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ATAR Tourism Authority (QTA) has partnered with 56 members of the hos-pitality industry to ensure a warm wel-come to visitors during the Qatar

Summer Festival, which will take place throughout the nation from August 1 to 31.

Hotel partners are offering special packages during the Festival, which include offers to pay for two nights and stay for three in hotels, and pay for five nights and stay for six in hotel apartments. Select establishments will provide additional incentives cov-ering a variety of options including free breakfasts, late check-outs, free meals for children when accompa-nied by their parents (a maximum of three children per family) and free transfers to and from Hamad Inter-national Airport. These offers are also available to residents booking dur-ing the same period.

The number of hotels partici-pating has doubled since last year’s Festival, as the hospitality sector works even more closely with QTA to ensure that Qatar is viewed as the preferred destination in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Qatar’s hos-pitality sector, which was recently ranked at the top of GCC destina-tions in the Guest Experience in the Middle East report released by hos-pitality and travel data providers Olery, presents a key attraction to the visitors targeted by QTA initiatives such as Qatar Summer Festival 2016.

To promote tourist activities tak-ing place during the summer, QTA will lead a delegation of industry repre-sentatives on a GCC-wide roadshow.

QTA in deal with 56 hotels for summer offers

Q Qatar’s hospitality sector, which was recently ranked at the top of GCC destinations in the Guest Experience in the Middle East report released by hospitality and travel data providers Olery, presents a key attraction to the visitors targeted by QTA initiatives such as Qatar Summer Festival 2016.

The roadshow will travel through Jed-dah, Riyadh, Al Khobar, Manama, Kuwait City, Dubai and Muscat.

During the roadshow QTA and its partners will update travel agents and tour operators in each city on tourism opportunities in Qatar, and further inform them of plans for the 2016 Qatar Summer Festival.

The Festival is part of QTA’s strat-egy to grow and diversify the country’s tourism offerings in partnership with the private sector, especially during traditionally off-peak periods.

The 2016 edition of the Festival is expected to build on the success of previous years in terms of size and the variety and scope of the family entertainment and fun activities on offer across the country.

Deal to raise flights to 91 between Doha & three Saudi cities

WITH a rapid rise in the flow of tourists between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the two countries have signed a new agreement to increase the

number of flights up to 91 a week between Doha and three major Saudi cities — Jed-dah, Riyadh and Dammam.

The two sides also agreed to open skies between Doha and Madinah and Taif to run any number of f lights. The number of Saudi tourists visiting Qatar in the first quarter of this year increased by 16 percent to 280,255 compared to the same period last year, according to data released by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

Under the agreement, Qatar Airways will also operate 14 weekly flights to interior air-ports in Saudi Arabia such as Tabuk, Jizan, Abha, Yanbu, Al Ahsa, Al Ula and Hail.

The deal also seeks to increase the number of cargo flights up to 14 a week to major air-ports in the Saudi Arabia and open skies between Doha and Dammam airport with “fifth freedom” for shipping flights.

The agreement was signed following talks between aviation authorities of Qatar and Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the Third Middle East Aviation Safety Summit recently.

The talks were led by Abdulla bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey, Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Abdulhakim Al Badr,

Deputy to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation’s President for Safety and Air Transport. Both sides are scheduled to hold another meeting before the end of this year to update the air transport agreement and add new items to facilitate operational matters of national carriers in the two coun-tries, Qatar News Agency reports.

The high-level meeting of the direc-tors-general and CEOs of the civil aviation authorities in the Middle East opened here yesterday, following the summit.

In his opening address, Minister of Trans-port and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti drew attention to an increase in regular flights in the Middle East over the

past decade and expressed satisfaction with data issued which showed that the robust eco-nomic performance in the region is expected to continue.

Despite rapid developments in the civil aviation sector, the industry is facing major challenges at the top of which are those related to safety and security, he added.

The Minister said the summit was an important forum for exchange of experiences and expertise between states, international and regional organisations, aviation safety partners, service providers and stakehold-ers in the aviation industry.

He said improving global aviation safety is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the

air transport sector in advancing sustaina-ble economic and social development in all parts of the world. The meeting reviewed the current status of aviation safety in the region and challenges facing it.

It stressed the importance of implement-ing the Doha Declaration approved during the third meeting of the directors of civil avi-ation authorities in the Middle East last year.

The number of Saudi tourists visiting Qatar in the first quarter of this year increased by 16 percent to 280,255 compared to the same period last year, according to data released by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

CHAIRMANSheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDr. Khalid Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITORMohammed Salim Mohamed

SUPPLEMENT COORDINATORAhmed Eltigani Idris

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DESIGNAbraham Augusthy

PRODUCTIONViswanath Sarma

IMAGE PROCESSINGMohd Sajad Sahir

TypesettingDeepak John

OOREDOO launched its new 1Gbps Fibre plan, the fastest Internet service available in Qatar, as the company

continues to upgrade its nation-wide Ooredoo Supernet.

With the launch of 1Gbps Fibre, Qatar has joined the champions’ league to become one of only 10 countries in the world able to provide this fastest-ever Fibre connection for homes.

With the new fibre connec-tion, customers can download a 30 minute 4K quality movie in three minutes and a two hour HD movie in two minutes. Households can expect to see a smoother and faster experience for all users, as the speed will enable more peo-ple to enjoy being connected to the Internet at the same time.

Waleed Al Sayed, CEO of Oore-doo Qatar, said: “Ooredoo continues to set new records with our big, fast network, and our on-going invest-ment in our state-of-the-art Fibre network means that our custom-ers can enjoy incredible 1Gbps Fibre speeds for the first time.”

He added: “We are one of the first operators in the world to launch 1Gbps Fibre home services and the very first in Qatar. Ooredoo believes in future-proofing our network, and we continue to strive to bring our

country the latest technology first.”Ooredoo announced this mile-

stone at a special VIP event in Doha, where Al Sayed presented the incredible speeds of the serv-ice for the first time. In addition, the company premiered its all-new Platinum Homezone service, which provides comprehensive Wi-Fi cov-erage for large villas.

During his presentation, Al Sayed said that in February 2016 Ooredoo Qatar increased the internet speed up to 300mbps, three times faster than the launch speed of 100mbps in 2009. And now the telecom leader has achieved a new milestone of 1,000mbps (1Gbps), which again more than three times faster than the one launched in February this year.

Al Sayed highlighted that the company has invested over QR1.5bn in building Fibre optics networks

across the country. And today over 85 percent homes have already been connected with Fibre.

“As we speak, people in over 275,000 homes and buildings in Qatar are enjoying high speed Inter-net and other services through Fibre connectivity, which is about over 85 percent penetration. And by the first quarter of 2017 we will achieve 100 percent Fibre penetration to become number one in the world,” he said.

Every customer who upgrades their current Fibre plan to the new 1Gbps plan will get two months at no extra charge, before they start to pay the standard monthly price of QR1,900. The installation fee is little over QR11,000. Since the serv-ice is tailored so the installation fee may even exceed depending on the size and design of a building.

While only compatible devices will be able to access speeds of up to1Gbps, customers using the 1Gbps plan will be able to deploy more devices to their full potential in their homes. Ooredoo also announced the launch of the luxury ‘Platinum Hom-eZone’ – a first-of-its-kind service that offers full Wi-Fi Internet cover-age for customers with large villas and mansions.

The service has been designed in cooperation with HPE Aruba and GBM, and ensures that customers can access the Ooredoo Supernet at top speeds across their homes.

ATAR is expected to become the first country in the world to launch 5G mobile network services, said a top official of Ooredoo Qatar, country’s leading telecom services provider. In this regard, Ooredoo, the Qatar-based

telecom giant, is negotiating with various stakeholders and organisations, including the Geneva-based International Telecommu-nication Union (ITU), to advance the launch date of 5G services. The 5G technology is expected to go on trial by the end of 2018, which is slated to be launched commercially by 2020 worldwide.

“We believe 2020 is very far away. So we are trying with manufacturers and other con-cerned entities such as ITU and GSM Association (organiser of Mobile World Congress) to bring the launch date forward,” Waleed Al Sayed, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar told The Peninsula.

He added: “Although this is not in our hands but we are trying our level best for this. We

also want to promise the people of Qatar that we will be the first in the world to launch 5G services.” He said that the company always strive to provide a very high bandwidth on mobile broadband. And in this regard, Ooredoo signed an agreement with Huawei in Barce-lona to build the region’s first 5G R&D Centre in Qatar, aiming to conduct all kinds of possible research studies related to the future technol-ogy and innovation.

The works on the Centre, according to Al Sayed, is progressing in full swing in a very high security area. Once ready Ooredoo will announced about it in a media gathering .

He said that the local engineers and stu-dents from Qatar-based universities will also be allowed to have access to the R&D Centre for experiments. “We are doing everything possible for people, things, and orgnaisations in Qatar to get connected with the rest of the world. Being the only telecom service provider with high bandwidth capability, we are also working as a catalysts to attract businesses to invest in the country,” Al Sayed added.

“Our company has signed agreements with scores of organizations in Qatar, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to connect all the embassies. We have also signed agreements with Al Jazeera Network and beIN (sports TV network) to connect their offices across the world.”Asked about the impact of the pervasive use of Internet Protocol Mode, such as What-sApp, Skype and Viber, to make voice calls, especially overseas, on the Company’s reve-nue, he said that initially Ooredoo was worried about it as the demand for traditional voice call

and SMS services started going down signifi-cantly, but the Company adapted the situation instead of fighting against it, by transforming the challenge into an opportunity.

“We at Ooredoo do not see these apps as a

threat. Nearly two years ago we started work-ing on it taking it as a new opportunity. We have migrated our business to become a data ena-bler. And today we sell more data than selling voice and SMS services. By the end of this year,

the share of revenues from data is expected to be more than 60 percent,” he said.

Al Sayed cautioned that companies that are continuing to stick with voice and SMS services, are going to face a very big failure in the future.

Qatar may be first to launch 5G servicesThe 5G technology is expected to go on trial by the end of 2018, which is slated to be launched commercially by 2020 worldwide.

OOREDOO has been ranked in the top ten most valuable brands in the MENA region for the first time accord-

ing to a new study, following a successful year that has seen the company raise its profile around the world.

In securing its position, Oore-doo is one of three leading Qatari brands in the top ten, and among the strongest communications brands ranked in the rating.

The “Brand Finance Middle East 50” report is created by leading intangible asset valuation consul-tancy Brand Finance, which ranks the most valuable Middle Eastern brands every year.

According to the report, Oore-doo’s brand value has consistently increased since the company began its global brand roll-out in Febru-ary 2013. During these three years, Ooredoo has seen a 169% increase in its estimated brand value, which the report calculates at US$ 2.1bn in 2016. The report also notes that, with its AA+ brand rating, Ooredoo is the strongest telecoms brand in the region. The report states that the

company is one of the most valua-ble communications brands in the Middle East today, and could rank higher in the future as Ooredoo con-tinues to build its customer base and reinforce its brand. Ooredoo’s global customer base reached 118 million by the end of March 2016.

Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo has grown to become an interna-tionally-recognised brand that was born in Qatar. This report under-lines the strength of our brand as a key asset for our company, and also demonstrates how far we have progressed in our ambition to be a leading international communica-tions company.”

Since Ooredoo began its brand launch in February 2013, the company has overseen a major

modernisation process which has included network investment, cus-tomer service revamps and digital content boosts across markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.

Beginning with its home market Qatar, the Ooredoo brand rolled-out across the company’s international operations in Kuwait, Oman, Alge-ria, Tunisia, the Maldives, Myanmar and Indonesia, in one of the most comprehensive and far-reach-ing transformation exercises ever undertaken by a leading commu-nications company.

In recent years, Ooredoo has focused heavily on its products and network, which are designed to enrich customers’ digital lifestyles and support business growth and development. Highlights in recent years include the introduction of the 4G+ and nationwide fibre net-works in Qatar; the introduction of 4G services in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Indonesia and Tunisia that made Ooredoo one of the region’s leading 4G companies and the operational launch in Myanmar that brought mobile broadband to millions of people for the first time.

Ooredoo ranked among top 10 brands in region

Ooredoo’s global customer base reached 118 million by the end of March 2016.

Ooredoo launches fastest 1Gbps Fibre plan

With the new fibre connection, customers can download a 30 minute 4K quality movie in 3 minutes and a two-hour HD movie in 2 minutes.

Q

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SHERATON Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, the 5 star luxury hotel, will mark the Holy Month of Ramadan by reflecting the ambience of a traditional

Souq and hosting special Iftars and Sohours, assuring guests an unfor-gettable experience.

Guests can break their fast at Al Hubara Restaurant, located at the lobby, which offers exceptional Iftar expe-riences every night.

The Iftar menu includes an assortment of traditional Arabic and international culinary delights pre-pared by expert chefs. Interactive cooking stations will come to life celebrating cuisines from all around

the world, featuring Qatari traditional cuisine and more, for QAR 225 per per-son with 50% off for kids aged 6 to 12; Children below age of 6 dine for free.

During the Holy Month, the hotel invites the guests to indulge with in traditions and culture at its old-style Souq located near the hotel’s dedi-cated Ramadan Tent.

Sheraton’s Grand Tent wears the traditional Arabesque décor with the red extravaganza curtains, and the traditional Ramadan lanterns, add-ing the exceptional brightness to the uniqueness of the whole ambience.

The Tent also hosts special lounges for ladies and a private entrance from Al Majlis, where guests will enjoy a

truly authentic Suhour. Featuring live cooking stations,

different flavours of shisha and a tra-ditional band, the Ramadan Tent is designed to be family-friendly.

The Souq is dressed with vibrant stalls in Arabesque design display-ing hand-made Ramadan goods, handicrafts, souvenirs and tradi-tional Arabian specialty foods. The Souq offers an inimitable experi-ence and will open doors to newer insights on the traditional way of life, and an inspiring overview local culture and values.

To make a reservation, call +974 44853000, email F&Breservations.Doha@sheraton.com or log on to: http://www.sheratongranddoha.com/.

Sheraton’s Grand Tent wears the traditional Arabesque décor with the red extravaganza curtains, and the traditional Ramadan lanterns, adding the exceptional brightness to the uniqueness of the whole ambience.

Elegant ambience underlines the essence of a traditional Souq

Celebrate Ramadan at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

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THE Cultural Village Foun-dation-Katara has for the first time launched ‘Medfa’ Al Iftar’ to announce the end of the fast at sunset during the Holy Month.

The cannon has attracted droves of chil-dren and families who showed interest and enthusiasm to witness the firing shots. Katara introduced the cannon during Ramadan Festival 2016 being held under the theme ‘Quran and Cre-ation of Man’.

Visitors of all ages stressed the importance of reviving Ramadan tra-ditions and bringing alive themes such as ‘Medfa’ Al Iftar’, which Katara has placed at a special yard on the south-ern side of its beach.

Katara Mesaharati and Ramadan Cannon proved popular during the fes-tival, with hundreds of visitors taking photos with them.

At Katara, the Spirit of Ramadan is reflected on its alleys, buildings, trees, squares, beach and hills all decorated with stylish traditional lights strung up and inspired by Ramadan themes such as crescents and fawanees.

The Katara Mosque is also drawing a large number of people who, after breaking fast, show up before Isha and Taraweeh prayers to dedicate some quality time to enjoy recitation of the Holy Quran by Imam Sheikh Moham-med Makkie.

Old cannon at Katara attracts many visitors

The souq continues to welcome Ramadan shoppers with outlets offering a diverse array of products, including local and Gulf traditional dresses, oriental gifts, handmade products, Islamic art and Arabic library.

The souq continues to welcome Ramadan shoppers with outlets offering a diverse array of products, including local and Gulf traditional dresses, ori-ental gifts, handmade products, Islamic art and Arabic library.

Featuring one of the oldest of Ram-adan traditions, the ‘Katara Mesahar’ began prowling the alleys and streets of the Cultural Village, wearing uniform and beating his drum and chanting verses to alert people to have Suhoor

(meal eaten early morning before begin-ning the fast).

Katara visitors welcomed Al Mesa-har with joy as many remembered the old days when Al Mesahar used to move around local alleys and neighbourhoods banging his drum to wake people up as he sang local spiritual Ramadan songs for nearly two hours before dawn.

The ‘Katara Mesahar’ arrived at 10pm, under Ramadan Crescent which plated the Cultural Village districts with its pure silver lights.

Several children and puppets escorted Mesahar as he sang popu-lar verses from the old days, such as ‘Ohh sleeping one, arise, wake up and be monotheistic to the one God’.

The Cultural Village also echoed other lyrics and songs by the Mesahar praising the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan in a peaceful and charming spiritual and traditional atmosphere.

Visitors expressed happiness over attending true Ramadan — evening activities including the Mesahar show — and said that with technology taking over modern-day life, the deep-rooted Ramadan tradition is on the decline and that television, mobiles and alarm clocks are fast replacing the job a Mesa-har did. Ramadan brings to light several traditions of Islamic nations. Tradi-tions and religious customs are plenty in Islam, but the Mesahar will always be special to all.

THE Cultural Village Foun-dation-Katara unveiled its 2016 Ramadan programme under the theme of “Human Creation in the Holy Quran”.

Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti said: “The holy month of Ramadan has its unique religious and spiritual manifestations, traditional and cultural taste.

“Katara is keen to celebrate the advent of Ramadan every year and cher-ish its glorious meanings and messages of piety, mercy, forgiveness and repent-ance, as well as blesses and generosity felt by all during this special time of the year. Our program this season entitled “Human Creation in the Holy Quran”, highlights: God’s endless miracles to grant our visitors the opportunity to con-template and think about the greatness of one of God’s creation, the creation of human beings and mankind whom God shouldered him the responsibil-ity to build planet earth and a diverse and innovational array of activities.”

The Katara chief added: “This year’s Ramadan season will have several reli-gious, cultural and scientific platforms

distributed over 75 activities across all the Cultural Village to provide Katara’s visitors with an unforgettable and inform-ative experience, starting from the June 14”. Dr Al Sulaiti said: “The launch of this festival reflects the significant role of Katara in highlighting and preserving the Arab and Islamic identity, promot-ing awareness on the spiritual, cultural and scientific depth of Islamic civilisa-tion and spreading the culture of love, peace and tolerance amongst people from all walks of life and faith. Which has always been one of our vision pillars.”

Katara Ramadan Festival 2016 will also host 14 innovational exhibitions focused on the human body. These include the exhibition of blood and arter-ies at building 18 where 4D images of blood arteries and their functions will be displayed to visitors.

Another optical exhibition focus-ing on eyes and its functions, as well as an exhibition on ears and its func-tions will be set at building 18. Oher exhibitions on teeth, skin and nutrition will also be welcoming Katara visitors during Ramadan Festival. For the first time in the Middle-Eastern region, all

exhibitions will use the 4D technology, and a number of professional and med-ical experts will be available to interact with the public and offer the best and latest health tips.

Aiming at spreading the culture of healthy life-style in community, Katara will arrange multi-meetings with doc-tors at building 13 to answer questions by visitors and provide them with med-ical consultancy.

Other interactive shows will include 7D cinema theatre displays where mov-ies and documentary films focused on the human body and organs, will be shown at the Amphitheatre and will run from 7pm until 11:30pm.

Other activities include: A workshop to create hand sculpture with wax will also be available for attendees who will have the chance to place their hand print on a panel at building 13. Furthermore, Katara Drama Theatre will witness a show by Mohammed Al Makki who will perform religious and spiritual phrases.

The Cultural Village Foundation- Katara hopes that the programme assigned for this Ramadan will be ben-eficial and entertaining for everyone.

Exhibitions and interactive shows at Cultural Village for everyone

Freej Aspire officially opened on Friday evening. Engineer Hilal Al Kuwari, President, Aspire Zone Foundation, Mohammad Khalifa Al

Suwaidi, Acting CEO, AZF, and oth-ers dignitaries attended the opening ceremony and toured the venue to learn about activities and features.

Freej Aspire includes a traditional games area, a corner for traditional arts and henna, a cycling exhibition, chil-dren’s shows on the Freej Aspire stage, children’s workshops on Arabic callig-raphy and graffiti, miniature football fields and basketball courts, in addi-tion to spaces for small and medium Qatari businesses to exhibit products and services.

Freej Aspire will host new cul-tural events and activities in an 8,000 square metre air-conditioned open area capable of hosting 3,000 visitors a day, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) announced. Taking up to three months to construct, the “Freej, which means “neighbourhood” in the Gulf dialect, is laid out in the shape of adjoining

traditional houses, aiming to repli-cate the environment of an authentic “Freej” and inspire Qatari culture and tradition.

On its second year, Freej Aspire will offer the community the opportunity to enjoy a unique cultural atmosphere in a space with temperature not exceed-ing 25 degrees centigrade. It concludes

on June 19. For the first time, Freej Aspire dedicated spaces for small and medium-sized Qatari businesses to exhibit their services and products to the local community, stemming from AZF’s keen interest in supporting the development of such initiatives. Freej features the merchandise of more than 22 Qatari businesses, in addition to 17 kiosks featuring traditional Qatari products, four moving trolleys and a traditional café.

Commenting on Freej prepa-rations, Abdullah Aman Al Khater, Chairman of Ramadan Organising Committee at AZF, said: “With every new edition of AZF’s cultural pro-gramme of activity in Ramadan, the Foundation introduces new and unique elements designed to cater to and attract all members of the local community.”

Al Khater added: “The commu-nity’s widespread participation in previous edition of Freej Aspire has motivated us to innovate the activ-ities offered further and build upon past successes, which we hope will

Freej Aspire events to draw over 3,000 visitors a day

cater to all members of the commu-nity. This year; we have increased the children’s play area, added new sports activities for families alongside the traditionally offered activities, intro-duced innovative culturally-themed workshops for children, and dedi-cated space to small and medium-sized Qatari business to exhibit their serv-ices and products to the community.”

Families and children visiting Freej Aspire will have the opportunity to partake in a number of traditional Qatari sports, in addition to sports tournaments including football, bas-ketball and volleyball. The children’s play area in this year’s edition has been expanded threefold, due to the increased community participation in Freej Aspire year after year.

Children will also have the oppor-tunity to explore and develop their creative side through Arabic callig-raphy and graffiti workshops. Several activities will also be on offer designed to increase children’s awareness and knowledge of Qatari traditions and past crafts, offering them the chance to not only learn about them but also practice them.

On its second year, Freej Aspire will offer the community the opportunity to enjoy a unique cultural atmosphere in a space with temperature not exceeding 25 degrees centigrade. It concludes on June 19.

Pic: Sajad Sahir

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ATAR Duty Free and Doha Bank have united again to offer customers a special shopping promotion to enjoy across QDF’s exceptional selection of fashion, beauty and

gourmet food boutiques at Hamad International Airport (HIA). Travel-lers holding a Doha Bank credit card will enjoy 10 percent savings when they shop at QDF stores between May 10 and July 31.

Passengers will discover a tempt-ing array of products inside the departure terminal, from cosmetics to designer labels, all perfect purchases for those venturing on summer vaca-tions, and business travellers keen to benefit from the offer.

QDF’s shopping emporium was recently announced as the world’s fifth ‘Best Airport for Shopping’ at the 2016 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The wide selection of luxury and afforda-ble brands available, together with the competitive prices and the retailer’s outstanding customer service levels, were recognised.

Luis Gasset, Senior Vice-President, QDF, said: “Summer is a key time for travellers, and as such an important time for QDF to reward customers with an offer on one of the most extensive

collections of brands and luxury bou-tiques available. As one of the world’s leading shopping airports, QDF is committed to offering our customers added value by working with part-ners to deliver generous promotions and the very best in quality, service and variety.”

Dr R Seetharaman, Group CEO, Doha Bank, said: “The bank and QDF have worked in partnership to deliver promotions for passengers at HIA over the years. While last year’s 10 percent cash back promotion was an immense success, we expect this year to be a greater success. Our loyal cardhold-ers will be able to have convenient and privileged payment experiences and continue to enjoy loyalty points on these transactions, and what bet-ter way for travellers from Doha to embark on their summer vacations.”

Passengers can choose from a wide variety of duty-free products at amazing prices, from Tiffany, Burberry, TAG Heuer, Chopard, Bulgari, Har-rods, Michael Kors, Coach, perfumes, cosmetics and skincare, Godiva choc-olates, Swarovski jewellery and gifts from Marmalade Market.

WATCH BRANDS ON SHOW

Meanwhile, Qatar Duty Free’s luxury watch fair will showcase

more than 600 internationally acclaimed timepieces in Hamad International Airport, throughout May and June providing the best in reliable timepieces for watch enthu-siasts and global travellers.

Omega, Longines and Tissot watches will join the extensive range of brands available to buy from Qatar Duty Free and will sit alongside some of the world’s leading luxury watches

from IWC Schaffhausen, Rado, Baume & Mercier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Hublot and Tag Heuer.

Qatar Duty Free has chosen the latest creations and exquisite col-lections from nine legendary Swiss watchmakers that will inspire all watch enthusiasts. From classic and elegant traditional styling to master compli-cations and specialist diver watches, bold luxury fashion designs to retro

favourites, passengers travelling through HIA will be able to choose from an exclusive array of watches to find a favourite that reflects their personal style.

Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice Pres-ident, Luis Gasset, said: “Qatar Duty Free is a world leading retailer; as such we are able to offer our cus-tomers the most sought-after brands. The watch fair showcases the art of

watch making by bringing together some of the finest and most-desired timepieces currently available on the global market for passengers trav-elling through Doha.

“The wide range of premium Swiss made watches on display represents the ultimate in style and quality, and epitomises the product excellence that can be discovered throughout Qatar Duty Free.”

QDF and Doha Bank reward travellers

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QDF’s shopping emporium was recently announced as the world’s fifth ‘Best Airport for Shopping’ at the 2016 Skytrax World Airport Awards. The wide selection of luxury and affordable brands available, together with the competitive prices and the retailer’s outstanding customer service levels, were recognised.

Gather with your family and friends in a traditional Ramadan ambiance over Iftar

or Sohour for QAR 220 while watching the Euro Cup.

For bookings please contact 3382 4111 or doha.restaurants@hilton.com

Treasure the Spirit of Ramadan in Fawanees Tent

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THE St Regis Doha, the finest address in Qatar, will be having a number of excit-ing recreational offers and specials on leisure activi-ties this summer, making

it the ultimate leisure destination to experience the best of summer in Doha.

The St Regis Doha has created the perfect pool and beach day package for those that are looking for a leisurely day in Doha which includes the Olym-pic-sized pool, as well as exhilarating water sports activities by the beauti-ful turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, for only QR350 for adults includ-ing a QR200 food voucher for Oyster Bay and QR175 for children below six years old.

For those that are after fun that the whole family can enjoy, then look no further than the water sports adventure package where you have the opportu-nity to enjoy the finest water sports in Doha. The St. Regis Doha Full Day Water Sports Adventure Package includes unlimited water sports activities, a private cabana, access to the Olym-pic-sized pool and studio activities, along with QR1,000 worth of credit at Remède Spa.

Meanwhile, The St. Regis Doha’s signature Remède Spa featuring 22 private treatment rooms, has recently introduced the signature Hawaii Shell Massage Therapy treatment, an indul-gent body massage offering an idyllic treatment that combines the warmth of Lava Shells with deeply relaxing

massage techniques. The massage has been proven to create a sense of bal-ance to the entire body and mind, as during the massage, shells are worked over the palms, arms, feet and legs in slow deep moves to warm and de-stress the body.

This is followed by a wonder-fully tranquil massage on key points including the back, neck and shoulder area, to ease away all tensions, knots and stress, once again providing an

unforgettable bespoke experience at The St. Regis Doha at only QR780 for the 75 minute massage.

In keeping with the theme of Ram-adan, if you book a 90 minute massage this Ramadan then you will receive a complimentary Iftar or Suhour along with a QR150 cash voucher upon your next visit at Remède Spa.

Additionally, The St. Regis Doha will also be launching its exclusive Summer Nights offer, including one

night free stay, available through-out summer. Guests that book during the special promotion period will be able to book and pay for 2 nights and stay for 3 nights or book and pay for 3 nights and stay for 4 nights; which will include access to

The St Regis Doha’s well regarded Remede Spa facilities, recreation cen-tre along with full access to the Hotel’s Olympic pool and private beach. To redeem the offer guests will have to

ON the advent of the Holy month of Ramadan, Hospitality Develop-ment Company (HDC), a wholly-owned subsidi-

ary of United Development Company (UDC), is offering the perfect setup for Iftar and Suhoor at its restau-rants located in Porto Arabia at The Pearl-Qatar. The culinary experi-ence created by HDC throughout its restaurants, in the way of spe-cially-crafted menus; reflects the joy of sharing the Holy month’s bless-ings with loved ones during Iftar and Suhoor with an equal focus on offering wholesome meals.

As such, a mix of sprawling set and A La Carte Iftar and Suhoor menus will be offered at Burj El Hamam, Megu, Urban Jazz Kitchen, Isla and Al Tabkha restaurants from sunset until mid-night, while Urban Jazz Kitchen and Burj Al Hamam will stay open until 3am every day throughout Ramadan.

Al Tabkha, casual homemade-style Lebanese restaurant in 18 La Croisette, is offering against QR75 per person for Iftar, a wide selec-tion of refreshing beverages and starters including Ramadan juices, dates, nuts, salads, with cold and hot mezzes, soups, breads, and a variety of meat, chicken and veg-etable main courses.

Burj El Hamam will also dish out Levantine food creations in its idyllic

waterfront setting in 1 La Croisette in Porto Arabia. It will offer a six-course Iftar for QR110 and a choice of Al La Carte or set Suhoor, the latter being valid for a minimum of four persons for QR130 each. The lavish Suhoor set menu comprises of a selection of cold and hot mezzes, an assortment of Manakish Saj, juices and bever-ages and to end it, a rich sampling of Ramadan desserts and fresh fruits.

Considered the ultimate sophis-ticated and modern Japanese eatery, Megu in 6 La Croisette, will serve a varied selection of sashimi, sushi and maki rolls for Iftar and Suhoo-rfor QR150 per person and QR75 for kids below 12 years.

Urban Jazz Kitchen promises to take diners on a sensory journey combining diverse tastes with daz-zling marine waterside views. With a heightened contemporary twist during Ramadan, Urban Jazz Kitchen located in 10 La Croisettein Porto Arabia, will offer customers a six-course rich menu for Iftar as well as Souhoor conven-iently priced at QR80 per person and QR150 for two persons.

Isla will serve authentic Mexican food with an ALa Carte menu. Isla pledges a wild gastronomical adven-ture that guests will absolutely savour with a variety of appetisers, soups, salads, tacos, burritos, enchiladas not to forget the delectable Mexican des-sert choices.

HDC restaurants to offer Ramadan special menus at The Pearl-Qatar

Recreational offers & leisure activities from St Regis Doha

For those that are after fun that the whole family can enjoy, then look no further than the water sports adventure package where you have the opportunity to enjoy the finest water sports in Doha. The St. Regis Doha Full Day Water Sports Adventure Package includes unlimited water sports activities, a private cabana, access to the Olympic-sized pool and studio activities, along with QR1,000 worth of credit at Remède Spa.

book by August 28, 2016 and stay at The St Regis Doha by August 31, 2016 for a truly luxurious experience dur-ing the summer months.

And to mark Eid celebrations this year, The St Regis Doha has con-firmed the return of its much beloved Eid Brunch on Friday, July 8. At an

affordable price of QR295 per per-son, guests can choose from a number of delicious dining options including the authentic Arabic corner, Asian sta-tion, cold station inside, along with pastry selection with live cooking of pan cake ice cream, making for an excellent Eid experience.

7

Al Khor Museum

The museum is located in Al Khor town located 57km north of Doha. The museum is a double storey building, with ground floor allocated for anthropological life, while the upper floor is set to display excavation discoveries in the area. The museum faces the seafront of Al Khor City.

Al Wakrah MuseumIt is located in Al Wakrah town, 17km from the capi-

tal, displaying marine life and natural history materials.

Weaponry MuseumIt is located in Al Luqta area in the suburbs of Doha.

The museum displays rare samples of daggers, swords, miscellaneous firearms and accessories. It displays a

magnificent collection of ceremonial swords, including the gold-encased dagger.

Museum of OrientalistsThe Orientalist collection in the State of Qatar is one

of the most major collections ever assembled in the world. There are nearly 700 paintings with water colours, prints and drawing, a collection of more than twenty years, all of which trace back to 18th century.

Sheikh Faisal collectionThe 5000sqm building features more than 3000 unique

pieces, including Islamic manuscripts, metal objects, major archaeological findings, embroidery, textiles, carpets, and antique furniture. The museum also displays an interesting collection of historic cars and 19th century steam vehicle.

Photography museumDesigned by Santiago Calatrava, the photography

museum is one of the famous architects in the world. This unique museum is hoped to be a landmark soon, given its urban setting at the center of Doha city. It dis-plays government collection of photography with more than 15000 items including historic cameras and accesso-ries, prominent photographs, albums belonging to 1960s and historic documents.

Historic places in QatarMarroub Fort

Is located on the west coast of Qatar and was built during the Abbasside period on the foundations of an older fort. It carries the inscription of Abbasside architectural style. Located along the northern side of the Fort, about 250 houses are grouped together so as to form an arch.

Al-Thughb FortIs located in the northwestern part of Country

and is about 110km from Doha. The Fort is rectangular in shape with four towers, resembling the common design for desert forts. It was built during the 17th and 19th century period.

Al-ZubarahIs located 100km west of Doha in the town

of Al Zubara. Constructed during 1938, this fort-turned-museum is square shaped with circular towers in three corners, and a rectangular tower in the fourth. Made of thick huge walls, this fort also served as a coast-guard station until mid-1980s and was used by the military personnel.

Al-Rakiyat FortThe Fort was constructed during the 17th and

19th Centuries, is rectangular in shape with four towers in the corners.

Barzan TowerThe tower, constructed during late 19th century,

was originally built as watchtower and has a ‘T’ shaped architectural style, which is quite unique. It has three levels and an external staircase.

Umm Salal Mohammed FortIt is located about 20km towards north of

Doha, and is built during late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This Fort is characterized by its thick walls, impressive façade containing various decorative and architectural elements.

Al-Wajbah FortAl-Wajbah Fort was the place of a famous

battle, and with its high towers and thick walls, constructed during 1893 AD, it is one of the oldest forts in the country.

Al-JassasiyaAl-Jassasiya comprises of rocky hills that

overlook the north-east coast of Qatar, and contain stone inscriptions dated back to pre-historic times. It is renowned for its excellent beaches. Al-Jassasiya is a popular destination for week-end trips and excursions.

Al-Ghuwair CastleThe Al-Ghuwair Castle was built during early

19th century, in a rectangular shape with thick walls, though is now in ruins.

Museum of Islamic ArtLocated along the Doha’s port, housed in a building designed by I.M. Pei, the museum houses artefacts from Muslim dynasties all over Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Al-Rakiyat Fort

Barzan Tower

Umm Salal Mohammed Fort

Pic: Oscar Rialubin

Pic: Richard Limbo

Sheikh Faisal Museum

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