Issuu

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OCTOBER 2026 VOL 13. ISSUE 04. QR15

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18 32 42

Outside The Ordinary

Time For A Reset

More Practical, Still Playful

CONTENTS

54 74 78 An Appetite For The Classics

A Very Good Excuse To Leave Doha

Moon Over Samarkand

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• THE EDITOR

Out We Go!

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“I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out until sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” John Muir

fter a long summer spent planning our lives around the heat, October has finally arrived and, with it, the glorious possibility of actually going outside without immediately regretting it. Needless to say, we’re making the most of it. This month’s cover story is your cue to get out and about with a round-up of outdoor activities across the country.

Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush or something more laid-back, it’s time to step away from the sofa and make the most of the cooler days. The timing couldn’t be better, because October’s calendar is looking pretty good too. Fuwairit Break is keeping beach season going with plenty happening on the sand, while M7 welcomes Around the World in Jewellery, featuring more than 500 pieces and art objects. If you’re in the mood for retail therapy, New Balance has just opened a new 350sq/m store at Villaggio Mall (and yes, I’ve already picked my favourites!). Once you’ve done all that? You’ve earned a break. Our second feature rounds up some of the best spas for switching off and slowing down, preferably while someone else does all the work. Speaking of which, we headed to Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas for a much-needed reset and enjoyed every minute of it. We also caught up with Ammar Samad, Regional General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by ChivaSom, to talk about the resort’s approach to holistic well-being. On the road, we got behind the wheel of the MINI Cooper S 5-Door, combining more power and tech with everyday practicality and plenty of driving fun. Food, of course, is never far from our minds or our schedules. This month, we ate our way around Cipriani, Qalamkarri, Hunters Room & Grill, Al Hubara and Sora Rooftop. Tough work, we know. If cooler weather isn’t enough of a change, we’re off to Uzbekistan. Colourful architecture, centuries of history and food worth travelling for? Your next getaway might just be sorted. Throw in the latest beauty launches, tech, motoring and everything else that caught our attention and October is officially looking busy. See you outside!

Sirine Boudjadi Editor fact Qatar qatareditor@fact-magazine.com

fact Magazine Qatar Edition • OCTOBER 2026 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 04

PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CHIRINE HALABI GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LIZ O’REILLY DIGITAL DIRECTOR NIDHI SHARMA EDITOR SIRINE BOUDJADI DIGITAL TEAM ROHITH TR SUMESH KS SALES TEAM GENE SOLANZO OPERATIONS KIM MARSHALL ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN PHOTOGRAPHIC CONSULTANT HADY SAMAHA PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD EDITORIAL & SALES ENQUIRIES chirine@fact-magazine.com CONTRIBUTORS ALIYA DINDERBAY AMIRA RAGAB APPLE SHARMA GARETH WOODS SD PRINTED BY QATAR NATIONAL PRINTING PRESS DISTRIBUTION DAR AL SHARQ

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.

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UZBEKISTAN, PAST AND PRESENT Centuries-old manuscripts, monumental paintings and Uzbek textiles meet new works by Qatari artists in two exhibitions running side by side at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).

trip to Samarkand might not be on the cards this autumn, but two exhibitions at MIA are offering a rather closer introduction to Uzbekistan and they are best seen together. Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion takes the long view, exploring the country’s Islamic heritage through 146 objects ranging from manuscripts and ceramics to jewellery, textiles and architectural fragments. Rather than stopping in the past, the exhibition follows those traditions into the present, with contemporary craft and fashion showing how techniques developed over centuries are still being used and reinterpreted. There are some particularly striking pieces along the way. A monumental seventh-century wall painting from the Ambassadors’ Hall at Afrasiab is being shown in Qatar for the first time, while a section devoted to architecture explores the elaborate brickwork associated with the Samanid and Timurid periods. Science gets a look-in, too. Manuscripts and a 15thcentury astrolabe introduce figures including mathematician al-Khwarizmi and astronomer Ulugh Beg, whose work travelled far beyond Central Asia. Later, the focus turns to craft, with ikat robes, embroidery and embroidered wall hangings alongside a working silk loom from Tashkent. Running alongside, Ektashif: Uzbekistan flips the perspective by looking at the country through the eyes of seven Qatari artists. 8

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Aisha Al Muhannadi, Abdulla Fakhroo, Leena Al Aali, Maryam Abel, Ameena Al Boinin, The Nourah and Hameed Al Qahtani travelled to Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara as part of MIA’s Ektashif programme. Their journey combined visits to historic sites with workshops led by local craftspeople, giving them firsthand experience of Uzbekistan’s architecture and traditional arts. The resulting works are now on display at MIA, each interpreting those encounters through the artist’s own practice. It makes for a neat exchange between the two shows. In one, you can see the objects, materials and techniques that have shaped Uzbek visual culture; in the other, you see what happens when a new generation of artists encounters those traditions and takes the ideas home. There are ways to dig deeper, too. MIA is running curator-led tours of Heritage in Motion in English and Arabic during the exhibition period, including an English tour on October 27 and an Arabic tour on November 18. Workshops linked to Uzbek art and craft also feature in the museum’s programme. Both exhibitions run until the end of November, making it easy to see them on the same MIA visit and to experience Uzbekistan from two very different directions. ✤

GO: VISIT MIA.ORG.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• FACT RECOMMENDS

ROAST WITH THE MOST Sunday and Monday dinners just got a little heartier at Bentley’s Grill. The restaurant at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha has added a Prime Rib Roast to its à la carte menu, with roasted prime rib carved tableside and served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables. That should make the start of the week a little easier to swallow. ✤ GO: CALL 4428 1555 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.

NEW IN TOWN Get those shopping bags ready: Primark is opening its first Qatar store at Doha Festival City on October 29. The three-floor shop will be packed with the affordable fashion, beauty buys, homeware and everyday basics the British retailer is known for. Expect entertainment and giveaways on opening day, too. And if Festival City isn’t your usual shopping haunt, good news: a second Primark is already lined up for Villaggio Mall in 2027. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.PRIMARK.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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LIVE IN DOHA You’ve probably heard Very Few Friends on your feed, and this December, you can hear it live. Saint Levant will take the stage at 900 Park on December 11, bringing tracks that slip between Arabic, English and French. The Palestinian-Algerian artist has plenty more to sing along to, from Deira and Nails to From Gaza With Love. If he’s already a regular on your playlist, this one’s worth saving the date for. ✤ GO: VISIT MYSTIQUEMANAGEMENT.ME/EVENTS/SAINTLEVANT FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

BEACH BREAK Give the post-summer slump a boost with a trip north for Fuwairit Break, where beach days come with family activities, games and a new theme each week.

READY TO TAKE ON THE T100? The T100 is heading back to Lusail this December, with everything from a 100km triathlon to a much friendlier 1km run and you can sign up now.

Getting back into the swing of things after summer can feel a little flat, but Fuwairit Break has been making the return to routine considerably more fun. Running at Fuwairit Kite Beach until October 17, the six-week programme turns a day by the sea into a family-friendly escape, with activities, entertainment, sports and a different theme each week. September got things started with Glow in the Dark, Arabian and Sun & Fun weeks, followed by a tropical takeover that carried the programme into October. Now, there are still two themes left to catch. Beach Glamour runs from October 7 to 10, with kids able to paint tote bags, decorate flip-flops, design beach hats and personalise T-shirts. Then, from October 14 to 17, Champions Week brings a sportier finish, with volleyball, face painting, team flag making, medal crafts and Zorba Ball. As the country slowly moves into the more pleasant outdoor season, Fuwairit Break offers an excuse to swap another indoor weekend for sea air and a few hours on the sand. Add water and desert sports, live entertainment, friendly beach volleyball tournaments and local food and drink options, and there’s plenty to stretch the outing beyond the kids’ activities. Entry starts from QR15, making it an easy little October escape when the back-to-school routine needs a boost. ✤

How does a 2km swim, 80km bike ride and 18km run sound? If the answer is strangely appealing, the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final is back in Lusail from December 10 to 12. Following last year’s debut, which drew more than 5,000 amateur athletes from 82 countries, the event returns with even more ways to get involved. The full 100km challenge will start in the Arabian Gulf before moving onto two wheels through the streets of Lusail. Then it’s trainers on for the final stretch, an 18km run through Lusail Plaza and Boulevard. Thankfully, going it alone isn’t the only option. For the first time this year, you can rope in some teammates and enter as a relay, splitting the swimming, cycling and running between you. Relays are available for both the 100km and shorter sprint distances. And if even that sounds like hard work, there are easier ways to join in. The weekend also includes 1km and 5km community runs, alongside individual open and age-group races. There’ll be plenty to watch, too. Qatar is the final stop on the 2026 T100 World Tour, bringing some of the world’s leading professional triathletes to Lusail with the season’s World Championship titles at stake. Registrations for the 2026 races are open. ✤

GO: VISIT DOHA.PLATINUMLIST.NET/EVENT-TICKETS/ FUWAIRIT-BREAK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

GO: VISIT T100TRIATHLON.COM/QATAR/PARTICIPATE/ FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

STRETCH OUT YOUR STOPOVER Got time to kill between flights? Hamad International Airport is offering free 20-minute recovery sessions amid the greenery of ORCHARD until late October. A long layover in Doha doesn’t have to mean spending hours sitting at the gate. Hamad International Airport has opened a temporary Travel Recovery Studio at ORCHARD, where transit passengers

STEP THIS WAY Trainer shopping at Villaggio? New Balance has joined the mall’s retail line-up with a new 350sq/m store. 14

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can stretch, breathe and unwind before getting back on a plane. Running until October 25, the complimentary experience takes just 20 minutes and combines guided breathing exercises with gentle stretching and movement. Part of the session also takes place on red light therapy recovery mats. You’ll find the studio in ORCHARD in Concourse C, so the surroundings are rather different from your average airport wellness room. The 6,000sq/m indoor garden is filled with more than 300 trees and 35,000 plants, giving you somewhere suitably green to slow things down between flights. Sessions (five per day) are led by instructors and take place from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, Sunday to Thursday. There’s room for 10 adults in each session and no advance booking is required, with places available on a first-come, first-served basis. The experience is only open to passengers aged 18 and over, and comfortable travel clothes are recommended. Luckily, there’s no need to pack gym gear in your hand luggage. And because the whole thing is free, it’s an easy addition to a Doha connection if the timing works. After hours spent sitting on a plane, 20 minutes of stretching under the trees might sound considerably more appealing than another spell scrolling at the gate before boarding again. ✤

GO: VISIT DOHAHAMADAIRPORT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

If a new pair of trainers is on your shopping list, there is another place to look. After Place Vendôme and Mall of Qatar, New Balance has opened a store at Villaggio Mall, bringing its performance footwear, lifestyle sneakers and apparel to the Al Waab shopping destination. The 350sq/m space gives shoppers plenty of room to browse the brand’s latest collections, whether you are looking for running shoes, gym gear or the retro-inspired trainers that have become an everyday wardrobe staple. This address also puts New Balance close to one of Doha’s popular running spots. Aspire Park is just nearby, and the brand already holds free weekly running club sessions there for different abilities. So you can browse for a new pair in store and, if you fancy putting them through their paces, join a run nearby. And while the opening itself took place in September, you may have spotted some rather unusual activity on Villaggio’s famous indoor canals. To mark the occasion, models wearing New Balance’s latest collection travelled through the mall aboard its gondolas for a fashion show. The gondolas have since returned to their usual passengers, but the store is here to stay. So if you already find yourself heading to Villaggio for shopping, dinner or a walk around Aspire, there is now another stop for sneakers and sportswear. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.NEWBALANCE.COM.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

A WORLD OF JEWELS LOOK TO THE STARS Science, ambition and a little romance collide in Silent Sky, the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, coming to the stage in Doha this October. Imagine landing a job at Harvard Observatory, only to be told you can’t touch the telescope. That was the reality facing astronomer Henrietta Leavitt in the early 1900s and her remarkable story is coming to the Doha stage this October in Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky. Presented by The Doha Players at THIS Theatre, the play follows Leavitt as she joins a group of women working as ‘computers’, studying and cataloguing stars while being prevented from operating the telescopes or pursuing their own theories. But Silent Sky isn’t simply a story about astronomy. Away from the observatory, Leavitt is trying to balance her fascination with the stars with family responsibilities and the possibility of romance, while finding her place in a scientific world that gives women little room to be heard. Her research would prove significant. Leavitt’s observations of Cepheid variable stars helped establish a way of calculating distances in space, giving astronomers an important tool for understanding the scale of the universe. It’s that mix of scientific discovery and personal struggle that Silent Sky brings to the stage, giving audiences a glimpse of both the woman behind the work and the barriers she faced along the way. Recommended for ages 10 and above, the Doha production runs across six evenings, on October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, with additional morning performances for school groups on selected dates. ✤

GO: VISIT EVENTS.Q-TICKETS.COM/QATAR FOR MORE INFORMATION. 16

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More than 500 pieces are coming together at M7 for an exhibition that looks beyond the sparkle to explore what jewellery says about the people who wear it. If you think jewellery exhibitions are all diamonds under glass, M7’s latest show has a bigger story to tell. In collaboration with L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, Around the World in Jewellery brings together more than 500 pieces and art objects, using what we wear to explore everything from identity and status to customs, ceremony and our relationship with nature. Running from October 27 to December 26, the exhibition draws largely from Qatar Museums’ own collections, including pieces held by the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art and the future Lusail Museum. Some will be going on public display for the first time, alongside pieces from the Van Cleef & Arpels patrimonial collection. Rather than arranging the show by country or period, curators Inezita Gay-Eckel and Paul Paradis, art historians and lecturers at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, have divided it into seven themes. You can move from pearls, shells and coral in Sea & Ocean to celestial inspiration in Cosmos, before exploring jewellery worn for protection, to mark major life events or to signal power and status. That approach should make for some intriguing comparisons across places and periods, while also shifting the focus away from how much an object might be worth. Photographs, sculptures and other artworks join the jewellery to help tell those stories. Families haven’t been forgotten either. A Children’s Piazza runs through the exhibition for visitors aged four to 10, with interactive activities linked to its themes, a first for M7. ✤

GO: VISIT M7.ORG.QA/EN/ FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY: 18 QATAR EXPERIENCES Wondering how to make the most of the cooler season? What could be better than heading outdoors as the temperatures drop? From taking to the skies and exploring the mangroves to discovering Qatar’s desert landscapes and rich heritage, here are 18 experiences offering a different way to see the country.

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ADVENTURE & ADRENALINE

Forget seeing the desert from behind the wheel. For a completely different perspective, take to the skies and watch Qatar’s extraordinary landscape unfold beneath you. Hot-air ballooning is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences that you’ll be talking about long after you’re back on solid ground. Public sunrise flights are currently advertised by operators in Qatar, but the launch area is only confirmed according to weather and flight conditions. Flights are weather-dependent and age and height restrictions apply with some operators. GO: VISIT RAGTOURSANDTRAVELS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image - Abdulgafur Ögel, Pexels.

HOT-AIR BALLOONING

PARAMOTOR AND PARATRIKE FLIGHTS

Image - hannesjordaan1, Pixabay.

If ballooning sounds too peaceful, take to the sky on a motorised paraglider. Paramotor and paratrike flights offer low-level views across the Sealine desert and coastline, combining a paraglider wing with a lightweight engine or three-wheeled passenger craft. The experience is designed for first-time flyers, so no previous experience is normally required. Flights remain dependent on weather, pilot availability and site permissions, and the exact format can vary between operators. GO: VISIT SKYMASTERS.QA OR LETSFLY.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ANIMALS & WILDLIFE Qatar's camel racetracks at Al Shahaniya offer a glimpse into one of the country's most distinctive sporting traditions. Visitors can watch camels train, catch a race in action and see how technology has transformed the sport through remote-controlled robot jockeys. Morning visits are best for watching training, though access to stables, paddocks and handlers is restricted to protect the animals and allow trainers to work undisturbed. Local operators run public tours, but neither races nor training sessions are guaranteed on any given visit — races run from October to February, on Fridays. Check the schedule in advance. GO: VISIT VISITQATAR.COM OR HEJEN.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Image - Miguel Cuenca, Pexels.

CAMEL RACING AT AL SHAHANIYA

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CAMEL RIDING

Image - Lil Sakib, Pexels.

Camel riding offers a slower way to experience Qatar’s desert landscape and one of the country’s longstanding traditions. Rides are typically offered at dedicated camel camps or as part of wider desert excursions, particularly in the south. Unlike a 4x4 adventure, the experience is unhurried and generally involves a short ride rather than a long-distance trek, making it an easy addition to a desert outing. Local operators offer different experiences, so check the exact location, ride duration and what is included before booking. Choose an established operator and confirm arrangements in advance, particularly during the cooler months when desert activities are in higher demand. GO: VISIT GOLDENADVENTURESQATAR.COM OR VIATOR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Few experiences feel more distinctly Qatari than standing close to a falcon. At the Falcon Souq in Souq Waqif, visitors can admire the birds up close, learn about their role in Qatari culture and, under a keeper’s supervision, possibly hold one for a photograph. The souq is also home to the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital, a specialised facility dedicated to the care of falcons. Visitors can explore its small museum, which offers a closer look at the history, traditions and craftsmanship surrounding falconry in Qatar. For a more immersive version, Murex Qatar Tours advertises a seasonal desert activity with a local falcon expert. The desert option is inquiry-based, so confirm all details and whether the activity involves a demonstration or simply observation. Visitors should never handle a bird without professional supervision. GO: VISIT VISITQATAR.COM OR MUREXQATARTOURS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image - Sean P. Twomey, Pexels.

FALCONRY

FLAMINGO WATCHING

Image - Joerg Hartmann, Pexels.

Each winter, greater flamingos return to Qatar’s coastline as part of their seasonal migration. Al Thakira, Al Khor and Purple Island are among the areas associated with flamingo sightings, creating a peaceful alternative to the country’s faster outdoor pursuits. Bring binoculars, keep a respectful distance and avoid walking into the mangroves or disturbing the birds. This is a wildlifewatching experience, not a guaranteed show: numbers vary with season, tide, weather and location. End of October through April is the strongest period to look for the migrating birds. GO: VISIT VISITQATAR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Move beyond the guided horse tour and get in the saddle yourself. Al Samriya Riding School in Al Shahaniya offers public riding programmes and lessons for different experience levels, while current ticketed listings also advertise short riding sessions in the area. This is a more active experience than visiting a stable or watching horses train. Sessions must be booked in advance, and age, rider-weight, weather and programme restrictions can apply. GO: VISIT ALSAMRIYAESTATE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image - Mohamed Abdelrazek, Dreamstime.

HORSE RIDING

WHALE-SHARK WATCHING

Image - www.discoverqatar.qa.

From summer into early autumn, the waters off northern Qatar become a seasonal gathering place for whale sharks. Public boat excursions depart from Al Ruwais and take visitors offshore to watch the animals surface-feed in their natural environment. The experience is observation-only. Swimming with, touching and feeding the whale sharks are not permitted, and sightings cannot be guaranteed because these are wild animals. The season is limited, boats are weather-dependent. GO: VISIT DISCOVERQATAR.QA OR QOOLQATAR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NATURE & HERITAGE

At Al Zubarah, the landscape is the museum. Qatar’s only UNESCO World Heritage site preserves the remains of an 18thand 19th-century pearling and trading town, stretching across a broad coastal desert setting. Start at Al Zubarah Fort, then follow the marked visitor route through the archaeological town and its remains of homes, markets, mosques, defensive walls and harbour-related areas. The site is open to the public through Qatar Museums. Bring water, sun protection and comfortable closed shoes; shade is limited. GO: VISIT QM.ORG.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Image - Almuntadhar Faris, Pexels.

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DESERT STARGAZING

Image - Stephen Leonardi, Pexels.

Once the sun disappears, Qatar’s desert becomes a completely different landscape. Away from Doha’s lights, a guided night excursion to Sealine or Khor Al Adaid can combine a 4x4 journey, sunset views, a campfire, Arabic tea and time to look up at the stars. The appeal is the stillness and darkness rather than a formal observatory programme. Travel to the Inland Sea only with a suitable 4x4 and an experienced desert driver. GO: VISIT GETYOURGUIDE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Qatar’s mangroves offer a surprisingly green contrast to the surrounding desert. At Al Thakira and Purple Island, guided kayaking trips move through shallow channels where the route changes with the tide and birds, fish and small marine life can be spotted along the way. The experience is about quiet exploration rather than speed. Sunrise and sunset sessions are available, with equipment, safety briefings, guides and life jackets provided by current operators. Wear footwear suitable for wet or slippery ground, bring sun protection and follow instructions about where to walk so the protected mangrove habitat is not damaged. GO: VISIT AQUASPORTSQ.COM OR DISCOVERQATAR.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image - Qatar Airways website.

MANGROVE KAYAKING

ZEKREET LANDSCAPE EXPLORATION

Image - Visit Qatar website.

West Qatar feels a world away from Doha. Around Zekreet and Ras Abrouq, limestone formations, open desert, rugged coastline and Richard Serra’s monumental sculpture create one of the country’s most distinctive landscapes. Rather than treating the area as a quick photo stop, book a guided West Coast exploration that includes time to walk around the formations and viewpoints. The available tours generally use a 4x4 and combine several sites, so this should be described as a guided landscape experience rather than a formal hiking trail. GO: VISIT DISCOVERQATAR.QA OR FALCONTOURSQATAR.NET FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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ON THE WATER Imagine surfing, flying and gliding over the sea all at once. E-foiling uses an electrically powered hydrofoil board that lifts above the water as you gain speed, creating the sensation of flying just above the surface. Qool Qatar currently lists guided e-foiling sessions at Old Mina Port, where beginners and experienced riders can learn with professional instructors, safety equipment and views across Doha’s waterfront. It’s quiet, remarkably smooth and, once you find your balance, seriously addictive. The result is one of the most futuristic ways to get out on Qatar’s waters. GO: VISIT EFOILDOHA.COM OR QOOLQATAR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image - ArtHouse Studio, Pexels.

E-FOILING

FREEDIVING

Image - Ibrahim Shabil, Unsplash.

If the idea of exploring beneath the surface on a single breath sounds like your kind of challenge, freediving is worth a try. Unlike scuba diving, there is no tank or regulator; the focus is on relaxation, breath control, equalisation and technique as you descend through the water. Diving Qatar offers introductory and advanced courses linked to the internationally recognised AIDA system, with theory, pool training and open-water sessions provided. It is an activity that demands proper instruction rather than simply swimming farther from shore, so beginners should book with a qualified instructor and follow all eligibility and safety requirements. GO: VISIT DIVINGQATAR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

If being pulled behind a boat while you learn to balance, carve and catch the wake sounds like your idea of fun, wakesurfing and wakeboarding are worth a try. Wakeboarding lets riders use the wake for jumps and tricks, while wakesurfing involves riding the wave behind the boat without being permanently attached to it. Code Wake and Wake Qatar offer sessions for beginners and experienced riders, with boards, safety equipment, a captain and professional instruction provided. Based around The Pearl, the operators take groups out onto Qatar’s waters for an energetic session that combines speed, balance and a healthy amount of falling before you finally find your feet. Early mornings can offer calmer conditions, while all sessions remain subject to weather and sea conditions. GO: VISIT CODE-WAKE.COM OR WAKEQATAR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Image - Qatar Airways website.

WAKESURFING & WAKEBOARDING

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SOMETHING MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY FITNESS

Image - Kate Trysh, Pexels.

Outdoor exercise doesn’t have to mean signing up for an extreme challenge. Qatar Sports for All Federation’s 365 Days of Activity programme brings supervised running and fitness sessions to public parks, offering a simple way to get moving, meet people and explore Qatar’s green spaces. Sessions are open to different ages and abilities, with activities and coaching varying by location. The programme’s sessions and locations change throughout the year, and some activities require registration through the official Qatar Sports for All app. Check the latest schedule before attending. GO: VISIT MSY.GOV.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Sometimes the most rewarding outdoor activity comes with four legs and a wagging tail. Paws Rescue Qatar welcomes members of the public who would like to walk dogs, spend time with cats or help with general centre duties. It’s an easy way to get outdoors while doing something genuinely useful—and, let’s be honest, probably one of the more rewarding ways to spend an afternoon. Just be prepared to leave wanting to take one home. Visits are currently by appointment only, so this is not a drop-in attraction. Contact the organisation in advance, wait for confirmation and follow its guidance on suitable dogs, group size and safety. Anyone under 18 must attend with an adult. GO: EMAIL HELLO@PAWSRESCUEQATAR.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Paws Rescue Qatar website.

DOG VOLUNTEERING

ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING

Image - Ron Lach, Pexels.

For an outdoor experience with a clear purpose, join a beach or island clean-up. Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality organises scheduled community campaigns across coastal locations, giving volunteers the chance to spend a morning outdoors while helping care for the country’s shoreline. These are campaignbased activities. Registration, locations and session times change, and some forms are organised around a group coordinator. GO: VISIT MM.GOV.QA OR CALL 184 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• SPA SELECTION

TIME FOR A RESET As the days get cooler and the festive season approaches, there’s never been a better time to enjoy some ‘me time’ with a spa day to help you reset ready for the busy days ahead. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite spa treatments to help you make your choice.

M|SPA – Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery Collection Step into this boutique spa where pale colours, low lighting and singing bowls set the scene for a holistic experience blending traditional Arabic therapies with modern techniques. During October, try the Self-Care Package marking Breast Cancer Awareness month, with a gentle facial and body scrub to leave your skin soft, smooth and glowing. The 60-minute package is available daily from 11am to 10pm, priced QR450 per person. Or, if deep relaxation is what you need, opt for the 90-minute Oud Luxury Massage, a full-body treatment using the rich aroma of oud to ease tension, priced QR700 per person. GO: WhatsApp 3158 6970 or follow @mspadoha for more information.

Banyan Tree Spa – Banyan Tree Doha Escape the pace of the city at Banyan Tree Spa, where Asian healing traditions meet contemporary wellness practices. For a full reset, try the Rainforest, a signature hydrothermal journey through heat, water and relaxation experiences. There are separate male and female sanctuaries, with heated treatment beds, a vitality pool with Jacuzzi, brine steam room and herbal sauna. Or give your skin some attention with the 60-minute Banyan Facial. Suitable for all skin types, it combines a purifying scrub and deeply hydrating mask to moisturise, brighten and restore the complexion, plus a soothing shoulder and arm massage for an extra dose of relaxation. The spa is open daily from 10am to 11pm. GO: Call 4410 3334 or follow @banyantreedoha for more information.

eforea Spa at Hilton Doha Take some time out at eforea, where contemporary spa experiences meet the warmth, rituals and heritage of the Middle East. Move between treatments, thermal bathing, relaxation, pool and beach time for a complete wellness escape. The signature hammam journeys are well worth trying. The Moroccan Journey takes you from steam to black soap cleansing and Kessa exfoliation before finishing with nourishing body oil for smooth, refreshed skin. Or choose the Arabian Journey, combining the Moroccan Hammam tradition with an Arabian massage, while the Refresh Journey pairs a purifying body cleanse with nourishing hydration and an uplifting facial. Throughout October, choose any 30-minute massage and receive a 30-minute Express Facial, both for QR330 per person. GO: Call 3002 4194 or follow @hiltondoha for more information.

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• SPA SELECTION

eforea Spa – Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas If you prefer your wellness experience tailored to you, eforea brings together personalised care and understated luxury under its ‘Wellness, Made Personal’ philosophy. Alongside a range of treatments, you’ll find a hammam, sauna, steam room, rasul, experience shower, hydro therapy pool and relaxation areas. Try the signature 90-minute Aroma Wellbeing Massage at QR850 or opt for the 60-minute signature Hammam Ritual at QR650. And this month, there’s another reason to book: through the Pinktober – Pamper with Purpose initiative, 5% of proceeds from any massage will go to a breast cancer charity. GO: Call 4423 6401 or 4423 6402 or follow @salwabeachresort for more information.

Lamara Spa – InterContinental Doha The City A four-time winner of our spa awards, Lamara sits high on the 46th floor of InterContinental Doha The City, with four treatment rooms, a dedicated hammam suite, sauna and steam facilities. For something a little different, try its Cupping Massages Collection, a contemporary take on traditional cupping. Medicalgrade silicone cups are paired with flowing massage movements and handcrafted aromatherapy oils to create a sensation similar to a four-hand massage while easing muscular tension and encouraging circulation. Or create a session to suit your schedule with the new Create Your Own Pamper Session Package. Choose two treatments from QR510 or three from QR720 from: ● 60-minute full-body massage ● 30-minute back massage ● 30-minute body scrub ● 30-minute mini facial GO: Call 4015 8888 or 7043 0745 or follow @icdohathecity for more information. Katara Hills Spa – Katara Hills Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts For a spa escape with plenty of privacy, Katara Hills Spa has three luxurious couples’ spa suites with private facilities and treatments featuring premium brands including Elemental Herbology, Thalion and Carol Joy London. Retreat together with the Couple Blissful Escape, a signature couple's massage in a romantic private suite, designed to promote circulation and energy flow while encouraging deep relaxation. Want to make a day of it? The Katara Hills Day Spa Escape combines a 5 Element Scrub, Signature Massage, light lunch and rejuvenating facial, with access to private steam, sauna and Jacuzzi facilities. Or opt for the Radiance Renewal Signature Facial, combining collagen and hyaluronic acid with rose water, myofascial massage and nourishing oils, finished with Gua Sha and Rose Quartz roller techniques to hydrate and boost radiance. The spa is open daily from 11am to 10pm. GO: Call 4402 4444 or follow @katara.hills for more information.

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• SPA SELECTION Saray Spa – Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel Need a break from the pace of everyday life? Inspired by the traditional caravanserai – historic resting places where travellers would pause and restore – Saray Spa brings together global wellness traditions and contemporary treatments. If switching off is the goal, try the signature 90-minute Sleep Improvement Massage. Guided meditation, aromatherapy and acupressure are combined with Saray’s signature fragrance, massage oils and a singing bowl ritual to help you relax and restore balance – particularly welcome if stress, travel or jet lag are taking their toll. For a midweek escape, Saray Hour offers selected signature massages from Sunday to Thursday, between 10am and 3pm: ● Holistic Massage – QR336 instead of QR480 ● Balinese Massage – QR375 instead of QR500 ● Swedish Massage – QR375 instead of QR500 ● Sports Massage – QR399 instead of QR525 The spa is open daily from 10am to 10pm. GO: Call 4419 6090, WhatsApp 6612 5932 or follow @sarayspa.doh for more information. Maysan Spa – Maysan Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts With seven private spa suites and an authentic hammam, Maysan Spa offers plenty of privacy, with treatments tailored to your wellness and skincare needs and premium brands including Elemental Herbology, Thalion and Carol Joy London. For a complexion boost, try the Longevity Pro-Aging Facial, designed to improve elasticity, hydration, nourishment and radiance. Massage extends across the face, neck and décolleté, with Rose Quartz rollers and acupressure techniques adding to the rejuvenating experience. Or, if tired muscles need attention, opt for the signature Muscle Recovery treatment. This deep tissue massage combines firm, targeted strokes with hot stones and Elemental Herbology Muscle Melt Balm to encourage relaxation and recovery. The spa is open daily from 10am to 10pm. GO: Call 4144 6666 or follow @maysandoha for more information.

The Spa – Park Hyatt Doha Spread across three tranquil floors in Msheireb Downtown, The Spa at Park Hyatt Doha offers dedicated ladies’ and men’s facilities, restorative treatments, The Salon, a 24-hour fitness centre and rooftop pool. For a serious skin refresh, try the 60-minute Préime DermaFacial. Combining multiple technologies, it deeply cleanses, exfoliates and revitalises while helping refine pores, improve elasticity and boost radiance, priced QR650. This October, you can also opt for the Relaxation Ritual, pairing a 60-minute relaxing massage with a 30-minute Epicutis facial, priced QR650. Want to linger longer? Complete Wellness includes a welcome drink, access to the pool, gym and relaxation facilities, a 60-minute relaxing massage and power lunch at Anis Café. Available daily from 12pm to 6pm, priced QR450 per person. GO: Call 3159 6290 or 4009 4302 or follow @thespa_parkhyatt for more information. 36

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• SPA SELECTION

PÜROVEL Spa & Sport - Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha Bring a little Alpine wellness to your day at PÜROVEL, where the philosophy follows the four Swiss seasons, from spring renewal and summer vitality to autumn recovery and winter rest. Treatments pair Swiss-inspired wellness traditions with natural ingredients to restore balance and energy. Need to recharge? The Swiss Bliss Vitality Massage is designed to release tension and restore energy, priced QR700 or QR560 for in-house guests. Or embrace the season with the 90-minute Autumn Mountain Serenity Package, combining exfoliation, herbal compresses, mountain stone massage and breathwork. It’s priced QR1,100, or QR880 for in-house guests. The spa is open daily from 9am to 11pm. GO: Call 7151 3943 or follow @swissoteldoha for more information.

The Diplomatic Club Spa – The Diplomatic Club For some time away from it all, The Diplomatic Club Spa brings relaxation, beauty and personal well-being together in an elegant setting, with marble finishes, warm tones and atmospheric treatment rooms. You can also make a day of it, combining your spa visit with the club’s fitness, swimming, beach and leisure facilities or Ladies’ and Gents’ Salon. For a little bit of everything, try The Diplomatic Club Special, a signature treatment combining Aromatherapy, Swedish and Thai massage techniques. The experience is designed to ease muscular tension, stimulate circulation, soothe the nervous system and leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised. GO: Call 4484 7450 or follow @diplomaticclub for more information.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa – The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Drawing inspiration from Qatar’s heritage and the Arabian Gulf, this award-winning spa blends Arabic principles, Asian traditions and European concepts for a luxurious escape. Alongside treatment rooms, steam and sauna facilities, you’ll find an indoor pool, ball courts, fitness centre and private female gym. This October, try The Art of Wellness Massage, a 90-minute signature experience combining guided breathing and visualisation with a therapeutic Salt Stone and Rose Quartz Crystal Massage to bring a sense of wellness to mind, body and soul. It’s priced QR680. The spa is open daily from 9am to 12am. GO: Call 4484 8173 or follow @rcdohaspa for more information.

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A TRANQUIL RETREAT Step into serenity with our array of revitalising treatments. From indulgent massages to refreshing facials, each therapy ensures you leave glowing and rejuvenated.

+974 4035 5555 | Opens Daily 10:00 - 23:00 reservation.marsamalaz@kempinski.com K E M P I N S K I .COM /M A R SAM A L AZ

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• SPA SELECTION Heavenly Spa – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Ready to slow down and reset? Heavenly Spa pairs thoughtful treatments with one of Doha’s largest wet facilities, all with a simple aim: for you to leave feeling better than when you arrived. For its Heavenly Signature Treatment, you’ll begin by choosing a stone reflecting a personal intention, whether gratitude, hope or a loved one. A heated compress then helps release tension in the back before a restorative Swedish massage helps melt away stress. For the upcoming months, you can also try the Massage & Facial Experience: a 60-minute Full Body Massage followed by a 45-minute facial. The combination is designed to ease muscle tension, boost circulation and restore well-being before finishing with a cleansing and hydrating facial. The package is priced QR750. GO: Call 4492 1682 or follow @heavenlyspadoha for more information. ESPA Life Spa – Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail Looking for more than a massage? ESPA Life Spa combines personalised treatments with an extensive thermal journey featuring a vitality pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and snow room. For extra privacy, the VIP Spa Suite is ideal for couples or small groups, with two treatment beds, a private sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge. You can also add advanced experiences including cryotherapy and Dermalux LED light therapy. Or make it personal with the ESPA Life Personalized Wellbeing Experience. Following a consultation, choose from four well-being intentions (Active, Resilience, Vitality or Reflection) and your therapist will tailor the treatment to your individual needs and desired outcome. The spa is open from 10am to 11pm, Thursday to Monday and from 10am to 10pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. GO: Call 4456 5656 or WhatsApp 6670 9939 or follow @waldorfastoriadohalusail for more information.

Zulal Wellness Experience Boutique If your skin could use a boost, head to Zulal Wellness Experience Boutique in downtown Msheireb for its limited-time beauty packages combining advanced treatments. The Instant Lift Package, priced QR4,000, combines a HydraFacial to deep clean, exfoliate and hydrate; Ultraformer III to tighten the skin while stimulating collagen production; and Botox or filler injection to smooth wrinkles and restore naturally lifted facial contours. For glow, the Instant Glow Package costs QR1,500 for one complete session and includes a HydraFacial, Dermapen to stimulate collagen production and IV multivitamins and antioxidants to nourish the body and support healthy, glowing skin. Limited-time offer until the end of October 2026, advance booking is required. GO: Call or WhatsApp 6640 0566 for more information.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Fancy escaping the city for the day? Head to Qatar’s northern tip for a day of wellness at Zulal, with treatments and hydrothermal facilities including a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam and Arctic cave. The QR700 pass packs plenty in: a tea ceremony, full access to all wellness facilities, a 30-minute body composition analysis, one wellness meal – lunch or dinner – and a 50-minute massage, choosing between Full Body Tad Leek or Signature Relaxing Al-Qadam. There are also other options, including a Fitness Pass for QR100 for two hours and Hydrothermal pass for three hours, priced at QR100. Pass times run from 10am to 6pm. GO: Call 4477 6955 or follow @zulalwellnessresort for more information. 40

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Something new is taking shape on the 35th Coming soon at voco® Doha West Bay Suites

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• CITY RIDES

MORE PRACTICAL, STILL PLAYFUL fact’s time with the MINI Cooper S 5-Door revealed a more powerful, technologically advanced model that is easier to live with every day, yet still delivers the driving fun we expect from MINI. 42

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CITY RIDES •

he MINI Cooper S has always made a virtue of being compact, quick and full of character. In five-door form, it adds everyday practicality, with rear passengers spared the usual impromptu flexibility test. This latest version also promises more power, smarter technology and more driver assistance. We took it out for a spin to see whether it still delivered the fun expected of a Cooper S.

Refined by Design Up close, the latest Cooper S 5-Door struck us as cleaner and sharper than before, without losing the details that make a MINI instantly recognisable. The short overhangs, round LED headlights and compact stance remain, but smoother surfacing gives the car a more polished feel. Our Midnight Black II test car suited that approach, while the 17-inch U-spoke vibrant silver wheels provided welcome contrast and came fitted with runflat tyres. The body-coloured roof kept the profile neat, while LED headlights with extended features and selectable daytime running lights added visual character. We also liked the triangular rear lights, which gave the back end a stronger identity. Overall, it looked sharper and more contemporary, without sanding away the charm that has long defined MINI’s design.

Premium, With Personality Inside, our test car combined Favoured Trim with Nightshade Blue Vescin upholstery, John Cooper Works sport seats and an anthracite headliner, while the panoramic glass roof helped

make the cabin feel light and open. The BMW Group influence was evident in the quality and sophistication, yet the cabin still felt unmistakably MINI. The textile treatment across the dashboard and doors added warmth and texture too, a welcome change from the dark plastics and gloss-black trim we so often encounter in compact cars. We liked the driving position. The JCW sport seats held us securely, while electric adjustment with memory made it easy to get comfortable. The active driver’s seat added another layer of support, and automatic air conditioning quickly earned its keep. The rear seats split 60:40, expanding luggage capacity from 275 to 925 litres. It is a useful amount of flexibility to have, especially in a car that still feels focussed on making the drive enjoyable.

Smart Enough to Stand Out The circular OLED display has become a familiar MINI signature, yet it still caught our eye the moment we climbed in. We liked how much information it presented without making the layout feel cluttered, with navigation, media, phone and climate functions housed within the same interface. MINI Experience Modes changed the presentation and atmosphere, while MINI Navigation AR added useful guidance. Our test car also came with the optional MINI Head-Up Display, wireless charging, Connected+ Unlimited, Personal eSIM and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. The toggle strip beneath the screen kept key functions such as start/stop, gear selection, volume and Experience Modes within easy reach. The voice assistant handled navigation, calls, temperature and journey information. We considered asking it which member of fact magazine

• CITY RIDES the team was the better driver, then decided against it – why drag the dashboard into it?

Built for the Bends This is where the Cooper S earns the letter on its boot. Its fourcylinder petrol engine produces 150kW and 300Nm, taking it from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds and on to 242km/h through a Steptronic transmission with double clutch. On public roads, it felt eager and responsive, with strong acceleration and plenty in reserve when overtaking. At our test site, we could explore more of its character. The Cooper S dug in through bends, the steering staying precise as it changed direction, while the adaptive suspension kept the body settled and the tyres gripping hard. Best of all, the familiar MINI sense of fun remained intact – enough to warrant a few extra test runs, purely in the interests of thorough journalism.

cabin space make it easier to fit into everyday life, while more power, sharper technology and a generous assistance package give this latest version even more depth. Crucially, it still feels like a MINI from the driver’s seat – alert, playful and full of character. Practicality is useful, but personality is usually the reason people buy a MINI in the first place. ✤

Keeping an Eye on Everything After the fun of the test site, the Cooper S proved equally capable of everyday driving. Driving Assistant worked quietly in the background, joined by high-beam assistant, tyre-pressure monitoring and Intelligent Emergency Call, while ISOFIX mounts kept family duties firmly on the checklist. Parking Assistant Plus took much of the guesswork out of tighter spaces, with surround-view cameras and sensors making positioning the MINI reassuringly straightforward. Comfort Access added convenience, but Remote Engine Start was the feature we appreciated most after leaving the car in the sun. On a properly hot day, avoiding a steering wheel with the surface temperature of a baking tray feels less like convenience and more like self-preservation.

Still Very Much a MINI By the end of the drive, the Cooper S 5-Door had reminded us exactly why we enjoy MINIs so much. The extra doors and useful

GO: CALL 4420 8686 OR VISIT MINI-QATAR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 44

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CITY RIDES •

“

Crucially, it still feels like a MINI from the driver’s seat – alert, playful and full of character.”

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• MOTORING NEWS

LARGE SUV, LARGE PERSONALITY Swivelling seats, coach doors and a pop-up cinema screen: Genesis has revealed its first full-size flagship SUV, and it is taking the luxury lounge idea rather seriously.

Genesis has pulled the covers off the GV90, a large electric SUV that puts as much thought into what happens when you’re parked as when you’re actually driving. Unveiled at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on August 19, the production model follows the Neolun concept first shown in 2024. Two versions are planned: the GV90 and the more elaborate GV90 Neolun, which is where some of the car’s more unusual ideas come into play. The biggest visual trick is its coach doors. On the Neolun, the front and rear doors open in opposite directions with no fixed B-pillar between them, creating one large opening into the cabin. The rear doors use a mechanism that first pushes them slightly outwards before swinging them open independently from the fronts. Once inside, things become even less conventional in the Neolun. When the car is parked, the two front seats can rotate 180 degrees, allowing passengers in the first and second rows to sit facing each other. There’s even a four-seat Executive Suite version, complete with a real wood veneer floor incorporating radiant heating inspired by traditional Korean ondol underfloor heating, plus a refrigerator and integrated tables. That lounge-like approach continues up front. Instead of a traditional instrument cluster, the GV90 has a 25-inch head-up display, while a central 23.6-inch OLED screen can rise from the dashboard and expand to 24.6 inches when the car is parked. The idea is to turn it into a screen for watching entertainment rather than simply displaying maps and driving information. Sound gets similar treatment. A 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen system with Dolby Atmos can digitally recreate the acoustics of venues including Wembley Stadium and Boston Symphony Hall. Seats feature 15 individual air cells for massage, while ambient lighting stretches across the dashboard, doors, headliner and centre console. 46

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Genesis has also looked to its Korean roots for the design. The exterior takes inspiration from the moon jar, a form of white porcelain known for its simple curves and restrained decoration. That influence is most obvious in the clean surfaces and gently rounded rear of the 5.28-metre-long SUV. Underneath all that luxury is a 123.5kWh battery. Genesis estimates around 500km of range for the seven-seat GV90 based on its own internal testing, while a 350kW charger can take the battery from 10% to 80% in a claimed 22 minutes. Power from the front and rear motors reaches a combined 490kW, with rear-wheel steering designed to make the sizeable SUV easier to manoeuvre. There’s plenty more technology packed inside, but perhaps the GV90’s most interesting idea is simpler: making a large luxury EV feel less like a car cabin and more like a space you might actually want to spend time in. ✤ GO: VISIT GENESIS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MOTORING NEWS •

NEXT GENERATION INNOVATION Cutting-edge technology meets skilled craftsmanship in the new BMW 7 Series, which was launched by Alfardan Automobiles.

The new flagship luxury saloon combines a monolithic presence, intelligent digital features and carefully crafted details to create an experience that feels modern, composed and unmistakably BMW. It is a specific interpretation of the new BMW design language for the luxury segment. The robust exterior, the new BMW kidney Iconic Glow and minimalist crystal headlights give the car a visually impactful presence. The side view has reduced surfaces, a character line and classy details, while the rear end is shaped by newly designed lights and clear forms. Three BMW M Performance models provide sporting differentiation to striking effect, with the M Sport package and M Sport package Pro bringing further emphasis. BMW Individual offers a broad spread of personalisation options, including worldfirst BMW Individual Dual-Finish paintwork. The car’s interior brings a clean design language, high-quality surfaces in materials such as leather, cloth, wood, crystal glass and metal, and innovative details. Highlights are the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Passenger Screen (making its debut), the upgraded BMW Theatre Screen for rear-seat passengers, an immersive light concept with ambient light strip and new light elements, plus a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and Dolby Atmos support. Ergonomically designed seats (including comfort seats and the optional Executive Lounge), new steering wheels, updated automatic doors, a digital interior mirror and standard features such as a panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control and the Travel & Comfort System round out the overall experience. The new model boasts innovative BMW Neue Klasse technology including BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X and optimum driver orientation, intelligent voice control with extended BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, including Amazon Alexa+ AI technology, and a powerful software and electronics architecture for future-proof functionality alongside numerous other features.

The standard-specification BMW Passenger Screen and optional BMW Theatre Screen for 8K streaming, gaming and video calls provide top-class entertainment for passengers and are augmented by popular third-party apps. A wide variety of drive systems is available, from efficient combustion engines with 48V mild hybrid technology to powerful plug-in hybrids and advanced fully electric variants with an increased range of more than 720km. BMW Individual offers the freedom to express each driver’s personality in a unique way. As well as choosing from 12 BMW upholstery variants and 130 paint colours, customers can commission exclusive special-edition models of the new BMW 7 Series – all the way up to a one-off car from BMW Individual Manufaktur. The range of active safety functions specified as standard has been broadened compared to that of the predecessor model, while the standard-fit Park Assist and AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning make parking extremely intuitive and comfortable. For the new model, 22-inch wheels are now available from the factory for the first time as an alternative to the 20-inch ones fitted as standard. And specific chassis upgrades brought by the M Sport package turn the dynamic dial up another notch, as do a trio of M Performance models. The BMW 7 Series Protection takes safety up a notch providing protection from attacks with firearms or explosives and has VR9 certification – with VPAM 10 classification, representing the highest level of protection, available as an option. Underpinning this capability is the innovative BMW Protection Core with multilayer armouring consisting of steel, special alloys, composite materials and bulletproof glass. ✤ GO: CALL 4447 7577 OR VISIT BMW-QATAR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• PLUGGED IN

HEADLINE SOUND, HANDHELD SIZE You’ll be ready to rock on the go with SOUNDBOKS’ most portable party speaker ever. There’s no more choosing between power and performance or practicality and portability; the new SOUNDBOKS Rider promises both, offering the brand’s signature powerful sound but now in a featherweight frame. With an 118dB max volume and audio engineered specifically for social settings, Soundboks Rider is incredibly loud for its size and the engineering delivers better quality than any Bluetooth speaker at any volume. Weighing just 6.5kg and small enough to fit in your bag or bike basket, Rider is more like portable Bluetooth speakers in size. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to carry a party speaker around with one hand either but the Rider has a handy strap so you won’t break a sweat moving it around. Plus, how many Bluetooth speakers come with swappable batteries and 35 hours of life? This unlocks your ability to get off the beaten path, away from power sources, and still have the means of playing music all night long. Features include a single-hand carry handle; robust silicone

rubber ball corners; a detachable front grille; simple UI panel; swappable SOUNDBOKS battery and a sturdy plastic cabinet. And there’s more. Want to adjust the equalisation to fit the mood? Fancy creating a sound profile to personalise your listening experience? Need to lock and secure your SOUNDBOKS? Ready to upgrade for peak performance? All of this can be done in the app. ✤ GO: VISIT SOUNDBOKS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CHILL OUT Regular handheld fans don’t stand a chance against our desert heat. Enter the Aecooly Misting Fan Cold Air Ultra.

Aecooly’s Cooling Lab has studied how high-speed airflow, airpump mist and evaporation work together to create portable heat relief you can actually feel. The result is a serious piece of hardware with a 70,000 rpm rotation speed, 7,000mAh battery capacity and a wind speed of up to a massive 90km/h that mists as it blows. You just fill up the tank and the fan does the rest in a simple 48

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sequence: draw air in, drive mist into the stream, carry it to the user, then let evaporation do its work. And repeat. Weighing in at around 345g, it’s easy to carry and with a battery life of up to two-and-a-half hours, you can definitely stay cool on the go. ✤ GO: VISIT AECOOLY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

PLUGGED IN •

RETRO REVIVAL Perhaps inspired by the upsurge in vinyl record players, cassettes recorders and retro games consoles, Camp Snap’s latest digital camera heads back to the 1970s. The 110D draws its inspiration from the slim, pocket-sized 110 film cameras of 1972 – and, at first glance, it looks just like the much loved Kodak Pocket Instamatic. In keeping with the retro feel, there’s no screen; it’s a simple point-and-shoot digital setup with an eight-megapixel sensor. Five built-in filters give you the choice of how your pics will look, including vintage and black-and-white options, while a slider lets you switch between images. And thanks to Camp Snap’s fastest shutter button design, shooting is almost instant. The camera has a pre-installed 4GB microSD card that holds around 2,000 photos – shooting around 500 pictures on a single charge – and it works with USB-C for both charging and file transfer. ✤ GO: VISIT CAMPSNAPPHOTO.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SMART RING, SMART PRICE If you want to try the fitness ring phase without paying out the usual big bucks, then this one’s for you. Sekonda has released a basic ring that retails at under USD110.

With no subscription, ever, the ring provides sleep tracking, step counter, body temperature and heart rate records, stress monitoring and fatigue level gauge. It also measures blood oxygen, respirations and more, with customisable alerts and exercise records. Slim and lightweight in a silver colour, the ring is water

resistant to 50 metres and has a seven day battery life, dependent on use. Sync to Apple Health and Health Connect and simply forget you’re wearing it until you want to check your figures. ✤ GO: VISIT SEKONDA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• 5 OVER 5

In Conversation with… Ammar Samad

Wellness is no longer a luxury add-on; it’s redefining the way we travel. At Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Regional General Manager Ammar Samad is building on the resort’s distinctive approach, blending a strong sense of place with a forward-looking approach to holistic wellbeing.

You have more than 25 years of experience in international hospitality, spanning operations, food and beverage (F&B), guest experience and commercial performance. How has that broad operational background shaped the way you lead a resort today? My 25-plus years across international hospitality have taught me that successful leadership starts with understanding the operation from the ground up. I see a resort as one interconnected ecosystem rather than separate departments. This broad perspective allows me to balance the commercial priorities of the business with the experience we want to create 50

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for our guests and the environment we want to create for our colleagues. At Zulal, my focus is on creating an operation where financial performance, service excellence, innovation and wellbeing reinforce one another. Under your leadership, Zulal has grown occupancy and profitability while maintaining guest satisfaction above 95%. How do you balance commercial performance with a highly personalised guest experience? For me, commercial performance and guest experience are

5 OVER 5 •

not competing priorities. When you genuinely understand what guests need and deliver meaningful, personalised experiences, strong business performance becomes a natural outcome. At Zulal, we have seen this reflected in our results, with Gross Operating Profit increasing by 129%, occupancy rising by 79% compared with previous years, and guest satisfaction remaining above 95%. The key is having the right people, the right culture and a clear purpose. We invest in training, mentorship and career development because inspired and empowered colleagues are the foundation of exceptional service. Collaborations with organisations such as Sidra Medicine, Al Koot and QLM allow us to connect wellness with healthcare, insurance and broader wellbeing initiatives, while creating new opportunities to reach and support different communities. Wellness hospitality has moved increasingly into the mainstream luxury travel market. How different is running a dedicated wellness resort from managing a more traditional luxury hotel, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth? In a traditional luxury hotel, the guest experience is often centred around accommodation, dining and leisure. At Zulal, the entire experience is built around well-being, so every element needs to support the guest’s personal goals and journey. This requires integration between hospitality, wellness, nutrition, fitness, spa, guest experience and, increasingly, technology. It also requires us to think beyond a stay and focus on meaningful, measurable and personalised outcomes. I believe the greatest opportunity is the continued evolution of wellness from a niche offering into an integral part of how people travel and live.

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som combines international hospitality standards with a distinctive regional identity, particularly through Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine. How important is this sense of place in differentiating the resort in a competitive global wellness market? It is fundamental. Authenticity is one of the strongest differentiators a destination can have. Zulal’s integration of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine gives us an opportunity to share a distinctive part of the region’s heritage through a contemporary wellness lens. We are integrating regional traditions into innovative and results-driven wellness programmes. This creates a sense of place that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere. Our ambition is to unite heritage and innovation, respecting the knowledge and traditions of the region while applying them in ways that are meaningful to today’s international wellness traveller. What is the next chapter for Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som? Are there particular developments, markets or guest experiences you’re focusing on to drive the resort’s future growth? The next chapter is about strengthening Zulal’s position as a global benchmark for holistic wellness, while supporting Qatar’s ambition to become a leading wellness destination in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. We are expanding our wellness offering through new, purpose-led retreat programmes such as Postpartum and Golden Longevity, designed to support the different stages and needs of our guests and the wider community. We are also taking Zulal’s expertise beyond the resort through our Zulal Wellness Experience Boutique, Wellness at Home, Meal Plan Services and Wellness Catering Services, making personalised well-being more accessible within the community. ✤ fact magazine

• VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN

SEASONED WITH EXPERIENCE Four decades in the kitchen haven’t dulled Wolfgang Franz Gödl’s appetite for the job. The Executive Chef at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, talks passion, teamwork and a signature dish with a very personal story.

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VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN •

You’ve been working in professional kitchens since the early 1980s and have built a career spanning more than four decades. What does it take to stay relevant, successful and excited about the job for that long? A love for the profession and strong training are essential. I have been lucky to work with many good chefs who taught me a great deal. I believe that you always have to keep up with the times, try new things and be willing to put in the time and effort. Most importantly, having a good team and colleagues always makes a huge difference. You’ve worked across everything from fine dining and hotel openings to large-scale catering. What has been the most challenging part of being a chef for you, and which experience in particular really put you to the test? For me, the biggest challenge has always been satisfying the guests, making them happy and giving them a memorable experience. That takes a lot of energy, focus and determination. One experience I will never forget was cooking for high-ranking politicians, including Bill Clinton, as well as many other wellknown figures. Working at that level came with many challenges, but it was also a valuable experience.

At Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, you oversee 15 very different food and beverage outlets, alongside events and outside catering. With so many cuisines and concepts under one roof, how do you keep each one distinctive while still putting your own stamp on the overall food experience? None of this would be possible without my great team. Good communication and teamwork are important. I am fortunate to have people who work closely together and understand their roles. We support each other, and that is what allows each outlet to have its own identity while maintaining a consistent overall food experience. What is your signature dish at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, how did you develop it and what makes it special to you? My signature dish is the Stuffed Oxtail at Bentley’s Grill. The original recipe was created by my 94-year-old mother. It holds a special place in my heart because she used to cook it throughout my childhood. I later refined the dish and made it my own. It is very special to me because it brings back memories of my mother and my childhood. ✤

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

AN APPETITE FOR THE CLASSICS Sirine Boudjadi puts the sharing concept to good use at Cipriani Doha, making her way through the Italian institution’s signatures while soaking up one of its biggest draws: the waterfront setting.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

t’s Thursday, the weekend is almost here and a long lunch suddenly feels entirely justified. There are definitely worse places to spend it than Cipriani Doha. It’s my first time here, but there’s no mistaking where we are. Cipriani’s old-school Italian glamour has been around for generations and, in Doha, it comes with a pretty spectacular setting in West Bay. We’re offered a table inside, but one look at the terrace and the decision is pretty much made. Even better, it’s air-conditioned: very good news in September, when the heat is still going strong. So outside we go, overlooking the water and Doha’s skyline, while staying comfortably cool. Best of both worlds, really. We’re invited to try a selection of signatures, with one very sensible suggestion: share everything, so we can work our way through as much of the menu as possible. No objections from us. First on the table is the Bresaola Della Valtellina With Shaved Parmesan Cheese. It’s a classic combination for a reason: the cured beef is delicate and savoury, the cheese salty and nutty. Take a little of both in the same bite and there’s really not much else it needs. A very easy start. Two salads follow. The Cucumber Salad With Sweet Corn, Datterino Tomatoes & Avocado is the lighter, with chunky avocado, crisp cucumber, sweetcorn and juicy little tomatoes all tossed together. We’re even more taken by the Beetroots And Asparagus Salad With Goat Cheese. The beetroot brings sweetness, the cheese that familiar tang, with asparagus cutting through the two. Just as lunch is starting to feel suspiciously healthy, the Pizza With Buffalo Mozzarella D.O.P. is brought over on a raised metal stand. Much better. It’s huge, topped simply with tomato, fact magazine

• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

buffalo mozzarella and basil, but the dough is particularly light: thin through the middle, airy around the edges and surprisingly easy to eat. Even after a couple of slices, there’s none of that heavy, overstuffed feeling pizza can sometimes leave behind. Which, naturally, we take as a perfectly good reason to have another. A questionable decision, perhaps, considering the mains are still to come. First, the Veal Piccatine Al Limone: thin, tender slices of veal in a buttery lemon sauce, with rice pilaf alongside. That sharp hit of citrus keeps things light, while the rice is basically there to make sure none of the sauce goes to waste. We oblige. The Wild Sea Bass With Tomatoes, Olives And Potatoes gets the tableside treatment, arriving whole on a large silver platter before the waiter portions it in front of us. The fish is delicate, with sweet tomatoes, salty olives and potatoes soaking up all the good stuff underneath. Those potatoes never stood a chance. At this stage, we have absolutely no business thinking about dessert. As if one isn't enough, we order four. The Tiramisu is the most familiar-looking of the lot, served in a small bowl with neat lines of mascarpone cream and a thick dusting of cocoa. Dig down and the coffee really makes itself known before the sweet mascarpone softens things out. No reinvention required. The Cipriani Vanilla Meringue Cake, which has become something of an Instagram regular, is much taller and more dramatic, with its huge sweep of toasted meringue sitting over layers of sponge and cream. It looks almost too pristine to attack, but that feeling lasts about three seconds. 56

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Last but not least, ice cream. The Vanilla Ice Cream À La Minute is freshly whipped and brought out as a 400g bowl for sharing, with chocolate sauce and peanuts on the side. Pouring the warm chocolate over the cold vanilla and throwing the nuts on top is obviously the move. The chocolate starts running into the soft ice cream, the peanuts add salt and crunch, and suddenly four hundred grams doesn’t seem quite as ridiculous as it did 30 seconds earlier. The Pistachio Ice Cream À La Minute gets the same oversized treatment, this time with crushed pistachios. By the time we finally put the spoons down, we’ve been sitting here long enough to properly take in the surroundings. And Cipriani Doha is nothing if not consistent with its look: highgloss dark wood wraps around the room and runs across the ceiling, broken up by large mirrors and black-and-white fashion photographs on the walls. White tablecloths keep things crisp, while the chairs and curved banquettes are upholstered in pale blue-grey. Overhead, amber-toned Murano glass chandeliers give off a warm glow, sitting particularly well against all that glossy wood. The blue-and-white terrazzo flooring carries on the nautical palette, right down to the white crockery with its instantly recognisable blue rim. For all the gloss and old-school glamour, it still feels like somewhere you can actually relax. ✤

GO: CALL 4453 6111 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.

Follow the warmth of open flames and the fragrance of saffron, aromatic herbs and delicate spices, as Al Hubara brings a rich tapestry of regional flavours to the table.

QAR 275 per person | QAR 137 per child Every Friday | 7 PM to 11:30 PM For reservation, please call +974 4485 3000 or WhatsApp 5594 9701

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• ON THE MENU

A FEAST THAT KNOWS HOW TO SHOW OFF Sirine Boudjadi returns to Qalamkarri at Banyan Tree Doha at Doha Oasis for a new-menu tasting packed with spice, comfort, colour and just enough spectacle.

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ON THE MENU •

already have a bit of a thing for Qalamkarri. So when I heard the Indian restaurant at Banyan Tree Doha at Doha Oasis had a new menu, going back was an easy decision. This isn’t really the place for a quick curry and an early night anyway. Qalamkarri likes dinner with a little drama and, thankfully, the new dishes give me plenty to talk about. We’re barely settled before the table starts filling up. Crisp papad comes with mixed pickles, sweet mango and a minty yoghurt chutney. Then an elephant arrives. More specifically, a silver elephant carrying the dahi puri, which is a pretty good way to get our attention. The little fried shell breaks open to reveal potato and tamarind chutney, with yoghurt on top and a quinoa cracker for extra crunch. It sounds like a lot for something you eat in a couple of bites, but that’s the fun of it: crisp, creamy, tangy, sweet, gone. Qalamkarri is especially good when it plays with contrast. The Avocado, Beetroot & Quinoa Salad, for example, could easily have been the sensible order on the table. It isn’t. Beetroot and quinoa come tightly packed in the centre, surrounded by smooth mashed avocado, with pomegranate and finely sliced white onion giving it some much-needed snap. Lemon dressing pulls everything into sharper focus. Fresh, yes. Boring, absolutely not. The Charcoal Aloo Avocado Chaat is our first favourite of the night (it didn't take long!). Black charcoal-coated potato sits over avocado with splashes of beetroot yoghurt, carrot yoghurt, sweet yoghurt and tamarind chutney. Drag a piece through the sauces, catch a pomegranate seed, add a little of the spicy mint yoghurt from the side, and suddenly there’s sweetness, acidity and heat all fighting for attention.

We’re equally happy picking our way through the Prawn Uthappam: three little rice pancakes loaded with spiced prawn, coconut, curry leaves and coriander. We’d already told the team we’re only mildly brave when it comes to spice, so they offer to keep the tomato chutney on the side rather than spooning it over. Smart move. We can dial the heat up ourselves, then cool things down again with the coconut chutney. By the time the tandoor dishes arrive, we’re ready for something less fiddly. The Tandoori Murgh Chop delivers: four substantial pieces of chicken, nicely marked from the heat, with beetroot chutney, salad, lemon and those very photogenic purple potato crisps. There’s saffron, flour and cream involved in the preparation, but what matters at the table is that it’s straightforward and satisfying after all the dipping, swiping and assembling. Somewhere around here comes one of the smartest interventions of the night: a peach, mint and lemon palate cleanser. Cold, slushy, sharp and over almost before we realised how much we needed it. Reset button pressed. Because next up is Murgh Makhani, and nobody comes to butter chicken looking for restraint. Pieces of chicken tikka sit in a glossy tomato, cashew and cream sauce, with coriander on top. It’s rich without us needing a thesaurus to explain why it works. The garlic-butter-cheese naan proves particularly dangerous; the regular cheese naan isn’t exactly left lonely either. The Nalli Gosht also looks like it means business. A slow-cooked shank stands upright in its dark, glossy gravy, bone pointing skywards. Despite the dramatic entrance, the spice profile is more aromatic than fiery. fact magazine

• ON THE MENU

Then comes the dish that basically ends any remaining conversation about whether we’ve ordered too much: Tandoori Murgh Tikka Biryani. It’s served in a pot sealed under a puffed, golden baked lid. Breaking into it is half the pleasure. Underneath: basmati rice, pieces of boneless tandoori chicken, saffron, crunchy cashews and sweet caramelised onions. This isn't a delicate finish-to-the-mains situation. We go back in. Dessert could have been one course too far. Somehow it isn’t. The Spice Carrot Cake is much more polished than its cosy name suggests: a sleek, pale bar decorated with little cubes of cake, curls of carrot and dots of cream, with a scoop of passion-fruit sorbet sitting on crumble alongside it. Then there’s the far sunnierlooking Saffron & Pistachio Cake, a glossy yellow little number served with mango cream, raspberry and crisp cornflake pieces. If the cakes feel like a proper dessert, the mango and lemon sorbets are the lighter way out although there’s absolutely nothing lowkey about their arrival. They come inside a huge lemon-shaped vessel, surrounded by flowers and billowing dry ice. The lid comes off, the smoke spills across the table and, yes, I immediately reach for my phone. Thankfully, what’s inside is refreshingly simple. A bit of spectacle, without another heavy mouthful. That little bit of theatre makes sense once you look around. Qalamkarri is polished, but it isn’t beige-hotel-restaurant polished. Crisp white tablecloths are broken up by turquoise stoneware, matte-black cutlery, textured dark plates and colourful, almost hand-painted-looking platters. Slim table lamps keep the lighting warm and flattering, with flashes of burgundy and patterned upholstery. Even the smaller details get some personality: brass condiment pots, sculptural serving pieces, bold ceramics. There’s a lot to photograph, sure, but the room still feels like somewhere 60

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you’d actually want to sit for a long dinner. The service helps with that. Sakshit and Rabel are warm, switched-on and happy to talk us through what’s turning up. And yes, even after all that food, we’re already plotting our next visit! ✤

GO: CALL 4410 3310 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.

Food from the heart of Lebanon, made with a mother’s love. At our table, Mama Halima welcomes you to experience the essence of Lebanese heritage. Every dish reflects a journey crafted with history, soul, and a mother’s love. +974 4035 5555

+974 7479 2244

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Fri–Sat: 8–11:30 | Lunch & Dinner Mon–Thu: 12:30–00:00 Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha K E M P I N S K I .COM /M A R SAM A L AZ

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• FLAVOUR HUNT

CALLING ALL CARNIVORES Aliya Dinderbay visits the fully reopened Hunters Room & Grill at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa for an evening of steak, Latin-American-inspired flavours and plenty of indulgence.

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FLAVOUR HUNT •

efore you even reach your table at Hunters Room & Grill, the stag statue on the terrace gives you a pretty clear idea of what’s coming. Following its reopening, the restaurant is back on the mezzanine floor with its American steakhouse concept, set in a warm and elegant space. On arrival, we’re asked whether we’d like to sit indoors or on the terrace, and we choose the latter. It quickly proves to be a good decision. Fountains run nearby, with soft lighting and plenty of greenery giving the space a garden feel. Much of the terrace is also sheltered within the hotel, so you get the atmosphere of dining outdoors without having to deal with Doha’s heat. Our server, Shafeeq, starts by asking how we’d like our meat cooked. I go for medium-well, while the rest of the table opts for well-done. Rather than asking us to choose one cooking temperature for the whole table, the team offers to prepare a mix. It’s a small but thoughtful touch, especially when everyone has a different idea of the perfect steak. We begin with homemade Chicharrón bread, served with mustard butter and herb butter. The bread is crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, with a light, almost airy texture. The mustard butter has a pleasant tang, while the herb butter is fresh and savoury with a little kick. It’s the sort of bread you tell yourself you’ll only have one piece of, then somehow find yourself reaching for another. The guacamole arrives as an amuse-bouche, served in a crispy pie tee cup with avocado, tomato caviar and coriander. It’s fresh and creamy, while the cup adds a nice crunch. It’s a small bite, but one that sets the tone for the Latin-American flavours to come

From Ceviche To Chilli The Ceviche de Langostinos Patagonicos is one of the highlights from the cold starters. Shrimps are marinated in lime juice and served with passion fruit, mango, red onion and avocado, finished with chilli and coriander. The citrus cuts through the sweetness of the mango and passion fruit, while the chilli comes through without taking over the dish. The Ensalada de Remolacha Grillada offers beetroot two ways with parmesan crisp, kale, rocket, pomegranate and herb dressing. The vegetables taste fresh and crisp, with the earthy sweetness of the beetroot balanced by the sharpness of the pomegranate. The Seabass Aguachile is another refreshing option, with sea bass, green aguachile, cucumber and pico de gallo. The fish is delicate, while the cucumber and coriander keep the dish light. Alongside the starters, crispy banana and corn tortilla chips bring plenty of crunch. From the hot appetisers, the Empanada Argentina is filled with beef, onions, peppers and green olives. The Cachapas are more unexpected: sweet corn cakes topped with pico de gallo, sour cream, tomato chutney and mixed cheese. The sweetness of the corn against the tangy toppings works surprisingly well. Then come the Anticuchos: beef skewers marinated with ají. These have a definite chilli kick, but the seasoning doesn’t completely mask the beef. If you like some heat, they’re worth trying. Before the main course, Agnes brings out three steak knives and asks us to choose from light, medium and heavy, explaining that the lighter knife offers more agility while the heavier one provides greater balance. We go with the medium option. I didn’t realise choosing a steak knife could be part of a dining experience, but here we are. fact magazine

• FLAVOUR HUNT

Time For The Main Event The Carnivores Platter arrives loaded with striploin, tenderloin, lamb chops, ribeye and chicken, alongside mashed potato gratin, grilled asparagus and mixed salad. You can choose from traditional chimichurri, mushroom sauce or criolla sauce. For me, the ribeye is the standout. Cooked medium-well, it remains tender and juicy, with a rich beef flavour that doesn’t really need anything added to it. The striploin is another strong choice, with a more substantial bite and plenty of flavour. The mashed potato gratin, covered with melted cheese, is creamy, comforting and exactly what you want next to a table full of grilled meat. Afterwards, a palate cleanser of mango purée and lemon juice arrives. Bright, fruity and citrusy, it offers a refreshing pause before we move on to dessert.

Save Room For Dessert By this point, after a table full of steak, chicken and sides, dessert feels slightly ambitious. Naturally, we order it anyway. The churros, coated in sugar and cinnamon and served with dulce de leche and chocolate sauce, make for a suitably indulgent finish. We also try the homemade chocolate cake, which comes with a creamy centre and vanilla ice cream. The warm chocolate cake and cold ice cream make a particularly good combination, rounding off an evening of generous portions and bold flavours. After a meal like this, it’s safe to say Hunters Room & Grill is back in business and giving Doha’s meat lovers plenty of reasons to take notice. Our advice? Come hungry. ✤

GO: CALL 3359 8514 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING. 64

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Steak Night A la Carte

Every Thursday & Friday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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• FOODIE CORNER

COME HUNGRY, THIS BRUNCH MEANS BUSINESS Doha isn’t short of five-star Friday brunches, but which ones truly stand out? SD headed to Al Hubara Restaurant at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel to see what keeps this one firmly on the city’s favourites list.

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FOODIE CORNER •

here are so many reasons to try the brunch at Sheraton Grand Doha. Other than dining in Doha's most iconic landmark, this five-star hotel lobby brunch is an excellent opportunity to sample the creations of some of the city's most celebrated chefs, and we do not take the chance to sample Doha's most legendary dessert, Sheraton Grand Doha's Umm Ali, lightly. Now that the cult-status dessert is out of the way (we'll come back to it, of course), we're ready to be seated and kick off our Friday afternoon at this popular (and fully booked) brunch at Al Hubara Restaurant. Restaurant Manager Charlton welcomes us and seats us under one of the striking latticework domes suspended over the dining area. Sitting under this intricate geometric canopy feels like we're indulging in a royal affair. The red carpet and old-school glamour add to that. Multiple storeys of balconies rise above the atrium, and while we miss the outdoors, there's really nothing to complain about here. Plenty to keep our eyes busy. We take a short walk around as Charlton introduces us to everything they're proud of. This is such an elevated spread and although it's a buffet, it doesn't feel like one. Every section is well thought out and focusses on high-quality ingredients and preparation. We're confused where to start - but the salad selection is impressive. It's easy to get carried away with all the colours (our eyes eat too, you know), but we know better. What we love about this brunch is the dedicated Late Breakfast section. Who cares if you skipped your eggs and waffles? A chef is preparing all of that and more right in front of you. The cold seafood station is basically a feast for seafood lovers: mussels, crabs, shrimp, you fact magazine

• FOODIE CORNER

name it and there are buckets of it. The chefs are whipping up fresh individual pizzas and you can customise your pasta too. But right next to it, we find something we've never had at a brunch in Doha - a majestic lobster roll with torched cheese on top. The Belgian Fries loaded with beef mince and sauces are unforgettable too. The kids' buffet catches our eye and we head over to inspect. The Hello Kitty-themed station is a dream, even for the adults. Every colour of the rainbow can be found here and while we are very tempted to grab a few bites, we don't want the staff (and Charlton) to think any less of us. It's impossible to list out everything we tried and saw, but from main courses around the world (yes, there's butter chicken) and fresh catch grilled or fried your way, this brunch lacks nothing. The dessert spread is rather large, so we pick our favourites. A delectable cheesecake, some fruits and something we've never tried before: a Black Forest tiramisu. Not only is this incredibly creative, but the execution is also flawless. We get the best of both worlds, with two classics surprisingly not fighting each other, but beautifully melding into creamy, dreamy indulgence. This is what the influencers should be shooting, it just has those viral qualities. The Italian maritozzo is such a treat. There's a dedicated section for it. We choose the tiramisu custard and the chef fills a soft brioche bun with a generous amount. He tops it with chocolate shavings, crushed Lotus Biscoff, almond slivers and a few other sugary accompaniments. We tell him to go all out and then just get stuck in. And now for the moment of truth, the showstopper, the myth, the legend: the ultimate Umm Ali. This isn't just dessert. This is the hotel's DNA. One of its greatest claims to fame and rightfully so. Served warm (and unlimited, of course), there's an exquisite selection of toppings and sides. We had to exercise restraint early on to prepare 68

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for this moment. We scoop out a generous portion, making sure to include those beautifully caramelised edges, and then just make it more indulgent with nuts, coconut flakes, and raisins. Pure bliss. By the time we’re done, we completely understand why this brunch has become such a Doha favourite. Al Hubara is by no means average. There’s a real sense of occasion here, from dining beneath the soaring atrium to working your way through elevated dishes from some of Sheraton Grand Doha's bestknown kitchens, including Michelin-starred too. There’s plenty to discover, plenty worth going back for seconds of, and enough variety to keep even the pickiest table happy. In a city that certainly isn’t short of five-star brunches, this one still manages to feel distinctly Sheraton Grand Doha. ✤

GO: CALL 4485 4422 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.

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• DINING DELIGHT

JAPANESE FLAVOURS ABOVE THE CITY The views may be the first thing to grab attention at Sora Rooftop at Park Hyatt Doha, but they’re not what SD is still talking about. That honour belongs to a Wagyu stir-fry worth returning for.

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DINING DELIGHT •

here's no shortage of really good Japanese restaurants in Doha, so it generally takes a little more than a well-made maki roll for us to pay attention. Luckily Sora Rooftop in Park Hyatt Doha has plenty going for it. Two striking visuals catch our eye as soon as we are escorted to the dining area. Imagine a massive geode suspended from the ceiling with the prettiest sunset colours. Disclaimer - this isn't an actual geode, but a large light installation that reminded us of one. The second, and even better, is the incredible view of Doha's glimmering night skyline from the 21st floor. Sora, you have our attention. What's it going to take to make this night unforgettable? Some good food obviously, but first impressions are already strong. Chef Welmor introduces himself and promises we're in good hands tonight. We clink our mocktail glasses and toast to his promise. We're ready to order and our host recommends going with the chef's favourites. The Hamachi Carpaccio is a vibrant appetiser highlighted by the yuzu truffle sauce. It's wonderfully fragrant and the silky slices of hamachi are soft and packed with flavour. We try the Tuna Tartare next and this one has a surprising presentation. It comes encased in crunchy cigars that thankfully don't interfere with the fresh flavours of the fish. The Chicken Gyoza is unexpected, in a very good way. The gently steamed gyoza are sitting on a bed of the most delicious spicy ponzu sauce. It’s bright and tangy with just the right kick of heat, really elevating the simple, delicate flavours of these dumplings. The Wagyu Beef Maki isn't innovative. We've had this before. But Sora Rooftop pays so much attention to the quality of ingredients that we can taste the freshness of every component with the fact magazine

• DINING DELIGHT

Wagyu being the star of the dish, as it should be. We also try the Sea Bream Maki with avocado, asparagus and yuzu garlic mayo. This is the perfect summer roll. Chef Welmor clearly knows what he's doing. He's all about flavour rather than gimmicks and every dish we've tried so far is proof of that. We may have had way too many appetisers so we decide to take a long break and just admire the view. Doha looks stunning tonight and for a weekday, Sora Rooftop is buzzing. It's not an empty restaurant and we watch the hosts skilfully serve the chef’s creative plates to multiple tables. A short conversation later (obviously about how good the food is), we're ready for mains. The Wagyu Stir-Fry arrives at our table. It's a well-presented dish and one we expect to taste good. But this might be one of our top five meat dishes in Doha. The incredibly soft meat melts in our mouths (a very sparingly used phrase as far as we are concerned) while the peppercorn sauce does its thing and adds a mild kick. The buttery mouthfeel is unforgettable. So much so that we don't even want to try the other main. What an absolute treat, we're definitely coming back for this Wagyu. We eventually do try the other main - the Black Tiger Prawns. This grilled seafood dish feels tropical with the pineapple salsa and while it's a really good main, at this point nothing can compete with the Wagyu Beef Stir-Fry. We love the lingering flavours. The night wouldn't be complete without dessert. If only the weather was better, our sugary indulgence would be graced by the breeze on Sora Rooftop's beautiful terrace, overlooking the Arabian Sea. But we're not disappointed with our current location - under our favourite geode-like installation. The chef treats us to an indulgent Matcha Berry Pavlova and some Mochi Ice Cream in chocolate and matcha flavours. The pavlova is very matcha72

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forward with a nice freshness from the berries. And the mochi is a classic - you can't go wrong. We're still stuck on that ridiculously good beef though. We're not going to stop thinking or talking about it. Sora Rooftop has been really pleasant tonight, reminding us that some of Doha's more popular restaurants are actually popular for a reason. Chef Welmor is a powerhouse - it's not easy to create that one unforgettable dish that any diner would go the distance for. He does it with finesse and confidence that clearly come through in every dish and flavour combination. He kept his promise. You've done very well tonight Sora, we'll definitely be back. ✤

GO: CALL 3158 7941 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.

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• SPA IN FOCUS

A VERY GOOD EXCUSE TO LEAVE DOHA

Sirine Boudjadi has been clocking up serious mileage in the name of pampering lately. This time, she heads to Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas to see what an afternoon at its sprawling spa has in store.

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SPA IN FOCUS •

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• SPA IN FOCUS

’ve somehow spent a good part of this month travelling serious distances in the name of being pampered. The good news: Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas made the journey worth it. It’s not my first visit to eforea spa, but somehow, I’ve never stepped inside the hammam. This time, that’s exactly where I’m headed for the Turkish Bathing Ceremony. The room alone is quite a sight. A huge heated stone platform takes up most of the space, framed by pointed arches and white columns. Dark marble traces the arches, while intricate geometric carvings add detail to all that pale stone. A small stone basin sits off to one side. The ritual starts with Argansus black soap, a traditional Moroccan savon beldi made from olive oil and crushed black olives. It has a dark, glossy, almost gel-like texture and Hazel, my spa therapist, smooths it generously over my damp skin before sending me into the steam for 15 minutes. The idea is not simply to sit there and slowly melt into the tiles: the heat gives the soap time to soften the skin and prepare it for what comes next. She leaves me with cold water and a useful survival tip: if the heat starts to feel a little too ambitious, a cold, damp towel on the face or back of the neck helps bring things down a notch. If the first part of the hammam lulls you into thinking this is going to be an entirely soothing affair, the exfoliation quickly corrects that assumption. The traditional textured mitt is worked methodically over my body, with the kind of thoroughness that makes a supermarket scrub suddenly seem rather unserious. There’s nothing particularly delicate

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SPA IN FOCUS •

about this stage, but that’s also the point. The combination of steam, black soap and the kessa glove lifts away dead skin far more effectively than any polite little exfoliation I attempt at home. By the time Hazel finishes, I feel as though I’ve been buffed back to factory settings. Thankfully, what follows is far gentler. Still stretched out on the table, I disappear beneath a cloud of foam as she works the lather over my body. The bubbles are warm and impossibly light, fizzing and bursting against freshly scrubbed skin before dissolving into a silky layer under her hands. After all that vigorous polishing, being enveloped in soft foam looked like the hammam’s way of apologising! Last step: a thorough hair wash and conditioner, by which point I have essentially outsourced my entire shower routine and am very comfortable with the arrangement. I emerge slightly dazed, impossibly light and with that peculiar post-hammam feeling that several layers, physical and otherwise, have been stripped away. I spend a few minutes upstairs in the relaxation room before we meet again for the second part of my wellness journey. Moroccan mint tea is waiting, traditionally served after the hammam, alongside a few squares of milk chocolate, which I make very short work of. I now head to the treatment room for the 60-minute Aroma Wellbeing Massage. Normally, the therapist would start with a little foot ritual, including a scrub, to help me settle in and switch off. Lovely in theory, but given what my skin has just been through, another round of exfoliation feels slightly overachieving. We happily skip it and get straight to the massage. It’s pretty straightforward, which is exactly what I want after the hammam. It combines traditional massage techniques with aromatic oils, and I can choose between light, medium or firm pressure depending on what I’m in the mood for. I go for a mix so I don’t spend the next hour silently regretting my decision. There are a few oils to choose from, including vanilla, a calming blend and oud. Vanilla is sweeter and warmer, while oud is deeper and woodier, so I go for the latter. It smells good without following me around like an aggressive perfume, and the oil also is especially nice after the hammam, putting some moisture back into the skin. For the next hour, Hazel works across my body with long, steady movements, alternating between sweeping strokes and gentle kneading, and spending a little more time on the shoulders, back and legs. And really, lying still for an hour while someone else does all the work is never a bad way to end a spa morning. The only problem? I still have the drive back to Doha ahead of me. Apparently, some things can’t be outsourced. ✤

GO: CALL 4423 6401 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING. fact magazine

All Images - Courtesy of Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

• TRAVEL

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TRAVEL •

MOON OVER SAMARKAND Amira Ragab follows a decades-old dream and discovers Uzbekistan alone. fact magazine

• TRAVEL was still a high school senior when I first came across the name Mohamed Mansi Qandil and fell irrevocably under the spell of his novel Moon Over Samarqand. The way he rendered its people and conjured the country from the page planted in me a quiet, persistent wish: to one day stand where he had described so lovingly. Twenty years later, that wish finally came to pass.

The First Glance Uzbekistan seizes the imagination the instant you step beyond the airport doors – a vast green expanse unfurling further than one expects of any capital's outer edges. My first destination was Tashkent, a capital that seems to argue, quietly and everywhere at once, that Islamic, Soviet and contemporary architecture need not compete for space, but can coexist in genuine harmony. After an exceptionally long flight, I had braced for exhaustion. Instead, the drive from the airport to my hotel, Inspira-S, set in the heart of the city, did quite the opposite – it stirred something awake in me, enough to send me back out into the evening before the day had properly ended. It was late August, and I had steeled myself for punishing heat. Instead, I was met with a warm, forgiving breeze that carried me further than I'd intended to go.

Tashkent Tashkent compels you to walk, and to turn just one more corner. Buildings emerge like standalone works of art – façades of mural, mosaic, beige bricks, coloured marble – each insisting on a second glance. On one such wander, I happened upon a carpentry workshop, its doors carved with such intricate detail that I stood before them speechless. Just beyond was the Naqsh School of Crafts, where I was welcomed graciously into a tradition of calligraphy and craft taught free of charge, to anyone between seven and 70. Back at the hotel, wanting only something light before sleep, I was greeted instead by three plates piled high with dried fruit and nuts – an Uzbek welcome so generous it rendered any further ordering unnecessary. The next morning, I traced Uzbekistan's history through its newest museum, the Center for Islamic Civilization, whose main eastern portal deliberately echoes the façade of the Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Samarkand. Five halls unfold like chapters of a single narrative. At its heart lies the Quran Hall, home to the seventh-century Mushaf of Uthman, among the oldest surviving Quranic manuscripts on earth. Around it, the story expands backwards and forwards at once – petroglyphs from a pre-Islamic world, Timurid-era miniatures glowing in the blues of Bukhara and Shiraz, a decree bearing the hand of Amir Timur himself, and finally a hall stepping into modern Uzbekistan. Still unhurried, I made my way to the Hazrati Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of old Tashkent – the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Muyi Muborak Madrasah (which once 80

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held the very Uthman Quran I'd admired that morning), the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, and the mausoleum itself – losing all sense of time amid turquoise domes, carved wooden doors and calligraphy tracing every wall. I surrendered what remained of the day to a spa, an unhurried swim and a hammam that delivered on every promise.

Samarkand I had not come this far to stop short of the very reason for my journey: Samarkand itself, the city I had first met on the page. I booked passage aboard the Afrosiyob, Uzbekistan's high-speed train, named for the long-ruined quarter of Samarkand dating to the sixth and seventh centuries BC, once a centre of Sogdian culture along the Silk Road. The two-hour journey, departing at 8am, cut first through urban greenery, then grass-covered mountains where cattle and sheep grazed unhurried, made richer by breakfast served on board: Uzbekistan's flaky bread, a small cupcake and tea. Stepping off the train, the day carried me backwards through nearly a millennium of history. The Imam alBukhari Complex rose before me with 14 blue domes, four 75m-high minarets, a white marble mosque built to hold 10,000 worshippers and a nine-pavilion digital museum tracing Al-Bukhari's life and the Prophet's lineage. Its façades draw on 18 varieties of imported natural stone, lending the complex a timeless gravity.

TRAVEL •

A Yandex Go (local taxi service) then carried me to Shah-i-Zinda, my driver pausing to point out the old Samarkand Jewish Cemetery, a quiet testament to the centuries-old Bukharian Jewish presence in Central Asia, just northeast of the necropolis. Shah-i-Zinda is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece – a continuous avenue of mausoleums rising organically from the hills, a wander through an open-air museum of mediaeval ceramic art. From there, I made my way to Registan Square, where three madrasahs stand as monuments to two centuries of ambition. Ulugh Beg Madrasah came first, raised by the astronomer-prince himself as a seat of mathematics and astronomy. Sher-Dor Madrasah broke with Islamic convention, its façade bearing tiger-and-sun mosaics, in defiance of tradition. Tilya-Kori Madrasah closed the square last, its mosque interior sheathed entirely in gold leaf, true to its name meaning ‘gilded with gold’. The square's scale is impossible to take in at a glance – I found newlyweds posing there, having learnt that no wedding in Samarkand feels complete without a portrait framed by it. The day's final, most contemplative stop was the Ulugh Beg Observatory on Chupan-Ata Hill, one of the most sophisticated scientific achievements of the mediaeval world, built by Ulugh Beg, grandson of Amir Timur and a master astronomer in his own right. I returned to the station and dozed through the ride back to Tashkent, Samarkand still lingering behind my eyes. fact magazine

• TRAVEL

Shopping Back in Tashkent, my last day was reserved for shopping, beginning at Magic City – part amusement park, part bazaar, part backdrop for photographs waiting to be taken. A full-scale replica of Registan Square dazzles in crisp modern tilework, tiger motifs roaring across its façade in place of the real Samarkand, while hundreds of umbrellas form a rainbow canopy over a café-lined lane. From there, I wandered to Seoul Mun, a three-story open-air dining and shopping complex along the Anhor canal, styled after a Korean quarter, complete with barbecue, bibimbap and nightly musical fountains. I nearly forgot my one remaining promise to myself: the local bazaars. A Yandex delivered me to Chorsu Bazaar, in the heart of Tashkent's Old Town – Uzbekistan's most iconic market, trading on the same ground for over a thousand years along the ancient caravan routes. Its turquoise-tiled dome, part of Tashkent's UNESCO-listed modernist architecture, crowns a market within, featuring towers of spice, mountains of dried fruit, garments in every colour and street food sizzling at every turn. I tried the momos and regretted every day I'd been here without them and then came the melons – Uzbek melons – unlike any fruit I had tasted before.

Food and Culture Uzbeks understand how to let a meal breathe. One begins with salads, then arrives the samsa: golden baked triangles of finely minced lamb steeped in fragrant spice, crispy on the outside, trapping the meat juices within. Nothing here is rushed; each course is given time to settle before the next arrival. Tashkent treated me to the traditional grills – shashlik and kebab, where Uzbek grill masters seem to have redefined what cumin is capable of – alongside lagman, a hearty noodle stew thick with lamb, and Naryn, a masterpiece of restraint built from only flour, water and meat. It arrived beside kazy, horse-meat sausage, which I tried for the first time and understood at once why it's considered a delicacy. Samarkand was a different story: plov, Uzbekistan's most celebrated dish, said to be made best here, preceded by a dumpling soup hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own. The plov – golden rice steamed rather than boiled, layered over sweet, julienned carrots, black cumin, chickpeas and barberries, resting atop tender braised lamb – was far more considered than rice has any right to be.

Never Goodbye My only true regret is that time was too short to take in all this country had to offer, and that I did not take nearly as many photographs as I should have. But when one is truly mesmerised by beauty, the impulse to reach for a phone tends to vanish – one can only hope to preserve it somewhere safer: the heart. All I know with certainty is that this will not be my last journey to Uzbekistan. After 20 years, I finally arrived. And, as it turned out, I had only just begun. ✤ 82

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• NEW & NOW

FOR HER

fact brings you the latest must-haves from the beauty and grooming world… from skincare to scents and make-up. DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY My Lash Seduction Celebrating devotion, femininity and the art of seduction through makeup, this mascara delivers panoramic volume and instant curl for up to 24 hours, thanks to a lightweight, smudge-proof formula and curling fibre applicator. Designed to lift, define and sculpt every lash, it creates an intensely magnetic gaze with a long-lasting, beautifully curled finish.

RITUALS COSMETICS The Ritual of Ayurveda Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, the renewed collection returns with a warm, floral-spicy fragrance, enriched with Indian rose and sweet almond oil. The newest additions include Super Dry Body Oil, which intensely moisturises while delicately scenting skin; Face & Body Clay Mask that draws out impurities; and Pre-Wash Hair & Scalp Oil, which nourishes the scalp, helping prevent dryness and breakage.

SAIE SuperSuede Baked Eyeshadow Introducing eyeshadow, simplified. These 11 modern neutral shades come in demi-matte and low-lit shimmer finishes, wearing for 16 hours without creasing, caking or fading, with no primer required. Baked in Italy, the lightweight, skin-like formula is infused with jojoba esters, ceramides and squalane for hydration, comfort and seamless blendability.

DIOR Rouge Dior On Stage Matte & Ink Blur Matte These two new lipsticks were designed to make matte a statement. On Stage Matte offers an intense finish with 24-hour no-transfer wear, while the liquid On Stage Ink Blur Matte delivers buildable blurring colour with a weightless, airy texture. Both combine extreme performance and intense comfort, with shades ranging from the iconic Dior red to rosewood and subtle nudes.

KOSAS Cloud Set Loose Powder Giving every skin tone a translucent veil of setting, blurring and shine control without taking away the glow, this ultra-translucent powder offers 12-hour setting and baking. Its featherweight, talc-free formula smooths pores and fine lines, blurs for an airbrushed finish and sweeps away shine, while melting into skin without looking cakey, powdery or dry.

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BLEMISH FREE Technique

BY DR. NOOR DALLAH Pigmentation Removal

Acne Scars & Textural Issues Wrinkles & Fine Lines Improves Skin Tone

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FOR HIM

• NEW & NOW

CAELI

THE BODY SHOP

Cala Soraja Organic Hand Cream Created to deeply soften dry hands, this hand cream brings together organic shea butter, organic olive oil, organic argan oil and organic aloe vera leaf extract. Part of the limited-edition Back to Routine set, its calming scent combines notes of lavender, bergamot and Roman chamomile, creating a serene moment with every application.

Vanilla Bath & Shower Gel Elevate your shower routine with this syrup-textured formula that glides onto skin and transforms into a soft, airy lather, gently cleansing without stripping moisture. Vanilla Absolute, crafted from responsibly sourced Madagascan vanilla bean pods, joins nashi pear, coconut water, mood orchid, creamy milk and sandalwood for a warm, enveloping routine.

ACQUA DI PARMA

LUSH

CLINIQUE FOR MEN

Cedro Virtuoso Eau de Parfum This warm, enveloping fragrance celebrates the sensorial warmth of creation. A tailormade co-infusion of Virginia cedarwood and hazelnut essence, macerated together for 30 days, creates a creamy, woody and luminous signature. Calabrian bergamot brings clarity and freshness, while cedarwood unfolds through smooth warmth, spiced balsamic tones and refined aromatic nuances.

Hey Pumpkin Gift Set The Hey Pumpkin gift set from the Autumn Gourmand collection contains Pumpkin Scrubee and Cinnamon Spiced Latte Shower Gel, making it a cosy pairing for glowing, radiant skin through the dullest autumn days. Buff away dryness with the nourishing pumpkin seed oil scrub, then wrap the skin in a warm, comforting embrace of clove and cinnamon spices.

Daily Hydrator Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Lightweight and silky, this multitasking moisturiser delivers instant hydration with hyaluronic acid, while helping protect against damaging UVA/UVB rays with Broad Spectrum SPF 35. The skin-strengthening formula helps repair the moisture barrier in just two hours, absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast and is suitable for sensitive skin.

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• FASHION FOCUS

TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES MEET MODERN MATERIALS

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FASHION FOCUS •

American designer Thom Browne takes the rolling meadows and hillside towns of Scotland as inspiration for his latest collection. fact magazine

• FASHION FOCUS

n a campaign shot in Birnam, near the Highlands, photographer Robbie Lawrence captured a series of locals and friends in Thom Browne’s autumn 2026 collection. The result is a striking campaign that’s very fitting, since the brand takes inspiration from centuries of collective weaving and traditional craftsmanship. Artisanal knowledge that uses the water of Loch Leven to finish yarns feeds into the story as does Thom’s history with Scotland. In 2006, he developed his own navy and grey tartan, which is still officially registered today. For this season’s collection, knitwear draws on centuriesold techniques, bringing depth and texture to fine cashmere and merino wool. Cable-knit construction, jacquard, Fair Isle patterning and graphic intarsia motifs build dimension across relaxed and classic fit V-neck pullovers and cardigans, exaggerated patchwork knits and statement outerwear. Combining technical down fill with the tailored structure of suiting fabrics, new outerwear silhouettes give chalk stripe flannel, jacket-weight cashmere and windowpane tweed unexpected volume and warmth. Ski-inspired details such as engineered thumbholes and rib-knit gaiters build sport-driven utility directly into cropped zip-front vests, football parkas and low calf-length jackets, for a layered approach to winter dressing. Black tie shifts into new forms this season, taking shape in dresses, capes and sharply structured sport coats. Trompe l’oeil detailing and open-back apron closures rework the conventions of formal tailoring, while heritage tailoring codes, including windowpane check, are rendered in precise grids of pearls. Since its launch more than 25 years ago, Thom Browne has been widely recognised for challenging and modernising, questioning traditional proportions but rooted in quality craftsmanship and precise tailoring. This collection confirms that ethos once again. ✤ GO: VISIT THOMBROWNE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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WE ARE COMING BACK HOME OUTDOOR LIVE MUSIC VENUE E V E RY F R I D AY

HE ER RA AT TO ON NG GR RA AN ND DD DO OH HA AR RE ESSSO OR RT T& &C CO ON NV VE EN NT TIIIO ON NH HO OT TE EL L H E R A T O N G R A N D D O H A R E O R T & C O N V E N T O N H O T E L SSSH

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CORNERS HUB FOUNDERS - CANDY MOUKARZEL AND HADY SAMAHA

• ARTS & CULTURE

PARTNERS IN CREATIVITY

Hady Samaha and Candy Moukarzel have spent more than a decade turning ideas into stories. The duo behind Corners Hub talk creative chemistry, constant curiosity and why the best work always starts with something worth saying. 92

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ARTS & CULTURE •

You've been working together for more than a decade. How did you first meet, and what made you realise you worked well together? Hady: Our creative journey really started while I was at university. I had the opportunity to participate in an inter-university advertising competition, and we decided to work on it together. Candy became my strategist, creative partner and, just as importantly, my support system throughout the entire process. We ended up winning the competition, which gave me the opportunity to travel to Glasgow, Scotland, and work alongside the international agency behind the Fisherman’s Friend brand. What began as a university project grew into a full 360-degree campaign and became a real success story for the brand in Lebanon. Candy: That experience showed us very early on how naturally we complemented each other. It was our first win together, our first real campaign together and the start of a creative partnership that would eventually become Corners Hub. What made you decide to start Corners Hub together, and what did you want to bring to the creative scene at the time? Candy: We met a new client at The Village in Dbayeh, a bar where we started handling social media and content creation. Behind the concept was Martin Kovar, a mixologist and entrepreneur who connected with our work. Martin eventually invited us to Mexico to work on his new ventures. We spent a month there developing creative work for six different brands and concepts, from enhanced beverage brands to a hacienda, an entertainment venue and a restaurant. Hady: Mexico was the turning point. Our client circle was growing, we were working internationally, and we realised it was time to give what we were building an identity. During many brainstorming sessions with Martin, who had by then become one of our closest friends, the original idea was called Circulo. That eventually evolved into Corners Hub, representing our vision of bringing together creative minds, perspectives and talent from different corners of the world into one creative hub. How does your dynamic work in practice, and where do you challenge each other most? Candy: We complement each other naturally. I bring the strategy, structure and understanding of what a brand needs to achieve, while Hady focusses on turning that into a strong creative direction and visual story. Hady: We challenge each other constantly. Candy keeps the ideas grounded in purpose, while I push the strategy creatively. That balance has always been one of our biggest strengths. Where do you usually find inspiration outside of work? Hady: I grew up surrounded by art. My mother is an artist, and music became a big part of my life early on: singing and playing guitar in a band, then DJing and producing electronic music from around 2007. Later, I discovered street photography, which completely changed the way I observe people, places and spontaneous moments. Music, photography, people and travel are still some of my biggest sources of inspiration. Candy: I started ballet at a very young age, so music, movement fact magazine

• ARTS & CULTURE Corners Hub, we’re integrating AI into our creative production to push concepts further, create possibilities that traditional production alone cannot achieve and combine technology with real human creativity and storytelling. What's something people might be surprised to learn about you both? Hady: We’re constantly experimenting. Whether it’s a camera, a new production technique or AI, we’re usually the first ones playing with it, breaking it and figuring out how we can use it creatively.

and visual expression have always been part of my life. I’ve also always had a deep love for fashion, design and styling, which naturally shaped my eye and eventually led me towards art direction and creative strategy. A lot of my inspiration comes from travelling: discovering new places, meeting different people, experiencing different cultures and observing how they express themselves. You've worked in many different countries over the years. Is there one place that has had a particularly strong impact on you creatively? Candy: Sri Lanka was definitely a turning point for us creatively. We spent a month there working on SOUL Resort, developing everything from the branding and website to photography, film and social media. Hady: Being immersed in one place and one brand for that long allowed us to experiment and push our production much further. It was the moment we felt Corners Hub’s creative standard move to another level. When the two of you disagree on a creative idea, who usually wins? Hady: Candy, probably! As a strategist, she always looks at my ideas from a completely different perspective. She’ll either find a way to make the idea more meaningful and valuable for the brand, or she’ll drop the whole concept completely! But that balance works. I push the creative boundaries, and she makes sure there’s a strong reason behind it.

What would be a dream project for Corners Hub, something you haven't had the chance to do yet? Hady: Our dream project would be to create a series of short documentaries travelling around the world, uncovering hidden people, places and talents that quietly shape the world around us. Candy: We want to tell real, positive stories that might otherwise never be seen. Stories that inspire people, shift perspectives and remind viewers that impact doesn’t have to be huge to matter. ✤

QUICK-FIRE FIVE One word to describe each other? Hady: Visionary. Candy: Fearless. If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing? Hady: Probably something involving music, photography and travel. I’ve always needed a creative outlet, so whatever I was doing, creativity would somehow find its way into it. Candy: Definitely something around fashion, travel or design. I’ve always been drawn to aesthetics, culture and discovering new places. A dream destination for a shoot? Candy: Japan. The contrast between tradition and the future, the architecture, street culture, landscapes, food and attention to detail make it endlessly inspiring. Hady: Japan feels like a place where every corner already has a story waiting to be filmed.

What do you think makes a piece of content truly memorable? Candy: Storytelling. It has to tell you something and leave an impact, whether emotionally or by changing your perspective. Hady: They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I believe the same applies to advertising. Beautiful visuals alone are not enough. If the work doesn’t make you feel something, then for me, it hasn’t done its job.

One artist or creative you'd love to have dinner with? Hady: Roger Waters. I admire how he combines music, storytelling, visuals and performance to create something much bigger than a song. Candy: Anna Wintour. I’d love to understand how she has shaped taste and influenced culture while constantly balancing creativity, strategy and instinct.

How do you see Qatar's creative and advertising scene evolving? Candy: Qatar is evolving incredibly fast, and there is a real appetite for innovation. Brands are becoming more ambitious, more digitally focused and more open to new ways of creating and communicating. Hady: For us, AI has become a major part of that evolution. At

One thing you always have with you when travelling? Hady: My camera. You never know when a moment worth capturing will happen. Candy: My laptop. Work and ideas tend to travel with me wherever I go.

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• ENTERTAINMENT

A selection of the new movies and TV releases you won't want to miss this month.

DIGGER

VERITY

KLARA AND THE SUN

Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu Cast: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John

Director: Michael Showalter Cast: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson,

Director: Taika Waititi Cast: Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams,

Digger follows the most powerful man in the world, a wealthy oil tycoon, as he races to prove that he can save humanity from a major environmental disaster he himself has set in motion. Starring Tom Cruise in the title role, the film marks director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s return to the big screen after The Revenant, bringing Tom Cruise together with an ensemble cast including Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller and Jesse Plemons.

Adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Verity follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is hired to complete the remaining books of successful author Verity Crawford, who has been left unable to write following a devastating car accident. Moving into the Crawford family’s remote home to sort through her notes, Lowen discovers what appear to be Verity’s private autobiographical confessions, containing disturbing revelations about her life and her husband, Jeremy. As she continues her work, it becomes increasingly difficult to tell what is true and what has been invented.

Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel, Klara and the Sun follows Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to provide companionship to teenagers. Chosen by Josie, a young girl suffering from a life-threatening illness, Klara becomes part of her family’s home and observes their strained relationships. As she grows increasingly devoted to Josie, Klara develops a deep belief in the Sun’s power to heal her, offering an unusual perspective on love, hope and human connection in a near-future world.

Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg

Netflix

EAST OF EDEN

Adapted for television by:

Zoe Kazan Cast: Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Ciarán Hinds Premiering on October 1, East of Eden is a seven-part adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel. Set in California’s Salinas Valley in the early 20th century, the series follows several generations of the Trask family, with Florence Pugh starring as Cathy Ames, whose arrival has a lasting impact on the lives of brothers Adam and Charles Trask. The story unfolds across two generations, bringing Steinbeck’s family saga to television through a new adaptation by Zoe Kazan. 96

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Josh Hartnett, Ismael Cruz Córdova

Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy

APPLE TV

NOCTURNE

Created for television by:

Rowan Joffé, Nicholas Wootton Cast: Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, Stephen Graham, Bill Camp, Rory Culkin, Poorna Jagannathan Nocturne follows former soldier and homicide detective Jonah Lynn, who leaves Philadelphia in search of a quieter life in rural Pennsylvania. His plans are disrupted when serial killer Jurek Walter begins targeting the town and those closest to him. As the search for a missing victim intensifies, Jonah turns to FBI agent Saga Bauer for help. The 10-part crime drama is based on the bestselling novels Lazarus and The Sandman by Swedish writing duo Lars Kepler.

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

Some great new sounds for you to check out this month.

FREQUENCY OF LOVE

FANTASY / HORROR

By Victoria Monét

Other Worlds Than These

With 22 tracks, Frequency of Love gives Victoria Monét plenty of room to build on the success of Jaguar II. Out on October 2, the album includes the already released Let Me and Reach Out, the latter produced by Kaytranada and D’Mile. It marks Monét’s first full-length project since her Grammywinning 2023 album and arrives after several years in which she has moved firmly into the mainstream R&B spotlight.

Jack Sawyer returns in the final instalment of the Talisman trilogy, continuing the story that began with The Talisman and Black House. Now older, Jack must confront a new threat involving a group of infected teenagers and mysterious forces emerging from the edge of Mid-World. The novel also reconnects the world of the trilogy with elements from Stephen King’s Dark Tower universe.

By Stephen King and Peter Straub

SHE’S THE BEST By Troye Sivan Troye Sivan kicks off his fourth album with a title track created alongside Jack Antonoff, George Daniel and longtime collaborator Leland. She’s the Best, out October 9, follows 2023’s Something to Give Each Other and arrives with a suitably starry introduction: Nicole Kidman and Sasha Colby both appear in the music video for the lead track, set against New York nightlife.

THRILLER

Chain Reaction

INSTINCT By Angèle Five years after Nonante-Cinq, Angèle’s next chapter arrives with Instinct. The Belgian singer’s third studio album features 13 tracks, including Dis-le, Une seule vie and What You Want, her collaboration with French electronic duo Justice. To be released on October 16, it is her first full-length studio record since 2021 and continues a career that has brought French-language pop to an increasingly international audience.

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By Lee Child and Andrew Child Jack Reacher is called back into action when General Susan Turner asks for his help following the murder of a member of her team during a covert operation. Unable to trust the people around her, General Turner sends Jack to the remote town of Summertown, Colorado, where a handful of residents live alongside vast data centres and solar farms. What begins as an investigation into one killing soon places Jack at the centre of a much larger operation.

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• MATTER OF FACT

What We’re (Still) Talking About? Can You Dig It?

For Flock’s Sake

The title of World’s Worst Guard Dog has to go to Nash the golden retriever, who was home alone when a burglar entered his house. Sky News reports that homeowner Dante Rowley looked on in amazement via his home’s camera system as a man used a ladder to enter his property through an upstairs window. Sitting at the bottom of the stairs was Nash, but this good boy wasn’t interested in any theatrics, he

We’ve covered some weird stuff in our time but this one comes close to the best. AP reports on a rather odd contest held each year in Nyergesujfalu, Hungary. Concerned that its members don’t have much occasion to meet up and discuss their trade, the Hungarian Association of Cemetery Maintainers and Operators stages a grave digging contest and this year 19 teams of two men competed. Aiming to spotlight the professionalism of the trade and its

We had to giggle at the tale from UPI of the chap who attended a San Diego City Council meeting dressed as Star Wars villain Darth Vader to defend the use of Flock cameras in the city. The cameras, which use high definition video and AI to log vehicle details and movements, have attracted a fair deal of controversy over issues such as mass surveillance of everyday citizens – not just criminal suspects – and data privacy. However, our movie villain seems to have had no such qualms, speaking publicly in favour of the cameras claiming they are “what the Emperor needs”. He urged officials: "The Emperor is a fan

Anthony, Unsplash

Dylan Gillis, Unsplash

Ferocious…Not

simply wanted to play and greeted the intruder, toy in mouth all ready for a game. The would-be burglar soon exited the property heading outside to find armed police waiting for him. The villain was taken into custody as police officers entered the house and, you guessed it, Nash tried to play with them too. Someone give that guy a game of fetch! 98

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physical demands, each team had to dig a standard grave of 1.6m deep, 2m long and 0.8m wide, using only spades, shovels and pickaxes. They were judged on speed and style, and the winning team of Róbert Nagy and László Kiss managed to dig their burial plot in just an hour and 21 minutes, to share a cash prize of 200,000 Hungarian forints (about USD640). Pretty sure those benefitting from their labours aren’t too concerned about either speed or style.

of Flock, and we must continue utilising Flock technologies so that we can follow and surveil the rebel scum as they move from playground to playground, from playground to pool, from pool to gymnasium, because we all know that the Flock cameras are not only following the licence plate readers, they are following children." Adding that libraries, community centres and the like are far less worthy causes of funding than Storm Troopers, he continued: “We will not succumb to the forces of democratic will.” The report claims the council appearance was intended as satire, but in today’s US, you really can’t be sure.

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