FACT Qatar September 2021

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The Road to 2022

Digital Transformation

Culinary Spotlight

CONTENTS

62 76 82 Staycation

Fashion Focus

Matter of Fact

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• THE EDITOR

Ready for Transformation?

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“There are no boundaries or borders in the digital age.”

– Karim Rashid

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elcome to the September issue in which I finally admit that the heat in our part of the world is finally becoming too much. Anyone else, or is it just me?

This month we’ve taken a look at how digitalisation is transforming our lives. From education to the films we watch, how we shop and even the proliferation of online influencers – who, it seems, may be facing a saturated marketplace.

I have to confess, being of a certain age, much of it passes me by. Don’t get me wrong, I can Facebook and Tweet with the best of them but when it comes to how influencers make a living or how a film maker deals with streaming and the like, well, let’s just say, I was very interested to read what they had to say.

Elsewhere, we’ve sampled some of the best Asian dining options around as well as returning to a much-loved Middle Eastern favourite for a very special kebab night.

Our extended motoring section brings you a test drive in the fantastic MINI John Cooper Works, with which our resident car fanatic was more than a little impressed. And we also chatted to Tom Lee, the man at the helm of MG Motor across the region, who explained the brand’s meteoric rise.

We welcomed Asad Ullah to the team and promptly sent him off for a staycation at the InterContinental Doha – hard life, eh? He had a great time.

And he’s also the man behind this month’s travel feature presenting gorgeous green Romania which, coincidentally, is now on Qatar’s green list.

Shouq Al Mana speaks monochrome masterpieces in the Arts & Culture section and, as always, we have a round-up of the best books, movies, music, tech, fashion and beauty, to keep you interested all month long.

Enjoy!

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director editorial@fact-magazine.com

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition • SEPTEMBER 2021 VOLUME 08, ISSUE 03

PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CHIRINE HALABI EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LIZ O’REILLY ASSISTANT EDITOR ASAD ULLAH DIGITAL EDITOR SARA WADDAH ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER OMNIA ELAMIR PHOTOGRAPHY SUDHI KOLLAROTH PEÑARANDA PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD EDITORIAL & SALES ENQUIRIES chirine@fact-magazine.com DISTRIBUTION DAR AL-SHARQ PRINTED BY AL ANAN PRINTING PRESS, OMAN CONTRIBUTORS CECILIA LERMEN EMILLE LOYOLA-ARTIGAS GARETH WOODS

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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“Clearly, the thing that's transforming is not the technology — it's the technology that is transforming you.”

ISSUU.COM FACT Qatar 73,531 reads of the August issue.

If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more in Qatar and beyond.

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• FACT FINDS

GOING TO VENICE! Ten films supported by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) have been selected to screen at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, from September 1 to 11.

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ne of the largest selections of films funded by DFI to be shown at the festival, the diverse line up includes six exciting works from the Arab world, including the first-ever Yemeni film selected for the official shorts category.

Continuing to build on DFI’s track record of showcasing Arab talent to an international audience, Shaima al-Tamimi sets history as the director of the first Yemeni film – Don't Get Too Comfortable – selected for competition at an international film event.

“We are incredibly proud to showcase 10 films backed by DFI at the Venice Film Festival this year, underlining our commitment to support emerging Arab talent and filmmakers from across the globe. The selection includes thought-provoking works by new voices in global cinema and established names that offer fresh perspectives on life that reflect human hopes, aspirations, and challenges,” DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said.

Competing in the Festival’s Orizzonti segment are three DFI supported films: Atlantide (Italy, France, Qatar) by Italian director Yuri Ancarani, 2020 Spring Grants recipient, that follows three young men who find an interest in small fast boats and drive the audience through a summer of dreams and nightmares; Kavich Neang’s debut film and 2020 Spring Grants recipient White Building (Cambodia, France, China, Qatar) explores the life-changing moments of a young man from Phnom Penh, from the demolition of his lifelong home to societal pressures; and 2020 Fall Grant recipient Kiro Russo’s El Gran Movimiento (Bolivia, France, Switzerland, Qatar). Set in contemporary Bolivia, the film follows Elder and his companions who arrive in La Paz after a 8

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seven-day walk as they seek to be reinstated at the local mine.

Premiering in the Orizzonti Shorts Film Competition, 2020 Fall Grant recipient, al-Tamimi’s Don't Get Too Comfortable (Yemen, UAE, USA, Netherlands, Qatar), contemplates the continuous pattern of movement amongst Yemenis in the diaspora and highlights the collective feeling of statelessness and belonging by migrants through introspective letters written to her grandfather.

The 2021 Venice Film Festival’s new sidebar programme, Orizzonti Extra, features two DFI-backed projects: opening film Land of Dreams (USA, Germany, Qatar) by Shirin Neshat and Shoja Azari; and 2018 Fall Grants recipient, Mounia Akl’s Costa Brava (Lebanon, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Qatar).

Diana El Jeiroudi’s Republic of Silence (Syria, Germany, France, Qatar), a 2016 Fall Grants recipient, premieres in the official out of competition segment.

Two DFI supported films have been selected for the Final Cut, a Venice Production Bridge initiative that supports projects from African and Arab countries: Under The Fig Trees (Tunisia, Switzerland, Qatar, France) by 2021 Spring Grants 2021 recipient Erige Sehiri; and The Mother of All Lies (Morocco, France, Qatar) by 2019 Spring Grants recipient Asmae El Moudir.

Syrian screenwriter, director, and 2019 Spring Grants recipient, Ameer Fakher Eldin, competes in Gionarte Degli Autori, an independent sidebar at the festival with The Stranger (Syria, Qatar) that follows Adnan, a young man returning home against the will of his father after unsuccessfully studying medicine in the former Soviet Union. ✤

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• LISTEN UP

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THE HOMECOMING KING Coya at W Doha organised an event to welcome Mutaz Essa Barshim back home after his big win at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 – and FACT managed an exclusive chat!

It’s been a frantic month for Mutaz Essa Barshim, the Qatari high jump star, since he added the only medal that was missing from his cabinet — the Olympic gold. Mutaz’s win also emerged as the symbol of sportsmanship around the world after he and his Italian rival and friend Gianmarco Tamberi shared the gold after both were locked at 2.37m in the competition.

“Can we have two golds?” was the Qatari competitor’s question to the referee, and the celebration thereafter by the two gold medallists won accolades around the world.

Coya at W Doha recently organised a homecoming event for the gold star to welcome him back home with warmth, garlands, bouquets and applause. Brimming with cameras, socialites and media eager to get a glimpse of the gold and its winner as Mutaz entered the venue.

The sportsman though is grounded enough to not let his success go to his head — rather enjoying every moment of it and welcoming fans who come and ask for a photograph.

Tall and humble, Mutaz spoke to FACT in an exclusive conversation about his shared friendship with Tamberi and how he unwinds.

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“Tamberi is a very close friend of mine, even outside the track.

So, when he was passing through a tough phase of his life, of course I wanted to talk to him and wanted to be there for him like any friend would. So, just talking to him really helped him out. And I’m glad for it. Similarly, when I had my injury and surgery, he was always on the phone with me — just trying to motivate and keep me positive,” says Mutaz.

When he’s not on the track, how does he unwind? He responds: “I’m a very boring person — sitting home, watching cartoons, I love cartoons. Japanese animation, a lot of movies and shows, that’s how I unwind. I don’t go out very often. Its either my house, my friend’s house or my family’s house. That’s it.”

Talking about his most memorable fan moment since his gold win, he says: “I really can’t come up with one moment because there were many. Once I won gold, everybody came out — they were happy. Everybody was sharing with me their stories. So many people said they cried. So, it was a lot, I can’t take a specific moment out. The whole journey was amazing.”✤

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• LISTEN UP

SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT QATAR To help communicate its vision, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has chosen 15 famous figures to be part of the SC Qatar Legacy Ambassadors Programme.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the biggest sporting event to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world.

Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy believes the power of football can create positive social change in the country, across the region and around the globe, whether it is sharing Qatar’s vision for the FIFA World Cup or highlighting our legacy programmes.

To this end, the SC has selected 15 famous figures to be part of its Qatar Legacy Ambassadors Programme.

These ambassadors are not only recognised for their achievements, but have a natural ability to inform and engage football fans and communities worldwide about Qatar 2022. They also work with the SC’s various legacy programmes, including Generation Amazing, the Josoor Institute and Challenge 22, to communicate the important work these projects are delivering in the lead-up to Qatar 2022 and beyond.

During 2019, these ambassadors were involved in more than 300 activations, while in 2020 – despite the Covid-19 pandemic – they still managed to take part in more than 75 events and digital activations.

Some of the most famous faces from the world of football serve as SC’s global ambassadors. This started in March 2018 when FIFA World Cup winner and former Barcelona player Xavi Hernandez first joined the programme. The former Spain international – who is the current head coach of Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd – has represented SC regionally and internationally in his role, particularly to support Generation Amazing.

In April 2019, former Cameroon international and four-time African 12

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Player of the Year, Samuel Eto’o, joined and has since worked on a number of legacy projects in Qatar. In the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Eto’o visited a school for refugee children in Malaysia to witness the work of the Education Above All Foundation.

Former Brazil captain Cafu is also on board, with education through sport being a subject close to his heart.

Former Australia international Tim Cahill has made a positive contribution since joining SC in February 2020 while SC is thrilled to have Ronald de Boer on board after the Dutch football legend was unveiled as a Global Ambassador in June. Last month, de Boer assisted the SC’s Fan Engagement team in the launch of the Qatar Fan Leader Network.

Equally as important are the local and regional ambassadors.

Special relationships with well-known faces from Qatar and the region have been developed, including football stars Ibrahim Khalfan, Ahmad Khalil, Adel Khamis, Mubarak Mostafa and Khalid Salman. Their contributions to multiple Generation Amazing activations with local children have been greatly appreciated in the community.

Former professional tennis player Mohammed Saadon al-Kuwari has also been an enthusiastic advocate in promoting this huge event, especially in Qatar's communities With regional outreach, SC also has Egyptian football legends Mohamed Aboutrika and Wael Gomaa for representation in Africa, while former Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi and former Iraq captain and AFC Asian Cup winner Younis Mahmood continue to make a positive impact throughout the region. ✤

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• LISTEN UP

S’HAIL IS BACK The fifth edition of Katara International Hunting & Falcons Exhibition, organised by Cultural Village Foundation – Katara, will be held from September 7 to September 11.

With the participation of 19 countries and around 250 companies, this exciting contest promises to be an enthralling festival showcasing unrivalled desert skills.

“Preparations are now almost complete, and more than 250 companies from across the world have expressed their desire to attend and participate in the event,” said Khalifa al-Humaidi, the exhibition’s media spokesman.

The participating countries include Italy, the UK, the US, Albania, Russia, the Gulf countries as well as many companies from Europe and other continents.

The event provides an important platform to introduce Qatari culture and heritage to international visitors displaying a main element of the heritage of Qatari ancestors related to hunting and falconry.

According to Katara: “The vision is to promote the hobby of hunting as well as Qatar's rich Arab heritage which we are keen on transforming into a global message through attracting participation from different countries around the world in this exhibition and meeting the needs of Qatari falconers and hunters so that they can enjoy their hobby at the highest level of luxury.”

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The exhibition will include stores selling birds, hunting equipment, vehicle outfitting and supplies for outdoor sports, and will also feature all the advanced technology tools needed to serve the hobby of falcon hunting along with a showcase of related ancient artefacts from different countries.

The spokesman recently said that according to information available so far, 19 countries will participate in the exhibition and 250 companies have expressed their desire to take part. “This is a big number in the world of international exhibitions,” he said.

“The new element in the upcoming fifth edition is that the space has been increased compared to the previous editions. The space in the previous exhibitions did not exceed 7,000sq/m, while the upcoming edition will be held on an area of about 12,000sq/m.”

S’hail has emerged as an international hub for hunting and falcon enthusiasts from all over the world. ✤

GO: VISIT HTTPS://S-HAIL.QA FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

AN AMERICAN-QATARI FUSION As part of Qatar – USA Year of Culture 2021, a digital art competition and a workshop for filmmakers is being organised to bring the two cultures together.

Qatar-based artists and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity in a digital art competition, which forms part of Qatar – USA Year of Culture 2021. Organised by Qatar Museums (QM), this unique activity urges ‘participants to be innovative, flexing their artistic talents while also being creative, fun, vibrant, and exciting’ as it aims to ‘bring the two cultures together’.

In a statement, QM said: “We invite you to create a digital work of art that expresses and is inspired by 20th Century American Pop-Art and pop artists, and their vibrant and diverse mainstream culture, while also using Qatari society and culture as a muse.

Artists must merge these concepts, creating a cultural exchange between American art and Qatari culture.”

Four winners will receive vouchers worth up to QR5,000 for In-Q, an online museum gift shop which has stores at the Museum of Islamic Arts, National Museum of Qatar, and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and Cass Art, QM’s art supply store.

QM noted that artists can submit a maximum of three pieces of work before September 30 and submissions should be culturally appropriate. There are no age restrictions and the size of artwork is flexible, but the resolution must be 300dpi.

Filmmakers and cinephiles can also take part in an online workshop organised by the Doha Film Institute (DFI). Titled 16

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Watching the Classics with Richard Pena: The Modernist Impulse, it aims to provide a deeper understanding of film history.

Pena was the programme director of the Film Society of Lincoln Centre and the director of the New York Film Festival from 1988 to 2012. The workshop will comprise three sessions – with the last on September 6. Each focuses on an undisputed world cinema classic, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm (Doha time). Lab fee costs QR250 and Culture Pass members are entitled to a 10% discount.

“In the weekly sessions, Professor Pena will present a given film within its aesthetic, economic, technological and social/ political context, detailing each director’s formal techniques while teasing out the implications of these artistic and technical decisions,” DFI said.

The third session – ‘Eclipse (L’eclisse)’/1962/Michelangelo Antonioni/Italy – discusses the third and boldest part of a very loosely conceived trilogy of films about postwar Italian society.

DFI noted that this workshop, which will be delivered in English, is open to applicants over 18 years old. ✤

GO: VISIT DOHAFILMINSTITUTE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• COVER STORY

READY FOR THIS TRANSFORMATION? Our world today is undeniably digital. New technologies from social media and GPS systems to artificial intelligence and digital twins. If you’re feeling queasy at the speed of change, hold tight. It’s only going to get faster

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rom crisis comes innovation and opportunity.

This is no different. When Covid-19 struck, it forced societal changes around the globe.

In response, businesses and schools alike began to look for ways to continue their operations remotely, thanks to the Internet. They turned to technology, collaboration platforms and video conferencing to remain engaged with their colleagues, clients, and students while working from home offices.

In just 18 months, the pandemic has brought about years of change in the way the world operates. According to a survey by McKinsey & Company, digitisation in companies, sectors and on individual levels has been accelerated by three to four years.

The Internet moves at a rapid pace with new trends emerging daily, often led by celebrity culture, media, brands and influencers. The latest ‘in’ technology is talked about and in no time spread nationwide or globally.

Everything’s a click away.

Students have finally been able to adapt to the new way of blended learning, filmmakers are keeping an eye on OTT (over the top) platforms to release their motion pictures and reach a wider audience. There are those who have taken over social media as influencers and have opted for this as their primary means of making a living. Entrepreneurs have successfully launched online experiences for consumers there are also authors who, rather than rely only on print, have shifted their focus to digital copies.

This month’s cover story is dedicated to everything digital and how different sectors have been affected by digital 18 fact magazine transformation for good or, sometimes, not so good…

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• COVER STORY

AFTER COVID, WILL DIGITAL LEARNING BE THE NEW NORMAL? Back in April 2020, schools and universities, not only in Qatar but worldwide, moved almost completely online in response to the pandemic, with classes still being taught face-to-face every other day for small groups of students. This teaching experiment proved to be successful. Where many schools were not entirely equipped with the technology for such a change, the lecturers were given orientation to become part-time producers, creating pre-recorded sessions or taking some on Zoom live.

How the education sector responded to the pandemic is worthy of appreciation. Now, even with everything, hopefully, back to normal soon, there are schools envisioning a future in which big lecture rooms with several hundred seats are progressively replaced by a more flexible education system, which takes the best of online learning but focuses on interactive experiences tailored to individual students’ needs.

Shagufta Bakali, a seasoned educationist of 25 years and CEO of The Next Generation School, gives her perspective on blended learning and what really is next.

“Change is crucial for growth and improvement, and I believe that digitisation is that one crucial change that has affected the education sector at large. From the changes in traditional learning, where the teachers would work from the book with little to no focus on independent learning, research or even focus on the child’s communication skills, digitisation has allowed students to branch out,” says Shagufta.

Digitisation can play a role in keeping students engaged with visual representations of concepts and activities. “Studies have shown that the human attention span is decreasing, so to keep Shagufta Bakali

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learning educators need to find ways to keep students engaged, this is where digitisation plays a huge role. It allows teachers and educators to show students visual representations of concepts in a fun manner. This in turn allows students to retain knowledge and is an effective way for educators to teach.”

According to Shagufta, other than visual aids, digitisation has allowed educators to employ research-based learning and focus on the students’ written and spoken communication skills by encouraging them to use a variety of digital mediums to complete assignments. “This not only makes learning fun, but also helps in retention of information learned,” she adds.

The blended learning approach during the pandemic has allowed students and teachers to continue from the safety of their homes. But what’s the downside? Shagufta explains: “In a classroom setting, the educator has control over the classroom.

They are able to regulate the learning pace and to keep the students engaged with various in-class activities. However, with the addition of technology both students and teachers are required to step out of their comfort zones.”

Is a blended learning approach helping students absorb and retain more? “It makes learning a bit more relaxed as students not only get more time to complete the assigned tasks but the incorporation of visual aids during classes makes it more fun and effective. It has also allowed both students and teachers to be familiar with technology in a very short time,” explains Shagufta.

Digital and remote learning are expanding the horizons of education further then we could have imagined. They have opened doors to millions of possibilities. Education is no longer confined to the walls of a classroom but can be offered over any digital platform. “Even before blended learning became the need of the hour, remote education was still there. Albeit it was not

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the norm or a prevalent mode of teaching, it allowed educators to reach students far and wide. YouTube played a crucial role in ‘normalising’ it by hosting a variety of educational videos, but now, with this new mode of teaching, an educator in Qatar could be teaching a student in Kenya with the same ease as if the student were here.”

There’s steep growth expected in the graph of digital education.

According to Shagufta digital or e-learning will not end when the pandemic ends. There’s more to it. “From now on, most probably, digital education will be the core of teaching and learning moving forward.”

THE CHANGE IN STREAMING HABITS AND THE NARRATIVE OF STORYTELLING Over the decades, from group-watching films with the entire neighbourhood to owning a television set of your own, the introduction of VHS and DVD and now a library of options a button away — viewing habits have demonstrably changed. The future of OTT platforms looks promising. As Covid impacted lifestyles worldwide in more ways than one, we witnessed a rise in popularity of online streaming platforms. Staying mostly at home, the weekend binge spread across the entire week and the hours spent have increased to a point where it is hard to imagine that this behaviour will reverse once normalcy returns. Dimitri Yuri, a Brazilian screenwriter and director, based in Doha, talks about how filmmaking and the entertainment industry have been affected by heavy digitisation.

Talking about the rise of online streaming platforms, Yuri says: “I think it has now changed just about every aspect of filmmaking, from cinema to commercials. There's easier accessibility for 22

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anyone to film and showcase their work, but at the same time we can notice a bit of an oversaturation of content, making it harder and harder to stand out,” he says. “This saturation also makes it harder to advertise your content, which is why we see less and less mid-range budget films getting a theatrical release. It's either an indie or a blockbuster tentpole, but not a lot in between.

However, streaming services are still able to produce the kind of content that we were used to before the 2010s.”

He adds that there hasn’t been a sweeping shift of content released on online streaming platforms. “Even before the pandemic it was all moving towards where we are right now.

However, Covid-19 accelerated the process. The inability of people to go out to experience content (movie theatres) forced companies to focus a lot more on what can be seen at home: streaming platforms, social media, and even online film festivals,” says Yuri.

Dimitri Yuri

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• COVER STORY Many filmmakers have turned to the streaming platforms for the release of their films and shows, considerably reducing the time to release. But is this affecting the quality of the content? Yuri responds: “Good content will always be out there. What might give that impression is the number of things we have access to now. Before, in order to get a movie made and shown, there was a long process of approvals and financing required for the product to even come to existence. That's still the case for the most part, but access to equipment and platforms to showcase your work has become a lot easier to find.”

According to Yuri, shows are shrinking their run-time of episodes and that might be the future. “Some people think VR is the future, but the current state and price of the technology is not ready to become mainstream. I personally feel we're moving towards more short-form, episodic content. Many Netflix and Prime shows have drama episodes that are under 30 minutes long. This was not really possible before with TV schedules, et cetera” he says. “At one point we thought 3D was the next big thing, but now we realise its time has passed. The best way to figure out where it is gonna go is to simply wait for James Cameron to make a movie and earn a billion dollars worldwide.”

BEING A SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER IS AFTER ALL WORTH IT Over the past decade or so the rise and eventual pervasiveness of social media has seen the exclusivity and access warp and weft together. The rise of social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, which champion user-generated content, spurred the democratisation of brands and companies reaching out to more consumers than expected.

These days, we find ourselves permanently connected via the Anas Abu Qamar

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apps, unconstrained by location or time.

Anas Abu Qamar, known as @triplefqatar on Instagram, flashes a decent number of 21.5k followers. He talks about how he started off and where he thinks social media influencer marketing is heading to. “I’ve been very passionate about online space. I’ve been working in the digital world for a decade now. Last year, when Covid happened, it gave me a new perspective. I resigned from my job and wanted to focus on my online presence. The first thing that a company is going to do before hiring me for a social media position is to look at my profile. So, I decided to create TripleFQatar. And due to my know-how of the online world, I knew that the content creation or influencer market here in Qatar for English speakers was dominated by women. So, I had a space.”

As the pandemic has caused many of us to shift out priorities, what we expect from an influencer is also changing. People are looking forward to more relatable, everyday content and lifestyle and that somehow leaves a responsibility on influencers to put forward their opinion more carefully and strategically.

The combination of trusted endorsement and accessible celebrity has allowed companies to target the consumers in a more tailored way. “If we are talking globally, there is more and more reliance on influencer marketing – and corporates are hiring full-time content creators to be able to address this new generation that does everything online,” says Anas.

Despite creating an advanced new model that has defined the digital era, the influencer industry is not without its problems. A saturation of social media marketing calls out many ‘social media stars’ to appear more authentic rather than alienating fans with heavily posed and paid posts. “If you are unreliable – eventually people will realise that,” says Anas. “People are getting smart at figuring out which advertisement is genuine and which is not – I always say, work online with only products you believe in.”

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• COVER STORY

Everyone is joining the bandwagon of social media, but what’s the mantra to make it big? Anas explains: “The right time is now!

If you believe in yourself, just dedicate the time and effort, but most people just want to be famous or successful rather than putting in the work. You have to be consistent and persistent; many people kick-off well but then they start feeling insecure about the amount of likes or views and simply stop” “The mantra is consistency (keep going), creativity (be memorable), and finally – add value to the viewer, create the need to revisit your profile.”

Managing your social media presence is a job on its own. But is it really worth it? “It is mostly that you need to be on your phone for long hours and you sometimes forget to enjoy the moment or the world around you – and definitely you do develop an obsession about numbers [views, likes, shares, comments etc.]. You can rely on social media as a full-time job, but you also need to be aware that at some point you need to become independent from people and rely on financial gains from the platforms directly – that’s why many successful Instagrammers eventually end up on YouTube.”

According to Anas, Qatar’s social media landscape needs more faces. He has a word for aspiring social media influencers looking to make it big. “In Qatar more specifically – we need more faces, new faces – so this is a message to everyone who is passionate about it to get on it as soon as possible.”

ONLINE SHOPPING IS ON THE RISE Worldwide, the social connection in the retail transaction matters a lot. With social distancing and physical spaces under restrictions, e-commerce is on the rise.

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Valeria Mazzei

COVER STORY •

Opportunity has been one of the most important guiding sources of innovation. It’s only human to seek a solution when something stands in the way of our desire. With the pandemic putting a pause on our activities for a prolonged period, there’s something joyful about the simple task of even taking a walk. Browsing favourite stores seems a long way away but adding items to a cart and scrolling for hours is the new equivalent to examining yourself from every angle in the infinity of fitting room mirrors.

Valeria Mazzei, teen entrepreneur has been juggling between retail and online for the past 18 months. She started off with luxury bags made in Italy, which is a contrast to what she’s selling now. Although she was one of the first few entrepreneurs to launch an Instagram business in Qatar, unfortunately, at the time, people were still not really used to buying luxury goods off Instagram, which is why she shifted her offering from luxury bags to street wear.

Valeria started off with caps and patches, customising them at customers’ requests, and then ventured into sweaters, T-shirts, hoodies, embroidery and printing. In March 2020, when Covid took over the world, she established another brand, Venus Karma Beauty, which focused on vintage home décor. She started this venture in support of Italian artisan women who couldn’t do much during the pandemic and had financial constraints. Anything the artisan women could make at home; Valeria would ship it and sell it online in Qatar. It has been a huge success that grabbed people’s attention to the extent that Valeria managed to open a retail shop.

Talking about how social media helped Valeria says: “Social

media has been extremely beneficial for the exponential growth of businesses — even just Instagram for selling and reaching out to more people. It doesn’t matter where you are, being digital allows you to interact with all the customers not only in Qatar but around the world.”

“You can create a connection with the customer, even if it’s a chat via Instagram. Shopping is a personal experience, so when you can assess the personality of the customer more conveniently and give advice based on it, this creates a better, stronger connection. It’s the empathetic way of treating the customers that is one of the most important aspects of building up connections and growing.”

For brands and entrepreneurs to take their offerings from instore to online or developing a hybrid model seems like a natural course of action. According to UN trade and development experts at UNCTAD, the e-commerce sector saw a ‘dramatic’ rise in its share of all retail sales, from 16% to 19% in 2020. “On a larger scale, online is more beneficial just because you can reach so many more people than just if you’re in a physical store,” says Valeria.

“We are all heading to a more digital world but on the other side I feel people at one point will turn around to seek a more empathic, personal, face-to-face experience again. Post pandemic people will be seeking out the physical touch of meeting people, feeling the fabric, the goods in the store. It’s something we have not been allowed to do for such a long period of time.”

So, it seems that in some areas, such as retail, digitisation still has some competition.

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THE NEW MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS EDITION

MINI continues its evolution with a new generation of superior models.

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CITY RIDES •

I

t’s been 20 years since the successful launch of the modern MINI, with the brand still enjoying solid sales on these well-loved vehicles. The MINI brand has become known for its agile driving capabilities, high technology standards and overall superior quality compared to many other competitors in its segment. Now this beloved British brand has evolved into the latest model generation, with the MINI three-door, MINI five-door and MINI Convertible all being given an intensive makeover. This month, we at FACT magazine were handed the keys to our very first MINI experience, compliments of the outstanding team at Alfardan Automobiles Showroom.

We were fortunate enough to be offered the MINI three-door John Cooper Works (JCW) Edition for the day. The JCW models are high-performance vehicles, fitted with superior engines, interiors and performance capabilities, along with unique exteriors. The MINI’s new front design displays the characteristic hexagonal radiator grille, an enlarged black surround as well as the hallmark round MINI headlights. These headlights are LED and are now fitted as standard.

Typical MINI proportions and short overhangs define the view of the flanks, whilst the freshly designed, characteristic side scuttles compliment the new body colours, including the 18-inch, Circuit fact magazine

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• CITY RIDES Spoke Black Design, JCW light-alloy wheels. The rear apron too has been upgraded in looks, with LED back lights in the Union Jack design now fitted as standard. The original multitone roof and matching exterior mirror caps are beautiful to look at and amongst the most striking features of the vehicle. All-in-all, we found the exterior to be aesthetically pleasing and well put together.

Internally, our JCW model housed a stylish, comfortable and well-equipped cabin. The supportive sport seats provide a great driving position, whilst the quality materials, finishes and trimmings used throughout the interior are usually to be found in a vehicle with a much higher price tag. The JCW trim also features a nappa leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and larger thumb rests, JCW door sill trims, an anthracitecoloured roof liner and stainless-steel pedals. Eccentric elements have also been incorporated into the interior design such as the LED light ring framing the central instrument.

This MINI’s 8.8-inch colour touchscreen display comes complete with SiriusXM satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, touchsensitive ‘favourite buttons’, Piano Black high-gloss surfaces as well as Bluetooth phone and streaming audio. A multifunctional instrument display, five inches in diameter, is present behind the steering wheel and displays all driving-relevant information, check-control messages and status displays of the driver assistance systems. Additionally, the operating system controller situated on the centre console now sports an all-black surface along with a navigation system. A choice of two colour schemes for the central instrument and digital cockpit displays can be accessed through the control system menu.

Performance wise, the MINI John Cooper Works is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four, petrol engine. Combined with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, this zippy vehicle produces 231hp or 170kW. This allows the MINI JCW to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 6.1 seconds and to deliver a top speed of 246km/h. Boasting adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes and an electrically locking front differential, this exceptional compact car delivers precise handling and a go-kart feeling experience.

In fact, we spent several hours embracing the sporty feel of this road-hugging vehicle, never without a huge smile on our faces.

The JCW comes with a Driver Assistance Package with an extended range of functions. These functions ensure maximum comfort and safety and include new lane departure warning, new Active Cruise Control (now featuring a stop and go function) and standard automated emergency braking. Thanks to consistently optimised emission control technology, all model variants comply with the Euro 6d emission standard.

Our first experience in the new three-door MINI JCW Edition was thoroughly enjoyable and we can honestly say that the fun factor of this magnificent little machine is amongst the highest we have ever experienced. ✤

GO: CALL ALFARDAN AUTOMOBILES SHOWROOM ON 4420 8686 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE OF YOUR VERY OWN. 30

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CITY RIDES •

“

“The JCW models are high-performance vehicles, fitted with superior engines, interiors and performance capabilities, along with a unique exterior.”

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• MOTORING NEWS

ALL-ELECTRIC DEBUT FOR MG MG Qatar Cars presents the first ever all-electric SUV, the MG ZS EV, in Qatar.

A stylish, compact SUV, the MG ZS EV is based on the popular Middle East seller, the MG ZS, and is the first all-electric car from the British-born brand, presenting the ideal opportunity for environmentally aware buyers to take their place among the region’s motoring trailblazers.

The all-electric MG ZS EV is available now at Auto Class Cars Showroom, the authorised distributor of MG in Qatar, on Salwa Road.

The new model is a highly versatile vehicle, capable of travelling for 335km NEDC on a single battery charge and is equipped with fast charging which allows up to 80% of the battery to be recharged in just 40 minutes. Power is delivered by a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and delivers 148bhp and 350Nm of torque – giving acceleration of 0-100km/h in just 8.2 seconds. The ternary lithium battery carries a warranty for eight years/150,000km.

HE Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani, Managing Director of Auto, NBK Group, said: “Our strategy of supplying the latest electric and hybrid vehicles supports the environmental pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 that promotes sustainability.”

Qatar’s infrastructure is developing to support the demand for new electric vehicles. For customers’ convenience, the ZS EV comes with a home charging kit compatible with any power outlet.

Based on the popular 1.5L petrol version of the MG ZS SUV, the new electric model is the perfect option for buyers looking for a stylish, reliable car with an affordable price tag, while simultaneously positioning them at the forefront of cutting-edge, new energy technology.

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The MG ZS EV is distinguished by its luxurious, comfortable and spacious interior with leather steering wheel with a D-shaped flat bottom in addition to soft touch, dash console material and premium finish and an advanced infotainment system with eightinch touch screen. It is equipped with 360° turbo air vents that help air flows, and and a push start engine button.

Providing peace of mind in terms of safety, the five-star Euro NCAP-rated model is equipped as standard with ABS, EBD, EBA, hill assistance, auto hold, a tyre pressure monitoring system and six airbags as well as parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assistance. The range-topping LUX model adds further neat touches such as a rear camera with dynamic guidance lines, panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and 17-inch, two-tone alloy wheels. ✤ GO: CALL 4040 1444 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• PLUGGED IN

TOTAL TUNE-OUT In a crowded market the new earbuds from Huawei stand out.

T

he TWS (True Wireless Stereo) market has never been more crowded than it is in 2021. Finding the right earphones can seem daunting. However, as a user you have to look at options that prioritise things like sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort and other cool features.

Huawei recently launched its studio-quality open-fit ANC earphone with air-like comfort - the Huawei FreeBuds 4. The latest iteration to the series comes with studio-quality sound, open-fit noise cancellation and air-like comfort for all-day wear.

In addition to dual-device connection, there are new interactions with intuitive controls and a host of other cool features.

Studio-quality music The 14.3mm dynamic driver fitted on the Huawei FreeBuds 4 generates larger amplitude powerful bass. In addition, the lightweight and strong Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) material reduces treble distortion, so that the frequency response range is as high as 40kHz, producing rich details on each track. The Huawei FreeBuds 4 easily isolate unwanted noise thanks to dualmicrophone noise cancellation technology that delivers top-notch active noise cancellation. To enhance this function, the buds use Adaptive Ear Matching (AEM) noise cancellation technology that automatically detects the wearer’s ear shape.

Added value The HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 also come with a range of great features.

For instance, with dual device connectivity the earphones switch seamlessly between a Huawei tablet, when watching a movie, to receiving a phone call. Controlling music/video playback or calls is also smart with Swipe/Double tap/Long press touch controls.

Additionally, layback works for game playing and the low-latency gaming mode increases the response time. For video creators the Huawei FreeBuds 4 support high-fidelity sound recording with a sample rate of up to 48 kHz. ✤ WWW.HUAWEI.COM

THE NEXT CHAPTER Samsung sets a new standard for mobile experiences with powerful premium foldable smartphones

S

amsung has introduced two new smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Both devices are premium foldable smartphones built with the craftsmanship and flagship innovations Samsung users have come to love and expect.

For those who need the ultimate device for productivity and immersive entertainment, Z Fold3 is a true multitasking powerhouse with next level performance, an undisrupted 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Display, and the first ever S Pen support on a foldable device. Z Flip3 has a sleek, compact, and pocketable design, enhanced camera features, and a larger Cover Screen built for quick use on the go.

Advanced Craftsmanship Built to Last This generation of Galaxy Z devices is built with unrivaled craftsmanship. For the first time ever on a foldable smartphone, Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 are equipped with IPX8 water resistance, so users no longer have to worry when caught in the rain.

Both devices are also built with the new Armor Aluminum— the strongest aluminum ever used on a Galaxy smartphone— along with the toughest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus to protect against scratches and accidental drops. In addition, there is a new

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protective film made of stretchable PET and optimised display panel layers resulting in a main screen that’s 80% more durable than previous devices.

Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 were also put through a strenuous folding test, verified by Bureau Veritas, to withstand folding 200,000 times.

Plus, they’re equipped with the latest powerful 5nm AP and 5G band compatibility for the best experience inside and out. ✤ WWW.SAMSUNG.COM

PLUGGED IN •

TRULY THE SOUND OF SILENCE Bang & Olufsen presents Beoplay EQ, the first true wireless earphones with Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, effectively eliminating surrounding noise. earphones. They are sweat- and water-resistant and come with interchangeable ear tips in different sizes to suit a range of ears, making them perfect for commutes and long-term wear.

The Qi-certified, wireless charging case is crafted from spacecraftgrade aluminium, creating a supremely robust and luxurious product. The compact case has been designed to be as small as possible to fit easily into a pocket while on the go.

Frictionless Interaction Beoplay EQ’s superior technical specifications deliver a seamless wireless experience with aptX adaptive, the latest Bluetooth 5.2 and IP54. The set-up process is even easier on both Android and Apple devices thanks to the inclusion of Microsoft Swift Pair and Made for iPhone licences.

GO: VISIT WWW.BANG-OLUFSEN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

A

llowing total immersion in Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound, these earphones weigh just 8g and are crafted for luxurious everyday use.

They combine cutting-edge technology, comfort and durability, as well as first-class call clarity thanks to beamforming technology. Whether working from home, commuting to the office or travelling for pleasure, Beoplay EQ is the perfect, pocketable companion for escaping the noise of everyday life.

TECH SPECS Product Dimensions 22 x 24 x 27 mm (earbud) 26 x 77 x 40 mm (charging case) Weight Earphones 8g Case 50g Microphones Six MEMS, omni-directional (beam directional for speech); two with retune noise reduction technology for voice call, four for Adaptive ANC

Excellent Sound and ANC To achieve the maximum noise-cancelling effect, Bang & Olufsen used an Adaptive ANC that combines Active Noise Cancellation with excellent passive sealing, effectively blocking outside noise. A dedicated ANC DSP chip and six microphones allow for automatic adjustment of ANC levels to create a seamless audio experience. In addition to this, the microphones create the best directional beamforming technology, resulting in crystal clear call and speech quality.

Finely tuned by Bang & Olufsen’s acclaimed sound engineers, Beoplay EQ offers a powerful and authentic listening experience.

Users can immerse themselves in music with up to 20 hours of total playtime, including charging in the case, and 6.5 hours of playtime with ANC turned on.

Thanks to a fast charge feature, Beoplay EQ can be quickly charged for 20 minutes, and the user will get two hours of playtime.

Battery Rechargeable lithium-ion battery Playtime time at 80dB Pink Noise for AAC: 6.5 hours with ANC; 7.5 hours without ANC Talk time: up to 5.5 hours

Premium Design The earphones are available in Black Anthracite and Sand Gold Tone. Luxurious yet functional, Beoplay EQ ensure a comfortable and secure fit due to the small and ergonomic shape of the

Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2 10m operating range Remembers the last eight paired devices – connects to one ✤

Charging time Earbuds: 1.5 hours in charging case for a full charge; charging for 20 minutes gives up to two hours playback.

USB-C: 1hr 40mins to fully charge charging case Wireless (Qi): 1hr 50mins to fully charge the case Charger USB-C & Qi charger Loudspeaker Electro-dynamic driver, 6.8mm diameter Type True wireless stereo (ANC) Frequency Range 20 -20,000 Hz

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• PLUGGED IN

APP-LICIOUS What’s on the smartphone agenda for September?

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PicsArt

Minimalist

Point, click and share: smartphones have sparked an explosion in photography and sharing of moments on social media platforms. Where the default camera apps and options from Android, Apple and Microsoft continue to improve with every software update, all these are complemented by a rising swell of apps for shooting, editing and sharing. With the world opening and travel getting easier, you should consider PicsArt to retouch your photographs and selfies. When you talk to people who are serious about their mobile photography PicsArt often comes up early in the conversation. Yes, it has filters, like most social photo apps, but its editing tools pack more power than the herd. It provides a lot of creative control, over the top image-editing tools and a diverse range of attractive filters. In addition, you can select or create fun stickers in no time, combine pictures into highly customisable collages, add artistic text and share. The full-featured camera module includes pre-capture effects and photo tools. You can also use Remix Chat to share and collaboratively edit photos with the other PicsArt users or only with your friends.

It’s back to school with blended learning and many would require a time management app or tools to strategically divide their day whilst keeping their focus. Some Pomodoro Apps are straightforward time management tools — giving you a digital way to track 25 minutes, followed by a five-minute break. Various other apps offer customisation, including a sound library for you to play ambient noise or music while you’re on task. Try Minimalist — a Pomodoro timer app — designed for people who prefer a sleek interface. When you open the app, you’re taken to a blank white screen. From there, you can swipe down to add new tasks. You can assign due dates to each task and also give the task a priority, from low to high. High priority tasks are raised up to the top of your screen.

Then you can click on the task and Minimalist takes you to another mostly white screen with a thin black circle that works as your timer. So, with Minimalist you can specify the daily tasks, prioritise them with alarms and divide them with a timer. Easy management!

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New

Try out our healthy options at The Westin Doha.

Scan QR code to check out our menu To place an order: 3359 8514 fact magazine

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• 5 OVER 5

In Conversation with…

Karim Tayach We catch up with Karim Tayach, Cluster GM Manager of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha and Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha

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5 OVER 5 •

How and when did you foray into the hospitality sector?

My father was a hotelier. Since I was a kid I’ve grown up and have been around the hospitality sector. I’ve known nothing else but the hospitality industry. I remember sneaking inro the pastry shop of the hotel my father used to work in, and getting my hands on the cakes and sweets very quietly, undercover. Interestingly my father didn’t want me to pursue this but, for me, hotels are home.

Where do you draw your inspiration from? Were there any mentors who influenced your career along the way?

I thoroughly believe in team work and that’s where I draw my inspiration from. Apart from that, each guest who comes and stays with us and their feedback sort of gives me a clear perspective of where we are, where we are heading to and how to go about it.

I’ve had several mentors at different stages of my career. When for the first time I interned at a restaurant in Switzerland, the owner of the place really helped me navigate through and form a perspective about the service industry.

Then, when I entered the hotel industry, there was Fouad Melhem.

He gave me quite an insight into effective leadership skills.

Apart from these two, there was Pierre Perusset, who was also GM at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha and Jakarta. He’s at The RitzCarlton, Hong Kong now, he inspired me. And then, of course, I always had my father to look up to. I always wanted to make him proud and go one step further.

What is the role of tourism in the growth of cultural experience in Qatar?

Tourism is Qatar’s backbone in placing it on the cultural map of the world. Now more than ever, if you notice there have been many entertainment and sporting events being organised and that’s a really good approach to put a spotlight on a country like Qatar which is extremely rich in culture, customs and community.

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup approaching, everything’s picking

up its pace. I think 2022 will be a great opportunity to show the world what Qatar has to offer.

How do you unwind during your staycations and what advice would you give to our readers for a pro experience?

My staycation is the hotel itself. I thoroughly enjoy my work and it is a source of energy for me. Also, because it has a lot to do with my upbringing and childhood. The hotel feels like home and that’s my comfort zone at its best. Apart from that, I love sports.

That keeps me active and refreshed. I also like travelling. Asia has a lot of new trends and places to visit. Lots of adventures there, intriguing, beautiful places. Anything new excites me but also places of history have their own charm. I’m a touristy person. So, visiting all such places and absorbing what the country or city has to offer really keeps me happy.

I do have a tip for staycations though — choose a new place that is out of your comfort zone for a great time. Enrich your experiences with something out of the ordinary rather than something mundane.

Tell us about your cultural background and what’s it like being a host back home?

I’m half German and half Tunisian. I was born in Germany but grew up in Tunisia. Throughout my life I travelled a lot through Europe. Also, my wife is an Asian – so it’s a good mix of all the elements and diverse backgrounds in one pot.

At my home, it’s like an open-door policy. I open my home to my friends and family offering them the same warm welcome and hospitality that we offer guests at the hotel. I try to make sure it’s a home-away-from-home experience for my guest, be it ambience, atmosphere or just anything. They should feel safe, relaxed and comfortable.

For my guests, Moroccan/North African Tunisian tea is a must that concludes with some Asian sweets as dessert. It’s a staple. ✤ fact magazine

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AUTHENTICITY WITH MODERNITY

Chef Marouane Rahali from La Veranda, at the Sheraton Grand Doha, talks early inspirations and a new menu with a modern touch.

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VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN •

What four ingredients are essential in your kitchen?

Basil, tomatoes, parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil.

What’s your signature dish and how is it made? Would this be your choice if you had to pick your last meal?

There are several dishes I particularly enjoy making. For sure, the Tiramisu made in my own way; Tortelloni with Tomato Confit and Asparagus is another favourite; and a typical dish from Milano – where I come from – the Ossobuco. My current signature dish is Insalata Estiva because it is simple, tasty and very healthy.

As to my last meal, that would have to be my mother’s lasagne! ✤

INSALATA ESTIVA Ingredients

When did you know you wanted to be a Chef?

I started my career in the kitchen when I was only 13 because my mother, an excellent cook, inspired me. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and experimenting with new recipes for us.

As I was the youngest kid in my family, I was always her helper.

The day I walked into Chef Dario Colombo’s kitchen [also a partner at Ristorante Le Querce], he looked at me and started to laugh. He thought I was kidding when I told him that I wanted to work for him on my days off from school for free. When he realised I was serious, he asked me why I wanted to do this. I explained to him that I notice my family, like many other people, whenever they come to this restaurant, they always leave happy.

That’s why I want to learn the secrets of cooking good meals and how to make people cheerful.

At that time, I was still not thinking of being a chef, and I did not have any idea of what I wanted to do later on.

Today, 16 years later, my ideas are more straightforward. I am a passionate cook who gets motivation from the smiles and the happiness of my guests. I always look to give them more than I can. I constantly enjoy learning something new, discovering new cultures and new techniques of cooking because, as a chef, this is the way to grow and diversify from others.

Talk to us a bit about what people can expect from the new menu that you are launching at La Veranda.

Cooking with new techniques and new ways is sometimes faster, but sometimes also can be slower. The authenticity must be in the flavour, in a better way to cook and create the same traditional dish. The ingredients, the way to do it is in the chef's skills and that is what I want to bring to the new menu at La veranda. An authentic Italian flavour, with here and there a touch of modernity.

Spinach leaves Rocket leaves Orange segments Green apple Cherry tomato Quinoa Cucumber Boiled beetroot Boiled asparagus Toasted almond flakes Lemon vinaigrette Salt, pepper

Method Measure out one cup of quinoa. Pour it into a fine mesh strainer and rinse with water to remove the bitter residue on the outside.

Dump the quinoa into a saucepan and cover with two cups of water. Add salt to taste and stir.

Bring the quinoa to a boil. Once it’s boiling lower the heat and let it simmer with the lid on for approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest with the lid on for another five minutes. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa and season as needed, Cut the boiled beetroot and the asparagus, place in a bowl with the sliced cucumber, the cherry tomato and the sliced green apple, toss in the lemon vinaigrette, adjust with salt and pepper and then serve. At the end you add the orange segments and the mixed spinach and rocket leaves.

To plate, first place the quinoa and, on top, arrange the mixture of leaves and vegetables, finish the dish with some toasted salted almonds.

Enjoy!

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AN ORIENTAL NIGHT

FACT’s Muhammad Asad Ullah heads to newly opened Miss Wong, at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, which is a love song to China and a new take on a much-loved cuisine.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

F

rom dim sum to local cuisines, from Chinese imports to Western experiments with Eastern flavours, there’s never been a more exciting period to be an East Asian food fan in Qatar. We’re in the middle of a true culinary resurgence, where Chinese restauranteurs are blatantly returning to the flavours and textures of the country’s myriad regions.

Best described as a hidden gem for Chinese food, Miss Wong is the perfect spot to get your bao fix while admiring a breathtaking location, interior and ambience.

The restaurant invigorates traditional Chinese recipes adding a little modern twist. Foodies can sample the different flavours of China, from Cantonese-inspired dim sum to the sugariness of Shanghai, the fiery flavours of Sichuan and the wholesome flavours of Beijing. The well thought-out and curated menu of Miss Wong takes you on a culinary tour of China in a real sense.

After a drive of about an hour with friends, we reach Hilton Salwa.

As we walk into the resort, we see the place buzzing with people, which is a surprise to me since it is my first time here and that too on a week day. We head towards Miss Wong and as we enter through the big red doors we’re met with the sound of Chinese Dong. A dramatic welcome that bodes classic flavours.

The contrast of the chic décor is warm – think antique chandeliers, wood detailing and a vibe indicative of modern-day Shanghai’s French Concession — the interior acts as the perfect backdrop for an Insta-worthy moment. In addition to two floors, diners can experience the vibrant energy of China in a secluded private dining room, where we are seated.

There’s a menu before me, and I glance through it, but I know I’m in good hands. Fifteen minutes later, I’m proved right as the fact magazine

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

appetisers of the night, the Chinese Wood Ear Mushroom and Cucumber Salad, Szechuan Spicy Icy Jelly, Hot and Sour Seafood Soup (paired with vegetable spring rolls), and assorted dumplings (vegetable, lamb, beef and chicken) are set before me.

The soup is really hot, in terms of spices that is, and perfectly paired with spring rolls. I can hardly smell egg in the soup, which is an absolute bliss for someone like myself who’s spot on with culinary scents. The shrimp is well done and so is the tofu and the mild slick mushroom, which is a dear ingredient binding up the flavours and muting the spices.

The mushroom salad has to be my favourite appetiser. There’s coriander, onion, and glass noodles all tossed in vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce that meshes perfectly to sweet and umami flavours.

The food is oddly reassuring in that I recognise all the flavours no matter how many dishes I try — it’s just that the crispy Peking Duck and Chinese-style roast lamb are better than any version of these classics I’ve had before.

Focussing on classic Chinese barbecue and butchery, the dishes are theatrical without being gimmicky. Lamb and duck are fleshy, tender, and melt-in-the-mouth. The duck is so well marinated that I can feel the flavours even in the last bite; perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside with a drizzle of fragrant truffle oil. Once it’s all worked in together, it is smoky, velvety, rich, spicy — every adjective all at once.

The appetisers are paired with Cup of Wonder, a drink made of rice grape vinegar, sweetened and spiced oolong tea, ginger ale and cinnamon. The tase of cinnamon is strong but manages to balance and mute the spices of the appetisers. It’s a combination I have never tried before but, to my surprise, is quite pleasant.

With dim sum done, it’s time for the big guns: stir-fried wagyu beef (Miss Wong style), wok-fried lamb, and braised Canadian lobster appear in quick succession. There’s also a nostalgia-laden dish of crispy noodles and wok-fried egg rice and vegetables that hits me in a specific culinary comfort zone. "It’s comforting," I tell my friend sitting next to me. He laughs, agreeing, and says he’s going to put that on his Instagram. The wagyu beef is so crispy and flavoursome that you’ll be fighting away your dining companion’s chopsticks for the last bite.

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picturesque presentation. Everything I am served is much more photogenic than food this comforting has any right to be. With all the mains, we’re served with Silk Blossom, a refreshing mocktail with strawberry, rose water, mint and sprite. A perfect combination to beat the heat and hot spices.

In this capacious eatery, all the classics are available with far more room to breathe. Not only is it true for the mains, but for the desserts that have just been served. Jasmin Tea Lychee Mousse Cake, and Mango Sago Cream. Absolute standouts and an outand-out balance of nothing too sweet, yet sugary enough to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Dinner is concluded with ‘The Fortune Teller’ drink. A goblet of almond milk, condensed milk, espresso, vanilla syrup and rose essence with a small slip of paper rolled on the foot of the goblet bearing words of wisdom for its drinker.

There’s also an option for selected beverages on the menu.

We had a really enjoyable evening sampling the best in Oriential cuisine and what makes this restaurant even more special is that quality food and a welcoming atmosphere come along with great value for money. ✤

GO: CALL 5593 8084 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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ENCAPSULATING THE SHANGHAI SCENE

e favourit at Doha h t ted s d c n phisti a rtigas fi s the so ie d Emille A o b t city. em ’s bigges ai Club a h g in n h a C h f S irit o cious sp and viva

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DINING DELIGHT •

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oing to the Shanghai Club at the JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha gives me a sparkling feeling of excitement at any time, as it always has so many new offers and the vibe is trendy, cosmopolitan and vibrant. Decorated with fanciful and artfully designed frames on the walls, bedecked with traditional Chinese dragons and mask ornaments, spangled beautiful light fixtures and fashionably spacious with a high ceiling and mezzanine floor, it is exactly what I needed to revive my energy after a long day of hard work.

Located on the top level of the hotel, Shanghai Club provides a panoramic view of West Bay, whether at the lounge area or the restaurant section. We were seated by the window of the restaurant area where the spectacular Doha scene entertained us.

As I expected, there’s always something new on the menu which offers a set piece called Shanghai Express, a three-course set serving of their signature dishes. This option was perfect for us – who love food and crave to go out in the middle of the week to enjoy an excellent dinner, yet with very limited time.

With our orders placed, we thought we would wait at the lounge area and appreciate the scene. The lively yet unobtrusive ambiance is infectious and it didn’t take long until our food was ready.

We added the popular Sushi Platter to our set menu, a generous spread of sushi and sashimi with Ebi Nigiri and Sahim, Salmon Nigiri and Sashimi, Crispy Shrimp Tempura and, our favorite in this assemblage, Shanghai Club’s version of the California Roll.

The fresh Japanese rice roll, made a little savoury and crunchy and mixed perfectly with cucumber, avocado and crab is so palatable, it could complete my meal alone.

Our Shanghai Express menu started with Asian Vegetable Dumplings and Malaysian Chicken Curry Puff for appetisers.

They were immaculately portioned and seasoned to prepare our palates for the main menu and certainly left us ready for more.

For our mains, we chose the Baby Chicken, barbecued baby chicken with an aromatic Malaysian-inspired flavour, complemented with the tastes of charred green beans, pickled red onion, and served with bean sprout and coriander leaf; and the Short Ribs, which we enjoyed thoroughly, with the perfectly tendered, 48-hour-cooked short rib infused with a truly savoury and delightfully piquant Indonesian sauce.

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A pan-Asian meal would not be complete without Pad Thai and, fortunately, it’s on the menu. So, we picked this as one of our side dishes. I completely succumbed to their version of this wok-fried rice noodle dish, tastefully blended with omelette of tofu, shallots, and spring onion, mixed with peanut and sweet tamarind sauce with its rich and playful blend.

And then it was the turn of the desserts. We were so euphoric as we chose Sans Rival, a heavenly cashew nut cake flavoured with fresh raspberry and lemon butter cream – which tasted every bit as good as it sounds. And we were completely taken by the Matcha Espuma, a dreamy creation of ceremonial grade matcha cream, with sesame crumble and green tea ice cream, perfectly served with matcha meringue. This divine dessert duo made the perfect end to our splendid evening.

Shanghai Club embodies a feel like no other. It takes traditional Asian culinary skills and then applies them to creating artful and modern cuisine, accompanied by the ambiance that echoes ubiquitously. We left with lingering exquisite memories of the evening and renewed energy prepared to take on what the next long days will offer us.

And, in case you’re wondering if there will be a return visit, that’s a resounding yes, particularly since there is always something new to experience on the menu. ✤

GO: CALL 4429 5295 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. 48

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ALL THAT IS GRILLED! FACT’s Muhammad Asad Ullah heads to Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha to satisfy his craving for Middle Eastern cuisine at Al Sufra’s Tuesday Kebab Night

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FOODIE CORNER •

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earty, fresh, vibrant: These are modern dietary values we celebrate, and they’re humbly yet intensely found in Middle Eastern offerings.

A new wave of restaurants is revamping the gastronomical image by bringing different tastes of the Middle East together, creating a fusion, yet staying true to the authenticity of the taste and aroma.

Al Sufra at Marsa Malaz Kempinski is one such place in Qatar, bringing the richness of Jordanian, Palestinian, Syrian, Lebanese and Cypriot flavours together, along with the delightful dips that go with them. The menu is mostly unchanging, a dependable and hearty serving of evergreen options with fresh pita to nibble at.

People queue to be seated to order flavourful lamb meatballs, lamb chops, quick-fried kibbeh with yoghurt, or well-done marinated chicken, brimming with fresh herbs and pickled garnishes.

The authentic Middle Eastern food signals a kitchen full of strong flavours, a lot of rich seasoning, tender meat and spices. The healthy fare boasts lots of raw vegetables, chickpeas, wheat, barley, lentils and so many ingredients that haven’t had so much success in haute cuisine before.

The calm — not so boisterous — vibe contributes to this venue remaining in perpetually high demand.

Al Sufra is offering kebab nights on Tuesdays, a set menu featuring hot and cold mezze, a wholesome platter of chargrilled kebabs and assorted Arabic sweets, which couldn’t be better for someone like myself, who’s an absolute fanatic for grilled food and flavoursome marinated meat. fact magazine

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It’s a dull Tuesday night, in terms of traffic on the road, but as I reach the restaurant, the narrative changes: amidst the dim lighting I can feel the restaurant beat brimming with customers, even on a weekday night. There are families waiting to be seated.

It’s a busy night in here.

The interior is set in arctic white and teal paired with beige, there’s a fountain in the centre of the court and music is so subdued that it doesn’t really clash with the sound of the water flowing. I’m all in and it seems like it’s going to be a fun night.

A combination of cold mezze and salad arrives. Fattoush, hummus, moutabel, and lentil kibbeh accompanied by mixed pickles and olives. The starters are truly great. At any Middle Eastern restaurant fattoush is my staple and, over the years, I’ve tried it at so many different places, but this one here at Al Sufra really catches me with surprise and for all the right reasons.

Although fattoush is a simple chopped salad, dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette, it’s the right amounts of pomegranate and olive oil that make the dish. The hummus is so creamy with such a smooth consistency that one can tell how finely the chickpeas have been ground. I like the nutty, citric aroma of this dish.

Similarly, the moutabel is bursting with an intense smoky aroma of pulpy eggplant flesh. With a texture somewhere between a hummus and Baba Ganoush, trust me, a little bowl of moutabel with a stack of pita bread is nothing but utterly lip smacking. If you’re a little doubtful about this eggplant dip on its own, try it with the lentil kibbeh that are lighter than air and healthier than anything else, especially for vegetarians, and you’ll feel that life has taken a delicious turn.

As I’m done with the mezzes, hot appetisers are served. These are exceptional. Kibbeh Round is fragrant and fresh, Cheese Sambousek is packed with melted cheese, Potato Harra is richly spicy and I team it with pitta bread (you can credit my love for bread to my cultural background. Nothing really quite goes down the oesophagus without a nibble of bread) and the Grilled Halloumi manages that rarest of things under the grill: it is moist, cooked perfectly, without losing its rich, and distinct flavours.

Garnished with basil, garlic and olive oil, the halloumi is some of the best I’ve ever tasted.

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I could eat the amazing appetisers all day, but, in the interests of research, it’s onto the main course, the platter of chargrilled kebabs. The serving has four different kinds of kebabs: lamb minced with pistachios; lamb with moderate Oriental spices; chicken kebab; and kebab halabi – the Syrian version made with ground beef. They are served with red-onion salad, a squeeze of lemon, chargrilled whole onion and tomatoes, blackened green chillies and warm lavash bread. All the kebabs are tender and juicy. I can taste the distinct condiments used in the marination of the meat as it melts in my mouth, so gently that I barely have to make an effort to chew. The highlight of the kebabs: I can taste the generous helping of smoked paprika and ginger.

I need to move on to the dessert and not stuff myself more with these kebabs. It is harder than it looks.

Now for the sugary delights. The two different kinds of Baklava are a ‘must try’ to end your meal, one with pistachios and the other with almonds and walnuts. Numbers of delicate layers melt into one single bite in the syrupy Baklava loaded with nuts. The crunchiness, that is the result of 40-odd sheets of paper-thin dough, is just divine and highly recommended. ✤

GO: CALL 4035 5011 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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• DINING DEALS

TURN UP AND TUCK IN

Ready to get back out there? We’ve got some of the best dining deals in town to whet your appetite.

ALWADI HOTEL DOHA MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION AtTEAtude Treat yourselves to an elegant afternoon tea featuring freshly baked scones, a selection of cut sandwiches, and a mouth-watering range of pastries. Priced at QR175 for two people inclusive of refreshing beverages, daily from 3pm to 6pm.

GO: Call 4009 9666 or WhatsApp 3075 8211 for more information or to make a reservation.

ALWADI HOTEL DOHA MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION Sofra Discover your new favourite brunch and immerse yourself in the richness of local and international recipes at the Levantine Brunch, every Friday from 12pm to 4pm. Priced at QR275 per person, inclusive of soft beverages, and QR350 per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 4009 9666 or WhatsApp 3075 8211 for more information or to make a reservation.

BANYAN TREE DOHA AT LA CIGALE MUSHAIREB Panya Lounge With strong influences from the culinary delights of East Asia infused with Western patisserie techniques, Panya Lounge is a celebration of fresh flavours, balancing hot and cold, sweet and 54

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salty. Discover true artisanal treats including succulent pastries, speciality coffees, signature beverages, and high tea. Open every day from 6.30am to 11pm.

GO: Call 4410 3310 or WhatsApp 3992 0808 for more information or to make a reservation.

BANYAN TREE DOHA AT LA CIGALE MUSHAIREB Saffron Saffron offers guests an authentic experience with cooking methods passed down from generations and indigenous ingredients, in a contemporary and artistic fashion every day from 7pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 4410 3310 or WhatsApp 3992 0808 for more information or to make a reservation.

BANYAN TREE DOHA AT LA CIGALE MUSHAIREB Qalamkarri An artistic culinary presentation, inspired by the traditional Kalamkari Art, bringing together the modern cooking techniques of India’s multifaceted cuisines. A fine-dining journey to authentic Indian cuisine perfected with the reveries of music, style and colours. Afternoon tea from 3pm to 5.30pm and dinner from 7pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 4410 3310 or WhatsApp 3992 0808 for more information or to make a reservation.

CENTARA WEST BAY HOTEL & RESIDENCES DOHA Dalchini Treat your taste buds to the wonderful Indian dining experience at Dalchini Social Brunch. Start your weekend with friends or family and celebrate together. The exquisite brunch features mouth-watering Indian progressive dishes, served as a tabletop brunch menu curated by Michelin-starred chef, Alfred Prasad.

Every Friday from 12.30pm to 4.30pm for QR245 for two people including soft beverages or QR199 for one person.

GO: Call 4009 5520 or WhatsApp 3001 5360 for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Nobu Celebrate summer and indulge in your favourite Nobu dishes including sushi, brick-oven roasted chicken and baby corn dry miso with Summer Taste of Nobu from Monday to Saturday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm in the main dining area only.

GO: Call 4494 8600 or e-mail res.doha@fourseasons.com for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Four Seasons to Go The chef-curated takeaway meals include Nobu signature dishes to go, afternoon tea set, cakes and pastries and more.

Enjoy the signature dishes and international favourites from the comfort of your home. Order through e-shop at https:// shopfsdoha.com/ GO: Call 4494 8600 or e-mail res.doha@fourseasons.com for more information.

HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS Miss Wong Explore Miss Wong's private imperial dining experience and savour the journey of world-class signature Chinese cuisines and mixology.

GO: Call 5593 8084 for more information or to make a reservation.

HILTON SALWA BEACH RESORT & VILLAS Dante Cucina Italiana At Dante, the resort invites you to immerse yourself in authentic Tuscan experiences. With a true passion for the finest ingredients, guests can indulge in the heart and soul of Italy and enjoy their classic Tuscan favourites in complete simplicity. Celebrate life the Italian way at Dante from Sunday to Saturday during lunch and dinner from 1pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 5593 8084 for more information or to make a reservation.

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA Al Nafourah Garden In the mood for some Middle Eastern specialities for your business lunch? Escape the office and invite your co-workers for a three-course set menu of Al Nafourah Garden Business Set Lunch inclusive of your choice of starters to main courses,

ending with desserts. Available from Sunday to Thursday from 12pm till 3pm at QR110 per person.

GO: Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for more information or to make a reservation.

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA The Cellar Take a mid-day break, invite your co-workers and have an elegantly casual Spanish lunch at The Cellar. Set amidst a warm ambiance and unrivalled cuisine, ‘Vamos Lunchtime’ is available from 12pm to 3pm for QR110 per person. Indulge in unlimited mussels for two hours for QR99 per person every Tuesday.

Complement your meal with a glass of hops for QR40.

GO: Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for more information or to make a reservation.

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA Sky Lounge After a quick yet quality lunch? Sky Lounge offers an Express Lunch menu with a complimentary freshly brewed coffee or tea. Enjoy this offer when you order from any of the deli items from the counter such as poke salad, kale salad, avocado and benedict bagel, panini sandwich or desserts from chocolate éclair or tiramisu to berry cheesecake. From 12pm to 3pm, from Sunday to Thursday.

GO: Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA La Mar Sort your weekend plans and have a fabulous Peruvian feast with La Mar Weekend Brunch. Set menus for two and four people available every Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm. Brunch for two is priced at QR375 or QR645 for four.

GO: Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation fact magazine

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INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Belgian Café Celebrate Oktoberfest at Belgian Café from September 18 to October 10 featuring famous German food and selected beverages. Look forward to great vibes, a themed team and popular tunes throughout the fest.

GO: Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation

and QR360, with enhanced beverages. Feel like staying at home instead? Gather friends and family over a Pan-Asian feast, delivered to your door, with all you need to make your Friday Brunch at home a success. Try the Brunch box for two or four people via delivery service or takeaway.

GO: Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for more information or to make a reservation.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Mykonos Starting from September 15, guests can choose from the fresh catch of the day on display at Mykonos on its Fishermen Weekend. The fish is served grilled with steamed vegetables, olive oil, and lemon sauce and the price is per 100g. Available every Thursday to Saturday from 7pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Shanghai Club Get on the list and brunch your way to the unique Pan-Asian cuisine of the Shang-High Brunch every Friday from 12pm to 3pm. Take in the scenery while savouring deliciousness, prepared by renowned chefs at QR240, with soft beverages 56

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Fuego Take a break from your meetings-packed schedule and try a rich and flavourful business lunch at Fuego, prepared by Chef Oscar and priced at QR95 for three courses and QR79 for the two-course menu.

GO: Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for more information or to make a reservation.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Fuego Impress partners or dine with friends every day of the week while you enjoy Fuego's ‘Express Dinner’ menu, featuring exceptional Latin American flavours. The price starts from QR120 and is offered daily from 5pm to 9pm.

GO: Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for more information or to make a reservation.

DINING DEALS •

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL Cucina Ladies can enjoy a variety of selected beverages and continue the sweet life with buy one get one on the à la carte food menu every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm.

GO: Call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL New York Steakhouse Serious about meat? Enjoy a butcher’s block of premium cuts from around the world accompanied with homemade condiments and sides, seafood specialities, signature desserts, and more for an unforgettable all-you-can-meaty experience every Wednesday from 6pm to 11pm for QR395 per person for food only and QR495 per person, including selected beverages.

GO: Call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL

LA CIGALE HOTEL, DOHA

Ipanema Explore the traditional flavours of Brazilian cuisine, with food stations preparing authentic dishes to order whilst you enjoy a selection of South American-inspired drinks. Every Friday from September 24 onwards from 12pm to 4pm for QR325 per person, food only, and QR435 per person, including selected beverages.

GO: Call 4419 5510 or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for more information or to make a reservation.

Lobby Lounge The signature high tea of La Cigale Hotel includes an elegant combination of sweet and savoury bites with a touch of Arabic or European delicacies and a selection of karak and coffee.

Available daily from 3pm to 7pm at QR250 for two people.

GO: Call 4428 8698 for more information or to make a reservation.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA Mosaic Mosaic restaurant is bringing back its famous Lobster Night with new specialities and dishes. Available every Wednesday evening with a set menu for the full journey priced at QR390 per person and children up to 12 years old dine on the house when accompanied by their parents.

GO: Call 4008 8888 for more information or to make a reservation.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA Liang The new Liang Signature Menu presents a variety of the restaurant’s signature dishes selected by Executive Chef Lam who brings his expertise to elevate Liang to a unique Chinese cuisine experience offering unparalleled authenticity. Available every Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 3pm for QR290 per person with a minimum order of two guests required.

GO: Call 4008 8888 for more information or to make a reservation. fact magazine

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RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DOHA Bombay Balti Enjoy Curry Nights with a selection of vegetarian and nonvegetarian items on a set menu for QR99 or QR130 starting September 15 from 6pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 4428 1555 for more information or to make a reservation.

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DOHA Shehrazad The S&S Roast offers roast beef or turkey served with Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, salad, roasted potatoes, gravy and dessert for QR99 per person every Saturday and Sunday from 3pm to 9pm.

GO: Call 4428 1555 for more information or to make a reservation.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL Al Hubara Dive into a Surf ‘n’ Turf special night with an exquisite array of meat, live station and seafood charred on the grill pit cooked to juicy, tender perfection, ready to be devoured along with flavourful appetisers, desserts and local delicacies on Thursdays from 7pm to 11.30pm for QR350 per person, including soft beverages.

GO: Call 4485 3000 or WhatsApp 5594 9701 for more information or to make a reservation.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL Al Hubara Indulge in mouth-watering Middle Eastern flavours with your loved ones at the Levantine Brunch. Select from a large variety of mezze and appetisers, ouzzi, shawarma, local cuisines, Qatari traditional dishes like chicken madrooba, lamb harees, majboos and lentil soup, Arabic and Turkish coffee station and delicious desserts. Every Saturday starting on September 18 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm for QR175 per person, including soft beverages.

GO: Call 4485 3000 or WhatsApp 5594 9701 for more information or to make a reservation.

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL La Veranda Indulge in a hearty spread at the Social Lunch with an Italian menu of freshly made dishes by Chef Marouane, offering freshly baked pizzas, a lavish spread of antipasti, cheese and salads, a choice of main dish and dessert corner every Friday from 12pm to 3pm for QR149 per person.

GO: Call 4485 3000 or WhatsApp 5594 9701 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Hunters Room and Grill If you’re craving for some delectable meat, Gaucho Brunch is the spread to be at. Every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm priced at QR248 for the soft beverage package per person and QR380 with enhanced beverages.

GO: Call 3359 8514 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Sabai Thai Stop by downtown Doha for one of the best Thai brunches with traditional Royal Thai dishes accompanied by a refreshing twist on classic beverages every Friday and Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm priced at QR248 per person, including soft drinks, and QR375 for the enhanced beverage package per person.

GO: Call 3359 8514 for more information or to make a reservation.

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FIND YOUR BLISS Spoil yourself with great spa offers across the cit y.

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SPA LISTING •

ALWADI HOTEL DOHA MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA

Spa Journey at M| SPA A 90-minute pampering and detoxifying ritual that leaves your skin healthy, luminous, and protected due to its massage techniques and its highly effective ingredients that purify, fortify and repair. It includes 30-minute body scrub, 30-minute back massage and 30-minute express facial for QR599 per person.

GO: Call 4009 9666 or WhatsApp on 3075 8211 for more information or to make a reservation.

HydraFacial Treatment Experience remarkable and natural looking results with the multi-faceted HydraFacial treatments. Suitable for all skin types, these facial programmes are personalised to address specific concerns resulting from the affects of the environment, exposure to the sun, travel, diet and age. The treatments are designed to rejuvenate and refresh your appearance and diminish any imperfections. Available for three duration sessions, starting with 30 minutes for QR600, 50 minutes for QR1,000 and a comprehensive programme of 80 minutes for QR1,600 daily from 11am to 11pm.

GO: Call 4008 8888 or email modoh-spa@mohg.com for more information or to make a reservation

BANYAN TREE DOHA Sanctuary for the Senses Banyan Tree Spa offers guests a Sanctuary for the Senses – a place for physical, mental and spiritual renewal. The spa focuses on a non-clinical and holistic approach based on traditional Asian healing therapies.

GO: Call 4410 3334 or email spa.doha@banyantree.com for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Biologique Recherche Facial Treat yourself to a brightening facial a VIP 02 Oxygenating treatment for 60 minutes at The Spa. With this regenerating and revitalising treatment, restore the natural balance of your skin and leave your face, neck and chest smooth and glowing.

GO: Call 4494 8600 or e-mail at res.doha@fourseasons.com for more information or to make a reservation.

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA Club Olympus Experience the ultimate in comfort, tranquillity and wellness.

Pamper yourself in a sanctuary of relaxation in the Club Olympus wellness area, which offers a wide range of massage treatments including a full-body massage, an aromatherapy massage, head, neck, shoulder and back massages and much more.

GO: Call 4141 1230 or email clubolympus.oryxdoha@hyatt. com for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Rejuvenate Infusion Facial A cooling, calming oxygen 60-minute treatment by IntraCeuticals is applied directly under light pressure to the skin’s surface increasing the absorption of the Rejuvenating Serum. Your skin will emerge deeply hydrated, youthful and glowing with a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and a visible lift. Safe for all skin types, even the most sensitive or stressed skin, for QR900.

GO: Call 4484 4060 or email spa.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Stress Release Back, Neck and Shoulders Designed to relieve stress and tension by concentrating on specific areas of the back, neck and shoulders, this massage can also be tailored to your specific requirements for QR500.

GO: Call 4484 4060 or email spa.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation

SHERATON GRAND DOHA Relax, Rejuvenate, Recharge Awaken your senses and enhance your inner relaxation with tailored massages after an intense fitness session or just to relax.

Swedish, Deep Tissue Sports, and Combination available for 30, 60 and 90 minutes; and Anti-Stress Neck and Shoulder, and Foot Reflexology for 30 and 60 minutes. Price starting from QR350.

GO: Call 4485 4600 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA HOTEL Spa Under the Stars Leave the world behind and enjoy a unique experience Under The Stars curated by Saray Spa. With sweeping views of Doha’s skyline coupled with an enchanting ambiance, you are in for a journey like no other. An elevated wellness experience including a 90-minute massage on the helipad followed by a six-course dinner at the award-winning New York Steakhouse for two. This also includes welcome refreshments and access to Saray Spa and Vitality Zone facilities GO: Call 4419 6090 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Spray Tan at Heavenly Spa Looking for the best tan? Book the ultimate offer of buy five spray tanning sessions and get two sessions on the house for QR1,750.

GO: Call 4492 1682, WhatsApp 6686 6854 or email heavenlyspa.doha@westin.com for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Microblading by Sibille at Heavenly Spa Combining world class knowledge and the skills of the brow and make-up industry, Heavenly Spa is offering a wide range of brow treatments and brow products. With over 15 years of International experience in the world of beauty and wellness, Sibille brings a wealth of knowledge across different market sectors and brands. Microblading for QR2,750 and Combination Brows for QR3,000.

GO: Call 4492 1682 or WhatsApp on 6686 6854 or email heavenlyspa.doha@westin.com for more information or to make a reservation. fact magazine

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SUMMER

KIND OF WONDERFUL FACT’s Muhammad Asad Ullah escapes to experience the InterContinental Doha leaving the bustle of the city behind; unwinding, sipping mocktails by the beach and pool…

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

W

ith international travel restrictions in place because of Covid-19, one of the surprise blessings of the last year has been a renewed appreciation for the best weekend breaks in Doha.

Trading holidays in a far-flung destination for escapes closer to home seems increasingly like a win-win. It’s the sheer tranquility one looks for. Fortunately, Qatar offers sumptuous destination hotels, which are a delight to visit in any season, and InterContinental Doha is among the best.

Set on Doha’s longest private beach and snuggled in lush green gardens, InterContinental Doha features 14 restaurants, 375 rooms, and a range of recreational facilities, including a free-form swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, gym and even a studio for fitness classes.

As the blazing sun takes over Qatar, with August and September being the hottest months of the year, I book myself a Luxury Suite for a cool staycation by the waters.

I walk into an open lobby that recently made it to the Forbes list of 32 stunning hotel lobbies. Whimsically refurbished in 2019, a crystal chandelier reflects natural sunlight against beige and navy tones — muted pastels add to a space that is expansive on a grand scale.

The swift check-in, even when the hotel is almost full, has to be a highlight, because it is literally so convenient and hassle-free.

At this point, as soon as I am handed the key to my suite, all I can think of is changing into my shorts and heading to the sandy beach right away. However, as I enter my Luxury Suite fact magazine

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

on the eighth floor, I realise the thought of heading out from this space instantly needs to be put on hold.

The contemporary, modern suite, much to my surprise, is lavishly spacious and at my disposal for the entire weekend; naturally, it seems like the right thing to absorb the place completely before actually looking for other amenities at the hotel. Warm lighting, shades of beige, in-room workstation, a dining room big enough to fit two families, a lounge to invite some friends over, a private balcony, to look out over the lush blue waters and the tall skyline of Doha, a separate kitchenette installed with coffee/tea machine, a bed that simply hugs your body as you sink into oblivion, and a restroom with a modern, solid-base, freestanding tub, which is great for relaxation with a luxurious spa feel — in short, the suite’s actually a cute apartment that offers the luxury of just staying in.

It’s cosy and filled with sweet details, including the chocolate boxes and a pastry for a warm welcome, placed on the dining table. My favourite is however the in-room Bluetooth speaker, because I can move all I want to my favourite sound tracks.

So, now I get my robe on, put my feet up in the comfortable cotton slippers as my bath tub fills with bubbles and I get my recent read out of my luggage because it’s a break, at last!

I am refreshed, and the sun’s almost set as I head for the evening drinks and canapes at The Club Lounge while

waiting for my friend to join me for dinner later. The facility is complimentary and exclusively available to guests staying in one of the Club Rooms or Suites and, I must say, it is worth it.

It has a calm ambience, dim lighting and lives and breathes an absolute vibe of fine dining. It’s a perfect lounge for some family bonding.

For dinner, I opt for Mykonos, a restaurant by the poolside offering some exquisite Greek and Mediterranean delicacies that has also introduced some new authentic dishes to the menu. With so many people vacationing in Greece on my social media, I thought why not also be part of the experience, whilst sitting right here in Doha? Everyone who’s into Greek food will recommend Mykonos to you in Doha and here’s why: it’s fantastic.

Manitaropita (baked mushroom pie with phyllo pastry) and Htapodi Sharas (grilled octopus tentacles marinated with olive oil, lemon and balsamic vinegar) are truly great starters to begin the meal. The octopus is so delectable and lightly seasoned that, for someone who’s not a huge seafood fan, it is a tasty palate-changing moment. One can figure how the octopus was cooked slowly to make it really tender and grilled to give it charred crispy edges.

As I sip my sparkling water with lemon waiting for my mains: Gyros Kotopoulo (rotisserie chicken shredded with handcut fries, pita bread, grilled onions, tomatoes and tzatziki dip) and Yuvetsi Kotopoulo (chicken stew with orzo pasta, fact magazine

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• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT tomato sauce and feta cheese), I notice the detailing of the blue and white interior, the beautiful wicker lighting and the open bar that’s quintessentially true to the strand the restaurant follows.

Not only is the flavour off the charts of Gyros Kotopoulo, it is also such a healthy dish. The well marinated baked chicken with onions and peppers along with Greek herbs and spices does it for me — it’s all crunchy and nicely coloured.

Sprinkled with the parsley and cheese, the Yuvetsi Kotopoulo is tender. All the flavours of youvetsi in a lighter form — with meaty tender chicken complemented by the flavours of cinnamon and bay and a sauce that effortlessly steals the show.

For desserts, Mykonos offers lip-smacking dishes like Galaktobureko and Sokolatopita, which is also a firm favourite with returning guests.

I call it a night post dinner, and head back to my room looking forward to the next morning.

The comfort of bed makes me late for breakfast but morning carbs are essential for me and so I begin my day with a delectable breakfast at the Club Lounge: carrot juice and full English breakfast including omelette with cheese, onions and chillis with baked beans and chicken sausages. A kind of hearty breakfast that I’d have in the comfort of my home.

With looking forward to the evening at the pool and beach and trillions of selfies and pictures being the order of the day, I head to the InterContinental Spa for my Hollywood Facial by Intraceuticals. A favourite of Hollywood A-listers, it is a treatment with a serum specifically formulated to be infused deep into the skin with oxygen under pressure.

The spa is calm with a delicate aroma, it’s breezing lavender. The Opulent Infusion treatment I opt for is super concentrated with vitamin C and natural plant extracts that safely and naturally treat the cause of uneven skin tone while revealing newfound luminosity and radiance. Post the 60-minute session, my skin looks deeply hydrated, balanced and glowing with health. A ‘must try’ especially during these hot summer times, definitely something our skin longs for.

The pool and beach are there to give you just the right dosage of summer warmth and Vitamin D. After the spa, I spend the entire evening swimming at the beach and pool and sitting under the umbrella reading Are You Enjoying before heading back to my room to change and catch up on the evening offerings again at the Club Lounge. I call it a night, snuggled in my bed with laptop on running the new episode of Gossip Girl reboot, a franchise I have been profoundly fond of.

Signing off from my staycation at InterContinental Doha, everyone can agree on one thing, tans fade, highlights go dark and we all get sick of sand in our shoes. But the end of a staycation is the beginning of a new season, mentally and physically! ✤ 66

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

GO: CALL 4484 4444 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. fact magazine

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GREEN TO GO! From mountains to monasteries and cycling pathways — as the Ministry of Public Health adds Romania to its green list, here are some brief highlights from FACT to help you explore this often overlooked destination 68

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TRAVEL •

Culture Palace, Targu Mures

Bran Castle

R

omania is beautiful. From picturesque mountains to artistically painted monasteries and one of the coolest cycling pathways — this is where you really should head next.

In terms of prices, you cannot beat Romania in Europe. A five-star hotel in the city centre can be found for as little as USD90 a night. And once you’re there the prices are just as friendly. A slice at local favourite Latin Pizza costs just a few dollars and tickets for castles and palaces come in at USD10.

Most importantly, the breathtaking views are plentiful, and those won’t cost you a thing.

TRANSYLVANIA Culture Palace, Târgu Mureş This ornate secessionist-style building, ostentatiously tiled on the outside and colourfully furnished within, is unlike anything else in Transylvania. Built between 1911 and 1913, at the request

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Bacharest

of Târgu Mureş's then mayor György Bernády, the Culture Palace features Art Nouveau architecture, bronze busts of composers and intricate stained glass. The building has served many purposes over the years, from county library to school of fine arts.

The Gothic City of Brasov Famous for its ancient towns and the illustrious tale of Dracula, the Transylvania region of Romania is more than its legend and lore. The mediaeval centre of this city — one of the most visited places in Romania — is still very well preserved, colourful and resplendent with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture.

The Black Church (so called because it was damaged in a fire) is the main Gothic building in Romania, but the city is less about the historic monuments than simply feeling the life along the narrow streets, maybe snagging an outdoor table at one of the charming little restaurants.

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• TRAVEL Sibiu This is a city to explore on foot. A former European Capital of Culture, Sibiu is known for its Germanic architecture, a legacy of the 12th-century Saxon settlers. The mediaeval walls and towers are very well preserved. A main attraction of the city is the castiron Bridge of Lies, so called because of the legends and tales that surround it. One is that the bridge will collapse as soon as anyone tells a lie while standing on it. Another, that it was often crossed by young lovers who made grand promises to one another, and were then tossed off when those proved false.

Disappointingly, it’s all a mistranslation, as the original name was Liegenbrücke, German for ‘lying bridge,’ but in the sense of lying down, not of betrayals.

The Biodiversity Transylvania has the potential to be a sort of European Yellowstone, a status that preservation organisations are working to reach. It still has untouched forests as well as some meadows that have never been used for agriculture and now have some of the largest biodiversity in the world. The region is home to 6,500 brown bears, about 40% of the brown bear population in Europe, and at least 2,500 wolves.

All of this hilly and mountainous nature is obviously appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Even better, no one can have fences on their property, meaning there are miles and miles of uninterrupted trails you can cycle or hike through whilst snapping picturesque photographs and snacking along the roadside at small cafes that are budget friendly, yet aesthetically pleasing.

There are various ways to get around the country, especially from Transylvania to Bucharest, but we advise you to opt for the Transfăgărășan mountain road which is by far the most impressive one featuring a series of hairpin turns, curves and steep ascents and descents in a background of lush green fields, trees and wildlife.

turned hotel, from here you’ll be able to easily make your way towards Bran Castle, which is certainly the most famous castle in the area, but not the most decadent. This national landmark is also known as Dracula's Castle, due to its similarity to the fortress described in Bram Stoker's novel. However, in fact, it pales in comparison to some others that are around, including Peles Castle and Cantacuzimo Castle.

Cantacuzimo Castle, a former hunting house turned museum and art gallery sits high up on a hill overlooking the valley — another perfect spot for a nice lunch and photography. There’s a reason that this is where Bucharest locals escape to in the winter — and that is simply because the views from here and breathtaking.

With all this to see, Romania is definitely on our ‘go-to’ list of travel destinations.

Transfagarasan mountain road

Voronet Monastery

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Bacharest The world’s largest, most expensive and heaviest civilian administrative building, Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament, is truly an unknown wonder. The museum is housed inside the very grand and very historic People’s House (or the Palace of Parliament). It has massive, firm architecture from the Communist era, which is a sharp contrast to all the lively, revolutionary art exhibitions and cultural events that the museum hosts. On the top floor, there is a vast concrete terrace that provides a singular and spectacular view of the entire city.

Monasteries and Castles in Vatra Dornei Using Vatra Dornei as your home base, explore two of the most famous monasteries in Romania, Putna and Voronet.

The first monastery founded by Stephen the Great, one of the most famous princes of Moldavia, Putna Monastery is known for its stunning murals; Voronet Monastery showcases intricate works of art on its floor and ceiling, both inside and out. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, make your way back towards Transylvania and Bran Castle via the Zabola Estate, a 15th century castle turned sanatorium 70

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The gothic city of Brasov

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• ARTS & CULTURE

A MONOCHROMATIC STATEMENT FACT discovers that Shouq Al Mana’s art is all about black and white.

W

ith her monochromatic art pieces, Shouq Al Mana, approaches the expression not as a steady tunnelling toward oblivion, as figures and other obvious objects fall away, but as something more dynamic.

There is no such thing as pure form; her abstract art is rooted in experience of the real world.

With more than 17 group exhibitions to her credit, Shouq is a Qatari visual artist who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar in 2017. Majoring in painting and printmaking, her practice includes painting, installation art and sculpture. She has been exploring the use of gestural abstraction and body language to emphasise the story behind the artworks, and her interest in the presence of culture and poetry in contemporary society.

Shouq exemplifies both spatial awareness and structural painting processes, letting the paint drop down, and altering her works in unexpected ways. There’s this notable effortlessness to her work as an artist. There are no vibrant colours in her pieces, they’re mostly based in monochromes, yet they speak volumes of her creative aesthetics while stimulating conversations about Qatari culture and its identity.

It’s the open-endedness, perhaps, that has kept abstract painting a key element of modern art for nearly 100 years. Standing before one of Shouq’s paintings, there’s a sense of push versus pull, expression versus impression. There’s a strong gravitational force to the work — the question is if that force is pulling you into the painting, or if the painting is reaching out to you. The best thing about abstract artwork is that people tend to form their own connections with the piece.

FACT speaks to Shouq to discuss the layered intricacy of her works — how the pieces pull you in with beauty or technique, but keep you there as you puzzle through their totality.

What inspires your painting style? Why did you choose a monochrome palette as your statement?

My art is inspired by culture, poetry and nationalism. The collections that I create reflect different times in my life, for instance, ‘A National Statement’, a collection I created in 2017, was inspired by the blockade of Qatar and the powerful wave of nationalism as well as patriotism that followed.

I have always been interested in different aspects of the past; traditions, clothing, films, et cetera - so that’s one of the many reasons for choosing a monochromatic palette, but I would say the main reason is because it gives artists a lot of space and creative freedom.

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ARTS & CULTURE •

How did you know this was the path you were meant to be on?

How do you incorporate visual arts in your pieces?

I think for me, I knew this was the path that I wanted to be on after I discovered art movements such as abstract art, gestural abstraction, conceptual art and minimalism and came across the work of incredible artists such as Jackson Pollock. It inspired me to further explore this field and apply to Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar to study painting and printmaking.

What’s something that is essential to your creative process?

Ensuring that I stay true to myself as an artist is essential and that every art piece that I release is something that I am very proud of.

How has your work evolved over time, do you see a significant change in how you portray elements and concepts?

As a student, I was experimenting a lot with various concepts and themes and found a lot of joy, gained knowledge and experience by doing so. It definitely impacted how I found my preferred method and style eventually.

HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, the Chairperson of Qatar Museums, presenting Shouq Al Mana’s work to the former Ambassador of Italy, Pasquale Salzano.

What do you think about minimalism, do you think it is a phenomena taking over the creative world at large?

I believe minimalism is a powerful method to employ as more people become open to it. I have noticed new branches under minimalism forming and I am excited to see what the future holds specifically in Doha’s booming art scene.

Where do you hope your art will take you in the future?

I hope that I get the chance to collaborate with more artists. I had the honour of working with respected artist Ali Hassan last year, and it was a very memorable and enriching experience.

You’re an exhibition design co-ordinator at Qatar Museums, how do you think museums play a role in influencing people and drawing people towards cultural roots?

The art displayed in Mathaf (Arab Museum of Modern Art) is artworks that we honour and celebrate and thus, Mathaf has a collection of pieces from different parts of the region that pay homage to history as well as culture. Hence, it encourages visitors to reconnect with different parts of their heritage and culture through art.

What advice would you give to young artists who want to pursue painting as a full-time profession?

To never give up and to make art that they themselves are passionate about. ✤ fact magazine

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Rick and Morty Need to Know:

Rick and Morty is a science-fiction animated comedy, with the fifth season being recently released. We follow the adventures of Morty and his genius, sociopathic grandpa, Rick, as they navigate dangerous and hilarious experiences across the universe as well as boring and complicated family relations.

Creators: Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon Cast: Justin Roiland, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke

Why Is It Worth Watching?

Rick and Morty must be one of the funniest shows currently being produced. It is unique and stands out against many other washed-up comedies with its dark and immature humour. In season five, we are introduced to a changing relationship between the main characters.

As each member of the Smith family grows, Summer (Spencer Grammer) takes on a more significant role.

While the main protagonists, Rick and Morty (both voiced by Justin Roiland), drift apart. Some of the episodes follow the classic structure of season one, where each has its own adventure. However, the whole season is about evolving the overarching plot. This is a great way to structure the season as it gives the audience the excitement of a connected story, but it also isn't overwhelming. The animation fits the show with bright colours, eye-catching scenes and a fascinating amount of creativity. The voice acting is also perfect. Roiland does a great job voicing both Rick and Morty; each voice is unique and matches the characters' personalities, with Rick's voice constantly laced with cynicism and Morty’s with youth and naivety. This is such a culturally significant show, and it is most definitely worth your time.

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It is unique and stands out against many other washedup comedies with its dark and immature humour.

Run Need to Know:

Run is a psychological horror filled with suspense and mystery. Starring Sarah Paulson, it has all the intensity she carries into movies. In this 2020 film, we follow 18-year-old Chloe Sherman, who has big dreams of college and leaving her overprotective mother. However, she comes to discover some big things her mother has been keeping from her.

Director: Aneesh Chaganty Cast: Sarah Paulson, Kiera Allen

Why Is It Worth Watching?

This is a very refreshing horror movie as it finds a way to frighten you without any jump scares or graphic scenes. It can simply scare you because of how disturbing this story is, as it deals with a familiar and essential topic ─ family relations.

The movie establishes a comforting scenario at the beginning to give the audience a false sense of security, only to completely destroy that. With exciting filmography that can make characters truly scary without them even saying anything, the lighting is also expertly used to foreshadow events as they unfold. There aren't that many actors in the film, with Chloe Sherman (Kiera Allen) and Diane Sherman (Sarah Paulson) taking up most of the screen time. This gives the audience the sense that the characters are isolated, making the psychological horror absolutely terrifying as you watch this disturbing story full of thrilling twists.

ENTERTAINMENT •

ON THE RECORD

FULLY BOOKED

MEMOIR

Crying in H Mart: A Memoir

By Michelle Zauner

POP

RETRO-SOUL

Happier Than Ever

By Billie Eilish

Private Space

By Durand Jones & the Indications’

It’s dreamlike for many, both in the

Durand Jones & the Indications’ first two albums were retro soul and it was the second release, American Love Call, that gained them international acclaim. In their new album Private Space, they own the moment of throwback funk and soul, partially derived from the disco era. The album features tracks about lockdown, separation, the hand of friendship, yearning for post-Covid togetherness and better, happier times. The up-tempo songs jolt the listener to a sense of euphoria.

There’re bubbling synths, a stroke of sparkly disco, a smattering of classic hip-hop and a dash of modern pop. It all fuses with songwriting that has an imaginative edge over the Indications' more thoughtful previous albums.

The band voice how they got caught up in the pandemic like everyone else and how they relied on the power of music to get through the worst of times. The music is infectious and happy.

stereotypical sense of fame and fortune, the speed at which Billie Eilish went from a cult star to defining pop music for Generation Z. In her sophomore album, Happier Than Ever, Billie Eilish shines a spotlight on her rapid rise to stardom and all its accompanying horrors.

She spells out the differences in her life in detail — full of admissions, plainly sung with very little left between the lines. She puts emphasis on the anxiety of how people perceive you, a desire to leave your present life behind and the fear that nothing will ever be the same and normal again. In one of the tracks Not My Responsibility she even calls out the social media commentators and paparazzi who objectify her.

There’s a lot more jazz and a some much quieter tracks midway through the album. She remains at her best when at her most minimalistic, and that can be over anything from Latin-inflected guitar to heavy atmospheric synth.

A self-depicting and honest memoir by Michelle Zauner, indie rockstar of Japanese Breakfast fame and author of the viral 2018 New York essay of the same title, takes readers on a beautiful journey of family, food, love, remorse, pain and strength. With humour and intimate anecdotes, Michelle Zauner proves herself more than just a shining singer as she pens about growing up Korean American, losing her mother, and forging and finding her own identity. The memoir is vivacious and plainspoken, lyrical and honest and that’s what sets it apart from so many other grief memoirs.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

The Case For Love

By A K Benjamin

In his autobiography, clinical neuropsychologist A K Benjamin (a pseudonym) takes us on a reflective questioning journey into the meaning of healing and recovery. It explores a career treating patients with brain trauma — people whose thoughts and feelings are largely unknowable — and is a reconstruction of several real-time cases experienced by the author himself. The Case For Love is, in a way, an extension to his previously published Let Me Not Be Mad, based on the author’s own experience of dealing with patients with severe brain impairments and on his own struggle to find meaning and purpose as a recovering drug addict. fact magazine

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Valentin B Giacobetti

ARTISTIC LICENCE The latest collection from Berluti features patterns and stunning silhouettes that transform fashion into art.

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Eduardo Miera

Valentin B. Giacobetti

FASHION FOCUS •

Eduardo Miera

T

he Berluti Winter 21 collection adapts the works of the painter Lev Khesin. The Berlin-based Russian contemporary artist expresses himself in abstract, tactile patterns created through multiple layers and colours of silicone paint. His practice echoes that of Berluti’s artisanal patina methods, drawing a natural connection between both the visual and practical domains of Lev Khesin and Berluti.

The artist’s work inspired the motifs, colours and textures which are interpreted in garments and accessories, to create the foundation for a collection embodied by fluidity, adaptability, and the human hand. Subtly unstructured lines cut a soft and relaxed tailoring silhouette. It’s a feeling of comfort expressed in neo-suiting, fusing traditional formal dress codes with those of workwear and sportswear wardrobes, often carried out in double-face cashmere.

Suits executed in block colours pick up from the palette of the artist and are deconstructed in styling, their components mixed up for a multi-colour tailoring expression. Leather jackets, dyed and faded by hand, echo shoes in Berluti’s classic patina. And, intensifying the artisanal value, point norvégien is applied to outerwear and suiting. A white stitch embroidery traditionally employed in shoe-making – and which can only be achieved by hand – translates into the piping of quilted leather jackets, the trims of a leather suit, and other items. ✤

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fact magazine Valentin B Giacobetti

Valentin B Giacobetti

Valentin B Giacobetti Eduardo Miera

• FASHION FOCUS

Valentin B Giacobetti

Valentin B Giacobetti

Valentin B Giacobetti

Valentin B Giacobetti

Valentin B Giacobetti

FASHION FOCUS •

GO: VISIT WWW.BERLUTI.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• FOR HER

NEW & Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Get your glow on with the supermodel secret from the A-list make-up artist.

Reminiscent of the personalised blends created on the faces of the ‘90s catwalks, this make-up range brings eye, face and lip colours to have you channeling your inner runway queen. We love the limited-edition Glowgasm palette in Nudegasm.

Featuring three lustrous textures in four fabulous shades, they’re the boost your skin needs to create that perfect nude-toned illumination.

Dermoviva Skin Superfoods Dermoviva is the first skincare brand in the Middle East to launch a Superfood range of products to care for your skin. The collection features Body Smoothie lotions, Body Dessert creams, face masks, scrubs, and a face wash. These skincare solutions ooze with the goodness of time-tested superfoods such as turmeric, pomegranates, avocado, and green tea. They’re also free of sulphates and specially formulated to battle the harsh climate conditions of our region.

Essence Merry Sweet Wishes Hard to believe but Essence is already talking Christmas with a pretty range of blending brushes that’s only available from the end of September until mid-November. All six brushes have synthetic bristles and feel pleasantly soft on the skin. The set includes brushes for powder, highlighter, a blender, a shader, a crease definer and an eyebrow brush. Pink handles with golden elements, such as stars and crescent moons, turn them into an eye-catcher on the dressing table. Get them before they’re gone.

Himalaya Face Sheet Masks Herbal beauty expert Himalaya has unveiled an exotic range of face sheet masks for salon-like pampering at home. Infused with herbal actives they offer a clean and pure skincare routine to elevate your self-care experience. Four new variants offer completely natural solutions to restore skin health from within. Youthful Radiance uses edelweiss and pomegranate to fight fine lines and wrinkles; Purifying Neem clarifies and keeps the skin pure; Detoxifying, with charcoal and green tea, aids deep cleansing; and Natural Glow uses saffron and vitamin C for a bright and enhanced complexion.

Lush Lush Makeup The much-loved, vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics brand has officially launched its consciously curated range of make-up products in all stores globally. And, putting skincare first, all items are expertly formulated to give a flawless cover up and a vibrant glow up without compromising on the good stuff. There’s a lipstick case to hold a selection of refillable lip colours plus Lush Lashes, a radiant face powder and a colourful selection of eyeliners coupled with lots of handmade, vegan make-up brushes to suit all your needs. This makes us happy.

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FOR HIM •

NOW Scents, skincare, grooming musthaves – check.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream An amazing skin boosting moisturising cream for ultra-lightweight, 24-hour hydration, formulated

18.21 Man Made

with Squalane, the mega-hydrator that acts as a

Spiced Vanilla Glide Shave Lotion

barrier to keep moisture locked in. This is suitable

Featuring a full range of benefits to make your

for all skin types, including sensitive, and is

routine easier, this is a clear gel that allows you to

paraben- and fragrance-free.

see exactly where you need to shave, so you can better edge beards and mustaches, line sideburns, and clean up neck areas. There’s no need to use water—just smooth on and shave off.

On application, this gel acts as a pre-shave lotion to soften and ready your face. As you’re shaving, it protects and conditions the skin. Finally, like an aftershave lotion, it will soothe, calm irritation and accelerate regeneration of skin cells.

Dior Sauvage Elixir

Beau Brummell

Wake

Face Wash

Face Mask

and a spray edition and now comes the elixir with

Wouldn’t it be great to have a face wash you can

Targeted at girls but boys love it too, this Australian

an ingredients list that reads like a who’s who of

keep in the shower that features hyaluronic acid,

pink clay mask is designed to prevent breakouts,

fine features. Top notes are cinnamon, nutmeg,

eliminates excess oils to help prevent acne and

reduce acne and combat dull skin leaving a

cardamom and grapefruit; the middle note is

also smells fresh and clean? Well now it’s here.

smooth complexion in just 15 minutes with

lavender; base notes are sandalwood, licorice,

This formula with activated charcoal promises

natural exfoliants. Plus, it comes in a reusable

amber, patchouli and Haitian vetiver. Even better,

that and more and the large bottle should last up

glass jar, so you’ll be doing your bit to cut down on

it promises to linger on the skin like never before.

to three months.

environment-damaging plastic waste.

What’s not to love?

First there was the eau de toilette, then perfumes

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• MATTER OF FACT

What We’re (Still) Talking About Just A Dog

A Mother’s Love

The Prodigal Returns

Since the fall of Afghanistan, there has been a furore over efforts to get the founder of Nowzad animal rescue, Pen Farthing, out of the country, along with his furry charges. Several people have asked why animals should be prioritised over the humans who did not make it onto the last repatriation flights.

Nowzad was founded in 2006 when, as a serving British Royal Marine, Pen and his unit were befriended by a stray dog.

Since then, it has reunited more than 1,600 servicemen and women with the rescued animals who have made life in the war-torn country that little bit better.

In reply to concerns, we share an

Details have recently emerged of a woman taking on a mountain lion with her bare hands after it attacked her five-yearold son. The child was reportedly playing outside his home in Calabasas in the Santa Monica mountains when the animal struck, dragging him across the front lawn. Just in time, mum spotted what was going on and ran outside and hit the animal until it let go.

When emergency services arrived, the big cat was found crouched and hissing in a nearby bush and was shot dead (RIP).

From the woman who bashed a bear to keep it from making off with her dog, to animal mums taking on predators

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you cannot have missed the news that footballing great Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United, the club he first signed with 18 years ago. He played with the Red Devils for six years, scoring 118 goals, before transferring to Real Madrid in 2009, but has always had a special place in the heart of United fans and, indeed, with the club itself.

Fast forward to the present day, with multiple awards along the way, and he is widely regarded as one of the best football players of all time. However, at 36 years old, some say the best days of his playing career are behind him. But this is a man who is a

much larger than themselves to defend their young, tales of parental courage frequently make the headlines. But going after a mountain lion with your bare hands seems like another level of bravery to us.

We hope the little boy is fine and will one day learn just how lucky he is.

And we bet his teen incarnation never gets away with backtalking the woman who saved his life in such a dramatic way.

Can you imagine that conversation?

fitness demon – he has previously called out other players for unhealthy lifestyles and failing to train hard enough. And earlier this year he famously, and very publicly, got rid of bottles of Coca Cola placed in front of him at a press conference for the UEAF Euro 2020 tournament in favour of water.

Returning to the Premier League – widely recognised as the best in the world – at this age certainly demonstrates a level of courage that some would say was lacking in another very high-profile transfer this summer.

Whatever your view there’s no doubt that a certain Manchester United mega-fan in the FACT office is a very happy man.

except from a social media post by another Royal Marine, who points out that Pen and his animals were on a specially chartered flight, not paid for by the British Government. He explains: “These are not ‘just’ animals. These were comrades, comforters, companions to us. They provided lights in the darkness of an ongoing battle and a sense of home away from home. They provided grounding and purpose away from the chaos of battle and, might I say, someone to care for and love so far away from our loved ones. They put smiles on solemn faces, lifted morale when the well was dry…”

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DINING AT THE PALACE

Experience the full spectrum of Arabian hospitality Have a sweet September at Café Murano; a popular destination for lovers of petite culinary creations.

Come sip on a dreamily brewed cup of coffee or choose from our variety of teas and look over the sweeping seaside pool & turquoise sea of the Arabian Gulf.

Daily 12:30PM to 11:00PM

Immerse yourself in a vivacious Spanish setting!

From pintxos, to our tasty tapas bar, a wholesome traditional paella or a full dinner menu at El Faro restaurant, it is truly the closest you will get to España.

Daily 12:30PM to midnight

Step into our multi-award winning restaurant, Al Sufra, and come to explore Levantine gastronomy at its finest. Revive the traditions of Arabian culture in the luxurious setting and our private seating arrangement You may indulge in our Kebab Night every Tuesday or try out Asroneyeh High Tea reserved for ladies ONLY. Daily 12:30PM to midnight

BOHEMIA is a niche meeting spot, located next to the grand lobby of Marsa Malaz Kempinski.

The lounge is open everyday, serving the finest cigars. BOHEMIA is perfect for gazing at the lush gardens, pools and the beach of the hotel, while being the only smoking area in the lobby area.

Daily 11:00AM to 1:00AM

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