Qatar Happening - May 2014

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Table of Contents

pg 82 Kick-Off For The 2014 H.H. Emir's Cup

OUT CHECK pening.com

atarhap ion! www.q test informat la for the

MAY MENT ENTERTAIN

EVERY ISSUE 7 Editor-In-Chief's Letter

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

8

QH Speaks

9

115

124

13

Top Picks

33

Top Picks

14

A Whole Lotta Soul

34

The Magic Of Diversity

36

The Artist's Way

16

The best of our monthly social media

Events Calendar

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

It Happened

QH’s photo gallery of the latest happening events in Doha

Phone Directory

Need-to-know phone numbers

TURE ARTS & CUL

22

We sit down with Kempinski songstress Kéyali Mayaga

Que Viva España The W Doha and Gcoupon bring Spain to Qatar with The Seville Fair

The Golden Age Of Sound

Brit DJ-superstar Chris Lake performs with Global DJs

Party Hoppin’ Happenings 24

We drink in the view from Level 23 at The Ritz-Carlton

27

Entertainment Listings

Bringing Qatar's voices together for 'World Within A Song' We colour outside the lines with a collective of Qatar-based graffiti artists

Arts & Culture Listings 38

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Find out everything that’s going on this month

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

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Table of Contents COMMUNITY 39

Top Picks

40

The Local Motive

Why you should shop locally and think globally

42

Do The Math And Buckle Up

46

Community Listings

QH gets some car-seat safety training

Find out everything that’s going on this month

KIDS CLUB 47

Top Picks

48

The ABC's Of Home- Schooling

Is a home-based approach to learning right for your family?

54

Kids Club Listings

pg 56 High-Tea At The Torch Tea Garden

Fun ideas to do with the kids

ING FOOD & DIN 55

Top Picks

77

Top Picks

56

Tea For Two

78

Diamonds In Doha

Tempting treats in the colourful oasis of The Torch Tea Garden

The French Connection

La Varenne's got the business lunch to beat

60

Word Of Mouth

QH Recommends

92

Find Your Bliss

The H. H. Emir's Cup football tournament kicks off

101

Reasons To Fly

84

Yoga: What Is It Good For?

102

Revisiting A Classic

Instructor Lynsey Riach shows us the benefits

88

Sports Listings

108

Virgin Recommends

82

Our contest winner goes Tex-Mex at Paloma in The InterContinental Doha

64

Food & Dining Listings

91

58

Find out everything that’s going on this month

The world is watching Doha at the 2014 IAAF Diamond League track and field event

Battle Of The Titans

Find out everything that’s going on this month

Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing:

Email: editor@qatarhappening.com

Fax:

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

info@qatarhappening.com jorge@qatarhappening.com

110

Have Your Say: e.

IONS QH SENSAT

SPORTS

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

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

Our favourite monthly must-haves We discovered ours with one of Bliss Spa's signature facials at The W Doha Our pick of top destinations The St. Regis New York continues to be a beacon of The Big Apple

The best monthly entertainment picks from the Megastore

Spotlight On Movies

Our top five must-see films of the month

112 The Dish On Qatar

Our social media followers tell us why shopping locally matters to us all

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From The Desk Of The Editor-In-Chief

On the Cover?

Dear friends, It’s our immense pleasure to welcome you to our May edition, as we have much in store to celebrate this month.

As Qatar has grown over the past decade, it has opened its doors to expats from all walks of life and regions of the world. Their diverse skills and knowledge base have helped shape the nation into what it is today, with the best global industries, brands and companies setting up shop here.

But what sometimes gets overlooked are our roots as a country. Before the skyscrapers lined West Bay, before the mega-malls and luxury outlets began popping up and the population started to flow in, we were a land and people with a rich tradition of fishing and pearling. These two industries created a hub from which sprung the lively souq markets of old, selling everything from jewelry to local fabrics and textiles, spices, local meat and produce.

Now, when our cars come from Asia, our clothes come from European fashion labels, and North American fast food chains clog the street-corners, supporting the local grassroots economy can require a concerted effort – but not if you know where to look. That’s why we’ve made our theme for May ‘Loving It Local’. In our Community pages we delve deep into the local market and speak with the souq vendors, wholesale market farmers and trades-people who remain the backbone of Qatar’s identity. We also surveyed you, our readers, to find out where your favourite places to shop locally are, so flip to our Dish On Qatar article in Sensations to see your responses.

In the world of sports, football fans can rejoice as the H.H. Emir's Cup launches into full swing this month with 18 of QSL's best teams vying for the coveted trophy. This will be the first year that the tournament will be held in the honour of our new Emir H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and we as a nation rejoice in the celebration. Find the full tournament details in our Sports pages.

Also, Qatar Happening is proud to be a media partner of the Diamond League 2014 athletics event taking place at the Qatar Sports Club early this month. The world’s best track and field contenders will make their mark for the championship title during one heated day of competition. In our cover feature we take you direct to the sidelines with this year’s star athletes, plus the full competition schedule.

In Entertainment the Seville Spanish Fair comes to life at The W Doha this May in celebration of all things Spanish – so indulge your flair for flamenco, the spice of Spanish cuisine and the joys of its rich cultural heritage at this extraordinary event. There’s plenty more to keep you occupied in our pages this issue and we hope you’ll keep us at your fingertips for the next four weeks. It’s our privilege to be your guide.

Thank you for making us a part of your lives,

Triple-jump champion Christian Taylor competes in Doha last year ue Photo Credit: IAAF Diamond Leag

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 Finalizer / Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara Lead Designer / Brand Manager: Zahi Srour Photographer: Jessie Palanca Listings Coordinator: Marlynne Mallari-Dela Pena Web Coordinator: Imran Khan Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Coordinator: Chet Tibayan Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Sarah Al Motairi, Amy Bassett, Diana Farid,

Phil Green, John Hunt, Nadir Khamis, Jonny Parr, Amara Photos, Lynsey Riach, Charlie Sands, Jethro Stamps, Gerald Tan, Ujwala Thirumurthy

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.

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.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal

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

2014

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QH Speaks

Tweets Of The Month @robdelrosario

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius

@HebaFa

I’ve been sitting in my car, from traffic to traffic for 1.5 hours. Very normal in #Doha

@DohaAli

Crazy rainy, stormy weather in Doha!! Those rain dances have certainly been working! Drive safely today #doha #rain

@rachelannmorris

Hey @Uber_Doha love the promotion for #QIFF2014 but maybe you should tell your driver where the festival is. Ours was clueless.

best of the best We ask, you answer. Here’s the this month, plus from our social media top picks you’re saying! our Editor’s Corner. Here’s what

Editor’s Corner Why does it feel like it was January just last week? Here we are into May already and spring has definitely sprung. This issue we wanted to give back to the community as it has given so much to us over the years as we strive to bring you the best news, views and events from every corner of Qatar.

But what does it truly mean to be part of a community? To me it means supporting each other through growth and setbacks, ups and downs, good times and bad – because after all, we’re all in this together.

One way that we can give back to the Doha community we call home is to support and nurture the grassroots industries that have survived here. We may not always have the time in our busy lives to volunteer or help out with various community groups, but there is something that we can all do to play our part – shop locally. If there’s one thing the GCC has in abundance, it’s places to shop. But sometimes the local market gets overlooked in favour of the big-brand chain stores and the European influence in fashion and commodities.

This month we’re running a special feature in Community on ‘Loving It Local’. We all know about Souq Waqif and the wholesale markets, but how many of us go there on a regular basis and get to know the vendors and craftspeople who have preserved their traditional livelihoods throughout the generations?

But those livelihoods will soon disappear if we aren’t there to support them. So let us be your guide to buying local and exploring Qatar’s grassroots economy. Trust us, there’s much to discover.

We also have a load of other events and articles to keep a spring in your step for the month of May. Let us tease your eardrums with DJ Chris Lake, help you cheer on our athletes with our Diamond League 2014 cover feature and much, much more. Happy reading!

See you next month,

@escapetoqatar

Rumours abound that new airport #HDIA will (have to) be open in time for IATA conference (Doha 1-3 June).

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @qatarhappening

In Your Face

e, jewelry or Whether it’s organic produc ok community ebo Fac textiles, we asked our p locally and support sho to nt orta imp it’s y wh ies. Here’s a few of Qatar’s traditional industr e: gav you ses the great respon

Tracy Marriott

“I’m keen to buy locally where I can. Produce is fresh and has not used air-mail to get here. I’m concerned about over-use of precious water – Qatar has two years of ground source left. It’s vital we the consumer don’t waste food.”

Andrea Savina Carvalho

“If we can be a reason to make Qatar more visible by doing our part in helping boost the economy, the why not shop locally!”

Kaiseray Jahan

“All veggies grow well here, so why not [have] more greenhouses for all veggies?”

Helen Davison

“Everything possible should be bought locally – it keeps the traditions alive. Souq Waqif is great.”

Ashlee Starratt Editor

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/qatarhappening

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Entertainment

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

W Doha Lounge & Mingle

The Four Seasons Party At The Pier Thursdays: It’s been the talk of the town – The Four Seasons has re-launched their weekly seasonal party with an extraordinary and unique atmosphere. Get ready to enjoy the new beats at the pier with a panoramic view of the Doha skyline. Free entrance. From 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m.

For more information call 4494-8741.

InterContinental Doha Hospitality Night Sundays: Lava. Rock out to the sounds of DJ Yaser Zain and enjoy a 50% discount on food and beverage for hotel staff. For more information call 4484-4444.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park Shaken Or Stirred?

Mondays: Liquidity Lounge. The hotel invites you to chill out at Doha’s favourite roof-top restaurant while sipping freshly-made Liquidity beverages and listening to the funky beats of their favourite resident DJ. From 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

May 14 & 28: Wahm. DJ Adrien continually amazes the social set, both locally and internationally, with his eclectic style of crossmixing 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. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4453-5323 or BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

The St. Regis Doha After-Brunch Happy Hour Fridays: Vintage Lounge. Not ready to go home after brunch? Relax and enjoy happy hour at Vintage Lounge with live music by Rumba Latina. There’s also 50% off on selected beverages. From 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

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Entertainment

A Whole

Lotta Soul

QH: You’ve been a singer-songwriter for about 20 years now if we’re not mistaken.

What’s that kind of life been like?

KM: Well, it’s a good life because you’re doing what you want to do and what you like…and it’s a difficult life because it’s a bit challenging.

The artistic life isn’t always the easiest route – especially when it comes to stability. You never really know what tomorrow’s going to bring and where your next gig is going to be.

QH: Tell us a bit about your background – where you came from and how you got started.

KM: For me I think it’s very simple – it’s in my DNA. My Mom was a singer so I grew up watching her on-stage, watching her rehearse and watching her dance. I precisely remember being around three or four-years-old and seeing her at a gig she had and it was a massive stage with her musicians, and I was like ‘Wow I could do that!’

I’m French-Cameroonian so my father is French from the south of France – Bordeaux to be precise, and my Mom is from Cameroon, so there’s lots of music, lots of dancing – all of that.

My brother is also into music, so it’s something that we just have.

QH: How would you describe your sound and style of music?

KM: Passionate – because I don’t necessarily have a specific kind of direction when it comes to the style of music I make. I have an inclination towards soul music because it’s passionate music, but I like to blend it with some ethnic sounds from where I come from – drums and percussion and things like that.

I just blend a bunch of things and that’s it – I call it the soup. Sometimes it doesn’t work – like every recipe, you put stuff in it and you’re like ‘Hmmmm….’, so a song is never entirely like what you picture it in your head. Right now I’ve put a soul band together and we’re called Kéyali and The Travelers, and my Travelers are all from different countries and cultures, so the beauty of that is that they all kind of bring something different into the mix and the sound really comes out nice.

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca Additional images courtesy of Amara Photos

Kéyali Mayaga was born to sing. Music is her life, her passion and without a doubt the thing she does best. We caught up with the sultry songstress to talk shop before her regular Tuesday night slot in The Lounge at the Kempinski Residences & Suites.

If you haven’t seen her powerhouse performances yet – bring your dancing shoes!

QH: How long have you been based in Doha? You’ve done quite a lot on the music scene here, from Qatar’s Big Day Out, to musicals with the Doha Players, performing at the Qatar Choice Awards and your residency here at the Kempinski.

KM: I’ve been here for six years but I’d say for the first four and a half I was kind of in and out of it, because when I got here I’d just graduated from school and I was kind of figuring out what I wanted to do. I’d been accepted for training in

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With a voice like velvet Kéyali has made her musical mark at Kempinski

Broadway and I was considering maybe to do that, but then financially it was just not a good idea because I’d just gotten out of five years of school.

So I stayed here for a little bit, did a few things, but it was never serious because I was still trying to test the temperature and eventually decided I did want to do more music. I have an MBA in International Business Management – I went the nerd route for a little bit. I think it was two things – it wanted to be a smart artist, meaning I didn’t want to be so caught up in my art that I ended up being struggling. And two – you need to have some sort of business savvy, especially now it’s not enough anymore to just be a singer. You need to have the ability to know how to promote yourself – you are your brand and you need to understand these things. So I went to school for that and got my Mom a little less worried as well! [Laughs.]

QH: How has the live music scene evolved during your tenure in Doha? DJs abound – and that’s not a bad thing – but the live lounge music performers are still few and far between.

KM: Doha’s always had foreign artists come in and perform somewhere – every hotel had a spot with a live band of some sort. But it’s only recently that Doha has started to acknowledge the local talent they have and has started to give them the opportunity to do something.

Specifically, here at Kempinski, it’s unusual for a hotel to only have a local artist as a resident – even Jazz At Lincoln Center has international bands, plus local talent, you know? So I’m looking forward to seeing how that evolves and maybe we’re looking at only bringing in international artists every now and then, and really using the talent that we have here – that would be nice.

QH: If you’re a new, up-and-coming artist, would you say it’s difficult to break into the scene here in Doha? Is it a safer bet to look at Dubai or Abu Dhabi in terms of exposure and opportunity?

KM: It’s difficult for two specific reasons – Doha at the end of the day is a small place and it gets overcrowded very quickly so you definitely need to push a little harder to get your own slot. Secondly, Doha in general has a bit of an issue transferring information – so a lot of people don’t know where to find like-minded people and opportunities to perform. They don’t know that the Doha Players have an open-mic every month, they don’t know that Admiral’s has opportunities to perform every week and that’s the main challenge is to know where to go. Because once you do, and if you have the talent to go along with it, it will pick you up real quick.

QH: What on the horizon musically – do you have studio work in mind, touring or other residencies?

KM: I’ve been recording and working on some songs for a while. We were just in the studio last night actually – we were starting to take in some the tapes and I’m hoping to be able to bring it out this year at some point. Another residency? It’s a possibility. It’s something very different and the first time I’ve done it –it’s almost been a year actually. It’s very hard to believe! I’m not really sure what the future holds in that aspect, but I definitely think more projects, more gigs, more music.

QH: What artists are you really digging at the moment?

KM: To be honest I’m very old school, so at the moment I’m really not feeling it. Of course there are songs here and there that you pick up which are really good, because for us where this is a residency, we want to perform things that people are familiar with – so more modern stuff. But I’m a Tina Turner/Jill Scott fan – Tina Turner’s like my top! Also Stevie Wonder and I even like Radiohead – stuff that’s not of the ‘now’. I kind of sound like my Mom! [Laughs.] Because again, it’s that business savviness – you can hear the music [today] and it’s not really music anymore, it’s a business.

It’s an assembly line, you know? So right now I watch from afar.

QH: When you’re not belting it out at The Lounge, where do you like to go on your nights off? Where’s Keyali’s secret hot-spot?

KM: It depends what mood I’m in. I really like Sky View because the location is just beautiful.

Because I’m here [at Kempinski] a couple times a week when I go out separately I like it to be kind of quiet, so I don’t really go to loud places.

I found that I’ve become more of a home-body now you know? Of course there are the regular places like Wahm and I was at Dunes last weekend which was quite fun. It’s really nice to go and see the others do their thing – I really enjoy that.

QH: What’s one thing that our readers would be surprised to know about you?

If you’re keen to share!

KM: Well I think a lot of people don’t realize I actually studied something completely different – that would be one thing! [Laughs.] Let me think…it’s a hard question! I stopped singing at some point – when I was around 25, because I guess when I was younger I wanted to sing but it wasn’t going quick enough so at some point I completely stopped. I had decided I wasn’t going to do it anymore—it was a retirement! [Laughs.]

But it’s in my DNA…that’s what it is. I’m always singing something – so in the end I thought ‘Okay, I’ll get back into it’ – and here I am! n

Kéyali entertains at last month's Kempinski Middle East Roadshow in the Sky Villa

Check out Kéyali live every Sunday and Tuesday at The Lounge in Kempinski Residences & Suites starting at 9:30 p.m. For more information visit www.keyalimayaga.com or www.kempinski.com/doha.

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Entertainment Bullfighting is a Spanish tradition that continues to this day

Que Viva

España As told to Jorge Granda

Doha party-goers will have the opportunity to experience one of the biggest Spanish fairs in the world as the Seville April Fair livens up The W Doha in collaboration with Gcoupon from May 29-30.

QH has the inside scoop on this Spanish fiesta. Olé!

T

he Seville April Fair, or in Spanish the Feria de Abril de Sevilla, is a yearly event held in the Andalusian capital of Seville, Spain. Spread out over six days in April, this Spanish fiesta begins with a parade of carriages and riders at midday, carrying Seville's leading citizens as they head to La Real Maestranza bull-ring where the matadors meet.

For the duration of the festival, the fairgrounds and a vast area on the far bank of the Guadalquivir River are blanketed by rows of casetas – decorated marquee tents that are temporarily built on the fairground. Some of these casetas belong to the prominent families of Seville, some to groups of friends, clubs, trade associations or political parties. From around 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. the following morning, you will find Sevillana revelers partying and dancing in the streets, enjoying traditional rebujito vino, and eating the famous regional Spanish tapas.

The Feria de Abril sees Sevillana men and women dressed up in their finery – traditional

short jackets, tight trousers, hats and boots for men known as the trajecorto ensemble, and the colourful faralaes flamenco-style dress for women.

The Seville April Fair In Doha The Doha version of the Seville Fair will be held at The W Doha in May for two days only. It will happen in May as organizers want to stage an authentic show, bringing musicians straight from Seville who are busy at the original fair in Spain for April. Without a doubt the celebration should be a hit, attracting a lot of attention from the Spanish community in particular with over 3,000 Spanish-speaking people living in Qatar. Enthusiastic organizers promise a truly Spanish extravaganza like never seen before in Doha for the enjoyment of audiences from all nationalities.

The Music As a Spanish event, the aim of the festival is to create a direct link between its Andalusian roots and the Arab culture that still remains within southern Spain. A specially-designed musical

Layers of ruffles and a host of vibrant colours mark the ladies of Seville's national dress

line-up will represent everything from deep flamenco to other, more appealing Spanish/ Latin rumbas that will put a shake in the step of everyone on the dance-floor. Qatar’s party-goers will have a top-notch introduction to one of the most powerful yearly Spanish festival events, highlighting Spain as one of the most attractive countries in Europe for a vacation destination, celebrating its vibrant culture, rich cuisine and plentiful traditional heritage. n THE SEVILLE APRIL FAIR Location: The W Doha, grand ballroom Dates: May 29 & 30 Timings: From 8:00 p.m. till 1:30 a.m.

Ticket Info: Visit www.gcoupon.qa from May 1-4 & 20-28 and get a 50% discount on tickets for QR 125. Or purchase direct from The W Doha for full-price at QR 250 from May 5-19 and 29 & 30. Ticket price includes Spanish tapas buffet and event amenities such as music CDs and promotional gifts.

Excludes beverages.

Dress Code: Dress to impress in colourful Spanish outfits -- think flowers, polka dots, stripes and more!

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Entertainment

e d i u G n u F l a v i t s e F

By Amy Bassett

Wing your way to the seductive Spanish city of Barcelona to scratch that boogie itch and catch a glimpse of the future of creative technology with the Sónar Festival.

S

ince its inception 21 years ago, the Sónar International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art, has morphed from a mere music festival into a multimedia spectacle.

The weekend, hosted in the stunning city of Barcelona from June 12-14, has grown from a sprightly wee dance-fest to an open laboratory for creative industries!

Sónar is now a complete forum encompassing the fast edge of tomorrow’s electronica; a mini film-festival-slash-cinema convention, a digital art conference and a Music Hack Day (more on this later). At one end of the experience it’s an all-out boogie to the world’s fiercest DJs and producers and at the other, it’s a platform for creative knowledge exchange.

Sónar Day is held at the Fira Montjuïc area in Plaça d'Espanya. The large conference centre in central Barcelona is transformed into three sun-bleached stages – Sónar Village, Sónar Hall and Sónar Dome.

Through the daylight hours, a smorgasbord of acts is offered up on some of the most precise sound-

systems an audiophile could wish for. The vibe is relaxed and exploratory, and the music is tight!

To complement the bass-lines, Sónar Day workshops are hosted by Red Bull and seminal record labels 2020Vision (UK) and L.I.E.S. (NYC), on the Sónar Dome stage – these are worth checking out if you’re curious about the business that goes on behind the beats.

Come sundown you’ll move venues to Sónar Night, which is held at another conference centre on the outskirts of the city – Fira Gran Via. Sónar Night is a singular affair - one massive warehouse rave providing the heavy fix for connoisseurs of the clubbier sound.

Sónar’s audiovisual production quality is renowned as the best, anywhere, ever, so expect a complete sonic experience from both the day and night deliveries.

This year sees Massive Attack; DESPACIO (James Murphy & 2manydjs); Röyksopp & Robyn; Bonobo; Fourtet; Todd Terje; Gesaffelstein; Future Brown; Kaytranada and The Martinez

The Pet Shop Boys have still got it!

Brothers take the stage – amongst dozens and dozens of their ground-breaking peers. Herein lies the key to Sónar’s reputation as the festival kingpin – everything on offer is pushing an edge, whether it be up-and-coming artists, performance techniques or creative technology.

The third arm of the Sónar festival is Sónar+D, and this is where things start to get really interesting.

This ‘festival within a festival’ is an event which showcases the forerunners of creative technology and innovation from across the world. Under four main pillars of exhibition, discussion, networking and shows, Sónar invites global brands and industry professionals to join in an interactive discussion on the digital avant-garde through conferences, demos, video art projections, exhibitions and installations. It’s an open dialogue on all of the disciplines involved in music and the

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creative business. Organizers describe the aim of Sónar+D as ‘making the relationship between creativity, technology, mobility, innovation and business more visible and accessible.’

Rather than straight up buying a ticket - as you would do for Sónar Day and Sónar Night – music industry professionals, developers, makers, hackers, digital and graphic designers, filmmakers and all of their supporting agencies and institutions apply for accreditation to participate in Sónar+D. Of course, if you’re involved in any of these fields, this invite extends to you!

Music Hack Day is a one-day Sónar+D program which invites musicrelated app companies to hand over their app codes to hackers in a 24Crooner Lana Del hour ‘development Rey lulls the crowd jam’. A hundred of with her ethereal set these hackers, who have applied to participate and been pre-approved to get involved, are allowed to play, re-write, manipulate and freestyle with existing music app codes to see what innovations can be made. Music Hack Day is just one event on the Sónar+D schedule and is a clear example of Sónar’s ability to bring the global creative community together and push things forward – in this case with the simple idea of collaboration.

Outside of the festival grounds, the city of Barcelona comes alive with side-shows. An estimated 80,000 make it to the Catalonian city for Sónar, and another 70,000 swarm the city to present or enjoy the additional events. Maybe you’re going to hit-it-and-quit-it for the music alone, or maybe you’ll take a little while longer, soak up some of the expansive vibes of Sónar+D and explore Barcelona, but either way, prepare yourself for a mind-blown state.

The lords of electronica, Kraftwerk gives Sonar audiences a digital awakening

The bright lights and sonic boom of Sonar after dark

Check out the website for wild inspiration and last minute persuasion: www.sónar.es or follow them on Twitter @SónarFestival. n SÓNAR FESTIVAL Flights: QR 3,000 (www.expedia.com) Accomodation: Do you have any Spanish friends?! Bravo, if you do, book early if you don’t!

Tickets: 195€ (Euros) for a weekend pass to both Sónar Day and Sónar Night Accreditation: Check the website for details if you want to get deep in Sónar+D!

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Entertainment Gcoupon founder Paloma Garralda

New Kid On The Block!

By Jorge Granda

Gcoupon is a new website in Doha offering members the best deals in entertainment and food and dining with up to 50% off at restaurants, stores, events and more. QH talks with entrepreneur and founder Paloma Garralda to get the inside track!

QH: Tell us about Gcoupon – what’s it all about?

QH: Why do you think Gcoupon could be a success in Qatar?

PG: Our company philosophy is actually pretty simple. We try to provide our users with an easy and fun way to enjoy our country at the best prices. Through our website www.gcoupon.qa we feature daily deals on the best things to do in Qatar. Our website is the perfect meeting place for merchants looking to expand their business to new consumers. At the same time, Doha doesn’t need to be expensive for consumers looking for exciting things to do.

PG: I came to Qatar two years ago as a media consultant. As any new expat, I was on a pursuit to find new and exciting things to do in Doha. However, due to lack of promotion or excessively high fees it was difficult to access all the pleasures this country has to offer. Like me, thousands of expats want to discover cheap and original ways to enjoy a better life-style in Qatar – and many businesses want to reach out to new customers and maximize their sales.

QH: Where do we sign up?

We realized there was great opportunity in building a platform to connect these two entities.

By creating an easy, accessible and user-friendly website, Qatar’s residents can enjoy great deals at a cheaper price – that’s how Gcoupon was born.

PG: You can easily become a Gcoupon client for free in four steps:

1. Visit our website www.gcoupon.qa.

2. Subscribe to our mailing list and join our Gcoupon community.

3. Choose your deal and purchase it securely online.

4. Get your Gcoupon and enjoy your experience.

QH: What makes your service different to other, similar, ventures in the market?

PG: At Gcoupon we strive to differentiate ourselves from the active competitors in the market. We’re not only a discounts website but we try to focus on creating new and exciting experiences for our customers.

The city's your oyster with a range of deals from dining to entertainment

QH: How can Gcoupon help businesses in Doha grow?

PG: The secret to a successful deal is that we know the audience, and the merchant knows the product. Together we can customize the deal as per the business needs. Through our distribution channels we will make sure that the deal and the merchant are visible to thousands of people, bringing new customers through their doors.

Merchants will enjoy free, unique marketing campaigns, and they’ll be able to measure the impact of their promotion and see tangible results without any upfront costs. We give businesses the exposure to help create a loyal customer base.

QH: So tell us, how many vendors do you have on board?

PG: We’re proud to announce that The W Doha hotel and Gcoupon are launching the biggest Spanish event organized in Doha on the May 29 & 30. We’ll celebrate our launch by selling the tickets with an incredible discount of 50% off the original price! So, come join us to celebrate a grand Spanish fiesta! Apart from this, I can’t openly expose vendors before deals are active online. All I can say is we have loads of exciting features coming up, so visit our website, sign up and enjoy! n

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Entertainment

The Golden Age Of Sound

By Jorge Granda

The recent parties organized by Global DJs at La Cigale have fast become Doha’s equivalent to the kinds of mega-bashes found in nightclubs across Europe or the US. For the past two months some pretty stellar DJs have rocked the decks at Club Seven. This month it’s the turn of British celebrity DJ and producer Chris Lake to keep the crowds pumping. QH sits down for an exclusive interview with the golden boy of house.

QH: Tell us about the show you’re bringing to Qatar?

CL: It was never really a conscious decision. It just happened when I was a teenager, getting involved with synthesizers, creating sounds and developing those sounds into songs that people could dance to. It just got more serious and serious, until I got to the point where I could support myself by only doing that. It’s been a fantastic journey.

Doha, you better be ready to party with Chris!

QH: What inspires you when you make music?

CL: Anything! The world is an awesome and inspiring place. Food, memories, sounds, smells and conversations can all inspire me. Even bad things inspire me!

QH: What’s your most memorable performance and why was it so special?

CL: I have many. Every weekend I play great parties and I can honestly say that not one single performance holds any more meaning to me than another. I get to make great people dance all around the world and it’s a fantastic feeling.

so many musicians that I bump into all the time, hang out with, produce with etc. It’s a creative place. This month I’ve been hanging with Tommy Trash, Deadmau5, A-Trak, Nom De Strip [and] TJR. Good times.

QH: Who’s your favourite artist?

CL: Probably the French act Air – they’re fantastic!

CL: I’ll be bringing energy, variety and fresh sounds to Qatar. It’s also my first time in your country. I can’t wait!

QH: Are you good friends with many of your fellow DJs and producers?

QH: Would you advise or support one of your loved ones breaking into the music scene? What would be your advice?

QH: How did you decide to pursue a career in music?

CL: Yes, many! I’m surrounded by them. Now I live in Los Angeles in the USA [and] there are

CL: Well my wife is a musician, so I’m already doing it. We help each other all the time

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Sharing the decks with Grammy Award-winning DJ Skrillex (left)

when it’s needed. She sang on ‘Only One’, and ‘Sundown’ for example.

QH: Tell us about your upcoming projects.

What are you currently working on?

QH: Is there anything you don’t like about your work or the music industry in general?

CL: I’m working on new material all the time. I just completed a few remixes that are out now.

One was for a new British act called Indiana, and the track is called ‘Solo Dancing’. I also remixed ‘NAPT – Come on Surrender’ with Nom De Strip. I’m really happy with these. I also have my next single called ‘Squeak’ coming on Ultra, and my last single ‘Helium’ has now been remixed by Merk & Kremont, Starkillers, Rene Lavice, Lazy Rich and some guy called Tiesto.

CL: Ha! The travelling can be a bit much sometimes. It’s something you have to get used to.

QH: Celebrities are going hard against the paparazzi all over the world. What’s your take on it and where do you think the line should be drawn? Being followed by photographers comes with the territory of being famous – do you think celebrities have the right to complain about the unwanted attention?

QH: Is there anything in your career as a musician that you haven’t achieved yet but would really like to accomplish?

CL: A Grammy would be nice.

CL: Yeah, I think it’s an intrusion and it’s a bit much, but I get it as well. So long as it’s done in a respectful manner, I’m fine with it.

QH: Spin the globe and tell us where’s the best place to party?

CL: At the moment, the US. There’s nothing quite like what’s going on here right now. It’s ridiculous – massive amazing parties all over the country.

QH: Tell us three things nobody knows about you.

CL: I’m English, not Scottish. I used to be a postman for three years before I was a full-time producer and DJ. I support Norwich City football club. n DJ CHRIS LAKE LIVE Date: Thursday, May 15 Location: Club Seven, La Cigale Ticket Info: QR 150. Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Tickets on sale at Virgin Megastores, Crepaway, and La Cigale concierge.

Contact: 5518-8008 or visit the Global DJs Facebook page

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Entertainment

Party Hoppin’

Happenings

Take the elevator to the top and unwind after work at Level 23

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

This month I visited the upscale Level 23 in The Ritz-Carlton Doha which I’ve been told is quite a lounge, so I had to check it out for myself. For those of you out there who prefer a low-key, elegant ambiance, this is a nice place to unwind in style.

T

here’s plenty going on in Doha’s nightlife scene for hard-core party-goers; from nightclubs to special events, parties and concerts, the options are unlimited. But not everyone likes to party hard, but they may still want to enjoy a nice evening out and a few drinks. For this group of individuals I would recommend a visit to Level 23 in The Ritz-Carlton Doha. Located atop the 23rd floor adjacent to the hotel’s opulent seafood restaurant La Mer, the view is unparalleled for starters. The windows in the place have no curtains, allowing guests to experience the spectacular view of Doha’s city skyline. I didn’t know there was a lounge in the city with such an amazing view and The Pearl-Qatar looks splendid from Level 23.

Making music -- a live pianist will start this month!

The design and ambiance are just as extraordinary as the view. The space is decked out in fine wood accents and the décor is stylish and elegant with comfortable black leather chairs, a big bar displaying its many different wares and a grand piano near the entrance. I’ve been told that there will soon be live entertainment which I’m sure will light up the atmosphere even more. In terms of beverages Level 23 offers an extensive list of cocktails – one of the largest ranges in the city it seems. Of course I didn’t try them all, but would recommend the traditional James Bond and the blackberry ginger caipirinha – both are delicious and hit the spot.

On the food front, Level 23 is soon set to launch their new menu so diners stay tuned. This night we were lucky to sample their crispy calamari and a hearty chicken club sandwich with fluffy, piping-hot fries. Both were filling, casual-dining fare and we left with full, satisfied bellies.

If you like it lavish, Level 23 is definitely a good choice to spend some quality time with friends after work or on the weekend – especially for their buy-one-get-one-free happy hour menu. But reservations are recommended. Bottoms up! n

LEVEL 23 Location: The Ritz-Carlton Doha Timings: 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., daily Happy hour: 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.

Smoking: Yes Contact Info: 4484-8000 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com

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Entertainment Listings RECOMMENDS

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES

Thursdays 9 To 1

Thursdays: The Lounge. Relax at the legendary Thursdays 9 to 1 at The Lounge with resident DJ Mike Hobson squeezing the most out of the decks. Urban contemporary sounds, cocktails of the future, love, fun and class are the ingredients of the most chic Thursday night in Doha. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

PROMOTIONS DOHA MARRIOTT The View Pool Bar & Grill – New Outdoor Terrace

Daily: Pool Deck. ‘The View’, a brand-new food and beverage outlet has joined the Doha Marriott family. The View is a beautifullydesigned terrace-style space located directly on the pool deck with excellent views over the Doha city skyline. The View menu provides a wide selection of fare for all palates, from the famous Marriott burger to a fresh and delicious tomato and mozzarella salad. Stop by with a friend and join in for their daily Happy Hour from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and enjoy the fantastic views and atmosphere that The View has to offer! Open from 11:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

Happy Hour With A Twist

Daily: Asia Live! Join the Marriott for Social Sushi – Happy Hour with a twist! Choose between California maki, prawn tempura maki, spicy tuna roll or dynamite roll for your perfect combination of sushi and bubbly! Dig in to four pieces of sushi including one drink for only QR 50. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA

Country Party May 26: Paloma. Free country dancing lessons, no entrance fee required. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

All listin per hot gs are categoriz el. Inclu ed s to avail ability o ion is limited f priority given to space, with advertis ers.

Old School Disco

May 30: Paloma. The weekend is party time down at Paloma with some funky old-school disco. Just come down with your friends and enjoy great cocktails and funky surroundings with live entertainment from the DJ. QR 50 entrance fee for gents and free drinks for ladies. Doors open from 10:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Tennis, A Table, And Some Tapas

May 25-June 8: Jazz Up. Watch the French Open 2014 in style at Jazz Up this month. All games will be playing on the big screen from 5:00 p.m. every day of the tournament while you snack on a Paris Sampler French tapas platter for a mere QR 60. For more information call 4429-1111.

RADISSON BLU The Laughter Factory

May 12 & 13: Shehrazad. Three of the best comics present over two hours of club stand-up, direct from The Comedy Store in London. Both evenings are non- smoking events! Admission is QR 140 including one sponsored beverage. Doors open from 5:00 p.m., show starts at 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Pub Quiz

May 26: Shehrazad. Let Geordie Andrew take you through his Pub Quiz challenge.

Bring along your team of six players to test your knowledge against the best of Doha.

Fantastic prizes for winners! Doors open at 5:00 p.m., quiz starts at 8:00 p.m. and entrance is free. Qatari ID required. For more information call 4428-1555.

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Entertainment Listings RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Discounts & New Menu Daily: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant.

Round off the English Premier League and Champions League in style this year with exciting discounts on selected beverages. Also, don’t miss their delicious new food menu. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

Drink Pink

Daily: Glo. The bar is bringing pink back! All throughout May, Glo will paint the town pink with discounted pink-themed beverages starting from QR 40. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

The Giraffe: A Towering Experience

Daily: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant.

Champions is bringing The Giraffe to Doha!

Starting in the month of May, multiple-litre Giraffes of brewskies will be available to share. It’s just another way to celebrate the big games in style with friends! Prices start from QR 230. From 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Let’s Get Quizzical

May 12: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant.

Join Champions for the best quiz night in Doha with a maximum of six per team for the chance to win the first prize of QR 3,000. Entrance is free and the quiz runs from 7:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Sundowner Sessions

Fridays: Al Dana Terrace. The much-beloved lounge night makes a comeback on Al Dana Terrace. Doha's sunset spot comes to life every Friday with DJ Carl Roberts and special guests. From 4:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m., entry is free. For more information call 4425-6666 or visit the Sundowner Sessions Al Dana Terrace Facebook page.

Salsa & Candela

May 9: The Cigar Lounge. The lounge hosts this popular event for lovers of Latin music.

Bring your dancing shoes and dance the night away. Entrance fee includes one welcome drink.

From 9:00 p.m. to midnight, QR 85 per person.

For more information call 4425-6666 or email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.

See us online! m

THE GRAND HYATT White Party

May 16: Rocca. Book your table for uplifting vocal house music from 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. courtesy of DJs Santiago Vittorelli and Carl Roberts, accompanied by Patrick Dilley on drums. The most fabulous-dressed guest in white will win a one night weekend stay in a suite at The Grand Hyatt Doha including beach access, breakfast for two and a late check-out.

Entrance fee is QR 50 unless you’re dressed head to toe in white. For more information call 7021-8099.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Reggae On The Beach

Thurs, Fri & Sat: Oyster Bay. Get into the rhythm of the Caribbean every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Kick off your shoes, chill-out on the beach and enjoy live reggae music by Buggy Nakhente and the Fully Loaded band with singer Rhesa Garnes.

Complimentary entry, tables with bottle service have a QR 200 minimum spend, non-bottle service tables also available – bookings recommended. From 8:30 p.m. till midnight. ID Scanning required and guest must be over the age of 21. For more information call 4446-0000 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

W DOHA Wednesday Fever

May 7: Wahm. Enjoy a night of deep house with DJ Stephane Karl coming all the way from Paris. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Strictly reservation and guest-list only. For more information call 4453-5323 or BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

Buddha Bar Big Friday

May 30: Wahm. French-Canadian DJ Nicholas Sechaud is no stranger to the international club and fine-dining scene. Currently resident DJ at the world-renowned Siddhartha Lounge at Grosvenor House Dubai, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nicholas has done a number of residencies across famed bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants worldwide, from Italy, Spain, Monaco and Turkey to Uzbekistan and the Philippines. From 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

Strictly reservation and guest-list only. For more information call 4453-5323 or BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

Carnival Night

May 9: Crystal. Crystal proudly presents, from the hottest parties in Miami, Florida, the number-one saxophonist Matt performing live in Doha alongside Crystal resident DJ Waylon Pereira who’ll be mixing all the latest tunes.

Starts at 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-3135 or BBM: 2ADD2715.

EVERY WEEK CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Happy Hours

Daily: Misturado will re-open its doors one hour earlier for you at 4:00 p.m. to broadcast more live sporting events this coming season. Don’t miss out on the special Happy Hour daily 2-for-1 promotion on all house beverages. We dare you to go somewhere else! From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Happy Hour

Daily: The Pearl Lounge. Unwind in chic and elegant surroundings and enjoy their daily happy hour with 2-for-1 on selected drinks. For more information call 4429-8444.

Pearl Lounge Theme Nights

Mondays: Ladies Just Wanna Have Fun. Gents QR 100, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m.and 12 midnight.

Tuesdays: R&B and Funky House. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight.

Wednesdays: Arabic Night. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight.

Thursdays: Diva’s Night Out. Gents QR 75, ladies get three free drinks between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight.

Fridays: Chillax Saturdays: Bollywood Meets Hollywood. Ladies get one free drink between 9:00 p.m. till 12 midnight.

Sundays: Reggae ‘n Old School.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Big Night Out

Wednesdays: Paloma and Lava. It’s Doha’s biggest ladies night with unlimited complimentary selected drinks for ladies.

Dance to the tunes of Paloma’s new resident Sizzle band followed by two dance-floors with resident DJs from 10:00 p.m. till late. For more information call 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Karaoke At Hive

Tuesdays: Hive. Enjoy a unique experience at Hive every Tuesday where all selected beverages are QR 25 and where the best karaoke singer can enjoy free beverages from 8:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

www.qatarhappening.co

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Live DJs On The Decks

Wed & Fri: Strata. Enjoy three musicalthemed nights with two extremely talented DJs on the decks from 9:30 p.m. till late. Every Wednesday and Friday, enjoy the disco and deep, soulful house tunes from Steve Kz. Deep and funky house music enthusiasts will enjoy the beats played by Jared McCulloch & Friends every Thursday, with local DJs making guest appearances on selected dates. A mash-up of dance and urban tunes will keep you on the dance-floor the entire night every Friday with Sam World & Friends. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Latino In The City

Mondays: Strata. Salsa is a popular social dance that combines techniques and movements from Latin America, particularly Cuba and Puerto Rico. Learn the popular dance moves every Monday with dancing classes from 8:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. with salsa music played until closing time. An entrance fee of QR 65, which includes one beverage, applies for all gentlemen, while entrance is free for all ladies.

For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

WEEKENDS CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Liquidity Nights

Thurs, Fri & Sat: Liquidity. All ladies are entitled to free special cocktails from 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight with live entertainment.

Free for ladies, QR 100 for gents. For more information call 4408-7777.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cosmopolitan Thursdays Thursdays: The Square. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., QR 300 including selected house beverages and QR 230 including soft drinks and mocktails. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Super Saturdays

Saturdays: Hive. Gather the boys and get down to Hive on Saturday to enjoy the best the Premier League has to offer, while enjoying a 20% discount on food items and selected beverages for QR 25. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Bucket Day

Fridays: Hive. Quench your thirst with a bucket of six brews for the price of four for QR 125, while listening to funky tunes from the ‘70s from 5:00 p.m. till 12 midnight. For more information call 4015-8888, or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

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Entertainment Listings KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES MIX & FUSE Happy Hour Daily: The Lounge. 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, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

The Lounge Tuesdays With Kéyali

Tuesdays: The Lounge. Kéyali Mayaga captivates guests of The Lounge with a collection of her favourite songs, along with some stellar surprise co-performers and piano accompaniment. Join her at The Lounge for nights of true musical indulgence by the amber-lit bar from 9:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight.

For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Airline Flight Crew Happy Hours

Sat-Fri: The Lounge & Aroma. All airline flight crew can enjoy a complimentary 20% discount on the final bill of their dinner or drinks in Aroma or The Lounge when presenting their company ID card. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Be Entertained At Jazz up

Daily: Jazz Up. The perfect spot to chill out in contemporary, yet intimate surroundings while listening to smooth tunes and indulging in quality drinks, creative cocktails and an extensive snacks menu with live entertainment on Fridays. For more information call 4429-1111.

ORYX ROTANA Hospitality Night

Mondays: The 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 their new in-house band Mane and Cocktails and benefit from a 25% discount on the total food and beverage bill. Be sure to check in early for a great night! Hoteliers can invite up to three guests. For more information call 4402-3333.

Diva Night

Tuesdays: The Jazz Club. Ladies can join in and enjoy three complimentary drinks from 6:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. After that, they can indulge in a 50% discount on selected cocktails. Enjoy the night with their resident DJ Betty as she plays the best of funk, soul, groove and lounge music.

For more information call 4402-3333.

Happy Hour

Ladies Night

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER A Happier Hour

Gents Nigh

Music Fridays!

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Ladies Night

DJ Beats At Glo Bar

High Heels Night

Daily: Jazz Club. From 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. enjoy a super offer of buy-one-get-one-free on selected beverages. For more information call 4402-3333.

Tues & Wed: Champions Sports Bar. Throughout the Champions League, Champions is extending happy times to make guests even happier! Every Tuesday & Wednesday enjoy an extra happy hour from 10:45 p.m. till 11:45 p.m.

From QR 28. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

Fridays: Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant.

Champions presents evenings of international music and pizzazz with your all-time favourite songs played by their live band. Entry fee is QR 60, inclusive of one house beverage. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Thurs, Fri & Sat: Glo. Enjoy free entry as Glo’s very own resident DJ May Tox spins the finest beats on the dance-floor! From 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut

Daily: Looking to set sail on the Arabian Gulf?

Searching for an exclusive dining place or a fun experience? With room for up to eight people the BBQ Donut will take you along the West Bay shores to enjoy unparalleled views of the city while savouring an exquisite dining experience.

QR 180 including chilled juices, mineral water and soft drinks. Rental fees: 1 hour for QR 450, 2 hours for QR 800 and an additional 30 minutes for QR 200. For more information call 4484-7450 or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

THE FOUR SEASONS Vino & Cheese Trio

Daily: Library Bar & Cigar Lounge. You can have the chance to taste six different kinds of cheeses from all over Europe paired with the finest selection of beverages from their experts for QR 195 each. From 12:00 noon till 2:00 a.m. For more information call 4494-8981.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Quiz Night

Mondays: Admiral’s Club. Enjoy a fabulous Quiz Night at Admiral's with exciting prizes to be won. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.

For more information call 4484-8663 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Mondays: Habanos. Enjoy one complimentary glass upon arrival from a selection of sparkling wine, house vino or brews. From 8:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-8504 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Saturdays: Habanos. Guys get your dancing shoes and come on out to gents night every Saturday. Enjoy at a selected brew menu priced at QR 30. From 9:00 p.m. till 12:45 a.m. For more information call 4484-8504 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Wednesdays: JALC Doha. Ladies, gather your girlfriends together for a night of cool jazz on a Wednesday. Buy one drink and get one complimentary on selected mixed beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Wednesdays: Vintage Lounge. Step into the glamourous and elegant Vintage Lounge for a great night out. Ladies enjoy a complimentary second drink between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 50% off selected beverages between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Happy Hours

Daily: The Sea Lounge, Al Seef & The Cigar Lounge. You can save 50% on your favourite brands and house beverages every day at some of their most popular meeting places: Al Seef from 2:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., The Sea Lounge from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and The Cigar Lounge from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

Barbecue By The Pool

Thurs &Fri: Al Seef. It’s that time of the year again! The heat’s off and the coals are sizzling. Take a seat by the pool and enjoy the finest al fresco dining at Al Seef for QR 215, from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

W DOHA ‘The Vibe’ Ladies Night

Mondays: Wahm. Ladies enjoy two drinks on the house from 9:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5323 or BBM: 2A8F6AE5.

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Entertainment Directory

Nightclubs, Bars & Lounges Admiral’s Club The Ritz-Carlton

4448-4800

Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha The St. Regis Doha

Pearl Lounge Doha Marriott

Bar Rancho’s Grand Regal Hotel

4425-6666

The Jazz Club Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Belgian Café InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Krossroads Horizon Manor Hotel

Bubbles on Two Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Champions West End Renaissance Doha Cigar Lounge Sharq Village & Spa

4419-6100

4425-6666

Club 7 La Cigale

4428-8888

Crystal Lounge W Doha

4453-5135

D’Illusion Gokulam Park Dunes Lounge The Grand Hyatt

Lava Lounge InterContinental Doha Le Club Mercure Grand Hotel Level 23 The Ritz-Carlton

Qube Radisson Blu 4428-1428 Rocca The Grand Hyatt

4448-1234

4445-5444 Shehrazad Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4484-4444 Sky View La Cigale

4428-8888

4446-2222 Spike’s Lounge Doha Golf Club

4429-8888

4446-0000

4496-0777

4448-4800 Splash Oryx Rotana 4402-3333

Liquidity Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

4408-7777

Strata Lounge InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888

Madison Piano Bar La Cigale

4428-8888

The Irish Harp Sheraton Doha

4485-4444

The Library Radisson Blu

4428-1428

4470-8888 Manhattan Radisson Blu 4428-1428 4448-1234

Fahrenheit Horizon Manor Hotel

4445-5444

Misturado Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park

Glo Cocktail Bar West End Renaissance Doha

4419-6100

Orion Radisson Blu

4428-1428

The Lounge Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3325

Habanos Ritz-Carlton Doha

4484-8000

Oyster Bay & Bar The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Vintage Lounge The St. Regis Doha

4446-0105

Paloma InterContinental Doha

4484-4444

Wahm W Doha

4453-5353

Hive InterContinental Doha The City

4408-7777

The Library Bar & Cigar Lounge Four Seasons 4494-8888

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Arts & Culture

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

Qatar Museums Authority Richard Serra

Katara An Evening With Sonja Park May 21: Building 16, Katara Opera House. Join renowned Doha-based concert pianist Sonja Park as she presents an evening of romantic piano masterpieces at the Katara Opera House. Featuring classic compositions from Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and Chopin, watch as one of Doha’s best musical luminaries brings down the house. For ticket information visit www.katara.net, or www.sonjapark.org.

The Doha Players Les Misérables May 15-17: Qatar National Theatre. Boublil and Schonberg’s hit musical comes to the stage here in Doha from 7:30 p.m. on May 15, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 16 and 3:00 p.m. on May 17. Tickets are QR 75 and QR 100, available from The One in Villaggio and Landmark Malls. For more information visit www.thedohaplayers.com.

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JALC Doha Jazz In MIA Park May 14: Once a month Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha moves the stage to the outdoors and holds a free community concert in the park. These wonderful monthly events feature an open stage and hundreds of people gathering to listen to world-class jazz performed under the stars by JALC artists. From 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., free entry. For more information visit www.jalcdoha.com.

May 1-July 6: Al Riwaq Doha. Richard Serra brings together sculptures and drawings from different periods of Serra’s fifty-year career, including works from the seminal One Ton Prop (House of Cards) of 1969, on rare loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York, to a new sculpture created for this exhibition. Al Riwaq will house Serra’s new work, Passage of Time, which has been made especially for the space that spans a total area of 5,000 square-metres.

The sculpture is made up of two 66.5-metre-long and 11.5-metre deep steel curves that snake diagonally through the site, and was fabricated in Germany at one of the very few steel mills that can take on such monumental steel works. For more information visit www.richardserraqatar.qa.

The Awakenings Ensemble Jazz Meets Mozart May 10: Qatar National Convention Centre, Auditorium #3. The Awakenings Ensemble will present Latin Symphony from the Jazz Meets Mozart project.

This unique arrangement by The Awakenings Ensemble leader Michael Pignéguy will feature visiting Jazz at Lincoln Center musicians Dominick Faranacci(trumpet), Mat Rybicki (acoustic bass), plus Qatar Music Academy lecturers. Entry is free. For more information visit www.music.com.qa.

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Arts & Culture Voices lifted as one, the members of World Within A Song sing their song as a tribute to Qatar

y it s r e iv D f O ic g a M The

By Diana Farid

There’s a new Doha-based music video with a message that’s been making waves across the MENA region. Bringing together musicians, vocalists and singer-songwriters from 24 nationalities ‘World Within A Song’ hits all the right notes.

‘For a moment let’s be love For a moment let’s be peace For a moment let’s be one…

For a moment let’s be united…

Alone we can do so little…

Together we can do so much…

We are the world in a song…’

These are some chosen words from the heartfelt lyrics of the newly-released ‘World Within A Song’; the first track in the Middle East to feature 24 nationalities in one video. The song was brought to life to exhibit “the undying unity of the human spirit and music’s ability to unite people across borders and cultures”, highlighting that through unity, love, happiness and peace can prosper amidst diversity.

The paradigm was to provide an opportunity for upcoming musical talent to showcase their skills, while sharing the same passion about the project’s theme. “As a group of enthusiastic, talented musicians of different nationalities, we highly believe in the strength of diversity especially in our adopted homeland [of] Qatar,” says project producer Angelo Anslem. “We wanted to show the world the beauty of being different by collaborating diverse talents, characteristics, qualities and passion through music – the world’s common language.”

The group’s effort also stems from their gratitude of how Qatar opens doors, provides opportunities and accommodates a multitude of nationalities. It’s one example of how one

land can host so many expatriate nationalities and grow and develop from the fruit of their joint efforts. As Qatar is one of the smallest, yet wealthiest countries in the GCC, with more than two-thirds of its population as non-nationals, “we wanted to present the song as a gift for Qatar which makes us feel [at] home [while we’re] away from our real hometowns,” adds Anslem. “The song reflects our everyday life so it proclaims to the world that regardless of

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diversity, one can still enjoy peace if there is tolerance for others.” he adds.

Everything about the song conveys the message at its heart – the lyrics, the beat, the composition and the vocals. Each sentence is sung by a different vocalist in harmony, reminding listeners of the diversity heard in each voice, coming together in a team effort to create a piece of music that celebrates the very differences that make us unique. The song has reaped positive vibes since its launch back in February, 2014, with more than 4,500 followers on the official Facebook page and more than 7,000 views in the first couple of days it was posted on YouTube.

Written by local singer-songwriter Kéyali Mayaga, the song may not have been realized if it wasn’t for Anslem and his music-composer partner, Dileepa Liyanage, as they started their musical life in Doha back in 2010, implementing a small studio, ‘Record-ON’, in one of their rooms which through word of mouth eventually became a hub for people from different backgrounds to come, meet, socialize and produce music. “One day the idea struck my mind, why don’t we all create something together and come up with one idea where we all work as one unit,” Anslem explains.

“I started to observe the nationalities till one day we planned to start working on that song.”

The team has been through it all –adventure, creativity, challenges and mind-blowing discoveries that later gave birth to the song’s idea in September 2012, but it took them a lot of time to produce the video due to financial challenges.

A lack of financial support was their biggest obstacle as the project was only initiated by Anslem and Liyanage, so there was no budget for video production. Even the participating singers and song-writers were reluctant at first to work on a song with no budget for fear of the quality of the production value. It took them a long time to collect the necessary funds; the only way out was to save from their own salaries to bring in the needed amount to kick off the project.

L-R: World With A Song producers Angelo Anslem and Dileepa Liyanage

“As a goal, we wish to participate in [the] 2022 World Cup,” says Anslem. “Since expats are a big part of the nation, it can be a good chance to reflect our love for the country and appreciation for living here by sending this unity message to the entire world. We dream we can replicate the experience by hosting 100 nationalities [for another video] not only 24, however this needs financial support or any kind of sponsorship to achieve this dream.” n To listen to and learn more about ‘World Within A Song’ visit them on Facebook or go to www.worldwithinasong.com.

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Arts & Culture

y a W ’s t s i t r A e Th

By Amy Bassett Images courtesy of Phil Green and Jethro Stamps

We meet three visual luminaries who are using their inspiration, talent, and skill with a paintbrush to make Qatar their tapestry.

"Artists exist only because our world is imperfect." − Andrey Tarkovsky Observing visual artists at work can mesmerize the senses, like watching a gorgeous woman apply lipstick or listening to the rain on the roof. There’s fluidity about it, a kinetic confidence to each stroke of the brush and the energy created is that of children at play. It’s infectious!

Gary, Stork and Wert159 fill each blank canvas at their artists jam

EnforceOne from New Zealand, along with Stork and Wert159 from Russia, are a rag-tag collective who have just completed a commercial project – illustrating the entertainment area of the new Gulf Mall in Al Gharafa. At the end of their six-week project, they’re celebrating with an ‘art-jam’ session at a private residence. Each artist has been given a wall to do with what they wish, and I went along to pick their creative brains and absorb the poetry in motion.

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The final masterpieces from a trifecta of talent

GARY YONG

(Project Kingpin)

Artist name: EnforceOne aka ‘Keep Calm and Gary Yong’, representing [the] deconstructed but living, Cut Collective crew from Aotearoa (New Zealand). I’m currently based in Dubai and was invited to pitch for the project here in Qatar. We pitched against artists from Iran, India and Egypt but the firm took a risk in hiring us as street artists and we took a risk taking on a huge commercial project in an unfamiliar country. Once I got to Qatar I called up Mischa and Anton and brought them over to help execute the project.

Why art?

Part of being an artist is, you look within yourself, you’re never satisfied with your creative output. This is the relationship I have with art. I’m constantly looking toward the anatomy of art and asking myself, ‘How do I make this fit who I am? How can I try new things?’ Like everyone else, you try to always be ambitious and not get bored with what you do.

What’s your impression of the Middle East art scene?

When I see artists from Jordan, Egypt, [and] Syria, I’m interested in the way they make art.

There’s a mystery with their work, some of them have been through hardship to get out of their own countries, they have stories to tell, and I’m interested in that.

Will you return to Qatar?

I’m definitely keen to explore the scene here further….

Artist name: Misha Uteev aka WERT159 from Russia via New Zealand.

WERT159

STORK

Artist name: Stork – representing art collective RAYONS from Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Are you a natural-born artist?

From early childhood, I loved to create. Drawing was my favourite. For me, it’s a tool to express my ideas, thoughts and moods. In future I will perhaps find a new tool to express myself – who knows, maybe even poetry…

How do you work?

My workflow is affected by numerous factors such as the physical space, available resources, mood and time.

What influences you?

I’m influenced above all by an artwork manifested. I believe that any person that takes part in any creative activity, (poet, composer, artist), all basically do the same thing using different tools. These people can feel and read the world and serve as a transmitter of that intangible information to society.

Favourite place in Qatar?

Doha’s backstreets!

What do you do?

I’m a full-time visual architect of anything and everything creative. My main fields of creative expression are graffiti art, muralism, digital painting and modern fine art. I’m based in Auckland, NZ, and work out of my home studio in Grey Lynn.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

I'm always happy when people respond to it, no matter what they say. If they respond– they are now engaging with an artwork.

What are your influences?

I love travelling and meeting artists, expanding my areas of interest and learning from other people and cultures.

What is your dream project?

A project with the creative and financial freedom to create a unique large-scale art object that combines architecture, graffiti and fine craftsmanship.

Sum up Qatar in three words: Beige, bold and contrast. n

To learn more about each artist visit • www.enforce1.com • www.cutcollective.co.nz • www/vk.com/rayonstars • www.wert159.com.

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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 Katara The Writing Exchange

Ongoing: The Katara Arts Center, Building 5. Creative minds looking to express and develop their ideas and inspiration can come share their writing with a like-minded group.

Writer’s block or too shy to share? Interactive and engaging exercises and activities aim to bring out the inner creative writer in everyone. Perfect for adults, university-aged and up.

From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m., open to all and free to attend. For more information on dates and schedule visit www.katara.net.

ONE OF A KIND AL MARKHIYA GALLERY Transformations Exhibition

May 1-23: Souq Waqif. Jordanian photographer Bader Mahasneh and Egyptian photographer Marwa Adel will be exhibiting photographs of people in both colour and black and white.

Gallery hours are Sat-Thurs, 10:00 a.m. till noon and then 4:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m., then on Fridays from 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Admission is free. For more information call Heather at 6600-8750 or email heather@almarkhiyagallery.com.

Shawki Youssef Exhibit

May 25-31: Renowned Lebanese artist Shawki Youssef brings his artwork to the Al Markhiya Gallery in a special exhibition showcasing his most recent expressions. For more information call Heather at 6600-8750 or email heather@almarkhiyagallery.com.

QATAR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Grieg Piano Concerto

May 1: Katara Cultural Village, Opera House.

Performance starts at 7:30 p.m. George Pehlivanian, conductor; Sveinung Bjelland, piano; featuring Ahmed El Saedi’s Symphonic Prologue for Large Orchestra (World Premiere), Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16 Intermission, and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 60 (Leningrad).For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

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 Carmina Burana And The Planets

May 11: Qatar National Convention Centre Theatre. Performance starts at 7:30 p.m. and Duncan Copp’s film The Planets: An HD Odyssey, using the latest NASA footage will be shown throughout. Alastair Willis, conductor; Anya Matanovic, soprano; Marcus Shelton, tenor; Jochen Kupfer, baritone; Qatar Philharmonic Children‘s Choir; MDR Radio Choir of Leipzig; featuring Gustav Holst’s The Planets, Op. 32 Intermission and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. For more information visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org.

EVERY WEEK MATHAF Etel Adnan in All Her Dimensions

Ongoing: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art presents an exhibition of the work of LebaneseAmerican visual artist, poet, playwright and essayist Etel Adnan in All Her Dimensions, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist. Similar to nature consisting of many dimensions, the artistic and literary oeuvre of Etel Adnan contains many different aspects. Through the exploration of this artist’s multidimensionality, the exhibition will highlight the diversity in her work. Providing an extensive overview, the display at Mathaf will include Adnan’s paintings, drawings, leporellos, tapestries, writings and films from the 1960s onwards. For more information visit www.mathaf.org.

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 This Month

VCUQatar 2014 BFA & MFA Exhibition

New Hamad International Airport

Grand Opening

May 27: The long-awaited new Hamad International Airport is slated to open it doors to all carriers this month. Located just 20 minutes north of the old airport, the new facilities will have five concourses and will feature 16 lounges, 28 art installations, more than 100 retail outlets, a spa, squash courts, a swimming pool and an on-site mosque that can accommodate up to 500 worshippers. For more information visit www.ndiaproject.com.

Or yx Rotana

The St. Regis Doha

Armenian Festival May 15-17: Jade Ballroom. Oryx Rotana will hold an Armenian Festival! The event will include dinner and entertainment from the Hayastani Pari Petakan Ansambl – The Dance Ensemble of Armenia. The 16-person band will perform traditional Armenian music and folklore dance. Starts at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are QR 390 including dinner. For more information call 4402-3333.

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May 4-31: The VCUQatar Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) showcase is the annual exhibition of Qatar’s graduating artists and designers. The opening reception kicks off on Sunday, May 4 at 5:00 p.m. at VCUQatar. The exhibition features a wide range of work that represents the culmination of the techniques and concepts developed throughout each student’s experience at VCUQatar. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu or call 4402-0555.

Family Jazz Afternoons

The Doha Players Amateur Theatre Group Ongoing: Take part in one-act plays, musicals, dramas, comedies and tragedies to name a few! Membership prices are QR 150 for a single membership and QR 250 for family membership per year. For more information call 4447-4911(Sun-Thurs, 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.), or email socialmembership@thedohaplayers.com.

May 3: JALC Doha Club. One Saturday afternoon a month, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha opens its doors to the community for a free afternoon of jazz fun! Children can be inspired by interacting with world-class musicians at these informal and fun afternoons where the Doha community can sing and dance to the beat of jazz. Free of charge, from 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000, email diningreservations@stregis.com or visit www.jalcdoha.com.

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Community

The Local Motive

By Ujwala Thirumurthy

Forget the mega-malls and the neon brand-names – this month we delve into Qatar’s corners to discover where the meaning of ‘local’ lives and thrives, talking to vendors, merchants and shoppers who support and sustain a city.

‘I don't shop because I need something – I just shop for shopping's sake.’

That’s what happens when you head to the nearest mall on any given Thursday night. The mall – a place that leaves you exhausted after hours of walking and burns a hole in your pocket for buying stuff you didn’t need. Surely, there must be a place where you can shop without worrying about discount sales, parking tickets, and food courts that take much of your time and money away. And so, there is! The souq! Selling almost everything that every supermarket or hypermarket offers and more, the souq is the place for a bargain.

Souq Haraaj located in the Najma area has a variety of goods ranging from furniture and home accessories including curtains, linen and fabric, to electronic appliances. For someone new to the

city, this is the perfect place to find a good deal on basic goods. Nishtar, a private taxi driver, says, “My family is back home in Sri Lanka and I live with my roommates. We usually buy the household necessities here and share the cost.”

Now, the souq is mostly popular for its sale of second-hand goods at low prices. The choices are plenty. You can browse through at your own pace, bargain till you drop, and have a guilt-free shopping spree. “You [can] even get repair tools here such as nuts and bolts to fix your existing furniture,” adds Nishtar. “None of the high-end stores in shopping malls offer that.”

Balaji, a housewife, says, “The quantity and price are a bargain deal. We brought home five kilos of fresh tomatoes at less than QR 15.

They’re absolutely no competition to the frozen tomatoes sold in supermarkets.” You certainly can’t beat that.“It’s a lot more economical if two or three families share the cost and quantity of the produce”, she adds.

If Souq Haraaj is the ideal destination for your home needs, then the Salwa Central Fruit and Vegetable Market is the one-stop shop for all fresh produce. One of Doha’s oldest marketplaces, it’s been thriving because of its authenticity and quality of products. Praveena

The only dampeners are the tight parking spaces and the commute. Hemalatha Raja, also a housewife, says. “I haven’t been there for a long time now because it’s just too far away from where I live, but it’s a great place to get the best produce that stays fresh for a good two weeks.”

Buy spices by the kilo in alleys of Souq Waqif

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Traditional Arabic perfume ointments can be found in Souq Waqif

The market is usually bustling all through the week, but weekends see sales at their peak with the adjacent meat and fish market also getting its fair share of customers. Not to forget the Omani Souq located just behind the Salwa Central Market. Selling Omani merchandise including incense, plants, pottery, camel sticks, nuts and perfumes, the souq is a sensory treat.

Available at bargain prices, it’s a delight to the tourist or expat who wants to take back souvenirs. Where else would you get all things Omani under one roof?

All local and all fresh, feed your family from the fish market

Fresh dates on display in the Omani Souq

But, if there’s one place that is loved by tourists, locals and expats alike, it’s got to be Souq Waqif. Over the last few years, Souq Waqif has transformed from just a local marketplace into a social and cultural hub. Shashikiran, a business executive who’s been in Qatar for 13 years now points out: “You can shop for the best in local arts and crafts, savour the best of cuisines and be treated to the sights and

Above: Popular with tourists, the textiles area of Souq Waqif can house some hidden gems In Circle: Bartering over the price of apples at the Salwa Road Wholesale Market

smells of the real Doha,” he says. “Where else would you find tourists shopping for knick-knacks on one hand, and local customers bargaining over a pigeon or a pup to take home to their kids?”

Souq Waqif is particularly famous for its delicious Middle Eastern and international cuisines, not to forget the coffee shops and shisha joints. Coupled with its vibrant atmosphere, it beats any food court in the best of malls hands-down.

Clearly, shopping local is a habit that we could all benefit from! Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It means helping to boost the local economy and create more jobs. It means building relationships instead of multi-million dollar contracts. It means a weekend of guilt-free shopping for the stuff that we actually need. n

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Community Doctors, paramedics and safety educators equip community members with the tools they need for car safety awareness

p U le k c u B d n A h t a M e h T Do

By Charlie Sands Photography by Nadir Khamis

So where does the law stand on wearing a seat belt in Qatar? Is there a law regarding kids and car seats or seat belts, and where can I get some advice or training on how to keep my friends and family safe on the roads? QH speaks to Qatar's first Child and Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs): Hamad paramedic Mark Roxborough and Injury Prevention Director Dr. Rafael Consunji who fill in all the details.

“It's one thing to have a car seat, it's another thing to use it properly,” says Dr. Rafael Consunji, who has just certified 12 people as Child and Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs), bringing the total number in Qatar to 50.

belt will hold them around their stomach and not on their hips as it was designed to do.

If an accident happens the child then §sustains serious or fatal injuries to their abdominal area.”

The newly-qualified CPSTs take their knowledge to community events throughout the city, where they carry out thorough checks on cars and car seats – from choosing them, to installing them, and making sure people travelling with children know how to use them effectively.

There are countless other horrific injuries that can be sustained by ill-fitting car seats such as straps that are not tight or buckled up wrongly, and seats that are not held firmly in place.

“Another thing to ask yourself is how old is this car seat and do I know its history, especially when buying a car seat second-hand,” adds Mark. “Over time, wear and tear and exposure to the sun will affect the integrity of the material and a previous crash could have damaged the seat even where damage is not actually visible,” he explains.

Co-worker and CPST trainer Mark Roxborough says: “The thing to remember is that while you may have fitted the car seat correctly when you installed it six months ago, it will have moved around since then. What often happens is that the seat belt fixing the seat to the car gets

Among the trainees on the latest course were several Hamad Medical Corporation doctors and staff who agreed that the course had taught them far more than they had expected and the value of the training they will pass on to the community will save lives.

Dr. Consunji explains: “Adult seat belts were not designed for children. So if you put a child whose feet cannot touch the floor in an adult seat belt they will slide forward and the waist

looser and looser and if there is an impact the seat and the child will get thrown around.”

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Dr. Consunji demonstrates the safety attributes of a car seat to class members

“As well as to increase the knowledge and usage of car seats,” says Dr. Consunji, “we also want to agitate and influence policy so that we have a child passenger safety law here in Qatar.”

Dr. Consunji: “It's one thing to have a car seat, it's another thing to use it properly.”

seems that in nearby Abu Dhabi a car seat law is already in the making and in neighbouring Saudi Arabia there is a draft law, which points to a brighter picture regarding child passenger safety in the region.

Learning how to properly install a car seat can save a child's life

Currently the only law regarding child passengers is that they don't sit in the front seat of the vehicle. The law also dictates that only front seat passengers require a seat belt, leaving a lack of provision for child passenger safety.

Safe Kids Qatar (SKQ) was started by Dr. Khakid Abdul Noor Siphelden, a senior consultant of emergency medicine and Director of the Hamad International Training Centre (HITC).

One of its key programs is to improve the safety for child passengers.

Dr. Consunji adds: “The glaring hole in the region is the lack of a law on this issue.” It

Dr. Consunji helped set up the CPST courses at the HITC with the help of Laurie Walker and

It doesn't take much to ensure the safety of every child passenger -- we must all do our part

Alex Cagulieri, who are child passenger safety references experts in the USA, running the Safe Kids Buckle Up program for 20 years.

“The end result is that when you come to one of these car seat check-up events you leave with your child in a safer position than when you arrived, which can only be a good thing,” says Dr. Consunji. n

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Community Marwa Fayed holds author Sarah Al Motairi's son Saud

The Greatest Gift

By Sarah Al Motairi

It’s with great honour that QH highlights the gift of giving through the efforts of the Marwa Fayed’s Toy Run–Qatar.

I

vividly recall the day I received that phone call. “Are you available to talk,” my sister matter-of-factly questioned. I was on my way out the door for a date with my husband.

We were off to watch Man of Steel. “Is it important?” I asked. “It’s bad news, so if you like we can talk later” she lovingly stated. I knew something was wrong. I played out ten different scenarios in those ten seconds before my sister spoke. I needed to know. “Marwa passed away, Sarah. She died yesterday.” At that very moment I felt my heart sink into my stomach. Her words came at me like a bullet. I was transported to slow motion mode, like a scene out of The Matrix. My heart raced and I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I had never lost a loved one before and I most certainly wasn’t expecting this level of pain.

Marwa Fayed and I had been close friends for over 17 years. We met in my home country of Saudi Arabia when we were just teenagers. We quickly grew close and spent the next 17 years nurturing our friendship. We spoke about school, movies, music, boys, men, love’s ups and downs, family, politics, work, and marriage. Our bond never ceased even in our separation through travel and life’s commitments. We made sure to meet when and where we could. New York City, Dubai, Riyadh. We had a bond of sisterhood, of love.

Marwa was a woman of passion and love, of generosity and hope, of ambition and adventure, of dignity and truth. She wanted to change the world and she spent every day ensuring she lived up to that very commitment. Leaving

behind a nine-year career in the corporate world, she dared to dream. It started with a crazy idea of climbing a mountain and from that mountain she allowed her dreams to echo for decades to come. On that very mountain she met her husband, Omar Samra, and went on to earn the title of Managing Director in her husband’s adventure company, Wild Guanabana: Life Changing Journeys. In 2010, Marwa founded the Cairo Toy Run for Orphanages to bring a sense of happiness and love to orphaned children in Egypt. After she passed away on June 22, 2013, those who loved Marwa united to continue her generosity in her name. The initiative is now named Marwa Fayed’s Toy Run (MFTR) and spans over eight countries worldwide.

Over the past ten months, hundreds of Qatar’s residents have volunteered their time and donated their toys to help spread joy and happiness in Qatar and beyond. To date, the MFTR global initiative has donated 6,069 toys worldwide; of which Qatar’s residents have charitably donated 1,498. Due to Qatar’s generosity, we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Dhreima Qatar Orphan Foundation and Sheikh Eid Charity Foundation to bring joy to children throughout Qatar and beyond. Our many volunteers have selflessly dedicated their time, often through the wee hours of the morning, ensuring that the toys are sorted, wrapped, labeled, and carefully handled before distribution.

On January 19, 2014, MBC Hope in Dubai awarded ‘Humanitarian Project of the Year’ to Marwa Fayed’s Toy Run. The MFTR was awarded 100,000

Wrapped and ready -- presents delivered to the Dhreima Orphanage at Eid last year

Saudi riyals. Omar Samra, Marwa’s husband and founder of the MFTR, proudly received the award stating, “Thanks to the amazing volunteers who helped us grow into five countries in record time.

With your help this will be just the beginning of a long journey that will one day spread joy to millions of children around the world.” Omar is right. Without our volunteers this would be an impossible journey to travel. And, without Marwa Fayed’s vision and big-heartedness we may have never taken this path. In her passing, she lives on.

Through her charity, her soul shines, children smile and love seizes the day. Her spirit never leaves us because Marwa knew the secret to immortality: to give of yourself, entirely and sincerely, for the betterment of humanity. Marwa, you are missed, you are loved but you are always with us and in that we find solace. n For information on toy run collections and drop-offs in Qatar please visit the Marwa Fayed’s Toy Run-Qatar Facebook page.

For more on the MFTR global initiative please visit the main Marwa Fayed’s Toy Run Facebook group.

For information on donations, partnerships, sponsorships, and volunteer work globally please visit the MFTR website at www.marwafayedstoyrun.com.

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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

VCUQATAR Sketchbooking: A Form Of Story-Telling

All-Month: VCUQatar, Room 266. 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Over a course of eight sessions artist and instructor Ben Barbour will highlight the sketchbook as a versatile medium used by a diverse range of people including artists, designers, scientists, architects, doctors, and so on. It can be an extension of one’s personality, or some form of a time and memory capsule.

The course presents the sketchbook as a final outcome in its own right, and will explore a personal and playful approach to image-making. Participants will be encouraged to re-visit and re-work pages and spreads of their sketchbooks as well as to engage in critical discussion and interpretation of their own and each other’s work. Work produced will be posted regularly throughout the course on a Tumblr blog creating a live online sketchbook. QR 850 for the course. For more information visit www.qatar.vcu.edu/communityclasses.

EVERY WEEK DOHA MUMS Cooking Classes

Ongoing: The Doha Mums are offering cooking classes for mums looking to learn new skills whether it be Italian, Thai, Lebanese or even dessert-making. They also host cooking classes for children from pizza-making to cupcakes. For more information visit www.dohamums.com.

Volunteering Group

Ongoing: Interested in volunteering in the community? Hook up with the Doha Mums on projects that make a difference!

For more information email rsvp@dohamums.com.

IAID Visual Arts

Sat-Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. The Visual Arts Program is a progressive course for Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced that covers colour 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 email rsvp@dohamums.com.

FANAR CULTURAL CENTER Spoken Arabic Lessons

Sun & Tues: The spoken course is a personalized to the level of each student and will focus on communicative functions required in the day-to-day language. These include greetings and getting to know people, asking and answering essential questions, numbers and other topics that help for a better understanding of the society. In this course all the above-mentioned conversational topics are written by transliteration – Arabic words written in English letters. For more information call 4250-1732.

LADIES OF HARLEY Saturday Ride

May 3: Harley-Davidson Shop. The Ladies of Harley meet the first Saturday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the dealership on Salwa Road. Any female Harley-Davidson enthusiast, either rider or passenger, who enjoys socializing and becoming involved with like-minded women can become a member. For more information visit the Ladies Of Harley Facebook page.

Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171

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 This Month

IAID Talent Development For Toddlers

Anima Gallery Portrait Art Classes Saturdays: Parcel 17-30, La Croisette, The Pearl-Qatar. This is an artistic class all about making portraits using mixed media for students ages 3 to 5 years-old. Classes start at 3:00 p.m., and students will explore what portraits are and why we make them. They’ll create portraits using paints, oil pastels, and chalk. The course also features specialized classes such as fairy-tale royals’ portraits, expressive portraits featuring artist Fred Babb and mixed media portraits. For more information call 4002-7437 or visit www.animagallerylounge.com.

Aspire Spor ts Development

Doha Mums

Sports for Kids

Fun City Toddler Group Thursdays: Come and have some indoor play at Fun City in City Center Mall between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon every Thursday.

The play-area is suitable for tots up to the age of five and the toys are fabulous – it’s a great child friendly-environment. For more information visit www.dohamums.com, or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

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Saturdays: Hilal St. Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Class runs from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Talent Development for Toddlers is about kids exploring their musical side. Curious as they are, this will be a great start to stir their imagination and creativity not only in basic and foundational musical concepts, but most importantly in practice, thus developing their skills in a fun way and their life-long appreciation and love for music. For more information call 4432-0974 or 4441-1234, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

Tasawor y Kid’s Artistic Exploration Monthly Competition: Are you ready for an imaginative outdoor adventure? Join in an artistic exploration of Qatar’s nature. Use the monthly nature challenge as inspiration, go outside, and create. Then simply upload your entry to the map in the place where you were inspired. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative entries from children ages 4-12. For more information visit www.tasawory.qa.

Ongoing: Aspire Sport Development is at the heart of a sporting revolution currently taking place in Qatar and around the region. They’re conceiving, promoting and implementing game-changing excellence in sports that is enabling an entire generation of highly-skilled, disciplined and competent young athletes, both Qatari and expat. They’re the country’s premier and the region’s leading sports academy, and their Aspire Active program offers football, agility classes, power walking, fitness games, swimming, boxing, spinning and more. For more information visit www.aspire.qa.

for

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Kids Club

The ABC’s Of Home-Schooling

By Diana Farid

Enrolling young children in Doha’s private school system can be a daunting task with an ever-increasing number of families forced onto waiting lists that can sometimes be years long. We sit down with one educator and advocate who believes that home-schooling, under the right circumstances, can have its advantages.

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Home-schooling has its benefits and its drawbacks -- it's up to the parent to weigh each one carefully

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ith increasing numbers of expats coming yearly to Doha, many families fail to secure a place for their kids in schools. Long waiting lists, endless assessments tests and over-priced expenses are all part of the school admission experience which can end up in uncertainty as to whether a child will be lucky enough to even get in. To tackle these frustrations, more expat families are opting for home-schooling, granting the concept a certain level of renewed popularity and acceptance.

While for some it’s a temporary fix, for others it’s the only way out of the school dilemma.

There are many home-schooling communities in town with Doha Home Educators (DHE) being the most popular. “We are the largest network of home-schooling within the community, having around 120 families on board,” says Margaret Douglass, DHE Coordinator. “There are other home-school, faith-based groups but DHE hosts all nationalities, religions and home-schooling philosophies. The only requirement to join is to have a child within the school age of 4 to 18-years-old who you wish to home-school.”

Doha Home Educators are not a certifying body, but their job is to guide parents through the process of teaching their children in the home, directing them to the proper educational authorities back in their native countries and ensuring they follow a curriculum in keeping with their home country standards. The DHE website states that the purpose of the network “is to connect expatriate parents and their children with one another to facilitate the exchange of information as it pertains to parenting, home-schooling and other relevant topics in a positive, supportive atmosphere.”

Home-schooling is challenging by nature but even more challenging in a culture that is not

used to it. It can be a tough decision as it requires a strong family commitment if it’s to succeed.

That’s why, according to Douglass, many mothers are hesitant to take the step although with the extensive amount of internet resources, homeschooling is becoming increasingly accessible. “Keep in mind that the formal schooling system as we know it has only been happening for the past 150 years,” she explains. “Formal schools in Qatar go back to Sheikh Abdullah Bin Gassem which was only 80 years ago. Prior to that people were educated at home with tutors and within a community.”

This method of educating can also be of great help for children with learning disabilities. “Even in mild cases, a child can face difficulty learning in a group setting where they often need intervention and special processes within the classroom rather than a special school,” adds Douglass. “A lot of expats face the problem of having their kids rejected because not all schools can accommodate learning-disabled students. Even if they get accepted, the parents feel it’s not adequate enough. In such cases home-schooling comes in handy.”

Another advantage is that with home-schooling things are more flexible for the youth and the parent. Working one-on-one with a child can be efficient, allowing him or her more time for a social life and extra activities that can further build their character. It also allows parents to teach their child in a way that suits his or her personality and way of thinking.

One challenge that home-schooled children can face is a sense of alienation – missing out on the fun of dealing with other kids, socializing and forming friendship bonds in a standard school

environment. This is why DHE organizes regular group activities such as field trips, workshops, sporting events and activity days to facilitate socialization among children in the group. They’re also exploring other fun new opportunities for community members, such as a plan that’s in the works to collaborate with the Katara Art Center to help students learn and develop their skills with a range of artistic classes.

Only the shipping of educational materials, books and DVDs to Qatar remains the main burden for home-schooling parents, and can involve a lot of time and money spent, but still falls significantly short of what a family would pay to have a child enrolled in the private school system. “If you consider home-schooling don’t be afraid of it,” concludes Douglass. “But beware you will be challenged by it. There are people who are there to help and support whenever needed, but you need to take the responsibility. It’s very difficult and sometimes intimidating, but you have to embrace it to make it a success.”n To learn more about home-schooling and the services offered by Doha Home Educators visit their Facebook page or check out their website at www.dohahomeeducators.wordpress.com.

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Kids Club

Kitchen

Creations Images courtesy of The St. Regis Doha

Kids hang on to your chef hats for this bumpy ride in the kitchen as JeemTV’s celebrity Chef Elias Gemayal from Opal by Gordon Ramsay in The St. Regis Doha tickles your sweet tooth with his signature Rocky Road recipe.

Rocky Road Chocolate Cups Ingredients • 1 bag miniature marshmallows (plain or multi-coloured) • 2 cups of roughly chopped hazelnuts • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk • 2 tbsp butter • 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips Instructions • Line a 9x9 square baking pan with wax paper, leaving two inches overhanging on opposite sides.

• Mix the marshmallows and hazelnuts in a large mixing bowl and set the mixture aside.

• Combine the condensed milk, butter and chocolate chips in a large saucepan.

• Cook the chocolate mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it melts and gets smooth. Let it cool down for five minutes.

• Pour the chocolate mixture over the marshmallow mixture and blend them together thoroughly.

• Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a buttered spatula.

• Put the pan in the refrigerator for two hours or until the mixture cools down.

• Lift the wax paper out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.

• Cut the mixture into bars with a sharp knife – have an adult supervise and help clean the knife blade between cuts. Stack on a plate, share and enjoy! n

Chocolatey and chunky with a satisfying crunch.

Sweetooths rejoice!

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Kids Club

Family

Fun Days Words and selected images

by Charlie Sands Additional images courtesy of Qatar Foundation

On the outskirts of Doha in what was formerly a farm owned by the ruling Al-Thani family, lies Al Shaqab, a huge 980,000 square-metre equestrian facility which is worth more than just a drive-by.

A horse clears a water obstacle at last year's CHI Al Shaqab equestrian competition

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rior to our family visit to Al Shaqab, which sits on the outskirts of Education City, I knew very little about the Arabian horse, other than that it was from this part of the world. So armed with that knowledge and a sense of adventure, we set off to learn a little more.

Some curious young foals in the Al Shaqab stables

We visited Al Shaqab the first time during the CHI Al Shaqab event in March. CHI, which stands for Concours Hippique International, refers to any international equestrian competition with three or more disciplines. We visited the competition on its penultimate day, and were fortunate to catch some great show-jumping and vaulting – neither of which any of us had seen before.

More importantly the little ones were kept entertained, with lots of 'ooh's and 'aah's as we watched the jumpers either clear or knock down a fence. I think the favourite event for the kids, and certainly the most eye-catching, was the vaulting.

Described as 'acrobatics on horse-back' vaulting can be done individually, in pairs, or as a team and features the athletes performing a series of acrobatic movements while the horse trots in circles around the ring. Also eye-catching were the costumes which were styled on fairytales

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CHI Al Shaqab 2013 first-prize winner Gerco Schroder of The Netherlands

The art of vaulting -- or horseback acrobatics, is one of intense skill with little room for error

The breeding facility has everything possible to take care of the horses, including an exercise area, outdoor paddocks, the stables themselves, a veterinary clinic and even a horse swimming pool for exercise and rehabilitation.

Elsewhere in Al Shaqab is the riding school, where your children can mix with the sons and daughters of the ruling family here in Qatar, if they can get a place! Again, purpose built, the school offers training for children ages six and above.

and various other fancy dress characters in Lycra. When Superman came out, well, you can imagine, my two boys were smitten!

Fortunately for us, there was also a well-equipped kids' area with plenty of play options, which gave us half an hour's peace during the day.

Aside from the actual show, which was not our usual choice of entertainment since we’re not horse-lovers, the stadium and facilities were pretty remarkable in themselves, and many of the foreign riders who spoke after winning their events commented on how impressive the facilities were.

Returning to Al Shaqab for a tour, we got the chance to see the work that goes on away from the arenas and the real raison d'être for Al Shaqab: “to preserve, improve and promote the Arabian horse breed through setting the highest

standard in breeding, show, equestrian arts and equine welfare, and encouraging community” (www.alshaqab.com).

Meeting with Breeding and Show Advisor Broderick Levens, we learned a little about some of Al Shaqab's prized horses, such as the stallion's Gazal and his sire Marwan who have between them bred dozens of world and national champions, and also about what defines excellence when it comes to breeding pure Arabians.

“If you look here you can see the dish-shaped head, the long, arched neck, the flat knees and slim but strong legs and the straight back,” says Broderick of one of the yearlings in the breeding stables.

We meet and greet several stallions, and in another stable, mares and foals who are all curious about us and want to come and play.

Broderick carefully closes the stable door when they get too interested in us, so they don't try and run off, he says.

But of course, I'm forgetting the train. As part of the tour you get to ride round on a little train – of course not on real tracks, but the carriages are real enough, something the kids should enjoy regardless of whether they’re interested in horses.

The Score Is Out! There’s a lot to see and do here, and certainly if you fancy learning more about the Arabian horse and taking a look at these beautiful animals this is a great place to start. My kids weren't that thrilled by the show-jumping, but liked the vaulting, loved the train and the horses themselves – although their attention span here was short. So all in all, I'd give Al Shaqab a pretty fair 7 out of 10.n Tours of Al Shaqab can be booked by emailing alshaqabinfo@qf.org.qa.

For more information about the riding school email ridingacademyinfo@qf.org.qa.

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Kids Club Listings RECOMMENDS

ELITE TENNIS ACADEMY Mini -Tennis Lessons

Ongoing: Mini-tennis is the best way for children to learn the sport. Research shows it’s essential for children up to the age of 10 to learn the physical skills of running, jumping, balance, co-ordination, throwing and catching, as well as basic tennis skills if they are to reach their full sporting potential. Expect to see lots of these activities in mini-tennis lessons. Allow your children to play in the mini-tennis colour stage that is appropriate to them, this will ensure they enjoy playing the game and gain confidence. For more information visit www.elite-tennisacademy.com.

ONE OF A KIND THEATRIX GROUP Outta The Box & LOL Workshops

Bubbles Playgroup

Spring term: Presented by SFQ Sports Academy, each course consists of ten weekly hour and a half sessions. Theatrix is a newly formed group of theatrical programs, founded by Joel Adams, offering courses for kids, pre-teens and adults. For more information call Joel at 6699-5321 or email jadams@fastmail.net.

Mondays: Doha Mums would like to invite 2010 bubs for some fun playtime every second Monday from 10:00 a.m. till 12 noon at the Fun City play-area in City Center Mall. It’s a perfect opportunity to make ‘first friends’ for the little ones and for Mums to chat! For more information visit www.dohamums.com, or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

EVERY WEEK

IAID Zumba for Kids

DOHA MUMS Ray’s Fun Time

Sundays: Let’s have some fun at Ray’s Reef in Royal Plaza, 2nd floor, from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. It’s a fun, clean area with lots of options for your kids to choose from, suitable for different age groups. RSVP is required. For more information visit www.dohamums.com, or email rsvp@dohamums.com.

Tues & Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signal, D-Ring Road. Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze that’s spreading fast worldwide.

This upbeat workout is fantastic for kids and adults alike. Zumba is an exhilarating class filled with good feelings and party-like fun that’s perfect for kids as they learn how to move and engage in activities while exercising. For more information call 4432-0974 or 4441-1234, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

Hip-Hop Classes for Kids

Sun, Tues, Wed & Thurs: Hilal St., Al-Tadamon Signa,l D-Ring Road. This is a popular highenergy urban class that uses the latest music combined with movement and choreography inspired by today's hottest hip-hop tunes. For more information call 4432-0974 or 4441-1234, or visit www.iaidonline.org.

e!

See urhsapopenninlig.cnom www.qata

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Food & Dining

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

The Torch Sharing Time

The Diplomatic Club Spanish Brunch Fridays: Le Grill. Every Friday from 12 noon till 4:00 pm. enjoy a rich Spanish buffet including tapas, paella and many other traditional Spanish dishes for only QR 160 including water and excluding any other beverages. For more information call 4484-7412 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa.

Daily: Three Sixty. Introducing new sharing platters which are perfect for 2-4 people. Guests can choose from three options: vegetarian, antipasto, and turf & seafood, accompanied with two side dishes and a selection of sauces.

Served at Doha’s only revolving restaurant, located on the 47th floor at The Torch. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

The Four Seasons Food & Vino Festival May 8: Il Teatro. In this unique culinary experience, walk through the restaurant and discover five different live cooking stations where a chef and a sommelier will delight your palate with authentic Italian indulgence. QR 350 per person including vino pairing. From 7:00 p.m.

For more information call 4494-8631.

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Nando's Butterfly Chicken Breast Meal Ongoing: Dig in to a flame-grilled, butterfly-cut, boneless chicken breast basted with your choice of PERI-PERI, served with a fresh side salad, crispy potato wedges and a bottomless beverage of choice – all for QR 48!

Valid at any branch, 7 days a week. For more information call 4436-0606.

W Doha To Mothers With Love May 11: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a three-course set menu available for lunch and dinner and raise your glass to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to your beloved Mom! QR 210 person including your preferred beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m., and from 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

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Food & Dining Vibrant and colourful, The Torch Tea Garden's décor draws its lush inspiration from Mother Nature

Tea ForTwo

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

With its prime location on the 21st floor of Doha’s tallest landmark, the Torch Tea Garden lounge gives a whole new meaning to afternoon ‘high-tea’.

With its vista views and vibrant décor, we raise our pinkiefingers and enjoy a cuppa from the city’s widest tea selection.

T

he Torch Doha is no stranger to reinvention. Having transformed itself from the icon of the 2006 Asian Games into one of the city’s most notable five-star hotels, it’s now re-imagining the concept of that tried and true Doha tradition – afternoon tea,

with the opening of its Torch Tea Garden lounge.

Bringing the outdoors in, it has that picnicin-the-grass feel to it – the banks of picture windows winding their way around the circular space and throwing light off of the warm wood accents, the wicker furniture with its Crayolacoloured upholstery, and soft pile rugs that add that sensory element to the experience.

What’s most striking about the Torch Tea Garden is its overhanging canopy of greenery that blankets guests and tea-goers alike in a jungle vibe that’s utterly foreign and indelibly lush.

We arrive at 4:00 p.m. to catch the last of the afternoon rays (because trust us, it’s all about the ambient lighting through all that glass), and are seated at a small table with a view overlooking Aspire Park. All that green on top of all that green is lulling, refreshing and a nice way to end the work-day. The seats are low and comfortable, but if you’re not a fan of dining on your lap be aware

that the tables are equally close to the ground.

This is an indoor picnic after all.

After skimming over the expansive tea menu…

Darjeeling, oolong, green, rooibos red, Chinese blooming – the list is endless, our waitress recommends a comforting pot of blooming mango. The Tea Garden also offers up a selection of canapés, small bites and sweet treats, so to start we order their Mediterranean appetizer platter, bruschetta with buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes, and a bubbling pot of their Gruyere and Emmental cheese fondue.

Our tea arrives first and is presented to us in a ritualistic pouring that reminds me of a time spent in Japan many years ago, where the tea ceremony was a studied art-form. With an infuser filled with blooming flowers and dried mango peel, it’s warm, comforting and fragrant.

Our apps are brought to the table shortly after

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Kick back with a book and savour a warming pot of their blooming mango tea

and we dig in, balancing our plates and cutlery carefully on our knees. The Mediterranean platter comes with a selection of shrimp cocktail, beef salad, mini-mozzarella with basil pesto and cherry tomatoes, and an aubergine (eggplant) salad. It’s tasty, pop-in-your-mouth garden-party comfort food and we quickly make the whole thing disappear – it’s enough for three people to share generously.

The fondue is the dark horse of the trio; served with croutons, beef cubes and fresh vegetable crudités for dipping, it’s smoky-sweet and ooeygooey. We gobble it up greedily and my dining companion experiences a momentary spasm of angst when he reaches the bottom of the pot.

The restaurant manager is attentive and friendly, offering up his knowledge of the menu items and even bringing us a few extras to try. The Torch Tea Garden is quickly becoming known for its crêpes – a unique option, and we’re brought

over a small plate of their savoury chicken Parisienne variety. With a blend of Swiss cheese and a delicate mushroom sauce they’re rich and hearty, and the small plateful could easily make an elegant substitute for a lunch-time sandwich.

We finish up with a tempting tray of desserts, the star of which is the warm chocolate cake –it can best be described as the fudgiest piece of cake you’ll slide your fork through. Smooth and velvety, it’s more like a brownie to my taste-buds and the cool richness of the homemade vanilla ice cream and berry coulis offset it perfectly.

We also sample the pineapple crumble and a lemon-meringue tartlet that both deserve an honourable mention for creativity of presentation and balance of flavour.

The Torch Tea Garden has proven itself for us today, holding its ground with the hotel’s other impressive food and beverage outlets and offering something truly unique in concept and design. So, when you want to picnic in the sky – take the elevator to the top, kick back with a cup and drink in the view. n

The chicken Parisienne crêpes enjoy an earthy flavour

TORCH TEA GARDEN Location: The Torch Doha Timings: • 3:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Sun-Wed • 3:00 p.m. till 12 midnight., Thurs-Sat Average Meal Price: QR 25-QR 95, per item Smoking: Available in the designated area outside the restaurant Contact Info: 4446-5600 or restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com

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The French Connection Food & Dining

By Jorge Granda Photography by Jessie Palanca

Standing sentinel on the 28th floor of West Bay’s Tornado Tower, La Varenne stands out as Doha’s most authentic French brasserie.

QH visits during the busy noontime rush to sample their business lunch and indulge in a taste of la gastronomie française.

I

visit La Varenne on a lovely Tuesday afternoon to sample their ever-popular business lunch.

As I enter it catches my attention how busy it is considering it’s the middle of the week and it’s still quite early into the lunch hour. While I’m escorted to my table it’s impossible not to drink in the panoramic views of the West Bay area from this height, along with some truly amazing artwork adorning the walls – yes, that large heart at the entrance is a Damien Hirst original.

Within seconds of being inside La Varenne it becomes clear why the restaurant is so busy, so early. I can’t think of a better way to take some time out of work than to visit this brasserie and enjoy a delicious meal. Given its level of sophistication, La Varenne has an inviting, laidback air without any of the dreaded pompousness that can overwhelm the diner at some high-end establishments. The overall design and semi-oval shape of the space are striking and the tables are packed with dapper clientele.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, La Varenne offers foodies an extensive selection of traditional French dishes. What I like about the menu is that they’re not trying to be experimental with the food, but instead remain true to the classic art of French cooking – buttery, creamy, comforting flavours. For lunch you can choose between the business lunch and a la carte menus. Both are tempting but at QR 95 for a starter, main course and dessert, their business option is an exceptional value for money and every Tuesday the menu completely changes.

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Raspberry and white chocolate macarons and chocolate raspberry tartlets from the dessert trolley

For us, the chicken parmentier is the best selection from the business lunch menu Rich and creamy, the succulent veal liver is sheer indulgence

The rhubarb tart and sorbet is a memory from Grandma's kitchen

lunch the staff are attentive and accommodating and I don’t have to wait long between courses to be served – which is the way it should be, especially if you have to rush back to work.

To start, I’m provided with their signature bread basket which is wonderfully fresh – the restaurant has its own bakery and the selection is warm, fluffy, full of variety and delicious.

Today I’m happy to try the honey-roasted butternut squash soup as my starter and the braised chicken parmentier with truffle potato purée and pilaf rice for my main. I’m told that Executive Head Chef Stuart Collins has trained and worked with celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay for five years at his restaurants in New York, so I’m more than eager to try his creations.

The soup is absolutely divine – you can taste the sweetness of the honey and it’s very similar to a pumpkin soup. Two small pieces of toasted bread with melted blue cheese are placed on top of the bowl, enhancing the flavour of the broth and adding depth. It’s very rich and the soup alone is enough to satisfy your appetite.

My main is also impressive; perfectly presented and equally delicious as the starter. It resembles a perfectly-cooked lasagne with layers of silky truffle potato purée and shredded chicken that

Dining at La Varenne has been a delightful experience with great ambiance, good service and most importantly, extraordinary dishes. The prices are more than reasonable considering the standard and quality of the food and for sure I will keep coming back when the clocks strikes noon. n

breaks apart nicely at the touch of my fork. There are small pieces of tomato on the side of the dish and micro-greens sprinkled over-top. It’s the first time I’m presented with this unique style of entrée. I’m not an expert on French cuisine, but the braised chicken parmentier is beautiful – it’s a shame it’s not on offer every day.

The dessert doesn’t disappoint either. You can select from the menu or from La Varenne’s dessert trolley – a French classic and the cherry on top of the brasserie experience. The waitress explains to us in detail the trolley’s many options and I select a sticky date cake with a caramel drizzle on top, a chocolate madeleine and some vanilla and cinnamon ice cream. The combination of the three is the perfect ending to an outstanding meal.

The ice cream in particular is creamy and has a beautiful flavour to it – the restaurant makes their own and it just couldn’t be better. Throughout our

LA VARENNE Location: 28th Floor, Tornado Tower Timings: • Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m., Sun-Thurs 8:00 a.m. till 12 noon, Fri & Sat • Business Lunch: 12 noon till 3:00 p.m., Sat-Thurs • Friday Brunch: 12 noon till 4:00 p.m.

• Dinner: 5:00 pm. till 10:00 p.m., Sun-Thurs 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., Friday Average Meal Price: QR 85 for two-courses and QR 95 for three-course business lunch Smoking: No Licensed: Yes, only offered during dinner service on weekdays and lunch and dinner on weekends Contact Info: 4499-0680 or www.lavarenne.qa

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Food & Dining

Word of Mouth Photography by Jessie Palanca

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 Mariam Saoud samples the new offerings at Paloma in the InterContinental Doha. Here is her review.

QH: What did you order?

MS: • Two virgin mojitos • Brazilian chicken salad • Hass avocado and shrimp salad • Plato de mariscos • Ojo de toro

QH: Were the prices reasonable?

MS: [They were] a bit expensive, but I guess these are the usual prices for this kind of restaurant.

• Brazilian chicken salad: QR 85 • Hass avocado and shrimp salad: QR 80 • Plato de mariscos: QR 110 • Ojo de toro: QR 140 QH: Describe the ambiance.

MS: The ambiance was really pleasant. There was an orchestra playing music [which] added a special touch to the ambiance as it was cozy and warm. Our table was next to the window so we had a really nice view of the swimming pool.

Also, the Tex-Mex touch reminded me of great souvenirs [from] a pub I especially appreciated in my home country. The bar in the centre of the place was illuminated with blue light that gave a futuristic and pleasant touch, (like almost all the bars in pubs).

QH: Describe the quality of the food.

MS: The cashew and peanut condiment served as appetizer was really tasty but it was lacking a bit of salt. When I added salt, it was yummy.

The virgin mojitos were lacking sugar but were very refreshing.

The Brazilian chicken salad was so yummy with a special and very tasty berry sauce. I really liked it. It was made with chicken (of course!), pineapple, orange, lettuce, palm hearts, avocado, Granny Smith apple and two pieces of blackcurrant.

The avocado and shrimp salad was nice too but the sauce was not as tasty as the Brazilian

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Green-grazers will love the hass avocado and shrimp salad

menu and to serve us. They were very pleasant and showed a high interest in serving us.

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

Contest winner Mariam Saoud with Paloma's Mexican Chef Salvador

MS: Probably, when I [feel like] I’m missing this special Tex-Mex /pub/ orchestra ambiance. But next time, I’ll make sure to order the Tex-Mex food as it’s the specialty of the restaurant.

QH: Favourite thing about the restaurant?

Like your steak Tex-Mex? Then the ojo de toro is a must-try

MS: [The] ambiance and service. The view of the swimming pool was also really pleasant.

QH: Least favourite thing about the restaurant?

MS: [The] washrooms – [they were] outside of the restaurant, a bit messy and not a pleasant smell at the entry of the ladies washing room.

However, it was nicely-decorated with some flowers and everything (tissues, soap, cream) was available. Also, there is no non-smoking area in the restaurant.

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

The plato de mariscos carries a burst of zesty flavour

chicken salad sauce – some of the shrimps were not very well-cooked and the avocado was not ripe enough.

The plato de mariscos and the ojo de toro were good but not exceptional. [The] vegetables and French fries were really nice but the meat was a bit hard to chew – but the pepper sauce was very tasty. Overall, we ate well and the quantities were more than enough. We couldn’t even take dessert as we were really full.

QH: Describe the quality of the service.

MS: [The] service was perfect – I have nothing else to say. Everybody was making sure we were taken care of and that we had everything we needed. They were really quick to give us the

MS: Yes! A really nice, special touch was it [started to] rain with big dazzles. So we saw everything from the window. The view included the swimming pool and the garden. With the rain and the dazzles it gave a more ‘Hitchcocklike’ touch to the ambiance, [and] with the orchestra, [it] was just perfect.

QH: Could the overall experience be improved? If so, how?

MS: Yes, it could have been better. [The] food was okay, but not perfect, and our table was on the way to the kitchen. It would have been perfect if they gave us a table at the back of the room, but still next to the window. 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 Right: The crème brûlée from Paper Moon sits pretty on the plate In Circle: La Varenne's decadent version gets torched for the perfect sweet crunch

One Sweet World: Crème Brûlée Words and images by Gerald Tan

Crispy-crunchy and silky-smooth, we dig to the bottom of these little pots of wonder, as the deliciously burnished dessert continues to reign supreme in all its variations.

I

have a love-hate relationship with crème brûlée. In that I love this dessert so much, I hate myself for it. I love the crackle of its burnt, sugary shell as it envelops the dreamy custard underneath. I love getting to the end when I’m scraping for those slippery, elusive orts at the bottom of the dish speckled with traces of vanilla seed. I even love the way crème brûlée is spelled, diacritical marks and all – though I really do hate typing it out… that pesky little circumflex in particular.

The name itself denotes a Gallic background.

Indeed, one would scarcely walk into a French restaurant these days that doesn’t claim to have a signature crème brûlée, its own magical version of what essentially translates into the unglamourous sounding ‘burnt cream’. Yet the true origin is a tad cloudier.

The first printed recipe appeared in a 1691 cookbook by French chef François Massiolot.

But many believe the dish to be of English provenance, invented around the 1600s in the kitchens of Trinity College in Cambridge (n.b. the school itself makes no such assertions). Not to be outdone, the Spaniards say their version – called crema catalane – started it all. Although the

earliest record of it comes a full century later, they do get full credit for kick-starting the current craze.

In the 1980s, New York restaurateur Sirio Maccioni tasted crema catalana in Spain and decided to introduce it at his Manhattan institution Le Cirque. He modernized the dessert by thinning out the sugar shell and serving it in a shallow casserole, but kept the French name to suit his restaurant. Crème brûlée instantly caught on and hasn’t turned back since.

So why all the fuss? At its heart, this is a simple custard of baked egg yolks, cream and sugar. But what gives the crème brûlée its sensuous pizzazz is the thin disc of crunchy toffee on top, achieved in mere minutes by scorching a sprinkling of sugar. It is perhaps this ingenious step that adds a dramatic flair, even providing dinner theatre if the restaurant chooses to finish off the dessert tableside with a propane blowtorch.

The classic recipe calls for the addition of fresh vanilla pods. But it isn’t uncommon these days to find a myriad variation, with the custard infused with everything from Earl Grey tea and lemongrass, to saffron and foie gras. The inner acolyte of tradition in me wants to reject such new-fangled flavour eccentricity; but, the truth is, I don’t mind at all.

Because the true test lies in the texture: a silken custard with neither trace of lump nor grain juxtaposed with a paper-thin, golden skin that snaps with every hit of the spoon.

Get that right, and what you have is crème de la crème brûlée. n

TRY CRÈME BRÛLÉE HERE: La Varenne 28th Floor, Tornado Towers 4499-0680 Weekdays, 7:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m.

Weekends, 8:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m.

Paper Moon Jaidah Square, Al Matar Street 4016-6000 Daily, 11:30 a.m. till 11:00 p.m.

La Parisa Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Weekday Lunch, 12 noon till 3:00 p.m.

Weekend Lunch, 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

Daily Dinner, 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

Each month, food journalist Gerald Tan features the desserts of different cuisines and where they can be found in Qatar.

Visit his website www.boulangerry.com for recipes and culinary chronicles from his travels or Tweet him @geraldotan.

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Food & Dining Listings RECOMMENDS

rized All listings are catego limited per hotel. Inclusion is with to availability of space,isers. priority given to advert

PRINCE OF PERSIA New Restaurant Opening

May: This new fine-dining restaurant offers authentic Iranian cuisine representing a mix of home-style, fresh and delicious Persian dishes, focusing on a variety of stews and grills. Located in the upscale beauty of The Pearl-Qatar, Parcel 5, Unit 135, 7 La Croissette. Open daily from 12:00 noon till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4015-0190.

THE GRAND HYATT Swiss Promotion

W DOHA

Taste Of Thailand

May 22-29: Spice Market. Experience the taste of Thailand in Spice Market with a five-course menu of 10 different flavours, featuring Chef Peter Lloyd of Spice Market London. QR 250 per person for a minimum of two people and a maximum of eight. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

PROMOTIONS CHOWKING New Indo-Chinese Menu & Value Meals

Daily: Tuck in to the new flavours at Chowking with the launch of their Indo-Chinese menu now being served at the Holiday Villa Hotel and Dar Al Salam Mall locations. Also, 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 Sadd St.: 4431-4411, Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/335.

DOHA MARRIOTT American-Style Mother’s Day Weekend Brunch

May 9 & 10: Celebrate International Mother’s Day at the Weekend Brunch! Be entertained by live cooking stations from the talented chefs and an elaborate buffet full of favourites from around the globe with special Mother’s Day surprises.

Your mother will be spoiled by the delightful Mother’s Day-inspired desserts, and all Moms will receive a 50% discount on their brunch!

QR 380 per person including ‘all-in’ bubbly. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

Italian Gelato

May: JW’s Steakhouse | Asia Live! | Salsa | Taj Rasoi. Summer’s here, and what better way to stay cool than to try the hotel’s yummy gelato flavours! Whether you enjoy the creamy taste of chocolate and vanilla or the fresh burst of citrus fruit, sample the vast variety in this month’s promotion. Each outlet will have their own interpretation of gelato flavours, so explore and try a taste of each! From 6:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

JUST BURGER New Restaurant Opening

May: Just Burger is a new, home-grown concept in the category of casual-dining. Nestled in a chic corner of The Pearl-Qatar, the restaurant serves burgers, American-style food, steak and many more. Opening hours are 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 midnight, daily. Location: Parcel 11, La Croisette 18-20 and Unit 267. For more information call 4015-0180 or 4437-2679, or email info@justburgerme.com.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Mother's Day Sweet Treats May 11: Gourmet House. Celebrate with your loved ones and treat them to a delicious cake from Gourmet House, prepared with the famous Kempinski pastry craftsmanship. Gourmet House can tailor-make your orders according to your taste, by giving 48-hours notice. From 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3326, email gourmet.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

May 8-16: The Grill. The Grill will bring the best of Swiss culture to your doorstep. Get ready for a proper Swiss experience starting with a folk music band flown all the way from Switzerland courtesy of Qatar Airways, followed by the best fondue, raclette and rösti prepared by chef Heinz Rufibach. From 6:30 p.m. till midnight.

Book your dinner table with your choice of an a la carte menu or a set menu worth QR 250 for more than 8 people and enjoy a 20% discount on total consumption. For more information call 7798-2400.

Swiss Brunch

May 9 & 16:The Grill. Would you like to travel to Switzerland? Well, you don’t have to worry about flights or hotel bookings because The Grand Hyatt Doha is bringing you the authentic Swiss experience you always dreamed of. They’ve arranged not one, but two special Swiss-themed brunches so there’s no excuse to miss this gourmet journey. Brunch highlights include the best Swiss folk live music and food prepared

by Chef Heinz Rufibach who flew in courtesy of Qatar Airways for this promotion. Book your soft beverage brunch for QR 295 or QR 420 for a special beverage brunch. For more information call 7798-2400.

White Brunch

May 30: The Grill. Ladies and gents, it’s summer time! Get your favourite white clothes on and enjoy a spectacular white brunch. Not just that, Uber will be co-hosting this fabulous brunch, so expect free Uber taxi rides (event code: UberHyattBrunch)and many more exciting surprises. There are lots of prizes to be given out so make sure to dress in white to win. Book your soft beverage brunch for QR 295 or QR 420 for a special beverage brunch. For more information call 7798-2400.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Tropical Caipirinha Fiesta May 1-15: Ipanema. Dine at Ipanema from May 1-15 and watch Ipanema’s innovative mixologists mix Brazil’s traditional cocktail with a creative twist. From QR 45. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m.

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

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Mother’s Day

May 11: New York Steakhouse. The restaurant is spoiling all mothers this year on Mother’s Day. All Mums will be welcomed with a complimentary sparkling beverage, followed

by Chef Jeremy’s signature dessert at the end of the meal.

From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Tomahawk – Can You Handle It?

Daily: New York Steakhouse. Can you handle the largest steak in the city? This is definitely the talk of the town – 800gms of flavourful Tomahawk Wagyu rib-eye, only at New York Steakhouse. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4419 6100 or www.westenddoha.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cinco De Mayo Fiesta

May 5: The Square. Cinco de Mayo, (Spanish for ‘fifth of May’) is celebrated in the US and parts of Mexico. The famous Latin American festival is marked by traditional Mexican dishes, dancing and music. Chef Erick Cruz from Guatamala will be ensuring you celebrate with truly authentic dishes as he prepares favourites including tacos, burritos, fresh seafood, fajitas, fiesta beans, chicken and corn chilaquiles casserole, flank steak with corn, and red pepper quesadillas. Enjoy all this plus a selection of desserts and spirits, suds and margaritas for just QR 225 per person. From 6:00 p.m.

For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

ORYX ROTANA Roots Salad Bar

Weekdays: Choices. During weekdays, enjoy a unique Roots salad bar counter where you can create your own salad, along with the best selection of sushi, bread and international cheeses at QR 80 per person from 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m.

If you’re in a hurry, salad take-away options from the Roots salad bar counter are available for QR 60 per person, or two rolls take-away sushi cut a la minute for QR 70 per person. For more information call 4402-3333.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Sizzling, Saucy Wagyu

All-Month: Seasons Restaurant. This May, treat yourself to the rich flavour of the finest beef in the world cooked to your liking and served with a wide selection of sauces for only QR 195 per person. For more information call 4429-1111.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Picnic On The Lawn

May 10 & 24: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. The picnic on the lawn is back by popular demand with blue skies, soft grass, picnic rugs, delicious food and family fun. QR 290 including soft drinks, other beverages payable upon consumption.

Children under the age of 12 receive 50% off. From 12:00 noon till 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Cooking Class

Tuesdays: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy a adult cooking class with Celebrity Chef Elias. Learn how to cook the best pizza and flatbread, learn the secrets of a gourmet tomato sauce and clever combining of the trendiest pizza toppings.

Glass of bubbles and lunch included. QR 150 per class. From 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

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Food & Dining Listings THE TORCH DOHA Skyline Dinner

Upon Request. Indulge with a pool view on the 20th floor or at the solarium on the 30th floor overlooking Aspire Park. Celebrate anniversaries, birthdays or a private romantic dinner with a five-course set menu, personal butler, special cake and table arrangement. QR 1,900 per couple.

Available for married couples only. 24-hour advance reservation required. Limited seats available. From 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600, or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

Picnic In The Park

Daily: Enjoy a day in the park with family and friends with a picnic basket starting from QR 80 per person. Includes a selection of sandwiches, sweets, fruit salad, choice of fresh juice and mineral water served in a picnic box.

For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Chef & Sommelier's Table

May 5: La Mer Restaurant. Experience a sumptuous five-course menu perfectly paired with the superb flavours of the sommelier’s best vino offerings showcasing Portugal and Spain’s most enchanting food creations, while enjoying the breath-taking view of the Doha city skyline. QR 750 per person starting from 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8506 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

Mother's Day

May 11: Habanos. One more way to surprise your most-loved Mom -- get a 50% savings at Habanos after dining at any of the Ritz-Carlton Doha’s restaurants. Choose one restaurant from Porcini, La Mer or The Lagoon and create a night to remember. From 8:00 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. For more information call 4484-8000 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Mom & Me Cooking Class

May 10: Al Dana Restaurant. Scrumptious cakes, cookies and all that’s sweet await your special culinary touch. From 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch for two. Price is QR 345 per mother and child. For more information call 4425-6666.

Greek Festival

May 25-31: Al Liwan Restaurant. Discover the rich culinary heritage of this beautiful country.

The regions of Greece are showcased in the buffet spread at Al Liwan Restaurant by guest Chef Doxis Bekris. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 250 per person with a 50% savings for children ages 6 to 12. For more information call 4424-2888.

W DOHA Mother’s Day

May 11: La Spiga by Paper Moon. Enjoy a threecourse set menu for QR 200 per person including welcome drink. From 12:00 noon till 10:00 p.m.

For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

EVERY WEEK CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Phoenician Night

Mondays: Aramede. Enjoy a wide variety of Lebanese and Oriental specialties with live cooking stations and Arabic desserts taking you to the midst of the Orient. QR 150 per adult and QR 75 per child (ages six to 12 years). From 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

By The Sea

Wednesdays: Aramede. Come and enjoy seafood night at their all-day dining restaurant.

QR 250 per adult, QR 125 per child (ages six to 12 years). From 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT JW’s Has A New Look

Daily: JW’s Steakhouse. Featuring a refreshed and re-invigorated interior with new wall displays, enhanced lighting and tasteful soft furnishings, the first steakhouse in Doha has a new lease on life! Marriott’s signature restaurant and still the best in the city, JW’s Steakhouse offers an exclusive, upscale dining experience reflected in the sophisticated atmosphere and classic décor.

JW’s main courses feature only the finest cuts of US Certified Prime Angus beef complemented by exquisite spices and sauces. Seafood and salad lovers will not be disappointed by the delicate selection on the menu and the presentation, paired with impeccable service and mouthwatering flavours promises an unforgettable evening. For more information call 4429-8499.

Mexican Cuisine

Daily: Salsa. Enjoy a lively slice of Mexico at Salsa TexMex Restaurant. Let the authentic, picturesque setting and its colourful charm be an exciting backdrop for an evening full of rich flavours and spices and let their authentic Mariachi band liven up your dining experience.

Whether you opt for your favourite fajita or try something new off the stone plate, at Salsa you’ll find everything you need for the perfect Mexican fiesta. For more information call 4429-8499.

Traditional Indian Cuisine

Daily: Taj Rasoi. Elegant yet simple, understated yet rich, these are the characteristics reflected in the authentic Indian ambiance, the tantalizing dishes from various regions of India as well as in the outstanding service at Taj Rasoi. You will be transported into a dining experience full of aromatic herbs and spices rarely enjoyed elsewhere in the city. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Spanish Tapas

Daily: Blue. Channel the vivacious spirit of Spain through delicious contemporary Spanish tapas lunchtime menu. The restaurant’s fresh and exciting menu offers something for everyone with dishes from the sea, the field and the garden. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

Seafood Extravaganza

Sun & Tues: Blue. Blue restaurant offers the perfect setting to enjoy the freshest of seafood!

Join in every Sunday and Tuesday night for an unlimited selection of the wildest and widest variety of seafood. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information call 4445-5555.

Refinement Of Ottoman & Modern Turkish Cuisine

Mon-Sat: Agora. The Turkish restaurant offers modern Turkish and Ottoman dishes inspired by the Black Sea and the Balkan regions with Mediterranean touches. Monday and Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. and Wednesday to Saturday from 1:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

THE FOUR SEASONS Piatto Unico

Sat-Thurs: Il Teatro. Piatto Unico in Italian literally means a one-dish meal that is well-balanced, healthy and bountiful. Chef Aldo is delighted to share this unique Italian lunch on a weekly changing basis to suit all tastes. It’s also perfect for those that don’t have much time for lunch and at QR 88 offers great value for a truly Italian experience. From 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

For more information call 4494-8631.

The Perfect Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Nusantao Restaurant. Longing for a sensational lunch from the Far East but short on time? Personally design your perfect lunch to suit your taste and schedule by choosing from an extensive selection of dishes. From a one-course to a six-course lunch, Chef Kato’s exclusive Bento Box will delight the palate. Come savour the most exquisite pan-Asian culinary experience at the city’s newest theatrical dining venue. From QR 55. From 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4494-8601.

THE GRAND HYATT Fish And Chips

Wednesdays: Dunes. Ask your waiter every Wednesday at Dunes about the special fish and chips promotion and get a taste of the UK in Doha, plus your choice of one pint or a glass of vino all for QR 60. For more information call 7021-8094.

The Energy Lunch

Daily: Rocca. Book your table at Rocca and enjoy your daily dose of tasty carbs for QR 75. You can choose your favourite appetizer and your choice of pizza or pasta from Rocca’s delicious Italian menu, plus coffee and water every day. For more information call 7021-8096.

KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES Bakery Happy Hour

Sun-Fri: Gourmet House. The best and most fresh bakery products in the city, on sale every evening from 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Gourmet House, well known for its products, gives you the chance to purchase them for half-price. For more information call 4405-3326, email gourmet.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

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Camel Milk Chocolate

Sun- Fri: Gourmet House. Al Nassma chocolate, the first and finest camel milk chocolate is now exclusively available in Gourmet House! Reflecting the flavours of the region, the premium chocolate uses camel milk as its finest ingredient.

From 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3326 or email gourmet.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Steak & Vino Menu

Daily: Aroma. Aroma invites all meat-lovers to try the Steak & Vino menu. Enjoy the most succulent and tender steaks, perfectly combined with superb grilling, tasty accompaniments and a flawlessly matched glass of vino.

From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325, email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Theme Nights At Coral Restaurant

Sundays: Turf Night dinner buffet. QR 250 including a glass of house beverage.

Mondays: Sushi Boutique dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage.

Tuesdays: Asian Night dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage Wednesday: Italian Night dinner buffet. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage.

Thursdays: Phoenician Night dinner. QR 235 including a glass of house beverage.

Fridays: Coral Goes BBQ dinner. QR 225 including a glass of house beverage.

Saturdays: Surf Night seafood dinner buffet. QR 260 including a glass of house beverage.

Saturday Kids and Family Brunch from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. QR 250 per person including bubbly and QR 225 with soft drinks. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

Greek BBQ Night

Mondays: Mykonos. Enjoy a variety of mezze with a selection of salads, starters and dips, followed by BBQ freshly-prepared on the terrace and end up with a selection of Greek desserts. QR 170 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Cooking Classes

Sundays: Prime Steakhouse. Let Chef Valentin take you on a journey through classic French recipes as you learn how to prepare some of the most-loved dishes in French cuisine. He’ll share his secrets and ensure you’re whipping up a gastronomic storm in no time! QR 250 per person, including lunch from the dishes prepared. From 11:30 a.m. till 12:30 noon. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

Theme Nights

Daily: The Square. Feast on an exciting array of international dishes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. Mondays offer the best of the Mediterranean and include authentic Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Moroccan, French and Greek delicacies. Take a trip to Asia every Tuesday where Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian favourites take centre-stage. QR 180 excluding beverages or QR 250 including unlimited house beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

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Food & Dining Listings LA CIGALE International Cuisine

Daily: Le Cigalon. Enjoy international cuisine with Lebanese specialties at their daily extravagant breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet with a la carte option available. Buffet breakfast at QR 130 and buffet lunch or dinner with live cooking stations at QR 220 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

Daily: YEN Sushi Bar. Enjoy the 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.

Pure Mediterranean

Daily: Le Central. Mediterranean specialties including a seafood market and antipasti station complemented by an extended beverage selection. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m., and from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information call 4428-8772.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Mövenpick Ice-Dreams

Daily: L’espresso Lobby Lounge. Summer is here so cool off with one of the timeless creations of legendary Mövenpick ice cream. Each taste is a masterpiece of culinary inspiration, a work of true gastronomic art. Fashioned with Swiss perfection, all the flavours, textures, and colours are owed exclusively to natural ingredients.

From 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-1111.

Ladies Morning

Daily: Seasons Restaurant. Girls night out is never complete without a luxurious breakfast to recap the night’s events. Dine in style with your ladies and pay only QR 55 for a delicious breakfast buffet. From 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m.

For more information call 4429-1111.

Travel The World On A Plate

Monday: Matador Night. Savour enticing Spanish delights with tapas, paella, live cooking and much more for QR 160 per person.

Tuesday: Les Alpes. Enjoy the combination of finest delicacies from France, Italy and Switzerland for an exclusive gourmet event for QR 160 per person.

Wednesday: TemptAsian. Be tempted by authentic ingredients and aromas. Gather around the teppanyaki table, taste the creativity of the Japanese sushi or the tang of the Thai curry for QR 160 per person.

Thursday: Deep Blue. A simply spectacular buffet of rich, fresh and succulent seafood and fish for QR 180 per person.

Friday: Curry, Kare, Kari. Get ‘curried’ away from Southeast Asia to the north of India for QR 160 per person.

Saturday& Sunday: International. Indulge in a colourful collection of international creations for QR 140 per person. For more information call 4429-1111.

PAPER MOON Taste of Milano

Sundays: Delight in the fresh flavours of Italian gastronomy with a special tasting menu created

by Chef Fabrizio de Togni. Guests can sample and share Paper Moon-highlighted dishes such as melanzanealla Parmigiana, fritto di calamari e zucchini, pappardelle Paper Moon and more.

Minimum for two people, QR 120 per person.

From 6:00 p.m. till 8:30 p.m. For more information visit www.papermoondoha.com.

Lunedi Cinema

Mondays: Monday night is movie night! Savour enticing range of Italian a la carte menu while watching your all-time favourite movies, from classic, black and white films to world cinema in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. From 8:00 p.m. onwards. For the full movie schedule visit www.papermoondoha.com.

ORYX ROTANA Latin Night

Sundays: Choices. Every Sunday, enjoy a unique concept and indulge in a Latin American buffet from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for QR 210 per person food-only, or QR 300 including unlimited selected house beverages, or try their premium package for QR 345 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333 or email oryx.hotel@rotana.com.

Tapas Galore

Tuesdays: The Cellar. For tapas lovers, the unlimited night is every Tuesday. Enjoy a selection of tantalizing tapas with unlimited selected vinos for QR 300. Or enjoy the experience for QR 160 inclusive of unlimited tapas galore and soft drinks.

For more information call 4402-3333 or email oryx.hotel@rotana.com.

Choices Goes Italian

RADISSON BLU After Work Tapas

Daily: Picasso’s. Time to sit back and relax in Picasso’s after a busy week! As they introduce their regular Thursday night tapas, indulge and enjoy with a glass of vino and some chilled-out music beats. QR 160 inclusive of tapas and three glasses of vino. From 6:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

Seafood Sunday

Sundays: Pier 12. A buffet with a twist! Choose as many items of individual fresh starters, mains and desserts from the chef’s trolley and they will cook them exactly to your liking! From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 280 inclusive of selected house beverages and QR 220 inclusive of soft drinks. For more information call 4428-1555.

Paella Night

Mondays: Picasso’s. Join in Picasso’s every Monday as they serve up your favourite paellas.

Dishes priced between QR 55 and QR 100. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-1555.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Make Your Own Breakfast Daily: Quick Bites. Continuing their highlysuccessful ‘Make Your Own’ selections, Quick Bites introduces ‘Make Your Own Breakfast’ with a selection of freshly-baked breads, cheeses and breakfast fillings, from QR 20. From 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Pizza & Pasta Express!

Daily: Cucina, The Italian Kitchen. Order any one of Cucina’s pizzas or pastas along with a side dish and one soft beverage for just QR 45! From 12:00 noon till 6:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

Wednesdays: Choices. Every Wednesday discover an amazing variety of regional dishes, so well-renowned for the use of fresh, classic ingredients while enjoying the live cooking presented by the chefs. For just QR 200 per person food-only, or QR 290 including unlimited selected house beverages. Also Choices brings the best of Italy to you with their premium package for QR 335 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333 or email oryx.hotel@rotana.com.

Vino & Dine

QUISINE BY GUY SAVOY Introduction To Gastronomy Menu

Daily: Tornado Tower. Choose a steak, a side, a sauce and a signature drink for QR 149. Available seven days a week from 5:30 p.m. till 6:45 p.m.

For more information call 4499-0685 or email reservations@theanvilrooms.qa.

Mon-Sat: Quisine by Guy Savoy and Al Safwa Farm have partnered up to give you the best of Qatari agriculture. All the vegetables in this menu are organic and grown in Qatar and the summer menu will offer refreshing starter s such as the Myriad Of Young Pea and the Tomato Medley. Enjoy the three-course menu for QR 380.

For more information call 4002-7245 or email reservations@guysavoy.qa.

Mon & Tues: Ipanema. Book a table for five guests or more on Monday or Tuesday between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and mention the promo code ‘Vino & Dine’. Ipanema will start you off with one free bottle of selected house vino, two bottles for groups of 10-14 guests and three bottles for groups of 15-19 guests. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

THE ANVIL ROOMS The Blacksmith’s Supper

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Qanun Player

Daily: The Grill Restaurant. Qanun is a string instrument played in much of the Middle East and is one of the richest-sounding Oriental musical instruments. Join in at The Diplomatic Club every evening for an alluring performance that will entertain you and enhance your appetite. For more information call 4484-7412.

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Lobster The Way You Like It

Daily: Al Sayyad Restaurant. Pick out your lobster from the tank and have it prepared in your desired way -- poached, grilled, thermidor, or served over a simple salad. QR 220 per meal. Kids’ activity every Friday, (bouncing castle, face-painting), from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-7412.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Burger & Pint Nights

Mon, Tues & Wed: Opal By Gordon Ramsay. Enjoy the tastiest and juiciest burger in Doha! Choose from lamb, fish, Wagyu beef or Opal’s vegetarian burger served with fluffy fat fries and homemade tomato sauce for QR 100. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

What’s Your Beef

Sun-Fri: Astor Grill. Astor Grill steakhouse delights meat-lovers with a three-course tasting menu featuring the finest cuts of meat using various cooking techniques. Pair with sommelier’s selection and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. QR 280 for three-courses, or QR 380 for three-courses with sommelier’s selection. From 7:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4446-0000 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Chef’s Table

Sun-Fri: Astor Grill. Book the Chefs Table and get up close and personal with Chef Roudy and the team in Astor Grill and enjoy the theatre of the kitchen! Choose from two tasting menus and the chef will create a bespoke experience just for you.

QR 390 for five courses food-only, or QR 500 for five courses with sommelier’s selection. From 7:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information call 4446-0106 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

The Rolls Royce Dinner

Mon-Sat: Gordon Ramsay. An evening of indulgence starts with a Rolls Royce pick-up and entrance through the private lift directly into Gordon Ramsay Fine Dining restaurant where you’ll be spoiled with an evening of epicurean delights from Michelinstarred Chef Gilles Bosquet. QR 1,290 per person, minimum of two people. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0000 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE RITZ-CARLTON DOHA Seafood Platter

Tuesdays: Admiral’s Club. Tuesdays is seafood day at Admiral’s Club! Overlooking the marina, you are invited to enjoy a fresh seafood platter of lobster, prawns, fish and squid.

QR 260 per portion, enough for two people. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8663, or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Sushi Mania

Mon & Wed: Al Dana. Choose your favourites from the freshlyprepared sushi, maki and sashimi menu twice a week. QR 185 per person with a 50% savings for children ages 6 to 12. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6666.

THE TORCH DOHA Escape To India

Mondays: Flying Carpet. Try their Indian food platters for only QR 180 per person including selected beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

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Food & Dining Listings Tex- Mex

Wednesdays: Flying Carpet. Every Wednesday try Latino specialties with a wide selection of steaks, burgers and hot dogs for only QR 190 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Burger Night

Sundays: Market by Jean-Georges. Start your week with your favourite burger, your favourite side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection for QR 110 per person. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Bento Box

Sat-Thurs: Spice Market. Enjoy the nice, relaxed atmosphere of Spice Market and indulge yourself with beautifully-selected dishes from the menu. Create your bento box and choose your appetizer, soup, salad, main and dessert for QR 95 per person. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m.

For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

WEEKEND CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK La Dolce Vita

Thursdays: Aramede. Every Thursday the hotel brings the streets of Italy to Aramede. Chefs preparing your pizzas and pastas at live cooking stations await you for a lavish Italian night buffet.

QR 150 per adult, QR 75 per child ages 6-12 years, and QR 299 per adult including house beverages.

For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Gourmet Route

Thursdays: The Gallery. Enjoy something for everyone, with highlights from their specialty restaurants and experience a gourmet buffet taste sensation! QR 225 regular and QR 320 with bubbly. For more information call 4429-8499.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Sushi & Steak

Saturdays: Blue. Enjoy a sharing sushi platter along with your choice of US tenderloin steak.

An option of Wagyu beef is available with just an additional of QR 50. QR 215 per person. From 12:30 noon till midnight. For more information call 4445-5555.

THE GRAND HYATT Barbeque Nights

Thurs & Fri: Majlis. Enjoy the outdoors this season on Majlis’ poolside terrace with their barbeque and shisha nights. Don’t miss a night of delicious foods grilled to perfection and your favourite shisha flavour for QR 250 per person. For more information call 7798-2400.

THE FOUR SEASONS Sabato Italiano

Saturdays: Il Teatro. Over the last century, pizza and pasta have both become the quintessential Italian comfort food. So it’s no surprise that Il Teatro pays tribute to this legendary dish by offering Pizza and Pasta Night every Saturday with a variety of Chef Aldo’s fresh home-made pizzas, pastas and gelato. On the Sabato Italiano guests will enjoy the best-tasting, most versatile and convenient food there is…so eat, drink and go Italian! QR 160 with soft drinks and QR 250 with bubbly. Kids ages 4-12 enjoy a 50% discount off the price of their meals. For more information call 4494-8631.

HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Malaysian Hi-Tea

Saturdays: Lagenda. Enjoy delicious Asian cuisine and free-flowing Tarik tea for QR 110 and QR 55 for children between the ages of 4 to 12 years. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-4333.

LA VARENNE Rôtisserie Night

Saturdays: Every Saturday join La Varenne from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. for rôtisserie night. An unlimited offering of rôtisserie chicken, meat and fish with a selection of side orders for QR 179 per person. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

ORYX ROTANA Choices Seafood Delight

Thursday: Choices. Experience the bounty of the sea every Thursday evening at Choices, the most contemporary restaurant in town with its fantastic pool view and open kitchens. From lobster, prawns and shrimps to freshly-shucked oyster on the half-shell enjoy unlimited seafood offerings for just QR 260 per person food only, or QR 335 including unlimited selected house beverages.

Also, you can try their premium package for QR 375 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs. For more information call 4402-3333.

THE RITZ-CARLTON The Roman Holiday

Thurs & Fri: Fountain Yard. Who said that Rome is far away? Astonish yourself and be part of the busiest street in Roma surrounded by art, magic, gladiators and dance, while having your most desired Italian dish. Lunch is served at 12:00 noon.

For more information call 4484-8514,or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Barbecue By The Pool

Thurs & Fri: Al Seef. Embrace the outdoor vibe with a nice breeze while the weather is cool, overlooking the magnificent sea. Experience Western-style barbecue at its best with shisha.

From 6:30 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. for QR 205. For more information call 4425-6666.

All-You-Can-Eat Satay

Thurs & Fri: Cigar Lounge. Come solo, in a pair, or feast with friends and enjoy the unlimited chicken and beef satay every Thursday and Friday. QR 55 per person. For more information call 4425-6666.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Seafood BBQ Night

Fridays: Fish Market. Come and join in every Friday for a seafood BBQ dinner by the beachfront.

Enjoy grilled fish and seafood freshly-prepared by expert chefs including live cooking stations.

Starting at QR 280 for food-only and QR 350 with unlimited house beverage. From 7:00 p.m. till 12 midnight. For more information call 4484-4919 or 4484-4444.

THE TORCH DOHA Seafood Extravaganza

Thursdays: Flying Carpet. Every Thursday night find a selection of seafood for grilling, frying, wok and many more for only QR 250 per person including selected beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

Arabian Nights

Fridays: Flying Carpet. Every Friday live the charm of the Orient and indulge in a variety of plates from different Arabic cuisines for QR 200 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Burger Nights

Saturdays: Market by Jean-Georges. Choose your favourite burger, your favourite side dish and one amazing sundae from the selection for QR 110. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

Sushi Night

Saturdays: Spice Market. Add some flavour to the start of the week with Spice Market’s comprehensive sushi menu featuring assorted sushi, nigiri, maki and sashimi prepared with the secret condiments of three-Michelin star chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his expert team for QR 230. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Seafood Night Thursdays: Crossroads Kitchen. Tiger prawns, mussels, tuna, oysters and the freshest sushi in town! Try the Mongolian stir-fry station where the chef mixes chicken, beef, lamb or seafood with crunchy vegetables. There’s also a delicious chocolate fountain and pastries for those with a sweet tooth. QR 225 including soft beverages and QR 285 including selected beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

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BRUNCH CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Carnival Brunch

Fridays: Rodizio. Enjoy the unique Brazilian atmosphere and visit Rodizio to experience the taste of carnaval in Rio. QR 265 per adult, QR 130 per child (ages 6-12 years). Children under six years dine free of charge. QR 333 per adult including house beverages. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-7777.

DOHA MARRIOTT Weekend Brunch

Fri & Sat: The Gallery. A culinary journey like no other, discover an array of live cooking stations and specialties from the Restaurant Gallery, featuring favourite dishes from around the globe. Highlights from the weekend brunch include a wide selection of fresh sushi, Peking duck, fajitas, Oriental grills, pizza, curries, biryanis, fresh seafood, ice cream, kounafa and more. Now offering a kids’ club zone with a special kids’ buffet and activities. From 12:30 noon till 3:00 p.m. for QR 245 with soft drinks or QR 350 for bubbly brunch.

For more information call 4429-8499.

The Late Brunch

Fridays: Marriott Open-Air Dining. Shaking up the Doha Brunch scene, join in for Doha’s first and only Late Brunch!

Chill out and watch the sunset from your outdoor table with spectacular views across the city and the famous backdrop of the Doha skyline. With cool tunes from famous funky DJ Kinky D, a full grill, buffet and seafood selection, dance the night away under the stars! Including ‘all- in’ bubbly and BBQ for QR 380. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information call 4429-8499.

THE FOUR SEASONS Friday Brunch

Fridays: Nusantao Restaurant. Start the weekend on a leisurely note with the Four Seasons Hotel Doha's Friday Brunch, which offers an array of delicious dining choices to enjoy. The main buffet is a showcase of live Asian cooking stations, as well as hot and cold appetizers and a traditional carvery. They also feature a range of salads and freshly baked bread, along with a heavenly dessert spread that includes pastries, hot desserts and cakes. Regular brunch at QR 333, Sparkling brunch at QR 415. From 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m.

For more information call 4494-8601.

GRAND HERITAGE DOHA Family Brunch

Fridays: Blue. Enjoy a perfect family brunch. With special kids’ activities in the exclusively-designed area adjacent to the restaurant, this brunch has the perfect environment to spend the day with your loved ones. QR 220 per person inclusive of two rounds of soft drinks. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4445-5555.

THE GRAND HYATT Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch

Fridays: Isaan. Get an outstanding Thai Chatuchak Weekend Market experience, every Friday for brunch from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. at award-winning restaurant Isaan. Walk around and explore the colourful array of live cooking stations and market-like stalls. A range of options are available; soft drinks brunch is QR 280, the special beverage package is QR 395 and the Moët brunch is QR 680. For more information call 7021-8097.

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Food & Dining Listings HOLIDAY VILLA HOTEL Dim Sum Brunch

Fridays: D’Chopstix. Enjoy a delicious dim sum brunch with family and friends along with free-flowing Chinese tea. QR 138 and QR 68 for children between the ages of 4 to 12 years. For more information call 4408-4888.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA We Love Saturday Brunch

Saturdays: Coral Restaurant. Join in at Coral as the hotel re-launches their favourite Saturday brunch featuring the great tastes of Mexican, Greek and Belgian cuisines alongside the popular international and Mediterranean buffet and sushi bar. To make it more exciting for your little ones, they’ve put together a fabulous kids’ cooking class for free and other activities. QR 200 with soft beverages or QR 250 with unlimited house beverages. For more information call 4484-4919.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY The Business Lunch Sat-Thurs: The Square. Take time out of your busy work schedule and enjoy a three-course business lunch at The Square. The a la carte menu offers a wide selection of delectable starters and mouth-watering main courses, including locallysourced seafood, prime cuts of meat, vegetarian options and a dessert. QR 88 for three courses, inclusive of one soft beverage. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information 4015-8888 or email doharestaurants@ihg.com.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL DOHA Friday Family Brunch

Seasons Restaurant. The lively Seasons restaurant is all geared-up with more yummy additions to the Friday brunch. Indulge in an elegant yet casual experience with free-flowing bubbly and enchanting music to complement the tasty buffet delights including fresh seafood, live cooking and sushi, plus an endless assortment of appetizers and desserts. Every Friday features an entirely new theme to amuse the little ones, from sly pirates and playful jungle monkeys to some very angry birds and the best of Disney’s classics.

QR 215 per person with kids under the age of 12 dining free and from ages 12-16 enjoy a 50% discount. For more information call 4429-1111.

LA VARENNE French Country Brunch

Fridays: Tornado Tower. Their unique French Country Brunch is a success. Join in every Friday from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. to indulge in their interpretation of a table-top brunch. Enjoy a full-course, all-you-care-to-eat menu with sharingstyle dishes showcasing an array of the best La Varenne classics, along with their hors d'oeuvres and dessert trolleys all for QR 179 per person, food-only, and QR 379 per person with selected drinks. For more information call 4499-0680 or email reservations@lavarenne.qa.

ORYX ROTANA Jazzy Friday Brunch

Choices. Every Friday no one does it better!

Brunch starts at 12:30 noon and ends at 4:00 p.m. offering a wide variety of food and beverages with live jazz music. (Last order for beverages is at 3:15 p.m.) QR 260 including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 355 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information call 4402-3333.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Friday Brunch Ipanema Brazilian Churrascaria. Take a trip to Rio de Janeiro every Friday with a feast of Brazilian meats and the only authentic Brazilian band in Doha. Ipanema is the place to come for a super brunch, flambé desserts and live entertainment.

QR 250 includes soft beverages and QR 320 includes selected beverages. Valet parking included. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Brunch

Fri & Sat: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Experience the true British brunch experience with a selection of Gordon Ramsay signature breakfast items. Book a table on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful weather! Extend brunch with an exclusive buy-one-get-one happy hour from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. QR 250 inclusive of soft beverages and QR 375 inclusive of grape, grain and sparkling beverages, from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Family Friday Brunch

Vine. Gather with family and friends and experience a lavish buffet with treats for everyone. Parents can relax with live reggae music and enjoy breath-taking views from the terrace. Entertainment for children is provided by The St. Regis Doha recreation team and includes fun games, face-painting and lots of creative activities. QR 295 per person with soft drinks and QR 395 per person including sommelier selection, from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE RITZ-CARLTON Brunch

Fridays: The Lagoon. Bring all the family for a relaxing weekend brunch. Live music complements the delicious buffet of Middle Eastern specialties and international live cooking stations. Children have their own junior buffet and entertainment. QR 250 per person including soft beverages, QR 335 per person including bubbly, or QR 375 for full brunch. Kids under the age of four can dine for free. QR 120 for kids ages 4-12 years old. From 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4484-8512 or email rc.dohrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.

THE TORCH DOHA Friday Barbecue Bazaar Brunch

Flying Carpet. Choose from a wide selection of steaks, Oriental BBQ, fish, burgers and hot dogs for only QR 199 net per person including selected beverages .From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m. Special rate of QR 95 for children between the ages of 6 and 12 only.

For more information call 4446-5600 or email reservation@thetorchdoha.com.

Saturday Torch Brunch

Flying Carpet. Presenting an array of specialties from the Mediterranean, Asia and Latin America for only QR 199 per person including selected beverages. Served from 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

Special rate of QR 95 for children between the ages of six and 12 only. For more information call 4446-5600.

W DOHA Friday Brunch

Spice Market.One of the most iconic brunches Doha offers. Southeast Asian street food-style cuisine accompanied with melodic sounds from the Doha Jazz band. QR 380 per person including house beverages and QR 290 including selected soft drinks. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Broonch

Fridays: La Spiga by Paper Moon.

Amplify your flavours with a chic Italian a la carte brunch. QR 220 per person with selected soft drinks and a 25% discount on beverages. Or QR 380 per person with selected house beverages. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

BUSINESS LUNCH CHOWKING

Sun-Thurs: 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 Sadd St.: 4431-4411.

Holiday Villa Hotel: 4411-5225/335.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK The Deal Is Done

Sat-Tues: Aramede. Combine business with pleasure at Aramede restaurant and unwind from your heavy working hours with a healthy and quick business lunch. QR 95 per person including local mineral water. From 12:00 noon till 3:30 p.m.

For more information call 4408-7777.

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KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES & SUITES

Sat-Thurs: Aroma. Stay healthy and select a lowcalorie menu option from the revamped Business Lunch by Kempinski. Simple and delicious flavours, carefully selected fresh produce and creative preparation are the ingredients for the finest business lunch in Doha. QR 90 per person with a dessert-to-go option. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4405-3325 or email restaurants.doha@kempinski.com, or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

LA CIGALE Business Lunch Formula

Daily: Le Central. Welcoming you and your corporate associates for a closed business deal with its specialty three-course Business Set Menu for QR 150. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4428-8772.

LA VARENNE

Sat-Thurs: Enjoy the most exquisite French business lunch in Doha. QR 85 for a two-course meal and QR 95 for a three-course meal. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4499-0680.

ORYX ROTANA X'Press Lunch & Dinner

Daily: The Cellar. Every day is quick-bite time and everyone is ready for it. Enjoy the Cellar’s three-course set menu including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 95 per person for lunch and QR 150 per person for dinner, guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes.

For more information call 4402-3333.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Express Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Cucina, The Italian Kitchen. Choose from five entrees, five mains and three desserts made from the freshest Italian ingredients for QR 85. Valet parking included. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6100.

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Sun-Thurs: Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Be it with colleagues, clients or friends, enjoy a delicious three-course lunch. A different chef-selected menu available each week for QR 100, from 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

Express Buffet Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Vine. Enjoy an express lunch buffet in Vine Restaurant. An extensive selection of international cuisine and a scenic terrace to dine on, it’s the perfect lunchtime getaway.

QR 150, from 12:30 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4446-0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com.

THE TORCH Casual Business Lunch

Sun-Thurs: Flying Carpet. The lunch includes salad buffet plus a la carte sandwich or pasta, one soft drink or chilled juice and mini-dessert for QR 80 per person. For more information call 4446-5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com.

W DOHA Express Lunch

Sat-Thurs: La Spiga by Paper Moon. Choose your favourite Italian starter, main course and dessert for just QR 95 per person, daily except Fridays. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m.

For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

Express Lunch

Sat-Thurs: Market by Jean-Georges. Enjoy a three-course lunch for only QR 95 per person.

Choose your favourite starter, main course and dessert in just half an hour. From 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. For more information call 4453-5135 or email bnfreservations.wdoha@whotels.com.

SPECIAL LISTINGS ASPIRE KATARA HOSPITALITY Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge

May: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy their new Sunday special of beef tripe soup, a traditional dish with garlic, lemon and spices. Available on Sundays for the month of May. May: Succulent spit-roasted whole lamb, well-marinated, seasoned to perfection and served with aromatic traditional Turkish rice for QR 99 per serving, starting at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4408-2000.

Red Velvet Cupcakery

May: Feature cupcake of the month! The lemon brownie cupcake. Don’t miss this sweet treat made of 65% cocoa dark chocolate, flour, eggs, butter, crème fraiche, lemon and espresso.

May: Katara Cultural Village. Decorate Your Own Cupcake! It’s fun and very educational, the best way to spend quality time for families with their children. Each plain cupcake goes with edible decorations for only QR 30. Apron and chef’s hat will be provided. For more information call 4408-0700.

El Cigar Lounge

May: Katara Cultural Village. Experience the vintage club car ride in full comfort and convenience to and from the Katara parking lot.

It’s free, daily. For pick-up call 4408-0750 as soon as you arrive.

May: High-tea at El Cigar Lounge. Come and experience an assortment of exquisite delights, elegantly served in style. From 3:00 p.m. till 12:00 midnight. For more information call 4408-0750.

L’wzaar Seafood Market

May: Katara Cultural Village. Let's go crabbing at L'wzaar! Available in five styles of cooking – Singaporean chili crab, Arabic spice crab with lemon sauce, crabmeat boudin ball with cheddar cheese sauce, Basque baked crab and Japanese crab kare.

May 11: Mums, come and dine with your family on Mother’s Day. They will capture the moment and feature it in the L’wzaar Celebrant’s book. For more information call 4408-0710.

Chac’late

May 11: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy their limited edition Mother’s Day special! Appreciate Mum’s sweetness with specially-prepared sweets for a very special price.

May: Introducing their new Chac’Late Organic Egg Breakfast. Their newly-designed breakfast menu now offers this organic egg breakfast served fresh and healthy at QR 48. Available from 8:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. daily. For more information call 4408-0733.

Shawarma Albisana

May: Katara Cultural Village. Enjoy your favourite chicken or beef shawarma with a cold soft drink for only QR 15. For more information call 4408-1400.

Kunafa Albisana

May: Katara Cultural Village. Offering the best traditional kunafa with Nabulsi cheese imported from Jordan for dine-in and take-away at Kunafa Albisana in Katara. For more information call 4408-1200.

leVesuvio

May: Katara Cultural Village. Special avocado e gamberi new menu item. Enjoy a mix of fresh lettuce, avocado, Parmesan cheese, fresh shrimps, cherry tomato, black olives and raspberry in vinaigrette.

May: Check out the kids’ menu. leVesuvio is happy to serve all of its guests, especially kids, with its healthful kids’ menu options. From 12:00 noon till 3:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For more information call 4408-1500.

Aspire Grand Café

May: Aspire Park. Offers more than coffee and sandwiches. Choose from fresh sushi, soups and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages for dine-in and take-away.

May: Enjoy healthy choices for breakfast while visiting the park. Fresh croissants, sunny-side up or omelette egg dishes and crêpes are available.

For more information call 4408-1996.

Burgerry

May 11: Aspire Park. Come to Burgerry on Mother's Day and all mothers get a free cheesecake when dining with the family. May: Introducing their new B. Bites, homemade chicken nuggets prepared from chicken breasts wellmarinated with their special Burgerry infusion.

May: Introducing the new Burgerry Fun Meal.

Each meal comes in their beautifully-designed Fun Box with a fruit juice, a regular French fries and a choice of the B. Classic, B. Cheesy, Good Dog or their new B. Bites (served with special sauces).

Don’t forget to look inside the box for a special gift. For more information call 4449-3958.

See us online! om www.qatarhappening.c

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ctory rery cto ngreDi t Di anni urDi sta& Reod Fo American & Tex-Mex American Grill

International

Chinese

4411-0188

Chopsticks 4434-3333

Al Hubara

4485-4444

Chili’s 4466-0663

D’Chopstix 4408-4888

Al Liwan Restaurant

4424-2888

Ipanema 4419-6100

Royal Bafilyon

4411-4458

Al Matbakh Rooftop Grill

4433-6777

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Ruby Wu’s

4428-1428

Al Shaheen Restaurant

4485-4444

Just Burger 4015-0180 4437-2679

Wok of Fame

4413-4772

Animato 4496-6600

Latino 4485-4444 Oyster Bay

Contemporary European

4446-0105

Paloma 4484-4444 Pampano 4495-3876 Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

4443-7846

Rodizio Brazilian Churrascaria

4408-7777

Salsa 4429-8888 TGI Friday’s

4488-7008

Aroma 4405-3325 Astor Grill Belgian Café

4484-4444

Gordon Ramsay

4446-0105

La Mer

4484-8000

Market by Jean-Georges

4453-5135

Nando’s

Delivery Hotline 4436-0606

Opal by Gordon Ramsay

Arabic & Lebanese Agora 4445-5555

4446-0105

4446-0105

French

Al Balad

4491-8692

La Sahtaine

4423-3333

Al Bandar

4431-1818

La Varenne

4499-0680

Al Batross

4432-8888

Al Canteen

4433-6666

Le Relais de L’Entrecote 4495-3876 ext. 1411

Al Mourjan

4483-4423

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Al Tawash

4498-2002

Argan 4433-6666 Burj Al Hamam

4495-3876

Istanbul Sultan Dining Restaurant 4468-5089 Khan Rafouk Tarab Café

4408-0840

Layali 4431-0005 Lebanese Shawarma

4466-2616

Liza 4495-3876 Majlis 4448-1234 Marmara Istanbul

4436-2947

Tajine 4435-5554 Tangia 4434-3333 The Tent Turkey Central

4432-8888

Maxim 4428-1428 Quisine by Guy Savoy

Sormani 4495-3876 Ext. 3222

Indian

4472-2666

Choices 4402-3333 Corniche 4429-8888 Cosmo Restaurant

4424-7777

Crossroads Kitchen

4419-6100

De Dine Zone Restaurant

4470-8822

East 4433-6666 Flying Carpet

4446-5600

Grand Gourmet

4434-3333

La Brasserie

4446-2222

La Cigalon Restaurant

4428-8888

Lifestyle Restaurant

4463-2154

Mawasem 4423-3333 Mehfil Restaurant Nando’s

4409-4444

Delivery Hotline 4436-0606

The Dining Room (Al Najada Boutique Hotel)

4433-6666

The Dining Room (Fraser Suites Hotel)

4424-3444

The Grill

4448-1234

The Lagoon

4484-8000

Three Sixty 4446-5600

Biryani Hut

4464-1401

Bombay Baiti

4428-1428

Chingari 4428-1428 Idyl Factory

6674-1143

Royal Indian

4466-6876

Torch Tea Garden

4446-5600

Vine 4446-0105

Italian Bice Ristorante

4495-3876

Carluccio’s 4495-3876

Royal Tandoor

Al Souq St., Jasra 4444-6151 Souq Waqif 4432-3244

Cucina 4419-6100 Di Capri

4428-8698

Saffron Lounge

3325-8919

Fabio’s Pizza

4416-5641

Sukh Sagar

4431-9172

II Teatro

4494-8888

Taj Rasoi

4429-8888

La Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant

4436-7991

La Veranda

4485-4444

4443-2927

linoem! s opn See au ing.c tarhap en www.q

4002-7245

Blue Brasserie Restaurant

Picasso’s 4428-1428 Porcini 4484-8000 Rocca 4448-1234 Romano’s Macaroni Grill

4451-7585

The Italian Job

4428-1428

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Japanese

Bar Food

Cafés

Neo 4432-2508

Belgian Café

4484-4444

Oishi Sushi

4442-8989

De Ozone

4470-8822

Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar

4495-3878 Ext. 1311

Sakura 4428-1428

Madison Piano Bar

4428-8888

Al Jalsa

4425-6666

Strata Restaurant & Lounge

4015-8888

Pool Bar

4484-4444

Al Kut Lounge

4434-3203

Sushi Minto

4467-5577

Shehrazad 4428-1428

Al Mandarine

4463-3748

Yen Sushi Bar

4428-8888

The Irish Harp

4485-4444

Atrium Lounge

4485-4444

The Lounge

4405-3325

Bab Al Baher

4423-3333

Mediterranean

Wahm 4453-5353

Aramede 4408-7777

Burgers

Bert’s Café 4495-3876 Ext 1381 Biscoti 4448-1282

Bistro Bistro

4428-1428

La Villa

4446-2222

American Grill

Le Central Restaurant

4428-8888

Chili’s 4466-0663

Medi @ The Village

4444-4700

Fuddruckers

4411-0188 4483-3983

Café De Biznez

4470-8822

Café Tasse

4444-7017

Café Vergnano 4495-3876 Ext. 2611

Mykonos 4484-4444

Hardee’s 4467-8750

Coffee Time

4466-7551

The Cellar

Johnny Rockets

4455-2792

Colombiano

4434-2753

4488-7008

Dean and Deluca

4451-9780

Dell @ The Village

4444-4700

Gourmet House

4405-3333

Jones the Grocer

4407-7175

La Margarita

4409-4444

Le Gourmet

4436-1789

Lime Café

4496-6600

Maya La Chocolatiere

Landmark Mall

Villaggio Mall MBCo (The Gate Mall) Al Emaadi Financial Square

4486-2264 4417-8132 4407-7130 4411-7224

Moka and Co

4458-3232

Orangery Café Troittor

4428-8888

Quick Bites

4419-6134

4428-1428

Sarab Lounge

4446-0105

JW’s Steakhouse

4429-8888

Savor 4408-7777

Le Grill

4484-7412

Shisha Garden

4428-8888

New York Steakhouse

4419-6100

Sky Lounge

4402-3333

Prime 4015-8888

Sugar and Spice

4411-4456

The Anvil Rooms

4499-0685

The Courtyard

4433-6444

The Butcher Shop and Grill

4413-5508

The Drawing Room

4433-6666

4446-2222

The Lobby Lounge

4484-8000

The Terrace Lounge

4433-6555

Torch Café

4446-5600

W Café

4453-5353

Ya Hala

4423-3333

4402-3333

TGI Friday’s

Seafood

Persian

Al Dana

4425-6666

Parisa 4425-6666

Al Dente Seafood Restaurant

4472-2666

Prince Of Persia

Al Sayyad

4484-7420

Al Sultan Brahim

4446-0105

Fish Market

4484-4444

Grill @ The Village

4444-4700 4015-0190.

Southeast Asian

L’wzaar 4408-0710 Asia Live!

4429-8888

Chowking Delivery Hotline 4431-1212 Mamoura 4486-6077

Al Khor 4411-8816/17 Salwa Road 4437-1212

Al Sadd St. 4431-4411

Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 Isaan 4448-1250 Mango Tree

4495-3876

Nusantao: Sea Kitchens

4494-8888

Spice Market

4453-5353

Sri Kebaya

4434-0838

The Noodle House

City Center Mall

The Pearl

4411-5063 4495-3876

Wok Mee Noodle House

4496-6600

Pampano 4495-3876 Pier 12

4428-1428

Steakhouses Bentley’s Grill

The Old Manor Steakhouse

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Sports

s k c i P p o T ’s This Month

InterContinental Doha

e Qatar Olympic Committe Sport Excellence Day May 13: Katara. The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Qatar’s governing sports body, is set to organize the Sport Excellence Day 2014 event at Katara on May 13. The annual sports gala aims to honour the best athletes, sport officials, institutions and government and non-government organizations for their contribution in boosting Qatar’s sport movement during the 2013-2014 season. Senior QOC officials, heads of sport clubs, federations and honourees will come together to celebrate the roles played by members of the community. For more information visit www.olympic.qa.

Qatar Volleyball Association 2014 Qatar Cup May 2: Al Arabi Sports Club. The 2014 Qatar Cup volleyball final is happening this month at Al Arabi Sports Club. Watch the most talented players battling out for the coveted title. For more information visit www.qvbaen.org.

OUT om .c CHECaK ppening

atarh tion! www.qthe latest informa for

QH May 2014- FINAL.indd 77

Qatar Basketball Federation 34th GCC Basketball Championships May 11-19: Al Gharafa Sports Club. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration of the most anticipated basketball championship of the season. Book your tickets now. For more information visit www.qatarbasketball.qa.

Wing Chun Mon & Fri: Wing Chun is widely accepted as the most effective martial art and is taught to special forces and military personnel across the world. The most famous figure of Wing Chun is Bruce Lee. Techniques learned will give you practical skills on how to protect yourself through self-defense disciplines. Suitable for all ages. Parents and children can enjoy this program and its benefits together. Mondays from 8:00 p.m. till 9:30 p.m., Fridays (kids and adults class) from 1:00 p.m. till 2:30 p.m. For more information call 4484-4852.

Qatar Karate Federation 3rd International Karate Cup May 10-11: Al Gharafa Sports Club.

Organized by the Qatar Karate Federation, the 3rd International Karate Cup will gather the best athletes of this legendary sport together in the ring. For more information visit www.moc.gov.qa.

77 4/26/14 12:05 PM

Sports

Diamonds

In Doha

Genzebe Dibaba sprints ahead at last year's women's 1,500-metres

Qatari champion Mutaz Barshim celebrates his high-jump victory

As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the IAAF Diamond League

On May 9, Qatar gets ready to host the kick-off meeting of the IAAF Diamond League 2014.

With a bank of returning star athletes from the realm of track and field, QH takes you inside one of the most crucial international athletics events of the year.

T

he IAAF Diamond League is a world-class, premier athletics meet which started in 2010, replacing the IAAF Golden League, which took place annually since 1998. The Golden League featured six meetings, all in Europe, while the Diamond League has a worldwide appeal and features 14 meetings.

The IAAF Diamond League will kick-off in Qatar on Friday, May 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Qatar Sports Club. Some of this year’s featured events are the pole vault, discus throw, long jump, shot put, 100-metre sprint, 400-metre hurdles, and 3,000 metre short circuit.

The Diamond League encompasses 32 individual event disciplines for men and women. Throughout the 14 meetings, the top three finishers accumulate points and the one competitor to win the most points at the end of

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Track star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on the podium

the league season is proclaimed the Diamond Race winner in each respective event. Each discipline takes place throughout the season and a seventh at the final event, either in Zurich or Brussels. The top three athletes are awarded the same amount of points at each meeting, except during the finals when the points are doubled.

The Female Star Athletes Many stars of the sport will land in Doha to take part at the inaugural meeting of the IAAF Diamond League. Reigning world and Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be returning to Doha this May. There’s no bigger name in the world of women’s sprinting at the moment than the 27-year-old Jamaican who dashed to the World Indoor 60-metre title in Sopot, Poland just months after winning global titles in the 100-metre, 200-metre and 4x100-metre relays at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.

Her illustrious performance at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, coupled with victories in 11 of her 14 finals over 100-metres and 200-metres led to her selection as the 2013 World Athlete of the Year. Her long list of accolades includes back-to-back Olympic 100-metre titles from 2008 and 2012.

“I enjoy running in Doha,” she says.

“The stadium is close and intimate which makes you feel connected with the fans.”

Her appearance in the opening event of the fifth season of the IAAF Diamond League series takes on added meaning as she sets out to defend her unprecedented 100-metre and 200-metre double Diamond Race victory from 2013.

“The 200-metres is the event I want to get better at,” she tells us. “I’m doing okay but I believe there’s a lot more to give, so this season a lot will be placed on being better and faster at the 200-metres. Capturing another double would definitely top the year for me.

Let's see what happens.”

Fraser-Pryce won the 200-metres in Doha last year, a victory that set her on-course towards her first world title in the longer sprint. In 2012 she also sped to Olympic silver over the distance.

This season, making her third appearance in Doha, Fraser-Pryce will contest the 100-metres against what is already shaping into a formidable field.

Moscow double dash finalist Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria will lead the assault. Last year the

25-year-old improved the African 100-metre record to 10.79 to land on the doorstep of the event’s all-time top-ten. Fraser-Pryce’s compatriot Kerron Stewart, a 100-metre finalist at the World Championships last season and 2008 Olympic 200-metre silver medalist, is also confirmed.

Leading the charge for the U.S. is 21-year-old national champion English Gardner, who finished fourth at the World Championships last year and has a 10.85 career best to her credit, and Alexandria Anderson, who last year joined the event’s sub-11 club with a 10.91 personal best clocking. Both Gardner and Anderson were on the silver medal-winning 4x100-metre relay quartet for the U.S. in Moscow. Barbara Pierre who recorded the world’s fourth fastest time in 2013 with 10.85 and was fourth at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, will also be in the field.

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Sports Mutaz Barshim clears the pole during the high-jump event

Asian Champion and 2013 World Championships finalist Youssef Ahmed Masrahi from Saudi Arabia leads the Arab athletes’ attack.

Meanwhile, the men’s 200-metre field can boast the reigning silver and bronze medalists from the World Championships.

The Male Star Athletes This year's Diamond League event in Doha welcomes American triple jump champion Christian Taylor to the arena. Holding a personal record of 17.96 metres, he's the reigning Olympic champion and also earned gold at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics.

There will also be lots of speed on display throughout the program as the men’s 400-metres will feature the season’s first re-match of last year’s World Championships medalists.

LaShawn Merritt of the U.S. was the picture of dominance in Moscow last summer with his commanding 43.74 victory for his second global title. Behind him, compatriot Tony McQuay edged Luguelin Santos by just 0.02 seconds in 44.40 to win the battle for silver over the young Dominican. In 2012 Santos surprised the world with his silver medal run at the 2012 Olympic Games when he just 18.

Joining the trio will be a rising star in the event, Czech Pavel Maslak, who followed up his fifth place finish at last year’s World Championships with a powerful run to win the World Indoor title. Maslak, just 23, is also the reigning European champion indoors and out.

Jamaican Warren Weir followed up his bronze medal performance at the 2012 Olympic Games with a runner-up finish behind Usain Bolt in Moscow last year. Illustrating his growing consistency and confidence, the 24-year-old twice clocked a personal best 19.79 in 2013.

Curtis Mitchell of the U.S., the World bronze medalist who improved to 19.97 last season, will lead the opposition. The field also includes reigning European champion Churandy Martina of the Netherlands, who was fifth at the 2012 Olympics and Jamaicans Jason Young (19.86 from 2012) and Nickel Ashmeade (19.85, 2012).

"Although the Doha 2014 meeting is being held at the beginning of the outdoor season, we will bring on dozens of Olympic and World champions and medalists,” explains Qatar Athletics Federation President Dahlan Al Hamad.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming the world’s top athletes and especially Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the finest women’s sprinter in the world, back to Doha this year.”

eventually claim his spot among the event’s big three. In 2011 he improved to 2.35-metres when taking the Asian title, scaled an Asian record of 2.39-metres in Lausanne in the run-up campaign to the London Games the following year, and improved again to 2.40-metres last season in Eugene. Only four men have ever jumped higher outdoors. Along the way he’s taken Olympic bronze in 2012 and World championships silver in 2013 before his recent World indoor triumph.

“We had just two goals for the indoor season – to win the Asian indoors and then of course to win the World indoors,” says the young star athlete. That he did in style with a 2.38-metre clearance to polish off a perfect score card of seven successive first attempt clearances.

“We knew we could win the gold,” he says.

“It would just depend on how it went during the competition, the rhythm, [and] how I was going to feel at the moment. I was really confident, and really concentrating.” It was an Asian indoor record, but Barshim believes he could have gone higher.

The Qatari Hero

“I was in really good shape. 2.38 was really great, a new Asian [indoor] record,” he adds.

“But I think I could have jumped higher if I wasn’t already the winner. I needed more pushing, more pressure. Then, I was already happy so it was hard to focus.”

Since making his breakthrough in 2010 with a 2.31-metre leap when still a junior, Mutaz Barshim has been on a steady climb to

He’s certainly not predicting any records for his appearance at the Diamond League kick-off in

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Olympic bronze medallist and Jamaican sprinter Warren Weir

Doha, but admits he would be very pleased with a victory on home turf after finishing third in 2011 and second last year. “[The Doha Diamond League] is always early in the season and I’m in really hard training, and I don’t interrupt my training,” he says. “Of course I always want to give my best. It’s my home town.

My family and friends are there. You just want to do your best. I hope to do something better this year.”n MEETINGS CONFIRMED FOR 2014

LaShawn Merritt hopes to add another global title to his roster

• Doha, Qatar • Shanghai, China • Eugene, USA • Rome, Italy • Oslo, Norway • New York, USA • Lausanne, Switzerland • Paris, France • London, UK • Monaco • Stockholm, Sweden • Birmingham, UK • Zurich, Switzerland • Brussels, Belgium

May 9, 2014 May 18, 2014 May 31, 2014 June 5, 2014 June 11, 2014 June 14, 2014 July 3, 2014 July 5, 2014 July 11, 2014 July 18, 2014 Aug 21, 2014 Aug 24, 2014 Aug 28, 2014 Sept 9, 2014

DOHA DIAMOND LEAGUE 2014 SCHEDULE Qatar Sports Club

Triple-jump world champion Christian Taylor

• 5:25 p.m. Men’s Long Jump • 5:30 p.m. Men’s Discus Throw • 5:30 p.m. Girl’s 100-Metres • 5:35 p.m. Women’s Shot Put • 5:40 p.m. Boy’s 100-Metres • 5:50 p.m. Girl’s 4 X 100-Metres • 6:00 p.m. Boy’s 4 X 100-Metres • 6:10 p.m. Women’s Pole Vault • 6:10 p.m. Men’s 100-Metre Paralympics • 6:10 p.m. Men’s 100-Metres (Asian athletes) • 6:30 p.m. Men’s 400-Metres (Asian athletes) • 6:40 p.m. Men’s High Jump • 6:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremony (Athlete’s Presentation) Start of International & National Signal • 7:04 p.m. Women’s 400-Metre Hurdles • 7:10 p.m. Women’s Javelin Throw • 7:14 p.m. Men’s 1,500-Metres • 7:26 p.m. Men’s 400-Metres • 7:30 p.m. Women’s Triple Jump • 7:35 p.m. Women’s 800-Metres • 7:46 p.m. Men’s 110-Metre Hurdles • 7:56 p.m. Men’s 800-Metres • 8:09 p.m. Women’s 100-Metres • 8:18 p.m. Men’s 3,000-Metre Steeplechase • 8:36 p.m. Men’s 200-Metres • 8:45 p.m. Women’s 3,000-Metres • 9:00 p.m. End of International Signal

David Rudisha was a key contender at last year's event

Please note that this schedule is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information please visit www.diamondleague-doha.com.

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Sports

Battle Of The

Titans As told to Jorge Granda Images courtesy of the Qatar Football Association

Football fans – be ready. The biggest and most important tournament of the year is finally here. QH welcomes the 42nd edition of H.H. The Emir’s Cup.

Al Rayyan celebrate their win as the 2013 champions.

Whose hands will the trophy land in this year?

Q

atar’s most prestigious football tournament – H. H. The Emir’s Cup – was established in 1972 and is played annually during the months of April and May. Football fans flock from all over the country to attend this highly-anticipated event, rooting for their favourite teams over weeks of intense matches.

Eighteen local football teams from the Qatar Stars League and the Qatargas League compete in the high-performance competition over six rounds. The winners of the tournament are crowned champions by H.H The Emir of Qatar, and will also qualify to participate in the AFC Champions League.

Al Rayyan are the current 2012/2013 title holders after beating Al Sadd 2-1 during last year’s final in Khalifa Stadium on May 18, 2013. However, 42 years ago when The Emir’s Cup first started, the results were quite different. The first-ever crowned champions were Al Ahli SC, led by Sudanese coach, Mohammad Khieri who defeated current champions Al Rayyan 6-1. The first of the six goals, which marked the first goal ever scored in The Emir’s Cup final was by Abdulla Siddiq This year marks a new milestone as the 42nd edition of the H.H Emir Cup will be the first one played in honour of Qatar’s newly-appointed Emir H.H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, while commemorating the last ever Emir Cup final played in the current Khalifa Stadium.

The Teams Al Shamal, Shahaniya, Mesaimer, Al Markhiya, Muaizer, Qatar S.C., Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, Al Khartiyat, Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Al Arabi, Al Gharrafa, Lekwhiya, Al Sailiya, Al Sadd, El Jaish

The Venues • Al Arabi • Qatar Sports Club • Al Sadd Stadium • Khalifa International Stadium for the final match

Raúl González, striker for Al Sadd, defends the ball from Al Rayyan

Ticket Info Tickets will be sold only for the final match.

QR 10 for normal spectator seating, QR 100 for VIP seating. The final will take place on May 17 in Khalifa International Stadium and kick-off will be at 6:30 p.m.

Prize Money 1st place team will receive QR 2,500,000 2nd place team will receive QR 1,250,000 n

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Sports Yoga instructor Lynsey Riach will help you unleash your inner peace

Yoga:

What Is It Good For?

By Lynsey Riach

Absolutely everything. From improving flexibility, increasing energy flow and balancing out our stress levels, we explore why yoga is good for the mind, body and soul.

W

hen was the last time you touched your toes? A bit of a stretch? I ask this because the term ‘yoga’ is often aligned with two key words – ‘flexibility’ and ‘relaxation’, which although true, it’s not all about being ‘at one’ with yourself. I say this because I find that most people often associate it with total relaxation or make the assumption that it would be really easy, but let me explain that yoga is a whole lot more than that (and this is when it goes deep and hippy…). Effectively, yoga can be defined as the physical practice of developing control of breath, body and mind and is actually a generic term used to describe hundreds of different styles of yoga practice.

Therefore, it doesn’t mean the same thing to one person as it does another. In exercise, it’s a bit like cardio – one person likes to run, another to cycle. Yoga can be described in a similar context, as it can be relaxing for one person, strenuous for another through their chosen and preferred style of yoga, and can therefore appeal to all ages and capabilities. It’s also on trend with a big celebrity following – Jennifer Aniston, Adam Levine, even Audrey Hepburn was a big fan.

It’s a lifestyle practice that can be enjoyed for all of our life.

The term ‘yoga’ actually means ‘union’. So what are we uniting? It can be said our bodies with our minds, or uniting with all of existence (this is the spiritual aspect). Many yogis feel practice makes them whole, that it liberates and frees us from the burden that society often puts upon us to look a certain way, feel a certain way or act a certain way. When we are whole there is liberation, we achieve harmony inside and out, this is the absolute goal of yoga. And if you practice for some time you will start to feel a change in your mood, your energy and your relationship with your own body, you will connect with it more, understand it more.

When you practice you leave everything at the door, this is your time to be just you.

Historically, yoga has been around for a very, very long time and was originally practiced only by the privileged and elite. It was also a maleonly practice until an American expat became the first influential female yoga teacher, taking her knowledge to the Western world where

she taught movie stars and a host of teachers who went on to influence the practice in later years. So as yoga gained popularity and spread across the globe…it diversified and evolved into many different styles and that’s why the word ‘yoga’ can be sometimes hard to understand just exactly what it is.

Hot or not?

Today there are so many styles to choose from –think 45-degree Celsius Hot Yoga, Meditative, Yin Yoga, Power Yoga and not to forget those modern quirky ones – Aerial Yoga, Paddleboard Yoga, Face Yoga anyone..? But the best way to discover what will work out for you is to establish what you want. Perhaps you want to feel more relaxed or rejuvenated, stronger or

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stress free?

Work up a sweat or work on your zen? No matter what you need, there’s a yoga out there for you.

And it’s really not just about being flexible…

Yoga is one of the most effective, healthy ways to exercise your mind and body from the inside with many benefits: • 35% increased flexibility after 8 weeks of regular practice • Which helps with your posture • Also helps with lower backaches and pains • Practicing all those poses sharpens mental focus and concentration • that relates to our mood improving • Libido increases as does metabolism • We can aid digestion with detoxifying twist poses • And increase strength and stamina by up to 12% after each class from holding poses!

• Can also help with infertility and menstrual relief • As well as…stress relief from focusing on breathing, to give us peace of mind And in case you wondered, the reason us yogis are known to be oh-so laid-back is because we believe our mats are our mirrors. How we face yoga is how we face our lives (we’re committed to practice, we challenge ourselves, we reward ourselves) in a headstand you can see and face the world from a new (upside-down) dimension.

Overall we feel connected to ourselves and have more clarity on the world around us. So if yoga sounds like it could be your thing (and why not), then check out www.yogajournal.com as they offer not just yoga challenges but also lots of fantastic videos, coaching, and tips to boost your health, strengthen and tone, reduce stress and I’m certain you’ll catch the yoga bug.

Namaste, my soul salutes your soul! n Lynsey Riach is a qualified yoga instructor living and working in Doha with Mind & Body Yoga.

Strength, flexibility, mental health, digestion and your immune system -- practicing regular yoga can help improve them all

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Sports

Move Better,

Feel Better: Part 2

By Jonny Parr Photography by Jessie Palanca

We’re warming up for this second installment on how to get the most out of your pre-workout regimen with the pros at Absolute Fitness.

L

ast month we spoke about the importance of warming up correctly and most importantly, how to do so in the most productive manner possible. We discussed three areas you should consider including: SMR (Self Myofascial Release) and Raise and Mobilization.

This month we have two final areas to tackle. These include Muscle Activation and Potentiation. These terms may sound confusing and perhaps even daunting. However, I assure you this is not the case and this article will help you identify and understand all you need to know before implementing them into your warm-up routine.

1. Muscle Activation Muscle activation involves performing specific movements or exercises that increase the level of activation or stimulation in muscle groups.

This is important, as it’s all too common for muscle groups to become inhibited or ‘shut down’. This usually happens due to repeated improper movements leading to faulty movement patterns and overactive muscles.

Muscle activation is perhaps the most neglected area of warming up. This is hugely disappointing as correctly applying this method of training will significantly reduce any chances of injury, improve your general well-being, and improve your performance in any activity – such as specific gym exercises or sport.

Absolute Fitness trainer Shereen Hassan warms up at FIT in The W Doha with some upper back and rotator cuff movements

At Absolute Fitness, we continuously assess and monitor our clients on a weekly basis. This makes it far easier for us to identify muscle groups that clients need to pay particular attention to. In the instance of this article

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Shereen demonstrates the proper positioning for the glute bridge exercise

however, I will refer to common sites or areas that I have found most people need to address.

For the lower body, this includes the glutes and for the upper body, the upper back and rotator cuffs. I will also tackle the core with specific attention being made to the abdominals.

Lower Body - Glutes The simplest and best exercise to target the glutes is bridging. To perform the glute bridge, start by laying on your back with your shoulders and back of your head against the floor. You should also start with your arms by your side and weight on your heels. From this position, push your hips into the air by driving your heels through the floor and squeezing your glutes as hard as you can. Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds till you feel slight fatigue in the muscle group.

Upper Body – Upper Back And Rotator Cuff At AF, our favourite method of targeting the upper back and rotator cuff is dumbbell external rotations. Put simply, you will perform the exercise for anywhere between 5-10 reps. This can also be performed by holding light dumbbells.

To perform, you should retract your shoulder blades before pulling or raising your elbows.

After this time, you should rotate your upper arms so you make a 90 degree angle at both elbows before retracing these steps to the start position.

Core – Abs The simplest method of activating the abs is a basic plank, or in this case a movementbased plank. Start by facing the floor with your weight on your forearms and toes. Then lean back and push your glutes in the air before returning to the start position. Make sure you squeeze your abs hard throughout the full movement. Complete for anywhere between 5-10 reps.

2. Potentiation The final phase of the warm-up involves selecting activities that excite your nervous system and significantly waking you up before your subsequent session!

For the lower body, we prefer jumping variations such as regular vertical jumps, broad jumps, or box jumps for the more advanced. Simply perform two sets of three jumps but make sure you’re applying maximum effort to every jump.

For the upper body, we tend to apply medicineball throwing variations. Med-ball throws or med-ball slams are great and fun exercises to get you firing on all cylinders. Much like the lower body, we have clients simply perform two sets of three to five throws making sure each throw acquires 100% effort.

To summarize, it’s time for warm-ups to be more fun and creative. The days of a standard jog followed by stretching appears to be dated. Let’s use our time in a more productive manner so our performance in all areas improves dramatically! n To learn more about the services offered by Absolute Fitness visit www.absolutefitness.me.

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Sports Listings RECOMMENDS

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Aqua Dance Fitness

Sat & Tues: Captivates the joy of movement and the expression of life through integrating world rhythms and music. The fusion of aquatic fitness with dance-based choreography will give you a movement base free from boundaries. Saturdays and Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. For more information call 4484-7450, or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

ONE OF A KIND SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Outdoor Full Moon Yoga

May 13: Al Dana Island. Practice yoga outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of Al Dana Island. Spa members QR 30 and non-spa members QR 60. Starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6999.

Happiness Uncovered Workshop

THE FOUR SEASONS Arabic Dance

Sun, Mon & Wed: Enjoy 60 minutes of fun and exercise set to the beat of Arabic music. Feel and enjoy the authentic vibe for QR 70 per class. Sundays from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., Mondays from 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information call 4494-8802.

May 28: Six Senses Spa. In this 90-minute workshop you’ll uncover your inner happiness – all we need is already inside us. Identify the drivers that create happiness and get inspired to take action and feel happy every moment of the day, regardless of what’s going on around you. QR 150, from 6:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information call 4425-6999.

Salsa Classes

EVERY WEEK

Pre-Natal Yoga

DOHA MARRIOTT Boxing

Daily: Join boxing classes and enjoy self-defense that is safe and most of all fun!

Great for body-conditioning and weight loss, core strengthening and toning. Improve stamina, strength and agility. Discover balance and enhanced hand-eye coordination. De-stress and build self-confidence! Members QR 35/non-members QR 45. For more information call 4429-8520.

Saturdays: New to The Four Seasons, practice 60 minutes of salsa dance moves, showcasing high levels of showmanship and integrity on and off the dance-floor for QR 70 per class. From 6:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information call 4494-8802.

Mon & Thurs: Enjoy a 12-week package of 90-minute classes focusing on yoga postures, guided relaxation and breath awareness that will prepare the body and mind for birth, while at the same time relieving the discomfort and stress associated with pregnancy. These classes will leave you feeling strong, relaxed and more connected your baby. QR 90 per class, Mondays from 8:30 a.m. till 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays from 7:15 p.m. till 8:45 p.m. For more information call 4494-8802.

GOKULAM PARK DOHA Sports & Fitness

Daily: Health Club. Burn off your calories at the state-of-the-art health club with the latest equipment overlooking the city.

Or, draw out toxins while soothing weary and aching muscles and joints in the sauna and steam-room on the 12th floor.

Opening hours are Sunday to Thursday from 6:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.

For more information call 4470-8822/33/55, or visit www.gokulamdoha.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Pilates Sculpt

Sun &Tues: 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 to help re-balance the body. Sundays from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. till 10:15 a.m. Members QR 30 / non-members QR 50. For more information call 4484-4852.

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gorized d s are cate All listing Inclusion is limiteh per hotel. ility of space, wit . to availabiven to advertisers priority g

Activities & Clubs

Boxing Fitness

Fridays: This class combines the principles of boxing such as basic punching, defending and foot-work with cardio exercises specific for boxing training. Participants will develop coordination, balance and control. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. Members QR 30 / non-members QR 50. For more information call 4484-4852.

Ashtanga Yoga

Mon, Wed & Sat: This intense form of yoga involves standing and seated poses, back bends and inversions. This vigourous, athletic style of practice appeals to those who like a sense of order and who like to do things independently.

This class is 75-minutes long, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. till 9:45 a.m., and Saturdays 3:30 p.m. till 4:45 p.m. Members QR 45 / non-members QR 65. For more information call 4484-4852.

LA CIGALE Ozone Gym & Spa

Daily: Be part of Ozone Gym and Spa’s newly-launched fitness classes (Power Toning, Ultimate Core, Explosive Cardio and soon, Spinning). Fee per class: QR 60 per person.

Reservations are required for some classes.

For more information call 4428-8101.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Yoga Classes Daily (upon request): Balance your mind and body at your choice of time and day. QR 65 for 60-minute session, available seven days a week.

For more information call 4419-6090 or visit www.westenddoha.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Pilates

Sun & Wed: Pilates is the system of strengthening and stretching exercises designed to develop the body’s core, mobilize the spine and build flexibility. It teaches you how to train your mind and build symmetry and coordination in the body. From 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m. For more information call 4484-7450, or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

Zumba

Sun, Mon, & Thurs: A global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment and culture into an exhilarating dance party workout! It’s a combination of different types of dance styles from hip-hop and Latin to house and even contemporary! This 50-minute cardio workout will have something for everybody!

Sundays from 11:00 a.m. till 11:45 a.m.

Mondays from 5:00 p.m. till 5:45 p.m., Thursdays from 11:00 p.m. till 11:45 p.m.

For more information call 4484-7450, or email spa.recreation@dclub.com.qa.

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 Gondolania Bowling Center (Villaggio) 4403-9807 or www.gondolania.com Strike Bowling Alley (City Center) 4483-9162

Golf

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

Horse Riding

Al Khor Riding Center 4421-8857 Al Samariya Stables 5525-7203 or qatarracing@gmail.com Al Shaqab Riding Academy 4454-6236 or www.alshaqab.com

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 4490-5872 or aquaparkqa@gmail.com

Tennis & Squash

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Walking

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

Ice-Skating

Winter Wonderland (City Center) 4483-9162 Gondolania Ice Arena (Villaggio) 4403-9807 or www.gondolania.com

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QH Sensations

RECOMMENDS

your Tell us what you think! Send ing.com reviews to info@qatarhappen

ick!

P ’s r o t i d E

Lanie Fun In Fontana

Ashlee Skyscanner App I know it’s still only May but I’m already looking ahead to my summer holidays and a friend of mine turned me on to this handy app. Skyscanner is free to download and allows you to check flight availabilities, compare the best air-fare rates and book online – all on the go from your smart-phone. Once you download it, all you have to do is sign up with your email address and then get ready to jet-set. You can select the currency you’d like to have you air-fare quoted in and because they don’t deal with third-party agents the prices are significantly lower than most other online booking portals. Thailand here I come! Download Skyscanner for free on iTunes.

Marlynne

It’s been spring holidays for much of our QH staff and yet again the Philippines has to make the list! We went to Fontana Leisure Parks which is only 10 minutes away from Clark Airport. It’s a luxurious hotel that offers wide array of facilities such as a golf course, outdoor sports centre, shops, restaurants, and a water theme-park with giant slides, wave, hot spring and Olympic-sized pools. It has villas as well and is perfect for families and groups. Not to mention the mountains and refreshing greenery surrounding it! For more information visit www.fontana.com.ph.

Jorge

Tagaytay, Philippines

Sundowner Sessions

Nothing beats a vacation at home – which for me is the Philippines! We drove for three hours to reach Tagaytay – even Jackie Chan loves this place! We dropped in at Sky Ranch, a five-hectare leisure park popular among locals and tourists alike. It offers activities such as horseback-riding, a mini-amusement park and a couple of dine-in restaurants with view of the famed Taal volcano. One of the highlights of the park is the Sky Eye, which is the tallest Ferriswheel in the country. This place is a good way for families to bond, unwind, have fun and enjoy good food! For more information visit www.visitphilippines.org.

For me there’s nothing better than a nice party outdoors. In Doha this can be hard to find, but fortunately for us there’s a new place to go now – the Sundowners Sessions at The Sharq Village & Spa. Held every Friday from 4:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. on the terrace of Al Dana restaurant, the ambiance, music and crowd are amazing and the set-up trendy and cool. Since the first time I went there, I fell in love with the whole concept. Apart from drinks and great music to get you through the night, food is also available including chicken satays, mini-burgers, seafood dishes and more. It is the best hangout right now in Doha – so check them out on Facebook.

Chet TGI Friday’s Who doesn’t love Fridays? Aside from being my favourite day of the week it’s my family’s favourite hangout. My kids enjoy their fuss-free meals like the burger sampler platter, pastas and the oh-so-yummy twisters, all at friendly prices.

The staff are accommodating and friendly, and the ambiance is smart yet homey. Our favourite branch is the Friday’s on C-ring Road, open from 7:00 a.m. till 2:00 a.m.

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QH Sensations

Find Your Bliss

Make Bliss your sanctuary with one of their signature massage or facial treatments

By Jorge Granda and Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

Between the busy work days, busier weekends and the thermometer on the rise towards the hot summer months it can be a challenge to put our best face forward each day.

With this in mind we hit up Bliss Spa at The W Doha to test drive two of their newest facial treatments.

Let’s get glowing!

Forever Young Funky and trendy, Bliss at the W Doha is the perfect place to escape the buzz and hustle of the city for an afternoon of pampering, and today I’m here to try The Youth As We Know It facial. Summer is almost upon us and it’s a well-known fact that the sun’s rays are incredibly damaging for the skin. They not only dehydrate, but also alter the look and feel of the skin all over your body, contributing towards early aging and dryness. Therefore, I want to start prepping my pores for the intensity of Doha’s summer.

I arrive at Bliss shortly after lunch to start my treatment and am escorted to the lounge first to relax for a bit. I love the feel of the space – clean, modern and quirky. My aesthetician arrives to guide me to the treatment room; she’s from Serbia and is incredibly friendly and sociable – we actually chat throughout the entire treatment. I’m told The Youth As We Know It facial is the ultimate anti-aging treatment targeting tone, elasticity, volume, fine lines and wrinkles all the way down to the décolleté. It starts with the application of a cream on my face to soften my skin and a small, cold towel with cucumber essence placed over my eyes, followed by a morethan-welcome shoulder massage. She then applies a mushroom-enzyme peel, a high-tech, cell-regenerating moisturizing cocktail and then a soothing collagen mask. She also does some extraction of my blackheads.

In between applications of the peel and mask my therapist massages my head and shoulders, enhancing my relaxation even more – she has amazing hands. The treatment last for a little over an hour and is immensely enjoyable.

Even the extraction of the blackheads are not painful or uncomfortable in any way. The room is small, but cozy and very clean with lulling background music heard throughout. The effect of the facial is noticeable right after it’s finished – it’s given my face a great glow, tone,

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my skin to determine my problem areas, then a full sweep of my face with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, makeup and build-up.

Using Remède’s Alchemy line of products, the facial is customized to treat each client’s specific skin issues and since I have a lot of dry skin on my face Menal applies an enzyme peel to my face to get rid of the dead skin cells and expose the new ones below. With mushroom extracts –which have intense healing properties, the mask stings a bit as it penetrates the surface layer of my skin. While it does its work, Menal wraps my hands and feet in a toasty warm paraffin mask which leaves my fingers and toes feeling oh-so-soft upon removal. Then she gives me an absolutely lulling neck and shoulder massage – to the point that I’m practically snoring on the table.

Girls, paint your nails red at Bliss' manicure salon

After the peel is removed and my face cleansed yet again, she preps for the extraction process.

Something that I love about Bliss is that they have forgone the traditional steam treatment to open your pores before plucking and pulling any blackheads or blemishes and instead opt for a new method – the Oxygen pre-extraction facial cream. A warm gel, it’s dewy and gentle, and does the job without the suffocating sensation and bacterial risk of having lung-clogging steam blown in your face.

Once Menal has finished the extraction she layers on Remède’s Vitamin E & C mask to further hydrate my skin and trap in moisture.

As the mask sets, I receive a toe-curling scalp massage that elicits more snores and once it’s removed, the treatment is capped off by the application of Remède’s moisturizing lotion, protective eye gel and a layer of SPF for sun protection. What I like about Remède’s products is that most of them are either scent-free or lightly fragrant – which is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.

Menal recommends that I avoid applying makeup for the rest of the day and to hold off on washing my face until the next morning in order to get the maximum benefit from the treatment.

Two days later and my skin is still youthful, fresh and glowing. n BLISS SPA Location: 2nd Floor, The W Doha

elasticity, and hydrates my skin. My therapist recommends not washing my face for at least two hours afterwards to allow the products to fully penetrate the skin layers. I leave feeling refreshed and ready to face the rest of the day with a glow.

It’s Chemistry!

My skin has been in rough shape lately, I have to admit. I’m a combination sufferer with an oily

T-zone and dry patches on my cheeks and chin.

So today, I’m here to try the Remède Alchemy facial at Bliss, which promises to re-invigorate and rehydrate my pores for a lasting change in skin appearance. Curious to see if it goes the distance I head off to the treatment room with my aesthetician Menal who hails from Tunisia.

Throughout the treatment I quickly learn that she’s a pro. First off she does an assessment of

Timings: 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m., daily Prices: • QR 850, The Youth As We Know It 60-minute facial • QR 900, Remède Alchemy 60-minute facial Contact Info: 4453-5555 or blissdoha@whotels.com and www.blissworld.com

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QH Sensations Indulge and get pampered at one of the most opulent properties on The Pearl

e p a c s E t e e w AS

By Ashlee Starratt Photography by Jessie Palanca

We wind down for a day of pampering at the Bilal Pearl Suites Massage Facilities – the latest name in luxury at The Pearl-Qatar.

M

y motto for this hectic day is ‘breathe, relax, repeat’, and that’s exactly what I’m here to do at the Bilal Pearl Suites tranquil massage facilities. Without a doubt one of the most luxurious towers on The Pearl, the property is owned by Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group and the space is bright, airy, ornate and luxe. Their massage room is located on the ground floor and is attached to the spacious gym facilities. A colourful yoga class is in progress as I arrive and there are a few adrenaline junkies going hard on the stationary bikes.

Just around the corner and down a small, private hallway is the massage room where my therapist Nimfa is prepped to give me a 60-minute fullbody Swedish massage. The space is intimate, cozy and spacious all at once – with high vaulted ceilings, shimmering mosaic tile, mirrored walls and a private shower. The added bonus about the facility is that it’s open to non-Bilal Pearl Suites residents, so anyone can book a treatment, and the list is extensive – Swedish and shiatsu massage, foot reflexology, neck and shoulder and relaxation massages are all available.

Swedish massage is characterized by long, sweeping strokes targeting each muscle

group, paired with pounding techniques to loosen knots.

Kick back pool-side for a It’s what I called the post-massage cool-down ‘tenderizer’ method and Nimfa limbers me up well.

The pressure is not so hard that it’s painful, but not too soft that the benefits of the treatment are lost – it’s just right. She works my feet, legs, arms, hands and back before asking me to flip over for a heavenly facial and scalp massage.

With soft, ambient music playing in the background, warm candle-light all around and a bowl of rose-petals below the massage bed, it’s no wonder I’ve developed a habit of falling asleep on the treatment table. The oil that Nimfa uses is the perfect temperature – warmed by her hands and isn’t overly greasy or clings to my clothes afterwards.

My experience at the Bilal Pearl Suites Massage Facilities was one of complete relaxation and rejuvenation, and with their wide range of treatment offerings at reasonable prices it’s one of The Pearl’s best-kept secrets – but not for long! n

BILAL PEARL SUITES MASSAGE FACILITIES Location: Ground Floor, Bilal Pearl Suites, The Pearl-Qatar Timings: Mon-Sat, 9:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m.

Prices: • QR 270, 60-minute Swedish massage • QR 410 90-minute Swedish massage Contact Info: 4495-3878 or www.ahbqatar.com

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QH Sensations

Clearing Out

The Junk

By Charlie Sands Selected photography by Jessie Palanca

“The tomato sauce was on 'two-for-one',” I protest, “and pasta is, well, the kids' favourite.”

Health food guru and Raw Health Coach, Nicole Van Hattem lays the cupboards bare on what nasties are lurking there and how to phase them out of your diet, by paying a visit to Charlie Sands' kitchen.

We agree that I'm not going to take tomato sauce out of the cupboards, for now, but the pasta has to go, at least the white variety. “It's just an empty carbohydrate with not a lot in it,” says Nicole, “Start mixing whole-meal (which contains more fibre) with the white stuff then gradually switch to wholemeal,” she advises.

"It's about incremental change,” says Nicole, “Not everybody is ready for a complete overhaul, but learning what is junk and taking a good 60 to 70 percent step in the right direction.” “Eeeek,” she says on opening the first cupboard.

We continue going through the cupboards and have various 'Eeek' moments when we get to the baked beans in tomato sauce, the 'healthylooking' tortilla chips which actually contain high-fructose corn syrup, and the cereals, to which Nicole says: “I'm not even going there.”

The Rice Krispies and the Cornflakes, both

Nicole explains how many hidden additives many common products contain

chosen because they are not laden with sugar, actually contain sugar.

“I'm shocked,” I say.

“Read the label,” says Nicole.

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When making the shift to healthier eating habits Nicole recommends baby steps -- start with yourself first before bringing your family on board.

The main thing we’re looking for are the ones on Nicole's list of ten food additives to avoid: aspartame, high-fructose corn syrup, monosodium Glutamate (MSG), trans fat, common food dyes, sodium sulphate, sodium nitrate, sulphur dioxide and potassium bromate.

“It is not about going on a diet, but it's a permanent shift in what you do.”

“Take out these top ten, get them out of your house because they are poison,” says Nicole, then “learn how to read the labels.”

This is about more than just the ten most toxic additives, but the countless other ingredients that over time will cause health problems, if they don't already, explains Nicole.

Speaking about my son who has eczema and asthma Nicole explains how a lot of skin conditions are related to the digestive system, and the main three causes of these conditions are dairy, wheat and sugar.

She says: “Aside from serious conditions that may present themselves, for many people they

Add raw, fresh and colourful fruits and veggies to your daily intake

cause what I call 'ill-ease', where you are not necessarily ill, but neither do you feel well.”

So as we close the cupboards and I start to make a mental note of the things I should ditch, and how I can switch to healthier alternatives, Nicole has some salient advice which I think might appeal to everyone reading this.

“You don't need to live a purist lifestyle. We live in a modern city and we have busy, complicated lives so we need simple solutions, but solutions we can stick to,” she says, adding: “If you’re serious about eating healthily and feeling healthier then it’s not about going on a diet, but it's a permanent shift in what you do.”n

THREE STEPS TO SUCCESS 1. First of all, deal with yourself because you’re the parent – don't try to change the whole family at first.

2. Make incremental change – it's change, it's not crisis and there's a big difference.

3. And read the labels to get rid of those nasties.

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QH Sensations Listings Swedish Treatment

RECOMMENDS

Daily: Effective in ensuring a fast recovery from muscular strain this massage increases circulation, stimulates skin and soothes the nerves. An excellent treatment for both mental and physical stress. For more information call 4484-7450.

SHARQ VILLAGE & SPA Top & Toe

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Hot Stone Treatment

Daily: Heated black stones are used to massage the whole body, releasing deep-seated tension, working to relieve stress at the deepest level, as well as on the body’s energy channel.

A holistic and energizing therapy for body, mind and spirit. For more information call 4484-7450.

CROWNE PLAZA DOHA – THE BUSINESS PARK Signature Treatments

Daily: The Spa. The Diamond treatment is a sparkling, invigorating ritual to revive your senses, awaken your spirit and detox your body. The Pearl treatment is soft, smooth and sleep-inducing, calming your senses, levelling your anxieties and clearing your mind. QR 350 for 60 minutes, plus free access to the swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam-room. QR 450 for 90 minutes, plus free access to the swimming pool for two people.

Book six treatments and get one complimentary.

For more information call 4408-7620.

DOHA MARRIOTT Fantasy Tan Spray

Daily: The Spa. Fantasy Tan is a fake tan application using a spraying technique for a fast and effective application of colour, giving the appearance of a golden, natural and evenlooking tan without the damaging effects of the sun. The desired results are seen within eight hours and the tan lasts for approximately 5 -7 days. Full-body, 45-minute spray tan application is QR 280. For more information call 4429-8520.

Pevonia Facial & Massage

Daily: The Spa. Formulated to deliver accelerated visible results, Pevonia Essential Treatment keeps skin looking porcelain smooth and youthfully radiant. Special offer of a 20% discount when combining a high-performance Pevonia facial with any full-body massage. For more information call 4429-8520.

THE FOUR SEASONS Spring Indulgence

Daily: The Spa. Mineral salt body scrub and Balinese massage that relaxes the body, mind and spirit, followed by a full-indulging facial.

QR 1,295 for two and a half hour treatment. For more information call 4494-8802.

Strawberry Hydration

Daily: The Spa. Moisturize your skin with their Antioxidant Strawberry Hydration Facial and enhance your experience with a relaxing back, neck and shoulder massage to relieve tension for an overall healthy glow. A surprise gift will be waiting for you after your treatment! QR 880 per person for an hour and 30-minute treatment.

For more information call 4494-8802.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Swedish Massage

Daily: Six Senses Spa. A package that will soothe your body and mind as it focuses on relaxing your senses while treating various parts of the body. Treat yourself to a 30-minute foot therapy followed by a 50-minute Indian head massage that will have you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the challenges ahead. 80-minute Top & Toe treatment for QR 750. Exclusive for you: leave with a choice of one free gift! For more information call 4425-6999/6995, or email reservations-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com.

RENAISSANCE DOHA CITY CENTER Mom Deserves The Best!

May 8-11: Saray Spa. Treat your mother to a spa experience that’s hard to forget this Mother’s Day. With a refreshing mocktail on arrival, your Mum’s spa journey will begin with a traditional 55-minute Swedish massage followed by a 55-minute express manicure and pedicure with paraffin treatment. That’s not all! Take home the perfect homecare pack that includes Saray Spa merchandise.

QR 636, from 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information call 4419-6090 or email sarayspadoha@renaissancehotels.com.

Daily: The Bay Club. A classic full-body massage that works predominantly with the muscles, soft tissues and joints, utilizing long, rhythmic strokes. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub.icdoha@ihg.com.

Rejuvenate This May

Shiatsu Massage

THE ST. REGIS DOHA The Refinery Treatment For Men

Daily: The Bay Club. A Japanese pressure-point technique massage based on the concept of acupuncture. Thumb pressure is applied to various body points along energy pathways. Enhance the flow of chi (life-force energy) in your body. With the best therapists in town available only at The Bay Club, they ensure you’ll enjoy your best massage ever. Treatments start from QR 180 for a 30-minute massage and QR 300 for a 50-minute massage. For more information call 4484-4852 or email bayclub.icdoha@ihg.com.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB Reflexology Treatment

Daily: Rebalance the harmony to the body by cleaning congested reflexes and help boost the immune system to assist with recovery from illness, boost circulation, increase energy levels and improve mental and emotional processes.

It’s very relaxing and creates a feeling of well-being. For more information call 4484-7450.

Daily: Saray Spa. Indulge in a 55-minute revitalizing body-wrap along with an express manicure, pedicure and blow-dry for just QR 552.

For more information call 4419-6090 or email sarayspadoha@renaissancehotels.com.

Daily: Remède Spa. Introducing The Refinery Treatment – products made by men, for men.

Try a cutting-edge treatment for body, face and back. From 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m., pricing is dependent on the treatment. For more information call 4446-0300 or e-mail Remedespa.doha@stregis.com.

W DOHA Special Promotion

Daily: Bliss Spa. Indulge with 20% off on Hydra-Facials, plus a complimentary 60-minute Hot Cream Manicure for QR 2,000. Book the Fabulous Foot Patrol and receive the 75-minute Callus Conqueror add-on for QR 330. Or, book a course of five 75-minute FatGirlSlim treatments, perfect for body-toning, for QR 600 per session and receive the sixth complimentary. And finally, enjoy a spray tan and 75-minute full-body hot salt scrub for QR 600. For more information call 4453-5555 or email blissdoha@whotels.com.

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Bilal Pearl Suites The Pearl Qatar

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading & Contracting Co. W.L.L. Bilal Tower, Al Ashmeck Area, 10th Floor. Tel.4442 8877

Interior Design Forum Design, Bilal Tower, Al Asmakh Area, 11th Floor. Tel.4456 8716 (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group)

Restaurant Chowking (An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group) Road 4437 1212 hAl Khor 4411 8816 / 4411 8817 hAl Saad St. 4431 4411 hMamoura 4486 6077 hHoliday Villa 4411 5225 / 4411 5335 hSalwa

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QH Sensations Experience ns ing destinatio ome n e p p a h c ti s s nta Escaping to fa rld does wonders. Here are o around the w

Vappu

May 1: Finland

This yearly May-Day celebration is the Finnish equivalent of Carnaval or Mardi Gras as the revelry runs rampant in the streets of Helsinki and towns large and small across the country. Enjoy the bustling kauppatori (market squares), indulge in some tippaleipä – a traditional Finnish treat of sugardusted, deep-fried sweet dough, and join the street parties that will run until the wee hours as thousands of Finns mark the first day of spring. Check out www.visithelsinki.fi for more information.

EUROPAfest May 8-24: Romania

Play the blues in Bucharest and jive to the sounds of jazz as the cultural hub lights up with all things musical at this 21-yearold festival. Jazz aficionados can congregate for some easy listening from more than 300 artists from 52 countries around the world. Previous names on the docket have included the UK’s Thomas Ford, Belgium’s Yavor & The Sonic Punsch and Italy’s Dario Pinelli & Binario Swing. Feel the rhythm at www.jmevents.ro.

Canadian Tulip Festival May 9-19: Ottawa

Something’s a-bloom in Canada’s capital as the nation’s largest horticultural celebration kicks off for another year. One of the most prominent tulip celebrations outside of The Netherlands, parliamentary parks and municipal green spaces come alive in a suffusion of colour as masses of tulip beds, floral creations and sculptures take over the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Don’t miss the displays at the Olympic Garden, Jacques-Cartier Park and the Garden of the Provinces and Territories. Stop to smell the flowers at www.tulipfestival.ca for all the details.

Indianapolis 500

Alkantara Festival

May 13-June 8: Portugal

Lisbon’s most famous festival of the performing arts brings painters, poets, playwrights, musicians – and pretty much anyone with a creative bone in their body to the Portuguese capital for this monthlong homage to l’oeuvre artistique. With a host of regional and international talent, Alkantara has earned a reputation for itself as a game-changer in Portugal’s arts scene, with Lisbon as its cultural epicentre.

Take in a show or an exhibit and visit www.alkantarafestival.pt for this year’s line-up of artists.

May 22-26: USA

Without a doubt the hottest ticket for State-side speed freaks, the Indy 500 is as much about the party as it is about the races.

Last year’s champion Tony Kanaan will be on the circuit to defend his title, and with more than $2 million USD in first-prize money at stake, that’s no small feat. Also performing at this year’s event is American country music superstar Jason Aldean. Buckle your seatbelt and go to www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com for tickets.

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QH Sensations

Revisiting A Classic

The outdoor faรงade of The St. Regis New York in all its striking grandeur

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Bright lights, big city -the Big Apple's Broadway

By Moona Whitice

Bursting with history and dripping with elegance, The St. Regis Hotel New York offers guests one of the finest addresses in the world.

QH checks in for a weekend of luxury in the Big Apple.

P

erfectly located in the heart of Manhattan at 2 East 55th Street, The St. Regis is located adjacent to the world-famous shopping Mecca of 5th Avenue in New York. The hotel is also located next to the theatre district, Park Avenue, and is a short walk from Times Square.

What’s most exciting is that this particular St. Regis hotel, built in 1904, has seen new life as the flagship of Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ luxury St. Regis brand. This brand has now launched 31 additional hotels bearing the name St. Regis, in 14 countries – each and every one as unique as the other, the common thread being the superior service and lavish décor.

The newly-renovated, five-star St. Regis New York hotel is an oasis of refinement for both visitors and New Yorkers alike. From the glamourous and colourful history of the building in which it’s housed, the luxury and style of its furnishings, to its flawless personalized service, this original 1904 hotel is not only a grand New York landmark but a Beaux Arts beauty that has stood the test of time.

Having been guests of the hotel in 2006, we were excited to return and looked forward to seeing how it had been renovated. Although we’ve also had the pleasure of visiting St. Regis hotels in Miami, Florida, Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, UAE, this property is legendary for being the hotel which launched its founder, John Jacob Astor’s vision of bespoke and anticipatory service. Mr. Astor's desire was to ensure all St. Regis guests felt as if they were not guests of a hotel, but as if they were in their own home; when you walk in to the beautifully appointed lobby that’s the feeling that surrounds you – coming home.

The Lobby After checking into the hotel for our stay we couldn’t help but notice the meticulously restored and modernized lobby. Although, there were updated furnishings and paintings, we were thankful that HDC, the renowned interior design firm, had left so much of the original design intact. We were happy to see that the original Corinthian cast pillars, the crystal Waterford chandeliers and the exquisite trompe l'oeil ceiling, true to the 1904 original design, were still there. The marble and gold leaf décor also remained unchanged. The renovations did

restore the original oval windows located above the front desk that had somehow been previously covered up.

Adjacent to the lobby there’s the nowfamous Cognac Room, a dark wood-paneled area that reminds you of a study, replete with writing desk and very comfortable chairs. It makes you want to recapture the lost art of letter-writing, or sit and have a quiet conversation in the comfortable and relaxing surroundings.

Down the corridor, across from celebrated Chef John DeLucies restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner, is the one-of-a-kind King Cole Bar, made famous by the fact that the first Bloody Mary was created and served here in 1934, and where you can feast your eyes on the world-famous King Cole mural, painted by artist Maxfield Parrish, which serves as a gigantic backdrop to the bar itself. Legend has it that the character of Old King Cole staring down on the guests is actually a likeness of John Jacob Astor himself.

The grand lobby with its Sistine-inspired ceiling

View of Central Park from the Tiffany Suite

The Suites Of the 229 sumptuously -appointed guest-rooms and a number of specialty suites decorated in partnership with renowned fashion brands Dior, Tiffany and Bentley, we settled in to the Astor suite – tastefully decorated with signature burgundy walls, grey carpeting and white wood-paneling. The suite had a small yet very elegant living room attached to it with its own fire-place where we were able to entertain a

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QH Sensations The regal tones and décor of the hotel's Astor Suite

few guest and invite them to enjoy the famous St. Regis afternoon tea service. Additionally, the Astor suite had a half-bathroom next to the entrance for our visitors’ use, plus a completely renovated spa-like white marble bathroom with both a shower and a tub to whisk away all the stress of the day.

While in the hotel we were given a tour of the other renovated suites as they became available.

As we walked through the various floors, we couldn’t help but notice that each one has a signature colour scheme – black lacquered guest-room doors, marble-tiled entry-ways and plush, textured fabric walls. Our gracious guide also pointed out that most of the photographic art-work used in the hotel guest-rooms comes from the works of photo artists Janet Arsdale and Hampton Hall with the main theme of the photography centred on New York.

We had the chance to see the Presidential Suite, which at times is booked by various heads of state and whom, from the chic atmosphere and sumptuous collector’s suite filled with the art and treasures of a world traveler, will find it the ideal place for both stylish entertaining and relaxation.

However, of all the exclusive collection of designer suites – Bentley, Tiffany and Dior,

Every floor has its own unique corridor design

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The classic robin's-egg blue of the Tiffany Suite's dining area

The sitting room of the Tiffany Suite

our personal favourite was the Tiffany Suite.

Walking in to the apartment-like suite, compromised of one bedroom, one and a half bathrooms, living room and dining room, we found 1,700 square metres of sophisticated jewel-inspired décor. The foyer featured a Tiffany-blue, glass-beaded and silver-leafed handmade wall covering and the dining room is decorated to resemble a blue Tiffany box with both ceiling and walls painted Tiffany-blue and elegant crown molding painted in crisp white for contrast. The crown jewel of the room is the shimmering crystal chandelier that has pearl-like necklaces streaming down its centre. Each one of these suites is available for only $9,500 USD (QR 33,250), plus tax, per night.

The Spa Last but not least, we descend a red-carpeted staircase and took a few turns to find the very intimate space where the Remède Spa is located. With just four treatment rooms, they’re very busy, offering chilled bubbly and Jacques Torres truffles to jumpstart an experience of guiltless indulgence for all their spa clients.

Here you’ll find an extensive line of Remède anti-aging products designed to produce pleasing results at an affordable price. Their menu includes all types of body treatments and massages, and for those looking to tan, bronzing is also available. The Remède spa is such an indulgent treat, that you feel yourself relaxing from the moment you arrive.

If there’s one thing you should know about The St. Regis New York is that it’s timeless.

As generations of faces and people who have walked through its doors age, fade and give way to the next, still it remains – and nothing compares to its beauty. n

Qatar Airways flies daily to New York City.

To book your stay at The St. Regis New York call (212) 753-4500 or visit www.stregisnewyork.com.

IN A NEW YORK MINUTE Be sure to check out these St. Regis New York recommendations: • Michael’s New York Restaurant: Located on 24th Avenue and 55th Street, this modern restaurant features a tantalizing fresh American Nouveau menu that’s worth trying. Michael’s is such a unique experience – you can find some of the most powerful people in New York enjoying a meal, especially at lunch-time. We enjoyed a repast of the soup of the day, hamburgers and a delicious Cobb salad. We were treated with a very high level of attentiveness by both the waiters and the front entrance staff. Bill for two: $115 USD (QR 402). Contact: (212) 767-0555.

• The Jersey Boys: A Broadway show and 2006 Tony Award® Winner for Best Musical, this stage production is Broadway’s biggest success story, garnering praise from The New York Post’s Clive Barnes who says “It's just too good to be true!” The show takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and, as The New York Times says, “the crowd goes wild!” The rags-to-rock-to-riches tale of four blue-collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom, features such hits as ‘Sherry’, ‘Big Girls Don't Cry’, ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You’, ‘Oh, What a Night’ and more.

People-watch at Michael's -- one of New York's most iconic eateries

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QH Sensations

Paris

In The Spring..

The iconic Musée du Louvre The Magic Kingdom of EuroDisney

By John Hunt

In the city of love it doesn’t take much to be a bon vivant.

Join us as we explore one of Europe’s most storied capitals in search of la vie bohème.

S

cotland’s ongoing miserable weather prompted my wife and me to leave the country to seek some respite. We found it last month with a (sunny) long weekend in Paris. As well as some nice weather, we also discovered an exceptional hotel, a wealth of culture and history, and the unalloyed fun of Disneyland Paris.

Paris considers itself to be the best city in the world. True or not, it really does have a world-class range of attractions. Our break was an eclectic mix of culture, rollercoasters, and bobbing about in the hotel Jacuzzi.

After landing, the first task was to sort out public transport arrangements, with a variety of ‘all-in’ (metro, bus, train) tickets available at the airport’s basement station. Staff will inform you of your best options, and then a rapid train will whisk you into the city. We located our hotel, checked in, and then spent the rest of the evening planning an itinerary.

Disney Delights Friday was spent at Disneyland Paris (www.disneylandparis.com) which is a half-hour train ride from the city (and where your travel pass begins to earn its coin). There are two theme parks adjacent to each other: the ‘regular’ Disneyland – pictured – and the other a film-based ‘Studio Park’. You can buy tickets for just one of the parks but, understandably, the owners have spread the best attractions between the two so the ‘dual park’ ticket is practically mandatory.

The pricing structure is a bit labyrinthine, with discounts for buying in advance, family tickets and the like – see the website– but once inside, you can stay all day for maximum value. It’s a terrible cliché, but there’s something for everyone here. Sedate rides and Disney character attractions for the kids, as well as terrifying rollercoasters and similar nerveshredding attractions for bigger kids! Sadly,

space prevents my providing the detail that Disneyland Paris deserves, so get online if you’re thinking of going, but know that if you’re going to Paris then this is not to be missed. We ended up doing so many rollercoaster rides that motion sickness began to set in. Time to go home!

Culture Vultures The final two days of our break were spent in a more cerebral fashion at the city’s museums and sights. What to see is exhaustive but you’ll need a ‘Paris Museum Pass’ (www.parismuseumpass.com) which costs QR 270 for two days. It offers free

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entry to about 60 attractions – and you also get to jump the queue. Most of the top museums are signed up to the scheme (the more you visit, the more you save), the zenith of which is undoubtedly The Louvre, the sprawling home to countless antiques, exhibits and artworks, including the world-renowned Mona Lisa. The Louvre is a staple of any Parisian visit.

Other headline attractions included in the pass are: The Pompidou Centre – a world-class modern art museum (starting with the building’s remarkable design); The Musée d’Orsay – a ‘pick of the best’ museum sited on the banks of the River Seine which bisects the city; The Army Museum – which includes a fascinating insight into the enigmatic French Foreign Legion; the towers of the incredible Notre Dame Cathedral; the famed Arc de Triomphe, and the enormous and ornate Palace of Versailles. The latter of these is also a train ride away, so more value wrung from your travel pass, but that’s of secondary importance to the Palace’s status as another ‘must-see’ venue.

We barely scratched the surface of what to see, but no trip to Paris is complete without viewing the world-famous Eiffel Tower, an amazing feat of 19th century engineering and the world’s ‘most paid-for’ attraction. Sadly, climbing it is not included in the museum pass, but it remains unmissable, offering unparalleled views of the city.

Hyatt High We stayed at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme which boasted a superb city-centre location.

What lay within this five-star establishment was better yet with our exquisitely-decorated room spacious enough to include a lounge area, and had a combined bathroom/dressing room with dual access. The WiFi was both fast and free.

A bohemian's poem come to life, the old city sprawl of Paris teems with culture

The hotel hosts a Michelin-starred restaurant, but on the night we dined, it was fully booked.

We ate in the lounge instead, which itself was fantastic. Two sumptuous starters, two excellent mains and a shared sweet coming in at QR 650 exclusive of drinks.

The spa and gym in the basement was clean, well-equipped and the ideal place to burn off the dinner calories. Naturally, I spent most of my time here strenuously floating around in the ornate Jacuzzi. Shared sauna and steam-room facilities are available, as well as a range of specialized beauty treatments.

Qatar Airways flies three times daily to Paris and the Hyatt Vendôme has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. This is reflected in the price, with a double room and (excellent) breakfast coming in at QR 3,600 a night. Worth it if you can afford it! n

One of The Hyatt Vendôme's ultra-chic Parisian suites

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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: LINA SEBEI STORE SECTION: LITERATURE

TIME AT VIRGIN: 9 MONTHS

Best Part of My Job:“I studied literature so it’s really good to read books for free and the team are great.

We’re all girls so we get along pretty well and you encounter such nice people – especially the readers, they’re really intelligent. You could have conversations for hours with them.”

THE FIRST PHONE CALL FROM HEAVEN

BY MITCH ALBOM This is a tale about restoring faith to the people. It’s the story of people living in a small village who receive phone calls from departed loved ones. At first they think it’s a prank but then it helps them on a journey to discover their faith, how they deal with loss and how they can remember their loved ones without sorrow. Retail price: QR 94.

THE RETURN OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

BY SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE This one has all the expected wit of Sherlock Holmes that readers know and love. It’s a great read and a sequel to his adventures that delves deeper into the relationship between Holmes and his nemesis Moriarty. You discover the hidden details between Sherlock and his assistant Watson and also about his past and the path he followed to become the detective he is today. Retail price: QR 45.

IS IT JUST ME? HOW TO FALL IN LOVE

BY MIRANDA HART BY CECILIA AHERN I really love her! She’s so funny and states her views in such a hilarious way that you just can’t stop laughing.

She’s a comedian and in this work of non-fiction she talks about adulthood in a really entertaining way. She states the obvious and sometimes you think ‘Oh that’s happened to me!

Why can’t I say it like this?’

Retail price: QR 52.

This is a story about a lady who finds a man planning to take his own life one day. So she makes a deal with him that she’ll make him fall in love with life again if he just gives her the time. So they start their journey together through joy, comedy and heartbreak, discovering the meaning of love along the way.

Retail price: QR 94.

THE OTHER HAND

BY CHRIS CLEAVE This is about two women who encounter each other and one of them makes a really terrible choice. The story starts two years after that terrible choice and it follows what happens next to both of them and how they get together to overcome tragedy. Retail price: QR 58.

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Spotlight On Movies

TOP

Slake your thirst for action with these spring blockbusters.

Maleficent

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Action | Adventure | Drama

Action | Adventure | Fantasy Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of super-villains against him, threatening his life and the lives of the ones he loves.

Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx QH Fun Fact: This is the first Spider-Man movie to be filmed entirely in The Big Apple, and the largest film production ever in New York City.

Godzilla Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi An amphibious monster named Godzilla emerges from the depths of the ocean after years of hibernation, only to meet a new world and the awakening of an ancient enemy.

Stars: Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson QH Fun Fact: In the original 1954 Godzilla film, the monster’s heavy scars were meant to evoke the gruesome marks borne by survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, enhancing the concept of Godzilla as a monster created by nuclear weapons.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past Action | Adventure | Fantasy The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.

Stars: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Jennifer Lawrence QH Fun Fact: In the original Days Of Future Past X-Men comic, there was talk of time travel from the year 2013 – the same year that filming of the movie began.

This modern re-telling delves deep into the events that hardened the villainous Maleficent's heart and drove her to curse young Princess Aurora, or as we know her – Sleeping Beauty.

Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Juno Temple QH Fun Fact: Leading lady Angelina Jolie hand-picked songstress Lana Del Rey to perform an updated version of the movie’s theme song ‘Once Upon A Dream’ for the soundtrack.

Neighbors Comedy In this cringeworthy comedy, a couple with a newborn baby face unexpected difficulties after they’re forced to live next to a fraternity house.

Stars: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne QH Fun Fact: We’re not sure what the references mean, but in two scenes Zac Efron and co-star Dave Franco’s characters in the film dress up as Robert De Niro’s characters from Taxi Driver and Meet The Parents.

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QH Sensations

The Dish On Qatar

Compiled by Ashlee Starratt

Let’s face it – shopping locally just feels good. The food tastes better and fresher, and the products are of a higher quality, made with care and invigorated by the local culture. Doha has many nooks and crannies to explore when it comes to getting a dose of the local flavour. We put the call out to our Facebook followers and here are a few of our top reader-nominated spots!

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“The beautiful Qatar peninsula has a rich heritage and a strong history dating back to the Middle Eastern Stone Age. This pearl and fishing hub has its vast oil and gas reserves tapped, with small industries flourishing and new farming techniques being devised.

The onus lies on the locals and residents to appreciate and positively contribute towards the steady growth of this country by promoting their indigenous industrial assets and produce.

Below: Get the freshest catch of the day before it's gone at the fish market on The Corniche Left: From old bazaar to modern tourist hub, Souq Waqif is steeped in local tradition

A trip to the local wholesale market selling fresh Qatari produce is a weekly ritual with us; or heading out to one of its fishing hubs such as Al Khor to enjoy freshly-caught hammour; or buying nuts and meat products from the local souqs brimming with unlimited amounts of other local commodities. Every little effort adds to even greater prospects for Qatar as a selfsufficient country with opportunities open to all!” – Fatimah Ashraf Khan “To support the heritage of the country, Souq Waqif is the best place to shop for traditional products.” – Yazan Yousef “I truly believe in the mantra ‘think global, act local’. If we make a conscious effort when it comes to buying local produce – be it food or something else, we can help small businesses flourish. Not only that, it also strengthens the sense of connection within the community. I always make a conscious effort of taking a trip to the souq, as it’s always brimming with variety from small retailers. Why not try the locallycaught fish to enjoy the true flavour of the peninsula?” – Ammarah Hasham “Well it’s easy and affordable to get many items from the local market here. I pretty much shop anywhere we can get our daily usage requirements.” – Mohammed Abdul Majeed “Each country has its riches from the smallest to the grandest things that make it unique on its own. Qatar has an equal right to showcase these to the world. Thus support [for] its local products is the least we can give back [for] what it has provided us as expats. And Souq Waqif is the perfect place.” – Kaye Asuncion “I like to shop everywhere!! [It] depends on what I’m looking for, but for quirky gifts to take back home I definitely go to Souq Waqif.

RAW ME is great for fresh, healthy [local] raw juices, [and] The Pearl is fun to have a look around some different shops. There are too many places to go!” – Allison Tett “I like to shop at Souq Waqif for traditional stuff and the vegetable market for groceries.”

– Ambar Sarwar n

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It Happened

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser meets with Japanese Prime Minister H.E. Shinzo Abe on a recent diplomatic visit to Tokyo. Photo Credit: AR Al-Baker / HHOPL

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser meets a group of eight young Qataris studying in Japan to hear about their experiences and motivations. Her Highness is leading a highlevel Qatar Foundation Research and Development delegation visit to Japan to advance scientific collaboration between the two countries. Photo Credit: AR Al-Baker / HHOPL

ROYAL DIPLOMATIC VISIT Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan April 21, 2014

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser meeting with Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology H.E. Mr. Hakubun Shimomura. They discussed student exchanges, scholarships and research collaboration with regard to the priorities and ‘grand challenges’ outlined in the Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS). Photo Credit: AR Al-Baker / HHOPL

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It Happened

Canada meets Qatar as the Cirque Éloize team hits the red carpet at the Renaissance

CIRQUE ÉLOIZE PRESS CONFERENCE Renaissance Doha City Center March 26, 2014

A press conference like no other, Cirque Éloize cast members perform some seriously toe-curling acrobatics on the helipad of the Renaissance

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7TH ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP Aspire Dome March 26-28, 2014

Tackling the uneven bars, a young competitor goes for the swing

Pommel horse gymnasts exhibit their strength in competition

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Urban Playground artists wrap up The British Festival with an acrobatic show in Souq Waqif

THE URBAN PLAYGROUND Souq Waqif April 10-12, 2014

CIRCLE OF SOUND Al Rayyan Theatre March 30, 2014

Blending cross-cultural music, The British Festival's Circle of Sound played to an eager audience

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What kid didn't love Dora The Explorer's colourful performance here in Doha last month?

The Wives Of Ambassadors and Heads of Mission (WOHOM) pose with the team from The Ritz-Carlton before their culinary class

DORA THE EXPLORER Al Rayyan Theatre April 10-18, 2014

WOHOM COOKING CLASS The Ritz-Carlton March 24, 2014

Saia Berdibay, (second from left), wife of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan smiles with her fellow colleagues of WOHOM

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KEMPINSKI MIDDLE EAST ROADSHOW Kempinski Residences & Suites April 3, 2014

Photography by Amara Photos

Roughly a dozen international Kempinski properties were featured at this year's roadshow

THE VIEW POOL BAR & GRILL OPENING Doha Marriott April 1, 2014

Katie Roberts, Doha Marriott PR & Marketing Manager, (third from right) poses with the QH team and fellow guests at the launch

Doha Marriott GM John Hazard (second from right), with colleagues from the Marriott sales team

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DMITRY LEVKOVICH AT STEINWAY GALLERY The Pearl-Qatar March 25, 2014

Concert pianist Vincent Corver (second from left) welcomes Dmitry Levkovich to the stage

World-renowned pianist Dmitry Levkovich gave a special performance at The Pearl's Steinway Gallery

SASOL QATAR E-NATURE SCHOOL CONTEST Doha Independent Secondary School For Boys March 26, 2014

Sasol Qatar Corporate Affairs Manager Jack Saba introduces the Qatar e-Nature contest to students

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SONGKRAN THAI NEW YEAR FESTIVAL The Grand Hyatt April 13, 2014

The Grand Hyatt's Farah Elalfy (right) hits up the delicious Thai buffet from Isaan

Water guns at the ready, things got wet and wild by the end of the night

It was every colour of the rainbow at Range Barse!

Images courtesy of Red Apple Events

RANG BARSE COLOUR FESTIVAL Doha Marriott March 28, 2014

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KARL LAGERFELD BRUNCH The Grand Hyatt March 21, 2014

L-R: Noha Belhaj, Anita Strother and Farah Elalfy of The Grand Hyatt

RED BULL 60 SECONDS The Pearl-Qatar April 5, 2014

Judges score participants' video submissions

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Phone Directory Al Gassar Resort 4424-4881 Al Mourjan Restaurants 4483-4423 Bert’s Cafe` 4495-3876 Biella 4467-7731 Crowne Plaza The Business Park 4408-7582 Doha Marriott Hotel 4429-8888 Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Heritage Doha Hotel 4445 5555 and Spa Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Holiday Villa 4408-4220 Hilton Doha 4423-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 InterContinental Doha The City 4015-8888 Johnny Rockets Al Emadi Complex 4455 2792 Hyatt Plaza 4460 4210 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale 4428 8888 Mövenpick Hotel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6115 Nando’s Delivery Hotline 4436-0606 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Radisson Blu 4428-1555 Red Velvet 4408 0700 Renaissance Doha City Center 4419-5000 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 St. Regis Doha 4446-0000 The Diplomatic Club 4484-7444 The Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 The Torch Doha 4446-5600 W Doha Hotel & Residences 4453-5021 Wyndham Grand Regency 4434-3333

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

Hospitals/Emergency

Amaoras RelaxationSpa Angsana Spa Bader Chemist Bay View 26, Wellness Centre Bio-Bil Health, Beauty & Spa Ladies Men’s

4493-4433 4483-0989

Bliss 4453-5555 Bottega Verde 4483-4535 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 Doha Dental 4431-7766 Doha Marriott Spa 4429-8520 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 Frank Provost 4494-8844 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 La Cigale - Ozone Spa 4428-8888 Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Snips Salonon 4408-4083

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

AMBULANCE, POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT DOHA CLINIC HOSPITAL

4408-4085 4434-3152 4441-1888 4496-6410

4434-4496 4436-1461 4467-1200 4462-2777 4422-1888 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4466-6635 4440 9666 999

4438-4333

EMERGENCY HOTLINE 4435-5999

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY

4439-2948

AL AHLI HOSPITAL

4489-8000

QATAR FOUNDATION FOR CHILD &

HAMAD GENERAL HOSPITAL

4439-2222

WOMAN PROTECTION HOTLINE 4466-6671 / 72

RUMAILAH HOSPITAL

4439-3333

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 Chowking Mamoura 4486-6077 Chowking Holiday Villa 4411-5225/335 PUBLICATIONS ABODE/QH Magazines

4427-8416

Shopping Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 City Center Doha 4483-0582 Hyatt Plaza 4469-4848 Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Lagoona Mall 4433-5555 Maya Paris 4495-3876 4495-3207 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-5222 Virgin Megastore Villaggio 4413-5823 Landmark 4418-2245

Clubs 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 Japanese Embassy Nepalese Embassy Philippine Embassy South African Embassy U.A.E. Embassy

4496-6000 4483-8812 4496-2000 4493-4205 4402-1702 4408-2334 4484-0888 4467-5681 4483-1585 6622-1552 4483-8880

Websites www.qatarhappening.com www.iloveqatar.net www.justlanded.com/english/Qatar www.qatarliving.com www.qatartourism.gov.qa

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