Qatar Happening - March 2011

QH March 2011 COVER-outline-color.pdf

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QH FEB 2011 - INSIDE FRONT.pdf

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MARCH

CONTENTS SPOTLIGHT ON...

ENTERTAINMENT 16 Blues Brothers are Back 18 Lava Loves Laura

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ARTS & CULTURE 24 Traditional Qatari Wedding Customs

Celebrating Qatari Heritage QH dives into the second annual Qatar Marine Festival! Check out our guide to the festivities.

COMMUNITY 34 Schools Olympic Program FOOD 38 The Ultimate, Expanded Brunch Roundup 42 Savouring India

QH STUFF 6 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LETTER 8 QH TEAM 10 MARCH HIGHLIGHTS 12 QH RECOMMENDS

SPORTS 73 More Great Golf 74 Extreme Rugby 76 Night Races 78 The Supremacy of Arabian Horses 80 Qatar Stars League

22 VIRGIN RECOMMENDS 100 IT HAPPENED 104 PHONE DIRECTORY

HAPPENING HOTLISTS

82 EVENT LISTINGS L QH WEDDING SPECIA

20 ENTERTAINMENT 26 ARTS & CULTURE

QH SENSATIONS LIVE

36 COMMUNITY

Best Gif ts for Mother's Day

44 FOOD 68 FASHION 81 SPORTS

Planning Your Big Day

56 54

QH SENSATIONS HEALTH & WELLNESS

LIVE

The Princess Bride 46 52

Feel like a princess on your big

Spring Fling

day with the ultimate wedding spa package!

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Bridal Bliss

The Family Jewels 55

Perfect pieces to perk up

WEDDING SPECIAL

any wedding outfit

48 Secrets to Serenity

66 Basic Instincts

50 Time to Relax

EXPERIENCE

Find yourself in an oasis of peace at George V Spa

Men's grooming hits a new level at the male-only spa N.Men

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Beautiful brides pose in some of this season’s finest bridal gowns.

Our picks for the best and brightest accessories for spring

Ways to manage pre-wedding stress

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Say Yes to the Dress!

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Delicates to wear under your wedding dress

Reasons to Fly

Our pick of top destinations

G STORIES, FOR MORE HAPPENIN LOG ON TO:

w w w.qatarhappening

.com

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FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Manager: Moona Masri-Whitice Executive Editor: Sydnee Bryant Senior Correspondent: Jorge Granda Contributors: Moza Alnuaimi, Noel Delos Santos, Jackie Stalley, Nicole Van Hattem Copy Editors: Sylvia Cole, Greg Weston

This month we have lots to look forward to, including the Qatar Marine Festival, a wonderful annual event that promises to delight residents of all ages. QH got the scoop on what’s taking place at this year’s festival.

Right on the heels of Valentine’s Day, QH held our first-ever bridal fashion shoot at Sharq Village and Spa as part of our Wedding Issue. Our bold brides-to-be were great sports, posing for hours in one beautiful dress after another. This issue is chock-full of tips for brides on everything from how to plan your reception to which undergarments will go best under your wedding gown. A special thanks to everyone who helped make the fashion shoot possible.

Sports continue to be one of the major highlights of the events scene in Doha, with the H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar Festival taking place this month. QH also takes a look at the history of the Doha Rugby Football Centre, an integral part of the sports scene in Qatar.

Fans of the 1980s hit movie Blues Brothers will be psyched to find out that Ramada Plaza will host the Doha Blues Brothers this month.

QH asked Doha Jazz for details about their phenomenal blues act, guaranteed to blow the roof off of Qube. We also met Laura Love, the new DJ rocking out at Lava, one of InterContinental Doha’s hippest outlets.

QH firmly believes in living a healthy lifestyle, while still having fun. This month we bring you the ultimate, expanded brunch roundup, a list of all the best places to enjoy brunch in the city.

While the research for this roundup was intense, we loved every delicious bite. We also headed to some spas in town to find out new ways to relax in our spare time.

Photographer: Mikhail Quijano Graphic Designers: Paolo Kurtis Tan, “Boby” Ildiko Francia, Mikhail Quijano New Media Manager: Jay Panganiban Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Distribution Assistant: Jaya Gautam Printing: Al Raya Commercial Press Have Your Say: Feedback and comments are always welcome.

Please forward letters to the editor: Email: editor@qatarhappening.com info@qatarhappening.com marketing@qatarhappening.com Call Details: Inquiries: Marketing: Fax:

+974 4427 8416 +974 5556 5046 +974 4427 8415

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

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

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.

QATAR HAPPENING (QH) retails for QR 8. Bulk subscriptions are available for QR 3 each, for orders over 50.

www.qatarhappening.com

Thanks for reading.

ON THE COVER Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief

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Graphic provided by Qatar Marine Festival

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QH TEAM This month QH welcomes new staff member Mikhail Quijano. Mikhail, who has a background in fashion photography, is the man behind the lens of QH’s most recent fashion photo spread.

Moona, G

Sydnee, The Editor

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Jay, Interwebs guy otog

Mikhail, Ph

This month, we enlisted the help of our adventurous models Kate Lyon, Rebecca Parker and Gem Rogers to play bride for a day at Al Dana restaurant at Sharq Village and Spa. This shoot, a pet project of executive editor Sydnee Bryant, couldn’t have happened without the hard work and dedication of so many people, including Chantal Mossess Boyajian, stylist; Maisa Taha and the team at La Vedette Fashion and Image Consullting, wardrobe supervision; Amena Tena and the staff at Sharq Village and Spa, venue and refreshments; Debbie Mendez at MAC, lead makeup artist; Beverly Crowther, principal at Qatar International Beauty Academy Tajmeel; Samia Chaudhary and Maha Al Sulaiti, Tajmeel student makeup artists; Nuha Al-Samarrae, Eman Amnah Al-Mushiri, Stacey Mabrey and Umbreen Ikram, Tajmeel student hair stylists; and, of course, our lovely models Kate, Rebecca and Gem. Thanks for helping the QH team make this dream shoot a reality.

Thanks for reading!

The QH Team

Boby,

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Design Diva

Lanie, Admin Master

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Hot Rod

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Sporty Jor

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Flavourful Nights Safir Doha, Daily see p 85

Grand Gourmet International Buffets Grand Regency, Daily see p 86

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1 How Women Work: A conference to inspire women to define and create their success Katara, see p 94

Laughter Factory Ramada Plaza, see p 82 Vietnamese Food Festival Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha Until 13th, see p 44

6 All-You-Can-Eat Pizza and Pasta Sealine Beach Resort Daily, see p 91

Punjabi Food Festival Doha Marriott, Until the 26th see p 84

7 Talking Matters Toastmasters Club Les Roses 1 Clubhouse see p 95

Curry Night Mรถvenpick Tower and Suites, Wednesdays, see p 86

Traditional Mayan Food Fiesta Doha Marriott, Until the 31st see p 44

8

Animal Pharm The Gallery, VCUQatar Until April 17th, see p 26

9 QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL28 Katara, see

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13

15

* Opening by invitation only

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

Voyage around the World!

Ritz-Carlton Doha Daily, see p 90

Tasmeem 2011: Synapse Designer as Link VCUQatar, see p 36

Thai Week at Chopsticks Grand Regency Until the 27th, see p 84

Musical Moments Four Seasons Doha see p 84

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Come Alive at Five Merwebcentral Hotel Doha Daily, see p 89

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21

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

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Seasons Theme Nights Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha Daily, see p 90

QPWN After-Work Networking Event Kempinski Doha see p 96

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p

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23 Qatar Guilt Guild Al Jazi Phase 4 Clubhouse see p 96

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KATARA, MARCH 16 – 26, 2011 THURSDAY IWED Doha Exhibition Centre, Until the 6th, see p 86 Qatar Open Amateur Championship Doha Golf Club, see p 73 QAWS Fur Ball Ramada Plaza, see p 94

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Chamber Music Festival Opera House, Katara Until the 13th, see p 26

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

My Mic “Karaoke Nights” Doha Marriott, see p 82

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Khalife’s Piece Opera House, Katara see p 92

Brunch with the breeze from the Alps at the Cellar Oryx Rotana, see p 88

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Doha Blues Brothers!

Ramada Plaza, see p 18 Doha Mums Charity Dinner & Auction in aid of Palestine’s “Clean Water Supply” Ramada Plaza, see p 36

Marshmallows Extravaganza Four Seasons Doha Thursdays, see p 86

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5 The Golden Age of Dutch Painting, Masterpieces from the Rijksmuseum Museum of Islamic Art Until June 6th, see p 28

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QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar Losail International Circuit, see p 76

Terry Fox Run College of the North Atlantic – Qatar see p 36

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Colour of Sound Opera House, Katara, see p 92

Global Champions Tour Qatar Equestrian Federation Until the 19th, see p 81

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Cinema under the Stars Ritz-Carlton Doha, see p 22

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Fly for Free with Churassco of Latino Sheraton Doha Saturdays, see p 44

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL Katara, see p 28

Societe Du Vin W Doha, see p 84

DJ Smoking Joe W Doha, see p 22

Greek National Day Feast InterContinental Doha, see p 84

Seafood BBQ Buffet InterContinental Doha Fridays, see p 87

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Expressive Moments Opera House, Katara see p 92

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Jazzy Dinner Oryx Rotana see p 44

19

26

Pink Elephant Portuguese Rose Campaign Daily, see p 90

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RECOMMENDS

Feeling the need to spoil yourself?

Try some of our new favourite things.

Caramel Ice Cream Pink Perfection It is nearly impossible to find the perfect shade of pink nail polish. We’ve tried dozens, if not hundreds, of colours searching for that unique pink that is neither too chalky nor too bright for everyday wear. Our search ends with the discovery of OPI’s Got a Date To-Knight!, the ultimate pink nail lacquer.

This light, creamy pink is not milky or waxy. It’s the best colour for those who like to embrace their girly side without going into full Barbie-mode.

One layer of polish gives the nicest hint of a pink hue, while two coats is great for standing out without causing people to ask if you were an extra in Legally Blonde.

Bring out the kid in you and enjoy a scoop of this sweet Flawless Faces and salty treat! Yes, you read that right! Sweet and salty, The mark of a good foundation together at last. We are totally is when no one can tell you putting our seal of approval all are wearing it. How to tell if a over this frozen delight from foundation is fantastic? When you don’t even remember you’re Dean & Deluca simply because of its two-tiered culinary wearing it! Clinique Perfectly personality! This particular ice Real Makeup does all this cream has mastered balancing and more. The creamy liquid both flavours in perfect creamy formula always manages to harmony. And the end result? make our skin look flawless This is sheer and simple without being heavy. While indulgence that we just can’t some foundations create the dreaded “mask” effect, this one get enough of. And, as an added is light enough to provide decent wow factor, the packaging is just as awesome as the ice coverage without covering up cream. The container transforms our natural glow. We like it itself into a portable sundae for its wide range of shades, bowl for those who like their smooth formula and silky feel. ice cream on-the-go. Now you Use three small dabs on your can get your dessert fix anytime face to create a polished, yet and anywhere! natural, look.

Hardcore Hairspray Never fall prey to a stray strand of flyaway hair again. Spritz on L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Diamond Hold Hairspray to keep every glossy lock in place.

We were ecstatic when this fabulous hairspray, previously only available in Europe, went abroad and became available to the masses. What differentiates this high-quality, reasonably priced hairspray is that not only does it have massive staying power but it will actually disappear the moment you decide backcombing was a bad idea.

No more are we slaves to our first hairstyle of the night! Now, we can style, spritz, re-think, comb, re-style and re-spray our hair repeatedly until we get it right!

Coffee Granita We are always on the hunt for unbelievably good coffee in Doha. Our latest find happened unexpectedly at Carluccio’s at The Pearl-Qatar. We didn’t go there specifically looking for amazing coffee but that is exactly what we found. We like surprises; we love caffeinated surprises! We adore the Coffee Granita, an iced coffee with no milk. This simple but delicious caffeinated beverage comes with syrup on the side so you can sweeten it to your exact specifications. Unlike frozen versions of coffee granite, this drink won’t give you brain freeze, but it will give you a nice coffee buzz!

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QH RECOMMENDS

Save Me, San Francisco

From the crazy romantic Soul Sister to the hopeful and bittersweet This Ain’t Goodbye, Train delivers a soulful blend of sweet melodies and meaningful lyrics.

Save Me, San Francisco is an album dedicated to love, life and holding on to the things that matter most to you. We love this CD for its intensely honest lyrics and heart-wrenching melodies. The standout, drop-dead dreamy track Marry Me is destined to be the wedding song of 2011. This album includes cool surprises, such as Train’s rendition of Rhianna’s popular hit Umbrella, as well as a dance remix of Marry Me and an alternative version of the heart-grabbing Parachute.

Heavenly Hammour We all know fish is good for us. But that doesn’t mean we always enjoy eating it. Some fish is bland, but hammour is anything but. However, with so many different techniques for preparing hammour, you don’t always know what you’re getting. The hammour at Al Dana at Sharq Village and Spa elevates this simple fish to unprecedented levels of deliciousness.

Prepared with fennel and a light drizzle of sweet sauce, this crispy, juicy fish actually shocks us with its intense flavour. Every bite bursts with amazing taste sensations.

The fennel adds a nice touch of sweetness without overwhelming our senses.

Sweet Smells We want to be more than just friends with the Love candle, by Jimmy Belasco. This lovely giver of light smells like caramelized vanilla bean crème brulee. This soy candle burns for hours, filling the room with a sweet scent that truly reflects the name of the candle. It’s impossible not to feel the love in the room while this pale creamcoloured candle burns brightly. We strike a match to this uplifting candle every time we want to cheer ourselves up a little because it smells that good. Guaranteed to make your whole house smell fresh, sugary and warm without being overwhelming, this candle inspires us to find reasons to light up every day.

Colossal Carrot Cake We normally don’t like to mix our sugar fix with our daily dose of veggies but the carrot cake from Bread & Bagels is so good it makes us break all our rules. This delectable treat is sweet and filling. We love its thick cream cheese icing, piled atop layers of moist cake and crunchy walnuts. This sumptuous snack is the perfect piece of heaven to share or keep all to yourself as a sinful treat. While some carrot cakes live in the shadows of more popular picks, this delightful carrot cake manages to more than live up to its sweeter cake brethren. Bonus: you can get your fill on the go with carrot cake muffins.

QH LifeStyle Awards

Best Brunch

We are stoked to announce the winner of the QH Lifestyle Award for Best Brunch is the Friday Brunch at Brasserie on the Beach at Four Seasons Doha. QH teamed with www.iloveqatar.net to poll residents of Qatar to find the most popular brunch in town. Respondents chose from the 10 brunches reviewed in QH’s Best of Brunch Expanded Roundup (featured in this issue) to pick their absolute favourite brunch. QH would like to thank everyone who participated and voted for their preferred brunch.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

By Sydnee Bryant

Grab your skinny ties and funky hats and head on down to Qube for a night of spectacular soul music! This month Doha Jazz returns to Ramada Plaza with their phenomenal act Doha Blues Brothers. QH shoots the breeze with Doha Jazz, a staple in Qatar’s music scene.

QH: What’s the story behind Doha Jazz? How did it all get started?

DJ: Doha Jazz was started in 2000 when its founder, Chris Coull, arrived in Doha.

Chris is a trumpet and piano player from the U.K. who specializes in jazz, blues and funk music.

QH: How many different musicians and bands are a part of Doha Jazz?

DJ: There are three main bands: jazz, salsa and blues. But we also do classical music and Arabic music on occasion. We use a whole host of professional musicians in Doha. Some are here to play or sing with Doha Jazz, others are here to perform in other professional music outfits and play with us on a freelance basis.

QH: Doha Jazz’s sound has evolved over the years. What are some of the different kinds of music do you play now?

DJ: Our jazz, blues and salsa bands are available as smaller, medium or larger sizes.

For example, the Blues Brothers often play as a four- or five-piece band, although for the Qube we’ll be wheeling out the full eight-piece band!

QH: Doha Jazz will perform their Doha Blues Brothers show at Ramada Plaza March 11, in honour of the cult 1980s film Blues Brothers. What can attendees expect when they come to see the show?

DJ: The show is a fast-paced musical anthology of the cult film – you don’t have to know the film to recognize many of the songs as they are all huge hits from the 60s and 70s in their own rights. It’s a great spectacle to watch, listen and, of course, dance to!

QH: Is this the first time the Doha Blues Brothers show has taken place in Doha?

DJ: No, we originally played at the Qube back in 2009. Since then, the full Blues Brothers has played a lot of private events, so this is a great opportunity for the public to see this amazing act!

QH:What makes this show unique from other entertainment acts in Doha?

DJ: Like all Doha Jazz music – it’s REAL! That means no backing tracks, no midi keyboard, etc. The three-piece horn section (featured in The Blues Brothers) is really amazing – hearing soul and R&B music being played live by top quality professional musicians is really a rare treat for anywhere and especially for Doha where we have so much ‘artificial’ music. For a taste, just put Doha Blues Brothers into YouTube.

QH: Do you have to be a diehard Jazz and Blues fan to appreciate the Doha Blues Brothers act?

DJ: Absolutely! Last time we played at the Qube and the ballroom we had many fans coming along – all with the Blues Bros hats, and trademark thin black tie – it’s great fun for those who want to get into the ‘Jake & Ellwood Blues’ role, or just come along for the spectacle and fun!

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT

By Jorge Granda

Lava is one of the most exciting hangouts at the Intercontinental Doha Hotel. This month the lounge will be filled with Love. QH caught up with Laura Love, the new DJ at Lava.

Laura Love was born in Cyprus. She is a well-known face in the international club scene and has now joined the Lava family to keep the groove going. Living in Germany and the U.K. as a child helped her develop an eccentric and unique sense of what good music should sound like. Thankfully for Doha’s partygoers, her perception and way of making music is what anybody would hope for when hitting the dance floor.

QH: Tell us a little bit about how your career started. What made you decide to become a professional DJ? LL: I started clubbing when I was 14 years old and that’s when I discovered techno and the different kind of music you hear in a club. I immediately fell in love with the diversity of sounds. When I turned 22 years old, I felt my calling. I knew that I wanted to entertain people through music. My first gig was at the Golf Bar in Liverpool and since then I have never looked back.

QH: What is the most enjoyable aspect of performing?

LL: Everything. I love mixing songs, making something unique out two different tunes. I adore the energy people give me when they

are dancing to my music and the energy I give back when I see the crowd going crazy. The whole experience is just out-of-this-world.

QH: Which country do you enjoy playing in the most?

LL: I enjoyed playing in Ibiza and Egypt. The liveliness of the people is so awesome and contagious. It is really indescribable.

QH: Describe your music; what can people expect from you and what do you expect from the Lava crowd?

LL: My music is like a journey of energy. People can expect an incredible mix of all different styles: ambience, chill out, Latin, funky, techno, house and commercial. I want people to leave Lava thinking “What a great night and what amazing music.”

QH: How did you end up at Lava?

LL: It is kind of funny. I had decided to quit and fully focus on my other job as a windsurfing instructor by the time I was approached by an agent in Egypt. When that thought was in my head, many offers just poured in; it was kind of like a sign that I shouldn’t give up. Most of the gigs that were offered to me were in Egypt, but when the protests started I decided it was time to move on, but not from music. So I accepted the job in Qatar.

Photo by Jackie Stalley

Lava Lounge has been open for more than a year and has gradually become one of the favourite spots for sophisticated, cool people in Doha. Not that Lava needed an injection of energy and great music, but a new DJ has entered the scene to spice things up even more.

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ENTERTAINMENT

HOTLIST

CH www.qat ECK OUT arhappen ing.com for th e latest in

formation

!

Cinema Under the Stars Fri 18th, 25th: Ritz-Carlton Doha.

Enjoy the warm evenings of March whilst sitting back and relaxing in the lush gardens of Lagoon Terrace overlooking the big movie screen showing all-time classics.

Free entrance. Opens at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Blues Brothers!

Fri 11th: Ramada Plaza. Qube and Doha Jazz pay tribute the cult Blues Brother film of 1980s with their highly entertaining stage show the Doha Blues Brothers. Doha Jazz provides a cool background of blues brass, guitar and piano with two of Doha’s finest male vocal performances. Everybody come on and shake your tail feather and enjoy a night of blues and soul revival entertainment. Ticket prices: QR 120 for regular and QR 200 for VIP. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Show starts at 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohajazz.com

Paloma on the Beach Thurs 3rd: InterContinental Doha.

Sander Kleinenberg Thurs 3rd: La Cigale. Go on a sight and sound spectacular that reflects life! Let Sander Kleinenberg and Jared McCulloch take you on a ride that you’ll never forget.

Starts at 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 4428-8665 or 5518-8008.

DJ Smoking Joe Fri 25th: W Doha. Fusing together, funk, soul, R&B, reggae and ragga electro, DJ Smoking Joe will take you on a musical journey with an inexhaustible pool of musical eras and styles. From 10:30 p.m. till 2:45 a.m. For more information, call 4453-5323.

For one night only, Paloma will be relocating to the beach for a night of great food, drinks and music. Chef Salvador will be cooking a huge Latin buffet featuring old favourites, plus new dishes from Latin America. If you're just coming for drinks, the Paloma Beach Bar will be open from 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Enjoy live music on stage by the resident Colombian band 4 Latinos. And then dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Shadi (Paloma Resident) playing the best of house, R&B and hip hop. Lava Lounge's new Resident DJ Laura Love (Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi) will also be introducing her special brand of music to Doha.

For more information, call 4484-4936.

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

Here’s how you can find out what’s hot in the TV world. QH brings you the top selections of TV series on DVD from Virgin Megastore this month. And watch for the QH hearts in store!

Cougar Town Season 1 For those of you who were fervent fans of Friends it may be difficult to see Courtney Cox in another sitcom, especially in one where she plays a woman who is so different from Monica Geller. But Cox’s exceptional acting skills help her make the crossover and she delivers a crude, warm and funny performance in Cougar Town. Her new series is the best vehicle to show what she is made of and helps us forget Monica for a little while. The show is sharp, full of funny lines and good acting all-around.

Heroes Season 4 The fourth season keeps the basic plot of very gifted individuals and the characters remain familiar. There is one positive change; the whole show stops jumping between alternate futures from episode to episode.

There is a consistency throughout the season. If you liked the previous season, this one should definitely come as no disappointment.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 6 If you are a fan of this critically acclaimed medical TV show and follow the real drama on the set, then you already know the sixth season brings along the death of two of its most important characters.

However, Grey’s Anatomy still delivers compelling storylines mixed with great acting. All of the characters have grown and evolved. We highly recommend the latest season of the show.

It does not disappoint.

Desperate Housewives Season 6 Just when you think it is impossible for more drama to take over the lives of the inhabitants of Wisteria Lane, the writers of this unique show manage to come up with even more peculiar, intriguing and over the top original occurrences. The Bolen family moves into the neighbourhood to spice things up, Lynette and Tom are expecting twins, Bree finds herself in a twisted relationship and one of the characters goes into a coma. The latest season of Desperate Housewives is terrific.

Lie to me Season 2 Lie to Me is probably the most original series created in the past few years. A group of doctors help in criminal investigations in which they reach the truth by interpreting micro expressions through the Facial Action Coding System and body language.

Out of the new TV shows in stands now, Lie to Me is definitely one of the best.

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By Moza Alnuaimi

Marriage is a union of souls; not only those of the happy couple, but the souls of their families and friends as well. Their lives intersected at some point in time and, with marriage, they intertwine to form a single unit for years to come. QH examines the customs of a traditional Qatari wedding.

A

cross the world, weddings have morphed Choosing the Bride into a somewhat universally adopted idea The traditional marriage start with the selection of the white wedding gown, the bridal of an appropriate girl. When a man is ready to get bouquet and the centrepieces. When my married, there are two ways to find him a suitable grandmother got married over forty years bride: his family or a “Khattaba,� the Arabic name ago, however, things were quite different. Weddings, for a matchmaker. If the man’s family were to be back in the day, were heavily influenced by the bestowed with the task of choosing the one, a search traditions of the region and the mutual habits of a small, begins for someone who would fit certain criteria. The but loving community. Before the ceremony could take potential bride must have a slender body and neck, big place, there were certain steps that needed to be taken eyes and long, flowing hair. Furthermore, she must and in a certain order that has, more or less, survived be well-mannered, able to carry the responsibility of and still takes place nowadays. a household and be from a recognized family, known

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE

There will forever be a sort of undying charm to the simplicity of a traditional wedding.

for their generosity, hospitability and conservativeness. Usually, the matriarch of the family tends to choose a relative or family friend in whom she trusts the future groom will find all the desired attributes.

The alternative is the Khattaba, a woman who takes matchmaking to be her profession and receives payment from the man’s family in order to look for a suitable bride on the behest of the groom. She’s hosted by families around the neighbourhood, who have daughters ready to get married, in hopes of having their daughter picked. When the Khattaba believes she has found the right girls, she facilitates a meeting between the families and introduces them to each other in anticipation of the perfect match.

Photos by Salma F. Alnaimi and Grand Regency

The “Dazzah”

When the thobe-adorned cupid smiles upon the perfect bride, the Dazzah is to take place. A bundle, or a Bugsha, containing clothes and accessories for the bride, and a smaller one filled with money is prepared at the groom’s house. The groom’s mother then invites her female relatives and neighbours to her house one evening and assigns the honour of carrying the Bugsha to one of them. The carrier walks behind a group of chanting women around the neighbourhood to deliver the Bugsha to the bride’s house, surrounded by women and children carrying lamps, creating a

beautiful sight for everyone to enjoy. When the joyous group reaches the bride’s house, they are met with the bride’s mother and her guests and join them for coffee and traditional sweets and to take a fleeting look at the contents of the Bugsha. At the end of the evening, the Bugsha is handed to the bride’s mother as the women head back to their homes.

The Henna Night

This night is a special tradition that is still surviving the waves of modernization. On a night close to the wedding day (usually two nights earlier), the bride dresses in green traditional attire and gets her arms and feet adorned with beautiful Henna, while her family and friends surround her and they enjoy traditional songs and refreshments.

More often than not, the guests are invited by the couple’s families to participate and get their hands and feet covered with Henna, too, in order to spread the joy and share the happy occasion with their loved ones.

The Wedding

The bride’s house is filled with women who help her get ready for her groom.

Some women help set up the reception, while others prepare the couple’s room for the night with various decorations and ornaments fit for such an occasion. The groom, in the meantime, is met by hoards of friends and neighbours who arrive at

his house to congratulate him and join a marching band in walking him to his bride’s house. They men carry lamps on their shoulders to guide them, as this walk takes place at night, like the Dazzah. The assembly starts heading to the bride’s house after the Ishaa prayer, led by the groom, his father and those closest to his heart, followed by the marching band and the crowd that accumulates as a result of their fascinating tunes. When the groom’s party arrives at the bride’s house, they are welcomed by a similar band of women who lead the groom to his room. The men, after congratulating the groom once again, are sprayed with rose water and bid farewell.

Finally, the bride sits on a carpet and is then carried by four women to join the groom for the night. The bride’s mother, with the help of some other women, spends the night cooking food to be distributed to family and friends in the morning.

There will forever be a sort of undying charm to the simplicity of a traditional wedding. It was a neighbourhood affair, where everyone participated and happiness was meant to be shared. So much goodwill was put into a wedding and a potential bride or a suitor’s soul meant much more than their money. A wedding was a labour of love and blessing, not an extravagant affair meant to impress and not to be felt and enjoyed. Maybe that’s why our grandparents’ marriages lasted longer?

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ARTS & CULTURE

HOTLIST

The Golden Age of Dutch Paintings Mar 11th – Jun 6th: Museum of Islamic Art. The Qatar Museums Authority, in collaboration with the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, presents the first major exhibition of Dutch art in the Gulf region. These 44 paintings, give a wide-ranging view of the artists, lifestyle and topography of the Netherlands in the 17th century. For more information, visit www.mia.org.qa

Chamber Music Festival Thurs 10th – Sun 13th: Opera House, Katara. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is holding a musical extravaganza, with each day featuring strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Special guests Gabor Takazy and Conservatorium Genf. QR 50 per ticket, with unassigned seating. Available at Virgin Megastore in Landmark Mall and Villaggio. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email qpopr@qf.org.qa

Crossing Boundaries Jan 26th – Mar 5th: The Gallery, VCUQatar.

Curated by VCUQatar gallery director Jochen Sokoly and South African gallerist Ortrud Mulder, the exhibition brings together a diverse group of contemporary artists. The exhibition represents artistic practice in photography, mixed media, print, installation and text. It reflects discourses with culture, environment, society and self and provides an insight into contemporary post-apartheid South Africa.

Artists in this exhibit are Lien Botha, Nadja Daehnke, Hasan and Husain Essop, Svea Josephy, Sharlene Khan and Nomthunzi Mashalaba. For more information, call 4402-0555, email jsokoly@qatar.vcu.edu or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu

Animal Pharm Mar 15th – Apr 17th: The Gallery, VCUQatar. Animal Pharm investigates the emergence of biological hybrids in biotechnologies and the human personal, moral, aesthetic and sociocultural responses to them. Genetic engineering is a new frontier of science that has the possibility to transform our lives. It may look like science fiction but, on the contrary, it is the real world with existing sciences and technologies that are economically viable and technologically feasible. For more information, call 4402-0555, email jsokoly@qatar.vcu.edu or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu

Past/Forward:

The National Museum of Qatar Dec 18th – Mar 31st: Katara.

This temporary exhibition offers its viewers an exciting preview of the new National Museum, set to open in 2014. Through its visuals, it aims to make the audience understand and appreciate Qatar’s culture in a unique way. For more information, visit www.qma.com.qa

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Celebrating

Qatari Maritime Heritage

By Jorge Granda

This month is celebration time for the people of Qatar, as the country gets ready to host another edition of the Qatar Marine Festival. QH gives you an extensive look into the event that explores the past, present and future of Qatar.

K

nowing and understanding where a country comes from allows a nation to use this knowledge to enrich the present and gather the wisdom to create a brighter future. That is the idea behind the Qatar Marine Festival (QMF). The biggest festival in the country was created to inspire people about the valuable lessons from the past, portray the achievements of the present and get a glimpse of what’s ahead. The Qatar Marine Festival Organising Committee aims to help in the development of the country by enlightening the Qatari and expat communities about Qatar's cultural heritage.

THE EVENTS

There will be something for everybody at the QMF 2011.

There are many shows, activities, workshops and contests taking place at the largest family festival of the year.

Secrets of the Sea

The biggest and most spectacular theatrical production ever staged in Qatar – and probably in the region - will be the core event of the QMF. Gino Landi will direct “Secrets of the Sea.” The internationally known Italian director has 50 years experience in television and theatre.

He has won 29 awards throughout his career. Over 95 QMF is an annual educational, cultural and waterper cent of the music was originally produced for the centric event. Through a range of entertainment, leisure, tailor-made show and it was composed by more than technological, scientific, sports and cultural events and 110 orchestral players. The big-budget musical tells the activities, the public is exposed to Qatar’s rich maritime story of Qatari people, their traditions and ambitions. The history. The festival revives all elements of Qatar’s soundtrack is a fusion between west symphonic orchestral ancestral way of life. Aspects related to pearling and music and traditional Qatari sounds. The show is a water activities are the highlights of the event. QMF combination of great visual and emotional impact. Qatar celebrates the values of legacy, pride, enthusiasm, fun has never witnessed a show of this magnitude. and unity of the fast-growing country.

The first edition of the QMF took place last April 2010. The festival was a massive success, attracting more than 80,000 people to the seafront of the Katara Cultural Village. The expectations for the second edition are high, but the community surely won’t be disappointed because the organizers have lined up the best entertainment available in the world.

Production Highlights • 15,000 hours of rehearsals for dancers and choreographers • 20 containers of scenographic items • 300 scene costumes • Over 300 performers and staff are involved in the organization and staging of the musical

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

The musical will start every day at 8:00 p.m. for the duration of the festival. There are no reserved seats for the musical.

A first come, first served basis system will apply.

Baharna (Our Sea)

Photo by 12-year-old Maha Matar Al Marikhi.

Want to see sea life? There is no better place than the “Our Sea” exhibit, which covers an area of 1,200 square metres, featuring a great variety of marine species, including stingrays, seahorses, golden trevally, coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region, moray eel, blue swimmer crab, jellyfish, octopus and many more. The exhibit is home to Qatar’s largest collection of marine life. You can’t get any closer to the creatures of the deep. Visitors will also have the chance to interactively feed and touch pools. It will be an amazing opportunity to learn more about the wonderful creatures of the deep ocean.

Seals Show

Timings

For the first time in Qatar, a specially designed theatrestyle venue with a pool and stage facilities was built to host the most amazing seals show the country has ever seen. Kids and adults alike will be amazed by four seals brought from Siberia to entertain the crowd in Qatar.

Together with the help of their trainers Sabrina, Lapunya, Monik and Stepa will perform some incredible stunts. In addition to the seals show, spectators will enjoy a Water Ballet performance. The seals show is a definite “must see” event!

Schedule of Daily Events All the events will be held every day.

Program

Time

Water Ballet dancing

6:30 p.m. – 6:35 p.m.

Seals Show

6:35 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Break

7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Water Pallet dancing

7:45 p.m. – 7:50 p.m.

Seals Show

7:50 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Marine Library

With the exce ption of the “Secre ts of The Sea” musical , Seals Show workshops an d Al Seef Cin ema, all events will take place from 4:00 p.m . to 11:00 p.m . continuously every day.

The Marine Library will be a reading paradise. The Childhood Cultural Center, Waqif Art Centre, Environmental Studies Center of QU, Cultural Development Center, Bloomsbury, Jarir Bookstore and Virgin Megastore will all contribute to the exhibition’s interactive activities, including storytelling, book readings, meetings with authors and book signings, a poetry competition, a comic book project for kids and much more.

Dancing Fountains

A beautiful show of dancing fountains, music and fantastic lights can be spotted at the seafront of Katara every night during the QMF. The show features a sea floating fountain reaching 80m in width. It is truly a unique visual spectacle.

There is no similar show in Qatar.

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

SANDS KINGD

OM Ten internationally ren owned sand sculptors from all ov er the world will gather in Qatar to showcase their skillfully crafte d sand designs at the QMF. They wi ll be creating their one-of-a-kind scu lptures in front of an audience, as part of a contest. Visitors will be able to vote for their favourite sculptor.

But the fun doesn’t sto p there. The public will be also pa rticipating in a competition. A wo rkshop will be offered and participa nts will have the chance to compete against each other. The publi c will choose the winner through a vote.

THE SCULPTORS Lucinda Wierenga (Sandy Feet)

Ted Siebert

The American sculptor started carving sand in 1985. She competes throughout the world, creating jaw-dropping exhibits. She also offers sand castle classes and has written three books on sand sculpting. Some of Wierenga’s awards and accolades include: third place and Peoples Choice at Valladolid (Spain) international competition, first place in Sandblasters '08, second place in both Sandblasters '07 and Port Aransas Sandfest and published her new book Sandcastles Made Simple.

Siebert is an artist by background and training. His artwork represents the perfect combination between sand sculpting and sports. Ted is the author of the acclaimed books The Art of Sandcastling and Sandcastle in A Box. Ted has been recognized in the book The Sculpture Reference as one of 288 leading contemporary living sculptors.

John Gowdy After working as a firefighter and beach lifeguard, Gowdy retired in 2006 and is dedicating the rest of his life to the arts, more specifically sand sculpting. He has won the North American Championship three times, won the International Sand Sculpting Championship in Jesolo, Italy, and is the current winner of the International Championship in Cervia, Italy.

Helena Bangurt European sand sculptor Helena Bangurt carves sand sculptures both commercially and competitively. She has won awards in many competitions, including some in Sweden, Russia, Korea, Canada, Italy, Switzerland and the U.S. JOOheng Tan Tan has been involved in the sand sculpting art for over a decade. He is one of the best when it comes to coaxing giant masterpieces. His participation in many festivals, as well as his many awards, has positioned Tan as a master sand sculptor.

Richard Varano Rich Varano is a second-generation sand sculptor. His father was an amateur sand sculptor enthusiast. In his twenties, Varano fully developed his skills and established himself as a professional sculptor. He has won many awards in different festivals and major competitions.

Jill Harris Harris felt in love with sand sculpting 14 years ago and since then she hasn’t looked back. Together with her partner, Thomas Koet, she has participated in many sand sculpting competitions around the world, winning 1st Place, Sculptor’s Choice awards, and other titles at these events.

Thomas Koet Thomas first started sculpting sand in the Netherlands 13 years ago. He has become an incredible sand sculptor, winning many 1st Places, Sculptor's Choice and other contest titles worldwide. Koet has designed some of the largest sand sculptures in Europe.

David Billings The Canadian artist is the proud owner of the Sandemons – Sand Sculpture Company. In 2001 and 2005, Billings won the 1st place in the Master team category, along with the People’s Choice Awards at the World Championship Sand Sculpture Competition. He has won many other important awards in different festivals and exhibitions around the world.

Charlotte Koster Koester’s career kicked off in 2006. She has worked on sand sculptures in Germany, the United Sates, Spain, Latvia, Portugal and Canada, among many other countries.

Awards and accolades that Koster has received include: World Championship Sand Sculpting Canada, Harris and competition in Canada 08, 4th place Jury (with Michel de Kok), Peoples Choice Award (with Michel de Kok) and designing a suite for ICEHOTEL in Sweden.

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

VISUAL ARTS SYMPOSIUM

During the 11 days of the QMF, the spectators coming to the festival will have the opportunity to engage in different artistic activities, including an Artist Symposium, a Children and Youth Arts Symposium and two exhibitions by well-respected artists.

DID YOU K

Artists Symposium

NOW?

QMF also incl udes yearround events and a commun ity involvement program that provides a br idge betwee n the annual fe stival.

Twelve artists from the GCC countries will be painting live (at least two artworks) for the visitors attending the symposium. The artists will also be presenting two of their artworks as a sample of their incredible talents.

The artworks painted live by the artists will be offered to the Qatar Marine Festival Organising Committee.

Children and Youth Arts Symposium

Children between ages six and 15 will be able to discover their passion for the arts and work on their creative skills. Sawsan Mazboudi and Solagne Ahdab, both art professionals and artists themselves, will be co-ordinating and assisting in all the activities.

The maximum capacity per session is 30 participants. Each session will last around one hour and 15 minutes and will teach kids different painting techniques such as: mosaic, etching, metal embossing and ceramic, among others. Each day a different technique will be used during the activities. If you want to be part of this amazing artistic adventure you have to pre-register on site, as registration is compulsory. If the pre-registration limit is not reached, then activities will be provided on a first come, first served basis. A new project will be undertaken each day during the 11-day run of the QMF. By the end of the symposium, all artworks related to the marine life will be offered to the Qatar Marine Festival Organising Committee.

THE MASCOT

The organizers of the QMF selected a sea horse from Qatar to be the symbol of the event. Bahoor, the mascot that will add happiness and colour to the festival, is described as gentle, wise and humble character. Bahoor will be seen in all the activities related to the QMF. He is very enthusiastic about the future but has great admiration and respect for the past.

WHERE WE ARE

EXHIBITIONS

Photos provided by Qatar Marine Festival

Two renowned artists are going to be taking part in this very special exhibition.

Intercon R/A

Artist Prizes All 12 artists invited to participate in the Artists Symposium will have the chance to take home a prize. Three well-known art specialists will decide which artist will be awarded with the prizes.

Katara Village Entrance

Exhibition Center

Intercon Hotel

Judges Youssef Ahmad (Qatar), Abdullah Al Mouharraqui (Bahrain), Salman Al Malik (Qatar) Prizes 1st Prize: QR 28,000 2nd Prize: QR 17,000 3rd Prize: QR. 10,000 The awards ceremony will take place the last day of the festival on March 26 during the Visual Arts Symposium Closing Ceremony.

Rainbow R/A

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QATAR MARINE FESTIVAL

HOTLIST

Sea Giants Wed 16th – Sat 26th: Katara. Set your sights on

Al Freej

the magnificent gargantuan sculptures of various sea creatures that represent the marine life of Qatar. These six are crab, faskara, shark, star fish, shrimp and hammour. Learn more about these animals and participate in daily quizzes and raffle draws to win prizes! For more information, visit www.qmfoc.gov.qa

Wed 16th – Sat 26th: Katara.

Venture into a cultural village that features fascinating traditional events.

Experience children’s games, see handicrafts, enjoy folkloric music performances, taste treats from a café and capture the moment at the photo studio. For more information, visit www.qmfoc.gov.qa

Dancing Fountain Wed 16th – Sat 26th: Katara.

Expect the amazing from a spectacular visual performance that mixes water, music and lights!

The floating fountain will be 80 metres in width and showcase wonderful effects for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit www.qmfoc.gov.qa

Al Seef Cinema Wed 16th – Sat 26th: Katara. Like movies? Then this event is definitely for you! Take in the wonders of an open air cinema facing the sea!

The documentary films, movies and animated shows will revolve around marine life. From 4:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.qmfoc.gov.qa

QMF Sport Activities Wed 16th – Sat 26th: Katara. With sun, sand and sports what more could you ask for? Get into the action and enjoy beach football, bossaball and sailing! For more information, visit www.qmfoc.gov.qa

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

By Jorge Granda

Under the theme of “Sport and Education,” the Schools Olympic Program will close its 2010-11 season in March. QH tells you all the details you need to know about this one-of-akind mega event.

B

ringing up a generation of responsible individuals and strong leaders should be a task that every country must commit to.

Teaching kids the real values of life would help in the development of nations that focus on progression, growth and peace.

Education. The ministers and municipal governments are all working together to help in the perfect staging of all the events.

The 2010-11 edition of the SOP started on Nov. 1.

During the following months, the athletes competed in preliminary rounds, which ended on Dec. 23, 2010, The Schools Olympic Program (SOP) was established and semifinals, which conclude at the beginning of this to play a role in the nurturing of the next generation month. A vast number of sports clubs and schools saw of exceptionally accomplished young men and women. thousands of young athletes packing their facilities to SOP is a national program that aims to inspire and compete in the different sports. Around 1,500 students educate the youth of Qatar by promoting social values (primary, intermediate and secondary) are now gearing through sport. The organizers also seek to foster up for a three-day showdown, which starts on Thursday understanding and awareness of the Olympic ideals March 17 (for girls) and March 18 and 19 (for boys). by providing participants with the opportunity to learn The best young athletes of Qatar will meet during more about sport and a healthy lifestyle. A large number the finals at the Aspire Dome. The event balances of students from all of Qatar’s educational institutions sport, education and culture, while motivating aspiring are involved in the initiative, created by the Qatar athletes to actively engage in the local community.

Olympic Committee (QOC) and the Supreme Council of

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

No entrance the for fees ! events THE THEMES

The Schools Olympic Program was first called the Schools Olympic Day. The first edition took place during the school year of 2007-08 under the theme “Sport for Health.” For the 2008-09 season, the organizers selected the theme “Sport and Environment.” Last year’s edition adopted the theme of “Sport and Culture.”

It was the most successful so far, registering a record in participants, volume of competitions and the talents discovered and recruited to join the federations and club’s training programs.

THE SPORTS Individuals Sports

Team Sports

Athletics Swimming Gymnastics Fencing Table Tennis

Basketball Handball Football Volleyball

THE ULTIMATE GOAL

Creating extraordinary athletes who are also exceptional students can be quite complicated, but not impossible. Qatar wants to prove to the world that it can be done. The Qatar Olympic Committee is using the SOP as a platform to create an attractive environment for students of both genders to practise sports, study hard and engage with what’s happening in the society they live in. Several governmental institutions are helping by providing all the necessary physical and VENUES The qualification competitions, as well as the semifinals, human resources to make this happen. By promoting sports principles such as team work, good spirit and fair were held at different sport facilities in schools and play, kids can develop values that will help them in all clubs all around Doha. The finals will take place at the areas of their lives. The goal is not only to produce the Aspire Dome. next Roger Federer or David Beckham, but maybe also the next Bill Gates!

PARTICIPATING BODIES: • Government It will still take some time to see the fruits of this • Independent and private schools pioneer project, but certainly the hopes are high and • Nurseries the enthusiasm and all the necessary elements are right • Institutions for people with special needs in place.

Photos provided by Qatar Olympic Committee

The fourth edition of the Schools Olympic Program brings a new theme “Sport and Education.” The slogan intends to reflect the strong bond between both ideas and correct the misguided perception that practicing sports affects students’ academic achievements.

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COMMUNITY

HOTLIST

Terry Fox Run IWED Thurs 3rd – Sun 6th: Doha Exhibition Center. Whether you’re a bride-to-be or just a fanatic for weddings, the International Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show is not to be missed! Come face-to-face with designers, wedding planners and wedding service providers in the Middle East. There’s also a fashion show every day! For more information, visit www.qatar-expo.com/index.php?page=iwed

Palestine’s “Clean Water Supply”

A Doha Mums Charity Dinner & Auction Fri 11th: Ramada Plaza. The ladies-only charity dinner and auction is open to both members and non-members. A buffet dinner will be served, plus a special presentation entitled “Debunking the Myths: Status of Women in Islam” will be presented by Umm Reem. Proceeds from ticket sales and money raised from the Live Auction will be donated via Qatar Red Crescent to help the inhabitants of Khan Younis. Tickets can be purchased in Starbucks in Villaggio Mall and City Centre Mall and Costa Coffee in Landmark Mall from 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. on March 4. For more information, contact Farwin Fousdeen at 4441-3278 after 3:00 p.m. or email debunkingmyths@gmail.com

Twestival Doha 2011 Thurs 24th: TBA. Celebrate your love of the social media giant Twitter at Twestival! Round up your friends and family and have an evening of great fun! This community affair has live entertainment, from dance acts, DJs and standup comedy to a charity raffle and amazing food stations. All proceeds will go to Reach Out To Asia (ROTA). From 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. Free admission but a suggested donation of QR 25 is highly encouraged. For more information, visit www.doha.twestival.com

Fri 18th: College of the North Atlantic – Qatar. Four Seasons Doha, the Canadian Society in Doha, College of the North Atlantic and Qatar Canadian School, with Al Amal Hospital, are coming together to help raise awareness through this volunteerled, non-competitive Marathon of Hope.

Walk, run or bike, whichever you like, to participate in the campaign. Everyone is welcome. Registration starts at 12:00 p.m. For more information, call 5585-7859.

Tasmeem 2011

Synapse: Designer as Link

Mon 21st – Thurs 24th: VCUQatar.

Through the idea of “Synapse,” VCUQatar aims to forge dynamic links between students, creative problem solvers, local community members, community stakeholders and VCUQatar. Students will drive design teams that will investigate the role of design as a problem solving activity in the community. To this end, VCUQatar has invited a number of globally recognized designers, academics and thinkers to participate as conference speakers and is conducting undergraduate and graduate level workshops in preparation for the conference. Event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is preferred. For more information, visit www.tasmeemdoha.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

By the QH team

QH has ordained 2011 the Year of the Roundup. This means we’ll be scouting out restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and hotels all over Doha to find the best of the best in the food and beverage industry. This month we bring you the biggest, best brunch roundup. You’ll never spend a Friday afternoon at home again.

Choices

Belgian Café

With several sections and a separate play area for kids, this brunch is great for families and friends. Some amazing appetizers include Greek salad, tuna Nicoise, fattouch, fruit salad, calamari and broccoli salad, tabbuleh and moutable.

Some can’t-miss items include the spicy, delicious sweet potato salad, the flavourful tandoori chicken salad and the refreshing and spicy but sweet fish harra. With plenty of cooking stations, including a wok, grill, pasta bar, flat fryer, shawarma station and barbeque, there’s plenty of delicious meat to try. Stop by the carving station to try some juicy Australian prime rib. Standout meats include chicken mansaf and lamb koftka. Seafood junkies can order their very own lobster, grilled on the outdoor barbeque. Pick up some garlic sauce to add some kick to the tender lobster. Indulge your sweet tooth at the incredible dessert table, which includes both milk chocolate and white chocolate fountains, Arabic sweets and a crêpes station. The crêpes are made to your liking, with a choice of strawberry, passionfruit, mango, chocolate or chocolate chip sauce, and strawberry, vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Other amazing desserts include rich pecan tarts, creamy chocolate and coffee crème brulee and luscious mango pana cotta.

With a massive seafood selection, this is the brunch for serious seafood lovers. The cozy atmosphere of this homey pub provides the perfect setting for brunch, with tranquil views of the hotel’s beach and pool. The well-organized buffet includes separate sections, including a mussels station, waffle setup and cheese and cold cuts

at Oryx Rotana

at InterContinental Doha

area. Start your meal with a creamy, stylish egg mimosa. Other amazing tidbits include salty marinated crayfish, traditional smoked salmon and fresh oysters, displayed on ice. The shrimps with apples dish provides two enjoyable tastes at once, with juicy shrimp and sweet apples. The marinated mussels in dill sauce are fresh, creamy, tender and slightly salty. You can also get mussels made to order.

For a hearty helping of meat, try the Belgian turkey sausages with stoemp. The rich sausages are tasty but not spicy; the stoemp adds a nice tart taste. The cheese croquettes are cheesy goodness at their best. Don’t forget to try some traditional Belgian favourites – thick Belgian fries or soft, sweet Belgian waffles with caramel and apples.

For desserts, try the yummy cream puffs covered in chocolate or the apple tart, which is creamy without being too sweet.

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

Asia Live!, Corniche, All' Aperto, Taj Rasoi and Salsa at Doha Marriott

The Market

This brunch, which is renowned for its great selection of multiple cuisines, including Arabic, Mexican, Indian, Spanish, Japanese, vegetarian and international food, is perfect for brunch newbies. On weekends, the hotel transforms into a massive brunch bonanza, with five different settings to choose from. With loads of grilled meats, a shawarma station, a cheese table, a pancakes and crêpes area and a Japanese pancakes stand, you’ll be overwhelmed with choices. Highlights include classics such as fattouch, hummus and moutable, in addition to saffron rice, soft tenderloin with peppercorn sauce, stuffed chicken, fried chicken dumplings, beef teriyaki, veal bacon and sausage and spicy chicken tikki. We loved the savoury Japanese pancakes (okonomeyaki), which include chicken, vegetable and seafood, for their interesting texture, dried fish flakes and sweet sauce. The tempura is light and crispy, while the seafood dumplings provide a subtle hint of sweetness. The crêpes, made to order, are crispy golden bites of tastiness, especially with mixed berries, cherries, bananas, chocolate ganache or chocolate sauce. There is a decent selection of lip-smacking desserts, including soft, amazingly sweet cinnamon rolls with a sweet strawberry centre and silky icing, waffles on a stick (adorable!) and chocolate, vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

at W Doha

At The Market, it is all about flavour and interaction with each customer. The brunch at this contemporary yet classic restaurant features the best of international cuisines. Mauritian chef Prakash Seetul has put together a selected variety of lavish fresh meals delicious enough to satisfy the pickiest of guests. The brunch’s standout dish is sushi; the only in Doha made out of rice imported from Japan. Spicy tuna, California, crab and shrimp tempura rolls, as well as the salmon, tuna and hamachi sashimi, combine to make a killer sushi feast. Added to the extravaganza is the soy sauce, made especially by the chef! Before getting busy with a succulent main course, try the out-of-this-world oysters that are shipped in from Fin de Clare, known as the area where the best oysters in the world come from. Once your tummy is ready, grab a piece of the crowd-pleasing parmesan chicken, the sirloin steak in soy caramel sauce with ginger shitake mushroom, the hammour cooked in marinated vegetables with aromatic sauce or the lamb soaked in caramelized onion sauce. As a final treat, try some of the fabulous desserts that include tiramisu, Opera, Éclair, mille feuille, chocolate tarts and crème brulee.

Animato

at Mövenpick Tower and Suites

Animato offers a lovely family-friendly brunch on Fridays and Saturdays, complete with a kids play area. This brunch offers a great selection of breakfast items, such as eggs, beef bacon (that actually resembles real bacon) and sausages, hash browns, flaky almond croissants, muffins, danishes and a wide selection of fruit. Sweet-lovers can dip a variety of strawberries, ripe red plums and nectarines into a milk chocolate fountain.

But don’t fret; they also have plenty of non-breakfast type items to please any palate. Guests will enjoy hot mezzes, Arabic bread, vegetables, potatoes au gratin, lamb with horseradish sauce, Arabic mixed grill, quiche, pizza, fried noodles, chicken liver pate, shawarma and sushi. Standout dishes include spinach and smoked salmon bundles, grilled jumbo prawns, cheese terrine and spineces ravioli pasta with turkey ham. The dessert table is definitely a highlight, with a huge variety of cute dishes, including amazing toffee tarts, apple charlotte, peanut recontre, crème caramel, pop-coke, choco-framboise, savarin citron, savarin chocolat passion, Opera and bread and butter pudding. Fresh orange juice, strong coffee and yummy chocolate chip ice cream are just some of the bonuses you can enjoy at this delightful brunch.

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

The Ultimate, Exp Lagoon Restaurant

anded Brunch Rou

at Ritz Carlton Doha

This elegant brunch is full of ambiance, with a fantastic band and view. Start at the fabulous bread table, complete with mini Danishes, chocolate puffs and almond croissants. Next is the Arabic table with classics such as moutable, hummus, fattouch, moudardar and babaghanous salad. Grab a sushi plate at the international table and enjoy a wide variety of sushi and sashimi. At this table, pick up some seared tuna on cucumber with fish roe, grilled peppers, a spicy Thai beef salad and a lovely roasted chicken and fennel salad. Enjoy made-toorder pasta at the pasta bar. The hot food items are updated every week but two staples are seared foie gras with ginger grapes jam and grilled lobster tail with pineapple avocado salsa. Some top-notch choices include roasted baby potatos, chicken mushroom coconut rice, grilled chicken supreme with cepes mushroom sauce, roasted prime rib with herbs sauce, and seared hammour with sangritta sauce.

This brunch has a good selection of desserts, including white and dark chocolate fountains, a delectable crème brulee, fruit tarts and pistachio chocolate mousse. Don’t forget to stop by the waffle and crêpes station for fresh waffles, crêpes Suzette and six kinds of ice cream.

ndup

Al Shaheen at Sheraton Doha

The brunch at Al Shaheen restaurant is all about the fantastic view (best in all of Doha), great food and family. The brunch at this classic restaurant features the best of Arabic and international cuisine, as well as soft drinks and a selection of international sparkling beverages. If you are a shrimp lover look no further.

A beautiful ice carving design serves as the ideal platter for displaying the delicious cold shrimp. A great selection of salads, smoked salmon, sushi, baked hammour, hummus, eggplant and chicken liver complete the selection of tasty cold food. For a main course, Chef Hussein Hamsi will surprise you with a variety of meals every week that matches all tastes. Lamb, chicken, fish and veal are cooked in different sauces every Friday, making this brunch unique and fun. Chinese cuisine, spring rolls, little empanadas, pastas, eggs, cheeses and all type of bread are also part of this food fiesta. For the little ones, special entertainment is available, while parents can enjoy the tunes of the Latin band playing at Al Shaheen.

Seasons

at Mövenpick Hotel Doha

This is the brunch for people who crave Asian cuisine. Start your amazing meal with some appetizing boiled scallops with canton noodles. The mango and mayonnaise sauce adds great taste to the scallops. This brunch features an array of delectable sushi, boiled crabs, lobster salad, mussels and crayfish, smoked salmon, mackerel pana cotta, sardines and shrimps. Available sauces are vinegar with onions, mayonnaise and garlic, lemon, tartar and cocktail dressings. Stop by the tempura station for some tasty tempura, cooked just the way you like it. For main dishes, they have choices of lamb, beef and chicken.

Try the Chicken Pat Pat Khai, a spicy and tasty chicken dish that will make you crave more. Other choices are soft potato Lyonnaise, tasty roasted snapper fish, creamy Palak paner (spinach), sautéed vegetables, tender oxtail in tomato sauce and saucy, buttered Seafood Thermidor. A must-try dessert is the Floating Island, which has a warm, crisp crust and nice vanilla flavour. Other phenomenal desserts include the velvety sugar-coated Cocombuche, cheesecake, chocolate cake, strawberry tarts, chocolate fondue, ice cream, fruit and waffles with a variety of flavoured sauces.

Wash down your yummy treats with chilled mango and apple juice or red and white vino.

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

Brasserie on the Beach at Four Seasons Doha

This is the perfect brunch to relax in a classy setting with a nice glass of bubbly. This amazing brunch offers a huge selection of breakfast items, including eggs Benedict, beef bacon and sausage, turkey ham, French pastries and omelet and waffle stations. Other live cooking stations include shawarma and pizza, sushi, pasta, fresh bellinis, stir fry and foie gras. With a wide range of Arabic, Asian and seafood, this brunch will please the pickiest of eaters. Try some Chinese dim sum, roasted French pigeon with lentil, prime rib with Yorkshire pudding or roast turkey with cranberry sauce. There are plenty of hot and cold mezzes to be found, in addition to yummy dishes such as fish tikka, Thai red curry chicken and spicy mixed seafood. Seafood fanatics will love the lobster, fresh oysters from France and Amsterdam, salmon ceviche and shrimp. Standout dishes include seasoned calamari, creamy shrimp Thermidor and goldfish-shaped dumplings.

The real highlight is the array of delectable desserts, including a fondant station, sweet macaroons, ice cream, fruit salad, a chocolate fountain and a huge selection of individual portion desserts. Best desserts include the mouth-watering brownie with caramel, crisp, light lemon tarts, sweet and airy pavlovas, refreshing cheese Kafka, creamy cheesecake and rich crème brulee.

Grand Gourmet Photos by Jay Panganiban, Jackie Stalley and Mikhail Quijano

at Grand Regency

This beautifully arranged brunch is a must for all those who love international fare with a slight touch of Arabic. The buffet features seven different stations to entice everyone’s palate. To start with, enjoy freshly cooked omelets with mushroom, turkey, beef ham and two types of cheese. You can also make your own salad or try the antipasto station that has an amazing duck salad, salmon and lobster terrine and great stuffed artichokes. There is a warm soup of day to get lunch started. On the pasta station, you’ll find spaghetti Bolognaise with mussels and shrimp, farfelle carbonara with beef bacon and mushrooms and mousaka. The two carving stations offer tender meat selections of grilled lamb, Beef Wellington and oven-roasted turkey. For main courses, there is delicious steamed vegetables, parsley potatoes and other dishes, including spicy lamb curry and, our favourite, beef fillets with mushroom sauce. The kids can enjoy small nibbles like mini pizzas, chicken nuggets and bite-sized deserts, to their hearts' content. The house specialty is chicken and beef shawarma or tempinyake ( to be mixed with rice). To finish your meal, try freshly made crêpes with chocolate or fruits like pineapples, cherries and blueberry topping. If you prefer more traditional deserts, there are many to choose from, including flans in either coffee or caramel flavours, umali and the best raspberry mousse cake ever. Our favourite drink was the ginger lemonade. By the way, if you are a light eater, you can order à la carte!

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

By Jorge Granda

Vineet Bhatia is the only Indian chef-restaurateur who can claim that two of his restaurants have been awarded a Michelin star, one of the most important recognitions in the culinary world. He is also well-known for revolutionizing Indian cuisine in Britain. QH spoke with the famous chef to find out what inspired him to create the menu of Saffron, the Indian restaurant located at Katara Cultural Village.

B

approached the famous chef with the idea of orn in India in 1967, the talented chef establishing a restaurant in the government-backed studied cooking in Bombay and worked project, not yet constructed at the time. After hearing in his home country for many years. that the restaurant would be positioned in a venue that Fortunately for the rest of the world, the would celebrate heritage and tradition, Bhatia was up traditionally rigid kitchens in India didn’t for the challenge. And once he visited the construction let Bhatia experiment with his creations, so he decided site he didn’t need much convincing. to move to England in an attempt to find the right environment to expose the public to his daring cooking.

Since Bhatia’s arrival in London about a decade ago, he “I loved the space and what we could do with it. I also went from being in the shadows of the Star of India and liked the people behind the project. We knew Qatar was an emerging country and we liked the idea of Zaika - two restaurants in England where he worked as being here since the start. The Cultural Village has so a chef - to own two critically acclaimed international much to offer,” said Bhatia, chef consultant of Saffron restaurants, as well as working as a consultant for Restaurant. “I wanted a restaurant that would look more than eight eateries worldwide in countries such classic, with a touch of modern elements, focusing on as Switzerland, India, Dubai, Mauritius, Russia, Saudi very good quality food and a very clean line, not clutter.

Arabia and, most recently, Qatar.

Food is the star of Saffron; everything else comes second. I am very happy that we have achieved our goal Saffron because Saffron is a great place to eat.”

Pleasantly located in an airy indoor setting, with an outdoor eating area at the Cultural Village, Saffron is His wishes came true. Saffron gives guests the feeling Bhatia’s latest gastronomic adventure. It all started that they are having dinner in a luxurious house, while four years ago, when a local Qatari businessman 42

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD

W? U KNO g O Y D I n D ered duri t nu is off ea

e A set m ds, but you can . ken e week e w the st of the the re e th e a la cart al is to change go ery Bhatia’s e restaurant ev th f o u men ths. six mon the menu captures the essence of the food from the four corners of India: North, South, East and West. The overall interior design is chic and trendy, filled with traditional elements that reflect Indian culture. The restaurant is fantastic and it is well worth the visit.

The Experience

When we entered Saffron, we immediately felt very welcome and that we were in a fancy place. We knew we were about to eat quality food and experience highclass service. We also noticed a lot of double daters, as well as a lot of families. The atmosphere was cozy and friendly.

Photos by Jackie Stalley and Lisa Barber

Our waiters were very attentive and helped us make our decision for our choice of appetizers, main course and dessert, as there were too many items to choose from.

The staff at Saffron is courteous, with a terrific attitude.

The menu is delightful; it has everything and more an Indian food lover can wish for.

We started our dinner with a beautifully presented selection of delicious and exotic appetizers. Our first starter was a mouth-watering chowpatty chaat (a kind of crispy potato salad), which we had never tried before.

It was the perfect introduction to this savoury dish from the northern part of India. The Meen temperadu followed. This deep-fried fish dish represents the flavours of the southern coastal region of India. The fresh hammour seasoned in curry, lemon, leaves and ginger would please any seafood lover. Our last appetizer was an eight-hour pre-marinated tender meat from rib of young lamb, specially selected for this dish.

Even though my colleague Jackie and I don’t normally eat lamb, the adrakhi champen was surprisingly yummy.

For our main course, the chef amazed us with two kinds of succulent curry chicken, accompanied by biryani

DID YOU K

NOW

?

The restaura nt features a tea room, which offers tea, ju ices, mocktails an d a small bite s menu all-day long.

For dinner, S affron opens its door s at 7:30 p.m . The 140-seating capacity rest aurant is family-frien dly.

rice, steamed vegetables and cheese bread. Our final treat was a spectacular caramelized carrot dessert with vanilla ice cream. In general, the food was not overly seasoned or spicy. Lots of meat, light on the oil, but heavy on the delicious traditional Indian flavours. It was our second time at this restaurant and we were just as impressed by the wonderful food as we were the first time.

Visiting Saffron is an indulgence. We will be dining there again every time we get a chance.

If you are at the Cultural Village and crave great Indian food and unique juices, fabulous teas and fantastic service, we highly recommend visiting Saffron. You will be glad you did.

We’re not the only ones that think so. “The feedback has been tremendous; we get more and more customers every day. We do not only have regulars, but we have super regular clients that come for dinner two times a week. Arabs really enjoy our food,” Bhatia said.

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FOOD

HOTLIST

Jazzy Dinner

Mother’s Day Lunch Mon 21st: Kempinski Doha. A mother is your friend, your teacher, your nurse, your rock. A mother can take the place of anyone in your life, yet cannot be replaced by anyone. Celebrate the jewels of life, mothers, by pampering them with precious memories of a special Mother's Day lunch. For more information, call 4405-3325, email gourmet.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha.

Sat 12, 26th: Oryx Rotana. The one and only Jazz Club in town offers you an opportunity to experience a special romantic dinner. Let your senses be fascinated with a five-course set menu served in refined atmosphere, accompanied by smooth live jazz entertainment. They say Valentine’s comes once a year but at the Jazz Club it comes twice a month! QR 220 person for food only. Reservation is required.

For more information, call 4402-3333.

Vietnamese Food Festival Mon 7th – Sun 13th: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Enjoy the delicious cuisines of one fascinating culture!

The various dishes from both buffet and set menu offer the country’s finest ingredients prepared to perfection, which will surely take you on a journey through Vietnam. Set menu is available from 12:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m., while the buffet is from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4429-1111.

Fly for Free with Churrasco of Latino Feb 5th – Apr 30th: Sheraton Doha. Savour flavours and get to fly for free! Every couple that comes to the Fernando’s Churassco Festival every Saturday is entitled to a raffle ticket, which may let them win two roundtrip tickets to any part of Europe. From 6:00 p.m. onwards. For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Traditional Mayan Food Fiesta Tues 8th – Thus 31st: Doha Marriott. Since the ancient times of the Mayan civilization, maize has been the center of the Mayan food. Today’s heritage of the Mayan specialties are dishes and spices mainly based on corn, like the delicious tamales, tortillas and many other combinations of corn dishes. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Sydnee Bryant

Being a bride-to-be comes with a lot of stress. Before you say “I Do,” pamper yourself pretty with a day at the spa. QH indulges in the new Spa Wedding Package at Four Seasons Doha.

P

retending to be a bride is fun.

At least it is when it means you get to spend the whole afternoon at the luxurious Four Seasons Doha Spa and Wellness Centre.

The recently engaged, brides-to-be or any lady who simply loves to be spoiled will fall utterly in love with the Spa Wedding Package at Four Seasons Doha. The unique package, designed especially for those about to be married, prepares brides for their walk down the aisle by giving them polished, glowing skin, lovely manicured nails and feet and a relaxed, stress-free demeanour.

We aren’t preparing for any upcoming nuptials. But we still want to feel like a princess bride at any given time. So we put on the bridal tiara for the day and tried out the hotel's new Spa Wedding Package.

The five-and-a-half hour treatment, which takes place in a private spa suite, started with an aromatherapy steam to open our pores. Fifteen minutes later, we emerged from the steam room glowing and relaxed.

We then settled onto a massage table for our invigorating scrub. Our therapist

swished an exfoliating mixture onto our entire body with firm, decisive strokes to scrub off dead skin and increase circulation.

Once our skin was polished from head to toe, we stepped into the Swiss shower to rinse off the scrub. The gentle pressure from the various shower heads of the Swiss shower room made us feel like we were in a tropical rainforest.

oil helps promote relaxation. The massage therapist kneaded our sore, tense muscles and tired, aching feet until we melted into a puddle of tranquility. We stayed on the massage table for the soothing facial that followed our massage treatment. The spa technician cleansed our face and expertly applied lotions and potions until our skin felt smoother than a baby’s bottom.

Once our skin was cleansed, we sat down on a clean table for our body mask treatment. Our spa expert applied a warm clay mask to our back, arms, legs and shoulders. Once we were completely encased in the light clay mixture, our therapist wrapped us in towels to help the mask sink into our skin. She wrapped us up tight enough to feel snug but not so tight that we felt claustrophobic. While we waited for the clay to fight our cellulite and firm our skin, our spa technician massaged a moisturizing mask into our hair to help make it glossy and smooth. Afterwards, we headed back to the Swiss shower to rinse off the now-hardened clay mixture and the soothing hair mask.

Once we glowed from every angle, we headed upstairs to the Franck Provost Salon for some wedding day must-haves – a manicure and pedicure. Pretty nails are the ultimate bridal accessory, especially when you want to draw attention to your new wedding ring! The nail experts at Franck Provost filed our claws, clipped away our ragged cuticles and slicked on a pale pink shade befitting for a bride. During the pedicure, the nail technician rid our tired feet of calluses and cleaned up our nail beds before painting our toenails bright pink.

Next, we enjoyed a calming massage with essential oils representing the Earth element. The jasmine in the Earth element

We left the Four Seasons Doha Spa and Wellness Centre feeling relaxed, pampered, perfectly groomed and totally prepared for any upcoming nuptials, even hypothetical ones.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Nicole Van Hattem

It’s easy for brides to panic in the months leading up to their special day. But by following these handy-dandy tips for stress management and healthy eating in the months leading up to your wedding, you’ll be guaranteed to walk down the aisle a radiant beauty.

HOW TO EAT PROPERLY PRE-WEDDING Slow down and chew! Gulping your food down while doing other things will leave you unsatisfied, resulting in overeating, and could lead to digestive issues.

Drink more than eight glasses of clean filtered water a day. Your body is 70 to 80 per cent water – you need to flush out the system and top up the reserves.

You deserve the best – choose organic, freerange, non-GMO, hormone-and-antibioticfree products whenever possible.

Reduce or avoid chemicalized, artificial, man-made, processed products.

Get in the kitchen. Studies show that the more you cook at home the greater the nutritional value of the meals. When you prepare meals at home you know what’s in the meal and can make healthier choices.

Avoid caffeine.

Look at your food. Really look at your food.

What you eat BECOMES YOU. On your wedding day do you want to look vibrant, energetic and beautiful? Of course – so choose foods that could be described this way.

Eat more vegetables, fruit, healthy oils and proteins and fibre.

Watch your portion sizes. We were born to eat; however in the last 50 years the average portion size in a restaurant has increased by 40 per cent and yet, as a general rule, we are moving less. The result is unused food energy or calories and weight gain.

Get support – you already have so many priorities leading up to your wedding day; making dietary or nutritional changes needn’t be an added burden. Engage a health coach to help you stay focused, to keep it simple for you and to help you make the changes you need to be the best you on your big day. You’re worth the investment.

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HOW TO MANAGE WEDDING STRESS Sleep – good quality, deep, restful, rejuvenating sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours a day and try to be asleep by 10:00 p.m.

Move – your body is meant to move. When you move, you release endorphins – nature’s feel-good chemical and stress reliever.

Talk – sometimes just letting it out is

a good way of releasing fear and worry and relieving stress.

Stimulants – get off of them!

Caffeine, diet pills, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, cigarettes, alcohol – reduce or remove them.

Prayer and meditation – connect to your spiritual self, trust and let go.

Get organized and plan ahead.

Treat yourself – have a massage,

take a stroll along the beautiful Corniche or walk in Aspire Park, listen to soothing music, or catch up with loving friends and family by phone, Skype or face-to-face.

Support – who is already in your support network and who do you need to invite in?

Balance – you are much more than a bride. Put your wedding into the bigger perspective of your life’s journey and relax.

Be kind to yourself - your wedding day will be amazing, special and imperfect. Take action on those things that you can control or influence; accept and let go of the rest.

Nicole Van Hattem is the co-founder and director of the Art of Abundant Living, a health and wellness company based in Qatar. For more information, visit www.artofabundantliving.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Sydnee Bryant

Spa experiences are supposed to be relaxing. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. But it is entirely impossible not to melt into a pool of tranquillity when you’re at George V Spa. The new spa, which aims to bring peace, pleasure and balance to its guests, promises a soothing experience every time. QH visits this oasis to find out the secret to their serenity.

T

Many of the treatment rooms are linked to chakra he moment you enter George V Spa, you escape the chaotic outside world. Low lights, colours, which represent the seven major Chakras.

“Chakra” means “wheel of light” in Sanskrit. Chakra quiet music and warm, friendly staff greet colours are a part of the George V Spa concept. The spa you in the centre of the spa. Beyond the uses colour therapy, based on the seven Chakras, to reception area awaits 3,000 square metres help spa guests relax into a state of balanced bliss. of relaxation, broken down into male and female areas, each with several sections, including a cozy but But the real beauty of this little piece of paradise is the well-equipped gym, a studio for fitness classes and a outdoor pool and relaxation area beside the rooftop quiet spa. indoor café. This serene area is the ideal place to relax after a workout or spa treatment. After a spa session, Within the spa area lies a salon, relaxation lounge, people often rush back to work or home without taking water therapy treatment room, Ayurvedic treatment time to enjoy their newfound peace and tranquility. room, sauna and steam rooms, several aqua suites, Spending some time in the open air of the relaxation hydrotherapy treatment areas and pools, and three VIP area beside the calm, blue water can solve this problem, treatment rooms with whirl pools. Other facilities in ensuring that guests actually get the most out of their George V Spa include a spinning studio, retail boutique spa visit. and the temple of hot and warm Hammam.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

RELAX

RENEW

George V Spa offers a variety of traditional massages, such as Thai, Swedish and Balinese, as well as several signature massages, including the George V Spa massage, the Intuitive Massage and the George V Spa sacred stones massage. I started my relaxing spa journey with an Intuitive Massage, designed to meet my needs. The 50-minute massage was so peaceful and quiet that I fell into a nearcomatose state, as the massage therapist decisively rubbed every ache and pain out of my tense neck and hunched shoulders.

Some massages leave you feeling super sore and groggy; this one didn’t. Instead, I actually felt like some of my stress had literally been rubbed out of my life.

Next, I enjoyed an 80-minute Aura Chake Magistral Lifting facial in the same room. The treatment rooms all include a washroom, complete with a shower, so guests do not have to leave the room in the middle of their spa treatments. The Aura Chake Magistral Lifting facial is a multi-action, anti-aging facial designed to boost cellular regeneration. The therapist inquired about my skin type and current skin care regime before gently cleansing my face and applying a variety of creams. The facial includes exfoliation to remove dead skin, steaming to open up pores and extractions to remove any nasty blackheads or gunk in your skin. My dry, desert-beaten skin was also in desperate need of some heavy-duty moisturizing. While the extractions hurt a bit, as extractions always do, the rest of the experience was soothing and invigorating.

My skin felt much smoother and softer afterwards and my complexion had a definite glow.

REVITALIZE

Photos by Jay Panganiban

After I changed out of my comfy yellow robe and slippers, I headed to the Boudoir, also known as the female salon at George V Spa. My therapist applied a thick Jasmine hair mud mask to my dry, damaged hair and let The spa offers several types of facials, it soak into each rough hair cuticle for 10 including the Ayurvedic dosha facial, the minutes. Afterwards, she shampooed and Ayurvedic face rejuvenation, the Marma massage facial and a cleansing facial. Each conditioned my hair before blow-drying my facial uses exclusive George V Spa products, formerly-crazy mane into a glossy curtain of silky strands. My hair felt soft, sleek and which are made of different blends of pure more manageable.

Himalayan plant extracts.

The salon also offers Philip Kingsley Hair and Scalp treatments for men and women.

These treatments, developed by hair and scalp expert Philip Kingsley, consist of five steps: scalp massage, elasticizer, steam, massage and finish (shampoo, conditioner, scalp toner and blow dry). These treatments are designed to strengthen your hair and make it behave.

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time to relax

By Jorge Granda

If you are a trendy man who likes to look neat and feel young, then N.Men is the right place for you. The first-ofits-kind, men-only spa in Doha offers the best grooming services in the country for modern men. QH checked out this innovative spa.

W

hen my editor approached me with the idea of reviewing another men’s spa, I wanted to select a spa which was not located inside a hotel.

I thought that could represent quite a challenge, as I didn’t even think such place existed in Doha. However, I asked around and did extensive research. I was determined to find one place that would offer men all services related to male grooming.

That is how I came across N.Men, a subsidiary of A.N.D Trading Co. Once I found out that a stand-alone maleonly spa had opened its doors for the first time in Doha, I was extremely intrigued. I immediately contacted Aziza Badreddine, general manager of A.N.D Trading Co and scheduled a meeting to find out more about this unique place.

After having an hour-long conversation with Aziza about the different types of grooming packages and the concept behind the spa, I was even more curious to try out their treatments. There were so many to choose from that I had to book two appointments to try a variety of the services.

Decked out in black leather furniture and black, grey and white walls, N.Men successfully fuses beautiful aesthetics with modern masculine elements. As far as décor goes, the spa would stand out as the city’s best men-only spot. But one can’t judge a spa based only on the interior design; at the end of the day the most important thing is the beauty services that the venue can offer.

HAIRCUT

For my first appointment, I decided to go for a haircut and one of the spa’s many body treatments. Although the haircut is a bit pricier than the usual Turkish shops around town, it is cheaper than some of the other male salons in Doha. On the hair front, I must say that my barber Melver succeeded where many others have failed many times over. He cut my hair the exact way I wanted it. My hair came out looking just like the picture I selected from the hairstyle book he showed me. A relaxing head massage sealed the deal. The overall experience was awesome.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS How to find N.Men The spa is located in Zail Mall (first floor) on Salwa road next to the Mercedes Benz showroom. Once you come out of the elevator the place looks quiet, but do not let the appearance of the location fool you. The spa is fully operational.

TIMING

DETOX BODY TREATMENT

Photos provided by N.Men

After my haircut, I went for my body treatment, which proved to be one of the best I have ever had. Edmar, my male massage therapist, started my detox body massage by cleansing my body with warm towels. He then scrubbed my entire body to remove my dead skin and applied detoxifying oil to my arms, legs and back.

But the best part of the massage was yet to come.

Edmar massaged me with wood stones to redefine the body contours using sculpting techniques with darting strokes. With a combination of his hands and the stones, he went from sensorial to more intense movements. It was extraordinarily pleasurable. The perfect curves of the wood stones are aimed to help obtain a slimmer silhouette, a thinner waist, slender thighs and toned arms. After the wood stones were put to rest, I was wrapped in clay to reduce body fat. Fifteen minutes later, I was cleansed with a purifying toner and massaged with slimming gel. Almost three hours had passed by the time my body treatment came to an end.

It was so relaxing that I really didn’t want to leave the massage table. The experience was exceptional and there was a sense of privacy throughout the whole treatment.

FACIAL

My second day at N.Men wasn’t any less amazing.

This time I was going for a facial and a spa manicure and pedicure. Another member of the staff, J.R., was the man in charge of giving me much-desired babysmooth cheeks and making me look a bit younger. He started by scrubbing my face with circular moves and then applied moisturizing toner with no alcohol. He

N.Men is fu lly functional every day of the week from 9:00 a .m. till 9:00 p.m .

then proceeded with the blackhead – extracting facial.

The most enjoyable part was the 20-minute face massage. J.R finished my facial with a softening mask and another face massage. I left the room with softer skin, looking fresh and feeling great.

SPA MANICURE AND PEDICURE

My day ended with what is called a spa manicure and pedicure. The treatment takes about two hours and consists of a combination of anti-aging moisturizing, nail cutting, solar oils, exfoliating crystals, anti-bacterial gel, sea salt, marine mask and cucumber heel therapy.

Once the spa manicure and pedicure was finished, I noticed that my hands and feet were looking healthier and more radiant.

N.Men offers its clients a great variety of treatments for hair, hands feet and body. For more information, log onto: www.andtrading.net If you are a guy reading this article, you are probably one of those individuals who wonders: “What can women find so irresistible and appealing about a spa that they can spend hours in that kind of facilities? Isn’t that exhausting and tedious?” Well I was once like you, but don’t mock it until you try it. After my very relaxing spa session I will never again pass judgment on women.

To be quite frank, what a great way to spend time with the most important person in your world - that is, of course, yourself!

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QH SENSATIONS LIVE

Cuff Links, Paul Smith Watch, Paul Smith

Neck Tie, Paul Smith

Gear up for spring with these colourful but classic pieces from Salam.

Ring, Jean Claude

Shoulder Bag, Just Cavalli

Leather Wallet, Paul Smith

Cross Body Bag, Galliano

Stilettos, Moschino

All items are available at Salam.

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QH SENSATIONS LIVE

WIN

a Mother' s Cake from Day PAUL! Vi

sit www.qatarha ppening.com for details.

By Sydnee Bryant

Surprise your mom with a special gift this Mother’s Day! Whether she lives near or far, your mom should always be in your heart. Show her how much you care with one of these spectacular gifts.

FOR THE MOM WHO HAS EVERYTHING Gift Certificate from Four Seasons Doha Buy her the gift of a divine experience with a Four Seasons Gift Certificate. Gift certificates can be purchased to be used for the Spa and Wellness Centre, accommodation or dining. The gift certificate giver must choose a specific package for the gift certificate recipient but can also design a unique package if so desired. The certificate, which is valid for one year, will list the name of the recipient and the service but no price, ensuring your gift is both thoughtful and discreet. Gift certificates can be purchased at the concierge desk of Four Seasons Doha or at the Spa and Wellness Centre.

FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES TO HELP OTHERS Palestine Cushion Cover from THE One These hand-embroidered cushion covers are created by Palestinian women in the Qalandia Refugee Camp near Jerusalem. Each beautiful cover takes two months to embroider, ensuring that each cushion cover is not only a stunning home accessory but also a one-of-a-kind memento. The best part is, when you buy one of these fabulous creations the proceeds go to the Qalandia Camp Women’s Handicraft Cooperative, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to raise the education, social, cultural, health and economic standards of women and children and Palestine. This is a great opportunity to give a special gift while helping others.

FOR THE NEW MOM L’Occitane En Provence Shea Mom & Baby Products This adorable new line of products is the perfect gift for new moms.

Designed to be used on mom and baby, the line includes Mom & Baby Water Face & Body Cleanser, Mom & Baby Cleansing Gel, Mom & Baby Balm, Mom & Baby Lotion and Mom & Baby Cream. These products will allow mom to pamper herself and her newborn baby while saving space in the bathroom. The gentle scent won’t overwhelm her senses and will leave both mommy and baby with soft, sweet-smelling skin.

FOR THE MOM WITH STYLE Ralph Lauren Ricky 33 African Crocodile Leather Bag The one gift that you’ll be tempted to steal from mom!

This stunning crocodile shoulder bag is a sleek, glossy testament to any fashionable momma’s elegance and grace. The patent shine, details and hardware on this beautiful bag elevate it from a simple place to store one’s wallet to a must-have element of a great outfit. Buy your mom this versatile bag and she’ll be able to carry it to work or swing it about on the weekends.

FOR THE MOM WHO LOVES TO DECORATE Starburst Napkin Ring Holder with Fountain Placemat from THE One Your mom will think of you every time she sets the table for a lovely meal. This stunning napkin ring holder will jazz up any dining room table. An amazing gift for any mom who loves to put together a beautiful table during the holiday seasons or simply likes to add a twist of sophistication to any dinner party. The gold detailing on the Fountain Placemat goes perfectly with the gold ring encircling it.

PERFUMES FOR MOMS Estee Lauder Sensuous Noir Tommy Hilfiger Loud Chopard Happy Spirit L’Occitane En Provence Plum Blossom Guess Seductive Marc Jacobs Daisy Pop Art Limited Edition Chloe Collect’Or Calvin Klein Beauty

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

The Family

Jewels

By Sydnee Bryant

An essential part of any wedding outfit are the accessories you chose to accentuate your best features. Whether you’re a bride, mother of the bride, bridesmaid or even a guest, you should always consider wearing a lovely piece of jewelry to celebrate love and marital bliss. QH visited Lone Star Jewelry to scoop up some of their best pieces, suitable for weddings or anytime you wish to feel special.

All item s a re availab le at Lone S ta r Jewelr y, loca ted at T h e Center Mall (behin d Ram ada Plaza).

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

Compiled by Sydnee Bryant

Planning your special day can be stressful. Choosing and organizing the flowers, food, venue, guests and clothes can be a logistical nightmare if you’re not properly prepared. QH asked experts at some of the best hotels in Doha for their top tips for planning a wedding reception.

Grand Regency Hotel

services, can cater well to large groups, and most likely will include the honeymoon suite, with discounted rooms for out-of-town guests.

Prepare a chart and schedule sheets for planning your wedding so you can keep track of all your tasks, such as suppliers contacts, invitees list, gift list, thank you replies, RSVPs and seating arrangements.

Your lists can easily be handed over to your wedding planner or co-ordinator.

Buffets generally cost a good deal less than plate service and give your guests the opportunity to get up and mingle with the other guests. Guests can pick exactly what they would like to eat because of the variation of food.

By Suresh De Silva, Banquet Operations Manager

Choose a venue that is in a good location and is easily accessible for you and your guests.

Holding your reception in a hotel has a lot of good points. They usually decorate, have special packages and professional

Ask about specially trained staff to provide superior and quality service to all your guests, such as a “guardian angel” to personally take care of the bride to be and assist her in all matters, as well as a wedding coordinator to be with the family of the bride, ensuring that everything goes as planned.

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Ritz-Carlton Doha

By Haidy Bakr, Catering and Conference Services Coordinator Once the budget and the date have been set it is time to get organized. The bride will most likely be the one who does most of the planning. Each vendor will need to be chosen and each vendor will have a contract to sign. Email addresses, phone numbers and important dates will all need to be tracked. Keeping information electronically will provide an easy way to share it as needed with others who may be helping with the planning.

Choosing a location is the first step to planning a wedding. If the wedding will be held at an outdoor venue such as a beach or garden, an alternative site should be reserved in case of poor weather.

Try to choose a simple yet delicious wedding menu, as your guests are more concerned about you and your special day than focusing on sitting and eating, or finishing the entire meal. Receptions are so nice with only some light snacks and beverages provided.

W Doha

By W Doha by Edgar Vaudeville, W Happenings and PR Manager

Theme it up! The latest fad these days is a theme for your big day. From a purple wedding dress to midnight black bridesmaid outfits to destination weddings, it is important to jazz it up with the right background! Add spice, style, fun, fashion The next step is choosing the vendors. This and stardom to your wedding day by looking is the most difficult and time consuming part at a glamour wonderland, starting at the of the wedding planning. The major vendors W Doha Great Room and ending with the to be chosen are for the wedding gown, honeymoon getaway of your dreams at W's florist, pastry shop for the wedding cake, Extreme Wow Suite. photographer and invitations.

Appropriate Aging! Who to invite? What to Talk to others who have recently planned do with children? What age limits should their own wedding to get ideas. There are you consider for your big day? Depending as many ways to be creative as there are on your wedding theme, you should make people who are getting married. sure to provide perfect entertainment for everybody.

If kids come, make sure to take The most important part of planning a wedding is whom you are marrying and why them for the treat of a lifetime at W CafĂŠ for tasty cupcakes and every other sweet you are marrying them; everything else is little thing! just details.

Four Seasons Doha

Photos provided by respective hotels

By Anwar Aboutaleb, Director of Catering and Conference Services.

The minute you decide to get married, set a specific date for your wedding day. Set a budget for your wedding in order to plan your big day within your allocated budget.

As there is a limited amount of venues to hold your wedding in Doha, look around and decide your wedding venue of choice.

Liaising with a wedding planner is utterly important. Your wedding planner should be someone that you trust and feel comfortable dealing with throughout your wedding

preparations. We provide a creative team of wedding experts that can tailor-make your dream and will take care of everything for you. They can offer you unique design and theme concepts, take care of the smallest details and offer you a one-stop-shop experience.

Do not panic ... you are in safe hands. We help you with all wedding details, from providing wedding concepts, creative and diverse menus, unique designs, accommodation on the night of the wedding, a wedding spa package, hair salon, honeymoon, flowers, sound and light.

We even invite you to celebrate your first wedding anniversary with us!

Save the date people! Don't be caught on a short notice. Plan your list of RSVPs well in advance and have a "cast crew" supporting you all the way.

Pamper your cast! Invite your best girls to a world of bliss and reward their efforts and help with W Doha Bliss Spa massages that are set to wow everyone out of their wits.

Prepare your "ER" Beauty Kit. Don't get caught unprepared! Things are bound to go wrong so you or one of your girls should have an Emergency Bridal Kit at hand for any setback. The kit should include makeup, Q-tips, safety pins, floss, tissues, nail polish, hair spray and hair tools. Pop by Alexander Zouari beauty salon at W Doha for a stressfree start to your Big Day! 57

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H Dresses: Pronovias (On Gem and Kate) Vera Wang (On Becca); Shoes: Dunes; Jewelry: Damas.

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HYes

s s e r D e h t to

Ph

y by Mik otograph

hail Quija

no

Stylin

H

y a S

QH WEDDING SPECIAL

ntal Mo g by Cha

ssess Bo

yajian

to ask d e e n ly u glide n o y o n u e o y h w s, r dream ou be wearing u o y g new, f in o h y t n l e a il m m , : what w ing vintage, so s to the n e io y elegant t s g id e a in u s h h q t t e l e e v a ’ vit om om ou e more Once y stiny? S hoes? S n e s o d g racy? e r lf in ic u e h n o s t r y e h u it s o m y w rd so le towa eful or perhaps t is , s a k a t c e a h g r t hin the down s. , somet ing off y h c t la e m dres g m a o e in r s h d t r e ou som yes to y y a s d an fantasy l a id r b f world o r u o o t Step in

Production Manager: Sydnee Bryant Production Co-ordination: Jay Panganiban Production Assistant: Paolo Kurtis Tan Wardrobe Supervision: La Vedette Fashion and Image Consulting Dresses: Vera Wang and Pronovias Jewelry: Damas Jewellery

Makeup: Debbie Mendez at MAC; Samia Chaudhary and Maha Al Sulaiti, students at Qatar International Beauty Academy Tajmeel

Hair: Imbreen Ikram, Stacey Mabrey, Eman Amnah Al-Mushiri and Nuha Al-Samarrae, students at Qatar International Beauty Academy Tajmeel Shot on location at Al Dana Restaurant at Sharq Village and Spa

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

ON KATE: Dress: Vera Wang; Shoes: Dunes; Jewelry: Damas.

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

ON GEM: Dress: Pronovias; Shoes: Dunes; Jewelry: Damas.

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

ON REBECCA: Dress: Vera Wang; Shoes: Dunes; Jewelry: Damas.

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

ON KATE: Dress: Vera Wang; Shoes: Dunes; Jewelry: Damas.

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

ON GEM: Dress: Vera Wang; Shoes: Dunes; Jewelry: Damas.

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

ON REBECCA: Dress: Vera Wang; Shoes: Dunes; Jewelry: Damas.

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QH WEDDING SPECIAL

By Sydnee Bryant What you wear underneath your wedding dress is just as important as the dress itself.

A stray bra strap or panty line will not only take away attention from your stunning gown but will also distract from your radiant beauty in your wedding photos. For seamless seduction, get ready for your big day by pulling on some items from the My Basics collection, available at Women’s Secret at Landmark Mall.

My Basics was designed by Women’s Secret as a functional but beautiful lingerie collection to fit every woman’s needs. The bras and underwear in the My Basics collection are created from a soft, breathable fabric containing Lycra, ensuring that each undergarment retains its shape. These high-quality bras and panties adapt to your skin, ensuring you’ll remain comfortable throughout your wedding day.

Strapless Pushup Bra Strapless Bra

Backless Push Up Bra

Multiway Back Bra

Brazilian with Strips Brazilian

Hipster G-String

The Goods Backless Push Up Bra Highly practical, with three-strap position: standard, halter neck or crossed. Adjust this bra to fit the neckline of your wedding dress.

Multi-way Back Bra Multi-way back and shoulder strap with three positions. This bra allows you to wear a daring, lowbacked wedding gown.

Strapless Push Up Bra Pushes breasts up and together to create a generous, round shape.

Strapless Bra Perfect for a strapless wedding dress. This bra gives you full support and won’t slip as you groove on the dance floor.

Thong

My Basics collection is available at Women’s Secret at Landmark Mall.

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FASHION

HOTLIST

LOVE

READ Lookbook.nu, a website featuring photos of hot, creative looks by fashionable guys and gals. The best part about this site is that content is generated and controlled by its users. Fierce fashion lovers from around the globe contribute to this addictive website.

Only members can post photos of themselves wearing cool outfits or photos of models wearing outfits members have made. Everyone who signs up can vote for which looks they like and can comment on photos of favourite outfits. You’ll be inspired by the number of hip men and women who manage to create an entire look using a diverse range of brands and items.

The Mandah boot from UGG & Jimmy Choo represents a ground-breaking collaboration between two major footwear powerhouses, each representing a different sector of fashion – UGG is the epitome of comfort, whereas Jimmy Choo represents hard-core, high-heeled style. Together, the two brands have created a boot that is not only comfy but also utterly chic and oh-socute. With silver and gold grommets, rivets and domed studding swirled over the black boot, the Mandah boot is wearable art at its finest, if not slightly impractical, moment in history. We love the look but are fairly certain these boots would never make it out of our closet simply because we would want to preserve their perfection.

SHOP BUY A Nova Pop Colour Reversible Belt from Burberry. Twist this adorable reversible belt around your waist to brighten up any outfit.

One side displays the classic Burberry Nova Check option, while the bright pink side is guaranteed to garner attention. The metallic plaque buckle boasts Burberry’s iconic label. We like its versatility and shiny finish.

A classy way to kick your favourite little black dress up a notch. Keep this cute belt on hand for days when your outfit seems not quite complete. Available in Raspberry Sorbet or Jet Blue.

CARRY Pop this elegant Large leather RL Tote from Ralph Lauren over your shoulder when you want to command attention.

This calfskin bag has adjustable buckled double handles and a flat-bottom with leather reinforcement. The rich brown colour, known as Cuoio, is the perfect neutral shade, guaranteeing this purse will match any outfit and transition seamlessly from day to night. The interior is lined with raw suede and has a single patch pocket and a place to put your phone. This is the perfect bag to take to work, shopping or travelling.

Stop by the constantly evolving Lacoste to experience comfortable fashion with a cheeky twist. Creative Director Christophe Lemaire’s final collection for Lacoste is all about playful minimalism. The spring readywear collection is a bold mix of chic white and black basics and bright pops of colour, such as coral and yellow. The shoes are a designed with comfort and functionality in mind but the bright colours, playful fabrics and minimalist designs ensure that these sporty sandals and sneakers can be worn all around town. Put together a new look for spring, with a fabulous bag, some cute shoes and a comfy but hot dress. Scoop up this last iconic collection by Lemaire before it flies off the shelves.

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QH SENSATIONS EXPERIENCE

Escaping to fantastic happening destinations around the world does wonders. Here are some

Taste of Cape Town Apr 7th – Apr 10th: South Africa.

WOMAD Abu Dhabi Apr 22nd – Apr 24th: UAE. The World of Music, Arts and Dance is back to wow its crowds with amazing artistic talent from all over the world. Through its diverse and multicultural program, it aims to teach and open the senses of as many people as possible. And to make your visit grand, spend some luxurious nights at the magnificent Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, a national landmark, considered to be one of the most impressive hotels ever built. For more information, visit www.womadabudhabi.ae and www.emiratespalace.com

Savour the flavours of one great nation in this extravagant culinary affair! It’s going to bring together the country’s biggest and best names in the food industry, as well as niche exhibitors. To maximize your experience in the Cape, spend a few nights at Manolo Boutique, a luxury hotel that fuses together unique designs and cosmopolitan chic. For more information, visit www.tasteofcapetown.com and www.boutique-manolo.co.za

Roma Independent Film Festival Thurs 17th – Fri 25th: Italy. Intoxicate your senses with beautifully made films at this festival for sights and sounds. As you enjoy films being shown on the silver screen, experience exhibits, seminars and workshops that promote the culture of the cinema. While you experience everything around you, stay at the ever-so-romantic Fortyseven Hotel – a venue that promotes the aesthetic and poetic. For more information, visit www.riff.it and www.fortysevenhotel.com

Art Beijing Apr 29th – May 2nd: China. Surround yourself with art and culture with one of the country’s biggest contemporary art fairs this year. The event brings together a myriad of art in various forms and manner for you to enjoy.

From fashion to cinema, it’s a cultural crossroad not to be missed.

Complement your trip with a stay at Raffle’s Beijing – a French-infused hotel that is an icon of Beijing’s historical heritage. For more information, visit www.artbeijing.com and www.raffles.com

Songkran Festival Apr 13th – Apr 15th: Thailand. Fly on over to the tropics and get wet and wild for three days! Celebrate with the country as it welcomes the Thai New Year. Throughout the celebration, get ready to get wet, as it has become a tradition, especially to the locals.

You can dry yourself in the comforts of the classic and luxurious Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. For more information, visit www. phuket.com and bangkok.grand.hyatt.com

BROUGHT TO YOU BY 70

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

By Jorge Granda

After the success of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy, the Doha Golf Club is ready to host another golfing extravaganza.

QH gives you all the details you need to know on the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship 2011.

Photos provided by the Doha Golf Club

T

he idea of organizing an amateur Golf Open tournament started rounding the minds of the golf aficionados in Qatar in the 1950s.

But it was 1982 when Charles Lewis set up a committee with the hopes of hosting the first Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship. His clever idea materialized a year later when the first edition of the open was played. The event took place in Umm Saieed and Dukhan sand golf courses, as the Doha Golf Club was still a far-away dream. The first time the Qatar Open was played at the club was in 1999.

The event was first known only amongst the Gulf countries, but at the present time it stands as one of the most renowned championships for amateur golfers. Players are drawn from all over the world to play at Qatar’s most famous golf course. The event, which is the oldest golf tournament in Qatar, is organized by the Qatar Golf Association in cooperation with the Qatar Olympic Committee.

THE QATAR OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011 The 25th edition of the most popular amateur golf tournament in Qatar is set to

take place Thursday, March 3, to Saturday, March 5, at the Doha Golf Club.

All amateur golfers who are members of recognized golf clubs or societies are welcome to participate in the event. The entries for the Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship will close two weeks prior the event, although the field is limited to 120 registrants with handicap of nine or below.

FORMAT OF PLAY The tournament will consist of 54–hole stroke play. The top 60 qualifiers, including ties, based on gross scores after 36–hole play will advance to the final round.

CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM 2nd MARCH 2011 Practice round for all competitors 3rd MARCH 2011 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast

6:30 a.m.

First round

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Buffet brunch

6:00 p.m.

Draw for the 2nd round

4th MARCH 2011 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast

6:30 a.m.

Second round

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Buffet brunch

6:00 p.m.

Draw for the 3rd round

5th MARCH 2011 PRIZE Amateur players are not allowed to receive 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast cash prizes, but future professional golfers 6:30 a.m.

Third round will not leave the championship empty11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Buffet brunch handed. The winner will be playing with the titans of the sport in the Commercialbank 6:00 p.m.

Awarding Ceremony Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy, 2012. Other prizes will also be presented for Notice: The above schedule is subject to the second to tenth low gross scores. changes as conditions may dictate.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

By Jorge Granda

I

You may know that rugby is popular in countries such as England, Ireland and South Africa (to name a few), but what you probably don’t know is that rugby is also big in Qatar. The Doha Rugby Football Centre's Men's First Team is one of the best teams in the region and will be competing in the final home game of the Gulf Top Six. QH gives you the inside scoop on the event and the history behind the sport in the country.

t will be celebration time at the Doha Rugby Football Centre (DRFC) when the final rugby home game of the season gets underway. Fans will be out in full force on Friday, March 18, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. when the venue hosts the match. DRFC Men’s first team is guaranteed a warm welcome when they step foot on the pitch and play against powerhouse Dubai Hurricanes to clinch the title and claim glory.

The team that currently represents Qatar (unofficially) in the Gulf championship is in second place and has a great chance of winning the league.

The Gulf Top Six is one of the most thrilling rugby competitions for the 2010-11 season. The Gulf Top Six is similar to the old Arabian Gulf Premiership. Six teams go head to head twice, resulting in each team playing

10 games. The top six teams are: Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Dragons and the commanding DRFC Men’s first team.

Many expats in Qatar are avid fans of rugby. Now they will get a chance to support the game on the biggest stage the country can offer by joining the fun of the biggest rugby final in the Gulf. Entrance for the event is QR 50 and lots of festivities will follow the last home game of the season.

Now let’s go back in time and check out how it all began.

People have been playing rugby in Qatar for more than three decades. That may sound hard to believe, but it is actually a fact! When a bunch of Brits decided to make

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

Photos provided by the Doha Rugby Football Centre

Rugby players can rejoice, as the centre will soon relocate to a much bigger and better venue on Salwa Road near the new aquatic park. The new premises will feature three fields, a swimming pool, kid’s area, tennis and net ball courts, a gym and a club house. If you want to join this exclusive club, you just need to fill out an application form and pay the QR 800 yearly fee.

Rugby’s increasing popularity has captured the attention of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

In January 2011, the organization granted a license for the first Rugby Federation to be established.

Qatar their new home a few decades ago, it was a no-brainer that rugby was coming along. The Doha Rugby Football Centre known to all as the Rugby Club - opened its doors in 1974. Before the establishment of the new federation, the DRFC was the only entity responsible to promote and organize all sporting events related to rugby. As with many of the other Gulf expat clubs, it all started with some European rugby lovers throwing a ball around. The club initially used a sand pitch in West Bay and now stands as a top-notch rugby facility, attracting players (expat workers residing in Qatar) from England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Sri Lanka and Australia. The centre is probably one of the oldest in Qatar and in the Gulf.

If you play rugby it is because you love the sport, period. The DRFC is the right place for you to share your passion for this extreme sport with others and put to practice your rugby skills.

The club offers many activities for kids, including an introduction to the game. It may seem like a brutal sport to many, but rugby is a sport that can teach youngsters about discipline and team work. While playing for one of the junior teams, kids

have the chance to travel and interact with different nationalities.

Men and kids are not the only ones hitting the ball hard and bashing into each other on the field of the DRFC. The ladies also have a space to practise this extreme sport in Qatar. The club has been in the forefront of women’s rugby for several years now.

Two senior men’s teams, a veteran men’s team, two ladies’ teams and a full range of junior teams (from under 19 to under eight) form the field of rugby warriors practicing at the club and participating in competitions representing the DRFC, locally and regionally.

The increasing popularity of the sport has captured the attention of the Qatar Olympic Committee. In January 2011, the organization granted a license for the first Rugby Federation to be established.

“The formation of the Qatar Rugby Federation is a great step forward for rugby in Qatar,” said Howard Bevan, chairman of Doha Rugby Football Centre. “It makes rugby a recognized sport in the country, with all the support that entails. Qatar will have its own league, as well as taking part in cross border competitions.”

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By Jorge Gra

nda

The hugely anticipated World Cha mpionship and only MotorGP n ig o f t he M o t returning t orGP moto ht event in the o Losail In rcyc tern will be in fu ll force wit ational Circuit this m le racing is h races in categories 125cc, Mot onth. The action . QH gives o you the sc oop on the 2 and MotoGP event ’s hig hlights.

T

he Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar is back to open the thrilling World Championship of the MotoGP motorcycle racing. The event is enormously popular in many countries worldwide. Thousands of spectators turn up to watch 18 race events spanning 14 different countries on four continents every year, and Qatar will lead the way in 2011. With an unrivalled 62-year history, the competition is the oldest motorsports World Championship.

Each Grand Prix brings together the world’s best motorcycle riders.

Spectacular and powerful high-speed machinery from the world’s leading manufacturers can be spotted at all races. Each Grand Prix is unique in style, but the Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar is the only one featuring a MotoGP night race.

The event will take place at the impressive 58-million USD Losail International Circuit from Thursday, March 17 to Sunday, March 20.

Races will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

More than 70 riders from Australia, Austria, Colombia, Portugal, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, U.K., U.S. and Venezuela will amaze the more than 7,000 spectators expected to pack Losail during the four-day run of the powerful races.

The Commercialbank Grand Prix takes place over four days. The first three days are for practice sessions; a single qualification practice on Saturday determines the grid order for Sunday’s race. The fastest riders during the qualification practice will take the front slots.

Races usually last between 40 to 45 minutes, according to a set number of laps, which is different at each track.

Therefore, the length of the races varies between 95 to 130 kilometres.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS DID YOU K

NOW?

Grand Prix M otorcycles are purposebuilt racing machines that are not availa ble for general pu blic to purcha se.

These motor cycles are no t supposed to be ridden on public roads.

Competition Mode

Each category races for 18, 20 or 22 laps.

The fastest rider wins the race.

Races Categories 125cc: Only young riders – with not as much experience - participate in this category. The maximum engine displacement is 125cc. Riders older than 28 years are not allowed to participate. 25 wild cards are given to newly contracted riders competing for the first time.

Moto2: The Moto2 class was introduced in 2010, replacing the 250cc class from 2008. The organizers hope the category will become as prestigious, yet more cost effective, than the MotoGP class. Honda is the only engine supplier and Dunlop provides the tires. The bikes are powered by 600cc 4-stroke engines, producing around 140hp.

MotoGP: Only the very best of the professional motorcycle world compete in this powerful race. The maximum engine capacity is the aforementioned 800cc (4-stroke engines). Riders younger than 18 years old are not allowed to participate.

Motorcycles competing in the MotoGP class must be prototypes.

Photos provided by Losail International Circuit

Tickets Prices

Grandstand ticket (four days) - 30 USD VIP Village ticket (two days) - 620 USD Losail Club ticket (two days) - 415 USD Grandstand Tickets In the main grandstand, spectators will be able to watch the action live on giant screens. Spectators will also have access to gift shops.

The main grandstand is the place to get a great view of the starting grid and finish line. This is also where you can see the podium ceremony.

VIP Village ticket The VIP Village ticket includes the following services: excellent views, paddock tour, gourmet dinner, non-alcoholic beverages and coffee bar, official program, privileged parking, VIP grandstand, pit lane walk, service road tour.

Losail Club ticket The Losail Club is a hospitality tent in turn 10. The ticket includes the following services: giant screens, music, appetizers during the day, non-alcoholic beverages all day, exclusive car park close to the tent.

Losail International Circuit

Located just outside Doha (on the way to Al-Khor, 15 minutes away from West Bay, North Relief Road), the colossal race track was built in less than a year. In 2004, Losail opened and the first event ever to take place at the track was the Marlboro Grand Prix, won by Sete Gibernau.

The track is 5.380 kilometres in length, with a main straight of just over a kilometre at 1,068 meters.

Racing in Qatar

The Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Losail International Circuit is working very hard to inculcate a motorsport culture in the country and in the region, said Nasser Khalifa Al Attiya, QMMF President. “We are developing the quality of motorsport and drawing attention to the education of the young generation with a better knowledge and safety issues in motorsport," Al Attiya said. He is working closely in liaison with the sport’s world governing bodies as FIM Vice President and as President of FIA Cross Countries for the uplift of the sport at the global level. "My priority is to promote the culture of both auto and motorcycle worldwide," Al Attiya said. "It is highly important to give confidence to all the continents to grow together for a better vision and provide chances to all generations."

Schedule March 17, 2011 125ccFP1

March 19, 2011 6:00 p.m. - 6:40 p.m.

125ccQP

Moto2FP1

6:55 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.

Moto2QP

6:55 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.

MotoGPFP1

7:55 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.

MotoGPQP

7:55 p.m. - 8:55 p.m.

125ccFP2

8:55 p.m. - 9:35 p.m.

125ccWUP

9:20 p.m. - 9:40 p.m.

Moto2FP2

9:50 p.m. – 10:35 p.m.

Moto2WUP

9:55 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

March 18, 2011 MotoGPFP2

6:00 p.m. - 6:40 p.m.

March 20, 2011 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

MotoGPWUP

6:00 p.m. - 6:20 p.m.

125ccFP3

7:00 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.

125cc Race

7:00 p.m. (18 laps)

Moto2FP3

7:55 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.

Moto2 Race

8:15 p.m. (20 laps)

MotoGPFP3

8:55 p.m. - 9:40 p.m.

MotoGP Race

10:00 p.m. (22 laps)

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

The Supremacy of

Arabian Horses

By Jorge Granda

This month, the Racing and Equestrian Club will celebrate the biggest horse festival of the year. QH tells you all you need to know about the H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar Festival.

A

rabians are horses that symbolize force, freedom and energy, more than any other breed in existence. Their beauty, elegance and strength are unmistakable. Qatar’s love affair with this family of horses dates back centuries. Producing a festival that would celebrate that passion was inevitable. That is how the H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar Festival became a reality in 2006.

The horse extravaganza will take place from Monday, March, 28, to Thursday, March, 31, at the Racing and Equestrian Club.

This unique festival is divided into three distinctive events: H.H. The Emir International Egyptian Horse Show, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar Festival and H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar Trophies and Sword Day.

H.H. The Emir International Egyptian Horse Show

Over the past decade some farms in Qatar have developed into first-class breeders of Straight Egyptian Arabian Horses. Residents of the country will have the chance to appreciate the powerful trot, athleticism and fluid movements of the most gracious stallions, mares, colts and fillies at the horse show. The event will take place from Monday, March, 28, to Tuesday, March 29, at the open arena located at the Racing and Equestrian Club. The event will feature 12 classes for the best

offspring of Arabian Horses bred at Qatari farms, including the prestigious Al Shaqab and Al Nasser stud.

Classes Class 1 - Yearling fillies born between 01/10/2009 and 30/09/2010 Class 2 - Fillies 2 Years old born between 01/10/2008 and 30/09/2009 Class 3 - Fillies 3 Years old born between 01/10/2007 and 30/09/2008 Class 4 - Yearling colts born between 01/10/2009 and 30/09/2010 Class 5 - Colts 2 years old born between 01/10/2008 and 30/09/2009 Class 6 - Colts 3 years old born between 01/10/2007 and 30/09/2008 Class 7 - Mares 4-6 years old born between 01/01/2004 and 31/12/2006 Class 8 - Mares 7-10 years old born between 01/01/2001 and 31/12/2004 Class 9 - Mares 11 years old and above born before 31/12/2000 Class 10 - Stallions 4-6 years old born between 01/01/2004 and 31/12/2006 Class 11 - Stallions 7-10 years old born between 01/01/2001 and 31/12/2004 Class 12 - Stallions 11 years old and above born before 31/12/2000

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

Races March 31

H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar Festival

The race will take place on Wednesday, March 30, and will feature some of the most powerful thoroughbred and pure Arabians horses in the world.

Races March 30 (3266) 1600m “L/TB HANDICAP” QR. 200,000 3yo and upwards Rated 40 and Above (3267) 1200m “L/B P/A MAIDEN” QR. 200,000 3yo to 6yo only Colts, Geldings 58kg, Fillies, Mares 56kg Less WFA Scale (3268) 1400m “P/A HANDICAP – RATED 60-80”

Photos provided by the Racing and Equestrian Club

QR. 200,000 3yo and upwards (3269) 1400m “THOROUGHBRED STAKES” QR. 200,000 (3 & 4 Year Olds Only) Horses with a handicap rating below 40 not qualified Conditions as set down on page 3 appendix 11.3 of Local Conditions (3270) 2000m “THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP” QR. 200,000 Fillies and Mares 3yo and upwards Rated 60-90

(QJ97) 1600m “L/B P/A PLATE (4 YEAR OLDS ONLY)”

H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar Trophies and Sword Day

The first edition of these exciting horse races first took place in 1990 when Sword of the Sky, owned by Sheikh Ahmad Bin Abdulla Bin Khalifa Al Thani, became the first horse to win the race, along with QR 100,000 in prize money. Throughout the years, the race has gradually grown into the biggest and richest horse meeting in the country.

This month, the Racing and Equestrian Club will host another edition of this internationally acclaimed horse race. The Emir’s Sword will feature Group 1 races – the highest level of race – among others, with staggering total prize money of QR 3,100,000. March 31 is the richest race day on the calendar and the H.H. The Emir’s Sword - Gr 1, P/A is the highest-paid race of the year.

Approximately 10 to 16 horses will participate in each race. The qualification is based on a handicap rating system. The system refers to a race in which some competitors are given a disadvantage of extra weight in an attempt to give everyone an equal chance of winning.

QR. 300,000 (Open to Qatari Jockeys ONLY) 4yo only All to carry 57kg, less F&M Allowance All horses must have run at least 3 times Horses with a handicap rating below 40 not qualified (3271) 2200m “H.H. THE EMIR’S TROPHY” (Q.G1) QR. 800,000 4yo and upwards THOROUGHBREDS Championship Class. International Colts, Geldings 57kg, Fillies, Mares 55kg less WFA Scale L/B Allowance NOT applicable Maidens and horses rated below 60 not qualified (3272) 2200m “H. H. THE EMIR’S TROPHY” QR. 500,000 L/B P/A 4yo and upwards Championship Class.

Colts, Geldings 57kg, Fillies, Mares 55kg less WFA Scale Maidens and horses rated below 60 not qualified (3273) 2400m “H. H. THE EMIR’S SWORD” (Gr 1-P/A) QR1,500,000 4yo and upwards Pure Arabian Championship Class. International Colts, Geldings 57kg, Fillies, Mares 55kg less WFA Scale L/B Allowance NOT applicable Maidens and horses rated below 60 not qualified

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

By Jorge Granda

The Qatar Stars League will continue to dominate this month, as the season continues full tilt. QH takes a look into the biggest football championship in Qatar.

T

he Qatar Stars League is the highest professional league in Qatari football. The league was founded in October 2008 as a strategic move to raise the standards of football professionalism for the top clubs in the country, as well as increase commercial value of the league and match attendance. Twelve clubs battle it out every year to be proclaimed the ultimate football champions of Qatar. The 2010-11 season started in September 2010, and will run until April 2011.

The league is divided in two legs. The first leg ran from September until November, while the action of the second leg kicked off in February and it will come to a spectacular finale in April.

Each club plays 22 games. Al Khor, Al Ahli and Umm Salal have work to do to catch the competition’s leading scores Lakhwiya, Al Arabi and Al Gharafa when the Qatar Stars Leagues continues in March. All clubs have their sight set on glory, but only one club will prevail.

QSL POINTS & RANKS RANK

MATCHES P

W

D

GOALS L

F

A

diff.

POINTS

1

Lakhwiya

13

10

2

1

25

7

18

32

2

Al Arabi

13

9

3

1

27

13

14

30

3

Al Gharafa

13

9

1

3

31

11

20

28

4

Qatar Sc

13

7

5

1

23

13

10

26

5

Al Sadd

13

7

3

5

21

14

7

22

6

Al Rayyan

13

6

7

3

19

12

7

22

7

Al Kharaitiyat

13

4

6

7

16

23

-7

14

8

Al Sailiya

13

3

8

6

17

24

-7

13

9

Al Wakrah

13

3

7

8

8

23

-15

11

10

Umm Salal

13

2

8

7

13

23

-10

10

11

Al Khor

13

1

8

8

14

25

-11

7

12

Al Ahli

13

0

11

11

4

30

-26

2

FAN ZONE

Goal walls, face painting, PS3 and inflatable bouncy castles will part of the entertainment offered at each stadium in designated areas for kids.

FAN CLUB

Join Football Fan Club and stay abreast on all the matches and tournaments taking place in 2011, in addition to support the national league the Qatar Stars League. Collect points to win exciting gifts and discounts on tickets. Find out more at www.fanclub.com.qa.

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SPORTS

HOTLIST Qatar Open Amateur Championship Thurs 3rd – Sat 5th: Doha Golf Club. Don’t miss out on this year’s edition of the challenging competition. You just might see the new Tiger! Contestants from over 34 countries are going to participate. Starts at 7:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.qga.com.qa/site/topics/index.asp?cu_no=1&lng=0

Qatar Stars League Day & Date

Teams

Time

Stadium

Fri 4th

Kharaitiyat Lekhwiya

Umm Salal Qatar

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Sadd Gharafa

Sat 5th

Ahli Arabi

Sadd Wakrah

6:15 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

Arabi Arabi

Sun 6th

Khor Rayyan

Gharafa Sailiya

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Khor Rayyan

Thurs 10th

Kharaitiyat Ahli

Khor Qatar

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Sadd Arabi

Fri 11th

Sadd Rayyan

Umm Salal Gharafa

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Sadd Rayyan

Sat 12th

Sailiya Lekhwiya

Wakrah Arabi

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Rayyan Gharafa

Fri 18th

Khor Arabi

Sailiya Qatar

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Khor Arabi

Sat 19th

Gharafa Ahli

Kharaitiyat Lekhwiya

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Gharafa Arabi

Sun 20th

Umm Salal Wakrah

Rayyan Sadd

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Qatar Wakrah

Fri 25th

Lekhwiya Arabi

Khor Rayyan

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Gharafa Arabi

Sat 26th

Umm Salal Qatar

Gharafa Sadd

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Qatar Qatar

Sun 27th

Ahli Sailiya

Wakrah Kharaitiyat

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Arabi Rayyan

Ahli Gharafa

Arabi Sailiya

6:15 p.m.

8:15 p.m.

Arabi Gharafa

Thurs 31st

Global Champions Tour Thurs 17th – Sat 19th: Qatar Equestrian Federation.

Experience the wonder of the graceful performances of the world’s best show jumpers. Those invited are the top listed riders from the latest FEI Rolex Rankings List. For more information, visit www.globalchampionstour.com

Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar Thurs 17th – Sun 20th: Losail International Circuit. Feel the rush from the high-speed action of the racetrack! Starts at 6:00 p.m. Ticket price range: QR 100 to QR 1,750. Viewing locations: public grandstand, VIP Village and Losail Club. For more information, visit www.motogp.com 81

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ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS

DJ Laura Love

Tuesdays to Sundays: InterContinental Doha. Let DJ Laura Love take you on a fantastic musical journey from chill to house while sampling the best cocktails in Doha.

For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4079 or email lava@icdoha.com

My Mic “Karaoke Nights”

Salsa Night

Laughter Factory

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Fri 4th, 18th: Doha Marriott. Come sing and unleash the inner rock star within you! For more information and table bookings, call 4429-8444 or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Sundays: InterContinental Doha.

Experience Latin passion on the dance floor with DJ Mido playing the best of salsa mixed with a little house and R&B. For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4936.

Sun 6th – Mon 7th: Ramada Plaza. The Mondays: Doha Marriott. DJ Joe Mitri Laughter Factory returns for another welcomes all ladies and couples for a year filled with good times! Experience night of dancing and fun at the Pearl Lunge a monthly dose of humour. Three of the Club! Ladies receive a free welcome drink best comics present over two hours of club when entering before 11:30 p.m. For more stand-up, direct from The Comedy Store in information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m.

London. Both evenings are non-smoking or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com events. Shows start at 8:00 p.m. QR 110 per person, which include a sponsor’s drink.

Live Arabic Entertainment For more information, call 4428-1555.

Mondays to Saturdays: La Cigale. An eclectic mix of chic and elegance, the Madison Piano Bar is decked out in vibrant Quiz Night colours of furnishings. Cozy and stylish, it Mon 28th: Ramada Plaza. Becoming more offers a wide range of finger food, sushi and more popular each month, the original and sashimi and cigars, complemented by and best pub quiz in town returns. Bring along your team of six to take part in Doha’s a selection of fine beverages amongst live favourite Quiz Night! With no entry fee and Arabic music! Starts at 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 4428-8665. great prizes to be won, why not get your competitive hat on and come along and have some fun at the monthly quiz night!

Party Tuesday Starts at 8:00 p.m., free of charge. For more Tuesdays: Doha Marriott. Be classy with information, call 4428-1555.

Romanian music and get hip with R&B

Lebanese Night

Sundays: Doha Marriott. Feel the Heat of a Lebanese Night every Sunday from 10:00 p.m. onwards. Reserve a table and come early to receive complimentary Oriental tidbits. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Jazz Night

Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha.

Experience an intimate evening of live jazz from 8:00 p.m. onwards, followed

by DJ Laura Love until the early hours.

For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4079 or email lava@icdoha.com

Kiss N’ Fly

Wednesdays: W Doha. Crystal Lounge invites you to come and experience the musical eclecticism of DJ Sam, who will be creating contemporary rhythms and uniquely styled sound sensations. Ladies get two complimentary drinks. Starts at 9:00 p.m.

For more information, call 4453-5135.

Ladies Night

Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. Get together with all your girlfriends and paint the town red! Unlimited drinks for all ladies from 10:00 p.m. till late, with music from Doha’s finest DJs. For more information, call 4484-4444.

Ya Habibi

Wednesdays: Doha Marriott. An event for Arabic music lovers, DJ Imran is the pioneer of Arabic Dance remixes. Let him bring you to an oriental night fever. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. music all together mixed by Pearl Lounge Resident DJ Joe Mitri! For more information, or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com Ladies Party Mania Thursdays: Doha Marriott. Heat up the Champions League Football dance floor to the tunes of DJ Joe Mitri as he welcomes ladies and couples.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Ladies get a free drink when entering InterContinental Doha. Catch the games before 11:30 p.m. For more information, live on huge screens while enjoying call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or special beverages. For more information, email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com call 4484-4444.

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QH REMIN

DER

You must be 2 1 or over to enter all nig htclubs.

Don't forget to bring your identification card or passport.

Karaoke Nights

Thursdays to Fridays: Sealine Beach Resort. Come along, join in and sing your heart out! Whether you sing solo, with a friend, or a group, get into a performance mode worthy of Mariah Carey! In between performances, enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a well-stocked bubbly counter. For more information, call 4476-5239.

Friday Night Jazz

Fridays: Mรถvenpick Hotel Doha. Enjoy live jazz music with Chris Coull and the members of the Doha Jazz Orchestra in a Euro-American bar with a modern, yet cozy, atmosphere. Sit back and relax with afterwork drinks and great musical performances.

Starts at 9:00 p.m. For more information, call 4429-1111.

Fusion Night Full of Vibes

Fridays: Doha Marriott. Dance the night away to your favourite tunes mixed by resident DJ Joe Mitri. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

Bollywood meets Hollywood Saturdays: Doha Marriott. Enjoy current and classic Bollywood hits mixed with a touch of house, R&B and memorable pop music expertly mixed by top Indian DJs. For more information, call 4429-8444 after 6:00 p.m. or email PearlLoungeDoha@marriott.com

English Premier League Football

Saturdays to Sundays: InterContinental Doha. Join fellow football fanatics as the games kick off! Early opening for every game, with special drinks throughout the matches. For more information, call 4484-4444.

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS Friday Jazz Brunch

Fri 4th, 11th, 18th: W Doha. Here’s a yummy thought – Friday Brunch at Market, Chef Jean-Georges’ casual kitchen, a re-imagination of modern dining in a simple, elegant setting. Watch fresh local produce and ingredients come together splendidly in the Mediterranean-inspired show kitchen, where global gastronomy has found its home in modern takes on comfort food complemented by cool and stylish live entertainment from the renowned Doha Jazz Band. QR 280 per person.

From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135

Punjabi Food Festival

Tues 8th – Sat 26th: Doha Marriott. The Punjabi cuisine from the northwest region of India offers a diverse range of vegetarian dishes. If you are an Indian food lover, you will have to try Chef Marcel’s special menu.

For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Art of Cocktail Making Class Fri 11th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Join the Habanos’ team and learn how to make your loved one the ultimate summer punches. QR 295 per person. From 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Cooking Class: Italian Dinner Party

Sat 12th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Learn from Chef Alessio Corda how to make simple and basic home-cooked pasta dishes with delicious sauces. Starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch. QR 265 per person.

For more information and reservations, call 4484-8000.

Go Green!

Thurs 17th: Merwebhotel Central Doha.

Irish or not, St. Patrick’s Day is for everyone to enjoy. Get your green on at Mezza9 Kitchen and feast on a lavish buffet of Irish delicacies and unlimited pints. Then follow the rainbow to the M Lounge for music and more and, if you have the luck of the Irish, you will walk away with fantastic prizes.

QR 185 per person. For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit www.merweb.com

A Bit of Ireland on St. Paddy’s Day

Thurs 17th: Sheraton Doha. The best St. Paddy’s Day celebration in town is going to be at the Irish Harp where the best crowd gathers! You’ll definitely paint the whole town green! Starts at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Mother’s Day Dinner

Mon 21st: Merwebhotel Central Doha.

Pamper you mom this Mother’s Day with mouth-watering food and a great night out.

Book the Mother’s Day dinner at Mezza9 Kitchen and get free entrance to the M Lounge, as well as a special surprise gift.

QR 145 per person. For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit www.merweb.com

Mother’s Day at La Cigale

Mon 21st: La Cigale. Make this day special and spoil her all day long! Get special cakes with assorted flavours and wonderful shapes at the Traiteur. Savour a luxurious buffet lunch or dinner at Le Cigalon restaurant. For more information, call 4428-8888.

Mother’s Day Celebration

Mon 21st: Sheraton Doha. Show your mom how much she means to you by celebrating this special occasion in a delicious manner!

Feast on cuisine specially made for this day at Al Hubara. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Prices start at QR 180. For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Thai Week at Chopsticks

Tues 22nd – Sun 27th: Grand Regency.

Celebrate the very best in Thai food and culture with six days of delicious treats.

The week features authentic Thai delicacies throughout the promotion only for the dinner period. QR 129 per person. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email fbcoordinator@grand-regency.com

Musical Moments

Wed 23rd: Four Seasons Doha. Enjoy Musical Moments Gala Concert featuring “The Best Selection of Classic,” with five members of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Allow Musical Moments to enchant you with its ambience, intuitive service and opulent Italian cuisine and to sweep you away, as if on a magical gondola ride. A team of creative chefs is ready to welcome you with an exquisite menu and an unforgettable evening. Savour a delectable four-course dinner menu under the starlit sky. Enrich your senses with the harmony between the art of food and music complemented by exquisite vino. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Societe Du Vin

Thurs 24th: W Doha. Enjoy delicious vino suppers and get up close and personal with the world’s great producers! Starts at 7:00 p.m. QR 350 per person. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

Greek National Day Feast

Thurs 24th: InterContinental Doha. Are you ready to experience an authentic Greek celebration? If yes, come and celebrate Greek National Day by savouring tempting traditional specialties by the pool area, accompanied by live entertainment.

For more information, call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444 or email Mykonos@icdoha.com

Express Lunch!

Sundays to Thursdays: Sheraton Doha. Grab a quick bite with Al Hubara’s quick and delicious cuisines! From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. Price starts at QR 90. For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

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Business Lunch at Aroma

Sundays to Thursdays: Kempinski Doha.

Spice up your meeting or simply season your office escape with a hearty business lunch!

Recharge with any appetizer, main course and dessert, as well as your choice of coffee or tea.

QR 90 per person. For more information, call 4405-3325, email gourmet.doha@kempinski. com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha

Express Lunch at Market

by Jean-Georges

Sundays to Thurdays: W Doha. Choose your starter, main course and dessert and savour Chef Vongerichten’s signature dishes in only 30 minutes! The finest dining express lunch ever!

From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 85 per person for a three-course menu. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

Mykonos Business Lunch

Sundays to Thursdays: InterContinental Doha. The restaurant just got more delicious and quicker to enjoy. Greek Chef Kostas introduces the new business express lunch menu with a choice of a starter, main course and dessert ready to be enjoyed both in the tempting outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens and the pool or the cozy indoor lounge area. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444 or email mykonos@icdoha.com

Flavourful Nights

Sundays to Wednesdays and Fridays: Safir Doha. Let Flavors restaurant take you around the world with colorful buffets featuring local and international cuisines, which are cosmopolitan interpretations of modern dining found throughout Doha. Sunday is Far Eastern Night; Monday is Mexican Night; Tuesday is Italian Night; Wednesday is Seafood Night; and Friday is for the Family Brunch.

For more information, call 4445-5334 or email reservations.dha@safirhotels.com

Grill Night

Mondays: W Doha. W Doha provides the finest steakhouse dining with prime meats accompanied by fabulous sauces and sides to satiate even the most ravenous carnivore.

From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4435-5135.

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS A Taste of Morocco

Mondays to Saturdays: Grand Regency. Discover traditional Moroccan cuisine, artistically prepared and refreshingly authentic! Thursdays and Fridays: from 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m.; Mondays to Wednesdays and Saturdays: from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email fbcoordinator@grand-regency.com

Steak Nights

Tuesdays: Oryx Rotana. Choices is introducing a night dedicated for meat lovers. Choose your meat cut and size from an extensive buffet from Striploin or rib-eye, prime rib or French-cut lamb rack enjoy it just the way you like it and the only Black Angus Shawarma in town. QR 185 with soft drinks and juices and QR 250 with selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Tapas Galore Meat the Grills

Mondays and Tuesdays: InterContinental Doha. Eat as much as “souvlaki” mix grill as you can and discover your Mediterranean limits! Enjoy an open buffet with fresh cold mezzedes and salads, complemented with desserts. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

QR 135 per person. For reservation, please call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444 or email mykonos@icdoha.com

Grand Gourmet International Buffets

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: Grand Regency. The scrumptious buffet offers different cuisines from around the world - Italian cuisine Saturday night, Far Eastern cuisine Monday night, Seafood Wednesday night and Arabian cuisine on Fridays. Dinner is from 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. The special Friday Brunch for all the family is served between 11:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m., with live entertainment. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email fbcoordinator@grand-regency.com

Tuesdays: Oryx Rotana. For all Tapas lovers, this is the day for you at The Cellar!

Enjoy unlimited selected Tapas along with three glasses of vino. Great for sharing and couples. QR 220 per person. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Chopsticks Business Lunch

Tuesdays to Sundays: Grand Regency.

Experience the ideal solution for busy professionals, with a variety of distinctive modern Asian food presented in an exceptional three-course menu. Savour a daily changing set menu for QR 69.

From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email fbcoordinator@grand-regency.com

Curry Night

Wednesdays: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. With a tantalizing buffet featuring ten kinds of meat, seafood and vegetarian curries from green to red, mild to spicy, the selection will enliven your palate with all the flavours that true curry lovers really want. Priced at just QR 115 per person, reservations are essential. For more information, call 4496-6600.

Churrasco Brazilian Barbecue on the Beach

Wednesdays: Four Seasons Doha. Join the festive "churrascaria!” Meat, fish and chicken are slowly roasted on skewers over open fire pits and served directly from the grill by the Brazilian "passadors" (meat servers) for guests to select their choice of meat. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Flavourful Indian Night

Wednesdays: Oryx Rotana Choices has spiced up one of the nights with Indian food! Enjoy your Indian favourites and reintroduce yourself to authentic Indian taste.

Spoil your senses with fresh Tandoori dishes, curries and much more prepared the original way. QR 175 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information and bookings, call 4402-3333

Gourmet Route

Wednesdays and Thursdays: Doha Marriott. The Gallery restaurants have banded together to enrich the palate and enhance the dining experience of its guests, a real feast of the senses. The Gourmet Route is a culinary journey that evokes an open food market with spectacular live cooking stations, presenting cuisines from Latin and North America, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Marshmallows Extravaganza

Thursdays: Four Seasons Doha. Taste an exciting fusion of homemade marshmallows and chocolate that brings a whole new level of creativity, with a variety of chocolate coatings paired with specialty beverages. Enjoy Araguani dark chocolate from Venezuela, Tanariva milk chocolate from Madagascar, cookies sandwiched with vanilla marshmallows and the everso-popular chocolate fondue! For more information, call 4494-8888.

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Pizza & Pasta Night

Thursdays: Merwebhotel Central Doha. Taste Italy at the Mezza9 Kitchen as you enjoy slices of oven-baked goodness and rich Italian classics fresh from live pasta stations, all for QR 75.

Kids can dine for free! For more information, call 4409-4444 o visit www.merweb.com.

Seafood Soiree at Brasserie on the Beach

Thursdays: Four Seasons Doha. Savour a fresh seafood selection in an elegant market- style presentation. A pristine sea harvest display on ice presents local and imported options, which the chefs will prepare exactly to your preference, with extensive complementary salads and side dishes from the buffet. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Latin Lounge

Thursdays: Four Seasons Doha. Be a special guest and join the chic and funky at the newly launched “Latin Lounge” at Apres Spa Cafe Terrace. Chill out and enjoy the glamour of Latin America’s flair under a starlit sky - a perfect start to your weekend. Note that its schedule of operation is dependent on the weather. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Seafood Delight

Thursdays: Oryx Rotana. Start your weekend pleasures early by checking out the lavish buffet - an extravagant seafood buffet offering wide spread of fresh sea treasures to savor and more to explore. Fresh hammour, salmon, oysters, lobsters and prawns are only few of what you can expect and, above all, it’s prepared your way!

Tailor your night either to include drinks or just keep it without the option is available and it’s all yours. QR 185 including unlimited soft drinks, water and chilled juices or QR 250 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Seafood BBQ Buffet

Friday: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy grilled fish and seafood by the beach front freshly prepared by expert chefs including live cooking stations. From 7:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4747.

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Breakfast Feast on Fridays

Fridays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and there is no better way to enjoy it than at Admiral’s Club whilst sitting on the terrace surrounded by the serene views of the marina. QR 150 per person including coffee, tea and fresh juices. From 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

For more information, call 4484-8000.

Friday Jazzy Brunch

Super Brunch

Fridays: Merwebcentral Hotel Doha. Treat your family to a sumptuous brunch at the Mezza9 Kitchen. Indulge in countless different flavours from the freshest catches to mouth-watering Mediterranean specialties, and live cooking stations all for just QR155 per person. With special discounts for kids and a kids-friendly buffet, your little ones will go for more!

For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit www.merweb.com

Brunch with the breeze from the Alps at the Cellar Fridays: Oryx Rotana. Global gourmets prize the food of the Alps, where chefs both modern and traditional pride themselves on preparing meals that look as good as they taste. The Cellar will give you the chance to explore the Alps and enjoy specialties from the mountains of Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and Austria. The extensive unlimited ‘a la carte’ offer features all your favorites, if you’re craving the delicious cold-cuts of the Bavarian cuisine, cheese fondue, raclette and open drinks.

From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Friday Brunch at Brasserie on the Beach

Fridays: Four Seasons Doha. Book your favourite table at the outdoor terrace overlooking the beach and enjoy a feast of delectable dishes prepared to perfection.

From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Friday: Oryx Rotana. Couples, groups and families will enjoy an exceptional buffet spread complemented by live jazz entertainment. Kids have their own special play area and a mini buffet too. Choose your place, your meal and your cooking style and leave the rest to Choices team to make the best out of your Friday. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 190 including unlimited soft drinks, water and chilled juices or QR 260 including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Sprunch: The Weekend Treat Friday Family Brunch Fridays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. The hotel and Six Senses Spa have teamed up to offer you the best weekend treat in town! It’s the innovative solution to soothe away the worries of the week. Pamper yourself first with a relaxing massage at the spa, then be whisked away afterwards to the hotel for a delightful brunch meal. QR 350 per person.

For more information, call 4429-1111.

Fridays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Invite your family and friends to an unforgettable brunch experience, a culinary celebration of the season. As for the little ones, Barzan Meeting Rooms becomes their playground with a bouncy castle, toys and a special buffet. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

Ruby Wu’s and Bombay Balti: Friday Brunch

Here comes the Brunch

Fridays: Ramada Plaza. Start the weekend right and be welcomed to a very special Friday brunch. Let the team of chefs tempt you with fresh seafood, sushi, Chinese, Indian and European specialties. QR 190 per person, including a little sparkle! For more information, call 4428-1555.

Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Come and enjoy a sumptuous brunch at the new and popular Belgian Café, featuring various traditional Belgian dishes especially prepared by Chef Antonius. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 4484-4954 or 4484-4444.

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Weekend Family Brunch

Fridays and Saturdays: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. Relax and enjoy the sumptuous array of international cuisine including fresh seafood, carved meats and Arabic delights. A special children’s area offers their favourite food, along with face painting, karaoke, Wii, and a whole lot more. Brunch is from 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. Complimentary access to the pool for children and moms from 12:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. QR 199 per person. Children from six to 12 years of age are half-price and those below six are free. For more information, call 4496-6600.

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Sushi Fiesta

Saturdays: Grand Regency. Immerse yourself in a tastefully electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters from the sushi bar at Chopsticks, the award-winning restaurant. Eat as much you can for QR 119 per person, which includes a glass of bubbly. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email fbcoordinator@grand-regency.com

The Doha Marriott Brunch

Saturday Night Sushi Fridays and Saturdays: Doha Marriott.

Saturdays: W Doha. Add some flavour Enjoy a lavish weekend brunch and spoil to the start of the weekend with Spice your taste buds. An array of cuisines is Market’s comprehensive sushi menu offered featuring Asia Live!, Corniche, All’ featuring assorted sushi, nigiri, maki Aperto, Taj Rasoi and Salsa. Indulge in and sashimi prepared with the secret specialties freshly prepared in front of you and maybe even have a glass of bubbly. Your condiments of three-Michelin star chef, kids will also enjoy their buffet and the kid’s Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and his expert team. QR 190 per person. From 6:00 p.m. club. For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135. or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Treasures from the Deep

Fridays to Tuesdays: Doha Marriott.

Tempt your appetite with the delectable seafood buffet at the Corniche Mediterranean restaurant. It is one of Doha Marriott’s highlights for all seafood lovers.

They feature a wide variety of local and imported seafood prepared according to contemporary and traditional recipes. Surely a treat for all! From 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information, reservations and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Retail Night

Saturdays: Oryx Rotana. The Cellar offers you the opportunity to enjoy your own favourite blend at a retail price. Experience exquisite tastes, ideal prices and delicious dining with a variety of delectable tapas platters. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Executive Lunch at The Cellar

Saturdays to Thursdays: Oryx Rotana. You can now choose from a newly beefed up business lunch menu where the variety is much more interesting and the price is still QR 85! New items like the Black Angus Burger, a healthy Caesar salad and whole lot more have been added. There’s also the option of having the two-course meal instead of three for QR 75 ! You can also find low-calorie items as well in the new menu. For more information, call 4402-3333.

2.1.4 at JW’s Bar

Daily: Doha Marriott. The Bar at the JW’s Steakhouse will open its doors at 5:00 p.m. everyday, allowing you to unwind in the chic and elegant surroundings.

Happy Hour is from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.

For more information, reservations, and dining voucher requests, call 4429-8499 or email DineMarriottDoha@marriott.com

Gourmet House

Daily: Kempinski Doha. Arouse your senses with the seductive aroma of homemade delicacies and deli delights. Make an inspiring choice of fine cold cuts and cheese. Find the finest quality of freshly brewed coffee with a refreshing selection of teas. Order specially made gift hampers customized for your occasion by a team of chefs. From birthday hampers to a romantic love basket, the chefs will bake fresh pastries and flavourful specialties, all wrapped up into a memorable and delicious gift. From 9:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m.

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

Chocolates & Strawberries Daily: Grand Regency. Have a very sweet month with special treats from chocolates and strawberries at the Al Kut Lounge. It’s ideally suited for cooling your heels or simply passing the time in a classy ambience. From 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email fbcoordinator@grand-regency.com

Come Alive at Five

Daily: Merwebcentral Hotel Doha.

Enjoy doubles for the price of singles – mouthwatering snacks from sushi platters to seafood jambalaya at 25 per cent off.

M Lounge is the perfect place to be. Live entertainment on Sundays and Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. and a rockin’ DJ from 11:00 p.m. daily. For more information, call 4409-4444 or visit www.merweb.com

Wok Mee Business Lunch

Daily: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. For an Asian twist at lunch time, try the new business lunch menu. The three-course menu spoils you with choice and features favourites such as the traditional Thai Fish Cakes, Nasi Goreng, Green Mango Salad and Toffee Bananas with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. QR 85 per person. Get a 15 per cent discount with the MTS membership card.

Free membership with every reservation.

For more information, call 4496-6600.

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RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Pink Elephant Portuguese Rose Campaign

Daily: Ramada Plaza. Throughout the month of February, Chingari, Bombay Balti and Ruby Wu's are helping support the Elephant Family Campaign with 'Pink Elephant Portuguese Rose.' It is the perfect match for spicy foods! Elephant Family is a small but hugely ambitious campaign; their vision is a world in which the Asian Elephant is no longer an endangered species. Call 4428-1555 for more details and reservations

Thematic Evenings at Al Hubara

Daily: Sheraton Doha. From North to South and East to West, you can only have the best of international dishes at Al Hubara! From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. Price starts at QR 180.

For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Le Central Business Lunch

Daily: La Cigale. Le Central welcomes you and your corporate associates for a closed business deal with its specialty Business Set Menu. It will take only few minutes from your office wherever you are in Doha to savour three choices of light and healthy appetizers, expertly designed main dishes and irresistible desserts for only QR 150.

For more information, call 4428-8772.

Classy Italian Touch at La Veranda

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Savour perfectly cooked risotto for lunch or dinner!

From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. till 10:45 p.m. Price start at QR 90.

For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Seasons’ Theme Nights

Traiteur Daily Specials

Gastronomical Temptation with Veal

Di Capri Specials Menu

Daily: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. You are invited to a vast culinary cruise, with each night of the week bringing in a different theme for your culinary delight. Monday is Italian Night, Tuesday is Swiss Night, Wednesday is Asian Night, Thursday is Seafood Night and Friday is Steak Night.

For more information and reservations, call 4429-1111.

Daily: La Cigale. Enjoy a healthy lunch with daily specials available for outside orders! The lunch box contains a fresh salad, delectable main dish, homemade dessert and one soft drink. Choose your main dish from different selections such as poultry, meat or seafood. Price starts from QR 60.

Book your meal in advance by calling 4428-8803 or 4428-8820.

Daily: La Cigale. Order the Di Capri special three-course set menu for only QR 140 Daily: Sheraton Doha. May it be and experience flavourful Italian cuisine.

Grilled Veal Tenderloin à l’ Alsace or Set menu includes Minestrone Genovese Pot Aux Feux of Veal, it will surely be perfumed with pesto, penne with mozzarella remarkable a treat! Sink your teeth into and Tiramisu della Casa. Or pamper yourself these tender pieces of veal and indulge by ordering an upgraded three-course your taste buds at Al Shaheen. From set menu at QR 245 that includes beef 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Price starts at QR 95. carpaccio with wild fennel, sea bass fillet For more information, call 4485-4556 or with mushrooms and Cassata Siciliana. visit www.sheraton.com/doha For more information, call 4428-8840.

Seafood Platter for two on the Terrace

Daily: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Enjoy the unique surroundings of The Ritz-Carlton Marina, whilst you indulge in a lavish seafood platter and two glasses of bubbly with your friends and loved ones. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 195 per couple.

For more information and reservations, call 4484-8000.

Special Coffee Concoctions at Atrium Café

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Perk yourself with a great cup of java that has been specially blended to satisfy even the toughest of skeptics. Starts at 8:00 a.m. Price starts at QR 30. For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Burger Lovers

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Fight off hunger with delicious patties that burst with flavour with every bite. From 12:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. Price starts at QR 52.

For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Voyage around the World!

Daily: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Experience a world of culinary wonders with a different theme each night! Sunday is Arabic, Monday is Asian, Tuesday is Moroccan, Wednesday is seafood, Thursday is BBQ and Friday and Saturday are international.

QR 180 per person per night except Seafood Night, which is QR 215. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

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Wok Specials

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Discover a world of fiery flavours from cuisine cooked on great oriental woks at the Pirate’s Cove. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:45 p.m. Prices start at QR 95. For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Cocktails Forever!

Daily: Sheraton Doha. It’s one delicious cocktail revolution at Waterhole! Satisfy your craving for these tasty drinks. Starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Café Restaurant Theme Nights

Daily: InterContinental Doha. Savour a gastronomic food trip around the world with unique and interactive culinary themes. Monday is Far Eastern Night; Tuesday is Italian Night; Wednesday is South Indian Night; Thursday is Phoenician Night; Friday is the Grand Family Brunch; Saturday is Kids’ Brunch with entertainment and Seafood Night; Sunday is Steak Night. Brunch starts at 12:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, call 4484-4444.

All-You-Can-Eat Pizza and Pasta

Daily: Sealine Beach Resort. Thousands of pizzas and pastas are being tossed around as Lagoon Ristorante goes all out this month! Whether you crave pizza or pasta, your QR 75 earns you unlimited servings of these two classic Italian cuisines. For more information, call 476-5257.

Chilean Sea Bass Anyone?

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Taste perfectly grilled sea bass with a fantastic combination texture for the added culinary experience, with the crunchy skin and juicy soft meat. It’s definitely a great dining experience. From 6:00 p.m. onwards. Price starts at QR 220. For more information, call 4485-4556 or visit www.sheraton.com/doha

Shisha under the Stars

Daily: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Enjoy your favorite shisha under the stars while in a traditional Arabic setting at the newly opened Shisha Terrace. QR 50 per shisha.

An a la carte food and beverage menu is available.

From 3:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

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ARTS & CULTURE LISTINGS

QMA Horse Sports Exhibition

Oct 14th – March 2nd: Qatar Equestrian Federation.

Check out a stunning exhibition, organized as an unprecedented collaboration between the Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum (part of the Qatar Museums Authority), the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Qatar Equestrian Federation. The Horse Games and Horse Sports exhibition features everything from traditional equestrian activities to stunning performances at the Olympics and other international equestrian festivals. Exhibition hours: Saturday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. and Friday 5:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information visit www.qma.com.qa/horsegames

Interventions

Dec 30th – May 28th: Mathaf. The exhibition honours the lives and careers of five major figures in Arab modernism who remain influential today. Dia Azzawi, Farid Belkahia, Ahmed Nawar, Ibrahim el-Salahi and Hassan Sharif have each been commissioned by Mathaf to create a new work, which will be shown in the context of existing works by the artists from the Museum’s permanent collection. Entrance is QR 25.

For more information, visit www.mathaf.org.qa

Told/ Untold/ Retold

Dec 30th – May 28th: Mathaf. The exhibition is a collection of 23 stories each vividly expressed in new works of painting, sculpture, photography, video, multimedia installations and interactive digital art. It features new works commissioned by Mathaf from 23 contemporary artists with roots in the Arab world. Entrance is QR 25. For more information, visit www.mathaf.org.qa

Sajjil: A Century of Modern Art

Dec 30th – May 28th: Mathaf. Sajjil, an Arabic word meaning the art of recording, features more than 240 paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works made by more than 100 artists, representing pivotal moments in the development of Arab modernism throughout the 20th century. For more information, visit www.mathaf.org.qa

Khalife’s Piece

Sat 5th: Opera House, Katara. Tune in and feel the world of music through Marcel Khalife’s piece, L’élégie de l’Orient for soprano, choir and orchestra.

Conducted by Nader Abbassi, with the Choir of the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk. Ticket prices: QR 75 to QR 300. Available at Virgin Megastore in Landmark Mall and Villaggio. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email qpopr@qf.org.qa

Colour of Sound

Sat 19th: Opera House, Katara. Set your sights on the wonderful spectrum of colours produced by magnificent music. Special guests: Enrique Batiz Campbell as conducter and Dalia Kuznecovaite on violin. Pieces

by F. Amirov, J. Brahms and F. Mendelssohn. Ticket prices: QR 75 to QR 300. Available at Virgin Megastore in Landmark Mall and Villaggio. Starts at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, email qpopr@qf.org.qa

Expressive Moments

Sat 26th: Opera House, Katara. Feel the spirit of great musical pieces from Rageh Daoud, F. Liszt, J. Brahms and B. Bartok. Special guest Emmanuel Krivine as conductor. Ticket prices: QR 75 to QR 300.

Available at Virgin Megastore in Landmark Mall and Villaggio. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, email qpopr@qf.org.qa

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COMMUNITY LISTINGS 2011 Cultural Village

Mada: Future Trends in Access Technology for Disabled People

Tues 1st: Carnegie Mellon University.

New technology is changing the lives of disabled people across the world. Mada is pleased to announce the second chapter of its Assistive Technology Seminar Series, aimed at raising awareness of the impact of Assistive Technology. This event will contribute greatly to an increased understanding about next-generation technology and how it can positively impact the quality of life of people with disabilities.

The audience will include potential users, employers, IT professionals, and policy and decision makers. Mada encourages everyone to attend by registering as soon as possible. For more information, visit www.mada-ehome.eventbrite.com

Breastfeeding Support Group

Wed 2nd: Al Sadd. Join in for a chat and receive some support for nursing your baby. Some find it tough, others find it easy... it’s nice to meet other moms who are feeling the same way. Babies and their siblings of any age are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Thurs 3rd - Sun 6th: Student Activities Building, Qatar University. The Cultural Village is a unique student event that enriches QU campus with activities representing the variety of cultural heritages at Qatar University. It takes place annually and is organized by QU Students under the supervision and guidance of the Student Activities Department. The event’s objective is to introduce QU community to the different cultures of QU students who come from various parts of the globe. The village will include a number of booths, exhibitions, and several cultural activities that reflect the uniqueness of each culture, as perceived by the participants, through folkloric shows, music, traditional customs, and plays. This event is open to the public. Schedule: Women’s Campus from 8:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. and Men’s Campus from 8:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 4403-3822 or 4403-3814.

Late Miocene fossils from Abu Dhabi's Western Region Doha Garden Club Wed 2nd: Doha English Speaking School.

Learn about fossils from the insights of Dr. Mark Beech, Honorary Visiting Fellow, Department of Archaeology University.

Learn the story behind the Yale University and Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage Baynunah fossil project, which is helping to reconstruct the environment and the animals and plants that lived in Abu Dhabi's western region between six-toeight-million years ago. Examples of some of the most important fossils discovered will be presented, as well as information about some of the fossil animal trackways, which are currently being studied. Starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.qnhg.org

Sun 6th: Hotel Holiday Villa Doha. Get all your questions or doubts about gardening in Qatar answered! The group meets from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., with registration at 9:30 a.m.

Registration fee is QR 90, membership fee is QR 45 and for guests it’s QR 60. For more information, visit www.dohagardenclub.com or email dohagardenclub@yahoo.com or enquiry@dohagardenclub.com

How Women Work: A Conference to inspire women to define and create their success

Sun 6th: Katara. Once again, “How Women Work” sets out to reach hearts and minds, break down barriers and promote QAWS Fur Ball understanding between cultures and genders.

Thurs 3rd: Giwana Ball Room, Ramada The second annual “How Women Work” Plaza. Come together for the cute and furry!

The Qatar Animal Welfare Society is holding conference gives you the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, voice your one of their biggest events this year with opinion, ask questions and take your next step live entertainment from Glen Henderson and towards success right then and there. A host the United Rhythm Band, dinner, dancing, of successful women (and a few men) who a raffle and auction! Don’t forget to bring donations of pet food, treats or supplies for have 'made it' here in Qatar are there to share the “donation mountain.” Starts at 7:00 p.m. their insights and secrets. Starts at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets available at Virgin Megastore. For more QR 450 per person. For more information, information, visit www.hwwqatar.com or visit www.qaws.org or call 5539-6074. email info@hwwqatar.com

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Book Swap

Mon 7th, 21st: Starbucks, Landmark Mall. Experience a swap of books, magazines and stories from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a coffee, chat and pick up a new book! If you have a passion for reading, or just like to browse through a magazine all you need to do is bring a book or magazine to swap. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Connected Speaker Series: Anthony Williams

Tues 8th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. ictQATAR's Connected Speakers Series continues with Anthony Williams, a best-selling author, speaker and consultant who helps organizations harness the power of collaborative innovation in business, government and society. He is the coauthor of the groundbreaking bestseller Wikinomics and the much-anticipated follow-up MacroWikinomics: Rebooting Business and the World. Starts at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ict.gov.qa

Doha Garden Tour

Sat 12th: Various. Set your sights on five magnificent Qatari gardens and estates in and around Doha. You can do the tour via self-drive or VIP van options. All proceed will go to local green initiatives.

From 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call Paula Riebe at 5523-1650 or Marika Engelbrecht a 3369-9087.

Talking Matters Toastmasters Club

Mon 14th, 28th: Les Roses 1 Clubhouse.

Develop into an excellent communicator and an effective leader. Membership is open to all. Starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Paul Easy at 5580-7524.

Mom’s Night Out

Tues 22nd: The Pearl-Qatar. Savour the delicious and the chic at the newly-opened Thai restaurant, Mango Tree. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Please note: RSVP is required. For further details, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

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COMMUNITY LISTINGS

Mums-only Coffee Morning

Tuesdays: Landmark Mall. Need a break from the kids? Join the group for a kid-free coffee from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. at Paul.

No kids please - not even babies! For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Mums of Teens Coffee

Wednesdays: THE One, Landmark Mall. Meet other moms with teenagers and share stories and advice. Starts at 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Toy Swap

Qatar Quilt Guild

QPWN After-Work Networking Event

Doha Mums Library

Sat 26th: Al Faisaliya Compound. Bring used toys or toys your kids no longer need and swap it for the ones they have better use for. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums. com or email events@dohamums.com

Mon 28th: Kempinski Doha. Make friends and strengthen business relationships at this networking opportunity organized by the Qatar Professional Women’s Network.

Starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.qpwn.org

Cancer Support Group (CSG) Mon 28th: Various. CSG is a support group for anybody whose lives have been affected by cancer. You may have/had cancer yourself, might have lost a loved one to cancer, or you may be supporting a loved one/spouse through it. The key to the group is to provide a support network among people who share the same worries, anxieties and concerns that come with cancer and who truly understand.

Locations will change per month. If you would like to come along to chat and meet other people then email the coordinator at cancersupport@dohamums.com

Wed 30th: Al Jazi Phase 4 Clubhouse.

Learn new quilting techniques and make new friends from a vibrant group of talented quilters from different countries.

Starts at 4:00 p.m. For more information, email qatarquiltguild@gmail.com

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Souq Waqif. Explore the world of literature with your kids! Come and read, browse, borrow and return books! Monday from 9:30 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

New Arrivals Coffee

Tuesdays: Hyatt Plaza. Whether you are new to Doha, new to Doha Mums or just want to welcome someone who is, join a casual coffee at Café de Chalet. There is plenty of room for everyone and kids are treated to free play on a bouncy castle, courtesy of Kiddy Zone. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Children are welcome and there is no need to RSVP. For more information, www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

NU-Q Film Society presents The Cult Classics Series

Wednesdays: Northwestern University in Qatar. Open your eyes to world of cinema with a new movie every week!

Films to be shown are Creature from the Black Lagoon (Arnold, 1954), Theater of Blood (Hickox, 1973) and two more films to be announced soon. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at CMUQ room 3035 (The Forum), CMUQ Building, Education City, Qatar Foundation. Event is open to the public.

Free of charge. For more information, email rashadalaani2014@u.northwestern.edu

Expectant & New Mums Coffee

Thursdays: Various. Join other new moms and moms-to-be to talk “all things baby!” Doha Mums hosts a coffee from 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. The location varies so check the Doha Mums website for dates and details. Bring your little ones so everyone can ooh and aah! For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Soccer Break for Dads

Saturdays: Qipco Compound. Take part in a friendly pick-up game with likeminded dads! Starts at 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

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An Associate of

AHMED HASSAN BILAL GROUP OF COMPANIES

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SPORTS LISTINGS 2011 National Sprint 2

Fri 4th: Losail International Circuit. See the fast and the furious as they try to race against the clock! This event permits drivers to drive as fast as they can without other vehicles to avoid collision and to test just how fast they can go. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com

Solo, Pair and Group Creative Dance

Sat 5th: Yama Yoga Studios. Enjoy the people around you, as an audience, as a “mirror image” or as “partners in dance.” Experience leading the group and following, being in the center and on the outside. From 11:30 till 12:30 p.m.

For more information, call 6688-7572 or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Losail International Circuit: Track Day for Bikes and Cars

Sat 5th, 26th: Losail International Circuit.

Are you an adrenaline junkie with a need for speed? Now’s your chance to blaze through the Qatari racetrack where world championships take place. Rates range from QR 200 to QR 3,000. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com

Qatar International Road Racing Championship: Race 5

Thurs 17th – Fri 18th: Losail International Circuit. Feel the rush with the second leg of this seven-part racing championship organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation. The Qatar International Rally is the opening round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com

Express Yourself Creative Dance

Sat 19th: Yama Yoga Studios. Listen to the music and express the feelings and ideas it evokes in you and do your “soul dance.” From 11:30 till 12:30 p.m. For more information, call 6688-7572 or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Qatar National Rally: Round 5

Sat 26th: Losail International Circuit. Find out who’s going to be on top as stage is set for the first leg of the year-long competition! The race is in accordance with the National Sporting Code the FIA Regional Rally Championships Sporting Regulations and the FIA International Sporting Code.

Round 2 and 3 are from Feb 4 to 5 and round 4 is Feb 26. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com

Be Inspired Creative Dance Sat 26th: Yama Yoga Studios. Watch those around you and let them watch you! Let your dance be inspired, gather new ideas from those around you, play and have fun. From 11:30 till 12:30 p.m.

For more information, call 6688-7572 or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Salsa Dance Class

Sundays: Yama Yoga Studios.

Learn the hot steps from a stylish dance form that originated from Cuba. Starts 8:30 p.m. QR 60 per class.

For more information, call 6617-5802, visit www.yamayogastudios.com or email yamayogastudios@gmail.com

Beginner Yoga Classes

Sundays to Wednesdays and Fridays: Yama Yoga Studios. Level 1 classes are suitable for anyone interested in beginning yoga but who still want to experience the challenge of a flow yoga class. Starts at 10:00 a.m. QR 60 per class.

For more information, call 6617-5802, visit www.yamayogastudios.com or email yamayogastudios@gmail.com

Prenatal Yoga

Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: Yama Yoga Studios. Prenatal Yoga classes help women experience more comfortable and mindful pregnancies. Mondays at 11:15 a.m., Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. and Friday 11:30 a.m.

QR 60 per class. For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail. com or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Flamenco Introduction Classes

Mondays and Thursdays: Yama Yoga Studios. Learn how to heat up the dance floor with a style of dance which is native to several regions of southern Spain. Monday at 8:30 p.m. and Thursday at 7:15 p.m. QR 100 per person.

For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail.com or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

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Tango Classes

Wednesdays: Yama Yoga Studios. Face the music and acquire the skills to dance in a dramatic way! QR 75 per class. Starts at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail.com or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Mommy and Me Yoga Classes Wednesdays: Yama Yoga Studios. Moms and babies can do this class together while having lots of fun with everyone! The class will help new moms regain their pre-pregnancy core. Starts at 11:15 a.m. QR 60 per class.

For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail.com or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Kids and Preteen Yoga

Wednesdays and Saturdays: Yama Yoga Studios. Let your children burn off energy in an imaginative way before learning relaxation and breathing techniques that will last a lifetime. Classes are offered for four-toeight-year-olds on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and for preteens on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. QR 60 per class. For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail.com or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Break Dance

Saturdays: Yama Yoga Studios. Hop into a modern style of dancing that’s very hip! Starts at 6:30 p.m. QR 60 per class.

For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail.com or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

Open Yoga Classes

Daily: Yama Yoga Studios. Experience level 2/3 classes for people who are looking for a physical challenge, as well as deep relaxation. Morning classes: Sundays to Thursdays at 8:30 a.m.; Fridays to Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Evening classes: Sundays to Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. QR 60 per class.

For more information, call 6617-5802, email yamayogastudios@gmail.com or visit www.yamayogastudios.com

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IT HAPPENED

SAILING ARABIA, The Pearl

- Qatar

Photos by Jay Panganiban

This multi-leg race landed in Qatar Feb. 1. Six different teams sailed the waters of Qatar during the second leg of this fantastic voyage.

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IT HAPPENED

Doha’s glitterati gathe red at The Pearl-Qatar’s newest restaurant to celebrat e the opening of Mango Tre e Jan. 27

MANGO TREE LAUNC

.

H, the pearl - qatar

Photos by Noel Delos Santos

, 2011 Commercialbank Qatar Masters club presented by dolphin energy, doha golf

rs, presented by ank Qatar Maste The Commercialb ts from around ea gr brought in golf , gy er En n hi lp Do b. 3 to 6.

Doha Golf Club Fe the world to the

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IT HAPPENED

d up Car enthusiasts revve tar Qa the their engines at 29. to 26 n.

Ja Motor Show

Australian celebrations, Grand Hyatt Hotel

The Grand Hyatt Doha hosted Australian Week Jan. 26 to Feb. 4. The lively festival included plenty of delicious food and a stunning art show.

Photos by Noel Delos Santos

centre

Photos by Jay Panganiban

Doha motor

exhibition doha , show

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IT HAPPENED

Laughter factory, Ramada plaza

Photos by Mikhail Quijano

Photos by Noel Delos Santos

Comedy fans laughed them selves silly at entertaining La the alwaysughter Factory at Ramada Plaz a Feb. 6.

Red bull crashed iced

finals, City Center

32 local particip ants took to the ice for the 2011 Red Bull Crashed Ice Qualifier at Ci ty Centre Ice Ring Feb. 11.

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PHONE DIRECTORY Hospitals / Emergency Police & Fire Department 999 Doha Clinic Hospital 4438 4333 Emergency Hotline 4435 5999 Al Ahli Hospital 4498-8888 Doha Dental 4431-7766

Hamad General Hospital Rumailah Hospital Pediatric Emergency Centre Qatar Foundation for Child & Woman Protection Hotline

Shopping

Spas / Salons

Alfardan Jewellery 4440-8408 Blue Salon 4446-6111 City Center Doha 4483-0582 Hyatt Plaza 4469-4848 Landmark Mall 4487-5222 Royal Plaza 4413-0000 Salam 4448-5555 Villaggio 4413-9666 51 East 4425-7777

Al Thuraya Ladies Club 4456-9089 Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bliss 4453-5555 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 Doha Marriott Spa 4429-8520 Elie & Jean Salon 4485-4011 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8888 4494-8844 Frank Provost George V Salon 4412-2046/47 Glow American Salon, Salwa 4468-9945 Westbay 4411-7652 La Cigale - Ozone Spa 4428-8888 4468-9211 La Coifure Frances Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Mohamad Al Sagheer Salon 4425-6164 Pace & Luce 4493-4000 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 4484-8173 Ritz-Carlton Spa Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Spa Chakra 4499-9250

Hotels

Al Bustan 4435-2227 Al Seef 4433-2222 4429-8888 Doha Marriott Hotel Four Seasons 4494-8888 Grand Hyatt 4448-1234 Grand Regency 4434-3333 InterContinental 4484-4444 Kempinski Residences & Suites 4405-3333 La Cigale Hotel 4428-8888 Mercure Grand 4446-2222 Merwebhotel Central Doha 4409-4444 Millennium Hotel 4424-7777 Tourism / Travel 4429-1111 Mövenpick Hotel Mövenpick Tower & Suites 4496-6600 Alpha Tours 4434-4496 Oryx Rotana 4402-3333 Arabian Adventures 4436-1461 Ramada Plaza 4428-1555 Black Pearl Tourism Services 5555-1169 Ritz-Carlton 4484-8000 Desert Adventures 4436-2455 Sealine Beach Resort 4476-5299 Destinations of the World 4467-1200 Sharq Village & Spa 4425-6666 Discover Qatar 4449-6973 Sheraton Doha 4485-4444 Emirates Airlines 4438-4477 W Doha 4453-5353 Fox Transport 4462-2777 Gulf Adventures 4431-5555 Qatar Airways 4449-6666 Qatar Airways Holidays 4449-6969 Qatar International Adventures 4455-3954 Qatar International Tours 4455-1141 Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority 4499-1919 Regency Holidays 4434-4444 Travco Qatar Holidays 4442-3703 Victoria Car Rental 4466-6635

4439-2222 4439-3333 4439-2948 4466-6671 / 72 / 73

Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trad. & Cont. Co.

4442-8877

Interior Design Forum Design

4456 8716

Community American Women’s Association 5511-8085 Bridge Club 5554-0873 Doha Garden Club 5523-1650 4447-4911 Doha Players Egyptian Women’s Association 5572-4171 Filcom Toastmasters Club 5540-3971 French-Speaking Ladies Group 5559-7467 German Stammtisch 4487-6959 Illonggos 5595-9561 Indian Women’s Association 4442-4052 Qatar Intl. Beauty Academy 4438-0255 Qatar National Cancer Society 4447-8128 Qatar Scientific Club 4458-3780 5520-9294 Red Dotters Qatar Simplemente Amigas 5551-8358 Silver Dhow Association 4435-2598 South African Ladies Association 5589-2366 Spanish Speaking Ladies Group 6664-2094 Talking Matters Toastmasters 5580-7524 Tuesday Ladies Group 5573-5078 Turkish Ladies Group 5550-8026

Clubs Dana Club Diplomatic Club Doha Golf Club Doha Sailing Club

4496-0600 4484-7444 4496-0777 4443-9840

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