DOHA TODAYPAGE | 05 PAGE | 09

CNA-Q celebrates Qatar National

Sport Day

The real-life sights of South Korea’s Oscar-winning “Parasite”

THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020 Email: dohatoday@pen.com.qa

Qatar’s burgeoning

art scene 2-32-3

Unique initiatives of institutions such as Qatar Museums and Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), providing strong support to local artists while opening doors to global art, have fuelled the growth of Qatar’s art landscape making the country a melting pot of arts and culture.

SPONSORS

COVER STORY02 DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Qatar’s burgeoning art sceneRAYNALD C RIVERA

THE PENINSULA

There was great excitement at Saturday’s opening of Qatari artist Masoud Al Bulushi’s “Unreachable Mirage” exhibition at W Doha’s Art29 gallery as a

large number of established and emerging artists thronged the launch of the pioneering artist’s solo show at one of the newest art spaces in Doha.

Most of Bulushi’s 24 paintings on display depicted dual images of women — one wearing batoola the other devoid of face cover — as if emblematic of the country’s advancing local art scene, that while it opens its doors to new concepts and forms, it remains true to its roots.

Bulushi’s is just one of the many art exhibitions that launched this year with more yet to open in the coming months which is evident of the country’s ever vibrant art landscape.

Nurturing local artists, bringing in the best in global art

For sure, art lovers in Qatar and from other parts of the world are in a for a big treat as Qatar Museums announced to launch a wide array of exhibitions next month. Four of its institutions will host six exhibitions beginning on March 15 with “Picasso’s Studios” at Fire Station, set to take visitors into the workspaces where Pablo Picasso achieved his creative breakthroughs through his major artworks which will be on show until July 1 as part of Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture.

It will be followed by simultaneous opening of three exhibitions on March 24 at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. This set of exhibitions which will run until August 26 comprises “Yto Barrada: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nougat,” the artist’s first solo exhi-bition in the Gulf region; “Huguette Caland: Faces and Places,” an overview of four decades of Caland’s paintings, drawings, sculptures, and clothing designs; and “Lived Forward: Art and Culture in Doha from 1960-2020,” an exhibition which delves into generations of artists, intellectuals and cultural activists who played a major role in activating the cultural scene in Doha

spanning over half a century.On March 25, “A Falcon’s Eye: Tribute to Sheikh Saoud

Al Thani” will open at the Museum of Islamic Art. Running until January 2 next year, this exhibition celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of one of Qatar’ greatest collectors who was largely responsible for laying the foundation for Qatar Museum’s world class collections.

Finally on March 26, “Splendours of the Ancient East: Antiquities from the Al Sabah Collection” will open at the National Museum of Qatar. On view until July 1, the exhi-bition features around 170 priceless objects in gold, silver, glass, and precious stones collected by Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah and Sheikha Hussa Al Salem Al Sabah of Kuwait.

The progress the local art scene has seen in recent years can be attributed to several initiatives of Qatar Museums, whose support to homegrown artists is unde-niable with several residencies it currently runs both here and abroad, providing artists their needed exposure as well as widening their horizons.

The beginning of the year saw the exhibition of Qatari architect, animator and designer Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi at Fire Station which marked his successful resi-dency at the International Studio & Curatorial Program

(ISCP) in Manhattan, New York. His “Digital Transactions” exhibition reflected new concepts he explored inspired by his fecund New York residency experience which imme-diately followed his residency at Fire Station.

In the same vein, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) launched 'Ektashif' aimed at inspiring the next generation of creators by exposing them to new forms of art. In January, the first batch of local artists who were under the programme displayed their stunning, diverse artworks which were a product of their 10-day journey to a number of historic sites in India. The artists included Abeer Al Kuwari, Eman Al Saad, Haifa Al Khuzai, Jameela Al Ansari, Maryam Al Sada, Maryam Al Majed and Shaikha Al Kuwari.

The National Museum of Qatar has explored myriad possible ways of telling the country’s story, one of which is through the vehicles that dominated Doha’s roads in the past several decades on show at NMoQ’s Baraha Square. The exhibition is presented in partnership with Mawater Centre — an entity established by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.

Through its various initiatives, the Ministry of Culture and Sports has been nurturing young talents including students. Recently, it launched the fourth Visual Art

The Katara Global Art Fair

which took place at Katara

in October.

Palestinian artist Nameer Qassim (left) and Katara

General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (right)

with other officials at the opening of “Suspicion”

exhibition at Katara.

Qatari artist Eman Al Saad

with some of her works at

“Calligraphy and Illumination”

exhibition at Katara.

PICS: QASSIM RAHMATULLAH, SALIM MATRAMKOT, ABDUL BASIT & BAHER AMIN /THE PENINSULA

One of

the works

displayed

at 'Ektashif'

exhibition at

the Museum

of Islamic

Art.

03DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Celebrated Qatari artist Ali Hassan with

one of his paintings at the “Narrative”

exhibition at Al Markhiya Gallery at

the Fire Station.

Italian artist Luigi Ballarin

bridges East and West through

his paintings.

A visitor looks at

one of the paintings

by Qatari artist

Masoud Al Bulushi

at W Doha’s Art 29.

Creators Exhibition at Katara Building 10 featuring works by more than 470 students and 240 teachers from 148 government and 18 private schools.

Melting pot of culture and the artsOne of the key players in Qatar’s burgeoning art

scene, the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) kicked off the year on the right foot launching the Katara Art Labo-ratory — a fresh initiative aimed at further enriching the country’s art scene by discovering talents and gifted artists and promoting innovation in the art community.

The art lab has started offering training courses and workshops to aspiring artists of different ages and back-grounds with the major aim of creating a generation of exceptional artists who will someday make their mark locally and globally.

In just over a month’s time, Katara already hosted diverse art exhibitions which not only promoted appreci-ation of visual art but more importantly put a spotlight on pressing issues as well as crystallised public under-standing and opinion.

Palestinian artist Nameer Qassim’s “Suspicion” exhi-bition in January shed light on the challenges facing the Palestinians especially children who mostly suffer the brunt of Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories.

Katara has always stressed its important task of acting as a bridge between different cultures through hosting artists from different countries. This was again shown at the recent 12-day exhibition by Istanbul-based Italian artist Luigi Ballarin whose works showcased at

“Magnificent Cultures” were a way to build a bridge between East and West.

Art appreciation at Katara goes beyond the four walls of its galleries with a galaxy of public artworks, the most recent addition to which is the colossal hyper-realisitic mural by internationally acclaimed Argentine muralist Martin Ron. Unveiled on January 24, the 11-metre painting of an Arabian oryx bursting out of the Building 40 wall was, for Ron, symbolic of the admirable strength of Qatar and its people.

In yet another pioneering initiative, Katara partnered with Pallas Arts - Qatar’s first registered arts brokerage – to host the first ever Katara Global Art Fair which will see the participation of many artists from far and wide for a noble cause. Art connoisseurs and enthusiasts were given a peek into what to expect come October through a preview exhibition held the previous month which fea-tured over a hundred works by dozens of artists from around the world.

Following this exhibition was the “Spanish Artists in Doha” show in which the country’s art community immersed into Spain’s vibrant contemporary art world through the paintings created by 14 artists from different parts of Spain.

The “Calligraphy and Illumination” exhibition which concluded yesterday at Gallery 1 of Building 19 has pro-moted deep appreciation among visitors and artists of the beauty of Arabic calligraphy and its history and varied forms through dozens of works by Qatari calligraphers.

A further boost to local art scene

With their own unique initia-tives, private galleries and art companies are also playing a vital role in the country’s constantly developing art field.

Al Markhiya Gallery, the oldest privately owned gallery in the country, has been offering the art community richly layered collec-tions of art from Qatari and Arab artists via its year-round shows. As diverse as the styles are the themes of the watercolour paintings of 11 participating artists being displayed in its ongoing

Internationally-

acclaimed Argentine

muralist Martin Ron

(right) with Argentine

Ambassador to

Qatar, Carlos Alberto

Hernandez, at the

recent unveiling of

Ron’s mural

at Katara

Building 40.

show at its Katara gallery. On the other hand, Al Markhiya’s Fire Station gallery

has launched an exhibition titled “Narrative” which fea-tures profound works by celebrated Qatari artist Ali Hassan and Jordanian artist Hilda Hiary.

Anima Gallery which is located at The Pearl-Qatar is another exciting art space which represents emerging and established artists working in a broad range of styles and mediums. Its currently running exhibition “Black and White with Little Shades of Grey” featuring Qatari artist Yasser Al Mulla is a must see show.

CAMPUS04 DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Birla Public School Primary-2 students compete in fun-filled Sport Day games Birla Public School’s (BPS) Primary-2 held

its much awaited Sport Day dubbed “Zeal 2020” on Saturday with great

exuberance, zest and high spirits. The meet expressed its solidarity with “Fit

India Movement” launched by the Prime Min-ister of India Narendra Modi, which aimed at encouraging people to give priority to sports and fitness.

School officials present at the event were Gope Shahani, Vice-Chairman of BPS; Maria Thomas, Director of BPS; AP Sharma, Principal; Radhika Rele, Vice-Principal (Scholastic); Bhavana V S, Vice-Principal (CBQED); Rajesh Pillai, Vice-Principal (Co-Scholastic); Joseph K, Administration Manager; and Jackson Solomon, Construction Manager.

The event started with invoking the blessings of the Almighty.

In his address, the school principal stressed that academic learning and sports education should complement each other as they enhance leadership qualities.

Anu Thomas, Headmistress of BPS Primary-2, welcomed the guests and the gathering.

Shahani formally inaugurated the sports facilities that support outdoor sporting activ-ities during the event. The facilities include pitches for various games such as football, tennis, handball, basketball and cricket, ath-letics running tracks, multi-purpose facilities, practice areas for games and PE.

The ceremonial torch was handed over to the School Sports Captain by Maria Thomas. She presided over the oath-taking ceremony and declared the sports meet open. She did the honours of handing over the house flags to the captains of the respective houses. It was fol-lowed by the spectacular, impressive and well-synchronised march-past by all the four houses. The dignitaries took the salute of the cadets striding with pride. The students entered into the spirit of the occasion in a grand way with the oath being administered by the School Sports Captain, Mohammed Irfan.

The house-wise displays left the audience mesmerised. Each star of the houses outshone the Venus! Once the races began, the air was filled with loud cheers and encouragement for the young athletes. Students who competed with each other showed a high sense of sports-manship and individual brilliance.

The Best March Past trophy, the Trophy for the Best Drill and the Overall Championship Trophy were awarded in the function.

The games organised for the parents saw an impressive participation. It was a day filled with sportsmanship, enthusiasm and memories to cherish. The Year Coordinator Annie Babitha expressed her gratitude to all for making this event a grand success. —The Peninsula

05DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Omani novel selected by NU-Q for One Book program

A contemporary novel — Celestial Bodies — by inter-nationally-celebrated Omani writer Jokha Alharthi is Northwestern University in Qatar’s selection for

its 2020 One Book program. Celestial Bodies is the first novel in Arabic to be

awarded the Man Booker International Prize. The book was translated into English by Marilyn Booth.

The NU-Q One Book program invites students, faculty, and staff to read a novel and participate in a series of related programs and activities that include book clubs, classroom discussions, and a visit and reading from the author.

“This year’s novel sheds light on several issues that will resonate with members of our community. In her book, Alharthi explores the implications of modernisation and development on a personal level — taking a global phe-nomenon and bringing it very close to home,” said Kathleen Hewett-Smith, professor and director of the Liberal Arts Program, and chairperson of the One Book committee.

Alharthi’s novel is a family saga that explores rela-tionships influenced by local traditions in an Omani household. It spans several generations in the late 1900s and early 2000s — a time in Oman when the discovery of natural resources triggered drastic economic, political, and societal changes in Oman and its neighbouring Gulf countries.

The New York Times described the novel as “An innovative reimagining of the family saga... there is no doubt that this is a contemporary novel, insistent and

alive... Celestial Bodies is itself a treasure house: an intri-cately calibrated chaos of familial orbits and conjunc-tions, of the gravitational pull of secrets.”

Alharthi is an associate professor in the College of Arts and Social Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat. She has published two other novels, several col-lections of short fiction stories and poems, and a chil-dren’s book.

She is also the recipient of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature in 2016. Alharthi earned her PhD in Classical Arabic Literature from the Uni-versity of Edinburgh, UK in 2010.

The One Book program is designed to engage the Northwestern University in Qatar community in a shared experience that promotes critical thinking and interdisci-plinary learning. —The Peninsula

Celestial Bodies is the first novel in Arabic to be awarded the Man Booker International Prize. It was translated into English by Marilyn Booth. The NU-Q One Book program invites students, faculty, and staff to read a novel and participate in a series of related programs and activities that include book clubs, classroom discussions, and a visit and reading from the author.

CNA-Q celebrates National Sport Day The College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) campus was full of activity for National Sport

Day. The day included a number of friendly staff-student Tahadi competitions in football, bas-ketball, volleyball, and swimming.

CNA-Q partnered with Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA), the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD), Northumbria University Newcastle, and Stenden Qatar for the special day of athletics.

“Fitness is a vital part of being a well-rounded student and a well-rounded person,” said Dr. Salem Al Naemi, CNA-Q Vice-President Finance and Adminis-tration. “We are fortunate to have numerous athletic facilities, to enjoy on our state-of-the-art campus.” Hundreds of students, and employees, and their families were on campus on National Sport Day taking part in every-thing from fun Olympics to face painting for children. —The Peninsula

DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

COMMUNITY06

Indian Sports Centre, an apex body under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Qatar, organised various sports activities on Qatar

National Sport Day for the entire Indian community at Asian Town.

Tug of war competitions for men were organised at Asian Town, Industrial Area, mostly involving Indian workers. Out of 12 participating teams, SAK Qatar was the winner and Doha War-riors were the runners-up. Besides tug of war, box cricket was organised where 10 teams partic-ipated. Team Khalli Valli Fun Club emerged as champions and Akbar Travels came second.

Ambassador of India to Qatar, P Kumaran, also played cricket with ISC officials and cele-brated the Qatar National Sport Day.

Arm wrestling competitions for women were conducted with 30 participants. Suja Jayram was the winner while Kavita Mohainder came second. More than 50 players took part in arm wrestling competition, which was won by Meeta. Harris grabbed the second position.

Ambassador P Kumaran was the chief guest and gave away the prizes along with other digni-taries — including Hassan Chougule, ISC Pres-ident; A.R Sanaulla, Chairman ISC Advisory Council; and Azim Abbas, President IBPC.

Management committee members of ISC, ICC, ICBF and IBPC along with Advisory Council members of ISC and various presidents of affil-iated organisation, and a large crowed of around 1500 enjoyed the six hours of sport activities.

Mohd Habibun Nabi (GS) was the Master of

Ceremony and Safeeru presented the vote of thanks. Asian Town, Absolute Sports, Care & Cure supported the ISC to conduct the events along with 40 volunteers.

Abdurahiman, Sharaf P Hameed, Arun Kumar, Ashique, and Nisha Agarwal from the ISC MC were also present. —The Peninsula

Indian Sports Centre organises activitiesto celebrate Sport Day at Asian Town

Ambassador of India, P Kumaran (fifth left), also played

cricket with Indian Sports Centre team.

07DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

THROUGH THE LENSQASSIM RAHMATULLAH / THE PENINSULA

MIA Park witnessed

huge turnout of

residents, who

participated in sports

activities with fervour.

Ooredoo hosted series

of activities at MIA

Park and lined up

exciting promotions

for residents. People

from different parts of

the country gathered

at the Park to celebrate

National Sport Day.

The company also

organised a fun fitness

day at MIA Park with a

wide range of activities

including ball games,

team sports, individual

activities and fun group

exercise sessions for all

ages and abilities.

National Sport Day festivities at MIA Park

HEALTH08 DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Men who are taller in young adulthood may have a lower risk of dementia in old age, according to a new research.

Previous studies have suggested that height may be a risk factor for dementia, but much of this research was not able to take into account genetic, environ-mental, or other early-life factors that may be linked to both height and dementia.

"We wanted to see if body height in young men is associated with diagnosis of dementia, while exploring whether intelligence test scores, educa-tional level, and underlying environmental and genetic factors shared by brothers explain the rela-tionship," said lead author Terese Sara Hoj Jorgensen from University of Copenhagen in Denmark. For the findings, published in the journal eLife, researchers analysed data on 666,333 Danish men born between 1939 and 1959, including 70,608 brothers and 7,388 twins, from Danish national registries.

They found a total of 10,599 men who developed dementia later in life. Their adjusted analysis of this group showed that there was about a 10 per cent reduction in the risk of developing dementia for about every 6cm of height in individuals above the average height.

When the team took into account the potential role of intelligence or education, the unadjusted relationship between height and dementia risk was only slightly reduced.

They found that the relationship between height and dementia also existed when they looked at brothers with different heights, suggesting that genetics and family characteristics alone do not explain why shorter men had a greater dementia risk.

"A key strength of our study is that it adjusted for the potential role of education and intelligence in young men's dementia risk, both of which may build

up cognitive reserve and make this group less vul-nerable to developing dementia," said study senior author Merete Osler.

'Cognitive reserve' refers to the brain's ability to improvise and solve problems that come up in eve-ryday life. Adjusting for education and intelligence reduces the likelihood that the relationship between height and dementia is really explained by cognitive reserve, the researchers said.

"Together, our results point to an association between taller body height in young men and a lower risk of dementia diagnosis later in life, which persists even when adjusted for educational level and intelli-gence test scores," Osler said.

"Our analysis of the data concerning brothers confirms these findings, and suggests the association may have common roots in early-life environmental exposures that are not related to family factors shared by brothers," she added.

Taller men may have lower dementia risk in old age: Study

Researchers have found that stroke survivors with high levels of optimism had lower

inflammation levels, reduced stroke severity and less physical disability after three months, compared to those who are less optimistic.

"Our results suggest that optimistic people have a better disease outcome, thus boosting morale may be an ideal way to improve mental health and recovery after a stroke," said study senior author Yun-Ju Lai from University of Texas in the US.

In a small study of 49 stroke survivors, researchers examined the relationship among optimism, inflammation, stroke severity and physical disability for three months after an attack.

Researchers said that under-standing how these elements relate to, or impact one another, may provide a scientific framework to develop new strat-egies for stroke recovery.

Post-stroke inflammation is detrimental to the brain and impairs recovery, the researchers said.

Optimism has been asso-ciated with lower inflammation levels and improved health out-comes among people with

medical conditions. However, no prior studies have assessed if this association exists among stroke patients.

This pilot study is a sec-ondary analysis of data collected from a repository of neurological diseases.

Outcomes included optimism levels from the revised Life Ori-entation Test, a standard psy-chological tool for measuring optimism; stroke severity evalu-ation through the National Insti-tutes of Health Stroke Scale, and levels of inflammatory markers--interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

As optimism levels increased, stroke severity and the inflam-matory markers IL-6 and CRP decreased even after considering other possible variables. However, this was not true of TNFa.

"Patients and their families should know the importance of a positive environment that could benefit the patient, mental health does affect recovery after a stroke," Lai said.

The study is scheduled to be presented at the American Stroke Association's Interna-tional Stroke Conference slated from February 18 to 21 in the US. —IANS

Optimism can reduce stroke severity, inflammation

MOVIE 09DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Inequality tour: The real-life sights of South Korea’s Oscar-winning ‘Parasite’

From the houses to the noodles, South Korea’s Oscar winning movie Parasite tells its story of a suffocating class struggle through the sights and

smells of Seoul.“Parasite” made history as the first non-English lan-

guage movie to win the Oscar for best picture on Sunday, prompting South Korean social media to erupt in celebration.

It is a tale of two South Korean families — the wealthy Parks and the poor Kims — mirroring the deepening disparities in Asia’s fourth-largest economy and striking a chord with global audiences.

The visual clues in the film resonated with many South Koreans who identify themselves as “dirt spoons”, those born to low-income families who have all but given up on owning a decent house and social mobility, as opposed to “gold spoons”, who are from better-off families.

Much of the movie was shot on purpose-built sets, but both the Parks’ mansion and the Kims’ squalid “sub-basement” apartment were inspired by, and set, amid real neighbourhoods in the South Korean capital.

A tour of the film’s locations, props, and backdrops reveals the unique meanings they have for many South Koreans as they engage in their own debates about wealth — and the lack of it.

SHANTY TOWN Ahyeon-dong is one of the last shanty towns near

downtown Seoul and made an appearance in several scenes depicting the Kims’ humble neighbourhood.

Perched on a hillside near the main train station, Ahyeon-dong is a warren of steep, narrow streets, many of which end in long staircases that residents climb to reach their homes.

“Watching the film made me feel like they put my life right in there,” said Lee Jeong-sik, the 77-year-old co-owner of a supermarket, which is featured in the film.

Kim Kyung-soon, 73, who has operated the shop with her husband Lee for 45 years, said she opens the supermarket at around 8:30am, while he closes it down after midnight.

She used to open the store even earlier, at 5am, for mothers who would stop by early to buy school lunch fixings for their children. Now, however, the neigh-bourhood is mostly older people, with few young couples or children, Kim said.

The film’s fictional Kim family live in a “sub-basement”, usually small, dark apartments built par-tially underground.

Residents said rent for the sub-basement apart-ments had increased to around 400,000 won ($340) per month, more than doubling in the past decade.

Ahyeon-dong sits in the shadow of newly built apartment towers, and the city has faced protests from some residents who fear losing their homes to redevelopment.

“It’s definitely a neighbourhood that isn’t faring well,” Lee said. When he heard that “Parasite” had won at the Academy Awards he was so happy he could not sleep.

As a throng of media gathered outside his shop, he wondered whether the film’s fame would change plans to eventually build new apartments there.

SEOUL’S ‘BEVERLY HILLS’ In contrast, the scenes around the wealthy Parks’

home — which itself was a movie set built elsewhere — were filmed in Seongbuk-dong, known as South Korea’s Beverly Hills and home to many business fam-ilies and diplomatic residences.

Unlike Ahyeon-dong, the streets in Seongbuk-dong are clear of rubbish and almost silent, with most homes hidden behind high walls, spiked fences, and security cameras.

“The houses here are all very fancy residences,” said Chung Han-sool, CEO of Peace Estate Agents. “Most of the houses have basements and they use it for home bars or mini theatres.” According to real estate brokers, homes there usually cost around 7 billion won ($6m). Those rented to foreign diplomats are offered for 10 milllion-15 million won ($8,500 to $12,725) per month.

“There are 48 ambassadors living in the neigh-bourhood, so there is a whole separate squad of police officers in the area,” Chung said.

Even within Seongbuk-dong the disparity is high-lighted by the “gisasikdang” or “drivers’ diners”, similar to one featured in “Parasite”. Gisasikdang sprung up to serve meals to drivers, including those ferrying the area’s wealthy residents.

“There are taxi, bus drivers and those who drive the CEOs who live around here,” said Bae Sun-young, a manager at a gisasikdang in Seongbuk-dong. “The wealth is so polarised here. It’s extreme.”

As news of the Oscar wins spread, South Korean

social media burst with photos and recipes of “jjapaguri”, a combination of two different instant noodles translated in the movie as “ram-dong” (ramen plus udong).

The dish initially became popular as everyday food due to a television show but got a boost from the film, which added a satirical twist as the Parks top it with expensive Korean beef.

US Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris even tweeted with an image of jjapaguri cup noodles, saying the embassy was hosting a party to watch the awards ceremony.

Standing in the cramped aisles of the supermarket in Ahyeon-dong which featured in the film, Lee noted that the residents’ economic status was reflected in what they bought.

“People are not well off here,” he said. “What they buy most is ramen and beverage.” The other super-market that makes an appearance in “Parasite” is ORGA Whole Foods in Bangi-dong, a trendy neigh-bourhood in Seoul that is popular with upper-middle class families who want to send their children to top elementary and middle schools.

“The most popular items in our store aren’t ciga-rettes, beverage or instant food like in regular super-markets,” Ryu Hee-woong, a manager at the branch, said. “Our customers usually purchase fresh food that is focused on safety, sustainability, and eco-friendliness.” — Reuters

A supermarket featured in South Korea’s Oscar-

winning “Parasite” is seen in Ahyeon-dong, one

of the last shanty towns near downtown Seoul,

South Korea.

TRAVEL10 DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

NEVIN MARTELLTHE WASHINGTON POST

There’s traditional travel and then there’s cruising - and they require decidedly different approaches. After spending years thumbing my nose at cruises, I recently went on my inaugural

voyage, a week-long trip with Viking from Norway to the Netherlands. I returned to terra firma with my opinions completely realigned and the realisation that a lifetime of globe-trotting had not totally prepared me to maximise my cruising experience while minimising the costs. I made some pricey mistakes and squandered some good opportunities.

Luckily, getting the most out of your cruise is pre-dominantly about what you do before you set foot on the ship. This way, you can spend your vacation, well, vaca-tioning - not worrying about how much you’re spending or what you’re doing next.

- When booking your nautical getaway, one of the biggest expenses is accommodations. Interior cabins cost less and are a great way to save money - if you don’t plan to spend much time in your room. That being said, having a balcony is pretty cush and, I believe, worth the expenditure. I enjoyed my morning coffee while watching the sunrise and would often head back out in the late afternoon to read a book in the fresh air.

- You must address how you’ll stay connected at sea, or your dream holiday will be followed by a hellish bill. Cruise operators occasionally offer free WiFi, but they generally charge for data usage. These packages can be pricey and may not be as generous as you anticipate. You can quickly burn through your allotted plan once you start uploading photos and videos to social media, streaming Netflix movies, or FaceTiming friends and family. Then you’ll have the choice of either ponying up for more data or going dark for the rest of the trip.

- You can also remain connected through your mobile carrier. Though carriers may offer an interna-tional plan, they usually do not cover usage at sea. I found this out the hard way - and racked up hundreds of dollars of charges. (Thankfully, after many hours on the phone with customer service, AT&T forgave some of my debt, but your phone company may not be as generous.) Some carriers do offer cruise-specific packages, but these can be extremely expensive and limited in scope.

Read all the fine print before you buy one or you may spend more than you intended.

- If you don’t want to bloat your budget for this element of the trip, you really have only two options: either take a breather from your devices (I can’t rec-ommend a digital detox enough) or seek out compli-mentary WiFi networks when you’re on shore. Neither may be optimal, but both are free.

- It’s important to check the weather in every port of call before you go. Many cruise lines share this infor-mation online, but even those listings don’t usually include the weather at sea between destinations. Pack accordingly and plan for contingencies, like rain or snow, depending on where in the world you’re traveling. If you’re cruising for a week or longer, it’s worth figuring out the laundry situation. Some cruise lines offer free DIY laundry rooms, while others charge for such usage. Additionally, dry cleaning and full-service laundry are often available - for a price.

- Speaking of clothing, take note of the ship’s dress code. Some establishments or events may require certain attire, like formalwear at a high-end restaurant. On the flip side, swimsuits may only be appropriate in the pool area while being banned elsewhere on the ship. Plot out your wardrobe in advance, so you don’t get side-eye for wearing the wrong outfit in the wrong place.

- While you’re packing, double-check that you have adequate supplies of your prescriptions (and bring a motion sickness medicine). Though the ship will have a doctor on board, there won’t be a fully stocked pharmacy. Once you get on shore, obtaining a refill can be a difficult, time-consuming and expensive process.

- Don’t forget to bring a bunch of $1 bills for tips, but read your receipts before laying down any extra cash, as many cruise lines build gratuities into their charges.

- No matter where you’re going, pack your passport. Some cruises departing and returning to the same US port only require you to have a driver’s license. However, if you have to take an emergency flight home, you will need a passport.

- Take a moment to check out the onboard dining options. Some require no reservations (and many cruise lines offer 24-hour complimentary room service), but some restaurants require a reservation and may even cost extra. Book tables before departure, rather than

when you board, so you can score your preferred dining times.

- While you’re browsing the ship’s profile online, glance at the entertainment and amenities. Some will be included in the ticket price, while others incur a supple-mental fee. Depending on the cruise line, ship and itin-erary, these will vary. Usually, there is a lot to do at no extra cost - the ship I was on had a free spa and plane-tarium shows - but make sure to sign up or arrive early to ensure you get a seat. If you have the urge to splurge, go ahead and book a massage or private yoga class. Just remember to select a time slot when you’ll be at sea, so you don’t eat into your limited shore time.

Speaking of getting off the ship, the cruise line may offer some gratis excursions, but most cost extra. Deciding whether to go on them is a matter of personal preference and your budget. These tours make transpor-tation to and entry into attractions a simple, smooth process, which can be appealing for travellers who don’t want to endure the hassle of navigating a new envi-ronment. Warning: They can be pricey. If you decide to go on any, book them well in advance; the popular ones sell out quickly. I went on one excursion led by the ship’s top chefs, who took a group on shore in Stavanger, Norway, to shop in various markets. A couple of nights later, the ingredients we collected were transformed into a stellar meal that was one of the highlights of the trip.

For the most part, however, I’m not a fan of tightly controlled group outings. I’d rather explore on my own. When flying solo, do your research in advance to determine what you want to see, do and eat - and how you’re going to get to each stop on your itinerary. Whenever possible, I walk. It’s great exercise and you see the destination on a more granular level, which often leads to exciting discoveries that would never happen otherwise.

No matter how you decide to explore ports of call, bring a daypack with you to easily carry your reusable bottle (fill it with potable water before disembarking), camera and any souvenirs you pick up.

One last piece of advice: Don’t forget you’re at sea. Get to the upper decks when possible, so you can see the sunset, go stargazing or simply watch the wake as it unfurls behind the ship. After all, you’re not on a tradi-tional trip. You’re on a cruise.

How to prepare for your first cruise

FOOD 11DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

If you think milk and milk products are the only good sources to obtain dietary calcium, think again! You can very well meet your daily recommended allowance

of calcium even if you turn vegan or com-pletely plant-based. Of late, milk has earned a bad rap for being a controversial dietary ingredient. The reason being the presence of pro-inflammatory substances in milk (more research is needed to conclude this) and more and more people developing intolerance towards lactose- a type of sugar found in milk and milk products. This has made a lot of people include calcium supplements to meet the daily requirements. But, you can very well meet the dietary calcium needs from natural food sources too. Here are the top non-dairy plant-based calcium food sources, shared by Nmami Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Nmami Life.

SoySoy is an excellent source of dietary

calcium with 100 grams of soybeans pro-viding you approximately 280 milligrams of calcium. Soy is also a rich source of plant-based protein. It can be consumed as boiled soybeans or in the form of tofu, tempeh, soy granules, soy nuggets or soymilk. Soybeans provide complete protein which means they contain all the essential amino acids required by the body.

Sesame Seeds100 grams of sesame seeds provide a

whopping 975 milligrams of calcium whereas 100 milliliter of milk offers only 125 milli-grams of calcium. Beat that! Sesame seeds contain essential phytonutrients that help in lowering cholesterol levels apart from strengthening the bones. These tiny seeds also offer five grams of protein per 30 grams of serving making them yet another excellent choice for plant-based protein. Copper mineral present in sesame seeds can also provide relief from arthritis. You can sprinkle dry roasted sesame seeds over your soups, salads, and stews or add them to your smoothies. Sesame seeds can also be used to make tahini that can be stored for long.

AlmondsAlmonds are yet another excellent source

of obtaining plant-based calcium. 100 grams of raw almonds provide around 264 milli-grams of calcium. But, they don’t just boast of high calcium- these tiny nuts are packed with protein, Vitamin E, magnesium, fibre, and potassium- making them a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Almonds can help to strengthen the bones, keep blood pressure levels in check and help stabilize blood sugar levels. You can munch on a handful of almonds every single day or blend it into your smoothies.

RagiRagi is also known as finger millet. 100

grams of ragi offer 344 milligrams of calcium- making them the best grain for obtaining dietary calcium. Ragi is also rich in potassium that helps in maintaining blood pressure levels. Ragi is also gluten-free, making them an excellent grain choice for those with gluten allergies or gluten sensi-tivity with wheat-based food products. Addi-tionally, ragi can help to stabilise blood sugar levels and can be readily given to toddlers after 6 months of age. You can add ragi in your diet in the form of pancakes, cheela, roti or you can make ragi malt by simply combining ragi with some water and cooking it over a low flame.

Chia Seeds100 grams of chia seeds provide 631 milli-

grams of calcium. Not only calcium, but these tiny seeds also pack a power punch of many vital nutrients including - protein, mag-nesium, phosphorus, and fibre. Chia seeds are also loaded with health-boosting antioxidants and soluble fibre that helps in boosting gut health. These tiny seeds also contain heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids that help prevent many heart diseases. The best way to consume chia seeds is by soaking overnight in water and having it the next morning. These can also be added to soups, smoothies or topped over your favourite salad.

So, next time when you decide to go off milk or are not able to consume milk because of some reason- make sure to add these wonderful ingredients in your diet and give your bones the much needed essential mineral- calcium! —IANS

Enjoy guilt-free calciumYou can very well meet your daily recommended allowance of calcium even if you turn vegan or completely plant-based. Of late, milk has earned a bad rap for being a controversial dietary ingredient. More people are developing intolerance towards lactose - a type of sugar found in milk and milk products. This has made a lot of people include calcium supplements to meet the daily requirements.

12 DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

BOOKS

Book World: The men who made ‘Chinatown’ unforgettableGLENN FRANKEL

THE WASHINGTON POST

Of all the ground-breaking movies made during the brief burst of creativity and originality known collectively as the New Hollywood,

none is more memorable than Roman Polanski’s Chinatown, released in 1974.

An existential detective story bathed in shades of film noir, Chinatown is more of a who-are-we than a whodunit. Besides Polanski’s masterful direction, it boasts one of the most admired screenplays in movie history, by Robert Towne; a fabulously nuanced star performance by Jack Nicholson; and a grand theme: the fatal fragility of good intentions in an evil world. It’s also wickedly entertaining. The only mystery is why no one’s tackled it in a full-length book before.

Now comes Sam Wasson, a veteran writer of Hollywood tales with a novelist’s eye for complex characters and a natural storyteller’s feel for scenes, dialogue and richly revealing details.

Wasson grounds his account in the intriguing people who made Chinatown: Polanski, Towne, Nicholson and the mercurial Robert Evans, who oversaw the making of the movie while head of pro-duction for Paramount. Using these four gifted and complicated men at the zenith of their talents and their egos, Wasson, in The Big Goodbye, weaves a tale in a voice that is intimate and sympathetic, yet critical.

The making of Chinatown begins with Towne, who before 1973 was mostly known for his brilliant rewrites of Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and the resonant climactic scene of The Godfather (1972). But he hit his peak with The Last Detail (1973) and Chinatown, both of which were written for Nicholson, his best friend and former roommate from the corn-flakes-for-dinner days when both men were starving young actors struggling for a foothold in the old studio system.

Nicholson plays Jake Gittes, a private detective specialising in divorce cases in late 1930s Los Angeles. But his latest case spirals out of control when his aggrieved client, a society woman named Evelyn Mulwray, turns out to be an impostor and her supposedly cheating husband winds up dead. Gittes finds himself a pawn in a conspiracy of powerful interests who are buying up cheap land in the arid San Fernando Valley and then illegally diverting public water to irrigate it and multiply its value. Aided by the real Mrs. Mulwray, he discovers that the corruption extends far beyond public money and

water and threatens the lives of her and her daughter.

Towne’s original screenplay was lit-erate, finely detailed, and full of unex-pected twists and turns. His characters were three-dimensional - “based on life,” as he once put it, “not other movies.” But for all its genius, the script was also con-fusing and over-plotted, and lacked a coherent ending. Evans recruited Polanski, who ruthlessly supervised Towne’s rewrite. Polanski also insisted on a darker, more appropriately brutal conclusion.

Polanski was a brilliant filmmaker but a spiritually maimed human being. Raised in prewar Poland, his pregnant mother mur-dered by the Nazis at Auschwitz, Polanski found his trauma compounded 25 years later when his beautiful wife, actress Sharon Tate, eight months pregnant, was slaughtered in their Beverly Hills home along with four others by followers of Charles Manson. “The certainty of loss had corrupted his every longing, and his resultant sadness summoned up the worst in him,” Wasson writes.

Polanski not only helped fix the screenplay, he brought a deliberate and melancholy sensibility to the making of the movie. “Filming took time, not because he didn’t know what he wanted, but because he did,” writes Wasson. And he coaxed great performances from Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and veteran film director John Huston.

Nicholson, perhaps the finest actor of his gener-ation, ranges from crudely comical to intensely tragic. Gittes’s self-assurance and cynicism are a front for a deeply vulnerable man with an instinctive code of honour. Dunaway at first seems like a classic femme fatale but emerges as a damsel who desper-ately needs rescuing. In the end Gittes only abets her demise.

On the set Nicholson was easy to work with and endlessly patient, just so long as he could leave in time to catch his beloved L A Lakers. He was one of the few leading men who could wear a bandage over his nose for most of a movie and still seem tough. Huston was chilling as the sinister plutocrat behind the land swindle, who has the movie’s most darkly revealing line: “You see, Mr Gittes, most people never have to face the fact that at the right time and the right place, they’re capable of anything.” Evans, who died in October at age 89, was a

seven-times-married swashbuckler who presided over some of the most successful films of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, including Rosemary’s Baby (1968), Love Story (1970) and The Godfather. Perhaps his most crucial contribution to Chinatown was commissioning a resonant, trumpet-crowned musical theme from composer Jerry Goldsmith reflecting “the ache, the longing, dying but sweetly pleading, love a happy memory drowning in truth.”

Poetics like those constantly blossom throughout Wasson’s narrative, adding beauty and charm, though his prose occasionally overheats.

He doesn’t shy away from nailing his characters’ fatal flaws and flagging trajectories. Nicholson has been nominated for Academy Awards 12 times as an actor and won three.

Finally, there’s the sad trajectory of Hollywood itself. One year after Chinatown, the stunning success of Jaws, an action thriller, ushered in a wave of high-concept blockbusters including Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Marvel Comics era - what Wasson calls “the cinema of sensation.” That same year saw the birth of Creative Artists, the high-powered talent agency that packaged actors, directors, scripts and mega-salaries and shifted Hol-lywood’s creative energy from filmmaking to deal-making. Wasson’s book is an utterly stylish and entertaining ode to a bygone era and the gifted but troubled people who made it memorable.

13DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

TECHNOLOGY

Some swear by air purifiers, but do the devices do what they claim to do?LAURA DAILY

THE WASHINGTON POST

Pat yourself on the back if you’ve sealed your home for energy efficiency. Keeping drafts out is a money-saving move. The hitch? A tightly sealed

home may also trap in pet dander, smoke, dust mites, mold and other nasties that can trigger respiratory issues.

One possible solution: An air purifier. Based on man-ufacturers’ estimates, about one in four US households own a portable indoor air purifier, including those that come as part of a fan, says Perry Santanachote, home editor at Consumer Reports. That’s not surprising. As indoor air quality becomes a concern for consumers, manufacturers produce “remedies” for us to buy or, at minimum, buy into. The question is: Is an air purifier worth the investment? “Air purifiers can be an important part of allergen avoidance, but they are not a cure-all,” says Manav Singla, an allergist and immunologist affil-iated with MedStar Health locations in Maryland. “I don’t tell all of my allergy sufferers to go out and get an air purifier, just like I don’t tell them to install hardwood floors.” Because they filter airborne particles such as dander and pollen, air purifiers might work best for people with animal allergies who own a dog or cat or who leave doors and windows open, Singla says. They aren’t effective for those sensitive to dust mites, because mites live in carpet and bedding.

The research into efficacy of air purifiers is incon-clusive. In 2018, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology analysed studies of eight inter-ventions believed to help asthma patients, including air purifiers. It found that: “Despite an extensive evidence base spanning several decades, the evidence base as a whole is insufficient to support meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness of many widely used products and strategies for improving patient outcomes by reducing environmental allergen exposure.” It also called for better research.

A 2010 analysis by the academy concluded that “the principal role of air cleaning and filtration in the living environment for those with allergic respiratory diseases might relate more toward the reduction of disease pro-gression rather than a ‘treatment’. “ It added that although portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters appear to be beneficial, especially in bedrooms, for households with forced-air HVAC systems, “regular maintenance schedules and the use of high-efficiency disposable filters appear to be the best choices.” Remember, your furnace and/or air condi-tioner is essentially a whole-house filtration system, and thus may negate the need for an air purifier. The problem is that many homeowners use cheap, thin filters that cost a few bucks and do little to actually filter the air. Plus, most of us forget to change the filter as often as we should. The simple addition of what’s called a media cabinet to hold a deeper (up to five inches) disposable filter can greatly increase filtration capabilities. These filters last from eight weeks to six months and are usually less than $35 apiece.

If you decide to buy an air purifier, your first decision

is whether you need a portable or whole-house model. If you have ductwork and a forced-air system, a whole-house system will work. Homes with radiant heat and no air conditioning will need portable, stand-alone models.

Assuming your home has forced air, hire a trained professional to inspect your entire system, including equipment and ductwork, says Travis Jackson, a home heating, cooling and air purification expert in War-renton, Virginia. “An inspection checks for underlying issues such as unsealed ducts, mouldy standing water, dirt or glue-filled seams emitting vapours. Your system may just need a simple cleaning,” he says. Depending on your location and provider, this type of inspection may be free or cost up to $100.

Unless you have real cause to believe that the air in your home is making you sick, you don’t need an indoor air quality assessment, which is extensive, expensive ($800 to $1,200) and typically unwarranted, Jackson says. Whether you opt for a portable or whole-house purifier, you need to measure the square footage of the space you’re trying to treat, whether it’s a single room or the entire home. The cost of any unit is dictated by size and efficiency. Here’s what else you need to know.

Portable air purifiers You’ll find several types. Basic mechanical models use a fan to force air through a filter to remove particles. Those with higher-grade HEPA filters are certified to capture the smallest particles, including dust, smoke, pollen and pet dander.

Electronic air purifiers are designed to create an electric charge so particles stick to metal plates in the machine, which you then carefully wipe off. Some man-ufacturers combine technologies. Other models include a UV light and claim to kill mold and bacteria, but Con-sumer Reports has not tested those models, and there’s currently no evidence that they do what they claim, San-tanachote says.

Some purifiers include an activated carbon filter to absorb odours and/or remove gases. While thicker, heavy-duty carbon filters are effective, they are pricey. Thin mesh ones are a waste of money, Santanachote says. Expect to spend at least $200 on a portable unit. Top-rated models that purify large spaces may run up to $700. In addition, replacement filters cost $20 to $200 (a few models come with washable filters), and because experts recommend that you run purifiers 24/7, you’ll have to factor in electricity.

Don’t be dazzled by sleek looks or equate higher cost with better performance. Look for models certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). Then check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which describes how well the machine reduces tobacco smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the number the better. Less than 60 is poor, and more than 240 is excellent, Santanachote says.

If there’s a floor model available, look inside for a thick filter covering a broad surface. Even better, ask to plug it in. An air purifier, by its nature — basically a fan and a filter — is noisy, especially on higher speeds. If that’s a concern, you’ll want to hear it for yourself. One workaround is to purchase a purifier rated for a larger space and run it at a lower, quieter speed.

Whole-house air purifiers Assuming your home has

ducts, a whole-house air cleaner is an easy, quiet, no-fuss option. If you want to go all out, there are units with multiple filters to capture airborne particles, plus an activated carbon filter to remove odours. These cost $2,500 and up, plus installation. Models that include ger-micidal UV lamp technology to irradiate bacteria and mold spores in the air stream or on the filter cost even more; however, again, research proving they work is lacking.

It’s also possible to add a UV light system to your HVAC system, but they aren’t cheap. There are two types: an object cleaner and an in-duct air purification system. An object cleaner positioned next to the coil of your air conditioner - a dark, damp breeding ground for mold and bacteria - floods the area with UV light and kills off organisms before they can be pulled into your ventilation system. These cost $350 to $800. Replacement bulbs, which average a one- to two-year life span, are $100 to $300.

Your second, pricier option is a UV in-duct air purifi-cation system. Think of the UV light like the sun’s rays. “By putting the ‘sun’ into your ductwork, the UV lightbulb emits vaporised hydrogen attacking germs, bacteria, mold spores, fungus and odours as the air cycles through your home,” Jackson says. Some models claim to clean countertops and other surfaces, as the treated air is forced out of vents through your home.

Depending on your home’s square footage and the size of your HVAC system, an in-duct UV system ranges from $800 to $1,500. Bulbs last up to three years and cost $300 to $400. Most units can be installed in less than two hours, and you’ll typically be charged a flat rate that includes parts and labour.

Although some users swear by UV air scrubbers, Singla points out that UV filtration is of limited value for the average consumer with allergies because allergens are not living tissue like mold. Bottom line: Unless you or someone in your household has severe allergies or is prone to respiratory infections, you may want to just keep your living space as clean as possible and your HVAC unit in tiptop shape before investing in an air puri-fication system.

THINGS TO DO14 DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

14

Things to do this weekend in Qatar (Feb 13-15, 2020)

A market that exhibits crafts and arts designed in Qatar by a

group of 60 members that manufacture only handmade products. Their handmade range include jewellery, bags, clothing, paintings, illustra-tions, craft kits and toys, home decors, and much more.

When: Friday, February 14 | 3pm-8pm

Where: Building 19, Katara Art Studios

Katara QatART Maker’s Market

Sports Month at Doha Festival City

Doha Festival City will be hosting a fun-packed month of sports and fitness activities for their shoppers and visitors for

all ages, both indoor and outdoors.When: Daily until March 1Where: Doha Festival City

National Sport Day CelebrationIn celebration of the National Sport Day and to promote the social and personal benefits of sports and recreation, Mall of Qatar is hosting a variety of fun and fitness activities throughout the month of February. The Sports activities include basketball, football, golf, and more with plenty of prizes with daily challenges at each activity.When: Until February 29Where: Mall of Qatar

Tawar Mall promises to recreate an enchanting valley

of magic fairies every weekend.When: Every Thursday and Friday, February 6 – 28 | 6:30pm-9:30pm

Where: Tawar Mall

Comedy meets the Symphony Orchestra

Cultural Diversity Festival

Katara will host folkloric shows and traditional arts as part of the 4th Cultural Diversity Festival every

weekend. The festival features an array of cultural performances from different nations around the world and aims to act as bridge between cultures and provide a multicultural harmonious environment. The fourth edition features folkloric per-formers from Lithuania.The festival is free for everyone.

When: February 13 and 14 | 7pm-8pmWhere: Katara

Fairy LandAward-winning British comedian Rainer Hersch will be in Doha this weekend taking the helm of Qatar Philharmonic. Promising an evening of laughter and music, the session is a concert yet not the usual one as there will be stand up comedy mixed with music.Whether you are a professor of harmony or couldn't tell a string quartet from a string vest, the show is a must watch for everyone. The tickets range between QR150 to QR500When: Saturday, February 15 2020 | 7:30pmWhere: Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre – Souq Waqif

Qatar National Library will screen a 90-minute movie Living the Change: Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future. The 2018 documentary showcases inspiring approaches to sustainable living by telling the stories of individuals who have decided to make a change.

When: Friday, February 14 | 5pm-6:30pm

Where: Qatar National Library

Documentary on Sustainable Living

15DOHA TODAYTHURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2020

Metro Street Food – Food FestFirst ever outdoor metro event hosted by Q sports, with com-bination of food, beverages and a mini golf course setup at the DECC Metro station.When: Jan 1 – April 2020Weekdays: 12.30pm – 11pm; Weekends: 2pm – 12 midnightWhere: DECC Metro Station

In cooperation with the Embassy of Italy in Qatar, Katara will be hosting the

Italian pianist & composer Alessandro Martire concert live.

When: Friday, February 14 2020 | 7pm-9pm (doors open 5pm)

Where: Opera House, Building 16 – Katara Vintage Cars Exhibition

A unique vintage car exhibition which allows visitors to pass through the 12 vehicles that could be seen plying on Qatar’s roads in the

70s, 80s and 90s, are spread around NMoQ’s Baraha Square. The exhibition is divided into three sections, public transport vehicles, private cars, government vehicles used in the past.

When: Until February 29 | Saturday – Thursday 9am-7pm; Friday 1:30-7pm

Where: National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)

A weekend market which is a modern take on Qatar’s old souq tradition will have around 50 stalls offering a wide variety of products. The

bazaar at Museum of Islamic Art park will have stalls selling ready-to-wear clothes, caps, footwear, shayla, sunglasses, bags, jewellery, watches, cos-metics, fragrances, and other accessories. The stalls representing home-based businesses also sell home display items and sumptuous home-cooked cuisines to the visitors.When: Every Friday from 2pm to 8pm and every Saturday from 12noon to 8pmWhere: MIA Park

Mahaseel Festival

The biggest edition of Mahaseel Festival is going on at Katara with more than 40 stalls to buy vege-tables, flowers, honey, dairy and meat products

offered by local companies at discounted prices. There is also a large area where children can enjoy inflatables in addition to a giant tent where they can play various computer games such as VR games making the festival a one-stop-shop for families.When: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until March 31| 9am to 9pmWhere: Building 22, Katara

Continuing the celebrations of Qatar National Sport Day, the weekend has few more sporting activities. But if sports is not your forte, then worry not. We have listed many other fun activities for you to pick and choose from.

MIA Park Bazaar

Concert by the Italian Pianist Alessandro Martire Qatar, India & the Gulf: History,

Culture and Society Exhibition

Qatar National Library exhibits connections between India, Qatar and the Gulf over 4,600

years as a part of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of the Culture. The exhibition reveals how this ancient relationship has influenced their history, culture and society in profound and surprising ways.When: Until February 29, 2020; 3pm – 8pmWhere: Qatar National Library

The Island of The Pearl-Qatar, an iconic mixed-use urban development ��� ��������� �� ����� ��������� ������ ��������� ���������retailers and visitors need, in one location. From beachfront Viva ������� ��������� �� ��������� ����� ������ �� ��� ������ ��������!���� ��� �������� "������ ���������� ��� ����� �������� �����������#������������������������������������������$�����Centrale. It’s a world that’s alive with wonderful surprises.

The Pearl-Qatar, where every day brings a reason to smile.

Come for a visit, stay for a while.

+974 4409 5155 thepearlqatar.com

UNITED DEVELOPMENT CO. Q.P.S.C. C.R. No: 22980Capital (paid in full) QR 3,540,862,500UDC Tower, The Pearl-Qatar