Horse Racing - Qatar International Derby - 29th 30th December 2015

Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club will be having the first horse racing events for the new season, this week for this season.

21st Race Meeting

Date:  Tuesday 29th December 2015

Time: 5pm to 8.30pm

Number of Races: 7

Venue: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

(GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for equestrian)

22nd Race Meeting

Date: Wednesday 30th December 2015

Time: 5pm - 8.30pm

Number of Races: 7

Venue: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

(GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for equestrian)

Qatar Mile - Round 1 - 2015/2016

Known to be the biggest speed festival in the region Qatar Mile kicks off this Friday and will provide entertainment for race and speed lovers this weekend which will continue till April 2015. Entrance is free for public and you can register for free here

Dates: Friday 25th & Saturday 26th December 2015

Time: 9am to 5pm

Venue: Al Khor Airport (Location details could be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for Al Khor Airport)

This event is organized by Qatar Racing Club and allows participants to reach their top speed over a distance of 804m, on an actual airport runway!

Many enthusiastic performers participate in Qatar Mile from the region and this event provides a great atmosphere at the Al Khor Air strip for a family day out with entertainment activities for the whole family. All details of Qatar Mile and schedules could be found here 

All location and details of Qatar Racing Club and Al Khor Airport could be found at www.rush360.qa

Horse Racing - 23rd & 24th December 2015

Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club will be having the first horse racing events for the new season, this week for this season.

19th Race Meeting

Date:  Wednesday 23rd December 2015

Time: 5pm to 8pm

Number of Races: 7

Venue: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

(GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for equestrian)

20th Race Meeting

Date: Thursday 24th December 2015

Time: 5pm - 8pm

Number of Races: 7

Venue: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

(GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for equestrian)

Winter Workshop by N Studio - 26th-27th December 2015

Your kids can enjoy the cool days with a basic Terracotta Jewellery making and ceramic painting workshop this winter with Noorul at N Studio. 

Terracotta Jewellery:
This course explores the possibility of making jewellery out of Air-Dry clay, bringing out different textures, impressions, shapes and embedding objects into clay to create your own unique hand-made necklace

Ceramic Painting:
Painting your own imagination on dried ceramic work.


Course Outline:

• Introduction to the types of Clay used in Jewellery Supplies, materials and its resources Moulding , Shaping , Texturing , Bead Holing and embedding in clay
• Functional application of the tools and materials.
• Painting the air dried pieces and its beading .
• Finishing techniques and clasp procedures
• Kids can make the clay Jewellery of their imagination and we will provide them with dried one to paint and make into necklace. 
• For ceramic painting we will provide with dried ceramic work to paint

Date: Saturday 26th & 27th December 2015
Time: Duration: 9am to 11am
Venue: Ezdan 24, Al Wakra
Cost: Inclusive of all materials - QR 75 ( for group per child, number of kids minimum 4), QR100 Individual
Key Takeaways: Dried Jewellery and painted Jewellery the kids make
Registration: Please mention the age of the child when booking your spot. Contact Noorul  on ☎️33251825 or email N Studio at nstudio247@gmail.com
(All details of N Studio could be found at www.rush360.qa search for N Studio)

The Colours of Desert - Art & Painting Exhibition by MAPS 10th -19th December 2015

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance"

The Katara Amphitheater will be bubbling with some breathtaking paintings bringing out the inward significance of each artwork all done by a talented group of Artists here in Doha who belong to the committed organization MAPS.


Middle-east Art & Silk Painters (MAPS) is a Chapter of Silk Painters International (SPIN), USA founded and headed by Rashmi Agarwal a popular Fine Silk Artist who has been nurturing and empowering the Art Community in Qatar.

According to MAPS "Exhibitions and Galleries are important stepping stones for aspiring artists, and MAPS will always give our members a chance to shine before they step into the "real world" as practicing artists" And this is will be evident at the exhibition of Colours of Desert which will run from 10th -19th December 2015  these days at Katara from 10am to 10pm

Added to many wonderful art work on display by 23 artists based in Doha there will also be an exclusive handmade craft fair during these days at Katara Amphitheater.

MAPS Handmade Craft Fair

Keep the dates free. Art lovers are are in for a great treat. Here are some pictures from the last year's "Colours of Dessert" exhibition captured exclusively by Rush360' Qatar Team. Enjoy!

Endurocross Championship - Round 1 2015/2016

Endurocross Championship organized by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) will be held this Friday.

Date: Friday 30th October Time: 10.30am to 4pm
Venue: Sealine Golden Beach Area (GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for Sealine Beach)
Schedule: Click here
Entrance is free. Enjoy the stunt and speed!

Qatar Drift Championship - Round 2 2015/2016 - 29th 30th October

View this post and more here

Watch the local and regional drifters race to test their skills this weekend at the Qatar Racing Club.

Drifting refers to a driving technique and to a Motorsport where the driver intentionally over steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while maintaining vehicle control and a high exit speed.

Dates: Thursday 29th  and Friday 30th October 2015
Times: 6pm onwards
Tickets: Free
Venue: Qatar Racing Club
(GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for QRC)

Horse Racing - 28th and 29th October 2015

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Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club will be having the first horse racing events for the new season, this week for this season.

1st Race Meeting

Date:  Wednesday 28th October 2015

Time: 5pm to 8pm

Number of Races: 6

Venue: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

(GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for equestrian)

2nd Race Meeting

Date: Thursday 29th October 2015

Time: 5pm - 8.45pm

Number of Races: 7

Venue: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

(GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for equestrian)

Qatar Optimist Asian and Oceanian Championship - 25th to 30th October

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Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation (also known as Doha Sailing Club) is hosting the Qatar Optimist Asian and Oceanian Championship at Katara Cultural Village. Its open for public to watch and entrance is free!

Dates and Timings: Sunday 25th October to 30th October 2015 from 11am onwards

Venue: Doha Sailing Club - Katara Cultural Village (Location Map at www.rush360.qa search for DSC)


This Sailing Competition is for Children aged 8 to 14 and the kids look very confident and cute sailing, displaying their talents and courage. 120 youngsters from 17 countries battle it out for the top spot.

Highlights - World Superbike Championship - Round 13 & QSBK Round 2

View this post and photo gallery here

Losail International Circuit witnessed yet another spectacular World Superbike Championship!

The final FIM Superbike World Championship race of 2015 was won on the final lap after another race-long fight as Leon Haslam (Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils), who took his second win of the year – the fifth of his WorldSBK career – beat Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati SBK Team). In securing 2nd, the Welshman also claimed the runner-up spot in the final standings ahead of Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), who came home third. Leon’s winning margin was 0.110s and his victory gave Aprilia a double win in the season finale, just as they had one year ago under Qatar’s floodlights.

Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Superbike) completed his debut WorldSBK year with another strong showing, the Dutchman finishing fourth after running in the leading group for the first 12 laps, before dropping back a little in the closing stages.

The other big news of Race 2 was Jonathan Rea’s first DNF of the season, which put an end to his hopes of setting a new outright points record in the series; the 2015 World Championship had to pull out on lap 6 as his KRT machine suffered a technical problem.

Sylvain Guintoli was fifth on his last race for Pata Honda. The 2014 champion ended the night’s second 17-lap encounter a fraction of a second ahead of Leandro Mercado (Barni Racing), who took a season’s best sixth.

Seventh was Randy de Puniet (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), who equalled his previous best result of the season, while 8th to 10th went to Niccolò Canepa (Althea Racing Ducati), David Salom (Team Pedercini Kawasaki) and Ayrton Badovini (BMW Motorrad Italia).

The final point scorers in Race 2 were Christophe Ponsson (Team Pedercini), Gianluca Vizziello (Grillini SBK Team), Gabor Rizmayer (BMW Team Toth), Imre Toth (BMW Team Toth) and Alex Phillis who scored his first WorldSBK championship point.

Xavi Fores (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team) did not compete in Race 2 after withdrawing through illness while Alex Lowes retired his Voltcom Crescent Suzuki at the end of the opening lap. Leon Camier (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was able to start the second encounter but he too to finish for the second time today.

WorldSBK Qatar - Race 2

1 - Leon Haslam Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils

2 - Chaz Davies Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Superbike Team +0.110

3 - Tom Sykes Kawasaki Racing Team +0.388

Final standings

1 - Jonathan Rea Kawasaki Racing Team 548

2 - Chaz Davies Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Superbike Team 416 (-132)

3 - Tom Sykes Kawasaki Racing Team 399 (-149)

(As provided by World Superbike Press Office)

The 2015 eni FIM Superbike World Championship had its very last moment on Monday, October 19th as the top World Superbike and Supersport riders and teams, along with the WorldSBK, FIM and media representatives gathered together for the annual Prize-Giving Ceremony at the St. Regis Hotel in Doha.

Additionally our local and regional riders also showcased their skills and talent at Qatar Superbike Championship Round 2 which was held along with International event.

The second race of Qatar Superbike had the same winners as race one, with the win of Alex Cudlin and Al Naimi and Al Malki second and third respectively.  In the first two laps of the race, Al Malki took the lead  but in the third lap, he came into the third position, with Al Naimi in second and Cudlin in front position. 

In the veterans category, the podium was also the same as first race, with Ian Maud first in the category and Christopher Bell and Martin Bexon second and third.

In the Qatar Supersport race 2, Abdulaziz Bin Ladin won again in this championship and he increases the lead ahead of Fahid Al Sowaidi. The Saudi Arabian rider who started on pole, took the lead until the checkered flag and gave no chance to Fahid Al Sowaidi to overtake him.  Al Sowaidi ended in second place and Ahmed Al Muyini came third, same podium as in the first race.

American rider Shelina Moreda was the first women in her category in the second race of the day.

The next round for Qatar Superbike and Qatar Supersport will be on 6th and 7th November.

Our sincere thanks to the managment and staff of QMMF and Losail Circuit as well as Dorna WSBK Organization for their continues support rendered to Rush360' Qatar team. 

Here are some moments captured at WSBK and QSBK at the event, Enjoy!

National Street Drag Round 1 - 2015/2016

Drag Racing is a famous motor racing in which automobiles or motorcycles that are made specifically for this purpose compete, to be first to cross a set finish line. The race follows a short, straight course from a standing start over a measured distance. 

Qatar Racing Club is the home of drag racing in the Middle East. QRC provides racers access to the best drag strip in the world, which allows them to unleash the power of their tuned street cars and bikes in a league based competition. The different classes include 4 Cylinder – Stock, Modified | 6 Cylinder – Stock | Modified | 8/10/12 Cylinder – Stock | Modified | SUV – Stock | Modified | Bike – Stock | Modified | Street ET Bike ET

Here are the schedules for Round 1 this Thursday 22nd October and Friday 23rd October 2015

World Superbike Championship - Round 13 - Pirelli Qatar Round

Picture Courtesy of QMMF

Losail International Circuit is ready for an action packed weekend and a thrilling Sunday for the final round of the Eni FIM Superbike World Championship under floodlights, 

Dates: 16th - 18th October
Venue: Losail International Circuit (GPS Location at www.rush360.qa search for Losail)
Tickets: 100QR for 3 days action.
Tickets available at QMMF office until Thursday 15th October and during the event at the ticket booths of the circuit
Event Schedule:

Superbike World Championship (also known as SBK, World Superbike, WSB, or WSBK) is the worldwide Superbike racing Championship which was founded in 1988. It is a category of motorcycle racing that employs highly modified production motorcycles, as opposed to MotoGP in which purpose-built motorcycles are used.

The Superbike World Championship season consists of a series of rounds (13 rounds this year) held on permanent racing facilities in different countries . Each round has two races and the results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships, one for riders and one for manufacturers.

The final round is held at Losail International Circuit this year and hosted by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation.

Qatar first hosted the championship in 2005 and from then on wards it was held annually  till 2009. After a four years of absence since then the championship returned o Losail in 2014. Here is the full history.

An event not to be missed. See you there!

VCU Community Classes - Silk Painting - Rashmi Agarwal

Famous fine silk artist Rashmi Agarwal will be conducting Silk Painting Classes at VCUQatar

Participants must buy their own materials and bring along. Payment can be made online here or visit the VCUQatar shop for in-person registration.

Course participants will learn basic and more advanced Silk Painting techniques, i.e. various stop flow methods, 'Serti' technique using water based resists and gutta, wax effect, free flow techniques, and embellishing works with salt crystals.


Start: Friday, 9 October, 2015

End: Friday 27 November, 2015

Lessons: 8 

Days: Fridays

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Location: VCUQatar, Rooms 177

(GPS Location of VCUQatar can be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for VCUQatar)

Cost: QAR 850 / US$ 233.50

Class Outline

• Stretching the silk on adjustable frame, use of pencil lightly for drawing design onto the silk and applying resist on silk
• Apply of Silk paints and use of salt technique and wet on wet technique effect
• Removal of salts, fixing paints, washing and ironing
• Start of new painting with another technique, i.e. Stop-flow, or No-flow primers technique and also white blending effect technique
• Use of wax technique including Batik
• Removal of wax for all and fixing wax designs with heat and Introduction of silk craft with silk pencil colour bar.
• Completion of silk craft item and start of new painting it with clear resist technique and no flow.
• Clearing and completion of clear resist painting and theory notes and certificate distribution

For details of the Instructor and more please visit http://www.qatar.vcu.edu/community/36-silk-painting 

End of the Week Workshop - MAPS at Katara

Qatar based Art Community-"MAPS" Members are full of potential and creativity. They are sharing their skills by giving various Art Workshops at Katara Art Studio, Building 19 from 10th Sept- 26th Sept. 2015. Here are the details:

Silk Painting

Silk painting is the application of paints or dyes directly onto silk fabric using an exciting array of watercolour techniques. The colours are brilliant, vibrant and translucent and merge on the fabric which remains soft to touch.

Date and Time:
Thursday 10th September 2015 5pm to 8.30pm

Cost:
Kids above +10 and others are welcome and cost per participant is QR 200.
All Materials are sourced by an Artist.

Intructor:
Rashmi Agarwal

Workshop Outline:
Introduction of Silk Painting and difference between Dyes and Paints
Learn how to stretch silk on a frame and fixation
Preparation and designing of drawings on Silk and application of Gutta
Salt techniques and Gutta-resist agent in silk painting
Introduction of different colour mixing and textured effects
Other techniques
Wet on Wet Effect with water droplets;
Fixation of Colours and Silk.


Batik - Basic and Advance
Batik is a popular art and a craft and wonderful creative medium. The art of decorating cloth in this way, using wax and dye, has been practiced for centuries. In Java, Indonesia, batik is part of an ancient tradition, and some of the finest batik cloth in the world is still made there. The word batik originates from the Javanese tik and means to dot.

Date and Time:
Saturday 12th September 2015 5pm to 8.30pm

Cost:
Kids above +10 and others are welcome and cost per participant is QR 200.
All Materials are sourced by an Artist.

Intructor:
Rashmi Agarwal

Workshop Outline:
Introduction of Batik Making
Introduction of Batik history, tools and batik colours and dyes
Transferring design to Cloth
Preparing and mounting the Fabric
Introduction to the Tjanting and how to use it
Temperature Settings & Application of Wax
Basics Techniques
Blending techniques
Direct dye application technique
Introduction of Spiral and web-like crackle
Finishing process: washing and wax removal
Finishing & ready to take home

Ebru and Marbling Art- Basic

Ebru Marbling is the art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing color pigments on a pan of oily water and then transforming this pattern to paper.

Date and Time:
Thursday 17th September 2015 5pm to 8.30pm

Cost:
Kids above +10 and others are welcome and cost per participant is QR 175.
All Materials are sourced by an Artist.

Intructor:
Sana Hussan

Workshop Outline:
Brief introduction of Ebru Art.
Introduction of different Art forms of Ebru and its name in other countries
Short power point presentation to explain its Origin and Difference between traditional and modern methods.
Preparation of Ebru Art Bath and Water ( Traditional and modern method)
Introduction of Tools and brushes.
Create different marble patterns on water surface.
Transfer Marble art on paper.
Practice different patterns and try to create unique marble design


Ebru and MArbling Art- Advance

Ebru Marbling is the art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling and brushing color pigments on a pan of oily water and then transforming this pattern to paper.

Date and Time:
Saturday 19th September 2015 5pm to 8.30pm

Cost:
Kids above +10 and others are welcome and cost per participant is QR 175.
All Materials are sourced by an Artist.

Intructor:
Sana Hussan

Workshop Outline:
Brief Introduction of Ebru art and Marbling.
History of Ebru Art and its origin.
Method by preparing traditional water.
Modern method of ebru art by Marbling kits.
Tools introduction used for Ebru.
Colour preparation.
Preparing Marble surface to use as Picture background.
Creating different objects on marble surface with vibrant pigments/colours.(birds, flowers, fish etc.)
Transfer the Ebru art on a Paper.
Parctice and create more intricate and unique designs. (Brain storming session to encourage students to create from their imagination)
Scenery with Ebru Art (Advance).

For registration and all other information please contact 

Tel: +974 44080235/44080233

e-mail:  education@katara.net 

Crochet Workshop - 6th to 9th September 2015

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“Play around with materials, colors, stitches. Everything is allowed! Crochet is a magnificent adventure that opens the doors to your wildest imagination and creativity.”

Ever wanted to learn how to crochet? Tried learning from YouTube?
At N studio you can attend a class to get you started.

Skills you will learn:

• Holding the hook and yarn.
• Creating a chain
• Double crochet and triple crochet stitches.
• Getting started making granny square bag 

You will finish the class with new-found skills, enough to start creating some simple pieces.

Date: 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th September
Time: 9am to 11am
Number of Classes: 4
Venue: Al Wakra
Cost: QR180 (Inclusive of all materials)
Registration: Contact Noorul  on ☎️33251825 or email N Studio at nstudio247@gmail.com
(All details of N Studio could be found at www.rush360.qa search for N Studio)

Jewellery Making Workshop for Girls - 30th July 2015

Let your girls spend a fun and relaxing summer day making a range of beautiful beaded jewellery with Noorul at N Studio. 

You will learn to make your own personalized earrings, necklaces and bracelets, using a wide range of beads and fittings, plus lots of information to help you get started making your own jewellary at home.

Whether you want to make jewellery as a hobby or take it further as a home business, this is a great class for everyone and covers all of the basics, so that you can continue to make beautiful and professional jewellery at home.

Techniques covered in this class include:

• - How to use a range of beading tools 
• - How to string beads 
• - How to make your own clasps and ear-wires 
• - How to make a variety of beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings 

Project 
Hook drop earring
Charming bracelet
Single strand necklace

This workshop is only for girls who are 8-15 years old

Date: Thursday 30th July 2015
Time: Duration: 9am to 12 noon
Venue: Ezdan 24, Al Wakra
Cost: QR180 (Inclusive of all materials and only 6 seats available)
Registration: Contact Noorul  on ☎️33251825 or email N Studio at nstudio247@gmail.com
(All details of N Studio could be found at www.rush360.qa search for N Studio)

Do creative things with great love! It’s an Art!

Read this in full here

Vibrantly decorated, these handmade products range from sketches to paintings; paper cutting to photo frames; wall hangings to chandeliers, and so much more.  A passionate venture, Prit Reddy, founder and owner of It's an Art, uniquely handcrafts her showpieces with love and thought, giving each piece the time and energy it fondly deserves! But what makes It’s an Art different from any other modern day handicraft?

   

 

It’s not often that you see exclusive home decor made out of up cycled goods! How eco friendly? “My handicraft products include the reuse of everyday items such as plastic and thermocol containers, soft drinks cans, boxes, bottles and newspapers. Coupled with my creativity, these products are being recycled to make home decor. When you look at the finished products, it is really hard to know what are they made out of.” says Prit.

Read more here 

Farewell, my beloved guest!

Read this and more here

Did you know?

The only two festivals a Muslim is permitted to celebrate are the two Eid’s?(Eid al Fitr and

Eid al Adha)

‘Eid al Fitr. A time of celebrations. A time where family and friends get together. It is a day of food and drink after observing the thirty or twenty nine days of Ramadan. 

But this is just a summarized understanding. As mentioned in my previous article Islam is a holistic way of life. It goes without saying then, that ‘Eid al Fitr is so much more. Whilst there is much information about Fasting and Ramadan, we know very little about the etiquettes of ‘Eid – what we are recommended to do on this day and what is obligatory for us to do. Below is a brief list of some of the prescribed practices of ‘Eid.

Some etiquettes of ‘Eid 

1. It is established from the companion Ibn ‘Umar, that he used to bath on the morning of ‘Eid
2. It is known that the companion Ibn ‘Umar would also dressed in his best clothes for the two ‘Eids
3. It is compulsory on all adult sane Muslims to pray the ‘Eid prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded everyone including women, children and the elderly to attend. Even menstruating women should go to the place of congregation so that they may partake in the blessings
4. It is Sunnah to eat dates before one leaves for the ‘Eid prayer to show openly that the Muslim is not fasting on this day
5. It is Sunnah to say the Takbeer loudly when s/he is leaving the home to go the the ‘Eid prayer and repeat this until the prayer starts
6. It is preferable to pray the ‘Eid prayer on open ground and not in the masjid (mosque) if possible 
7. Neither the Adhan nor Iqamah (calls to prayer) are said for the ‘Eid prayer

In Qatar, if you are up early enough, you may get to see the Muslims walking to the ‘Eid prayer.

Zakat ul Fitr – the obligatory charity tax after Ramadan 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined Zakat al-fitr as purification for those who fasted from idle or obscene talk, and so as to feed the poor. He (the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him) made it incumbent upon the slave and free Muslims, male or female to pay one sa’a of dates or barley to the poor before the ‘Eid prayer.

 Zakat al-Fitr must be food and not money. In terms of measurement, one sa’a is equivalent to approximately 3 kilograms of whatever is the staple food in the country the Muslim resides in.

What to say on the day of ‘Eid

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would say the Takbeer loudly when travelling to go to the ‘Eid prayer. Allah says and what means: “(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [al-Baqarah 2:185] 

“that you must magnify Allah” means venerating Him in your hearts and on your lips, by pronouncing the Takbeer.

So on the morning of ‘Eid you may hear the Muslims venerate: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Alahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god except Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah).

How to congratulate on ‘Eid

Muslims congratulate one another on the day of ‘Eid by saying, “Taqaballa Allahu mina wa minkum" (may Allah accept from you and us).

It is natural for anyone to look forward to a celebration, a party – if you will, and the Muslim is no different. It is clear that ‘Eid is a day where the Muslim continues to exalt Allah, the One God.

So what if ‘Eid falls on a Friday? 

If ‘Eid prayer falls on the same day as the Friday prayer, then whoever chooses to pray the ‘Eid prayer, it is not obligatory for him to pray the Friday prayer. Rather Friday prayer becomes recommended (a Sunnah) for him. However, it is obligatory for the Imam of the community to pray both the ‘Eid prayer and the Friday prayer. He cannot leave off Friday prayer because those who choose to pray Friday prayer need an Imam.

Gratitude on ‘Eid - a day to say thank you

Read more here here

WTCC is Coming to Doha!

Picture Courtesy of Jean Michel Le Meur / DPPI - Taken from GPMalaysia

The World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) is coming to Doha thanks to  Mr. Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiya the President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) backed by the continuous support of H.H the Emir Shaykh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

An excellent collaboration with WTCC and no doubt Qatar and the racing enthusiast are very grateful to Mr. Attiya's for his long continuous dedicated tremendous support for Racing in Qatar. 

What is WTCC?

The World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) is an international racing championship organized by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Inaugurated in 2005 this championship includes 12 races in 12 different countries and tracks. The drivers are awarded points depending on how they place. After the last race, the driver with the most points wins the championship.

According to the well known Brazilian driver Augusto Farfus  "It's a quite simple championship, because to race the car must have four doors, two-liter engine, we don't care about how many cylinders it has, if it has four, five, or six cylinder. And the factory must produce minimum 10,000 cars a year…road cars. It must sell 10,000 cars, and that is all. The race formats are two races, about 30 minutes each, it's normally 50 [kilometers]. "

And according to him WTCC is different from other car races because of this "I think one of the best things that we have in the race that we use is the same car that you have in your garage. And the public, everybody who supports our race…they go to the track to support the same car as [they have in the] garage. And sometimes we see a guy who [supports] Alfa Romeo because his neighbor has a BMW so he wants to see his Alfa Romeo win..." 

(Taken from here)

According WTCC: "Citroën, Honda and LADA all field factory teams in the WTCC, while Chevrolet has endorsed a car built to the new-for-2014 technical regulations, which require the use of mass-production five-door cars fitted with 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engines and a number of aerodynamic aids. Several privateer drivers and teams also take part and contest a trophy supported by the WTCC’s official tyre partner, Yokohama.

Eurosport Events produces extensive television coverage of the WTCC with races broadcast live. The company also provides its expertise in co-ordinating the championship and managing all aspects of media rights distribution, promotions and relations, social media and commercial partnerships."

Checkout the Eurosports high quality fabulous videos of WTCC event here for some real insight of the championship. 

This extra ordinary race is much loved by fans all over the world which is in full swing from March to November. This year the Championship will end at the Lusail International Circuit, bringing in a new flavour, an exciting addition to its events calendar, And such events will also encourage the locals to engage in this type of racing and learn new techniques and skills to enhance their talents and match the international drivers competing with them in the future. 

Healthy And Lean Through Fasting – Ramadan Mubarak

Fasting for Ramadan, health, weight loss, or all of the above?

Fasting is extremely beneficial for your health! For non-Muslims Ramadan can be a great opportunity to learn about fasting as a health strategy. For Muslims, it’s THE opportunity of the year to reconnect with Islam and its teachings on moderation. After all, the gorge-fests after sunset may be a tradition but definitely not what fasting and Ramadan were meant for.

Ramadan is expected to start on the 18th of June 2015, depending on when the new moon will be spotted. A Muslim adult is required to fast the days of Ramadan, unless ill or traveling, in which case missed fasts can be made up later. From dawn to sunset Muslims refrain from food and drink and sexual intercourse.

If you are a non-Muslim, you may have tried a form of fasting. Maybe you’ve tried it for detoxing, weight loss or other reasons, or you may wonder why anybody but an anorexic patient would want to fast.

Fasting is NOT about starving yourself. It’s about abstaining from food and drink for a number of hours only. Before and after the fasting hours, you should eat a healthy meal! 

Fasting has some incredible benefits:

• Fasting cleanses mind and body
• Fasting helps weight loss
• Fasting promotes longevity
• Fasting improves brain function, the immune system and insulin sensitivity
• Fasting reduces inflammation, skin problems and acne 

And this enthusing list goes on...

Medical science and sports science are only two of the disciplines that are catching up with the 

wisdom that lies behind this type of fasting.

The BBC documentary Horizon “Eat Fast And Live Longer” with medical doctor Michael
Mosley is a must-see for anyone interested in
good health. Dr. Mosley was so impressed with
the outcomes of his health quest that he wrote the book “The Fast Diet”, which has become a
no. 1 best seller worldwide. Amazing how similar this is to the voluntary fasting on Mondays and 

Thursdays according to the islamic sunnah (ways of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him).

Also the experts of sports & exercise nutrition at Precision Nutrition are experimenting with 

intermittent fasting. They have interesting reads for both recreational exercisers and professional 

athletes. There is a lot of other easily accessible reading material out there on the net.

Healthy Habits Around Fasting

Fasting is a mindset – you choose to abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. You make the intention then you just do it!

To get the most benefit out of fasting, it is important that you continue to make smart choices after

breaking your fast! As always, healthy living is simply a choice and moderation is the key. Also in 

the nights of Ramadan, when the traditional or social pressure to overeat may be high!

The most important healthy habits to stake your life on:

1) Worship God

Health of the mind, heart and body starts by worshipping God, who created us to worship Him alone.

2) Healthy foods

Eat mostly healthy, unprocessed foods and healthy drinks (caffeine- and sugar-free).

Make vegetables (and some fruits) the basis of your meals, about half your meal or plate!

Add some lean protein the size of your iPhone such as meat, fish, beans, hummus, dairy.

Finally add 1-2 tablespoons of healthy fat (e.g. olive oil,

avocado, nut and seeds) and/or /3 to 1 cup of starchy foods like rice, pasta, bread, pumpkin or potatoes.

Portion sizes depend on activity level and body size, male or female.

Use lean cooking methods like steaming, grilling, and the 

oven – or go raw – rather than frying foods.

Anchor habit: Eat slow (read: chew well) and stop eating when 80% full! Even if your plate is not
empty yet. 

Never fill your plate to stuff yourself, but only to get to the next meal 3-4 hours later (during eating hours). If a regular meal at sunset is not enough to sustain you until breakfast, eat another moderate meal or a healthy snack a few hours later. 

3) Stay hydrated, drink plenty! Normally, the recommendation is to drink at least 6-8 glasses (of water) a day. However, now that Ramadan falls during the long, hot summer days you can double that amount. Don’t drink too

much at once, instead drink a glass each 15 minutes until your thirst is quenched.

4) Exercise For all levels, the best time to exercise is in the last
hour before breaking your fast (if you are used to it!), otherwise wait at least one hour after your meal. 

Avoid exercising in the morning, as you

cannot replenish your fluid and protein levels timely, while fasting!! Adjust the intensity and duration of
your exercise to your fasting energy levels – listen to
your body and stay active.

For non-exercisers or beginners, moderate exercise will help you tomaintain energy levels during Ramadan. Start with short 7-10
minute workouts, preferably strength-training or a brisk walk, run
up and down the stairs, play an active game or do a stretching
routine. Limit cardio or interval  training to a maximum of twice a week. Start wherever you are, do whatever you can. Try to build a fit-circle: Encourage any over eaters around you to shift focus
from feast to fitness too.

5) Enough sleep Ideally, sleep from 9pm to 12am. The quality of sleep is best at this time and the hours count double (those 3 hours make up for 6 hoursof sleep). From midnight to 2am, the quality of sleep is less deep,
and every hour of sleep here counts as an hour (2 hours make up 2
hours of sleep). The brain is most ready for recitation from 2am to 

5am.

Do naps count? They sure do! Nap in the late morning or during theafternoon. The ideal length of a nap for a daytime boost in energy
and alertness is 26 minutes, according to NASA’s experiments with astronauts.

Coping Strategies for Ramadan and Other Social Gatherings

Ramadan’s social gatherings are fun, and the traditions to show hospitality by serving tray after tray \of the best looking and best tasting foods, work like a trap for binge-eating at night. Tips for
moderation:

Don’t overcompensate

Just like some people think that exercise needs to be compensated with bigger meals, some people
think that also fasting needs to be compensated with bigger meals. This is a FALSE assumption.
Body and energy levels function and recover best on moderate meals.

Eat breakfast (suhur)

Breakfast is very important during Ramadan! Also for people who otherwise do not take breakfast:

Take a healthy, moderate meal, or at least some dates (according to the Islamic sunnah). After

breakfast even if you had it with juice, coffee or tea, drink 2-3 glasses of water extra to hydrate
for the day ahead.

Meal examples:

• smoothie with banana-spinach-hemp powder-milk/juice,
• egg omelet with tomato-onions-mushrooms-paprika-zucchini and (fresh) orange juice
• sandwich with cheese-tomato-cucumber-lettuce,
• oatmeal with a tablespoon of almonds and half a cup berries,
• yoghurt with muesli and fresh fruit,
• the leftovers from yesterday’s iftar (stored properly in the refrigerator).

Make plans for when you break your fast (iftar)

Do not overeat!! It cannot be emphasized enough. Keep your head cool!

Take one or more dates and sip some water, while you inspect ALL the dishes on the serving table or buffet. Don’t start spooning it onto your plate yet. Look, smell, be selective –does it really taste as

great as it looks? Choose only the foods that appeal most to you (not just to please the cook), and

keep the plate recommendations above in mind. If iftar is not enough to sustain you until breakfast 

(suhur), eat another meal or healthy snack 2-4 hours later.

Sit down, away from the buffet, and eat slowly and mindfully. Yes, you can have a little bit of dessert, if you’re not already full. An overly filled stomach feels unpleasant and is energy draining. Your iftar doesn’t taste so great anymore when you’re bending forward during night prayer and the overfill slides from your stomach back into your throat. Kind of sour!

Do not drink too much at once. Instead, drink 1-2 glasses at iftar, and the rest later (as water, caffeine- and sugar-free drinks).

Meal examples:

• vegetable stew with chicken or meat (saloona) with rice or as tharid, 
• vegetable and chicken soup, salad, fresh juice or fresh fruit, 
• anything light and lean, 
• fava beans (fool) with bread or rice and salad, 
• curry with rice or bread and salad or soup, 
• 2-3 samoosas with 3 kibba and loads of taboulah, 
• vegan, vegetarian, paleo, sushi, etc. 

Supportive Strategies

• Plan moderate meals and cook accordingly. 

• Shop smart! Buy fresh produce and avoid buying processed stuff in a carton box with 20 ingredients or with ingredients that you cannot even pronounce. Also try to avoid “red-light-foods”, i.e. foods that you usually overeat on –these are different for everyone and it can be anything from pasta, chocolate cake, French fries or cherry yoghurt.

• If you’re having a potluck, make a list of who brings what (savory or sweet dish per guest).

• Organize an iftar with a theme to make others health conscious: Healthy Potluck, Smoothie Iftar, Salads and Soups, Lean Cuisine, Fruit Art, etc.  

• If a social group is too much to handle, find yourself a Ramadan buddy. The more buddies you find that share similar aspirations and goals, the bigger your social support circle will be.

• Shift the focus of your social circle from Food to Fitness by organizing a gentle and fun physical activity for the group after iftar. Announce it beforehand, so that they can mentally prepare and dress for it. The best time for exercise or active games is either just before breaking fast (if all of you are comfortable with it), or at least an hour after eating. 

• Implementing healthy habits takes time, as does creating a fit circle around you. Make small changes at a time that are easy to accomplish. Success motivates. 

Ramadan offers an ideal blueprint for 30 days of cleansing, detoxing, weight loss and improved health. The worship and the sunnah behind it make it rewarding on all levels you could wish for.

Have a healthy and blessed Ramadan.