Setting golden benchmarks of running an exceptional Asian restaurant
Reading Time: 3 minutesGeneral manager of restaurant Morimoto Paulo Bastos peaks about the Distinguished Service Award from Michelin Guide won recently by the restaurant and what it means to the establishment. BL: What does winning the Michelin Award for distinguished service mean for restaurant? Bastos: Winning a Michelin Award for distinguished service signifies that Morimoto has achieved exceptional excellence in its hospitality and customer service. It reflects the establishment’s ability to provide a seamless, welcoming, and memorable dining experience, including professionalism, attentiveness, genuine care and a warm atmosphere. This recognition enhances our reputation, attracts more guests and positions it as a leader in the fine dining industry. BL: As a restaurant manager what are the top five things that you espouse for the betterment of Morimoto Doha?Bastos: The five key principles I uphold to elevate Morimoto Doha are: delivering outstanding customer service; ensuring consistent excellence in food quality; prioritizing employee growth and well-being; embracing innovation; and maintaining adaptability to stay ahead. BL: Given your hospitality experience, what new have you introduced to the restaurant that has consistency with the golden benchmarks of running an Asian restaurant?Bastos: At Morimoto Doha, we have introduced several elements that elevate the dining experience while staying true to the golden benchmarks of running an exceptional Asian restaurant: Refined sushi omakase service: In Doha, we have implemented a personalised sushi omakase experience, where guests are guided through a journey of curated dishes prepared by our chefs. This style of service not only highlights the artistry of Japanese cuisine but also creates an intimate and memorable connection with our patrons. Exclusive culinary offers: Our menu in Doha features unique offerings tailored to the local market, including regionally inspired dishes that incorporate premium ingredients such as saffron, local seafood, and spices while maintaining the authenticity and innovation that define Morimoto. This ensures our menu stands out from what is commonly available in the market. Interactive dining concepts: To differentiate ourselves, we’ve incorporated interactive dining elements such as live sushi masterclasses giving guests the opportunity to witness the precision and expertise of our chefs firsthand. Special events regularly: Hosting seasonal and cultural dining events such as sake and elevated drinks masterclasses, Kai Tai shows , ichiba offers, all with an eye to help reinforce the authenticityof our brand while providing something unique and at the same time, standing out as a pioneer in the local dining scene. BL: The business of food is also an art. What is your take on this?Bastos: The business of food is undeniably an art – one that transcends nourishment to evoke emotion and connection. Each dish is a canvas, where flavours, textures, and colors tell a story, celebrating tradition while daring to innovate. In Qatar, where food is both a cultural celebration and a sensory journey, this artistry takes on profound meaning, bridging heritage with modernity and creating experiences that linger in memory. The art of food lies in crafting not just meals, but moments that resonate deeply. SIDEBAR: “Our recipes capture the true essence of the Morimoto brand”: Restaurant manager Paulo Bastos Culinary excellence: Every dish must showcase premium ingredients and exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting Morimoto’s dedication to innovative techniques and unforgettable flavours. Authenticity with innovation: The menu should blend traditional Japanese culinary heritage with modern, creative twists that embody the Morimoto ethos. Seasonality and sustainability: Prioritising fresh, in-season, and sustainably sourced ingredients to ensure outstanding flavour and environmental responsibility. Visual presentation: Each plate must be crafted with precision and elegance, reflecting the aesthetic sophistication synonymous with Morimoto. Consistency: Recipes are standardised to guarantee a consistently exceptional dining experience across every visit. Guest-centric approach: Menus are thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and restrictions while maintaining authenticity and quality. Harmonised flavours: Dishes must achieve a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas, embodying Morimoto’s philosophy of culinary harmony. By upholding these standards, we deliver menus that capture the true essence of the Morimoto brand.
Atomic Habits: What makes or breaks us
Reading Time: 2 minutesJames Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, delves deep into the power of small habits and their ability to make a big impact on our lives. It offers practical strategies and insightful anecdotes to help readers understand how to build and break habits effectively. The author emphasises that change does not occur overnight, but rather through the accumulation of small, consistent actions and outlines a simple yet powerful framework: the four laws of behaviour change which consists of making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. These laws, when applied appropriately, can help readers create desirable habits and eliminate undesirable ones. His whole philosophy is based on the idea of making tiny, or “atom-like” changes. And then those small changes snowball. Clear backs up his claims and advice with scientific research and studies, by illustrating the psychology and neuroscience behind habit formation, and provides a solid foundation for his suggestions. This evidence-based approach adds weight to the ideas presented, making them more compelling. What sets Atomic Habits apart from other self-help books is its practicality. Clear breaks down the process of habit formation into easy-to-follow steps, making it more likely for readers to take action and see real progress, providing various techniques to overcome common stumbling blocks along the way, such as habit stacking and habit tracking, making it easier for readers to build in accountability. This is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their lives by harnessing the power of habit. The four laws
Sidra Medicine launches Qatar’s first cord blood bank
Reading Time: 2 minutesSidra Medicine has recently launched the country’s first cord-blood banking service which will offer families a unique opportunity to preserve families’ newborns’ stem cells in Qatar, for potential future medical needs. This has been under a partnership with CellSave Arabia, a leading name in the field of biotechnology research. Cord blood banking is the process of collecting and storing the blood from a newborn’s umbilical cord and placenta after birth. The collection is painless, non-invasive, and risk-free for the mother and baby. Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which have the potential to treat various medical conditions, including certain cancers, blood disorders, and immune system diseases. Professor Johnny Awwad, chair of women’s services at Sidra Medicine said: “As the only facility in Qatar providing local cord blood storage, Sidra Medicine offers an unparalleled advantage by keeping the samples in the country. This ensures their optimal quality and immediate access when needed most, compared to having them shipped from abroad. Cord blood is increasingly being stored by parents everywhere, who are seeking to preserve their child’s stem cells as they can be crucial for their child or their sibling/s in the future. Our commitment to the latest technology and international standards further guarantees the utmost reliability and peace of mind for families in Qatar.” All the cord blood samples will be sent to Sidra Medicine’s Cord Blood Bank in its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, where cryogenic freezing will allow them to be stored securely for over 30 years. To expand its reach to other families in Qatar, Sidra Medicine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CellSave Arabia, and the services are available to any family in the country choosing the joint Sidra Medicine and CellSave Arabia service as their stem cell storage provider regardless of whichever hospital their baby is born in. Alia Abdel-Razeq, COO of CellSave Arabia said at the MoU signing ceremony with Sidra Medicine: “Partnering with Sidra Medicine marks a pivotal step in our commitment to healthcare innovation in Qatar. By utilizing Sidra Medicine’s exceptional facilities and expertise, we can significantly elevate our service offerings, ensuring that families in Qatar have access to vital stem cell banking services that support their future health needs.”
Sartoro Genève and AlFardan Jewellery Present Exclusive High Jewellery Showcase at Corinthia Yacht Club
Reading Time: 2 minutesSartoro Genève, in collaboration with AlFardan Jewellery, hosted an exclusive afternoon tea reception at the Corinthia Yacht Club. The event, held on December 16, 2024, brought together Sartoro’s esteemed clients and members of the Corinthia Yacht Club for an intimate and sophisticated showcase of the Maison’s high jewellery collection. Guests were treated to an immersive experience, discovering Sartoro Genève’s impeccable creations, each radiating elegance and expert craftsmanship. The curated display, set against the luxurious backdrop of the Corinthia Yacht Club, was complemented by an elegant afternoon tea, allowing guests to connect and enjoy the Maison’s artistry in a refined setting. This exclusive event marked a memorable celebration of jewellery, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. About Sartoro Genève:Sartoro, a visionary Fine and High Jewellery Maison based in Geneva, stands as a pillar of trust in the heart of the city, where three generations converge. Its commitment to excellence is showcased through innovative creations and unrivalled quality, designed to set apart, telling the unique story of the wearer’s essence. Founded in 2001 by Arto and Saro Artinian, the Maison’s enduring dedication to transparency in craftsmanship is upheld by its in-house artisans, who meticulously source, select, cut, and craft each creation. Rooted in a rich family legacy and guided by ethical principles and familial connection, Sartoro fosters a sense of trust and reliability, preserving tradition and delivering exceptional creations. As a family business, the Maison’s commitment to client relationships, founders’ active engagement, and above-and-beyond client care contribute to a deeply personal and cherished journey for every individual.
Qatar Calendar kicks off 2025 with a diverse schedule of events
Reading Time: 2 minutesVisit Qatar begins the year with a vibrant selection of activities and experiences across business events, entertainment, culture, and sport. The exciting Qatar Calendar 2025 promises dynamic events that position Qatar as a destination where visitors can create lasting memories and enjoy family- friendly events. The month of January kicked off with the Shop Qatar Festival 2025 which will run until February 1. The festival features discounts, daily entertainment, and opportunities to win major prizes. Visit Qatar is hosting a first-of-its-kind multi-activity desert experiences one is Sealine Season at Sealine Beach, taking place over three weeks from January 3 to 27 with activities spanning sports, entertainment, cultural displays, and engaging attractions. The other activation is Ras Abrouq, running until January 18, hosting special activities for everyone. Today on January 5 the Trophée des Champions Visit Qatar is set to take place at 974 Stadium. Msheireb Museums will host Hosh Msheireb from January 2, offering cultural activities until January 31. Several 2024 events will conclude in January, providing visitors with the final chance to attend. The Voyage Through the Golden Sands Exhibition at Katara ends on January 7, showcasing Qatar’s desert landscapes. The Crafting Design Futures at the Museum of Islamic Art will end on January 7, highlighting creative collaborations between Qatari and Moroccan artisans. Additionally, the Textile hand-weaving workshop at Liwan Studios concludes today on January 5. Visit Qatar promises line-up of diverse events throughout the year. End of January, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025 returns with its 21st edition, promising to captivate attendees with its exclusive showcase of luxury and craftsmanship. Web Summit Qatar 2025 returns in February, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the globe for the Middle Eastern edition of the world’s largest technology conference. April will witness the Ed Sheeran’s Global +–=÷x Tour 2025 at the state-of-the-art Lusail Multipurpose Hall, offering fans a world-class musical experience. Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2025 will return for its 14th edition in February. The second edition of the Luminous Festival promises a captivating celebration of light and art in March, while in February the ATP Open Qatar will thrill tennis fans with world-class matches. Adding to the excitement, the E1 Doha Grand Prix will host the world’s first all-electric raceboat series, taking place in February. To not miss out on any Qatar Calander’s 2025 events and to stay updated on all events information, visit www.visitqatar.com, download the Visit Qatar app, and follow @QatarCalendar on social media.
Business Leaders – December 2024
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Auto Class Cars continues the ‘End of Year’ offer on Maxus D60 and D90 SUVs
Reading Time: 3 minutesDoha, Qatar, 28 December 2024: Auto Class cars, the authorized general distributor of Maxus in Qatar, continues its ‘End of Year’ special offer on the MAXUS D60 and D90 SUVs. The vehicles are available at Auto Class Cars, the authorized general distributor of Maxus in Qatar, at their showroom on Salwa Road in Doha. Valid until 15 January 2025, the offer allows customers to purchase the Maxus D60 at a starting price of QAR 64,000, and the Maxus D90 at a starting price of QAR 102,000. The offer comprises a package of benefits including free registration and comprehensive insurance for the first year, 5 years warranty or 130,000 km(whichever comes first), and a free window tinting. Customers also have the option of in-house financing from NBK Financial Services (terms and conditions apply). The Maxus D90 The Maxus D90 has achieved a five-star rating in the ANCAP safety assessment, making it one of the safest vehicles in its SUV category. In addition to features such as diamond-shaped stitching, 21-inch wheels, a 3D dashboard, and a 12.3-inch screen, all seats in the Maxus D90, except for the driver’s seat, are now movable—offering a more flexible interior for passengers. Furthermore, the intelligent connected system enables functions such as auto payments, online music, online navigation, remote control, and voice interaction. The model is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 224 horsepower. It also comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system. The D90 features the popular “big mouth” style, with an aggressive lattice grille and stylish LED headlights. The model is also equipped with six-spoke wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior follows the Maxus family-style design, with a simple central console and a modern, independent LCD screen. Additionally, the dashboard design includes a large-size display screen, lane-departure warning system, 360-degree camera system, reversing camera, and LED headlights. Maxus D60 The MAXUS D60 is an SUV launched by SAIC-MAXUS, positioned as a mid-sized SUV offering a 7-seat layout. The D60 made its global debut with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed DCT under its hood. This setup generates a respectable 159 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Its massive octagonal grille features a honeycomb-like design, flanked by aggressive-looking swept-back headlamps and sporty fog lamps. The D60 also features an 8-inch infotainment display complemented by a 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument panel. As a mid-sized SUV designed for families, it prioritizes practicality in its interior design. A large area of soft material is used above the center console to highlight its premium texture. Formerly known as Leyland DAF Vans (LDV), Maxus is part of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), one of the most respected companies in the production of light passenger and cargo vehicles. It embodies a century of experience and unmatched technical prowess in commercial vehicle development.
Shop Qatar 2025 Returns with Grand Offers, Entertainment, and Prizes
Reading Time: 3 minutesVisit Qatar has announced the return of Shop Qatar, the country’s largest and most anticipated shopping festival, set to run from January 1 to February 1, 2025, under the theme “Your Shopping Playground.” The month-long festival will feature 20 participating malls and shopping destinations, including Place Vendôme and Doha Festival City, each promising unbeatable discounts, family-friendly entertainment, exciting competitions, and incredible raffle prizes. Building on the success of previous editions, Shop Qatar 2025 promises an action-packed lineup of experiences, with exclusive offers from luxury, high-street, and local retailers. Every Friday, a weekly raffle draw will reward winners with extraordinary prizes including luxury Exeed cars, cash rewards ranging from QAR 10,000 to QAR 100,000, and the grand prize of a Tesla Cybertruck. Residents and visitors can also enjoy interactive activity corners including games, roaming parades, and meet-and-greets with beloved Spacetoon characters. Eng. Ahmed Albinali, Director of Festivals & Events, Visit Qatar, said: “Shop Qatar continues to be one of Qatar’s flagship events, attracting residents and visitors alike to enjoy a month of shopping and entertainment. The 9th edition brings together retail, culture, and family-friendly activities, reflecting Qatar’s position as a hub for world-class experiences. This success is made possible through the continued support of our partners. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this festival, which promises to set new benchmarks in entertainment and shopping experiences.” Opening and closing ceremonies The festival will open with a ceremony at Place Vendôme on January 1, 2025, featuring a live performance by renowned Lebanese singer Abeer Nehme alongside vibrant parades. Visitors can also enjoy appearances by influencers, engaging competitions, and exclusive announcements. The closing ceremony, scheduled for February 1, 2025, at Doha Festival City, will host the final raffle draw with the announcement of the Tesla Cybertruck winner and other major prizes. The evening will also feature special performances, surprise guests, and the Mall & Retail Awards, which will recognise excellence in branding, customer experience, and team efforts. Entertainment Schedule Shop Qatar 2025 will host entertainment for families and children, ensuring enjoyable experiences for visitors of all ages. A variety of activations will be featured across participating malls, including: Participating Malls and Shopping Venues This year’s festival will span 20 locations across Qatar, including: Place Vendôme, Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar, City Center Mall, Landmark Mall, Villaggio, Lagoona Mall, Al Hazm, Hyatt Plaza, Tawar Mall, Al Khor Mall, Msheireb Galleria, Doha Old Port, Lusail Boulevard, Doha Oasis, Gulf Mall, Abu Sidra Mall, The Doha Mall, Ezdan Al Wakra, and The Gate Mall. Raffle Draws and Prizes Shoppers can participate in raffle draws by spending QAR 200 at any participating venue and redeeming receipts at designated redemption booths. Weekly draws will take place at the following locations: Prizes Include: Shopping Deals and Experiences Participating retailers will offer special discounts and promotions, across fashion, electronics, toys, beauty products, and homeware, ensuring a rewarding shopping experience for visitors. Exclusive activations will bring together renowned local and international brands in curated bazaars featuring traditional products such as perfumes, abayas, and handcrafted accessories.
Qatar’s Nuha Khogali qualifies in Dubai for the inaugural Formula Woman Global Nations Cup qualifying event
Reading Time: 2 minutesNuha Khogali proved she was on the pace to comfortably qualify at the Dubai Autodrome race circuit for next May’s FW Nations Cup finale. December 17th, 2024 – Dubai, UAE: Qatar racing driver Nuha Khogali successfully made it through the Formula Woman’s Nations Cup Qualifiers at the Dubai Autodrome, after three closely fought qualifying sessions in December. On a unique day for motorsport, we witnessed race action in the form of a time trial set-up at the Dubai Autodrome circuit for some of the best female racing drivers from across the globe. Nuha produced an impressive overall performance throughout the adrenalin sapping day, to comfortably move on to the highly anticipated Formula Woman Global Nations Cup main finale, scheduled to take place in Dubai next May. The qualifying event was made up of 38 selected drivers from almost 30 separate countries, which is a hugely impressive global cross section, which is down to the Formula Woman organisation and their extraordinary success of sourcing drivers who would most likely have never had the opportunity for competing at such a high level. Formula Woman Founder and CEO, Graeme Glew, reflected on the event, saying: “Congratulations to Nuha on getting through. She drove sensibly in all three qualifying sessions, and keeping a clear head helped her overall performance. With a bit more practice between now and May, she will undoubtedly be even quicker at the final next year. “There was some very impressive driving on show throughout the day and all the qualifiers will be delighted that they have made it through to Formula Woman Nations Cup. “There is so much talent within Formula Woman, and we are extremely proud to have hosted such a successful event, here in Dubai. However, nothing stands still and we have already switched our focus to the main event when we return in May next year. Dubai is an inspiring and exciting location for motorsport, and we are committed to continuing to grow the Formula Woman brand on a global level while using the impressive facilities available to us here.” Nuha was clearly thrilled with her result and excited about the future, especially the FW Nations Cup finale in May next year. She said, “It feels like an accomplishment and a relief at the same time. The pressure has dropped now, and I am ready to officially start training for the FW Nation’s Cup final in May next year. “Track time and practice sessions in the Radical racing car helped me qualify and the more I got settled into the car, the faster I became. The next few steps for me over the coming months are training and preparations. I aim to compete in local/regional races including the upcoming MENA karting Nations Cup, which is a major event here in the UAE, as well as do more testing of course. “FW has offered me and indeed all my fellow competitors the opportunity to showcase our skills, as well as the coaching and training time we need to succeed in motorsports and I will always be grateful to them for this. “My ultimate goal is to compete at the highest levels of motorsport, whether it’s Formula 1, Le Mans, or both. I think all people in sport must set their ambitions high and there is nothing wrong with that.” The Formula Woman Nations Cup will mark a truly special event in motorsport with its all-female grid and format. More details about the Dubai event and other Formula Woman information will be announced soon.
Premier Padel unveils 2025 Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour calendar
Reading Time: 3 minutesLONDON, DOHA – 23 December 2024 – Premier Padel, the leading official professional padel tour worldwide, today announced its eagerly anticipated 2025 calendar – with 24 tournaments across 16 countries, following its successful first season as a global tour. The 2025 season will feature at least 7 new locations including Miami, Buenos Aires, Cancun and Germany for the first time – significant additions across both the North and South American regions and Europe. The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour will start on 10 February 2025 – opening with the Riyadh Season P1.There will be two major new highlights in the 2025 calendar in March, with the tour travelling for inaugural tournaments in Miami and Cancun –held at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Cancun – before returning to Chile for a second time. Following a short return to Europe for tournaments in Belgium and the heartlands in Spain, the tour will make its way to Paraguay in May before debuting in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires. Europe will host several tournaments between June and October – including a mid-season break scheduled in August – with a return to several recognised countries and locations including Italy (Rome, Milano), Spain (Valladolid, Malaga, Madrid), France (Bordeaux, Paris*) and The Netherlands (Rotterdam). The European leg will also include the first tournament in Germany. The Tour will then return to the Middle East for tournaments in Egypt (NewGiza) and the UAE (Dubai) with the regular season concluding with the Mexico Major at the end of November. The International Padel Federation (FIP) will host its first edition of the FIP Intercontinental Cup in August, the equivalent of the Ryder and Laver Cup – ahead of the planned mid-season break – and FIP World Cup Pairs tournament in November. In terms of the four Majors, the 2025 season will see the world’s best players return to Qatar (14-19 April) and Italy (9-15 June) for two Major tournaments in the first half of the year, with France (8-14 September) and Mexico (24-30 November) hosting the remaining Major tournaments. The Qatar Airways Premier Padel Finals will return to Barcelona in 2025 for its second edition from 8-14 December. The top 16 ranked players in the FIP Race Ranking – in both the men’s and women’s competitions – will qualify for the Premier Padel season finale. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Premier Padel, said: “We are very proud to announce Premier Padel’s fantastic 2025 calendar, as we continue to propel the sport to new frontiers and take all aspects of the professional tour to the highest level. The 2025 calendar – developed in partnership with players and partners – shows our clear commitment to accelerate the global growth of padel and provide new and existing fans and players with an incredible experience of the Tour for many years.” Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Vice Chairman of Premier Padel, said:“This is another thrilling chapter for FIP and Premier Padel and the sport of padel as a whole. Our 2025 calendar brings professional padel to new and established markets and a more efficient schedule for players and fans. This magnificent calendar supports the exciting global growth of padel as one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing sports and is another milestone in our bid for Olympic inclusion.”
