Monday, May 7, 2012

Samsung Diamond League Qatar

Samsung Diamond League Qatar
The Samsung Diamond League encompasses 32 individual Event Disciplines, with a points scoring ‘Diamond Race’ which runs throughout the 14 meeting series. Winners of each Diamond Race will get a Diamond Trophy and a cash prize but more importantly, will have shown season long consistency to earn the unchallenged honor of being the World Number 1.

Following the success of last year’s event and after the recent announcements of the top level athlete’s, like David Rudisha, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Veronica Campell-Brown, Allyson Felix, Kenenisa Bekele, Justin Gatlin, and many others, a large crowd is expected to be attracted and whoever wishing to watch a top level competition is advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

At the close of the sporting spectacle, Doha 2020 Bid Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is organizing a charity concert which will be brought to life by Arab singing superstars from the renowned “Bokra” ensemble. In the spirit of encouraging sports and culture, which Doha 2020 believes can inspire many young people, the proceeds from the concert will go to charity organizations. More information can be found on the Doha 2020 Bid Committee's facebook page www.facebook.com/#!/doha2020qa .

Friday - May 11, 2012 - 06:00 PM
Qatar Sports Club - Doha - Qatar Sports Club
Doors Open 04:00 PM
Buy Tickets Here

2nd Annual Reggae Sunsplash in Doha Qatar

2nd Annual Reggae Sunsplash in Doha Qatar
Don’t Miss the 2nd Annual Reggae Sunsplash on Friday May 11th from 3pm onwards with Live performance by British Reggae Superstar Maxi Priest, Reggae Motion from Brazil and Kinky D! Tickets available at all Virgin Megastores Pre Sale QAR 150/- at the door QAR 200/-

Required Original Qatar ID or Passport
Friday - May 11, 2012 - 03:00 PM
InterContinental Hotel - Doha - Beachside
Doors Open 02:00 PM
Buy Tickets Here
Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in Katara Doha Qatar
9 May 2012
07:30:pm - 10:00:pm
Katara Opera House – Building 16

Performers

Eugen Bold, violin
Hassan Moataz El Molla, cello
Sonja Park, piano
Program
Shostakovich: Piano Trio in E Minor, Op. 67
Tchaikovsky: Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50

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Coastal Promenade – Camille Zakharia Katara Doha Qatar

Coastal Promenade – Camille Zakharia  Katara Doha Qatar
12 May - 9 Jun 2012
10:00:am - 10:00:pm
KATARA Galleries Building 19 – G1
A Photographic Journey 1996-2012

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Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sealine Cross Country Rally Qatar

Date of Event     :    Sun, 04/15/2012 - 00:00
Place of Event   :    Sealine Resort

Sealine Cross Country Rally Qatar


Cross-Country Rally, organized by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), will play host to the third round of this year's FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rally.As well as round two of the six-event FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. For more information, visit www.circuitlosail.com

Saturday, May 5, 2012

The Barzan Towers in Qatar

Location

Umm Slal Mohammed, close to the main road.


Al Barzan Tower Qatar

History

Barzan means high place, and it was said that pearl divers could see the Barzan Towers when they returned from their pearl trips.
They were built at the start of the 20th century by Sheik Mohammed Bin Jassim Al Thani. He may have had reason to be insecure – although he had soundly defeated the Ottomans in battle a few years before, their soldiers still lurked in Al Koot fort in Doha.
The buildings were essentially watch towers, probably built to protect an area where rain water collected and date trees could be green - greenery, a well and a brook can still be seen in Um Slal Mohammed today.

The Barzan Towers Today

Al Barzan Tower Qatar


The Barzan Towers have been completely rebuilt, and features such as modern air-conditioners do not add to the authenticity of the experience (although they may make it a lot more bearable in the summer months!) However, the towers, with their thick stone walls, still make an interesting trip.
The Barzan Towers also afford a good view of the surrounding area.
You can see from the walls the extreme gaps in wealth that exist in Qatar.
On one side of the towers huge modern and rather tasteless houses stand, on the other makeshift shacks exist.
We watched a man walk a mile from one of these shacks to collect water from a tap.

Read more qatarvisitor.com

 

Exhibition celebrates beauty – strength of Paso horses in Doha Qatar

Artist Ana Maria Garcia Montero with one of her pictures

The beauty, majesty and strength of Paso horses are being showcased at a photo art exhibition “Andares: Peruvian Paso Horse” by  Peruvian artist Ana María García Montero.

The exhibition is being held by the embassy of Peru in Qatar in collaboration with Katara Cultural Village, International Bank of Qatar (IBQ), Qatar Photographic Society and the Peruvian Paso Horse Association.
The exhibition, which is open at the Qatar Photographic Society (building 18) at Katara, features different pictures of Paso horses, which are being viewed as a piece of rich national heritage recognised worldwide.

Some of the works on display at the exhibition
The Peruvian Paso horse is a flagship product of Peru, created by Peruvians over centuries through a long process of purification and selection, from the Spanish horses that arrived during the time of the Conquista (XVI century).

These Spanish horses mostly came from three bloodlines: the Castilian, the Andalusian and the Jaca.  It is a breed unique in the world distinguished by its way of walking, which is known as an amble, meaning a gait
Some of the works on display at the exhibition
composed of lateral movements.

The exhibition is open between 10am-10pm and will continue until May 19.
from Gulf-Times


Wednesday, May 2, 2012

LG showcases 3D cinema experience in Doha Qatar

The new 2012 Cinema 3D Smart TV from LG is presented by Park, Kim, Ambassador Jeong, Jassim Sulaiman, Sajed Sulaiman, and Anis on 1 May 2012

LG Electronics and its sole Qatar distributor Video Home & Jumbo Electronics yesterday launched the South Korean technology major’s latest 2012 Cinema 3D Smart TV line-up in Qatar.
The star of the range is the world’s narrowest (1mm) bezel 3D TV, which has won the CES 2012 ‘Innovation Award’ and the ‘2012 reddot design award.’
 

“LG is aiming for the number one slot in Qatar’s TV market with the new range,” said James Kim, general manager, TV division, LG Electronics Gulf.
 

Comfortable and immersive 3D, limitless content, and the ease of using and connecting are among the salient features of LG’s 2012 Cinema 3D Smart TV line-up.
 

A demonstration proved that the TV offers impressive 3D images even from a 180 degree viewing angle.
The unique, lightweight (16gm) 3D glasses which do not require battery power, 3D depth control, 3D sound zooming, 2D to 3D conversion, over 1,200 Smart TV apps, and ‘magic remote’ are among the features.
 

“LG, which has established its number one position across premium 3D Smart TV segment as per data provided by GFK, a leading global market research company, takes the 3D TV user-experience to superlative levels,” Kim claimed.

LG Cinema 3D Smart TV
The world’s narrowest bezel delivers ultimate simplicity and the most immersive Cinema 3D viewing experience reminiscent of an actual cinema screen.
 

The magic remote combines the functions of pointing, gesture and wheel scrolling. The 3D World provides access to a constantly growing library of 3D movies, games, sports and TV shows.
The new 3D depth control lets users adjust the depth, or the distance between the on-screen objects, of a 3D movie or TV show they are watching.
 

The 3D sound zooming feature generates a 3D sound that is synchronised with the displayed 3D content, allowing users to not only see, but also hear in 3D.
The Dual Play function allows dual-player games to be played on a Cinema 3D Smart TV without having to split the screen.
 

The new Cinema 3D Smart TVs offer a variety of connectivity features. The newest among them is Wireless Display, which enables easy and quick connection between TV and personal computer (PC) with Intel’s WiDi Technology. The 2D to 3D conversion engine converts all existing 2D movies and TV shows into 3D. “LG will be introducing an 84’’ Cinema 3D Smart TV in the second half of this year,” Kim added.
Video Home & Jumbo Electronics executive director Sajed Jassim Sulaiman said the new line-up would be priced in the range of QR12,000 to QR15,000.
 

Assistant general manager Mohamed Anis added that LG has a 25% market share in the 3D TV segment in Qatar. South Korean ambassador Chang See Jeong, Video Home & Jumbo Electronics vice-chairman and managing director Jassim M Sulaiman, and LG Electronics Gulf Audio Video Division general manager Jungkil Park were also present. The new 2012 Cinema 3D Smart TV Series from LG is available throughout Qatar in all leading hypermarkets and retail stores.

From Gulf-times

Asean Ethnic Foods festival opens at LuLu Gharafa Qatar

Asean Ethnic Foods festival opens at LuLu Gharafa Qatar 
The Asean Ethnic Foods Festival was jointly inaugurated yesterday by the ambassadors of Asian countries at the LuLu Hypermarket, Gharafa.


Ambassadors from Japan, China, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia and Sri Lanka were joined by dignitaries and senior executives from leading business groups in the retail industry at the inauguration.
“The festival is a part of the ongoing Food Fiesta 2012 at all LuLu Hypermarkets and the objective is to celebrate the culinary heritage of the East and introduce and promote the foods and food habits of different Asean countries,” said a senior LuLu official.


The event was also conceptualised to accelerate the imports of agricultural produce from Asean countries. LuLu is among the largest retailer in the Middle East and a major importer of agricultural produce from Asean countries.


Well-designed pavilions showcase some 76 fruits and vegetables from Asean countries were available on display.
LuLu Hypermarket regional director Mohamed Althaf said the event is a ‘timely effort’ at promoting Asean ethnic foods among the communities in Qatar.


“Asean countries are playing a vital role in food safety and we are looking forward to co-operating more with our partners from the Asean region to accelerate imports,” he said.
LuLu’s official spokesman said the Food Fiesta will end with a cookery contest on May 12 at the LuLu Hypermarket on D-Ring Road.

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Sunday, April 29, 2012

“Tango” with Iñaki Urlezaga in Katara Doha Qatar

“Tango” with Iñaki Urlezaga in Katara Doha Qatar
Don’t miss the amazing performance of Tango presented by Iñaki Urlezaga with his Ballet Concierto. Urlezaga has been the principal dancer of royal ballet of London from 1995 to 2005 among his numerous accomplishments as a dancer . The “Tango” has been choreographed over the masterly melody of Astor Piazzolla and Gustav Santaolalla Mora Godoy and J.M.Firmani have choreographed “Tango”, combining the expression of modern and traditional tango with the techniques of classical ballet .

For the first time in Qatar , Iñaki Urlezaga will present an amazing performance of Tango with his Ballet Concierto .This spectacle highlights Iñaki’s artistic potential qualities ,the perfection of his technique and the excellent acting interpretation while he is on stage .Urlezaga has been the principal dancer of royal ballet of London from 1995 to 2005 among his numerous accomplishments as a dancer .His repertory as a principle dancer has been extensive and he has performed in the most prestigious Opera House in New York , the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the Teatro Real in Madrid Among others .

The “Tango” has been choreographed over the masterly melody of Astor Piazzolla and Gustav Santaolalla Mora Godoy and J.M.Firmani have choreographed “Tango” , combining the expression of modern and traditional tango with the techniques of classical ballet .

Day 1
Friday - May 18, 2012 - 07:30 PM
Katara Cultural Village - Doha - Opera House Open Seating
Doors Open 07:00 PM
Buy Tickets here for Day 1

Day 2
Saturday - May 19, 2012 - 07:30 PM
Katara Cultural Village - Doha - Opera House Open Seating
Doors Open 07:00 PM
Buy Tickets here for Day 2

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Ministry of Sound World Tour in Doha Qatar

Ministry of Sound World Tour in Doha Qatar
Don’t Miss the Last Beach Party of the Season
Thursday - May 3, 2012 - 07:00 PM
InterContinental Hotel - Doha - Beachside
Doors Open 07:00 PM 
 

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Acclaimed film ‘Take Shelter’ Screens for First Time in Gulf

8 May - 14 May 2012
05:30:pm - 10:30:pm
Katara Drama Theatre - Bldg 16
Free Admission

Katara and Doha Film Institute (DFI) will present a one-week theatrical release of ‘Take Shelter’, the highly acclaimed ‘indie’ dramatic thrillerNever previously screened in the Gulf, the film swept multiple festival awards in 2011, including the Grand Prize at the Cannes Critics Week.

Independent director Jeff Nichols’ ‘Take Shelter’ taps into the wave of generalized anxiety that currently runs through American life: the economy, unstable weather patterns, crime and social breakdown, conspire to drive devoted father and husband Curtis to extreme measures. Oscar nominee® Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire, Revolutionary Road ) plays the male lead,  alongside rising star and Oscar® nominee Jessica Chastain (The Help, Tree of Life).  Jeff Nichols’ latest feature film, ‘Mud’ starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, is one of 22 films vying for the Palme d’Or in the 2012 Cannes Film Festival’s main competition.


Screenings of Take Shelter will take place daily from May 8 to 14 at the Katara Cultural Village Drama Theatre (Building 16). This release is supported by the film’s Middle East distributor, Italia Film.  For show timings and ticket details, please consult the DFI website: www.dohafilminstitute.com and Katara website www.katara.net or DFI box office located in Katara, building 26.

Buy Tickets online: http://www.dohafilminstitute.com/films/take-shelter

Thakira(Dhakira) Salt Marsh and Estuary in North Alkhor Qatar

Thakira is a small village located a few kilometres to the North of Al Khor. Like many of Qatar's towns it has tripled in size over the last few years, and it is becoming more difficult to navigate your way through the maze of half-built houses to get to the shore side. If you are a nature lover, though, it is well worth doing so, as the vista is completely different from much of the rest of Qatar.

Thakira-Sunset time Qatar

Thakira not only rests on the edge of an estuary, it is also home to mangrove swamps. While, because of the extremely high saline content of the sea in this area, the mangroves are not as large as in other countries, they are probably the most established in Qatar.

If you are out for a quite time you may just wish to take a couple of photos, have a stroll around the jetty, chat to some local fishermen and enjoy the unusual peace. However if you are more adventurous you might fancy a bit of swamp snorkeling.

The snorkeling is not quit as dramatic as over a reef, and is often in very shallow water. Once you get into the swamps you often have to pull yourself along by the roots of the mangroves. (Expect to collect a few scratches along the way!) The visibility of the water is poor, and the effect can be quite scary as the mangroves loom above - you should, however, be able to see plenty of the small fish that inhabit the swamps.
Thakira-Mangroves Qatar

At low tide you might want to get out into the swamps to explore the wildlife here. There's plenty to see here, from kingfishers and marsh harriers to exotic sea slugs - including a new species of sea slug discovered on a Qatar Natural History Group expedition.

If you have a four wheel drive you could also choose to cross the swamps at low tide, park at the wadi and enjoy the beach opposite Al Thakira. If you do so, take care: one trip ended in disaster when the cars involved got stuck in the face of an advancing tide, and ended up having to be rescued. The pictures of the abandoned cars made the front page of the next day's Gulf Times!

After enjoying the mangrove swamps, try stopping at Al Khor on the way back to Doha to enjoy the beach - and some great Turkish food along Main Street.

Source from www.aboutqatar.info

Friday, April 27, 2012

MIA Park in Corniche Doha Qatar


MIA Park is conveniently located on the waterfront in the grounds of the MIA, right off the Corniche Road through the Port Road entrance; entrance is free of charge. 

Visitors will be able to access the park through the parking area of the Museum of Islamic Art or they may park their vehicles at a new parking area adjacent to the Doha Port.

The future MIA Park operating hours to the public will be as follows:

Sunday        1030 – 2300
Monday       1030 – 2300
Tuesday       CLOSED
Wednesday  1030 – 2300
Thursday     1200 – 2300
Friday          1400 – 2300
Saturday      1200 – 2300

No special prayer area in the park (assuming Moslem should go to MIA for praying) unfortunately.

Free wifi was said available but I haven’t tried yet.

Toilets are available near the cafes (left side cafe is for cold beverages, right cafe is for hot beverages).
The cafe design itself is interesting, with Arabic pattern and modern seating designs.
MIA Park Map and Access

See more from http://wahyuinqatar.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/mia-park/

2012 Student Art Exhibition in Mathaf Qatar

2012 Student Art Exhibition in Mathaf Qatar
Call for submissions ...................

Ever wondered what it would be like to see an artwork you made at Mathaf?
Here at Mathaf, we are excited to announce our first Student Art Competition.
The theme is “transformation” and we can’t wait to see your submissions!

We want you to imagine, transform and make something extraordinary out of something ordinary.
The lucky winners will get to see their artworks showcased at Mathaf in the fall and take home some cool prizes. Open to K-12 students in all schools in Qatar. To apply download the information kit below and submit your artwork and entry form to your teacher.

Have your teacher submit the file to us between May 13 and May 26, 2012.

For students ages 13-18 download
For teachers of students ages 4-12 download

what will happen to my artwork?
Winning submissions will be installed in a student art exhibition worthy of your fantastic art. The exhibition will open in October 2012 and will celebrate your creativity and imagination.
The rest of the submissions will be available for your school to pick up and return to you in June.

get inspired!
Find inspiration by downloading the activity kit below. Feel free to modify the project ideas or create your own projects entirely, the process is just as important as the final product, so take your time, experiment, and have fun!

Suggested Activities Resource download
Powerpoint Presentation of Images download

More information just visit http://www.mathaf.org.qa/studentartex/

Mathaf - Arab Museum of Modern Art - Doha Qatar

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POP-UP Fashion Boutique in Katara Doha Qatar

3 May - 5 May 2012
07:00:pm - 10:00:pm
Katara Art Center, Bldg 5
Free Admission

Come see our make-over!
POP-UP Fashion Boutique in Katara Doha Qatar

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Haydn’s London Symphony in Katara Doha Qatar

Haydn’s London Symphony in Katara Doha Qatar

28 Apr 2012
07:30:pm - 10:00:pm
Katara Opera House – Building 16
Katara Cultural Village - Doha - Opera House Seated
Doors Open 06:30 PM  

Conductor / Guest Artist
Michalis Economou
Michalis Economou, music director
Melissa Coleman, cello

Program
Debussy: Prélude À L’Après midi d’un Faune (Afternoon of a Faun)
Herbert: Concerto No. 1 for Cello and Orchestra Timeless
Haydn: London Symphony No. 104 in D major
Wagner: Overture to Rienzi, WWV 49

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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Museum Laboratory Qatar

Mathaf Qatar

How can a museum engage communities around modern and contemporary art? Join us for an evening of brainstorming, role-playing and experimental thinking at Mathaf on May 16th 2012. We'll be screening a special episode of Art21 on the innovative artist El Anatsui. After the screening, you'll be swept off to our art lab, where we will generate ideas that will shape the future of Mathaf. We promise discussion, new connections, and new ideas.

This event is free. Get your ticket(s) now.
Conducted in English.
Suitable for ages 16 and above.

This event is part of Art21 Access '12, a celebration of contemporary art and Art in the Twenty-First Century, Season Six, sponsored by Art21. Visit art21.org for more information.

Artist Encounters with Talal Al Qasemi in Mathaf Qatar

Mathaf Qatar

QatarJoin ceramicist and Qatari artist Talal Al Qasemi in a 6 day workshop that explores clay techniques. Get fired up for a great time and learn more about Talal's artistic process. Using the artwork "Fragile" from the "Cai Guo-Qiang: Saraab" exhibition as the basis of your inspiration, you'll get to experiment with clay and create different forms and figures.

Date: 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 23 May
Time: 4:00- 7:00
Venue:  Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Fee: Free
Age: 18 years and above

To RSVP: click here

Monday, April 23, 2012

Google Art Project launch to be held at MIA Doha Qatar

Google Art Project website

Google Art Project in Qatar

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 6:00 PM (GMT+0300)

Doha, Qatar

 
The artworks at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art will be available for online viewing with Qatar Museums Authority joining hands with Google on the path breaking Google Art Project.

The MIA and Mathaf are the only museums in the Middle East to keep their doors open 24/7 with the Google Art Project. Art lovers are able to explore a wide range of artworks at a brushstroke level, take a virtual tour of a museum, and even build their own collections to share from paintings, sculptures, street art, and photographs with just a few mouse clicks.

The Google Art Project launch will take place tomorrow in the MIA auditorium at 6pm. The event will feature a conversation between QMA’s museum directors and Google Art Project leaders, allowing attendees to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the making of the project in Qatar.

The Google Art Project enables people to discover and view more than 30,000 artworks online in extraordinary detail. The partnership between QMA and Google is part of a major global expansion of the project, which now counts 151 partners in 40 countries.

When launched, the project covered only 1,000 artworks in nine museums. Streetview technology images now cover 46 museums, with more on the way.

The event is open to public. Those interested can RSVP to http://googleartqatar.eventbrite.com

Event Details

The Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the Qatar Museums Authority are hosting an event to celebrate our inclusion in the Google Art Project! The Google Art Project is an online collaboration between Google and the finest museums in the world, allowing users to explore a wide range of artworks at brushstroke level, take a virtual tour of a museum, and even build their own collections to share. Featuring over 151 international renowned museums, the Google Art Project offers art fans a world of paintings, sculptures, street art, and photographs with just a few mouse clicks.
The Museum of Islamic Art and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art are the only museum in the Middle East to keep their doors open 24/7 with the Google Art Project. Join us on April 24 at 6:00pm in the Museum of Islamic Art Auditorium for a conversation between our museum directors and Google Art Project leaders to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the making of the project in Qatar, and why it's so important to open our culture's doors to the world.
Check out the Google Art Project at googleartproject.com 
Please note: The event begins at 6pm sharp and finishes by 7pm


يستضيف متحف الفن الإسلامي ومتحفالمتحف العربي للفن الحديث وهيئة متاحف قطر حدثاً احتفالاً بإنضمامنا  في مشروع غوغلالفني!ومشروع غوغل الفني هو مشروع تعاون عبر الإنترنت بين شركة غوغل وأرقى المتاحف في العالم، مما يتيح للمستخدمين فرصة استكشاف مجموعة واسعة من الأعمال الفنية عن كثب ، والقيام بجولة افتراضية في المتحف، كما يمكنهمتشكيل مجموعات خاصة بهم. يضم مشروع غوغل الفني أكثر من 151 متحف يتمتع بشهرة دولية، كما يقدم مشروع غوغل الفني لعشاق الفنعالماً من اللوحات والمنحوتات والفن الشعبي والصورالفوتوغرافية بمجرد عدد بسيط من نقرات الماوس.

متحف الفن الإسلامي ومتحفالمتحف العربي للفن الحديث هما أول المتاحف في منطقة الشرق الأوسط تشارك بمشروع غوغل الفني وبذلك يفتحا أبوابهما 24 ساعة يومياًانضموا إلينا يوم 24 أبريل في الساعة 6 مساء في قاعة متحف الفن الإسلامي لحضور محادثة بين مدراء المتحفتن وقادة مشروع غوغل الفني للحصول على نظرة من وراء الكواليس عن إقامة هذا المشروع في قطر، والتعرف عن أهميته في فتح أبواب ثقافتنا إلى العالم.
 للمزيد من المعلومات يرجى زيارة موقع  googleartproject.com