The Westin Doha Hotel & SPA is pleased to announce the promotion of Erdem Unal to the position of Hotel Manager, effective January 1, 2025. With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Erdem’s expertise and leadership have been invaluable to the property’s success, and he will now oversee all hotel operations, ensuring a continued commitment to excellence.
Erdem holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Suleyman Demirel in Isparta, Turkiye. He began his career in 2011 at one of the largest convention hotels in the United States, where he held several leadership roles in F&B and Front Office departments. His career journey continued with prominent positions at Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center and Lugal, a Luxury Collection hotel, where he managed multi- property responsibilities in Front Office, Reservations, and Revenue Management.
Building on his experience in Revenue Management, Erdem played a key role in supporting the Turkiye Revenue Management Cluster Office and was part of the pre-opening team at Caresse Luxury Collection Hotel as a task force member. His career path then led him to Doha, where he joined The Westin Doha Hotel & SPA as Director of Revenue Management, and during the pandemic, he stepped up to lead the Sales and Marketing team in an interim role, uncovering a new passion for this discipline.
Erdem’s leadership has also extended beyond his hotel roles, as he assumed the position of leader of the Qatar Sales Marriott Business Council in 2024, further solidifying his standing in the local hospitality industry.
Throughout his career, Erdem has been nominated for multiple prestigious awards and was honored with the Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the industry. The Westin Doha is confident that under Erdem’s leadership as Hotel Manager, the property will continue to provide outstanding guest experiences, driving innovation, and excellence in the hospitality sector.
Experience the ultimate celebration of shopping, entertainment, fashion and family fun as Doha Festival City hosts an extraordinary lineup of events for Shop Qatar 2025, taking place from January 1st to February 1st, 2025. From thrilling discounts, raffles and captivating live shows to immersive experiences and dazzling fashion shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the top highlights below and plan your visit to make the most of this unforgettable experience:
1. Weekly Raffle Draws Spend QR 200 at participating outlets to enter weekly raffle draws featuring:
Four Exeed cars and cash rewards.
The grand prize—a Tesla Cybertruck—to be awarded during the final raffle and grand
closing ceremony. (more on this below)
2. Barbie Dreamhouse Experience Returns Spend QR 100 to step into a life-sized Barbie Dreamhouse located at The Village, where interactive activities and photo opportunities bring Barbie’s world to life throughout the festival.
3.Care Bears Live Shows Enjoy bilingual live performances of the beloved Care Bears at Center Court, offering family- friendly entertainment filled with nostalgia and fun.
Taking place over two weeks from January 1 st to January 14 th , performances begin daily at 4.30pm, 7.30pm and 9pm on weekdays, and at 4.30pm, 6pm,7.30pm, and 9pm on weekends.
3. Fashion Shows Experience the exclusive 3-Day fashion show, showcasing the latest collections for women, men, and kids by top local designers and global brands:
January 23rd: Women’s fashion.
January 24th: Men’s fashion.
January 25th: Kids’ fashion.
5. Roaming Stormtrooper Mascot Parade: Experience the joy of a daily mascot parade featuring the world-famous stormtroopers and various fun characters, happening from 3:30pm onwards throughout the month. This lively spectacle will bring smiles to visitors of all ages and enhance the festive atmosphere.
6. The Bazaar at The Village Explore a vibrant bazaar with curated kiosks and food and beverage options, creating a dynamic shopping atmosphere.
7. Grand Closing Ceremony: Mark your calendars for February 1st, when The Village will host Shop Qatar 2025’s spectacular closing ceremony, including the final raffle draw and exclusive surprises to wrap up Qatar’s biggest shopping festival.
Plan Your Visit Visit the Doha Festival City website and follow us on social media for event schedules, updates, and more opportunities to Shop More, Save More, and Win More.
A life-size Barbie Dreamhouse, fashion shows, a grand closing ceremony, and weekly raffles featuring the chance to win a Tesla Cybertruck in the grand raffle, headline this year’s festival
Doha Festival City, Qatar’s premier retail and lifestyle destination, has unveiled its programme of festivals and events under its partnership with Visit Qatar, as the Diamond Sponsor of Shop Qatar 2025. Set to take place from January 1st to February 1st, 2025, the month-long festival promises a vibrant mix of family entertainment, fashion-forward events, experiential retail activations, and exclusive rewards, all hosted at Doha Festival City.
As a cornerstone of Qatar’s shopping, entertainment, and cultural calendar, Doha Festival City will bring an exciting array of activities to visitors of all ages. Family-friendly highlights include the exclusive Care Bears bilingual daily live shows and a special experience in and around a giant Barbie Dreamhouse, which customers get to enter after spending just QR100 in participating outlets. Shoppers can also explore the all-new, bustling Bazaar at The Village, featuring six kiosks with curated offerings, alongside a variety of food and beverage kiosks to enhance the shopping atmosphere.
During the festival, participants can enter weekly raffles by spending a minimum of QR 200, with exciting prizes including four Exceed cars and cash rewards. The event will culminate on February 1st with a grand closing ceremony at The Village, showcasing the highly anticipated final raffle draw for incredible prizes, including a Tesla Cybertruck on display. “At Doha Festival City, we are thrilled to join forces with Visit Qatar and once again be a part of Shop Qatar 2025 as a Diamond Sponsor at Qatar’s premier shopping festival,” said Chris Barton, Director – Asset Management, Qatar, Al-Futtaim Real Estate. “Our lineup of exclusive activities, from family-friendly entertainment to high-fashion showcases, underscores Doha Festival City’s commitment to being the ultimate destination for unforgettable experiences, diverse retail offerings, and innovative events.”
Visitors can look forward to an exclusive three-day fashion show from January 23rd to 25th at Center Court, featuring a glamorous showcase of women’s, men’s, and kids’ collections from renowned local designers and international brands. The mall will also host four redemption booths, located throughout the mall and The Village, where visitors can engage in interactive games and activities to win exciting prizes.
Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of exclusive offers, enjoy engaging activities, and participate in the thrilling raffles, with winners announced weekly. For more updates and a detailed event schedule, visit Doha Festival City’s official website and follow us on social media to stay informed about the latest happenings, including raffle winners, upcoming events, and more.
Abercrombie & Fitch celebrated Qatar National Day in style with a series of special events hosted across its branches in Doha Festival City Mall, Mall of Qatar, and its newly launched store at Vendôme Mall. The occasion highlighted the brand’s commitment to creating memorable experiences while honouring Qatar’s rich culture and traditions.
On December 18th, guests were treated to engaging activities such as custom calligraphy engraving on perfume bottles and hand-drawn artwork on tote bags.
Abercrombie & Fitch collaborated with the local Qatari brand Rosemary Café to offer complimentary coffee, embodying the warmth and generosity of Qatari traditions. Fresh flowers were also distributed, further enhancing the festive atmosphere and creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.
The celebrations culminated in a vibrant event that showcased the brand’s dedication to fostering meaningful connections with its customers. Influencers and brand enthusiasts joined in, amplifying the excitement and sharing the spirit of Qatar National Day with their audiences.
Abercrombie & Fitch looks forward to welcoming customers to its Vendôme Mall location, where they can explore its signature styles in a stunning new setting and continue celebrating meaningful moments with the Qatar community.
Park Hyatt Doha proudly marks its fifth anniversary, celebrating half a decade of delivering unparalleled luxury, personalized service and unforgettable moments in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. To commemorate this milestone, the hotel introduces an exclusive anniversary package designed to reflect its refined elegance and thoughtful hospitality for a one-of-a-kind rate of QAR 5,500 for two people.
The staycation offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a luxurious stay at the Presidential Suite, where sophistication and comfort come together seamlessly. The package includes breakfast for two, with the option to dine in-room or at Opus restaurant. They can also enjoy an immersive Afternoon Tea, while an exceptional dining experience awaits at Sora Rooftop, featuring a special fifth-anniversary menu that reimagines Japanese flavors to complete five exceptional experiences at Park Hyatt Doha.
From her side, Esra Parin, general manager of Park Hyatt Doha, said, “Reaching our fifth anniversary is a truly memorable milestone. It’s a celebration of the remarkable moments we have shared, the unparalleled experiences we have had. At Park Hyatt Doha, we are passionate about creating unforgettable stays that blend elegance, comfort, and personalized service.”
For reservations and inquiries, please visit parkhyattdoha located at Sikkat Wadi Msheireb Downtown Doha or contact the hotel directly at +974 4009 1234 or [email protected] Follow @parkhyattdoha on Instagram for five year-anniversary competition.
Media City Qatar, in partnership with Google Cloud, is launching ‘Qatar ArtBeat’, a one-of-its-kind activation at the intersection of AI and social media for Qatar National Day
This cutting-edge initiative invites everyone in Qatar to take part in co-creating a generative AI artwork that captures the nation’s collective voice, emotions, and aspirations via social media comments. From December 9 to 17, the public is invited to reflect on what Qatar National Day means to them by answering five inspiring questions posted on Media City Qatar’s social media channels. Responses will be processed by Google Cloud’s technologies that transform the sentiments into a stunning visual artwork. To create this unique artwork, the powerful capabilities of Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform, Gemini models and Google BigQuery data platform, will be used to analyze social media conversations and sentiments about Qatar National Day. This analysis will identify the key themes and emotions expressed by the people of Qatar. These insights will then be transformed into a visual representation, ensuring the artwork authentically captures the collective voice and spirit of the nation. In addition to these comments on Media City Qatar’s social media channels, the tool will also analyze broader public conversations across various social media platforms surrounding Qatar National Day, incorporating sentiments from across the nation into the artwork. This unique initiative highlights the connection between innovation, tradition, and national pride, culminating in the unveiling of a single breathtaking masterpiece on December 18 via Media City Qatar’s social platforms and captivating on- ground projections.
“’Qatar ArtBeat’ is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects the innovative spirit of our nation and the collective creativity of its people,” said Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar. “This National Day, we are marking the occasion in a truly unique way, by inviting the community to co- create an artwork that represents the essence of Qatar. Combining advanced AI technology with public participation, this initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, showcasing how innovation and culture can come together to create something with the potential to capture the world’s attention. ‘Qatar ArtBeat’ is our way of giving back to the community, celebrating our shared identity on an unprecedented scale.” “’Qatar ArtBeat’ is a testament to the transformative power of technology in bringing communities together,” said Ghassan Kosta, Regional General Manager of Google Cloud. “This partnership with Media City Qatar showcases how Google Cloud’s AI can go beyond innovation to create meaningful cultural experiences. By blending cutting-edge technology with the voices of the people, ‘Qatar ArtBeat’ captures the collective identity of a nation in a way that is both groundbreaking and deeply personal. We are honored to support this visionary initiative, which celebrates Qatar’s commitment to progress, creativity, and unity.”
‘Qatar ArtBeat’ embodies Media City Qatar’s mission to be a catalyst for next-generation media, technology, and creativity. By fostering innovation and empowering diverse voices, Media City Qatar drives creative industry evolution, supports economic diversification, and blends heritage with innovation through initiatives that inspire, connect, and shape the future of media.
Looking for an exciting day out in Doha? Angry Birds World, Snow Dunes, and Virtuocity is the ultimate entertainment destination, offering thrilling adventures, family-friendly attractions, and immersive gaming experiences. Explore the best activities at Doha Festival City—all with unbeatable offers!
Angry Birds World – The Ultimate Adventure in Doha
Dive into a world of fun and excitement at Angry Birds World, a top attraction in Doha for families and thrill-seekers alike. Enjoy 3 hours of unlimited access to thrilling rides, interactive kiddie attractions, and skill games with their amazing Day Pass. Pricing:
QAR 149 for 1 person (3 hours of unlimited play)
QAR 199 for 2 persons (3 hours of unlimited play)
For inquiries, call 4042 0444 or 5042 0444. T&Cs apply.
Snowy Tuesday at Snow Dunes: The Coolest Mid-Week Escape Looking for snow-filled fun in Qatar? Snow Dunes has you covered with Snowy Tuesday, a weekly event offering unbeatable deals on snow-filled fun! Every Tuesday, enjoy unlimited rides, a souvenir, and a snack for just 89 QAR. It’s the perfect mid-week getaway for families, friends, or anyone craving a cool adventure in the heart of Doha. With unlimited access to all the rides and activities, you’ll have two full hours of snowy excitement. What’s included:
Unlimited Rides for 2 hours
A Souvenir
A Snack
For more information, call 4042 0444 or 5042 0444. T&Cs apply.
Virtuocity – Qatar’s Best Gaming Experience
Love gaming? Head to Virtuocity, Doha’s premier gaming hub, for an unforgettable experience. Every Wednesday, enjoy unlimited access to PC and console games, VR experiences, arcade games, and billiards for just QAR 69. Wacky Wednesdays are perfect for groups of friends or solo gaming enthusiasts. Pricing:
QAR 69 for unlimited play (available every Wednesday)
Reach out at 4042 0444 or 5042 0444 for more details. T&Cs apply.
Why Visit? From snow-filled adventures and thrilling rides to immersive gaming, Angry Birds World, Snow Dunes and Virtuocity at Doha Festival City has something for everyone. These exciting deals make it the perfect destination for family outings, fun with friends, or even solo adventures.
Plan Your Visit Today! Don’t miss out on these fantastic offers. Call now to learn more or book your tickets and experience the best attractions in Qatar. For the latest updates on attractions and deals, follow Angrybirdsworld.qatar , Snowdunesqatar and virtuocityqatar on Instagram
Wim Hof, “The Iceman”, Joins Forces with Renowned Trauma Healers for Two Day Charity Event in Qatar to Raise Funds for Charity and Support Palestinian Families and Children Escaping Gaza
In a meaningful collaboration and a huge show of solidarity with Gaza, Wim Hof, known worldwide as The Iceman for his extraordinary ability to endure extreme cold, is bringing his transformative techniques of breathwork and cold exposure to Qatar for the first time. Hof, alongside a distinguished group of musicians, healers, and human rights advocates, will host a series of events to raise funds for reputable charity programs in Gaza and to support Palestinian families and children who fled Gaza in search of safety, medical attention and refuge in Doha. The events, taking place on December 2nd and 3rd, will bring together a collective of healers, artists, and advocates, united by a mission to raise funds and support the emotional and physical healing of Palestinians affected by trauma. Wim Hof has pioneered the popularisation of breathwork, ice baths, and cold exposure, offering new pathways for personal growth, emotional regulation, and physical resilience. With an astounding 18 Guinness World Records under his belt, including the fastest half marathon barefoot on ice and snow, completed in just 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 34 seconds, Wim’s presence will offer a glimpse into his life, pushing the limits of human endurance and redefining what’s possible. His Wim Hof Method, a combination of breathing techniques and cold therapy, has been shown to positively affect neuroplasticity, reduce stress, and help individuals process trauma. While in Doha, Wim will share his techniques with the community and meet directly with those who have been impacted by the ongoing crisis in Palestine. Joining Wim is Tahir Burhan, an award-winning Chinese Uyghur musician and composer who blends Middle Eastern musical traditions with contemporary styles. Known for his contributions to blockbuster films like Aladdin and Mission: Impossible, Tahir will be performing a special concert to open each event. His music, combined with Hof’s healing techniques, is designed to create a holistic healing experience for both the mind and body.
Together, they will perform co-written healing-based songs from their joint album ‘”Freedom into the depth’. Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian trauma healer specializing in somatic and expressive arts therapies, will also play a central role in the initiative. Ashira, who has dedicated her life to healing individuals who have experienced trauma, will lead discussions on the impact of generational trauma, using culturally sensitive methods to help individuals process their experiences. She is known for her work with children and adults in Palestine, where she helps individuals release pain that is stored in the body, drawing upon her own personal journey of healing following Israeli imprisonment and full-body paralysis with a severed spinal cord in 2012. Also lending her expertise to the event is Dr. Myriam Francois, an award-winning filmmaker, Al Jazeera presenter, and scholar. With a background in Middle Eastern studies, Myriam is supporting Wim Hof’s efforts to raise awareness and together, they are raising funds for future film collaborations around related themes. Myriam will be hosting the events and moderating some of the conversations.
The series of events will include:
Monday, December 2nd
Visit to Palestinian Families in Qatar
o Wim Hof, Ashira Darwish. Dr. Myriam Francois and Tahir Burhan will visit the Palestinian refugee community in Doha, offering their time and talents to bring comfort and healing through breathwork, therapy, music and shared conversation.
Monday, December 2nd, 6:30pm – 9:30pm Charity Event: Healing Gaza featuring Wim Hof hosted by Honour Wholeness at St Regis Marsa Arabia o A special ticketed event featuring a live concert by Tahir Burhan, song and whirling meditation by Ashira Darwish and a 1-hour talk by Wim on his breathwork techniques at the renowned St Regis Marsa Arabia hotel. The event is an opportunity for local healers, athletes, and practitioners in Qatar to connect and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Tuesday, December 3rd, 6:00pm-9:00pm- Charity Event: Healing and Resilience Talk at Heenat Salma Farm
o The event will open by Ashira Darwish, sharing a guided meditation and song and a concert by award-winning musician Tahir Burhan. Wim will then lead a 1-hour talk dedicated to supporting Palestinian children, demonstrating how his practices can help individuals overcome emotional and physical
challenges. This talk, taking place within the serene and apt environment of Heenat Salma Farm, will resonate deeply with a region familiar with resilience and perseverance, offering practical tools to cultivate mental clarity and peace amidst challenging circumstances.
100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales for these events will be donated to an accredited charity with projects in Gaza. “We’re bringing together a diverse and passionate group of people from across the globe to support the healing process of those who have endured unimaginable hardship,” said Wim Hof. “Together with Tahir, Ashira, Myriam, and all of the amazing individuals joining us, we aim to create a space of healing, connection, and hope.” For event tickets and more information: Healing Gaza featuring Wim Hof by Honour Wholeness at St Regis Marsa Arabia Monday 2nd December: 6:30pm
Event only: 600QAR
Event + Dinner: 900QAR
For tickets: Contact +974 5096 0007 Healing Gaza featuring Wim Hof by Heenat Salma Tuesday 3
In celebration of La Mar Doha’s prestigious sixth anniversary, acclaimed Peruvian Chef Gastón Acurio graced the occasion to unveil an exclusive preview of La Mar Around The World – a thoughtfully curated, family-style sharing menu that masterfully honours the rich global influences that have shaped La Mar’s iconic and signature cuisine.
Chef Acurio has crafted a selection of dishes that represents the finest offerings from each of its nine La Mar locations around the world including dishes from; Buenos Aires, Bogota, Santiago, Miami, San Francisco, Doha, Dubai, Bellevue located outside of Seattle, and the original flagship location in Lima, Peru. The preview presented by Gastón showcased the diverse flavours and culinary mastery of Peruvian cuisine from across the continents where his La Mar restaurants reside. The prix fixe menu is a testament to La Mar’s commitment to innovation and quality in every aspect of its culinary offerings. ‘La Mar Around The World’ menu will be available from January 2025.
The three-day showcase highlighted creativity, sustainability, and Qatar’s dynamic fashion culture, marking a milestone in the mall’s transformative journey.
Front Row Live, the three-day fashion and beauty celebration by Doha Festival City, in collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, concluded on Saturday with a spectacular finale that united innovation, artistry, and a sense of community. Featuring immersive experiences, masterclasses, and inspiring conversations, the showcase further cemented Doha Festival City’s status as Qatar’s leading destination for style expression and coveted trends.
Front Row Live featured an inspiring mix of global and regional talents, including Mona Kattan, Co-Founder of Huda Beauty and Founder of Kayali; Leonie Hanne, international fashion icon; Maha Al Sulaiti, Director of M7; and Renaud Salmon, Creative Director of Amouage. Other notable contributors included Mashael Alnaimi, Amira Al Jaziri, Haneen Al Saify, Jawaher Al Fardan, Alanoud Jassim, Abdelaziz Alsafadi, and Mariam Khairallah.
Highlights included runway shows from brands such as Maje, Sandro, Ava, and Hera, as well as List Roma, Aura, Alma Nova, and Luisa Spagnoli. A catwalk dedicated to Harvey Nichols Doha showcased their luxury womenswear brands, while a sustainability exhibition curated by Gills Manjulakshmi, introduced collections from the likes of Mhefhef, Mohammad AlBaker, Washy Line, SR by Sonali Raman, Aadima and Witr. The initiative demonstrated a continued commitment to eco-conscious practices, while amplifying emerging local and international talent.
Reflecting on the success, Noreen Nasralla, Executive Director, Marketing, Al-Futtaim Real Estate, said: “As an incredible closing to a series of events this year celebrating our new positioning and an era of limitless, expressive fashion and activities, Front Row Live has been a vibrant celebration of creativity, individuality, and collaboration. This represents our vision of being a space where people come together to explore, express, and connect over their shared passions.”
An In Conversation with Mona Kattan explored the entrepreneur’s unique insights on the beauty industry, while Leonie Hanne’s first-ever public dialogue in Qatar shone a light on her journey to global fashion stardom. Mariam Khairallah led a Mac makeup masterclass with exclusive demonstrations and Haneen Al Saify joined Charlotte Tilbury for live beauty guru advice on achieving the perfect glow. To top the stage line-up off, bespoke activations, like the Rise and Shine wellness session with Jawaher Al Fardan and Alo Yoga, offered unique, immersive experiences.
Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, Director of Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, spoke of the success of the partnership, emphasizing how the event united global fashion brands with local creativity. Reflecting on the impact of Front Row Live, she said: “Our collaboration with Doha Festival City has created a platform that showcases global, regional, and local innovation. Together, we’ve championed the incredible talent that enriches Qatar’s creative scene while fostering connections across fashion, beauty, and sustainability.”
The event was the culmination of months of activations curated in partnership with Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, all showcasing the mall’s refreshed strategic approach and growing emphasis on diversity, trends and choice. The Emerging Voicesinitiative in September highlighted sustainability and local talent, with a live talk on the fashion industry with regional fashion influencer and star Nour Arida.
Another pioneering collaboration with Harvey Nichols was staged in October—featuring captivating in-conversations headlined by Olympic and World champion high jumper, Mutaz Barshim, and Rhude Creative Director, Rhuigi Villaseñor, in the midst of interactive masterclasses and talks that celebrated international and local fashion leaders.
Front Row Live is part of Doha Festival City’s broader commitment to offering the community a fashion and cultural hub that inspires and connects diverse audiences. This celebration of creativity, individuality, and sustainability represents the beginning of more exciting initiatives to come.
For updates on upcoming projects and activations, visit Doha Festival City website or follow us on social media.
