Qatar Happening - May 2013

Al Mourjan Ad - QH Feb 2012.pdf

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Table of Contents

pg 62

OUT CHECK ning.com

e arhapp mation! t a q . w or ww test inf a l e h t for

Cuisine Meets Culture at IDAM by Alain Ducasse

MAY

MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE Editor-in-Chief’s Letter

7

QH’s Editor-in-Chief tells you what’s happening this month

8

QH Speaks

The best of our monthly social media

41

Top Picks

18

STOMP!

42

Jazz It Up

44

Curtain Call

For the first time in the Middle

East, the Broadway show hits Doha

Pullout calendar with the city’s do-not-miss monthly events

118

It Happened

QH’s photo gallery of the

latest happening events in Doha

Top Picks

Events Calendar

128

17

20

11

The Magical World Of Disney Disney On Ice skates into Qatar

The Luck Of The Irish

22

Chavela Duo keeps toes tapping at the Irish Harp

26

Reggae Nights

35

Entertainment Listings

Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

TURE ARTS & CUL

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening

Up close and personal with Buggy Nhakente and his Fully Loaded band at the St. Regis

Why Doha Jazz is taking the city by storm The Doha Players are back with Hot Mikado

A Still On A Land Of Motion

46

Maher Attar’s latest exhibit is a tribute to lomography

Arts and Culture Listings

48

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Find out everything that’s going on this month

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email info@qatarhappening.com

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Table of Contents

pg 18

COMMUNITY Top Picks

49

STOMP Takes Doha By Storm

Qatar Under Construction

50

Students at NU-Q are taking

a closer look at safety

standards in the construction industry

52

Community Listings

53

Kids Club Top Picks

54

Little Picassos

56

Family Fun Days

Find out everything that’s going on this month

We get creative with art

classes for kids at the Anima Gallery

58

Pack up the family and take a trip to Simaisma Beach

Kids Club Listings

Fun ideas to do with the kids

ING FOOD & DIN

SPORTS

IONS QH SENSAT 93

QH Recommends

94

Enjoyment At Juala

105

Reasons To Fly

106

A Maldivian Dream

112

Virgin Recommends

114

Spotlight On Movies

Top Picks

83

Top Picks

62

Cuisine Meets Culture

84

Pure luxury at IDAM by Alain Ducasse

The Diamond League Returns

61

64

Beyond The Sea

The Beautiful Game

86

We cast our net at L’wzaar at Katara

An Outdoorsy Brunch

66

No one does brunch like the Grand Hyatt

We get to know the Qatar International Amateur Football League

88

Get In Shape!

Food and Dining Listings

72

The athletics competition of the year comes to the Qatar Sports Club

90

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Train hard this month at the Diplomatic Club gym

Sports Listings

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Feedback and comments are always welcom Please forward letters to the editor:

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing:

Email: editor@qatarhappening.com

Fax:

info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com

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Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free spa voucher on us!

Our pick of top destinations

Sheer paradise at the Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Our top five must-see films of the month

116 The Dish On Qatar

Have Your Say: e.

Our fave little luxuries of the month

+974 4427 8416 +974 5584 4905 +974 4427 8415

Why finding a place to live in

Qatar doesn’t have to be a headache

Enjoy...

Postal Address: P.O. Box 7848 , Doha, Qatar

4/25/13 6:35 PM

k Of The From The Des f Editor-In-Chie

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On the Cov

We have everything you ! need for a fun-filled May

May 2013

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gue DiamondldLea s Sports 2013: WorrnsClas To Doha

Dear friends,

Event Retu

of our Thank you for picking up a copy t’s latest issue. I hope you like wha of in store, as we have a stockpile engaging stories up our sleeve and a whole month’s worth of must-see-and-do events to tickle your fancy. No doubt, the month of May is upon us and it’s a busy one.

In the world of sports the Doha Diamond League 2013 athletics competition arrives in Doha on . We May 10 at the Qatar Sports Club the have a feature profiling some of rs in top local and international contende the for vie they as tics athle track and field It’s sure to coveted Diamond League trophy. moments of the be one of the most action-packed stands. the in seat your re month, so be sure to secu nce e performa STOMP rtainment as the smash-hit stag May is also a big month for Ente 6-8. This will be June from tre ention Center Thea takes over the Qatar National Conv Art of Business/AHB Group The by r Qata to ght brou re the second event of this calib STOMP is something unique genre of musical theatre, and Premium Projects. With its take you behind the we , story r cove our In e. ment scen om. As partners completely new to Doha’s entertain stard nal natio inter to pe and their rise bringing more scenes into the history of the trou to ard forw s of Business/AHB Group look in this exciting venture, The Art ahead. ths mon the in cts Proje ium Prem world-class events to Qatar with much to tempt your appetite for more, then we have your t whe If that wasn’t enough to things in life at restaurant finer the taste we May This ion. palate in our Food & Dining sect ine truly meets Museum of Islamic Art, where cuis IDAM by Alain Ducasse in the auspices of Ducasse’s the r unde belt l mica h in its gastrono culture. Doha adds another notc Michelin-starred culinary prowess. we sit in on art month in our Kids Club section as We also have lots for children this these little of s work the ining a Gallery, exam classes for kids at the Pearl’s Anim Simaisma beach, the perfect to city the ide outs you take masters-in-the-making. We also e blissful Friday afternoons. family-friendly getaway for thos discover as much as our pages, be curious, explore and So I urge all of you to flip through most up-to-date, exciting the all ing bring yed enjo truly you can in Qatar this May. We’ve details to your doorstep. your lives.

Thank you for making us a part of

At ight ae N gis: Regg e St. Re Th

!

Win

A performer strikes an Oriental pose with his percussion implements Photo credit: Junichi Takahashi Courtesy of STOMP Productions

About Us QH is your voice and your guide for all things fun, funky and happening in Qatar! Send us your feedback to editor@qatarhappening.com.

Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Lead Designer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Listings Coordinator: Marlynne Mallari-Dela Pena Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Intern: Tasbih Amin Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Mai Akkad, Saif Alnuweiri, Badir Bechara, Tanya Combrinck,

Pierre Monetta, Sanjaya Munindradasa, Charlie Sands, Munazza Sayed, Gerald Tan, Ujwala Thirumurthy, Lisa Travell, Susanna Wolfe

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is published 11 times a year by The Art of Business, Doha, Qatar, an associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group.

The information contained in QATAR HAPPENING (QH) is correct at the time of printing. Details may change at any time without liability on the part of The Art of Business. Readers are advised to confirm details with the event organizers.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief

All rights reserved 2011, The Art of Business. Reproduction in part or in full is strictly prohibited. QATAR HAPPENING (QH) assumes no responsibility for content of advertisements.

.com atar-live es and www.q wtim Visit ated sho tion as it’s for updsale informa ticket ced. announ

theatre high-energy QH has your our-eardrums, this June! its smash-y the first time notoriety for to Doha for international is coming It’s gained and now STOMP performances pass. backstage and most ne of the wildest, most dynamic time, entertaining theatre shows of all for three STOMP makes its debut in Qatar June 6-8 at the nights only. Proposed dates are On the road Qatar National Convention Center. the stages of for 20 years, STOMP has roamed and is playing the world’s biggest metropolises New York and its own theatres on Broadway in of spectators, London’s West End. With millions acrobatics and its furious choreographies, crazy seen recently most were blow-away rhythms globe at the by television viewers across the closing London 2012 Olympic Summer Games ceremony. of Business/ Coming to Qatar courtesy of The Art is a maelstrom AHB and Premium Projects, STOMP zeal. of beats, tempos, rhythms and raw

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Entertainment

We’ve got everything STOMP! See page 18

SPUTNIK Tarasaa Brings DJ To Rocc To Rocc

British town Forming its roots in the seaside Luke of Brighton in 1991 by street performers the show has Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, it. It has no words – everyone can understand sense, so little or no melody in the traditional music is jazz, it doesn’t matter if your taste in for classical, dance or pop; there’s something everyone. is common STOMP is just about rhythm, which if only to all cultures. Everyone knows rhythm, the it’s – heart own one’s of beating from the STOMP is a basis of all music, the basis of life. personalities, group of people, with very strong building who work together using simple something blocks to create something complex, has, at everyone can identify with: Everyone whether sometime, engaged in group activity,

are working they like or know the people they the with or not. It’s the little idiosyncrasies, the games of differences between people and define the one-upmanship that ensue, which group dynamic.

currently There are several STOMP companies to three performing around the world; up in North working out of the U.K. and two style, its America. Each company has its own the show own feel: this is because even though orchestrated, is very tightly choreographed and own there’s a lot of room for every performer’s as show is personality to shine through. The with very much an expression of eight individuals of rhythm. strong personalities as it is a vision

such as Using everyday percussion instruments their in brooms, garbage cans, lids and barrels stage debut in performances, STOMP made its and hasn’t 1991 at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre performed looked back since. The troupe have Theatre, in on Broadway at New York’s Orpheum into television London’s West End and, bridging Academy with a performance at the 1996 other than Awards, a collaboration with none Out Loud The Muppets and a 45-minute STOMP television special for HBO. go on sale Pumped for STOMP yet? Tickets for the most May 2. Visit www.qatar-live.com show up-to-date ticket sale point information, n details and much more as it’s announced!

AbOut StOMP

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 5 each, for orders over 50.

Tic salekets on now!

Date: June 6-8 (Tentative) Location: Qatar National Convention

Center

ticket Info: Category 4, QR 299 Category 3, QR 399 Category 2, QR 599 Category 1, QR 799 Visit www.qatar-live.com for more

details

19

2013

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QH Speaks the best from our social We ask, you answer.The best of r Editor’s Corner. Here’s ou s plu , nth mo s thi ks pic top media what you’re saying!

ise in Qatar

Umm Bab Beach: a little corner of parad

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

In Your Face We asked our Facebook follo wers to divulge their favourite hidden treasures arou nd Qatar. So get out there and go exploring this May !

The plateaus of Zekreet along the way to Film City

Editor’s Corner Welcome to May, the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the last bearable days of spring before the scorching summer takes hold. Qatar may be small, but I still find that even after a year and a half I’m still finding new places and new things that surprise me. Some of my best weekends here have been spent road-tripping to Zekreet, exploring the nooks and crannies of Film City or wandering through the labyrinthine halls of the Sheikh Faisal Museum just outside of Doha. (If you haven’t been to this virtual Aladdin’s cave of treasures you’re missing out. Entry is free so pack up and take a trek out one lazy afternoon.)

All this got me thinking: what more might be out there buried beneath the dunes or hidden around the next corner? So in this month’s edition of QH, we’re excited to introduce our new monthly travel feature with support from Regency Travel & Tours in our Sensations section, highlighting all the local gems that Qatar has to offer. Start making your list of things to see and do and believe me, it’s not hard to be amazed at all there is to discover in this place we call home.

See you next month,

Ashlee Starratt Editor

“Fossil-hunting in the desert!”

– Summer Rabieh “Jazz at Lincoln Center. Truly world-class musicians in an amazing venue! Yes, it draws a bit of a crowd, but when I am there I feel as if I am at a private concert. It’s awesome!”

– Christine Eitel Komons “I love the sun and sea, so I have three favourite places. Umm Bab Beach, (Palm Tree Beach), a far drive but really quiet and peaceful. Khor Al Adaid, (Inland Sea), who doesn’t enjoy the ride over the sand dunes? And the view across the water facing Saudi Arabia is amazing. Also Zekreet with its fabulous rock formations and Zekreet Film City are definitely worth a visit.” – Tanya Combrinck

See us online! www.qatarhappening.com

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QH Out & About We were one of the first to try Hakkasan’s new Friday brunch at the St. Regis. Can you say dim-sum?Yum-O!

Tweets Of The Month @MrsNJT @QAWSQATAR needs your help desperately! Can you adopt an animal?

Please RT to help spread the word.

Thank-you for your help. ager, Francesca

QH Sales and Communications Man Marketing team, Jorge Granda, L-R: Johnathan Rivlin, Hakkasan r field and Ashlee Starratt, QH edito Moser, ABODE editor, Jenny Brad

@binodc What are the chances that there is a contest for Slava’s SnowShow VIP tickets & I win!!!

@RyanBiscuits On our way to the Qatar International Food Festival... This is gonna be fun!

@Justin_wilman Whats going on in #doha tonight?

@adrianp237

ful dim sum Little works of art: the assortment of colour

The sky above #Doha and gulf cinema...

Amazing... #Rain, glorious rain...

@Boye01 What is the latest trend in the Arab world ?

Chefs work the assembly line woks of Asian delicacies

in the kitchen over steaming

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening Juicy stir-fried beef done with Hakkasan-style

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Experience five new enticing cuisines served Mondays to Fridays at the Seasons restaurant. The enhanced theme nights will get you to dine your way from South East Asia to India and across the Mediterranean to the Swiss Alps and Spain.

Choose from Matador Mondays, Les Alpes Tuesdays, TemptAsian Wednesdays, Deep Blue Thursdays and Curry, Kare, Kari Fridays.

Taste the flavours

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Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha Corniche Road, P.O. Box 24220, Doha, Qatar Phone +974 4429 1111, Fax +974 4429 1100 hotel.doha@moevenpick.com

of the world.

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Entertainment

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

La Cigale Champions League Finals May 1 & 25: Le Central. At QR 99, enjoy one salad bar and one free drink while you nominate the winning team at the Semi-Final game (May 1) and the Final Game (May 25), to enter the raffle draw for lots of prizes. For more information call 4428-8771 or 5551-8801.

Renaissance Doha City Center

Hilton Doha German Gathering May 5: Trader Vic’s. On the first Sunday of every month the German community will gather at Trader Vic’s at the Hilton Doha to get connected with fellow German expats in Doha. Trader Vic’s offers German-style tapas such as shnitzel Vienna-style and prime boiled beef along with live entertainment by their Cuban band. Event starts at 7:00 p.m., music starts at 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4423-3118.

InterContinental Doha

Live Friday Night Band Fridays: Champions. The Soundsations take centre stage from 7:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. while Happy Times start at 5:00 p.m. and run until 7:00 p.m. Entry between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. for QR 60, including one house beverage. Entry after 10:00 p.m. is QR 100, including one house beverage. Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/champions.

Sport Event On The Beach r May 10: Beachfront. Registe the your team and participate in ch!

2nd Sport Event on the Bea Outdoor sports activities, food live and beverage stations and rs entertainment from a DJ. Doo p.m. open from 2:00 p.m. till 9:00 For more information call 4484-4851 or 4484-4444.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

Oryx Rotana Hospitality Night Mondays: Jazz Club. Every Monday is a great date for our fellow hoteliers, crew members and all hospitality staff to come and enjoy the best notes of jazz being played by in-house band Crescendo and benefit from a 25% discount on their total food and beverage bill. Be sure to check in early for a great night! A hotelier can invite up to three guests. For more information call 4402-3333.

for

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Entertainment

e.com tar-liv es and a .q w w Visit w ted showtim n as it’s a d tio p u orma for ale inf s t e k tic nced. annou

gy theatre rdrums, high-ener -ea ur yo has sm its ne! QH has your ional notoriety for e first time this Ju th r fo ha Do It’s gained internat to g in now STOMP is com performances and backstage pass.

O

ne of the wildest, most dynamic and most entertaining theatre shows of all time, STOMP makes its debut in Qatar for three nights only. Proposed dates are June 6-8 at the Qatar National Convention Center. On the road for 20 years, STOMP has roamed the stages of the world’s biggest metropolises and is playing its own theatres on Broadway in New York and London’s West End. With millions of spectators, its furious choreographies, crazy acrobatics and blow-away rhythms were most recently seen by television viewers across the globe at the London 2012 Olympic Summer Games closing ceremony.

Coming to Qatar courtesy of The Art of Business/ AHB and Premium Projects, STOMP is a maelstrom of beats, tempos, rhythms and raw zeal.

Forming its roots in the seaside British town of Brighton in 1991 by street performers Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, the show has no words – everyone can understand it. It has little or no melody in the traditional sense, so it doesn’t matter if your taste in music is jazz, classical, dance or pop; there’s something for everyone.

STOMP is just about rhythm, which is common to all cultures. Everyone knows rhythm, if only from the beating of one’s own heart – it’s the basis of all music, the basis of life. STOMP is a group of people, with very strong personalities, who work together using simple building blocks to create something complex, something everyone can identify with: Everyone has, at sometime, engaged in group activity, whether

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The STOMP troupe uses every-day items to produce a rhythmic, energetic performance

they like or know the people they are working with or not. It’s the little idiosyncrasies, the differences between people and the games of one-upmanship that ensue, which define the group dynamic.

There are several STOMP companies currently performing around the world; up to three working out of the U.K. and two in North America. Each company has its own style, its own feel: this is because even though the show is very tightly choreographed and orchestrated, there’s a lot of room for every performer’s own personality to shine through. The show is as much an expression of eight individuals with very strong personalities as it is a vision of rhythm.

Using everyday percussion instruments such as brooms, garbage cans, lids and barrels in their performances, STOMP made its stage debut in 1991 at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre and hasn’t looked back since. The troupe have performed on Broadway at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, in London’s West End and, bridging into television with a performance at the 1996 Academy Awards, a collaboration with none other than The Muppets and a 45-minute STOMP Out Loud television special for HBO.

About STOMP

Pumped for STOMP yet? Tickets go on sale May 2. Visit www.qatar-live.com for the most up-to-date ticket sale point information, show details and much more as it’s announced! n

Category 1, QR 799

Ti salcekets o now n !

Date: June 6-8 (Tentative) Location: Qatar National Convention Center Ticket Info: Category 4, QR 299 Category 3, QR 399 Category 2, QR 599 Visit www.qatar-live.com for more details

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Entertainment

Join our QH Facebook page and take part in our contest to win a family pass for an unforgettable show! s will hit the ice

Belle and Beast

The whole cast of The Incredible

rm a waltz on ice

perfo

f O d l r o W l a c i g The Ma

Disney

As told to Jorge Granda

Disney On Ice lands in Doha this June 2013 to celebrate 100 Years Of Magic. The event will take place at the Qatar National Convention Center from June 13-16. QH has a sneak peak.

M

ickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s Mulan, The Lion King and Pinocchio, and Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles and Finding Nemo, will be taking to the ice while Stitch from Lilo & Stitch drops in to wreak his usual havoc during this grand celebration as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. Produced by Feld Entertainment, this fanfare production features more than 60 unforgettable Disney stars that span the decades, a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate sets and beautiful costumes.

With Mickey and Minnie leading the fun, audiences enjoy breathtaking production numbers choreographed by Emmy Award-winner Sarah Kawahara. Kawahara previously worked with Michelle Kwan and choreographed the skating segment for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Complementing Kawahara’s fabulous skate sequences are the memorable tunes compiled by music directors Art Kempel and Stan Beard that bring the wonderful memories of Disney to life on ice. Scenic designer David Potts and lighting designer LeRoy Bennett create the mood

and settings that showcase extraordinary Disney moments.

Outfitting this cast of more than 60 characters was the challenge facing costume designer Scott Lane. His dazzling designs range from Mickey’s Marching Band, to the ‘It’s A Small World’ dolls, to the stars of Mulan and Finding Nemo. The bright colours and minimal structure in the Nemo costumes allow the characters to move freely in order to mimic the natural movement in water. Renowned designer Bob Mackie also lends his talents to a red sequined evening gown worn by Minnie.

Scenic designer David Potts, who has worked on numerous Broadway productions, creates a theatrical atmosphere on ice. Skaters weave around and enliven the ‘It’s A Small World’ sequence amidst sparkling floats that turn into a radiant light parade; a blanket of snow and an avalanche fall as Mulan battles the Huns; and a giant present is opened to reveal Buzz Lightyear as he’s first introduced to that favourite toy cowboy, Woody and his pal Jessie.

About Disney On Ice Dates: June 13- 16 Location: Qatar National Convention Center Number of Shows: 7 Ticket Info: On sale May 1

Early bird ticket prices start from QR 125 until May 15 Ticket prices: QR 150 QR 250 QR 350 VIP QR 500 VVIP QR 1,000

Tickets available at Virgin Megastores or at www.virginmegastore.me

To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to www.disneyonice.com. n

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Join us on Friday 31 May for Doha’s most lavish brunch Indulge with unlimited French bubbly (the expensive stuff!) while listening to sophisticated sounds courtesy of DJ Santiago Vittorelli accompanied by live saxophone

For reservations please call (+974) 70218096

GRAND HYATT DOHA West Bay Lagoon ● PO Box 24010 Doha ● State of Qatar www.facebook.com/GrandHyattDoha facebook.com/cocolattelondon/events

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Entertainment

Veronica and Ariel are Chavela Duo, bringing down the house nightly at The Irish Harp

The Luck Of The Irish

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

We kick up our heels ceilidh-style at The Irish Harp in the Sheraton Doha. With a vamped-up menu and a hot new band, this traditional Victorian pub is packed to the rafters any given night of the week.

I

t’s still early on a Tuesday night when we arrive at the Irish Harp. Its reputation in Doha is legendary, with a history stretching back to the earliest days of the country’s development when it was one of the first watering holes in the city, long before the skyline of West Bay took shape. We cozy up to the bar stools to catch the start of Happy Hour which runs from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. daily. Our bartender has been working there since the place opened he tells us, and tonight is Ladies Night so we should expect the Harp to be packed before long. With free entrance and free-flowing beverages all night for ladies it’s one of the biggest entertainment promotions in the city.

But for now at least, it’s quiet and we sink back into its casual ambiance. With dark

Crispy Irish fish n’ chips with homefries and mushy peas

wood tones and traditional Irish pub-style décor it reminds me of the places that used to be my haunts back home, where the Irish culture is ingrained in our sea-faring roots and all it took was a few toes tapping to start the party. With a strong ex-pat clientele, it’s easy to forget that we’re miles away from the Emerald Isle; right outside the door could be the cobbles of Dublin or Donegal.

The Menu After we quench our thirst we move to a cozy booth tucked away in the corner and peruse the menus, stomachs rumbling. It’s starting to fill up and the band will soon hit the stage we’re told. As the crowd grows it becomes harder to maintain a conversation over the laughter and booming chorus of

the ‘punters’. It’s a beautiful sound and the sense of nostalgia it brings with it is palpable.

The fare on the menu is quintessentially Irish pub-grub – hearty, satisfying and stick-to-your-ribs. We order the classic fish ‘n chips, hops-battered and piping hot, along with an order of grilled lamb chops, a snack platter heaped with chicken wings, onion rings and battered shrimp and, on our bartenders recommendation, the Harp’s newest menu item, the Gastby steak sandwich.

The Music As we wait for our food to arrive, we have the chance to meet the Harp’s new band, Chavela Duo. Performing nightly,

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NEW: Every Friday enjoy Irish Harp’s Happy Hour all-night from 5:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.!

Succulent lambchops with a sprig of rosem

ary

Monday through Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, the group consists of vocalist Veronica Mroczek and Ariel Garcia. Hailing from Argentina and Spain respectively, Veronica and Ariel have been bringing their sound to the Middle East for years, with gigs and contracts at various hotels and venues around the Gulf.

No stranger to the international circuit, Ariel tells us that he’s lived in more than 20 different countries and has been making music with Veronica for the past 13 years.

As they take the stage, the Harp is now officially filled to the gills with people clamoring for a spot on a stool or a space on the dance-floor. Chavela Duo is an incredible cover band; Veronica’s voice is a powerhouse, gravelly and melodic all at once, while Ariel shreds it on the guitar like nobody’s business. Forget the DJ scene for the moment; the goosebumps on our arms are enough to be sure that this is what good music should sound like. The feeling of wanting to get out there and let loose on the dance-floor is undeniable, so we head out for a few rounds.

Irish Eyes Are Smiling Back at the table our food has arrived and we tuck in during a break in the music.

Always on the hunt for a good fish ‘n

chips, I’m discovering that hammour is the filling of choice in this part of the world, and it doesn’t disappoint. The batter is light – important, the meat flaky and tender – more important, and the tartar sauce home-made and tangy – the ultimate importance! Not quite sure how to tackle my Gatsby steak sandwich I gape at it for a moment, wondering if it got its name because it’s ‘great’ (as Gatsby was), in the delicious sense or the enormous one.

The thing is monstrous; a hoagie meets a foot-long submarine with triple the width.

It’s enough for three of us to share so I spread the wealth. Topped with mayo, veggies and juicy, marinated strip steak we have to use our forks and knives to make it more manageable. There’s satisfied nods and smiles all ‘round the table as we make a dent in our dinners.

Our experience at The Irish Harp has been a memorable one. It’s not even the weekend yet and there are so many people here that we’re elbow-to-elbow with our neighbours at the next table. We head back out to the dance-floor to burn the calories we’ve just consumed, making a mental note to add this great Irish hub to our list of weekend warrior hot-spots. Or, our any-night-of-the-week list for that matter. n

t of heart!

dwich - not for the fain

The Gatsby steak san

About The Irish Harp Location: The Sheraton Doha Hotel Timings: Daily, 7 days a week,

5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Happy Hour daily from

5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Average Meal Price: QR 85 – QR 95 for main courses Smoking: Yes Licensed: Yes Requirements: Membership required with valid passport or Qatar I.D. QR 60 for men, QR 50 for ladies Contact Info: 4485-4444 or www.irishharpdoha.com

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Entertainment A waterfront view, perfect for a few after-work drinks with friends

om o R g in iv L e h T n I y z o C Get The Ritz-Carlton has a new outdoor hotspot at Flamingos. Called The Living Room, the terrace is the place to be to unwind and relax in the evenings after work or on the weekends.

L

ocated by the Ritz’s free-formed pool and overlooking the pristine Gulf Peninsula, The Living Room blends a serene nighttime ambiance, cozy lounge and sophisticated chill-out scene where guests can transition from their hectic day into an atmosphere of relaxation. Accommodating up to 120 people, the outdoor lounge is equipped with five private poolside cabanas where guests can unwind while sipping their favourite drinks while DJ Laura Love entertains with the latest chill-out tracks. For those who prefer a quick bite, The Living Room has a sizzling menu, a series of thirst-quenching tropical cocktails and several selections of shisha to light up the night.

“Spring is here and it still allows us to enjoy the outdoor scene after a busy day. Nothing compares to the feeling of loosening up with friends in a great ambiance with a spectacular view,” says

Subin Dharma, Executive Assistant Manager, Food and Beverage. “The Living Room at Flamingos has the best of both worlds with a beautiful ambiance and chill-out scene.”

Soaring 115 meters above Qatar’s sea and desert landscape, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is an impressive symbol of the nation’s emergence as a destination for travelers to the Middle East. The 374-room, five-star hotel fuses contemporary styling with classic Arabic and European design. Located on its own exclusive island in the prestigious West Bay Lagoon district, the hotel has sweeping views overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. For more information visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ritzcarltondoha or follow them on Twitter @RitzCarlton. n

About The Living Room Location: The Ritz-Carlton Doha Timings: 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. (Weekdays)

7:00 p.m. till midnight (Weekends)

Licensed: Yes Smoking: Yes Reservations: Call 4484-8000

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Entertainment

Reggae

Nights!

By Jorge Granda

May is the last month of ‘Reggae On The Beach’ at The St. Regis and QH caught up with lead singer of the Fully Loaded band, Jamaican Buggy Nhakente to chat about his Doha gig and the band’s future aspirations. So get on out there and rock your socks off island-style by entering our contest to win a VIP table for eight at the next reggae night!

T

he rise of reggae happened in Jamaica in the 1906s and since then has become one of the strongest music genres in the world. Legions of fans and enthusiasts enjoy the rhythms and lyrics of reggae music and Doha is no exception. For Fully Loaded’s Buggy Nhakente reggae is a way of life.

QH: Tell us a little bit about your career, and how you got into reggae.

BN: I started singing reggae music around age seven. I grew up listening to all the great reggae and ska icons. I was always drawn to this music because of the lyrics and felt somehow hypnotized by the rhythm and groove.

I remember writing my first song at age nine and from then I never stopped.

QH: What has been your biggest achievement professionally?

BN: I couldn’t say exactly what’s my biggest achievement; there’ve been many, however one of the most memorable was being recognized and embraced by reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji and the rest of the reggae community which has

Fully Loaded’s Buggy Nhakente

helped me to understand my place as one of their musical brothers.

QH: Before arriving in Qatar did you know about the country and the culture?

QH: Before coming to Doha to perform, what were you doing?

BN: I had only heard about Qatar, seeing it on TV. Living here is different though.

BN: I had just returned from France so I was continuing to record in Barbados and Jamaica and performing with my band Fully Loaded at many reggae shows in the Caribbean.

QH: How receptive have audiences here been to your music?

QH: Tell us about your experience so far at the St. Regis’ reggae nights?

BN: I’ve enjoyed my time in Doha. I was actually surprised at how much people here love reggae music and how receptive the ones who weren’t familiar with it were. I’ve met people from almost every nationality there is. The music and the love we’ve received here has been great.

QH: How did you get this gig in Doha?

BN: I was spotted in Barbados performing with my band by an agency called Starlight Entertainment. The head of the company called me and said there was an opportunity to play in Qatar so I took it.

BN: The people have been very receptive; they love it!

QH: How do you see the reggae movement in Doha?

BN: There’s a demand for reggae music here and I can see it becoming a major hit in the country.

QH: Apart from reggae, which other type of music and rhythms do you like to listen to?

BN: I listen to all types of music; they’ve been a big influence on me over the years.

QH: When you’re not working, what do you like to do?

BN: I do just about anything that makes me laugh and keeps me happy really. I have a weakness for motocross and mountain bike riding.

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Buggy and his bandmates bring the songs of the islands to party-goers.

QH: How do you find Doha?

BN: I find Doha a calming and very encouraging city, interesting and lots of opportunity.

QH: What’s your favourite hangout places in the city?

BN: It could possibly be Souq Waqif since I’ve met many interesting people there.

Buggy Nhakente and the Fully Loaded Band Buggy and friends perform at Reggae On The Beach at The St. Regis from 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night.

QH: After Doha, what are your plans professionally?

BN: I will be recording as much as possible and will continue to tour the world spreading the joy of reggae music, which so many people have already enjoyed. n

ENTER AND

WIN!

To celebrate the final month of Reggae On The Beach before the summer break, each week The St. Regis is giving away 2 VIP reserved seating areas for eight people, plus welcome beverages. Two lucky winners will be selected each week. To enter to win you simply need to visit www.facebook.com/QatarHappening.

Week 1 Wed, May 8 & Fri, May 10 Week 2 Wed, May 15 & Fri, May 17 Week 3 Wed, May 22 & Fri, May 24 Week 4 Wed, May 29 & Fri, May 30

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Entertainment

Don’t miss the Dutch DJ as he heats up your Thursday night, courtesy of Sputnik!

a c c o R t A s n i p Taras S On Thursday May 9, party powerhouse SPUTNIK brings the sound of Taras Van de Voorde to Rocca at The Grand Hyatt. QH introduces the famous DJ to our readers.

DJ Taras is your typical citizen of Rotterdam. “[He’s] not afraid to do things slightly different, especially when it comes to the architecture of Rotterdam.” Not really surprising then that his creative, innovative sound was born in this impressive city, a development which has not gone unnoticed in the dance music industry these last few years.

A passion which started with DJ gigs in the Rotterdam underground scene, Taras is known for producing warm melodies, effective bass lines and crazy breaks. In 2008 he saw his productions being released on labels such as Manual, Stolen Moments, Exceptional, MoodMusic and Armada.

After this breakthrough Taras released a series of EP’s and remixes on renowned labels such as Defected, 100% Pure, Rebirth, EC, Noir, Monique Musique and Wolfskuil. In 2011 he had big success with the dance-floor killer hit 1998 and follow-up track The Game, plus his collaboration with Boris Ross, on Don’t Stop Us. The Game and Don’t Stop Us were both picked

up by Pete Tong for his Essential Selection and supported by the likes of Richie Hawtin, Agoria and Luciano. 1998 was Pete Tong’s favourite tune in 2010.

Taras has built up his international reputation by playing at major clubs and festivals in Holland which include Awakenings, Welcome to the Future, Trouw, Perron and Doornroosje.

Places that can be stamped in the passport of this creative geek are Barcelona, Berlin, London (Ministry of Sound & Egg Club), Manila, Antwerp, Ibiza (Pacha and Ushuaia) and Milan.

Taras Live in Doha When: Thursday, May 9 Where: Rocca at The Grand Hyatt Doha Timing: From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/events/624679130891310/

2013 brings the release of Taras’ new EP Manila/Hong Kong (EC Records). Hong Kong has reached the number six spot on the influential DMC World Music Magazine Buzz Chart. Both tracks have also found support from a diverse cross-section of DJs including: Laurent Garnier, Gregor Tresher and Voyeur. This year Taras will bring a lot of fresh stuff to the clubs and music festivals, so watch out! His one-night gig in Rocca is not to be missed. n

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Entertainment

Fun at the

Grand Hyatt Doha

Coco Latté Presents

the month’s werhouse Coco Latté hosts po rty pa as y Ma s thi be to ies Night at Dunes or follow the The Grand Hyatt is the place Lad up hit , nd Bo er inn r you t Break ou do-not-miss hot happenings. e got it all!

For the next four weeks, they’v r. tte Ha d Ma the of s ep tst foo

Goldfinger At Dunes Top Vegas singer Miss Avis Ellis and Juan Pestana on keyboards perform on Her Majesty’s Secret Service for a night dedicated to the music and quintessential British-ness of James Bond. Enjoy your own reserved table, unlimited beverages, (shaken not stirred), and delectable finger-food all night. For those that wish to watch the movie Goldfinger in luxury, enjoy deluxe seating and table service in our private screening room with HD sound and visuals.

The best dressed Bond villain and the most sophisticated Bond girl will each receive a free dinner for two at Isaan, Grand Hyatt Doha’s award-winning Thai restaurant.

Event: Goldfinger At Dunes Date: Wed, May 29 Where: Dunes at The Grand Hyatt Tickets: QR 250 per person. For reservations call 4448-1280.

Beverly Hills Brunch At The Grill Join us for Doha’s most lavish brunch and indulge with unlimited French bubbly, (the expensive stuff!), while listening to sophisticated sounds courtesy of DJ Santiago Vittorelli accompanied by live saxophone.

Enjoy a buffet of delicious appetizers, continental charcuterie, sushi and fresh salads, complemented by a huge selection of main dishes prepared at live cooking stations, ranging from roast beef to grilled seafood and lobster. A sumptuous choice of decadent desserts completes this feast. Attentive staff will attend to your every whim and your children will be entertained and looked after while you kick back and relax. You will not find a brunch like Beverly Hills Brunch anywhere else in Doha, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Event: Beverly Hills Brunch Date: Fri, May 31 Where: The Grill at The Grand Hyatt Price: QR 280 with soft drinks and mocktails QR 395 with unlimited house beverages QR 595 with unlimited house beverages and French bubbly

Hat Madness Doha’s first ever hat party waltzes into town! Forget Ascot, the Dubai World Cup and your neighbour’s wedding, Rocca is the place for you to show off your designer hat and be in for a chance of winning a free weekend stay at the Grand Hyatt Doha for two people, including breakfast in bed, beach access and a lazy checkout. With soulful, vocal house music courtesy of DJs Santiago Vittorelli and Carl Roberts, accompanied by live sax and drumming don’t miss this, our last themed party before Ramadan!

Event: Hat Madness Date: Fri, May 31 Where: Rocca at The Grand Hyatt Admission: Free entry for everyone wearing a hat. (Baseball caps don’t count!)

Requirements: Strictly no hat, no entry. A selection of hats will be for sale at the door

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Entertainment

’ n i p p s o g H n i y n

Part

e p p a H

da

One of the latest additions to Doha’s night ‘Liquidity’ at the Crwone Plaza Doha - The Business Park is having a stellar month with the inclusion of DJ Xriss and DJ KayJay to their line-up. The DJs will be performing every Thursday, Friday & Saturday at the rooftop lounge.

Event: Liquidity Nights Date: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday Where: Liquidity at the Crwone Plaza Doha - The Business Park Timing: Starts at 8:00 p.m.

Dress code: Smart casual Price: Men QR 100 including one drink , Ladies enter for Free Membership: Not required Reservations: 4408 7777

an

Liquidity Nights

Gr

CrOWne Plaza Doha - The Business Park

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Jo

Doha. n i e n ce nd htlife s romotions a g ! i n y e a h p is t ool to M and so iss super-c ot summer. r e e t t m o h h o t-m Welecather is getdtianghas the dot-ynorolling into the The w orge Gran ep the par e QH’s J for May to k s event

InterContinental Doha The City Into The Strata-Sphere

Located on levels 55 and 56, Strata is the highest restaurant and lounge in Doha. Guests can enjoy opulent and sophisticated Prunier seafood platters, Japanese-inspired fusion sashimi and an extravagant mixture of modern chilled seafood textures. But party-goers aren’t neglected at this exclusive dinner as Strata Lounge has a lot on offer for those who want to do something else than just have a bite.

After Work Evenings At Strata: Every evening from 6.00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.

Strata becomes the happiest place in town as you can buy one and get one free on wine and cocktails.

Live DJ Rico At Strata: From Sunday to Friday starting at 9.30 p.m. till very late, Doha’s glitterati can chill out with hot Buddha bar music, funky house music and much more while looking at the spectacular view of the highest lounge in Doha.

Martini Night At Strata: Everywhere in Doha women are the stars of the night and Strata isn’t the exception to the rule. Every Wednesday ladies can buy one and get one for free and every table gets 20 % off in food if the table has ladies. For more information, contact 4015 8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com

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InterContinental Doha

Every Wednesday

Doha’s Biggest Ladies Night

Doha’s favourite restaurant/pub, Paloma has the biggest Ladies Nights in Town. Una Republica band will kick off the night by playing the best live music from 9:00 p.m. DJ Shadi will continue the party in Paloma playing the best of Commercial House, R’n’B and Hip Hop. The centre door will be open allowing you to pass between the two rooms as you wish!! As usual there will be unlimited free selected drinks for ladies at the bar in from 10:00 p.m. until late!!

Event: Doha’s Biggest Ladies Night Every Wednesday Date: Every Wednesday Where: Paloma at the InterContinental Doha Timing: Open from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

Dress code: Smart casual Entry Fee: QR 80 entrance for Men Ladies enter free of charge!

Membership: Membership required (Lava or Paloma) - Membership can be issued at the door with a valid Qatari ID or original passport!!

21+ Only!

Reservations: 4484 4919 or 4484 4444 Licenced: Yes

Renaissance Doha City Center

Quiz Night

Champions is one of our favourite bars in Doha. The atmosphere is super cool, the décor is hip and the service and food is very good. But we like it now even more because they have the best Quiz Night in town. On Monday, April 15, arrive at Champions early (5:00 p.m.) so you can enjoy their fabulous Happy Hour and then get ready to put your knowledge to the test.

Event: Quiz Night Date: Monday, 15 April Where: Champions at Renaissance Doha City Center Timing: Starts at 7.30 p.m.

Dress code: Casual, men must wear long pants/no shorts Entry Fee: Free entry Membership: Not required Reservations: Not required Licenced: Yes

THE Four Seasons

Beach Bar Lounge

Recently re-launched last month after the cold winter, the Beach Bar Lounge at the Four Seasons it’s the place to spend a great night with beautiful weather, the latest music hit from all over the world and a very especial selection of Caribbean and South American inspired snacks and beverages from an open bar .

Event: Beach Bar Lounge Date: Thursdays Where: Beach Bar Lounge at the Four Seasons Timing: 7:00 p.m. 1:00 a.m.

Dress code: Smart casual Membership: Not required Reservations: First come first serve

W DOHA

Crystal Club Urban Nights: Crystal Residence DJ mixing up the best of RnB, Hip Hop & Old School. Ladies sip 3 on them from 10:30 p.m to 12:00 a.m.

Tuesday 11pm – 2:00 a.m.

Ladies Night. Bring your girlfriends to Crystal every Wednesday and enjoy of the nightclub’s Ladies Night, while DJ Tobias mixes-up the latest tunes. Ladies will enjoy three free drinks from 10:30 p.m. till 12:00 a.m.

Arabesque Night. Be captured by Layali 1001 Nights with the Stars Jamil & Fadi Performing Live all the Latest Arabic Song and DJ Imran Mixing the Best of RnB & Commercial House.

Saturday 11:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

For reservations call: 4453-5000.

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

d tegorize s are ca is g in t s li All sion el. Inclu bility of per hot a il n to to ava rity give limited io r p h it w space, ers. advertis

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Finals At Champions

Month-long: Champions. Watch the Champions League on May 1 & 25; FA Cup May 11; Heineken Cup May 18 with last day of the Premier League on May 19. Get your friends together for Happy Times from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. for QR 28.

Free entry. After 7:30 p.m., QR 60 including one free beverage. Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/champions.

THE RITZ CARLTON The Art of Making Cocktails

May 10: Habanos. Meet the Habanos team for an immersion in the art of creating exciting drinks.

From 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. for QR 225 per person. For more information call 4484-8504 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com or levy.ramirez@ritzcarlton.com.

PROMOTIONS INTERCONTINETAL DOHA Champions League Finals

May 25: The terrace of Coral. Watch the Champions League on a big screen while indulging in the Turf Night buffet dinner. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Lava Sky Night

May 30: Lava. Experience the unique style and vibe as Lava moves to the beach side for one night only with DJs playing top 40 mixes and mash-ups. QR 100 including one drink for gents, free entrance for ladies. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cinco de Mayo

Sun 5–Thurs 9: Strata. Enjoy Mexican Music

by DJ Rico and sample some flavoured Mexican beverages and Mexican bites for QR 200 from 9:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

W DOHA Pure Crystal

May 2 & 16: Crystal Club. DJ Stephane Karl coming all the way from St. Tropez to please the crowds. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

Afrobeats

EVERY WEEK

Bring Down The House

CROWNE PLAZA DOHATHE BUSINESS PARK Happy Hour at Liquidity

May 7: Crystal Club. DJ DIMIX spinning the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school mix-ups.

From 11:00 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

Sundays – Fridays: Enjoy one of the best happy hours in town (except Saturdays & Mondays).

From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

White Party

Happy Hours at Misturado

May 8: Wahm. Lounge and mingle with the tunes of DJ Adrien Callier from Zuma Dubai.

Adrien continually amazes the social set, both locally and internationally, with his eclectic style of cross-mixing electronic dance music best defined as nu-disco and house. With a growing number of followers and new projects in the pipeline, Adrien Callier is definitely the next big name to watch out for in the Middle East. All the wonderful and witty people dressed in white will be rewarded. Dress Code – All White. From 10:30 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

Saturdays – Thursdays: Misturado. Enjoy a happy hour at the exclusive Brazilian lounge.

From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

THE FOUR SEASONS Tapas at Library and Cigar Lounge

DJ Ravin

Saturdays –Thursdays: Cigar Lounge. Tapas is a traditionally Spanish cuisine taking influences from the Mediterranean and Latin America. It typically comprises of small dishes no more than a couple of mouthfuls with the idea being that you order a selection to share for a meal, or 1 piece at a time with a drink as a light snack. It’s designed to encourage conversation so diners are not concentrating on a large meal but rather having a small bite as and when they fancy it.

From 5:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4494-8888.

411 – Doha

GRAND HYATT DOHA Dunes Divas

May 10: Wahm. Exclusively Wham hosts DJ Ravin from Buddha Bar Paris with DJ Bruno Rochart as the opening act. From 6.00 p.m. till 10:.00 p.m., with DJ Ravin on the decks from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

May 10: Crystal Club. Exclusively in Doha ‘ The One & Only’DJ BLISS. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

Sunday & Tuesdays: Dunes. Ladies nights at Dunes, where all ladies enjoy free drinks all night long. For more information call 7021-8094 or email vedanti.awasthy@hyatt.com.

May 3, 24 & 31: Wahm. Rise of the Afrobeats now hits the scene at Wahm with the new sound of the London underground from DJ Bruno Rochart and DJ Steve Paris. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

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Entertainment Listings Big Night Out

RECOMMENDS

Wednesdays: Paloma & Lava. Doha’s biggest ladies night with unlimited complimentary selected drinks for ladies from 10:00 p.m. until late. Paloma’s new resident band Una Republica followed by two dance-floors with their resident DJs. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

SHERATON DOHA New House Band

Mondays – Saturdays: Irish Harp. Enjoy the sounds of the new house band playing your favourites. From 8:00 p.m. till 11:45 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

Ladies Night

LA CIGALE Ladies Night with DJ Roger Choueiry

Sundays: Madison Piano Bar. Save your Sundays for the vibrant ladies night and dedicate your favourite songs to your special one while ladies joining in will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership required. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

HILTON DOHA Ladies And The City

Mondays: Zawaya Bar & Lounge. Hilton Doha is calling all ladies to enjoy two beverages on the house every Monday. A live pianist and beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf will complement your evening. For more information call 4423-3333.

Tiki Time At Trader Vic’s

Saturdays –Tuesdays: Trader Vic’s. For the first time Trader Vic’s introduces the long awaited Tiki Time. From Saturday till Tuesday, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., enjoy discounted prices on selected beverages including the popular Tiki at Trader Vic’s lounge and terrace. For more information call 4423-3118.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Happy Hour MIX & FUSE

Saturdays – Thursdays: The Lounge. Mix and socialize at The Lounge with the trendiest crowd in Doha while sipping your favourite cocktail and benefit from the 50% discount on selected drinks, cocktails and Tasting & Sharing menu items.

From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

Cigar Sunday Nights

Sundays: The Lounge. Discover an exclusive selection of Cuban cigars, pair them with your favourite cocktail and indulge in fine savoury bites along with jazzy sounds from a band. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more call information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

Half Note Wednesdays

Wednesdays: The Lounge. Enjoy funky saxophone sounds, upbeat mixes from the DJ, a unique ambiance, trendy crowd and hip cocktails make up the new talk-of-the-town night at The Lounge. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants. doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Bottles and Bapas Sundays: Belgian Café. Get selected Bapas free with every four bottles you buy. For more information and reservations call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Hospitality Nights

Sundays: Lava. Enjoy the tunes from Lava’s resident DJs and get a 50% discount on food and beverage for hoteliers and cabin crew. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Mondays & Saturdays: Belgian Café. Belgian Café offers a 20% discount on food and beverage for air crews for lunch and dinner. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Power Hours!

Mondays: Lava. Party with the resident DJs. Different drink specials every hour. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Ladies Night

Tuesdays: Lava. Enjoy Doha’s most exclusive Ladies Night with the resident DJs. Unlimited free drinks for ladies from 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Tuesdays: Irish Harp. QR 100 for men with one complimentary drink, free entrance for ladies and free-flowing house beverages for ladies until closing. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

THE RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Hospitality Nights

Mondays - Wednesdays: Habanos. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Habanos will turn hoteliers and airline crews from pamperers into the ones being pampered with 25% savings on their bill. From 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4484-8504 or email: rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Senorita’s Nights

Saturdays & Sundays: Habanos. Ladies night is different at Habanos. First, it’s twice weekly and secondly, it’s addressed to ‘señoritas’ who enjoy one complimentary selected drink. From 8:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8504 or via email: rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Sangria Night

Wednesdays: The Cellar. Experience all the flavours and atmosphere of a real Spanish bar, right here in Doha. Unlimited sangria for QR 180 per person from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4402-3333.

THE ST. REGIS Jazzy Hours

Mondays & Saturdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. Join in for JAZZ Happy Hour every Monday and Saturday and receive a 25% discount on your check. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

Louis Armstrong Night

Tuesdays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha. This one is for the boys! Enjoy authentic New Orleansstyle sliders served with French-fries and grain beverage for QR 100. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.

For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

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RECOMMENDS

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Ladies Night!

Fridays: Lava. Bring your girlfriends along and enjoy free selected drinks from 10:00 p.m. until late with Lava’s new resident band and DJ Shadi. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Lava Love

Fridays: Lava. Try special Lava Love ‘couple-sharing’ cocktail or get a bottle of the week for QR 500 only, including mixers. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

SHERATON DOHA Feel Good Friday

Fridays: Irish Harp. Enjoy for QR 25 a selection of different house beverages. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071.

RITZ–CARLTON DOHA Saturday Salsa Night ORYX ROTANA Diva Tuesdays

Tuesdays: Jazz Club. From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., join in and enjoy a buy one take one free on cocktails, house vino and sparklings. For more information call 4402-3333.

Vintage High Heels Night

Wednesdays: Vintage Lounge. Wednesday night is ladies night at Vintage Lounge. Step into the glamourous and elegant Vintage Lounge for a ladies night out and enjoy a complimentary second drink with the purchase of a beverage.

From 6:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY DJ at Hive

WEEKEND CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Heels on Fire

Saturday & Monday: Misturado. Gather your gals and enjoy a super-cool ladies nights.

First two drinks are on the house. For more information call 4408-7777.

Liquidity Nights

Thursdays: Hive. Enjoy suave music with their resident DJ every Thursday night from 9:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4015-8888 or doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Thursdays – Saturdays: Liquidity. Relax with DJ KayJay & DJ Xriss lounge music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. for QR 100 (including one drink). Ladies enter free. For more information call 4408-7777.

W DOHA Ladies Night

GRAND HYATT DOHA Fridays R Rocca

Mondays: Wahm. Come at 8:00 p.m. and get three beverages on the house. Come at 9:00 p.m. and get two. Come at 10:00 p.m. and get one. For more information call 4453-5135.

Urban Night.

Tuesdays: Crystal Club. Crystal’s Resident DJ mixes up the best of R&B, hip-hop and old school. Ladies sip three beverages on the house.

From 11:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5000.

Ladies Night.

Wednesdays: Crystal Club. Doha’s favourite ladies night at Crystal with DJ Tobias mixing up the latest tunes at this special ladies night where all ladies enjoy three free drinks. From 10:30 pm till 12:00 am. For more information call 4453-5000.

Fridays: Rocca: Every Friday from 8:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. enjoy a very special Happy Hour. For more information call 7021-8096 or email Victor.marcato@hyatt.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA Sparkling Fridays

Fridays: The Lounge. Fridays at The Lounge are bright and sparkling! Every Friday, all ladies receive two complimentary glasses of bubbly from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski. com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

Saturdays: Admiral’s Club. Dance the night away on Latin rhythms. The spins, crisp turns and sharp movements make salsa one of the most energetic dance styles. So regardless if you’re a professional or have never danced before, you’re guaranteed to have a true fiesta. From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4484 8663 or email: dilip.kumar@ritzcarlton.com.

THE ST. REGIS Reggae Night and Beach BBQ

Wednesdays – Fridays: Oyster Bay and Beach Bar. Get into the rhythm of the Caribbean and enjoy live reggae music at the Oyster Bay Beach Bar. Entry is complimentary and on Wednesdays, ladies get a complimentary second drink. From 8:30 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4446-0105 or diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Le Grill Introduces The Jazz Band Thurs & Fri: Le Grill. The Diplomatic Club introduces the stunning voice of Danielle Pascoe who has toured internationally for many years with professional bands, accompanied

by Oleg Polyanski one of the Gulf’s leading piano players who has worked alongside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra as well as other orchestras in Europe. From 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7470 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

BBQ Donut

Looking to set sail on the Arabian Gulf, searching for an exclusive dining place or a fun experience?

With room for 8 people, the BBQ Donut will take you on the West Bay shores to enjoy unparalleled views of the city while savouring an exquisite dining experience. Price per person: QR 180, including chilled juices, mineral water and soft drinks. From 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450 or email spa. recreation@dclub.com.qa. Rental fees: 1 hour, QR 450, 2 hours, QR 800, Additional 30mins, QR 200.

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ER REGIST E IN sletter Oe WNeeL kly 5 new om for th ning.c tarhappe www.qa

BAR RANCHO’S Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

BELGIAN CAFÉ InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

4428-1428

4419-6100

4425-6666

4428-8888

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

Dunes Lounge Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

4419-6100

4484-8000

4446-0000

4408-7777

Radisson Blu

La Cigale

4428-8888

Spike’s Lounge 4496-0777

Strata Lounge 4015-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

Ritz-Carlton Doha

The Library

4448-4800

4428-1428

Sky View

InterContinental Doha The City 4428-1428

4428-1428

Shehrazad

Marina Nightclub

4485-4444

Misturado

Radisson Blu

Crowne Plaza – The Business Park 4408-7777

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge

Orion 4428-1428

Four Seasons

4428-1428

4494-8888

The Lounge

Oyster Bay & Bar 4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Doha Marriott

4429-8888

Jazz at Lincoln Center Pearl Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-2222

Manhattan

The St. Regis Doha

Habanos Ritz-Carlton Doha

4484-4444

Radisson Blu

Doha Golf Club

Crowne Plaza – The Business Park

Radisson Blu

Glo Cocktail Bar West End Renaissance Doha

Mercure Grand Hotel

Radisson Blu

Club 7 La Cigale

InterContinental Doha

Liquidity

Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4402-3333

Le Club

Champions West End Renaissance Doha

Oryx Rotana

Lava Lounge

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu

Qube

Jazz Club

Kempinski Residence & Suites

4405-3325

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

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FD May 2013.pdf

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Always Designed With You In Mind..

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Tel. No: 44 56 87 16 Email: info@ahbqatar.com An associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group INTERIOR DESIGN | WALL FINISHES | WINDOW TREATMENTS | FURNITURES | FLOORS | ACCESSORIES FINAL QH with STOMP.indd 40

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Arts & Culture

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

FANAR

Arts and Calligraphy Courses

Sunday to Thursday: Spiral Mosque building near Souq Waqif. Calligraphy workshops at the museum will be run by world-class artists and experts in calligraphy. Obaidah al-Bankee, the winner of the prestigious ‘Mus’haf Qatar’ competition and Sabah Arbilli of the U.K. will be amongst the lecturers and course designers. For more information email info@fanar.qov.qa.

Qatar Museums Authority ‘Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport’

March 7 to June 16: QMA Gallery, Katara. The exhibition features a series of large-scale photographs by Brigitte Lacombe of 90 Arab sportswomen, Olympic competitors and non-Olympians, from 20 different Arab countries, shown alongside videos by her sister, Marian Lacombe. By situating the images within the athletes’ personal histories, “Hey’Ya: Arab Women in Sport” exhibition aims to show the modern, engaged face of Arab women, and initiate a wider discourse on gender and sport in the Arab world. For more information visit http://www.qma.com.qa/en/.

ty InterContinental Doha The Ci

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

Dvorák’s Seventh Symphony

May 11: Katara Cultural Village Opera House.

Andreas S. Weiser, conductor; Vincent Daoud, tenor saxophone; Smetana: Vltava (The Moldau), from Mihalovici: Chant premier for Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra. Dvorák: Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70. For more information visit www. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

ition Lisa Watson Art Exnt.hib Lisa Watson May 1-15: The Square Restaura

vated arts is an experienced and highly moti ols, hospischo with s work who , educationalist pursuing as well as ps grou tals and community committed to her own art commissions. She is as developing promoting the visual arts as well ledge of art know her g ndin expa lly and continua tives. For initia ation educ practices and current more information call 4412-7637.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum The History of Doping and Anti-Doping May 6 to 7: Doha Qatar. The symposium will explore the historical, cultural, and scientific aspects of doping. It will also look at the establishment of anti-doping institutions and programs, including a special focus on the Gulf Region and the Anti-Doping Lab Qatar. For more information visit http://www.qma.com.qa/en/.

for

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Arts & Culture

p U t I rthy Thirumu oha Jazz la a jw U By y of D courtes Images

live music in Qatar, chances are the ensemble is Doha Jazz is popping up everywhere. Where there’s p is making waves on the region’s music scene. there. With their latest CD released in February, the grou to put our ear to the ground.

QH sat down with musician and member Chris Coull

I

f music is the language of the soul, jazz music is the language of the heart. In its entirety, through its unmistakable energetic and subtle flow, jazz can be simple, beautiful and transcendental all at once. That’s how you would describe the music of Doha Jazz. A band that makes you want to believe in the maxim ‘the whole is equal to the sum of its parts’, because their strength lies in their diversity and the ability to talk to the audience through their music.

“Whatever the instrument, practice is most essential. The trumpet in particular is like a jealous mistress who demands undivided attention and constant nurturing”, says musician Chris Coull who has been playing the trumpet ever since he can remember. “It was one of those routine things I did after school hours.

But when I heard Miles Davis for the first time, I knew I wanted to play the same kind of music.

There has been no turning back ever since.” And true to his words, Coull continued to hone his skills as a trumpeter much like what Miles Davis once said: “Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself.”

So, how did the band come together? “Jazz was nowhere on the scene when I first came to Qatar in 2001,” says Coull. “I would only occasionally get calls from other musicians who were keen on getting together. I arranged to meet a few and by virtue of talent, perseverance and diversity, we now have the best of the best.”

Formed in 2009, Doha Jazz released their debut CD titled Blues On The Corniche in early February of this year and have already sold more than 1,500 copies, proving that their audience wants more. No wonder that you find them everywhere- from private parties and corporate events to graduation ceremonies and

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Gettin’ into the groove at a black-tie function.

performances at five-star hotels. Their recent appearances include the Qatar International Food Festival at the Museum of Islamic Art Park, the British embassy on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday, and the ten-day long Jazz Festival at the St. Regis Hotel.

“It does. But most often it depends on you,” says Coull. “On how you play, how you perform.

If I feel like I’m not playing the trumpet right, it doesn’t matter that the audience is enjoying it anyway, because I know that I’m not at my best, and that feeling can bring me down a whole lot.”

Having been to one of their performances, I always wondered how a musician would feel in front of his audience – the rush, the thrill, the sheer excitement must provide a heady mix of nervousness and joy.

That said, the sheer brilliance of their music can be cure for a lonely heart or can make you want to let your hair down and blow the roof off. Their inimitable style, eye for detail, and invincible attitude has earned them what they truly

deserve. And before we go, here’s something to put under your pillows: the next time you have the proverbial ‘mornin’ blues’, switch on the jazz blues and feel your spirits soar, because people may let you down, but music won’t. n For more information on Doha Jazz visit www.dohajazz.com or email info@dohajazz.com.

eir ra’s miss th Don’t ance at Kata y m perfor Lounge ever hts! r nig a y ig a C El d Frid n a y a Thursd

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Arts & Culture

Curtain Call

By Munazza Sayed Photography by Sanjaya Munindradasa

rated musical bert and Sullivan’s most celeb Gil of ion dit ren rs ye Pla ha hind the curtain.

The Do at Katara this May. QH goes be ge sta the s hit , do ka Mi t Ho comedies,

I

magine. Funky jazz-music swirling in rainbow colours around dancing feet; swaying arms; flowing frocks; movement; grace; smiling faces; the sound of laughter. A stage aglow with warm hues-purples, reds, golds and bluespulsating with foot-tapping melody.

It’s another classic performance by the Doha Players, with an unforgettable name: Hot Mikado.

“Hot Mikado is a musical comedy where East meets West head-on in a 1940’s-style update of a Gilbert and Sullivan favourite,” says Dr. Christopher Churchouse, director of the play.

Gilbert and Sullivan are celebrated 19th century American composers, whose inspiring legacy will be brought to Doha through Hot Mikado.

“It features an intoxicating mix of styles and influences, with classics such as A Wand’ring Minstrel and Three Little Maids being re-written into show-stopping blues, swing, and scorching torch songs,” says Churchouse.

“Hot Mikado is an updated version of the original musical,” said Raelene Dufresne, who plays a maid in Three Little Maids. Dufresne, presently a math lecturer at Texas A&M University in Qatar, performed a similar role in the original Gilbert and Sullivan play as a 10-year old. “What we are about to present in Doha has a modern, jazzier musical twist. And that’s what the ‘hot’ in Hot Mikado stands for,” she says.

Dufresne, like several others in the small but growing theatrical community of Doha, considers the play a great opportunity for all those who wish to pursue such entertainment as a hobby.

She hopes their efforts will be received well by spectators.

“I think Qatar audiences will embrace the show on two levels,” notes Dr. Churchouse. “They will

see it for its fun and entertainment and also enjoy the updated swing in the re-written music, which is something fresh and never tried before in Doha.”

The play is known for its hilarious storyline. In a nutshell, Hot Mikado is an enticing comical plot, set in a Japanese town where flirting is punishable by death. Wary of the law, citizens appoint a lowly tailor—Ko Ko, as the high executioner. Interestingly, Ko Ko is himself condemned for flirting and hence, unlikely to execute anyone.

“Throw in the beautiful Yum Yum, her admirer Nanki-Poo, errant son of the Mikado, and the man-eater Katisha and you have one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous comic operas in all its wonderful absurdity,” Churchouse said.

Although each character adds his/her unique flavour to the comedy, the play is most popular for its namesake—‘Mikado’-- the ‘fate-controller’ of the town of Titpu and a young man with a fantastic sense of humour.

Another interesting character to root for is that of Katasha: a bloodthirsty woman who has a twisted love story.

esne and

Leading ladies Raelene Dufr Bing-Xue Lin strike a pose

Pantomime and The Complete Works of Shakespeare, the theatre enthusiasts are now working hard on their current project, in a bid to bring “fun, challenging and entertaining theatre to Qatar.”

“I really feel that people need to come along to Hot Mikado for a good night.” Churchouse said, “This is a feel-good musical where we ask you to suspend any disbelief and allow us to transport you to a jazz-time Japan where an intricate tale of love, honour and the essential upbeat ending will have you laughing, tapping feet and rooting for Nanki Poo to live happily ever after!”

Watch the official Hot Mikado site for information about the exciting new venue where the show will be staged. Opening on May 17 the show will have two shows on May 18 and close after a final performance on May 19. n About Hot Mikado

Ascertaining why the comedy is a great idea for performers and audiences alike, Dufresne said, “Doha is a place of turn-overs and in its core, Hot Mikado is not unlike Doha.” She pointed at the fact that the play shares certain elements with Qatari society, “like the whole idea of people being observant and respectful of traditions.”

Presented by the Doha Players

Hot Mikado is a collaborative venture of the Doha Players—a strong community theatre group with dedicated members hailing from various professional backgrounds. With the recent success of shows like Lipstick Dreams,

Ticket Info: QR 75, call 4447-4911 or email dohaplayerstickets@yahoo.com

Location: Drama Theater, Katara Timings: Fri, May 17: 7:30 p.m.

Sat, May 18: 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sun, May 19: 7:30 p.m.

Also visit the Doha Players Facebook page at ‘Doha Players Lovers’

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Qatar H

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Arts & Culture A trio of photos from Maher Attar’s solo exhibition

A Still On A Land Of Motion Lebanese photographer Maher Attar’s solo exhibition at the Pearl’s Anima Gallery is a study in the art of lomography.

A

nima Gallery and Lounge is tucked away on the cozy promenade of the Pearl-Qatar.

The space covers an area of 570 square metres, overlooking the beachfront and the gallery focuses on contemporary art from the local, regional, and international arena. Anima Gallery hosts five exhibitions per year. One of the exhibitions showcasing this May is A Still On A Land In Motion by renowned photographer Maher Attar.

Attar is known for being the official photographer of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, but he has also been making waves on the arts and culture scene at home and abroad for many years, with his unique photographic forays that attempt to capture the simple, yet powerful aspects of everyday life. In A Still On A Land Of Motion his use of the ‘retro’ lomography camera offers up yet another new way to look at the world around us.

“Today, the technological advances in the field of photography have grown by leaps and bounds,” he says. “Cameras today produce beautiful, high-resolution images, automatic settings, highspeed shutter settings, etc. Even post-processing has improved immensely, thanks to computers and Photoshop. You can see your picture immediately, so you have the option to delete it or to keep it, an option not available with earlier film cameras. Because of this, everyone can now be a photographer. In fact, it’s almost like spoon-feeding. The question is, ‘Where is the challenge in that?’”

Maher explains the beauty of lomography: “I have selected lomography cameras to accompany me on this fluctuating journey of the past. The past, evoking dreams, imagination and romance, is captured with this modest lomography camera, characterized by all the ‘faults’ that today’s cameras do their best

to overcome: lack of focus, poor exposure, inaccurate colours, etc. Although this camera provides few options in terms of aperture, it does offer users a considerable amount of leeway in terms of exposure times. Furthermore, the film is manually advanced, frame by frame.

Such features provide an opportunity to explore possibilities that lie beyond the scope of current cameras. The image becomes archaeological, an approach recalling the effects achieved by pioneering 19th century photographers or certain painters.”

A viewer contemplates a photograph

Next time you’re wandering along the Pearl, A Still On A Land Of Motion is worth a stop into the Anima Gallery for a glimpse into life in Qatar shown from a new angle. n

About Anima Gallery Opening Hours: Sat-Thurs: 10:00 a.m. till 9:30 p.m.

Friday: 2:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m.

Location: 30 La Croisette, The Pearl-Qatar.

Anima Gallery Lounge: Anima Lounge is a trendy art café. It’s a relaxed space that offers light international meals in an arty, friendly atmosphere. The menu consists of healthy dishes with exceptional taste. On the menu are gluten-free pasta, quinoa, cranberry salad, egg white omelets, anti-oxidant drinks and so on. The lounge exhibits paintings and sculptures by renowned local and international artists.

Left: Photographer Maher Attar discusses his latest works

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Arts & Culture Listings RECOMMENDS

Museum Guide

For a complete list of timings visit www.qma.org.qa/en/exhibitions

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Education City 4402-8855 mathaf_info@qma.org.qa www.mathaf.org.qa Open: Tuesday to Sunday Closed: Mondays

Museum of Islamic Art & Park QATAR MUSEUMS AUTHORITY “Olympics – Past & Present”

March 28 to June 30: Alriwaq Doha. The exhibition will showcase original and unique objects from Olympia (Greece), the birth place of the Ancient Olympic Games, as well as objects from the last 48 Winter and Summer Olympic Games, allowing visitors to learn about the values of the Olympics and their importance in promoting peace and personal achievements. The exhibition will also highlight the earliest sports games, the participation of Qataris and women in the Olympics, and will shed light on the modern Olympic Games as a social, political, and cultural phenomenon. For more information visit http://www.qma.com.qa/en/.

ONE OF A KIND QATAR MUSEUMS AUTHORITY ‘Ferozkoh: Tradition and Continuity in Afghan Art’ March 22 to June: Museum of Islamic Art. The exhibition presents a partnership between M.I.A. and students and teachers of the Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture in Kabul.

The unifying theme of the exhibition is the preservation of the traditional arts of the Islamic world – in both themes and materials – in the modern world, and the role of education in its transmission and translation For more information visit http://www.qma.com.qa/en/.

QATAR MUSEUMS AUTHORITY ‘Calligraffiti Murals’ by El Seed

Ongoing: Underground Road Tunnels, Salwa Road. The QMA’s Public Art Department and the Public Works Authority (Ashgal) have commissioned French-Tunisian graffiti artist, El Seed, to create a series of 52 large-scale works for the four underground tunnels of the main highway off Salwa Road. Over a period of four months, following a series of successful workshops with students at the Museum of Islamic Art in 2010, El Seed has executed these spectacular works with a group of students from Doha. Each features different and unique themes inspired by Qatari culture and draws on El Seed’s interest in Arabic calligraphy fused with contemporary street art, which he refers to as ‘calligraffiti.’ For more information visit http://www.qma.com.qa/en/.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Chamber of Romantic Music May 15: Katara Cultural Village Opera House . Elizaveta Hesse, violin Michael Hesse, violin; Ivaylo Daskalov, cello; Sonja Park, piano; Skoryk: Melody Tchaikovsky: Memory of a Dear Place (Souvenir d’un lieu cher), Op.42; Brahms: Scherzo; Wagner: Albumblatt (arranged Wilhelmj); Gershwin: Fantasy on Themes from Porgy and Bess (arranged Frolov); Schumann: Piano Quartet in E Flat Major Op.47. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

WEEKLY FANAR Arabic Language Classes

Sunday to Thursday: Spiral Mosque building near Souq Waqif. The personalized spoken course will focus on communicative functions required in the day-to-day language such as: greetings and getting to know people, asking and answering essential questions, numbers, and other topics that help for a better understanding of the society. The course is written by transliteration: Arabic words written in English letters. For more information email courses@fanar.gov.qa.

TER S I G E R E r I5N wslette Oe WNeeL e n ly k ing.com pen for th atarhap www.q

The Corniche 4422-4444 infomia@qma.org.qa www.mia.org.qa Open: Wednesday to Monday Closed: Tuesdays

ALRIWAQ DOHA

Museum of Islamic Art Park 4452-5555 Open: Same days as Museum of Islamic Art

QMA Gallery

Building 10, Katara, Cultural VIllage 4408-1255 qmagallery@qma.org.qa Open: Monday--Saturday & Sunday Closed: Fridays

QF Radio 93.7FM Bolded programs in English Bright Morning: 7:00 a.m.

International News: 9:30 a.m.

Innovations: 10:00 a.m.

The Movie Guide: 12:00 p.m.

English News: 1:00 p.m.

Market Economics: 3:00 p.m.

Stars of Science: 3:00 p.m.

Green Tea: 4:00 p.m.

Therapeutic Fatwas: 4:00 p.m.

Voice of the Youth: 5:00 p.m.

Raising a Child: 5:00 p.m.

Corners: 6:00 p.m.

Fashion: 6:00 p.m.

Straight Up: 7:00 p.m.

Twitter: 7:00 p.m.

Legendary Artists: 8:00 p.m.

Sport Global: 9:00 p.m.

Sun-Thurs Daily Monday Thursday Daily Tuesday Wed Saturday Friday Thursday Monday Sun--Thurs Saturday Sunday Tuesday Daily Daily

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Community

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Art Of Abundant Living Vision Boards Workshop Thur 16: Most of us live our lives by default.

How would your life be different if you consciously created it? The Art of Abundant Living team will show you how you can have the life you always dreamed of with a simple tool called a ‘vision board’. Timings from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.artofabundantliving.com.

Qatar Professional Women’s Network How Women FIND Work

Sat 11: Student Center Doha. 9:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. The author of the Business Model You book and tool, Tim Clark, is coming to Doha to give a one-day workshop as part of the How Women FIND Work series. Whether you are currently working or not, if you want to develop your career, make the most of your strengths, grow professionally and get a step closer to your dream job, then this is for you!

A great tool to get clarity on your career goals and your strengths. Tickets for the HWFW event are selling at Virgin Megastores.

ess German Butsain Council Qa r

Mayball 4th Annual

s to tel. This event aim Fri 31: Hilton Ho and international an provide the Germ an opportunity to ity business commun night of outstanding a network and enjoy ent also serves e ev Th t. en inm rta te en e. charitable purpos as an important draw will be e ffl ra e th of ds l All procee rman Internationa donated to the Ge at 7:00 p.m., QR 350 ts ar ll School Doha. St re information ca per person. For mo events@ahkqatar.com. ail em or 2 4431-115

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa

Doha Mums

Doha Mums Summer Market 2013

Sat 11: Radisson Blu. There will be a range of all new home décor wares, jewellery and pearls, photographic displays, artworks, children’s clothes and ladies clothes. Find brand-new products never being sold before in Doha such as Lorna Jane gym wear, also swimwear, stationery, hand-painted silk scarfs, soaps, organic skincare, kids activities, books, and so much more! For more information email markets@dohamums.com.

IAID Indian Dance Saturdays to Thursdays: IAID Hilal St. Al-Tadamon Signal D-Ring Road. The IAID Indian Dance program is a 7-year certificate course affiliated to the Nalanda Dance Research Centre in Mumbai, India. The course tackles the dance styles Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam. For more information visit www.iaidonline.org.

for

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Community Qatar’s growth rate continues to expand as new building projects dot the cityscape

Qatar Under Construction

By Lisa Travell Photography by Saif Alnuweiri

anging the way

that’s ch ve created an online resource ha tar Qa ty rsi ive Un rn digs deeper.

Students at Northweste viewed in the country. QH are s ard nd sta try us ind on constructi

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here’s a new awareness of construction and fire safety that’s taking root across the country. This shift in updating standards and practices motivated Christina Paschyn; a professor at Northwestern University’s School of Journalism, to set her students a controversial and challenging task – to create a website entitled ‘Qatar Under Construction’. This website was to be entirely produced by a team of students and would look at safety issues in the construction industry.

Saif Alnuweiri was chiefly responsible for photography, and he explains more about the project. “Every year, before the students go abroad to do their journalism residency, there are two pre-residency courses they have to take.

One of them is online reporting, in which they have to build a website complete with written articles, slideshows and videos of the topic at hand,” he says.

The finished result is a comprehensive and well-researched website. Superbly presented it boasts accurate statistics, well-written articles and even video and photographic evidence of the budding journalists’ findings. It’s a project to be proud of with students evidently tackling the difficult topic in a professional manner persistent in their quest for answers to the question of just how important is safety in construction in Qatar today?

honestly about the topic,” he says. “They would be willing to talk about procedures but when asked about specific situations, you could sense their hesitation.”

Research was to prove both challenging and rewarding, which is why this topic was ideal for the students - as any good journalist knows, not everyone is always willing to speak openly, and the real challenge is to find the truth.

Zineb Abdessadok is in agreement; her role in collating statistics was of paramount importance to the site, but at times proved trying. “I received most of my statistics from Qatar Civil Defense, they were very welcoming but I had to go to several sources to finally get what I wanted,” she explains.

Ahoud Al-Thani was assigned to the print team and worked hard to produce an honest view of Qatar’s construction industry. “It was pretty difficult to find people that were willing to open up and talk

Christina Andrews was part of the video team and faced her own setbacks while undertaking research for the site. “It was quite difficult to get workers to be honest about the environment that they are in,”she says.

The students all found that safety measures are now being taken far more seriously. “I found that

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Community

A Work-InProgress

The older areas of Doha await an infrastructure boost

many malls had changed their building plans to create a safer place for people,” Christina says.

Specific changes Ahoud discovered were mandatory new alarm systems for large companies and malls. “They are high-tech and automatically send a signal with the specific location of a fire so there are no misunderstandings,” he says.

For more information visit www.qatarunderconstruction.org.

Zineb’s findings also confirmed that safety is becoming a significant factor to the construction industry at large. “Throughout our reporting we discovered that the country is working on bettering building safety standards. Like the title of our website, Qatar itself is still developing, so everything is in the works,” she says.

Despite changes to safety standards being evident in the students’ research, there’s still a long road ahead, as Saif ascertained during his investigations. “Larger companies make safety an important issue but we were told that often smaller companies don’t consider a budget for safety.” He agrees that change is happening but points out that there is no overnight solution.

“Obviously refining these systems takes years,” he says.

With the eyes of the world on Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, safety measures are fundamental to its success. Christina is confident that Qatar will be more than ready to host. “Qatar is a growing country with a lot of potential. I believe this country will do all that it takes to ensure safety measures.”

Without a doubt, the international community will be following its progress every step of the way.n

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ubity Listings mm Clun Cods Ki RECOMMENDS

Community Guide Australian and New Zealand Business in Qatar Group 6651-1892 www.anzbiq.org

American Women’s Association 5511-8085 www.awaqatar.com

Doha Players

4447-4911 Search ‘Doha Players Lovers’ Group on Facebook

Egyptian Women’s Association

IAID Eco-Fashion Design Contest

5572-4171

Fri 17: A recycling fashion contest. For more information call 4432-0974/ 4441-1234 or email wed2013@iaidonline.org.

ONE OF A KIND ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Raw Food Classes

Sun 5, 12, 19: The (un)cooking raw food classes

by Art of Abundant Living will inspire and delight you. Learn how you can incorporate raw food into your diet. These classes will show you the basics of a raw food lifestyle and gives you hands on experience in making your own delicious and exciting raw food creations for yourself, your family, friends, and guests. Timings from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information visit www.artofabundantliving.com.

ART OF ABUNDANT LIVING Green Smoothie Workshops Wed 22 & Sat 25: You are busy and would like super nutrition on the go. We’ll show you how!

Join the Art of Abundant Living team for a fun and interactive Green Smoothie Workshop.

Timings from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information visit www.artofabundantliving.com.

IAID World Environment Day

Sat 18: IAID, in partnership with Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) and under the auspices of Dr. Saif Ali Al Hajari, is proud to present another engaging celebration of World Environment Day. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234 or email wed2013@iaidonline.org.

IAID Painting Contest

Fri 24 & Sat 25: Annual painting contest with this year’s theme: ‘I Love Planet Earth’. For more information call 4432-0974/4441-1234 or email wed2013@iaidonline.org.

EVERY WEEK IAID Music Courses

Saturdays to Thursdays: IAID Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Classes in Classical/ Modern Piano, Classical/Acoustic Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and Western Vocals.

All music courses incorporate Western notations and follows the London College of Music (LCM), University of West London U.K. syllabus.

Examinations are held every six months at IAID by LCM examiners. Non-IAID students are welcome.

For more information visit www.iaidonline.org.

IAID Visual Arts

Saturdays to Thursdays: IAID Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Visual Arts Program is a progressive course for Beginners, Intermediate and Advance that covers color theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information visit www.iaidonline.org.

French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467

Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052

Qatar National Cancer Society 4447-8128 www.qncs.org

Red Dotters Qatar

5520-9294 Follow @RedDottersQatar on Twitter

Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598

Turkish Women’s Association www.twaq.org

Tuesday Ladies Group Email: tlgindoha@gmail.com

SASCOM: South Africans In Qatar

www.southafricansinqatar.netfirms.com

Canadians In Qatar

Search ‘Canadians In Qatar’ Group on Facebook to join the community

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Kids Club

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon IAID Music – Keyboard & Piano Saturdays to Thursdays: This is a certificate course affiliated with the London College of Music. With the syllabus’ wide content of musical repertoire and associated educational material, the series provides a solid foundation to music education for any piano student, of any age. The course features note reading, rhythm reading, sight-reading and technical workouts. For more information on course availability visit www.iaidonline.com.

Tornadoes Touch Rugby Rugby For Kids Saturdays: Park House English School. Tornadoes is a fun, non-contact tag rugby club that caters for both boys and girls in Doha. The club has now been running for over a year and has children from a number of different schools attending. The children develop and learn a range of skills, improve their coordination and enjoy the sport of Tag Rugby! For more information visit www.tornadoestagrugby.com.

ndo Centre o w k e a T a e r o K

YamaYoga Studios Kids Yoga Saturdays: Yoga for kids ages 4-8, Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. at Garvey’s. Drop-ins welcome, QR 45 (or QR 35 if parents attend the 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning Vinyasa class held at same time). For more information visit www.yamayogastudios.com.

Martial Arts – Taekwondo

Tuesdays: Salwa Road. Korea Taekwondo Centre offers school activity every Tuesday from 12:45 p.m. till 2:15 p.m., for elementary students. For more information call 4465-9066 or 5560-9679.

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa

Al Samariyah Equestrian Centre (ASEC) Horse Riding Sundays to Thursdays: The riding school is located next to the museum of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al-Thani on the Dukhan Road in Al Shahaniyah. At ASEC it’s possible to join group lessons or to have private lessons. They organize promenades in the forest, competitions, clinics and pony days. For more information email equestrianqatar@hotmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/AlSamariyahEquestrianCenter.

for

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Kids Club

s o s s a c i Little P

By Charlie Sands Photography by Sanjaya Munindradasa

Artist and art teacher Solange Ahdab takes a break from her weekend art classes at the Anima Gallery to tell QH about her passion for teaching kids who she believes create art in its purest form.

“P

icasso once said he spent all his life learning how to draw like a child, which is how I see it,” explains Solange Ahdab, who has been teaching children for 20 years and is currently Head of the Art Department at the Lycée Bonaparte in Doha. As if life weren’t busy enough Solange spends her Saturdays teaching as well, at her own workshop for children called Gribouillage, meaning ‘doodle’ in English, and also at the Pearl’s Anima Gallery.

our Pick up y s and int brush, pa d go! n a s a canv

Art In Its Purest Form The 43-year-old mum of two from Lebanon explains her approach, and why she is so committed to get children involved in art: “I teach oil painting for kids - the basics of oil painting where they get to know the artists and how to paint, mixing colours, tracing a line, that kind of thing. I am very, very busy but I love it, this is my passion. Art by children is not something researched, it’s something from inside.

When you give them a theme and they discover it by themselves it’s magical. I might give the same theme to ten kids and each one will give me a different version.”

Solange studied Fine Arts at university in Lebanon and did her thesis on “how to explain

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“For me the kids’ work is primitive so it’s pure, it’s the real art if you like.”

Editor’s Note: All photos published with parental permission

kids’ paintings and whether it’s conscious or unconscious”. She adds: “Since then I have been working with kids and for me the kids’ work is primitive so it’s pure, it’s the real art if you like.”

Solange usually starts by teaching the style of different famous artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet or Klimt. She says: “We don’t want the kids to copy it but to be inspired by their techniques.”

Inspirational Paul Guiragossian It was while at university that she met and was taught by none other than the famous Lebanese artist Paul Guiragossian, who inspired her to fall in love with oil painting, which is her favourite medium today.

“I remember his moustache and I remember that when he would do a sketch some of the students would take it and sell it after the class, because he was already famous by then. He knew they were doing this but after a while he started to take his sketches home with him.”

“Paul was very deep; when you look at his paintings you see all his life in them without the need for somebody to tell you the story.”

Getting Artsy At the covered and air conditioned walkway alongside the Anima Gallery, Solange and a team prepare the area for the arrival of the first group of three to five year-olds who are continuing their study of Kandinsky, Miro and

Solange gives guidance to a young artist as a parent looks on

Monet with oil and acrylic paints.

We hear from four year-old Isaac who enjoyed painting with lots of colour and getting messy. “I made it blue and green, he says, “It’s a person in an airplane.”

Information Solange runs classes at the Anima Gallery on the Pearl on Saturdays for five-week sessions in two age groups – three to five, and six and above. A new session starts in May and the next block of classes will be after the summer. n

Find out more by emailing Solange: soleiladab@hotmail.com, or the Anima Gallery: art@animagallerylounge.com.

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Kids Club

Family Days n u F

Words and images by Charlie Sands

Only 30 minutes from Doha, with shade a-plenty!

A/C of Doha’s take any more and head for the ’t can you ide dec you ore bef of them.

With the weather heating up, rth a visit and Simaisma is one wo l stil ces pla few a are re the shopping malls,

On Arrival In Simaisma As you arrive at Simaisma village there are a handful of shops on the left hand side before you get to the car park and beach. So if you didn’t bring enough supplies you can stock up here. Plus the mini supermarket-cum-grocery store sells toys, beach balls, sun hats and so on. Once at the beach you’ll see that there are dozens of wooden gazebos in two sizes – small if there are just a couple of you or larger ones for bigger groups or families. Grab yours quickly as they get snapped up fast at peak hours like the favourite late-afternoon picnic times.The beach also has a few brick-built barbecues so you can take and make your own; just remember to bring your own coals and food of course.

The Beach And The Water At low tide it’s quite a walk to the water, and once you get there don’t expect to be able to swim, unless you want to wade out a long way as the water is only a few inches deep. My kids enjoyed paddling though and spotting funny looking crabs in the water. On the plus side the water seemed reasonably clean and the beach and play areas weren’t unduly rubbish-strewn either – as some I’ve seen in Qatar are.

Other Facilities What is nice about Simaisma is that it does have facilities, which makes it a little easier for families. These include a toilet block with outside showers for men and women to rinse off, a football pitch on the beach and two separate decent-sized playgrounds, as well as the gazebos and BBQs already mentioned.

Tired Of The View Already?

So, you’ve arrived in Simaisma and you don’t really like sunbathing; and besides it’s not advisable to strip off here, you are likely to get frowned on if you do. So now you want to see something else. Well here are some ideas. Have you ever heard of geo-caching? For those that haven’t it’s a treasure-hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek containers with other participants in the activity. There is one such box of treasures or ‘geo-cache’ hidden somewhere at Simaisma, but you’ll need a GPS and some patience to find it. Go to www.geocaching.com for more details onthis quirky activity.

Otherwise, since it’s not a large place, you can easily take in the whole village with a short walk and take a look at the Simaisma Olympic Park, open from Sunday to Thursday 2:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., or from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends. The park has an impressive array of facilities including a youth centre, swimming

pool, café, fountain, mosque, football pitches, plenty of spaces to hang out and sit down, a walking/running track and car parking.

How To Get There?

You can reach Simaisma from either Al Shamal Highway or the Al Khor Coastal Road, either way it’s about 20 kilometres from the start of the highway, or the edge of the city before you see the Simaisma sign from either road. Once you make the turn it’s only a couple of minutes drive and you can’t miss the village as the road ends there.

Find Out More Simaisma is a small and sleepy coastal town built in the 19th century by fishermen and pearl divers with a mosque dating back to 1938. Visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa for more information about Simaisma and its old mosque.

The Score Is Out Simaisma is an easy day-trip and will suit anyone wanting to escape from the city and enjoy the beach for a few hours. Given its range of facilities – shaded areas, toilet facilities, showers, BBQs and car parking I would give it an 8 out of 10 overall, let down only slightly by the sea being too shallow to swim in and quite a walk for little legs at low tide. n

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Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

QATAR BOWLING CENTER Bowling for Kids

Sundays to Thursdays: QBC features 32 synthetic bowling lanes, automatic pin setters with Qubica automatic scoring, four bumper lanes for the children (for kids below 8 years old only please), other sports facilities and a wide parking space. For more information visit www.qatarbowlingcenter.net.

EVERY WEEK EVOLUTION SOCCER Sports for Kids

Sundays to Thursdays: The growth of Evolution Soccer is a direct result of the exceptional coaching staff who conduct insightful and enjoyable training sessions that are completely focused on player development. For more information on course availability visit www.evosoccer.com.

DOHA DOLPHINS Swim Academy

Sundays to Thursdays: Opposite Nissan Petrol Station, Bin Omran. Develop your child’s confidence in the water the natural way.

By engaging your child’s natural ability and affinity with the water, we offer simple steps to a lifetime love of swimming. For more information call 6617-0911 or email info@qmotion.com.qa.

ELITE SPORTS QATAR Progressive Junior Tennis

Sundays to Thursdays: A sport management company based in Qatar, Elite Sports Qatar is dedicated to the highest quality of sports instructional programs. With extensive experience and networks in the industry on and off-court, ESA seeks to provide world-class sports instruction to all ages and levels. For more information on course availability call 5566-4747.

QATAR MINOR ICE HOCKEY Qatar Raiders Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: Ice hockey for kids. For more information visit www.qataricehockey.com.

STARFISH LANE Ballet for Kids

Mondays and Wednesdays: Pre-registration is required for all courses. All classes are subject to minimum and maximum enrollment. For information email Tove at: tove.lojander@gmail.com.

TER S I G E R Esletter I5N w Oe WNeeL e n kly ing.com pen for th atarhap www.q

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Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading & Contracting Co. WLL

Properties Listing May 2013 Bilal Pearl Suites

NEW

1 & 2 bedroom apartments, fully furnished for QR 14,000 &17,000/month Location: Viva Bahriya, The Pearl Amenities: Swimming pool, gym, steam room, Jacuzzi, parking, children’s room,function room and business center

NEW

Bilal Executive Suites 2 bedroom apartment fully furnished for QR 13,500/month Location: Al Saad, Al Mirqab Amenities: underground parking, gym, steam room, rooftop Jacuzzi and barbecue area

Porto Arabia Town house

NEW

Amazing Fully furnished 4 bedroom +1 maid room town house located in the heart of Porto Arabia for QR 30,000 /month Location: The Pearl - Qatar, Porto Arabia Amenities: Swimming pool, gym, steam room, Jacuzzi, parking, children’s room,function room and business center

Bilal Apartments

NEW

2 bedroom apartment fully furnished from QR 11,000/month Location: Al Mirqab, Al Saad Amenities: covered parking, secure building and maintenance For a new home or to book a visit contact us: Tel.: 4442 8877 a 4442 1188 a 4441 7001 Mobile: 3378 7871 | 5571 1488 Email: marketing@ahbqatar.com a www.ahbqatar.com

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Food & Dining

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon

Sheraton Doha

UEFA Champions League Final

Sat 25: The Cove. Watch the UEFA Champions League Final at The Cove, the open-air beach restaurant and enjoy a delicious barbecue with your friends and family just before the game starts. The action gets underway at 5:00 p.m. and entrance is free. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Turkish Week

Sat 18 – Thur 23: Aramede. For a whole week, chefs will be serving authentic Turkish home cooking and traditional recipes. QR 170 per person. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

l Doha a t n e in t n o C r e t In The City

Renaissance Doha City Center Cucina New Chef: Massimiliano Ascio ne

Wed 15: Cucina. Hailing from the Italian town of Vasto, Cucina’s new chef Massimiliano Ascione brings a wealth of experience from across the globe. In May, he introduces a seasonal menu of tomato dishes --taste the difference in flavour when tomatoes are in season. Buon appetito!

From 12:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/cucina.

Cinco De Mayo

. Full buffet Sunday 9: The Square ion. QR 180 ect sel d foo with Mexican food and soft drinks and or red vino QR 250 food and white . For more ges era bev n xica and Me , or visit 888 5-8 401 l cal information . om g.c doharestaurants@ih

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa

The Four Seasons Beach Grill Wednesdays: Pool Grill. Experience a special moonlit dinner with the best ambiance in town.

Indulge from an extensive offering of grilled meat and seafood, a dynamic buffet with live stations offering fares from around the world. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR. 330. For more information call: 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

for

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Food & Dining

Cuisine Meets Culture Where

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Pierre Monetta

its doors at the Alain Ducasse opened tutelage of Ducasse himself by AM ID ce sin s nth mo rant, under the It’s been a few short ltural t span of time the restau tha In t.

Ar ic am Isl iled a concept of cross-cu ve of un m s ha , er Museu ed M in ma ecutive Chef Ro and the leadership of Ex every bite tells a story. culinary exchange in which

I

t’s quiet as we set foot in IDAM on an early week-day evening around 6:00 p.m. Outside, the cars zoom by along the Corniche; it’s rush-hour after all, but inside all is still, the museum exhibits closed for the day. A feeling of anticipation gnaws at us in the form of rumbling bellies, as we ride the elevator up to the fifth floor which hosts the restaurant. We know that we are about to experience a culinary journey that will set a new benchmark for French hautecuisine in Qatar.

If it weren’t an oxymoron to describe the décor and ambiance of IDAM as one of understated grandeur, I would struggle for another way to convey it. Conceptualized by renowned French designer and architect Philippe Starck, every facet and every piece of furniture tell a story – a theme that we will soon discover runs deep at IDAM. Taking up the entire fifth floor, the space is a study in contrasts, spacious yet compact, with seating for about 60 people. Our first impressions are that we’ve stepped into another

of the museum’s exhibits, this one a distinctly post-modern display. With sleek black and white tones throughout, there are pops of colour in the rainbow stemware behind the bar area and the huge floor-to-ceiling bookcases standing sentinel in the restaurant’s far corners.

We’re told that to enhance the sense of exploration and hands-on experience of IDAM, there’s a ladder available for guests who want to peruse the shelves’ higher reaches and read a book while they dine. Huge black carpets with striking white Arabic text unfold beneath our feet; specially commissioned for IDAM they tell the story of 1001 Arabian Nights, while the avant-garde chairs at every table have a different word in Arabic inscribed on them that relates to beauty, wholeness and goodness.

‘Idam’ itself we are told is an Arabic word that’s distinctly Qatari, loosely translated to ‘generosity’. Tonight, as we settle into our table for two overlooking the Museum’s mezzanine

five floors down we prepare ourselves to experience the best in French-meets-Arabic hospitality. Executive Chef Romain Meder comes out to greet us personally and tells us a bit about the menu that he’s created for us tonight. We are going to indulge in the Chef’s Experience Menu featuring four different mezzes per person, one middle course, one main and dessert service.

We’re informed of something very unique – that each of our menus will consist of different dishes for ladies and different dishes for men.

The idea of flavours being associated with the masculine or the feminine is something entirely new to us and we’re eager get started. The sun is setting over the Gulf through the immense windows and our view of the shining lights of West Bay is a stunner. Very soon our mezzes arrive, after a quick stopover by the fresh bread trolley which offers nine different kinds of loaves infused with herbs such as zatar and saffron.

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My mezze course consists of chickpeas and lentils harira, inspired by the traditional Morroccan dish and topped with edible gold leaf. The chickpeas are so smooth on the top they resemble the consistency of whipped cream – absolutely melt in your mouth, while below lie a fragrant stew of lentils in lamb jus. There’s also a raw flowers and vegetable salad with a spicy tomato consommé dressing. Ingesting flowers that I would normally have sitting in a vase on my kitchen windowsill is a new concept for me, but their flavour is subtle, and the presentation divine. Next I try a small bowl of round deep-fried balls placed before me. Biting in there’s a hot splash of flavour and an immediate feeling of comfort as my brain recognizes what my tastebuds are sampling – fresh hammour madruba encased in potato.

They’re very good and don’t last long. Without a doubt the heaviest part of the mezze is the rectangular sliver of jellied foie gras served with a sticky date and a side of brioche. It’s buttery and too good to put down. I know I am being, very, very bad to my waistline here, but no matter.

Chef Romain Meder presides over the kitchens at IDAM

Next up is our middle course – a steaming cookpot of vegetables with lamb jus. Inspired by the style of a traditional Moroccan tagine it features piping hot, tender slices of red and yellow beetroot, zucchini and carrot topped with deceptively delicious faux-couscous made out of cauliflower. The crockery dish is also an Alain Ducasse original creation designed specifically for this style of oven preparation. There’s a slight hint of turmeric or curry in the lamb jus reduction that adds to the richness of the dish, blending the French style with the Arabic.

My main course is an exercise in culinary diversity to say the least as I broaden my palate with IDAM’s signature preparation of tender camel topped with duck foie gras, black truffle and souffléd potatoes.

It’s incredibly rich, with the foie gras bubbling and melting in my mouth and the camel meat falling apart under my fork. To describe the taste is difficult; it has a gamey-ness to it like lamb or venison, but with an under-lying tang. It’s filling and a bit overwhelming – a little goes a long way.

At the end of the service comes the dessert trolley, a quintessentially French tradition. At IDAM, they’ve blended a mixture of French pastilles, macarons and bon-bons with a distinctly Arabic infusion of flavours. There are orange blossom and honey macarons, honeyed madeleines that re-call the flavours of traditional baklava sweets, pineapple and star anise beignets and nougats with almonds and pistachios. It’s a smorgasbord and somehow our ears miss the part where our hostess tells us that this is only the ‘pre-dessert’.

So we’re shocked when some time later our signature mains arrive, both almost too artistically-plated to disturb. We indulge in Alain Ducasse’s signature creations made famous at his flagship restaurants in Paris and Monaco. The chocolate and crunchy praline concoction and the salty butter caramel Religieuse are to die for, the sweetness rich and effervescent. We leave IDAM having tasted a tale told in seven chapters and it’s one we soon won’t forget as we head back to the kitchen to thank Chef Romain and his team. The best way to fully appreciate Ducasse’s vision for IDAM is to unequivocally experience it for yourself. We guarantee you will discover new pages in its story every time. n

Edible art: the raw flowers and vegetable salad

Tender camel topped with foie gras and black truffles

About IDAM by Alain Ducasse Location: 5th Floor, Museum of Islamic Art Timings: Wed-Sun, 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., dinner only Average Meal Price: IDAM 7-course Experience Menu, IDAM©pierremonetta

QR 725 per person Reservations: Call 4422-4488 or email idam@qma.org.qa.

Chocolate covered praline and salty butter caramel Religieuse

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Food & Dining Maki mania at L’wzaar’s sushi bar!

Beyond

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

The Sea

T

he siren song of L’wzaar has been calling us for a while now as we finally head into the restaurant, located in Building 27 at Katara, one sunny afternoon. One of the largest food and dining outlets at the Cultural Village, L’wzaar’s interior is palatial, with an open-concept theme running throughout its sprawling kitchen, sushi bar and fish market areas. The décor is markedly marine with floor-to-ceiling blue mosaic tile and gargantuan columns hosting aquariums packed with exotic fish species adding to that ‘under-the-sea’ feel.

Catch Of The Day The wealth of menu options at L’wzaar makes it one of Doha’s most plentiful seafood restaurants.

Diners can order a la carte from their table, cozy up to the sushi bar, or select from a cornucopia of fresh fish, crustaceans and mollusks of all shapes and sizes, both local and imported, at the fish market counter.

We decide to do a bit of both, ordering the specials of the day from the a la carte menu and then sauntering over to the fish market, which stretches along the vast expanse of the restaurant’s main wing. With fresh product brought in daily, diners can look their dinner in the eye on a bed of ice and customize their orders to suit their preference. Restaurant manager Nadi

ence that’s nothing

ar, in an ocean-to-table experi

of Katara at L’wza We cast our nets off the coast less than bountiful.

shows us rows of fresh hammour, red snapper, sea bass and sea bream, oysters, mussels, squid, local saltwater crab and its freshwater kin imported from Sri Lanka. These and the many more ‘fruits de mer’ on display are enough to lose count.

Fresh And Flavourful Under the guidance of Chef Sonali Fonseka’s creative culinary team, L’wzaar does it well across the board. From the array of dishes we’re sampling today not a single one disappoints. We start with L’wzaar’s take on the traditional fish ‘n chips, a comfort classic. Instead of the battered haddock or cod fillets that I’m used to, these ones are locally-caught hammour. Both the meat of the fish and the batter are very light, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and the home-made tartar sauce is really some of the best I’ve tried. (It’s so good you might wonder if it’s not sneakily brought in from Britain by the jarful.)

Next up is the Chef’s special of the day, baked crab. It’s a local variety, small and filling, stuffed with delicate meat, fragrant rice, herbs and an au gratin-style baked topping that’s crispy and gooey. At first I think that the portion size is a bit small, but when I discover how rich the flavour is

The fresh salad bar has an assortment of side-dishes to accompany your meal

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Baked stuffed crab, the

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Traditional Spanish fide

I realize there’s a reason for that. My colleagues have also ordered the fideua; a L’wzaar specialty.

A Spanish dish that echoes the country’s infamous paella, fideua is a variation of its own. A mixture of thin vermicelli-style noodles tossed in a red paprika-flavoured fish stock with spices and a heaping mélange of jumbo prawns, mussels and tender flakes of fish, it’s a highlight of the meal.

Served in a cast-iron pan, piping hot we dig in family-style. It’s not long before the empty shells pile up on the sides of our plates and conversation lapses. Right now it’s about savouring the moment and wringing the last drop of flavour from every bite.

At their team’s recommendation we’ve also put in an order for the fresh, whole hammam, filleted and baked with roasted garlic in a balsamic reduction. Ultra-flaky and light as air, the snapper has a tang to it that I’ve never tasted before due to the balsamic vinegar and the meat is fall-off-the-bone -- and believe me when I say there are a lot of bones. It’s filling and enough that four people can share easily.

Rounding out our offerings from the deep are a selection of maki rolls from the sushi bar – spicy tuna, soft-shell crab and for my less-adventurous colleague, a turkey and cheese roll. The tuna is proper sashimi-grade, buttery and smooth and the soft-shell crab is both crispy and soft and packed with big-time flavour. I know the quality of the rolls alone is enough to bring me back to L’wzaar for round two.

ua served hot from the

oven

They also make a mean dessert, and as the trolley trundles over to our table we each choose a different, sugary vice. For myself it’s the crème brulée; creamy, crispy and decadently topped with candied pineapple and red currants, it’s top-notch. My colleagues choose the mango savarin and the pint-sized cheesecake with a cherry-topped meringue cream on the side.

L’wzaar does what it set out to do: offering diners a fresh, flavourful and succulent seafood experience filled with healthy variety and international and regional touches. We have a feeling it will continue to make a splash. n

About L’wzaar Location: Building 27, Katara Timings: Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Sun-Wed) 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Thurs, Fri & Sat) Dinner 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Sun-Wed) 7:00 pm. – 11:30 p.m. (Thurs, Fri & Sat) Average Price: QR 40-QR 85 per menu item Smoking: Yes, on the outdoor terrace Reservations: Call 4408-0710/11 or visit www.lwzaar.com

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Food & Dining Get some rays and enjoy the BBQ, grilled to your liking!

An

Outdoorsy Brunch

By Jorge Granda Photography by Tanya Combrinck

The dreaded summer is approaching, but this month the weather is still lovely enough to enjoy the outdoors. QH recommends visiting the alfresco brunch at The Grand Hyatt Doha to enjoy good food, stunning views and great entertainment.

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eekend brunches in Doha are quintessential, marking that special day of the week when family and friends gather to enjoy an afternoon with good food and drink. All hotels and major restaurants in town have capitalized on the concept and currently the options are endless. But since the weather is so nice this May and before it gets so hot that being under the sun isn’t even an option, we recommend visiting an outdoor brunch. There aren’t many restaurants that offer brunch lovers this choice, but the Grand Hyatt Doha in West Bay does.

As we arrive one recent Friday afternoon, we’re greeting with a bevy of welcome drinks and asked if we want to sit inside or outside by the terrace. The weather is so pleasant that we don’t hesitate to head out into the sunshine. With a selection of sparkling Spanish vino, Sangria, and delicious mocktails, the beverage service is thirst-quenching and offered throughout the entire brunch service, free-flowing. The terrace is very spacious with a pool and garden view; there’s green wherever we look, plus a lively BBQ station, a charming bar and a small stage with a DJ performing the latest chill-out music live, to entertain the crowds while they savour delicious dishes and fresh drinks.

The atmosphere is vibrant, and it’s a full booking today – there’s not a table that’s empty.

Everyone seems to be having a great time and why shouldn’t they? With such a unique set-up it’s impossible not to be relaxed and chilled. The brunch is open from 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. (last drink order), but we are told that it’s usually extended a little bit depending on how many people are still enjoying themselves. What they do stop on time is the buffet, after 3:30 p.m. you won’t be able to eat anymore.

There’s a huge variety of different cuisines to choose from and the indoor buffet is quite large featuring live cooking stations which vary every week: foie gras, scallops, grilled prawns, and so much more. A large cheese table with 12 different varieties is also on offer. One of the aspects of the brunch that gets our attention are the waiters passing around trays filled with weekly food specialties to every table.

For weary parents, kids also have access to a large playground in the garden that features two bouncing castles and a children’s buffet complete with popcorn and candy floss. For adults the brunch menu includes, among many other specialties a salad station, cured Waygu beef carpaccio, beetroot risotto, a cold mezze station, sushi station, dumpling station, smoked

Got a sweet tooth? Dig in!

fish from the cold stone, seafood bar, pastry dessert area, hot carving station and the outdoor BBQ station on the terrace.

Seating can be reserved inside and outside under shade on the sunny terrace and all customers are invited for an after-brunch complimentary beverage at Dunes Bar to enjoy the latest jazz and soul hits of Avis Ellis and Juan Pestana. n About The Friday Brunch Location: The Grand Hyatt Doha garden terrace Timings: 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m.

Price: QR 395 with bubbly QR 250 with soft drinks QR 125 for children 6-12, Children under age 6 dine free Licensed: Yes Smoking Yes Contact Info: Call 4448-1240/41 or visit www.doha.grand.hyatt.com

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Food & Dining Want to see your review in our pages? Like us on Facebook and take part in our monthly contest!

Word of Mouth Photography by Sanjaya Munindradasa

This column is part of a monthly contest where we send one of our readers to experience a meal at a restaurant. It’s our way of giving the community a voice in our pages.This month Christian San Juan tested the menu at Pier 12, the seafood restaurant at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Here is his review.

QH: What did you order?

QH: Were the prices reasonable?

CSJ: New England chowder, QR 55

CSJ: The prices for some of the items in the menu were very reasonable. The New England chowder for QR 55 can be shared. Served in a sourdough bread bowl, it’s creamy but doesn’t dilute the taste of seafood broth as well as the clams. The chowder can be a meal in itself!

3 pcs. pan-seared scallops from the Fish Market trolley , QR 270 6 pcs. fresh oysters from the Fish Market Trolley, QR 25/pc 2 Alaskan King crab legs with white vino sauce, QR 320 1 bouillabaisse, QR 145 1 San Francisco cioppino, QR 120 1 warmed double-chocolate brownie, QR 45 1 Aqua Panna water (large), QR 25 1 cappuccino, QR 13 1 Coca Cola, QR 14 1 carrot juice, QR 22

The main dishes like bouillabaisse and the cioppino can be shared as well, though I doubt that you’d want to because both are delectable.

Though the bouillabaisse wasn’t served in traditional means wherein the fish is served separately from its soup, it was still luscious.

The fish, lobster tail, scallops, prawns and clams were done right and present their own flavour after each bite. I usually don’t like fish soups because of the overpowering taste and smell of fish but the bouillabaisse soup was very subtle with hints of onions and coriander.

Some of the items in the Fish Market Trolley (fresh seafood cooked by the Chef to your liking), are considerably high-priced. Three pieces of gourmet fresh scallops, pan-seared to perfection, costs

Contest winner Christian San Juan and Chef Luca Angioletti

QR 270. I loved their excellent flavour and texture. The Alaskan King crab legs, poached in some vino, salt and herbs and placed in a bed of leeks were full of sweetness by themselves.

There was no actual need to use any of the sauce you may choose to go with it, but the white vino sauce offers a contrast to the taste and brings out a non-overpowering mixture of different flavours to the dish. The King crab legs were worth QR 320, but relatively understandable as they’re brought in from nonlocal sources.

For dessert, you had several options of chocolate cinnamon mousse, crisp apple tart tatin, lemon sorbet, mango raspberry parfait and warmed double-chocolate brownie, which I had. Prices range between QR 40-45, which is not bad at all. I would have wanted the brownie to be more chocolate-y in taste but the sugared strawberries in a basket made of very thin peanut brittle made up for it.

QH: Describe the ambiance.

CSJ: The area itself is small yet welcoming.

Quite unpretentious and the décor is simplistic.

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Alaskan King crab legs on a bed of leeks

Delicious chocolate brownie with strawberries Photo by Christian San Juan

New England seafood chowder in a hearty bread bowl

Juicy pan-seared scallops

It’s a place to have a simple yet elegant dinner with a partner or friends. The blue lighting accentuates the theme of Pier 12 and contributes to the mood of the diners.

appreciate seafood as not just being ‘fishy’ once they taste Pier 12’s dishes.

QH: Describe the quality of the food.

CSJ: The New England chowder and Alaskan king crab legs. I don’t have to go to L’wzaar in Katara to enjoy fresh seafood.

CSJ: The pan-seared scallops, fresh oysters and Alaskan king crab legs from the Fish Market trolley were exceptional.

QH: Describe the quality of the service.

CSJ: The food came warm and as I was with my wife, our dishes arrived together so there was no waiting for the other to start. The wait staff were very proficient and could recommend items when asked. They were very attentive to the service given but aren’t too pushy. However, I only saw three wait staff and foresee some issues when the place gets full.

Spicy jumbo prawns Photo by Christian San Juan

QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant:

QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant: CSJ: The only real gripe I have about the restaurant is the tables are close to each other; that may hamper some intimacy when with your partner especially when the place is full.

QH: Was there a special touch or flair to the experience?

CSJ: Being able to ask the Chef to cook items from the Fish Market trolley to your liking.

QH: Would you go back? Why/why not?

QH: Could the overall experience be improved?

If so, how?

CSJ: I would definitely go back and can recommend the place to friends who would like to have seafood and those who usually don’t have seafood. I’m sure they’ll be able to

CSJ: Aside from the issues with the tables being close and staff may be lacking when place is full, I could say that Pier 12 is truly a hidden gem in the city. n

Editor’s Note: The views and opinions expressed in our reader reviews do not reflect in any way those of Qatar Happening Magazine’s staff, directors, management or Editor-in-Chief.All hotel PR food and beverage departments are aware of the content and receive a copy.

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Food & Dining We caught you eyeing these sweet morsels, didn’t we?!

Wonderfully

Whipped

By Gerald Tan Photography by Jessie Palanca

Profiteroles have long been the domain of high-society dessert trolleys and tea trays since time immemorial. This month we bring the bite-sized clouds of sweetness and cream down to earth, showing you how easy it is to master the perfect whip.

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t’s a scorcher of an afternoon. Seeking refuge from the blazing outdoors, the boy creeps into the kitchen and tiptoes towards the refrigerator. He furtively grabs a tall, cold canister, tilts his head back, and positions the can over his gaping mouth. He presses the nozzle ever so slightly, and with an emphatic squishing sound, a trail of rich, frothy cloud greets his gleeful anticipation.

The boy is in whipped cream paradise.

You might not care to admit it in polite company, but you probably know first-hand of the euphoria that boy felt. Or should I say, still feels. Although I rarely resort to cream-in-a-can these days (finding it less satisfying and so much less tasty than that whipped in a bowl), I sometimes find it hard to resist when ambling along the supermarket aisle. As far as instant gratification comes, this is one primo product.

Yet if you’re going to take the trouble to serve a home-made dessert, there’s no excuse for not making your own. All you need is store-bought cream containing at least 30% butterfat. You then whip it using either electric beaters (far less tedious) or a whisk, until it reaches a velvety consistency.

There’s quite a bit of fascinating science behind how air bubbles incorporated into the cream become trapped by its fat globules to form a

stable emulsion. Chemistry aside, it’s easy to appreciate the magic of seeing this bowl of liquid turn into puffs of utter scrumptiousness.

If, like me, you enjoy your cream on the sweeter side, add some icing sugar and a drop of vanilla extract halfway through and beat some more.

You’d end up with what is known as crème Chantilly in fancy talk.

Whipped cream is amenable to a range of additives. It can take on liqueurs, citrus zest or ground spices for a spectrum of flavours. The only trick here is to keep all the ingredients, beaters and mixing bowl chilled. And don’t get overzealous either – should you overbeat cream, you’ll end up with butter.

Although excellent over pies and hot chocolate, I particularly enjoy my whipped cream in profiteroles. A generous dollop encased in choux pastry then drizzled with chocolate sauce is such a lovely treat, and a simple one at that.

Profiteroles require very little active cooking time, though the pastry needs to cool down for a few hours in the oven.

I tend to serve profiteroles bite-sized to avoid whipped cream spillage. Just be careful that you don’t pop them down so mindlessly before you realize you’ve inhaled six or seven in a single sitting. But if you do, take comfort in the fact that you can whip up another batch in mere minutes. n

Plump Profiteroles Ingredients: 100 ml water 50 ml milk

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vanilla extract chocolate sauce Instructions: Bring the water and milk to a slow boil. Add the butter, sugar, and salt – stir until the butter melts and immediately remove from heat. Tip in all the flour in one go and mix vigorously until a ball forms.

Now add one egg at a time and mix in until the paste, now called a choux, is smooth and glossy. Put teaspoons of the choux on a greased baking sheet. (For more uniformed shapes, pipe out small mounds using a piping bag.)

Bake at 200 degrees Celcius for 20 minutes until the choux pastry is crisp and golden.

Pierce each one to let the steam out, then return to cool slowly in a turned-off oven.

Whip cream with icing sugar and vanilla. Fill each pastry with the crème Chantilly and drizzle with chocolate sauce.

Comments, feedback, tips or cousin Kryptonella’s not-so-secret recipes gladly welcome. Do share how the profiteroles turn out. I’m on Twitter @GeraldoTan.

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Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS

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ST. REGIS DOHA

Simply Lobster Evenings

Fri 17 – Fri 24: Opal By Gordon Ramsay.

Experience lobster in all its flavours – an inspired culinary experience tailored by our Michelin-starred Chef Gilles Bosquet. A special 4-course menu created using the freshest and sweetest lobsters, perfectly complimented with beverages selected by our Head Sommelier. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR 750 food only, QR 1,100 with Sommelier’s Selection. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

CHOWKING Value Meals

Daily: Enjoy dinner for 2 for QR 70-80 including soft drinks. Available at all restaurant locations, serving the best taste at the best price. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Saad St.: 4431-4411.

PROMOTIONS SIZZLING HOT POT First Of Its Kind

Holiday Villa Hotel. The first of its kind in the Middle East, offers visitors a unique dining experience as you and your family can cook your own meal at your tables very own hot pot.

For more information call 4411-5225.

THE GRAND HYATT New Menu At The Grill

Daily: The Grill. From the best brunch in town comes a new menu. Be the first one to try it at The Grill. Open daily for dinner from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 7021-8093 or email simon.vogel@hyatt.com.

Pizza Pasta Promotion

Daily: Rocca. Enjoy unlimited pizza and pasta with free-flowing house beverages from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. for QR 180 per person.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Special Asparagus Festival

Wed 15 – Fri 31: Belgian Café. Try out delicious asparagus dishes while enjoying the finest draught and bottled Belgian suds. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Meat Is Meat

Wed 1 – Wed 15: Prime. Meat is meat and man must eat at Prime. Indulge in a succulent selection of meat cuts. For more information call 4015-8888, or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com.

ORYX ROTANA The Great Outdoors

Daily: Al Nafourah Garden. Now open for lunch, sit back and relax alfresco as you sip drinks and enjoy a delicious meal at our trendy, relaxed venue. You can enjoy delicious cocktails and an a la carte lunch, rounded off with some flavoursome shisha. Al Nafourah’s new lunch menu includes traditional Arabic dishes, as well as cold and hot mezze. For more information call 4402-3333.

SHERATON DOHA Happy Cinco de Mayo

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Canadian Scallops

Tues 7 – Mon 20: New York Steakhouse.

Succulent Canadian scallops take centre stage as one of the Steakhouse’s seasonal specialties.

Served with seared scallops and truffle soup, grilled scallops with mango and avocado salsa, and quinoa-crusted scallops with wild mushrooms. Lunch Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. Dinner from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/new-york-steakhouse.

EVERY WEEK CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

Sun 5: Latino. Come discover the Mexican culture and celebrate with Mexicans their victory against the French forces in the Battle of Pueblo on May 5, 1862 with Mexican treats and special songs performed by our Latino band. Starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

Sun to Fri: Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria. You think you can eat meat? Eat as much meat as you can and try a variety of salad bar and seafood items before starting on 12 different cuts of meat along with Cuban entertainment. QR 265 per person, all you can eat and QR 299 with special house beverage package. From 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4440-8777.

Portuguese Vino Dinner

Phoenician Night

Tues 14: Latino. Would you like to try Portuguese vino? This is your chance to join in for a special night and taste some of the best wines of Portugal along with a 5-course set menu prepared by Chef Jorge especially for this occasion. Price is QR 300.

For more information call 4485-4071.

W DOHA Sommelier Night

Sun 26: Market by Jean-Georges. The restaurant is preparing specially-designed menu paired with the recommendations of the sommelier.

From 7:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m., reservations only, QR 350 per person. For more information call 4453-5135.

Mondays: Aramede. Enjoy a wide variety of Lebanese and Oriental specialties with live cooking stations and Arabic desserts for QR 170. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Seafood Night

Wednesdays: Aramede. Enjoy live cooking stations with fresh seafood. Chefs await your orders for delicious jumbo shrimp or giant lobsters, including a selection of seafood salads for QR 250. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

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THE FOUR SEASONS Theme Nights:

Sundays: Surf Night (seafood dinner buffet) for QR 260 including a glass of house beverage Tuesdays: Asian Night dinner buffet for QR 225 including a glass of house beverage Thursdays: Phoenician Night dinner for QR 235 including a glass of house beverage Saturdays: Turf Night dinner buffet for QR 250 including a glass of house beverage Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: International buffet dinner for QR 195 including a glass of house beverage Saturday: Kids and Family Brunch from 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. for QR 250 per person including bubbly and QR 225 with soft drinksFor more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

The Perfect Lunch

Sat – Thurs: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Longing for a sensational lunch from the Far East but don’t have much time? Tailor-make your set lunch to suit your taste and time from an extensive selection of lunch dishes. From 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. for QR 75. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

HILTON DOHA Curry & Creole

Wednesdays: Mawasem. Sample the Hilton’s crazy for creole menu during the month of May. Enjoy spectacular authentic Creole and curry dishes from the heart of the islands. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 190. For more information call 4423-3333.

White Asparagus Festival

Sat – Thurs: Trader Vic’s, Mawasem, Zawaya or Bab Al Baher. This month at Hilton Doha join them for the White Asparagus Festival. Sample this delicacy, also known as edible ivory or white gold, served in various forms ranging from traditional asparagus with Hollandaise sauce to risotto with white asparagus and baby shrimp. This delicacy is harvested strictly by hand and takes three years from the sowing of the seed to the harvest of the first stalks. Try a taste, starting from QR 40. For more information call 4423-3000.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA New Breakfast Eggsperience Sat– Thurs: Gourmet House. This is not your ordinary breakfast! Coddled eggs with your choice of spinach, bresaola or salmon, your favourite bread roll from their famous selection, a cup of tea or coffee and a scone with cream and jam for a sweet ending. QR 50 per person. From 7:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information call 4405-3326 or gourmet.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/ doha.

Lunch Break in West Bay

Sat -Thurs: Kempinski Residences & Suites. Select from the fresh gourmet Business Lunch menu with your choice of starters, main courses and desserts and indulge in the most delectable business lunch in Doha. QR 90 per person. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants. doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

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Food & Dining Listings INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Greek BBQ ‘Souvlaki Night’

W DOHA Pure Asia

Seafood BBQ ‘Ouzeri Night’

SEALINE BEACH RESORT Seafood Delight

Mondays: Mykonos. Eat as much mixed grill as you can and discover your Mediterranean limits!

Enjoy a live cooking station with buffet of fresh cold mezzedes and salads complemented with deserts. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 165 per person. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Tuesdays: Mykonos. Enjoy the best of Mediterranean seafood, grilled or deep-fried made fresh at the live cooking station. Start with a buffet of fresh seafood salads and cold mezzedes and choose amongst a variety of sweet endings for dessert. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 175 per person. For information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Sushi Night

Wednesdays: Strata. Savour sushi and sashimi, accompanied by a Japanese traditional beverage.

QR 250 including one drink and QR 225 for food only. For more information call 4015-8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Seafood Night

Wednesdays: The Square. Enjoy one of the most luxurious seafood nights in town, from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 350 including selected house beverages and QR 250 including soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg. com.

LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Sat -Thurs: Le Cigalon. Enjoy international cuisine and daily extravagant buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A la carte option is available. Buffet breakfast at QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner at QR 200 per person, inclusive of American coffee or tea. From 6:30 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8698.

Best Sushi

Sat –Thur: YEN Sushi Bar. Best sushi and sashimi served on a special rotating belt; colour-coded plated formula along with a la carte menu. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4428-8698.

Stylish Dining

Sat–Thurs: Madison Piano Bar. Experience the stylish dining area featuring salads, finger food, main courses, sushi and sashimi and cigars complemented by an assortment of fine beverages. One-man show and DJ entertainment.

Dining area opens from 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Membership is not required in the dining area from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

Tues – Fri: Spice Market. Enjoy the South East Asian flavours or sip another drink in Spice Market until 1:30 a.m. Ladies dining after 11:00 p.m. are offered a welcome drink. From 11:30 p.m. till 1:30 a.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

Daily: Bonbini Restaurant. Enjoy a lavish spread of the unique tastes of the ocean as we treat you to a fresh, authentic seafood buffet with a fusion of Gulf and Mediterranean delights.For more information please call 4476-5249.

Asian Pizza Delight

Daily: Lagoon Ristorante. Savour an array of mouth-watering Asian-inspired pizzas from the Lagoon Ristorante during the entire month of May for only QR 55.For more information call 4476-5249.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Indian Night At Crossroads

Wednesdays: Crossroads Kitchen. Step into an authentic Indian experience, complete with Indian music, incense and all the colours and flavours of this rich, diverse nation. Crossroads Kitchen introduces an exciting array of cuisine ranging from biryani, curry and laksa to koftas, tandoori, samosas and more. Live cooking stations featuring all your favourites from the North, South, East and West from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. QR 195 per person includes soft beverages. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/crossroads.

Crossroads Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Sun–Thurs: Crossroads Kitchen. Indulge in Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Indian, Arabic and more. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m., from QR 195. Valet parking included. Wednesday is Indian night for QR 195, Thursday is Seafood Night from QR 225. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/crossroads.

New York Steakhouse Lunch

Sun – Thurs: New York Steakhouse. A select lunch menu of beef tartare, seafood and deluxe burgers, along with fresh salads and fine desserts. A popular favourite is their QR 135 burger, side and dessert option for a speedier meal in this elegant city setting. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/new-york-steakhouse.

New York Steakhouse Dinner

Sun-Fri: Kobe, Black Angus, Wagyu and all your favourite cuts, with the 1kg Tomahawk taking centre stage. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/new-york-steakhouse.

Cucina Express Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Cucina. If you like variety, then you will love Cucina’s express lunch, where you can choose from six entrees, six mains and five desserts. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m., for QR 85. Valet parking included. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/cucina.

SHERATON DOHA Parillada Night

Sun & Wed: Latino. All you can eat Argentinian parillada served at your table including salad and dessert buffet and live entertainment. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m., QR 190 food only or QR 250 with house beverages. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

THE ST. REGIS Monday Night Burger and Pint

Monday: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Monday night is burger night at Opal – genuinely the best burger in Doha at the best price, QR 100 for burger and pint. Start the week with this mouth-watering meal served with Gordon Ramsay fries, homemade ketchup and a pint.

From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Aperitivo In Opal by Gordon Ramsay

Wed–Fri: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Unwind with an evening aperitivo every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Socialize, relax and unwind before dinner on the outdoor terrace with a light sea breeze and enjoy a 20% discount on selected beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Theme Nights

Weekly: Grand Gourmet. Mondays are Italian Night, QR 150, Wednesdays are Seafood Night, QR 200, Fridays are Arabian Night, QR 165, Saturdays are Italian Night, QR 150 and also don’t miss their special Friday brunch for the whole family from 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. for QR 165. Opening hours for Grand Gourmet: Breakfast, 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., Lunch, 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m., Dinner, 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com.

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Quintessence Of Morocco

Mon to Sat: Tangia. Discover traditional Moroccan cuisine, artistically prepared and refreshingly authentic. Dine in style while the rhythmic beating of the drums and melodies by Moroccan musicians recreates the ambiance of this remarkable country. Lunch: 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. (Thurs to Sat), Dinner: 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. (Mon to Sat), Thursdays and Fridays open till midnight. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com.

Arabic Week

May 18-24: Gourmet Restaurant. Enjoy the best of Arabic cuisine selected from different parts of the Arabian Gulf. From 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 165 per person.

For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com.

WEEKEND CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

Thursdays: Aramede. The Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park brings the streets of Italy to Aramede. Live chefs preparing your pizzas and pastas await you for a lavishing Italian Night buffet. QR 170 per person from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Tapas Night

Thursdays: Misturado. Take a brief break from a normal dinner menu and try out a new Tapas Menu at QR 45 per serving. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

THE FOUR SEASONS Charcoal-Grilled

Thursdays: Pool Grill. Craving barbecue? Then it’s time to treat yourself to our tasty selection of grilled meat and seafood, served perfectly cooked from a charcoal grill. Choose your favourite sides such as scallops and foie gras and enjoy with your choice of beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 170. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

HILTON DOHA Seafood Extravaganza

Thursday & Fridays: Mawasem. Hilton Doha introduces Seafood Thursdays at Mawasem. Book a table and start your weekend with an extravagant selection of fresh seafood favourites every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 225. For more information call 4423-3333.

1001 Arabian Feast

Saturdays: Mawasem. Join in for a feast of the finest Arabian delicacies Saturday nights at Mawasem. Enjoy tantalizing dishes from North Africa, the Levant and the Arabian Gulf.

From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. for QR 190. For more information call 4423-3333.

ORYX ROTANA

Saturdays: The Cellar. Every Saturday night indulge in endless tapas with their Retail Tapas Galore for QR 160 per person and pay reduced retails prices for selected vino: an offer that’s more than easy to swallow. For more information call 4402-3333.

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Food & Dining Listings KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Pomodoro & Basilico Fridays

Fridays: Aroma. Are you tired of Friday brunch buffets? Enjoy fresh ingredients, classic recipes with creative twists and dive deep in pasta and pizza pleasure. Pomodoro and basilico gives you the chance to select your choice of pasta or pizza and enjoy as much as you like for QR 160 per person from 12:00 noon-4:00 pm. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood BBQ Night

Fridays: Beachfront. Come and enjoy a seafood BBQ dinner by the beachfront with live entertainment by the Jazzy Soul Band. Enjoy grilled fish and seafood freshly prepared by an expert chef including live cooking stations from 7:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

THE TORCH DOHA Friday Barbecue Bazaar Lunch

Friday: Flying Carpet. Choose from a wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, burgers and hot dogs for only QR 195 per person including selected beverages from 12:00 noon to 3:30 p.m. Special rate for children between 6 and 12 at only QR 95. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Sushi Fiesta

Thurs & Sat: Chopsticks. Immerse yourself in an electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters from the sushi bar at Chopsticks, the award-winning restaurant. Try our sushi made of chicken, beef and duck and eat as much as you can for QR 129. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Weekend Roast

Fridays: Le Grill. Le Grill puts together the perfect weekend roast for you and your friends to enjoy a special moment. With all its traditional trimmings, the roast comes with many choices of meat.

QR 180 per person including soft drinks, mineral water and chilled juices. QR 220 per person including soft drinks, mineral water, chilled juices and house beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m.

For more information call 4484-7470 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

THE ST. REGIS Coastal Cuisine - Seafood Buffet

Thursdays: Vine. Every Thursday evening enjoy the ultimate evening buffet with an extensive selection of fresh fish and seafood for connoisseurs who desire the finest seafood experience. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. for QR 350 with selected beverages. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

W DOHA

Fridays: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy W Doha’s fabulous Jazz Brunch that includes live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 360 per person including house beverages and QR 290 including selected non-alcoholic beverages. For more information call 4453-5135.

Express Lunch

Sat - Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a luxurious three-course Express Lunch at this elegant restaurant for QR 89 per person from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

THE RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Seafood Night.

Thursdays: Crossroads. Enjoy the biggest seafood paella in Doha, alongside tiger prawns, mussels, tuna, oysters and fresh sushi. Mix chicken, beef, lamb, seafood and crunchy vegetables at their Mongolian stir-fry station from 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. QR 225 includes soft beverages and valet parking. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/crossroads.

BRUNCH

HILTON DOHA

Fridays: Mawasem. Every Friday join in for a day of fun and indulgence. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with family and friends served to live music accompanied by amazing views of the pool and beach. From 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for QR 222 per person including unlimited soft drinks, QR 333 per person including unlimited house beverages and QR 444 per person including unlimited house beverages and French bubbly.

For more information call 4423-3333. Kids have their special food corner and a ‘Kidz Paradize’ for fun activities.

Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: La Sahtaine. Enjoy an exquisite four-course brunch menu in a posh, vibrant setting. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. for QR 222 including unlimited soft drinks and overlooking the Arabian Gulf. For more information call 4423-3333.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

Fridays: Fish Market. Indulge in a luxurious buffet and market display featuring lobsters, oysters and tiger prawns. Choose from a wide range of beverage options to complement your meal while enjoying the stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Doha’s skyline and live music by the Jazzy Soul Band. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

Fridays: The Square. Enjoy a delicious brunch that includes a variety of dishes from different parts of the world, from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. QR 320 including house beverages and QR 210 including soft drinks and mocktails.

Special Mother’s Day brunch on Friday, May 10. For more information call 4015-8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK

SHERATON DOHA

THE FOUR SEASONS

Mediterranean Brunch

Fridays: Aramede. Enjoy a delightful Mediterranean family brunch at the all-day dinning theatre restaurant while listening to live music. QR 205 per person from 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

Fridays: Nusantao: Sea Kitchens. Get the weekend off on a leisurely note with The Four Seasons Friday brunch, offering an array of dining choices to linger over all afternoon. The main buffet is a showcase of live Asian cooking stations, as well as hot and cold appetizers and a traditional carvery, complemented by a range of salads and freshly-baked bread. From 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. for QR 300 inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Fridays: Al Hubara. International buffet featuring local specialties including Ouzi and Oumali, and a kids area with balloons and face-painting.

From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. for QR 205.

For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

Friday: Al Shaheen, roof-top level. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. for QR 190 food only or QR 270 with free-flowing suds, vino, soft drinks and bubbly. A Mediterranean buffet with the best views of the city, a kids area and beverage package. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

THE GRAND HYATT

Fridays: The Grill. Treat yourself with a sumptuous spread of international dishes and an array of desserts, while the kids enjoy themselves at the play area. From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. for QR 250 for brunch with soft beverages and QR 395 with special beverages.

For more information call 7021-8093 or email simon.vogel@hyatt.com.

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Fridays: Isaan. Celebrate Fridays in a Grand Thai-style at Isaan. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Thai buffet along with personalized service and welcome cocktails. From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. for QR 250 per person with soft beverages, QR 395 with bubbly and QR 600 for French bubbly. For more information call 7021-8097 or email adisak.onjan@hyatt.com.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY Far Eastern Buffet

Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha A lifestyle city hotel in the heart of Doha

Fridays: Chopsticks. Serving delightful lunch and dinner buffet of Chinese, Japanese and Thai food for only QR 129 per person. Children ages 6-12 pay only QR 65.

Lunch: 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email:sdesilva@wyndham.com.

Brunch with a View

Fridays: Vine. Celebrate special occasions and family gatherings in a private VIP table and lounge area.

This coveted location offers an experience beyond expectation, the very best table in the house with the best view in Qatar! This private VIP area also comes with the signature St. Regis butler service. QR 3,500 for up to 8 people (includes soft beverages, grape, grain and sparkling bubbly). From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. for QR 375 with selected beverages. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

W DOHA

Fridays: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy W Doha’s fabulous Jazz Brunch that includes live entertainment by Doha Jazz. QR 360 per person including house beverages and QR 290 including selected non-alcoholic beverages. For more information call 4453-5135.

583 rooms and suites amaze with their variety and style

Spice Market

Fridays: Asian street food meets slick city chic at the new up-market weekly Spice Market brunch every Friday. Enjoy a backdrop of live, upbeat swing music courtesy of Doha Jazz. QR 360 per person including house beverages and QR 290 including selected non-alcoholic beverages. For more information call 4453-5135.

BUSINESS LUNCH CHOWKING

Sundays-Thursdays: Enjoy a delicious meal with the trusted Chowking flavours you love in under 30 minutes.

From 1:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. at all locations. For more information call Delivery Hotline: 4431-1212, Mamoura: 4486-6077, Al Khor: 4411-8816/17, Salwa Road: 4437-1212, Al Saad St.: 4431-4411.

WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY

Daily (except Mon & Fri): Chopsticks. Offers the ideal solution for busy professionals with a variety of distinctive modern Asian food presented in an exceptional three-course menu. Daily changing set menu served in only 59 minutes for QR 59, or it’s free!

From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4434-3203/3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com.

+974 4428 1428 radissonblu.com/hotel-doha

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Food & Dining HILTON DOHA

Sundays – Thursdays: La Sahtaine. Step out of your office and enjoy a three-course meal consisting of a delectable variety of starters, main courses and desserts in an elegant brasserie ambiance overlooking the waterfront.

From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. for QR 88. For more information call 4423-3333.

Trader Vic’s

Sundays – Thursdays: Trader Vic’s. Create your own delicious three-course business lunch by choosing from a selected variety of options.

From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. for QR 95. For more information call 4423-3118.

THE GRAND HYATT

Sundays-Thursdays: Enjoy an express lunch at Majlis. Get one hot or cold mezze and one shawarma, including coffee or tea. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 7798-2400 or email Ehab.boktor@grandhyatt.com.

Rocca

Sundays-Thursdays: From 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. for QR 88. For more information call 7021-8096 or email Victor.marcato@hyatt.com.

ORYX ROTANA

Daily: The Cellar. Enjoy their 3-course X’Press lunch and dinner set menus including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 89 per person for lunch and QR 145 per person for dinner, guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. For more information call 4402-3333.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES DOHA

Saturdays - Thursdays: Kempinski Residences & Suites. Select from the fresh gourmet Business Lunch menu, your choice of starters, main courses and desserts and indulge in the most delectable business lunch in Doha for QR 90 per person. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

Saturdays-Thursdays: The Square. Their threecourse business lunch offers a selection of à la carte starters and main courses including locallysourced seafood, prime cuts of meat, vegetarian selections and right-sized desserts. QR 88 for three-course meal from 12.00 noon till 3:00 p.m. at QR 88 for 3 courses. For more information call 4015-8888 or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com.

SHERATON DOHA

Sunday-Friday: La Veranda. Three-course business lunch served within 45 minutes from 12:00 noon till 2:30 p.m. for QR 99. For more information call 4485-4071 or email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com.

THE ST. REGIS

Sunday-Thursday: Opal by Gordon Ramsay.

Discover the chef’s menu of the day at Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Be it with colleagues or clients, enjoy a delicious three-course lunch with a different chef-selected menu each week. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. for QR 100 per person for food only. For more information call 44460105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS SOUQ WAQIF

The Courtyard, Al Najada Boutique Hotel

The Courtyard is an informal café, serving a relaxed breakfast and light meals in an alfresco setting. Offering a fresh alternative all-day dining menu from a unique and innovative selection of fusion cuisine from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4443-3666.

The Dining Room, Al Najada Boutique Hotel

A fine dining à la carte restaurant with seven-course degustation menu. Enjoy a great culinary experience in a contemporary Arabic atmosphere. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. (dinner), except Sundays. For more information call 4433-6666.

East, Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel

East is a casual international bistro-style restaurant and offers favourite dishes from all around the world. This all-day dining restaurant provides the perfect venue for a business lunch or a relaxing dinner. From 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information call 4433-6666.

The Terrace Lounge, Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel

The Terrace Lounge comprises of indoor and outdoor lounging spaces, including a terrace area, serving an Arabic lunch and dinner buffet.

Live Arabic band performance every night except Tuesdays. From 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4433-6666.

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill, Arumaila Boutique Hotel

A grill restaurant with the best views of The Corniche anywhere in town. This exciting venue is truly ‘the place to be seen’ and serves everything that can be grilled. The menu is so diverse it offers premium grades of Wagyu beef, the most succulent Angus tenderloin, tender New Zealand lamb and the freshest seafood from Gulf waters including lobster, calamari, and jumbo shrimp. Indulge in a feast for the senses and party until late. From 7:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m., except Mondays. For more information call 4433-6777.

The Drawing Room, Al Jasra Boutique Hotel

The place to meet friends and catch up over one of the many variations of tea, coffee and soft drinks. From 7:00 a.m. onwards. For more information call 4433-6666.

Argan, Al Jasra Boutique Hotel

With a truly authentic Moroccan feel, this fascinating restaurant is set to tease the senses through its amazing blend of spices, flavours, colours and music. A rich décor and dining experience guaranteed. From 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4433-6666.

ASPIRE KARATA HOSPITALITY Sukar Pasha

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. Roasted lamb, a special treat for the season, is well-marinated, tender and juicy served with traditional Turkish rice from 7:00 p.m. onwards at QR 99 per serving. For more information call 4408-2000, email info@sukarpasha.qa or visit www.sukarpasha.qa.

Red Velvet

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. Decorate your own cupcake and create a masterpiece; a great way for children’s educational fun and ideal for birthday celebrations at QR 60 per child only. For more information call 4408-0700, email redvelvetdoha@redvelvetdoha.com or visit www.redvelvetdoha.com.

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. Buy your favourite cupcake and coffee is on us.

For more information call 4408-0700, email redvelvetdoha@redvelvetdoha.com or visit www.redvelvetdoha.com.

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. Buy a dozen cupcakes and get 10% off. For more information call 4408-0700, email redvelvetdoha@redvelvetdoha.com or visit www.redvelvetdoha.com.

L’wzaar Seafood Market

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. Our special main course might be your choice. Visit L’wzaar and relish their recommendation of the day.

For more information call 4408-0710, email info@lwzaar.com or visit www.lwzaar.com .

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. With family and friends, come and celebrate any of your special occasions at L’wzaar and capture the moment for a happy and everlasting memory with our free snapshot that will be featured in the L’wzaar Celebrant’s book.

For more information call 4408-0710, email info@lwzaar.com or visit www.lwzaar.com .

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May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. Don’t miss the newest addition to L’wzaar’s way of cooking, Tandoori grill and Thai Curry. For more information call 4408-0710, email info@lwzaar.com or visit www.lwzaar.com .

Chac’late

May 1- 31: Katar Cultural Village. Treat yourself with our unique Parisian breakfast or indulge in our exceptional Chac’late Breakfast every day from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 am. For more information call 4408-0733 or email info@chaclate.com .

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. A true feast for the senses, enjoy a 20% discount on Vinchi Chocolate, daily for the month of May. For more information call 4408-0733 or email info@chaclate.com .

Le Vesuvio

May 1- 31: Katara Cultural Village. Choose your afternoon wisely, gain value with time and revel in their coffee break menu with a selection of coffee, cakes, and sweet pizzas daily. For more information call 4408-1500 or email levesuvio@akh.com.qa.

El Cigar Lounge

Thurs & Fri In May: El Cigar Lounge. Enjoy a lavish, comfortable ambiance where you can share and enjoy the music of the Doha Jazz band from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-0750.

LA VARENNE Hors D’Oeuvres Trolleys

Did you know La Varenne has a hors d’oeurves trolley and a dessert trolley available at lunchtime every day? Next time you visit La Varenne ask your waiter to present them to you. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa. La Varenne is located in Tornado Tower, West Bay.

Open For Breakfast

Sun-Thurs: Kick start your morning with breakfast at La Varenne from 7:00 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. From healthy homemade muesli to a more filling House Breakfast, La Varenne has something for all appetites. Located in Tornado Tower, West Bay, La Varenne is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Sunday till Thursday. For more information please call 4499 0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

TER S I G E R Esletter I5N w Oe WNeeL e n kly ing.com pen for th atarhap www.q

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NEW Beach at The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

AMERICAS Chillis

MEDITERRANEAN

FRENCH

4466-0663

La Varenne

4499-0680

Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

Sormani

4495-3876

La Villa

4446-2222

Quisine by Guy Savoy

4002-7245

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

Le Relais de L’Entrecote

4495-3876

Le Central

4428-8772

Johny Rockets 4455-2792

SOUTHEAST ASIAN

Pampano

4495-3876

INDIAN

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

4443-7846

Biriyani Hut

4464-1401

Idly Factory

6674-1143

ARABIC & LEBANESE

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Shisha Garden 4428-8702

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

Turkey Central

4443-2927

Liza

4495-3876

Layali

4431-0005

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels: 4433-6666 The Courtyard, The Dining Room, Al Canteen, The Terrace, Lounge, East, Al Mataam, Al Matbakh, The Drawing Room, Argan.

CHINESE

INTERNATIONAL Blue Brasserie

4472-2666

De Dine Zone

4470-8822

Lifestyle

4463-2154

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

4451-7585

Le Cigalon

4428-8698

Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

JAPANESE

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

Neo

4432-2508

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

Chowking Delivery Hotline 4431-1212

Mamoura 4486-6077

Al Khor 4411-8816 / 4411-8817

Salwa Road 4437-1212

Al Saad St. 4431-4411 Sizzling Hot Pot

4411-5225

Mango Tree

4495-3876

The Noodle House

4411-5063

ne! i l n o s u e e S w.qatarhappening.com ww

Yen Sushi Bar 4428- 8698

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Sports

s k c i P p o T ’s h t This Mon Qatar Olympic Committee

H.H. Emir Football Cup Final

May 18: Khalifa Stadium. The H.H. Emir Football Cup Final is Qatar’s biggest football match where local clubs play their best game to be proclaimed the ultimate champions. For more information visit: http://www.qsl.com.qa.

Qatar Olympic Committee H.H. Heir Apparent Handball Cup Final

The Ritz – Carlton Candlelight Yoga

May 3: Spa. Escape from your day and enjoy the tranquility of candlelight yoga on this special day.

This intimate class is heart-centred and spiritually connected, with a focus on relaxing into the deepest layers of the body to help us return to a state of release, surrender and calm. Melt the day away with the simplicity and beauty of this gentle healing practice. All levels are welcome. No experience needed, just come, wear something comfortable, and enjoy the benefits of letting go. From 6:30 p.m. for QR 50. For more information call 4484-8173 or email spa.doha@ritzcarlton.com.

ommittee C ic p m ly O r ta a Q en’s Fiba Asia 3x3 M pionship am Basketball Ch

pire arafa Sports Club, As May 15 & 16: Al Gh de me crè the tch Wa Zone and Villaggio. l players battling it la crème of basketbal Men’s Basketball 3x3 ia As A out at the FIB re information visit: Championship. For mo ball.qa. ket http://www.qatarbas

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa

May 19: Al Gharafa Sports Club. Handball fans can rejoice as the much anticipated H.H. Heir Apparent Handball Cup Final is taking place this month. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/pages/Qatar-HandballAssociation/.

Qatar Olympic Committee Arab Athletics Championships May 21-24: Qatar Sports Club. Athletics fans have lots to celebrate this month. Not only will the Diamond League 2013 will land in Doha, but the Arab Athletics Championships will also take the Qatar Sports Club by storm this May. For more information visit: http://www.qatarathletics.com.

for

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Sports

The Diamond League Returns As told to Jorge Granda

The much anticipated Diamond League is back in Qatar on May 10. Triple Olympic champion Allyson Felix and local hero Mutaz Barshim are among many other athletes set to take the Qatar Sports Club by storm. QH has the score.

The Top Contenders Allyson Felix When Allyson Felix first landed in Qatar in 2005 for her maiden Doha Grand Prix appearance, she was just another Olympic medalist filling in the event’s impressive international roster.

Eight years after her debut race in Qatar, the 27-year-old U.S. sprinter won’t be just another entrant in the 400m race but the main female attraction in Doha’s Diamond League competition program.

Felix is not only the first reigning IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year competing in Doha, but she also holds the unprecedented record of having won ten races in as many entries in Doha, in an eight-year run.

“It is always nice to compete in Doha. I feel very comfortable in Qatar and in many ways it has started to feel like a home away from home. The people are so friendly, they are really supporting me and I can feel their love surrounding me,” she tells us. “I am very proud of my ten-win streak; I guess I am getting old… Training is going well and I am excited to go after another victory in Doha.”

At the London Olympic Games Allyson Felix captured her first-ever gold medal in an individual event (200m), after three gold medals as a member of U.S. relay squads.

“Finally achieving my goal of Olympic Gold has been a surreal feeling,” muses Felix.

“I’ve been chasing that goal for so long that I had to re-group and look at my goals for the future. Since I’ve been back to training I have realized that I love the feeling of gold and I am even more hungry to achieve it again.” Felix also stands in second place on the World Championships multi-medalist all-time list, having won eight gold medals, one silver and one bronze.

Felix’s main rivals on the road to her eleventh Doha victory will be reigning 400m World Champion Amantle Montsho from Botswana, who just missed out on a podium place in London (4th), as well as former Olympic/World Champion and London Olympics silver medalist, Briton

Christine Ohuruogu, Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medalist Shericka Williams from Jamaica and US 4X400m team mate Francena McCorory.

Mutaz Barshim Mutaz Essa Barshim couldn’t have been left out of Doha’s 2013 Diamond League line-up. The 21-year old high jumper is carrying Qatari hopes for a rare Diamond League win. After last season’s Olympic bronze medal, Mutaz’s reputation spread like wildfire around the world and everybody expects a 2.40 jump from him sooner or later.

“Last season was pretty successful for me since I won an Olympic medal and I equaled the Asian record,” he says about his personal ambitions and goals.

“If I stay healthy and by working hard, I know I can jump higher and hopefully I will win a medal in Moscow at the World Championships.”

“In all competitions I enter, I aim for victory,” he says. “From what I can see, the world’s best athletes will come to Doha and I want to thank the organizers for setting up such a high standard competition because it will really help push myself to the limit.” Mutaz will fight for victory against World Champion Jesse Williams from the U.S.A., Olympic bronze medalist and reigning European Champion, Briton Robbie Grabarz, Russia’s 2013 European Indoor Championships winner Sergey Mudrov and current Vice World Champion Aleksey Dmitrik. The name of the younger Barshim, Moamer, the 2012 Asian Junior Champion, is included in the line up as well.

Mutaz, who was third in the Doha meeting in 2011 but missed out on the 2012 edition due to injury, calls on the residents of Doha to embrace the Diamond League and encourage all athletes to give their best: “I want to invite everyone to come and watch closely the Doha 2013 Diamond League meeting. Very few cities around the world are privileged to host such a high class event.”

Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix heads into the home stretch on the track at the Qatar Sports Club

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Sports

IAAF Diamond League - Doha 2013 Schedule May 10 2013 Highlighted/Bold = Diamond Race disciplines Timings: GMT + 3 17:20

Opening Ceremony Track

17:20 Girls

4x100m

17:30 Boys

4x100m

17:35

Women

17:40 Girls Women

Long Jump

Men

Shot Put

17:50 Boys

100m

18:00 Men

100m Paralympic

18:40 jump

‘Race Of The Century’

100m

17:45

Pole Vault

Men

18:30 Men

ches himself over the high

Discus Throw

17:40

18:10

Athlete Barsham Ahmed laun

800m B-Race

Men

High Jump

100m B-Race 18:45 Men 19:00 Start of International & National Signal 19:05

Men

400m Hurdles

19:15

Women

1500m

19:15

Men

Javelin Throw

The 800m final in the London Olympics was a race to remember with the world record falling at the hands of David Rudisha, while Kenya’s 18-year-old Timothy Kitum set the best time for third place, finishing in 1:42.53, a time faster than the previous Olympic record.

19:25 Men

David Rudisha will meet Kitum again in Doha in what is expected to be a thrilling race with the presence of London 6th place finisher and reigning World Indoor Champion, Ethiopia’s 19-year old Mohamed Aman, adding more quality to this exciting race. Aman, the 2012 Diamond Race winner, is the only 800m runner who defeated Rudisha not once but twice since the Kenyan’s semi-final exit at the 2009 Berlin World Championships. n

19:45

Men

20:00

Women

100m Hurdles

20:10

Women

3000mSC

20:25

Men

100m

20:35

Women

400m

For more information visit www.diamondleague-doha.com, facebook.com/sdldoha or twitter.com/dldoha.

Field

19:40

Women

19:45 Men

20:45 Men 21:00

800m 200m 1500m Triple Jump

3000m

End of International & National Signal

BAR HEIGHTS provisional (to be finalized at the technical meeting)

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Sports it the finals h L F A I Q 0! n May 1 pitch o

e m a G l u f i t u a The Be

Opponents Micky Kelly and Gabi

go head-to-head

By Mai Akkad Photography by Jessie Palanca

We take to the the field with the Qatar International Amateur Football League to learn how football-loving expats are building a grassroots game movement in Qatar.

S

ince Qatar won the FIFA World Cup 2022 bid, there’s been an obvious football fever gripping the country. Top teams such as Bayern Munich and Manchester United have been coming for training camps, international friendly matches are being hosted and Nene, a former Paris Saint Germain player, has signed a contract to play for Al Gharafa. These are just a few examples of the world-class football action descending on the oil rich peninsula.

the league secretary. Even though the league has 14 sponsors, Savage stresses that in some way it’s a “self-funding” league. “Everybody who plays in the league and manages the league and assists with the league has a passion for football and we make it happen,” he says. “We’re inspired by Qatar’s success for the 2022 World Cup and we aim to be around and assist Qatar in inspiring people through different football initiatives.”

Inspired by this grand-scale football movement, Darren Mortimer started the Qatar International Amateur Football League in 2011. The league, which began with 10 teams of 211 players, has expanded this year to 20 teams of 450 players.

From former players from AC Milan and Barcelona to recreational players, this very diverse league has a mixed bag of abilities. However, the members get along very well. “On the pitch maybe a few tackles will go on in quite heavily but off the pitch, it is all handshakes,” said Savage. “There is a definite rivalry but it’s a really good, healthy rivalry.”

Confirming the sportsmanship in the league is Alex Demianczuk, who has been playing for the league since its launch. He said, “Although the league is very competitive, it’s played with good sportsmanship all round.”

This rapidly expanding league has attracted players from various nationalities.“There are 87 nationalities in Qatar. We have 57 of those nationalities playing in our league. We want all 87. So it’s really quite a big drive to make sure we incorporate all of them,” said John Savage,

QIAFL league secretary John Savage

For Demianczuk, a long-time football fan, he appreciates the opportunity to play against the pros. “The standard that these players bring increases the quality of the league,” he said.

“Playing against or even watching these players can be fascinating as they are usually one step ahead of everyone else. By analyzing the way they play in terms of their position on the field, passes they make, what sort of running they do, you start to understand why they are doing this and can improve yourself as a player.”

The teams are gearing up for the cup finals on May 10. FC Ladzio was the defending champion for the last two years. However, the three other teams expected to chase FC Ladzio for the cup are Alba FC, Garvey Royals and Evo All Stars. For more on the leagues’ fixtures and results, check out www.qiafl.org. n

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Sports

Get In Shape!

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

Tired of advertisements and commercials promoting how to lose an incredible amount of weight in a week or get a sick-pack in six days? QH partners with the Diplomatic Club to find out what can really be achieved in a short period of time by training in a gym and following a proper diet.

The Project

Day Three

Ten sessions spread out over 20 days with trainer Allan Lloyd Cruz Martinez at the Diplomatic Club’s gym. The regime includes resistance training three days a week and four days a week of cardio exercises.

Biceps E-Z Bar Dumbbell Hammer Curl Concentration Dumbbell Curl Triceps Cable Triceps Extension (Push-Down) One-Arm Dumbbell Tricep Extensions

Resistance Training: Split Muscle Program The program consists of exercising two parts of the body each session. Three sets per exercise of 10 to 15 repetitions each.

Day One Chest Inclined Chest Press Flat Bench Chest Press Declined Bench Chest Press Pectoral Machine Inclined Bench Dumbbell Fly Back Wide Grip Lateral Pull-Down Lower Back Extension Low Row Machine Dumbbell Pullover Bent-Over Bar-Bell Row

Day Two Shoulder Bar-Bell Shoulder Press Bent-Over Dumbbell Lateral Dumbbell Front Raises Dumbbell Lateral Raifer Bar-Bell Upright Row Legs Smith’s Machine Bar-Bell Squats Bar-Bell Dead Lift Adductors Machine Leg Curls Leg Extensions

Diet Breakfast One piece of toast and two egg whites Mid-Morning A piece of fruit Lunch Option 1: Chicken in the oven with onions and tomatoes with salad Option 2: Tuna salad with crackers Option 3: Fish cooked with tomatoes and onions Mid- Afternoon Yogurt or a piece of fruit Dinner Salad (any kind, but little dressing)

The Experience I’m a slim man, so I thought if it’s true that you can get a six-pack in a week or so, then I’m the perfect candidate to test that theory. I was determined to make it work. When I started this program I was a bit out of shape as I didn’t have much time to exercise (although I know now that’s a lame excuse).

Due to my working hours I had to start training at 7:30 a.m. At the beginning it was hard, because before going to the gym I had to have breakfast half an hour before training, which means I had to wake up at 6:00 a.m. in order to eat properly.

My life routine changed overnight and it took me a good week to get into it, but it was absolutely

Jorge pumps iron under the watchful eye of trainer Allan Lloyd Cruz Martinez

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No pain, no gain!

worth it. I was totally exhausted after my first session, not believing how out of shape I was.

But it doesn’t take long to get back on track; I’ve always done some sort of exercise, but it’s been years since it had been consistent. But in a week’s time I was feeling like a new man.

inside. I feel full of energy and my confidence in myself and what I can accomplish is better than ever. I am a much happier and it’s incredible what exercising can do to one’s spirit. After finishing my program I still go to the gym. Allan explained to me that the first month of training is mainly to get your body ready; dramatic results start showing after three months of consistent workouts.

The Results As expected I didn’t end up with a six-pack after my ten sessions. My trainer Allan told me that it’s absolutely impossible. However my body and strength did experience a big change. When I started I was 67 kilos, and had 16.3 percent body fat. My chest was 34 cm, my waist 31 cm, my hips 36 cm and my arms 11 cm. During my first session I did 1.26 km on the treadmill and 27 push-ups in one minute.

The Diplomatic Club Gym

Inverted crunches help strengthen core abdominal muscles

The gym at the Diplomatic Club is well-equipped with all the necessary machines for a great work-out and the atmosphere is calm and the view beautiful and peaceful – an added value when running on the treadmill. I highly recommend joining the gym. n

After ten sessions my weight went down to 63 kilos, my chest increased to 36 cm, my waist decreased to 27 cm and my arms went from 11 to 13 cm. My endurance also improved and I was able to do 1.56 km on the treadmill and 50 push-ups in one minute. But the most incredible transformation was the one that happened

The Diplomatic Club – Summer Rates Treat yourself and your loved ones this summer with a membership at The Diplomatic Club!

Membership Type

Annual Rates

3 Months Rate

1 Month Rates

Single

QR /-9,000

QR /-3,000

QR /-1,750

Couple

QR /-14,000

QR /- 4,500

QR /-3,000

(max. 3 kids under 17 yrs)

QR /-16,000

QR /-5,500

QR /-3,750

Additional Child (2 – 17 yrs)

QR /-2,000

QR /-750

QR /-300

Family

All The Details • • •

Special rates available from June 1, 2013 till August 30, 2013.

• •

Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.

•

No inquiries taken into consideration after the above mentioned dates.

Limited number of memberships (1 and 3 months) available.

Upon joining with a ONE YEAR membership you will get ONE month free membership. Offer valid only within above mentioned dates!

Includes use of gym, aerobic room, tennis and squash courts, kids club, pool, changing room areas with sauna, steam, jacuzzi and plunge pool, showers and lockers.

Trainer Allan gets in some stretches. Will we see you in the gym?

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Sports Listings zed per ategori to c re a s g ed All listin lusion is limit h priority c In w l. ace, it hote ity of sp ers. il b a il a v a advertis given to

Core Training

Tues: This class focuses on exercises aimed at developing and maintaining a protective shield for the spinal column and internal organs.

Equipment such as fit-balls, light dumbbells and therabands add variation to the sessions.

From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. QR 30 for members or QR 50 for non-members.

Pilates

SHERATON DOHA Yoga & Pilates

Sat: From 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. QR 80 for members or non-members. For more information and bookings call 4485-4600.

ONE OF A KIND Asian Snooker Championship

May 25 – 29: Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation

H.H. Emir Volleyball Cup Final May 25: Al Arabi Sports Club

Arab Youth, Junior, Senior Men’s & Women’s Weightlifting Championship May 26 – June 2: Al Sadd Sports Club

EVERY WEEK SHERATON DOHA

Mon & Tues: For the first time in Doha, they’re offering hip-hop dance classes. Do you get excited whenever the music is playing and you feel like dancing? If you’re ready to answer this question on the dance floor, then you’re in the right place! Get in perfect shape and work out your muscles while dancing to energetic tunes.

Hip-hop classes are every Sunday from 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 6:15 p.m. till 7:15 p.m.

Zumba

Weekly: From 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Sundays and Tuesdays from 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. for QR 30 for members or QR 40 for non-members.

For more information and bookings call 4485-4600.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA The Bay Club Fitness Classes Step Ao2

Mon & Wed: One of the most popular group fitness classes worldwide, Step AO2 improves both mental and physical fitness, burning away calories while learning fun routines set to the newest music. More suitable for intermediate steppers. Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. for QR 30 for members or QR 40 for non-members.

Spinning

Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: The spinning program is the original and most-popular group cycling class. With no complicated moves to learn, a motivating group environment, top-notch instructors and music that begs your legs to pedal. Every class is a little different, but one of the great things about the spinning program is that it’s adaptable to your fitness level. Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., Fridays at 12:00 noon and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. QR 25 for members or QR 35 for non-members.

Zumba Fitness

Mon & Fri: Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze taking over the world. Fitness should be fun and that’s exactly what Zumba is. It’s a mixture of Latin and international music fused together to create a fun, dance party atmosphere, burning between 400-1000 calories per hour. Suitable for all ages, shapes and fitness levels. So why not come along to a class and join in? Mondays 7:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. (mixed class), Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. (outdoors). QR 30 for members or QR 40 for non-members.

Mon& Wed: This special class focuses on a series of non-impact exercises designed to develop abdominal strength, flexibility, balance and improved postural alignment. Slow and controlled movements strengthen and lengthen muscles helping to rebalance the body. Please note that an advanced class is recommended once adequate strength is gained before attending. Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon, Mondays 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.

QR 30 for members or QR 50 for non-members.

Abs Workout

Wed & Fri: The hotel’s instructors will concentrate on your exercise technique to work the abdominal muscles from every conceivable angle. To give your abs a good base of strength and tone, you need to concentrate and focus on core strength and stability. The instructor will check that you constantly maintain control in the correct area. Join us and get the abs you’ve always wanted! From 11:15 a.m. FREE for members, QR 30 for non-members.For more information on all classes call 4484-4852.

WEEKEND SHERATON DOHA Indoor Cycling

Fri: From 10:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members. For more information and bookings call 4485-4600.

Step Power

Sat, Mon & Wed: From 10:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 80 for members, or QR 100 for non-members/per class. QR 500 for members or QR 700 for non-members on a monthly basis.

For more information and bookings call 4485-4600.

Aikido

Sat, Mon & Wed: From 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.

Adults: QR 475 for members and non-members.

Ages 10-17: QR 375 for members and non-members. For more information and bookings call 4485-4600.

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INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA The Bay Club Fitness Classes

Activities & Clubs

Circuit Training

Thurs: Widely regarded as the best all-round form of group exercise. It allows each individual to work at one’s own pace but in a group environment. This session is not for the faint hearted; however, if you enjoy a tough workout in a friendly atmosphere with every session different from the last, then this what you’ve been looking for. All you need is a lot of enthusiasm and a sense of humour when it gets tough! At 6:00 p.m., QR 30 for members or QR 40 for non-members.

3/15 Workout

Thurs: This class draws on three principal exercise components of cardiovascular aerobics: choreography, cardiovascular basic step choreography and shaping and toning work lasting 15 minutes each. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m., QR 30 for members or QR 50 for non-members.

Boot Camp

Fri: A fitness boot camp is a type of group physical training program conducted by the gym’s personal trainers and former military personnel.

Shape your body and feel the burns and aches while getting fit with Wissam. From 8:30 a.m., QR 45 for members or QR 50 for non-members.

Body Shape

Sat: This class is designed to tone, shape and strengthen all body parts. Through a variety of progressive resistance exercises with an array of equipment, the targeted muscles are defined without adding bulk to them. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m., QR 30 for members or QR 50 for non-members.For more information on all classes call 4484-4852.

ER REGIST E I5N er ONeeL newslett ly k for the W rhappening.com ta www.qa

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Bike Riding

Sailing

Bowling

Regatta Sailing Academy 4442-4577 or www.regattasailingacademy.com

The Corniche Aspire Park

The Qatar Bowling Center 4432-9178 or www.qatarbowlingcenter.net Strike Bowling Alley (City Center) 4483-9162

Golf

The Doha Golf Club 4496-0777 or www.dohagolfclub.com

Horse Riding

Doha Sailing Club 4443-9840 or www.qmsf.com

Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com

Swimming

Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence 4413-6219 or www.aspire.qa Aqua Park

Tennis & Squash

Al Khor Riding Center 4421-8857

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Al Samariya Stables 5525-7203 or qatarracing@gmail.com

Walking

Al Shaqab Riding Academy 4454-6236 or www.alshaqab.com

Ice-Skating

Park at Museum of Islamic Art The Corniche The Pearl-Qatar (2.5 km) Aspire Park

Winter Wonderland (City Center) 4483-9162

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QH Sensations

RECOMMENDS

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Editor’s P Ever the foodie, I’m a sucker for a good recipe or a well-placed ingredient. My quest for diversity in my culinary adventures led me a few years ago to www.tastespotting.com and I haven’t looked back since. A visual stimulus package for your senses, the site is a self-described ‘community-driven potluck’ with collections of recipes from all over the foodie blogosphere. It’s been my go-to guide for a long while now when I’m looking for flavourful, healthy or exotic new dishes to test drive.

The images are mouth-watering and the options endless, with a niche to satisfy every gourmand’s palate. Be warned: you can get lost on here for hours, but the outcome will surely be delicious.

Chet Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector A friend gave this to me as a gift, and at first I thought it was just one of those products that claimed to be the best. When I checked the price I was surprised (it’s a bit steep), but I still was excited to try it! So far I’ve been using Visionnaire for six months and as a result have stopped taking Roaccutane and postponed my Dermapen sessions because it’s improved my skin that much. My gigantic pores are less visible and any breakouts clear up easily. I’m now planning to buy Lancôme Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate to use in combination for the best result. Grab yours for QR 473 at 4 U in City Center Mall or Royal Plaza.

I’m loving my new ride! The 2013 model is a very attractive, affordable sports car in the market right now. It has a great audio system that keeps you awake and fresh while driving and you can control everything from the steering wheel. Also, its Bluetooth capabilities allow you to operate your mobile hands-free. With a total of four airbags for your safety, a big storage space in the back, split back-folding rear seats, a roof-rack, sun roof and much more, it’s my new pride and joy! The price? QR 86,000 brand new. For more information go to www.kiaqatar.com.

Tasbih

Exile by Hurts Susanna QAWS The Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS) does a great job looking after abandoned and hurt animals in Qatar. They are run on a volunteer basis and are always looking for dog walkers, supplies and donations. They will be moving location soon and really need animals to be adopted. Can you help? For more info call 5539-6074 or email contact@qaws.org.

I’m a huge fan of eerie and unique music; that’s why I fell in love with Hurts, a relatively new up-and-coming British band whose music is both deep and chilling. I found their first album to be more of an experimental piece, but they hit the jackpot with Exile, their new release that came out this past March. The album features songs that cover a wide spectrum of emotions, like love, jealousy, pain, hope and regret. If you’re a fan of profound lyrics, soulful vocals and exquisite music, (Elton John plays the piano in one of the songs), then you should definitely give Exile a listen.

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QH Sensations

a l a u J t A t n e Enjoym Juala Spa at the Grand Hyatt Doha wants to treat our readers with a 2-for-1 treatment voucher. We have the details on the spa’s services so you can get well on your way to relaxation.

I

n Qatar, impressions of a barren desert and shallow seas conceal a great beauty and natural power. Set prominently on the grounds of Grand Hyatt Doha amidst beautifullylandscaped gardens, Jaula Spa & Club offers a wellness journey to discover these natural delights and secrets of rejuvenation.

Built echoing the symmetry and splendour of a Qatari palace, Jaula Spa is a modern, sensuous space dedicated to serving you. With its indoor tranquility pools and wooden floors, you’ll have the impression of walking through a small Arabian village.

Through private, extraordinary service blending the best natural elements from the Middle East with contemporary spa practices, we show you the path to discovering your own great beauty and natural power. At Jaula Spa, every experience is designed to support your unique needs, cleansing the body and enhancing your well-being.

Jaula Club offers fitness facilities, with an indoor and outdoor pool and a diverse range of group fitness classes, changing on a regular basis.

The primary function of Jaula Spa & Club is to offer to members and hotel guests, all fitness, recreational and relaxation facilities. Jaula also aims to promote and encourage a greater degree of physical fitness and well-being.

Products The facial and body treatment products are exclusive, different from what the competition in Doha has to offer. The brands used, take into account the current and future focus on a greener and more environmental lifestyle, so organic and natural products are on offer.

Professional products may easily be combined and customized in a variety of face and body treatments, including those for hands, feet and massage. Unique formulations are personalized

for individual skin types.The spa products we are currently using are high-quality European brands, Anne Semonin (France), Guinot (France) and Aromatherapy (U.K.).

Treatments Treatments are based on our three pillars: royal, active and serene, giving our guests the opportunity to choose an experience fit for a royal, filled with energy or at their leisure.

Treatments, detailed in our new Spa Menu, range from relaxing and pampering massages to beauty treatments that enhance skin conditions, while rejuvenating mind, body and spirit. n For more information on Juala Spa & Club call 4448-1056/1064, email juala.spa@hyatt.com or visit www.doha.grand.hyatt.com.

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The Living Room at Flamingos Hidden between the free form outdoor pool of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha and the Gulf Peninsula is a newly discovered gem. Chill out on comfortable sofas with friends after a busy day accompanied by signature beverages from Flamingos and shisha while listening to cool music by DJ Laura Love.

For more information, call The Ritz-Carlton, Doha at +974-4484-8000 or visit us at ritzcarlton.com/doha.

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QH Sensations

e d u t i t t A / B Positive

By Jorge Granda

Set high above Doha’s skyline, B/Attitude Spa is one of the newest additions to a city that’s fast becoming a burgeoning beauty centre metropolis. QH explores the spa to rejuvenate our mind and body.

I

nspired by the natural elements of life, B/Attitude pays tribute to the Buddha-Bar lifestyle with a cool, chic atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the traditions and culture of exotic Asia. The spa concept brings together the elements necessary for pure rejuvenation and revitalization. B/Attitude blends contemporary and Oriental philosophies and includes a wide range of products containing uplifting and healing properties.

Since it’s still relatively new, on this day they’ve prepared a special treat for us, offering a first taste of some of their most popular treatments.

Making it a true ‘guys’ day, I’m told I can bring along three of my best male mates to enjoy a full afternoon at the spa. It’s a treat because, let’s face it, how often is this something that most guys would do? We’re invited to indulge in a unique sampling session of B/Attitude’s specialized menu treatments that draw on the benefits of nature, for a day of total relaxation and pampering.

Our session consists of the famous Moroccan scrub, hammam and shaving. To prepare our skin and pores for the power-packed salt scrub,

we’re taken to a sauna for about 15 minutes.

After five minutes I’m already soaked in sweat and ready to get out due to the intense heat.

Not really my favourite room in a spa, my friends are also not keen to stay much longer and we ready ourselves to move to the next part of our treatment.

Next up we’re escorted to another room where we’re laid on a sort of warm metal bed. The therapist scrubs my entire body and then removes any residuals from the exfoliation process with warm water. The experience is very interesting and quite rigourous; it’s like having someone showering you for about 45 minutes. After finishing with the hammam we’re moved to reclining chairs where a barber shaves our beards. A small jacuzzi is waiting for us for further relaxation at the end while we sip delicious healthy mocktails and enjoy some snacks. All in all it’s a very cool afternoon and completely different to what I would usually do with the boys. The treatments we enjoyed are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what’s offered by B/Attitude and the best way to explore what’s right for you is to open your mind to pure relaxation and make an appointment. n

About B/Attitude Spa Location: 2nd Floor, Beverly Hills Towers, West Bay Timings: 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., daily Price: Living The Orient Hammam 60 mins, QR 510 Contact Info: 4412-2076/47 or www.battitudespadoha.com

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JAL

T I M E L E S S I S M O D E R N : JAZZ ARTISTS, ERAS, AND PLACES Experience the best in live entertainment at your new home for jazz in the Middle East. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music and food in an elegant relaxed setting overlooking the Gulf.

T H E S T. R E G I S D O H A , T + 9 74 4 4 4 6 0 1 0 5 路 J A LC D O H A .C O M

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QH Sensations

May Is Mother’s Day

e great promotions m so ith w 10 ay M is th e on l ia ec Make it a sp t treat for Mom! ec rf pe e Th y. cit e th nd ou ar on going INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER

Special Mother’s Day May 10: The Square. Treat your Mom to a very special brunch. For more information call 4015-8888, or visit doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Crossroads Mother’s Day Brunch May 10: Crossroads. Every mom receives a QR 100 spa voucher. Their kids play area will keep the little ones entertained with face-painting, drawing, movies and games so you can sit back and relax. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. for QR 225 including soft beverages; QR 275 including selected house beverages; kids 7-12 years old half-price; under age 6 dine free. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/crossroads.

SHERATON DOHA Happy Mother’s Day May 12-14: La Veranda. Taste your kid’s special dish at La Veranda restaurant as the hotel invites kids to come and cook their favourite pizza and pasta for their Moms! Your child will feel like a real chef in their very chef’s uniform with the Sheraton logo. Take a Polaroid as a souvenir.

QR 190. For more information call 4485-4071.

Celebrate Mother’s Day May 12-14: Al Hubara. For this special occasion they offer one complimentary lunch buffet for any table representing 3 family generations from the same family for QR 190. For more information call 4485-4071.

W DOHA Mother’s Day at the Market May 12: Market by Jean-Georges. Market celebrates Mother’s Day with a special three-course set menu available only on that day. All ladies get a red rose as well. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. for QR 250 per person.

For more information call 4453-5135.

Ipanema Mother’s Day Brunch May 10: Ipanema. Feel the ‘Rio Carnavale’ flair at Ipanema’s Brazilian feast with live music by the only authentic Brazilian band in Doha, Tocandira. From 12:30 noon till 3:30 p.m. for QR 250 including soft beverages; QR 325 including selected house beverages; kids 7-12 years old half price; under age 6 dine free.

For more information call 4419-6100 or visit westenddoha.com/ipanema.

HOLIDAY VILLA DOHA Eternal Mum Saturdays - Thursdays: Amoaras Relaxation Spa. 90-minute spa treatment, plus 50% off on a second treatment. For more information call 4408-4085.

Mother’s Day at the Spice Market May 12: Spice Market. It’s that time of the year to show your mother you care. Bring the family and enjoy a set menu designed to be shared between 2 or more. Experience a combination of different flavours and a bottle of selected beverages as part of the package. Two people dine for QR 500 which includes a bottle of vino.

For more information call 4453-5135.

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QH Sensations Listings RECOMMENDS

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Spa Club

DIPLOMATIC CLUB SPA

Detach yourself from the pressure of modern life.

Their spa offers many ways to relax and de-stress. First, have your tensions eased away by one of our professional masseuses and choose from a menu of relaxing treatments (Reflexology, hot stone, Swedish, Thai, aromatherapy and The Diplomatic Club Special). The spa area features changing rooms with lockers, a plunge pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room facilities. Spa area: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m.

Massage: Open daily from 11:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

TER S I G E R E r I5N wslette ONeeL e n ly k om W .c for the tarhappening a .q w ww

Treat yourself to some indulgent, results-oriented treatments and book a Hot Stone Massage and a Reflexology Massage for QR 400 instead of QR 600 (Offer valid every Sunday to Thursday).

From 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.

Spa Promotions HILTON DOHA Eforea

Eforea Spa at the Hilton invites you this May to embrace and pamper your body, mind and soul with the perfect detoxifying and firming Eforea spa package. Your luxurious day starts with a 60-minute unwinding and detoxifying massage, followed by a total escape at the infinity pool to meditate and dive into the unknown. The 60-minute Firming Facial will wrap up your journey and smooth your skin leaving you with a complete body beautifying experience. QR 750, regular price is QR 1,200.

For reservations please call 4423-3441.

A Fun Day Of Pool, Beach And Gym

Relax and have fun in the sun on the weekends with access to the pool, beach, fitness centre and thermal lounge for QR 360 per person.

A 20 % discount on Eforea Spa treatments apply if a treatment is booked on the same day. For more information call 4423-3441.

THE RITZ–CARLTON Body Remodeling Package

A variety of body scrub, body wraps and manual massage techniques that not only make the muscles and nerves take their desired shape but helps remodel the whole body. Best results can be achieved by booking a course of 6-10 treatments. Please consult their therapists.

Enjoy their May promotion of five 45-minute treatments plus one free for QR 1,850. For more information call 4484-8173 or email spa.doha@ritzcarlton.com.

ORYX ROTANA Bodylines

Unwind your body and mind, because Oryx values your presence and want you to be healthy. Their Bodylines has created a very special membership rate just for you!

Appointments will be on a first come, first served basis. For more information call 4402-3333.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Saray Spa

Daily: Experience a deep sense of peace and serenity at Saray Spa with every 55-minute Phytomer Facial receive an added relaxing 25-minute back massage, all for QR 650. Ask about their unique menu of restorative spa services. Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/saray.

Vitality Zone

Daily: With the largest hotel health club and outdoor pool in the heart of West Bay, now is the time to prepare your body for summer.

Purchase a one-month membership in May and receive an extra week completely free for only QR 1,200. Includes valet parking and use of the Renaissance Hotel’s 35-metre outdoor lap pool, steam room and saunas.

Open 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or book on westenddoha.com/vitality.

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Special Promotion

Migato

Opens In Doha

S

ince its establishment in Greece in 1893, Migato has dedicated itself to creating fashionable shoes and accessories.Season after season the company, which is headquartered in Athens, works endlessly to provide a wide variety of styles to satisfy the fashion demands of its loyal customers. From shoes to bags, belts, and other accessories, Migato continues to extend its product line, covering all aspects of the footwear and accessory spectrum.

After Migato’s success in Europe, it reached out to the MENA region through Al Siddiqi Retail, with branches in Qatar and Egypt and soon-to-open branches in Kuwait and Oman. More than 120 retail shops have been established in various prime locations that are all found in the heart of commercial traffic.

Each Migato outlet promises unparalleled service, absolute customer satisfaction and a true fashion shopping experience. n

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Special Promotion

Alfardan Properties Strengthens Focus On Social Networking And Enhancing Tenants’ Experience

A

lfardan Properties sets a new benchmark of luxury in the real-estate industry in Qatar, as it focuses on exceeding the expectations of its high-end clientele by creating a social interactive atmosphere amongst them. In line with that, Alfardan Properties goes beyond fulfilling the tenants’ needs by taking a close look at the small details of their luxurious stay through their professional customer service team and creating a homely atmosphere with seasonal events conducted throughout the year.

Over the years, Alfardan Properties consistently exceeded the satisfaction level of tenants by ensuring comfort and well-being through their stay in all its properties and actively engaging with tenants and communicating with them through a range of interactive initiatives such as neighbourhood community gatherings,

informative newsletters and competitions, among others. Moreover, the customer service team of Alfardan Properties is available round-the-clock to cater to all tenant requirements, underlying the company’s customer-centric approach.

Muhibullah Mani, COO, Alfardan Properties, said: “The various private social events being organized are part of annual activities under Alfardan Properties’ social initiatives that encourage interaction and create a sense of belonging among the tenants where they can meet their neighbours and the Alfardan Properties team. We strive to create a homely atmosphere for the tenants as we understand that they are away from their families and friends and seek to have a familiar social experience at times. We therefore constantly strive to provide the best and unique experience for all residents not only through the wide range of luxurious

amenities and value-added services, but also through the warm and hospitable environment that we cultivate in our residential communities.

We believe that this is a very important initiative that distinguishes Alfardan Properties as a truly innovative company; setting the bar for high-level standards in Qatar’s luxury real estate industry through a focus on the customeroriented experience.”

Customers can communicate any requirement they have whether feedback on events or maintenance needs, or any request, through the Alfardan Properties’ 24-hour customer service desk who take every single customer service observation seriously and immediately push for the necessary satisfactory actions.

Alfardan Properties has conducted a series of social activities for tenants, including the Festive Season Events which were held recently at One

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Porto Arabia, Alfardan Gardens and Alfardan Towers. As part of its overall efforts to boost tenant relations and create a favourable social setting for the tenants, Alfardan Properties prepared special buffets in addition to games for children and a host of other fun-filled activities during the year-ending event.

The unique and customized newsletter The Signature also takes part in adding value to the luxury lifestyle, as it shares the moments of joy and happiness the tenants experience, not to mention the exciting photos, articles and tips it provides.

Established in 1990, Alfardan Properties has dominated Qatar’s premium and luxury property segment for the past 20 years. Recognized as a brand synonymous with luxury and excellence, Alfardan Properties is part of the continuously expanding Alfardan Group of companies, Qatar’s most successful conglomerate over the past 50 years, known for its unyielding commitment to providing the Qatari market with the finest products and services. n

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QH Sensations

Simple Luxury

By Deliah Furcoi with files courtesy of ABODE Magazine Photography by Jessie Palanca

General Manager, Gokul K.C.

The Hotel Gokulam Park has opened its doors to the city with a warm welcome. A convenient location close to the airport in the heart of the old city, make this Indian brand a top contender in the region’s budget hospitality market. We chat with General Manager Gokul K.C., to learn more about his experiences over-seeing their first establishment in Qatar.

QH: Gokulam is a new brand in the country, what are your plans to strengthen your presence here?

G.K.C.: Over the past year we have been actively marketing the property directly within the local market and through social media channels as well. We are constantly fine-tuning the product to suit the local requirements and to be an excellent and unique hotel in its category.

We are associated with Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group in that GPD is based in a building owned by them. We are looking at several other opportunities with them for future projects and we are very interested in expanding within the next three years in the region.

QH: Do you have any advice for someone who is keen to be a part of this industry?

G.K.C.: Quite a lot of newcomers get into the industry to become a celebrated chef or are attracted by the polite staff in their perfectly starched uniforms and the shimmer of the well-polished cutlery. What they do not see is the effort that goes into this presentation and the hard work it takes to keep it up and excel.

You need to have the passion to serve and assist

others and a lot of perseverance and patience as well. Expectations vary in this line of work and if one is not patient or cannot persevere one cannot excel.

QH: How did you start your career as a hotelier?

G.K.C.: While studying we had to do a six-month internship which we used to gain knowledge of the various departments of the hotel and finally settled on Food and Beverage where my passion lies. So I started off as a waiter in a busy cafĂŠ in Geneva.

QH: What do you enjoy most about your job?

G.K.C.: Interacting with my staff and listening to the various perspectives and ideas they have and receiving appreciation for a job well done from our guests.

QH: What is your favourite place in Doha?

G.K.C.: It depends on what I feel like doing.

For peace and quiet I sometimes go to Katara or drive down towards Mesaieed. As I enjoy gastronomy, there are several places in Doha that I frequently go to. Some of my favourite cuisines are Japanese, Korean and Persian.

About Hotel Gokulam Park Location: Al Aaliya Street, Old Salata Area Amenities: 71 rooms 3 food and dining outlets State of the art pool and fitness zone Average Room Rate: QR 700-800 for a standard deluxe room Contact Info: 4470-8822 or 4470-8833 (office) 4470-8888 (reservations) 4470-8866 (sales) Website: www.gokulamdoha.com

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QH Sensations Experience ations appening destin re some h ic st ta n fa to g ere a Escapin does wonders. H d rl o w e th d n u aro

Festival de Cannes May 15-26: France

Known the world over as the Cannes International Film Festival, for a week in March the picturesque city on the French Riviera is overrun with Hollywood glitz, blitz and glamour. A prime vacation destination in its own right, Cannes becomes even more so during Film Fest week. Hob-nob with the stars at the many local cafés and watering holes, take in some of the best in global cinema at the festival screenings and secure your place by the red carpet! See who’s nominated for this year’s coveted Palme D’Or at www.festival-cannes.fr.

The French Open May 21–June 9: France

The Great Wall Marathon May 18: China

Fearless participants can have the opportunity to traverse one of the seven wonders of the world, as the Great Wall of China Marathon kicks off in rural Jixian. With over 2,000 competitors representing more than 50 nations taking part, the marathon is one of the world’s premiere sporting events. With its unique topography, runners will fight an uphill race as they climb steep stairs and tread uneven terrain over the length of the Great Wall.

Adventurous fitness fanatics can register online at www.great-wall-marathon.com.

Auckland Writers And Reader’s Festival May 15-19: New Zealand

Bibliophiles unite! Explore the best in literature, non-fiction and poetry the Southern Hemisphere has to offer as Auckland plays host to workshops, lectures and symposiums with international writers, poets and authors. Audiences can connect with their favourite auteur, grab a much-soughtafter book signing and discover a shared love for the written word. Visit www.writersfestival.co.nz to learn more!

The WTA world tour continues in France as the world’s leading male and female tennis players compete for top prizes of over 1 million Euros in both singles and doubles competition. Also known as ‘Roland-Garros’, last year’s tournament saw Novak Djokovic lose to Rafael Nadal in the men’s final and Dominika Cibulkova defeat Victoria Azarenka for the women’s title.

Tennis fans can go for a grand slam and visit www.rolandgarros.com to get front row seats.

Evolution Festival

May 26 & 27: U.K.

Music-lovers can hit a high-note with this rock-your-socks-off festival held in Newcastle, England each spring. Sure to be a stellar line-up of performing acts for 2013, previous stars to step up to the mic at Evolution include Tini Tempah, Deadmau5 and Dizzee Rascal. Held on the banks of the River Tyne, the weekend-long party promises to pack a musical punch. Visit www.evolutionfestival.co.uk to take advantage of their early-bird ticket promotion. Now that’s something to get you groovin’!

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QH Sensations

A Maldivian

Dream

By Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the Shangri-La Villingili Resort And Spa

Located south of the equator on Villingili Island, on the southern-most tip of Addu Atoll, the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is the Maldives’ most seductive oasis. As the hotel emerges as the ultimate idyllic destination, QH explores why it’s one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

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special this particular island is. We’re told not many in the Maldives have this kind of escape to such lush nature. The three-kilometre-long island features 12 hectares of tropical vegetation, towering banyan trees, 17,000 coconut trees, 45 species of plants, three natural lagoons and numerous nature trails.

Room With A View We’re staying in an Ocean View Villa. As we pull up to the big wooden door that leads inside, it’s like a prelude to entering a castle. The interior is no less impressive, with wooden stairs and trees on the side paving the way to the bedrooms and living room. But the main feature of the villa is a heavenly-designed infinity swimming pool over-looking the crystal-clear Maldivian waters and Indian Ocean.

An aerial view of the Shangri-La’s golf course, one of the most beautiful nine-holes in the world.

W

hen I was invited to visit the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa in the Maldives I was very excited.

The break from the hustle and bustle of Doha in such a peaceful tropical paradise would be just the thing to get my mind and body back on track. I knew the Maldives are a congregation of beautiful islands located in the Indian Ocean adjacent to Sri Lanka, but nothing could have prepared me for the scope of its natural beauty and pristine environment.

Two Tickets To Paradise The trip from Doha to the resort is very long. It takes three different planes, plus a boat ride to get to the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa. As we’re flying over the Maldivian islands, coming in for a landing in the capital airport of Malé, we already know that the journey is absolutely worthwhile. The spectacular scenery is such that in a matter of seconds one forgets all the hassle of customs, airport transfers and jet lag. The view from the plane is indescribable and we can’t wait to hop on the small bush-plane and then grab another speedboat to our destination.

An extra touch that caught our attention is the fact that from the moment we arrive in the Maldives, the staff from the hotel is there to greet us, arranging everything from baggage collection to check-in, which is a major relief and very well organized. The attention to details is remarkable and as we wait in the executive lounge we’re very impressed with the service.

Arriving at the resort, the only way to describe it is magical, much like the Maldives itself. The entrance of the hotel is a big hut and it feels like you’ve left the real world behind and stepped into an episode of Fantasy Island. We’re greeted

by Marjorie Gonzales, Director of Marketing at the Shangri-La and given a warm Maldivian welcome from the rest of her staff. The overall setting is beautiful and all members of the staff are attentive and on call for us 24/7. From there we’re escorted in a buggy to our villa by our own on-call host. He provides us with a mobile phone so we have 24-hour access to a member of staff to attend to our every need right down to our preferred pillow selection.

As we make our way to our villa, home for the next four days, our excitement grows. Much of the island is covered with thick vegetation that makes every corner we turn and every vista we see a new surprise as we discover the wonder of this place. The natural dense foliage and the clear, sandy roads are a clear indication of how

Inside the main room are two spacious beds, a bath-tub made out of stone right in the middle and a private outdoor wooden shower.

Showering outdoors is a real treat with the ocean view at our doorstep. In the adjacent room we find the mini-bar, a couple of sofas, and a flat-screen TV.—in this villa nature meets comfort and technology. There are moments where we want to be in a bigger pool so we go to the main infinity pool ‘Endheri’ located on the pristine white sands of the main lagoon.

At the pool every guest is supplied with a complimentary cooler box filled with ice, water and refreshing Evian mist-spray. At the ShangriLa they really know how to make you feel comfortable and relaxed and we’re content to kick back and spend the day lounging poolside.

Villa Rates From private ocean retreats to tropical tree houses, villas at Villingili Resort and Spa offer luxurious accommodations with sensational sea views. Seven distinctly-styled villas are each equipped with modern conveniences and luxurious amenities. These Maldivian luxury homes exude a sense of serenity, with touches of Middle Eastern and Indian elements in the décor.

The infinity pool beckons while the view of the Ocean View Villa indulges the senses

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QH Sensations

Relax in the ultimate tropical paradise on the Beach Villa’s private outdoor terrace, with the sand and surf at your doorstep

Main Categories:

(low season rates per night) Water Villa

USD 1125 +

Ocean View Villa

USD 1425 +

Beach Villa

USD 1625 +

Villa Muthee

USD 5500 +

Getting Around The island is quite big. The beach, restaurants, golf course and other amenities are far from the villas, so you have two options to get around.

You can call a buggy from your room to have you picked up, or you can ride a bike around the island. We go with the bike. I haven’t ridden a bike in more than 15 years, so it took me around 20 minutes to feel comfortable again. Riding through the splendour of this place is unique.

You feel in touch with nature and blessed for the fresh air and for the experience. We are pleasantly surprised by how warm the resort staff are; from the moment we step out of the villa we find nothing but kindness from every single one of them. Every step of the way we have someone greeting us “Good day” with a heart-felt smile.

The Restaurants Dr. Ali’s Dr. Ali’s is the most luxurious restaurant in the resort. It has three distinct living-rooms representing the different cultures and fine cuisine from the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The food is delicious and fresh. We’re told that the key to the restaurant’s success and quality of the dishes is because they have four specialty chefs from India, Vietnam, Egypt and China, who bring along the traditional flavours and cooking techniques they grew up with.

Miles of pristine coastline beckon adventurous wanderers

Javvu Javvu is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant.

It features quality café dining in the day and refined Western cuisine in the evening, including prime steaks and seafood, with a touch of the Mediterranean.

Fashala’s Fashala’s has a spectacular view of the ocean that sets the perfect mood for a romantic gourmet evening. The restaurant serves finedining cuisine featuring local produce from the surrounding waters and neighbouring farms.

We’re told they have a new initiative to start growing their own vegetables and in Fashala’s they do use vegetables and herbs grown in a garden they have on the island.

Activities & Excursions Snorkelling During our stay we experience a selection of different excursions. The second day we head out snorkelling for an hour. We see an incredible amount of different fish and marine life. It’s like being submerged in a completely different world. Even though the weather that day is a bit cloudy, down there everything is clear and peaceful.

Dolphin Cruise In the afternoon we go on a dolphin cruise, boarding a small yacht that takes us into the deep sea. After 20 minutes we see a few dolphins and I think to myself “Is that all?” I can’t be more wrong. All of a sudden there are dozens of them around the boat, playfully swimming and jumping as our bow breaks the

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International Airport, just five minutes away from the resort by private speedboat. The airport offers Shangri-La’s first-class service, a private jet lounge, on-site immigration, customs support and baggage screening.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is the only five-star resort in the Maldives with its own private executive terminal just five minutes away by speedboat.

Unique Golf Course The Maldives’s first nine-hole recreational golf course was developed with the island’s natural beauty in mind, enhancing existing flora to highlight the gleaming ocean and turquoise lagoon along a scenic walking path. A diversity of palms, pandanus and various exotic plants are dotted along sandy beach coves on the east and west shorelines.

Dine By Design Discover new dining experiences in some of the resort’s most secret locations. Be it a torch-lit dinner under the banyan trees of the resort’s jungle, a spa dinner in the privacy of a meditation pavilion overlooking the ocean, a romantic in-villa evening or a dinner of local ingredients freshly prepared in the Chef’s Garden. n

Rent bicycles for a tour of the island, there’s no better way to get around

ocean water. It’s seems like they’re staging a performance for us and showing off what they can do. All passengers start yelling and clapping their hands together as if their favourite singer just came on stage. This is one of the greatest natural shows you can see here in the Maldives and hands-down one of the highlights of our trip.

Golfing The next morning we go golfing. We’re not very skilled with the club, but the view of the Indian Ocean and the water villa makes us feel like Tiger Woods. Even if we don’t know what we are doing and just hitting the balls randomly we have a pretty amazing time.

There are other excursions also available including night fishing, water sports, cultural tours and a city tour by bike.

Little Extras:

Courtesy of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort And Spa The Only Maldivian Destination That Offers Authentic Cultural Experiences.

Each trip is designed to excite every interest, from historical and farming excursions to cycling tours and nature walks. Tours are led by resort guides to ensure that guests gain an insight into local life by those who know it best.

Private Jet Services & Executive Terminal The Shangri-La’s Villingili recently launched private jet services for guests travelling to the resort. For arrivals and departures in style, guests are invited to arrive at Gan Executive

About The Shangri-La Villingili Resort And Spa Location: Addu Atoll, Republic of the Maldives Telephone: +960 689-7888 Website: www.shangri-la.com/Maldives Email: slmd@shangri-la.com

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QH Sensations

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Qatar National Convention Centre and Doha Exhibition Center Tour

Tour Duration: 4 Hours

Tour Inclusions

Timings: 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

•

Pick up and drop off within Doha city limits

Pick up from any location within Doha city limits

•

Snacks

Located in Education City, the sensational Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) is a state-of-the-art facility that welcomes the world’s most prestigious conferences, conventions, meetings, galas and exhibitions. Inside, the sprawling 40,000 square metre exhibition space divides into smaller areas (seven halls) and is backed by a staggering array of facilities and high-tech solutions that have raised the bar for international convention venues. The tour also takes visitors to the newly refurbished Doha Exhibition Center, where 45,000 square metres of space is devoted to hosting expos, trade shows and exhibitions; support facilities here include meeting and VIP rooms, business centres, ATMs and coffee shops.

•

English speaking tour guide

•

Visit Qatar National Convention Centre and facilities

•

Rates mentioned are per person sharing in Qatari riyals

•

Drive around Education City

•

•

Next stop visit Doha Exhibition Center

Multilingual tour guides can be provided upon request at an additional cost

•

Break for refreshing snacks

•

Tour is subject to availability

•

Drop off to any location within Doha city limits

•

Terms and conditions apply

Itinerary •

Number Of People 1 2 3 4 5

Actual Cost Per Person 550 400 350 300 250

Dukhan/West Coast Tour

Located on the west coast of Qatar, Dukhan is an important industrial city.

Home to unique limestone rocks, hillocks and sandy beaches, Dukhan is popularized mainly by oil workers and their families who form a close knit but vibrant community.

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Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour Duration: 3 Hours

Tour Duration: 2 Hours

Timings : 9:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Timings : 9:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Timings : 9:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Itinerary

•

Pick up from any location within Doha city limits

•

Pick up from any location within Doha city limits

•

Pick up from any location within Doha city limits

•

Drive to Dukhan and visit west coast of Qatar

•

Drive from Doha to Al-Jassasiya at the north of Qatar

•

Drive to Katara beach and start kayaking

•

Break for refreshments

•

•

•

Drop off to any location within Doha city limits

Photo shoots with the extraordinary carvings on the stones

Escorted walk around Katara Cultural Village

•

Break for refreshing snacks

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Break for refreshments

•

Drop off to any location within Doha city limits

•

Drop off to any location within Doha city limits

Number

Actual Cost

Of People

Per Person

1

1000

2

252

3

425

4

375

5

325

Tour Inclusions •

Pick up and drop off within Doha city limits

• • •

Number

Actual Cost

Number

Actual Cost

Of People

Per Person

Of People

Per Person

1

850

1

850

2

450

2

500

3

300

3

400

4

250

4

350

5

200

5

300

Tour Inclusions

Tour Inclusions

Refreshments English speaking tour guide

•

Pick up and drop off within Doha city limits

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Pick up and drop off within Doha city limits

Rates mentioned are per person sharing in Qatari riyals

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Snacks

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Refreshments

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English speaking tour guide

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Rates mentioned are per person sharing in Qatari riyals

Admission to Katara beach and 60 minutes kayaking

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English speaking tour guide

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Multilingual tour guides can be provided upon request at an additional cost

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Rates mentioned are per person sharing in Qatari riyals

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Tour is subject to availability

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Terms and conditions apply

Multilingual tour guides can be provided upon request at an additional cost

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Tour is subject to availability

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Terms and conditions apply. n

Multilingual tour guides can be provided upon request at an additional cost

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Tour is subject to availability

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Terms and conditions apply

Jassasiyeh Carvings Tour

An hour’s journey north of the city transports visitors to Jebel Jassasiyeh, home of the ancient carvings that date back to 4,000 B.C., evidence of early inhabitation. The petroglyphs on the cliffs and ridges near the coastline are nothing short of mysterious,depicting boats in the shape of scorpions, large ships, boats with numerous oars and a variety of animals and thick-finned fish fossils. The mystery of some of the drawings is that they show aerial views – created at a time long before man knew how to fly, let alone how to use surface transport! Fans of archaeology and paleontology will not be disappointed with this tour.

Kayaking/Canoeing At the Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation visitors can enjoy some unique water adventures like kayaking/canoeing, a sport where recreational kayaks are manually propelled by single or double bladed paddles.

siyeh

e at Jebel Jassa

Step back in tim

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Virgin Recommends the top u o y s g in r b H Q m the staff picks fro Megastore

NAME: Ismael Flormata STORE SECTION: Red Box Department

TIME AT VIRGIN: 7 years

Best Part of My Job: “I’m interested in all the things here in Virgin, that’s why I left my job in fashion and joined the Virgin team. I love to learn more about the gadgets and toys sold here in the Red Box section, and even gain knowledge about other products in other sections like multimedia, music, books and magazines.

I really love working here.”

Zoku Quick Pop Maker This product helps you make ice cream pops within seven minutes without electricity. It’s really simple and easy to use and it also comes with decorations and a storage case to neatly keep the pops in. Retail price: QR 299.

Karlsson Book Clock If you’re not an avid reader you can still make your friends think you are with this book clock on your shelf or desktop. At first glance it’s hard to tell it apart from the rest of your library collection. It’s a very nice and colourful design for a clock and I think book lovers will find the product interesting.

I personally do. Retail price: QR 119.

I-wood My First Laptop Wild Eye Designs High It looks like a mini-laptop, but Heel Bottle Holder it’s designed for kids with another purpose. This cleverly designed fold-up laptop has two chalkboards inside as the screen and the keyboard. Chalks are also included. Kids will love it!

Retail price: QR 229.

This fancy and uniquely designed metal shoe is definitely an eye-catcher, but it’s not made for your feet. It’s actually used as a bottle holder; simply put the bottom of the bottle at the front end of the shoe and that’s all. It’s a really cool design. Retail price: QR 119.

Laser Pego Bot This nice toy has the same concept as Lego, but the only difference is that it lights up!

The bricks are made of hollow, clear plastic that channel light from powered bulb pieces.

This product will challenge young children’s skills to create a design that allows the light to pass through and illuminate the whole model. Retail price: QR 89.

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Spotlight On Movies

TOP

We bring you May’s cinematic top picks!

Epic

Iron Man 3 Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Animation | Adventure | Comedy

When Tony Stark’s world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, Stark starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest where a battle between the forces of good and evil is taking place.

She bands together with a rag-tag group of characters in order to save their world -- and ours.

Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow QH Fun Fact: This is the first film in the franchise where director Jon Favreau has stepped away from the project.

The Great Gatsby Drama | Romance Nick Carraway, a Mid-Westerner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbour, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby’s circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton QH Fun Fact: Thirteen top Hollywood actresses were screentested for the role of Daisy Buchanan before director Baz Luhrmann settled on Carey Mulligan.

Star Trek Into Darkness Action | Adventure | Sci-Fir After the crew of the Enterprise finds an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.

Stars: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana QH Fun Fact: Cast member Benedict Cumberbatch rose to stardom with his lead role in the TV series Sherlock. In a fun twist of fate, Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy once played Sherlock Holmes in a 1970s stage production.

Stars: Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Beyoncé Knowles QH Fun Fact: Epic’s leading lady, Mary Katherine, is named after the late daughter of author William Joyce, whose novel The Leaf Men inspired the movie.

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Fast & Furious 6 Action | Crime | Thriller Agent Hobbs enlists the aid of Dom and team to help bring a rival gang, led by Owen Shaw, to justice. In exchange for clear records, they must put an end to their schemes, no matter how personal the cost.

Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson QH Fun Fact: Rihanna was originally rumoured to have been in talks for a role in the film, but to no avail.

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QH Sensations Finding a place to call home doesn’t have to be a headache. Let us show you how!

r a t a Q n o h The Dis

By Tasbih Amin

So you’ve made it to Qatar and you’ve got your work permit.

All that’s left is finding a good place to stay, in case your job doesn’t offer you a housing accommodation. This calls for the journey of apartment hunting! This month we’ll guide you through the process of picking a living space of your liking and hopefully get you closer to settling in.

T

he first thing to keep in mind is the kind of accommodation you’re looking for.

Are you interested in a villa, apartment, studio or maybe a place in a compound? You should also keep in mind the location and kind of environment you’re seeking. For example, is the place appropriate for children or not?

Keeping in mind the price range that best suit your financial situation will help you manage your expectations. When you narrow down your options and have a clear, basic idea of what you’re looking for, you can then take the next step. Let the hunting game begin!

Get Online!

The Internet is a good place to start, mainly because of its convenience and efficiency in

spotting places you wouldn’t have known of otherwise. I recommend making a list of all the apartments that appeal to you and checking them out later to pare down your options.

We found www.propertyfinder.qa to be extremely helpful and user-friendly. When you log onto the website, you’ll find a configuration option that will help you narrow down your choices. This includes the location you desire, number of bedrooms, the type of accommodation and the price range you prefer. Once you enter these configurations, a list of all the housing that fit your criteria is displayed with their photos and a brief description of the place.

Another good website is www.qhomes.com.qa.

With similar options as the previous website, the only difference is that this site doesn’t have

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a wide variety of less expensive rental listings.

If you’re looking for a chunk of higher-end real estate, this website has you covered; they even have a Facebook page where prospective home-owners can follow and look into their latest listings. One last website we found useful is www.qatarpropertyplanet.com. It’s perfect if you’re looking for apartments or houses with reasonable prices and it covers a lot of ground all over Doha.

but once you move in you’ll be grateful for doing your research ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than settling in to realize that the apartment is too tiny or the neighbourhood’s just too noisy.

Shop Smart

Now, if you’re new to Qatar and you find that the rent here is too expensive, what do you do?

Having a roommate to split the bills is always a great idea for those who are just starting out. This roommate can be a friend or a relative, but if you don’t know anyone in Qatar right away, don’t panic. You can post a roommate notice on an online forum, like www.ILoveQatar.com or www.qatarliving.com and search for other people that might want to go splits and share.

Make sure to get to know your potential roommate before moving in together, to ensure that you’re on the same page in terms of lifestyles and personalities. This could be a great experience if you find someone you are comfortable living with and new friendship might blossom out of it, so keep this option open.

The next step would be exploring your options and checking out those places you found on the web. It’s always a good idea to contact the landlord and let them know you’re interested in renting and take a look at the place, just out of courtesy.

Things to keep in mind while you’re there: the neighbourhood and the environment surrounding the place. Does it measure up to your standards in terms of safety, cleanliness and noise? It’s also advisable to drive around the block to make sure you like the area. Next, do an interior spot check. Examine the cabinets, furniture (if you’re going for a fully- furnished place), power outlets and the space in general.

Sometimes images posted online of the decor, layout and design of a place are not as accurate, so it’s always a good idea to consider the space and determine if it will comfortable to accommodate you or your family. This procedure can seem time-consuming in the beginning,

Balance Your Budget

Apartment hunting in Qatar can be challenging, especially for newcomers, but it’s worth the trouble once you’re settled into a place you can call home. n

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It Happened

L-R: Mr. Hassan Bilal, Mr. Hussein Alfardan and Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman of AHB Group welcome guests to the new Chowking

Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal joins with friends and family at Chowking Mamoura, including his sons Mr. Khalid Bilal (centre) and Mr. Nasser Bilal, Editor-in-Chief of Qatar Happening Magazine (second from right) and grandsons

Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal and Mr. Hussein Alfardan cut the celebration cake with Mr. Bilal’s sons Mr. Hassan Bilal and Mr. Nasser Bilal, QH’s Editor-in-Chief

Chowking Mamoura Grand Opening Dar Al Salam Mall April 13, 2013

The staff and management of Chowking Mamoura pose for a group shot

Adam Beg, Chowking Business Development Manager (left) poses with Mr. Nasser Bilal, Mr. Hassan Bilal and Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal and Mr. Hussein Alfardan

Chowking staff behind-the-scenes in the kitchen, prepare plates of hot appetizers for guests

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Platinum sponsor Chowking was on-site as guests grab a hot bite to eat during intermission

H.E. Mr. Panyarak Poolthup, Thai Ambassador cuts the ribbon, welcoming guests to Wok Mee

Right: Executive chef Adrian Upward

Princess Velasco on the guitar

Princess Velasco and Juris Fernandez sign autographs as QH and ABODE’s Chet, Lanie and her husband Ricky wait their turn

Songkran Thai New Year Dinner Mövenpick Tower & Suites April 15, 2013

Photo credit: Pepin Tibayan

Juris Fernandez serenades the audience

Seasons of Love Concert Regency Red Hall April 5, 2013

Guests look on as performers play traditional Thai instruments

The Mövenpick Tower & Suites team are all smiles as they celebrate Songkran

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It Happened

ABODE’s Francesca Moser (far left), and Deliah Furcoi (in blue) and QH/ABODE’s Director Moona Masri-Whitice (far right), enjoy the show with members of Mr. Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman of AHB Group’s family. The fashion show was sponsored by Forum Design

Forum Design’s private booth at the Luxos event

Luxos Fashion Show The St. Regis March 26, 2013

L-R: Maysa Maghrebi and Fares Ghattas from Qatar Luxury Network open the runway show with a few words

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Luxos Fashion Show The St. Regis March 26, 2013

Some young models hit the catwalk at the VCUQatar Fingerprint fashion show

VCUQatar Fashion Show The Gate Mall April 17, 2013

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It Happened

One of the performers enjoys a cup of Arabic coffee

Slava Polunin Snowshow Qatar National Convention Center Mar 28-31, 2013

Slava’s clowns take audience participation to a whole new level

Matthew shares the stage with members of Doha Jazz

Matthew van Kan concert The Grand Hyatt April 21, 2013

Matthew van Kan and songstress Avis Ellis

Photo credit: Sanjaya Munindradasa

Left: Tania Hearn from the Renaissance Doha City Center, Centre-Right: Moona, Ashlee & Jorge from QH, Noha and Farah from the Grand Hyatt Doha Sales and Marketing team

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L-R: Danny Mladen,Tina Michelle Martin and Jorge Granda, QH Sales & Communications Manager

Sputnik Party InterContinental Doha The City March 29, 2013

Kempinksi Middle East Roadshow Kempinski Residences & Suites April 4, 2013

QH’s Ashlee Starratt (centre) is all smiles with Nikolaos (left) and Paris (right) from the Kempinski Residences & Suites marketing team

Getting creative with some molecular gastronomy

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It Happened

With an expression of intense concentration, an athlete goes in for a jump.

Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Aspire Zone March 27-29, 2013

Schoolchildren cheer on their favourite gymnasts from the sidelines

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Schools Olympic Program Aspire Dome April 4-5, 2013

Winning school teams receive their medals on the podium

Show Jumping Tour Chi Al Shaqab March 26-28, 2013

Gerco Schroder of the Netherlands claimed first prize at this year’s event

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It Happened

A great turnout marked a successful evening of networking

WOHOM Association Qatar Dinner Mövenpick Hotel Doha March 27, 2013

SASOL ‘Shoo Fi Bil Jazeerah’ Qatar Exhibition Center April 16, 2013

‘What’s Happening On The Island?’, its English title was an environmental play sponsored by Sasol educating youth about climate change

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THIMUN Qatar Northwestern Film Festival Education City April 13, 2013

Dean of Northwestern University Qatar, Mr. Everette E. Dennis honours participating students at the evenings awards

L-R: H.H. Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of Culture, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, H.E. Mr. Robert Rostek, Polish Ambassador and H.E. Mr. Panyarak Poolthup, Thai Ambassador

Qatar International Food Festival Museum of Islamic Art Park March 28-31, 2013

Chowking’s Adam Beg (third from left) and Conrad Mellocastro (fourth from right) man the Chowking booth at the festival

Brave souls who weren’t afraid of heights could even dine in the sky with a gourmet menu courtesy of the W Doha

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Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 4467-7731 Biella Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 4494-8888 Four Seasons 4448-1234 Grand Hyatt 4408-4220 Holiday Villa 4423-3333 Hilton Doha InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 4429-1111 Mövenpick Hotel 4496-6115 Mövenpick Tower & Suites Nando’s City Center Mall 4493-0785 4402-3333 Oryx Rotana Johnny Rockets 4455 2792 Al Emadi Complex 4460 4210 Hyatt Plaza Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 4485-4444 Sheraton Doha Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 4483-1644 St. Regis Doha 4484-7444 The Diplomatic Club W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 4434-3333 Wyndham Grand Regency Red Velvet 4408 0700 4476 5299 Sealine Beach Resort 4428 8888 La Cigale Grand Heritage Doha Hotel 4445 5555 and Spa

Airlines Air Arabia Air India Egypt Air Emirates Etihad Airways Gulf Air Qatar Airways

Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group

Health / Beauty

Hotels / Restaurants

4432-2111 4441-8423 4435-2901 4438-4477 4436-6657 4499-8000 4449-6666

Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bader Chemist 4441-1888 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre 4496-6410 4453-5555 Bliss Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 4429-8520 Doha Marriott Spa Ebn Sina Medical 800-2288 Foot Care Centre Lulu Gharafa 4478-0510 The Center 4436-6275 City Center 4493-0394 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 4494-8844 Frank Provost Glow American Salon, Salwa Rd. 4468-9945 West Bay 4411-7652 GoodLife Chemist City Center 4483-9100 The Pearl 4495-3876 Guerlain Alfardan Spa 4420-8660 Habibs Hair and Beauty Salon 4413-0672 4428-8888 La Cigale - Ozone Spa Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 4485-4012 Patrice Salon Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 4419-5517 Saray Spa 4425-6999 Six Senses Spa

Publications ABODE/QH magazines

4427-8416

Shopping Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 4469-4848 Hyatt Plaza Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245

Clubs

Tourism / Travel Alpha Tours Arabian Adventures World Wide Destination Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & Tour Victoria Car Rental Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex

4434-4496 4436-1461 4467-1200 4462-2777 4422-1888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4466-6635 4440 9666

Hospitals/Emergency Ambulance, Police & Fire Department Doha Clinic Hospital

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal 4442-8877 Trad. & Cont. Co. www.ahbqatar.com Interior Forum Design 4456-8716 Restaurants Chowking Salwa Road 4437-1212 4431-4411 Chowking Al Saad St. Chowking Al Khor 4411-8816/ 4411-8817 Sizzling Hot Pot 4411-5225/

4411-5335

999

Bridge Club Doha Garden Club Dana Club Doha Golf Club Doha Sailing Club

5554-0873 5523-1650 4496-0600 4496-0777 4443-9840

Embassies American Embassy Brazilian Embassy British Embassy Chinese Embassy French Embassy German Embassy Indonesian Embassy Japanese Embassy Nepalese Embassy Philippine Embassy South African Embassy Thai Embassy U.A.E. Embassy

4496-6000 4483-8812 4496-2000 4493-4205 4402-1702 4408-2334 4465-7945 4484-0888 4467-5681 4483-1585 6622-1552 4493-4426 4483-8880

Websites

4438-4333

Emergency Hotline 4435-5999

Pediatric Emergency

Al Ahli Hospital

4489-8000

Qatar Foundation for Child &

4439-2948

Hamad General Hospital

4439-2222

Woman Protection Hotline 4466-6671 / 72

Rumailah Hospital

4439-3333

www.qatarhappening.com www.iloveqatar.net www.justlanded.com/english/Qatar www.qatarliving.com www.qatartourism.gov.qa

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