I have to admit, it’s always exciting when a new venue is launched in Qatar. I always wonder if the club is going to be done right. From what I’m hearing so far, it sounds like it’s going to be fantastic. Global DJ’s “Master Jay” is now their resident DJ and he’ll be dishing out some great tunes. He gave me a personal call the other day and invited ILQ over for a bit of a tour and to judge for ourselves.

They’re located at the Intercontinental which is found between the Pearl and Westbay.

As long as they have great service, a great crowd, and great music; ILQ will be a supporter. I’ll post photos with ILQ’s own review soon.

I forgot to post this! The Villaggio cinema is open!

Here’s SaraCute’s comment!

I was walking last week around the Villaggio and saw a huge crowd around The One. I doubt many people were shopping for furniture, then I saw it!!!

The cinema is open! I dont know if it’s finished because I didn’t walk around, but it looks kind of plain and didn’t feel like a ‘normal’ cinema.

They’ve also got iMAX!!

Original thread here

I was walking last week around the Villaggio and saw a huge crowd around The One. I doubt many people were shopping for furniture, then I saw it!

The cinema is open! I dont know if it’s finished because I didn’t walk around, but it looks kind of plain and didn’t feel like a ‘normal’ cinema.

They’ve also got iMAX!

Seems like Qatar is lighting up with stars! Just yesterday a friend comes to my desk and says ‘Do you know that Brad Pitt and Angelina are having lunch at the W Hotel?’

It was an awesome feeling just to know that they’re here in Doha. Loads of celebrities are here supporting a couple of events.

We’ve got the Doha Tribbeca Film Festival (which is still going on and is at the Corniche, has it’s own out door cinema set up, fireworks at night, partly hosted in the Museum of Islamic Art, and is doing stuff all over.

Then there’s an ILQ supported event by 21st Century Leaders. They’ve brought over celebrities to take part in a charitable event including Sir Ben Kingsely and Josh Hartnett (perhaps we’ll be able to get a few ILQ shout-outs!).
It’s a fantastic concept. Tell celebrities to draw something related to peace, put it on merchandise, sell it, and then give the profits to charity.

I’m very proud that iLoveQatar.net will be working closely with them to support charitable causes! If you’ve got an idea or a suggestion, do let me know!

Also! What other celebrities have you heard are here?

My Grandmother (God rest her soul) was a great person, she sadly died of a rare form of cancer and it was a great blow to our family. (But I can proudly say that she did a lot of good in this world before going off to heaven )

Think Pink Qatar aims at trying to create a support group, increase awareness, and hopefully influence those who can, to donate in the fight against breast cancer.

For those who didn’t already know, here’s a reminder about The Walk for Life! <— Click there more more information.

There’s some great supporters of this! Just to recognize them, iLoveQatar.net (Our second year now!), Vodafone, Qatar Happening, HSBC, Qatar Gas, Toyota, and Harely Davidson. (I’m sorry if I didn’t mention someone.)

Just thought I’d mention that if you’re looking for Halloween Event in Qatar then head on down to ILQ’s events section. If you’ve got your own event going on, be sure to share it with us all as well!

Qatar Events <—- Click there!

Not a lot of people know this, but I just thought I’d share what Salam means since if you’re in Qatar, you’ve probably heard it quite a lot.

No I’m not talking about the shop, but rather the greeting. Salam literally means ‘peace’. It’s a way of encouraging people to see and seek peace.

Culturally, the person who enters a room is the one who greets or says “Salam”. A person who leaves the room can also be kind enough to wish you ‘peace’ before leaving.

When in an elevator, I usually smile and say salam, and then say it again as I exit. Of course this is the case in any welcoming environment.

There are a few replies to Salam as well.

“Wa alykum al salam” is the standard response which means “And peace with you too”. However in the interest of simplicity, you can simply say ‘Al Salam’.

So go on, with your new found knowledge, learn to say Salam more! A simple word that’ll give people a smile for the day.

So it’s not a huge place but it definately has style. Imagine a twist between traditional Qatar infused with old China. That’s the image that Soy portrayed with their version of China town. When I mentioned it to a couple of people, they didn’t even know it existed! It DOES and it’s right opposite of Haagen Dazs. To get to it you have to go through a small alleyway. They’ve got Karaoke, Dining rooms, sushi bars, chinese shops, massage and sheesha!

More pictures here.

It looks like May is going to be one of those party months! I’m personally excited about it! Here’s a micro-calendar focusing on music that I quickly put together. We’ve got a bit of R&B, House, Electro, Orchestra, Techno, Soul, Jazz, and more. Something to suit everyone (I hope).

Click here for the event information
(Local Love, D.O.N.S, Enrique Iglesias, Beachfest, Akon, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Doha Jazz)

Edit: Updated calendar

The social event was very nice! The weather was very relaxing and it was nice having some hot chocolate and enjoying a cinnabun next to the sea. It was great to see so many Qataris turn up and mix in with everyone!

Will post pics soon!

Time for another outing. We were VERY pleased with the fact that Souq Seekers had a nice turn out! We thought it’d be nice for all you ILQers to come and meet each other. Perhaps some new faces to join the crowd.

Of course if it’s your first time, don’t worry, we’re a friendly bunch!

We’re planning Thursday 16th April at 7:30 at The Pearl (The Island not the Club ). Come and enjoy some sea-side views, some snacks and chilaxation!

The location is at the Pearl Corniche by Cinnabon. Of course give me a call if you get lost! Just pm me and I’ll give you my number if you dont have it.

More info here