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Malik Jones is a Gambian broadcast journalist and a former director general of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS). He spoke to Gulf Times about his experience, prior to bidding farewell to Doha, about his coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and how it was transmitted to Qatari and expatriate audiences.He said: “This is my second coverage of a FIFA World Cup. The first was as a commentator with the BBC in South Africa in 2010. As an African I was part of the making of history for Africa and to commentate on the matches was just phenomenal. However, Qatar 2022 was a completely different ball game not only for me but to some journalists like myself who witnessed the determination of Qatar to showcase the best World Cup edition despite all the negative propaganda. It was a prestigious model; the first World Cup in the Middle East hosted by an Arab nation."At local English radio QBS where I was engaged as a match analyst and content provider for the newsroom, the will of Qatar to succeed became a fundamental ingredient of my content before the World Cup kicked off. The hostility against Qatar by some foreign media outlets and its protagonists was uncalled for and it has to be watered down by all possible means especially by the media. From my experience this turned out to be exactly what it was promised to be and more. "The media did a terrific job and have never wavered in their quest to rally behind Qatar. At QBS radio there was a team of journalists from different countries and backgrounds and we blended well professionally regardless of our different roles. There was a great team spirit which led to our success. As a print and broadcast journalist, it was like being an ambassador for my country, the Gambia. My stories for the local Point newspaper, in the Gambia was well received. I gave several interviews to local radio stations in addition to a weekly radio programme which I host from here and broadcast in the Gambia."At the diplomatic level the Gambia ambassador to Qatar dispatched a press release to the Gambia which apart from praising the Government of Qatar for hosting the tournament, highlighted my role in the broadcast media and that of the Gambian referee Papa Gassama. The reaction was tremendous back home as was manifest in the mainstream and social media."Personally I felt comfortable with the media in Qatar- both print and electronic. Suffice it to say that without any hint of flattering, the Gulf Times was the paper I looked forward to reading since my arrival in October, I am even subscribed to it. So keep it up!” Jones concluded.

There is no doubt now after the glorious World Cup final saw the Argentina team lift up the trophy, that Qatar delivered the best ever World Cup in the championship’s history. For all those who visited Qatar, be it fans, players, organisers, or even those who followed the matches on TV this has become an obvious truth.Although, some of the pre-World Cup criticism casting doubts on Qatar’s ability to meet its pledge to deliver an amazing edition of the tournament have been silenced by the social media posts by international fans in Qatar, there are still some minority voices which air blatant racist remarks against Arabs and Arab culture through social media. As old habits die hard, there will always be some black sheep somewhere.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani wrapped the traditional bisht around Argentina captain Messi during the World Cup closing ceremony.Giving the bisht (a traditional Arab cloak) to a guest is a sign of great honour in Arab culture. Bisht is viewed as a sign of appreciation and respect and is typically worn by top officials such as politicians, sheikhs and other high-status individuals.Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of Qatar’s World Cup organising committee, said: “It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations. This was a celebration of Messi. The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar, it was a regional celebration.”To say that it ruined the ceremony is racist and exposes the commentator's scant knowledge about the region's traditions. Imagine if Lionel Messi was gifted the Kimono or a British order knighting robe, or an African hat, no one would have written a word against it. The football legend Pele wore a Mexican hat when he won the World Cup in 1970 and no one said it ruined the moment. Arabs wear western clothes at ceremonies and all the time. We saw on social media images of the Argentine ambassador to Turkey wearing the Qatari bisht during the celebration of his country's victory in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The World Cup 2022 tournament was an occasion for mutual acceptance, cultural exchange and tolerance. This is exactly what almost all the fans experienced in Qatar during the tournament. The false image and stereotype disseminated for many years before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have been debunked. The true and real history of the Arabs and the Arab culture have unfolded before an impressive figure of 3,404,252 fans and about 5 billion people around the world, who according to a FIFA estimate watched the Qatar World Cup 2022. In addition to the 1.8mn fans who attended the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha and enjoyed the live broadcasts of games and the free entertainment featuring some of the most famous names around the world are going to be the ambassadors of the Arab culture in their respective countries.HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani said in a debate on al-Kass TV channel: “We do not wait for the West to approve our ambitions and dreams.” Qatar has delivered its pledge with outstanding standards, from the state-of-the-art stadiums, the remarkable free transportation arrangements, the best safety and security, to the carnival-like atmosphere, the warmth and hospitality of the locals, the world-class events and activities lined up by the organisers which enthralled the fans.Ask Qatar for advice: British dailyReferring to the excellently-organised FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022, Charlie Brooks, commentator with the British daily The Telegraph Tuesday said: "Compare Qatar to the drug-fuelled chaos when we hosted the Euro final, then ask yourself where you'd rather taken your 10-year-old daughter." His comment appeared in an article captioned: Perhaps we should be asking Qatar for advice.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has achieved the unity of the Arab people, and proved that it is their meeting place," Qatar Press Center president Saad Mohamed al-Rumaihi said.He was speaking on the sidelines of a panel discussion on the 'Western campaigns against Qatar and the Arab countries, organised by Qatar Press Center (QPC) in co-operation with Qatar News Agency (QNA) on Sunday."Today, the entire Arab world, east and west, north and south, stands behind the Moroccan national team. They all support the Lions of the Atlantic and hope that the Moroccan national team will reach the final matches and outperform the French national team in the next match," al-Rumaihi said."I see it as a new awakening of the Arab-Islamic culture. Yes, we are emotional by nature, we stand behind every Arab achievement. The great effort made by the Qatari media, whether newspapers, radio or TV, with the Arab sports satellite channels, did a great and a wonderful job regarding the daily files presented,” the QPC president stated.QPC vice president and Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka, who moderated the panel discussion, explained why that there has been so much negative propaganda against Qatar in the run up to the World Cup.“There are three reasons, one is racism, second is hate, and third orientalism and the perception of the stereotype about Arabs and Muslims in general, the Ghotra (headgear), Islamophobia, the perception fed by Hollywood, ancient travellers, led to this."Now the question is about what the World Cup did to this false perception, it has changed the whole perception of the Arab world, not only Qatar. This is what Qatar was aiming for, in terms of generosity, hospitality, culture, and that this is the land of civilisation, the land of most prophets who are from this region. It’s a total change, the image of the Arab after the World Cup is going to be different from that before the World Cup,” al-Mudhahka stressed.Dr Tarik M Yousef, director of Middle East Council for Global Affairs, told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the panel discussion that “one of the unexpected outcomes of hosting the World Cup in Qatar, was the melting pot of cultures. It went a long way in promoting understanding, respect, facilitated curiosity and brought together peoples who normally, because of geography, would not connect with one another, and would not be familiar with one another, and may have been influenced by the wrong image."What the World Cup did was to really in many ways demonstrate the power of football when it is allowed to do precisely that: promote cultures, promote diversity, understanding and curiosity, and allow people to come together to celebrate, and to tolerate one another.”Nazim Bessol, member of the executive office of the International Sports Press Association - Africa region, told Gulf Times in a statement about the false image disseminated by some Western media: “I think it's not new it's old, it's a concept that has existed since the end of the 18th century, beginning of the 19th century where the representation of everything outside the European borders is perceived like a retrograde world and that's what justified the unjustifiable."We remember the civilising missions of the populations that were considered as indigenous and that were treated like less than nothing. Perhaps in the collective unconscious this idea remains despite the passing years and centuries. In the end, when we discuss with people and especially with many colleagues who came to cover the World Cup, their level of amazement is commensurate, I believe, with the ignorance of this region.and these countries and perhaps beyond them."I am Algerian but it happened to me in France where I lived, while discussing with people who asked me sincerely and not to insult (about Qatar), are there camels, palm trees, is it like Algeria? It is really the postcard of the current of the time that some kept and entrust to the 21st century."So when there is this representation that remains over time and the mass media work not to correct it but to maintain it. Only when people arrive here in Doha, the first contact can be the first means of transport is the metro, and they all agree that this metro is something they have never seen, I have a colleague who said it's not a metro, it's a business class plane. So you imagine if you arrive with preconceived ideas and you find a plane instead of a metro, there's something that's not working. So it's this mindset there and then maybe the refusal to know more. "Whether we like it or not there are cultures of countries which are dominant and which work to propagate if it is not a false image of the countries or regions in question it is an image of their culture or their countries themselves by making people believe that they are “at the top” I think that is the main explanation.” Bessol concluded.

A lot of football fans from various countries, attending the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, are wearing the Arab headdress, the ghutra and the agal (Arabic for headband), in particular. Gulf Times spoke to the man behind this idea, Ashraf Abu Issa."The idea of producing the Qatari headdress and headband in the colours of national teams’ shirts and flags participating in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 came to my mind a year and a half ago," he recalled."In order to implement it in a distinguished way, we contacted the FIFA and the teams themselves to ensure that the colours are correct, following which an easy-to-use headwear and headband for all teams were produced, with the official FIFA seal, as an original product,” he explained.“The purpose of manufacturing the headwear and the headband and selling them to non-Arabs is cultural, and the main goal is to change the negative impression of the symbolism of the headwear and the headband, which has been portrayed in the world as a symbol or a stereotype of terrorism. It is going to remove the cultural barrier."The majority of fans wear it according to the colours of their teams, and buy them as presents for their friends and families, and this will convey the true image of this dress. The impact of the fans wearing the headwear and the headband is that we have broken the barrier of the false propaganda from the West."Secondly, fans of all ages wear it and these images will remain in their memories forever. Also history will record that the 2022 FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar. The fans will be the ambassadors who promote the positive image of the headwear and the headband and convey the true picture of the Arab-Islamic culture, from what they experienced and witnessed of the distinguished and positive treatment, and the material and moral cleanliness of the Arab people. They will convey their experience to their people about the good organisation, good reception, security and safety and the honourable Qatari people who respect all peoples. They understand now that Qatar is a developed country, appreciated for its true value, by those who visited it and resided in it.“There are many who imitated this headwear, which sells very well, but the official ghutra is the one that bears the emblem of the World Cup. We also want to convey to the fans and all those who visited Qatar during the championship the image of tolerance in Islam, the ethics of hospitality, the openness of Qatar to all cultures and the culture of sports in Qatar, the only country that has an official sports day to encourage citizens and residents to practice sports,” Abu Issa concluded.Brazilian fan Jurema Cardoso Arruda, who is accompanying her father, clad in the Qatari headwear and headband with Brazilian colours told Gulf Times: “As we are in this country we have to wear a garment which represents it. It is going to be an indelible memory from this championship. I love this integration of different cultures. I love my stay in Qatar and FIFA and Qatar have organised the World Cup very well. I appreciate the luxurious malls, the lights and the fireworks which make the city very beautiful at night. The Qatari people are very welcoming, hospitable, and they have already invited us to their home to see the games together. They gave a special welcome to our team.”The headwear and the headband until recently were portrayed in Western media, including cinema (Hollywood), as a symbol of ignorance, illiteracy, and backwardness and so on. The World Cup fans have been wearing the Arab headwear which helped change this perception of the Arab stereotype. The World Cup will be a turning point, a real game changer. People from all over the world have a real experience of Arab and Islamic (Eastern) hospitality and culture. Arab cultural history will be divided into two phases - the picture before and after the World Cup. One by one it will be very different, very positive.

The Membership Collective Group has opened the doors to The Ned Doha in Qatar, the third Ned hotel and members’ club and its first location in the Middle East.Founded in London in 2017, The Ned expanded in the summer of 2022 to include The Ned NoMad in New York, and now The Ned Doha has opened during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a statement explained.Set over five floors in the former site of the Ministry of Interior, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Doha’s skyline, The Ned Doha features 90 bedrooms and suites, six public restaurants, a pool and club lounge, a health club with spa, salon, and fitness centre, and a new 775sqm (8,350sq ft) event space for large-scale conferences, events, and receptions.“Five years after launching The Ned in London, we are excited to open in Doha and occupy one of the city’s most architecturally significant buildings, comprising of a hotel, multiple restaurants and its own private members’ club” said Gareth Banner, group managing director, The Ned.“We look forward to providing our guests and members with a distinct experience, welcoming them to stay, connect, eat and have a good time.”Originally designed in the 1960s by Lebanese architect William Sednaoui, the building has been redesigned by David Chipperfield Architects of London with interiors by Soho House Design. Drawing inspiration from The Ned’s original address in London, there is a live performance stage beneath an atrium surrounded by a collection of restaurants and rich green marble sourced from the Greek island of Tinos.The Ned Doha offers six restaurants open to all, featuring menus entirely Halal. Situated in the centre of the hotel, Cecconi’s serves northern Italian classics from hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas to Venetian-inspired seafood dishes. Kaia serves Pan-Asian cuisine, with signature dishes from Southeast Asia and Hawaii including sushi, poke bowls, and mains slow-cooked on a robata grill, served in a space with a marble-topped counter, jade-green cushioned seating, and bulbous chandeliers.Electric Diner is a casual restaurant, serving American staples and deli favourites including burgers, salads, and classic milkshakes, in a comfortable space with red leather banquettes, an open kitchen, and a focal wall accented with the restaurant’s name in pink neon.Nickel Lounge offers a menu of classic drinks, with seating centred around the live performance stage. Also on the ground floor is Millie’s, an international brasserie with vintage-style interiors.Hadika serves Levantine cuisine al fresco, offering mezzeh family-style selections from fattoush to shish tawook in a garden setting, shaded by umbrellas and foliage. Three private dining rooms within Hadika offer air-conditioned spaces for guests to book and enjoy in privacy. Adjacent to the pool, Malibu Kitchen brings an entirely new culinary concept to the destination, offering a menu of California-inspired favourites from sea bream tacos to courgette flatbreads, and young coconut salad. The outdoor restaurant is air-conditioned for year-round comfort.On the rooftop, Ned’s Club Upstairs is a lounge with a warm wood palette, touches of gold, statement furniture, and unparalleled views of the West Bay and the Amiri Diwan. A private room is available for entertaining on the rooftop, seating up to 12 guests. Ned’s Club Spa offers panoramic views of the city.The new Corniche Hall event space, accessible by its own private, separate entrance, invites groups for large-scale conferences, social occasions and events, for up to 600 people for a standing reception, arranged around a landscaped courtyard. The space is lit with height-adjustable chandeliers as well as bathed in natural daylight and features a balcony with access to additional outdoor event space. The balcony overlooking the main stage accommodates up to 40 guests for a standing reception.

A Brazilian cheer leader, Paulo Magnanisilva Anderson, has expressed his joy over Doha's welcoming atmosphere and the Qatari hospitality. "Everything is well organised from our arrival at the amazing Hamad International Airport, to our accommodations, and free transport. I love the Corniche and the international fans here,” he told Gulf Times.“I travel wherever Brazil plays. I attended the last World Cup in Russia, we did not win, but this time we are here to be in the final match and we would like very much to win the cup. I have with me six replicas of the trophy, of gilded copper, which Brazilian fans will hold high to motivate our players and cheer them to the songs 'Ohare garden', 'Samba Di Janeiro,' and 'What is Love' (Haddaway song)," he said. A number of Brazilian fans were seen at Souq Waqif on Friday night, rooting for their national team.

Ali Njie is a volleyball player at Al Shamal Sports Club and has been living in Qatar for over two years.Speaking to Gulf Times, he said: “I am looking forward to attend Senegal's matches as well as Qatar's games. I am from the Gambia, and am also a fervent supporter of Senegal - we come from the same culture and speak the same language. I know that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to watch as many matches as I can."Qatar is fully ready for this World Cup, as it has made all the preparations. Everything looks nice and beautiful, and everybody is happy here. I went to the Corniche with Senegalese, Qataris and many other fans and took part in the festivities, I enjoyed the view and the scenery. We are getting ready with flags, music and dancing for this sports festival.""We are representing sport, we have to go out and support the teams and hope for the best outcome of the game. As a sportsman, I recommend fans from all over the world that any country you go to, will have its rules, customs and regulations, and the best thing to do is to follow and respect the Qatari customs, habits and regulations. I also see that Qatar has built all the facilities and more, they have everything now. So let the fans come, support peacefully, do everything nice and enjoy this wonderful event," Ali concluded.

Adel Larbi is over excited about attending the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with family and friends. He was already here during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 from 25 November to 20 December, he told Gulf Times: “We are here to encourage the Tunisian squad as well as the Qatar national team and other Arab teams. I would like to congratulate Qatar for the wonderful organisation and call on Tunisian and Arab fans to be the best ambassadors of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”“The Arab Cup was an impressive tournament. I enjoyed every minute of it with my wife and friends. We are dedicated football fans, I am a veteran basketball player from l’Etoile Sportive du Sahel, of the coast town of Sousse in Tunisia, with a scenic corniche and sandy beaches reminiscent of the Doha Corniche and its state of the art old port. Coming back to Doha feels like home, although I am very pleased with the hosting and the organisation of the World Cup by Qatar which represents the 450 million Arabs in this edition. All the procedures are seamless from booking our tickets, to arrival at HIA, to getting our Hayya cards, travelling around Doha and its suburbs. We find Qatar very welcoming to visitors, we are revisiting Doha not only for football, we are also looking forward to enjoy cultural, musical events and fan festivals. Not to forget Souk Waqif, Katara, Qatar Museums, Lusail, trendy restaurants and much more.” Larbi concluded.

Adel Larbi is excited about attending the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with family and friends. He was also in Qatar during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, he told Gulf Times: “We are here to encourage the Tunisian squad as well as the Qatar national team and other Arab teams. I would like to congratulate Qatar for the wonderful organisation and call on Tunisian and Arab fans to be the best ambassadors of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.” Larbi continued, “The Arab Cup was an impressive tournament. I enjoyed every minute of it with my wife and friends. We are dedicated football fans though I am a veteran basketball player from l’Etoile Sportive du Sahel, from the coastal town of Sousse in Tunisia, with a scenic corniche and sandy beaches reminiscent of the Doha Corniche and its state-of-the-art old port. Coming back to Doha feels like home, and I am very pleased with the hosting and the organisation of the World Cup by Qatar, which represents 450mn Arabs through this edition of the World Cup. "All the procedures are seamless - from booking our tickets to arrival at Hamad International Airport and getting our Hayya cards to travelling around Doha and its suburbs. We find Qatar very welcoming to visitors, we are revisiting Doha not only for football, but are also looking forward to enjoy cultural and musical events and fan festivals. Not to forget visiting Souq Waqif, Katara, museums, Lusail, trendy restaurants and other place.”

After two successful years of delivery service, the Guilt Free Company launched its dining service on September 31. The restaurant is located in the chic neighbourhood of the Pearl, Marina, Tower 16, with a sea view. Cortado, espresso, hot chocolate, macchiato, cappucino Snickers bar Rainbow pancake The Guilt Free Company, an iconic lifestyle company made in Qatar, promotes health, through nutrition and fitness, and socio-environmental awareness. Good nutrition is offered by way of healthier choices. The Guilt Free Company’s initial intention is to start with changing peoples’ opinions and beliefs about nutrition, to encourage strong convictions and optimise their health on a long-term basis. Banana bread Monster cookies Snickers cake The Guilt Free Company’s innovation consists of providing healthy and delicious food and beverages with natural ingredients with a view to educate people to make better nutrition choices. The Guilt Free Company’s key ingredients comprise super foods and organic and fresh ingredients, their bread and tacos are gluten free and baked in-house. A closer look shows GFC’s love for raw, organic and natural healthy food. One can eat even sweet food and still feel good, guilt-free and look great. As sugar is proven to be very addictive, GFC offers guilt-free options with natural sweeteners. Rip eye beef burger Spirulina latte Black beans quiona salad Flower bomb The Guilt Free Company’s products provide healthy fats for body and brain functions. Replete with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, they can be ideal pre-workout and post-work out treats, meeting energy demands and facilitating proper muscle growth. The Guilt Free Company’s best sellers include Black beans quinoa salad, Rip eye beef burger, Snickers cake, Banana bread, Rainbow pancake, Spirulina latte, Flower bomb, Snickers bar, and Monster cookies. The Guilt Free Company has its own online store and delivery system, apart from a strong presence on platforms such as talabat, Carriage, Rafeeq, Deliveroo and Snoonu. To get in touch Tel.: +974 5033 9033 Email: info@the guiltfreecompany.com Web: the guiltfreecompany.com Facebook and Instagram: m/theguiltfreecompany

The unfounded campaigns against Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 will end when the tournament starts, a session on Qatar 2022 Media Coverage & Trends was told Tuesday. "The facts that will emerge after the World Cup will be more important and greater than that of organising the event, as we are talking about a legacy," observed Hafeez Eldaraji, analyst and sport commentator, beIN Sport channels. He was speaking at a session organised by the Journalist Programme at the School of Social Science and Humanities at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). The other members of the panel were Mohammed al-Khanji, manager of local and regional media at the SC; Majed al-Khalifi, editor-in-chief, Stad alDoha Sport Magazine, and Meshal Shaker, sports media figure and TV presenter, Al Kass Sport Channel. The session was and moderated by Asya Abdulla, a student of the journalist programme and senior presenter and commentator, beIN Sport channels. The session revolved around four axes: the coverage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the unfounded campaigns by a number of foreign elements against Qatar, the image that is going to be conveyed by Qatari sports channels, and the role of social media. Al-Khanji pointed out that the volume of criticism that Qatar has been subjected to in the last 12 years since it was chosen to host the World Cup, is similar to that the other host countries also faced. Al-Khalifi was of the view that Qatar has witnessed tremendous growth on all fronts ever since it won the World Cup bid. Shaker shared the same views with other speakers.

The Ned Doha, a members' club and hotel in the heart of Doha, is set to open its doors in mid-November, right in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Located in the former Ministry of the Interior building, The Ned Doha is on the Corniche waterfront, with views over the Arabian Gulf, city parklands and the neighbouring Doha Palace. Originally designed by the acclaimed Lebanese architect William Sednaoui in the 1960s, the 500,000sq ft site now has members’ spaces, 90 bedrooms and 12 suites and seven restaurants, plus a health club with spa, gym, 30m outdoor pool and event spaces. The Ned Doha is set over five floors with architecture by David Chipperfield Architects and interiors by Soho House Design. The team used The Ned London as their inspiration to create a ground floor Atrium with a live performance stage at its heart, surrounded by restaurants. Digitally generated image of The Ned Doha, as seen from the backwater. The Ned Doha general manager, Niels Kristensen told Gulf Times during an exclusive preview Thursday that "We are planning to open to the public in mid-November in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening match, with a full house. "The Ned is a model created in 2017 by Soho House founder and CEO Nick Jones that we had quite good success in London. We are also bringing a members’ club, we spent nine months to create this community. The fourth floor area is purely for the members, who can access the members’ areas in Ned London, and in Ned mid-town New York. We are bridging the cultures here, in Europe and other places. "The view from the fourth floor here is spectacular, it reminds me of the view in Brooklyn overlooking Manhattan. The view of West Bay is stunning and the location here is amazing and also it is an old 1970’s historic building. You can notice that in some of the furnitures and the fittings,” he said. In another nod to the original Ned, green Tinos marble has been used throughout the ground floor areas. Outside, a lush oasis-in-the-city garden has been created, with water features, space for contemporary sculptures and a pergola design to provide sun-dappled shade. On the rooftop, Ned’s Club Upstairs acts as a beacon of 70s glamour, with a warm wood palette, touches of gold, statement furniture, silk rugs and modern lighting. There is a stage which will feature live music and entertainment, and views overlooking the West Bay and the Diwan. The Ned has a total 90 bedrooms ranging in size from Cosy, Medium and Large, including 12 suites, all of which have outdoor balconies. The rooms channel a glamorous 1970s design, with silk drapes, plush velvet woven fabric headboards and marble furniture. The original coffered concrete ceilings of many rooms have been retained and restored to keep the original character of this landmark building. The Ned Doha is home to the Corniche Hall, with its own private entrance, for hosting large scale conferences, events and standing receptions for up to 600 people. Filled with natural daylight, the hall is arranged around a landscaped courtyard which also provides additional outdoor event space. Ned’s Club Pool is situated in a 1970s inspired area with private cabanas overlooking a bold green 30m pool, terrazzo flooring and green and white striped daybeds. The Malibu Kitchen is a Californian inspired, air-conditioned, outdoor restaurant will be open to the public all year around. Hadika is a Levantine restaurant focusing on Mezzeh family style food is situated in a beautiful shaded outdoor garden with three private dining rooms. The Ned Doha art collection brings together 150 works of local and regional artists, many of which have been commissioned specifically. The art collection is curated by the co-founders of Mathqaf, Wadha al-Aqeedi and Elina Sairanen. Ned’s Club Membership starts at $6,500 with no joining fee for founders and $7,500 with a $1,000 joining fee thereafter. Membership enquiries can be had at [email protected]  

Breast cancer awareness day was marked at Marble Medical Center, Lusail, on Wednesday  with participation from a number of physicians, plastic surgeons, health educators, and activists. October 13, is the breast cancer awareness day. Gynaecologist Dr Maram Karkar introduced the topic to the audience and stressed the importance of early detection through periodic breast self-examination, a simple procedure which could be conveniently done at home, in privacy. Speaking to Gulf Times, Dr Karkar explained that about 80% of the early detected cases of breast cancer are identified by the women concerned themselves. Early detection helps to achieve the cure in about 95% of cases. "Self-examination should be routinely performed on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle after twenty years of age. It takes about five minutes and helps to reassure about the natural texture, size and shape of the breasts. However, it does not replace a doctor’s examination or the mammogram, especially when there is a family history. "It is very important to note that one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes around the world, and a woman dies every 13 minutes from this disease. Also, one to three out of every eight women are exposed to the disease at some point in their lives. Most cases occur between 30 to 44. "Danger signs appear after 35, because of obesity, alcohol abuse, smoking, and lack of movement and exercise. A mammogram is recommended every two years for women over 45. Some blood tests can be done for women with a family history or the risk factors. There are some foods such as tomatoes, garlic, onions, green tea, and turmeric that protect and fight breast cancer," she added. Plastic surgeon Dr Sara Ghorbani, with over 18 years’ experience in cosmetic surgery, spoke about recent research on breast cancer risks and told Gulf Times that breast implants does not increase the risk of the disease. Instead, in women who have breast implants, breast cancer can be diagnosed in earlier stages, zero or stage one as they undergo regular examinations. Qatar Cancer Society's (QCS) specialist health educator Noor Hamad spoke about the importance of breast cancer awareness campaigns and the positive results achieved in Qatar. She told Gulf Times that “the month of October is the breast cancer awareness month and QCS is keen to raise awareness about the disease as it is widespread among women. "I advise women from 20 to 44 to consult their doctor in case of any pain or if they notice any change during their periodic breast self-examination. Women above 45 have to undergo a mammogram examination. QCS campaigns have reached schools, universities and health centres, government institutions. So women’s awareness about breast cancer and its prevention has increased considerably and they are willingly attending regular examinations,” she concluded.