With my first collection, I was inspired by one of the amazing architectural structure here in Qatar.

68

FAS H I O N

I have immediately thought of baroque pattern and re imagine to push more for one-of-a kind collection.

I decided to add my Wedgewood dinner plate collection that have this tiny little figure of Greek people.

Jhoe Lina added as with my second collection, it was inspired by the 1920’s what I love in this time is the style. The name sake brand has its eyes on the future and expand with more variety of woman cloths like traditional Arabic dress Abaya, Jalabias and Kaftan.

Furthermore, “we will venture in shoes, bags and accessories” a teaser which Jhoe Lina would surly make everyone’s eyes glow with interest on the day to comes.

FAS H I O N

69

Photos Vanessa Althea Makeup Raluca Hair Parima Hair Model Olga Komarova

70

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

71

& JHOE LINA

T23 GYM

ALWAYS IN STYLE

Photos: Nadia Yaninka / Hair & Makeup: Rimma Polovynka - Franck Provost Salon/ Model: Liliya Levaya

72

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

73

74

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

75

YOUR DREAM WEDDING STARTS WITH

KEMPINSKI

MARSA MALAZ

W

hat do dreams look like? They look like timeless, palatial architecture set against a heavenly backdrop of sparkling pools and the azure ocean. Like the graceful melody of the waves gently lapping against the shore. And like the most magical place

in Qatar to play host to your wedding day.

From delectable cuisine to incomparable service, the most spacious rooms and suites in the country, to a ballroom setting that is simply beyond compare.

Yet this is no dream. This is blissful reality. Don’t close your eyes… you don’t want to miss a single moment.

76

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

77

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE Wish for it… dreams can come true. To ensure they do, your own dedicated wedding planner is delighted to provide you and your family with the utmost support, before, during and after your wedding day.

Tell them your dream and watch as they bring it to life before your eyes… managing, organizing and coordinating the finest details to your perfection.

Perfectly. Expertly. Precisely to your requirements. Whether it’s organizing your exquisite culinary journey, prepared by our talented chefs, or arranging your personal butler for a stay that is simply beyond the ordinary. Whatever your desire, consider it taken care of.

WHERE OPULENCE MEETS LUXURY, MAGNIFICENCE MEETS INDULGENCE Celebrate your wedding day at the ultimate wedding venue.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, the palatial icon of luxury hospitality in Qatar.

Where memories are made, moments last forever and where your dreams come true.

CULINARY EXCELLENCE The perfect day. Your perfect moment. The perfect choice of those things that make your wedding purely unforgettable. Everything you desire to put the finishing touches on the biggest day of your life… luxurious, opulent, tailor-made just for you.

Delectable, exquisite, hand crafted canapés, macarons, chocolates and cakes. Sharing, plated or buffet, service and presentation is your choice. Sublime flower displays that explode in a kaleidoscope of sumptuous colour. Everything opulent. Everything fabulous.

Everything truly luxurious. A day that will be forever remembered.

78

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

79

PALATIAL WEDDINGS, MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME

ROOMS & SUITES, COMFORT, LUXURIOUS, SPACIOUS Continue your fairytale in your bridal suite. With furnishing suitable for royalty and a romantic atmosphere floating gently through the air, allow yourselves to escape to a dreamy getaway.

Share this special time with family and friends alike. With 281 rooms and suites catering to your needs and preferences, allowing for the celebration to united together.

RELAXATION. BLISS & BEAUTY Lie back. Relax. Allow yourself to float away to a place of serene calmness.

Here, true well-being envelops you, with relaxation and beauty facilities unlike anywhere else. This is a heavenly retreat for bride and groom as well as family and friends alike, where pampering has been elevated into an art form.

Step into the first and exclusive Spa by Clarins in the region and begin your beauty ritual in one of the 21 palatial treatment rooms.

Step out feeling fabulous and looking sensational.

Your big moment is approaching. Now you are ready.

Photography: Maria Ovsyannikova Production Model: Olga Komarova Dress: Couturier Jhoe Lina Abaya: Modish Car: Rolls-Royce - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha Make-up: Rimma Polovynka - Franck Provost Salon Stylist: Gema Martin Hair Stylist: Stanislav Holosko Jewellery: Alfardan Jewellery Wedding Bouquet: Only Roses

80

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N

81

Interview with life coach and clinical psychologist

Nathalie Sader A life coach, vegan chef, and clinical psychologist, Nathalie Sader was always passionate about health, food, and personal fulfillment. Born and raised in Lebanon, the author of The Awakened Goddess Detox has always felt it was her mission to empower women to awaken the goddess within and love themselves unconditionally.

Through healing their relationship with food and eating delicious nutritious meals, creating a high-vibration lifestyle, and finding their true calling in life, women can feel confident and look fabulous!

Nathalie is our guest today at Dunes Magazine, where she speaks about the spiritual energy of healthy food and her journey to becoming a life and health coach.

She also reveals more secrets about her private life and her hit book.

82

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

83

Q.Tell us a bit about yourself I am a clinical psychologist, life coach, and author of The Awakened Goddess Detox, released in 2020. I have an artistic side expressed in self-taught photography and designing my dress line, The Awakened Goddess Dress (California, 2019). I was born and raised in Lebanon. In 2010, I moved to the U.S.,

“

The Awakened Goddess Detox is a heart-centered guide to detoxing your mind, body, and soul

where I got married, had my two daughters and began my awakening and transformation journey.

I founded my company, “Awakened Goddess,” in 2016 to empower women and guide them to tap into the power of their inner goddess and rejoice in their femininity through mastering self-love and healthy and delicious eating. I offer online and inperson customized coaching programs.

We moved from Los Angeles to Doha in September 2019 and are very excited to be living in this beautiful city.

Q.How did you decide to become a health coach?

In 2009, I earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology, though I started my career as a clinical psychologist in Lebanon in 2005.

After moving to the U.S., my curiosity about human wellbeing grew stronger and deeper and took a new turn. I wanted my approach to be more holistic. I developed a passion for nutrition, and I wanted to study how food affects us physically and emotionally. My friends started turning to me for nutrition guidance, and they got great results. A thought suddenly came to mind: Why not get certified and help people on a bigger scale?

84

INTERVIEW

Q.What are the steps you took to become a health coach? Did you have formal education or any training in that field?

After a long and thorough period of research, I chose The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. The school offers online learning, which was very convenient for me as a new mom. I was able to study while nursing my baby. Women are so great at multitasking, aren’t they?

I made that decision because this school is truly the best at offering a rigorous health and wellness curriculum and training its students with transformational coaching skills and effective business tools so that they can have an impact on their clients’ lives.

After 12 intensive months, I gained certification as an integrative nutrition coach. That means I not only coach people on what to eat, but my guidance goes beyond the food on their plate and touches all areas of their lives.

Q.Could you tell us more about your hit book, The Awakened

Q.What inspired you to write it?

Goodness Detox?

I was inspired by the rise of women, who want to take care

The Awakened Goddess Detox goes beyond the usual food

of their whole selves, not only their physical bodies, and who

detox that solely focuses on what to eat and not to eat to help

are craving self-love after so many years of hating themselves. I

your body get rid of toxins. This book is a heart-centered guide

also wanted to create something sustainable, not just a quick fix

to detoxing the body, mind, and soul. It is based on a self-love

where you lose a couple of pounds only to regain them again

approach where women are inspired to accept who they are

a month later.

unconditionally so they can manifest the beautiful body and life they deserve.

Another reason is the urge to see us make peace with our food, which unfortunately has become a source of fear and confusion.

My philosophy for the concept of detox is: Letting go of

I want women to be free, love who they are while working on

what no longer serves the life you want to create, be it food,

what they want to achieve. I want women to awaken their real

thoughts, relationships, habits, or emotions. This book focuses

power because the world needs us now more than ever.

on recreating a healthier relationship between women and their bodies allowing them to make peace with their food by

Q.What is your advice for people seeking a healthy lifestyle,

awakening the goddess within.

and how will they benefit from your book?

Apart from reading my book, my first advice to people is to be

The book is in three parts:

patient with themselves. Quick

1- Part 1: Create your beautiful

fixes do not work in the long

body and life. In this part, I

run. If you want to break the

share my story and some of my clients’ stories to show women how they can create the body and life they want with the

I was inspired by the rise of women who want to take care of their whole selves, not only their physical bodies

cycle of an unhealthy lifestyle, you must not take shortcuts.

Just be patient and love yourself as you are because

goddess’s rituals that are based

if you don’t, no amount of

on love and abundance, instead

change you achieve will ever

of fear and deprivation.

be enough. Take care of your

2- Part 2: The eight practices for awakening the goddess. In this

body, mind, and soul equally. Eat high vibrational food, think

part, I offer practical tools on how to love and recreate yourself

positive thoughts, practice uplifting rituals, move your body

from a place of compassion and empowerment.

in a pleasurable way, sleep well, breathe deeply, meditate, and

3- Part 3: The 7-day protocol. This part is about the actual

much more. All of these are covered in detail in my book.

food detox with breakfast, lunch and dinner, and two snacks every day. A question-and-answer section, a shopping list,

Q.Where can we find the book, and is there a digital version

ingredients, and substitutions lists are provided to make this

of it?

detox easy and simple.

The book is available in print and e-Book formats on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and more. It is also available in a

So, as you see, my approach to detoxing is a comprehensive,

pdf format on my website www.nathaliesader.com/book.

holistic one that touches not only the body but the mind and soul to make this experience transformative and, most importantly, sustainable.

INTERVIEW

85

86

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

By Richard Anthony Palmer

EXERCISING TIPS COM M O N Q U E ST I O N S

HOW TO GROW OR TONE YOUR LOWER BODY

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST COMPETITION

Hello! So I get a quite a few questions about how to grow or tone legs.

So another thing I get asked a lot of questions about is how to prepare for a competition. I know a lot of people tend to pull out of a competition because they feel they haven’t prepared enough or don’t have enough time to prepare.

TONING Firstly I want to cover the toning part, because I get asked “I want to tone up but don’t want to get stronger or lift heavy weights.”

Unfortunately if you think you can get toned up without lifting anything or getting stronger, it’s not going to happen. Toning is a result of some form resistance training and healthy nutrition.

Resistance training improves muscle strength and muscles getting stronger can promote muscle growth with a healthy lifestyle. Now I’m about to touch on something a little deep, note how I said healthy life style the second time round, because if you’re leading a life full of stress your body isn’t going respond in a positive way if you’re living in a negative way. But back to the point of being ‘Toned’ = Being Strong = you need to lift weights or add resistance.

GROWING There are tons of ways you can grow your lower body and the information for that can be found across most social media platforms which can show you different exercises and techniques. Squats, leg machines, resistance bands, high number of reps, low number of reps, working for time, doing circuit routines and much more.

My go-to for lower body exercises are squats or lunges and all the different variations of those movements that can be done, and with different bits of equipment .

A list of equipment you can use are:- Dumbells - Kettlebells - Barbell And using resistance bands are another go to tool I would recommend purchasing. If you’re interested in knowing any exercises, sets/ reps times etc. feel free to drop me a message via Dunes magazine Instagram page.

Another great and well recognised online page for information would have to be the ‘Glute Lab’. They have a wide range of information on there also so definitely check out that page.

When you sign up to an event the main thing I want you to think about is, are you competing to win? If you are then I suggest you throw any excuse away, work, kids, food, sleep, injuries, sickness, weather was bad, throw all of them away because that’s not going to win you nothing.

If you’re not going there to win then DON’T STRESS! - Maximum of 5 or 6 training sessions a week minimum of 2.

- Try and include strength work in those sessions.

- A heart rate monitor is good tool to have if you’re doing an endurance type of event.

- Make sure you’re doing something that is specific to that event that you’re going to take part in.

Again if you have any questions about preparing for competition get intouch via Dunes magazine Instagram page.

HOW TO GET ABS IN 2 WEEKS The reality is that getting abs in 2 weeks is unrealistic and unachievable unless a doctor can squeeze you in within that time frame. But in all seriousness it depends on the person, some people are able to get abs without even trying and some have to put themselves on very strict diets and training programs for months which for most part isn’t sustainable and can have negative impacts on their overall health and wellbeing. You can do all the ab exercises in the world but ultimately it depends on your genetics OR being very strict with your diet, nutrition and training and keeping your body at very low body fat percentage.

Visit

w w w.dunesmagazine.com

DuneS for more fitness articles

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

87

Let’s first start by defining What is yoga? Well for some, yoga is the physical practice of stretching, moving the body in ways that look and feel beautiful and sometimes outrageous. For others, yoga is breathing, concentrating on the breath and growing it into depth and fullness. Moreover, some think yoga is the practice of sitting in stillness, also known as meditation. Some people think it’s physical, others consider it mental and emotional or even spiritual. So what is yoga?

To sum it up, yoga is all the above and more. There is no confinement to what yoga is, as it may be different for everyone.

Each individual experiences the ‘yoga’ that is right for them at that phase of their lives, and this may change and evolve over time of course as we do ourselves.

Having defined yoga with no confinements, yoga becomes a practice welcoming all. As long as you have a body and can breathe, you can start a yoga practice.

But why should you?

Here are some benefits that you may encounter through your practice.

Benefits of Yoga The most spoken of is that yoga will improve your flexibility and mobility; making your body capable of moving freely with a wider range of motion without stiffness or tightness. It also improves your balance and control over your own muscular body. This makes you capable of simple movements at more ease for example, bending over to pick up things from the ground, balancing on one foot to tie your shoe lace, or opening door handles with your foot when your hands are packed with grocery bags!

Yoga gives you a great deal of bodily awareness and proprioception. So we become more physically aware of where we are in relation to the space around us. It trains us on which muscles to switch on in any position as well and when and how to!

This can be relatable to any daily tasks like how to sit on the floor and get back up to standing with ease, maybe without putting your coffee aside from your hand or leaning over a prop beside you, it alerts us to move and sit with grace, and with correct posture.

There are plenty of styles of yoga. However, one benefit that is shared across all types of yoga is the ability to have a longer, deeper and an enhanced quality of breath. I cannot stress enough the importance of breathing, it is the key to our life.. literally to be and stay and be alive. The richer our breath, the more we nourish our internal system and body, therefore the richer our quality of living. The breath has been scientifically proven to have a direct correlation to our mental activity.

When we breath in long, smooth and deep waves, we are sending signals to our brain to stabilize it’s activity, for our nervous system to relax as we stimulate our rest and digest mode and for our whole entirety to become more tranquil, focused and stress-free.

Who can practice it?

In general, yoga is a low impact form of exercise, meaning it doesn’t cause a great amount of pressure or stress on any one joint in the body, making it a sustainable practice in the long run and holding very low risk of injury.

Now it’s important to note that yoga is good for all ages and genders. Kids, elderly, teens, adults, males and females are all going to benefit from different kinds of yoga. The practice is surely customable to individual needs and different levels. As there are many types of yoga, almost everyone can find their preferences and what is most suitable for their current health needs. I recommend that if you do give yoga a try, that you give it a true chance! Try not only one, but maybe three or more types of classes.. they can be drastically different experiences, so it’s worth a shot!

88

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

YOGA W H Y YO G A W I L L I M P R OV E YO U R H E A LT H A N D W E L L B E I N G

By Hana El Leithy

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

89

“

Yoga gives you a great deal of bodily awareness and proprioception There are many different styles and levels of yoga. Here’s a little guide to get you started with attending the right yoga class for you!

• Yoga for beginners: this gives it away in the name. This class is perfect for newbies and is usually a slow and carefully explained flow of movements. You can feel free to ask your teacher questions here if you need to. The class is ideal to prepare you before jumping into the yoga world. I recommend attending 8-12 of these before exploring some of the other classes.

• Basic yoga: Likewise, this class is very similar to yoga for beginners. It may slightly vary depending on the teacher’s style and the level of students attending. However, it should be manageable for anyone to start with.

• Slow flow: Here is where it starts getting juicy. This class will take your knowledge from beginners classes and incorporate it with a flowing sequence and maybe even throwing in a few other new poses every now and then. It is a great class for beginners to also start dipping their toes into a slightly more dynamic style of yoga.

• Vinyasa flow: This is a dynamic class. It’s suitable for intermediate or experienced practitioners. At this point you may need to know the names of most of the poses in order to flow with ease and more smoothly. The class may have a quicker pace, depending on the teacher. However, it may also be challenging in other ways such as holding poses for longer and building strength and stability.

• Yin yoga: You may also see it as “candlelight yin” or in any other similar variation. It’s the same style, except with candles around the room. Yin yoga is a static practice, usually all done seated or laying down on the mat. It includes holding poses that stretch the muscles and the deep tissue for up to five minutes on each posture. This class is great for a deep stretch as well as for cultivating a calming effect on the body, to recover physically, mentally and emotionally.

• Yin/yang: This is a mix of a dynamic flow and a yin class. It’s more of a yang-yin class, as you start with a dynamic physical practice and end with the second half of yin-style yoga. It’s a great way to cultivate balance in our system between effort and ease. Moreover, it’s a good way to experience the two types in one class.

• Restorative yoga: (could also be “Restore and Recover” or a similar wording) this is similar set up to yin yoga, however, the focus is not on deeply stretching the muscles and deep tissue.

Instead, it is focused on putting the body in comfortable yet varied positions in order to calm down the nervous system. This causes an enhancement in breathing, slowing of heart rate, destressing, digestion, and even improve in sleep patterns.

90

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

• Acro yoga - Ariel yoga- Inversion classes-Let’s save these for later down the line in your yoga journey. They are tailored to intermediate and advanced practitioners and require a bit more skill, foundation and experience.

“Ok, I’ve chosen a class. What now?”

Well congratulations, you’ve accomplished the hardest step! However, there’s a few things to keep in mind before attending your class. Here are a few tips to get you prepared for your attendance!

• Make sure you wear comfy clothes. Whatever you feel comfortable moving and exercising in should be fine. You do not need shoes or socks, so no need to worry about these. Most, if not all, studios will offer you yoga mats, but if you have your own at home, you may bring it with you if you prefer.

• Arrive early! Not only is it respectful for the studio, teacher and other practitioners that the class is not disturbed once it starts, but it is mainly for your own peace of mind! Give yourself some time to set up and arrive physically and mentally on your mat and in the space. The less rushed you are, the more focused you will be, improving your physical and mental performance and experience.

• When you arrive to the yoga studio, try to be mindful of your voice and steps, there may be another class running at the same time and it’s important to keep the noises down.

• Separate yourself from your tech! Keep your phone on silent or hand it to the receptionist in case you think you may receive an emergency call.

Consider taking your smart watch off or turn the notifications off so that nothing can distract or disturb your peace.

• You are ready to roll out a mat in the studio and sit comfortably until class begins.

• Now you are all set up. Enjoy your class and savor the bliss of your breath.

Namaste!

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

91

P R I N C I P L E S O F FAT LO SS

[ PA RT I ]

H OW TO AC H I E V E I T, H OW TO M A I N TA I N I T A N D H OW TO E N J OY L I F E .

By Abbie Redfern How to achieve Fat Loss Fat loss scientifically can be simplified. To lose fat you need to be in a calorie deficit.

To implement a calorie deficit you can simply: 1. Eat less - each food and drink item holds a caloric value. Reducing the amount you consume will contribute to a calorie deficit thus leading to fat loss.

2. Increase activity - movement and training expends energy (burns calories) by increasing your everyday activity levels this can also contribute to a calorie deficit.

3. Eat less and increase activity – a collaboration of both options.

We all need calories to survive, calories aid the function of your vital organs and provides energy which is essential – this is called Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) how many calories we burn at rest. The amount is dependent on gender, age and bodyweight. With daily activity this number increases and is called Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) influenced by your lifestyle, job and training. If you stick to this number you will maintain your present bodyweight – we call this maintenance.

You need a starting point to understand the amount of calories you require, grab a pen and paper and we have a little maths to do, I use the Harris-Benedict equation which originates from 1918 it is still used to this day, speaks volumes of its reliability.

Female: 655.1 + (9.6 x weight in kg) + (1.8 x height in cm) – (4.7 x age)

= BMR

Male: 66.5 + (13.8 x weight in kg) + (5.0 x height in cm) – (6.8 x age) = BMR BMR x it by the following depending on your activity levels this is your TDEE number Sedentary (no exercise, desk job) Lightly active (1-3 days a week) Moderately active (3-5 days a week) Very active (6-7 days a week)

BMR BMR BMR BMR

x 1.2 x 1.375 x 1.55 x 1.725

To achieve a deficit via food consumption apply a 15-20% reduction to your TDEE. This level of reduction is adherable, if your calorie deficit is extreme you will lack energy and your cravings will be excessive. As your bodyweight decreases you need to re-calculate your BMR and TDEE. Your daily TDEE number can be accumulated to weekly to allow flexibility for social occasions or days of higher hunger. Input your daily calorie requirement into MyFitness Pal app and track your food intake EVERYDAY – accountability is what will bring you results, educate yourself on the calorie values of foods the app is an invaluable tool and takes 5 minutes of your day – a small commitment that will help you achieve big results.

Example: Female

68kg

160cm

28years old trains 3x a week

655.1 + (9.6 x 68) + (1.8 x 160) – (4.7 x 28) 655.1 + (653) + (288) – (132) = BMR 1464 BMR 1464 x 1.375 = TDEE of 2013 TDEE 2013 – 20% = 1610 calories daily (11,270 weekly) Follow Abbie on Instagram: @libertyfitness.qatar

92

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

93

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR

IMMUNE SYSTEM

by Noura Al Thani

Immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms.

Your lifestyle can affect how well your immune system can protect you from germs, viruses, and chronic illness.

Replacing bad health habits with good ones can help keep your immune system healthy.

Check this list to see where you could use some improvement Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy.

Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:

3. Turmeric

•

Don’t smoke.

•

Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

Turmeric is a yellow spice that many people use in cooking. It is also present in some alternative medicines. Consuming turmeric may improve a person’s immune response. This is due to the qualities of curcumin, a compound in turmeric.

•

Exercise regularly.

4. Oily fish

•

Maintain a healthy weight.

•

If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

Salmon, tuna, pilchards, and other oily fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.

•

Get adequate sleep.

According to a 2014 report, long-term intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

•

Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

RA is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body.

•

Try to minimize stress.

5. Broccoli

Which foods boost the immune system?

A healthful, balanced diet plays a vital role in staying well. The following foods may help to boost the immune system:

Broccoli is another source of vitamin C. It also contains potent antioxidants, such as sulforaphane . For these reasons, it is a good choice of vegetable to eat regularly to support immune system health

1. Blueberries

6. Sweet potatoes

Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties that can help boost a person’s immune system. A 2016 study noted that flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system.

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, a type of antioxidant that gives the skin of the potatoes its orange color.

2. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate contains an antioxidant called theobromine, which may help to boost the immune system by protecting the body’s cells from free radicals.

94

Free radicals are molecules that the body produces when it breaks down food or comes into contact with pollutants. Free radicals can damage the body’s cells and may contribute to disease.

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

Beta carotene is a source of vitamin A. It helps to make skin healthy and may even provide some protection against skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

“

Replacing bad health habits with good ones can help keep your immune system healthy

�

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

95

7. Spinach

9. Garlic

Spinach may boost the immune system, as it contains many essential nutrients and antioxidants, including:

Garlic is a common home remedy for the prevention of colds and other illness.

•

Flavonoids

•

Carotenoids

One review looked at whether taking garlic supplements containing allicin reduced the risk of getting a cold.

•

Vitamin C

•

Vitamin E

8. Ginger People use ginger in a variety of dishes and desserts, as well as in teas.

According to a review, ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and is likely to offer health benefits.

However, more research is necessary to confirm whether or not it can effectively prevent illness.

96

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

The group of participants taking a placebo had more than double the number of colds between them than those taking the garlic supplements. However, the researchers concluded that more research is necessary to determine whether or not garlic can help to prevent colds.

10. Green tea Green tea contains only a small amount of caffeine, so people can enjoy it as an alternative to black tea or coffee. Drinking it may also strengthen the immune system.

As with blueberries, green tea contains flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of a cold.

11. Kefir Kefir is a fermented drink that contains live cultures of bacteria that are beneficial for health.

Initial research suggests that drinking kefir may boost the immune system. various studies have shown that regular consumption of kefir can help with: •

Fighting bacteria

•

Reducing inflammation

•

Increasing antioxidant activity

The majority of the research that supports this was carried out on animals or in a laboratory. Researchers need to perform additional studies to understand how kefir may prevent disease in humans.

12. Sunflower seeds Sunflower seeds can make a tasty addition to salads or breakfast bowls. They are a rich source of vitamin E, an antioxidant.

In the same way as other antioxidants, vitamin E improves immune function.

It does this by fighting off free radicals, which can damage cells.

13. Almonds Almonds are another excellent source of vitamin E. They also contain manganese, magnesium, and fiber.

A small handful or a quarter of a cup of almonds is a healthful snack that may benefit the immune system.

14. Oranges or kiwifruit (kiwis) Oranges and kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is the vitamin that many people turn to when they feel a cold developing.

While scientists are still not sure exactly how it helps, vitamin C may reduce the duration of common cold symptoms and improve the function of the human immune system.

15. Red bell pepper

“

Eating a healthful, balanced diet is just one way to support immune health

For people trying to avoid the sugar in fruit, red bell peppers are an excellent alternative source of vitamin C. Enjoying the 15 immune-boosting foods covered in this article may strengthen people’s immune system and improve their ability to fight off infections.

That said, it is important to remember that the immune system is complex.

Eating a healthful, balanced diet is just one way to support immune health.

It is also essential to be mindful of the other lifestyle factors that may affect immune system health, such as exercising and not smoking.

Anyone who gets frequent colds or other illnesses and is concerned about their immune system should speak to a doctor.

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

97

By Mary Bohan

How to deal with a

B R E A KU P Do you know how to get through a breakup?

Who or what was the author of that revelation?

My way of building competent relationships began 8 years ago.

I had been left alone in an empty flat, without him, on my own.

My heart was broken and filled with pain. Tears flew down my cheeks and thoughts swirled in my head!

The answer was sharp and naked like lightning in the darkness of the night. It was me myself.

I sat down on the sofa that had been so comfortable and warm, where we watched movies together, lying under the blanket during long winter nights.

The thought of falling asleep and waking up alone, the prospect of building my life and my plans without him immersed me in a state of grief.

I was sorry for our dreams that now wouldn’t come true, due to the breakup that had been my conscious decision.

The next morning it didn’t get easier.

I tried to dive into my feelings, and travel across them as far as I could—in accordance with the psychologists’ advice.

I was crying all day long—my mind visiting the places we used to walk, laugh, and feel happy together.

I was reflecting over past relationships as I had never done before.

I was crying for what had hurt me.

I was sad every day among the beautiful parks and alleys.

In the house there were a lot of memories of us...

I learned every step on the road of loss leading me to a house of grief.

A sudden and incredible discovery arrived: a constantly emerging ability to live without pain. It was growing from the very depth of my heart.

98

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

The new me, who had become forgotten had left fate behind and almost buried herself under the ruins of sorrows; it was the real me! I also realized that she (unexpectedly) appeared because of another part of myself that had been suffering.

And that very part of myself was extremely important for me: that grieving little girl had taught me how to overcome the pain, how to become stronger because she had come through destructive feelings and emotions before.

Those two parts of myself have helped each other and joined together to form a strong, whole-hearted personality.

So, here I am!

Let me give you a piece of advice: every kind of situation including critical ones may happen in our lives. The ability to manage a certain situation will form your personal attitude towards the world you live in and the people surrounding you.

As a result, it’s easier to lock yourself up and stop trusting the world to avoid going through the emotions and feelings, and the aches of transformation.

The ability to manage a certain situation will form your personal attitude towards the world you live in and the people surrounding you

So, how do you get out of a crisis in the shortest possible time?

What can help you cope with a situation like that?

1- Recommended: give yourself some time to relax (stress relief— massage, meditation, talking to a psychologist) switch on the will; analyze the situation!

2- Stop asking yourself “why...” has it happened and start figuring out “what has it happened for?” The first question will make you dive into the past, and the second will make you reach out for a solution in the future.

3- Make a list of all the important questions like: “What encourages me?” “What makes me feel good?” “What entertains me?” etc...

4- Try to share your situation with your friends or relatives— perhaps, they have also come through something similar.

5- Take up any kind of sport: you will be rewarded with endorphins that produce positive emotions.

Just be happy!

• Don’t deny the fact the crisis exists. The sooner you realize it does the more chance of getting through it you have.

• Don’t go to night clubs, bars, shopping.

• Don’t use substances which may excite your nervous system.

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

99

NAJLA ALFARDAN IS CHANGING THE WAY

WE LOOK AT BEAUTY At just 23, Najla Alfardan is already an entrepreneur, certified nutritionist & skincare expert. On October 15th, she launched her lifelong dream project – Qiyorro, the first-of-its-kind conscious beauty platform in Qatar. With Qiyorro, she aims to change the narrative of beauty in the region to focus on more holistic & sustainable solutions via honest stories, expert tips and some of the most advanced beauty products.

She will also inaugurate Qatar’s first Orangetheory Fitness studio in a matter of weeks. Clearly, health and beauty are at the heart of all her initiatives. Her affinity to the world of wellbeing is no secret. With her refreshing yet relatable conversations on social media about clean eating, skin issues and emotional wellness, it’s easy to see why her online presence is growing so swiftly.

Over the course of a freewheeling conversation, we discovered more about the unassuming yet erudite Najla Alfardan.

100

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW

101

Photo by Aparna Jayakumar

Q. What’s been the biggest motivation for you to start your own businesses?

I’m blessed to be surrounded by so many successful entrepreneurs and such strong female role models. Qatar is one country where you see women at the helm of many businesses and institutions.

This in itself inspired me to carve out a niche that was uniquely and authentically mine.

They may just seem like new businesses from the outside, but my initiatives are defined entirely by my personal experiences.

All through adolescence, I struggled with skin, gut and weight issues, not realizing they were all interlinked. It took a quantum of research, expert advice and trial & error for me understand what my body needs. Now that I have all this knowledge, not only am I empowered, I’m inspired to share it with others through each of my initiatives.

Q. How did your time away in university at Northeastern in Boston shape you?

Boston was a great learning experience. Not just because I was studying business and economics at university, but because I had to learn how to cook, do my laundry, pay my bills and for the first time, look after myself. There were the profound life lessons too like becoming curious about everything, learning how to think critically or simply, accepting different perspectives.

But most of all, my experience abroad helped me understand myself better. Consciously connecting with my thoughts, emotions and reactions allowed me to appreciate and love myself. And that’s when I began to put my health first. I found the discipline to forgo instant gratification for long-term benefits. I believed in myself -that I could do better. Self-love is not spoken of enough and yet it’s what can push you to dream, achieve and be more.

Q. What was the most challenging readjustment once you returned home?

In Boston, I had this world of holistic beauty treatments, organic foods and supplements at my doorstep. When I came back to Qatar, however, sustaining that lifestyle became a challenge with limited access and shipping delays. While solving the issue for myself, I inadvertently began to think of solutions on a macro level for more people like me in the country.

Q. What makes Qiyorro your dream project?

Qiyorro is an extremely special initiative to me because it aims to change the narrative of beauty in the region. For too long, we have looked at beauty from a purely aesthetic perspective rather than a holistic one. Instead of creating yet another company that sets new standards of beauty, I want to empower both men & women to take ownership of what beauty means to them. The goal is to help people feel proud and confident in their own skin. To do so, we need to inspire you with real stories from our community, expert recommendations and some of the best beauty products that have, so far, been largely inaccessible in Qatar.

102

INTERVIEW

“

I WANT TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO OWN THEIR STORIES AND BE MORE CONFIDENT IN THEIR SKIN

Q. Why a conscious beauty platform?

To be conscious means to be aware, responsive and responsible.

That’s what beauty should be. It’s an inside-out approach rather than a quick-fix one. Beauty is not just about how you look; it’s really the sum of parts – mental wellbeing, gut health, skincare, hair care and most importantly, self love. This holistic stance is what makes our platform the first conscious beauty platform in Qatar.

Q. You’re also opening Qatar’s first Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) studio. Tell us more.

I was a member of OTF in Boston, where I fell in love with the concept. It’s one of American’s leading fitness franchises that offers group classes based on individuals’ heart rates. This allows people to exercise within their fitness capacity and keep track of their progress on screens across the studio. The workouts use interval training and change regularly to focus on different muscle groups and keep things exciting. It’s training backed by science and technology and the results are truly amazing.

Q. How do you see your businesses fit into this overcrowded wellness industry?

It’s amazing to see so many fitness & wellness businesses thriving in Qatar. It just goes to show that consumers are discerning and that they are constantly seeking healthier options and more alternatives. In Qatar, we’ve only seen wellness through the lens of diet and exercise. Wellness through the lens of technology, fashion, beauty, mental health, and a host of other industries still remains unexplored. There’s certainly room for more business ideas; we’ve only just begun.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start up a new concept here in Doha, and is maybe a little hesitant or overwhelmed?

I’m fairly new to this myself but the best advice I can give is the advice I have received: think of your challenges less as problems and more as solutions waiting to be uncovered. It’s normal to be anxious or overwhelmed and it’s important to acknowledge and understand those feelings. Moreover, as hard as it may be, try not to fear failure. There will be bumps in the road, but instead of perceiving them as setbacks, recognize them as opportunities to fine-tune your ideas or to even shift course for the better.

And of course, make sure you have the right team that believes in your concept and helps bring it to life.

TOP QIYORRO PICKS www.qiyorro.com

iS Clinical Eclipse Sunscreen

Dr. Barbara Sturm Daily Cleanser iS Clinical Active Serum

Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF Dry Sunscreen

Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara

Benton PHA Peeling Gel

Lunik Tea Tree Relief Serum

Rovectin Clean LHA Blemish Ampuole

INTERVIEW

103

The L’Oxygéné colour range has been specifically developed to COLOUR YOUR NAILS HEALTHY!

104

BEAUTY

L’OXYGÉNÉ RANGE FROM NAILBERRY AT

EQUO STORE NAILBERRY have developed the L’Oxygéné range with the aim of delivering a healthier manicure.

The range uses patented technology to deliver no compromise colour which has been formulated to be: • BREATHABLE / OXYGENATED • WATER PERMEABLE • FREE FROM NASTIES • VEGAN • CRUELTY FREE • HALAL CERTIFIED • NO COMPROMISE COLOUR • GLUTEN FREE

The L’Oxygéné colour assortment consists of 48 much loved classic and fashion inspired shades.

The range is updated seasonally with limited edition trend shades.

The L’Oxygéné formulation uses the latest technology to deliver a film which allows air and water vapour to pass through colour film to the nail. Allowing the natural physiology of the nail to be respected, even while wearing colour.

FREE FROM NASTIES

NO COMPROMISE COLOUR While NAILBERRY have been conscious to deliver a polish which is free from nasties we have been mindful to deliver colour which is not compromised.

LONG WEAR The range has been developed using patented plasticizer technology to deliver a film that is not only: • • •

Flexible Incredibly adherent to the nail Meaning the polish is long wearing and resistant to knocks and chips.

HIGH IMPACT COLOUR L’Oxygéné has been developed to perfectly balance the solids, gloss and drying time to deliver a colour which is highly pigmented, super glossy and has a fast drying time.

UV PROTECTED UV filters have been added to ever colour to help protect against fading and discolouration. Letting the polish stay true to colour for longer.

The L’Oxygéné range has been formulated to be free from: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Phthalates including DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Xylene, Ethyl Tosylamide Triphenyl Phosphate Alcohol Parabens Animal Derivatives Gluten

ABOUT EQUO EQUO is Qatar’s healthiest choice for all your beauty needs. We provide only the finest products for every type of consumers, ranging from beauty professionals to beginners. A true one stop shop for all your professional beauty needs, The EQUO store is a chic and trendy shop that offers the best quality products for all your needs ranging from hair care, skincare, makeup, nail art, to beauty tools. We have curated and personally handpicked a wide range of European products that ensures only the highest quality. Every item in our collection guarantees excellence as they have been tested for years that fit in the Qatar market. EQUO’s product range consists of hair, face, body care, and beauty tools. We offer makeup, fragrances, nails, lashes, hair extensions, hair care tools, and other beauty accessories. 90% of our products are organic and natural.

EQUO stands for ECO QUALITY. Most of our products are sustainable and contain no harmful ingredients. Here at EQUO, we believe in a healthier beauty.

LOCATION: EZDAN MALL www.equotrad.com BEAUTY

105

PATRICE MULATO’S PIGMENTS

P

atrice Mulato’s Pigments will give your hair long-lasting colour while maintaining the balance of your scalp. Unlike conventional dyes, Patrice Mulato’s Pigments don’t change the structure of your hair. The colour remains on the surface, protecting the hair fibre. This also means that your roots don’t show. They work on both natural hair or hair which is already coloured or highlighted and the colour lasts an average of 4 weeks.

The only pigments that are 100% made in France!

Developed in France with care and precision, our pigments were created to respond to real professional need: to intensify, alter or highlight a hair colour... Today, colouring doesn’t need to overload your hair with chemicals to produce beautiful results.

With carefully selected plants and fruits, nature has a simple solution! Thanks to their exclusive formulation, Patrice Mulato’s Pigments also condition the hair fibre to give it a new vitality, repairing the damage of peroxide dyes.

106

BEAUTY

NO PARABEN NO SILICONE NO RESORCIN NO HYDROGEN PEROXIDE NO AMMONIA NO PEG

92%

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

A range that will do anything... except damage your hair

Colour with natural intensity and shine

Natural and harmless, our pigments can replace a colour or maintain it with no visible roots, create highlights or just give hair a boost. Easy to use, they can be mixed together into any shade you could possibly want, giving a natural and unique result. Patrice Mulato’s Pigments are stress-free, effective and easy to use with immediate results: make no mistake, your hair will no longer be under attack! They naturally cover up those first few grey hairs, and leave your hair lovely and soft with real bounce and shine.

Patrice Mulato’s Pigments will give your hair longlasting colour while maintaining the balance of your scalp. Unlike conventional dyes, Patrice Mulato’s Pigments don’t change the structure of your hair. The colour remains on the surface, protecting the hair fibre.

This also means that your roots don’t show. They work on both natural hair or hair which is already coloured or highlighted and the colour lasts an average of 4 weeks.

AVAILABLE AT EQUO STORE EZDAN MALL www.equotrad.com

BEAUTY

107

PIDA BEAUTY Skin barrier is a term often used in skin care.

The barrier function is an extremely important concept to understand as it reflects the strength and how it can protect the skin from environmental stressors.

What is skin barrier?

It is the outermost layer of the epidermis referred to as stratum corneum. It’s main function is to act as a physical barrier that prevents the loss of water out of the skin and shields the skin of harmful allergens and irritants.

What does skin barrier consist of?

It’s mainly composed of lipids. Such as, ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. The lipids are an essential component for the functionality of skin barrier, which is why it is often referred to as the lipid barrier.

108

BEAUTY

What can damage the skin barrier?

How to strengthen and heal your skin barrier?

The skin barrier is extremely sensitive as it can be easily damaged by using harsh products. Such as, over cleansing the skin, using a high PH cleanser, taking long hot showers, overexfoliating...etc

The first and most important approach is to limit the amount of products used! Keep your skincare routine simple to avoid adding further irritants on your skin. Avoid cleansing your skin with a cleanser when you wake up! Instead splash your face with water and follow up with a soothing toner, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen. Stop using any form of exfoliator! Give your skin a chance to rebuild itself and heal.

How can you figure out if your skin barrier is compromised?

Whenever you notice that your skin is feeling dry, flakey, itchy, looks oily but feels extremely tight and acne prone skin will produce more acne due to the weakened barrier then that signifies that the skin barrier is damaged.

What are some ingredients and products you can add to help your skin barrier?

Look for products that are low in PH such as our Abib Mild acidic pH sheet masks. Using products products that contain ceramides which can be found in our Cell Fusion C calming down cream.

Adding the CNP propolis energy ampule will help repair and strengthen the skin barrier.

BEAUTY

109

THE TEAL SOCIETY LA-Based Reproductive Health Organization Launches In Doha

A Los-Angeles based organization focusing on all matters related to gynaecological cancers held their official launch event in Doha at the Ritz Carlton on International Women’s Day, 8th March 2020.

The Teal Society, founded by Qatar-based behavioural therapist and entrepreneur Nicole “NickiiJean” Alexander, aims to raise awareness about various types of gynaecological cancers and build a community for those directly and indirectly affected. Alexander started this organization after her own mother had succumbed to vaginal cancer.

“We lacked education and resources due to the type of cancer and timing of detection.Because of the rapid growth of this illness, by the time we were aware, it was too late” explains Alexander, whose main goal is to open a door for women on a global level to receive the resources needed when dealing with reproductive health.

The launch event brought together various inspirational women from all over the world to share their experience and expertise on gynecological cancers and female reproductive health. The discussion panel included guest speakers; marketing specialist, Zarina Mahomed, co-founder of Sensory Souk Alison Saraf, and Ritz Carlton Doha’s very own Director of Spa & Recreation, Kerry Vincent and mediated by Nicole Alexander herself.

110

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

The Teal Society will be providing chemo care packages for women going through chemotherapy as their first project of the year. They will also continue to build a community of educating women worldwide via events, conferences, and providing mobile test screenings.

By launching in Qatar, The Teal Society hopes to introduce and normalize women’s reproductive health within the Arab world - a subject which would usually be considered taboo in this region. Focusing on a platform based on education, early detection, regular check-ups, and prevention and treatment plans, the organization wants to encourage women in Qatar to take a more active role in their reproductive health, and eradicate stigmas surrounding this topic on a societal level.

H E A LT H & F I T N E SS

111

DUSIT DOHA HOTEL ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF DEVARANA SPA DEVARANA SPA WILL REOPEN ADHERING TO THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF SAFETY MEASURES, ENSURING GUESTS AND STAFF SAFETY REMAINS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE REOPENING STRATEGY

D

usit Doha, a leading 5-star hotel offering unique Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, is pleased to announce the reopening of its exquisite Devarana Spa on September 15th. The unique Thai-inspired haven of relaxation, located on the 29th floor of the hotel, will reopen with 30% capacity, in line with the second stage of the fourth phase of the gradual lifting of restrictions, as per the directives of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Devarana Spa will reopen its doors for residents and guests, offering treatments and therapies that invigorate the mind, body, and senses. This luxury oasis, boasting a unique culture where “East-meetsWest”, is distinguished by offering Thai-inspired health and beauty practices, enhanced by the use of high-quality products and herbal preparations crafted from fresh natural ingredients.

Devarana Spa’s unique offering is based on traditional Thai methods that include healing and therapeutic effects to enhance the relaxation element of each treatment. A variety of exclusive treatments will be available for guests, including the Thai Herbal Mud Reviver and Devarana’s signature rejuvenation treatment that includes dry brushing, a Thai Herbal Mud Wrap and a Detoxified & Contoured Massage, for QAR940. In addition, the Devarana Signature Massage combines Thai, Ayurveda, Shiatsu, and Swedish therapy techniques combined with fresh kaffir and orange Aromatherapy to inhale for the ultimate relaxation experience, for QAR720.

A sensual Arabic touch has also been brought to Devarana Spa with specialty treatments tailor made for Doha residents. Authentic ingredients including desert sand, Arabian Rose, Jasmine, and aromatic oils which are carefully selected to offer a deeply tranquil experience.

112

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

Devarana Spa’s luxurious, modern and intimate setting is designed to provide the most comfortable environment for each guest to relax and unwind.

The spa is composed of 17 luxuriously appointed treatment rooms, including 12 single rooms, 2 double rooms, 2 hammam rooms for men and women and 1 VIP suite. Devarana Spa occupies the entire 29th floor, offering breathtaking views of Doha.

Following the government’s regulations, Devarana Spa will apply stringent safety measures to preserve its guests’ and staff ’s health and wellbeing. All spa staff will be required to wear masks and face shields while performing their duties. Moreover, staff temperature will be checked twice per day. Guests will also be required to undergo a temperature check upon arrival, in addition to taking a shower before treatments, and to wear masks at all times. All towels and linens at the Spa will be used one time per guest only. Social distancing will be strictly applied in all areas, and tables at the reception and relaxation areas will be located at least 1m away one from another.

Furthermore, Devarana Spa will offer contactless bookings and menu, all areas will be cleaned and sanitized before and after each use, cleaning of highly touched areas will take place every two hours. Facial treatments, head, and chest massage will not be performed until further notice.

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

113

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA UNVEILS A STUNNING NEW LOBBY Reinventing spaces, redefining experiences.

F

ollowing the completion of a holistic renovation, InterContinental Doha unveiled the muchanticipated launch of a breathtaking new lobby, adjoining the equally stunning Lobby Lounge.

The new lobby of InterContinental Doha paints a bright portrait of the newly redefined entryway, whilst utilising soft glimmers of natural sunlight against beige and navy furniture tones. Embellished with opulence and grandeur, the expansive waiting area boasts of a lavish new 4,000-pc crystal chandelier, as well as a prominent centerpiece painting.

114

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

Surrounded by imported Italian marble, the new lobby embodies classical, yet modern designs depicted in a complementing blend of gold and oakwood tables, deep navy furniture, a touch of colourful paintings, and décors that are true to Qatar’s local culture and heritage. The Lounge, adjacent to the lobby, offers light breakfast options alongside French viennoiseries and pastries available in the à la carte menu.

“

While we embrace a competitive environment, we also look forward to continue elevating the benchmark in this dynamic hospitality landscape - Andreas Pfister, General Manager of InterContinental Doha and Director of Operations in IHG Northern Gulf.

The Lounge is the ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon tea experience, or savoring the aroma of freshly grounded coffee, prepared by expert baristas. Delight in exquisitely crafted delicacies, artisanal pastries and cakes by celebrity pastry chef and Valrhona ambassador, Dimitris Chronopoulos whilst listening to the beautiful sounds of our resident pianist, and wind-down every evening over bespoke beverages.

“At InterContinental Doha, we are on a continuous journey to redefine luxury. With the completion of our lobby renovation, we are delighted to highlight these refreshed areas to our guests who have been instrumental in bringing us to where we are now.

While we embrace a competitive environment, we also look forward to continue elevating the benchmark in this dynamic hospitality landscape,” said Mr. Andreas Pfister, General Manager of InterContinental Doha and Director of Operations in IHG Northern Gulf.

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

115

BRACH OPENS IN PARIS, A 5-STARS LUXURY DESTINATION From an Old Post office to a 5 star Luxury Destination

Brach is the first hotel from Evok Hotels Collection offering a casual luxury lifestyle. In the heart of the 16th arrondissement of Paris, Brach is a place of life as much as of passage, an immersive and inspiring experience for visitors who discover the French capital, a new vision of the neighborhood life for residents and regulars Brach was born from an immense 1970s mail sorting center, a surface area of 7000 m2 left free to the imagination of visionary creator Philippe Starck. Architecture of the 1930s meets Modernism and Bauhaus, the Dada and the Surrealists. Warm colors are combined with natural and raw materials including wood, leather, concrete, glass, marble and metal. Everywhere mysteries, unusual objects and a selection of artworks create a cozy atmosphere Cultivated, energetic, unique, epicurean and aesthete, Brach is truly Parisian and connected to its neighborhood, with its own codes and personality, healthy mind in a healthy body. Generous and homely, it reflects the values of sharing and balance.

Thanks to its 59 rooms and suites with terraces with breathtaking views over the rooftops of Paris and the Eiffel Tower, Brach is a cosmopolitan and surprising living space, deploying its originality, intimacy, comfort and conviviality are the cornerstones of Brach, deployed across all eight floors of this glass structure house With its swimming pools, Sports club, Bar, Restaurant, Grocery store and Pastry shop, Brach is a place of culture, of well-being that we can enjoy from morning to night. Intimate and openminded at the same time, Brach is a combination of contrasts and opposites.

A surprising and welcoming living patchwork.

116

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

117

“

Brach is not a hotel, but a unique place of life and culture where poetic mysteries and fertile surprises feed the imagination. Sensual and rigorous, minimal and unconventional, Brach is reigned by raw and modernist romanticism, warmed by multicultural influences from Aafrica, Asia and South America. It is an unusual place that invites guests on a journey, on an of exploration.�

Philippe Starck

118

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

The lobby is a truly intimate bubble in this open and welcoming place. Located on the first floor in a space reserved for hotel residents, it allows to discreetly welcome guests. The atmosphere is warm and eclectic, a tribe of totems, sculptures and poetic surprises come alive between the ceiling adorned with an original canvas by artist Ara Starck and the floor carpet that reflects it like a mirror.

In the rooms and suites, the 1930s furniture as well as natural and raw materials recall the modernist inspiration of the place.

Brach is at the image of its guests: unique. Therefore, each of the hotel’s rooms and suites are different, adapted to the desires and needs of each individual. From the first to the sixth floor: 52 bright rooms from 24 to 42 sqm, where a mini concept store replaces the mini bar and the selection of books and novels is renewed every literary season.

On the fifth and sixth floors of Brach: 7 suites from 60 to 200 sqm, opening on terraces with breathtaking views on Paris. All are equipped with a Norwegian bath, and one also has a Jacuzzi.

Brach guests have access to the sports club, swimming pools and collective classes.

Access on the rooftop garden is reserved for their exclusive use.

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

119

Cour Des Vosges STEEPED IN HISTORY

A remarkable Evok hotel, Cour des Vosges invites you to travel through time as the past and present echo one another. With its unique view on the Square Louis XIII, it is also a new part of the life and history of a Parisian landmark: the Place des Vosges.

120

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

A DESTINATION : 19 PLACE DES VOSGES

Evok welcomes you to the former Hotel de Montbrun, a 17th-century residence at 19 Place des Vosges. A unique and historic site, it was the royal square Henri IV planned in 1605, and therefore the oldest square in Paris. In this exclusive landmark site, each room or suite in this 5-star hotel opens onto Square Louis XIII and its splendid houses with their recognizable pink brick facades and slate roofs.

A BIT OF HISTORIES Once a swamp, the Marais neighborhood changed in the 12th century with the arrival of religious orders. A posh neighborhood before the French Revolution, it then became a center for merchants and artisans, who opened their workshops in the courtyards. Today, the Marais attracts fashion lovers, who are found in the front row of every fashion week, as well as fans of history, museums, and culture. A diverse neighbo- rhood unlike any other, the Marais is best discovered by strolling on foot and letting your instinct guide you.

AN ECLECTIC EXPERIENCE An esoteric spot and a hotel unlike any other, Cour des Vosges instantly invites you to immerse yourself into the life of a noble French family dating back to the 16th century. A family of art lovers and collectors that has enjoyed gathering sculptures, ceramics, tapes- tries, and furnishings over the decades, representing various artistic movements and the experiences of generations of patrons of the arts.

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

121

CUISINE FOR THE MIND, BODY, AND SOUL AT

ZULAL WELLNESS RESORT

Z

ulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar’s largest wellness destination, and the Middle East’s first full-immersion wellness resort offering a new interpretation of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), is reinforcing its philosophy of holistic wellness with the introduction of wholesome cuisine for the mind, body and soul.

Underpinned by the knowledge that nutrition is an integral pillar of wellbeing, and diet is inextricably linked to long-term health, the resort will take guests on a gastronomic journey, using food to allure the senses and enhance the body’s incredible natural healing process.

Commenting on the resort’s offering, Executive Chef at Zulal Wellness Resort, Michael Davies said: “At Zulal Wellness Resort, we are looking to intrigue and excite guests by transporting them on a journey of culinary well-being.

122

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

Through flavourful simplicity and the development of healthy eating habits, we can help facilitate lasting lifestyle changes that lead to a lifetime of wellbeing.”

The dining experience will vary across the resort’s six dining outlets, bolstered with healthy cooking methods such as the use of raw elements and the exclusion of refined sugars. From a beachside dining experience that will introduce a fresh take on ocean-inspired cuisine, to a macro gastronomy experience led by Chef Oscar Fernandez, Zulal Wellness Resort promises to capture guests’ hearts and win over their palettes. The resort will also be home to a Lebanese-inspired restaurant, a dedicated spa café, a tea house as well as a formal dining experience.

With the introduction of a demo kitchen, Chef Michael will lead guests through a range of culinary specialities, including fermentation, dehydration, and no-bake desserts. The demo kitchen will also offer one-on-one lunch and learn experiences. Chef Michael added: “Building a community through knowledge sharing is at the heart of Zulal Wellness Resort’s culinary offering. With our demo kitchen, we will teach guests how to incorporate wellness cuisine into their daily routines, while highlighting the ease in which they can incorporate easy techniques into their everyday lives.”

Zulal will introduce guests to the world of medicinal benefits, using herbs, seasonings, and spices like cinnamon and za’atar, which offer significant health benefits, and turmeric/ kurkum known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Guests will also enjoy signature no-bake dishes, making use of local dates and apricots as alternative sweeteners. Through the use of locally sourced organic ingredients, and a focus on their medicinal benefits, guests can expect a unique health and wellness touch with a broad variety of balanced dishes and beverages inspired by the natural world.

T R AV E L & H O S P I TA L I T Y

123

NETWORKING

By Dr.Marie Abou Rached Have you ever felt stressed by being surrounded by many new people? Have you ever felt lost to start a conversation and to keep it going? What is the best way to introduce yourself and to whom?

How to make a networking event work well for you? Are you looking forward to breaking into a new field?

There are several types of networking events:

5 - Get ready for a proper handshake:

Job fairs, Local business meetings, Professional association meetings and programs, College Alumni events, Chamber of commerce events, Community service group or Job club meetings

• Stand up straight with your feet almost eight inches apart.

How to network effectively? Here are many keys to succeed in a networking event: 1- Dress appropriately It is very important to choose the appropriate attire for a networking event. Make sure to know the expected dress code for the event by checking on the website, the brochure, or by asking the organizers. Business-casual attire is the safest for most of the networking events. Wear a name tag that includes your name, family name, and your title.

2 - Get prepared Be relaxed and act naturally. Challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Get enough updated business cards and place them in a business cards’ holder in your jacket and never in the back pocket of the trouser.

Don’t carry a folder full of resumes. However if someone in a business networking event is interested to see your resume, send it to him by email on the next day.

Have a pen in the inside pocket. You might need the pen to jot down additional information on a business card you are handed.

Prepare your elevator pitch to sell yourself or your business in less than 2 minutes.

The elevator pitch has to be effective to impress business professionals. (Practicing on the elevator pitch makes it more persuavive). Elevator pitch summarizes your education history and your work key elements.

• Keeping a distance of 3 feet, between you and the other person, will let him feel comfortable and respected. Being so close will invade the other’s personal space.

Furthermore, being so far gives an impression that you don’t want to get close or to interact.

• Straighten your arm in the direction of the other person with the thumb pointing up.

The hands have to connect “web to web”. The connection has to be comfortable and followed by three up-and-down pumps.

• A fundamental act while shaking hands is to look direct to the other’s eyes. Making an eye contact shows very high self-confidence and respect to others. (Elude staring at other’s eyes, let the eye contact be gentle and quick).

• Make your handshake vital by smiling. The smile will comfort the other person.

• It’s very important to maintain eye contact with people while talking to them. Looking around will show lack of interest and disrespect.

• Introduce yourself by mentioning the name of the other person first, and then say clearly your name, your family name, and your title (alongside).

6 - Watch your body language

3 - Work the room

• Introduce yourself with a smile and shake hands confidently.

•

Don’t remain too long in one area.

•

Walk around the room .

• Smile to people while shaking their hands and maintain a smile during the whole event.

•

Don’t spend the whole time talking to one group of people.

•

Don’t be timid or nervous and find a smooth way to start a conversation.

•

Keep the conversation going by asking questions and by talking about the event’s themes or by talking about workshops you have attended before.

•

Exchange business cards / connect on linkedIn and move politely to communicate with another group.

4 - Don’t overindulge

124

• Your body should be fully facing the other person by having your shoulders in a parallel position.

•

Don’t indulge yourself in eating and drinking.

•

Keep in mind the main reason for being in this event.

•

Don’t stuff your mouth with food, especially while conversing with people.

•

Sampling food offerings or sipping on a glass of juice /water keeps you on the safe side.

• Respect the amount of personal space; don’t get too close to people while talking to them.

• Don’t get distracted while talking to someone; it is preferable not to look at the phone or at the clock.

• Show interest in what people are talking by nodding the head from time to time.

• Be an active listener and do not interrupt people while talking.

• Keep arms along the body. Don’t fold arms nor put the hands in the pockets.

• Don’t focus on one person in the group, rotate eye contacts on all people while talking.

• Make your sentences short, and speak with a clear voice.

• Read the nonverbal signs of the listeners.

Networking is a marvelous opportunity to expand business and professional connections.It is essential to build your network by attending networking events for career’s success and prosperity.

Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth! Small gestures can really affect the on going of the conversations and the possible work relations with others.

125

PHOTO BY/ MARIA OVSYANNIKOVA

MIDDLE EAST LUXURY LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINE

www.dunesmagazine.com