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CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF LOVE AND HARMONY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA

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On 14 February, Qatar’s celebrated gathering place, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, invites guests to celebrate love, friendship and cherished moments with a series of unforgettable experiences designed to create lasting memories. Defined by distinguished gastronomy, each creative concept ensures the occasion is marked in style, all enriched with legendary personalized service. 

One of the city’s most coveted dining destinations, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is renowned for its diverse selection of restaurants. Each with its own unique identity, there’s sophisticated steakhouse STK Doha, Asian-fusion hotspot B-Lounge, French bistro Sel & Miel, the elegant Lobby Lounge, South American-influenced Habanos and the al fresco setting of the private beach. To honor the date, each venue will present its own interpretation of romance with ultimate individuality and flair. 

Bringing its custom spin to the day, STK Doha is where individuals can socialize at the Single’s Mingle Brunch during the afternoon. Gather with friends and make new connections, whilst the  unique ambiance with live DJ, saxophonist and Doha skyline views, enriches the restaurant’s innovative gastronomy.

Indulge in the much sought-after lifestyle experience at B-Lounge, where celebrations will kick off with a specially curated brunch, complete with romantic music and floral decorations. Glittering marina-side views provide a luxurious backdrop where every element is defined by the venue’s inimitable hospitality.

The romance of Paris arrives in the heart of Doha at Sel & Miel, where the bistro set up is perfect for dining à deux. Guests can opt for a lavish Parisian Breakfast or a Romantic Five-course Dinner, each featuring traditional French recipes, prepared by skilled international chefs. 

Occupying a privileged island location, the private beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha provides the prime backdrop for important occasions. On this day of love, guests can dine al fresco under the stars, where private cabanas, candlelit tables and live entertainment create an evocative setting that is truly remarkable. 

A delightful treat, Romantic Afternoon Tea for Two at Lobby Lounge has been created for those looking for a sweet feast. Featuring a selection of themed cakes and savory bites, this delicious late afternoon experience is crafted moments of togetherness. 

Indulge in a sophisticated evening at Habanos, where couples selecting Pair up in Style can appreciate the South American inspired atmosphere and sample a variety of flavors. Two tempting appetizers can be savored while imbibing in the perfect beverage, paired with a refined selection of cigars. 

Featuring 374 beautifully styled guestrooms and suites, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha presents a five-star experience in the heart of Qatar. Those staying at the property, on this day of romance, can choose to dine in the comfort of their accommodation with a set gourmet menu for two, served in-room. 

As a year-round, internationally minded destination, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is well known for its creative offering that celebrates an array of social occasions. With this cherished event presenting a great opportunity to gather and connect, the property is excited to delight guests with a choice of premium culinary and lifestyle moments.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Doha please call +974 4484 8000, WhatsApp +974 5599 0916 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/doha.

Alfardan Jewellery participates in the 21st edition of the DJWE 2025

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In the world of haute joaillerie, where heritage
intersects with innovation and excellence characterizes every piece, Alfardan Jewellery emerges as
Qatar’s premier luxury jewellery house.


Founded in 1954 by Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan, whose remarkable ability to discern the authenticity
of precious pearls and stones set the foundation for generations of excellence, Alfardan Jewellery
has evolved into the jeweler of choice in Qatar and the region. This legacy of expertise continues
through the Alfardan family, who maintain the highest standards of quality and sophistication that
have defined the brand for over seven decades.


Reflecting on this rich heritage, Mr. Ali Alfardan, Vice Chairman of the Alfardan Group and President,
Alfardan Jewellery, said: “Alfardan Jewellery and its work remains especially close to my father’s and
all our hearts. Our ventures as a family began with pearling generations back, and later evolved into
multiple luxury enterprises across the region… We thank all clients and visitors for their support.”

Mr. Ali Alfardan, Vice Chairman of the Alfardan Group


This enduring commitment to excellence is prominently displayed at the Doha Exhibition and
Convention Center (DECC), where this year’s Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) features
an exceptional collaboration with over 55 prestigious international brands under the renowned
Alfardan name. As a pioneer that held the first exclusive Jewellery and Watches Exhibition in 1977,
Alfardan Jewellery continues its tradition of innovation by welcoming eight distinguished new
additions to its collection at DJWE 2025:

  • Arayian
  • Mayiana
  • Modani
  • Viana
  • Amwaj
  • Bovet
  • Miamoon
  • Samra

These new prestigious brands, along with Alfardan’s existing portfolio, create an exceptional
exhibition of refinement and artistic excellence. Each displayed piece represents the peak of
craftsmanship, meticulously selected to meet the tastes of Qatar’s most discerning clientele.

As stated by Mr Ali, “In a historic first, this year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone as several
prestigious brands, including Vacheron Constantin, Chopard, and other renowned jewelers, have
chosen to showcase their collections at Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition before their
appearance at the Geneva International Gem and Jewellery Show.”


This unprecedented decision underscores Qatar’s growing influence in the global luxury market and
Alfardan’s distinguished position within it. Adding to the exhibition’s prestige, Vacheron Constantin,
celebrating an impressive 270 years of watchmaking excellence, will debut an exclusive collection of
timepieces in Qatar specifically for this event.


As DJWE 2025 unfolds, visitors can look forward to a carefully orchestrated presentation that honors
Alfardan’s rich heritage while highlighting its commitment to bringing the world’s finest jewellery
houses to Qatar. This harmonious blend of tradition and fresh perspectives promises an exhibition
that stands out like no other.

Shop Qatar 2025: Doha Festival City Hosts an Exclusive Three-Day Fashion Show

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From January 23-25, Center Court will host runway showcases featuring children, men’s, and women’s collections by acclaimed local and global brands

Doha Festival City, Qatar’s top destination for style expression and coveted trends, invites fashion enthusiasts to witness an unparalleled celebration of style at the highly anticipated Shop Qatar 2025 three-day fashion show. From January 23 to 25, Center Court will transform into a fashion hotspot, showcasing cutting-edge collections and local designers for women, men, and children, making it a standout highlight of the shopping festival. 

Each evening of the show, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, will spotlight a specific theme: children’s fashion, and mascot meet-and-greets, on January 23, men’s fashion on January 24, and women’s fashion on January 25. The event will feature local and international brands, presenting their latest collections, blending elegance and creativity to captivate the audience.

Mohamed ElSharkawy, Head of Leasing, Doha Festival City, commented: “We are thrilled to present this extraordinary event as part of Shop Qatar 2025. Building on our 2024 positioning which highlighted creativity, innovative trends, and fashion-forward conversations, this show reinforces Doha Festival City’s role as a vibrant hub for style and imagination. It also offers an immersive platform for supporting and showcasing the best in premier fashion from Qatar and beyond.” 

As part of Shop Qatar 2025, visitors can enjoy a host of exciting activities across the mall, including gaming redemption booths to win discounts and vouchers, stormtrooper parades, a life-size Barbie Dreamhouse experience following every QR100 spend, daily Care Bears bilingual live shows, and an all-new Bazaar at The Village. Shoppers spending QR200 or more can enter weekly raffles featuring prizes such as EXEED cars and cash rewards. The month-long festivities will culminate with a spectacular closing ceremony on February 1 offering the chance to win a Tesla Cybertruck.Mark your calendars and visit Center Court at Doha Festival City to enjoy this spectacular celebration of fashion and entertainment.

For more details, visit the Doha Festival City website and follow us on social media for updates and announcements.

WORLD’S FAMOUS LANDART MASTER SAYPE JOINS VISIT QATAR KITE FESTIVAL

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Visitors can watch the creation process of his giant ultra-realistic paintings in Sealine and Old Doha Port

The third edition of Visit Qatar Kite Festival is expanding to multiple venues. Residents and guests of Qatar will be able to enjoy the spectacular display of giant kites in Sheraton Park on January 16-17, In Sealine on January 16-18 and in Old Doha Port on January 19-25.

In addition to the kite show featuring kites of all sizes, shapes and colors created by 60 professional kite flyers from all over the world, stage entertainment, popular kite building workshops for children and other family-oriented activities, this year’s festival brings something really unique: live creation of landart frescoes by world’s famous artist Saype, whose ephemeral art decorated landscapes of New York, Paris, Venice, Geneva, Cape Town, Turin, Dubai, Istanbul, Miami, and Tokyo. In 2019, Forbes magazine ranked him among the 30 most influential people under 30 in art and culture.

The French-Swiss artist will create his first art on the sands of Sealine, and the second one on the grass surface of Old Doha Port. The enormous ultra-realistic pictures will be seen even from their air, that will give an extra attraction to the guests landing at Hamad International Airport. Saype’s works are environment conscious as he uses eco-friendly biodegradable pigments composed primarily of chalk and charcoal.

Saype already started his work on the Sealine landart last Tuesday and the visitors of Visit Qatar Kite Festival will be able to watch the process of creating this giant masterpiece on January 16,17,and 18, and later another landart will be created in Doha Port live during the remaining festival days.

Saype’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saype_artiste

Visit Qatar Kite Festival: https://www.instagram.com/vqkf.qa/

Novo Cinemas Celebrates a Landmark Opening at Centro

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The grand opening of Novo Cinemas at Centro in Rawdat Al Hamama marks a significant milestone in the region’s entertainment landscape. This modern facility further cements Novo Cinemas’ position as a leader in premium cinematic experiences in Qatar, seamlessly blending luxury, advanced technology, and innovative offerings to redefine the movie-going experience.

The new facility boasts 10 cutting-edge screens, engineered with the latest advancements in cinematic technology. Featuring stunning 4K visuals and immersive Dolby Atmos sound systems, each screen delivers an exceptional sensory experience that brings movies to life with unmatched clarity and realism. Together, these offerings ensure every visit to Centro is a truly premium experience, making it a must-visit destination for movie enthusiasts.

Mr. Khaldoun Bou Hamdan, Managing Director of Al Mana Services, member of Al Mana Holding, commented during the event, “Our partnership with Novo Cinemas reflects a shared commitment to enhancing entertainment experiences in the region. This collaboration is not our first; it continues the successful partnership which began with Novo Cinemas at 01 Mall. With this branch in Centro, we are proud to mark the second milestone in our joint efforts, bringing world-class cinematic offerings to the community and setting a new benchmark for quality, innovation, and luxury.

 Mr. Roger Abi Haydar, Chief Executive Officer of Novo Cinemas, stated:
“Novo Cinemas is leading the growth of Qatar’s cinema industry. This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to providing innovative and immersive entertainment experiences.”

Mr. Wassim Soubra, “Head of Real Estate at Centro, a development by Al Mana Capital Real Estate and an investment by M/S AL HY ALSHAMALY”, explained: “Novo Cinemas strengthens Centro’s position as a unique lifestyle destination, offering local communities a top-tier entertainment experience.”

This milestone further strengthens Novo Cinemas’ leadership in the GCC entertainment market. By integrating cutting-edge technology, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service, Novo Cinemas continues to redefine movie-going experiences.

This new location includes a dedicated 7-Star venue, designed exclusively for private bookings. It offers a unique opportunity for fully private movie sessions with friends or family, complemented by state-of-the-art facilities. Novo Cinemas also stands out as the ideal choice for group events, including graduation ceremonies, corporate gatherings, and more.

To ensure every event is unforgettable, tailored menus can be customized to suit the occasion, delivering a seamless blend of entertainment, culture, and innovation. 

Novo Cinemas at Centro are now open for visitors to enjoy an exceptional cinematic experience. 

‘The Doctor’ Returns: Valentino Rossi Set for 2025 WEC Season Opener at Lusail

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Motorsport legend Valentino Rossi will return to Lusail International Circuit (LIC) for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season opener, as Team WRT confirms his participation in the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 KM race scheduled for February 26-28, 2025.

Famously nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ for his cool and clinical approach to racing, Rossi enters the 2025 season following an impressive rookie WEC campaign that saw him finish 6th in the championship standings, including a remarkable 4th place finish at Lusail International Circuit and a podium finish at the 6 Hours of Imola where he claimed 2nd place.

The nine-time MotoGP champion, who first raced at the Lusail International Circuit on two wheels during the inaugural Qatar GP in 2004 aboard his Yamaha YZR-M1, and continued to race at LIC and in MotoGP till 2021. He made a dramatic return to the venue – this time on four wheels – with his WEC debut in 2024. Rossi will once again pilot the BMW M4 GT3 in what could potentially be his final WEC season. The Italian icon recently revealed he’s contemplating scaling back his racing commitments for 2025, making his return to LIC even more significant for motorsport fans.

Rossi’s legendary status in motorsport is undisputed. He holds the record for the highest number of points in MotoGP history with 6,357, along with an unprecedented 235 podium finishes – 76 more than his closest rival, Giacomo Agostini. His 89 premier class victories and participation in over 400 Grand Prix races further cement his status as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time), leading to his well-deserved induction into the MotoGP Hall of Fame in 2021.

“I realized that 16 races is too many and I am in the same situation as in MotoGP,” Rossi admitted in a recent interview. “For 2025 my goal is to run a more focused schedule of 10 to 11 races in the endurance racing.” This measured approach reflects the evolution of Rossi’s racing career. Since retiring from his illustrious 25-year motorcycle racing career, the father-of-one, still proudly wearing his iconic number ’46’, has showcased his versatility across multiple racing disciplines. His journey in four-wheel racing has included testing a Formula One Ferrari alongside legends Schumacher, Coulthard, and Webber, competing in GT World Challenge Europe with Team WRT in an Audi R8 LMS, and securing a podium finish in Dubai’s 24Hours Series with the BMW M4 GT3.

As The Doctor prepares to get behind the wheel of his GT3 BMW once again alongside his Omani teammate, Ahmed Al Harthy, fans can expect another masterclass in racing from this once-in-a-generation talent. Known for his artistic ability to handle high speeds and remarkable corner dexterity throughout his career, Rossi continues to create unforgettable memories on track, regardless of the number of wheels beneath him.

Fans can witness this motorsport icon in action at Lusail International Circuit from February 26-28, 2025, as the FIA World Endurance Championship returns to Qatar for another thrilling season opener. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of motorsport’s most celebrated figures add another chapter to his remarkable racing story. Head over to the LIC ticket section to secure your seat before time runs out. Three-day event tickets are 200 QAR, which provide fans access to Grandstand, Fan Zone, Lusail Hill and the *teams Paddock

*subject to capacity restrictions 

The Westin Doha Hotel & SPA Promotes Erdem Unal to Hotel Manager

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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.

Top Events to Experience at Doha Festival City During Shop Qatar 2025

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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.

Doha Festival City Announces Exciting Events for Shop Qatar 2025

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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 Celebrates Qatar National Day with Exclusive Experiences and a New Store Opening

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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.