FACT Qatar October 2015

OCTOBER 2015 VOL 5. ISSUE 05 QR10. SR10

ARTISTIC BEAUTY: A Vision of Colours fact magazine

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Whether you need to satisfy your inner carnivore or simply crave a homemade Italian meal, Grand Hyatt Doha has it all covered this October.

The Grill’s new à la carte dinner menu will satisfy palates with its 1,100 g (38 oz) tomahawk steak for two, slowly cooked to perfection.

Pizza or pasta lover? No problem. Rocca’s authentic Italian dinner menu will bring happy tears to your eyes with its fresh homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas.

For bookings and inquiries, please call 4448 1234 Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

GRaND HYaTT DOHa West Bay Lagoon, P.O. Box 24010 | Doha, State of Qatar Facebook.com/Grand HyattDoha

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HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2015 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

Italian, just how mama makes it.

For foodies who can handle a 1110 g tomahawk steak.

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CONTENTS

10. FACT Finds

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21. The Great Outdoors

35. Regional Arts

Qatar Museums presents a new artist in residence exhibition at the Fire Station - check out what to expect here...

October is a month packed with events, activities and dining options for you all to enjoy. Here are some of the best for your diary.

From al fresco dining to sports and recreation, a day at the beach club or if you’re planning a garden party - we’ve got it all.

Meet Bahrain-based artist Zahraa Amini who has a passion for bringing out the beauty in every one of her art pieces.

41. Local Arts

47. Arts Exhibition

51. Fall for Travel

57. Hotel Hotspot

Exploring the sports of hunting, polo, feasting and fighting. The Hunt: Princely Pursuits in Islamic Lands is a must-see showcase.

Qatar Museums will present a retrospective of the work of Luc Tuymans at QM Al Riwaq Gallery. Check it out here...

We’ve rounded up some of the best AW destinations to tick off your bucket list this season. Where will you choose?

Enjoy being in the desert with a regional getaway to the stunning Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara.

63. Reviews

75. Fashion Focus

93. Chef’s Table

99. Venue Review

Need your entertainment fix fast? Take a look at what you should be watching, listening to and reading this month…

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16. Local Happenings

If you love denim and casual day wear then the new Salsa FW15 collection will be right up your street. We take a look at the trends...

FACT meets the new Executive Chef at Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha who prepares a fabulous meal for the team.

We head to Hakkasan Doha to try out the brand new menu of deliciously-prepared Cantonese cuisine.

Here’s our verdict...

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THE EDITOR

The Great Outdoors “All good things are wild and free.”

– Henry David Thoreau

O

October 2015 Volume 5, Issue 05.

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

an unbearably hot and humid summer season, everyone in the FACT

Features Editor Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com)

days before cool temperatures set in and we simply cannot wait! After office is preparing for barbecue weather!

shindigs (or planning your very own), or you might be wondering how you’re going

Creative Director Paula Leal

the best al fresco dining options, some awesome sports and recreational activities, days

Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina

to fill the days – we’ve got the answer to it all. Turn to p21 and check out our pick of out and fun garden party tips to make your winter season a great one! You might be surprised to learn that there’s, in fact, tons to do, outdoors, in Doha.

If it’s our mesmerising cover that caught your eye, you’ll want to read all about

the talented Bahraini artist Zahraa Amini and her vision to bring out the beauty in

every art piece (p35). Talking of arts, there’s a super long list of great exhibitions, organised by Qatar Museums, taking place in Doha for the season ahead. We put

the spotlight on just a few of them: Fire Station Artist in Residence (p10); The Hunt: Princely Pursuits in Islamic Lands (p41); and Luc Tuymans: Intolerance (p47) – it’s every art enthusiasts dream!

Food and fashion play a big part in the October issue as we mark the official

Photography Lemuel Lampa Ahmed Riffae Production & Distribution Ajit Kumar Neil Mahmood Regional Sales Director Chelsea Copenhaver

turn of the season. There’s your monthly dose of collections with Salsa and Gap being

Sales Manager Badir Bechara

fashion wardrobe! Our tummies take us to some wonderful dining destinations this

Contributors Sofia Graniello

Executive Chef at Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha (p93). To top that off, Indian

Cover Image Zahraa Amini

the focus (p75-81), and style pages that will have you saving up for a whole new month as we test the revamped menu at Hakkasan Doha (p99), and meet the new celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor stops by for a quick chat ahead of the opening of his restaurant Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor at Melia Doha.

And if travel is on the cards for you then have a read of our stay at the stunning

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara (p57) – it’ll make for the perfect regional

Office Admin Maritess M. Agapito

escape if you want to avoid the crowds and to experience desert living for a few days!

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: badir@nansgroup.com

should do the trick (p51) – personally, I’d like to visit every single one (more for the

PRINTED BY United Printing Press

If you’re looking to go a little further, our round-up of great winter destinations bucket list!).

It only happens once a year people, so get outside and make the most of the

fabulous weather that’s on the way ☺

Shabana Adam, Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com fact magazine

Qatar Edition

k, though we might be jumping ahead a little bit, it’s only a matter of

You might already have started getting your fair share of invites to outdoor

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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.

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Your one-stop culture fix for life in Doha| First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrityworld movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Qatar in local supermarkets now!

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

Artist in Residence at the Fire Station Discover more of Qatar with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity or interesting find from around the city.

A brand new artistic initiative by Qatar Museums has kicked-off at the old Doha Fire Station building. Launched in March 2015, the Artist in Residence programme started last month and marks an important milestone in QM’s goal to provide support to the next generation of cultural producers and to help inspire an indigenous culture of creativity and innovation in Qatar. The residency programme is open to local Qatari artists and residents of Qatar first, and then to regional artists at a later stage.

The creative exchange programme runs in nine-month cycles, with a different group of artists taking part in each cycle.

A group of six elite jury members convened twice to agree on the final 20 artists from a highly talented pool of more than 150 applications. The judging panel included Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, Mahmoud Obaidi, Fatima Al Rumaihi, Jean-Paul Engelen, Wissam Al Mana and Rhys Himsworth. The group of 20 artists, which includes 11 Qataris, consists of artists from a range of different disciplines including art, photography, design, architecture and others.

H.E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad 10

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The selected 20 artists that will take part in the “Artist in Residence” programme are:

••• Noor Abuissa Tarek Darwish Shaha Al Khulaifi Charles Mahaffee Roudha Ibrahim Al-Nassr Hana Al-Saadi Aisha Nasser Al Sowaidi Nasser Al-Attiyah Waqas Farid Othman Khunji Wassem Al Marzouki Sara Al Obaidly Christto Sanz Andrew Weir Sebastian Betancur-Montoya Maryam Al-Homaid Kelly Lowe Lulu Al-Musfir Fatma Al-Remaihi Emelina Soares Samreen Zahra

bin Khalifa Al Thani and Hala Al Khalifa (Director of the Fire Station) hosted an intimate get-together where residents were able to meet and greet one another, as well as share with Her Excellency their vision and plans for their respective residencies.

Hala Al Khalifa, Director of the Fire Station, says: “Each application that we received was unique and truly impressive and every artist used their talent and creativity and showed their commitment to this initiative. This Artist in Residence programme perfectly reflects Qatar Museums’ vision of enriching the lives of all those who live in and visit Qatar, as well as inspiring an indigenous culture of creativity and innovation, and we hope that the ninemonth residency will enable these talented artists to be recognised on an international scale to become the creative sparks of our future,” she says.

The Fire Station grounds will also in due course feature public attractions such as a park, an informal library, an arts and crafts shop, a cinema, a plaza and a restaurant, all aimed at creating an engaging environment and cultural venue for everyone living in Qatar. ✤

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Listen up

Culinary Stars in Doha

Marriott Mobile Guest Services The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel has launched the Mobile Guest Services feature through the Marriott Mobile App! Mobile Guest Services is a new digital platform to provide on-property services through the Marriott.com app. Request anything, at anytime, from anywhere. The near-term differentiator is creating more connected, deeper personal relationships with guests, through the true digital conversation via Mobile Requests: Powered by Chat. Guests make requests through a list or via chat, enabling the true digital conversation with hotel staff from anywhere. Guests see request status in app and receive real-time, personalised response from the hotel. Guests use the chat functionality to communicate with hotel staff for everything from arranging amenities for special occasions to letting the hotel know that their flight was delayed. Thumbs up to Marriott – they’ve got all your travel needs covered! ✤ GO: Download the Marriott Mobile app from the itunes store for Apple devices, and from Google Play for Android devices.

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Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara will host award-winning Master Chefs, Mohammed Irfan Qureshi and Mohammed Ashfaque Qureshi, from the celebrated ‘Imtiaz Qureshi’ family to create a special dining experience for food connoisseurs in Qatar, from October 1 to 11, at Q Lounge and Restaurant. Distinguished for serving heritage with a twist, the Qureshi brothers are regarded as the taste makers of modern Indian cuisine, and will be celebrating their Indian heritage with ancient recipes and culinary secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation, as well as well as introduce new recipes. With their father, the grand master of Indian cuisine, Imtiaz Qureshi, being their mentor, the brothers are all set to step foot in Qatar and recreate their award-winning delicacies that have won them global laurels. Mr. Thomas Fehlbier, General Manager of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, says: “The Qureshi’s have a passion for good food and pushing culinary boundaries steeped in rich Indian culinary traditions.

“Both chefs have pioneered in the art of North Indian cuisine, as being related to the food heritage of the royal Indian courts, and they are renowned for raising culinary masterpieces to the realm of fine art.” Don’t miss this exceptional feast! ✤ GO: The Qureshi brothers will present a special dining experience at the resort from October 1 to 11. Call 4040 5050 for reservations and more information.

The Chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table Join a theatrical and interactive performance of the culinary team as they create artistry right in front of you, on the dining table. A surprise menu for families and friends, available with prior reservation in Aroma.

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Listen up

IPC Athletics Excitement

Jazz in the Park The cool season is upon us and so is the return of great music outdoors. That’s right, Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha ( JALC) is bringing back Jazz in the Park live performances on a monthly basis. This is when the stage moves outside as JALC Doha holds a free community concert in the Museum of Islamic Art Park. The first of the season’s shows will take place on October 7, then November 11. Take the whole family or get together with a group of friends for a magical evening under the stars – sounds perfect! Inside, The Dinner Show at Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha has re-opened with scheduled performances by international jazz artists accompanied by a New Orleans inspired menu in an intimate, urban setting. ✤ GO: Visit www.jalcdoha.com for more information.

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The Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships will take place later this month and the country is a buzz in anticipation of the prestigious event. Tickets are on sale for the biggest para-sport event ever to be hosted in the Middle East, which will take place at Qatar Sports Club from October 21 to 31. To mark this milestone, the Organising Committee has launched a series of five inspirational films telling the incredible stories behind some of the athletes who will be competing.

Speaking about Doha’s hosting of the World Championships, His Excellency Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, President of the Local Organising Committee and Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee says: “The motto of the Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships is ‘Beyond Incredible’. We want to use the World Championships to show the incredible stories behind some of the athletes that are competing in order to raise awareness of para-sport and people with a disability.

“We want to help break down barriers and change perceptions. We are excited to welcome the world best para-athletes to Doha and hope everyone will join us to witness what promises to be a truly exhilarating competition,” he adds. Over 1,400 athletes from 100 countries around the world will be competing in the world’s biggest single para-sport event. Paralympic Champions, defending World Champions and world-record holders will be competing as well as battling to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. ✤ GO: Visit www.doha2015.q-tickets.com for tickets and more information. . All proceeds of ticket sales will be donated to charity.

A LEGENDARY LEBANESE EXPERIENCE Founded in 1968 in Beirut, Al Sultan Brahim allows guests to experience legendary cuisine along with the finest seafood recipes in Doha. Enjoy the freshest fish from the Seafood Market and savor the finest selection of mezze. In Al Sultan Brahim, the food does all the talking.

for reservations, please call 974.4446.0105 or e-mail diningreservations@stregis.com al gassar resort at west bay 974.4446.0000 stregisdoha.com fact magazine

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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 stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

0509 11 15 18

MONDAY

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

If you’re a fan of the show Harem Al Sultan, this exhibition should be right up your street. Marvel the magnificence of this historical era with costumes, sets and accessories, all used for the drama series, on display for visitors.

Gather with family and friends and experience a lavish buffet with treats for everyone.

Relax with live music and enjoy breathtaking views from the Terrace. QR320 incl. soft drinks; QR420 incl. selected beverages, from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Watch the biggest Rugby Event of the year on over 40 TV screens whilst sipping on your choice of beverage. There’s a great bar menu too, and the atmosphere is an enjoyable one. Sports fans, this is just the place you want to be. Entry fee may apply on select days.

End the working week on a high with a light lunch. Express Business Lunch at Doha Marriott offers a changing menu with Mediterranean favourites and regional specialities. Three course set menu and unlimited salad bar is QR95 from 12noon to 3pm.

One for the whole family! Get down to QNT for a Disney fairytale ride with Aladdin, Jasmine and the Genie in the Lamp. This play is perfect for children aged three to 13 years old and is guaranteed to be a ton of fun.

HAREM AL SULTAN Exhibition in Katara,

By Qatar Museums

Visit www.qm.org.qa for more info.

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FRIDAY BRUNCH In Vine at The St. Regis Doha

Call 4446 0105 for more info.

RUGBY WORLD CUP at Champions in Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

Call 4419 6100 for more info.

BUSINESS LUNCH IN Corniche Restaurant at Doha Marriott Hotel

Call 4429 8499 for more info.

THE MAGIC LAMP Aladdin at Qatar National Theatre

Call 5001 9251 for more info.

Vendemmia Festa For the first time in Doha celebrate Italian Heritage and Wine during the Vendemmia Festa at The Ritz-Carlton, Dohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own fountain yard. The definition of a perfect autumn weather and joyous Italian celebration with traditional Tuscan dishes will illuminate your evening. The crisscrossing amps scattered throughout the fountain patio the melody of our house guitarist the fire torches and friends galore will portrait an evening in Italy.

October 22, starting at 6 pm For more information, please contact +974 4484 8000, or via email: rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com

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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 stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

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WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

This ladies club is a great opportunity to learn some moves and get a fun workout into your daily routine as well. Fitness meets Bollywood with a range of styles from classical Indian dance to folk bhangra and everything in between. From 7pm to 8pm, QR50.

Head to Spice Market’s iconic Friday brunch and feast on a lavish spread street cuisine done South East Asian style.

The melodic sounds of the Doha Jazz Band will keep you company.

QR295 inc. soft drinks, QR410 incl alcoholic beverages. From 12noon to 3.30pm.

Enjoy the Cosmopolitan Ladies Night with 50% off the cosmo special drinks menu, alongside a complimentary choice of nibbles as DJ Laura O’Shea spins the tunes from 8pm to midnight.

Free entrance for ladies, and QR50 for men, including a welcome drink for all.

This event will be a key part of the Qatar Turkey 2015 Year of Culture with a weekend of music, food stalls, activities, workshops, a marketstyle bazaar and a chidlren’s area. With the cooler weather, it’s sure to be a treat!

Get ready to kick start your fitness with Zumba classes at The Radisson Blu. This is one training session that you don’t want to miss so make sure you’ve got the sports outfit ready! One class is QR60 for nonmembers, eight classes are QR400. From 11am to 12noon.

BOLLYWOOD DANCE Classes at Enana Ballet Academy

Call 3093 0053 for more info.

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FRIDAY BRUNCH AT Spice Market, W Doha Hotel & Residences

Call 4453 5135 for more info.

LADIES NIGHT AT The Lounge, Kempinski Residences & Suites

Call 4405 3325 for more info.

TURKISH FESTIVAL And Bazaar at MIA Park

Visit www.qm.org.qa for more info.

ZUMBA DANCE CLASS at Cabana Fitness Club, Radisson Blu Doha

Call 4428 1621 for more info.

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SOCIETY

#Chef’s #Choice #Menu #at #El #Faro Following the launch of the brand new Chef’s Choice menu at El Faro, members of the media were invited to the restaurant in Marsa Malaz Kempinski for an intimate Spanish Fiesta celebrating the gastronomic delights of Spain with tapas and salads, paella and a collection of delicious desserts.

Head Chef Raul Cob, a native Andalucían, gave guests the opportunity to try the degustation menu, which is a culinary experience full of surprises, taking diners on a journey around Spain.

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the great outdoors

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OUTDOORS

Al Fresco Dining Yay for cooler climes! It’s approaching that time of year when you gather with friends at outdoor restaurants, lounges, bars, cafes, and anywhere with good food that can be enjoyed outside. From rooftop revelling to poolside brunching, we’ve picked some of our favourite al fresco dining options in Doha…

Aqua Lounge - Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha

Relax by the pool whilst sipping a cool drinks - Aqua lounge is the ultimate spot to relax and unwind, serving a delicious array of international favourites in a beautiful shaded dining area. It’s a menu for all appetites! Enjoy puffing on your favourite flavour of shisha amidst breathtaking views of Doha’s skyline and let the cool breeze pass over you at the pool deck shisha lounge. Great for groups of friends!

Nobu - Four Seasons Doha

Call 4419 6100 for more information.

Amwage Beach - Marsa Malaz Kempinski

For an unforgettable al fresco experience, visit Amwage, a fabulous beach grill restaurant and lounge. The restaurant offers a selection of fresh and flavoursome seafood and BBQ options for the diners to choose from, in a casual setting next to the sea. Amwage is a paradise in itself with a calm and relaxing ambience, perfect for an intimate dining experience.

Amwage is located on the private beach of Marsa Malaz Kempinski. ➻ Call 4035 5011 for more information.

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Opal by Gordon Ramsay The St. Regis Doha

SIGNATURE BY SANJEEV KAPOOR MODERN INDIAN CUISINE

For this month , relish the flavors of a delectable coastal cuisine, at Signature

by Sanjeev Kapoor. Dig into a sumptuous spread of dishes, from Portuguese-influenced delicacies to spicy culinary delights from the coastal region of India. Savor the finest selection of chicken chettinad, goan fish curry, Kerala prawns curry, ghost vindalloo, pulchery all served to delight your senses with the selection of rice and bread available Serve from Lunch:12:00 hrs - 15:30hrs Dinner:19:00hrs - 23:00 hrs

District Zone 61, Diplomatic Area, West Bay, Post Code 90840 Doha, Qatar fact magazine

t: +974 401 99999 | f: +974 401 98888 | melia.com

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OUTDOORS

dining area including a sophisticated White Pearl Bar & Lounge, a stylish Black Pearl Bar & Lounge, and a one-ofa-kind rooftop lounge that encompasses both indoor and outdoor seating options.

The menu highlights authentic Japanese fare with the region’s local ingredients.

Nobu inspires and elevates Doha’s al fresco culinary scene with its delightful ambience and delicious fare.

Call 4494 8888 for more information.

Admiral’s Club - The RitzCarlton, Doha

Trader Vic’s Hilton Doha

Sea Lounge - Sharq Village

Dine al fresco-style at Opal in a relaxed and social dining environment that defines the Gordon Ramsay experience.

The menu is simple, fresh and tasty with classics such as the Opal Wagyu burger becoming a favourite. Complementing the menu is a lively Sommelier’s selection.

Indulge in the brunch experience at Opal for its extremely delicious offerings. Enjoy

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Ideally located on the water’s edge lulled by the sound of the waves and in soaked in the sunlight, Sea Lounge is the place to go for the perfect al fresco dining experience. On the menu are some of the Chef ’s specials ranging from tapas such as patatas bravas, fried calamari with aioli sauce, marinated beef, lamb cutlets from the grills, and an impressive range of classical cocktails. This is the ideal place for date night, for a quiet and serene catch up with friends, or a lavish family meal.

Call 4425 6666 for more information.

Waves Pool Café The Westin Doha

Call 4423 3118 for more information.

Opal by Gordon Ramsay The St. Regis Doha

Call 4484 800 for more information.

Sea Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

Trader Vic’s - Hilton Doha

Witness a unique experience with breathtaking views and some of the best cocktails at the famous and much-loved Trader Vic’s. Admire the sunset over the glittering sea as you sip cocktails on the terrace of Trader Vic’s – Home of the Original Mai Tai at the Hilton Doha hotel. The extensive cocktail menu offers exceptional beverages to help kick-start your evening out with friends or colleagues. Choose signature Asian-Polynesian fusion dishes from the innovative a la carte menu as you enjoy the colourful music brought to you by the vibrant three-piece live Cuban band.

With elegant ocean and marina views, this waterfront sporting marina club features exquisitely crafted modern seafood cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The Club also offers a bar and casual dining area located inside a spacious lounge and an outdoor terrace overlooking the marina.

Enjoy live music from a well-known band and resident DJ as you relish your scrumptious food.

Aqua Lounge Marriott Marquis

Jazz music as you relish the food and sync in to the ambience of the restaurant.

Call 4446 0105 for more information.

Nobu - Four Seasons Doha

Nobu is a stylish restaurant featuring breathtaking views with an al fresco

Waves Pool Café provides a fantastic setting for those looking to simply sit back and relax with a cocktail, juice or hot cuppa.

The relaxing poolside café serves healthy snacks, ice creams, flavoured sorbets, and refreshing drinks. Dive into the pool for a swim or soak in the subtle sun rays from the comfort of your very own lounger. It’ll be easy to while away the hours here, whilst topping up the tan. ✤ Call 3361 8842 for more information.

t u o b a . t . . a r e d? h W touund thr a aro wo l ay #Mond

#Wed

nesda y

#Thursday

#Friday

#Su nd ay

#Tuesday

y rda u t #Sa

Join us at InterContinental's Doha famous Coral Restaurant, where a lavish international buffet, sushi bar, and live cooking stations await for you.

Inmerse yourself on a culinary adventure, every night of the week, without leaving the comfort of your table.

Sundays - Turf Night Mondays - Flavours of India Tuesdays - Asian Sushi Night Wednesdays - Taste of Italy Thursdays - Phoenician Night Fridays - Barbecue Under the stars Saturdays - The Art of Seafood

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For more information and reservations, please call InterContinental Doha on 4484 4919

OUTDOORS

Sports & Recreation

How awesome is it to actually do activities outside without sweat dripping down your face? Pretty great, right? Now that the weather is all down for keeping you cool, here are just some of the awesome activities you can be getting up to in Doha…

Horse Riding

Horse riding is a great pastime for both amateurs and more experienced riders, and there’s no better feeling than going riding outside. Horses are known to be one of the kindest and most gentle animals you will encounter so don’t be afraid to give this a go even if you’re not on a pro-level. For beginners, there are a whole host of classes available with all the required safety measures you’ll need. You’ll love this sport for the close engagement with an animal and its relaxing benefits (even though it might seem quite a vigorous activity!). Go on, put on your riding boots and feel like an Arabian Prince or Princess as you take a ride with the breeze flying by!

Where to go: Visit Al Shaqab Horse Racing Academy for an unforgettable Horse riding experience. Call 4454 6320 for more information.

Swimming

An hour of swimming can help to burn up to 500 calories! Yes, whilst you’re 26

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splashing about and having fun, you ‘re actually doing wonders for your body.

This is not only a great pocket-friendly activity (we’re blessed with compounds, apartment buildings, and hotels with fantastic pools) but it’s also a good mode of exercise. A few laps a day will make you fitter and feel better. The cooler months mean it’s perfct for diving pool time with tanning time – so get down to your nearest pool or beach when you’re free. Two words: jump in!

Where to go: Visit The St. Regis Doha to use the pool and beach facilities. Call 4446 0000 for more information.

Golf

Golf is a game of confidence, competence and concentration –and, of course, it will surely bring out your competitive side. Many people consider golf an easy game to learn, but it requires much skill and patience.

The basics of golf include hitting a ball with a club, and trying hard to hit it directly into the hole. Golf courses use different lengths of turf or grass to increase the difficulty of the game – and you’ll find plenty here. Whether it’s a casual weekend game, an evening out on the green, or something you want to learn from scratch, golf can be a real stress-buster! Much of the fun comes from being in a buggy in between hits.

Where to go: Visit Doha Golf Club for a round of this popular pastime. Call 4496 0777 for more information.

Motor Sports

When we say Motor Sports activities we mean everything that gives you the rush of being on the road. This includes everything from quad biking, go-karting, 4x4 driving, drift nights and lots more.

Motor Sports is an exhilarating activity that involves speed, fun and thrill.

You can choose a mix of motor sports activities and enjoy an amazing day out with friends or family. It’s adventure galore, especialy as you strap in with the cool winter weather on the way. Make sure to choose somewhere that has all the proper safety features too. ✤ Where to go: Visit Qatar Racing Club for a thrilling motor sports experience. Call 4450 9357 for more information.

BIG WEEKEND. BIG FINISH. Got those Saturday night blues and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not ready to say goodbye to the weekend? Pop in at Seasons for a chilled out evening sipping on a smooth drink while enjoying the outdoor terrace BBQ. Kick back and chow down with your friends and start your week on a great note.

Price: QR 165 per person.

Add QR45 to include house grape.

At Movenpick Hotel Doha, Corniche Street, Old Salata Tel: +974 4429 1111 | hotel.doha@moevenpick.com Web: www.movenpick.com/doha Follow us on Facebook: Movenpick Hotel Doha Twitter: MoevenpickDoha | Instagram: movenpickhoteldoha

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Sun, Sea & Sand Whether laying on the beach or splashing in the water, one great thing about the winter weather here is that it’s still pleasant enough for sunbathing, and for a day at the beach, or for an afternoon of water sports. Here are some exciting getaway ideas and activities that will keep you

Beach Day

entertained THIS WINTER.

Jet Skiing

Do you love feeling the adrenaline rush flow through your body, the cool wind blow on your face, and waves in the water passing by? Yes! Enjoy a thrilling Jet Ski ride across the beautiful gulf waters all around Doha. Jet skiing is an action-packed watercraft experience where cruising around the sea or pottering around inland lakes and reservoirs will turn into an incredibly fun activity. Here’s a fun fact, Jet Skiing is actually a brand name that Kawasaki used when they invented the first Personal Watercraft back in the crazy 70s. Since then other well known brands have come onto the market including SeaDoo and Yamaha with the much-loved WaveRunner, but all are generally known as jet skis these days. Take your machine pick and hit the waters – remember to check that all safety measures are in place!

Where to go: Visit Kawaski at Al Wakrah for your Jet

Ski experience. Call 4463 2955 for more information.

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Boat ride

Though boating is a great summer activity, it’s just as thrilling and enjoyable in the cooler weather. If anything, even more so, as the water is cooler and the crowds are fewer.

There’s nothing like going on a boat ride where you’re treated with the gift of a cool breeze. Fall in love with being out at sea and let the sound of the ocean relax and de-stress you. Anchor at your chosen spot and go snorkelling, or, better yet, book a tour and pick a boating package that suits you and your group. As you admire the views, enjoy a refreshing drink and let the boat trip leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Where to go: Visit Diplomatic Club for a wonderful boating experience. Call 4484 7444 for more information.

The Grand Hyatt Doha offers its guests a complete club experience. Visit the spa for a rejuvenation treatment or work out at the gym area. The Beach and Pool is a popular spot to fulfil your beach wants and needs.

It offers a sprawling private beach with three outdoor pools, making it the ultimate leisure destination. An array of outdoor activities is provided such as volleyball, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, amongst others. Guests can enjoy a range of water activities as well. Hit the Beach bar for a drink after a fab day spent sunbathing.

GO: Call 4448 1235 for more information.

Mini Getaway

Only 20 minutes from the heart of Qatar’s vibrant capital, a luxury yacht ferry crosses crystal clear water to reach the breathtaking Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. It feels like a world away from home. Banana Island offers world-class facilities and limitless activities providing relaxation and adventure, wellness and pure indulgence to its guests. Bask on a private beach and refresh yourself at the lagoon pool, or master the waves in the surf pool. Indulge in culinary temptations showcasing delectable world flavours, paired with spectacular marina and sea views. ✤ GO: Call 4040 5050 for more information.

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Checklist

Level Out: The area you choose when you plan a party outdoors should be flat enough for tables and chairs, and the terrain should allow for guests to mingle comfortably without the fear of stumbling.

The Theme: Decide on a theme, if you want one, then make, buy, or borrow any decorations you may need. Don’t forget to inform guests on your invitations.

Line up any help you need: Consider hiring a professional, a part-time student, or anyone who can help with preor post-party cleaning, or to pass drinks or appetisers, replenish buffet food, tidy up, and generally take some weight off your shoulders.

Create a playlist: Whether it’s the best of summer songs, DJ recommended chill-out tunes, or something relative to your guests’ personal tastes, music is key. Either set up speakers outside, or use a portable sound system to play your music.

Protect your party from bugs: Though this isn’t really a problem in the Gulf, it’s best to be safe than sorry. You need to keep your food bug-free so set up a buffet table indoors, or use mesh plate covers if you plan to keep your food outside. You can also use citronella candles, or put bug-repellent fuel in torches, to provide ambient lighting and keep flying insects at bay.

Foodie Faves

Plan a casual menu. Serving food and drink that is appropriate for outdoor parties can really make or break the fun vibes. So, getting it right is essential.

Where The Party At?

what better way to spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest than throwing an outdoor bash? ALL YOU need IS a good outdoor space. Here are some cool tips and tricks to set up the perfect party setting outside…

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Grilling: A bbq is the perfect choice because it allows for smoke to travel into open air, but also helps to lure all your hungry guests to the table. Meats, chicken, seafood and some veggies can all be cooked on a bbq, so even if you have fussy eaters – everyone will be catered to.

Fresh fruits & salads: Bright and bold colours play into the garden theme and the aim here is to take advantage of the season by choosing ingredients that are most available and nutritious at this time of year. Though the Gulf doesn’t really ➻

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OUTDOORS have seasonal produce, imported autumnal products like nuts, beetroot, figs, mushrooms, sweetcorn, walnuts, pomegranate, pumpkin and cranberries, are just some of the foods at their best right now.

Self-serve drink station: This is a party must and deserves a long table all to itself. Arrange a variety of beverage options with all the necessary accessories. Popular drinks for garden parties include fruit punch, iced tea and lemonade. Make sure all drinks are served at the temperature they’re supposed to be!

Cold desserts: Remember, in the GCC, winter just means less hotter and humid than usual. So, ice creams, sorbets, milkshakes and homemade ice pops are still a must!

“I GO TO NATURE TO BE SOOTHED AND HEALED A N D T O H AV E M Y S E N S E S PU T I N T UN E O NC E MORE.” The Décor

Whether it’s casual or a little more formal, having one table that’s specifically set up for dining is a must. This keeps eating time in one place, meaning more good conversation with your guests and less mess everywhere else.

Centrepiece: This is your statement piece – think of it as jewellery to go with the main outfit. If you want elegance try an edible Crudité Centerpiece that recalls a vegetable patch filled with a rainbow of bitesized crudités. Or go for something simple and modern with a floral potted centerpiece.

If you want trendy, try the easy, inexpensive solution of gathering clear apothecary bottles and filling them with lamp oil and wicks.

Arrange the bottles, safely, in the centre, covered by a large hurricane vase.

Shaded areas: It’s all about the lighting.

You don’t want the sun to be making your guests squint all the time, nor do you want them to strain their eyes to see. Use hanging umbrellas for something different as a way 32

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to create shade, or put up a canopy, tent, or even chose to host the party in a gazebo – it’s all about thinking out of the box to bring a sense of occasion.

Outdoor furniture: We’re thinking rustic tables, wooden benches, foldout chairs, sunbeds, comfy cushions and everything in between. Having the right outdoor furniture can really add a comfort value that guests will appreciate. If there’s grass – perfect. Lay down large thick blankets with cooler sheets on top and decorate with garden pillows for comfort.

Product Picks Here are some bits and bobs that would be ideal to use at a garden party…

Accessories: We’re talking tableware, tree hangings, dessert stands, drink glasses, and anything used to decorate the surroundings.

If your party is going on into the evening, use lots of cool lanterns with candles inside or string lighting, hung haphazardly on walls and branches, to create an inviting mood. Opt for the new milk bottle-style glasses for serving drinks, with funky straws.

Garden Games

When it comes down to it, there’s no outdoor party without a ton of awesome games. This is where you can really DIY and get creative!

Use what you have: Assess the mood at your party and if guests are relaxing and prefer a chilled atmosphere, just whip out a deck of cards and gather around with drinks for some quick, fun games. If you want to play something that doesn’t require much effort yet still has an element of skill and competitiveness, try penny can, made famous by the hit TV show Cougar Town. And if everyone’s up and ready, get some washable marker pens and draw out large different coloured circles. What for? You guessed it – yard Twister!

Larger than life: If you’ve got some cardboard boxes lying around, cut numerous large squares and write a letter on each one – voila, garden Scrabble anyone? Don’t forget, there are plenty of online websites that sell giant games like Connect 4 and Jenga, and if you fancy yourself a handy person, you can make your own through watching tutorials.

Get into teams: Get absolutely everyone involved and go for the classics like charades, musical statues and musical chairs – these games get people energised and in a fun spirit – that’s what you want for a successful garden party. ✤

GO: Shop these products and more fun outdoor items from Lakeland.

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Zahraa Amini is a self-taught Bahraini artist whose striking work has only one purpose – to stop you in your tracks and appreciate the beauty in every piece. It’s her open-minded and personal approach to art that has led to prominent placement at many local exhibitions like Al A’ali Art Festival. FACT’s Shabana Adam meets the girl behind the vivid drawings to learn her story…

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REGIONAL ARTS

Zahraa discovered her talent for drawing at the age of nine whilst working on a school project. After thoroughly searching for, and failing to find, pictures to match her project, Zahraa decided to pick up a pencil and draw the images that she had envisioned, herself. This, was the start of an artistic love affair that has lasted more than two decades now.

What I really like about Zahraa’s work is the simple beauty behind each picture; sometimes it’s the vibrant colours she uses, or the subject of the drawing, and even the diversity of skills and techniques, all of which is illustrated through attractive works of art. “I work with pencil, pencil colour, water colour and acrylic so far,” Zahraa says. “I’m very eager to use oil paints in the future.”

Zahraa is very comfortable around art. Creating it, talking about it, and wanting to learn more, she has a passion for the field that is evident in her approach to art. “I am a self taught artist, however, YouTube and the internet has been a good guide to improve my skills,” she tells us. “I am also a big fan of tattoo art so I, very much, get inspired by the work of international tattoo artists.”

Tattoo artists? I’d never have guessed it! But Zahraa’s talent has allowed her to see the beauty in everything around her and translate this on to a paper or canvas. You’ll see from her instagram account (@zaminiart) that there are a number of great pieces that any creative connoisseur would be happy to display on their wall. So, does she have a favourite?

“I am also a big fan of tattoo art so I, very much, get inspired by the work of international tattoo artists.”

“I don’t have a favourite piece of art,” Zahraa admits. “I spend my time and energy differently on each of them, so, in their own unique way, all of them are my favourite. However, I try to focus on pencil drawings more, as I’ve noticed that it is an artistic practice that has been neglected, and it also gives me the opportunity to challenge myself and create a piece of art using minimal tools,” she adds. ➻

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REGIONAL ARTS

“I spend my time and energy differently on each of them, so, in their own unique way, all of them are my favourite.”

To Zahraa’s credit, she is probably the only creative person I’ve spoken to who doesn’t have a sole artist role model, but, instead, appreciates the practice and industry as a whole. “I don’t focus on a particular artist or style,” Zahraa says. “I observe as much artwork, as I can, from different artists; local or international, classic or abstract, professional or beginner, each of them has their own unique style which is interesting and inspiring.”

I’ve always been curious to know how and when an artist knows that a piece is finished. For Zahraa, many factors apply. “It depends on a lot of things; the size of the piece, the details, the time, and, specifically, my mood,” she says. “I don’t paint unless I’m sure that I’m in the mood for painting. And, by that, I don’t mean happy or sad, but a mood that allows me to paint peacefully and joyfully. When I draw or paint I don’t care about the time,” Zahraa continues. “I might spend eight hours straight on one piece and sometimes I stop in the middle of the artwork for months, before continuing again.”

One thing Zahraa is certain about, and something that really shows her humble nature as an artist, is that she has no pretentious goals when it comes to the way she wants people to perceive her work. “Some artists have a message in their art that they want to deliver, and mine is simple,” she says. “My goal is to deliver beauty. When someone sees my artwork, I don’t expect them to analyse or figure out any feelings or puzzles in it, I just want them to pause, look at it, enjoy the beauty, and forget about life pressures for that one moment.”

On a more personal note, Zahraa is hoping to improve her fitness talent of becoming a yoga instructor in Bahrain, after being certified from an Indian yoga institution. On the artistic side, Zahraa is dedicated to taking 38

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RAPID FIRE Your favourite colour…

Fuchsia Your favourite music genre & artists…

I listen to all kinds of music if I like the sound of it.

Best holiday you’ve been on and why?

All of my holidays have been amazing; because I tend to live and taste the culture and the lifestyle of the country I’m visiting.

Three words to describe your personality…

Calm, level-headed [but sometimes] stubborn.

One food you can’t live without…

Meat. I’m just in love with it.

Best thing about living in Bahrain…

Everything is close by and it has the kindest and friendliest people ever.

One famous person that you’d like to have dinner with and why…

Salman Khan. He’s a better actor than Shahrukh Khan!

Your favourite book…

I don’t like reading her art abroad to international exhibitions. Before I let this lovely lady get back to leaving artistic and fitness footprints, what is Zahraa’s advice for young budding artists in Bahrain?

The last amazing film you watched…

Bajrangi Bhaijaan

“You might not get the returns and the appreciation that you deserve, and it can get frustrating, but this is totally fine,” Zahraa says. “Keep practicing and improving your talent because as the saying goes, ‘your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God’ so make sure that you give the best and the most beautiful gift back to God. This is what keeps me motivated.” ✤

If you were sent to live on a deserted island with a canvas – what three other artistic tools would you take with you?

Oil colours and brushes.

I would spend my time experimenting and painting with oil colors.

GO: Follow Zahraa on Instagram @zaminiart, and like her page on Facebook ‘Zamini Art’ for more information about her work.

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SOCIETY

#Grand #Launch #of #Signature #By #Sanjeev #Kapoor Meliรก Doha, the first 5* Spanish hotel in Qatar, celebrated the Grand Launch of Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor, the contemporary Indian restaurant at a glittering grand launch presented by Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Sanjeev Kapoor himself, along with Mr. Kraus Markus, General Manager, and Ms. Reem Zuhri, Assistant General Manager, welcomed the esteemed members of the media to this launch along with the owner, his Excellency Dr. Braik Bin Saeed Al Marri.

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The Hunt Princely Pursuits

in Islamic Lands Marvel at the lifestyle, power and bravery of royal hunters as this exhibition draws on highlights from the collections of Qatari and Turkish Museums to explore and celebrate the sport of hunting, AND the related activities of polo, feasting and fighting, all of which feature richly in Islamic art.

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LOCAL ARTS

Rich with symbolism and pageantry, hunting was, and in some places continues to be, an essential activity in the lifestyle of princes, sultans and pashas throughout the Islamic world.

As such, images of the hunt in almost every medium are commonly found in Islamic art, whether in lavishly illustrated Shahnamehs, inlaid metalwork or colourful mina’i ceramics.

Frequently commissioned and exhibited for royal display, such artworks form a significant component of collections held by prominent Qatari and Turkish museums. This exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art draws on such artworks to explore and celebrate the popular royal pastimes of hunting and the related activities of polo, feasting and fighting.

Inlaid Chest Mughal, India (Gujarat), 17th century Wood, mother of pearl See it: WW.67 The figural decoration around the body of this chest takes the hunt as its main theme.

The hunters, who appear to be Portuguese rather than Indian, have been adapted from the Indo-Persian miniature tradition, which suggests that it was probably made for the Portuguese market. Mother of pearl was commonly used for the decoration of storage chests such as this one, which were regularly exported from the Gujarati cities of Cambay and Ahmedabad to the Mughal court as well as the Ottoman Empire and Western Europe.

Archer’s Ring Mughal, India, 17th century gold, ruby, spinel, enamel See it: JE.63.1999 The archer’s ring in the Mughal Empire (as well as in Persia and Central Asia) takes a basic form in which the lower edge of the front protrudes; this thicker section was worn on the inside of the thumb in order to afford greater protection while the string of the bow was being drawn. The asymmetrical form of the Mughal ring is similar to other archer’s rings from the central Islamic lands as well as China, where it is possible that the shape of the ring originated. Archer’s rings could either be worn on the thumb or tied to a string which dangled from one’s sash as a status symbol, a fashion statement evident in many of the minia- ture paintings of Mughal courtiers.

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Oliphant Hunting Horn Bowl Base Saljuq or Khwarezmid, Iran (Kashan), 12th century Fritware, glaze, enamel See it: PO.1018.2009 This fragment from the central base of a mina’i (enamelled) bowl depicts a mounted falconer in the middle of a hunt. The running horse, and the energetic pose of the falconer, with the bird of prey poised on his hand ready to be released into the air, illustrates the absolutely pivot- al moment in the hunt.

It is a time of concentrated action, and the calm, poised falcon as well as the carefullypainted horse—depicted in mid-stride, his head and chest erect—are working in sync with their huntsman to achieve success. This small fragment would have originally formed the centrepiece of a fritware bowl or shallow dish, which was almost certainly used as an object of proud display.

Norman, Sicily or southern Italy, Mid-12th century Carved and incised ivory, bronze See it: V.11.1998 This object is one of a group of around 80 which are known to survive. The name ‘oliphant’ refers to an entire elephant tusk, hollowed out and decorated by carving. Such objects were blown in order to frighten game, or to signal to other hunters; alternatively, the smaller end could be stoppered, and the horn used as a drinking vessel. Such objects appear to have been a part of European rather than Islamic culture, although their decoration suggests that their makers drew inspiration from Islamic art. Here, the word al-yumn (good fortune) is repeated sixteen times around the smaller of the two decorative bands, while the upper band features horsemen with spears and bows, a mounted falconer in Arab dress, a foot soldier and two lions attacking a bull.

LOCAL ARTS

Rifle Ottoman, Turkey, 17th century Steel, wood, ivory, bone See it: AA .33.1998 From eyewitness accounts it appears that hunting with guns was not popular in the Ottoman Empire, and that only Janissaries and their trainees did so, under the influence of European embassies. This disinterest in shooting was both practical, as civilians were forbidden from carrying firearms, and religious, as it was considered difficult to properly slaughter an animal given that a bullet would be likely to kill it outright.

The question of whether game killed with a bullet could be considered halal was still being argued well into the 19th century.

Made from steel, wood, ivory and bone, these rifles are intricately adorned with gilding, decorative roundels and precious stones.

Pen Box Lid Norman, Sicily or southern Italy, Mid-12th century Carved and incised ivory, bronze See it: V.11.1998 This object is one of a group of around 80 which are known to survive. The name ‘oliphant’ refers to an entire elephant tusk, hollowed out and decorated by carving. Such objects were blown in order to frighten game, or to signal to other hunters; alternatively, the smaller end could be stoppered, and the horn used as a drinking vessel. Such objects appear to have been a part of European rather than Islamic culture, although their decoration suggests that their makers drew inspiration from Islamic art. Here, the word al-yumn (good fortune) is repeated sixteen times around the smaller of the two decorative bands, while the upper band features horsemen with spears and bows, a mounted falconer in Arab dress, a foot soldier and two lions attacking a bull.

Silver Inlaid Brass Bowl Ilkhanid or Injuid, Iran (Fars), 14th century Brass, gold, silver See it: MIA .2013.138 Bowls of this type were widely produced in southern Iran, and often include images of huntsmen, polo-players and other scenes of courtly life. This example is no exception, featuring a mounted lion-slayer - the heroic princely figure par excellence - as well as youths in a garden. The motif of the ruler as lion-slayer descends from ancient Mesopotamian ideas of the lion as representative of both the wild, untamed nature of kings and as threats to the king’s subjects. This concept passed into preIslamic Persian art and from there into the Islamic period, retaining its symbolic appeal well into the 19th century.

Powder Flask Mughal, India, 17th–18th century, Ivory, paint.

See it: IV.75.2012 A number of these flasks have survived from Mughal India as well as from other parts of the subcontinent, but the majority are unpainted composites of various stylised animals, both hunting and hunted, which rush from one end of the flask to the other. What makes this flask unusual is that it represents a single animal, a nilgai (Indian antelope), carved and painted in a naturalistic fashion. This suggests that this horn would have been used for hunting, as nilgai were often the victims of Mughal hunts; tame nilgai and deer were also used as decoys to attract others of their species within range of the hunters. ➻ fact magazine

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Tray Stand Mamluk, Egypt or Syria, Late 13th century Bronze, silver See it: MW.225.2002 The decoration of this tray stand is of particular interest due to the inclusion of a Mamluk jukandar blazon roundel, appearing repeatedly throughout the object and set within bands of Arabic script. A jukandar refers to the master of polo, or official, within the Mamluk court who was responsible for overseeing games of polo. A popular sport with the Mamluk elite, polo served as a means for maintaining good fitness among soldiers and the horses.

Tile with a Hunter Carrying a Dead Deer Siyavush and Afrasiyab in the Hunting Field Folio 182 from the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp Attributed to Qasim bin Ali Safavid, Iran (Tabriz) c.1525–40 Opaque Watercolours, ink and gilt paint on paper See it: MIA .2014.78 This folio is taken from the famous Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, an epic poem describing the deeds of Persian rulers from the mythical past until the arrival of Islam. The rulers and their retinue are here engaged in a qamargah, a hunting technique which involved creating a vast circle of beaters and hunters who would drive huge numbers of animals into an enclosed space where they could be killed at leisure. As this image suggests, the slaughter was enormous. While Afrasiyab and his entourage look on, Siyavush kills a lion singlehandedly at close range.

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Portraits of Mughal Courtiers Illuminated page from the Jahangir album Mughal, India, c.1600–18 Opaque Watercolours, ink and gilt paint on paper See it: MS.156.2000 This folio is part of the famous Jahangir album.

Depicted here are scenes of hunting and falconry at the Mughal court. Similar to other compositions from the Mughal ateliers, one side of this folio is dedicated to a central figure while the other contains calligraphic lines of nasta‘liq poetry, likely executed by the famous calligrapher Mir Ali al-Khatib.

Safavid, Iran, 17th century Glazed ceramic with cuerda seca technique See it: MIA.2014.6 This tile was executed following the cuerda seca technique, which was a widely used method during the Safavid period. Cuerda seca is a technique very similar to the cloisonné in glass or metallic enamelling. It consists of separating the different colours with a painted line of manganese mixed with grease. The colours that are most commonly used for this production are yellow, green and blue. Square tiles of this kind were part of large compositions covering the walls of residential palaces in Isfahan and Na’in during the 16th and 17th centuries of the Safavid era, and continued to be used until the Qajar period (1786-1925). ✤ GO: The Hunt: Princely Pursuits in Islamic Lands exhibition runs until January 9 2016 at the Museum of Islamic Art in the Special Exhibitions Gallery.

Visit www.mia.org.qa or call 4422 4444 for more information.

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SOCIETY

#Beergers #Promotion #at #Four #Seasons #Hotel #Doha A select group of members of the media and other esteemed guests were invited to the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Doha to sample and savour the brand new Beergers dining promotion. Guests tucked into a selection of delicious burgers and refreshing drinks at the Library and Cigar Lounge for an evening filled with foodie fun and cheer.

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Luc Tuymans I n t o l e r a n c e

Qatar Museums will present a retrospective of the work of Luc Tuymans, the first solo show of the artist in the Gulf region. We take a closer look at whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on displayâ&#x20AC;Ś

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LOCAL ARTS The exhibition, Intolerance, a comprehensive survey with more than 150 works, will include a series of wall paintings and a new body of work, titled The Arena, and created specifically for the show. Curated by Lynne Cooke, Senior Curator of Special Projects in Modern Art at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, the exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue edited by Lynne Cooke and Tommy Simoens.

Belgian artist Luc Tuymans, is one of the key figures of a new generation of figurative painters, widely credited with having contributed to the revival of painting in the 1990s. His works are featured in museum collections worldwide including The Art Institute of Chicago; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; MoMA, New York; Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich; Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, New York; and Tate Gallery, London. Among his major solo shows are a presentation of the artist’s portraits, Nice. Luc Tuymans, at The Menil Collection, Houston in 2013. Previous major survey shows include those organised by Moderna Museet Malmö, Sweden in 2009 and Tate Modern, London in 2004. In 2001, the artist, who lives and works in Antwerp, represented Belgium at the 49th Venice Biennale.

“Belgian artist Luc Tuymans, is one of the key figures of a new generation of figurative painters...”

Qatar Museums, founded in 2005 under the guidance of Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has become one of the leading cultural authorities in the region. Currently QM has two museums open to the public: The Museum of Islamic Art, designed

by I M Pei, opened in 2008, and The Arab Museum of Modern Art, Mathaf, which opened in 2011. QM also has two public galleries, Al Riwaq Doha, a large-scale exhibition space in the ground of the Museum of Islamic Art and the QM Gallery at Katara. Other museums are currently under planning or construction including the new Qatar National Museum designed by Jean Nouvel and the Orientalist Museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

Over the last seven years, since its public opening, Qatar Museums has presented a series of major solo exhibitions by internationally acclaimed contemporary artists including Etel Adnan, Louise Bourgeois, Cai GuoQiang, Mona Hatoum, Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami, Shirin Neshat, Yan Pei-Ming, Wael Shawky, Richard Serra, and Francesco Vezzoli, as well as offering significant opportunities for the development of artists in the region, most recently, the Fire Station, a major new studio and gallery space, providing residencies and mentoring for local artists. ✤ GO: Luc Tuymans: Intolerance will be open to the public at QM Gallery Al Riwaq, from October 19 to January 30. Visit www.qm.org.qa for more information.

01 Intolerance 02 The Nose 03 WG

04 The Shore 05 Arena 06 Wonderland

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#SimplyBraziliant #Independence #Day #at #Ipanema Ipanema, the Brazilian Churrascaria at Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha celebrated the Brazilian Independence Day over a fun-filled, four-day event. The festivities included authentic Brazilian dishes like sizzling meat carved at your table, and performances of Maculele, Samba de Roda and all the latest Brazilians hits by the in-house band - Brazuqa.

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FALL FOR TRAVEL One of the great perks of this time of year is that numerous faraway countries become prime destination hotspots for the perfect autumn or winter getaway. From hiking trails towhale watching, safaris and temples, and even reggae vibes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to tick some of these big travel guns off the bucket listâ&#x20AC;Ś

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globetrotter

•Chile•

Explore nature’s real beauty in Chile with elegant scenery that will blow your mind.

We recommend you head north and visit the Atacama Desert for some adventure and stargazing at a cloudless sky. With the naked eye you can see the beautiful stars and the pale mist Milky Way. Take a trip back to every day reality in San Pedro, one of the main towns and best places to soak up local culture. Excursions to nearby must-visit spots include salt lake, or a walk through El Tatiogeysers with its important observatories. If you have the time, hire a car and set off to explore the northern mines and churches. Don’t miss sunsets in Chile – they’re breathtaking.

Book a hotel online or try out a week-long travel package that includes all the best must-see spots in Chile as well as a flavour of the country’s strong culture.

Getting there: From Chile’s capital, Santiago, Calama airport is a two-hour flight (or 20+ hours by road), from where it takes 90 minutes to transfer to San Pedro.

Travel essentials: Hat, binoculars and camera.

Currency: Chilean peso.

•South Africa•

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spent there if you want to explore and take in the sights.The South African summer runs from mid-October to February so now is the perfect time to visit! Renting a car is a good idea to have the freedom to go and experience what you wish at your own pace. Visit Kruger National Park for the ultimate safari and marvel some of the world’s most incredible creatures. The Long Street and Sea Point areas in Cape Town are vibrant nightspots to chill, and Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches

are where you can get your tan on! If you can, do catch the whales in Hermanus before they leave for warmer climes as the country’s summer season comes to an end. Spend the afternoon visiting South Africa’s largest colony of Jackass Penguins on Boulder’s Beach, and before you leave, take a trip up Table Mountain for stunning views or for something different, visit the “wine lands” for a vino tasting tour.

December is the height of peak season, and that’s when things get exciting in S.A!

globetrotter

Getting there: O.R. Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International) is the major gateway, offering both domestic, African regional and international connections. There are also an increasing number of international flights from the GCC direct to and from Cape Town, and a few direct to and from Durban.

Travel essentials: Comfortable footwear, mosquito net/repellent and camera.

Currency: South African Rand.

•Cambodia•

This Southeast Asian nation is a great holiday destination for more adventurous and culturally curious travellers. From balloon riding above the temples of Angkor to horse riding in the lush countryside andsnorkelling off Sihanoukville in the tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand the choice of activity and exploration is endless. Head to Ream National Park, it is abundant in wildlife and there are many

secluded beaches to discover. Wat Preah Keo is the most famous pagoda in Phnom Penh while trekkers won’t want to missthe Gibbon Spotting Cambodia experience; which allows wildlife enthusiasts to have the time of their life. For another impressive trekking spot go to Rattanakari for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you like exploring ancient temples visit the Jungle Temple, or mesmerised, historyrich, Angkor Wat and other magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire from Siem Reap are an absolute must. This holiday will be a pocket-friendly one as Cambodia is a budget-friendly destination. Little tip: one of the best ways to get around is on a bike.

Getting there: Cambodia has two international airports; one at the capital city - Phnom Penh International Airport and the second airport is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport situated at Siem Reap.

Travel essentials: Trekking gear, camera and swimwear.

Currency: Cambodia uses a dual-currency system, with local currency, the riel, used alongside (and interchangeably with) the US dollar.

•Haida Gwaii, Canada•

Canada is huge and we recommend you to visit the breathtaking Haida Gwaii, an archipelago located on the North Coast of British Columbia. Haida Gwaii is made up of ancient temperate rainforests, quaint villages, secluded inlets, and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Gwaii Haanas National Park and Haida Heritage site are two must-visit spots. Here you can experience world-class fishing, whale watching, land and marine tours, surfing, hiking, beachcombing, wilderness camping and so much more. This is a winter escape designed for the adventurous traveller ➻ fact magazine

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globetrotter the National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum; Jamaica’s oldest museum.

Light hiking is fun and Reach Falls is perfect for that, it’s the prettiest and most peaceful falls you’ll encounter. With gushing cascades, you can explore underwater caves, and swim in the fern-fringed waters – bliss. Ask the locals about the best place to try the staple Jamaican jerk chicken, or the best areas to spot the beautiful pink bottlenose Dolphin.

Getting there: Jamaica has two international Airports - Kingston and Montego Bay. Norman Manley International Airport is 17 km from Kingston city while Montego Bay International Airport is approx 3km from the capital.

Travel essentials: Swimwear, camera, and sunscreen.

Currency: Jamaican Dollar.

•Taiwan•

in you and Haida Gwaii is where you can let this unleash! Yes, it’s far. But most good things are always worth the wait! We strongly recommend making accommodation, tour, ferry and vehicle rental reservations prior to your travel.

Getting there: The islands are accessible by air or water, but the quickest way to get to the islands is by plane (about a two-hour flight) from Vancouver to Sandspit.

Travel essentials: Beachwear, hiking gear and Canadian currency.

Currency: Canadian Dollar.

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•Jamaica•

The birthplace of reggae is a treasure trove of golden beaches, emerald mountains, turquoise seas, beautiful cascades and coral reefs, lush rainforest, meandering rivers and mineral springs. Negril beach and Montego Bay are the famous stretches of sand in Jamaica. Cut off from the relaxation mode for a more cosmopolitan contrast inJamaica’s capital Kingston. The Bob Marley Museum is the reggae superstar’s former home and the site of the Tuff Gong recording studio is Kingston’s most-visited attraction. Also explore mansions like historic Devon House,

Taiwan is known for its majestic landscapes, hot springs, fantastic hiking trails, temples and, of course, the food. Taipei; capital city of Taiwan is the place to be! Here, visit Taipei 101, Shilin night market, Ximending shopping district, National Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, Raohe night market and many more fantastic cultural hotspots. Lukang is Taiwan’s most attractive old town, with traditional architecture, beautiful temples, tasty snack foods, and shops stocked with the work of the island’s most accomplished craftsmen. The Jhihben Hot Spring is in Beinan, and Taitung County is one of the most famous Taiwanese hot springs.

Taiwan is famous for its night markets so make sure you plan a shop-hop one evening to really get a glimpse of Taiwanese life. As travellers, you’ll get to experience the local nightlife culture and relish local Taiwanese food after a round of shopping. ✤ Getting there: Taiwan has three international airports: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, and Taipei International (Songshan) Airport. Each offers convenient direct links to all major countries.

Travel essentials: Good walking shoes, personal medical kit, and Taiwan currency.

Currency: New Taiwan Dollar .

GO: To find out the best routes and prices for travelling from the GCC to all of these destinations, visit www. skyscanner.net for more information.

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T: +974 3316 3743 | M: +974 5508 2591 | E: info@creativedesignmena.com OďŹ&#x192;ce no. 131, 13th Floor, Al Wakra Tower, Old Salata, Doha Qatar.

www.creativedesignmena.com

B R A N D I N G A N D G R A P H I C S | W E B D E V E L O P M E N T | 3 D A N I M A T I O N P H O T O G R A P H Y | V I D E O P R O D U C T I O N | P R O D U C T I O N F A C I L I T A T I O N

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Desert Temptations

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HOTEL HOTSPOT

Unwind in the midst of the legendary Liwa desert at a resort that combines the epic adventures of the outdoors with renowned luxury. The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara encapsulates a rich tapestry of culture, luxury and creativity. FACT visits this charming desert escape for an enthralling experience.

L

ocated 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, set within the Liwa desert in the Empty Quarter; the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a retreat that blends passion with tranquility.

The drive to the resort is a stress buster in itself, due to the sprawling beautiful natural landscape.

The unparalleled beauty continues as you step foot into this palatial splendour.

Welcomed by the warm smiles of the hotel staff, we sip our welcome drinks and freshen up with warm towels. The check in process is extremely smooth with quick and efficient service by guest relations. The resort is a maze, but rest assured, buggies are available throughout the day and night and will be at your doorstep within minutes of request.

We reach the room, escorted by the hotel staff who explain everything about all the facilities that the room, and the hotel, provides during the stay. We’re instantly in 58

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love with the balcony area, from which we can view the beautiful sand dunes and take in the serenity the resort exudes.

A Luxurious Stay This magnificent resort plays host to 206 rooms, which range from deluxe rooms with a garden or mini pool, as well as one to three bedroom villas for families and large groups. Whether you choose a room or villa, you’re sure to experience a lavish setup with five-star service. We recommend the deluxe garden room that offers guests a chic space with floor to ceiling windows and a spectacular desert view enhanced with a garden seating area.

The exquisite bathrooms have a rain shower and huge bathtub, which allow you to unwind at the end of each day. A bonus for music lovers; you can listen to TV audio in the bathroom so you can soak up your favourite tunes whilst washing the days stresses away. Qasr Al Sarab boasts a unique soap menu which sees you request the soap you’d like and room service will ➻

HOTEL HOTSPOT

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HOTEL HOTSPOT shisha in the lounge area. Steak lovers simply have to dine at Suhail Rooftop Bar & Grill where you can feast on the finest grills and seafood while taking in sweeping views of the starlit dunes. During the cooler months, make sure to dine at Al Falaj where they offer a Bedouin-style dining experience complemented by the unique flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Adventure and Adrenalin Qasr Al Sarab is known for its adventurous activities in the open desert.

The cool morning breeze motivates you to wake up and head out for a full on day of fun-packed excursions. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from the traditional Sunrise or Sunset Camel Treks that will take you all over the beautiful desert dunes, to the calming Desert Yoga which will allow you to find your bliss in a breathtaking setting. For us, however, a must-try is the Fat Biking activity. It’s definitely for the athletic among you, but it’s perfect for any adrenaline junkie! During the cooler months the Falcon and Saluki live show is a must-do, showcasing the ancient traditional sport of falconry and hunting with Salukis. If you’re looking for a great family activity, rent a sand board or a sled and take on the towering dunes; it’s guaranteed to get plenty of laughs!

Relaxation Refuge deliver it to you (how cool is that?). There’s a generous menu but our favourite has to be the cedar wood!

Boredom won’t have a chance to set in with a massive range of facilities including a mini bar, complimentary wifi and HD television, as well as access to the temperature controlled swimming pool, gymnasium and sauna and steam facilities.

Gastronomic Delight The resort offers an enticing variety of culinary adventures, with multiple restaurants to choose from. Each dining experience lives up to the Anantara standards, with the excellent service, top-quality food and relaxing ambiance.

Breakfast at Al Waha is more like a brunch!

Indulge in everything from hot and cold dishes, to healthy and hearty options from 60

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the varied buffet. For dinner, Ghadeer is a poolside restaurant with a delectable menu serving flavours of the Mediterranean. We recommend you to try the Beef Carpaccio and Risotto; the combination of flavours and textures will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. Afterwards, sip a glass of vino, or enjoy your favourite

After a day or two of attacking the huge range of activities on offer, submerge in the beautiful and supremely intimate Anantara Spa. Take pleasure in the signature experiences on offer by choosing from a soothing selection of treatments for overall rejuvenation.

We recommend that you indulge in the Anantara Signature Massage; a relaxing 90-minute massage that relieves your stresses and allows you to unwind. You’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the desert during the massage, making this spa journey unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. ✤ GO: Call +971 2 886 2088 or visit www.qasralsarab.anantara.com for more information on special winter offers at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara.

Fly: Direct from doha to abu dhabi with qatar airways (www.qatarairways.com).

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SOCIETY

#MIA #Opens #The #Hunt #Princely #Pursuits #Exhibition An exciting new exhibition, The Hunt was launched at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) under the patronage of Qatar Museums Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The exhibition will run until January 9 2016, and entry is free of charge. The exhibition explores and celebrates the sport of hunting, as well as the related activities of polo, feasting and fighting, all of which feature prominently in Islamic art.

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REVIEWS

Big Screen

Steve Jobs What’s it about:

B a s e d o n W a l t e r I s a a c s o n ’s b e s t s e l l i n g S t e v e J o b s b i o g r a p h y, t h i s is the true story of the life of the v i s i o n a r y A p p l e C EO w h o p a s s e d away after a long battle with p a n c r e a t i c c a n c e r.

Director: Danny Boyle cast: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogan, Sarah Snook, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Waterston.

Why it’s worth watching?

This is sort of a big deal. It’s one of the most anticipated films of the year, and rightly so. After all, the story is based on the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, whose life has strangely become a massive obsession for the world’s media over the past few years. Just weeks after he passed, Walter Isaacson released Jobs’ biography, based on hundreds of interviews with his family members, friends, colleagues, competitors, and enemies. This was an honest and clear picture of a man who was an iconic visionary and someone who longed to be the Citizen Kane or Birdman of the tech world. The film shows exactly this.

Writer Aaron Sorkin, director Danny Boyle, and lead star Michael Fassbender give their subject the incredible, wildly creative, and monumental show that he deserves, but all along the reality of a staggering ego, a volley of insults and ideas, and the monstrous silicon chip on the cold shoulder, helps to draw on the real life portrayals of Apple’s co-founder, and the legacy he’s left behind. If it’s entertainment you want, Steve Jobs will deliver.

Highlights

Suffragette

“This was an honest and clear picture of a man who was an iconic visionary and someone who longed to be the Citizen Kane or Birdman of the tech world.”

What’s it about: A hopelessly downtrodden laundry worker in 1912 London gets caught up in the increasingly violent surge of the women’s fight f o r t h e r i g h t t o v o t e.

– Steve Jobs

“It’s taken way too long for such a telling cinematic release which deals with the misogyny of a century ago.”

– Suffragette

Director: Sarah Gavron cast: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep.

Why it’s worth watching?

The all-too familiar story of the Suffragette movement is brought to life with one woman’s story who joins the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement – women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. It’s taken way too long for such a telling cinematic release which deals with the misogyny of a century ago. But, finally, we have Suffragette which very effectively blends fictitious characters with real-life events.

Not to mention, anything with Helena Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep is already half way there to being great! fact magazine

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REVIEWS

on the record

Fully Booked

THRILLER

Make Me

By Lee Child

ROCK/POP ALT POP/SOUL

Honeymoon

By Lana Del Ray

Last month saw the latest album release from sultry singer Lana Del Ray. Already known for her mournful, lovelorn vocal style, this album represents perhaps the purest distillation of the Lana Del Ray experience.

The pop-friendly abandon of High by the Beach will have the song firmly stuck in your head, for better or worse, for the rest of the day, but the soulful ambiance of Music to Watch Boys To is the kind of thing you could drift away to in a cool breeze on a Californian beach – absolutely beautiful.

The eponymous track, Honeymoon could be the opening track of a David Lynch movie – one in which the beautiful jilted lover kills her husband and his younger mistress. It defines the album well, being that bittersweet combination of romance and heartbreak.

The whole album is a fine demonstration of the fact that even tragic love can be beautiful. Not the most uplifting album, it is most certainly soul-stirring.

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Paper Gods

By Duran Duran

Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series has been incredibly popular, inspiring a movie with Jack being played by non other than notorious adrenaline junkie Tom Cruise, so we were super excited to hear of a new, thrilling addition to the series. Make Me sees Jack at a loss with nowhere to go and endless amounts of time, but all this changes when he makes a stopover in a small town in which he uncovers endless tales of murder and mystery. In True Lee Child style, this book will have you short of breath from its numerous twists and turns, keeping you gripped until the very end.

Duran Duran are back, with their latest album, Paper Gods, featuring a raft of collaborations between the band and artists ranging from talented to questionable. It’s a combination of the 80’s rock synths that Duran Duran are famous for, and more current pop and disco beats. A surprising name included on the tracklist was Lindsay Lohan, who contributed to the upbeat but rather cheesy Danceophobia, which will ironically probably be the most popular dance track on the album. Less surprising was the lovely Keisza, who lends her vocals to the other dancefloor filler of the album, Last Night in the City. Another inclusion was guitarist

Non Fiction

Gut

John Frusciante, of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, who

By Giulia Enders

supplies a classic rock flavour to ballad What are the

Our diet is something that has quickly become more and more important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping our bodies illness-free. Gut is the new revolutionary book that has been making waves for its exciting yet informative outlook on how to keep one of the most important organs in our body healthy. Giulia Enders explores everything from how and why our diet affects our gut, to how keeping it healthy can prevent obesity, allergies, Alzheimer’s, and even depression. A fascinating read guaranteed to make you think twice about what you put into your body.

Chances. While Paper Gods carries nothing like the weight of their older stuff, there are enough radiofriendly offerings on there to keep the band relevant, even if it’s not to their original fans.

“It’s a combination of the 80’s rock synths that Duran Duran are famous for, and more current pop and disco beats.”

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VW Scirocco R CITY RIDES - S3

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CITY RIDES

Handsome, sleek, luxurious and fast; our much-anticipated first experience in VW’s impressive coupe was an enjoyable one. But would it be our VW hatch of choice?

The Scirocco R is a hard car to quantify, as its position in the VW line-up is confusing.

Though they share a platform and drivetrains, the Scirocco is presented as the sportier, more stylish coupe in comparison to the Golf family hatchback.

In terms of style, the Scirocco R instantly impresses. The sleek lines, the low, wide stance, the big sports alloys and front air scoops really lend an air of performance to the car.

The good news continues inside. As with any VW top-spec model, you get luxury that punches way up into premium territory, with 68

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figure-hugging leather sports seats, a highend stereo system and a very well built feel to everything. There are also subtle hints of performance everywhere, such as the R-badge on the steering wheel and seats, the DSG gearshifter, and most prominently, the three gauges on top of the dash showing turbo pressure, oil temperature and lap time.

Driving the Scirocco R is a pleasure as well – it’s smooth, powerful and fast, with VW’s lovely turbocharged 2.0l FSI inlinefour engine that delivers a hefty surge of power with a satisfying growl when the

turbo kicks in.

However, when you start comparing the stats between the Scirocco R and the two performance Golfs, the GTI and the R, the picture becomes a lot more complicated. So, let’s break it down: In the Scirocco R the FSI engine puts out 276hp. The Golf GTI and the Golf R both use the slightly different TSI engine, though it is also a turbocharged 2.0l inline-four. On the Golf GTI it’s rated at 217hp, and on the Golf R, which is where things get surprising, the engine puts out the most, at 296hp.

Of all three, the Golf R is the only one that offers all-wheel-drive, whereas the other two are both front-wheel-drive. On the Scirocco R this means understeer, and even more so than on the Golf GTI, which is a much lighter and more nimble car. However, the Scirocco, with its extra 50 horses, definitely feels faster than the Golf GTI, especially when that turbo kicks in.

So, in terms of both performance and price

CITY RIDES

the Scirocco R sits between the two Golfs.

If you’re on a budget the Golf GTI is the least expensive of the three by around thirty thousand riyals, and provides excellent value in terms of enjoyment and quality.

However, where decisions become really tough is between the Scirocco R and the Golf R, which are only separated by a few thousand riyals. If you like the sleek and

stylish coupe look, then the Scirocco is the car for you. But that coupe design does come at a price. The smaller boot hatch, with a very raised lip, also means that access to the boot space is less practical than on a Golf.

And then there is the split rear seating, which means you can only carry a maximum of four passengers, to the Golf ’s five.

So here’s the rub: Yes, the Scirocco R is a

stunning looking car, and yes the interior is stylish, cosy and well appointed. However, for just a few thousand riyals more, you can get the Golf R, which is more practical, more powerful, and all-wheel-drive.

So, ultimately, it comes down to preference.

Do you want a Scirocco, or do you want a Golf? While we loved the Scirocco R, as petrol heads we’d have to go with the Golf R. ✤ fact magazine

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PLUGGED-IN

The Samsung NX M i n i As the selfie craze threatens to engulf us all, and public monuments everywhere have hit back with selfie stick bans to stop tourists poking each other’s eyes out, Samsung says it has the answer…

So this is it, the device that caters to the social media addict who is constantly looking for that perfect selfie in the quest for that perfect Facebook profile pic!

As digicams lose ground year-on-year to smartphones, they’ve had to adapt to survive, and Samsung has pounced on the one big complaint with smartphone cameras; that is that the inwards facing camera is never as good in quality as the main one, usually being lower in pixels and without flash. This means that no matter how you bend, twist, and position it, unless the ambient lighting and setting is completely right, the picture just won’t get enough ‘likes’ to stoke your fragile Instagram-fuelled sense of self-esteem.

Enter the Samsung NX Mini, the digicam boasting a flip-up screen that shows you exactly how your selfie is going to look, as you take it. And gone are the days where you end up with a cramp in your fingers as you attempt to hold the camera and press the ‘take’ button with the same hand, as the NX Mini now boasts the ‘Wink Shot’ function, which detects a wink and takes the picture two seconds later. It also only weights 158 grams, so you won’t get repetitive strain injury when your attempts at selfie perfection soar above 200 shots.

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And the selfie-stick ban won’t stop the NX Mini either, as it features a wide angle and wide-screen display, allowing you to capture the perfect moment with all your friends at only arm’s length, without the need for a telescopic stranger-poker.

And just in case the half-hour wait to reach a laptop, to upload your images, literally sends your ego into a downwards-spiral of depression and selfloathing, fear not, the NX Mini features Tag & Go, allowing it to pair with all NFC-enabled devices, which includes most current smartphones and tablets. You can send albums to devices via WiFi as well. ✤ VERDICT: It can be argued that selfies are for the terminally self-obsessed and insecure who probably depend on the approval of friends, family, loose acquaintances and complete strangers for their own sense of self worth, and are a major contributor to the increasingly shallow and vanity-driven society we are living in today. OR people just want to document how awesome their life is from a face-on angle! If you absolutely must, then this camera will make you look good pulling a duck face in front of the Eiffel Tower, or whatever selfie pose floats your boat!

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...

Digitally Imported If you like electronic music in all its forms, then this app is all you’ll ever need. Digitally Imported, or DI.fm, is the online radio streaming website with almost a hundred different channels playing a constant stream of everything from Deep House to Psy-Trance to Chillout to Drum n Bass, and everything in between. There are special shows from celebrity DJs, and you can Go Premium to do away with the adverts and gain access to exclusive content and features. The app allows you to do all this from your phone, with a very simply and clear interface making it all very easy.

Endless music in your pocket – what’s not to like?

Funny or Die Funnyordie.com is the Emmy-winning comedy video website and film/TV production company founded

by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. The website serves up a constant feed of hilarious short videos featuring anyone who’s anyone, from comedians to pop stars and Hollywood celebs. The app makes it all very user-friendly for the mobile, with new videos uploaded every day, the most popular videos highlighted, a search tool, and even some exclusive content.

Endless comedy in your pocket – what’s not to like?

Tiny Troopers Tiny Troopers is the hugely popular touch-based action game that boasts just the right combination of strategy, equipment choice and humour. Simply touch the screen where you want your troops to go, and touch whatever you want them to shoot. It’s extremely simply to get the hang of, but the difficulty comes from increasingly elaborate stages and tougher enemies, from snipers to machine gun jeeps and event tanks and mortar! You have a range of added equipment to choose from, including airdrops to help in mission, but it all costs money, which you only earn from completing missions. It’s simple, but immensely fun.

And the best part? There’s also a Tiny Troopers 2.

Endless carnage in your pocket – what’s not to like? fact magazine

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MOTORING NEWS

Busy Month for Jaguar Land Rover The British automaker has had an extremely busy time of it recently, first off with the unveiling of their fleet of cars to feature in the latest movie in the ‘007’ franchise, Spectre. The three vehicles were a special edition of the iconic Land

Rover Defender created by JLR Special Vehicle Operations, the Jaguar C-X75 supercar concept, and the mighty Range Rover Sport SVR. As if all that wasn’t enough, they were busy launching an all-new model, especially

significant because it represents Jaguar’s first foray into the SUV market, with the Jaguar F-Pace, which they THEN used to break a Guinness world record for the fastest loop-de-loop ever!

All very impressive…

Th e N e w BM W 3 S e r i e s Alfardan Automobiles have announced that the new BMW 3 Series is now available in Qatar. With almost 14 million units sold worldwide, the BMW 3 Series is the company‘s bestseller and the world’s most successful model series in its segment.

With the latest upgrades to the design, technology innovations and more efficient drivetrains, the latest sixth-generation 3 Series is expected to build on its incredible success story.

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The model update also marks the world premiere for two engines: the new four-cylinder petrol engine in the 330i (to replace the 328i) delivers 185kW/252 hp and as the 3 Series range-topper, the new six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW 340i (to replace the 335i) delivers 240 kW/326 hp.

Call Alfardan Automobiles on 4447 7577 for more information.

MOTORING NEWS

Th e D a w n o f a N e w Rolls Royce It’s not often that Rolls-Royce release an all-new model, so when they do, it’s kind of a big deal. Especially when it looks as beautiful as this, the all-new Rolls-Royce Dawn. While many might consider it simply a drophead Wraith, they’d be mistaken, as Rolls Royce have gone to great pains to make the Dawn a whole new entity in its own right.

Yes, it is derived from the same platform, and uses the same engine and transmission, but the similarities pretty much end there, as the coachwork involved in creating the convertible model called for a whole new approach. As a result, the surfaces of the Dawn are 80% new compared to the Wraith, especially towards the back half of the car. And the interiors have also been redesigned from the ground up specifically with open-air motoring in mind.

We think the results speak for themselves. It is absolutely stunning.

Th e B e n t l e y B e n tay g a S U V An extremely bold new step for the British luxury marque has seen them produce their first ever SUV, the Bentley Bentayga. It speaks of their determination to move into this segment when they released an SUV concept, the EXP 9 F, back in 2012, which took design cues from the Mulsanne, but was generally unpopular.

So, back to the drawing board they went, and this, the Bentayga, is the result. Borrowing instead on design cues from the Continental and Flying Spur, the look is much more elegant and understated, but still distinctly Bentley.

The Bentayga is powered by a colossal 6.0l W12 with an output of 600bhp and 900Nm, resulting in a top speed of 187mph and a 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds, making it the fastest and most powerful luxury SUV in the world. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Courir #Shop #Opening #at #City #Centre #Mall Courir opened its latest branch in City Center on August 29. Crowds of shoppers turned out for the event which saw invitees being asked to come in #BarefootToWin new kicks! Activities were available for all ages, from breakdancing to skateboarding, stunts and a Graffiti illustrator and light dancers - this was a store opening like no other!

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Push up with

Salsa FW15 Denim lovers, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in for a treat as Salsa launches its Fall/Winter 2015 collection with the unique Push Up wonder jeans, and lots more. Get ready to fall into a denim daze as we take you through this cool collectionâ&#x20AC;Ś

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fashion focus

WOMEN:“The new collection by Salsa includes all the autumn winter essentials in subtle colours that compliment the season.”

MEN:“The perfect fitting jeans enhance the look of a man, and Salsa’s passion for denim really delivers the ideal pair for everyone, no matter your style...”

For Women

HIS

The new collection by Salsa includes all the autumn winter essentials in subtle colours that compliment the season. There are soft knit style tops, leather jackets that go well with grey and black denims, casual shaded tops, and of course the stylish Push Up jeans which are available in high, low and medium waist. Here are some of our favourites…

The perfect fitting jeans enhance the look of a man, and Salsa’s passion for denim really delivers the ideal pair of jeans for everyone, no matter your style, shape, size or mood. These jeans designed for men will definitely make you feel and look great at the same time. Here are some of our favourites…

Push up Shape up is low waist, with a higher waist at the back to provide maximum comfort in lowwaist jeans.

Push Up Mystery is medium waist, an innovation that literally creates curves. The secret lies in the insertion of twp internal pads that add volume in the right place.

High Waist Carrie give s a fashionable denim look with skinny, high-stretch denim molds to take the shape of your body.

Skinny Colette is versatile as it suits any body shape, and fits like a glove; comfortable medium waist that gives you a low-waist look.

Flare Jeans bring the 70’s attitude back with the flare cut. Low waist denims, giving a contemporary and elegant look.

Skinny Clash is a cool urban style low waist skinny, perfect for devoted denim-lovers and fashion followers.

Slim Lima is a low waist; more fitted and tapered leg pair of jeans that are specifically designed for men who seek a trendier look.

Straight Dandy is a very low waist, straight leg Dandy pair that creates a long and lean look. This is ideal for thinner men, making their style timeless and versatile.

Straight Dean is ideal for those who are looking for a formal look in denims. Yes, that’s absolutely possible. This fit combines medium waist and straight leg, giving a stylish yet official appearance.

Straight Navarro is the universal Salsa fit for men.

The combinations of low waist and straight leg build the perfect look to wear everyday.

GO: Shop Salsa’s new collection at villagio mall. fact magazine

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fashion focus

SHOP with SALSA H ere is our wishlist from S A L S A ’ S F W 2 0 1 5 collectio n .

S ho p the S E A S O N ’ S L O O K S A T A N Y S A L S A S T O R E I N T H E G C C .

STATEMENT NECKLACE

DENIM TOP

CHECKED SCARF BURGUNDY DRESS

NUDE TOTE BAG

for her

ANKLE BOOTS

DISTRESSED JEANS

CASUAL T-SHIRT

FUNKY T-SHIRT

BLACK BELT

OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR

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FOR HIM TRENDY BACKPACK

CASUAL OUTERWEAR

BROWN BOOTS

July 2015 VOl 5. ISSuE 02 QR10. SR10

Get your daily dose of FACt online now

front new.indd 1

6/23/15 11:30 AM

CheCk out our new website www.fact-magazine.com fact magazine

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FASHION LOOKBOOK

n e m o w r GAP fo For the ultimate dressed down look that’s completely on-trend for the season ahead, Gap for women has your style needs covered.

WE LOVE A GOOD TRENCH COAT AS MUCH AS THE NEXT WOMAN, AND LET’S BE HONEST, NO AUTUMN/WINTER SEASON IS COMPLETE WITHOUT ONE. THIS ELEGANT NAVY COAT IS A MUST FOR THE SEASON TO NAIL THE PERFECT OUTDOOR STYLE. THE AZTEC INSPIRED PONCHO STYLE CAPE IS FOR THOSE DAYS WHERE YOU REALLY WANT TO BE STYLISH BUT WITH VERY LITTLE EFFORT! cue this superb fail-safe number which is perfect with a pair of leggings or skinny jeans - super trendy!

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FASHION LOOKBOOK

GAP for men This American brand is somewhat of a staple fashion go-to for stylish men who want to nail the perfect casual daytime look, this season.

BACK TO BASICS - THE FW15 GAP CAMPAIGN FOR MEN OFFERS CLASSIC DENIM CUTS AND LAYERED PIECES TO ADD AN AUTUMN WINTER TEXTURE TO AN EVERYDAY LOOK. WHETHER OUT SHOPPING, CAMPING, ON A ROAD TRIP OR HANGING WITH FRIENDS, GAP WILL KEEP YOUR STYLE ON-TREND. LEATHER AND DENIM PAIRED TOGETHER IS A MASSIVE TREND THAT’S MAKING A COMEBACK FOR THE COOLER SEASON. ADD A GOOD PAIR OF STURDY BOOTS AND YOU’RE GOOD TO GO. WE LOVE THAT YOU CAN DON A T-SHIRT, A SWEATER OR ANY TOP OF YOUR CHOICE UNDER THE COOL JACKET. fact magazine

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Ohlala Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East

ARABIA

‫أروع أزياء املوسـم‬

www.ohlala-magazine.com

OHLALA!

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WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM JULY & AUGUST 2014 | ISSUE 01

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STYLE

In the grey

This look is all about textures and patterns. The tri-shaded sweaters, the top with buttons or the chic overcoats, this colour is hitting back and there is no secret why.

Get chic and fashionable in grey this month with our fashion picksâ&#x20AC;Ś

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STYLE

Grey days

This season grey adds a style factor on casual wear. Perk up your everyday look or go bold with statement PIECES. Pullovers and cardigans in grey are the perfect staples for autumnal attire so get fashion-SAVVY AND hit the high street.

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GROOMING

The BArber shop Taking the world of grooming up a notch is the brand new barber shop at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha. A relaxation haven for gentlemen, FACT sent Badir Bechara to check out some of the treatments and services.

This is one for the guys; a salon dedicated just to men’s beauty and relaxation.

The Barber Shop has opened its doors on the lower ground floor of Marsa Malaz Kempinski and boy is it taking personal grooming to a whole new level. This is the kind of place that is reminiscent of being a child and tagging along to the local barber shop with your father. As a boy you never really understand what all the fuss is about, but, now, as grown men, we get it! The Barber Shop is more than just a haircut or shave, it’s also about interior design and a place for men to be groomed. If you’re one of those guys who likes taking a trip to the regular barber shop, this new offering at Marsa Malaz Kempinski will be right up your street.

Located on the lower floor of this amazing property, The Barber Shop is the first ever male salon that Kempinski has opened. Open daily from 12noon until 9pm, it offers a variety of treatments, from manicures, to eyebrow threading, facials, waxing, haircuts and shaving. The Barber Shop really works in sync with the setting and ambience of this stunning hotel. There are dark wood touches, an elegant and masculine colour scheme, and the place is large and well-equipped with hair and nail stations and everything else you would expect at a luxurious barber shop.

Sahbe and Darin give me a little tour of the space as I settle in for a welldeserved haircut and the ultimate barber shop experience. What I absolutely love, and something worth mentioning, is the old-school grooming style – using scissors.

These guys sure have some skills! The most pleasant part of the experience was how fast the cut was, yet so precise. For the first time in the six years that I’ve lived in Doha, I experienced a genuine, local barber shop shave. And I was delighted with the outcome.

The professional attendants will make sure you leave refreshed, rejuvenated and looking at your best. Gentlemen, make The Barber Shop at Marsa Malaz your next destination for grooming, you won’t be disappointed. ✤

Hair stylist: Sahbe + Darin Hair cut price: QR180 Shave: QR80 (Straight line shave) Products used: For hair - Loreal hair wax For shave - Clarins gel and Energizing Clarins after shave GO: Call 4035 5555 or email spa.marsamalaz@kempinski.com for appointments and more information.

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"Sahbe and Darin give me a little tour of the space as I settle in for a well-deserved haircut and the ultimate barber shop experience.

What I absolutely love, and something worth mentioning, is the old-school grooming style using scissors."

GROOMING

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BEAUTY MASHUP

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;O c cit a ne E n Provence The Oud & Rose Collection and Citrus Verbena Collection

Verbena handcream

Verbena Deodorante Verbena shampoo

Verbena conditioner

Verbena shower gel

Verbena Eau de Toillette

oud & rose shower gel oud & rose body milk

Western elegance meets Eastern charm!

A woody and spicy breeze embraces a blossoming centifolia rose.

Combining a blend of Mediterranean citrus fruits with organic verbena, the range offers a gentle and invigorating sensation.

Oud & Rose collection adds an Arabian touch with a woody and spicy breeze in its captivating range, which features an Eau de Parfum, a shimmering shower gel and decadent body milk.

The Citrus Verbena collection gives a zesty freshness in its fruity range that nourishes and revives the body with an array of refreshing products that include skin and hair care products, and a fragrance; created exclusively for the Middle East. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Guerlain #Exclusive #Collections #at #Pari #Gallery For the first time in Qatar, guests experienced the atmosphere of Maison Guerlain 68 ChampsElysees and fell into the world of Guerlain, the exceptional and expert perfumer. Media and VIP guests were invited to discover the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exclusive Collections, the exquisite and ultimate luxury of Haute Perfumery during a unique and experiential olfactory journey at Pari Gallery, Lagoona Mall.

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beauty BUZZ

Beauty

C h e ck l i st Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme

Tom Ford introduces a fragrance inspired by the duality of the Tom Ford woman. Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme captures this feminine play of exposure and intimacy in a floral oriental fragrance of extravagant and intoxicating accords. The opening notes of citrus and spice form an enticing prelude to the dramatic floralcy that follows.

The brightness of mandarin oil, bitter orange from Italy and ginger extract melt into each other to create a stimulating vibration. This sultry effect features precious rose absolute, jasmine and orange flower.

Have you stocked up on the brand new products from the world of beauty? FACT brings you a new list of beauty essentials every month. So ladies, what is on your checklist this month? Make sure to tick them all off…

Jo Malone London Mimosa & Cardamom

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Eye Concentrate

Shiseido has come up with a power infusing eye concentrate that activates the skin’s immunity function around the delicate eye area. Formulated with Ultimune Complex and ImuMoisture Extract, this pre eye treatment, helps the eye area to resist against external environmental factors that cause damage around the eyes. It protects against moisture loss, and to diminish fine lines.

O.P.I ColorPaints Blendable Nail Lacquers

O.P.I launched its new line of blendable nail lacquers that let you create your own colour masterpieces. The ColourPaints Blendable Nail Lacquer, a line of ultra-luminous nail lacquers let you layer and mix colours to create one-of-a-kind looks. Featuring semitranslucent, buildable lacquers, the collection invites you to let your imagination run wild.

The unique silver base illuminates each subsequent layer with striking vivid colour.

Jo Malone London celebrates British style with unexpected fragrances and the elegant art of gift giving. Mimosa & Cardamom adds touches of spice to English Pear & Freesia, and gives Red Roses an unfolding warmth. The warm, ethereal and mesmerising fragrance has tasting notes of cardamom, mimosa and tonka bean. Mists of honeyed, golden mimosa float above the spiciness of freshly crushed cardamom.

Creamy tonka and smooth sandalwood woven under powdery heliotrope and Damask rose picked at dawn.

L’Oreal Paris Bourjois

Cut here

Volume Glamour Effect Push-Up

Lashes receive the ‘Push Up’ effect for more volume, generous curves and length, and Bourjois’ seductive new range of mascaras is perfect for the glam look. There are three new Volume Glamour Push-Up mascaras with a formula that shapes the lashes and a brush with coating fibers for even more volume. The Ultra Black Edition is a formula enriched with black pigments for a vibrant and intense black.

Color Riche lipsticks

This fall marks the 30th anniversary of L’Oreal’s sophisticated line of Colour Riche lipsticks, and to celebrate, the brand launched 20 glamourous new shades. The new shades borrows from the best of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche line and will transform lips from ordinary to extraordinary with a vast palette of flamboyant pinks, ruby reds, deep corals and laid-back beige, colours to suit every personality and mood, for every look and occasion. Women will appreciate the addition of precious oils. fact magazine

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New Culinary Creations “I’m very excited to embrace the Marriott culture once again and be part of an awardwinning and diverse team.” Chef Stephen Wright.

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CHEF’S TABLE

The Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha welcomed new Executive Chef, Stephen Wright, a couple of months ago. With a flair for European flavours, Chef Stephen will lead a team of 180 chefs and oversee the hotel’s 11 kitchens, operating nine restaurants and bars. FACT went to meet the new man in charge to taste some of his foodie offerings and learn more about what he has planned for all these dining outlets…

We’re sure that you’ve eaten out at Ipanema, or New York Steakhouse, or even popped into Quick Bites for a tasty lunch – there’s just so much to choose from at Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha when it comes to dining. Now, imagine being the main man responsible for the food items on each menu, ensuring that quality is always on point, the dish is forever tasty and guests are satisfied with the plate of food in front of them. Sounds like a heavy task to us. Enter Executive Chef Stephen Wright.

He took up this role at the hotel just a few weeks ago and we’re here to quiz him on the ins and outs of the job, as well as getting a taste of his cooking (bonus!).

“I’m very excited to embrace the Marriott culture once again and be part of an awardwinning and diverse team,” Chef Stephen 94

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says. “I am confident my diverse culinary background will support the hotel’s ongoing vision of being the key culinary destination for Doha residents.” Chef Stephen will also oversee the hotel’s culinary operations for the expansive banquet and outdoor catering facilities. So, with so much to look after, what changes can we expect at the dining outlets?

“There is already a great base,” he says.

“The chefs before me have done an amazing job. We’re having new chefs de cuisine coming through; steakhouse and Italian.

“We are just trying to reinvigorate the market, maybe put our own personal touches to things,” he continues. “You know, chefs, always put their own personal touch on things! We’ll make sure we have product differentiations, make it a bit more vibrant

and add cool food.”

Chef Stephen sends out his first dish – Burrata with red tomato, zucchini and pesto.

A modern Italian dish with impeccable presentation! We love the creaminess of the burrata with the fresh flavour of pesto – a refreshing and tasty dish.

A Michelin trained Executive Chef with a passion for the finest cuisine; Chef Stephen brings a wealth of culinary experience, indefatigable energy and expertise. He has over 20 years of international experience in the industry having worked in five star hotels across seven different countries including several Michelin starred restaurants in London and Marriott properties like JW Marriott Medan, Renaissance Phuket, Sky City Marriott Hong Kong and Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa.

CHEF’S TABLE

Menu Burrata with red tomato, zucchini and pesto.

Roast Chicken with broccoli puree.

Braised short ribs with date sauce and roasted carrot.

So, what drew Chef Stephen to the Middle East? He says: “Fabulous local products, organic farms, locally as well. You get to have the best of both worlds: what’s coming out of Asia, what’s coming out of Europe. And, You get to work with the best chefs of the world.”

Originating from Australia, Chef Stephen graduated with certificates in commercial cookery from Victoria State Training Board and the renowned Box Hill Institute in Melbourne whilst training at some of Melbourne’s renowned restaurants such as Circa and the Sofitel’s Le Restaurant.

The second dish that Chef Stephen prepares for us is a Sunday Roast. A modern version of a roast chicken dinner, with broccoli puree. There’s both an English inspiration and a French influence in this dish. We love the tender chicken and the puree complements it very well – perfect for a weekend dinner with friends.

Chef Stephen admits that he doesn’t foresee any major challenges in his new role as he’s worked in the Middle East before and loves it here! But, where does he continue to get his culinary inspiration from? “I think it’s my passion,” he says. “I’m on instagram, facebook, twitter, and I am connected with so many chefs around the world – everyone’s sharing new and different dishes. That is inspiring.”

Lastly, we tuck into an Arabic-style dish – braised short ribs with date sauce and roasted carrot. If you’re a meat-lover, this one will please, massively!

After meeting Chef Stephen and trying just a few of his dishes, we’re convinced that he’ll lead the Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha team to new culinary heights! ✤ GO: Call 4419 5000 for reservations at, or more information about, the Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha dining outlets fact magazine

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Q&A

Rendezvous with

Sanjeev

Kapoor Indian cuisine evolved with his culinary creations, and now Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is bringing a taste of this to Doha with the opening of his world-famous restaurant chain Signature

By Sanjeev Kapoor at the Melia Doha. FACT sat down for a quick chat with the man himself to talk all things food…

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i Chef Sanjeev! What can diners expect from Signature at Melia Doha?

One can expect progressive Indian cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. It’s the best of Indian food served in a modern and interesting way suiting the palate of the discerning public constituting the market. As the name suggests, each dish in the menu has my signature and nothing is run-of-the-mill kind.

Tell us more about how the concept and idea for Signature came to life…

I am an artist as all creative people are, this also struck me when I was sitting with a group of a few passionate people in Dubai who wanted to come out with something different in Indian cuisine, for the restaurant, in an upcoming five star property there, the location of which was not very friendly. The rest is history and now I am here in Doha recreating the same restaurant for the same hotel group with many common links in the management.

What appealed to you about opening a restaurant in the heart of the city?

As explained in the previous answer, the success of the restaurant in Dubai prompted the hotel management to approach me again and the comfort level is such that it was just in encore. Also, from the very first meeting, my wavelength with the owners of this hotel clicked and after that there was no looking back.

Being a true master in your craft, what are the key essentials for an Indian dish?

India is a big country and it has numerous regional cuisines. After every 20 kilometers, the taste of the same food also changes. What we bring over here is the best of all regional cuisines in which we need to understand the role of main 96

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ingredients to a great extent. Then, it is all about balancing it with other ingredients, style of cooking and understanding the final combination of other things being served with it. Also, ‘freshness’ is the key and we emphasise on it.

What drove you to become a chef?

Like I’ve always said, I came into this profession accidentally. Taking cooking as a career was not my childhood ambition and being a chef was not always my dream. In those days, the fashion was to study engineering or medicine and because of my inborn trait of being different I thought I would do architecture. Life had other plans for me and I What inspires your cooking techniques?

My open mind and openness to learning.

Having been in the culinary industry for so long and working on different projects, what has been your favourite aspect of it all?

My favourite aspect has always been behind a ‘cooking range,’ creating

something new! It could be for someone I love or even for a stranger. Also, I find it fascinating that despite the oldest art which has its history dated to the stone-age civilisation, it is still evolving and we come across something new on food-related topics every day. Whatever maybe the list of things which fascinate people of any country, ‘food’ will be the one common link!

Three ingredients you can’t cook without?

Love, smile and salt!

What is the one dish, or cooking technique that has been a challenge to master?

Since the day I became a chef, I’ve been trying to master the food which my mother makes, and I can proudly say that till date I’ve not succeeded!

What are your future goals?

To popularise Indian food, fusing it with the local taste and earning the love of the people for wherever my eateries go! ✤ GO: Enjoy an Indian dining experience at Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor in Melia Doha.

Call 0 808 234 19 53 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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Hakkasan: Chinese C u i s i n e P e r f ec t e d Offering a vibrant and inviting dining atmosphere, Hakkasan at The St. Regis Doha is a modern space with stellar cuisine. FACT went along to savour the venue’s brand new revamped menu and here’s our verdict…

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VENUE REVIEW

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akkasan is a global brand known for its traditional techniques and use of fresh local ingredients to ensure contemporary dishes retain the essence of conventional Cantonese cuisine. FACT went to check out exactly what makes this venue so popular with Doha’s diners.

To our delight, Hakkasan Doha has refreshed its menu with some new culinary creations that we just couldn’t wait to try.

With a spectacular venue and décor, set to give you your money’s worth, the restaurant is located at The St. Regis Doha – in the heart of the city. We receive a warm welcome by the restaurants wonderful staff. We love the entrance; it’s spectacular, with a peculiar

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“If you’re ready to surprise your taste buds, Hakkasan can provide a true experience of Chinese cuisine. A big thumbs up! ”

illusion of a grandiose door. One thing that caught our eye is the superb maze and labyrinth layout that the venue has, and the wooden divisions give guests the muchneeded private dining feel.

Beginning with small eats (as Hakkasan likes to call it) – we try the platter of Hakka steamed dim sum, which includes scallop siu mai, hargau, chicken with sweet corn dumpling and sea bass siu mai. Yes, a platter with a diverse choice – all in one go! For all you veggie folks, the restaurant has you covered with the veg Hakka fried dim sum platter. We also tried some mooli puff and bean curd wrap – delicious! It is hard to pick a favourite as each component of the platter had a palate-pleasing taste. However, it was the scallop siu mai that really had our taste buds in awe. As we finish the yummy dumping platter, our main course arrives; a stir-fry scallop with black pepper and mint sauce. If seafood is not your thing, try the stir-fry wagyu beef with honey jasmine sauce – it’s tender and packed with flavour that will having you saying ‘mmmh’ with every bite.

Last, but not least, we order abalone and

dried scallop fried rice – to compliment the main course. Wow, it’s incredibly tasty.

To digest the food feast, we take a detour to the outside area of the restaurant, where we find the bar; a well-equipped area offering beverages to satisfy all cravings. This is the kind of place you could while away the hours.

We head back to the table for dessert and find two very different flavours and textures waiting. There’s the vanilla baked yoghurt with poached pineapple; a soft dessert, which we succumb to with no hesitation. Later, we are served with a rhubarb and custard dish; a sophisticated dessert in the shape of a ball with vanilla inside – scrumptious!

As our night comes to an end, we are all but in love with Hakkasan and it’s new menu.

If you’re ready to surprise your taste buds, Hakkasan can provide a true experience of Chinese cuisine. A big thumbs up! ✤ GO: Hakkasan is located at The St. Regis Doha.

Open daily for dinner from 6pm to 11.30pm and from noon to 3.30pm for brunch, every Friday. Call 4446 0170 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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Foodie Frenzy at the square

Late brunchin’ at doha marriott

Dining Delights at Paloma

The Square at InterContinental Doha The City offers guests a wide choice of dining promotions. Take a break from your busy work schedule and enjoy their spectacular three-course business lunch. The ‘a la carte’ menu offers a wide selection of delectable starters and mouthwatering main courses, including locally-sourced seafood, prime cuts of meat, vegetarian options and a dessert at QR88, inclusive of one soft beverage. Every Wednesday indulge in fresh, locally-sourced seafood on Seafood Night.

Cold seafood salads, fresh seafood and the incredible live cooking stations, as well as an enviable dessert station will make for a night to remember, priced at QR350 per person including selected house beverages or QR250 per person inclusive of soft drinks and mocktails. On October 31, enjoy a Fright Feast in a special Halloween-themed evening of food, drinks and fun, from 6pm to 11pm.

Chill out to some relaxed beats with a poolside view and a huge selection of delicious food at The Late Brunch at Doha Marriott. With everything from a full grill to a buffet and seafood selection, as well as an ‘all in’ bubbly and BBQ for QR380 per person, it’s the only place to be on Fridays 6pm to 8.30pm. If late brunching isn’t your thing, you can always catch the weekend brunch at Doha Marriott Restaurant Gallery on Fridays and Saturdays between 12.30pm and 3pm, which consists of live cooking stations as well as fresh Sushi, Fajitas, Pizza, Curry, Seafood and a mountain of desserts! The Gallery Brunch is priced at QR270 and Bubbly Brunch at QR375.

Paloma at InterContinental Doha serves some of the best Tex-Mex favourites along with great live music. On Mondays enjoy the Paloma Bandoke Night; if singing is your calling then this is your night to shine! If courage is what you are missing, Paloma gives a ‘flaming’ shot to all singers before or after their performance. You’ll also enjoy a selection of Nachos with a pitcher of frozen Margarita starting from QR128, so what are you waiting for? Tuesday night is Taco Night! Chef Salvador brings you the authentic flavours of real Mexican Tacos, allowing you to choose five different tacos from the Taco menu and top it up with their signature coronarita drink for QR128.

Sunday Night is Latin Night. Indulge in the fresh and spicy flavours of South America from the comfort of Paloma. Experience the refreshing seafood ceviche menu, and top it up with the Secret Sangria Recipe or give the best Pisco Sours in town a try!

GO: Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information.

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GO: Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 4484 4444 for reservations and more information.

Doha DELIGHTS

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Contact No: +974 4484 8000 Vendemmia Festa

Oktoberfest and so much More Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha has plenty of fun, cultural events happening in October.

The first being Oktoberfest! Shehrazad hosts a great evening of German snacks, beverages and high spirits, from October 1 to 31. Laugh your way home after a night at the Laughter Factory with three excellent talents creating a hilarious two-night event.

Doors open from 5pm and the show starts at 8pm. The event is priced at QR140 including one sponsored beverage on October 26 and 27. Enjoy the Hyde Park Friday brunch that caters to the tastes of each guest with over 30 dishes from around the world. The hotel provides extensive children activities and games along with supervising staff that will take care of your children whilst you are entertained by a live band, all for QR160.

GO: Call 4428 1555 for reservations and more information.

For the first time in Doha, celebrate Italian Heritage and Wine during the Vendemmia Festa at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha’s own fountain yard. The definition of perfect autumn weather and joyous Italian celebration with traditional Tuscan dishes will illuminate your evening. The crisscrossing lamps scattered throughout the fountain patio, the melody of the house guitarist, the fire torches, and friends galore, will portray an evening in Italy for guests.Taking place on October 22, starting at 6pm.

The Ritz-Carlton Culinary Academy

Mark your calendar this October and partake in The Ritz-Carlton, Doha culinary academy together with a team of expert Chefs. Each class will focus on basic dining, cooking techniques, proper equipment needs, and plate presentation. The cooking classes will take place at La Dolce Vita and guests may experience how to be a hef for a day. Every Saturday, starting at 10 am.

October 3 - Italian Cuisine highlighting the region of Tuscany October 10 - North Indian Cuisine October 17 - Pastry: Chocolate Desserts October 24 - Thai Cuisine: Kai Hor Bai Toey, Green Curry, Pad Thai October 31 - Spanish: Gazpacho, Paella and Sangria

The Backyard at Lagoon

There is no better retreat in the city than the lush and green Lagoon Garden to celebrate a longer weekend. The party invites guests to enjoy the live entertainment while savouring a sumptuous selection of BBQs from around the world. The well-known MVM band will reflect the multicultural spirit of the city while playing your favourite songs. What is more exciting than having outdoor barbecue with family and friends while the weather is nice? From 7pm to 1am.

Cronuts at the Lobby Lounge

Did you know that a Cronut is the latest tasty trend to take the food world by storm? Just like it sounds, the Cronut is a pastry between a croissant and a doughnut. Inspired from the streets of New York City, pastry chefs Khaled Rashwan and Yusuke Aoki prepared summer treats in three Cronut flavors, raspberry jam, chocolate ganache and cinnamon sugar. Now, guests may indulge in the mouthwatering Cronuts at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Lobby Lounge, daily.

Nights Out…

Chill Out Fridays @ Admiral’s Lower Floor

Enjoy your Friday evenings at the most beautiful outdoor terrace in Doha while listening to different bands and DJs. Running from 7.30pm to 11.30pm, this is the ideal place to unwind.

Cigar Night @ Habanos

Enjoy 25% savings on all cigar selections. Every Friday from 5pm to 12.45am.

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Culinary Creations at Kempinski

Foodie Treats at Marsa Malaz

Jazz times at the St. Regis

Kempinski Residences is full of surprises this October. The Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table surprise menu in Aroma is a theatrical performance of the culinary team as they create art right in front of you on your dining table. Indulge in a surprise menu for six people, available with prior reservation at Aroma for QR950 per person. How about the Oktoberfest delicacies at The Lounge? October is the month of Oktoberfest and Kempinski returns to its roots, offering a delicious taste of traditional German delicacies, ideal as an accompaniment to selected beverages from Germany. Enjoy the most succulent and tender steaks, perfectly combined tasty accompaniments and a flawlessly matched glass of vin, daily at Aroma.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski Doha has a host of mouth-watering dining options. Taste an extensive buffet at Sawa with live cooking stations, a large selection of roast meat and fish, and a delicious sweet treats corner.

Enjoy your Saturday lunch with family and friends at the bright and ambient environment of Sawa for QR190 per person.

Every Thursday Sawa transforms to a Mediterranean culinary haven. Explore a buffet with authentic starters, salads and cheeses from the region, grilled fish and meat, oysters, live pasta cooking stations and real Italian gelato at QR220 per person.

Jazz At Lincoln Centre Doha at St. Regis Doha is the place to be for a relaxed evening with music, vino and delicious fare. The Dinner Show from Monday to Saturday offers the discerning diner and lovers of live music a memorable experience in an urban setting; The Dinner Show allows both artists and audience to engage, lending a feeling of an intimate private performance over dinner from 7.30pm onwards. Once a month the Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha moves the stage to the outdoors and holds a free community concert in the park; Jazz at MIA Park. This month itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening on October 7. Enjoy this magical evening under the stars with friends and family from 6pm to 7pm.

GO: Call 4405 3325 for bookings and more information.

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GO: Call 4035 5011 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 4446 0105 for reservations and more information.

Doha DELIGHTS

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

sharq village & spa Contact No: +974 4425 6666

A Brunch Bonanza October at Market by Jean-Georges, W Doha Hotel & Residences, is set to be a food-filled month. On October 18, enjoy the Pink Ladies Brunch and be a part of the Pink Ladies Breakfast where the restaurant will donate 50% of the revenue generated to Qatar Cancer Society. The event is Ladies only and runs from 9am to 11am. On October 30, get ready for some ghoulish fun at the Trick or Treating Brunch. Electrify your Friday with a Halloween themed brunch accompanied by live entertainment courtesy of Doha Jazz. Priced at QR295 per person including selected non-alcoholic beverages, and QR410 per person including alcoholic beverages.

From 12noon to 4pm. Ongoing every Friday throughout the month is the spectacular Jazz Brunch with a lavish food spread and live entertainment. Priced at QR295 per person including selected non-alcoholic beverages, and QR410 per person including alcoholic beverages. Also served from 12noon to 4pm.

GO: Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information.

Eid Getaway Package Though Eid Al Adha took place in mid-September, Sharq Village and Spa is offering residents and locals, seeking the perfect getaway, a relaxing experience starting at QR1,428 per night. The package includes overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Resort View room; and daily buffet breakfast at Al Liwan Restaurant for two people.

Book two nights consecutive stay in a Deluxe Resort View room and enjoy a third night complimentary. Valid until December 31, 2015.

Treatment of the month Back Relief | 80 minutes | QR700 This package of pure relaxation begins with a 50-minute massage of the back, using natural ginger to warm and destress your back muscles. This journey concludes with a 30-minute Indian Head Massage to further like body and calm the mind.

Facial Rejuvenation | 80 minutes | QR650 Rejuvenate and hydrate your skin with our Muka Chikitsa facial from Subtle Energies.

A deeply nourishing mask, cleansing, extraction and a relaxing marma facial massage will leave your skin silky smooth and with a renewed glow. Enjoy a complimentary product from Subtle Energies to continue your pampering at home.

Happy Hour @ The Cigar Lounge Want to unwind with family, friends or colleagues in a sophisticated setting? Now, you can save 50 per cent on your favourite brands and house beverages every day, across some of the most popular meeting places at The Cigar Lounge, from 5pm to 8pm.

Friday and Saturday Brunch Unwind with friends and family and indulge in a luxurious buffet featuring the freshest seafood, Middle Eastern favourites and international classics. Brunch takes places at Al Liwan from 12.30pm to 4pm. Priced at QR325 per person or QR420 inclusive of selected beverages. Children below 12 dine complimentary.

Nights Outâ&#x20AC;Ś

Sushi Mania @ Al Dana Enjoy masterfully and freshly prepared platters of sushi, maki and sashimi in the special open sushi night every Monday and Wednesday. From 6.30pm to 11pm, QR185 per person or QR215 per person with a glass of Sake.

Salsa Candela @ The Cigar Lounge Lively Latin sounds set the scene in The Cigar Lounge. Entrance fee includes a welcome drink. October 9 from 9pm to midnight, QR85 per person.

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Marcus Dudley General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Doha

Tell us three things that make Mövenpick Doha stand out from its competitors…

I feel we have a great location if you want to experience the real Doha. We’re within walking distance to Souq Waqif, The Museum of Islamic Art and we have a great view of the West Bay skyline.

And most of all our hotel has a homely and warm character and we have a hard working team that really want to give our guests a home away from home feel.

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Doha insider

Your favourite dining spots in Doha and why…

Describe your ideal day off in doha from a.m to p.m…

I first lived in Doha ten years ago and recently returned. Porcini at The Ritz-Carlton was a favourite then and still is – it’s true Italian food. I love the food and value at Spice Market, also the feel and layout of the dining room is great and it’s good to see a lot of very good Business Lunch offers around the City now. I want to try them all.

A ‘full English’ Breakfast start at Jones, followed by 18 holes of Golf at the Doha Golf Club, home for an afternoon siesta for a couple of hours.

Wake up, refresh then an evening stroll along the Corniche, cooking some Thai food at home with my wife and then relaxing to see Spurs beating Arsenal 5-zip before a restful night’s sleep!

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