FACT Qatar October 2014

GET SPOOKED!

Your ultimate Halloween guide with costumes, films, recipes and city happenings.

art attack!

The latest exhibition to visit and upcoming cultural events to mark in your diary.

FOODIE FRENZY!

Dining delights, restaurant picks, and the best promotions in Doha this month. fact magazine

october 2014. VOL 4 ISSUE 5. QR10 | SR10

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The Gate Mall, Tel. 4407 7197

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contents

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FACT FINDS

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LISTEN UP

The Museum of Islamic Art’s online tours introduce you to some of the masterpieces on display in the museum.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Around 85 million years ago, the earth rotated so much faster than it does now that a year consisted of 370.3 days.

Historically, souqs were held outside cities at locations where caravans stopped and merchants displayed their goods for sale.

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HALLOWEEN

24 HOURS IN BAHRAIN

Jack-o’-lanterns is a Celtic custom intended to welcome home the spirits of deceased ancestors and ward evil spirits.

Studies show that money spent on travel makes you happier than money spent on material goods.

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ARTS: LIQUID PORTRAITS The largest collection of cameras in the world is held by Dilish Parekh of Mumbai. He has 4,425 antique cameras.

Ferrari has seen peerless success in Formula One, boasting the most pole positions and outright wins.

New

Collection

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CITY RIDES

STRUT WITH PULL & BEAR

The four major fashion capitals of the world are New York, London, Milan, and Paris.

Each city holds fashion shows twice, in February and September.

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REMEDE SPA

Drinking water before and after a spa treatment, reduces soreness and helps to flush the body of toxins released from the muscles.

AN ICONIC CULTURAL TRAIL

Many Bedouin jewellery pieces are believed to be symbols of protection as well as talismans to drive away bad spirits.

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THE EDITOR

Eat, Drink & Be Scary

W

“Where there is no imagination there is no horror.” - Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.

FACT Magazine Qatar Edition October 2014 Volume 4, Issue 6.

GEt SPOOkED!

Your ultimate Halloween guide with costumes, films, recipes and city happenings.

art attack!

the latest exhibition to visit and upcoming cultural events to mark in your diary.

FOODIE FrENZY!

Dining delights, restaurant picks, and the best promotions in Doha this month.

october 2014. VoL 4 ISSUe 5. Qr10 | Sr10 front.indd 1

9/30/14 4:24 PM

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes General Manager Hussein A. Zreik Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick

hen October comes around, be prepared.

If you believe that Qatar isn’t the place

Editorial Assistant Pallavi Ramesh

for certain annual festivities, think

again! Halloween happenings take the

Creative Director Paula Leal

lead this month, and starting on p23 we’ve got everything from awesome

costume ideas, our favourite scary films,

Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques

And it doesn’t stop there. Art

shockingly good recipes, and some of

appreciators can go and check out

the city. If that’s not enough, Doha’s

at Katara Art Centre (p37) whilst

the best All Hallows Eve parties around also celebrating the traditional Bavarian

festival of Oktoberfest with lots of great shindigs and dining deals – we have the scoop on p85.

The FACT team is loving that

October brings with it a slew of fabulous events but, if like some of us in the

office, you’re in search of more than just

Liquid Portraits, the latest exhibition entertainment fans have brand new

films, music and books to enjoy (p44).

For anyone who’s caught the travel bug, but doesn’t want to go too far, check

out our 24 Hours in Bahrain feature for everything you can do on the exciting neigbouring island (p29).

Fashionistas unite! On p63 we

spooktacular gatherings and German-

take a look at the chic Pull and Bear

our pick of local activities on p18;

its outdoor theme and oversized,

themed parties, fear not, we bring you

foodie offers on p82; and the city’s best

happy hours, ladies’ nights and weekend brunches on p86.

Autumn/Winter collection with beautifully-designed pieces.

Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood Regional Key Account Manager Chelsea Copenhaver Sales Manager Badir Bechara Contributors Jessica Bailey Ackerman Laura Hamilton

for dining, health, and tech too, so there’s one of our readers! Right, I’m off to plan

PRINTED BY Awal Press.

absolutely something for every single

October to the max!

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com

fact magazine

Photography Abshar PK @ Creative Design Shameer Pokkutty @ Creative Design Imelda Reynante

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +974 6604 2145 Email: badir@nansgroup.com

As usual we’re satisfying your thirst

my diary for the month ahead… enjoy

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Designer Rashed Bin Daina

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication.

However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

asean street eats In collaboration with the ASEAN embassies of Qatar, Mรถv # ! " #" # (!"# "#! # festival. Go on a spectacular culinary journey through the "#! #" !$ " " '" ! # " % & # # " " $# # "#' " $ " # # % $# ! "# # " ' # $ # " # & & # !# % ! " & ' % # !# # $ # % # "

Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha Corniche Road 24220 Doha, Qatar Tel +974 4429 1111, Fax +974 4429 1100 hotel.doha@moevenpick.com www.moevenpick-hotels.com/doha

ASEAN Embassy Qatar

"#! # "# %

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N ip w A tr e ASEA tar Air find a to h t Q k f o of oo one rtesy Faceb nter.

Cou us on w to e o Like out h

Hosted by Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha

October 19th - 26th Daily 6.00pm-11.00pm at Seasons Restaurant

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SOCIAL MEDIA

mash up

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACT_Qatar

Tweets Yasmin AlBalushi @Yas_AlBalushi Nothing is more annoying than watching a movie with kids who keep on questioning. #CanYouStop?

@FACT_Qatar Your one-stop culture fix for life in Qatar | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining & the coolest events in the city | Instagram: @factmagazine

ISSUU.COM

18,500

views of the online edition last month!

INSTAGRAM

1,290

Ameena @AmeenaBucheeri “Oh no you have that look on your face that you want to have an emotional conversation that I don’t feel like having” Mai AlSarraf @MaiAlSarraf Funny how all these years everyone thought Hello Kitty was a cat...

VeryBritishProblems @SoVeryBritish “These things happen” - Translation: These things happen because of you Brian Carvalho @blah_brian Nothing like ‘too many exclamation marks’ in #marketing ;)

followers ‘liking’ and reposting our pics!

APP

2,136

downloads of FACT Qatar’s interactive app!

Squidward @squidswards Dear LOL, thanks for being there when I have nothing else to say.

FACT Bahrain @FACTbahrain Next time you take a trip to Abu Dhabi, pick up your free copy of @FACTAbuDhabi in the airport! #sisterpublication

Find Rashed?

He’s hidden somewhere in this issue, also available to download.

Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in this issue and you could WIN a dinner for two at the Pan Asian Restaurant Hwang including soft drinks, in InterContinental Doha, The City. Look close and hard because Rashed will be perched on one of the editorial pages waiting to be discovered!

Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on, your name and contact details! Good Luck!

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WIN

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LISTEN UP

Fact Finds MIA Giftshop

Discover more of Qatar with FACT FINDS – every month we’ll bring you our favourite eatery, activity or interesting find from around the island.

Nestled at the very heart of the I.M. Pei-envisioned Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), lays a treasure trove of pretty collectables and smashing souvenirs.

The beautiful little gift shop, to the right of the MIA’s busy cafe, offers a unique shopping experience selling books, authentic replicas, stunning jewellery and more.

A place where the vitality and diversity of the arts of the Islamic world come together in beautifully selected pieces made especially for the shop. Whether it’s that cool art book or exhibition catalogue that caught your eye, or the precious ceramic plates identical to those at the current exhibition that peaked your interest, each object on display is meant to act as an ambassador of the Museum.

With big names like fashion designer Anya Hindmarch and world famous British pottery brand Wedgewood exclusively designing pieces for the MIA, whatever you pick will be a one-ofa-kind, making shopping at the gift shop a truly memorable and personalised experience.

How wonderful is it to take home a replica of one of the stunning works of art displayed at the breath-taking museum that has become a Doha Landmark, with its prime location on the Corniche showcasing an internationally recognised collection of Islamic artefacts in its permanent gallery.

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GO: Open Sun-Wed (10:30am to 5:30pm), Thu (12pm to 8pm), Closed Tue. Visit www.mia.org.qa for more information.

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LISTEN UP

Old Souq Traditions

Made Modern

Cooler climes are on the way and with the welcomed weather change comes one of Doha’s favourite happenings; MIA Park Bazaar. That’s right, starting from October 4, MIA Park will transform into a vibrant mix of around 150 stalls offering visitors unusual gifts, homemade and handmade products such as jewellery, arts, crafts and clothing, as well as books and souvenirs. The bazaar carries the traditions of an old souq and puts a contemporary spin on your shopping experience! There are numerous cafes and kiosks to grab a bite to eat and people watch whilst lounging with friends; there’s a MIA Playground with three fun spaces for children of different ages, with exciting new play equipment on land, bike and water; and there are a number of park-organised activities too. You don’t have to be a big spender to enjoy MIA Park Bazaar – it’s the perfect spot for a little window-shopping, and if you find something cool along the way, that’ll be a bonus!

GO: MIA Park Bazaar runs on the first Saturday of every month from 12noon to 8pm, from November to May. The next bazaar is on November 1.

Visit www.mia.org.qa for more information.

GO: The Al Jazzera International Documentary Film Festival takes place from October 23 to 26. Visit www. aljazeera.net for more information.

Roll Camera,

Action!

The 10th edition of the Al Jazeera International Documentary Film Festival is set to take place this month, celebrating creative talent and building an interest in documentary films. Avid filmgoers, filmmakers and those who take an interest in the world of motion pictures can explore the different dimensions of cinema at this 4-day event. The festival acts as a meeting point for filmmakers and innovators worldwide, whilst showcasing a wide range of documentary films that discuss humanitarian, social, economic and political issues. The festival holds three competitions; a major one dedicated to Television channels; production firms; cultural, social and media institutions; and independent producers. It comprises of three categories, which include short films, medium films and long films. This is in addition to the New Horizon competition that is dedicated to amateur and beginner directors and school pupils. The festival is an extended initiative of Al Jazeera, the TV network, and aims to bring together innovative and ambitious youth, helping them to establish a culture interested in documentary films.

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BUSINESS lunch by

The finest business lunch in Doha The new Executive Chef of Kempinski Vinon Yergu, has revamped the popular business lunch menu with creative, healthy and fresh options.

Savour creative culinary creations such as the Chilled Vanilla & Orange Soup, the Vegetable Moussaka and finish off with the sweet indulgence of the Lemongrass Crème Brûlée.

Saturday to Thursday, 12pm-3pm, QAR 95 per person

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LISTEN UP

Celebrating Boating

Brilliance

For boating enthusiasts and marine devotees it doesn’t get more exciting than the second edition of the Qatar International Boat Show (QIBS). Coming to the country’s shores in November, the event is double the size of the first show, with more than 30 international exhibitors confirmed, a huge number of repeat exhibitors, and, of course, more boats in the water. As well as the marina display, an external area, shipyards and boatyards, equipment accessories and services, there will also be a new section this year devoted to luxury products and services.

These areas will be topped by a unique floating media centre and also one of the most atmospheric VIP areas of all boat shows worldwide!!A total of 60 boats will be on display at the Qatar International Boat

Show 2014, including world acclaimed brands such as: Azimut, Sea Ray, Princess, Ferreti, Riva, Gulf Craft, Sunseeker, Prestige, Itama to name but a few.

QIBS will be held under the auspices of H.E the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani at Mourjan Marina in Lusail City. Architect Fairoz Al Homaidi, Business Center Director of Lusail Real Estate Development Company says: “With Qataris making up a significant proportion of all Gulf state buyers of boats, yachts and yachting products, it is fitting that Qatar is finally taking its rightful place on the international Boat Show circuit. We are greatly looking forward to making the second edition of the Qatar International Boat Show a resounding success, and to welcoming old and new friends alike.”

GO: The second edition of the QIBS will be held from November 11 to 15, and the show will be open daily from 3pm to 9.30pm.

Visit www.qibs2014.com for more information.

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SCOOP

Around the world ...Doing Doha Proud

Bringing you the latest news of fellow Qataris around the world... tell us your news, or share your finds with us on twitter @FACTQatar!

Canada Six films made with the support of the Doha Film Institute were screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The films include Naji Abu Nowar’s ‘Theeb’ and Ghassan Salhab’s ‘The Valley,’ as well as ‘Timbuktu’ by Abderrahmane Sissako and cofinanced project ‘The Narrow Frame of Midnight’ by Tala Hadid. ‘Eye & Mermaid’, Shahad Ameen, was made through the Institute’s Hazawi Short Film Production Fund.

New York HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met with Secretary of State of the USA John Kerry at the Seat of the Permanent Mission State of Qatar at the United Nations in New York. They reviewed the situation and current developments in the Middle East.

A number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Emir attended the meeting.

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Doha Buzz

Tunisia Six jurors from the Ajyal Youth Film Festival, an initiative by Doha Film Festival (DFI), joined the international youth jury of the Giffoni Film Festival held in Italy. The six jury members from Qatar included Deema al-Hail, Naji al-Ali, and Ayah al- Ansari in the 13+ category and Abdulaziz al-Haddad, Sana al-Ansari, and Abdul Kareem Anisetty in the 16+section.

We hope you all enjoyed visiting this amazing festival!

Love it

Nobu On The Way!

Foodies rejoice! Scheduled to open in 2012, Nobu is finally set to launch its first outlet in Doha

by December. The restaurant was designed by New York-based architecture firm Rockwell Group, and revolves around a pearl theme, which is a key part of Qatar’s pearl-diving heritage. Nobu Doha will showcase Nobu’s signature new style Japanese cuisine, as well as new creations infusing local ingredients of the region.

Hate It

World Cup 2022 Removed From Qatar?

Istanbul A huge well done goes out to Qatar’s gymnast who brought home podium wins! Rahma Mohammed Al Delaimi won the bronze medal in the women’s single event at the prestigious Bosphorus Artistic Gymnastics Tournament, held in Istanbul. Rahma’s teammates, Faraj Al Hamad won the silver medal in the Men’s event and Nadeen Wahdan finished fourth overall in the women’s event at Portugal international gymnastics Championship (Loule Cup). Great job all!

FIFA executive committee member Theo Zwanziger forecasted that Qatar would lose hosting rights to the 2022 World Cup because of its scorching summer heat. The FIFA officials were in talk to the host country about moving the games to winter, instead of summer. This would conflict with other footie leagues around the world. What happens now... only time will tell!

Can’t Believe it

iPhone Craze Sets In

Brand new iPhones made their way into Qatar, and, believe it or not, Apple fans paid over double the price to get their hands on the device! Cell phone shop World Communication in Al Sadd sold their first shipment of 120 iPhones within a few hours of opening the sales. A 128GB Iphone 6 plus was sold for QR1990 (how crazy is that?). Do you know how many pairs of shoes or dresses that could get a fashionista from Zara?!

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Qatar

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!).

05 0913 16 18 sUNDAY

tHURSDAY

MONDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

Fares Karam Eid Concert at St. Regis Doha

Barbecue Nights at Majlis, Grand Hyatt Doha

The Blacksmith’s Supper at The Anvil Rooms

Seafood Night at Crossroads Kitchen, Marriott Marquis

Rotisserie menu at La Varenne

Revel in soothing Lebanese music by Fares Karam; one of the highest acclaimed artists across the Arab World.

The concert tickets will be available at Virgin Tickets at QR750 and includes a three course meal at the hotel.

Enjoy the outdoors this season on the Majlis poolside terrace with barbecue and shisha every Thursday.

Don’t miss a night of scrumptious food grilled to perfection, alongside your favourite exotic shisha flavours for QR 250 per person.

How about early dinner?

Indulge in a delicious meal that includes your choice of signature steak, a side, a sauce and beverage at QR149, include a sommeliers selected drink at QR179.

The Blacksmith’s Supper is available from Sunday to Thursday from 5.30pm to 6.45pm.

Tiger prawns, mussels, tuna, oysters and the freshest sushi in town!

Try the Mongolian stirfry station where the chef mixes chicken, beef, lamb or seafood with crunchy vegetables. Seafood night is priced at QR225 including soft beverages from 6.30pm to 11pm.

Enjoy a sumptuous rotisserie menu every Saturday with unlimited offering of rotisserie chicken, meat and fish with a selection of side orders for QR179 per person.

Visit stregisdoha.com/fareskaram for more information.

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Call 3039 5396 for more information.

Call 4499 0685 for more information.

Call 4419 6100 for more information.

Call 4499 0680 for more information.

2025 282931 monday

saturday

tuesday

wednesday

friday

Latino In The City, at Strata, InterContinental Doha - The City

JALC Doha Family Jazz Afternoons at Lincoln Centre, St. Regis

Theme nights at Coral All Day Dining, InterContinental Doha

Slow Motion Vogue Wednesdays at The Lounge, Kempinski

Trick or Treat Brunch at Market by Jean-Georges, W Doha Hotel & Residences

Join the popular Latin dance movement every Monday night from 7pm to 1am. Tango, salsa, Bachata and meringue with professional Latin dancers from Yamativo!

Let the spicy rhythm fill you as you dance the night away. Entry for ladies is free and fee QR65 for men, which includes one beverage.

Saturday afternoon, the Jazz at Lincoln Centre Doha is not to be missed as the club opens its doors to the community for a free afternoon of Jazz fun! These informal afternoons are designed to be fully interactive and educational, where the Doha community can come together to sing and dance to jazz beats. Â

With its spectacular views of the pool and sea and ambient atmosphere, Coral all day dining offers Asian Night dinner buffet at QR225 including a glass of house beverage.

Also enjoy spectacular views of Doha skyline while indulging in a variety of shisha flavours.

Sip the most creative cocktails and socialise with the trendiest crowd in the city, every Wednesday from 8pm to 1am. Start your weekend early with the sophisticated Latin funk, disco-boogie and reedited sounds.

Electrify your Friday with a spooky Halloween themed brunch with live entertainment by Doha Jazz at QR395 per person including alcoholic beverages and QR290 including selected nonalcoholic beverages from 12pm to 4pm.

Call 4405 3325 for more information.

Call 4453 5135 for more information.

Call 4015 8888 for more information.

Call 4484 4919 for more information.

Visit www. jalcdoha.com for more information.

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REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

Diary Dates

For those of you thinking of jetting off around the region this month, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for you to check out in our neighbouring nations…

BAHRAIN

abu dhabi

lebanon

Where Bahrain National Museum When Runs until November 1

Where Various locations When October 23 to November 1

Where Forum De Beyrouth, Beirut When October 8 to 11

Photography fans this one’s for you! India through the lens is an exhibition that portrays India through the eyes of four photographers; Jyotti Bhatt, T.S. Saytan, Maimouna Guerresi and Karen Knorr. The 20th century work of Jyotti Batt and TS Satyan communicates the life of the Indian populous post independence - from street scenes to portraits of prominent figures.

The 21st century work of Karen Knorr and Maimouna Guerresi delves deeper, by using staged events, manipulations and constructions to explore the religious, cultural and visual heritage of India.

Abu Dhabi is all set to experience a movie extravaganza, focusing on Arab cinema and creating a vibrant film culture throughout the region. Rookie and emerging talent will get a chance to interact with the who’s who of the industry and engage in activities and talks of cultures through the art of cinema. The main aspect of this festival is the opportunity for up and coming filmmakers to interact, share thoughts and have Q&A sessions with the ace of the industry. Filmmakers will also be attending the 10-day festival.

It’s one of the best magic shows in the world, packed with thrilling and sophisticated stunts and tricks! Seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth enact mind-bending acts, many of which have never been seen before.

Each Illusionist is a master in their field.

With an assembled cast of 20 sidekicks, they will perform a powerful mix of their most outrageous and unbelievable acts.

Collectively, these performers have been seen by millions of people around the world, and this production showcases their incredible talents together on stage.

India Through The Lens

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Abu Dhabi Film Festival

The Illusionists

Landmark Mall Tel: 44 86 4767 - Villagio mall Tel: 44 17 8132 Bahrain | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | UAE | Oman | Kuwait | Jordan | Lebanon www.maya-la-chocolaterie.com maya_choco mayalachocolaterie Landmark Mall Tel: 44 86 4767 - Villagio mall Tel: 44 17 Bahrain | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | UAE | Oman | Kuwait | Jordan | Leba fact magazine .21 www.maya-la-chocolaterie.com maya_choco mayalachocola

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Get ready to be spooked and scared this month, it’s Halloween! FACT has your ultimate guide to a hauntingly good time this October; from costume ideas, scary films, frighteningly good recipes, and all the best parties in the city, we’ve got all your thrilling needs covered…

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HALLOWEEN

COSTUME IDEAS From film favourites, superheroes, and all the ‘it’ TV characters, we’ve got plenty of quirky options for your 2014 Halloween costume, guaranteed to make you the show stopper of the party.

Despicable Me 2

Dress up as the grown-up version of these adorable animated creatures - the minions (with two eyes of course). Put on a long-sleeved yellow shirt under a blue sleeveless dress, add oversized goggles, a yellow hairband, black gloves and high socks with heels. Guys you can steal this look quite easily too! Now, run around the party, get on the dancefloor and look super cute whilst doing so, just like a minion!

Maleficent

Don the look of the famous Disney Villain - Maleficent - and get vamped up for your Halloween party. All you need to do is get yourself a black tube dress, put on a purple collared coat and a black horn hairband. Add dark, smoky eyes with purple eyeshadow, long lashes, and blood red lipstick, and boldcoloured nails, to complete this saucy look.

Zombie

An absolute classic Halloween look that’s back in the popular stakes as shows like True Blood and The Walking Dead gain momentum.

Put on a red paint-stained top (for the bloody effect), over a pair of ripped blue jeans, worn out trainers, and don’t forget to scruff up your hair (back-combing usually does the trick). Oh! And don’t forget to experiment and apply face paint to add cuts and bruises for the ultimate zombie result!

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Mickey aND Minnie Mouse

This one’s for all the couples out there! Get cute and creative this Halloween and dress up as Disney’s iconic duo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse! Simple costume; guys can wear a full-sleeved black shirt and red pants or suspenders (can be vice-versa) and girls wear a red skirt, black top and stockings. The outfit is incomplete without the black ear-shaped headgear, so make sure you get yours! (Ladies, don’t forget the red bow on your headband).

If you want the whole shebang, get the round nose prop too!

Black and White

Retro looks from the film noir era, with over-thetop hairstyles and loud make up, is a great way to make a statement at your Halloween party! This get-up means going overboard; big hair in a side bun or floating waves for the ladies, a slickedback do or cool hat for the gents, white face paint, bold red lipstick and monochrome clothes choices.

Some of our favourite stars include Marlene Dietrich, Jane Greer, and Robert Mitchum.

Orange is the new black

How fitting that one of TV’s most popular

FACT’s MUST-SEE FREAKY FLICKS

Halloween Happenings in Doha InterContinental Doha, The City

Strata’s Spooktacular Soiree You’re in for a wicked good time on October 31 at Strata! It’s a Halloween party sure to cause a fright. Enjoy creepy cocktails as you celebrate the night from 10pm to 2am with free entrance. Dress code: Costumes or black and red clothing only.

Fright Feast at The Square

From 6 to 11pm on October 31, there’s a special Halloween-themed evening of food, drinks and fun. Get in the spirit with devilled chicken lollipops, vampire blood soup and pumpkin cheese balls. Enjoy the buffet at QR180 per person or QR280 per person including select house beverages.

GO: +974 4015 8888.

W Doha Hotel & Residences

shows pays homage to the staple colours of Halloween? Orange and black! Go for a prisonstyle orange jumpsuit with D.O.C written on the back (use a permanent marker!), with handcuffs to go with. You can also experiment with your make up – give yourself a black eye or a bruised lip, with messy hair, and finish the look with thick rubber slippers. Awesome!

WHERE TO BUY?

If you want a choice of cool costumes in Doha, head to Party Kingdom, located near the Jaidah flyover opposite Mushairi Centre. There’s a whole bunch of props and party bits and bobs to pick up, perfect for those who are attending or throwing a Halloween shindig. Another option for the creatives out there is to DIY! Yes, do it yourself is always fun and places like Al Rawnq at Souq Waqif is a treasure trove of fabulous craft supplies, costume jewellery, and small pieces, great for bringing any simple Halloween look to life. If all else fails, there’s the internet!

Get the family on the sofa or gather with a group of friends for an evening of ultimate scare fest. Make yourself a bowl of popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready to scare yourself silly with these horrorfilms. WARNING: Company is highly recommended, do not watch these alone!

The Exorcist The Ring The Shining The Exorcism of Emily Rose The Changeling Friday the 13th A Nightmare on Elm Street The Conjuring The Blair Witch Project Saw (Marathon) Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Mist Poltergeist Insidious Woman in Black

Trick-O-Treat Brunch Get down to the Trick–Or–Treat Halloween-themed brunch for an electrifying Friday afternoon on October 31. Includes an exquisite buffet and live entertainment by Doha Jazz. Priced at QR395 per person including alcoholic beverages.

Pure Crystal Night

Crystal proudly presents a special and unique, exclusive Halloween Party featuring a surprise DJ and a mystery-filled night! Taking place on October 30 from 10pm until late this one’s sure to be packed and is exclusively by reservation and guest list only.

GO: +974 4453 5000.

Halloween Nights at Paloma & Lava

It’s time for the big Halloween bash at this much-loved bar and club! Dress up as some great giveaways are on offer for the best costumes, and even if you don’t get a prize, the music, the crowd, and the Halloween-themed atmosphere will keep you on your toes!

GO: +974 4484 1919.

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HALLOWEEN

CLASSIC HALLOwEEN RECIPES Jack-O-Lantern Oranges

Classic Candy Apples

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

- 8 small navel oranges - 1 small apple, chopped - 1/2 cup red seedless grapes, halved - Slivered almonds - Whole cloves

- 8 Granny Smith Apples, washed and dried completely, with stems removed.

- 8 Candy Apple Sticks (much sturdier than regular skewers).

- 2 cups sugar.

- 1 cup light corn syrup.

- 1 cup warm water.

- 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon Oil. - Few drops of red food colouring.

- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree - 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shells (preferably a graham crust)

Method - Choose the side of each orange that will be the face. If necessary, cut a slice off the bottom of each orange so it will rest flat. Cut a small slice off the top and spoon out the pulp.

- Chop the pulp and mix with the apple and grapes and set aside. Cut faces on orange skins and decorate with sliced almonds; for the teeth and cloves; for the eyes. Use the red seedless piece of grape for the nose.

- Spoon the fruit salad into the oranges and serve. Perfect dessert for a spooky evening!

Method - Insert sticks into the top of each apple. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray heavily with non-stick spray. Set aside.

- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

- Keep stirring until mixture reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. If you’re unsure about the temperature of your candy, drop a bit in a glass of cold water. If it hardens immediately and easily breaks in half, it's ready. If it sinks to the bottom and is pliable, it needs to cook a bit longer.

- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cinnamon oil and red food colouring. Carefully dip apples in the coating and place on lined baking sheet to harden.

Method - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit - Beat the eggs in a large bowl and stir in cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Add the pumpkin puree and keep mixing until you get a smooth texture. Gradually stir in the condensed milk and mix until smooth.

- Pour the mixture into a pie shell and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. After that, reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.

- Keep it to cool and serve or cover it and refrigerate.

Your quick and yummy pumpkin pie is ready.

HALLOWEEN FUN FACTS 1. The word ‘witch’ comes from the Old English term ‘wicce’, which means ‘wise woman’. According to popular belief, witches held one of their two main meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night.

2. Samhainophobia (say it fast, we dare you!) is the fear of Halloween.

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3. The first Jack-O-Lanterns were made from turnips.

4. It is believed that if you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved one watching over you.

5. Halloween is the second most successful commercial holiday after Christmas.

6. The world’s largest Jack-O-Lantern weighed 666.32

kg (1,469 lb) and was carved in October 2005 from the world’s largest pumpkin.

7. The next Halloween full moon will be Oct 31, 2020.

8. The origin of Halloween dates back to an ancient pagan festival, celebrated by Celtic people over 2,000 years ago, called Samhain.

VAPIANO.COM

22

nd OCT. 4pm-5pm

Wedesday

Complimentary Mini Dolci & Mini Green Salad

We continue to serve you the best Italian Cuisine experience!

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Society

Global home furnishing retailer IKEA, recently celebrated the launch of its 2015 catalogue, with guests and the media visiting the Doha store for a sneak peek at the beautiful new collections. This is the brand’s 64th annual catalogue with the theme “Where the everyday begins and ends,” focusing specially on bedrooms and bathrooms.

#ikea #2015 #catalogue #launch

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24 Hours in

Bahrain

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GLOBETROTTER

Merging Arab culture and tradition with a contemporary lifestyle, Bahrain is a small island with a mix of five-star luxury and street strolls to explore.

Pallavi Ramesh notes a 24-hour itinerary of fun and interesting things to do on your next visit to this GCC Kingdom…

THE ISLAND BUZZ 12: 00

After the thrilling experience, you need to treat yourself with some scrumptious culinary delights!

Serve your taste buds at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. With a wide choice of cuisines; including international, Far-Eastern, seafood and Arabic, you can revel in a delectable meal!

7:00

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast; treat yourself to some authentic Arabic delights at Leyan café and restaurant in Budaiya. Famous for its breakfast, this place serves wholesome food with delicious options like dahl, samboosas and eggs with tomatoes, all cooked in authentic style and served in the pan!

8:00

A perfect family retreat is Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park (famously known as LPOD!) Slide 30. fact magazine

2:00 and splash through water; adults can relive their childhood, and kids can have the time of their life at this amazing water park. Dance to the tunes of top DJ’s and live band performances, chill on the lazy river, or make your way through bubble bath tournaments, water zorbing and tons more!

11:00

Visiting Bahrain and not taking a spin on the F1 track is a crime!

Feel like an F1 racer and enjoy the track experience with four different exciting cars on a world-class circuit. Take your own car or bike onto the circuit’s affiliated drag strip, and enjoy the buzz.

A visit to the Grand Mosque in Bahrain is a must! It was built in the 1990s and the sanctity and serenity here is beyond words, with marvelous interiors and beautiful architecture. The huge arched structure also hosts the National Library where you can find some interesting reads.

GO: Fly to Bahrain on direct flights with Gulf Air. Visit www.gulfair.com for more information.

7:00

3:00

Revel in the beauty of the island at Block 338; a perfect place to grab a drink or two with friends and family, or even by yourself! With a great selection of food and drinks outlets, this creative hub is also a foodie delight and the perfect place to people watch whilst chilling out with a cold cocktail.

4:00

Manama is a locale rich in heritage and the absolute must-visit places here are Manama Souq and Gold City. Get your haggling hat on as the souq offers unique products such as traditional perfumes, jewellery, sweets, souvenirs, local handicrafts, antiques, local spices, teas and much more, all at affordable rates.

Afterwards, pop by to Gold city and treat yourself some more.

6:00

Tired shopping? How about a pretty and peaceful sunset at Arad Fort? Relax with grand sea views; a complete escape from the city bustle, overlooking various sea passages of Muharraq’s shallow shores. Arad fort is a typical example of Arab pattern architecture, built in the 15th century so don’t forget your camera for this will be a photo opp!

Go and check out the high street offerings and entertainment outlets at the ever-popular Bahrain City Centre. Whether it’s more shopping, watching a film, playing in the arcades, or simply having a stroll, this air-conditioned shopping haven is perfect to spend a leisurely evening out.

9:00

End your day at Amwaj Islands; a stunning retreat with restaurants spread across The Lagoon. Take a walk to view the beautiful area and grab dinner at one of the many great eateries followed by shisha, if that’s your sort of thing!

R Some b eautiful places for photo opp ortunities in Bahrain include the Grand Mosque, Bahrain Financial Harb ou r, Bahrain Fort, Arad Fort, Barbar Temple, Burial Mou nds, Tree of Life, Bab Al-Bahrain, Bahrain World Trade Centre & many more!

Getting Around

Bahrain is a small country with limited modes of public transport...

Buses There are few public buses which go to and from major areas on the island at nominal ticket fares.

Taxis Get a taxi in less than ten minutes! Dial 1666 1666 and book a cab (good but expensive to get around).

Rent a Car Best way to see the island is by renting your a car.

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#BRAZIL #independence #DAY #celebrations The Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Hotel marked Qatar/Brazil 2014 Year of Culture with a 4-day celebration at Ipanema, for ‘Sete de Setembro’ – Brazilian Independence Day. The hotel brought authentic Brazilian hospitality and dining to Doha as guests enjoyed the spirit of Brazil with delicious food and lively entertainment.

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Tried &tested

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THE CLUB SUITE

A Perfect Piece of Paradise When visiting Bahrain, whether you’re a family, group of friends, a couple, and even solo travellers, you want to stay at a hassle-free hotel that goes all-out to cater to your every need.

The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa offers just that, and so much more.

FACT’s Shabana Adam experienced the club level facilities to find out what makes this property the perfect place for guests to stay…

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If splashing out on a private villa or an expansive suite is not an option, then the next best thing at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa, for guests visiting on a long weekend or short break, is the large and spacious Club Suite. Room highlights include generous living and bedroom areas, a huge separate marble bathroom with soaking bathtub, rainforest shower and powder room (and all the best amenities like an endless supply of towels and luxury Asprey toiletries!), an LCD TV and stereo system with DVD and CD players (with DVDs available to borrow and watch at request), and floor to ceiling windows offering views over the bay and city. The occupancy here is three people and this particular room type is spread across floors three to seven.

For me, the practical design yet airy feel to the room made it very comfortable and enjoyable. You’ll easily sink into the plush feather bed for a peaceful night’s sleep; happily get up and make a tea or coffee using the in-room facilities (there’s even a Nespresso machine), and you can personalise your time using the iPod docking station, not to mention that there’s a great number of channels available and the high-speed internet throughout the hotel is pretty impressive!

Tried & Tested

02.

01 The Spa 02 Plums 03 Club Suite 04 Club Lounge

04.

03.

CLUB LEVEL SERVICE

There’s no denying that having a few added personal touches to your hotel stay is always a welcomed effort, and the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa sure does its utmost best for Club level guests. Upon arrival I was escorted to a personalised check-in desk on the 7th floor; walking past guests waiting to check-in and whizzing up in the lift really does give your stay a special start! Aside from this, club level guests also receive priviledged access to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge; a beautiful space made up bar-style seating, dining tables, comfy sofas with a TV area, and, of course, a buffet station where a generous breakfast, light lunch, and evening dinner and drinks are served. Oh, and did I mention this is all complimentary for Club level guests? (Talk about perks!). What made experiencing the Club Lounge nicer was the super-friendly and helpful staff !

HOTEL HOTSPOT

If you’re after the sort of break that doesn’t involve leaving the hotel much, then look no further. The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa is a real piece of secluded paradise with a massive outdoor pool, indoor pool, a pristine private beach, a majestic hammam with plunge pools, steam room and sauna, and a sports club with fully-equipped gymnasiums (there’s a ladies only too), a squash court, tennis courts, and, for the little ones, the Ritz Kids Club offering numerous safe and exciting activities! When it comes to food, options are aplenty; we recommend trying Plums, an ultra-chic restaurant with classic food choices, renowned for its premium beef dishes and fresh, quality seafood. Try

the wagyu teriyaki or the baby hammour with black lemon, both are exquisite. Or, call on the new man in the kitchen, Chef Yann, to whip you up something creative.

It’s a foodie-experience you’ll remember for a long time!

GO: Call +973 1758 0000 to book your stay at The RitzCarlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information or to make a reservation.

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liquid portraits Photographer duo Christto and Andrew have a fantastic new showcase of work lined up for the fascinating ‘Liquid Portraits’ exhibition. FACT caught up with Misha Michael, Assistant Curator of Katara Art Center to learn more about the work on display…

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One of the main themes is transformation- hence the title Liquid Portraits.

Within the context of the Gulf regions, change is a consistent element encountered on a daily basis at all levels within society.

H

i Misha! Tell us about the process by which the art work for ‘Liquid Portraits’ was curated?

The curatorial process has been fairly synergetic between the artists and me. It began with numerous conversations about themselves, their art, their practice and finally visits to their studio. Christto & Andrew’s engagement and enthusiasm has helped enrich my understanding of Liquid Portraits.

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ARTS

Explain your selection process and the theme behind the exhibition?

The selection process was similar to the curatorial process. There were few artworks, which were debated however; the final selection offers varied perspectives of the exhibition’s core themes.

One of the main themes is transformationhence the title Liquid Portraits. Within the context of the Gulf regions, change is a consistent element encountered on a daily basis at all levels within society. Specifically here, economic change is a direct consequence of Qatar’s discovery of oil and natural resources. This effect becomes further compounded with the inclusion of wireless technology and the increasing influence of social media in Qatar. The theme of change, therefore, becomes common thread weaving its way either conceptually or physically through the juxtaposition of objects/people in photographs and the altering of everyday objects in sculptures.

Tell us about some of your favourite or most interesting pieces that will go on display…

I am particularly fond of Things Between Us. It’s a light-hearted representation of globalisation, specifically relating to the process of how someone might struggle to identify with his or her own ethnicity. Being Indian by birth, Canadian through naturalisation and having lived in seven countries at various points in my life, my relationship to the concept ethnicity is deeply fractured. Others worth highlighting are Mimetic Gestures, Hyper Futuristic and Hamour. Each represents different correlations between Qatar’s past, present and it’s aspired future. fact magazine .39

ARTS

What are you hoping to achieve through the ‘Liquid Portraits’ exhibition?

Through Liquid Portraits I hope those interested in pursuing photography as a contemporary art form will consider the importance of research and how it can consciously or subconsciously affect decisions in the process of creating an image, be it digital or analogue.

In one sentence, tell us why people should visit the ‘Liquid Portraits’ exhibition…

If you’re not planning to travel to Paris, Amsterdam or Dubai anytime soon, Liquid Portraits is your opportunity to experience Christto & Andrew’s art here in Qatar.

Describe the local art scene in Doha?

The local art scene is small, a little segregated but growing. From a mainstream perspective there is an interest in Visual Art and Design, mainly painting, photography, sculpture, graphic design and some illustration. It will be interesting to see which direction the local art scene takes over the next few years.

A little about yourself and working as a curator?

I prefer to think of myself as more than just a curator because my interests range from writing to making art, where curating is also one of the components in the mix. I come from an arts-based background having studied drawing and painting and modern and contemporary Art. I joined Katara Art Center in February 2014 and the experience so far has been fantastic. Our Artistic Director & Curator, Mayssa Fattouh, has been supportive and instrumental part of this experience.

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Christto & Andrew’s Inspiration…

For Liquid Portraits, the inspiration drew mainly from their relationship to Doha at the moment of production.

Christto has lived in Doha for three years and Andrew for about ten years. Both have witnessed the city change in many ways. What they would like to bring to attention are the banal day-to-day occurrences, which are usually overlooked as a result of the changes to the economic structure of the city.

R The work featured in Liquid Portraits is bold, bright, daring, yet compelling, to say the least.

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SOCIETY

#vcu #100thoughts #exhibition Art enthusiasts, media members and the general Doha public marvelled the work of Tim Makower on the opening night of his exhibition, 100 Thoughts: Chapter 1. Ongoing at The Gallery in Virginia Commonwealth University until October 16, Tim’s work shares an insight into his fleeting thoughts, ideas and moments, in a very direct and personal way.

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REVIEWS

Big Screen

Foxcatcher What’s it about: Based on the true story of Olympic gold-medalist wrestler Mark Schultz, this is an insight into the wrestler’s relationship with his eccentric multi-millionaire sponsor John du Pont and celebrated wrestling brother Dave Schultz, and the unlikely circumstances surrounding their desperation for greatness.

Director: Bennett Miller Cast: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo Why it’s worth watching?

In an ordinary world, having Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell co-starring in a wrestling film would have been something akin to a boisterous college comedy packed with frat-humour and guest appearances from the likes of Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill and Dave Franco. This couldn’t be further from that. Enter Foxcatcher, an incredibly poignant and positively harrowing story about two men desperate for greatness that they’ll possibly never achieve. The Oscar buzz surrounding the Foxcatcher has gone from muffled whispers to damn near deafening in the last few weeks, thanks to hugely positive reviews from critics and audiences at film festivals in Toronto, Cannes and Telluride. What Bennett Miller (who gave us Moneyball) has created here is a psychological drama of doubt, depression and destruction.

And it’s not just this gut-wrenching story that’s winning fans – it’s the three astounding on-screen performances from the jaw-clenching Channing Tatum, the dead-eyed Steve Carell and the tough-faced Mark Ruffalo. The trailer gives us a serious case of the heebie-jeebies. It’s a definite Oscar player!

Highlights “Enter Foxcatcher, an incredibly poignant and positively harrowing story about two men desperate for greatness that they’ll possibly never achieve.”

“The Oscar buzz surrounding the Foxcatcher has gone from muffled whispers to damn near deafening in the last few weeks, thanks to hugely positive reviews from critics and audiences at film festivals…”

Dracula Untold What’s it about: It’s the origin story of the man who becomes Dracula (played by the uber-handsome Luke Evans) and we just can’t wait to see what some might call a ‘flawed hero’ – a man on a mission to save his family from his enemies.

He’s driven to darkness in a bid to keep his loved-ones safe, and soon a monster is born.

And, as we know all too well, every choice has its consequences and we’re about to find out what Dracula’s are…

“When it comes to cinematic experience, think the ferocity of Braveheart meets the epic world of Gladiator and the heroics of 300” Director: Gary Shore Cast: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Samantha Barks, Sarah Gadon Why it’s worth watching?

Firstly, how awesome is it that Luke Evans is playing the lead? His string of starring roles and reliable performances in popcorn films like Clash of the Titans and Fast & Furious 6, make him a great choice for this vampire reboot. The chilling tagline Every Bloodline has a Beginning really embodies the story telling in Dracula Untold. When it comes to cinematic experience, think the ferocity of Braveheart meets the epic world of Gladiator and the heroics of 300.

Teamed with great dramatic music and an already existing legion of the vampiregenre fans, Dracula Untold has a lot to live up to, but shows huge potential for success.

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on the record

Fully Booked

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Burying Water

By K.A. Tucker

SYNTHPOP/ INDIETRONICA/ NEW WAVE

Sucker

By Charli XCX

We LOVE young stars who, when it comes

to musicality, break all the rules! Meet Charli XCX, the English singer-songwriter who’s played an important part in some major hits.

Did you know that she penned and featured on Icona Pop’s I Love It and currently holds two chart-positions with a feature on Iggy Azalea’s inescapable hit Fancy, and her very own single Boom Clap (from The Fault in Our Stars?). Oh, and did we mention, the Hertfordshire-born beauty is finally dropping her sophomore studio album Sucker this month! It features pop gems like the aptly titled Break The Rules, a song with a snappy synth melody and well-crafted hooks to make you lock the bedroom door and dance around in your underwear! Watch out for the catchy beats on Need Your Love featuring Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij, and the punk-sounds of London Queen. Charli (real name Charlotte Emma Aitchison) has been described as having a moody yet catchy neon goth sound (whatever that means!). With heavyweight producers like StarGate pitching in for this 13-track album, we’re convinced, that combined with Charli’s rabble-rousing voice, it’s going to have bags of personality.

EXPERIMENTAL HIPHOP/ELECTRONIC

You’re Dead

By Flying Lotus

When an artist goes to such great lengths as to have an original illustration by Shintaro Kago for each track on their album, that’s when you know their creative process is a serious, and rather special, one. Meet Flying Lotus (aka Steven Ellison), one of the most innovative and exciting producers in hip-hop today, and believe it or not, You’re Dead is his fifth album, BUT what makes this one different is the big-league guest appearances; Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock and Captain Murphy (aka Flying Lotus’ rapping alter ego). The 19-track record opens with a jazz workout that sets the pace for a rollercoaster ride through hip-hop at its most fluid and inventive form. Don’t forget the fixation with death in tracks like Cold Dead, Eyes Above, Descent into Madeness, and Your Potential/The Beyond to name but a few of the bold song titles. Still, in all its morbidity is going to surprise the loyal underground fans, and probably entertain new ones.

“With heavyweight producers like StarGate pitching in for this 13-track album, we’re convinced, that combined with Charli’s rabble-rousing voice, it’s going to have bags of personality…”

Imagine facing a life without any answers; who you are, where you’ve been, anything about your past, all wiped out because of a horrific attack on your life. This is what a young woman named Water faces. She survives her injuries only to find that a number of people want to help with her road to recovery and building a new life. When she’s drawn to a mysterious man next door, memories and feelings of the past begin to stir. K.A. Tucker delivers an original and uncomplicated plot with plenty of drama, mystery and romance to keep you reading!

HUMOUR/ENTERTAINMENT

Not That Kind Of Girl

By Lena Dunham

Fans of the hit show Girls, this would be the right time to be jumping up and down with glee. This book is full of hilarious, touching, and extremely candid personal essays from Lena Dunham. As she puts it; “No, I am not a sexpert, a psychologist, or a dietician. I am not a mother of three or the owner of a successful hosiery franchise. But I am a girl with a keen interest in having it all, and what follows are hopeful dispatches from the frontlines of that struggle.” And, THAT, girls and boys, is just a taster of what to expect.

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Society

#Nissan #X-TRAIL #launch Nissan launched its all-new X-Trail in the Middle East last month with a special press conference held for members of the media. The new X-Trail re-defines the compact SUV segment, being more muscular, modern and packed with technology. It’s stylish in design and offers supreme comfort with spacious interiors. The new compact SUV is available at all Nissan dealerships now.

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Ferrari California T

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CITY RIDES

A test drive in a Ferrari is always going to be enjoyable. However, add in the spectacular Tuscan countryside, and you have an experience that is almost life-changing!

FACT’S RESIDENT MOTORING-MAN, TONY SIDGWICK, heads to Italy to review Ferrari’s first turbo in over twenty years…

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This new ‘user-friendly ’ Ferrari Cabrio claims to offer Ferrari

excitement alongside the practicality of boot-space, a two plus two seating configuration, and the added efficiency of a turbo. Does it deliver on all fronts?

Ferrari has traditionally favoured big displacement in V8 and V12 naturallyaspirated engines, because the power delivery is instant and linear, and there’s no turbo-lag.

However, global shifts in demand towards cars that are more efficient have prompted Ferrari to respond with this, the California T, where the ‘T’ is for turbo. With such a big change, there’s bound to be some nervousness on the part of Ferrari, as they endeavour to win over the purists. In the pre-drive technology briefing, they went to great pains to explain the technology that made this new turbo-charged engine just as good as the V8 in the outgoing

California, if not better.

They needn’t have bothered. This new engine is, to put it quite simply, a masterpiece. Turbo-lag? You’d need to have some kind of electronic device to measure it, because it’s unnoticeable to the human brain. And indeed, Ferrari did have an electronic device, which measured it (and a graph to show the results), and it proved that the power delivery is only a few milliseconds slower than the old California’s V8 thanks to the twin-scroll turbo charger.

Driving along the Tuscan countryside in a Ferrari is a whole new, mind-blowing driving experience for any motoring enthusiast.

The new V8 also produces 560hp to the old one’s 490, and 755Nm compared to 505Nm. This means that the California T will accelerate to 100km per hour in 3.6 seconds as opposed to 3.8, and on to 200km per hour in 11.2 seconds compared to 13.8.

Top speed is also up by four to 316km per hour.

The point is that this new engine provides more power for 15 per cent less fuel, without compromising on performance and without noticeable turbo lag, which basically makes it better than the outgoing California, whatever anyone else says!

I took the California T out for a two-hour spin on my own along some of the most beautiful winding country roads I’ve ever seen, and had something of a moment to myself. I’ve simply never enjoyed a drive quite so much in my life! fact magazine .49

CITY RIDES

“The racy growl of that new Ferrari V8 is just as delicious as you’d expect.”

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This was only partly due to the stunning Tuscan scenery. The vast majority was down to the eminent driveability of this beautiful car.

I’ve never driven a car so hard and so fast along unfamiliar winding roads, whilst still feeling completely at ease and relaxed. What little oversteer I experienced was corrected with a flick of opposite lock, and understeer… well, there was none!

In comfort mode, the chassis soaks up the bumps and potholes of an uneven road with finesse, but in sport mode, the California T manages to tighten everything and produce more grip, without making the ride jarring to the point of discomfort. And the ESP interferes less in Sport, allowing for a tiny bit of sideways fun. Track mode I reluctantly left alone on these unfamiliar roads, as it turns the ESP off completely, and I don’t yet trust myself enough with someone else’s Ferrari!

The racy growl of that new Ferrari V8 is just as delicious as you’d expect, and the slight scream of the turbo enhances rather than taints it.

So there you have it; the Ferrari California T delivers in practically every way I can think of. It’s comfortable and luxurious, and therefore perfect for driving around town or for road trips. It’s practical, because it has four usable seats and enough boot space for shopping or luggage. Despite all this, you still get that special Ferrari excitement with the adjustable chassis and that glorious turbocharged V8 for when you want to open her up and let loose.

And, it’s absolutely beautiful! What more could you ask for?

Ferrari has done it again with another exciting and flashingly fast model for drivers to enjoy.

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CITY RIDES

The Toyota Land Cruiser

Whilst still the undisputed King of Off-Road, especially in the Gulf, this particular monarch is beginning to look a little long in the tooth.

It’s about time it had an heir come along to claim the throne…

T

he Land Cruiser isn’t just a car in the Middle East. It’s an institution; a way of life; a highly effective tool that residents of the Gulf have been choosing to tackle the wild deserts and mountains of the region for decades now.

The principle reasons for this are threefold: Reliability – Toyota has long been the byword for durable and reliable cars that are also relatively cheap to maintain; Performance – the Land Cruiser is an extremely capable off-roader that will get you just about anywhere; Luxury – it

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will also get you there in extremely high levels of comfort.

The mid-level spec GX-R we drove boasted Toyota’s 4.6-litre 1UR-FE V8.

With 304hp and 439Nm, it made light work of the various terrains we tested it on.

Sand was no problem as long as you kept your speed up, but a couple of times we were forced to use the differential lock to power out of a couple of softer spots when we tried it from standstill. However, at no point were we forced to resort to manual labour to dig the Cruiser out!

There’s also an ECT button, which is

L The GX-R will appeal to off-road enthusiasts more, as it takes more involvement and skill from the driver to achieve results.

basically an overdrive switch that revs the engine higher to extract more power from it, which is useful when you’re shredding up the sand dunes.

The GX-R does boast leather seats, and extremely easy-to-use fold-away seats in the second and third rows, making it a very practical family carrier. There was also a cooler underneath the centre armrests that’s connected to the AC system.

However, I did feel that this spec level was more conspicuous by what it didn’t have. It didn’t have the meaty 5.7-litre V8. It didn’t have the multi-terrain select, the multi-terrain monitor, the crawl control with turn assist, the flashy multi-function touchscreen infotainment system, or the kinetic dynamic suspension system. All of these features come with the VX and VX-R models, which basically makes them a wholly superior experience.

Having said that, I think perhaps the GX-R will appeal to off-road enthusiasts more, as it takes more involvement and skill from the driver to achieve results, whereas all these driver assistance systems in the VX models do a lot of the work for you.

The Land Cruiser is still a luxurious,

comfortable and hugely capable SUV, but in the face of increasingly aggressive competition, its number one spot isn’t looking as secure as it once was. There are rumours of a new generation of the Land Cruiser that is slated for 2016, and if they’re true, you know that Toyota are going to come out guns blazing, defending their crown in the fiercest possible way. I look forward to seeing what they come up with!

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MOTORING NEWS

BMW i8 Arrives at Alfardan Motors Alongside M Line-up BMW’s i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which signals the future of sustainable motoring, went on sale across Qatar last month. Mohammad Kandeel, Chief Operating Officer, Alfardan Group Automotive said: “After its successful launch during the latest Qatar Motor Show, customers are now welcome to check it inside out and learn more about its technologies that combine the performance and appeal of a sports car with the fuel consumption of a small car.“ Powered by a 1.5l three-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, the BMW i8’s intelligent hybrid system also uses an electric motor, which results in a combined power output of 362hp delivered to all four wheels.

When united, the dual motors (electric front and petrol rear) work in harmony enabling the BMW i8 to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h. Due to its light weight of just 1,485 kg, it provides a total drive range of more than 500 kilometres.

M Power

The i8 joined the showroom floor alongside the all-new M line-up in Qatar. Set to delight automotive enthusiasts’ passion for high-performance vehicles, the stellar line-up includes the all-new BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupé and BMW M4 convertible.

As with all M models, it’s about the power. The highrevving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology in the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 produces a maximum output of 431hp and peak torque of 550Nm, yet the engine also achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25%. Both the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.

Porsche Launch Cayman and Boxster GTS The new Porsche Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS have now arrived at Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq Automobiles. With Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system as standard, Porsche is also implementing the two strongest engines that have ever been used in a production Boxster or Cayman. The flat six-cylinder boxers are based on the 3.4l engines of the Boxster S and Cayman S, though thanks to fine-tuning the Boxster GTS now has an

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output of 330hp, while the Cayman GTS delivers 340hp.

Both mid-engine sports cars are equipped with the Sport Chrono package as standard.

The results: in conjunction with the optional Porsche PDK gearbox and active Sport Plus button, the Boxster GTS sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and the Cayman GTS in 4.6. The new roadster is the first Boxster to reach a maximum speed of 281km/h.

The Cayman is even faster at 285km/h.

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Revealed The eagerly-anticipated replacement for the outgoing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has finally been unveiled, and it is every bit as gorgeous as its predecessor. The second vehicle to be entirely developed under AMG’s own direction, the launch of the car was led by current German Formula One Mercedes-Benz Driver and Championship title contender Nico Rosberg.

Its front mid-engine concept with transaxle and the intelligent aluminium lightweight construction form the basis for a highly dynamic driving experience.

The basis for AMG’s hallmark driving performance is provided by the AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine, which is also a new development and is built in two output specifications: as a GT with 462hp, and as a GT S with 510 hp.

New Website And, if you’d like to find out about the new AMG GT, or any other Mercedes-Benz vehicle, for that matter, you can do so on their brand spanking new Middle East portal, www.mercedesbenzme.com, which was also launched last month. Integrating a comprehensive overview of all Mercedes-Benz products with social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, it has never been easier to keep up will all things Mercedes-Benz.

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PLUGGED-IN

retro Revival: Shoot. Print. Share

The Polaroid Socialmatic Camera could well be every instagrammer turned amateur photographer’s dream. Let’s find out if this cool device is a game changer…

PRICE: TBA BUY: Available in shops from Fall 2014 Pros: Retro design with new-school technology and features.

Cons: Users may get fed up of the QR Code feature.

14Mp Frontal Camera 2Mp Rear Camera 4.5” Touchscreen 4Gb Internal Storage

Who remembers the old-skool Polaroid cameras? You would snap a pic and out slides the result. Then (usually with a smug look on your face, all proud of your Polaroid) you would stand for a few minutes waving the photo around to let it dry. If, like us, you revelled in the simplicity of snapping your photos this way, then you might want to take note of the Polaroid Socialmatic Camera.

First and foremost, what this camera proves is that the good old Polaroid brand isn’t dead yet. What started as simply a concept has now become a product with the look and feel of the original Polaroid styled with new school technology.

You can take, share, and print pictures, all in one! With a 14-megapixel camera, a 4.5inch LCD touch screen display, and wifi and Bluetooth capabilities, the Android operated camera opens up a whole new world of social media-centric possibilities.

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After taking a photo with the back camera or the 2-megapixel front camera, you can immediately share your pic on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest using the built-in software on a wifi network.

Now, you might think it sounds like a smartphone, but the Polaroid Socialmatic can turn your insta pics into instant prints in the real world, as you can print little 2x3 photos too.

Every image will have a QR Code embedded in the corner so that other Socialmatic users can scan it, get the digital version from Polaroid’s servers, and reshare or reprint it. Cool, right?

It’s the Polaroid brand, with its iconic look merged with up-to-date techie features.

This really feels like a throwback to the future and, for the sake of nostalgia, we hope that this re-imagined device is exciting enough to carry the Polaroid name.

Stereo Speakers GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth Frontal LCD with Mood Assistant A.

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...

ENTERTAINMENT Popcorn Horror (Android, iOS)

Enjoy a range of horror flicks by independent filmmakers. Popcorn horror promotes and shows the best of short films from across the world, creating fear and thrill in the audiences’ mind. The movies shown in the app deliver short frights on the go, made on a budget by genuine fans of the horror genre. Perfect for a chill-filled Halloween, pick a flick or two to get the party started - don’t spill your popcorn!

PERSONALISATION Breast Cancer Ribbon doo-dad (Android, iOS)

SOCIAL Vine (Android, iOS)

Spice-up your screen with a cool doo-dad in support of Think Pink! For the ones who are not aware of the doo-dad, it’s a tiny little icon which can be placed anywhere on your screen, without changing the background. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, place the pink ribbon on your screen so that every time someone spots it, you can share and spread awareness.

Pick, Shoot and Share! That’s what Vine is all about; share your life in motion. With unlimited free uploads, you can create short, beautiful, looping videos in a fun way and share it on social media for your friends and family to see. Explore trending posts, featured hashtags and editor’s picks, also find and follow your friends. A cool app for short video shootings – perfect for those who want to take their selfie obsession to the next level!

Download our app for FREE!

Stay connected and get FACT magazine on your phone or tablet. Get the latest issue at your fingertips, and enter the world of FACT whenever and wherever you are!

Step 1 Download FACT to your device and flick through at leisure.

Step 2 Want to share what you like? Click the scissors in the top right corner.

Step 3 A number of social networks will drop down. Choose yours and hit post!

Please note: the fact app is available for IPHONE, iPad and ANDROID. It will soon be available on other platforms too.

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Society

#Swarovski #Unveils #F/W2014/15 #Collection 58. fact magazine

Jewellery brand Swarovski invited media and shoppers to the unveiling of its fall/ winter 2014/15 jewellery and accessories collection at the Swarovski store in Lagoona Mall. Amongst the new pieces on offer were beautiful bracelets, rings, watches and other accessories, sparkling to perfection.

an iconic

cultural With a new fashion season ahead and with many regional designers making a mark on the international fashion scene, FACT takes a trip down memory lane to explore the traditional style of bedouins all the way up to modern-day attire.

trail

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FACT HERITAGE

Traditional Dress Bed ouin Men

Bed ouin women

The traditional basic dress for Bedouin men is a thobe, now commonly known as Kandura or Dishdash. Made of white cotton to the ankle, with long sleeves, and a collar that varies by region but usually included a button or tassel, or both.

Bedouin Outerwear Over the tob a striped kibr open down front with belt and/or shoulder straps is worn. For nonmanual workers a redan is worn, reinforcing their leisure status.

Beduoin men would frequently carry knives, rifles and ammunition.

Bisht Arabs usually wore a Bisht over their robe in order to add glamour to special occasions.

Bisht is a loose floor length or sometimes a little shorter coat, with embroidered edges. It signifies religious position, social status or wealth.

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The basic dress for Bedouin women was an over-sized Abaya. This loose-fitted cloak-dress came in different colours, with embroidery along the seams, the hem, and the neck. Brightly coloured and patterned dresses (fustan) were worn underneath.

Bedouin Headwear Headwear for most Bedouin men is a keffiyah, more commonly known as a Guthra, and held in place with an egal of camel wool. Some men wore the Amamah, a tightly wrapped turban that represented religious seniority.

Bedouin Jewellery Women wear a range of jewellery including, necklaces, rings, anklets and bracelets, often hollow and filled with stones.

Gafaaz Gafaaz is a literal translation of gloves. Women wear Gafaaz to ensure that their hand is completely covered. Gafaaz was predominant in olden days; very few conventional women still wear it.

Bedouin Burqa The Bedouin Burqa varies from place to place with Bedouin women. In the north the veils came in a range of masks, whilst in the Levant they are dark blue or black using a shambar, a tube that encloses the head and neck. In the Sinai desert the burqas are formed by rows of coins!

Contemporary Dress Modern Men

modern women

Arab men have blended traditional wear with modern trends, still staying true to the culture of their homelands. Now, high-end Thobes are available. They are exclusively tailormade, and contain delicate embellishments, normally at the bottom of the sleeves.

Guthra This is the headscarf worn by men to cover their head. Putting a trendy touch to it, they style it differently to suit the occasion.

Some wearers wrap the Guthra into a turban, while others wear it loosely draped around the back and shoulders. It’s usually made of white cotton and used differently in accordance with the wearer’s home country.

Arab women have gone contemporary with their traditional dress. In terms of the design, colour and style, they have taken it up a notch adding glam. With more fitted Abayas and hijab’s, they have welcomed more modern, western style with open arms.

Bisht Modern Arab men are not afraid of wearing better-fitted Thobes and many put on an embellished Bisht, which adds colour and style to their look.

The colour of the Bisht depends on the colour of the thobe and is generally chosen for contrast.

Abaya The loose style black abayas have almost been replaced with modern-style ones. There is an enormous choice, which includes embellished, lacestyle, animal print, belted-sequin and jacket style abayas (to name a few).

These chic styles are made by highend designers who experiment to bring out uber-trendy products to please.

Hijab Breaking the stereotypical designs and drapes of an ethnic hijab, Arab women have established newer styles and replacements for hijab. The cool knots on the head with a scarf is trendy and adds a style statement to the look with western outfits as well.

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Society

#beyond #optics #opening Beyond Optics, a sophisticated boutique concept by Qatar Optics, celebrated its official store opening at Ezdan Mall. Media representatives and VIP customers were shown around the modern store, which houses and showcases numerous great collections of frames and sunglasses.

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strut with pull &bear

Dress casually and feel comfortable with Pull & Bear’s Autumn-Winter 2014-15 collection.

The campaign flaunts apparel for the chilly season, featuring original textures and references to iconic decades across the women’s collection, while attires for men comprise outdoor, street and sport influences.

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FASHION FOCUS

Take a spin around Fårö, the Swedish island where filmmaker Ingmar Bergman lived. The location was apt for the campaign, with natural sets like typical fishermen houses and evocative landscape. The major trends of the season inspire the collection, along with echoes of key moments from the 20th Century for women, particularly from 1960s to 1990s

HIS

Modernised with an urban touch, the men’s collection is inspired by outdoor environments, with diverse materials often mixed in a single garment and the street looks are combined with sportier styles. Beat the cold with the brand’s urban edged waistcoats or canvas aviator jackets in contrasting materials; in fleece lining mixed with nylon, or denim with leather.

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Play with your look by mixing a technical winter coat with comforting jogging chinos?

Sounds different, but will look tasteful! The collection offers running shoes; which are prominent in this line, sharing the spotlight with mountain boots and thick rubber soles.

Season essentials aren’t forgotten, such as rubberised parkas in bright colours. As for prints, there are ethnic geometric patterns, as well as

small all-over prints. The colour palette includes reds, burgundies and mustards, as well as classic blacks and whites.

HERS

With technical fabrics like neoprene and quilting, this line features innovative textures with

sophisticated finishes and prints.

The sixties inspired preppy youthful lines with straight cuts or the seventies style bohemian looks with flowing dresses, rustic fabrics and handmade details; both have generous cocoon silhouettes and structured materials, which make the outfit mod! Prints feature natural elements like water-colours, blots or photographs of large flowers and leopard and snake skins. The tie-shaped or Africaninspired geometric patterns look extremely classy and the texts with evoking advertising slogans are trendy for casual wear. A-line dresses, pleats, culottes and aviator and bomber jackets are key garments, as well as looks that combine the same prints on top and bottom.

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for her PRINTED SWEATSHIRT

for him BROWN JACKET

PRINT WOOL SHIRT

double-sided biker jacket

pull &bear

GLOSSY QUILTED SWEATSHIRT

RIPPED JEANS

The Autumn-Winter collection is a mix of cool urban, with a variety of textures such as wool, metallic, leather, and appealing prints.

GOLD BEADED NECKLACE

ROUND NECK JERSEY

BASIC JEANS

CHUNKYHEELED ANKLE BOOTS RIGID FRONT POCKET TOTE BAG

CANVAS SNEAKER BOOTS

BROWN BACKPACK

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STYLE

Off the Grid The signature tartan print is making a comeback with classic to utility-style trousers, tops and dresses, transitioning from summer prettiness to autumn confidence‌

Debenhams New look

CALL IT SPRING

Miss Selfridge

New look

River island

New look TOD’s 68. fact magazine

Keep it Gangster With swagger written all over it, take the lead and strut it out in strong, sophisticated, and masculine autumn wear, reminiscent of Debenhams 1940s gangster swing‌

Zara Men

Massimo dutti

H&M

River island

ALDO ALDO

River Island

Asos

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Chef Valentin Herbet This month we were treated to an exquisite selection of cuts cooked to perfection at Doha’s premier steakhouse Prime at InterContinental Doha, The City. Tucked away in the bustling West Bay skyline is where we got to meet the man behind the magic.

Words by Jessica Bailey Ackerman

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CHEF’S TABLE

At our latest Chef’s Table, we go behind

the scenes with Prime’s Chef De Cuisine, Chef Valentin Herbet, to see what goes on in a top-class steakhouse, and, admittedly, see if we can pinch some secret recipes securely guarded by the man in the kitchen.

Chef Valentin was brought up in France where he studied at Ecole Superieur de Cuisine Française in Paris in 2009. Apart from his formal education, he learnt his way around the kitchen much earlier. He says: “I started cooking at home as a child, in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I made my first dish ever; pancakes.” Pancakes are a far cry from what he creates in the kitchen today, yet it remains his favourite dish.

Trying not to get in the way, we stand and observe as Chef Valentin whips up a starter best described as a stylish shrimp cocktail in a cannelloni-style roll. We watch his knife skills in awe, as he chops speedily away at the prepared shrimp.

Let’s talk about food now, shall we?

For starters we were presented with two braised wagyu short ribs, which were marinated for 24 hours in a secret (we tried to convince him to share but alas, we failed) marinade, garnished with a forest of little

He speaks fondly of home and his upbringing but what’s important to note is that his cooking didn’t just stem from his grandmother’s kitchen but from years of experience in top restaurants, including two Michelin starred restaurants in Paris.

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butternut and fresh oregano bite size pieces and drops of wasabi and spinach sauce. A mere touch of a fork and the succulent meat shreds away effortlessly.

Growing up, Chef Valentin was used to his grandmother’s originals of your favourite frozen dinners, like the cordon bleu and sausage in pastry, but for our mains he presents us with two of Prime’s signature dishes, the braised beef cheek and a twist on the well known Surf and Turf.

We’re torn over which was our favourite, the beef cheek marinated for 24 hours, surrounded by peas, shallots and tomatoes, or the more refined version of Surf and Turf, a Black Angus tenderloin, in a truffle veal jus, with creamy lobster in homemade tortellini pasta, delicate in taste with hints of tarragon rolling around your palette. The meat of the beef cheek pulled apart much like the short rib and had a much deeper and stronger taste than the tenderloin, which was a perfectly cooked, knife-slides-through medium rare. fact magazine

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As we are in a steakhouse, it is mandatory we find out Chef ’s opinion on cooking steak to perfection. He says: “It all depends on your taste, but when cooking steak one should keep in mind that the less fat the more rare it can be.”

For the pièce de résistance, dessert, in all its glory, is paraded to our table, The Melting Sphere. It is, quite literally, a sphere of 80 per cent Valor chocolate, but more than just chocolate (yes there is such a thing), on the inside is a delectable thyme ganache. The Sphere is nothing short of a work of art, set atop a bed of crumbled chocolate, surrounded by raspberries and crystalised mint. It’s melted at your table by a waterfall of liquefied chocolate. On the first mouthful the room goes silent, as we drift into a chocolate coma, a taste of what we hope heaven is like!

If you’re searching for the perfect steak, combined with an ambience of chic intimate dining then we must recommend that you pay a visit to Prime.

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GO: Visit Prime Restaurant at InterContinental Doha, The City. Call +974 4015 8888 for more information or to make a reservation.

Grand Hyatt Doha celebrated Aregntine Week with a colourful array of cuisine and entertainment at The Grill. Guests enjoyed ‘A Taste of Argentina’ with Chef Franco’s culinary creations of Gauchos, Empanadas and Asados and a variety of Argentinean vino. Live tango performers were flown in specially from Argentina, and there was also an Argentinean Brunch!

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Society

#costa #coffee #workshop

Costa Coffee at Landmark Mall hosted a morning coffee workshop where guests were able to see, hear, smell and taste what goes into every cup of coffee that Costa offers. There was even a chance to join in and make your own perfect cup of caffeine goodness, rewarded with certificates for participants.

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FLY ME TO

The Paper Moon

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VENUE REVIEW

Jaidah Square has become a surprising hub of activity lately; especially since its flagship eatery is garnering interest from local foodies.

FACT went to check out Paper Moon to see what all the hype was about

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The fashionable Italian restaurant, Paper Moon, is luring the crowds from West Bay to the other side of the city (a trying task in this traffic) for a chilled out evening of gastronomic delight. The entrance to the restaurant is tucked away at the side of JSquare (as it should be known), where you ascend a secret lift; you feel as if you’re entering an exclusive club, with black and white photos of the film stars of yesteryear giving it a timeless quality.

Inside, Paper Moon has a warm and inviting ambience that sits at odds with the masculine architectural block that is Jaidah Square; it’s all brown leather, low lighting, and semi-casual. It’s the perfect place for a dinner with friends, or a family gathering.

Perhaps it’s that Italian vibe; this is a restaurant where you want to be surrounded by your loved ones while gorging on pasta.

An evening at Paper Moon raises important philosophical questions, like how do the Italians stay so slim after seven course meals? Especially if they devour the olive oil soaked flatbread before they even have a chance to peruse the menu. It’s hard to resist Italian food, as it’s just so good. Paper Moon doesn’t just do

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

The RitzCarlton, Doha

GO: Visit Paper Moon at Jaidah Square. Call +974 4016 6000 for more information or to make a reservation.

Contact No: +974 4484 8000 Thursday Barbecue

pizza and pasta, however.

With anticipation, we started Paper Moon’s new menu with a dish of shrimp, artichoke and polenta, fresh out of the oven, a curious melee of textures. Then, creamy burrata topped with a deep fried courgette flower, which took me back to a holiday in Florence, many years ago.

My heart was stolen, however, by the ravioli with squash and ricotta; a perfect combination of smooth squash and al dente ravioli, with a little butter. Proof that the simplest dishes are often the best. The veal with asparagus was also delicious, and I felt that the crunchy asparagus made the entire meal a lot healthier!

We had two desserts. There was an emphasis on cream, but light, almost fluffy cream that melted on my tongue. The first was a cannelloni shaped chocolate log, filled with a light ricotta cream. It didn’t last long and the log was very satisfyingly crunchy. We also had a raspberry tart, which had a particularly authentic, home cooked feel to it. It’s surprising how mere pastry, cream and raspberries can feel so indulgent; the simplicity of the tart offsetting the rich flavours. I happily followed it down with a café latte. With heavy hearts (and, admittedly, rather heavy stomachs), we rolled out the restaurant and into our food comas.

Need a great hangout for food and a relaxing atmosphere to start your weekend? Head for the Thursday barbecue at The Lagoon. There’s no better retreat in the city than the lush and green Lagoon Garden to celebrate a delicious end to a long week. What’s more exciting than having a barbecue outdoor with family and friends while the weather is nice? Every Thursday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, priced at QR240 per person including soft beverages, coffee or tea; QR 140 for kids aged 4-12 while kids below 4 can dine for free. Call +974 4484 8512.

German Temptations

Mark the month of Oktoberfest with a huge selection of German vino and ales, all complemented by delicious German Tapas at Level 23, all throughout October. Enjoy the scrumptious festivities from 5pm to 12.30pm daily, for QR95. Call +974 4484 8506.

Vino Festival

Embark in a culinary Aventura and be inspired by flavours and combinations handpicked by the hotel’s Chefs and Sommeliers. Become enchanted in your very own little Italy, Porcini fountain yard, with an ensemble of creations. Taking place October 23 from 7pm, priced at QR490 per person. Call +974 4484 8514

Nights Out...

Costume Fiesta @ Habanos

This evening at Habanos will be brightened by the Cuban band and a costume competition with enticing prizes for the lucky winner. Taking place on October 31, 8pm to midnight. Call +974 4484 8504.

Cigar Night @ Habanos

Enjoy 25% savings on all cigar selections as you relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere at this beautiful venue. Every Friday from 5pm to 12.45pm. Call +974 4484 8504.

Hospitality Night @ Admiral’s Club

Hotel professionals and airline crews enjoy 25% savings so there’s no excuse for why you shouldn’t go out and have a good time! Thursday and Friday from 9pm to 1am on the upper floor. Call +974 4484 8663. fact magazine .79

IN THE KITCHEN

Cucina de BAdir On this episode of La Cucina De Badir, we head to one of my old time favorite restaurant in Qatar, New York Steak House, at the Marriott Marquis Doha. If you haven’t been there before, then you’re missing out! Every steak lover should stop by and try the hottest grill in town with all the best cuts of meat from Australia, Argentina and the USA.

I

was so excited to be doing Cucina De Badir at a restaurant that I absolutely love! Every time I go there, it’s a surprise, and on this occasion I was going behind the scenes into the kitchen with apron and jacket at hand, ready to rock this grill.

Greeted by Chef Jeremy Steele, I start my culinary journey. For our first dish we made smoked beef tartare, an almost heston-blumentale inspired dish that was super cool, with smoke trapped in the dish, on the trolly right in front of you – it really can’t get better than that!

To prepare this appetiser we started with some fresh beef, finely chopped tarragon, parsley, shallots, capers, grated horse raddish, soy sauce, egg yolk and Dijon mustard.

Mix everything in a bowl and make your patties, place the patty on a serving plate and garnish with fresh oil greens and potato crisps. Smoking the beef was a blast.

When we listed the transparent lid, all the ingredients used came alive to form a beautiful and tasty starter.

For our second dish we made Coffee Rub Steak, an absolutely delicious and succulent dish. For this one I helped Chef Jeremy to butcher and clean a huge piece of meat called Tomahawk. I used Chef Jeremy’s uber-sharp knives to cut into this chunky Tomahawk; we removed all the fat and carved out a beautiful piece of steak. It was an amazing experience that really illustrated the skills and intricate techniques used by Chef Jeremy and his team. We head over to the grill, and as New York

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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

Sharq Village & Spa

Steakhoue really believes in good seasoning when it comes to yummy steak, we smother it in a special mix of ground coffee beans, chilli ground, paprika, brown sugar, mustard seeds, salt, black pepper, ginger and garlic.

While I was busy grilling the steak, Executive Chef Christian Jean pops by the kitchen. I was thrilled to see Chef Christian whose food and cooking methods are innovative and inspirational. Seeing him work makes me realise just how meticulous he is with the preparation and serving of every single dish that comes out of the NY Steakhouse kitchen.

The steak is garnished with a smooth-textured cream of spinach that is also made in-house (and I was shown the tips and tricks to whipping up this easy topping). My behind the scenes experience here has been amazing; I got to see first-hand exactly what makes the menu at New York Steakhouse so special and that was something I say thanks for, on behalf of all of Doha’s foodies! Check out New York Stakehouse’s business menu from Sunday to Thursday too, it serves scrumptious food at reasonable prices. For now, hasta luego and see you on the next episode of La Cucina De Badir.

Contact No: +974 4425 6666 Turkish Food Festival

Heavily influenced by classical Ottoman cooking, modern Turkish cuisine can be described as a fusion and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours and techniques. Turkish cooking varies hugely from region to region. For instance, chefs along the Black Sea coastline use fish extensively, while the Southeast of the country is famous for its Kebabs and dough-based desserts such as Baklava.

In the West, where olive trees are abundant, the use of olive oil predominates, while the Marmara and Mediterranean regions are rich in vegetables, herbs and fish. Head down to Al Liwan Restaurant between October 26 to 31 from 6.30pm to 11pm and savour the delicious cuisine of this lovely country for QR250 per person.

Friday and Saturday Brunch

Unwind with friends and family on the weekend and tuck into a luxurious buffet featuring fresh seafood, Middle Eastern favourites and international classics. There’s live music to accompany your indulgent time and add to the social atmosphere. A children’s buffet is also available, with supervised activities to keep little ones entertained. Every Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm at Al Liwan. Priced at QR250 with soft drinks or QR390 including house beverages. Children aged six to 12 pay QR125.

Spooky Halloween Dinner

Calling all witches, ghosts and ghouls to a scary dining experience on Halloween.

Join all manners of terrible creatures for the annual feast where the devilish chefs will conjure up a three-course menu of fearful delights at Al Dana on October 31, from 6.30pm to 11pm, priced at QR280 per person.

Nights Out…

Barbecue By The Pool @ Al Seef

The heat is off and the coals are sizzling. Take a seat by the pool and enjoy the finest al fresco dining at Al Seef every Thursday and Friday starting October 16, priced at QR215 per person.

Sushi Mania @ Al Dana

Pick your favourite from freshly prepared sushi, maki and sashimi every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30pm to 11pm, all for QR185.

Salsa & Candela@ The Cigar Lounge

Lovers of Latin music bring your dancing shoes and dance the night away! On October 31 from 9pm to midnight, for QR85 including a welcome drink. fact magazine

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DOHA DELIGHTS

Spanish Week Surprises •

If authentic Spanish flavours make your taste buds tick then head down to Spanish Week at the Cellar in Oryx Rotana for a tasty treat. The hotel, along with Celebrity Spanish Chef Javier Ponte Taky have worked out the perfect pairing of food and vino, which strive for a balance between elegance and passion.

Chef Javier inherited his family’s enthusiasm for good cooking from his Mother and Grandmother; with this as a base and fine Spanish ingredients, he then adds his own artistic creativity to each recipe for coming up with innovative paella and fideua dishes to please even the most discerning palates.

Combining seasonal and natural ingredients, this foodie happening will offer a mix of flavours to ensure your lunch or dinner is a unique and enjoyable experience.

GO: Spanish Week at the Cellar, Oryx Rotana Doha, runs from October 27 to November 8. Call +974 4402 3333 for more information.

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Brazilian Brunch Fun

All Things Belgian

Fancy going on a culinary journey through one of South America’s most beautiful countries? Yes, we hear you say! Now, you can take a trip to Rio de Janeiro every Friday with a feast of Brazilian meats and traditional live entertainment from Brazilian band Brazuqa. Ipanema (an aptly named dining venue) is where you can join in all the fun every Friday. The flambé desserts at this superb brunch are an absolute must.

Priced at QR250 including soft beverages, and QR320 with selected drinks.

If you want good food, great drinks, and an even better atmosphere, get down to the Belgian Café at InterContinental Doha. The restaurant and bar offers 23 kinds of authentic Belgian beer, both draught and bottled, together with yummy Belgian-inspired dishes.

There are a number of great promotions running here too; the Grand Mussel Brunch every Friday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm with unlimited mussels and Belgian house beverage with a Belgian salad and dessert buffet, for only QR275; on Saturdays it’s “Mussel Madness” where you can get a half kilo of Mussels, Belgian fries and a pint of beer for QR99; last but not the least, daily happy hour is 4pm to 6pm with selected beverages at QR25. Truly a piece of old Europe in the very heart of the desert, Belgian café is situated on the Mezzanine level with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and Doha Skyline.

•

GO: The Brazilian Brunch takes place every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm at Ipanema, Level 2, Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Hotel. Call +974 4419 6100 for more information.

•

GO: Visit the Belgian Café at InterContinental Doha. Call +974 4484 4919 or +974 4484 4444 for more information.

A Foodie Frenzy •

If dining offers (and really good food) is what you’re looking for this month, you might want to take note of the appetising promotions at Isaan - Grand Hyatt Doha’s signature Thai restaurant. Every Tuesday in October, check out the special new seafood menu presented

by Chef Wachira. Using fresh ingredients you can choose from a huge selection of delectable seafood delights. Seafood plates are priced at QR129. If a good curry is more your thing then keep Monday nights free; at the “all you can eat” curry nights, from 7pm to 11pm, you can order a variety of unlimited curry to share, with your choice of fish, beef, chicken, mussels or vegetables. Diners can share up to five curries per round, for only QR75 per person. Sounds like a tasty deal!

GO: Visit Isaan at Grand Hyatt Doha. Call +974 7021 8097 for more information.

Afternoon Tea Treats •

The Afternoon Tea tradition at The St. Regis dates back to the late 19th century, when lady Astor inaugurated the ritual of inviting her grand acquaintances to Afternoon Tea at Club 400, in what is now The St. Regis New York. Now, you can live like Lady Astor for a few indulgent hours by enjoying Afternoon Tea at Sarab Lounge in The St. Regis Doha.

Served daily from 2.30pm to 8pm, experience the time-honoured tradition by tucking into selection of bite-sized sandwiches and delicate mini cakes and pastries. Did we mention there’s over 100 types of tea to choose from (yes, you heard, 100!). The Arabian Heritage Afternoon Tea is QR189; the Caroline Astor Afternoon Tea is QR149; and The St. Regis Doha Afternoon Tea for two people is QR399.

GO: Afternoon Tea is served daily at The St. Regis Doha from 2.30pm to 8pm. Call +974 4446 0000 for more information.

Signature Camel Burger •

Are you up for trying something new?

Something delicious packed with healthy benefits? Well, bite the bullet and book yourself a table at one of the three dining outlets in Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha, that serve up the almighty Signature Camel Burger. Camels are unmistakable symbols of the desert, the Arabian Peninsula and Qatar specifically. Camel meat is, for many, an exotic delicacy, but did you know that it’s also very nutritious? It’s rich in protein and has significantly less fat compared to beef. This talk-of-the-town burger is not only a bestselling menu item, it should also be on every foodies list of things to try this month.

GO: The Signature Camel Burger is available daily at Aroma, The Lounge, and Gourmet House in Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha. Call +974 4405 3325 for more information.

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Society

The Marriott Doha invited guests to experience a taste explosion with new menu items to try AND vibrant Mexicaninspired artwork to marvel. An evening of fun flavours and exciting entertainment ensued as visitors were put to the test with the wing sting dare – seeing if they’re brave enough to try the hottest wings in town.

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OKTOBERFEST HAPPENINGS Doha’s Oktoberfest offers are bringing the famous German festival to our desert shores this month. Here’s what to expect…

Grand Hyatt Doha

Head over to The Grill for HOP celebrations from October 12 to 18! You’ll find authentic German fare, with special malt drinks from Munich and traditional German specialties on offer. An à la carte menu will be available after 6:30pm so you can pick exactly what you want to tuck into for the Oktoberfest fun! A special German brunch on Friday October 17, with live entertainment, is priced at QR295 including soft beverages and QR420 including special beverages.

Call +974 7798 2400 for more information.

InterContinental Doha

If you want to celebrate somewhere that’s going all-out for Oktoberfest then this is the place to do it. Experience this authentic Bavarian festival at InterContinental Doha’s popular and unique tent on October 15 to 18. The Oompah band “Guat Drauf” will keep you entertained with their original festive Oktoberfest music while you indulge in a scrumptious traditional German buffet, and Munich’s famous ales. Tickets cost QR235 per person including entrance and German buffet on October 15 to 17. The price is QR170 including entrance and German buffet on October 18! On all days only above 21s will be allowed in so don’t forget your ID!

The RitzCarlton Doha

Celebrate in true Bavarian style with an Oktoberfest packed with real German spirit. Take a trip to Admiral’s Club to be a part of the festive atmosphere; raise a toast with friends and be part of exciting surroundings while enjoying the traditional Oktoberfest food and entertainment on offer. On until October 5 from 5pm to midnight!

Call +974 4484 8663 for more information.

InterContinental Doha,The City All throughout October, indulge in a selection of German dishes on the lunch buffet at The Square. Choose from authentic, yummy favourites such as sauerbraten, schupfnudeln and brathering. If that foodie celebration wasn’t enough, head over to the charming Lobby Lounge for ‘The Sweets of Germany’ featuring various German desserts. Pass by from 8am onwards and sample Viennese apple strudel, German chocolate pie or linzertorte.

Call +974 4015 8888 for more information.

Call +974 4484 4444 for more information.

Party of the month:

Oktoberfest in The City

Back for another year is the wildly popular Oktoberfest celebration at InterContinental Doha, The City. Entertainment comes in the form of the famous nine-piece Bavarian band Harthauser Musi, performing live for party-

goers to enjoy! There will also be a huge variety of traditional German food served at live cooking stations and, of course, the ever popular Bavarian brews will be available too!

With plenty of fun to be had in the hotel’s

fully decked out Oktoberfest tent. The party is on from October 29 to 31 from 6pm to 2am and a minimum spend of QR160 to be paid upon entrance!

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October Offers Nando’s Goes Pink In support of raising awareness during breast cancer month, Nando’s is running its PINK campaign during October for the fourth year!

Customers are invited to support with raising funds for Qatar Cancer Society when dining at Nando’s. A percentage of sales of specific menu items will be donated to Qatar Cancer Society. Enjoy foodie treats like the “pink designer drinks” and do your bit for a worthy cause this month! The Nando’s Qatar PINK campaign is part of a wider CSR initiative called “Chicken With A Heart.”

HAPPY HOUR FUN

The Lounge @ Kempinski Residences & Suites

Mix & Fuse from 5pm to 7pm daily, with 50% discount on selected items.

4405 3325.

Airline Flight Crew

Happy Hours from 7pm to 2am daily, With 20% off the final bill.

4405 3325.

GO: Dine at one of six Nando’s in Doha. Visit www.nandos.qa to locate your nearest restaurant.

Gourmet House @ Kempinski Residences & Suites

Baker Happy Hours from 7pm to 9pm daily, with 50% off bakery products.

4405 3326.

Habanos Bar @TheRitz-CarltonDoha

Happy Hours from 5pm to 8pm daily, with buy one get one free on selected drinks.

4484 8506.

Belgian Café @ InterContinental Doha Happy Hours from 4pm to 6pm daily, with selected beverages for only QR25.

4484 4444.

Lava @ InterContinental Doha

Crystal Club @ W Doha Hotel & Residences Urban Night is every Tuesdays with 2 free drinks for ladies from 10pm to midnight.

4453 5353.

Jazz Club @ Oryx Rotana

Happy Hours from 5pm to 7pm daily, with 50% off selected beverages.

4484 4444.

Jazz Club @ Oryx Rotana

Happy Hours from 5pm to 8pm daily, with 50% discount on selected beverages.

4402 3333.

The Cigar Lounge@ SharqVillage&Spa Happy Hours from 5pm to 9pm daily, with 50% off on house beverages.

4425 6666.

Ladies Night Deals

Paloma & Lava @ InterContinental Doha

Big Night Out is every Wednesdays with 2 free drinks for ladies from 10pm until late, 4484 4444.

Wahm @ W Doha Hotel & Residences “The Vibe” is every Mondays with 2 free drinks for ladies from 9pm to 11pm.

4453 5353.

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Ladies’ Night is every Tuesdays with 3 free drinks for ladies from 5pm to 10pm, and 50% off selected beverages from 6pm to 1am.

4402 3333.

Habanos @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha Senorita’s Night is every Mondays with 1 free drink from a selected menu from 8.30pm to 10.30pm.

4484 8504.

Admiral’s Upper Floor @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha Ladies Night is every Fridays with complimentary entrance & 1 free drink from a selected menu from 9pm to midnight.

4484 8000.

Fridays from 12noon to 4pm QR179 (incl soft beverages) QR379 (incl sommelier choices) 4499 0680.

Crossroads Kitchen Friday Family Brunch @ Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Fridays from 12noon to 3.30pm QR225 (incl soft beverages) QR275 (incl selected beverages) 4419 6100.

Thursday Oct 9 & Oct 23, from 6.30pm to 11pm.

QR320 (incl soft drinks) QR420 (incl sommelier selection) 4446 0000.

Friday Oct 31 from 12.30pm to 4pm QR175 (food only) QR275 (incl beverages) 4402 3333.

Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR260 (incl unlimited soft drinks) QR335 (incl selected house beverages) 4402 3333.

Fridays and Saturdays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR250 (incl soft drinks) QR390 (incl house beverages) Kids below 12 dine for free.

4425 6666.

Weekend Brunches

French Country Brunch @ La Varenne

Fridays from 12noon to 4pm QR230 (incl soft drinks & mocktails) QR330 (incl select house beverages) 4418 2846.

BBQ Evening Brunch @ The St. Regis Doha

Vintage Lounge @The St. Regis Doha

Paloma @ InterContinental Doha

Friday Brunch in The Sqauare @ InterContinental Doha, The City

Fridays from 12noon to 3.30pm QR290 (incl non-alcoholic beverages) QR395 (incl alcoholic beverages) 4453 5135.

with 3 free drinks for ladies from 10pm to midnight.

4453 5353.

High Heels Night is every Wednesdays with 50% off selected beverages for ladies from 6pm to 1am.

4446 0000.

Fridays from 12.30pm to 3.30pm QR260 (incl soft drinks) QR340 (incl bubbly) QR130 (kids aged 4 to 12) 4484 8514.

Friday Brunch @ W Doha Hotel & Residences

Kiss & Fly is every Wednesdays

Happy Hours from 8pm to 10pm daily, with 50% discount on food and selected drinks.

4484 4444.

Friday Brunch in Porcini @ The Ritz-Carlton Doha

Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm QR280 (incl soft drinks) QR395 (incl special beverages) QR680 (Moët Brunch) 7021 8097.

Weekend Brunch at Opal

By Gordon Ramsay @ The St. Regis Doha

Fridays & Saturdays from 12noon to 4pm.

QR295 (incl soft drinks) QR395 (incl grape, grain & sparkling drinks) 4446 0000.

Friday Family Brunch @ The St. Regis Doha

Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm.

QR320 (incl soft drinks) QR420 (incl grape, grain & sparkling drinks) 4446 0000.

Hakkasan Brunch @ The St. Regis Doha

Fridays from 12noon to 3pm.

QR130 (food only) 4446 0000.

New Shakespeare and Co. Restaurant

Qatar’s most colourful restaurant and chocolatier has recently opened its second branch, located at The Pearl Qatar. The new branch promises a unique dining experience for the city’s foodies; combining both quality fare and the iconic atmosphere inspired by the brand mark Shakespeare and Co. Victorian designs. The chic interior décor of the restaurant inspired in lineament of the Victorian era features elegance, luxury, and exquisite attention to details. From richly, luxurious fabrics covering the sophisticated designs to the chandeliers and vintage centrepieces, the new branch is a classically magnificent, breath-taking marriage of colours offering comfort and relaxation. There will also be a new menu, introducing a selection of dishes that appeal to the most discerning palates, while keeping the restaurant’s famous gourmet dishes alive.

GO: Dine at Shakespeare and Co. at Porto Arabia, The Pearl. Call +974 6676 8812 for more information.

Sundowner Sessions at Sharq

As we head into the new season, more exciting things are on the horizon at the Al Dana Terrace, Sharq Village! The venue will play host to Sundowner Sessions every Friday starting October 10 from 4pm to 2am, with resident DJs Carl Roberts and Kinky D, as well as very special guests entertaining party-goers in one of Doha’s best sunset spots!

Famed for its outdoor sunset vantage points in the city, next to the cool waters of the Corniche, the Al Dana Terrace has proven to be a sanctuary away from the traditional nightspot hub in West Bay. It’s the perfect place to continue your Friday brunch

with signature cocktails being devised by a team of mixologists while the talented Al Dana chefs will present a revised menu of delicious lighter meals for those who feel peckish as the night goes on. Sticking with their core ethos the evenings will be themed to add a unique flavour to each weekly experience and in addition to weekly guest DJs, there will be some very special suprises added to the mix.

The New Sundowner Sessions Season on the Terrace at Al Dana promises to be the ultimate open-air experience. A relaxed atmosphere and casual dress code means you can enjoy the Arabian sunset with icy-cold drinks.

GO: The Sundowner Season kicks off with one of their hugely popular Full Moon parties on October 10.

Call +974 4425 6666 for more information.

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Just the Remede You Need With summer on the way out it’s time to treat your skin and prepare for cooler climes. FACT’s Laura Hamilton visited Remede Spa at the St Regis Doha for a “Pearl Escape”…

In the grime of urban living, I find that exfoliation

is a daily struggle to keep my skin feeling nice and smooth, and my pores breathing. A struggle that I need a bit of help with, the truth be told. That’s where the “Pearl Escape” came into play.

Promising to make me as soft and shiny as the crystalline sphere we so covet, I was intrigued and excited by the body treatment, as my skin has been rather lackluster of late.

I have always wanted to be wrapped up in tinfoil. Preferably, with cucumber slices over my eyes. It’s a strange fantasy, perhaps, but one that Remede Spa was going to indulge. On the mezzanine floor of the St Regis lies a labyrinthine spa in which I got lost, opening numerous doors to relaxation areas and treatment rooms wondering if I was inside the Tardis.

Remede Spa smells delicious, so I didn’t mind meandering through its halls; entering the St Regis’ spa is aromatherapy and I couldn’t stop taking in deep breaths and exhaling in pleasure.

As I lay, face down on the massage table, my therapist Amalia, talked me 88. fact magazine

SPA review though the treatment, explaining the beauty skills she wielded that would make my skin soft and pearly. Through the cut out, I noticed there was a pot of potpourri under my nose, a lovely touch that shows just how much Remede Spa thinks about the whole experience of its guests.

The exfoliation was a masochistic scrub; it felt like scratching an itch, intensely satisfying but also a little uncomfortable at times. I was safe in the knowledge that this was all for my own good, however, and I desperately wanted pearly soft skin. After the scrub, a hot cloth removed the scrub and the tinfoil was prepared. Slathered in a decadent cream made from real crushed pearls, and wrapped in the aforementioned tinfoil and then a heavy blanket, I felt like I was

GO: Visit Remede Spa at St. Regis Doha. Call +974 4446 0000 for more information or to make a reservation.

Egyptian royalty, encased in a luxurious sarcophagus, as my hands were folded over my heart. Initially I thought twenty minutes sounded like entirely too long to be stuck immobile, but the time passed quickly as Amalia treated me to a head massage and my mind wandered.

I could feel my skin tingling and the pearl cream soaking into my skin, and it was very hot. Afterwards, I showered and lay back down on the massage table where Amalia gave me a quick massage with a grapefruit lotion. My skin is definitely smoother and it was also a lot of fun! fact magazine .89

Nikos Foskolos

Public Relations & Marketing Manager at Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha.

Doha Insider Tell us your one hidden gem in Doha that you would recommend for visitors and why?

My absolute favorite place to eat Italian food in the city is La Dolce Vita at Souq Waqif, a place I highly recommend to visitors. With a location off the beaten track, the restaurant transfers you to Italy.

The hosts are lovely; the food is great and the desserts even better. Don’t miss the pumpkin ravioli and the tiramisu!

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Your three favourite places for a culture fix in the city...

Describe your ideal day off in Doha...

Definitely the first thing that comes to my mind is the Opera House in Katara, home of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, hosting regular spectacular concerts. A must-visit site in Doha is the Museum of Islamic Art, not only for the impressive architecture but also for the interesting exhibition halls. The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is another favorite spot in the city, hosting numerous exhibitions and a significant collection of modern art pieces.

I usually like to start my day with a revitalising swim, followed by coffee and breakfast with friends. Days off have to be relaxing so depending on the weather, I like to walk at The Pearl, the Corniche or Souq Waqif and end the day at the cafe of the Museum of Islamic Art park. That is the perfect spot to simmer down and watch the flashing skyline of Doha, as the sky is getting darker.

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