THE TEAM
Bahrain This Month March 2015
Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editorial Consultant Stan Szecowka Editor Charlie Holding Commercial Editor Apple Sharma
As the weather warms and we gear up for Spring, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air. It’s exhilarating to welcome in a new season and all the potential possibilities on offer, but this year seems extra special. The annual Spring of Culture festival 2015, is bigger and better than ever before. Packed with variety and a plethora of famous faces, there’s plenty to look forward to. From the spectacular Bharati show (cover image), to performances from international pop sensations John Legend and Joss Stone, this year’s event is sure to become truly memorable. Featured in this edition, HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, former Minister of Industry & Commerce, talks to us about his illustrious career as well as his continuing commitment to service in Bahrain. We also chat with the Kingdom’s Bangladesh Ambassador, HE Mominur Rahman, about his first diplomatic posting and his hopes for his fellow countrymen’s improved welfare during his posting here. Abdulla Adel Fakhro, director of the Fakhro Group of companies, talks to BTM about how he started in business and McDonald’s Bahrain’s plans for the future. In the latest Backseat Chat, Bahrain International Circuit’s (BIC) commercial director, Sherif Al Mahdy, reveals the facility’s plans for the 2015 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Our motoring section includes the latest news from the island’s automotive giants. This month, Land Rover, in collaboration with the BIC, reveals its revamped off-roading facility designed to test and develop driving skills. Infiniti’s flagship SUV, the QX80 and the 2015 Renault Captur were launched by Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons and we spill the beans on the newest Rolls Royce. We also have features on air-conditioning, buffets and home furnishings in another packed edition that demonstrates the great way of life the Kingdom has to offer. As spring is truly upon us this month, we hope you will enjoy the festival-like atmosphere in the glorious days ahead — Bahrain’s “Great Way of Life”
Assistant Editor Ankita Mamgain Events Editor Hanna Moore Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Katherine Lao Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by
RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.
COVER Cover Picture:
Spring of Culture
•
Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24
DR HASSAN FAKHRO | CONSUMER REPORTS | NEW HOTEL ARRIVALS
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.
Connect with Bahrain This Month:
Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
March 2015 ~ Vol. 19 ~ Issue 3
SPRING OF CULTURE Arts
www.bahrainthismonth.com
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth
Nightlife
March 2015 9