Qatar Happening - March 2012

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CONTENTS

MARCH IN EVERY ISSUE 6 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LETTER QH’s editor-in-chief tells you what’s happening this month.

8 QH TEAM Meet the QH staff!

10 QH RECOMMENDS Our favourite monthly round-up

11 EVENTS CALENDAR Pullout monthly events calendar with happening events in Doha

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

ENTERTAINMENT 17 TOP PICKS 18 Yusuf Islam Interview with Yusuf Islam

19 Calvin Harris in Doha 22 Best Upcoming Parties Kempinski's The Lounge

24 The Music Man The best house music courtesy of DJ Mark Bombach

ARTS & CULTURE 31 TOP PICKS 32 Al Markhiya Gallery Syrian art comes to Doha

34 Here to Stay QPO'S Eugen Bold

37 ARTS AND CULTURE LISTINGS Find out everything that’s going on this month

25 ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS Find out everything that’s going on this month

111 PHONE DIRECTORY Need-to-know phone numbers

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COMMUNITY 39 TOP PICKS 40 How Women Work

pg 100

Mother's Day Listings

Dynamic conference lands at the Renaissance

42 I Love Qatar Khalifa explains why he does what he does

44 Doha Players They're off to see the Wizard in their latest show

48 Community Listings Find out everything that's going on this month

49 Top Picks Kids Club Fun adventures with the kids

50 Kids Club Listings Ideas to do with the kids

SPORTS

FOOD & DINING 54 TOP PICKS 55 Sizzling Hot Pot Grand Opening

58 La Mer Restaurant - Review

60 D'light At D'Chopstix Restaurant - Review

61 Al Mourjan Chef Recipe

62 FOOD AND DINING LISTINGS Find out everything that’s going on this month

73 TOP PICKS 75 2012 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup comes to Aspire Dome

78 QSL A special multicultural match

80 Sport Listings Find out everything that’s going on this month

QH SENSATIONS 90 Low-Glycemic For Life The lowdown on sugar

92 Serenity at Saray Spa Spa Review

100 Mother's Day Listings Special treats for Mom

103 Reasons to Fly Our pick of top destinations

104 Family Fun in Hong Kong An adventure in a weekend

106 VIRGIN RECOMMENDS Virgin Megastore’s top CD's and games this month

108 TOP MOVIES This month's top five films

For customer service and subscription questions, such as renewals, billing and account status, email to info@qatarhappening.com QH MARCH FINAL.indd 4

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FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR IN CHIEF March brings much to celebrate here in Doha and QH is on top of it all.

For starters March 8 is International Women’s Day and the How Women Work conference is back in town for the third year running, bringing together inspiring female lecturers, businesswomen and scholars from the 7th-8th to network and analyze the important contributions women in the workforce have made to the growth of Qatar. QH sits down with conference founder Carolin Zeitler in this month’s Community feature to learn more about the importance of the event and how readers can get involved.

In the world of sports, one of the biggest gymnastics competitions lands at Aspire Dome at the end of the month. The 2012 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup will have athletes from all over the world competing in both men’s and women’s apparatus events as the world cheers them on. This is the biggest gymnastics spectacle to be held in the Middle East and will be broadcast live across the globe. QH has all the details on the line-up and scheduling for this free event in our cover story so you don’t miss out on the fun.

We also had the incredible opportunity to interview iconic musician Yusuf Islam who made his inaugural performance in the Middle East at the Museum of Islamic Art Park mid-February. The world knew him for much of his career as Cat Stevens and his soulful brand of peace songs shaped a generation in the 60s and 70s. QH finds out why that music is still relevant today.

Also on the entertainment scene for March, renowned world-class DJ and music producer Calvin Harris will be spinning tracks in Doha at the InterContinental on March 8 in a beachside event that’s sure to draw the crowds. Having collaborated with Kylie Minogue, Mary J. Blige and most recently Rihanna on her song ‘We Found Love’ Harris star has risen on the world stage.

For those looking for a unique dining experience in Doha, QH reviews Sizzling Hot Pot restaurant at the Holiday Villa Hotel in the March Spotlight on Dining feature. Bring your family and colleagues to enjoy the traditional method of preparing and sharing a scrumptious meal at this one-of-a-kind hotspot.

We hope this month finds our readers well and prosperous and we thank you for making us a part of your lives.

Publisher: The Art of Business Chairman: Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor-in-Chief: Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Executive Editorial Director: Moona Masri-Whitice Editor: Ashlee Starratt Editorial Coordinator: Marlynne Mallari Graphic Designer: Soné Moriarty Sales and Marketing Manager: Deliah Furcoi Sales and Communications Manager: Jorge Granda Marketing Cordinator: Jeniffer Daclan Ruiz Photographer: Jesus Jonson Palanca Finalizer/Production Manager: Srimani Welagedara New Media Manager: Susanna Wolfe Business Development Consultant: Kristina Helg Distribution & Accounts: Lanie Fillo-Pana Contributors: Christina Maria Paschyn, Gloria Duran Renderos, Alex Corey, Victoria Scott, Mark Bambach, Khalifa Saleh Haroon 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 5 each, for orders over 50.

Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Editor in Chief

Yusuf Islam in Doha:

The Music and the Message Exclusive Interview March 2012

ON THE COVER 2012 FIGA Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup Competition

2012 FIGA

Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup Takes Over Aspire Dome

InterContinental Doha The City

Opens Its Doors To The Nation

150+

Photo credit: Qatar Gymnastic Federation

Event Listings That Will Keep You Busy

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RECOMMENDS

March means Mother’s Day so we’ve rounded up our favourite indulgences to share with the most important women in our lives – our mothers! Love you Mom!

La Duree's Macaroons Moona

Red Door from Elizabeth Arden Deliah

Some things in life are worth having no matter what the cost. La Duree's macaroons are definitely one of them. My mother and I sampled their celebrated macaroons this weekend. My favourite was the rose, though it might seem strange – as flavours go, it was extremely tasty and not as sweet as I thought it might be.

The French seem to love not only having their flowers but eating them too. We sampled six of their macaroons—violet cassis, pistachio, raspberry, coconut, vanilla and rose. Each and every one was a dream, after all, how often do you get to eat a flower?

My mom has been wearing this scent since I can begin to remember! Red Door from Elizabeth Arden has been my mom’s signature smell. I once asked her when I was very little why she only wore this particular one, she replied “because if you ever needed to find me where ever you are, you would.” Near or far in Doha or away on business, if this scent were to cross my path it would bring me right back home to memories of ‘Mom.’ To be totally honest – I do the same with my very own scent, haven’t changed it since 2003!

T TO

BROUGH

Mango Touch Lanie

H&M Cuff Soné

Moms deserve something special! Why? It takes a lot to be a mom - giving birth, taking care of kids, marriage, work and many other things. Surprising her with something stylish and fashionable is perfect on mother’s day. If you want something great you can get it from Mango Touch. I recommend this leather hobo bag with a short handle, a detachable slim shoulder strap and draw-cord closure. With this bag I can picture a chic Mom with a sweet smile.

I’ve yet to see my Mum without a piece of jewelry; even when goes to bed she wears earrings.

So this Mother's day I decided to spoil her with this eclectic, chunky bracelet from H&M at Villaggio. I’ve spotted some similar pieces from Top Shop as well and it seems to be the trend at the moment. If your Mum likes to stay hip and up with the current trends, you might want to consider picking up this little baby from your nearest H&M store. Happy Mother's day to all the amazing Mums out there!

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March SUNDAY

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ENTERTAINMENTARTSCULTUREFOODCOMMUNITYSPORTS

QH RECOMMENDS Nine West Srimani I'm planning to give my mom for Mothers Day some flowers and a wallet from Nine West - one of her favourite brands. It's handy and elegant at the same time with three full compartments inside, a centre zip pocket, two slip pockets and most important, room for eight card slots so she won’t have any trouble organizing her cards. It costs QR 152 and I'm sure she will love it!

Apple iPhone 4S Ashlee Bling Marlynne What to give my Mom this Mother’s Day? Think, think, think… All I can say is she loves almost everything: watches, bags, clothes and shoes but I tell you she has an ultimate favourite and that is jewelry! As I searched for the perfect ‘bling’ I came across this beautiful heart-shaped pendant studded with diamonds that will complement her every outfit. Knowing her she’ll be crying and hugging me all her life! Whew, I need to start saving early!

It’s hard being far away from home. Having only recently made the move to Doha I miss my family every day, especially my Mom! So in the spirit of staying connected this Mother’s Day through technology and fibre-optics, my recommendation is the Apple iPhone 4S to help us stay connected on the go, no matter where we are in the world! There’s even a Mother’s Day app you can download to help plan the perfect day for celebration with your Mom. Retailing at QR 2,360 it’s one of those special ‘investments’ she’ll treasure for a while… at least until the iPhone 5 comes out.

Spa Jenny Mom usually forgets to care for herself while caring for our home and family. So on this Mother’s Day it’s our turn to remind her how much we care for her.

Estée Lauder Susanna

My Mother’s Day gift is this wonderful sculpting eye cream called Resilience Lift from Estée Lauder. If you want to lift and firm the look of your eyes, this is the cream for you. The intensely nourishing formula is empowered with exclusive Photo-Activated and Nocturnal Lift Complexes to help your skin boost its natural collagen and elastin. Luminizing optics instantly blur the look of fine, dry lines. In my opinion, after two weeks you'll see the entire eye area looking firmer, brighter, smoother and younger. I use it every night and I’m hooked!

Tell her you love her and give her a good break and a much earned time-out. Indulge and spoil her with a gift to refresh both body and mind, providing the perfect place to unwind from a stressful world – the spa!

A day at the spa can help you release and manage stress, detox and get rid of impurities and refresh skin to look and feel its best. A luxury day to give the important woman in your life the treatment she deserves. Either pamper her with a facial and massage appointment at her favourite spa or treat her busy hands and feet with a manicure and pedicure --she will love it! Pamper your Mom this Mother's Day, because she's worth it.

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THIS MONTH'S

TOP PICKS

ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLIFE

Goldfinger Party Sat 31st: Dunes at the Grand Hyatt.

Bring on the extra olives and practice your best 007 impersonation at this fun-filled night of intrigue. The evening will feature screenings of classic James Bond films, prizes for the best spy costume and classic show-tunes from the movies played live by the Dunes house band. For more information call 4448-1280 or email: dunes.ghdoha@hyatt.com. Free entry, QR 300 per person for reserved seating.

Bollywood Night at Pearl Lounge Bar Sat 3rd: Marriott Doha. With special guest Dj Lil’ B from India. She will be playing current and classic Bollywood hits mixed with a touch of House, R&B and memorable Pop. Doors open at 9:00 p.m. QR 100 for men and ladies go free. For more information, call 4429-8444 or 66054192.

St Patrick’s Day @ Irish Harp

Watch Out!

Thurs 1st: La Cigale. 7 Nightclub brings back the most prolific producer in Italy: DJ Alex Gaudino, with a unique sound of fashionably cool house music. After performing in the most expensive clubs of Monte Carlo, Alex Gaudino comes storming to entertain Doha’s Jet-set.

For more information call 4428-8665 (Membership required).

Sat 17th: Sheraton Doha. Celebrate the most famous St. Patrick ’s Day with original Irish food & drinks. From QR 80. For more information call 4485-4444.

Pub Quiz

Mon 26th: Ramada Plaza. The original and best pub quiz in town returns for another year of fun! Bring along your team of 6 to take part in Doha’s favourite quiz night with host, Andrew. No entry fee and great prizes to be won. Quiz starts at 8:00 p.m. at Shehrazad. For more information, call 4428-1555.

London Beats

Thurs 8th and Fri 9th: W Doha. DJ Klaus and Ameet ‘El Bongo’. Entry free. Reservations highly recommended. For more information, call 4453-5135.

OUT om K C E CH ening.c

p atarhap information! q . w w w e latest for th

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Riding The Peace Train

With Yusuf Islam

By Ashlee Starratt

At the height of his fame in the 1970s, the world knew him as Cat Stevens. After leaving the music business for two decades to find spiritual growth and enlightenment in the Muslim faith, Yusuf Islam brings his gentle message of peace, hope and strength to a whole new generation of audiences in the Middle East. QH had the privilege to sit down with Yusuf prior to his February 16 performance at the Museum of Islamic Art Park.

QH: How does it feel to bring your message of peace and hope to a whole new audience here in the heart of the Islamic world?

YI: Well I think peace is something that’s so much needed, particularly in this area where everybody must learn how to live together and I’m a sort of a symbol of peace to the West in some sense. I wrote the song ‘Peace Train’ a long time ago encouraging people all over the world to get back on the peace train.

QH: You took quite a break from the music scene back in the 1970s and you came back in 2006 with your new album ‘An Other Cup’ and then, ‘Roadsinger’ in 2009. What prompted you to come back and did you miss being away from that scene?

YI: What prompted me, really, was the downturn that was taking place in the world with the antagonism which was growing after 9/11. It was that point that I realized that we needed to get back to singing about love and peace again, because human beings have a natural tendency not to see eye-to-eye and to fight; and you’ve got to break that cycle. It can be broken with good thoughts, good words, good music and good politics – we’re waiting for that!

QH: Can you elaborate on the ideals reflected in your music from the 60s and 70s and how they remain relevant today in your faith as a Muslim?

QH: When you were writing music in the early days at the height of your fame, did you ever envision the world would be in the state that it’s in today?

YI: Well, I was brought up during a time of great change in the world. The 60s was obviously one of the most powerful movements of youth ever in history. The youth started to take control, at least, speaking out against the old ways and asking for something new. And so change was happening, you know…times they were changing and so ‘flower power’ was a result of that, where you had certain kinds of demonstrations and the flower children putting daffodils inside the soldier’s guns, you know? And that was a symbol; but the problem was, as usual, commercialism in some way. The music business is a music business and a lot of it was taken over by commercial institutions and the heart and soul of the peaceful revolution turned very bad when it came into competition with reality. And it’s strange today that we see the same sort of uprising, it’s very weird that it’s all happening again but with a different scenario this time with people with much less money.

YI: I never thought I’d make it to sixty to be honest! I always thought when I made it to thirty that was something. To see the way things have moved, especially with new talent now, it’s amazing how human beings still have problems; and communication is one of the big one. Even though you think you’ve got so much more options today, it’s actually narrowed things down in some way – it’s strange.

QH: What do you want a younger generation of listeners to take away from your music?

YI: Well I think a little bit of the history of my kind of musical contribution; in a way it’s like my life story in some sense along with the progression of the peace movement and what happened to the music scene. I left it for a long time, so I missed the 80s; and I’m sure a lot of the youth now were born in the 80s, you know? Or they refer to the 80s. But I want to give a little hint of something that was happening way before that and I think they may get that, along with what’s relative towards the future.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Calvin Harris

Takes Doha

By Storm Famous DJ and record producer Calvin Harris will perform live this month at the InterContinental Beachside. The 'Scottish sensation' will be joined on stage

by Paul Mendez, Jared McCulloch and Steve Kz. QH gives you full access to the party of the month.

ABOUT THE EVENT Venue:

P

ut on your dancing shoes and join superstar DJ Calvin Harris on Thursday, March 8 at the InterContinental Beachside in what is sure to be the hottest music extravaganza of the month. Harris crashed the international music scene with his gold-selling debut album 'I Created Disco', which was released in 2007. The popular record contained the top ten singles 'Acceptable in the 80s' and 'The Girls'.

Harris's rise to fame was consolidated with the release of his second studio album which topped the UK charts with the hits 'I’m Not Alone', 'Ready for the Weekend', and the singles 'Flashback' and 'You Used

Date: Event time: to Hold Me'. He's currently topping the charts all over the world with 'We Found Love', his collaboration with mega-star Rihanna and the song on everyone's 'repeat' list.

His third studio album will hit stores in 2012 (featuring the singles 'Awooga', 'Bounce' and 'Feel So Close'.) Apart from his successful collaboration with Rihanna, Harris has also partnered to create music magic with high-calibre stars of the likes of Kylie Minogue and Dizzee Rascal.

A remix album titled 'L.E.D. Festival' was released in July 2010 as a free album in the August issue of Mixmag.

Ticket Prices:

InterContinental Doha Beachside March 8 From 8:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m Ladies QR 150 Mens QR 200 VIP Tickets QR 500

Tickets are on sale at Virgin Megastore, Crepaway & InterContinental Hotel Lobby.

Tickets are also on sale at www.virginmegastore.me For more information call 4484-4444.

Join the event on facebook via www.facebook.com/globaldjsonline or visit www. globaldjs.org for more info on Calvin Harris & global DJs. .

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

The

Place To Be Seen

By Jorge Granda

The Lounge at the Kempinski Residences & Suites is by far the most sophisticated and upscale hotspot in Doha. Its urbane atmosphere, stylish décor and impeccable service make The Lounge the perfect place to spend a great time with friends after a busy day at work. QH was invited to experience a nice afternoon at this sizzling, happening hub. surround themselves with: chic and cosmopolitan.

The Lounge really has everything you would hope to find in a classy hot-spot.

The Menu Apart from great entertainment and tantalizing beverages, The Lounge also offers an extensive menu that includes salads, mezze, sandwiches, light bites, cheeses and desserts. We were served a tasty sharing platter that comes with the best cheeseburger we have ever tried. We combine them with a mozzarella and tomato salad, mouthwatering jumbo shrimps and a grilled chicken wrap, all a mixture of explosive flavours. All in all our experience at The Lounge is more than gratifying -we have found our favourite relaxing spot in Doha.

Happening this month at The Lounge Sparkling Fridays Women are treated with two special surprises upon entrance at The Lounge every Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4405-3325 or email thelounge.doha@kempinski.com Buzzing Very Happy Hour.

ABOUT THE LOUNGE

W

e think The Lounge is the kind of place that can make you forget about your busy day and indulge in a relaxing and refined ambiance. We visited this lounge on a cold windy afternoon and were happy to do so because once we arrived we only found warmth and an inviting coziness. It is the ideal spot to fraternize with friends and colleagues. Upon arrival we are greeted by a kind host who directs us to our table. We start our pleasant gathering with a delicious drink, followed by a delicious sharing platter. A pianist adds to the charm of the experience; we are mesmerized by her musical ability. We are told that she plays every day except Sunday. Additionally, The Lounge regularly hosts ‘Let’s Tango’ night, a one of a kind in Doha and something we are looking forward to experiencing.

More importantly the crowd is just the kind of people anyone would like to

Opening hours: Very Happy Hour daily Dress code: Smoking:

5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m

5:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Smart-casual Available, collection of cigars available Location: Kempinski Residences & Suites in West Bay opposite City Center Mall Reservations: 4405-3325 thelounge.doha@kempinski.com

.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Lucky Seven

By Jorge Granda

Seven Nightclub at La Cigale Hotel is one of the best clubs in Doha. It has changed the way residents of the country enjoy a good night out triggering a new era in Doha’s nightlife. QH explores the excitement Seven will bring club-goers this March.

S

ince Seven Nightclub opened its doors two and half years ago, Doha’s nightlife changed dramatically as the club added a different flavour to the nation’s party culture, becoming the place to see and be seen. The fashionable venue houses up to 800 people and offers the best in dance music on the international club scene. What makes Seven so interesting is its incredible décor coupled with a state- of-the-art surround-system. The black and white décor was designed by Bernard Khoury. Huge screens dot the club and a combination of laser and LED lighting and smoke machines propels Seven to the top of the hot-spot list in the cosmopolitan consciousness of Doha. The success of the club hasn’t gone unnoticed by famous international DJs who have come to Doha to spin for the crowds including:

-

David Vendetta DeadMau5 Above & Beyond Yves Larock Sander Kleinenberg Micah the Violinist Defected In The House Diablo V Alex Gaudino Ron Caroll

Happening at Seven this month • Every Friday: Friday Night Fever.

• Every Thursday: Thursday night with Roger Choueiry.

•1st of March: DJ Alex Gaudino: the most prolific producer of house music in Italy.

ABOUT SEVEN Opening hours: Friday and Thursday from 9 p.m. till 2 a.m.

Dress code: Smart casual Resident DJ: Roger Choueiry Membership details: Valid passport or Qatari residence I.D. must be presented when requesting a membership card.

The card costs QR 100 only and is valid for one year.

Additional info: On selected Thurs days a rotation of world famous DJ’s play at ‘7’.

Contact details: 44288665 5518 8008

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

t g s n i e B com Up ies

t r a P

h Marc s i h t t ve e hea r-exclusi d h t s bring ost supe Nights an DJ é t t a m L ie us Coco wo of the ar, Boog rld-famo Doha. e t o tt with s of the y turing w rand Hya e info a h partie sphere fe g at the G with all t Atmo Ramplin ll access out. y u k Dann ves you f w to roc i o QH g eed to kn you n

BOOGIE NIGHTS Mark Friday, March 9 on beyour social calendar be cause Rocca is staging an exclusive party that will make you step back into the 1970’s for a night of disco glamour. Dust off your flares, iron that crazy-patterned shirt and don your platform heels for a night of Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, the Bee Gees, Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, KC And The Sunshine Band, plus disco house grooves.

The brightest outfits and the biggest afros will be rewards with flower power cocktails!

Venue: Time: Entry:

Reservations:

Rocca Poolside at Grand Hyatt Doha, West Bay Lagoon Doors open 9:00 p.m. Event ends at 2:00 a.m.

Guys: QR 100 entry including first drink free.

Ladies: free entry before 10:00 p.m. other wise QR 100 including first drink free.

I.D. required.

Table reservations: QR 150 per person including entry and first drink free.

Reservations in the DJ lounge or dining area: 7798-1272 or email rocca.ghdoha@hyatt.com

ATMOSPHERE FEATURING DJ DANNY RAMPLING ON FRIDAY, MARCH 30 Internationally-renowned house music DJ Danny Rampling will bring his sound to Rocca. The British star is one of the original founders of the UK’s rave/club scene and he will land in Doha to entertain the crowds for only one night. Through his legendary ground breaking Acid House club Shoom and subsequent long-standing associations with Kiss FM and Radio 1, Rampling’s catalyst-like influence has helped to shape dance music for over 20 years. He's spun tracks for George Michael, The Pet Shop Boys, Mick Hucknell, Gloria Estefan, Depeche Mode, Patrick Cox and Boy George, headlined the second birthday of the W hotel in Doha, and programmed catwalk music for top Italian fashion designer Antonio Berardi. Don't miss it!

Venue: Time: Entry: Reservations:

Rocca Poolside at Grand Hyatt Doha, West Bay Lagoon Doors open 9:00 p.m. Event ends at 2:00 a.m.

Guys: QR 100 entry including first drink free.

Ladies: free entry before 10:00 p.m. otherwise QR 100 including first drink free. I.D. required.

Table reservations: QR 150 per person including entry and first drink free.

Reservations in the DJ lounge or dining area: 7719-2974 or Email: headoffice@cocolatte.net

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

It’s All Sunny

for Cher

By Ashlee Starratt

Finishing fourth on Britain’s X-Factor in 2010 hasn’t stopped English singer Cher Lloyd’s star from rising. Her debut album, ‘Sticks + Stones’, dropped in late February and is available in stores now.

QH took it for a test drive to see if would rock our headphones.

X-Factor fans will remember their first glimpse of Cher Lloyd: walking on-stage in her ripped jeans, hair mussed, clearly nervous as she faced the judges. Then, she blew their minds with her aggressive rendition of Keri Hilson’s cover of Soulja Boy’s ‘Turn My Swag On’. It was clear by the looks on their faces and the screams of the audience that no one expected such a forceful, lilting sound to come from such a tiny person.

When Cher opens her mouth to sing, her presence becomes much bigger than the sum of her eighteen years. After her audition video went viral on YouTube, comparisons began to be drawn to Gwen Stefani in the hiccupping way she belted out her melodies. But most surprisingly is her ability to rap. She is incredibly good at it.

After X-Factor Cher was signed by Simon Cowell to Syco Music, a subsidiary of Sony Records and she began work on her first studio album, ‘Stick + Stones’, which saw its Middle Eastern debut on February 20, 2012. Laden with a mixture of pop numbers and quick-fire rap tracks, the

album has received fairly positive critical reception, entering at number four on the UK music charts after its release.

Produced by hip-hop guru RedOne, Lloyd collaborates with a number of well-known artists including Busta Rhymes and Mike Posner.

Stones’ has a lot of tracks that highlight the best of her talents. We’ll be interested to see if her follow-up album has an even more definitive niche, with less genrehopping and more of the pop themes that fans adore.

Some of the lighter, pop-based tracks are where Cher’s musical charisma shines best. ‘End Up Here’ and ‘Superhero’ are reminiscent of early Britney Spears, with a touch of Lily Allen, while her collaboration with Mike Posner on the second single off the album ‘With Ur Love’ has some R&B overtones that kept us hitting the repeat button.

Some of the more heavy-hitting tracks, like the lead single ‘Swagger Jagger’ just didn’t get our motor running; coming across as forced. Other numbers like ‘Grow Up’, a reggae-inspired homage, and ‘Dub On The Track’, a foray into dub-step, felt a like a mixed bag of genres that was a bit distracting.

‘Sticks + Stones’ is available at Virgin Megastore outlets in Villaggio and Landmark malls.

Overall Cher’s pop-vocal range and rapping ability are solid and ‘Sticks +

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SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

The

Music Man

Mark Bambach is resident DJ at Rocca, poolside at the Grand Hyatt, West Bay Lagoon. Catch him every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night. This month he brings us his top music picks to help you get your groove back on the dance floor.

CHILL OUT/LOUNGE MMELASHON – CHILDREN OF THE GHETTO (Maurice Joshua Digital) Maurice Joshua is without a doubt one of the innovators of house music, hailing from the city that started the genre, Chicago, Maurice was part of the legendary first label of house ‘Trax Records’.

Mmelashon meaning ‘eldest daughter saved from the waters’ is a Chicago-based gospel house singer. This beautiful soulful lounge track has all the ingredients of summer with soulful and broken beat mixes. Very classy house music!!

HOUSE MADEON - ICARUS Believe it or not Madeon is a 17-year old French house producer. He has over 100,000 Facebook like’s, was number one on the ‘Cool Cuts’ chart in February and is being championed by one of the biggest radio DJ’s in the world, Pete Tong. So things are looking pretty good for this producer who is not even allowed into clubs yet! ‘Icarus’ is a typical electro French production as only the French do and is currently in bidding wars with major labels. I’m thinking it’ll be signed very soon, most likely a vocal will be added in and it’ll be sitting high in the charts before summer. Look out for the kid !

COMMERCIAL/CLUB NADIA ALI – RAPTURE (Ministry Of Sound) Pakistani/American Libyan-born signer-

songwriter and Grammy-nominated Nadia Ali has had worldwide recognition in club-land from London to Ibiza. Nadia’s distinctive haunting style vocals were originally added to New York dance band Iio, as ‘Iio featuring Nadia Ali’ in 2001. Having already reached top 10 status around the globe ‘Rapture’ is back with an epic remix from quite possibly one of the biggest remixers in the business: Sweden’s 22-year old genius Avicii. Production is super tight and you’ll expect to hear all the Avicii trademarks, but this remix is guaranteed to take ‘Rapture’ straight to number one when it sees its re-release in early March 2012.

CHART/POP MADONNA – GIVE ME ALL YOU LUVIN’ (Interscope) Personally the last Madonna record I favoured was William Orbit’s ‘Ray Of Light’ back in 1998. And in my opinion after ‘Hung Up’ I felt it better that Madonna move to Las Vegas and sing jazz with a six-piece band. So, as I unzipped my promotional copy stating “WATERMARKED YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED” I was rather skeptical. That was until I saw “co-written by Martin Solveig”, of whom I am a huge admirer. And to my surprise, i’s not too bad. It’s a fast-tempo pop delivery with Solveig stamped all over it. The downside is Madonna is now a follower rather than a innovator as she used to be in the 80’s, jumping on the Solveig, Minaj & M.I.A bandwagon. Still it’s a catchy, quirky if slightly unoriginal pop number that’ll keep her in the charts another year. There

is also rumour of William Orbit re-touching the track, which does excite me more. So I guess she won’t be hanging up her leotard any time soon.

R&B/HIP HOP BRANDY & MONICA – IT ALL BELONGS TO ME (RCA) It only took Brandy & Monica FOURTEEN YEARS to release a follow up to the massive single ‘The Boy Is Mine’. Here the girls are sounding better than ever vocally with an excellent new single ‘It All Belongs To Me’ produced by Rico Love (Beyonce’s ‘Sweet Dreams’). It’s a down-tempo track with all the elements of true soul/R&B, steering clear of the current commercial R&B sound out there at moment. Both soul divas will have their own album releases featuring the track to follow the single. It’s a welcome return in my eyes, stripping it down and giving us some real soul.

ABOUT ROCCA: Rocca is a sophisticated Mediterranean influenced eatery, cocktail bar and DJ lounge, surrounded by turquoise swimming pools and nestled on the edge of West Bay Lagoon at the sumptuous Grand Hyatt Doha. Reservations essential Thursdays and Fridays and for Coco Latté's special parties once a month. Hotline: (+974) 77192974 Email: rocca.ghdoha@hyatt.com

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ENTERTAINMENT&& NIGHTLIFE NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS LISTINGS ENTERTAINMENT

ONE OF A KIND

Thai Cooking Classes

Sat 10th, Sat 17th, Sat 24th: Grand Hyatt Doha. Ready to wear the chef jacket and hat? Book at Isaan for authentic Thai cuisine advice from 10:30 a.m. till 12:00 Thurs 1st – Sat 3rd: W Doha. Move into p.m. QR 270 for the class including lunch, an oasis of musical splendour with the a soft beverages and a glass of in-house master of swing, jazz and boogie woogie: Dr. beverage.

For more information, Gabs, a genius on the keys and a voice to remember. From 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. and call 4448-1250 or 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. during Friday brunch. email isaan.ghdoha@hyatt.com For more information, call 4453-5135.

Dr. Gabs Back in Spice Market

DJ Stephane Karl

Thurs 1st, 15th and 29th: W Doha. From the hottest parties in St. Tropez, DJ Stephane Karl brings the best of electro house to Doha. From 11:00 p.m. till 2:30 a.m. For more information, call 4453-5135 or BBM 26E78A27

New Signature Drinks Selection at The Lounge

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st : Kempinski Doha.

The expert mixologists at The Lounge have prepared an exciting new signature drinks selection. 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4405 3325 or email thelounge.doha@kempinski.com

DJ JOJO

Thurs 9th: W Doha. Crystal presents DJ JOJO...All the way from Sky Bar in Beirut. From 11:00 p.m. till 2.30 a.m. For more information, call 4453- 5135 or BBM 26E78A27

Cooking Class

Fri 9th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. With Chef Ricardo. 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch. QR 265. For more information, call 4484 8000.

Monthly Vino Club Meeting

Mon 12th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Enjoy a variety of cheese and canapés in conjunction with exclusive vino, provided

by QDC. Open to members of the vino club only. New members are welcome. QR 4,500 for couples and QR 2,500 for singles. From 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Art of Cocktail Making

Fri 16th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. The Habanos team will teach you some of the most exciting combination. From 4:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. QR 225 per person. For reservations, call 4484- 8000.

Rocca – Shamrock Happy Day!

Sat 17th: Grand Hyatt Doha. Flying directly over from Dublin to Doha, the international Patrick’s Celebration will take place this year in Rocca. Enjoy this festive day and discover the Irish culture with traditional Irish music. Those who have a Shamrock drawn on their cheek will be able to benefit from great surprises during this joyful event.

For more information, call 4448-1272 or email rocca.ghdoha@hyatt.com

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R 2 QH st be htclub ur mu nig yo You nter all o bring t e t a to forge on c rd 't ati Don entific assport. p id or

Doha Mums St Patrick’s Day Celebration

Sat 17th: Rocca, Grand Hyatt. A special Irish set menu, drinks and Irish music will set the scene for a true Shamrock shindig. For further details, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Art of Cocktail Making Class

Fri 23rd: Sharq Village & Spa. Join the Cigar Lounge team and learn how to make winter warmers for your friends and family to enjoy during the cooler nights in March. QR 210 per person. From 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4425-6666.

DJ Bliss Big Friday Night

Fri 23rd: W Doha. With Radio One official DJ from Dubai nightlife. From 11:00 p.m. till 2.30 a.m. For more information, call 4453- 5135 or BBM 26E78A27

Hush Bongos

Fri 30th: W Doha. Big Friday night with DJ Greg and Hush Bongos, the percussionists. For more information, call 4453-5135.

EVERY WEEK DJ Night with DJ Roger Choueiry

Sundays: La Cigale. Enjoy the best in music from across the globe with this DJ. Rock out on the floor and dedicate your favourite songs to your special one at Madison Piano Bar. Ladies joining the DJ will enjoy one welcome drink on the house. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

No entrance fee. For more information, call 4428-8665.

The Latino Night

Sundays: Rotana Oryx. The Jazz Club has become one of the most distinguished destinations in Doha for jazz lovers, already offering a diverse mix of music. Enjoy the live musical Latino Jazz experience.

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ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS

Habanos Happy Hour

Saturdays – Wednesdays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Throughout the month of March enjoy two drinks for the price of one! From 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Admiral’s Happy Hour

Saturdays – Wednesdays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Throughout the month of March enjoy two drinks for the price of one! From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Rock Star, Season 2!

Mondays: InterContinental Doha. Join resident band Big Mouth on stage to perform the songs of your choice. Free drinks for everyone who participates and prizes for the weekly and monthly winners, to be chosen by the band! For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4936.

Champions League Football

DAILY

After Work Mexican Style!

Jazz Up

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Aqua Lounge Launch InterContinental Doha. Catch the games Daily: The West End at the Renaissance live on huge screens while enjoying special Doha City Center Hotel. The launch of the beverages. For more information, ultimate poolside relaxation spot. Located call 4484-4444. at its rooftop pool, it’s the ideal place for al fresco dining, refreshing juices and Hip N’ Fly specialty drinks. 5:00 p.m. till late daily. For Maher El Basha, the New Wednesdays: W Doha. Ladies Night more information, call 4419-6100.

One-Man-Show at Crystal, where all ladies get three complimentary drinks from 10:00 p.m.

Mondays – Saturdays: La Cigale. Enjoy Six Nations Live @ till 11:30 p.m.! Check-in at Crystal for a live Arabic music in the eclectic mix of the Champions! special flight with international DJs. For chic, elegant, Madison Piano Bar, which is Daily: The West End at the Renaissance more information, call 4453-5135 or BBM decked out in vibrant furnishings. Cozy and Doha City Center Hotel. Get together for the stylish, it offers a wide range of finger food, 26E78A27.

Six Nations rugby and get the chance to win sushi & sashimi and cigars complemented one of the private rooms on ‘Super Saturday’ by a selection of fine beverages. From 6:00 Ladies Big Night Out p.m. till 2:00 a.m.; live entertainment doesn’t Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. Big for you and your mates.

For more information, call 4419-6100. start before 10:00pm. For more information, Mouth will kick off the night in Paloma call 4428-8665. from 9:00 p.m., followed by DJ Shadi. DJ Very Happy Hour at The Paul Mendez will be in Lava from 10:00 p.m. The centre door will be open, allowing Lounge Mashups with Paul you to pass between the two rooms as you Daily: Kempinski Residences & Suites, Mendez, DJ Shadi and wish. Unlimited free drinks for ladies at Doha. Relax after work at The Lounge and Suzee X the bar in Paloma from 10:00 pm until late. benefit from the 50% discount on Tasting & Tuesdays: InterContinental Doha. The three QR 80 entrance for men; ladies enter free Sharing Menu and selected drinks. resident DJs presents their unique mashup of charge. Membership required. For more 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information, sounds at Lava with free drinks for ladies information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4936. call 4405 3325 or from 8:00 p.m. till late. For more information, email thelounge.doha@kempinski.com call 4484-4444.

Retro-electro

Tuesdays: W Doha. Wanna dance? Now’s your chance! This is the night to start, with cool tunes and a wide range of 80s and 90s hits. And that’s not all - three drinks for ladies on the house from 11:30 p.m. till 1:00 a.m. For more information, call 4453-5135 or BBM: 26E78A27.

Wednesdays - Sundays: Grand Hyatt Doha. Dunes Lounge is the place to be after a long and exhausting day! Buy one drink and get one free plus 50% discount on all snacks…unbeatable offer along with Avis and KC performing live Vegas-style. From 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. pm except Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information, call 4448-1280 or email dunes.ghdoha@hyatt.com

Daily: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. A new haven for jazz lovers in the heart of Doha. The perfect spot to chill out in contemporary, yet intimate surroundings while listening to smooth tunes and indulging in quality drinks, creative cocktails and an extensive snacks menu. For more information, call 4429-1111 or visit www.moevenpick-doha.com

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ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS

DJ Roger Choueiry at 7

Thursdays: La Cigale. Welcome the weekend with the hottest party in town with DJ Roger Choueiry. From 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. No entrance fee; no minimum charge for Ladies! For more information, call 4428-8665 (Membership required).

Shisha Under the Stars

Daily: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Come have your favorite shisha under the stars and enjoy traditional Arabic fair in the newly-opened Shisha Terrace. From 3:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QAR 65 per shisha; a la carte food and beverage menu available. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Happy Hours

Daily: Sharq Village & Spa. Throughout the month of February, enjoy two drinks for the price of one! At the Cigar Lounge from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and at Al Seef from 2:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 4425-6666.

Irish Harp

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Feel in Ireland at the heart of Doha. Enjoy live music with the famous Chavela Duo Band. This month try Spare Ribs Madness a la carte. For more information, call 4485-4444.

DJ/VDJ Tony Schwery

Daily: La Cigale. Enjoy a lovely night out under the stars at the rooftop bar, Sky View. Dine under the stunning Doha skyline with the hotel’s scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and mouth-watering desserts whilst listening to the best songs mixed by Doha’s newest DJ to the scene. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4428-8204.

WEEKEND Ultrachic

Thursdays: InterContinental Doha. Doha’s most refined House music night with unique music from Steve KZ and Paul Mendez with regular guests DJs. For more information, call 4484-4444.

Pure Crystal

Thursdays: W Doha. Let the night take over as international DJs play the best in eclectic house music. For more information, call 4453-5135 or BBM 26E78A27.

Resident DJ Bruno Rochart @ Wahm

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: W Doha. Bruno Rochart brings you the best grooves from European dance floors. Wed 9:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., Thurs and Fri 10:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Reserve your cabana by calling 4453-5135.

Sparkling Fridays at The Lounge Fridays: Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha. Ladies receive two complimentary glasses of bubbles. 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m.

For more information, call 4405 3325 or email thelounge.doha@kempinski.com

FIX with Suzee X

Fridays: InterContinental Doha. DJ Suzee X plays only the latest house and techno all night long. For more information, call 4484-4444.

Carnival Party

Fridays: W Doha. Enjoy a carnival party at Crystal with the DJ’s special twist, elaborate tunes mixed with a sprinkling of Crystal magic. From 10:00 p.m. till 3:00 a.m.

For more information, call 4453-5135 or BBM 26E78A27.

Salsa & Candela

Fridays: Sharq Village & Spa. QR 85 per person inclusive of a welcome drink. From 9:00 p.m. till 12:00 a.m. For more information, call 4425-6666.

Friday Night Fever

Fridays: La Cigale. 7 Nightclub presents a special DJ mix party with the renowned DJ Roger Choueiry, on board. From 9:00pm till 2:00am. No entrance fee for ladies with one drink on the house! For more information call 4428-8665 (Membership required).

Arabesque

Saturdays: W Doha. West meets East with DJ Omran & DJ Greg. For more information, call 4453-5135 or BBM 26E78A27.

Six Nations Rugby

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

Sip & Savour

Saturdays - Thursdays: W Doha. Sip one, the second is on the house, together with complimentary Spice Market snacks. From 5:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5363.

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Treat your mom to an Asian themed dinner buffet at Seasons restaurant on Mother’s day March 21st, to get the chance to win her a captivating pearl and diamond set curtsey of Lone Star Jewelry.

Perfectly priced at just QR 140 per person for adults, children from the age of 12 to 16 receive 50% discount and those under the age of 12 eat absolutely free.

Cherish your mom

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

on her special day.

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ha ar 00 m

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THIS MONTH'S

TOP PICKS

ARTS & CULTURE

“Writing about Art” Seminars With ArtAsiaPacific Editor-At-Large HG Masters Tues 13th - Mon 19th; wrap-up session on Sat 24th: Mathaf: Arab

El-Masri Oud Concerto (World Premiere) Sat 10th: Opera House, Katara Cultural

Village. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra featuring conductor Thomas Kalb and Charbel Rouhana on the oud. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

Strauss in Italy

Sat 17th: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Thomas Kalb and violinist Omar Chen Guey performing Strauss’s Gandrille: Concerto for violin and orchestra. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

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Museum of Modern Art. Choose from a number of one-day seminars on writing about art tailored to different interests and experience levels. Participants will gain critical skills in discussing artwork, exhibitions, the Global Art Forum and more. Sessions will be led by HG Masters, editor-at-large for ArtAsiaPacific, the leading periodical covering contemporary art and culture from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region.

Time to be confirmed. Price is free. Spoken in English with Arabic translation support.

RSVP necessary. For more information email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa

Global Art Forum

Sun 18th – Mon 19th: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.

Last year's Global Art Forum drew in artists, scholars, and museum directors, including keynote speaker Chris Dercon, Director of the Tate Modern. This year's Global Art Forum happens in Doha and at Art Dubai from March 21 -24 under the theme ‘The Medium of Media’. Sun18th from 2:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m, and Mon 19th from 2:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Price: Free. Language: English, with simultaneous translation available. RSVP necessary. For more information, email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa

Crossing Boundaries Lecture Series presents Juhani Pallasmaa

Wed 21st: The Atrium at VCUQatar.

Juhani Uolevi Pallasmaa is a Finnish architect and former professor of architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology and a former director of the Museum of Finnish Architecture. He runs his own architect's office – Arkkitehtitoimisto Juhani Pallasmaa KY – in Helsinki and his exhibitions of Finnish architecture, planning and visual arts have been displayed in more than thirty countries. Open to the public. Starts at 6:00 p..m. For more information, call 4402-0555 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu 31

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE

Impressions of Syria at Al Markhiya Gallery

By Christina Maria Paschyn

A new exhibit in the Souq showcases the talents of two visiting Syrian artists, Abdullah Murad and Ghassan Nana. QH met with both painters as they interpret their esthetic through a combination of mixed media and oil canvases.

I

’m tense when I arrive at Souq Waqif.

Traffic was bad and now I’m late to meet the artists of a new exhibition at the Al Markhiya Gallery there. After I spend several minutes pacing up and down the souq’s main street, desperately trying to locate the gallery’s entrance, I finally find it about two blocks behind the Zaatar W Zeit cafe.

of Arab artists, particularly those living in Qatar. The gallery holds about 10 exhibitions per season; their flagship event is called ‘40 Minus’, a show dedicated to highlighting the work of young Arab artists below the age of forty.

But today I am here to meet Abdullah Murad and Ghassan Nana, two artists from Damascus who are making their exhibition debut in Doha.

Murad and Nana have been friends for most of their professional lives; they live on the same street in Damascus, which is also the home of dozens of other Syrian artists and art studios. They often tour together because, as Murad explains to me through a translator, although they may have very different artistic interests, visions and characters, their work complements each other’s. I can see what he means.

Murad’s art is modern and abstract whereas Nana’s is much more traditional; they operate on opposite ends of the spectrum.

"It’s a mysterious statement from an equally mysterious artist. His work keeps me intrigued long after I have left the gallery."

I drag my flustered self through the door and allow my eyes a passing glance at the art on the walls.

Unexpectedly, I feel my shoulders start to relax. The art gallery, a small two-story building made of white stones, is cool and quiet. Only the artists and my photographer are inside waiting for me and the gallery’s calm and soothing atmosphere slowly envelops me. I take a deep breath and begin to gaze at the artwork surrounding us, an interesting collection of varied textiles and vibrant colours. I wonder why I have never bothered to visit this art gallery before.

The Al Markhiya Gallery’s mission is to support and bring attention to the work

Murad’s work consists of many mixed collages, and I ponder each of his canvases carefully, trying to decipher symbols, shapes and meaning behind each one. It’s a guessing game for the viewer, a game

Abdullah Murad

that Murad also seems to engage in when creating his art.

“After graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, I became convinced that art is an invention of reality and not simply a reflection. I was therefore impressed by the modernism of artists such as Ernst, Gorky, Kandinsky, Klee and Miro to name but a few,” he wrote in the exhibition brochure.

“My evolutionary diagram is a wave.

Furthermore, the fact that creating art is difficult places me in a constant state of anxiety and doubt. I myself am always confused by the question, “what does this painting mean?” For me the answer is always the same: it means itself. Each painting has its own special identity; it has nothing to do with any other, but is a mixture of colours moving in a private world, away from speech or the written word. I

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE

Ghassan Nana

like to say that a painting is a language fabricated from silence that can be heard by the eye and felt by the brain.”

It’s a mysterious statement from an equally mysterious artist. His work keeps me intrigued long after I have left the gallery.

Nana’s artwork, on the other hand, is somewhat easier to interpret but is no less captivating. His paintings resemble the masterpieces of the Impressionist era.

Each art piece invokes a different emotion and moment in time. On the upper floor, his work seems mostly bright and airy in tone; he depicts colourful scenes from the French Revolution. But it also becomes clear that he has a penchant for painting musicians. One stunning painting of a violinist and pianist playing together conveys a dark and even disconcerting tone through Nana’s use of oil to create evocative shadows on the canvas; I think to myself that this is the one painting here I would purchase if I could afford it.

Meanwhile, Nana’s nebulous paintings on the lower level recall for me the religious stories I heard when I was child, although

I am not certain that this was the artist’s intention. According to Nana’s introduction in the exhibition program, he is more interested in viewers’ emotions than their interpretations of his work.

dreams and hallucinations are all related to humanity.”

“For me art is interpreted by the senses.

Art cannot be ‘explained’ but is rather a transfer of signs and symbols to one’s emotions and brain that reflect basic human concepts such as love, pleasure, sadness and fear. If art has not been successfully conveyed to the viewer these ‘signs’ remain simply lines and colours.”

What is certain is that Nana’s artistic passion is deeply tied to his vision and hopes for society.

“I have dreamed and I am still dreaming of a better world…My vision was formed by life, nature, history, people and world problems, and then by the works of important artists in history such as Bruegel, Goya, Rembrandt and the blue and war periods of Picasso and the dreams and visions of Jerome Bush. From cloud faces to icons to Islamic geometrical forms, by

The Abdullah Murad and Ghassan Nana exhibition at Al Markhiya Gallery in Souq Waqif runs until March 3. Gallery hours are Saturday-Thursday: 10am-12pm and 4pm10pm. Fridays from 4pm-10pm.

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE

Here To Stay

By Ashlee Starratt

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes concertmaster for violin, Eugen Bold, as he makes his chamber music debut in Doha this month in an uplifting musical series showcasing the best of the genre. QH delves deeper to discover the roots of his talent and the allure of performing in Qatar, the city he now calls home.

I

am the first to admit that I know next to nothing about chamber music, and what little I do know is full of misperceptions and pre-conceived ideas. Orchestral music was not a genre I grew up listening to, much to my loss as I quickly find out. So it’s with great interest that I have the opportunity to ask Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s new concertmaster for violin, Eugen Bold, and his colleague Dmitri Torchinsky a few questions on the chamber music series for March, in which Bold is making his Doha debut in the chamber ensemble.

For those who aren’t familiar with this sub-set of classical music, its arrangements are written specifically for small groups of performers with only one instrument per part and were historically played for a smaller audience in a more intimate setting such as a chamber in someone’s home.

“Chamber music offers a lot more inter-personal connection, because there are fewer people on the stage”, says Torchinsky. “You have the ability to follow each one individually throughout by having a player cap. I think if you’ve never been to a classical music concert then there’s a little bit of a stigma attached to it…it’s something boring and you have to know about it to understand it, and that’s something I strongly disagree with. I think a talent on the stage and personality in a musician it carries across all borders and it doesn’t matter. It’s cross-religion, cross-cultural, cross-generational. It really works. “ Bold, no stranger to the chamber music scene, having performed internationally across Asia, Europe, South America and the United States, agrees: “A chamber concert has its special pace, its perfume, it is best for those who want to listen to music that

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & CULTURE again on stage.” When asked where he sees himself in five years his answer is immediate. “Right here”, he says. “I love QPO, I feel like I’m in a big family. It is a wonderful orchestra with great potential and I look forward to many beautiful musical projects here in Doha. I arrived a few months ago and so far my family and I are enjoying it a lot: a multicultural society with a rich and beautiful tradition.”

involves just a few players, not a grandiose display of instruments and sounds like in a full orchestra concert…it has a more intimate feeling, there is a certain hidden communication between the players and the audience. Every instrument has something to say with its unique line.”

been positive, bonding with both his fellow musicians and audiences in an environment that keeps him eager to go on stage every night. “Playing music is a unique experience every single moment,” he says. “You

Bold will play the violin lead in the QPO’s chamber music concert of ‘The Love Triangle’, a selection of piano and violin sonatas written by composers Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Clara Schumann, reflecting their close professional and personal ties throughout much of their creative lives.

Speaking on the violin, Bold expresses a deep respect for the instrument that has brought him so far. “It may be the only

Born in Bucharest, Romania, Bold received his first violin at the age of seven and has been competing internationally since he was ten years old. Music has been such a part of his life it is almost like breathing.

“I was surrounded by music in my family, he says, “My mother was playing the piano, my father the violin. Since the beginning he regularly composed short trios or quartets for my sister and I, (so chamber music!) and I couldn’t wait for the next one to come.

My father was an excellent musician and teacher and this is how my music training started. I went on studying, playing with lots of other musicians, meeting teachers, violinists and all the musical experiences, master classes and concerts brought their contributions and shaped me.”

Bold went on to complete a Masters and Advanced Studies at the renowned Juilliard School in New York after graduating from the Romanian Academy of Music. His commitment to his music has brought him international success, with prior appointments with the Orchestra de la Comunitat Valenciana in Spain, the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra in Brazil and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few. For Bold the move to Qatar has

cannot play the same way twice. It is not about technical perfection but more about the artistic side of it. We are playing music for the public, but also for ourselves. We are trying to convey the beauty and truth in music and it is very interesting to notice how, in time, the perspective on things changes and evolves within oneself. It is an ongoing and self- revelatory process and once started on this journey, one becomes hooked. I think that both these factors -- our inner voices as well as the communication with the public, keep calling us again and

instrument which has so many similarities with the human voice,” he says. “Therefore when playing the violin I always feel like I am speaking and also singing. It made it easy for me to express my feelings on it.”

If QPO music fans are lucky, Doha will benefit from the music of Bold’s violin for many years to come.

The Chamber Music series is sponsored by IBQ and presented by the American School of Doha. For more info please visit www.asdchambermusic.com 35

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SPOTLIGHT ON ARTS & LISTINGS CULTURE ARTS & CULTURE

ONE OF A KIND Violin Showpieces

Sat 3rd: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Andreas S. Weiser, conductor, Jiří Vodiřka, violin, Berlioz: Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9, Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), Op.20, Brahms: Hungarian Dance No.1, Massenet: Méditation from Thaïs, Rossini: Overture to William Tell, Verdi: Ballet Music from Aida, Rachmaninoff: Vocalise for violin and orchestra, Bazzini: Le ronde des Lutins (The Dance of the Goblins), scherzo fantastique, Op. 25, Smetana: The Moldau (Vltava) from My Fatherland (Ma Vlast). Starts at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

Art exhibition for Iraqi artist, Falah Al Saeidi

5th – 31st: Al Markhiya Gallery. Exhibition for Iraqi artist, Falah Al Saeidi. Saturdays -Thursdays 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., Fridays 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Free admission. For more information call Heather Alnuweiri on 6600-8750.

Beaded Prayers Project Exhbition

Tues 13th: The Gallery at VCUQatar. The Beaded Prayers project was launched in 1998 as an international collaborative project to celebrate diversity and unity through a participatory art form. The project comprises a lecture that discusses the history, concept and influences of the project, a workshop in which participants contribute to the project and a travelling exhibit that displays the accumulation of the pieces created. The exhibition is curated by Sonya Clark, chair of the Craft/ Material Studies Department at VCU School of the Arts in Richmond, Virginia, who is also the project director. Open to the public.

Starts at. 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 4402-0555 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu

Chamber Music Series: Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings

Wed 14th: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Flóra Kovács, violin, Dina Leini, violin, Lorena Manescu, violin, Dmitri Torchinsky, violin, Ruriko Yamamoto, violin, Nora Bacsovics, violin, Anikó Kovács, violin, Raluca Stancel, violin, Victor Soumenkov, viola, Edita Fabek, viola, Ines Wein, viola, Kirill Bogatyrev, Another Look with Dr. cello, Ivaylo Daskalov, cello, Harald Georgi, Jackie Armijo cello, Sandor Onodi, double bass. Rossini: Tues 6th: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Join Qatar University professor Sonata No.1 in G major for string orchestra, Dr. Jackie Armijo as she provides historical Liszt: Mephisto Waltz for string orchestra, Dvořák: Serenade in E major for string context to the relationship between the orchestra, Op.22. Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Gulf and China, drawing on themes of For more information, trade, cultural exchange, and language. visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org Price: Free. English, with simultaneous translation available. Starts at 6:00 p.m.

RSVP necessary. For more information Chamber Music Series: email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa Debussy, Hindemith and

Chamber Music Series

Wed 7th: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Daniel Edelhoff, trumpet. Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

Mozart

Wed 21st: Opera House, Katara Cultural Village. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Nicole Preßler, flute, Claire Glago, oboe, Rony Moser, clarinet, Daniel Hrinda, bassoon, (Debussy and Hindemith), Yoshiko Koyama, bassoon (Mozart), Gideon Seidenberg, horn, Ai Moser, piano. Debussy: Petite Suite for Wind Quintet, Hindemith: Kleine Kammermusik Op. 24 No. 2 wind quintet, Mozart: Quintet for piano, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon, in E Flat Major, KV 452.

Starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

Gathering the Tide: An Anthology of Contemporary Arabian Gulf Poetry Book Launch

28th and 29th: The Atrium at VCUQatar. The book launch will feature panel discussions, readings and the debut of a student film based on the anthology. Sixteen Gulf poets will be participating, including Nujoom Al Ghanem, Thani Al Suwaidi, Maisoon Saqr Al Qasimi and Abdullah Al Salem. They will be joined by renowned translators and scholars from the region and beyond. Panel discussions will be moderated by Margaret Obank, editor of Banipal, and Middle East scholar Miriam Cooke. The anthology is edited by Patty Paine, Jeff Lodge and Samia Touati. Open to the public. Starts at 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4402-0555 or visit www.qatar.vcu.edu

EVERY WEEK Mathaf Voices Tours

Saturdays: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Join Mathaf Voices interns for special tours of exhibitions, held in English and Arabic. 12:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m.

Price: Free. Tours are first-come, first-serve.

Please arrive early to ensure space.

For more information, email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa

DAILY Visual & Studio Arts

Daily: IAID. The visual and studio arts program is a progressive course from Beginners, Advanced, Fine Arts 1 and 2 that covers colour theory, art styles, drawing and painting techniques, shapes and figures, visual art perception and portraits with the use of various art mediums. For more information, call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org 37

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THIS MONTH'S

TOP PICKS

COMMUNITY

How Women Work Conference 2012

Wed 7th and Thurs 8th: Renaissance

Hotel. A conference to nurture personal development, professional growth & organizational change. Tickets available at Virgin, QR 700 (QR 500 with valid student ID). For more information, visit www. hwwqatar.com or call 6688-7572 visit www.sustainableqatar.com

Feng Shui for Residence

Sundays in March: Virginia Commonwealth University. Instructed by Bonna Bech, participants will learn how to organize spaces in her/his house based on feng shui principles thereby activating support for personal goals in her/his life aspirations. 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. 8 classes QR 1000. For more information, visit www.qatar.vcu.edu

Dhow Boat Trip

Sat 24th: Dhow Harbour. Enjoy a cruise to Al

Talking Matters

Mon 13th and Mon 27th: Oryx Rotana. Develop into an excellent communicator, leader and human being.

Meetings held at 7:00 p.m. Contact Faizal Arikkoth 6609-9047 or Paul Easy 5580-7524.

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Safliya Island, with a great view of Doha from the bay. Once there, you will be served a delicious BBQ by the onboard chef and have the opportunity to swim in the waters off the island. Soft drinks will be provided and life jackets for all passengers will be available. 2:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. For further details, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Garden Club

Mon 26th: The One Coffee Shop, Landmark.

Join the Garden Club to talk about all things green! They have regular presenters and garden tours. This month they will visit the Garden Souqs. From 10:30 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com 39 2/26/12 12:16 PM

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

The

Road

To Empowerment

By Ashlee Starratt

March 8 is International Women's Day with events held worldwide and the How Women Work Conference is back in Doha for the third year at the Renaissance Hotel March 7-8. QH sat down with founder Carolin Zeitler to find out why women in the workforce and the way they work, matter.

A

s so many journeys do, the road to empowerment for Carolin Zeitler began with a single step. Arriving in Doha from Germany a little over four years ago, Zeitler found herself at the time feeling a little lonely and out of place.

group of women sharing a vision has expanded into a conference bringing together a wealth of female professionals representing the diversity of Qatar. With this year’s event poised to attract around 300 women, Zeitler has high hopes for continued positive outcomes. “We believe that every woman has a voice, and we want to hear those voices,” she says. “

"We believe that every woman has a voice, and Our target audience are women who aspirations and ambitions, we want to hear have woman with a vision, woman who to go somewhere. It doesn’t those voices," she want matter where she stands in her life at the moment it’s just important says."

She was living in a compound where the majority of her female neighbours stayed home with their children and were not active in the workforce. Zeitler, ever the visionary, asked herself why they weren’t out there and what their hopes and aspirations might be. From that sprung

These Ladies Mean Business, a group of likeminded women spear-headed by Zeitler who met on a monthly basis to network and discuss business ideas. Fast-forward a few years later and what started out as a small

that it’s a woman who wants to do something -- whether that something is a business or a charity or a project of her own.

“The How Women Work conference can help them get there.

There are streams tailored for every woman’s needs and level of experience in the workforce: entrepreneurs and experts, corporate employees and individuals.

Within each stream there are smaller breakout groups, forums and workshops covering a wide variety of issues that affect working women.

For example, Zeitler says that one of their most anticipated forum topics at this year’s event is ‘Women and the City: Infrastructure Solutions in Doha’. Panelists will discuss how development in the city is evolving to better meet the needs of women who balance both a family life and a career.

“There are still a lot of challenges in terms of infrastructure in Doha,” says Zeitler. “And many of them have been addressed over the last few years. [...] there needs to be a kind of practical solution for women to be able to work and look after their family, you know?

So they can just do things on the way from here to there, where at the moment it’s quite challenging still.

I know for my dry-cleaner I have to go to one end of the city and for my bakery, I have to go to the other end. “ Other workshops offered this year include, to name a few: ‘How To Use Social Media To Skyrocket

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY “I think as always, some of those barriers are more in the mind, you know? People come here and they think ‘Oh everything’s so difficult here in Qatar and I don’t know how to do this and I would like to do something but I don’t know how to go about it.’

Especially expatriate women…they see a lot of barriers, you know? And we would like to get women together so they can exchange with [each other] and find out that actually, it’s not as difficult as it looks.

Of course there are difficulties; challenges like everywhere, but I don’t believe that there are more challenges in Qatar to being successful than anywhere else. “ If anticipated enrolment figures for this year’s conference are any indication, then Zeitler ‘s vision for personal and professional development in the female workforce here in Qatar is sure to reach the heights she hopes.

Your Business or Website’, ‘Qatar – Women Doing Business’, ‘Understanding Cultures’, ‘Sustaining Success in Doha – Is It Possible?’, and even ‘What Hue Are You? Colour Confidence’. When asked how the role of women in the workplace has been changing here in Qatar, Zeitler is enthusiastic: “Well, I’ve been here for four and a half years now and in that time I’ve already seen the changes.

Most notably through the publication of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Development Strategy which has a really strong emphasis on women’s development and really wanting women in the workplace. The young women here are amazingly well-educated. And actually Qatar has one of the highest rates of education in the whole Gulf region amongst the women.

And so the Qatari government is really trying to encourage women to come

into the workplace more and more, because in the past there was a situation where there were a lot of girls getting degrees, but then they never did anything with them. So now the government is looking at how they can improve the situation. So for the next five years the goal is to have a 30 per cent increase in women in leadership, [according to] the Qatar National Development Strategy, so it’s really great. “ Last year, Zeitler published a groundbreaking book here in Qatar called ‘How Women Succeed’.

Smiling, she reflects on all she has learned in talking to women and compiling their stories. She says that the two keys to success that kept coming up were “authenticity and continuous growth”, proactive examples of ways for women to break down barriers to employment and success.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Tickets are available at Virgin Megastore locations in Villaggio and Landmark malls or online at www.virginmegastores.me QR 700 regular price and QR 500 with valid student I.D. Once tickets have been purchased go to www.qatar.com and click on the ‘Sign Me Up’ button to register for workshops.

Workshop openings are available on a firstcome, first-served basis but a pre-purchased ticket is required.

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

Why I Do

What I Do

By Khalifa Saleh Haroon

I Love Qatar’s main man takes us behind the scenes in his busy life to tell us what keeps him writing, what keeps him moving and what keeps him involved in every aspect of life in the country he loves so much. that, as a grateful citizen, shouldn’t it be everyone’s duty to help lift the boulder of responsibility off of his shoulders? Shouldn’t we at least try to remove some of that pressure by helping to make Qatar the best country that it can be?

Some people know it and some people don’t, but ILQ uses profit generated to give back to the community. Loads of people from ILQ’s community group together to support causes like the Animal Welfare Society, Think Pink, Wear Something Yellow, Beat the Heat, World Environment Day, and the list goes on. That in itself is something to be proud of.

I

t’s not really difficult to explain why I do what I do. ‘I Love Qatar’ (ILQ) was always meant to be a vehicle to help show people that Qataris care. It’s easy to get a Qatari to love Qatar, so I wanted to get expats to love Qatar. The strategy is quite simple:

With everything that I do, I want to make my parents proud, I want to make my future children proud, and of course I want to make the Emir proud. I’m seeing more and more young Qataris stand up and try to help shape Qatar their own way; whether they’re focusing on charitable causes, focusing on entrepreneurship or even focusing on helping other fellow Qataris be all that they can be.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m probably not going to change the world, so I’ll give making Qatar a better place a go.

1) Support the local community and help charities.

2) Build a reputation based on giving people a voice.

3) Show people what your true purpose is. (In this case, it’s to make Qatar a better place).

One of the biggest signs of respect in our culture is to kiss someone on their head. I’d kiss my grand- parents or my parents for example. I’d also kiss the Emir on his head; I genuinely feel like he cares about his people. More than that, he cares about the future of the Middle East. He’s taken a lot of burden on his shoulders by trying to promote peace in the region. Qatar helped Lebanon, Darfur, Libya; the list goes on, so as a good citizen -- no scratch

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

g n i h c t Ca Waves

rContinental te In e th th n o This m sting its first Doha will be ho aft Race. dR annual Recycle l Doha is InterContinenta ring a greener u s n e to d te it comm generations, re tu fu r fo w o tomorr t showcases jus and this event vity can go ti a re c e tl lit a r how fa ld otherwise u o w t a th s m e with it be discarded.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Thursday March 29, 2012

P

articipating teams will be challenged to build a safe, seaworthy craft out of recycled materials and race it around a pre-set course. Points will be awarded to the most creative raft and stylish crew as well as for those who finish the course in the fastest time. Winning teams will receive an assortment of amazing prizes. Team registration is QR 500 for schools and QR 1,000 for companies. Team size cannot exceed six people.

For those not racing, the beach is the perfect spot for a family day out. A kids’ village with a bouncy castle, music, face painting, beach soccer and an assortment of fun, interactive games will keep the little ones entertained while Mom and Dad enjoy the race, soak up the sun and savour the 5-star food and beverages available.

Entrance for the day is QR 50 per person or QR 200 per family (up to six people).

Anticipation for an extremely large turnout his high for this first of its kind event in Doha, so register your team early and start building your raft! All funds generated from this event will go towards the InterContinental Doha Back to Nature Project, which oversees the monthly clean-up of Safliya Island.

The Awards 1st, 2nd, 3rd place race finishers.

The Tea Cup Award: awarded to the raft with the best synthesis of creativity, engineering, and speed – chosen from the first three finishers of the main race.

- The Fabulous GM`s Award: presented to the raft more likely to cause a spectacle than win the race.

- The Van Gogh Award: presented to the most artistic raft.

- The Flop Award: presented to the raft with the most impressive failure.

• New Beach gates open at 8 a.m. for boat delivery and final adjustments.

• New Beach gates close at 4 p.m.

Friday March 30, 2012 • 8:00 a.m: Gates open for race participants • 9:30 a.m: Gates open to the public with and admission fee of QR 50 per person or QR 200 per family • 10:00 a.m: Welcome address by the MC • 10:00 a.m.: Kids Village opens: this area will include a bouncy castle, face painting, beach soccer and DJ music.

• 10:15 a.m: Safety inspection of teams and boats by Hotel Recreation Team • 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m: Food and drink will be available throughout the event at the InterContinental Doha Pool Bar restaurant • 11:00 a.m: Teams parade their boats on the new beach for judging • 12noon – 3 p.m: Races start • 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m: Awards presentation by the MC to the winning teams • 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m: Teams to remove rafts from the InterContinental Doha New Beach area • 6:00 p.m: Event closes

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

Doha Players Are Off To See The Wizard

By Christina Maria Paschyn

QH taps our ruby slippers all the way to the Doha British Montessori School as the Doha Players gear up to bring their rendition of L. Frank Baum’s classic adventure tale to life.

O

ne early Friday morning, a lion, a tin man and a scarecrow stood together chatting as munchkins frolicked with a tiny white puppy.

A pretty girl in a blue-and-white dress sat primping her chestnut hair, while a green witch with a pointy black hat crouched in a corner to practice her cackle.

Welcome to Oz, a merry old land filled with magic, music and adventure. To get here, all you have to do is follow the yellow brick road - after you’ve purchased your boarding pass from Villaggio or Landmark.

This month, Doha residents will have the chance to see one of the greatest children’s stories ever told come to life in the Doha Players’ production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

The classic tale, written by L. Frank Baum in 1900, tells the story of a Kansas farm girl named Dorothy and her feisty dog Toto, who are swept away by a tornado to a fairytale land. On their quest to return home, Dorothy and Toto join forces with a scarecrow, a tin man and a cowardly lion to battle a wicked witch and find the mysterious wizard who can make all their dreams come true.

“It’s been around forever and forever and forever. Who doesn’t know the story of the Wizard of Oz!” said director Angela Walton, who has led rehearsals for the show for the past five months.

Most audiences will remember the film version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the 1939 Technicolor hit that made actress Judy Garland a star. But the Doha Players’ rendition stays true to the original stage version, which features a number of songs and scenes probably unfamiliar to the movie’s fans.

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

worried; she always has dog snacks ready in case Henry can’t keep still on stage. The young beauty is playing Dorothy, her first lead role, and she hopes audiences will notice her unique twist to the character.

“I’m not exactly like Dorothy in real life, I’m more moody. So sometimes I guess I can bring a kind of sarcasm,” Potter explained.

But she won’t mind if her character’s subtext is beyond the grasp of some of the audience.

“There are jokes in the show that adults will get and jokes that kids will get, and the play is just really bright, happy and fun,” she said.

Bruce Cross, who plays the Scarecrow, is thrilled to be making his performing debut with the group. Although new to Doha, Cross is confident theatre lovers of all ages here will enjoy the show. “I think the age groups that come and see this, everybody from age three and upwards, will enjoy seeing Dorothy succeeding. It’s a good ending, a warm story,” Cross said.

The show is a first for many in the cast.

Mark Slade and Donald Rikley, who play the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man respectively, are also newcomers to Qatar and to the Doha Players.

“It’s made us feel quite at home, doing something we’re both quite familiar with and bringing that to Doha, and working with a lot of expats who have come from all over the world,” Slade explained. “It’s helped me to settle much quicker.”

Rikley echoed his sentiment: “I think people who come to see the show will see how much fun we’re having; we get along with each other, and that will come across in the show.”

Director Walton thinks the production will satisfy the Doha community’s craving for live entertainment: “We’re just starved of live theatre in Doha. And [this show] is great because people can come and be transformed to Emerald City and to Kansas and to Oz. For two and a half hours you forget your troubles.”

Indeed, even at this rehearsal, it’s hard not to get carried away by the cast’s boisterous mood. The 50 munchkins are the most intriguing to watch. Bubbling with anticipation, the school-children are eager to put on their Emerald City costumes: glitzy green dresses and suits that were handmade for the production.

But right now, they are captivated by another star of the show: Henry, a fiveyear-old white Bichon Frise who is quite possibly the happiest puppy this reporter has ever seen. He may not look like the original Toto, but the kids don’t seem to mind. “He’s as fluffy as a cloud,” exclaims a little boy as he scoops up the pooch in his arms.

Word on the street is Henry may unintentionally steal the show. His owner says the pup can’t seem to stop barking when the Scarecrow falls down, the Wicked Witch cackles or the Lion roars.

But 16-year-old Katie Potter isn’t too

INFORMATION The Doha Players’ production of The Wizard of Oz will run from March 14-24th at the Doha British School. Tickets range from 75-100 QAR and can be purchased from The One at Villaggio and Landmark malls.

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SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY

Diplomatic Bazaar

Hits Qatar

The Social Development Center will host the 8th Multicultural Diplomatic Bazaar. QH tells you everything you need to know about this important annual event.

Following much anticipation, the Social Development Center (SDC) announced that March 2012 has been set as the date for the long awaited Diplomatic Bazaar. The culturally rich charity exhibit will feature different diplomatic conglomerates present in Qatar.

Held annually, the Diplomatic Bazaar has become part of Qatar’s community fabric, designed to celebrate different cultures. The 2012 Bazaar will take place at Katara, the Cultural Village and will feature traditional food, clothes, jewellery and a selection of art and decoration items from the different participating countries.

“The Diplomatic Bazaar plays multiple roles in Qatar’s community development and we are proud to hold this iconic event for the eighth consecutive year,” said Amal Al Mannai, Executive Director, SDC. “This Bazaar has successfully highlighted the presence of the Diplomatic Corps in the State of Qatar, introduced the cultures of different countries to Qatari society and to each other and more importantly continues

to raise significant funds to support SDC’s community projects and initiatives.”

Funds raised from the 2012 charity bazaar will be directed towards SDC’s developmental projects, which include social awareness campaigns, vocational training centres and healthcare facilities.

The event was first held in 1999 to raise funds to support the design, first stage implementation, and operation of Sheikha Haya Bint Nasser Factory for Industrial Dressmaking, a non-profit project developed to create job and training opportunities in the field of tailoring.

Prior bazaars also contributed to the establishment of Al-Birr Residential Compound that funds the Center’s projects and the ‘Adwamahou Wa In Qall’ project, which is designed to support underprivileged families help improve their financial security.

About SDC

The Social Development Center (SDC) was established in 1996, under the patronage

of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.

A non-profit, social and development organization, the center is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development. On an international level, SDC holds membership in the Arab NGO Network, World Family Organization, and the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Dates

March 15-16, 2012

Timings

Thursday, March 15: 9am – 9:30pm Friday, March 16: 4pm – 10pm

Location

Katara, The Cultural Village This event is open to the public and does not require any tickets.

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COMMUNITY LISTINGS

ONE OF A KIND Breastfeeding Support Group Tue 6th: Various. Some find it tough,

others find it easy ... it’s nice to meet other moms who are doing the same. Babies and their siblings of any age are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. From 9:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.dohamums. com or email events@dohamums.com.

Depression Support Group

Wed 7th: Various. For those of you who are feeling low and do not know what is wrong, this group will by no means be a cure but it will give you someone to talk to and let you know where to get professional help. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m.

Locations change monthly so check out the website Doha

Doha Mums Book Swap

Wed 14th and Wed 28th: Costa Coffee,

Toy Swap Event

Sat 31st: Al Faisaliya compound Al Waab. Bring ‘outgrown’ toys and swap them for new ones. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email: events@ dohamums.com

EVERY WEEK Fertility Support Group Sundays: Al Soudan (near Billboard

Intersection). Are you experiencing a challenging fertility journey and need someone to talk to in a similar position?

From time to time, guest speakers will be invited along to provide information and be available for Q&A in a more intimate environment than the formality of the consulting room. For more information, visit www.fertilityA@dohamums.com

Drawing and painting workshops Mondays: Institut Francais French

Pearl-Qatar. 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

School. Explore the techniques to draw accurately, get the skills to use tones, textures and colours. The course is in French, the instructor also speaks English. 8:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 4493- 0268 or visit www. institutfrancais-qatar.com

Hope Floats – Raft Race

New Arrivals Coffee

Fri 30th: InterContinental Doha. The 1st

Annual Recycled Raft Race. Participating teams will be challenged to build a safe seaworthy craft out of recycled materials and race it around a pre-set course. Winning teams will receive an assortment of amazing prizes. Team registration is QR 500 for schools, and QR 1000 for companies. Your team size cannot exceed 6 persons. For those not racing, the beach is the perfect spot for a family day out. Entrance for the day is QR 50 per person, or QR 200 per family (up to 6 persons). For more information, call 44844852.

ore For m nity u comm gs, n i list k out h c ec m ing.co ppen

atarha

www.q

Mondays: Hyatt Plaza. Join the Doha Mums in welcoming prospective members to Doha at the Café de Chalet! It is located near the “middle entrance” of Hyatt Plaza, and at the far end of Kiddy Zone (the enclosed toy store “kiosk”). Kids are treated to free play on a bouncy castle courtesy of Kiddy Zone. From 9:30 a.m. No RSVP necessary. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@ dohamums.com

Book Club

Wednesdays: Institut Francais French School. An opportunity to discuss thoughtprovoking and topical books. The reading list is chosen by book club members and ranges from contemporary prize-winners to literary classics. A lively discussion is always guaranteed. Meeting once a month.

For more information, call 4493- 0268 or visit www.institutfrancais-qatar.com

Doha Mums Pearl Coffee Break Wednesdays: The Pearl-Qatar. Calling

all moms on The Pearl to go to HaagenDazs, near Tower 4. From 3:00 p.m. till 4.30 p.m. for a social catch up. Colouring books and pencils will be provided for the little ones. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@ dohamums.com

French Conversation Workshop

Thursdays and Saturdays: Institut Francais French School. Improve your comprehension of the spoken language and gain confidence in speaking French.

The workshop is held by the journalist from Oryx FM, the French speaking radio in Doha. Thursdays 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, call 4493- 0268 or visit www.institutfrancais-qatar.com

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 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. The location varies, so check the Doha Mums website for dates and details. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@ dohamums.com

Swap Club Qatar

Saturdays (biweekly): The Pearl-Qatar.

A community group for expats in Qatar to meet, find friends and swap their old books & CDs and enjoy reading new books for free! From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, email swapclubqatar@hotmail.com

French grammar workshop

Saturdays: Institut Francais French School. Learn French though games, quizzes and songs. Either starting to learn French or a bit more advanced, master the finer points of French grammar with confidence. For more information, call 4493- 0268 or visit www.institutfrancais-qatar.com

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THIS MONTH'S

TOP PICKS

KIDS CLUB

Glitter Butterfly Craft Workshop

Sat 3rd: Doha Desert Crafts. Develop

your child’s fine motor skills, creativity and concentration with arts and crafts.

1:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. QR 65. For more information on lots of other classes, call 330 7-9000 or email fusionfaces@gmail.com

Annual Spring Fling

Sat 31st: Surprise location which includes lots of water fun! The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance and hand out chocolate treats to all! For further details please visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Decorate Your Special Cupcake Carnival Fri 9th: W Doha. Marzipan dough is

provided to make specially decorated cupcakes at W Cafe. Take two decorated cupcakes home for your special someone.

Price for Adult: QR 100 Price for children: QR 70. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Maktaba and Mathaf Reading Circles

Tue 13th and Tue 20th: Mathaf: Arab

Museum of Modern Art. The Maktaba Children’s Library project will host readings and activities for children 4-6 years old with the help of local volunteers. Special connections will be made with Mathaf's current exhibitions, encouraging families to think about links between stories and art. From 4:00 p.m. till 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public on a first come, first serve basis. Language: Arabic & English.

RSVP necessary. For more information, email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa

The Wizard of Oz

Wed 14th – Sat 17th and Wed 21st – Sat 24th: Enjoy Doha Players amateur musical production. For more information, call 5575-5102

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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KIDS CLUB LISTINGS

ONE OF A KIND

Kids Arabic Reading Group

Spring Cup Cake Decoratings Classes

Sat 3rd and Sat 10th: Mövenpick Hotel.

Children will delight in decorating Marzipan covered cupcakes with colourful toppings.

Two sessions each day 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. RSVP is essential. For more information, email events@dohamums.com or visit www.dohamums.com

Kids’ Camp Under the Stars

Thurs 15th: InterContinental Doha. There’s no other place to experience overnight camping on the beach. The evening will be full of fun activities around the campfire.

The kids will sleep under the stars and wake up to the spectacular sunrise. Kid’s camp package starts from QR 375 per child. For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4954.

Flower Shaped Cookie Class

Sun 17th: Carluccio’s. Children of all ages are invited to join in the spring-themed flower- shaped cookie decorating fun. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. RSVP is essential.

For more information, email events@dohamums.com or visit www.dohamums.com

EVERY WEEK Pool Playgroup

Mondays: Intercontinental Hotel. The little ones will enjoy the shaded pool and the older kids can explore Doha’s longest private beach. Morning session is from 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and the afternoon session is from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Children’s Library

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: The American Community School. Explore the world of literature with your kids. The library will be opened three days a week and you can come and read, browse, borrow and return books! For more information, visit www.dohamums.com

Saturdays: This reading group is held at Doha Mums Library at ACS. This group is suitable for kids who can read and understand simple sentences in Arabic.

From 3:30 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Rays Reef Fun Time

Tuesdays and Sundays: Royal Plaza.

Located on the 2nd floor, from 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 3:00 p.m. on Sundays. It’s a fun and clean area with lots of options for your kid(s) to choose from, suitable for different age groups. RSVP is required. For further details please visit www.dohamums.com or email: events@dohamums.com

Arts & Crafts at Kempinski Kids Club

Tuesdays: Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha. Your little one will enjoy a series of activities, which are educational and fun at the same time. 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. QR 60 per workshop, per child (ages 4–12). For more information, call 4405 3308 or email kidsclub.doha@kempinski.com

Gondolania Soft Play Area Playgroup

Wednesdays: Villaggio. It’s great for kids of all ages! From 2:30 p.m. Only QR 15 for as long as you want. Turn right at the entrance and follow it round and you will see some trampolines and an enormous soft play area, that’s where the group will be! For further details please visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

DAILY Birthday Parties at Kempinski Kids Club

Daily: All things are possible in the Kempinski Kids Club, from winter wonderland to treasure hunting to face painting and whatever else your heart desires. Customize your very own private party whether it’s for a birthday or any other special occasion, come and celebrate with us. For more information, call 4405-3308, email kidsclub.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha

Make Your Relaxation Fun For Kids!

Daily: Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha.

Designed for your health and well-being, get a 60-minute Swedish massage, two full-day passes to PURE Leisure & Wellness Centre and a 30-minute Spa Oceana Hydrotherapy treatment for two. Leave your children (maximum 2 children) at Kempinski Kids Club for 4 hours of serenity. QR 1,499. For more information, call 4405 3307 or email wellness.doha@kempinski.com

Family Fridays @ Mathaf Fridays: Mathaf: Arab Museum of

Modern Art. Workshops for children aged four to twelve and their families. Explore the galleries, enjoy a family activity, and art making inspired by ‘Saraab’ in each ninety-minute session. 4:00 p.m. Price: Free Language: English and Arabic RSVP necessary. For more information, email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa

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KIDS CLUB LISTINGS

ONE OF A KIND Spring Cup Cake Decoratings Classes

Sat 3rd and Sat 10th: Mövenpick Hotel.

Children will delight in decorating Marzipan covered cupcakes with colourful toppings.

Two sessions each day 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. RSVP is essential. For more information, email events@dohamums.com or visit www.dohamums.com

Kids’ Camp Under the Stars

Thurs 15th: InterContinental Doha. There’s no other place to experience overnight camping on the beach. The evening will be full of fun activities around the campfire.

The kids will sleep under the stars and wake up to the spectacular sunrise. Kid’s camp package starts from QR 375 per child.

For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4954.

Flower Shaped Cookie Class

Sun 17th: Carluccio’s. Children of all ages are invited to join in the spring-themed flower- shaped cookie decorating fun. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. RSVP is essential.

For more information, email events@dohamums.com or visit www.dohamums.com

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KIDS CLUB LISTINGS

Kids Arabic Reading Group

Saturdays: This reading group is held at Doha Mums Library at ACS. This group is suitable for kids who can read and understand simple sentences in Arabic.

From 3:30 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

DAILY Birthday Parties at Kempinski Kids Club

Daily: All things are possible in the Kempinski Kids Club, from winter wonderland to treasure hunting to face painting and whatever else your heart desires. Customize your very own private party whether it’s for a birthday or any other special occasion, come and celebrate with us. For more information, call 4405-3308, email kidsclub.doha@kempinski.com or visit www.kempinski.com/doha

EVERY WEEK Pool Playgroup

Mondays: Intercontinental Hotel. The little ones will enjoy the shaded pool and the older kids can explore Doha’s longest private beach. Morning session is from 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and the afternoon session is from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dohamums. com or email events@dohamums.com

Children’s Library

Arts & Crafts at Kempinski Kids Club

Tuesdays: Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha. Your little one will enjoy a series of activities, which are educational and fun at the same time. 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. QR 60 per workshop, per child (ages 4–12). For more information, call 4405 3308 or email kidsclub.doha@kempinski.com

Gondolania Soft Play Area Playgroup

School. Explore the world of literature with your kids. The library will be opened three days a week and you can come and read, browse, borrow and return books! For more information, visit www.dohamums.com

Wednesdays: Villaggio. It’s great for kids of all ages! From 2:30 p.m. Only QR 15 for as long as you want. Turn right at the entrance and follow it round and you will see some trampolines and an enormous soft play area, that’s where the group will be! For further details please visit www.dohamums.com or email events@dohamums.com

Rays Reef Fun Time

Family Fridays @ Mathaf

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: The American Community

Tuesdays and Sundays: Royal Plaza.

Located on the 2nd floor, from 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 3:00 p.m. on Sundays. It’s a fun and clean area with lots of options for your kid(s) to choose from, suitable for different age groups. RSVP is required. For further details please visit www.dohamums.com or email: events@dohamums.com

Make Your Relaxation Fun For Kids!

Daily: Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha.

Designed for your health and well-being, get a 60-minute Swedish massage, two full-day passes to PURE Leisure & Wellness Centre and a 30-minute Spa Oceana Hydrotherapy treatment for two. Leave your children (maximum 2 children) at Kempinski Kids Club for 4 hours of serenity. QR 1,499. For more information, call 4405 3307 or email wellness.doha@kempinski.com

Fridays: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Workshops for children aged four to twelve and their families. Explore the galleries, enjoy a family activity, and art making inspired by ‘Saraab’ in each ninetyminute session. 4:00 p.m. Price: Free Language: English and Arabic RSVP necessary. For more information, email mathaf_education@qma.org.qa 53

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THIS MONTH'S

TOP PICKS

FOOD & DINING

St. Patrick’s Day

Sat 17th: Mövenpick

The Doha Dining Club

Fri 2nd: Wok Mee Restaurant, Mövenpick Towers. This club was created for gastronomers and lovers of fine cuisine to meet, talk, and share exquisite meals on a monthly basis. It will appeal to people who love fine dining and all things food-related.

For more information, call Dale 3026-6778 or Beverley 3026-6715.

Hotel Doha. Be enchanted with an atmosphere of lively fun from shamrocks to shenanigans, drink, sing and wear the green to feel the crack of Paddy’s Day! Try Kilkenny fish and chips for only QR 75 per person.

Earth Hour

Sat 31st: Oryx Rotana. A special candlelight dinner to celebrate Mother Earth together! The restaurant will feature a special selection of tapas and vino made of organic products. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Moroccan National Day Chef Ricardo’s table

Mon19th: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Fourcourse dinner paired with vino at La Mer. From 7:00 p.m. QR 450 per person. For more information, call 4484 8000.

Sat 3rd: Millennium Hotel.

Celebrate this special occasion at Cosmo Restaurant. Authentic dishes and specialties are concocted along with appetizing entrees on the buffet menu, with Oriental and international selections of dishes and tempting desserts! For more information, call 4424-7777 or email fb@mill-doha.com

OUT om K C E CH ening.c

p atarhap tion! www.qthe latest informa for

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD & DINING

Sizzling Hot Pot

Sets Off Sparks

By Ashlee Starratt

Ahmed Hassan Bilal

With its beautiful décor, unique concept and healthy, fresh ingredients, this new restaurant in the Holiday Villa Hotel offers a family-friendly atmosphere that is sure to please your palate.

Chairman, AHB

T

he first things to greet us as we set foot in the Sizzling Hot Pot restaurant are the smiles as a welcoming staff line up to meet us and escort us to our table. The restaurant itself, a subsidiary of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group, opened its doors in February offering diners an experience they won’t

find anywhere else in Doha. The concept behind Sizzling Hot Pot is the communal process of sharing and preparing a meal in the traditional Asian style. Each table comes equipped with a gas-powered hot pot in the centre with a basin for soup surrounded by divided sections of flat-top for grilling. The interior design is tranquil

and inviting with a colour palette of soft earth tones complemented by bold splashes of colour in the form of hand-painted gold and floral murals and bamboo accents.

“This concept is the first of its kind in the Middle East”, says Mr. Bilal, Chairman of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group “We’ve carefully 55

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD & DINING choy, broccoli, snow peas, bean sprouts, enokitake mushrooms and baby corn.

Bringing them back to our table we put them into the hot pot and leave it to simmer and bubble.

Heading back to the buffet line we stock up on an array of meat for the grill. I choose two slabs of fresh hammour drenched in a light, spicy marinade, sliced Angus beef and striploin steak and thinly sliced chicken breast. Our hostess returns to our table to pour oil over the grill, making it sizzle and we lay everything on to cook. The smell as the meats begin roasting is mouth-watering and we head back to the line to get some steaming bowls of fried rice.

chosen the menus, and kept the prices affordable. If a family goes out to dine in our restaurant they’re experiencing a different assortment of food and the process of cooking together. There’s a lot of food you can choose from: vegetables, meats and so many other things so it’s a bonding moment for the family, to go out on a weekend and spend a couple of hours.”

“We want to make a healthy combination of a la carte and ‘cook-it-yourself’ concepts,” says Mr. Bilal. “Not everyone might have the time to come into a restaurant for 40 minutes or an hour and cook their own meal, so we do a combination of a la carte as well for people who are on the move.

We also have a lunch opening between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so we expect people from offices to come and have their meal. If they are pressed for time on their lunch breaks they have the option of the a la carte menu as well. The a la carte menu serves fully prepared versions of the same food that you would make yourself in the hot pot if you had more time. We also have a dinner service that starts at 6 p.m. and runs until we close at midnight.”

As we are seated in one of the cozy booths our hostess offers us glasses of light sparkling pomegranate and grape juices and brings over two decanters of rich broth to fill our hot pot. We have the choice of chicken stock or tom-yum-soup and we go with the tom-yum, a spicy Thai soup base that will go nicely with the array of vegetables, meats and seafood to select from.

After about fifteen minutes our pot is boiling nicely, the vegetables dancing together in the broth, the meats nicely browned and cooked through.

Our hostess brings over a selection of dipping sauces; Sizzling Hot Pot has thirty different kinds to choose from and picking one is no easy task.

I go for the Thai chili sauce for a bit of kick to my tastebuds, drizzling it over my rice then selecting a syrupy hoisin glaze to add to the meat. I mix everything together with the rice and dig in, filling my bowl with a steaming helping of tom-yum soup.

Chef Khalilah Nor has brought her vision to the range of food items on the buffet menu, with each station representing a different region of the food chart.

We start with fresh vegetables for our soup stock, choosing an array of bok

As we savour each bite I realize that there’s something to be said for this method of preparation. It allows the diner to have a deeper connection to the food they are eating and sharing with those at the table, having selected it and cooked it themselves.

"This concept is the first of its kind in the Middle East”, says Mr. Bilal. “

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD & DINING

I feel as though I am at a dinner party at home with friends and family rather than at a restaurant. With a wide range of food items to choose from, you could come back to Sizzling Hot Pot numerous times and each meal would be a different spectrum of flavours and concepts, based on selection.

It’s that constant variety which is the spice of life and will keep people returning time after time.

Each morsel of meat is tender and melts in my mouth, balancing nicely with the sauces I’ve chosen and the tom-yum soup is warming and filling, the vegetables hearty and earthy. My dining companions have added fresh crab and calamari to their grills along with some of the biggest prawns I’ve ever seen. The tamarind sauce they’ve chosen to accompany it goes surprisingly well with the sweetness of the seafood.

Our bellies filling fast, we contemplate whether or not we have room for the a la carte dessert buffet. Deciding that we have to try at least something, we come back with our plates full of fresh cut fruit, and sticky rice pudding and a huge helping of

the most delicious red velvet cake baked specially to mark the occasion of the restaurant’s opening.

Looking towards the future, Mr. Bilal is optimistic about public reception. “We’ve gotten a very good response,” he says.

“We hope that by the end of the year we will be able to establish it as a franchise.

The experience of dining in Sizzling Hot Pot is relaxed; the ambiance is good, people are comfortable and the staff is courteous and attentive. You want to go back again and again because the food is different and the service is good. In time you develop a kind of loyalty because you feel like you know the people and they know you. Everyone is important.”

We leave feeling we’ve had more than just a meal, but also a really unique experience that we’ll look back on with enjoyment. In addition to the a la carte buffet menu, Sizzling Hot Pot also offers classic burger and Italian pasta dishes, rice and noodle selections and a children’s menu; something for everyone to taste and try and make their own.

SIZZLING HOT POT FACTS: Timings:

Open 7 days a week 11:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – Midnight

Dress Code:

Smart casual

Average Meal Price:

QR 95 – QR 220 for a la carte buffet and set meal options

Reservations:

Available

Smoking:

Forbidden

Telephone No:

4411-5225 or 4411-5335

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD & DINING

La Mer

By Alex Corey

QH dives into La Mer, one of Doha’s finest dining experiences and one of the nicest views as well.

L

a Mer is situated on the 23rd floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Doha. It offers inspiring views of the Pearl and of the West Bay cityscape while still providing a grounded feeling of regal comfort. It is led by newly acquired Chef Frédéric Delormes, a young and ambitious chef who envisions La Mer as being the best game in town.

We begin the meal with a sampling of the available amuse-bouches. Though designed for the vegetarian, anyone would enjoy the creamy, velvety, full-flavoured celery soup, or the gorgonzola tart with apricot; a lush mixture of blue cheese subtly caressed by the sweetness of the added apricot and flaky pastry. Of course for those of us who require a bit of meat, there is the spicy beef spring roll, lightly fried and filled with a tantalizing spiced beef.

I choose the tasting menu, a designed menu of five courses that changes every month.

My colleagues opted to dine à la carte.

For my appetizer I am presented with a red pepper soup. It is served cold, not unlike gazpacho and seems to be a new twist on the traditional and comforting bowl of tomato soup. It is light tasting, but with a bright flavour and is sprinkled with green pepper, adding a delicate touch of texture and sporadic bursts of freshness throughout.

One of my friends selects the eggs Benedict and is pleasantly surprised with the atypical presentation of the classic. It’s topped with

a mushroom and chicken sauce and the elaborate presentation highlights the complexity of flavours to be enjoyed. There is a hint of crunchy salt that adds a bit of texture and enhancinAg qualities to the delicately cooked egg.

This intricate combination of flavours is sure to excite your tastebuds as you wrap your head around the twists on this classic. Next comes a unique combination of two of my colleague’s favourite dishes – a foie gras crème brulee.

There is a heavenly juxtaposition of softness and crunch, subtle and rich, tart and sweet, exquisitely balanced with an addictive hint of truffle and a delicate fluffy texture. An ice-thin layer of crispy burned goodness tops it all off.

noticeable, yet enhancing sauce. This is not going to last long on my plate!

So if you find yourself wanting to experience a truly genuine evening of haut French cuisine, I highly recommend La Mer. With its creative twist on modern French dishes, its selection of adult beverages and excellent service, it is sure to please.

LA MER FACTS:

My colleague comments that she has to “refrain from licking the dish”. Our main courses for the evening are sea bass and beef tenderloin. I find the sea bass more aromatic than what I was expecting.

It is beautifully cooked and has an oily rich texture that results in a moist and succulent experience with every bite.

Timings:

I have to say the beef is cooked just the way I like it; tender and soft with just a little bit of firmness to it. It is almost bouncy, but in a supple way and has a silky interior. The exterior is simply garnished with some salt and a hardly

Dress Code:

Open Sunday to Friday 7 to 11p.m.

Closed Saturday Formal

Average Meal Price:

QR 170 – QR 230

Smoking or Non-Smoking:

Both

Vino:

Yes

Telephone No:

4484-8506 59

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SPOTLIGHT ON FOOD & DINING

D’light At

By Ashlee Starratt

East embraces East at this inviting eatery in the Holiday Villa Hotel, blending the best of Chinese and Japanese cuisine in an airy yet intimate space. QH sampled the Business Set Lunch and all we can say is: give us more!

I

t’s rare to find a restaurant that specializes in two types of regional cuisine – for many establishments it’s challenging enough to master one consistently.

D’Chopstix however, specializes in Chinese and Japanese food and they do both very, very well.

We order an assortment of items from both sides of the menu. For myself I choose the wok-fried chicken tossed in a sweet kong poh sauce with a side of steamed rice and a hearty bowl of hot-and- sour soup. The soup is the first menu item to arrive and after the first spoonful I’m lost in its tart and tangy depths. The broth is filled with a wonderful mixture of silky tofu, egg-drop, bamboo shoots, onions and shrimp and it doesn’t last long. Soup can be surprisingly filling and by the time my main course arrives I’m already apologizing to my innards for the stretching they’re about to undergo.

The chicken is hot from the wok and stirfried with generous chunks of sweet bell peppers, green and red onions, bamboo shoots and the coup de grace for my intestinal lining: dried hot chilies. I make the mistake of eating a whole one and no amount of water can quell the burn. I’m simultaneously in pain and in pleasure.

The mixture of hot chilies balanced by the sweetness of the kong poh sauce is a dragon I can’t stop chasing. Thankfully I have a heaping bowl of steamed rice to add

some bulk to the burn. It is truly delicious.

My dining companions order the salmon teppanyaki with garlic-fried rice and miso soup and the gyuniku beef bento box. The salmon arrives beautifully plated on a bed of Japanese salad and bean sprouts.

The gyuniku beef bento boxes are almost too pretty to eat, with each serving of food artistically arranged in its tiny compartment. We try both the traditional teriyaki glaze and the shogayaki glaze – a slightly sweeter version. Both are delectable and the beef is gone before we’ve really gotten our fill of it. The bento boxes also come with a serving of hearty garlic-fried rice, chopped Japanese salad and fresh fruit.

Each portion is perfectly filling and just right for a quick, yet tasty lunch.

And then comes the duck; oh, the duck. I could eat this every day, easily. Prepared whole in the traditional Chinese style with a sweet glaze and then chopped into individual servings it is hands down one of my favourite menu items. Duck is not something I’ve had very often and I don’t know what I’ve been missing! It’s crispy and succulent all at once, with each piece of meat falling off the bone. I put all table manners aside and eat it with my fingers, like you would a chicken wing. I am a big sauce person and the sweet duck sauce glaze is the cherry on top of what has already been an incredible dining experience.

I feel ready for a nap after such a full, hearty meal. As we leave I make a mental note to come back sooner rather than later.

The Business Set Lunch at D’Chopstix is the perfect solution to the daily question of where to go for your mid-day working meal in Doha – quick, efficient and friendly service and delicious food with something to satisfy everyone.

D’CHOPSTIX FACTS: Timings:

The Business Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. , Sunday Thursday

Dress Code:

Casual-Smart

Average Meal Price:

QR 50 – QR 70

Reservations:

Available

Family Section: Not available, but there is a small private room that can accommodate 8-10 people Smoking or Non-smoking: Non-smoking Vino:

No

Telephone No:

4408-4230

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

Al Mourjan Food Corner

Ashraf A. Raad, chief executive and cuisine concept chef at Al Mourjan, tells us how to make Prawn and Halloumi Kebabs this month. Enjoy!

Prawn and Halloumi Kebabs Ingredients

90g (3 ounces) Halloumi cheese 18 small uncooked prawns (shrimp) (450g), shelled, deveined

Method

1. Cut cheese into 12 bite-sized pieces. Combine cheese, prawns, rigani and oil in shallow bowl. Thread prawns, bay leaves and cheese alternately onto 6 small skewers; season with pepper.

2. Cook skewers on heated grill plate (or grill or barbecue or grill pan) over medium high heat until prawns are cooked through.

3. Serve skewers on a bed of lettuce with virgin oil dressing

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

Argentinean Chef at Latino

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Sheraton Doha.

Latino Doha is welcoming its new Argentinean Chef, Walter Benitez. Explore his authentic creations of South American specials, for QR 99. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. Closed on Sundays. For more information, call 4485-4556.

Cheese Cake Promotion Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha. A variety of cheese cakes will be served in Al Kut Café replacing the existing sweets at QR 30 per portion.

From 8:00 a.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or email sdesilva@wyndham.com.

ONE OF A KIND Tailor-Made Wedding Cakes

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Grand Hyatt Doha.

Every bride and groom wants to add a personal touch to their wedding cake that reflects their personality. Meet the awardwinning wedding cake stylist, Chef Kemal and together design the recipe, flavour, shape, decoration, topping, icing, wedding knife and wedding charms to make this unique day more memorable. For more information, call 4448-1282 or email biscotti.ghdoha@hyatt.com.

Strawberry Sensations

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Four Seasons Doha.

With an air of an elegant drawing room, Seasons Tea Lounge invites guests to linger over Strawberries in all shapes and sizes!

Enjoy strawberry treats from cake, mousse and candies. For more information, call 4494-8144.

Burger & Bordeaux

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Four Seasons Doha.

They have brought back the popular and renowned combination to the intimate clubstyle Library Bar and Cigar Lounge. Choose your favourite fillings for your burger and compliment it with white or red Bordeaux.

Open daily from 5:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Sicily – Regional Food Special

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Sheraton Doha.

Italian Chef Federika will introduce specialties from different regions of her home country; Italy. Enjoy “la dolce vita” this month with authentic Sicilian food.

From QR 28. For more information, call 4485-4556.

Sushi Mania

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Sharq Village & Spa. Sushi doesn’t come any fresher than at Al Dana. There will be a fresh sushi station all month and all-you-can-eat sushi on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 135 per person. For reservations, call 4425-6666 or email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.

Societe du Vino Dinner

Sun 4th: W Doha. Delicious dinner at Market by Jean George showcasing the fabulous vino of Hugel & Fils. Alsace, France. Five course tasting menu and accompanying paired vino. Starts at 7:00 p.m. Price QR 550 per person. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Tapas Promotion

Sun 4th – Wed 14th: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Choose from a wide variety of Spanish snacks served with a glass of Sangria. Three dishes for QR 45 or six dishes for QR 65, per person. For more information, call 4429-1111.

Gourmet Burgers

Wed 7th – Sat 24th: Grand Hyatt Doha.

Who said burgers are junk food? Well, our Executive Chef, Michael Poutawa brings to Doha the most exclusive and expensive burgers: Waggyu, Gold leaf, Foie gras, truffle…burger connoisseurs will enjoy this new experience and try Doha’s chicest burgers ever! For two weeks only, the superstar of burgers makes its grand appearance at The Grill. For lunch or dinner.

For more information call 4448-1240 or email thegrill.ghdoha@hyatt.com.

Punjabi Food Festival at Taj Rasoi

Thurs 8th – Sat 31st: Marriott Doha. 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 (restaurant is closed on Sundays).

From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4429-8499 or email dinemarriottdoha@marriotthotels.com.

Traditional Mayan Food Fiesta at Salsa

Thurs 8th – Sat 31st: Marriott Doha.

Since the ancient times of the Mayan civilization, maize has been the centre of Mayan food. Today’s specialties are dishes and spices mainly based on corn like the delicious tamales, tortillas and many other combinations of corn dishes (restaurant closed on Saturdays). From 6:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4429-8499 or email dinemarriottdoha@marriotthotels.com.

Greek Food Promotion

Mon 19th – Sat 24th: Sharq Village & Spa. A la carte and set-menu at Al Dana for lunch and dinner, from different regions of Greece.

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

Mediterranean Food Festival

Tue 20th – Sat 24th: Sharq Village & Spa. QR 250 per adult and QR125 for children aged 6 to 12 years. 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

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

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

National Day of Greece

Sun 25th: Millennium Hotel. Celebrate this special occasion at Cosmo Restaurant, authentic dishes and specialties are concocted along with typical appetizing entrees on the buffet, oriental and international selection of dishes, not forgetting the tempting desserts! For more information, call 4424-7777 or email fb@mill-doha.com.

Brasserie Centre-Ville (Opening March 22nd)

Sundays – Fridays: The West End at the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel. Enjoy a Parisian panache with authentic French cuisine and a unique experience. Brasserie offers delightful French delicacies including oysters, cocottes and fondues with a wide selection of fine beverages. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4419-6100.

Grill Night

Sundays: W Doha. Steak connoisseurs and red-meat lovers converge upon Market by Jean-Georges to savor their prize cuts of tender meat, fowl and seafood every Sunday night. Char-grilled or seared, rare or well done: have it your way with your choice of sauce and side dish. From 6:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Seafood Night

Mondays : Millenniium Hotel. Stir, sizzle and sauté at Cosmo, seafood flavours not to be missed! QR 180 per person. From 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4424-7361 or email fb@mill-doha.com

Asian Night

Mondays: Oryx Rotana. Take a culinary journey around Asia at Choices restaurant.

Expert Thai, Indonesian and Philippine chefs prepare an exquisite buffet of authentic Far Eastern cuisine for QR 185 per person, including unlimited juices and soft drinks, or QR 260 per person, including unlimited selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Italian Night

Mondays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Savour the delicacies of the Italian cuisine, choosing from a wide array of antipasti, live pasta station, pizzas and Italian cheeses.

Get a feel of “La Dolce Vita” for QR 195 per person. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information call 4429-1111 or visit www.möevenpick-doha.com

Meat the Grills

Mondays and Tuesdays: InterContinental Doha. Eat as much as souvlaki BBQ as you can by the outdoor terrace! Enjoy an open buffet with fresh cold mezzedes and salads, complemented by desserts. From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. QR 165 per person. For reservations, call 4484-4074 or 4484-4444 or email mykonos@icdoha.com

International Buffet

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays to Saturdays: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha.

The scrumptious buffet at Grand Gourmet offers different cuisines from around the world, such as Italian cuisine Saturdays, Far Eastern cuisine Mondays, Seafood Wednesdays and Arabian cuisine on Fridays. Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., lunch from 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 p.m. till 10:30 p.m.

The special Friday family brunch is served between 11:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email sdesilva@wyndham.com

Doha’s Newest Brazilian Churrascaria, Ipamena!

Carlo Bellini @ Blue Terrace

Mondays – Saturdays: Grand Heritage Doha. Live International music from the resident Italian musician and singer, Carlo Bellini, under the stars, in the relaxing atmosphere of the dinning and lounge terrace overlooking the magnificent Aspire Zone and Park. From 8:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information, call 4445-5555.

Tapas Galore

Tuesdays: Oryx Rotana. For tapas lovers, this unlimited night is for you to indulge in.

Enjoy a selection of tantalizing tapas with three glasses of vino for only QR 220 per person. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Steak Night

Tuesdays: Oryx Rotana. Choose your meat cuts and size and enjoy all the meat you can! QR 195 per person with soft drinks and juices and QR 270 per person with selected house beverages. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Swiss Night

Tuesdays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha.

Traditional fondue and raclette made with authentic Swiss cheese blended with a variety of tastes and flavours complement a great dining experience. QR 195 per person.

From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4429-1111 or visit www.möevenpick-doha.com

Monday’s – Saturdays: The West End at the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel.

Set your senses on fire with 12 variations of sizzling meats and seafood on skewers, carved at your table by Passadores. It’s a blaze of colours and flavours with an enticing range of foods. From 6:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m. For more information, call 4419-6100.

Afternoon Heaven

Mondays - Saturdays: Sharq Village & Spa. Enjoy Al Dana with a Latin Trio, snacks and tapas and a bar counter on the Terrace.

5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. For reservations, call 4425-6666 or email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

“Churrasco”, Brazilian Barbecue by the Beach

Wednesdays: Four Seasons Doha. The Pool Grill chefs once again celebrate the South Brazilian barbecue tradition by creating the perfect festive ambiance for family and friends gatherings. Start the festive evening with a delectable buffet featuring traditional Brazilian salads, soups and appetizers.

Meat, fish and chicken slowly roasted on skewers over open fire pits are all served directly from the grill.

From 7:00 p.m. Weather dependent. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Asian Night

Wednesdays: Millennium Hotel. Travel to the Asian world and savor true flavors from India, China, Vietnam and Japan in an exotic setting. QR 150 per person.

From 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4424-7361 or email fb@mill-doha.com

WOW Promotion

Wednesdays: The Torch-Doha Hotel. Women receive 30% discount at Flying Carpet for the lunch or dinner buffet. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4446- 6500 or visit www.thetorchdoha.com

relaxing city break

Asian Night

Wednesdays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Take a culinary tour of Asia and discover mouth-watering Peking duck, Mongolian barbeque, Japanese sushi and Indian curry for QR 140 per person. From 6:30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.

For more information, call 4429-1111 or visit www.möevenpick-doha.com

Indian Flavours

Wednesdays: Oryx Rotana. Savour an aromatic feast and indulge your senses with authentic Indian flavours for QR 185 per person, including unlimited juices and soft drinks, or QR 260 person, including unlimited selected house beverages. From 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m.

For more information, call 4402-3333.

Curry Night

Wednesdays: Mövenpick Tower & 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. QR 115 per person. Reservations are essential. Take advantage of the MTS Membership card to receive 15% discount for the whole table. Free membership with every reservation (conditions apply). For more information, call 4496-6600 or visit www.moevenpick-doha-tower.com

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A pristine beach spread, lush greenery surroundings and unlimited recreation options are waiting to be discovered in this oasis of tranquility.

Enjoy our day use room rate of QR 550* allowing you to use the resort facilities including a rejuvenating massage treatment .

Also available are unique team building offers starting at QR 220* per delegate, we are always ready to tailor our services to your specific requirements.

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

DAILY Seafood Obsession

till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

Daily: Sharq Village & Spa. Seafood buffet at Al Dana, QR 220 per person. 6:30 p.m. till Crossroads Kitchen 11:00 p.m.For reservations, call 4425-6666 Buffet Breakfast or email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com Daily: West End, Renaissance Doha City Center. Indulge yourself with delightful dishes from Asia, Africa and the Middle Traiteur Daily Specials Daily: La Cigale. Enjoy a healthy lunch with East at the Crossroads Kitchen for QR 135.

La Cigale daily specials available for outside Open from 6:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. For more information, call 4419-6100 or orders .The lunch box contains a fresh visit www.westenddoha.com salad, delectable main dish, home-made dessert and one soft drink. Choose your main dish from different selections. Daily Classic Afternoon Tea specials from QR 60. For more information, Daily: Four Seasons Doha. The Seasons call 4428-8803/20. menu offers a superb selection to keep

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Atrium Café is the choice for a Big English afternoon tea starting from QR 35! For more information, call 4485-4556.

hunger at bay, as well as sensational desserts to lead the sweet tooth astray. The latest feature of the menu is their specialty tea, which is sourced from “T,” one of the finest luxury tea companies in the world.

From 3:00 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 4494-8888.

Italian Feast

Gourmet House

Big English Afternoon Tea

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Enjoy authentic Italian food at La Veranda, including pasta and wood fire pizza. Relax, take in the sea view and listen to the beautiful music of the Italian guitar player. Open from 12:00 till 2:45 p.m. (last order) and 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (last order). For more information, call 4485-4556.

Daily: Kempinski Doha. The aroma of freshly baked bread will lure you to the European fine foods boutique and cozy café, where you can shop for Kempinski’s artisanal line of homemade products. For more information, call 4405-3325 or email aroma.doha@kempinski.com or visit the website www.kempinski.com/doha

Il Teatro Italian Fine Dining

Theme Nights at Flying Carpet

Daily: Four Seasons Doha. Literally footsteps away from the water’s edge with its own outdoor terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the restaurant offers guests a gastronomic journey with sublime authentic Italian cuisine. For special occasions, guests can enjoy their privacy at Il Teatro’s elegant exclusive dining room. Dinner starts from 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4494-8888

Lunch & Dinner at Crossroads Kitchen

Daily: The Torch-Doha Hotel. Enjoy international cuisine with a twist: Sunday is Mediterranean night, Monday is Barbecue night, Tuesday is Curry Mania, Wednesday is Pan-Latino night, Thursday is Seafood Delight, Friday is Arabian night and Saturday awaits you with Flavours from the East. 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4446- 6500 or visit www.thetorchdoha.com

Dinner at Aroma

Market Tasting Menu

Daily: W Doha. Savour the chef’s favourite - a five-course set menu featuring the most delightful and mouth-watering dishes! From 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. QR 280 per person.

For more information, call 4453-5135.

Spice Market Tasting Menu

Daily: W Doha. Start off 2012 with the Spice Market tasting menu created by Spice Market Head Chef Darsin Joseph. Five courses with ten mouthwatering flavours and a bottle of your choice for QR 500 for two people (conditions apply). From 6:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Make-Your-Own Sandwich

Daily: West End, Renaissance Doha City Center. Quick Bites lets you choose your bread, spreads, garnish and more healthy and mouth-watering choices of fillers.

No need to get your hands dirty. QR 30 from 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

Bread of the Day

Daily: West End, Renaissance Doha City Center. The Master Baker at Quick Bites ensures fresh and new breads at all times.

Try his special creations: cinnamon bread, bread with raisins, walnuts. From 7:00 a.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

Al Hubara Restaurant

Daily: Sheraton Doha. A mix of delights at the International lunch buffet QR 175.

From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. Theme Nights dinner buffet; Monday Thai Night, Tuesday European Night, Friday International Flair, Saturday Al Sham Night, Sunday Italian Pasta. QR 190 per person. Wednesdays and Thursdays, Seafood Extravaganza QR 235. From 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information, call 4485-4556.

Daily: Kempinski Doha. Poached salmon mousse, Black Angus tenderloin, Valrhona chocolate fondant are only some of the deliDaily: West End, Renaissance Doha City Center. The West End introduces Crossroads cious items on Aroma’s dinner menu. For more information, call 4405-3325 or email Kitchen, the new Pan Asian restaurant to aroma.doha@kempinski.com or visit the meet high demands for lunch and dinner from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. website www.kempinski.com/doha 66 QH MARCH FINAL.indd 66

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

High Tea @ Victoria Lounge

Daily: Grand Heritage Doha. Enjoy in the warmth and cozy atmosphere of this traditional Victorian Tea Lounge a combination of fresh sandwiches, homemade flavoured scones and a selection of tea cakes, pastries and sweets.

QR 135 for the Tea Stand. From 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 4445-5555.

Mykonos

Daily: InterContinental Doha. Reveal the “Greek” in you while enjoying the famous Bouzouki duo live and new Chef Konstantinos Panou’s Mediterranean specialties. Open from 12:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. Live entertainment from 7:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m., except Saturdays. For more information, call 4484-4444 or 4484-4747.

New Menu at Three Sixty

Daily: The Torch-Doha Hotel. Check out the new menu and weekly Chef’s Special at the only revolving restaurant in Doha, situated on the 47th floor of Qatar’s new iconic hotel. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. For more information, call 4446- 6500 or visit www.thetorchdoha.com

High Tea at Kufic Lounge

Daily: The Torch-Doha Hotel. Take a break and enjoy finger sandwiches, home-made mini pastries with your choice of tea or coffee, in Doha’s trendiest lounge for QR 75 per person. From 3:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. For more information, call: 444-6500 or visit www.thetorchdoha.com

WEEKEND THURSDAY Weekly Chef’s Special

Thursdays: The Torch-Doha Hotel. Weekly chef’s special changes every Thursday in Doha’s only revolving restaurant situated on the 47th floor. For more information, call 4446-5600 or visit www.thetorchdoha.com

Brunch the right way at the Cellar every Friday!

Great atmosphere complemented by a dynamic array of seafood buffet and Tapas A la Carte with Paella, Mussels and other specialties. Enjoy items from the grill with a delicious selection of grilled lobsters, giant prawns, shrimps and black angus beef.

Let the sophisticated sounds from our resident group - the exciting Carambola - put you in the mood.

From 12:00pm to 04:00pm for QAR 195 per person including soft drinks and chilled juices or QAR 275 including unlimited Sangria. And a special deal on the beers! Buy 1, get 1 free!

For reservations or more information please visit: www.rotanatimes.com or call +974 4402 3333 Like us on

and follow us on

P.O. Box 29922, Doha, Qatar, T: +974 4402 3333, F: +974 4402 3300, oryx.hotel@rotana.com

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

Caribbean Night

Seafood Delight

Thursdays: Oryx Rotana. Experience the bounty of the sea at Choices. From lobster, prawns and shrimps to freshly shucked oysters on the half-shell, enjoy unlimited seafood offerings for just QR 210 per person, including unlimited juices and soft drinks, or QR 285, including unlimited selected house beverages. Shisha is available on the pool terrace. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Seafood Night

Thursdays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. A sumptuous buffet with a spectacular spread of tasty seafood bites bringing together Asian and Mediterranean combinations for a colourful collection of delicious food. QR 195 per person, from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

For more information, call 4429-1111 or visit www.moevenpick-doha.com

Barbecue at the Admirals Terrace Thursdays and Fridays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. By the turquoise waters of the Gulf sea enjoy a mixed grill selection from the live barbecue station. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. QR 195 per person. For more information, call 4484-8000.

FRIDAY Irresistible Fridays

Fridays: Sealine Beach Resort. A delectable pizza treat: buy one get one free at the Lagoon Ristorante. Be it veggie pizza, Margherita or a mouth watering chicken spinach pizza, the second one comes free of charge. For more information, call 44765249

Steak Night

Fridays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Choose your favourite steak cuts from the display of prime quality meats and fish and have them cooked to perfection for QR 230 per person.

From 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4429-1111 or visit www.moevenpick-doha.com

Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Enjoy Caribbean Seafood B.B.Q Dinner by the beachfront at the Fish Market and cruise along with the music of the Doha Steel Band as they serenade you; enjoy grilled fish and seafood freshly prepared by our expert Chefs including live cooking stations at QR 295.00 per person. From 7:00 p.m. till midnight. For more information, please call 4484-4444 or 4484-4747.

Family Lunch Specials

Fridays and Saturdays: Sheraton Doha.

At Al Hubara Restaurant, Friday lunch from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. inclusive of a soft drink and tea or coffee. QR 200. Saturday lunch from 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. inclusive of a soft drink and tea or coffee.

QR 200. Saturday dinner from 7:00 p.m. till 10:30 p.m. inclusive of a soft drink and tea or coffee. QR 210 per person. For more information, call 4485-4556.

Middle Eastern Buffet @ Flavours

Fridays and Saturdays: Grand Heritage Doha. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner and relish an up-to-date reflection of Middle Eastern cuisine prepared in lively show kitchens. Breakfast for QR 135 per person, lunch and dinner for QR 180 per person. Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m., lunch from 12:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m., dinner from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4445-5555.

Sushi Fiesta

Saturdays: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha.

Immerse yourself in an electrical range of original and sensational sushi platters from the sushi bar at Chopsticks, the awardwinning best restaurant. Eat as much you can for QR 119 per person, including a glass of sparkling date juice. Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com

Sushi Night

Saturdays: W Doha. Add some flavour to the start of the week with Spice Market’s comprehensive sushi menu featuring assorted sushi, nigiri, maki and sashimi prepared with the secret condiments of three-Michelin star chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and his expert team. From 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. QR 220 per person.

For more information, call 4453-5135.

Admiral’s Saturday Roast Saturdays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Enjoy the perfect hand-carved Saturday roast, a selection of roast meats, with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings cooked to perfection! From 4:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. QR 120 per person. For more information, call 4484-8000.

SATURDAY Burger Night

Saturdays: W Doha. Market is grilling up a good time. The tastiest burgers made just the way you like them. Choose your burger, side dish and a dessert for QR 110.

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

Retail Night

Saturdays: Oryx Rotana. Enjoy the new Tapas menu and your favourite vino at retail price at the Cellar. For more information, call 4402-3333.

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

Lebanese Breakfast

Saturdays: Millennium Hotel. Enjoy authentic Lebanese flavours, decoration and tunes and live stations serving healthy food to kick off the day. QR 120 per person.

From 6:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 4424-7361 or email fb@mill-doha.com

Sushi and Steak night @ Blue

Saturdays: Grand Heritage Doha. Enjoy dinner under the stars with unlimited sushi prepared by our Chef Victor, followed by succulent barbequed steak cooked to your liking, served with your favourite vegetables and selection of dessert for the perfect ending, QR 195 per person. From 7:30 p.m. till 11:30 p.m. For more information,call 4445-5555.

International Buffet

Saturdays and Sundays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Serving a lavish buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with an extensive a la carte menu. For more information call 4429-1111 or visit www.moevenpick-doha.com.

BRUNCH Flying Carpet Brunch

Fridays: The Torch-Doha Hotel. A trendy and fabulous Friday Brunch with an array of specialties from the Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Children’s buffet and activities with a very special price for children between 6 and 12 years at QR 99. For more information, call 4444-6500 or visit www.thetorchdoha.com

Crossroads Family Brunch

Fridays: West End, Renaissance Doha City Center. Doha’s newest family brunch @ introductory rates! Crossroads Kitchen offers a fantastic International brunch including a children’s buffet and entertainment zone with face painting, movies and games.

From QR 215. 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS till 3:00 p.m. QR 130 per adult and QR 65 per child. For more information, 4408-4230.

Hyde Park Brunch

Fridays: Ramada Plaza. Start the weekend right and enjoy a very special Friday brunch.

Let the team of chefs tempt you with fresh seafood, sushi, Chinese, Indian and European specialties. For more information, call 4428-1555.

Breakfast Feast on Fridays

Brunch @ Cucina, The Italian Kitchen!

Fridays: The West End at the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel. For Cucina fanatics there’s now a fresh and flavoursome brunch using only the finest ingredients from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. Adults QR 190 including soft beverages. For more information, call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

The Cellar’s New Brunch

Fridays: Oryx Rotana. An amazing seafood buffet, a selection of tapas a la carte with paella, mussels and others specialties and a selection of grilled items such as lobsters, giant prawns, shrimps or black angus beef.

While eating, enjoy the live entertainment from the Carambola band. QR 195 per person including soft drinks or QR 275 per person. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Cosmo Brunch

Fridays: Millennium Hotel. International and oriental cuisines are served in a casual ambiance, with special kids corner and entertainment. QR 155 per person.

From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4424-7361 or email fb@mill-doha.com

Asian Brunch

Fridays: Holiday Villa Doha. All you can eat dim sum and sushi. Enjoy this splendid spread of Chinese and Japanese delicacies, including steamed or fried dumplings, spring rolls, steamed buns and sushi served with free flowing Chinese tea. From 11:30 a.m.

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. QR 110 per person, including coffee, tea and fresh juices. From 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Jazzy Friday Brunch

Fridays: Oryx Rotana. The brunch offers wide variety of food and beverages with live jazz music. QR 210 per person, including unlimited juices and soft drinks, or QR 285 per person, including unlimited selected house beverages. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Street Food Brunch

Fridays: W Doha. Asian street food meets slick city chic at the new weekly Spice Market Brunch, with a backdrop of live upbeat swing music courtesy of Doha Jazz.

QR 320 per person including drinks; QR 280 per person without adult beverages.

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

Lagoon Friday Family Brunch

Family Friday Brunch

Market Brunch

Seafood Brunch at Fish Market

Fridays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Unwind with friends and family at The Lagoon Restaurant and indulge in a luxurious buffet, live musical performances and a lively, yet relaxed, atmosphere. Complimentary Ritz-Kids Corner available for children aged four years to twelve years old. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 220 per person, QR 295 with bubbly and QR 110 for children from four to twelve years old. For more information, call 4484-8000.

Fridays: W Doha. Watch fresh, local products and ingredients come together splendidly in the Mediterranean inspired show kitchen. The brunch serves international and Mediterranean cuisine.

QR 320 per person. From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 4453-5135.

Brunch at the Arabica Terrace Tent

Fridays: Four Seasons Doha. Book your favourite table in the inviting atmosphere of the Arabica tent 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.

Fridays: Mövenpick Hotel Doha. Experience the all-new brunch showcasing an array of innovative culinary delights. In collaboration with Jarir Book store, the little ones have their own play kingdom with live entertainment, a bouncy castle, PlayStation, games and even a kiddy-sized buffet. QR 215 per person, kids under twelve dine free, from twelve to sixteen, half price. For more information, call 4429-1111 or visit www.moevenpick-doha.com

Fridays: InterContinental Doha. Indulge in the luxurious buffet and a market display featuring lobster, oyster, tiger prawns, and sea bass. Choose from the wide range of beverage options to complement your meal whilst enjoying the stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Doha’s skyline. QR 320 per person. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

For more information, call 4484-4484 or 4484-4954.

Far Eastern Buffet

Fridays: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha.

Chopsticks restaurant is serving a delightful lunch buffet of Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. QR 129 for adults and QR 65 for children ages six to twelve. For more information, call 4434-3203 or 4434-3333 or email sdesilva@wyndham.com

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

Yum Cha Thai Style Brunch at Isaan

Fridays: Grand Hyatt Doha. The restaurant’s open show kitchens are set in a captivating scene with authentic steam, along with grill and wok preparations served at an “allyou-can-eat” lunch. And now introducing Yum Cha from creative Chef Pachwida – steaming Dim Sums brought fresh to your table. Indulge in authentic Thai delights and complement your dining experience with a sparkling beverage bringing an elegant French touch to your palate. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 250 per person, including soft drinks, QR 395 per person, including selected house beverages, QR 680 per person, including bubbly. For more information, call 4448-1250.

The Grill Brunch

BUSINESS LUNCH Express Business Lunch

Weekend Family Brunch

Fridays and Saturdays: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. 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 Playstation, movies and games. 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 4:00 p.m. QR 199 per person, inclusive of all beverages. Children from six to 12 years of age are half-price and those below six are free. For more information, call 4496-6600.

Fridays: Grand Hyatt Doha. Perfect for families to enjoy a lavish buffet featuring the freshest ingredients prepared at live cooking stations. From 12:30 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 250 per person, including soft drinks and QR 395, including unlimited selected Al Dana Brunch house beverages. For more information, Saturdays: Sharq Village & Spa. Enjoy call 4448-1240. this special bubbly brunch throughout February. QR 300 per person with free flowing sparkling vino or QR 250 with Friday Family Brunch soft drinks. From 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

Fridays: Sheraton Doha. Al Shaheen For reservations, call 4425-6666 or email rooftop restaurant offers international cuisine with unlimited soft drinks at QR 220 rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com or choose the bubbly package at QR 250.

You will enjoy live entertainment for your Oriental Seafood Lunch pleasure and kids enchantment as well. For Saturdays: Oryx Rotana. Treat yourself to more information, call 4485-4556. an informal brunch at Choices, where you can savour the new Oriental Family buffet!

From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 175 per Family Brunch person (price includes food only). For more Fridays and Saturdays: Sharq Village & information, call 4402-3333.

Spa. Tuck into a magnificent buffet in Al Liwan, with cooking stations and a carvery.

There’s live entertainment and lots to amuse The Café Restaurant the little ones. QR 250 per person, half price Brunch for kids under twelve and free for children Fridays: InterContinental Doha. This under six. For reservations, call 4425-6666 or international buffet restaurant with email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com spectacular views of the pool and sea offers cuisine from around the world with live cooking stations. From 12:30 p.m till 4:00 p.m. QR 250 per person with free flowing bubbly. (Also, open daily for breakfast from 6:30 a.m. till 11:00 a.m., lunch 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. and dinner 7:00 p.m. till 11:30 p.m.) For more information, call 4484-4484 or 4484-4954.

Saturdays – Thursdays: Grand Hyatt Doha. Combining efficiency, rapidity and quality is now possible in Rocca. A three course menu will be at your disposal for just QR 85 including mineral water from 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4448-1272 or email rocca.ghdoha@hyatt.com

Chopsticks Business Lunch

Tuesdays – Sundays: Wyndham Grand Regency Doha. Offers the ideal solution for busy professionals - an exceptional Asian three-course daily changing set menu served in 59 minutes for QR 59 … otherwise, you get it for free! 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4434- 3203 or email: sdesilva@wyndham.com

Business Lunch Formula

Daily: La Cigale. Le Central welcomes you for a Business Set Menu. Savour three choices of light and healthy appetizers, expertly designed main dishes and La Cigale irresistible desserts for QR 150. For more information, call 4428-8772.

Burj Al Hamam Business Lunch

Sundays – Thursdays: Burj Al Hamam, The Pearl-Qatar. Enjoy a business lunch for only QR 95 per person. For more information, call 4495-3876.

Lunch Escape Set

Sundays – Thursdays: Holiday Villa Doha.

Choose from more than 20 delicious Chinese and Japanese items. From 11:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. From QR 50 per person. For more information, call 4408-4230.

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FOOD & DINING LISTINGS

Business Lunch

Sundays - Thursdays: West End, Renaissance Doha City Center. Try the Business Lunch in Cucina, the Italian Kitchen. Enjoy a scrumptious three-course meal for QR 85, available from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For reservations, call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

A Trip Around the Regions of Italy

Sundays – Thursdays: Four Seasons Doha. At Il Teatro, diners can try the new lunch menu. From 12:00 p.m. till 3:00 p.m.

For more information, call 4494-8888.

Good Mood Business Lunch

Sundays - Thursdays: InterContinental Doha. The menu is especially prepared by the new Greek Chef Konstantinos Panou – 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 indoor cozy lounge area.

From 12:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 4484-4096 or 4484-4444.

Express Lunch at Market

Saturdays - Thursdays: 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 89 per person for a three-course menu. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

Business Lunch at Al Hubara

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Enjoy the new business lunch at Al Hubara. This delicious lunch includes a salad bar and dessert buffet for only QR 130 or main course and dessert buffet for only QR 145. For more information, call 4485-4556.

South East Asian Express Saturdays - Thursdays: W Doha. Choose your favorite starter, main course and dessert from the express lunch menu to be served in 30 minutes leaving you enough time to enjoy the ambiance and relax.

From 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. QR 89 per person for a three-course menu. For more information, call 4453-5373 or 4453-5135.

Express Lunch at Belgian Café

Daily: InterContinental Doha. Choose a twocourse set menu for QR 85 per person, or three course set menu for QR 95 per person.

Add three tasting brews to your menu for QR 15. From 12:30 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 4484-4484 or 4484-4954.

Lunch Box

Daily: West End, Renaissance Doha City Center. Quick Bites Lunch Box consists of a healthy salad, a choice of sandwich, dessert, chips and a soft drink for QR 60.

From 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4419-6100 or visit www.westenddoha.com

Rushed for Time Business Lunch

Daily: Kempinski Doha. Spice up your meeting or simply season your office escape with a hearty Business Lunch at Aroma. Recharge with a three-course lunch including tea or coffee for QR 90. For more information, call 4405-3325 or email aroma. doha@kempinski.com or visit the website www.kempinski.com/doha

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.

The Cellar Business Lunch

Daily: Oryx Rotana. Grand a quick bite and enjoy The Cellar’s three-course set menu, including a large variety of starters, main dishes and desserts for only QR 85 per person, guaranteed to be served in 60 minutes. For more information, call 4402-3333.

Light Lunch Buffet at Flying Carpet

Daily: The Torch-Doha Hotel. The all-day dining restaurant combines modern design with live cooking stations and international cuisine. Light lunch QR 110 per person.

Family discount on lunch and dinner buffets from Sundays till Wednesdays; for a group of 5 and above get 15% discount. On Wednesdays, women get a 30% discount on lunch and dinner buffet. For more information, call 4444-6500 or visit www.thetorchdoha.com

Express Business Lunch

Daily: Sheraton Doha. Salad bar & dessert buffet, QR 130 or main course & dessert buffet, QR 145 at Al Hubara. For more information, call 4485-4556.

Business Lunch @ Figus

Sundays – Thursdays: Grand Heritage Doha. Choose your starter, main course and dessert, including coffee or tea from a selection of Italian dishes prepared by our Chef Augusto. QR 85 per person for a 2 course-menu or QR 110 for a 3 course-menu.

From 12:30 p.m. till 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 4445-5555.

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THIS MONTH'S

PICKS

SPORTS 2012 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup

National Sprint R1 Fri 9th: Losail International Circuit. A sprint is an event for cars where they race in a short oval or circular track for a short distance. Entrance is free to watch. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail. com or call 4472-9151.

28th – 30th: Qatar Aspire Dome. The event will host more than 150 gymnasts from 40 different countries from each of the five continents. It will also be an occasion to promote local gymnasts, boys and girls, who won a total of 12 medals during the Arab Games. For more information, visit www.qatargym.com

Qatar Enduro Championship – R1 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East & Qatar National Road Racing Championship – cars – R4 Fri 2nd: Losail International Circuit.

Entrance is free to watch. Starts 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com or call 4472-9151.

OUT om K C E H .c C ppening

atarha tion! www.qthe latest informa

Thurs 22nd – Fri 23rd: Sealine Area.

Enduro off-road races are designed to test the endurance and off-road riding skills of the rider. Each race will be run over a mix of different types of desert terrain and will last for 30 minutes plus one lap.

The Championship is four rounds and each round consists of two races. Administrative checks and scrutineering are on the Thursday with free practice and races 1 & 2 on the Friday. For more information, call 4437-9884 or email info@qmmf.com.qa

Track Day for Bikes and Cars Sat 24th: Losail International Circuit.

Track day for bikes and cars. Registration times for bikes is 7:30 a.m. till 8:30 a.m. and for cars: 12:00 p.m. till 1:00 p.m.

Price per bike is QR 200; price per car is QR 300. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com or call 4472-9151.

for

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

T

he 5th edition of the Challenge Cup will take place in and around the stunning Aspire Dome from March 28-30. The event brings together some of the top male and female gymnasts from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, and Qatar, among many other countries all aiming to take the Aspire Dome by storm.

The Challenge Cup is the only event of its kind in the Middle East and is established as the biggest gymnastic competition in the region, providing a platform for local and international talent to showcase their skills.

In 2011 the event attracted over 2,000 spectators and more than 106 million viewers watched it televised in the comfort of their homes.

The world-class male and female gymnasts will compete in six apparatus events for men and four apparatus events for women.

Men's Apparatus Floor Exercises Pommel Horse Rings Vault Parallel Bars Horizontal Bar

The G I F 2 1 20

Women's Apparatus Vault Uneven Bars Balance Beam Floor Exercises

c Artisti ics t s a n m y G allenge Cup Ch

Competition Schedule Day 1: Wednesday, 28 March - Men's & Women's Competition – Apparatus Qualifications (six male apparatus and four female apparatus)

lands in Doha

Compiled by Jorge Granda

This March the Qatar Gymnastics Federation brings the 2012 FIG Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup to Doha and QH has the inside scoop on this very special sporting event. The Challenge Cup is a series of six artistic gymnastic meetings around the world held annually and Qatar has the privilege to be one of the countries hosting this year's important event. Don’t miss out on the biggest gymnastic competition of the year!

Day 2: Thursday 29 March - Men's & Women's Competition – Apparatus Finals (three male apparatus and two female apparatus) Day 3: Friday 30 March - Men & Women Competition – Apparatus Finals (Three male apparatus and two female apparatus)

5th FIG ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS C

5th FIG ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS CHALLENGE CUP

Doha - QATAR 28-30 M

Doha - QATAR 28-30 March 2012

Provisional Program

Provisional Program Date

Start

Finish

Time

Time

Duration

Venue

Phase

Gender

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Finish

Time UnitTime

Duration

Venue

Phase

Gender

75

Arrival of Delegation

Arrival of Delegation All

Start

26/03/2012

26/03/2012 26/03/2012

Date

All

27/03/2012 Podium Training + Meetings

All

Airport

Hotel

M+W

26/03/2012

All

All

27/03/2012 Podium Training + Meetings

All

Airport

Hotel

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M+W

SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS Spectators’ Attendance for 2011 • Wednesday April 30, 2011: 412 spectators.

• Thursday April 31, 2011: 854 spectators.

• Friday May 1, 2011 : 1,932 spectators.

• Total attendance : 2,798 spectators.

• The fourth HSBC Artistic Gymnastics, the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup 2011 was held in Doha, Qatar and was broadcast live internationally for a total of nine hours. Across this dedicated coverage a potential cumulative audience of 106 million viewers is expected.

TV Coverage • Al Jazeera Sport and Al Kass Channel will be the host broadcasters for the 2012 Gymnastics Challenge Cup.

• Middle East nine hour live broadcast with 18 million potential viewers • North Africa nine hour live broadcast with 30 million potential viewers • East Asia, 58 million potential viewers 2012 Challenge Cup meetings around the world March 22 - 25 Cottbus (Germany) March 28-30 Doha (Qatar) April 7- 8 Zibo City (China) April 20 - 22 Maribor (Slovenia) April 27 - 29 Osijek (Croatia) June 9 - 10 Ghent (Belgium) Why You Should Come Out And Show Support The Challenge Cup brings an array of renowned talent to Qatar. It is the sole Artistic Gymnastic world-class competition in the region, and is one of only six Challenge Cup meetings in the new FIG World Cup Event in 2012. In addition the Doha event will be the first an most high-profile gymnastic event to be held in Qatar in 2012. The major event serves to cement Qatar's position as the sporting hub of the Middle East – a vision the nation can be proud of. Spectators will enjoy an dynamic and competitive event full of adrenaline and tension. Don't miss out!

DATE

START TIME

FINISH TIME

DURATION

VENUE

PHASE

GENDER

All

All

All

Airport

Hotel

M+W

UNIT

26/03/2012 Arrival of Delegation 26/03/2012 27/03/2012 Podium Training + Meetings 27/03/2012 27/03/2012

09:00 14:00

11:00 15:00

02:00 01:00

Training Hall Aspire

Schduled training Judges Meeting

M+W W

Training Women's Judges & TD meeting (Instruction and

27/03/2012

15:00

16:00

01:00

Aspire

Judges Meeting

M

Men's Judges & TD meeting (Instruction and

27/03/2012 27/03/2012

14:00 18:00

20:00 19:00

06:00 01:00

Comp Hall Aspire

Meeting Meeting

M+W M+W

Podium Training Orientation Meeting

DATE

START TIME

FINISH TIME

DURATION

VENUE

PHASE

GENDER

UNIT

09:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 14:00 16:30 17:00 17:00

11:00 13:00 13:30 16:30 16:30 17:00 19:30 19:30

02:00 00:30 00:30 02:30 02:30 00:30 02:30 02:30

Training Hall Aspire Aspire Comp Hall Comp Hall Aspire Comp Hall Comp Hall

Training Judges Meeting Judges Meeting Competition Competition Rest Competition Competition

M+ W M W M W M+W M W

Free Training Judges Instruction Judges Instruction Qualifications for Apparatus Finals (FX - PH - R)

Draw) Draw)

28/03/2012 Individual Qualifications 28/03/2012 28/03/2012 28/03/2012 28/03/2012 28/03/2012 28/03/2012 28/03/2012 28/03/2012

Qualifications for Apparatus Finals (VT - UB) Change the Apparatus Qualifications for Apparatus Finals (VT - PB - HB) Qualifications for Apparatus Finals (BB - FX)

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

START TIME

FINISH TIME

DURATION

VENUE

PHASE

GENDER

UNIT

29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012 29/03/2012

09:00 14:00 14:45 14:30 16:00 16:00 16:50 16:55 17:00 17:00 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:15

11:00 14:45 15:30 15:30 16:50 16:50 16:55 17:00 17:40 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:15 18:20

02:00 00:45 00:45 01:00 00:45 00:45 00:05 00:05 00:40 00:40 00:05 00:05 00:25 00:05

Training Hall Aspire Aspire Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall

Training Judges Meeting Judges Meeting Warm-Up Apparatus Final Apparatus Final Victory Ceremony Victory Ceremony Apparatus Final Apparatus Final Victory Ceremony Victory Ceremony Apparatus Final Victory Ceremony

M+W W M M+W M W M W M W M W M M

Free Training (Finalist only) Judges insruction and the Draw for CIII Judges insruction and the Draw for CIII Specific Warm-Up Floor Exercise V ault Floor Exercise V ault Pommel Horse Uneven Bars Pommel Horse Uneven Bars Rings Rings

DATE

START TIME

FINISH TIME

DURATION

VENUE

PHASE

GENDER

UNIT

11:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 16:50 16:50 16:55 17:00 17:40 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:15 18:20

02:00 00:30 00:45 01:00 00:45 00:45 00:05 00:05 00:40 00:40 00:05 00:05 00:25 00:05

Training Hall Aspire Aspire Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall Comp Hall

Training Judges Meeting Judges Meeting Warm-Up Apparatus Final Apparatus Final Victory Ceremony Victory Ceremony Apparatus Final Apparatus Final Victory Ceremony Victory Ceremony Apparatus Final Victory Ceremony

M+W M W M+W M W M W M W M W M M

Free Training (Finalist only) Judges insruction Judges insruction Specific Warm-Up V ault Balance Beam V ault Balance Beam Parallel Bars Floor Exercise Parallel Bars Floor Exercise Horizontal Bar Horizontal Bar

DATE 29/03/2012 Apparatus Finals - First part

30/03/2012 Apparatus Finals - Second part 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012 30/03/2012

09:00 14:30 15:00 14:30 16:00 16:00 16:50 16:55 17:00 17:00 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:15

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS

Celebrate

Diversity With Qatar United

As told to Jorge Granda

The biggest multicultural football match in Qatar is happening this March and the whole country is invited to participate in this very special occasion. QH brings you all the information you need to know to be part of the Qatar United experience and celebrate football.

Q

atar United is a QSL league match (Al Ahli vs El Jaish) that celebrates the multicultural nature of Qatar. The QSL and Al Ahli club invite all expat communities and Qataris to attend this match to enjoy the football, food and entertainment and to celebrate their own home countries, culture and identity.

The Qatar United experience will take place at the following game: Match: Al Ahli vs El Jaish Date: Friday, March 9.

Kick-off: 6:15 p.m.

Venue: Al Arabi Football Stadium

Event Timings As well as the QSL game between Al Ahli and El Jaish, fans attending the match can look forward to seeing football tribalism at its best when expat Scots and English re-enact the oldest rivalry in world football when they play each other in the 1872 QSL Challenge Trophy to celebrate the first ever international football match that took place between the 'Auld Enemies' 140 years ago.

Qatar United will also offer a fan zone for the entire family to enjoy and matchday entertainment throughout the day.

The public will also have the chance to sample delicious cuisines from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East at the Food Village. But the surprises won’t stop there; attendees will have the chance to win a VIP package for the Barcelona Football club, a prize for the best national costume and a golden goal kick-off with the winner walking away with QR 2,500.

• Fan Zone Opens - 3.00 p.m.

• England vs. Scotland match kicks off 3.40 p.m.

• Al Ahli vs El Jaish match kicks off 6.15 p.m.

• Half-time 7:00 p.m. - Chance to win prizes

Ticket info about the match

• Tickets starting at QR 10 for adults • Claim a complimentary ticket for children under the age of 10 • Tickets available from Sunday, February 19 until March 8 at the following locations: - QSL ticket booth at City Center Mall - Virgin Megastore at Villaggio - Virgin Megastore at Landmark www.tickets.virginmegastore.me For more information visit www.qsl.com.qa

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SPORTS LISTINGS

ONE OF A KIND Qatar National Rally R4 & Qatar National Baja R3 Sat 10th: QMMF. Events are for cars. For more information, call 4437-9884 or email info@qmmf.com.qa

Qatar International Road Racing Championship – bikes – R4 Qatar National Road Racing Championship – cars R5

Fri 16th and Sat 17th: Losail International Circuit. Entrance is free to watch.

Starts 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com or call 4472-9151.

CLASSES Fitness Class Specials

TH E LIVE LY ATMOSPH ERE OF A TOWN SQUARE. AN E CLECTIC EXPERIENCE. Welcome to The Square – an eclectic all-day dining restaurant. It's the new place for everyone to meet that bustles with the energy of a lively town square, filling the entire second floor of the new InterContinental Doha The City. With four interactive cooking stations, it features international cuisine and special dishes from Japan, China, India, Thailand, Europe and the Middle East. The Square is the new, welcoming venue to get together and dine, any time of day.

To celebrate the opening of The Square, we invite you to enjoy our three-course business lunch with buffet starters, à la carte main courses and buffet desserts for only QR 88 per person.

The Square is also open for dinner.

For reservations or for further information, please call +974 4015 8888 email doharestaurants@ihg.com or visit intercontinental.com/dohathecity

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Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Renew and recharge with a qualified and passionate team of fitness professionals. The Fitness Club will surely become your health refuge at the end of the day.

While working out, become energized by the superb views of the Marina. Pay for five fitness classes (excluding yoga) and enjoy two complimentary. For more information, call 4484-8173 or 4484-8183 or email spa.doh@ritzcarlton.com

Abs and Stretching

Mondays and Wednesdays: RitzCarlton Doha. Stay firm and fit by training your core every week! Starts at 8:15 a.m.

Complimentary for members; QR 75 for non-members. For more information, call 4484-8173 or 4484-8183 or email spa.doh@ritzcarlton.com

Abs Workout

Wednesdays and Fridays: InterContinental Doha. The instructors will concentrate on your exercise technique to work the abdominal muscles from every conceivable angle. Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m., Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Free for members, QR 30 for nonmembers. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

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SPORTS LISTINGS

Aerobics

Saturdays - Thursdays: IAID. Aerobics integrates the modern breakthroughs of Pilates, zumba and high intensity interval training. With exciting variations and the use of aero- weights, aero-steps, aero-kickboxing and hi-lo aerobics, participants enjoy a satisfying and fun work out. For more information, call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org

Ballroom Dancing

Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays: IAID. Ballroom Dancing, a refreshing dance choice, takes participants through a set of partner dances enjoyed at social occasions. Get into the rhythm of swing, salsa, jive, tango, rhumba, cha cha and samba, while reaping the benefits of health and fitness. For more information, call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org

Circuit Training

Thursdays: InterContinental Doha. Circuit training is widely regarded as the best allround form of group exercise. This session is not for the faint of heart; however, if you enjoy a tough workout in a friendly atmosphere, then this what you’ve been looking for. Starts at 6:00 p.m. QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non–members. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

Circuit Training

Mondays – Saturdays: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. First session at 4:00 p.m. and second session at 8:00 p.m. QR 50 per session including use of swimming pool. For more information, call 4496-6410.

Ramada Plaza Doha is truly an oasis of rest and relaxation right in the heart of the city. With 584 individually themed rooms and suites, 20 specialty restaurants and lounges and free WIFI access in all rooms. Not only do we offer easy and speedy access to the major shopping and business centres in our chauffeur-driven Mercedes limousines, but when you return, take some time out to visit our spacious health and leisure facilities.

You will be pleasantly surprised.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS LISTINGS

Karate

Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays: IAID. Shoto Kan, a karate style developed from various martial arts is tackles Karate basics, forms or patterns of moves and sparring. Affiliated with the Qatar Karate Federation, the course is open for kids and adults. For more information, call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org

Kickfit

Thursdays: InterContinental Doha. A high-energy martial arts calorie burner, Kickfit combines boxing, karate, Muay Thai and Capoiera into a fun, yet challenging, total body workout. Using the shadow boxing format, this class is great for all levels of fitness wanting to burn fat and tone muscles quickly. Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. QR 30 for members and QR 40 for non–members. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

Pilates

Mondays and Wednesdays: Yama Yoga Studios. Pilates classes help to build flexibility, strength and coordination throughout the whole body. Starts at 10:00 a.m. QR 60. For more information, visit www.yamayogastudios.com or email yamayogastudios@gmail.com

Salsa Intro

Tuesdays: Ramada Plaza. Learn the basics of one the hottest dances! Starts at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 5504-7010, email salsancandela@gmail.com or visit www.salsacandela.com

Spinning

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: InterContinental Doha.

The spinning program has no complicated moves to learn, a motivating group environment, top-notch instructors and music that begs your legs to pedal. Best of all, spinning is adaptable to your fitness level. Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., Fridays at 12:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. QR 25 for members, QR 35 for non-members. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

Spinning (Interval)

Tuesdays: Ritz-Carlton Doha. Crank up your energy with this energizing exercise and start losing all those unwanted pounds. Starts at 5:30 p.m. Complimentary for members; QR 75 for non-members. For more information, call 4484-8173 or 4484-8183 or email spa.doh@ritzcarlton.com

Step AO2

Mondays and Wednesdays: InterContinental Doha. Step AO2 improves both mental and physical fitness, burning away calories while learning fun routines to the newest music. More suitable for intermediate steppers. Starts at 10:00 a.m. QR 30 for members, QR 40 for non-members. For more information, call 4484-4852 or email bayclub@icdoha.com

Swimming

Wednesdays – Mondays: Mövenpick Tower and Suites. Lessons for all ages.

Book 10 sessions and receive two for free.

Adults QR 1,000, Children QR 900. Advanced booking is required. For more information, call 4496-6410.

Yoga Ashtanga 1

Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays: Yama Yoga Studios and Ritz-Carlton.

Ashtanga 1 (Level 1/2) has been designed to introduce students to the Ashtanga practice.

Sundays and Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. and Fridays 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.yamayogastudios.com or email yamayogastudios@gmail.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTS LISTINGS

Open Beginner Yoga

Sundays and Tuesdays: Yama Yoga Studios and Ritz-Carlton. Level 1 classes are suitable for anyone interested in beginning yoga but who still wants to experience the challenge of a flow yoga class. Starts at 10:00 a.m. QR 60 per class. For more information, visit www.yamayogastudios. com or email yamayogastudios@gmail.com

Open Vinyasa Yoga

Sundays to Tuesdays: Yama Yoga Studios and Ritz-Carlton. Experience level 2/3 classes, suitable for people who are looking for a physical challenge, as well as deep relaxation. Starts at 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. QR 75 and QR 60 per class. For more information, visit www.yamayogastudios.com or email yamayogastudios@gmail.com

Prenatal Yoga

Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays: Yama Yoga Studios and RitzCarlton. Prenatal Yoga classes help women experience more comfortable and mindful pregnancies. Sundays at 10:00 a.m. (Ritz), Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m.(Ritz) QR 75 per class and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. (Yama) QR 60 per class. For more information, visit www.yamayogastudios.com or email yamayogastudios@gmail.com

Yoga

Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: IAID. Yoga relieves stress and meets to overall health and fitness. The course focuses on Hatha Yoga, which paves the way to holistic yogic path including physical postures, purification procedures, poses, yogic breathing and meditation. For more information, call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org

Zumba

Saturdays to Mondays and Wednesdays: IAID. Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze and is spreading fast worldwide. This upbeat workout is fantastic for kids and adults alike. For more information, call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or email enquire@iaidonline.org

Zumba Fitness

Mondays: InterContinental Doha.

Zumba is the latest dance fitness craze taking over the world. Fitness should be fun and that’s exactly what Zumba is. It is a mixture of latin and international music fused together to create a fun, dance party atmosphere burning between 400-1000 calories per hour. It is suitable for all ages, shapes and fitness levels. So why not come along to a class & join in the party?

Mondays at 7:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. (QR 30 members, QR 40 non-members). For more information, please call 4484 4852.

ACTIVITIES & CLUBS Bike Riding

The Corniche Aspire Park

Bowling

The Qatar Bowling Center 4432-9178 www.qatarbowlingcenter.net Gondolania Bowling Center 4403-9807 www.gondolania.com Strike Bowling Alley (City Center) 4483-9162

Golf

Horse Riding

Al Khor Riding Center 4421-8857 Al Samariya Stables 5525-7203 qatarracing@gmail.com Al Shaqab Riding Academy 4454-6236 www.alshaqab.com

Ice-Skating

Winter Wonderland (City Centre) 4483-9162 Gondolania Ice Arena (Villagio) 4403-9807 www.gondolania.com

Sailing

Doha Sailing Club 4443-9840 www.qmsf.com Regatta Sailing Academy 4442-4577 www.regattasailingacademy.com Royal Yachting Association Courses www.ryacourses-qatar.com

Swimming

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

Tennis & Squash

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex 4440-9666

Walking

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

The Doha Golf Club 4496-0777 www.dohagolfclub.com 83

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Al Gassar Resort

Celebrates Launch with Spectacular Evening Event Qatar’s Newest Premium Residential Resort Draws International Attention and Enthusiastic Reviews

A

celebration event was held last week to mark the opening of the newest landmark destination in Doha, Al Gassar Resort. The extravagant evening was held at the luxurious “Al Gassar ballroom” that sits within the heart of the development. The opening of Al Gassar Resort, is a launch celebration of the development’s components especially the Al Gassar Ballroom and the Al Gassar Residence that boast the very latest in high-end accommodation accompanied by five-star deluxe services and amenities which are now available for the discerned visitors and residents.

In a special organised dinner ceremony to celebrate the opening of the residential offering of Al Gassar Resort, VIP Guests and new residents were offered a glimpse of the

extravagant and sophisticated lifestyle on offer at the premium development, which marks the start of a new chapter in elite accommodation in Qatar.

A special ‘Arabian Nights’ themed launch event allowed VIPs from across Doha to experience the traditional and authentic Arabian merged with the modernity of today translated by the entertainment presented such as, traditional Qatari entertainment and performances from the renowned Qatari Philharmonic Symphony. Attendees were also treated to a gourmet selection of culinary masterpieces to celebrate this milestone opening.

Omar Alfardan, President of Resorts Development Company, said while addressing the guests during his speech: “Al Gassar

Resort reaffirms our commitment to support the vision of H.H. the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani to establish Qatar as one of the most exciting global business and home-living destinations. It has been our dream to build a luxurious, one-of-a-kind waterfront community that truly reflects the growing stature of Qatar as a hotbed for innovation and social and economic growth. The opening of this resort is a proud moment not just for Alfardan Group, but also for the rest of Qatar as we unveil an iconic landmark that serves as a new milestone in our continuing efforts to develop and promote Qatar as a destination that is synonymous with quality, excellence and luxury.”

Over the course of the construction period, there has been intense speculation about

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Mr. Omar Alfardan, Mr. Fahad Alfardan, Mr. Ahmed Alnuaimi, Mr. Hussain Alfardan, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fahed Al Thani (cutting cake) and Mr. Ali

the Al Gassar Resort development and its fabulous components which include a luxurious ballroom, residence and 5-star hotel on a fabulous waterfront overlooking the Doha skyline.

The distinct towers contain 422 sumptuously furnished apartments that range from one to five bedrooms, large spaces for residents and visitors in addition to roof-top penthouses, all within landscaped gardens and wide open spaces. Each of the Al Gassar Resort’s fully furnished apartments and suites, have been created to offer the convenience and service of a hotel with all the luxury and comfort of a home.

Omar Alfardan added: “We are delighted to launch our inaugural residential offering here in Doha, Qatar. Al Gassar Resort is a new jewel in Doha’s skyline, with its unique

architectural features and its stunning waterfront setting. With this new development we are providing the very highest in residential standards offering a perfect blend of traditional Arabic hospitality with modern facilities and superior service.”

The extensive amenities exclusively available at Al Gassar Resort include food and beverage outlets, a full-service Business Centre as well as grocery shopping assistance services.

centrepiece hotel for Al Gassar Resort, will also add to Qatar’s burgeoning hospitality scene when it opens later this month, it will offer guests a bespoke service and a vast array of business and leisure attractions right next door to the residential towers.

Additionally a convenience store, pharmacy services and an on-call doctor will add to the feeling of an exclusive community right in the heart of Doha.

“We look forward to welcoming our first guests and to introduce new standards of luxury hospitality to the country” said Tareq Derbas, General Manager at The St. Regis Doha. “With 10 restaurants and lounges, 4,000 square meters of meeting space, exclusive leisure facilities and the legendary St. Regis butler service to deliver bespoke experience to all guests, we aim to establish the hotel as the finest address in Doha.”

The mixture of features will also incorporate health, fitness and outdoor facilities for sports and recreation, children are catered for with a kid’s club, pools and babysitting services. The iconic St. Regis Doha, the

Demand for the property is already high, with many families already making Al Gassar Resort their home and more expected in the coming weeks.

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Launch of InterContinental Doha The City Brings a

New Perspective on Luxury To Qatar IHG’s second property in Qatar opens offering 360 rooms and 176 Residence Suites in the bustling West Bay district

I

nterContinental Doha The City has opened in Qatar’s capital, offering a range of luxury accommodation and facilities, including InterContinental Residence Suites, the country’s highest dining experience and an in-house chocolatier.

The hotel is set to be the destination of choice for both well-travelled visitors and residents, adding 302 rooms and 58 suites to Qatar’s growing hospitality sector. In addition the 176 luxurious Residence Suites will include a range of one to four bedroom apartments. “Qatar is leading the way in cultural and sporting events as well as hosting numerous global conferences. Visitors to Doha are looking for an experience that

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SPECIAL PROMOTION blends the familiar with the innovative, comfort with luxury, and modernity with the traditions of the region. We are delighted to bring InterContinental Doha The City to the heart of the capital. The hotel will be a tremendous asset to the hospitality industry, and the skyline in Qatar, enhancing its reputation as a world-class destination,” said H.E. Mohamed bin Ajaj Al Kubaisi, Owner of InterContinental Doha The City.

InterContinental Doha The City offers six restaurants and two lounges. Strata on levels 55 and 56 will be Doha’s highest restaurant with superb views and an unparalleled chilled seafood menu; Nai will offer traditional Lebanese cuisine and Prime is the city’s new destination for meat-lovers.

The Square will be an eclectic all-day dining restaurant with interactive cooking stations; Criollo will offer handmade chocolate treats; the Lobby Lounge will provide light snacks and drinks; and Hive is set to become one of Doha’s most stylish lounges.

The new hotel will also feature the InterContinental Concierge lounge, which enables guests to discover the hidden gems of Qatar based on recommendations of the concierge team, who are expertly versed on authentic local knowledge. InterContinental

Doha The City’s events centre will offer unrivalled facilities catering to all size of events, with a 1,015 square-metre pillarless ballroom, accommodating up to 950 guests, four meeting rooms and a business centre.

Other highlights include the exclusive Club InterContinental lounge on level 45 with an enviable east-facing view of West Bay. The lounge is a place for Club InterContinental guests to conduct meetings or simply relax while enjoying complimentary amenities, including WIFI, a business centre and a private boardroom. Leisure facilities include a rooftop swimming pool overlooking Doha’s skyline, a health and fitness club, steam and sauna rooms and male and female whirlpools.

Ignace Bauwens, Vice-President of Operations, Gulf, IHG, added: “The opening of InterContinental Doha The City is a reflection of the city’s emergence as a hub for business, leisure and events, and will be a great addition to Qatar’s hospitality scene.

The InterContinental brand is well known throughout the region and this hotel, with its understated service and style, will ensure the brand continues to go from strength to strength. This opening is a great start to the year and we look forward to introducing more hotels of this calibre across the region throughout 2012.”

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Available at Vodafone

The only official iPhone supplier in Qatar

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The Art of Living

LIVE

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EXPERIENCE

TOUCH

LOOK

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Low-Glycemic

For Life?

By Ashlee Starratt

Whether it’s carbs you crave or a sweet tooth that gets in the way, sugar consumption, and the way our bodies process it has a dramatic effect on our health and quality of life. This month, QH sits down with nutrition consultant Gloria Durán-Renderos to examine the pros and cons of following a low-glycemic diet to help lose weight and gain energy.

I

’ve put on a lot of weight over the last three years; and as most people who struggle with the scales can attest, it was a process that didn’t happen overnight.

Instead it was a slow creep of inches and increments until I no longer knew how I’d gotten from Point A to Point B. My attempts to shed those unwanted pounds were laced with the best of intentions: various diet plans, more physical activity, the purchase of an expensive treadmill, until I realized

that it was my food that was laced with something that was slowing my progress - hidden sugars.

I had been hearing a lot of buzz from friends, naturopathic doctors and the online community about low-glycemic eating as a lifestyle change, where each kind of food is assigned a ranking on the glycemic index based on how much sugar it contains. Certain items with high carbohydrate content such as rice, potatoes, breads and pastas are high on the scale, as carbs convert to sugar in the bloodstream upon digestion. But I was shocked to find that certain fruits such as bananas and watermelon contained the glycemic equivalent of a chocolate bar in terms of their sugar levels. Surely the fact that they were natural sugars instead of corn syrup-based synthetics counted for something?

The rationale for low-glycemic eating I kept hearing is that before the body can burn calories attributed to body fat, it must rid itself of excess sugar first.

Therefore, the less sugar and carbs one eats and the more good monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and Omega-3 fats we put into our bodies the more fuel and energy we can burn, slimming our waistlines and improving our overall health. But I wanted to know if this method was right for everyone, as each person’s metabolism responds differently to sugar influxes in the blood.

In a country such as Qatar which has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the Middle East, coupled with a traditional diet based on ancient grains, rice and bread in much of its cooking could following a

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low-glycemic life-style be feasible and sustainable? I asked registered nutritionist Gloria Durán-Renderos to tell us more on how the sugars we consume affect us all in a different way.

“The glycemic index of a food is defined as the area under the two hour blood-glucose response curve, following the ingestion of 50 grams of carbohydrate food,” she says. “In simpler words it means that every particular food we eat produces a blood sugar rise in our body that could be very high or very low. In Australia, Europe and North America this index of especially carbohydrate foods has been marketed as a good tool to provide better management for diabetes. It’s also been promoted to have weight-reducing effects in people, being touted in magazines, dietary clinics and hospitals, being used by people with diabetes or those at risk of becoming diabetic to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.”

Durán-Renderos says that the evolution of the glycemic index has been a work in progress since the 1970s. “The 70’s and 80’s saw the development of the Food Exchange List (FEL), where foods were divided by categories and grouped together according to their carbohydrate , fat and protein content,” she explains.

“Nutritionists and dietitians thought that the FEL was an excellent way to teach people to manage their food selections and follow their dietary treatments. But the 90’s came with a very aggressive diet-food

industry who presented the consumer with all types of low calorie, fat- free, sugar- free foods that were so easy to just buy and eat.

The FEL was forgotten because consumers felt that it was too difficult to follow.”

Out of the ashes of the FEL came the glycemic index and although it has its merits as a guideline for sugar content Durán-Renderos insists that it should not be used as a blanket device for people to pick and choose from arbitrarily. “What’s wrong with learning to eat right?” she asks. “The rise of obesity and other autoimmune diseases only denotes the lack of discipline in our eating habits. Lured by so many commercial foods, we either eat too many toxic foods or eat foods in excessive amounts.

“The glycemic index could become one tool to follow in the management of diabetes I and II, but another diagnostic tool must be developed to test the diabetic and prediabetic person to provide him or her with a personalized list of low and high-glycemic foods,” she concludes. “The list should also include a glycemic index for proteins, because they are also used as a source of energy on low-carbohydrate diets.

With this personalized list, nutritionists can teach their patients accurately about portion control and the consumer will learn a healthier way of eating.”

For a full list of glycemic index foods visit www.glycemicindex.com.

HEALTHY REMINDERS: - Eat less animal protein - Eat low and high-glycemic foods in the right portion sizes - Visit a registered dietitian or nutritionist to determine your personalized needs - Be diligent: not every piece of research in the literature is the best for each person and not all diet advice is good for your metabolism

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Serenity

at Saray Spa

By the QH Team

When the QH team was asked to attend an afternoon at the Saray Spa, at the Renaissance Hotel to try some of the treatments available, we can’t believe our good fortune. We hear nothing but good reports on this brand-new spa and are excited to experience some of the amenities offered. We must tell you, we are not disappointed.

Four members of the QH team are invited for a day at the recently opened Saray Spa at the Renaissance Hotel to find out what makes this venue so unique. We want to try several treatments in order to provide our readers with the best inf on the newest addition to Doha’s wellness centres. Treatments at Saray are crafted not only to provide relaxation to the body, but also to relieve the mind, incorporating sensual and aromatic elements such as olive oil, sandalwood and mint. Paying homage to the best of Arabic healing rituals, Saray offers a unique variety of services including traditional Hammam bathing rituals, Silk Road massage and Arabic coffee awakener.

We arrive at the spa on what is becoming normal for Doha this winter: a cold and blustery day. When we walk into the spa located on the 7th floor of the Renaissance our dishevelled appearance and wind-swept hair stood in sharp contrast to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the space. The staff greets us in a warm and friendly manner and make us feel genuinely welcome. Since we are totally stressed from traffic we listen attentively as our hostess Camelia Mitru explains all of the options that this wondrous spa has to offer. She explains that all treatments have ties to the Middle East or Arab region. Some, she mentions, are enriched with ingredients

from the Dead Sea: Dead Sea salt and Dead Sea mud coupled with olive-based oils from the region.

As we start our first treatment, we're escorted by an attendant to the changing area. Upon entering we notice the changing area is a mix of modern furniture accented with rich, dark wood paneling on the lockers. The room makes us harken back to the era of the gentleman's health clubs so popular in New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong. After changing into a robe and a beautiful pair of slippers that we immediately want to keep, we step into a tastefully decorated area set aside for relaxation and indulgence.

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LOOFAH BODY POLISH AND HOT STONE MASSAGE We choose to start with two treatments the Loofah Body Polish and the Hot Stone Massage. The Loofah Body Polish is a full-body scrub using mineral rich products from the Dead Sea. Our spa therapist, Ram has worked in spas in several different countries and is fully versed in the products being used. We are lying face down on the table, our heads resting gently on a cushioned support and wrapped in a soft towel. A full length towel was placed over us. The only area exposed to the warm air was the area he was working on. The soft music and relaxing treatment soon sent us into dream world. Ram starts on our left legs and applies the loofah polish, a rough granular liquid which removes all of the dead skin on one's body and nourishes it with the healthy minerals found in the Dead Sea. As he rubs the loofah on our skin it tingles from the minerals cleansing the pores. It feels great.

After he works on our legs, back and arms, he asks us to shower and remove the entire residue remaining from the body rub. We then return to the table where we are treated to a Hot Stone Massage. This massage concentrates on the neck, shoulders and the middle part of the back. The treatment consists of hot stones with sandalwood aromatherapy oil and a mixture of olive oil enriched with minerals from the Dead Sea. This treatment is the ultimate relaxation, the hot stones penetrating deep into my aching, tension-filled muscles. Soon we are back on our way to dream- land, but we force ourselves to stay awake After the treatment is over our skin feels clean and soft to the touch and our muscles relaxed.

DEAD SEA SALT AND OIL BODY SCRUB AND PURIFYING DEAD SEA MUD WITH ROSE PETALS The Dead Sea Salt and Oil Body Scrub is a 25-minute Body Treatment that exfoliates the skin, leaving it smooth and soft. It opens the pores, removes dead skin cells, stimulates blood circulation and mineralizes the skin. The coarseness of the salt can be adjusted based on how delicate your skin.

After we finish the scrub our bodies are prepared with an invigorating lukewarm shower before heading on to the purifying Dead Sea mud treatment with rose petals. Our therapist wraps us in plastic foil and a heated blanket in order to induce perspiration and eliminate toxins.

During the 20-minute wrap, we have an out-of-this-world head and face massage.

Pressure points in the face are lightly stimulated to induce lymphatic drainage.

The mud wrap not only purifies the skin but favours the absorption of excellent minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium – all of which are found in the Dead Sea Mud. It's a truly wonderful and stimulating experience.

atmosphere adds to the relaxation of the massage. We can feel our tight muscles loosening and our blood circulation being stimulated. It's more than we can hope for to end a long day; Ram is simply a master in the art of massage.

The massage is good and very relaxing, but the facial is even better. Different natural products from tea and fruit are applied on our faces including eye make-up, cleanser, toner and cream moisturizer. The gentle, soft movements of Ram are heavenly; he gets us into a total relaxation mode and the facial tightness of our skin dissipates looking bright and renewed. The products used for the facial are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. All in all the whole experience is out-of-this world; Saray Spa is now on the top of our list to indulge in total bliss.

REJUVENATING BACK MASSAGE AND POMEGRANATE RENEWAL EXPRESS FACIAL Having a back massage and a facial is the perfect combination to feel totally refreshed and recharged and that’s exactly what we get for our last treatment of the day. The massage consists of an application of oil on the entire back followed by long, gliding strokes. The soft music, dim lights and peaceful 93

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Welcome

to the Club!

Ideally located in the West Bay area, the Diplomatic Club is the perfect venue for business-people, visitors, and families looking for a place where they can relax and be themselves while enjoying top-quality service. QH takes a look into how the Diplomatic Club offers something for everyone.

Opened 10 years ago, The Diplomatic Club was built with the purpose of giving diplomats in Qatar a sense of Qatari hospitality.

Its core value is exclusivity in an elegant Arabic setting. These values are reflected in its architectural structure -- an Arabic palace decorated with Islamic patterns. What you will find inside the club in terms of facilities is designed towards two types of customers: families and business-people. It has a wide range of leisure amenities (which correspond to a holistic vision of entertainment), coupled with great banquet halls brimming with the latest technology.

The Diplomatic Club’s location in West Bay between Katara and the Pearl also reflects its desire to be a place of choice for families and business-people.

Whether it’s for a private or corporate event, the Diplomatic Club caters for all needs with six conference and meeting rooms that can host 15 people in its executive boardroom all the way up to 2,500 in the traditional Arabic tent.

The Club caters for all needs with four dining outlets among which Al Sayyad is its signature restaurant. This culinary sanctuary is famous for its unparalleled seafood cuisine and stunning views of the Pearl and the Doha city sky-line.

In an increasingly stressful world, the Diplomatic Club offer top-notch recreation facilities to work out and unwind after a hard day. Amenities include a private beach, swimming pool, state of the art gym, work-out studio, squash court, tennis courts, sailing club, spa, sauna, steam room and beauty salon.

OUTLETS Al Sayyad

Reservations: Telephone: +974 4484-7420 Fax:+974 4449-3791 Email: f&b@dclub.com.qa

Le Grill Le Grill is an elegant and comfortable restaurant serving the best prime steaks and grilled seafood in town. To stimulate your tastebuds and appeal to the senses, the restaurant boasts an open kitchen featuring live cooking. Le Grill will surely bring you new, unexpected delights!

Al Sayyad is The Diplomatic Club’s signature restaurant where you can enjoy the finest traditional Middle Eastern seafood and stun- Signature dishes ning views of the Doha city-scape and the •Majestic jumbo prawns and beef Pearl. Choose from the daily catch and have tenderloin it cooked to your liking.

•Royal hammour steak and jumbo prawns •Diplomatic beef tenderloin and Signature dishes chicken breast •Lobster thermidor, grilled hammour and prawns served with char-grilled vegetables Reservations and lemon butter sauce Telephone: +97444847470 •Grilled hammour with falafel crust •Samke harra •Fried Zubeidy fish

Fax:+97444493791 Email: f&b@dclub.com.qa

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Spa Four treatment rooms Seven types of treatments Banqueting Three banquet halls connected to the terrace overlooking the Pearl and Doha’s skyline and one Royal tent.

Beauty Centre One ladies’ beauty centre One men’s salon Leisure and sport facilities Unisex state of the art gymnasium (male & female), ladies only gymnasium, swimming pool, one squash court, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi plunge pool, 200 metre-long lagoon-shaped private beach, water-sport club (water- skiing, wake-boarding, banana boat-riding, dinghies, catamarans) beach volleyball court, beach football court, beach tennis court and kids’ club.

The Diplomatic Club Membership Becoming a member at the Diplomatic Club gives you privileged access to members-only restricted areas such as the private lagoonshaped beach, the swimming pool or even the member’s lounge. In addition, members have preferential discounts in all outlets (Le Grill, Al Sayyad, the spa or the beauty centre.)

The Diplomatic Club offers two types of

membership: private and corporate.

Private memberships are exclusively designed towards families, couples and individuals who want to use the Club’s leisure and dining facilities, while corporate memberships are tailor-made for companies’ top executive managers.

Corporate membership grants its owner a special-access privilege to the VIP Arrival and Departure Lounges at the Doha International Airport and preferential rates for their meetings.

Vouchers One-hour complimentary Thai and Bali massage per adult.

One complimentary sailing lesson (to be redeemed for people above 12 years old only) Welcome voucher worth QR 250 (for family and couples membership) and QR 125 (for single membership) in Le Grill restaurant on weekdays only.

Complementary use •Gym and exercise studio with state-ofthe-art equipment •Spa with jacuzzi, cold water plunge pool, steam room, sauna, changing rooms and lockers •Beach facilities, shower and exercise towels

•Other sports activities (volleyball, foot ball, basketball, badminton, table tennis, chess, squash, tennis and fun activities).

•Temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool.

•Tennis courts and squash court •Fresh fruits in the recreation lounge •Invitation to the yearly cocktail reception hosted by the Diplomatic Club

Privileges 20% Discount on meals in Le Grill Restaurant, Al-Sayyad Restaurant, Al-Borj Restaurant, Member’s Lounge and Banquet and Catering Services.

20% Discount on other services in our Ladies and Gents Salon except on treatments and other salon products. Above discounts apply if total amount of service exceeds QR 60 for ladies’ salon and QR 40 for men’s salon.

Requirements For all members:

1 Passport & Qatar ID photocopy per person One passport size picture per person For Couple and Family: Marriage certificate for couples Use of membership card as credit card: A signed credit card authorization form with a credit card photocopy.

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10 Years Of Living The Dream The first-of-its-kind performing arts academy in Qatar, International Academy for Intercultural Development (IAID), celebrates 10 years of music, arts and dance. IAID caters to all age groups and the courses are conducted by a team of professionals of different nationalities from the field of dance, music, arts, soft skills and fitness. QH finds out what makes IAID so special. while the Keyboard Ensemble of over 50 students presented a captivating rendition of the themes from popular films. Alongside, 29 Acoustic Guitar students played Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

Adding colour to the event was a live painting by the Arts department while the Fitness department brought a lot of energy with a medley of Karate, Aerobics and Zumba.

Last February 10, 2012 at the Theatre of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), around 1,500 guests witnessed the ‘Talent Extravaganza Night: Journey to a Dream,’ a special presentation featuring 210 talents in celebration of IAID’s 10 years of Dance, Music, Arts and Fitness. Revolving around the themes of following a dream, the joy of discovery and the significance of a journey, the show featured classical, cultural and modern presentations set in the backdrop of IAID’s growth in Qatar.

The Dance department showcased cultural, fusion, classical, zumba and ballroom items by students from six years onwards from the Indian Classical and Zumba courses. Inspiring numbers sung by the Western Vocals students delighted the audience

Talent Extravaganza Night 2012 concluded with a draw of 10 special gifts to lucky ticket-holders. Ten individuals won gifts such as a Yamaha electronic keyboard, guitar, sport gift-vouchers, and art easel stand with free one-month courses in Dance, Music, Arts and Fitness programs. Likewise, all ticket holders are entitled to free registration in any Dance, Music, Arts and Fitness courses, plus a QR 100 discount on monthly fees for admissions up until March 10, 2012.

If Music is your passion, Arts you inspiration and Dance your form of expression, IAID can help anyone live their dream. The Academy is open for inquiries and registration from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Sat-Thurs) and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

Interested parties may call 4432-0974 or 6671-0589 or visit www.iaidonline.org for more details.

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s g n i r ema B a

Ipastne of Brazil To Doh A Ta

a re with g fi n o s sizzlin r sense Set you hurrascaria of at Ipanema C s Brazilian d spicy delight nce Hotel. n sa meats a t in the Renais n restaura The restaurant, lead by Brazilian Chef Alexandre Kachan, also reflects the colours of Brazil through its exterior and interior design. Located on the second floor, Ipanema will open from Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. To 12 a.m. offering 86 spaces for seated dining and 24 bar spaces.

A vibrant restaurant offering an enticing range of foods, the sizzling meats are carved at your table by Passadores. Prime meats like spicy Linguica, juicy Picanha, char-grilled chicken and lamb are cooked live on an open pit. Also on offer is a tantalizing selection of salads, sides and delicious desserts, including the legendary Creme de Papaya.

“We are very excited to launch the long Ipanema is part of the awaited Ipanema West End entertainment restaurant. It will zone at the Renaissance, be a fantastic which boasts of worldaddition to the class entertainment other unique and culinary options, a concepts that we Saray Spa and a Vitality have unveiled at Zone Health Club. For the West End,” those who love Brazilian Robert Catlin, cuisine, it offers the authentic Brazilian Churrascaria concept with its well designed Director of Beverage and Food at the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, said. menu of Brazilian steaks and drinks.

“Overall, we offer a lively carnival atmosphere, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Ipanema and complemented by cool Caipirinhas,” Catlin said.

The brand-new Ipanema offers the authentic Brazilian culinary experience for food lovers. The Renaissance Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center Hotel, which officially opened on October 4 of last year, will opened their eighth restaurant on the 22 of February.

“Overall, we offer a lively carnival atmosphere, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Ipanema and complemented by cool Caipirinhas,”

The Renaissance Hotel, Courtyard

by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center are located in two 48-storey towers in the heart of Doha in the new financial and business district of West Bay. The hotel is connected to the Doha City Center Shopping Mall which features over 340 stores plus many more activities.

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Nestlé

Toll House Café by Chip brings the Sugar Rush to City Center Mall

I

t’s hard to know what to pick first: the double-chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips, or go with the traditional Nestlé Toll House recipe classic. Both are tempting, both delicious; and they’re only two of the many options on what is an extensive list of menu items.

Boasting a lively, family-friendly atmosphere on the second level of City Center mall, the Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip celebrated its grand opening with face-painting, music and a special visit by the Nesquick Bunny. A branch of Ali Bin Ali Group’s Hospitality Divi-

sion, the launch was attended by Business Development Manager Mr. Nadim Hajjar and General Manager of Ali Bin Ali Group Hospitality, Mr. Hashem Melhem.

The Nestlé Toll House Brand has a long and rich history, dating back to 1930s America when Ruth Wakefield, co-owner of the Toll House Inn near Boston first used Nestlé brand chocolate chips in her homemade cookies, discovering that they held their shape and texture throughout the baking

process. That original Toll House recipe has now become recognizable world-wide for its chewy, creamy cookies loved by so many.

With the opening of the newest location in City Center mall the Nestlé Toll House Café aims to continue that tradition of excellence in its assortment of tasty treats, baked goods and flavoured iced lattés. As for the cookies: we tried them both and went back for thirds.

Will we see you there for fourths?

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CELEBRATE

MOTHER’S DAY Show your Mom how much you love her by treating her to any number of events, activities and indulgences designed to make her feel like the special person that she is.

Mother’s Day Dinner @ Parisa Mother’s Day Treats

Thurs 1st - Wed 21st: Four Seasons Doha.

A special day for the greatest Mom in the world, make her day with a memorable surprise with the finest selection of macarons and chocolates. To make an order, call 4494-8144.

Mom and Me Afternoon Tea

Wed 21st: Sharq Village & Spa. Al Jalsa. 2:30 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. QR 135. For reservations, call 4425-6666 or email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

Cherish Your Mom

Wed 21st: Movenpick Hotel Doha. Treat your mom to an Asian-themed dinner at Seasons on Mother’s Day. Get the chance to win a captivating pearl and diamond set courtesy of Lone Star Jewelry. QR 140 per adult, children from the age of 12 to 16 receive 50% discount and those under the age of 12 eat absolutely free. For more information, call 4429-1111.

Wed 21st: Sharq Village & Spa. Guest Chef Moghadam Najjari. Set menu QR 450.

He will be also offering a selection of set menus for lunch on Fridays and Saturdays, 12:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. For reservations, call 4425-6666 or email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

Mother’s Day

Wed 21st: Oryx Rotana. Celebrate Mother’s Day with family with a special buffet including a mix of different themes (Asian, Indian, Tex Mex, Oriental & International).

QR 185 including unlimited juices and soft drinks or QR 260 including unlimited selected house beverages. Mothers get 50% discount on their dinners! For more information, call 4402-3333.

Mother’s Day at Al Mourjan

Wed 21st: Mother’s Day is the most important day of the year at Al Mourjan. Bring your mother and let us pamper her with roses, chocolates and cake. Your mother is our queen on this special day. For reservation call: +974 6604 0290 or +974 4483 4423

Mother’s Day

Wed 21st: Millennium Hotel. On this occasion, all mothers accompanying guests will be treated to a complimentary dining experience for lunch or dinner at Cosmo Restaurant. Kids under the age of six are also complimentary. As for Spa – special packages for mums are tailored too! For more information, call 4424-7777 or email fb@mill-doha.com

Arabic Mothers Day Dinner

Wed 21st: Sharq Village & Spa. Unwind with friends and family at Al Liwan Restaurant and indulge in a luxurious buffet, live musical performances and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. 6:30 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

QR 250 per adult and QR 125 for children aged 6 to 12 years and Mothers!mFor reservations, call 4425-6666 or email rc.dohsq.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

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Mother’s Day at La Cigale Hotel

Wed 21st: La Cigale Hotel. Specialities on offer - Flower Shop: impressive flower arrangements. La Cigale Traiteur: special cakes with different flavours and shapes.

Le Cigalon Restaurant: luxurious buffet lunch or dinner to honour your mom. For more information, call 428-8698.

March Specials

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Ritz-Carlton Doha.

Enjoy a rejuvenating massage and your preferred Facial Treatment with a discount of 20%. Aromatherapy Massage for 1 hour, QR 500 (Spring savings of QR 168). Delight yourself with a 15% discount off selected spa merchandised items. For more information, call 4484-8173 or 4484-8183 or email spa.doh@ritzcarlton.com

International Women’s Day

Thurs 8th: Grand Hyatt Doha. To celebrate International Women’s Day. Jaula Spa has decided to spoil all Doha beauties. Get 25% discount on any one hour treatment on that day! For more information, email jaula.spa@hyatt.com

A Mother’s Touch

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: La Cigale Hotel.

What better way to treat your Mom than with a Spa treatment at Ozone Gym & Spa. Get one extended complimentary month on selected gym membership type (Not applicable on monthly & corporate memberships). Indulge in one complimentary Facial Cleansing when availing a Facial Cure treatment. 40% Savings on Eye Contour Treatment with any facial treatment. 30% savings on ABS and Stretch Packages with any of the fitness packages. 10% savings when availing 2 à la carte spa treatments.

For more information, call 4428-8101.

Total Tranquillity SPA PROMOTIONS French Nirvana

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Grand Hyatt Doha.

If the Guinot slogan is to have a true vision of beauty, you will definitely fall in love with this combination of chic and so French treatments! You will start with a Guinot Liftsome facial for one hour, followed by a delicate foot and ankle massage, ending with a deep back massage of twenty minutes…oh oui, you just reached nirvana!

Total duration of the treatment: 1h40 min.

Price is QR 875. For more information, email jaula.spa@hyatt.com

Weekdays in March: Sealine Beach Resort. Launching of a unique Spa package, especially tailored for the lady guest who can now book a room for a day, relax with a revitalizing massage in the privacy of her room and enjoy the resorts facilities from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Promotional package price QR. 550. For more information, call 4476-5258.

Six Senses Spa

Thurs 1st – Sat 31st: Sharq Village & Spa. Amala Detoxifying Salt Polish 25 mins plus 50 mins Signature Massage, special price of QR 700. For more information, call 4425-6999 or email reservation-sharq-spa@sixsenses.com 101

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

Gyeongsangnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo March 30th: Korea

Experience 100-million years worth of paleontology at the Gyeongsangnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo. Hands-on educational programs and activities at the World Fossil Mineral Experience Hall will give visitors a glimpse of what life was like when dinosaurs walked the Earth. Become an amateur archeologist and find out more at eng.dino-expo.com.

The Fiesta Nacional del Pacú March 1st: Argentina

This yearly festival in northern Argentina’s Corrientes province celebrates the life-giving properties of the region’s abundant waterways with a fishing competition that attracts anglers from all over the region. Enjoy local music, food and culture and watch the highlights of the catch and release expeditions.

Cast your reel and visit www.tourismargentina.com for more information.

BUFF Film Festival March 13th -17th: Sweden

BUFF is the International Children and Young People’s Film Festival in Malmö. Featuring family-friendly film screenings for youth of all ages, the festival aims to open doors into the world of video production for kids and teens. Pick up your camera and get rolling by visiting www.buff.se/ombuff_eng.asp.

Mid-Somerset Festival Until 24th of March: United Kingdom

One of the UK’s most celebrated performing arts festivals, Mid-Somerset has something for everyone. Whether Shakespeare’s your thing or you prefer creative writing and interpretive dance, you can find it all here. There are even workshops and classes for visitors to sign up for to hone their talents. Start memorizing your lines and enter stageleft at: http://www.midsomersetfestival.org.uk/

National Cherry Blossom Festival March 20th: United States

Commemorating Japan’s gift of cherry blossom trees to the United States in 1912, this annual festival in Washington D.C. draws crowds every spring to view the gorgeous pink and white blooms near the White House. Stop and smell the flowers by visiting www. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org to plan your visit.

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QH SENSATIONS

Family Fun in

Hong Kong

By Victoria Scott

Hong Kong is not a destination that immediately comes to mind for a family holiday. But as Victoria Scott discovered, this exciting city is surprisingly child-friendly.

S

ince becoming parents, our holiday horizons have narrowed considerably. Gone are adventurous trips around Europe, romantic beach destinations in the Maldives, tours around Asia and safaris in Africa.

As wonderful as our 21-month old son is, he’s not the most adaptable traveller. Jet lag plays havoc with his naps and long flights are now something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Recently we decided enough was enough. As an expat child travelling is going to be a huge part of his

Kong’s shiny, impressive new airport to the longest immigration queue we have ever seen. It snaked right out of the allocated lines and down the corridor, bending back on itself a couple of times. We were horrified. Luckily, this is Hong Kong; its Hong Kong is one of the most densely people are nothing if not efficient. Within a populated cities on Earth. A forest of few minutes, many more desks had opened, high-rise towers backed by soaring peaks, there were two separate queues and we it’s a gorgeous sight to behold. Covering were through in about 30 minutes. Not only 426-square miles and with a population that, but the airport had free Wi-Fi to keep of 7 million, it’s an urban jungle out there. us all amused while we waited.

How would our little family cope? First Our hotel, the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott, impressions were not entirely promising.

After a seven-hour flight we arrived at Hong picked us up in a private car and whisked life, so we decided to grasp the bull by the horns and take our son to see the world; first stop, Hong Kong. I have to admit we were nervous.

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QH SENSATIONS

us away to the hotel, minutes from the airport terminal. Even though we arrived late at night, the hotel’s efficient staff greeted us warmly and showed us to our room, complete with baby cot and a toy to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which our son loved.

Our room was on the hotel’s executive floor. Well worth the premium, these rooms give you access to the spacious executive lounge, with its complimentary breakfast and evening drinks and snacks. The lounge also offers the aviation geeks amongst you a fantastic view of the airport’s runway.

An airport hotel might seem an odd choice for a holiday, but it made perfect sense to us. It meant zero stress after a long flight and thanks to Hong Kong’s excellent public transport system, it’s only 25 minutes away from the city centre. It’s also very close to some of the city’s main attractions, including the Tian Tan Buddha and Hong Kong Disneyland - a free shuttle bus operates from the hotel to the park.

On our first day, we took the Airport Express (the Expo station is a short walk from the hotel) to Kowloon, famed for its shops selling both luxury goods and more affordable fare. We strolled around the beautiful and amazingly serene Kowloon Park and then meandered along Star Avenue, Hong Kong’s answer to Hollywood

Boulevard, taking in the amazing skyline across the water. At 8 p.m., we came back for the daily sound and light show here.

Lazers are beamed from the tops of the skyscrapers, accompanied by music and commentary. It wasn’t as spectacular as I’d imagined, but still worth the effort and there was a great atmosphere, too.

The next day we decided to head up to see the Tian Tan Buddha, otherwise known simply as “Big Buddha.” At 34-metres tall and weighing in at 250 metric tons, it’s not just big, it’s enormous. Even better, it’s reached by a spectacular cable car journey which was pretty much the highlight of our trip. The SkyCity operates a free shuttle bus to Tung Chung, which is the starting point for the cable car.

Not one for sufferers of vertigo, the Ngong Ping 360 whisks tourists three and a half miles across Tung Chung Bay and up over spectacular hills and countryside to the Po Lin Monastery, home of the Big Buddha.

Some of the cable cars have glass bottoms, but that was a bit much for me. The views from the cable car and from the Buddha are extraordinary. We went in the late afternoon, which is a perfect time for catching a beautiful sunset.

The next day we headed up the Peak, one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attractions. Officially known as Victoria Peak, a historic tram ride takes you 552

metres above sea level to a leisure complex with fabulous views over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. A recent addition is a new viewing platform with glass sides, offering uninterrupted views in all directions.

We felt it was worth the extra entrance fee. There are lots of restaurants on the Peak to suit all budgets, and it would be a spectacular place for a romantic dinner, but as toddlers and romantic meals are not an easy mix, we opted for fast food.

Our short break came to an end all too soon. As we waited for our Qatar Airways flight home (while our son played in the kids play area – simply brilliant) we reflected that it was one of the best family holidays we’ve ever had. Short and sweet, it was adventurous and exciting without being difficult and exhausting. The city’s phenomenal public transport and very safe environment make it a surprisingly good choice for a family holiday. Don’t let the flight put you off – trust us, the effort was definitely worth it.

Victoria Scott and family stayed at the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott. An executive room in mid-March starts at 1270 HKD (QR 596) a night. www.skycitymarriott. com. Qatar Airways flies to Hong Kong twice daily. Flights start from QR 3840 for a return economy ticket in March.

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VIRGIN RECOMMENDS

VIRGIN

RECOMMENDS

QH brings you the top selections from

Virgin Megastore.

Look out for the

QH heart in stores!

IC

MUS

ADELE '21' Somewhere in ‘21’, there is an honest, direct, sonically mature record fighting to get out with personality intact. You never would have guessed that a quirky bossa nova cover of the Cure's ‘Lovesong’ would work, but it does.

RIHANNA ‘TALK THAT TALK’

ONE DIRECTION ‘UP ALL NIGHT’

In its summation of the album, Billboard calls ‘Talk that Talk’ "a fleshed-out statement that captures Rihanna's relentless drive and will likely keep her on top.

This album's not a victory lap; it's a whole new race."

True to its word, ‘Up All Night’ delivers exactly that - and then some.

The lead single ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ is a toe-tapping, Pink-meets-McFly mash-up with a breezy guitar pop melody.

ES

GAM

DRIVER SAN FRANCISCO, PS3 With crime lord Charles Jericho now on the loose San Francisco faces a terrible threat. Only one man can stand against him. His name is John Tanner. He is the driver.

FIFA12, PS3 FIFA Soccer 12 brings to the pitch the game-changing new Player Impact Engine, a physics engine built to deliver real-world physicality in every interaction on the pitch. Players feel more resilient, push and pull during the fight for possession, and recover from light challenges more easily.

NEED FOR SPEED: THE RUN, PS3 Adrenaline junkies and speed fiends will find themselves on the wrong side of the law when they race for their lives in ‘Need for Speed: The Run’. The heat is on and it isn't just the fuzz who are after you.

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SPOTLIGHT ON MOVIES

G N I COM ...

N O SO

TOP MOVIES

RAMPART

QH Recommends an action-packed night at the theatre with these films that will have you hiding behind your popcorn!

THE INNKEEPERS

Drama

Horror

Set in 1999 Los Angeles, veteran police officer Dave Brown, the last of the renegade cops, works to take care of his family, and struggles for his own survival.

During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel's haunted

Director: Oren Moverman Writers: James Ellroy, Oren Moverman

past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.

Stars: Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster and Sigourney Weaver .......................................................................................................................

KILL LIST

Director: Ti West

Horror

Stars: Sara Paxton, Pat Healy and Kelly McGillis

Nearly a year after a botched job, a hit-man takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings.

What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.

..............................................................................

Stars: Neil Maskell, MyAnna Buring and Harry Simpson

STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE

.......................................................................................................................

3D Action

Director: Ben Wheatley

WINDFALL

Two Jedi Knights uncover a wider Documentary Drama conflict when they are sent as Wind power... It's green... It's good... Or is it? Windfall exposes the emissaries to the dark side of wind energy blockaded planet Naboo. development when the residents of a rural upstate New York town consider going green.

Director: Laura Israel Stars: Chuck Coggins

Director: George Lucas Stars: Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson and Natalie Portman

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SIZZLING HOT POT RESTAURANT OPENING Holiday Villa Feb 11, 2012

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IT HAPPENED

SIZZLING HOT POT RESTAURANT OPENING Holiday Villa Feb 11, 2012

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ITALIAN FLAVOURS Millennium Hotel Feb 1, 2012

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IT HAPPENED

QATAR MOTOR SHOW Exhibition Center Jan 23, 2012

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ADMIRAL'S BAND Ritz Carlton Feb 9, 2012

WET OPENING W Hotel Feb15, 2012

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IT HAPPENED

PUSS IN BOOTS Doha British School Jan 25, 2012

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ROTA WHEELS IN HEELS M.I.A field area Feb 10, 2012

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IT HAPPENED

JAMES BLUNT Virgin Megastore Feb 13, 2012

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TERRY FOx RUN College of the North Atlantic Feb 11, 2012

QTF LADIES TENNIS OPEN Qatar Tennis Federation Feb 13, 2012

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PHONE DIRECTORY

Hospitals / Emergency Ambulance, Police & Fire Department Doha Clinic Hospital Emergency Hotline Al Ahli Hospital

999 4438 4333 4435 5999 4489-8000

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

Spas / Salons 4442-8877

Interior Design Forum Design

4456 8716

Hotels / Restaurants Al Bustan Al Seef Chowking Salwa Road Al Saad St. Courtyard by Marriott Doha City Center Doha Marriott Hotel Four Seasons Grand Hyatt InterContinental Kempinski Residences & Suites La Cigale Hotel Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center Mercure Grand Merwebhotel Central Doha Millennium Hotel Mövenpick Hotel Mövenpick Tower & Suites Oryx Rotana Ramada Plaza Renaissance Doha City Center Ritz-Carlton Safir Doha Hotel Sealine Beach Resort Sharq Village & Spa Sheraton Doha The Torch Doha Hotel W Doha Wyndham Grand Regency

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

4432-8888 4433-2222 4437-1212 4431-4411 4419-5555 4429-8888 4494-8888 4448-1234 4484-4444 4405-3333 4428-8888 4419-6000 4446-2222 4409-4444 4424-7777 4429-1111 4496-6600 4402-3333 4428-1555 4419-1428 4484-8000 4445-5333 4476-5299 4425-6666 4485-4444 4446-5600 4453-5353 4434-3333

Al Thuraya Ladies Club 4456-9089 Angsana Spa 4434-3152 Bay View 26, Wellness Centre 4496 6410 Bliss 4453-5555 Dados Beauty Salon 4498-0033 Diva Lounge 4431-8488 Diplomatic Spa 4484-7412 Doha Marriott Spa 4429-8520 Lucia Hair Dressing 4485-4011 Four Seasons Spa 4494-8801 Frank Provost 4494-8844 George V Spa 4412-2046/47 Glow American Salon, Salwa 4468-9945 Westbay 4411-7652 La Cigale - Ozone Spa 4428-8888 La Coifure Frances 4468-9211 Medical Spa Villaggio 4451-7590 Mohamad Al Sagheer Salon 4425-6164 Pace & Luce 4493-4000 Patrice Salon 4485-4012 Ritz-Carlton Spa 4484-8173 Saray Spa 4419-5517 Six Senses Spa 4425-6999 Spa Chakra 4499-9250

Tourism / Travel Alpha Tours Arabian Adventures Black Pearl Tourism Services World Wide Destination Discover Qatar Emirates Airlines Fox Transport Gulf Adventures Qatar Airways Reservations Qatar Airways Holidays Qatar International Adventures Qatar International Tours Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority Regency Travel & tour Travco Qatar Holidays Victoria Car Rental

4434-4496 4436-1461 5555-1169 4467-1200 4449-6973 4438-4477 4462-2777 4422-1888 4449-6666 4449-6969 4455-3954 4455-1141 4499-7499 4434-4444 4441-9301 4466-6635

4431-7766 4439-2222 4439-3333 4439-2948 4466-6671 / 72 / 73

Shopping Alfardan Jewellery Blue Salon City Center Doha Hyatt Plaza Landmark Mall Royal Plaza Salam Villaggio 51 East

4440-8408 4446-6111 4483-0582 4469-4848 4487-5222 4413-0000 4448-5555 4413-5222 4425-7777

Community Australian and New Zealand Business in Qatar Group American Women’s Association Doha Players Egyptian Women’s Association French-Speaking Ladies Group German Stammtisch Illonggos Indian Women’s Association Qatar Intl. Beauty Academy Qatar National Cancer Society Red Dotters Qatar Simplemente Amigas Silver Dhow Association South African Ladies Association Spanish Speaking Ladies Group Talking Matters Toastmasters Tuesday Ladies Group Turkish Ladies Group

6651-1892 5511-8085 4447-4911 5572-4171 5559-7467 4487-6959 5595-9561 4442-4052 4454-2422 4447-8128 5520-9294 5551-8358 4435-2598 5589-2366 6664-2094 5580-7524 5573-5078 5550-8026

Clubs Bridge Club Doha Garden Club Dana Club Diplomatic Club Doha Golf Club Doha Sailing Club Filcom Toastmasters Club Qatar Scientific Club

5554-0873 5523-1650 4496-0600 4484-7444 4496-0777 4443-9840 5540-3971 4458-3780

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