< PreviousNintendo Switch devices have been sold to date, making it the brand’s top- selling console since 2011. It also sold over 198 million copies of its top 10 games. 90 Chit ChatTRY Abzû ocean exploration Available on Nintendo Switch For a way to calm TF down, try diving into (wink, wink) this option that’s all about open- ocean exploration and swimming through uncharted waters. A er losing my job because of the pandemic and breaking off a relationship, I felt so alone, isolated, and depressed. The only thing I had the energy to do during this period was play video games like Dragon Age and Street Fighter. They were an attempt to save myself from the boredom of depression and didn’t require me to get up from my bed. I had been waiting for the much-delayed and anticipated new installment of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a social simulation series I’d played during childhood that was becoming popular again; it involves building a home and simply enjoying it as you interact with other animals. The upbeat, nostalgic, and cute nature of it was a positive boost for my mental health, and I quickly joined online communities of individuals who were passionate about the AC life. It was the most social I’d felt in a long time, but it ended up changing my life forever—just not in the way I initially expected. When I matched with a particularly interesting person on Tinder, he told me he also loved playing AC. I had an idea: What if we had our rst date on our AC islands in lieu of actually meeting? It ended up being the ideal move, and we clicked. Having such clear common ground made it really easy to irt and banter over our shared interest, and the date felt comfortable and less pressured, given that we weren’t physically present (not to mention it was safer amid COVID and via an app). And as we played in and explored each other’s worlds and creations via our avatars, it was as if we had a peek into each other’s creative types and personalities. We ended up playing often with each other, and eventually we met up in person. Now? We’ve been dating for a nearly a year and have matching Animal Crossing tattoos. “Gaming used to be a way for people to isolate themselves. Now it’s used as a means of interaction and positivity.” RELATIONSHIP REDUX Neisha Bhagwandin and her now-partner had their ü rst date via their Nintendo screens. The rest was history. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE TRY Beat Saber Available on Oculus Quest 2, oculus.com Getting in a workout sesh is a cinch when you have a VR headset at home that allows you to play workout- and movement-oriented games like this one. TRY The Sims 4 Available on Xbox The Sims is the perfect nostalgic way to hang with buds from afar, show them your (fantasy) architectural endeavors, and pretend you’re back in middle school. TRY League of Legends Available on PC or iOS, leagueoýegends. com Want to battle with your besties? Join the League, where you can fight against other teams and destroy your competition’s base for the win. TRY Among Us Available on PC or iOS, twitch.tv You can sit back and simply watch people play this one—where parti cipants have to guess the “outsider” in the group before time runs out—via Web streams. (It’s just like being a sports spectator.) ARE YOU LOOKING TO SWEAT? DO YOU WANT COMPANY? FEELING COMPETITIVE? PLAYER OR SPECTATOR? START HERE In a wallý ower mood. Hmmm, bring it on. Get me up and moving. Not really. Gimme all the people! I’m craving alone time. I want in the game! Whether you’re gearing up for the social perks or dying to shake up your sweat routine, follow the arrows to nd your best match. I’d rather relax. 91 Chit Chat cted. esting aying on ed ur base win. BY K AYA S C O T T QATAR World Cup Fever is ramping up and Qatar is hot news these days. And while this Arabian peninsula destination may not yet have made it off the sidelines and to the top of your wanderlust list, there’s so much more to it than shiny new football stadiums (although those are pretty exciting…). A brilliant blend of modern and historic, combining the soaring skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture of its capital city Doha with peaceful stretches of golden sands, warm turquoise waters and a thriving Arabic culture, this tiny country denitely packs a punch. Throw in an eclectic mix of museums, ancient cultural sites, super shopping opportunities and some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants and you’ve got yourself a winning getaway – football or no football (because hey, even if you don’t have a ticket to any of the games, there are plenty of other reasons to visit…). 92 Travel93 TravelGot cash to splash? Banyan Tree Doha (the brand’s debut hotel in the Middle East) is a serene oasis in the heart of Mushaireb, one of the city’s oldest districts and now home to the Doha Oasis project (basically a ‘city within a city’ complete with all kinds of fabulous shopping and leisure experiences). In keeping with its roots, this hotel is all about wellness and brings with it a luxury Asian spa, dreamy food options and a rooftop lounge complete with retractable roof through which to gaze at the night sky. Heaven. If it’s complete body and soul relaxation you’re after (who knows, maybe your football team didn’t do quite as well as you hoped?) then it doesn’t get much better than the Zulal Wellness Resort. Set away from it all in the northernmost tip of Qatar, the idea here is to focus on nothing but your own wellbeing – the 64 treatment room wellness center, specially designed all-healthy menu and serene setting will see to that. Linked with the highly acclaimed Chiva-Som resort in Thailand, this recently opened retreat will have you feeling recharged and ready to face the world again. Want to up your social media game? Mondrian Doha brings the cool California vibe of its original LA location to Doha’s West Bay neighborhood. A dreamy mix of whimsical and luxurious (inspired by Alice In Wonderland) – think huge sculptures, twisty black staircases, restaurants draped with Arabic lanterns and an enclosed rooftop pool with one of the best views in town, not to mention two celebrity-chef restaurants (oh helloooo CUT by Wolfgang Puck), it’s an Instagrammers dream. Prefer a beach setting? Four Seasons Doha has its own private stretch of sand – oh and a selection of indoor and outdoor pools plus nine restaurants (including the world’s largest Nobu. Yes please). We love the three-storey spa, the lush gardens and the nothing’s-too-much-to-ask-for attitude. And if you’re here to party then W Doha is just the place (Kate Moss is a fan of the WOW suite, chill out music plays on loop and the atmosphere is buzzing). And yup, you guessed it, the food options are amazing. La Spiga by Papermoon offers NYC vibes and the best Italian food in Doha (ask for the cacio e pepe - it isn’t on the menu but is their no.1 dish, complete with a theatrical blow-torch performance and a whole lot of delicious melty cheese). Fancy an island getaway? Yes you can have that too – at the Banana Island resort by Anantara - a quick 25 minute luxury catamaran ride from central Doha where white sand beaches, a dive center, cinema and spa await and an overwater swing makes for the perfect Insta capture (perfect for the footballers and WAGS rumored to be booked in over the World Cup). It’s worth noting that the resort is dry so if you’re after something stronger than a mocktail then the uber sleek Kempinski Marsa Malaz is just the place. Located on an island at the heart of the man-made Pearl, this palatial property is a luxury hideaway that’s close enough to the capital if you feel like leaving your spot on the 500 foot long private beach or tearing yourself away from some of the best restaurants in the city. If you want to save on price but not on style (hey we get it), Souk Waqif Hotels (not just one boutique hotel, but nine of them) is part of the traditional Souq Waqif in the heart of Doha and offers gorgeous rooms with plenty of local character for no more than it would cost to stay at a generic chain. If you stay at one, you’re able to use the facilities at all of them – from gyms to pools, spas to games rooms – all a few minutes walk of each other. WHERE TO STAY Left to right: Banana Island Resort Doha, Banyan Tree Doha, Mondrian Doha, The W Doha, Souk Wafiq Hotels. 94 Travel95 TravelIt might be the world’s richest country – and now a footballers playground – but you don’t need a premier league players salary to have fun in Qatar. Do like the locals and head to public spaces for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking aplenty. Just south of the capital, Al Wakrah Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the country, with clear shallow waters dotted with shady gazebos and heaps of cute cafés and restaurants to choose from. Get back to nature at Al Thakira Mangroves, around an hour and a half north of Doha, this ooded forest is home to birds including amingos and herons and is best explored by kayak (your arms will get a good workout too – bonus!). And yes, Qatar is hot, hot, hot in the summer but the cooler months (from the start of the World Cup to April) the best way to explore some of its hidden gems is by foot. Visit the aforementioned Souk Wakif, one of Doha’s most atmospheric areas after sunset when it’s most lively. The entire area has been redeveloped to look just like the 19th Century souk which once stood here – complete with beautifully restored buildings and winding alleyways where you’ll nd countless curiosities and handicrafts on stalls and in shops, taste food from a myriad of cuisines and breathe in the scent of spices and hookah. It’s completely magical (you’d almost expect Aladdin and his genie to appear). For authentic regional food head to Damascus One (their uffy Arabic bread has a cult following) – get a balcony seat and watch the hustle and bustle of the souk below. If you prefer not to haggle for your shopping, the brand new Parisian-inspired Place Vendôme Mall has over 580 high and mid-end stores, cool cafes, hotels, fancy restaurants and a water canal running through it (of course). Grab a table at newly opened The Yard café for excellent coffee and beautifully plated bistro food in a cute setting. Besides being a shopaholic’s paradise, there’s culture to be found amongst Qatar’s skyscrapers and malls. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei, is an iconic building and a stunning landmark of the Corniche and Doha in general – it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone. Take a stroll around the track of MIA park outside the museum for stunning views of the Corniche and the West Bay skyline. The shiny new Museum of Qatar, shaped like a desert rose, is home to a cool mix of exhibits as well as plant-based restaurant ‘Thalatheen’ (where the watermelon raspberry juice is a perfect pick-me-up) and the white-tableclothed Jiwan by Alain Ducasse where every dish is an ode to Qatar (ask for a dining pod on the terrace and watch the sunset over the city). And then there’s one of our favorite spots in town, the buzzy and creative Katara Cultural Village, a trendy destination for art, culture and cuisine which not only includes the most beautiful glass-mosaic ceilinged food hall that’s guaranteed to make it onto your ‘gram but also the new BOHO Social foodie spot with interiors so stunning you’ll want to move in, magnicent mosques, a beautiful Amphitheatre, pop-up restaurants and installations and – wait for it – an air- conditioned outdoor street (21 High-Street) where your ice-cream won’t melt even when temperatures soar. THINGS TO DO Left to right: Al Thaqira Mangroves, Souk Wafiq, Museum of Qatar, Corniche Doha, Damascus One. 96 TravelTHE GOODS 1. Turbulence is no match for this collapsible, spillproof cup. Stojo 20-Oz. Sports Bottle, Dhs90, stojo.co 2. A hands-free vegan leather bag that lets you keep your passport and your snacks close. Monos Metro Sling, Dhs270, monos.com 3. This plush mini blanket doubles as a neck pillow during long flights. BlueHills Travel Blanket Pillow, Dhs100, amazon.ae 4. These noise-canceling earbuds tune out snorers and screaming babies alike. Beats Studio Buds, Dhs620, apple.com 5. An essential essential: a personal safety alarm with a siren and strobe light for if you’re ever in trouble. Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, Dhs110, shesbirdie.com 6. You’ll want a super-luxe eye mask, for obvious reasons. Blissy Silk Sleep Mask, Dhs187, uae.blissy.com 7. This portable charger lets you bid farewell to flaky airport outlets. Rifle Paper Co. Power Bank, Dhs140, case-mate.com 8. You can tuck your to-go drinks into this genius cup holder (it attaches to your luggage handle) before boarding. Riemot Luggage Travel Cup, Dhs55, amazon.ae Things you need for your next ight Aka the essentials that flight attendant, TikTok creator, and expert carry-on packer Bernice Padilla (@TrendyTraveler) never travels without. BY K R I S T Y A L P E R T 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 97 Travel How important is self-care as a goal for you? 55 % Huge. 45 % It’s important, but honestly, I have a lot of others that take priority. What’s the dream living situation for you? 81 % I’d like to own a home. 19 % Renting a spot would be nice. Out of all your goals, the most important ones right now have to do with: Let’s talk cash. Are you close to where you want to be ünancially? Just looking ahead. You + Goals BY A N N A B E L I W E G B U E Career-wise, do you feel like you’re on track? 46 % Yeah, I’m making moves! What do you look for in your friendships? 46 % Ideally, they’re my biggest support system. 56% No, I could use a significant income boost. 31% I’m not drowning in cash, but I get along fine. 13% I’m pretty satisfied in the $ department! Where are you ünding most of your goal inspo at the moment? 43% Social media 30% Friends and family 15% Movies and/or television 12% News stories and/or books 48% Work 17% Physical health 16% Mental health 12% Romantic love 3% Family 3% Travel >1% Friendships 41% At least six months of emergency savings, just in case. 27% Enough to take a year off work if I ever needed to. 21% I can’t even think about it, I have too much debt. 11% Whatever lets me retire early. 38 % Sort of. I’m still putting in my time. 16 % I’m not where I’d like to be at all. Where or what do you hope to be in 10 years? “Happy, healthy, loved” “Hot and unbothered” “A CEO” “In a city with a skyscraping view” “Working to live, not living to work” “Having my own family” “Living a bougie life” “ZERO STUDENT LOANS” “Traveling whenever, wherever” “Have no idea” 34 % A sense of belonging. 20 % A social outlet, buddies to go out with! GET T Y IMA GE S. And what are your savings goals? 98 YouSUBS.ITP.COM ABU DHABI’S ART SCENE UNCOVERED subscribe now clockwise from top left HER HIGHNESS Sheikha Khawla bint Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi. cover Iqraa. 2017. AYESHA HADHIR. cover The Lie-f We Live. 2019. SULTAN AL RAMAHI. cover Trippy Local 4. 2020. SUMAYYAH AL SUWAIDI. cover A Fishing Hope. 2020. All images courtesy of the artistsNext >