construction propels Qatari economy

32

doha diary

spring carnival at the pearl-Qatar

the st regis doha is officially open

mar Hussain Alfardan, President of Resorts Development Company and Alfardan Group, and Frits van Paasschen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., officially inaugurated the St Regis Doha with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on May 5. Since its inauguration, the St Regis Doha has successfully fulfilled its promise to deliver to visitors an exclusive and customised luxury staying experience. We are proud to have St Regis Doha added to our portfolio as a unique masterpiece at Al Gassar Resort and the finest address in Doha, said Alfardan. As one of the first St Regis Hotels to open in the Middle East, the hotel has already created a buzz with the premiere of two new restaurants associated with worldrenowned chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay, along with the upcoming opening of Jazz at Lincoln Centre, the first-ever venue associated with the New York Citybased jazz centre outside America. Guests can also take advantage of the ongoing opening offer, which is valid until June 30, 2012, that has rates starting at QR1,900 per night for a superior room, including a 30-minute spa treatment, a St Regis afternoon tea in Sarab Lounge, Wi-Fi Internet access and a Jazz at Lincoln Centre welcome gift.

elebrating its multicultural community and great outdoor lifestyle, The Pearl-Qatar (TPQ) launched its Spring Carnival, providing residents and visitors with a range of musical entertainment and fun-filled activities. Some of the thrilling performances included a jazz saxophonist and bands showcasing music from the Arab world as well as countries including Russia, Spain and North America. One such brass band troupe enthralled visitors with their infectious music as they performed around Porto Arabia boardwalk every night of the weekend. A childrens area was also set up, keeping kids busy with face painting, balloon animal-making, and other activities including arts, crafts and games. The Pearl-Qatar is a true multicultural community, and what better way to reflect that than with musical performers from the Middle East and around the world who appeal to the entire family, said Fadi El Kik, Chairman of TPQ Executive Board. The carnival has proven extremely popular with activities for the whole family, but it was the musical acts which have set the fun-filled tone.

ArumAilA Hotel exterior

11 6 Qatar today

june 2012

doha diary

legendary cirQue du soleil tcad hosts open day at to deBut in Qatar the island

irque du Soleil, the world-famous, Montreal-based artistic entertainment group, will launch its vibrant signature production, Saltimbanco, in Qatar for the first time this summer. The action-packed performance is scheduled to run from July 4 - 7 at Aspire Dome. The first of seven shows will start at 8:00pm on July 4, for which tickets are now available at Virgin Megastores (Landmark and Villaggio Mall locations) and online at www.cirquedusoleil.qa. Saltimbanco from the Italian saltare in banco, which literally means to jump on a bench is inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colourful inhabitants. It is Cirque du Soleils longest-running touring show and has performed since 1992, drawing spectators into a fanciful, imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope. Synchronising acrobatics and athleticism into artistic expression, Saltimbanco is classic Cirque du Soleil at its best!

nited Development Company (UDC), master developer of The Pearl-Qatar (TPQ), held its third Open Day for residents of the Island. The Open Day, organised by TPQs Central Authority Directorate (TCAD), was inaugurated by TCAD Director, Abdulrahim Al-Ibrahim, who said: The Island is now a thriving and continually growing multicultural community. TCAD works with all departments not only to ensure the smooth running of the Island, but also to plan new activities and introduce services that make life easier. Our business is to continue to deliver five-star services consistent with TPQs glamorous and luxurious image. The fun-filled day had a range of activities and entertainment for children including face painting, jumping castles and games, while families interacted with the retailers and service providers at the Island.

luxurious BoutiQue hotels sparkle at souQ WaQif

atars premier hotelier, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, launched two new exquisite, five-star destinations Arumaila and Musheireb located in the heart of Dohas historic Souq Waqif, alongside the inauguration of The Residences, the groups luxury residential property inspired by the decor and ambience of traditional Qatari homes. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Executive Manager of Al Rayyan Project Management, Abdulla bin Ali Al-Attiyah said: The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels brand is

built with distinctiveness and eccentricity being at the heart of each and every one of the properties. Arumaila and Musheireb, as well as The Residences, carry this brand identity across all their offerings, ensuring that guests experience every aspect of the brand from the moment they enter the buildings to the moment they leave Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. We look forward to welcoming guests from Qatar, the Arab region and across the world in the coming months, he concluded. Arumaila Boutique Hotel offers a total of 19 rooms 17 standard rooms and two

suites while Musheireb features 14 rooms ten deluxe rooms and four suites. The Residences offer four three-bedroom and five one-bedroom residences. In addition to impressive fine dining restaurants such as the The Canteen and Al Matbakh-Rooftop Grill in Arumaila, and Al Mataam in Musheireb, both boutique hotels are equipped with a full range of state-of-the-art facilities that include gyms and spas. Currently, Al Najada, Al Mirqab, Arumaila and Musheireb Boutique Hotels are operational, while additional hotels will be revealed to the public in the second quarter of 2012.

june 2012

Qatar today 11 7

doha diary

hamad Bin khalifa university convocation 2012

onning their traditional caps and robes, hundreds of graduates received their graduation rings from HE Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, President of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Vice-President of Education at Qatar Foundation (QF), during the fifth convocation ceremony, held for the first time under the auspices of HBKU, which

brings together all of the higher education and related research at QF. The class of 2012 signifies the highest number of graduates in QFs history, with 373 students participating in this years convocation. The gender gap has also narrowed, with 188 women and 185 men making up the Class of 2012. HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF, led the charge to the Class of

2012, saying: I see in you the blossoming of new futures, which I have worked so long to establish through the providing of quality education. And as we have helped create new futures for you, it is now your responsibility to create new futures for the coming generations who follow in your pioneering footsteps.

first step toWards medicine

eventeen foundation students at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) received their completion certificates for the WCMC-Q Foundation Programme a one-year bridging course for Qatari nationals who are keen to pursue a career in medicine. The programme is aimed mainly at school leavers who show interest in the field of medicine, to prepare them to improve their competency in critical areas necessary to be eligible for admission to the preliminary stages of the medical degree offered at WCMC-Q.

innovations unlimited me Wins aWard

nnovations Unlimited ME (IUME), a Qatar-based event management company, has won an award for the Best Special Event of the Middle East 2012. This award is a great honour for our company and it shows that great attention to detail and creativity get recognised by our peers in our industry, said Markus Jordan, Managing Partner. I am very proud of my professional and dedicated team who worked endless hours to stage the Best Special Event in the Middle East, in Qatar!

Qf honours student sponsor

Q
11 8 Qatar today
june 2012

atar Foundation (QF) hosted a congratulatory dinner at the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Student Centre in honour of Bader Abdullah Al-Darwish, who granted the Abdullah Al-Darwish Scholarship to eight students from Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) to help finance their tuition.

Im convinced it is my duty to serve and support the development of our country, said Al-Darwish. By sponsoring education I hope to participate in making Qatar a leader in innovative education and research. We will convert Qatar into a knowledge-based society and Im proud of these students, whom I consider to be like my children.