FACT Qatar September 2022 by Fact ME

2022SEPTEMBER 03.ISSUE9.VOL QR15

fact magazine 3 Dynamic Dining Back To School Authentic Indian cuisine A Luxury Escape Adriatic Adventures Matter of Fact 08 20 52 78 84 98 CONTENTS

New Editor-in-Charge Qatar, Homara, experienced a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, and shares her experience of the luxury property and we also turn the travel spotlight on one of my personal bucket list spots, Montenegro. Elsewhere you’ll find lots of news about events happening around Doha as well as our usual round-ups from the fields of technology, entertainment, fashion and grooming. I hope you enjoy this cool-down issue.

Our other big feature this month gives an early peek at the country’s latest hospitality offering, a first in its segment, the all-inclusive lifestyle concept Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha. Trust me, it looks fab. In the extended Motoring Section, you’ll find news from Porsche, Ford and a test drive of the latest offering from Volvo. And, in the dining section, we’ve journeyed to Central and South America as well as the Indian subcontinent.

S ummer is almost at an end and students young and older are heading back to their desks (as parents across the country breathe a small sigh of relief). For some youngsters it will be their first time in a classroom while others will be looking forward to greeting friends and getting back into their term-time routine. However your kids (and you) are feeling about going back to school, our main feature this month offers tips and advice on everything from homework to after-school activities.

fact magazine4 • THE EDITOR

FACTQatarMagazineEdition SEPTEMBER• 2022 VOLUME 09, ISSUE 03 All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CHIRINE HALABI EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LIZ O’REILLY EDITOR-IN-CHARGE HOMARA CHOUDHARY DIGITAL EDITOR SARA WADDAH SALES TEAM ANUSH MKRTUMIAN DANA BAIZAKOVA ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN G RAPHIC DESIGNER SACHAN CHANDRAN PRODUCTION DISTRIBUTION& AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD EDITORIAL & ENQUIRIESSALES chirine@fact-magazine.com DISTRIBUTION DAR AL-SHARQ PRINTED BY AL ANAN PRINTING PRESS, OMAN CONTRIBUTORS AMAL MELISSAGARETHSARHANWOODSKALVINNGNAZARETHSIMRANKAPOOR The End Summerof "When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and like a dream of beauty glides away." ~ Sarah Helen Whitman “ Liz O’Reilly Editorial editorial@fact-magazine.comDirector

fact magazine6 FACT Magazine M.E @FACTMagazineME • CONNECT Your one-stop culture fix for life in Qatar. First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in Doha. We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too. Get your copy of FACT Qatar in local supermarkets now.FACEBOOK FACT Qatar FACT Qatar Keep up with all things Qatar as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine, all for our readers! If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more in Qatar and beyond. #FACTMAGAZINE #FACTQATAR #FACTMIDDLEEAST #FOODARTSCULTURETRAVEL #THEONLYWAYISFACT TWITTERINSTAGRAM @factmagazineqa A dedicated instagram page for FACT Qatar magazine, keep up with our posts and stories for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in Doha and beyond, plus insights from the FACT team. 8,116 followers 98,790 reads of the August issue. 21,081 followers 6,999 followers OUR FAVE FEATURE • BEST DAYS OF OUR LIVES P20 • “ “I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.”ChurchillWinston ISSUU.COM

Aura Group will enrich Qatar’s dining scene with 36 new high-end restaurants ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

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DYNAMIC DINING

Nammos beach club – the Mykonos beachside restaurant; Zuma – contemporary Japanese; Em Sherif – Oriental fine dining; Billionaire Doha – luxury dining and nightlife; LPM –French Mediterranean and Niçoise cuisine; Carbone – the Italian-American restaurant; Tatel – Spanish Mediterranean cuisine; and Beefbar steakhouse are a few of the names being added to Aura’s menu. Other notable concepts include Rossopomodoro, Streetery, Han Shi Fu and Pura Vida, which will open at various iconic venues such as Mall of Qatar, Doha Corniche and the Korean Medical Center – Qatar’s newest, state-of-the-art medical facility, among others.

Aura Group organised a special event at Orient Pearl Restaurant, Corniche, Doha, to familiarise the hotel concierge and travel agency sectors in Qatar with its new high-end dining options.

These globally renowned restaurants will cater to the growing demand for upscale and international food outlets before, during and after the FIFA World Cup. Further, they will attract more global visitors, bringing new experiences to the market.

Aura Group is one of the leading food and beverage and entertainment companies in Qatar. Within a short period of time, it has developed a diversified portfolio of both, local and global signature brands. Through its commitment to excellence, it continues to deliver a world-class experience, earning it an enviable position as a leading operator within Qatar and beyond.

GO: VISIT AURAGROUP-INTL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The new restaurants will be spread across three main destinations – Lusail Boulevard, Al Maha Island and Hamad International Airport – and feature a mix of Aura’s most successful homegrown concepts and world-famous brands.

Announcing the new openings, Naveed Dowlatshahi, Aura Group CEO, said: “With its expansive portfolio, Aura Group is all set to satisfy the culinary and entertainment needs of football fans coming to Qatar from different parts of the world during and after the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar tournament.” ✤

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Qatar is organising a range of cultural and entertainment options for the whole family in the countdown to and during this year’s FIFA World Cup, which will take place from November 20 to December 18. The countrywide festival will include more than 90 special events on the side-lines of the tournament. The centrepiece entertainment offering will be the Corniche, which will have a carnival atmosphere along its 6km route and feature performances, cultural activities, food and beverage stalls and retail outlets. Fans who attend matches will experience a host of entertainment in the vicinity of all eight stadiums. The Last-Mile cultural activation will feature more than 6,000 performances in 21 locations. Special highlights will include visual arts, crafts and heritage, fashion and design, performance art, music and film screenings. Away from the stadiums, the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park will show every match live and feature stage performances, food and beverage outlets, cultural activities and sponsor activations. Additionally, fan zones will be hosted in the Industrial Area and Al Khor. Fans will also be able to enjoy theme park rides and other attractions at Al Maha Island Lusail, including ice skating and circus performances. Further, Al Maha Island Lusail will EVENTS GALORE Mark your calendars for an exciting line-up of events that will take place in the lead-up to and during the much-awaited FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. host a range of concerts and performances for people of all ages. There will be a beach club and a range of food and beverage options as well. Music fans can enjoy Arcadia Spectacular dance music festival, which will be held near Ras Bu Fontas metro station. Another music event, hosted by MDLBEAST, will take place in Al Wakrah. 974 Beach Club will offer music, activities, food and beverage options and retail stalls. Lusail Boulevard will stage street performances. A variety of cultural and entertainment activities will be available for fans across key tourist destinations in the country, including museums, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village and Msheireb Downtown Doha. Qatar organises events all year round to make your visit memorable. This month, you can enjoy public art and exhibitions at various locations including Corniche, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Al Masrah Park, West Bay North Beach and others. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.VISITQATAR.QA AND WWW. QACREATES.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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GO: VISIT WWW.QM.ORG.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Public art is one of our most prominent demonstrations of cultural exchange, where we present works from artists of

Her Excellency Shaikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, said: “The addition of 40 new, major works of public art this fall is a significant milestone for Qatar’s public art programme.

Ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup, Qatar will be transformed into an outdoor art museum experience with installations by leading local, regional and international artists. As part of Qatar Creates — the year-round national cultural movement – Qatar Museums (QM) announced a programme of new and commissioned public artworks.

A HUB OF ART Qatar Museums expands the Public Art programme, one of the world’s most ambitious, with more than 40 additional works. all nationalities and backgrounds. From the arrivals at the best airport in the world — Hamad International Airport — to every neighbourhood in our nation, public art is there to make your experience unique. These works vary in size and form and they encompass a wide range of subject matter, but all further our mission to make art more accessible, engage our public, celebrate our heritage and embrace the cultures of others. More importantly, artists from every corner of the world — representing all continents — have been invited to express their artistic creativity with our very own diverse population. Our longstanding commitment to public art is visible across Qatar, and we hope these works will be welcomed by locals and enhance the experiences had by the millions of visitors we expect to welcome to Doha this year.”

Qatar Museums is working with various entities across the city on Qatar’s Public Art programme, including the Hamad International Airport, the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy and the Public Works Authority – Ashghal. The artworks will be installed at high-traffic and unexpected public spaces such as shopping areas, educational and athletic facilities, Hamad International Airport and Q-Rail stations, as well as stadiums that will host the World Cup matches.

• LISTEN UP

LOVE MOVIES? GET INVOLVED!

FOR REGISTRATIONS AND EMAIL AJYALJURY@ DOHAFILMINSTITUTE.COM FOR MORE

✤ GO: VISIT

Doha Film Institute (DFI) is inviting young movie fans to become jurors at the 10th edition of Ajyal Film Festival, which will take place from October 1 to 8. It supports the growth of the local film community through cultivating film appreciation, enhancing industry knowledge and contributing to the development of sustainable creative industries in Qatar. WWW.DOHAFILMINSTITUTE.COM INFORMATION.

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The film festival will feature both, in-person and online events and activities. Further, it will provide exclusive jury access to talks, workshops and masterclasses in an innovative format that will maximise the accessibility and experience of the jurors and industry guests. The 2022 Ajyal Jurors will be part of a very special edition, featuring an expanded programme of two events – one dedicated to them in October and the second, an inspiring public event from November 22 to December 16, which coincides with the much-awaited FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Film enthusiasts aged eight to 25 are invited to register for the reputed experience that welcomes over 500 jurors annually. Ajyal Jurors are categorised in three competition segments – Mohaq (ages eight to 12), Hilal (ages 13 to 17) and Bader (ages 18 to 25). They will evaluate a curated film programme covering feature films and short films appropriate to their age. It’s a highly creative learning journey that instils an appreciation of cinema as well as the values of teamwork, critical thinking and leadership. Registrations are open until September 21. The standard fee is QR250; Qatar Museums Culture Pass members and siblings who register together get a discount – QR200. DFI is an independent, not-for-profit cultural organisation.

David Beckham said: “Qatar has surprised me with a wide range of great experiences you can have in just 48 hours. The people are warm and welcoming, and it is a great place to spend a few days.

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GO: VISIT WWW.VISITQATAR.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SPEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

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“The people of Qatar are really passionate about their culture and the mix of modern and traditional creates something really special. I saw so much during my trip from spice markets to museums to enjoying a ride on my motorbike, which was one of the highlights.”

With more than 80% of the world’s population within a sixhour flight from Qatar, the campaign showcases how Qatar is an excellent place to turn a stopover into a mini break.

And through the promotion, Qatar Tourism seeks to raise awareness of the world’s best value stopover packages, which are on offer from Qatar Airways. The campaign will see content across digital advertising, social media channels and Qatar Tourism’s website, in addition to being shared by selected partners. The campaign video will also be hosted on Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system Oryx.

Qatar Tourism has launched a new stopover holiday campaign, featuring David Beckham, to support the country’s tourism goals and ambition to attract more than six million visitors a year by 2030. The campaign reveals Beckham’s action-packed adventure around the country over the course of 48 hours. Led by passionate local personalities, Beckham is seen discovering the country as he explores the winding spice markets of Souq Waqif, soaks up local street art, cooks tacos infused with local flavours, camps in the desert and sightsees around Doha by Commentingmotorbike.

Qatar Tourism has launched a marketing campaign, featuring footballing superstar David Beckham. UP

• LISTEN

on the launch of the campaign, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome David to Qatar, where he has immersed himself in the culture and experienced first-hand the warm hospitality of our people. I encourage the millions who transit through Qatar every year to follow in David’s footsteps and create their own exciting adventure and memories. We have something for everyone at incredible value, whether it’s sun, sea and sand, rich heritage and culture, surprising nature or a modern and fun city break.”

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GO: VISIT WWW.VISITQATAR.QA AND WWW.QF.ORG.QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar has always understood the power of education and has therefore heavily invested to ensure the educational landscape in the country is international, cutting-edge and diverse. Qatar has a dynamic university offering and, through this campaign, we will be able to highlight what makes Qatar the right choice for university education. Qatar uniquely combines globally renowned education with a rich culture, safe environment, world-class facilities, social stability and excellent employment opportunities.”

QF has created a globally unique, multidisciplinary ecosystem of education with its Education City being home to branch campuses of seven of the world’s leading universities, as well as QF’s homegrown Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Hend Zainal, Executive Director of Strategy, Management, and Partnerships at QF’s Higher Education division, said: “Qatar Foundation’s unique education ecosystem makes studying in Education City an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

AN EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM

Qatar Tourism has launched an education campaign in partnership with Qatar Foundation. UP As students head back to the classroom and lecture hall, Qatar Tourism has launched an education campaign in collaboration with Qatar Foundation (QF) and Qatar University (QU) to promote the state as a world-class education hub. The campaign targets students and parents in the region and is designed to showcase why they should consider studying in Qatar. It aims to highlight the country’s leading accredited university offerings and how they can open a world of opportunities for students by providing internationally recognised degrees from toplevel universities.

“Education City is a true testament to Qatar’s nationallevel commitment to education. We believe that quality education underpins the development of nations and the realisation of individuals' and communities’ true potential.

“We are proud of our partnership with Qatar Tourism through this campaign that will showcase the benefits that quality education brings to Qatar, the region and the world, and we hope that this will position Qatar as a regional hub for QUeducation.”continues to serve as the country’s primary institution of higher education. It has 11 colleges and 94 different programmes and offers quality education to more than 25,000 multinational students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. QU has a substantial pool of skilled and in-demand graduates, a rising number of highly regarded specialised master’s and Ph.D. programmes and numerous noteworthy research accomplishments.

T here’s an old saying that your school days are the best days of your life. With pretty much all schools going back to in-person teaching, starting or returning to school for the new educational year is likely to bring a mixed bag of emotions. While many youngsters will be raring to go, excited for what the new term will bring, there may also be anxieties, hidden or obvious. Whether your youngster is gung-ho or feeling just that little bit nervous about the whole thing, we’ve got a range of strategies to help. We’ve also checked out some of the best apps to help students as they head back to the classroom and sought out a range of after-school activities, to help you make the best of the free time your kids still have.

Routine, Routine, Routine Psychologists unanimously agree that routine is the number one factor in getting kids, both young and older, ready for a smooth return to (or first time in) the classroom. And this is not just about establishing a term-time bedtime and sticking to it. You also need morning and after-school routines – this is crucial both to give kids a feeling of security and consistency but also for parents’ sanity. You may wish to incorporate small jobs that youngsters can do themselves such as making sure, when they arrive home, that their school bags are packed for the next day and their uniforms are properly put away or dropped into the laundry basket.

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Whichever routine you decide to establish, be prepared to stick to your guns. After the long summer holidays, youngsters may have gotten into the habit on going to bed late and getting up equally late as well as spending a lot of time playing either online or with favourite toys or friends. You can incorporate some of this behaviour into the new routine with promises of additional play/ sleep time at weekends but it’s important that, during the week, school-age kids are getting enough sleep.

THE BEST DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Making the start of a new term fun can go a long way to easing any anxieties kids big and small may be feeling. Try shopping for stylish stationery and great accessories. For little ones, particularly, this will help them to get excited about going back to the classroom and, for this age group, participation and a feeling of choice are key. But, make sure their more outlandish choices are fit for the job they need to do. You could also have a fun session with them personalising their bags and belongings to make sure they always come home at the end of the day. For older kids, setting a budget and giving them the independence to shop for themselves might be just what’s needed.

It's Good To Talk This may seem obvious but, when parents are often rushing to fit in after-school activities, homework and making sure the kids are prepped for the next day’s lessons, conversation can easily take a back seat. But, though communication is hugely important all year round, at the start of a new school year or term it takes on added significance. It’s a good habit, for all ages, to take a few minutes, perhaps before bed, to just check-in, talk about your kid’s day and gently ask if there’s anything bothering them. If all’s hunky dory, then congratulations, for now. But, if issues do develop, having this practice established will, hopefully, make it easier to spot problems early and take appropriate action.

Lush Lunches

If, as a parent, you feel you’re not up to the task of helping with homework – this may be particularly evident in the case of older children – now’s the time to speak to your children’s teachers and perhaps seek out a tutor if you feel there’s an area where extra help is needed.

Check out puckarabia.com for cheesy ideas, modernhoney.com for some great looking, healthy options, or aheadofthyme.com for gourmet goodies.

Homework Helper Now’s the time to get in the homework habit. For age groups that will have regular out-of-school work to do, set a time period, either directly when they arrive home or – if that’s precious playtime –perhaps after supper, for them to sit down and hit the books (or, these days, screens) to ensure their homework is done on time. This may mean making time for mum or dad to be available to help, particularly for little ones, and this can be a great opportunity to talk about their day. For days when there is no homework, this period can be used for reading or another enjoyable but mildly educational activity – if they’re used to taking this time out, it won’t seem like a chore.

Another great way to get youngsters excited about going back to school at the same time as helping build your own routine is to get them involved in choosing and preparing their own lunches and snacks to take with them. Of course, you want them to be eating a nutritionally balanced selection of foods but there’s certainly no harm in catering to their particular whims and making the contents of their lunchbox look appealing will go a long way to ensuring they actually eat the things you pack.

fact magazine22 • BACK TO SCHOOL Make It Fun

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From mental well-being and a good night’s sleep to what’s for lunch and study planners, we’ve got you and your cubs covered. Explore these mobile apps that will help your child make a smooth transition from summer break to school life.

Children’s Meditations

Bright Kid

An education entails more than just school. Bright Kid offers a wide range of short, fun courses on life skills. From the basics of money to cryptocurrency and public speaking to climate consciousness, this app offers it all. Some of their upcoming courses include graphic design, coding, dance, abacus for mind development and more. Children even get a certificate after they complete a session. An interactive app, its courses are facilitated by certified teachers who are said to be some of the world’s best.

Easy Study Time and plan study easily! All users have to do is enter their subjects and specify how many they want to learn each day of the week. Easy Study will draw up a plan for you, which you will need to confirm. The plans are designed to ensure that you review all the subjects at regular intervals, never leaving any accumulated content. Some of the features include customising subjects by name and study time, notifications about subjects that you have to study and a summary of each day, as well as a history of the number of hours studied each day, month, week, etc. Easy Study Plus with an expanded set of features is available.

HURRY APP

The positive effects of meditation are well-known. As a child, life can be quite stressful especially with school and other challenges that come with it. Children’s Meditations offers timed meditation modules for children of different age groups. There is a range of components that help children fall asleep, find their inner calm, be mindful and more. In addition to the free options, there are those you can purchase in-app as well.

Clockwork Tomato If kids (or parents) find themselves taking too many breaks or, even, perhaps don’t know when to take a breather, Clockwork Tomato is the answer. It helps users stay productive based on the Pomodoro Technique, a time management system where you divide your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. However, you can set timers (and sounds) to fit the type of work being done. You can also keep a log of achieved and unfinished intervals. Further, you can personalise the app for days and times so it knows when to start keeping track. Drive Thru Getting back to a routine after a holiday can be tough. Not to mention the stress that classes and exams bring. Drive Thru helps recognise and understand emotions by asking users how they’re feeling and what is making then feel that way (triggers); there are options you can select, making it that much easier. Further, you can practise breathing exercises and journalling. There’s also a library of helpful reading and listening material, as well as writing exercises including modules specially made for students. Qualified therapists offer courses that you can take, depending on the problem you’re facing. While a lot of the material is free, there are components available to purchase in-app.

LaLa Lunchbox

An app to train users to speed-read, develop memory and build attention and concentration abilities. There is a range of exercises including Schulte tables, which have already proven to be effective. Schulte tables are a grid of randomly distributed numbers and letters used for the development of speed reading, peripheral vision, attention and visual perception. Get regular reminders to practise and track progress with each exercise.

Reader Pro

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Sleep Cycle

TinyTap While TinyTap helps elementary and middle-school students work on academic skills such as reading and math, what drew us to the app is that it also helps them navigate and learn social skills. There are modules teaching how to recognise gestures, understand your feelings and those of others, all in different life contexts such as losing a game or feeling upset when someone is mad at you. You can get a free trial with selected modules. A Parent Dashboard helps keep track of your child’s activity on the app.

Flashcards World An easy-to-use memory tool to help children learn new vocabulary, prepare for exams and memorise words. You can easily create as many cards as you want. The app facilitates spaced repetition, ensuring consistent review and hence, recall. You can also share your card sets with friends and import or export them as CSV files. In addition to flashcard review, there are other study modes that you can choose such as writing review, multiple answers and audio. The app also works offline.

Have a fussy eater at home? LaLa Lunchbox has you covered. You can work together with your kids to plan healthy lunches and snacks that even picky eaters will devour. Children with food allergies or sensitivities will benefit from special nut-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or kosher meal suggestions, each one of which is curated by a registered dietician.

Let's face it, getting enough sleep when you're in school is hard! Between late-night study sessions and early morning classes, it can be impossible to get the amount of sleep you should. Sleep Cycle has an intelligent sleep tracker, which monitors users’ sleeping patterns and wakes you up only when you’re in the light sleep stage. This ensures you always feel well-rested when you wake up, even if you’re short of sleep hours. The app also offers premium features such as a library of sleep stories, relaxation guides and calm sleep sounds.

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Qatar is a world-renowned sporting nation and the first country in the Middle East to host the FIFA World Cup. Visitors can enjoy an exhibition on the seventh floor detailing the origins of sport over the centuries from different parts of the world including Asia, Europe and Greece – home to the ancient Greek Olympic Games. There are also a number of artifacts on display such as sports equipment, clothing and early archives. Part of the Olympics Exhibit has ‘The Flame’ installation which showcases a collection of Olympic torches from 1928. There’s also an ‘Activation Zone’, a gift shop and a café. A day of historical sporting fun for the family.

Qatar National Library

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Al Thuraya Planetarium in Katara Cultural Village is a 2,240sq/m facility catering to all age groups and is named after the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters and Messier 45. Within the planetarium there’s also a museum displaying astronomical figures and models telling the historic story of the split of the moon as well as a number of displays of the planets of the solar system. Aside from the main exhibit area, visitors can watch shows for free at the planetarium's dome. Featuring a 22m screen and state-ofthe-art projectors, the full-dome digital system is a truly unique experience. The shows are available in both English and Arabic.

The first of its kind, Qatar National Library opened its door to the public in 2017 and is home to a vast Children’s Library. Allowing youngsters to fall in love with reading, burying their curiosity into a good novel, it houses an impressive collection of more than 100,000 children’s books. But it’s not only about books, there are also creative workshops, discussions, an interactive story time, science, arts and literature programmes, including programmes and activities for children with special needs carried out by experts. During the height of the pandemic you had to pre-book a visit, now you can walk-in without an appointment! Children can borrow up to five books, and adults up to four. The only requirement is having a QNL membership.

3-2-1 Sports Museum His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani showed Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis around the 3-2-1 Sports Museum on his most recent trip to the country. It’s no surprise why the two leaders chose this special venue for the visit.

Students have gone back to school early this term but how do you keep them entertained outside the classroom, while it’s still scorching outside?

The summer holidays are well and truly over. More than 350,000 students in public and private schools and kindergartens returned to the classroom early because of the FIFA World Cup 2022. As Qatar gets ready to hold the mega sporting event in November, we take a look at some after school activities that are both mentally and physically rewarding for youngsters and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

AFTER SCHOOL

Al Thuraya Planetarium

Bricklyn Lego

Al Gharrafa Park Al Gharrafa Park is a hot family favourite after school and on weekends. Unlike any other park it’s the first air-conditioned park in the country. It opened to the public last year and has about 3,000 daily visitors of all age groups. It has a special airconditioned tunnel for jogging and walking and also has its own cycling path, making it an ideal fitness activity for kids, while topping up their vitamin D!

If your family love Lego, then Bricklyn is definitely worth a visit.

Qatar Bowling Center

The great thing about bowling is it’s suitable for all ages and it’s indoors, which makes it an ideal after school activity! Nestled in a 2,000sq/m area and centrally located in Al Bidda, near Mannai Roundabout, Qatar Bowling Center, with its 32 lanes, is a stateof-the-art bowling facility. It’s also great for beginners and there are discounted prices after school too at just QR8 per game per person during what they call their ‘Happy Hour’. They hold special tournaments during the year and even have other indoor games like billiards, snooker, table tennis and mini football for groups. As well as being a large recreational hub, the centre is dedicated to promoting bowling as a sport and is the official training ground of Qatar National Bowling Team.

With two locations, at Al Markiya and Tawar Mall, children from 18 months to 16 years can come together to learn, discover and explore, brick by brick. Kids can join a coding and robotics programme and be immersed for hours as they watch their creations come to life! They have a massive Lego pit and various other classes too. Bricklyn junior engineers can develop their math skills, recognising patterns in motion, gravity, balanced and unbalanced forces and the relationship between mass and motion and Newton’s second law of motion. Kids can also create their own Lego City, Jungle, Animal Police Station and Hospital using Lego bricks. It’s not free but you get a discount if you bring more than one child with you. They’re open daily from 10am to 10pm, except Fridays when opening hours are 2pm to 10pm.

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There are two kids' play areas located in different parts of the park. These are divided according to age groups split into ages of two to five years and six to 12 years. You can find different equipment such as zip-lines, slides, monkey bars, swings, sea-saws and more! But it doesn’t end there, the park is inclusive and also caters for children with special needs. After an afternoon of playful activity, kids can quench their thirst at the multiple drinking water fountains dotted around the space. And if that wasn’t enough to feed their appetite, you’ll find food kiosks in the central area too.

Volvo’s all-new XC90 B6 Hybrid elevates the driving experience with an integrated electrified powertrain. VOLVO EMBRACE THE FUTURE

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Interior Entering the XC90, we were greeted by Volvo’s ergonomic Comfort seats that offer almost endless adjustment options. The subtle Scandinavian styling of the interior creates a calm and balanced environment. Headlining, roof pillars and sun visors are all finished in exclusive nubuck textile and this, combined with metal mesh aluminium décor creates a truly luxurious environment. The leather-free, hand-stitched, three-spoke steering wheel houses several control functions, and features a stylish satin silk trim with colour-coordinated stitching. A Swedish crystal gear lever adds to the deluxe feel of the cabin, along with a harmonious blend of various premium materials.Being an adjustable, three-row, seven-seater SUV, our XC90 provided sufficient head, shoulder, knee and leg room for all occupants, with the large panoramic sunroof adding to the light and airy feel

Exterior The XC90 is Volvo’s top-of-the-line, flagship motor vehicle and we were fortunate enough to experience an XC90 boasting the top-of-the-range ‘Ultimate’ trim. The SUV has held its shape over the years, however, the aggressive yet luxurious nature of the exterior design has been improved with subtle upgrades. The iconic front grille is finished in matte silver, complete with chrome bar insert, chrome frame and the renowned Volvo badge. The distinctive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights further add to the car’s bold demeanour. The shapely body of the XC90 is easy on the eye, comprising of clean lines that flow effortlessly from bonnet to boot. At the flanks, door mirror covers are colour coordinated, as are the door handles - featuring LED lighting. The side windows are surrounded by a bright aluminium trim that accentuates the shiny integrated roof rails. Twenty-inch, 10-spoke, black diamond cut wheels are fitted as standard and greatly contribute to the XC90’s solid stance. The rear exhibits an integrated spoiler, signature taillights and chrome surround exhaust tips.

V olvo has developed a global reputation for being one of the safest and most reliable automobile brands on the planet. This is, in part, due to their unwavering dedication to constantly improving their vehicles with each and every new offering. This Swedish motor vehicle manufacturer has won more awards for safety and performance than most other car brands could ever dream of. In fact, the Volvo XC90 is the most awarded luxury SUV of the century. This month, thanks to Volvo Cars Qatar, the FACT magazine team had the opportunity to thoroughly inspect and test drive the 2022 Volvo XC90 B6 —a model that once again showcases the brand’s unyielding commitment to the continuous advancement of the driving experience.

The B6 is a mild hybrid that uses an advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system, coupled with an internal combustion engine, to create a new integrated electrified powertrain.”

fact magazine34 • CITY RIDES GO: CALL 800 8123 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A LUXURY TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN. of the cabin.The rear seat backrests and head restraints have been designed for easy folding, allowing for up to 1,856 litres of storage capacity. The storage compartment itself has a flat floor making the loading and unloading of goods an easy chore. There are multiple options for opening and closing the tailgate, including via sensors under the rear bumper.

As expected from a Volvo vehicle, the 2022 XC90 comes packed with safety features and advanced driver assistance technology. Included in the setup is Volvo Pilot Assist II, that combines adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitoring system. An Advanced Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBS), Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Attention Detection and a 360-degree Park View Camera are all equipped. Traffic Sign Recognition, stability control and traction control, along with seven airbags located throughout the interior, are just a few more of the standard features found in Volvo’s XC90 B6 Ultimate. ✤

Power & Performance Volvo has committed itself to the path of electrification by slowly phasing out internal combustion engines. The B6 is a mild hybrid that uses an advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system, coupled with an internal combustion engine to create a new integrated electrified powertrain. This newly-developed powertrain ensures that drivers save up to 15% on fuel, whilst substantially reducing CO2 emissions.

The XC90 B6 utilises both, a turbocharger and supercharger that produces 220kW and 420Nm of torque. This all-wheel-drive model is combined with an eight-speed, drive-by-wire Geartronic transmission. This combination allows for the B6 to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, and to produce an electronically capped top speed of 180km/h. Not bad for a vehicle weighing in at around two tonnes. With competent off-road capabilities, a great braking system, decent suspension and plenty of grip on the corners, we found the XC90 B6 to offer a proficient and versatile driving experience.

We found one of the most impressive aspects of the 2022 Volvo XC90 to be its modern infotainment system. The XC90 houses the Volvo connectivity and infotainment system called Sensus, that is operated through a large, highly-responsive touchscreen interface. This setup combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment applications, including Spotify and Pandora. It’s also compatible with both, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. We found this user-friendly system to allow for fast and easy access to a host of functions and features. Google Assistant voice control is now accessed through the mere touch of a button located on the steering wheel. This novel feature fulfils your every command and is activated by the phrase “Hey Google”.

Infotainment & Technology

Safety & Assistance

“

Bronco features powerful EcoBoost engines with segment exclusive seven-speed manual transmission and available 35inch tires. It excels with the available best-in-class 94.75:1 crawl ratio, ground clearance, suspension travel and water fording capabilities, plus breakover and departure angles.

The Built Wild Ford Bronco returns as the flagship of a new all-4x4 family of rugged SUVs, with a classic two-door and its first ever four-door option. Both models are engineered with Built Wild extreme durability testing, capability and innovative design for segment-leading 4x4 capability, long-term off-road performance and dependability.

The new Ford Bronco has a unique innovative design along with a first ever four-door configuration.

“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of offroad adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the

READY FOR SOME FUN?

fact magazine36 • MOTORING NEWS

The all-4x4 Bronco brand is Built Wild and ready to deliver thrilling experiences with its heritage-inspired style, engineering and smart offroad technology, plus innovative features to help outdoor enthusiasts create adventures in the most remote corners of the world.

The Bronco two-door and four-door models can get you to the trails fast with quick-release stowable roof panels and doors on select versions. Available cutting-edge off-road drive technologies and segment-exclusive digital trail mapping allow owners to easily plan, record and share their experiences via an all-in-one app.

GO: CALL 800 7551 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE.

Almana Motors Located in the heart of Doha, Almana motors is Qatar’s only specialist Ford dealership. With exclusive access to Ford’s globally renowned range of cars, crossovers, SUVs and trucks, the dealership is able to offer unrivalled choice. Whether you’re looking for luxury or affordability, Almana Motors has the right vehicle for you.

fact magazine 37 MOTORING NEWS •

rugged 4x4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford Chief Operating Officer.

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“They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of a Mustang – and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design DNA.”

The new Macan features a redesigned front with an inlay in its exterior colour to emphasise its width, while the same element is finished in black on GTS models. LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and Sport Design exterior mirrors are now standard on all models and the rear is rounded off towards the road with a striking diffuser. Thanks to a further optimised chassis, the new Macan models offer a wide suspension bandwidth, balancing maximum comfort and dynamic sports car performance. The model now responds with even more sensitivity and more directly to the driving situation and road conditions, giving the driver even better feedback via the steering wheel.

MEET THE NEW MACAN

A total of 14 colours are available including the new Papaya

With its recent enhancement, the Porsche Macan continues to be a strong contender in the luxury SUV market, with this latest model offering refreshed styling, more performance and an extended assortment of colours newly available for the model range comprising the Macan, Macan S and Macan GTS.

Salman Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO at Porsche Centre Doha, said: “We are thrilled to present the latest Macan as the first new addition to our range. As our third most sold model in the country, the compact SUV plays a vital role in our continuous success with a high proportion of buyers being new to the Porsche brand. With three models available at launch, the latest range brings Porsche’s unrivalled sporting DNA into one of the most competitive automotive segments. I am certain our customers will enjoy the enhanced range of individualisation options that have reaffirmed the Macan as a staple model in the Porsche range ever since its premiere in 2014.”

The Macan, Macan S and the Macan GTS come with significantly more power than their predecessors, ensuring that the Macan remains the sports car of compact SUVs. With a 44kW (60PS) power boost over its predecessor, the Macan GTS is now the most powerful model in the range, delivering 324kW (440PS) which lets it reach 100km/h from zero in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 272km/h.

fact magazine38

A new, turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides the basis for the entry-level Macan with 195kW (265PS) of power and acceleration to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 232km/h, while the new Macan S has been further refined with its 2.9-litre, V6, biturbo engine now developing 20kW (26PS) more power, offering 280kW (380PS) which propels it to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 259km/h. All models come equipped with Porsche’s seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system as standard.

Porsche Centre Doha recently unveiled the latest generation of the brand’s popular compact SUV, the Macan.

• MOTORING NEWS

Commenting on its success, Salman Jassem Al Darwish said: “The Macan’s popularity continues to increase over time. Its success stems from its versatility and strong performance credentials as a true Porsche based on the 70-year know-how of building benchmark sports cars.”

fact magazine 39 Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic, as well as Python Green for the Macan GTS with the GTS Sport package. Larger wheels are also fitted as standard, ranging from 19 inches for the Macan to 20 inches for the Macan S and 21 inches on the Macan GTS, across seven new wheel designs.

FURTHER

A refreshed interior mixes modern dynamism with elegance, featuring a 10.9-inch full HD touch display of the Porsche Communication Management that controls many online functions via voice command or by the touch surfaces that replace the tactile buttons. It also adopts the new multifunction and GT Sport steering wheel from the 911 while a number of leather upholstery and contrasting seam packages in Gentian Blue, Papaya or Crayon are optionally available to add new colour highlights to the interior.

MOTORING NEWS •

The latest Macan range is now available at Porsche Centre Doha with a starting retail price for the entry model of QR238,000. CALL 4459 9666 FOR INFORMATION.

✤ GO:

When used with HomePod mini or the latest Apple TV 4K, the device also supports Thread, an IP-based mesh network Edition features a slick and smooth design with inspiration from PS5 console’s DualSense wireless controller, making it the perfect companion for the rest of the PS5 products. ✤

SYNCHRONISED SYSTEM

Eve Motion is a cool new accessory for anyone looking for a more comfortable and secure lifestyle. programmed to safely connect several products around your home. Due to the IPX3 water resistance feature, Eve Motion can be fitted both indoors and out. The device has a 120-degree field of view with 9m of range and works wirelessly so you can place it anywhere you like, whether on the wall or on your console. ✤

The Backbone One PlayStation UP YOUR GAME Eve has just released its new Eve Motion Wireless Motion Sensor for users to enjoy a more synchronised home system. Use movement to control individual lights, media centres, appliances and entire rooms. You can also turn any other networked device on and off automatically, individually or all at once. When you are out, you will receive notifications as soon as movement is detected in the house, and you get to decide when you receive them, whether that is anytime or only when no one is home. Users can combine several HomeKit devices into one scene. This way, as soon as you enter your bedroom, a ‘goodnight’ scene turns off all the lights in the house, turns on your bedside-table lamp, and draws your curtains so you can have a worry-free sleep. You can similarly activate other scenes by setting specific rules to automate certain devices according to your preferences. For instance, when you arrive home in the evening, you can set the device to automatically activate the ‘I’m home’ scene in the living room which would turn on the networked mood lights. You can also have them turn off automatically by setting the duration of detected motion so the lights don’t stay on long after you have left.

The newest and probably the best controller yet is here. Backbone has introduced the Backbone One – PlayStation Edition, a mobile controller for iPhone users with support for a 1440p HDMI video output, giving users the ability to choose additional visual settings with compatible PC monitors and TVs. The device is a must-have for gamers looking to up their game. Enjoy PlayStation exclusives like Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, God of War and Horizon Forbidden West. All you need is a PS5 or PS4 console and you’re set. Backbone One also works with App Store games and other gamestreaming services, such as Genshin, Impact, Fantasian, Call of Duty: Mobile and more, that are compatible with controllers.

GO: VISIT HTTPS://PLAYBACKBONE.COM/PLAYSTATION/ FOR MORE INFORMATION. Backbone One PlayStation Edition delivers the best gaming experience yet.

GO: VISIT HTTPS://WWW.EVEHOME.COM/EN/EVE-MOTION FOR MORE INFORMATION.

fact magazine40 • PLUGGED IN

Gamers can download the Backbone app for a tailored experience and can view several PlayStation integrations, such as custom glyphs, and the ability to look through various game titles. You can also find news on updates and new releases from PlayStation in a dedicated tab. In terms of charging, the device is powered by your iPhone and can connect directly to a PS5 Pulse 3D headset as well. Another prize feature of the controller is ‘Gamelists’ which allows users to organise their games using folders.

FOLDABLEREVOLUTIONSMARTPHONE

Galaxy Z Flip4 is crafted to go truly hands-free. Make calls, reply to texts, unlock the car and even control the SmartThings Scene widget from the cover screen. Shoot hands-free video or capture group selfies by activating FlexCam. With a 65% brighter sensor powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, photos and videos are crisper and more stable – day or night. Galaxy Z Flip4 can capture and connect longer between charges with the expanded 3,700mAh battery. With Super Fast Charging, charge up to 50% in 30 minutes. The Galaxy Z Fold4 combines Samsung’s collective mobile technology expertise to create a device with increased functionality. Furthermore, it is the first device to ship with Android 12L.The new Taskbar provides a layout similar to your PC, offering access to your favourite and recent apps. Instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split your screen in half for more ways to multitask.

Hydrow leverages innovative technology to bring the on-water, Google apps now supports drag-and-drop, allowing users to quickly copy and paste links, photos and more from one app to another. Use Google Meet to co-watch videos on YouTube or play games together. The S Pen functionality enables on-the-go drawing and notetaking with streamlined storage.

Samsung pushes the boundaries of smartphone versatility with upgraded features and fourth generation foldables.

Hydrow, the leading rowing brand that brings the on-the-water experience of rowing straight to your home, have released their newest innovation: the Hydrow Wave rowing machine. Designed to address two of the biggest barriers that prevent people from bringing a rowing machine into their homes – space and cost – the Hydrow Wave is significantly lighter and cheaper than the original Hydrow to support an even broader range of consumer needs.

GO: VISIT HTTP://HYDROW.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Get fit with an immersive rowing experience using Hydrow Wave, your at-home rowing machine. outdoor experience of rowing to the home. Engineered by rowing experts, Hydrow recreates the feeling of rowing directly on the water via an algorithm-based, patented electromagnetic and computer-controlled drag mechanism. World-class athletes lead users through challenging rows that engage 86% of the body's major muscle groups. ✤

fact magazine42 • PLUGGED IN

Samsung Electronics has announced the next generation of foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4, featuring customisable form factors, tailored experiences and upgraded performance.

"Our goal for Hydrow from the very beginning has been to democratise the sport of rowing and make it universally accessible for people everywhere," says Bruce Smith, Founder and CEO of Hydrow, Inc. "We've worked tirelessly to create an even more accessible, lighter rower that will fit seamlessly into people's lives."

Galaxy Z Fold4 takes stunning photos and videos with an upgraded 50MP wide lens and 30x Space Zoom lens. A variety of camera modes, including the Zoom map activated on Capture View Mode, Dual Preview and Rear Cam Selfie, increases capturing flexibility. And with the larger pixel size, a brighter sensor and enhanced processing power, users can capture clear images. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.SAMSUNG.COM/GLOBAL/GALAXY/ FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The machine delivers Hydrow's signature experience via patented computer-controlled dynamic resistance that mimics the feel of water with immersive content streamed live and on-demand from waterways around the world. Where other rowers rely on noisy chains, fans or water tanks, the Hydrow Wave features electromagnetic braking, high-quality polyester webbing and a custom-designed spring assembly to ensure smooth and whisperquiet operation. The two-piece polycarbonate monocoque frame achieves strength and form, delivering the same quality and durability in a package 30% lighter than the original Hydrow.

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

Stay & Bliss DISCOVER A WORLD OF RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION IN THE HEART OF DOHA AT THE CROWNE SPA. DOHA - THE BUSINESS PARK Book our new ‘Stay & Bliss’ Wellness Getaway to revitalize your body, mind and soul. For Bookings: Call: +974 4408 7777 Email: reservations.cpdoha@ihg.com Wellness

fact magazine44 • PLUGGED IN

Headspace is a popular meditation and sleep app designed to encourage a healthier lifestyle and relationship with yourself, with loads of helpful breathing and mindfulness exercises. The app is divided into five sections, namely Meditate, Sleep, Move, Focus and Wake Up. Meditation offers courses and single sessions that help users manage their feelings and thoughts to develop long-term healthy mindfulness habits. Sleep offers sleepcasts, sleep music and nighttime SOS in case you can’t get any shuteye. Move helps you train your body and mind and strengthen your overall well-being. Focus offers short audios to help you boost your ability to concentrate. And lastly, Wake Up has inspiring daily stories and mini meditations to help you get a good start to your day. You can also choose between shorter three-minute sessions going up to longer 15- and 20-minute sessions. A monthly subscription costs $12.99 with a seven-day free trial and an annual subscription costs $69.99 with a 14-day free trial. Are you bored of the installed weather apps on your phone? Want to make checking the weather a bit more enjoyable, and maybe have a bit of a giggle? Then download CARROT Weather. Not only does it give you accurate weather forecasts and alerts you if more severe weather is coming your way, it also has quite hilarious dialogue and quirky animations, and you can even customise your character to your liking. You’ll get messages like “I know what you did last summer. And it wasn’t terribly exciting” and “There’s a 73% chance that the ice cream truck driver is a serial killer, but it’s probably worth the risk.” You can also choose your own layouts and data points. The app also has a feature called Secret Locations, which are hidden world sites that you have to find using clues. The more you travel around the world and visit specific locations and experience different weather events, the more achievements you will be able to bag!

APP-LICIOUS

CARROT WeatherHeadspace

What’s on the smartphone agenda for September?

fact magazine46 • 5 OVER 5 In Conversation with… Franco Di Tommaso The General Manager of Sumosan’s first stand-alone flagship in the Middle East talks passion and fun.

You started your career at a very young age, what inspired you to get into the hospitality business? I began my career in the hospitality business at the age of 18 and since then have built up a strong foundation in restaurants and hotels. I was driven with passion and dedicated to providing excellent service along with having lots of energy from travelling internationally and meeting new people, whether it was colleagues or guests.

I started following my elder brother to keep my summer busy, while studying the rest of the year, initially with seasonal jobs in luxury hotels in Italy and Switzerland. I became fascinated with the high standard of service we were providing to all our guests. I learned about discipline and consistency, which is very important in hospitality but, at the same time, I had a lot of fun, travelled around the world and met amazing people from different countries. It’s a career that requires a lot of passion and effort, however there are also lots of opportunities to grow and develop.

What would you say makes Sumosan different from other Japanese restaurants? As many of our guests say, ‘Sumosan is one of kind’. It’s well known for its consistency in serving exceptional standards of modern Japanese cuisine. Here in Doha, the chefs came up with new creations on the menu, adapted to local taste, for example, a lot of people in the Middle East do not like to eat raw food. We also have an amazing team that ensures an attentive service and a remarkable experience. Why did you choose Doha for your first Sumosan in the Middle East? I’ve been working in the Middle East for more than 10 years, mainly in the UAE. The opportunity presented itself and I grabbed it. I personally think Qatar is the country to be in at the moment, Doha is a great city to live with the family and Sumosan is definitely an excellent addition to the dining scene here, especially where we are located, in downtown Msheireb.

What dishes would you recommend to a first-timer to Sumosan? I personally love food in general and I am in love with Japanese cuisine. There are plenty of dishes I can recommend to a firsttimer in Sumosan, some of my personal classic favourites are: the famous Lobster Salad, Albemarle roll, the grilled creamy spicy king crab and Wagyu sando. We have quite a few options on the menu to satisfy different palates. ✤

fact magazine 47 5 OVER 5 •

What plans does Sumosan have to expand in the region? Sumosan is fast evolving in this dynamic region. Riyadh has just opened, we’ll be opening in Dubai by the end of this year and Bahrain will open by the middle of next year. I`m also expecting more openings in other countries.

INSPIRATIONALEATING Areewan Larpnikornkul, Chef de Cuisine at The Asian Kitchen InterContinental Doha – The City, talks pride in her team and sharing the food experience.

You recently joined InterContinental Doha – The City as Chef de Cuisine, what are your favourite items on the menu and are you planning on making any changes? I have my favourite dishes in each category, but I do love to create new dishes. We try to keep our menus fresh by adding new items every quarter. The inspiration comes from what my customers tell me they want more of or less of when they come into the restaurant. ✤

You’ve been working in the Middle East for some time, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and in Doha, what do you enjoy about working in the region? I enjoy the multinational diversity of the people here. And while learning culinary and management skills, I get to learn how they use those skills here. In addition, I’ve developed people skills, particularly here in the Middle East, where there are different customs, traditions and ways of working with people. It’s all been a great experience for me.

CHEF IN FOCUS •

What are your favourite signature dishes?

You’ve won a number of awards, including some Fact Dining Awards, which ones are you most proud of and why?

Honestly, all of them. It is evidence of hard work, dedicated people and a commitment to the presentation and delivery of wonderful food. And I am also very proud that I get to work with a group of dedicated team members who make all this possible.

I would say my favourite is the Thai Beef Salad. I love the combination of the cool, crisp vegetables and the hot, spicy beef. It's a great balance of flavours and textures. My other favourite dish is the Pho Bo Noodle Soup. It's a traditional Vietnamese dish made with rice noodles, meatballs, and broth. I love that it has so many different layers of flavours and can be customised to your own preferences.

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You’ve achieved tremendous success in your career, what first inspired you to become a Chef? I was first inspired by my love of tasting foods when I was a little kid. I would experiment with the flavours of different foods and combinations of ingredients, and the kitchen always allowed me to do that. When I got older, I realised that this was more than just a hobby; it was something I wanted to do as an adult. I started working as a chef, which allowed me to not only make delicious food but also share that experience with other people.

fact magazine50 FROM TURKEY TO MSHEIREB DOWNTOWN • VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN Chef and founder of Fiko Doha, Fikret Aydogdu discusses the success of his family business as he opens the first branch outside of Turkey.

Will you be sourcing ingredients locally or will they come from Turkey and what do you think about sustainability in the kitchen? There are some unique ingredients in our food that are only found in Turkey but we are also trying local products in Qatar. As long as we don't compromise the calibre of the meal offered, we are pleased to use locally sourced ingredients if the flavour is practically identical to what we have in Turkey. Every dish is tested in the kitchen before service, and if it doesn't meet our standards, we don't serve it. We assure the highest standards of food quality because we treat our customers like family. What is your signature dish and will it have a Qatari twist? It has to be the Fiko chicken wings! I've experimented with many recipes for years to make my wings stand out from the crowd. Because the wings are so tasty, many customers find themselves buying them again and again. We also offer other foods, such oven-cooked meats that we will season with a Qatari touch. ✤

My brother Ugur and I have always wanted to own a successful restaurant that would reflect our values and beliefs of being modern souls offering impeccable style and exquisite taste in food. Once the opportunity presented itself, we seized it and our top priority was to create a restaurant that would always improve and maintain the best levels of service, presentation and flavour. We've always had intentions to grow, so, after Izmir, we launched

You and your siblings grew up around your father’s restaurant in Turkey and each specialised in one area of the culinary profession. What made you choose cooking? We grew up working in the restaurant, first in the kitchen, then greeting customers at the door, before becoming waiters. We gained a lot of experience working at the restaurant and I loved to cook because I enjoyed food so much. I have an undeniable addiction to good cuisine, so when I see food being served to visitors in a beautiful way, I become excited.

fact magazine 51 VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN • in Yeniköy and then, in response to popular demand, we opened up the Bodrum branch. Our newest restaurant is Fiko located in Msheireb Downtown and we guarantee the best quality service, personal service and an array of sumptuous Turkish dishes.

I have always taken great pleasure in firing up the grill and adding personal finishing touches like sprinkling spices on the meat, arranging the grill and I like to hand-deliver it to my customers.

Where did the idea for Fiko come from and what can diners in Qatar expect to see from the restaurant?

INDIANAUTHENTICFINEDINING Kalvin Ng checked out a subcontinental feast at Dalchini Restaurant & Bar.

Doha is blessed with a wide variety of Indian restaurants to showcase the great breadth of tastes and textures from the subcontinent. Dalchini Restaurant & Bar aims to achieve something different with what it calls ‘progressive Indian cuisine’. The result is an innovative take on traditional dishes in a relaxing and modern atmosphere.

We began our tantalising evening with a welcome drink, called Bengali Crush. The refreshing mocktail of strawberries, cranberries and soda came with a delightful smoke-filled bubble to pop on top. It was a feast for the eyes and the senses. The theme continued with Chef Karthik entertaining us to a theatrical presentation of Patta Chaat, a traditional Indian street food. Pieces of dhokla, a light, spongy cake-like snack made from gram flour,

Located on the ground floor of the Centara West Bay Hotel and Residences Doha, Dalchini, the Hindi word for cinnamon, welcomes guests to its elegant dining room with dimmed lighting, gentle lounge music and hues of green and copper throughout. It’s perfect for an intimate dinner and is the brainchild of Alfred Prasad, the youngest Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star for modernising British-Indian cuisine. Along with Executive Chef Ravi Karthik, the pair created a carefully selected menu with seasonal and local specialities, such as hammour. There were a few surprises thrown in as well. For example, the menu includes sushi-grade tuna, edamame and shimeiji mushrooms. Normally associated with Japanese cuisine, these ingredients added a modern touch to Indian classics.

fact magazine 53 CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

Executive Chef Ravi Karthik explained that Dalchini aims to present a focused and innovative selection of dishes to highlight the best of Indian cuisine. The restaurant will launch a business lunch menu soon, as well as a meat and vegetarian Thali. With these new developments on the horizon, Dalchini is sure to become a favourite for lovers of Indian food, as well as those who’d like to experience the boundless possibilities of one of the world’s great cuisines. CALL 4009 5555 FOR MORE INFORMATION

OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

fact magazine54 are dipped in liquid nitrogen before being mixed with crispy kale, spinach, spiced chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, vanilla yoghurt and chutney. The liquid nitrogen bath, while visually spectacular, also served a purpose to give the dhokla a soft, creamy texture. It was fresh, beautifully spiced and balanced. You can experience this spectacle at Dalchini’s Social Brunch on Fridays. The Dalchini Kebab Smoked Platter was next, featuring an appetising array of grilled meats and seafood with a hint of wood smoke, which was revealed at the table as the chef ceremoniously removed the platter’s glass dome. The tandoori lamb chops were succulent and tender with a hint of spice. The peppercorn chicken had a generous amount of heat but was not overpowering. Tandoori tiger prawns were marinated with lime leaves and coriander, giving a delicate citrus touch. Other standouts included the juicy malai chicken and tikki croquettes, made with edamame instead of peas. How innovative! Dalchini has kept an eye on changing tastes. Roti made with multigrain flour is available, as well as gluten-free, sumac and coconut naan bread. We chose traditional naan to accompany two of their signature dishes: Kadhai Subzi and the Chettinad Seafood Curry. The Kadhai Subzi featured seasonal vegetables as well as exotic mushrooms, porchini mushroom powder and jackfruit: an interesting mix of spicy and stir-fried vegetables that had a meateater like me going back for seconds. The Seafood Curry was mildly spiced, pairing perfectly with pieces of salmon, calamari and prawn. The waitress suggested a signature Dalchini Mojito mocktail with the meal, and it did not disappoint. The presentation of all the dishes was sublime, as was the attentive service. Although our bellies were now full, we somehow found room for dessert. The colourful presentation returned, and our phone

• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

cameras were poised and ready for it. Rasmalai and rice pudding were served on a bed of dry ice. Wafts of smoke drifted over desserts that were almost too pretty to eat. Pistachio pieces gave a nice crunch to fluffy pieces of rasmalai, which carried a hint of saffron. The cinnamon rice pudding was creamy yet light, accentuated with a generous spoonful of rose sago pearls.

✤ GO:

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MEXICANTRENDYDINING Simran Kapoor discovers good food and great vibes in abundance at La Bodega Negra.

The head chef’s new offering of the Carnitas De Atun, also known as Chargrilled Tuna, stuffed in Chilli Guero, garnished with Nogada sauce and charred cheese, is nothing short of a work of art! Hands down the dreamiest dish I’ve had all year. The hint of sweetness from the walnut-based cream sauce, followed by surprise elements of pomegranate arils along with the savouriness of the tiny tuna cubes really pulls this dish together. The portion size is such that this could easily be shared by two, however, a serious doubt lingers in me over letting anyone else have any!

La Bodega Negra follows an ethos that brings the freshest, inseason produce to the table – whilst elevating Mexican cuisine for the contemporary palate. Exotic dishes feature fresh yet fiery flavours along with a hint of Aaj’s Asian influence. He believes in keeping the traditional roots but isn’t afraid to play around with ingredients and tweak them in order to make dishes his own and enhance the taste. Taking inspiration from Tulum, Oaxaca and various other travels, La Bodega offers staples like Baja crispy fish tacos and Tuna Tostadas, as well as specialities from the woodfired grill such as giant grilled prawns with chipotle aioli and the Wagyu Rib Eye with Chimichurri and Esquites.

For all meat lovers, the Slow Roasted Lamb Rack Barbacoa is cooked to perfection in chilli adobo for five hours – you can only imagine how it so effortlessly falls off the bone and has a delightful texture; for me this is the ideal way to serve this particular cut of meat.

Lastly, the Sea Bass Ceviche – an all-time palate pleaser and

t’s a Mexican Monday like no other as I walk through the massive doors of La Bodega Negra at the St Regis. I enter a long hallway with dim, moody lighting and some of the first things I notice are the stand out black and white tiled flooring, combined with a high ceiling with wooden beams, and statuettes against walls adorned with large vintage-style mirrors. This is a world of its own. One of the coolest concepts I’ve visited in a while – very Instagrammable! With its hacienda-style interiors, La Bodega Negra has a warm, sophisticated ambience. It’s home to a popular bar with an outdoor terrace where, in the corner, I spot a stunning portrait of the Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. It’s like a chic living room for friends and family; La Bodega Negra has a casual yet up-scale lounge, dining, and bar area with plenty of atmosphere. Whether you’re on a date, dining solo or a with a group of friends – you won’t feel alone. The team is part of the unique atmosphere; full of life, attentive and happy to keep you company from afar. Head Chef, Aaj Fernando, talked me through the newly revamped ‘Modern Mexican’ menu items. His energy and passion for food really add to the experience – we got along like a house on fire, just like the food which was a bonus!

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La Bodega Negra invites guests to step into an illicit-feeling, opulent, yet raw space. There is a range of beverages to choose from. The freshly squeezed lime in my drink complements my food and pairs well with the Salmon Tostada, a crunchy fried corn tortilla topped with delicately placed cured salmon and reposado liquor vinaigrette. The Wagyu tacos make their way to the table next. Soft and tender, the meat rests on small but perfectly formed tortillas made from a distinctly nutty maize flour, topped with cilantro and a home-made salsa martajada – simply delicious!

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refreshing for this time of year. A generous serving, soaked in aguachile negra which gives it its peculiar black colour. A must try ceviche with a twist. On to desserts and there’s a delectable sizzle as the churros arrive. Crunchy and crisp on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside – heaven on a plate! They are followed by the chilli chocolate cube – this is a mouthful both in description and portion. Dark chocolate mousse with a hint of chilli ancho, glazed with rich chocolate and served with a delicious scoop of signature caramel ice cream; you’ll be smiling until you reach home. La Bodega Negra is the place to go if you are up for a lively experience. The food encompasses the traditional and hearty flavours you would associate with Mexican cooking. However, the real draw is the feeling of being in an uninhibited environment and not knowing where the night may lead. Do take your time to walk around and admire the collectors’ art, luxurious furniture and vintage-themed framed posters. It’s a vibe! I cannot thank Aaj and his team enough, for this culinary experience. GO: CALL 4424 4871 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TO

MAKE A RESERVATION.

Kalvin Ng found dining and dancing on a sultry journey of discovery at El Cedro.

A THROUGHJOURNEYLATIN-AMERICA

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Q atar has fallen in love with South American cuisine. Several restaurants have opened in the last couple of years to rave reviews and El Cedro Pan-Latin Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village, Doha, has been rebranded to provide some serious competition. It’s fitting and welcomed, with just a couple of months to go before Qatar plays host to the FIFA Football World Cup 2022, the ultimate prize for one of Latin America’s favourite pastimes. There are a number of notable qualities that make El Cedro stand out above the rest of its competitors. Let’s start with the location. It’s a breath of fresh air to find a sophisticated Latin lounge away from popular hot spots like West Bay and The Pearl. El Cedro feels worlds away from Doha. We visited on ‘Salsa Night’. The sultry music led us to a sophisticated and intimate space, with seductive lighting, comfortable lounge chairs and a cosy bar with fawn granite countertops and elegant high stools: the perfect spot for a welcome beverage to begin the evening. Beyond the extensive drinks menu, staff led by El Cedro’s Argentinian head bartender are on hand to mix whichever drink tickles your fancy. I gave them my preferences and received a deliciously refreshing mocktail with passionfruit. The outdoor terrace wouldn’t look out of place in, say, Havana, with its elegant white wicker lounges and wooden deck. You could even enjoy the surroundings with a smoke from the cigar room by the entrance. With the venue’s décor ticking all the right boxes, we turned our attention to the food offering. Colombian-Venezuelan bar

fact magazine62 supervisor Gabriella Pereira explained that the menu has been designed to take a culinary tour of Latin America, with stops in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Mexico to name a few. Our cheerful and attentive Ecuadorian waitress, Janyne, began by mixing a guacamole in front of us with a traditional Mexican ‘molcajete’, or mortar and pestle. It was fresh, smooth and tangy, with a wonderful balance of lime juice and chilli. Janyne’s smile lit up when she introduced us to a dish from her homeland: the Ceviche de Camaròn, or shrimp ceviche. A popular choice in Ecuador, it has the added advantage of being made with poached shrimp. This makes it ideal for diners who are perhaps sceptical of raw seafood. The shrimp were marinated in lime juice with corn, sweet potatoes, onions and chilli. The balance of sour and salty was spot on. It was beautifully presented in half a coconut on a bed of corn with a few slices of tortilla chips to scoop up the ceviche. Next, we hopped over to Bolivia with Salteña de Carne, or Bolivian-style beef empanadas. The beef ragout filling was delicious, warm and comforting. I can understand why it’s a popular street snack in Bolivia. This was followed by shredded beef Barbacoa tacos. The meat was juicy and full of flavour, with a hint of smoke from the barbecue. Shredded beef also featured prominently in Patacones con Carne: twice-fried crispy plantain slices served with avocado, beef and a little slice of jalapeño. All the wonderful flavours of South America in one bite. Our Pan-Latin journey had only just begun, bar supervisor • ON THE MENU Gabriella and our waitress Janyne told us there were two more dishes to try. First was the potato and cassava croquettes with beef ham and cheese. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, the croquettes were the perfect finger food. These were followed by char-grilled green Padrón peppers filled with homemade soft cheese and a slice of mandarin. The cheese and citrus cut through the spiciness of the peppers beautifully. By now, many of the diners were ready to work off the delicious food and drinks with some dancing. A small dancefloor opened up in front of the live DJ, who had been spinning the latest Latin salsa hits throughout the evening. Experienced dancers coupled up and glided elegantly through the room. Even a novice with two left feet like me couldn’t resist joining in. It was definitely a unique experience in Doha. El Cedro lounge is planning more themed nights and other exciting events in preparation for the FIFA World Cup in November. With incredible food, drinks and attentive service in a wonderfully atmospheric venue, El Cedro is full of LatinAmerican flair and elegance. Whether you’re in the mood for dancing or a sophisticated meal, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. ✤ GO: CALL 5539 8007 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

Enjoy this month’s selection of amazing offers, including French breakfasts, Afternoon Teas, Saturday brunches and seafood specials.

Enjoy an unlimited selection of tacos with one glass of hops of your choice. The offer runs every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm and is priced at QR90 per person. GO: Call 4009 9666, WhatsApp 3075 8211 or email restaurants.alwadihotel@accor.com for more information or to make a reservation.

Transverse through Asia as your taste buds are transported on a journey of flavours from various parts of the Orient. You will touch down in India, cruise through Sri Lanka, get lost in Thailand and move east to Indonesia, China and Japan. The offer runs every Thursday from 6.30pm to 11pm, and is priced at QR222 per person, inclusive of soft drinks, and QR399 per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

DUSIT DOHA HOTEL The House Get your midweek night out sorted with a Grapes and Cheese night. Enjoy a platter of cheese and free-flowing grapes as well as some live entertainment. The offer runs every Wednesday, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, and is priced at QR199 per person inclusive of unlimited cheese and grapes for two hours straight.

O’Glacée

GO: Call 4004 4444 for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Elements Discover the bursting flavours of South American cuisine and indulge in a generous buffet featuring your favourite dishes along with perfectly blended cocktails and extraordinary live stations. The offer runs every Thursday from 7pm to 10.30pm and is priced at QR295 per person, inclusive of local water, and QR485 per person, inclusive of selected beverages. GO: Call 4494 8600 for more information or to make a reservation.

• DINING DEALS

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Le Colonial Immerse yourself in an authentic French breakfast, while gaining insight into Doha’s past. The Petit Déjeuner ‘Le Parisien’ offer runs on weekdays from 6am to 11am and on weekends from 6am to 12pm and is priced at QR120 per person.

GO: Call 4009 9666, WhatsApp 3075 8211 or email restaurants.alwadihotel@accor.com for more information or to make a reservation.

ALWADI DOHA – MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION

GO: Call 4004 4444 for more information or to make a reservation.

ALWADI DOHA – MGALLERY HOTEL COLLECTION

DUSIT DOHA HOTEL Taste

fact magazine 65 ARE YOU BOLD ENOUGH TO ACCEPT TED’S CHALLENGE? 60 minutes to finish 1KG of prime beef burger! Will your photo be on the Wall of Fame or Wall of Shame? QAR 325 Other exciting prizes await the ﬁnisher! Ted’s baseball hat | Day Pass for 2 persons | 20% oﬀ in any F&B outlet doha@anantara.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Seasons Tea Lounge

DOHA BEACH & SPA

Novecento Enjoy a Bubbly Afternoon Tea for two at Novecento. The offer runs daily from 2pm to 5pm and is priced at QR295 for two inclusive of croissants, two hot beverages and two glasses of bubbly. GO: Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for more information or to make a reservation.

GO: Call 4494 8600 for more information or to make a reservation.

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, THE PEARL-DOHA Café Murano Combining great service, attention to detail and the finest selection of handcrafted delicacies, the Kempinski Afternoon Tea is an experience not to be missed. Enjoy warm baked sweets and savoury treats as you sip on a dreamily brewed cup of coffee or tea and look over the sweeping seaside pool, the turquoise sea of the Arabian Gulf and the luscious tropical gardens that surround the hotel. The offer runs daily from 2pm to 7pm and is priced at QR290 for two, including two beverages of your choice.

Running daily from Sunday to Thursday, 6am to 10.30am until the end of October, the offer is priced at QR90 per person when you use the code BSB90.

Start your weekend with a leisurely breakfast at Seasons Tea Lounge. Take in the magnificent view of the Arabian Gulf while savouring all of your breakfast favourites including delicious Viennoiseries, egg selection and seasonal fruits. The offer runs every Friday from 8am to 11.30am and is priced at QR195 per person, inclusive of a five-course set menu.

Catch up with friends or unwind with a great cake and freshly brewed coffee or tea. Lobby Café offers breakfast with its French-style Petit Dejeuner menu of croissant with jam and butter, coffee and juices. It is also a great hangout for those wanting a sweet or savoury snack and a choice of beverages, including hot and cold refreshments and a wide variety of coffees and teas, from breakfast until closing time. The Sweet Treat corner is a fabulous draw for patisserie lovers with a choice of seven continental-style creations. Lobby Café’s signature Afternoon Tea features an elegantly presented, colourful display of delicate sandwiches and savouries, creative sweet treats and traditional scones replete with flavourful jam and rich cream. The café is open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Lobby Café

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA Choices

GO: Call 4035 5011 or WhatsApp 7479 0864 for more information or to make a reservation.

HILTON DOHA THE PEARL HOTEL & RESIDENCES

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INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA BEACH & SPA

The Cellar Cosy and tasteful, The Cellar’s Saturday Brunch is a set-menu occasion where everything is brought to your table giving you the feeling of the usual end-of-the-weekend meal. Enjoy a more chill Saturday with your friends and family while you munch on assorted tapas, your choice of main course from seabass, BBQ steak and vegetable paella, a selection of desserts from churros or crema Catalana, as well as soft beverages. The offer is available every Saturday from 12pm to 4pm and is priced at QR160 per person, QR260 per couple, and QR100 per person for a top-up of unlimited grapes. GO: Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806, or visit hyattrestaurants.com for more information or to make a INTERCONTINENTALreservation.

There’s no occasion better celebrated than catching up after mum’s errands, meeting over breakfast to socialise and be energised. Take advantage of Choices’ Back to School Breakfast Buffet offering English, continental, Asian and healthy options.

Coral Dive in and allow Coral to take care of your seafood cravings, from sushi to mussels and many more seafood specialities.

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

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

GO: Call 4492 4625 for more information or to make a reservation

The offer runs every Thursday from 7pm onwards and is priced QR295 per person, inclusive of one soft beverage, and QR95 for children aged six to 12, with an additional QR155 for unlimited bubbly, grapes and hops (only for buffet diners).

MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI, THE PEARL-DOHA The Public House Brunch N’

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PULLMAN DOHA WEST BAY Avenue

Start your day among the vibrant surroundings of Avenue, a signature restaurant at the newly opened Pullman Doha West Bay. With amazingly creative concoctions, the dishes blend flavours and genres that will leave you wanting more. Try the irresistible caramelised peach on toasted pumpkin-seed bread with blueberry jam, labneh and candied walnuts or go for breakfast favourites like poached eggs, avocado toast or royal waffles drizzled with honey. The offer runs from 6.30am to 10.30am on weekdays and 7am to 11am on weekends and is priced at QR125 per person for groups fewer than six, or QR100 per person for groups of six or more.

Avenue Enjoy an exquisite business lunch crafted with the finest ingredients to be savoured while you take a break from your daily routine. The offer runs from Sunday to Thursday, 12.30pm to 4pm, and is priced at QR95 per person for a two-course meal and QR120 per person for three courses.

Roll with The Public House as you enjoy a lavish brunch and activities organised for kids and adults alike. Delight in American diner favourites and indulge in a buffet of classics while you roll into retro vibes with live entertainment, games, sports and much more. Kids’ activities include face painting and balloon twisting. The offer runs every Saturday from 12pm to 3.30pm and is priced at QR175 per person, inclusive of soft beverages, and QR375 per person, inclusive of enhanced beverages, with groups of six paying the price of four, children aged six to 12 receiving a 50% discount and children below six dining for free. Stay on an hour extra for QR100 per person for unlimited sips after brunch.

BLU HOTEL, DOHA Shehrazad Lounge Bar & Terrace

GO: Call 4428 1555 or email fbreservations.doha@radissonblu. com for more information or to make a reservation.

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB BBQ Donut Float away from the shores of Doha as you experience a Tea in the Sea offer. The offer runs daily from 12pm to 6pm with 30-minute slots available for booking and a minimum of four and maximum of eight persons required per booking, all for QR75 per person. A barbecue dining experience is also available in one-hour slots from 12pm to 8pm. GO: Call 4484 7450 for more information or to make a reservation.

GO: Call or WhatsApp 3301 3666 or email restaurants. pullmandoha@accor.com for more information or to make a reservation.

SUMOSAN Located in Msheireb Downtown, Sumosan is an elegant, contemporary Japanese fine-dining restaurant taking inspiration from traditional techniques and ingredients. This month, Sumosan Doha is offering a top-notch Business Lunch including miso soup, Sumosan green salad, French beans tempura, Japanese home-baked milk bread, chicken sando sandwich, and wasabi prawns with golden mango and passionfruit salsa. The offer runs from Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 3pm, and is priced at QR128. GO: Call 4411 7550 for more information or to make a reservation.

Enjoy a hearty meal of roast beef with family and friends. The offer runs daily from 3pm to 9pm and is priced at QR99 per person, exclusive of drinks, or QR180 per person, inclusive of two selected beverages.

DINING DEALS •

GO: Call 4035 5011 or WhatsApp 7479 0864 for more information or to make a reservation.

GO: Call 5519 7131 for more information or to make a reservation.

SANTA NATA Indulge your taste buds with something scrumptious and delicious with the best natas in Doha. Buy a box of 16 natas and get four for free or buy a box of six and get two for free. The offer runs every Sunday from 9am to 12am. GO: Call 5047 5902 for more information or to make a reservation.

SAASNA Enjoy Saasna’s set menu including a variety of well-known local dishes made with contemporary twists. You do not get much more Qatari than the flavourful Chicken Mashkool, Barnioush King and a luscious date cake. The offer runs every day from 1pm to 10.30pm and is priced at QR139 per person.

PULLMAN DOHA WEST BAY

GO: Call or WhatsApp 3301 3666 or email restaurants. pullmandoha@accor.com for more information or to make a RADISSONreservation.

QATAR’S FIRST ALL-INCLUSIVELIFESTYLEHOTEL

The new Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha will give guests a bold, fresh choice at the country’s first luxury beach resort to pioneer the all-inclusive lifestyle concept which sets the tone for a new hospitality landscape.

HOTEL SPOTLIGHT •

Having taken over the iconic building of Qatar’s first fivestar hotel established in 1973, the reimagined property now boasts a magnificent beach front with seven restaurants, three pools, 13 private cabanas, a kids’ club, an exclusive sports club and the Turkish-inspired Anjana Spa.

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Ideally located close to Hamad International Airport and Doha's popular tourist and entertainment destinations, the hotel is easily accessible to business and leisure travellers alike. And with the all-inclusive concept, guests will embark on a memorable journey of abundance with delectable food and premium beverages, engaging entertainment, stimulating sports and kids’ activities and immersive spa experiences.

fact magazine72 • HOTEL SPOTLIGHT The exceptional hotel includes an outstanding range of 378 luxury rooms and suites to suit every level of guest requirement.

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fact magazine74 • HOTEL SPOTLIGHT R ixos Gulf Doha takes guests on an inspiring international gastronomic journey from elegant lounges, bountiful buffets and a casual poolside cafe, the hotel offers lavish outlets for every dining desire.

fact magazine 75 HOTEL SPOTLIGHT • GOURMET EXPERIENCES Savour culinary delights throughout your stay at Mr. Tailor Steakhouse, authentic Turkish dishes at Farmhouse, Indian flavours at Rasa, Greek cuisine at Akte Pier 51, freshly baked pastries at Crust and mouth-watering bites at Zoh, your lifestyle deck You can also enjoy exclusivity at M-Lounge.

fact magazine76 With a range of signature rituals dating back to the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish-inspiredaward-winning Anjana Spa is the perfect place for you to connect with your inner self. Each treatment is designed to stimulate the senses, restore balance and relaxation. • HOTEL SPOTLIGHT RixosSTAY Gulf Doha +974 4429 www.Rixos.com8888

Within this wellness oasis is a fully-equipped fitness centre which features state-of-the-art exercise equipment, as well as a studio for aerobics, yoga and private fitness sessions and a dedicated private training studio for women.

RELAX, REFRESH AND REJUVENATE

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• VACATION

AESCAPELUXURY FACT's Homara Choudhary headed to Bahrain for a surprisingly exotic break.

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To my pleasant surprise there was also a hand-written welcome note from the General Manager Bernard de Villele, who joined The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain in 2018. He’s been described as a ‘fervent leader and visionary’. I could see why. This five-star luxury resort was in a league of its own. My room was exactly what I needed for a business trip. It had a generous lounge area with a giant flat screen TV, a sleek walk-in wardrobe with enough closet space for the week, a king-size bed, and an oversized executive desk with an arresting view of the turquoise Gulf waters. The standout feature of the room for me was the enormous bathroom. It had a spacious ‘open concept’ and was fitted with a generous deep bathtub, a separate shower area, and an LED TV embedded into the glass mirror. It was the perfect blend of

Now that diplomatic ties have been restored and the borders are open, I was able to take a short business trip to the Kingdom from Qatar. It was going to be my first visit to the island and I was curious and excited to visit the hotel dubbed the ‘most elegant destination in Bahrain’.

For the health-conscious there are also two gyms, a tennis court, an indoor squash court and an award-winning spa. The exquisite resort is the only hotel in the country to have its own kosher kitchen. And, if that wasn’t enough, after breakfast nature lovers can also feed the stunning flamingos that live on the property!

Perched on the north coast, along an exclusive bay in Seef District, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain boasts its own private beach, a magnificent lagoon and an idyllic private island, home to 23 bespoke seafront villas, each with three bedrooms, outdoor, indoor and an infinity pool. There’s private beach access and a 24-hour butler service. So, it’s no surprise that this is a popular choice amongst A-list celebrities, diplomats and royalty from around the world.

Right in the heart of the glittering Arabian Gulf, set in 20 acres of lush gardens and soft golden sandy beaches and only 3km from the city, lies a beautiful oasis of tranquillity. Renowned globally for its luxurious hospitality, The RitzCarlton, Bahrain offers a majestic taste of paradise.

As I walked into my room I was greeted by a ‘Welcome to Bahrain’ banner, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, an exotic fruit basket, a tray with fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate, a selection of dates, baklava and the infamous Ritz-Carlton cheesecake. There were even balloons!

As I made my way through the revolving doors, I was personally greeted by the Assistant Manager Victor Grafilo, who had waited for me, despite his shift ending some hours ago. The lobby was breathtaking. Classical Greek columns perfectly framed the stunning black and white marble flooring. Artfully arranged flowers provided a delicate counterpoint to the grandeur of the space, creating a sumptuous first impression. I was shown to the ‘Club room’, where I was staying for the week. The rooms and suites on the Club floor are located on the sixth and seventh floors and were designed by the French architect Pierre-Yves Rochen.

• VACATION

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fact magazine82 contemporary design and comfortable elegance. After a deep and restful sleep, I was ready for breakfast. Visitors staying in a Club room, have exclusive lounge access where you can enjoy your meals facing out onto a magnificent panorama of the Gulf. I was ravenous and there was every kind of breakfast item you could possibly imagine. A live cooking station made it almost impossible to decide. My lovely server, Sameer, helped by recommending a vegetable omelette. Served with all the trimmings, the omelette was light and fluffy, my hashbrowns crispy yet tender. It was exactly what I needed to set me up for the day. The hotel caters to every palate with 14 dining establishments and lounges, including the world famous La Table Krug by Y, which only opens its doors for exclusive clientele. I decided to try Plums. A sophisticated contemporary steakhouse which only served premium cuts of meat and specialised in exceptional seafood. The Plums dining experience begins as soon as you walk in. With its unique, modern, stylish décor and seductive lighting, it’s the perfect venue for a romantic meal or a small private dinner. Our server Ali suggested we begin with the Foie Gras. Imported from France it was served with a light raspberry sauce and celery root puree. The texture was firm yet delicate and it had a rich buttery flavour. The steak tartare was next, a must-try for meat lovers. The Chef de Cuisine, Kaustubh Chavan, informed us that it had been made with hand-churned mustard. It was simply luxurious. I was keen to try some seafood and decided on the pan-seared scallops. They were drizzled with an onion and lemon sauce, lightly garnished with garlic flakes. With a soft texture and delicate, yet sweet taste, they were absolutely sublime.

There was a variety of sides to choose from, including mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and steamed vegetables. No meal is complete without dessert, I opted for the American cheesecake with Irish cream liqueur ice cream. It was deliciously light, with a rich velvety texture and had the perfect combination of creaminess and crunch. I couldn’t leave without trying the award-winning luxury spa. I was ready to be pampered like royalty before heading back to Qatar. After being offered a cool pomegranate drink infused with honey I was shown to the spacious and beautifully decorated changing room, uniquely made predominantly of wood. My therapist Yanie began my relaxing body massage with hot towels to clean my aching feet. After a full body analysis, she conducted a sensory test to determine which essential oils would be best for my treatment. We chose lavender for its healing and relaxing properties. Using medium pressure, she focussed on my neck and shoulders. I could feel the tension slowly melt away as she gently massaged the tight knots along my back and my pressure points. I immediately felt tranquil and restored.

• VACATION

For my main course I plumped for the prime 220-gram Black Angus Tenderloin centre-cut steak, imported from the United States. It had been marinaded in a unique blend of spices, including rosemary and paprika and was cooked to perfection.

✤

GO: CALL +973 1758 6868 OR +973 1758 0000 OR VISIT

VACATION •

RITZCARLTON.COM/BAHRAIN FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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For my custom ESPA facial, a gentle cleansing milk was applied before a balancing toner to restore the PH levels of my skin. Once my face was squeaky clean, a refining skin polish was used to remove any dead cells. Now that my face was cleansed and buffed, it was ready to be steamed. A brief manual extraction was followed with an invigorating face massage. Once she had determined my skin type, Yanie opted for the ‘lift and firm’ clay mask. I didn’t object, gravity isn’t everyone’s friend! After applying a lifting serum and eye cream, my face was hydrated with a replenishing moisturiser. After my two-hour treatment I felt brand new. A perfect way to end what had been a magical week.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is the epitome of splendour and sophistication, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure. It truly is a ‘Pearl in the Arabian Gulf’ and its exceptionally talented staff were both attentive and thoughtful throughout my trip. This isn’t just a luxurious five-star international resort, it’s a five-star international experience.

AN ADVENTURE ON THE ADRIATIC A coastal paradise with rich historic and cultural undertones, Montenegro is a definitely a country to add to your travel bucket list. • DAYCATION

ontenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, mediaeval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. A popular tourist destination, it has much to offer from historical sites and monuments to natural attractions, vibrant nightlife and more. This time of the year, Montenegro has hot days and balmy evenings. Expect some rainfall too. In this article, we will explore three coastal cities steeped in culture.

TRAVEL •

BUDVA Budva Riviera has many beaches with restaurants and all the basic amenities such as washrooms and showers. The water is warm enough to swim at this time, which makes it the perfect city to enjoy some beach time. Mogren Beach is flanked by verdant hills and features golden sands and clear blue waters. There are designated spots to dive from. Further, you can swim, snorkel or simply relax with a summer cooler and enjoy the view. Located about 3km from Budva is Jaz Beach. There’s a parking area in case you decide to drive down. The shore is pebbly but you can rent recliners and sunbathe. You can also enjoy water sports such as waterskiing, surfing and kayaking by renting out the equipment at the beach. Divided from the bustling town of Budva by a beautiful peninsula, Bečići Beach also offers watersports, as well as land activities such as volleyball.

Old Town Beach is a small, charming stretch of sand right outside the Budva town walls. Steeped in history, the old town itself is home to many monuments and sites from the Middle Ages. The ancient walls of the city still stand and you can explore the labyrinth of lanes and inroads, which connect town squares, on foot. Dotted with restaurants and cafes, serving traditional Montenegrin cuisine – these can be the perfect pitstop for your expedition. The citadel is a major attraction. Also known as Fortress of St. Mary, it now houses a library and restaurant. The views from the rooftop are said to be mesmerising. There are religious monuments too, such as the Church of St. John. According to oral tradition, it was built in the seventh century and is one of the oldest in the coastal region. Exhibiting a Gothic style, it has a bell tower which adds to its charm. Entry is free and once you’re inside, you will see the popular Madonna of Budva icon, as well as other religious icons and paintings. The Church of the Holy Trinity has unique frescoes. Many summer festivals are held in Budva right up to September, featuring culturally diverse poetry, songs and dances. A testament to its many cultural influences throughout history. The Old Town of Budva is also known for its energetic nightlife and there are many bars and pubs that you can visit to try the popular Montenegrin fruit spirits.

ULCINJ Located about a 90-minute drive from Budva, Ulcinj has some nice beaches too. Velika Plaža or Great Beach is

fact magazine86 • TRAVEL popular, combining warm, sandy shores and beautiful views of the Adriatic coast. The longest in Montenegro and one of the longest in Europe, it stretches for over 10km and offers ideal conditions for kite surfing. Mala Plaža, also known as City Beach, is popular too but can get quite crowded. Yet another well-known beach is Ženska Plaža or Ladies’ Beach. As the name suggests, it's exclusively for women. Naturally positioned in an alcove, it offers privacy and even has a guard at the entrance. This spot is known for its sulphurrich springs, which are located in the shallow waters and said to have curative properties for infertility in women. You could also visit Valdanos Beach, which is located about a 15-minute drive from Ulcinj. It’s rocky with sea urchins and most known for the olive grove that flanks the shores. This expanse of about 80,000 olive trees belongs to local families. Some of the trees are said to be centuries old. There are family run restaurants that sell bottles of premium quality olive oil that you could take home as a souvenir. Also check out the oldest lighthouse in Montenegro located on Cape Mendra, which is close by and offers beautiful views. Montenegro is known for its nature reserves and biodiversity. Ulcinj Salina, which is about 5km from the city centre, is the largest salt pan in the Adriatic and a bird habitat. Home to more than 200 species some of which are migratory. This time of the year right up to November is bird-watching season, the flamingos that have become a symbol of the area are very popular. In addition to being a beach town and nature haven, Ulcinj is also a historical hub. Take a walk through the picturesque, narrow streets of the Old Town. A major attraction here is the fortress, which has been restored many times over the centuries. The architecture of this ancient structure is note-worthy; make sure to visit the Balšić Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding town, bulwarks coming out of the sea and ancient edifices restored as luxury accommodations for visitors. Other major attractions include religious monuments such as the church-mosque or Imperial Mosque or Church of St. Maria; a former church and mosque, it now hosts the town museum. There are many restaurants here that you can visit to try the local cuisine. Being a coastal town, seafood is common.

Buzara is a stew-like dish made with prawn, clams or squid with garlicky undertones. Meat and poultry are widely eaten too. Try the Brav u Mlijeku, meat braised in milk with root vegetables. Cevapi, grilled meat sausage or patties,

Speaking of museums, Kotor is home to a cat museum. If you’re an animal lover, then this one’s a spot to watch out for. It’s a testament to the locals’ love for felines; they even leave bowls of food and water all over town. The museum has on display a curated selection of photos, some up to 100 years old, across two rooms and a hallway. The pictures depict cats in human-like poses, reading books or swimming. There are also medals from international cat shows, portraits of people with their furry friends, antique books, postcards, posters, advertisements and stamps. If you’re lucky, you may catch a live exhibit inside the museum. Strays adorn the streets of Kotor as well and it’s not uncommon to find them lounging on the laps of tourists, purring and seeking affection! ✤

fact magazine 87 TRAVEL • usually served in a flat bread and with raw onions. For breakfast, we recommend the simple and moreish Burek or filo pastry stuffed with meat, spinach, mushrooms or potato. Some local desserts that you can try include the Montenegrin cake or Kolači and Montenegrin pancake or Palačinke. The latter is typically filled with chocolate, jam, bananas or nuts or simply dusted with sugar.

Start in Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend a guided tour around the fortified town, which is an architectural gem. Clock Tower in Arms Square is a quaint renaissance structure. Once a warehouse for ammunition – hence, Arms Square. St. Tryphon, a Romanesque masterpiece, is Kotor’s most impressive edifice. It houses a gold altar, a stone ornament depicting the life of St. Tryphon, Baroque frescos and more. There are other monuments worth visiting, particularly the Church of St. Nicholas and the 12th-century Church of St. Luke. Also, the Maritime Museum, which has on display models of ships, along with photos, paintings, uniforms, and other artefacts – a testimony to the maritime heritage of the Bay of Kotor. The fortifications surrounding the Old Town of Kotor are a UNESCO site too. Walk along the ramparts, which climb up to the top of St. John Mountain, which backs the city. The Church of Our Lady of Remedy stands on the slope of this mountain, it can only be reached by foot by climbing over 600 steps. The oldest known building in Montenegro, a Christian basilica, which dates back to the sixth century, has been found under the Church of Our Lady of Remedy.

KOTOR

Perched atop St. John Mountain is Kotor Fortress or San Giovanni (St. John) castle. At 280m high, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding neighbourhood and sea. The Old Town of Kotor has vibrant nightlife too.

Escape to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small man-made island created from a bulwark of rocks and sunken old and seized ships loaded with rocks. You can easily get here by boat from Perast, which is about a 20-minute drive from Kotor. The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is the largest structure on the islet. It houses a collection of paintings and a tapestry embroidered with gold and silver threads. The church also has a museum and a small gift shop to visit.

Our temperatures may still be off the scale but, in the world of fashion, it’s time to start looking towards your winter wardrobe. WRAP UP IN STYLE

The brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a collection that sublimates the enchantment of natural charm. The protagonist, with its absolute beauty, is cashmere, treated with natural washes. Warm, enveloping, refined and worked only as the skilled artisan hands of Malo have been able to do for exactly half a century. Its fibre, in all its elegance, opens up giving a full and rich appearance, inviting the eye to rest and the hand to touch. The colours too are those of natural tones: white, beige and cream, with hints of ultramarine turquoise, midnight blue and mineral greys. Pomegranate orange, intense coral, warm camel and the nuances of the darkest earth.

fact magazine 89 FASHION FOCUS •

For her, knitted trousers in several versions, made entirely without seams, in fabric stitch for sustained comfort. Comfy-chic style sweaters embellished with hand embroideries reminiscent of weaves made with basket effect ribbons. Knitwear is combined with printed silk or dresses in plissé technique in metallic colours. Hand stitching runs on the pea coats and outerwear. Sweaters with large volumes boast a honeycomb net effect in alpaca and silk. Thin silhouettes convey a graphic, feminine sign for a modern and international woman. A collection with great fitting options, to satisfy the tastes of every type of woman. A woman who wants to dress a contemporary refinement, free to interpret her style. For him, shirt jackets come in double cashmere and eco nylon. Sweaters with seed stitches, jacquards with geometric motifs, light and bright, kaleidoscopic tweeds run on men's vests to combine with light sweaters. Jumpers are constructed in soft alpaca and silk with hand-coated textures, for an all-round personal style, since each garment is unique. Enveloping and technical coats with comfortable and flowing volumes can be worn casually. Batik dyeing techniques and manual prints that play with surprising techniques are shown on Nordic sweaters or torn alpacas. In this collection too, for both men and women, the Recashmere is present, regenerated cashmere for a total look in a nod to sustainability. ✤

Malo, the historic Florentine maison specialising in cashmere knitwear, presents Authentic Charme, its Autumn-Winter 22/23 collection.

fact magazine90 • FASHION FOCUS GO: VISIT HTTPS://MALO.IT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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Inspired by Coco Chanel, CCC Shoes & Bags debuts a collection of iconic watches for every occasion. been dipped in a beautiful and refreshing green ombre to illustrate all the elements of nature. From designs inspired by spring jackets and vacation vibes, CCC Shoes & Bags has captured the essence of summer in the Middle East. However, the trends do not stop here; CCC has also taken inspiration from the iconic French fashion house, Chanel and included watches with stripes and solid colors along with dials adorned with zircons and straps concocted from Second,eco-leather.onthelist of beautiful and versatile pieces, they have the Gino Rossi brand, which focuses on quality, classics and timelessness. The essence of these watches lies in combining femininity with masculinity to give rise to a completely new fashion trend. With square dials, leather straps and roman numerals, they have explored different retro styles and designed them to blend in with the current trends of this year. ✤ GO: VISIT EN-QA.6THSTREET.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CCC Shoes & Bags ventures into the world of magnificent and prestigious watches, a concept that explores the season's hottest and latest trends. With subliminal bright colours and unique themes, the watch collection also meets the desired fashion expectations of women who want to invest in timeless accessories and keep up with what’s in vogue. For spring 2022, these stunning pieces still act as one of the most classic pieces of jewellery. Gold bracelets, dials and sets with sparkling stones or an ivory texture, the combination of these details means that these watches can seamlessly blend with the composition of several bracelets and other pieces of jewellery to cater for a customised and bespoke experience. In accordance with the trend for this season, CCC combines different metals, matching silver and golden shine. This season is also about strong hues of contrasting colours; the super trendy and popular Jenny Fairy watch has

• FASHION FOCUS

fact magazine92 STRAPPED FOR TIME?

Why Is It Worth Watching?

Director: Ron Howard Cast : Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton, Tom Bateman

Thirteen Lives Bullet Train

fact magazine94 • ENTERTAINMENT

You would have to have been living under a rock in June 2018 to have missed the story of the Wild Boars junior football team – 12 boys and their assistant coach Ekkaphon Chanthawong – who, after practice one day, took the fateful decision to explore the nearby Tham Luang cave. When the boys failed to return, their concerned parents went looking and discovered their bikes at the mouth of the flooded cave. And so began a rollercoaster, nail-biting 18 days as a rescue attempt was plotted and successfully executed – totally against the odds.

Well, if you’re a fan of Brad Pitt, you’ll want to catch the veteran actor at his wry and, sometimes hilarious, best. That said, this film, though billed as an action comedy, is more than a little ridiculous. With a pair of English assassin brothers known as Tangerine and Lemon and the unfeasibly young (or is that just us?) Joey King as a supposedly hardened mercenary posing as a British schoolgirl, it’s clear that everyone is playing it for laughs. Loosely, the plot revolves around Ladybug attempting to retrieve a briefcase, which is protected by killers Lemon and Tangerine, on board a train travelling across Japan. Throw a grieving father, hellbent on revenge for his son’s death, into the mix, alongside the son’s ‘schoolgirl’ killer (who has her own murderous agenda) and a few other alltime bumbling baddies and it makes for a somewhat comically gory ride. Watch out for uncredited cameos from Channing Tatum and Ryan Reynolds.

Why Is It Worth Watching?

Initially the Thai Navy Seals arrive, but it’s immediately clear that this is very far from their speciality and it falls to British Cave Rescue Council divers Richard Stanton (Viggo Mortensen) and John Valanthen (Colin Farrell), along with supporting divers Chris Jewell and Jason Mallinson and Australian doctor Richard Harris, to attempt the seemingly impossible.

Need to Know: Billed as an action comedy, Bullet Train is based on the 2010 novel Maria Beetle by Kōtarō Isaka which sees Brad Pitt, as retired hitman Ladybug, hurtling across Japan on one of the country’s famous highspeed trains which just happens to be full to the gills of other killers – all of whom are out to get each other.

BIG SCREEN

From the ability of Ekkaphon to seemingly keep the boys calm through meditation, to the revelation that the youngsters were actually drugged during the final extraction, this is edge-of-the-seat stuff and, despite being fully aware of the ending, the quality of the acting and underwater cinematography makes it feel as if you are watching events in real time.

... this is

Need to Know: One of three projects, including The Rescue from National Geographic, about the race to extract a group of young footballers and their coach who became trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand in 2018.

time.eventsyoumakescinematographyunderwaterthetheofbeingand,of-the-seatedge-stuffdespitefullyawaretheending,qualityofactinganditfeelasifarewatchinginreal “

Director: David Leitch Cast : Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A. Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Sandra Bullock

FICTION Girl, Forgotten Karin Slaughter

ON THE RECORD

FICTION The Last White Man

By Mosin Hamid

fact magazine 95 ENTERTAINMENT • BOOKEDFULLY

For lovers of the crime/thriller genre, a new offering from this New York Times bestselling author is always cause for celebration. Girl, Forgotten, once again, features newly qualified US Marshal Andrea Oliver but the story is a standalone, so you don’t have to have read the earlier Pieces of Her It’s prom night in Longbill Beach, 1982. Emily Vaughan gets ready for what should be the night of her life. But Emily has a secret and, by the end of the night, death ensures she never shares it. Friends and Emily’s wealthy family close ranks and the investigation stalls leaving the killer to walk free. Now, 40 years later, Andrea is sent to the town on an unrelated assignment and is determined to solve the mystery.

A bizarre and thought-provoking tale in which protagonist, Anders, awakes one day to find that his race has changed. Overnight his white skin has darkened and, with this transformation, comes a sea change in the way he is treated in the unnamed middle American town he calls home. But Anders soon realises he is not the only one as each and every white man undergoes the same transformation. No explanation is given for the phenomenon, it’s almost as if this is just a by the by and the purpose of the book is to force the reader to examine their own reactions to imagining such a scenario while negotiating those of Mosin Hamid’s characters.

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE No Rules Sandy By Sylvan Esso POP ROCK Unwanted By Pale Waves

Sylvan Esso are an American electronic pop duo from Durham, North Carolina, formed in 2013. The band consists of singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn. They have created their own niche of electro-pop: transparent yet intricate, airy but serious, fond of pop structures yet eager to bend them. No Rules Sandy is Sylvan Esso’s fourth LP via Loma Vista Recordings. Staying true to the album’s watchwords, the duo has tossed away any loyalty to previous sounds in this one. Packed with elaborately scaffolded production, from the ringing doorbells of Sunburn to the strings that pulsate under Meath’s voice on Your Reality. Interplay – between beats and chords, between unsettling synths and the soft fabric of Meath’s endlessly settling voice – is what Sylvan Esso do best, and No Rules Sandy has it in spades. The album lifts its name from the track Your Reality on which Meath sings “Let me remember how to live my life / Were there rules originally? / Or are we learning how to be / Surreal but free?” over pulsating synth and strings arrangements as the phrase “no rules Sandy” echoes in the background. In the opening track, Moving, she calmly muses, “How can I be moved / When everything is moving?” over a hissing, scurrying beat, octave-swooping blips and stereo-panning whooshes that keep things spinning. The beautiful Coming Back To You pares everything back to Sylvan Esso’s foundation stones, with radiant-sounding guitar and Meath’s celestial voice. Pale Waves are an English rock band from Manchester, formed in 2014. Their early work is often described as ‘80s-inspired indie rock or synth-pop. However, with their second album, the band have begun to experiment with the pop-punk genre. In Unwanted , they wholeheartedly embrace early 2000s pop-punk, an evolution that has entranced fans. Released via Dirty Hit, the album begins with an instant burst of angsty punk in Lies, the perfect breakup ballad. The song’s edgy-punk tune of choppy guitar and drums sets the tone for a vengeful, yet uplifting anthem. The title-track Unwanted features classic rock guitar notes and revolves around feelings of worthlessness caused by someone you love. The album touches on many other themes such as separation on Without You, finding your tribe on Reasons To Live, standing up for those targeted by bullies on The Hard Way and letting go of someone who destroyed you on Only Problem. The closing track So Sick (Of Missing You) feels like the perfect conclusion. It speaks to the lovesick – one among many examples of Pale Waves’ gift for crafting music that resonates. Packed with 40 minutes of ferocious energy stylistically akin to pop-punk greats such as Avril Lavigne, Paramore and Sum-41 – yet still strikingly original in its own right – Unwanted is a body of work that will certainly live up to fans’ expectations.

CHOPARD Iris Malika

ALTEARAH BIO Body Massage Brush

Flormar’s new and top-quality brow setter and primer gel is the ultimate eyebrow accessory to get your brows looking their best. The product can be used on its own as an eyebrow fixer or alongside your other eyebrow products. It dries quite quickly and is suitable for all skin tones. With this product, you can be confident that your eyebrows will stay beautiful and in shape all day long.

FLORMAR Brow Setter and Primer Gel

OLIVIANNA LONDON Skin 101 kit

Lateral Bio’s Body Massage Brush is a natural beauty accessory used to exfoliate the skin through dry brushing (without water). The technique leads to a revival of blood and lymphatic circulation, tones the skin and refreshes the complexion. The brushes are made from sisal fibre and are ethically sourced from the agave sisal tree that is native to Mexico. To see an improvement, lightly scrub any part of your body without water in the morning for five to 10 minutes using gentle circular motions

Olivianna’s Skin 101 kit is the perfect go-to summer pack with everything you could need to make sure you get that summer glow. The kit features a host of fruity products, including Strawberry Seed Oil Moisturizer, Pineapple Milky Cleaner, and a T-Zone Stick to guarantee your skin is hydrated from morning to night.

VALENTINO BEAUTY Nude Intensa Collection Valentino Beauty’s new Nude Intensa collection is a must-have for all nude lipstick fans, with five different nude matte shades included, all refillable and interchangeable. Shades include living nude, blushing nude, nightfall nude, falling for nude, and deep nude, each designed to cater to specific moods.

fact magazine96 • FOR HER NEW &

Campaigned with the slogan of ‘An Ode to Sensuality’, Chopard’s new fragrance exudes luxury and feminine finesse as it blends traditional French and Arabic scents to create a unique fragrance. Named Iris Malika, with Malika meaning queen in Arabic, the perfume is the first of a new collection dubbed Chopard Imperiale, with the iris flower as the main ingredient, inspiring the bright purple hue of the bottle. The fragrance also includes wild berries, jasmine and ylang ylang, and warm earthy and woody scents brought on by sandalwood, benzoin, the tonka bean, as well as patchouli, cinnamon and cardamom.

Refresh and invigorate your skin with this powder facial mask from Haeckels to make sure you feel fresh and ready for the day. The product is an all-natural clarifying and rejuvenating powder with zeolite included in the formula to extract impurities, as well as vigorous seaweed powder to rejuvenate the skin.

fact magazine 97 FOR HIM • NOW

BOSS THE COLLECTION

The latest addition to the luxury BOSS The Collection fragrance line-up is Confident Oud, made with the finest touch of class. Oud is a popular fragrance in the Middle East and can be seen as the definition of sophistication and a symbol of distinctiveness. Combined with other aromatic and spicy ingredients, this scent serves as the ultimate companion for elegant outings.

Scents, havesgroomingskincare,must-–check.

IGNAE Sun Healing Kit

NASHI ARGAN Nashi Argan Dry Oil With the summer heat here to stay into September, Nashi Argan’s Dry Oil is a good product to make sure your skin stays hydrated and moisturised. Designed to put simplicity, care and professional results first, the product guarantees deep non-greasy hydration to the skin and helps fight stretch marks as well as toning. The velvety, smooth texture of the oil makes it easy to apply and massage into the skin, and it also dries rapidly, so you don’t have to be worried about feeling oily or about staining your clothes.

AKT The Ensemble Box AKT has introduced its new Ensemble Box comprising of three different deodorant balms, as well as two devices called The Applicator and The Assistant. The balms harbour a unique formula of active botanicals and a Deo Barrier Complex that keeps you feeling confident all day long with just one application. The balm is absorbed into the skin immediately and moisturises it with shea butter and calendula oil. The vegan, cruelty-free, aluminiumfree and plastic-free product can be used anywhere on the skin, including the chest, forehead and feet. The package is perfect for carry-on travel and one tube lasts for two months, so you can be sure you won’t run out.

Ignae’s Skin Healing Kit is designed for skin regeneration after sun exposure. The kit includes a Daily Enzyme Cleanser and a Blue Light Serum. The cleanser includes Ignae’s EPC Factor and three naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids that nurture and moisturise the skin. The product also helps lightly exfoliate and prepare skin for the serum, which restores lost vitality due to blue light exposure from laptops and other devices as well as the sun. The kit also offers cell protection against pollutants, such as UVA, UVB and IR-A radiation, as well as the heat.

Confident Oud Eau de Parfum

HAECKELS Refining Powder Facial Mask

Hear At Last The Cat’s Whiskers Venetian Capers

The much-loved Barbie, aside from getting ready to star in an upcoming film, has also gone down the representation route with the iconic dolls coming with hearing aids and a range of other disabilities.

We couldn’t help but smile at the tale of two Aussie adventurers who took to the sedate and beautiful canals of Venice on motorised surf boards, much to the horror of Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, who branded them “imbeciles”. The city dignitary posted video of the pair on social media offering a free dinner for anyone who could identify the brazen boarders and his wish was soon granted. The pair were indeed found and fined just over USD1,500. They also had their boards confiscated. But Sig Brugnaro

The importance of representation is becoming ever more recognised, particularly with different segments of society voicing how important it is to see themselves, or people who look like them, appearing on stage and screen. So, it’s no great surprise that kids often feel the same way. With a deaf four-yearold at home, British mum Clare Tawell was disappointed to find a lack of dolls available for differently abled kids, so she decided to create her own. And Clare’s dolls don’t just have hearing aids, she now also offers baby dolls with cleft lips and palates, birthmarks and other conditions.

We love the idea of toys that are representative of the kids playing with them, it’s been a long time coming but we’re glad they’re here at last. Hello Dolly!

What We’re (Still) Talking About

Apparently about 80% of the game’s development team are cat owners who took inspiration from their own pets as well as a familiar orange stray tabby – we hope he got a home and no longer has to wander the mean streets, considering his starring role. is not a happy man and he wants them prosecuted for harming Venice’s image. Is it just us or does this seem to be going a bit far? Yes, we know Venice banned personal watercraft some years ago due to overcrowding by the likes of kayaks and paddle boards but, to us, traversing the Grand Canal on a surf board sounds like great fun and we reckon Sig Brugnaro is in danger of branding Venice a city of misery gutses.

fact magazine98 • MATTER OF FACT

You all know how much we at FACT love our furry friends, so we’re delighted to tell you about a video game that allows players to have fun at the same time as raising funds for stray moggies. The game, Stray, follows a daring orange tabby as he negotiates unidentified sludge and decodes clues in a seemingly abandoned city. And, thanks to online fundraising platforms, gamers are live streaming to eager cat loving audiences and raising funds for cat rescue at the same time.

Game publisher Annapurna Interactive even promoted the product by renting out a New York cat café and giving copies away to rescue organisations for fundraising raffles.

The Best of Turkish Cuisine in Qatar Welcome to the newest Turkish Restaurant in Doha. Explore and discover new tastes with celebrated Chef Fiko’s inspired recipes. Opening Times: Noon to Midnight everyday For Reservations: +974 7785 3668

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