Community Community A short film by Gianrico a student of Esposito, P7Northwestern P16 General University in Qatar Manager, The Westin Doha has been nominated Hotel, speaks about QSF for Student Academy and the hotel industry in Award. Qatar and region.

Sunday, August 14, 2016 Dhul-Qa'da 11, 1437 AH

DOHA 33°C—43°C TODAY LEISURE 12 & 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 14 Self believer

A natural polymath, Anthony Horowitz is regarded as unique for working across several media, juggling writing books, TV series, films, plays and journalism with equal ease. P4-5

COVER STORY 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.45am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.07am Zuhr (noon) 11.39am Asr (afternoon) 3.07pm Maghreb (sunset) 6.12pm Isha (night) 7.42pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

The BFG: The Big Friendly Giant — fi nally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic The BFG to life. GENRE: Adventure, Family, Animation Directed by Spielberg, The BFG tells the imaginative story of Emergency 999 CAST: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders Worldwide Emergency Number 112 DIRECTION: Steven Spielberg and perils of Giant Country. Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 SYNOPSIS: The talents of three of the world’s greatest Local Directory 180 storytellers — Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg THEATRES: The Mall, Royal Plaza International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 How To Be Yours Qatar Airways 44496000 GENRE: Romance Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 CAST: Bea Qatar General Electricity and Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Bernard Palanca Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 DIRECTION: Dan 44593363 Villegas Qatar Assistive Technology SYNOPSIS: Directed Centre 44594050 by Dan Villegas, How To Qatar News Agency 44450205 Be Yours is a story about 44450333 two people who met and Q-Post – General Postal fell in love — Nino (Gerald Corporation 44464444 Anderson), a sales agent who’s bent on attaining Humanitarian Services Offi ce stability and Anj (Bea (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Alonzo), a self-taught cook Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, who dreams of working 40253369 in a high-end restaurant Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 someday. But when love Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 changes their goals, will Qatar Airways 40253374 their relationship survive the struggles? What if the reasons that made them fall in love are not the same reasons for them to go on anymore? te Unqu uo ot THEATRES: The Mall, Q e Royal Plaza No man ever steps in the same river Mall Cinema (1): How to be BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D) 9pm; twice, for it’s not the same yours (Tagalog) 11am; Rustom Rustom (Hindi) 11.15pm river and he’s not the same (Hindi) 1pm; The BFG: Big Friendly Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Giant (2D) 3.30pm; The BFG: Mall Cinema (3): The BFG: Big (2): How to be yours (Tagalog) man. –Heraclitus Big Friendly Giant (2D) 5.30pm; Friendly Giant (2D) 11am; Wagah 11.45am; Mohenjo Daro (Hindi) The BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D) (Tamil) 1pm; Suicide Squad (2D) 2.15pm; Suicide Squad (2D) 5pm; 7.30pm; The BFG: Big Friendly 3.15pm; Rustom (Hindi) 5.15pm; The Shallows (2D) 7pm; Mohenjo Giant (2D) 9.30pm; The Shallows How to be yours (Tagalog) Daro (Hindi) 8.45pm; The (2D) 11.30pm. 7.45pm; Kill Command (2D) Shallows (2D) 11.30pm. Mall Cinema (2): Kill Command 9.45pm; Wagah (Tamil) 11.30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): (2D) 11.15am; Mohenjo Daro Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Suicide Squad (2D) 11am; Rustom Community Editor (Hindi) 1pm; Ice Age: Collision The BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2D) (Hindi) 1pm; Kill Command (2D) Kamran Rehmat Course (2D) 3.45pm; Ice Age: 11.15am; Ice Age: Collision Course 3.30pm; The Legend Of Tarzan e-mail: [email protected] Collision Course (2D) 5.30pm; (2D) 1.30pm; Ice Age: Collision (2D) 5.30pm; How to be yours The Shallows (2D) 7.15pm; The Course (2D) 3.15pm; The BFG: Big (Tagalog) 7.30pm; The Shallows Telephone: 44466405 Shallows (2D) 9PM; Mohenjo Friendly Giant (2D) 5pm; The BFG: (2D) 9.30pm; Kill Command (2D) Fax: 44350474 Daro (Hindi) 11pm. Big Friendly Giant (2D) 7pm; The 11.15pm. Sunday, August 14, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS

Qatar Dates Festival DATE: Today TIME: 4pm VENUE: Local farms/Souq Waqif The festival showcases some of the popular varieties of dates produced by 18 local farms and they are selling dates at cheaper prices. The ministry is also exhibiting research projects at the festival. The tent opens from 4pm to 10pm (last day today).

Doha Toastmasters Meet DATE: August 20 TIME: 7pm-9:30pm VENUE: Holiday Villa Doha Toastmasters, the pioneer club of Qatar, trains individuals in communication and leadership skills. Transform yourself into a confi dent public speaker and a strong leader. Acquire this vital skill in a friendly and supportive environment. For more details, call 77036696.

Doha Sightseeing DATE: Until September TIME: 9am-9pm VENUE: Around Doha Doha Bus is Qatar’s fi rst Hop-on Hop-off sight-seeing bus tour, providing both local residents and visiting tourists a fl exible way DATE: Until August 21 Station since September 2015. The exhibition Cake Decoration Classes to discover the country’s vibrant past, present VENUE: Virginia Commonwealth showcases new work and projects created DATE: Morning and evening and future. Each Doha Bus tour highlights a University by the artists during their residency period, VENUE: Tavola Royal Plaza, Al Saad Street variety of interesting locations throughout this Virginia Commonwealth University in shedding light on the development of their Tavola off ers a range of cake decorating fast changing landscape including Souq Waqif, Qatar is organising its summer programme for innovative ideas and diverse studio practices. and kitchen skills classes. Tavola is the only The Pearl, Villaggio as well as The Museum of all school students aged six years and above. Photographic, sculptural, and installation based authorised Wilton method provider in the Islamic Art. Doha Bus enhances the sightseeing They can choose from a variety of programmes artworks fi ll the Garage Gallery and showcase Middle East. experience with seven diff erent language designed for various age groups, with the aim these talented artists. options to choose from as well as group of learning new skills and making new friends New Bootcamp Abu Hamour discounts, private coach tours and corporate during the summer holidays. Vacation Competition DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday outings. Doha Bus is a fun, interactive and DATE: Until September 21 TIME: 6pm highly education experience for every traveller. Qatar Summer Festival 2016 VENUE: eFCC Offi c VENUE: Doha British School DATE: Until August 31 VENUE: Doha Women’s forum of Friends Cultural Centre Located just minutes from Villaggio and Aspire Splash and Dash Exhibition and Convention Center has announced competitions for Qatar-based a walk away from Ain Khalid Gate the Doha DATE: Every Sunday and Wednesday Enjoy with your family the Qatar Summer Malayalee students of grades IV–XII. There British School campus is our newest Bootcamp TIME: 7pm-9pm Festival, organised by Qatar Tourism Authority are two competitions including Avadhikkalath location. The training takes place on the VENUE: Aspire Dome throughout the month of August under the an article on vacation experiences and main grass playing fi eld surrounded by an The athletics track and swimming pool will theme ‘Color Your Summer’. It will include a Avadhikkalakazhchakal, on photography. athletics track. There are showers available and be open for 50 participants aged seven years wide range of summer entertaining events and Article on vacation experiences should be changing rooms. and above per session and facility. Swimming activities, art zones, shopping promotions, in prepared in Malayalam or in English with a skills are mandatory for registering at the addition to a unique entertainment city. minimum of 500 words. Photographs for the Pottery workshop for kids swimming sessions with a limited number of 50 competition should be printed on A4 size art DATE: Every Monday participants per session. The event is open to paper or photo paper. Pictures should not TIME: 5pm-6pm public registration on-site from 6 to 7:45pm. have been published before and should not Kids will learn a new hand building technique be downloaded from internet. Entries for for creating and fi nishing artworks in clay. For Qatar Summer Festival at The Pearl competitions need to be submitted to FCC more, call 44865201. DATE: Until August 27 Offi ce on or before 21 September 2016. More TIME: 6:30pm details can be obtained by contacting telephone Sketching with pencil and charcoal VENUE: The Pearl-Qatar number 44661213. DATE: Sunday and Wednesday The Pearl-Qatar will host several TIME: 5pm- 6:30pm entertainment activities and roaming musical QSports Summer Camp If you can hold a pencil, you can draw… acts and parades at dedicated locations in Porto DATE: Until September 1 Discover techniques to make your drawing Arabia as well as Medina Centrale from 6.30 pm TIME: 8am-1pm more realistic. Every Saturday and Wednesday to 9.30 pm on August 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. VENUE: Al Jazeera Academy from 5pm-6:30pm. Combination of Sun, Sand and Surfi ng Registration for QSports Summer Camp Barzan Girls Center’s Summer DATE: Ongoing 2016 is now open. QSports summer camps Fitness Training Programme VENUE: Aqua Park are committed to providing a safe, fun and DATE: Sunday, Tue, Thu DATE: Until August 25 For the fi rst time ever in Qatar, it will be skill-based experience for kids between the TIME: 6pm-7pm TIME: 6pm possible to ride up curved sidewalls at 90 ages of four and 14. We have a dedicated team VENUE: MIA Park VENUE: Barzan Girls Center degrees to the direction of the water fl ow. of specialist kid’s coaches and classes and There are fi tness classes in the park on Barzan Girls Center is organising its summer Giving visitors and especially surfi ng fanatics activities are safe, planned, progressive, active, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 6 and programme, which continues for a month an amazing experience available at only one creative, inclusive and designed to maximise 7pm. Open to all levels of fi tness. Bootcamp and targets girls aged 15 years and above. place in Qatar Aqua Park. participation of all children by off ering a variety is an intensive and fun way to train and also For registration, you can visit the centre’s Come join us and also take advantage of the of activities. meet new people in the open and friendly headquarter at 6pm. extra free ticket you get anytime you buy two group atmosphere. More information, from The programme aims to exchange Stingray Tickets. Yamativo Salsa Classes Bootcamp, Qatar or info @ bootcampqatar. experiences and information between the girls, DATE: Every Monday com. establish the spirit of co-operation between Garage Gallery TIME: 7pm them, and to advance their characters through DATE: Until Nov 1 VENUE: Radisson Blu FOODIE CHOICE learning. It features several educational TIME: 8pm It’s always fun and always challenging. Let’s programmes, workshops, courses, camps, VENUE: Spaces at the Fire Station meet and learn some moves every Monday RESTAURANT: Chingari festivals, skills, and trips. For enquiries, please The Artists in Residence exhibition is a night. You don’t need to do anything, just join LOCATION: Radisson Blu Hotel Doha call at: 44789392. culmination of an intensive nine-month us. Level 1 (intermediate level) 7pm and for Translates as ‘sparkling charcoal’, delightfully programme, featuring works by 18 local beginner level 8pm. Be there at Radisson Blu crackles with authenticity and brings genuine Summer Programme for School contemporary artists who have been working Hotel Cabana Club. Tandoor cuisine to Doha. Open daily 6pm – Students in the artist’s studios and spaces at the Fire 11pm. For table reservations, call 44281555.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “I love the challenge of trying something new” — Anthony Horowitz, writer

Change is the life- blood of writing. I have always lived in fear of turning out the same book, the same TV series year after year

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

Foyle’s War and producing the By Anand Holla fi rst seven episodes of Midsomer Murders, the English writer- screenwriter is now winning ne can only wonder viewers with his latest crime drama, how novelist Anthony the bold and gripping seven-part Horowitz manages to investigative drama New Blood, harness his glorious which has just fi nished its fi rst imagination time and season on BBC One in the UK. again.O As one of the busiest and Here, in Qatar, the show will most prolifi c contemporary writers premiere exclusively on OSN Play in the UK, the master of mystery from September 15, two months and suspense sure enjoys the thrill ahead of its linear broadcast in of his mind racing through the new the region. Training its focus on and uncharted waters of a genre he a unique side of modern London understands so well. through the eyes of two outsiders, A natural polymath, Horowitz Stefan and Rash, New Blood follows is regarded as unique for working the duo that as junior investigators across several media, juggling for the Serious Fraud Offi ce and the writing books, TV series, fi lms, police is brought together by two plays and journalism with equal seemingly unrelated cases. ease. Horowitz has written over Stefan and Rash are opposites 40 books including the bestselling in almost every way. What they do teen spy series Alex Rider, which share are the same frustrations with is estimated to have sold 19 life — underpaid, unappreciated million copies worldwide, and and undermined. Lumbered with other popular young adult reader huge university loans, they cannot favourites such as The Diamond aff ord to buy a house and have Brothers series, and The Power of little or no job security. New Blood Five series (aka The Gatekeepers). sees them come up against the Having created and written rich and powerful — corporations, some of the UK’s most beloved and individuals and the new breed successful television series’ such of criminals who hide behind SUCCESS STORY: “There is no secret. I just have ideas… lots of them,” says Anthony Horowitz candidly. as the award-winning drama series legitimate facades and are guarded Sunday, August 14, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

PROTAGONISTS: Mark Strepan as Stefan Kowolski and Ben Tavassoli as Arrash ‘Rash’ Sayyad in New Blood.

Being pigeon-holed as a writer too young can be unhelpful. You need to have a life. You need to have adventures. You need experiences to write about

of turning out the same book, the stories that we’ve inherited from up for the shortcomings of my same TV series year after year. I love Scandi-noir TV. I remembered childhood”. Has channelising the challenge of trying something there was a time when TV was your teenage angst into writing new. lighter, more enjoyable. I was helped you deal with the BEHIND THE SCENES: Horowitz filming New Blood. also very keen to write about the troubles of those years? You have often been praised so-called “Y” generation, young My childhood was odd and by lawyers. As their friendship is for you to have started at that for keeping your spy-kid series, people in London struggling with unsatisfactory. I shouldn’t cemented across the series, they age? such as Alex Rider, original no money, nowhere to live, very complain as I came from a wealthy come to understand that by quietly I’m not sure that starting so and fresh. Without revealing little job security. I think New Blood and loving background — but it’s pooling resources and combining young was important. In fact, being the secret, could you hint at is actually quite closely related to certainly true that I began to write their diff erent skills they make a pigeon-holed as a writer too young what is your wellspring of ideas Alex Rider. If Alex was in London, as a reaction to my school/family/ formidable crime-solving force. can be unhelpful. You need to have for penning heaps of popular aged 26, he might be good friends life. But no… my books and TV Horowitz, who is known to a life. You need to have adventures. fi ction? with Rash and Stefan. were never designed to “help” me. write “in a comfortable shed in his You need experiences to write There is no secret. I just have They are not psychoanalysis! I only garden for up to ten hours a day”, about. But I loved writing from a ideas… lots of them. People I meet, Is keeping up with audience write because I love writing and I is also an acclaimed writer for very early age, it’s true. It wasn’t a places I go, things I see… they all expectations when writing hope my stories will entertain. I’m adults. That explains him being choice. It was just the way I was. suggest stories to me. And if an idea TV series, like New Blood or still the product of the child that I commissioned by the Conan Doyle refuses to go away, I write it. previously Foyle’s War, more once was. Estate to write two new Sherlock As one of the most sought- complicated than it is for you Holmes novels and more recently after contemporary writers in Your latest crime drama New when writing books? If you could give three crucial by the Ian Fleming Estate to write the UK, how challenging can Blood on BBC One has drawn I don’t know what audience pieces of advice to young, the new James Bond novel, Trigger reinventing the mystery and some rave reviews. Tell us about expectations are! I write what I budding writers, what would Mortis, which was released last suspense wheel get? what went into devising this believe, the stories I want to tell, they be? September. Community caught up Reinvention is one of the most series. and hope the audience will come The fi rst would be — Believe with Horowitz for a chat. important things in the life of the New Blood began with a question. along for the ride. in yourself. Second; enjoy your long-distance writer and there’s How can I do something original writing. If you’re not enjoying it, You started writing at the age no limit on how much genres can and new in crime drama? Part of One of the reasons why you something may have gone wrong. of eight. As a writer, today, how change. Change is the life-blood of me was reacting against all the started writing books for young And third; never give up. Success is important do you think it was writing. I have always lived in fear very serious, dark and quite violent people, you say, was “to make always around the next corner. 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY WEATHER ADDICT

WANING BEAUTY: This file photograph of a sunrise on Ulsoor Lake was taken in March, 2008. The Ulsoor Lake is still less polluted, unlike other lakes such as Bellandur, from whose depths a toxic foam erupts every summer. Photo by Swaminathan/Flickr City of a thousand lakes now riled with pollution summer a toxic foam has erupted from its issue, but foam isn’t the only problem; 1870s, human waste was poured directly into By Steff Gaulter depths. Bellandur Lake caught fi re last year. There the waterways, including the river Thames, The foam is created in the hot summer is such a large amount of detergents, oil and which bisects London. The stench was weather after a downpour. Sadly, summer is grease in the water that it actually became unbelievable, and a number of outbreaks he city of Bengaluru in southern the time of the monsoon, so there are plenty of fl ammable. of cholera and other deadly diseases were India used to be known as the city downpours at this time. The rain mixes with the Another of the lakes which is still surviving directly attributed to the river. A civil of a thousand lakes. The lakes were high content of ammonia and phosphate in the in Bengaluru is Ulsoor Lake, which is situated engineer named Joseph Bazalgette designed a dug in the sixteen century by the lake and this generates a vast amount of froth. on the northeast fringe of the city centre. series of interconnecting sewers to move the city’s founders, and later they were As the foam builds, it begins to spill over the This lake is far less polluted than many of sewage outlet eastwards, away from the city, furtherT developed by the British. The lakes edges of the lake and onto the adjoining roads. If the other lakes and is home to some wildlife. and he is said to have saved more lives than were teaming with wildlife, from fi sh and there is any wind at all, the foam will be blown However, even this lake turned into a fi sh any other offi cial living in the Victorian era. frogs to snails and water beetles. Every year, further, into homes and other buildings. graveyard in March this year, when hundreds The Thames is now a far cleaner river, numerous migratory birds fl ew thousands of The foam has an unbearable stench, and of thousands of fi sh suddenly died, and but around the globe there are still a kilometres to winter in the water-rich city residents say it irritates the skin and is a were spotted fl oating on the surface of the staggering number of deaths which are and the lakes provided the vital drinking breeding ground for diseases. They also water. Again, the culprit of this mass death caused by unclean water. The World Health water required to quench the thirst of the claim that they cannot park their cars near is believed to be industrial waste and the free Organisation estimate that diarrhoea caused city’s residents. the lake, as the toxic foam fades the colour of fl ow of sewage into the lake. by inadequate drinking-water, sanitation and Tragically, the city of a thousand lakes is now the paintwork. However, the foam isn’t just India is a country which is known to put hygiene led to over 800,000 deaths in 2014. a city of one hundred and fi fty lakes, and the unpleasant, it’s highly toxic; researchers at the environmental concerns on a back burner. It is very evident that clean waterways are vast majority of those which survive are badly Indian Institute of Science have discovered that Successive governments have long argued that essential to a healthy, thriving population. polluted. the nitrates in the foam make it carcinogenic. their priority was the economy. Even though Given the amount of rain that falls in Some lakes have simply dried up, but In an attempt to contain the pollution, India is the third largest carbon polluter, they Bengaluru, it is possible to replenish the many have been fi lled in and are now hidden authorities installed a fence to prevent the maintain that rich countries like the UK and water in the lakes naturally, but they will under buildings or golf courses. Slums have foam from seeping onto the road. This did the US should bear the moral responsibility only stay clean if the pollution stops. The city encroached onto a number of the remaining appear to be working to a certain extent, for climate change and their country should shouldn’t wait for a disaster before it cleans lakes, and the majority have become toxic until part of the fence collapsed and the froth not be denied the chance to grow its economy. up its act, history doesn’t need to be repeated. cesspits of human and industrial waste. escaped across the road once more. A fence is However, in taking this stand, it’s the residents One of the largest lakes is called Bellandur. clearly not the answer. of India who suff ers. (The author is Senior Weather Presenter It’s situated in the high-tech hub of Bengaluru Bellandur Lake isn’t the only lake which Rather than point fi ngers at others, it might at Al Jazeera English channel. She can be and it’s severely polluted. For the last decade releases a toxic foam with an off ensive odour. be more helpful to learn lessons from history. contacted on steff [email protected] the lake has taken on a life of its own and every A number of other lakes also have the same The UK used to be highly polluted. Until the or on Twitter at @WeatherSteff ) Sunday, August 14, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY NU-Q graduate nominated for Student Oscar

Shahnawaz Zali

recent graduate from important voice to the story of Pakistan,” said Northwestern University NU-Q CEO and dean Everette E Dennis. in Qatar (NU-Q) has been The fi lm is set in Pakistan and follows a nominated for a Student young boy who fi nds that his local religious Academy Award. school has been a front for a radical AShahnawaz Zali’s fi lm 100 Steps is among extremists’ recruitment camp. It has won the 26 US nominees selected from more than at a Miami independent fi lm festival, a 500 applicants to be nominated for an Oscar. Moving Media fi lm festival in Detroit and an The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and excellence award at the Accolade Global Film Pakistanis to celebrate Sciences established the Student Academy Festival. Awards in 1972 to support and encourage “I came to NU-Q because I was so sure excellence in fi lmmaking at the collegiate about the potential for the Pakistani media Independence Day today level. The awards are open exclusively to industry to tell its own stories. We’re used to college and university fi lm students who seeing Pakistan in a certain light and I wanted compete for awards and cash grants, with to show the world that there’s more,” Zali hoisting at 7:30am, but the guests are to be fi lms being judged in four categories: said. By A Staff Reporter seated by 7:15am. Animation, Documentary, Narrative and The fi lm was produced with a grant The Independence Day function is a Alternative. from Studio 20Q, an NU-Q student-run much awaited event of the calendar for Past Student Academy Award winners have organisation that provides students with ike their fellow compatriots expatriate Pakistanis, who get to meet the gone on to receive 46 Oscar nominations and hands-on fi lmmaking experience and help back home, Pakistanis in Qatar officers and staff of the mission, with their won or shared eight awards. They include in creating a thriving fi lm culture in Qatar. will celebrate the country’s families. John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Robert Zemeckis, Zali completed the post-production of the Independence Day today. Prominent Pakistanis of all shades are Trey Parker and Spike Lee. fi lm when he was spending a semester ot An elaborate ceremony will be also expected to attend with their families to “All of us are extremely proud of Zali’s Northwestern’s main campus in Evanston, Lheld to mark the occasion at the Pakistan share the joy of independence the country nomination. Through his participation in the Illinois. embassy, where Ambassador Shahzad won in 1947 following a brave freedom student-run organization, Studio 20Q, to A Class of 2016 communications major, Ahmed will hoist the national fl ag. struggle led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad his experience studying on Northwestern’s Zali is now establishing a production The embassy has invited all Pakistanis to Ali Jinnah for a separate homeland for main campus in the US, he has exhibited company in Lahore, Pakistan, and plans to join the celebration, which will see the fl ag Muslims of the subcontinent. tremendous commitment and talent. His continue to tell stories about his country and success as a fi lmmaker is also adding an its people through fi lm. Peruvian envoy to Doha hails Katara’s eff orts

eruvian Ambassador to Doha Julio Florian and Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti discussed culturalP co-operation between the embassy and the cultural village at a recent meeting. Dr al-Sulaiti said that “Katara constantly strives to extend bridges of communication among peoples and be open to different cultures and civilisations.” He said, “During the last five years, Katara has hosted significant cultural events and exhibitions that shed light on the culture and civilisation of Latin America in general and Peru in specific.” Last month, Katara and the embassy of Peru organised a photo exhibition of Qhapag Nan that grabbed a significant turnout of visitors. Ambassador Florian appreciated Katara’s “relentless efforts to afford people glimpse of the civilisations and cultures of others, specifically the culture of Peru.” 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY Putting Pakistan on the c

GRAND ENTRANCE: Ali Zafar enters the stage of LSA to host the night. TOP PERFORMANCE: Fawad Khan hosts a segment at LSA 2016, the flawless act of the The Lux Style By Muhammad Asad Ullah night. as a source of recognition to all those who he recently held Lux Style Awards push themselves all year round, even as Awards 2016 was a 2016 in Karachi, Pakistan could ascetics will say they do not mean much. HONOUR: Nabila receives her award in Hair and M not live up to its puffery. But it Perhaps, this is why the awards are never still marked an occasion where considered a paradigm to success. Lux Style Awards has been a platform night of fashion and Pakistan is heading to grasp the Meanwhile where the jury was out, the of acknowledging those who have been Timportance of stardust all too well and is judges were in and politics was indeed a putting themselves out there throughout happy to put out there, spending millions surging sea undergoing stormy weather. the year with a focus on fashion, style and style recognition and planting itself on the cultural map of the The Lux Style Awards (LSA) collaborated television. There was a time when there world quite successfully. with Frieha Altaf’s Catwalk for production, were no Pakistani films at all — but the It won’t be erroneous to profess the awards Nabila for Makeup and Farishteh Aslam of ecstasy of chimera film production these Talking Point for PR; Wall’s ice-cream brand days is a matter of eminent celebration at Magnum was also involve, since you cannot the award shows. With film categories it was put up grand shows without a sponsor. predictable enough for Moor and Bin Roye to Things are happening in the Pakistan dominate the night. Entertainment and Fashion industry — but The Best Singer Male and Female was when you look at the rest of the world, presented to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida it’s moving at a snail space. Still, to aptly Parveen, respectively for Bin Roye. The Best employ a cliché, we’ve seen LSA grow from a Film Director and Film of the Year award was hatchling to a swan. Let’s face it — LSA was a taken away by Moor though. tiny show when it started more than a decade The Life Time Achievement Award was back where there were no films to celebrate presented to the Late Amjad Sabri. Ali Zafar at all. Entertainment needs hoopla and LSA and Ali Sethi took the stage to deliver a pulled that off successfully, although LSA powerful tribute to the Qawwali maestro, has sustained unfathomable setbacks such as Sabri’s son joined them on stage. Amjad as half the audience walking out midway Sabri left a mark on thousands of hearts, through the show and gates remaining closed carrying a legacy of his late father Ghulam till 10:45pm (when the time on the invitation Farid Sabri and Uncle Maqbool Ahmed Sabri. card was 6pm!). Glitz and glamour is one of the The Lux Style Awards 2016 was a finale of centrepieces of LSA, but the Best Dressed not so rehearsed performances. The LSA you Male Award went to one of the most dressed see on television is not the LSA on ground. out star of the evening, Hamza Ali Abbasi, From Fawad Khan’s flawless act to Ali Zafar’s while the Best Emerging Talent award going not-so-perfect hosting stint with constantly to Alee Hassan Photographer was like a announcing wrong categories and presenters cherry on top. As far as I can remember, with several re-takes, and Yasir Hussain’s he’s the same photographer who did a witty sense of humour along with power shoot for L’Oreal makeup, reinventing the packed performances — it was nice to see Disney princesses terribly. (Can you please all coming together though. Those catchy reconsider this category?) double meaning of some of the verses had the And then for a mixed bag of entertainment audience in splits! — how dramatically Fawad Khan dropped The major issue of Lux Style Awards was Fauzia Aman’s award for the Best Model the inept PR, drooling passes to the crowds (Female) as a pun, and then how terrible it and crowds — not entertainment and fashion was to see a dwarf couple on stage as the people but crowds — who pushed and butt of some ill-conceived joke. During a misbehaved. Then there was the strenuous segment, Ayesha Khan was brought on stage delay in the shows and above all Farishteh with the announcement that her famously DRESSED TO IMPRESS: The Best Dressed Male (Hamza Ali Abbasi) and Best Dressed Female Aslam herself, who unnerves you by not orphaned Mann Mayal character’s parents (Mahira Khan) of the night shares the stage. responding to your calls or queries. have been found. And in walked a little Sunday, August 14, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY cultural map of the world

Makeup. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: The Life Time Achievement Award was presented to the Quwwali maestro Late Amjad Sabri — his son received the award. couple, as the punch line of that joke. Where the joke in that? Nabila bagged her 10th LUX Style Award — a tribute to the consistency and excellence with which she has developed the hair and makeup industry in Pakistan. It was a double triumph for Faraz Mannan who bagged Best Bridal and Best Lawn (After all Bebo — Kareena Kapoor Khan — is her brand ambassador!) while Abdullah Harris was the Best Photographer, who deserved much for putting out a dramatic and a boho feel to whatever he captures. The dwindling retail women’s wear brand Generation — started over three decades again by husband-wife duo Saad and Nosheen Rahman and recently taken over by their daughter Khadija Rehman — secured a win for itself for Achievement in Fashion Design (Pret). The new breeds of designers are far better at it than the old guard and these are new times for a new kind of designer. It was a fantastic night of racy performers, some of them a lot of fun — Sohai Ali Abro’s performance was by far the most rousing stage performance witnessed that evening. However, the most “dhuaandaar” (steamy) performance belonged to Mahira Khan who set the stage on fire as she arrived to move on her song from Bin Roye. The crowd went “woah!” The nominations may feel a bit dated with Sadqay Tumharay still doing the rounds and taking away three awards in the Television Category, but the night belonged to the Raees actress Mahira Khan winning Best Actor (Female) Award for Television and Film along with Best Dressed Female at the night of glamour shebang. Where it was a long wait to Mahira’s performance, it was a joy to watch her perform effortlessly, with minor pre- rehearsals. She whirled and twirled — those jhatkas and thumkas! Kudus to Farieha Altaf and Team. Mahira Khan sets the stage of Lux Style Awards 2016 on fire with Sheheryar Munawar Siddiqui. 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY MOTORING Lexus Design Award 2017 now open for entries

exus International has announced its call From our perspective, ‘Yet’ is the core thinking that for entries for the Lexus Design Award 2017. goes behind the creation of every Lexus. Emotional ‘Yet’ First launched in 2013 to stimulate ideas for rational. Cutting edge technology ‘Yet’ user-friendly. We a better tomorrow, Lexus is celebrating the sincerely appreciate the support from our customers for 5th anniversary of this international design our initiatives related to this award.” competitionL supporting up-and-coming designers and Applicants are invited to submit innovative designs and creators worldwide. The creative theme for the Lexus original interpretations that demonstrate insight into the Design Award 2017 is “Yet”. essence of the ‘Yet’ theme. “At Lexus, our ‘Yet’ philosophy gives us the courage Lexus Design Award 2017 will introduce twelve to combine elements that at fi rst seem incompatible fi nalists and their works to the design community – superior ride comfort ‘Yet’ exhilarating driving and beyond at Milan Design Week 2017. Four of these dynamics – for example. With ‘Yet’, we don’t 12 fi nalists will prototype their designs, mentored compromise; we harmonise to create synergy that by globally recognised designers. The maximum reveals unexpected yet amazing new possibilities. ‘Yet’ production budget per prototype is JPY 3 million, or is the catalyst that triggers breakthroughs, the spark about QR107,000. Finalists will present their designs in that ignites an explosion of creative potential. ‘Yet’ the Lexus Milan Design Week experiential space. Judges drives Lexus to explore visionary frontiers of design and will then assess the four prototypes to choose the Grand technology that will shape tomorrow’s mobility,” said Prix winner who may receive the opportunity to bring Lexus International Executive Vice-President Yoshihiro his prototype to production. Sawa. Previous Lexus Design Award winners are displaying According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief their talent on the world stage. Emanuela Corti and Ivan Representative, Middle East and North Africa Parati’s Sense-Wear, the Grand Prix winner in 2015, gained Representative Offi ce, Toyota Motor Corporation, “With further exposure at design events in Tokyo and Moscow. the Lexus Design Award for 2017, we look forward to The Grand Prix winner of 2016, design team AMAM’s witnessing the outpouring of fresh ideas in design and “AGAR PLASTICITY A POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF new thinking which is in line with Lexus’ belief in the AGAR FOR PACKAGING AND MORE” has attracted power of creativity to change the world and build a better wide interest and invitations to participate in other future. Over the years, the Lexus Design Award has created international exhibits. a signifi cant reputation for encouraging design talent Entries to the Lexus Design Award 2017 competition will while giving applicants a unique experience backed by the be accepted from now till October 16. The twelve fi nalists opportunity to work with renowned designers as mentors. will be announced in early 2017.

with great eff ort and commitment,” stated Albert Mayer, Plant Director at the Audi site in Ingolstadt. Successful model: one millionth Peter Mosch, Chairman of the Group Works Council of AUDI AG: “On behalf of the Works Council, I would like to thank all the colleagues who put our Audi Q5 Audi Q5 rolls out from Ingolstadt on the roads. Their skills make this SUV into an absolute bestseller.” The company handed over a he one-millionth total of 266,968 Audi Q5 cars Audi Q5 drove off the to its customers worldwide last production line at year, which is about eight percent Audi’s main plant in more than in 2014 (247,446). Ingolstadt recently. The success of the Audi Q5 TheT jubilee car, an SQ5 in Sepang is steadily continuing, with a Blue, will be delivered to a family further increase in unit sales of in Germany. 4.7 percent in the first half of this The international success of the year. The Audi Q5 continues to Audi Q5 began in 2008, when Audi be the bestselling premium SUV launched this model in the segment in its segment. Audi employees of mid-range SUVs – the second in Ingolstadt build more than Q-model from the brand after the 650 automobiles of this model Q7. Since then, the Audi Q5 has every day. In addition, the Audi developed into a favourite with the Group produces this top-seller customers and is to be seen on the also in Changchun, China, roads of more than 100 countries. and Aurangabad, India, for Because Audi produces this top- the respective local markets. seller also in China and India for the Altogether, nearly 1.6 million respective local markets, worldwide of the Audi Q5 have been sold deliveries sum up to nearly 1.6 worldwide since the start of million vehicles. production in 2008. The SUV is “The Audi Q5 is a genuine especially popular in the Middle guarantee of success for us. For East, China, the United States and that reason, I am very proud that Germany. we have created a worldwide crowd Audi Ingolstadt is the lead plant puller with this SUV model from and mentor for the new Audi plant the main plant in Ingolstadt. One in Mexico. The Audi Q5 will drive million Audi Q5 cars – that is due to off the production line in San José the outstanding performance of our Chiapa for the world market as of The one-millionth Audi Q5 to drive off the production line at Audi’s main plant in Ingolstadt. production team. We achieved it late September. Sunday, August 14, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

World Food Pooch Cafe

BAKLAVA FALAFEL PAELLA BLINI GAZPACHO PITA BORSCHT GOULASH SASHIMI CASSATA HAGGIS STOLLEN CHAPATTI HALVA SUSHI CHOW MEIN HUMMUS TACO COUSCOUS LUAU TEMPURA DOLMADES MOUSSAKA TORTILLA

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Sunday, August 14, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Instant (9) 2. Silent (3) 8. Vessel (3) 3. Condescend (5) 9. Suggestion (11) 4. Diminished (6) 11. Thrash (7) 5. Inscription (7) 12. Later (5) 6. Pedantic (11) 13. Awake (6) 7. Mediate (9) 15. Put aside (6) 10. Picture-taking (11) 17. Weird (5) 11. Dealer (9) 18. Terrible (7) 14. Guided (7) 20. Brackets (11) 16. Flag (6) 22. Tree (3) 19. Moral (5) 23. List (9) 21. Stray (3) Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 1. They'll suit a great many surrounded by 2. Field shelter, by the sound of it (3) inordinate riches (9) 3. They succeed in their studies (5) 8. Graveyard inscription will produce a 4. Fliers diverted by eastern gales (6) tear (3) 5. A clot is remarkably passive in 9. Does it finally decide who gets the part? distress (7) (7,4) 6. There could be more point in Yesterday’s Solutions 11. Answer concerning one job inside (7) forewarning (11) 12. We hear one of the strings producing a 7. Hurry with a supply of water for QUICK CRYPTIC group of notes (5) the little flower (9) 13. This shepherd is an Alsatian (6) 10. Control of what first-class TV Across: 7 Origin; 8 Docile; 10 Expanse; 11 Across: 7 Rumpus; 8 Dearth; 10 Trainer; 11 15. Describing mountains involving one in provides (11) Tribe; 12 Tray; 13 Giant; 17 Bleak; 18 Pare; 22 Staff; 12 Ruse; 13 Angst; 17 Digit; 18 Diva; 22 plane crash (6) 11. Gets a rule adjusted (9) Round; 23 Launder; 24 Cosset; 25 Relief. Olive; 23 Strange; 24 Behead; 25 Heston. 17. Folk literature about one French valley 14. Warned to realign the treadle (7) Down: 1 Honesty; 2 Display; 3 Fiend; 4 Down: 1 Oratory; 2 Impasse; 3 Burns; 4 (5) 16. Items of food cooked by N. Davis 18. Briefly sign the first letter (7) Fortune; 5 Rigid; 6 Sever; 9 Veritable; 14 Persist; 5 Bream; 6 Theft; 9 Grandiose; 14 20. Meant to change into a linnet (11) (6) Gladden; 15 Maudlin; 16 Petrify; 19 Prick; 20 Liberal; 15 Dignity; 16 Pageant; 19 Hobby; 22. The first person for example to get a 19. More likely to make one slip up (5) Guise; 21 Quiet. 20 Night; 21 Green. circular letter (3) 21. A word of greeting when the girl 23. One who sabotages a warship (9) turns up (3) 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE Summertime type 2 diabetes management tips he arrival of the summer season Planning meals in advance makes it means warmer weather, longer possible to enjoy summer festivities and days, and more time outdoors not feel deprived. While on the road, with friends and family. pack healthy snacks like unsalted nuts While activities like backyard and try the diabetes plate method to barbecuesT and road trips should be guide food portions. Setting personal enjoyed, travel and family events can also goals in advance of a trip can make a big pose new challenges to type 2 diabetes difference. management routines. However, with the right information and a little planning, Substitute ingredients to make tasty managing type 2 diabetes while enjoying summer recipes diabetes-friendly: summer fully is within reach. Swapping out ingredients for healthier options can make it possible to continue Consider these diabetes-friendly to enjoy delicious summer foods without tips: indulging. Look for dishes that have fibre and additional nutrients like vegetables, Keep hydrated: Dehydration, or the whole grains, or beans and choose fruit loss of body fluids, can happen due to for dessert or split a serving with another the increased summertime temperatures guest to cut calories and carbs in half. and can also occur when blood glucose is not under control. Prevent dehydration Check blood glucose levels at least by drinking caffeine-free fluids such as four times per day: During the summer, water, seltzer, or sugar-free iced tea and the heat can cause blood sugar levels to stocking up on fresh produce that is high fluctuate, making it especially important in water content. to monitor throughout the day. Be sure to carry plenty of water and healthy snacks. Plan meals ahead of time, particularly when on the road: ©Brandpoint

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

With the Leo Sun and Uranus in your sign linking hands early Pull out all the cosmic stops today and this week bulls. You have Today’s Moon remains in Sagittarius, your one on one relationship tomorrow as well as an upcoming Aquarius Full Moon in your hopes great planetary aspects right up until August 30 when Mercury goes zone and one of the best matches for you astrologically. Plan and wishes zone, the next 2 weeks are more than good for you rams! out of phase in Virgo, your ormance and creative zone. something fun for today – maybe a late brunch or early dinner.

CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Be cautiously optimistic that something you’ve put a reasonable Sometimes there is simply no need for words. All you really have to Your 1st house of personality and ego is a busy place to be right now. amount of time and money into is going to come through for you do is smile and be appreciative. And pass on your good fortune to With Jupiter spending his last few weeks in your sign after his year today Cancers. All you can do is hope and pray anyway, right? someone else nearby. Karma – good karma is priceless. long stay, while Mercury and Venus the 2 personal planets of the zodiac spend their last full 2 weeks in your sign.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to work You have the mental strength and capacity to deal with pretty much The Moon continues in your sign today and makes this one of those out Librans and while it can be frustrating, it’s not the end of the anything and everyone Scorpios. And right now, you have great days when having a heart to heart with someone that you’ve needed world – no matter how much you may think it is. planetary play in your hopes, wishes and friendship zone, which to have for some time is right on schedule. means you are having to give a lot of encouragement and strength to others right now.

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Don’t underestimate your powers of persuasion today goats sign If you feel jealous of someone’s success today, ask yourself why Don’t believe everything you hear Pisces. Sometimes people that can always come up with a highly convincing reason why you are feeling this way? Is it really as simple as jealousy or are you exaggerate/tell fibs about things and you are gullible and believe someone should or should NOT do something. maybe a tad resentful as well? them when you should take it with a grain of salt. Sunday, August 14, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Mohenjo Daro already a winner: Hrithik Roshan

GUNG HO: Hrithik Roshan because I know something magical of being vulnerable in front of the — Mohenjo Daro and then Kaabil. fi lmed. Did these problems aff ect can happen in the next second and I camera and she is not acting to Exhausting? By Subhash K Jha your performance? look forward to it wide-eyed. impress people. She is herself , and Bang Bang! was also a risk that Not at all. The only problem I face that is the biggest asset of any actor. paid off . Even that serves as an is how to make my day well spent. Mohenjo Daro is your second example as it was released with a or Bollywood star Hrithik The problem is of choosing the right fi lm with Ashutosh Gowariker. How did you reference a clash. And it did a business of Rs Roshan, Mohenjo Daro, challenges, taking strong decisions, Was there a great understanding character that goes back 5,000 160 crore, a fact which instils a fair which released on Friday, making time for loved ones, using between the two of you this time? years? amount of positivity around two is already a winner. He any opportunity to spread more love. Defi nitely! This is a man who gave Whether it’s 5000 years, 3,000 fi lms releasing the same date. Being believes “success” lies in So in that regard, all my problems are me a fi lm like Jodhaa Akbar. So it was years, present or future, human fl uff or intense are all labels which I enjoyingF doing what you love and in positive. easy to put my faith in his vision the emotions will always remain the welcome. I myself give everything that sense, the Ashutosh Gowariker The problem is of taking the 24 second time over. Also, he is a friend same. So creating the character to fi t to every character of mine, so my directorial has been enriching for hours which we all have and the and I value loyalty over anything else. those times was an exterior exercise, process is in a sense always intense. him. Excerpts from the interview: multiple alternatives in front of us So even when the scheduled 80 days not an internal emotional one. So in everyday and reconciling them with of shoot extended to 150, it was easy that regard it was easy. Have your sons seen Mohenjo Mohenjo Daro is your fi rst the goal of achieving success. for all of us actors to silently stand by Daro? release in almost two years. him and his vision because we could What is your take on Mohenjo My family has chosen to watch Nervous and anxious? You also injured your leg while see his passion and his attention Daro clashing with the Akshay it on the big screen on the day of I’m curious, not nervous or shooting this fi lm. How did that to detail. When you commit to Kumar starrer Rustom? release. They don’t want to dampen it anxious. I guess because there aff ect you? something you must commit a 100 A clash is regrettable. Having said with a preview on the smaller screen. is enough experience behind me Yes, I did break my ankle and it was per cent. And see it through. that, it has happened in the past and So I still don’t know their reaction. which has taught me a few good a terrible thing to happen to anyone, will happen in the future, because things about failure and success. but it just reminds you that anything But in Jodhaa Akbar, you there are only this many holiday If you had a chance, what is the And that true success is actually can happen in the next second and had Aishwarya Rai Bachchan weekends. But why not look forward one thing you’d like to change in enjoying your experience doing that if life can be unpredictable to romance. Here you have a to creating a new example where it’s Mohenjo Daro? what you love. Mohenjo Daro is for the worse then it can also be newcomer? done in the right spirit? With grace Nothing, once something is out of already a victory as I have spent my unpredictable for the best. For the role of the girl Chaani we and a sense of friendship which your control it’s futile to think back. days well on it. needed something who was not only amounts to healthy competition. In any case, I am proud of the fi lm Did the setbacks help you grow a good actor but also someone who and would want to change nothing. You went through traumatic as an actor? could portray the simplicity and Your last release Bang Bang! I am grateful and blessed for being personal problems and health It is my lows that keep me very purity of those times. Pooja Hegde was fl uff stuff . Now you are doing given the chance to do what I love. issues while the movie was being curious about life, almost like a child fi t the role perfectly. She is unafraid two back-to-back intense dramas That is enough for me. – IANS

JLo to star as drug lord Griselda Blanco Downey Jr welcomes Hiddleston to Instagram Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez is set to star as notorious Colombian drug lord Actor Robert Downey Jr has welcomed Tom Hiddleston to Instagram Griselda Blanco in an untitled TV movie for HBO. The fi lm focuses on the rise with a post related to the Thor star’s girlfriend Taylor Swift. Downey Jr and fall of Blanco, who came to be known as ‘The Cocaine Godmother’ and posted a shot of Swift’s beau from his Fourth of July vacation (during who revolutionised the US drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s and became which he was clicked wearing a I heart T.S. tank top) and wrote a a powerful female cartel member. hilarious caption, reports eonline.com. Lopez will star in and executive produce the project via her Nuyorican “Join me in welcoming the biggest T. Stark fan of them all to Productions banner alongside company topper Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Instagram!” the singer-actress’s manager Benny Medina, reports hollywoodreporter.com. Hiddleston recently joined the social media platform and posted “I’ve been fascinated by the life of this corrupt and complicated woman for his debut shot in his Marvel character Loki. “He’s back,” he wrote many years,” Lopez said in a statement. presumably from the set of Thor: Ragnarok, currently shot in Australia. “The idea of teaming with HBO felt like the perfect fi t for fi nally bringing Hiddleston has already garnered almost a half of a million followers on Griselda’s story to life.” Instagram. – IANS For Lopez, the HBO movie comes as production continues on season two of ROLE CALL: Jennifer Lopez Shades of Blue, which she also executive produces. — IANS 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, August 14, 2016 COMMUNITY ‘Being part of QSF generates more awareness for our hotel’

By Anand Holla the quality of services. I believe that exceeding the guest’s expectations is key to consolidating the guest. s the third edition of A guest may visit you for the fi rst the ongoing Qatar time because he or she learnt about Summer Festival you. But if you don’t exceed the (QSF), helmed by Qatar guest’s expectations, the guest Tourism Authority may not return. So it’s important A(QTA), continues to draw crowds for us to deliver the highest level of by the thousands, the hospitality quality. and retail sectors are also basking in For this, we are investing a lot in the warm reception and promising our associates (staff ) and training. response that the event brings We are putting in maximum along with it. eff ort to know the preferences of QSF packs in off ers from close our guests and try to give them to 60 hotel establishments and whatever they ask, in a place that retail outlets that give shoppers they feel very comfortable in. In the chance to win prizes up to that aspect, we are very much QR2mn in total. Meanwhile, it has helped by the way our hotel has also helped draw the attention of come about. tourists into the country through In this part of the city, The events and partnerships with Westin is a place where you can various establishments, including have a really relaxing experience. the top hotels of Qatar. From the middle of the hotel where Community caught up with we have the garden and the pool, Gianrico Esposito, General it looks like an oasis of peace, Manager, The Westin Doha Hotel greenery and freshness. If you & Spa, for a chat about QSF and see the design and the spaces we the hotel industry in Qatar and the have, they are very relaxing and region. comfortable so that guests can enjoy their stay in a very positive What do you have to say way. about The Westin Doha being Considering this is also part of part of QSF? our brand message, we want guests This is a great initiative by the to feel well. Well-being is a key QTA to promote the destination factor for our brand message. during the low season of summer. I believe that hotels should do their Do you feel that the focus in part in participating in initiatives the hotel industry here in Qatar rolled out by the country and and also the Gulf, is more on become more appealing when the service? demand goes down a bit due to Defi nitely. Here, the investors change in seasons. of the hotel industry pay a lot of attention on the working of the product in a way that it provides This is a great everything to satisfy the guest’s needs; without, of course, initiative by the forgetting that effi ciency and cost- QTA to promote eff ectiveness should be in place. Here, it’s a matter of providing the destination pure luxury not just in the product, the design, the quality of the during the architecture or the furniture and equipment that’s provided, but also low season of the service. summer What is your view on Qatar as a market or the clients that you How would being part of QSF deal with? make a diff erence to The Westin Qatar is a unique market. The Doha brand? quality of the hotel industry in I believe being part of QSF Qatar is one of the best in the generates more awareness for our world. It’s diffi cult to fi nd one hotel, hotel and the brand because we especially in the fi ve-star segment would be seen and heard in all the here, which is not really impressive. communication that the QTA is So it’s above what you normally establishing with the people, as fi nd in other countries; even in the part of the festival. While there are region. As for visitors, it’s still in several other hotels participating, THE ROAD AHEAD: Gianrico Esposito, General Manager, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa progress. It’s not consolidated. for us, this festival is particularly The largest contribution for important because it’s our fi rst year three nights for the price of two, and Over time, how do you plan Qatar. So we are trying to drive new tourism in Qatar is from GCC of participation. We are putting for the guests that book through the to engage with potential clients customers into knowing the hotel, countries. So we have to adapt in eff orts to be more visible to the QSF website, the choice of opting and tourists better? telling them what we are off ering to the requests of the local Gulf potential tourists and clients. We for late checkouts and their stay Our eff ort now is to become more and exactly how the product is. Our customers more than in other are presenting special off ers such as inclusive of breakfast. known as The Westin is still new in main focus, currently, is therefore countries.