Bahrain Confidential - April 2019

Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com

196 The Best in Bahrain

Leaders in bahrain hospitality What’s new, What’s Next & what makes them the best BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20

Issue

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Nicholas C. Cooksey Editorial

Angela Acosta Miguel Antonio Dr Lana Peters SALES & Business Development

Charlie Cooksey Design

Dhanraj S Photography

Aneesh Mathew Admin & Finance

Nikesh Pola Distribution

Mohammed Yousif

For Advertising Opportunities Call

Charlie Cooksey M. +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.com

Published by:

First of all...

Hello summer! It’s officially time to ‘bid adieu’ to the short-lived winter!

While you’re at it, we’ve scoured the island for thrilling activities to enjoy this April. Elsewhere in this issue, we feature the ‘Leaders in Bahrain’s Hospitality’ industry – read more on what’s new, what’s next, what makes them stand out from the rest.

From exciting gastronomic adventures to the trendiest fashion choices, we’ve got you covered!

Best wishes from the Bahrain Confidential Team!

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Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.

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The Best in Bahrain Bahrain-Confidential.com Online edition at ArabianMagazines.com Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrainbased monthly publication available both in print and online editions. It is the definitive guide to high-end Arabian luxury and lifestyle. It covers the best in lifestyle, luxury, fashion and dining, as well as local events, art, society, fashion, beauty and travel.

The monthly print edition of Bahrain Confidential is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers.

Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com

196 The Best in Bahrain

Issue

Leaders in bahrain hospitaLity What’s neW, What’s next & What makes them the best BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20 Complimentary Copy

Front Cover Credits: Photography by Angela Acosta

Seef District,Seeffacing Ritz Carlton - MANA District, facing Ritz Carlton - MANAMA Tel. 17564444 - www.gautier-furniture.com Tel. 17564444 - www.gautier-furniture.com 120 STORES WORLDWIDE

MANAMA

PARIS

DUBAI PARIS

Enjoy 25%

FRENCH MANUFACTURER FRENCH MANUFACTURER

NAMA 115 STORES WORLDWIDE

LONDON TORONTO SINGAPORE DUBAI LONDON TORONTO SINGAPORE

MOSCOW MOSCOW

CASABLANCA CASABLANCA

Online edition at Bahrain-Confidential.com

April 2019 Issue 196

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Fashion Trends

Beautiful Women of Bahrain

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Juicy Pickings Not to be Missed Beautiful Women of Bahrain BC Profile

Features and Interviews Leaders in Bahrain Hospitality Raising Standards

Fashion Fashion Trends

Going Out

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The Foodie Edit An Opulent Experience Tap That!

Redefining Asian Cuisine Delicious Memories A Gastronomic Gala

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UNMATCHED RAMADAN EXPERIENCE Embrace Ramadan traditions this season by sharing memories with family and friends at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. A promising and unmatched Ramadan experience awaits starting with a culinary journey of aromatic menus, enjoyed under our luxurious VIVA Masaya Ramadan tent. Call (+973) 1758 6499 or visit rit zcarlton.com/bahrain.

Iftar at BHD 32. Ghabgha at BHD 35. Prices are inclusive of service charge, government levy and VAT. Reservations are required. No refund or credit for unused portion. Void where prohibited.

Events

Not to be

For more entertainment, dining & nightlife, turn to Bahrain 101 listings on the back pages.

April

Missed

April

April

April

1

2

4

Musical Evening: Macadi Nanhas

Sound of Korea

Don Giovanni: Freiburg Baroque Orchestra

Jason Derulo Live

Where: Bahrain National Theatre

Bahrain Bay with heartthumping music from his best songs like ‘Ridin’ Solo’, ‘Whatcha Say’ and Trumpets’. With a barrage of dancers, tight routines and an unimaginable amount of contemporary pop hits, Derulo makes it a memorable night.

Where: Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Center for Culture & Research Jordanian artist Makadi Nahhas performs Arab and Oriental song and music heritage with a contemporary style. Her classical and traditional works have enabled her over her storied career to secure an inimitable place in the music scene, showcasing her original style in several plays, festivals and events inside and outside Jordan.

Where: Bahrain National Theatre “Sound of Korea” is a musical concert by all-female fusion Korean classical music group QUEEN. The group paints a splendid audio-visual feast with its blend of the traditional and contemporary, using Korean traditional instrument to perform classical folk Korean pieces and modern pop covers.

For more information: springofculture.org

For more information: springofculture.org

miss Dont te vouri a f r you s Day 10 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Don Giovanni is regarded as “the opera to beat all operas”. The Mozart masterpiece is simultaneously full of farce innuendo, seriousness and drama underscored by music that couldn’t be more thrilling. The opera is led by renowned Belgian conductor René Jacobs. The opera is also accompanied

by Camerata Vocale Freiburg Choir.

For more information: springofculture.org

5 Where: Bahrain Bay Jason Derulo rocks

For more information: springofculture.org

Events

Not to be Missed

April

April

April

April

11 15 23-25 27 Five p.m. at Bab

Sarat Live

Gulf Property Show

Where: Bab Al-Bahrain

Where: Bahrain Bay

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is organizing weekly cultural activities at the outdoor market space in the heart of Bab Al-Bahrain. The activities span from music, handicrafts, arts and food, with the festivities spotlighting different realms of heritage each week.

For the first time in Bahrain, Kuwaiti/Bahraini khaleeji hip hop duo Daffy and Flipperachi will perform an official concert at the 2019 Spring of Culture Festival. Joined on stage by DJ Outlaw, a live band, and a dance crew, the concert is set to deliver top-notch quality entertainment and a setlist featuring the duo’s biggest hits. The performance will also feature the duo’s label mate and Saudi-based rapper, Lil Eazy.

Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Bahrain

For more information: +973 1729 8777

miss Dont te vouri a f r you s Day

For more information: +973 1758 9999

The Gulf Property Show is a dedicated boutique showcase for the real estate and property development sectors. The show will provide the opportunity to promote Bahrain's property assets as well as regional and international opportunities for investors in commercial and residential real estate.

For more information: +973 1729 9123

Day of Photography Where: Bin Matar House Join the annually awaited event just before the summer break. The Day of Photography is intended as a sharing platform for the artistic and photography community in Bahrain.

The program will include a panel talk on the hugely popular Bahraini project “Photos A La Chair” and a slidefest with local and regional photographers in collaboration with Dubaibased Gulf Photo Plus.

Registration is on binmatarhouse@gmail.com For more information: +973 1732 2549

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 11

Events

Best in Dubai

What's On - What's New

OPM Overload Where: Dubai World Trade Centre

World Art Dubai Where: Dubai World Trade Centre World Art Dubai has expanded its accessible programme of features for its landmark fifth edition on 3-6 April. The show boasts a collection of 150 galleries and artists from over 30 countries displaying over 3,000 pieces including abstract paintings, fluid painting, cubism art, mixed media and sculptures ranging from $100 onwards. This year will also see the inaugural Emerging Artists Competition and Exhibition held in collaboration with Rove Hotels.

For more information: +971 4308 6358

Ogie Alcasid, Piolo Pascual and Morissette Amon - three of the top names of the Filipino music and entertainment industry - are joining forces for one night in Dubai on 5th April. From soulful ballads to pop classics, audiences will enjoy a concert of their all-time favourite tracks that have captured multiple generations. Be serenaded by incredible talent and world-class entertainment at this familyfriendly show.

For more information: www.visitdubai.com

Boyzone Live Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

Descend as your favorite super-hero or villain for three days of film and comic fun from 11-13 April! Middle East Film and Comic Con is coming to Dubai and bringing entertainment all day long. Expect singing sessions, meet and greets, guest appearances, workshops, an exhibition featuring more than 400 vendors, live music, DJs, and lots of competitions. Catch Hodor (Game of thrones) doing a DJ set or Mike Colter (Luke Cage) at this weekend’s extraordinary, action-packed line-up.

Boyzone, the most successful band in Ireland and the UK, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a world tour with Dubai on their list of sure stops. The four-piece Irish boyband rose to stardom in 1995 with the release of their debut studio album, Said and Done.

In November 2018, the band released their seventh and final studio album, Thank You and Goodnight. This performance on 12th April is part of the band’s last anticipated tour as a unit.

For more information: +971 4407 2526

For more information: +971 4239 5000

Middle East Film and Comic Con Where: Dubai World Trade Centre

12 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

Gallery 21 celebrated their 2nd anniversary by hosting a cocktail reception

14 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Save more with Careem Packages We’ve made daily transportation a lot easier. Just buy Careem kilometers in advance, in the app and use them as payment wherever, whenever.

Benefits: • No Peak/No Airport Surcharge • Great savings with each package

hi BC' on s Gu id e

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Cartier

Spring/Summer 2019 Eyewear

ashion

Inspired by the emblematic codes of the Maison’s tradition in the jewelry and watchmaking worlds, the Cartier eyewear collection continues to evolve its shapes and precious embellishments enhanced with a contemporary twist. Savoir-faire, sophistication and versatility come together in the new Spring/Summer 2019 range, which is designed to express the different facets of the brand’s identity.

Available at Moda Mall.

Trends BD 240

Santoni

SS19

BD 305

Opting for a path of aesthetic conciseness, Santoni jointly presents the Santoni footwear collection and the selection of clothing and footwear from the Santoni Edited by Marco Zanini project. The complementarity of stylistic intents expands and defines the brand’s spirit and ethos. A sophisticated yet irreverent use of color is the prominent feature, expressed through manual dexterity and attention to detail.

Available at santonishoes.com

16 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Fashion

Keith Haring x Lacoste

Look 19

Look 20

Trench Coat BD 418 Suit BD 623 Shirt BD 97 Mocassin BD 195

Jacket BD 418 Shirt BD 179 Trousers BD 179 Mocassin BD 195

Corneliani

Beyond Silk

A sophisticated style reflecting the unique and personal attitude of each man. An instinctive and natural elegance infused in an exclusive and timeless wardrobe, perfectly balancing aesthetic and functionality.

Corneliani presents a new chapter of its compelling narration with a Spring/Summer 2019 collection celebrating the label’s savoir-faire through a wide and versatile offering developed to meet the needs of contemporary men’s dynamic lifestyle.

LACOSTE presents its brand new collection with the 20th century pop icon Keith Haring. A street art genius of the 1980s, Keith Haring is known for the simplicity of his line, his bright colours outlined in black and his animated gures who express his energy, zest for life and spontaneity: common values shared with the French company, which pays homage to the unique world and vision of this pioneer who had already understood the importance of combining art and fashion.

Available soon at City Centre Bahrain.

Tumi TUMI, the leading international travel + lifestyle brand, released its latest global campaign; exemplifying the meaning of personal journeys featuring music legend, designer and actor, Lenny Kravitz and his daughter, actress and musician Zoë Kravitz. The campaign, directed by Eliot Rausch, captured in the Bahamas, the beloved haven that established the soul of the Kravitz family.

Available soon at City Centre Bahrain.

Available at Moda Mall.

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 17

Fashion

BD 821

Longchamp

The Ride

After celebrating its 70th anniversary with the hugely successful mini-film The Encounter, featuring its ambassadress Kendall Jenner, Longchamp reprises the theme for its Spring 2019 advertising campaign. This time, however, the scene shifts from Paris to Kendall’s native California, with the meeting between the model and the Longchamp horse taking in the boulevards of LA and the beaches of Malibu.

Available soon at Longchamp outlets.

Fendi Timepieces

Forever Fendi

The Forever Fendi Collection expresses timeless elegance. Its distinctive bracelet, the highlight of the timepiece, draws inspiration from the Roman Maison’s signature. Diamonds, mother-ofpearl and genuine stones come together in a sophisticated watch design. Feminine yet signature, the Forever Fendi represents a tribute to the FENDI’s heritage, thanks to the iconic interlocking FF logo shaped central links on the bracelet. Distinguished by a contrasting interplay of finishes and colors, the bracelet stands out in the overall design.

Available at Moda Mall.

18 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Fashion

GEOX Feisty forms, deft details, uncommon combinations and original takes on old classics sketch the contours of a strong sense of femininity which looks eagerly to modern trends yet stays loyal to those features of breathability, impermeability and absolute comfort, that GEOX footwear is renowned for. Packed with style surprises and loaded with sophisticated technological solutions, the Spring-Summer 2019 collection covers all the season's needs whilst delivering upbeat contemporary everyday elegance.

Available at City Centre Bahrain.

Messika

My Twin Collection

With Gigi Hadid, Messika celebrates the perfect union between the pear cut, the emerald cut and the oval cut of the My Twin collection. As our muse, the famous model puts a finishing touch to the iconic pieces of the collection for a rock n’roll and delicate result. Loyal to the collection, the Mert & Marcus photo reveals all the duality of My Twin: between finesse, movement and Gigi Hadid’s strength gaze, the diamond becomes fabulous.

Available at Moda Mall.

Prices upon request.

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 19

Influencers

The Brand that is YOU in Action!

Brand Luna is here to dive deeper into ‘The Brand That is You’.

We are all walking brands of how we feel and how we treat ourselves and others. This affects how well we are ‘received and perceived ‘on a personal and professional level.

How many of you have ever had a great idea, wish or dream which never came true? Time passed and FUSHHH! Feeling attached to the comfort zone cord or think it's too late? Well it's time you release these un-serving thoughts.

HOW? Take in 5 deep loving breathes feeling some gratitude energy. I’m 100% certain everyone has things to be grateful for. Aligning yourself to gratitude help release all the negativity blockers. This brings about clarity and possibilities to help position yourself towards your dreams for your highest good.

Getting into your alignment requires always nurturing your ‘emotional immune system’ the quality and quantity of thoughts, relationships, foods, water, physical and spiritual activities you digest daily. This is your power board which helps you receive the good thing life.

Personal Mastery Activity: The ‘Brand that is You’ butterfly model, signifies your potential for transformation.

Self-Discovery Questions: l What do you crave in life the most? l What are you most thankfully proud of? l How does it feel when you give freely?

(In your personal or professional life)? l What animal best represents you in nature… l What is your tag line in life?

On a separate piece of paper list 2 challenges you are facing currently. Next, envision possibilities for this dream to happen.

Describe what support resources you would you like to receive?

Once you have tapped into your physical and emotional vibration you will feel the possibilities and a natural positive shift will begin to occur. Stay tuned for positive change in your life. Reach out for a 15 min discovery call to take a deeper dive into the brand that is you.

Love to your hearts. n

Lun li a Hagea

Luna is a Transformation Specialist certified in Adult Learning and Development/ Speaker/Curriculum Designer.

20 years global experience working with individuals and organizations Email: luna@mastermindsalign.com Mobile: +973 3203 0129

20 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Four Seasons Hotel launched 'Folia', their all new plant based menu at Bay View Lounge

Leaders in Bahrain

Hospitality Bahrain Confidential interviews the leaders in Bahrain's hospitality industry about what's new, what's next and what makes them the best.

Bahrain Hospitality

Thomas Flindt General Manager Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

On the strength side, I believe I am a great ‘talent-spotter’ and a good coach – on the weakness side, I’m often too impatient. Once we decided something, I want it to happen ‘pronto’, which is of course not always possible.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game? What are your future plans for the hotel?

Since Marriott took over Starwood, one of the biggest challenges has been to revive Sheraton (the most global of all Marriotts 30 brands), a brand that was left unattended for a number of years. So in the coming years, you will see Sheratons globally (including Bahrain), work to implement the new brand.

Basically transforming the lobbies into Community hubs, a new and re-invigorated rooms product, and an update to the logo of 82 years.

Making Sheratons globally the local gathering points, as was the case.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

The steady challenge we face is the ups and downs in demand. The bigger events being held in Bahrain, the better for the hotel business. The constant addition of new hotels and residences keeps the entire market under pressure. For us the biggest challenge and the success was the project to move all our systems onto the Marriott platform, which was successfully completed by the end of October 2018.

Once we decided something, I want it to happen ‘pronto’, which is of course not always possible.

22 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

Well – I live on Reef Island, and are really enjoying that area, close to everything, but without the traffic hustle and bustle. Beautiful place for walks around the island, and a view to the sea. n

BAHRAIN HOTEL

Ladies Friday Ladies dining in Al Safir Restaurant either Lunch or Dinner are entitled to 50% discount on buffet prices while beverages will be charge as per consumption.

Every Friday: Lunch 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM or Dinner 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM Call +973 17533533 /sheratonbahrain

Bahrain Hospitality

Dr. Essa Faqeeh CEO Al Areen Palace & Spa

T

ell us something personal, what is your greatest strength?

I’m an optimist – I believe that having a negative outlook will not take a person anywhere.

There’s a huge supply of hotels in Bahrain, yet no sign of an increase in demand. Do you have a view on this?

In terms of the market industry, I am also positive.

There are huge opportunities happening in Bahrain which includes the construction of a new exhibition centre and sports city near the BIC in Sakhir. These projects are the growth pillars in Bahrain’s MICE business industry, which in turn, lead to more investors and visitors.

In a fiercely competitive market, how does Al Areen Palace and Spa remain at the forefront of the hospitality game?

The good news is that we’re ahead of our game.

We always benchmark ourselves and ensure that we perform better than anybody else.

Al Areen Palace and Spa is very unique – you will not find a resort of this size (10,000sqm. spa space) in the GCC. Even our villas are boasting sprawling space with a full-sized pool, temperature-controlled Jacuzzi, majlis and courtyard. We are also offering competitive rates for our villas. In terms of the spa, 70% of the treatments and technologies we provide are not available anywhere else in Bahrain.

We make sure that we stay unique by offering exceptional experiences that one can only find in Al Areen Palace and Spa. What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

It was a challenge to attract GCC Families into our Hotel. However, we managed to improve our strategies, along with a dash of teamwork and was able to cope with this challenge. I am proud to say that 56% of our record are Saudis, 36% are Kuwaitis while the remaining percentage are from Bahrain; this includes expatriate families who live in the region.

We make sure to stay unique by offering exceptional experiences that one can only find in Al Areen Palace and Spa.

24 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

What makes Al Areen Palace and Spa stand out from the rest?

Al Areen Palace and Spa is a destination. Therefore, we mirror this in everything: from the service, staff and aura of the hotel. Furthermore, our asset is our people. We always look after our staff and consider them our family because they are the stronghold of our hotel. At the end of the day, if we don’t give that quality to our staff, they will not return the same standard of service.

What’s new?

We are now concentrating on major events and conferences. On the 11th of April, the Top CEO Conference and Awards 2019 will be held here. It is a red carpet awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of the Top CEOs in the GCC. n

A destination you deserve alareenpalace.com

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the stark desert panorama, in a land once described by the ancient Dilmun civilisation as the Garden of Eden.

Wrap yourself in sheer luxury as you discover a perfect blend of relaxation and pleasure.

Al Areen Palace & Spa offers the travel connoisseur complete privacy in an alluring, peaceful haven that is rich in both spirituality and culture.

reservations@alareenpalace.com

1784 5000

alareenpalaceandspa

6661 1168 alareenpalace

Bahrain Hospitality

Philipp Economou General Manager InterContinental Regency Bahrain

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

My strength is inspiring people to perform. Over the years, I have learned that our people and guests are what keep us going. Leading a high-performing team is therefore less about driving performance and more about inspiring and creating an environment where team members feel valued so they feel motivated to perform to their full potential and delight our guests and over-deliver on results. I love speed and the same applies in my work; I love to move fast and sometimes my patience can be questionable. The good thing is that I know it and working on it.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

Yes, I agree it is a competitive market, however being a brand of one of world’s leading hotel companies sets us apart. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is known to have strong distribution systems and a great loyalty programme.

Whilst I am confident that this will add to us being in the forefront, it is also how we make a difference locally, be it in our impeccable services or our unique offerings and with 2 hotels in the country representing the brand, it is twice the impact!!!

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

One of my biggest challenges and at the same time successes was my last assignment – the opening of the InterContinental Fujairah resort! Literally seeing and leading the development of an establishment from “Shell and Core” building and working with talented people to become one of the most luxurious Resorts in UAE. What are your future plans for the hotel?

Great things! My aim is to bring back the heydays of Regency especially in our food and beverage offerings. I have heard good things about how guests had to book a week in advance to get seating at one our restaurants. I would love to get there; of course in today’s world it is about choices but when you have great offering at the right place and at the right price, I am sure we will have our guests walk right back in.

The other thing I want to focus on as well, is the local connect. At InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts we believe international travel should always be alluring. We are dedicated to those who appreciate and enjoy The InterContinental Life – the glamour and exhilaration of fascinating places, mixed with our international know-how and local cultural wisdom.

My aim is to bring back the heydays of Regency especially in our food and beverage offerings.

26 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

Keeping in line with the brand ethos that speaks to affluent travelers looking for a travel destination steeped in culture, heritage and memorable experiences, we do have a lot of favorites listed. But my most favorite one is the Manama Souq, Bab Al Bahrain, with its narrow streets and alleyways.

Here you can pick up everything from electronic goods to spices and shisha pipes. But the real reason to visit is to wander through the bustling streets of a market that still evokes the atmosphere of an ancient souq and emanates vibrant city life. n

Bahrain Hospitality

Christopher Geraghty General Manager Royal Golf Club

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I think, like most GM’s I’m a very hard worker which is a strength in my career and is good for the club, however, like most GM’s, I find it difficult to have a healthy work/life balance.

Particularly as I’m in the final few months of my Masters degree.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

The Royal Golf Club utilizes Troon Golf’s excellent service standards and initiatives to bridge the gap between golf and hospitality which means the club can do so much more than be a ‘Golf Club’. With five restaurants, event spaces, country club and the wide range of facilities at the club we can cater for all market segments. Add to that; we are a young executive-team whom remain creative and at the forefront of industry trends keeping a fresh and lively atmosphere at the club.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

The past year has been a great year for us. We have seen record member-satisfaction in our annual survey, we have been able to implement a lot of improvements in the facility which have all received very positive feedback and further-improve the vast array of facilities and products we are able to offer.

Recent increases in utility costs would be a challenge as we operate such a large facility. However, thanks to the hard work and creativity of the team, we are able to off-set that as we continue to find new innovative ways to welcome new members and visitors to the club.

What are your future plans for the club?

We believe we have found the right model for the business and will continue to use our experience and knowledge to ensure all members and guests receive the Troon Experience every time they visit the club. We are working closely with the Bahrain Golf Federation to boost participation in the game of golf and working hard to create more family-oriented experiences where the entire family can enjoy the day out together.

I love the collectivist culture and sense of pride there is here in Bahrain, not only from the Bahrain nationals, but from the expatriates also.

28 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

Personally speaking; I love the collectivist culture and sense of pride there is here in Bahrain, not only from the Bahrain nationals, but from the expatriates also.

It is great to see so many people so happy with life here and all stakeholders of Bahrain coming together for the success of Bahrain itself. The club is happy to be part of this in the form of the Bahrain Jazz Festival and the recent MENA Tour event which happened at the club. These events, which are successful thanks to the support of many stakeholders in Bahrain, really prove that Bahrain is a great place to live or to visit. n

Bahrain Hospitality

Anna Marie Dowling Complex General Manager The Westin & Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Greatest strengths would probably be my resilience and determination to overcome whatever obstacle that is put in my way to ensure our teams and hotels are constantly improving. Weakness side - As I personally have to work at quite a fast pace to fulfill so many expectations from so many stakeholders and keep the hotels running on track, sometimes when I am very busy, my patience in the time it can take to get things done could be improved!!

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

I think you always have to open to a constant climate of change – you cannot rely on staying at the forefront by doing things the way you have always done them. Customers’ expectations change, as do our associates, and Marriott as well as our owners, Majid Al Futtaim expectations. It is fundamentally important you study the trends that occur in your business and take the relevant steps to ensure you are being as nimble as possible to react to them. You constantly have to learn, adapt and evolve and bring your team with you.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

Managing the major integration process of transitioning two hotels from the Starwood infrastructure to the Marriott infrastructure, whilst also operating in a very tough and competitive market and still improving our results in some key performance areas was a major challenge and success for our two hotels last year. One of our key successes for 2018 as well is being nominated for many hospitality awards and actually winning 9 of them that include restaurant awards, spa awards and hotel awards.

What are your future plans for the Westin & Le Meridien?

There a lot of happenings for both brands this year and we will be having a lot of brand activation starting from Le Meridien Avec Amour and focusing on our art, culture and discovery brand pillars. For Westin we will be having more events and activation to live our feel well, sleep well and eat well brand promise so stay tuned on those events on our social media pages.

One of our key successes for 2018 as well is being nominated for many hospitality awards and actually winning 9.

30 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

I live on Reef Island and love it there – it is peaceful and tranquil after a busy day in the hotels but there are still things to do on the island – even after being in Bahrain for over three years there is not a day that goes by that I do not appreciate my short commute to work after working in London for so many years and having at least one if not one and half hours added on the beginning and end of every day to travel backwards and forwards to work. n

Bahrain Hospitality Le Méridien & The Westin City Centre Bahrain Executive Committee Anna Marie Dowling

Complex General Manager What advice would you offer to those who aspire to become a GM in the hotel industry someday?

Have that resilience and determination to overcome whatever obstacle that is put in the way to achieve your dreams. Dreams do come true but there’s often a lot of hard work needed to achieve them.

Amit Puri

Complex Director of Human Resources What is the single best quality your employees can possess?

Humility Is there a quote/motto that you live by?

“If you believe, you can achieve”

Zee Bassila

Complex Director of Sales What do you hope to accomplish within the next year?

I would like to meet the hotel top lines and make sure that we have over performed 2018. I am also working on promoting one talent to his or her next level.

Satish Kumar

Cristalyn Pastrana

John Bograkos

What would you say is the hardest part of your job?

Whilst you’re working every day with such a diverse group of people, everyone you speak to has their own unique needs or requirements. Whether it’s a disgruntled guest, an inexperienced employee, or an employee handling an unanticipated service, you’ll need to be able to switch gears and work effectively to resolve whatever issues they’re facing within the shortest span of time.

What service do you provide that makes your properties different from the rest of the hotel in Bahrain?

Personalization and genuine hospitality is a unique DNA of our properties The Westin and Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain. We pride ourselves on having great talents and genuine people who loves what they do every day from the bellman who welcomes you at the door to our culinary team who ensures your meal preference or any dietary needs are met and the lists are endless.

What attracts you to working for luxury hotels?

In hotels, you meet a variety of people, young, old, from almost every cultural, educational and professional background.

Working for hotels allows you to work in various places almost around the work and gain significant experience and exposure since the basic operation is almost identical wherever you go. The hotel is always the mirror of the country somebody visits.

Complex Director of Operations

Cluster Director of Marketing

Complex Director of Finance

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 31

Bahrain Hospitality

Chafik Zrara General Manager Gallery 21

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

My strength is that I am very honest person and I like to build relationships for an open network. At the same time, I like brainstorming with my team and colleagues on any projects because I strongly believe that many opinions are better than one. My weakness is that I won’t let go for my passion project as soon as I am definitely convinced that it is perfect.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

By being open minded and adaptable to the changes.

We also try to be innovative and creative in our offers and promotions to attract the guest’s needs. Opportunities, whether it be small or risky, should be taken advantage of to lead the market.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

To introduce Gallery 21 as brand new attractive product with a new concept into the market (no previous influence of the brand).

On the other note, we had the success of being one of the most popular venue for night life experience, as well as weddings, VIP Corporate and more.

What are your future plans for Gallery 21?

To open new branches under Gallery 21 in Bahrain and why not in Middle East as a franchise.

Opportunities, whether it be small or risky, should be taken advantage of to lead the market.

32 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Which part of Bahrain is your favorite and why?

Adliya, because it’s center point of outstanding entertainment, food & beverages, complemented with a walkfriendly district. n

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Bahrain Hospitality

Antony Hurtis General Manager Gulf Suites Hotel Amwaj

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I can adapt to any situations. I am flexible and invite ideas from my team. I am genuine without egos and I can persuade people to do their best.

I don’t believe in weaknesses as this is negative, I believe we can overcome all weaknesses with positive thoughts and belief.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

I keep calm and patient when the business is slow. I am always optimistic about my vision and mission by implementing innovative ideas.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

My biggest challenge was to rebrand two four-star hotels.

At the same time, it has been my success because these two hotels became icons in Bahrain’s hospitality industry.

What are your future plans for the hotel?

Expanding the food and beverage facilities in Gulf Suites Hotel to the best in the industry.

I don’t believe in weaknesses as this is negative, I believe we can overcome all weaknesses with positive thoughts and belief.

34 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Which part of Bahrain is your favorite and why?

Being a hotelier, my favorite places in Bahrain are Juffair, Seef and Amwaj. n

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Bahrain Hospitality

Gilles Nicolas General Manager Crowne Plaza Bahrain

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I believe my strength is the passion I have for my role. I have been in my current role for over four years now and I feel more motivated to improve our performance every day I go to work.

It is always difficult to realize and accept our weakness... even though we all have plenty! Mine are my listening skills (sometimes!) and my limited patience (often!).

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

Having acknowledged that it is a competitive market, we do have a few things that is going for us. Firstly, the completion of a comprehensive renovation of one entire wing of the hotel and the addition of a brand new Club lounge with latest designs, technologies and services to keep pace with the market and the strong competition.

Keeping line with today’s modern business traveler, our hotel provides spaces designed to help our guests be productive, be better restored, and be inspired with our globally recognized WorkLife room, signature Sleep Advantage® program, fitness facilities, and partnerships that enhance downtime and work time. We also deliver big on meetings of any size, with innovative break out spaces, large conference venues, and dedicated Crowne Plaza Meetings Director.

In addition, being a brand in of one of world’s leading hotel companies, the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and having an owning company that is one of the leading and fastest growing hospitality company regionally, makes it a double whammy for us!

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

Our biggest success was the renovation of one of the wings in the hotel and the opening of a fantastic Club lounge for our most exclusive guests. Managing inventory, ensuring that our guests were comfortable during the process and the launching of the same were both exhilarating and exciting.

The biggest challenge remains to be the market conditions and the increase of competition in Bahrain.

Our biggest success was the renovation of one of the wings in the hotel and the opening of a fantastic Club lounge for our most exclusive guests.

36 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

What are your future plans for the hotel?

My focus for this year is on two things – one is our food and beverage offerings while the other focus is our MICE. Being one of the largest convention spaces in the country, our emphasis is to bring in not only smaller meetings but larger conferences, exhibitions and weddings as well.

Which part of Bahrain is your favorite and why?

Personally, as I am an avid cyclist, my two favorite spots are Zallaq area where you will find a lot bicycle enthusiasts cycling away. And the other is the Arad Bay Protected Area & Park next to the airport. This 3km-long circular walkway rings the bay in Bahrain’s only marine ecosystem conservation area recreation park. If you are lucky enough, you might see the flocks of flamingos which make the island their winter home. n

Bahrain Hospitality

Lilian Roger General Manager ART Rotana

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

It’s very important to identify our own strengths and weaknesses to be able to deal with them and turn them into goals and achievements. Resilience and passion would be my greatest strengths but could also be a weakness if not controlled properly. I would also like to think that working in the hospitality industry is a strength in itself as every day is very different each bringing its own challenges and new experiences.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

I believe that people are the greatest asset in the hospitality industry. To remain at the forefront of this game, we encourage our employees and colleagues to grow, expand and develop themselves to practice their knowledge on a daily basis. Personal engagement with our guests will build unforgettable experiences and memories which could last forever. With this, ART Rotana will continue to offer a five-star hospitality service in one of the most vibrant areas in Bahrain. Our ever increasing facilities coupled with our human assets are the key to lead in this market.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

In the past year, we faced many trading challenges but succeeded in overcoming them by working closely with all our partners including our owners, suppliers, contractors, employees, Bahrain Tourism authority and many more to deliver great results in a challenging economic environment.

ART Rotana will continue to offer a fivestar hospitality service in one of the most vibrant areas in Bahrain.

38 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

What are your future plans for ART Rotana?

We want to become a leading company and set ourselves as one of the top 3 key players in the 5 star Bahrain hospitality industry.

ART Rotana will continue to raise the bar and drive food and beverages excellence through increasing the quality of services, offers and events such as our brunches, beach parties, social events and many more.

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

My home is my most favourite place in Bahrain where I can reconnect with my family and refresh after a long day at work. n

Bahrain Hospitality

Richard Raab General Manager Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

One of my greatest strengths is that I tend to be very positive. I do believe that; "optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope and confidence". Having said that I need to be extremely aware of this though, as otherwise it could very easily become a weakness.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

It is a fiercely competitive market indeed; we need to ensure that we focus on the service delivery. That we put our employees at the forefront and allow them to showcase their character and naturally connect with our guests through their craftsmanship. Everybody will renovate and upgrade their facilities, but the magic is created by our phenomenal employees.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

The biggest challenge and success at the same time was the opening of our brand new beach in August of last year. We now have the most beautiful beach in Bahrain and It really has transformed our hotel into a true beach resort set on its own private island in the middle of Bahrain Bay and is a real success.

Our hotel has gone from strength to strength every year since opening and the team will ensure that this year will be more of the same.

40 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

What are your future plans for the hotel?

Our hotel has gone from strength to strength every year since opening and the team will ensure that this year will be more of the same. So the future is bright for our hotel. The most important part this year is to continue to instill a beach resort feel in the hotel and hence be able to capitalize on the beach that was opened last year.

Which part of Bahrain is your favorite and why?

Bahrain has so many places to enjoy.

One of my favorites is Haji's Cafe for breakfast, besides the great local food, you really get a sense of place, Bahrain. n

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Bahrain Hospitality

Anwar Hajjar Hotel Manager Acting GM Wyndham Grand Manama

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I have always been a natural leader and I love to connect with people from all walks of life. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

Now, as I look back at all my failures and successes, I know that I wouldn’t have reached them if I hadn’t built a strong determination and the curiosity to learn new things and be a part of something bigger than myself.

Part of my weakness is that I am too critical of myself.

Throughout my career, I often feel I could have done more and I always push myself to the limits of what can still be done. I find it difficult to just keep still as my mind keeps churning of possibilities that could have made the difference.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

The hospitality industry has aggressively grown here in Bahrain and to be on top of the game, it is important to maintain and keep improving on services and facilities to develop loyalty from our guests, to make a lasting impression by giving them the best hotel experience they can ever have.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

The biggest challenge is also the biggest success of managing this amazing property. The hospitality industry in Bahrain has become so competitive, we have to be different. Apart from being the only fivestar dry hotel in the country, we have to compete with hotels that has been here for decades. Our iconic tower, our strategic location, our service, the Wyndham Grand brand and the united force of a great team is our success.

What are your future plans for the hotel?

Wyndham Grand Manama will be adding restaurants with El Sitio, a South American meet & dine concept, a Bistro Lounge on the 25th floor that will offer lunch & dinner with exclusive smoking & non-smoking areas. Soon we are also adding to our food & beverage outlet, the Durrah Lobby Lounge combined with a cake shop. We have successfully launched the Spa Suite concept by Wyndham while working on Six Senses Spa expected by Q4 2019.

I often feel I could have done more and I always push myself to the limits of what can still be done.

42 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

I can not pinpoint a specific place in Bahrain that I can call my favorite place because the country is wonderful and the hospitality of the Bahrainis is beyond compare.

I can state that the best place I love in Bahrain is being with my family. I am fortunate they are here with me and we consider Bahrain as our second home.

The country is a great place to have a family, it is conservative, yet diversified in a lot of ways. n

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Bahrain Hospitality

Zeki Ozal General Manager, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain

W

hat is your vision for Jumeirah Royal Saray?

Our main vision is to offer a new hub to the local and international clientele that highlights the luxury of the global trends while also fusing the warm local hospitality of the Middle East. We want to offer an alternative to the international chains by emphasizing a luxurious Middle Eastern hospitality brand. We want to elevate the whole Jumeirah experience based on three tiers: best service, best F&B and best design.

What makes you stand out from the rest?

Jumeirah Royal Saray is already at the top of the said three tiers. This is the most luxurious property that one can see in Bahrain. With the design and materials used in the hotel, one could not expect better. We are proud of this but we don't think this is enough – we will continue to complement it with the launch of new services.

There’s a lot of new luxury hotels opening in Bahrain yet no sign of an increase in demand. Do you have a view on this?

I am very optimistic about this. I’ve talked about this in various platforms – I strongly believe that all these new hotels opening aren’t enough; we need more. Of course the first years will be tough but we need to establish Bahrain as a destination not only for hotels but also for activities and events. Dubai is a great example of this and we also have a great opportunity to do the same in this country.

Times have changed and people think differently about what luxury travel is – what are you doing to meet the needs of today’s travelers?

By using the latest technologies and being more relevant in terms of visuals, offerings and promotions. As we speak, our team is working full-speed on making the guest experience more technologically-advanced. Not many people know this but we use the best system behind the scenes to serve our guests.

We want to elevate the whole Jumeirah experience based on three tiers: best service, best F&B and best design.

44 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

What’s new at the hotel?

Amongst our offerings would be a new venue that caters to the Middle Eastern palate in terms of entertainment and culinary offerings. We are revamping the entire food and beverage offerings by hiring the global director for Michelin Guide, Michael Ellis as our Chief Culinary Officer. This is the first time for hospitality companies to hire such a high caliber professional to lead the vision of the company. n

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Bahrain Hospitality

Alban Dutemple General Manager Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I am team player oriented and love to develop my collaborators, I am very organized, and I like and try to anticipate. I am not patient and I could be more flexible.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

Value for price paid. This is very much a basic school learning lesson, but very true in our market and for today and the upcoming months. The pricing must be adapted to the market and the quality to the expectation. The product/ offer we create must fit into this philosophy.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

It was not really a big challenge but a big change‌The repositioning of the hotel in its segmentation and market, this is in term of rates & product offering, internal restructuring, hotel space optimization, hotel collaborator flexibility and adaptability. At the same time it has been the success of the past 8 months.

Value for price paid. This is very much a basic school learning lesson, but very true in our market and for today and the upcoming months.

46 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

What are your future plans for the hotel?

Maintaining through investment the quality of our property, maintaining the level of motivation, passion and result oriented mind of all our collaborators, anticipating the market trends, increase the results for SBI International and owner, Which part of Bahrain is your favorite and why?

Bahrain fort, I like it very much the walk along the sea and the fort, I walk every week with my wife and dog, we always meet someone to talk too...n

Bahrain Hospitality Kosta Kourotsidis

Mehdi Hanayen

General Manager Diplomat Radisson Blu

General Manager Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

I

n a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

The market will always stay competitive and this is where we have the opportunity to be the bench mark of the region in delivering world-class service.Our brand pillars in fact empower our team members to create memorable moment experiences. We enjoy serving with our “Yes I Can!” spirit, We have fun in all that we do & We believe anything is possible.

In addition The Diplomat Radisson Blu stands firm with the weekend leisure travelers from the Gulf, driven mostly by KSA travelers and has loyal repeated guests being a landmark hotel.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

We deal with challenges as opportunities - Closing down the hotel lobby for renovation for one year wasn’t easy. Investing to serve our guest needs as our facilities are fantastic and in the competitive market that we are in at this point of time. I am happy to announce that the renovation at our hotel is full completed, and it’s rewarding to see the impression that it has on our guests, starting from the lobby to the guest room.

What are your future plans for Diplomat Radisson Blu? The future is always full of excitement – in short, we just launched the new menu for our Asian restaurant Kontiki on the other hand working to finalize the menu for the Italian restaurant Mondo. our Executive chefs along with his team doing an amazing job and start working on Ramadan preparations. On the other hand focus on developing the careers of our Bahraini staff and grooming them to take on higher positons in the future to deliver memorable moments every day, everywhere, every time.

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

The entire Kingdom with no exception. You feel home away from home. n

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Self-motivated and determined. I considered these traits as my greatest assets whether it is personal or professional related. I live my career believing that weakness doesn’t exist.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

I have been influenced by our CEO, Sebastian Bazin, “either you change or you will be changed”. In a world where change is constant and drastic, to stay at the forefront of the hospitality industry is one of the toughest challenge we will keep on dealing with. Together with Accor, we will continue to adapt, transform and remain ambitious.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

Number of hotel rooms has been enormously added to the overall Bahrain Market in the year 2018. The increase of inventory gave our guests more choices which resulted to a very competitive market. Despite this challenge, we were fortunate to close the year overachieving our KPIs. Overall, I can say that we performed very well.

What are your future plans for the hotel?

I am grateful to be working with our visionary owners who believe in continuing to re-invest in upgrading our rooms, outlets and facilities.

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

I know that you will be surprised if I say it isn’t Manama however Zallaq is my favourite part of Bahrain. Zallaq is a like a hidden gem of Bahrain.

I love its relaxed location, quietness and pureness of its beauty.

Being close to the Bahrain International Circuit is a bonus. n

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 47

Bahrain Hospitality Pasquale Baiguera General Manager Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Primavera hosted the media launch of their new spring menu

T

ell us something personal, what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I am a people-oriented person that is interested to understand what motivates the persons in my Team.

Also, I’m a very straight forward person and I “walk the talk” As for my weakness, I am hard to convince. I’m a perfectionist and detail-oriented that at times can make it challenging for the people around me.

In a fiercely competitive market, how do you plan on remaining at the forefront of the hospitality game?

We remain at the forefront of the hospitality game by ensuring that we deliver consistent quality and high level of service throughout all the organisation, as well as by continuing to come up with innovative ideas and activities and ensuring that we go above and beyond guests’ expectations.

What has been the biggest challenges and successes of the past year?

Our biggest challenge is to run the hotel’s operations while we are going through a major renovation as well as having to find solutions to minimize the guest’s disturbance and keep the staff on board and motivated. The biggest success is that the hotel is still well recognized as one of the best hotels in the Kingdom and gaining various International Awards such as the SKYTRAX award for the best Airport hotel in Middle East, best Airport hotel in Bahrain by Business Traveler Middle East and the best luxury Airport Hotel in Middle East by World Luxury Hotel Awards.

What are your future plans for the hotel?

To reposition the Hotel as market leader by maximizing the benefit of having a brand new property and outstanding F&B outlets. I can’t wait to reveal it.

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

I honestly like most areas in Bahrain but my favoutite one is Amwaj Island since it’s peaceful and surrounded by the sea. n

48 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Feature

Raising Standards Bahrain Confidential talks to Dadabhai Travel’s Director, Adnan Gilitwala about what’s new, what’s next and what makes them the best.

W

hat are the main highlights of Dadabhai Travel’s new office?

Since it was previously logistically challenging for everyone, we’ve taken all of Dadabhai’s different offices in Manama and centralized them into one premises.

Having it centralized is definitely something that helped us professionally and operationally.

On another note, the whole restoration and refurnishing of Dadabhai’s new office add a very classy and comfortable look and feel; making our customers feel that they are taken care of and appreciated in the way that the company wants them to be appreciated.

From an aesthetic perspective, the main highlight would be the opening door. This essentially emphasizes the history and heritage of Bahrain in the form of the coin-based symbols. This great imposing door depicts the Dilmun civilization which is the first thing people see when they visit. Additionally, a restoration of a magnificent mosaic mural can be admired by the visitors at the reception area.

50 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Feature ourselves. My personal goal for 2019 is to build and solidify ourselves in anticipation of the next good year to come.

Through our years in service, we have established meaningful relationships in Bahrain; these relationships are the backbone of our company. I want people to know the reason why Dadabhai is consistently awarded as the top seller for airlines, hotel chains and more.

We don’t just operate as a business; we care. We want to reflect this though the services we provide. I would like to strengthen our reputation of being the leading travel agency in Bahrain.

What’s next for Dadabhai?

Constant growth and expansion, both regional and international. The world is ours for the taking, we just need to keep pushing forward and growing as a company. n For more information www.dadabhaitravel.com

What services are you providing?

We provide every travel related service from A to Z. This includes corporate, retail and group travel as well as offshore and marine services, hotel and apartment booking, cruise and rail booking, and more. We also have a subsidiary inbound company which highlights Bahrain and caters to travelers coming to Bahrain.

As always, we ensure that each request and special need is accounted for and meticulously catered to. We pride ourselves on the delivering the highest level of service to both our guests that travel out of Bahrain and those of whom we bring in. We want to promote the country and show the world why Bahrain is everything people say it is and more.

What are you anticipating for the rest of the year?

I think that this year is going to be as challenging as the last year, if not more so. This is because of changes to the economy as well as the government policies in regards to spending (VAT implementation). I want to take this year to build, consolidate, refine and improve

We want to promote the country and show the world why Bahrain is everything people say it is and more.

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 51

Feature

In the era of disruption, Careem is an enabler

W

e often hear about disruption and tech companies being disruptors – it has become one of the dominant themes in recent years.

As a company that started out as a ridehailing service, it’s easy to see why people associate Careem with disruption. In other parts of the world, ride-hailing companies have disrupted established orders, but given how Careem started out and where in the world we launched, Careem is something different – an enabler.

52 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Feature Careem’s technology is allowing this region to skip through many of the years of transport evolution that Europe or North America went through. And for many people in the region, Careem has changed their lives by providing mobility that was previously problematic or simply didn’t exist. Our growth across the MENA region is driving affordability and choice and improving societies.

Before Careem launched, citizens of Bahrain were regularly dependent on their fathers, brothers or husbands to get them around and they were not in complete control of their daily lives.

They may want to go out, but there’s no car at home so they must wait for the private driver who is already out taking their

Now if they need to go somewhere, they just press a button and a car arrives.

The Careem service was transformative.

mother somewhere. Now if they need to go somewhere, they just press a button and a car arrives. The Careem service was transformative.

Careem is also offering peer-to-peer credit transfers now.

It’s easy to sometimes forget that bank accounts and cards that many of us take for granted are not available to everyone. In fact, according to the World Bank, only 14 percent of people in the Middle East have access to a bank account. That means there are hundreds of millions that have no means of storing cash in a secure manner or the ability to make digital payments.

Cash is still the main form of payment in the region including for Careem rides. But with smartphone penetration on the rise, the wallet is going to be an increasingly common way of paying in the coming years. Careem wants to stay ahead of this change and they are working to bring new payment services to their customers which will ultimately help them simplify the lives of users.n www.careem.com

@careembah

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 53

Influencers

Burnout: what it is and what you can do about it Do you feel like every day is a bad day? Like caring about your work or home life is a total waste of energy? Are you exhausted all the time? Is the majority of your day spent on tasks you find either mind-numbingly dull or overwhelming? Do you feel like nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated?

Collectively, these symptoms are burnout.

Burnout is a relatively new term, only coined in 1974 by the psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. It is the loss of motivation, growing sense of emotional depletion, and cynicism towards your job. Burnout doesn’t just affect our professional growth.

Research shows that chronic psychosocial stress impairs personal and social functioning, which can overwhelm the cognitive and neuroendocrine systems, eventually leading to distinctive changes in the functioning and anatomy of the brain.

Ultimately, burnout results when the balance of deadlines, demands, working hours, and other stressors outstrips rewards, recognition, and relaxation.

Dealing with burnout requires prioritizing self-care. Reach out to those closest to you; you are not a burden for opening up to them. Being more sociable with coworkers could be another way to prevent burnout, however try to limit your time with negatively focused individuals. If quitting your job is not an option, reframing the way you think about your job can be beneficial. Try to find some value in your work by focusing on how your job is helping others, or how you play a role in keeping your place of employment afloat. Look for meaning and satisfaction outside of your work by focusing on the parts of your life that bring you joy (e.g. family, friends, hobbies). Set boundaries; learn to say no to others so you can yes to yourself.

Your time is valuable, and you deserve to spend it in ways that are fulfilling.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is making sure you get a restful 6-8 hours of sleep each night. If you feel burnout is significantly affecting you and you need help coping, talking to a professional can be a good idea as well. n

Ra

zan Shaheen

Razan Shaheen is a psychologist at Insights Therapy Center in Bahrain.

She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and talk therapy as her primary modalities to help individuals unlock their full potential.

54 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

ArtBAB hosted a VIP reception and dinner banquet at the Arcapita buliding

Feature

Paint & Palette

L

ocated at Palm Square Budaiya, Paint & Palette is a fine art studio conceived by Karina Al Zu’bi. Karina is an artist who went beyond borders in the exploration of her art form; her passion for art making paved the way into creating a platform for people to learn art. Today, Paint & Palette has been able to create a bridge between artists and people wanting to make art in Bahrain.

One of the Paint & Palette’s focus is to promote art education for adults and children alike, including the less fortunate and persons with disabilities. Their services include art classes, art portfolio development and exhibitions. Aside from art mentorship, Paint & Palette also offers birthday hosting packages and workshops.

The studio’s classes are conducted by a team of artists: Sarah Rheeder, Anil Kumar and Joel Pan. Sarah is a South African artist who finds a deep passion and interest in resin as a medium. Anil specializes in nature and pattern subjects using pencil, charcoal, oil and acrylic. Finally, Joel is accomplished in acrylic, pencil, charcoal and mixed media. All of them aim to provide guidance to people while sharing their mastery in what they do best – creating art. n Location: Palm Square, Budaiya Highway (next to NBB bank) www.paintnpalettebh.com, Tel. +973 3991 8888 Prices start from BD16 for a one-time class and BD110 for the package (12 hours).

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 55

Feature

FLORAL - JUNOON SATIN POUR FEMME Junoon Satin is the epitome of feminine elegance. A burst of freshness opens with on the lusciously succulent notes of apple inflected with woody red berry. The exotic bouquet of rose, jasmine, sambac, lily of the valley and ylang ylang forms scents of an enchanted garden caressed to sweet perfection by vanilla.

Heaven Scent Although Mother’s Day has passed, you can gift the special woman of your life a new scent to be remembered by Rasasi Perfumes.

OUD - NEBRAS AL ISHQ WAHAJ Wahaj is a tribute to beauty and radiance. This additive and refined perfume oil opens on a sensuous floral bouquet of lotus flower, pure jasmine, majestic orris and damask rose. Adding to this sophisticated scent is the generous blend of vanilla and praline to intensify the aroma. Oud imparts this opulent creation a magnificent signature encapsulating passion and transcendence.

CITRUS - BORUZZ JAZEEBIYAT MUSK TABRIZ Jazeebiyat Musk Tabriz is glamorous, intense and regal. A fragrant masterpiece that leaves a remarkable impression on all who encounter it. The intense bouquet of Italian citrus, rich wild fruit and French Cassis comes alive with a floral explosion followed by sensual notes of musk and Madagascan vanilla.

56 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Downtown Rotana hosted a booker’s party at Teatro Downtown

Feature

An Eye for Art

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held its first “Celebrating Art” Painting Competition.

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long legacy of artistry surrounds the small islands of Bahrain – just recently, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain celebrated art by hosting a painting competition to continue its patronage of supporting the thriving art scene. The competition, held March 9-10, included a select group of nine resident artists to participate and conceive original works inspired by the 20-acre beachfront resort.

Participating artists included Carlo Rico, Imtiaz Ahmad, Irina Averinos, Shirley Dockerill, Rommel Rillon, Jonathan Zumarraga, Gary Manalo, Nikolas Nikolaou and Eman Aljunaid. Winners were selected by a panel of judges based on their theme relevance, design and creative elements, integration of technique, expression, and organization as well as overall craftsmanship.

Four winning works were selected, including: Grand Winner: “One Afternoon with the Flamingos” by Carlo Rico, Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24 First Place: “Beauty Unfazed” by Imtiaz Ahmad, Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24 Second Place: The Beauty of The Ritz-Carlton” by Irina Averinos, Oil on Canvas, 18x24 Third Place: “Scaveola Frutescens” by Shirley Dockerill, Watercolor “We were thrilled at the response of submissions to the competition. Our beautiful island Kingdom of Bahrain has a wealth of talent, and we were delighted to support these artists

in creating something magnificent to be showcased at our resort, said General Manager, Mr. Bernard de Villèle. “We also owe sincerity and patronage to our owning company, International Hotels Establishment, who supported this first competition, which is planned to be an annual event again in next year’s social calendar. Over the last two decades, our resort has become the epicenter for life, luxury and good taste in the Kingdom and this amazing event celebrating arts is just one of many that are we are extremely proud of.”

Winning works are planned to be on view at the hotel for a three-month period. The five-star luxury Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain resort is located in the exclusive Al Seef district in Manama, Bahrain. n For additional information about the resort, award-winning dining experiences, or to reserve your stay, please call (800) 00995, the hotel directly at (+973) 1758 0000, a travel professional or visit The Ritz-Carlton website at ritzcarlton.com/ bahrain. Follow the hotel on social @ritzcarltonbahrain and join the conversation using #RCMemories.

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 57

Influencers

Eating more vegetables will help your waistline It’s no secret that vegetables are healthy for you and we all need to eat more, but they hardly taste as good as a burger or a big piece of cake.

However I’m here to tell you that you can have your cake (or pizza), eat it and lose weight too.

Loading your plate up with plenty of vegetables is a smart way to increase your food volume without raising your calories too high. For example: When enjoying a weekend home delivery, you can always pop a side of broccoli or cauliflower with those two pieces of pizza that never make you feel full anyway. A slice of pizza is around 500 calories whereas a cup of broccoli is only 55 calories. Not that broccoli tastes anywhere near as palatable as pizza, but rather than denying yourself the pizza, and possibly overeating on it later due to deprivation, why not enjoy a little and then bulk it out with some more filling low calorie foods (they’re also high in fibre too).

Adding grated zucchini to your meals is also another way to bulk them out, I often put it in my pasta sauces, burgers, risottos/paellas and Mexican enchiladas. I've also added it to my sweetened Greek yoghurt too funnily enough. Zucchini doesn't have a flavour did you know?

I'm constantly coming up with clever ways to increase the volume of my meals with vegetables so that I'm still adhering to my calorie targets and not feeling hungry while still in weight loss mode.

Adding steamed broccoli or cauliflower that I've made in bulk on meal prep day, can be thrown in a salad cold too.

Some of my favourite vegetables to eat often are: broccoli, cauliflower, kale (great in soups and protein shakes), frozen beans, roasted and air dried sweet potato, baked jacket potato, pumpkin, zucchini (grated and made into noodles), carrots, capsicum (not technically a vegetable) and mushrooms (a fungi really). n If you want some yummy and healthy recipes download your free ebook here: www.bit.ly/bahcon-recipes

Robyn Law

Robyn is the author of The Body Plan: Simple, effective and flexible strategies for weight loss in the real world.

Find her at robynjlaw.com www.robynjlaw.com

58 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Saks Fifth Avenue hosted their annual spring/ summer fashion show 2019

Feature

Norwegian Cruise Roadshow 2019 held at The Intercontinental Regency

Norwegian Cruise Line

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orwegian Cruise Line is an innovator in global cruise travel for over 52 years. It has revolutionized cruising by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their own schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Its fleet of 16 contemporary ships sails to nearly 300 desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize.

Norwegian Cruise Line provides superior guest service & a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of comfortable accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, mini-suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s luxurious ship-within-aship concept.

Cruise Norwegian app is available fleet-wide and allows guests to make reservations, do mobile check-in, get e-documents, book excursions, view ship activities, send messages and make unlimited onboard calls for a one-time fee of $9.95 per person or outbound calls to nearly every country in the world starting at just $0.79 per minute.

Norwegian Epic sails the top-selling 7 night Western Mediterranean itinerary from May up to November, embarking guests from Barcelona & Rome. Dazzling Norwegian Epic, awarded Best Cruise Ship Entertainment by Frommer’s offers two new Broadway shows: Ballroom Blitz and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert as well as Cirque Dreams and Dinner® shows. In addition to world-class performers, there’s non-stop action with an Aqua park that has the largest bowl slide at sea , 2 storey Sports Complex, Pulse fitness centre with a boxercise ring, Mandara Spa & Salon, Bliss Ultra Lounge Bowling Alley, and Spice H20, an adults-only beach club. Add more than 20 different dining options and you'll see why this is Freestyle Cruising on a truly grand scale. n

For more information or to book a cruise, kindly contact 24x7cruise Norwegian’s appointed agent in the Middle East & Africa on +973 17216411 or email cruise1@24x7cruise.com

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 59

Influencers

Nutrition 'experts' are stuffing us full of nonsense Almost everything most people think about food, and what we are told, is completely wrong.

Fact - Fat doesn’t make you fat. Butter is good for you. So is cream. And skimmed milk is a way of making ourselves needlessly miserable.

Sugar, not fat, is the menace to our lives. And this has been known since 1972 when a brave scientist, John Yudkin, wrote a book – Pure, White And Deadly – showing it was so. He and his unfashionable message were buried in abuse.

Even now, people are getting needlessly fat and dying of horrible diseases because the anti-fat (and pro-sugar) myth still hasn’t been completely dispelled. It will be, but these things take time. I mention this not just because it’s true, but because it’s an example of how thoughtless worship of scientists gets us repeatedly into trouble.

But scientists disagree among themselves and are often wrong.

The obvious argument against skimmed-milk is that decades of this policy have left us with more fat people than ever. But we should not have had to wait so long.

There is powerful evidence against many other things now accepted as true, and often very weak evidence for them. I’d name ‘antidepressant’ pills, ‘dyslexia’, ‘ADHD’ and ‘man-made climate change’.

Those who criticise these things are angrily hushed, with righteous cries of ‘How dare you!’ Yet I believe in all these cases the critics will be proved right, as Professor Yudkin was. The miserable thing is that so much damage will be done while we wait for the truth to get the upper hand.

Be less trusting of all fashionable ideas, is my advice. n

Sarah is a British expat living in Bahrain.

This is her second article for Bahrain Confidential.

Sarah

60 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain hosted a Spider Man from the Roof event

Car Review

Euro Motors has officially welcomed the 2019 BMW 3 Series Sedan to the Kingdom.

The striking design language created for the 2019 BMW 3 Series Sedan helps to expand the classic look of this popular mid-size luxury vehicle while also expressing clear and visible references to the range’s heritage and enduring popularity.

Brand-new 2019 BMW 3 Series Sedan

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The latest communication, driver assistance and connectivity technologies are featured throughout the new BMW 3 Series Sedan range. BMW’s innovative driver assistance systems have been expanded for the 2019 3 Series Sedan to include Parking Space Assistant, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with Braking Function, plus Lane Departure Warning as standard.

he seventh generation of the hugely successful BMW 3 Series range, the new 3 Series Sedan is set to dominate the premium mid-size luxury car market.

The latest edition to Euro Motor’s range of BMW vehicles, the 2019 edition BMW 3 Series Sedan combines enhanced sporting prowess with a refined interior ambience, eye-catching design and state-of-the-art driver assistance, control, and connectivity technologies.

Boasting notably sharper driving dynamics thanks to its upgraded chassis, new damper technology, stiffer body structure, low centre of gravity and even 50-50 weight distribution, the new 3 Series Sedan delivers a smooth, high-performance and comfortable experience for both passengers and driver.

BMW’s new powertrain technology provides higher output, greater pulling power and optimized efficiency through its four-cylinder petrol engine. The 3 Series Sedan is available in three exciting variants - the BMW 320i and BMW 330i An expansive range of chassis options adds to the sporting ability and driving performance of the new 3 Series Sedan. These include; lowered M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes, and up to 19-inch light-alloy wheels.

Systems available as optional extras include Driving Assistance Professional that features Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, Priority and Wrong-way warning systems, while the newest generation of BMW’s Head-Up Display is also an additional option.

The instrument cluster features a larger 5.7-inch screen and Control Display as standard while the fully-integrated and market-leading BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant system expertly responds to voice commands by the driver for a range of tasks related to on-board entertainment. n

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 61

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

Viola Launch at Hazel & Viola in Block 338, Adliya

62 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Play Restaurant celebrated their anniversary and introduced a brand new food menu

Health & Wellness

The HV Holistic Health,

Social Media Survival Guide 3. Are you spectating when you should be participating?

Do you spend more than 15 minutes drooling over the bodies of fit people, when you could have just as easily slipped on your sneakers and gone for a quick jog?

Social media can be a huge time thief, so instead of sitting and wishing, get up and get involved. iPhones are now equipped with time management functions that literally block you out of your social media if your own imposed time limit is exceeded, an excellent way to control yourself if your will power is questionable.

4. Are you a slave to the machine?

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here’s simply no escaping social media’s clutches.

Navigating the good, the bad and the ugly of the fitness industry’s online content, can be a minefield.

Follow the HV Holistic Health’s guide to have a positive effect on your health and fitness.

1. Is it real?

Clients often show us images they aspire to. In most cases, the person in the picture is unknown to them, so they have no real reference point of what that individual looks like in person.

They’re also usually very heavily edited, angled and lit images, designed to get likes from envious spectators.

2. Is it a trusted source?

When you see someone handing out advice, be it about nutrition, how much they train, how much they eat, and how awesome their life is, be careful to apply your own common sense. Someone with an athletic physique that charges for a nutrition plan that leaves you hungry and undernourished, isn’t being real with you about how they achieved their own physical prowess. It’s possible to hire a private jet to sit on the tarmac and use to take photos for your social media. Additionally, shops are reporting record numbers of clothes being returned, simply because someone has used the item in their social media and never had the intention of keeping the item. When you know things like this happen, (and that people are really that desperate to portray themselves in such a way), you really have to question everything you see.

If your alarm goes off and the first thing you do is check your social media, you need to break the habit. Instead, use the time to plan your day, decide what you want to achieve and how you’re going to make it happen. If you don’t want years to pass without any significant changes happening in your life, wasting your first waking minutes on social media needs to stop.

5. Is it inspiring you, or making you feel bad about yourself?

If you’re following yoga accounts, but hate yoga, unfollow them.

Similarly, if you’re looking at people holidaying in St. Tropez when your budget doesn't stretch that far, stop. It’s simply not good for your mental health. Be critical of what you’re exposing yourself to, and you’ll feel happier as a result.

Of course, learning new techniques, exercises, or ideas of how to change-up your own program can be useful. Follow local athletes and clubs, and find out how to get involved yourself. Find local professionals that inspire you, so that you know they’re genuine, and strive to become an inspiration to others through legitimate content of your own. n

HV Holistic Health is a wellness clinic in Seef, using cutting edge technology, to measure and assess your health and fitness.

Contact us on, info@hvholistichealth.com or @hvholistic Charlotte Anderson Head Health & Wellness Practitioner HV Holistic Health & Corrective Training, Tel: 1777 5544

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 63

Influencers

Allow Yourself to be Happy!

Being a life coach, the most common thing I hear my clients wanting I Happiness. Sounds so simple right, the why is it so hard for us to perpetually be in this state?

Couple of years back I attended the ‘Happiness Program’ by the Art of Living. We were made to answer couple of questions to help everyone introspect. These two questions left me wondering What will make you happy?

When will you be happy?

This was an eye opener for me. It took me an hour to answer.

Our goals, accomplishments, friends, companionship, food, clothes etc. make us happy, but sadly not for a very long period of time. We experience the phase until a next goal shows up and is completed, and the cycle continues.

While answering I listed things/incidences which would bring me happiness. While discussing the answers I realized no participant had stated that they were already happy. It’s a strange paradox that we perpetually want to be happy but do things which bring us only temporary happiness. We always want to remain happy then why is it that time limit and duration that we allow ourselves to be happy is so small and conditional.

This question besides its spiritual benefits has helped me find direction in a lot of circumstances. It’s a simple exercise that you could try as well Whenever I find myself in a negative state of mind, I ask myself these questions. Sometimes I realize I could be happy with something as simple as eating taking a walk or talking to a friend. It made me realize the power we possess to change the state of our mind by providing a sense of direction. What’s challenging is to realize that we need a change. Practicing yoga and meditation has definitely made me better at figuring out the source of the emotion & trigger point.

My realization is that we need to disassociate this state of happiness from the outcome of any of the goals. It’s time for you to introspect and share your experience. n

Riya

li Bhansa

Riya Bhansali is a life coach and corporate trainer who has trained more than 2000+ people both in the Gulf and India.

Riya Bhansali @bhansaliriya

64 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

The Westin/ Le Meridian - Associates Annual Party 2019

Contributor

The right moves with Back on the Move

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eeping in mind Bahrain’s increasing interest in complementary care, Back On The Move Osteopathy offers a wide range of specialised massage therapy. Lana introduces her therapists as highly efficient, passionate and equipped with an array of methods to ensure the best treatment.

First Integrated Proud to be the ctice in Bahrain ra P re a c h lt a e H Dr. Lana Peters

Belinda Spratt Belinda is a qualified massage therapist from South Africa, specialising in the field of clinical aromatherapy, deep tissue massage therapy and nuchal cranial sacral therapy.

Belinda has been working with aromatherapy oils for the past 15 years and combines the effectivity of this modality with the other two, increasing the healing potential of the body and mind. She has seen remarkable improvement in many of her patients, especially with regards to mood, through the benefits of aromatherapy.

Belinda has used aromatherapy to assist with healing in the sports arena, at mountain bike and trail running events and in private practice, thus bridging the belief system that aromatherapy is only used in spas and salons.

Tracey Morgan Tracey Morgan is a Canadian educated massage therapist, certified by the national health regulatory authority of Bahrain. Her massage styles range from lymphatic drainage to specific therapeutic treatments. Her massages are client need-specific.

First Floor, Sunlight Plaza, Seef District, Bahrain Tel: +973 77 300 600, Mob: +973 3919 7480 76 Bahrain Confidential April 2018

Amelia Ferrer Amelia graduated as a physical therapist in Manila, Philippines. After receiving her education, she worked as a therapist in various clinics where her responsibilities included providing massage to clients at wellness centres, specialising in deep tissue/ therapeutic massage and treating a variety of conditions from sports injury to postural realignment needs. Amelia focuses on the assessment of current conditions with an aptitude for listening and understanding each client’s physical and emotional needs, to ensure that each session becomes a step forward on the road to recovery. Her conviction is to be both a good massage therapist and a grounded physiotherapist, through a combination of passion, knowledge and intuition.

Jeffrey Ginete Jeffrey from Philippines, is an enthusiastic and skilled remedial massage therapist with tremendous experience in Deep tissue, Shiatsu, Thai and Swedish massage. His temperate and honest approach to massage and his zeal for the therapy brings about a dedication towards his role, he also educates his patients on overall health and wellness and instructs them to take proper care and helps them take steps to improve their health.

Email: hello@backonthemove.com

www.backonthemove.com

Profile

Name:

Cynthia Narvaez – Delena

Profession: Cluster Marketing

Manager Nationality: Filipino

Profile How are you finding Bahrain?

Bahrain is my second home. It is where my heart will remain in forever. I didn’t know anyone living here before so it was a leap of faith when I accepted the job offer to work as a Marketing professional way back 2009. Bahrain changed me in a lot of ways; it taught me to be a better person, more independent and tolerant. I really didn’t know what to expect when moving here but I have absolutely no regrets about moving to Bahrain.

For me, Bahrainis are the most welcoming, hospitable and friendliest people. They embrace different cultures and especially cuisines that come hand in hand with the huge numbers of expats who come from all areas of the world.

What’s your favourite place in Bahrain and why?

My favorite place has always been my home while sipping my favorite cup of coffee.

What do you most like, and dislike, about your work?

I would say I love my profession, I stay energized and inspired because I get to know and work with a lot of people. The hospitality industry is people's business, and that to me is what matters. It is tough, however,

66 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

it is a challenge that if you manage to overcome, brings you great fulfillment and joy. Hospitality is a complex industry and you need to move fast, aiming to go above and beyond expectations.

Biggest lesson in life: “Appreciate your journey and face your fears”Focus on appreciating the NOW. Everything that has happened in the past has led you to become who you are today. Embrace it and use it to become the best possible version of yourself. Sky is the limit.

If you can change anything in your life, what would it be?

I cannot change what I did or did not do in the past, so I let it go. The only thing I have control over now is how I choose to live my present and future life.

What makes you happy?

Singing and cooking make me feel so happy. I love to cook at home and serve my husband a delicious meal.

Life is what you make it - cook more :) Also, knowing that my parents are healthy and safe back home is an additional blessing.

Favorite motto or saying: Have courage and always be kind.n

People & Culture three years now, I hope to share the best experiences in my city in this column. Why ‘Mumbai Local’? It’s a term used to refer to Mumbai’s lifeline – its railway network – which connects the metropolitan. Come, let’s embark on this adventure together!

This month I’d like to talk about Mumbai’s most iconic breakfasts, priced under BD2 for two people. Like Bahrain, Mumbai is a cosmopolitan and while Maharashtrians are the people who live here, there are other communities including Parsi (descendants of the Persians in India) and South-Indians. Each of these ethnic groups brings its own essence to the melting pot of cultures that is Mumbai.

Get on a train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (erstwhile Victoria Terminus), which is on the Central railway line, and visit Kyani Bakery & Co. Launched in 1904, it’s one of the city’s oldest Iranian cafés and serves the Parsi staple, akoori (spiced scrambled eggs) with Mumbai’s ubiquitous paav (bread). A street food variant of this dish, bhurji, which literally means scramble or mixture, is sold at local thelas (food carts) across the city. Wash this down with a cup of light yet flavourful Iranian chai.

Painting by artist Amit Kapoor

Mumbai Local Melissa Nazareth shares her best cultural experiences.

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hange is the only constant, they say. So, after two years of Bah-Bom-Bah, it’s time to introduce my new op-ed.

Often times, friends and colleagues from Bahrain who are visiting Mumbai ask me about things to see and do here. Having lived in Mumbai for over

The author was born and raised in Bahrain and currently resides in Mumbai. Most of her work in inspired by culture and human emotion. @melnazareth @melissanazareth

Iranian cafes were the ultimate breakfast hub in Mumbai until the South Indian, ‘Udupi restaurant’ chains opened. What sets them apart is that they serve pure vegetarian meals unlike the former that specialises in meat preparations such as keema (mince), which is another great breakfast option to tuck into with paav. However, if you’re looking for a light vegetarian breakfast, board a train on the Central railway line and get off at Matunga.

Around 80 years old, Café Madras is a five-minute walk from the station and serves a range of South Indian dishes. I recommend the pesarettu (savoury crepe), upma podi (a semolina dish with a side of ‘gunpowder’ – dry red chili chutney) and Madras (erstwhile Chennai) kaapi (filter coffee), which beats Starbucks and Caribou any day!

Iranian cafes were the ultimate breakfast hub in Mumbai until the South Indian, ‘Udupi restaurant’ chains opened.

Around the corner from there – a 20-minute cab ride – there’s Prakash Shakahari Upahar Kendra. You could also board a train on the Western railway line and get off at Dadar to get here. Over 40 years old, this humble canteen style eatery serves traditional Maharashtrian breakfast items such as missal paav (a curry made from mixed lentils and grams), thalipeeth (a spiced flatbread), sabu dana khichdi (a spiced tapioca pearl dish) and more. Don’t forget to wash these down with refreshing kokum sherbet – kokum is sweet and tangy tamarind like pulp.n The author is Bahrain-born and raised and now lives in Mumbai.

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 67

Feature

When East meets West Middle East DJ duo launch new disco record label Dar Disku.

The Gulf Hotel celebrated its staff party at The Awal Ballroom

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erging Middle East music with club-ready disco and house, Bahraini DJ and producer duo Mazen Almaskati and Vish Mhatre have created their own cutting-edge, homegrown label Dar Disku, quickly become a cult name, securing a guest mix and interview for BBC radio plus headline DJ slots in Dublin, London, Mumbai and Bahrain in just six months.

One of the few labels of its kind in the Middle East, Dar Disku literally means ‘home of the disco’ in Arabic. The duo has quickly proved that crate-digging is a skill whether you’re from Madrid, Moscow or Manama. Acts like Daft Punk, De La Soul, DJ Shadow, A Tribe Called Quest and dozens more have made a career from finding hidden gems, repurposing them for a new audience, cutting and pasting to create new music, new art. And the duo are permanently on the hunt for tapes, vinyl, CDs and whatever rarities they can find in Middle East souqs and on the depths of the internet.

The Disku duo join the dots between traditional Middle East music and today’s cutting-edge club music. The result is a mindmelting, dancefloor starting mix of edits and reworks that covers everything from dubbed out disco, salacious soul to punk-funk and 3am acid workouts, all underpinned by Middle East melodies, rhythms and vocals.

Their first official release was out worldwide on January 21, a heavy-hitting two-track EP that’s already picked up some amazing support including on the NTS and BBC Radio networks and from Clash Magazine. The release was also featured as ‘track of the day’ on dance music authority ‘Resident Advisor’.

They are currently prepping for their tour, starting from April 16, 2019 in Kent, United Kingdom. DD001 Dar Disku 001 is out on all music and streaming platforms. n

68 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Going Out

ART Rotana Enjoy an unforgettable Easter this year with your family and friends over an extravagant Brunch feast at Choices Restaurant and Terrace. The brunch, priced at BD25/36 net, is filled with succulent dishes, sumptuous live cooking stations and an extensive dessert section all while enjoying a live performance from their in-house band on 21st April from 12:30pm to 5pm.

For info and reservations, call +973 1600 0111

Crowne Plaza Bahrain Hop on over and join La Mosaique Restaurant for an Easter themed brunch on 21st April. It’s going to be a family affair and the little ones have so much to look forward at the kids corner where young guests are kept occupied with fun activities. The brunch is priced at BD 31 net.

For info and reservations, call +973 1753 1122

70 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Going Out Dowtown Rotana This year, pamper yourself and your beloved ones with a sumptuous Easter brunch at Flavours on 2 on 19th April for BD 22 NET including soft drinks and juices or BD 33 NET including selected beverages. Get entertained with our mesmerising saxophonist playing live with your favorite tunes. Indulge in a stylish setting with special crafted mocktails and cocktails section and live cooking stations.

For info and reservations, call +973 1311 9999

with chips and slaw for only BD7.9 net every Sunday, 7pm to 11pm at Legendz.

For info and reservations, call +973 1722 7777

Le Méridien Celebrate Easter this year with a traditional Easter dishes together with wide range of Easter cakes and sweets on 19th of April, 2019 from 12:30pm to 4pm at BD 28 net including soft drinks

Elite Resort & Spa Enjoy the Friday Family Brunch at Al Naseem & La Brasserie from 12:30pm to 3:30pm for BD10++. A live grills buffet dinner is also available from 7pm to 11pm for BD10++. Every Saturday, indulge in ‘Sizzling Sensation’ with a special sizzler menu from 7pm to 11pm.

For info and reservations, call +973 1731 3333

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Celebrate the timeless tradition of Easter with friends and family at Bahrain Bay Kitchen on 129th and 21st April from 1pm to 4pm. Savor an exquisitely paired menu of mouthwatering Easter favorites and chocolate treats. The little ones have something to cheer about too with a fun egg hunt and other engaging escapades. The Easter promotion is priced at BD35/45.5 net.

For info and reservations, call +973 1711 5046 and water or BD 40 net including selected free flow beverages. Be entertained by the live music from the Twin Band.

For info and reservations, call +973 1717 1444

Mercure Grand Hotel Seef Enjoy dishes ranging from hot and cold appetizers and salads to delicious intercontinental dishes and delectable dessert to treat your taste buds. Kids below the age of 6 years enjoy the buffet for free while it’s half price for kids between the age of 6 to 12 years of age.

Get the complete urban brunch experience with the family from 12:30pm to 4:00pm.

InterContinental Regency Bahrain Indulge in unlimited sushi during Downtown’s Izakaya Wednesdays from 7pm to 11pm for BD9.9++. Can’t wait for a long time during lunch? Join Medzo’s Italian Job quick business lunch from Sunday to Thursday, 12nn to 3pm for BD3.5 net.

Enjoy the famous American Rib eye steak cooked to your liking

For info and reservations, call +973 3200 0621

Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands Enjoy a lavish Friday Brunch at Ya Hala that will guarantee you a laid back weekend. Take advantage of the best value brunch with

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 71

Going Out live cooking stations, amazing view of Amwaj Marina and kids entertainment just perfect for your weekend. The brunch is priced at BD 8++, BD 10 ++ with soft drinks and BD 18++ with select.

For info and reservations, call +973 1600 0099

Royal Golf Club Bahrain Enjoy delicious Spanish cuisine delivered to your table accompanied with unlimited beverages. Diners can enjoy a fabulous array of tasty dishes delivered freshly cooked to their table while enjoying spectacular golf course views while enjoying the Live Latin American Band. Thursday Night brunch is available at Links restaurant every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm and costs just BD 26 NET per person inclusive of unlimited selected beverages. And BD18 Net without alcohol.

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Celebrate Easter on the 21st April at Al Waha Restaurant an extravagant colorful buffet with loads of fun Easter activities for the kids and adults – from outdoor egg hunting to a fun-filled activity area. BD 25 NET with selected beverages. Enjoy the Mexican Food and Cultural Festival from 18th to 26th April at Margarita Mexicana.

For info and reservations, call +973 1771 3000

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain A selection of seafood favorites abound at Nirvana with a special

For info and reservations, call +973 1775 1262

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Foodies can indulge in a Seafood Promotion at Golestan, a Mexican Snack Promotion at An Nada Lounge or a Poke Bowl Promotion at Soie all throughout April! On Easter Sunday (20th April), a special breakfast buffet that includes some special Easter activities for kids will be served at Al Iwan. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and a la carte menu by Chef Mahipal Singh from 1st to 30th April, for BD25. Hop on for an eggciting Easter Brunch with families and friends at La Med on 21st April from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Enjoy a special spread of international specialties while the children go on an egg hunting adventure. The brunch is priced at BD30/38.

For info and reservations, call +973 1758 6499

The Westin

dinner along with an option of a lavish a la carte menu at Al Safir Restaurant for only BD10++.

For info and reservations, call +973 1753 3533

Sofitel Hotel Bahrain Ladies, enjoy the Kingdom’s favourite Grand Friday Brunch with a fabulous 50% OFF on the 12th of April! Come down with your girlfriends to Sofitel Bahrain and enjoy a spectacular brunch affair featuring a mouth-watering selection dishes and drinks with the greatest hits performed live by the Cuban band, Latin Soul.

For info and reservations, call +973 1763 6363.

72 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Come and grab mouth-watering and unique range of Easter themed cakes from 1st April to 30th April at Furn Bakery. Enjoy a la carte BBQ at Nasmat Pool Bar (located at the 3rd floor of The Westin) every Thursday & Friday from 5pm to 10pm. Those who are working in the hospitality industry can enjoy 50% discount on their total bill. Daily from 6pm ‘til closing.

For info and reservations, call +973 1717 1441

Wyndham Garden Manama, Juffair Enjoy an unlimited lavish buffet at Café Mosaic’s Friday Brunch complemented by live cooking stations, seafood grills, a sumptuous choice of desserts and soothing live music from 12:30pm to 4pm. The friendly staff is on hand to create a memorable experience, while children can have fun with special entertainment. Priced at BD 12++ with soft drinks and BD 22++ with select beverages.

For info and reservations, call +973 6631 6666

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Feature

Movenpick Hotel launched their new global menu 'California Dreamin'

Charbel Hanna

Deputy General Manager Promotion

T

he Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa is pleased to announce the promotion of Charbel Hanna as Deputy General Manager for Bahrain’s legendary hotel, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa.

Having joined the Gulf Hotel Bahrain from 2007 to 2012 and after pursuing several roles in different hotels, Charbel Hanna, re-joined the Gulf Hotel family in January 2017 as Executive Assistant Manager in-charge of Food & Beverage.

Charbel, has demonstrated his ability in guiding his team over the past 2-years. During his tenure, he delivered a consistent level of service and introduced innovative roles with a great focus on quality. His promotion to the post of Deputy General Manager, is well deserved and we wish him all the success said Fares Yactine, General Manager, Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa. n

74 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Going Out

Guests are set to enjoy an opulent Ramadan experience at InterContinental Regency Bahrain.

An Opulent Experience

T

he holy month of Ramadan is approaching and so do the culinary treats that come with it. For a change, why not treat yourself to a truly memorable Iftar this year at InterContinental Regeny Bahrain?

For the very first time, InterContinental Regency will be setting up a spectacular tent by the poolside near Elements Pool & Lounge on the mezzanine floor. This luxurious tent, which can house up to 200 guests, will play host to an Iftar packed with traditional delicacies alongside international cuisine in a lavish buffet. Located near the Selections restaurant, it is set outdoors with the view of the pool with the tent capturing the essence of Arabian tradition at its best.

Indulge in a remarkable Ghabgha at this Ramadan tent, with a wide range of freshly-prepared local and international specialties using locally-sourced ingredients. Lively entertainment and warm Arabian hospitality will also be served for the duration of the month to make this a Ramadan you will always remember.

Iftar will be served from sunset until 8:30 pm for BD 12++from Sunday to Wednesday. The Iftar buffet is priced at BD 14++ from Thursday to Saturday.

Children from 4 to 12 years can enjoy for BD 6.5 ++ and those below 4 years, dine for FREE! Daily Gabgha will be served from 9.00 pm to 2.00 am with an a la carte menu or a set-menu for the offering. Private groups, families and individual guests up to 30 people are welcome.

For groups larger than 30 guests, you can contact the events team for an exclusive experience in the Al Rifaa ballroom.

Companies can make the most of this wonderful occasion by gathering their colleagues and breaking their fast together with a buffet dinner. This spacious ballroom will be home to a unique Ramadan get together throughout the holy month for private corporate bookings. Enjoy Arabian coffee along with a wide range of cuisines served up in a vast buffet spread for both Iftar and Ghabga. n For more info. +973 36967749 / +973 1722 7777 selections.icbahrain@ihg.com Al Rifaa ballroom: +973 17 208 314 convention.icbahrain@ihg.com

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 75

Going Out

Tap That!

Bahrain Confidential explores a mouthwatering journey at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes.

76 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

B

lack Tap, the popular New York concept famous for its award-winning burgers and ‘Insta-famous’ CrazyShake milkshakes, recently opened at the Jumeirah Royal Saray, Bahrain. We had the chance to test if it lives up to the hype!

Upon entering Black Tap, we were enamored by the stylish urban style décor complemented by an ultra-cool vibe. The restaurant sports a casual yet chic ambiance with a lot of Instagram-worthy spots. Also, the view from the al fresco dining area is quite the stunner. Here’s what went down during our visit!

CrazyShakes Our ‘Sweet n’ Salty’ milkshake was a chocolate-frosted tower of M&Ms, peanut butter cups with pretzel rods and chocolate covered pretzel, all topped off with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Unlike the vast majority of monster shakes that overwhelms you at first slurp, this was the perfect balance, making it ultra-addictive. This CrazyShake was just a starter but it could easily pass as a meal for two!

Going Out Craft Burger Salads The no-buns club will surely appreciate Black Tap’s selection of craft burger salads.

During the day, we tried the ‘Salmon Super Foods Salad’ which is smoked salmon, mixed leaves, pomegranate, blueberries, walnuts, avocado, cherry tomatoes and a yummy yuzu dressing. We highly recommend the ‘Turkey Burger Salad’ is a combination of kale, apple, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, dried cranberries and buttermilk dill.

The ‘Californian Turkey Burger’, made of an all natural turkey burger, Mexican avocado, Swiss cheese and truffle mayo had a hint of sweetness that makes it special. Last but not the least, who wouldn’t love the fusion of our two favorites? The ‘Pizza Burger’ with a zesty tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and shaved parmesan hits the spot!

All in all, our experience was what we thought it would be. AMAZING! Black Tap seems to have the right recipe for success.

We walked out stuffed from the great food.

Can’t wait to go back! n

More than Milkshakes As a die-hard fan of decadent burgers, we had high expectations for the restaurant’s craft burgers and each masterpiece we had was nothing short of extraordinary.

We asked the team for the most popular creations from the impressive line-up and shortlisted three to try – all their burgers come served in a potato bun! Please note: Bring along a healthy appetite or prepare to share – this NYC cult burger venue serves up massive patties with a choice of fries or salads as sides.

Aside from Black Tap’s classic all-American burger, the restaurant also features a variety of mouthwatering choices including our favorite, the ‘Steak Au Poivre Burger’, prime burger, crumbled blue cheese, and a green peppercorn sauce; we couldn’t get enough of its side of sweet potato fries!

Upon entering Black Tap, we were enamored by the stylish urban style décor complemented by an ultra-cool vibe.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes is located at Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain and is open from 12PM to 12AM. For more information, call Tel. +973 1710 0363.

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 77

Going Out

Bahrain Confidential experiences a culinary journey at re/ Asian Cuisine

by Wolfgang Puck, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Redefining

Executive Sous Chef Josh Westshtein

Asian Dining

W

ith stunning views of the city, re/ Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck boasts an even more magnificent contemporary Asian cuisine. Just recently, we had the chance to be a part of Executive Chef Brian Becher and his culinary team’s dish development experience.

of ours was the Chicken sausage stuffed shishito peppers; a fantastic blend of sweet and savory. Chef Josh said that “everything tastes better on a stick” and boy, was he right! Until now, we are puzzled at how that comment felt like a fact but we certainly won’t forget how flavorful that mouthful was.

Headed by Chef Brian, re/ Asian’s ‘Tasting Menu’ is a modern take on traditional Asian cuisine driven by the seasonality. It is special 5-course menu which offers a reinterpretation of Asian food – unique dishes that have never been served before at the restaurant.

For the sweet ending, we had some delightful Japanese azuki bean pancakes. These bean pancakes were literally bites of heaven and we were left craving for more!

After indulging in some refreshments at Blue Moon Lounge, we headed to re/ Asian Cuisine to commence our culinary journey.

Executive Sous Chef Josh Westshtein introduced the concept of the the tasting menu as well as the dishes we’re having for the night.

Onto the best part, the food! The five courses were: Amuse, Appetizer, Fish, Bird and Main. For ‘Amuse’ we had the Korean style beef tare tare with Granny smith apples and black truffle.

True to its name, we were entirely amused by the beef tartare; its melt-in-the mouth goodness complemented by the black truffle made it the star of the night. We’re definitely going back for that!

Every dish was nothing short of incredible! We delightfully indulged each masterpiece – one after the next. Another favorite

78 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

The drinks were exceptional and our glasses were never left empty throughout the evening. The staff also made sure that all of our requests were attended to. This just shows the standard of service one can expect at re/ Asian Cuisine.

Aside from the relaxing atmosphere, incredible food and exceptional service, what made the experience even more noteworthy was Chef Josh’s brilliance. His passion for his craft really emanated during the evening and it has been very refreshing to witness this up close. This really brought confidence to the food. re/ Asian Cuisine's Tasting Menu is only available on Fridays starting from 7pm to 11:30pm for BD35 NET. Trust us when we say that it is totally worth the price. We can’t wait to be back! n For info and reservations: +973 1711 5046

Going Out

Appetizer Poached shrimp Smoked salmon, Avocado mousse

Amuse Korean style beef tare tare Granny smith apples, Black truffle

Fish Pan seared black bass Charred pineapple gel, Sweet potato puree

Bird

Redefining

Asian Dining

Chicken sausage stuffed shishito peppers Soy glaze, Bonito, Pickled vegetables

Main

Dessert

Pan roasted lamb rack Saffron "clay pot" rice cake, crispy brussles sprouts

Japanese azuki bean pancakes Azuki ice cream, light whipped cream, caramel sauce

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 79

Going Out

Delicious Memories Bahrain Confidential experiences a Mediterranean culinary journey at The Bread Story!

80 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Going Out

S

ituated at the stylish complex of Galleria Mall, The Bread Story has been creating a hype since it opened. Just recently, we had the chance to experience what the buzz is all about.

As we walked in, we were greeted by the warm welcome of the staff. While were selecting a table at the spacious restaurant, we couldn’t stop admiring how beautiful the interiors were.

The combination of marble, gold, and colorful Mediterranean tiles made us feel like we were in a movie scene. Now onto our favorite part, the food!

Scripted by Artisans The Bread Story offers traditional and modern ‘fruits of the hearth’ scripted by their group of artisan bakers and chef. Aside from a plethora of mouthwatering pastries, the menu features a wide array of specialty meats, vegetables, hot and cold Levantine appetizers and Arabic dishes.

Bountiful Breakfast During the day, we tried The Bread Story’s ‘Bahraini Breakfast’,

a combination of Nakhi, Balaleet, Luba, Foul Moudammas, Shakshouka, Homemade Arabic Bread, Rocca with Pickled Vegetables and an assortment of jams. This breakfast combo is perfect for those who want a little bit of everything; we savored the colorful combination of dishes. A side of some crispy ‘Falafel’ made the meal even more satisfying.

On top of this, we also had different kinds of ‘Manakeesh’ (which is similar to a pizza): Zaatar, Four Cheese and Lahem bel Ajin. Our favorite was the Four Cheese Manakeesh – it’s a tasty combination of Cheddar, Mozzarella, Feta and Halloumi cheese.

It is also worth noting that aside from the quality of taste of the dishes, each one is served creatively, making it more appetizing.

Picturesque venue, quality food and reasonable price? What more can you possibly ask for in a restaurant? All in all, we had an amazing experience at The Bread Story. Believe us when we say that The Bread Story is definitely a story worth telling. n

For more information: Galleria Mall - Zinj +973 1733 3505 www.the-breadstory.com

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 81

Influencers

Chronicles of an Expat Expat- while it might be just another word in the dictionary for some, it is an entire phenomenon for others- a lifestyle in fact. As soon as you became an expat, a chapter in your life closes, and another one opens in all its glory!

While the experience sure is different for everyone, certain sentiments remain the same.

One day you are sitting between your loved ones, roaming the streets you grew up in, and the next day, you find yourself in this whole new place. You can no more just go out to see your friends any day you like, cannot buy the street food you love so much, cannot shop from the local brands selling all those amazing traditional stuff, and cannot even speak your national language around. All this happening overnight is a bit too overwhelming- but there could be no other way round.

Oh and how can I forget the cultural shock?! You might adopt the new culture quickly and efficiently, but leaving behind your own customs is never easy, is it?

While the nostalgia might be killing you, there is always a silver lining. The expat life comes with its own set of benefits, with the major one being able to explore different cultures. The things that might have repelled you at first, gradually earn your acceptance, and some might even go on to become your favorites. Since you cannot see your old friends now, you get an opportunity to make new ones.

You develop taste for different cuisines, see through the stereotypes you had for different nationalities and also get this opportunity of stepping out of your comfort zone, all by yourself.

With all its ups and downs, the highs and the lows, feeling of being an expat is simply extraordinary. It lets you explore new horizons, learn the limits of your abilities and get new life experiences. Once the concept sinks in, your outlook towards life is changed forever. That precisely explains why ‘Expat’ is not just a word; it is an entire phenomenon- a lifestyle. n

Hira Malik

Hira Malik is a born writer, who often ponders on life’s course, and loves putting her thoughts on paper every now and then.

82 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Plums hosted a media launch on their new menu

Healthy Inside...

Fresh Outside...

Weight Gain ■ Weight Loss ■ Vegan Meal Plan ■ Consultation ■

Fresh and Healthy Food Prepared and Delivered.

Fit Kitchen is a healthy restaurant/ meal prep kitchen.

We serve a variety of delicious macro counted meals. We also provide meal plan packages like weight loss, muscle gain, vegan, etc. All meal plan packages are delivered to your door to help you reach your nutritional goals in the fastest and most convenient way.

RIFFA Building 83B,Road 14,Block 914, Mashtan Avenue

+973 1710 0140 BUSAITEEN Building 40D,Road 11,Block 226

+973 1732 2203 fitkitchenbh@gmail.com

fitkitchenbh

www.fitkitchenbh.com

Going Out

A Gastronomic Gala Enjoy a fun-filled brunch at Gulf Suites Hotel, Amwaj!

F

runch – ‘Fun-Filled Friday Brunch’ – is a food fest that ticks all the boxes with Bahrain's experienced foodies. Several exciting cuisines across an international buffet, including fresh seafood, roasted meats and colourful salads, as well as live cooking stations, are part of the offering. It’s very possible to miss a whole section at this lavish culinary spread, so make sure you take your time to explore all your options before you take your pick.

You can choose your preferred catch at the fresh seafood display, and the chef at the live cooking station will recommend a sauce and cooking style to create a dish just as you like it, with vegetables of your choice. While the seafood cooks to perfection, you can take a look at the extensive salad selection, featuring deli meats, fresh breads and an impressive display of shellfish.

All ingredients are noticeably fresh, with no scrimping on quality. Plenty of succulent, roasted meats, with traditional sauces, await to please your palatte.

For Reservations Call 33 180-001 or 33 159-437

84 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

The abundant, eclectic spread is amongst the largest on the

island, and the kitchen does a great job in indulging guests by keeping the fare fresh and tasty. There’s a wide array of beverages on offer, along with live entertainment, a resident DJ and comfortable seating sections. Opting for the beverage package gives you an even wider choice and the best value for your money.

Rainforest Lounge’s Frunch costs BD15, inclusive of soft beverages, or BD21 for the all-you-can-drink package. Kids below 12 years of age are charged BD9 and those below six years dine for free. Special discounted prices are available for groups and advanced reservations. n

Feature

Royal Golf Club hosted the prize distribution for the pros MENA Tour Jaehak Lee

NEW F&B Director InterContinental Regency

H

ow are you finding your role at the InterContinental Regency Hotel so far?

Very excited so far. InterContinental Regency Bahrain has great Food & Beverage products, such as a signature steakhouse, Legendz, the award winning Italian restaurant Medzo and great ambiance at Elements Pool & lounge. Many of these venues are still a hidden gem with many regular guests, and it is very exciting for me to put Intercontinental Regency on the Bahrain culinary map as a destination of culinary experience.

Bahrain has a diverse culinary landscape. In your opinion, what makes InterCon’s outlets stand out from the other restaurants in the city?

We have remarkable F&B offerings created by our talented chefs and mixologists. Also, we have great people that deliver great service. However, what really sets us apart is our passion to deliver exceptional experiences while adding a bit of fun and love through our products and services.

What advice do you have for those who want to be successful in the food and beverage industry?

Do not stop learning and have fun in your job. Food and beverage industry is covering very wide subjects – therefore, this is a place where you have to invest in continuous learning. And without fun and love, you cannot retain your passion. In the end, the food and beverage industry is an important part of people’s lives and we have to extend joy in whatever way we can.

What is your favorite place in Bahrain and why?

One is the Bab al Bahrain Souq, where I can still feel Bahrain’s authentic local culture and tradition; this place brings me tremendous inspiration. In contrast, I also like Reef Island because of its modern Bahraini aura along with nice landscapes and peaceful ambiance. n

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 85

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

Lulu Hypermarket hosted the inauguration of Lulu Food Carnival showcasing various cuisines, cookery competition, demos and more...

86 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Exclusive Fashion Show showcasing the latest Spring Collection at Centrepoint, City Centre Bahrain

Going Out

The Spirit of Reflection Celebrate a Special Time at The K this Ramadan!

R

amadan is all about celebrating togetherness and what better way to do that than to be surrounded by loved ones and savour your favourite traditional dishes at The K Hotel

A long day of fasting meets a befitting conclusion at this venue with a variety of authentic regional treats. The KOLORS Restaurant at The K Hotel, offers a lavish Iftar buffet comprising of traditional dishes along with Ramadan delicacies from across the region.

Bahraini Ouzi , tabouleh, hammous, machbous, chicken molokhia, lamb tagine and koftabil laban are some of the treats on offer. The dessert buffet will be packed with a variety of items to tantalize your taste buds and provide a fitting end to your meal. Choose from or try all, the oriental delicacies including Um Ali, assorted baklawa, kunafa and gullash Ramadan.

The sundown buffet can be enjoyed from sunset up to 8.30pm for BD 9.9+++ per person. This offer includes Ramadan juices, coffee and tea, as per your choice. Children aged 7 to 12 years eat at half price and those aged 6 and below, dine for free.

The excitement does not stop here; each guest will be entered into a raffle draw to win a one-night stay at The K Hotel, do not forget to drop your business card in a bowl near the counter or fill out the guest satisfaction questionnaire. Winners will be announced at the end of every weekend, follow us on our social network.

Groups and Corporate clientele can take advantage of our exceptional offers on banquet events, which include a fantastic

menu with a complimentary venue at The K Hotel, as well as an outdoor catering service for all occasions.

Additionally, the hotel food and beverage culinary team provides decorating services for special events and gatherings. It can be customised to suit individual needs of the customer, thus helping you to create a memorable experience.

It may be new on the scene, but KOLORS restaurant has already made an impression in the surrounding. If you want a change from your usual lunch and dinner haunts, then head here over Eid day, where KOLORS restaurant will be serving the lavish Eid Lunch Buffet for BD 7.5+++ per person from 12.30pm-4:00pm; We have on offer our regular themed dinner buffet nights from 7:00pm-11:00pm Sunday for Filipino night and on Thursdays new Asian Night for BD7.5+++. Monday to Wednesday American dinner buffet nights priced at BD 6+++. Monday night is reserved for succulent ribs; Tuesday for fresh Italian delicacies and Wednesday features American barbecue and grills. Children aged six years and below eat for free; and seven to 12 years dine at 50 per cent off.

Follow us on our social media contest and get a chance to win a complimentary Iftar for two persons or one night stay through our raffle draw. n For info and reservations, call Tel. +973 17 360 000, 366 00 433 or visit: thekhotel.com

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 87

Going Out

Dulce De Leche is back!

The K Hotel celebrated their 8th annual staff party

R

emember that sweet and intense Dulce De Leche flavor, blended with coffee, milk and finished with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce that you loved so much?

Reminisce no further. Back by popular demand, Starbucks’ ever popular Dulce De Leche Latte and Frappuccino is available in all stores for a limited time only. Grab your beverage now!

We are treating you and a friend to sample Dulce De Leche Lattes at Starbucks (The Avenues). Please also share your experience on your social platforms. n

@StarbucksMiddleEast #StarbucksME

88 Bahrain Confidential April 2019

Going Out

Action-packed

l i r p A You wouldn’t want to miss these exciting promotions at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel this April!

W

ith warmer days ahead, it is high time to find the perfect place to enjoy your days. Luckily, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel has something in store for you!

Foodies can indulge in a Seafood Promotion at Golestan, a Mexican Snack Promotion at An Nada Lounge or a Poke Bowl Promotion at Soie all throughout April! On Easter Sunday (20th April), a special lunch buffet that includes some special Easter activities for kids will be served at Al Iwan.

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet spread for lunch and dinner at Al Safir Restaurant for only BD10++. Those who are celebrating their birthdays can dine for free with a birthday cake! A minimum of four guests is required for the celebrant to avail a 20% discount; minimum of 8 persons can avail 25% discount. Ladies, on the other hand, can enjoy international buffet lunch or dinner for half the price off every Friday! Espressamente Illy Café has a daily special lunch menu for BD3.9++ inclusive of soft drinks or water.

For more information: +973 1753 3533 www.sheratonbahrain.com

Fancy a break from your busy week? Enjoy the live music at An Nada Lounge by new band the “Caribbean Girls” they are performing daily except Saturdays from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM during weekdays and from 8:30PM to 1:30AM during weekends. Every Sundays to Wednesdays from 5PM to 8:30PM, enjoy 50 % discount on selected beverages. Ladies can enjoy every Wednesday with unlimited selected beverages from 9PM to 12 midnight. n

Bahrain Confidential April 2019 89

Last Page

Beautiful Women of Bahrain

Each month, Bahrain Confidential features a beautiful woman living in Bahrain!

Fatema Fareed

Name: Fatema Fareed Nationality: Half Bahraini, half Filipina What do you do in Bahrain/Job title: Sales executive/ Freelance Model What do you like most about Bahrain?

There are so many things to love about Bahrain but if I had to choose just one, I love how small the country is. It makes getting around very easy and everyone knows everyone, creating this tight-knit community Bahrain is well-known for.

Aside from the heat, what do you dislike about Bahrain?

I hate the traffic! I dread the commute to and from work every single day and it's the worst on Thursday evenings! I guess the issue stems from our lack of a proper public transportation system but hopefully this will be addressed by the upcoming Bahrain metro.

Favorite holiday destination?

I fall in love with almost every place I visit but being half Filipina, I'm partial to the Philippines. It's just so beautiful there and I love the tropical climate! There are so many Islands to visit and their beaches are among the best in the world.

Favorite song at the moment?

Had to go through my iTunes most played playlist for this, and at the moment it's Dancing with a Stranger by Sam Smith & Normani.

Quote/motto you live by?

Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder by Rumi.

It's one of the many quotes which helped me in my journey of self exploration, I love this one because it addresses the impact of our words on others and ourselves. n

90 Bahrain Confidential April 2019