FACT Qatar October 2017

CREATIVE CALLING

OCTOBER 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 05 QR10

Entrepreneurial spirit with Qatar’s best small business ventures

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CONTENTS PAGE 8 – FACT FINDS PAGE 18 – LISTEN UP PAGE 29 – CREATIVE CALLING PAGE 38 – THE KING OF ROSES PAGE 42 – ENTREPRENEUR 101 PAGE 51 – WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT PAGE 56 – HOTEL HOTSPOT PAGE 69 – CITY RIDES PAGE 77 – FASHION FOCUS PAGE 88 – HOME STYLE PAGE 91 – CULINARY SPOTLIGHT PAGE 95 – FOODIE CORNER fact magazine

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• THE EDITOR

CREATIVE MOVEMENTS

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“Hustle until your haters ask if you’re hiring.”

W

e’re officially in the last quarter of 2017 (HOW did this happen?) and this is often that time of the year when the everyday grind gets seriously tough. Whether you’re in the media, hospitality, finance, banking, PR, whatever the profession, the last few months of the year are a truly testing time for those of us on the nine-to-five. It’s also a time when many people are pushed to pursue their life-long dreams or choose a new career path, especially in the Gulf where opportunities are abundant for small businesses to thrive.

With the entrepreneurial spirit well and truly alive, FACT rounds up some of Qatar’s very own home-grown pursuits, born out of one idea; be that personal interest, passionate hobbies or, simply, a smart idea that connects and works well. Check them out in Creative Calling (p29). We also highlight individuals in the region who have taken one creative idea, teamed with tons of dedication, and set up a small business. Read our exclusive interview with The King of Roses on p38; a chocolatey venture on p42; and herbalism turned into beautiful blends of tea on p46. We hope that these stories of success will motivate all of you to take risks and be your own boss!

Keeping things close to home, our Weekend Spotlight this month comes courtesy of the sky-high Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha (p51), whilst art enthusiasts will love to learn more about Fluid Symphonies at Anima Gallery (p61), and our monthly Culinary Spotlight and Foodie Corner goes to Nozomi Doha and White Oryx restaurant, respectively.

If fashion is your forte, look no further than our focus on H&M’s AW17 collections for both men and women – are you liking the new autumn styles?

To top that off, your up-to-date fix of tech, travel, entertainment, beauty, interiors and so much more – including some fab events for October, are all scattered throughout the pages. So, pick a quiet spot and get inspired today.

Until next month, keep on dreaming BIG and hustle hard! ☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 4

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition • OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 04, ISSUE 05

CHAIRMAN KHALIFA BIN MUBARAK AL KHALIFA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICEr GREG HUGHES GENERAL MANAGER HUSSEIN A. ZREIK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR PAULA LEAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SUDHI KOLLAROTH CONTRIBUTORS CRAIG FERRIMAN PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD SALES DIRECTOR MARISELA PAESANO (marisela@fact-magazine.com) OFFICE ADMIN PRADEEP KUMAR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES marisela@fact-magazine.com PRINTED BY UNITED PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

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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• SOCIAL MEDIA

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Entrepreneurial spirit with Qatar’s best small business ventures

Combining all three editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the GCC, plus loads more from the FACT team.

OCTOBER 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 05 QR10

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Qatar| 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 celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Qatar in local supermarkets now!

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tweets Basma Mahmood @BASMAHMOOD I am so very happy that the waffle place at work is open and I can finally stress eat proper ice cream instead of sad barada ice cream :’)

FACT Qatar 20,021 likes Keep up with all things Qatar as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine, all for our readers!

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Mahmood Zeyad @MAHMOODZEYAD I’m in my pjs at this supermarket looking for chamomile tea and popcorn, this Thursday evening is gonna be lit.

UNPLUGGED

HOTEL GOALS

Can social media addicts press pause on the virtual world?

The best insta accounts to follow in Doha’s hospitality scene

issuu.com FACT Qatar 61,926 reads of the September issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Qatar.

• ENTREPRENEUR 101 - P29 •

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Exquisite Mediterranean Tastes Gordon Ramsay Doha offers a fresh and modern dining experience influenced by the flavours of northern Mediterranean destinations. Sample the new menu that blends the finest textures and ingredients in a fresh and innovative way to ensure every experience and taste is unique. Š2017 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

West Bay, Doha, 14435, Qatar stregisdoha.com

For reservations, please visit gordonramsaydoha.com or call 4446 0105 fact magazine

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

An Enchanting Cuppa THIS MONTH, TEA CONNOISSEURS WILL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE FROM EXQUISITE TEA PRODUCTS BY INTERNATIONAL LUXURY TEA BRAND TWG TEA ALONGSIDE EXCLUSIVE TEA INFUSED DELIGHTS AT SARAB LOUNGE, THE ST. REGIS DOHA.

SINGAPORE’S FINEST LUXURY BRAND The Wellbeing Group (TWG) Tea and the renowned Sarab Lounge located at The St. Regis Doha, are celebrating their continued partnership with a brand new weekly event: The Enchanting Afternoon Tea with TWG Tea. Taking place every Saturday afternoon to bring all your weekend vibes to a happy close!

The Wellbeing Group was founded in 2007 as a luxury concept that incorporates unique and original retail outlets, exquisite tea rooms and an international distribution network to professionals and has spread across 63 locations in 18 cities all over the world.

Committed to offering teas directly from the source gardens, TWG Tea’s collection is the largest in the world, with fine harvests from every tea producing country and exclusive hand crafted blends too.

In this elegant collaboration with Sarab Lounge, TWG Tea will present 12 exquisite flavours of tea: St Regis Doha’s Summer and Winter Blends, signature 1837 Black Tea, the great classic French Earl Grey, a contemporary masterpiece – New York Breakfast Tea, the prestigious blue tea – Oolong Prestige; a great favourite – Moroccan Mint Tea, elegant Geisha Blossom Tea and Silver 8

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Moon Tea – tea for a very special moment. If hot sips is what you live for and tea is part of your palate, don’t miss out on savouring the rare white tea – Pai Mu Tan as well as other exclusive white tea blends – extravagant White Night Jasmine Tea and White House Tea – a diplomatic and balanced tea of sophistication.

Along with the vast selection of sandwiches, this timeless tradition will be accompanied by an afternoon tea-set with Earl Grey Fortune Madeleines and Matcha Financiers served with TWG tea-infused jelly and whipped cream. World famous TWG Tea Macarons in all their varieties will be served for the first time in Qatar - how yummy does that sound?

Tea lovers are invited to visit the unique retail outlet located in Sarab Lounge, where all the bestsellers of TWG Tea Haute Couture Collection are displayed. There couldn’t be a more lavish time to tea than Saturdays at Sarab Lounge! ✤

GO: CALL 4446 0105 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

HOLIDAY INN DOHA OPENS! InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), announced the opening of Holiday Inn Doha - The Business Park in partnership with the Trans Orient Group.

The opening marks the brand’s debut in the country and will be the 24th Holiday Inn in the Middle East region.

THE NEWLY-BUILT, 307-room Holiday Inn Doha – The Business Park, is situated right in the centre of the business and financial district in the city. The site is adjacent to the existing Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park, located on Al Matar Street and is a part of The Business Park complex that hosts financial, medical, government and commercial offices.

Strategically located, the hotel is only a 15-minute drive from Hamad International Airport, which makes it ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

Holiday Inn Doha - The Business Park features quality amenities and top service standards that reflect the Holiday Inn brand identity. The hotel has a broad range of meeting and event facilities, including a 907-sqm pillar-less ballroom, seven meeting and function rooms, a private bridal room, and a multi-purpose business centre. Given its proximity to the international airport, the Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park as well as other commercial facilities, the hotel is expected to attract a healthy share of MICE and business travellers.

Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said: “We are thrilled to open our first Holiday Inn hotel in Qatar, in partnership with Trans Orient Group. We are especially honoured to partner on the second hotel with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Thani and we are confident that Holiday Inn Doha The Business Park will be as successful as our first venture together, Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park.

“The comfort, convenience and friendliness that the brand is recognised for worldwide, along with a strategic location and proximity to Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park will be welcomed by both leisure and business travellers visiting Doha from both international and domestic markets,” he added.

Additionally, the hotel offers several amenities such as such a gym, an outdoor swimming pool and a pool lounge and signature dining concepts including an Italian restaurant, Sirocco and the popular burger-centric franchise, Stock Burger & Co. Which will make it a popular choice for leisure and family travellers as well. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.HOLIDAYINN.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 10

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Cruise the Corniche in style, and see all of Doha’s sites from the comfort of a lavish luxury car.

Book any of our luxury suites and enjoy the rush of a supercar for the day! Your booking will also include exclusive access to our Horizon Club with breakfast and QAR 500 hotel credit to avail during your special stay.

Terms and conditions apply. For bookings or more information visit www.shangri-la.com/doha or call +974 4429 5295.

Executive Suite from QAR 1,395: Audi A8 Lexus LX 570 S Mini Cooper

Deluxe Suite from QAR 2,095: Porsche Cayenne Maserati GT Range Rover

Shangri-la Suite from QAR 6,695: Mercedes GLE 63 / GTS fact magazine Lamborghini Huracan Ferrari California

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• LISTEN UP

OCTOBER FUN InterContinental Doha Experience the real atmosphere of Oktoberfest right here at InterContinental Doha. This year, enjoy double the fun as you celebrate Oktoberfest two weekends in a row. Indulge in a scrumptious German buffet and Munich’s famous brews while “The Voigas Band” entertains you with their original festive music and performances. Oans, zwoa, gsuffa! Takes place on the weekend of 5-6 and 12-14 October. QR265 per person including entrance and buffet. Doors open from 8pm. Above 21 years old with Qatar ID or Passport.

CALL 4484 4919 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha The luxury of a traditional afternoon tea with a Japanese twist. White Pearl Lounge at Nobu Doha welcomes you to experience tantalising Umami “Savoury” and Okashi “Sweet” bites along with Nobu Matcha Tea and one choice of tea, coffee, or special beverage. Delight your taste buds for QR195 – Classic Tea Set or QR240 – Sparkling Tea Set. CALL 4494 8600 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Shangri-La Hotel Doha Gather family and friends for the Dim Sum Brunch with an authentic Chinese flavour. For QR238 per person, choose unlimited servings of signature and traditional dim sum, you’ll also enjoy soup, noodles and more. And because it’s still the weekend, indulge in unlimited flowing beverage at an additional supplement while admiring the view from 43 floors up. Takes place every Friday and Saturday at Shanghai Club.

CALL 4429 5295 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Have the time of your life as the UK’s favourite ABBA show is coming to town! Prepare for a theatrical triumph guaranteed to light up your life. Agnetha and Frida’s legendary harmonies, Bjorn and Benny’s marvellous musicianship, those gloriously sequin-studded costumes and platform boot-pounding dance routines – are all wrapped up in the best night out you’ll have this year.

Dancing Queen; Super Trouper; Waterloo; Knowing Me, Knowing You; The Winner Takes It All; I Have A Dream; Chiquitita – all the biggest hits will come to life! The show takes place on October 26, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are QR390 per person, including an international gourmet buffet and selected beverages. Over 21’s. Qatari ID required.

CALL 4428 1555 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 12

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Grand Hyatt Doha Bring your bibs because Santa Monica Breakfast Club has got the ribs. We all deserve a cheat day once in a while so here’s an ides: get your hands dirty at SMBC whether you like your rack full flavoured, sticky, glazed, spicy, smoked, traditionally BBQ’d or wheeled to you on a trolley so you can chop them yourself.

Ribs ain’t the same if you don’t lick those fingers clean. Served daily from 12nooon to 11.30pm. ✤ CALL 4448 1240 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

OCTOBER FUN 2.0

Dining at Trader Vic’s The brand new Friday brunch at Trader Vic’s should be your ultimate weekend destination! Your favourite, unlimited, signature dishes and cocktails with the new and even more vibrant vibes of the Cuban band will have all your senses involved and, Oh, Mai!, it will make you come back for more.

Moreover, your daily dose of Trader Vic’s is justified by the Tiki Happy Hour, loaded with signature cocktails, hops, vinos and spirits, delicious Tidbits, Pupus and Desserts or the longest Tiki Hour in town, Saturdays from 12.30pm until 8pm.

The new amazing Crunchy & Munchy lunch menu has your Saturday lunch plan covered with the QR89 menu including a salad, your choice of appetiser, side dish and a drink from the selected signature menu. You have to admit, all the above leaves you without excuses not to visit Trader Vic’s, right? We’ll see you there!

Happy Hour(s): Sunday to Thursday - 4pm to 8pm and Friday to Saturday: 12.30pm to 8pm. Friday Brunch: from 12.30pm to 4pm.

GO: CALL 4423 31118 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Fashionable High Tea Inspired by the colours and patterns of the fashion world, Café Murano at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha, brings you a menu with an assortment of handmade unique delicacies infused with a fashionista twist. There’s sweet miniatures that taste decadent and have been created with elegance and sophistication. Enjoy an afternoon out as you indulge in the sweet treats, sip on a dreamily brewed cup of tea and overlook the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

QR240 for two people, including coffee and tea, served daily from 2pm to 6pm.

GO: CALL 4035 5011 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Unicorn Mondays Let loose and allow your imagination to run wild every Monday at Strata. Come as you are or who you want to be for Doha’s dreamiest experience. Featuring PYROKISS and special guests for a magical mashup evening! On October 30, enjoy a special edition beverage – available only during the Orange and Black edition for QR50. Complimentary entry, runs from 9pm to 2am. ✤ GO: CALL 7021 8765 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

LALIGA LOUNGE Experience the most thrilling football matches played out in LaLiga Lounge, where passion for the game is the mantra. Located at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel, LaLiga is derived from the dreams of fans who dared to watch football in an atmosphere that truly echoes their dedication.

WATCH THE MOST EXCITING moments of your favourite team’s game pulse through the big screens with dozens of high tech displays. For the young football fans, LaLiga Lounge has a dedicated space for a good game with fun attractions in a dedicated play area. Younger visitors can also enjoy virtual football matches with play stations set for their interest, and free WI-FI. The menu itself is a selection of Spanish-style treats and comfort foods all prepared by the Spanish Chef Juan. The venue offers a bespoke menu of typical Mediterranean cuisine with strong Spanish influence, to suit local demand. Spanish scent will be present and will enable you to experience home cuisines such as the Paella, Tortilla and Tapas, and a dessert menu flowing with traditional European flavours. Chef Juan offers you his signature dishes, such as chilled gazpacho soup, batata harra, and grilled 16

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aubergine salad, among others. Kids are catered to with a Little Liga menu packed with delicious dishes to suit all appetites.

Conveniently located by Hotel Park in the heart of the city’s West Bay district, the energy at LaLiga Lounge is amplified during any big game. We broadcast every football game played on the field in which family and friends gather to watch football and indulge in the best Mediterranean cuisine in the city!

This is the first LaLiga Lounge in the world and the foremost in Doha. It’s only right that you go and check it out! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.LALIGALOUNGEDOHA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

PAWS RESCUE QATAR The Annual Paws Ball is back for the second year in a row, set to take place in the Grand Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Doha on October 20!

JOIN THE PAWS RESCUE Qatar and Grand Hyatt Doha teams for a fabulous night of tail-wagging entertainment. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, live music and a DJ, alongside a silent auction and great raffle prizes. The theme this year is Glitz ‘n Glam, so think sparkles, glitter, feathers and shine – a fantastic opportunity to get dressed up while helping to raise money for a good cause.

Last year’s Paws Ball was a resounding success, with over 150 people dining and dancing until the early hours of the morning. Founded in 2014, Paws Rescue Qatar is a nonprofit animal shelter dedicated to providing a safe haven for homeless and rescued animals in Doha until they can be placed in responsible, loving homes. The organisation relies on fundraisers, volunteers, flight angels, foster homes and donations to provide a safe home for all the animals at the shelter, and all the others soon to come.

Profits from this event will contribute towards food and supplies for the animals, veterinary bills, and upkeep of their animal retreat.

Whether you’re an animal lover, a philanthropist, or someone who enjoys the idea of having a great time for a good cause, then this event will be right up your street! ✤

GO: TICKETS ARE PRICED AT QR550 PER PERSON. EMAIL PAWSBALL@PAWSRESCUEQATAR.ORG TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

GOURMET CHOCOLATE BLISS Chocolate is perhaps the first edible that comes to mind when we think of the word ‘indulgence’. For some, it’s a great stress-buster that uplifts the mood and the perfect gift for all celebrations. For others, it’s a heart-healthy choice for dessert and definitely the sweetest way to draw a smile on your face. For Jean Galler, however, chocolate is his life.

BORN TO A FAMILY of professional gourmands, Galler’s DNA carried the genes of sweetness and indulgence. After establishing his own chocolate manufactory in the Liège area back in 1976, the young craftsman went on to introduce to the world, a palate-gratifying range of ‘sworn by’ Belgian chocolate bars and flavors that quickly gained iconic status among chocolate aficionados around the world.

Galler’s ambition didn’t stop there however. As the years went by, the confectioner developed a variety of concepts for his shops and tasting rooms, earning the “Innovation Prize” at the Franchising & Partnership exhibition of Brussels in 2002.

He also became a trendsetter when it came to salted cuisine combined with chocolate, ultimately leading to the opening of a new generation of boutiques based on passion and discovery.

As part of taking his novel concept to the global arena, Galler Chocolatier introduced Qatar’s first-of-its-kind luxury chocolate boutique and dining space to the country’s confectionery fans at the Mall of Qatar in January 2017.

As any chocolate maven would come to expect from the renowned brand, Galler Chocolatier Qatar brings with it a wide range of chocolate bars that cover an entire spectrum of distinctive flavors, and then some. The chocolate boutique and dining space is a luxurious haven for enjoyment and fun, and one that perfectly blends mouth-watering gourmet food with a whole new realm of chocolate bliss.

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From fresh salads to salted crepes and its signature breakfast, to natural juices, refreshments and hot chocolates, Galler Chocolatier Qatar caters to its visitors’ every whim with a beautiful setup and an exquisite ambiance that captivate their senses, while fresh aromas fill the space as chefs prepare their scrumptious meals and decadent desserts.

Notably, one of the unmistakable aromas that is always present, is that of passion. The boutique’s attentive and knowledgeable chocolate connoisseurs are keen to share the story of how Galler’s chocolates are crafted to every curious chocolate enthusiast. They are always there to help guests decide which edible treats to take home, or assist them as they journey through Galler’s world of hidden treasures.

Described by chocoholics around the world as ‘divine’, ‘stunning’, and ‘breath-taking’, Galler combines fresh pure Belgium cocoa, all-natural syrup-free ingredients, and a focus on flawless technical execution mixed with elegant packaging, to bring confectionery lovers a rainbow of pure delights that look great and taste even better. And today, Qatar’s diehard chocolate fanatics can literally sink their teeth into the wonders of this unique experience for the first time. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.GALLER.COM/EN FOR MORE INFORMATION AND VISIT GALLER CHOCOLATIER AT THE MALL OF QATAR.

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• LISTEN UP

BURGER FRENZY AT FIVE GUYS If you love a good burger, get ready to drive over to Doha Festival City where the worldfamous chain Five Guys has officially opened.

DOHA FESTIVAL CITY WELCOMED Five Guys’ highly anticipated new branch! The 247-sqm burger joint is located opposite Vox Cinemas on the first floor, marking the expansion of the Five Guys restaurant chain in the MENA region through the Cravia Q Limited Services Group. At the new branch, Five Guys will be bringing its American burger creations to a wider Qatari audience.

Trevor Hill, General Manager of Doha Festival City Mall, said: “Five Guys is a fantastic addition to our carefully selected range of dining outlets and destinations, and we believe that with its high-quality food and welcoming ambience, the restaurant will speak for itself. Five Guys will complement our offering of the very best in food and hospitality.”

Founded in 1986 in Washington DC by Jerry and Janie Murrell, Five Guys’ overwhelming popularity is credited to its focus on providing high quality food and great service in a clean no-frills atmosphere. It is one of America’s fastestgrowing restaurant chain and boasts 1,500 locations across North America, the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Five Guys’ hand-formed grilled patties are sandwiched between fresh-baked buns with an array of premium toppings, while its fries are cooked in pure peanut oil.

Customization is key with customers able to choose from a possible 250,000 ways to have their order served.

Marwan Kandeel, Regional Brand Manager of Cravia Q Limited Services Group, said: “The launch of Five Guys in Doha Festival City is the latest in a series of new openings across the region. We are delighted to be expanding into Qatar, and given the popularity of Five Guys in the rest of the MENA region, we are confident that the Doha Festival

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City branch will become a go-to destination for families and friends looking to indulge in their favourite comfort food.”

Food lovers can already enjoy a wide range of dining options at Doha Festival City, with both the North and South Food Courts now open, in addition to a range of fast food and casual dining outlets situated in convenient locations throughout the mall. Upon completion, there will be over 100 places to dine and relax including restaurants, cafés and casual dining outlets. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.DOHAFESTIVALCITY.COM OR WWW.FIVEGUYS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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FAMED FOOD AT MONDRIAN DOHA Epicureans, get ready for two fabulous new dining venues to hit the city; CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Morimoto Doha, both by world-renowned chefs.

MONDRIAN DOHA, THE HIGHLY anticipated hotel from global lifestyle hospitality company, sbe, has opened two internationally acclaimed restaurants as part of its extensive food and beverage emporium. Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck, will open one of the worlds’ most sought-after steak restaurants, CUT, while Japanese Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known for his seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients, introduces Morimoto Doha - the first Morimoto outpost to open in the Middle East.

Offering an elegant setting brought together by design extraordinaire, Marcel Wanders, and presenting a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse, the menu at CUT will highlight various cuts of the finest beef from across the globe as well as shellfish, seafood, pastas and wood oven pizzas ensuring it becomes a premier destination for food in Doha. Inspired by the hues of the Qatari sunset, and the understated grandness of pure white, CUT by Wolfgang Puck will showcase the best of culinary, architecture and art on display at Mondrian Doha.

Following Chef Wolfgang Puck’s mantra of ‘Live.Love.Eat.’, CUT will source only the finest global ingredients available and will serve breakfast, as well as a Friday brunch, which can be enjoyed on its terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea. In addition, lunchtime at CUT will be a distinguished experience thanks to a flavorful menu. CUT will be a standout food destination in the Qatari dining scene leaving guests longing for more.

Equally exciting, Morimoto Doha will add a sense of flair to the culinary scene in Doha by offering an unruly yet perfect

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combination of Japanese and American cuisine for the first time in the Middle East. Chef Masahuru Morimoto, well known for his tenure in TV Show, Iron Chef, is also highly acclaimed for his unique way in presenting food.

Chef Morimoto prides himself on presentation, and Morimoto at Mondrian Doha has not shied away from this. Inspired by the City of Nara in Japan, and showcasing original artworks

by Hiroshi Senju, Morimoto Doha pays homage to its heritage in Japan. The standout artwork features Waterfall murals transporting guests to another dimension.

Sourcing the finest ingredients from Japan, Qatar and across the globe, Morimoto will offer guests a taste of East and West through its unusual yet classic dishes, a sushi offering akin to none, an assortment of the freshest seafood, traditional elements such as Teppanyaki nourishing hot pots, a selection of rice dishes, and a variety of duck dishes, or a Japanese favourite, Wagyu steak. With a variety of beverages including sake, topped with unmatched precision and service, Morimoto is set to become a household name in the Middle East.

Morimoto and CUT will be joined by six other incredible food and beverage outlets, each space designed by Marcel Wanders and all offering an epicurean experience set to innovate, and change the dining scene of Qatar. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.MONDRIANDOHA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CULINARY DELIGHTS Enjoy a relaxing arrival and departure as we whisk you across the water to island exclusivity. Savour the intrigue of contemporary buffet dining - choosing the best local specialties or diverse world flavours. Take advantage of a spa and wellness saving to nurture yourself. Whether you’re interested in relaxation, detoxing, fitness, weight loss, yoga or alternative therapy, we invite you to feel good your way at the Middle East’s first and only wellness centre. While for a touch of pure indulgence, Anantara Spa’s unique journeys range from traditional cleansing rituals in a Turkish hammam, to ancient Thai and Arabian therapies in over water suites.

Rates start from QAR 1,400 including:

Accommodation in a room, suite or villa Daily buffet breakfast at Azraq for 2 persons Daily dinner buffet at Azraq for 2 persons 15% savings for Anantara Spa treatments and Balance Wellness experiences Return transfers between the port and resort

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FLIPFLOPS BEACH CLUB THE GRAND HYATT DOHA has launched its new season of Flipflops Beach Club, destined to rock Doha like never before.

The team who has built this humble beach bar into the goto place in the city has been working hard throughout the summer to put together a truly awesome programme.

The venue itself has expanded and grown organically over the summer and we will keep working, listening to our customer’s needs to constantly update the venue making it your beach home from away from home. The core ethos is a casual and relaxed vibe. There’s shabby chic recycled furniture, ice pools, wooden earthy shacks, a relaxed dress code and friendly staff.

The beach club is to be opened from 5pm to 2am on Thursdays, from 1pm to 2am on Fridays and 1pm to midnight on Saturdays while we are licensed to serve strong drinks from 5pm. Happy Hour specials are offered from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday and Friday while on Saturdays it’s happy hour all night.

Starting October 5, the following weekly schedule will be introduced: - THURSDAY – ZANZIBAR – AFRO-CARRIBEAN NIGHT Kicking off with Happy Hour for after-work drinks at our Carribean themed reggae/ dancehall night every Thursday, the city’s best urban DJs will join our weekly live gig and to spice it all a live Band headlined by Christian from Barbados and his band promise to set the mood and authenticate the vibe! Moreover, you’ll be in for a treat thanks to our new tropical food and beverage selection… Don’t miss out!

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- FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS FROM 1PM – BEACH DAZE Day-time water-side venues is the new trend in Doha, Flipflops being the Trendsetter! We are opening with soft drinks, tanning, light lunch and funky tunes by the beach for some fun in the sun. And if you dont like the sand we have a grass area where you can lay out a blanket or chill in one of the hammocks and top up your tan. The ambiance is casual beach chic!

- FRIDAY FROM 4PM – SUNDOWNER SESSIONS One of the most successful entertainment brands in the city returns on October 6 with a huge Full Moon launch party; international A-list DJ Karizma will be spinning our decks all the way from Baltimore for this special occasion!

The only cure for that Friday feeling has been shaking up the city since 2011 and this season we have some amazing events planned for which we are collaborating top talent in the city to make this a weekly event you can’t afford to miss.

- SATURDAY FROM 5PM – REVIVAL Our homage to the pop classics of yesteryear with DJ Steve Paris. Boogie on down to the top tracks and favourites from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s while enjoying our special all night Happy Hour! ✤

GO: CALL 448 1234 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Fun never sleeps

Come say hello to us at the new Holiday Inn Doha - The Business Park We’ve just opened in bustling Doha and we’d love to make new friends. So book now and enjoy our opening specials.

Call +974 4031 3333 and join IHG® Rewards Club to enjoy all these and more member exclusive benefits.

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• SOCIETY

# I L L U S I O N # R O O F T O P # L O U N G E # AT #MARSA #MAL AZ #KEMPINSKI #THE #PEARL #DOHA Venture into the world of Illusion. Three rooms, one fantastical restaurant and lounge experience, where your every fancy will be tickled. It’ll tease your senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – with opulent flavours and an immersive music line-up.

It’s a modern mix of oldeworlde and new: Club privé meets sumptuous boudoir lounge, fresh DJ sounds meet gentlemen’s cigar lounge, a discreet hideaway meets the open azure waters of The Pearl. It’s a voluptuous setting that will have you second guessing your own perceptions. No night can ever be the same as was witnessed at the season opening party in September!

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CREATIVE CALLING Both Qatar and the Gulf have become places where small businesses are flourishing. FACT turns the spotlight on some of the country’s and the region’s most unique and successful entrepreneurial efforts…

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• ENTREPRENEUR 101

The Edit Boutique

Meddy

INSTAGRAM: @the_edit_qa

INSTAGRAM: @meddy_co

WEBSITE: www.theeditqa.com

WEBSITE: www.meddy.co

Filling women’s wardrobes with a slew of distinctive and runway-ready styles for over a year now, The Edit Boutique Qatar is what fashion dreams are made of! Attracting style-conscious clientele from Qatar and beyond, the supremely chic boutique is all about delivering on-trend and quality collections with honest and friendly customer care. Offering edited collections from an array of international designers including Lilla P, Bitte Kai Rand and Beaumont Organic to name but a few, this luxury shopping store is all set to slay your fashion game.

With a quirky and eclectic piece waiting to fit all of your fashion staples, The Edit Boutique is changing lives, one wardrobe at a time!

Founded in September 2014 by two students united by a shared passion, Meddy understands how central the doctor-patient relationship is to the practice of quality healthcare. Meddy is an online platform that helps people living in Qatar connect with the best doctors based on patient reviews, credentials, clinic location as well as specialisation. Borne out of a lack of medical online presence, this noble startup ensures every patient gets the most out of their doctor’s visit.

With assisting the public in finding the best help as their modus operandi, Meddy is changing the course of doctor-patient interaction-and they’re just getting started!

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YOUR FRENCH CAFÉ IN THE HEART OF SOUQ WAQIF Delicious French pastries are back in the Souq.

Rediscover La Patisserie and its new delightful collection of cakes, crêpes, made-to-order sandwiches and more.

As winter approaches, sit back and unwind on our beautiful terrace or inside our stylish café where you can enjoy a light mouth-watering meal.

Or choose to order takeaway and still savour all the appetizing choices: quiches, macaroons, éclair and other decadent pastries to add “Ooh la la!” to your day.

Souq Waqif, P.O. Box 3496 . Doha, Qatar T +974 4433 6666 . F +974 4433 6660 E res.vswq@minor.com . tivolihotels.com fact magazine

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Doha Delivery

Q Cab

WEBSITE: www.doha-delivery.com

WEBSITE: www.qcabonline.wordpress.com

Stuck in the same old food rut? Let Doha Delivery get you out of your dining dilemma with a mouthwatering selection of cuisines! Offering a vast library of delivery menus just a click away, Doha Delivery aims to provide you the most delicious food near you, delivered right to your door. Combining all the best places to eat in Doha with the booming world of online delivery, it is one of the first Doha-grown e-businesses and is constantly working to bring the latest innovations to the digital delivery world. Just select your food, pay online and receive your delivery at homedigging into your favourite food has never been this easy!

Founded in September 2014 by two students united by a shared passion, Meddy understands how central the doctor-patient relationship is to the practice of quality healthcare. Meddy is an online platform that helps people living in Qatar connect with the best doctors based on patient reviews, credentials, clinic location as well as specialisation. Borne out of a lack of medical online presence, this noble startup ensures every patient gets the most out of their doctor’s visit.

With assisting the public in finding the best help as their modus operandi, Meddy is changing the course of doctor-patient interaction-and they’re just getting started!

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Urban Point

Magaza

INSTAGRAM: @urbanpointdoha

INSTAGRAM: @magaza_me

WEBSITE: www.urbanpoint.com

WEBSITE: www.magaza.me

Intrigued and motivated by Qatar’s fast-growing market for entrepreneurial initiatives, Saif Qazi and Susanna Ingalls dropped everything to move to Qatar and solve the problem of under exposure and low resource utilisation among small businesses. With their aim of injecting something fresh and innovative into Qatar’s flourishing entrepreneurial scene, Urban Point was launched.

A mobile application offering you the best deals in Qatar, it connects you to hundreds of amazing discounts and buy one get one free offers every month. With amazing deals on restaurants, spas, beauty centers and a number of fun attractions in Qatar- Urban Point is the only lifestyle companion you need!

With the aim of reviving the country’s traditional arts and crafts culture while helping them reach their full potential, Magaza is an e-commerce brand dedicated to handcrafted and locally made products. Magaza presents the first integrated e-commerce platform for small local businesses by catering to their needs and providing a streamlined shopping experience. Shopping is made super easy and hassle-free with their supremely well organised system of delivery, payment as well as communication issues. Apart from offering a flexible platform for sellers, the platform also delivers a library of consultation and professional advice as well as intelligence and analytical tools.

A total win-win all around!

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ShababFalcon

eGrab

WEBSITE: www.shababfalcon.com

WEBSITE: www.egrab.qa

Bringing shoppers and retailers together since 2015, ShababFalcon is your one stop destination for everything from fashion to everyday stuff and services in Doha. Qatar’s first ever online fashion platform, ShababFalcon enables customers to place orders for exciting new fashion brands and products from Qatar and around the region with the promise of delivering within 24 hours or less.

Using the most user friendly online and mobile experience, ShababFalcon provides you the most hassle free customer shopping experience.

Curated brand suggestions, superior customer services and next day delivery- it does not get any better than this!

Put a stop to endless hours spent ruminating in the grocery store aisles with an alternative approach to getting the job done! eGrab aims to make grocery shopping less of a chore by providing the best delivery experience by using the available hypermarkets and limo drivers. With an optimistic outlook on Doha’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, eGrab presents an efficient system that allows customers to get their groceries delivered at their doorstep from some of the best A-class hypermarkets, all while keeping track of their deliveries in real-time. As for the future, platform users can look forward to expansion and long-term plans that will provide a much more efficient and precise experience for its users. ✤

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SPEND YOUR FRIDAY’S AT Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market at Grand Hyatt Doha Get an outstanding Chatuchak Weekend Market food experience, every Friday for brunch from 12:30 - 3:30 pm at award winning Thai restaurant Isaan.

Walk around and explore market like stalls including curry, Pad Thai, Tom Yum Pla and more Thai favorites.

290 per Person with Soft beverage package 399 per person with the Special beverage package

QAR QAR

For reservations and enquiries please call 7021 8097.

Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS West Bay Lagoon, P.O. Box 24010, Doha, State of Qatar doha.grand.hyatt.com | Facebook.com/GrandHyattDoha HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2017 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

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THE KING OF ROSES At the age of 14, Ebraheem Al Samadi dived into the world of business and two years later, he was working 80-hour weeks to build a future for himself and his family. FACT caught up with the Kuwaiti-American entrepreneur and CEO of Forever Rose London to talk start-ups, challenges and why the Gulf region is an ideal place for small businesses to thrive…

H

i Ebraheem! Your family has been in the retail empire for many decades now – did you find that you naturally carried an entrepreneurial gene?

I feel I was attracted to entrepreneurship from a very young age. At 14, I launched my first business out of my mother’s Florida apartment, selling off-season clothing and items on eBay, a stint which eventually earned me one of eBay’s “1000 Power Sellers” awards. I reflect on the experience as a great learning curve because it further developed my understanding of brand awareness, sales strategies and how to visually package products for customer appeal.

After appealing to the Senator of Florida to fast track my secondary studies and allow me to earn his High School Diploma in the ninth grade, I joined the full time workforce at the age of 16. I worked as a lifeguard and salesman by day and visual merchandiser by night and those 80 hour weeks allowed me to financially support my newly single mother and young sister whilst saving enough liquid capital to invest in my first company, EHA LLC, at the age of 17.

The structure of EHA LLC allowed me to import products from California and China to sell in Florida’s speciality retail market, via kiosks and RMUs (merchandising units). I moved to Dubai in 2010, founding Forever Rose and Al Samadi Group, continuing to grow its retail portfolio and expanding business interests across the Middle East, with Dubai as the operational hub.

How did Forever Rose begin – did you ever think you’d get into the florist business?

The idea was in fact an existing events company based in London, and when I first came across “Forever Rose” I was just blown away.

We decided to purchase the concept as we saw great potential to launch it in the Middle East as a luxury gifting company. I wanted to turn this enchanting product into a world class luxury

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retail experience in this region, and since bringing Forever Rose to the UAE in 2014, we have poured our heart and soul into the company which has continued to grow at an unprecedented rate.

We considered something as beautiful and unique as the Forever Rose a fantastic fit for our market who love this type of product, so we launched our first store in Abu Dhabi in 2014 and have since steadily expanded with seven additional stores across the UAE, and a further 20 stores throughout the GCC planned over the coming 24 months.

Alongside our flowers, we are continuing to innovate, create and add various new elements to the Forever Rose collection to meet the high demand we experience from clients who have a very strong attachment to our brand. We felt there was a lot of potential and sense in taking that gifting experience to the next level, and will continue to bring new and exciting Forever Rose concepts to the market on a monthly basis. Ultimately, Forever Rose is about creating magical memories which stand the test of time. We love being part of our clients’ important moments in life, and a brand which cultivates love, joy and peace.

As a young Kuwaiti-American, do you think the world of business is more open and filled with opportunity in the Gulf – why do you think that is?

Absolutely. I think that the world of business is open for opportunities in the Gulf because it is a very new region, and not a mature market such as Europe or the United States. There is so much room for businesses to grow and thrive, and there is so much opportunity in the market, you really just have to get out there and find it. While you’re looking for those opportunities you also have to remain very positive. Finding the right opportunity and the right time is often a result of putting yourself out there, forming valuable connections and remaining alert, it isn’t just a result of “luck”.

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What is it about the Gulf region that you think enables more creative start-ups and small businesses?

Small businesses require capital, and they can find it in many different ways in this region, whether it be through assisted programmes or banks, the capital is definitely available. For companies starting up, I think it’s very likely that if there is a high demand for that product or service and it is executed well, they can get often get to where they want to be relatively fast, and have a fertile platform to launch into the market. We can really reap the benefits of operating in a region which has very strong buying power and high average household income. Compared to other regions which are more developed and have much stronger competition, in the Gulf region businesses may find it easier to be seen, strike the right partnerships and be successful.

As a successful entrepreneur – can you share your top three tips or advice for anyone who may be struggling to “make it”?

For emerging entrepreneurs I would firstly say enter into business for the right reasons. Don’t enter the market to hurt competitors or for disingenuous purposes. Seek to bring something new to the world which serves an unmet need or desire. Be creative, original and have business ethics, because your name is everything. If you develop a bad reputation and do nothing to rectify that, you’ll have have a bleak future ahead of you in business.

I also preach treating your employees well and with the utmost respect. They are the face of your company and the way they are treated by senior management has a trickle down effect.

Employees who are happy, healthy and secure will bring a positive attitude to the workplace and not only treat each other with that same respect, but will impart this feel good sense of positivity upon The term entrepreneur is attached to many things nowadays – your customers and clients, and in turn help to create a more loyal what does it mean to you? and engaged customer base. Also, try your best to stay away from To me an entrepreneur is someone that does everything in their power loans because it is borrowed money, meaning you’ll only have to to make a business or entity successful from their own endeavours, pay back a lot more than you took on the day. resources, attitude and behaviour. I think an For aspiring leaders, I also believe there are entrepreneur is also a visionary, someone three characteristics that one should possess. who can see where they want to be. I also Number one, to be a balanced and fair “SEEK TO BRING SOMETHING NEW see an entrepreneur as someone who is able person. Number two, you should be TO THE WORLD WHICH SERVES to work independently and is somewhat of a openminded. Number three, you must have AN UNMET NEED OR DESIRE. BE CREATIVE, ORIGINAL AND HAVE leader. They will not take no for an answer. It experience within your field, as no one is BUSINESS ETHICS, BECAUSE YOUR is a person with a very strong drive, the drive going to follow you if you don’t know where NAME IS EVERYTHING.” for success and peace of mind that they have you’ve been and have a road map for where achieved all the sought to achieve. you’re going. I’d also have to throw in one final quality which is generosity, and I believe What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your it goes a very long way. entrepreneurial journey and how did you overcome these?

I think when you first arrive to the Middle East and don’t have Who or what has and still is your biggest inspiration in business? experience in the region, you are likely to face different cultural I would say my father, because my father has always led a team clashes. When I first came to Dubai I originally expected to hire and has given me inspiration and wisdom that I apply on a daily all my colleagues from the United States, however when I arrived basis. Without him I probably would not have reached where I am I realised it was not possible, and I needed to work with what was today. He shares with me many succinct, logical, inspiration pieces available in the market. Another funny thing is that the law firms and of advice which has certainly changed my life for the better. government entities here work in such a different way to how they do in the States or anywhere else in the world. I wouldn’t say that What are some of your future business goals? we face problems as such, but we do at times experience our own The next goal I have is to own my own land, so I can have my own set of challenges when it comes to navigating the regulations. In entire operations facility, and construct a large accommodation Dubai there are new laws being passed constantly and we all have building to offer all of my employees a permanent place of to educate ourselves on these changes as they come to ensure residence here in the UAE. I want them to feel secure about having we thoroughly understand the environment within which we are a nice place to live and not worry about renting and moving from operating and adapt our businesses accordingly. place to place. I’d also offer them an interest-free payment package Another big challenge we face is finding the right partners whom we for that to ensure they have peace of mind. My next goal is also can trust and that will have our vision at heart. I have a very strong to expand internationally and throughout the US. And ultimately I vision for where I want to take the company so it can be difficult want to create the best working experience and best brand in the when there is a clash and the vision of our partners is misaligned. world’s floral market. ✤ Finding the correct strategic partners and contractors can also be challenging, particularly when it comes to shared beliefs and values.

We often find people are purely driven by first and foremost by financial gain, whereas we alway focus primarily on the overarching vision of making dreams come true, and creating a safe, inspiring and GO: FOLLOW @FOREVERROSELONDON ON INSTAGRAM happy working environment for our employees.

FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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BARE CHOCOLATES With its funky packaging and eco-friendly ethos, Bare Chocolates has become one of Bahrain’s biggest and most popular home-grown ventures. FACT’s Shabana Adam caught up with May Mahmoud, the lady behind the fair trade business, to learn more about this artisanal chocolatey yumminess.

I

n what could be described as every child’s dream, May Mahmoud has grown up surrounded by chocolates and sweets – her family’s business, Tariq Pastries, which was established in 1983 has grown to have six much-loved locations in Bahrain. Naturally, the exposure to this sweet world allowed May to develop a taste for fine ingredients and unusual flavour combinations from a very young age.

“Years later, I lived in Paris where I trained as a pastry chef at the Cordon Bleu to learn many of the classic techniques involved in pastry and chocolate making,” May tells us. “It was very much a period of learning for me. Paris is a laboratory of ideas when it comes to confectionary and I would spend my days exploring the offerings at the city’s many patisseries that would combine exotic flavours from all over the world; like Darjeeling infused éclairs at Fauchon or Matcha flavored confections at Toraya.”

Through these worldly experiences, May realised just how food can serve as a bridge between cultures. Upon her return to Bahrain, she started her own business of creating custom cakes and pastries for private events, specifically treats that combined local flavours such as rose water, pistachio, saffron and cardamom with the French pastry techniques she had learned in Paris.

“But, over time I also began to think about making that cross-cultural culinary experience accessible to a broader audience, and for me the chocolate bar was the perfect starting point,” May explains. “In addition to being a universal shared experience, it also lends itself to experimentations in flavors and cultural fusions.”

Bare Chocolates came to life based on this idea. As a classic entrepreneurial story, it was a dream shared between May and her brother Tariq. fact magazine

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They wanted to create the Middle East’s first artisanal chocolate bar. And so they did!

After much of their own travels and research, the siblings found that consumers in the Gulf could easily tell the difference between cheap and premium chocolate. On top of that, the choice of high-quality chocolate bars in the Middle East were very limited, expensive or, simply, didn’t reflect the distinctive tastes of this region.

“Acquiring experience as an entrepreneur comes through trial and error as well as learning and growing from one’s mistakes,” May admits. “Before embarking on any project, it’s also important to surround oneself with experienced entrepreneurs and take the time to listen to their advice, and that has helped me along the way.”

Fast forward and today you’ll find the colourful Bare Chocolates bars on supermarket shelves and at selected stores. What makes these indulgent delights special is their use of local flavours made with a combination of all-natural ingredients and the classic techniques of Swiss chocolatiers.

May’s day-to-day is kept exciting with constant experimentation of flavours that reflect the Gulf’s culinary traditions and would appeal to diverse consumers.

“Our flavours include dark chocolate infused with organic orange, candied ginger, lemon and black pepper. Gradually we hope to expand the line to include specialty items as well as free-standing stores,” she says. “It’s important for us to create flavours that pair well with dark chocolates.

Our intent is to expand the line thoughtfully and continued strive for a great-tasting, quality product.”

May has succeeded in creating a company that’s committed to quality, environmental sustainability, and ethical business practices. As a result, Bare Chocolates is Fair Trade certified to ensure the cocoa farmers they work with receive a fair price and are able to provide their families with better nutrition, access to healthcare, education and reinvest in their farms.

“We have also partnered with Myclimate to reduce our carbon emissions by printing our packaging on recycled materials,” May shares. “As the first organic and Fair Trade chocolate bar in the Middle East, our founding principle is to produce the finest artisanal chocolate bars in the region in an entirely ethical and sustainable manner. All of our ingredients are carefully screened to ensure they meet our standards for social and environmental responsibility.”

On that saccharine note, the only thing left to do now is choose our favourite Bare flavour! ✤ 44

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What does the term entrepreneur mean to you?

For me, it’s about pursuing one’s passions and dreams. It’s not an easy path, so you have to take on a project you believe in, in order to see it all the way through regardless of the obstacles that come your way. I think the ultimate goal for each of us is to not only create the kind of job that satisfies you, but also creating an opportunity to give back in some way or take on a cause that is dear to one’s heart.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in business?

I’m blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who’ve not only supported me throughout my career but each in their own way taught me lessons that I took with me into my own business.

I think listening is one of the most underrated skills, but you need to be open to learning from others in order to grow.

Share your top three tips or advice for anyone who may be struggling to “make it”?

- Gain experience as well as network first by working at a start up in order to understand what it takes to launch one’s own business.

- Find mentors who can provide advice based on experience and help guide you in your decisions.

- Start small and to gain an understanding of the industry your entering and gradually grow and evolve your business.

GO: FOLLOW @BARECHOCOLATES ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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LITTLE WHITE KETTLE What makes the perfect cup of tea? Does it start with the plant, is it about the blend, or is it purely the flavour? Zaynab Hasan, a tea enthusiast with a passion for all things herbal speaks to Shabana Adam about her home-grown entrepreneurial journey.

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Z

aynab’s entrepreneurial efforts began in 2015 when she was going to start a clothing line. “It didn’t workout for me,” she recalls. “I fell asleep that night all upset, because I’d always wanted to have my own business.

I woke up from a beautiful dream of little girls dressed in white, picking flowers from my garden and placing them in a white kettle.”

And that’s when it hit her; Zaynab’s grandma loved growing her own herbs so the Bahrain-based tea grower asked her gran for help. “It wasn’t easy at all since I had no experience in gardening or with tea,”she says. “There were a few ups and downs with the climate and some plants would just never grow.”

The biggest challenges for Zaynab included everything from the weather to keeping the plants alive and balancing college projects with orders. But, since this inspiring impromptu dream, Zaynab has faced and overcome many of the technical and personal challenges through trial and error, and, of course, patience and practice.

The Gulf region has been a blessing for Zaynab who believes that the supportive community around her and everyone’s willingness to help, really keeps the entrepreneurial spirit strong. Not to mention, there’s true appreciation for local talent too.

Accrediting her motivation to both her mother and father as well as her beloved grandma, much of Zaynab’s voyage into the small business arena has seen the support of her family. “The biggest thanks to miss Jane Pettigrew from the UK Tea Academy who helped to boost my tea knowledge back in January when I took a course as a tea sommelier,” Zaynab mentions.

The million dollar question: what makes the perfect cup of tea? ““A perfect cup of tea is made with positivity and love,” Zaynab tells us.

“Your feeling whilst brewing a cup is very important. Positive vibes only!”

Some of the herbalist’s future goals include: getting better at time management to avoid stress when under pressure; to spread the word about the importance of herbal plants and the benefits of each one; to change lifestyles by encouraging to drop the caffeine and drink healthy blends; and biggest of all – to open up a Victorian Tea Room and Patisserie.

“I also want to expand my knowledge about tea, you can never know enough, there’s just so much to learn about herbalism,” Zaynab says.

For this herb-friendly lady, an entrepreneur is an independent individual who can manage heavy responsibilities and multitask all by themselves – things that big companies would have several people handle. Why? Because Zaynab has done just that – she’s grown her business from the grassroots, literally, and the only way now is UP! ✤

GO: FOLLOW @LITTLEWHITEKETTLE ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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TIPS TO START-UP SUCCESS JUST A FEW WORDS OF ADVICE TO INSPIRE, MOTIVATE AND KEEP YOUR DREAMS ALIVE!

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- FIND YOUR NICHE Who will your business serve? Will you fill a gap in the market? Why should people invest and believe in your brand? Find what’s missing and team it with your passion – you’re not a start-up that’s here to copy and paste, you want to make your own mark and leave an imprint.

- BE BRAVE Taking risks is challenging. Trusting people to help bring your vision to life can also be frustrating, but these are either elements that will pay off in the end or lessons that you will learn from. It’s now or never!

- HUSTLE HARD Entrepreneurs are known to eat, live and breathe their business. You are your own boss, so motivation and drive has to come from within. Only you can push yourself to your limits and this is the time to walk the walk.

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- STAY FOCUSED It’s easy to get distracted by all the noise and naysayers, but once you have a solid idea, business plan and all things in place to make it work, it’s important to keep your head in the game and dedicate your attention towards your entrepreneurial dreams.

- USE YOUR RESOURCES Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Rome wasn’t built in a day – in fact, every good business has had many brains behind it. Tap into your network and make use of those all-important connections or turn to friends and family for support – you’ll be surprised at how many people want to help.

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- ADAPT TO GROW Move with the times.

Something you envisioned five years ago, may not work in today’s fast-changing landscape.

It’s ok to let go of ideas that were once dear to your heart, especially if they will deter your business from growing to its full potential. Head over heart isn’t always a bad thing!

- LET YOUR ACTIONS SPEAK Ever heard of the saying: make moves and less announcements? It’s important to keep your word and deliver what you promised right to the end. It may not work, it may not be as successful as you wanted it to be, but it will say a lot of positive things about you as a person and a business owner if you follow through and execute your plans with passion. ✤

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Abu DhAbi & bAhrAin

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8/31/14 11:13 AM

CITY SLICKER

CRAIG FERRIMAN CHECKED INTO MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTRE DOHA AND HAD AN UNAPOLOGETIC WEEKEND OF HIGHFLYING PAMPERING.

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he Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha should come as no great revelation if you live in Qatar. The two twin towers that stand at one end of the City Centre mall and tower over West Bay are a prominent feature of the capital’s skyline. I stepped inside to find what lies within one of the most popular and prominent hotel addresses for a weekend staycation.

The Marriott is vast. The lobby is longer and wider than a subway platform. You’re immediately greeted by a half a dozen staff tending to your every need from taking your luggage, to handing you water to assisting you with checking in. Their watchword is speed. I stayed in the north tower on the thirty-fifth floor and you won’t be surprised to read that my view was not obscured by anything. I woke up to the sea view as the sun rose over the Persian Gulf. I could look down at the bustling streets below and the chaotic city centre mall and feel shrouded in an oasis of peace and simplicity, Whether doing business in the city or just treating yourself to some five-star pampering, this hotel will serve you well. It boasts an Olympic sized outdoor pool that is popular at the weekend with families but largely your own the rest of the time to either lie flat in the temperature controlled water or perfect your one minute mile! The crisp cool water was the perfect antidote to the searing summer temperatures.

Their spa is modern and very elegantly designed. On the same level as the pool area but discretely hidden away, you can while away a couple of hours away being pampered with a relaxing body scrub or give those tense muscles some attention with a deep tissue massage. My masseur tailored everything to my needs, easing the pressure when

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“

“You can have that sense of getting away but if you want to dive back in to real life you can.”

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WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT •

it got too much and applied my choice or oil, a soothing and healthy chamomile.

There is a hammam and sauna as well as a relaxium where you can sip tea and unwind leaving the world’s stresses and strains with the kindly receptionist who can return them to you afterwards if you want them back!

Location is always important, is it not?

Here you can have that sense of getting away but if you want to dive back in to real life you can. The hotel has its own back door access to the City Centre mall so you can actually enter the shopping complex without ever leaving the hotel. It’s useful if like me, you forgot your toothbrush or want to make a few purchases without driving all

the way out to a high maintenance mall.

The cinema and food court is just inside the Marriott’s side door so you haven’t got far if you’re on the hunt for entertainment.

Saying that, I would avoid the food court because you’ve got more than enough options inside the hotel. You’ll not get hungry staying here as I quickly learned. I had dinner at Ipanema which is their answer to a Brazilian churrascaria (or barbecue). While a few portraits of Copacabana beach may not instantly make you feel like you’re at carnival in Brazil, the food fortunately does transport you there. To add some fun, there is a place mat which is red one side and green the other.

If you’re mat is red-side up it means you want a break or you’ve had enough but if you leave it green-side up, it means, bring it on, I want some more. I tucked into their buffet of healthy salads and a vast range of seafood to start off before the fun got going and a raft of waiters hurriedly ran riot with different cuts of meat on skewers ready to carve some slivers for me. I most certainly got my fill. All meat is freshly imported, the chef told me and it’s sourced far and wide for the best possible quality.

Breakfast is taken care of in Crossroads which is their mainstay restaurant which is a large and impressive buffet with international options from Europe, America, India and the Middle East plus the staff will cook items to order like their mean ‘omelette of the day’ which they managed to fit a little of everything possible into!

The award-winning New York Steakhouse is located at this property as is the Italian restaurant, Cucina, both of which I’ve tried and highly recommend. Quickbites on the lobby level is ideally suited to grabbing a quick snack and coffee if you’re having a snappy business meeting.

And sports lovers will easily veer to Champions, a bar that aims to show every sport being aired on television at any given moment, or at least it feels that way! ✤

CALL 4446 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

PALATIAL LIVING WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF SPAIN, IS THERE ANY BET TER PL ACE TO HAUL UP THAN A 19TH CENTURY PAL ACE? FACT DISCOVERED THE SIGHTS, THE SHOPPING AND THE STREETS OF MADRID WITH A STAY AT THE 5-STAR GRAN MELIÁ PAL ACIO DE LOS DUQUES.

W

hen in Madrid, book yourself into a palace!

In the centre of the city stands the stunning Elizabethan façade that is the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques (Gran Meliá Palace of the Dukes). It’s privileged location means that you can let your tourist 101 out in full force; you’re practically on the doorstep of some of the most important monuments in the city, including the Royal Palace, Royal Theatre and the Cathedral of the Almudena, not to mention the abundant plazas and squares packed with some of the best bars, cafés, restaurants and snack stops.

In fact, the hotel’s position is SO good, that you needn’t use local transport to get around – you can walk pretty much everywhere, and one of the best things about being so central is that every corner you turn has something beautiful to see – perfect for your insta feed!

Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is an architectural feast for the eyes (and your snapchat!). The building is a blend of vintage splendour, timeless luxury and delicate contemporary touches with an avant-garde flair. Even though you’re right in the heart of the city buzz, once you’ve stepped in through the doors of this gorgeous property, the calm and quiet is blissful. The palace itself is located on the site of what used to be one of the most important convents in Europe in the 13th century, the Convent of Santo Domingo. Today, the Meliá hospitality brand has managed to successfully maintain the character and elegance of the original structure: the residence of the Dukes of Granada de Ega. One of the major highlights of the property and a huge tick in our books is the spectacular and historically-important 1000m² garden which is unbelievably tranquil and peaceful to walk through. Greenery in the middle of busy city life? Yes, please!

We arrive to a warm welcome where the front desk staff are attentive and fast with the check-in process. As we head up to our Supreme Room with a polite and helpful bellboy in the lift, we’re told that the hotel’s interior is inspired by the work of the famous Spanish painter Velázquez, whose creativeness acts as a muse for the elegant and exquisitely designed rooms. More specifically, Las Meninas, the Velázquez masterpiece, is the motivation behind the decor of the fact magazine

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Huge windows glorify the utter beauty of Madrid whilst natural light pours into the room, highlighting the ochre tones and classical atmosphere.

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rooms at the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques. The colour palette, the sharp, clean lines and fine textiles, have all been selected with the greatest of skill to recreate classical elegance with a modern flair.

All the rooms feature the latest technology, exquisite furniture and luxurious bathroom details to ensure you enjoy a unique experience of rest, comfort and style in the heart of the Madrid of the Austrias.

When we enter our Supreme Room, it’s evident that the utmost attention to detail has gone into its formation. Huge windows glorify the utter beauty of Madrid whilst natural light pours into the room, highlighting the ochre tones and classical atmosphere. There’s nothing but space in this 38sqm room where the comfiest king size bed makes for some of the best siestas and sleeps and the small living area is a restful addition, whilst the magnificent bathroom is all-inviting with its amazing tub and rain shower with waterfall effect. Under floor heating and the delicate perfume of the Clarins bathroom amenities will be a fabulous reminder of why the Meliá brand is great at making you fall in love with hotels over and over again.

Punctuating the traditional setting of the rooms is all the latest technology; electronic door locks, safe with charger for a laptop, three phone lines, a 59-inch LED TV with HUB and HDMI and USB connections, a choice of more than 60 international channels, dock station with speakers, charger and radio-alarm as well as all your regular amenities of a mini bar, plush robes and slippers, free Wi-Fi, pillow menu and much more, is all included when staying in a Supreme Room. When you’ve got it ALL, is there even any point of leaving?

Now, let’s talk dining. The hotel has three restaurants, two cocktail bars, a tea corner and outdoor areas with different gastronomic options. Of all the culinary offerings, it’s Dos Cielos Madrid by Hermanos Torres that gets the foodie crowd talking. Located in the area previously occupied by the Palace stables, and with an outdoor area in the historic garden, the restaurant’s menu is comprised of some of the Torres brothers’ (who have one Michelin Star) most emblematic dishes along with a menu inspired by the area of Madrid of the Austrias; Castilian and historic, along with classic allusions that have been recovered with a touch of creativity. This is the place to go for a friendly and fine-dining atmosphere and a true taste of old-school local favourites with a special twist. For special occasion dinners or even as a treat during your stay, this place won’t disappoint!

For us, it was the excellent breakfast that made the start to each day brighter and easier. We tucked into everything from varied egg concoctions to the most delicious pastries and everything in between, ready to conquer the city after fuelling up. Any place that does a good breakfast is an automatic 10 out of 10 on the Ohlala checklist.

For those of you who are there to shop, get ready for major fashion envy.

Gran Via, the high street of all high streets is mere minutes away. Known as the ‘Broadway’ of Madrid, this is where you’ll find popular brands like Zara, Bershka, H&M, Salsa and many more. Stop off for a snack at one of the many quaint cafes serving delicious churros (crispy sticks of fried batter) with chocolate sauce, before continuing up Calle Fuencarral or Calle Hortaleza, dotted with cute vintage shops. One of the city’s oldest district and Madrid’s multicultural heart, Lavapies is where African, Indian and Asian influences come to life with charming restaurants and street-market-style shops. Surrounding the hotel area are the narrow streets of La Latina, in Madrid’s Old Town. A hidden gem packed with chic shops that you’ll spend hours

wondering. Serrano is another area you might want to check out; it’s one of the trendiest and most expensive neighborhoods of Madrid, where travellers will find luxurious shops located in what were once small palaces.

When you’ve had your fill of the city, Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is the best place to return to and make use of excellent facilities. There’s a breathtaking swimming pool and jacuzzi on the top floor overlooking the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral and the famous district of the Austrias, with a solarium and cocktail bar. For fitness fans, a 24-hour gym with next gen machines is the great to get your heart racing, while the unqiue Thai Room Wellness features four massage cabins, sauna, Turkish bath, therapeutic shower, changing room and showers. Here, the most exquisite treatments provided by expert Thai therapists will help to relax your mind and body, renewing your energy for another day in the great Spanish capital.

Much like many of its sister properties, the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is another 5-star win for Meliá, a hospitality giant that keeps on impressing us with its many thoughtful elements. This hotel is more than just a place to stay, it’s an extraordinary way of life and, just like us, you’re going to find it very hard to leave this stylish living! ✤

CALL (0)4 414 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

# Q ATA R # S U M M E R # F E S T I VA L #2017 After more than two months of exciting celebrations across the nation, Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) came to a close.

The country’s longest running festival kicked off in June, to coincide with Eid Al Fitr, and continued through to Eid AlAdha, offering Qatar’s locals, residents and visitors a variety of attractive hospitality, retail and entertainment options.

The QSF centerpiece and family favourite, Entertainment City alone attracted 145,000 visitors to its activities held at DECC throughout the festival. The conclusion of QSF, marked the end of a series of vibrant festivals held in 2017.

Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and delivered by private sector partners, the events were designed to energise the country’s retail and hospitality sectors and boost tourism contribution to the national economy.

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FLUID SYMPHONIES ANIMA GALLERY IS BRINGING ART LOVERS IN DOHA ANOTHER FABULOUS EXHIBITION TO LET YOUR CREATIVE SIDE OUT TO PLAY. THIS TIME, MONGOLIAN ARTIST ZHENG LU BRINGS HIS UNIQUE COLLECTION OF WORK TO THE CITY.

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• ARTS SPOTLIGHT

A

lthough what we can see in Zheng Lu’s work is a symphony of shapes and characters, spaces, light and shadows, one can easily imagine the tremendous workload among the characters’ transcriptions, trans-printing and re-grouping, as well as the cutting, welding and polishing of metals. Zheng Lu may be one of the few artists who keep their hands dirty while making art, which no doubt is a precious thing.

Art since the 20th century, from the early Avant-garde to the later Conceptualism, seems to have already experienced a complete cycle: from cancelling motifs, back to the media nature of art itself, then moving towards an emphasis on reality and conceptual nature. Today, we appear to have already entered an era of panconceptualism, we pay attention to what the artists are saying, but rarely care about how they say it. We see concepts as objects, and techniques

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as containers: the former is fundamental; the latter is incidental.

The pursuit of a conceptual foundation, on one hand, has made art obtain its focus on the philosophy of the world and reality; on the other hand, this has pushed the system of today’s art production into a muddle of utilitarianism. When we are so pleased with the artists’ narratives of Conceptualism, we more or less ignore the necessity of an artist’s techniques and the existence of his bare hands; thus, we find the hands of artists are getting cleaner; therefore, the art is getting easier. Perhaps because of this, we can see numerous solo exhibitions, group exhibitions, biennials, triennials, art fairs and auctions taking place on a daily basis. We are surrounded by a flood of catalogues and irresponsible criticisms.

“

“We see concepts as objects, and techniques as containers: the former is fundamental; the latter is incidental.”

ARTS SPOTLIGHT •

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ARTS SPOTLIGHT •

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ARTS SPOTLIGHT •

Some critics often utilize the relationship between the imagery and the words in Zheng Lu’s work as a point of entry, thus attempting to outline the artist’s conceptual path. However, in my opinion, Zheng Lu’s work seems more of a narrative of narratives. He employs texts, characters and later constantly appearing appropriated images.

Ancient poems, his father’s and former generations’ calligraphy, Buddha statues from the era of The Republic of China (1912-1949), a cornet from Chinese opera — all these are remains of countless others’ narratives. What he does is integrate different narratives of language and imageries from different periods of time, carefully covering the characters and the rest onto precise and delicate forms. This carefulness actually contains many layers of meaning. First of all, the sculptures of Zheng Lu both in form and content are a process of writing transfer.

Turning text into characters, changing characters into positive and negative spaces, then plastering them onto forms, thus becoming a process of transferred writing.

If one were to say that the inclination of conceptualisation in contemporary art leads to the rationalisation of art, then Zheng Lu’s particularity or significance under the current artistic reality lies in the essence of his practice, not in the methodology of the traditional imagery, but rather, it is due to this era of overloaded imagerial narratives. He insists on the method of transferred writing that is fundamentally about discussing non-intellectual knowledge and wisdom, as well as the relationship between this kind of knowledge, wisdom and himself. In other words, his methodology also contains the possibility of a Chinese traditional way of narration and gives the artist the possibility of settling down. The texts and images chosen by Zheng Lu are often intentionally kept within a certain correspondence; characters and the hollow space where the characters are cut out, images and the lights and shadows of the images are also kept within a certain correspondence.

When in a physical space, the objects,

“

Zheng has gradually set up and improved his own logic and vocabulary in art on the basis of practice and experiment. reflections, physical characters and the hollow spaces of the works, as well as the works and the reflections in the air, these three pairs, totaling six elements, form an extremely playful and interesting visual and meaningful space. What is the most attractive to me is the relationship presented between the image and characters from the artist. From the artistic and social angles, the past is a history led by words, and since the era of Modernism, with the development of photography, images started to take the absolute lead.

Nowadays, contemporary culture is not a print culture anymore; rather, it is a visual culture. The non-stop reading of texts only seems to belong to a few intellectuals. Daniel Bell once said the reading of texts can let us adjust

the speed of acceptance, give us time to think, but images make us accept passively, only experience, leaving us no time to think and differentiate. In Zheng Lu’s works, the characters appear in textual form and the meanings surface after the regrouping, providing us with an opportunity and space of imagination. However, the forms of the artworks and the forms of the characters themselves that are indicated by these characters constantly force us to return to the visual from the imagination. This is exactly where the contemporary property of Zheng Lu’s works lies. Because the experience presented by his works, and exactly the “image and text feud” that troubles every intellectual today: on one hand, we are in the middle of an image explosion, we are dragged forward by images; one the other hand, we attempt to obtain certain analyses to be able to breathe in the irresistible movement forward.

Zheng has gradually set up and improved his own logic and vocabulary in art on the basis of practice and experiment. Substances, scripts, water, time, space, and a number of concepts are included into his aesthetic world to form an organic whole, from which derives his unique renderings. In the meanwhile, his works are also metaphoric of the diversity and the possibility of life, as well as of our response to the relation between nature, the self, and the ego. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.NYUAD-ARTGALLERY.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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CITY RIDES •

A MASERATI MASTERPIECE

THE NEW QUATTROPORTE GRANSPORT GTS

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• CITY RIDES

FACT was handed the keys and responsibility of taking care of the new Maserati Quattroporte GranSport and we accepted willingly. Having test driven scores of sports cars, it is hard to get the same excitement we once did, however, one look at the this exciting new take on the classic Quattroporte and we were smiling like Cheshire cats about to get the milk.

S

ince 1963, the Quattroporte has been pushing the boundaries of sports car ideology, being the first to lower the engine of a race car into a four-door. 50 years later, Maserati is still producing exciting new updated versions of this classic vehicle that have now landed on the shores of Qatar.

As we inspected the exterior of the vehicle, we noticed the new bumper design and a pointier, more imposing revised grill deepening the powerful shark nose effect. Larger side vents add to its aggressive presence whilst new chrome elements, lowered air vents and sporty side intakes enhance the elegance of the design. An aggressive black piano spoiler completes the rear view of the GranSport which is also fitted with 21� Titano rims and features red brake calipers as well as a gloss black finish on the bumpers. There is little uncertainty over the exterior beauty of this mechanical creation as every line and curve of the body exuded class and a promise of the spectacular driving experience to come.

The interior of the Quattroporte did not fail to live up to the promises made by its exterior. Only the finest materials and

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equipment have been used including premium Italian leathers, fine woods and handcrafted stitching. Interior features of this beautiful motor vehicle include 12-way power adjustable leather front seats which ensure you have both comfort and a perfect driving position. We loved the sport steering wheel which was both efficient and comfortable in design, providing a solid grip, giving the driver a sense of control. The central console is equipped with the very latest touch-screen infotainment system, complete with a high resolution 8.4� screen with multi-touch functionality and an additional rotary knob for volume and function control. The system is compatible with both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.

A novel new feature is the Air Quality Sensor which significantly improves the comfort for the occupants through an intelligent sensor and a signal analysis system. It calculates the external pollution levels and prevents polluted air and toxic gases from entering the cabin. This automobile does not rely on its imposing looks to sell itself. It has the power to back up its aggressive looking exterior which we experienced soon after turning onto the tarmac. This mechanical beast is powered by a 3.0 V6 petrol

CITY RIDES •

“

“WE LOVED THE POWER ON OFFER, ALL OF

engine with 350hp and boasts impressive speed and acceleration. We loved the power on offer, all of which was backed up by handling and grip second to none.

The engine comes with the ZF eightspeed automatic gearbox; ensuring precise gear changes and precision performance.

Electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and aluminium suspension are also present. There are five operating modes including Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and Increased Control & Efficiency (ICE) mode.

This allows one to customise control and performance for any conditions.

We felt like royalty as we pulled up to Euromotors in our new favourite luxury sedan. We sat in the seats for a few more minutes after turning off the engine and just soaked up the end of the experience.

We cannot stress strongly enough how amazing the new Quattroporte GranSpot is. It is a vehicle we would purchase in a second had we the funds to do so. Beauty, power, style and class, this Maserati has it all in abundance. ✤

WHICH WAS BACKED UP

BY HANDLING AND GRIP SECOND TO NONE."

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN The Foreigner WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

After losing his daughter to a senseless act of politically motivated terrorism, a humble businessman is forced to encounter the past he has tried so hard to evade. The relentless search to find his daughter’s killers leads to a cat and mouse chase with a certain British government official and his elusive past.

DIRECTOR: Martin Campbell CAST: Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

It’s “Bond vs Chan”, everyone! Martin Campbell’s latest offering sees the legendary action choreographer and martial artist facing off with everybody’s favourite sultry spy. An enticing cross between Liam Neeson’s Taken and Michael Winner’s Death Wish, the film is studded with some mind-blowing action and could be Campbell’s triumphant return to the big leagues. After the tragic demise of his daughter by a bomb set off by Irish terrorists, Quan (Jackie Chan) embarks on a revengefueled hunt to track down the names of the suspected bombers. Quan’s path to justice is marred with difficulties as British government official Hennessy (Pierce Brosnan), has some plans of his own. Chan’s dark and gritty role is a far cry from his usual comedic endeavours but is a change of pace that we can surely get behind! The Foreigner is a tale of contemplation and vengeance.

Highlights

“

Chan’s dark and gritty role is a far cry from his usual comedic endeavours but is a change of pace that we can surely get behind!

The Mountain Between Us WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

When their chartered plane crashes in the middle of nowhere, Dr. Ben Bass and photojournalist Alex Martin are left to fend for themselves in extremely unforgiving circumstances. As they realise help isn’t coming, it is up to them to forge a connection and survive the harsh elements.

– The Foreigner

DIRECTOR: Hany Abu-Assad CAST: Idris Elba, Kate Winslet

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Taking the age-old concept of “survival of the fittest” to a whole new level, this is a gorgeous tale of love born out of the most extreme circumstances. Directed

by Oscar-nominated Dutch-Israeli filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, the film sees Kate Winslet and Idris Elba wrestling against an unexpected connection as well as the vast and ruthless wilderness.

Injured and stranded after a tragic plane crash atop the Colorado mountains, the two characters undertake a terrifying journey across hundreds of miles of unbearable terrain. Apart from some crazy good acting chops, the pair looks absolutely stunning on-screen together and is reason enough to watch this amazing adventure.

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ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

Bored and Brilliant

By Manoush Zomorodi

ALT/INDIE-POP

DOUBLE DUTCHESS

By Fergie

After what feels like forever, the London Bridge hitmaker is ready to bless us with her muchawaited album. Double Dutchess, featuring Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj was released to an incredibly eager audience and we can’t say we’re disappointed. Incorporating a bit of pop, hip-hop, reggae, R&B and a whole lotta throwback, the album offers a lot of contrasts while also hinting at the singer’s personal life.

Carrying a killer concept, M.I.L.F.$ is hands down the most polarising track on the album.

In this age of generic, cookie-cutter pop, Fergie rapping about being a super-hot mom is downright revolutionary. While the track is definitely bold and ballsy, it definitely lacks the oomph of Glamorous or Pump It. If you’re a fan of the original Fergie flavour, You Already Know should be right up your alley. The song is a gentle reminder of Fergie’s legit pipes and features a nice infectious flow. While it isn’t fundamentally different to Fergie’s previous work, it definitely carries a fresh new vibe.

COUNTRY/ POP

GEMINI

Get out of your digital dilemma with this excellent compilation of ideas explaining the connection between boredom and original thinking. The book presents a series of challenges that will help readers reevaluate their the importance of “doing nothing”, with a fresh take on our relationship with our devices and its affect on our lives.

By Macklemore Macklemore is embracing the solo route in his newest offering, Gemini.

With a number of guest stars in tow, the Seattle MC’s first standalone album in twelve years sees a brand new approach to his music. Showcasing a different palette of sounds, textures and vibes, the singer has tried to infuse his own personal happiness into the music. As the singer unveiled the celebratory new song, Glorious, there was no doubt in our minds that the album is a true labour of love. With guest vocals from Skylar Grey and production from longtime collaborator Josh “Budo” Karp and Tyler Dopps, the song sees a rapid percussion and an energising piano loop. Complimented

by Grey’s gospel-tinged hook, the song oozes endless positivity and motivation and is the only feel-good anthem you need this season!

FICTION

GOODBYE, VITAMIN

By Rachel Khong When her fiancé decides to leave her for another woman, Ruth hesitatingly accepts her mother’s invitation to move back home.

Seeing her father in the throes of dementia makes her reflect on her entire life. She decides to move in for a year to help out and what follows is a family’s journey through difficult and good times.

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• PLUGGED-IN

APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR OC TOBER…

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Smart Search and Web Browser

Self-Help for Anxiety Management

If you’re someone whose smartphone is their one stop destination for all sorts of research and reading, Smart Search and Web Browser is the only app you need!

A fast and easy mobile Web Browser, the app will help you find information about anything and everything in seconds. But what makes it so much better than Opera, Firefox or Chrome is its unique switcher for search engines. When compared to other browsers, Smart Search is super easy to navigate and makes viewing webpages so much better. We are sold!

The modern world can be incredibly overwhelming and taxing and can certainly take a toll on our lives. SAMSelf-Help for Anxiety Management is a friendly app that can make sailing through life a tad bit easier. Offering a range of self-help methods, the app is perfect for anyone struggling to manage their stress levels and anxiety.

Combining established methods of selfhelp with high standards of usability, the app provides an engaging, flexible and practical resource for stress relief.

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PLUGGED-IN •

INNOVATION FOR YOUR EARS Whi le jamming out to your favourite tunes or tal king on the phone are fai rly regular activities for the most of us, S ennheis er is he re to make your listening experience a whole lot b e tter with thei r new innovation – the CX 7.00BT Ear-Canal he adphones.

In this modern era of express living and constant connectivity, faster is always the better. Be it entertainment or communication, technology is at the forefront of everything these days. With new and better innovations popping up on the daily, we’re always waiting with bated breath for the next best thing! In comes Sennheiser with new ear phones.

Backed up with more than 70 years of innovation culture, Sennheiser is all set to shape the future of audio with their new wireless CX 7.00BT Ear-Canal headphones. Specially designed for the fast-moving, always-on generation, the CX 7.00BT is the newest addition to their in-ear wireless headphone range and is ideal for all kinds of entertainment and staying in touch through your mobile devices. The newest model offers a minimalist lightweight neckband design, excellent bass-driven sound as well as a leading-edge wireless technology in an affordable pair of headphones. With wireless headphones fast becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their flexibility and ease of use, the CX 7.00BT is the only headset you need in your life. The amazing new Bluetooth neckband model is the ideal option for anyone looking for a take-anywhere, affordable headphone that offers a

crystal clear audio experience. Offering a clear, detailed sound and an enhanced bass response, the CX 7.00BT’s performance is assured by cutting-edge wireless technologies, including Bluetooth 4.1 and Qualcomm apt-X for true wireless Hi-Fi sound.

NFC one-touch pairing makes connecting to smart devices super easy; while the headphone’s multi-connection capability enables simultaneous pairing with up to two devices, including smartphones and computers. Voice calling is also made extremely convenient with an integrated microphone, 3-way calling and helpful voice prompts to notify the user of incoming calls. Can’t seem to get enough of your beloved headphones? The 10-hour battery life and the new ear-canal headphones are supremely comfortable even for long periods of use. Featuring an ergonomic around-the-neck design, they come with a choice of four sizes of ear adapters to ensure the perfect fit- a one-of-a-kind listening experience even in the busiest of environments. Get all this and more as the CX 7.00BT drops this December- Christmas present, anyone? So, is it bang for your buck? With an honest-to-goodness sound quality, this is definitely our current go-to listening gadget.

Go get yourself one and tell us if you agree! ✤ fact magazine

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357 76

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ohlala arabia.indd 1

Mob. 3377 2735 P.O. Box: 7346 Doha - Qatar fact magazine

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H&M Studio AW17 LOOKING TO THE CRE ATIVITY AND E NE RGY OF NE W YORK CITY, STRE E T ME E TS SOPHISTICAT ION FOR H&M STUDIO AW1 7 . fact magazine

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• FASHION FOCUS

WOMEN: Urban Sophistication Looking to the creativity and energy of New York City, street meets sophistication for H&M Studio Womenswear AW17. Artful prints mix effortlessly with menswear checks, while strong tailoring combines with feminine silhouettes for a powerful yet charming vibe. The collection reflects the needs of a modern woman’s wardrobe – sharp outerwear, soft dresses, flattering knits, versatile separates, statement accessories and a refined colour palette – but the frequent merging of different fabrics in a garment creates a more graphic structure and a new, fearless attitude.

Dark navy shades, oversized parkas, long-length coats, a-line skirts and many other key style elements make up the collection.

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FASHION FOCUS •

MEN: Mountain Noir Scale the heights of the traditional and hyper-new with H&M Studio’s AW17 menswear collection.

Mountaineering serves as the season’s muse, focusing on the thrilling adventure and toughness of the sport, as well as the necessary skill.

Outerwear classics such as the bomber jacket and overcoat are reworked, tactile knits feature heavily, and functional details such as integrated belts, rubberised buttons and cord stoppers are contrasted by crisp, elegant tailoring - Technical yet polished, from the mountainside to the street. Black technical nylon material, bright purple cable-knit jumpers, brushed cotton shirts, slightly tapered tailored wool blend trousers and more stylish pieces make up the collection.

GO: SHOP H&M STUDIO AW17 FROM YOUR NEAREST H&M STORE. fact magazine

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM H&M’S AW17 COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN H&M STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 80

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LOVE

AT FIRST FLIGHT

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YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

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YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

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• BEAUTY LAUNCH

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BEAUTY LAUNCH •

FENTY BEAUTY

by Rihanna SUPER S TAR R I HAN N A H A S L AUN C H ED H ER GLOBAL MAK E U P B R A N D, F EN T Y B EAUT Y AN D S HOPPE R S A R E G O IN G C R A Z Y FO R T HE SIN G E R ’ S LONG -AWA IT ED P RO D UC TS! Fenty Beauty has entered the market in an unprecedented 1,600 stores across 17 countries on one day. Beauty industry’s most anticipated launch, Fenty Beauty was created by Rihanna with a vision that’s always ahead of the game – it redefines the rules with light-as-air formulas that love to be layered, in a global lineup of shades designed for all. Rihanna was inspired to create Fenty Beauty after trying to find products that worked across all skin types and tones. With Rihanna’s mandate of inclusivity, Fenty Beauty offers a wide range of products for traditionally hard-to-match skin tones, creating formulas that work for all skin types, and pinpointing universal shades. Just like Rihanna, the brand is both edgy and feminine, with a complexion-focused product assortment developed to work together and provide everyone with Rihanna’s real-life method for killer radiance, the Fenty Face.

For the singer, the secret to radiance lies in the very first step of the Fenty Face, a soft matte filt’r — because no matter your skin type,

adding glow on glow = unwanted shine. The second step? Layer your highlight for strategically-placed glow — it’s all about lighting up where you want. Lastly, get ahead of shine by blotting on the fly, wherever and whenever; Rihanna believes that being photoready means being shine-free. Tested backstage, on stage, and in real life, The Fenty Face is the key to unlocking all of makeup’s limitless possibilities. This process is at the core of this 91-sku line, which includes 40 shades of Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation; one universal Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer; 30 magnetic Match Stix Skinsticks, in both matte and shimmer finishes to contour, correct, conceal, highlight and blush; six cream-powder hybrid Killawatt Freestyle Highlighters for face and eyes; Invisimatte Blotting Powder and Paper; one universal lip gloss known as Gloss Bomb; and a variety of application tools.

In addition to creating every detail of each product in her cosmetics collection, Rihanna also personally appointed three prestigious makeup artists to represent Fenty Beauty around the world. This Global Artistry Team includes James Kaliardos as Resident Artist, and Priscilla Ono and Hector Espinal as Global Makeup Artists.

GO: FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA IS AVAILABLE AT SEPHORA MIDDLE EAST. fact magazine

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• BEAUTY BOX

L’OCCITANE ROSE COLLECTION

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fragrance as special as the Roses et Reines deserves a worthy range of complements.

Live the purest romance every day, with this bouquet of Red Rose products. Some of our favourite products include the shower gel – a gentle foaming cleanser that caresses your skin, filling the shower with the scent of a lush garden in full bloom. It leaves a light scent on your skin that stays with you like the memory of a pure romance; then

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there’s the body milk which brings passion back to your daily routine. This light body milk glides on easily and is great for everyday use, helping to moisturise and leaving skin smelling of delicious roses and berries. The lip balm will let you pucker up with the sensual rose-flavored lip balm, to keep your lips soft and kissable all-day long. It’s the perfect companion to take with you everywhere you go, so you’re never caught off guard by the unpredictable nature of passion.

GROOMING BOX •

MOLTON BROWN COASTAL CYPRESS & SEA FENNEL

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mbodying boundless exploration into the uncharted, the fragrance captures a salt-sprayed collision of the ocean swell against rugged outcrops. As a marine scent crafted with the most unusual notes, this venturesome collection echoes Molton Brown’s own pioneering spirit. The lead ingredient has been sourced from Cape York, Australia – a remote, largely unexplored and unspoilt peninsula. The indigenous cypress oil known as ‘blue gold’ is the world’s only naturally blue essential oil distilled from a tree, which has then been unconventionally mingled with the salty breeze aromas of sea fennel, grown wild on the shoreline. This dynamic coastal fragrance makes the perfect gift for the adventurous spirit.

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• BEAUTY CHECKLIST

BeautyEssentials AS THE HUMIDITY SETTLES, NEW SKINCARE AND MAKE UP IS NEEDED TO FRESHEN UP YOUR EVERY DAY LOOK!

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Murad ADVANCED ACTIVE RADIANCE SERUM

Part of Murad’s Environmental Shield Line, the enhanced formula is clinically proven to improve brightness, clarity and radiance by 60% in less than one week. Visibly improve skin’s radiance, boost collagen production and protection against damage, all in one single step. Ideal for dark spots and hyper pigmentation!

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Aesop VIOLET LEAF HAIR BALM Give your mane a muchneeded moisture boost!

Enhanced with the subtle aroma of Violet Leaf Absolut, this exquisite shaping balm offers a botanical alternative to other harsh products while delivering volume and intense conditioning. Great for unruly and hard-to-manage hair, the balm is the Holy Grail for taming frizz and dryness in a jiffy!

Grown Alchemist AGE REPAIR MOISTURISER

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Turn back the signs of aging with ingredients like Phytopeptide and White Tea extract!

An advanced moisturiser, it noticeably restores and visibly reduces the depth and appearance of wrinkles. The White Tea improves elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while the Hyaluronic acid restores skin’s natural moisture.

Rodial PINK DIAMOND MASKS Rodial is here to make your search for the perfect sheet mask a whole lot easier.

Infused with the magical properties of Grapefruit, Diamond powder and skin tightening peptides, the mask instantly brightens, tightens and lifts the contours of your face for a flawless complexion.

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Nars PRECISION LIP LINER Take your classic matte lip to a new level of perfection! The laser-focus precision sharply defines with comfort with a clean, well-defined application for the matte lip of your dreams! Featuring a formula that saturates with budge-resistant colour, the highly pigmented formula glides on smoothly to create shape, definition and various lip-effects. Available in 26 gorgeous matte shades!

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Becca LIGHT CHASER HIGHLIGHTER Get glowing for the Gods with this ultra-creamy and kaleidoscopic highlighter. It creates an unprecedented light-reflecting glow. Its transformative formula is the perfect blend of kaleidoscopic colour and light- giving you the perfect lit from within look. The unique highlighter shifts shades as you move to create hypnotising colour luminosity. Chase the light!

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GROOMING CHECKLIST •

Grooming Essentials THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT TAKING EXTRA CARE FROM HEAD-TO-TOE WITH PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE YOUR REGIME!

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Acqua Di Parma BATH AND SHOWER GEL Your bath time just got a whole lot fancier! Infused with nourishing coconut oil, the gentle formulation cleanses and purifies the skin while wheat protein leaves it feeling silky soft.

The elegant timeless scent is filled with a fresh, luminous blend of natural ingredients and is the perfect pick-meup for lazy mornings.

Groom and nurture your beard on the regular with Beardbrand’s no-frills, fuss-free Tea Tree Beard Oil! Designed to be incredibly lightweight, the oil is made with only the finest natural blend of oils. Packed with the most crisp and fresh-smelling scent, the oil helps keep your beard conditioned and shiny without weighing it down or leaving it feeling greasy.

Klorane

Givenchy GENTLEMAN

Kyoku EXFOLIATING FACE WASH

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TEA TREE BEARD OIL

CITRUS PULP CLARIFYING SHAMPOO Give your mane a much-needed thorough cleansing. Perfect for normal to oily hair, the purifying and clarifying shampoo gently removes excess build-up from hair and scalp. Enriched with amino acids, carbohydrates and flavonoids, it provides antioxidant, energising and clarifying properties for naturally healthy and shiny hair.

Speed up and maximise your morning routine with Kyoku’s Exfoliating Face Wash!

This 3-in-1 product tones, nourishes and exfoliates all at once to reveal clean and rejuvenated skin. Formulated with vitamin A and E, it helps remove dead skin cells and ingrown hair while balancing out the skin’s PH level and promoting elasticity.

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Beardbrand

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Revel in the timeless version of olfactory masculinity with Givenchy’s new and modernised reinterpretation of Gentleman. With top notes of pear and cardamom, the woody-floral-fougere composition is an intoxicating blend of “power and sweetness”. The holy trinity of butch base notes along with sensual leather accord provides amazing longevity. The only fragrance you need this fall!

Art Naturals ARGAN OIL DAILY HAIR CONDITIONER If a natural yet effective product is what you desire, Art Naturals’ Argan Oil Daily Hair Conditioner should be right up your alley!

Packed with an all-natural compound of organic ingredients, the conditioner is specially formulated to deliver an incredibly soft texture without leaving your hair looking overly greasy or oily. blemish-free complexion!

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• INTERIOR ENVY

VERSACE HOME LE JARDIN Le Jardin de Versace is the print for Versace Home epitomizing a brand new family for living, dining and bedroom. It is a romance of nature in sumptuous vivid colour, centred by a bold butterfly motif and surrounded by golden baroque swirls and flowers. Butterflies fluttering across the design like they were in a garden. Ladybugs and honey bees add to the decoration that is a vision of curves, with no straight lines. Shades of blue and touches of pink match with accents of gold and cool grey, to give an air of noble aristocracy.

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IKEA

2018 Catalogue IKEA, the Swedish home furnishing retailer, officially launched its highly anticipated 2018 Catalogue, packed with home furnishing products, ideas and offers inspiring people to make room for life at home. The contents of the 2018 edition reflect a change in the way people use their living spaces in the wake of urbanisation and new technology. Through its extensive consumer research, IKEA has now identified the living room as the heart of everyday life at home across the world, where it has become a place for connecting with family and friends, celebrating special occasions and a room that is more personalised than ever before.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

FRIDAY Brunch Fun

If you want to spend a Friday afternoon overlooking majestic views of The Pearl from the 5-star Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel then look no further than the award-winning contemporary Japanese restaurant, Nozomi. Take a seat and get ready to indulge‌

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ozomi has a contemporary and chic design, the ambiance is relaxed and allows guests to enjoy the exquisite gastronomic delights in style.

In the day, sunlight streams in through the glass walls that allow diners to revel in the stunning views over the palatial hotel surroundings and out onto the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. It really is a majestic setting.

The service here is always impeccable, the staff is attentive and well trained; from the moment you arrive you know it’s going to be special. There’s something about truly exceptional service, once you’ve experienced it, you have to keep coming back – and Nozomi is one such place.

The Friday Brunch menu is simple and sumptuous with the food being served straight to your table. You know what that means – less hassle of getting up, and more time for good convo with your friends! You have unlimited Sushi, 92

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Sashimi and Maki, one appetiser dish, one main dish and one dessert. You may think it’s not much, but believe us, this style of sharing generous portions of delicious food is completely satisfied.

For starters, we enjoyed a mouthwatering selection of Sashimi and Nigiri, everything was so fresh, the raw fish is of excellent quality. There are three types to choose from, and each one is exquisite; we particularly loved the yellowtail Sashimi with jalapeno, a bliss of fresh fish with a kick of flavour. An excellent start to a taste bud-pleasing afternoon.

Then the Maki rolls arrived, Arabian Prawn Tempura California and Ginger Spicy Tuna. Every piece of sushi got our attention and took total control of our senses. When it was fininshed, we craved for more!

For appetisers, we shared Rock Shrimp Tempura, crispy and creamy with spicy Japanese mayonnaise, and Tori Kare Age, crispy chicken pieces with yuzu

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

koshu mayonnaise. Both dishes were packed with distinctive flavours and a mild kick, just how we like it.

The mains followed; Black cod, the fish was silky, beautifully-seasoned and completely irresistible. The melt-in-your-mouth Nippon Short Rib was definitely the talk of the table the meat was incredibly tender and seasoned with a Japanese barbecue sauce, simply amazing.

To finish our wonderful brunch in true sweet style, we ordered Chocolate Fondant and Miso Cheesecake, and we were blown away by both. The cheesecake with salted caramel served with white miso ice cream was just the perfect end for a wonderful Friday culinary journey. Will we be coming again? Absolutely! ✤

GO: OKI PACKAGE IS QR335 WITH SOFT DRINKS; YAMATO PACKAGE IS QR390 WITH HOPS, VINO, PROSECCO AND SAKE; ORICHI PACKAGE FOR KIDS AGED FOUR TO 12 IS QR150. EVERY FRIDAY AT NOZOMI, MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, THE PEARLDOHA. CALL 4035 5089 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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Mall of Qatar Tel. 4021 4777 • Villaggio Mall Tel. 44959060 • Landmark Mall Tel. 44565340 • Doha Festival City Tel. 40285019 94 fact magazine virginmegastore.me virginmena virginmena virginmegastoreme

FOODIE CORNER •

THAI Food Delight Sometimes we find that it’s about getting the important things right. Wouldn’t you agree? After a hard day, a tasty Thai night was just the ticket we needed. FACT’s Craig Ferriman took a trip to White Oryx restaurant for an unexpected culinary find. fact magazine

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• FOODIE CORNER

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ituated by Tower 30 at the farthest extremity of The Pearl, is a Thai restaurant that serves up Thai food, cooked by Thai chefs. I make it sound so far away but really it’s not and I got myself into the groove by jumping in a tuk-tuk, which are offered free on The Pearl as a means of getting around the artificial isle in style – it also saves you fiddling with parking!

I arrived to find friendly staff and a warm and welcoming vibe. The venue is small and the decor has a purple and gold theme. Purple chairs and gold walls. It feels modern and not at all stuffy. In fact, we were given the menus on ipads as we got our feet under the table which made the place feel contemporary and fresh. My thumb slid across the options and delved through the soups and salads before settling on appetisers. I ordered some crunchy calamari, aromatic duck crispy rolls and even some juicy sweet corn fritters. You will have no fear of finding food and flavour here. Everything has just the right amount of seasoning too.

Taste and flavour reigned supreme and service was pretty snappy too.

I have to give you one tip though. If you’re getting something to drink, get the Butterfly Pea. What on earth is that, I hear you say? Well it’s an insanely addictive beverage that will have you wishing the supermarkets stocked it.

It’s a drink made from imported dry butterfly pea, pandan leaf, sugar syrup and lime. I’m not sure if it’s because it was particularly hot that night but I was sipping through this like it was about to go out of fashion. They do make mean

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Everything has just the right amount of seasoning too.Taste and flavour reigned supreme and service was pretty snappy too.”

FOODIE CORNER •

ice teas too but the butterfly pea gets both thumbs up for me.

What struck me about the main menu is that there was a predominance of seafood. There are meat dishes too but seafood dominates. The shrimp pad thai had to be tried - it was very good indeed. Possibly better yet is their prawns and cashew nut dish stir-fried with honey dates – packed with lots of sizzling flavours. The beef khathi is a winner too; served in tender slivers on the plate bathed in Thai coconut milk, it’s organic beef which is slow-cooked with a little lemongrass – exquisite.

They also do several different dishes with sea bass but I’ll have to go back to try those (any excuse to sip some more butterfly pea!).

White Oryx is a relaxed and informal place that is good both for both lunch and dinner and there’s outdoor seating looking out to The Pearl marina too, ideal for when the cooler weather sets in. It’s quick, simple and ideal if you fancy a quality, delicious and exotic bite after a hard day’s work.

We’ll surely be back for more! ✤

GO: VISIT WHITE ORYX RESTAURANT AT 30 LA CROISETTE, PORTO ARABIA, THE PEARL-DOHA. CALL 4466 1058 FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• SPA & WELLNESS

PURE LUXURY The new Spa InterContinental at the iconic InterContinental Doha brings ultimate luxury and bespoke wellness treatments to Doha. Get ready for pampering like never before…

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midst well-appointed surroundings with separate areas for ladies and gentlemen, the breathtaking spa features 16 private single and couple treatment rooms, the first-of-its-kind Spa Wave Bed and Quartz Bed, indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, a healthy juice bar, and relaxation rooms for some me-time, pre and post-treatments.

When it comes to products and techniques, only the best made the cut! Each beauty and wellness treatment is meticulously crafted using only European premium brands, including: Intraceuticals – The only brand to offer a treatment with a pure hyaluronic acid serum to be infused deep into the skin with oxygen under pressure, a favourite of many Hollywood A-listers.

Natura Bissé – One of the world’s most exclusive brands and an innovative leader in the development of high performance skin-care products that are formulated with maximum concentrations of new ingredients and emulsions, to help all skin types restore their beauty and radiance.

Baija Paris – A natural and sensorial cosmetic brand with organic ingredients that is inspired by emotions – a journey, a childhood memory, a fragrance, and a familiar face. Signature treatments are the Spa InterContinental Experience by Baija Paris, which includes a 60-minute body scrub and a 60-minute body massage.

Pedi:Mani:Cure by Bastien Gonzalez – Famous worldwide for his glamourous and unique approach to hand and foot treatments, and enjoyed by worldfamous celebrities. His pedicure and manicure treatments are performed in the most luxurious hotel spas in the world, by selected therapists trained by Bastien himself.

The team of experienced, certified spa therapists are highly trained to ensure that guests experience ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation, leaving the spa feeling pampered like never before. The renowned hair salon, Shape & Style is also located in Spa InterContinental; providing styling and hair care treatments to a long list of clients, gained since its opening.

This is your one-stop shop for head-to-heel relaxation and rejuvenation! ✤

GO: SPA INTERCONTINENTAL IS LOCATED ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA, OPEN DAILY FROM 9AM TO 11PM. CALL 4484 4060 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 98

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SPA & WELLNESS •

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,

FARMER S BRUNCH

TASTE seasonally inspired simply prepared artisan

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Interact farm animals local market produce Ritz Kidz activities

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EXPERIENCE unique memorable extraordinary For reservations please call Tel +974 4484 8000

DOHA

P.O. BOX 23400, Doha - Qatar www.ritzcarlton.com/doha facebook.com/ritzcarltondoha | Instagram.com/ritzcarltondoha

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